DUNCAN HAS ALL THE ANSWERS WHEN IT COMES TO SALFORD HISTORY

Today we payed a visit to the Salford Local History Library on the Crescent in Salford not to have a peruse through their archives for once, but to see the librarian and all round good chap, Duncan McCormick and present him with our latest Gold Star Award.

Duncan really is one of the unsung heroes of Salford, for the past ten years he has worked at the library and it has to be said he is one the most helpful, friendly and informative people I have ever met.

His enthusiasm for the job shines through as we called in and caught holding a "reminiscence" session for local, elderly people, the table was full of period photographs and maps and they were all busy chatting away sharing their memories, and what an excellent way of encouraging people to meet up and chat about their lives.

Duncan is in charge of some 70,000 photographs of the city and surrounding areas,census returns, street directories, maps and newspapers, so as you can imagine he is in constant demand for his services.

Quote

 

" I really enjoy my job and I get pleasure out of helping people find  out about their ancestors, family tree research is incredibly popular these days.

"Recently I helped a family trace their family tree and they were both shocked and amused to find that one of their close relatives had been convicted of running a brothel in Salford!

"I get requests from all over the world from people with Salford roots and I do try my best to help them out or point them in the right direction.

" Heritage not history is my motto, heritage is something you inherit so there is a difference"

 

I can not praise Duncan highly enough for the sterling work he does in helping so many people, week in, week out with unfailing enthusiasm and it was a pleasure to present him with his award, if it was up to me he would be given the Freedom of Salford!

The library is open Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am until 4.30pm with a late night opening on a Wednesday until 8pm.

Booking is essential if you are visiting and wish to use the facilities, call on 0161 778 0814.