A birthday party with a difference was held to celebrate 90 years of one of Braintree’s most iconic landmarks.

On Wednesday, May 23, residents were invited to Braintree Town Hall, in Fairfield Road, for a celebration of the civic building – which was gifted to the town by William Julian Courtauld in 1928.

Amongst the guests were 21 residents from across the district who are all turning 90 in 2018, as well as ex-members of staff and contractors who have worked on the building.

Peter Tattersley, councillor responsible for health and communities, said: “The town hall is the focal point of Braintree.

“Whilst it has been here a long time, not many people have ever been to it. It is a joy of a place to come and look around.

“It will be the focal point of the town centre development as well which will be a nice blend of old and new.”

Visitors enjoyed a talk from some of the people who know most about the historic building.

New chairman of Braintree Council Vanessa Santomauro opened proceedings before handing over to Julien Courtauld, who gave a rundown of the history behind the hall’s construction.

Though the construction was paid for by his great, great uncle, he told how prominent Braintree man George Bartrum was an essential part of the plans - and laid the first stone in 1926.

Mr Courtauld said: “Between them they conspired to make sure Braintree should prosper and they decided it should have a new prestigious town hall.”

Paintings in the Chairman’s Room captured significant moments in Braintree’s history like the Roman occupation, the Battle of Maldon and the town’s weaving trade.

Jenny Mayes, town hall team leader, told attendees about the future of the hall – with Braintree Council hoping to continue to grow its weddings and events work.

89-year-old Derek Reynolds’ daughter was the second person to get married at Braintree Town Hall.

He said: “It is good to be invited.

“You don’t notice all of the parts of it unless you look up when you’re inside.”

Joyce Collins, of Sible Hedingham, is also celebrating her 90th birthday this year.

She said: “I did not realise quite how much history there was in the hall.

“It is really interesting to be able to see it.”

Residents also enjoyed tea and cake to celebrate 90 years.

All pictures taken by Mike Eldred.