SEEND LYE RECREATION FIELD

Hello and welcome to Seend's 2024 village crowdfunding page!

We appreciate your continued support, and we're excited to embark on this new fundraising journey. Building on the success of our 2020 'Big Picnic' COVID crowdfunder, we are now focused on replenishing the funds spent due to the ongoing right of way dispute.

As you will all be aware, since 2016, the Trustees of the Seend Lye Recreation Field have been involved in a Right of Way dispute with Mr MacDonald, the owner of the field behind the tennis courts. The Trustees fought the legal action to try to both maintain the integrity of the playing field as a village amenity, as well as help prevent houses being built on the field behind the Lye Field.  Aster homes wanted to build over 40 properties on the field, using the Right of Way land, as a potential access into the field from The Lye.

The good news is that a week before we were due to go to court, a settlement was reached between the parties, in that the Right of Way would be removed from all relevant land registry documents relating to the Lye Field. The bad news was that both parties would pay their own legal costs, which over the years has been substantial. We were advised by our legal team (as well as villagers Sir Mathew Thorpe and District Judge Frankie Goddard) to accept the settlement on the basis that going to court could possibly result in us losing the case and would have resulted in us incurring even higher fees.

In March 2016, before the dispute commenced, the Trustees held over £180K in various types of investments. Monies raised and saved over the 50 plus years that the Lye Field has been in existence. Over the 6 years legal battle, this investment has been reduced to £116K and we still have outstanding fees of £96K owing to our solicitors.  We are trying to negotiate with our solicitors to reduce this bill, but at the moment, the Trustees would be left with £20K of investments.

Here's how you can get involved:

• Make a Donation: Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. You can donate directly through this crowdfunding page.

• Organise Sponsored Events: Consider setting yourself a challenge or encouraging friends and family to participate in sponsored events. This could be anything from a charity run to a bake sale.

• Spread the Word: Share the crowdfunding link with your network, friends, and family. The more people who know about our cause, the greater impact we can make.

• Join Community Activities: Stay tuned for various activities and events that we will be promoting over the next few months. Get involved and have fun while supporting a good cause.

• Follow Us for Updates: Stay connected with us on Seend Fete's Facebook page for campaign updates, event details, and inspiration.

Our upcoming schedule includes a Spring Clean in March, the 65th annual Fete in August, and various socials throughout the year. We encourage everyone to contribute in whatever way they can, whether it's through financial support or volunteering time.

The Lye Field is such a valuable asset for the village, but it needs the villagers support.  The pavilion is the home of Seend Playgroup, which has been looking after and nurturing Seend kids for over 35 years. The pavilion also plays host to numerous clubs and society meetings as well as children's parties. The field is the home of Seend United football team and while the cricket pitch is currently being used by Melksham Cricket Club, this does provide an opening for Seend villagers to play cricket, if they wish to do so. The tennis courts are being resurfaced shortly, so tennis will once again be played on the Lye Field and the play area is in constant use by all.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we can make a positive impact on the Lye Field and ensure its continued value for the community.

We look forward to your involvement and participation in the upcoming events!