Village Charities

There are a number of charities and fund-raising activities in the village that contribute greatly to life of the village and encourage the sense of "community". These include:

Earl Soham 100 Club

Members of the club contribute £12 a year. Once a year, the money contributed (and any interest earned by the invested funds) are divided into 3 portions. Equal shares are given to the Village Hall to help with maintenance and to the St. Mary's Church Fabric Fund - again to help with maintenance and repairs. The balance is made up into a number of prizes, ranging from £10 to £75, for a draw amongst the members is held at a social evening in the Village Hall. For more information, or to join the club, contact the secretary, Mrs. Daphne Dale (Phone 685608).

The Friends of St. Mary's

"The Friends" is a recently-formed fund-raising group which aims to support major works on the church identified as being urgent in 2002. Work already completed includes improved drainage, to help dry out the church, and a new heating system. Extensive work on repairing the leaded windows is planned for 2003. In addition to raising funds at individual events (as listed in the Calendar), money is also raised through commission on all on-line purchases through St. Mary's Mall.

The Henchman & Clubbe Educational Trust

This long-established charity provides a small amount of financial support for young members of the village who go on to higher or further education - such as help with the cost of text books. For further information, or to apply for support, contact Mrs. J. Rothery.

Earl Soham Townlands Trust

Thanks to a Trust Fund established in 1798, the Townlands Trust is able to give financial support to needy elderly people within the village. To qualify for help, people must be of pensionable age, living in rented accommodation in the parish (or formerly parish residents) who are not in full-time employment. The Trust has to rely on volunteered information on people who might qualify for support - perhaps from friends or relatives. If you know of anyone who could benefit from help by the Trust, please contact the Honorary Clerk, Mrs. P. Sykes. (Phone 685519).

Full details of the history of the Townlands Trust can be found on its own page.