By Betsy Everett
Residents of two upper Dales villages are invited to take a trip down memory lane as a slideshow spanning at least seven decades is shown in Askrigg village hall next week.
Local Methodist preacher, Geoff Phillips of Bainbridge, has brought together around 200 photographs from the archives of Askrigg Chapel which closed in the mid-1990s and Bainbridge which held its last service in July.
It is a treasure trove of memories, says Geoff, with pictures of weddings and anniversaries, services and dedications, going back as far as the 1940s and possibly earlier.
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Not all, however, are confined to religious services.
“The fact is that years ago chapels were much more an integral part of society, and were really at the heart of the community, so the archives hold pictures of many village events.
“Before the new school was built, the old schoolroom on the village green was attended by children from Burtersett as well. It will be wonderful to see people’s faces as they recognise themselves and others in the pictures,” said Geoff.
Many of the photographs are black and white and some are colour, though the latter, he says, tend to be more “grainy.”
The slideshow is on Saturday, October 28, in Askrigg village hall at 7pm and the entrance fee of £5 includes tea and cakes. All proceeds will go to the upkeep and refurbishment of the hall.
Geoff is happy to take more old photographs if anyone has any they would like to include in the slideshow but he must receive them before Monday of next week. Call him on 01969 650117.
