Weds 13th May 2026
At today’s meeting, Wealden Business Group members were joined by Roy and Emma Isworth for an insightful presentation on the vital work carried out by the Mildred Trust. Founded in 2003 by the then-vicar of Tenterden, the Trust was established after trustees identified a pressing need for local support that often went unseen. While Tenterden is frequently associated with a “posh” image, Emma explained that significant hardships exist just under the surface. Originally focused on awarding small grants of up to £350, the Trust has since evolved to meet the growing needs of our neighbours, particularly as the landscape of local poverty shifted during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, the Mildred Trust is powered by a dedicated team of 31 volunteers who focus heavily on food provision for those in crisis. The Trust highlighted a sobering reality: many of those currently “not managing” are working parents struggling to keep up with the cost of living. To ensure the maximum impact of every contribution, the charity operates with a transparent financial model where all direct donations go straight toward food provision, while essential administrative costs are covered through separate fundraising efforts. Roy noted that while all contributions are welcome, regular support via standing orders is particularly helpful in providing the Trust with the long-term stability needed to plan their community outreach.
The Wealden Business Group is proud to play a part in supporting this essential local lifeline. We are delighted to announce that throughout the 2025/26 period, our members raised a fantastic total of £1,000.17 for the Mildred Trust, presented by last year’s chair, Tara Willington-Mace. Given the clear impact of their work and the ongoing challenges faced by families in our area, the WBG is pleased to confirm that we will continue our partnership, keeping the Mildred Trust as our chosen charity for the 2026/27 year. We look forward to another year of fundraising to help Roy, Emma, and their team continue their incredible work in the Tenterden community.
Find out more about The Mildred Trust at https://www.themildredtrust.org
