Welcome to Berkswell Charities

Berkswell Charities, providers of Almshouses and a Parish School; helping to maintain the fabric and contents of St John Baptist Church and the relief of poverty for public benefit in Berkswell and the surrounding area.

The Objects of the Charity

1. The objects of the CIO are, for the benefit of the public in the area of benefit:
(a) (i) The provision & maintenance of a site for the School (within the meaning of the Education Acts) in or near Berkswell, West Midlands; and
(ii) The advancement of education of pupils in the principles of the Church of England (including social & physical training) through the provision of items, services, facilities & special benefits of any kind not required to be provided by the Local Authority for the benefit of the School & its pupils.
(b) The relief of poverty among the inhabitants of the area of benefit, including by the provision of Social Housing in the form of Almshouse Accommodation or other housing accommodation.
(c)To further the religious and other charitable purposes of the Church of England in the parish by maintaining & repairing the fabric and contents of the Parish Church of Berkswell.
(d)Such other charitable purposes for the benefit of the inhabitants of the area of benefit as the trustees think fit.

Berkswell is in the borough of Solihull, a few miles to the east of Coventry

Berkswell Charities have been in existence for six hundred years, helping to alleviate poverty in the community, support the village church, St John Baptist, and provide educational support for local children. Early endowments and continuing donations and land legacies to the parish church, has given impetus to these charitable endeavours down the years. Within its portfolio, Berkswell Charities has fourteen almshouses, some private rented dwellings and agricultural land. Income from these properties funds its work. In addition to supporting the poor and needy, Berkswell CoE School, the church, it makes donations to many groups, organisations and individuals in the locality.

Almshouses

Almshouses are the oldest form of social housing in the UK, stretching back to medieval times. The oldest almshouse still in existence in the UK is St Oswalds in Worcester. There are now over 16,000 Almshouses Charities providing much needed accommodation in local communities all over the UK to over 37,000 residents. Our Almshouse in Berkswell date back to 1850s and our Burton Green Almshouses to the late 1960s.

Trustees

The Trustee Board is made up of a maximum of eleven trustees; one is ex-officio trustee - the Rector for the Parish of Berkswell and up to two nominated trustees appointed by the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Trustee positions are voluntary, reflect the local community and between them have a wide range of experience. Trustees are responsible for ensuring the Charities objects are carried out properly and within the law. From time to time, a Trustee vacancy may arise. If you would like to express an interest in becoming a trustee please provide your details via our contact form.

Grants

We support people who live in the Parish of Berkswell and Surrounding Area. This can be for providing individuals with educational or financial grants, as well as assistance for organisations.

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Latest News

July 17, 2023

Almshouse Association Members Day 2023

On 15th July 2023, three Trustees and the Clerk attended the Almshouse Association Members Day 2023 at the prestigious One Great George Street in Westminster, London. The day was dedicated to embracing the values of Compassion, Community, and Companionship, which lie at the heart of the Almshouse Movement, A fourth ‘C’ was added to the […]