GOT LAND? EASY MONEY

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Many people around Norwich are very grateful to me, James

Heggerson, and my wife Maxine, for sharing a few acres of our

neighbours spare land with the general public.

However, as much as we enjoy mixing with other people, our

purpose in converting part of this property into picnic grounds

was not entirely an altruistic one: we had to find some way of

making additional profits for our coming old age.

A few rows of trees and a lovely little stream, which ran along

the local 'A' road, provided the inspiration for a project which

has proved to be very profitable for us.

It took considerable time to provide the necessary facilities

and equipment, but I did a great deal of the work myself.

One entire summer was spent in cheaply gravelling a suitable

access road; bringing in electricity; providing water for

drinking and toilet facilities (where the local Portakabin

branch were of great assistance); and I spent many long hours in

the construction of barbecue pits.

Some of the trees had to be removed to make way for picnic

tables and benches, which we built ourselves.

Rubbish bins had to be provided (it's amazing what so-called

professional bins cost when metal dustbins are so cheaply

available!), and I chopped/bought an initial supply of firewood

and charcoal.

Maxine and I decided to provide activities which would require a

minimum investment in equipment.

Arrangements for archery were made simple by piling bales of hay

in the back of some inexpensively constructed targets.

Horseshoe throwing, quoits and badminton courts were also

provided for without too much difficulty, and an open field

nearby furnished ample space for amateur football games.

As it turned out, the sport which our visitors, young and old,

enjoyed most was wading in the cool water of the pool on a hot

summer's day or just resting and chatting together under the

trees, while the children enjoyed a sense of freedom.

Maxine takes the money at the gate - a flat rate of admission to

the grounds which includes the use of a picnic table and

barbecue pit.

There was an extra charge for firewood when it was needed.

The first year paid off so well that we decided to invest some

of the profits in building a swimming pool, utilizing the water

from the brook, and forming a Limited Company, to protect

ourselves in case of any unexpected downturn in business.

We charge for the use of the pool and the small showers, and

this has brought in additional income.

Next summer, we are probably going to have a small horse riding

ring.

Many days in winter we can turn a local small hill into a family

sledging resort - you'd be amazed at how many adults join in!

I keep some fires going in the barbecues where the participants

can warm hands and feet, and where there is always a hot cup of

coffee ready!

A small admission charge brings considerable revenue during the

winter months.

There is bound to be some spare land within about 25 miles of

you where you could do the same, probably starting off very

small.

The landowner would only require a little money (after all, it's

all profit to him!), payable only after you're received

admission charges, of course.