2011 Awards Nomination 2

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4-Apr-12

4:52 PM

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Supporting Worcestershire's History & Heritage

The Worcestershire Local History Forum

Redditch Local History Society

Nominated for the “Redditch In Wartime” project

Redditch in Wartime The Redditch Local History Society was only founded in October 2009 and currently has about 20 Members. However in November of 2010 it agreed with the management of Forge Mill to mount an exhibition on "Redditch in Wartime'' during April/May of 2011

It was decided that the exhibition would concentrate of the stories and experiences of the people of Redditch during the Second World War and appeals were launched in the local press and media for residents to submit their experiences. Research was also carried out using the Redditch Indicator newspaper records in the local library to construct a timelier of local wartime events and a second appeal made for memorabilia and artifacts from the period. The result was very encouraging and included many personal artifacts and records for the war, individual wartime papers, uniforms, signs and even a Flying Flea motor cycle.

From the research carried out and the support received the exhibition was mounted in the Gallery at Forge Mill and opened by the Redditch Borough Leader, Carole Gandy. Carole stood in for the Mayor who was unavailable at the last minute).

The exhibition ran for 8 weeks and every two weeks the theme and content was changed. Initially the theme was The Home Front then The Home Guard & The Defence of Worcestershire In the third two-week period Redditch Industry in Wartime was featured and for he last two weeks the Victory in Redditch theme showed stories of the many street parties, the carnival and the celebrations that took place as the town adjusted to peace again.

In addition to the exhibition, the society organised six weekend lectures, 3 given by Dr. Bob Bushaway putting the war in context, Tony Buttler gave two presentations on the the story of High Duty Alloys and the Redditch U3A gave 4 performances of the the Redditch memories collected set to words and music. Of particular interest was a 1941 film of HDA'S work forging parts for the war effort. This film is recognised to be an excellent example of social history of the time.

Finally, is association with the Forge Mill Staff, two All day events were held with re-enactment societies and other groups where Forge Mill was transported back to the 1940's. or a new, small society the exhibition represents one of the most complete stories of the impact of world war two on the two and is a credit to all the members who worked on the project.

Result: 2nd Place Highly Commended