ONE of the iconic buildings of the Colne Valley is approaching its 150th anniversary.

And the chairman of the committee that runs it says that this year’s annual meeting next week is a time to celebrate Marsden Mechanics’ Hall – and reassess and renew its role at the heart of the community.

Throughout the 1970s the future of Marsden Mechanics’ looked grim.

Tom Lonsdale, the chairman of the organising committee of volunteers recalls: “It was dirty, dilapidated and the main hall upstairs was permanently closed – the ceiling had collapsed.

“The only entrance was via the portico, directly onto Peel Street, and the paved area to the side was a yard with lean-to toilets.

“At one point Kirklees Council applied to itself for permission to demolish the building.”

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