A SPECIAL event has been held to celebrate the life of Sir John Brunner on the 100th anniversary of his death.

An exhibition of artefacts and documents capturing the story of Winsford during Sir John's lifetime was on display at the Brunner Guildhall, the building he bequeathed to the town.

Sir Hugo Brunner, Sir John’s great-grandson and former Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, and Adrian Brunner, a descendant of Sir John’s brother, Henry, were guests of honour.

The historic event on Saturday was very well attended and included a range of different activities and displays.

Winsford town mayor Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones said: "We had a simply wonderful day which was attended by many local and not so local people.

Knutsford Guardian:

Winsford Town Council clerk Mark Bailey, dressed as a Victorian gentleman, and mayor Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones

“Those attending were given a lot of different things to see, including rare artefacts from Winsford’s past and also had the chance to learn about Sir John Brunner and all the things he did for the area over one hundred years ago.

“I was thrilled that Sir Hugo Brunner was able to attend on the day and I am so grateful to Sir Hugo and his family for all the support they have given to us.

"I’m really pleased to say that it was a terrific event and shows how proud we are of our town and its heritage. I hope we can build on this and get the resources we need to transform our wonderful Guildhall into the fabulous building we know it can be.

"I am also thankful for the sponsors who helped to make the day possible."

The event was sponsored by a range of local companies including Innovas, Tata Chemicals, Technoprint, Weaver Vale Housing and Deepstore Records Management.

Winsford Historical Society also attended.

Knutsford Guardian:

An exhibition of artefacts and documents which told the story of Winsford during Sir John Brunner's lifetime was on display at the Brunner Guildhall

Free activities were provided for children by Anne and Derek Johnson and Ian Rodgers from Crosshatch Gallery.

George Oliver, from Solvay, demonstrated all kinds of wonderful bangs and materials and Judith Wilde from the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes provided history and information on Brunner Mond, where many Winsfordians worked.

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More events are planned for the Guildhall on September 14 amd 15 as part of the Heritage Open Day programme and also on November 4to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the opening of the Guildhall.

Town clerk Mark Bailey said : "It may take some time for us to realise our dream of a renovated Guildhall but we are working hard to bring that dream to reality. We are looking for more grants to support our work and events like the wonderful one on Saturday will help us in this work.”