Farewell to Castle Hill - search for local memories

As Maidenhead's Castle Hill Youth and Community Centre prepares to move to its new 21st century home, a call has gone out for memories of the centre's history as part of the final farewell.

The Royal Borough is providing long-awaited new accommodation at 4 Marlow Road and Castle Hill activities are due to move to their new headquarters in the summer – but in the meantime staff are keen to hear from anyone who can help build up a picture of the past, with information, personal memories or photographs.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for children's services, said: "This is a really exciting time for all the users of Castle Hill, with state-of-the-art premises almost ready for occupation. However, we also want to recognise the past and gather as much information as we can about the old building.

"Despite the fact that thousands of young people and adults have used the centre over the years, not a great deal is known about the history of the building so we need to hear from local people who can fill in the gaps and help us bring together a full history of Castle Hill."

While it is known that the original house was built for the owner of the old Nicholson's brewery and his initial is still visible on the ornamental façade, research has provided only snippets of information.  Now centre staff are keen to learn more.  How did the building come into the possession of Berkshire County Council? When was it used as a school? Was it used as an annexe for the old Gordon Road School?

In 1998 the Castle Hill Centre passed from the county council to the Royal Borough and in the past 10 years many more young people have enjoyed the activities there. 

Anyone who would like to contribute to the history of Castle Hill should contact Hilary Holifield at Castle Hill Centre, High Town Road, Maidenhead SL6 1PB or email hilary.holifield@rbwm.gov.uk