Stoke Salt King stroll hailed a success

Buy photos » The walkers were led by footpaths officer David Braisted and included district councilors John Tidmarsh and Sean Shannon, along with Stoke Parish Council chairman John Ellis. s

A GUIDED walk to celebrate the life of the Salt King John Corbett was successfully launched last Tuesday (June 12) - the 195th anniversary of his birthday.

The stroll, created by Stoke Parish Council, begins at Avoncroft Arts Centre, which houses artefacts and pictures relating to the salt industry in Stoke Works, during John Corbett's time.

It then took participants via Stoke Grange, Needle Mill Lane and St Michael's Church, to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal and Stoke Wharf picnic site.

Walkers were also able to take in John Corbett's former home, Stoke Prior Church where he is buried, the salt works and his arms houses.

Stoke Parish Council chairman John Ellis said a splendid time was had by all and special thanks had to go to the headteacher of Bromsgrove Preparatory School (now located at Stoke Grange) who gave a guided tour of the building.

The thanks were also extended to the Chateau Impney staff who offered the walking group warm hospitality during afternoon tea there, along with a tour of the building, which was John Corbett's home for many years.

Coun Ellis added: "We are in the process of applying for a Lottery Heritage Grant so we can create information boards along the way, together with an audio trail, possibly with recordings of memories from any surviving salt workers."

For more, visit www.Stoke-PC-worcs.gov.uk.

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