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 10½ 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 1920s, the Settlement became a Registered Charity.
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 dependants in need, hardship or distress, by making grants of money or providing or paying for items, services or facilities for them.
The Trustees make annual donations to organisations such as SSAFA Derbyshire and the Royal British Legion Derbyshire County to assist them in providing appropriate help.
Sarah Fletcher, who is the great great-niece of Mrs. Emily Mundy, has supported the charity for over 15 years.
The Trustees would welcome donations to help them 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.