A ‘BONHAM Birthplace Garden’ has just been completed by the John Bonham Memorial group.
Located near where the Led Zeppelin drummer – widely regarded as the finest ever – was born, it will form part of a John Bonham Trail.
The news comes just a week after a memorial to Redditch’s greatest rock and roll son was revealed in the town centre.
The trail will be a tour around sites in the town dedicated to his up-bringing.
Set up by the memorial group, it will take fans from John’s first family home in Headless Cross then on to his old school (now Woodfield Academy) on Studley Road.
And now, to make the journey even more enjoyable, the group have recently finished creating the ‘Bonham Birthplace Garden’ near his blue plaqued birthplace.
The small garden is based on an original concept by garden designer, Estelle Bridgewater, and embraces John’s three rings symbol in Led Zeppelin.
One of the rings is planted with roses (named Rock and Roll), the other has ‘spiky’ plants and the final one is laid with evergreens to provide colour all year round.
Ros Sidaway, who owns the nearby Vintage Trax record shop, said: “Donations were given to help make the garden become a reality. It was also lovely to see the Headless Cross Community Orchard group helping clear the ground before the work took place.
“It couldn’t have been done without the community. It’s fantastic that we are finally recognising John’s life here in Redditch.”
The group have also announced the ‘John Bonham – Celebration event’.
Featuring tribute bands and others it’s on September 22.
“We are hoping it becomes an annual event. Most of the acts playing have some sort of connection to John,” said Ros.
Tickets are £25 with all of the profit going to Teenage Cancer Trust. Visit the John Bonham Memorial website for more information about the tour and how to purchase tickets.
