The annual two-day open heritage weekend held by Earby Local History Society has been deemed to be an outstanding success.
Events on both Saturday and Sunday drew good crowds of villagers and visitors who were all keen to learn more about the village’s rich past as historical artefacts were put on show to the public.
On Saturday, the society, which was founded by six villagers in 1995 and now has around 130 members, opened its archives in New Road Community Centre and launched its latest book “The Clatter of Clogs in Earby’s Mills”, a 100-page work by society vice-chairman Stephanie Carter which looks back to the days when the cotton industry was the principal employer in the town.
There was also an exhibition held on both days at the Yorkshire Dales Mining Museum, where what was billed as the largest collection of Dales mining relics in the world was on display.
On Sunday, the Katherine Bruce Glasier Memorial Youth Hostel – named after the leading socialist who lived in the town for nearly 30 years – opened its doors to allow people to tour the building and its grounds.
And the White Lion Inn held a 1940s and Second World War day which saw memorabilia from wartime Earby put on display and a vintage craft fair along with an afternoon tea with scones and cupcakes held.
Entertainment from the period was provided by Jane Francis and Kiki DeVille, who sang a wide variety of wartime songs and jazz classics. A number of those attending added to the flavour of the occasion by dressing in period costume and military uniforms.
Society spokesman Wendy Faulkner said the weekend had gone very well. Nearly 50 copies of Stephanie’s book were sold on the day.