The Big Change

During the early 1940s, the Chace National Service Hostel and the Baginton Fields Hostel were built to accommodate munitions workers, refugees, evacuees and many others, from all parts of the globe. These newcomers worked in and around the City during, and for a long time after, World War Two. 

It was the expansion by Coventry City Council in the 1950s, during the development of the Willenhall Wood estate, which changed village life forever with the building of the first 100 houses of the present estate, and the part removal of the ancient woodland.

Since the 1950’s, Willenhall has vastly expanded, until it has now covered nearly all the old farmland, and the old Willenhall Brick & Tile Works. But there are still a few who remember peaceful summer evenings, walking out into the fields, seeing cattle and crops where houses now stand.  

Some tell tales of when they went apple picking and hay making. Trips were made just over the railway bridge, with a little cart, to collect the coal for the fire from Binley Pit to keep warm during those winters when England had ice and snow! Some can remember when the ‘new’ shopping precinct was the envy of many councils around the county, who came to see what a truly modern housing estate should look like. It has now gone, replaced by yet another ‘new’ precinct. 

I wonder how many realised that none other than Sir Basil Spencer designed the church of St John the Divine.  

However, we should always remember than no matter how much the area has changed, Willenhall still has its place and we should take a pride in the name, today possibly more than ever. Where we are born, grow up and live has an effect in some small way, not only ourselves, but also all those around us.

Without a sense of belonging and pride, much is lost.