Local History Resource Centre 

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, were initially distributed between many members of the Society and therefore were not always been readily available when required for reference purposes.

Contents

Background

Opening Times

The Collection

Background

In May 1999 it was decided 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 House, 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 always been to promote learned and educational interest in the History and Heritage of the area. Work on the project, by a local builder, commenced in November 2001 and the project was completed in 2002. Now we make all the archive material accessible to all local residents. The Committee are most anxious to maintain a close relationship with the local schools and also provide local practical involvement.

Opening Times

The resource centre is open on the third Wednesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. If this time is not convenient for you, it can be opened by prior arrangement. If you would like to visit the centre through special arrangements, email the centre organiser, Mrs. Cathryn Howard giving your name and a contact telephone number.

The Collection

Few of the documents in the centre are originals. However by collecting copies of documents held in various places, we have been able to hold a collection of most of the important documents relating to the former enlarged parish of Barwick-in-Elmet. The collection, which is catalogued, contains books, documents, maps, plans and photographs relating to the parish.

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