The Court of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen is the corporate trustee for the Company’s charities: Royal Benevolent and Educational Fund for Watermen and Lightermen (Charity No. 1086890) Company’s Poor’s Fund (Charity No. 231320).
The principal beneficiaries of Royal Benevolent and Education Fund are Freemen of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen and their widows or widowers.
The Charity provides accommodation for retired Freemen (and their widows or widowers) who find themselves in reduced circumstances at Watermen’s Close, Hastings. (See Almshouses page).
The Charity also assists with the training and education of its apprentices and other interested parties who are keen to learn the skills associated with the use of inland and estuarial waterways. (See Thames Career page).
The Charity has an obligation to preserve the building – Watermen’s Hall – and to encourage reasonable public access to view its historic and architectural features, works of art, furniture and artefacts, During the year guided tours of Watermen’s Hall are arranged as well as a participation in the Open House Weekend each September. (See Hall Tours page).
The Georgian Hall (above)
Donations are always most welcome as the charities have many calls on their reserves. To make a donation please contact [email protected]. It is more tax efficient to make a donation by way of Gift Aid and the relevant forms can be provided on request.
Quarterage
All Apprentices, Trainees and Freemen are required to pay Quarterage which supports the Annual Compassionate Allowance. The suggested amount is £52.00 per year(for working Freemen) which can be paid by standing order either monthly/quarterly or annually. If you would like to update your contribution please contact the Assistant Clerk for the relevant forms.
There is no shortage of elderly Freemen or their widows eligible to receive the Compassionate Allowance so you can be assured that your donations go to a very good cause.
December 2021 payments of the Annual Allowance
The Trustees of the Watermen’s Company Poors Fund were able to make a meaningful increase to amount given at Christmas to those on the Compassionate List. This is thanks to the generosity of all those Freemen who pay quarterage and help to make payment of this very well received allowance continue.
We know how much this means to those who received the annual allowance from the lovely thank you letters and cards received. Especially in these difficult times and stressful time.
To apply for the Compassionate Allowance please contact the Assistant Clerk for more information.
Hiring Watermen's Hall
Watermen’s Hall is one of the City of London’s finest venues for conferences, banquets, receptions, award ceremonies, business meetings, wedding receptions, private dining and silver service luncheons for up to 80 people.
This 18th century Georgian Hall graces the City with its historical elegance and spaces to suit every occasion.
Please contact Mark Grove at The Cook and The Butler, either by phone or email, for all hiring enquiries:
Telephone: 020 7620 1818
Fax: 020 7620 1820
For more information about our rooms click on the link below
