IT was the perfect way to thank a man who, 20 years ago, was one of the “far-sighted” people who formed the Headley Sports Association.

Richard Hardman was presented, on his retirement, with a framed photograph of the multi-sports pavilion that he helped to have built.

The presentation was made, earlier this month, at the association’s annual meeting by chairman Charles Kemp who explained what happened 25 years ago.

“A group of sports-minded people sat down in Headley to discuss ways to improve the outdated sports facilities in the village,” Mr Kemp recalled.

“From that meeting, the Headley Sports Association was born and a magnificent new multi-sports pavilion was built. Tonight, the trustees have gathered to honour one of those far-sighted people.”

In previous years, Mr Kemp said, Mr Hardman had been a stalwart of Headley Cricket Club, competing in the I’Anson league with a “swashbuckling” opening bat and, when his competitive years were over, he had maintained a keen interest in cricket and sports generally in Headley.

“He fully immersed himself in the new venture and played an influential part in the conception and planning that facilitated the construction of the splendid Margery Wheatley Pavilion in 1996,” Mr Kemp continued.

“His involvement continued after the opening and he served as an independent trustee before becoming vice chairman and eventually chairman. He was particularly valued for his acute legal knowledge.

“The pavilion has become an outstanding example of co-operation with its multi-sports role, and so Richard felt that the 20th anniversary would be a fitting time for him to retire gracefully.”

Visibly moved by the occasion, Mr Hardman thanked the trustees and paid tribute to those volunteers who had taken a dream and turned the development, and day-to-day running of the building, into reality.

“The harmonious co-operation between six diverse sports disciplines was a true mark of its success,” he said.

Richard Hardman, left, is pictured receiving the inscribed photograph of the Margery Wheatley Pavilion from chairman Charles Kemp.