Barrfields Park in Largs - the home of Largs Thistle F.C and a community football pitch - played an important, albeit non-military role in World War Two when it hosted major sporting events to raise funds for the war effort.

Barrfields Park in Largs - the home of Largs Thistle F.C and a community football pitch - played an important, albeit non-military role in World War Two when it hosted major sporting events to raise funds for the war effort.

Like other newspapers, the News was restricted in what it could report on during the Second World War, including the front page of a July edition of the Largs and MIllport News in 1943.

Instead, the 'Wee Paper' chose to lead with articles on a football match and a boxing carnival hosted at Barrfields Park, both of which had something of a war theme.

The 'News' stated: "Mrs Bone's latest venture to augment the Largs War Comforts and the Aid to China Funds took the form of a boxing tournament and was staged at the sports ground on Monday afternoon. About 1000 people witnessed a thrilling display." However, there was disappointment for the organisers as famous Largs-based boxer Jackie Paterson, who worked at the Suez Canal Bar, (now The Waterside), was forced to pull out.

The world fly-weight titleholder was expected to be present, but as serving member of the forces was unable to get leave from the commanding officer, and an apology was tendered on his behalf.

And in another bodyblow, the bout expected to be the biggest of the tournament, between Tommy McGlinchey and Joe Hardy, was brought to a sudden conclusion in the second round when the referee deemed that McGlinchey should be disqualified for low hitting.

Jimmy Dunn, the ex-amateur featherweight of Scotland, defeated C.Barker of Manchester on points, and Jackie Robertson of Greenock drew with George Denholm of Dalry in the other clashes.

During the afternoon, Mr Alf Elsworth, Inspector for the Board of Boxing Control, undertook an auction for the benefit of the fund and raised £78.

A total of £350 (£150 from an open-air whist drive and £200 from the boxing tourament) was raised. The 'News' reported: "This is indeed a splendid total and Mrs Bone deserves great credit for enterprise and organising ability." The 'News' also reported on the inaugural sports meeting of the Scottish Aviation Limited, which was held at Barrfields Park on Saturday including an open mile race, 100 yards, 220 yards, 440 yards, Tug of War, relaty race and high jump.

In the same edition, Provost John Lindsay of Largs Town Council wrote a letter to the 'News': "May I claim a small space to appeal to the sport-loving public of Largs - and others? Tomrorrow there will be staged at Barrfields sports ground the second round of the Prisoners of War cup. Of all the splendid efforts, this is in the first effort to do something for the lads who risked all for us and are now in a prison camp.

"I have been successful in getting the officials of the Scottish Junior Football Association to stage the game at Largs - so now, good people, it is up to you to give of your support,.

Believing that the 'sports' who patronise this game would be only too pleased to subscribe more than the entry money for this good cause, arrangements have been made to take a collection during the game. Can I appeal, therefore, to all who attend this game to give liberally and show what Largs thinks of these lads in deeds as well as words." And yet again, 1000 spectators turned out at Barrfields, for the football match, between Vale of Leven and Kello Rovers, Vale progressing 8-3. Proceeds were for the benefit of the SJFA Prisoner of Wars Fund, and Provost Lindsay later received a letter from the Scottish Junior Football Association - "Words fail to express how I felt when I opened your very welcome letter in connection with the P.O.W game to find a very handsome cheque for £31, this being the best return from any games already played. Will you please accept my committee's very best thanks for your kindness in carrying out and making all the arrangements for the success of this game.”