The Royal Fund For Gardeners' Children

The Royal Fund for Gardeners' Children was founded in 1887 to help the orphans of horticulturists by giving them regular allowances or making grants for special purposes.

WHAT THE CHARITY DOES

Though in the intervening years social conditions have improved and wages are higher, the need for this help remains. Our aim is to ensure that the orphans are no less well fed and clothed than their contemporaries and that they are able to take advantage of the educational opportunities open to them.

Recognising the special needs of one parent families, we ensure that each family is visited at least once a year. Our visiting and counseling service provides us with the opportunity to find out the special needs of each family and we have given grants to pay for fares to school, for special educational facilities and for holidays. We find that the knowledge that there is someone who cares and takes an interest in their problems is a great comfort to bereaved families.

Not the least of these problems arises when the family have been living in tied accommodation and, on the death of the father, are moved elsewhere, sometimes to a different area and far from friends and familiar surroundings. Difficulties may arise when the children change schools, and, in addition to bereavement, the mother has to cope with her own feelings of loneliness. It is at such times that the Fund can be of great help.

In 1985 the scope of RGOF work was expanded to help the needs of children of horticulturists, not necessarily orphans. We are now able to offer assistance to children with special educational requirements. These may be of a special talent or through disability. We can also help needy families, especially those with children suffering disabilities, with items such as winter clothing, beds and bedding, holidays etc.

THE CONSTANCE SPRY FUND

This is a fund which was created within the RGOF in 1960 to commemorate one of the most famous flower arrangers of her time. It is applied primarily for the benefit of orphans who have passed normal school leaving age, but whose talents qualify for further education.

HOW CAN YOU HELP

The work we do is only limited by the funds at our disposal, and our ability to get in touch with those who qualify for our assistance, and we welcome help in both directions. We need subscriptions and any other financial help that can be provided. If you feel that you would like to assist us in this work, please send a donation.

‘helps children in need’