Zoom presentation by David Griffiths: Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 7pm.
Based on the recently published HCS book, David Griffiths will present the story behind the development of Highfields, Huddersfield’s first suburb. Looking back to its origins in 18th century Newhouse, David will trace its development from the early nineteenth century, when it became the favoured residential location for Huddersfield’s business and professional class. The story will continue by looking at the architectural showcase of New North Road where, amid a wealth of Victorian residences, significant educational and religious establishments, some by distinguished architects, were constructed. Join us for this Zoom Meeting
JANUARY: University visit
VENUE: Barbara Hepworth Building, Huddersfield University January 13, 2020, 11am
To welcome in the New Year, a tour has been arranged for HCS members of the University's recently completed Barbara Hepworth Building.
Meet at 11.00am at the University Reception in the Harold Wilson Building by the main entrance from Queensgate from where we will be led to the new home of the School of Art, Design and Architecture.
DECEMBER: Christmas social
VENUE: The Head of Steam, St George's Square December 10, 2019, 7.30pm
Last year's Christmas social proved so popular with members that we have again booked the back room of this lively town centre real-ale pub. Expect genial company, light refreshments, lively chat and a short quiz to reveal some of the quirky and lesser known facts about our town it would be helpful if you could confirm attendance with Michael Barron to ensure we order enough nibbles.
NOVEMBER TALK: Focus on Harry Bray
Helen Bray
SPEAKER: Helen Bray, photographer November 5, 2019, 7.30pm Reception Room, Huddersfield Town Hall A visual treat for those interested in the history and changing face of Huddersfield and its villages, presented by award-winning portrait photographer Helen Bray.
She takes us on an evocative journey into the history, events and characters from the inter-war period seen through the lens of her grandfather, Harry Bray, the Huddersfield Examiner’s first photographer. Harry became an apprentice at Bamforth’s, famed for its silent films and postcards, before opening his own studio, and during the 1930’s, working as a freelance photographer for the Examiner.
There will be a £4 entrance charge for non HCS members.
OCTOBER TALK: Huddersfield Blueprint
Karl Battersby
SPEAKER: Karl Battersby Strategic Director, Economy and Infrastructure, Kirklees Council October 1, 2019, 7.30pm Reception Room, Huddersfield Town Hall In June, Kirklees Council launched an ambitious ten-year vision for the town centre. A three-month consultation period has allowed the public to respond to the proposals. . As we approach the end of the consultation period, we are delighted to welcome Karl Battersby whose presentation will focus on the next steps in achieving the objectives of the Blueprint.
The talk and discussion will seek to clarify issues arising from the public response, including initial comments submitted by HCS committee on behalf of its members, how proposals will be prioritised and an indication of progress made to date. The Blueprint is key to the town centre’s future and we hope you will make every effort to attend Karl’s presentation
SEPTEMBER TALK: Future of travel in Kirklees
Greg Marsden
SPEAKER: Greg Marsden,Professor of Transport Governance, University of Leeds September 3, 2019, 7.30pm Old Court Room, Huddersfield Town Hall
In this talk, Greg will ask what sort of future transport system Kirklees wants to create. The talk will explore data on how the reasons for travel have been changing, such as the decline in the high street and the changing nature of work.
AUGUST TOUR: Johnsons Quarries
August 13, 2019, 10am. We have arranged a morning tour of Johnsons Wellfield Quarries at Crosland Hill, Britain’s leading supplier of natural hard Yorkstone.
The quarries, now owned by the Myers Group, have been producing high quality Yorkstone – more than 60,000 square metres a year – for over 150 years.
The tour will reveal how the stone is extracted and processed, with trained masons working alongside the latest technology in stone-cutting machinery.
The company has supplied stone to many prestigious projects including, more recently Sheffield’s Tudor Square, London’s Goldsmith Centre, Birmingham University’s Bramhall Music Building and many local developments.
This is a chance to discover how the stone is quarried and cut. However, numbers are limited so bookings will be taken on a first come, first served basis.
Because of the likely popularity of this tour it has been decided that guests of HCS members wishing to attend will be charged £3.
Those attending should meet at the entrance to the Johnson Wellfield offices at Crosland Hill. Car parking is available opposite the main entrance.
The visit can be booked through our Treasurer, Michael Barron, telephone: 01484 537080; email: mj.barron@btinternet.com by Monday August 5 in order for us to confirm numbers regarding the tour.
JULY VISIT: Sheffield and Kelham Island
July 13, 2019, 10am. Our visit to Sheffield will give members the opportunity to visit historic sites and new developments, including Kelham Island. Further details here.
JUNE TALK: Electric vehicles in urban centres
Gideon Richards
SPEAKER: Gideon Richards June 4, 2019, 7.30pm Reception Room, Huddersfield Town Hall
Mr Richards is CEO of the renewable energy and sustainability consultancy CWP. His talk focused on integrating electric vehicles and infrastructure into the urban environment.
Our speaker has worked as a management consultant on multi-million pound projects across a variety of sectors. His expertise in the renewable energy sector covers a range of technologies but he is particularly well known for his involvement in renewable heating and cooling.
APRIL AGM + TALK: Huddersfield in 50 Buildings
Chris Marsden
SPEAKER: Chris Marsden April 2, 2019, 7pm Reception Room, Huddersfield Town Hall
Architectural historian Chris Marsden is a former chairman of Huddersfield Civic Society whose interests include architectural ceramics, public art, concrete and town planning.
His Master's thesis at Huddersfield University was titled: 'An exploration of the development of Huddersfield's 1970 market hall: architectural decoration with cheap greens; an architects dream?'
He discussed the town's development through its most important 50 buildings, the subject of his new book.
MARCH LECTURE: The Eddington development
SPEAKER: Kristof Keerman of Stanton Williams Architects March 5, 2019, 7.30pm Oastler Building, Huddersfield University
Architect Kristof Keerman
Our programme of events in 2019 began with this Joint HCS/ University School of Architecture annual lecture. Kristof Keerman talked about Eddington, a new district to the northwest of Cambridge. Stanton Williams is one of a group of practices responsible for its design and construction and Mr Keerman is the architect responsible for the practice's share of the project. As a recent example of planned urban development and 21st century architecture, this was an important topic to anyone interested in the development of our towns.