Centenary celebration at the Town Hall on 14th December
The final meeting of our Centenary year was held at the Town Hall on Saturday which was where the founding meeting of our Society was held on 19th December 1924. We were delighted to be joined by the grandson of Dr. J. W Walker, the first President of the Society, who displayed his original scrapbook and other documents.
We were joined by our colleagues in the Civic Society who celebrated their 60th anniversary in March. A blue plaque, funded by the Council, which commemorates the founding of the two societies, was unveiled.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Wakefield, Councillor Darren Byford who was presented with recent publications by our Society. Talks were provided by Richard Knowles about the history of our Society, and David Hunter, County Archaeologist.
Following an excellent buffet, Society members gave readings of historical writings about Wakefield. They covered the period from the founding of our City to the present day: some serious, some critical, some humorous and some full of affection.
We enjoyed short presentations by other local groups who had been invited to talk about their activities. The afternoon was rounded off by enjoying a magnificent cake made by Karen Wright.
It was certainly a worthy ending to our year of Centenary events! Our thanks are due to our President, Pam Judkins, who organised both this event and others during the course of the year.
We look forward to the next hundred years exploring Wakefield’s remarkable history!
Tom Walker, grandson of founder and first President J W Walker, with memorabilia
President of Wakefield Historical Society, Pam Judkins presenting the Mayor of Wakefield, Darren Byford, with some of our most recent publications
The unveiling of the plaque commemorating 100 years of Wakefield Historical Society and 60 years of Wakefield Civic Society
Richard Knowles describing the history of our Society
David Hunter, County Archaeologist describing the role of Archaeology in WestYorkshire
Presentation to our President Pam Judkins from Wakefield Historical Society members in appreciation of her contribution during this Centenary year.
The splendid cake made by Karen Wright
