News from the Lionel Abel-Smith Trust
At their in their pre-Annual Meeting buffet lunch this year the Trustees enjoyed meeting some of the people who are actively involved with Wendover’s young people through the various local clubs and organisations. They also enjoyed performances by ‘Panthers All*Star Cheer’, the recently formed group of cheerleaders at Wendover CE Junior School which the Trust has been able to help, and a talented Wendover teenager playing the flute. Finally, they were extremely interested to hear a well-presented talk by another Wendover teenager about his experiences while attending the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan in 2015.
Since last year’s AGM, the Trust had received 23 applications for grants and 19 were awarded, totalling £14,856.51.
At their meeting the Trustees considered a further 26 applications resulting in a total of £14,510 being paid in grants with a decision on three applications being deferred pending further information. These grants were distributed as follows:-
Education: £5,800
Elderly: £2,500
Individuals: Decision deferred
Medical: £2,000
Organisations: £4,210
In addition, the second payment of £10,000 to the Wendover Youth Centre which had been promised at last year’s meeting was made. The Trustees agreed that they would wish to support future planned improvements at the Wendover Swimming Pool.
Two petitions against the construction of HS2 had been presented to the House of Commons Select Committee during the year seeking protection for the Trust’s properties. Also a considerable sum had been spent on refurbishing and updating one of the Trust’s properties. The Trustees agreed that the protection of the assets of the Trust and the heritage of these listed buildings was essential for the benefit of Wendover.