The Westcountry Horological Trust

Registered Charity No. 1082255

The Westcountry Horological Trust is a charitable trust set up by the South West Branch of the British Horological Institute (BHI).  It has accumulated and continues to accumulate funds from donations and bequests.

The Trust’s principal aim is to offer small grants or loans by way of financial assistance to deserving persons who wish to undertake or continue their horological training, in particular those working towards the formal qualifications awarded by the British Horological Institute.  This might include assistance towards the costs of courses and seminars held by the BHI at Upton Hall or help towards the costs of travel.  Assistance towards the costs of courses elsewhere may also be considered at the discretion of the committee.  The Trust may also be able to assist with the loan of certain tools.

The Trust aims principally to assist active and aspiring horologists living and working in those regions of the West Country comprising Cornwall, Devon, and South and West Somerset, although exceptionally, applications will also be considered from further afield.

Applications should be made in writing at least two months before funding is required to: Dr George Thomas FBHI (Please find postal address at the Charity Commission link below or enquire at bhi.sw.auction@btinternet.com).  Applications will be considered by the Trustees and awarded after due regard has been given to the applicant’s financial circumstances, their current horological experience and level of training achieved, and the likelihood of their benefiting from the training for which funds have been requested.

In return, successful applicants may be asked to give a talk to the South West Branch describing their experience of the training received.  Given the current financial climate and the low interest rates, all awards will necessarily draw on the capital sum held by the Trust.  Therefore, although not a condition of an award being made, successful applicants are asked to endeavour to reimburse the Trust at such time as they might be able to do so, so that others may continue to benefit in the future.

See the Trust's Charity Commission details at-
http://beta.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-details/?subid=0&regid=1082255

Please click on the “Training” link on the left for information on training courses.

The Trust is in constant need of further donations and bequests.  Please send cheques, made payable to The Westcountry Horological Trust, to:

The Treasurer (WHT), Chris Perry-Smith, (please email bhi.sw.auction@btinternet.com for postal address).