The John Ray Trust was established as an educational charity
(Registered Charity no. 294915) by Braintree District Council in
1986. The objects of the Trust are to promote and increase
awareness and appreciation of the work of John Ray, perhaps the
most eminent Natural Scientist of the seventeenth century, and
also to provide an annual Bursary Scheme for students
undertaking projects in the natural
sciences.
BURSARIES
The bursary scheme has been in existence since 1987 and has
awarded bursaries to successful candidates for projects all over
the world. Applications for bursaries need to be made by the middle
of March each year and involve the part funding of projects in the
natural sciences likely to be undertaken over a three to six month
period or less. Awards are usually made within a £500 pound limit
but higher awards can be made as determined by the Bursary Panel
which normally meets in May.
The John Ray Trust/DCH Scholarship scheme also exists to assist
individual students, living within the District of Braintree, to
advance towards the successful completion of a Degree in the
natural sciences where social, family and financial circumstances
might otherwise prevent such attainment.
Those wishing to apply can contact The John Ray Trust
Administrator, Town Hall Centre, Market Square, Braintree, Essex.
CM7 3YG. Telephone: 01376 325266.
CELEBRATING JOHN RAY
The Trust, in consultation with and working together with Essex
County Council, Braintree District Council and local parish
Councils established the nine-mile John Ray Walk
from Braintree to Witham, enabling walkers to reflect on the scenic
region where Ray grew up and lived in later life.
The Trust also maintains a John Ray
Garden, situated in The Public Gardens, Bocking End,
Braintree, which opened in 1986. This provides the opportunity
for quiet reflection in a pleasant and peaceful environment and is
currently undergoing refurbishment.
Those who wish to learn more about John Ray can visit the
John Ray Gallery in Braintree District Museum or
purchase the story of his life and work in the Museum Shop.
Organisations can book a presentation about John Ray that
usually lasts for one hour and comes in two formats, one of which
includes an ‘appearance’ of John Ray talking from his perspective
of the 17th century.
All contact with the Trust can be made through the
Administrator, as set out above, or by telephoning the Chairman,
Malcolm Bryan, on 01376 326372.