Eric W Vincent Trust
Welcome To The Eric W Vincent Trust
The Trust Fund was established in 1954 by the late Eric W Vincent the chairman of Blue Bird Toffee.
The trustees are proud to be able to carry on the charitable activities of its founder. We meet six times each year to consider applications and carry out our other responsibilities. Over the years we have refined the criteria for awarding grants as the world has changed, so that the trust can meet current societal and economic needs. We are very pleased that we can continue to make some contribution to the wellbeing of the local community and grateful that Eric Vincent’s philanthropy has made it possible.
Who Can Apply
The trust awards grants to organisations, charities and other local groups that work for the benefit of individuals and communities within a twenty-five radius of Halesowen.
History Of The Trust
On 22nd May 1954 Eric W Vincent, the chairman and managing director of Harry Vincent Ltd, celebrated his 57th birthday by announcing the establishment of a new grant-giving charitable trust created for "the benefit, preferment, assistance or advancement of religious, educational, cultural or other charitable objects," including " the promotion of the physical, mental and spiritual benefit and welfare of young persons and the care and welfare of old people in distress or need.
When interviewed by The Birmingham Post he said, “I am in the very fortunate situation that I have funds available that I do not myself require and I am anxious to follow my father's example and do something for the community. I have, therefore, handed over to the trustees shares and cash which should produce an income in the region of £5,000 a year." He had donated £100,000.
He was a committed supporter of local institutions and activities. He had a particular interest in drama, art and literature. He was a trustee of the Sir Barry Jackson Trust, and a director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. As a trustee of the Public Picture Gallery Fund he published a book on its work and contribution to the arts in the city: ‘Notable Pictures: The Contribution of the Public Picture Gallery Fund to the Birmingham Art Gallery.’
In addition to all of this he supported local hospitals and for some years edited and produced an annual magazine called Q.H., on behalf of the old Queen's Hospital. Birmingham (which eventually became the Accident Hospital). He was also a member of the House Committee of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital; in the foundation of which his father, Harry Vincent, had played a leading role.
Eric Vincent died in 1963 at the age of 66.