A Royal Visit to Mark 50 Years of Community Impact

On 10 July, we were honoured to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to a special event at Wellington Barn, Calne, marking the 50th anniversary of Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation.

The celebration brought together supporters, grant recipients, partners, and volunteers to recognise five decades of community impact across Wiltshire and Swindon. It was a proud moment for all of us — an opportunity to reflect on the work we have done and to look ahead with renewed purpose.

Over the past 50 years, we have played a vital role as a connector — bringing together people who care with causes that matter. Whether by linking donors and partners with grassroots organisations, connecting groups with each other, or opening up new opportunities through shared knowledge and collaboration, we help to strengthen communities across the county. Our role continues to be one of connection, collaboration and long-term commitment.

During the event, Her Majesty met a wide range of our supporters and donors, as well as individuals and groups who have received funding from the Foundation. She took time to hear their stories, unveiled a commemorative plaque crafted and mounted by Tidworth and Ludgershall Men’s Shed, and cut a specially commissioned anniversary cake, made by SWEF grant recipient Lily Shergold of Bake with Lil.

Her Majesty also met Joanna Weaver, founder of Joanna’s Gelato, who received a SWEF grant to support her artisan gelato business in Salisbury — and was delighted to enjoy one of Joanna’s ice creams while being serenaded by the brilliant Downton Brass Band.

Other groups she spoke to included Growbaby Swindon, which provides baby essentials and support for families in need; All Yours Period Box, which tackles period poverty and delivers educational workshops; Changing Suits CIC, a Swindon-based organisation supporting South Asian communities to overcome cultural barriers and access services and The Platform Project which helps disadvantaged young people gain skills, confidence and work experience to improve their employment prospects.

She also spoke to Sam Gardner, founder of Smart Mushrooms who used a SWEF grant to launch a science-backed health supplements and wellness business.

The event also included a performance by the Downton Brass Band, a charitable music group with a 150-year legacy, whose playing throughout the afternoon added a wonderful sense of occasion to the celebration.

As part of the day, we also proudly reintroduced our new name: Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation. This change reflects both the breadth of our work and our origins. We were founded in Swindon in 1975 by Lord Joel Joffe as Thamesdown Community Trust, and in 1991 we merged with Wiltshire Community Trust to form the organisation known today. 

In the last five decades, we have awarded more than £26.8 million in grants, supporting hundreds of thousands of people. Our funding has addressed a wide range of local issues — from poverty and rural isolation to mental health, education, and domestic abuse. We also help young people access higher education and training, and launch their own businesses, through dedicated grant programmes.

This impact has been made possible by the generosity of individuals, businesses, trusts and partners across Wiltshire and Swindon. In 2024/25 alone, we awarded over £2.5 million in grants, reaching more than 83,000 people. Supported by a growing endowment fund, we continue to provide a sustainable, long-term source of funding for local causes.

We are deeply grateful to all those who have contributed to this remarkable legacy — our staff, trustees, volunteers, partners, and the many community organisations we are privileged to support. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain committed to building stronger, fairer and more connected communities across Wiltshire and Swindon for many years to come.

Special thanks to our Patron and Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Dame Sarah Troughton and her team, for their generous support in making the day so memorable.

Thank you to CCLA for sponsoring the event.