Lost Lines and Echoes of Steam: A Journey Through Calderdale's Railway Heritage

Calderdale, with its dramatic valleys and industrial past, was once a thriving hub of railway activity. Today, I'm excited to share a project that sheds light on this rich history: a short YouTube video slideshow titled "Railway Stations of Calderdale."

This isn't just any slideshow; it's a comprehensive visual journey featuring public domain pictures of nearly every single railway station that has ever served an area of Calderdale. From grand Victorian structures to humble halts, this collection paints a vivid picture of a rail network that once crisscrossed our region.

What's even more remarkable is the sheer scope of this project. Out of all the stations that existed, there were only four that I couldn't track down a public domain image for: Brighouse Clifton Road, Halifax Shaw Syke, Rochdale Road Halt (Stainland Branch), and West Vale Station. For every other station, I managed to find at least one photograph, and crucially, the video also includes a current picture of every station that remains open today. To help you trace their stories, opening and closing dates are included with each image, alongside the estimated re-opening date for Elland, which is currently projected for 2022.

A Heritage Lost, and a Future Imagined

Watching this slideshow is a bittersweet experience. It starkly highlights the magnificent railway heritage that, sadly, we largely 'chucked away' in this area. Of all the closed stations, only Elland and potentially Hipperholme stand a chance of ever seeing trains again.

Imagine the possibilities if we had 'land banked' those closed lines and stations. We could have been looking at a revived Queensbury Lines, with Holmfield or Ovenden Stations providing an invaluable extra route to the north via Keighley. The Pickle Bridge line, with its Baliff Bridge or Clifton Road Stations, could have offered much-needed extra capacity on the route between Huddersfield and Bradford. Think of the impact on road congestion if we had added extra stations at Luddendenfoot, Cornholme, or Portsmouth (Lancs), or at Norwood Green or Lightcliffe.

This video isn't just a nostalgic trip; it's a poignant reminder of what was and a prompt to consider what could have been. It underscores the importance of preserving our infrastructure and planning for the future.

Take a moment to explore Calderdale's railway past – you might be surprised by what you discover!

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Exploring the Ryburn Valley Reservoirs: Baitings and Ryburn

Join me on a picturesque journey around two of the stunning reservoirs nestled in the Ryburn Valley: Baitings Reservoir and Ryburn Reservoir. These images were captured back in July 2018 using my trusty Nikon D3300 camera, a perfect companion for exploring the beautiful Calderdale landscape.

Ryburn Reservoir: A Timeless Water Source

Our exploration begins with Ryburn Reservoir, a vital water source built in 1933. It's gracefully surrounded by a tapestry of ancient woodland and open rural fields, making it a truly tranquil spot. Located just south of the A58, on the edge of the charming village of Ripponden, Ryburn was originally constructed to supply fresh water to the people of Wakefield. There are numerous walking paths around the dam, inviting you to wander through its serene surroundings. For those feeling adventurous, you can even climb further up the valley to reach the higher Baitings Reservoir.

Baitings Reservoir: Head of the Valley

Continuing our ascent, we arrive at Baitings Reservoir, which opened a little later in 1956. Also built to supply Wakefield, Baitings sits proudly at the head of the Ryburn Valley, primarily fed by the River Ryburn itself, along with several smaller streams.

Baitings holds a fascinating secret: during periods of exceptionally low water levels, the original bridge crossing becomes visible. While the water levels were too high to reveal it during this particular visit in July 2018, I was fortunate enough to capture a picture of it on a subsequent trip, which I'll be sure to share with you all very soon in a future post!

These two reservoirs offer not just essential resources, but also incredible beauty and a chance to connect with nature right here in West Yorkshire.

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The pictures above are Baitings Reservoir.

The previous 6 pictures were taken. at Ryburn Reservoir.

Baitings Reservoir in the distance from Ryburn Reservoir.

The previous 3 pictures are Ryburn Reservoir.

Ryburn Reservoir.

Baitings Reservoir.

Baitings Reservoir.

Baitings Reservoir.

Back o'the Heights Road Bridge.

The previous 4 pictures are taken around Baitings Reservoir.

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Scenic Drive Through Ryburn Valley: Scammonden to Sowerby Bridge Pt 3, Pt 4 and Pt 5.

Ever wonder what the winding roads of the Ryburn Valley look like from the driver's seat? I recently took a beautiful walk around the lake beside the M62 and decided to capture the return journey, transforming it into a five-part video series. It was a perfect opportunity to showcase the stunning landscapes and charming villages we passed through.

This video series takes you on a journey from Scammonden all the way to Sowerby Bridge, tracing the Ryburn Valley and passing through picturesque spots like Barkisland, Rishworth, Ripponden, Triangle, and Kebroyd. Each clip is set to music, making for a relaxing and visually engaging experience.

Part 3 features 2.1 miles from the western edge of Rishworth to the centre of Ripponden, West Yorkshire and last's for 4min 27secs.

Part 4 is the 1.5 miles stretch from Ripponden to the western edge of Triangle and is 3min 2 sec long.

The final part 5 covers the 1.9 miles from Triangle to Wakefield Road, Sowerby Bridge and last for 4min 18secs taking in the centres of Triangle and Sowerby Bridge.

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Scenic Drive Through Ryburn Valley: Scammonden to Sowerby Bridge Pt 1 and Pt 2.

Ever wonder what the winding roads of the Ryburn Valley look like from the driver's seat? I recently took a beautiful walk around the lake beside the M62 and decided to capture the return journey, transforming it into a five-part video series. It was a perfect opportunity to showcase the stunning landscapes and charming villages we passed through.

This video series takes you on a journey from Scammonden all the way to Sowerby Bridge, tracing the Ryburn Valley and passing through picturesque spots like Barkisland, Rishworth, Ripponden, Triangle, and Kebroyd. Each clip is set to music, making for a relaxing and visually engaging experience.

We're kicking things off with Part 1, a 4-minute and 7-second clip. This segment covers the initial 1.1-mile stretch from Scammonden to Withens End Lane in Barkisland. Get ready to see the early views of this scenic drive!

Part 2 takes in the 1.2 mile stretch of road from Withens End Lane to the edge of Rishworth, climbing down the valley and underneath the dam head of Booth Wood Reservoir. This clip last again for 4mins 7secs.

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A Glimpse into Calderdale's Past: Vintage Views

Ever wonder what your local area looked like decades ago? We've put together a fascinating video featuring 20 vintage images from at least 30 years ago, offering a unique peek into the history of Halifax and the wider Calderdale area of West Yorkshire.

This collection of photographs captures many notable landmarks and forgotten scenes that will surely spark some nostalgia. You'll see iconic spots like Wainhouse Terrace and the familiar grounds of The Shay Stadium. The video also includes a look at Thrum Hall Stadium, a place that holds many memories for local sports fans.

One particularly intriguing section features Lee Bank from a time after the Queensbury Railway had closed, but before the Lee Bank Tunnel and Viaducts were eventually removed. These images offer a rare chance to see these significant structures in their pre-demolition state.

Each picture in the video is clearly labelled with its place name, making it easy to identify these historical locations. It's a fantastic journey back in time, showcasing how much our towns and landscapes have evolved while still retaining their unique character.

So, if you're a local history buff or just curious about how things used to be, this video is definitely worth a watch!

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A Glimpse Through Time: Unearthing Old Halifax in a New YouTube Video

Have you ever wondered what daily life looked like in Halifax over a century ago? I'm excited to share a new YouTube video I've put together, a compilation of vintage images of Halifax from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These aren't just any old photos; they're a mix of postcards from my personal collection and digital copies I've gathered, all thoughtfully compiled into a dynamic slideshow. To the best of my knowledge, every picture featured is either in the public domain, copyright-free, or creatively commons commercially licensed, ensuring we can all enjoy these historical treasures without restriction. I simply felt these amazing images deserved to be seen rather than just stored away!

The video offers a fascinating journey through approximately 20 pictures taken right in the immediate Halifax area. You'll see people going about their everyday lives, historic sports teams, and iconic local landmarks like the magnificent Piece Hall, the imposing Town Hall, and the bustling Train Station. But perhaps one of the most unexpected inclusions is a picture of an elephant – an exhibit from the short-lived Halifax Zoo, which operated between 1909 and 1916. Interestingly, the site where this zoo once stood is now the home ground of Siddal ARLFC.

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