Listings were correct at the time of printing but please check online for any changes or updates before you visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting
Welcome to England’s largest festival of history & culture taking place between 6th - 15th September 2024.
Heritage Open Days are supported by the National Trust & the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Thousands of volunteers make the events happen. It’s your chance to see hidden places & try new experiences - it’s free to explore.
Venues across Bromsgrove & Redditch have come together to promote what’s happening in & around their areas.
Check out the easy-to-use directory to find out what’s happening & for full details on the events listed here: www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting Some events have restrictions on numbers. To avoid disappointment, please check if booking is required.
Foreword
Heritage Open Days is an institution in the heritage world, the largest community and volunteer led heritage festival in England – it is truly a privilege to be able to get involved year on year. To remove barriers, increase access, and share the joy of embracing the past in the present.
This year we aim to build on the success of last year’s collaboration. Bringing together organisations from across Bromsgrove and Redditch to put on a jam packed 10 days of events, experiences, and opportunities.
Whether it’s a trip to a museum, like Avoncroft in Bromsgrove or Forge Mill in Redditch, or a guided walk along the canal at Tardebigge, or learning about the Redditch Mosaics – there is something for everyone. I am incredibly proud of the range of events that are included within this booklet, and I hope everyone has a wonderful time exploring the area whether they are a longterm resident or just visiting for the day.
Finally, I extend a massive THANK YOU to all our organisations, their volunteers, and staff for the tremendous amount of effort they have all put in to make their individual events a reality which contribute to making this year’s festival as exciting as it is.
Petro Nicolaides, Chair of the North East Worcestershire Cultural Compact and ReNEW
Heritage Open Days 2024 Checklist
When you have visited a location of one of our fantastic events, check it off on this list - how many can you get?
Bromsgrove
Rosedene
Norton Collection Museum
All Saints Church
Avoncroft Museum
St John’s Church
St John’s Court Nursing Home
Tardebigge Wharf
St Michael’s and All Angels Church
Christ Church
Windsor Street
Lickey Hills
I visited ___ / 11 event locations in Bromsgrove for Heritage Open Days 2024!
Redditch Redditch Library
Kingfisher Shopping Centre
Crabbs Cross Methodist Centre Batchley Pool
My visit was lovely, I hadn’t been for a long time & I went with my daughter, son-in-law, & grandchildren. It was a great day, & I can’t wait to go back again! Thank you to all the organisers for the Heritage Open Days events.
St Stephen’s Church Forge Mill Forge Mill Pop Up Gallery
I visited ___ / 7 event locations in Redditch for Heritage Open Days 2024! Tag us in your adventures!
Rosedene, Victoria Rd, Dodford, Bromsgrove, B61 9BU
Join a guided tour of Rosedene, a mid 19th-century Chartist cottage in Worcestershire. We’re thrilled to be opening up the cottage to visitors as part of Heritage Open Days.
Lead organiser: Niamh Canning niamh.canning1@nationaltrust.org.uk 01527 821214
Saturday 7th & 14th September
10am - 4pm
Norton Collection Heritage Open Day 26 Birmingham Rd, Bromsgrove, B61 0DD
The Norton Collection Museum is one man’s lifetime collection of objects relating to Bromsgrove. As part of Heritage Open Days we invite everyone to come and explore the displays which include local industries, shops and organisations and to see our rare Banshee motorcycles for FREE.
All Saints Church, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AF
This is another chance to enjoy the interior of the church on its 150th anniversary. Info, photos, and parish magazines from the past and more. No need to book, just turn up.
Removable ramp for wheelchair access. Once inside only the chancel cannot be accessed but everything can be viewed from the nave.
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th September
10am - 4pm
Have-A-Go-History at Avoncroft Museum Redditch Rd, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR Avoncroft Museum of Buildings welcomes you to explore the past, present and future by getting ‘hands-on’ with history! See, feel, hear, smell and even taste the lives of ordinary people from the past at this FREE weekend event. No need to book, just turn up.
Lead organiser: Zoe Willems 01527 831363
Saturday 14th September, 10.30am - 12pm
Delightful Duets
St John’s Church, 14 Kidderminster Rd, Bromsgrove B61 7JW
The first in the new season of Cake & Coffee Concerts in the beautiful setting of St John’s Church will see Alastair Moseley and Steve Cowperthwaite performing solos and duets for piano and organ. Following the Delightful Duets homemade cakes and drinks will be available for all attendees. The concert is free to attend and is followed by the Friend’s of St John’s Open Day, held to support the Spire Appeal. No need to book, just turn up.
Lead organiser: Steve Cowperthwaite 07973 748544 www.stjohnsfriends.co.uk www.facebook.com/FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove www.instagram.com/celebratebromsgrove www.x.com/FriendsStJohns
Saturday 14th September, 12pm - 3pm
Heritage Open Day
St John’s Church, 14 Kidderminster Rd, Bromsgrove B61 7JW
Visit Bromsgrove’s landmark Grade 1 listed building, enjoy heritage crafts with the team from Avoncroft Museum, help Friends of St John’s make a model of the church with a STEM ambassador, explore outside with our treasure hunt, climb the tower, ring the bells, marvel at the far-reaching views, play the organ, hunt for the vicar’s keys, chat to our historian, take a seat in our inspiring heritage building whilst enjoying refreshments. We look forward to seeing you at St John’s - everyone is welcome. No need to book, just turn up.
Lead organiser: Jo Slade hello@stjohnsfriends.co.uk 07973 748544 www.stjohnsfriends.co.uk www.facebook.com/FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove www.instagram.com/celebratebromsgrove www.x.com/FriendsStJohns
Saturday 14th September, 2pm - 4pm
St John’s Court Open Afternoon
St John’s Court Nursing Home, St. John Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8QT
Now a nursing home, this Grade II Listed building was originally built in the 1840s as the vicarage for St John’s Church. Bromsgrove Urban District Council extended the building to accommodate its offices in the 1930s and a further extension was added later. Visitors are invited to the residents’ lounge to see a display about the history of the building, its occupants and some of its features. Other areas are not open to the public. Tea, coffee and cakes available. Supervised children and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Please use the nearby public car park in St John Street. No need to book, just turn up.
Lead organiser: Pat Tansell pattansell@hotmail.com 07896 943203
4.St John’s Court Nursing Home (3/4 within a 5 min walking distance of each other in Town Centre)
5.Windsor Street Former Chapel (in Town Centre)
6.Avoncroft Museum
7.St Michael’s Church 8.Rosedene
9.Christ Church Catshill
Wharf
Map of events
(For illustration purposes only, not to scale)
Redditch
1.Forge Mill Needle Museum
2.Batchley Pool
3.St Stephen’s Church
4.Kingfisher Shopping Centre
5.Redditch Library (3/4/5 within a 5 min walking distance of each other in Town Centre)
6.Crabbs Cross Methodist Centre
1
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September
Walks at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm & 2.30pm
Tardebigge Wharf Guided Local History Walk Meet at St Bartholomew’s Church car park, Church Lane, Tardebigge, B60 3AH
As in previous years, we invite you to come along for a guided walk around the top lock section of the Tardebigge canal flight. The story of the Wharf and the surrounding landscape is placed into context visiting the current wharf and sites of past quays, quarries, rail tracks, lime kilns and the site of the experimental boat lift which today is replaced with a double depth lock. Guides will describe how the Tardebigge section of the Worcester and Birmingham canal came to life including the age of steam and through to the establishment of the Inland Waterways Association. Walk along towpaths and across field. Stout footwear advised. Easier access route as directed from car park. No need to book, just turn up.
Lead organiser: Al Gibbs 07398 709048 http://wbdcs.org.uk www.facebook.com/wbdcs.org.uk www.x.com/wbdcs58
A little 185 year old Village Church, with historical connections to the poet A.E. Housman and scientist Alan Turing. Beautiful stained glass windows. Weather permitting, enjoy refreshments outside. No need to book, just turn up. www.christchurchcatshill.org/welcometochristchurch www.facebook.com search for Christ Church Catshill
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September, 10am - 4pm
Heritage Open Days
St Michael & All Angels Church, Hanbury Rd, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4JT
The Heritage Friends Group will be exhibiting local items on the theme ‘Routes-Networks-Connections’ covering the area in and around the parish and information on local industries and people.
No need to book, just turn up.
Lead organiser: Alan Pugh 208167@gmail.com 07590 582752
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September, 11am - 4pm
Lickey Hills Heritage Weekend
Warren Lane, Lickey, Birmingham, West Midlands, B45 8ER
A visit to the Lickeys with a difference. Join a guided heritage themed walk or see the exhibition in the heritage centre and there will be guides to show you the WW1 gun proof range in Warren Lane Quarry (not normally accessible). See our displays on the history of the Lickeys, from Roman roots to the saltway, the first trams, and more! Plus there will be activities for children.
Guided Walks (wear suitable clothes/footwear – it can be muddy!):
• Saturday 14th: The Country Park’s WW1 & WW2 sites at 11.30am and Lickey History Walk at 2pm
• Sunday 15th: Lickey Geology: ‘A Walk Through Time’ at 11am and The Country Park’s WW1 & WW2 sites at 1.30pm
No need to book, just turn up.
Full wheelchair access to the Visitor Centre. Accessible toilet. Level Access to School Room and Quarry, not on the walks. The Quarry has slightly uneven ground and can be muddy. The walks are outdoors within the Country Park, so expect uneven ground, tree roots, mud and slopes.
Sunday 15th September, 10am - 3pm
Former Chapel, Windsor Street, Open Day 6 Windsor Street, Bromsgrove, B60 2BN
The Grade II Listed former chapel in Windsor Street is a Greek Revival style building with Doric entrance columns and some original features. It is now a martial arts academy. Highlights include a 1968 stained glass window by Hardman Studios commemorating the stained-glass artist A. J. Davies and the craftsmen of the Bromsgrove Guild, a WWI memorial board and 1890s decorative scripture tablets. A history of the building will be on display. Visitors are advised that shoes are not allowed on the martial arts floor mats. Tea, coffee and cakes available. Please use the Windsor Street public car park. No need to book, just turn up.
Lead organiser: Pat Tansell pattansell@hotmail.com 07896 943203
www.bsoc.co.uk www.facebook.com/BromsgroveSoc
Events in
Redditch
Saturday 7th September, 10am - 4pm
Local History Exhibition featuring the Remembering ISTEL project
Redditch has a long industrial heritage with many household names having had factories here. In the 1980s/90s IT company ISTEL was the main employer in Redditch with many offices employing around 1800 people. However, the world IT market changed and the last AT & ISTEL operation moved out of Redditch and the name ISTEL was lost from the town. Over the last year we have been on a mission to ensure that the name ISTEL is remembered and this exhibition showcases the success of the project and the wealth of data and artefacts collected about ISTEL. No need to book, just turn up. istel.redditchheritage.online www.facebook.com/groups/309446298165123 www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/worcestershire-libraries/ find-library/redditch-library
Saturday 7th September
10am - 2pm
Redditch Mosaics Remixed
Milward Square, Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Redditch. B97 4HJ
To mark the centenary year of the artist Eduardo Paolozzi, we invite you to be inspired by the shapes and colours of his vibrant mosaics in the Kingfisher Centre. Come along to create a collage map of Redditch using tiles and images based on the mosaics or choose your own design. Plus pick up a free badge, try out one of our colouring books or activity packs, and share stories and memories about the mosaics.
No need to book, just turn up. https://midlandsmosaics.uk
www.instagram.com/midlandsmosaics
Wednesday 11th September
7.30pm - 9.30pm
Redditch Choral Society
Heritage Open Evening
Crabbs Cross Methodist Centre, Crabbs Cross Lane, Redditch, B97 5LD
As Redditch Choral Society celebrates its 60th year, you are invited to learn more about the rich musical contribution this choir has made in the community since 1964. In addition to finding out more, you will be welcome to have a go at making music yourself. Get a taste of singing large-scale choral music under the baton of an experienced conductor - suitable for beginners and seasoned singers alike. Tea/coffee & biscuits provided. Warm welcome guaranteed.
Worcester Square, Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Redditch, B97 4HJ
Come and find out more about the history of Redditch and its development into a New Town. Hear from the project archivists, browse our exhibition and get involved with some interactive activities! The exhibition will remain on display at the Kingfisher Centre for the week following the event.
No need to book, just turn up.
Lead organiser: Vicky Fletcher 01527 405800
Saturday 14th September
2pm - 5pm
Mosaics by the Pool
Batchley Pool, Batchley, Redditch, B97 6PH
Reimagine Redditch (RR) and Batchley Support Group (BSG) are pleased to invite everyone to discover how Batchley Pool was developed in 2003, and its crowning jewel: a community mosaic artwork on the wall next to the children’s play area. An exhibition will tell the story of the pool and the mosaics. Jackie Nash will run a fun ‘make a mosaic tile’ activity, alongside circus skills workshops, walkabout theatre and free light refreshments. The RR Team will be available throughout the afternoon to talk to people about future creative ideas and plans for Batchley. Please come along, have fun and find out more!
No need to book, just turn up.
Lead organiser: Huw Moseley 07990 800686 h.moseley@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk
www.reimagineredditch.org
Saturday 14th September, 10am - 4pm
St Stephen’s Church and Tower Tours
St Stephen’s Church, Redditch, B97 4DY
Explore St Stephen’s Church Redditch and discover our renewal plans. Book ahead to take a tour of the tower. No need to book, just turn up.
Booking essential: Church is open to all but you need to book a tower tour as there are limited places.
Email ElaineWhitfield@holytrinityredditch.org.uk
Lead organiser: Elaine Whitfield Elainewhitfield@holytrinityredditch.org.uk 07836 644445
www.ststephensredditch.com
Sunday 15th September
11am - 4pm (site opens 10am)
Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY
Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. A short walk from the Museum, are the ruins of Bordesley Abbey - a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated. Join us for iconic motorbikes, model boats, live music and guided tours.
No need to book, just turn up. 01527 62509 info@forgemill.org.uk www.forgemill.org.uk/web/events www.redditchmuseum.org.uk/thisyear
A display of work by local artists who are regular exhibitors at our twiceyearly Pop-Up Galleries. There will also be demonstrations by some of the artists involved.
No need to book, just turn up. Lead organiser: artsinredditch@gmail.com www.artsinredditch.com www.facebook.com/creativeRedditch
Avoncroft Museum was fantastic! It was my first visit & I went with my mum, dad, sister & nan. The buildings, trains & track were great, the windmill was amazing, & all the activities were fun. I liked getting dressed up the most & the staff were kind & helped me. I can’t wait to go back again! ☺ Gideon, aged 5 (at the time of the visit)
Whether you are visiting the places you love or discovering something new, Heritage Open Days want to hear all about it. Share your experiences on Facebook, Instagram and X using #HODs.
Routes - NetworksConnections
In 2024 we will be celebrating how people and ideas have moved around and come together throughout history. The transport routes, communication networks, trade unions and social clubs. The travellers who have spread ideas and the hosts who welcome them. There are so many stories on our doorsteps just waiting to be uncovered.
