Plans to re-enact the opening of a Victorian town hall which has seen everything from soup kitchens supporting striking miners to Bay City Rollers concerts have been given funding support from Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The Battle of Prestonpans Trust currently leases the town hall from East Lothian Council to provide a temporary home for its museum and has invested in refurbishing the historic building.
And it has delved into the history of the building with plans to celebrate its position in the community.
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Now HES has provided £4500 to support projects that bring to life the memories local people have of the building and events that have taken place there: from soup kitchens during the miners strikes to tea dances and Bay City Rollers concerts.
Local people have been invited to share their stories and photos of events and activities at the town hall with plans to create displays in the building and publish a book of memories.
In addition, local artist Janet McCrorie has been commissioned to create an impressionistic artwork that captures the essence of the memories and atmosphere of the Town Hall.
Next month full-scale costumed re-enactment of the Victorian opening ceremony will take place marking 125 years since it was opened and descendants of any of the original attendees have also been invited to take part.
The Trust has struck a commemorative 125th anniversary medal bearing an image of the hall and the logo of the Burgh of Prestonpans, which will be presented to the descendants.
Prior to the Trust taking on the lease of Prestonpans Town Hall, the hall, which was built in 1897 and had always been used as a community building, was mothballed and not expected to continue in community use.
Dr Gordon Prestoungrange, trust chairman, said: "Prestonpans Town Hall has been at the heart of the town’s community for 125 years.
“Under the care of the trust, the town hall has become a hub for our ongoing activity, creating exciting new volunteering and skills-building opportunities.
"We’ve enjoyed welcoming school groups, hosting talks, workshops and events - including Gaelic language activities – and showcasing some of our collection.
"We're urging everyone with memories of events and activities that have taken place there over the years to get in touch.
"We’d welcome any recollections but would particularly welcome photos. We’re putting together a fascinating local history that reveals so much about the social history of the town itself."
Those with memories they’d like to submit or details of descendants who took part in the Victorian opening ceremony can contact ajohnston@battleofprestonpans1745.org , or to get in touch via Facebook at @Prestonpans1745 - or drop into the Town Hall to chat to the trust in person. The Town Hall is open every weekend from 10am to 4pm and at other times by appointment.
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