The Veronica Awdry Charitable Trust was set up with the objective of enhancing the lives of local people. Veronica Awdry has lived in Devon for over 50 years and has a love of the local area and its residents. A former teacher, she retains a belief in the vital importance of education.
Veronica is the daughter of the Reverend Wilbert Awdry, a vicar and the author of The Railway Series. Wilbert passed on his love of steam railways to all his children, and out of this love comes the Trust’s desire to support heritage railway projects.
Examples of grants made by us
In recent years, funding has been offered towards:
- Attendance on a Masters of Music programme
- Attendance at the World Scout Jamboree
- Assistance with acting course fees
- Participating in overseas research expeditions
- Participation in voluntary work overseas including teaching, nursing, animal welfare and building projects
- Singing lessons for a young carer
- Helping with costs of music lessons/exams
- Scouting / Guiding Groups
- A theatre youth programme
- Counselling and advocacy services for the vulnerable
- Steam locomotive restoration