Leeds nostalgia: Remember, remember... Bonfire Night memories in Yorkshire

There's a lot going on in this picture (top), not least that it contains a former prime minister.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Nov 2016, 19:27 BST
Updated 16th Nov 2016, 15:50 BST
Huddersfield, 3rd April 1964 Standard Fireworks factory. A popular item nowadays is the packed selection box costing anything between 2s. 6d. and £5. Here, Mrs. Elizabeth Swift deftly fills 36 boxes at a time with a selection of fireworks. They are then moved to the packing department and from there go into cold storage several hundred yards away from the manufacturing section.Huddersfield, 3rd April 1964 Standard Fireworks factory. A popular item nowadays is the packed selection box costing anything between 2s. 6d. and £5. Here, Mrs. Elizabeth Swift deftly fills 36 boxes at a time with a selection of fireworks. They are then moved to the packing department and from there go into cold storage several hundred yards away from the manufacturing section.
Huddersfield, 3rd April 1964 Standard Fireworks factory. A popular item nowadays is the packed selection box costing anything between 2s. 6d. and £5. Here, Mrs. Elizabeth Swift deftly fills 36 boxes at a time with a selection of fireworks. They are then moved to the packing department and from there go into cold storage several hundred yards away from the manufacturing section.

Judging by the size of the bonfire being built in the grounds of Creskeld Hall, near Arthington, Otley, not much has changed in 50 years.

The picture dates from October 30, 1966 and shows a group of enthusiasts - members of the Ripon Young Conservatives - looking more than happy with their efforts as they prepare for the big day. And while it might not have been as big as this year’s bonfire at Roundhay Park, it was big enough. Look closely at the picture and you will spot one of the group pulling the Guy up to the top - he has a false nose and is wearing a flat cap.

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In 1966, Creskeld Hall was home to Colonel Sir Malcolm Stodelarr-Scott MBE and he lived in the Grade II listed building until his death in 1973.

30th October 1966 Bonfire preparations at Creskeld Hall, home of Sir Malcolm Stodelarr-Scott. Members of the Ripon Young Conservatives adding the final branches to the huge bonfire which will be lit by Mr. Edward Heath.30th October 1966 Bonfire preparations at Creskeld Hall, home of Sir Malcolm Stodelarr-Scott. Members of the Ripon Young Conservatives adding the final branches to the huge bonfire which will be lit by Mr. Edward Heath.
30th October 1966 Bonfire preparations at Creskeld Hall, home of Sir Malcolm Stodelarr-Scott. Members of the Ripon Young Conservatives adding the final branches to the huge bonfire which will be lit by Mr. Edward Heath.

The hall is known to many people as Home Farm from the ITV soap Emmerdale.

And who is the former prime minister who was invited to light the fire?

If you guessed Edward Heath, then you were correct.

The second picture was taken on April 3, 1964 at Standard Fireworks Factory in Huddersfield.

30th October 1966 Bonfire preparations at Creskeld Hall, home of Sir Malcolm Stodelarr-Scott. Members of the Ripon Young Conservatives adding the final branches to the huge bonfire which will be lit by Mr. Edward Heath.30th October 1966 Bonfire preparations at Creskeld Hall, home of Sir Malcolm Stodelarr-Scott. Members of the Ripon Young Conservatives adding the final branches to the huge bonfire which will be lit by Mr. Edward Heath.
30th October 1966 Bonfire preparations at Creskeld Hall, home of Sir Malcolm Stodelarr-Scott. Members of the Ripon Young Conservatives adding the final branches to the huge bonfire which will be lit by Mr. Edward Heath.
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The caption reads: “A popular item nowadays is the packed selection box costing anything between 2s 6d and £5.” One wonders what our forebears would make of today’s prices.

It goes on: “Here, Mrs Elizabeth Swift deftly fills 36 boxes at a time with a selection of fireworks.

“They are then moved to the packing department and from there go into cold storage several hundred yards away from the manufacturing section.”

If you have old pictures you would like us to use in this column, please get in touch.

Related topics:LeedsYorkshireOtleyRipon