When the allotment site first came into being more than 100 years ago, a well was dug about half way down the track and a hand pump installed to draw up the water. This was the only source of water on the site until mains water was installed.

This historic pump had been out of action for a long while and in 2012 SAS committee members got  it working again with a Patay twin diaphragm bilge pump.

These pumps are used by the RNLI and the Army, and are extremely reliable and robust. Patay pumps cost about £200, but one was found on Ebay for £107, and with the filter and hose the total cost was only £147.

The pump is still working very well and helping keep the mains water usage/bill reduced.