SIR – In the course of researching the effects of the First World War in Shipley and district for my website shipleyww1. org.uk, one of the early themes to emerge is the welcome given to refugees fleeing Belgium.

Some moved in with families, but most were housed in specially-arranged accommodation including Shipley Grange, Laurel Mount in Baildon, Esholt Hall, Heaton Hall and empty houses in Eccleshill, Shipley Glen, Apperley Bridge and Clayton.

Many of them seem to have immediately fitted into the local communities. Some of the earliest to arrive were musicians who were soon giving concerts to raise money for the fund that had helped them. One man was employed at Scott’s Motorcycles at Hirst Wood, several children started to attend Salt High School, and one woman won a prize at a whist drive within two weeks of reaching her new home.

It occurred to me that some may have settled here permanently and I wondered if there are any descendants of those refugees still living in the area who might have photographs or documents of that time. If so, I would love to hear from them by e-mail at richard.coomber@virginmedia.com.

Richard Coomber, Carlton Avenue, Shipley