Creation of the Ravenstonedale Millennium Playing Field

September 2001 - construction underway

Between 2000 and 2002 a field in the centre of our village, lying between the King's Head and the graveyard, was transformed into a playing field as part of a millennium funded project. In 2003 prospective spectators look forward to the sound of leather on willow, with drinks served on a tray from the KH. A frightfully English countryside pursuit what!

The project has not been without incident. When a wall of 20-foot-high netting was installed to keep the KH and adjoining cottages safe from leather a flurry of letters in the local press testified to a divide of opinion in the village on the aesthetics of 20-foot-high netting.

April 2003 - Constitution created

Constitution was created. After a lot of hard work by just a few people, notably Hillary and Caroline, the management of the field has now been handed over to a committee, chaired by Richard Staley with Alan Law as Vice Chairman. The Treasurer is David Capstick, secretary Diane Boustead and events organizer is Bernard Law. Matters in hand include laying a base for a storeroom, erecting goal posts and a cricket pitch. We are fortunate that, as the field is to be used by the school, the schools authority will undertake the maintenance of the grass. Most of this work, including the provision of two bench seats, is funded from the Millennium fund and grants. Two further seat have been donated, one in memory of Laurie Mansbridge and another stone seat to be provided by Richard Staley. It would be nice to have more permanent seats on the field and would be pleased to hear from anyone who might be willing to donate one. After a lot of ongoing hard work with levelling, drainage and seeding, we look forward to a spurt of growth this spring and healthy green field for the enjoyment of inhabitants and visitors to the parish.

June 2003 - First cricket match
The first cricket match on the millennium field was played in June 2003. Brough v. Ravenstonedale. Brough won.