Local grants to support health and wellbeing:

Wednesday 1st January


Do you know about the Wilson Memorial Trust?

You may have heard of the Wilson Memorial Trust, or may have seen signs that mention the name, but what does the Trust actually do? What sort of projects does it support? How do you apply for a grant?

The Trust has just launched a new website that should help to make these things clear. It can be found at  www.wilsonmemorialtrust.uk

The Wilson Memorial Trust was set up by local residents Ted and Margaret Wilson in 2001 for the 'prevention and relief of physical and mental sickness and disability, and the …promotion of mental and physical health and well-being'. It was set up to benefit everyone who lives in the catchment area of Steyning Health Centre.

In 2012 the Wilsons left a generous proportion of their estate to the Wilson Memorial Trust. Thanks to them, over the past 12 years the Trust has been able to provide more than £1 million in grants toward local projects that benefit us all.

There have been many small grants to support local enterprises, for example Vintage Years, the Community Fridge, the Patient Participation Group and St Barnabas Hospice. There have also been some very substantial grants. For example, Trust funds have contributed toward the astroturf pitch at Steyning Football Club, the clubhouse at Steyning Tennis Club, recent refurbishments at Beeding and Bramber Village Hall and additional facilities at the Health Centre and all of our local schools. Future funding includes a contribution to the new White Bridge Link, so that we can walk and cycle easily between Steyning and Upper Beeding.

A photo gallery and a full list of the projects which have been supported can be found on the website together with guidance about how to apply for funds.

The trust is run by a board of 7 local volunteer trustees. We are happy to discuss potential applications in advance. If you would like to sound out an idea please contact wilsonmemorialtrust@gmail.com

Grants were awarded to the following projects in 2023-24:
Southdown Nursery All weather
playground surface
Vintage Years Running costs
Community Fridge Electricity bill
Patient Participation Group Costs
of publications
Steyning for Trees 23 trees
Steyning Community Partnership White Bridge Link (delayed, awaiting bridge
repair by WSCC)
Beeding and Bramber Village Hall Renovations to kitchen and toilets
St Barnabas Hospice Therapy couch
Steyning Football Club Perimeter and
safety fencing
Hogs Wallow community farm
Neighbourhood Wardens community