About Us
Who was John Martin?
John Martin was born in 1637 and lived in fascinating times. His lifetime spanned the period of the Civil War and saw six monarchs on the throne of England commencing with King Charles I and ending with King George I. He died at the ripe old age of 77 in 1714 leaving a wife but having been predeceased by his son. In his lifetime he had been a Yeoman Farmer living in Hampton
St Andrew's Church, Hampton
By his Will, after making provision for his wife, he established various trusts demonstrating his desire for children and young people to have a Christian upbringing, a good education and to help those in need. A number of specific bequests were made to provide support for the poor in the parishes of Hampton, Bengeworth and Evesham, the clergy, the education of poor children and the ‘setting out yearly of Boys and Girls apprenticeships’.
How has the Charity developed?
Originally the main asset of the Charity was John Martin’s land, amounting to around 80 acres. The rental income from this land through agricultural and market garden tenancies produced a modest income over the first 250 years and the Charity operated in a small but valuable way during this time. As the town of Evesham expanded, the majority of the land was developed. This produced a larger capital sum for investment and it is these investments which continue to generate the Charity’s income.
John Martin’s Tomb at Saint Andrew’s Church, Hampton.
The increased income available for distribution has enabled the purposes of the Charity to be widened. With the benefit of local consultation and guidance from the Charity Commission, a modern interpretation of the wishes of John Martin was set out in an updated Scheme. This was approved by the Charity Commission in 1981 and this, together with subsequent amendments to the Scheme, governs our work today.
How is the Charity administered?
The Charity is administered by a Board of 14 Trustees comprising two ex-officio Trustees (local clergy), three nominative Trustees (one by the Vicar of Hampton and two by Evesham Town Council) and nine co-optative Trustees. The Trustees normally meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Day to day management is carried out by the Clerk to the Trustees and two other full time staff.
Aims and objectives
Under the terms of John Martin’s original Will and the amended Charity Commission Scheme, the overall aim of the Charity is to benefit the residents of the town and neighbourhood of Evesham, Worcestershire. This is achieved through the implementation of four specific aims:
Propagation of the Christian Gospel - By assisting two Vicars and the three Parochial Church Councils within the town of Evesham
Relief in Need - assisting generally or individually, person’s resident within the town of Evesham who are in conditions of need, hardship and distress.
Promotion of education – By promoting education to persons residing within the town of Evesham and to provide benefits to schools in the town
Health – By relieving the need of those with chronic health problems and other related health issues who either live within Evesham or in the immediate surrounding area.