Hardy Farm Meadows Memories

VILLAGE GREEN PUBLIC ENQUIRY 13/1/11

2010-11-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

The Village Green application has dramatically moved on, and there is to be a one-day public inquiry on 13th January 2011. The venue hasn’t been chosen yet, but we are hoping it will be in Chorlton to make it as easy and cheap as possible for lots of people to attend and show their support – please mark the day in your 2011 diary or calendar.

It is a preliminary inquiry into one very specific but key aspect: the two signs put up by UMIST in the 1970s – one near the entrance from Brookburn Road and one near the path from Jackson’s Boat bridge to Hardy Lane. All that remains of each sign now is a rusty post. The issue of the signs is likely to be the single most important in the outcome of the Village Green application and so we are hoping to get specialist legal advice. Legal advice is expensive, but it could make all the difference to the future of Chorlton Meadows, and that’s why we urgently need your help with donations and supporting/helping out at our fund-raisers.

We are expecting confirmation from HMRC that we can reclaim gift-aid on donations, but we can’t wait for that before getting legal advice. So please donate now, supplying your name and address so that we can follow up about gift-aid when HMRC give us the green light. Please make as substantial a donation as you possibly can!

HOW TO DONATE TO THE VILLAGE GREEN APPEAL

or buy VILLAGE GREEN APPEAL JUTE SHOPPING BAGS

please go to www.savechorltonmeadows.co.uk

Village green update

2010-11-22T12:08:00.000-08:00

It is vital to the quality of life in the locality to protect our local breathing space, ensuring it continues to be freely available for local residents to access and use now and in the future, and this is what Village Green status achieves. So an application to register Chorlton Meadows as a green was submitted to Manchester City Council in January 2010, relating to the land used as playing fields at Hardy Farm by UMIST until the mid 1980s. The application was supported by over 180 witness statements, maps and other documentary evidence. Manchester City Council has to follow due legal process in handling the application and it’s different to the way planning applications are dealt with.

This is what’s happened so far:

January 2010: Village Green application submitted and MCC confirm that it’s a validly made application

February 2010: Public notices put up on site about the application and MCC notify landowner. Deadline date for objections given as April 2010, but this is twice extended.

May 2010: MCC receive an objection from the solicitors, Addleshaw Goddard, on behalf of the landowner (and landowner fences adjacent land).

June 2010: MCC notify the applicants about the objection, setting a deadline of July 2010 for a response, but this is extended.

September 2010: Response to the objection submitted to MCC, with detailed rebuttal of the objection, further witness statements and supplementary evidence.

And next… Waiting for MCC to decide what to do next…

MCC has to decide whether it can accept or reject the Village Green application purely on the basis of the paperwork and legal arguments submitted. If this is not possible, most local authorities appoint an independent barrister as inspector to hold a non-statutory public inquiry. Councils are responsible for the final decision, but in practice always follow the recommendations of the inquiry inspector. If, but only if, all the tests for registration as a Village Green are met, then MCC has no choice and must register the land.

So whilst watching and waiting for MCC, we are looking ahead and anticipating that there will be a public inquiry. The landowner is likely to continue to be represented by solicitors and probably also a barrister. We have already received legal advice from the Open Spaces Society but now need to raise funds for legal help with the public inquiry and are in the process of registering as a charity so that we will be able to reclaim tax on gift-aided donations. There will be several fund-raisers in the coming weeks and months, which will help continue the community spirit and fun of events held in the last year.

Village Green update

2010-04-18T01:22:00.000-07:00

We are still waiting, as soon as we hear anything we will let you know.
If anyone still would like to complete a village green questionnaire these are still available, please contact me via the email on the website

Metrolink , Hardy Lane

2010-04-18T01:15:00.000-07:00

Metrolink to the Airport and the Impending Destruction of the Mersey Valley

I don’t suppose that I need to remind anyone who lives locally of the recent fight to save Hardy Farm (part of Chorlton Meadows) from a massive sporting complex which would have completely altered the character of this well-loved green space and quite probably have severely damaged its biodiversity? If it weren’t for the fact that the whole community pulled together and opposed this scheme, and were supported in their opposition by all of the local politicians, we would now be saddled with an astro-turf pitch, an ‘all-weather’ pitch and twelve 49 ft floodlights and their attendant light pollution. And no doubt we would also be putting up with lots of swearing, litter and local streets choked with cars and coaches – all of which, unfortunately, seem to go with football these days.
But all of this pales into insignificance compared to the havoc that will be wrought on the whole area if Metrolink is driven through. An article in the South Manchester Reporter last year (May 14, 2009) emphasised that this was a real possibility (as opposed to the talk and rumours that had been flying around for years). The front page article was headlined:
“Two tram lines: No congestion charge”
and stated that:
“Two new Metrolink lines are to be created in south Manchester. The tracks, which will link Chorlton with Didsbury and Withington, as well as Manchester Airport, are part of a £1.4 billion transport bonanza across Greater Manchester.
The package will be brought in without the need for a congestion charge and will finally see the completion of the Big Bang of the Metrolink network.”
Much of the rest of the article appeared to be about various local politicians congratulating themselves on achieving this coup (although, if they achieved it that easily, why did we need the congestion charge?).
Last month (March 11, 2010) another article appeared in the same paper. This time the headline was:
“Trams Cash Is ‘Biggest Boost For A Century’”.
The article went on:
“A funding package for trams to run through south Manchester has been confirmed this week. It’s worth £111m and is being described as the biggest single investment in public transport for hundreds (sic) of years. The package includes £85m for the Chorlton to Didsbury line and £26m for the Manchester Airport spur.” The same article also contains the following ominous paragraph: “Work on the Manchester Airport spur is due to start immediately.” And, yes, I’m as puzzled as you are as to why the Airport spur will cost less than a third of the amount that the ‘Chorlton to Didsbury’ (actually it’s Old Trafford to Didsbury) link will cost – as surely the Airport spur will require major infra-structure works – such as a bridge across the Mersey?
Anyway, I suppose, on balance, the Metrolink is a good thing (although anyone who uses the existing lines at rush hour may not agree with me!). In addition the links between Old Trafford, through Chorlton to Didsbury are being constructed on existing old railway lines. Sadly, though, these old lines had become rich in wildlife since they were abandoned, and much of this has now been lost – at a time when we can’t afford to lose much more wildlife. Nevertheless, as an ardent conservationist and environmentalist it is hard for me to argue against improvements to the local public transport network.
But the line across the Mersey Valley to Wythenshawe and the Airport is a very different matter. To build this new line will require massive and intrusive engineering works which will completely change the character of this central part of the Valley and the surrounding area. Let’s look at some of the implications behind this scheme – although, in the absence of detailed plans, there are more questions than answers. Much of what follows is semi-speculative, but is based on vague maps published with the literature on the TIFF bid (Consultation Brochure, 2008) and even vaguer maps published in local newspapers.
Somewhere around the Hough End area a spur will branch off the Old Trafford to Didsbury line and go down the centre of Mauldeth Road West. Anyone who knows this road will know that it is blessed with dozens of fine, mature trees – but, presumably all of these will need to be felled. It will then cross Barlow Moor Road and proceed down Hardy Lane. It is then supposed to cross the area known as Lower Hardy Farm (that area of semi-mature woodland between Hardy Farm and Chorlton Golf Course). This will represent a really major loss of biodiversity; Lower Hardy Farm is one of the richest areas in the central Mersey Valley and a Site of Biological Importance. Then a bridge across the river will be required and this will need to be a substantial structure. On the other side of the river the line is supposed to proceed on to Sale Water Park. But the burning question is: where will the crossing be, exactly? One possibility is Sale Golf Course – but this is unlikely – golfers tend to be influential people and won’t take kindly to the prospect of losing a chunk of their playground. So, the most likely crossing point is Jackson’s Boat and Rifle Road. And this will be a major tragedy: the footbridge and the Pub are in many ways the focal point for the Mersey Valley and the Metrolink threatens to remove that focus. Next to the pub is a fine grove of beech and sycamore trees and these will be threatened, as will the mature trees along Rifle Road. At Sale Water Park a Park & Ride car park and station are indicated, which implies more loss of open space and more disturbance. According to last year’s Reporter article the line then turns south east, running parallel to the motorway, before eventually crossing it into Northern Moor. According to the TIFF bid literature it then takes a somewhat circuitous route to Wythenshawe centre and the Airport.
I think that there’s no doubt that this is all to do with airport expansion. An article in the Manchester Evening News last month (March 8, 2010) informed us that:
“Manchester Airport will double the number of flights it handles and become as busy as Heathrow is today, the government has predicted.
According to the official forecast, there will be 449,000 take offs and landings at Manchester by 2050 – up from 213,000 in 2005.
It would mean a flight taking off on average every 70 seconds.”
In that light the Metro seems a lot less environmentally friendly, doesn’t it? Although no doubt the Council is eager to boost its ‘green credentials’ by claiming that, at least, transport to and from the airport is ‘sustainable’. I’m sorry, but, ‘sustainable transport’ or not, this is looking to me more and more like the same old, same old trashing of the environment for profit.
And just building the line won’t be an end to the matter. I bet there’ll be lots of juicy development possibilities along the course of the line: All of those little used football pitches at Hough End (is that why West Didsbury and Chorlton FC didn’t want their new ground there, I wonder?); Chorlton Park (We don’t need that, do we? Parks are so terribly old-fashioned!); the Cricket Club ground on Hardy Lane and the old UMIST Halls of Residence. And I just wonder if WDACFC will fare better in their bid for ‘World Domination’ when there’s a Metro stop on Hardy Lane?
And what about the enormous loss of biodiversity implied by all of this. Never mind. No doubt the Council and GMPTE will promise to plant lots and lots of trees for all of those that they chop down. Don’t be fooled, though. Tree planting is pure tokenism and has very little to do with conservation. But more to the point, will there be any open space left to plant the trees on?
In the run-up to the election, now seems as good a time as any to ask the candidates exactly what the implications of this scheme are for the future of the Mersey Valley.
Dave Bishop, April 2010

Village green status for Chorlton Meadows

2010-02-24T05:02:00.000-08:00

We are seeking to preserve free access and the right to roam across the meadows for all local people, whilst protecting the meadows from development. Greenbelt status alone is insufficient, but village green status would formalise and safeguard the use over the past twenty-five years as a popular informal open space. This is a positive process to protect our local breathing space, ensuring it continues to be freely available for local residents to access and use, now and in the future.We need support from as many people in Chorlton as possible. You can help if you, your friends or family have used the meadows (section between the paths to Jackson’s Boat bridge from Hardy Lane and Brookburn Road in Chorltonville) and have lived in Chorlton(within the parish of St Clement...please ask if your unsure ) at any time in the last twenty years. If you haven’t already filled in a questionnaire,please request one by sending your name, address or contact number to villagers@savechorltonmeadows.co.uk

2010-01-18T00:17:00.000-08:00

Hardy Farm Meadows has been under threat of developement since August 2009. It was Proposed that eight football pitches , one all weather astroturf , one stadium , both with floodlights,which would be illumninated till 10pm everynight , also a licenced clubhouse, this would bring light and noise pollution and change the whole area completly.After months of objections, 9,000 signiture petition and well over 1,000 letters opposing the developement. The planning commitee unanimously voted that this developement be opposed, on this the developer withdrew his plans. This is probably not the end, as the developer will possibly try to re submit plans at a later date. But the campaigners will still fight on to save this beautiful, peaceful area full of bio diversity for future generations

2009-11-04T07:46:00.000-08:00

meadows circa 1890

Hardy Farm on the 1881 census

2009-10-08T01:47:00.000-07:00

In 1881 the inhabitants of Hardy Farm were Thomas Cook age 58, a farmer of 111 acres with 6 men working on the land. He was born in Chorlton Cum Hardy. He was married to Mary age 67,also born in Chorlton Cum Hardy. There daughter was Christina , she was unmarried at the time of the census, she was 32. Other people residing at the farm were Thomas McGagh agedfrom Mayo in Ireland, he was the head servant although the others were farm laboures, Thomas McGagh was probably the head of the labourers. There were two Thomas Weston's from Rosscommon Ireland, one aged 16 & the other 21 , altho i tend to think these were brothers and the enumerator just ditto-ed under Thomas ( 16) name. Martin Devine , aged 26 from Mayo Ireland

2009-10-08T01:13:00.000-07:00

Even when the leaves are off the trees and the frost is on the ground, the meadow is still a lovely place.

Beautiful all year round and used by so many.

If you have any memories you would like to share , please contact me

2009-09-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

I was born & brought up on the Barlow Hall estate, living there 1944-66, so my mainmemories of the Meadows begin about 1951, when, on hot summer Sunday mornings, my parents& I would walk down Hardy Lane to Hurstville Rd, and then down the track through HardyFarm & The Meadows, across the bridge to "Jackson's Boat". They would have a drink while Iplayed on the bridge. Then, when I got a bike for my 8th birthday, my friend Leonard & I used to spend wholedays on the Meadows. I remember the farm, watching the farmer hand milking his cows. Hefarm-bottled the milk (unpasteurised) & sold it door-to-door. We didn't buy it - there wasa rumour that he watered it! Across the track from the farm was a barn, with an old orangebox nailed to the inside of its gable end, the middle plank knocked out. This was the barnowl's nesting box and it was used every year. Behind the barn was the orchard and, yes, wedid scrump apples. We were caught (but not apprehended) once. The farm looked exactly the same in 1900 (picture of postcard in "Chorlton-cum-Hardy: Britain in old photographs" by Cliff Hayes). Not far into the Meadows from the farm was a pond, full of frogs, newts & sticklebacks.However, the greatest feature of the pond was the large iron pipe stretching across it. I think it must have been some kind of sewage pipe as it aimed towards the Mersey end of thesewage works' wall that formed the western side of the Meadows. It was a point of honourto walk along the pipe across the pond. No, I never fell in. We would cycle all over the Meadows but we had self-imposed boundaries. We wouldn't gofurther downstream than "Thunder Bridge" (the iron railway bridge carrying the Altrincham line). We never went upstream very far. Rifle Road was unmetalled and we rode as far as Dane Road, then cut along a track parallel with the river until hitting a further trackwhich brought us back to the towpath. Within this rectangle near Jackson's Boat there werefabulous man-made hillocks to ride up & down. With hindsight, these were rubbish dumps andthe white, fluffy material scattered amongst them was probably asbestos! When I was eight, I joined the Cubs, 1st Chorltonville (52nd Manchester). We met 6-8pm ina wooden hut situated at the end of Brook Rd, in amongst the trees & overlooking theMeadows. I walked there from Floyd Avenue every Friday night on my own, winter & summer,for three years and no-one thought anything of it. If it was light, we Cubs were oftentaken for games on the Meadows. If you walked down Thorneycroft Avenue (off Darley Avenue) to the very end, there was aset of railings easily squeezed through (plus bike). This brought you into "Bluebell Wood", actually Barlow Wood. If we got really bored playing, we could walk throughBluebell Wood and watch a cricket match, Chorlton CC v. (whoever). Happy days - happy, happy days when the sun always shone.
Trevor G. James (ex-Judson Avenue)

2009-09-30T09:06:00.000-07:00

2009-09-29T01:16:00.000-07:00

This is one of the many species of Butterflies & Moths to be found on Hardy Farm Meadow, this one was photographed as it had landed in a residents garden. There have been over 600 sightings of Butterflies and Moths, on the meadows, recorded over a fifteen year period, some of which are extremly rare.

Please email me if you have seen or recorded any wildlife, the rarer the better.

2009-09-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Sunset over the meadows

24th September 2009

2009-09-22T10:47:00.000-07:00

Bats on Hardy Farm Meadows

This was taken on the evening of Friday 11th September 2009.
At first we thought there was only one, but then the second one appeared.Have you any photographs or video footage of the wildlife that you have seen on the Meadow ?

Birds,Bats, Badgers,Owls,Frogs,Toads, Newts or anything else, please let me know , they can be added