Memories wanted to mark 50 years of borough

Residents are being urged to share their photos for the Basingfolk exhibition

People in north Hampshire have been invited to share their memories of the area for a landmark exhibition.

Those who have lived in Basingstoke and Deane since the 1970s are being encouraged to submit their stories and pictures to celebrate 50 years since the district was formed.

Launching in October, the Basingfolk exhibition will aim to show how the area has evolved during the past five decades.

It is part of a wider series of events being held by the council to mark the anniversary.

Several shopping centres have been built since the creation of the borough, including The Malls in the early 1980s

Covering 245 sq miles (634.5 sq km), the area was brought together on 1 April 1974, when Basingstoke District Council was created.

On 20 January 1978, the district was renamed Basingstoke and Deane and granted borough status.

The name Deane was chosen to represent the rural parts of the borough, as it is the area's smallest village.

Since the areas were joined, the population has grown from 103,000 to more than 190,000.

Other changes include the development of a shopping centre in Potters Walk in the 1970s, the creation of The Malls in the 1980s and Festival Place in 2002.

Kerry Morrow, the council's member for sports, leisure and culture, said she wanted to celebrate how fantastic the area was.

“We really want everyone that has lived and worked here during that time to get in touch with us and share their memories and experiences to help us provide a colourful insight into our history and celebrate the people who have contributed to its vibrancy and success," she said.