IT has been another busy year in Droitwich and we are proud to have brought you all the biggest stories alongside helping with fund-raising appeals and shedding a spotlight on community campaigns along the way.
This year has seen the return of beloved Droitwich traditions, a celebration of the town’s rich heritage and exciting plans for the future touted.
In April, Droitwich’s Charter Market made a welcome return after five years away, with organisers Bluebell Events saying it has received some fantastic feedback so far.
This year also saw Droitwich celebrate 400 years since Spa legend John Heminge released ‘The First Folio’ and saved many of Shakespeare’s most famous works for the world.
Commemorations included a John Heminge exhibition, a plaque being unveiled at St Peter’s Church, where he was baptised, and a Shakespearian-themed Christmas lights switch-on.
In May, tributes poured in for Chas Newby, a much-loved former Droitwich Spa High School teacher who also played bass for The Beatles in December 1960, after he passed away aged 81.
We saw the sad loss of several crucial community groups this year as both the Droitwich Stroke Club and Droitwich Rotary Club closed down.
The year’s quirkiest story came courtesy of Edna Warner, who was flying without wings on her 101st birthday back in April after receiving two messages of congratulations from members of her favourite band Westlife.
As always, there was a lot of interest in the crime stories we have kept you up to date with.
Droitwich boy Alfie Steele’s mother Carla Scott and her partner Dirk Powell were jailed over his killing in June after the nine-year-old was found lifeless in the bath of his home on February 18, 2021.
The following month, the town gathered at the Lido Park bandstand for an emotional and poignant service to remember and celebrate Alfie’s life.
Controversy over Full Fibre’s plans to deliver Superfast Broadband by poles has rumbled on throughout the year, with Wychavon District Council now lobbying the government for powers over broadband pole installations.
A long-running campaign to install a potentially life-saving mole-mapping machine in memory of brave Droitwich man Mike Hull bore fruit last month as it was unveiled at Solihull Hospital.
We helped to raise awareness for the idea of a ‘Small Chamber of Commerce’ in Droitwich, suggested at the annual Town meeting in May, to help struggling local businesses.
This idea became the Droitwich Business Association, which has revealed plans to transform the town into the nation’s best to visit, with introducing an Italian Market mooted, potentially for next year.
The new year promises to be an exciting time for the town with a business plan to reopen the Brine Baths now taking shape.
We want to wish our readers a Happy New Year and we look forward to bringing you more news, sports and features in print and online in 2024.
