For a number of years from the end of the 19th Century into the mid 20th Century there were a number of ecclesiastical charities that were the set up by donations and bequests in the Parish, and administered by the Rector and Church Wardens. These were outlined in the Kellys Village Directory of 1900
In the February 1893 parish newsletter the parish rector W M Wood commented on these thus:
We are publishing in this number the charity Accounts. The income from Croft’s Charity will in future years be grievously diminished. But you may rest assured that the trustees mean to do their very utmost to make you feel this as little as possible by economy and by laying out the funds of’ the charity to best advantage.
The Edmond’s Charity remains, and I hope will remain, as it has been.
The Marriott Charity, which was left “to the maintenance and support of the parish school” will be expended so as to secure for you all the benefits that Miss Marriott’s Will will permit. We are contemplating, for instance, an improvement in the school-room, by removing the brick partition, which is now such an inconvenience at your entertainments. This improvement may in part be done by the Marriott Charity.
In modern monies the various charities would represent around £200 per year from the Marriott Charity, £1700 per year from the Edmonds Charity, and £2250 per year from the Crofts Charity.
For more details of these charities see either of these links = Edmonds Charity or Crofts Charity
In addition to the above charities the villages set up a number of “clubs” designed to encourage villagers to make provision for challenging seasons or harsher times, as well as providing a medical service. The clubs were often assisted by local benefactors.
19th Century Medical Heating, Clothing and Shoe Clubs
Regular updates on the charities were provided in the village magazine – this one from April 1904
