Yorkshire Society


The Yorkshire Society is a non-political organisation founded in December 1980. It extended the philosophies of an earlier Yorkshire Society which, in 1818, wished to encourage people born, working or living in the County of Yorkshire to join and then help improve several aspects of the area, including the social welfare of its people as well as Yorkshire's physical environment. Traditionally, the patron of the Yorkshire Society is the Duke of York, and its current Chairman is Sir Rodney Walker.

History

Earlier Societies of the same name included the organisation which ran the Yorkshire Society's Schools on Westminster Road in London. The Yorkshire Society referenced in 1818 was headed by wealthy Yorkshire gentry who were keen to provide charity to the working class and poor throughout much of Yorkshire. As is the case today, the organisation's patron was the Duke of York.

Goals

Although there has long been an implication that the organisation is embedded with wealthy "Society" members, its membership is open to all who are interested in the following:
The Yorkshire Awards, held in Autumn each year, generate substantial funds for many charities.
The Society co-sponsors the annual Yorkshire Awards alongside Yorkshire Television, Joshua Tetley, Asda, Aon, Bain Hogg, Yorkshire Electricity and the Yorkshire Bank.
The Society's award category is the Yorkshire Lifetime Achievement Award. To date recipients have included Lawrence Batley, Ken Morrison, Victor Watson, Lord Harewood, Roy Mason, Baron Mason of Barnsley, Professor Tom Kilburn, Brian Rix, Lord Rix, Michael Parkinson, Barry Cryer, Brian Turner and Ashley Jackson.

Commemorating Yorkshire History

The erecting of Yorkshire Rose plaques to mark the contributions of famous Yorkshire men and women.
To date plaques have commemorated:
Acting as host for the annual Yorkshire History Awards.

Yorkshire Day

The Yorkshire Society also convenes the civic celebration of Yorkshire Day, which is held on 1 August each year.