Case Study: Coronation Fund
St Monica Trust’s Charitable Giving team launched a Coronation Fund to enable older people in the local community to celebrate the historic event of the King's Coronation in their own communities.
Following a huge response, 52 grants were awarded, totalling £21,766 and were set to reach 4,837 older people. Here are some highlights of how the grant was used:
Filwood Residents' Association
The Filwood Residents' Association held a 'Knowle West Big Coronation Party'.
Older people enjoyed classical music played by the Bristol Ensemble's keyboardist and violinist, as well as an entertaining magician, finished off with some beautiful decorations and a delicious buffet.
Helen, who attended the event, said: "The classical music brought back so many memories for me. It was such a moving performance, and I could see that others were emotional too. The whole event was lovely, and it was great to have people of all ages enjoying themselves together."
Nailsea Memory Café
The Nailsea Memory Café hosted a Coronation Street Party which 128 older people attended.
The community was grateful for the support in funding the event, which allowed people to get involved and feel a sense of belonging.
One attendee was quoted:
“The great thing about celebrating national events is they provide a focus and help people to feel included in the world around them. It’s not just the event itself. People look forward to it and can talk about it to their friends and family after. Thank you so much for giving us the money to enable it to happen.”
St Werburghs Community Centre
St Werburghs Community Centre held an afternoon tea for 76 older people.
They enjoyed delicious food, handmade cards from St Werburghs Primary School Y4 children with best wishes, a dance-off by some VIP guests and a sing-along with the Golden Oldies.
I have a new hip and I’m putting it to a good use!
Mavis, 82 dancing to Dancing Queen by Abba
The Sprint Community Transport
The Sprint Community Transport held a Coronation sing-along and afternoon tea.
Organisers of the event were grateful for the support of St Monica Trust's Coronation Fund:
The event was a chance for members who are quite isolated to get together with like-minded people to share the excitement of the weekend. Many would not have had the opportunity to join with others on the Saturday. The event gave staff, members and their families a warm fuzzy feeling of enjoyment, inclusion and happiness.
