North Luffenham Village Trust

Notice of Proposal to Amend the Scheme under which the Trust Operates

The Trustees of the North Luffenham Village Trust are proposing to make 2 changes to the current charity Scheme wording. Prior to making a formal application to the Charity Commission to amend the scheme, the Trustees are consulting with key stakeholders to obtain feedback on the proposals. Key stakeholders are the Parish Council, The Parochial Church Council and villagers who are potential beneficiaries of the Scheme. The period of consultation is running until midnight on Sunday 8th December after which the Trustees will consider any modifications arising from the consultation, before submitting a formal application for a revised scheme to the Charity Commission.

The proposed changes are as follows:

1. Change to the definition of “the area of benefit”

Original wording: Section #1 – Definitions: “the area of benefit” means the The Parish of North Luffenham and the surrounding neighbourhood.

Proposed Wording: Section #1 – Definitions: “the area of benefit” means the The Parish of North Luffenham and the surrounding area as defined by the Civil Parish Boundary.

Rationale: In the light of the proposals for the development of the St George’s Barracks site just over the current civil parish boundary, the Trustees are concerned that the ability of the Trust to support people living in North Luffenham could be severely diluted if the new development were to be included in its area of benefit through a loose definition. As the original intention was to support people in and around the village of North Luffenham, the Trustees propose clarifying the boundary of the area of benefit to avoid any future risk of major new developments adversely impacting the value of the Trust to local inhabitants.

2. Change to the Objects of the Charity in relation to promotion of education:

Original wording: Section #4 (1) (a): promoting the education of persons who are under the age of 18 and are in need of financial assistance and have at any time attended a school in the area of benefit.

Proposed Wording: Section #4 (1) (a): promoting the education of persons who are in need of financial assistance and have at any time attended a school in the area of benefit or are now resident in the area of benefit.

Rationale: When the objects were originally drafted, few people continued in education after the age of 18. As times have changed and many now go on to further education and university, the Trust receives many applications from university students seeking support with maintenance, travel and materials costs. The Trustees would like to make clear in the objects that university and mature students are eligible for support and that providing such support is fully aligned with the original aims and intentions of the Scheme given the change in society. The trustees therefore propose to remove reference to an age limit and also to provide scope to assist those who move into the village even if they have not previously attended the village school.

If you have any comments or suggestions relating to the proposed changes, please send your feedback in writing to the Clerk of Trustees by midnight on Sunday 8th December as follows:

Mrs K Dexter,
Clerk to the Trustees
North Luffenham Village Trust
13 Digby Drive
North Luffenham
RUTLAND
LE15 8JS
e-mail: kate.dexter552@btinternet.com

The Village Trust has updated its policy on data protection and there is a new application form for individuals or groups seeking a routine welfare grant.

The village trip this year is going to Cromer on the 3^rd of July, leaving  North Luffenham at 9 am and returning from Cromer at 4.30. This is a free trip for village residents courtesy of the North Luffenham Village Trust.  Please contact Evelyn   720528, or Helen 720607.

The Parish Council is required to appoint 3 people to serve on The North Luffenham Village Trust, each of whom serves for 4 years.  There is now a vacancy as a result of a trustee having completed their term, and the Parish Council is seeking applications from anyone who wishes to be considered for this position.

Village trust appointment advertisement Jul 18 V3

The village trip this year is going to Cleethorpes on Wednesday 21st june, this is a free trip through the generosity of North Luffenham Village Trust.

It is open to everyone in the village young and old. The bus leaves Pinfold Close and the bottom of Kings Rd at 9am approx.

I still have some vacant seats , come and enjoy a day out. Ring Evelyn 01780720528.

The Parish Council is required to appoint 3 people to serve on The North Luffenham Village Trust, each of whom serves for 4 years. There is now a vacancy as a result of a trustee having completed his term, and the Parish Council is seeking applications from anyone who wishes to be considered for this position.

The Village Trust (Charity number 218214 ) is a charity which promotes education, helps in the relief of village residents suffering hardship and distress, and gives financial support to the church.  It is not a fund-raising entity; the money that it distributes arises from financial investments and rental income from various properties that it owns.  More information about the Village Trust is available from:

• North Luffenham village website
• the Charity Commission; or
• may be obtained from the trustees’ clerk, Mrs Kate Dexter, telephone 01780 721033

The Charity Commission website provides helpful guidance on the role of trustees, but to give a very brief outline:

A trustee must be aged over 18, and should possess basic common sense and total integrity. He or she must be willing to work with others to make balanced, informed, decisions, but should be prepared to question and challenge if necessary. All decisions must be taken in accordance with charity law and the specific terms of the trust’s governing document, and it is essential that certain aspects of the charity’s work are kept confidential. Trustees are not paid for this work.

It is helpful for the efficient running of the charity if there is a balance of knowledge, skills and other attributes within the body of trustees. Currently it would be of benefit if the new trustee had experience in property management and investments, but that is not essential.

If you would like to be considered for this vacancy, please apply in writing by Sunday, 14th May 2017 to the Parish Clerk, Angela Ashpole at nlparishclerk@outlook.com

Every household in North Luffenham should have received a leaflet from theNorth Luffenham Village Trust explaining the history and expectations of the Trust. In the September edition of the Parish Magazine there will be enclosed grant forms.