LOCAL people are being invited along to a special one day event on Wednesday, November 11 at Forge Mill Museum, Redditch.
Organised by the John Bonham Memorial Fund, ‘John Bonham Remembered’ is being held in conjunction with the “Redditch People” exhibition, which features displays of people whose lives and achievements have influenced the growth or reputation of the town.
Visitors will not only be able to find out more about the Led Zeppelin drummer and rock legend but also help the fundraising group with their research into the early life of the star who was born and grew up in Redditch.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who knew or met John, and who would like to share their recollections of him, or perhaps have photographs of John from his school days or when he played local bands“ said Ros Sidaway, treasurer of the fund. “If people can come along on the day, we can either record their anecdotes there and then or arrange to do so at another time.”
Copies of Mick Bonham’s book, ‘John Bonham – The Powerhouse Behind Led Zeppelin’ will be available at the special price of £12 each and exclusive JBMF button badges will be on sale at £1 each. People will also be able to add their names to a register of support for the memorial. Donations may also be made online via www.johnbonhammemorialfund.com
“There will also be an announcement regarding the final stage of our fundraising campaign to enable a memorial to be erected in the town in 2016,” added Ros.
The JBMF is raising £50,000 for the design and installation of a permanent and fitting memorial to the local music legend who sadly died at the age of just 32 years on September 25, 1980.
The preferred location for the memorial is on the Church Green, next to the Bandstand, on land owned by Redditch Borough Council.
Local residents visiting on Wednesday are entitled to free admission to the exhibition until November 18, during the museum opening times of 11am to 4pm.
