Vera Firth, The Gaytimers – 1960s

“Here we have a memory from the late 60s shared with us by Vera Firth, born in 1936 and originally from Birmingham, Vera has lived in Rawdon and Yeadon for 55 years.

“The Gaytimers (which had a very different connotation back then in the late 60s) was formed by the young wives group at Harrogate Road Methodist Church.
Our first Producer was May Davies, later on it was Bessie Cochshott, our pianist was Fay Hastings-Long and then Harry Paver who previously had been the leader of a local dance band.
His daughter Maureen was part of our group.
We entertained at various old folks homes, Yeadon and Guiseley Town Halls and also at High Royds Hospital.
We always tried to keep it very light hearted and were always very busy at Christmastime.
We were a very enthusiastic group, so much so that I fell off the stage fooling around in a Dads Army routine, but hasten to add that no damage was done.
I left Eventually due to work commitments but it carried on very successfully for several years with new members.
It finally wound up in the 80s and I know that everyone who ever took part has some fond memories”

Vera Firth is sat at the table in the photograph, middle row, third from the right. Back row on the far right is Audrey Hardaker, identified by her daughter Holly on 23 February 2021.”

April 2013. Text updated 24 February 2021.