The Jumbo Project benefits from legacy

A grant from an independent charitable trust made a big difference at a crucial stage of our work to restore Jumbo and bring it into financially sustainable use.

The Pilgrim Trust, which was founded in 1930 by an endowment of £2 million from American philanthropist, Edward Stephen Harkness, awarded North Essex Heritage £20,000. The money paid for crucial exploratory works to inform the design of The Jumbo Project.

Simon Hall, MBE, DL, Chair of North Essex Heritage said:

“The generous and timely award from the Pilgrim Trust has been invaluable in allowing us to carry out work to ensure the long-term viability of Jumbo for our local communities and the nation. The support and vision of the team has been inspirational.”

Sue Bowers, Director of the Pilgrim Trust, said:

“Jumbo is a complex structure to repair and convert, our grant of £20,000 will help fund exploratory investigation work. These initial works will be invaluable and inform the design required for long-term viability of this beautiful Victorian municipal water tower.”

A woman stands smiling on a red iron spiral staircase.

The Pilgrim Trust gives around £3million a year in grants to charities and other public bodies that focus on preserving the UK’s heritage or on bringing about social change.

Sue Bowers and Dr Anna Keay, OBE, a Trustee of the Pilgrim Trust, visited Jumbo with North Essex Heritage Trustees Andrew Crayston and David Balcombe.