Since 1870 English agriculture had virtually collapsed, following the growth of overseas suppliers, the Americas and Australia in particular, and people were leaving the land in droves. Smallholdings Acts were passed in 1892 and later in 1908 which empowered local councils to provide land to give the labourer an incentive to be industrious and frugal. Allotments had already become fairly commonplace and, as we shall see, their provision provided much work for the new Froyle Parish Council. The Allotments themselves were in fields running alongside the Beeches and in part of, what is today, Westburn Fields.
February 21st 1895
John Candy offers whole or none of arable Park to the council at 30/-an acre. He will lay down about 8 acres of the land now in turnips providing outlay of seeds is paid by council. Mr.Bamford said interview with allotment holders revealed they would prefer land in Lower Froyle, since most were from Lower Froyle. The Council to investigate same. Allotment collector - Mr. Robinson.
March 4th 1895
“No land for allotments in Lower Froyle as Westbrook & Peddle declined to let land, only that in surrounding hills. Further alterations to rent for allotments “.....with frontage on Beech Walk as follows:-No 1 (1 acre) & No 28 (.25 acre) 2/-, 29a & 29b (20 poles) 1/-. Vacant plots granted to:- Henwood & Hadwick No 30 a & b 10 poles each. John Smith 16, 20 poles, Charles Stent 11a, Charles Rampton 10 (not let).”
It was not until March 1903 that management arrangements for the Allotments were finalised.
“The Chairman pointed out to the Council that the rates would not be responsible for any deficiency that may be incurred from the Allotments and in consequence of this some provisions would have to be made in case of any unforeseen difficulty which may arise, and to meet this a less price per acre would have to be obtained, or a slight charge made on the Allotments which the Council wished to avoid if possible. Sir Hubert Miller was willing to let to the Council at old rate of 30/-per acre and would, when a deficit presented itself very kindly meet the Council for his part.”
A copy of the Notice to Allotment Holders was produced and approved and printed copies were to be given to each Holder, showing when the rent would be collected.
May 4th 1903
“Complaints were lodged with the Council respecting Mr.Baigent who was in habit of riding across various plots, which, the Council promised, should receive attention.”
But enthusiasm for plots appears to have waned amongst Froyle residents:
January 26th 1914
“Clerk to make best terms on any plot with anyone who wanted one!”
September 8th 1915
“Park Field Allotments - existing holders had been approached and were under impression that land would be handed back to landlord if unwanted plots could not be filled. Council considered this only course to pursue. Holders therefore asked to give up land at Michaelmas next. “
March 23rd 1927
“Clerk to send written notice to Mrs.Burningham by registered post of their intention of giving up a portion of land now rented for allotments to the extent of from 6 to 7 acres in Butts Piece at Michaelmas.”
By the 1950’s there were still a few Allotments left in the village:
May 2nd 1955
“Clerk reported that of 8 allotments only 3 appear to be in use.”
The Froyle Allotments finally disappeared altogether in the mid 60’s:
March 21st 1966
“Because of poor attendance at the Annual Parish Meeting (only 1 member of the public), Clerk instructed to insert notice in local paper (at a cost of 7/6) regarding Parish Council’s intention to dispose of parish allotments. Meeting opened at 8pm and closed at 8.30pm.”