What was it like to live in Wedderburn Road?
In this section of the Wedderburn Road history we look at the lives of people living in the road between 1920 and 1960. This period saw great changes in lifestyle and dramatic events such as depression in the 1930s and the Second World War. The section is divided into a number of pages covering different topics:
Occupations – what jobs did the residents have?
Most men worked locally, some were self employed and others worked for local businesses and farms
Living conditions – what were the houses like?
The majority of homes relied on water supplies from local wells, though some enjoyed mains water. Houses were well built and so did not have huge damp problems. However with no central heating, houses were cold.
Gardens and animals – what use did people make of their land?
Gardens were usually productive all year round. Vegetables and fruit were relied on to boost the family’s diet. The Dig for Victory advice during the Second World War would have been easy for Wedderburn Road residents to follow.
Schools – where did the children go to school?
By now there was one main primary school – or elementary school as it was called then. Older children would either leave the elementary school at 14 or attend grammar schools in Hanley Castle or Worcester. Some children had places at the Manor Park School in Great Malvern. The Chase School opened in 1953 and most local children transferred there when they reached 11.
Shops – where did people shop?
Very small shops operated from Wedderburn Road itself. The shops in Barnards Green which included a petrol station, provided most other household goods. Deliveries of bread and milk were still quite common.
Wedderburn Road and the Second World War
Malvern’s population increased greatly at this time. Thousands of servicemen and scientists moved into the area.
Entertainment – how did the residents enjoy themselves?
Local people had a large choice of entertainment. Much was free, and attractions were aimed more at the wealthy visitors.
Much of the detail given here has been gathered from interviews with people who lived in the road during this period. Many thanks are due to them all.