Help stop site from being target for yobs
An organisation set up to protect an open space in Staffordshire is in desperate need of public support to keep it as a valuable facility for families in the area.
An organisation set up to protect an open space in Staffordshire is in desperate need of public support to keep it as a valuable facility for families in the area.
Rugeley Open Spaces Association, a registered charity, was created in the early1980s by the local community to raise funds to buy St Augustine's Field in Rugeley and prevent it from being used for housing.
But since then it has been subject to neglect and vandalism. So the group is now pouring its efforts into maintaining it for use by local people.
Chairman John Middleton said: "Over the years we have struggled to raise funds to keep up the maintenance of the field and the improvements such as the pavilion building which is the constant victim of vandalism.
"In the last two years we have spent almost £6,000 in maintenance.
"We are now at a very low ebb financially and need members of the public to support us in our aim to keep the field for the use of the local community," he added.
The group will be looking for a secretary and treasurer as well as volunteers to help out when it holds its annual general meeting at the Vine Pub, in Sheepfair, Rugeley, at 8pm on June 16.
Applicants need to have a clear knowledge of general administration and book-keeping.
Members of the public are also required for director positions. Applicants need a desire to see St Augustine's Field be saved from neglect and vandalism and have a keen interest in raising awareness of the association and fundraising.
Volunteers are also needed to help with fundraising and working parties to maintain the field.
Mr Middleton said: "St Augustine's Field has had an interesting past.
"Originally it was owned by the mother of Rugeley poisoner Dr Palmer, who rented it out to the local tannery for them to store cattle prior to slaughter.
"They used to enter the field at the entrance by St Augustine's Church and then exited at the bottom of the field next to the tannery. There are houses there now.
"It was known locally and on local maps as 'The Paddock'.
"It was then purchased in the 1940s by Staffordshire County Council and was used as the playing field for Rugeley Grammar School. The school then built Nelson Headquarters for its Sea Scout Group," Mr Middleton added.
People interested in the secretary and treasurer posts should call John Middleton on 01889 579500 or vice-chairman Joyce Swainston on 01889 578569.
