Contribute


How to contribute

Hedgehog self build, Bevendean

Photo:The plaque on the wall in Plymouth Avenue commemorates the post-war volunteer labourers who built their own houses. Sam Carroll's uncle was one of them.

The plaque on the wall in Plymouth Avenue commemorates the post-war volunteer labourers who built their own houses. Sam Carroll's uncle was one of them.

Photos taken by Sam Carroll

Photo: Illustrative image for the 'Hedgehog self build, Bevendean' page
Back to my roots
By Sam Carroll, Bevendean resident

I grew up in Hornby Rd, close to our relatives, just around the corner. We moved away from Bevendean in the late seventies.

In 1997 I found myself with the opportunity of joining the Hedgehog self build co-operative. We were late to join and land had already been bought to build on. When I found out where it was, I was very amused. Bevendean! Going back to my roots? I hadn't got far, had I?

We now live in our lovely house with another nine families in their adjacent homes and I am reminded what I love about Bevendean: the fresh air, the country walks, the wildlife, seeing grazing animals from the window, the glorious sunsets and distant views of the Isle of Wight. It's like being in the countryside but still on the main bus route into the centre of Brighton.

submitted to website 7-12-2002
This page was added on 22/03/2006.

Comments:

Brilliant to see photos of the new scheme and the old one too! I am currently trying to do a project on the history of a similar scheme in Reading that I believe was in contact with the first Bevendean Project - very little information apart from primary sources. Thanks for this little bit more. If Sam Carroll or anyone else has any further information or available links for information on the first post-war Bevendean Housing Project or any other post-war housing projects - I would be grateful for any help.
By Emma Williams (07/09/2003)
Hello there, I have been living in Bevendean for a year and yesterday, my partner, our three-year-old son and I went wondering towards Norwich Drive. I recently met someone who told me about these self-built-grass-on-the-roof houses. We were really amazed to find something like that in Bevendean as everyone in Brighton seems to think that Bevendean is a run-down, dull and deprived area. So far we have been very happy here, the western skies are the best I have ever seen, and only now do I begin to understand Constable's fascination for the English cloud. We are very curious about the Hedgehog Co-operative and have many questions for whoever would have the time to answer them. We live on Lower Bevendean Avenue and the only thing we regret about the place is the apparent lack of community. It is perhaps only an appearance but, for the outsider, the closed-down shops of the avenue give a grim look to the place. We would love to meet someone who is ready to tell us about the place as it is.
By Mmedo Duffort (14/08/2005)
The house on the corner looks like my ex-best friend's house when I was younger - about 27 yrs ago. Her name was Michelle Simmonds.
By Bridget (04/07/2006)

It's so nice to see other people that have relatives that still live in Plymouth Avenue. My grandad built one of the houses in Plymouth Avenue who lived in it with my granny and bought my dad up who lived in it after they died. I now live here with my two brothers. It's a lovely road to live, with fantastic views. There are still neighbours that are from the original families.

By Hannah Leigh (04/11/2007)

Add a comment





Protected by FormShield