The Wine Trade Foundation

History

In 1969, and again in 1970, the Wine Trade Sports Club (WTSC) organised a Charity Walk, with the dual purpose of gathering its members together and raising funds for a chosen Charity.

Then, on the 20th April 1971 the WTSC organised its first ever 'Wine Trade' Charity Walk when, over 12 miles around the City of London, during which a glass of wine was taken at each check point, £800 was raised. Much of this sum was used by the Vintry Homes to purchase a large screen TV for its residents, an almost unheard of luxury in those days. Following this relative success, the WTSC committee recognised the future potential for combining enjoyable events, with fund raising to support charitable works within the trade.

Consequently, on the 17th July 1973 a Declaration of Trust was signed by David Bishop, Michael Hasslacher and Patrick Lynch, establishing a Registered Charity - "The Wine Trade Foundation" (WTF). The Objects of the Foundation being 'for the benefit of the Benevolent, and the general relief of poverty among employees and former employees of the wine & spirit and ancillary trades, in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.'

For a number of years since its inception, fund raising activities focused on an annual Charity Walk around London, on the Sunday preceding the Annual Banquet for The Wine & Spirit Trades' Benevolent Society (the Benevolent), a Christmas Champagne Reception at the Vintner's Hall, and periodic dinners in the City of London. The WTF's fund raising efforts have been carefully organised so as to avoid, wherever possible, any clash with similar efforts by the Benevolent. Even in these relatively early years of the WTF, it is becoming increasingly clear the huge number of opportunities that exist to help alleviate some of the tragic circumstances that befall individuals who are, or have been, employed within the wine & spirit and ancillary trades. To date, some have been assisted following severe illness or personal injuries, others have required urgent financial help following sudden family bereavements, and some have simply fallen on hard times. Also, donations have been directed towards specific and important needs of the Vintry Homes.

Vintry Homes

It is an integral part of the long term objectives of the Foundation to establish a strong financial base, thus ensuring that there are guaranteed annual funds available to help support those in sudden need of assistance.

To this end, the Trustees of the WTF have tried to balance the ever-present demands on their funds, with the long-term importance of building a reasonable capital base. Whilst in 1973 the initial fund amounted to £300, by the end of 2008 significant funds had been raised, much of which being donated to individuals in urgent need of support.

Residents lunch

The future of the WTF's fund raising activities continue to lie with the younger members of the Trade, and in particular those of the Wine Trade Sports Club and their friends.

The Trustees, along with the Executive Committee of the Foundation remain permanently grateful to all the members of the Trade who continue to support the objects of the charity and, with their continuing support, the Foundation has a bright, and very rewarding future.

The Wine Trade Foundation Walk

The Wine Trade Foundation Walk is a walk for charity and is open to friends and family of all Club members of the WTSC and Drinks Industry. It normally takes place annually in May and recently has taken place in Champagne, Burgundy, the City of London and Richmond Park.

Every three years The Foundation combines with a trip to a wine making region. The recent Burgundy walk raised almost £50,000 allowing the Wine Trade Foundation to bear the full costs of renovating the Common Room extension and Conservatory project at The Vintry Care Home in Eastbourne.

For more information on fund raising and details of the next walk please contact the Club President.

For more information on where the raised funds go, please visit the website of 'The Benevolent', The Drinks Industry Charity.

Reg. Charity No: 266121