Westfield Trust

This sub-fonds contains the records of the Westfield Trust, 1908-2010.

It comprises records relating to the pre-history and establishment of the Trust, 1979-2000, including the foundation of the Trust, and the Westfield College Development Trust; minutes and associated papers of Westfield Trust meetings, 1989-2009; annual reports and financial statements, 1988-2009; records relating to the endowments and bequests of the Trust, 1908-2004, including bequests and legacies, use of proceeds of sale, and Agreement Funds; minutes, associated papers, and correspondence of the Westfield Trust Investment Committee, 1989-2009; records relating to the tangible assets of the Trust, 1989-2004, including furniture, paintings, silverware, and property; records relating to projects, prizes, and scholarships funded by the Trust, 1965-1993, including the Ruth Owen Travelling Scholarship, Westfield Trust Prizes, and research studentships; and administrative correspondence, 1989-2010, including representation on the College Council, consultation mechanisms, and the decision to dissolve the Trust.

The Westfield Trust was established on 1 Nov 1988 for charitable purposes connected with Westfield College and Queen Mary and Westfield College. The creation of the Trust resulted from an agreement made in Mar 1987 to fully merge Westfield College and Queen Mary College with the gradual transfer of all activities to the Mile End site. In order to preserve something of the original intentions of the founders of Westfield College, both Colleges agreed to form the Westfield Trust.

Prior to the establishment of the Westfield Trust, another charitable trust had existed; the Westfield College Development Trust. The Development Trust was established in 1979 to raise funds for the College and support projects. This included the Centenary Appeal which funded a new hall of residence. With the announcement of a merger between Westfield College and Queen Mary College, no further fund raising was undertaken. With the creation of the Westfield Trust in 1988, it was decided in Jul 1989 to dissolve the Development Trust, with all of its assets being transferred to the Westfield Trust.

The Westfield Trust had representation on the new College Council and provided financial support for capital and smaller projects within the College. Projects supported by the Trust include the College Nursery, academic visitor accommodation, restoration of the Octagon, refurbishment of the Great Hall in the People's Palace, and the Westfield Student Village, as well as the provision of research studentships and bursaries.

In 2008 the decision was taken that the Trust had met its objectives and should be wound down. On 31 Jul 2009 all Trust assets and liabilities were formally transferred to the College. The final meeting of the Trust took place on 30 Nov 2009.

Chairman of the Westfield Trust: Lord Jenkin of Roding, 1989-1999; Francis Vernon McClure, 1999-2009

Secretary to the Westfield Trust: Michael Sumner, 1989-1995; Brian Murphy, 1995-2009

This sub-fonds has been arranged by function, chronologically, and, where possible, respecting the original order of the records.

It has been divided into 8 series: establishment and pre-history of the Trust; minutes; annual reports and financial statements; endowments and bequests; Westfield Trust Investment Committee; Trust assets; projects, prizes and scholarships; and administrative correspondence.

Transferred to Queen Mary College in 1989.

Catalogued by Toni Hardy, July 2010.

Westfield College Archives, early 16th century-2010.