A service of thanksgiving has been held to mark the 50th anniversary of Wychavon.
Wychavon’s Chairman Cllr Robert Raphael was joined by dignitaries, former and current councillors and staff, and representatives from the parishes, for the celebration at Pershore Abbey on Sunday, 21 April.
Those attending included the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Beatrice Grant, and the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Charles Moyle.
Service was the theme of the day as those inside reflected on the commitment and dedication that had gone into shaping the district over the last five decades.
Cllr Raphael praised the importance of the relationship with town and parish councils, as well as the amazing volunteers, businesses, tourist attractions and events he had experienced during his 50th anniversary tour of the district.
At the end of the service, those inside rededicated themselves to serving their communities. This recreated a moment from history when councillors and staff who founded Wychavon did the same thing inside Pershore Abbey, just hours before the new council came into existence on 1 April 1974.
Wychavon was created from the merger of five councils across the Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich areas as part of the 1972 Local Government Act. It was originally called District Number Nine before the name Wychavon was chosen to reflect the Anglo-Saxon name for Droitwich Spa and the main river that runs through the district.
Cllr Robert Raphael, Chairman of Wychavon District Council, 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 has been produced which tells Wychavon’s story through the decades and was given to everyone attending the service. Copies will also shortly be available in local libraries or can be downloaded from www.wychavon.gov.uk/fifty.
