Heritage features
There are some historic features at Northfield allotments including vintage sheds, wells and pumps and historic railings.
The Grape store
In 2021 a new heritage feature was restored at Northfield allotments by Simon Coleman with the agreement of the plot holders for allowing it to be restored. The small shed had become dilapidated and need of repair. Read more
In 2015 a team of volunteers rebuilt a WW2 Anderson shelter on plot 229. It was found at the back of another plot and had been used as a shed. Read more
The restoration of the 50-year-old shed on the allotment was initiated by Simon Coleman in 2017, who uncovered valuable items dating back to the 1920s. The shed had special significance to the allotments but had been left unused for many years, leading to it being partially buried under soil. Excavating the shed revealed its historical treasures and the potential for preservation after being hidden for many years.
Simon Coleman's restoration of another old shed at Northfield allotments in 2018 involved a meticulous process of stripping away layers of corrugated plastic and roofing felt to reveal the original woodwork. The shed was ultimately rebuilt with a new frame and roof timbers, while preserving original features like the front door and even displaying floor lino and orange bitumen wallpaper found under layers of boarding. Coleman's efforts included adding new features such as a green roof and a display of vintage tools from the 1950s and 1960s, creating a blend of old and new elements in the shed's design. Read more
It's interesting to uncover the history behind the gate on plot 207, especially considering it was likely handmade by a plot holder using salvaged wood. The discovery adds a unique sense of character and further highlights the connection between the land and its caretakers. Initiatives like the volunteer day for hedgerow replanting not only rejuvenate the area but also provide opportunities to unearth such hidden treasures. Such findings serve as a reminder of the rich tapestry of stories that the land holds, waiting to be discovered by those who take the time to delve into its history. Read More
The history of water supply on the Northfields Allotments reveals the resourcefulness of plot holders over the decades. From digging wells to installing pumps, the community found ways to access water for their vegetables. The existence of 12 known wells showcases the importance of water for growing vegetables. The existing wells appear to have been created after WW2. I have been told in Nov. 2016 by "David" a gentleman who was born in 1954 and lived in model cottages in the 1960s that he knew of two wells in the early 1960s one in the south end and one in the north end. Read more
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