MEMORIES of local lad and rock legend, John Bonham, were shared by those who knew him at a special event last week at Forge Mill Museum, Redditch.

John was born on Birchfield Road, Headless Cross on May 31 1948 and continued to live in Redditch until the late 1960s when his drumming career finally took off with Led Zeppelin.

Organised by the John Bonham Memorial Fund, John Bonham Remembered, was held in conjunction with Forge Mill's famous faces exhibition which features displays of people whose lives and achievements have influenced the growth or reputation of the town.

Ros Sidaway, from the John Bonham Memorial Fund, said: “It was fascinating to hear from John’s former classmates at both Wilton House and Lodge Farm County Secondary School.

“According to Norman Cockings, who used to sit next to him at Wilton House school, John was a generally well-behaved little boy.”

The group has raised more than 10 per cent of the £50,000 needed for the design and installation of a bronze memorial to the local legend who sadly died at just 32 on September 25 1980.

Having achieved this through mostly local donations, the campaign group is now aiming to drum up the remaining money required through a crowdfunding initiative officially launched this Sunday, November 22.

“The first 10 people to pledge via our crowdfunder page before Sunday will also receive a certificate confirming their contribution and a colour photo of the memorial signed by John’s sister, singer-songwriter, Deborah Bonham,” added Ms Sidaway.

It is hoped the memorial will be erected in the town next year, near to the bandstand on Church Green.

For more information on the campaign or to donate, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/john-bonham-memorial-redditch