New event will mark 100th anniversary of much-missed figure who 'devoted his life to Knaresborough'
The family of the esteemed Knaresborough historian Arnold Kellett says their late father would be "delighted" that a special event is to be held in tribute to what would have been his 100th birthday.
It’s now been 17 years since Dr Arnold Kellet, who was also a Knaresborough Mayor and a department head at King James’s School, passed in June 2009.
But the legacy of this widely-respected local historian, scholar and published author to the town, its history and even its sense of self endures.
The Yorkshire Dialect Society (YDS) is to use its AGM on Saturday, May 9 at Gracious Street Chapel in Knaresborough, to celebrate his life and work.
This year’s meeting falls just four days before what would have been his 100th birthday - a timely moment for a wider community celebration.
A former Vice President of the YDS, Dr Kellett edited the Society’s annual journal and was a popular speaker on dialect and local history.
Working with Dr Kellett’s family and the Knaresborough Museum Association (KMA), the Society has shaped an event that will reflect the breadth of his interests and achievements.
The event will see members of the Yorkshire Dialect Society read excerpts from Dr Kellett’s poetry and prose while the KMA will create a display on Knaresborough’s history, accompanied by an audiovisual presentation drawing on the subjects Arnold cared about most.
His daughter, Ruth Mann, will speak about his life and love of the town.
“Our dad would be delighted to know that the Yorkshire Dialect Society has decided to hold an event to remember him around his 100th birthday,” she said.
"He loved Knaresborough and devoted his life to the town, Yorkshire, the history and dialect.
"He also loved Gracious Street Methodist Church so it is fitting that his celebration will be held there”.
Unlike many Yorkshire dialect scholars, Dr Kellett brought the subject to life.
He spoke, read and wrote Broad Yorkshire with ease, describing it as a living language.
His poems, stories and even Bible translations continue to be enjoyed by students of dialect.
The free event will start at 2.30pm.