Valerie
Emily Munday
Day Centre Trust
Valerie Emily Munday
was born in January
1905 and just making
it to her 100th birthday,
she died in March
2005.
A sociable lady who loved music and
concerts, Valerie left a small fortune by
way of a legacy so that others could
benefit socially after her passing.
Her residuary estate was in excess of
£1.2m and that was left in a trust.
Her Will states that her money should be
used for; “charitable object or objects or
for such charitable purpose or purposes
for such day centres for the elderly in the
counties of East and West Sussex as
my executors in their absolute discretion
select….”
One of her Will’s trustees is chairman
of Mayo Wynne Baxter, Dean Orgill.
He said: “From 2005, we have received
various requests for grants and we have
made some of those including providing
a minibus to fetch people and bring them
to the day centres from outlying areas.
“We have provided computer equipment
and computer courses, arts and crafts
materials, aromatherapy oils and a piano.
We have also funded a programme
for the promotion of health and wellbeing and have paid for hairdressers
and beauty therapists to carry out
treatments.”
By all accounts, Valerie was a very
sociable lady who used to like meeting
with others and going out to listen to music
or attend concerts or musical shows.
So far, donations made to day centres
have been from £1,000 - £5,000.
Dean added: “There’s a lot you can do
for a day centre with £5,000 but of late,
we have not had many requests.
“We would invite any requests for the
funding of activities but what we don’t
want is to fund repairs or have landlords
making requests for painting or new
roofs. This money is strictly for the
provision of facilities or programmes.
“We stretched to the transport because
if people can’t get there, they can’t enjoy
the activities.”
The computers have been a success
as they have enabled elderly people to
learn how to email and use Skype so
they can keep in touch with their families
more easily.
Dean added: “Valerie wanted people to go
and enjoy the company of others, activities
and maybe a bit of pampering and we are
trying to keep that ethos going.
Small grants can make
a big difference.
“The money is not for us to sit on so it
can collect interest that is not what this
is about. It is for day centres to provide
equipment, programmes or activities for
the over 60s.”
The other trustee at the firm is partner
John Clarke. He said considerable sums
had been donated so far.
Sums to the tune of £50,000 have been
donated to the Queen Alexandra Cottage
Homes in Eastbourne and more than
£40,000 being donated to the Martlets
Hospice.
If you are involved with a day centre
for the elderly and would like to know
more about applying for a grant from the
Valerie Emily Munday Day Centre Trust
contact Dean via email:
[email protected]
By Liza Laws
83