The Sperring Charity offers financial support to the people of Midsomer Norton and surrounding areas. It is the generous legacy of Ralph Sperring, who left his estate to benefit the community that he loved. 

 

Ralph was a carpenter and builder by trade. He lived with his sister, Irma, in Midsomer Norton and owned a number of other houses in the town. During the 1950s and even until he was quite elderly, Ralph was often to be seen out and about in Midsomer Norton, carrying ladders and decorating materials as he tended to his tenants properties. He was known for the brown decorators coat and cap that he always wore.

 

Ralph Sperring died in 1989 at the age of 81. His only close relative had been his sister, who died in 1978, so Ralph left his estate in trust to benefit the local community.

 

Since The Sperring Charity was founded in 1990, it has supported hundreds of local people with grants ranging from £50 to £5,000. The charity has paid for sports kits and school stages; contributed towards new church roofs and school libraries; and supported community groups and Duke of Edinburgh participants.

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The Sperring Charity considers applications for financial assistance from any local club, organisation, school, community group or individual in need of support.