FOREST FIELDS

(Gwendoline Grove House)

When Clipstone colliery was in the early stages of construction the main surface buildings, including four villas and eight cottages for management and officials of the colliery were built, but with the outbreak of war in 1914, sinking operations were suspended and did not recommence until 1920.

The first manager to be appointed in 1919 was Capt. W. E. Woodward M. C. who served throughout the war. He resided in one of the villas and in 1925 he moved to Thoresby Colliery where he was responsible for sinking and construction.

His undermanager at Clipstone, Major W. H. Mein was then appointed the colliery manager. He lived a short time in the villas and then in 1927 moved across the road to the newly built manager's house which was called Forest Fields. It was situated in two acres of land with a tennis court. He lived here in style with gardener, chauffeur, housekeeper, cook, day girl and nanny.

Subsequent managers living in the house included :-

G. J. Adkins, W. H. Sansom, J. G. Helps. J. A. Heyes, and T. D. Watson, who died while still manager in 1952, was the last one to live there.

Forest Fields was then converted into offices by the National Coal Board and used by Edwinstowe No.3 Area. Later with the introduction of Method Study in the mines in 1967 with the offices became No. 3 Area, Method Study Headquarters.

In 1969 the building and land were sold to the Church of England, Southwell Diocese. It was officially opened on the 27^th October, 1969 as a Mother and Baby home.

Staff and occupants were transferred from Grosvener House, Mansfield. Forest Fields was renamed Gwendoline Grove House after Dr. Gwendoline Grove who had been a tireless worker for the Southwell Diocese Family Care Unit.

The first matron was Miss M. Lane, Miss K. Clegg and finally Mrs. J. Eason.

Open days and summer fairs were organised to raise funds for the home.

In 1988 a extension was built to the home. Sir John Eastwood was one of the main benefactors.

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