Alrewas and Fradley Charities was originally known as Alrewas United Charities and dates back to 1692 when one William Turton left money for the benefit of our village. Since then there have been a further eight charities or wills involving our villages. In 1932 an application to the Charity Commission was made by the then Vicar of Alrewas and four others to amalgamate these charities, and Alrewas United Charities was born.
Since 1932 the trustees have met regularly, and given modest donations as the original deed instructed, “for the general benefit of the poor” including “grants or contributions for the sick and infirm, the supply of clothes, boots, linen and bedding, and the temporary assistance in money in case of sickness, special distress or unexpected loss”. In 2015, our objectives were re-drafted to allow us to support any Charitable Cause in Alrewas, Fradley, or Orgreave. in 2016 we took on the new name of Alrewas and Fradley Charities.
We currently have 13 Trustees, including 1, nominated by Alrewas Parish Council, and one nominated by Fradley and Streethay Parish Council.
We are so fortunate to live in this wonderful area and encourage everyone who feels that way, to be involved. There are many ways you can help, including regular giving by Gift Aided standing order, loose change collecting box, individual donations or legacies.
At our recent trustees meeting we welcomed Felicity Arblaster of Fradley as a trustee. Her father George, a lovely man, and very astute, was a Trustee of the Charity for many years.
We were able to support the following requests;
Kim Brookes and Sonia Wilcox are co-ordinating our collecting boxes and small change boxes, if you want one, or yours is full, please contact Kim on 01283 791572.
We continue to support needy individuals and groups in our villages, and recently were able to help a young family with their urgently needed house move. If you hear of any other causes you think we should support, do please let us know. Its our Charity, its your Charity!
Many thanks to all who attended or donated prizes for our annual Banquet at the Delhi Divan on 11th January. What an evening! Abdul and his staff really did us proud with a delicious selection of Pappadums, Sauces, Bhajis, Kebabs, Curries, Dahl, Rice, Nans and more, and nothing was too much trouble for our 109 guests.
With the raffle (and thanks to all those who gave so generously), the evening raised just over £1000, an amazing result, which will help us to support individuals less fortunate, or in difficulties, and organisations needing financial help, in our villages.
Grateful thanks to our MP The Right Honourable Michael Fabricant for attending, and for presenting a cheque to Paul Watts of Alrewas Tennis Club for their Floodlight Appeal.
Do let us know if you hear of any causes you think we could be supporting, and if you would like to make a donation to our ancient Charity.
We rely on donations from individuals, fund raising activities, and the modest rent we receive from a field, owned by the Charities, at Orgreave. Our aim is to support any individual in distress for whatever reason, whilst also supporting and encouraging local initiatives, and good causes. We would particularly like to hear from young people seeking funding for academic, musical, sporting or personal development.
Do spread the word, and do let us know if you hear of any worthwhile causes that need support or funding, in Alrewas, Fradley and Orgreave.
Lyn Beaumont, Dr Robert Horton, and Jo Spence (also Chair of Fradley Defibrillator Fund) at the handover of the defibrillator at Fradley.
