Hmmmm...Did you know that...

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by Hilde Bracegirdle

So wonderful to see how his efforts have helped so many, and in so many corners of the world. I only wish he could have known this would happen as he was chipping away at his epic, seemingly overwhelmed by the constant need to make ends meet.

He was pretty comfortably off at the end of his life - The Bournemouth bungalow is in "millionaires' row" and he probably knew his family would be "cushioned" at least. But given that the gifts are at the choice of the trustees it does show how nasty the freeloading accusations are, as Davem points out. Of course these "freeloaders" that have donated to so many life affirming causes have gone about their giving discreetly so no doubt the image will stick . I heartily approve of their regular small amounts policy too. The amounts may seem small when the total is looked at but having worked as Finance Officer for a small charity I know such gifts can make a huge difference. If you google the "Tolkien Trust" you will find that it is the major donor for a lot of the benifitting charities.

I can't help thinking it is a pity that the National Lottery charity committee does not comprise a quartet of Tolkiens....