The Munster Trust ended its 2025 year of applications and auditions with a tribute to Charles Alexander, who has retired as Chair of the Trust after 10 years of exceptional service. Trustees, former trustees, Executive Director Julia Desbruslais and Operations Assistant Hannah McDonald gathered on 2 June in Covent Garden for a celebratory meal to mark the occasion. In thanking Charles with Clare Alexander with him, we were able to remember the 700+ beneficiaries that had received awards during his time, the appointment of Julia Desbruslais as Executive Director, the move to the Trust’s new office in Somerset House (with the help of YCAT CEO Alasdair Tait), the continued development of the trust’s assets including legacies and absorption of other trusts and Charles’ devotion to all the trust’s work.

We reminded Charles that he was the fourth Chair of the Munster Trust since its inception following Gerald Coke (1958 – 1978, Leo de Rothschild (1978 – 2005) and Nicholas Berwin (2015 – 2015). During his tenure, he also chaired the Royal Marsden Hospital (2016 – 2022), Guy’s and St Thomas’ (2022 -) and VIVID Housing Trust. These last two appointments continue and Charles will also continue with his work in the arts with his Chairmanship of Opera Rara, an interest that is very close to his heart.

Thank you Charles for a great ten years. The Munster Trust has benefited enormously from your time with us.

Charles Alexander

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