History of Blue Bird factory celebrated at launch of showhome in Hunnington

Margaret Harding and Val Mills, who grew up in the ‘model village’ homes built for factory employees nearby and who have written a book – Growing Up in Blue Bird’s Garden Village – about their memories of life within this community and its history, were invited as special guests to the event, alongside Brenda Osbourn, who worked at the factory and whose family also lived on the estate.

Other members of Romsley and Hunnington History Society, which published the book, were also invited, with Treasurer Ruth Harper giving a talk about the history of the factory.

Marie Richards, Sales Director at Bellway West Midlands, said: “Celebrating the history of the site here at our Harvino development was a very fitting way to mark the opening of our showhome.

“The Blue Bird factory is commemorated in the name Harvino, which was the original name of the toffee brand, and we chose this name because we recognise how important this place is to local people who have many memories of its time as a working factory.

“Now this site is entering a new era as a modern neighbourhood of high-quality homes where new neighbours will settle in and new memories will be made.”

The names of all the house styles at Harvino development link to the colour blue, in honour of the Blue Bird toffee brand. The showhomes are the four-bedroom Turquoise and three-bedroom Azure designs.

There are currently three and four-bedroom properties available to reserve at Harvino, with prices starting from £360,000. Two and five-bedroom houses will be released for sale at a later date.

To find out more, visit www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/west-midlands/harvino or call the sales team on 0121 756 7310.