Saltaire History Club meets quarterly (7 – 9pm) at the Resource Centre of Shipley College, Exhibition Rd, Saltaire (Post Code BD18 3JW)
The Saltaire History Club was established in September 2006 to further the knowledge and awareness of the history of the village.
Meetings are free & open to all, and typically include two talks relating to Saltaire history, news of recent research findings, acquisitions, etc. Refreshments served.
Dates of Meetings in 2017 (all on Thursday evenings)
9 March, 8 June, 7 September, 7 December 2017.
In addition to its quarterly meetings, Saltaire History Club, its Committee & its Members are involved in Saltaire history research and publishing; archival studies and acquisitions; and community issues. It also acts as a forum for those wanting to learn more of their family histories.
1. Research and Publishing
Several activists within the Club are pursuing a variety of researches; all find it beneficial to be sharing their knowledge & ideas with fellow activists. The most important new book on Saltaire history for many years was published in 2016: “Salts Mill: The Owners and Managers 1853—1986” by Club offic-ers Maggie Smith and Colin Coates. It fills an important gap in our knowledge of the Mill’s history.
2. Acquisitions for Saltaire Archives
2016 saw several significant additions to Shipley College’s Saltaire Archives, all adding to the knowledge of Saltaire’s history. Examples include the Wilson Salver, a trio of Salt medallions, and new bequests from the Salt family. Commentary on the acquisitions is often provided by Club members..
3. Accreditation of Tour Guides
The Club has recently advocated the introduction of a reputable accreditation scheme for tour guides in Saltaire with the aim of allowing guides to seek qualifications that confirm appropriate skills and knowledge befitting a World Heritage Site service. It is planned to develop such a scheme in future.
4. Protecting Saltaire’s Heritage.
Together with Baildon Local History Society, Bingley & District Local History Society, & a great many others, the Club is campaigning for the preservation of Milner Field Farm - a precious heritage asset which is under threat of development. The Farm sits in Green Belt land, and in the World Heritage Site buffer zone. Built as a model farm in the 1870s by Titus Salt Jr, it is now judged to be an integral part of the Salt family’s Saltaire project.
New members are always welcome – if you would like to get involved in researching the history of our World Heritage Site, or simply wish to learn more about that history, please join us!
E: colincoates@saltairevillage.info
W: www.saltairevillage.info