July 23rd 1897
“The application for a Recreation Ground at Lower Froyle was discussed, it was proposed that the Chairman be asked to approach both Mr. Westbrook and Mr. Stockdale on the subject with a view of obtaining either of their permission for the use of a meadow to play cricket in for the time being.”
April 18th 1898
“The Recreation Ground report was not of a satisfactory nature, as no amicable arrangement could be arrived at by the farmers, it was proposed . . . that the Clerk be instructed to write to Sir Hubert Miller’s agent (Mr.Downie) in respect of a field known as Workhouse Field, Lower Froyle, being thought by the council a most suitable place.”
Mr.Downie replied in May 1898 that a definite answer on the Recreation Ground could not be given as Sir Hubert was away. Meanwhile Mr.Westbrook had once more approached by the Chairman (Harry Coster) and had granted the use of a piece of land (believed to be opposite Hodges Farm) providing gates and fences were kept in good condition. These conditions were passed on to the Froyle Rovers Cricket Club, who had made the original application.
March 4th 1907
“Annual Assembly of Parish. A Form drawn up and signed by 34 parishioners who were desirous of obtaining a recreation ground at Lower Froyle was produced. Proposed that committee of five be appointed to investigate.”
Committee: Messrs.Pearce, Brownjohn, Kemp, Steer and Coster.
In fact everyone had to wait another 13 years before anything was done!
March 31st 1920
“List of names handed in for recreation ground in Lower Froyle opposite the Froyle Institute, now rented by Mr.G.H.Westbrook. Unanimous wish of meeting that Sir Hubert write to Mrs.Burningham with a view to obtaining this. Messrs Andrew & Ridgers appointed to meet her on the subject. “
May 19th 1920
“Andrew & Ridgers reported that Mrs.Burningham refused on the grounds that it would be detrimental to letting of the farm in the future.”
June 3rd 1920
“Recreation Ground. No land found. Clerk to write to county for their assistance in providing a piece of land by compulsory measures.”
June 16th 1920
“County Council asked to make an order under the Land Clauses Act in respect of portion of land in the occupation of G.H.Westbrook (present rec.).”
January 21st 1924
“Mrs.Burningham having made an application through the Ministry of Agriculture for payment of an Extraordinary Tithe upon the land taken over by the Parish Council for a Recreation Ground. The Ministry suggested that the Parish council pay a capital sum of about £3.16.0. “
March 31st 1924
“Mr.Brandale asked whether a charge for admission could be made to the Recreation Ground on special events. Sir Hubert Miller to look into the matter.”
April 16th 1924
“Charges for entry to Recreation Ground were explained and it was found that such could be made indirectly under the control of the parish council.”
April 18th 1929
“Gate leading into Recreation Ground to be fitted with padlock and key kept at Post Office when not required.”
March 31st 1930
“Mr.Ridgers asked permission to graze the Recreation Ground owing to shortage of feed. Carried on condition that he provide horse for mower during the cricket and tennis season.”
In April 1937, under the chairmanship of Sir Hubert Miller, the question of rolling the Recreation Ground by steam was discussed, the price being 5/- per hour, to include fuel, but no water. It was decided to hire the roller for 3 days at £2 per 8 hour day. The Council were not too happy with this outlay and were delighted when in August of the same year Capt. Duncan offered to cut and roll the Recreation Ground in exchange for the grass.
Ten years later the Council appear to have persuaded the Sports Clubs (presumably Cricket, Football & Tennis), to be responsible for the Rec’s upkeep.
December 8th 1947
“Miss Pelton gave views of Sports Club as to upkeep of recreation ground and Hut, the main idea of which was that the various clubs should pay annual subscriptions and have a gala day to be supplemented by a grant from the parish council. Council does not approve of making a definite annual grant, but will be responsible for the Hut and leave the clubs to deal with the recreation ground.”
However, this idea was not very satisfactory and in February 1954 it was suggested that Froyle Parish Council “should take over the upkeep of the whole rec. At present they cut outfield while sports clubs attend to and bear expense of cutting the pitches.”
In 1959 the roller was converted to tow behind a tractor, at a cost of £6.5.0., and, in the same year, permission was given for Mr.Smith of the Prince of Wales to sell ices, sweets and soft drinks at matches on the recreation ground for the 1959 Cricket Season.With regard to play equipment in the Recreation Ground, the first swings appear to have been erected in 1959 at a cost of £43.10.0. , while in January 1961 Mr. Pritchard proposed the purchase of 4 new metal swings.
January 16th 1962
“Groundsman hired by Parish Council to see that people do not contravene the bye-laws. Mr.W.Rhodes has agreed to take on the job, which carries a salary of £10 per year.”
November 19th 1962
“It was proposed that a Metal Slide be purchased from Messrs.Wicksteed & Co. for the sum of £143.1.3.”
More play equipment was purchased in 1967, in the form of a Roundabout. Councillors agreed to spend up to £120 on this item. Paving slabs were purchased for swings.
April 21st 1982
“Annual Parish Meeting. ... Recreation ground - roundabout had been removed as it was unsafe. Ball wall to be erected.”
May 1983
“Ball wall considered by many to already be a ‘White Elephant’.”
November 12th 1986
“Council agreed construction of suitable Climbing Frame. Technical advice and a contractor to be sought.”