From Railway Station to Resting Place: The Hunt for a Rugby Legend's Grave!

You know those moments when you're just… waiting? Like, really waiting? That was me, recently, at the Sowerby Bridge Railway Station. My usual tactic of staring blankly into the middle distance wasn't cutting it, so I turned my attention to the notice boards adorning the platform. And boy, am I glad I did!

Amidst the usual train timetables and local events, a short biography caught my eye – that of a Halifax Rugby League Footballer named Joe Riley (Gledhill). As I delved into the words, a little nugget of information jumped out at me: he was buried right here in Sowerby Bridge at the nearby Cemetery.

Now, I don't know about you, but there's something about a local hero and a nearby resting place that just sparks my inner detective. The mission was set: find Joe's grave!

Fast forward a few weeks to today, May 18th, 2025. Serendipity struck! I found myself near Sowerby Bridge Cemetery, and the opportunity to embark on my grave-hunting quest presented itself. Armed with my newfound knowledge, I ventured forth.

The Gledhill family, it turns out, has two plots side-by-side. My research, a quick dive into the digital archives (because who doesn't love a bit of pre-hunt internet sleuthing?), led me to believe that Joe's remains were interred with his mother and father in plot b312, to the right of his brothers' plot.

Here’s the thing, though: the headstone itself bears no mention of Joe. So, I'm crossing my fingers and toes that my information is spot on. But even if it’s not emblazoned on stone, the journey to find him was a brilliant little adventure, and it sparked a deeper dive into the life of this remarkable sportsman.

So, who was Joe Riley Gledhill? Let me tell you, this wasn't just any rugby player.

Joe Riley, Taken from the Halifax Panthers RLFC website, all rights and credits to the owner of the image. Click the image to be taken to the clubs Hall of Fame site.

Joe Riley Gledhill: A True Titan of the Turf (and Beyond!)

Born on June 16, 1882, right here in Sowerby Bridge, Joe was a force to be reckoned with. He played professional rugby league through the 1890s, 1900s, and 1910s, and even dipped his toes into coaching rugby union in the 1910s and 20s.

Imagine this: Joe represented Great Britain, England, and Yorkshire! He tore up the field for Sowerby Bridge and Halifax, a versatile player who could dominate as a centre, stand-off, or scrum-half. After his playing days, he even coached the newly established Halifax RUFC, alongside fellow Halifax Hall of Famer, Archie Rigg. Talk about a dynamic duo!

When he wasn't busy being a rugby legend, Joe worked for Smith, Bulmer & Co., a textile business in Holmfield. He passed away on February 28, 1950, at the age of 67, and his funeral fittingly took place in Sowerby Bridge Cemetery – bringing this story full circle.

A Career Bursting with Glory:

• International Caps: Joe earned caps for England against Wales in 1910 and Australia in 1911 while playing for Halifax. And get this – he even toured Australia and New Zealand with the 1910 Great Britain Lions, earning caps against Australia and Australasia!
• County King: He also proudly wore the Yorkshire cap while at Halifax.
• Challenge Cup Conqueror: Joe was no stranger to silverware! He played scrum-half in Halifax's 7-0 victory over Salford in the 1902–03 Challenge Cup Final. The next year, in the 1903–04 Challenge Cup Final, he was at centre and even scored a try in their 8-3 triumph over Warrington. What a legacy!
• Club Hero: Joe made his debut for Halifax on September 7, 1901. His playing career, sadly, was cut short by a badly broken leg sustained in a match against Bradford Northern in January 1915.
• A Well-Deserved Farewell: In 1920, a testimonial match was held for Joe and Asa Robinson at Thrum Hall, Halifax. A whopping 20,000 people showed up, and Joe received a cheque for £400 – a princely sum back then!
• Halifax Hall of Famer: It's no surprise that Joe Riley is a proud inductee into the Halifax Hall of Fame. His contributions to the sport are etched into the town's history.

So, while the headstone may be silent on Joe's individual triumphs, his story echoes through the history books and, thanks to a serendipitous moment at a railway station, now through the peaceful pathways of Sowerby Bridge Cemetery. It just goes to show, you never know what fascinating discoveries await when you keep your eyes (and your mind) open!

The pictures below were taken when I hopefully found his resting place. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The entrance to Sowerby Bridge Cemetery.

Joe Riley Gledhill parents grave and from my research also the final resting place of Joe.

The Gledhill family graves side by side.

A look across the un-consecrated section B at Sowerby Bridge cemetery.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media, and check out my portfolios on Photo4Me and Clickasnap via the links below.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Ballerina Poster on Zazzle

Are you a fan of the graceful world of ballet and looking to add a touch of elegance to your space? If so, I’ve got just the thing for you! Whether you’re a ballerina yourself or simply appreciate the beauty of this timeless art form, there’s a perfect piece of decor that can make your space reflect your passion and love for dance.

Why You'll Love This Ballerina Poster

1. Elegant and Timeless Design
   The poster captures the grace and poise of a ballerina in a beautifully composed image, perfect for anyone who loves the artistry of dance. The fluid motion, the elegance of the dancer, and the attention to detail make this a piece that will be appreciated by ballet lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

2. Perfect for Any Space
   Whether you want to brighten up your living room, decorate a dance studio, or add a delicate touch to your bedroom or office, this ballerina poster is versatile. Its simple yet stunning design will complement almost any decor style, from contemporary to classic.

3. High-Quality Printing
   Zazzle is known for offering top-quality prints, and this ballerina poster is no exception. You can choose from a variety of sizes, ensuring it fits perfectly in your space. The vibrant colors and clarity of the print will bring a professional and artistic touch to any wall.

4. Customization Options
   What’s great about Zazzle is that they offer customization. You can choose the size, framing options, and even add a personalized touch if you like. This allows you to make the poster uniquely yours.

5. Great Gift Idea
   Looking for a gift for someone who loves ballet, dance, or art? This ballerina poster makes for a thoughtful and personal gift. Whether for a friend, a dance teacher, or a family member, this beautiful piece of art will surely be appreciated.

Why Shop on Zazzle?

Zazzle has built a reputation for offering a wide array of creative, high-quality, and customizable products, from art prints to home decor and accessories. With a seamless shopping experience, you can easily order your favorite designs and have them shipped to your doorstep quickly.

The platform also gives you the option to browse through a variety of designs, and with the Ballerina Poster being one of the most popular items, it reflects the growing appreciation for dance-inspired art. Whether you're a long-time ballet fan or new to the world of dance, Zazzle provides the perfect outlet to express that passion visually.

In Summary

If you're on the hunt for a striking, sophisticated piece of decor, the Ballerina Poster on Zazzle might just be the perfect addition to your home or studio. It embodies the grace, elegance, and artistry of ballet, and with the flexibility of customization that Zazzle offers, it’s easy to make this piece uniquely yours.

Simply click the image below to be taken to the collection of products I offer adorned with the ballerina image on Zazzle, the image can also be added to alternative products of your choosing with Zazzle editing options.

Whilst I am currently offering the image on a collection of wall hangings and postcards, it can be transferred to any number of products of your choosing including clothing, cards, housewares, posters and many other products. There are options to increase - decrease the sizes and add filters for different effects to suit your purposes.

Raphael Kirchner.. Pin Ups and Vintage Girls.

Sometimes, the most unexpected discoveries land right in your lap. Recently, I stumbled upon a fascinating collection of images, a veritable time capsule brimming with the echoes of bygone eras. I'm told these pictures are copyright free, and as they sat there, a silent testament to forgotten artistry and cultural moments, I couldn't shake the feeling that they deserved more than just gathering dust.

Imagine leafing through a stack that includes vibrant old travel posters, each a miniature invitation to a world long past. Then there are the delicate autographs, whispers of famous hands and personalities. And let's not forget the captivating pin-up girls, each a unique expression of artistic style and societal ideals. The collection even holds a glimpse into the more discreet world of Victorian erotica, offering a fascinating, albeit perhaps blush-inducing, peek into the sensibilities of the time. Rounding it all off are portraits of celebrities, frozen moments of fame and recognition.

It felt like a disservice to keep these intriguing snapshots locked away. So, I decided to bring a small portion of this treasure trove to life. My first foray into sharing this collection focuses on the captivating work of Raphael Kirchner.

For those unfamiliar, Raphael Kirchner was an incredibly prolific Austrian artist, born on May 5th, 1875. Despite a tragically short life – he passed away on August 2nd, 1917, at the young age of 42 – Kirchner left behind an astonishing legacy of over a thousand paintings and drawings. His distinctive style, often characterized by elegant lines and a certain romanticism, captured the spirit of his era.

I've carefully selected 30 images from the Raphael Kirchner part of the collection and transformed them into a short slideshow video, now available for your viewing pleasure on YouTube. It's a small window into the artistry of Kirchner and a chance to appreciate the beauty and detail of his work.

This is just the beginning of exploring this fascinating collection. I'm excited to delve deeper into the other categories – the allure of vintage travel, the stories behind the autographs, the artistry of the pin-ups, the intrigue of the Victorian era, and the faces of fame.

Stay tuned for more glimpses into this unearthed world

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