It wasn't the fiercest of the many protests to hit Oxford, but the protagonists had a strong message to put across.
Port Meadow in Oxford was for cattle and horses, for humans taking a leisurely walk and certainly not for cars and vans.
There was a threat of more traffic crossing the famous meadow after plans were announced to expand Medley Boat Station on the Thames.
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One Saturday in 1985, local residents realised they had to make their views known - by staging not a blockade but a gentle “declaration of disapproval”.
The placards they displayed said it all - ‘No cars on common land’, ‘No encroachment on Port Meadow’ and a rather cheeky one, ‘Bollards to the bollards’.
The purpose of the protest was to draw attention to a forthcoming public inquiry over new plans for the boat station – and to help raise cash for lawyers to put the objectors’ case.
Boatyard owner Brian Crittenden was seeking Government permission for fuel and storage tanks, a gravel car park and bollards around the site and along the track leading to it.
The bollards were particularly controversial, with objectors claiming they would spoil the historic meadow.
The plans had aroused sharp criticism from the Wolvercote Commoners, the group established in 1929 to take responsibility for the 74-acre Wolvercote Common adjoining Port Meadow.
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They were supported by many residents who resented what they saw as possible encroachment on to common land, leading to more traffic crossing it. Oxford City Council also objected.
Mr Hugh Hottot, one of the organisers of the protest, said: “I have been walking on the meadow since before 1950 and I strongly resent this increase in traffic.”
A public inquiry was due to be held into the boat station’s proposals, and the protesters had calculated that it would cost them more than £4,000 to be legally represented.
A 10-mile sponsored walk, starting at Folly Bridge and taking in Boars Hill and Iffley, was organised by resident Mike Gotch to boost the funds.
In fact, they raised enough money to hire a Queen’s Counsel to put their case.
Poor Mr Crittenden had to represent himself.
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He said: “Everyone knows I’m not a rich man. If the money they are spending on lawyers was spent on the meadow, how marvellous that would be.”
Jocelyn Morris, of the Walton Manor Residents’ Association, said the aim was to get as many people as possible to object at the inquiry.
This was one of many battles between the boat people and meadow protectors.
Both parties still exist, but at least it appears these days they live more in harmony than discord.
In recent years Port Meadow has been used by environmental protesters, campaigning against Thames Water for allowing sewage to be released into the river. Hundreds of people gathered on the meadow to protest in January last year.
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This story was written by Andy Ffrench, he joined the team more than 20 years ago and now covers community news across Oxfordshire.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Andy.ffrench@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter @OxMailAndyF
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