THIS month marks 60 years since the opening of Northwich Memorial Hall.

In its heyday, the venue welcomed some of the world’s best and most well-known artists and musicians, including The Beatles, The Who and Thin Lizzy.

Despite closing and being demolished in 2013, the iconic hall still holds cherished memories for many who frequented it over the years.

To mark the occasion, John Hume reminisces his conversations with former hall owner Gwili Lewis prior to his death in 2019 at the grand age of 98.

John used to meet Gwili every Sunday morning for tea and chat after the church service at Castle Community Church.

“Victory is a word that is often in short supply, but looking back to the 1960s, there is a mid Cheshire story to be told of achievement over defeat, nostalgia, great nights out and hits that will get you dancing in the aisles,” John said.

“Whether you live in Northwich, Winsford or Middlewich, you can remember nights out at ‘the Morgue’.

“Gwili told me that the hall was formally handed over to the Northwich Urban District Council on June 1, 1960, but it was not until a year later that he was invited for interview to become manager of this new multi-purpose hall.

“On June 21, 1961, Gwili and his wife Joan left the Welsh Valleys with two small children to live at Meadow Grove on the Leftwich housing estate.

“In Gwili’s words he said that it was ‘magical with the lush green Dane Valley and the Peak District in the distance’.

“Gwili was just the ticket for Northwich having been the pioneering entertainments officer for Ebbw Vale Council, where he had managed a theatre, dance hall and was even involved with the council’s canteen and parks department.

“As we enjoyed our second chocolate biscuit, Gwili told me about the opening of the hall with its 28 foot deep stage and its strip maple sprung dance floor, where up to 800 folk would dance the night away.

“And don’t forget, Gwili said, its proper name was the Victory Memorial Hall.”