Volume 2. Issue 1. Spring 2015 e-mail: newsletter@chartridge.org.uk
C h a r t r i d g e News and Views for Chartridge Residents
THE BLUE PLAQUE
Y
our CVRA Committee has been giving thought and some debate on how we can pay tribute to the wonderful legacy the Franklin family provided for Chartridge residents. As many will know, a field was given in 1928 “...for the perpetual use thereof by the inhabitants of Chartridge as a playground for chidren.....”
Descendants of Caroline and Arthur Franklin will be present at the unveiling of the plaque by Norman Franklin. Described as probably the greatest woman scientist of the 20th Century, Dr.Rosalind Franklin was responsible for much of the research and discovery that led to the understanding of the structure of DNA. Her work as a crystallographer also included pioneer development of the Polio vaccine, the structure of coal and to the development of carbon fibre technology.
Arthur Franklin, J.P. and his wife Caroline, lived in Chartridge Lodge, and it was Caroline who provided the Reading Rooms, so called for her wish that children of the village In a desire to inspire today’s young people, your would have a place to learn to read and enjoy Committee is presenting the Dr.Rosalind Franklin the books that were provided. Award to the science class of Chartridge Combined School. The award to be made It was in 1953 that an adjoining field was added annually in perpetuity to a pupil in the science by their son Ellis, and a subsequent unanimous class, selected by the Head Teacher. vote extended the fields use to adults.
Thus, the Village benefited greatly from the . generosity of the Franklins, previously acknowledged only by the recent playing fields name changed to the Franklin Playing Fields. Your Committee, with the blessing of the present family, has arranged for a Blue Plaque to be placed on the outside wall of the Reading Rooms.
Date for the unveiling of the Plaque is July 19th in the afternoon. Full details of the arrangements will be announced in the Summer issue of the Newsletter and on the website.