Windlesham Field of Remembrance.

Windlesham Field of Remembrance

History

The Windlesham Field of Remembrance formed part of the estate of Admiral Cochrane of Windlesham House (now demolished).  The grounds of the house extended right through to Westwood Road.  Admiral Cochrane sold the 10-acre field to the Trustees in 1950, for the sum of £2750.  The money was raised by public subscription and donations from the people of Windlesham and generous benefactors.  It was dedicated as a memorial to the Windlesham dead of the two World Wars.

Admiral’s Field

In 1987 a further 8½ acres were purchased from The Admiral Cochrane Trust and this woodland area is known as “Admiral’s Field”.  The pond in this area has been dredged and cleaned and ducks are frequently seen there.  The woods are home to a large variety of birds and other wildlife.  A few years ago an official from the Forestry Commission was invited to give us some guidance on the woodland area and we were delighted that in his opinion the woodland was well maintained and we had an excellent selection of native trees.

The local football and cricket teams use the playing fields.  The Boys Football Club has over 70 members with ages ranging from 5 to 12 years.  They play in local leagues and have had much success.  The Senior Football team also uses the Field regularly throughout the season and in the summer there is a cricket fixture on most Sundays.  The Windle Valley Runners start their races on the field and the Windlesham Village Annual Fete is held each June.

Dog Walkers

Probably the people who walk their dogs are the most frequent and regular users.  With the installation of dog bins the Trustees are always seeking to keep the Field clean for all who use it.

 Play Area

The play area, with its traditional play equipment, and safety surface is very popular all year round, but particularly in the summer months when young families often bring picnics and spend the whole afternoon at the Field.  It is with this in mind that a task force has been set up to find ways of financing new equipment.  The group has liaised closely with the Management Committee and is making great strides in achieving their aim.

 Pavilion

The present pavilion was built in 1961 through the efforts of the Trustees and villagers.  Due to deterioration in the fabric of the building the usage has been greatly reduced.   However, the Management Committee are now investigating the refurbishment of the Pavilion to provide a referees changing room, extended kitchen and updated facilities.  We are at present  investigating the possibility of obtaining a Football Foundation grant for this purpose.

  Due to its present condition the pavilion is only used for the occasional children’s party and small meetings.

  The sporting fraternity is also regular users of the pavilion, with the football teams using the showers and changing rooms and the cricket club utilizing the kitchen for their teas.

  The Management Committee recognized that a secure store was needed for all the equipment used at the Field, this was completed in November 2005.

The Field – The Reason for Being