The Trust grew from our connections with Frankie, Dennis Heymer and Chris Byrne. Fundraising at Wavering Down helped local causes before the Trust was formally established in 2008.
FROM A SOMERSET HOME
From Wavering Down to Loxton
At Wavering Down in Cross, visitors enjoyed open days, the gardens and charity entertainments. Dennis and Chris helped establish the fundraising that led to the Trust.
Dennis Heymer and his partner and carer, Chris Byrne, welcomed visitors to the house and gardens. Concerts and other charity events raised funds for local causes.
2008
The Trust is established
As the fundraising grew, a charitable Trust was formed. Dennis became its first President. Dame June Whitfield later took over, followed by Dame Joanna Lumley.
Moving to Loxton
A new community base
After Dennis died and Wavering Down was sold, the Trust developed its work in Loxton. Chris died in September 2017.
2026
The Dame June Whitfield Centre
With a café and minibus supporting the community, the Centre opened officially on 21 April 2026.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PURPOSE
The people behind the Trust
Our patrons have personal connections with Frankie, Dennis and June. We are grateful for their continuing interest and support.
OUR PRESIDENT
Dame Joanna Lumley
Joanna succeeded her friend Dame June Whitfield as our President. June had been a close friend of Frankie’s. Joanna and Suzy Aitchison opened the Centre named in June’s memory.
Our patrons
David Walliams
A longstanding admirer of Frankie, David portrayed him in Rather You Than Me and narrated Frankie Howerd in His Own Words.
Griff Rhys Jones
Griff’s connection includes visits to Frankie’s Somerset home and support for local school fundraising for the Trust.
Rafe Spall
Rafe met Dennis while preparing to play him in Rather You Than Me, and became a patron alongside David.
Suzy Aitchison
June’s daughter remembers Frankie and Dennis visiting for family Sunday meals, and Frankie’s teasing. She has continued her mother’s support for the Trust.
Our trustees
Phil DaviesChair
A founder member and local charity fundraiser who knew Frankie for fifteen years. Phil is also a qualified balloon pilot and an experienced bell ringer.
Nigel LincolnSecretary
Based in Cross, Nigel helped with Wavering Down events from 2003 and became Secretary in 2008. His teaching career included work in England, France and Zimbabwe.
Debbie WebbTreasurer
Debbie works in accountancy, tax advice and Will writing. She enjoys sailing and lives aboard a yacht with her husband.
Ian ShiptonTrustee
A retired solicitor living in Christon, Ian has supported Young Enterprise and St John Ambulance. His interests include gardening and walking.
Jane LincolnTrustee
A former biology and music teacher, Jane performs with local musical groups that raise funds for charity. She and Nigel live in Cross.
Teresa HumphreyTrustee
A retired rural GP and Cross resident, Teresa brings experience of the difficulties that isolation can create for older people and young families.
Frankie Howerd, 1976: photograph by Allan Warren, via Wikimedia Commons, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Resized and cropped for page layouts. The adapted photograph remains available under the same licence.
Wavering Down, the Hub, community and Centre photographs: sourced from The Frankie Howerd OBE Trust and the Hub & Café’s existing websites. Original source details are retained with the project.
