13. Water Conservation Trust, 4 September 2018

It is custom and practise for the Master of the day (if not already a Trustee) to attend meetings of the Water Conservation Trust (WCT) as an observer. And so by kind invitation of the current Chairman and Past Master Roger North, I joined with other Trustees for their Board meeting at 140 London Wall.

The Chairman, ably assisted by the Hon. Treasurer Past Master Peter Hall and the Hon. Secretary Court Assistant Christine Duthie oversees a Board comprising of some nine other members of the Company. The Board meeting is split into two distinct halves; the first to consider and approve any applications for funding and the second to manage the

financial and legal affairs of the Trust. It was with great interest that I was able to see both elements so expertly managed and controlled.

In terms of income, like many similar charities the Trust has a number of investments built up over time which generate a steady flow of funds. These are augmented by various personal member donations, by collections at various Company events (the next being the Michaelmas Lunch on 11 September) and by ad-hoc activities such as the annual Sponsored Walk (this year on 16 September on the River Wey in Surrey). The Hon. Treasurer gives Trustees a very detailed account of these income streams and of course, the expenditure.

The Board also consider applications for funding with the focus being on a discreet number of Universities and schools. Funding for the former group is mainly for post-graduate studies be it at MSc or PhD levels and all in water and environmental disciplines. Over the years a very healthy number of students have benefited from the support of the WCT and the field of academic research has been great developed in a number of important areas.

The latter group – primary and secondary schools - tend to seek funding for environmental projects and for equipment to assist in that area. Grants are more modest than for Universities but nevertheless have a great impact on the children, again helping them gain a better understand the world around them.

There are other beneficiaries (such as the Sea Scouts) and the Trustees apply the same level of scrutiny whatever the size of the grant. It was fascinating to see at first hand the level of governance that takes place and the passion by which Trustees discharge their duties. Well done to you all!

For further information about the WCT and its activities please visit our website: www.waterconservators.org