Redditch
Encyclopedia
Redditch is a town
and local government district
in north-east Worcestershire
, England, approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) south of Birmingham
. The district had a population
of 79,216 in 2005. In the 19th century it became the international centre for the needle and fishing tackle industry. At one point 90% of the world's needles were manufactured in the town and its neighbourhoods.
In the 1960s it became a model for modern new-town planning.
urban area but is not part of it (being in Worcestershire), northwest of Studley
on the A435
, which skirts it to the east. The main route of access is the A441
, a trunk road from Birmingham to Cookhill, via junction 2 of the M42
Motorway. The Roman Road
known as Icknield Street
is prominent, running north to south through the eastern side of the town.
(Köppen climate classification
Cfb) similar to almost all of the United Kingdom.
The first recorded mention of Redditch ("Red-Dych", thought to be a reference to the red clay of the nearby River Arrow) is in 1348, the year of the outbreak of the Black Death
. During the Middle Ages
it became a centre of needle
-making and later prominent industries were fish-hooks, fishing tackle, motorcycles and springs, the latter notably by Herbert Terry and Sons. It was designated a new town
in 1964 and the population increased dramatically from 32,000 to around 77,000. Housing developments such as Church Hill, Matchborough, Winyates, Lodge Park and Woodrow were created to accommodate the large overspill from an industrially expanding Birmingham. Redditch was built as a 'flagship' town using new methods and new town planning; all the main roads (mostly new dual carriageways as well as a ring road for the town centre) in Redditch were banked to reduce noise to the new housing estates and the whole of Redditch was landscaped.
By the 21st century needle-making and other traditional industries had been replaced by modern light industry and services, with Redditch also functioning as a dormitory town for Birmingham. The automotive retailer Halfords
and engineering giant GKN
both have their headquarters in Redditch. Manufacturer of precious metal contacts Samuel Taylor Ltd has manufacturing plants within the town. Following the redevelopment of the flagship Kingfisher Shopping Centre in 2002 Redditch is undergoing an economic and cultural renaissance.
The town is home to several historical sites. The National Needle Museum
and the ruins of Bordesley Abbey
are located in the Abbey Ward district of Redditch), and the remains of a medieval moated settlement called Moons Moat is situated within the Church Hill estate.
Redditch is featured in a section heading in An Utterly Impartial History of Britain by John O'Farrell
.
is represented by Karen Lumley of the Conservatives
, who defeated the Labour incumbent and former Home Secretary
Jacqui Smith
in the 2010 General Election.
maintained overall control. The borough council became Conservative controlled in the 2008 local elections
after being under either Labour control or no overall control
for 26 years. From 2008-2009 Cllr Jack Field (C) was the mayor of the town, Cllr Malcolm Hall (LD) 2009-2010, and now Cllr Kath Banks is the newly chosen mayor for 2010-2011. Cllr Anita Clayton was chosen as Mayor for the 2011-2012 period.
Abbey - Diane Thomas (Liberal Democrat), Colin MacMillan (Conservative
)
Astwood Bank & Feckenham
- Michael Chalk (Conservative
), Brandon Clayton Conservative
)
Batchley & Brockhill - Jack Cookson (Labour
), Jinny Pearce (Conservative
), Brenda Quinney (Conservative
)
Central - Greg Chance (Labour
), Debbie Taylor (Labour
)
Church Hill - Bill Harnett (Labour
), David Hunt (Labour
), Robin King (Labour
)
Crabbs Cross - David Smith (Conservative
), Jack Field (Conservative
)
Greenlands - Wanda King (Labour
), Phil Mould (Labour
), William Norton (Conservative
)
Headless Cross & Oakenshaw - Peter Anderson (Conservative
), Carole Gandy (Leader of the Council) (Conservative
, Gay Hopkins (Conservative
)
Lodge Park - Andrew Fry (Labour
), Mark Shurmer (Labour
)
Matchborough - Juliet Brunner (Conservative
), Anita Clayton (Conservative
)
West - Kath Banks (Conservative
), Michael Braley (Conservative
)
Winyates - David Enderby (British National Party
), Malcolm Hall (Mayor 2009-2010) (Liberal Democrat), Nigel Hicks (Liberal Democrat)
In November 2006 - February 2008, the Student Council won funding to deliver a series of multi-cultural events: two in Redditch and a further five across the County of Worcestershire.
in nearby Tardebigge
: Hewell Grange, Brockhill and Blakenhurst prisons. This is one of the first mergers along the Titan Prison
concept. It was originally to be called 'HMP Redditch' but the name was changed due to a public outcry, especially as the prison was not to be located in the town. The prison will lie in the neighbouring town of Bromsgrove. The new name was announced in March 2008.
is a short drive away and it is linked by dual carriageways and A-class roads to surrounding towns such as Bromsgrove
and Evesham. There are regular bus services to Studley, Bromsgrove, Catshill
and Birmingham
.
. Redditch railway station
, the southern terminus of the line, was first opened as the terminus of the Redditch Railway on 19 September 1859, alongside what is now Clive Road. This first station stayed until 4 May 1868 when the last section from Alcester
to Redditch of the Redditch and Evesham Railway was closed, at which point a second station was built alongside the junction of Bromsgrove Road and Plymouth Road. This station was provided with a standard Midland Railway design and two platforms. The current station, built in 1993, offers little more than a ticket office and a store.
, First and other operators (including Hardings Coaches, Johnsons Excel Bus). Many services run from the bus station in the town centre, a postcard of which was voted Britain's most boring postcard in a competition run by the photographer Martin Parr
. The bus station was rebuilt as part of the 2002 shopping centre expansion.
Some areas of Redditch have dedicated bus routes; however, there have been issues with safety on these routes and 3 children have died over the past 15 years. A campaign group called The Redditch Foundation is being set up to campaign for better safety on the bus routes.
, including the only cloverleaf interchange
in England at the junction of the A441 and the Bromsgrove-bound A448
. The system is designed to allow rapid flow of large volumes of traffic around the various districts
and into the town centre, whilst keeping fast moving vehicles separated from residential streets. Due to the self-similar appearance of the road layout, some drivers find it disorientating, although the story of an elderly couple admitted to hospital with severe dehydration after spending more than sixty hours trying to navigate the highway system is an urban legend
. Redditch was briefly famous for a tongue-in-cheek calendar featuring its "picturesque" roundabouts created by a local printing company. The calendar was called, unsurprisingly, 'Redditch Roundabouts,' and it proved so successful that it sparked a national series.
, where students attend first school
from the age of five, middle school
from the age of nine, and secondary school
at the age of 13. Other areas of Worcestershire
adopted this system at the same time as Redditch (in the 1970s
), but many have reverted back to the traditional 5-7 infant, 7-11 junior and 11-16/18 secondary schools.
Redditch currently has four secondary schools, Saint Augustine's High School
, Kingsley College
, Trinity High School
and Arrow Vale High School
.
North East Worcestershire College
(often referred to locally as "NEW College") is a large general further education
college: one of its two campuses is in central Redditch; the other is in Bromsgrove.
's novel The History Man
, which was dramatised by the BBC
in 1981, contained a reference to Redditch when Flora Beniform, a sociologist, mentioned to the hero
Howard Kirk that she was studying an outbreak of troilism
in Redditch.
It is also mentioned in the John Cooper Clarke song, 'Burnley'.
Rik Mayall
's Kevin Turvey — The Man Behind The Green Door was set and filmed in Redditch.
Kingfisher Shopping Centre
was opened in 1976 by the then Prime Minister James Callaghan
and now forms the town's primary retail centre. It is well known for its palm trees
in the centre's Worcester Square.
The centre has over 1100000 square feet (102,193.3 m²) of retail space, with anchor stores Debenhams
& Primark
making it one of the largest covered shopping centres in the United Kingdom. In 2007, a cinema opened on the new upper floor.
Redditch benefits from 900 acres (3.6 km²) of public open space in Arrow Valley Country Park
. This incorporates the 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) Arrow Valley Lake, fed from the River Arrow
.
The Arrow Valley Countryside centre,opened in 2000, in the Country Park has a lakeside café, gift shop and an interactive exhibition. The lake is also used for water sports. There are 4 beautiful way marked trails used for walking and cycling around the lake and through the Country Park. There is a skate park in the south of the Park with walks the length of the river Arrow through the Country Park to the Forge Mill Museum in the north. There are interactive events and family activities to get involved in at the Countryside Centre and a comprehensive children's play area.
motorcycle. This is where the main factory of the original company was located and the business continued manufacturing through the sixties, the last model being the Interceptor
. The Redditch factory was closed in 1967 and production was moved to Bradford on Avon
factory which also ended in 1970 thereby ending the English manufacturing. In the mid fifties, the Company established a partner, Madras Motors
in Madras, India, who manufactured the Bullet
350 model. The Indian factory is still very successful, with new Indian models and has taken Royal Enfield into its third century of manufacturing. Some of the original factory buildings in Redditch still remain, most are in a derelict state and can be seen from Hewell Road. Some buildings have been taken over and now make the old part of Enfield Industrial Estate close to the town centre on Hewell Road.
In 1986 Redditch was twinned with Mtwara in Tanzania. Frequent events are organised with assistance from the community of Tanzanian students at Birmingham University and Selly Oak College.
Redditch RFC
Redditch CC
Town
A town is a human settlement larger than a village but smaller than a city. The size a settlement must be in order to be called a "town" varies considerably in different parts of the world, so that, for example, many American "small towns" seem to British people to be no more than villages, while...
and local government district
Non-metropolitan district
Non-metropolitan districts, or colloquially shire districts, are a type of local government district in England. As created, they are sub-divisions of non-metropolitan counties in a so-called "two-tier" arrangement...
in north-east Worcestershire
Worcestershire
Worcestershire is a non-metropolitan county, established in antiquity, located in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three counties that comprise the "Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire" NUTS 2 region...
, England, approximately 15 miles (24.1 km) south of Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a...
. The district had a population
Population
A population is all the organisms that both belong to the same group or species and live in the same geographical area. The area that is used to define a sexual population is such that inter-breeding is possible between any pair within the area and more probable than cross-breeding with individuals...
of 79,216 in 2005. In the 19th century it became the international centre for the needle and fishing tackle industry. At one point 90% of the world's needles were manufactured in the town and its neighbourhoods.
In the 1960s it became a model for modern new-town planning.
Geography
Redditch lies just south of the West MidlandsWest Midlands (county)
The West Midlands is a metropolitan county in western central England with a 2009 estimated population of 2,638,700. It came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972, formed from parts of Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire. The...
urban area but is not part of it (being in Worcestershire), northwest of Studley
Studley
Studley is a large village and civil parish in the Stratford-on-Avon district of Warwickshire, England. Situated on the western edge of Warwickshire near the border with Worcestershire it is southeast of Redditch and northwest of Stratford. The Roman road of Ryknild Street, now the A435, passes...
on the A435
A435 road
The A435 is a main road in England running between Birmingham and Cirencester .-Birmingham to Alcester:...
, which skirts it to the east. The main route of access is the A441
A441 road
A441 is an A-road in England which runs from central Birmingham to Cookhill, Worcestershire.-History:Once one of the main routes between Evesham, Redditch and Birmingham, the A441 has now largely been superseded by A435 which has been upgraded to the East...
, a trunk road from Birmingham to Cookhill, via junction 2 of the M42
M42 motorway
The M42 motorway is a major road in England. The motorway runs north east from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire to just south west of Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, passing Redditch, Solihull, the National Exhibition Centre and Tamworth on the way. The section between the M40 and M6 road forms...
Motorway. The Roman Road
Roman road
The Roman roads were a vital part of the development of the Roman state, from about 500 BC through the expansion during the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Roman roads enabled the Romans to move armies and trade goods and to communicate. The Roman road system spanned more than 400,000 km...
known as Icknield Street
Icknield Street
Icknield Street or Ryknild Street is a Roman road in Britain that runs from the Fosse Way at Bourton on the Water in Gloucestershire to Templeborough in South Yorkshire...
is prominent, running north to south through the eastern side of the town.
Climate
Redditch experiences an oceanic climateOceanic climate
An oceanic climate, also called marine west coast climate, maritime climate, Cascadian climate and British climate for Köppen climate classification Cfb and subtropical highland for Köppen Cfb or Cwb, is a type of climate typically found along the west coasts at the middle latitudes of some of the...
(Köppen climate classification
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
Cfb) similar to almost all of the United Kingdom.
History
Black Death
The Black Death was one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, peaking in Europe between 1348 and 1350. Of several competing theories, the dominant explanation for the Black Death is the plague theory, which attributes the outbreak to the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Thought to have...
. During the Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
it became a centre of needle
Sewing needle
A sewing needle is a long slender tool with a pointed tip. The first needles were made of bone or wood; modern ones are manufactured from high carbon steel wire, nickel- or 18K gold plated for corrosion resistance. The highest quality embroidery needles are plated with two-thirds platinum and...
-making and later prominent industries were fish-hooks, fishing tackle, motorcycles and springs, the latter notably by Herbert Terry and Sons. It was designated a new town
New town
A new town is a specific type of a planned community, or planned city, that was carefully planned from its inception and is typically constructed in a previously undeveloped area. This contrasts with settlements that evolve in a more ad hoc fashion. Land use conflicts are uncommon in new...
in 1964 and the population increased dramatically from 32,000 to around 77,000. Housing developments such as Church Hill, Matchborough, Winyates, Lodge Park and Woodrow were created to accommodate the large overspill from an industrially expanding Birmingham. Redditch was built as a 'flagship' town using new methods and new town planning; all the main roads (mostly new dual carriageways as well as a ring road for the town centre) in Redditch were banked to reduce noise to the new housing estates and the whole of Redditch was landscaped.
By the 21st century needle-making and other traditional industries had been replaced by modern light industry and services, with Redditch also functioning as a dormitory town for Birmingham. The automotive retailer Halfords
Halfords
Halfords Group plc is a leading retailer of car parts, car enhancements and bicycles operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Czech Republic and more recently in Poland, although it is currently pulling out of the latter two countries...
and engineering giant GKN
GKN
GKN plc is a multinational automotive and aerospace components company headquartered in Redditch, United Kingdom. The company was formerly known as Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds and can trace its origins back to 1759 and the birth of the Industrial Revolution.GKN is listed on the London Stock...
both have their headquarters in Redditch. Manufacturer of precious metal contacts Samuel Taylor Ltd has manufacturing plants within the town. Following the redevelopment of the flagship Kingfisher Shopping Centre in 2002 Redditch is undergoing an economic and cultural renaissance.
The town is home to several historical sites. The National Needle Museum
Forge Mill Needle Museum
The Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch, Worcestershire, is a historic museum depicting Redditch's Industrial Heritage. Opened in 1983 by Queen Elizabeth II, it records how in Victorian times, Redditch was the international centre of the needle and fishing tackle industry and once produced 90% of...
and the ruins of Bordesley Abbey
Bordesley Abbey
Bordesley Abbey was a 12th century Cistercian abbey near the town of Redditch, in Worcestershire, England.The abbey's foundation has been attributed to Queen Maud, but it is actually down to Waleran de Beaumont, Count of Meulan who gave the monks of Garendon Abbey in Leicestershire some more land....
are located in the Abbey Ward district of Redditch), and the remains of a medieval moated settlement called Moons Moat is situated within the Church Hill estate.
Redditch is featured in a section heading in An Utterly Impartial History of Britain by John O'Farrell
John O'Farrell
John O'Farrell is a British author, broadcaster and comedy scriptwriter.-Early life:O’Farrell grew up in Maidenhead, Berkshire the youngest of three children, attending Courthouse Primary School and then Desborough Comprehensive...
.
Politics
The parliamentary constituency of RedditchRedditch (UK Parliament constituency)
Redditch is a county constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elects one Member of Parliament by the first past the post system of election. It was created in 1997 following major changes to the Mid Worcestershire constituency.- Boundaries :This...
is represented by Karen Lumley of the Conservatives
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
, who defeated the Labour incumbent and former Home Secretary
Home Secretary
The Secretary of State for the Home Department, commonly known as the Home Secretary, is the minister in charge of the Home Office of the United Kingdom, and one of the country's four Great Offices of State...
Jacqui Smith
Jacqui Smith
Jacqueline Jill "Jacqui" Smith is a member of the British Labour Party. She served as the Member of Parliament for Redditch from 1997 until 2010 and was the first ever female Home Secretary, thus making her the third woman to hold one of the Great Offices of State — after Margaret Thatcher and...
in the 2010 General Election.
Redditch Borough Council
In 2011 the ConservativesConservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
maintained overall control. The borough council became Conservative controlled in the 2008 local elections
Redditch Council election, 2008
Elections to Redditch Council were held on 1 May 2008. One third of the council was up for election and the Conservative party gained overall control of the council from no overall control. Overall turnout was 33.2%....
after being under either Labour control or no overall control
No overall control
Within the context of local councils of the United Kingdom, the term No Overall Control refers to a situation in which no single party achieves a majority of seats and is analogous to a hung parliament...
for 26 years. From 2008-2009 Cllr Jack Field (C) was the mayor of the town, Cllr Malcolm Hall (LD) 2009-2010, and now Cllr Kath Banks is the newly chosen mayor for 2010-2011. Cllr Anita Clayton was chosen as Mayor for the 2011-2012 period.
Wards
| Council Ward | Constituency Boundary | Party in Power | Opposition Party | Councillors | Parish/Village |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbey | Abbeydale, Riverside & Beoley | Liberal Democrat Party & Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... |
Lib Dem & Conservative | Diane Thomas & Colin MacMillian | |
| Astwood Bank & Feckenham Feckenham Feckenham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Redditch in Worcestershire, England. It lies some three miles south-west of the town of Redditch and is around twelve miles north-east of the ancient city of Worcester... |
Astwood Bank Astwood Bank Astwood Bank is a village adjoining Redditch, Worcestershire to the south. The village is noted for its successful cricket team, who have twice played at Lords in the National Village Knock Out Final.-Politics:... , Bradley Green Bradley Green, Worcestershire Bradley Green is a village in Worcestershire, England. It is located just south of the town of Redditch and south of Feckenham, Astwood Bank, Callow Hill and Inkberrow.... , Feckenham Feckenham Feckenham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Redditch in Worcestershire, England. It lies some three miles south-west of the town of Redditch and is around twelve miles north-east of the ancient city of Worcester... , Hunt End & Ham Green Ham Green, Redditch Ham Green is a Hamlet outside Redditch, Worcestershire. It lies in between the villages of Feckenham, Callow Hill, Elcocks Brook & Cruise Hill.... |
Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... |
Liberal Democrat Party | Michael Chalk & Brandon Clayton | Feckenham Parish Feckenham Feckenham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Redditch in Worcestershire, England. It lies some three miles south-west of the town of Redditch and is around twelve miles north-east of the ancient city of Worcester... |
| Batchley & Brockhill | Batchley, Brockhill & Enfield | Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... & Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Jack Cookson, Brenda Quinney & Jinny Pearce | |
| Central | Redditch Town Centre, Church Green, Southcrest & Smallwood | Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... |
Greg Chance & Debbie Taylor | |
| Church Hill | Church Hill & Moons Moat | Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... & Liberal Democrat Party |
David Hunt, Bill Harnett & Robin King | |
| Crabbs Cross & Rural | Crabbs Cross, Walkwood & Callow Hill | Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... |
Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Jack Field & David Smith | Feckenham Parish Feckenham Feckenham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Redditch in Worcestershire, England. It lies some three miles south-west of the town of Redditch and is around twelve miles north-east of the ancient city of Worcester... Callow Hill ONLY |
| Greenlands | Greenlands, Wire Hill, Woodrow & Park Farm | Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... , Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... |
Labour Party & Conservative | Wanda King, William Norton & Phillip Mould | |
| Headless Cross & Oakenshaw | Headless Cross, Oakenshaw * Oakenshaw South | Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... |
Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Gay Hopkins, Peter Anderson & (Leader of Council) Carole Gandy | |
| Lodge Park | Lodge Park, St. Georges, Lakeside & Greenlands | Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... |
Andrew Fry & Mark Shurmer | |
| Matchborough | Matchborough, Ipsley & Washford | Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... |
Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Juliet Brunner & Anita Clayton | |
| West | Webheath Webheath Webheath is a district of Redditch, in Worcestershire, England. The district neighbours Batchley and the village of Callow Hill. It is also near Feckenham and Astwood Bank... , Elcocks Brook Elcocks Brook Elcocks Brook is a small hamlet located near the town of Redditch, Worcestershire.-Politics:Elcock's Brook is part of the Astwood Bank and Feckenham ward on the Redditch Borough Council... , Cruise Hill Cruise Hill Cruise Hill is a Hamlet outside Redditch, Worcestershire. It lies in between the villages of Feckenham, Callow Hill, Elcocks Brook & Ham Green.... & Norgrove Norgrove Court Norgrove Court is a stately home near Redditch in Eastern Worcestershire built in 1649. It is a Grade I listed building.-Location:Norgrove Court is located on Norgrove Lane, in between Webheath and Elcocks Brook.... |
Conservative Party Conservative Party (UK) The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House... |
Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Kath Banks & Michael Braley | Feckenham Parish - Elcock's Brook, Norgrove & Cruise Hill ONLY Webheath not included Feckenham Feckenham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Redditch in Worcestershire, England. It lies some three miles south-west of the town of Redditch and is around twelve miles north-east of the ancient city of Worcester... |
| Winyates | Winyates | Liberal Democrat Party & British National Party British National Party The British National Party is a British far-right political party formed as a splinter group from the National Front by John Tyndall in 1982... |
Labour Party Labour Party (UK) The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after... |
Malcolm Hall, David Enderby & Nigel Hicks |
Abbey - Diane Thomas (Liberal Democrat), Colin MacMillan (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
)
Astwood Bank & Feckenham
Feckenham
Feckenham is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Redditch in Worcestershire, England. It lies some three miles south-west of the town of Redditch and is around twelve miles north-east of the ancient city of Worcester...
- Michael Chalk (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
), Brandon Clayton Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
)
Batchley & Brockhill - Jack Cookson (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
), Jinny Pearce (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
), Brenda Quinney (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
)
Central - Greg Chance (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
), Debbie Taylor (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
)
Church Hill - Bill Harnett (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
), David Hunt (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
), Robin King (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
)
Crabbs Cross - David Smith (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
), Jack Field (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
)
Greenlands - Wanda King (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
), Phil Mould (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
), William Norton (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
)
Headless Cross & Oakenshaw - Peter Anderson (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
), Carole Gandy (Leader of the Council) (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
, Gay Hopkins (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
)
Lodge Park - Andrew Fry (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
), Mark Shurmer (Labour
Labour Party (UK)
The Labour Party is a centre-left democratic socialist party in the United Kingdom. It surpassed the Liberal Party in general elections during the early 1920s, forming minority governments under Ramsay MacDonald in 1924 and 1929-1931. The party was in a wartime coalition from 1940 to 1945, after...
)
Matchborough - Juliet Brunner (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
), Anita Clayton (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
)
West - Kath Banks (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
), Michael Braley (Conservative
Conservative Party (UK)
The Conservative Party, formally the Conservative and Unionist Party, is a centre-right political party in the United Kingdom that adheres to the philosophies of conservatism and British unionism. It is the largest political party in the UK, and is currently the largest single party in the House...
)
Winyates - David Enderby (British National Party
British National Party
The British National Party is a British far-right political party formed as a splinter group from the National Front by John Tyndall in 1982...
), Malcolm Hall (Mayor 2009-2010) (Liberal Democrat), Nigel Hicks (Liberal Democrat)
Redditch Student Council
Redditch has its own Student Council, set up by the Borough Council in 1993 to help the Council to get in touch with young adults. The Student Council is made up by representatives from the four main High Schools. They are democratically elected every year.In November 2006 - February 2008, the Student Council won funding to deliver a series of multi-cultural events: two in Redditch and a further five across the County of Worcestershire.
HMP Hewell
Redditch was to be the new designation of reorganised prison HMP Hewell, due to be created from the merger of three prisons at Hewell GrangeHewell Grange
This article is about the Hewell Grange country house and estate. For Hewell Prison, see Hewell Hewell Grange is a country house in Tardebigge, Worcestershire, England....
in nearby Tardebigge
Tardebigge
Tardebigge is a village in Worcestershire, England.The village is most famous for the Tardebigge Locks, a flight of 36 canal locks that raise the Worcester and Birmingham Canal over 220 feet over the Lickey Ridge. It lies in the historic county of Worcestershire.-Toponymy:The etymology of the...
: Hewell Grange, Brockhill and Blakenhurst prisons. This is one of the first mergers along the Titan Prison
Titan (prison)
Titan Prison or Titan jail was a proposed new classification of prison in England and Wales, designed to increase the overall prison capacity and improve operational efficiency....
concept. It was originally to be called 'HMP Redditch' but the name was changed due to a public outcry, especially as the prison was not to be located in the town. The prison will lie in the neighbouring town of Bromsgrove. The new name was announced in March 2008.
Transport
Located in the heart of England, Redditch is an ideal point of departure for destinations in the surrounding region. The M42 motorwayM42 motorway
The M42 motorway is a major road in England. The motorway runs north east from Bromsgrove in Worcestershire to just south west of Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, passing Redditch, Solihull, the National Exhibition Centre and Tamworth on the way. The section between the M40 and M6 road forms...
is a short drive away and it is linked by dual carriageways and A-class roads to surrounding towns such as Bromsgrove
Bromsgrove
Bromsgrove is a town in Worcestershire, England. The town is about north east of Worcester and south west of Birmingham city centre. It had a population of 29,237 in 2001 with a small ethnic minority and is in Bromsgrove District.- History :Bromsgrove is first documented in the early 9th century...
and Evesham. There are regular bus services to Studley, Bromsgrove, Catshill
Catshill
Not to be confused with Catshill, WalsallCatshill is a village in Worcestershire about 2.5 miles north of Bromsgrove and 10 miles south-west of Birmingham. The parish of Catshill was formed around the Turnpike Road in 1844....
and Birmingham
Birmingham
Birmingham is a city and metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England. It is the most populous British city outside the capital London, with a population of 1,036,900 , and lies at the heart of the West Midlands conurbation, the second most populous urban area in the United Kingdom with a...
.
Railway
The Cross-City Line provides a regular train service via Birmingham New Street to LichfieldLichfield
Lichfield is a cathedral city, civil parish and district in Staffordshire, England. One of eight civil parishes with city status in England, Lichfield is situated roughly north of Birmingham...
. Redditch railway station
Redditch railway station
Redditch railway station serves the town of Redditch, Worcestershire, England. It is the southern terminus of the Cross-City Line 23 km south of Birmingham New Street...
, the southern terminus of the line, was first opened as the terminus of the Redditch Railway on 19 September 1859, alongside what is now Clive Road. This first station stayed until 4 May 1868 when the last section from Alcester
Alcester
Alcester is an old market town of Roman origin at the junction of the River Alne and River Arrow in Warwickshire, England. It is situated approximately west of Stratford-upon-Avon, and 8 miles south of Redditch, close to the Worcestershire border...
to Redditch of the Redditch and Evesham Railway was closed, at which point a second station was built alongside the junction of Bromsgrove Road and Plymouth Road. This station was provided with a standard Midland Railway design and two platforms. The current station, built in 1993, offers little more than a ticket office and a store.
Buses
There is an extensive network of local bus services run by Red DiamondDiamond Bus
Diamond is a bus operator in the West Midlands, formed in 1986 as The Birmingham Coach Company.-Birmingham Coach Company:The company was created in 1986 as the Birmingham Coach Company operating a single route, 16, in competition with West Midlands Travel....
, First and other operators (including Hardings Coaches, Johnsons Excel Bus). Many services run from the bus station in the town centre, a postcard of which was voted Britain's most boring postcard in a competition run by the photographer Martin Parr
Martin Parr
Martin Parr is a British documentary photographer, photojournalist and photobook collector. He is known for his photographic projects that take a critical look at aspects of modern life, in particular provincial and suburban life in England...
. The bus station was rebuilt as part of the 2002 shopping centre expansion.
Some areas of Redditch have dedicated bus routes; however, there have been issues with safety on these routes and 3 children have died over the past 15 years. A campaign group called The Redditch Foundation is being set up to campaign for better safety on the bus routes.
Road system
Redditch is occasionally noted for its confusing road system dominated by a system of dual carriageways built when it became a New TownNew towns in the United Kingdom
Below is a list of some of the new towns in the United Kingdom created under the various New Town Acts of the 20th century. Some earlier towns were developed as Garden Cities or overspill estates early in the twentieth century. The New Towns proper were planned to disperse population following the...
, including the only cloverleaf interchange
Cloverleaf interchange
A cloverleaf interchange is a two-level interchange in which left turns, reverse direction in left-driving regions, are handled by ramp roads...
in England at the junction of the A441 and the Bromsgrove-bound A448
A448 road
The A448 is a main road in England running between Studley in Warwickshire and Kidderminster in Worcestershire.-Route:The A448 starts at a fork junction on the A435 just to the South of Studley, heading North West into the new town of Redditch, entering Worcestershire immediately before a...
. The system is designed to allow rapid flow of large volumes of traffic around the various districts
Districts of Redditch
Redditch is a town and local government district in north-east Worcestershire, England.The town is divided into separate districts.All street-name signs in Redditch have the street name in white lettering on a blue background and the district name in black lettering on a white background at the...
and into the town centre, whilst keeping fast moving vehicles separated from residential streets. Due to the self-similar appearance of the road layout, some drivers find it disorientating, although the story of an elderly couple admitted to hospital with severe dehydration after spending more than sixty hours trying to navigate the highway system is an urban legend
Urban legend
An urban legend, urban myth, urban tale, or contemporary legend, is a form of modern folklore consisting of stories that may or may not have been believed by their tellers to be true...
. Redditch was briefly famous for a tongue-in-cheek calendar featuring its "picturesque" roundabouts created by a local printing company. The calendar was called, unsurprisingly, 'Redditch Roundabouts,' and it proved so successful that it sparked a national series.
Education
Redditch schools operate a three-tier systemMiddle Schools in England
Middle schools in England are defined in English and Welsh law as being schools in which the age range of pupils taught includes pupils who are aged below 10 years and six months, as well as those who are aged over 12. Such schools were not permitted in the state system under the legislation...
, where students attend first school
First School
First school and lower school are terms used in some areas of the United Kingdom to describe the first stage of primary education. Some English Local Education Authorities have introduced First Schools since the 1960s...
from the age of five, middle school
Middle school
Middle School and Junior High School are levels of schooling between elementary and high schools. Most school systems use one term or the other, not both. The terms are not interchangeable...
from the age of nine, and secondary school
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
at the age of 13. Other areas of Worcestershire
Worcestershire
Worcestershire is a non-metropolitan county, established in antiquity, located in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three counties that comprise the "Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire" NUTS 2 region...
adopted this system at the same time as Redditch (in the 1970s
1970s
File:1970s decade montage.png|From left, clockwise: US President Richard Nixon doing the V for Victory sign after his resignation from office after the Watergate scandal in 1974; Refugees aboard a US naval boat after the Fall of Saigon, leading to the end of the Vietnam War in 1975; The 1973 oil...
), but many have reverted back to the traditional 5-7 infant, 7-11 junior and 11-16/18 secondary schools.
Redditch currently has four secondary schools, Saint Augustine's High School
St Augustine's High School, Redditch
Saint Augustine's High School is a Catholic Science Specialist High School in the Hunt End in the town of Redditch, Worcestershire, England. The school was opened in 1974, and became a Science College in 2006...
, Kingsley College
Kingsley College, U.K.
Kingsley College is a high school and sixth form centre in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. It was formed by the merging of three high schools in 2001. As of October 2010 the school has approximately 1050 students on roll, of which 200 are in the sixth form. The school was designated a Specialist...
, Trinity High School
Trinity High School and Sixth Form Centre
Trinity High School and Sixth Form Centre is a 13-18 co-educational comprehensive school located in central Redditch, Worcestershire, England.-Admissions:...
and Arrow Vale High School
Arrow Vale High School
Arrow Vale High School is a co-educational comprehensive school for pupils aged 13–18, located in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. It currently has around 700 pupils on roll with 120 in the sixth form. In 1999 the school was the first in Worcestershire to be designated as a Sports College.The...
.
North East Worcestershire College
North East Worcestershire College
North East Worcestershire College is a general further education college with campuses at Slideslow Drive in Bromsgrove and Peakman Street, Albert Street and Fishing Line Road in Redditch, Worcestershire. The College also offers outreach courses in community and employer premises across...
(often referred to locally as "NEW College") is a large general further education
Further education
Further education is a term mainly used in connection with education in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is post-compulsory education , that is distinct from the education offered in universities...
college: one of its two campuses is in central Redditch; the other is in Bromsgrove.
In popular culture
Malcolm BradburyMalcolm Bradbury
Sir Malcolm Stanley Bradbury CBE was an English author and academic.-Life:Bradbury was the son of a railwayman. His family moved to London in 1935, but returned to Sheffield in 1941 with his brother and mother...
's novel The History Man
The History Man
The History Man is a campus novel by the British author Malcolm Bradbury set in 1972 in the fictional seaside town of Watermouth in the South of England. Watermouth bears some resemblance to Brighton. For example, there is a frequent and fast train service to London.-Plot introduction:Howard Kirk...
, which was dramatised by the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
in 1981, contained a reference to Redditch when Flora Beniform, a sociologist, mentioned to the hero
Hero
A hero , in Greek mythology and folklore, was originally a demigod, their cult being one of the most distinctive features of ancient Greek religion...
Howard Kirk that she was studying an outbreak of troilism
Troilism
Troilism refers to the erotic interest in watching one’s romantic partner engage in sexual behavior with a third party, sometimes while hidden. A common example is a husband watching his wife have intercourse with another man. This scenario is part of the swinger lifestyle, and varies depending...
in Redditch.
It is also mentioned in the John Cooper Clarke song, 'Burnley'.
Rik Mayall
Rik Mayall
Richard Michael "Rik" Mayall is an English comedian, writer, and actor. He is known for his comedy partnership with Ade Edmondson, his over-the-top, energetic portrayal of characters, and as a pioneer of alternative comedy in the early 1980s...
's Kevin Turvey — The Man Behind The Green Door was set and filmed in Redditch.
Places of interest
- Bordesley AbbeyBordesley AbbeyBordesley Abbey was a 12th century Cistercian abbey near the town of Redditch, in Worcestershire, England.The abbey's foundation has been attributed to Queen Maud, but it is actually down to Waleran de Beaumont, Count of Meulan who gave the monks of Garendon Abbey in Leicestershire some more land....
: remains of a former Cistercian abbey, later used as a Royal Swannery. - Forge Mill Needle MuseumForge Mill Needle MuseumThe Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch, Worcestershire, is a historic museum depicting Redditch's Industrial Heritage. Opened in 1983 by Queen Elizabeth II, it records how in Victorian times, Redditch was the international centre of the needle and fishing tackle industry and once produced 90% of...
: exhibition of traditional needle making. - Morton Stanley Park: A public park in the village of Callow Hill with views of the Malvern Hills and wider WorcestershireWorcestershireWorcestershire is a non-metropolitan county, established in antiquity, located in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three counties that comprise the "Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire" NUTS 2 region...
.
Kingfisher Shopping Centre
Kingfisher Shopping Centre
Kingfisher Shopping Centre is a shopping centre in Redditch, England. It contains 160 stores, with a range of large and smaller units, including anchor tenants Debenhams and Primark...
was opened in 1976 by the then Prime Minister James Callaghan
James Callaghan
Leonard James Callaghan, Baron Callaghan of Cardiff, KG, PC , was a British Labour politician, who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1976 to 1979 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1976 to 1980...
and now forms the town's primary retail centre. It is well known for its palm trees
Arecaceae
Arecaceae or Palmae , are a family of flowering plants, the only family in the monocot order Arecales. There are roughly 202 currently known genera with around 2600 species, most of which are restricted to tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate climates...
in the centre's Worcester Square.
The centre has over 1100000 square feet (102,193.3 m²) of retail space, with anchor stores Debenhams
Debenhams
Debenhams plc is a British retailer operating under a department store format in the UK, Ireland and Denmark, and franchise stores in other countries. The Company was founded in the eighteenth century as a single store in London and has now grown to around 160 shops...
& Primark
Primark
Primark is a clothing retailer, operating over 223 stores in Ireland , the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Belgium...
making it one of the largest covered shopping centres in the United Kingdom. In 2007, a cinema opened on the new upper floor.
Arrow Valley Country Park
Arrow Valley Country Park
Arrow Valley Country Park is a country park on the River Arrow, at Redditch, Worcestershire, England....
. This incorporates the 30 acres (121,405.8 m²) Arrow Valley Lake, fed from the River Arrow
River Arrow (Worcestershire)
The River Arrow rises on Beacon Hill in the Lickey Hills Country Park in the Lickey Hills in the north of Worcestershire, England, and heads generally south eastwards to become a major tributary of the River Avon...
.
The Arrow Valley Countryside centre,opened in 2000, in the Country Park has a lakeside café, gift shop and an interactive exhibition. The lake is also used for water sports. There are 4 beautiful way marked trails used for walking and cycling around the lake and through the Country Park. There is a skate park in the south of the Park with walks the length of the river Arrow through the Country Park to the Forge Mill Museum in the north. There are interactive events and family activities to get involved in at the Countryside Centre and a comprehensive children's play area.
Royal Enfield motorcycles
Redditch was the home of the Royal EnfieldRoyal Enfield
Royal Enfield was the name under which the Enfield Cycle Company made motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines. This legacy of weapons manufacture is reflected in the logo, a cannon, and their motto "Made like a gun, goes like a bullet". Use of the brand name Royal Enfield was...
motorcycle. This is where the main factory of the original company was located and the business continued manufacturing through the sixties, the last model being the Interceptor
Royal Enfield Interceptor
The Interceptor was a British motorcycle made by Royal Enfield between 1960 and 1970. The 700 Interceptor introduced in 1960 was a modified version of the company's 692cc Constellation twin. In 1962, the company introduced the 750 Interceptor which evolved constantly till the end of production in...
. The Redditch factory was closed in 1967 and production was moved to Bradford on Avon
Bradford on Avon
Bradford on Avon is a town in west Wiltshire, England with a population of about 9,326. The town's canal, historic buildings, shops, pubs and restaurants make it popular with tourists....
factory which also ended in 1970 thereby ending the English manufacturing. In the mid fifties, the Company established a partner, Madras Motors
Royal Enfield Motors
Royal Enfield is a motorcycle manufacturing company based in Chennai, India.-History:Royal Enfield motorcycles made in England were being sold in India from 1949. In 1955, the Indian government looked for a suitable motorcycle for its police and army, for patrolling the country's border. The Bullet...
in Madras, India, who manufactured the Bullet
Royal Enfield Bullet
The Royal Enfield Bullet was originally a British overhead valve single cylinder 4-stroke motorcycle made by Royal Enfield in Redditch, West Midlands, but now produced by Royal Enfield Motors, the successor to the British company, at Chennai , Tamil Nadu in India...
350 model. The Indian factory is still very successful, with new Indian models and has taken Royal Enfield into its third century of manufacturing. Some of the original factory buildings in Redditch still remain, most are in a derelict state and can be seen from Hewell Road. Some buildings have been taken over and now make the old part of Enfield Industrial Estate close to the town centre on Hewell Road.
Notable people
- John BonhamJohn BonhamJohn Henry Bonham was an English musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer of Led Zeppelin. Bonham was esteemed for his speed, power, fast right foot, distinctive sound, and "feel" for the groove...
(1948–1980), musician with Led ZeppelinLed ZeppelinLed Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
, was born in Redditch - Lionel BrittonLionel BrittonLionel Erskine Nimmo Britton was a British working-class author.He was born at Astwood Bank, on the borders of Warwickshire and Worcestershire. His father was a solicitor in the village, although the practice collapsed the year after Lionel's birth...
(1887–1971), novelist and writer of science fiction plays - Russell BrookesRussell BrookesRussell Brookes is an English former rally driver. He won the British Rally Championship with a Ford Escort RS1800 in 1977 and with an Opel Manta 400 in 1985. In 1978, he won the Rally New Zealand, a round of the FIA Cup for Drivers, the predecessor to the World Championship for Drivers...
(born 1945), British rally champion - Nigel ClarkeNigel ClarkeNigel Clarke is a British composer and musician. He is a former head of composition and contemporary music at the London College of Music and Media....
from band DodgyDodgyDodgy are an English power pop rock trio, that rose to prominence during the Britpop era of the 1990s, who are best known for their hits "Staying Out for the Summer", "If You're Thinking of Me", and "Good Enough"...
grew up in Redditch and went to The Leys High school, now Kingsley College - Stacy ColdicottStacy ColdicottStacy Coldicott is an English former footballer who played as a midfielder. He was an active professional between 1992 and 2006, but played for a further year in the Non League game...
(born 1974), footballer, West Bromwich Albion and Grimsby Town - [ Alan Cotton], artist was born in Redditch and lived and taught there for many years.
- Charles DanceCharles DanceWalter Charles Dance, OBE is an English actor, screenwriter and director. Dance typically plays assertive bureaucrats or villains. His most famous roles are Guy Perron in The Jewel in the Crown , Dr Clemens, the doctor of penitentiary Fury 161, who becomes Ellen Ripley's confidante in Alien 3 ,...
(born 1946), actor, born in Redditch - Jimmy DavisJimmy Davis (footballer)James Roger William "Jimmy" Davis was a footballer who played for Manchester United, Royal Antwerp, Swindon Town and Watford, as well as the England youth teams, who was killed in a car crash on the M40 in Oxfordshire on 9 August 2003, aged 21, when twice over the drink-drive limit.-Career:Davis...
(1982–2003), footballer, Manchester UnitedManchester United F.C.Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
, Swindon TownSwindon Town F.C.Swindon Town Football Club are a team based in Swindon, Wiltshire. Currently in League Two, Swindon have been managed by Paolo Di Canio since 23 May 2011...
and WatfordWatford F.C.Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. It is often referred to as Watford F.C., Watford, or by the team's nickname The Hornets . Watford Rovers, Founded in 1881, entered the FA Cup for the first time in 1886, and the Southern League a decade... - Jonathan DowJonathan DowJonathan Dow is a British actor. He joined the National Youth Theatre at the age of 14, and after finishing his A levels he trained at the Guildhall Drama School. His first big television role was as Under Secretary Tim in No Job for a Lady with Penelope Keith.He has also appeared as P.C....
, actor - Ruth EnglandRuth EnglandRuth England is a British television presenter and actress. Currently, she stars in the Discovery Channel show Man, Woman, Wild with her husband Mykel Hawke, a former Army Special Forces officer...
(born 1970), TV presenter, educated in Redditch - Luke JohnsonLuke Johnson (musician)Luke Anthony Johnson is a British rock musician, drummer and songwriter currently a member of Lostprophets. He is most commonly known as 'Jocko'. Johnson began his music career in the late 1990s drumming for a spree of small local West Midlands- punk and metal bands. In early 2003 Johnson was...
, musician, LostprophetsLostprophetsLostprophets is a Welsh rock band from Pontypridd, formed in 1997. Founded by vocalist Ian Watkins, bassist Mike Lewis, drummer Mike Chiplin and guitarist Lee Gaze, they were originally a side-project to hardcore punk band Public Disturbance. To date, Lostprophets have released four studio... - Zoë ListerZoë ListerZoë Lister is an English actress from Stoke Prior, Worcestershire, best known for playing Zoe Carpenter in British soap Hollyoaks. She grew up in Callow Hill near Redditch. where she has lived for most of her life. She trained at the Starlight School of Dance in Winyates, Redditch. Previous to...
, actor HollyoaksHollyoaksHollyoaks is a long-running British television soap opera, first broadcast on Channel 4 on 23 October 1995. It was originally devised by Phil Redmond, who has also devised shows including Brookside and Grange Hill... - Karen LumleyKaren LumleyKaren Elizabeth Lumley is a Conservative Party politician in England. She has been the Member of Parliament for Redditch in Worcestershire since the 2010 general election, when she defeated former Home Secretary Jacqui Smith....
, MP - Tony Martin (born 1957), singer, Black SabbathBlack SabbathBlack Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
frontman 1987–1991, 1994–1997 - Rik MayallRik MayallRichard Michael "Rik" Mayall is an English comedian, writer, and actor. He is known for his comedy partnership with Ade Edmondson, his over-the-top, energetic portrayal of characters, and as a pioneer of alternative comedy in the early 1980s...
(born 1958), comedian and actor, spent his early life in Redditch - Tom PaddockTom PaddockTom Paddock, born Thomas Paddock also known as the Redditch Needlepointer was a champion British bare-knuckle boxer in the early Victorian era....
(1822–1863), also known as the "Redditch Needlepointer", champion heavyweightHeavyweightHeavyweight is a division, or weight class, in boxing. Fighters who weigh over 200 pounds are considered heavyweights by the major professional boxing organizations: the International Boxing Federation, the World Boxing Association, the World Boxing Council, and the World Boxing...
bare-knuckle boxerBare-knuckle boxingBare-knuckle boxing is the original form of boxing, closely related to ancient combat sports...
of England in 1856 - Corinne Russell former Page 3 model lived here with her parents
- Freddie StarrFreddie StarrFreddie Starr is an English comedian who became famous in the early 1970s. He is also an impressionist and singer, with a chart album After the Laughter and UK Top 10 single, "It's You", in March 1974 to his credit.-Early career:Under his real name, he appeared as a teenager in the film Violent...
(born 1943) lives in Mappleborough Green, just outside of Redditch. - Jacqui SmithJacqui SmithJacqueline Jill "Jacqui" Smith is a member of the British Labour Party. She served as the Member of Parliament for Redditch from 1997 until 2010 and was the first ever female Home Secretary, thus making her the third woman to hold one of the Great Offices of State — after Margaret Thatcher and...
, former MP for Redditch and first female British Home Secretary - John Taylor (born 1960), musician, Duran DuranDuran DuranDuran Duran are an English band, formed in Birmingham in 1978. They were one of the most successful bands of the 1980s and a leading band in the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" of the United States...
, went to Abbey High School in Redditch - Raymond ThompsonRaymond ThompsonRaymond Thompson is a screenwriter, composer and producer.Thompson was born in Redditch, Worcestershire and grew up in Ontario, after his parents emigrated to Canada. He studied Drama at York University and embarked upon a successful career in the music industry as both a songwriter and musician...
, scriptwriter and TV producer, born in Redditch - Charlie ClemmowCharlie ClemmowCharlie Clemmow is an English Actress best known for her current role as Imogen Hollins in the award-winning BBC soap opera Doctors.-Background and Education:...
, soap actress who is best known for her role as Imogen HollinsImogen HollinsImogen 'Immie' Elizabeth Hollins is a fictional character in the BBC soap opera, Doctors. She is portrayed by Charlie Clemmow and first appeared in the show on 4 August 2009 in an episode titles "Tears for Souvenirs". Imogen is the daughter of Karen and Rob Hollins and the sister of Jack Hollins...
in the BBC soap, Doctors. She grew up in Astwood BankAstwood BankAstwood Bank is a village adjoining Redditch, Worcestershire to the south. The village is noted for its successful cricket team, who have twice played at Lords in the National Village Knock Out Final.-Politics:...
as a small child.
Town twinning
In 1956 Redditch was twinned with Auxerre in Burgundy, France. This twinning proved sufficiently popular to form an organisation named The Friends of Auxerre (FoA). At the beginning of June each year the coupling of these two towns is officially celebrated.In 1986 Redditch was twinned with Mtwara in Tanzania. Frequent events are organised with assistance from the community of Tanzanian students at Birmingham University and Selly Oak College.
- AuxerreAuxerreAuxerre is a commune in the Bourgogne region in north-central France, between Paris and Dijon. It is the capital of the Yonne department.Auxerre's population today is about 45,000...
, France - Mtwara, TanzaniaTanzaniaThe United Republic of Tanzania is a country in East Africa bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country's eastern borders lie on the Indian Ocean.Tanzania is a state...
Friendship Links
Redditch also has formal “Friendship” links with:- St.Elizabeth, West Indies
- Gruchet-Le-ValasseGruchet-le-ValasseGruchet-le-Valasse is a commune in the Seine-Maritime department of the Haute-Normandie region in northern France.-Geography:A village of forestry, farming and associated light industry situated in the Pays de Caux, some east of Le Havre, at the junction of the D173 and D9015...
, France - Gujar KhanGujar KhanGujar Khan is a city in Rawalpindi District, Punjab, Pakistan. It is the headquarters of Gujar Khan Tehsil, the largest tehsil of Punjab. It is approximately 55 kilometres southeast of Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan and 220 km to the north west of Lahore, capital of Punjab...
, PakistanPakistanPakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
Sport
Redditch sport teams include:- Redditch Roller Sports Club Roller Derby and Recretational Roller Skating Instruction
- Redditch United F.C.Redditch United F.C.Redditch United F.C. is an English football club based in Redditch, Worcestershire. The club are currently members of the Southern League Premier Division and play at the Valley.-Birmingham Combination:...
playing Football in the Conference NorthConference NorthThe Conference North also known as Blue Square Bet North for sponsorship reasons, is a division of the Football Conference in England, taking its place immediately below the Conference National. Along with Conference South it is at Step 2 of the National League System and the sixth overall tier of... - Redditch RavensRedditch RavensNorth East Worcestershire Ravens, also known as NEW Ravens, are a rugby league club based in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire. They play in the Midlands Premier division of the Rugby League Conference and Midlands Rugby League.-History:...
RLFC playing Rugby LeagueRugby leagueRugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players... - Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletic Club
- Redditch Rockets Skater Hockey Club
- Redditch Swimming Club Swimming
- The Redditch Road and Path Cycling Club
- Redditch Arrows American football Team
Redditch RFC
Redditch CC
- Thaitans Martial Arts Academy
External links
- Website of Redditch
- – Local Redditch Paranormal Group
- Redditch Standard – Local Redditch weekly newspaper
- Redditch Advertiser – Local Redditch weekly newspaper
- Radio Redditch – Local Community Radio for Redditch
- www.1stredditch.com –1st Redditch Boys and Girls Brigade Companies
- Redditch Local History Group - Local History Group based at Forge Mill Museum