About

Established in 1890 and registered with The Charities Commission and the Almshouse Association, The Parochial Charities exist to provide accommodation for “persons resident in the area of the Parish of Great Shelford . . . at low rents according to their means.”

The charity owns 32 homes on More’s Meadow in the village. Purpose built to our design, this development of one, two and three bedroom properties was opened in 1996 by Betty Boothroyd, Speaker of the House of Commons from 1992 to 2000.

We also own some 10 acres of open land on the edge of village, adjacent to More’s Meadow. Some of this is given over to allotments which are rented out to local people. The remainder comprises grassland with footpaths and benches for public use.

We plan to develop further affordable housing on some of this land, while retaining and improving ample green spaces for allotments, recreation and conservation.

The Charities also provide grants and make donations in support of local organisations and good causes.

The Charities are run by a group of seven Trustees, plus the Clerk. We are all local residents.

Dr Sarah Rann Chair of Trustees. NHS England and ex-Great Shelford GP
Brian Connellan Deputy Chair. Point of contact for the new development
Jaspaul Hill MBE Trustee. Ex-headteacher and Ofsted inspector
Mary Lester Clerk to the Trustees
Michael Pooles QC Trustee. Barrister
Keith Sugden Trustee. Point of contact for the allotments and open land
Rev Simon Talbott Trustee. Priest in charge of St Mary the Virgin, Great Shelford & St Andrew, Stapleford
Simon White Trustee and treasurer. Chartered Accountant

The Parochial Charities was established in 1890 by the merging of three pre-existing charities: Town Lands and Town Houses; John More’s Charity, founded 1705; Lettice Martin’s Charity, founded 1562.

Below are the original Charity Commission deeds from 1890 and 1973

1890 deeds

1973 deeds