SIDLESHAM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Welcome to the Sidlesham Community Association page. 

We are a registered charity, a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation.)

Our constitution states "The objects of the CIO are to establish and run a village hall and to promote for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of Sidlesham ("area of benefit") without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, race or political, religious or other opinions the provision of facilities  for recreation and education and other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances or for the public at large in the interests of social welfare and with the object of improving the conditions of life of the said inhabitants."

The full constitution may be viewed using this link

The Recreation Ground upon which the Memorial Hall stands was purchased by Sidlesham Parish Council  from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in 1936.

There is a Covenant in place stating that the land should not be used for any purpose other than as  a sports field or recreation ground maintained by a Local Government Authority.

Sidlesham Parish Council therefore own the entire 8.61 acre site, together with the Memorial Hall building..

There is a rolling agreement in place with the Parish Council,  whereby Sidlesham Community Association operate and manage the Memorial Hall. 

RECENT HISTORY

Following years of neglect, the old Football Club building reverted to the Parish Council. It was decided that SCA should manage and operate the building. During Covid, funds had been received from NHS, who rented from SCA the somewhat neglected building for vaccinations. Much of the structure was derelict and unusable. A working agreement was arrived at with Infinity FC who wanted to make the pitches and facilities their home. They put in a lot of hard work and commitment.

Sidlesham Parish Council agreed to match the SCA funds derived from NHS and work started to renovate the building. It was quite a daunting task and involved substantial roof repair work, re-wiring, new doors, windows, main hall flooring, stage , not to mention fitting out the main kitchen with fit-for-purpose cooker, industrial dishwasher and extraction system. Volunteers worked hard alongside professional trades to renovate and restore the building. Throughout the works, and even before,  some spirited volunteers re-launched the snack bar, which provided and still provides hot and cold drinks with snacks whenever there are football matches and also as a great service to families enjoying the playground.

The renovated building was officially opened Spring 2023 with a Gala concert and picnic to coincide with the Coronation. Since then it has seen concerts, talks, drama, music, Pilates, socials, quiz nights, Lunch clubs, Burns night - not to mention private hires. The grounds of the Memorial Hall are an important part of the overall facility an d these are lovingly tended by one of our keen volunteers. The trustees of SCA are committed to building on the current successes. We are always keen to welcome volunteers for any aspect of running this excellent venue and developing it for the benefit of future generations.

CURRENT TRUSTEES

The current committee and Trustees of Sidlesham Community Association are as follows:

Chair:   Riach Ryder   ([email protected])

Treasurer: Norman Robson ([email protected])

Secretary: Corina Hall (secretary@ sidlesham.org.uk) + Snack Bar

Other Trustees: 

Paul Devonshire (Garden & Grounds)

Wendy Devonshire (Bookings)

Bill Martin (Website, Heritage Centre & Charlie Roe Gallery)

Tim Edwards

Alison Tupper

Kate Wade

SCA Trustees hold regular meetings. 

For minutes of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) use this link