Spen Valley historical group founded by famous Yorkshire writer set to close after 54 years
A society dedicated to the history of Spen Valley, founded over 50 years ago, is set to close next month.
The Spen Valley Historical Society, which was established in 1972, will hold its final meeting on Wednesday, April 8.
The group, whose founder president was famous Yorkshire writer and poet Mabel Ferrett, aimed to study, collect and preserve historical items, as well as arrange lectures and talks of an historical nature.
Its first meetings were held at Red House in Gomersal, with Mabel, who was also a notable local historian, writing numerous books on the Bronte’s, who had a connection to the much-loved building.
During its time, the society had worked on local projects such as the repair of the old stocks in Hartshead, the preservation of Rydings at Birstall Smithies - which was the old home of Ellen Nussey, a friend of Charlotte Bronte - and the restoration of the Mowat windows at Cleckheaton Library.
Chairperson Kathryn Harrison said: “It is very sad but nothing goes on forever. And history will always be there, it just changes the format of how it is put over to people.
“It shows how important it has been that it has kept going for so long and there is still a lot of interest in it.
“We still have 30 to 40 members who come to the meetings every month.
“But the committee is struggling to keep going. Committee members are retiring and there is nobody coming forward to replace us.”
Kathryn explained why Mabel Ferrett started the society back in 1972: “She was the Spen Valley Historical Society. She was very interested in the Brontes and Red House.
“The society was her baby. She knew so much about the history and she was quite a moving force to get things going.”
The society has a website which will remain active for 12 months which includes information on the early deeds of Liversedge, as well as the stories of the 157 men of Heckmondwike who died in World War One.
A collection of books, donated by the early society members, is available in Cleckheaton Library.
The Spen Valley Historical Society’s final meeting will be held at the Cleckheaton Our Lady and St Paul church hall, on Dewsbury Road, Cleckheaton, on Wednesday, April 8. Light refreshments will be available from 7pm, before guest speaker David Glover will present Bess of Hardwick and the Cavendish Legacy, at 7.30pm.
Everyone is welcome to join them to celebrate 54 years of the society’s existence.