The local charitable trust, the Ralph and Irma Sperring charity, has put out their regular appeal for applicaitions for those who can use some help.

The trust will give funding to assist individuals, charities and organisations within their area of benefit.

That is within a five mile radius of St John the Baptist church in Midsomer Norton.

To be in with a chance of accessing the latest round of funding, applications need to be in before August 20.

For more information about eligibility criteria and on how to apply, contact the trustees, at the offices of Thatcher + Hallam on the Island in Midsomer, by telephone on 07732458316 or email: [email protected].

For more details about the kind of work they support click HERE :

the Sperring site

Ralph Sperring, was a carpenter and builder by trade. He lived with his sister, Irma, in Midsomer Norton and owned a number of other houses in the town. During the 1950s and even until he was quite elderly, Ralph was often to be seen out and about in Midsomer Norton, carrying ladders and decorating materials as he tended to his tenants properties. He was known for the brown decorators coat and cap that he always wore.

Ralph Sperring died in 1989 at the age of 81. His only close relative had been his sister, who died in 1978, so Ralph left his estate in trust to benefit the local community.

To date the trust, which was founded in 1990, has supported hundreds of local people with grants ranging from £50 to £5,000.