Rockland St Mary Poors Trust

Registered Charity No. 210399

The origins of the Trust date back to 1808. Following the Claxton and Rockland St Mary Enclosure Act, as compensation for the loss of Commoners Rights, commissioners determined that nine acres of land surrounding the Staithe be given to a specially established charitable trust.  At this time the sole purpose of the Trust was to manage this land in order that an annual fuel “allowance” (in the form of coal) be provided to parishioners in need whose ancestral right to collect fuel from “common” land had been taken away by the Act.

The original Trust land comprising largely of marshy meadow, reed beds and a small area suitable for allotment gardens, was given a new lease of life in the late 20th century when the area surrounding the Staithe was re-developed adding the existing car park, slipway, quay and grassed areas to the Trust’s assets.

In 1985 the Trust registered its charitable status and the Charity Commission accepted its current constitution.

What are the obligations of the Trust?

These are two-fold:

* To “maintain the property of the charity”

*  To fulfil the charitable objectives stated in its constitution…“..relieving persons resident in the Parish who are in conditions of need, hardship and distress by making grants of money or providing or paying for items, services or facilities calculated to reduce (these)… ”

How does the Trust raise money?     

The main source of income is via Staithe mooring and slipway fees, from users, clubs and private individuals.  A small area of pasture on Lower Road is leased to a local farmer.  The Trust also leases the Staithe car park to the Rockland Parish Council and allotments on the New Inn Hill site to interested parties.

How is the raised money spent?

The largest annual outlay is keeping the areas around the staithe neat and tidy, through regular grass cutting and keeping the hedges and verges regularly trimmed and maintained. Our annual insurance policy costs have increased significantly.  Additionally, we have an ongoing long-term maintenance expenditure to keep our now-aging infrastructure safe and fit for purpose. After asset maintenance costs have been met a proportion is set aside as a “reserve” and the remainder used for charitable distribution.

Grants from parishioners of Rockland St Mary and Hellington can apply throughout the year. There is no age restriction as to who can apply or receive a grant, however, Trustees cannot “… repeat or renew the relief granted on any occasion in any case” and grants are only available for a single item or purpose.

The Trustees are:   

Joanne Norris (Chair)

Adam Peel

Richard Underhill

James Pritchard

Jane Paterson

Philp Bartram (Clerk)

Mooring fees

These are based on the length of the vessel and are currently set between £14.00 and £17.00 per foot, depending on the mooring location.

Demand for moorings is high and there is always a waiting list.

Parishioners on the list are given priority when moorings become available. (N.B. Fees are subject to periodic review).

Slipway

The slipway key and fee deposit box is located at The New Inn public house (on the wall under the arch). Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

The fee for trailered boats is £5 and for all other craft, the fee is £1.

Please contact the Poor’s Trust Clerk for further information: rocklandtrustclerk@yahoo.com

Slipway guidelines_14.12.25

Allotments

Plots are rented out on a four-yearly basis.  Current charges are £16 per annum per plot.  Occasionally, “half plots” are available at a reduced rate.

Wild Patch

The South Yare Wildlife Group manage an area of the allotments adjacent to the car park as part of their Wild Patch initiative. The area has never been cultivated due it being waterlogged for much of the year. The area attracts foxes, owls, deer and other wildlife. For more information on the Wild Patch initiative, see https://southyarewildlifegroup.org/

How could I get involved?

As a Trustee – Trustees are elected for four-year terms and generally meet four times a year, giving up their time on a voluntary basis. Beyond the legal requirements set by the Charities Commission, the only requirement is that the applicant has been resident in Rockland St Mary for a minimum of two years.

How to get in touch?

Email rocklandtrustclerk@yahoo.com

Facebook Rockland Poors Trust