HTML Website BuilderWhy the Trustees Took Legal Action Regarding Heacham Club Ltd
The Trustees of The Heacham Club Charity have a legal duty to protect the Charity’s land, buildings, assets and reputation, and to ensure that the recreation ground is managed for the benefit of the whole community in accordance with the 1921 Scheme.
Over a number of years, serious concerns arose regarding the way Heacham Club Ltd was operating on Charity premises. These concerns included:
• Lack of financial transparency, including repeated difficulties obtaining accurate or complete financial information relating to activities carried out on Charity land.
• Failure to comply with the Charity’s governing document, including decisions made without Trustee approval and actions taken outside the scope of the Scheme.
• Operational decisions that restricted community access, particularly where developments or changes to the recreation ground were undertaken without permission and to the detriment of other sports and village activities.
• Failure to cooperate with Trustees, including refusal to engage constructively on matters relating to governance, compliance, and the shared use of Charity facilities.
• Concerns about regulatory compliance, including licensing, planning, and other statutory obligations connected to activities carried out on Charity land.
Despite many attempts to resolve these issues through discussion, correspondence and formal mediation, the situation did not improve. The Trustees were left with no practical means of ensuring compliance with the Scheme or protecting the Charity’s assets while Heacham Club Ltd remained in occupation.
For these reasons, and only after all other avenues had been exhausted, the Trustees were required to seek legal possession of the Charity’s land through the County Court. On 4 June 2026, the Court granted possession forthwith in favour of the Charity.
The Trustees recognise that this has been a difficult period for the village and are committed to restoring stability, transparency, and proper governance. Our focus now is on ensuring that the recreation ground is managed in a way that is fair, safe, and accessible for all residents and community groups.
Police Complaint Concerning Heacham Club Ltd
In 2024 the Trustees submitted a formal complaint to Norfolk Constabulary regarding matters connected to the operation of Heacham Club Ltd on Charity premises. This was in accordance with Charity Commission guidance. Norfolk Police have now confirmed that the case has been closed at local level and has been passed to the Professional Standards Department for review.
The Trustees will continue to cooperate fully with any enquiries and will provide updates when further information is received.
Modernising the Charity’s Governance
The Heacham Club Charity is governed by a Scheme dating from 1921. While the Scheme remains legally valid, it no longer reflects modern charity governance standards. The Trustees have therefore begun the process of preparing a Replacement Scheme, which will update and clarify the Charity’s structure, responsibilities, and decision making processes.
Once the Replacement Scheme is approved, the Trustees intend to progress towards becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This will provide clearer accountability, improved regulatory compliance, and stronger protection for the Charity’s assets.
This work is being carried out in consultation with the Charity Commission and will proceed once ongoing court matters have concluded.
Protecting Charity Assets for the Community
The Trustees have a legal duty to safeguard the Charity’s land, buildings, and facilities for the benefit of the whole community. Over recent years, concerns arose regarding the way Charity assets were being used and managed by the previous facility operator. These concerns included compliance, transparency, and the impact on other community groups.
The Trustees are now implementing a programme of improved asset stewardship to ensure that the recreation ground and associated facilities are managed safely, fairly, and in accordance with the Charity’s governing document. This includes clearer oversight, modernised policies, and long term planning to protect the Charity’s resources for future generations.
If you have questions or would like further information, please contact the Trustees at:
trustees@heachamclubcharity.co.uk
Or call and leave a message on 01485 784901
All notices are dated and archived for public reference.
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