TAVISTOCK and West Devon residents who are facing financial difficults may wish to apply to the trustees of a charity to help them in their time of difficulty. The local trust was generously set up by wealthy Tavistock man and textile dealer Nicholas Watts, who died more than 300 years ago. In his will dated 1674, he created a permanent endowment for the residents of the town. Over the years the properties and land have been sold and the funds invested to produce income. With the help of the Charity Commission the scheme for administering these funds has been updated to provide present day needs. These funds are divided into two separate estates, Brownsdale and Tremayne. The Tremayne fund helps people who live in Tavistock. They can be male or female and of any age. The award is for personal use. Last year the amount allocated to each applicant was £350. Payment is usually made in October. The Brownsdon fund helps men who reside in Devon with preference being given to the residents of Tavistock. It has been used to help owner/occupiers to carry out repairs to their property including decorating and even the , purchase of cookers and washing machines. The money awarded is paid directly to the trade's person or to the person supplying the service. In the past the awards have amounted to between £200 to £5,000. In addition the trustees have up to £1,000 available each year to enable a male resident in hardship or poverty to help further his education or vocational training. Applicants for any of the above awards will be required to attend at the Parish Church Centre, Tavistock to complete an application form. (See page 4 for details of times).