Saturday 29th March sees a City of Leeds Reunion Lunch at Headingley and Tuesday 1st April sees the start of an exhibition of photos celebrating rugby in Leeds across 15 decades, at the Leeds Central Library.
Rugby has been integral to Leeds and its suburbs since Harry Jenkinson's advert in the Leeds Mercury in March 1864 asked interested parties to meet on Woodhouse Moor.
To commemorate his foresight, the Heritage Committee of the Leeds Rugby Foundation are planning a series of events, supported by A Taylor and Son, through 2014 that will recognise all sectors of the sport for their contribution, under the specially designed 'Leeds 150' logo.
The city of Leeds Reunion Lunch is an event which is set to bring together former players, coaches and officials of Leeds, Hunslet and Bramley rugby league clubs. It is set to be held at Headingley Pavilion on Saturday 29th March, with the bar opening at 11.00am and the 3 course lunch commencing at 12.30pm. The event will also see a display of local rugby league trophies and memorabilia organised by the Leeds Rugby Foundation Heritage Committee. Tickets cost £30 and all bookings should go through Derek Hallas on 01943 864458.
Tuesday April 1st is the official launch date for the Leeds Central Library Exhibition which will run until the 20th April. There will be a display of 150 images of all facets of rugby across the 15 decades of the sport in Leeds. In conjunction with this there will be other events held at Leeds Central Library to celebrate the 150th anniversary of rugby in the city and they are listed below:
The Roots of Rugby in Leeds
Leeds Central Library
Friday 4 April
1.00pm – 2.00pm
Professor Tony Collins discusses the origins and history of the game in Leeds.
Memories of Rugby in Leeds
Leeds Central Library
Wednesday 9 April
6.00pm – 7.30pm
Discussion panel with Sir Ian McGeechan, Harry Jepson OBE and Garry Schofield OBE.
‘Different Class’ Book Event
Leeds Central Library
Wednesday 15 April
6.00pm – 7.30pm
To celebrate the launch of the book, Different Class; join us for a discussion about the
story of schools rugby league with Ron England, Phil Caplan and other guests.
The Library events are free of chareg, but you must book your place by calling Enquiry Express on 0113 247 6016.
For a list of all 150 Year Celebration events, please click here