The 2007 Annual Report and Accounts is available from the Trust

The Reedham Trust Summer 2008 Newsletter is now available from the Trust.
_____________

The site at Purley on which the Reedham Orphanage stood was opened in July 1858.  Reedham now celebrates this 150th Anniversary.  See “Our Background" page for more details.
_____________

A biography of
our Founder, The Rev
Dr Andrew Reed was  published in July 2005.  See "Our Background" page on this website for details.

Report of the Reedham Trust Chairman, Mr Richard Link, taken from the Reedham Trust Annual Report 2007.

I am delighted to present my first Report as Chairman of the Reedham Trust.

My predecessor, Tony Miller, held this appointment for eleven years with great enthusiasm and commitment for the work of the Trust.  Despite his declining health he maintained his close interest until his death in April.  Tony is, and will be, deeply missed by all those who knew him and recognition of his efforts came with the many tributes and donations in his memory.  A detailed tribute appears in the latest edition of the Trust Newsletter.  In taking over from Tony I am also conscious of the role played by my father and grandfather, both of whom were Chairmen of the Board of Reedham Orphanage at different periods during the last century.

The 2007 Accounts reflect the continuing work of the Trust.  Grant expenditure, excluding support costs, at £269,904 showed a small decline from the previous year.  However, the amount for the 2005/06 year included the last of three years’ awards from the Barbara Ward Children’s Foundation, for which we were very grateful.  In 2007 voluntary income was lower, but investment income increased.  The net assets of the Trust are now valued at £ 6.9 million, an increase over the previous year.

During 2007, in line with recommended good practice, the Trust carried out a review of its Investment Managers and, as a result, Rensburg Sheppards and Schroders were appointed to manage the portfolio on a discretionary basis.  I have pleasure in recording our appreciation to Brewin Dolphin who for many years gave their advice and personal attention, together with welcome sponsorship for our fundraising events.

During the year assistance was given to 137 boys and girls at 69 schools. A significant number of children supported by the Trust attend boarding schools where a foundation exists, which assists with the costs of educating children who are at risk in their home environment.  32 new grants were awarded by the Trust during 2006/2007 and priority continued to be given to students up to the age of 16.  Five students completed their A level studies in 2007 and 20 of those taking GSCE in 2007 will continue to receive Trust support at 6^th form level.

All our Board members continue to devote much time and energy to the management of the Trust and this year we were pleased to welcome Peter Allen to the Board.  Peter’s considerable experience and advice in investment matters has already been much appreciated.

Trustees were pleased to visit both Kingham Hill School and the Royal Alexandra and Albert School during the summer.  Pupils we support took significant pleasure in showing us round, although we were of course aware that they were excused from the classroom to be able to do so!  Visiting schools always affords us the opportunity to see our efforts rewarded in practice.

Carrying on a tradition instigated by Tony Miller, the ninth Trust Newsletter was produced in summer 2007. We recognise the enthusiasm and effort given by our staff to do this.  On this occasion Jean Watkins wrote a worthy tribute to Tony Miller.

Close liaison continues between our Caseworker and her counterparts at other Trusts and foundations who have similar criteria to our own.  This assists in forming a wider understanding of an applicant’s circumstances and the choice of school.

The Trustees continue to monitor the present Government’s initiative to explore the potential for greater use by local authorities of boarding provision for vulnerable children.  This initiative has brought about heightened awareness in the role played by charitable trusts such as Reedham, and may increasingly involve us and similar charities in the future if boarding school placements are used more regularly by local authorities to provide stability and support for children in need.

Reedham is indeed fortunate to maintain close links with organisations in the Croydon and Purley area which support us as one of the oldest local charities.  Tony Miller gave many talks to groups during the year, generating much interest in the work of the Trust and resulting in visits by members of these groups to our Museum at the Lodge.  Visitors to the museum, which has continued to receive new items for display, also included many Old Scholars interested in the history of the Orphanage and later the School.  Beaumont and St Nicholas Schools and local churches have continued in their support of the Trust.  The Christmas collections organised by Purley Rotary Club have raised nearly £7000 for the Trust over the last 14 years, and this year sponsorship money from the Swimathon benefited Reedham by a further £1000.  As one of the Rotary Club’s beneficiaries for the year we were delighted to receive a cheque from them for £3000.

Many donors have contributed to the work we have been able to do, and this gives the Trustees constant encouragement. We thank them for keeping the spirit of Andrew Reed alive at Reedham.  In this respect, I must mention the continuity with our past that is maintained by the Reedham Old Scholars’ Association.  Apart from generous contributions made by ROSA and many members we are able to witness the Reedham fellowship which continues today.  It is something that my family have enjoyed for over a hundred years.

In autumn 2006 a benefit concert by the London Mozart Players was held at the Fairfield Hall, Croydon, raising £3000 thanks to the sponsorship of Max Marketing to whom we are very grateful.  Our Fundraising committee is keen to increase voluntary income by encouraging legacy giving and by approaching charitable trusts.  The Trust is now a member of the Fundraising Standards Board, a body set up to encourage high standards in fundraising and increase public confidence in charitable giving.

The Board and its committees are fortunate to work closely with a small and dedicated staff who carry out the work of the Trust effectively. They also take the responsibility to present the Trust to all those concerned with the work we undertake for young people. We greatly appreciate the manner in which this is done.

In closing I would like to thank my colleagues on the Board and committees for their efforts over the past year and the encouragement given to both Tony Miller and myself. I look forward to the year ahead as we continue to assist vulnerable young people in the course of their education.

Richard Link