Page 33 - Redditch People

Redditch People

Frank Cardy

Local Councillor

In 1950 Frank Cardy was elected to Redditch Urban -
district Council. He had run his election campaign on
the issue of Redditch having no play areas for Frank Cardy
children. He had persuaded the Council to build the (Source Old Redditch Voices)
first play area in Redditch. The play area was
adjacent to a factory car park and totally tarmaced.
It had the first play equipment that was put out in
any Redditch play space for children.

If Frank Cardy had not been sent to Redditch as a
teenager, there would perhaps now be no Abbey
Stadium. Despite his enthusiasm for the project, the
development of the stadium met with a number of
setbacks and was, at one time, known as 'Cardy's

Source/Researched by: Anthony Green

Life and Times of Frank Cardy

In 1950 Frank Cardy was elected to Redditch Urban district Council. He had run his
election campaign on the issue of Redditch having no play areas for children. He had
persuaded the Council to build the first play area in Redditch, in Glover Street, a fairly
grim area, which contained some of the older Victorian houses (though not back-to-
backs). The play area was adjacent to a factory car park and totally tarmaced. It had the
first play equipment that was put out in any Redditch play space for children.

If Frank Cardy had not been sent to Redditch as a teenager, there would perhaps now
be no Abbey Stadium. Despite his enthusiasm for the project, the development of the
Stadium met with a number of setbacks and was, at one time, known as 'Cardv's Follv.'

By the time Frank joined the Council a cinder track for cycle-racing at the Stadium had
disappeared. Frank petitioned for an all-weather track. This was approved but a penny-
pinching Council, who had no experience in the field, built a track which again soon
disappeared.

In 1955 a £10,000 loan was authorised to construct tennis courts, bowling green, football
pitches and public toilets. It was Walter Stranz who suggested the rather grand name of
Abbey Stadium. When the work was completed in 1957 the final cost came to about
£17.500. The Duke of Edinburgh was invited to the opening ceremony but he failed to
materialise. In 1960 a basic pavilion of simple design was planned and authorised but
the builders took two years to complete it. However it was opened by Frank in 1962.

When Frank suddenly died in 1982 his obituaries ran for several weeks in the local press.
He joined the Council in 1950 and served almost continuously until his death. He had
been Chairman (equivalent to mayor) of the Urban District Council in 1957 and 1974.
and over the years, was Chairman of the Redditch Labour Party. President of the Sports
Advisory Council. President of the Redditch Athletics (Hub and Chairman of the Redditch

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