Bradford Family History Society
2024-10-03 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Bradford Mechanics Institute, Bradford Institute, 76 Kirkgate, Bradford, BD1 1SZ, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1SZ, United Kingdom
Presentation “Life and Death on Yorkshire’s Waterways”
Drawing on his extensive research into 19th and early 20th century Yorkshire watermen families, David Scrimgeour will share what he has learned about the BMD facts so important to family historians. Illustrated with examples peculiar to life on the waterways this is not a presentation for the faint hearted. The happy events of births and marriages are outweighed by the many unnatural deaths associated with what was a very, very hazardous occupation for the watermen and their families.
The meeting will take place:
In person at Bradford Mechanics Institute, 76 Kirkgate, Bradford, BD1 1SZ (2nd floor). Look for the blue library sign at the TJ Hughes end of Kirkgate. Press the button on the door outside marked 2nd floor for entry. Entrance Fee will be £1.50 for Members and £2.50 for non-members.
Via Zoom – Please logon to the Members Area of our website and then book a place. The cost will be £2 via PayPal. The Zoom link will be sent out a few days before the meeting. Please check your spam/junk mail for the email. Booking will close at 9pm (UK Time) the day before.
Doors open / Zoom meeting will start at 10:00am and the talk will commence at 10:30am.

Railway and Canal Historical Society (North East)
2024-10-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Marriott Room, York explore, Library Square, Museum Street, York, YO1 7DS, United Kingdom
Presentation: Yorkshire’s Watermen.
The transportation of goods across pre motorway Yorkshire relied heavily on the watermen, often accompanied by their families, who piloted their well laden keels along the numerous canals and rivers of the county. David Scrimgeour shares his new research examining the extant Canal Boat Registers to see what extra insight they offer the family historian, illustrated with real examples from watermen families across the county.

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 1
2025-05-13 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 1
This first week is for registration and an opportunity to catch up with fellow enthusiasts over a cuppa. There will be a short presentation providing an introduction to the program.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

Snaith and District Men's Association
2025-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Eadon Place Community Lounge, Eadon Place, Snaith, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 9JZ, United Kingdom
Illustrated presentation: Life and Death on Yorkshire’s Waterways

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 2
2025-05-20 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 2: 1826 to 1850.
This week we will be looking back at the twenty five years from the grand opening of Goole in 1826 through to middle of the 19th century in 1850.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 3
2025-05-27 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 3: 1851 to 1875.
A momentous period in Goole’s history when William Hammond Bartholomew persuaded the undertakers of the Aire and Calder Navigation Company to invest in the compartment boat system for moving coal between West Riding pits and the port of Goole.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 4
2025-06-03 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 4: 1876 to 1900.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

The Yorkshire Archaeological & Historical Society - Family History Section
2025-06-07 11:00 - 13:00 | Swarthmore Education Centre, 2 - 7 Woodhouse Square, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS3 1AD

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 5
2025-06-10 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 5: 1901 to 1925.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 6
2025-06-17 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 6: 1926 to 1950.
This period starts with the people of Goole celebrating the first 100 years of the town’s existence and will see them navigating through another world war.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 7
2025-06-24 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 7: 1951 to 1975.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 8
2025-07-01 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 8: 1976 to 2000.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 9
2025-07-08 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 9: 2001 to 2025.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

Yorkshire Waterways Heritage Workshop - Week 10
2025-07-15 10:30 - 12:30 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
After the success of the program delivered in 2024, ten workshops will be taking place at Goole Museum during this summer. Each session, commencing at 10.30am, will last two hours and feature a mixture of free-range discussion plus a look at that week’s topic led by historian and author, David Scrimgeour.
Recognising that next year will see the bi-centenary of the port of Goole, our aim is to uncover some of the less well-known stories telling us about the lives of the ordinary people from those two hundred years, fitting them alongside the better-known events from this region’s history.
Each week we will look into what was happening in Goole and the waterways of Yorkshire during a period of twenty-five years, through articles found in the newspapers, with additional material provided from photographs, illustrations, maps and other sources.
There is no charge for each session. Light refreshments will be available.
Week 10: Review of the first 200 years.
Looking back at what has been discovered during the program of workshops with the opportunity to have you say on what you would like to cover next year.
If you need any further information, please call David on 07702 678128.

Goole Local History Group Summer Exhibition
2025-07-22 08:00 - 2025-08-02 17:00 | Junction Goole, Paradise Place, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DL, United Kingdom

Goole Hobbies Exhibition
2025-08-09 | The Courtyard, Boothferry Road, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN146AE, United Kingdom

Owston Ferry Heritage Society
2025-10-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Coronation Hall, High Street, Owston Ferry, Lincolnshire, DN9 1RE
Illustrated talk Yorkshire’s Watermen: Illuminating their lives through genealogy.

The Railway and Canal Historical Society (North West Group)
2025-11-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Friends Meeting House, Manchester, 6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS, United Kingdom

Goole Built: The Story of Goole Shipyard
2026-01-10 - 2026-03-14 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
An exhibition of photographs and memorabilia from Goole’s largest shipyard, Goole Shipbuilding and Repairing Company Ltd.

Goole On Film
2026-01-24 14:30 - 21:00 | Junction Goole, Paradise Place, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DL, United Kingdom
Celebrate 200 years of heritage and history, with this showcase of Goole on film.
Goole Civic Society is showing historic films of Goole at Junction, Goole as its launch event for the town’s bicentenary celebrations.
Sourced from several collections, including the Yorkshire Film Archive and Pathe News collection, the event will showcase a series of films featuring Goole from the 1920s through to the 1980s including The Last Run and Launch of Thuntank V.
It will also include the premiere of two specially-commissioned projects for Goole’s bicentenary year:

A recording of Advance! Goole, the town’s centenary song, performed by The Warblers.
An Aerial History of the Knottingley & Goole Canal.

There will be two showings of the films – the first at 2.30pm and another at 6.30pm. Click on the link provided to purchase tickets from Junction Goole.

Guild of One-Name Studies: From Waterways to Railways 2026
2026-02-21 09:30 - 17:00 | Colonel Dane Memorial Hall, Church Street, Alwalton, Peterborough, PE7 3UU
From Waterways to Railways: a Journey Through Britain’s Working Past.
David Scrimgeour will be delivering his presentation: Yorkshire’s Watermen: Illuminating their lives through genealogy.

Goole in 1926 - Celebrating the first 100 years
2026-03-09 19:00 - 21:00 | The Courtyard, Boothferry Road, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN146AE, United Kingdom
Presentation: Goole in 1926 – Celebrating the first 100 years
David Scrimgeour explores what was happening in and around Goole in 1926, the year of the centenary of the opening of the town and docks in 1826. Despite the economic depression hitting so many of the townspeople hard, a fabulous celebration of the 100th birthday was organised and delivered with admirable enthusiasm as can be seen from the many surviving photographs from that time.

Yorkshire Heritage Summit Exhibition: Barnsley
2026-03-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Barnsley Civic, 46 Eldon Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2JL, United Kingdom
The Yorkshire Society is running the 2026 Yorkshire Heritage Summit Symposium and Exhibition on 25 March 2026 at Barnsley.
The morning session, the Symposium from 10am to 12 noon, includes multiple speakers on topics related to Barnsley and Yorkshire heritage with insightful presentations to educate and inform. Tickets are available from Eventbrite, the website shown below.
YWHS will have a stand at the free afternoon Exhibition which runs from 1pm to 4pm so why not come along and introduce yourself.

Goole 200 - History of Goole in 200 Objects
2026-05-23 - 2026-07-10 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
A collection of objects relating to Goole over its 200 year history.

Reuben Chappell - Master of the Masts
2026-07-16 - 2026-10-25 | Goole Museum and Gallery, Carlisle Street, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DS, United Kingdom
An exhibition of the works of Goole pierhead painter, Reuben Chappell. The extensive collection held at Goole Museum and Gallery is supplemented by loaned works from other collectors in the UK and Europe.

Waterways Heritage Festival and Flotilla of Vessels
2026-07-17 - 2026-07-20 | Goole Marina, Dutch Riverside, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Save this weekend for a gathering of canal boats with entertainment, food and drink, to mark the 200th anniversary of the official opening of the Goole to Knottingley canal and the port and town of Goole. Boat owners are invited to register, using our expression of interest form, to participate in a flotilla of vessels which is planned to process around Goole docks on the afternoon of 18 July, watched by the public and reviewed by a group of VIPs.

Canal Boat Stories - Live! with Robbie Cumming
2026-07-20 19:30 - 22:00 | Junction Goole, Paradise Place, Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, DN14 5DL, United Kingdom
USE THIS LINK TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE.

Pontefract and District Family History Society
2026-09-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Central Methodist Church Hall, Tanshelf Drive, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1NB, United Kingdom
Presentation: Life and Death on Yorkshire’s Waterways
Drawing on his extensive research into 19th and early 20th century Yorkshire watermen families, David Scrimgeour will share what he has learned about the BMD facts so important to family historians. Illustrated with examples peculiar to life on the waterways this is not a presentation for the faint hearted. The happy events of births and marriages are outweighed by the many unnatural deaths associated with what was a very, very hazardous occupation for the watermen and their families.
