“THE best present ever” – that was the verdict of prolific local author and historian Anne Bradford when she visited the newly opened Redditch Local History Museum in Market Place recently.
Arranged by her sons Edmund and Edwin as a surprise 88th birthday present, she had no idea where they were taking her.
Anne is well known for her many books on the History of Redditch and ghost stories and is an avid sponsor and supporter of the museum.
The meticulous model of the old Evesham Street by model maker John Maries immediately caught her eye.
Every individual shop meticulously detailed with miniature windows full of wares.
Shopping in the town on Saturday mornings were never to be missed. . . meeting friends, chewing the fat or simply canking to friends and looking for bargains. The highlight of the week!
Having not been to the cinema for many years, our own Select Cinema (known locally as the Flea Pit) was a must for Anne.
With many more artefacts and displays limited by gallery space, easy to use computer terminals give the opportunity to view numerous exhibits not on display.
Meanwhile the museum’s Good Friday Easter Egg give away for children organised with supermarket giant Tesco shows the links the museum has forged.
It’s all part of the museum’s new Out Reach Project to bring local heritage to the community and Anne’s recent book on the history of Redditch forms part of that endeavour.
“Anne’s visit was a surprise and our thanks go to our volunteers who really enjoyed themselves meeting one of the town’s loveliest personalities,” said museum trustee Pete Harris.
“Our next big fundraiser is a raffle for a top of the range folding bicycle fitted with all the latest gadgets including a shaft drive.
“Tickets available at the museum.”
