Thanksgiving service celebrates Wychavon's 50th anniversary

A thanksgiving service was held to celebrate Wychavon's 50th anniversary.

The event, which took place on April 21 at Pershore Abbey, honoured the district’s half-century journey and the commitment and dedication that went into shaping the district.

Cllr Robert Raphael, chairman of Wychavon, along with dignitaries, former and current councillors and staff, and parish representatives attended the celebratory event.

Beatrice Grant, Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire, and Charles Moyle, High Sheriff of Worcestershire, were among those present.

Cllr Raphael praised the importance of the relationship with town and parish councils, and the volunteers, businesses, tourist attractions and events he experienced during his 50th anniversary tour of the district.

Those in the service rededicated themselves to serving their communities.

This act recreated a moment from history when councillors and staff who founded Wychavon did the same thing inside Pershore Abbey hours before the new council came into existence on April 1, 1974.

Formed by merging five councils in Evesham, Pershore, and Droitwich, Wychavon came into existence as a part of the 1972 Local Government Act.

It was initially called "District Number Nine" before "Wychavon" was chosen, echoing the Anglo-Saxon name for Droitwich Spa and the main river of the district.

Cllr Raphael, said: “The relationship we have with our towns and parishes, as well as our businesses, and voluntary and community organisations is very important to us, and I am delighted so many of them were able to join us to share in our special day.

“Whether it is building a new hospital, new supermarkets, investing millions of pounds in community projects, or backing our superb businesses, we’re really proud of the positive difference we have made for the people of Wychavon over the last 50 years and we look forward to doing it for at least another 50.”

A special 50th anniversary booklet was given to everyone attending the service which highlights Wychavon's story over the decades.

Copies will be available in local libraries or can be downloaded from www.wychavon.gov.uk/fifty.