AIREBOROUGH Historical Society (AHS) was founded in 1957 by local people from Aireborough and Horsforth to record and preserve the rich history of the area.
The group named themselves the Aireborough and Horsforth Museum Society.
Much has changed since then: Horsforth gained a village museum and formed their own group so the name was updated to its present form.
Mills, chapels, schools, pubs, shops and people have gone but their history is preserved in the historical society archive collection of photos, maps, documents, memorabilia and artefacts.
During the winter months there is a varied programme of speakers and We also give occasional slide show talks to local groups.
Schools also request talks - the children are enthralled to learn about the chapel that stood where their home is now built or find out that their grandparents probably worked in a mill making cloth for army uniforms; perhaps one day they will become members of the society themselves.
We also go out into the community, taking our distinctive gazebo decorated with local scenes, to Yeadon Carnival, Parkinson’s Park in Guiseley and to other local events.
On National Heritage Day we stage a themed display in Yeadon Town Hall, this is also when our calendar goes on sale for the first time, which helps to fund the society.
Although he no longer lives in the area Carlo Harrison comes back several times a year to stage his popular Chit Chat events when images from the archive can be seen projected in large format and people talk about their memories. Held in Yeadon Methodist Church, these are very popular afternoons.
Pre-pandemic, pop-up archiving sessions were held in venues around the area: people could bring precious photos, documents or mementoes to be recorded, with the owners retaining them. These sessions will begin again in the new year.
There was always an annual day trip and a long weekend to places of historical interest and a series of walks. During the lockdowns, when meetings were not possible we all kept in touch with newsletters and phone calls. The archive team were inundated with queries as people began to look at their family histories - we try to help but are unable to undertake family history research.
As attics and cupboards were cleared out we were sent many donations of artefacts and documents.
As we are now able to meet again some of our activities have resumed. To mark the 65th anniversary of AHS, members met at Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds for a walk. This was the first activity in which the original members took part. In the spring members were invited to visit historic Rawdon Hall before it was sold, which was a privilege and was much enjoyed. Our annual lunch also resumed.
The society joined the digital age: a website was created which displays thousands of images from our collection which cover life from the birth of photography to the present day. These are viewed worldwide - expats or stay-at-homes have access to them and countless views are recorded.
People have renewed old friendships, some have found unseen photos of past family members, memories of local scenes, buildings and events have been recalled . Comments can be added which provide more valuable information for the society and the community.
Our home is the archive room in Yeadon Town Hall, open to the public from 1.30pm to 3-30pm on Monday afternoons, except for school and bank holidays. Notices of events are on the website. The society may record the past but we look to the future with optimism that younger people will always come along to continue to preserve Aireborough’s diverse and colourful past.
To find out more about Aireborough Historical Society visit its website aireboroughhistoricalsociety.org.uk
*The society's photographic archive is full of fascinating, evocative images of people and buildings. These can be easily accessed online.
Those featured here include a crane and driver at Whitelands Quarry, Rawdon. Many local houses were built with stone from the quarry.
One image, taken in 1896 at Apperley Bridge Station, Rawdon, shows a horse-drawn cart run by Powell Midgeley of Yeadon, who ran a service between the station and Yeadon.
Mansell & Hatcher grew orchids in Cragg Wood until 2006 - one photograph shows men unpacking crates, one marked 'Rangoon', the former capital of Myanmar.
Another, taken in 1907, shows Kirk Lane Park, Yeadon. Local mill owner Jonathan Peate donated the land for the park. Its opening was a huge public event, where a hot air balloon proved to be a great attraction.
Among the most evocative images is one taken in 1900 at South View Terrace, Yeadon, showing women swilling the flagstones outside their homes with water, perhaps left from wash day, which traditionally took place on a Monday. And a 1954 picture taken at Mount Farm, Rawdon, shows a Mr Penny making hay on a sunny Sunday.
Taken in 1966, Ken Brown is pictured in the doorway of his butchers shop in Oxford Road, Guiseley.
The website is also home to a collection of interviews with many Aireborough folk on a whole host of subjects which is added to regularly.
*If you would like to see you local history society or group featured in the Telegraph & Argus, along with photographs contact helen.mead@nqyne.co.uk or emma.clayton@nqyne.co.uk
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