Souldern United Charity
Charity registered no. 1002942: Link to information on Charity Commission website
History
Souldern United Charity was formed in 2001 when several older village charities, some dating back hundreds of years, were brought together. The purpose of the original charities was to provide relief and accommodation to those in Souldern suffering financial hardship. As the village has become more prosperous the trustees over the years have sought to address more relevant needs of Souldern today.
What SUC does today
SUC has three main activities:
- Housing – SUC owns two historic one-bedroom cottages in Souldern. These are let as almshouses on ‘a needs basis’, at a less than commercial rent.
- Land – SUC owns land in Souldern that is currently used as two allotment plots and the Pound. These two allotments are Gibbs Close, a plot of around 2 acres on Foxhill Lane and Bowling Leys, a plot on the south side of The Hill. These two areas provide around 50 plots in total for gardeners to enjoy. The other land is the Pound and Secret Garden at the bottom of Bates Lane, used for village recreation.
- Grants – SUC makes various charitable donations to qualifying individuals and causes in Souldern.
Charitable donations
The net income from SUC’s houses and the allotments, as well as the return on its investments, is used to fund its grants, to pay for various improvement work on its properties and allotments, and to re-invest in its long-term funds. Over its last five financial years (2020 to 2025), SUC has made total grants amounting to £25,000. The specific circumstance of each grant is confidential and subject to an assessment of need, but in broad terms, the charity provides:
- Grants to help with funeral expenses and to help younger villagers with further education costs;
- Vouchers at Christmas to help more elderly villagers with either heating or grocery bills;
- Welfare grants to villagers, again particularly the elderly, for home support costs such as stairlifts and hospital visits;
- Funding for activities that bring the village together and engender community spirit, such as the jubilee events, Easter egg hunts and village cricket;
- SUC has also made larger contributions to village-wide projects such as towards the Playground in 2023.
Trustees
SUC is run by seven trustees from Souldern, including three appointed by the Parish Council and the village’s vicar (currently pending appointment). The trustees meet most months to agree on matters relating to the charity’s houses and allotments, and to approve grants. Souldern residents should request financial help, support and relief when in need from this local charity through contacting the trustees. The current trustees and their contact details are:
| Name | Phone | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Katy Draper | 07753 376163 | Chair & Allotments |
| Susan Jones | 07802 668434 | |
| Sue Medhurst | 07979 435961 | |
| Norma Jones | 07858 367616 | |
| John Hoodless | 07785 391591 | |
| Richard Sharman | 07710 700843 | Treasurer |
| Alan Smith (non-Trustee) | 07400 464401 | Secretary |