Considering that South Oxhey was built to address London’s housing crisis after World War II, let’s delve into its story. South Oxhey is an estate within the Watford Rural parish. It sits in Hertfordshire near the Greater London boundary.
South Oxhey’s history is rooted in the Oxhey Hall Estate. Oxhey Place, a manor house, once stood here. The Blackwell family, of Crosse and Blackwell fame, owned it. Sadly, it burned down in 1960. However, Oxhey Chapel, dating from 1612, still stands. It is located south of All Saints Church.
All Saints Church opened in 1954. It served the new estate built after the Second World War. Interestingly, the church was rebuilt in 2000.
The construction of South Oxhey involved prisoners of war. They assisted in building some of its structures. South Oxhey was managed first by the London County Council. Later, the Greater London Council took over. In 1980, ownership transferred to the Three Rivers District Council.
Since 1980, many residents have purchased their homes. This was due to the Right to Buy policy. By 2007, about 70% of houses were privately owned.
South Oxhey has a vibrant cultural side. It was featured on the BBC series “The Choir: Unsung Town.” Gareth Malone formed a community choir here. This led to the South Oxhey Community Choir and the South Oxhey Youth Choir.
The choirs performed at prestigious venues. These included the Watford Colosseum and St Albans Abbey. They even headlined at Sox Fest ’09. The Community Choir recorded at Abbey Road Studios in April 2009.
Gareth Malone remained as choirmaster for two years. Today, he supports the choirs as a patron. Simon Wookey is the current musical director. The choirs still perform regularly around Hertfordshire and the South East.
South Oxhey has produced notable people. Nick Moran, an actor and director, hails from here. Paul Field, a two-time Winter Olympian, also has roots in South Oxhey.
Carpenders Park railway station serves South Oxhey. It provides London Overground services. Trains run to London Euston every 15 minutes. Before 1982, it was part of the London Underground’s Bakerloo line.
Bus routes connect South Oxhey to surrounding areas. Hertfordshire County Council manages these services.
South Oxhey offers several schools. These include Colnbrook, Greenfields, and Oxhey Wood. St. Josephs Roman Catholic School and Warren Dell Primary are also here. South Oxhey lacks secondary schools.
In 2016, Three Rivers District Council began redeveloping central South Oxhey. The plans include new homes, retail spaces, and public areas. The redevelopment aimed to complete in 2022.
Healthcare is accessible in South Oxhey. Doctors’ surgeries are based on Oxhey Drive. The Consulting Rooms is the largest.
Nature enthusiasts can visit Oxhey Woods Local Nature Reserve. It lies on the western border of South Oxhey.
South Oxhey has a football club. Oxhey Jets were established in 1972. They now compete in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division.
South Oxhey continues to evolve. It balances its history with modern developments. Its story reflects community spirit and resilience.