News

HELPING PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS

One man's vision 18 years ago to help others has seen well over a thousand dreams come true.In fact, the Vivian Moon Foundation is such a success story it has far exceeded its founder's expectations.

Since its inception grants totalling £215,216 have been awarded to deserving causes.

And that has given 1,222 people access to better education and training, and in many cases, a vital boost in starting their own business.

Indeed, without the foundation's support, some would have found it difficult or even impossible to reach their goals.

Braunton entrepreneur and chairman of Webber's Property Services Vivian Moon launched the trust fund with £100,000 of his own money.

He explained: "I wanted to put something back to celebrate my 50th anniversary with Webbers which has now lasted 69 years.

"I have been supported by a terrific chairman Aubrey Loze and a wonderfully dedicated board of governors. This has become a most fantastic thing. It is beyond any dream I ever had."

With the help of the Barnstaple Bridge Trust - the sole outside contributor - together with wise investment, the fund has enabled local people to access resources which have not only benefited themselves but have enriched the North Devon economy.

Mr Moon said: "The aim originally was purely and simply to help people get further than they would have done (without the foundation's support).

"We enjoy it immensely because we feel we are giving something entirely worthwhile to people who deserve it."

The foundation helps those with connections to North Devon and who are likely to continue working in the area to improve the local economy.

There is no shortage of applications and each one is carefully scrutinised before a decision is made. But a boost to the fund would enable more people to be helped.

With no outside support apart from the Bridge Trust, it desperately needs donations and legacies to enable it to expand the good work.

NDJ 3rd February, 2005
Solicitor thanks trust that helped him on his way
A SOLICITOR has paid tribute to a North Devon trust fund that played a big part in helping him on his way to law school.
Andrew Burke, 39, who now works at Slee Blackwell, was reminded of those early days after reading in the Journal that Vivian Moon was stepping down as chairman of the foundation he created.
Mr Burke was one of the first to benefit from the foundation, that was launched in 1988 with a substantial personal donation from Mr Moon.
He wanted to put “something back” into the area by way of grants to help people further their job skills and education.
At the time Mr Burke was a labourer on a building site.
He explained: “In order to cheer my dad up I decided to become a lawyer.”
He recalled that the financial implications of going to law school were daunting.
Other than the generosity of his parents, the Vivian Moon Foundation was the only place he could turn to for help.
He applied and was awarded £400, something he has never forgotten.
He added: “My mum and dad were ordinary people and it was very difficult, so to have something like the Vivian Moon Foundation which could make a very generous donation was incredibly helpful.”
In a letter to Mr Moon he said: “The foundation’s support was fantastic and helped me to get the qualification I needed to return to the area, where I have practised as a solicitor with Slee Blackwell.
“I hope over the years that I’ve been able to help local people and put something back into the community.
“If I have, it is in no small part due to your generosity and the foundation’s hard work.”
To mark Mr Moon’s decision to step down as chairman and become president, Mr Burke has sent a letter and reimbursed the foundation for the amount he once received.
By doing so he hopes that someone else will have the chance to benefit from the support he enjoyed.
Mr Moon said the letter was “one of the best” he had ever received and it had brought a tear to his eyes.
The foundation has helped 1,106 people over the years but it is rare to get feedback from them.
Mr Moon said the new chairman, Aubrey Loze and the other governors were “absolutely thrilled” with Mr Burke’s letter and gesture.
And he added: “I agree with Mr Loze that it makes everything worthwhile.”

NDJ 20th January, 2005
All change at trust fund
THERE has been a change at the top of a North Devon trust fund which has helped more than 1,000 people develop their skills and further their education.
Braunton entrepreneur Vivian Moon has stepped down as chairman of the foundation he set up in 1988 “to put something back” into North Devon.
And his role has been taken over by vice-chairman Aubrey Loze, a well known figure in the business community.