Thomas Brewer's Charity was founded in 1616 upon provisions in the donor's will. The original trustees were the rector and churchwardens of the parish, acting in a civil and not an ecclesiastical capacity. Over the years, the churchwardens were replaced by two representatives of the community, appointed for many decades by the Annual Parish Meeting, and since 1977 by the Parish Council. The appointment of these two trustees is the only business the Parish Council has in the matter of the Charity. The trustees - i.e. myself, as Chairman and the two trustees nominated by the Parish Council - are responsible and accountable to H.M. Charity Commissioners in London and to no one else. I quote from a letter received from the Charity Commissioners, dated 24th May 1977:
"Whilst the Parish Council have a right to appoint trustees of this charity, they have absolutely no power to interfere in its administration. The trustees, and only the trustees, are responsible for administering the charity. I would add that nominated trustees, once appointed, must always act in the best interests of the charity and not in the interests of the body responsible for their appointment."
It is therefore quite clear that the trustees are in no way public servants accountable to the Parish Council.
I hope that this statement of facts will, once and for all, put an end to the sorry business of rumours and hard words about the charity and its trustees. We, a private charity, are here to help, support and comfort any resident of Winthorpe, Langford or Holme who finds him or herself in need. If you are in such a position, or know of anyone who is, please see me or the other trustees (Mrs. Morgan and Mr. White); your problem will be dealt with quickly and sympathetically to the utmost of our competence under the Charities Act and of our financial resources and in absolutely strict confidence.
Statement by the Chairman of the Thomas Brewer Charity Trustees.
Extract from Focal Point. 1982.
NOTE.
Further readings can be found in
Thomas Brewer's Charity in Volume 1.
Thomas Brewer's Will in Volume 4.
People mentioned in Thomas Brewer's Will in Volume 4.
Thomas Brewer - Yeoman in Volume 4.
Winthorpe in the Early 17th Century in Volume 4.