Gallowstree Common Recreation Ground
Building a healthy foundation for community sports since 1948
THE NEW PAVILION APPEAL
The present: Gallowstree Common Pavilion
Today's pavilionThe history
In 1948 five acres of land in Gallowstree Common were gifted by Mr Ewen to the Kidmore End Parish Council. A scheme was proposed to use the area for cricket and football pitches and a children's play area. A tremendous amount of voluntary labour soon led to the grounds being prepared and by 1950 the cricket, football and netball clubs were flourishing.
In 1953, a Coronation Committee, was formed to provide permanent memorials for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. Ideas for such memorials included tree-planting, commemorative benches and a much-needed sports pavilion to match the community's growing interest in this beautiful venue. Parish councillors, local residents and members of the sports clubs worked together over the next four years to raise funds and build the sports pavilion that stands on the site today.
The recreation ground and the pavilion are owned by the Parish Council, and managed by the Kidmore End Playing Fields Committee, a registered charity. The trustees of the charity are appointed by the Council and the two major users of the ground, Kidmore End Cricket Club and Kidmore End Football Club. Both these clubs have used the Ground since its inception. The cricket club is presently very successful, running three teams on Saturdays and Sundays (some matches have to be played elsewhere) and has a burgeoning youth section, catering for both sexes. The football club does not presently share the numerical strength of its summer counterpart.
The problem
When it was completed in 1957, the new sports pavilion was a superb facility for its time. Sadly, it does not provide what is needed today and has reached the end of its economical and practical life. The building does not meet the regulations governing the competitive sports that take place on the site. It is thermally inefficient and does not satisfy Disabled Discrimination legislation or health and safety regulations. It is not capable of being used by both sexes simultaneously because changing facilities are limited and there is only one set of showers. There are no separate changing facilities for match officials.
- The Pavilion Appeal •
- The present •
- The future