A BRIEF HISTORY
The history of Yorkshire Societies is long. Many have been established over time and mostly by and for those living outside Yorkshire itself as a means of maintaining some connection with it.
The first general meeting of the ‘Gentlemen and others in and near London who were born within the County of York’ took place at Bow Church on 3rd December 1678, and by 1812 another Yorkshire Society was running a school in London for boys and girls of Yorkshire parentage.
In 1891, the Society of Yorkshiremen in London was founded. It lasted for some 80 years, flourishing in the 1920s and 30s and boasting King George V and the then future King, the Duke of York, as patrons.
Our Yorkshire Society, THE Yorkshire Society, was founded in 1980 and is almost certainly the first and only one ever to be based in Yorkshire itself. It was started as a non-political, not for profit organisation to encourage businesses, charities and individuals from or living in all parts of Yorkshire to join in “promoting the county”.
ABOUT OUR YORKSHIRE SOCIETY
This Yorkshire Society is now the only Yorkshire society in Britain. It was established in 1980 to counter the abolition of Yorkshire’s then county councils, and was started with a grand but important purpose – to protect Yorkshire as a place and celebrate Yorkshireness as a culture.
Yorkshire: Once part of the Jorvik kingdom, it is now that region of England comprising the three ridings and York.
Yorkshireness: The common and unique traits of people from Yorkshire, such as being proud, tolerant, loyal, straight-talking, honest, hard-working, friendly and often comical.
There wasn’t much to celebrate in 2020, our 40th anniversary, due to the pandemic. But that same pandemic brought out the best in Yorkshire and The Yorkshire Society epitomised the community spirit.
We realised that the ordinary people of Yorkshire can do extraordinary things when they work together with characteristic grit and determination. So, in addition, The Yorkshire Society now works for the greater good and gives the people of Yorkshire a collective voice on the issues that matter to them.
OUR VICE PRESIDENTS AND VIP MEMBERS
Christine Talbot
Journalist and TV presenter
Vice President
Harry Gration MBE
Journalist and TV presenter (Deceased)
Vice President
Sir Michael Parkinson
Journalist and TV presenter
Vice President
Baroness Sayeeda Warsi
Lawyer and Politician
Vice President
Sir Geoffrey Boycott
Cricketer
Vice President
Kathryn Apanowicz
Actor and TV presenter
Vice President
Milly Johnson
Author and poet
Vice President
Marco Pierre White
Chef and Restaurateur
Vice President
Dr John Sentamu
Former Archbishop of York
Vice President
Mark Gregory
Landscaper
Vice President
Capt Sir Tom Moore (Deceased)
Fundraiser
Honorary Member
John Grogan
Politician
Vice President
Kate Hardcastle MBE
Retail expert and TV presenter
Vice President
Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate
Member of the House of Lords
Vice President
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Yorkshire Society is managed day to day by a team of members and volunteers and is entirely self-funded, receiving no public funds.
Under the presidency of Lord St Oswald and with an un-paid executive board, supported by an operational committee, The Yorkshire Society is now a not for profit Private Limited Company, limited by guarantee and registered at Companies House No. 11108399.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
Lord St Oswald
President
Sir Rodney Walker
Chair
Geoff Walsh
Deputy Chair
Philip Bell
Chief Executive
Linda Atkins
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you can’t find the answer you are looking for here, feel free to send your query to contact@theyorkshiresociety.org
How is The Yorkshire Society funded?
The Yorkshire Society receives no public funds. It is entirely funded by its members and with revenue generated through events and activities it organises.
Is The Yorkshire Society affiliated to any political party?
No. The Yorkshire Society is strictly non-political and does not get involved in party politics.
Is The Yorkshire Society a charity?
No. The Yorkshire Society is a not for profit organisation registered as a company limited by guarantee at Companies House, No. 11108399
Can anyone join The Yorkshire Society?
Yes, individuals and organisations, commercial and non-commercial, can join The Yorkshire Society. You can find out more HERE.
How can I nominate someone for a Yorkshire Award?
Anyone can nominate someone for a Yorkshire Award and you can do so HERE.
Do I need to join The Yorkshire Society to get involved?
To be considered for a post in the management team you need to be a member. Non-members can volunteer to help.
Does The Yorkshire Society offer any financial support for charities?
No. The Yorkshire Society does not make financial donations to charities in general but may undertake fundraising for its charity members.
Can we organise a joint event with The Yorkshire Society?
Yes. We are always happy to consider joint activities with other organisations.
How do I contact The Yorkshire Society?
In the first instance, the best way is to email contact@theyorkshiresociety.org
