Wharton's hidden past revealed!

Wharton residents asked to help History project

WHARTON residents are being asked to help create a DVD chronicling the history of their neighbourhood.

Wharton Library together with Cheshire Records Office and Weaver Vale Housing Trust are teaming up to create an oral history project by recording interviews with residents to hear their stories about the area’s history.

Neil Corbin, Weaver Vale Housing Trust’s Neighbourhood Development Officer, said: “Many people have lived in Wharton all their lives and have interesting stories of how it transformed over the years.  We hope the DVD will enable people to share these memories so that generations to come can develop an appreciation for their local area.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council's Winsford North and East local Councillor Brian Clarke, who has provided funding for the recording equipment said: “I'm wholeheartedly supporting this project because it's a meeting of two cultures - old Winsford and the local cities of Liverpool and Manchester which have helped to shape Wharton.  People living and working together makes it such a great place to live.  

"I'm sure that residents will have great stories to share and I look forward to the end result. I would encourage everyone to take part, including local businesses.”

Wharton is one of the oldest areas of the town and its landscape has changed dramatically over the years, including the site of the old Wharton and Over train station, which closed to passengers in 1947 and was later demolished to form part of the A5018 dual carriageway.

However, the makers of the DVD are keen to find out more information from residents.

Carol Halpin, from Wharton Library, said: “The Wharton area has a lot of history attached to it and this project is looking to uncover that history with the help of those who actually live and work in the area.”

The interviews will feature on a special DVD alongside any old photographs that residents may have.

The DVD will be given to Cheshire Record Office, local schools in the area and will also be available in Cheshire West and Chester Council Libraries as an educational tool. 

If you would like more information on the project or would like to participate in the project please call Carol Halpin, on 01606 271572 or Neil Corbin, on 01606 813420.

For more information please contact Rob Tickle, of Profile Communication, on 01606 888111 , Councillor Clarke on 01606 551403 and Carol Halpin from Wharton Library on 01606 271572.