Bernard Howgate had been a member of the SVHS from it's early days and supported the society until his death in 2001.
He was born locally at Batley Carr and was a Dyer by trade.
A self-taught man, who had limited schooling. He had, however, a life-long passion and interest in history along with religion and was an active member of the Labour Party. He was a great admirer of Joseph Priestley.
The Bernard Howgate Memorial Lectures were founded at the request of his family, the first lecture being on the 13th November 2002.