23/05/2026
Among the many curiosities in the Snodland Millennium Museum lies two dusty, worn documents. Now many might glance with interest and daunted by the volume of text move swiftly on, but those that lingered can make a very beneficial discovery . For one of these documents is the will of Edward Goddin from 1661. In his will he left a field in Ivy Church, Romney Marsh to a trust. The rent of that field would be used to pay for a poor child from the parish of Snodland 'to be Apprentice to some honest trade and calling.' For those still reading, here is where you are rewarded. Three hundred and sixty five years later, the Godden Charity still exists and whilst the rules have been somewhat relaxed to accommodate changing times, applications for this grant are still being accepted. As it stands, for young adults, who were born in the parish of Snodland (Or Birling) (Or have lived here over 3 years) aged 16-21, who are leaving education to pursue an apprenticeship or honest trade, you might be eligible to receive this grant. Grant awards are typically several hundred pounds to assist with the purchase of tooling, equipment, books or even a computer.
Could you, a family member or a friend be eligible? If you believe you might, please email Mr Jeremy Hayes - [email protected].
