Local Charity

HENRY SMITH (ROTHERFIELD SHARE) CHARITY No. 235516

Generally referred to as the “Smith and Fermor Charity” the charity benefits from income generated by trusts created in the 18th Century. The original purpose was for the income received to be distributed for the benefit of the “poor and needy” of the “Ancient Parish of Rotherfield” which now consists of the modern day parishes of Rotherfield (including Mark Cross, Town Row, Boars Head and part of Eridge) and Crowborough.  The Charity still receives reasonable sums each year but the number of cases that come to the Trustees for consideration has dwindled. 

The Trustees are the Town Clerk of Crowborough and Parish Clerk of Rotherfield, together with a representative from each of these Parishes. The objectives of the Charity have recently been reviewed and updated to express them in more modern language whilst still remaining true to the spirit and intentions of the original benefactors. The new objectives have been accepted by the Charity Commissioners and are as follows:-

1.      The relief of financial hardship among people living in Rotherfield and Crowborough civil parishes by providing such persons with goods or services which they could not otherwise afford through lack of means.

2.      The provision of financial support to Charities or other not for profit bodies delivering support and services to elderly people living in Rotherfield and Crowborough civil parishes.

3.      The provision of financial support to Charities or other not for profit bodies assisting in the treatment, care and support of persons living in Rotherfield and Crowborough civil parishes suffering from mental or physical illness of any description or in need of rehabilitation as a result of such illness.

4.      The provision of financial support to Charities or other not for profit bodies providing recreational, educational or leisure time activities to develop the skills, capacities and capabilities of children, young people and others with special needs living in Rotherfield and Crowborough civil parishes to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.

The Trustees consider all applications sympathetically within the terms of the governing trust deed. In recent times grants have been made for the following purposes:-

·         Assisting a social group for the blind.

·         Helping with travelling costs for regular hospital treatment visits.

·         Purchasing a mobility scooter.

If you wish to apply or are aware of cases that you believe we may be able to help, please contact our Secretary, Trevor Thorpe, at rotherfieldpc@yahoo.co.uk or on 01892 664245. You may be assured that complete confidentiality will be preserved.

The Trustees

January 2010

 Please click  HERE to view a copy of the Charity's report and accounts for the year ended 31st December 2009