Share Your Merrion Centre Memories

Tue 18 Mar, 2014

Reading the letter from Mr K.E. Coates regarding The Merrion Centre’s 50th anniversary article in the Yorkshire Post (11th February) really struck a cord with me, I am touched that Mr Coates has such a vivid and pleasant account of the day. I do remember Mr Coates; I was 12 years old at the time (I wasn’t just a big four year old!) I distinctly remember feeling quite frightened travelling up to the roof in the builders hoist lift that Mr Coates refers to. I thought I might actually fall out!

There was a lot of noise on the day due to the machinery and crowds, this added to my excitement but also to my nerves, I think this was the biggest event I had ever been part of. I clearly remember being by my father’s side as we laid down the last bit of concrete that Mr Coates mentions. My father and I both held tightly onto the vibrating air poker machine (used to remove air bubbles). I was surprised at how strong the vibrations were. I watched my father smooth out the last bit of concrete with a trowel before I stepped onto it leaving my footprint, which is still there today. I actually keep this trowel in a glass cabinet in my office, it holds such wonderful memories for me.

Sadly my father Arnold passed away in July 2004 but my mother Marjorie thankfully is still very fit and also remembers much of the day. She obviously supported my father in his entrepreneurial endeavours and takes much pride in Merrion and Town Centre Securities.

It’s really touching that Mr Coates wrote this letter and I would love to hear other people’s memories of the Merrion Centre from the last 50 years and include them in our 50th anniversary celebrations in May. If you do have stories or pictures that you would like to share with me, please send them to 50years@merrioncentre.co.uk or Town Centre Securities, Town Centre House, Merrion Centre, LS2 8LY, marked 50 years.

Edward Ziff