miscellaneous articles & information

allotments

PADIHAM FENNYFOLD ALLOTMENT SOCIETY was established in 2002 by a group of tenants who were concerned about the neglected state of a 10 acre site with 57 allotments.
Since April 2002, they have petitioned Burnley Borough Council for improvements, and decided to do the necessary work themselves. Overgrown allotments were cleared by volunteers and new tenants were brought in. Dumped rubbish and a burnt down shed was cleared away and as many items as possible were recycled, making fencing from old sheds, with the aim of cutting down wastage.New fencing has also been put up.

The area is surrounded by footpaths that are a popular route for walkers and there is a large green area that is used for many leisure pursuits. A generous sponsor, Terry Cattermole of Simonstone (without whose support the work would not have been possible), gave materials, a shed and many useful items.

There is a real sense of community on the allotments with most people living locally and continuing the tradition of growing vegetables and keeping chickens. Tenants help each other out and have regular meetings to discuss the way forward. From 2003 the site will be run by the society. This offers investment and will help provide for an area that encourages wildlife and sustainable growth in a peaceful oasis in an all too busy world.

PADIHAM ALLOTMENT SOCIETY was established in 2002 to represent all allotments in Padiham so as to work together to improve them. There are 148 allotments that provide a valuable source of leisure and recreation and help keep urban areas breathing.

Allotments are interesting places and everyone in the country is entitled to have one. Help keep the tradition alive and consider adopting an allotment in 2003!

the allotment movement

There are many ideas and initiatives being pursued in Padiham. Running the largest site at the Fennyfold is an exciting development and will help ensure local people are involved at all levels. It is hoped that the work done in Padiham will be an example for others to follow and links are being established with other areas for the exchange of ideas.

how can you get involved?

Visit your local sites and talk to the people on the ground. Ask your Council where local allotments are and if there is a waiting list. Get involved with local primary school projects that will be happening in 2003, or consider adopting an allotment for 2 weeks from February 2003. This involves being part of the fun and work of having an allotment, and will give you an idea of the commitment needed. More details available from: dallotment@yahoo.co.uk

watter walker.

Whilst Lancashire folk are justly famed for their dry wit and quiet humour,it is seldom a joke strikes such a hold on popular imagination as to survive for generations in the memory of old inhabitants, and to become a detail in history.

Yet such a joke did happen, and certain witty Padiham men scored brilliantly at the expense of their bigger (but slower) neighbour Burnley.

In August 1854, 3 conspirators drew up a bill or poster, a copy of which still exists - This bill was read over to the driver of the Burnley `bus who was deeply impressed. The bills were posted about Burnley and on the date great crowds gathered on the banks of the Calder at Padiham Bridge.

The landlord of the Bridge Inn, himself one of the conspirators, sold up his stock of ale to the assembled visitors-then wisely put up the shutters! Some free fights ensued before the visitors withdrew, and for many years it was a risky thing to tell about `watter walking` in the presence of Burnley company.