CURRENT controversies surrounding proposed major changes to Bolton's Market Hall gave me the excuse to dig out a few old photographs.

This magnificent Victorian enterprise had its official opening on December 19, 1855.

The introduction to a souvenir booklet in 1955 described the event as one of great importance, marking the beginning of Bolton's markets under municipal control.

Presumably there will be a suitable ceremony to mark the 150th anniversary in December, 2005.

An article in our files, written in June, 1933, gushes: "It is possible to buy everything for the home, from a packet of pins to the ingredients for the finest dinner, without going outside the market."

The types of stalls and shops are listed as follows: "Cycles, pots and pans, hosiery, wines, butchers, confectioners, sweets, gowns, gramophones and radio, millinery, drapery, greengrocers, provisions, hardware, clothiers, smallwares, fancy goods, toys, music, stationery, books, florists, prams, leatherware, ironmongers as well as a parcels office and weighing machines."

Another story from November, 1930, records the retirement -- after 43 years -- of the Market Hall constable, George Briggs.

He remembered the times when most shoppers went to the hall in clogs and shawls and carried their purchases away in large coloured handkerchiefs which they took along for the purpose.

But by 1930 the world had changed.

He said: "Instead of coloured handkerchiefs they have natty little bags to carry away their goods, while smart shoes and silk stockings have replaced the clogs."

There had also been another change from the old days -- the Market Hall was no longer the great meeting place it used to be.

He added: "Years ago the young people of Bolton used to congregate here and we employed extra men to deal with them.

"The cinemas killed all that, for, since their advent, we have not had the crowds here.

"It is a change for the better, for people who now come to the hall come to buy."