24/08/2026
✉️ Letter from the Chairman - Monday 24th August 2026 ✉️
Dear Member
I am writing to make you aware of an important opportunity that has recently arisen for Sidmouth Rugby Football Club.
Heydon’s Hall, which sits immediately adjacent to our main clubhouse, has historically been used by Sidmouth International School. The building is now on the open market, presenting the Club with an
opportunity that, quite simply, is unlikely ever to arise again.
The proximity of Heydon’s Hall to our existing facilities makes it particularly significant. There are numerous ways in which the building and the land could potentially support the future development of the Club. These could include providing much-needed additional parking, extending or improving our existing clubhouse facilities, creating additional changing facilities, kitchen provision, gym facilities and further social space. There may also be other opportunities for the site that we have not yet considered.
The important point is that once the building and land are sold, the opportunity will be lost
permanently. Given its location immediately alongside our existing facilities, if the property is ultimately acquired for development, there is very unlikely to be any future opportunity for the Club to acquire it.
It is therefore, in my view, a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Sidmouth Rugby Football Club.
There is, however, a significant challenge. The Club does not currently have the funds required to purchase Heydon’s Hall. We are therefore exploring what, if anything, might be possible to enable the Club to secure this unique asset for the long-term benefit of its members and future generations; including approaching local charitable trusts etc.
I am sharing this with the membership because the Club belongs to all of us, and because it is possible that within our wider membership and supporter network there may be individuals, families or businesses who could help make this possible.
That support could take many different forms. It might be a substantial donation, a contribution towards the purchase, a legacy to the Club, or potentially a loan or other form of financial support that would allow the Club to acquire the property. We are not, at this stage, asking anyone to make a commitment; rather, we want to make people aware of the opportunity and invite anyone who may have the means or inclination to help to come forward for a confidential conversation.
A contribution towards acquiring Heydon’s Hall would not simply be an investment in a building. It could be an investment in the future of Sidmouth Rugby Football Club and in the generations of players, families and members who will use the Club in the years ahead.
As a Club, we have achieved an enormous amount through the commitment and generosity of our members, volunteers and supporters. This is another moment where we have the opportunity to think ambitiously about what we can leave for those who come after us.
If you feel that you, your family, your business or perhaps someone you know may be able to help in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me directly and in confidence. Equally, if you simply have
an idea about how we might be able to make the purchase possible, I would be very pleased to hear from you.
There is no expectation whatsoever, but I felt it was important that the membership was aware of this opportunity before it is too late.
Heydon’s Hall may never come onto the market again. If there is a way for Sidmouth Rugby Football Club to secure it, we owe it to the Club and to future generations to at least explore every possibility.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of the Club.
Matthew Barrett
SRFC Chairman
📧: [email protected]
