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Bromsgrove Society 40th
The Bromsgrove Society Celebrates its 40th Anniversary!
Back in the late 1970s public concern was growing in the town as several centuries old and well-loved buildings were falling into disrepair and facing the threat of demolition.
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Many people were anxious about how the character of the town would change should the destruction of buildings such as The Mitre Inn, Stoke Prior Mill and Farm House and the old Workhouse happen. When the Stratford Road Almshouses were demolished without notice a steering group was formed to make the feelings of the public known.
Concerned residents Chris Pancheri and Jennie McGregorSmith wrote to the Council and the local newspapers to drum up support for the formation of a new civic society which would promote pride in the town and district whilst encouraging an interest in conserving and enhancing the built and natural environment.
On Tuesday 13th May 1980 over 200 people packed the inaugural meeting and the new local history and civic society for the district, The Bromsgrove Society, was formed.
Over the last 40 years the Bromsgrove Society has continued to promote an interest in local history and works hard to ensure the built environment and character of the town and district is preserved, keeping an eye on planning applications and supporting other initiatives within Bromsgrove.
Society members continue to research new areas and find new information all the time. A recent project by the Society, in partnership with the L. G. Harris Trust, has seen the digitisation of The Bromsgrove Messenger from 1860 to 1921. Fully searchable editions will be available online soon. The Society has published a number of books relating to the history of the town and has a new book Bromsgrove: The History of a Market Town currently in production. It has helped to save buildings from demolition
by supporting applications to list them. The Society has been influential in a number of key directional decisions, worked with partners to organise large events – like the Sanders Park 50th Anniversary Celebration Party and has supported many other organisations in the town to achieve their aims and objectives through The Society’s grant scheme.
The Society’s 500+ members and others who are interested in the local area, are encouraged to attend regular organised activities including the series of monthly talks, an Annual Lecture, a three-day Summer School, history walks and other events. The Society produces regular newsletters, the annual Rousler publication, along with ad hoc publications relating to Bromsgrove’s history and has a website packed with interesting information and historic photographs.
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary, The Society had intended to host a social function after the AGM in July. Sadly this now can’t happen, but there will be an opportunity to mark the occasion and cut a cake in the future, and the AGM will be held via an online platform, in line with Charity Commission guidelines.
The anniversary is recognised with the publication of a booklet Pride, Preservation, Progress: 40 Years of the Bromsgrove Society, written by society member Mike Sharpe and sent to all members with the June newsletter. Anyone wishing to join the Society to receive a copy and to support the Society’s aims and objectives can find application details on the website
