A Dorset-based charitable trust established in the 1980s to offer comfortable, independent living for retired individuals, with priority given to those who have worked the land in and around the Portesham area.

Fry Brothers Charity Legacy

Arthur Sidney Fry and Thomas Fry, the Fry brothers, were dedicated farmers based at Norris Mill, Bockhampton, near Dorchester. They also owned Marsh Farm in Portesham, now known as Portesham Dairy Farm. Tom passed away in 1980, and Arthur had pre-deceased him in 1965.

Before his passing, Tom expressed his wish to set aside part of his land specifically for the construction of homes for retired farm workers in and around Portesham. Upon his death, he bequeathed 3.177 acres of land, now known as Fry’s Close, along with a sum of £145,000 and a property in Dorchester, to aid in this charitable venture.

Leslie Phillips, then the chairman of the district council’s housing committee, was entrusted by Tom to establish a trust for the building of these bungalows.

In 1982, the Fry Brothers Charity Trust was founded. Clarissa Bark, who had served as the Fry brothers’ housekeeper, joined Michael Pengelly, Leslie Phillips, William McCarthy, Basil Gillam, and Gwen Powell as Trustees, and together, they moved the project forward.

The Fry Brothers Charity was officially established in December 1985, and planning permission was granted to build six bungalows at Fry’s Close, with another added in 2001. Over the years, the charity has expanded, acquiring additional properties in the area, including a bungalow on Back Street, one on Cemetery Road, and another in Chickerell, bringing the total to ten properties.

However, the Trustees faced significant challenges in fulfilling Tom and Arthur’s wishes. Planning permission required roadworks to improve access to the land, which exceeded the bequeathed funds. To cover the shortfall, the Trustees made the decision to sell part of the land to a private developer. This move ultimately benefited the village by improving road access. However, the decision of the developer to construct two-story homes instead of bungalows sparked some controversy.

Despite the challenges, the result is a mixed development in Fry’s Close, where the legacy of Arthur and Tom Fry endures. The bungalows provide a peaceful and serene retirement setting in the charming village of Portesham for their intended beneficiaries.

The Legacy Continues

The Fry Brothers Charity remains active today, with a board of Trustees chaired by Martin Jolliffe and properties managed by the charity’s secretary, Michele. While the charity’s original ethos remains unchanged, the Trustees recognize that agriculture has evolved in the 21st century and that many in the farming community have already made retirement provisions. As such, the Trustees are open to considering tenants from outside the Portesham area.

For more information please see the ‘contact us’ page, we would be delighted to hear from you.