Beam Heath Trust claims day to be held in Nantwich on June 25

The Beam Heath Trust is to hold this year’s claims day in Nantwich on June 25.

The modest annual dividend is from an ancient trust, which was updated by the Beam Heath Act, 1823.

Following the enclosure of the heath land in the early 19th century, the people of Nantwich in the area of benefit have been entitled to income from the land in place of their right to graze their animals on the heath.

Last year, there were around 1,625 households in the area of benefit.

This year, residents who believe they have claims for a payment are invited to attend the town’s parish hall between 3pm and 4.30pm, or between 6pm and 7pm.

Trustees will be there to hear claims from householders resident in the area of the Urban District of Nantwich (as originally constituted).

Claimants must demonstrate they are qualified to participate in the “distribution of the surplus monies of the Trust and whose claims have not been previously admitted”.

A Beam Heath Trust spokesperson said: “A claim to participate in the present distribution made after June 25 will not be considered by the Trustees.”

Anyone claiming to be entitled to the benefit of Beam Heath should bring proof that he/she is a householder in the above area (rates demands or rent books are suitable proof).

They should also:
– bring proof of having been such a householder for a period of seven years
or
– bring proof that their home at birth was within such area by means of a full birth certificate showing parents’ home address
or
– bring proof of having previously been a recipient and, having left the area and having returned, of being a resident householder again in the area for a period of at least two years.

The Beam Heath designated area is the Urban District of Nantwich as originally constituted.

All documentary evidence including birth certificates must be produced before the meeting closes.

The Beam Heath is the ancient common lands of Nantwich which lay to the north and east of the town on both sides of Middlewich Road from the Barony to the Rising Sun Inn.

In recent years, the lands and capital funds of the Trust have been added to as a result of the building of the Nantwich bypass, the Sainsbury’s superstore and the Barony Employment Park.

The trustees now manage about 600 acres of agricultural land which is let to farming tenants.