By John Baron
A group of local residents are chronicling the rich history of Burley – and making new friends at the same time.
The Burley Local History Group meets regularly at the Burley Lodge Centre and members are currently creating a display featuring a map of memories and stories over the past 100 years, along with information about local landmarks.
Once the map is complete, the group aims to take it to community events, like Kirkstall Festival, and also around local schools.
Member Maureen Kershaw loves seeing old memorabilia and tracing social and family history in the area.
“I have lived in Burley since I was nine years old,” she said. “I enjoy writing and I love the group – they are lovely people who all have such good memories of how Burley used to be.
“It’s important we preserve those memories for future generations and our map is part of that work.”
Denise Ramsden said: “I have always been interested in local history and was brought up in an old pub [The Queen Hotel] and my mother was brought up in the Rosebanks.”
Former teacher Pat Hemingway added:Â “Its is such a friendly group and an interesting bunch of people to spend time with – there are so many memories here.”
Co-founder Douglas Greenfield has lived in Burley for 44 years and takes an interest in trams. He shares a lot of memories on Facebook and enjoys attending to meet like-minded people.
Sue Hainsworth’s grandparents lived in Burley and looked after her when she was little – and she enjoys tracing people’s family trees. She said: “It’s like coming to see friends coming to this group.
“I’ve always loved history, in particular the stories of old Burley village. Generations of my own family were all married at Burley St Matthias Church. I loved tracing my own family tree and have done it for others.”
Susie B discovered she has Irish ancestry and one of her great great grandparents came over from Tipperary in Ireland in 1860 and married a Leeds girl. The rest, as they say, is history.
The group also goes on trips to places of interest, and is planning a trip to the Morley Archives.
The group, run by Better Leeds Communities, always welcomes new members. Anyone interested in attending can call 0113 275 4142 or e-mail reception@betterleeds.org.uk.
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