The Allotments
There were allotments in Braughing prior to World War 1, then let by private landowners, usually farmers. The Parish Council first became directly involved in 1921 when it arranged for allotments to be provided, particularly for ex-servicemen, on land behind the then new Council Houses at Green Hill Close.
There were several sites still in use at the end of World War 11 but the only remaining site is under the jurisdiction of the Parish Council and lies to the East of the playing field. It has been in use since at least 1930 although there is no record in the Parish Council Minutes of how and when it began.
These allotments are on land now the property of the Bond family of Australia. For many years the site was let to the Parish Council on an annual basis, but a 21 year lease was negotiated by Andrew Peat in 2007, so allotment holders have some degree of long term security over their tenancies.
There are now 18 plots each of some 250 sq. yds. and 25 tenants, some of whom have ½ plots only. There are 3 persons on the waiting list. Whilst there is a waiting list the Council will not allow plots to be let to anyone not resident in the parish. All tenants must sign an agreement that basically requires the plot to be kept in use and free from weeds, forbids the planting of permanent trees, the erection of any fence or building, the keeping of livestock, and the creation of nuisance such as with bonfires or sprays. Tenancies are renewed annually on April 1 at £10 per plot.
The land is mostly heavy clay and not really suitable for early planting. However, it rewards hard work and excellent crops can be obtained.
There were allotments in Braughing prior to World War 1, then let by private landowners, usually farmers. The Parish Council first became directly involved in 1921 when it arranged for allotments to be provided, particularly for ex-servicemen, on land behind the then new Council Houses at Green Hill Close.
There were several sites still in use at the end of World War 11 but the only remaining site is under the jurisdiction of the Parish Council and lies to the East of the playing field. It has been in use since at least 1930 although there is no record in the Parish Council Minutes of how and when it began.
These allotments are on land now the property of the Bond family of Australia. For many years the site was let to the Parish Council on an annual basis, but a 21 year lease was negotiated by Andrew Peat in 2007, so allotment holders have some degree of long term security over their tenancies.
There are now 18 plots each of some 250 sq. yds. and 25 tenants, some of whom have ½ plots only. There are 3 persons on the waiting list. Whilst there is a waiting list the Council will not allow plots to be let to anyone not resident in the parish. All tenants must sign an agreement that basically requires the plot to be kept in use and free from weeds, forbids the planting of permanent trees, the erection of any fence or building, the keeping of livestock, and the creation of nuisance such as with bonfires or sprays. Tenancies are renewed annually on April 1 at £10 per plot.
The land is mostly heavy clay and not really suitable for early planting. However, it rewards hard work and excellent crops can be obtained.
© 2010 Braughing Parish Council and Braughing Parochial Church Council
