Grateful Society

History

The Grateful Society was founded in 1758 and unusually had no political affiliations. Like many such contemporary organisations its charitable works were based on a dinner for like-minded individuals followed by a collection. This was normally distributed as bread and money to the poor but instead the Grateful devoted the collection to apprenticing poor boys. Four boys were apprenticed initially but the numbers grew rapidly so that 17 boys had completed their apprenticeship by 1764.

Gradually the charitable aims of the Grateful evolved though the precise times that the changes were made is unclear. Granting apprenticeships probable ceased in the second half of the 19th century by which time the main charitable objective was to support ‘lying-in ladies’. In 1841 following an exceptional collection support was given to 1200 ‘lying-in women’ and 24 poor boys were apprenticed. Support for women in childbirth ceased in 1912 following the Insurance Act of 1911, which provided maternity grants.

From 1913 the objective became ‘ to grant relief to ladies of 55 years and upwards ….who are now in need of the necessities of life and whose total income does not exceed £50’. Support for such individuals remained the major objective of the Society for around 100 years and continues until the present day. Members of the ladies committee visited and annuities were provided. Initially these were much sought after so that potential recipients had to plead their case for support and an election then took place with members of the society voting in proportion to the size of their donation. Such practice no longer occurs!

From approximately 1960 Grateful Society also supported major projects in relation to residential homes for the elderly . Amongst other donations support has been given for the following;

• purchase of 5, Eaton Crescent, ( now a Brunelcare home)
• a large contribution to Bristol Flower Funds Homes,
• land purchase and landscaping for the New Cote extension,
• rewiring and gas conversion at Cote along with subsequent provision of en suite bathrooms,
• a major contribution to redevelopment of New Cote ( Katherine House)
• purchase of the land as well as garden development and building a summer room at Robinson House.

Maintaining mobility as well as dignity and independence in old age has been an objective so in 2006 the Great Wheels project was launched. This provided motorised wheel chairs for needy individuals and was run in conjunction with a professional organisation. Although very successful the costs proved prohibitive and the project had to be abandoned after a few years.
Currently the focus of the Society is on supporting Day Centres across the city. These provide company, entertainment and frequently a hot meal for lonely individuals. At present around 20 such centres receive support though the number seems to be growing.
The Grateful has adapted to the community’s needs over the last 260 year and no do doubt will continue to do so over the years ahead.

Fund Raising

Initially fund raising followed an annual dinner but subsequently the president would visit his friends and colleagues at home seeking support. Around 1900 this became too onerous and hand written letters were then sent by the relatively new postal system. This continued for over 100years but has now been largely overtaken by more modern methods. In addition funds are now sought from a number of larger charitable trusts in addition to the president’s friends and work associates.

Synopsis of main charitable support; (all dates are approximate)

1758 – 1870     Apprenticing poor boys.

1820- 1912       Supporting lying-in ladies.

1913- Present   Provision of ‘annuities’ to impoverished elderly ladies.

1960-2010         Supporting residential homes for the elderly

2006-2009       The Great Wheels project.

2010- Present   Support for Day Centres.