UPDATE ON THE VINEYARD
We are pleased that we are now in a position to make a start on The Vineyard Project – developing the plot of land acquired by the Parish Council into a delightful community green space in the historic heart of the Langford. You can see our first plan for the land below – many thanks to everyone who contributed ideas either online or at the two meetings we have held.
One question we are asked is about the name. The field has always been called the Vineyard, and we want to retain that historical connection. Why the name? Lost in the mists of time, but in medieval times there was a small priory connected to Langford church, so perhaps this was a priory vineyard.
How ill the project be managed?
The Vineyard will be officially designated as a community amenity for the people of Langford. The Parish Council will continue to hold the freehold of the land, while the day-to-day management of the land and project will be delegated to a management team, which we will set up as a charity. We think a charity is the best approach as it will make it easier to apply for funding grants, and will allow gift aid on donations.
The Vineyard Charity will lease the land from the PC for a peppercorn rent, and in perpetuity. This means that the Vineyard will always be there as a protected community resource for Langford people.
Thus while the PC will continue to have an interest as the freeholder, the Charity will operate independently, under the guidance of a board of trustees. The aim is that The Vineyard will be a self-financing operation, like our village hall (which is also a charity). We hope to raise the money needed through grants and some fund-raising.
We are looking to make a start on some work in the autumn – fencing and hedge planting, creating a new gateway. Our hope is that most of the work we do on the Vineyard can be very much a community effort, as not only will this save some cost but will make the project one that helps to bring the village community together.
So we are looking for Vineyard Volunteers, people who would be happy to be involved in some of the working parties. If you volunteer you don’t have to turn out for everything, you can be involved as much or as little as you want, and you can choose the things that interest you most. If you are interested please email me at richard@kempsyard.uk
Notes on the plan
- About half the plot, the flattest and most accessible part, will be reserved as an activities and events zone
- A new vehicle and pedestrian access will be made into Station Road. There is an existing back entrance (which we will keep), but it is narrow and difficult to access, and unsuitable for maintenance machinery or emergency vehicles
- Along the boundary between the Vineyard and Church Row we will plant a Cherry Walk of native cherry trees, which look spectacular in the spring
- The main planting of trees and shrubs will be in Church View Glade. We will have some benches so people to enjoy what is the perhaps the best view in Langford
- Across the other side of the plot the plan is to plant fruit and perhaps some nut trees – a community orchard
- Across the ditch at the rear of the plot our aim is to clear space for a footbridge, which will allow people access to The Closes, and over to the cricket field
The Vineyard will be a long term project, but we plan to make a start this autumn – fencing, hedge planting and creating the new gateway access. Over time we may want to modify our plans a little, but always with this aim in mind – creating a really lovely green space right in the historical heart of the village which will be a great asset and amenity for Langford people to enjoy for many generations to come.
Richard
If you fancy becoming a Vineyard Volunteer then let me know!