Upcoming Events

This will be an illustrated talk by Chris Dicken, who leads the HCS Plaques sub-group.

Back in 2019, after seeing a report about a plaque unveiling in the local press, Chris decided to go on a mission to see all the plaques in Harrogate. This led on to him cataloguing and recording them all and eventually to producing the plaques website. Interested in making the plaques more accessible to local residents and visitors alike, Chris also devised the now popular walking trails and maps and then persuaded his son to develop an Android App for the trails.

The talk will give an insight into the history of the plaques, how each new plaque comes into being and will illustrate many of the plaques and the themes therein. Perhaps even a few nuggets of knowledge about Harrogate that you may not know. Chris is no historian, so it won't be a in depth look at Harrogate's history, but rather a pointer to some of the interesting places and people of our town.

Elizabeth Smith, Public Engagement Coordinator (North East) for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, will give a talk and presentation to members about the history of the CWGC and its work today. Elizabeth has in the past welcomed members on tours at Stonefall Cemetery and is a regular host of Heritage Open Days events there.

The presentation starts with how the Commission began and its work during the First and Second World Wars, and concludes with its work today in maintaining and preserving its historic estate around the world. The presentation will also mention some of the war graves closer to home and tell the stories of some of those that the Commission commemorates.

Teas and coffees will be available from 7:00pm and the presentation will begin at 7:30pm. There will be an opportunity for members to make a donation to support the work of the Commission.

Please note change of date from previously advertised 25th Feb.

A talk by Nicola Pullan:
Assistant Curator of Leeds and Social History, Leeds Museums and Abbey House Museum Kirkstall

Based on research from her archive held at Leeds Museums and Galleries, the talk will be a chance to explore the life of Suffragette Leonora Cohen. It will be a chance to learn more about her early life, her suffrage activity in Leeds, her move to Harrogate, and what she went on to do after winning the vote.