Looe Development Trust

Facilitating, fund-holding and providing for community projects across Looe since 2001.

Who we are

Looe Development Trust is a registered charity (No. 1090558), established in 2001 to improve the lives and wellbeing of people living in Looe and the surrounding parishes. Building Bridges in the Community isn't just our motto — it's what drives everything we do, from the projects we fund to the people we bring together.

The Trust raised over half a million pounds to build the Millpool Centre, which we run for the benefit of the whole community. We are a fund raising, not a fund giving charity. We support groups and adopt ideas, with advice, advertising, help with risk assessments and navigating all the rules and regulations around running events and starting up new organisations.

The centre is only part of the story: from the Edwina Hannaford skatepark project to the Panto, we facilitate, adopt and support projects across the town, guided by four charitable objectives - education and learning, preserving local heritage, recreation and leisure, all for the wider benefit of everyone who lives or works here.

Projects

Edwina Hannaford Skatepark for Looe

The Trust is leading this joint project to build a wheeled sport facility with the Town Council and Boundless Trust to raise £250,000 plus vat.

Looe Development Trust is leading the project along with its partners Looe Town Council and Boundless trust to build the Edwina Hannaford skatepark. We have planning permission and a draft 99 year lease for land in the Millpool car park for this much needed youth facility aimed at 8 - 18 year olds. We have raised almost 60% of the build cost thanks to the huge support of our community. If you want to get involved or run an event to fundraise please message Kim the lead trustee at [email protected]

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Looe Defibrillator Appeal (fund holding)

The Looe Development Trust holds funds for this town project organised by the Looe Harbour Commissioners:

Since 2018, local fundraising has kept 16 defibrillators active around the town. With a key funding partner stepping back this year, this appeal needs to raise £5,616 to replace pads and batteries and keep every unit ready to save a life.

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Festival of Words

Festival of Words annual event held around venues in Looe (Fund holder)

The Looe Development Trust holds funds for the running of this event. Providing guidance and insurance for the running of the event.

An annual celebration of reading and writing these events bringing local and visiting writers together for the whole community to enjoy, with author talks, creative workshops and a bookfair held each Autumn in Looe.

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Enterprise House Rental

Rental of commercial premises at Polkirt Arcade

Rental of a commercial premises at Polkirt Arcade to local business to raise funds to help meet the Trust's overhead costs.

Christmas Lights & Festivals (fund holding)

Fund holding for the Supply & maintenance of town Christmas lights & organisation of New Years firework displays

The Looe Development Trusts holds funds, provides guidance and charity licence cover for fund raising for the Christmas lights & New year eve fireworks organisation.

May Fayre

May Fayre (fund holding & insurance)

The Looe Development Trust provides a fund holding facility and insurance for the running of the this popular West Looe May Fayre event.

Looe community Players

Looe community Players ( joint venture and fund holder)

The Looe Development Trust has facilitated both the annual summer play and winter pantomime held at the Millpool centre each year.

Looe Community Meals

Looe Community meals are hosted at the Millpool Centre on the last Weds of each month.

Past projects & support

Creative Looe

Bringing professional arts opportunities to local young people.

Creative Looe runs ambitious arts projects for the town, connecting local talent with nationally recognised artists — from contemporary dance masterclasses to collaborative performances rooted in Looe's own culture and history.

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Our trustees

Justin Spreckley
Chairman
Elaine Warne
Secretary
Robert Lewis
Treasurer
Malcolm Garrington
Trustee/Director
Michael Macartney
Trustee/Director
Armand Toms
Trustee/Director
Colin Tregear
Trustee/Director
Kim Spencer
Trustee/Director