To celebrate the beginnings of rugby in Leeds, the Central Library has arranged a series of talks and an exhibition. In 1864, an advert was placed in the local paper asking for anyone interested in forming a rugby club to come to Woodhouse Moor. From this small beginning, the sport of rugby union and then rugby league took hold in schools, clubs and professionally.
South Leeds’ own heritage team of Jarvo, Stuart Keane and Pat Benatmane have ensured the name of Hunslet is prominent in the exhibition, which consists of two cases of memorabilia, including a famous Hunslet shirt. There are also several large panels packed with photographs, one for each of the decades as well as schools rugby. Again, Hunslet is well-represented with reproductions of many historical moments from its past.
Alongside the exhibition there are two free talks:
Wednesday 9 April, 6 – 7pm “Memories of Rugby in Leeds” with Harry Jepson, Sir Ian McGeechan and Garry Schofield
Tuesday 15 April, 6 – 7:30pm “Different Class” Book Event with Phil Caplan and Ron England.
Hunslet Hawks will also be holding two events at South Leeds Stadium to tie in with the exhibition:
Thursday 22 May “Playing the Joker” a play about Eddie Waring
Friday 25 July “Celebration Dinner” with many former players from different eras.
Both are not to be missed.
Tickets for Play the Joker are now on sale from the Hawks club office (0113) 271 2730.
