Betley Local History Society was founded in 1980 following, or even during the time of running, a very successful university extramural class in the village (1977-80) led by Robert Speake, M.Litt. (Principal Lecturer in History at Madeley Teacher Training College). Robert was working at the University of Keele and this class led to the research, writing and publication of the history of the village: Betley: A Village of Contrasts, Speake, R. (Editor) 1980  Keele University Department of Adult Education, 225 pp. Unfortunately, this book (ISSN 0144-140X) is now out of print, although copies periodically pop up on eBay.  

A leading light in the class, which was held in the village school, was Les Bradshaw (1921-1999) - a churchwarden and chorister of St. Margaret's Church for over fifty years. He served as the first chairman of the Society and it was he who, with the help of Philip Coops, revived the flagging fortunes of the organisation, by taking on the role of chairperson in 1997 until his untimely death. His memory is commemorated by an annual "Les Bradshaw Memorial Lecture", held at one of the Society's monthly meetings. 

David B. Thompson was the guiding light at BLHS for eleven years. Previously, David was a lecturer in Geology and Science Education at Keele University; he wrote profusely on many aspects of village life and guided us on many walks through the village, pointing out geological features as well as the history of the buildings and people. He positively encouraged us to research the vast wealth of the history of this area. 

He was ably succeeded for a couple of years by Professor John Bale, following which Alderman David Becket returned to the society, after his work on the local Council and in the Home Counties. 

David W. Becket

David, who passed away in 2020, was one of the founding members of the original University of Keele Dept. of Adult Education group, which pre-dated and ultimately grew into BLHS. He made an unprecedented contribution to the vitality and dynamism of the Society.

In addition to articles and publications, he researched and authored the chapter on communications and industry in the 1980 book Betley; A Village of Contrasts, and also made a substantial contribution to the chapter on agriculture. During his time with the Society, his detailed, diligent research work and his abilities as our chair, to coordinate and lead our proceedings with such professionalism and patience, inspired us, and were greatly valued by all of us.

For over 40 years, David's extraordinary contributions to public life, Betley village life and Betley Local History Society activities were unparalleled.

The loss is irreplaceable.

Roy P. Rushton

Roy was an active member of our committee for a very long time, and his profound memory and knowledge of the locale, along with his patient research work and his exceptional artwork talents were invaluable. He is greatly missed by us all.

Our late Chair, David Becket, wrote...’Roy made an enormous contribution to Betley and its local history over the years. He worked very hard for the village and was one of the three surviving members of the original Robert Speake group which pre-dated BLHS. He produced many publications, but his most lasting contribution to the village are his pen and ink drawings.’

Gregor Shufflebotham

In 2019, our friend and long-time archivist Gregor Shufflebotham passed away. Over the years, Gregor provided immeasurable support and service to the Society for which we shall be, forever, both mindful and grateful.