Great Rollright Charities
This leaflet is to ensure that every household in Great Rollright is aware of Great Rollright Charities and the financial support that is available. This may not be relevant to you but it could be appropriate for somebody that you know. There’s a link to the Application Form at the bottom of this page.
HISTORY OF THE CHARITIES
The Poor’s Estate was established in Great Rollright in 1455 and land was given to trustees in order for rent from the land to be given to help the poor. By 1530 the trustees were two prominent and successful village ten- ant farmers whose names were John Baughan and John Prew - these names live on in the village today. By 1895 the charity was administered by the Parish Council but by the early twentieth century the Charity trus- tees were meeting separately. Documents show that there was another charity: The Great Rollright Educational Foundation. Together, these evolved into the Great Rollright Charities.
The Major Charles Hall Memorial Charity for the Poor of Great Rollright was established by the Major’s wife in 1895. £2,000 was invested and dividends from this were to be given to the poor children of the parish for medical expenses, clothing, fuel, and food. This Charity is currently being incorporated into Great Rollright Charities.
Great Rollright Charities exists today to help needy residents of Great Rollright in various ways. Income is derived from land rented around Brightwell Farm, Little Rollright, land by Whichford Lodge, rental from a telecoms mast, and income from investments.
DISTRIBUTION OF INCOME
Great Rollright originated as a farming village, with most employment derived from working on the land. As there was no NHS or State pension provision, individuals suffering ill health or in retirement were dependent on family support or charitable organisations. Originally the Rollright charities may have supplied medecines, coal, a bag of logs or food sup- plies. In more recent years Great Rollright Charities issued vouchers to spend in our village shop, and when that closed, a Co-op voucher for use in Chipping Norton. Until very recently Christmas grants were sent out based on age, but this was never means tested and so did not necessarily go those in need. The Trustees have agreed that in future, any villager seeking support will be asked to submit a simple application form for ap- proval by the Trustees.
WHO CAN APPLY AND WHAT FOR?
The scheme is open to Great Rollright residents only.
There is a notional grant limit of £400.
The type of relief that the Charities can offer is wide and varied,
for example:
Medical - payments for medicines to relieve distress or sickness, travel- ling expenses for those going to and from hospital, or for relatives visit- ing, providing wheelchairs, mobility aids and other similar items where not available through the NHS.
Household - furniture, bedding, food, fuel, heating appliances, televi- sions, computors, IT hardware and software
Work/Education – essential tools and equipment, books, computers and IT, payment of fees for education including travelling expenses
The Trustees will consider applications for other types of assistance which fall within the categories permitted by the Charity Commission.
If you would like advice on what might fall within these categories, please contact Sue Glasson, 07803 167813 merrymoons@me.com or Gavin Southwell, 01608 730888 gavin@southwell.uk.com or look on-line at the Charity Commission web site where the categories are fully explained.
CONCLUSION
We hope you find this information helpful. We encourage applications for consideration by the trustees. All applications will be treated confidential- ly and should be returned to the Chair at Merrymoons, Stone Court, or any one of the trustees.
Current Great Rollright Charities Trustees:
Sue Glasson (Chair) Simon Cock Brenda Hayden Rev Janet Faull
Gavin Southwell (Clerk) Janet Wilkinson
Rev Christopher Turner