The 20th July this year marked the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Shildon Civic Hall by the Right Honourable Harold Wilson MP, writes Alan Ellwood of Shildon History Recall Society.
The opening ceremony was by invitation only, and guests had to be seated by 5.45pm on that Friday evening ready for Mr Wilson’s 6pm arrival. After meeting the Chairman of the Council and other dignitaries in the foyer, he addressed the guests, meeting a handful of these in person. Mr Wilson, accompanied by his wife and entourage, left at 7pm to travel to Durham, leaving the assembled guests to enjoy a dance followed by a buffet supper.
The Chairman of the Council, Councillor W L Carnan told the assembly that: “This building belongs to the community, and as such, is intended for people of all age groups, either as individuals or those comprising large or small organised interests. The range of activities which the building will support are numerous, and it is believed that the interest by the community in its building will give meaning to its presence, and enrich the bonds of human contact”.
Guests included councillors, doctors, policemen, council employees, their wives and other invitees from around the district. I still have my official program of the ceremony which names the Architect as Parker & Rosner and the main contractor as Tarmac Construction Ltd.
Over the last 50 years the building has seen a number of alterations and facelifts and by many, is still regarded as a ‘white elephant’ and a drain on our Council Tax. But it still remains a place where we can have a meal and a drink in pleasant surroundings, and can be hired for special events such as wedding receptions, family celebrations and other functions.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
