Gwernaffield Memories: Playground anniversary

By Flintshire Chronicle on May 30, 09 10:47 AM in 1900-1999

A sunny afternoon in May 1959 and the village of Gwernaffield was buzzing with excitement.

Children gathered in a dusty lane ready for the opening of their new playing field.
Local district councillor Tom Rich was invited to open the facility, built on a former rubbish tip.

Hard-working volunteers had been beavering away for years to raise the £1,232 needed for the project.

Today, the cost would barely cover the deposit on a piece of playground equipment!

The opening ceremony was preceded by a procession of excited youngsters in fancy dress from the village school to the playing field gates.

The 50th anniversary of the opening will be marked on July 18 with a celebration organised by school governor Jackie Roberts.

She is keen to uncover any photographs or memorabilia relating to the ceremony on May 16, 1959.

This photograph was kindly loaned by Mair Rich, of Pantymwyn, daughter-in-law of the late Cllr Rich and shows children with Cllr Tom Rich, right, and his wife Enid, left.