Newton-on-Ouse Playing Field
Situated to the north of the village, the Playing Field is a fabulous asset to the village.
Complete with children’s play area and a pavilion, the Playing Field is ideal for summer fairs and events, as well as offering football fields to local teams.
The History of Newton-on-Ouse Playing Field
In 1958 the idea was put forwards to acquire a site for sports events which had previously been held in farm fields. A fundraising committee was set up and a sum of £3000 was raised from local farmers who were slowly paid back from bingo sessions run by Mr Don Bainbridge. Don was a popular, enthusiastic, local sportsman who worked enthusiastically to promote sports for the young people of the village. When a piece of land became available for purchase, this field was bought, helped by a grant from the Sports Council and former Easingwold Rural District Council.
Transforming the land from agricultural to recreational was no mean task, but villagers pulled together and many enjoyable events took place there including the children’s annual sports day football galleries and cricket matches. Sadly on the 16th of November 1972 Don died suddenly. A fund for a memorial was immediately set up and it was decided to replace the temporary wooden pavilion with a permanent building to be dedicated to Don's memory. Once more the men of the village rallied round to work on the building while the ladies worked as fundraisers and tea makers. Villagers bought bricks at 20p each to help with the funding. The pavilion was built with a kitchen, changing rooms, showers and toilets, it was formally opened on the 19th of July 1975 Mr Strachan the chairman of York City football club.
After Don's death, much of the grounds work was taken over by his son Happy Bainbridge. Happy dedicated countless hours to the upkeep of the playing field in particular the pitch, which is renowned for being one of the best in the area. Happy continued this role until his retirement in 2022 when his dedication was honoured at the Queens Jubilee Party held on the playing field.
Over the years the playing fields have been looked after by a team of volunteers ensuring its longevity for the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike. Holding regular events in the village, fun days, barn dances, fairs and pantos to help cover the running costs as well as providing entertainment and enjoyment. Please help us to continue to care for this beautiful space which has been used and loved by so many before us and hopefully continues long after us.
