About Church And Poor's Charity
A historic charity serving the Ancient Parish of Wrestlingworth through stewardship, tradition, and compassionate relief since 1961.
Our Heritage
Church And Poor's Charity was officially registered on 22 June 1961 under the name "Wrestlingworth Church & Poor's Charity" to serve the Ancient Parish of Wrestlingworth, a rural community in the far east of Bedfordshire, on the border with Cambridgeshire.
Wrestlingworth flourished through the centuries as a farming community, partly due to its proximity to the old Great North Road. Our charity continues this legacy of mutual care, ensuring that both the spiritual and material needs of residents are met.
We work quietly but purposefully—maintaining church traditions, supporting St Peter's Church (built in the 12th century and restored in Victorian times), and offering practical help to parishioners facing unexpected hardship.
The Ancient Parish of Wrestlingworth
Wrestlingworth is steeped in history. Parish records date back to 1578, and the village has maintained its character through agricultural tradition and close-knit community life.
In 1985, Wrestlingworth was combined with the neighbouring parish of Cockayne Hatley to form a single civil parish, but our charity remains focused on serving the residents of the original Ancient Parish boundaries.
The parish church, St Peter's, stands as the spiritual and architectural heart of the village—a Grade II listed building with Norman origins, a testament to centuries of faith and community gathering.
What We Do
Supporting Ministry & Tradition
We support the rector and local ministry, helping ensure the continuity of worship, pastoral care, and spiritual life in the parish.
Preserving St Peter's Church
We assist with the upkeep of St Peter's Church, safeguarding a 12th-century building central to village memory, heritage, and community life.
Relief for Residents in Need
We provide small grants to residents experiencing poverty, sickness, or sudden destitution—particularly the elderly—offering dignified help in difficult times.
Governance & Transparency
The charity is overseen by five volunteer trustees who are residents with deep roots in the community. They meet regularly to review applications for grants, oversee the charity's land and property holdings, and ensure funds are used carefully and lawfully.
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under number 200012, we operate transparently and in line with charity law. Our reporting is up to date, and we have established policies for investment and risk management.
Charity Registry ID: 200012
Registered: 22 June 1961
Annual Income (2024-25): £3,907
Trustees: 5
Organisation type: Other
Assets: Land and property