The Anchor Society CIO is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation based in Bristol, England which supports older people in need in the Bristol and Bath region (BS, BA and GL Postcodes).[1] Its work primarily centres around grants to individuals, housing and other projects which benefit older people.[2]
The original unincorporated Anchor Society was formed by the Whigs in 1769, when it held a dinner at the Three Tuns, a tavern on the site of the present Corn Exchange in the centre of the medieval quarter of Bristol, when 22 members were present. Some 46 years after his death, the initial founders wished to emulate Edward Colston's philanthropy, so at this inaugural dinner the President, Gilbert Davies took up a collection for their charitable work. Initially, the Anchor Society supported 'lying-in' women and poor orphaned females to save them from prostitution.[3] Today, the charity focuses its attention on helping older people in need.
The Anchor Society is closely aligned with the Dolphin Society and the Grateful Society, both of which also help older people in the greater Bristol area. All three societies also gather in mid-November to celebrate their charitable work at an annual service of thanksgiving.
Since its inception, there has been an unbroken record of Presidents' annual appointments and personal collections in support of the charity's work.