Salt of the Earth: Meet Harry Fairburn who has mastered Zoom at the age of 87 to share his love of history

Grandparents have IM’d with grandchildren, sharing virtual hugs and reading bedtime stories via the magic of the internet.

We have commuted, socialised, attended quizzes and shared our worries and frustrations online.

For some, the new technology was completely alien, but with a little patience and perseverance, they have mastered the skills needed to embrace it and make the most of what is on offer.

One such person is 87-year-old Harry Fairburn from Harrogate. When Harry realised he would no longer be able to volunteer at Ripon Museum due to lockdown, he looked for other ways he could share his love of history with those around him.

Harry said: “The idea of a complete lockdown triggered in my mind Daniel Defoe’s Journal of the Plague Year. There are a lot of similarities to today.”

“In 1665, they understood that you could get infected from touching something that belonged to the infected person.

“Money was exchanged for ‘good’ money by depositing it in a vinegar jar.

“If someone was infected, the house was locked up and none of the residents were allowed out. They employed watchmen, one during the day and one at night. In practice people would escape out of the back door and windows.

“The punishment for breaking the rules was a public whipping. In London 100,000 died. Quite a few tried to escape from London and infected villages and townships outside London. They were often sent back.”

Harry said: “Claire Thompson at Ripon Library persuaded me I had to learn zoom so I could deliver online talks. I was very apprehensive at first. It felt rather strange talking to the computer screen but over 120 people saw me last time.”

The number is actually much higher than that, with the talks being left online, Harry’s audience has now surpassed 1,000.

Harry said: “Zoom - the system I have, I do with my son James in San Francisco, who records what I say and sends the recorded message on to the library who let me know when it will go onto the Facebook page.”

Harry retired from his position as manager of Midland Bank in Bedale way back in 1990. Born in Newcastle, he married wife, Liz, in Durham, in September 1970. They celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary next week.

Harry has long been fascinated with the past. He has a Master’s Degree in Local History from York University and previously worked as a guide at Fountains Abbey before moving to Harrogate and volunteering at Ripon Museum.

Richard Taylor, chair of Ripon Museums Trust said: ”Harry is one of our most skilled tour guides at Ripon Museums.

“He uses his knowledge of history to give visitors real insight of what life was like for those in the workhouse, prison and courthouse.

“Harry’s volunteering is an inspiration to us all and we are so pleased to have him as a valuable member of the team."

Harry’s Life in a Plague Town talk which was first aired on the Ripon Library Facebook page during lockdown on June 25 has been watched 1400 times to date.

His talk on Women’s Suffrage, which was first aired on July 28 has been viewed 937 times

Audience member, Shirley Thompson, said: “I really enjoyed Harry’s informative online talks and especially the chance to ask questions. A chance to increase my knowledge by a new media and be part of a group whilst unable to attend events during the period of isolation.“

Audience member, Matthew Soare, said: “Harry’s talks were really interesting. It’s amazing to find out more about the history of the local area and how important a role history plays in defining how we live today.”

Claire Thompson, Outreach Librarian at Ripon Library said: ”Harry has been brilliant over lockdown, keeping in touch, sharing his ideas, and having a go at something new.

“We’ve always enjoyed hosting Harry’s local history talks at the library and they always got a good audience at our regular pre-covid coffee and conversation events.

“I think the subject choices, the link to local people and places and comparisons to current affairs make the talks particularly interesting.

“I’m so pleased that Harry has embraced the technology which makes hosting the online talks possible, allows him to share his knowledge and expertise with others and reaches people who may be feeling isolated at home.

“It’s great that people have enjoyed watching Harry’s talks and ask questions via the comments or by emailing the library”.

Harry’s next talk, about the Chartists in North Yorkshire, will be available on the Ripon Library website on September 24 at 10.00am.