THE Rugby Group Benevolent Fund has formally closed, as of the end of December 2025, marking the end of seven decades of charitable support for communities connected to the former Rugby Group, RMC, and Cemex UK operations.

Founded in 1955 and established as a registered charity in 1973, the Fund has been managed throughout its history by a dedicated group of trustees, all former employees, who have worked to ensure that the organization’s philanthropic legacy reached those who needed it most. Over the last 70 years, the Fund has distributed more than £17 million to a wide range of beneficiaries, including charities, charitable organizations, youth and community groups.

Support has focused on communities surrounding existing or former cement plants, including Rugby, Southam, Barrington, Kensworth, Lewes, Chinnor, Rochester, and South Ferriby. In the Rugby area alone, the Fund has provided substantial donations to a wide variety of hospices including Myton and Helen Ley House, to health facilities such as Friends of St Cross, to family support organizations such as Children in Touch, to youth clubs such as the Bradby Club, to community groups such as the Benn Partnership, and to adult support organizations such as Hope 4 Rugby and Age Concern.

Sadly, the Fund’s chair for the last 20 years and a trustee for a total of 25 years, Graeme Fuller, passed away on 1 December 2025. A former HR director of Rugby Cement, he had put everything in place as required to secure the proper closure of the Fund but unfortunately was not able to oversee the final few weeks of its existence.

Ian Southcott, Rugby Group Benevolent Fund director and trustee, said: ‘It has been a privilege to continue the long-standing tradition of giving, that began many decades ago within the Rugby Group. The Fund’s purpose has always been to support the well-being of our local communities and former colleagues, and we are incredibly proud of the positive impact achieved over the past 70 years. As the Fund reaches the natural conclusion of its journey, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed, partnered with us, or benefited from this work.’

Cemex UK say the closure reflects the completion of the Fund’s planned charitable lifecycle, with all remaining commitments now fulfilled, and that the present trustees and their predecessors can be justly proud of the contribution the Fund has made over seven decades.

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