Bournville Village Trust with Duncan Cadbury

4th July 2018

Duncan illustrating Bournville history

On 4th July Duncan Cadbury led 16 members of Pershore Civic Society on a visit to the Bournville Village Trust founded by George Cadbury in1900. Today the village covers 1,000 acres situated in south west Birmingham and includes around 8,000 mixed tenure houses providing accommodation for about 25,000 people.

Rowheath Pavilion
Rowheath Pavilion

Rowheath Pavillion situated in a parkland setting with extensive playing fields had a tea dance in progress although no-one had time to join in! Next on the list was

The Quadrangle consisting of 33 almshouses built in 1898 for retired Cadbury employees providing a quiet oasis off a busy street.

The group were then shown around Selly Manor Museum a 14th century manor house which houses the Laurence Cadbury collection of period furniture. George Cadbury, his father, bought the building in 1907 arranging for it to be moved from Selly Oak to Bournville where it stands today.

One of the highlights was a visit to the Serbian Church, built 50 years ago to serve Serbian people living in the Midlands which is beautifully decorated and where the priest sang for us after giving a talk about its history.

Another highlight of this fascinating day was Bournville Gardens which is an extra care scheme of 212 apartments for older residents. It has state of the art facilities and an amazing design allowing lots of light and space and where every interest seems to be catered for.