The 1960s

The 1960s was a significant time of change for the village. Much of the old traditional way of life was lost, many new houses were built, the population doubled, bringing many newcomers and a modern village emerged.

In 1960, Coach bridge was dismantled, the Mill was closed, and the Bugbrooke Gasworks ceased to operate. In 1963 the Methodist Chapel was closed and its few remaining members transferred to the Baptist Chapel.

Meanwhile there followed a period of rapid development. This decade saw the building of the entire Wilsons Estate, and the complete redevelopment of the Brook Farm and Watery Lane area. In 1965 factory units were built on the site of the old brickworks. In 1967 the old A45 road into Northamtpton was converted to dual carriageway, and in 1968 Campion School was opened to accommodate the rapidly increasing number of young people in the area.

All of this brought significant change to the social fabric of the village. In 1960 Mary Warr, a newcomer to the village, was elected the first woman parish councillor.

The growth in population brought much new social life to the village. In May 1960 the Village Hall was officially opened by the Earl Spencer of Althorpe. In 1962 the Gun Club was formed, and in 1965 the Youth Club was opened in the old Methodist Chapel building. In 1969 the Monday Club was formed, and with it came the first Heyford Pantomime. An article about the village in the Mercury and Herald in November 1969 also referred to the Theatre Club, the WEA, the Boy Scouts, the Cubs, the Girls Brigade, the Derby & Joan, and the St John's Ambulance.

In 1968 Major Blaney died. The shop was handed over to Mr & Mrs Eales, and the Post Office was moved next door to be run by Mrs Blaney.