The Roger Edwards Educational Trust is a registered charity managed by unpaid local trustees who ensure that all the projects the trust supports fall within the objects of the trust as detailed below.

 

  • A payment of two-thirds of the net income of the Trust to the Monmouthshire Farm School Endowment Trust Fund (MFSET).
  • Providing and assisting in the provision of facilities, not required to be provided by the local education authority, at Usk Church in Wales Primary School.
  • Promoting for public benefit the education (including social and physical training) of people resident in Usk and District in various ways including:

– Awarding of scholarships, maintenance allowances or grants at any university, college, or institution of higher or further education.

– Providing for education (including the study of music or other arts) to undertake travel in furtherance of that education, or to prepare entry to a trade or profession on leaving an educational establishment.

– Providing and assisting in the provision of facilities for education at any charitable educational establishment in the area of benefit.

What assets does REET manage?

The Trust trust manages over £1m of invested funds and around £1.6m in property assets, including the former Adult Education Centre in Usk, the original Grammar School to which Roger Edwards made his bequest.  These assets generate an annual income which provides the funds available for grants.

Who are the trustees?

The current trustees of the Roger Edwards Educational Trust are all resident within ‘NP15 1′.

Chris Cowburn (Chairman)
Elizabeth Baker
Catherine Brooker
Gareth Edwards
Geoff Hughes
Barry Morse
Jonathan Stephens
Brian Strong

Secretary to the Trustees – Sian Worsley

Who can apply for funding from REET?
REET is open to all residents of Usk and the surrounding associated communities.  In practice the definition of the above, as agreed by the trustees, includes most properties with ‘NP15 1..’ postcodes.  All projects must be of an educational nature as defined above.
How do I apply?
Please use the Online Application Form here or write to The Trust Secretary, Roger Edwards Educational Trust, 17 Burrium Gate, Usk, NP15 1TN .  If your application qualifies you may be asked to attend an interview and make a presentation to the trustees.  This is particularly likely for larger applications.
Can I discuss my application with a trustee?
All applications are treated in strictest confidence and no individual trustee is able to make a sole decision on an application as all applications are voted on democratically.  Therefore the trustees can give general information on the aims of REET but cannot discuss particular applications in any detail.
Am I too young/old? Do I have to be in full time education or have attended University?
Absolutely not.  There are no restrictions on who can apply and what they can apply for, as long as the qualifying elements above are met.
I have only lived in Usk for a short time. Does that matter?
There are no definite rules which dictate a specific amount of time that an applicant either has lived, or plans to remain living, in Usk.  However, this is the type of issue which the trustees consider when they assess applications. For example, if an applicant was only planning to live in Usk for a very short time the trustees might feel that the aims of REET were not best served by granting that application.  However, every application is judged on its own merits.
How much can I apply for? Is my project too big/small?
There are no defined minimum and maximum limits. However, there is a finite amount available for the trustees to grant each year. In practice the trustees often scale back applications by granting less than the amount requested.
I’m related to/friends with a trustee. Can I still apply?
Yes, as long as you meet the residency requirements.  In a small community it is likely that at least some trustees will know of most applicants.  There are nine trustees so in the event that an application is received from someone known particularly well to a trustee they will declare an interest and not be involved in any discussions relating to that particular application.