May 5, 1978

The church is like an engine and every part should be automatically oiled to work properly, Prince Philip said in Redditch yesterday.

Speaking to an invited audience of church and community leaders at the Town Ecumenical Centre, the Duke of Edinburgh said newtown people should set their own example to establish a Christian society in new communities.

He arrived at the town's bus station to be greeted by civic dignitaries, including Council Chairman John Coleman, Town Chief Executive Mr John Weth and Redditch Development Corporation Chairman Mr James Chesshire.

Crowds thronged the route as the prince strolled through the Kingfisher Centre.

There were loud cheers as he stopped to speak to shop girls, little old ladies and a bus driver.

After his speech, the Duke was driven round the newtown and saw developments in progress.

At Church Hill, he officially opened the new £895,000 YMCA complex of flats and a community centre.