THE SEARCH is on for living relatives of one of Southampton's most famous sons.

City chiefs are looking for relatives of Alderman Sir Sidney Kimber who helped to build the city's sports centre during the 1930s.

Leisure bosses are hoping to put up new signs at the centre as part of a range of measures to upgrade the facility.

The signs will give information about the history of the Sports Centre, the location of individual sports pitches and programmes of activities for users and visitors alike.

The city council hopes that relatives can help them with the information about Sir Sidney that they plan to put on the signs to make sure it is factually correct.

However, so far, they have had little success in tracking down relatives of the man who, more than anyone, was responsible for founding the facility in the 1930s.

The history of the centre began in September 1930 when Sir Sidney planned to buy more than 250 acres of land at Red Lodge Farm at Lordswood for "recreational purposes" for local residents.

At first his vision was turned-down by city fathers by 26 votes to 21 due to the expense - a lack of housing, and the inclusion of a golf course, which was rejected as a "rich man's game."

In May 1933, a second similar proposal, with a slight reduction in land, was accepted by 42 votes to 13 and a Sports Centre Committee was formed, of which Sir Sidney was part.

The then borough council, mainly with a loan from the Department of Health, bought various pieces of land for the project.

Actual work on the site was slow due to levels and drainage problems.

The centre was officially opened on a morning dogged by showers on May 25, 1938 by the Duke and Duchess of Kent.

Sir Sidney himself christened the area "Happy Valley" due to its picturesque setting and its compact nature, as the site offered sporting opportunities for both young and old.

Any member of Sir Sidney Kimber's family can contact Margaret Jones, the leisure development officer on 023 8083 3498.