The Early Years
In 1969, and again in 1970, the Wine Trade Sports Club (WTSC) organised a Charity Walk, with the dual purpose of gathering its members together and raising funds for a chosen Charity. Then, on the 20th April 1971 the WTSC organised its first ever ‘Wine Trade’ Charity Walk when, over 12 miles around the City of London, during which a glass of wine was taken at each check point, £800 was raised. Much of this sum was used by the Vintry Homes to purchase a large screen TV for its residents, an almost unheard of luxury in those days. Following this relative success, the WTSC committee recognised the future potential for combining enjoyable events, with fund raising to support charitable works within the trade.
The Founding of the Foundation
Consequently, on the 17th July 1973 a Declaration of Trust was signed by David Bishop, Michael Hasslacher and Patrick Lynch, establishing a Registered Charity – “The Wine Trade Foundation” (WTF). The Objects of the Foundation being ‘for the benefit of the Benevolent, and the general relief of poverty among employees and former employees of the wine & spirit and ancillary trades, in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.’ For a number of years since its inception, fund raising activities focused on an annual Charity Walk around London, on the Sunday preceding the Annual Banquet for The Wine & Spirit Trades’ Benevolent Society (the Benevolent), a Christmas Champagne Reception at the Vintners’ Hall, and periodic dinners in the City of London. The WTF’s fund raising efforts have been carefully organised so as to avoid, wherever possible, any clash with similar efforts by the Benevolent. Even in these relatively early years of the WTF, it was becoming increasingly clear the huge number of opportunities that exist to help alleviate some of the tragic circumstances that befall individuals who are, or have been, employed within the wine & spirit and ancillary trades. To date, some have been assisted following severe illness or personal injuries, others have required urgent financial help following sudden family bereavements, and some have simply fallen on hard times. Also, donations have been directed towards specific and important needs of the Vintry Homes.
Bringing things up to date
It is an integral part of the long term objectives of the Foundation to establish a strong financial base, thus ensuring that there are guaranteed annual funds available to help support those in sudden need of assistance. To this end, the Trustees of the WTF have tried to balance the ever-present demands on their funds, with the long-term importance of building a reasonable capital base. Whilst in 1973 the initial fund amounted to £300, by the end of 2011 significant funds had been raised, much of which has been donated to individuals in urgent need of support. In late December 2011, almost 40 years after its creation the WTF evolved (like many charities today) into an incorporated private limited company thus securing its long term future and is now called The Wine Trade Sports Club Foundation.
The future of the now Wine Trade Sports Club Foundation’s fundraising activities continue to lie with the younger members of the Trade, and in particular those of the Wine Trade Sports Club and their friends. The Trustees, along with the Executive Committee of the Foundation remain permanently grateful to all the members of the Trade who continue to support the objects of the charity and, with their continuing support, the Foundation has a bright, and very rewarding future.
The Benevolent, now, The Drinks Trust
As a charitable club since 1973, the funds we raise are donated to our registered charity The Wine Trade Sports Club Foundation, who in turn make significant annual donations to the drinks industry charity, The Drinks Trust. Formerly known as The Wine & Spirits Trade Benevolent Society, then The Benevolent, The Drinks Trust was founded in 1886 with the mission of helping colleagues from the drinks industry facing serious medical or financial hardship. Today, it is the community organisation for the drinks industry, offering support and services to help its community thrive, to upskill, to broaden their knowledge, to network and learn from one another. It will also be there to support them in challenging times, with wellbeing and financial assistance.