Help Shape the Future of Your Village Hall – Become a Trustee!
Woodham Ferrers Village Hall has been at the heart of our community for generations, hosting events, clubs, and activities that bring people together. Its governance is rooted in a trust set up in 1939, with a range of local organisations historically having the power to appoint trustees to oversee the hall.
Some of these organisations include:
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Girls Friendly Society – A national charity founded in 1875, supporting youth groups with a secular and feminist mission.
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Congregational Church (Congregational Federation) – With a presence in Woodham Ferrers since 1835, part of the wider Essex network of Congregational churches.
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Women’s Institute (WI) – Supporting community activities across Essex and the UK.
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Girl Guides – Inspiring young people locally through Essex County units.
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Mothers’ Union – An international charity supporting families and community welfare.
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Parochial Church Council (PCC) – Representing parishioners and supporting local worship.
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St Mary’s School – One of the long-standing local institutions connected to the hall.
- Woodham Ferrers Rural Community Council – An organisation possibly now defunct, amalgamated or ceased.
- Church Social Club (Men’s) and Congregational Church Social Clubs – a type of social or friendly club common historically but often no longer active in their original form.
- The Nursing Association – The best analogy today; District Nurses.
Why we need trustees now…
We are inviting community members to come forward to become trustees for the Village Hall. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a much-loved local space, ensuring it remains run by the community, for the community, rather than being solely managed by the Parish Council.
Although the Parish Council would continue as custodian trustee, this does not give the Council any power over day-to-day decisions. Custodian trustee basically means that the Council holds the deeds and legal documents for the charity, but cannot lawfully tell the trustees what to do. Its role is to support new trustees, offering guidance, training, and, where lawful, assistance with budgeting or finances to help the hall thrive.
Being a trustee is rewarding and meaningful — you’ll help guide decisions, support events, and maintain the hall as a welcoming hub for everyone in Woodham Ferrers and Bicknacre.
Interested?
If you, or someone you know, (maybe someone with a personal involvement with any of the organisations listed above (or a descendant), would like to get involved, please contact the Parish Clerk at clerk@woodhamferrersandbicknacre-pc.gov.uk to find out more. No previous experience is needed — just a passion for keeping our Village Hall at the heart of the community.
Let’s ensure that our Village Hall continues to thrive for generations to come!