Trio revive Redditch's heritage

Buy photos » Owner of The Old Needle Works Brenda Killigrew and director of The Crafty Café Myra Burton with county councillors Juliet Brunner, David Thain, Jane Potter and Brandon Clayton who purchased needles and machines from one of Redditch’s last factories. Picture by Nick Hands 1013005NHR. Order this picture at www.buyphotos247.com.

A REDDITCH trio have preserved part of the town's heritage by rescuing needles and machines from one of the last remaining factories.

Brenda Killigrew, director of Inkberrow Design Centre, Sharon Burton-Fletcher and Myra Burton salvaged about 140 different types of needles and machines from a factory due to be demolished, in a bid to keep Redditch's needle making heritage alive.

The team, who have created their own Community Interest Company called Point in Time, plan to attach electronic motors to the machines so people can use them at The Old Needle Works on Britten Street, as well as display and sell the needles.

Mrs Killigrew said her aim was to preserve the town's history and create a sustainable company where people could purchase needles which are not made anymore.

"Everyone in Redditch has either worked as a needle maker, was in a family of needle makers or knew someone who was. This is about keeping this skill alive and kicking in the town. It's something we should be proud of and we want to keep it going," she said.

"Our youngest sewer is eight-years-old and this will not only make it interesting to young people but teach them something, while older people can re-live the memories."

The team were able to buy the equipment after a £3,000 donation from the divisional funds of Redditch county councillors Brandon Clayton, Jane Potter, David Thain and Juliet Brunner.

Coun Clayton said they felt they had to step in to save such an important part of Redditch's past.

"It's such a shame to see one of the most important parts of Redditch's history disappearing and we wanted to do anything we could to keep it going," he said.

"It's such a fascinating industry and something which people around the world associate with Redditch so we had to help."

The team are also looking for further funding, help and support as well as stories from former needle makers.

To contact them visit www.facebook.com/pointintime or call 01527 69100.

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