Joint Statement

Heckington Parish Council and the proposed Heckington Pavilion & Playing Fields Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) are pleased to confirm a shared commitment to protecting and improving the Pavilion and Playing Fields for the benefit of the whole community.

The initiative was first presented by local resident Mark Whitton, who brings extensive business leadership and community experience, nearly six weeks ago at the September Parish Council meeting. Like all Parish Council monthly meetings, this included an open forum for residents to share ideas, offer support, or raise concerns about local community matters. Following further discussions, the Council passed a formal resolution agreeing in principle to support the formation of the CIO that will help secure the long-term future of these important facilities. Mark has been working closely with the Council to lead the formation of the new CIO, with a shared goal of ensuring the Pavilion and Playing Fields continue to deliver lasting benefits to the whole community.

Under this partnership:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• The Parish Council will remain the landowner and custodian of Heckington Pavilion and Playing Fields
• The CIO model will allow Heckington Pavilion & Playing Fields to access new funding opportunities, increase community involvement, and support the long-term sustainability of one of Heckington’s most valued assets.
• The proposed CIO will take responsibility for strategic management, fundraising, and long-term development - working in close collaboration with local user groups.
• The Tenant structure will continue, and once the CIO is formed, any future tenancy agreement will be managed by the CIO

Statement from Heckington Parish Council

“The Parish Council welcome this initiative and has agreed in principle to grant a long-term lease to the CIO, enabling greater community ownership and involvement in the future management and development of the Pavilion and Playing fields. We recognise the importance of these facilities to the local community and look forward to seeing the developments of the CIO to ensure a sustainable, transparent and positive future. We’ve seen how a similar charitable model has been successfully applied to the Windmill and look forward to the future”.

Statement from Mark Whitton, leading the formation of the proposed CIO

“I’m deeply committed to ensuring the long-term future and growth of the Pavilion and Playing Fields for the whole community.

The proposed CIO will allow us to unlock funding, strengthen governance and reinvest every pound raised back into improving the facilities.

This is not about replacing what works, but about protecting and building on it. The Pavilion has been part of my life for over 40 years, and I want future generations to have the same opportunities to play, meet and belong here.

I would also like to thank John and Alison for their fantastic work in transforming the Pavilion and hope a positive way forward can be agreed with the Parish Council as the CIO is finalised.

Finally, I would like to thank the Parish Council for their constructive discussions, transparency and openness to collaboration and for enabling the community to take part in shaping the Pavilion’s future. Together, we can ensure this important community asset continues to thrive.”

Next Steps

The proposed CIO is now being prepared for registration with the Charity Commission. Further updates will be shared on the Parish Council website. Residents and local groups will be invited to take part in consultations as plans progress.

For more information, contact email the Parish Clerk at clerk@heckingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk