Friday 15 November marked an historic occasion at Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum in Widnes as trustees and long term patrons Sir Hugo Brunner and Peter Gossage welcomed Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond MBE, Sir Phil Redmond, Derek Twigg MP and Mayor of Halton Kevan Wainwright to celebrate the award of a grant of over £1m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This grant will help celebrate the rich heritage of the local area, will enable Catalyst to engage in new ways with the community, will fund the refurbishment of two galleries and will aid in the digitization of much of the archive collection, preserving it for future generations.

As part of the celebrations, guests enjoyed guided tours, informal speeches and the unveiling of a brand-new mural celebrating 50 years of Halton by Mayor of Halton, Kevan Wainwright. Thanks to funding from the Halton 50 Culture Grant from Halton Borough Council, Catalyst commissioned local artists Millie Chesters and Toni-Louise Carter to produce this stunning artwork depicting scenes of West Bank from the past 50 years.

Joining the current Mayor were descendants from three past Mayors of Widnes, a unique occasion bringing together so many descendants under one roof. Peter Gossage whose great grandfather Frederick Herbert Gossage, (founder of Gossage Soap Works where Catalyst is now housed) was the first Mayor of Widnes in 1892. The mayoral chain of office worn today is still the original chain presented to the Borough by Frederick H Gossage. Also present were Sue Woolley and Chris Parlane whose great grandfathers were Mayors of Widnes in 1911 and 1917/18 respectively.

Long term Patron Sir Hugo Brunner also made a surprise donation of a collection of valuable historical artefacts which were received on Catalyst’s behalf by Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire Lady Redmond. These artefacts containing a number of medals and long service awards from chemical company Brunner Mond will be added to the Museum archive and will go on display as the refurbishment progresses.

Speaking about the event Nikki Burton, CEO of Catalyst said “It was fantastic to welcome so many patrons and supporters to Catalyst, to celebrate the funding award and to share with them our aspirations for the future. We are eager to start this project which will truly elevate our heritage offering, celebrating the past and looking with excitement to the future.”

You can find out more about Catalyst by visiting the website at www.catalyst.org.uk

Photos show

  • Mayor of Halton Kevan Wainwright with mural artist Toni-Louise Carter
  • Mayor of Halton Kevan Wainwright (right) with descendants of past Widnes Mayors, Chris Parlane, Peter Gossage (trying on the mayoral chain) and Sue Woolley