Major Grants
In the past, the John Bristow and Thomas Mason Trust (JB&TMT), and its predecessor the Thomas Alexander Mason Trust, have supported the following projects:
St Nicholas’ Church
Grants have been given for this important Norman Grade 1 listed building to enable comprehensive repairs to the stonework, tower, roof, windows and walls. A new heating system has been installed and the church has been redecorated. Grants have also been made for the purchase of a printing machine and towards the cost of churchyard maintenance. A further £80,000 has been promised towards the proposed extension (not included in totals below). Total grants £289,328 
The Withey
The Withey has been provided as a recreation area for Hookwood. This piece of land in the centre of Hookwood was acquired in 1987 and landscaped by the John Bristow and Thomas Mason Trust (JB&TMT). It is leased to the Parish Council which has responsibility for its maintenance. In 2005 the Trust paid for new fencing and gates. Total grants £112,367 (including purchase) 
Hookwood Memorial Hall
Grants were given to the Hookwood Memorial Hall Trust to help towards building the new hall, opened in June 2001, and to cover legal expenses. The land for the hall is leased for 125 years and was provided free. Total grants £102,395 
The Millennium Field
This 2 acre field adjacent to the Charlwood Recreation Ground was purchased at the suggestion of the Charlwood Millennium Committee, leased to the Parish Council and opened to the public in 2000. Much work has been done on landscaping the field and management of the trees. A further grant enabled the field to be drained prior to the installation of new children’s play equipment. Total grants £101,163 (including purchase) |
Charlwood Parish Council
Grants were given in the 1980’s for the modernisation of the sports pavilion on the Recreation Ground, and for the provision of play equipment and safety surfaces. In 2004 a grant and a loan were given towards the cost of new play equipment in Hookwood; and towards the drainage of the Charlwood Recreation Ground. In 2005 a partly repayable grant was provided towards new play equipment in Charlwood. Grants have also been given for the provision of footways, village notice boards, and towards the cost of the village sign. Total grants £128,319 (excluding The Withey and the Millennium Field) 
Charlwood Parish Hall
Help has been given with external repairs, damp proofing, new flooring, redecoration, heating, new stage curtains and rails, provision of a disabled toilet and disabled ramp, and with repairs to the cottage. Total grants £73,702 
Education
Grants for educational purposes have been given to Charlwood school for computers, whiteboards, swimming expenses, a part-time voluntary teacher; ‘outside classroom’, running water and sinks in classrooms, photocopier and many other items of equipment; to the Hookwood Playgroup for running costs, staff training, and storage shed; to the Charlwood Playgroup for staff training, new premises, rent equipment and storage shed; Venture Week has been supported for many years. A number of personal education assistance grants have been made. Total grants £145,736 |
Woodland
Grants have been given to the Woodland Trust to enable it to purchase and open for public enjoyment over 120 acres of woodland. Grants made from 1983 to 1992 enabled them to buy a large part of Glovers Wood (a site of special scientific interest) and all of Edolphs Copse. A grant in 1986 enabled the removal of an ugly barn in Edolphs Copse. Total grants £70,490 
Lowfield Heath Windmill
Help was given for the rescue of the dilapidated mill which was in danger of demolition, restoring it and rebuilding it on a new site in Charlwood; and also for subsequent maintenance. Total grants £56,875 
Lowfield Heath Church
Funds have been provided for extensive repairs to the church of St Michael and All Angels (listed grade 2*). Total grants £60,694 
Bristow’s Cottage and Charity Field
The historic cottage was repaired and renovated in 2000 and 2001 at a cost of £133,527 and is rented out to help with upkeep and maintenance. In 2005 the field was fenced and ditched at a cost of £7,806. (Subsequent repairs and management costs are excluded). Total grants £141,333 |
In total grants of over £1.3 million have been made.
