She introduced the speaker, Harry Wells, whose talk and visual presentation was ‘Photographing Warrington’.
This he had clearly done over many years, and many of the members were taken down a long memory lane.
Part One: Bridge Foot to the Town Centre, starting in 1970.
He became interested in photography as a child when his father brought back three cameras from Germany after the war.
He explained their types and uses.
From 1971-2012, we were shown, almost street by street, in black and white, then colour, old-time Warrington.
Not much traffic was seen earlier on.
We were told about and shown the ‘old’ Academy building, and the pressure to keep it, eventually being moved and replicated.
Statues were moved, old pubs demolished, shops no longer there.
A veritable history lesson was given.
The old friary, where skeletons were found.
The 1759 Old Lion pub, rebuilt, where 54 coaches left for London.
The town had a real ‘clean up’ of buildings for the Queen’s visit.
So many tales, so many pictures, bringing back memories to many members.
The ‘old Golden Square’, making way for the ‘new’ Golden Square.
But many buildings now with the protection of being ‘listed’.
We were shown the ‘Golden Gates’, and Queen Victoria’s dismissal of these.
Harry had such a plethora of photo slides, we could only get to his first few sections.
However, it was an enjoyable look into yesteryear, realising that not all progress was always appreciated.
Our business after tea discussed correspondence, and the future AGM in Hull next year.
Resolution changes.
The new VIA online booking courses.
Zoom meetings etc.
We have no craft group or social events this month.
The Mossland group is going to Skipton next week.
Our popular ‘Village’ flower show, craft, art, and other items are to be held on September 5th in the Village Hall.
