We are currently celebrating the Town Hall’s Centenary. Built as the home of local government 20 years before women had the right to vote. At the opening it was recognised even then that in a rapidly changing world the vulnerable people of the borough would need protection. Local government was having to meet and deal with many emerging complex issues.

It is not just the structure we celebrate (it is a well recognised and loved building) – it is the communities it serves which are also important. Recent history has proved that education, sport, transport and civil resilience all need addressing. We are not charged, as our forefathers were, with securing a water supply. We do however still have the problem of the loss of traditional industries, provision of new skills and making plans for the future.

The Town Hall plays an important role in social and civic ceremonies. Citizenship, marriages and the Registrars other functions are well served. There are musical events and road shows making the various functions of the Borough available to all.

The Borough has a wealth of talent which shows in many different ways. Stockport has always been ahead of the game. Our Area Committees (where all are welcome) were formed many years ago and are at the heart of our communities. Long before legislation to ensure the then rates system could be paid by instalments was introduced, this facility was available to Stockport people.

This month there have been various centenary events for people to attend. Next weekend sees the culmination with various activities not least of which is the ice rink! There will be music and dancing in the street. A very important part of Sunday will be the march of the Mercian Regiment (originally the Cheshire Regiment, Stockport was its base) through the town. The climax will be a firework display. Do come and join us – it’s all free and on Sunday starts at 1.00pm.

Many of us have grown up here in the Borough and have shared in the joys and sorrows as events have happened. Hopefully, the successes of the past can be repeated in the future and citizens with special talents will continue to excel. Also that we will keep alive the long tradition of volunteering and ensure the vulnerable are protected.

Cllr Maureen Walsh
Bramhall North

This article, by Cllr Maureen Walsh, was first published in the Stockport Express 09/07/08.