Local Society: Bradford-City

'Founded in 1955 with the aim of helping bring together the community of craft Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. Rather than set up another organisation for individual craft people we chose the path of becoming an Association of Guilds - an umbrella body to which regional or local Guilds are affiliated. The aim is to support those regional Guilds by operating at a larger scale with National Conferences, National Exhibitions, Competitions, publications and recognised qualifications certifying individuals' high level of achievement and competence in their chosen craft. We now have over 100 member Guilds representing over 5000 crafts-people.'

'The BSBI is for everyone who cares about the wild plants of Britain and Ireland. Since 1836, we've been promoting the study, understanding and enjoyment of British and Irish botany ... BSBI depends on a dedicated network of volunteer County Recorders who co-ordinate botanical survey work and organise local events ... Unless otherwise stated, our non-residential meetings are free to attend and you don't usually need to be a BSBI member, although if there are more applicants than spaces available, we reserve the right to prioritise our members.'

'The oldest local history group in the district, having held its formal inauguration meeting on the 12th July 1878 ... We have always been a very friendly society and aim to continue this. We maintain a programme of lectures, publish The Bradford Antiquary and have an extensive library.'

'Established in 1893, the Bradford Textile Society is the oldest textile society in Britain, if not in the world. Despite all the changes which have taken place in the textile industry since its formation, the Society continues to thrive. Its monthly programme of meetings from October to April provides an opportunity for everyone with an interest in textiles to meet and discuss a range of textile-related topics with an invited speaker.'

'Objectives of the YBKA are as follows: * To promote and improve the craft of beekeeping; * To provide education, training and support for its Members; * To inform the wider public about the important role that the honeybee (Apis mellifera) plays in our natural environment and to promote the protection of that environment ... Members are organised into Affiliated District Associations (Districts) that are either locally based or dedicated to beekeeping related special interests.'