|
Welcome to the latest feature in the series called :-
SPOTLIGHT
Our aim is to promote the fantastic shops and services right here on your own doorstep plus
provide an indispensable guide to all you need to know or find in this fantastic area called
ASTWOOD BANK
Whether your looking for Pubs, somewhere to Eat, Retail Shops, Business Services, Events even weather reports - you'll find everything you need here and more at GoRedditch.co.uk |
|
We'll be updating this site on a daily basis, adding new listings and local information plus a week-to-week guide to any and all events in the region so get in touch using the form at the bottom of this page (or click HERE) so we can add your event !
Special thanks all those who have contributed to getting the Astwood Bank Spotlight off the ground including :-
Richard Churchley
Editor and Author of the Astwood Bank News
David and Valerie Potts
Print and Distribution of the Astwood Bank News
Alan Foxall and Ray Saunders
Authors of the latest book called "More Redditch" being the latest in the series and available from Waterstones, WH Smiths and The Works book stores in the Kingfisher shopping centre
Astwood Bank
A brief History by Richard Churchley
The name Astwood is derived from Old English for ‘east wood’ - the wood lying in the eastern part of the parish of Feckenham. A settlement of this name grew up in the vicinity of Astwood Court. The development of the village on the higher land along the Ridgeway came later, and the description ‘Bank’ was then added to the name.
EVESHAM ROAD , CROSSROADS
A manor based around Astwood Court was mentioned in records as early as the 14th century, when John Musard was the lord. The manor later passed through the hands of various families before its demise in the 19th century, including the Culpeppers and Vernons. Another estate known as ‘Strecches Astwood’ was in possession of the Streche family in 1201, but later appears to have merged with the manor of Norgrove.
In 1617 the Feckenham parish authorities were required to build a house for the use of Walter Blackborne, a poor man, on Astwood Common. This must have been one of the first dwellings built in the area which was later to become the village of Astwood Bank. The land either side of the Ridgeway was then a large area of commonland where the county and parish boundaries met. Over the next two hundred years poor cottagers and craftsmen began to set up in the vicinity eking out a meagre living by using their rights of common to augment the income from their chosen craft or from labouring for the more substantial farmers.
ENGRAVING OF PERKINS AND SONS NEEDLE FACTORY
19th February 1870
Only after the enclosure of the common in 1816 did Astwood Bank grow in a more systematic way, with roads being laid out by the commissioners and frontages sold for as little as £25 an acre. It was then that the village proper was formed.
Astwood Bank’s rapid growth in the 19th century was inextricably intertwined with the development of the needle industry. Various families had been making needles on or near the Ridgeway Common from at least the end of the 17th century, but the 19th century saw needle production streamlined in mechanised factories such as that of James Smith. The invention of the sewing machine in the mid-nineteenth century threatened the industry, but by 1860 many of the Bank’s manufacturers were providing needles for the new sewing machines. Certain firms had also begun to diversify by specialising in other light industry such as the manufacture of fish-hooks, and fishing tackle and, later, springs, cycles and umbrellas.
GEORGE HOLLINGTON AND SONS NEEDLE FACTORY
Church Road, in the 1950's
Behind the van in the distance is the Red Lion Inn
With the growth of the population came the need for shops, public houses, places of worship and other facilities. The first baptist chapel and Sunday school was built in the 1780s and the Anglican church of St Matthias and St George was provided some hundred years later. Various forms of recreation grew up including the village’s cricket club, which was founded in 1843 by migrant needle makers from Long Crendon.
THE ASTWOOD BANK ADULT SPORTS DAY
July 1907 supported by all the village children
Although the needle industry declined in the 20th century, Astwood Bank continued to grow, as homes were created for people who commute to places such as Redditch and Birmingham. Astwood Bank, with its convenient location and pleasant aspect, has become a thriving community. Those who live "on the Bank" are served by various facilities including schools, churches, doctors, garages, shops and pubs, with workshops and other small businesses still providing some employment within the village.
Copyright Richard Churchley2007
Note - A few of the "Click HERE links" are not yet available as the adverts are still being worked on....
|
 |
Hancox Stores
Established for many years, Peter provides
a terrific range of produce for home and garden.
The Bakery is also very popular
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
Huntleys Ltd
Local Funeral directors offering a warm, friendly service.
Newly refurbished premises in both Astwood Bank
and Redditch.Professional service with discretion.
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
|
 |
IDC Design Centre
Centre of Excellence for Professional and
Leisure Courses in Textiles, Fashion and Interior Art
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
Manor Wines
Shirley and Elaine
Invite you to sample their excellent range of
Wines and Spirits. Paypoint availalble too !
For a warm and friendly welcome, pop-in soon.
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
Matt Smith Cars
We take the stress out of selling your own car plus
have a fabulous selectionf our own stock
For a local friendly Car sales service call Matt today !
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
McGettigan & McGettigan Veterinary Clinic
We offer a very friendly personal service for all types
of pets, horses and the occasional farm animal
(pet goats, chickens, sheeps etc)
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
Oddfellows Arms
Traditional local Pub with a warm friendly
atmosphere, real ales and great food
Function room also available
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
Orchard Joinery
Jon Farmiloe has been creating bespoke joinery
for over 20 years. His craftsmanship is second to none.
Call and arrange to visit our special workshop soon.
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
Paris Cars
Exclusive chauffeur driven 1930's totally unique
"Traction Avant"
classic French limousines for
weddings and special occassions.
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert |
 |
 |
Pete The Meat
Over 25 years in business with an ever increasing
customer base, Pete's reputation for quality
and service are second to none !
You just have to try his Burgers & Pork Pie's..fantastic
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert |
 |
 |
Quality Fishmonger
Fresh Fish, Caught and Brought on the day
directly from the docks at Grismby !
lick
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
Ridgeway Nurseries
A traditional nursery specializing in Tree's and Shrubs'
but with a large range of both indoor and outdoor
plants. Great hanging baskets and decorative planters.
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
SE Davis
Probably the largest local employer established
over 70 years.Landscaping materials, plant equipment,
self-drive or operated.Crushing and screening services
.
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
SP Joinery
Steve and his colleague Bob Isherwood
have a unique Joinery business whereby
FLEXIBILITY is the key. No two jobs are ever the same.
Take a look at some of Steve's fantastic bespoke work.
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
Tete a Tete
Your local hair specialist established since 1994
offering a personal service to ensure 100% satisfaction.
Free consultations on request, solariums,gift vouchers
.
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
The Ironing Centre
Established over 10 years and with 9 staff we cater
for both domestic and commercial clients. We also offer
a Dry Cleaning and Repairs and Alterations service.
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
The Stabes Farmshop
Housed in a converted stable block on Astwood Hill
Graham and Pam have a fabulous array of produce
which is presented in style and passion.
Great people....pop in soon !
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert
|
 |
 |
The Why Not
Tony, the landlord, invites you to sample
the terrific range of food on his new menu.
Book NOW for his Xmas special !
Click
HERE to see their Web Advert |
 |
LATEST - MORE REDDITCH REMEMBERED |
 |
 |
 |
|
The latest in the series |
Alan Foxall and Ray Saunders |
A trip down memory lane |
GoRedditch would like to thank Alan and Ray for their kind contribution to this special feature
If there is anyone out there who has similar information, photograph's and memorabilia then
please get in touch so that we can add it, share it and give pleasure to others !
thank you
Martin
Please use this contact form to :-
Comment (good or bad !) , report a broken link or send us more information