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.

Valley Parade: A Stadium Forged by History and Resilience

Valley Parade, a name that evokes a deep sense of pride and a poignant memory for many, stands as the home of Bradford City AFC in the Manningham district of Bradford. This stadium is more than just a football ground; it's a monument to the city's rich sporting history and an enduring symbol of resilience in the face of tragedy.

---

A Century of Sporting Heritage

The stadium's history stretches back to 1886, when it was built on the site of a quarry as the home of Manningham FC, the first champions of the Northern Union (rugby league). Bradford City took up residence in 1903, and since then, Valley Parade has also hosted other teams, including Bradford (Park Avenue) and Bradford Bulls RLFC, cementing its status as a central pillar of West Yorkshire's sporting community.

The stadium itself has undergone many transformations. Until 1952, it was largely unchanged from its early days, but a major structural fault in the Midland Road Stand led to its demolition. For a time, Valley Parade was a three-sided ground until the new East Stand was finally completed in 1966. The pictures from December 2022 show the modern, all-seater stadium, a far cry from its earlier iterations.

---

Remembering the Tragedy of 1985

On May 11, 1985, Valley Parade was the scene of one of the worst disasters in the history of sport. A fire swept through the wooden structure of the Main Stand (now the JCT 600 Stand), a tragedy that claimed the lives of 56 people and injured 265 others. This event forever changed the stadium and the community.

In the years following the disaster, the stadium was completely rebuilt from the ground up. Today, it stands as a state-of-the-art, all-seater stadium with a capacity of 25,136, spread across five distinct stands, including the Main Stand which was rebuilt to modern safety standards. The new stadium is not just a place for sport; it is a powerful memorial to those who lost their lives, a testament to the community's strength, and a symbol of hope and renewal.

Clicking the pictures below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

The Main (West) Stand

The JCT 600 Stand, or the Main Stand, is the centerpiece of Valley Parade, a structure with a unique and defining presence. It's the largest stand in the stadium, with a capacity for 9,004 fans, yet it's distinctive for not stretching the full length of the pitch. Instead, the stand occupies just three-quarters of the pitch-side space, with offices filling the remaining quarter. This design gives the stand a unique visual character and creates a natural boundary between the roaring crowd and the administrative heart of the club.

In a small, open section near the offices, a patch of uncovered seating offers a different kind of matchday experience, exposed to the elements. This slight quirk in the design adds to the stand's charm, making it a truly unique feature of the iconic stadium.

The Midland Road (East) Stand

The Midland Road Stand at Bradford's Valley Parade is more than just a single tier of seating; it's a testament to the club's past and the ambition of a former era. With a capacity of 4,500, this stand is a familiar sight to fans, particularly as it's the section used to house away supporters.

Around the turn of the millennium, former chairman Geoffrey Richmond envisioned a far grander future for this part of the stadium. His ambitious plan was to add a second tier, which would have increased the East Stand's capacity to a remarkable 10,000. This project, a symbol of the club's high hopes, never came to fruition. Despite this, the stand remains a crucial part of Valley Parade's identity, a place where rival fans gather to create a vibrant atmosphere and add to the rich tapestry of the matchday experience.

The Kop

This picture perfectly captures the unique character of traditional British football stadiums. Unlike modern, out-of-town arenas, Valley Parade is deeply woven into the fabric of its community. The image shows the Kop Stand rising dramatically over the terraced houses of Rear Rock Terrace, a powerful reminder that the stadium is part of the neighbourhood, not separate from it.

The stadium’s distinctive, asymmetrical shape is a result of this close relationship. Local folklore says the odd angle of the main stand is a direct consequence of the "right to light" laws, which prevented major development from casting a shadow over the homes to the east. This isn’t just a stadium; it’s an urban fortress, built in harmony with the houses that have stood watch over it for generations, a true symbol of football's place at the heart of the community.

The Kop Stand is more than just a place to watch a match—it’s a powerful symbol of fan passion. As the second largest stand in the stadium, with a capacity for 7,492 supporters, it's a vibrant heart of the club. What makes this Kop particularly unique is its design: unlike the traditional, single-tiered Kop stands found in many British stadiums, this one rises in a distinctive two-tiered structure, a modern twist on a classic footballing tradition.

TL Dallas (South) Stand

While the other stands at Valley Parade rise majestically, the TL Dallas South Stand holds its own with a distinct, compact character. Tucked in by Holywell Ash Lane, this two-tiered stand is the smallest in the stadium, with a capacity of 1,840. Despite its size, it’s a crucial part of the ground's atmosphere, as it traditionally houses the away fans. This unique role, combined with its intimate scale and the physical limitations on its expansion, makes the South Stand a a small but vital part of the stadium's story.

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.

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Griffin Park, Brentford.

Not a set of football pics but a set of art works created by me of the former Griffin Park Football Stadium, Home of Brentford Football Club until 2020. 

Griffin Park opened on the 1st September 1904 with a 1-1 draw between Brentford and Plymouth Argyle, and closed after the final game between Brentford "B" and Erith Town in the London Senior Cup. The record attendance for a Brentford FC match at the ground was 38678 fora FA Cup 6th round tie against Leicester City in the February 1949, Brentford lost 2-0.

The ground has featured athletics, tennis, Gaelic Football and baseball in the early part of it's history, and was the home ground of the London Broncos Rugby League team from 2002 until 2006.

Other notes of interest about Griffin Park is the stadium being underneath the flight path of Heathrow Airport and the roof of the stands being used as giant advertising boards, and a pub being situated on each corner of the ground.

Clicking the images below 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!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

UK Rugby League Grounds from Above

Rugby League isn't just a hobby for me; it's a deep-rooted passion, particularly when it comes to my beloved Halifax Panthers. For years, they were known as Halifax RLFC, a club steeped in history with a legacy that includes four league championships and five Challenge Cup victories. While our glory days of consistent Super League presence are a little further back – we've been a mainstay of the Championship since our relegation in 2003 – the fire of fandom still burns bright.

---

A New Perspective: From Spectator to Aerial Documentarian

My journey into a unique creative project began with a pivotal moment in the sport: the Super League's decision to deny Toronto Wolfpack re-entry. This move opened up a fascinating bidding process, creating an opportunity for Championship clubs to ascend to the Super League and for League One clubs to vie for a spot in the Championship. This reshuffling ignited a new curiosity in me, specifically about the grounds of the League One clubs.

What started as a simple interest quickly evolved into an ambitious idea: creating short aerial videos of each club's stadium. My initial plan was to focus solely on the League One grounds. However, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the process. It was a refreshing departure from my usual creative endeavors, offering a new perspective and a technical challenge I truly enjoyed.

---

Expanding the Vision: A Full League Showcase

That enjoyment led to an expansion of my project. I realized the potential to create a comprehensive visual record of the sport's infrastructure. Consequently, I extended my aerial tours to include all the Championship clubs and, ultimately, every Super League club's home stadium. The result is a unique collection that not only showcases the diverse venues of Rugby League but also offers a bird's-eye view of the heartlands of this incredible sport. It's been a truly rewarding experience, allowing me to combine my passion for Rugby League with a newfound love for aerial videography.

League 1.

Beyond the familiar Super League and Championship, a vibrant, albeit often overlooked, tier of professional rugby league exists: League 1. This dynamic competition currently comprises ten ambitious clubs, each vying for promotion and a slice of the sport's higher echelons. Far from a static entity, League 1 is a hotbed of potential expansion, with an intriguing array of prospective teams eyeing future admission, hinting at a truly international flavour for the competition.

The whispers of expansion are particularly exciting. Imagine the return of the Toronto Wolfpack, a club that previously disrupted the rugby league landscape with their transatlantic ambitions, bringing a renewed North American presence. Joining them could be the Ottawa Aces, whose 2022 confirmation marked a significant step in the sport's Canadian footprint. The allure of the Big Apple beckons with the potential inclusion of a New York City team, promising to tap into a vast, untapped market. Further afield, the prospect of teams from Belgrade and Valencia speaks to rugby league's burgeoning global appeal, hinting at a truly pan-European competition. Domestically, the sport's grassroots are stirring, with potential new clubs from Bristol and Liverpool signalling a desire to re-establish strongholds in key English cities.

For the upcoming 2021 season, the battle for promotion will be fiercely contested by a diverse group of clubs, each with their own unique history and aspirations. From the Cumbrian strongholds, the Barrow Raiders and Workington Town will bring their traditional rivalry and passionate support. The Midlands will be represented by the Coventry Bears, a club steadily building its presence in a less traditional rugby league heartland. Yorkshire's rich heritage will be on display with the likes of Doncaster RLFC, Hunslet Hawks, and Keighley Cougars, all boasting proud histories and determined to climb the ladder. London's enduring commitment to the sport will be championed by the London Skolars, while the ambition of the North Wales Crusaders highlights the sport's growing footprint across the Celtic nations. Finally, the Rochdale Hornets and West Wales Raiders complete the line-up, each bringing their own brand of resilient rugby to the challenging League 1 arena.

League 1, therefore, is more than just a third tier; it's a melting pot of established clubs, ambitious newcomers, and fascinating international prospects, all contributing to the rich tapestry of professional rugby league. The future of the competition, with its potential for significant expansion and increased geographical diversity, promises to be an incredibly compelling narrative for fans of the sport.

Championship.

The Betfred Championship isn't just a rugby league competition; it's arguably the most competitive and unpredictable league in the entire British rugby system. Imagine a battlefield where the margins are so fine that a strong opening to the season could be the very thing that propels a team towards promotion to Super League, or conversely, condemn them to relegation. This isn't hyperbole; it's the thrilling, high-stakes reality of the Championship.
The 2021 season, in particular, was a testament to this cutthroat environment. Fourteen formidable clubs lined up, each with aspirations of glory or the desperate need to secure their survival. The roster was packed with storied names and ambitious challengers: Batley Bulldogs, Bradford Bulls, Dewsbury Rams, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers, London Broncos, Newcastle Thunder, Oldham RLFC, Sheffield Eagles, Swinton Lions, Toulouse Olympique, Whitehaven RLFC, Widnes Vikings, and York City Knights.

Every single fixture in this league carries immense weight. The difference between a promotion playoff spot and the drop zone can often be just a handful of points, or even a single try. This intense pressure cooker environment forces teams to perform at their absolute peak week in and week out, leading to enthralling contests, unexpected upsets, and dramatic season finales. It’s a league where grit, determination, and tactical prowess are just as crucial as individual brilliance, making it a compelling watch for any rugby league enthusiast.

Super League.

The Super League stands as the pinnacle of professional rugby league in the United Kingdom, holding the prestigious position of being the second-highest-ranked competition globally. Its intensity and passionate fanbase make it a captivating spectacle for sports enthusiasts.

Following the unfortunate withdrawal of the Toronto Wolfpack, the Leigh Centurions earned their promotion to the Super League, ensuring a robust 12-club competition for the 2021 season. These twelve formidable teams battle it out annually for ultimate glory, each boasting a rich history and dedicated supporters.

The line up of clubs that make up this elite league includes:

• Castleford Tigers: Known for their fiercely loyal fanbase and attacking flair.

• Catalans Dragons: The sole French representative, bringing a unique international flavor and a powerful, physical game.

• Huddersfield Giants: A club with a long history in the sport, always a tough opponent.

• Hull FC: One half of the passionate Hull derby, renowned for their strong forward pack.

• Hull Kingston Rovers: The other half of the Hull rivalry, often characterized by their tenacious defence.

• Leeds Rhinos: One of the most successful clubs in Super League history, boasting multiple titles and a reputation for exciting rugby.

• Salford Red Devils: A resilient team known for their attacking ambition and never-say-die attitude.

• St Helens RFC: Widely regarded as one of the most dominant forces in modern rugby league, with a consistent record of success.

• Wakefield Trinity Wildcats: A club with a strong community presence and a history of passionate performances.

• Warrington Wolves: Often contenders for major honours, playing an expansive and entertaining brand of rugby.

• Wigan Warriors: Another titan of the sport, with a storied past and a reputation for developing top-tier talent.

Each season delivers thrilling matches, fierce rivalries, and incredible displays of skill and athleticism as these clubs vie for the coveted Super League trophy.

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!