Yorkshire Society

The Yorkshire Society is a non-political organisation founded in December 1980. It extended the philosophies of an earlier Yorkshire Society which, in 1818, wished to encourage people born, working or living in the County of Yorkshire to join and then help improve several aspects of the area, including the social welfare of its people as well as Yorkshire's physical environment.[1][2] Traditionally, the patron of the Yorkshire Society is the Duke of York,[1] and its current Chairman is Sir Rodney Walker.[3]

History

Earlier Societies of the same name included the organisation which ran the Yorkshire Society's Schools on Westminster Road in London.[4] The Yorkshire Society referenced in 1818 was headed by wealthy Yorkshire gentry who were keen to provide charity to the working class and poor throughout much of Yorkshire. As is the case today, the organisation's patron was the Duke of York.[1]

Goals

Although there has long been an implication that the organisation is embedded with wealthy "Society" members, its membership is open to all who are interested in the following:

  • To improve the beauty, attraction and amenities in the Yorkshire countryside, towns, villages, historic houses and monuments of all kinds by encouraging and assisting local branches of the Society to prepare, fund and carry through projects in their own areas.
  • Working with other established organisations in their efforts to generate and promote tourism in the County.
  • Supporting efforts to study and solve some of the industrial, commercial and unemployment problems in the area.
  • Drawing together in fellowship Yorkshire folk by mounting regional and local events and providing a forum for discussion and debate.

Charitable works

The Yorkshire Awards, held in Autumn each year, generate substantial funds for many charities.

The Society co-sponsors the annual Yorkshire Awards alongside Yorkshire Television, Joshua Tetley, Asda, Aon, Bain Hogg, Yorkshire Electricity and the Yorkshire Bank.

The Society's award category is the Yorkshire Lifetime Achievement Award. To date recipients have included Lawrence Batley, Ken Morrison, Victor Watson, Lord Harewood, Roy Mason, Baron Mason of Barnsley, Professor Tom Kilburn, Brian Rix, Lord Rix, Michael Parkinson, Barry Cryer, Brian Turner and Ashley Jackson.

Commemorating Yorkshire History

The erecting of Yorkshire Rose plaques to mark the contributions of famous Yorkshire men and women.[2]

To date plaques have commemorated:

Acting as host for the annual Yorkshire History Awards.

Yorkshire Day

The Yorkshire Society also convenes the civic celebration of Yorkshire Day, which is held on 1 August each year.[2]

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References
  1. The Northern Star Or Yorkshire Magazine: A Monthly and Permanent Register of the Statistics, Literature, Biography, Arts, Commerce, and Manufactures of Yorkshire, and the Adjoining Counties, Volume 2. Baldwin, Cradock and Joy. 1818. p. 412. Yorkshire Society - May 6th ....men sat down to a sumptuous meal...the Duke of York who has agreed....our patron...
  2. Barton, Lyn (15 April 2004). "Yorkshire expats in capital get home link". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  3. MacNamara, Felicity (13 July 2018). "Sir Rodney Walker appointed as Yorkshire Society chair". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  4. "Y.S.S., in the Westminster Road [London]. Report of the Committee, etc. 1839 (1845, 1849, 1854)". 10 August 1839. Retrieved 10 August 2020 – via Google Books.
  5. "Leeds tribute to cartographer Christopher Saxton". The Yorkshire Evening Post. 19 October 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
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