AN ANCIENT but under-used charity in Much Marcle has been wound up by trustees and its assets have been transferred to another body.

A notice to this affect, bringing a end to a charity that has been in existence for more than 350 years, has been printed in the recent parish newsletter for the village, The Mercury.

Much Marcle United Charities has existed in its present form since 1923, but it origins go much further back, almost to the time of the English Civil War.

Trustees believe the foundation date was "at least 1660".

A spokesman for the trustees said: "It was very common for the wealthy in the parish to leave money on trust, the income from which was, in our case, to be applied for 'persons in the Ancient Parish of Much Marcle who are in condition of need, hardship or distress'."

But times have changed.

The spokesman said: "Needless to say with the advent of social benefits the call for this kind of support has dwindled, not to mention the feeling of pride preventing those who would otherwise be eligible from coming forward.

"The one payment that was made in more recent years was returned with a curt note to say the person

concerned was not going to accept charity."

The charity had enjoyed a second wind, by giving grants to apprentices and "as a way of helping students in the village with the cost of books or other educational projects".

But the spokesman added: "Again though little demand was made.In recent years it became clear that the charity could not continue in its present form. After much discussion, the trustees resolved to wind up the charity and transfer its assets to the Herefordshire Community

Foundation. This has now been done."

The funds of the Much Marcle charity, "remain intact but will be invested and managed by the Foundation for the benefit of the Parish and on the same terms as the present

scheme".

Applications for payments can now be made to:

Herefordshire Community Foundation, Fred Bulmer

Building, Wall Street, Hereford HR4 9HP