Mexborough and Swinton Times October 11, 1947

“and the children shall rise up against their parents.”

The prophecy appears to have come to at Kilnhurst for the younger generation have risen up against their elders with the demand for a playing field. The slogan, “We demand a playing field, by order,” has been in large letters on a wall in Thomas St, Kilnhurst

Road Safety – And All That

A “South Yorkshire times” reporter spoke to a party of boys aged between 13 and 15, who had many arguments put forward to support their demand for a playing field in Kilnhurst.

“We went to a road safety exhibition and they told us not to play in the streets, but if we play anywhere else it’s a summons” they said.

“I have been expecting an accident ever since I was 13” said one boy with a look of resignation on his face.

Asked where the children played at Meadow View, Kilnhurst, they replied that they used a field, but any other person other than a “Meadow Viewer” who try to make use of this field was instantly repelled and force was used if necessary, because the field was not large enough for two parties to play.

“We don’t want a field with swings and things, just one to play football and cricket in” they pleaded. “We can get all the tackle if they would only give us a field.”

The boys have many suggestions as to where a playing field could be found, but unfortunately all the land specified was private property.

The children’s complaint was summed up by one boy who said “We have to play in the street or in somebody’s field, but we have been warned against doing either of these things so will they tell us where to play.” As to the slogan on the wall they remarked bitterly “It’s been there more than three weeks and no one has taken any notice yet.”

Perhaps one day somebody will take notice. “Out of the mouths of babes –“