Combermere Abbey raises more than £13,000 for the Together Trust

Sarah Callander Beckett, the owner of Combermere Abbey, visited the Together Trust in Stockport this month to present the Trust with a cheque for more than £13,000, raised by Combermere during its one-year charity partnership with the charity. 

Combermere is a multi-award-winning estate, set amid rolling parkland on the Cheshire/Shropshire border, which can trace its history back to the twelfth century. In addition to being a wedding and events venue, the Abbey also offers overnight stays in its North Wing, holiday accommodation and facilities for corporate events. 

Sarah Callander Beckett said: “I chose the Together Trust as our charity partner when we’re planning the celebrations of the centenary of my family is at the helm at Combermere and it tied in well with the Trust celebrating its 150 anniversary in 2020. And of course, the Crossley family have been great supporters of the Trust since its earliest days.  

“Everyone at Combermere really embraced our partnership with the Together Trust and money was raised in all sorts of innovative ways. Two of the gardeners ran the London Marathon in support of the Trust, their first time running in the event, and funds were raised during our garden open days, our Christmas shopping fayre and at an exclusive lunch with renowned interior designer Nina Campbell, who designed all the interiors of the North Wing at Combermere Abbey   

“We also raised money for the Trust at our vintage and classic car owner event in October, which for me had a personal connection with the Trust because it featured the car that originally belonged to Lady Mabel Crossley, the wife of Sir William Crossley, my great-great-grandparents, which is now been fully restored to its original glory.”

William Crossley, who together with his brother Francis founded the famous Crossley Engineering Company in Manchester, was one of the charity’s original trustees. Sir William was well-known for his philanthropy and as well as his many generous donations to the charity he became chair of the Trustees Committee in 1890.

Brian Chesworth OBE, the President of the Together Trust, said: “In all Combermere has raised £13,355.33 for the Together Trust during our partnership, far exceeding Combermere’s own target that Sarah had set of £10,000.

“Quite apart from the fact that this is a lot of money, which will do a lot of good, it has helped to reinforce an already very special relationship between The Together Trust and Combermere Abbey, a relationship that has really stood the test of time.

“Sarah’s family has been involved with the Trust throughout its history and Sir William’s generosity and commitment to helping the wider community has been repeated in generation after generation of his descendants. We can’t thank her and everyone at Combermere enough for their splendid generosity.”

Alicen Thorn, Corporate Fundraiser at the Together Trust said: “It was a pleasure to work with Sarah and her team. Combermere Abbey is such a special place and for me, it was wonderful to be a part of the enduring relationship that has existed between the Crossley family and the Together Trust and has brought so many benefits to children and families in the North West for so very many years."

“I look forward to keeping her updated on all the good that’s done with the money they’ve raised.”  

Main picture: (from left to right) Julie Isted, Director of External Affairs and Governance; Alicen Thorn, Corporate Fundraiser; Sarah Callander Beckett; Brian Chesworth OBE, the President of the Together Trust.