5th January 1955 – 5th January 2005

To celebrate this milestone of the Trust it was decided to analyse the giving in the past, particularly when Mr & Mrs Charles Sykes were involved, and see if the earliest grants and logic behind them was still relevant today.

The Sykes had given to a broad cross section, which included youth, old age, medical research and welfare. Charles Sykes' love of music also featured.

These areas still bring many requests each year, and whilst the Trust has continued to donate in its established manner a small number of gifts were singled out to commemorate the anniversary.

Henshaws College, Harrogate – Living Life Campaign £50,000

The Henshaws Society for the Blind is carrying out a major redevelopment of the site in Harrogate to provide up to date facilities particularly in the accommodation blocks. These funds will go towards the scheme.

Age Concern, Bradford - £24,350

Charles Sykes' business was Bradford based, and the Trustees are pleased to have been able to provide a pump-priming grant to enable Age Concern to recruit an outreach/information officer. The grant is being paid in instalments, and the Trust will be kept informed of the success of the scheme. If similar suitable projects come to the notice of the Trustees over the next few years they will consider full pump-priming again.

Harrogate Competitive Music Festival - £500 per annum

In 1936 Charles Sykes gave a trophy to this festival to be presented to a winning choir at the annual event. No monetary award has gone with the trophy, and it is now hoped that the grant will assist the Festival in attracting even more choirs to compete for the magnificent shield.

The Trustees are cognisant that over 50 years there have been many changes in the world yet the original ideas of the Trust's donors are still very relevant today.