History of the Memorial Playing Field

In 1945 Mr.S D Gladstone of Lewins chaired a meeting to consider a fgitting war memorial to the eleven Crockham Hill men killed during Wotrld War 2. With more than £2,000 subscribed by early 1946, it was decided at a public meeting that such a memorial should be a village playing field. All the local clubs, associations and the school joined in promoting the scheme under the Chairmanship of Lt. Col. Arthur Mills. At an early stage both the Ministry of Education and the National Playing Fields Association (N.P.F.A.) provided additional funds. The level field on the corner of Dairy Lane and the B269 was bought and a network of drains installed to take away excess rainwater to the stream in the south-east corner. A pavillion, childresns corner and sports pitches were laid out.

The entrance gates were dedicated as the War Memorial and the field formally opened by Dr. C H Chavasse, B ishop of Rochester, on 22nd July 1950. The broze plaque inscribed with the names of the fallen was the work of Mr. Budd, a local artist.

The oroigal plan included a bowling green, however this has never been laid out. By 1954 a further £700 had been raised for the first tennis court, a second was added later. Volunteers from the three main sports clubs keep the area in good condition, and the cricket square is claimed to be one of the best at village cricket level.