In Memory of Eric Adams
It is with great sadness that the Network shares the passing of Eric Adams, a dedicated and influential figure in the world of philanthropy and civil society.
On Friday 2nd May 2025, behalf of the West Midland Funders Network, I attended Eric’s Memorial Meeting a Quaker House, Selly Oak. There were many poignant and profound contributions from family, friends and colleagues that knew Eric. A selection of these can be found here with a copy of the order of service. His wife, Fiona Adams, Trustee of Mary Kinross Trust (a WMFN member), spoke of his contribution to family and work: I take a small extract of what Fiona said:
“Having been granted a period of Sabbatical leave by the Trustees (Barrow Cadbury Trust), Eric set off for USA and Canada to visit trusts and foundations – making life-long friends in the process and bringing back ideas, enthusiasms and even more networks………….. The common theme was networking, joint projects, learning from and supporting each other. It was because of them, and Eric’s charm and determination, that when he heard of particular individuals who needed help to, for example, fund their education in the UK, he was able to assemble a group of colleagues from the charitable trust world who between them could produce the funds needed to help whoever it was. Eric was an enabler of people. He supported and encouraged people to thrive and flourish – me above all."
Having had the privilege of working with Eric at the Barrow Cadbury Trust many years ago, we remember him as a man of deep reflection, always ready with a touch of good humour and an unwavering commitment to his role. Over his remarkable 29 years of service, he played a pivotal part in the Trust’s work, first as Assistant Secretary and later as Secretary.
Eric was appointed Secretary to the Paul S. Cadbury Trust in 1984, bringing with him a background in social services in Worcestershire. His focus on neighbourhood development in the West Midlands addressed critical community and social issues. In the History of Barrow Cadbury Trust, Eric reflected on his early years at the Trust, recalling with characteristic warmth: "I ended up… in Lower Gornal, Upper Gornal and points north to Bloxwich!"
His commitment to strengthening civil society led to the establishment of the West Midlands Charitable Trust Group, an early iteration of what is now the WM Funders Network. Through the Barrow Cadbury Fund, he also ran a distinguished Fellowship Programme in memory of Paul Cadbury, supporting individuals from the USA, Northern Ireland, and South Africa, many of whom went on to become influential figures in their own right.
Following the retirement of Anthony Wilson, Eric took on the role of Secretary, overseeing significant commitments to Northern Ireland, community organising in the UK, and a strategic restructuring of the Trust’s programmes. Under his leadership, individual trustees were given special responsibilities for specific programmes, ensuring deeper engagement and a more profound understanding of the issues being addressed.
Even after his retirement, Eric remained a leading light in the world of philanthropy, continuing to shape and inspire civil society in the UK. His dedication, wisdom, and generosity of spirit will be greatly missed by all who had the honour of knowing him.