The Erle Trust
The Erle Trust Fund was renamed as such from the United Charities of Plympton St Maurice which were registered with the Charity Commission on 26th November 1909 and 6 November 1951. The charity of Stevens’ Relief In Need was joined with the others in 1996.
Although these dates seem relatively recently the original charities are much older than those dates suggest.
The United Charities comprised several small charities that were established many years ago but all have the same guiding principles. That all income of the Charities should be used for the benefit of the poor of the parish of Plympton St Maurice as the trustees select and in such a way as they consider most advantageous. This can be the supply of clothes boots or blankets, fuel, tools or medical aid, other articles in kind and temporary assistance in money by loan or gift in special circumstances where distress or unexpected loss happens.
The original charities were
The Charity of Reginal Charles Buller
The Charity of Sir Warwick Hele
The Charity of William Allen Kite
The Charity of Robert Rawlin (or Rawlins)
The Charity of Henry Hele Treby
The gifts are generally made just before Christmas.
Our earliest records date back to 1856 but these contain copies or extracts of earlier documents where the original charities were set up. They are handwritten and contain fascinating records of the time.
In the late 19th century poverty was rife and Plympton St Maurice was no stranger to people living in dire need. The early records recount gifts at Christmas of coal , blankets and material for coats. Some entries relate the distribution of bread to the poor, how many loaves were purchased and who received them. These were truly awful times but the Charity carried on with the distribution of assistance to the poor of the parish and still continues with that today.
These days we award a small gift of cash to people living in poverty, those who are struggling with life changing events or are living alone and have no means of support. The gifts are distributed at Christmas in accordance with the founding charity trustees wishes.
If you know of anyone who may benefit from a small gift from the Erle Trust Fund please contact the current administrator Councillor Terri Beer by email terri.beer@plymouth.gov.uk
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Charity Commission Website - THE ERLE TRUST FUND - 204217
Plymouth City Council - Outside bodies - Erle Trust Fund - Modern Council
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