Opening of Staveley Works Sports Ground 1953

The Staveley Works Sports Ground at Barrow Hill was for forty years an integral part of sport in Chesterfield.
The opening in 1953 was a significant sporting event with the athletics and cycling events attracting competitors from all around the nation.
The star performer was McDonald Bailey who had won a bronze medal for Great Britain in the 1952 Olympic 100m. He was for a time the joint world record holder. His time in the 220 yards of 20.1 seconds was an English record.
The crowd was possibly the largest for a sporting event in the town although the celebration went on from morning until the late evening.

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The Companies that employed thousands of people locally, albeit tying them to their homes by employment, ensured (along with Trade Unions) that welfare facilities were available to their employees. It is amazing that the local Councils have eroded that availability over the years when those Employers have, unfortunately, departed. Remembering the Council policy of selling of playing fields - what a shame