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Mason Close, REDDITCH, B97 5DF

They only look new by their condition. Their designs are hundreds of years old.

On the left is Vaynor Drive.

Metal plate attached to stone post by the UC road (was A441), in parish of REDDITCH (REDDITCH District), Evesham Road, Headless Cross, in front of cottage fence, on East side of road. Redditch iron plate, erected by the Arrow & Pot Hooks End & Dunnington & Crabs Cross turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- REDDITCH 1 EVESHAM 15 Worcestershire and Worcester City HER. HER Reference: WSM56972 https://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=MWR49483&resourceID=1035 Milestone Society National ID: WO_RDEV01.

"The piece of Evesham Road from where Yvonne Road is now to Vaynor Drive was very narrow and dark. There were huge trees on either side of the road, only one gas lamp and a little stream on the left hand side. We always called it 'The Folly'. You didn't go up there after dark. When my older sister went out in the evening , my father would say, 'Don't you go up the Folly'. Behind the Dorothy Terry Residential Home a small close has been built and the Councillors were recently required to find a name for it. We called it 'The Folly' to commemorate the old name." Albert Wharrad in 'Old Redditch Voices' by Anne Bradford, 2005. Notice the big building site on the left with its long-jibbed crane, apparently remotely-controlled.

The New Town has abundant green space, usually of a natural character, threaded with footpaths and brooks, dotted with lighting columns, litter bins, seats and play spaces.

There are plans to demolish this local landmark but a campaign afoot to at least save its unusual pierced spire. The building dates from 1877 and stands on Evesham Road.

When this photograph was taken late in June 2013 the pub was temporarily closed. It was formerly the Dog & Pheasant which had, it seems, rather a mixed reputation. The new owners were still working on the building, with the aim of improving what the pub offered. The new name is part of its new image. Image Image

The pub's new name appears on the front of the building, as well as on the side, which is what is photographed here. The name probably relates to the Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch, which illustrates the heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Redditch once produced 90% of the world's needles, and in Headless Cross itself there were once three needle factories. Image Image

When photographed in late Jun 2013, the pub was shortly due to re-open under its new name of the Forge Mill. Image Image