THE secretary of the Old Standian's Association is looking for help in compiling a history of the group.

The association celebrates its centenary next year and Mr Tony Wilding is currently researching the past 100 years.

Despite Stand Grammar School being knocked down to make way for new houses, the association is still going strong among past pupils.

To help in his search, Mr Wilding would like to hear from anyone who knows the whereabouts of the associations first minute book, of 1906 to 1928.

He believes the book was handed to Mr T.C Taylor in 1975 by Sir Joseph Latham but does not know where it is now.

Also, Mr Wilding needs to clarify the dates of service by some of the former headmasters at Stand.

Rev Arthur Dean was the minister at Stand Unitarian Chapel from 1811 to 1831 and was headmaster at the grammar school from 1822, however, there is no record of when he surrendered the post.

Rev John Cropper was also minister at the chapel from 1846 to 1858 and Mr Wilding would like to know when he served as headmaster.

Rev Dean's cousin, James Smethurst - a writing master at the school - could also be significant as Mr Wilding is unsure if he served as headmaster inbetween the two clergymen.

Anyone with information can contact Mr Wilding on 0161 763 9002.