Roving Reporters
Reports on two events by Geoff
Thursday 25th February 2010
Luddenden Foot Walk
It wasn't the most inspiring start. The name of the venue conjured up visions of a mud-splattered farmer struggling for words on a cold winter's morning. But once into the valleys, the area opened up into fine upland countryside - wild and rather remote, yet close to Halifax itself. There was plenty of exercise on this five mile walk - uphill and downdale. And the lunch stop at the Delvers Inn, Wainstalls, seemed a well deserved break. In all a most enjoyable half day's ramble. Our thanks to Sylvia for organising it. - Geoff
A Comfy Stately Home
Poet laureate John Betjeman once wrote that Huddersfield was a stately home with trains in it. Shibden Hall at Halifax is a stately home with a distinctly homely feel. It's not too big and lofty in fact just right with its heavy wood panelling for an upwardly mobile family of the 17th century. Owned by the Halifax Council since the 1930s, Shibden was originally the home of the Lister family, a rather woolly-haired bunh who stare down at visitors from the walls of the hall. But the interior is a treat, from the cellars to the tower, and it is no wonder it is well publicised. Our thanks to Wendy for organising our own well-patronised visit. -----Geoff