History of the Development of Risinghurst and Sandhills
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Risinghurst
Thanks to Stephanie Jenkins for permission to link to her research on Sandhills and Risinghurst. Links to the pages at Headington.org for the details are as follows:
http://www.headington.org.uk/history/streets/estates/sandhills_estate.html
http://www.headington.org.uk/history/streets/estates/risinghurst_estate.html
Risinghurst in 1935. Thanks to Peter Taylor for providing research on aerial photos through the years. For more aerial views and details of where to access them click the following link: Aerial photos of Risinghurst through the years
Combined Risinghurst Playing fields with Olive Jacks Memorial Field
Oxfordshire Gardens Trust have a full report, with thanks to Felix Lam for permission to link her report. See the full details at City of Oxford – Oxfordshire Gardens Trust (ogt.org.uk) at https://ogt.org.uk/oxfordshire-gardens/city-of-oxford/
Risinghurst Playing Fields: The public park was bought by Risinghurst and Sandhills Parish Council in 1959, with the help of The Playing Fields Association. The purchase of the park was in response to the growing need of recreational space in the expanding population of the parishes of Risinghurst and Sandhills. The conveyance of land between Nielsen and the Parish Council stated it was for the ‘purposes of the Physical Training and Recreation Act, 1937’. To that end the Parish Council raised funds to provide a fit-for-purpose recreation space, including a changing pavilion. Before the official opening in 1965 the park had to be cleared of some trees, levelled and drained. Since then it has become home for a range of cricket and football clubs and enjoys an annual fireworks display and summer fete.
Olive Jacks Memorial Field (OJMF): A public area for children was a gift to the Parish from Rev’d Dr Lawence Pearsall Jacks in 1951. The gift was in memory of his wife Olivia and was particularly designated for children, with the wish that play would be supervised by an adult. OJMF is off Kiln Lane in Risinghurst, Oxford and joins onto the recreation ground.
See the full report by clicking the link: Risinghurst Recreation ground and OJMF History report
Oxford Preservation Trust in Wood Farm: new history project and a walk:
Wood Farm in east Oxford has an interesting and varied history. In the last century, the area was transformed from farmland and open fields to a place full of new kinds of housing and facilities for Oxford’s growing population. We’ve been exploring its importance within Oxford at each stage of its changing use.
Through our Wood Farm Community History project, OPT is researching and recording local stories alongside residents and community groups. You can read more about our ongoing activities below and there are lots of ways you can get involved.
Would you like your memories of the area to be recorded? Have you ever wanted to know more about the history of your house? Do you have your own questions about Wood Farm’s history? Would you like to help us undertake research?
Get in touch with us using the webform below or email our Engagement Officer, Anna, at a.clark@oxfordpreservation.org.uk
The leaflet showing an interesting history walk around Wood Farm can be used for an enjoyable walk anytime, please click the link below:
OPT Wood Farm History Walk leaflet