HISTORICAL buildings and landmarks in Bromsgrove will be opening their doors to showcase its cultural history as part of the Heritage Open Days festival this weekend.
Here is your definite guide to all of the free events happening in the region across the festival from September 9 to September 17.
Museums
- Norton Collection Museum will be opening its doors to visitors to explore their collection memorabilia of Bromsgrove on September 9 from 10 am to 4pm.
There will be displays of the Bromsgrove Guild, nailmaking, glass making, bikes & motorbikes,The Court Leet, High Street of Edwardian Shops & a new display of railway heritage.
- And at Avoncroft Museum visitors can examine and try on period clothing and armour as well as take part in musket and pike drills on September 9 from 10am to 4pm.
There will also be a chance to play the drums, and find out about cooking, games, textiles and crafts from days gone by as part of the Colonel Nicholas Devereux’s Regiment’s ‘A Very Uncivil War’ at Avoncroft.
Arts and musical performances
- The Villeins, who will be performing in churches across the the region.
They will be performing on September 9 at St Mark’s Church, Fairfield from 10am, at Christ Church, Catshill from 11am, at St Mary’s Church, Dodford from 12 noon, at All Saints Church, Bromsgrove from 1pm and at St Godwald’s Church, Aston Fields from 3pm.
- For art lovers, the new Bromsgrove Galloper installation at the Recreation Ground in Bromsgrove Town Centre will be open for visitors from 1.30pm to 3pm on September 15.
There will be guided tours on September 9 and 10 for those wanting to take a historic walk through Tardebigge to explore the locks and canals with local guides.
Tours and exploration
- The ever popular tours of New Road in Bromsgrove, hosted by Tansell and Jenny Townshend, will return on September 13 where visitors can learn about the historical buildings in the region.
The tours have proved so popular, there is also a waiting list being put together for an extra date later in the festival.
- And, anyone interested in the history of local people, can explore Bromsgrove’s Old Cemetery on September 17, to learn about the stories of those who are laid to rest there.
Church events
Each church on the list will open their doors to the communities they serve for a host of activities with a chance of historical discovery.
- St. Laurence Church, Alvechurch will be open from 10am to 4pm on September 16 and people can experience bell ringers, teddy bear parachuting, storytelling, Irish dance demonstrations, community choir, children’s dance demonstrations, a sound bath experience, Morris dancers, a model railway, children’s activities and refreshments.
The event will conclude with Pimm’s and hymns from 3pm.
- At All Saints Church in Bromsgrove there is a chance to explore the beautiful church and enjoy special exhibitions of art, textiles and pottery on September 0 from 10am to 4pm.
There will be live music, activities for visitors and refreshments as well as a special exhibition of work by Artist Mary Long, who lived nearby, including pieces from a private collection not exhibited previously.
- At St John’s Church, Bromsgrove there will a free coffee and cake concert on September 16 at 10.30am followed by an open day with a chance to have a go on the organ and climb the bell tower.
Other activities and refreshments will be available and the musical journey, ‘themes and variations’ will be performed by Oliver Neal on the organ.
- St Mark’s Church, Fairfield, Bromsgrove, will host a performance from singing group The Villeins on September 9.
A 30-minute selection of acappella songs celebrating the counties Vocal Heritage, from 16 century Fa-la-las to Beatles arrangements, will be performed.
There will also be showings of the acappella performances at 11am at Christchurch, Catshill, midday at St Mary’s, Dodford, 2pm at All Saints, Bromsgrove and 3pm at St Godwalds, Aston Fields.
A film screening of ‘Looking back at Bromsgrove’ will be taking place in theVillage Hall next door.
The film explores the origins of the town and follows its growth from a thriving medieval market centre, an important stage coaching town, the nail-making capital of Britain, to the bustling residential town of today.
- Christ Church, Catshill, Bromsgrove will be open for people to visit the beautiful stained glass windows, war memorials and a craft stall on September 9 from 10am to 4pm, and on September 10 from 11am to 4pm and September 12 from 10am to midday.
There will be refreshments and a churchyard quiz for children.
- Lastly, St Michael and All Angels Church, Stoke Prior will be showcasing local history including industries, people, buildings and organisations connected with the local area on September 9 and September 10 from 10am to 4pm.
On display will be pictorial and physical historical items from the world famous John Corbett salt works, the L.G Harris Brush works, local watercolours from the wife of an early Vicar of St Michael’s church, a bell ringing demonstration from the Tower Team.
And the local history team together with the Heritage Friends Group will be talking about “Stories in the Stones”.
Portfolio holder for leisure and cultural services, Coun Steven Colella, said: “Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or some theatrical entertainment with a dose of culture, there is something for everyone and we welcome people from near and far to explore and enjoy the heritage which is so special to us. We have history in abundance locally and the open days mean it’s completely free for everyone to enjoy, on their doorstep.”
Local Historian and member of the Cultural Compact, Pat Tansell, said: “Please come along and enjoy the Heritage Open Days.
“You’ll be supporting organisations and passionate volunteers up and down the country who are working hard to share their interests and make the events happen.
“They provide the opportunity to see hidden places and learn about the history, architecture, and culture of your area.”
All events will be completely free to attend.
Visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk for more information.
