Five years in the planning, our award winning almshouse development opened its doors to new residents in February. This brought to 53 the total number of almshouse homes managed by the Charity, providing affordable accommodation for families, couples and individuals in housing need. Alongside the new development we have planted hundreds of native trees and laid out allotments, a community garden, footpaths and benches, providing public access to several acres of Charity-owned land.

In May, the Charity Commission approved our name change. No longer The Parochial Charities, we are now The Great Shelford Village Charity and, under a revised constitution, we can now assist people who live in the village or the surrounding area, as well as those who otherwise have a strong connection to the village. This allows us to help, for example, Great Shelford people who have moved away because of the expense of local accommodation and who now wish to return.

We continue to distribute small grants to villagers in need as well as local good causes. Working closely with local schools, we will once again be distributing Christmas food bags to families in need.

Given the growth of the charity’s operations we have taken on some additional directors to spread the workload and broaden our skillset. The board of directors (all unpaid) now comprises:

• Sarah Rann (Chair)
• Simon White (Treasurer)
• Brian Connellan
• Jaspaul Hill
• Sarah Kreckler
• Si-Houy Lao Sirieix
• Alice Mann
• Richard Mutty
• Michael Pooles
• Keith Sugden

The directors are assisted by our clerk, Mary Lester.

And finally . . .

The Charity has been in existence for over 130 years and with your support we will continue helping villagers long into the future. We could always do more but our resources are limited. Currently, we are raising funds for the refurbishment of – and making energy efficiency improvements to – our 32 older almshouses.

Donations may be made via the website or you may wish to contact our Clerk at [email protected]