Intro

Poland House

Amenity Land

The Poland Fund

Sidney Poland was an extremely generous benefactor to the residents of Brockham particularly the village children - in the early part of the last century. He lived at The Manor, at the western end of Kiln Lane. When he died in 1936 he left significant funds and property for the benefit of the people of the village, which were to be made available after the death of his sister Rosina Poland.

Miss Poland died in the early 1950s allowing this charity to be established by the Charity Commissioners. The Manor was demolished and much of the land fronting on Kiln Lane leaving land at the eastern end as the site for the new Poland House, built in 1957/58. With the two additional dwellings added thirty three years later through the generosity of another local resident Hugh Peddell there are now 9 independent units of accommodation used as accommodation for the elderly.

The grounds of Mr Poland’s house were extensive and had included a boating pond much used by local children, and a small bowling green. The bowls club was formed in 1951 when the Trust built the pavilion and enlarged the green. The public was given access to the land by the river known as the Old Orchard and to the adjoining woods.

In 2001 the Charity Commissioners allowed the Trustees to make grants to help people living in the village who were “in need, hardship or distress.”

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Poland House
Poland House is set back from the road in Kiln Lane, on high ground overlooking the sports field and the slopes of Box Hill.

There are eight self contained dwellings and a flat for the Warden who plays a supportive role for the residents.

Vacancies are advertised and priority is given to residents of Brockham although accommodation can be allocated to people who live in Betchworth, Buckland or Leigh. The occupants of the dwellings are not tenants and so they do not pay rent, but they have to make a regular contribution towards the costs of maintaining Poland House.

Poland House is neither a nursing home nor a residential care home, although every effort is made to support people if they are unwell. If residents are unable to care for themselves and therefore unable to remain in Poland House, the Trustees will help them to secure more suitable accommodation.

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Amenity Land

The Trustees have a responsibility for the land along both sides of the path to Betchworth from the footbridge over the Mole as far as Mill Hill Lane. This includes the open space by the river and the woodland to the north of the bridleway.

Every effort is made to encourage the public to make use of the Old Orchard where there are seats donated by the Millennium Committee and the grass is regularly cut. A long-term plan for the woodland is in place under the guidance of a specialist consultant. Sympathetic fencing has been introduced to reduce the impact of car parking, to protect the replanting, and to enhance the safety of those using the path.

The Bowls Club are soon to occupy their new pavilion paid for by the Trust, whilst the Brockham Angling Club is afforded free fishing rights for its members along the north bank of the river.

The Trustees seek the support of Brockham residents in maintaining the area of the Old Orchard and the nearby woodland as a safe and enjoyable amenity for the whole village. There are concerns that considerable damage has been caused to the woods by youngsters building a cycle track, excessive litter, the dumping of garden waste and the lighting of fires.

It is hoped that residents will be vigilant and help reduce the impact that these problems will have on the long-term viability of the area as a public open space.

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The Poland Fund
The Trustees are able to make grants to people who are “in need, hardship or distress”. Residents of Brockham will receive priority but it is possible to help the residents of Betchworth, Buckland or Leigh.

As a guide, anyone who is not able to afford the normal things in life, which most people take for granted would probably qualify for help. It may also be possible to make awards that will enable someone to stay in their home when otherwise they might have to move, or help with the costs of a training course or school trip. The provision of essential household equipment such as a washing machine or stove may be possible.

Robert Bartlett MA (Cantab)

Chairman

Poland Charities

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