The Thomas Freke And Lady Norton Charity

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: £90,098 (2024)
• Success Rate: Not published
• Decision Time: Variable (trustees meet regularly)
• Grant Range: Small welfare gifts to major capital projects
• Geographic Focus: Hannington and five surrounding parishes, Swindon Borough

Contact Details

Email: barryjt.compton@btinternet.com

Phone: 01793 616834

Contact Person: Mr Barry Compton (Clerk to the Trustees)

Address: 23 Chedworth Gate, Broome Manor, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 1NE

Overview

The Thomas Freke and Lady Norton Charity is the successor to two historic local charities founded in Hannington, Wiltshire, in 1718. Registered with the Charity Commission under number 1157967 and incorporated as a charitable company in 2014, the charity serves a defined geographic area in the Borough of Swindon. With annual income of approximately £128,000 derived from investments, the charity distributed over £90,000 in grants in 2024. Following the merger with the Mrs Kate Light Charity in December 2021, the charity has enhanced capacity to support children's educational and recreational activities. The charity welcomes applications from both organizations and individuals within its area of benefit, with six trustees meeting regularly to consider grant applications.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Grants Programme: Open to organizations and individuals for any charitable purpose within area of benefit (rolling basis)
• Kate Light Children's Grants: Educational materials, sports clubs, and recreational activities for children in Hannington and Hannington Wick (merged 2021)

Priority Areas

• Community infrastructure (village facilities, public spaces)
• Sports and recreation facilities
• Healthcare and hospice services
• Church and religious building maintenance
• Welfare support including annual Christmas gifts to elderly residents
• Arts and culture programs for disadvantaged individuals
• Disability support services
• Education and youth development
• Children's services and family support

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations and individuals outside the defined geographic area
• Non-charitable purposes
• Applications from beyond Hannington, Highworth, Inglesham, Stanton Fitzwarren, Blunsdon St Leonards, Castle Eaton and immediate neighbourhoods

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees:

• Mr George Arkell
• Mr Spencer Davies
• Mr Philip John Sapwell
• Mr John Scott
• Mrs Rebecca Lisa Sperti
• Mrs Alison Clare Talbert

All trustees serve voluntarily without remuneration. Mr Barry Compton serves as Clerk to the Trustees, handling administration and initial enquiries.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Open application policy via direct contact:

1. Email or write to Mr Barry Compton
2. Include: location/eligibility, purpose, amount requested, community benefit
3. No formal application form required
4. Applications presented to trustees at regular meetings

Decision Timeline

• Trustees meet regularly throughout the year
• Timeline varies by application complexity
• Contact clerk to enquire about next trustee meeting

Success Rates

Not published

Reapplication Policy

No restrictions documented. Regular annual grants made to some organizations suggest recurring support possible.

Application Success Factors

• Geographic eligibility is absolute - Must be within Hannington, Highworth, Inglesham, Stanton Fitzwarren, Blunsdon St Leonards, or Castle Eaton
• Demonstrate clear community impact - Show how your project benefits local residents
• All grant sizes considered - From small welfare gifts to major capital projects
• Individual applications welcomed - Unlike many funders, explicitly supports individuals
• Hannington preference - Projects in Hannington and Hannington Wick receive priority
• Contact before applying - Direct enquiry to clerk encouraged to discuss suitability
• Long-term benefit valued - Infrastructure and services with lasting impact preferred

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic restriction is strictly enforced - confirm eligibility before applying
• Open application policy means no need to wait for invitation or funding rounds
• Broad charitable remit gives trustees wide discretion within area of benefit
• Enhanced children's provision since 2021 Kate Light Charity merger
• Contact Mr Barry Compton first to discuss your proposal informally
• Regular grants to some organizations suggest relationship building pays off
• Community benefit and lasting impact are key decision factors

Similar Funders

These funders have a similar focus and geographic reach:

• The Jack Brunton Charitable Trust
• John Bristow and Thomas Mason Trust
• The Stevenage Community Trust
• Barton Under Needwood and Dunstall Key Trust
• THE JONES 1986 CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Ralph and Irma Sperring Charity
• THE ALAN EDWARD HIGGS CHARITY
• THE MANSFIELD BUILDING SOCIETY CHARITABLE TRUST
• The Grimmitt Trust
• Chippenham Borough Lands Charity

References

• Charity Commission Register: The Thomas Freke and Lady Norton Charity (1157967). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?regid=1157967 []
• Hannington Parish Council: Other Local Information. https://hanningtonparishcouncil.gov.uk/the-parish/useful-links/ []
• Companies House: The Thomas Freke and Lady Norton Charity (09071364). https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/09071364 []