On your bike! - Redditch Borough Council - Worcestershire Hub

inside 

this 

issue... 

Redditch 

matters 

On 

your 

bike! 

‘Ewes’ 

your vote 

in May! 

new 

BMX 

track 

opens 

Easter 

activities 

to enjoy 

WIN 

a gym 

and swim 

pass 

We’re 

fantastic 

for fishing 

Visit us online at www.redditchbc.gov.uk 

Spring 201O

The Redditch Children's Centres 

What services do we offer 

We offer a range of services for children under 5 that include: 

Antenatal groups 

Stay and Play 

groups 

Speech & language 

advice 

Advice & support for 

families in their homes 

Breastfeeding 

support 

Family Planning 

Child development 

information and advice 

Help with your child’s 

sleeping & behaviour 

Citizens Advice 

Bureau 

Advice on nutrition 

and weaning 

Counselling 

Services 

Support and advice 

for a healthy lifestyle 

Advice on budgeting 

and benefits 

Links with 

Job Centre Plus 

Opportunities 

for volunteers 

Family fun-days 

and trips 

Emotional support 

to carers 

Training opportunities 

(with creche provision) 

Baby play 

sessions 

Special Needs 

Support 

To find out more call your nearest 

Children’s Centre 

Cherry Trees 


Cherry Tree Walk 

Batchley 


B97 6PD 

Tel: 592675 

Holly Trees 


Mabey Avenue 

Riverside 


B98 8HW 

Tel: 61360 

Maple Trees 


Matchborough Way 

Matchborough 


B98 0GD 

Tel: 518745 

Oak Trees 


Wirehill Drive 

Lodge Park 


B98 7JU 

Tel: 517185 

Willow Trees 


Loxley Close 

Church Hill 


B98 9JG 

Tel: 65668 

Woodlands 


Longdon Close 

Woodrow 


B98 7UZ 

Tel: 517935 

2 Redditch matters 

Redditch Borough Council

Contents 

4 Redditch Round-up. 

New awards recognise 

greater access for 

people with disabilities, 

Garden Waste pilot takes 

root 

5 Council news. Meet the 

new Management Team 

for Redditch and 

Bromsgrove 

Councils, It’s 

thank you and 

goodbye to 

Neighbourhood 

Groups, 

Communicating 

with you 

6 More Council 

news. New future 

for the 

Countryside Centre. Developing our 

Community Centres. Next stop the 

Country Park! 

7 Partners in Action. 

Redditch Partnership 

responds to 

Redditch’s red flag 

8 Use your vote in May 

11 Town Centre goes 

‘centre 

stage’. 

How a new 

Town Centre 

Partnership is 

putting the 

town centre 

`centre stage` 

with exciting 

development 

plans 

20 

7 

12 News from Housing. Tenants get 

involved and give the Council their 

views 

16 Focus on Winyates. £850,000 bid to 

help the district being planned, and 

About Redditch Matters 

19 

remembering Albert 

18 Spring into sport. Teens 

get active and new Abbey 

Stadium work gets underway 

19 Landscape Matters 

20 On your bike. Redditch 

can be wheely good for 

cycling – new BMX track to 

open, and local cycling 

contacts 

22 Community Safety 

news. Busy with more bus 

shelters, and how to protect 

your home 

24 Ralph on Bordesley’s 

monks. Our regular historian 

Ralph Richardson describes 

how Bordesley Abbey was 

the fifth wealthiest of its day 

25 Fish and fishing `working` efficiently 

here 

26 Award for sporting stars. Win a 

month’s free gym and swimming 

27 Friends across the miles. Twinning 

links across the world 

28 Boosting business. From Business 

Booster Grants to a Business Expo in 

May 

29 Foxlydiate Woods walk 

30 What’s On this April, May 

and June. Let us know your view 

in our readers survey 

32 Contacting the Council. 

Including how to contact 

your councillor and 

details for sports 

and leisure 

venues 

29 

This magazine is produced by the Communications Team at Redditch Borough Council. 

It is printed on paper from sustainable forests and costs 7.5p per copy. To the best of our 

knowledge, all information was correct at the time of going to print. 

Our thanks to everyone who has advertised in this edition. However, the inclusion of 

advertisements or information from any third party should not be taken to imply the 

endorsement by the publisher of any product or service advertised in Redditch 

Matters. 

Summer edition out 30th June 2010 

Cover photograph: Redditch gets a new BMX track this spring. 

Foreword 

SPRING 

TIME in 


has taken 

on a slightly 

different 

meaning for me 

this year as I recently 

heard - and you may have read - that as 

well as producing springs at Millsborough 

House in the town, manufacturing 

company Herbert Terry and Sons was also 

responsible for introducing the Anglepoise 

lamp to our lives. 

It’s amazing to think that these lamps; 

found on offices desks, in homes and 

medical surgeries the world over, were 

invented here. Thanks to local author 

Anne Bradford for reminding us of this 

interesting fact recently. 

Spring is, of course, about celebrating 

new life and after the past year we have 

all had, we certainly welcome that. 

It is actually a year since we reintroduced 

Redditch Matters and we 

hope you will enjoy this latest edition. 

Informal feedback received has been 

positive, so much so that we have 

decided to produce the magazine every 

quarter, along with the seasons, instead of 

three times a year. This means that we will 

have separate autumn and winter 

editions from this year, all supported by 

advertising to help keep the costs down. 

We have much to be proud about as 

your local Council, delivering vital and 

varied services day in day out, and it is 

important you are aware of just what is 

provided for your Council Tax (Borough 

Council services cost just 56p per day for 

a Band D bill payer which amounts to 

only 14 per cent of the annual Council 

Tax bill charge). 

In our spring edition we celebrate cycling 

with the launch of a new BMX track at 

Arrow Valley Country Park where Redditch 

Borough Council has been working 

closely with Redditch Premiers BMX Club 

and British Cycling. 

Finally our Focus for this edition is the 

district of Winyates where I heard first 

hand about issues affecting local people 

during one of the Council’s Consultation 

Roadshows, and where there are plans to 

secure major funding to improve life for 

everyone living there. 

Happy reading! Yours 

Cllr Carole Gandy, Leader of Redditch 

Borough Council 

Redditch Borough Council Redditch matters 3

NEWS from your Council 

Betty Passingham Access Awards 

recognise help for people with a disability 

AN awards scheme recognising businesses, organisations and 

individuals who have shown exceptional customer service 

towards people with a disability is being launched in Redditch. 

The Betty Passingham Access Awards, in memory of the late 

former councillor for her extensive work and involvement with 

Redditch’s communities, have been developed by Redditch 

Borough Council’s Disability and Age Sub Group. 

A similar scheme has been running in the Wyre Forest district for 

the past two years. Here they were inaugurated and named in 

memory of a former local community leader, Cllr Mike Oborski. 

An Awards Panel, consisting of councillors, officers from Redditch 

Borough Council and community members, will make the final 

decisions on who gets an award. 

Sarah Kelsey from the Council said: “It has been recognized that 

there are unnecessary barriers to be overcome by people that 

suffer a disability; these barriers may be physical and / or 

Have 

garden 

waste, 

can’t 

compost 

at home 

THEN a solution is at hand with the introduction by Redditch 

Borough Council of a garden waste collection service. 

Initially being run as a pilot in Callow Hill and parts of 

Webheath, Matchborough and Winyates, the optional 

Garden Waste Collection service began this week. It has 

the potential of reaching 5,000 households. 

For £35 a year residents will be able to use a new garden 

waste wheelie bin and have their lawn cuttings, hedge 

clippings, leaves, dead flowers, old plants and all the 

weeds that can be dug up - all collected every other week 

between March and the end of November. 

Full details are being provided to residents who take part. 

So, if you live in these areas and are interested, you can 

apply to take part in the pilot by calling (01527) 534123 or 

call in person to the Town Hall reception or one of the 

Council’s One Stop Shops. A webpage has been created 

at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/gardenwaste with further 

information for internet users. 

attitudinal. Together we can all 

address these in our 

community; by example and 

by education. In many 

instances there are no costs 

from doing things in a 

different way. Where costs 

occur they may be offset by 

the economic benefits, or 

they should simply be done 

because it’s right to do so! 

“Many barriers to people 

with a disability are also barriers to parents 

with children in a wheelchair, or older people with walking aids or 

buggies. 

“Hence the sub-title for the awards is `No Barriers`.” 

The first Awards ceremony is being planned for this spring. 

Office space and 

workshops now 

available 

REDDITCH Borough Council manages three 

business centres providing quality premises 

suitable for new business start-ups and small 

businesses. 

Office space and workshop units are offered on 

short-term licences, with just 14 days notice 

required and no legal fees payable. Occupiers 

may be eligible for small business rate relief of up to 50 per 

cent. 

At Greenlands and the Rubicon Centre facilities include 

manned reception and secretarial support as well as 

meeting rooms, which are available to local businesses at 

nominal charges. All of the centres benefit from free parking. 

To find out more contact Gaynor Lavery on (01527) 517165 



Shared 

management 

team 

appointed 

THE sharing of services with Bromsgrove 

District Council has taken a major step 

forward with the appointment of a new 

single management team. 

From next month, a senior team 

comprising Chief Executive Kevin Dicks, 

four directors and 10 heads of services 

officially takes up responsibility for 

leading Redditch and Bromsgrove 

Councils. 

While not a merger of the two councils, 

whose separate identities will continue, 

The new management team for both Councils as at March. Three heads of service vacancies 

will be filled over the coming months. 

this will mean that many services will now 

be shared to achieve greater efficiency, 

encourage the sharing of best practice 

and seek out new opportunities to develop 

both Redditch and Bromsgrove. 

Both Councils are undergoing significant 

changes as a result but customers should 

be assured that it is `business as usual` 

during this period of change. 

The Shared Services Project is intended to 

save the Councils £540,000 in 2010 -11, 

rising to £1.2 million in 2014 -15. 

Communicating with you 

ONE of the most important things we do as your local Council is seek to ensure you 

know about the services we deliver on your behalf, the policies we are pursuing and 

our plans for the future. 

Good communication needs to be at the heart of all organisations funded by the 

public sector, not least to demonstrate we are providing ‘value for money’. 

It’s thank you and goodbye 

to Neighbourhood Groups 

COUNCILLORS at Redditch Borough Council 

have voted to end Neighbourhood Groups 

after the current round of meetings ended 

this week. Readers will recall that a Council 

Task and Finish Group undertook a detailed 

review of the effectiveness of the groups last 

year. 

Their main conclusion was that they had lost 

their usefulness as a forum for airing and 

resolving local issues. 

In future it is intended to combine 

Neighbourhood Groups with the Partners 

and Communities Together (PACT) meetings. 

This should mean more focussed and 

hopefully better attended meetings and a 

reduction in bureaucracy and paperwork, 

both being unwelcome aspects of recent 

Neighbourhood Group meetings. 

The Groups database will be used to keep 

residents informed of future PACT meetings 

and the Council will work with partners to 

re-launch and publicise PACT later in the 

year. 

If you would like to have your name added 

to the database or receive any 

communication in relation to PACT or to 

County Forum Meetings by email, please let 

us know by contacting janice.smyth@ 

redditchbc.gov.uk or by phoning her on 

(01527) 64252 extension 3266. 

This is why we have just produced a new Communications Strategy for the next three 

years with an annual action plan to be discussed by councillors at the end of March. It 

will help us communicate with you and our partners. The strategy will sit alongside 

related plans and strategies covering everything from our customer services, website, 

complaints and commendations policy, to our community engagement work (the 

regular and ongoing consultations we carry out). 

Kevin’s blog 

coming soon 

AS Chief Executive of Redditch 

and Bromsgrove Councils, Kevin 

Dicks places good and timely 

communication as one of his key 

priorities. ‘Chats with the Chief’ 

has already seen Kevin meeting 

and talking to a number of 

community groups. From May he 

will be blogging to keep internet 

users up to date with the work he is 

doing on behalf of both councils, 

meetings he has had and thoughts 

about his role steering the Councils 

into this new decade with its many 

challenges ahead. 

As Kevin recognises, the use of 

social media is growing rapidly and 

can present a great opportunity to 

reach people, especially our 

younger residents, who may not see 

Council news in the local papers or 

think the work we do doesn’t really 

affect them. He is keen to show 

through his blog that Council services 

and actions are vital to everyone’s 

future well being. 

Look out for Kevin’s blog which will be 

appearing on the Council’s website 

soon, www.redditchbc.gov.uk 

Kevin beside the underpass artwork near the 

Town Hall. 


Countryside Centre’s 

future to be secured 

COUNCILLORS have taken a major step 

forward in securing the long term future of 

Arrow Valley Countryside Centre as one of the 

town’s most cherished public assets. 

After years of having to make budget 

cutbacks and not being in a position to 

develop the true educational and leisure 

potential of the Centre, councillors have 

accepted that they are not necessarily the 

best people to manage `this fantastic facility` 

for the long term. 

At a recent Full Council meeting, a decision 

was taken to seek outside management 

expertise to run the centre on behalf of the 

Council and the people of Redditch, with the 

centre continuing to be owned by the Council. 

Councillors will be looking for the new 

managers-who will lease the facility -to invest 

in the building, safeguard popular and existing 

events and courses, and generally to enhance 

the Centre’s status at the hub of the country park. 

Community Centres’ 

role ‘at the centre of 

things’ under review 

THE role and purpose of the Council’s six 

Community Centres spread throughout the 

Borough are being reviewed at the request 

of councillors, to ensure they are best able 

to meet the needs of current and potential 

users, and provide value for money for 

residents as a whole. 

The Community Centres are based at 

Batchley, Matchborough East (Soft Play 

Facility), Oakenshaw, Windmill Centre 

(Crabbs Cross), Winyates Barn and 

Winyates Green. 

They offer a varied programme of activities 

including pre school sessions, martial arts, 

health recovery fitness programmes, 

toddler groups and leisure time activities 

from line dancing to choir singing. 

Leader of the Council, Cllr Carole Gandy said: 

“It’s a great facility, but it needs to be much 

more than just a loo and a brew stop. 

“There is no doubt that the Centre has drifted 

away from its original concept and needs 

revitalising, by Experts who can develop 

outdoor activities and further the excellent 

events and courses we provide at the moment. 

“And as one of our undoubted `jewels in the 

crown`, it needs to be doing much more for 

the town if we are to increase the number of 

visitors to Redditch and raise our profile. 

“This move, which will see a rigorous contract 

drawn up between the Council and new 

managers, will safeguard the things we cherish, 

but also see a much needed refurbishment 

inside the Centre.” 

Residents (and visitors) should see the new 

management take the reins from April 2011. 

Countryside Centre staff and our partners are 

being consulted about the changes. 

Centre staff work in partnership with the 

Council’s Action Sport team, the voluntary 

sector, other agencies and local communities. 

They provide voluntary sector support and a 

focal point for community activities 

In fact, why not visit your local Community 

Centre or call for further information on (01527) 

534125. And if you are a community group 

and are looking for somewhere to meet up, 

staff would especially like to hear from you. 

Look out too for our joint working media 

project coming to a Community 

Centre near you soon, 

in partnership 

with Kingfisher 

FM community 

radio for Redditch 

and Within Reach 

Media `Film 

Production, Film 

Network and Film 

Love`. 

Next stop the 

Country Park! 

VISITORS to Arrow Valley Country 

Park can now leave their cars at 

home and take the bus to 

Redditch’s award-winning park. 

As reported in the press, the 

Council has installed a new bus 

stop in Battens Drive and 

created a new footpath from 

the road to the Countryside 

Centre to help bus passengers 

access the park easily. 

Visitors will now be able to use 

the Hardings Coaches number 

60 as well as First’s Service 52 to 

get to the park. Both buses will 

run hourly from Redditch bus 

station and stop in Battens 

Drive. 

For independent travel advice 

and help planning journeys by 

bus, call Traveline on 0871 200 

22 33. 

Photo: All aboard for the Country Park 

Fun for 

young and 

old at your 

local 

community 

centre 



Introducing the 


The Redditch Partnership is a Local 

Strategic Partnership (LSP). Most Local 

Authority areas have an LSP. LSPs are 

made up of organisations that work in 

the local area. The role of an LSP is to: 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

bring together the different parts of 

the public sector as well as private, 

business, community and voluntary 

sectors to tackle local problems; 

facilitate decision making at a 

strategic level to enable actions to 

be taken at the community level; 

take responsibility / lead for 

performance of all services in the 

local area; and 

bring together local plans and 

partner initiatives and make sure 

they are aligned with each other. 

The Redditch Partnership opens its 

membership up to any organisation which 

can support the work of the Partnership. 

Work of the Partnership is overseen by 

Redditch Partnership Management Board 

which consists of the following partners: 

➤ Redditch Borough Council; 

➤ Worcestershire County Council; 

➤ West Mercia Police; 

➤ Worcestershire PCT (Primary Care Trust); 

➤ Hereford and Worcester Fire and 

Rescue Service; 

➤ NEW College; 

➤ Herefordshire and Worcestershire 

Chamber of Commerce; 

➤ Redditch Community Safety 

Partnership; 

➤ BARN (Bromsgrove and Redditch 

Network) (voluntary and community 

sector); and 

➤ the Redditch Community Forum. 

Examples of Work 

Redditch Sustainable 

Community Strategy: 

➤ 

➤ 

Redditch Partnership has a 

responsibility to produce the Redditch 

Sustainable Community Strategy 

which sets out how partners and 

organisations can work together to 

improve the quality of life for 

people living in Redditch. This 

strategy is refreshed each year. 

The vision of the Partnership 

contained within the strategy, is for 

Redditch to be successful and 

vibrant with sustainable communities 

built on partnership and 

shared responsibility. We want 

people to be proud that they 

live or work in Redditch. 

Response to the CAA 

Oneplace Report last December: 

➤ Redditch has received red flags 

for educational outcomes and 

health inequalities. The 

Partnership recognises that it has 

a role in assisting to address 

these issues. 

➤ With regards to educational 

outcomes, Redditch Partnership 

has arranged for an initial meeting 

of all partner organisations and 

head teachers / chair of governors 

of all schools in Redditch to 

identify key issues and to develop 

an action plan and group to take 

forward how these issues will be 

addressed. This meeting took 

place at the end of February. 

➤ With regards to health inequalities, 

Redditch Partnership is currently 

involved in discussions with 

Worcestershire PCT and other local 

organisations to identify project(s) to 

address this issue. 

➤ The Partnership has secured funding for 

a project which will be delivered in the 

Winyates area (specifically around the 

Winyates Centre) of Redditch. This 

money (£500,000) will be spent on 

improving the security and physical 

appearance of the area, on bespoke 

community focussed projects, and 

building networks and groups in the 

local community. 


‘We Are Redditch’ event (January): 

➤ The ‘We Are Redditch’ event was held 

in a retail unit within the Kingfisher 

Shopping 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Centre for a week in January. 

Representatives from organisations 

making up the Partnership were on 

hand to talk to residents about the work 

they are doing, in partnership. 

Activities were undertaken from a 

variety of organisations to provide a 

real taster of what is going on in the 

town. These included story telling from 

Library staff, electric blanket testing, 

safer drinking, advice about giving up 

smoking, and free health MOTs. 

Performances were also given by the 

Redditch Youth House and Caribbean 

Roots. 

A successful consultation exercise was 

undertaken with residents that visited 

the unit with over 250 residents 

providing their thoughts about what the 

priorities for Redditch should be, what 

they liked and disliked and what they 

would improve about Redditch. These 

responses will be used to inform the 

priorities of the Redditch Sustainable 

Community Strategy when it is 

refreshed over the next couple of 

months. 

Further information about the 

Redditch Partnership can be found 

at www.redditch.whub.org.uk/ 

cms/community-andliving/redditch-partnership.aspx 


‘Ewes’ your vote this May! 

RESIDENTS will soon be counting 

sheep as councils across 

Worcestershire, including 

Redditch, launch a campaign 

urging people to use their vote 

in 2010. 

Only about one in three of us, who are 

eligible, votes at local election time 

which means two thirds of residents 

aged 18 and over, don’t have a say on 

issues which touch their lives, in their own 

communities. 

The campaign, which will be seen on 

buses, public buildings and 

noticeboards across the county up 

until May, emphasises this and urges 

people not to follow the flock, but to 

‘ewes’ their vote instead! 

More details can be found at 

www.redditchbc.gov.uk 

(Images: brightly coloured 

sheep aim to `ram it home` 

that voting is an important right 

we should all exercise) 

Polling date is 6th May 

THE PEOPLE of Redditch will have the 

chance to have their say in local 

elections being held across the 

borough on Thursday 6th May and that 

date is definite! It’s the one election date 

that was confirmed in 2010 as Redditch 

Matters went to press. 

On this day, Redditch Borough Council 

will be electing one third of its 29 

councillors which is the practice in this 

authority unlike some other councils 

which choose to elect the whole of their 

Council in one go. 

Shown right are the wards that will be 

contested in Redditch on Thursday 6th 

May. There will be one seat up for 

election in each ward. The councillors 

mentioned have all completed their 

current term of office. They could seek 

re-election or may decide to stand 

down: 

As for that General Election, this must 

take place before 3rd June. Redditch 

Borough comes under the constituency 

of Redditch County which also takes in 

part of Wychavon District. After voting 

ends, the count for the General Election 

will take place in the Town Hall, just as it 

will for the local election on 6th May. 

So now really is the time to get prepared 

and ensure you are on the Electoral 

Register to be able to vote in the local 

election and the General Election. If you 

are not, then you will not be able to vote 

and have your say. 

If you have moved house, are about to 

become 18, or have never registered, 

you should complete a Registration 

Form. These are available online at 

www.redditchbc.gov.uk (see the 

Electoral Services section in 

Council and Democracy) or 

write to Electoral Services, 

The Council House, 

Burcot Lane, 

Bromsgrove B60 1AA or email 

elections@bromsgroveandredditch. 

gov.uk. 

Redditch Wards being contested 

Astwood Bank and Feckenham 

(Cllr Michael Chalk) (Conservative) 

Abbey 

(Cllr Colin Macmillan) (Conservative) 

Batchley and Brockhill 

(Cllr Brenda Quinney) (Conservative) 

Central 

(Cllr Debbie Taylor) (Labour) 

Church Hill 

(Cllr David Hunt) (Labour) 

Crabbs Cross 

(Cllr David Smith) (Conservative) 

Greenlands 

(Cllr Phil Mould) (Labour) 

Headless Cross and Oakenshaw 

(Cllr Gay Hopkins) (Conservative) 

Lodge Park 

(Cllr Andy Fry) (Labour) 

Winyates 

(Cllr David Enderby) (British National 

Party) 

Redditch councillors are 

presently considering whether 

to change to ‘whole 

elections’ rather than 

‘election by thirds’. Residents 

were asked for their views on 

this last December and this 

January. Views expressed will be 

considered by councillors at a 

Special Full Council meeting on 

14th June when a decision will 

be made on a new governance 

model that will come into effect 

with the 2011 elections. 



News from the Council’s 

visitor attractions 

WITH Easter approaching, there are a wealth of places to visit. But don’t forget the 

ones literally `on your doorstep` including Forge Mill Needle Museum, Bordesley 

Abbey and Visitor Centre, and Arrow Valley Country Park. Here’s some of their 

general news for the year ahead. Please support our local attractions. 

Forge Mill Needle Museum 

(01527) 60509 

Jurassic Arrow Valley Park 

Dinosaurs are coming to Redditch this 

summer in the form of a BBC `Walking with 

Dinosaurs` exhibition. The Ballad of Big Al looks 

at the prehistoric life of the Allosaurus and will 

be on display at the museum from 24th July 

to 5th September. Visitors 

will be able to get close 

up to the life size model 

head of Big Al as well as 

transport themselves back 

to the Jurassic 

landscape via a 

magic blue 

screen. 

Textile workshops for adults 

Some of the country’s leading textile artists 

will be delivering workshops at Forge Mill this 

year. Alice Kettle, Janice Gunner and Angie 

Hughes are all well known in their field and 

members of the public are now able to book 

onto the classes. 

Louisa Hunt 

A new outreach session for schools has 

breathed life into a character from the 1871 

Redditch census. Louisa Hunt was a widower 

who lived on Evesham Road and worked in 

the needle trade. She also had seven 

children. The schools session will involve 

meeting Louisa and finding out all about her 

family, her life in Redditch and the British 

Needle Mills Factory by looking at pictures 

and artefacts. This new session is being 

trialled in St Bede’s Middle School and 

Tenacres First School this month. 

Forge Mill on film 

A video telling the story of needle making 

has recently been filmed on site. Indigo Arts 

youth theatre group are conducting 

interactive tours in the museum at various 

points throughout the year. The aim is to 

capture the tour on film so it can be 

screened when the young people aren’t on 

site. 


Project with the V&A 

The museum has been asked to collaborate 

with the Victoria & Albert Museum in London 

on one of its most exciting (and extensive) 

exhibitions. The V & A has one of the most 

iconic quilt collections in the world and for 

the first time ever, they aim to bring together 

300 years of British quilting history - many 

items have never been seen by the public. 

They approached Forge Mill and asked if 

they could loan certain items. Not only is it a 

great honour but a chance to promote 

Redditch. The exhibition is also expected to 

tour America and Japan. 

Bordesley Abbey and Visitor 

Centre (01527) 60509 

Natural England Investment 

The Council is pleased to announce that 

there is a project scheduled for this summer 

involving the Government agency Natural 

England which will improve the Bordesley 

Abbey site. This will involve interpretation 

Portraying Louisa Hunt 

Make use of Redditch’s 

Tourist Information Centre 

LOCATED in the foyer of the Palace 

Theatre is the town’s Tourist Information 

Centre. And you don’t have to be a visitor 

to Redditch to access its services. 

Staffed during the working week (Mondays 

to Fridays from 10am to 4pm) and on 

Saturday mornings (9.30am to 1.30pm), 

this is the perfect venue to obtain 

information on attractions, or to find 

brochures for places further afield in the 

UK. Staff are able to book day trips with 

local coach companies. They also sell a 

range of Redditch souvenirs (including 

local postcards), maps and local history 

and walking books. 

Contact the Tourist Information Centre on 

(01527) 60806 or email 

info.centre@redditchbc.gov.uk 

boards including an audio interactive in the 

abbey church which will enable visitors to 

understand the site better. All repairs and 

consolidation work to the excavated ruins 

and improvements to the boundary fence is 

being completed at no cost to Redditch 

Borough Council. 

Building Bordesley Abbey 

Local school pupils have been building a 

model of Bordesley Abbey. The project has 

enabled them to learn about the history of 

the abbey, how to build models and use 

tools and new painting techniques. The pupils 

involved in the project were year 4 pupils 

from St Stephens First School. The model, 

when finished, will be situated alongside the 

abbey ruins to enable people to understand 

the site better. 

A large number of abbey volunteers are 

currently attending a study group on 

Bordesley Abbey with the Council’s Keeper of 

Collections, Jo-Ann Gloger. It is hoped 

eventually these volunteers will be able to 

conduct tours of the abbey site. 

Arrow Valley Country Park 

(01527) 464000 

The next Forum meeting for the park will be 

on 25th March at 7.30pm in the Countryside 

Centre. All welcome. In fact this year marks 

the tenth anniversary of the Countryside 

Centre which will be celebrated during the 

annual Green Fair to be held on 11th July. 

As ever, there are a wealth of public courses 

and events at the country park in 2010. Look 

out for their leaflet in local outlets and adverts 

running in the local papers throughout the 

year, or log onto www.redditchbc.gov.uk and 

search `Arrow Valley Country Park`. 


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10 Redditch matters Redditch Borough Council

New partnership 

aims to transform 

town centre 

THE foundations for a reinvigorated town 

centre were laid last month as the first 

meeting of the Town Centre Partnership 

took place ( pictured right). 

This sees Redditch Borough Council 

working with the Kingfisher Shopping 

Centre and other town centre partners to 

revitalise the heart of Redditch. 

The formation of the partnership was one 

of the priorities identified in the Town 

Centre Strategy, which was endorsed by 

councillors in November 2009 

The strategy outlines the vision for the 

future of the town centre and the means of 

delivering it. It considers the challenges 

and opportunities that exist and the 

potential future directions for the town 

centre. 

The vision is that by 2026 Redditch will 

have a vibrant, prosperous, accessible 

and embracing town centre with 

exceptional recreational, leisure, retail and 

community facilities. 

The strategy identifies a series of priority 

areas and projects which include: 

➤ setting up a Town Centre Partnership 

➤ downgrading the Ringway 

➤ improving public spaces and signage 

➤ developing a ‘café culture’ 

➤ enhancing the Church Green area and 

regenerating St Stephen’s Church 

➤ redeveloping the area around the train 

station 

➤ rejuvenating Silver Street/Royal Square 

and the former covered market area 

➤ improving lighting, safety and security 

➤ developing a public art programme 

➤ encouraging town centre living 

➤ delivering business support and shop 

enhancement schemes 

➤ investigating the idea of a Business 

Improvement District. 

Current and up-and-coming 

activities to breathe new life 

into the Town Centre include a 

Christmas brochure events 

calendar, and Z Mag. This will 

be an electronic magazine 

compiled by the Kingfisher on 

behalf of the town centre. Its 

purpose will be to attract new 

retailers, food providers and 

business into the area. 

The Council has been working 

with St Stephen’s Church on 

plans to enhance the Church 

Green area in line with the 

regeneration plans of the 

Church. To find out more about the 

reordering of St Stephens Church 

visit www.newlifeonthegreen.org/ 

There are also plans to apply for 

funding to help the partnership to 

enhance shop fronts outside the 

Kingfisher. 

To find out more about the 

Town Centre Strategy, visit 

http://redditch.whub.org.uk 

/cms/environment-andplanning/planning-services/towncentre-management.aspx 

Town Centre 

Partnership members: 

Jones Lang La Salle 

Westgrove Developments 

Worcestershire County Council 

Redditch Borough Council 

NEW College 

Network Rail 

Marks and Spencer 

Apollo Cinema 

Debenhams 

Halfords 

Heaphys 

First Midland Buses 

St Stephen’s Church 

Redditch Library 

Advantage West Midlands 

Chamber of Commerce 

Bella Vita 

Retail Coach 

West Mercia Police 

Arts in Redditch 

Federation of Small Businesses 


Redditch matters 11

NEWS 

from housing 

Tenants encouraged to get involved 

COUNCIL tenants are going to have more 

opportunities to get involved and have their 

say on how services are delivered as part 

of a new strategy. 

The Council is aiming to provide a wider 

range of ways for tenants to help develop 

housing plans, policies and procedures as 

well as organise events and improve their 

estates. 

As part of the new strategy the Council will 

be: 

➤ Creating a database of tenants who 

are interested in being involved. They 

can then be contacted by email, text, 

telephone or post to give their views. 

➤ Setting up community groups which 


can meet informally to focus on their 

own specific estate or scheme. 

➤ Creating community panels, which will 

meet formally with Estate Tenancy 

Officers to look at estate management 

issues. 

➤ Setting up special interest groups to look 

at particular topics. 

➤ Setting up a Borough Tenants Forum 

with representatives from all groups as 

well as local councillors. 

➤ Holding conferences and community 

events for tenants. 

For more information on getting involved 

call the Tenant Involvement Team on 

(01527) 534188. 

You said... we did... In December 2008 Redditch 

Borough Council asked tenants to take part in a Status Survey. Here is what 

tenants told us and what we have done in response to their views. 

You said… 

You were not told 

when workers would 

call 

We did... 

90 per cent of our 

repairs are now 

carried out by 

appointment.. 

We did... 

We have 

introduced a 

web-based 

reporting system 

which also offers 

advice and useful information. 

You said… 

Overall, Housing Services 

are not very good at 

keeping tenants 

You said… 

You didn’t find it easy to 

contact the right person to 

report anti-social 

behaviour. 

We did... 

We have met 

with a group of 

tenants to 

discuss how we 

can communicate 

better. We have increased the 

informed. 

number of ways that you can become 

involved with us and have produced a 

document called the Tenant 

Involvement Strategy. This document is 

available on the website and at One 

Stop Shops. 

We did... 

We now have 

more officers 

working in your 

local area and have sent 

all tenants a newsletter 

You said… 

You don’t always find 

it easy to contact the 

right person. 

notifying you of who your Tenancy 

Officer is, with useful contact 

information. 

What we are 

planning to do in 2010 

➤ Give all new tenants an Introductory 

Tenancy. 

➤ Introduce repairs inspections by 

appointment. 

➤ Work with tenants to produce a 

document on how we will deal with 

anti-social behaviour. 

➤ Work with tenants to improve our 

standards of service. 

➤ Continue to train officers to deal with 

more specialist areas, such as 

housing advice, anti-social 

behaviour and welfare. 

➤ Tackle tenants who fraudulently sublet 

their property. 

➤ Send a quarterly tenants newsletter 

➤ Visit all tenants annually. 

Changes for 

new tenants 

NEW Council tenants are now being 

put on a 12-month introductory 

period as part of a scheme to 

provide extra support for the new 

occupants and tackle any problems 

with anti-social behaviour. 

The Introductory Tenancy Scheme, 

which was started in January, gives 

the Council the right to end a 

tenancy if occupiers fail to meet the 

terms of their tenancy agreement 

within the first 12 months of them 

moving in. 

The introductory period will allow the 

Council to take quicker action when 

dealing with anti-social behaviour, 

neighbour nuisance, rent arrears and 

other tenancy breaches. 

It also means that new tenants do 

not have the automatic right to 

make home improvements, have the 

right to buy or ‘mutual exchange’ 

their home. The Council will also 

make more frequent visits to the 

property and officers will help tenants 

with any difficulties they are having 

settling into their new home or paying 

their rent. 

Jayne Bough, Housing Services 

Manager, said: “As well as helping 

the Council deal with problems of 

anti-social behaviour and rent 

arrears, the i ntroductory period will 

also be great for new tenants who will 

be given extra support in their first few 

months to settle in to their new 

homes. 

“It should also help our 

neighbourhoods become safer and 

more enjoyable places to live as 

tenants will have a greater incentive 

to adhere to their tenancy 

conditions.” 

After 12 months, those who have 

followed the terms of their tenancy 

will automatically be given a secure 

tenancy. 


Residents helped 

to boost their income 

REDDITCH residents are being encouraged to boost their income 

by finding out what benefits they may be entitled to. 

The Benefit Section at Redditch Borough Council has put together 

a new strategy to enable them to actively target those who may 

not be claiming all the benefits that they could be entitled to. 

They have employed two Income Maximisation Officers to work 

face-to-face with residents and external organisations. The Income 

Maximisation Officers will also work closely with companies and 

speak to those at risk of redundancy to make sure they are aware 

of the benefits they can claim, whether it be Housing or Council 

Tax benefits, grants, or payments towards their bills. 

David Taylor, Benefits Services Manager, said: “Many people have 

no idea of what grants and benefits are out there for them 

whether it be help with paying the bills or free insulation to keep 

down the costs. 

“Redditch Borough Council wants to help everyone maximise their 

income as benefit take-up provides a safety net in hard times and 

also helps to put money back into the local economy. 

“Benefit take-up puts extra cash into local areas as increased 

benefit income is usually spent on local goods and services; such 

as housing, food, transport and leisure. Supporting family income 

is a good way of supporting local communities.” 

Michele Conway, Income Maximisation Officer, said: “There are 

millions of pounds that go unclaimed simply because people 

don’t fully understand the benefits system. We are here to advise 

and to promote the benefits that are available to claim.” 

As part of the strategy, the Council will also be working closely with 

Age Concern, the local Job Centre Plus as well as the local 

Citizens Advice Bureau. 

To find out if you can claim benefits visit www.redditchbc.gov.uk 

and try the new entitlement calculator. Residents can also email 

hbenefits@redditchbc.gov.uk, call (01527) 534050, or call in at 

one of the Council's One Stop Shops. 

Walking the Patch 

TENANCY Officers regularly walk Redditch estates and the 

communal areas of Council flats to check whether they are 

clean and identify any problems. 

Residents can join Tenancy Officers on one of the following 

inspections taking place until June in different areas of 

Redditch: 

➤ Woodrow, 26th March ➤ Greenlands, 21st May 

➤ Church Hill South, 9th April ➤ Winyates West, 4th June 

➤ Mayfields, 23rd April ➤ Batchley, 18th June. 

➤ Lodge Park, 7th May 

For more information call (01527) 534188 

Michele Conway and 

Laura Fyles, Redditch 

Borough Council’s two 

Income Maximisation 

Officers. 

Did you know your 

entitlement may have changed 

Child benefit and child maintenance are no longer counted 

when the Council calculates a claimant's weekly income and 

disregards are made for child care costs. 

The Council also no longer assumes income from any savings or 

investments below £10,000 for those aged 65 or over. Although, 

if you have more than £16,000 in savings or investments you will 

not be able to receive either Housing Benefit or Council Tax 

Benefit, unless you receive Guarantee Pension Credit. 

Help us improve our services 

REDDITCH tenants are being 

given the chance to have 

their say on how services are 

delivered by the Council. 

Next month all current and 

future tenants will be invited 

to a Housing Service 

Standard event where they 

will be able to give their views 

on some of the services 

which are most important to 

them. 

Anyone interested in 

attending this event or keen 

to have their say on any 

housing related matters 

should contact the Tenant 

Involvement Team on (01527) 

534188 or email 

tpteam@redditchbc.gov.uk. 

Pay your rent 

at any time from anywhere! 

COUNCIL tenants can now pay their rent over the phone 24 

hours a day, seven days a week by calling (01527) 534005. 

A recorded message asks callers to select one for Council Tax 

and two for rent or support charges. It then prompts callers to 

enter their reference number before taking card payment. 

Tenants can also choose to pay online, at Pay Zone outlets 

with a swipe card, by direct debit or in one of the One Stop 

Shops. 


More and more people are getting onto the 

property ladder with Orbit HomeBuy Agents. 

We are the HomeBuy Agent for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and we 

help people in all sorts of circumstances to find their dream home. 

In this role, we act as the first point of contact for all those seeking 

a home through one of the range of HomeBuy low-cost home 

ownership and discounted market rent products. 

For full details visit our website at www.orbithomebuyagents.co.uk 

or call us on 03458 50 20 50. 

Just think – you could soon be living in that home you 

thought was out of reach! 

Open the door to your new home with Orbit HomeBuy Agents 

Terms and conditions apply – ask for details. Orbit HomeBuy Agents is managed by Orbit Homes (2020) Limited, a member 

of Orbit Group Limited which is an exempt charity registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965. 

For a market appraisal or simply advice contact: 

Redditch Office: 01527 60889 Astwood Bank: 01527 893893 London: 0207 298 0321 



Help is close at hand for 

Redditch’s young 

homeless 

YOUNG people facing a night on the streets 

can find a safe place to stay thanks to the 

work of an award-winning Redditch charity. 

Redditch Nightstop works with young 

people between the ages of 16 and 25 as 

well as families, Redditch Borough Council, 

schools and other organisations to prevent 

youth homelessness in the borough. 

The charity, which is based at the 

Ecumenical Centre in Evesham Walk, finds 

safe emergency overnight 

accommodation with volunteer families 

based throughout the borough and 

surrounding area. 

Here the young person can wash, have a 

meal, sleep and eat breakfast before 

returning to Nighstop the following day to 

decide how to best deal with their difficult 

situation. 

Gill Groom, from Redditch Nightstop, said: 

“Young people can come here and have 

their needs met at a point of crisis. 

Everyone knows that we are here and they 

Supporting the community 

MORE community groups and projects 

have been given cash boosts to carry 

out their important work with the help of 

Redditch Borough Council grants. 

Last year around £15,000 was made 

available for diversity celebration 

projects and the money has now been 

distributed to the following seven 

groups: 

➤ Redditch Chinese Association was 

given £2,000 to support Chinese 

New Year Celebrations last month. 

can just knock on the door to find 

someone who will help them.” 

Nightstop has been preventing youth 

homelessness since 1997 and has around 

six volunteer families who are specially 

trained to help vulnerable young people. 

The charity helps to find suitable temporary 

accommodation and works closely with 

Redditch Borough Council and housing 

associations to find a new home. 

They also offer support while the young 

people are re-settling, by teaching life skills 

such as cooking, budgeting, health and 

safety or making new friends. 

As part of Nightstop’s mediation service, 

volunteers also strengthen and rebuild 

relationships between young people and 

their families to prevent homelessness. This 

service has had a 99 per cent success 

rate so far. 

Redditch Borough Council has worked 

closely with Nightstop on its Inspire Project, 

which gives young people the chance to 

➤ Sandycroft Wellbeing Centre was given 

£1,742 to support the development of 

a nutrition awareness programme, 

which is tailored towards the diets of 

the Black Minority Ethnic community. 

➤ The Polish Dinner Society was given 

£2,000 to teach Polish children Polish 

dancing, helping them to perform and 

bring the generations and cultures 

together. 

➤ West Indian Society was given £2,000 

for the provision of a luncheon club, 

social activities and exercise for people 

over the age of 50, primarily of African 

and Caribbean descent. 

➤ Caribbean Roots was given £2,000 to 

enhance the Black History Month 

celebrations. 

➤ Rainbow Redditch was provisionally 

offered £1,000 to hold a Mardi Gras 

event. 

➤ Romani Roots was given £2,000 to help 

live securely in a shared private property in 

Reddtich while they continue to study in fulltime 

education. 

Elise Hopkins, the Council’s Housing Options 

Manager, said: “Redditch Nightstop has 

become an important charity for the 

borough helping young people who find 

themselves without a place to stay, get 

back on their feet. 

“We have worked closely with Nightstop on 

the Inspire Project to make sure that the 

young people involved get support and 

advice to live independently and move 

into employment with the qualification they 

need.” 

The charity, which was awarded a National 

Lottery Award Best Charity/Voluntary Project 

2008, now needs more volunteer families 

with spare rooms to provide safe 

emergency accommodation. 

To find out more about the charity call 

Redditch Nightstop on (01527) 66036 or 

visit www.redditchnightstop.co.uk. 

support the launch of the POD - an 

interactive computer pod which will 

have details of local history, local 

communities, groups, organisations, 

and individuals of note within the 

community in the past and present. 

➤ British Asian Women's Group was 

given £2,000 to provide local 

women with an arena to experience 

aspects of the British way of life and 

promote values such as good health 

and cultural education. 

Matthew Bough, Housing Policy and 

Local Strategic Partnership Manager, 

said: "The Council is committed to 

supporting organisations that deliver 

projects and activities which have a 

beneficial impact on the local 

community." 

For more information on the grants given 

so far and to find out how to apply for 

grants visit www.redditchbc.gov.uk and 

click on Advice and Benefits. 



Focus on 

Winyates 

Improvement 

project gets 

underway 

WINYATES is set to benefit as an £850,000 improvement 

project gets underway next month. 

The five-year project will see improvements to the physical 

appearance and security of parts of the ward and greater 

community engagement. Its aim is to improve residents’ 

quality of life. 

Redditch Partnership has secured £500,000 of Government 

funding for the project through Worcestershire Partnership. This 

will be matched by £350,000 from other sources. 

The areas being targetted are Winyates Centre, Dolben Lane, 

Winforton Close, Fownhope Close, Kinnersley Close, Mordiford 

Close and Lingen Close. The positive consequences of the 

capital investment in these areas are intended to impact on 

residents throughout Winyates. In addition, the community 

engagement elements of the project will promote greater 

community cohesion. 

Redditch Borough Council, West Mercia Police, Worcestershire 

Primary Care Trust and Hereford and Worcester Fire and 

Rescue Service have committed to being active partners in 

the project. 

Funding will be spent on environmental enhancements and 

designing out features that aid crime and intensify fear of 

crime, a package of security measures at Winyates Centre 

and improving energy efficiency in homes. 

It will also pay for 

community projects to 

complement the Urban 

Tracks network. This is a 

scheme to install waymarked 

trails around 

the footpath area of 

the New Town, linking 

it to local wildlife 

areas. 

A Neighbourhood 

Development 

Manager will be 

appointed to coordinate 

the work 

of partners and to 

help empower 

local residents, 

voluntary and 

community 


Dolben Lane 

Dolben Lane Open Space Plan 

groups to get involved in the project and identify possible 

future work in the area. 

Anyone wanting to find out more about the project or who is 

interested in getting involved should contact Helen Saunders 

at Redditch Borough Council on (01527) 64252 or email 

helen.saunders@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Flat security gets an overhaul 

Flats in Winyates are to get improved security measures thanks 

to a match-funded grant from Redditch Crime and Disorder 

Reduction Partnership. 

The Council’s Housing Services are working with the 

Community Safety Partnership to pilot an improved level of 

security at three blocks of flats in Dolben Lane. 

Ward Councillors covering Winyates 

Cllr Malcolm Hall 

Lib Dem 

Tel: 523985 

(2009 -10 Mayor) 

Artist’s impression of bank from kickabout area 

Cllr Nigel Hicks 

Lib Dem 

Tel: 523036 

Cllr David Enderby 

British National Party 

Tel: 502307 

Mob: 07967 385074 


Artist’s impression of entrance to wetland area 

Activities at Winyates Barn 

Winyates Barn Community Centre will be hosting a media 

workshop in partnership with Kingfisher FM on 20th June. 

Workshops on the day will include news reading, presenting 

skills, research and background work, technical camera work 

and editing. 

Activities currently available at the centre are: 

➤ Action Sport gentle keep fit on Tuesdays 10.30am to 

11.30am 

➤ Autumn Club on Tuesdays 1.45pm to 3.45pm 

➤ Redditch Gateway – alternate Tuesdays 7pm to 9pm 

➤ PACT meetings – 2nd Wednesday of each month 7pm to 

8pm 

For more information contact Winyates Barn 

on (01527) 510354. 

Among the improved range of security measures being 

brought in are video intercoms, magnetic locks and a fob 

entry system. 

The project has been modelled on a security upgrade at the 

Woodrow Centre which has resulted in large fall in burglary, 

graffiti and vandalism over the last two years and saved the 

Council and the Redditch Community Safety Partnership 

several thousands of pounds. 

Children have designs 

on future of green space 

Schoolchildren have turned artists to help transform a green 

space close to their school. 

Pupils from Roman Way First School have been working with a 

sculptor and landscape architect on artwork to feature in a 

revamped open space off Colts Lane/Dolben Lane. 

Children in Years 3 and 4 have been working with sculptor 

Michael Scheuermann on ideas for carved stone artwork to 

feature in the space, which is being transformed as part of the 

Council’s enhancement project in Winyates West. 

The sculptures will be carved by Michael on the school site. 

They will be abstract, based on figures wrapped in muslin. 

Other plans for the overhaul of the former play area include 

introducing a wetlands area. It is hoped that work will be 

completed by the summer. 

Winyates Barn Community Centre 

Local champion remembered 

Winyates lost a long-standing champion 

with the death of former Leader of the 

Council Albert Wharrad last New Year’s Eve. 

A lifetime resident of Redditch, Albert 

Wharrad represented Winyates Ward from 

1983 until 2002 and from 2004-6. 

He first became a Councillor in May 1958 

when he was elected to the former 

Redditch Urban District Council. Albert 

served on it until 1967, becoming its 

Chairman in 1966. In May 1970 he was reelected 

and served on both the Urban 

District Council and its successor, Redditch 

District Council, until May 1976. His time 

serving Redditch Borough Council was 

between 1981 and 2006 in which he was 

a long-serving Leader of the Council and 

during much of this period a member or 

Chair of most its Committees. 

With the exception of four years in the 

Army serving in Egypt, Palestine and the 

Sudan, Albert was a spring maker in a 

Redditch factory all of his working life. 

Albert was described at his funeral 

service as “driven by a fury and passion 

to defend the underprivileged and fight 

for a fairer more equal society in his 

home town . . . the embodiment, not just 

of leadership but also of judgement, 

principle and integrity.” 



Abbey pool goes to the planners 

THE long-awaited revamp of the Abbey 

Stadium has moved another step closer to 

reality. 

Plans for the new-look stadium were 

lodged with the Council last month. They 

are expected to go before Planning 

Committee later this spring. 

If all goes to plan Abbey Stadium will be 

home by early 2012 to a new 25-metre, 

All aboard the swim bus 

RESIDENTS of Astwood Bank, Crabbs Cross 

and Feckenham can get in the swim 

thanks to a new Council bus service. 

The free Swim Bus hit the road at the end 

of February and is aimed at people who 

want to swim, but have difficulty getting to 

Hewell Road Swimming Pool. 

The service is funded by the Amateur 

Swimming Association. 

The return service runs on Friday evenings. 

six-lane pool and learner pool to replace 

Hewell Road Swimming Pool. 

The exterior of the current gym and court 

facilities will be re-faced to blend in with 

the new pool design 

Work on a new sports hall floor was due 

to be completed at the time of 

going to press. 

It leaves Feckenham Village Hall at 6pm, 

stopping at Evesham Road Post Office at 

6.10pm, Astwood Bank First School at 

6.15pm and the chemists at Crabbs Cross 

at 6.20pm, reaching the pool at 6.30pm. 

The return journey leaves the pool at 8pm. 

The bus service is available to residents of 

Astwood Bank, Crabbs Cross and 

Feckenham who must pre-register to use it. 

This can be done by calling the Council’s 

Sports Development Unit on (01527) 64676. 

Teens get active 

FITNESS sessions specially tailored for 

teenagers have been launched at 

two of the Council’s sports centres. 

Teen Gym sessions aimed at 14 and 

15-year-olds are up and running at 

Arrow Vale Sports and Leisure Centre 

and at the Abbey Stadium. 

Young people can sign up for only £12 

per month, which gives them use of 

two fitness suites, free squash and 

badminton at selected times and 

discounted exercise classes 

appropriate to their age range. 

To find out more, call the Abbey 

Stadium on (01527) 60206 or Arrow 

Vale on (01527) on 500 010. 

Save Time, 

Switch to Direct Debit 

to pay your Council Tax 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

● 

It’s a safe, reliable and secure method of 

payment. 

You are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee 

You’ll get a full and immediate refund from your 

bank if a mistake is made. 

It’s flexible, you can cancel at any time. 

You gain peace of mind ensuring bills are never 

forgotten and always paid on time. 

You can choose from three payment dates 

(1st, 15th or 25th of the month). 

Switch to Direct 

Debit today! 

Telephone our customer contact centre 

on 01527 534 040 with your bank 

account details and Council Tax account 

reference. 



Council and 

college team up 

CHILDREN at NEW College’s nursery can enjoy 

lessons with an eco-twist thanks to Redditch 

Borough Council and some of the college’s 

students. 

An eco-sensory garden has been created at 

the college’s Redditch campus by HND 

Childhood Studies students with the help of staff 

from the Council’s Landscape and Countryside 

Team. 

The students transformed the nursery garden 

into an outdoor classroom as part of a project 

management module of their course. 

They called on the expertise of Redditch 

Borough Council for help with landscaping and 

resources, and in particular worked with local 

artist Pete Burton (right) to construct a willow 

dome structure. 

Since it opened last summer, the garden has 

given nursery children many opportunities for 

CHILDREN at a Riverside school are learning 

more about the UK’s melting pot of cultures 

thanks to a new project lead by Sure Start 

Redditch Children’s Centres. 

Sure Start has teamed up with St Stephen’s 

First School, the Council’s Forge Mill Needle 

Museum, Holly Trees Day Nursery and local 

community groups for the Celebrating 

Diversity in Redditch project. 

exploration and adventure. They can practice 

gardening in the vegetable patch, construction 

in the digging area and enjoy the sensory trail 

and the willow dome. 

Gavin Boyes, Landscape and Arboriculture Officer 

at Redditch Borough Council, worked closely with 

the college on the project. 

He says: “We really enjoyed working with the 

students on the garden and hope it will provide a 

great outdoor classroom for years to come.” 

Programme Leader for HND in Childhood Studies, 

Michelle Rogers said: “It was a pleasure to work 

collaboratively with students and Redditch 

Borough Council on such a fantastic project. The 

children are out in the garden everyday, in all 

weathers, exploring the sensory garden and the 

willow dome. It really is a wonderful outdoor 

classroom. It is a legacy that many children and 

staff will benefit from as the garden continues to 

develop and mature.” 

Project is a Sure way to celebrate diversity 

Nursery and Reception children and their families 

have been taking part in a range of activities 

since early February. These have been designed 

to broaden their understanding of the different 

cultures both in Redditch and across the UK. 

Dance, storytelling, art, drama, music, puppetry, 

drumming and food-tasting from the UK, Latin 

America, China, Eastern Europe and the 

Caribbean have been amongst the activities on 

the multicultural menu. 

The venture reaches its peak on the 19th March 

with a celebration day at Forge Mill Needle 

Museum. Children will be creating artwork 

reflecting their views of the local community. 

This will be used to create a large wall hanging 

which will be on display at the museum. 

Elaine Groom, Sure Start’s Learning and 

Development Co-ordinator, said: 

“The project helps children to respect and 

understand each other’s backgrounds and 

cultures. It’s also an enjoyable way for 

parents to get involved in their children’s 

learning.” 

Senses come 

alive in park 

play garden 

KEEN readers of Redditch 

Matters may remember we 

told you last summer about 

plans for a sensory garden in 

Arrow Valley Country Park. 

Well, it’s set to open this 

month. 

The Council teamed up with 

Pitcheroak Special School 

last year to design the new 

play garden, which is close 

to the Countryside Centre. 

Pupils came up with ideas 

for the garden and worked 

with teachers, artists and the 

Council’s Play Rangers to 

produce items for it. 

The new garden features a 

copper water fountain in the 

centre’s pond, sensory 

planting, tactile walls, 

outdoor musical instruments 

and brightly-coloured play 

equipment. There is also 

storytelling and covered 

areas and a trail within the 

centre’s grounds. A special 

bridge has also been built to 

enable children who are not 

able to climb trees to see 

the top of one. 

Money for the project has 

come from Worcestershire 

Play Partnership. It is the first 

time the partnership has 

funded a sensory play 

garden. 


On your bike 

New BMX facility 

is on ‘track’ 

WORK has begun on Redditch’s longawaited 

new BMX track in Arrow Valley 

Country Park. 

Contractors began work on the 

£320,000 national standard track in 

February following the granting of 

planning permission late last year. 

The new facility will include a new 

competition standard floodlit BMX track 

and alterations to existing changing 

rooms to provide clubhouse facilities. 

It is hoped that the track will be ready 

later this spring. 

The track is being funded by Redditch 

Borough Council and British Cycling. 

It will be run by Redditch Premiers BMX 

Club and the Redditch Wheels Project. 

British Cycling will also be involved in 

local coaching initiatives. 

Former BMX world champion and 

Kidderminster resident Scott Beaumont 

has been consulted on the design of 

the 350-metre new track, which it is 

hoped will draw both experienced and 

fledgling riders of all ages from across 

the region. 

BMX became an Olympic sport for the 

first time in 2008 and the new track is 

being seen as as a key factor in 

attracting potential future champions to 

the sport. 

Kevin Cook, Project Development 

Manager at Redditch Borough Council 

said, “Redditch developed one of the 

first recreational tracks in the country 

back in the 1980s. This new track will 

see Redditch once again leading the 

way in providing facilities for this exciting 

sport, planting us firmly on the national 

BMX map.” 

Local cycling contacts 

Redditch Road and 

Path Cycling Club 

www.rrpcc.co.uk 

Pam Yates 

Slipstreamer Secretary 

pamy8s@blueyonder.co.uk 

Redditch Premiers BMX Club 

www.redditchpremiers.co.uk 

Benn Thombs 

07988 796872 

batbmx25@yahoo.co.uk 

L to R are Nick 

Yarworth, British 

Cycling, Cllr 

Carole Gandy, Cllr 

Peter Anderson, 

and Steve Rooke, 


Wheels 

Project. 



Webheath walkers wanted 

CALLING all would-be Webheath walkers! 

Come and get fit and make friends by 

joining a new community health walk. 

The free walk takes place every Tuesday 

morning and is run by Redditch Borough 

Council’s Community Walks Co-ordinator, 

Richard Potter. 

The one-hour walk is part of the Walks for 

Health initiative which aims to get people 

out - and keeping fit in their local 

community 

Walkers meet at the village hall in Heathfield 

New trees for 

Southcrest Woods 

SCARLET Oaks will be a feature of a Redditch wood thanks to its 

Friends group. 

Graham and Linda Channon 

from the Friends of Southcrest 

Woods are pictured planting one 

of three new Scarlet Oaks. 

The group got funding for the 

new trees from its local 

Neighbourhood Group. 

Members are hoping to do 

more planting this autumn. 

Anyone interesting in joining 

the group should email 

southcrestwoods@ 

yahoo.co.uk or 

landscapeandcountryside 

@redditchbc.gov.uk 

It also has a Facebook group, 

Friends of Southcrest Woods. 

Road at 10am. Anyone coming for the first 

time is asked to turn up around 10 minutes 

early to complete a short questionnaire. 

Volunteers are also being sought to set up 

and run health walks across the borough. 

People who want to find out more about 

getting involved or about the Webheath 

walk should contact Richard Potter on 

(01527) 881362. 

Health walks also run from Arrow Valley 

Countryside Centre on Thursdays at 11am. 

To find out more about these call the 

centre on (01527) 464000. 

Snap up boiler 

scrappage 

vouchers 

REDDITCH residents are being urged 

to find out if they are eligible for 

funding towards new, more energyefficient 

boilers. 

The national Boiler Scrappage 

Scheme was launched in January to 

upgrade household heating systems 

in England to cut carbon, save 

money on fuel bills and sustain work 

for the heating industry. 

Up to 125,000 households in England 

with working ‘G-rated’ boilers can 

apply through the Energy Saving Trust 

for a voucher which will entitle them 

to £400 off the price of a new ‘Arated 

boiler or a renewable heating 

system like a biomass boiler or a heat 

pump. 

As Redditch Matters went to press 

around 70,000 vouchers worth a total 

of £28 million were still up for grabs. 

All the major energy companies 

which sell and install boilers have now 

matched the offer, giving 

householders potentially £800 off the 

cost of a new efficient boiler. Some 

manufacturing companies are also 

offering deals. 

To find out more about the Boiler 

Scrappage Scheme and apply for a 

voucher, visit: www.est.org.uk or call 

0800 512 012. 


Shelters to celebrate sport and nature 

MORE details have emerged about new 

plans for bus shelter art in the borough. 

Following the success of projects to 

brighten up shelters in Matchborough, 

Winyates and Woodrow, Redditch 

Community Safety Partnership is planning 

more art in Abbeydale and Batchley. 

Pupils from Birchensale Middle School 

and Trinity High School will design the 

shelters in collaboration with 

Birmingham-based arts group Hedz. 

They will replace old, graffitied and 

damaged bus shelters on Bromsgrove 

Road, Batchley Road and Easemore 

Road. 

These new shelters will be the first ones to 

be situated on highways rather than bus 

lanes. The Batchley Road shelters will 

celebrate sports in Redditch. 

Two further brick bus shelters one in 

Easemore Road and one by Northleach 

Close will be painted with murals 

designed by local young people and 

protected by an anti-graffiti coating. 

Artwork from the latest projects will 

become part of an existing gallery 

celebrating Redditch’s bus shelter art in 

the Town Hall foyer. 

Pictured: Cllr Juliet Brunner and Peter Hill, one 

of Redditch Borough Council’s Community 

Safety Project Officers, by the display of bus 

shelter artwork 

Training helps partners 

tackle home security issues 

IN THE last Redditch Matters, we told 

you about a home security guide 

being trialled by Redditch 

Community Safety Partnership. 

The finishing touches are being put 

to the guide, which is due to be 

launched later this year. But in the 

meantime its author, Community 

Safety Project Officer Peter Hill, 

has been busy spreading the 

home security message in a 

different way. 

The Redditch Borough 

Council officer has devised 

a training package to help local 

organisations with a duty of care to 

residents, such as housing 

associations, understand why burglars 

target certain homes and what 

measures can be taken to prevent 

them. 

To date officers from West Mercia 

Police, Victim Support volunteers and 

staff from the Council’s own Tenancy 

team have undergone the training. 

This spring will see Stonham Housing 

Association staff getting to grips with 

the home security agenda. 

The intensive, practical two-day 

course prepares participants for 

assessing potential home security 

issues. Attendees are encouraged to 

view properties through the eyes of a 

burglar to help them identify 

weaknesses. 

The course is free to appropriate 

Redditch-based organisations. 

Anyone wanting to find out more 

about the training should contact 

Peter Hill on (01527) 64252 or email 

peter.hill@redditchbc.gov.uk 



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Bordesley monks 

reach Redditch 

by Ralph Richardson 

THE Domesday Book tells us that there 

were small numbers of people living in 

Ipsley and Tardebigge, but there is no 

sign of anyone in the area of central 

Redditch before 1138. This part of 

Worcestershire was still densely wooded 

and its soil a heavy clay which was 

frequently waterlogged. 

There was a very strong religious revival 

throughout Europe in the 12th Century. 

One major effect was the founding of a 

new order of monks in Citeaux, in 

Burgundy, France. These monks were 

called Cistercians. One of their founders 

was the Englishman Stephen Harding. It 

is possible that the parish church of 

Redditch, St Stephen’s, was named after 

him. 

Groups of 12 monks and an abbot were 

sent out from Citeaux. They founded a 

new abbey and, as soon as they had a 

surplus of monks, the next group of 13 

were sent out. The first company 

reached England in 1128 and settled in 

Waverley in Surrey. Five years later 

Waverley founded Garendon Abbey in 

Leicestershire and in 1138 thirteen 

monks from there arrived at Bordesley. 

They needed permission to settle and to 

build. They also needed a sponsor with 

money and spare land. Bordesley was 

part of the royal manor of Tardebigge. 

The lady of the manor was Queen 

Matilda, wife to King Stephen. It looks as 

if she was happy to give the monks what 

they wanted - after all, nobody lived 

down by the river. Unfortunately Queen 

Matilda was involved in her husband’s 

never ending civil wars and it seems from 

the Foundation Charter that the abbey 

was endowed by another Matilda, the 

daughter of Henry 1. She was the other 

protagonist in the English Civil War. 

The site for the monastery proved ideal. 

Nobody lived there, except possibly at a 

hamlet called Osmerley. It was rapidly 

demolished. Elaborate drainage 

schemes were begun. A stone church 

and necessary buildings were rapidly 

constructed. Fish pools were dug. The 

River Arrow was straightened. Huge 

ponds to provide water power for 

industrial uses were constructed. One 

had a water-driven trip hammer capable 

of forging iron and possibly steel. 

Weapons were made there – all years 

before the Industrial Revolution. 

Local landowners gave Bordesley Abbey 

large estates. This eased their passage to 

Heaven, or so they thought. Supplies of 

food and timber came from Hewell 

Grange – a grange being an outlying 

farm of a Cistercian Abbey. Bordesley 

had granges in the Cotswolds from 

which it obtained a huge supply of wool. 

It is possible 

that the 

bridge over 

the Avon at 

Bidford was 

built from the 

wealth of 

Bordesley to 

improve 

access to and from its Cotswolds 

estates. By 1536 Bordesley was the fifth 

wealthiest Cistercian abbey in England. 

Not bad for that empty, waterlogged 

piece of land. 

The abbey was closed down 400 years 

after it was founded. King Henry VIII, as 

so often, was short of money. He 

therefore decided to close all abbeys 

and confiscate all their estates. They 

were worth about one third of the 

nation’s wealth and Henry coveted this. 

A way of life which, in some places, had 

lasted nearly 1000 years, was 

abandoned forever. 

The Bordesley Abbey processional cross 

survives today at Mount Carmel Roman 

Catholic Church. Four of its library books 

are in the Bodleian Library, Oxford. Two 

of its mass vestments are kept at 

Downside Abbey near Bath. There is a 

tombstone to an Abbot of Bordesley, 

with his picture on it, at Hinton on the 

Green, south of Evesham. 


Fantastic fishing at 

Arrow Valley Lake 

AVID anglers can be reassured that fish 

stocks in Arrow Valley Lake are very 

healthy, following a recent Environment 

Agency survey. 

Agency staff netted three sections of the 

lake late last autumn. They were looking 

at issues such as stock levels, species of 

fish present and their ages, health and 

welfare. All these factors are a good 

indication of the overall health of the 

lake itself. 

The survey found a good stock and 

variety of fish, including bream, eels, 

perch, roach, roach bream hybrids and 

rudd, in addition to the carp and pike, 

which were not netted. 

The sample showed a good range of 

ages with fish as old as 12 being found 

in the lake. Laboratory analysis 

of fish scale samples 

also showed 

healthy 

rates of growth. 

The report concluded: “On 

the whole it seems the lake is 

well balanced with fish 

species and their 

abundance.” 

Details of the Environment 

Agency’s survey are on the 

Council’s website 

www.redditchbc.gov.uk in the 

Leisure and Culture section. 

Ray Cooke, Leisure Services Manager 

with the Council, said: “Concerns were 

raised last year at one of our 

Neighbourhood Groups about levels of 

fish stocks in the lake. We hope this 

survey will reassure residents. 

“We are also planning to run angling 

classes for children this year.” 

There is a charge for 

fishing in Arrow Valley 

Lake and payment can be made at the 

Countryside Centre. Details of charges 

can be found on the Council’s website. 

Anglers will also need to hold a rod 

licence, which is available from any post 

office. 

Your local NHS 

Stop Smoking Service. 

9 out of 10 

smokers who have used us, 

would recommend us. 

For nicotine replacement products 

and other treatment options on prescription 

and FREE SUPPORT in your area, call: 

0800 917 5602 or 01905 733757 

or email stop.smoking@worcestershire.nhs.uk 



Awards for sporting stars 

REDDITCH sports stars were 

recognised for their achievements 

as part of the Annual Sports 

Partnership Awards. 

The awards, which were organised 

by Redditch Borough Council’s 

Action Sport and Redditch School 

Sports Partnership, took place at 

the Palace Theatre on 21st 

January to a packed auditorium. 

The annual event is organised to 

recognise the work of volunteers, 

Having your say 

proves a real winner 

PUTTING forward ideas on the 

future of housing in 

Worcestershire has been a real 

winner for a Redditch resident. 

Anne Wass was awarded a £25 

voucher after completing and 

returning a Homing in on 

Housing survey to say what 

Worcestershire’s housing 

Elizabeth Prater 

(Volunteer of the Year) 

receiving her award 

from Mayor of the 

Borough of Redditch 

Cllr Malcolm Hall. 

coaches, players and clubs as 

well as individuals, teams and 

leaders from schools. 

Matthew Hartles, Action Sport 

Sports Development Officer, said: 

“We had the highest number of 

nominations since starting the 

awards five years ago, making the 

categories extremely strong. It is 

great to know that so much great 

work is being done by both adults 

and young people throughout the 

borough.” 

priorities should be for the next 

five years. 

The survey was carried out as part 

of the first ever Worcestershirewide 

housing strategy. 

For more information on the 

housing strategy visit 

www.redditchbc.gov.uk. 

WIN 

a month’s free 

gym and swimming 

REDDITCH residents young and old can stay 

fit and healthy with a range of facilities run 

by the Council’s Sports and Leisure Service. 

With three sports centres and two pools to 

choose from, residents can spend time in the 

gym, take part in fitness classes, swim, play 

badminton or try their hand at squash. 

And to get you started, Redditch Borough 

Council is giving one lucky winner a one month 

pass for two adults and two juniors aged 14 

and 15. 

The pass will include free use of the authority’s 

fitness suites with free swimming and 

discounted badminton or squash. 

For a chance to win, answer the following 

question. 

Q: What new facility is set to be built at 

Abbey Stadium 

Send your answer along with your name, 

address and telephone number to Redditch 

Matters Leisure Competition, Communications 

Team, Fourth Floor, Redditch Borough Council, 

Town Hall, Walter Stranz Square, Redditch, 

B98 8AH by 31st March. 

* The winner of the Redditch Matters Panto 

Competition was Mrs S Brittain of Webheath. 

Book your theatre tickets online 

REDDITCH theatre-goers can now book their tickets online. 

Palace Theatre customers can go to www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk 

to select their seats, pay, and choose whether to have their tickets sent in 

the post or ready for collection on the night. 



Friends across the miles 

FRIENDSHIPS are being forged across the world with the help of Redditch’s twinning associations. 

Redditch is twinned with others in Tanzania, Jamaica, Pakistan and 

France and each of the groups continue to grow and 

strengthen over time. 

One of the oldest twinning associations is The Friends of Auxerre, 

which was formed in 1956 and, despite the French town being 

more than 400 miles away, has produced strong friendships 

between the two countries. 

The group holds regular French classes to help people brush up 

on their skills as well as a number of social activities such as quiz 

nights, wine tasting, barn dancing and French film nights. 

During the summer, members of the Friends of Auxerre stay with 

families in the town to renew friendships, make new ones and learn 

more about the French way of life. 

On alternate years Auxerre residents visit Redditch and take part in 

social as well as cultural events during their visit. 

Annual membership for the Friends is £10 per family or £6 for an 

individual. A variety of social events are held usually once a month 

and a bi-monthly newsletter also keeps members up-to-date with events. 

For more information call Secretary Kath Batten on (01527) 500036 or email 

kathbatten@blueyonder.co.uk. 

Find out more about the links being formed in Pakistan in the next edition of Redditch 

Matters. 

Redditch’s other twinning links 

Mtwara, Tanzania, East Africa (1986) 

Redditch One World Link 

Contact: Mrs J Morgan, Secretary, on (01527) 893408 

(evenings) 

St Elizabeth, Jamaica, West Indies (1990) 

Descendants of Windrush 

Contact: descendantsofwindrush98@hotmail.com or via 

Unit 5B, Millsborough House, Ipsley Street, 

Redditch B98 7AL. 

Gruchet-le-Valasse, Normandy, France (1992) 

Friends of Gruchet 

Contact: Rev. M Herbert on (01527) 69975 

Gujar Khan, District of Rawalpindi, Pakistan (2003) 

Redditch Pakistan Community Forum 

Contact: Mr P Khawaja on (01527) 60781 (office) 

Photos: Carole Gandy 


Redditch – a great 

place to do business 

REDDITCH Borough Council ‘s Economic 

Development Unit has teamed up with 

the local Chamber of Commerce to 

launch the Redditch Business Expo. 

The free to attend event takes place on 

Tuesday 11th May at the Southcrest 

Manor Hotel and is being sponsored by 

NEW College and Hayward Wright. 

As well as being able to talk to owners 

and managers from a broad range of 

industries, visitors will be able to speak to 

the Council’s Economic Development, 

Procurement, Business Rates and 

Planning teams. In addition there will be 

seminars on topics such as sales and 

marketing as well as sector specific 

events. 

Kevin Dicks, Chief Executive of Redditch 

Borough Council, said: “We have much 

to be proud of in Redditch with a large 

Help to grow 

ENTREPRENEURS have been given help 

to grow their businesses with a new 

grant from the Council. 

The grant is available to businesses 

that have been trading for between 

18 months and five years and can be 

used to fund up to 50 per cent of a 

project which is designed to make a 

measurable difference to the business. 

The Business Booster Grant, which has 

a maximum value of £1,000 and is 

co-funded by Worcestershire County 

Council, can be used to help 

businesses access new markets, 

create a new job or purchase 

equipment that will improve the 

company’s viability. 

Seven businesses have already taken 

up the opportunity to get a Business 

Booster Grant. 

number of small and medium sized 

enterprise’s located here as well as 

many International companies. 

“We recognise that a sustainable 

community is one where businesses 

benefit from trading with one another 

and hope this event will go some way to 

help firms achieve their goals.” 

Any business that wants to get involved 

in the event should contact the 

Chamber of Commerce on 0845 641 

1641. 

The business section of the Council’s 

website will be updated as information 

on events unfold over the coming 

months. Visit 

www.redditchbc.gov.uk/business or 

contact Redditch Borough Council’s 

Economic Development Team on 

(01527) 64252. 

Georgina Harris, Economic 

Development Officer, said: “There are 

lots of new business start ups in 

Redditch as it is a great place to do 

business. It is important that these 

businesses go on to grow and create 

new jobs. The Business Booster Grant 

will help to support young businesses 

through what can be a vulnerable 

period so that they can go on to 

bigger and better things.” 

For more information about the 

Business Booster Grant, including 

eligibility criteria, contact the Economic 

Development Team on (01527) 

534082, email business@ 

redditchbc.gov.uk or visit our website 

www.redditchbc.gov.uk. 

New Council 

website page for 

businesses 

A NEW section of Redditch Borough 

Council’s website has been launched 

specifically aimed at businesses. 

The pages provide up-to-date, 

comprehensive, easy to find 

information. There is a frequently 

asked questions section that takes 

you to relevant pages within the 

website. 

There is also a free online guide to 

help businesses continue to operate 

in a crisis. The guide has been put 

together by Worcestershire County 

Council and Redan International, a 

Redditch-based company, and has 

been designed to help businesses, 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

➤ 

Understand the important inputs 

and output of the business 

Understand the critical 

dependencies to the business 

Plan for the ‘what ifs’, such as 

‘what if we have no power for 24 

hours’ and the implications to the 

business 

Write down in simple terms the 

‘what to do’ options 

Communicate to employees 

their roles and what they have to 

do 

➤ Communicate with all interested 

parties and create a portable 

(but secure) record of contact 

numbers 

The website can be accessed at 

www.redditchbc.gov.uk/business. 


Walk in the 

woodlands 

TAKE a walk off the beaten track and enjoy what Redditch has to offer this 

spring. 

Foxlydiate Woods is situated at the top of Brockhill Drive. And while many of us 

may drive past the woods on a regular basis on our 

way to Bromsgove, few of us probably 

realise there is an ancient 

woodland there waiting 

to be discovered. 

6 

5 

7 

8 

9 

4 

3 

Start: 

Foxlydiate Woods car park 

in Brockhill Drive. 

Length: About two miles 

taking about one hour 

depending on how fast you 

walk and whether you stop for a picnic. 

Terrain: Uneven and hilly. Wear a pair of 

good walking boots or wellies as it can 

be muddy. 

1 Go through the gate on the right 

hand side of the car park and walk 

up the steps into the field. Go past 

the Small-Leaved Lime tree before 

turning right and walk around the 

edge of field. 

2 As you reach the top of the hill, look 

back for magnificent views across 

Hewell Grange, Brockhill Wood and 

the new Brockhill estate. On a good 

day you can also see the Malverns. 

3 Keeping the Bromsgrove Highway to 

your right head down the hill. To your 

right you will see young trees and 

native shrubs which have been 

planted by volunteer groups to 

encourage wildlife. 

About halfway down the hill, take the 

left hand path where there is 

developing Hawthorn shrubland, as 

well as Oak and Ash trees. You can 

also see conifer trees including Scots 

Pine, Larch and Corsican Pine. 

1 

2 

4 Enter the woodland for a short period 

before coming to a tarmac path. Go 

through the fence and turn left. Walk 

20m along the tarmac path and turn 

right by the native Wild Cherry Tree. 

5 Follow the path. As you walk, the 

wood begins to narrow between Pine 

Tree Close and Bromsgrove Highway. 

6 It then widens into a small natural 

ancient woodland where there has 

been continuous planting of trees 

since the 1600s. As the track widens, 

the wood begins to fill out allowing 

you to see Yew, Hazel, Birch and Oak 

trees. Many of the hazel shrubs have 

been managed in the past by a 

method known as coppicing. 

7 You have made it to the halfway 

point and picnic stop with a 

number of benches. 

8 Turn left and head down the hill on 

the gravel path (alternatively heading 

right takes you towards Pitcher Oak 

Wood). At the large Oak tree turn left 

(straight on will take you to Pine Tree 

Close) and cross two wooden 

bridges. In this area you will see Hazel 

and Holly as well as lots of Ivy. Go 

across another bridge, turn right and 

go back through the narrow part of 

woodland. 

9 At the tarmac footpath crossroads, 

go straight ahead through the 

squeeze gap by the metal fence. We 

are now on the homeward leg. 

The route now takes you through a 

section of Foxlydiate Wood where 

various conifer species of trees have 

been planted, including Scots and 

Corsican Pine. Cross one further 

wooden sleeper bridge and proceed 

straight along the main path and up 

the hill towards the car park, where 

the walk first started. 


What’s on 

Selected events for April and May 

Farm Fun at Forge Mill 

Arrow Valley Countryside Centre 

(01527) 464000 


Easter Egg Trail 4th and 

5th April, 10am to 4pm. 

£1.50 per child. 

Easter Activities 7th and 

8th April. For ages six to 

12. £4. 

Willow Obelisk 

Making for 

adults 18th April, 

10am to 12noon 

or 1pm to 3pm. 

£20, includes 

materials. 

Coracle Course for 

adults 24th to 25th April. 

Build traditional river craft on this two day 

course. £150, includes materials. 

Crafty Fun 24th April, 10.30am to 12 noon. 

For ages six to 12. Book in advance. £4. 

Family Learning Activity - Woodland 

Wonder 25th April, 11am, 12.45pm or 

2.30pm. 

Crafty Fun 29th May, 10.30am to 12noon. 

For ages six to 12. Book in advance. £4. 

Family Learning Activity - Ugly Bug Ball 

30th May, drop in between 11am and 4pm. 

Palace Theatre 

(01527) 65203 

www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk 

High School Rocks 7th April, 7pm. Tickets from 

£7 to £11. Family tickets from £30 to £38. 

Mayor’s Variety Spectacular 10th April, 

7.30pm. Tickets £10 and £9 (discounted rate). 

Family ticket £30. 

The Furey’s and Davey Arthur 11th April, 

7.30pm. Tickets from £14 to £17. 

Theo the Mouse’s Musical Madhouse 13th 

April, 2pm. Tickets £8.50 and £7.50 (discounted 

rate). Family tickets £28. 

Maxine Grant Dancers of Tomorrow 16th and 

17th April, 7.15pm. All seats £10. 

Studley Operatic Society in Oliver! 20th to 

24th April, 7.30pm and Saturday matinee 

2.30pm. Tickets £13 and £10 (discounted rate). 

The Songs of Nick Drake 30th April, 7.30pm. 

Tickets £13 to £16. 

Beyond the Barricade 1st May, 7.30pm. Tickets 

from £16 to £19. 

‘ 

Ullenhall Players in ‘It Runs in the Family’ 

5th to 8th May, 7.30pm. Tickets £7.50 to £11.50. 

50 Years of Redditch Operatic Society 13th to 

15th May, 7.30pm. All seats £10. 

We’ll Meet Again 19th May, 2pm. Tickets £12 

and £10 (discounted rate). 

Imagination 21st May, 7.30pm. A must for fans 

of 80s live soul-funk music. Tickets £16 to £18. 

Mozartissimo – An Evening of Mozart Opera 

28th May, 7.30pm. Tickets £14 to £16. 

Dame Shirley Bassey – Get the Party Started 

Performed by Carolyn Rowe, 29th May. Tickets 

from £14 to £16. 


(01527) 62509 

www.forgemill.org.uk 

Contemporary Crafts Exhibition 20th March to 

25th April. 

Farm Fun 17th April, 11am to 4pm. Adults £2, 

children £1, family £5. 

In Continuum 30th April to 4th July. A solo quilt 

exhibition by Janice Gunner. 

Precious Mica Amulets 1st May, 10am to 4pm. 

Make intriguing neckpieces. £25. 

National Mills Day 9th May, 11am to 4pm. 

Triangle Trickery and 

Secret Square 22nd 

May, 10am to 4pm. 

Learn how to make 

fabric origami 

patchwork.£25. 

Performance at 

the Mill 30th May. 

From Indigo Arts Theatre 

What do you think of Redditch Matters 

Tell us what you think of Redditch Matters for a chance of winning a £25 Kingfisher Shopping Centre Giftcard. 

Redditch Matters was relaunched a year ago to help inform residents of Council news and now we want to know what you think of it. Please fill 

in the following short survey with your name and contact details and return it to Reader’s Survey, Communications Team, 4th Floor, Redditch 

Borough Council, Town Hall, Walter Stranz Square, Redditch B98 8AH by 1st May. All completed surveys will be entered into a prize draw. 

Please tick one of the following answers in questions one to five. 

1 Approximately how much time do you 

spend looking through an issue of 

Redditch Matters 

Less than 15 minutes 

15 to 30 minutes 



More than one hour 

2 Which of the following phrases best 

describe how you use Redditch 

Matters 

Skim the titles to be aware 

of the contents 

Read articles of interest 

Read entire issue 

Put it in the recycle bin 

without reading anything 

3 How would you rate the overall layout 

of the magazine 

Excellent Poor 

Good Undecided 

Fair 

4 How would you rate the content in 

Redditch Matters 

Excellent Poor 

Good Undecided 

Fair 

5 How useful do you find the information 

in Redditch Matters 

Very 

Fairly 

Occasionally 

Not at all 

6 What three topics interest you the most 

Please rate one to three. 

Recycling and waste collection 

Leisure 

Planning 

Housing 

Voluntary sector 

Community Safety 

Parks and green spaces 

Arts 

Older people’s services 

Younger people’s services 

Other ................................................ 

7 Any other comments about the 

magazine 

................................................................... 

.................................................................. 

Name .......................................................... address ............................................................................................................................... 

daytime contact tel. ........................................................................................................... 



❁ 

Re-use this spring 

This time of year is ideal for having a big spring 

clean. With this comes the discovery of 

unwanted items, many too good to throw 

away. One simple solution is to donate these 

items to a local re-use organisation. There are a 

that will take unwanted items, some of which 

are listed here: 

Boomerang 01527 68250 

Newstarts 01527 882410 

Primrose Hospice 01562 513399 

❁ 

Many of these organisations take a variety of 

items and others specialise in certain things, 

such as furniture, computers, bicycles and 

electrical goods. Some even offer a collection 

service for large bulky items, such as beds or 

wardrobes. 

Full addresses and further details of all the 

re-use organisations in Worcestershire can be 

found by visiting 

www.wastemissionimpossible.org.uk 

or by calling 01905 766883 

Local charity shops 

are always willing to take 

❁ 

clothes, books, toys 

and bric-a- brac. 

❁ 

number of organisations within Worcestershire 

❁ 

(furniture, electrical) 

(furniture, electrical) 

(furniture) 


Contacting the Council 

Website 


Email: worcestershirehub@redditchbc.gov.uk 

By phone 

Redditch Contact Centre (part of the Worcestershire Hub) - (01527) 534123 for domestic refuse, repairs, 

highways, disabled persons’ parking badges. 

All other enquiries (01527) 64252 (Mon-Thurs 9am-5.30pm. Fri 9am - 5pm) 

Emergency out of hours (01527) 67666 Minicom 595528 Fax (01527) 65216 

In person 

Four One Stop Shops (part of the Worcestershire Hub) 

Town Hall One Stop Shop, Town Hall, Walter Stranz Square, Redditch B98 8AH 

Open: Mon, Tues and Thurs 9am-5.30pm. Wed 10am-5.30pm. Fri 9am-5pm. Sat 9am-12pm. 

Batchley One Stop Shop, Batchley Shopping Centre, 183 Batchley Rd, Batchley, Redditch B97 6JB 

Woodrow One Stop Shop, Woodrow Shopping Centre, Studley Road, Redditch B98 6RY 

Winyates One Stop Shop, Unit 3, Winyates Centre, Redditch B98 0NR 

(For opening times visit the website as above or phone (01527) 534123) 

Contacting your Councillor 

Ward Councillors Party Telephone Email 

Abbey (2) Colin MacMillan Con 07990 733247 colin.macmillan@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Diane Thomas Lib Dem 523985 diane.thomas@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Astwood Bank & 

Feckenham (2) Michael Chalk Con 63319 mike.chalk@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Brandon Clayton Con 501797/ 07825 604072 brandon.clayton@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Batchley and 

Brockhill (3) Jack Cookson Lab 451124 jack.cookson@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Jinny Pearce Con 07983 456146 jinny.pearce@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Brenda Quinney Con 07944 963991 brenda.quinney@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Central (2) Greg Chance Lab 456264 greg.chance@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Debbie Taylor Lab 07917 072710 debbie.taylor@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Church Hill (3) Bill Hartnett Lab 836802 bill.hartnett@redditchbc.gov.uk 

David Hunt Lab 401991 david.hunt@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Robin King Lab 456792 robin.king@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Crabbs Cross (2) Jack Field Con 542985 jack.field@redditchbc.gov.uk 

David Smith Con 401665 david.smith@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Greenlands (3) Wanda King Lab 456792 wanda.king@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Phil Mould Lab 544663 phil.mould@redditchbc.gov.uk 

William Norton Con 542375 william.norton@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Headless Cross & 

Oakenshaw (3) Peter Anderson Con 401367/07943 811561 peter.anderson@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Gay Hopkins Con 524197 gay.hopkins@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Carole Gandy Con 542022/07739 431049 carole.gandy@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Lodge Park (2) Andy Fry Lab 455646/07894 058880 andy.fry@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Mark Shurmer Lab 455296 mark.shurmer@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Matchborough (2) Juliet Brunner Con 07990 733054 juliet.brunner@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Anita Clayton Con 501797/07737 317493 anita.clayton@redditchbc.gov.uk 

West (2) Kath Banks Con 404599 kath.banks@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Michael Braley Con 543433 michael.braley@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Winyates (3) David Enderby BNP 07967 385074 david.enderby@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Malcolm Hall Lib Dem 523985 malcolm.hall@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Nigel Hicks Lib Dem 523036 nigel.hicks@redditchbc.gov.uk 

All telephone numbers have the 01527 area code except mobiles. (All details correct at the time of going to print) 

Copies of Council publications can be made available in 

large print, Braille and audio cassette or if you would like 

help with translation into another language please call 

(01527) 64252 ext 3002 

Sports and 

leisure venues 

Arrow Valley Countryside Centre 

Battens Drive, South Moons Moat, 

Redditch B98 0LJ 

Tel: (01527) 464000 

email: avcc@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Forge Mill Needle Museum & 

Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre 

Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, 

Redditch B98 8HY 

Tel: (01527) 62509 

email: museum@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Palace Theatre 

Alcester Street, Redditch B98 8AE 

Bookings: (01527) 65203 

Administration: (01527) 61544 

Youth Theatre: (01527) 68484 

Abbey Stadium Sports Centre 

Birmingham Road, Redditch 

B97 6EJ 

Tel: (01527) 60206 

email: 

keith.omeally@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Arrow Vale Sports and 

Leisure Centre 

Green Sward Lane, Matchborough, 

Redditch B98 OEN 

Tel: (01527) 500010 

email: 

scott.brinkworth@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Hewell Road Swimming Pool 

Hewell Road, Redditch, B97 6BA 

Tel: (01527) 64189 

email: 

scott.brinkworth@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Kingsley Sports Centre 

Off Woodrow Drive, Woodrow, 

Redditch B98 7UH 

Tel: (01527) 529724 

email: 

richard.boyd@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Pitcheroak Golf Course 

Plymouth Road, Redditch B97 4PB 

Tel: (01527) 541054 

Sports and Leisure 

(General Enquiries) 

Tel: (01527) 64252 

email: 

dave.wheeler@redditchbc.gov.uk 

or ray.cooke@redditchbc.gov.uk 

Tourist Information Centre 

Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, 

Redditch B98 8AE 

Tel: (01527) 60806 

email: 

info.centre@redditchbc.gov.uk

On your bike! - Redditch Borough Council - Worcestershire Hub

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