Morley celebrated the 75th anniversary of it becoming a Municipal Borough in March 1961. It was marked with a civic procession from the Town Hall down Queen Street and ending the Wesleyan Chapel where a service of thanksgiving was held. Similar celebrations had taken place in 1911 and 1936 for 25 and 50 years a borough respectively, although that of 1911 was muted by the death of the Mayor, Alderman Joseph Haigh, only a few days before. In 1936, on the Golden Jubilee, the Morley Observer produced a booklet about 50 years of Morley history for the price of sixpence (2.5p). These images celebrate the 75th anniversary and are published courtesy of the David Atkinson Archive, a collection housed on photographic archive Leodis, which is run by which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: Amazing photos capture life in Morley during the 1960s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
7. Morley at 75
The mace-bearer can be seen clearly: the Mayor, Mrs. Anne Clayton, in red, is hidden behind the Town Clerk, E. V. Finnigan. Photo: David Atkinson Archive
8. Morley at 75
The procession rounds the corner from Queen Street into Wesley Street, by Boots the Chemist and the private Silver Library. At this point it is members of the police force and of the Girl Guides that are making up this contingent. Besides regular police there are some special constables including Arthur Nunns, a local painter and decorator. The guides are also well represented. Photo: David Atkinson Archive
9. Morley at 75
School contingents are seen here in the procession. The girls on the left are from Morley Grammar School, one of them being the daughter of the Vicar of Morley, Rosemary John. Behind them is a contingent from Woodkirk Secondary School led by three members of staff - Mr. F.E. Horsnail, Miss Jane Oddy and Mr. T. Jones; beyond this group there is the group from Victoria Secondary School - the new school at Bruntcliffe at this time was in the process of being built. Photo: David Atkinson Archive
10. Morley at 75
The procession makes its way along Queen Street. It took place on Sunday, March 19, 1961 and was reported in the Morley Observer. The paper gave an account of the participants in the procession which was led by the 7th Leeds Rifle Band and included the Leeds Rifles Territorial Army (just glimpsed and wearing black berets). It was also reported that the band was accompanied by Morley "A Cs" - it is unclear of the meaning of this abbreviation but it perhaps stood for the Morley Salvation Army Citadel. Photo: David Atkinson Archive
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