Saltaire Village, World Heritage Site
Date:

 

 

 

The Saltaire Sentinel
Saltaire Village World Heritage Site
Saltaire Sentinel
Back button | Sentinel | June 2006
Number 42, June 2006

In this issue
YOUR CHANCE TO SING WITH TOP CLASS CHOIR
Plus A WEEKEND WITH THE NAVY
Plus CORONATION DAY REMEMBERED
Plus ALL OUR USUAL UNUSUALS

Headlines

BANDS  TAKE  STAND  GRAMMAR GIRLS WILL SET THE TONE
AS REPORTED FIRST IN THE Saltaire Sentinel,The Half Moon Steering Group, made up of representatives of local organisations in Saltaire, Shipley and Baildon, has put together a programme of free concerts on the site of the former bandstand in Roberts Park this summer. “Saltaire Bandstand” will take  place  every  second Sunday  from  June 11th  to August 20th, at 2.30pm, re-introducing the idea of free park music on a Sunday afternoon. As well as brass band music, there will be a  concert band, line-dancing, folk, classical and rock music, so take your pick. All the artists have kindly signed up to perform free of charge, visitors will be asked to contribute to a collection.
The Half Moon Café will be open, and Friends of Roberts Park will offer cream teas and other refreshments.  Each event will be accompanied by a display  and sale of work by six local artists at the Half Moon Café.  The Café itself will be open every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer.
Come and use this Victorian Café, lovingly restored by local enthusiasts for the benefit of the community, and hopefully the first of many steps to make every corner of Saltaire  worthy of World Heritage status.
Eddie Lawler

WORLD HERITAGE PLAN ANTICIPATES DISASTER
The latest report on progress of the World Heritage Site Management Plan, expected soon, will include the unpleasant but necessary topic of how residents would cope in the event of a large scale emergency. The local United Reformed Church would, of course, be likely to have an important role in contingency co-ordination and accommodation of displaced persons.
One elder at the church, who asked not to be identified as he is also the editor of a local newspaper, suggested: "It would be a good idea for local people to familiarise themselves with the building before disaster strikes, by attending Sunday morning worship on a regular basis."
On a more light hearted note, the document  will also address present and future management of traffic in and around the World Heritage Site. Improvement plans for Roberts Park, as well as the church, will also feature in the discussion. 

CHURCH TO BE DRAMATIC SETTING OF SCHOOLROOM
Schooling Miss Martha is the intriguing title of a drama, written and directed by Harriet Townsend, to be presented jointly by Saltaire Information Centre and Kaleidoscope (the youth section of Bingley Little Theatre) as part of  Saltaire Festival 2006. 
Performances will be given in one of the downstairs rooms at Saltaire United Reformed Church; which is, appropriately, the setting for the play, as the plot has it become a temporary schoolroom in 1877. It is the year after Sir Titus Salt's death, and the Albert Road school buildings have not yet been completed. As a result, the school is being housed in various locations around the Village. This is the story of a talented local girl who wishes to become a teacher. Unfortunately, she neglected to tell her parents of her progress in this direction; with dramatic results. The audience will be treated to a glimpse of a Victorian classroom and its curriculum and experience the social divisions within Saltaire society of the time. Meanwhile, subplots involving unruly children should give the younger Kaleidoscope performers a chance to shine!
There is a definite element of truth in the story: The school did indeed seek accommodation, including the Methodist Church and the Institute, in the year prior to the opening of its Albert Road premises in 1878. Fans of Roger Clarke, familiar with his portrayal of the Rev David Cowan, will not be surprised to learn that he (Rev. Cowan, not Roger) was also one of the school's governors at the time, adding to the likelihood of the scenario.

CONCERT GOERS ENJOY CREAM
Saint Paul's Church, Shipley, was packed on the afternoon of Sunday, May 21st  for the special concert, announced in last month's Sentinel, in honour of  Mr. Malcom Hudson celebrating fifty years of faithful service to the choir.
A cleverly planned programme ensured a comprehensive selection of musical styles at a suitably entertaining pace.
Performances by members of  the all age choir, both as solos and in ensembles of all sizes, were of such high quality that it would be unfair to select any for special mention. Proceedings were compered to a professional standard by Mr. Christopher Clough and brought to a fitting climax when Mr. Hudson himself was persuaded (with little difficulty) to contribute a rousing rendition of Sir Arthur Sullivan's The Lost Chord.
Not to be overshadowed, however, Malcolm's wife Janet, together with her team of helpers, was thought by some to have 'topped the bill' and quite literally put the icing on the cake with an array of refreshments which deserves to be recorded as part of local history (as it soon became)! 

VILLAGE WELL AND TRULY ON THE WEB
E-BAY OUTDATED BY LAUNCH  OF LOCAL ELECTRONIC TABLETOP

Saltaire Shopping, going online this month, is a new part of the Saltaire Village website which aims to provide the local community with a "tabletop" to show and sell their wares. The idea is to sell quirky things, selected for their individual appeal, and the site has been designed with category headings: Gifts, Art & Images, Books and Stationery. E-mail links will put buyers and sellers in contact with each other. "Where there are multiple items available," says web designer Pamela Reynolds, "We provide a PayPal button so you can buy the item directly."
The Village website has a range of other attractions including a discussion forum and ways of  keeping up with the very latest news of the Friends of Roberts Park, Shipley Glen Tramway, Saltairy Tales, Festival 2006, Friends of Saltaire Primary School, Saltaire Cricket Club and the local Green Party.
www.saltairevillage.info

Regular Features

Through the Saltaire Keyhole with The Shipley and Saltaire Times
June  1879
Read more >

Roger Clarke's Saltaire people
This month: Carol and Christine Lodge share their memories with Roger Clarke
As a snapshot of community spirit, Coronation Day, 1953 will take some beating. Twins Carol and Christine Lodge (their names reflect their Christmas birthday) were 3 years old at the time, living on William Henry Street in Saltaire; which had entered the  competition for the best coronation street party in Shipley West ward. Read more>

Sentinel Readers

Thanks to our presence on the website, we recently received our first e-mail from Waban, Minnesota; sent by Robert Welbourn, who describes himself as an "Old Bradfordian in exile", and writes: "I read Roger Clarke's history of Victoria Road with great interest, as it has a considerable bearing on my own family. My great-great grandfather, Joseph Charlesworth (1816-1868), came to Saltaire in around 1855 from Hepworth and can be found in the 1861 census as the grocer at  No.11 Victoria Street. I was particularly interested to hear that Sir Titus Salt interviewed the tenants of Victoria Road (then Victoria Street) to assess their moral character, as this fits with the family story that Joseph was brought from Hepworth by Sir Titus. How he came to be appraised of the opportunity to move to the nascent village remains a mystery to me; was there perhaps a connection with the Salt family from when Sir Titus lived at Crow's Nest near Halifax? Mr Welbourn continues with a fascinating family history which Sentinel readers will be able to enjoy next month .

EAGER CHILDREN OUTNUMBER EGGS
Thanks, Sentinel, for your support on our Easter Egg Hunt, which was a runaway success. We ran out of clues and eggs! We planned for approximately a hundred and forty-four children; it was probably over two hundred.
Sharon Ashton, Friends of Roberts Park

Thank you, Sharon, for the feedback and information. The Sentinel  has a role to play in reporting things which have already taken place. Even though a monthly publication like this obviously cannot compete with the wider press in terms of newsworthiness, it can provide more coverage of  issues of particular interest to local people, as well as vistors and overseas readers, and fulfil a service to local history. Would-be reporters please bear in mind that the Sentinel provides a rare opportunity for publication of one's efforts. [Editor]  

Local History

Roger Clarke's History of Victoria Road
I am grateful to Les and Ronnie Smith for meeting with me to share some of their recollections about life in the Mill and the Village from the 1930s onwards.
Ronnie, now 76, was employed at  Firth's bakery at 2, Victoria Road for thirty-four years. Mrs Firth ran the business with sons Frank and Jack, but when Jack became ill in 1952 Ronnie took his place in the bake house. In the late 1950s the business expanded, taking over No 3. The basements in the two buildings were knocked through and larger ovens installed. the ground floor of No.3 was rented out to a ladies' hairdresser and later to a bookmaker. The Firth family lived on the first floor. As most of the trade was with mill workers and villagers, the closure of the Mill had a huge impact and Firth's closed in 1988.
[Les and Ronnie Smith are soon to be featured in our Saltaire people column. – Ed]

CAN YOU HELP TO FILL THE GAPS ?
If you recall more about any of the shops in Victoria Road, you can help the Sentinel to record recent history for future generations. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

Contact: The Editor
Email saltairesentinel@btinternet.com
Deadline for July issue:
20 June.

Events for your diary

SALTAIRE BANDSTAND 2006 
Every second Sunday at 2.30pm
JUNE 11th  Bradford Grammar School Concert Band
JUNE 25th  Creek Valley Western Dancers

VILLAGE FETE June 24th - FETE IS SET TO  SWING
The Saltaire Village Fete, hosted as always by Saltaire United Reformed Church, will have an American theme this year. Entertainment will be provided by a genuine swing band and a troupe of majorettes. Youngsters will be able to enjoy a bucking bronco ride and a variety of games while the more mature disappear amidst a myriad of stalls and al freco eateries.

The minimal admission charge  (with concessions for juniors and seniors alike) is in aid of Church Funds.
June 24th 1 – 4 pm in the grounds of Saltaire URC.

SING-ALONG-A-WOLFGANG - JUNE 24th
Residents of Saltaire and Shipley are invited to come along and sing Mozart's haunting Requiem with Bradford Festival Choral Society on Saturday June 24th in Victoria Hall to mark the composer's 250th birthday. Bradford Festival Choral Society is itself about to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its founding during the season 2006-7. In what promises to be an exciting season there are forthcoming performances with internationally renowned musicians and composers including John Rutter, David Wilcox and the Orchestra of Opera North. Moves are also underway to establish a Bradford Junior Festival Choir aimed at providing children with access to high quality vocal training. New members, always welcome, are therefore particularly encouraged to join now and take part in what promises to be an unforgettable year.
If you would like to try out being a part of the choir for the day, why not come along and join in with the Mozart ? Expert choral animateur Thom Meredith will be conducting and experienced members will be on hand to support and encourage.
Tickets for the rehearsal and performance are £10, or £5 if you only wish to hear the performance. The rehearsal is 3.30-6 pm with the final performance at 7.
If you would like to know more,
telephone Irene Hainsworth on 01274 773863
or James Beattie on 01274 593672,
e-mail James Beatie or text 07784484757.

SHIPLEY GLEN TRAMWAY
Opened May 18th 1895
Now a Registered Charity
OPERATING TIMES
JUNE:
Saturdays 1 – 5 pm
Sundays 12 – 5 pm
01274-589010
Adult  Child/Senr
Single: 50p   30p
Return: 80p 50p
Under 3s, wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs FREE
Volunteers welcomed

Saltaire Cricket Fixtures

FIRST XI IN ROBERTS PARK
Sat. 3rd :  v  Keighley
Sat. 10th :  v  Cleckheaton
Sat. 24th :  v  Morley

Travel

SALTAIRE  VILLAGE SOCIETY TRAVEL
SUPERB SALZBURGERLAND
Saalbach in the Glemm Valley
Departure: Sat, August 12th
9 days - £449 / Single supplement £70        Insurance £25
DAY TRIPS AND SHORT BREAKS
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
For More Information and Bookings:
01274  598392

Societies and clubs

PROMOTE YOUR
SOCIETY/ CLUB/ GROUP
FREE OF CHARGE

SHIPLEY ROTARY CLUB
Meets for lunch with a guest speaker
Every Tuesday
12.30 – 2 pm
 Lower Hall,  Otley Road.
New Members Welcome
contact Arthur Smith
01535  270615

SHIPLEY RETIRED MEN’S FORUM
Alternate Wednesdays  Shipley Library 10.15am
Speakers this month:
7th - Mr T Hornshaw
Border Towns and Castles (National Trust)
21st - Mr J Bonner
A Weekend with the Navy
New Members Welcome
Tel. 01274 591745

AIREDALE ANTIQUE COLLECTORS SOCIETY
Meets on the first Tuesday
of each month in
Shipley Library at 7.30 pm.
New Members Welcome

 

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