Okehampton United Charities
Jo Morgan, Maria Cooper and Allenton Fisher on a visit to Okehampton Primary School
Okehampton United Charities can be traced back to the 15th century and has been supporting residents of Okehampton and its four Hamlets (Brightley, Southcott, Meldon and Stockley) ever since.
2021 was an exciting and varied year for the Trustees of Okehampton United Charity.
Grants in excess of £370,000 were awarded to local organisations and individuals in 2021.
The trustees awarded grants to local groups and organisations including OCRA, Okehampton College, Community Links, Tor Support Services, Okehampton United Ecclesiastical Charity, Okehampton Friendly Circle, Good Grief Café, Wren, Okehampton Primary School and St James’ Primary School, Everything Okehampton, the Work Club, Dartmoor National Park, Hospiscare and Citizens Advice.
Funding was awarded for specific projects like Wren’s lantern procession or to support ongoing running costs for organisations benefiting residents of Okehampton and the Hamlets. For example, Tor Support who offer free counselling to young people.
The trustees awarded 168 young people with bursaries and scholarships to support post 16 education, apprenticeships and further education. Bursaries usually support young people with travel costs who are attending post 16 courses not available in Okehampton. Scholarships are available to young people taking a full-time level 4 course.
The trustees award grants primarily from the income earned on the charity’s investments. In the summer the trustees moved the investments in to an ethical investment fund which ‘avoids investments in companies with unacceptable environmental, social and governance behaviour’.
The trustees look after three allotments sites and two almshouses within the area and the beautiful Ball Hill Woods. The trustees also facilitate the Community Garden and Men in Sheds activities as both are on land owned by the charity.
In December the trustees purchased five plots of land at Kempley’s and Tramlines (totalling 33.17 acres). The trustees have purchased the land as a social investment and are looking to work with other local organisations to ensure the land is preserved for the benefit of local residents, to develop the environmental benefits and enhance educational opportunities.
2021 saw three new trustees; Jo Morgan, Phil Murray and Philip Davies joined the board and have been a valuable addition to the charity. Andy Ewen, William Cornish and Derek Webber retired during 2021 and their past hard work is greatly appreciated and has helped to grow the charity.
The trustees are looking forward to 2022 and would be very interested to hear your ideas for projects for groups and organisations within Okehampton and the Hamlets. For more information on the charity, visit www.okehamptoncharities.org.uk or call 01837 55179.