A History of our Trust
Marshchapel Combined Trust is the merger of the three Charities in the village that were previously known as The Charities of Mills, Harpham and others, The Charity known as Lill's Bequest and The Charity known as the Tenements. This merger was sealed on 25th October, 1989.
Perhaps many of you have never heard of the Marshchapel Combined Trust so we thought it would be a good idea to let you know more about it.
The Marshchapel Combined Trust (formerly known as Marshchapel Charity Trust) has helped members of the parish for three hundred and fifty years. The Trust was formed in 1652 when land was bought to safeguard a collection of bequests, in particular the Harpham Wesly’d and Lill bequests, which had been given for village people in need. Cottages and fields were rented out to provide money, housing and land for poor people. Cash was distributed every Easter and Christmas and individual cases of hardship were given special consideration.
Many people were forced into the workhouse after 1837 due to changes in the Poor Law, but it seems that Marshchapel Charity Trust tried to support village paupers so that they could continue to live and work in the parish and grow their own food in the charity gardens (which can still be seen running from the back of the Trust houses on Sea Dyke Way to Littlefield Lane). The cottages, fields and gardens still provide income for the Trust and land for local people to cultivate. Unfortunately none of the old cottages remain. A thatched cottage at the edge of the churchyard was probably the oldest dwelling; it is shown on Haiwarde’s map displayed in the Village Hall but was demolished in 1886. Five thatched cottages known as Poor’s Row were destroyed by fire but in 1893 two new cottages were built on Sea Dyke Way, opposite the telephone box, which are still maintained and updated by the Trust today.
The last refurbishment of the cottages was in the summer of 2015, when we were unfortunate in losing two long standing tenants. One cottage was refurbished with a new kitchen, boiler and bathroom and the other received a new bathroom. Both cottages were fully professionally redecorated throughout and new carpets and flooring were also fitted. At the rear of the cottages are the Allotment Gardens which are available for villagers to rent, please contact the Clerk if you are interested in having one, currently the annual rent is £10.00.
Traditionally, at Christmas, the Trust distributed vouchers to pensioners for use in the local shops and pubs which echoed the spirit of the Trust’s earlier distribution. In January 2021, however, the Trustees reviewed the objectives of the Trust being classified under the heading 'relief in need' and this practise was discontinued.
To bring the Trust up to date we now assist many different organisations and individuals across the age range within our community.
The Trust is classed under the heading 'relief in need' and every effort is made to administer the Trust in the spirit of the original bequests, the Trustees have had to adapt to the needs of changing times but are always willing to consider legitimate requests for help from members of our community.
The Marshchapel Combined Trust is administered by six Trustees, two of whom are nominated by the Parish Council and may or may not be Parish Councillors. The remaining four Trustees are Co-opted from people who through residence, occupation or employment have special knowledge of the Parish and may also be Parish Councillors. Nominated Trustees serve a fixed term of four years and co-opted serve for five years. There is no limit to the number of terms a Trustee can serve.
It might appear that the Parish Council also run the Trust, they do not, but we have found, through experience, that this is the most convenient way to administer the Trust. The Parish Council are the only organisation within the village that meet on a regular basis and are able and willing to administer the Trust. The Trustees, who may also be Parish Councillors, take their responsibilities very seriously and hold a meeting regularly, before the Parish Council meeting. These meetings are not open to members of the public and the minutes are not available for members of the public to view due to the confidential nature of the running of the Trust.
The Trust files their accounts with the Charity Commissioners regularly every year and this information is on their web site for anyone to access.
Please feel free to contact us if there is any way in which you think the Trust can help you or an organisation you are involved with. Over the years we have helped the local Primary School, the Kids Club, Pop-In, the Scouts, the Meals on Wheels and we have given help to people for trips to hospital as well as helping with travelling expenses. There are many ways we can help, you only have to ask.
Address and 'phone contact details are the same as for the Parish Council. Email: Marshchapelcombinedtrust@gmail.com