Remembering the Deluge: Sowerby Bridge and the 2015 Boxing Day Floods

 The Boxing Day floods of 2015 are etched into the memory of the Calder Valley. On that day, a perfect storm of relentless rainfall and already-saturated ground caused the River Calder and its tributaries to swell, bursting their banks and unleashing a wave of devastation. While towns like Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge were hit harder, Sowerby Bridge didn't escape the deluge. These images, rediscovered and shared, offer a powerful, on-the-ground look at the impact of the floods on our community.

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A Town Submerged

The photos, taken with a Polaroid is2132 bridge camera, serve as a stark reminder of the sheer force of nature. One image shows the River Calder surging near the Turks Head Footbridge, its muddy waters completely overwhelming the usual banks. What is normally a peaceful river is transformed into a raging torrent, encroaching on picnic tables and threatening nearby buildings.

The sheer volume of water is evident in another photo, where the river completely surrounds the Lockhart Mills complex. The water level is so high it nearly reaches the windows on the ground floor, illustrating the scale of the damage. At the Gas Works Bridge, the river's high water levels are captured from two different angles, showing the water's menacing rise, swallowing trees and reaching the very edge of the footbridge.

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The Unstoppable Flow

The flooding wasn't limited to the river alone. The Calder and Hebble Navigation canal system, a vital part of Sowerby Bridge's heritage, also succumbed to the pressure. Photos of Tuel Lane Lock show water cascading over the lock gates, an unsettling reversal of its typical function. The lock, designed to manage water flow, was completely overwhelmed, highlighting the extraordinary volume of rain that fell.

The images of the canal near Kirkham Turn and the Calder & Hebble Navigation show the water level rising to meet the surrounding land, turning the waterway into a vast, muddy lake. Houseboats, usually resting serenely, are caught in the swirling currents, their moorings tested by the floodwaters.

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A Community's Resilience

While these pictures document the physical devastation, they also implicitly tell a story of resilience. The 2015 floods were the worst to hit the area since the 1960s, causing millions of pounds in property damage. Yet, from this shared hardship emerged an incredible community spirit. Neighbours helped neighbours, businesses were rebuilt, and the community came together to clean up the aftermath.

These photographs are more than just records of a flood; they are a testament to the power of nature and the enduring strength of the people who call the Calder Valley home. They remind us to respect our environment and to remember the challenges we have faced and overcome together.

The flooded Calder & Hebble Navigation and Rochdale Canals from Chain Bridge.

The Calder & Hebble overflowing at Chain Bridge.

Rochdale Canal from Tower Hill Bridge. The towpath can normally be seen to the
right of the canal, the small wall probably prevented the car park and nearby town
centre from further damage.

Tuel Lane Lock gates flowing over.

The River Calder flowing past Kingfisher Chase towards Lockhart Mills. The levels is
normally 15 - 20ft lower than this.

The flooded Kirkham Turn. This is where the Rochdale canal joins the Calder &
Hebble Navigation.

Flooding at Tuel Lane Lock on the Rochdale Canal.

Very High River Calder flowing past the Weaving Shed Apartments (right of picture) and
Dugdales Mill left of picture. Dugdales was severely flooded during this event.

River Calder at Gas Works Bridge, considering the damage done to Cromwell, Copley and
Elland Bridges, I was surprised that Gas Works Bridge still stood after the floods.

River Calder at Gas Works Bridge, looking more like a dam head than river crossing.

High level River Calder at Lockhill Mill, much of the red brick building was damaged beyond
repair by the flood and demolished the year after.

River Calder from above the Turks Head Beer Garden, the lower half of the iron footbridge
was just in to the flooded area. Dugdales mill storage yard can be seen heavily
flooded in the background.

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Discovering the Ryburn: A Journey Through Time and Nature

 The River Ryburn, a quiet yet powerful force, carves a path through the heart of West Yorkshire. From its source high in the Pennine hills above Baitings Reservoir, it travels approximately seven miles, nourished by 12 tributaries, until it concludes its journey by merging with the River Calder near Sowerby Bridge.

The route of the Ryburn is a tapestry of history and natural beauty, flowing through or near the villages of Rishworth, Ripponden, Kebroyd, and Triangle. As it winds its way downstream, it passes underneath 13 bridges, each a testament to human ingenuity and a connection between the communities it serves.

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The Final Mile: Where Nature and Industry Collide

These images, captured in October 2013, focus on the final leg of the river's journey, from Watson Mill Lane to its dramatic meeting with the River Calder. This stretch offers a unique glimpse into a landscape where nature and industrial heritage coexist.

One image captures the river flowing under the imposing Sowerby Bridge Viaduct. The weathered stone of the viaduct's arches stands as a silent witness to a bygone era of steam and rail, while the dark, churning water below shows the river's unceasing energy. This spot, where the river meets the railway, perfectly encapsulates Sowerby Bridge's character—a place defined by both its natural setting and its industrial past.

Further upstream, near Watson Mill Lane, the river adopts a more serene and natural feel. Here, the banks are lush with trees and foliage, their reflections dancing on the water's surface. The riverbed, scattered with rocks and pebbles, hints at the river's journey over time, carving and shaping the landscape. In another photo, a group of geese and ducks glide peacefully on the water, a stark contrast to the lively, cascading waters further downstream.

The images offer a moment of quiet reflection, showing us not only the physical river but also the life it supports and the history it has flowed through. The Ryburn, while small in stature, plays a significant role in the local ecosystem and the lives of the people who live along its banks.

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A Photographic Time Capsule

Shot on a Samsung Galaxy Tablet, these photos serve as a digital time capsule. They remind us that the most powerful images often don't require the most sophisticated equipment. Instead, they need a keen eye and an appreciation for the world around us. These snapshots from over a decade ago invite us to consider how the river has changed and how it remains the same.

The River Ryburn is more than just a waterway; it is a vital part of the West Yorkshire landscape, carrying with it stories of nature, industry, and community. Next time you're near Sowerby Bridge, take a moment to walk along its banks. You might just discover your own story waiting to be told.

These pictures were taken using a Samsung Galaxy Tablet in October 2013. Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green photography store on Zazzle.

Geese and ducks in the River at Victoria Bridge

The Ryburn flowing in to the River Calder from underneath Sowerby Bridge railway viaduct, the former bridges bar can be seen on the right, as of September 2022 this is being demolished having stood empty for a number of years.

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Baitings Reservoir at Low Water

On September 24th, 2022, a remarkable sight awaited visitors to Baitings Reservoir—a place where history, normally hidden beneath millions of gallons of water, was laid bare for all to see. These photographs, taken on that very day with a Nikon D3300, document an extraordinary moment when the reservoir's water levels dropped to a near-historic low, revealing long-submerged secrets of the valley.

A Monument to Engineering

Baitings Reservoir, completed in 1956, is an impressive feat of civil engineering. Built to supply fresh water to the city of Wakefield, it's the higher of two dams that harness the flow of the River Ryburn in this scenic part of Yorkshire. The lower dam, Ryburn Dam, was constructed earlier in 1933. The creation of Baitings was an immense undertaking, costing approximately £1.4 million and taking 8 years to complete.

The project transformed the landscape, intentionally flooding a small hamlet known as Baitings. Perhaps the most poignant part of this history is the submersion of a centuries-old packhorse bridge—a vital road link that once connected Lancashire and Yorkshire. This historic bridge, normally lost to view, becomes a stark and beautiful reminder of the past whenever the reservoir's water levels fall. The photographs show the old stone bridge, its arch still perfectly intact, exposed by the receding water. It stands as a testament to the village that was sacrificed for progress. The modern, concrete Back O'th Heights Bridge stands high above the exposed valley floor, a powerful visual cue of the reservoir's immense depth when it's at full capacity. At its highest, the dam holds over 113,000,000 cubic feet of water, or about 703,858,407 gallons.

The River Ryburn's Journey

Baitings Reservoir is a crucial part of the local water system. It's fed by runoff from the surrounding moorland and serves as the official start of the River Ryburn. The river flows six miles down the valley, passing the lower Ryburn Dam and eventually joining the River Calder at Sowerby Bridge. The photographs show the river's path through the exposed reservoir bed, a serpentine channel carved into the dried mud.

The exceptionally low water level in September 2022 revealed another fascinating piece of infrastructure: a sluice gate near the dam head. It's a structure that predates the reservoir itself, likely used to regulate the flow of water into the Ryburn Dam before Baitings was even built. This low water level also sparked a question: would an old footpath bridge, once located between the sluice gate and the dam, be revealed? While the water hadn't dropped quite enough on that day, it hinted at more hidden history waiting to be discovered.

The images offer a unique perspective, capturing not just the dam and bridges but also the powerful, arid landscape left behind. A photograph from the dam's spillway looks down into the channel below, showcasing the engineering that controls the water's release. Another shot provides a beautiful view of the lush, rolling green hills of the Ryburn Valley, a stunning contrast to the cracked, desolate reservoir bed. These pictures are a stark visual representation of the effects of low rainfall and a poignant reminder of the hidden history that lies beneath the surface of our landscapes.

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The packhorse bridge appearing from beneath the water has gone from a once in decade or so event to every couple of years.

Whilst it's likely that levels have been low enough before for the original dam and sluice gate to appear, this was the first time I had seen them.

The original packhorse bridge, often submerged seen through the legs of it's modern replacement.

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Exploring the Heart of Halifax: A Stroll Through Westgate Arcade

 Halifax is a town steeped in history, where cobbled streets and grand Victorian architecture whisper stories of a rich industrial past. Tucked away within this historic fabric lies a modern gem that seamlessly blends old and new: Westgate Arcade. This vibrant, covered walkway, captured beautifully in a series of photographs from May 27th, 2018, offers a fascinating glimpse into a thoughtful urban regeneration project.

A History of Transformation

Westgate itself is one of Halifax's most ancient thoroughfares. Originally conceived to provide a vital link to the iconic Piece Hall—a stunning Georgian cloth hall—the street's creation was no simple task, even requiring an Act of Parliament. It was a route that connected Southgate to Market Street, leading towards the Piece Hall's western gate. For many years, however, the area remained largely underdeveloped and quiet, its potential waiting to be unlocked.

The late 1990s marked a turning point. A vision emerged to revitalise this forgotten corner of the town centre. Several properties were acquired, and an ambitious plan was unveiled to transform the area into a bustling, covered pedestrian arcade. This plan included integrating Carrier Street, creating a seamless connection to the nearby Borough Market, and breathing new life into the urban space.

In 2006, the vision became a reality. Westgate Arcade was completed, and the glass-roofed structure became an instant hit. The pictures, taken on a bright spring day with a Nikon D3300, perfectly capture the essence of this transformation. The clear, modern glass and steel structure stands in beautiful contrast to the historic brick buildings that flank it.

A Modern Hub for Independent Businesses

What makes Westgate Arcade so special is not just its striking architecture but the community it fosters. The arcade has become a welcome addition to the Halifax scene, serving as a hub for a diverse mix of independent shops, leisure outlets, and bars.

As you look at the photographs, you can almost feel the atmosphere. The shot of the Carrier Street entrance, framed by lush green potted plants, invites you into a serene and inviting space. The interior view shows the length of the arcade, adorned with strings of Union Jack bunting—a festive touch that adds to the welcoming feel. Signs for unique businesses like "Dolly Peg" and "K.S. Hunjan Dental Practice" hint at the variety of services available, from bespoke retail to essential healthcare.

The external views from Southgate and Market Street reveal how the arcade's design respects and complements its surroundings. The striking A-frame glass entrance serves as a beacon, drawing people in from the main street. The photographs taken from the Southgate and Market Street entrances show the arcade nestled between traditional stone buildings, a perfect marriage of old and new. The sun catches the glass roof, casting geometric shadows on the paved walkway and highlighting the intricate design.

A Timeless Snapshot

These images, captured by a keen eye on a pleasant day in 2018, are more than just pictures of a building. They are a timeless snapshot of a community space that has successfully adapted to the demands of modern urban life while honouring its historic roots. Westgate Arcade is a testament to the power of thoughtful development—a place where history is not erased but built upon, creating a vibrant and welcoming destination for locals and visitors alike. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true heart of Halifax.

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A Silent Witness on Stocks Lane: The Forgotten Horse Trough of Luddenden

In the charming, ancient village of Luddenden, a small stone structure on Stocks Lane tells a story of a world long gone. At first glance, it might look like a simple, overgrown planter built into a stone wall. But this is no ordinary garden feature; it is a stone horse trough, a silent, weathered monument to the days when horsepower meant exactly that.

Before the age of the automobile, these troughs were a vital part of the landscape. They were strategically placed in towns and villages across the country to provide water for horses, dogs, and sometimes even cattle. Today, most have vanished, removed as they became obsolete. The fact that a dozen or so still survive in the Calderdale district is a testament to their enduring construction and a poignant reminder of a time when the rhythm of life was measured by hoofbeats, not horsepower.

When the photos were taken in October 2013, the trough on Stocks Lane was a perfect example of this forgotten history. It was largely overgrown, with soil, bushes, and plants reclaiming the space where water once flowed freely. The trough was no longer fed by a steady stream, its purpose having faded into memory. But look closer, and a fascinating detail emerges. Tucked away at the back of the trough is a worn stone engraving. It is a tribute to William Patchett, a local carpenter and undertaker. The inscription also includes the year 1861 and the word "surveyor," leaving us with a small historical mystery. Was the inscription a memorial to a man who had passed away that year? Or was it a thank you to him for providing such a crucial resource to the community? We may never know the full story, but the inscription adds a deeply personal layer to this forgotten structure. The stone horse trough on Stocks Lane is a beautiful and simple piece of local history. It's a reminder that even the most ordinary objects from the past can hold compelling stories, if only we take the time to look for them. It stands as a quiet tribute to the animals that once worked these streets and the people who built our communities, one stone at a time.

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