History of Wychavon
Wychavon was formed out of the Local Government Act 1972.
The council, and the district, was created out of five existing councils:
- Evesham Borough Council
- Evesham Rural District Council
- Droitwich Borough Council
- Droitwich Rural District Council
- Pershore Rural District Council
Originally called District No.9, the name Wychavon was chosen to reflect all parts of the district with Wych being the Anglo-Saxon name for Droitwich Spa and the Avon being the main river that runs through the district.
A shadow council was elected and met in Pershore for the first time in summer 1973, with Wychavon's first constitution being approved at The Raven Hotel in Droitwich Spa.
On 31 March 1974, Wychavon's founding councillors and officers visited Pershore Abbey where they pledged themselves to service. At midnight on 1 April, 1974 Wychavon - both the council and the place - came into being.
Download the pdf Wychavon 50 years of making a difference booklet (5.36 MB) to learn more about our story.
Chairman's Civic Service - celebrating 50 years of making a difference
On Sunday 21 April, 2024 dignatries, including the Lord Lieutentant of Worcestershire, joined current and former councillors and staff to celebrate Wychavon's 50th anniversary.
Read more about the Chairman's Civic Service celebrating 50 years of Wychavon.
Chairman's 50th Anniversary Tour
Our Chairman for 2023/24 Cllr Robert Raphael spent ten months completing an ambitious challenge to visit every part of the district to mark Wychavon's 50th anniversary.
The tour began in July 2023 at Wick Care Farm with the final visit taking place at Millennium Wood in Stoulton in April 2024.
During the Chairman’s 50th Anniversary Tour, Cllr Raphael visited 77 parishes, highlighting the work of local organisations, meeting with volunteers, catching up on projects Wychavon has funded over the years and checking out some of the district’s natural and historic sites.
Below is a selection of the visits Cllr Raphael has completed. You can hover over the picture for more information and on some articles click to read more about the visit and see more pictures.
