At the end of the First World War, Mrs Emily Mundy of Markeaton Hall, Markeaton, Derby was appalled when she saw the plight of disabled soldiers returning from active service and the terrible conditions and problems facing them and their families. 

On 4th April 1919, a meeting was held to discuss a proposed scheme to acquire 10 1/2 acres of land off Kedleston Road, Allestree, Derby in order to house disabled soldiers and their families.

The Disabled Soldiers Land Settlement, as it was originally known, came into being. Mrs Emily Mundy provided the land on which several bungalows were built. In the 1920's, the Settlement became a Registered Chairty.

The land at Allestree was eventually sold and the proceeds were invested, partly by paying for the construction of some houses in the War Memorial Village Derby at Shelton Lock. 

For almost 100 years, successive generations of Trustees have been helping disabled ex-servicemen (originally soldiers but now from all branches of the armed forces) born or resident in Derbyshire and their dependents in need, hardship or distress by making grants of money or providing or paying for items, services or facilities for them.

The Trustees make regular donations to organisations such as SSAFA Derbyshire, the Royal British Legion Derbyshire, the RAF Association Erewash Branch, Revitalise and the Me & Dee Charity to assist them in providing appropriate help.

They also work closely with the War Memorial Village Derby in maintaining the houses occupied by people meeting the criteria of the Settlement.

The present Chair of Trustees Mrs. Sarah Fletcher, who is the great great-niece of Mrs. Emily Mundy, and her co-Trustees would welcome donations to help them to continue their very valuable work well into the future, and are always willing to consider any applications for assistance from disabled ex-servicemen born or resident in Derbyshire. 

Published 15th July 2019