Most of the Mixenden History Group not only helped compile the Mixenden Past and Present, exhibition now at the Halifax Visitor Centre and Art Gallery in the Piece Hall, but are also its stars.

May Smith appears on school photographs from Mixenden School in 1936 and 1938, and a teenage Susan Hill smiles up from a shot of a charity football match.

With the idea of shaking off Mixenden's poor reputation and showcasing residents' pride in where they live, Paul Birchall dreamed up the Mixenden History Group.

Mr Birchall, a community link worker at the Mixenden Initiative, and his colleagues began by asking people to bring in their old pictures and artefacts.

They set up a display but the collection soon grew too great for the office wall.

Joan Cahill, a fellow community link worker at the initiative, said people were keen to remember "the good old days".

She said many of the residents had lived in Mixenden for decades and seen their children and grandchildren set up home in the area.

"Sometimes Mixenden gets such a bad press but it is a fantastic community," she said.

"I think we often forget it is a village and it has that village feel. This idea allowed that community spirit to come out."

The group was set up early last year and its 40-odd members now meet each month to research the area, share memories and listen to guest speakers.

Now it is hosting its first exhibition, in association with Calderdale Council, giving older residents a chance to delve into their past and younger people or those who don't know the area a chance to explore its history.

The group split up to research different aspects of Mixenden and its people including the local countryside, industry and farming, housing, churches, schools, sport and other groups including Scouts and bands.

Drawing on their own memories, speaking to other residents, and scouring the internet and library archives, the group spent months pulling together information and designing display boards.

Mrs Cahill said: "We held a basic internet course so that people could research online. Many older people had never used a computer before."

She was joined by Christine Rogers, 62, of Woodbrook Avenue, Mixenden, in exploring the history of Mixenden's pubs.

Meanwhile Margaret Boyle, Jane Scargill and Susan Hill researched the history of industry and farming as well as compiling shots of some of the stunning countryside and houses.

Mrs Scargill said: "People often say 'Oh, you don't live in Mixenden, do you?' but it is a great place to live."

Mrs Boyle added: "I have this beautiful countryside just outside my door."

Becky Liddell, community outreach worker, said: "Everyone working on this project has put a huge amount of work into it. It has been a real team effort.

The exhibition demonstrates how passionate the people of Mixenden are about their community and its history."

It was officially opened on Saturday by the Mayor of Calderdale Conrad Winterburn.

The ceremony began with the Mixenden Crusaders, the area's last band – there used to be at least four – marching into the Piece Hall.

More than 200 people turned out to see if they had made it into the exhibition. The group is also putting together a DVD.

The exhibition is open every day from 10am to 5pm until September 28 when it will move to the Church of the Holy Nativity, Mixenden.
Admission is free.

The group meets at 6.30pm every third Wednesday at the church. New members are welcome to come along or people can drop memorabilia off at the Mixenden Initiative office, at 103 Mixenden Road.

For more information call 01422 246177.