The Bray Charitable Fund
The summer of 2013 saw the 30th Anniversary of David Bray joining the family business. To mark this anniversary, we are now pleased to announce to formation of The Bray Charitable Fund.
David explained - "After reaching this anniversary, I wanted to mark it in some way, and I thought it would be good to start a fund which would benefit local organisations. I envisage it to be fairly small to start off with, but that it will hopefully grow as the years go by, raising money through different events, which will then be given to help benefit organisations and groups in our local community".
Should you wish to assist us in supporting the local community, please contact us. Quite often our donations are given without any publicity, but, if you feel that publicity would help the cause, we are happy to oblige.
David explained - "After reaching this anniversary, I wanted to mark it in some way, and I thought it would be good to start a fund which would benefit local organisations. I envisage it to be fairly small to start off with, but that it will hopefully grow as the years go by, raising money through different events, which will then be given to help benefit organisations and groups in our local community".
Should you wish to assist us in supporting the local community, please contact us. Quite often our donations are given without any publicity, but, if you feel that publicity would help the cause, we are happy to oblige.
We were delighted to donate to Be Creative Cornwall from our Charitable Fund.
Here is a little information, but if you want to find out more, please use their links below.
‘Our program aims to foster a supportive environment for students who may have struggled with traditional educational settings due to various reasons such as school attendance issues, school-related trauma, and neurological differences.
Through a customised curriculum driven by students, we prioritise tangible results to ensure that each student receives the tailored education they need to succeed.
Specialising in social and emotional development, we utilise creativity as a powerful tool to help students navigate and improve their overall well-being.
We focus on enhancing students' health and well-being by incorporating activities and strategies that promote physical and mental wellness.
Communication and cognitive skills are key areas of focus in our program, aiming to strengthen these essential skills that are crucial for academic and personal growth.’
https://becreativecornwall.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/be_creative_cornwall
https://www.facebook.com/be.creative.cornwall
Here is a little information, but if you want to find out more, please use their links below.
‘Our program aims to foster a supportive environment for students who may have struggled with traditional educational settings due to various reasons such as school attendance issues, school-related trauma, and neurological differences.
Through a customised curriculum driven by students, we prioritise tangible results to ensure that each student receives the tailored education they need to succeed.
Specialising in social and emotional development, we utilise creativity as a powerful tool to help students navigate and improve their overall well-being.
We focus on enhancing students' health and well-being by incorporating activities and strategies that promote physical and mental wellness.
Communication and cognitive skills are key areas of focus in our program, aiming to strengthen these essential skills that are crucial for academic and personal growth.’
https://becreativecornwall.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/be_creative_cornwall
https://www.facebook.com/be.creative.cornwall
With Ron living in Nanstallon for a short while and his father Sid and stepmother Marion Bray living there for 30 years, the Bray family have always felt a connection with the village.
So, they were delighted to give a donation from their Charitable Fund to help the community buy the Methodist Chapel, now making it Nanstallon Village Hall.
There was a lovely crowd in attendance to see Joy Douglas, who has had a connection with the chapel nearly all of her life, cut the ribbon.
So, they were delighted to give a donation from their Charitable Fund to help the community buy the Methodist Chapel, now making it Nanstallon Village Hall.
There was a lovely crowd in attendance to see Joy Douglas, who has had a connection with the chapel nearly all of her life, cut the ribbon.
A few days ago, we gave a donation to the Wadebridge & District Horizon Club. Karen, the Team Leader, has kindly given us some information about the club.
‘The Bodmin & District Horizon Club [now running for over 35 years] with 70 adults with a learning disability on the books, in varying ages, from 18+, and disabilities meets at Bodmin College in the Bell Hall.
We have a fantastic Volunteer team, ranging from 13+, with a hugely supportive Committee and board of Trustees behind us.
There was a recognised need to carry on from where the original Wadebridge Gateway Club sadly stopped, as in these times of austerity, transport’s a huge issue for individuals to find, with this being one of the reasons we keep the weekly subscriptions low, so it’s affordable for all. And even though the Bodmin Club is central - it is a big Club and the Wadebridge Club offers a smaller venue at the Resource Centre, Wadebridge, with fantastic access for all abilities.
So the Wadebridge Club is currently run on a monthly basis and we are hoping to run fortnightly in the near future - allowing for funding & resources. All adults with a Learning disability are welcome and it’s £2 entry, with our very own Tuck shop, selling sweets, treats and snacks with hot & cold drinks, and we also run a raffle.
The next Club night is on the 28th of February 2024 with our very own DJ MIke.
Thank you again for your support - the monies given will towards the cost of the venue until we are covering our costs.’
Karen Balsdon-Johnson Team Lead Bodmin & District Horizon Club & The Wadebridge & District Horizon Club.
‘The Bodmin & District Horizon Club [now running for over 35 years] with 70 adults with a learning disability on the books, in varying ages, from 18+, and disabilities meets at Bodmin College in the Bell Hall.
We have a fantastic Volunteer team, ranging from 13+, with a hugely supportive Committee and board of Trustees behind us.
There was a recognised need to carry on from where the original Wadebridge Gateway Club sadly stopped, as in these times of austerity, transport’s a huge issue for individuals to find, with this being one of the reasons we keep the weekly subscriptions low, so it’s affordable for all. And even though the Bodmin Club is central - it is a big Club and the Wadebridge Club offers a smaller venue at the Resource Centre, Wadebridge, with fantastic access for all abilities.
So the Wadebridge Club is currently run on a monthly basis and we are hoping to run fortnightly in the near future - allowing for funding & resources. All adults with a Learning disability are welcome and it’s £2 entry, with our very own Tuck shop, selling sweets, treats and snacks with hot & cold drinks, and we also run a raffle.
The next Club night is on the 28th of February 2024 with our very own DJ MIke.
Thank you again for your support - the monies given will towards the cost of the venue until we are covering our costs.’
Karen Balsdon-Johnson Team Lead Bodmin & District Horizon Club & The Wadebridge & District Horizon Club.
Left to right: Anna Coad - Chairperson, David Bray, two Club members with Jim Tilley (standing behind) - music man extraordinaire and regular supporter of the Club, and Karen Balsdon-Johnson Team Lead Bodmin & District Horizon Club and Wadebridge & District Club.
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This week we gave a donation from our Bray Charitable Fund to a local not-for-profit project in St Columb Major called CHAT (Chy Lowen Alpacas Tregaswith), and, today, we popped out to see them. It is a smallholding with therapy alpacas, llamas and ponies which supports young people with special needs, mental health issues, bereavement and youth offenders. It is also now receiving referrals from GP’s for social prescribing. The project is run by Mike and Mary, and has now been running for 16 years. No charge is made to the people making use of the project, so all costs have to be raised by fundraising. If you would like more information, please ring Mary on 07886 529880 
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This week David went to Camelford Leisure Centre, to meet members of the Camelford Stingers Amateur Swimming Club, after giving them a donation from the Bray Charitable Fund. Here are a few words from their Chairman, Olivier.
‘Camelford Stingers would like to say a huge thank you to R J Bray & Son for their kind donation to the club.
We are a small, but growing, swimming club with both competitive and recreational swimmers. The aim of our club is to help our members develop into a well-rounded, technically proficient swimmer with a positive respectful attitude. Hopefully, this will enable them to have a lifetime of swimming enjoyment, fitness, friendship and fun.
This donation will be hugely helpful in allowing us to continue to provide the best facility for our members’.
Olivier Davoust-Zangari
Club Chairman
It was lovely to attend the official opening of the little area at the start of the Camel Trail, with its new Community Standing Stone.
Our Bray Charitable Fund gave a donation, a little while ago, to help get the project moving, and with other donations and a lot of hard work, it was great to see it.
And it was touching that Nigel Wiggett was mentioned, who put the first seat there a few years ago.
It was lovely to attend the official opening of the little area at the start of the Camel Trail, with its new Community Standing Stone.
Our Bray Charitable Fund gave a donation, a little while ago, to help get the project moving, and with other donations and a lot of hard work, it was great to see it.
And it was touching that Nigel Wiggett was mentioned, who put the first seat there a few years ago.
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We were pleased to help in a small way with the North Cornwall Dragons Swimming Club. Below is a little information from the club.
North Cornwall Dragon’s is a competitive swimming club that train at Wadebridge Sports & Leisure Centre. A large number of children living in Wadebridge, Bodmin and the surrounding villages are members. We have several swimmers competing at the Cornwall County ASA Champs, which take place during January and February each year. Our swimmers haveworked incredibly hard competing at various gala’s over the last 12 months to achieve the qualifying times needed to enter the County Champs.
We also have several children working towards competing at Swim England’s South West Regional Championships, which take place in the Spring. A handful of swimmers have already qualified, but are putting in the hours to continue with their training pathway.
The cost of living increase and the Covid pandemic made huge impact on North Cornwall Dragons and our resources. The Committee is now working hard on fundraising ideas to keep the membership costs down so the squad prices are affordable to our swimmers. We are incredibly grateful to David Bray and his team at R. J. Bray & Son, who has recently donated £500 to our Club. This money will go towards hiring our Regional Squad lane for the forthcoming year at Wadebridge Sports & Leisure Centre, allowing our dedicated young swimmers to continue on their pathway without disruption.
If you would like to find out more information about our Club please contact Kate Tamblyn, Secretary, at secretary@ncdsc.uk.
North Cornwall Dragon’s is a competitive swimming club that train at Wadebridge Sports & Leisure Centre. A large number of children living in Wadebridge, Bodmin and the surrounding villages are members. We have several swimmers competing at the Cornwall County ASA Champs, which take place during January and February each year. Our swimmers haveworked incredibly hard competing at various gala’s over the last 12 months to achieve the qualifying times needed to enter the County Champs.
We also have several children working towards competing at Swim England’s South West Regional Championships, which take place in the Spring. A handful of swimmers have already qualified, but are putting in the hours to continue with their training pathway.
The cost of living increase and the Covid pandemic made huge impact on North Cornwall Dragons and our resources. The Committee is now working hard on fundraising ideas to keep the membership costs down so the squad prices are affordable to our swimmers. We are incredibly grateful to David Bray and his team at R. J. Bray & Son, who has recently donated £500 to our Club. This money will go towards hiring our Regional Squad lane for the forthcoming year at Wadebridge Sports & Leisure Centre, allowing our dedicated young swimmers to continue on their pathway without disruption.
If you would like to find out more information about our Club please contact Kate Tamblyn, Secretary, at secretary@ncdsc.uk.
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At the end of May 2018, it became apparent that the 7th bell of an 8-bell peal at Lanivet had cracked. Advice was sought from the one remaining bell founder in England, John Taylor & Co of Loughborough. They reported that the damage was probably a direct result of the way the bell was cast. The crack was 27 inches long, running vertically down the inside of the bell and it would have been impossible to weld satisfactorily. The only alternative was to have the bell re-cast, and the initial estimate was that the work would cost up to £17,000.
The earliest mention of the bells in Lanivet Church occurred during the reign of King Henry VIII. The dissolution of the monasteries in 1538 allowed the parish of Lanivet to buy 4 of the 5 great bells in Bodmin Priory for the princely sum of £630 13s 4d. These bells were recast in 1808 by John Pennington of Stoke Climsland, after which 5 bells were re-hung in Lanivet Church. In 1869, the heaviest bell, the tenor, was added, cast by John Taylor. By 1924, the old wooden bell frame had to be replaced and a new cast iron and steel frame was designed by Taylors, which allowed the addition of the 2 smallest bells, also cast by Taylors, to make a peal of 8. In 1989, the 5th bell cracked and had to be recast by Taylors, and now it is the 7th, both incidentally being originally cast by Pennington. Taylors suggest that Pennington bells contained too much tin and that the molten liquid had cooled too quickly as it was poured into the moulds.
There has been a strong team of enthusiastic ringers at Lanivet for many years, but recently their performance in competition has improved markedly. They now take part in the East Cornwall ringing league throughout the Winter, finishing fourth out of a dozen last March, as well as the annual Deanery Shield and biannual Trelawney Shield competitions, both of which they have won recently. They ring for all the church services at Lanivet, including important festivals and Remembrance, and for weddings and the occasional funeral. They practice weekly throughout the year except during August when they undertake some of the many maintenance tasks in and around Lanivet Church.
Newly cast bells have often been emblazoned in the past with the names of the incumbent and churchwarden(s). Sadly, Lanivet currently has neither. However, it was one hundred years since the end of the First World War, and there would not be many bells cast that year. The Lanivet Ringers decided, therefore, that the casting would commemorate this centenary. The recast bell now bears the inscription:
“I RING TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN A CENTURY AGO”
Beneath, the years 1998 and 2018 are separated by a British Legion poppy which has been painted red. Below that are the words:
“WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM”.
The earliest mention of the bells in Lanivet Church occurred during the reign of King Henry VIII. The dissolution of the monasteries in 1538 allowed the parish of Lanivet to buy 4 of the 5 great bells in Bodmin Priory for the princely sum of £630 13s 4d. These bells were recast in 1808 by John Pennington of Stoke Climsland, after which 5 bells were re-hung in Lanivet Church. In 1869, the heaviest bell, the tenor, was added, cast by John Taylor. By 1924, the old wooden bell frame had to be replaced and a new cast iron and steel frame was designed by Taylors, which allowed the addition of the 2 smallest bells, also cast by Taylors, to make a peal of 8. In 1989, the 5th bell cracked and had to be recast by Taylors, and now it is the 7th, both incidentally being originally cast by Pennington. Taylors suggest that Pennington bells contained too much tin and that the molten liquid had cooled too quickly as it was poured into the moulds.
There has been a strong team of enthusiastic ringers at Lanivet for many years, but recently their performance in competition has improved markedly. They now take part in the East Cornwall ringing league throughout the Winter, finishing fourth out of a dozen last March, as well as the annual Deanery Shield and biannual Trelawney Shield competitions, both of which they have won recently. They ring for all the church services at Lanivet, including important festivals and Remembrance, and for weddings and the occasional funeral. They practice weekly throughout the year except during August when they undertake some of the many maintenance tasks in and around Lanivet Church.
Newly cast bells have often been emblazoned in the past with the names of the incumbent and churchwarden(s). Sadly, Lanivet currently has neither. However, it was one hundred years since the end of the First World War, and there would not be many bells cast that year. The Lanivet Ringers decided, therefore, that the casting would commemorate this centenary. The recast bell now bears the inscription:
“I RING TO THE GLORY OF GOD
AND TO THE MEMORY OF THE FALLEN A CENTURY AGO”
Beneath, the years 1998 and 2018 are separated by a British Legion poppy which has been painted red. Below that are the words:
“WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM”.
Left to right: David, Beth, Mike Trace (Bell Appeal Secretary), and David Williams (Captain of the Tower).
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A vibrant yellow and Blue Spring Surfer, made by Wadebridge based company, Schoolscapes, has been donated to St Tudy Playing Field by The Bray Charitable Fund.
David Bray said: “We are delighted to support the quest to build a new playground at St Tudy. We love the ambition and scale of this team striving to provide a fantastic resource for the whole community. Children’s play and exercise is so important and just getting everyone out in the fresh air is brilliant." Volunteer Fundraiser, Sue Handford said: “We cannot thank David and Beth enough, such local support is really appreciated and this will provide years and years of fun. Their support means a lot to us and the Bray Charitable Fund is doing great work. Thank you. ” Karen Whalley, Vice Chair of the St Tudy Playing Field said: “Thank you so much for this Spring Surfer that adds a sense of fun to any play area offering both active and imaginary play opportunities for a range of ages and is a great addition to our area.” |
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Save St Minver Post Office
The Perceval Institute received a further boost to its Appeal this week from The Bray Charitable Trust. David and Beth Bray are pictured presenting their cheque for £500 to committee member Beth Elliott. The appeal launched on the 8th July is aiming to raise a total of £44000 to meet the cost of relocating the St Minver Post Office into a part of The Perceval Institute. Grants from the Post Office Community Fund of £24000 coupled with tremendous support from our own community have enabled the Appeal to reach £36000. The Institute Chairman Andrew Millington said:- “We have received such an uplift from the community with their kindness and promises. This presentation to the appeal by David and Beth from their Charitable Trust is another great boost to our efforts”. Further events planned are Double Comedy Bill by the Camhayle Theatre Group - Afternoon tea party 6th September - Coffee morning at Trebeth 4th October - Perceval Entertainers 27/28th October - Silent Auction 11th November - Christmas Bazaar 25th November. Other events will take place at Rock Social Club date tba - Fourways Inn Friday Quiz nights. Do follow us on http://www.thepercevalinstitute.uk which will show links to our giving site myDonate also how to support us for free when shopping online with over 2000 popular retailers by visiting easy fundraising. |
Pictured left to right: Fred Bickham, David, Beth, Andrew Millington, Beth Elliott, Ted Rowe, Julia Treglown.
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With thanks to a start-up grant from The Bray Charitable Fund, a new group to support those recovering from a stroke and their carers has been set up at Concern Wadebridge. The North Cornwall Stroke Support group was launched last month to enable those recovering from a stroke. With help from the Stroke Association and staff from Wadebridge Boots, the aim is to provide support to both carers and those recovering through activities and professional input which will benefit all attending.
David Bray said: “When we heard that there were talks for this group forming, we were delighted, using our Charitable Fund, to help to get things started. Andy Lyle Manager of Concern Wadebridge commented that this is the local community coming together to support local people and the support given by The Bray Charitable Trust will help us develop a local group that will help both carers and those recovering from a stroke. Duncan Goodman, Area Manager from the Stroke Association in the South West said: “We’re incredibly thankful to The Bray Charitable Fund for their generosity". “As a newly formed group, the members will be able to shape the way it develops, which is really exciting. The support group will be a much-needed place for local stroke survivors and their families to come together and support each other". “There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke. Around one in four strokes occur in people under 65. Stroke is life-changing, but support groups, such as this new social group, can really make a difference to lives of stroke survivors. It’s hugely important that stroke survivors feel supported in their local community throughout their road to recovery". The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month 2 – 3.30pm at The Betjeman Centre. To find out more either call into Boots or The Betjeman Centre or Phone 01208 812392. |
David presenting a cheque from The Bray Charitable Fund to members of The Camel River Community Boatshed. The Boatshed was established in November 2015 and is based between Skinner’s Yard on Bradfords Quay and the Betjeman Centre in Wadebridge. The group exists to create a community around restoring and building boats for good causes. The emphasis is on companionship and mutual support through shared activity, sharing skills and fostering a sense of adventure. The current project is building a Highlander 12 wooden sailing dinghy from scratch. The group welcomes new members who may wish to share their skills, learn new ones or just come along to chat and share the workplace atmosphere.
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Our photograph below shows David and Beth Bray, assisted by their daughter Mabyn, presenting a cheque for £500, from The Bray Charitable Fund, to Joe Skinner (Chapel Amble Cemetery Committee) and Reverend Peter Smith (Wadebridge Methodist Church). This money will help with the work of creating a disabled access at the cemetery.
On the 14th May 1894 a piece of land was purchased by a group of eight trustees. This plot of land, purchased for the sum of Twenty Five Pounds, is what we now know as Chapel Amble Methodist Cemetery. The Cemetery was originally looked after by the people at Amble Chapel. When this closed the responsibility passed to the Wadebridge Methodist Church. A new Cemetery Committee was formed in 2013. Various matters were discussed, including the idea of an improved access for disabled users, and preparations for the future, when voluntary labour for all the many maintenance tasks may not be available. It is hoped that the future of the cemetery will be in good hands, as it is appreciated by many people who use it for quiet reflection. The cemetery is maintained largely by volunteers. Unfortunately rising costs such as insurance, machinery and fuel have to be met and any contributions are most welcome. |
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David, hands over the cheque to Wendy Dalley, for the Memory Cafe.
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James and David at the Wadebridge Memory Cafe, presenting their cheque from The Bray Charitable Fund.
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We are delighted to support Cornwall Gymnastics Centre. Below is a little information about the Centre - more details can be found on their website, www.cornwallgymnasticscentre.com
Cornwall Gymnastics Centre, based in Wadebridge, aims to provide gymnastics for all abilities and age groups. We provide every child with the opportunity to reach their full potential in the sport, whatever level they may be. Our classes provide members with the ability to gain skills, both physical and mental, which they can then transfer from the gym to everyday life. All of this is done whilst the children are having lots of fun swinging, leaping and tumbling in a soft, safe environment. |
We are very pleased to be sponsoring Status Code 14 with their daunting 3000 mile row across the Atlantic Ocean, all to support mental health in blue light services and men’s cancer charities. We, at R J Bray & Son, are in total awe of you. Good luck!!
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Pictured above David is presenting a cheque to Councillor Rob Moorcroft, who, along with Amanda at the Bridge On Wool and FLEET, are working together to fund a new defibrillator for The Platt. This is going to be situated on the wall of the Bridge On Wool.
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Photo Caption: Members of Wadebridge COPD Support Group (left to right)
Moira Hawken, Chairman Derek Talbort, David and Beth Bray, secretary George Proctor, Brian Hadley and Jennifer Gordon. |
Members of Wadebridge COPD Support Group are looking forward to buying new equipment thanks to a generous donation from The Bray Charitable Trust.
The group, which only started three months ago, holds a weekly support session at The John Betjeman Centre where members can talk together and take part in a variety of exercises to improve their breathing. David and Beth Bray from The Bray Charitable Trust recently met with members to handover a cheque for £500.00. David Bray said: “We are delighted to support the new Wadebridge COPD Support Group as it will benefit so many local people. Members have already seen positive results and we hope that this donation will help the group purchase the equipment needed to improve its service.” Chairman of the group Derek Talbort said: “A huge thank you to The Bray Charitable Trust from all the Wadebridge Breathers for this generous donation. The money will be put to the most effective use. “As a new club, we are woefully short of equipment and this donation will go a long way of alleviating this deficiency. “At the moment we only have nine members but with 1.3 million people suffering from COPD in Britain, I am sure will attract a few more members.” Member Jennifer Gordon, said: “I have only been coming a few weeks myself and I have learnt a lot already. The exercises we have been doing in the sessions I now do every day and I can definitely feel the benefits, not just in my breathing but whole body. “There must be others like me who don’t breathe well and not sure what to do about it, so come along and join in with us.” The group meets at The John Betjeman Centre every Thursday between 12pm-1.30pm, everyone is welcome to either turn up or get a doctor referral. For more information contact group secretary George Proctor on 01208 814416. |
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Wadebridge Gateway Club started over 30 years ago and has been going strong ever since. The club provides social and leisure activities for folks who are physically and mentally less able.
They meet fortnightly on a Wednesday between 7pm and 9pm in the Wadebridge Social Club. Club nights provide a great opportunity for everyone to socialise, have a drink or two and, if they wish, dance at the nightly disco. They try and celebrate people's birthdays with a small party on club nights, and also enjoy having bigger parties for Halloween and Christmas etc. which are held at local venues. Throughout the year they try and have as many trips out as they can, making use of local charity mini-bus services. Over the years they have visited many interesting places and always manage to find somewhere for a very nice lunch. For many years they used to have an annual holiday, when up to 25 members would go away for a few days, and they have visited many places including Chester, Torquay and Bournemouth. Sadly, due to many other commitments, they have been unable to do this of late, but hopefully it might happen again one day. The club would not have been able to go on for as long as it has without the support of all of its helpers, and the many local businesses, who have also been there for them, and would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of them. For more information please ring David Farley on 01208 813637. |
David pictured below presenting a cheque, in the sum of £500, from the Bray Charitable Fund, to members of Wadebridge Gateway Club, prior to the club's Halloween party.
David John Bray and Beth Anne Bray trading as R. J. Bray & Son is an appointed representative of Golden Charter Limited trading as Golden Charter Funeral Plans which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN:965279).
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