Efforts to formally recognise and commemorate the achievements of a man who was influential in the upbringing of hundreds of people in Coleview has finally paid off. 

John White, and a large crowd of grateful community members, gathered at the field known locally as 'John White's Field' near Weedon Road and Gayton Way to plant a bramley apple tree and unveil a plaque in his honour. 

The ceremony on Thursday saw a humbled John show his appreciation of the effort people made, but still insisted he had done nothing special.

"It's nice to see people here, it was an amazing thing because we trusted our members and they trusted us and that's how I was able to do what I did," he said.

"But I suppose I didn't consider it hard work because I was just doing something that I liked to do.

"I'm very impressed with the plaque, it's very nice, and I'm told the tree is a bramley apple tree, so I can make some crumble."

Swindon Advertiser: Plaque presentation and tree planting ceremony at 'John White's Field'Plaque presentation and tree planting ceremony at 'John White's Field'

John had spent three decades working with young people in the community, organising football tournaments, youth clubs and family coach trips outside of Swindon. 

He was also influential in the advent of women's football in Swindon at a time when the sport wasn't as inclusive as it is now and his efforts contributed to the formation of the Swindon Town FC Women's team.

As a result, a generation of adults who remembered and appreciated what he'd done and families who were grateful for the opportunities given to their children launched a campaign to get the field near his house's name officially changed. 

Read: Calls grow to honour local hero John White for work in Coleview community 

Read: Swindon Town Women chair Martin Wheeler wants recognition for John White

Dave Chaplin and his son Scott were there because Scott used to play football for John when he was growing up.

"What he's done is fantastic for the community, so many kids grew up having time invested in them by John, including me," Scott said. 

Chris Batchelor, Julie Benson and Theresa Youldon were there to support 'a brilliant man' 

"He helped my two older children, he helped at the tuck shop and I wish that was still going, he's done so many things, too many food things to mention them all," they said. 

The group had hit some stumbling blocks as traditionally people who have made outstanding contributions are only recognised posthumously after their death, it also quickly became apparent it wasn't possible to change the name of the field, despite it being known as 'John White's Field' on Google Maps.

But, group organisers Nick Mackey and Jake Henley didn't give up and eventually Stratton St Margaret Parish Council agreed to plant a tree and instal a plaque dedicated to John. 

"It does feel nice to see it all come full circle," Nick said.

"It's nice to see so many people, many of which are still local, all smiling and happy and here to support John."

Oliver Saunders, from Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, said their decision to put the plaque there was a 'no brainer'.

"A great turn out which is a credit to the man himself. It's given us great pleasure to honour him with this really worthwhile little project."

Swindon Borough Councillor Robert Jandy also attended the unveiling.

"This is one of those pleasures of my position, someone who is loved and respected by the community, for the time and effort he's put in," he said. 

"A lot of the time changes to roads or building names are after someone has died but we had a wonderful opportunity to do this now because of the groundswell of support for this man."