THE first major milestone of the multi-million pound restoration of the Newbridge Memo and Institute takes place on August 29, with a special topping out ceremony.

It will see a 10 feet high ventilation shaft placed on top of the Memo, which will be a replica of the original one placed in 1908.

Chairman Howard Stone, pictured, said: “A topping out ceremony is an old tradition and it will mark the first major celebration as the building will be watertight once again.”

The Edwardian-style shaft will have a spike on top, with Memo officials inviting local councillors and dignitaries to the ceremony.

A restoration programme of the Memo and adjoining Institute is taking place until the end of 2013 after an Argus-backed campaign to restore the iconic buildings.