BIRSTALL LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY - A SHORT HISTORY

The Society's founder was the late Shirley Scott who, along with Alan Stewart, organised Birstall's first village history exhibition in 1977. This exhibition gave rise over the next few years, to occasional talks on local history matters. But it became apparent that there was a wish for a more permanent and regular forum for the topic. The result was that on November 22nd 1984 at an inaugural meeting attended by thirty people Birstall and District Local History Society was formed. Our first chairman was Shirley Scott and from this date we can boast an unbroken life of twenty three years.

We are particularly proud of the range of our member's publications which at the last count numbered eleven. All are about Birstall and include two albums of old photographs, three census analyses, reminiscences of twentieth century Birstall, comprehensive histories of Birstall and Wanlip, a Birstall Trail with maps and specially commissioned illustrations, stories behind the names on our war memorial and our streets, a biography of one of Birstall's lords of the manor and a history of Birstall Methodism.

We have always had a regular and loyal following, with attendances at our meetings varying between twenty and fifty. Four of the original founder members, Wendy Garner, Glenys Ratcliffe, John Kilby and Michael Smith still attend and despite their best efforts are still unable to get off the committee.