Best foot forward (From Droitwich Advertiser)

Best foot forward

7:16am Wednesday 14th May 2008

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A NEW programme of guided town walks will be taking place in Droitwich Spa this summer.

The walks are part of a project being co-ordinated by the Droitwich Spa Area Partnership to encourage more people to visit the town.

“Hopefully these walks will give a valuable insight into what life was like here in earlier ages, how history has shaped our town, and how important Droitwich was for most of its past."

Lyn Blewitt, from the Droitwich History and Archaeology Society

The town walks are being organised by the Droitwich History and Archaeology Society and the Droitwich Spa Civic Society. The walks will give local people and visitors a fascinating insight into the history of the town and its local buildings and features.

The first walk takes place this Saturday and they will then be held on the third Saturday of each month until September. All walks start at 3pm from St Andrew's church, St Andrew's Street and will last approximately one-and-a-half hours.

The walks are suitable for all abilities and while these mainly take place in the town centre, there may also be an optional ascent to Dodderhill church.

"Droitwich Spa has a fascinating history," said Lyn Blewitt from the Droitwich History and Archaeology Society.

"Hopefully these walks will give a valuable insight into what life was like here in earlier ages, how history has shaped our town, and how important Droitwich was for most of its past.

"There are many interesting buildings in the town, some of which are real hidden gems," added Stuart Haywood, from Droitwich Spa Civic Society. "However, with changes which have taken place over time it is not always possible to visualise what the buildings looked like or were used for previously. These town walks will hopefully give people the chance to learn more about the history behind them."

Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa Area Partnership Manager for Wychavon District Council, said: "Over the past couple of years, there have been improvements to a number of the buildings in the High Street, through the High Street regeneration scheme.

"The scheme has helped to restore the traditional shop fronts. The town walks will enable people to learn more about the work that has been done and appreciate the range of architectural styles present in the High Street."

There is a nominal charge of £1 per person, although under 16s are free. People interested in coming on the walks will need to book with the Droitwich Spa Heritage and Information Centre in Victoria Square in person or by calling 01905 774312.

Copies of the brand new Town Trail, which is recommended to those going on the walks, are also available from the Heritage and Information Centre. For further information contact Janet Yates on 01386 565355 or 07977493445.

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