Scenery and history is the inspiration behind film

Film makers Pathways latest production, “The Luddenden Valley’ is the third in a series ‘The Valleys of Calderdale’ which celebrate the wonderful scenery and history of the valleys which branch off the main route of the river Calder.

The film starts high in the Pennines at Fly Flatts reservoir the windswept home of Halifax Sailing Club and as the footage and soundtrack descend with the tumbling waters of the River Ludd there is an explanation of the past grandeur of Castle Carr and its fountains which, remarkably still work for the entertainment of hundreds of people once a year.

Jerusalem Farm, an activity centre and campsite has long played an important part in Calderdale life and the hidden gem pub the Cat I’ th’Well Inn are each explored before the quiet charm of the hamlet of Booth with its novel ‘Telephone Booth Library’ are brought into focus.

Film-makers Peter Thornton and Ray Riches capture footage of members old and new on the boundary at Broadfold, home to the village’s leading Halifax league cricket side Booth.

The valley’s industrial legacy is featured too with the back stories to an astonishing number of mills that once occupied the area.

The importance of the Murgatroyd family to the valley’s history is told with a close look at Oats Royd mill – with the past brought back to life through a series of old photographs.

And the decline of the mills is mirrored with the sad closure of so many chapels which residents recall played such an important role in their lives.

The film finally arrives in the narrow, winding streets of Luddenden with a tour given by Rodney Collinge, detailing the many shops and businesses which once made the village vibrant and self-sufficient but, like the mills and chapels are either gone or turned into housing.

But this is an area that has fought back. And the important work of the Conservation Society is now helping to keep keep its heritage alive.

And while Geoff Ingham gives a tour of the beautiful St Mary’s Church, the film reveals the many triumphs in the Village in Bloom competitions and how Mayor Making involves a grand festival.

And to rubber stamp that the village is not trapped in the past Gwyn Evans shows how his smallholding has been transformed into a successful winery which has been featured on BBC ‘Countryfile.’

David Cant takes us on a tour of Luddenden Foot describing how it has changed over the centuries and Heather Hartwell tells how the Luddenden Civic Centre has become a busy hub of village life. Beyond all else though the valley’s countryside is shown in all its glory.

The film will be launched at 11am, November 7 at the Civic Centre at Luddenden Foot with a free public showing when everyone is welcome.

The DVD will be available from the website www.pathwaysvideo.co.uk as well as Harveys in Halifax, Tesco supermarkets at Sowerby Bridge and King Cross, Tourist Information Centres and other outlets in the Calder Valley as well as by telephone 01422 202863 or 01422 843907.

lNow turn to WOW 24/7 page 3 for details of a showing on Sunday, November 8 of Pathways’ ‘Halifax - Past, Present and Future’ at The Playhouse, Halifax.