The search is on to find Morley’s historical treasures a home
Morley memorabilia. (d603b310)
If you are wanting to know about the history of the town, there are many sources to look at.
From websites, local history groups and archives, there’s lots of information to be discovered.
But what if Morley had its own heritage centre or museum? A place where people could go and see a collection of the town’s history - everything from books and photographs to artefacts that would be appreciated by any local history buff.
That is exactly what Tingley’s Peter Aldred would love to do.
Peter, an amateur historian and collector, has been hoping to find or secure space for a heritage centre in the area where he can share his vast collection of the area’s history.
Peter, 80, has over 50 years work that he would love to share with everyone.
He said: “It would be great to find a home for it all. I’ve looked into many places over the years, but nothing has come of it.
“It would be a local treasure trove where people could come in and have a look around. It would be a real shame for it all to go to waste.”
Peter said there was a place very similar in Darfield, Barnsley, to what he would like to see for Morley.
The Maurice Dobson Museum is in an old corner shop and contains a whole range of historical delights on display for people to see.
Peter has piles of artefacts and detailed photographs of an area that has seen so many changes over the years. Motorway links, housing and building developments have dramatically changed the skyline of the town, making it a place that past generations would never recognise.
There are photographs of the old St Mary’s in the Wood chapel, Tingley toll bar and old wooden shops in Morley town centre.
Many people would probably still remember Gomersal’s Pop. The van would travel around selling bottles of fizzy drinks - and if you gave your old bottle back, you got a discount off your next lot. Peter has a selection of original labels that would bring memories back for anyone of that time.
There is also a huge selection of objects relating to Lee Fair, the twice yearly horse fair which has been taking place in West Ardsley for over 1,000 years.
There’s a section on how Tingley got its name from the Viking Parliament, the area’s schools, the textile trade - from which Peter even has some original cloth - and, of course, the many, many mills that kept Morley thriving.
From the Rehoboth Chapel in West Ardsley to an inspection report of Hill Top School dated 1885, everything is indexed and filed - it’s all just waiting for a home. Peter wants his collection to be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. After all, it is part of the town’s history that should not be lost.
* Do you have any ideas where Peter Aldred’s collection of historical documents and memorabilia could be stored? Contact Leanne Clarke on 0113 2523456 or e-mail leanne.clarke@jpress.co.uk
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Sunday 19 May 2013
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