Reports on Opening 1950

OPENING OF NEW PLAYING FIELDS

Mr & Mrs Burnley’s gift to Hutton le Hole

Extensive new playing fields, which include a cricket pitch, semi-hard tennis court, and a bowling green, as well as a children’s corner, were officially opened at Hutton le Hole on Whit Monday, and were straight away put into use by guest teams invited for the occasion.

The land was a gift to the village by Mr & Mrs F J Burnley, of Keld Close, Hutton le Hole, and covering nearly eight acres, it forms a particularly beautiful recreation field as it is sheltered on three sides by steep hills, and is within easy reach from all parts of the village.

The field and lay out has cost just over £3000, part of which sum was raised by the village, part from a contribution by Mr Burnley, and the remainder was a grant from the Yorkshire Rural Community Council.

The Rev. C Gordon Thompson, vicar of Lastingham, presided at the opening in place of Dr R Theakston, who is chairman of the Playing Field’s Association, but was unable to be present owing to a motor cycle accident the previous week. Referring to the part played by Mr Burnley in obtaining the playing fields, the chairman said: “He has done so much we hardly know how to thank him, but he knows that he has the sincere appreciation of the village”.

Greatly Privileged

Mr Burnley said that he and his wife had been greatly privileged at being able to give the field for the purpose of constructing a recreation ground. They had been glad to do what they could, and looked forward to seeing still further developments in the shape of more equipment, a football field, etc. He then cut the ribbon across the playing field’s gates and declared the ground open.

Proposing a vote of thanks, Mr C Moore reminded the village that it used to boast first class sports teams. He hoped that there would be no delay in regaining this standard now that they had the pitches.

From a Newspaper Cutting

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Opening of the Playing Field

The Playing Field was opened by Mr F J Burnley on Whit Monday May 29th 1950. It included a cricket pitch, semi-hard tennis court, a bowling green, a practice net area, and a children’s corner. The Junior Football Club was allowed to use the field beyond the cricket field for football. The whole area covers nearly 8 acres.

Mr Burnley uncovered a stone tablet engraved by Mr William Rickaby as follows:

THIS PLAYING FIELD WAS GIVEN BY F J BURNLEY AND E B BURNLEY TO THE VILLAGE OF HUTTON LE HOLE AS A MEMORIAL TO THOSE WHO SERVED IN THE WAR OF 1939 – 1945 IN THE SERVICES AND IN THE HOMES AND FIELDS AND FACTORIES.

THE WHOLE VILLAGE CONTRIBUTED TO THE LAY OUT OF THE FIELD. THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION MADE A VALUED GRANT IN AID. MCML

A Tennis Match was played between Nawton and Hutton le Hole.

A Bowls Match was played between a Pickering team and Hutton le Hole.

A Cricket Match between Sir Kenelm Cayley’s XI and Lt. Col. J Fallow’s XI took place during the afternoon.