WHEN a former policeman set up a Facebook page to bring together residents and capture the sites across the town he was sceptical over just how big an impact it could have.
But following the launch in 2010 by 11 people it has now gathered a remarkable 11,326 members – a feat even founder David Horrigan, aged 68, from Orford, could not have predicted.
It was set up to bring together residents, as well as those who have strayed away from the town to all corners of the globe.
Apart from gaining the recognition from many because of the iconic sites in Warrington, the page has also had its fair share of family successes.
"A girl in Australia realised she had family that she never knew about through the page and flew over to meet them in Warrington, her family grew so much overnight," said David.
"I am pleased with the way it is going and everybody we have helped or brought together to share their memories."
One of the factors which David has highlighted as leading to the sudden rise in members in the last two years is the diversity present within communities across Warrington.
He added: "It really has shot up in the last two years when we reached 2,500 members but I am not sure where the members have come from.
"But it may be because a lot of children are doing history in school now and we are seeing residents across more faiths getting involved, which is great.
"We are like one big happy family and it is important that we all blend together."
From the sites shared on the page David admits he has a few firm favourites.
Pictures of Sankey Street in 1909, fans leaving Wilderspool Stadium in the 1930s, Market Gate before development and the Ragged School, on Bank Street, are some of the shots that have remained with him.
"The Sankey Street picture evokes dreams of a golden age, when nobody rushed to ge there," he said.
"The pedestrians walk in the street but not because it is closed to traffic as there isn't any traffic.
"I like the Ragged School shot because it shows just how much progress was made to get rid of the poverty and to start the children on the path to an education."
With members from all over the globe, the possibilities concerning the continued growth of Warrington Memories are endless but David insists he will keep doing everything he has done since day one.
"I hope the group outlives me and keeps on bringing people together from all over," he added.
"Getting the responses that I do from people gives me a great satisfaction.
"I have always had a community spirit, it has stuck with me and seeing that on show among group members is just brilliant."
David has published a book of his memoirs during his time policing in Warrington, during which he got stabbed in 1969.
All profit from the book will go to the Ronald McDonald House at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
For further information e-mail david.horrigan1@ntlworld.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel