About The Bridge Educational Trust
The Trust History
John Bridge was born in Piddletrenthide in 1755 and in 1769 was apprenticed to William Rogers, a jeweller in Bath. In 1776 he moved to London to work for Pickett and Rundell the jewellers in Ludgate Hill, London.
Following the retirement of William Pickett, Rundell invited John Bridge to become a partner in the firm. It became one of the most famous partnerships in English goldsmithing. In 1797 they were appointed Royal Goldsmiths, Jewellers and Medallists and held the Royal Warrant until 1843. At its peak in the 1820s the company had offices worldwide.
John Bridge, who was a generous benefactor of Piddletrenthide, died in 1834 at the Manor House and was buried in the local churchyard. His carved marble profile can be seen in the church. Subsequent to his death his family met the cost of construction of the local school which was opened in 1848.
Our Objectives
The objectives of the Trust are educational, which means that grants are given primarily for those wishing to study at a school, college or other educational establishment.
Normally applicants should be nearing the end of their school careers or have left school, though younger children with special educational needs may be considered. In addition, special consideration is given to older people who may wish to start training for a particular career or other purpose after normal education has been interrupted.
At the Trustees’ discretion, expeditions or travel groups for young people which are organised for scientific or cultural purposes may be eligible, provided they meet the educational element.
The Trustees give priority to cases involving hardship or difficult family circumstances and where, without some assistance, the desired education, course or activity would not be possible.
All grants are dependent on the Trustees’ assessment of need in relation to that of other applicants in the same year; on their ability to ‘make a difference’, given the costs involved and the sum required or requested; and the resources which they have available. To help the Trustees in making their decision it is important, therefore, that applicants:
- provide a clear picture of their personal and financial circumstances;
- indicate why they wish to pursue the course or activity for which they have applied; and
- explain why they need the support of the Trust.
In view of the high number of applications received, the Trustees focus their support on residents of the Piddle Valley, and those in the wider shire County of Dorset, rather than the South East Dorset conurbation (Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch etc), which they believe is in accord with the benefactor’s wishes.
Our Trustees
Mr N J G Harland (Chairman)
Mr P S P Claxton
Mrs H J Murphy
Mr N J Ritson
Ms O M Steven
Mr A D Zeal
Mrs R H Ross
The Very Reverend S Waine
Administrators: Mr M P Soul & Mrs A E Soul
“I have received support from the Trust which helped me to achieve my previous study goals. None of this would have been possible without the support of the Trust which I am incredibly grateful for” – TM (2021)