The POD at the Palace

The POD at the Palace is a community led project to capture and present information on the Past, Present and Future of Redditch.  It’s a project by the people, for the people about the people of Redditch.  It’s aimed at all sectors of the community but particularly the younger generations in whom we want to foster and nurture a sense of community, heritage and hope for the future.

The POD at the Palace is a lottery funded project which has placed this interactive touch screen initially in the foyer of the Palace Theatre where you, the public, can browse and explore information on the past, present and future of Redditch. This information consists of still images, audio tracks and videos together with descriptive text. It’s organised in channels and is aimed not only in providing information but also in generating input, discussion and involvement from Redditch citizens.

Next time you are passing the Palace Theatre, drop in and browse The POD at the Palace.

If you would like to contribute to the The POD at the Palace Please see the Contacts page of this site.

Forge Mill Needle Museum

Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch is an unusual and fascinating place to visit. This historic site illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch once produced 90% of the world's needles.

On the same site, just a very short walk from Forge Mill Museum, are the ruins of Bordesley Abbey - a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated. Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, which is set in an original reconstructed 16th century barn, tells the extraordinary story of the Abbey from its development in the 12th century to its destruction in 1538 by Henry VIII during the dissolution.

The mill stages exhibitions and events throughout the year for both adults and children. Contact the Mill at:
Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane
Riverside
Redditch
B98 8HY
Telephone: 01527 62509
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web Site: www.forgemill.org.uk

Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre

The Visitor Centre, which is set in an original reconstructed 16th Century barn, shows many of the finds that have been excavated over the years.

The exhibits show what the archaeologists have discovered about the life of the Cistercians monks of Bordesley - from how they worshiped, to the clothes they wore, to the illnesses they suffered.

Bordesley Abbey had one of the earliest metal working mills in the country and you can see the preserved timbers from the mill on display, as well as many of the metal items that would have been made there.

The Visitor Centre houses the shop where a selection of souvenir guide books for both the Abbey and the Needle Mill can be bought. Also ice creams, cold drinks and confectionary are available as well as a wide selection of needles.

Contact the Visitor Centre  at:
Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane
Riverside
Redditch
B98 8HY
Telephone: 01527 62509
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web Site: www.forgemill.org.uk

Redditch Local History Society

The Redditch Local History Society is a new group being formed by the volunteers at the Redditch Needle Museum and based at the Mill. The volunteers support the work of the museum by giving guided tours, talks and helping stage exhibitions at the mill and are now expanding their activities to include all aspects of Redditch’s history.

The Redditch Local History Society’s aims are:

• To identify and collate data on the existing buildings and artefacts

• To develop maps identifying important historic buildings and artefacts

• To encourage interest and promote the preservation of the towns historic sites and artefacts

• To mount exhibitions related to the history of Redditch

• To organise talks/lectures on the history of Redditch

• To create an audio/visual catalogue of early Redditch

2010 will see the first full year of activities for the society starting with an exhibition at Forge Mill on the “History of Alcad” in February. The society is also actively collecting information and mapping the many heritage sites that still remain in Redditch today and plans to organise walks around the town to explore these sites.

Regular meetings will be arranged at the mill. See the web site for details.

If you share the aims of the society contact us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our web site at www.redditchhistory.org.uk

You can also telephone Anthony Green (01527 61434) or Derek Coombes (01527 404365) for more information.

Redditch History & Heritage Group

The Redditch History & Heritage Group. Was formed with the following objectives:

• To collect, collate and preserve information, documents and objects of heritage about Redditch and the surrounding area.

• To publicise and publish historic and heritage information on Redditch and the surrounding area for the benefit of the local community.

• To ensure that the History and Heritage of Redditch is preserved for the benefit of future generations.

Its members include leading local Historians and Archivists and the group pursues its aims through local displays and exhibitions.

The group meets fortnighly at the Redditch Art & Heritage Gallery in Millsborough House. If you are interested in joining and supporting the group contact us by telephone on 01527 63039 and ask for the Redditch History and Heritage Group.

Alternatively E-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit our website at www.rhhg.org.uk