Statement Regarding The Old Grammar School Gardens, Esplanade, Fowey

This long-established charity (registered number 306571) exists to provide financial support to both schools in Fowey and to students past and present. Over the past 10 years, for example, hundreds of young people have been given grants totalling over £425,000 to help further their education. In addition, the charity sponsors the two minibuses for FRA and has made grants to the Primary School for a range of projects including the provision of an outdoor sensory play area and sporting/leisure activities.

Part of the charity's income to provide these benefits comes from the rental income of several properties in the town.

For the last seven years and on a rolling tenancy before that, we have leased the above gardens at a peppercorn rent of £1 per year to Fowey Town Council. It has been decided by the trustees (all of whom are local, unpaid, and include ex-pupils and staff whose sole aim is to act in the best interests of the charity) that this agreement does not meet our charitable obligations of maximising its assets. We also note that there are certain areas of the gardens that have not been suitably maintained. We have, therefore, decided not to renew the lease when it expires in June 2025 and to begin the process of investigating enhanced uses of the site which will better benefit the children of the area, including possible educational opportunities. Any interested parties or potential partners should send an email to fgsclerk@ hotmail.com