Uley Playing Field and Pavilion
The Uley Memorial Playing Field 80th VE Day Anniversary APPEAL
In the summer of 1944, as the end of the war approached, the residents of Uley and Owlpen began collecting funds for returning service personnel. By the conclusion of the war, a substantial amount had been raised. After considerable village discussion, the returning service men and women were given the option to choose between receiving a monetary sum, attending a celebratory meal or party, or establishing a village playing field. At that time, cricket was played in the field above the Walled Garden and football was played at Newbrook Farm. Unselfishly the service men and women opted for the creation of a village playing field. Consequently, land in Shadwell was acquired for the benefit of the entire village, and a small pavilion was constructed shortly thereafter. Following additional fundraising efforts, the current pavilion was inaugurated in 2013
The field was named the ‘Memorial Playing Field’ in honour of those villagers who had died. In 1990 13 trees were planted around the field in memory of the 13 local servicemen who were killed during the War. A Service of Commemoration was held at the time. Unfortunately, over the years, the original plaques bearing the names of the servicemen have suffered from the weather or gone missing and two of the trees have died.
The Uley Memorial Playing Field and Pavilion is a wonderful village asset, but the costs of the upkeep and maintenance have grown (currently £8.5K pa). The volunteer management committee strives to raise enough money through fund raising events, the 100 Club, Pavilion and Playing field hire and some local grants. Other money is sourced through subscription fees from the Uley Cricket and Football players at a time when they are often struggling to find players.
The goal of the Appeal is to raise funds for the upkeep of the Pavilion and Playing Field, and to ensure there are 13 healthy memorial trees with name plaques of a more enduring quality that are properly positioned and maintained. Additionally, we hope that the Appeal will increase awareness of the Uley Memorial Playing Field and promote its use as a valuable village amenity. Uley Parish Council has already approved a donation to fund the replacement of the memorial plaques for which we are grateful. But we need more.
This is a ‘once-only’ Appeal to coincide with the 80th Anniversary of VE Day to pay for much needed work on the Memorial trees, Playing Field and Pavilion building. Our target for this appeal is £5,000
We would be most grateful for your support and we urge you to give generously.
Thanking you in advance for anything you can give to help our cause whether it is a donation, hiring the Pavilion for an event, supporting one of the clubs or joining us at one of our fund raising events. It all helps.
The Uley Memorial Playing Field Committee
We also welcome and acknowledge the support for this appeal from the following residents of Uley and Owlpen
Duff Hart Davis, Melanie Paraskeva,
Janet Wood MBE, Debs Paproska Cole,
Dr Simon Opher MP, John Penley OBE,
Wayne Fisher
How to Donate to the Uley Memorial Playing Field 80th VE Day Anniversary Appeal
If possible it would really help us if you could Gift Aid your donation. For every £1 you donate we can claim 25p from the HMRC at no additional cost to you.
Each option below provides you with the option to Gift Aid if you choose to do so.
Donate online using our Just Giving site – justgiving.com/campaign/upfvedayappeal. You can choose to Gift Aid your donation on the Just Giving website.
Bank Transfer - Sort code 60-83-01, a/c No. 20438432, a/c Name 'Uley Playing Field RCN 301642'. Please use the reference ‘VE Day Appeal’. It would help us greatly if you could also download, print out and complete this form (which will allow you to Gift Aid you donations if you wish).
Cash or Cheque – Cheques payable to 'Uley Playing Field RCN 301642'.Please also download and complete this form. You can choose on the form if you would like to Gift Aid your donation.