The Bromsgrove Society

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The Bromsgrove Society Celebrates its 40th Anniversary!

BSoc 40th Anniversary new Back in the late 1970s public concern was growing in the town as a number of centuries old and well loved buildings were falling into disrepair and facing the threat of demolition. Many people were anxious about the changing character of the town should the destruction of buildings such as The Mitre Inn, Stoke Prior Mill and Farm House and the old Workhouse go ahead. When the Stratford Road Almshouses were demolished without notice a steering group was formed to make the feelings of the public known.

Chris Pancheri and Jennie McGregor-Smith 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 civic society for the district, The Bromsgrove Society, was formed.

World War 1 Book

There is a possibility that a book may be compiled about our 'local lads' who took part in WW1, 1914-1918.

If any of your family from this area took part in the Great War and you would be willing to share their story, whether they survived, whether they were buried abroad or closer to home, whatever their story...

Please contact Chris Nesbitt, 01527 877227 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Bromsgrove Lecture A Great Success

Bromsgrove Society Chairman Pat Tansell gave the 33rd Bromsgrove Lecture on Tuesday 16th April to a full house in Routh Hall Bromsgrove School.

The topic of the talk was "Bromsgrove on the Eve of War; Our Town and District in 1939". The superbly researched and referenced talk delighted the audience with information about setting up Air Raid Shelters and systems, the practice for dealing with bomb damage and associated casualties and gave a real insight into life in Bromsgrove as the war broke out.

Bromsgrove's Historic Civil Defence Facility to be recorded thanks to Bromsgrove Society intervention

The Bromsgrove Society alerted Bromsgrove District Council's planning officers and committee of the existence of the former Civil Defence Centre housed under the County Buildings complex just in time, before approval to demolish was given. [Planning Application 18/01209/FUL]

In the planning meeting on Monday 29th April approval was given for the demolition of the Old Library, Fire Station and County buildings on the corner of Windsor Street and Stratford Road, Bromsgrove to allow for the construction of 67 apartments for people in need of care. Bromsgrove Society Chairman Pat Tansell notified the planning team about the facility which she first became aware of when she started work at the Library in 1981.

Society remembers First World War

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Bromsgrove Society Chair Pat Tansell was among those invited to lay a wreath at Bromsgrove's war memorial as part of the Armistice Centenary commemorations. She is pictured (centre) with Jo Slade (left, Vice Chair, laying a wreath on behave of the Bromsgrove Court Leet) and Isobel Jarrett (right, President). Click 'Read More' for further pictures from the day.

The Story of Finstall

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The latest book by local author, and Bromsgrove Society member, Jennie McGregor-Smith tells the story of Finstall, from the Civil War through to the 1940s.

At first sight nothing much has happened in Finstall, but look further and there are stories to tell. In the 1640s there was a surprising connection with the Civil War. Early in the eighteenth century there was the Ellins family of Rigby Hall. Later, more and more wealthy men from the industrial Midlands came here to create their estates, particularly the Albrights and the Brettells. Women, too, had a tremendous effect on the neighbourhood, notably Miss Catherine Albright and her niece Miss Jocelyn.

50 Years of Sanders Park

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The people of Bromsgrove came together on Sunday 16th September to celebrate 50 years of Sanders Park. The event had been organised by Bromsgrove District Council in partnership with the Bromsgrove Society to mark this important milestone.

The Bromsgrove Society - Pride, Preservation, Progress