Robert Bernays OBE DL

Member since 1982

Robert Bernays' career was in farming. He farmed 1500 acres before creating Old Down Country Park, a tourist attraction welcoming families, schools and other visitors to its woodlands and farm. It included a farm shop selling fruit and vegetables, home made ice cream and yoghurt from the farm's milk. He remains involved in environmental work and is a Director of the Forest of Avon.

Robert is Chairman of the J & M Britton Charitable Trust, which was set up by his family and supports about 90 Bristol charities annually, and has recently made a donation of £250,000 to the Bristol Beacon. He is an Ambassador for the Bristol Aerospace Museum, Alabare (supporting homeless people) and Stroud Court (people with mental health difficulties).

Robert has always been interested in improving educational opportunities, serving as a governor of six schools in the public and private sectors. He has also been involved in care for older people. He was vice-chairman of Brunelcare before becoming President of the St Monica Trust at a time when it was pioneering new ways of caring for people with dementia. Under his leadership St Monica’s set up three new care villages.

Robert enjoys his involvement with the Merchants Venturers and their collective effort to improve the wellbeing and opportunities for young people right through to elderly care. He was awarded an OBE for his charitable work in the West Country.