Old Photos of Broadwell and district - Berry Hill Recreation Ground

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Old Photos of the Forest of Dean

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Old Photos of Berry Hill, Broadwell, Clearwell, Coalway & District

Berry Hill Recreation Ground

Courtesy of :

Geoff Davis

Many thanks to Maurice Thomas for this commentary on the photo (Aug 2006): "The Berry Hill Institute and Recreation Ground was developed in the years following the first World War. I believe many local miners on strike helped to clear and level the ground.
The photograph is taken from the ground entrance. Behind the wooden paling fence was a splendid bowling green, crowded with players on summer evenings. The fencing in the right foreground enclosed two tennis courts, also well used. Behind the white railings and gate was the Ladies Pavilion, now the site of Berry Hill RFC clubhouse. In the background is the Cricket Pavilion which was also used by the Rugby Club. The cricket pitch was on the other side with the rugby pitch to its left. To the left of the bowling green was the children's playground with swings, a chute, a sandpit and parallel bars. There was also a small shelter erected in memory of Ralph White killed playing rugby.
My father [Elias Thomas] was for many years a trustee and at various times Chairman and Secretary, the latter position particularly taking up a great deal of his time. Some years ago the Institute and Ground separated with the latter being taken over by Berry Hill RFC".