Within seconds of Great Houghton’s first children’s playing field being declared open by Mr. C. J. Rhodes of Leeds, president of the Yorkshire Playing Fields Association, scores of children were happily occupied in swinging, sliding and enjoying the many amenities provided.

The ceremony was performed on Saturday and the chairman of the Council. Mr. W. Butterworth, said it was a happy occasion for the people of Great Houghton. For a long time they had visualised having a playing field. In 1952 the Land value report was received, and in the same year the land owner to n sell the land for £360. They then had to erect a special fence at a cost of £200 8s 11d.

The tenants rights cost them £67 0s 6d, legal fees £20 11s 6d, surveyors fees £23 2s and the Right of Way £71 17s. 11d. The grass seed for the land cost £16 10s., and the cost of the equipment was £484, including erection costs.

From the Houghton Main Baths and canteen Committee they had a grant of £750, and a further £50 from the former Houghton Nursing Association, when it disbanded. He hoped parents would co-operate in encouraging their children to take care of the equipment.

Warmest Greetings

Mrs C.J.Rhodes said he had hoped to bring their Present, said Joseph Ingleby, within the afternoon, but he later and sent him warmest greetings on the success great Great Houghton had achieved so far in their ambitious venture.

The speaker said he had had much correspondence with their cleric, Mr L Brown, who had done some very good work for his Council. The playing Field Association Funds existed to help the schemes. The money was derived from donations and subscriptions and was not aided by government money. It was an ideal spot they had found at Pleasant Avenue.

“It gives me the greatest possible pleasure,” said Mr Rhodes, “to hand over this cheque of £300 from ‘the Playing Fields Association to your chairman and also £15 from the West Riding Playing Fields Fund, and to congratulate Houghton Council’s ambitious and wonderful foresight.”

Councillor Herbert Ellis thanked Mr. Rhodes for the cheque. He said the Council had a clerk who was very interested in the scheme, and wished take that opportunity him of thanking him for his work. They had also had cooperation from the contractor, Mr J Lister. On behalf of great housing can counsel you pleasure in thanking Mr Rhodes.

Councillor John Selbourne seconded the vote of thanks.

After the ceremony, the Parish Council, and other invited guests were entertained to tea by members of the Parish Council in the Welfare Hall.

Grace was said by the Reverend Neville Morton of Darfield.