Worthy causes in the Matlock area are being invited to apply to Derbyshire Dales District Council for funds from the historic Ernest Bailey Charity.
The District Council is Trustee of the charity, which makes an annual grant from interest on a fund set up by local benefactor Ernest H. Bailey.
Bailey, born in 1870, owned Bailey's Flour Mills in Lumsdale and in 1924 founded the former Ernest Bailey Grammar School in Matlock’s New Street.
As Trustee, the District Council administers Bailey’s fund “for the general benefit of the inhabitants of Matlock and district” (Matlock, Matlock Bath, Bonsall, Cromford, Darley Dale, Northwood and Tinkersley, part of Rowsley, South Darley, Starkholmes and Tansley) in one or more of the following ways:
- for the relief of the aged and poor,
- for the relief of distress and sickness,
- to support facilities for recreation and other leisure time activities,
- to support educational facilities or
- in such other way as the Trustees think fit.
The District Council welcomes applications from organisations and individuals who meet the criteria and it’s now easier than ever to apply online at www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/ernestbailey
In 2023/24, £9,131 was awarded between 25 applicants.
The closing date for completed application forms is 4 October. Further information and a paper application form can be obtained by email to
