Who We Are
What is The Craven Trust?
We are a grant-making charity supporting community projects in the Craven area. This covers parts of North and West Yorkshire, Cumbria and Lancashire, which make up the northern part of the former West Riding of Yorkshire.
We provide local money for local needs. That means that donations from our supporters – both companies and individuals – are used to build an endowment fund. The interest from this is paid out in grants so their contributions continue to benefit the community for years to come.
Our trustees come from all walks of life but one thing that they have in common is years of experience of working among the communities of Craven. They also share a passionate commitment to providing an easily accessible source of funding that helps groups and organisations to improve the lives of people from across the district. They give up their time for free because they believe that volunteering is the lifeblood of our communities.
In 1999, we began administering grants for another local charity called the Beamsley Trust. This means that we can also give grants to make life better for individuals facing hardship.
Patrons
- The Bishop of Leeds
- The Duchess of Devonshire DL
- Mrs Johanna Ropner, HM Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire
Administrator
Heather Murdoch
The Craven Trust
PO Box 126
SKIPTON
BD23 9FT
The Craven Trust
PO Box 126
SKIPTON
BD23 9FT
Mobile: 07954 803327
Email: enquiries@craventrust.org.uk
Trustees
Caroline Schwaller
Chair
Working in the voluntary sector across Yorkshire for 40 years, I established and led three CVSs and worked at the Community Fund. I have been a Trustee of various organisations as well as Chair of NAVCA, am currently Chair of the Veolia Environmental Trust and having recently moved to Anglesey am a Trustee at GeoMon Anglesey. I am still marvelling at living near the sea at last!
The Craven Trust has never stopped helping local communities and individuals, whatever the circumstances and as one of its co-founders my enthusiasm for what we do has never waned.
Robert Templar
Treasurer
Robert previously worked as a Global Strategy Director at AT&T. Since then he has worked as a strategy consultant and taken on a variety of charitable roles including Chair of Community Action Bradford and District, part of The Craven Trust areas’ voluntary infrastructure support organisation. Robert enjoys long distance walking with his Viszla, Sophie, and skiing in the Italian Dolomites.
As trustee and treasurer, I am committed to using our grant making capacity to benefit the Craven community and those individuals in need – small grants, big value
Michael Lovitt
Trustee
Though he was born in the Midlands Michael has spent most of his adult life in Yorkshire. He had an extended period in Senior Management in Higher Education, including working in a team within the Open University on the first distance learning MBA. Michael has served on numerous national and local committees and trusts.
He has many interests, ranging from archaeology to opera.
As a long serving member of the Craven Trust I particularly enjoy meeting individuals and groups to discuss their submissions.
Robert Bellfield
Trustee
Robert worked in further education in England and Scotland for 36 years and was principal of Craven College from 2012 to 2019. Robert remains active as a governor of local schools and a Trustee of Settle Swimming Pool as well as playing tennis competitively and trying to learn to play golf.
I am pleased to be able to use my local knowledge and experience to support The Craven Trust in benefiting local groups and individuals within the community.
Dee Pollitt
Trustee
After moving from London to Yorkshire, Dee worked in the voluntary sector for over 20 years, specialising in supporting organisations in the Craven area with volunteer recruitment and management. She was also previously Secretary of Skipton in Bloom and is a Committee Member of Skipton Embroiderers’ Guild.
Dee has a keen interest in textile art and embroidery and enjoys learning languages.
I am pleased to be able to put my previous experience with voluntary and community groups to good use by working as a Trustee with The Craven Trust.
Dorota Plata
Trustee
Dorota is originally from Poland and has lived in Keighley for over 20 years. She is the Centre Director at The Good Shepherd Centre, where she supports day-to-day work and helps shape services for local communities.
Dorota began her career in schools as an HLTA and Family Engagement Officer, alongside running voluntary work across Keighley. She has also previously served as a Foundation Governor and trustee at local schools. She recently completed her Master’s degree, further strengthening her knowledge and commitment to her work.
She enjoys spending time with her family and supporting her little son, who has Down Syndrome, to reach his milestones.
Dorota is passionate about supporting communities and making sure people feel included, valued, and supported. She has seen the positive impact The Craven Trust has on organisations and individuals and would like to be part of that work. She hopes to use her experience and local knowledge to contribute in a meaningful way and to support others in thriving.
Jenny Thistlethwaite
Trustee
Born and raised in the Craven District Jenny enjoyed a thirty year career in Senior Management in Education. Following retirement she has been involved in her local community as Trustee/Treasurer of Ingleton Rural Community Association and Chair of Governors for the local primary school. I enjoy trying to keep both my body and mind healthy by walking in the Dales, Pilates and spending quality time with family and friends.
I value my involvement with the Craven Trust - a local and very much ‘hands on’ charity, enabling me to appreciate the scale of volunteering delivering positive impact in Craven.
