Proudly Supporting Local Amenities, Groups and Good Causes
Help Shape Our Village Community
For many years, the Much Hadham Recreation Trust has played a vital role in bringing our village and wider parish together, supporting a wide range of recreational and social activities, as well as essential local facilities used by residents and visitors.
From the Toddler Groups to the Bowls Club, football teams to the Drama Group, we’ve helped make Much Hadham a vibrant place to live for families of all ages. We also support the recreation ground and car park, the village hall and even the maintenance of the defibrillator at Much Hadham Fire Station.
Our community events like the famous Much Hadham Fete and Dog Show, Much Hadham Movie Nights outdoor cinema, and more recently the Picnic in the Park held at the start of September on behalf of the Recreation Trust, have raised funds and created lasting memories for our village, with up to £20,000 in a single year going to local causes!
Now, we need new volunteers and fresh energy from the village and wider parish to continue this legacy. Whether you want to organise events, support the village hall, or simply volunteer some time and experience, there’s a place for you at the Recreation Trust.
Our current trustees have served for over 10 years and are ready to pass the torch. You can commit as much or as little time as you like, and we’ll ensure a smooth transition with our help and guidance.
Get involved today, make a difference, and show the power of community!-
History of the Much Hadham Recreation Trust
The Much Hadham Recreation Trust was established in 1987 and is the successor to the former Thanksgiving Memorial Fund (otherwise known as The Victory Fund) which was started at the end of the Second World War to raise money to buy out and equip the playing fields and to acquire the Village Hall premises.
It is a registered charity (No. 1187OO2) and independent body whose objects are to help with funding for the upkeep and maintenance of the Village Hall and the playing fields and for such other charitable purposes for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of Much Hadham as the trustees shall determine.
To reflect the increasing scale and responsibilities of the Trust, it was incorporated into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2020.
The Trust had overall responsibility for the annual Village Fete, which was its main fundraising activity. It also received generous donations from members of the Parish.
Since 2017 grants have been awarded to cover the annual servicing costs of the defibrillator at the Much Hadham Fire Station.
Full details can be found on the Grant Applications Page of this website or by emailing enquiries@recreationtrust.org
Much Hadham Movie Nights
The Recreation Trust held it's first Much Hadham Movie Night in the Summer of 2021 with a very successful showing of Mamma Mia.
For 2022 we featured the all time classic musical GREASE to a capacity crowd.
There are currently no plans in place for a future Movie Night.-
Much Hadham Fete and Dog Show
The Much Hadham Fete has been held annually on August Bank Holiday Monday and dates back to the 1950’s. It was started as a way to raise funds for the upkeep of the village playing field and over the years has steadily grown into a large event which now incorporates a Kennel Club licensed Dog Show, fairground rides and trade stalls as well as traditional village elements.
The Much Hadham Recreation Trust has overall responsibility for the Much Hadham Fete. The profits from the fete are used by the Trust for the benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of Much Hadham, including the upkeep and maintenance of the Village Hall and Playing Fields, and the support of local organisations such as the Youth Club, Scouts, Baby and Toddlers Group, Busy Weeks, the Forge Museum, Green Tye & Perry Green Society, the Horticultural Society, Badminton clubs, Green Tye Players and many more.
There are currently no plans in place for a future fete and dog show.
Grant Applications Past and Present
The Recreation Trust will invite grant applications from eligible village groups and societies in October. Use the links below to download an application form or to view past grants.
