It is surprising how such a small place could have such a rich and significant history, this has been captured by using the knowledge and memories of the local community - it's people and places; the famous residents and the everyday folk who lived and worked there; the notable Fryston Hall, ancient woodland and Fryston Pit. There will be a celebration of the launch on 22 January 2014, at The Hut, Airedale for invited guests only.

The Fryston Memories project will digitise old photographs, journals, articles and books and capture video and audio clips of local stories and join them through a single web portal, allowing online public access, many being available for the first time. The family of Jack Hulme has donated some of his previously unpublished photographs of the opening of the Fryston Arena from their personal collection, these will be available to view on the Fryston Memories website. 

The project is being managed by The Friends of Fryston Woods who have worked with Castleford Heritage Trust, Sheffield Hallam University and Wakefield and District Housing with volunteers from the local community to collect all the information. The website is being created by local web design company Straw Jonny.

Fiona Spiers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Heritage means such different things to different people, and All Our Stories allowed groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their area. The Friends of Fryston Wood have embarked on a journey of discovery and the website will help share what they have learnt about their local heritage.”

Jacqui Yates, Chairperson of Friends of Fryston Wood said: "We're delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this grant to deliver our Fryston Memories project, we hope the website will reflect our enthusiasm for the rich history of Fryston - we have collected so many amazing stories."

Lee Bird, Company Director of Straw Jonny said: "We have been involved in developing and designing this project's website and associated branding and we are committed to supporting it for years to come."

Ashley Blakeston, Company Director of Straw Jonny said: "As a company we have always been engaged with our local community and are grateful for the opportunity to help bring this fantastic project to the world."

Notes to editors

The Friends of Fryston Woods is a local community group dedicated to the improvement of woodland in Airedale, Fryston, Ferry Fryston and Townville; we aim to improve access to woodland through education, awareness, events and demonstrations. For over a decade Friends of Fryston Woods has strived to improve the woodlands around the Eastern side of Castleford, and encourage access to those woods through education, awareness, organising events and giving demonstrations. We were recently voted best community group 2013 in the Wakefield District at Wakefield and District Housing's Love Where You Live Awards.  

Straw Jonny are a local digital media company that specialise in graphic design, web development and social media management. As a company Straw Jonny works hard to be an ethical business, supporting the local community and the environment.     

Further information

Steve Wright, Secretary of The Friends of Fryston Woods on email: frystonwoodfriends@gmail.com or call on 07789 717 147.