The History of Redditch Model Railway Club

The Redditch Model Railway Club was founded on 1st June 1967 by a group of twelve enthusiastic railway modellers with a shared ambition to create a club dedicated to the hobby. From those modest beginnings, the club has gone from strength to strength and today boasts around 30 members, five exhibition-standard layouts and an annual exhibition that attracts visitors and exhibitors from across the country. For nearly 60 years the club has been based in the new town of Redditch, approximately 15 miles south of Birmingham, and has become one of the best-known model railway clubs in the Midlands. Following an initial public meeting to gauge local interest, suitable premises were found within days. A large double lock-up garage behind a local shop became the club's first headquarters, and it was here that the first official meeting took place on 1 June 1967, attended by twelve founder members, including Mick Clements. From the very beginning Mick took on the role of Treasurer, a position he fulfilled with remarkable dedication for more than five decades. In recognition of his outstanding service to the club, he was appointed Club President in 2005. Mick remained at the heart of the club throughout his life and played a major role in its development, both through his tireless work behind the scenes and his enthusiasm for exhibiting the club's layouts across the country. Following his passing in 2025, he is remembered with great affection and respect by members and friends throughout the model railway community. As the redevelopment of Redditch town centre gathered pace, the club was forced to find a new home. In 1970 it relocated to an attic room in the Smallwood Almshouses, where it remained for the next 27 years. These larger premises enabled the club to construct its first permanent layout, which became well known on the exhibition circuit. Even today, nearly three decades after it was dismantled, many enthusiasts still remember it with great affection.

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