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PRESS INFORMATION: GOLD MEDAL FOR MILTON KEYNES MUSEUM |
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Issue Date: 3 July 2002 Ref: MKM02/04 A rare gold medallion commemorating an unique piece of local Victorian sporting history has been purchased by Milton Keynes Museum for the local community. The medal was produced in 1885 to mark the opening of Wolverton Park sports ground that became the venue for many of the area’s greatest sporting moments. The gold medal was produced by the London & North Western Railway Company which owned the sports ground. It is believed to have been presented to a local dignitary when Wolverton Park opened in 1885. It is not known how many were produced but this is understood to be the only known example. Similar medals made from white metal in two sizes were presented to local children and the Museum already has examples of these in its collection. “This is a unique piece of local history and we are pleased that it will now be returning to the area for everyone to see and enjoy,” says Bill Griffiths, Museum Director. “We would like to hear from anyone who has any information about similar medals with a local connection or who has memories of the events held at the stadium in the past.” |
The London & North Western Railway Company built the park, which is located beside the railway line between Wolverton Station and Old Wolverton Road off Grafton Street (V6), for workers at its railway works in the town and other local people. The company granted a holiday to its employees for the opening on 3 August 1885. The stadium has been used for football matches ever since and is believed to be one of the oldest grounds still in regular use in the country, if not the world. In the past it has been the venue for major athletics and cycling events. The banked cycle track, traces of which can still be seen, was one of the few in the UK that could be used to qualify for the Olympic Games. The Museum plans to display the medal as soon as suitable arrangements can be made. It already has other medals commemorating academic, sporting, military and civil achievements of individuals and organisations from the area. It is always looking for similar items with a local connection which might otherwise be lost or kept in private ownership away from public view. |
Milton Keynes Museum preserves the history of Britain's newest city. The Museum is located at an authentic Victorian farm, built in the late 1840s on the outskirts of Wolverton, one of the UK's original "railway towns", and now part of Milton Keynes. Its large and constantly changing selection of displays have something for all the family. Collections include social, domestic, industrial and agricultural items with a connection to the area. The displays follow the history of the Milton Keynes area, including North Buckinghamshire and South Northamptonshire, from 1800 to the present day. During this period the area changed greatly, culminating in the decision in the 1960s to create the UK's last "new city" of Milton Keynes. To arrange media photo opportunities, please contact Bill Griffiths at the Museum. For further press information please contact: |
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