On 3rd December 1917, Capt Julian Whalley was killed at the battle of Cambrai, Northern France. In memory of her brother, Geraldine Whalley bought and donated ‘Miss Whalley’s Field’  to the children and people of Lancaster, in perpetuity. Our Centenary event on 3rd December 2017 is planned to commemorate this anniversary.

The event will be held at the top of the field alongside Derwent Road.  Everyone is welcome and the event will involve local schoolchildren, the Mayor and invited dignitaries.

As you may have noticed, a boulder has already been installed at the top of the field and two plaques will be added before the event on 3rd December. A bench has also been put in place near the boulder, giving a fine view out over the city and Morecambe Bay.  These are being funded by grants from Lancashire Environment Fund (www.lancsenvfund.org.uk) & Lancaster Green Spaces (www.lancastergreenspaces.org.uk).

We also hope to combine our ceremony with the Fields in Trust work which helps protect vital open spaces all across the UK.  Part of the work of Fields in Trust includes the Centenary Fields Project which works in partnership with The Royal British Legion to secure recreational spaces in perpetuity to honour the memory of the millions of people who lost their lives in World War I.  By dedicating land through the Centenary Fields programme it can ensure our green space is protected as a living remembrance.  Fields in Trust will also donate a plaque to show that our Field as been recognised and dedicated as a Centenary Field. (www.fieldsintrust.org/)

The Friends of Miss Whalley’s Field have produced a leaflet to publicise this significant event. To see this leaflet (in pdf form) just click on the link below:

Miss Whalley’s Field v2

Saturday 9th September 

Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to the public to celebrate their heritage, community and history. This event is England’s largest festival of history and culture.

This year, The Gregson Community Centre, (33 Moorgate, Lancaster LA1 3PY) took part in the event and was open to the public.

The Friends of Miss Whalley’s Field were one of the local groups represented at The Gregson to tell people about the history of the field and their local activities.

If you would like to know more about Heritage Open Days – which are all FREE – visit  www.heritageopendays.org.uk. Enter a place or postcode into the search to see what else happening near you.