Village History Society celebrates 30 years
HOWDEN-le- Wear History Society held an exhibition in the village hall to celebrate the 30 th
anniversary of its founding.
It was 1995 when a group of like-minded people in the village, led by former primary school
teacher, Joan Potts, decided to found the society to discover and preserve its history. And discover it
they certainly have over the years. From the very beginning – 1830 – when the settlement became a
village right up to the present day. Members carefully record and preserve the village history for
future generations – it’s people, its activities, it’s past…
A lot of hard work went into the exhibition and there was something to interest everyone, from
Royal visits to past football teams, the advent of the railway, farming, pub life, shops and so much
more. All of the characters were there too – Jonty Raine the unforgettable cobbler and shoemaker
who once played football for Crook Town, The Fryer family from the Smelt House that has its own
story, David Quinn, of course who did so much for the village and especially the allotments, the Leek
shows and darts teams. And served as its District Councillor too. Yolanda was there too, another of
the characters who is very much missed.
There were innumerable photographs, including many from the annual carnival. The village WI
was chronicled from its beginnings and the now closed churches and chapel were not forgotten and
featured prominently.
Upstairs in the two-storey village hall, Joan Potts was on hand to explain some very interesting
artefacts and the range of proddy mats made by members of the History Society and the craft club.
The ‘voice’ of the village, Frances Ann Johnson, who has recently been shortlisted in the Radio Tees’
‘Making a Difference Awards’, was ensuring all visitors had the opportunity of a hot drink and her
delicious scones.
It was enlightening and interesting listening to the conversations in that room: memories from
the village elders, including nonagenarians, Les and Dorren Dunn and Kathleen Parkin. The memories
flowed and the knowledge added to the atmosphere of the event.
All-in-all, it was another well thought out and enjoyable event in this busy village.
The History Society welcomes new members who meet at The Village Hall on the 3rd Monday of
the month from 7:00pm.
