Guildhall is open with a new 'old' look

The past has been revealed in style with the opening of the newly refurbished Saltash Guildhall on Monday.

It is thought an original stone arch was discovered when the render was removed during redecoration, the building dating from l774.

This can now be seen on the south elevation facing St Nicholas and St Faith church.

Problems overcome during the ambitious works were old walls or no foundations, and steel beams wedged in place with timber.

New fibrous plaster sections for the old barrel ceiling have been made from moulds taken from the original by W H Crocker and Co, the firm thought to have installed the initial mouldings at the turn of the century. The ceiling was covered up in the l960s.

The building, which was formerly a medieval market house and also served as a fire station and soup kitchen, has been given a new-look with a grant of £300,520 from the Lottery Heritage fund, with other grants from Saltash town council, the single regeneration budget and Europe. Altogether it just over £445,000.

The Guildhall, which had been closed down for a year while the restoration went ahead, can now boast better energy efficiency, improved disabled access, and letting accommodation available to the community. It was opened to a fanfare by cornet players from Saltash town band. Members of the town council and other guests were welcomed by town mayor, Mona Tomaszew-ska-Honywill, her husband John, and the chairman of the Guildhall committee, Stephen Tait.

The town clerk's office with tourist information centre, reception and the mayor's parlour are located on the ground level, while on the second floor a new Tamar meeting room has been created where the former Guildhall balcony was situated.

The former west porch has been opened up and will be brought into use on ceremonial occasions.

Planning for the 'new look' began in June 1994, the work actually starting on 13 July l998 by Cooper Construction of Plymouth. On Monday evening the managing director of Cooper Construction handed back the keys to the town hall.

Thanks went to Robert Winter, architect, of Hunt Winter Partnership of Liskeard, and to town clerk, Marilyn Small. There are two new caretakers - Marilyn Mackeen and Mick Langley.

Also attending were contract manager Eddie McGrady, site manager Alan Grant, Steve Vinson of Caradon council and Caradon council chairman, Godfrey Smale.

During the evening music was played by Edward Jacobs on a new black upright piano which has also been fully refurbished. Darren Jane also played on keyboard.

The official re-opening will be in the autumn, but the building will be in use from now on, with concerts taking place during the summer. Special 'open days' for the public to see the refurbishment are to be established.

The walls of the Guildhall are now light blue/grey, toning with the paintwork, and the wide stiarways are covered with blue carpet. Outside the building is white, with the Saltash coat of arms over the main front door.