Vaughan Lee House would like to thank the Gooch Charitable Trust for its unstinting support, over many years. The Trust has helped with building alterations, in addition to the purchase and running of our own minibus. This vehicle has proved a huge benefit to our residents and is cared for and driven by a team of dedicated, volunteer drivers, to whom we also owe our sincere thanks.
The trust was set up by Archie Gooch MBE and his daughter Heather Virgin, in 1998.
Mr Gooch wanted to show his appreciation to the town where he had set up his business with his partner Les Housego, in 1948. He and Les had been evacuated, from London, to work at Standard Telephones and Cables, as key workers, manufacturing crystals for the war effort. There he met his wife Nancy, settled in Ilminster and set up Gooch & Housego. Archie Gooch was a respected and active member of the community.
After the Company was floated on the AIM Stock Market, he wanted to give something back to the town and with the help of his daughter, set up the Gooch Charitable Trust (Ilminster).
A BIG THANK YOU to Gooch Charitable Trust.