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Four interpretation panels which tell the story of the development of Charford and its important part in Bromsgrove's successful post war reconstruction have been installed at key locations within the estate.

The heritage panels have come into existence thanks to a partnership with three local organisations - Bromsgrove Past & Present, The Bromsgrove Society and Bromsgrove District Council.

Annie Deeley, who runs the Bromsgrove Past & Present Facebook page, began researching the area after discovering that her husband John’s parents were amongst the first residents of the new estate, moving in shortly after the Second World War.

From there the Charford History Project developed into a series of talks, articles, guided walks, and has now culminated in the production of the four heritage panels which were installed on Monday 10 May.

“The Development of the Charford Estate” cover the topics “Where it all began and why”, “The proposed new suburb”, “Lyttleton Avenue” and “Charford Road”. The panels contain detailed information and pictures to tell the story of the estate from choice of site, the initial plans, the first Garringtons houses, the building of the High School through to the completion of the estate.

The panels were designed, using words and images supplied by Annie Deeley, by the marketing team at Bromsgrove District Council. They reflect the style of the heritage panels found in Bromsgrove High Street.

Portfolio-holder for Leisure Cllr Philip Thomas said: “Our district is full of history and it’s great to see this being recognised in one of our estates, not just in our town and villages.

“I hope everyone takes the time to enjoy this new treasure on our doorsteps.”

Bromsgrove District Council has funded the project to the tune of £3,200 along with £700 from the Bromsgrove Society.

District Councillor and ward member for Charford, Cllr Michael Thompson, said: “I have been involved and supportive of this project from its early stages as I was keen to promote the history which the estate boasts.

“I have always been proud of the sense of community which is evident in Charford and now this can be traced back across the decades.”

Bromsgrove company Spire Graphics and Signs produced the panels which were put in place by the Worcestershire County Council Highways Department.

Anyone interested in local history is encouraged to visit the estate to view the heritage panels which can be found outside St Andrew’s Church on Lyttleton Avenue, on Humphrey Avenue close to the Community Hub, outside Charford First School and close to the site of the old Charford Mill, now South Bromsgrove High School, on Charford Road.

An article on the history of the Charford Estate by Annie Deeley, was printed in a recent edition of the Rousler and is available via the bookstore on the Bromsgrove Society website www.bsoc.co.uk