What we do
The Ellen Barnes Charitable Trust has evolved over the years since it was formed in 1926. Our beneficiary, Ellen Barnes [1842 – 1920], was the last member of the Barnes family to live at Quinta Hall in Weston Rhyn. She survived her husband by over twenty years as the owner of the Quinta Estate of some 3,500 acres. Ellen was a remarkable woman with a passion to serve her church and her community. She died childless and left most of the Quinta Estate to her husband’s relatives. Much of her personal wealth was left in trust to benefit her local interests. Many local organisations, especially in Weston Rhyn received considerable support from the Charity in their early days. Only two elements of the work of the charity now remain:
Housing
We provide six residential units in Weston Rhyn at Quinta Meadows. These are primarily, but not exclusively, for local people whose circumstances make it difficult to access other housing. Residents make a contribution to the cost of running the properties. Vacancies arise infrequently and are advertised. We have a list of people who have registered an interest should there be a vacancy. However, residents are selected by assessing who is most in need at the time of the vacancy. Anyone interested is welcome to contact us.
Grants
We make small grants. First, to help with the education of people under 25. Second, for any charitable reason the Trustees approve. Our area of benefit is restricted to Weston Rhyn and adjoining parishes, and the parishes of Oswestry Town and Oswestry Rural. We intend to have a minimum of £1,000 available each year. We have already set aside £1,000 to respond to grant applications in November 2023.