RESIDENTS will be able to find out more about Redditch’s past during an exciting event at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, September 14, written by Madison Rogers.
The event, being organised by Worcestershire County Council’s Archive and Archaeology service will celebrate the ‘Archives of Redditch New Town’.
Redditch, now a modern, bustling new town, has a medieval backstory. The town’s name, Red-Ditch, is believed to reference the red clay of the nearby river Arrow.
It was a centre for needle-making from the Middle Ages, and evolved into a hub of industrial innovation, producing everything from fishhooks to motorcycles.
New towns were part of a visionary plan developed in the aftermath of the Second World War, aimed at rebuilding Britain and offering a fresh start to those living in overcrowded or war-damaged cities.
Redditch joined the ranks of these ‘new towns’ in April 1964 as a part of a later wave of development, transforming a small settlement into the vibrant community it is today.
The event on September 14 will include engaging talks at 11am and 2pm where archivists will shed light into the process of urban planning and public health during Redditch’s development era.
There will also be an exhibition which delves into Redditch’s journey from a small settlement to a thriving town.
Visitors will be able to get involved by sharing memories of Redditch’s development on the memory board and tracing their place in history with maps from the development era.
The event marks the completion of an ambitious project to catalogue the records of the Redditch Development Corporation, showing the town’s remarkable transformation.
Archivist Vicky Fletcher said: “It has been a fantastic project to work on – the records provide insight into the process of urban and public health planning.
“We hope the event will inspire people to find out more about the history of where they live.”
Call 01905 766352, visit the events pages of explorethepast.co.uk or email [email protected] for more information.
