Shalliley Books

Holmfirth methodist church was full last Friday morning for a talk on the rogue Thongsbridge clergyman, Edmund Robinson. John Cross, author and historian, illustrated his presentation with images where significant events took place, such as Smithy Place, Thick Hollins and New Mill Club. There were also slides from further afield: House of Commons, Cambridge, Lancaster and Whitehall. The curate’s antics were noted in some very high places. He was executed for counterfeiting coins at Knavesmire, York.

John mentioned his book and his sources, and how he became involved through his passion for archaeology. He thought there might have been something to dig up.

The Holmfirth U3A have nearly 500 members who have lots of interests and activities. They are always open to new members.

The book is available from the author (01484666528), the publisher (01484683196) and Amazon. £9.99.

A plea for help – does anyone know the whereabouts of a New Mill family called Haigh who might have the rogue curate’s tools of counterfeiting in their possession?

John Cross was born in 1947 at Clatterbridge, Poulton-cum-Spital, on the Wirral. He was educated at The Wirral Grammar School, and at St. Catherine’s College, Oxford. Having graduated in Geography, he then took a Certificate in Education at the University’s Department of Education. His first teaching post was in 1970 at Huddersfield New College, after which he transferred to the 11-18 Comprehensive sector. Having taught briefly at Honley High School he then became Head Of Geography at The Brooksbank School, a post he held for over twenty seven years.

Following his retirement in 2007, he retrained in Archaeology, with a qualification from the Open University, and from the Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. Practical experience was gained through the York Trust Hungate Dig, after which he was a volunteer working with The Durham and Northumberland Architectural and Archaeological Society, The North Pennine Partnership and the Dig Greater Manchester project. He has lived in the Holme Valley for over thirty years and is now the President of the Huddersfield and District Archaeological Society.

Great turnout for the ribbon-cutting. After 5 years of fund raising, planning and building, the Pavilion committee proudly opened the renovated Honley CC pavilion. We contributed in a small way and sponsored a brick.

The group overseeing fundraising for the pavilion restoration have finally got the go ahead. Building starts in September.

They are also exploring smaller projects by way of thanking contributors, growing good will within the community and advertising what is happening. Hence a ‘sponsor a brick’ campaign – tel David Hutchinson 07801522321.

For more info on the whole story, contact – chrishumphries@sky.com