On Wednesday 15th August an enthusiastic group of guests and society members, who are interested in Elland’s past & present, came along to the Concert Room of the Elland Working Men’s Club. The group enjoyed a selection of never before seen photographs & slides of Elland and District which were projected on screen. These included scenes of the construction of the M62 & Elland By-Pass in the 70’s, the opening ceremony of Scammonden Water with Queen Elizabeth, Elland Carnival, Stainland and Holywell Green, the 60’s reconstruction of Elland centre and illustrations and original water colours from Lucy Hammerton’s book, “Olde Elland -1901.” The evening was also enhanced with a display of photos and colour prints from the society’s archives. One of the members had also brought along local newspapers dating from 1913, which have since been kindly donated to the society. The evening was very well received and due to the interest shown extended the programme. The Society is always very pleased to welcome new members. All our meetings are open to both members and non members. There is a small charge for non members.
Part 1: Summer Programme
“Elland Archives”
Join us at the Fleece Inn, Elland, on Wednesday 10th July from 7:15p.m. in the Function Room. A chance to browse through some of the Archives of Elland collected and preserved by Elland’s Historical Society. A selection of objects, documents and photographs unique to Elland will be on display.
May 2019: “Jobsworth.”
The Society welcomed Jean Illingworth as their guest speaker for the May meeting. Members and guests were treated to a trip down memory lane with her memories of her working life in Halifax. Hopefully Jean will be able to return in the future and deliver her talk “Harella,” which was one of the biggest fashion names in the U.K. during the swinging sixties.
April 2019:
The guest speaker in April was Alastair Bishop. His talk, “A History of Gibson Mill,” was well received by all the members and visitors who attended. This iconic Pennine landmark has had a variety of uses and Alastair explained how the local landscape had seen narrow gauge railways, a huge wooden trestle bridge and reservoirs added to the area.
Annual Dinner 2019:
On Wednesday 20th March the Greater Elland Historical Society held its “Annual Dinner” at The Sportsman Inn, Greetland. A party of 47 members and friends were treated to a delicious three course meal and were entertained and educated by Julie Diamond with music and songs through the decades from the 60’s back to the 1900’s. The evening was concluded with a rousing rendition of “Land of Hope and Glory,” which was enhanced with vigorous flag waving. Our thanks go to Julie, a local gem, who gave a stylish and professional performance.
March 2019:
The Society welcomed David Allen as their guest speaker for his talk, “London, Its Livery & Its Freemen.” As expected the evening was both lively and informative. The well attended meeting was enthralled with David’s talk on the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. His company: “The Worshipful Company of Tylers & Bricklayers” – In God Is All Our Trust – encourages excellence in the tiling and bricklaying industries. It has an active charitable, educational and social programme. The Company received its first Royal Charter in 1568, although its roots go back to the fifteenth century, and its Livery (membership) currently stands at approximately one hundred and fifty.
February 2019:
Denise Adlard’s talk. “Bedpans & False Teeth – 47 years in the NHS.” Delivered, as it had promised, a fitting insight and tribute to all those who have made the NHS such a great part of our country. Over 50 members and visitors were enthralled with Denise’s professional career as student nurse, midwife, district nurse and lecturer.
January 2019:
The first meeting of 2019 was held on the 9th January when Alan Stansfield a fascinating talk entitled “The Local Fallen of 1918.” This was a fitting tribute to our local heroes and was the final chapter of a series, diligently researched by Alan, which have been delivered on this topic.