President's Welcome

President 2010, Mike Henry

Dear Friend,

More than 200 years ago Edward Colston constructed almshouses to help the less fortunate. Today our role is far more wide-ranging. Through the provision of grants, we help reconstruct a quality of life for those who need it most.

There are few charities that enjoy the long and illustrious history of the Grateful Society. We believe this is because the Society has always adapted to help whichever section of the community seems most in need - currently those aged 55 or over who are living in reduced circumstances.

Initially help was given by providing funds to a group of senior citizens for such basic needs as coal. This group still receives both pastoral and financial support aimed at keeping them in their own homes. In addition financial assistance is now given to sheltered homes such as Cote House and Robinson House.

The Grateful Society’s charitable objectives remain directed towards the elderly and vulnerable in the wider Bristol area. The elderly now form a large and rapidly expanding section of our community, many of whom need support to enable them to maintain independence and dignity in their old age.

I am immensely proud of the charitable work the Society carries out, both in terms of the funding the Society provides as well as the pastoral support that the Society gives through the work of the Society’s Ladies Committee. More information about what we do is set out throughout this website.

It has been a privilege and indeed a revelation to see at first hand what the Society does. The thank you letters I have received for the work the Society carries out testifies both to the appreciation of the recipients of our support and the need we try to address. With a third of the population soon to be over 50 that need is growing all the time.

The Society’s income is primarily derived from the annual Presidential Appeal which therefore relies on your help. By tradition our Appeal runs for a short period in the autumn closing on 13th November, Colston Day, this being the birthday of Edward Colston in whose memory the Society was formed.

I would therefore ask you to be especially generous so that as much help as possible is given to those who are disadvantaged in old age and at a time of particular hardship.

It reallywill make a difference to some people’s lives.

Yours Sincerely,

Mike Henry, President 2009

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