Plumbers celebrate their centenary - your memories needed!

It is memories like these, along with photos of former presidents, members’ letterheads, newspaper ads and job quotations, which the association is appealing for as it prepares to celebrate its centenary in 2012.

The association is working with Burnley College, one of many local colleges to train apprentices employed by association members, to produce a book recording the history of the organisation, its members and the plumbing industry.

Current president Edward Padgett said: “To celebrate our centenary we are producing a book documenting the memories of our members and the technological developments in our industry over the past 100 years, such as solar-powered heating.

“We would like any past or present members and their families or customers to come forward with memorabilia from the present day through to 1912 so we can celebrate the history of our association and reminisce about how the industry has changed.

“Our members have lived and worked across East Lancashire and we would like to hear from all of them so they can contribute to this commemorative book.”

The association has had 34 different presidents since it formed in 1912. They are T. Rycroft, P.J. Quinn, H. Kendall, J. Ridehalgh, R.V. Cork, D. Parker, J.E. Widdop, T. Pickup, J. Smith, J. Driver, W. Duerden, G. Lowcock, B.M. Rothwell, R. Tillotson, J. Cooper, L. Whittaker, G. Bolton, K.J. Dewhurst, F. Petty, J.A. Drake, D.H. Milne, G.F. R. Agg, T. Stinchon, J. Atkinson, R.A. Pickup, C. Whitaker, D. Speak, S. Hatfield, E.J. Padgett, R. Whalley, M. Scholes, P. Quinn and A. Pinder.

To find out more about the project, or to contribute your memories, contact Edward Padgett on 07968 315983, Colin Whitaker on 07885 595211 or email [email protected].