What physical area does the Trust cover? This is at the discretion of the Trustees. It is the Trustees’ policy, in line with the Trust’s original aims, to focus the resources on the people of the Town of Haltwhistle and the adjacent South Tyne area of Northumberland. Not strictly defined but this will be normally within 15-20 miles of Haltwhistle. Charities covering large areas and National Charities are generally beyond our scope – except when the benefits are identified to individuals in the Haltwhistle and District.
What level of support does the Trust provide? The Smith Trust is a small Trust and most of its donations are in the range £500 to £1000. We do contribute to larger capital developments, but major projects are beyond our scope. The annual income of the Trust is dependent on the financial environment and we cannot support all deserving requests.
Does the Trust restrict its donations to registered Charities? The Trust can only provide donations to or via registered charities. The Trust does donate to activities and individuals via a ‘parent’ Charity, for example the Haltwhistle Partnership.
Does the Trust provide annual subscriptions? Yes the Trust provides annual support for a number of local Charities and Events but these have to be restricted in number to allow the Trust to respond to one off requests.
Is there a deadline for applications? Yes the deadline for applications is 1st May each year. The applications, accounts and financial recommendations are presented to Trustees at their annual meeting in July. Distributions are made in September.
Do applicants who normally receive annual support have to apply each year? We ask that each beneficiary should to submit an application each year – this is not meant be an onerous exercise and you can repeat a short ‘case for support’ each year, unless it changes. We do ask that, if support is no longer needed, please let us know. The application form can also be used to provide changes in contact details. We do accept paper applications where online contact is not possible.
Who are the Trustees? Mr Nigel Clayburn and Major Ridley Clayburn are stepsons of Douglas Smith. The Chair and Ms Sally Pattrick are, respectively, a grandson and great granddaughter of Douglas Smith. Councillor Alan Sharp is the representative of Haltwhistle Town Council and is Chairman of Haltwhistle Town Council as well as Northumberland County Councillor for Haydon and Hadrian Ward. The Rev'd Canon Stephen Wright is the appointee of the Bishop of Newcastle; Stephen is the Priest in Charge of the Benefice of Haltwhistle and Greenhead and Assistant Curate of the Parish of Beltingham with Henshaw.