In 1946 the land forming the playing field owned at the time by Keythorpe Estates was conveyed to the founding Trustees for the “use and benefit of the inhabitants of the Parish of Ridlington as a cricket field and recreation ground and for properly organised village functions”. Charitable status was achieved.

The playing field is a shared village asset managed currently, by four Trustees, there is a mini football pitch, cricket nets, pétanque court as well as further open space and woodland area where local people can walk and enjoy a natural environment.

All costs relating to the upkeep, maintenance and development of any additional facilities such as a replacement children’s play area, is covered by fundraising events and charitable donations. There is no other funding from Parish, Local or National government. To date we have held fundraiser quizzes, garden parties, schools’ base for D of E activities and sporting events to name a few.

Maintenance work is carried out where possible by village volunteers, with two annual clear ups in Spring and Autumn plus regular ad hoc maintenance as required. The biggest financial outgoings are insurance and grass cutting which is carried out by a contractor as well as tree maintenance which due to Ash Die Back is substantial in cost and predicted to be ongoing.

Accounts are prepared annually and reported to the Parish Council and the Charity Commission ref: XT28282. The Trustees report their activities and submit their accounts (for the preceding year) at the Parish Annual Meeting held each May at which parishioners can voice their questions and opinions. The annual report and accounts can be viewed on the Parish Website.

We do have an EASYFUNDRAISING page. It’s free to support us when you shop online with over 8,000 retailers via easyfundraising, including Amazon, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and Argos to name a few. A number of villagers and friends of the Playing Field already do this, we are very appreciative, and it greatly helps our cause.

Sign up here  https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/cause/ridlingtonplayingfields/

(right click to open the hyperlink)