IN 2002, on hearing of plans to demolish Altrincham Town Hall for a car park, David Eastwood set up a committee which saved and refurbished it.

He has now written a history of the town hall consulting original council minutes of the late 19th and early 20th century, which has been published by the Altrincham History Society.

An early surprise comes in a Local Government Bill of March 1893 introducing new District Councils, including Altrincham. It said: “We propose to make women capable of serving…”

Women didn’t get the vote for another 25 years!

Three sites in Stamford Road and Station Road were considered but in 1897 they were rejected in favour of purchasing the land on the corner of Market Street and Dunham Road.

There was much squabbling led by opponent George Drinkwater, between then and the opening banquet for leading businessmen and clergy in November 1901.

Altrincham Urban District Council ran a competition for best design in red brick, to be judged by John Ely, president of the Manchester Association of British Architects.

Charles Hindle’s design which included a fire engine house, fireman’s room, mortuary, post mortem room and caretaker’s cottage, beat 25 entrants to win a prize of £20 .

Work began in 1899 and was temporarily suspended when an unknown underground water cistern was discovered and dealt with. Almost a year later, the clerk of works resigned and was replaced.

Minor items such as a flag pole, which is still there and furniture including an ornate chairman’s chair, recently refurbished, came last as did the final bill for £7,500.

* The booklet, priced £3, is available from Jill Groves at grovesjill@ntlworld.com