1. Before we move on to 2017 it may be prudent to briefly look back at this unfortunate situation and why the apparent theft of 80 acres of common land had become an issue.

2. It had started with the unauthorized fencing of 80 acres of Broxhead Common in 1963.

3. 17th June 1964, Mr Michael Roydon Porter, the Estate Manager for Headley Wood Farm sent a letter to Headley Parish Council in which he outlines his intention to fence and cultivate even more of the common land. He also shows two paths which the public should continue to ride and walk. One of these is the track around the Tree Nursery which is land rented to the Forestry Commission.
   1964 Porter re paths14112020_0001

4. 8th December 1964 complaints were made to Hampshire County Council’s Open Spaces Committee.
   1964 Complaint re fencing on Broxhead- Open Spaces Committee HCC

5. 28th February 1965 evidence from local horse riders and walkers and in particular the former owner of Headley Wood Farm, Patricia Barnard (McAndrew), was produced to Headley Parish Council.
   Broxhead Correspondence 1980-90_0023
   1965 evidence of use, Broxhead05022021

6. Mr John Ellis as Chairman of Headley Parish Council and who later founded the Broxhead Commoners Association in 1968, also wrote to the clerk of the County Council stating that 23 tracks on Broxhead Common were used by people on horseback and pedestrians.

Next time: to be continued.

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