THE Bolton Weavers' and Winders' Association celebrated its centenary in October, 1965, by making a gift to members employed in mills throughout the area.

Officials are pictured here distributing money to members at the W.T. Taylor & Co Ltd mill in Horwich.

Seated at the table are the secretary, Miss Hilda Unsworth and the assistant secretary, Mr Joe Kelly.

Standing, left, is Mrs Eleanor "Nelly" Anthony, the vice-president, who was employed at the mill.

Hilda, who lives in Harwood, told me this week: "We wanted to do something for the membership to mark the centenary.

"We went round all the mills and gave the members in benefit £1 each. It was very much appreciated."

Hilda estimates that there were about 5,000 members, which gives an indication of the importance of the association in the history of the town.

After 27 years as secretary, Hilda retired in 1978.

Decline in the textile industry eventually led to the Association becoming part of the giant GMB union.