Redditch and the Kingfisher

Liam Basford writes……

Dear Redditch Local History Society,

I wonder if you could help me with some research that I am undertaking about the Redditch town crest.

I’m particularly interested in the reasoning behind the town’s affinity to the Kingfisher bird.

I understand that originally, a Swift sat upon the crest but was later replaced by the Kingfisher. However, I cannot find any justification for this decision.

It seems to be quite an important part of the town’s identity, being used for the name of its shopping centre to its football teams mascot.

 

Can anyone shed some light on this?

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. During WW11 the town adopted the naval vessel ‘Kingfisher’. The hall in Worcester Road was renamed Kingfisher hall and the swift was replaced with a Kingfisher, a bird very common in Redditch and the surrounding areas.
    This is recorded in various places in Redditch literature.
    Mr Arthur Newbould, a well known councillor, entrepeneur and businessman who objected to the New Town proposal, suggested and illustrated in his book ‘Not Just bricks and Mortar’ that the kingfisher emblem should be replaced by a White Elephant. This was a view endorsed by many true Redditch people but not taken up.

Leave a Reply to Derek Coombes Cancel reply

Close Menu