RESIDENTS are being urged to pose without a stitch on in order to save a piece of Redditch’s history from being torn down.
Volunteers have launched the Point in Time campaign to raise £1million to buy the former Abel Morrall factory next to the railway station with a long-term aim of turning it into an arts, craft and heritage centre.
Residents are being urged to take selfies or pictures of themselves without a stitch and post them on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #withoutastitch at the same time as making a donation to the campaign. Pictures already posted include people in togas or with body painted clothing.
It is hoped the campaign will prove to the owners of the site, on the corner of Edward Street, the project has the backing of the public and will delay plans to have the building demolished during July and August when the railway line is closed.
The idea was sparked by a bid to save rare needles and needlemaking equipment from a town factory and has now been developed to include plans for showcasing Redditch’s wider history, small retail units, a new home for Inkberrow Design Centre and potentially support for new businesses and entrepreneurs.
In total about £4million will be needed to complete the project and it is hoped the rest of the money can be sourced through a Heritage Lottery grant.
Sharon Burton-Fletcher, who is leading the campaign, said the project was not only important to Redditch but the country as a whole.
“We can say with confidence every stitch people are wearing was either made with a needle manufactured in Redditch or developed in Redditch because of the contribution we have made to the industry throughout history.” she said.
“Redditch needs to remember the contribution it has made to Great Britain and shout about how brilliant we are and an arts, craft and heritage centre is the perfect way to do that.”
Visit www.pointintime.co.uk to donate and for more information. Donations of £1 (plus network charge) can also be made by texting NEEDLE to 64343 or via www.facebook.com/pointintimeredditch. Follow the campaign on Twitter @pointintimenow.
