When Albert Short Junior died in 1945, the end of Findon Farm in the very centre of Findon was in sight.  Development of the surrounding farmland was nearing. 

Not many people know this but in 1963 the Roman Catholic Diocese purchased the parcel of land at Old Pond Green with the intention of constructing a church.  The Roman Catholic Diocese subsequently acquired the convent site at the Home of the Holy Rood in Nepcote.  It was renamed Convent of Sion and the building stood until it was finally demolished in February 1998.

The Old Pond Green area was placed back on the market again.  As a further attraction for prospective buyers it now contained the added carrot of planning permission for two dwellings.

Old Pond Green had been retained as an open space for centuries, and was the last remaining public grassed area left in the centre of Findon, lying at the bottom of Stable Lane.

The Parish Council (together with other interested Findon bodies), made the strongest representations possible and voiced that Old Pond Green should remain a dedicated open space and not be developed and built upon.  Fortunately, this protest did not fall on deaf ears. Through the good offices of the Worthing Rural District Council, the purchase was deemed possible at a cost of £6,000.  This was with the proviso that the inhabitants of Findon donated a voluntary contribution of £500.  The Findon Village Preservation Association had a growing membership of 458 at the time, and considered the project merited its help and immediately went into action. They rallied round and undertook the enterprise of a collection to save the site from the threat of the house builders.

Keith Middlemas lived at Findon Place, (the old Manor of Findon)  near St. John the Baptist Church, and was Chairman of the Findon Village Preservation Association at the time.  In April 1973, he undertook the task of writing an explanatory letter outlining the proposals and the raising of the necessary cash. This letter was delivered to each and every householder in the village.  The Treasurer of the Worthing Rural District Council was duly handed a cheque for £500. A further £100. had been collected to provide seats, plants and shrubs for Old Pond Green.