Town history comes alive

Andrew Powell

02 May 2008

DRAPES and Doodles, Tours and Tales are just some of the activities on offer over the first few weeks of the town's Local & Community History Month celebrations, and we also have a great competition for readers to enter this week.
The exciting programme of events organised through the Palace Theatre Heritage Project explores some of Redditch’s past and will give members of the community a chance to find out more about some of the town’s history.
The Standard reported last week that we will be bringing readers all of the latest news during the month-long celebrations. Through our pages you will be able to get a flavour of what’s to come and how you can get involved, week by week throughout May.
Fay Todd, Palace Theatre heritage officer, said: "The events organised as part of this special history month will provide a great opportunity for members of the public to dip into Redditch’s past and experience something they might not have had the chance to do before, and all while having fun and learning together."
Kicking off the start of Local & Community History Month on May 6 at 2pm, why not join staff and volunteers at Forge Mill Needle Museum for a Tea & Tour.
The museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer since being officially opened by the Queen on July 5, 1983.
The venue has just undergone landscaping changes and has also benefited from new signage, so now is an ideal time to explore the old scouring mill, and over light refreshment ask any questions about the town’s needle-making past.
Museum entry fee applies for the event, and to book a place call the Palace Theatre box office on 01527 65203.
Tickets are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
Can’t make this date, but don’t want to miss out? The museum will be hosting another Tea & Tour on May 20 at 2pm.
Following on from this why not take time out to relax while drawing in the beautiful surroundings of the newly-restored Palace Theatre on Saturday, May 10 from 10.30am-1.30pm?
During the Drapes and Doodles workshop, members of Redditch Art Circle will be on hand to offer help and useful tips to new and experienced artists in this guided session.
Be inspired by the burgundy and gold auditorium, the work of the original architect Bertie Crewe and create your own designs to take home.
Bring your own materials or purchase some on the day, adults, children and families are all welcome.
The workshop is free, however booking is essential as places are limited. Call the Palace Theatre box office on 01527 65203 to reserve your place.
In addition, if you have any memories or stories about the Palace Theatre or memorabilia that you would like to share, why not come along and tell the venue's heritage officer all about it?
The Tea & Tales session takes place on May 13, places are limited and run on an appointment basis only.
To book your place and reserve a time-slot to tell your tales, call Fay Todd on 01527 61544 ext 5 or e-mail fay.todd@redditchbc.gov.uk.
Last week The Standard also invited readers to send in any photographs or stories they may have, and might like to share with others during Local & Community History Month, to the Standard offices in Church Green.
In next week's look at Local & Community History Month, find out about the Town Trail, Open Doors at the Palace Theatre and discover one local author’s ghostly goings-on!
For a full events listing pick up a programme of events from the Palace Theatre box office, Forge Mill Museum, The Standard offices, Arrow Valley Countryside Centre or view on line at www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk.
For more information call the Tourist Information Centre on 01527 60806 or the Palace Theatre box office on 01527 65203.

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