The first meeting of the Society was held at Eccles Library on 1st February, 1956, since then, the Society has promoted local history through its regular meetings and lectures, through its publications, and through the Frank Mullineux Local History Award.
Social events and excursions have been a feature too. From guided walks around the locality to coach trips around the region, and festive meals at local restaurants.
Society meetings have been held at Eccles Library(1956-1960s and 1977-1990s), Monk’s Hall Museum(to 1966), Peel Green Library(1967-1977), and Alexandra House (1990s to present).
The emblem of the Eccles & District History Society is the boar’s head. This emblem was once the heraldic device of the Lords of the Manor of Barton, the Booth family. The boar’s head is featured on the arms of the Borough of Eccles(1892) and of the City of Salford(1974).
Each year the Eccles and District History Society offers The Frank Mullineux Award for work in local history. Frank was a founder-member of the Society and he made a wonderful contribution to local history, so it is fitting that we remember him in making this Award each year.
This work may take various forms. It could be a publication, an essay, research, an exhibition or anything at all which promotes the study of local history or contributes to our knowledge of local history in some way.
The Society welcomes new members and is known for its informal, friendly atmosphere
and its high quality programme of talks, excursions and social events.
They meet on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm at Alexandra House, Liverpool Road, Eccles.
Annual membership is just £16, with visitors welcome at just £3, per meeting. The new programme commences on 14th September when David George will talk about Canal Warehouses on the Bridgewater and Irwell.
On 12th October Royston Futter will talk about the Working Class Movement Library. Further details can be found on the society website www.edhs.btck.co.uk or email: eccleshistory@yahoo.co.uk
