Grant Awarding

 West Dereham Parish Council has statutory powers which enable it to make funds available, by way of awarding grants, to local organisations for the overall benefit of the parish. The Council will consider an application for grant aid from any local voluntary or charitable organisation where the group’s activities can be seen to be of benefit to the parish. 

In 1693, Gregory Lovell Esq., ‘a native of this town’ started a charity still known today as Lovell’s Dole. Details of how he wanted the charity to be conducted can be seen on the panel behind the font in St Andrew’s Church. It is essentially still the same although we have been governed by the Charity Commission’s rulings for many years. 

The guidelines for receiving Lovell’s Dole are as follows:

Recipients will be 75 years of age and over and have been residents of West Dereham for at least 10 years. 

Consideration will be given to residents of West Dereham, for at least 10 years, with long-term chronic health conditions who are under the 75-year age limit.

Lovell’s Dole is paid as an annual monetary Christmas gift.

The Trustees are also able to consider applications for assistance in times of serious and critical health situations with small financial grants. 

In addition, we have a sum of money that was set aside at the turn of the 18th century for starting out young people in apprenticeships. The Trustees feel this fund should specifically assist younger residents of West Dereham who are in financial need, in working towards their future career development. We can only offer small grants from this limited fund, but examples might include assistance which would resource and enhance employment opportunities (travel costs, help towards interview outfit, etc.) or related to further education studies (books, help towards course studies, etc.)

Pam Bullas, Chair, Lovell’s Dole

The Hollies, Station Road, West Dereham, PE33 9RR

01366 501287 or

Ghislaine Mason

ghislainemason@yahoo.co.uk