The Bromsgrove Society - Pride, Preservation, Progress
Welcome to the Bromsgrove Society
The Bromsgrove Society exists to preserve the history and promote the sustainable development of the town of Bromsgrove in north Worcestershire.
Read more about Our Work and How to Join
Bromsgrove Rousler 2023
The latest edition of the Bromsgrove Rousler, the popular local history magazine, is now available. The 2023 edition – number 38 in the series – features a fascinating mix of personalities and events that have helped shape Bromsgrove’s history.
Topics in this year’s Rousler are:
- School Reorganisation in the 1970s
- Memories of Stoke Works
- T. D. Thomas and the Stourbridge & Kidderminster Bank
- Finstall Park School
- Bringing Water to Bromsgrove
- Bromsgrove Market in the 1930s
Members will receive their copies shortly. Find a local stockist.
See here to purchase the Rousler from our online bookstall (leaves this website)
Rouslers make an ideal Christmas present, especially for friends now living elsewhere,
and we can post to any address in the UK free of charge.
Back issues and a wide variety of books can be bought through our online bookstall.
Jennie McGregor-Smith B.E.M.
Jennie McGregor-Smith B.E.M.
We are very sad to announce the death of Jennie McGregor-Smith who died on 15th September, aged 85.
Jennie was not just a Founder Member of the Bromsgrove Society, she was its instigator. It was her letter-writing and campaigning over the preservation of the town's history that brought together a nucleus of people to discuss the formation of a civic and heritage society, and she personally organised the Society's inaugural meeting in May 1980.
She was closely involved in arts, music and community activities in Bromsgrove and beyond for many years, and wrote several popular books on local history. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
The funeral will take place on Thursday, 12th October at 2pm at Redditch Crematorium. Family flowers only, please. Donations in Jennie's memory can be made to Help Musicians. All enquiries to James Giles & Sons (01527 872318).
Latest Newsletter
The Bromsgrove Society Newsletter
 |
The September 2023 issue of the Society's newsletter is now available, containing details of:
Click the links to download the September Newsletter (PDF format). |
Remembering Bromsgrove's Dambuster
On Tuesday 16th May, the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters Raid, the Society held a ceremony at Avoncroft Museum to commemorate Dambuster Pilot Flight Lieutenant Bill Townsend, who lived in Bromsgrove.
Members of the Bromsgrove Society were joined by the Royal British Legion Bromsgrove Branch, the local RAF Association, members of Bill Townsend's family and other guests. It was a fitting day to remember the 123 brave man who were involved in the famous operation during WWII.
The Society's Facebook page has a selection of photographs from the event and the Bromsgrove Standard has published a full-page article.
After the official unveiling at the museum the plaque was installed at Bill's home at 42 Marlbrook Lane, Marlbrook. An account of Bill's role in the raid is in the current edition of the Bromsgrove Rousler, which can be purchased here.
Upcoming Events
-
16.January.2024
The English Civil War -
20.February.2024
The Salt Routes -
19.March.2024
Taking the Sea to Birmingham -
16.April.2024
Local Railways in the Midlands
Remember Subscriptions!
Please consider paying by standing order as this significantly reduces administration time.
You can renew online and check the current subscription rates on our Membership Page.
| Payment can now be made by PayPal |
 |
Buy Books Online
A variety of books about Bromsgrove and the surrounding area are available to purchase via our online bookstall (links to external site).
We accept payment by credit/debit card, using the SumUp gateway, or you can also pay by cheque.
Recent arrivals are: The Vernons of Hanbury, by Andrew Harris; and A History of the Bromsgrove Concerts.
Order Our New History of Bromsgrove
The Bromsgrove Society's new book Bromsgrove: The Story of a Market Town is written by well-known local historians and Bromsgrove Society members Jenny Townshend and Julian Hunt, and chronicles the history of Bromsgrove over the last one thousand years. Based on extensive original research, the authors present an exhaustive account of the town’s development, from a medieval settlement to a prosperous market town and industrial centre whose influence extended across the whole of North Worcestershire.
The book is priced £25 plus p&p and is available from our bookstall.