Commissioned by Gateshead Municipal District Council on the eve of their move to the new Gateshead Civic Centre, a Trade Films production looking back on the 116-year history of the old Gateshead Town Hall. The film also records the final Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the council taking place inside the hall and features the election several civic positions including a new mayor. The exterior of Gateshead Old Town Hall on West Street in Gateshead with its ornamental clock standing in...

Commissioned by Gateshead Municipal District Council on the eve of their move to the new Gateshead Civic Centre, a Trade Films production looking back on the 116-year history of the old Gateshead Town Hall. The film also records the final Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the council taking place inside the hall and features the election several civic positions including a new mayor. The exterior of Gateshead Old Town Hall on West Street in Gateshead with its ornamental clock standing in front of it. A montage of archival still featuring the hall and the local councillors who have used the building in its 116-year history. Title: Gateshead Town Hall 1868-1986 Another montage of images tells the story of the development and need for a town hall in the early 19th century as well as it construction beginning in 1868 and opening in 1870. More images are used to showcase various changes that have taken place within the building to reflect the growing population and size of the town as well as other events such as dances and theatre that also took place inside the hall. More images relating to the position of Mayor of Gateshead with the towns ceremonial mace sitting on a plinth inside the Mayor’s Parlour and a carving on the wall featuring the names of former mayors. In Committee Room One a stained-glass window presented by Sir John MacCoy featuring images relating to the council’s work. In the Mayor’s Parlour both moving and still images featuring Chief Executive Mr L.N. Elton, the current Mayor Councillor William Ainsworth and Deputy Mayor Councillor Aida Cowell being dressed in the ceremonial gowns and chains for the last meeting of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough to take place in Gateshead Town Hall. With the mace being carried in front of them the group descend the stairs making their way towards the council chamber. Title: The Last AGM May 16 1986 Members of Gateshead Metropolitan Borough stand as Councillor Ainsworth and Councillor Cowell comes into the chamber to take their seat. They and those in the public gallery take their seat as Councillor S.J. Nugent makes a speech in support of the appointment of his friend Councillor Peter James Mole as Mayor of Gateshead for the municipal years 1986/87. He finishes his speech and the room applaud. His motion for Councillor Mole is seconded by Councillor J.R. Foster who makes a briefer speech. A third speech is then given by Councillor J.D. Hughes in support of Councillor Mole’s appointment and he highlighting some of the differences between the two men. The speeches over Councillor Mole comes down to the rostrum to be elected Mayor of Gateshead. The ceremony of the gown and chain being removed from Councillor Ainsworth and transferred to Councillor Mole is followed by that of his wife also being given a ceremonial chain by Mrs Ainsworth. Councillor Ainsworth shakes Councillor Mole’s hand before taking a seat nearby. Councillor Mole is then sworn in by Chief Executive Mr L.N. Elton after which he makes a speech thanking those who have supported him in his appointment. Following the election of the mayor, the election of the deputy mayor with Councillor J.I. Mearns getting to his feet to give a speech in support of Councillor Sidney Potter. Again, following his speech the chamber applauds and Councillor P. Hanson gets to his feet and makes his speech in favour of Councillor Potter. Again, with the speech and election over Councillor Potter come forward to the rostrum for the ceremony of installation with the gown and chain being removed from Councillor Cowell and placed on Councillor Potter’s. Also, his wife receives a ceremonial chain from the partner of Councillor Cowell. Councillor Mole gets to his feet to move the meeting onto the next item on the day agenda, the appointment of Councillor William Ainsworth in a new position as the Mayor’s Chaplin. Councillor A.C. Brazendale followed by Councillor S.J. Nugent gets to their feet and each gives a speech to thank both Councillor Ainsworth and of Councillor Cowell for their work over the past year as mayor and deputy mayor. Speeches are then given by Councillor Ainsworth and of Councillor Cowell about their time in office. At this point in the meeting the spouses of the former and current mayor and deputy mayor are asked to leave the chamber as the meeting moves onto the election of councillors with the names for each area being read out as well as appearing on a graphic. The results completed; Councillor Mole congratulates all those elected to position of councillor. Next is the election of the leader and deputy leader for the following municipal year, Councillors George Gill and Dave Bonds are nominated and seconded and with no other nomination are duly elected by Councillor Mole. The final part of the AGM sees the election of members and chairs for committees and standing committees. With this final item of business concluded, the new mayor and deputy chair leave the council chamber. Over final exterior views of Gateshead Town Hall with a flag containing the council emblem on it fluttering outside, an interview with chief executive Mr L.N. Elton who explains why this building is no longer fit for purpose, but hopes will remain important to the people of Gateshead. The film ends with an interview with the new council leader Councillor G. Gill who provides details on the advantages of the new Gateshead Civic Centre where the council will be moving. Title: Gateshead Town Hall 1868-1986 Credit: Director, Camera, Editor John Adams Sound Colin Bone, Graham Denman End title: A Trade Films Production commissioned by Gateshead M.B.C. Libraries and Arts Department © 1986