The story of Crumpsall & Cheetham starts in the late 60′s.

The first we knew of the move from Crescent Road Allotments was when we saw two men with clip boards measuring the site . On investigation we discovered that the intention was to build the Abraham Moss Leisure Center and school on the site. As we already had a well managed site we were not inclined to move without an adequate replacement. Venue unknown at that time.

Their now began a series of letters to the council and meetings. In all we attended 48 meetings and our secretary wrote 24 letters. The council offered very inferior sites as a replacement and used many threats but had the Nation Association of Leisure Gardners helping us. We were adamant and finally settled on a piece of land owned by the I.C.I. This was used as a tip for all it’s refuge from the dye works, consequently it meant moving the entire topsoil leaving a field of clay.
Meanwhile plans had to be made for the planning of the new site. Manchester City council undertook this and their planning department designed what the first and only Model Allotment site of it’s kind in the country.

Top soil for 114 plots to be delivered and evenly spread. Siting for the pavilion and sheds. Plots to be measured and staked out. We had to fight for greenhouses to replace those being demolished at Crescent Road likewise the huts, eventually we won a one for one replacement for greenhouses and huts for every plot. Plans were drawn up for a tar macadam ring road, 5 car bays and 32 taps also the replacement of the pavilion. This was to replace the one we had at Crescent Road built by the plot holders. We arranged for concrete paths between each plot.

The recreation (now Leisure) department was very much involved in this venture which assured its success. later the council formed an allotment sub committee of 8 plot holders who sat with the recreation committee and dealt with allotments as a first item on the agenda then left. It worked well for both parties but was abandoned when the Council decided to re stucture the system. Later additions to the plans were made, a hard standing for a designer plot for the disabled and a bay for garden refuge. Public sponsors eventually furnished the disabled plot. The greenhouse from Granada Television after an appeal made at the end of one of the documentaries made about the site at this time. The raised beds for disabled people from the Manchester Evening News after an appeal. Lord Morris of Wythenshaw opened part of the site attended by the Lord Major and members of the recreation committee. H.R.H/ Prince Phillip attend by the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress opened the main site in 1972.

The site as it’s own Exhibition hall which was built by the members. That is another story and will be related at a later date.