Once the square had settled and was fit for play, we agreed that village cricket would be moved from the hall. It was yet another generous decision by Sir Ian, without which Rudston would not have the facilities it does now.

At this time, I was involved with discussions with the Parish Council, Borough Council, Humberside County Council and the Sports Council, and with the support of Simon Dawson, managed to persuade all of them to grant aid the development of the playing field. I had a far harder job convincing certain members of our own community that the project was feasible. Even turning the football pitch was an issue, to the point that in order to get it done Walt Burgess and I measured and re-marked it on our own. So there were some interesting moments, some highs and lows and some moments of despair.

In the original plan tennis courts were to be where the bowling green is now. We didn’t feel that the village could sustain a bowls club. Fortunately the Sports Council argued strongly and how right the decision to create one was.

Everything achieved on the playing field has been done by volunteers. The materials used in the building of the pavilion were funded through grants from the organisations mentioned above, although much else has kindly been donated by members of the community or fund raised locally. The village bingo was then started to generate funds to cover the running costs.

We built the pavilion. In fact I think I mixed every drop of concrete used. It’s amazing it still stands after the sarcastic comments I received on the quality of my ‘mix.’

Since I left the village, the pavilion has been extended and two tennis courts have been laid. The concept of a village playing field has worked. Villages will experience cycles. There will be times when there are few bowls player, cricketers, footballers or tennis players, but hopefully there will always be enough people to play one of the sports to ensure that the playing field does not fall into disuse and revert to being the agricultural land it was. I think back to 1979. If I hadn’t answered the door, if the football club had collapsed, then perhaps Rudston would not have had the facility it now boasts. It would certainly not have had it without the generosity of Sir Ian and the commitment of those who cared. Well done Rudston. Enjoy it.

Mike Ashford