THE HERDMAN ASSOCIATION CIO*
The Charity Commission, Registration Charity No. 1214325
The HERDMAN ASSOCIATION was set up when the new pavilion opened and its officers managed the Pavilion and the Herdman Recreation Field under licence from the Owner – Ewhurst Parish Council, as Trustee of The HERDMAN BEQUEST (The Charity Commission, Reference Charity No. 305215) on the death of Lt. Arthur Widdrington HERDMAN in 1914.
Officers were the committee of members appointed at the Annual General Meeting to form the Executive Committee together with the nominated representative of EPC/ Trustee of The Herdman Bequest.
The Herdman Association was established as an unregistered charity to
(a) to support the Bequest Trustee in whatever way possible in the management and upkeep of the recreational facilities as an amenity and community hub;
(b) to promote use of the facilities, raise funds, receive grants and donations;
(c) to apply funds to carry out the work of the Association and
(d) to represent the interests of Ewhurst Green parishioners, donors, hirers and users and to organise volunteer efforts.
A few years ago, the turnover of the Association exceeded the maximum allowable (£5,000) for such a charity so we needed to address this issue and the resolution was to seek registration with The Charity Commission as a *Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). On application and meeting the required criteria, registration was granted on 30 July 2025 and at the AGM held on 5 November 2025 members voted unanimously to accept the change of status. The Trustees of the new charity are your existing Committee and The Herdman Bequest (Ewhurst Parish Council) will continue to be invited to all meetings of the new Committee.
The Herdman Association was officially formed mid-2012 so a huge ‘Thank You’ to those who have contributed to the viability of the Herdman Pavilion over the years whether it be financially or in kind, and particularly those who actively support us with their presence when events are staged here. In the spirit of Arthur Herdman, we aim to provide somewhere for local residents to come and enjoy the community spirit of a very special village and the surrounding villages in the Parish of Ewhurst.
Firstly, we must recognise the major driving force behind this project: Dave Perkins and his wife, Sylvia, whose inspiration, dedication, perseverance and countless fundraising efforts turned this project from a pipe dream into a reality, and to the continued support and interest of Ewhurst Parish Council.
Our grateful thanks to…
Fiona and Douglas Flint for their so very generous and never-ending support, in its many forms, which continues unabated.
The late Glenys Griffiths who supported this project from the outset with admin support, perseverence and the sourcing of much of the sports equipment for everyone to use.
Jamie Griffiths for her photographs and website advice.
The late Professor John Stringer’s keen interest in the project and his involvement in the initial planning process and support until his death in 2018.
Susie Hewer for her nature notes which feature regularly in our half-yearly newsletter of which she is Editor-in-Chief as well as our current Chair.
Andy Close for his very generous loan of sporting memorabilia which adorned the walls of the Pavilion for so many years, inspiring future sportsmen and women of the parish to enjoy and excel at what they like doing best.
Jane and Malcolm for their generous donation of the frieze that now adorns one of the walls in the Pavilion and for some much-needed equipment following two thefts – yes, even charities get targeted!
Our anonymous donors who have donated considerable amounts of money to The Herdman Association to (a) part-fund the levelling of the field and drainage installation and (b) to facilitate the purchase of much-needed additional seating at the eleventh hour. Thank you, too, to those who make financial donations when they are unable to attend events.
Nigel Davies, our first Chairman, who generously funded The Herdman Cup, a superb claret jug, thus ensuring a trophy for the winner of the annual golf tournament at the inaugural event held on Friday, 26 June 2015 until 2019 when Covid stopped play.
Jeff and the late Liz Moore for their very generous donation of a marquee for our outdoor events (which, sadly, was stolen along with our other equipment a few years ago).
… and the following companies who generously sponsored us for a number of years:
Davies Roberts Ltd (aka Planet Leasing) – Rotamac Energy Solutions – Flimwell Garage – Cranden Diamond Products Ltd, whose financial support will always be greatly appreciated.
THE HERDMAN PAVILION & PLAYING FIELD 