ACCRINGTON DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB

KATHLEEN was back in the chair, complimenting those members who had handled the provision of coffee, tea and biscuits, at very short notice.

Our condolences go to Joan Gooding for the tragic loss of her husband.

A social outing to the Chocolate House in Blackburn, is proposed for October 22.

The cost will be £11.50, including afternoon tea.

Formal congratulations to Harold on his birthday: “I’m a young 99”, he justifiably claims.

We welcomed Brian Healey back today for the second part of his history of Manchester’s architecture, ‘Town Hall Triumphant’.

Described as the last, great neo-Gothic building, it was the result of a competition which attracted 137 entries.

The short list candidates received £300 (about £150K in today money?) and the building cost target was £600K (say £30M).

This is about a tenth of the published cost of the current refurbishing programme.

The eventual build cost ran to almost £1M, including all the fixtures, fittings and ‘improvements’.

So, we can expect today’s budget to be exceeded?

The architect, Alfred Waterhouse, also had a hand in many local buildings, including the Assize Courts and Strangeways.

The Lord Mayor’s apartments were not used as such beyond the 1950’s, as they were considered far too opulent, by the Socialist administration.

Brian’s ‘virtual tour’ included an explanation of how this iconic building was actually ‘modern’, as well as showing how the detail, and there is an awful lot of it, is focussed on the history and aspirations of the city.

We are going to have to wait until 2025 (or later?) before we get a chance to see all this again.

Christine proposed the vote of thanks for this absorbing story.

Kathleen’s closing story of the ‘old gentleman’ of 28, was brief and got an appreciative laugh.

There are still some vacancies for new members.

If you think you might like to share the experience, come along to the Accrington Town Hall on August 19, from 10am.

The Gallery is in use this time so we will be meeting in the Council Camber, just inside the main entrance, on the left.

If you are retired or retiring soon, you might like to try a free one, please introduce yourself and enjoy good company.