Guests of all ages gathered on Tuesday (April 1) to reflect on the town’s rich and vibrant history on the date 75 years to the day since Corby was designated as a new town.
To accommodate ‘overspill populations’, the 1946 New Towns Act gave the government power to designate areas of land for new town development.
For Corby, this meant that a plan was put in place to create more houses and facilities for its expanding steelworks, and to turn it from a village into a modern town with its own unique identity.
Corby has undergone a remarkable transformation in this time and to mark the occasion, Corby Town Council is holding an exhibition which explores the town’s journey from the 1950s to the present day.
The Northants Telegraph has spoken to some of the VIP guests – cornerstones of the community – to hear their experiences and memories of the town over the years.
A free photo exhibition marking the New Town 75th Anniversary will be open for the public at at the town council’s new premises, 43 High Street, NN17 1UU at the following dates and times:
Monday, April 7, 10am - 2pm Wednesday, April 9, 12noon - 4pm Monday, April 14, 10am – 2pm Wednesday, April 16, 12noon - 4pm Tuesday, April 22, 10am - 2pm Thursday, April 24, 10am -12noon
5. Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status : Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status
Mandy Young MBE (right), said that it was tremendous seeing Corby regenerate as she grew up. The founder of Adrenaline Alley said: “the way everybody supports each other is something Corby has always had.” Lynn Johnstone (left), the Facilities Manager of Kingswood Neighbourhood Centre said: “Corby is a large town with a village community.” Corby 75th new town anniversary celebrations and launch of exhibition/National World Photo: Sam Riley
6. Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status : Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status
“Corby is a town full of working people,” Paula Boulton said. The playwright, author and musician has documented the history of Corby’s steelworks through a collection of plays. She said that others have tried to put Corby down but that the town’s residents continue to be proud of their history. “We are definitely a place with a very strong community,” she said. Paula donated her book, ‘Steel Kids’, to the exhibition. Paula said that she was sad to have seen so many clubs close down in the town. “Clubs were the seed where entertainment happened,” she said. The arts worker was also involved with Corby Women’s Centre for 20 years, which closed down in 2011. Corby 75th new town anniversary celebrations and launch of exhibition/National World Photo: Sam Riley
7. Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status : Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status
“I don’t think there’s anywhere like Corby,” Des Barber, the manager of Corby Radio said. Des said that Corby was unique and had a warm, multicultural community. Des has been working in the music business for over 50 years and was one of the first DJs to work with Corby Town Council. The 65-year-old said that Corby will hang onto its unique traditions for years to come and is excited to see how it will continue to move forward in the future. Corby 75th new town anniversary celebrations and launch of exhibition/National World Photo: Sam Riley
8. Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status : Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status
“It’s a good little town. It’s had its ups and downs but we roll with them, Chuck the Poet said. The Poet performed his poem, ‘Corby is nothing but unique’ at the event. He said: "Corby feels different to any other town in Northamptonshire”. Corby 75th new town anniversary celebrations and launch of exhibition/National World Photo: Sam Riley