A bit of local heritage
chairman of Huddersfield Local History Society. Walkers need stout shoes and will have to make their own way back into town.
The historic tower, completed in 1899 to celebrate the 60th jubilee of Queen Victoria, stands on a site that has human history going back more than 4,000 years. Tour the site, which is also designed a Local Nature Reserve, and climb the tower. Open from noon until 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10. using techniques and tools that have barely changed in centuries. See them at work in the forge from 2.30pm until 5.30pm on Friday, Sept 8.
Taking in the canal towpath and important Victorian buildings, this four-mile trail from Thornton Square to The Rydings lasts for 90 minutes. It starts at 10.30am on Friday, September 8. No booking needed.
The museum closed 17 years ago but from Saturday, September 9, will be open to the public every Saturday. There’s an opening ceremony at 1.30pm, led by patron Barrie Rutter (of Northern Broadsides fame) and doors will close at 4pm. For the opening weekend only the museum is available to view from 10am until 4pm on Sunday, September 10. No booking needed. The museum is next to the new library development and re-vamped Piece Hall.
Travel 250 years back in time and explore the famous Piece Hall, Britain’s only surviving cloth hall, with Georgian gent John Caygill. Tours are at 11am, noon and 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10. Book at www.thepiecehall. co.uk/events There are other tours available over the weekend. Meltham will be on show on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10, from 10am until 4pm. There will be an opportunity for visitors to have some ‘taster’ research done on their families in the research room.
See the historic church and join the volunteers making gifts and sorting goods for underprivileged children – or try your hand at recycling greetings cards to be sold for The Welcome Centre in Huddersfield. There are hands-on sessions on Friday, September 8, from 10.30am until 3pm. On Saturday, September 9, the church is open from 10am until noon.
Thought to be the oldest building in Holmfirth, the Daisy Lane site dates from around 1595 and was built as a jail. It has served as a fire station, mortuary and ambulance station. It’s open on Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10 from 10am until 4pm. No booking needed.
See inside a Masonic Temple and learn the secrets and mysteries of the druids as well as the history of the Holme Valley Lodge’s founder members. Open on Saturday, September 9, from 11am until 2pm. Booking required, email information@kirklees.gov.uk or call 01484 223200.
On Saturday and Sunday, September 9 and 10, Halifax Minster is offering open-top minibus tours of the town and its hidden historical gems. The tours last for 45 minutes and start and finish at the minster. There is a £5 charge per trip and booking is essential. Visit www.halifaxminster.org or call 01422 355436 for details.
Considered to be the most complete example of a 13th century church in West Yorkshire, this parish building is offering three days of events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 7, 8 and 9, including graveyard trail, tour of the bell tower and a pop-up cafe. On Friday at 1.30pm there’s an organ recital.