Many years ago three trusts were established in the village of Walkington, the Poor's Land (or Waudby trust), the Non-Educational trust of William Sherwood and the Sherwood Educational Foundation. In a will dated 8th September 1537, William Sherwood left certain properties in Walkington to Trustees, to apply the issues and profits, to the support of prayers by the Priest. Should there be no Priest issues, the profits were to be given to his poor neighbours or else to be for the mending of the way between Walkington and Beverley. This was of vital importance to the villagers, as it enabled them to take their produce to the weekly market in Beverley. William Sherwood also paid a penny per week to each child in the village to attend school which shows the Christian character of the man.

 

 

Trustees were appointed to safe guard his wishes and to administer the land and property throughout the long years.  Sadly, very little is known about the man William Sherwood, and his last resting place is not known, but his will and testament has brought great succour and pleasure to many village folk over the years.

Further directions of the administration of the Trusts were made over the years.  The Waudby Trust was much smaller compared to the other two and unfortunately little is known of the history of this branch of the trust.  In October 1981, the Charity Commissioners approved a scheme which brought together the three trusts, under the present title, to be administered and managed as one.

The Trust owns approximately 45 acres of agricultural land in the parish, including the bowling green, allotments, one of the bus stops and six tenanted cottages.  The income from these tenancies can only be distributed within the parish of Walkington to village organisations and the activities of the Trust are monitored by the Charity Commissioners in Liverpool.

There are six Trustees appointed to serve on the Trust.  The Ex-officio Trustee is always the Rector of All Hallows church, the Rev. David Kirby.  Nominative Trustees serve for a term of four years and are appointed by the Parish Council, currently - David Drew, Ken Hearne and George Southern.  Two Co-opted Trustees serve for a term of five years, they are co-opted through either residence, occupation, employment, or otherwise have special knowledge of the parish of Walkington - currently they are, Mick Morrill and Julian Johnson the present Chairman and the clerk to the Trustees is Mrs Sue Sugars.

If anyone has further information on the history or background of the Trust, please contact the Clerk or one of the trustees.