Take a walk down Memory Lane during History Month

Andrew Powell

12 May 2008

THE FIRST week of Local and Community History Month got underway last Tuesday (May 6) with events taking place at Forge Mill Needle Museum and the Palace Theatre.
And with three weeks of activities yet to come there is still plenty of time to pick up an events guide from the theatre, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Arrow Valley Countryside Centre, The Standard offices in Church Green or view online at www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk.
Fay Todd, Palace Theatre heritage officer who has been co-ordinating the month-long programme, said: “The events on offer give a little taster of the town’s heritage.
"Local and Community History Month provides people with an ideal opportunity to visit a place in the town that they haven’t before or to find out something new.”
The Standard has been following the whole event and been able to bring readers a weekly what’s on guide along with heritage competitions. In addition The Standard has been appealing to members of the community to come forward with stories and photographs of old Redditch.
Here is a look at what’s to come over the next two weeks during Local and Community History Month.

May 17 from 11.30am-1.30pm
Town Trail
Join our guide, Pat Lee of the Tourist Information Service, for an historical tour of some of Redditch’s town centre's historical sites, including buildings and works of art. Meet outside of the Palace Theatre to begin your tour.
Cost: Adults £4.50, children £3.50, family ticket (two adults & two children) £13.
Booking is essential as places are limited - call the Palace Theatre box office on 01527 65203.

May 19 11am-12noon
Open Doors
An informal chance to meet the Palace Theatre's heritage officer and take a glimpse at the newly-restored Palace Theatre auditorium. An ideal opportunity to try out the seats or ask any questions.
Booking not required, just come along.

May 20 11am-12noon
Ghosts, Murders and Scandals - a talk by local author Anne Bradford
Hear about naughty monks, the Earl who had to seek sanctuary in Bordesley Abbey, the Forge Mill needle worker who drowned for love of her boss, the eminent needle masters who went to prison, the Palace Theatre ghost and many other old tales bringing the history of the town to life.
Room Upstairs at the Palace Theatre. Booking is essential as places are limited - call the Palace Theatre box office on 01527 65203.

May 20 2pm
Tea & Tour at Forge Mill Museum
Find out more about the town's needle-making past during this tour of a scouring workshop at Forge Mill, followed by light refreshments.
Cost: Museum entry fees apply.
Booking is essential as places are limited - call the Palace Theatre box office on 01527 65203.

For more information call the Tourist Information Centre on 01527 60806 or the Palace Theatre box office on 01527 65203.

COMPETITION

Win a family visit to Forge Mill Needle Museum

THIS year Forge Mill Needle Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary since being officially opened by the Queen on July 5, 1983. To celebrate, the borough council-owned venue is offering one lucky reader and their family the chance to explore Redditch’s needle-making past.
To be in with a chance of winning this family ticket, simply answer the following question:

How many years ago was Forge Mill Needle Museum officially opened? Was it:

A 2
B 200
C 25

Send your answers on a postcard to: The Redditch Standard Editorial Department, Webb House, 20a Church Green East, Redditch B98 8BP, to arrive no later than next Friday (May 16).
Mark your entry ‘Forge Mill Competition' and don’t forget to include your name, address and daytime telephone number.
The winner will be the sender of the first correct entry out of the bag after the closing date. Good luck!
Please note multiple entries per household will be disqualified completely and employees of Observer Standard Newspapers and their families are not eligible to enter. There is no cash alternative to the prize stated.

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