The Pye Foundation
News
Pye P5000 portable radios from 1978
Latest News
Bob Bates
Roger Crabtree
Ash Dasgupta
TRUSTEE CHANGES
At the Foundation’s AGM on 25th November 2021, Bob Bates was elected Chair of Trustees in succession to Roger Crabtree. Roger will continue as a member of the Trustee Board.
The same meeting saw Ash Dasgupta stand down as a trustee after many many years of service. In recognition of his contribution over the years, Ash has been appointed as Honorary President of the Foundation.
In addition Linda Sinclair has joined us as Trustee.
Linda Sinclair
CAMBRIDGE SAMARITANS
The Foundation has been a long-term supporter of the Cambridge branch of the Samaritans. Their premises have recently been reconfigured to enable them to deal with more callers.
The Trustees were approached as part of a fund raising drive to enable the installation of a stair lift to make it possible for volunteers and visitors who are wheelchair users, and others who struggle with stairs, to access all parts of the building – the final step in the improvements project.
A donation of £2500 has enabled the charity to complete its fundraising and to place an order for the purchase and installation of the stair lift – a demonstration of their commitment to being an inclusive and diverse organization.
SOLD - LOWESTOFT
SOLD (Special Projects for Local Disabled) is based In Lowestoft, a town in which Pye had once a significant presence, manufacturing televisions there for over 30 years. The SOLD charity provides disabled people with the opportunity to access a range of facilities and work on projects in a workshop environment. Skills on offer, with support if needed, include metal working, woodworking, sign writing, knitwear and gardening. Service users are encouraged to be as hands on as possible. All this can help the individuals grow in self-esteem and confidence.
Recent reduction in numbers and a threatening large rent increase have placed the business in a weak position. In order to help the charity to continue to operate prior to its movement to alternative premises, the Foundation trustees agreed to make an immediate donation of £6,000.
CAMBRIDGE CYRENIANS
Cambridge Cyrenians is the longest standing charity delivering support services for homeless people in Cambridge. Currently, through its network of 21 properties, it is providing single room supported accommodation to over 100 individuals as they make the move from homelessness towards independence and their own tenancies. The charity supports the physical move of the individual and their belongings at every stage.
The charity approached the Foundation for financial support in the purchase of a new electric van to facilitate these moves and to end the need to use expensive removal companies. Much successful fundraising had already taken place and at its recent meeting the Trustees were delighted to donate the £2800 necessary to enable the van purchase to proceed.
THE MS SOCIETY
The MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Society has a mission to enable everyone who is affected by MS to live life to their full potential and secure the services and care they need. At a time when fund raising is proving difficult, the Foundation responded to a request for £1000 towards the funding of the MS volunteer-led support group based in Cambridge, Newmarket and Ely to enable it to provide specialist support to people in this area.
