Barton Way Allotments
1910
The Clerk was directed to prepare a scheme under "The Smallholdings and Allotments Act 1908" Section 4 (3) as to lease from the governing body of Caius College, Cambridge of 25 acres of land at Croxley Green in the parish of Rickmansworth as from the 29th September 1910. The clerk was further authorised on behalf of the County Council an agreement with the Croxley Green Co-operative Smallholdings and Allotments Society Limited for the tenancy of the above land as from Michaelmas 1910 at a rent to be fixed by the Small Holdings Committee.
The Clerk was directed to prepare a scheme under "The Smallholdings and Allotments Act 1908" Section 4 (3) as to lease from the governing body of Caius College, Cambridge of 25 acres of land at Croxley Green in the parish of Rickmansworth as from the 29th September 1910. The clerk was further authorised on behalf of the County Council an agreement with the Croxley Green Co-operative Smallholdings and Allotments Society Limited for the tenancy of the above land as from Michaelmas 1910 at a rent to be fixed by the Small Holdings Committee.
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1939 - Dig for Victory
The "Dig for Victory" campaign, launched in 1939 by the British Ministry of Agriculture, encouraged Britons to grow their own food during World War II to combat food shortages and boost morale, transforming gardens and public spaces into allotments. The scheme was expanded in Croxley Green to include that was known as the triangle on Croxley Common Moor that is highlighted in the image below.
The "Dig for Victory" campaign, launched in 1939 by the British Ministry of Agriculture, encouraged Britons to grow their own food during World War II to combat food shortages and boost morale, transforming gardens and public spaces into allotments. The scheme was expanded in Croxley Green to include that was known as the triangle on Croxley Common Moor that is highlighted in the image below.
WW2 Dig for Victory site on Croxley Common Moor
The Dig for Victory campaign was a crucial part of life in Britain during World War II, and Croxley Green would have been no exception. Here's what that would have likely entailed for the villagers of Croxley Green:
Food Shortages: The "Dig for Victory" campaign, launched in 1939, aimed to increase domestic food production to prevent starvation and free up shipping for war materials and troop transport. This encouraged self-sufficiency. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries urged people to grow their own food in gardens, allotments, and any available land and why the scheme ran on Croxley Common Moor.
The government provided leaflets, guides, and short films shown in cinemas to educate the public on how to grow vegetables and preserve food. (Download all Dig for Victory files below)
Residents of Croxley Green were encouraged to cultivate any available land. This would have included private gardens being turned into vegetable patches and the establishment and expansion of local allotments.
Food Shortages: The "Dig for Victory" campaign, launched in 1939, aimed to increase domestic food production to prevent starvation and free up shipping for war materials and troop transport. This encouraged self-sufficiency. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries urged people to grow their own food in gardens, allotments, and any available land and why the scheme ran on Croxley Common Moor.
The government provided leaflets, guides, and short films shown in cinemas to educate the public on how to grow vegetables and preserve food. (Download all Dig for Victory files below)
Residents of Croxley Green were encouraged to cultivate any available land. This would have included private gardens being turned into vegetable patches and the establishment and expansion of local allotments.
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Croxley Green residents would have learned to make the most of their rations and homegrown produce, likely using government advice on frugal cooking and food preservation techniques like pickling and storing vegetables. This local effort became a national success when Doris Grant of Scotsbridge House created the Grant Loaf that became a national saviour in the war effort.
WW2 Dig for Victory poster
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WW2 Dig for Victory poster
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WW2 Dig for Victory poster
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WW2 Dig for Victory poster
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WW2 Dig for Victory poster
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13th October 1939 and a generous act (Buckinghamshire Advertiser)
1948
In November 1948 the Croxley Resident Magazine reported; As there is a number of the allotments at Croxley Woods lacking attention, thereby causing harm to the condition of those which are being properly cultivated, the Surveyor has been instructed to make a survey of these allotments to enable the Open Spaces and Allotments Committee to make an investigation of the site. It is also reported that the Clerk of the Council has been instructed to ask those allotment holders at Barton Way, who are not wholly cultivating their plots whether, in view of the long waiting list, they will be prepared to agree to one half of their allotments being let to an applicant on the Council's list.
In November 1948 the Croxley Resident Magazine reported; As there is a number of the allotments at Croxley Woods lacking attention, thereby causing harm to the condition of those which are being properly cultivated, the Surveyor has been instructed to make a survey of these allotments to enable the Open Spaces and Allotments Committee to make an investigation of the site. It is also reported that the Clerk of the Council has been instructed to ask those allotment holders at Barton Way, who are not wholly cultivating their plots whether, in view of the long waiting list, they will be prepared to agree to one half of their allotments being let to an applicant on the Council's list.
It is originally thought Barton Way Allotments was formed during 1920s after the 1st World War as part of the Government initiative relating to Homes for Heroes, when many allotment sites were created but, being the largest allotments in Croxley Green may well have been formed in 1910.
In the November 1948 edition of the Croxley Resident magazine it was reported that the Clerk of the Council has been instructed to ask those allotment holders at Barton Way, who are not wholly cultivating their plots whether, in view of the long waiting list, they will be prepared to agree to one half of their allotments-being let to an applicant on the Council's list.
The allotments are leased by Barton Way Allotment Committee from Three Rivers District Council. It is self managed by volunteers. At one time there was a waiting list of 60 people and it was taking three years to obtain a plot. The list is believed to be now much smaller much smaller. In fairness to all, the committee make a check each year to ensure plots are being maintained as part of their lease condition. This is when the dreaded letter falls on the mat of people who have neglected their plot, asking them to use it or lose it. If no improvement is made after a certain time the tenants are asked to leave, so those on the waiting list get a chance to try out their horticultural skills.
1950
CROXLEY GREEN HORTICULTURAL AND ALLOTMENT HOLDERS' SOCIETY
We have long held the opinion that" all the world's a garden" and our perambulations in Croxley Green confirm that view. It is indeed pleasant, on these summer evenings, to see the attractiveness of local front gardens (we do not presume to mention the gardens at the back) and to realise how much labour and patience has gone into the task. A reward for this "labour of love" will be forthcoming at the Annual Show of Flowers, Fruit, Vegetables and Honey, to be staged by the above-mentioned Society on Saturday, 23rd September at Dickinson Guildhouse. A study of the catalogue shows that this 1950 Show promises to maintain the excellent standard associated with the Society; beside money prizes there are many special awards including 8 cups and a shield (open to schools), 10 medals, gardeners' first aid boxes and an array of diplomas and certificates of merit. The classes number no less than 110, and range from roses to rhubarb and dahlias to duck eggs. The ladies' class looks particularly inviting, and includes the time-honoured "Best Home-made Cake." There are children's classes, novices classes, and a special class for the best allotment or garden up to 10 poles. Altogether, a very comprehensive show is promised, and Croxley Green and his wife (and children) should make a date at "Guildhouse, 23rd September 2.30 p.m. " Catalogues and all details from the Hon. Sec., Miss K. M. Raggett, 39 Watford Road.
CROXLEY GREEN HORTICULTURAL AND ALLOTMENT HOLDERS' SOCIETY
We have long held the opinion that" all the world's a garden" and our perambulations in Croxley Green confirm that view. It is indeed pleasant, on these summer evenings, to see the attractiveness of local front gardens (we do not presume to mention the gardens at the back) and to realise how much labour and patience has gone into the task. A reward for this "labour of love" will be forthcoming at the Annual Show of Flowers, Fruit, Vegetables and Honey, to be staged by the above-mentioned Society on Saturday, 23rd September at Dickinson Guildhouse. A study of the catalogue shows that this 1950 Show promises to maintain the excellent standard associated with the Society; beside money prizes there are many special awards including 8 cups and a shield (open to schools), 10 medals, gardeners' first aid boxes and an array of diplomas and certificates of merit. The classes number no less than 110, and range from roses to rhubarb and dahlias to duck eggs. The ladies' class looks particularly inviting, and includes the time-honoured "Best Home-made Cake." There are children's classes, novices classes, and a special class for the best allotment or garden up to 10 poles. Altogether, a very comprehensive show is promised, and Croxley Green and his wife (and children) should make a date at "Guildhouse, 23rd September 2.30 p.m. " Catalogues and all details from the Hon. Sec., Miss K. M. Raggett, 39 Watford Road.
1950
Croxley Green Horticultural and Allotment Holders Society held their Annual Show on September 23, 1950, and a highly successful event it was too.
Croxley Green Horticultural and Allotment Holders Society held their Annual Show on September 23, 1950, and a highly successful event it was too.
1950
CROXLEY GREEN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY An instructive lecture was given in Dickinson Guildhouse on the 23rd November by A. H. Lugg, N.D.H., Horticultural Superintendent of the Hertfordshire Institute of Agriculture. The subject was "Chrysanthemum Culture," and a large audience listened attentively to such expert advice. The Society is fortunate to be favoured with Mr. Lugg's visits, and it draw the attention of resident readers to the Horticultural note under "Seasonal Events:"
CROXLEY GREEN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY An instructive lecture was given in Dickinson Guildhouse on the 23rd November by A. H. Lugg, N.D.H., Horticultural Superintendent of the Hertfordshire Institute of Agriculture. The subject was "Chrysanthemum Culture," and a large audience listened attentively to such expert advice. The Society is fortunate to be favoured with Mr. Lugg's visits, and it draw the attention of resident readers to the Horticultural note under "Seasonal Events:"
1953
CROXLEY GREEN ALLOTMENTS: It was pleasing to learn of the agreement reached between the Croxley Green Horticultural and Allotment Holders' Association and the Council, which confirmed the Allotment Holders' Association as being the managers of all allotments in the area. This was certainly to result in a substantial improvement in the appearance of these plots in general.
CROXLEY GREEN ALLOTMENTS: It was pleasing to learn of the agreement reached between the Croxley Green Horticultural and Allotment Holders' Association and the Council, which confirmed the Allotment Holders' Association as being the managers of all allotments in the area. This was certainly to result in a substantial improvement in the appearance of these plots in general.
1968
The allotment site at Barton way dates back to the 1920s. Since then, the site has been continuously cultivated by the residents of Croxley Green. In 1998 the allotments had 150 plots of varying sizes. Allotment plots are measured in the ancient measure of poles. Full plots are normally 10 square poles (30 x 10 yds) but most of the Barton Way Allotments are now half that size (5 sq poles). The allotments also have some smaller plots. The cost in 1998 was £1.20 per pole per annum with reduced rate for pensioners.
The allotment members also come in all shapes, sizes, sexes and ages. A feature of Sunday afternoons at the allotments is the broad cross-section of our local community working on their plots, sharing produce and exchanging tips. They have pensioners in their 80s and families with small babies all enjoying the pleasures of "The Good Life".
The pleasures of renting an allotment are so many:
The allotment site at Barton way dates back to the 1920s. Since then, the site has been continuously cultivated by the residents of Croxley Green. In 1998 the allotments had 150 plots of varying sizes. Allotment plots are measured in the ancient measure of poles. Full plots are normally 10 square poles (30 x 10 yds) but most of the Barton Way Allotments are now half that size (5 sq poles). The allotments also have some smaller plots. The cost in 1998 was £1.20 per pole per annum with reduced rate for pensioners.
The allotment members also come in all shapes, sizes, sexes and ages. A feature of Sunday afternoons at the allotments is the broad cross-section of our local community working on their plots, sharing produce and exchanging tips. They have pensioners in their 80s and families with small babies all enjoying the pleasures of "The Good Life".
The pleasures of renting an allotment are so many:
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Renting an allotment doesn't have to be about allotment widows, slipped discs and smelly manure. Allotments can also be about an alternative life-style where all the family can have a "day out" in the fresh-air digging, planting, weeding, watering and harvesting. Yes, some of the work is physically hard, but you don't have to do it all at once or on your own ..... and you have always got the picnic, the thermos and the hot bath to look forward to! One of the great pleasures of a day or an hour on the allotment is admiring your work just before you leave for home. The sense of achievement is hard to beat, and unlike so many jobs that we do in life, we know that when we return to the plot the next time we will see the benefit of our labour - the germinating radishes, the sprouting lettuces or the ripening raspberries. Renting an allotment is a regular commitment but in reality between October and April there is not that much to do. Most of the work comes in the spring and summer when the days are longer and warmer. A plot with a wide range of produce will require about four hours-a-week maintenance, but some of that time will be dedicated to harvesting and trimming the produce for the kitchen. On the allotments you will meet wonderful characters who will give you all the advice you need. Most of us took on our plots without any idea of how to drill a beetroot or chit a potato. You can learn by speaking to us on the allotments, by watching TV series or reading books and magazines. But at Barton Way you can also learn by ringing a group of us who are willing to give you advice over the 'phone or meeting you at your plot to share our experience.
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We can answer your questions on:
• Clearing an overgrown plot • Crop rotation • The planting calendar • Propagation • Composting • Pest control • The Organic Method • The "no dig" approach • ..... and much, much more. |
If you are interested in joining our merry band or would like to be shown round the site, please give me a ring. The Barton Way allotments are on the same site as The Croxley Green Horticultural and Allotment Holders Society. The society has its trading hut next to our site, behind the library. They are open on Sundays from 10-12 am from March through to October. Membership to the society entitles you to use the trading hut and benefit from its bargain prices. It also allows you to enter the Society show in September. Throughout the year the society runs outings and arranges speakers for the benefit of its members. For the princely sum of £2.00 per annum you can have all of this and much, much more besides. Why not drop in one Sunday morning at the trading hut for a chat? You never know, you may find there all the goodies you need to get you going on your new allotment! Don't delay it another year. Call Pam today, and tomorrow you can look forward to new potatoes, freshly picked sweet-corn and summer pudding all from your own allotment and by your own fair hands (chemical free if you go Organic)!
An updated article by Pam Morgan - Secretary - Barton Way Allotment Association that appeared in a 1968 edition of the Croxley Resident)
An updated article by Pam Morgan - Secretary - Barton Way Allotment Association that appeared in a 1968 edition of the Croxley Resident)
1972
Sadly some allotments were lost. The Dickinson Guildhouse, Croxley Green, together with some adjoining allotment land, was put up for sale as it was stated by the John Dickinson Company. It was presumed that any purchaser would have want to redevelop the site, and the price would have depended on the planning permissions which might have been obtained for it. The Guildhouse was originally built at the turn of the century, when Croxley Green was very much smaller. and many of the residents were employed at Croxley Mills. The aims were moral, intellectual and physical improvement, and it became a focal point for the district. A spokesman for the company said: "The sale has been fairly recently decided. Now that the district is very much larger and there is less dependence on Dickinson's, the Guildhouse is just not being used for its original purpose. The company feel there is nothing to be gained by retaining it. We have told the members, and it will remain open for the present time."
Sadly some allotments were lost. The Dickinson Guildhouse, Croxley Green, together with some adjoining allotment land, was put up for sale as it was stated by the John Dickinson Company. It was presumed that any purchaser would have want to redevelop the site, and the price would have depended on the planning permissions which might have been obtained for it. The Guildhouse was originally built at the turn of the century, when Croxley Green was very much smaller. and many of the residents were employed at Croxley Mills. The aims were moral, intellectual and physical improvement, and it became a focal point for the district. A spokesman for the company said: "The sale has been fairly recently decided. Now that the district is very much larger and there is less dependence on Dickinson's, the Guildhouse is just not being used for its original purpose. The company feel there is nothing to be gained by retaining it. We have told the members, and it will remain open for the present time."
1977
The Croxley Resident magazine mentioned the Thorpe Report (published in 1969) that suggested 0.5 acres of allotment per 1,000 population. Provision of allotments includes site maintenance and the cultivation of new plots. The possibility of forming Management Committees to administer plots was under consideration as was the provision of new allotments adjoining Dickinson Square. (Sadly this land was built on and became Cherry Croft)
The Croxley Resident magazine mentioned the Thorpe Report (published in 1969) that suggested 0.5 acres of allotment per 1,000 population. Provision of allotments includes site maintenance and the cultivation of new plots. The possibility of forming Management Committees to administer plots was under consideration as was the provision of new allotments adjoining Dickinson Square. (Sadly this land was built on and became Cherry Croft)
1997 Barton Way Allotments
1989
In the Autumn 1989 edition of the Croxley Resident, Ben Leigh presenting the opportunity for new allotment holders that, in his second letter appeared to have been successful.
In the Autumn 1989 edition of the Croxley Resident, Ben Leigh presenting the opportunity for new allotment holders that, in his second letter appeared to have been successful.
Letter from Ben Leigh, BWAA Committee Member
1990
In the Spring 1990 edition of the Croxley Resident magazine, Ben Leigh wrote the following letter in response to his earlier letter in the previous edition of the Croxley Resident.
In the Spring 1990 edition of the Croxley Resident magazine, Ben Leigh wrote the following letter in response to his earlier letter in the previous edition of the Croxley Resident.
Letter from Ben Leigh, BWAA Committee Member
2006 - Spring
In conjunction with the Parish Council, the Barton Way Allotment Association installed rain water storage tanks. Three tanks, each holding about 700 litres each (150gallons), were purchased and installed by the Allotment Association. The Parish Council then arranged to have the guttering pipes from the Council’s Depot, which is situated adjacent to the allotments, re-routed so the rain water could be collected into the tanks. The tanks were already full providing a valuable free (sic) source of water to keep the plants and vegetables happy.
In conjunction with the Parish Council, the Barton Way Allotment Association installed rain water storage tanks. Three tanks, each holding about 700 litres each (150gallons), were purchased and installed by the Allotment Association. The Parish Council then arranged to have the guttering pipes from the Council’s Depot, which is situated adjacent to the allotments, re-routed so the rain water could be collected into the tanks. The tanks were already full providing a valuable free (sic) source of water to keep the plants and vegetables happy.
(© Adam Binnie) 2012 Scarecrow Competition held at Barton Way Allotments
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(© Adam Binnie) 2012 Scarecrow Competition held at Barton Way Allotments
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(© Adam Binnie) 2012 Scarecrow Competition held at Barton Way Allotments
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(© Adam Binnie) 2012 Scarecrow Competition held at Barton Way Allotments
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2012
Barton Way Allotment open Day saw a Scarecrow competition take place and some of the entries can be seen above.
Barton Way Allotment open Day saw a Scarecrow competition take place and some of the entries can be seen above.
Note:
When the allotments had to go self-managing, the Garden Club was set up to run the allotment show and also operate the Trading Hut and then allotments were run by Barton Way Allotments Association. It is believed that the Secretary of the Garden Club destroyed the papers rather than pass them onto the new Allotments Association!
This is why little documented history of the Barton Way Allotments exists.
When the allotments had to go self-managing, the Garden Club was set up to run the allotment show and also operate the Trading Hut and then allotments were run by Barton Way Allotments Association. It is believed that the Secretary of the Garden Club destroyed the papers rather than pass them onto the new Allotments Association!
This is why little documented history of the Barton Way Allotments exists.
Other Allotments in Croxley Green are;
Croxley Hall Woods Allotment Association
Frankland Road Allotment Association
Lavrock Lane Allotment Association
