History

It was in 1892 that Tunbridge Wells Borough Council leased the Marlpits allotments site from the owner of the Dunorlan estate. With increasing demand during both World Wars, the site expanded and diminished, with the present size comprising nearly 300 plots of 5 or 10 rods.

In 1932 five plot-holders got together in the shade of the oak tree, still flourishing at the bottom of the site and now our familiar logo, to discuss the advantages of forming an association. Their plan succeeded and in 1933 the Hawkenbury Allotment Holders’ Association was formally established.

The Stores have developed from a basic shed to the well-stocked building we have today.The benefits of membership range from bulk-buying of supplies to occasional social events for members, not to mention the opportunity of meeting people with a common interest. Those interested in the advantages of membership, but not wanting to lease an allotment, are also welcome to join the Association. Today the membership numbers nearly 500.

In 1991 the Association took a further step towards complete independence from the Borough Council by taking over the site lease and all the resulting administration of plot rentals, site maintenance and improvement. It is remarkable that this major organisation is run entirely by volunteers, with the result that the site is by far the best in the Borough (if not in Kent), yet plot rentals are less than half of those elsewhere. So if you could contribute in any way – by volunteering in the Stores, by helping with site maintenance or with any of the other little jobs where we need support – you would be most welcome.