Behind the Stands: A Glimpse of Huddersfield's Accu Stadium on a Quiet Day

On a bright late-May day in 2023, with a Nikon D3300 in hand, I took a stroll around the perimeter of what is currently known as the Accu Stadium in Huddersfield. The gates were closed, meaning no peek inside at the hallowed turf, but even from the outside, the stadium's distinctive architecture and the quiet hum of its surroundings offered plenty to appreciate and reflect upon.

Currently known as the Accu Stadium, and previously known as the John Smith's Stadium, Kirklees Stadium, the Galpharm Stadium and the Alfred McAlpine Stadium, this multi-purpose venue is a true landmark for Huddersfield. It's the proud home of two significant sporting institutions: Huddersfield Town AFC, affectionately known as "The Terriers," and the Huddersfield Giants Rugby League Football Club.

The stadium's design is striking, particularly its curved roofs and distinctive white trusswork that arch over the stands. This architectural flair isn't just for show; it's a testament to modern stadium design when it opened. The images capture these arches beautifully against the clear blue sky, hinting at the vastness within, even when empty. Opened in 1994, it was initially a ground-breaking venture, moving both clubs from their historic but aging homes – Leeds Road for Huddersfield Town and Fartown for the Huddersfield Giants. This move was a significant step forward, providing state-of-the-art facilities for both clubs and their fans.

One of the most interesting facts about the stadium is its innovative funding model. It was developed through a unique partnership between Kirklees Metropolitan Council, Huddersfield Town AFC, and Huddersfield Giants. This collaborative effort ensured that the town retained significant ownership and control, a model that has since been emulated by other clubs. The stadium company, Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd (KSDL), manages the venue, overseeing everything from match days to conferences and concerts.

Even on a quiet Saturday, with no match-day crowds or roaring fans, the stadium exudes a certain presence. The surrounding pathways and car parks, usually teeming with activity, were empty, allowing for a different perspective on the venue. You can imagine the roar of the crowd emanating from within the stands, where a glimpse of the blue seating is visible through the gates. The towering floodlights, stand sentinel, ready to illuminate evening games and create that special atmosphere under the lights.

The external signage, such as "THE CORE STAND" and "THE TERRIERS,", proudly displays the stadium's identity and its connection to its sporting tenants. It's a reminder that this isn't just a building; it's a home, a place of shared memories, triumphs, and sometimes, heartbreaks for thousands of supporters.

Driving around the stadium, as captured in the various images, you get a sense of its integration into the local landscape. Nestled amongst trees and green spaces, it's a substantial structure that nonetheless blends with its surroundings. The approach roads and parking areas, while functional, are softened by the greenery, where the stadium peeks out from behind lush foliage.

While I couldn't step onto the pitch or sit in the stands this time, these external shots offer a valuable insight into the Accu Stadium (or Kirklees Stadium, as it is widely known). They showcase its architectural significance, its role as a dual-sporting arena, and the quiet dignity it holds even on a non-match day. It's a place that buzzes with life and passion, and even from the outside, you can feel the echoes of countless sporting moments.

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A Stroll Through History: Exploring the Huddersfield Narrow Canal between Bridges 51 and 48

On a pleasant day, July 25th, 2020, I embarked on a delightful walk along a stretch of the historic Huddersfield Narrow Canal, traversing the picturesque route between bridges 51 and 48, between the charming villages of Marsden and Slaithwaite. With camera in hand, I captured a number of images, which can be seen below, each one telling a story of this fascinating waterway, in a monochromatic way.

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal is a true engineering marvel, a testament to the ingenuity of the Industrial Revolution. It's the highest canal in Britain, renowned for its challenging passage through the Pennines, including the famous Standedge Tunnel. Walking this section, you truly feel a connection to that rich history.

The path itself is a joy to navigate. Even on a summer's day, there's a sense of tranquillity as you follow the towpath alongside the water. The lush greenery on either side, with mature trees providing dappled shade, creates a serene atmosphere. You can see from some of the photos that parts of the towpath are well-maintained gravel, while others reveal the charming, traditional cobblestones, adding to the character of the walk. Even with a few puddles from recent rain, the path was easily walkable and added to the natural feel of the environment.

A highlight of this particular stretch is encountering the canal locks. I was fortunate enough to capture images of Lock 28E, 27E and Lock 26E. These grand structures, with their sturdy wooden gates and the mechanisms that control the water levels, are a constant reminder of the incredible effort it took to build and operate this canal. Seeing the lock numbers clearly marked, truly grounds you in the specific location along this vast network. It's easy to imagine the narrowboats of yesteryear patiently waiting their turn, carrying vital goods across the country.

Beyond the locks, the canal meanders through a landscape that seamlessly blends nature with remnants of human endeavour. The reflections of the trees in the calm water are particularly captivating, and the occasional glimpses of distant hills add to the scenic beauty. You can see the blend of open fields and densely wooded areas, providing a diverse visual experience.

This walk along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal offers more than just a pleasant ramble; it's an immersive journey into a significant piece of British heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, I highly recommend exploring this captivating waterway. It's a truly rewarding experience, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history that lie just a stone's throw away.

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Capturing History: The Turnbridge Lift Bridge, Huddersfield - A Photographer's Delight

 Huddersfield, a town steeped in industrial heritage, holds many hidden gems for photographers. One such gem is the fascinating Turnbridge Lift Bridge, a testament to the town's canal-based past. Officially known as simply "Turnbridge," and designated as bridge number 17 on the Huddersfield Broad Canal, this unique structure offers a blend of historical charm and mechanical intrigue that's perfect for capturing striking images.

Located on Quay Street, just a short stroll from the town centre, the Turnbridge Lift Bridge (often referred to colloquially as a Locomotive lift bridge) spans the Huddersfield Broad Canal, providing a tangible link to a bygone era. Built in 1865, replacing an earlier swing bridge, its design speaks volumes about the ingenuity of Victorian engineers.

What Makes it Photogenic?

• The Mechanical Marvel: The bridge's lifting mechanism, a combination of wheels, chains, and counterweights, is a visual feast. Whether you're capturing the intricate details of the machinery or the grand sweep of the bridge deck rising, there's a compelling story to tell.
• Historical Context: The canal setting, with its narrowboats and towpaths, provides a rich backdrop for your photographs. The contrast between the weathered brickwork of the bridge and the tranquil water of the canal creates a captivating visual narrative.
• Light and Shadow: The bridge's structure casts interesting shadows throughout the day, offering opportunities for dramatic compositions. The golden hour, just before sunset, is particularly magical, as the warm light illuminates the bridge's intricate details.
• The Lifting Action: If you're lucky enough to witness the bridge in action, you'll have the chance to capture a truly dynamic scene. The slow, deliberate movement of the bridge as it lifts to allow a narrowboat to pass is a mesmerizing sight. Previously windlass operated, it was updated in 2002 and is now electrically powered, making the lifting action smooth and reliable.

Photography Tips:

• Explore Different Angles: Don't be afraid to experiment with different perspectives. Try shooting from ground level, from the towpath, or even from a higher vantage point if you can find one.
• Capture the Details: Focus on the intricate details of the bridge's mechanism, such as the chains, gears, and counterweights. These elements tell the story of the bridge's history and functionality.
• Use a Tripod: A tripod will allow you to capture sharp images, especially in low-light conditions. It will also allow you to use longer exposures to capture the movement of the water or the bridge.
• Consider Black and White: The bridge's industrial aesthetic lends itself well to black and white photography. This can help to emphasize the bridge's texture and form.
• Time Your Visit: Check the canal's schedule to see if you can time your visit to coincide with a narrowboat passing. This will give you the opportunity to capture the bridge in action.
• Consider the surrounding area: The area around the bridge also lends itself to photography, with the canal, and the surrounding buildings providing extra context to your images.

The Turnbridge Lift Bridge is more than just a functional structure; it's a piece of living history. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or simply looking for a unique subject to capture, this fascinating bridge is sure to inspire you. So, grab your camera and head to Huddersfield to discover the photographic potential of this hidden gem.

I took the following images on the 27th May 2023 with a Nikon d3300 camera, clicking any images should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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A Quick Stop on the Huddersfield Line - Deighton Railway Station

Deighton Railway Station serves the Deighton area of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. It's a handy little station for those needing a quick and convenient connection to Huddersfield or Leeds.

Interestingly, there have actually been two stations at Deighton! The first station opened in 1871 and served a branch line to Kirkburton. Sadly, that station closed in 1930. The current Deighton Station we see today is a much younger addition, having opened in 1982.

Deighton Station is located roughly two miles northeast of Huddersfield Station on the Huddersfield Line towards Leeds. Trains are frequent, with journeys to Huddersfield taking a mere 4 minutes on average. Trans Pennine Express is the main operator on this route.

While the station itself is compact, there are two platforms and a ticket office. There are no waiting rooms or toilets at the station, but there are shelters on both platforms for waiting passengers.

For onward journeys after your train ride, bus stops are located a short walk from the station on Leeds Road, with connections to both Leeds and Huddersfield. Taxis are also readily available.

Deighton Station might be a small station, but it offers a vital service for the Deighton community and surrounding areas.

Whether you're a local resident or just visiting, Deighton Station is a great way to get around Huddersfield and beyond. So next time you're in the area, consider hopping on a train and checking it out!

I took these pictures on the 27th May 2023 with a Nikon d3300. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

Thanks for looking, all the images are the copyright of Colin Green.