24/06/2026
COMBINED PUBLIC STATEMENT FROM THE TRUSTEES OF THE HEACHAM CLUB CHARITY
24th June 2026
1. Clarifying the Current Situation
The Trustees are aware of recent public comments suggesting that community services such as the car boot sales must stop because of the Court’s possession order. For clarity, this is not correct.
The Court Order of 4 June 2026 requires only that Heacham Club Ltd (HCL) vacate the Charity’s land and buildings. It does not require the closure of community events, volunteers, or long-standing activities on the recreation ground.
Any decision by HCL’s directors to withdraw services or stand down volunteers is their own choice, not a legal requirement.
The Trustees have made clear from the outset that our priority is continuity for the community. We remain ready to support the continuation of all activities, including the car boot sales, sports clubs, and community events, as soon as HCL complies with the Court Order.
We understand the frustration caused by the sudden withdrawal of services. We want to reassure residents that the Charity’s facilities will remain available for community use, and arrangements will be put in place to restore normal operations as soon as the site is returned to the Trustees’ control.
We ask the community to rely on factual information and to be assured that the Trustees are acting solely to protect the Charity’s land, assets, and long-term future.
2. Historical Context: 1999, 2016 and the Long Tradition of Cooperation
To support transparency, the Trustees also wish to provide historical context about the relationship between The Heacham Club Charity and HCL.
A. The Charity has always owned the land, buildings, fixtures and equipment
Since the 1921 Scheme, all land, buildings, fixtures, fittings and equipment at the Recreation Ground have been held by the Trustees for the benefit of the community of Heacham. HCL has never owned these assets. No transfer, sale, or disposal has ever taken place.
B. 1999: HCL was created and inherited a fully equipped Charity premises
When HCL was incorporated in 1999, it did not purchase the premises or any equipment. It simply took over the day-to-day running of the Charity’s facilities with the Trustees’ permission. This transition was cooperative, seamless, and respectful of the Charity’s ownership.
C. 2016: A second seamless handover
When the previous management left in 2016, they did not remove assets or claim ownership. They left behind a fully equipped bar, cellar, hall and club — exactly as they had received it. Again, the transition to new HCL directors was smooth, cooperative, and without dispute.
D. A long history of cooperation — until recently
For over 20 years, HCL operated as the Charity’s trading arm with the Trustees’ consent. There was no conflict, no claim of ownership, and no attempt to exclude the Trustees from their legal responsibilities.
E. The current situation is a departure from that history
Only in the last two years have HCL’s directors:
· claimed ownership of Charity assets
· attempted to create “members” of the Charity
· refused to recognise the Trustees’ authority
· obstructed access to the Charity’s own premises
· and now begun withdrawing community services
These actions have no basis in the 1921 Scheme, charity law, or the long-standing relationship between the Charity and HCL.
3. The Trustees’ Position
The Charity’s land and assets belong to the community, not to any private company. The Trustees’ duty is to protect those assets and ensure they remain available for public benefit.
We remain committed to restoring normal community operations as soon as the site is returned to the Charity’s control and to ensuring that the Recreation Ground continues to serve the people of Heacham as it has for over a century.
The Trustees
The Heacham Club Charity
(Contact Email:[email protected] – Phone 01485 784901)
