Friends of Honley Library invite you to a ‘meet the author event’. Peter Marshall will launch the latest Honley Civic Society publication ‘The Surprising Miss Siddon’.

The centenary of the death of one of the most prominent citizens of Honley occurs on 28th May. But her name may not be as well known today as it was 100 years ago. When both her parents died, she came to live in Honley House with her uncle, George Jessop and his three sons. She lived there for the rest of her life.

Miss Siddon built up a reputation as patron of many organisations, most significantly as a Local Guardian, responsible for the poor of this part of the West Riding, eventually becoming the first female chairman of the Board of Guardians and a JP.

With a passionate interest in women’s’ suffrage and in the conditions of pauper children, she was a significant figure in village life at the start of the 20th Century. She was awarded the OBE at the end of the 1914-18 war for her services with the Soldiers and Sailors Families Association.

Her interests spread over many causes and are told in the latest book from Honley Civic Society. ‘The Surprising Miss Siddon’, priced at £10.00, and available from the Honley Civic Society, Zebra and Read Books, outlines her life, family and friendships as well as her many good deeds and brings to life the generosity she showed to her adopted home.

Light refreshments will be available. The event is free but donations to Friends of Honley Library are warmly welcomed.