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​Charity Music Nights at The Blue Bell Raise Over £1,000 for Local Young Talent

15/12/2025

 
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The Travers Foundation is celebrating the outstanding success of its three-week Charity Music Fridays held at The Blue Bell, Gretton, which together raised over £1,000 to support young people in sport, music, and the performing arts.

The Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to Peter McGowan and the entire Blue Bell team for their fantastic support, enthusiasm, and community spirit. Their hospitality created the perfect setting for three packed evenings of brilliant local music.

Equally, the charity wishes to thank all the attendees for their generosity and good humour, which helped make these fundraisers such a triumph. The level of support from the village has been nothing short of remarkable.


The final night reached a spectacular crescendo with a stunning performance from Lily Beth, aged 15, one of the Travers Rising Stars. Accompanied by Oscar, aged 17, she delivered a captivating set and brought the house down with her original song “Not Ideal.” Her talent and confidence left the audience cheering for more.

Earlier events featured memorable performances from Holly, Ayesha, and The Wot Now, showcasing the impressive breadth of young talent across the area.

Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation, said:
“We couldn’t be more delighted — three great nights, huge local support, and more than £1,000 raised. Not bad for a few Fridays in November! A massive thank you to Peter and his team, and to everyone who came along, cheered, sang, and donated. Our Rising Stars shone – and I think even the pub walls are still vibrating after that finale!”
​

The funds raised will go directly towards helping more young people across the region access the opportunities they need to thrive.

Thank You For Your Support We’ve Raised Over £5,000!

22/9/2025

 
PictureTerry & Kieran walked 36 Miles (60K) in 14 hours, arriving in the dark

Kieran & I decided to postpone the start of the 60k by one day as the weather was so bad on Wednesday, 17th. Then we decided to do the full 36 miles in one day, were we mad?


Kieran’s wife, Miriam, joined us to show us how easy the whole experience was!

We set off at dawn from Belvoir Castle at 6:20 am and arrived in Gretton 14 hours later, in the dark, at 8:20 pm. One hell of a day!

The first 9 miles were tough, muddy terrain, and we stopped at Buckminster for breakfast. Just 25% completed, and we struggled to restart. It took a while to get back into a rhythm.

A highlight was entering Rutland near Thistleton after 13.5 miles. We’d decided on no more big stops, as restarting was so tough.

We eventually hit Barnsdale at 22 miles, a massive achievement, completing our original day 1 itinerary, and absolute trepidation at the realisation we still had 14 more miles to go.

A small celebration at Manton when we achieved the Marathon distance of 26.2 miles.

Then the slog!

To Glaston, it was very hilly. Seaton had more hills, and then there was the road to Thorpe By Water, which was particularly treacherous as it was getting dark.

Finally crossing the Welland Valley, and leaving Rutland, we had to gingerly negotiate The Railway crossing and Church Gap in the dark. The final hill and 36 miles mastered.

Friday aches and stiffness, and off to the gym for some stretches.

Thank you for all your support; it kept us going, and your sponsorship made it worthwhile.

We remain open for donations until the end of October, here.


SkeffStock raises almost £2,500!

16/9/2025

 
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🌟 A Huge Thank You 🌟

What an incredible day! Despite a fair share of thunder and lightning (true festival style, à la Woodstock & Glastonbury 🌩️🎶), the spirit never dimmed—and together we raised almost £2,500 for the Travers Foundation! 🙌
💐 Thank you to Bob & Amy Thomson for opening their beautiful gardens to host this special event.
🎛️ To Matt Perry, who drove the show as our sound engineer with his superb PA system—phenomenal work.
🎤 To our amazing artists--The Wot Now, Lily Beth, Holly Donovan, Indya Kelly, and Eva—for filling the day with unforgettable performances.
🍔 To Bart, the chef, whose burgers and pulled pork kept our hungry visitors happily fed all day.
🍻 To David, the barman, who kept the drinks flowing and spirits high.
🏉 To the LeicesterLions Rugby Club for the kind loan of the stage—thank you for helping us bring the music to life.
💪 To the army of volunteers who pulled everything together—this couldn’t have happened without you.
🎯 And to Kieran Forsey,our event director and mastermind—your vision made this all possible.

Finally, the biggest thank you of all goes to everyone who attended. Your energy, generosity, and festival spirit made it a truly memorable day. ❤️

Here’s to community, music, and making a difference together! 🎵🌿✨

Mona Storey Exhibition Raises £2,000 for Young People’s Sport, Music and Arts

11/8/2025

 
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Corby Glen, Lincolnshire — August 11, 2025
A heartfelt posthumous exhibition celebrating the life and work of the late artist Mona Storey has raised £2,000 for The Travers Foundation, thanks to the generosity of visitors and supporters.

The exhibition, held August 9–10 at the Willoughby Memorial Trust Gallery, showcased over 200 of Mona’s vibrant paintings. Curated by her children, Paul and Kitty Storey, who travelled from New York to honour their mother’s memory, the two-day event invited the public to view—and take home—her work in exchange for charitable donations.

Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation, expressed his gratitude:
“We are humbled by the generosity shown over the weekend. Every penny of the £2,000 raised will go directly to helping young people engage with sport, music and the arts. Mona’s legacy will now inspire and support the next generation of creative and active young people.”

Mona Storey, who passed away last August at the age of 89, began painting only after retiring, yet produced a remarkable portfolio that captured her passion for life, community, and creativity. Known for her warmth, humour, and dedication to local causes, Mona’s impact extended far beyond her art.
Her children described the weekend as “a true celebration of Mum’s incredible second act,” noting that the atmosphere was filled with stories, laughter, and appreciation for Mona’s work.

The Travers Foundation thanked everyone who attended, donated, and helped make the event possible. Those who wish to continue supporting the cause can still donate online via:

👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/mona-storey

SkeffStock - Saturday 13th September, come and join the fun!

3/8/2025

 
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Viking Vibes and Brotherly Bonds: The Travers Challenge is Here!

5/5/2025

 
PictureThe Travers Challenge is Coming: Two Brothers, a 60km walk and a lot of Viking Spirit!
The Travers Foundation is excited to announce The Travers Challenge, a fundraising initiative set to take place in September 2025.

​This event encourages trustees, members, volunteers, friends, and family to take on personal challenges to support the foundation's vital work.


Trustees Terry Forsey and Kieran Forsey will be taking on a significant challenge: a 60-kilometre sponsored walk from Belvoir Castle to Gretton, following the historic footpath - The Viking Way.


Kieran stated, "The Travers Foundation supports young people from Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland. This is reflected in the route, which starts in Leicestershire, crosses Rutland, and ends in Northamptonshire."

Kieran added "As a volunteer-led charity, all the funds we raise will benefit members in achieving their goals. All participants can choose their own challenges and set personal fundraising targets, including physical activities and creative projects, making this an inclusive opportunity for everyone."

Terry said, "I believe that every young person's dreams in sports, music, or the arts deserve a chance to flourish, unhindered by lack of funding. We are raising money to ensure that every individual has access to financial support that helps build their confidence and resilience, allowing them to reach their full potential and secure a bright future. Since we began in 2012, we have awarded over £320,000 to local young people."

Get Involved: The Travers Challenge is free, fun, and open to everyone!
- Sign up for The Travers Challenge:
- Donate to support participants: 
- Learn more about The Travers Foundation: 


The Travers Challenge promises to be a month filled with inspiring personal achievements and community support. Join the Travers Challenge and make a difference!

The Travers Foundation is a volunteer-run charity that provides financial assistance to local young people aged 13 to 30, helping them realise their dreams in sports, music, and the arts. We nurture the talent of local teams, groups, and individuals in Rutland, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire.

Press contact 
Terry Forsey
Email [email protected]
Mobile 07881-626844

Trustee William Sharman seeks peak performance for The Travers Foundation

14/4/2025

 
PictureWilliam aims to cover 24 miles within a demanding 12-hour timeframe
The Travers Foundation is pleased to announce The Travers Challenge, a fundraising initiative scheduled for September 2025.

​This event invites trustees, members, volunteers, friends, and family to undertake personal challenges in support of the Foundation’s vital work.

 
William Sharman, a trustee of The Travers Foundation, exemplifies the spirit of adventure and community service by participating in the exhilarating Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. This arduous trek encompasses the exhilarating ascent of three majestic peaks: Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough. Participants must cover a total distance of 24 miles within a demanding 12-hour timeframe. William’s unwavering commitment showcases his fortitude and embodies the core values of The Travers Challenge, as well as the passion of everyone associated with the Foundation.

 
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of The Travers Challenge and warmly invite our community to join us in making a genuine difference,” expressed William Sharman, Trustee and Event Director of the Travers Challenge, with heartfelt enthusiasm. “Every contribution will have a profound and direct impact on the lives of the young people we strive to support. I am especially grateful to everyone backing my commitment to the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge—I hugely appreciate this support!”

William concluded "As a volunteer-led charity, all funds raised will benefit our members in achieving their goals. Participants can choose their challenges and fundraising targets, from physical activities to creative projects, making it an inclusive opportunity for everyone."
 
Get Involved: The Travers Challenge is free, fun, and open to everyone!
- Sign up for The Travers Challenge:
- Donate to support William: 
- Learn more about The Travers Foundation:

The Travers Challenge promises to be a month filled with inspiring personal achievements and community support. Join the Travers Challenge and make a difference!
 
About The Travers Foundation
The Travers Foundation is a volunteer-run charity that provides financial assistance to local young people aged 13 to 30, helping them realise their dreams in sports, music, and the arts. We nurture the talent of local teams, groups, and individuals in Rutland, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire.
 
Press contact
William Sharman
Email [email protected]
Mobile 07542-707272

Members Update April 2025

4/4/2025

 
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Announcing The Travers Challenge: A Month of Fundraising Fun for Everyone!

29/3/2025

 
PictureThe Travers Challenge: September 2025 - A Month of Fundraising Fun for Everyone!
The Travers Foundation is excited to announce the Travers Challenge, a series of fundraising events throughout September 2025. This initiative encourages trustees, members, volunteers, friends, and family to participate in a personal challenge to raise money for the Foundation.
 
The Travers Foundation is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to supporting its members. Every penny raised through the Travers Challenge will benefit the Foundation's beneficiaries.
 
"The Travers Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, have fun, and make a real difference," says William Sharman, Trustee and Event Director of the Travers Challenge. "Whether you choose to run a marathon, bake a cake, or organise a fundraising event, every contribution will help us continue our vital work."
 
Get Involved: The Travers Challenge is free, fun, and open to everyone!

- Choose Your Challenge: Participants are encouraged to select a meaningful and achievable challenge.
- Sign Up: Registration details and information can be found here.
- Fundraise: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor your challenge and support the Travers Foundation.
- Complete Your Challenge: Have fun and complete your challenge during September 2025!

 
The Travers Challenge promises to be a month of inspiring personal achievements and community support. Join the Travers Challenge and make a difference!
 
About The Travers Foundation
The Travers Foundation is a volunteer-run charity that provides financial support to local young people aged 13 to 30, helping them realise their dreams in sports, music, and the arts. We nurture the talent of local teams, groups, and individuals in Rutland, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire.
 
Press contact
William Sharman

Email [email protected]
Mobile 07542-707272

The Sporting Chance Prize Draw is open from 28th February to 14th March 2025

27/2/2025

 
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​New funding for emerging young local singers and musicians – but act quickly!

2/2/2025

 
PictureAyesha Swift voted Travers Rising Stars best performer at Glastonblaby 2024
The Travers Foundation, a local charity supporting young people, has launched Travers Rising Stars 2025. This offers emerging young singers and musicians access to funding for their development and studio recordings, enabling them to gain valuable experience by participating in live events.
 
‘This marks our fifth year supporting local artists in Leicestershire, Rutland, and Northamptonshire, and this year promises to be even bigger and better,’ states Kieran Forsey, Head of Travers Rising Stars. “By collaborating with enthusiastic supporters, including vocal coaches, local studio producers, and parents, young singers and musicians can submit their plans for 2025 and request funding to support their initiatives.”
 
“I’m reaching out to potential supporters who work with up-and-coming local singers and musicians and believe that charitable funding could be beneficial. I encourage them to direct these young people to Travers Rising Stars.”
 
Forsey continues, ‘Once an application is approved, singers and musicians can receive funding for artist development and will have the opportunity to perform at Travers Rising Stars events in Leicestershire, Rutland, and Northamptonshire. We have some exciting events lined up for this year, including the Glastonblaby 2025 charity festival in August.’
 
Singers, musicians, and their supporters must act swiftly, as places are limited.
 
To find out more and apply, visit www.traversrisingstars.com.
 
ABOUT TRAVERS RISING STARS
Travers Rising Stars is a unique programme for emerging singers and musicians aged 13 to 30 who reside in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, or Rutland. As a Travers Rising Star, young people can access funds to support their plans and gain valuable experience by participating in live events.
 
ABOUT THE TRAVERS FOUNDATION
The Travers Foundation is a volunteer-run Charity that provides financial support to local 13- to 30-year-olds to help them realise their dreams in sports, music, and the arts. We help by nurturing the talent of local teams, groups, and individuals in Rutland, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire.

Members Update January 2025

11/1/2025

 
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Members Update November 2024

14/11/2024

 
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Members Update September 2024

23/9/2024

 
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Members Update August 2024

19/8/2024

 
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Members Update July Part 2

27/7/2024

 
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Members Update July 2024

24/7/2024

 
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You can make a difference and volunteer to support local young people.

22/6/2024

 
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It's a harsh reality for our young people, who are striving to excel in sports, music, and the arts. They face significant disadvantages, with no apprenticeships, no government grants, and no workplace training programmes. Their only hope for funding is often limited to family, friends, or nothing. This is not fair, and it's why we need your help.
 
The Travers Foundation was established in 2012. It is a unique registered charity that provides vital financial support to help young people pursue their dreams in sports, music, or the arts. We are a team of dedicated volunteers, ensuring that every penny we raise goes directly towards helping local young people from Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, and Rutland.
 
This year, we are thrilled to introduce two new funds underlining our unwavering commitment to fairness and inclusivity. The Jeff Ward Sporting Fund provides additional grants to local young sportspeople selected to compete internationally, ensuring they have the necessary resources to succeed. On the other hand, our new Access Hardship Fund allows us to extend extra financial support to young people from families in the most need, ensuring no one is left behind.
 
We need your help to expand our support for local young people. If you’d like to learn more about The Travers Foundation and explore how you can make a difference, call me, and we can arrange an informal chat.

Thank you to The Access Foundation

11/5/2024

 

Monthly Highlights April 2024

6/5/2024

 
2024It's been a busy start to the year for ZakCampbell, age 17, from Corby. Hecompletes at Elite Level InternationalWako events. So far, Zak has taken aBronze medal at the Dutch Open, Slivermedals at the Watford Open, and Slivermedals at the GB Grand Slam in Bath.Zak has also been training with theWako GB Squad. Next up is theHungarian World Cup in Budapest -good luck Zak!
It's been a busy start to the year for ZakCampbell, age 17, from Corby. Hecompletes at Elite Level InternationalWako events. So far, Zak has taken aBronze medal at the Dutch Open, Slivermedals at the Watford Open, and Slivermedals at the GB Grand Slam in Bath.Zak has also been training with theWako GB Squad. Next up is theHungarian World Cup in Budapest -good luck Zak!

​NewGen IT Offers Free Hardware Audits to celebrate its Support of The Travers Foundation.

13/4/2024

 
PictureSuraj Dholakia (Centre) MD Of NewGen IT celebrates with colleague Matt Garratt (Right) & Terry Forsey (Left) Chairman of The Travers Foundation.
NewGen IT, a leading IT support and solutions provider, is offering free hardware audits to businesses in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland. This offer is a result of NewGen IT's support for The Travers Foundation, a volunteer-run charity that provides financial support to local young people to help them realise their dreams in sports, music, and the arts.
 
The free hardware audit service is available to the first 10 businesses who contact NewGen IT. The audit aims to help businesses optimise their IT infrastructure and identify potential areas for improvement. NewGen IT's experienced technicians will comprehensively assess a company's hardware, including servers, workstations, and networking equipment and provide detailed recommendations on hardware upgrades, replacements, and maintenance to ensure the business's IT systems run efficiently and securely.
 
"We are thrilled to offer this new service to our clients and the wider business community," said Suraj Dholakia, Managing Director of NewGen IT. "By sponsoring The Travers Foundation, we have a unique opportunity to give back to the local community and support their essential work. The free hardware audit is our way of helping businesses improve their IT infrastructure and, in turn, contribute to the growth and success of the region.
 
The Travers Foundation, which provides financial support to young people in Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland, has welcomed NewGen IT's sponsorship and the new hardware audit service.
 
"We appreciate NewGen IT's support and commitment to the local community," said Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation. "This new service will be invaluable for businesses looking to optimise their IT systems and free up resources to invest in their core operations and community initiatives."
 
Businesses interested in taking advantage of the free hardware audit can visit the NewGen IT website at  https://www.newgen-it.co.uk/free-hardware-audit/  to learn more and schedule an appointment.

About NewGen IT Services

NewGen IT Services, a B2B IT solutions provider, is a trusted partner, offering seamless services, quality hardware, and dependable 24/7 support. Businesses in Northamptonshire and neighbouring counties rely on NewGen to streamline operations and enhance productivity, making it their preferred partner for all IT needs.


Support The Travers Foundation with a Sporting Chance to win one of 50 amazing prizes

14/2/2024

 
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Taking a Sporting Chance with The Travers Foundation

29/1/2024

 
PictureThe Sporting Chance Prize Draw 24 opens at 12 noon on 1st March 2024
​The Travers Foundation is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Sporting Chance Prize Draw (https://sportingchanceprizedraw.com/). As part of this collaboration, The Travers Foundation will actively support its charitable endeavours.
 
The Sporting Chance Prize Draw aims to raise funds for various charitable causes, and the Travers Foundation is honoured to be a part of this initiative.

 
This partnership will enable the Travers Foundation to further its mission of providing opportunities for young individuals between the ages of thirteen and thirty, empowering them to pursue their passions in sport, music and the arts. Through this association, the foundation seeks to continue to positively impact the lives of aspiring young talents.
 
"We are excited to join forces with the Sporting Chance Prize Draw and look forward to contributing this initiative," said Terry Forsey, Chairman of The Travers Foundation. "This partnership aligns with our commitment to nurturing the dreams and talents of young individuals, and we are eager to support the Sporting Chance Prize Draw in its endeavours."
 
For more information about the Travers Foundation and its partnership with the Sporting Chance Prize Draw, please visit The Travers Foundation’s website and social media channels.

Announcing The Jeff Ward Sporting Fund

12/1/2024

 

Enabling International Success

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Jeff Ward was a keen racing enthusiast who competed and won races during the 1960s.
 
Joining the 750 Motor Club at age twenty, Jeff started competing with an Austin 7 Special before progressing via a self-built 750 Formula Car and the ex-Rob Easterling Rejo to a Chevron. A founder of the London Special Builders Group and author of The Special Builders Guide, Jeff helped countless others progress up the motorsport ladder.
 
Retirement did not stop his sporting pursuits; he was a regular sailor at Rutland Water. He also enjoyed participating in the annual Banbury Run, the largest gathering of pre-1931 motorcycles organised by the Vintage Motorcycle Club. Jeff won on several occasions!

PictureThe Jeff Ward Sporting Fund, provides funding to our local young sportspeople who have the ability and opportunity to compete internationally.
But what made Jeff Ward truly special was his passion for helping others achieve their sporting dreams. He always took an interest in a young person's sporting endeavours, and he believed that to succeed in sports, you need clarity of purpose and persistence.
 
Jeff Ward once wrote, “To succeed in sports, you need a clear vision and determination. A clear vision of what you want to achieve. Determination & resilience to help overcome challenges and continue to move forward." 
 
Jeff Ward's legacy lives on through The Jeff Ward Sporting Fund, which enables The Travers Foundation to provide additional funding exclusively to our local young sportspeople who have the ability and opportunity to compete internationally.
 
Terry Forsey, founder of The Travers Foundation, says, “We are honoured to have been selected as the Jeff Ward Sporting Fund custodians. We are confident that our local young sports people will benefit from this funding for many years.”
 
Local young sportspeople can apply for support at www.travers-foundation.org.uk.
​

Meera Joshi premiers her new "Made in Corby" poem at The Travers Foundation event

24/11/2023

 
In August 2023, Corby based actor and poet, Meera Joshi, attended an intense course with The National Youth Theatre, directed by The Opia Collective.

Meera relates her experience in a powerful new poem "Made In Corby". This new work saw its debut at The Travers Foundation - Travers Young Stars event "Taking The Stage" held at The Core at Corby Cube on Saturday 18th November. 

See her live performance opposite and the full poem script  is also included below. 

Read Meera's National Youth Theatre diary

Meera Joshi - "Made In Corby"


"Made In Corby" by Meera Joshi

Made in Corby,
Where the sparks of steelworks lay the foundation of our story.
In this town where dreams flicker like embers of the night,
So many dreams, desperate to take flight.
 
Traver’s has the tools,
For opportunities outside of schools.
Support for Coaching and mentorship,
Think of it as a partnership.
Auditions, Rehearsals, Studio space?
Travers clears hurdles and sets the pace.
For the young and the bold, just thirteen to thirty,
Casting the framework of dreams strong and sturdy.
 
It’s your time, it's your curtain call,
Opportunity awaits, break down the wall.
With the community’s love and Travers by your side.
You can pursue your passion as your guide.
 
Don't let doubt scare you away,
You’re the only one standing in the way.
The fear is the shadow that looms,
In the quiet corner where anxiety consumes.
I refuse to be bound, to let my dreams slip by.
To go without and always wonder why?

So I took a chance of my own,
With an audition out my comfort zone.
The National Youth Theatre,
Three weeks of learning, making, and creating,
This is the path of life I’ll be taking.
Nurtured my roots in the industry,
Seeds of support sown,
I am glad I didn’t do this journey alone.
I was Championed, challenged, and coached,
Next up is agents to go and approach.

In the streets of Corby, where the stars align,
Thousands of dreams combine.
The neighbourhood whispers secrets of dreams,
In the vibrant air, potential gleams,
In the dark of the night,
There is a glimmer of light.
The Travers Rising Stars,
Your passion will take you near and far.
Opportunities will shine like stars of the night,
Don't back down, stand, and fight,
For your talent and ambition
As a pioneering musician,
Producer, Performer, Sportsman, and Actor,
Will create a new exciting chapter.
 
Corby, a stage tonight where the young ignite,
In the spotlight of dreams, we’ll burn so bright.

© Meera Joshi, 2023

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Governance
  • The Travers Foundation is a Registered Charity Number 1154203
  • Private Company Registration Number 08277339, Limited by Guarantee. 
  • The governing body is The Board of Trustees, which meets every quarter. 
  • Copies of our Policies & Constitution are available here
Contact Us
Registered Address
Barn House
74 High Street
Gretton
Northamptonshire
NN17 3DF
Contact Us
Leicestershire Office
​8 Rutland Lane
Bottesford
Leicestershire
NG13 0DG