The Samuel Lee Charity
A community fund for the Parish of Geddington & Newton.
It has been 10 years since the first Memorial Lunch was held to commemorate the Tercentenary of Samuel Lee’s death in 1708. Postponed from March this year due to inclement weather, 2018 saw the Lunch held on 28 October. A fitting time as it was the first anniversary of John Sutton’s death, John being the driving force behind so much of the Charity’s increase in its financial health and standing in the community. With a reception, a three-course meal followed by tea or coffee, two speakers this year, followed by an auction and a raffle, it’s always a very pleasant social event and, of course, the main fund-raiser for the Charity.
In complete contrast, the Christmas distribution is a tradition that has been held each year since the Charity was first created in 1717. The content of the distribution has changed significantly over the centuries, not least of which was the basic need for food in the 18th and 19th centuries for the poor of the village. These days, the distribution is a reflection of the instruction that Samuel Lee stated in his Will and while the ‘need’ is no longer there, we are grateful to the 50 or so people who help to keep this 300 year-old tradition alive. If you, or someone you know, is over 75, and would like to be part of this tradition, please get in touch with me or any Trustee. The 2018 distribution will take place on Saturday 22 December from 10am.
And finally, the Trustees would like to remind everybody in Geddington and Newton that they are always willing to consider applications for financial help, by grant or by loan, from residents who find themselves in difficulties or for student needs.
This year, the Charity has revised the Grant Application form – the last one was devised by Mick Alloway, chairman until 1992 – so revision was seriously needed. Guidance Notes have also been issued to comply with current regulations. Contact any of the Trustees or the secretary if you would like one. And please, be assured that any request is kept entirely confidential and the Trustees do not engage in means testing
As John Sutton said many times: “The Charity’s resources are not great, but a little help can make all the difference at a critical moment. If you think we could help you, or if you know someone who might need our help, please contact the secretary, on 742292 or speak to one of the other Trustees listed below.”
Trustees:
Nick Batchelor, 1 West Street (chairman)
Claire Buckseall, 7 Chase View Road
Jim Harker, Lyons Yard, Wood Street
Paul Hopkins, 9 Grafton Road (treasurer)
Rachel Newall, 21 New Road
Tony Slough, 2 Chase Farm
Keeley Tate, 42 Skeffington Close
Pam Hopkins Secretary, 9 Grafton Road, Geddington, tel: 742292, email: pamhopkins747@btinternet.com
