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IT'S 100 years ago that Racecommon Road allotment holders began growing their own produce.

The land, it is said, was donated by a Mr Lawrence and growing vegetables, flowers etc was as popular then as it is today.

A dinner to celebrate the centenary was held recently for the allotment holders. On the guest list was the Mayor, Coun Len Picken and Lord Mason. At the present time the site has 58 plots.

Richard (Dick) Moxon, who lived at Kingstone, was a keen gardener and grew vegetables and flowers on his Racecommon Road allotment almost 70 years ago. He then sold some of his produce to the public from his front room.

David and Patricia Moxon have loaned to Memories a photograph taken of Richard, left, tending his allotment in the early 1940s.

Part of St Edward's Church can be seen on the left of the photograph as well as the chimneys of the houses in Racecommon Road in the distance.

The identity of the other gentleman on the photograph is not known. Perhaps someone can tell us? David Moxon told us: "Richard was my great uncle. He was born in 1880, and was the brother of my grandfather Albert who was born in 1882.

Richard was one of six brothers who fought in France with the Barnsley Pals. The boys who are seen in uniform, are, back row, left to right: Richard, Fred, Arthur, Albert Ernest. Front row: William, Eliza (the boys' mother) and James.

John Cotney, who also served with the Pals, was married to Eliza's daughter, Martha. He is far left on the back row. Arthur was killed in 1916 and Fred in 1918. Arthur is buried in France, but there is no known grave for Fred.

Richard later worked for Barnsley Brewery. "He was teetotal and when the workers were given a free drink by the management each week he would give his to one of his brothers," said Mr Moxon.

Picture: RICHARD (Dick) Moxon tends his Racecommon Road allotment in the early 1940s. The allotments have been there 100 years.