12 photo memories of Churwell in the 1960s

This factory will be familiar to a generation of residents who called Churwell home during the 1960s.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 12th Nov 2022, 04:45 BST

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The Japa Factory at Laneside Mills, off Victoria Road could make one billion paper bags at its peak. Japa is an acronym for Just Another Paper Article. The factory closed around 1994 and there is now a housing development on the site. It is one of 12 photo gems celebrating a decade in the life of Churwell and feature a focus on industry, housing and places of worship in the community. They are published courtesy of the David Atkinson Archive, a collection housed on Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: 12 photo gems take you back to Morley in 1968 LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook

Enjoy these photo memories from around Churwell in the 1960s. PIC: David Atkinson Archive

1. Churwell in the 1960s

Enjoy these photo memories from around Churwell in the 1960s. PIC: David Atkinson Archive Photo: David Atkinson Archive

Pre-fabricated housing at the end of William Street in June 1960. Because of the war the building of the Hepworth estate was interrupted when only 58 houses had been completed and immediately after the war the remainder of the land was used to erect 40 "Arcon" type two bed-room prefabricated houses, as shown on the photograph.

2. Churwell in the 1960s

Pre-fabricated housing at the end of William Street in June 1960. Because of the war the building of the Hepworth estate was interrupted when only 58 houses had been completed and immediately after the war the remainder of the land was used to erect 40 "Arcon" type two bed-room prefabricated houses, as shown on the photograph. Photo: David Atkinson Archive

Churwell Primary School on School Street in July 1968. The school moved into this building in July 1877 but schooling actually started at Back Green Methodist Church in May 1873. This school is now demolished and houses have been built on the site called School Mews.

3. Churwell in the 1960s

Churwell Primary School on School Street in July 1968. The school moved into this building in July 1877 but schooling actually started at Back Green Methodist Church in May 1873. This school is now demolished and houses have been built on the site called School Mews. Photo: David Atkinson Archive

Elland Road (foreground) at the junction with School Street (left) in July 1968. The white house on the corner, number 4 Elland Road, was demolished and the terrace below extended. A family named Ward had lived in the house for a number of years.

4. Churwell in the 1960s

Elland Road (foreground) at the junction with School Street (left) in July 1968. The white house on the corner, number 4 Elland Road, was demolished and the terrace below extended. A family named Ward had lived in the house for a number of years. Photo: David Atkinson Archive

Back Green Methodist Chapel and Sunday School in July 1968. Later, the second storey was removed and the chapel sold off eventually. The church transferred to the school room. Croft Farm is the white building to the left of the church buildings.

5. Churwell in the 1960s

Back Green Methodist Chapel and Sunday School in July 1968. Later, the second storey was removed and the chapel sold off eventually. The church transferred to the school room. Croft Farm is the white building to the left of the church buildings. Photo: David Atkinson Archive

Back Green looking north-east in July 1968. W.L. Ingle Ltd. - Millshaw Leather Works is visible in the distance. On the left was the village institute under the supervision of Back Green Methodist Chapel. It was equipped for the playing of snooker and billiards. The site later became a builder's yard.

6. Churwell in the 1960s

Back Green looking north-east in July 1968. W.L. Ingle Ltd. - Millshaw Leather Works is visible in the distance. On the left was the village institute under the supervision of Back Green Methodist Chapel. It was equipped for the playing of snooker and billiards. The site later became a builder's yard. Photo: David Atkinson Archive