The first payments were made in 1863 when £18.14 ($29.74) was distributed to the needy. Last year, they distributed over £70,000 ($115,000) to their beneficiaries and, as the leather trade has shrunk in the UK, many of the applications we receive come via other charities for the elderly.
The LHTBI is still providing a service to pensioners who appreciate it greatly and the challenge is to continue to meet their needs with new ideas for fundraising as there is now such a small leather trade left in England. In recent years, they have had to reach outside the leather trade to ensure that they can continue for the next 50 years.
The LHTBI’s current chairman, William Tusting would be happy to hear from anyone wishing to assist the institution with a donation or fundraising opportunities. Visit www.lhtbi.org.uk for more information.
