The Farnham Institute Charity
Community news : 05 - 08 - 19
Andrew Lodge Estate Agents actively support many local community groups and organisations, including the Farnham Institute Charity. Managing Director Andrew Lodge is currently Chairman of this fantastic charitable trust and here he provides an insight into its work.
Q: Who founded the Farnham Institute Charity?
A: The original Farnham Institute Charity was created in 1890 by George Trimmer, a local brewer and wide-ranging benefactor of Farnham, notably Trimmer’s Cottage Hospital, the predecessor of the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice.
Q: Where is the Institute?
A: The Farnham Institute building is situated on South Street. It was developed by local builders in 1891 and for many years it was put to good use as a social centre.
Q: How was the building originally used?
A: In the early days the building was utilised for a range of activities such as cycling, and gymnastics and its facilities included a reading room, library and billiards room as well as a large hall. Following the Second World War, the Institute was relaunched as the Central Club which thrived for many years.
Q: How did the charitable trust evolve?
A: The original declaration of trust was dated 1897, but in 1977 the trust was reconstituted. Trustees were drawn from volunteers who were active in local life. Their objective was to apply the trust’s income – in effect the rent from the building – to any charitable purpose for the general benefit of the people of Farnham and the neighbourhood.
Q: What are the objectives of the charity today?
A: Our objectives have not changed since 1977. The Trustees and I regularly receive grant applications from local groups, charities and organisations. We meet to access the applications and award grants that will have a positive impact on the local community.
Q: Who are some of the beneficiaries?
A: Over the years we have supported Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care and the Rural Life Centre, right through to the Farnham Festival of Cycling and much more. A grant of £1000 has recently been given to Potters Gate Primary School to help cover the costs of restocking a very well used library, while the 1st Bourne Brownies have just been granted £750 towards cooking equipment for their outdoor and camping activities. We have also supported an exciting new Farnham charity called Space 2 Grow and granted £3,300 towards developing a new cabin within its garden site. The space, an acre of land in the heart of the town, is open for people of all ages to help improve mental health and wellbeing.
Q: How should grant applications be made?
A: We have a website where people can apply securely online. The application page can be found HERE.
If you would like to find out more about the Farnham Institute Charity, please visit the website by following this LINK.