This report comes to you from Mike Darke, our Press Officer:-
Sadly this latest report of Mytholmroyd Historical Society contains the news that as our local village Historical Society we will very shortly be forced to terminate our existence.
We have been in existence for 30 years as we were started in 1992 inspired by the late Jack Uttley and during this time due to various people under various Chairmanships we have had an annual programme of monthly Winter lectures, Summer evening local trips, an annual day excursion and various exhibitions and heritage days and a Christmas AGM followed by Quiz and refreshments.
Our imminent closure as a Society is because we cannot attract members and indeed new blood to take on various roles despite numerous appeals made by existing Committee members who have always stated they are not a self-perpetuating body.
However, due to either other commitments, old age or permanent illness Committee members feel that they can no longer carry on and at the moment we urgently need a new Chairman and a Speaker Finder. Some Committee members are willing to continue to help new committee members if necessary but we most definitely require a new Chairman and Speaker finder as neither can continue their roles and nobody from the existing Committee as stated can take on their roles. Hence, the inevitable conclusion that sadly we shall have to terminate the Society.
As regards the Speaker Finder role, the present person is Rodney Collinge who has done a very fine job and has a programme of Speakers for the next Winter programme already lined up but he indicated some 12 months ago he would be relinquish this role this Summer.
If the Society is to continue therefore, the choice is simple. Either these two roles or a new Committee is formed from existing members and non-members and friends of the Society or we fold.
The present Committee has decided that due to lack of support to cancel the planned day excursion to Liverpool as we as a Society cannot afford the financial loss it would incur. Those who have paid a deposit or the amount in full should contact the Treasure on 01422 885873 as regards repayment.
