Blanchminster Trust History

Bude houses what is believed to be the oldest ongoing charitable trust in the world.

The Blanchminster Trust originated in 1421 and since that date has been actively engaged in providing assistance to persons originally in Stratton and Poughill and later in Bude.

Read the full article: History of the Blanchminster Trust

The Blanchminster Trust - The oldest charitable trust in the world

In its early years the Charity had religious objectives as well as providing help for needy people. Since 1893 the Charity Commission has regulated the activities of the Trust. and its 'Area of Benefit' comprises the Parishes of Bude, Stratton and Poughill. The Board of Trustees is made up of thirteen local people. They receive no payment or allowances and give their time freely in the service of the Trust.

Objectives of the Blanchminster Trust

To promote Education by the provision of assistance to those in need of help. Education is widely defined and not limited to formal school or university activities. It includes involvement of people in sporting activities, community service and further training after the end of their formal education.  Many of the young staff at the Camelot Hotel have been given generous financial assistance when, on leaving school, they move on to further education. Everybody in the community is aware of what the Trust has to offer, and many apply successfully for financial help.

Secondly - 'The Relief of Need'. Anybody who can provide proof of financial need and who is resident in the 'Area of Need' can apply. Help may be in the form of a cash grant, equipment for the disabled, travel costs to visit the sick, and the like. Again the local community, when suffering hardship, know that requests for help will be sympathetically listened to.

Additionally - Also the Trustees may, in certain circumstances make grants to local organisations of a charitable nature where the help is for the benefit of the community. For example, the Trust funded the building of a Crèche alongside the local Junior School.

May The Blanchminster Trust continue to help the citizens of Bude and Stratton for another five hundred years!!!!