Dame Elizabeth Gresham Trust

In October we collected a cheque for £250 on behalf of Horsham Matters for the Henfield Foodbank (part of Horsham District Foodbank) from the Trustees of the Dame Elizabeth Gresham Trust. The Trust has been helping Henfield since 1661, originally giving ‘lengths of flannel’ to clothe the needy of Henfield; nowadays it’s a cash donation!

The Trust owns two fields in Henfield and proceeds from rental is distributed each year, at a service on All Hallow’s Day at the Parham Chapel in St Peters Church. A donation was also made to Henfield Youth Club. This one lady’s legacy to help those in need has continued for 361 years due to the continued commitment of the Trustees and it’s thought to be one of the oldest independent trusts in existence.

For a more detailed article about the history of the Trust, please see the Henfield Museum's website.

Emma Cole