Frances Mason lived in Thornton between 1963 and 1973. Her father was the Rev Alan Mason, vicar of St James. Her mother was called Mary and her sister was Rosemary.

Frances came across some photos of a float her mother and the Junior Boys’ Club entered in the Hill Top Gala.

She recalls: “There was always a fancy dress contest, and my sister and I went dressed as a Chinese boy and girl. My mother was born in Hong Kong, and the outfits had come from there.

“We wore them to every fancy dress in Thornton until we could no longer squeeze into them.

“We were very sad to leave Thornton when my father was asked to go to another church in the South. We missed the fresh air, the beautiful views across the valley and the sense of being part of a village community.

“We had met some very kind people in Thornton and made good friends who my parents kept in touch with for many years. I feel very proud of my Thornton background.

“Thornton in the 1960s was very much an independent village with an identity of its own.

“My parents didn’t own a car in the early years and most of our shopping was done in the village. Mum would push the pram up Bronte Old Road and into Market Street, calling first at the grocers at the top of Green Lane.

“We always got fish and chips from Spinksp Fisheries in Fountain Street, and I remember a little watch mender’s shop on Thornton Road. Occasionally we got the number 7 bus into Bradford to shop at Busby’s; Brown, Muff’s; or Taylor and Parsons.

“When we first came to Thornton the church congregation was quite small but over time increased as my parents tried to make the church more welcoming and family-friendly.

“There were evening clubs for boys and girls which became popular, with church attendance being encouraged but not compulsory, and there were seasonal events throughout the year.

“My father made a point of visiting every home in the parish at least once a year. He wasn’t welcome everywhere, but he felt it was important that his parishioners knew he was there if needed.”