WITH the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta this year, the town of Droitwich has something of its own to celebrate from the same year.

While he was busy signing the Magna Carta in 1215, subjecting himself to the laws of England, King John also found the time to grant Droitwich the right to manufacture salt from the brine stream that is still runs under the town, an industry which fuelled the growth of the town.

The Royal Charter allowed the salt industry to develop in Droitwich, shaped the town’s future for hundreds of years, and a number of people have already formed a working committee to decide the best way to commemorate the event.

July 4 has been proposed as a special Charter Day for the town, with celebrations to mark what was a turning point in Droitwich’s history, and there will be a public interest meeting hosted by the mayor, Councillor Bob Brookes on Monday, February 2 for organisations and individuals already involved in organising town events to give their suggestions.

Cllr Brookes said, “Droitwich is a town literally built on salt and I think this is too good an opportunity to miss. I am proposing to form a community interest group to bring local people and organisations together to make it happen. Anyone who lives in Droitwich, has a business here, or would just like to help is welcome to come and tell us how they would like to contribute.”

Help will be needed for everything from setting up web pages, and administration, to planning the special event itself. Anyone who has suggestions or would like to get involved, should contact Cllr Brookes by writing to bob.brookes@wychavon.net or come along to the meeting, which is taking place from 7pm in the town council chamber in St Richard’s House.