Memorial Details
Memorial
Memorial Hall 1914-18
Reference
W125.05
Place
WITTON PARK
Original Location
Witton Park and District War Memorial Institute and Red Triangle Club, known as “The Hut”.
Which war
1914-18
Dedication, Creation or Publication date
Officially opened 4th December 1920 by Mr. Hustler Hustler of Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough.
Memorial Description
Institute comprised a concert and games room, billiard room fitted with two full-sized tables, reading room, library, kitchen, office and two bathrooms.
There was a brass plaque at the back of the platform. See W125.04
There was a brass plaque at the back of the platform. See W125.04
Materials used
Hut formerly provided by the Y.M.C.A. for use of soldiers.
Names
None
Who commissioned
War Memorial Committee
Cost
Hut provided free by Y.M.C.A. Money needed only for transport and re-erection.
How money was raised
Site was given by Mr. Burkitt. Public subscription and gifts from local companies.
Present condition
Demolished.
Notes
1. Over £2,000 was raised.
2. 67 poplar trees were to be planted outside the hall, each one representing one man killed. Only half were ever planted, of which none survived.
3. At the unveiling, Mr. Hustler Hustler was presented with a silver key as a memento.
4. At the time of the opening, £1,160 had been spent on the hut, a further £500 was still needed. £1,020 had already been raised towards which Mr. Hustler Hustler donated £50. A further £20 was collected at the meeting.
5. Bishop Welldon was also present to dedicate the memorial plaque but it had not arrived in time.
6. The original plan for the hut was a lot simpler than envisaged.
2. 67 poplar trees were to be planted outside the hall, each one representing one man killed. Only half were ever planted, of which none survived.
3. At the unveiling, Mr. Hustler Hustler was presented with a silver key as a memento.
4. At the time of the opening, £1,160 had been spent on the hut, a further £500 was still needed. £1,020 had already been raised towards which Mr. Hustler Hustler donated £50. A further £20 was collected at the meeting.
5. Bishop Welldon was also present to dedicate the memorial plaque but it had not arrived in time.
6. The original plan for the hut was a lot simpler than envisaged.
Newspaper cuttings, photos or archival material
Northern Echo 06/12/1920 reports official opening; 25/10/1921 reports Princess Louise visit & tree planting
Darlington & Stockton Times 03/05/1919 reports proposals; 11/12/1920 reports opening; 02/04/1921 reports donation of site; 29/10/1921 reports visit of Princess Louise;
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 29/10/1921 reports on Princess Louise’s visit and planting trees.
The Coming of the Princess
Auckland Chronicle 09/12/1920 reports official opening.
Newcastle Daily Chronicle 26/10/1921 reports Princess Louise's local tour and the unveiling of the memorial.
Witton Park, Forever Paradise Compiled by Ken Biggs, Keith Belton and Dale Daniel
Memories of Witton Park
Darlington & Stockton Times 03/05/1919 reports proposals; 11/12/1920 reports opening; 02/04/1921 reports donation of site; 29/10/1921 reports visit of Princess Louise;
Newcastle Weekly Chronicle 29/10/1921 reports on Princess Louise’s visit and planting trees.
The Coming of the Princess
Auckland Chronicle 09/12/1920 reports official opening.
Newcastle Daily Chronicle 26/10/1921 reports Princess Louise's local tour and the unveiling of the memorial.
Witton Park, Forever Paradise Compiled by Ken Biggs, Keith Belton and Dale Daniel
Memories of Witton Park
External web link
Links to Source Material :
Research acknowledgements
John and Mavis Dixon; Dale Daniel; Gillian Wales; Dorothy Hall
Research In Progress
If you are researching this memorial please contact 2014@newmp.org.uk
Memorial Hall 1914-18 (W125.05)
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Parish Notes
Every Name A Story
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