In 1914 a whole generation of young men from Sowood, Stainland and Holywell Green answered the call to arms and 87 of them were never to return. The ladies of Sowood WI are determined that they shall not be forgotten and are fundraising to create a memory walk in their honour. To be known as…
Oyez, Oyez! Before modern communications we relied upon the Town Crier for news and notices. ‘On Tuesday evening Mr W. Rawson of Westgate, Elland was appointed Town Crier. The following were fixed as the maximum charges for his services in ‘crying’ in different parts of the township:- West Vale, Greetland and outer district…
July 1927 – A new working men’s club was opened by Councillor Fred Holroyd. The new building, which replaced less commodious premises on Huddersfield Road, is situated on a site in Rosebery Street, and has been designed by Mr Exley Fisher, who is architect to Elland District Council. The cost of the building, exclusive of…
On 11th March 1921, Elland was in mourning as the death of Elizabeth Smithies was announced. Mrs Smithies, of Ellen Royd, was the wife of the late Joseph Smithies (Albert Mills), the mother of the late John William Smithies and the grandmother of John Stansfield Smithies. All three men had been active in the public…
The Cross The original Elland Charter is ‘missing’. The replacement Charter from 1889 may be ‘missing’. Whatever happened to ‘The Cross’? It is believed that the former Market Cross stood in the centre of the Cross opposite the Savile Arms. Was this Market Cross erected in 1317 when the Charter was granted or earlier as…
Charter 700 This month sees the 700th anniversary of our Charter. Sadly the original document is ‘long gone’ but the granting of the charter by King Edward II to John de Eland and his heirs forever permitted Elland to hold a market and two fairs annually. Of course forever has not meant forever. The annual…
Strictly Stainland From 1930… “at the present time a fever for dancing is abroad at Stainland and a class has been organised by Mr. Jack Hall at the Mechanics Institute. Revellers of all ages have been in attendance and remarks have often been heard – “Are you going to the dance class?” “I’m too old.”…
Fireworks – Prepare Now! It seems that Bonfire Night goes on for four to six weeks these days. Then New Year comes and the firework season continues well into January. For those owners who have pets that are terrified of loud noises this can be a living nightmare. Some owners will even book a holiday…