Poland House
Sydney Poland House
The results of the Local Housing Needs
Survey have now been published -
click here to view a copy of the report.
Are you in need, hardship or
distress?
You may have heard of the Sidney Michael
Poland Trust and you may know that it owns and manages ten units
for elderly people at Poland House in Kiln Lane. But did you know
that the Trust also manages a fund specifically for residents of
Brockham who are in need, hardship or distress? We do not have
unlimited funds, but in these difficult economic times, we may be
able to help people who are struggling to cope. For example, we
might be able to replace a broken washing machine or perhaps fund a
training course to help with someone's job prospects. If you would
like more information please call Lesley Cruickshank on 843531.
About Sidney Poland
Sidney Poland was an extremely generous benefactor to the
residents of Brockham - particularly the village children - in the
early part of the last century.
He lived at The Manor, at the western end of Kiln Lane. When he
died in 1936 he left significant funds and property for the benefit
of the people of the village, which were to be made available after
the death of his sister Rosina Poland.
Miss Poland died in the early 1950s allowing this charity to be
established by the Charity Commissioners. The Manor was demolished
and much of the land fronting onto Kiln Lane leaving land at the
eastern end as the site for the new Poland House, built in
1957/58.
With the two additional dwellings added thirty three years later
through the generosity of another local resident Hugh Peddell, and
two more superb homes built in 2007 at the rear of the site with
the assistance of Betchworth United Charities, there are
now 10 independent units of accommodation used as
accommodation for the elderly and also a flat for the Warden.
The grounds of Mr Poland's house were extensive and had included
a boating pond much used by local children, and a small bowling
green.
The bowls club which is owned by the Trust but managed through a
committee of the Club, was formed in 1951 when the Trust built the
pavilion and enlarged the green. A few years ago Trustees made a
grant to the Club to modernise the facilities and to add an
additional link. The public was given access to the land by the
river known as the Old Orchard and to the adjoining woods. In 2001
the Charity Commissioners allowed the Trustees to make grants to
help people living in the village who were 'in need, hardship or
distress' and when funds permit, make contributions to local
organisations.
Poland House
Poland House is set back from the road in Kiln Lane, on high
ground overlooking the sports field and the slopes of Box Hill.
There are 10 self contained dwellings and a flat for the
Warden who plays a supportive role for the residents.
Vacancies are advertised and priority is given to residents of
Brockham although accommodation can be allocated to people who live
in Betchworth, Buckland or Leigh.
The occupants of the dwellings are not tenants and so they do
not pay rent they have to make a regular contribution towards the
costs of maintaining Poland House.
Poland House is neither a nursing home nor a residential care
home, although every effort is made to support people if they are
unwell. If residents are unable to care for themselves and
therefore unable to remain in Poland House, the Trustees will help
them to secure more suitable accommodation.
Amenity Land
The Trustees have a responsibility for the land along both sides
of the path to Betchworth from the footbridge over the Mole as far
as Mill Hill Lane. This includes the open space by the river and
the woodland to the north of the bridleway. Every effort is made to
encourage the public to make use of the Old Orchard where there are
seats donated by the Millennium Committee and the grass is
regularly cut.
A long-term plan for the woodland is in place under the guidance
of a specialist consultant. Sympathetic fencing has been introduced
to reduce the impact of car parking, to protect the replanting, and
to enhance the safety of those using the path.
The Bowls Club are soon to occupy their new pavilion paid for by
the Trust, whilst the Brockham Angling Club is afforded free
fishing rights for its members along the north bank of the
river.
The Trustees seek the support of Brockham residents in
maintaining the area of the Old Orchard and the nearby woodland as
a safe and enjoyable amenity for the whole village. There are
concerns that considerable damage has been caused to the woods by
youngsters building a cycle track, excessive litter, and the
lighting of fires. Many of the newly planted trees have been
destroyed often in failed attempts to use them sa firewood.
Parents should be aware that in the summer of 2008 known low level
drug dealers from out of the area have been seen at the Old Orchard
and there has been evidence of "sniffing" from gas canisters.
Also in the summer, both benches were torn from their mounts and
placed on top of the pillbox and a fire lit. The benches were
secured but one was taken away and lost. It is hoped that residents
will be vigilant and help reduce the impact that these problems
will have on the long-term viability of the area as a public open
space. It costs a great deal of money to maintain this
public open space and Trustees are nor very pleased to waste
charitable monies.
The Poland Fund
The Trustees are able to make grants to
people who are 'in need, hardship or distress'. Residents of
Brockham will receive priority but it is possible to help the
residents of Betchworth, Buckland or Leigh.
As a guide, anyone who is not able to afford the normal things
in life, which most people take for granted would probably qualify
for help. It may also be possible to make awards that will enable
someone to stay in their home when otherwise they might have to
move, or help with the costs of a training course or school trip.
The provision of essential household equipment such as a washing
machine or stove may be possible.
Community Fund
The Charity Commissioners have given Trustees the power to make
grants to village organisations involved in "charitable
purpose".
Contacts
TRUSTEES
Chairman
Martin Smith
Treasurer
Andrew Barrett
Secretary
Ann Meadows
Tim Kenny
Derek Minor
Lesley Cruickshank
Austra Harmon
WARDEN
The Warden may be contacted at:
Poland House, Kiln Lane
Brockham, RH3 7LZ
01737 843121