Simpson Charity
The Simpson Charity is a
trust that came into being more than 300 years ago to help the people of
Debenham. The purpose of the trust is described in the following excerpt from
the Will of John Simpson who died 7th May 1697.
“(a)
£17 6s 8d to be laid out for the poor in bread, to be distributed on the Lord’s
Day for ever, Forty (twopenny) wheaten loaves of
bread, to be given out at the Parish Church at Debenham.
(b)
£12 13s 4d to be paid the five and twentieth of December yearly, to be laid out
in eight coats and six gowns, to be yearly delivered to the eight most needy
poor men and six poor women of the town of Debenham
£17- 6 - 8
£12-13- 4
£30- 0- 0 Annual Bequest”
Of
course, £30 now doesn’t quite buy what it did in 1697, so the trustees have had
to change the way the benefits are distributed. However the records show that
this wonderful gift has continued each year to help people in the parish.
The
charity is managed by three trustees:
Corel Moreton, 7,
Francis Prout, 9,
A
letter was sent to C Styles requesting that the annual bequest be paid to the
charity as willed. Mr Styles responded very promptly to the request and he is
thanked for his payment.
Corel Moreton acts as treasurer for the charity and
manages the bank account. The year opened with assets of £95.19 and the
donation of £30 requested was the only income.
Following discussion on the approach to be used to
make donations, the trustees agreed that notices should be placed around the
village requesting nominations of those who could most benefit from a gift to
the value of about £30. Notices were designed and placed in the following
locations:
Parish Magazine, Notice Board, Paper Shop, Post
Office, Dove Cottage, PC Newsletter.
This publicity and subsequent follow-up calls
resulted in one nomination and vouchers to the total value of £30 were
delivered to a surprised and delighted parishioner.
No expenses have been claimed which leaves assets
of £95.19
In these days of the welfare state it should be less necessary for charities to provide support for life’s fundamentals, as did the Simpson Charity in earlier days. However, with a little bit extra it is still possible to make the year a little more special and memorable.