The sun shone on the afternoon of Sunday 11th September, when residents of Guiseley gathered to see a new Blue Plaque was unveiled at the historic Guiseley Wells, as part of Heritage Open Days 2022.

The plaque has been put up in recognition of the historical and cultural significance of the Wells by Aireborough Civic Society and various friends of Guiseley Wells. It was funded by Cllr Paul Wadsworth and Cllr Paul Alderson as part of a long running project run by local residents to regenerate the Wells area as a community hub.

The unveiling yesterday was done by two Freeholders and Resident of Guiseley, Bill Hudson and Arthur Wilkinson. Bill has been involved in the Wells regeneration since 2000 and Arthur won a poetry competition earlier this year for Guiseley Primary School Children to write a poem about what the Wells meant to them. Chair of ACS Clive Woods gave the opening speech.

The Heritage event yesterday, which was followed by a talk and visit to St Oswald’s Church, was organized by Jennifer Kirkby and Lynda Kitching of Aireborough Neighbourhood Development Forum. The lovely Wells decorations were done by the Yarns Well Spun project led by Abi James. Refreshments were provided by St Oswald’s Church and Becky Mears of Incredible Edible Aireborough. Roger Garnett installed the plaque as he does all the other plaques in Leeds.

To go along with the installation, a History of Guiseley Wells has been produced by Jennifer Kirkby and funded by Cllr Eleanor Thomson. The booklet also contains all four of the winning poems done by Guiseley Primary children. There are copies of the booklet available in St Oswald’s Church until 19th September along with a display of local history by ACS. The church also has a book of condolence for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II which can be signed by visitors.

Local photographers for the event were Darren Sanderson Photography and chair of Aireborough Photographic Club Liakat Ali Parapia, whose photograph are above.