Barwick-in-Elmet Historical Society
Local History Resource Centre
This information is provided by the Barwick in Elmet Historical Society.
Since Barwick-in-Elmet Historical Society was founded in 1984 its
members have accumulated many items of historical interest including maps, photographs, tape recordings, books and documents. These items, of necessity, have been distributed between many members of the Society and therefore have not always been readily available when required for reference purposes.
In May 1999 it was that the Society should endeavour not only to solve this obvious problem but also to extend the availability of its gathered resources, by seeking provision for a central archive facility. As the Society meets at John Rylie Rouse, it was considered that the erection of a small extension could provide the ideal solution. A sub-committee was appointed and it was to look into such a possibility after full consultation with the Housing Manager and after meeting with the John Rylie Social Committee.
An architect was appointed and a detailed plan of a small area, with internal access only, adjacent to the SW comer of John Rylie House was prepared. This plan, together with a detailed specification, was then submitted to Leeds City Council and planning permission was obtained. Following protracted negotiations with the Leeds Development Agency, and other departments of Leeds C C, an appropriate lease was subsequently obtained.
As the funds of the society were, and are, very limited, an application for a Grant had been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund and in August 2001 the Society was delighted when it was awarded a grant of £12,400 towards the cost of the project, The provision of this resource centre could not have been possible without the Grant and without, of equal importance, the continuing guidance and helpful advice which has been readily available from the Grants Officer of the Yorkshire and Humber Team.
The Objectives of the Society have alway s been to promote learned and educational interest in the History and Heritage of the area. It is now intended to make all the archive material accessible to all local residents and with this in mind suitable arrangements are to be made in the very near future. The Committee is most anxious to maintain a close relationship with the local schools and also provide local practical invo1vement. Work on the project, by a local builder, commenced in November 2001 and it is hoped that the project will be completed early in the New Year.
In May 1999 it was that the Society should endeavour not only to solve this obvious problem but also to extend the availability of its gathered resources, by seeking provision for a central archive facility. As the Society meets at John Rylie Rouse, it was considered that the erection of a small extension could provide the ideal solution. A sub-committee was appointed and it was to look into such a possibility after full consultation with the Housing Manager and after meeting with the John Rylie Social Committee.
An architect was appointed and a detailed plan of a small area, with internal access only, adjacent to the SW comer of John Rylie House was prepared. This plan, together with a detailed specification, was then submitted to Leeds City Council and planning permission was obtained. Following protracted negotiations with the Leeds Development Agency, and other departments of Leeds C C, an appropriate lease was subsequently obtained.
As the funds of the society were, and are, very limited, an application for a Grant had been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund and in August 2001 the Society was delighted when it was awarded a grant of £12,400 towards the cost of the project, The provision of this resource centre could not have been possible without the Grant and without, of equal importance, the continuing guidance and helpful advice which has been readily available from the Grants Officer of the Yorkshire and Humber Team.
The Objectives of the Society have alway s been to promote learned and educational interest in the History and Heritage of the area. It is now intended to make all the archive material accessible to all local residents and with this in mind suitable arrangements are to be made in the very near future. The Committee is most anxious to maintain a close relationship with the local schools and also provide local practical invo1vement. Work on the project, by a local builder, commenced in November 2001 and it is hoped that the project will be completed early in the New Year.
