Village Information
Village Charity
Information about the village charity
This is the village Charity for Marton cum Grafton and dates back to the late 17th Century.
There are a few genuinely needy families living in the village. Over the years the charity has supported families coping with bereavement, contributed to needy children associated with the village school and helped some families so they could buy food and presents for their children at Christmas. Help is also given to elderly residents who struggle with heating bills in the winter.
Please let one of the Trustees at the charity know if you are aware of cases of need.
You can donate to the charity in one of these ways:
- in cash (a collection box is available at the village shop)
- by cheque payable to Richard Helme and delivered to one of the Trustees
- by BACS to: HSBC – Sort Code 40-12-28 – Account Number 61308017 (Gift Aid form available)
- by regular Standing Order payable to Richard Helme: HSBC 40-12-28, Account Number 61308017
History
In 1699, by his will dated 7 March, Richard Helme founded the charity. Other similar trusts set up by William Clarke, Edmund Catton and Richard Browne became defunct many years ago and were closed in the 2010s, but the Richard Helme trust continues.
The terms of the trust state that funds be used to assist people within the Parish of Marton cum Grafton. Ten Shillings was to be paid to the Vicar to preach a sermon on Good Friday. A small income is generated from rental on a local field. Otherwise all income is by generated by donations from residents, including a welcome annual contribution from Open Gardens.
In the last few years the Charity has become more active and approaches for help have increased exponentially. Whilst it might be thought there are no people in this village in need of help, this has not proved to be the case. The work of the charity is done quietly, in the background, through information confidentially received from neighbours, the vicar or the headteacher at the school.
Trustees
David Zucker
Rev Sarah Feaster, 330928
Alan Charlton
Lynda Bullus, 325955
