2018-10-04 Burley Meeting Report

Subject: Otley to Nidderdale in Pictures

Speaker: David Alred

The Wharfedale Family History Group met Thursday 4th October and apologies to those who were expecting speaker Norman Simpson who will be joining us next month. In the event our actual programmed speaker Lynda Telford was unfortunately unable to join us so David Alred came to our aid at very short notice with a fascinating slide show of vintage pictures featuring Otley, Nidderdale and the Washburn valley. David collected his pictures from various sources including many kind donations from farming families around the district.

David’s pictures and commentary included early C20th Otley street scenes, street parties and skating on a frozen River Wharfe. There were many local country-side scenes featuring early farming methods of hay-making, sheep shearing and ploughing as well as stone quarrying around Nidderdale and local reservoir construction. David’s excellent collection also included local farming families, road gangers and other interesting local characters including Otley’s Neddy Emmott 1852 – 1913 and Betty Simpson born 1844 of Wonderful House, Norwood. Chairman Linda Balmforth gave a warm vote of thanks at the close. David’s book Nidderdale Yesterday: A Pictorial Record of Life in a Yorkshire Dale ISBN-10: 1858251591 ISBN-13: 978-1858251592 may be of interest.

The group’s next meeting will take place 7.30 pm Thursday 1st November at the Salem Church Hall, Burley when Norman Simpson will present his talk The History of Chocolate in York. Refreshments will be provided, everyone welcome.