Charitable Trusts in Chew Magna & Chew Valley

There are a number of Charitable Foundations in Chew Magna and the Chew Valley which exist to help young people further their education or help them with the expenses of a practical training. They have also helped local schools and playgroups with funding towards specific projects. These trusts are open to applicants under the age of 30 who live within the various parishes. There is no means testing but a written application must be made to the Trustees named below.

The Charitable Trusts began in the 17 th Century when a number of wealthy residents in the former parish of Chew Magna, which then included Stowey and Bishop Sutton, left land or money for investment for the education of the poor. Sadly through the centuries some of these benefactions were lost through the carelessness of former Parish Authorities or the land being claimed by those who had originally rented it from the Parish. About 25 years ago the late Ian Durham managed to trace and amalgamate the small charities still in existence into three which remain today, the Jones, Tegg and Baber Charities.

In 1692 Richard Jones of Stowey left £3,000 for charitable purposes. Some of this was invested in property to benefit the poor. The Richard Jones Charity covers Chew Magna, Stowey, Bishop Sutton, Stanton Drew and Newton St Loe. It has larger endowment than the Tegg or Baber Charities, representatives from each Parish are Trustees and they meet twice each year. The Charity has its own clerk who is paid a small fee annually.

The number of applications for grants is usually small. The Jones Charity committee was disappointed to have none for its meeting in April. The next meeting is on 3 rd October. Applications should be in by 10 th September. Application forms are available from the local trustees – Sheila Walker (tel. 332570), John Sewart (332482) or Jon Wheatley (333007).

The Tegg Charity was founded in 1684 when John Tegg of Stowey gave all his lands in Moreton (now under the Lake) for the education of poor children of the Parish for ever. This land was purchased by Bristol Water in 1951. The income from the proceeds is now available to support the education or training of young people from the three villages. The Trustees meet twice a year, in the Spring and the Autumn, to consider applications for grants. Application forms are available from the Chair of Trustees, Ken Biggs at 3 Spratts Bridge, Chew Magna BS40 8RZ.