furnell happy to help keep Wetherby's history alive

Furnell Residential has helped a group of retired Wetherby residents keep the story of an important community event in the town’s history alive.

A specially produced booklet details all the preparations, fund raising activities and financial accounts for the Ainsty Crescent Children’s Party which was held in 1953 to celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It was first published in 2009 by the town’s Old Men’s Parliament and now, with Furnell Residential kindly covering the costs, a reprint has been completed.

The booklet is reproduced from the original hand written documentation found at a tip in Thorp Arch some years back by a member of the Old Men’s Parliament.

It provides a wonderful snap shot of Wetherby 70 years ago when rationing was still in force and local businesses catered for all the needs of the residents.

The current Prime Minster of the Old Men’s Parliament, John Trower, was amongst those who attended the party and said: “I can remember it as if it was yesterday. The whole estate came together to help with the organisation and a good time was had by all. No one had much in those days so a celebration on this scale was extremely unusual.

“Sadly, very few of the original booklets now exist. We thought with this year being the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee it was highly appropriate to organise a reprint and the generous support of Furnell Residential has made this possible.”

Ben Furnell of Bardsey based Furnell Residential commented: “As a company which takes its role within the community very seriously we had no hesitation in agreeing to help.

“The information contained within the publication is priceless and deserves to be preserved for this and future generations to enjoy.”

The booklet can be purchased by way of a suggested donation of £2.00 from Bike Shack, Bright Ideas and Castlegate Stationers. All proceeds will go to Morrison’s chosen charity, ‘Together for Short Lives.’