“we are going to create a special charity”

“…… it will be called The Clare Milne Trust.”

The honeypot at the end of the rainbow!

Gyles Brandreth’s latest book, “Somewhere, A Boy And A Bear,” explores the origins and legacy of Winnie-the-Pooh and its creator A. A. Milne, drawing on Brandreth’s personal friendship with the real Christopher Robin Milne. The book marks the centenary of the original stories, weaving together biography, literary history, and the impacts on three generations of the Milne family, and then the Trust.

The Clare Milne Trust Connection

The Clare Milne Trust was established by Lesley Milne, Clare’s mother and widow of Christopher Robin Milne, using a share of the financial proceeds from the success and popularity of Winnie-the-Pooh, to honour her daughter Clare, who lived with cerebral palsy. The Trust continues active charitable work for disabled people in Devon, where the MIlne’s and Clare lived and Cornwall, supported by royalties stemming directly from the Pooh legacy. Gyles Brandreth, intimately connected through his research and personal ties with the Milne family, has highlighted this connection in interviews and articles.

“We are delighted to see Gyles Brandreth’s new book about Winnie-the-Pooh and the remarkable Milne family. Through vivid storytelling and personal memories, Gyles sheds light on the real Christopher Robin—and the extraordinary philanthropic legacy of The Clare Milne Trust. Clare Milne, Christopher Robin’s daughter, inspired our charity that continues to help disabled people across Devon and Cornwall, thanks to the worldwide success of Pooh. A moving story of childhood, creativity, and changing lives for the better.”

This connection between Gyles Brandreth’s book and The Clare Milne Trust is a moving example of how classic children’s literature can inspire real-world generosity and positive change for local communities. In conversation with the author Gyles Brandreth, he highlighted his delight at the amazing support The Clare Milne Trust provides and the good it does in Devon and Cornwall, supporting people living with disabilities. His passion and knowledge of the charity was clear, so fittingly continuing the goodness which weaves through the Winnie-the-Pooh stories.