A VARIETY of venues across Bromsgrove, South Birmingham and beyond will be opening their doors this weekend as part of the annual Heritage Open Days, writes Tom Banner.
Residents will be able to see a multitude of attractions for free that they would otherwise have to pay for and some places are opening parts not generally available for public view.
Here is a selection of attractions you will be able to visit this weekend to take in some local culture, heritage and history.
- Tomorrow between 10am and 4pm at St John’s Church in Bromsgrove visitors will be able to embark on church tours and a trip up the tower to see some stunning views of the town. There will be ‘Hidden Spaces’ with Simon Henderson from 1.30pm to 3pm and there will be the opportunity to buy his book ‘Fairly Mounted on a Hill’ about St John’s and the people who have frequented it over the centuries. Stained glass painting demonstrations with Brenda Henderson will take place throughout the day and visitors can have a go at bellringing and take to the church’s organ with Steve Cowperthwaite between midday and 1.30pm and from 2pm to 3pm. Members of the Orchestra of St John will preview their forthcoming productions, the ‘Selfie Snap Bromsgrove’ photobooth will be in operation and there will be tree trails and self-guided walks around the church. There will also be a number of displays, including pictures of the church throughout the ages, Adams Memorial history and restoration, Cemetery history, the Bromsgrove Society and the latest information of the Scaife and Rutherford railwaymen’s grave restoration project.
- At the other end of town at All Saints Church, Burcot Lane, tomorrow, a variety of activities will take place between 10am and 5pm. Visitors will be able to view First World War records and other historical documents and see the recently restored First World War Memorial, along with photographs, recent registers and past magazines. The ornate stained glass windows and work by the Bromsgrove Guild are a sight worth seeing and refreshments will be served.
- Churchill Forge Watermill in Kidderminster was a crucial industrial centre, producing metal tools from 1900 right up to the 1970s and has been maintained since by a dedicated team of volunteers. Visitors will be welcome to come down and see the waterwheel in action, as well as being able to tour the workshops of the forge. The Forge will be open to visitors on Sunday, September 10 between 2pm and 3pm.
- At St Leonard’s Church in Beoley between 2pm and 3pm tomorrow visitors will be able to visit the bell tower and be shown the ropes by bell ringers. They will also be able to view displays, ask questions and find out how they can get involved in the ancient art of campanology. Visitors to the bell tower at St Leonard’s are warned it involves climbing a spiral stone staircase with 50 narrow steps.
- Alvechurch Baptist Church is opening its doors to visitors to take in a prime example of a mid-victorian non-conformist chapel building. The church will be open to visitors on Saturday, September 9 between 10am and 5pm with no booking required.
- The Worcester and Droitwich canals society will be hosting an exhibition of the history of the 200 year-old Tardebigge lime kilns on September 9 and 10 with visitors also welcome to attend ‘The Tardebigge Show’ which runs from 1.30pm and is free to attend.
- St Laurence’s Church, Northfield, an historic church building mentioned in the Domesday Book will be offering hour long tours for a maximum of 15 people on Saturday, September 9 at 11.00am and 1pm and on the Sunday there will be a tour at 1pm. In addition to the tours, the church will be open to anyone who simply wants to come in for a cuppa.
- Weoley Castle will be open for guided tours on Friday September 8 between 12pm and 3pm for a fascinating insight into the history behind the ruins of the former medieval moated house, as well as an insight into the lives of the people who lived and worked there in days gone by.
Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk for more on these events and others.
