About
The Provincial/Walsh Trust Bolton is committed to supporting individuals and groups in the Borough of Bolton, and to making a positive difference to those most in need.
We are a grant making Trust open to voluntary, community, and non-profit groups and also charities (local, regional and national) that have a direct benefit to the people of Bolton Borough and the Bolton community. Applications from individuals from the Borough needing assistance to reach their potential are also welcomed.
The Provincial/Walsh Trust is a Member of the Bolton Community and Voluntary Service (Bolton CVS)
The PWTB Story
While the Trust you see today was only formally created in the early 21st Century, our roots go back as far as the early 1950s.
Initially set up following a donation from the Provincial Insurance Company, to support people in Bolton, the late 1990s saw the Trust merge with the David Walsh Trust; a charity originally set up to distribute money from the sale of the Walsh’s Institute in Harwood. This was established to both promote the education or persons under 25 resident in Harwood and surrounding areas and for the general benefit of the inhabitants of the area.
A further bequeathment from the John Needham Memorial Trust, also established to benefit young people, has since allowed the Trust to expand its reach within the Bolton Borough.
As of today, we manage assets of over £1 million and use the income on these assets to grant fund projects which contribute to improving and strengthening the well-being of communities within the Borough of Bolton.
The charitable objectives of the merged Trust focuses on general charitable purposes for public benefit and over the years the Trustees have aimed to uphold these values, funding individuals and groups for educational or social benefit; focusing particularly upon those in need.
Meet our Trustees
Our Trustees bring with them a diverse range of experience and knowledge from the charitable, public and private sectors; and with an investment portfolio of more than £1 million, PWTB aims to facilitate greater investment in individuals, voluntary, community and non-profit groups/organisations and charities that have a direct benefit from the people of Bolton Borough and Bolton communities.
Carol Corbett
Carol became the PWTB Chairperson in April 2023, having been a Trustee.
She worked extensively in local government (project management/urban regeneration). Also worked as a Teaching Assistant for over 6 years in Bolton and was a School Governor for 10+ years in a different local school. Now active in volunteering locally through mentoring young people, and supporting older people as well as with the Trust.
Peter Steele
Now retired, Peter was the Managing Director of Hanburys, the family business, until 1997. As well as the Trust, where he has been a member for over 5 years, Peter is actively involved in the Bolton Scouting Movement; where he is Group Scout Leader of the 17th.
Robert Binks
A retired qualified accountant, Robert worked in the finance and Chief Executives Department for Bolton Council for over 30 years, where he specialised in government grant funding and regeneration programmes. Working with the Trust since 1986, he became Treasurer in 2015 and was appointed as a Trustee in 2017.
Brian Broughton
A retired accountant with a wife and 4 children, Brian has for the past 40 years been active in the local communities where has has lived; Chester, the North East and now Bolton. He has been, or still is, involved with church groups, scout groups, school PTAs and sports clubs.
Christine Ellis
A retired planner and project manager with over 30 years experience in the public sector, following her retirement, Christine has supported a local community group.
Caroline Gleaves
A youth arts and community engagement specialist with over 30 years’ experience, including 15 years in senior leadership within Trafford Council. Caroline is the founder and CEO of Gorse Hill Studios, where she leads creative, inclusive projects that empower young people. Caroline began her career as a creative youth worker at Bolton Octoagan Theatre and has deep roots in Bolton, where she remains committed to building resilient, connected communities through collaboration and creativity.
Our Secretary
Joan Woodward
A retired executive assistant with 40 years experience, Joan has provided valuable support to the Trustees and to applicants since 2011.