Meltham Conservative Club
Meltham and Meltham
Mills Conservative Association and Club
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| Edward Brook taken from a Meltham postcard |
A large
meeting or in words of the time “demonstration” was held by the association in
the Oddfellows Hall in March 1870. Tea
was served to a mixed audience of 500 people and the evening meeting held in
the hall was
“crowded to excess by an enthusiastic audience.”
The hall was
decorated with evergreens and Conservative banners. Edward Brook, the association President led
a procession of speakers to the platform accompanied by music played by the Meltham Mills Band. There were a good many speakers who took to
the platform during the evening and these speeches had musical intervals in
between. Huddersfield Chronicle 5 March 1870
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| Oddfellows Hall the scene of many Conservative Club gatherings. |
The fourth
annual soiree was held in February 1872 with a
“sumptuous tea”
being served by
served by the women, wives and family of club members in the in the Oddfellows
Hall. However so great was the crowd
that wanted to enter the hall that a second tea had to be provided! Over 450 people sat down to eat, the great
majority of which were described in a news report as representing
“the matronly
gravity and maidenly vivacity of the neighbourhood.”
The hall had been
decorated throughout by “the charming art of the deviser”, adorned with
evergreens plus mottoes and names on banners in Conservative colours on the
walls. The national flag and a banner adorned the platform on either side,
while in the centre hung a blue cloth with the name of the association in gold
letters. On the wall above the platform
there was another banner with the inscription
“The altar, the throne and the
cottage.”
Names of eminent statesmen of
the era were displayed around the room – Derby and Disraeli, Cairns and Hardy, Richmond
and Northcote, Hunt and Corry, Buckingham, Salisbury and Bickersteth, Pakington
and Manners, Mayo and Abercorn. In front of the platform were placed the names
of Stanhope and Starkey surrounded with and arrangement of evergreens and
mottoes –
“Success to the Conservative cause,”
“The church of our forefathers,”
“God bless the Prince of Wales,” and God save the Queen.”
The association was reported to have a
“capital reading room”
but their building at that point was considered to be
far too small for purpose and the committee were said to contemplating
“procuring a larger, more commodious room.”
The evening was seen as an occasion for
“festivity” almost regarded as a “general holiday” with the Huddersfield
Chronicle commenting
“Young swains and elderly sires, sedate looking matrons
and gaily attired maidens were there to raise their united voices in support of
the Church, the Throne and the Constitution!”
During the interval between speakers selections of vocal music were
given by a “glee party” consisting of both men and women accompanied by the
piano. Huddersfield Chronicle 3 February
1872
February
1873 was the fifth year that the club held its annual “soiree” once again at
the Oddfellows Hall. Again the hall had been decorated with banners displaying
names of prominent leading statesmen of the day. As usual a tea was served by the ladies and
enjoyed by 500 guests. W. S. Stanhope, MP and Lewis Randle Starkey again joined the club
president on the platform to address the crowd. No report as to the affairs of
the club was reported on this occasion. As in previous “soirees” the evening
was accompanied by musical entertainments.
Later in the
year the club held its annual meeting, which was only attended by the members
of the club, at the Railway Hotel, the home of John Hollingworth. The evening began with a
He also reported on the state of the
association. He said that they had increased to 150 members and that the club
was
They had a “comfortable room” and had
newspapers in which to read all the
There is no indication of where they might
have had this room possibly within the Oddfellows Hall. Other members stood
up to speak and then the evening concluded with songs by members of the club. Huddersfield Chronicle 1 February 1873;
Huddersfield Chronicle 20 December 1873.
“substantial repast”
which was enjoyed by a large number of members. Edward Brook, the
president addressed the members once the tables had been cleared. He said that the aim of the evening was to
meet together to have dinner and otherwise enjoy themselves. They were not
there to
“enter into any great political question.”
“going on in a very nice, flourishing manner.”
“political statements of the day”.
The sixth
annual soiree of the club was held in December 1874 again in the Oddfellows Hall,
Meltham. The room had been decorated
especially for the occasion with a silk banner behind the platform and small
“bannerets” displaying the names of prominent members of the Conservative party
around the walls. Tea was provided for a
crowd of around 450 people and served as usual by the women. The President of the association Edward
Brook took the chair and was joined on the platform by Lewis Randle Starkey, MP, Rev. Joshua Richard Jagoe, vicar
of Meltham Mills and other local Conservatives.
Other members of Parliament who had been invited to the event, including
Mr Stanhope, sent apologies for absence.
When Edward Brook addressed the meeting he commented on the success of
the gathering and said
Mr Starkey was warmly received and said that he had many friends in
Meltham and he remembered the
“that he felt sure that people before him were of the
right kind”
and
“that the ladies present would do their best to influence the
other sex and make them better Conservatives!”
“enthusiastic reception”
he had received there
with Mr Stanhope after the 1868 election.
A variety of political speeches were made during the evening
interspersed with musical entertainment provided by the “Orpheus Quartet Party”
from Huddersfield. Huddersfield
Chronicle 5 December 1874
The aim of
providing political education to members would often take the form of lectures
by visiting speakers, prominent local Conservatives and members. One such lecture in December 1880 was given
by W. W. Potter of Kirkburton. His lecture had the title
and was given to an audience of around 150 people in the large
reading room of the association. Huddersfield
Chronicle 24 December 1880
“Why am I a
Conservative?”
The club had an “excursion” in July 1882, these excursions became an annual event but this one in particular must have been an exciting day for all involved. The Liberal Club also held their on the same
day but the rival clubs went to completely different venues. While the Liberal club went to Scarborough “the
Queen of Watering places,” Meltham Conservative Club went further afield
visiting Dumfriesshire, Scotland!
As you might expect there was great interest in the trip and it was well patronised with the ultimate destination being Hoddam Castle, a large tower house and the home of Edward Brook.
The club members boarded the train in Meltham to leave at 1.40am and long before that hundreds of people were on their way to the station although it was reported that the weather
As you might expect there was great interest in the trip and it was well patronised with the ultimate destination being Hoddam Castle, a large tower house and the home of Edward Brook.
The club members boarded the train in Meltham to leave at 1.40am and long before that hundreds of people were on their way to the station although it was reported that the weather
“was
anything but pleasant and agreeable!”
The Meltham Brass band accompanied the
trip and filled the station platform with sound as they played
“Hail, smiling
morn!”
Although the weather did not respond to their enthusiasm and remained gloomy
and anything but “smiling.” By 1.50
everyone, around 600 people, were seated on
“one of the handsomest excursion trains
that had ever left Meltham.”
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| Meltham Station 1910 |
The Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company train
steamed its way out of Meltham station about 2am. The “day trippers” from the
Conservative club arrived at Ecclefechan Station at 9.15am where they were met
by a number of vehicles sent by Edward Brook to transport the older visitors to
the castle. The remaining travellers walked in procession led by the brass band through the village and on to Hoddam
Castle. Several hundred village
inhabitants waited in the market place to watch the procession. While the main body of travellers continued on to the castle the band remained in the village square. After the band had played a selection of
music, including some Scottish pieces especially prepared for the occasion, they proceeded to the castle themselves to
meet up with the excursionists.
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| Hoddam Castle |
The road
to Hoddam was three miles and lined with trees which made a beautiful avenue to
stroll along. As soon as the whole party had arrived at the castle a
was served in a large marquee in the gardens. The castle was open to the visitors to
explore as were the conservatories and gardens.
Repentance Tower about a mile away from the castle was a favourite spot for the visitors with a view across the Solway Firth and a
Later
dinner was served in the marquee and then the band played several popular
pieces in front of the castle until rain began to fall heavily which out an end
to the proceedings. Breakfast and dinner
were provided to all the guests at Edward Brook’s expense and when James Battye
proposed thanks to Mr and Mrs Brook it was obviously carried unanimously amid
Everyone then made their way back to
Ecclefechan station with the more elderly people again transported courtesy of
Edward Brook. On reaching the station they had another surprise present waiting
for them from Mr Brook
Before leaving the town a large number visited the house where Thomas Carlyle was born and his grave. Finally the train left the station about 6.30 to arrive back in Meltham at 2.30am! What an amazing day they must have had! Huddersfield Chronicle 29 July 1882
“knife and
fork breakfast”
Repentance Tower about a mile away from the castle was a favourite spot for the visitors with a view across the Solway Firth and a
“beautiful landscape
as far as the eye could reach.”
“ringing
cheers”
and a rendition of
“For he’s a Jolly good fellow.”
“a nice pork pie.”
Before leaving the town a large number visited the house where Thomas Carlyle was born and his grave. Finally the train left the station about 6.30 to arrive back in Meltham at 2.30am! What an amazing day they must have had! Huddersfield Chronicle 29 July 1882
The Oddfellows Hall was the venue for a
“knife and fork tea” held by the association in April 1886 at which 600
friends, members and supporters sat down. Again the room had been decorated
with flags and banners and a public meeting followed the meal. Major Armitage chaired the meeting as
President of the association, supported by many well-known local Conservatives
on the platform. The hall was crowded
and the Huddersfield Orpheus Quartet Party entertained them with a range of
musical pieces, even getting an “encore in one instance.”
Several letters were read out by the President from people sending apologies for absence including Lord Randolph Churchill, MP, Mr Jackson, MP and W. Brooke, MP. Armitage announced to the crowd that a meeting had been held earlier in the week with regard to the formation of a “habitation” of the Primrose League in Meltham. This new habitation was to be named after Colonel Brooke, who was on the platform,
and 160 people had already joined. Huddersfield
Chronicle 16 April 1886
Several letters were read out by the President from people sending apologies for absence including Lord Randolph Churchill, MP, Mr Jackson, MP and W. Brooke, MP. Armitage announced to the crowd that a meeting had been held earlier in the week with regard to the formation of a “habitation” of the Primrose League in Meltham. This new habitation was to be named after Colonel Brooke, who was on the platform,
“The Brooke Habitation”
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| E Hildred Carlile |
1892 saw the
association and the newly formed “Brooke Habitation” holding a combined meeting
preceded by tea in the Oddfellows Hall.
There were between 200 and 300 people in attendance. Edward Hildred
Carlile, president (whether of which the club or the association is
unclear) took the chair. There were many speakers during the evening including
women, still a rare event. Huddersfield Chronicle 19 November 1892
The Huddersfield Chronicle reported on a Conservative Association social event in
October 1893 saying that the Oddfellows Hall had
on that night. A dance with entertainments was given by Charles Brook (1866 to 1930, son of former President Edward Brook) to celebrate his election as President of the association. All members and “lady” friends were invited to the event and the hall had been decorated accordingly with a profusion of flags and banners covering the walls and suspended from the ceilings. Numerous coloured “fairy” lights lit the room adding to its “attractive appearance.”
A banner over the platform read
Mrs Brook was dame president of the local
An orchestra had been brought together by Edwin Stead, formerly of Meltham Mills Brass Band to perform during the evening and started with a
composed by J. E. Ibeson,
the leader of the orchestra, entitled
Dancing went on
until the early hours of the morning interspersed with songs and merriment! Charles Brook (1866 to 1930) had paid
for
so
everyone could enjoy the festivities
In modern terms – a
free bar!! Huddersfield Chronicle 28
October 1893
“rarely if ever, been the
scene of such a bright and festive gathering as that which took place within
its walls”
on that night. A dance with entertainments was given by Charles Brook (1866 to 1930, son of former President Edward Brook) to celebrate his election as President of the association. All members and “lady” friends were invited to the event and the hall had been decorated accordingly with a profusion of flags and banners covering the walls and suspended from the ceilings. Numerous coloured “fairy” lights lit the room adding to its “attractive appearance.”
A banner over the platform read
“Health and happiness to Mr & Mrs C. Brook.”
Mrs Brook was dame president of the local
“Brooke Habitation of the Primrose League.”
An orchestra had been brought together by Edwin Stead, formerly of Meltham Mills Brass Band to perform during the evening and started with a
“new and lively march”
“The Light Brigade.”
“a very liberal and ample provision of refreshments, including wine”
“to a fuller extent than would otherwise
have been the case!”
The Meltham
and Meltham Mills Conservative Association held their annual meeting in January
1898 in the large room of the association.
The meeting had a large attendance and membership was reported to have
increased to 210 over the year. They had enlarged their rooms during the year
as the existing ones had become unable to accommodate the increasing number of
members. They stated that they hoped to
obtain larger premises in the near future.
They had only had one lecture during the year which had been well attended, that being by Mr Wood on the subject
The association had run a trip
for members to Grimsby in the summer. An
amalgamation with other Conservative Associations in the Colne Valley during
the year had been successful with meetings held quarterly in the various clubs
in rotation. It was stated at the
meeting that it was
The club thanked the “Brook Habitation of the Primrose League” for their purchase of new chairs, pictures and other furnishings for the new reading room. The meeting was concluded with social entertainment, songs etc. given by members. Huddersfield Chronicle 20 January 1898
They had only had one lecture during the year which had been well attended, that being by Mr Wood on the subject
“A tour through the British
Empire,”
illustrated by
“lime light views”.
“hoped that members will study the principles of
Conservatism.”
The club thanked the “Brook Habitation of the Primrose League” for their purchase of new chairs, pictures and other furnishings for the new reading room. The meeting was concluded with social entertainment, songs etc. given by members. Huddersfield Chronicle 20 January 1898
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| Former National School |
Around this
time the club acquired the former National School building in Meltham which
became the home of the club for the next 100 years. Fundraising events were
held to help renovate the premises and make them suitable for the club
uses. The distinctive stained glass
windows, still evident in the building today, date from this time.
An awards
ceremony for long service to Conservative Club was held in March 1925 and Charles
Firth of Meltham Conservative Club, was awarded with a medal for 30 years
continuous service. Charles Firth was still serving as club President in 1935
when he was aged 79 having been a
He had followed in his father’s footsteps with his father having been the first secretary of Meltham and Meltham Mills Conservative Association. Charles Firth was the holder of a record as he had eight bars and one medal for his long service, at that time it had only been equalled by one other, Sir E. W. Willis of Rochester, Kent. Charles was described by Lord Bayford, Chairman of the Conservative Association in 1935, as
The members of the club
presented Charles Firth with a portrait of himself which was intended to be
hung in the club rooms at a later date.
The club was in the building that was formerly Meltham National School
which had been the school that Charles had attended as a child. He had joined the club as a young man
becoming a committee member, then secretary for 14 years, followed by vice
president and then President. The club
owned its premises in 1935 and was in a strong financial position and Charles
was also the auditor of the club accounts. Sheffield
Daily Telegraph 11 March 1925; Yorkshire Post 27 September 1935
“assisting the Conservative cause”
for 56
years.
He had followed in his father’s footsteps with his father having been the first secretary of Meltham and Meltham Mills Conservative Association. Charles Firth was the holder of a record as he had eight bars and one medal for his long service, at that time it had only been equalled by one other, Sir E. W. Willis of Rochester, Kent. Charles was described by Lord Bayford, Chairman of the Conservative Association in 1935, as
“the grand old man of
Yorkshire.”
A dramatic rescue was organised by a
member of the club as WW2 was coming to an end. On the evening of 6 April 1945,
Huddersfield Corporation Water Board employee Herbert Tasker was drinking in
the club with his son when he received a telephone call to tell him an American
bomber had crashed on the moors near West Nab. Tasker organised the initial
rescue effort from the club and within around 3 hours of the crash all five
crew members were brought down to safety.
In 2012 the club was advertised for
sale the property was described as being constructed of stone with a stone
slate roof. It was fitted out with a bar
and lounge with a full size snooker area, toilet facilities and kitchen. The bar area had a suspended ceiling,
central heating radiators and carpeting throughout. There was a WC at ground
floor level and then stairs down to ladies and gents toilet facilities, kitchen
and office. Behind the bar area was a hatch with stairs down to the beer cellar
and store. The former entrance vestibule to the premises was a small store. After its sale the building became a
restaurant known as “Quirky II” and then “Quirky Corner Tapas.” https://huddersfield.exposed/wiki/National_School,_Meltham
Sports
A billiards
match was played in the Meltham Conservative “room” between eight members of
the club and eight members of Almondbury Conservative Club. Huddersfield Chronicle13
February 1880
A friendly
game of billiards was held at Honley Conservative Club where Meltham
Conservative Club was the visiting team.
Huddersfield Chronicle 25 January
1884
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| Postcard of Meltham showing Edward Brook. |
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Meltham Mills Brass Band
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Meltham National School
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| Previous National School building, then home of Meltham Conservative Club |
The former school was used as the
Conservative Club for nearly 100 years and is the oldest surviving school building
in Meltham.
The first
school on the site was built in 1737 of wood which was supplied by Benjamin
Armytage of Thickhollins. However it
would seem that the town had some form of school prior to that as the Rev. Hughes noted in his
history of Meltham, that parish registers recorded the death of "William
Ripley, school master of Meltham" buried on 17 October 1734 and that Matthew
Lockwood was directed the “interest of £20 to be paid to a school-master for
teaching children in the town of Meltham, English or Latin" which was
dated the 23rd of May, 1715.
The existing
stone building was built in 1823 at a cost of £266 16s 3d which was paid for by public
subscription and a loan of £100 from James Brook. It was enlarged,"so far
as the limits of the site would admit", in 1844 at a cost of £315 10s.
By the 1860s,
the school was becoming overcrowded and a new school
building was erected on Green End Road which opened in 1868.
The infant’s school opened in the old school building
on Monday 13 January 1868 under the management Miss Walker. Over 50
children attended on the first day and, by the end of the week, there were nearly 100 in attendance. The building remained in use as an infant’s
school until 1895 and the Conservative Club then took residence in the building.
