The object of this small trust is the "relief of need due to sickness, disability, age or poverty, and the protection and preservation of mental health and emotional health and stability."

Its origins go back to 1638 when Thomas Cressey bequeathed 12 tenements in Millgate known as "Smithsons and Grykes" to Aylsham Churchwardens.

The parish workhouse was built in 1776, on part of the land shown on the 1838 Tithe Map in the angle between Commercial Road (now Bure Way) and New Road. The Aylsham Union, formed in 1834, made this workhouse redundant and it was demolished in 1842. The land and remaining cottages were sold for £1138 in 1856 and the money invested by the Charity Commissioners into "Cressey's Charity." This charity also distributed the income from Town Meadow (in Drabblegate, between the road, the river and the common), which had been given to the town in 1673, with the proviso that it should be let and the rent (5/- p.a. circa 1900, £1 by the I990's) used for the relief of poor widows.

In 1940, a prosperous town shopkeeper, Henry Page, bequeathed £3000 to be invested, with the income to be distributed annually to needy residents in the form of vouchers for food, clothing or fuel, redeemable at Aylsham shops.

The 3 charities were combined into the Cressey Henry Page Charitable Trust in 1990, and its current combined income from investments and rents is around £300.

Today, the income is often used to buy items that either improve facilities for residents in the town's homes or sheltered housing schemes, or for the town generally, such as the bench installed outside the Friendship Hall.

The Trustees are always pleased to receive applications on behalf of eligible individuals and welcome donations to the capital to increase the annual income available for distribution.

The Aylsham Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Trust

Formerly the Aylsham Silver Jubilee Trust, it was renamed following the Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002 when a significant amount of the proceeds from various events was added to the capital of the Trust. The original Silver Jubilee Trust was formed by Deed in 1987, although the Trustees had first met in !980.The Town Council appoints the 3 Trustees; at least one must be a serving Town Councillor, the other 2 may be past Councillors. Trustees must be resident within the Parish of Aylsham.

The Trust assists young people under 20 years with grants towards the costs of educational visits or events connected with their chosen careers. Applicants must have been resident within the parish of Aylsham for at least two years.

Enquiries related to both Trusts may be directed to the Town Council Office.