Historic society unveil two information boards in Southwick

The boards detail a Valiant bomber crash in May 1956 in Southwick and the history of the recreation ground since the early 1900s.

They were unveiled by the Southwick Society for dogwalkers and people enjoying the park to learn more about Southwick’s history.

Southwick Society chairwoman Mary Candy, who designed the boards, said: “We are delighted to complete this project which we hope will inform people of the history of the recreation ground and also the remarkable event of May 1956.

One of the boards detailing the park's history in the 1900s (Image: Southwick Society)

“We would particularly like to thank Councillor Emma Evans and Adur District Council for their support.”

In 1956, the Valiant bomber was flying east along the coast towards Southwick when it lost all power.

It hit the railway embankment just south of Croft Avenue then exploded and disintegrated. The rest of the burnt wreckage ended up almost half a mile from the point of impact. Most of the wreckage came to rest along the railway embankment and on Southwick Recreation Ground but there was also considerable damage to nearby houses.

The co-pilot managed to eject from the plane but the other crew members were killed. Nobody on the ground was seriously injured.

The wreckage of the Valiant Bomber on the recreation ground (Image: Southwick Society)

The boards were unveiled by councillor Jim Funnell, and John Young who lived in Croft Avenue when the Valiant crashed.

The second board details the park’s history from its ownership by Reigate Priory through the centuries as part of Eastbrook Farm to its current use as a recreation ground.

From 1909 until 1914 Walter Winans, an American sportsman, leased the land to construct a trotting track for racing horse-drawn buggies. Some of the embankments of the trotting track can still be seen.

In 1930 Southwick Urban District Council purchased the land to create a recreation ground, which was officially opened on June 18, 1932. There was a bowling green, a bandstand, football fields, hockey pitches, tennis courts, a children’s playground, and an enclosed pitch for Southwick Football Club. A croquet lawn was added later.