[Taken from a book by James Parker,about districts of Bradford,1902] About 1845 a few Oakenshaw gentlemen met together to sing a few glees.They were-- John Wormald,Jonathan Holden,Thomas Metcalfe and James Galloway. They continued to meet for a few years and were joined by Joseph Mann,Stephen Bailey,Asa Kellett and Thomas Brown. In 1857 things began to take a practical form.At a meeting held at the Richardson's Arms,a Society was formed called 'The Oakenshaw Glee and Madrigal Society' Richard Bentley was elected president,John Wormald,treasurer and F.W.Butler secretary.In 1858 Emanuel Pearson was elected secretary,which position he held for about 20 years ;and Fred Kellett was elected librarian,which office he still held in 1902. The following were the singing members-- J.Wormald,John Wm.Holden,Asa Kellett, J.Galloway,Thomas Brown,J.Staintrop, Ben Marsden,John Lockwood,John Maw, Edward Robinson,John Holden,Matthew Wormald,Jonas Holden,and John Thornton. The society had about 80 members and existed for many years. In 1885 it was re-constructed and has continued to exist up to the present [1902] The Society meets at the Salt Horn Inn,kept by Mrs.Dan Naylor.The following are its officials and singing members. May 1902---- President,Mr.W.P.Best Vice Presidents,Mr.Isaac Drake & Mr.S.H.Thwaite Treasurer,Mr.Wilfred Brown Secretary,Mr.Squire Field Librarian,Mr.Fred Kellett Singing Members----- Conductor,Mr.Thomas Hodgson [choirmaster of Oekenshaw Parish Church] Accompanists,Messrs.Willie Thornton,John Thornton and John Holden. Singing Members,John Holdsworth,Squire Field,J.J.Haley,Richard Bentley,Edmund Haley,Herbert Jackson,John Wade,Joseph Tordoff,John Maw,Edwin Lumb,James Hudson Fred Hooson,J.Lockwood,Fred Wright and George Hudson. The society has music in its possession of the value of over �50. ======================================= I hope some of the Listers recognise some of these worthy gentlemen as part of their family. [I wonder what �50 in 1902 would equal in today's money ?] Cheers--------Derek.