Don’t forget to check our Events Diary for more information on events in all our villages and surrounding area.

Fully equipped and newly decorated hall with a capacity to hold 40 people.

Ideal for intimate gatherings, childrens parties,courses, talks and meetings etc.

Tables, chairs and gazebos available for use on and off site.

Full list available here

Hire charge £10 per hour

Contact Alex Todd 07872839199

LOCAL CHARITY’S 400TH ANNIVERSARY

This year marks the 400th anniversary of Thornby Poors’ Land Trust and the Trustees thought readers may be interested in its history. The Trust owns 24 acres of agricultural land situated to the north of the village the majority of which lies to the east of the A5199. It includes a small wood called Thornby Bushes.

Founded by Deed dated 10th February 1624, twenty-one years before the battle of Naseby, it was a social welfare scheme that evolved after the Old Poor Law of 1601. The primary purpose was to let land to the poor of the parish at a cheap rent, it was not intended to be an income producing endowment.

It appears to have continued in this manner until 1975. We have no paperwork prior to this date and I think it is fair to assume the land was not actively managed and had become somewhat neglected.

The first minutes we have notes a Parish Meeting in March 1975 where the following parishioners were appointed to serve as Trustees: T Barlow, F Sparrow, Major G Lorraine-Smith and Reverend Cheyne. At the time the land was informally occupied by two villagers, Reg Warriner and Keith Haynes.

The Trustees appointed a firm of surveyors to act on their behalf. Following negotiations both occupiers surrendered their interests and the land was formally offered to let. Of the six applicants who applied the current tenant’s father was successful and entered into an agricultural tenancy.

In accordance with a document between the Poors’ Land and Charity Commission dated 30th March 1978 the rent received was to be used for ‘the relief of persons who are in condition of need, hardship or distress’. Usually by providing winter coal. In February 1990 for example nine individuals received one ton and one person half a ton.

Today the primary objective is the provision of educational or vocational grants to individuals who have been resident in Thornby for three or more years and are undertaking further education or training for a nationally recognised qualification. The Trust is in rude health, here’s to the next 400!

ANNUAL FARM WALK

28th April 10.00 am Farm Walk

Our annual walk through the beautiful Thornby countryside, with guided talk highlighting areas of particular interest.

Starts at the Red Lion, tractor & trailer for those not sure of uneven ground. The walk ends with delicious refreshments.

Cost £6.50.

All enquiries to Barbara Tanser 01604 740505.

All proceeds for our church of St Helens.