West Yorkshire Archive Network Group Meeting
Seventeen representatives from heritage and family history societies from across the region joined a Zoom meeting on 16th December. Anna Carter, from West Yorkshire Archives updated us on opening at the archives, and mentioned that the air conditioning at the West Yorkshire History Centre had been a problem, as it must take air from outside to comply with Covid restrictions; this was being dealt with, and hopefully it will reopen after Christmas. The Archives have made an application to the National Archives for funding to enable them to expand diversity and inclusion.
Each group gave updates on their activities, and I was able to describe our Society’s progress with our research for the Westgate Heritage Zone.
The Hebden Bridge Local History Society had had a capacity audience on their recent webinar on common land in the North of England. They have a group within the society who are proficient with Latin, working on the Manor Court Rolls for their area. http://www.hebdenbridgehistory.org.uk
Castleford Heritage Trust has gained funding for a further year, and mentioned the availability of exhibition space within Queen’s Mill: http://www.castlefordheritagetrust.org.uk
Chorley Heritage Group updated us on their plans for the 400 year anniversary of the Mayflower, and local man Myles Standish: https://www.chorleyheritagecentre.co.uk/content/celebrating-myles-standish
We learnt that Huddersfield Council have bought the George Hotel and that as the ‘birthplace’ of Rugby League, it will be home to the first National Rugby League Museum: https://www.rugbyleaguecares.org/news/general/george-hotel-house-national-rugby-league-museum/
It is encouraging to know how many lively and active groups there are in our area, who continue to record, save and enjoy our area’s historic heritage.