The Cadbury factory permeates every aspect of life in Bournville, and the prospect of the company loosening its historic ties with the area is unwelcome. But all this changed in 2015 when Mary Vale News was granted a licence to sell alcohol - overturning a 120-year "dry" tradition. There was uproar from locals and councillors at the time, but the controversial decision was still passed. As well as helping less experienced runners achieve their potential, it was also ambitious and helped its members compete at the highest level.

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You won't find any big, brash chain stores in Bournville. There are just a handful - and they're all small, quaint independents. Some are on the Village Green, others are in Mary Vale Road . The loss is felt more acutely locally because of the rollcall of well-known brands that have already closed or moved away, including Dunlop, HP Sauce and MG Rover, whose Longbridge base was just three miles away. "Many of the people who worked at Rover now work at Cadbury," Clarke says. The area is predominantly white, although the mixed workforce includes Polish workers. The trust, which handles a huge waiting list for its affordable homes where rents are low, hands out a significant number to single mothers and families on low incomes. There is no poverty, but there are few signs of ostentatious wealth in a place that comes close to capturing the essence of that elusive phrase, "middle England". Bournville Park may lie just a few metres away from the busy outer circle A4040 Linden Road, but step inside and it's a tranquil oasis of calm and greenery. Read More Related Articles Now that Kraft, an American food giant with a voracious appetite, looks set to gobble up the company, Cadbury has become a cause celebre for those who argue the proposed sale symbolises Britain's declining manufacturing clout. We look to encourage the runner in all of us and to make membership of Bournville Harriers as fulfilling an experience as possible." Read More Related ArticlesClub chairperson, Dave Powner, said: "Our members all share the common aim – the desire to run, to improve our performance and enjoy the experience of running," he said. Co-founder Jeanette Wong said after the success of their first shop they put out a plea on social media about where to locate their second one and Bournville was chosen over other locations.

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In 1879, Richard and George Cadbury decided to move their expanding business from Birmingham's city centre into the countryside four and a half miles away.. The church was built in 1968 and is best known for its richly-decorated frescos and holy icons. Visitors are welcome during its opening hours. 7) Bournville Harriers But they are all subject to Bournville Village's strict planning regulations and all have the same frontage.But then Bournville's founder, George Cadbury, saved the building and arranged its move from its original home in Selly Oak into Bournville where it stands today. Rowheath Pavilion is well-used and is the home of Bournville Harriers running club and also a wedding venue and community hub. However, the newsagent is not part of the Bournville Village Trust estate and therefore, the estate is still "dry" with nowhere selling alcohol. 5) Its green spaces Bournville Carillon is one of just 15 left in the UK and is the largest of them, with 48 bells. Because of its size and excellent condition, it is regarded as one of the finest instruments of its kind in the world.

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As well as the open spaces, all of the roads within the Bournville Village Trust estate are named after trees.The immediate fear is that the factory will eventually be closed with the loss of about 5,000 jobs, but there is also concern that the social fabric of the area could tear without the focal point the factory seems to provide for its 30,000 or so inhabitants. The other thing Bournville is noted for is its beautiful "frozen in time" houses. Originally built for Cadbury workers, they remain more or less intact from when they were built at the end of the 19th Century. We realised there was a huge demand from south Birmingham such as Selly Oak, Stirchley and Kings Heath," she said. At one time the gardens were part of the long-demolished Bournbrook Hall, which was bought by Richard and George Cadbury. If you’re a regular competitor looking for a new club and a new challenge, or just starting to run, come and run with us," he said. 8) The quaint shops