Velmore: From Huts to Homes History Book is Launched
After much anticipation, the first history book written exclusively about theVelmore estate and its unusual beginnings as a post-war hutted camp, was lauched at the Velmore Community Centre on 6 March 2014. The book is the culmination of a reminiscence project with people who have lived on the estate since as far back as 1958, or who lived in the camp as children in the 1950s.
From the beginning, the dwellings on Velmore have undergone more changes than most. Originally a collection of hastily built tarran type huts - designed as temporary accommodation - Velmore emerged as an estate of concrete and metal framed dwellings that over time were turned into various homes made of brick. Years rolled on and outdated bungalows with gardens too big and kitchens too small were demolished to be replaced by many more homes in the shape of flats and bungalows that sit amongst the remaining houses.
From the beginning, the dwellings on Velmore have undergone more changes than most. Originally a collection of hastily built tarran type huts - designed as temporary accommodation - Velmore emerged as an estate of concrete and metal framed dwellings that over time were turned into various homes made of brick. Years rolled on and outdated bungalows with gardens too big and kitchens too small were demolished to be replaced by many more homes in the shape of flats and bungalows that sit amongst the remaining houses.
Shops
came and went and so did the green spaces on which the children played. Traffic free roads became packed with parked
cars and the walk to the shops in Eastleigh turned overnight into a drive to
the hypermarket that is just up the road.
Many
residents have lived through all the changes whilst recent developments have
meant even more homes and therefore an even bigger community with new
generations of children growing up on the Velmore estate.
We are very proud to launch the story of the Velmore Estate and its people from the 1950s to present day.
For more information, including how to buy a copy, visit: https://www.firstwessex.org/latest-news/residents-tell-tales-of-the-velmore-estate-at-book-launch-1253/
