Courses & Learning
About the Catchpool fund
The Corder and Gwen Catchpool Fund was established in honour of these two Friends who gave much to Friends in Germany before and after the war. They had a profound influence on Rudi Schmidt, a German Friend, and drew him to Woodbrooke. Subsequently he created the Fund and, on his death in 2000, left a substantial bequest so that continental European Friends could continue to visit Woodbrooke and invite Woodbrooke to visit them.
During the 1990s young people, first from former East Germany and later from other parts of Eastern Europe, were enabled by the fund to spend terms at Woodbrooke. By the time the fund was much increased by Rudi Schmidt’s legacy in 2000, the term time programme had ceased. We now interpret the spirit of Rudi Schmidt’s bequest in a new environment, still respecting his preference for encouraging people from continental Europe, especially young people from Germany and the east to experience what Woodbrooke has to offer.
Money is available to pay for the cost of our courses and other expenses. The Fund is available throughout Europe and we are very keen to see it used as widely as possible by Friends and those who share an interest in our faith and values. Young Friends are particularly encouraged to apply for financial help, as Rudi Schmidt cared passionately that a new generation should learn how to live peaceably together.
View the Woodbrooke in Europe brochure for more information.
European Friends can apply for financial help from the Corder and Gwen Catchpool Fund. Funds are available for individuals and groups. Find out more information on individual bursaries.
