More than 120 people gathered to celebrate 80 years of Marown Memorial Playing Fields at an anniversary ball on Saturday night.

Community members attended the celebration at the Comis Hotel, which recognised the history of the facility and the people who have helped maintain it.

Unlike many other sporting facilities in the island, the playing fields are independently owned and operated, receiving no direct ownership or management from government or the local authority.

The facility is run by Marown Memorial Playing Fields Limited, a registered charity managed by a committee of volunteers, with support from local sports clubs and the wider community.

The original playing field on Old Church Road was donated by Harley Cunningham in 1946 to provide recreational facilities for the people of Marown.

It was dedicated to the memory of parishioners who served in the two world wars.

Marown Association Football Club moved to the site in 1952, followed later by Crosby Cricket Club and Marown Bowling Club.

The Derwent Hall Caine Pavilion was opened in 1975, while the Millennium Hall was completed in 2001.

Today, the facility continues to provide a home for local sport and community activities, with its day-to-day running costs covered through fundraising and rental income.

Special projects have also benefited from support from charitable trusts, individual donors and corporate sponsors.

The anniversary ball began with an introduction from playing fields chairwoman Lorraine Quayle, who welcomed guests and thanked those who had contributed to the facility over the years.

Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner before live entertainment from the band Spotty Dog.

A raffle and tombola were also held during the evening, raising money for the playing fields.

The event marked a significant milestone for the facility, recognising eight decades of community involvement and the volunteers who continue to keep it running for future generations.

All photos: Arnie Withers

Howard Quayle (standing) with Mitch and Celia Joughin, who have all done so much work for the Memorial Playing Fields over the years
Howard Quayle (standing) with Mitch and Celia Joughin, who have all done so much work for the Memorial Playing Fields over the years (Arnie Withers)
Spotty Dog were the live entertainment for the evening. Guitarists Patrick Knight (left) and Rob Harding (middle) are both members of Marown AFC
Blues band Spotty Dog were the live entertainment for the evening. Guitarists Patrick Knight (left) and Rob Harding (middle) are both members of Marown AFC (Arnie Withers)
All smiles! (L-R) George Willoughby, Connor Gilbert, Alice Willoughby and Matthew Cain
All smiles! (L-R) George Willoughby, Connor Gilbert, Alice Willoughby and Matthew Cain (Arnie Withers)
There was plenty of dancing after the meal and raffle!
There was plenty of dancing after the meal and raffle! (Arnie Withers)
Marown parish legends came together to celebrate 80 years of the Memorial Playing Fields
Marown parish legends came together to celebrate 80 years of the Memorial Playing Fields (Arnie Withers)
Tracey Dean, Gilly Bowers and Selene Bostock all enjoying the evening
Tracey Dean, Gilly Bowers and Selene Bostock all enjoying the evening (Arnie Withers)
Chair of the Marown Memorial Playing Fields Lorraine Quayle delivers a heartfelt speech to the audience
Chair of the Marown Memorial Playing Fields Lorraine Quayle delivers a heartfelt speech to the audience (Arnie Withers)
The hall was decorated beautifully for a very special occasion
The room at the Comis Hotel was decorated beautifully for a very special occasion (Arnie Withers)
Tom Curphey chats to Middle MHK Jane Poole-Wilson and Sam Bowers
Tom Curphey chats to Middle MHK Jane Poole-Wilson and Sam Bowers (Arnie Withers)