RADCLIFFE Civic Suite was opened in 1974 during an official ceremony by Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

And at the 30th anniversary celebrations on Tuesday (March 30), there was no shortage of dignitaries, with the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury, Coun Wilf and Mrs Maureen Davison present.

The special event brought together past and present employees from the centre, and traders and suite users from the town, to enjoy one of Radcliffe's community focal points.

The night also gave the people of the town the chance to see Bury Council's plans for the Reinventing Radcliffe scheme, which will see an overhaul of the town centre.

The Civic Suite was opened on March 30, 1974 with Radcliffe having just 48 hours left as an independent authority. On April 1, the town then became part of the Metropolitan Borough of Bury, along with Prestwich, Whitefield, Ramsbottom, Tottington and Bury.

The Civic Suite's manager, David Flynn, who helped to organise the anniversary event, said he was pleased that the building had been opened before Radcliffe became part of the Bury borough because it still had an identity in the town.

He added: "The anniversary party is a joint event between the Radcliffe traders and the Suite. Those who are part of the community in the town will also get the chance to see the plans for the redevelopment. Old managers, cleaners and bar staff have also come along to enjoy the night."

The Mayor of Bury, who wore the mayoral chains of Radcliffe for the night, made a speech to the visitors and said he was thrilled to be back in Radcliffe because people always made him feel very welcome.

He said: "It's absolutely terrific to be invited to Radcliffe to celebrate 30 years of this hall, which means a lot to the local people of the town.

"It really is quite a unique occasion. Radcliffe is going from strength to strength and is full of life. We love coming here and supporting the town's activities. You can see the vitality coming back into the town."

The Mayor then cut the special cake, designed by Newmans of Turks Road, Radcliffe, which included an icing picture of the opening ceremony 30 years ago. The original Radcliffe mace was also displayed on the table during the event.

Traders at the event agreed that it was great to come together and celebrate the town, with other people who are striving to make Radcliffe a better place.

Susan Stockall, chairman of the Radcliffe Traders Association, said: "We are getting people coming into Radcliffe from Bury and Manchester and further afield. With the redevelopment of the town, we are hoping to change the perception of Radcliffe and encourage people to come into the centre and use the facilities."

The Civic Suite cost £250,000 in 1974, and was built by William Thorpe and Sons, and designed by architects Cruikshank and Seward