In the early 1970s, Whitminster saw growth with the arrival of the Police Station, Magistrates Court, and The Close. With this development, local children lost access to informal playing spaces that had served the community for years. In response, a group of dedicated parents came together to establish a new playing field for the village.
This grassroots group formed the Whitminster Playing Field Association, driven by a shared vision to create a safe and welcoming recreational space. Over the next three years, they organised a wide range of community fundraising events — from dances and sponsored walks to skittles nights and a 200 Club — all to raise funds to purchase a suitable site.
Eventually, a parcel of land at Kidnams Farm was identified and offered by a supportive landowner, with access through the Rickyard from School Lane. With additional fundraising and strong local support, the group raised enough to acquire the field and establish what would become the heart of Whitminster’s community sports and recreation offering.
Working Together: Community and Council
Once the land was secured, the field was transferred to the Parish Council, which by then had welcomed several new members supportive of the project. The Council became Custodian Trustees of the new charity formed from the Playing Field Association — a role that continues today.
What is a Custodian Trustee?
The Parish Council, as Custodian Trustee, holds the legal title to the Playing Field and Pavilion land. This provides oversight and legal safeguarding, but the Council does not manage the facilities on a day-to-day basis.
Who Manages the Field?
The Whitminster Village Hall & Playing Field Charity (Gloucester) was created through the merger of the Playing Field and Village Hall charities, based on advice from GRCC. It is run by a volunteer Management Committee which oversees all day-to-day operations, fundraising, maintenance and development of the facilities. The Parish Council continues to support the field — including taking responsibility for grass cutting and liaising on improvements and bylaws where needed.
Sport and Recreation Through the Years
As the new field took shape, a cricket square was marked out, and Whitminster Football Club — which had previously disbanded — returned to play. Players initially changed in the Village Hall and walked down the A38 to the field. In time, a mobile home was purchased to serve as temporary changing rooms.
In 1985, the Committee acquired a dismantled sectional hut from the SAS site in Hereford. With further fundraising and generous community help, the building was gradually rebuilt on-site. Mains utilities were installed, and the new pavilion was officially opened in 1987 by long-time supporter Mrs. Kirkwood. Sadly, the club manager who led the project passed away shortly before the opening.
Over the years, the pavilion underwent many repairs, particularly to replace rotting wood. Eventually, maintenance became unsustainable, and in February 2023, the Management Committee made the difficult decision to close the building. Rising costs due to the national energy crisis also contributed to the closure. The building was removed in 2024, and a new, energy-efficient and inclusive pavilion is planned to open in summer 2025, following community consultation and support.
Play Equipment and Village Enhancements
Early play equipment — wooden structures built from telegraph poles, including tyre swings and a climbing net — was lost due to vandalism. However, efforts continued, and in the early 2000s, new installations such as the Rock and Cross, basketball hoop (MUGA), and the original skateboard ramp were added through grants and donations.
In 2015, a local group of parents known as the Whitminster Fun Bags launched a project to raise £42,000 for an inclusive play area. Their hard work led to the opening of a safe, fenced playground in May 2017. Improvements continue with support from the Parish Council, including the installation of outdoor gym equipment at the far end of the field.
The original skate ramp, installed in the early 2000s, was removed in 2023 due to safety and wear concerns. A brand-new skate ramp — fully funded by the Parish Council — is planned for installation in May 2025.
Timeline of Key Events
- Early 1970s: Community identifies the need for a new playing field.
- Mid-1970s: Whitminster Playing Field Association forms and begins fundraising.
- Late 1970s: Kidnams Farm land purchased; field handed over to the Parish Council as Custodian Trustee.
- 1985: Sectional pavilion acquired from SAS site in Hereford.
- 1987: Pavilion opened by Mrs. Kirkwood.
- Early 2000s: Rock and Cross, MUGA, and original skate ramp installed.
- 2015–2017: Whitminster Fun Bags raise £42,000 for inclusive play area; opened in May 2017.
- 2023: Original skate ramp removed due to age and condition.
- 2024: Original pavilion removed following closure in 2023.
- May 2025: New skate ramp (funded by Parish Council) due for installation.
- Summer 2025: New energy-efficient community pavilion scheduled to open.
Looking Forward
Today, the Whitminster Playing Field and Pavilion continue to evolve thanks to a strong partnership between local residents, the Parish Council, and the dedicated volunteers of the Management Committee. Together, they work to provide a welcoming, inclusive space for all ages — building on the legacy of community effort and cooperation that began over 50 years ago.