Between 1967 and 1969, the village of Bar Hill transitioned from a developer’s plan to a living, breathing community. The seeds of local life were sown during these formative years, as the first families arrived, roads and houses took shape, and a determined group of pioneers worked to ensure their village was more than bricks and mortar.

The First Residents and the Birth of an Association (1967)

In May 1967, the first families moved into Bar Hill, becoming the vanguard of what was envisioned as a modern, self-contained village. At this time, much of the area was still a construction site, with a handful of homes completed and vast open plots awaiting development. Amid the mud and scaffolding, early residents quickly recognised the need for a collective voice.

On 20th October 1967, the Bar Hill Residents’ Association was formally established. Its Constitution, adopted that day, set out the ambitious aim “to promote and protect the interests of all residents of Bar Hill.” It was a bold step for a community still in its infancy.

The Association’s objectives included:

“To represent the interests of residents in discussions with the developers and local authorities.”

“To promote social activities for the benefit of all residents.”

This sense of proactive engagement was critical. With much of the infrastructure unfinished, the Association became a vital forum for voicing concerns and lobbying for amenities.

The Membership Pack, also produced in October 1967, invited residents to join in shaping their village’s future. It highlighted the Association’s plans to “encourage neighbourliness” and foster “a strong sense of community.” Social activities were seen as a cornerstone for bringing together newcomers from across the region.

One early initiative was the production of a regular newsletter, the Bar Hill News, which launched later in 1967. Initially a single A4 sheet, it became an essential source of information and connection in a growing village.

Infrastructure and Setbacks (1968)

The following year saw significant progress in developing Bar Hill’s infrastructure. In 1968, two major amenities opened:

• A primary school, which became a focal point for the growing number of young families.

• A shopping precinct, offering fourteen units, including the village’s first supermarket, providing residents with essential goods and helping Bar Hill grow more self-sufficient.

However, 1968 also brought challenges. The original developer, Cubitts, sold the project to Trafalgar House, resulting in an 18-month pause in construction. By the time of the sale, around 180 houses had been built, leaving many plots unfinished and residents navigating incomplete roads and sparse facilities.

Despite this setback, the community’s determination shone through. The Residents’ Association became an essential voice for liaising with the new developers and pressing for the completion of promised amenities.

Consolidation and Growth (1969)

By 1969, construction resumed, and Bar Hill began to consolidate as a village. New families arrived, and the community started to take on a more settled character. The Association continued to organise events and foster connections, ensuring newcomers felt welcome into the growing population.

The Bar Hill News documented milestones, both large and small, from updates on the village's progress to notices of social gatherings and local clubs.

“Bar Hill will be what we make it. It is up to each of us to play our part.” (Residents’ Association Membership Pack, October 1967)

These early years were as much about building relationships as they were about constructing homes. The legacy of those pioneer residents remains woven into the fabric of the village today.