We alas, have been unable to find any actual written records regarding the early years of this historical building but we do know that it was built and paid for by Christopher Beckett sometime in the 1820’s or early 1830’s. The building is a good example of the local Beckett family concern for the people of Meanwood. In its early days it appears to have served as a Temperance Meeting House and for a long time was known as “The British Workman”. However in 1885 it finally received its present name and has now been known so for over 130 years. The brick built Billiard Room was added in the following year and in 1888, the first Billiard Table was purchased from Mawson’s of Leeds, followed by a further one a few years later, both being recovered several times but still in use. In 1939 the Third Baron Grimthorpe of the Beckett Family, together with his trustees, sold the area, now known as the Sunsets to a local builder named Earnest Haley, which included the Institute. He in turn, sold it to the trustees on behalf of the people of Meanwood for the sum of £100- although we believe donated would have been a more accurate description. Now in the 21st century that is how it still remains with 4 trustees.
The institute is now a registered charity and also a grade 2 listed building. The restoration of the building that now exists is mainly due to the valued voluntary efforts of our village community, back in the early 1990’s: who, under the chairmanship of Peter Bewell, not only provided the voluntary labour but together raised £20,000 to purchase the materials required. It is generally felt that without their efforts, this historical building (now one of the oldest in the village) would have been demolished to accommodate a block of flats or something.
A large amount of the above history was actually taken from a publication by two (sadly deceased) local historians namely, Arthur Hopwood & Fred Casperson, in 1986, with a book appropriate entitled “MEANWOOD” and is still obtainable through our Meanwood Village Association.
The following is quoted from the Constitution: The charity’s objects are to hold the property of the Institute upon trust for the use of the inhabitants of Meanwood and district, without distinction of political, religious or other opinions, including use for meetings, lectures and classes and other forms of recreation and leisure time occupations. With the object of improving the conditions of life of the said inhabitants.
As indicated in our constitution our main function is to provide a suitable meeting place for our community. To finance this and maintain the premises the Meanwood Room is hired out at a reasonable hourly charge. Crockery, cutlery, seating, tables and use of a full size cooker etc are all provided within the hire charge. In addition, for an annual members fee of only £5, snooker and darts are both available, including a weekly sewing group held every Wednesday evening. Also provided are Seniors Tea & Chat Afternoons with entertainment for our over 80’s and housebound, organised several times a year by our annually elected committee. Our Pate, Cheese & Plonk Event is held every summer for everyone. OUR OBJECT IS TO PROMOTE & SUPPORT OUR VILLAGE!
Mike Flavell
Chairperson
Ian Jackson
Treasurer
Nicoletta Pullan
Secretary
Gail Chapman
Committee Member
Bryn Evans
Committee Member
Committee Member
Keith Slaney
Committee Member
Jamie Chapman
Committee Member
