About the Trust
The Herapath Shenton Trust was formed in 1966 through the generosity of Spencer and Yvonne Herapath who at that time lived in the Old Rectory Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.
They loved the sea and held a great affection for the Isle of Wight and in particular Yarmouth. During their lives they enthusiastically supported local youth organisations and in particular the Sea Scouts. They also supported St.James' Church and were keen to help with the maintenance of historic buildings.
Spencer served with the Welsh Guards and was subsequently a barrister and company director. Yvonne lead a fascinating life spending time in China and Hong Kong where her father, Sir William Shenton, served on the governing council. Yvonne survived Spencer by a number of years and on her death the bulk of her estate, including the Old Rectory, was bequeathed to the Trust.
There are currently three trustees, all retired local professionals, who administer the trust in accordance with the trust deed, for charitable purposes and institutions with specific regard to:
- Educational purposes for the benefit of residents of the Isle of Wight, education to be taken in its widest sense to the encouragement of youth organisations such as the sea scouts and of recreational activities notably those concerned with sailing
- The parish church of St. James, Yarmouth
- The Yarmouth Town Trust
Charities helped by the trust
Among the charities helped have been:
- St. James' Church Yarmouth
- The Scouting Organisation
- Yarmouth Sea Scouts
- Community Hall of Yarmouth District (CHOYD)
- Brading Roman Villa (Oglander Roman Trust)
- The Uk Sailing Assocation (UKSA)
- The Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO)
- Yarmouth Town Trust
- Isle of Wight Steam Railway
- The Medina Valley Centre
- Isle of Wight Youth Activity Centre (IWYAC)
- Julia Margaret Cameron Trust ( For Dimbola)
- West Wight Sports Centre
- Brighstone Sea Scouts
- Hampshire And Wight Trust For Maritime Archaeology
- Hampshire And Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
- Carisbrooke Castle Museum Trust
- Ability 4 Blind Dogs
- National Coastwatch
- Royal Yacht Squadron charitable foundation
- Isle of Wight Historical Association
- The Earl Mountbatten Hospice
- Yarmouth School
- Yarmouth Guide and Supporter's Association
- Isle of Wight Challenge and Adventure
- Wight Nature Fund
Generally the trust gives donations for specific projects, and not for core funding, average donations being £2500.
Contact the trust
- Mr. Kenneth Grist, chair of trustees, telephone 01983 740415
- Mr John Harrison, enquiries@herapathshenton.org.uk