1970s History Society

A group of local men are fighting to salvage the history of our town, before it is too late, and they want to set up Readitch's very own people's museum.

They believe that a lot of items, of local interest, are being destroyed as parts of the Old Town are demolished to make way for new buildings, and have set themselves an almighty salvage task.

The group, who call themselves “The Redditch Historical Society”, formed themselves nearly three years ago. Mr. Allan Gavin, the chairman, said: John Stroud, now the vice-chairman, and I, noticed at a local residents meeting, that the old water tower was becoming vacant.' 'We were already becoming increasingly aware, that as old parts of Redditch were being knocked down, much of the town's history was being lost.' 'Eventually, we decided to form the Headless Cross Historical Society, which has now become the Redditch Historical Society.'

The aim of the group, is not only to save Redditch history, but also to share their wide knowledge of the local points of interest with the people of the town, especially the newcomers.

Mr. Maurice Clarke, the Talks Secretary, said. A lot of people in the town are unaware of the local history, especially those on the new town.'

Indeed, historical interest could help to integrate the old and the new town. 'In fact, the area has immense interest, from the history of Bordesley Abbey, through the scattering of the settlement, when the Abbey was disbanded in Henry VIII's reign, right to present day.' 'Unfortunately, a lot of local curios have been destroyed during demolition.'

Now the group want to take over the old Water Tower, in Headless Cross, and transform it into a people's museum.

Mr. Gavin said, 'Providing negotiations with the District Council prove favourable it would appear that we can and will be able to take possession of the building.' They have already decided on the initial layout of the building, and Mr. Clarke said that the whole emphasis will be put on the human aspect of local history.

'There are many old industries in the town, including the Needle Industries, Royal Enfield, and fishing, we are interested in how people lived and the conditions they worked in.'

As an introduction the Society will be holding talks and discussions in the Redditch College once a month.

The first one, admission free, will be held on October 9th, in the Lecture Room, commencing at 7pm

Mr. Clarke, who is organising the talks, stressed that everyone will be welcome to help preserve the heritage of their town, whether they had questions, just wanted to learn, or had their own information to share. ('Bring along any items of interest you have.) Mr. Geoff Rollins, a well known local expert, will also be giving talks.

The Society are also appealing for a photographer, and information about three wheeled car industry which they believe was situated in Astwood Bank. They have a three wheeled car, which they are offering to anyone who would like to take it off their hands.

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