BOB WHITE

It was with deep shock & sorrow that we heard of the death of Bob White, 52, on Saturday 22nd March at King George V playground, during a game of football.
We tender our sincerest condolences to his family and colleagues.

...was the headline in the Gloucestershire ECHO article written by Karryanne Clancy on Thursday 27th March 2003, following a conversation with a friend of Bob's Adrian Morgan. I quote ....."Bob White leaves behind a legacy of dedication to Shurdington Rovers FC. His first match with the club was at the age of 14 and his dedication to the game and the grounds never faltered. Every Saturday he could be seen on the pitch behind the Bell Inn Public House in Shurdington marking out the pitch and putting up the nets ready for kick-off. Bob was born and bred in the village and spent many years working at Marley Buildings. He remained there for 25 years until the firm closed in 1991. He started a new job in the accounts department of Wychavon District Council and also held a position on Shurdington Parish Council for many years. His love of football never faltered and he took an active part in some 1,500 matches.  His highlight was a Treble in 1991 when the club won the county cup, the Stroud League and the charity's cup. In 2002 Bob White was given a Lifetime Achievement award."...

The funeral service took place on Tuesday 1st April 2003 at noon in St Paul's Church, Shurdington, and was followed by cremation at Cheltenham Crematorium. A wake was also held in his favourite haunt, King George V Playground in Shurdington.

A hand drawn map of King George Playing Field to a scale of 1/1250 - sadly undated and unsigned. (Click to enlarge)

Opening Ceremony to be performed by
Major Kenneth Shennan
Hon. Secretary, Gloucestershire Playing Fields Association

PRICE 6d.

MARSHALLS LIMITED
(Charlton Kings)
BUILDING CONTRACTORS
Registered Offices:
Warwick Buildings
Warwick Place
CHELTENHAM

SHURDINGTON SERVICE STATION
(Proprietor: H. B. FAINT)
Petrol & Oils
Repairs
TAXI SERVICE
Phone: Shurdington 234

TOWNSEND'S BAKERIES
Bakers, Confectioners, Grocers
Provision Merchants
HERCULES - VITBE - HOVIS - BERMALINE & PROCEA BREAD
We specialise in Wedding, Birthday and Christening Cakes
EASTERN AVENUE, GLOUCESTER

CHINN BROS. GARAGES LTD
19-23, Bath Parade, Cheltenham
97 Northgate Street, Gloucester.
Repairs & Spares
A good selection of guaranteed Second Hand Cars

Cheltenham & Hereford Ales & Stout
THE BELL INN
SHURDINGTON
Nr. Cheltenham, Glos.
Phone: Shurdington 245
Good lawn for the toddlers
Adjoining the Playing Field
Large Parking Space

HODGES & SON (Clothiers) Ltd
26 Westgate Street
Gloucester
Tailors and Outfitters
Sports Wear
Waterfall Raincoats

Souvenir programme printed by A E Errington, Hewlett Road, Cheltenham

FOREWORD in the Souvenir Programme... 

Way back in 1937 a movement was started in Shurdington for a Playing Field.

In June 1938, a scheme estimated to cost £750 was circulated to each Elector in the Parish, and approval was given by a Parish Meeting to raise a loan of £400 towards the cost.

By August 1938, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners had agreed to a sale to the Council of 6.623 acres of Glebe Land at a cost of £480.  Arguments then took place between the Council, the Solicitors and the Vendors, regarding restrictive covenants, Vendors Solicitor's costs, etc.  Hard knocks were given and received.  A lease of the land was offered on the one hand and compulsory purchase threatened on the other.  However, by the end of June 1939, a draft conveyance had been settled and application was made for a loan.  It was now the turn of the Ministry of Health to delay, and on the 15th December 1939, they wrote refusing the loan owing to the outbreak of War.  On the 4th March 1940, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners sent the Conveyance to the Council for execution.  The Council had no money to complete, without the loan, and thus ended the Parish Council's first effort.

After the War the Parish Council had to enter into a fresh contract and also pay another £100 for the field.  Restriction on borrowing made a loan impossible.  The Fund Sub-Committee then came into being and by May 1948, handed to the Council a cheque for £500.  With the subscriptions already in hand of £160 the Council now had no need for a loan.

  It is not possible to set out here all the details and set-backs which were experienced up to the final conveyance to the Council on the 16th June 1948.

Thanks to the grit and determination of the people of Shurdington to acquire this particular field, it is now theirs, vested in the Parish Council, as a public playing firld and recreation ground to be known forever as "KING GEORGE'S FIELD."

A Layout has been agreed to provide Cricket, Football, Hockey, Netball and School organised games areas.  Children's corner, Tennis Courts, Bowling Green, Car Park and Pavilion.

The official opening finds the Council at the completion of the first stage of their scheme.

The council wish to place on record their appreciation to Major Kenneth Shennan for his help in obtaining a grant of £325 from the King George's Field Foundation and also to the Fund Sub-Committee for raising a sum over £700. 

3pm National Anthem.
Introduction by F W J Holliday, Chairman of the Shurdington Parish Council.
Opening of the King George's Field by Major Kenneth Shennan.
A. G. Bishop, Esq., MBE will thank Major Shennan on behalf of the Playing Field Committee.

3.15pm Cricket Match: Shurdington Cricket Club versus Coombe Hill Cricket Club.
All Side Shows open.

3.45pm Teas in Marquee

4 pm CHILDREN'S SPORTS. Entries to be made on the field in accordance with announcements which will be made over the loud speaker.

4.45pm DISPLAY BY GIRL GUIDES AND BOY SCOUTS by kind permission of Mrs Christie and Mr Trainer.

5 - 5.30pm Cricket Interval.

6 pm Country, Community and Morris Dancing.

7 pm GRAND CONCERT in the marquee (Book in advance).

9.15pm CARNIVAL DANCE in the Village Hall.

Announcements will be made over the Loud Speaker.
Official Announcer: Mr Chris Thompson