Beneath a Halifax Sunrise: A Stroll Across Savile Park

 The air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and the promise of a new day. Yesterday morning, under the soft glow of the nascent sun, I found myself wandering across the familiar expanse of Savile Park in Halifax. Or should I say, The Moor? Skircoat Moor? Skircoat Common? This beloved green lung of our town answers to many names, each echoing a piece of its rich tapestry.

More than just a park, Savile Park breathes history with every rustle of leaves. As I walked, the stories embedded in this land seemed to rise with the morning mist. Imagine, this very ground, now a haven for runners and dog walkers, was once the vision of the Savile Family, who wisely decreed it should forever remain open, a gift of green to the community. Their foresight has gifted us generations of open space, a place where the spirit of Halifax has played out in countless ways.

Think of the roar of the crowds at the Halifax Agricultural Show, the thud of boots during Rugby League and Football matches, the determined strides of Crossley Heath students carving paths across the moor. This land has witnessed celebrations, competitions, and the simple joy of open-air activity.

But the echoes of history run deeper still. My mind wandered back to the dark days of World War II, when this very turf was transformed into a vital "Dig for Victory" garden, feeding a nation facing hardship. It's humbling to picture the dedication of those who turned this recreational space into a source of sustenance.

And then there's the grandeur of the Great Yorkshire Show, which graced this very spot on at least four occasions, bringing the best of the region to our doorstep. It speaks volumes about the scale and importance of Savile Park in the wider Yorkshire landscape.

As I continued my walk, the landmarks that frame this historical haven came into view. To the west, the impressive facade of Crossley Heath School stands sentinel, a long-time neighbour and beneficiary of the park's open spaces. To the east, the manicured beauty of Manor Heath Park offers a contrasting, yet complementary, landscape. And nestled in the north-eastern corner, the elegant Thorp Fountain stands as a silent witness to the park's enduring presence.

These fleeting moments, captured through the lens of my trusty Nikon D3300 back on the 20th of October 2016, are more than just pretty pictures. They are glimpses into a place that has been shaped by generations, a place where the echoes of the past mingle with the present-day rhythms of life.

Savile Park, whatever name you choose to call it, is more than just grass and trees. It's a living testament to community, resilience, and the enduring power of open spaces. It's a place to walk, to breathe, to remember, and to appreciate the rich history beneath our feet, especially when bathed in the soft light of a Halifax sunrise.

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The Twin Towers of King Cross, to the right is Wainhouse Tower, and the clocktower to the left is part of the Crossley Heath School Building.

To the north east corner of Savile Park is the Thorp Fountain, the Grade II listed drinking fountain was given to the people of Halifax by Joseph Thorp and unveiled in July 1869, Thorp also donated a drinking fountain which can be found in the grounds of the nearby People's Park. The fountain which is no longer in use bears the inscription "Thank God for water - water is best" and was designed by Levi Gill a stone mason who was born in Pateley Bridge before moving to Halifax. The Fountains Grade II listed status was granted on the 23rd November 1973. The fountain can be seen below.

St Jude's Church can be seen in the background.

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The Puzzle Hall Inn - Awaiting its Next Chapter

In the heart of our community, standing silent yet full of untold stories, lies the Puzzle Hall Inn. More than just bricks and mortar, this familiar landmark has witnessed generations of laughter, camaraderie, and the clinking of tankards. For those of us who call this place home, the sight of its weathered facade evokes a sense of history, a tangible link to the past.

Opening its doors in the late 1700s, the Puzzle Hall Inn quickly became a fixture in local life. Imagine the bustling conversations that echoed within its walls, the warmth of the hearth on a cold evening, and the lively atmosphere fueled by its very own brews. Yes, for a significant period after its inception, this wasn't just a place to drink beer, it was a place where beer was born. The very air would have carried the malty aroma of fermentation, a testament to a truly local enterprise.

That era of independent brewing came to a close in 1935 when Ward's of Sheffield took the reins. While the brewery taps may have changed, the Puzzle Hall Inn continued its role as a social hub, a place where friendships were forged and local tales were shared over a pint. For decades, it stood as a reliable cornerstone of our community, a place you could always count on.

Then, in the early 2010s, a hush fell over the Puzzle Hall. The doors closed, the laughter faded, and the familiar glow from its windows was extinguished. For many, it felt like a piece of our local identity had gone quiet. The building stood as a poignant reminder of times past, a puzzle indeed, waiting for its missing pieces to be found.

Fast forward to today, and a spark of hope has ignited. A dedicated community group has stepped forward, their vision set on breathing new life into this beloved landmark. The prospect of the Puzzle Hall Inn once again echoing with conversation and cheer is a truly exciting one. It speaks volumes about the enduring spirit of our community and the deep affection we hold for our local heritage.

These glimpses into the Puzzle Hall's silent slumber were captured on a crisp autumn day, the 2nd of November 2013. Taken with a humble Samsung Galaxy, these photographs offer a snapshot in time, a visual testament to the building's stoic presence during its period of quiet contemplation. They serve as a reminder of what was, and perhaps more importantly, what could be once again.

As the community group works towards their goal, we can all look forward to the day when the Puzzle Hall Inn's doors swing open once more, ready to welcome a new chapter in its long and fascinating history. The puzzle may have been still for a while, but the pieces are being gathered, and the picture of a vibrant future is beginning to take shape. Keep an eye out, this local legend may soon be ready to share its stories once again.

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A Spire of History: The Haunting Beauty of Halifax's Square Church

Halifax, a town steeped in industrial history, holds a silent sentinel against its skyline: the Square Church Spire. A lone finger pointing towards the heavens, it's a striking reminder of a grander structure, a story etched in stone and fire.

Imagine, if you will, the bustling Square in 1857. Amidst the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and the rhythmic hum of nearby mills, a new beacon of faith rose. The Square Congregational Church, opened on July 15th, a testament to Victorian ambition and religious fervor. This magnificent edifice stood proudly beside the iconic Piece Hall, a symbol of Halifax's prosperity. It replaced the older Georgian Square Chapel, which, in a charming twist of fate, became the church's Sunday school, a passing of the torch from one generation to the next.

For over a century, the Square Church echoed with hymns, sermons, and the quiet prayers of its congregation. It was a place of community, of solace, and of spiritual guidance. But time, as it inevitably does, brought change. The church's doors closed in 1970, marking the end of an era.

Then, tragedy struck. In January 1971, a devastating fire ripped through the main building, leaving behind a charred skeleton. The once proud structure was reduced to rubble, and in 1976, the final act of demolition was carried out. All that remained was the magnificent, Grade II listed spire, soaring 235 feet into the sky.

This solitary spire, a relic of a lost grandeur, now stands as a poignant reminder of what once was. It's a striking juxtaposition against the modern architecture of the Halifax Central Library, into which it is now incorporated. Standing at its base, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, the faint strains of an organ, the murmur of prayers.

The Square Church Spire is more than just a historical landmark; it's a symbol of resilience, a testament to the enduring power of memory. It's a place where the past and present collide, where the echoes of a bygone era mingle with the everyday sounds of a bustling town.

Next time you find yourself in Halifax, take a moment to gaze upon this architectural marvel. Let its silent story resonate with you, and remember the grand church that once stood beside it, a testament to the enduring spirit of Halifax. It's a reminder that even in the face of destruction, something beautiful and enduring can remain, reaching towards the sky like a whispered prayer.

The pictures below were taken on the 27th May 2018 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Photographic Journey Through Brighouse Railway Station (August 2018)

August 2018. A simple date, a snapshot in time, captured by my trusty Nikon D3300. But within those digital frames lies a story, a whisper of history echoing through the platforms of Brighouse Railway Station. It's a story of change, resilience, and the enduring spirit of rail travel.

Brighouse Railway Station, seemingly just another stop on the line, holds a past far richer than its modern facade might suggest. Did you know it first opened its doors – or rather, its platforms – on the 5th of October 1840? Back then, it was known as "Brighouse and Bradford." A curious name, considering trains couldn't even reach Bradford directly until 1854 when the Halifax line was completed! It also bore the moniker "Brighouse for Rastrick," hinting at its role as a key transport hub for the surrounding areas.

Imagine the scenes: the billowing steam, the rhythmic chugging of locomotives, the bustle of Victorian passengers. It's a stark contrast to the sleek, modern trains that glide through today. However, progress, as it often does, brought change. The original station, a relic of a bygone era, was sadly closed on the 3rd of January 1970. A final, poignant farewell as the 6:53 PM London King's Cross to Bradford service passed through, marking its demise.

And then, silence. The station, a vital artery of the town, was gone, demolished, its history seemingly erased. But the story doesn't end there. Like a phoenix from the ashes, Brighouse Railway Station was reborn, reopening on the 29th of May 2000, at its original location. A testament to the community's desire to reconnect with its past and embrace the future.

However, the tale of Brighouse isn't complete without a mention of its neighbour, Elland. Originally slated to reopen its own station alongside Brighouse, Elland's revival has been a saga of delays. The projected 2022 opening, with a £22 million price tag, highlights the challenges of modern infrastructure projects. "Only 22 years late," you can't help but chuckle, a wry nod to the famed (or infamous) efficiency of old British Rail. "We may be late, but we get there eventually," a sentiment that resonates with the slow, steady rhythm of railway progress.

These photographs, captured on a warm August day, are more than just images. They're a portal to the past, a reminder of the enduring legacy of rail travel. They speak of the generations who passed through these platforms, of the stories etched into the very fabric of the station.

So, the next time you find yourself at Brighouse Railway Station, take a moment to appreciate its history. Listen for the echoes of steam, imagine the bustling crowds, and remember the resilience of a community that brought its station back to life. And perhaps, spare a thought for Elland, patiently waiting for its turn to join the story.

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