Temporary homes still going strong

Jul 27 2007 By Catherine Lillington, Birmingham Mail

THEIR prefabricated timber homes were only meant to last five years, but nine decades later families are planning celebrations for a landmark anniversary.

The Austin Village was created to house workers based at the nearby motor company which was then churning out vital munitions for the First World War.

Herbert Austin's workforce had grown ten-fold during the global conflict and he came up with the idea of building the model village in Northfield.

The 199 cedarwood bungalows were made in Michigan and then shipped across the Atlantic, running the risk of submarine attacks.

Today they are home to proud owners who include 87-year-old Doug Adams who was born in one of the bungalows, in Coney Green Drive, and has never left the village.

Doug, who now lives in Hawkesley Drive, started working at the factory as a 14-year-old in 1933 and stayed until 1983, when he finished up being principal engineer.

He said: "The village really hasn't changed in all the years I've known it, only the people.

"My mother and father came here from Burton-on-Trent and it was something new."

Jill Cox, aged 65, has lived in Central Avenue for 33 years, and said: "The celebrations show there is still that close community spirit.

"The houses were built to last and they're all going strong."

The 90th anniversary celebrations will take place on August 18 and 19.

Organisers have planned a special presentation to Birmingham Lord Mayor and Northfield councillor Randal Brew at Northfield Conservative Club.

There will also be a disco and displays of photographs, veteran cars and an old fire engine.

Any prizes which can be donated to a raffle can be given to Janet Hammon on 0121 475 5364.