Article written by the Hay Warren Conservation Committee:

"May we take this opportunity to introduce you to an area of outstanding beauty on your doorstep and to the organization that has for the past thirty years existed to maintain it.

The riverside meadow, which for hundreds of years has been known locally as the Warren is accessed by the lane adjacent to Warren Close at the West end of Hay. It is believed that this area in medieval times was used for the breeding of rabbits for food, hence its name, and for many years has been used for walking, and recreation by the people of the town.

In the early 1970s, a scheme was proposed to convert this area into a Caravan Park, but several local businessmen and residents, horrified at the loss of this beautiful area, decided to club together to purchase the field so that it could continue its existence as an unchanged meadow.

To help fund the upkeep of the Warren, a '20 Club' was setup. This very quickly turned into a '300 Club', which continues to run to this day.

Further projects have been carried out by the club since its inception. The butter market which had been walled up since the Second World War, was opened up and restored to its former glory in 1985; the plaques around the town showing the positions of the wells and gates, were commissioned in 1995; and the Login walk, adjacent to the "Tump" was constructed in 1990.

The Warren Club is administered by a group of unpaid trustees, who are: Annette Cobbold Edgar Evans, Betty Jones, Martin Like, Sheila Like, Steven Like, Eric Pugh and Timothy Pugh.

All members of the club are encouraged to attend the draws which occur throughout the year in local inns and public houses. A free light buffet is provided, and each member may bring a guest.

At these meetings, several cash prizes are drawn with all members numbers entered. Additionally an "in the room" draw also takes place, funded by a raffle ticket purchased on that evening (50p) and entered by all attending members.

The membership fee for the Warren Club has not changed since 1973. It is still £13.00 per annum. This is paid by "standing order" in four quarterly payments of £3.25.

If you are interested in joining the Warren Club get in touch with Mr. Edgar Evans, Victor Studios Flat, High Town, Hay-on-Wye, Powys.

We would be delighted to welcome new members to the 300 Club, but if you decide at this time that joining us is not for you, we would just ask you to enjoy the Warren, treat the meadow with respect and please take any litter home."

Article by The Warren Trustees