When we talk about Chilton, the history and stories of the people who lived and worked here, the Miners Welfare the Recreation Grounds and particularly the Pavilion Park are always up front and central to many of the stories, writes, Cllr Sue Reece, Chair of the Miners Welfare Trust.
The Welfare Fund was established many years ago to improve the lives and wellbeing of miners and their families through sport and recreation.
When coal production increased in 1923 “the Welfare” made an application to change an allotment garden into a tennis court and the colliery owners Pease and Partners agreed to contribute £3,500 to the development of the Welfare Ground for their workforce.
The Welfare contributed a further £1,658 and the miners contributed a penny per ton of coal filled, from their wages.
It opened in 1924, providing a football pitch in front of West Chilton Terrace, a cricket ground close by, bowling green, several tennis courts and a children’s playground, with the Pavilion coming later.
The recreation grounds hold many cherished memories for the Chilton community, but unfortunately over time became somewhat rundown.
Volunteer group, Friends of the Park, have previously raised funds to carry out repairs, creating a meeting room and toilets.
The Pavilion Park today hosts Chilton and Sedgefield Tennis Club and the Auckland and Chilton Croquet Club, and the work continues to protect our heritage asset, through the Trust.
With funding from Chilton Town Council and Chilton County Councillor Neighbourhood Budget Fund, the Pavilion roof is currently being repaired and re-tiled to protect it from future damage.
Winter maintenance programmes are currently underway through the Trust, with the help of volunteers, treating and reseeding the lawn, cleaning tennis courts and replanting bulbs.
Further plans are in place to continue to enhance the Miners Welfare Recreation Grounds so they can continue to benefit the Chilton community will into the future.
