Charitable Payment
The Trustees currently distribute a single annual payment to qualifying Villagers of Fleggburgh and Billockby.
History
The original distribution was for “Coals and Blankets for Poor Inhabitants of the Parish”. However, partly in response to changing fuel types, the distribution has been changed to a single annual cash payment.
The payments are drawn by the Trustees from any surplus generated by them from managing Burgh Common.
It is paid in December to encourage a little extra Christmas Cheer!
Who qualifies?
Any Villager over the age of 65 can apply for the payment if they have lived in the village for at least three years. There is only one payment per household in line with the original idea that it was for fuel.
Any other Villager who has special needs, such as chronic hardship, can also apply to the Trustees for a payment. Any such payment is entirely at the discretion of the Trustees.
How to apply
Applications need to be put in writing to the Secretary using this application form .
You will also need to fill in our communication consent form as part of recent GDPR legislation.
Penny Loaves
In line with a long tradition, the Trustees distribute loaves of bread to children on Plough Monday.
History
Plough Monday is the first Monday of the year after the 5th of January (known as the Twelfth Night).
Plough Monday is the traditional start of the English Agricultural year when farmers would get back to working in the fields after their Christmas break. The day before Plough Monday is sometimes referred to as Plough Sunday.
Over 300 years ago a tradition was started of giving a loaf of bread to any children who slept in the village of Fleggburgh on the night of Plough Sunday. It was so popular that families would come from other villages just to spend that night in Fleggburgh.
The loaves were originally distributed from Burgh Hall but the distribution was moved to Fleggburgh village school when Burgh Hall closed. Today the loaves are specially baked for the occasion.
The distribution usually takes place at 3pm on Plough Monday and is a great opportunity for the school children to find out a little more about this fascinating tradition.
Who receives a loaf on Plough Monday?
Any child attending Fleggburgh school on that day receives a loaf. If they have brothers or sisters who slept in the village on the night of Plough Sunday then they can take home an extra loaf for each of them.
Any other child who slept in the village on the night of Plough Sunday and who does not attend Fleggburgh school is welcome to come along to the distribution event or arrange for the collection of their loaf on their behalf.