The King George the 5th's Playing Fields in Brickfields is a fantastic resource for Worcester. However, it is struggling against those who misuse open spaces. I'm calling on our local community of geocachers to help clean up this resource in the hope that we can restore pride in the area and encourage the local area to look after their fantastic playing fields.
The event will start at 2pm, and will run through til 5.30/6pm (sunset). It is taking place during half term with the hope that we can encourage children to join in with keeping their local areas litter free. The local council will be providing bags and equipment, (though feel free to bring your own) and will be collecting the rubbish at the end of the day.
Anyone who knows me as a CO will know that I have a soft spot for history, so it's no surprise that I have managed to incorporate it into this CITO.
A King George's Field is a public open space in the United Kingdom dedicated to the memory of King George V (3 June 1865 – 20 January 1936). In 1936, after the king's death, Sir Percy Vincent, the then-Lord Mayor of London, formed a committee to determine a memorial that was not solely based on the idea of a statue. They arrived the same year at the concept of funding and erecting a single statue inLondon and setting up the King George's Fields Foundation to carry the late king's name forward through future generations with the aim:
To promote and to assist in the establishment throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland of playing fields for the use and enjoyment of the people.
Each of the playing fields would:
Be styled 'King George's Field' and to be distinguished by heraldic panels or other appropriate tablet medallion or inscription commemorative of His Late Majesty and of a design approved by the Administrative Council.
Money was raised locally to buy the land, with a grant made by the foundation. After purchase the land was passed to the National Playing Fields Association, to "preserve and safeguard the land for the public benefit". Land was still being acquired for the purpose during the 1950s and early 1960s.
When the King George's Fields Foundation was dissolved in 1965 there were 471 King George Playing Fields, all over the country.They are now owned by the National Playing Fields Association and managed on their behalf by either the council or a board of local trustees.
There are strict covenants and conditions that ensure that the public will continue to benefit from these open play areas.
The sports facilities at KGV are amongst the best in Worcester. There are three mini grass soccer pitches, three full-sized adult/youth pitches, and two flood-lit tiger-turf (top quality) pitches. Two five-a-side pitches can also be converted into a mini soccer pitch. KGV also has a hard-standing MUGA (Multi Use Games Area), which can be floodlit and used for –basketball, football, hockey, netball and other outdoor activities.
Nestled close to Worcester town centre, within the surrounding parklands, with an out-door gym, children's play area, and youth shelter area – this really is the place to work, rest, or play.
Attended26/10/2015
I'd never been to a CITO before, had no idea what it would be like. Really fancied participating as I think it is so important to be setting a good example to children and if you say you care aboutt he environment, well, put your money where you mouth is. I looked into local CITOs and noticed that we didn't seem to have any nearby, or at least not local enough for me to go to. Then one day, because a council contact was visiting our house due to allotments, I thought, 'wait a minute - I know what to do!!' and so it all went from there. If the CITO doesn't come to you, well I'll organise my own then. It can't be that hard.....surely.
It was quite daunting. I spoke to cleaner and greener at the council, knowing full well which park would be the one that they would ask us to look at. I had to fill out a big form, write a risk assessment (can do it in my sleep - teacher) sent it off and then got the cache page on the go. Strong armed a few friends, crossed a lot of fingers. It was happening, then I actually got the permission (whoops). It was going ahead for sure now. And now was the real time to worry. Would anyone actually come or would it be me by myself? Would it rain?! Would it just be an utter disaster for no real reason?! Fingernails chewed down to the quick (not really).
On the day, I couldn't be more happy. The sun was actually shining!! A few people dropped out, but I was still hopeful. Worcester News had been woeful and not replied to me, nor the Scouts, but do you know what, I should have just put my faith in geocachers and not batted an eyelid. Fab turnout! Recognised a few friendly faces and a few new faces. Was able to put faces to caching names and real names to caching names - always a pleasure. What I love about this hobby is how friendly and lovely people are and how quickly you make new friends. I was astounded and chuffed to meet one lovely person from Birmingham and 1 and two minis from Cheltenham. Practically international! One of the best things was to know that Cuthies and Max would be making it a milestone, their 11,000th - that seems to unbelievable, but such an honour for them to share it with us. See the photo attached. Look too for the princess carriage - you can decide for youself whether it should have been recycled as a cache (it wasn't, but not for want of discussion and encouragement).
I think a few old hands were perplexed by the health and safety briefing (nothing to do with me!) and hi viz jackets (again, my nemesis, but I ended up wearing one) but I think it was partly due to the fact that they were just so keen to get out there (and let's face it, if we risk assessed the majority of geocaches especially anything nearing a 5/5, never would allow us to go out!). Everyone went at it with great alacrity and I couldn't believe how many bags were brought back and how keen each person was to take another bag and go back out. When a few latecomers turned up, they were lamenting the lack of litter there was to pick up! Can't be bad - and it said a lot as when we had arrived, I was quite worried at the sheer volume of litter there was in the initial meeting area. I was so immensely proud of what we had achieved.
So in short? So pleased this went so well. Lots of cachers, CITO newbies (including myself) and some muggles too. 25+ bags of rubbish including some recycling. Thank you so much to all those who came along and leant a hand :) Will I be doing it again, definitely. I hope to see everyone there again and many more.