Many years ago a late Victorian property, Beacon Oak House in Tenterden, was bequeathed by the late Hilda Harriet Brissenden to become a home for the elderly of “moderate means living in Tenterden and St Michaels”.

A committee of local professional residents was formed and were affiliated to the Tenterden Abbeyfield Society, running the accommodation under the Abbeyfield flag for over 40 years.

Unfortunately as time went on the home became impractical to run both financially and in line with the Government’s official guidelines for the care of the elderly. In September 2017 the property was sold and the funds put into the trust which became known as the Brissenden Trust. With the agreement of the Charities Commission the trust is now able to use the property proceeds to benefit all sections of the local community, especially other charities or for “not for profit” organisations, by way of grants or donations.

We are pleased we have successfully helped many local charities with one-off and regular donations, together with helping fund projects in our area. As well as this, through particular charities, we have been able to help individuals, young and old, who are struggling in many different ways. We are always keen to hear from such organisations and charities seeking funds.