The Sidney Betchley Charity, Henry Smith’s Charity and John Smith’s Trust
11 November 2019
Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.
A legacy left by a 16th-century salt merchant and philanthropist is still benefitting East Grinstead residents who find themselves in need at Christmas time. On his death in 1628 Henry Smith left £2000 for the purchase of land that would yield an annual income to help the poor, with which his trustees bought land in Kensington and Westminster.
The Henry Smith Charity’s capital endowment now consists of a substantial portfolio of stock market investments, property and investments in Hedge Funds, Private Equity and Venture Capital. Its grant making, which totals many millions of pounds each year, addresses a wide range of causes and extends throughout the whole of the UK.
East Grinstead residents, 65 years old and over and on a low income, are invited to apply for a grant. Successful single applicants will receive a £50 voucher for Sainsbury’s or Waitrose, £70 for a married couple. An extra £15 will be awarded to successful applicants 90 years old and above.
Applications open on the first of November and closes on Friday 15th November 2019.
Forms can be collected from and returned to: East Grinstead Town Council offices, East Grinstead Library, Citizens Advice Bureau East Grinstead, Judges Close Surgery, Age UK East Grinstead, Waitrose East Grinstead, Sainsbury’s East Grinstead, Moatfield Surgery, Ashurst Wood News Store, St Dunstan’s, Forest Row Parish Council, Ashdown Forest Health Centre.