The quiet village of Kibblesworth, on the Western slopes of the Team Valley, has a long tradition of community activities which were nurtured in former days by the sturdy mineworkers of the collieries, and the strong fellowship of the two Methodist Chapels.

In this small village, through good times and hard times, there was always a vibrant community spirit, and sporting activities like football, cricket, tennis and bowls flourished. Sunday Schools at the Chapels, the Boy Scout Movement, and Youth Clubs provided valuable learning activities for the children.

When war time come in 1914, there was a ready response to the call to arms all over the North East, and we learn that 129 miners from Kibblesworth Colliery served in the Armed Forces. Similarly in the 30's many young lads left the village to serve in the Armed Forces and in 1939 the next generation had to play an even greater part in the world wide conflict. On the Home Front too, the Village Home Guard and Air Raid Wardens played their part well. All who served their country in war time deserve the highest praise, and those who died in the service of their country should have our everlasting gratitude.

There has always been a desire to have a permanent memorial in the Village in honour of the bravery and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in time of war. The formation of the Friends of the Kibblesworth War Memorial a few years ago, encouraged renewed enthusiasm for the project, and many social activities and fund raising efforts were organised in the Millennium Centre.

A recent survey of local residents showed that the majority of people favoured a memorial produced and situated within the grounds of the old Village School which has now been transformed into the beautiful... Millennium Centre.