Betchworth United Charities
The Trust covers the ancient Parish of Betchworth, i.e.
including the more recent Parish of Brockham. The major element of
the Trust is the Henry Smith Charity.
Henry Smith was born in Wandsworth in or about 1545 and died in
1628. He was a Salter by trade who grew rich and purchased
estates in various parts of England. He had no children and
during his lifetime created a number of charitable trusts for the
relief of the poor.
Betchworth and many other parishes have received Smith's charity
since the 17th century and today, the main object of the Estates
fund is to provide relief in some way to residents who are elderly,
sick, in need and to assist their advancement in life within the
Parish. The income from this fund consists of a mix of
property and stock market investments and grants are distributed
amongst individual Parishes entirely at the discretion of the Henry
Smith Trustees.
There are eight Trustees of the Betchworth United Charities
(200299), headed by the Rector of Betchworth and the Vicar of
Brockham (both ex officio). There are two Trustees nominated by the
Betchworth and Brockham Parish Councils respectively, and four
Trustees co-opted as and when necessary.
The Trust provides support to persons in need, suffering
hardship or distress, and small grants for educational or training
purposes for children and young people.
Application for grants from Betchworth United Charities should
be sent to Sally Drayson at s.drayson@btinternet.com
or Tel: 01306 888727
The Henry Smith Charity