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
13. Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status : Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status
Toni Beeby (left) said that Corby was “only a village” when she grew up, and witnessed various housing estates go up gradually. One of the biggest moments of Corby history for Toni was the opening of the East Midlands International Pool in 2009. Madeline Whiteman (right) has also been pleased to see all of the development that has come to the town, and said that the introduction of the cinema, theatre and rooftop arts centre has been great for the community. Corby 75th new town anniversary celebrations and launch of exhibition/National World Photo: Sam Riley
14. Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status : Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status
Cllr William Colquhoun attended the event and cut the cake, which guests enjoyed a slice of alongside glasses of prosecco. Corby 75th new town anniversary celebrations and launch of exhibition/National World Photo: Sam Riley
15. Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status : Residents celebrate 75th anniversary of new town status
Corby 75th new town anniversary celebrations and launch of exhibition/National World Photo: Sam Riley