contributing and it was stated that workmen of Messrs. Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds, where also prepared to contribute. Collectors were also appointed to go round the townspeople. The lease of the ground had been acquired for a long term, and it was hoped to start levelling the site soon in order to convert it into a playing field.

It was reported in August 1931, that 63 unemployed persons in the Fochriw area had offered their services, and, during the following month, a start was made with the levelling the ground.

Work continued for six weeks, until, during October 1931, since no grant had been received from the Welfare Fund, which was thought to be grossly unfair, serious concerns were expressed that funds would be depleted which, unless voluntary labour would come forward, would result in suspension of the work. About one half of the football playing pitch had been levelled. Several schemes were under consideration to keep the work going and it was earnestly hoped that all lovers of sport put their shoulders to the wheel and help to complete the work.

In November 1931 it was decided to employ three men each week to carry on the work and an appeal was made for voluntary labour. The following month saw a deputation visit the solicitors at Aberdare in connection with the Welfare Grant.

It would have appeared that there were some difficulties with the land lease since, during April 1932, it was advised that the lease difficulty had been overcome, and the lease would be for 60 years.

Due to the inclement weather, work was suspended over the winter period and recommenced with about 10 men per week, during May 1932, a trend which would repeat itself until completion of the ground works. However, the work seemed to be short lived since it was reported that the first Welfare Grant was received in July 1932 which enabled work to restart.

During October 1932, presumably due to insufficient funds, it was decided firstly to complete the children's playground, and then proceed with the completion of the football and cricket ground.

In January 1933 a further grant of £600 was received from the Welfare Fund and it was optimistically believed that the full amount of £3,500 to complete the scheme, would eventually be received, and that every effort would be made to spend the money amongst the unemployed of the village.

It was decided to restart the work in the laying out of the children’s playground in April 1933, and to obtain the names of unemployed, pensioners, and boys desirous of commencing work. It transpired that 13 unemployed of the village were working on the children's playground, and that these would be changed weekly. It was planned to level the whole site during the following six to eight weeks.

Some of the equipment, such as swings, etc., and fencing, for the children's playground arrived during June 1933

The children’s playground was sufficiently complete to allow it to be opened for the August 1933 Bank Holiday and for the whole month of August, after which it was closed to carry out further improvements, including the seeding of the ground and the planting of trees, shrubs etc. The playground included swings, shute, ocean wave etc., and was open from 12:00 to 8:00pm each day. An attendant was in charge daily.

Another grant was applied for during October 1933 in order that other parts of the scheme were able to be carried out.