People can explore Huddersfield’s heritage in September with 100 open buildings and special events across Kirklees.
The national Heritage Open Days festival runs every September – this year from Friday, September 6 to Sunday, September 15 – where people have chance to explore many of the town’s buildings.
This year almost a third of them are new including a final chance to explore Huddersfield’s landmark gasworks near the town centre before it’s demolished, the new Jo Cox More in Common Centre at the University of Huddersfield and Bower Roebuck’s Glendale Mills at New Mill which has a day of activities for all the family.
Also new are the former Huddersfield College at Highfields which has now been transformed into the private Highfields Apartments which has college memorabilia on display.
This year’s theme is Routes, Networks and Connections so guided walks and talks will celebrate ancient routeways on Wholestone Moor at Nettleton Hill next to Scapegoat Hill along with the river and canal heritage in Huddersfield and Marsden and a Castle Hill Heritage Walk.
Also on a transport theme will be a vintage motorcycle show and a display of historic vehicles from classic local manufacturers David Brown and Rippon Bros, both at Huddersfield’s Ravensknowle Park, and historic railway exhibitions at libraries in Huddersfield.
Other highlights include a heritage display at Longwood Mechanics, a chance to go into King James’ School, a Greenhead Park History Walk, Lindley Clock Tower will be open, Colne Valley Museum in Golcar will be showcasing old skills and crafts, a chance to visit Skelmanthorpe Textile Heritage Centre and the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Huddersfield Town Hall and the Lawrence Batley Theatre.
Churches that are opening include Providence Methodist Church and St John’s Church in Golcar, St James’ Church in Slaithwaite, St Mark’s in Longwood, Holmfirth Parish Church, St David’s in Holmbridge, St Thomas’ in Thurstonland, Wooldale Quaker Meeting House, Huddersfield Parish Church, Lindley Methodist Church, Oakes Baptist Church, St John’s Church in Birkby, St Stephen’s Church in Lindley, Seventh Day Adventist Church in Crosland Moor, High Flatts Quaker Meeting House, St Michael’s Church in Emley and All Hallows Church in Kirkburton.
Kirklees Heritage Open Day committee chair David Griffiths said: “I’m delighted that so many volunteers across the Kirklees borough have once again risen to the challenge and joined this great festival.
“It’s a splendid advert for the rich and diverse heritage of our towns, villages and countryside. With 100 events to choose from, there really is something for everyone, whatever your interests.”
Most events are open access but some do require advance booking. Many venues offer refreshments and children’s activities. A brochure listing all the events, days and times is now widely available across the district and can also be found online at https://tinyurl.com/KirkleesHOD2024
Full details of all events in Kirklees and elsewhere, including booking arrangements, can be found on the Heritage Open Days website – click here to go to the website.
A photo competition runs throughout the 10 days. Entries will be judged by the Mayor of Kirklees Clr Nosheen Dad with prize tickets for autumn performances donated by Kirklees town halls and the Lawrence Batley Theatre. Full details of how to enter the competition are in the print and online brochures.
Heritage Open Days nationally is coordinated by the National Trust and funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. The local co-ordinator, the Kirklees HOD Committee, is a partnership of Batley History Group, Huddersfield Civic Society, Huddersfield Local History Society, Kirkburton History Group, Spen Valley Civic Society, Dewsbury and Mirfield volunteers and Kirklees Council Libraries and Museums and Galleries Services.
Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content and copywriting.
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