COMMUNITY group members have been given a special viewing of paintings, photographs and artefacts relating to Padgate’s past.

A number of rare artworks, pictures and objects showcasing the area’s history that are not normally seen by members of the public went on show in private screening sessions at Warrington Museum on Friday, November 17.

Highlights included a painting by AM Drinkwater showing cattle being driven along Station Road by a man and his dog in the early 1900s and an aerial photograph of Padgate RAF camp taken by German forces during the Second World War.

The three sessions were organised by the Friends of Christ Church Graveyard and Culture Warrington, with members of the Padgate Memories group, Padgate Probus Club, Padgate Methodist Church, Christ Church Padgate and the Warrington U3A Family History group also attending.

Michael Bromwich, chairman of the newly-formed Friends of Christ Church Graveyard, said: “The visit to the museum started as a simple idea, thought up to bring together local groups who had a similar interest in the history of Padgate.

“What started as one session soon grew as the enthusiasm took over.

“In the end, three sessions were required to accommodate the numbers attending to view privately paintings, photographs and artefacts brought out of the museum archives.

“With the amazing help of Culture Warrington, it proved to be a memorable day for those visiting from the several groups that took part.”

The Friends of Christ Church Graveyard are seeking to gather people’s memories of the Padgate RAF camp ahead of its centenary in April next year.

For more information call 486373.