New digital photo archive captures history of Holmes Chapel

More than 800 images are now on display in a new online photographic gallery painstakingly compiled by local history enthusiasts.

The collection was launched at an exhibition in Holmes Chapel Library which attracted great interest from villagers.

Visitors were intrigued to see the old photographs 

The archive is the culmination of three years’ work by the Local History Group of Holmes Chapel and District U3A.

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John Clowes, who led the project, said: “We were very pleased with the interest shown in our new digital archive by local residents.

"Many people brought along treasured photographs of people and places in Holmes Chapel to be added to the archive.

May Day parade 1906, one of the many old pictures in the archive

"We hope that residents who have interesting images to share in future will also use the facility on the new website to upload their own special photos."

Photographs have been organised in different categories so people can search for specific images on topics such as agriculture, buildings, education, events, green spaces, industry, newspaper clips, people, street scenes and transport.

The wedding of Gertrude Millward and James Thomas, one of the pictures from the archive

Val White, leader of the local history group said: “In coming months, members will be available to give talks on some of the interesting photographs in the collection and explain how to use the website.

Mike Blomeley, Val White, John Clowes and Rod Cameron from the local history group

"It is hoped that this may be of interest to other local groups who may also have photographs to share.”

To see the pictures visit holmeschapelphotos.co.uk