CREWE Chamber of Trade and Commerce will stage a special ceremony next week to mark the end of its 63-year existence.

Eight past presidents will attend next Tuesday's ceremony at Crewe Hall, when the Chamber's presidential jewel will be passed on to Vic Harris, chairman of the Crewe and Nantwich Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise.

Pat Grocott, who was three-times president, will make the presentation to the new set-up, which will encompass the old chamber in a pilot "One Stop Shop" at Electra House on Crewe Business Park.

The Chamber of Trade and Commmerce was formed in 1935 and past presidents included Sir Donald Bradley, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire- Geoffrey Vernon, and six Justices of the Peace.

But Mrs Grocott, of D.H. Grocott Garages, said that in the early 1990's the chamber had struggled to meet the needs of its members, having neither the staff or expertise to hand out advice and help on European law and documentation.

"So ends the old Chamber of Trade," she said.

"But I am happy that the new organisation is meeting members' needs and providing the services they require. I wish them all success."

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