PHOTOGRAPHED for a rather faded postcard in its earlier years, the Oakworth Mechanics’ Institute had opened in 1891 on the site of the village’s first Methodist chapel of 1822.

After this had been superseded in 1858, the future Mechanics’ Institute committee rented two rooms there for £15 a year, before buying the former chapel in 1888.

With its classrooms, library, reading room, billiard room and slipper baths, the Mechanics’ Institute provided a centre for village life. The late Frank Wigglesworth, in his Oakworth memories from 1916 to 1930, recalled lectures and classes, dances and even film nights. Oakworth Horticultural and Allotment Association held its annual show there. while the amateur operatic and dramatic society performed Gilbert and Sullivan and Oakworth and District Orchestral Society gave concerts. At Parliamentary elections, “the hall would be full, much heckling taking place”.

It was replaced by the present Holden Hall in 1974.