Talk on chocolate maker Richard Cadbury coming to Kidderminster

RESEARCH: Tim Onions and Rob Shipley by the Cadbury display at Tudor House Museum, Worcester <i>(Image: Rob Shipley)</i>
RESEARCH: Tim Onions and Rob Shipley by the Cadbury display at Tudor House Museum, Worcester (Image: Rob Shipley)
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A TALK exploring the life of Richard Cadbury is set to take place in Kidderminster.

Titled Richard Cadbury of Worcester (1868-1935) — the Man, his Mission and his Legacy, it is being hosted by Kidderminster Historical Society.

It will be led by Tim Onions and Rob Shipley on Thursday, February 27 at 2.30pm.

Cadbury, despite his famous surname, had a life story that diverged significantly from the world of confectionery.

The third son of the Cadbury brothers who built the renowned Bournville factories, Richard found success in business but sought to carve out a different legacy.

His life was marked by his devotion to local politics, the judiciary and charitable and religious works in Worcester where he eventually settled after his travels.

His “unostentatious benevolence”, as described by one of his mourners, was a key aspect of his character.

Cadbury’s death on December 18, 1935, saw a large number of Worcester citizens pay their last respects, leading to the closure of the High Street for his funeral cortège.

On the day the throngs of people reflected the mark he had left on the community.

The forthcoming talk by Mr Onions and Mr Shipley, who are now collaborating with Cadbury’s descendants to write a new book about his life and work, promises to provide a comprehensive account, drawing from a recently-rediscovered collection of his personal photographs, letters and documents.

These artefacts, which have not been seen outside of the Cadbury family for over a century, will add a personal touch to the narrative of his life.

The talk also aims to highlight some of the individuals whose lives Cadbury changed, providing concrete examples of his mission and legacy.

The meeting will be held at The Museum of Carpet, Stour Vale Mill, Green Street, Kidderminster, and visitors are requested to book in advance.

Members are automatically booked in but visitors are asked to reply to the mailing list email, give their name and contact details via the ‘Contact’ button on the website at kdahs.org or via the Kidderminster Historical Society Facebook page or phone the number on the adverts or the chairman.

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