Pam Byde Bequest
Pam Byde's life and interests
Pam Byde was born into a working-class family London in 1942. At the end of
primary school she was thrilled to win a scholarship to the local grammar school.
The scholarship covered fees and books, but not uniforms, which Pam's parents
could not afford. It seemed grammar school was a dream out of reach. However
an aunt of Pam’s managed to scrape together enough money for the uniforms,
and Pam went to grammar school. She then won a scholarship to Cambridge University,
which she loved, and was set on a path to lifelong learning. Later she completed
a Masters in New Zealand, then worked for many years as an academic sociologist
in Brisbane.
Pam was a person of enormous energy with a deep interest in the arts, particularly
drama. She took part in both acting and directing roles, on top of her daytime
job as an academic. Pam loved people, and was a generous friend, alert to how
practical help could give someone an opportunity to go where they wanted in
life. She was fascinated by what enabled disadvantaged people to become empowered.
This interested her as a sociologist, but also was expressed in her own life
through her generous mentoring of young people.
Although brought up a Methodist, Pam was a spiritual seeker, trying several
churches. She came to The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) late in life.
She was very much at home with our concerns for peace and social justice.
Pam Byde attended Kelvin Grove Meeting House in Brisbane for many
years. Born into a working-class family London in 1942, she was
thrilled to win a scholarship to the local grammar school at the end of
primary school. The scholarship covered fees and books, but not
uniforms, which Pam’s parents could not afford. It seemed grammar
school was a dream out of reach. However an aunt of Pam’s managed to
scrape together enough money for the uniforms, and Pam went to grammar
school. She then won a scholarship to Cambridge University and was set
on a path to lifelong learning. She completed a Masters degree in New
Zealand and worked as a sociology lecturer in Brisbane.
While
Pam lived a rich life in which her education offered her many opportunities,
she never forgot the gift of the uniforms which made it all possible. She understood
that while money can't buy happiness, it does give you choices. When Pam
became ill with mesothelioma, she thought deeply about what to do with her estate.
Pam
was fascinated by what enabled disadvantaged people to become
empowered. This interested her as a sociologist, but also was expressed
in her own life through her generous mentoring of young people. In her
will, Pam left a bequest to the Religious Society of Friends so that
her work could continue.
Pam Byde was an attender at Kelvin Grove Meeting House in Brisbane, a
person of enormous energy who loved people, she was alert to how
practical help could give someone an opportunity to go where they
wanted in life. She was fascinated by what enabled disadvantaged people
to become empowered. This interested her as a sociologist, but also was
expressed in her own life through her generous mentoring of young
people.
Pam died in 2004. In her will she gave a substantial amount of money 'to
the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Queensland for its own use and
benefit absolutely to be used according to the principles of the Quaker testimonies
of justice, equality and peace'.
In consulting with some of Pam's close friends it became clear that her main
intentions were to help individuals, particularly those who were disadvantaged
in some way. These could include people from the Indigenous communities, refugee
families, young women in distress, etc.
She also was keen to promote a concept of sharing; that those assisted should
share with other people the knowledge, experience or education they gained.
If their experiences earned them money, this could be shared as well, including
making donations to the Bequest.
Pam Byde Bequest committee
Queensland Regional Meeting have established a Pam Byde Bequest committee to handle applications for grants.
Among the criteria for grants are:
- It is intended that at least one-third of the grants made from the Bequest
be to Indigenous people or Indigenous projects
- Grants should be made principally to people resident in Queensland or groups
or organisations principally based in Queensland
- Grants are intended to further the Quaker principles of peace, justice
and equality and can include any purpose related to the relief of distress
or poverty, the gaining of education, experience or training or any other
purpose related to these principles
- The emphasis on making grants is to give to individuals, or to groups or
projects which are intended to assist individuals
- We do not normally make grants of an ongoing or continuous nature nor provide
supplementary funding to projects which are already well-funded
Not all grants require written applications, but applicants should bear in
mind the guidelines mentioned above. Written applications should normally be
limited to one page in relation to individuals and three pages for a group or
organisation.
Grants would normally be limited to no more than $5,000 for an individual
or $20,000 for an organisation, but these amounts may be exceeded in exceptional
circumstances.
Further information is available from:
The Convenor
Pam Byde Bequest committee
10 Hampson Street
Kelvin Grove Qld 4059
or
email pambyde@quakers.org.au
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