We hope the "misunderstanding" is now cleared up

Dear supporters On the evening of 21/2, by email the following from the Chairman of the Trust: Statement The Trustees of The John Hodges’ Trust for Harpsden Hall fully respect how much the inhabitants of Harpsden and the surrounding neighbourhood value the playing fields. It is a tribute to what John Hodges, the benefactor, wanted to achieve that so much use is made of the ground, especially as he was a believer in the need for facilities for local inhabitants to pursue recreational activities as well as facilities for organised team sports. There appears to have been a misunderstanding and we want to reassure everyone that the Trust and no other party has the right to set the terms and conditions for access to the Harpsden football ground*. The Trust believes that inhabitants should have free access to the ground the whole year round when AFC Henley do not have matches, training sessions, or when maintenance is required. The Trust also believes that the Trust, AFC Henley and the local inhabitants should collectively do what we reasonably can to look after the quality of the ground, and particularly the goal mouths. The Trust believes this approach is the best way to meet John Hodges’ objectives. * The lease agreement with AFC Henley states: “The Tenant permits the Landlord to use the Football Field and/or the Pavilion for such purposes as the Landlord may require during the months of May to August inclusive and at such other times during the term as it may choose, but in the latter case only during such times as the same are not required by the Tenant for the Permitted Use.” (The Permitted Use means ‘use for the purposes of a football field’) The John Hodges’ Trust for Harpsden Hall 21 February 2017 The position on 16 Feb was: "“During the season, locals will be asked to keep off the actual pitch. We believe this is reasonable as AFCH need a decent quality pitch - goalmouths in particular, as you acknowledged - to play on, and unfortunately the quality of the pitch has been deteriorating. Trevor is kindly going to look into putting a lightweight goal in the north-east corner of the football ground for general recreational use by locals. - Signage will be put up to make the access arrangements clear.” The meeting on 22 Feb will hopefully not throw up any issues and that being the case, the petition will have been a success and will be closed. Thank you all. David