‘Seven remarkable individuals’ honoured at official Alcester Park road naming ceremony
Bloor Homes and Alcester Town Council have commemorated seven of Alcester’s most community-spirited individuals by naming roads after them on the southern phase of the new Alcester Park development
Bloor Homes and Alcester Town Council have honoured seven members of the town’s community at a special ceremony at Bloor Homes’ Alcester Park development.
Seven roads on the southern phase of the new development have been named after people who contributed to and supported the community in Alcester over many years.
The official opening of each road was led by Cllr David Henderson, Mayor of Alcester and attended by friends and family of those selected for the tribute, members of Bloor Homes’ planning and sales teams and other prominent local figures.
The road names were chosen after Alcester Town Council invited nominations from the public in 2021. Having received 65 nominations, the challenge of selecting just seven people from such a long list of nominees fell to the Town Council’s Planning Committee. The proposed names were then sent to Bloor Homes and Stratford District Council for approval.
Speaking at the event, Cllr David Henderson, Mayor of Alcester, said: “It’s true what they say – not all heroes wear capes. We’re here to celebrate the lives of seven remarkable individuals whose service, spirit and dedication have helped shape the community we are so proud to call home. Each of these names represents not just a person, but a story, a legacy of kindness, courage, creativity and care for others.
“By naming these streets in their honour, we ensure that their contributions will be remembered and appreciated by future generations. It is both a moment of remembrance and one of gratitude.”
The new road names and their namesakes are:
- Watts Close after John Watts, best known as Chair of the Alcester Civic Society Walking Group where he was pivotal in creating the Heart of England Way and Arden Way.
- Barker Close after Norman Barker, a D-Day veteran who played an integral part in various local organisations, including chairing the fundraising group for what has become Cancer Research UK, and instigated the Alcester Garden Walkabout, still held each June.
- Calvert Close after Peter Calvert, teacher, Deputy Head then Acting Head at Greville High School (now Alcester Academy), who devoted his life to helping young people and raising funds for children’s charities and the church.
- Norris Close after Edwina Norris, founder of The Rutleigh School of Dancing, inspiring local dancers for 60+ years; Area Organiser for the Royal Academy of Dance for 30+ years; recipient of the President’s Award of the Royal Academy of Dance for dedicated services to ballet; and fundraiser for local causes through many performances.
- Ward Avenue after Derrick Ward, Town Clerk who created the foundations for the nationally recognised award-winning organisation that is Alcester Town Council today.
- Stuart Place after Stuart Davis, a well-loved member of the community - especially at his local Church. Always ready to lend a helping hand, he welcomed everyone with a warm smile and friendship and is remembered for supporting every town event, in particular marching with the firefighters.
- Palmer Gardens after Sylvia Palmer, a local florist who dedicated her free time to Alcester Flower Club and arranging flowers for special events at St Nicholas Church. She was a leading figure in the Church Women’s Guild and volunteered with the Royal British Legion.
Andrew Winstone, Planning Manager at Bloor Homes said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Alcester Town Council to name the new roads at Alcester Park. This is the second part of a project to honour local people in this way; in 2023 we held a similar ceremony on the northern phase of the development, naming the new roads after past mayors of the town.
“This initiative led by Alcester Town Council to pay tribute to exceptional individuals who have made significant and much-valued contributions to the town and community in a wide variety of ways over the years resonates with Bloor Homes’ ethos of leaving a positive legacy for the communities in which we build.”
When completed there will be a total of 350 new two, three and four bedroom energy efficient new homes at Alcester Park including new affordable housing for local residents.