Epworth War Memorial Field and Gates

Ooening - Taken by Epworth Bells 06 Aug 1938

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Memorial Gates - Taken by Charles J Anderson 17 Feb 2003

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Memorial Gate - Taken by Charles J Anderson 17 Feb 2003

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Name Plaque - Taken by Charles J Anderson 04 Aug 2014

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Name Plaque - Taken by Charles J Anderson 04 Aug 2014

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Reference WMO/215481

Address:

Station Road

Epworth

England

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War Memorials Trust case: War Memorials Trust needs to avoid Contributors changing location/description details as we help to protect and conserve this war memorial through our casework. You can still add photographs, update condition and use the tabs below. If you believe any of the information you cannot edit is wrong or information is missing, please make a note of the reference number and include it in your email when you contact us.

Status: On original site

Type: Freestanding

Location: External

Setting: Within a garden/park/churchyard/enclosure/Marketplace

Description: Park

Materials:

Flora and Fauna Grass
Metal Metal (any)

Lettering: Inscribed on a plaque

Conflicts:

First World War (1914-1918)
Second World War (1939-1945)

About the memorial: A War Memorial playing fierld, with inscriptions on the gates on Station Road Opened and Dedicated August Bank Holiday 1938 Posts made from Cast Iron, 10ft high, Gates Steel, 2at 8ft by 6ft (Centre and 2 at 4ft (Side). Gates manufactured at a cost of £160 by Hill and Son, Brierley Hill, Erected by F. Fenton (local builder). Additional lettering and figures supplied at a cost of £26 by Hill and Son in 1946 H.M. Beaumont, Cherry Holy, Epworth, DN9 1HP Name Plaque Unveiled and dedicated 11am Saturday 2nd August, 2014 787 x 620 x 25mm

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Date Submitted:

Work Proposed:

Repairs to the original/historic/physical war memorial including structural or conservation works: or works which are required to enable the war memorial to continue to function

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Comments:

Official Opening and Dedication 
Ceremony

	Epworth’s War Memorial Field, purchased by public subscription in 1920, was officially opened on Monday, when a ceremony of dedication was conducted by the Rev. O. Mordaunt Burrows, M.A., Rector. When the field was purchased the trustees signed a deed whereby the field was to be held in trust as a “Memorial Recreation Field” to perpetuate the memory of the fallen from Epworth in the Great War, 1914-1918. The delay in completing the War Memorial as a public recreation ground has been due to difficulties the trustees have had to contend with, the chief one being obtaining possession of an old farmhouse and premises at the High Street entrance. When the trustees entered into possession of this last year they immediately had it demolished and took steps to have the entrance made appropriate to the Memorial. Iron railings have been erected along the whole of the frontage, with ornamental gates. And the ground immediately inside has been planted with scrubs. The monies to enable the trustees to complete the scheme has been raised mainly by public subscriptions and entertainments and a judicious investment of the monies in hand in War Bonds has helped to swell the fund and enabled the trustees to keep the field in use as a recreation ground, used by the Cricket. Football, Tennis and Bowls Clubs, besides being a playground for the children safely away from the dangers of the road. The original cost of the field was £590; since then there have been annual maintenance charges and the recent layout and equipment of the frontage costing about£269. Approximately, the field has cost about £1,200, and on Monday the trustees needed about £24 to defray the balance of the cost of the scheme.
	Recently members of the various sports clubs have formed an association with the object of raising sufficient money for the maintenance of the field, which is five acres in extent and situate in the centre of the town. They also contemplate certain improvements and additions for the recreation of children, so that it will be a “Playing Field” in the strictest sense of the word.
	The proceedings on Monday commenced with a procession early in the afternoon, from the Market Place to the field. Members of the local branch of the British Legion with their banner joined in the procession. Which was headed by Sergeant Morris and three Police-constables, Captain H. F. C. Crookshank, M.P., Secretary for Mines; the Rev. O. Mordaunt Burrows, Rev. W. A/ R. Collins, the Trustees, and a good number of local residents, also joined in.
	A large company assembled at the entrance to the field. The service commenced with the singing of the hymn “O God our help in ages past,” after which prayers were said and a lesson read by the Rev. W. A. R. Collins.
	A brief address was given by the Rector, who referred to the religious and spiritual significance of this ceremony. Which showed they regarded as somewhat sacred the action of those men to whose memory the field and the gates were to be dedicated. He then dedicated the memorial.
	The Rectors (sic) pronounced the Blessing, the company joined in singing the National Anthem, and Bugler R. G. Curry sounded the Last Post.
	Referring to the delay in the completion of the Memorial, Mr. G. H. Newborn said it would have been completed years ago, but the majority of the trustees were of the opinion it would not be a fitting completion of the memorial to have entrance and gates to occupy only half of the frontage. In completing the memorial the trustees had overcome the difficulties which beset them. He took opportunity of expressing the great indebtedness of the trustees to Mr. William Gorbutt, who had taken such a great interest in the field and, until his regrettable illness, managed the business with much success. The memorial was not only worthy as a tribute to the men who fell, but a credit to the people of Epworth and an ornament to the town, of which they might be justly proud. He was glad to see they had still amongst them men who served in the war and happily survived. More and more he was convinced that the people of Epworth were wise and far seeing in choosing this field instead of a stone, as a memorial. The appreciation of playing fields was becoming more and more important throughout the whole country and here we had one ready to our hands which had been provided voluntarily, without any burden on the rates. Now it was for a new generation to see that it was kept in a proper state. He was glad to see that the various sports clubs had recognised this responsibility and undertaken the upkeep of the ground.
	They were very grateful to Captain Crookshank for sparing time from his many duties to come to Epworth to take part in that ceremony. He was one who took part in the war and happily survived.
	Captain Crookshank said it was fitting this ceremony should take place on August Bank Holiday, the anniversary of that day in 1914 which saw the beginning of that great catastrophe. Mr. Newborn had referred to the delay in the completion of the memorial, and he would remind them it was only a fortnight ago that His Majesty dedicated the great Australian War Memorial in France. It took time for schemes of this kind to come to fruition. In this memorial field the town of Epworth had shown in an attractive and useful way their pride and appreciation of those who laid down their lives; he could think of no more fitting and happy memorial for a town than this. Their grateful thanks were due to those who of their bounty made it possible.
	Mr. R. A. Thompson, C.C., endorsed what Mr. Newborn had said about the work of Mr. Gorbutt, who had been not only a trustee, but treasurer from the commencement and for a considerable time acted as secretary. He believed there was no other such playing field as a war memorial in Lincolnshire. A few days ago he had brought down a deputation from the Lindsey County Council, and they were greatly surprised and pleased to see the field. Epworth people could feel proud that they were first in the county to provide such a playing field for children as well as adults. They were indebted to their old friend Mr. Arthur Maw, who persuaded his relatives to sell the field at less than its marketable value. Now Mr. Maw has come to their assistance by contributing a further £10 10s. (Applause). Mr. Thompson gave figures as to the cost and the amount expended by the trustees.
	Mr Newborn, in calling upon Mr. Maw to formally open the gates, said there was no end to Mr. Maws generosity; he was always to the fore in anything for the benefit of Epworth.
	Mr. Arthur Maw said he was glad to live to see the completion of the restoration of the Epworth Church bells and the completion of the Memorial Field scheme. He regretted Mr. Gorbutt was not able to be there that day because he had done a great deal in helping to acquire the field. He then unlocked the gates.
	Various games and competitions took place during the afternoon and evening.
	There was a parade of children and adults in fancy dress. These were judged by Mrs. R. A. Thompson, Mrs. Macgregor and Mrs. F. Woodhouse. Their awards were as follows: -
 	Children-1 Barbara Rawson and Alan Foster, “Darby and Joan.”; 2 Neil Thompson, “Safety First.”; 3 Dorothy Picksley, “Spelling Bee.”; 4 Brian Moss, “Jockey.”
	Adults-1 Mrs. H. Wilson, “Arab Sheik.”; 2 Mr. H. R. Thompson, “Clown.”; Ladies- 1 Mrs. H. R. Thompson, “Gipsy.”; 2 Mrs. Proctor and Miss Ruby Nicholson, “Darby and Joan.”
	Special prize given by Judges for group- Mr. and Mrs. Tom Barker and Una Barker (Long Eaton), “Dutch Family.”
	Tennis tournament, managed by Mr. G. H. Archer-Winners: Mr. J. Gravil and Miss Mary Frankland, who beat Mr. A. Lillie and Miss N. Wilkes (Belton) in the final by 6 sets to 2.
	Bowls. A knock-out tournament, managed by Mr. E. Gravil, attracted a good entry. Winners; Gents., 1 W. A. Bradwell, 2 W. Bradbury (Haxey), 3 H. Maxwell (Hull).
	Ring bowls (Mr. W. Balmforth in charge) Winners: Gents., 1 Mr. H. Wilson, 2 T. Balmforth. Ladies, 1 Mrs. H. Wilson, 2 Miss Edith Oliver.
	Bowling board (Messrs. F. Harris and J. R. Owen): Winners 1. Mr. H. Wilson, 2 Mr. Fred Thompson.
	Darts (Mr. R. R. Rimington): Winner, Mr. E. Shipley
	Hop and Pop (Misses Nina Oliver and Peggy Fox).
	Ping Pong in bucket (Messrs. T. J. Gravil and T. Brown)-Winner; Reg Rigby.
	Skittles (Messrs. Walter Wrench and H. Oliver)-Winners: 1 Mr. Wm. Aldam, 2 Mr. T. J. Foster.
	There was also children’s sports, races, tug-of-war, etc. in charge of Mr. J. W. Clark and others.
	Mr. Wm. Shipley was in charge of the collection at the gate, where £6 12s 6d was received.
Mr. W. E. Burrows carried out the duties of secretary and trustees and members of the committee assisted.
The proceeds amounted to over £20.
Epworth Bells, dated 6th August 1938

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Gates: EPWORTH WAR MEMORIAL FIELD/ 1914 - 1918 1939 - 1945 Plaque: THIS RECREATION FIELD IS DEDICATED TO THE MEN OF EPWORTH/ WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE CAUSE OF HUMANITY/ (Names)

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Custodian name:

Epworth War Memorial Field Charity

Custodian website:

https://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/ContactAndTrustees.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=521918&SubsidiaryNumber=0