THESE were the ladies, most in their pinnies, who prepared the tea for elderly residents of Lees and Cross Roads to celebrate the Coronation of George VI in 1937. This was held in Lees Methodist Sunday School.

For generations, chapel teas formed an important aspect of Keighley and Worth Valley social life. They could be put on both to commemorate special events and anniversaries and to raise funds - meat teas at Oxenhope in the later nineteenth century cost eightpence for a man and sixpence for a woman or child. "The Tables", warned Lowertown Wesleyan Chapel in 1889, "will be presided over by Gentlemen in uniform."

The minutes of a teachers' meeting at Marsh Wesleyan Chapel reveal what could go on behind the scenes: "Moved by Joe Wadsworth, Seconded by John Feather, that there be a teachers tea the second Saturday in October.

"Moved John Pighills Seconded by John Murgatroyd that the above tea be a plain one.

"As an amendment William Preston moved and Joe Wadsworth seconded that the above be a ham tea. The amendment was carried."

The photograph was supplied by Mr Frank Yardley, of Queens Road, Keighley.