THE society meeting on July 1 began with an illustrated talk on the origins of the Royal Enfield by local historian Anne Bradford.

Anne, in her fascinating presentation, covered the early period of the company. We were told how the company, after they began by making bicycles, moved on to motor cars and motor cycles. The talk included many rarely seen photographs and images, and encompassed a period in the history of the Royal Enfield which is difficult to find in published literature. The presentation was very much appreciated by the audience.

Following tea/coffee and biscuits in the Forge Mill Courtyard in the sunshine, a number of announcements on forthcoming events involving the society were made.

Derek Coombes will be at Redditch Library with the next drop in session for the Remembering Lost Redditch project on Friday, July 19. Looking further ahead, we will be at the Morton Stanley Park Festival on August 17/18.

The next meeting is on Monday, August 12 at 2pm at Forge Mill Needle Museum. For the first hour there will be a tour of the Bordesley Abbey Site (If wet – illustrated talk of same) by Don Vincent and Tony Green, returning to the museum for second half of meeting.

For further details of the Local History Society please ring Tony Green on 01527 61434 or visit redditchhistorysociety.org.uk.