Report by

NICK SMITH

ONE of Winsford's most famous buildings is 100 years old - and people are being asked to help celebrate.

Anyone with memories about the beautiful Brunner Guildhall, on High Street, is being asked to come forward.

The Guildhall was opened on November 4, 1899 by Sir John T Brunner.

During its history it has been used as a base for charity groups and it is now home to the Citizens' Advice Bureau and British Red Cross, for first aid training. There have been union meetings for boiler workers and ship builders, as well as trade and friendly societies.

The historical hall even came to the rescue of Verdin High School during the century, providing extra classrooms when the school was overcrowded.

The landmark birthday party won't be too wild, however, as alcohol has always been forbidden at the venue. June Williams, secretary of the Brunner Guildhall management committee, is appealing for people to get in touch with any documents or information relating to events in the hall in the last 100 years.

The plan is to gather them for a tribute event, which will be part of millennium celebrations in Winsford.

Mrs Williams said: "A lot of people in the town might know what societies met there that we're not aware of. Or people may have documents showing events. Anything they come forward with would be brilliant.

"We won't keep people's documents but would like to photocopy them because we're putting on a display for Winsford 2000.

"There is a commemorative book and we're still looking for more information. We expect people will always have some good stories to tell.

"It's a prominent building. Everybody sees it waiting at the bus stop and it's a common meeting place. It's also a very central point in the town and is also a listed building."

If anyone would like to help with information for the centenary celebrations, Mrs Williams can be contacted on 01606 593582.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.