Padiham Town Hall marks 75th anniversary (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Padiham Town Hall marks 75th anniversary

9:00pm Saturday 2nd March 2013 in News

PADIHAM Town Hall is marking the 75th anniversary of its opening with dozens of people shown around the historic building.

Celebrations so far have pointed to the future and not just the past, with the building being used to house the town’s rapidly expanding archives, consisting of many items of memorabilia and thousands of photographs.

The building was officially opened in 1938 by Lord Herbert Morrison, the grandfather of former Labour MP, business secretary and European Commissioner Peter Mandelson.

The 75th celebrations were organised by town councillors Bob and Ann Clark and Jean Cunningham.

Visitors have enjoyed tours of the building including the council chamber and treated to tea and cakes to mark the occasion.

Of particular interest was the huge water clock, which has been housed there since the 1930s.

Padiham archivist Bob Clark said: “It was very satisfying to see the number of people showing an interest.

“We had a couple who travelled over from Southport because the gentleman had worked for the original architects of the building.

“The archive has been so much of a success, with dozens of people donating to it, that we are outgrowing the original rooms and I think those who attended all found something of interest.

“We have done a lot of work with schools in the area to keep alive the history of Padiham and the children seem to take an interest.”

To signal the end of the commemorations, Coun Clark will be conducting another tour today (March 2) from 10am with all welcome.

The Town Hall is open to visitors during the week when a placard is placed outside.

FACTFILE

• The Burnley Road building was designed by Bradshaw Gass and Hope and opened in 1938
• English Heritage have designated it a Grade II listed building
• In the 1930s a clock by Jonathan Cryer of Bingley was restored and became known as ‘the Padiham clock’
• The clock is also often referred to as ‘the water clock’ but this purely relates to the fact that it has a water feature.
• The building was designed in art deco style and backs onto the river Calder
• It is licensed as a wedding venue with guests ascending the sweeping staircase for ceremonies conducted in the council chamber