Image above Courtesy of Stephen Gee.
" The Past is a foreign country; They do things differently there"
It can be difficult now to imagine just how absolute and desperate the war effort became for every local community in the British Isles during the traumatic years 0f 1914-18. The British collective memory of the Twenty First Century looks back on the Great War and sees nothing but an absurd act of futile self destruction, but if you turn the pages of the local newspapers of the time you will witness a totally different world. Here you will find an amazing display of communal solidarity buoyed up by an unshakable belief in the justice of their cause and a resolute determination to see the war through to nothing but complete victory.
The Halifax Great Heritage Society will take you round this largely forgotten and frequently misunderstood period of Britain's History and view it through the eyes of the local communities of the old Parish of Halifax.
The Halifax Great Heritage Society will take you round this largely forgotten and frequently misunderstood period of Britain's History and view it through the eyes of the local communities of the old Parish of Halifax.
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Every reasonable effort has been made to trace the copyright of material used on this site and apply credit where it is known. However the complexity of copyright interpretation, the extended age of some images, the frequent cross duplication of images on the internet and plain simple human error means that we sometimes fall short of this ideal. The webmaster welcomes any information that clarifies the copyright ownership of any material displayed and every effort will be made to correct any deficiencies. millichope42@gmail.com |
NEWS FEED : Scroll down for older items.Speaker Round up
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The HLF funded WW1 Galleries at Bankfield Museum were opened to the Public on 2 August 2014. It is probably one of the best exhibitions on the Great War that you are likely to see so you are strongly urged to go and see it. The transformation of the upper floor gallery space is quite remarkable and there is a huge selection of wide ranging items explaining Calderdale’s involvement in the Great War. Information was collated from a wide range of local resources, individuals and organisations including HGWHS.
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Lights Out Ceremony : Halifax Town Hall, 4 August 2014
Posted 30 August 2014
This nationwide event was instigated by the British Legion and inspired by the famous remark of Sir Edward Grey the day before Britain's entry into the Great War.
"The lamps are going out all over Europe. We shall not see them lit again in our lifetime." Calderdale MBC organised the local event in the Halifax Town Hall which took place between 10.00 and 11.00 pm - the time at which Britain's ultimatum to Germany ran out on the evening of 4 August 1914 and Britain entered the war. The Mayor of Calderdale, Pat Allen and Robin Tuddenham introduced nine readings which included two delivered by HGWHS. Shortly before 11.00 pm a bugler from Elland Silver Band sounded the 'Last Post' and was followed by the sounding of 11.00 pm from the Town Hall clock immediately above us. |
Image Left: From the British Legion video
Image above: Halifax Town Hall on the evening of 4 August 2014. Stephen Clarke of the British Legion said:- "However you choose to commemorate, we hope to light one million candles across the UK to remember each and every one of those Service men and women who gave their lives during the First World War. Please join together with us to create a unique national moment to honour them." |
Presentation Meetings April - July 2014
Posted 12 August 2014
Thursday 17th July on 'Local hospitals during World War One' by Corinne McDonald.
Corinne from the Halifax Antiquarian Society came and reprised her excellent talk on how Calderdale geared up to receive the wounded from the battlefields. She described how the St. Luke’s Halifax Union Hospital became an important military hospital and how it was run. Additionally, other local houses became adapted as Auxiliary Hospitals for convalescent soldiers. Although these received financial assistance from the Government, they depended to a great extent on both voluntary staff and local donations.
Image Stephen Gee Collection.
Corinne from the Halifax Antiquarian Society came and reprised her excellent talk on how Calderdale geared up to receive the wounded from the battlefields. She described how the St. Luke’s Halifax Union Hospital became an important military hospital and how it was run. Additionally, other local houses became adapted as Auxiliary Hospitals for convalescent soldiers. Although these received financial assistance from the Government, they depended to a great extent on both voluntary staff and local donations.
Image Stephen Gee Collection.
Thursday 12th June – ‘Humour and the Great War 1914-15’
by John Sunderland.
In his own inimitable style, this was not only about the type of jokes and humour of the time but also the way that news was reported in the Courier highlighting
several types of article which would certainly not have been presented the same way in today’s politically correct society. There was also much reference to both national and local cartoonists, in particular the work of J J Mulroy who featured heavily in the Halifax Courier. John hopes to research the life and work of this interesting local personality and hopefully we will be able to persuade him to take centre stage again.
by John Sunderland.
In his own inimitable style, this was not only about the type of jokes and humour of the time but also the way that news was reported in the Courier highlighting
several types of article which would certainly not have been presented the same way in today’s politically correct society. There was also much reference to both national and local cartoonists, in particular the work of J J Mulroy who featured heavily in the Halifax Courier. John hopes to research the life and work of this interesting local personality and hopefully we will be able to persuade him to take centre stage again.
Thursday 22nd May - ‘Mythology of the Great War’
by Rob Hamilton.
Rob approached this subject by highlighting events and happenings which in popular culture have become fact but for which there is no actual evidence. The culmination of the talk was the demonstration that the alleged conversation between senior German officers where they stated that the British Army were "Lions led byDonkeys" never actually took place but was the fabrication of an author who should have known better. Other subjects covered were “The Popular War", “Over by Christmas”, “German Beastliness” and the “Soldiers War”. The controversial nature of the subject provoked a lively debate afterwards.
This meeting was attended by our patron, Dr Peter Liddle, who took the opportunity of introducing himself to our group. No pressure on Rob then!
by Rob Hamilton.
Rob approached this subject by highlighting events and happenings which in popular culture have become fact but for which there is no actual evidence. The culmination of the talk was the demonstration that the alleged conversation between senior German officers where they stated that the British Army were "Lions led byDonkeys" never actually took place but was the fabrication of an author who should have known better. Other subjects covered were “The Popular War", “Over by Christmas”, “German Beastliness” and the “Soldiers War”. The controversial nature of the subject provoked a lively debate afterwards.
This meeting was attended by our patron, Dr Peter Liddle, who took the opportunity of introducing himself to our group. No pressure on Rob then!
Thursday 17th April – ‘The Halifax War Machine’ - War Production in Halifax
by David Millichope.
As with all of David’s presentations this was an excellent visual lecture showing the extent to which local firms and businesses turned all or much of their production to war work. It seems that virtually every local industry was involved in some way or other in producing something for the war effort. Even industries such as local jewellers were involved, in their case producing some of the delicate instrumentation required in shell fuses.
by David Millichope.
As with all of David’s presentations this was an excellent visual lecture showing the extent to which local firms and businesses turned all or much of their production to war work. It seems that virtually every local industry was involved in some way or other in producing something for the war effort. Even industries such as local jewellers were involved, in their case producing some of the delicate instrumentation required in shell fuses.
The Great War Week by Week in REAL TIME
Major Project in conjunction with the Halifax Courier Newspaper
Posted 1 August 2014
This major project went live in the Halifax Courier on 4 July 2014.
It aims to track the events of the Great War from the local perspective through the pages of the Halifax Courier. Each feature will correspond to the exact day that the Courier was published 100 years ago. It is, therefore, a REAL TIME story of Calderdale in the Great War.
Each feature will interpret several items from the newspaper. Some will be trivial, others will be momentous, but the aim is to create the atmosphere of the times and a real sense of time.
The example here reported on the opening shots of the Great War in the last week of July.
The whole series is projected to carry on throughout the whole period of the war, at least until the Armistice of 1918.
The image above contains the feature and the image below is a copy of the front page from 1 August 1914, overlaid with the actual articles interpreted in the feature.
It aims to track the events of the Great War from the local perspective through the pages of the Halifax Courier. Each feature will correspond to the exact day that the Courier was published 100 years ago. It is, therefore, a REAL TIME story of Calderdale in the Great War.
Each feature will interpret several items from the newspaper. Some will be trivial, others will be momentous, but the aim is to create the atmosphere of the times and a real sense of time.
The example here reported on the opening shots of the Great War in the last week of July.
The whole series is projected to carry on throughout the whole period of the war, at least until the Armistice of 1918.
The image above contains the feature and the image below is a copy of the front page from 1 August 1914, overlaid with the actual articles interpreted in the feature.
Centenary of the Assassination: June 28 2014
Posted 28 June 2014
One hundred years exactly to the day.
Expect an avalanche of TV and Radio programmes over the next few months. After a flurry of programmes in the first three months of the year there was a lull. Now there should be some heavy duty items coming on-line, and some of them will be the start of long running series.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie pose for the camera shortly before their ill fated official visit to Sarajevo on 28 June 1914.
It took only two shots at point blank range from Gavrilo Princip's Browning pistol to fatally wound the royal couple.
Expect an avalanche of TV and Radio programmes over the next few months. After a flurry of programmes in the first three months of the year there was a lull. Now there should be some heavy duty items coming on-line, and some of them will be the start of long running series.
Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie pose for the camera shortly before their ill fated official visit to Sarajevo on 28 June 1914.
It took only two shots at point blank range from Gavrilo Princip's Browning pistol to fatally wound the royal couple.
BBC Look North and the 'Tin Hat' Story.
Posted 28 June 2014
BBC Look North picked up on the Alfred Bates 'Tin Hat' story and ran a short item in early June.
David Millichope of the Halifax Great War Heritage Society and David Glover of the Halifax Antiquarians were interviewed at (respectively) Willis and Bates' former factory on Spring Hall lane, and at Warley Cemetery which is Alfred Bates' final resting place.
David Millichope of the Halifax Great War Heritage Society and David Glover of the Halifax Antiquarians were interviewed at (respectively) Willis and Bates' former factory on Spring Hall lane, and at Warley Cemetery which is Alfred Bates' final resting place.
Video journalist,Kate Bradbrook (the good looking one in the picture) put the piece together.
BBC Radio Leeds also ran the story as part of their World War One at Home series. This looked in more detail at the arguments that Alfred Bates should be given some of the credit for 'inventing' the 'tin hat' along with John Leopold Brodie who is usually linked to it.The story can be found on their website at this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01xtzns.
BBC Radio Leeds also ran the story as part of their World War One at Home series. This looked in more detail at the arguments that Alfred Bates should be given some of the credit for 'inventing' the 'tin hat' along with John Leopold Brodie who is usually linked to it.The story can be found on their website at this link http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01xtzns.
Digitisation of the Halifax Guardian Weekly.
Posted 25 May 2014
Another step towards the group's comprehensive study of the local newspapers. We now have PDF copies of the Saturday edition of the Halifax Guardian for 1914-19. It is very interesting to discover that this was not just a clone of the Halifax Courier's news coverage - a valuable contribution to our research.
The Incredible Illustrated Diaries of William Henry Stott
Posted 12 April 2014
Diary images left copyright Stephen Gee.
What a find! The delightful illustrated diaries of William Henry Stott recently came to auction. Our expert auction watcher, Alan Rhodes tracked down the successful bidder (discretely via the auctioneer) and we were very pleased to discover it was local man, Stephen Gee. Meetings followed and Steve has been more than generous in supporting our interest. One of the key features of these diaries is the charming illustrations which are copiously found among the daily entries. It is an historical treasure that has an interest value that goes beyond Calderdale and we want to do our utmost to see that it does.
The war years of 1914-19 are of particular interest to us but there are sixty three volumes covering a year each and they stretch from the Battle of the Little Big Horn to the advent of Hitler.
We are convinced of the importance of these dairies and are in the process of placing a proposal with a publisher who shares our vision for them.
What a find! The delightful illustrated diaries of William Henry Stott recently came to auction. Our expert auction watcher, Alan Rhodes tracked down the successful bidder (discretely via the auctioneer) and we were very pleased to discover it was local man, Stephen Gee. Meetings followed and Steve has been more than generous in supporting our interest. One of the key features of these diaries is the charming illustrations which are copiously found among the daily entries. It is an historical treasure that has an interest value that goes beyond Calderdale and we want to do our utmost to see that it does.
The war years of 1914-19 are of particular interest to us but there are sixty three volumes covering a year each and they stretch from the Battle of the Little Big Horn to the advent of Hitler.
We are convinced of the importance of these dairies and are in the process of placing a proposal with a publisher who shares our vision for them.
Presentation for March : The Belgian Refugees in Calderdale
Posted March 22 2014
The presentation this March was a fascinating tour through the story of the Belgian refugees who fled the German invasion and came to Calderdale in 1914/15. John Sunderland entertained us in humorous style and was accompanied by Graham Bradshaw who had collated the research material over the last twelve months. Both are members of the Halifax Great War Heritage Society and the ‘double act’ approach made for a very relaxed and enjoyable evening. Perhaps the ‘glamourous assistant’ approach is a model for the future ?
We were very pleased to receive a thank you email from a trio of the guests who attended our showing of the Malins’ film on the Battle of the Somme in February :-
We were very grateful to be put so much at ease by the relaxed and friendly welcome. The hospitality was remarkable - such a generously shared, comfortable venue (we were expecting bare boards and bits of old machinery heaped in the corners). It was impossible not to smile when you topped the coffee and biscuits with ice cream - a marvellous idea.
The next presentation on 17 April at the Old Mill is by David Millichope on ‘The Halifax War Machine’ and is a look at how the industrial landscape of Halifax became transformed by the concept of Total War. More details by clicking the DIARY button above.
We were very pleased to receive a thank you email from a trio of the guests who attended our showing of the Malins’ film on the Battle of the Somme in February :-
We were very grateful to be put so much at ease by the relaxed and friendly welcome. The hospitality was remarkable - such a generously shared, comfortable venue (we were expecting bare boards and bits of old machinery heaped in the corners). It was impossible not to smile when you topped the coffee and biscuits with ice cream - a marvellous idea.
The next presentation on 17 April at the Old Mill is by David Millichope on ‘The Halifax War Machine’ and is a look at how the industrial landscape of Halifax became transformed by the concept of Total War. More details by clicking the DIARY button above.
Little Khaki George Story on
BBC Local Radio World War One At Home series.
Posted February 21 2014
As part of the BBC's WW1 coverage, local radio are doing a series called World War One at Home. We have been working with Jane Chesworth ( Special Projects Producer) form Radio Leeds on two stories as part of the series. The first one about Little Khaki George is to be broadcast in full on BBC Leeds Friday 28 February at 8.15 am.
There is a shortened version on the BBC website available to listen to now.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01p34hj
A second one to be broadcast in April is being recorded in the next few weeks and will feature the claim that local Halifax man, Alfred Bates, is the true originator of the iconic 'Tin Hat' worn by British Tommies and other Commonwealth servicemen.
There is a shortened version on the BBC website available to listen to now.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01p34hj
A second one to be broadcast in April is being recorded in the next few weeks and will feature the claim that local Halifax man, Alfred Bates, is the true originator of the iconic 'Tin Hat' worn by British Tommies and other Commonwealth servicemen.
Geoffrey Malins' 1916 Film The Battle of the Somme
Posted February 21 2014
This proved a very popular February attraction with the Old Mill at virtually full capacity. It was also good to see a cross section of all ages and genders.
Jeremy Paxman had given us the perfect plug by including something of the film in his Britain's Great War series broadcast on BBC1 earlier in the week.
There was also a very varied and interesting response from the audience lasting over an hour when we moved to the discussion part of the evening.
Jeremy Paxman had given us the perfect plug by including something of the film in his Britain's Great War series broadcast on BBC1 earlier in the week.
There was also a very varied and interesting response from the audience lasting over an hour when we moved to the discussion part of the evening.
Successful Funding Bid : Bearder Charity
Posted 15 February 2014
We are very grateful to the Trustees of the Bearder Charity who recently awarded us a grant to extend our access to digitised versions of the local newspapers.
This grant has allowed us to have the Great War issues of the Brighouse Echo digitised. Not only does this extend our own research coverage but it allows the newly formed Brighouse and District Great War Heritage Society to begin their work researching stories for their own activities. Over the last few months we have been working closely with this group to provide training in the use of our newspaper indexing system (NewsCat).
Additionally the funding has allowed us to digitise the all important 1919 issues of the Halifax Courier Weekly which means that we now have digital access to the period 1914-19 for this newspaper.
This grant has allowed us to have the Great War issues of the Brighouse Echo digitised. Not only does this extend our own research coverage but it allows the newly formed Brighouse and District Great War Heritage Society to begin their work researching stories for their own activities. Over the last few months we have been working closely with this group to provide training in the use of our newspaper indexing system (NewsCat).
Additionally the funding has allowed us to digitise the all important 1919 issues of the Halifax Courier Weekly which means that we now have digital access to the period 1914-19 for this newspaper.
Meeting : Voluntary Recruitment into the British Army
Posted 4 February 2014
Our meeting for January 2014 was a well researched and clear presentation by Rob Hamilton on voluntary recruitment into the British Army during the Great War. Rob included a lot of locally relevant material to illustrate how this unfolded in and around Halifax and was able to lead us into what proved a lively and quite extended Q and A session with lots of interest value.
It seems we are now getting better known because the meetings are attracting larger numbers. This is a welcome trend and new faces are always welcome. The next meeting is a slight departure from our usual routine. This will be a showing of the classic Geoffrey Malins film, ‘The Battle of the Somme’ first screened at local cinemas around the country in 1916. It will be followed by an open discussion of its content and importance.
This will be on Thursday 13 February from 7.00 pm onwards at the usual venue. More Details by clicking the DIARY button below.
It seems we are now getting better known because the meetings are attracting larger numbers. This is a welcome trend and new faces are always welcome. The next meeting is a slight departure from our usual routine. This will be a showing of the classic Geoffrey Malins film, ‘The Battle of the Somme’ first screened at local cinemas around the country in 1916. It will be followed by an open discussion of its content and importance.
This will be on Thursday 13 February from 7.00 pm onwards at the usual venue. More Details by clicking the DIARY button below.
Dr Peter H Liddle, PhD, FRHistS.
Patron of the Halifax Great War Heritage Society
Posted 10 Jan 2014
It gives me great pleasure to announce that Dr Peter Liddle has agreed to become the Patron of the Halifax Great War Heritage Society.
As many of you will know, Peter Liddle is a very well respected historian with a national reputation. In his long and distinguished career he has authored many major publications but he will probably be best known for establishing the nationally recognised Liddle Collection (University of Leeds) housing personal accounts mainly from the Great War.
For nearly fifty years now, Peter has been committed to the rescue of evidence of personal experience in the Great War. This was achieved by tape-recorded interviews ultimately amounting to several thousand and the collection of letters, diaries, photographs, artwork and related memorabilia of men and women living through the war years. For some time now Peter has extended this interest to both world wars and been developing The Second World War Experience Centre at Walton near Wetherby.
Peter first contacted our group in 2012 to congratulate us on our website and the aims of our society. We have maintained a contact ever since then. We are greatly honoured that Peter has taken an interest in the Halifax Great War Heritage Society and agreed to accept this role.
As many of you will know, Peter Liddle is a very well respected historian with a national reputation. In his long and distinguished career he has authored many major publications but he will probably be best known for establishing the nationally recognised Liddle Collection (University of Leeds) housing personal accounts mainly from the Great War.
For nearly fifty years now, Peter has been committed to the rescue of evidence of personal experience in the Great War. This was achieved by tape-recorded interviews ultimately amounting to several thousand and the collection of letters, diaries, photographs, artwork and related memorabilia of men and women living through the war years. For some time now Peter has extended this interest to both world wars and been developing The Second World War Experience Centre at Walton near Wetherby.
Peter first contacted our group in 2012 to congratulate us on our website and the aims of our society. We have maintained a contact ever since then. We are greatly honoured that Peter has taken an interest in the Halifax Great War Heritage Society and agreed to accept this role.
A Happy New Centenary Year Everyone
Posted 10 Jan 2014
With so many things coming on stream and with so many people and organisatioss gearing up for this year, we have never been busier !
Tommy Atkins goes to War
Posted 7 January 2014
November Meeting. John Spencer, the curator at the West Riding Regiment Museum at Bankfield, gave his usual enthusiastic and knowledgeable talk on the equipment used by the British soldier during the Great War. This included both Officers and other ranks. As always John was supported by a huge array of props and entered into role play with great gusto. Great entertainment for everyone.
'Little Khaki George' and other Children Collectors
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Little Khaki George
Image courtesy of Calderdale Museums Service
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New Name for our group
Posted 11 October 2013
Following an EGM held on 10 October, the Halifax Great War Trail Association members in attendance voted to incorporate a change of name into the constitution . Our official name will now be :-
Halifax Great War Heritage Society
This was to reflect the wider activities of the group which is no longer involved in creating walking trails only.
It will take some time for the new name to percolate through the system so both names will probably have a currency for a while yet.
We won't take umbrage if you refer to us by our original name !
Halifax Great War Heritage Society
This was to reflect the wider activities of the group which is no longer involved in creating walking trails only.
It will take some time for the new name to percolate through the system so both names will probably have a currency for a while yet.
We won't take umbrage if you refer to us by our original name !
Publication : Halifax in the Great War
Posted 1 October 2013
Our chairman, David Millichope, was recently approached by the publishers Pen & Sword who were looking for an author to write a book about Halifax in World War 1. After some initial soul searching due to his existing commitments David has agreed to write “Halifax in the Great War”. There is quite a tight timescale but, with a little help from his friends, we are sure David will deliver on schedule. Watch this space.
The image above is the provisional layout of the title. The image on the lower front cover will be substituted by an appropriate one based on Halifax
Revd T B Hardy VC DSO MC : Presentation Meeting by David Raw
Posted 1 October 2013
On 11th September 2013 we welcomed the author David Raw who gave a presentation on the career of the Rev T B Hardy, one of the most decorated non combatants of the First World War. A short film was followed by a lively discussion before David answered questions. We were privileged to have such a knowledgeable guest and hope David will return in the future.
On The Halifax Trail
Posted 28 August 2013
In July a group of us set off around Halifax to get a preview of some of the locations we are interpreting for our Halifax Great War Trail . This one is at Spring Hall and was the location of one of the several Auxiliary Hospitals that came into play particularly from 1916 onwards. Originally it was owned by the Holdsworth family but has since passed through other hands and more recently been acquired by Calderdale Council and is the home of Calderdale Register Office.
Pictured left to right are : John Sunderland, Rob Hamilton, Alan Rhodes, Graham Bradshaw, Carla Spendlove, Richard Spendlove, Anne Wilkinson, Elaine Beach
Pictured left to right are : John Sunderland, Rob Hamilton, Alan Rhodes, Graham Bradshaw, Carla Spendlove, Richard Spendlove, Anne Wilkinson, Elaine Beach
Organisation of the British Army 1914
Second Presentation Meeting
Posted 18 July
Again pitched at the relative newcomer, Rob Hamilton gave a a splendid presentation on that most confusing of organisations, the British Army. In a clear and easy style that is Rob's hallmark we were taken round the complexities of regular, reservist, special reservist and territorial before looking at how the units were structured .
The presentation meetings now take a break for the summer and the next one is on September 11 at the Old Mill when David Raw will give a talk on the Revd T B Hardy VC DSO MC
The presentation meetings now take a break for the summer and the next one is on September 11 at the Old Mill when David Raw will give a talk on the Revd T B Hardy VC DSO MC
The Great War : An Overview Year by Year.
First presentation in our series for 2013.
Posted 2 July 2013
Following a number of workshops and presentations which have been staged since November 2012 we have now put in place a series of meetings for the rest of 2013. The first one on 20 June attracted a good attendance and included several 'new faces'.
There was also plenty of time for socialising and the evening was rounded off with a lively discussion session.
The next presentation is on Thursday 11 July at the Old Mill, Boothtown. This will be given by Rob Hamilton on 'The Organisation of the British Army in the Great War.
There was also plenty of time for socialising and the evening was rounded off with a lively discussion session.
The next presentation is on Thursday 11 July at the Old Mill, Boothtown. This will be given by Rob Hamilton on 'The Organisation of the British Army in the Great War.
Piece Hall : Neighbour's Day
Posted 10 June 2013
Organised by Alan Rhodes this was our second public event. It was also the first outing for our 'corporate' sweat shirts bearing our new Logo. This helped raise our profile and boosted our membership.
Left to right :
Alan Rhodes
David Millichope
Rosemary Jones
Left to right :
Alan Rhodes
David Millichope
Rosemary Jones
The Great War Gallery Seminar at Bankfield Museum 10 May
Posted 12 May 2013
Franne Wills of Bankfield Museum introduces their HLF funded Centenary Great War Gallery Project to an invited audience.
Richard MacFarlane delivered a keynote address on what the proposed Gallery would be offering.
Halifax Great War Trail Association presented their aims and progress. We were also able to discuss what we would like from the project and how we would be able to work with the proposed galleries.
Richard MacFarlane delivered a keynote address on what the proposed Gallery would be offering.
Halifax Great War Trail Association presented their aims and progress. We were also able to discuss what we would like from the project and how we would be able to work with the proposed galleries.
New Flagship Workstations and Key Word Training
Posted 26 April 2013
At the end of March we installed our two flagship workstations purchased using grant money provided by Calderdale Council Small Grants Scheme .
There are now six people who have been trained up and are getting up to speed with the key wording down at the Estaminet.
(Above )From top to bottom : Trich Morley, Rob Hamilton, John Sunderland.
There are now six people who have been trained up and are getting up to speed with the key wording down at the Estaminet.
(Above )From top to bottom : Trich Morley, Rob Hamilton, John Sunderland.
Flagship Workstations with HD 23" wide screens
NewsCat Keywording now open for business !
Posted 15 March 2013
Thanks to the completion of the refurbishment of our Estaminet we are now able to make a start on the NewsCat database and clear the backlog of photographed items from the Halifax Courier Weekly.
Our IT Database coordinator, Rob Hamilton, has been busy setting up some of our workstations and implementing a work flow to upload and keyword our data. The first training sessions are starting on Monday 18 March.
Anyone wishing to help with the keywording and receive training should contact Rob on robhamilton@live.co.uk.
Our IT Database coordinator, Rob Hamilton, has been busy setting up some of our workstations and implementing a work flow to upload and keyword our data. The first training sessions are starting on Monday 18 March.
Anyone wishing to help with the keywording and receive training should contact Rob on robhamilton@live.co.uk.
One Year On
Posted 8 March 2013
Above : Our first AGM completed and HGWTA ready for another year.
Below : Thanks to the frantic efforts of Alan, John, Rob and Graham the Estaminet was also open and ready to view on the night.
Below : Thanks to the frantic efforts of Alan, John, Rob and Graham the Estaminet was also open and ready to view on the night.
The Estaminet
Posted 12 February 2013
We were made an offer we couldn't refuse.!
Alan Rhodes, one of HGWTA's newer members, has offered us the use of a large vacant room on the ground floor of a converted mill building. Measuring 27' x 11' and originally built as a games room, Alan now intends to convert it into a pastiche of a French /Belgian Estaminet to also house our NewsCat workstations . Historically these buildings were converted by entrepeneurs into social gathering places where you could buy beer, tobacco and food . There is no direct equivalent of the Estaminet, but it best resembles a tavern which also sold farm produce. When soldiers were away from front line duties estaminets were great favourites with them for spending their hard earned rest times.
Alan Rhodes, one of HGWTA's newer members, has offered us the use of a large vacant room on the ground floor of a converted mill building. Measuring 27' x 11' and originally built as a games room, Alan now intends to convert it into a pastiche of a French /Belgian Estaminet to also house our NewsCat workstations . Historically these buildings were converted by entrepeneurs into social gathering places where you could buy beer, tobacco and food . There is no direct equivalent of the Estaminet, but it best resembles a tavern which also sold farm produce. When soldiers were away from front line duties estaminets were great favourites with them for spending their hard earned rest times.
Support from the highest levels
Posted 2 February 2013
We were very excited to receive the following support from two prominent historians involved in the preparations for the Centenary.
Professor Hew Strachan - Military Historian and member of the Government’s First World War Centenary Advisory Board.
‘This is very impressive, and shows just how much can be achieved at local level’.
Professor Richard Grayson - Head of History and Professor of Twentieth Century History at Goldsmiths, University of London and Chair of IWM’s Digital Centenary Programme.
‘Many thanks for this. What a great project! Can we talk more when the full
details of the IWM digital projects are publicised? I'm sure that there will be
many ways in which we can connect’.
Professor Hew Strachan - Military Historian and member of the Government’s First World War Centenary Advisory Board.
‘This is very impressive, and shows just how much can be achieved at local level’.
Professor Richard Grayson - Head of History and Professor of Twentieth Century History at Goldsmiths, University of London and Chair of IWM’s Digital Centenary Programme.
‘Many thanks for this. What a great project! Can we talk more when the full
details of the IWM digital projects are publicised? I'm sure that there will be
many ways in which we can connect’.
Happy New Year everyone
Posted 4 January 2013
And what a significant year it promises to be. Only 18 months to the Centenary so HGWTA’s contribution will probably be largely defined this year.
NewsCat restarted on 3 January and the first workshop meeting is scheduled for Monday 7 January at 10.30 am in Brighouse Library. This will be looking at our first steps towards creating the walking trails.
This month should also see the installation of the long awaited workstations for Lightroom and the first input of key worded data from the Halifax Courier of 1914-18.
NewsCat restarted on 3 January and the first workshop meeting is scheduled for Monday 7 January at 10.30 am in Brighouse Library. This will be looking at our first steps towards creating the walking trails.
This month should also see the installation of the long awaited workstations for Lightroom and the first input of key worded data from the Halifax Courier of 1914-18.
Calderdale Small Grants Application Successful !
Posted 27 November 2012
I'm delighted to announce that Calderdale Small Grants have awarded us our full budget towards IT equipment needed for creating the HGWTA Newspaper database (NewsCat). In conjunction with the help and support we have been receiving from Calderdale Library and Information Services, Calderdale Museum Service, Voluntary Action Calderdale and Pennine Horizons, HGWTA is now very well placed to move forward and achieve its ambitions. There is still a lot of hard work to do but there is now every reason to be looking forward optimistically.
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The funding will allow us to set up at least two terminals to run the powerful Lightroom 4 image database software and with adequate backup facilities. There is a very real chance we can increase this to at least another two more terminals thanks to the loan arrangement with Pennine Horizons. The computer workstations is where the newspaper items will be key worded and therefore searcheable. These items already number about 2000. They have been catalogued from the Halifax Courier Weekly by all the members who have been beavering away in the Central Library over the last few months.
Many thanks to everyone who has worked towards this.
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The funding will allow us to set up at least two terminals to run the powerful Lightroom 4 image database software and with adequate backup facilities. There is a very real chance we can increase this to at least another two more terminals thanks to the loan arrangement with Pennine Horizons. The computer workstations is where the newspaper items will be key worded and therefore searcheable. These items already number about 2000. They have been catalogued from the Halifax Courier Weekly by all the members who have been beavering away in the Central Library over the last few months.
Many thanks to everyone who has worked towards this.
Second Workshop Meeting, 15 November 2012.
Posted 17 November 2012
First of all we are due a huge thank you to HGWTA member, Alan Rhodes, for making his extraordinary house the venue for our second Workshop Meeting. With so many members opting to attend this evening meeting there was more than one voice who queried if there would be enough space. No problems. Even with twelve of us we could still stroll around as if promenading the decks of an ocean liner !
The meeting opened with a fascinating glimpse into Alan's incomparable collection of china memorabilia. Our primary interest was the patriotic items from the Great War but his staggering collection left us willing to believe we had somehow managed to wander into the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
This was followed by a practical demonstration of how the digitised information from the Halifax Courier Weekly pages of 1914-18 was being entered into the Lightroom 4 image database. With about 40,000 newspaper clippings ahead of us it was imperative we had a powerful search facility to access and cross reference the information. Lightroom 4 did not disappoint and a lively discussion followed on the ins and outs of its features.
The meeting opened with a fascinating glimpse into Alan's incomparable collection of china memorabilia. Our primary interest was the patriotic items from the Great War but his staggering collection left us willing to believe we had somehow managed to wander into the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
This was followed by a practical demonstration of how the digitised information from the Halifax Courier Weekly pages of 1914-18 was being entered into the Lightroom 4 image database. With about 40,000 newspaper clippings ahead of us it was imperative we had a powerful search facility to access and cross reference the information. Lightroom 4 did not disappoint and a lively discussion followed on the ins and outs of its features.
Workshop Meetings Begin
Posted on 7 November
The first in a planned series of Workshop meetings took place at Brighouse Library on Friday 2 November.
The first half consisted of two informal presentations based on some of the stories that are beginning to unfold from the pages of the Halifax Courier Weekly.
Elaine Beach told us how food supplies and local trade were disrupted by the outbreak of war and how knitwear for the troops at the front (particularly socks) became a virtual local industry.
David Millichope described the progress of a convoy of illuminated trams that toured the Calder valley whipping up support for recruitment to Kitchener's New Armies.
The second part reviewed the progress of the pilot NewsCat project which is cataloguing the Halifax Courier Weekly in the first three months of the year.
Our second meeting is scheduled for 15 November and is an evening meeting. This will be on 'Patriotic China of the Great War' and Alan Rhodes will be displaying items from his impressive collection.
The second part will be looking at a demonstration of how our digitised newspaper items are uploaded into the Lightroom database and how they are key worded.
Details in the website diary on the 'Contact Us' page.
The first half consisted of two informal presentations based on some of the stories that are beginning to unfold from the pages of the Halifax Courier Weekly.
Elaine Beach told us how food supplies and local trade were disrupted by the outbreak of war and how knitwear for the troops at the front (particularly socks) became a virtual local industry.
David Millichope described the progress of a convoy of illuminated trams that toured the Calder valley whipping up support for recruitment to Kitchener's New Armies.
The second part reviewed the progress of the pilot NewsCat project which is cataloguing the Halifax Courier Weekly in the first three months of the year.
Our second meeting is scheduled for 15 November and is an evening meeting. This will be on 'Patriotic China of the Great War' and Alan Rhodes will be displaying items from his impressive collection.
The second part will be looking at a demonstration of how our digitised newspaper items are uploaded into the Lightroom database and how they are key worded.
Details in the website diary on the 'Contact Us' page.
Great News ! IT Equipment for Newspaper Cataloguing Database.
Posted on 9 October 2012
Frank Woolrych (right) of Pennine Horizons, Birchcliffe Centre, hands over some IT equipment on loan to HGWTA, represented here by David Millichope (left). This is an important step for HGWTA who are now able to start setting up work stations for uploading and key wording a backlog of catalogued and scanned newspaper items. These are from the Halifax Courier Weekly 1914-18 and will be uploaded into the Lightroom image database.
Work begins on Graphic Design of Mobile Exhibition
Posted 21 September 2012
Left John Sunderland, Centre Rosemary Jones, Right Elaine Beach
Grant Funding Posted 20 September 2012
We are pleased to announce that we have been successful with our bid for funding from Calderdale Small Grants Scheme for our advertising budget. This will allow us to purchase items such as professional display stands, a secure display case and printed literature which will raise awareness of the activities of our association and attract more members to help with our projects. We are now seeking financial support for IT equipment which is essential for our Newspaper Cataloguing Database and are hopeful of a solution to this in the near future.
New Consitution and Grant Application Posted 14 August 2012
A EGM was held on Friday 10 August at Bankfied Museum which approved a new constitution for HGWTA. We are grateful to the staff of Voluntary Action Calderdale who advised us on this to support our application for grant funding from Calderdale Small Grants.
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Newspaper Cataloguing Pilot Launched Posted 10 August 2012
An important milestone was reached on 19 July when HGWTA launched its pilot scheme to catalogue the content of local newspapers. The target is to complete the cataloguing of the first three months of the war (up to 31 October 1914) by 11 November 2012. The system itself is still ‘work in progress’ so there has been no general appeal for extra volunteers. Once this pilot has refined the cataloguing system then it will become necessary to call on volunteers and to start planning for the massive task of cataloguing the whole war period.
A New Website and lots of Committee activity. Posted 22 June 2012
Welcome to our new website hosted by iPage. Much of it is still a case of work in progress but you should be able to see some activity on most pages.
Generally, there’s lots to report on including :-
· Submission of our pre-application for Heritage Lottery Funding.
· Preparations for an Official Launch Campaign to culminate in an exhibition on Saturday 10 November 2012.
· Advanced development of our Newspaper Cataloguing System
· PR activity to raise awareness of our association.
Some more details on these to follow in later news posts.
Generally, there’s lots to report on including :-
· Submission of our pre-application for Heritage Lottery Funding.
· Preparations for an Official Launch Campaign to culminate in an exhibition on Saturday 10 November 2012.
· Advanced development of our Newspaper Cataloguing System
· PR activity to raise awareness of our association.
Some more details on these to follow in later news posts.