Pocket

The Pocket (formerly known as Smiths Yard) is located on land between Hughenden Rd, Elphinstone Rd and Mount Pleasant Rd - you can enter via the gates between 4 and 6 Hughenden Road. It is open to the public during daylight hours with Better Braybrooke nominated members being key holders. Click here for a map or here for a photo of the entrance and details of the 2009 restoration

The first planting of the Pocket took place in October 2003 with transplanted mature plants from Alexandra Park and new plants supplied by Hastings Borough Council. Planting was carried out by Better Braybrooke members, BTCV, local residents and children. There have since been several other gardening days when local residents have planted bulbs and shrubs that were donated by a local garden centre and done weeding and pruning.

The Pocket has been used by Better Braybrooke as a community venue to hold fund-raising activities and seasonal events, including Apple Day and has also been used by other local groups, charities and churches. We completed building work on the Pocket in summer 2003 and organised a grand opening on September 5, 2003 attended by the MP, deputy leader of the Council, deputy mayor and other councillors, council officers, sponsors and many others involved in the project.

Since 1998 Better Braybrooke has achieved the following in order to set up The Pocket:

Obtained planning permission and public liability insurance.
Had the land cleared of debris and dangerous structures and addressed issues relating to partly contaminated land - it was formerly an industrial site.
Acquired all of the land by either lease or purchase bringing it under the control of Better Braybrooke.
Made two successful Biffaward applications in 2000 and 2002.
Raised initial matched funding from partners including Hastings Borough Council.
Had support from the Sussex Police Crime Prevention Design Advisor.
Involved local communities and businesses.
Resurfaced the pathway to access the pocket.
Monitored building works and fulfilled criteria for receipt of funding.
Worked in partnership with the Environment Agency who provided administrative advice and funding for flowerbeds, tools and equipment.



The Pocket The Pocket (formerly known as Smiths Yard) is located on land between Hughenden Rd, Elphinstone Rd and Mount Pleasant Rd - you can enter via the gates between 4 and 6 Hughenden Road. It is open to the public during daylight hours with Better Braybrooke nominated members being key holders. Click here for a map or here for a photo of the entrance and details of the 2009 restoration The first planting of the Pocket took place in October 2003 with transplanted mature plants from Alexandra Park and new plants supplied by Hastings Borough Council. Planting was carried out by Better Braybrooke members, BTCV, local residents and children. There have since been several other gardening days when local residents have planted bulbs and shrubs that were donated by a local garden centre and done weeding and pruning. The Pocket has been used by Better Braybrooke as a community venue to hold fund-raising activities and seasonal events, including Apple Day and has also been used by other local groups, charities and churches. We completed building work on the Pocket in summer 2003 and organised a grand opening on September 5, 2003 attended by the MP, deputy leader of the Council, deputy mayor and other councillors, council officers, sponsors and many others involved in the project. Since 1998 Better Braybrooke has achieved the following in order to set up The Pocket: Obtained planning permission and public liability insurance. Had the land cleared of debris and dangerous structures and addressed issues relating to partly contaminated land - it was formerly an industrial site. Acquired all of the land by either lease or purchase bringing it under the control of Better Braybrooke. Made two successful Biffaward applications in 2000 and 2002. Raised initial matched funding from partners including Hastings Borough Council. Had support from the Sussex Police Crime Prevention Design Advisor. Involved local communities and businesses. Resurfaced the pathway to access the pocket. Monitored building works and fulfilled criteria for receipt of funding. Worked in partnership with the Environment Agency who provided administrative advice and funding for flowerbeds, tools and equipment. HOME