THE Remembering ISTEL project continues to attract more support from ex-employees of the firm with near 250 registered on the dedicated Facebook group and regular updates to a website.
The Standard reported in November about the creation of an archive for the IT company ISTEL.
It was started by Dave Handley and Derek Coombes who, during a conversation at Redditch Local History Museum, discovered they both worked at the business.
Checking what information the museum had on ISTEL, they found it was limited to two publicity brochures and a mug.
Derek and Dave said they were shocked how little information there was on the company, so decided to rectify that by starting their own archive.
Since then, the collection of information has gone from strength to strength and they continue to connect with ex-employees on their Facebook group.
A feature on the website to put names to faces displayed in publicity brochures has identified 343 at the last count out of 850 images.
They also have 137 out of 140 editions published of the in-house newspaper – Real Times.
The next step in the project is to support the planned Local History exhibition in Redditch Library on January 20.
Derek said: “This is the first opportunity we have had to ‘go public’ and present what we think is ISTEL’s rightful place in Redditch local history.
“We will be bringing along a selection of artefacts collected as well as some of the research data we have compiled from the many documents collected.
“In addition to the interest of all Redditch residents, we also hope this exhibition is an opportunity for those ex-employees still in the Redditch area, or within easy traveling distance, to meet up with former colleagues who, perhaps, you have not seen for years.”
The exhibition runs from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, January 20, in Redditch Library.
Visit istel.redditchheritage.online for more information.
