The Ursula Keyes Trust was established in 1985 as the legacy of a prominent Chester resident. The purpose of the Trust is to support the financial needs of various organisations and individuals in the Chester area, particularly in the fields of health and social care. A wide range of causes are supported, including cultural and leisure projects, particularly when matched by other fundraising efforts. Funds are mainly directed at the cost of capital projects and equipment rather than as a source of funding for on-going running costs or salaries. National charities are also considered for support if there is a clear link to a local beneficiary.
A variety of local schemes and individuals are supported, including the following examples.
In each case, funding from other agencies or charities was unavailable or insufficient.
Claire House Hospice - contribution towards cost of sensory garden. This project was supported as a useful addition to the facilities and environment at our local Children's Hospice.
Local blind student - purchase of specialised speech software. A local man with failing eyesight received funding for computer software to enable him to adapt his PC for the visually-impaired.
Chester Cathedral - donation to Education and Nurture Department. This grant was given to support the educational work of the cathedral for visiting schoolchildren.
Ursula Keyes was a prominent Chester resident who set up a Charitable Trust prior to her death in 1989 at the age of 75.
There are seven Trustees, including a Chairman, who have a responsibility to maintain and administer the Trust and its funds. This involves the maintenance of assets and distribution of income. They examine each application for funding and reach a collective decision as to which applications to support. The Trustees meet every quarter, in January, April, July and October. The Trust is registered and regulated by the Charities Commission (registration no. 517200), from whom further details can be obtained.
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
Ursula was the only daughter of Sarah and Edward Keyes and attended the Queen's School from 1929-34. Her father was a well known businessman active in city life who became Sheriff, Alderman and later Lord Mayor of the city.
Miss Keyes was particularly interested in the arts and theatre. She worked with her father, who founded and developed The Royalty Theatre. In its heyday many nationally known stars appeared there. During her lifetime Miss Keyes supported innumerable charities, usually without public knowledge or acclaim and was always ready to help and support worthy causes.
Miss Keyes showed interest in anything medical and was fascinated by new technology and keen to foster research.
The Charitable Trust that she set up has its roots in supporting the medical needs of the local community. This included, for instance, a large donation of £200,000 to establish the new Ursula Keyes Breast Care Centre at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
This is just one of a great number of donations, large and small, that have been made over the years to individuals and organisations in the Chester area including local schools and community projects.
Founder trustee and Chairman for 35 years. Emeritus Consultant Surgeon at the Countess of Chester Hospital where I also served as Medical Director for 10 years. Other interests include sport, fishing and gardening.
Now retired, previously Managing Director of a local printing company. Magistrate on the Chester bench. Commissioner for Taxes. Non-executive director of the Chester and Halton Community NHS Trust. Co-Director with Ursula Keyes on the board of the Royalty Theatre in Chester.
I have lived in Chester for over 50 years and was a solicitor with a local firm for over 30 years also sitting as a part time District Judge. My work involved me in the needs of the family and the disabled. I am married with a wife, two daughters and five grandchildren. I was appointed to the Trust in 2005 and have supervised the management of the legal matters amid other responsibilities.
I worked as a family doctor in Chester until my retirement in 2007. I was a member of Chester Round Table with fond memories of Xmas floats etc. to raise money for local charities. Since then I have maintained my interest in medical developments providing advice to the Trust on health matters from 2013 onwards. I am married with 2 children and 2 grandsons.
I worked as a Consultant Cardiologist in Chester until my retirement in 2020 and was for many years Chairman of the Chester Committee of the British Heart Foundation. I am Churchwarden of St John the Baptist Church, Guilden Sutton. I bring my knowledge of medical matters to the work of the Trust.
I was a Chartered Accountant in Chester for over 40 years. I have acted as trustee for a number of Charities and currently I am the Hon Treasurer and trustee of The Drugwatch Trust. I have been president of Rotary Club of Chester and a Past Chairman of The Chester and North Wales Society of Chartered Accountants. I live in Chester with my wife Jane and we spend most of our time with the family including four grandchildren.
I am a married Chartered Building Surveyor who was born and bred in Chester. Ursula Keyes was a friend and neighbour for over 20 years and I provide advice on the property portfolio.
I was born and raised in Cheshire and started my medical career at the Countess of Chester Hospital. I have recently retired from my position as a breast surgeon at the Ursula Keyes Breast Centre at the Countess. I’m a keen baker and seamstress and enjoying getting out on my e bike when the weather is kind.
The Hospice of the Good Shepherd is currently fund raising for a new outpatient extension and the Trust has made a substantial donation to support this.
Oldfield Pre-School has a new building to replace the old mobile classroom in the grounds of Oldfield Primary School, enabling up to 30 children from the local area to attend each day. The original building could only take a maximum of 20 children. The new building was made possible by grants from local charities The Ursula Keyes’ Trust, Dr Robert Oldfield Charity, Chester Grosvenor 76 Round Table, national charity the Garfield Weston Foundation, local company Active Control Solutions and donations from past and present families of Oldfield Pre-School and the community of Vicars Cross. Manager Jeanette Jolliffe said: “We’ve had an amazing response to the new building. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has contributed to enable us to replace this building and ensure that we can support the families in our local community for another 40 years. The staff with the help of past and present parents worked incredibly hard to ensure that the new building opened on time and within budget and we are looking forward to meeting new families who are looking for an outstanding Pre-School for their children”. A spokesperson from major funder The Ursula Keyes’ Trust said; “We are delighted to see the difference our legacy can make and especially in this case to Oldfield Pre-School with their new building which replaces the old mobile classroom. For the first time since opening in 1974 Oldfield’s waiting list has disappeared and even more children can continue to learn in safe, secure, warm and comfortable surroundings over the next 40 years and beyond.”
