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Welcome to the Bromsgrove Society

The Bromsgrove Society exists to preserve the history and promote the sustainable development of the town of Bromsgrove in north Worcestershire.

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Latest Newsletter

The Bromsgrove Society Newsletter

 March2024

The March 2024 issue of the Society's newsletter is now available, containing details of:

  • Artrix and Its Future
  • Better Together
  • The Bromsgrove Lecture 2024
  • Button Factory Exhibition - 9th March
  • St John's Spire Appeal
  • Town and Centres news
  • ..and more!

Click the links to download the March Newsletter (PDF format).

Read more...

Summer School 2024

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This year's Bromsgrove Summer School will be held on 9-11th July. It offers three courses over the three days, celebrating the rich agricultural, industrial, architectural and cultural history of Bromsgrove and district.

This year's topics are:

  • Tues 9 July: The Canal World, presented by Tony Condor, former Curator of the National Waterways Museum at Gloucester. There will be an afternoon visit (details to be confirmed).
  • Weds 10 July: Benjamin Sanders and Button Making in Bromsgrove. Pat Tansell, former Chair of the Bromsgrove Society, will present new findings from a recent project. There will be a visit to sites associated with button making in the afternoon.
  • Thur 12 July: The Inns & Public Houses of Bromsgrove, presented by local historians Jenny Townshend and Julian Hunt (authors of Bromsgrove - The Story of a Market Town), including findings from the latest research. There will be a town walk and visit(s) in the afternoon.

To access the booking form or book online, click 'Read More' below.

Read more...

Annual Lecture 2024: Broadcasting to the World

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On 6th September 1934 the BBC made its first broadcast from what was advertised at the time as being “the World’s most modern long wave transmitter” – the twin masts at Wychbold. Ninety years later, during 2024, the BBC will cease broadcasting through an analogue system and the masts will be taken out of service in the coming years.

At the 37th Bromsgrove Lecture, to be held at Routh Concert Hall, Bromsgrove School on Tuesday 9th April, Alastair Moseley will present “Broadcasting to the World: The Wychbold Masts Reach Every Corner”. In the presentation Alastair will describe how the BBC Transmitters came to be located near Bromsgrove, talk of their significance and why they have been important, both nationally and internationally, for the past 90 years.

Tickets for the evening event are £7.50 and include a complimentary drink after the presentation. Available online from www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/boxoffice or in person from FotoFactory, 123 High Street, Bromsgrove (cash only please).

Jennie McGregor-Smith B.E.M.

Jennie McGregor-Smith B.E.M.

We are very sad to announce the death of Jennie McGregor-Smith who died on 15th September, aged 85.

Jennie was not just a Founder Member of the Bromsgrove Society, she was its instigator. It was her letter-writing and campaigning over the preservation of the town's history that brought together a nucleus of people to discuss the formation of a civic and heritage society, and she personally organised the Society's inaugural meeting in May 1980.

She was closely involved in arts, music and community activities in Bromsgrove and beyond for many years, and wrote several popular books on local history. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The funeral will take place on Thursday, 12th October at 2pm at Redditch Crematorium. Family flowers only, please. Donations in Jennie's memory can be made to Help Musicians. All enquiries to James Giles & Sons (01527 872318).
 

Bromsgrove Town Numbering

Have you ever tried to locate where your ancestors lived in Bromsgrove but been unable to find it?

Property numbers in Bromsgrove can be confusing, especially in the High Street, as historically the numbering was completely different to how it is now. Before the 1950s, the High Street was numbered from the north (Strand) end in a circular arrangement, whereas today the numbering is from the south (St John’s Street) end on alternate sides of the road.

Local historian Jenny Townshend has compiled a short note to explain it all. You can access it for free here.

Don't forget, there's loads of information about Bromsgrove people and places in the book Bromsgrove: The Story of a Market Town, which Jenny co-authored with Julian Hunt. It's available in our online shop.

Remembering Bromsgrove's Dambuster

On Tuesday 16th May, the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, the Society held a ceremony at Avoncroft Museum to commemorate Dambuster Pilot Flight Lieutenant Bill Townsend, who lived in Bromsgrove.

Members of the Bromsgrove Society were joined by the Royal British Legion Bromsgrove Branch, the local RAF Association, members of Bill Townsend's family and other guests. It was a fitting day to remember the 123 brave man who were involved in the famous operation during WWII.

 Plaque1

The Society's Facebook page has a selection of photographs from the event and the Bromsgrove Standard has published a full-page article.

After the official unveiling at the museum the plaque was installed at Bill's home at 42 Marlbrook Lane, Marlbrook. An account of Bill's role in the raid is in the current edition of the Bromsgrove Rousler, which can be purchased here

Plaque installed at 42 Marlbrook Lane  

Bromsgrove Rousler 2023

Rousler Cover 2023The latest edition of the Bromsgrove Rousler, the popular local history magazine, is now available. The 2023 edition – number 38 in the series – features a fascinating mix of personalities and events that have helped shape Bromsgrove’s history.

Topics in this year’s Rousler are:

  • School Reorganisation in the 1970s
  • Memories of Stoke Works
  • T. D. Thomas and the Stourbridge & Kidderminster Bank
  • Finstall Park School
  • Bringing Water to Bromsgrove
  • Bromsgrove Market in the 1930s

Members will receive their copies shortly.  Find a local stockist.

See here to purchase the Rousler from our online bookstall (leaves this website)

Rouslers make an ideal Christmas present, especially for friends now living elsewhere,
and we can post to any address in the UK free of charge.
Back issues and a wide variety of books can be bought through our online bookstall.

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