Village unveils new heritage board in historic green area

Standish councillors placed the panel in Standish Rec, in Southlands Avenue on Saturday, which outlines the history of the rec.

The board has been secured thanks to funding from the three local councillors - Debbie Parkinson, Adam Marsh and Ray Whittingham.

Jim Meehan, chairman of Friends of Standish Recreation Ground, the community group who ensure the rec is properly maintained, said: “The idea came about as we wanted something to raise awareness of the history of the rec.

“The board describes the 110-year history of Standish Rec.

“It includes history about the Standish Grammar School, the mineral line , High Street farm and football on the rec.”

And the history of the recreation ground is fascinating.

In 1909, the Standish-with-Langtree Urban District Council decided that local people and particularly children needed a recreation ground.

So they approached Henry Standish, the Lord of the Manor and owner of most of the land in the area.

He agreed to create a recreation ground on Squires Hey and rented the land to the council for £5 a year.

However, when Henry died in 1920, his wife Helena went on to gift the recreation ground to the children of Standish.

It has since been used for children to play on for generations to come and still has a football pitch to this day.

Mr Meehan said: “We hope the board will increase historical awareness across the community and will be the starting point for a series of Heritage Trails later this year.

“It was unveiled by the three Standish councillors who have jointly funded it – a rare example of politicians working together.”