THE LATEST talk in Redditch History Society’s annual programme takes place this Monday, November 10, and focuses on the town’s needle making history.
The subject of the presentation is a history of needle making, the trade that gave the area around Redditch on the Worcestershire and Warwickshire border the name of ‘the Needle District’ and was the main reason for the growth of Redditch from an insignificant hamlet to a prosperous and famous industrial town.
The speaker will be Richard Churchley, an experienced historian who will guide listeners through the development of needle making locally over four centuries – from 1640 to 1940 – through slides and his research for which he was awarded a doctorate from the University of Birmingham.
The talk will bring back many memories of family members who were employed in needle making, either in local factories or as ‘outworkers’, as well as introducing the trade to those not familiar with its many fascinating processes.
The society meets from 2pm to 4pm on the second Monday of every month.
Non-members are always welcome for a £4 admission fee and refreshments are available after the talk for just 50p per person.
The meeting next month – on December 8 – will be another costumed presentation by the inimitable historian Max Keen, who will pose the question: ‘Richard III: Hero, Murderer or Loyal Brother?’.
Mince pies will also be available at the December meeting.
Further details on Redditch History Society’s 2025 season of talks is available at: redditchhistorysociety.org.uk or on the society’s leaflet, available at Redditch Library and The Palace Theatre.
