From Mansion to Memorial: The Enduring History of Crow Wood Centenary Park

Nestled in Sowerby Bridge, Crow Wood Centenary Park is more than just a green space; it’s a living testament to history, community, and remembrance. This 5.49-hectare park, situated at Upper Bolton Brow, offers a fascinating journey through time, from its grand beginnings as a mansion estate to its vital role in local life today.

Originally the site of the imposing Crow Wood Mansion, the grounds witnessed a significant transformation during World War 1 when the mansion served as a hospital, providing essential care until its closure in March 1920. In May 1919, the forward-thinking Sowerby Bridge Council recommended purchasing the estate. Their vision was grand: to create a public park, a maternity home, and a child welfare centre – a true hub for the community.

The mansion itself, once standing near what are now the tennis courts and gardens, was demolished before the park officially opened its gates in April 1923. But its spirit of service lived on. A poignant addition to the park’s landscape came on November 10, 1929, with the unveiling of the Memorial Gate. This powerful monument was initially dedicated to those who perished in the Great War and now honours all the fallen of both world wars from the Sowerby Bridge area, serving as a solemn reminder of sacrifice and courage.

Over the years, the park has adapted to changing times and community needs. In 1930, a bandstand was added, offering picturesque views across the parkland. While its days of hosting musical performances are long past, it has found a new life as a vibrant skate board area, echoing with the sounds of a new generation. Another notable change saw the park’s paddling pool – a source of joy for many years – replaced by a car park near the garden area.

Perhaps the most significant renaming occurred on August 4, 2014, when the park became Crow Wood Centenary Park. This thoughtful change marked 100 years since the onset of the First World War, reinforcing its historical significance and its role as a place of reflection.

Today, Crow Wood Centenary Park continues to be a beloved community asset, offering a diverse range of amenities. Visitors can enjoy the modern skate board area, challenge friends on the bowling green or tennis courts, stroll through the tranquil gardens, or watch children play in the dedicated children's play area.

So, next time you’re in Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to explore Crow Wood Centenary Park. You’ll not only discover a beautiful green space but also a rich tapestry of local history woven into every corner.

The pictures were taken on New Years Day 2020 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any image below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The Memorial gate which was unveiled on the 10th November 1929. The towns annual remembrance day parade congregates here.

The parks former band stand now part of a skate park. The bandstand was opened on the 4th May 1930, despite living in the area for over 45 years, I don't recall the bandstand being used regularly or having a roof covering the whole octagon.

The cobbled walkway leads down from the park in the direction of Pye Nest Road.

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My First Tube Ride: From Skeptic to Supporter at Green Park Station

For years, London's iconic Underground remained a mysterious, somewhat intimidating beast to me. Despite countless visits to the capital, I’d always heeded the warnings of disgruntled locals – tales of crowded carriages, sweltering heat, and confusing routes. "Avoid the Tube," they’d say. So, I did. Until May 2019, that is, when a determined daughter finally twisted my arm, leading me to the depths of Green Park Tube Station for my very first underground adventure.

Stepping onto the Jubilee Line platform at Green Park, I was braced for the worst. But to my genuine surprise, what I found was efficiency, frequency, and a diverse tapestry of humanity moving with impressive synchronicity. The trains arrived almost instantly, the service was seamless, and despite the numbers, there was an unspoken rhythm to the flow of people. My verdict? A resounding thumbs up. I'm officially a Tube convert!

Green Park isn't just any station; it's a vital artery in London's vast underground network, serving the Jubilee, Piccadilly, and Victoria Lines. My two quick snaps were taken specifically from the Jubilee Line platform, a line steeped in its own fascinating history. Imagine Prince Charles himself, on April 30th, 1979, officially opening the first stage of the Jubilee Line with a journey from this very station to Charing Cross! While its initial phase was a royal affair, the complete line wasn't fully realised until 1999, finally connecting Stanmore in North-West London all the way to Stratford in East London, a truly impressive feat of urban planning.

More than just a transit hub, Green Park Tube Station holds a place in London's heritage. Located firmly within the City of Westminster and in fare zone 1, this bustling interchange is a Grade II listed building, a status granted on May 30th, 1972, recognising its architectural and historical significance. And "bustling" is no exaggeration: in 2017 alone, over 39.24 million passengers passed through its gates – that's an average of approximately 756,000 people every single week, or a staggering 108,000 per day!

My initial trepidation transformed into genuine appreciation at Green Park. It’s more than just a functional stop; it's a piece of London's living history, a testament to remarkable engineering, and a constant hive of activity. My two simple pictures from that day might not capture its full grandeur, but they certainly mark the moment I discovered the true, efficient, and surprisingly enjoyable pulse of the London Underground.

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

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 all the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Low Moor's Phoenix Moment: A Modern Station Reconnecting West Yorkshire

In an age where railway stations often feel like relics of a bygone era, Low Moor stands out as a vibrant testament to progress. Reopened in 2017 after a hiatus of over half a century, this isn't just a stop on the Caldervale line; it's a £10.8 million investment in connecting communities, offering a crucial link between Bradford and Halifax, and a smart solution for commuters in West Yorkshire.

The Past Paves the Way for the Future: Low Moor might be "new," but its roots run deep. The original station graced this very spot back in July 1848. In its early days, it was a bustling hub – a vital terminus for trains arriving from Halifax and the Spen Valley line, which weaved its way through towns like Heckmondwike, Liversedge, and Cleckheaton. The direct line to Bradford wasn't even completed until 1850! This grand era of rail travel continued for over a century, with Low Moor remaining a busy junction until the infamous Beeching cuts of the 1960s. Passenger services ceased on June 14, 1965, followed by goods traffic two years later, leaving a silent void where once there was a thriving railway heart.

A Modern Comeback: But the story of Low Moor wasn't over. Fast forward to April 2017, and the triumphant return of a railway station designed for the 21st century. Serving the local villages of Low Moor and Oakenshaw, its strategic location near the M62 and M606 motorways quickly cemented its status as a key park-and-ride facility. This foresight has been a success, with passenger numbers steadily climbing. In 2017-18 alone, over 133,600 passengers (around 2,570 per week) passed through its gates – a figure undoubtedly bolstered by recent timetable enhancements that now see more services stopping at the station.

Streamlined for Today's Traveller: While Low Moor Station is designed for efficiency, its modern amenities are geared towards the self-sufficient traveller. You'll find sleek, modern shelters on both platforms and convenient card-only ticket machines, emphasizing the need to purchase your ticket before boarding. It's an unmanned station, so don't expect refreshments, toilets, or cash machines – plan accordingly! Access between platforms is made easy with both steps and lifts, ensuring accessibility for all.

Capturing the Essence: I visited Low Moor Station on a brisk December 30th, 2019, armed with my  Nikon D3300 SLR. The aim was to capture the essence of this modern transport hub, its sleek lines a stark contrast to the ghost of its past. The images showcase a station that, while minimalist in its offerings, is a vital lifeline for countless commuters and a proud symbol of West Yorkshire's revitalized rail network.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Here's a video slideshow I put together for YouTube.

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A New Year's Day Revelation: Unmasking the Heart of Sowerby Bridge

New Year's Day usually means hangovers and quiet contemplation. For me, it was an irresistible opportunity to experience Sowerby Bridge like never before. This market town in West Yorkshire’s dramatic Calder Valley is often a pulsating artery of traffic, but on this crisp morning, its streets lay unusually serene, inviting a deeper look at a place whose story runs as deep as its historic waterways.

Sowerby Bridge’s very name hints at its origins: a blend of "Sowerby" (a nearby hill settlement) and the crucial bridge that allowed travellers to cross the River Calder on their epic journeys between Yorkshire and Lancashire. It was this strategic crossing, and the raw power of the Calder and Ryburn rivers, that ignited the town’s industrial boom. Mills sprang up, churning out textiles and engineering marvels, transforming a simple ford into a thriving industrial powerhouse.

But the wheels of industry eventually slowed, leaving Sowerby Bridge to reinvent itself. And what a reinvention it has been! Today, it's a testament to resilience, a vibrant tourism destination with a particular charm for canal boaters. Picture this: the confluence of two rivers, the Calder & Ryburn, meeting the incredible junction of the Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal. This isn't just a picturesque scene; it's a triumph of restoration. Imagine the silence of the 1960s to 1990s, when this vital section of canal was blocked. Then, the monumental effort: the re-opening of Tuel Lane Tunnel and the construction of the deepest inland canal lock in the UK. This engineering feat didn't just reconnect waterways; it reconnected history, allowing boats to travel this route from Yorkshire to Manchester for the first time in years. It’s a truly inspiring story of community and perseverance.

Beyond the canals, Sowerby Bridge’s railway past is equally captivating. For over seven decades, it was a pivotal railway junction, with the Rishworth Branch Line curving away towards the Ryburn Valley. Though intended as a shortcut to Littleborough, it only ever reached Rishworth. This junction status meant a much larger station, a bustling hub that sadly met a fiery end in 1978, leaving behind only memories of its former grandeur.

Knowing Sowerby Bridge's usual hustle and bustle, I couldn't resist the chance to see its core laid bare, free from the constant flow of vehicles. My walk took me from Pye Nest on the eastern fringes, right through the heart of the main street, and into the West End, allowing me to capture some of the lesser-seen gems away from the primary thoroughfare. These images, aren't just snapshots of a town; they're glimpses into its soul, revealing the quiet beauty and rich narrative that lies beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered.

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Garden area on Bolton Brow. This used to be covered by housing.

Wharf Street.

The former Sowerby Bridge Police Station, the building was featured in seasons 1 and 2 of Happy Valley.

Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal from the top of Tuel lane Tunnel.

Tower Hill.

County Bridge towards the Town Hall building.

River Ryburn.

Donaldson's Vets at the end of Wakefield Road used to be a pub known as the Prospect Inn.

Locks 1 and 2 on the Rochdale Canal.

Main Road underneath Sowerby Bridge Viaduct.

River Calder from County Bridge.

The Jubilee Refreshment rooms are housed in the former ticket office for Sowerby Bridge Railway Station. The building is all that remains of the station building damaged by fire and demolished 1978-81.

Ryburn Buildings at West End.

Looking down Bolton Brow, Gratrix Lane to the right.

Train passing over Sowerby Bridge Viaduct, taken from County Bridge.

J.D. Wetherspoons Commercial Inn at the bottom of Tuel Lane. The canal originally exited a bridge near the traffic lights, this was infilled in the 1950's. Their was a tunnel built underneath this junction in 1996 to reopen the Rochdale Canal, which comes out behind the Commercial Inn.

Christ Church.

Wharf Street, the building with the to let sign was once a branch of the Halifax Bank.

Victoria Bridge and the River Ryburn.

The River Calder.

Sowerby Bridge Railway Station.

Warehouse 2 and the Salt Warehouse at Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin.

Carlton Mill.

River Calder.

Sowerby Bridge Viaduct.

River Calder.

It should be pointed out that the building often referred to as the town hall was never actually Sowerby Bridge Town Hall. It was built in the hope that Sowerby Bridge Council would purchase the hall from the developers but this never happened. The clock is owned by the people of Sowerby Bridge and the building until recently was a branch of Lloyds Bank.

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

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.