The old village green (historically known as Blagdon Green) at the south end of Blagdon Hill between the Lamb and Flag and the old Blagdon Inn on the east side of the main road was successfully purchased by the Pitminster & Angersleigh Playing Field Association on 1st April 2008 - back in the hands of the village and parish after more than 50 years!

 

An opportunity arose to purchase the land, which has an area of nearly two acres, from its current owner and a small informal group met to consider how it could be acquired. The group set out to see if the purchase price could be raised through private donations.

 

The fund-raising was very successful achieving a total of over £13,500. Donations were received not just from residents close to the green but also from friends in other parts of the parish and indeed further afield, demonstrating great support for this project.

 

It was decided that the Pitminster & Angersleigh Playing Field Association was the organisation best-suited to own and maintain this piece of land for the following reasons:

 

• It is a registered charity and therefore it could take advantage of the ‘Gift Aid’ scheme to help reach the required purchase price.

• It has the experience and resources to manage and maintain such an area - it already looks after the Sellicks Green sports fields, tennis court, play area and pavilion.

•  It has a committee of over a dozen local people ensuring that any future decisions relating to the Green are likely to be representative of the wider parish community.

• It is governed by Charity Law and the title of the land is vested in the Official Custodian for Charities.

• It is clearly understood by the Playing Field Association that it is the wish of the donors and the wider community that the land should be kept as an enduring open green space for the use and enjoyment of the local community.

 

The Green adds a valuable green amenity space at the south end of the village. It has been planted with a variety of trees including several traditional Somerset apple trees.

 

At the end of October every year it hosts a Halloween event with a pumpkin carving competition for the children of the local area, a bonfire and barbecue food and refreshments.

 

In early November a Remembrance service is held on the Green where in 2015 a memorial stone was erected. It is carved out of white Portland stone by local artist, Chris Webb, and stands around one metre in height and faces south directly towards the Pitminster Parish War Memorial which is located on the hill above the Green.

 

Contact: Duncan Meikle, chair of the green sub-committee.

duncan@meiklehome.plus.com