A CONNECTION with Stinchcombe Hill Recreation Ground Trust lasting over 50 years came to an end last Thursday when Francis Penley resigned as a trustee at the trust's annual meeting.

Mr Penley took over as clerk to the trustees from his father, but when he retired from the family solicitors business in Long Street, Dursley, he was invited to continue as a foundation trustee. He was succeeded as clerk by his son, John.

In thanking Mr Penley for his services over such a long period the chairman, Mr M F Bailey, said the town of Dursley and the surrounding district owed a debt of gratitude to the Penley family for their work for the trust.

In 1929 Mr R H Penley, Francis' father, was instrumental in purchasing parcels of land on Stinchcombe Hill and the surrounding woods on behalf of the late Sir Stanley Tubbs of Wotton who, subsequently, gave the whole area as an open space for the enjoyment of everyone for ever. Sir Stanley, a keen sportsman, had become concerned that the Hill could be built over.

Mr R M Penley set up a charitable trust to administer the land, the trustees being nominated by Sir Stanley Tubbs and his descendants and by the local parish councils - Dursley, Cam, Stinchcombe, North Nibley - Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council. This arrangement has continued to this day.