The Fisher Parkinson Trust Limited

Quick Stats

• Annual Income: £121,586 (2024)
• Annual Expenditure: £76,018 (2024)
• Decision Time: 2 months
• Geographic Focus: Wimblington, Hook, and Stonea villages in Cambridgeshire
• Registered Charity Number: 1132630
• Meeting Frequency: Quarterly trustee meetings

Contact Details

Registered Address: 23 Dartford Road, March, Cambridgeshire, PE15 8AN

Website: www.fisherparkinsontrust.co.uk

Company Number: 05885257

Overview

The Fisher Parkinson Trust Limited was established in 2006 as a charitable company under the will of the late Mr Cyril Parkinson, who lived in Wimblington, Cambridgeshire with his wife Maisie Parkinson (née Fisher) and served the community for approximately 80 years. Mr Parkinson bequeathed a gift to fund a trust for the sole benefit of the villagers of Wimblington, Hook, and Stonea in Cambridgeshire. The charity manages investments, both property and financial, to preserve capital and generate income which is then applied to make grants to individuals and organisations who apply for assistance with personal and community projects in the designated Cambridgeshire area. The trust operates with 5 trustees who meet quarterly to consider applications, ensuring they embody both the word and spirit of Mr Parkinson's will.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Student Educational Grants

• Available to ex-students of Thomas Eaton Primary School pursuing further education
• Covers expenses including books, course fees, and equipment
• Applications must be submitted by the last business day of September before 5pm
• Decisions made within two months of submission

Community Group Grants

• Available to any group functioning in the designated areas (Wimblington, Hook, and Stonea)
• Support for community projects and initiatives
• Considered at quarterly trustee meetings

Priority Areas

The trust has specifically identified three institutions for support:

• St. Peter's Church
• Thomas Eaton School
• The Methodist Chapel

However, any community group functioning in Wimblington, Hook, and Stonea is encouraged to apply for support funding. The trust focuses on:

• Further education expenses for former Thomas Eaton School pupils
• Community projects benefiting the three designated villages
• Personal and community development initiatives in the local area

What They Don't Fund

The trust is geographically restricted and does not fund:

• Projects or individuals outside the Wimblington, Hook, and Stonea areas
• Students who have not completed at least two years at Thomas Eaton School
• Individuals who have already received a grant from the Fisher Parkinson Trust (student grants appear to be one-time awards)

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Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees/Directors

John Francis Finn - Director (appointed 24 July 2006)

• Born July 1949
• British national

James Runciman Murdoch - Director (appointed 24 July 2006)

• Born September 1942
• British national

David Jonathan Green - Director (appointed 21 December 2021)

• Born July 1955
• British national, England resident

Patricia Evelyn Hart - Director (appointed 21 December 2021)

• Born January 1942
• British national, England resident

Pamela Jones - Secretary (appointed 24 July 2006)

• British national

The trustees meet quarterly to review applications and make funding decisions. In discharging their duties, the trustees aim to embody the word and spirit of Mr Cyril Parkinson's will, as expressed by Mr Parkinson in meetings with the founding trustees during his lifetime.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Students:

• Applications can only be made using the standard “Fisher Parkinson Trust Grant Application Form for Students”
• Application forms must be received by the last business day of September, before 5pm
• Applicants must meet all eligibility criteria:
• Must have been a past pupil of Thomas Eaton School Wimblington for a minimum of two academic years
• Must be between 16 to 20 years of age at the date of application
• Must demonstrate enrollment with an appropriate formal training provider
• Must not have already received a grant from the Fisher Parkinson Trust

For Community Groups:

• Contact the trust via their website or registered address
• Applications are reviewed at quarterly trustee meetings
• Groups must function within the designated areas of Wimblington, Hook, and Stonea

Decision Timeline

Student Applications:

• Acknowledgement: Within two working weeks of submission
• Decision: Within two months of submission
• Awards dependent on number of applicants each year

Community Group Applications:

• Reviewed at quarterly trustee meetings throughout the year

Reapplication Policy

For student grants, applicants who have previously received a grant from the Fisher Parkinson Trust are not eligible to reapply. This suggests student grants are intended as one-time support awards.

Information about reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants or community groups was not publicly available.

Application Success Factors

For Student Applicants:

• Demonstrate clear educational path: Show that you have already enrolled with an appropriate formal training provider - don't apply speculatively
• Meet ALL eligibility criteria: The trust is specific about the two-year Thomas Eaton School requirement, age range (16-20), and no previous grants received
• Submit on time: Applications must be received by the last business day of September before 5pm
• Detail your expenses: The trust supports books, course fees, equipment and related educational expenses - be specific about what you need

For Community Groups:

• Geographic focus is paramount: Your group must function in Wimblington, Hook, or Stonea
• Align with the founder's vision: The trust specifically identified St. Peter's Church, Thomas Eaton School, and The Methodist Chapel, suggesting a preference for established community institutions
• Community benefit: Projects should enhance opportunities for residents of the three designated villages
• Respect the quarterly cycle: Plan your application timing around the trustees' quarterly meetings

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Highly localized funder: This trust exclusively serves three villages in Cambridgeshire - if you're not based in Wimblington, Hook, or Stonea, this is not the funder for you
• Founder's legacy drives decisions: Trustees are explicitly committed to honoring the word and spirit of Mr Cyril Parkinson's will - understanding his vision for community support is crucial
• Limited student eligibility: Student grants are restricted to Thomas Eaton School alumni with at least two years attendance, aged 16-20, and are one-time awards only
• Reasonable decision timelines: Two-month decision timeframe for students with quarterly reviews for community groups shows an organized, responsive approach
• Small but active: With annual expenditure of £76,018 and income of £121,586, this is a modest trust focused on targeted local impact
• Clear application requirements: The trust has specific forms, deadlines, and eligibility criteria - follow them precisely to avoid disqualification

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The William Price Charitable Trust
• The Spalding Memorial Educational Trust
• Deeping St James United Charities
• Southover Manor General Educational Trust Limited
• Barton Under Needwood and Dunstall Key Trust
• The Lionel Abel-Smith Trust
• John Jackson Charitable Trust
• The Letchworth Civic Trust
• William Palmer College Educational Trust
• Carters Educational Foundation

References

• The Charity Commission, “Charity overview, THE FISHER PARKINSON TRUST LIMITED - 1132630”, Register of Charities, https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1132630&subid=0
• Companies House, “THE FISHER PARKINSON TRUST LIMITED overview”, GOV.UK, https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05885257
• Companies House, “Officers for THE FISHER PARKINSON TRUST LIMITED”, GOV.UK, https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/05885257/officers
• Thomas Eaton Primary Academy, “Fisher Parkinson Trust”, https://www.thomaseatonschool.co.uk/fisher-parkinson-trust/
• Fisher Parkinson Trust, “Students”, Official website, http://www.fisherparkinsontrust.co.uk/students/