SIXTY years of the Whitefield Garrick have been marked by the presentation of historical documents to the popular amateur dramatic society.

The archives were handed over by Chris Buckton (nee Wright), the daughter of a founding member, who got in touch via the Guide.

The society dates back to 1944 and a production of Journeys End by the Whitefield Home Guard Dramatic Society. Ron Wright, a private, was instrumental in forming the society and worked to build up a list of patrons.

In 1952 the society bought an old printing works in Bank Street for rehearsals and set building, eventually converting it into a theatre. It was opened by none other than Violet Carson, who went on to become a household name for her role as Ena Sharples in Coronation Street, but at that time was referred to in the press as a radio pianist!

Violet came back in 1972 to open a Royal Fair to raise money for the theatre. Productions were held at Stand All Saints Church Hall, but the first proper show at Bank Street was The Lion in Winter in 1975. New seats were bought in 1979 with extensions and toilets subsequently added.

In 1997 the Garrick society bought the land next door and raised the money to build a new 85-seat theatre which was opened five years later.