Debut for heritage centre

It opens officially on Friday, September 11, as part of a project to tell the fascinating story of the Grade I listed building.

Through the project, trained volunteers are providing guided tours of the Town Hall and events to encourage greater use of the iconic building. The heritage centre will be open throughout the year, but the Heritage Open Days on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13 (11am to 3pm - guided tours of the building every 30 minutes), are the first chance to see all it has to offer.

A strong volunteering programme underpins the heritage project - dozens of volunteers are developing new skills and knowledge through training and research, to teach and inspire visitors, said Calderdale Council’s leader Coun Tim Swift.

The ‘Telling the Story’ project has been made possible by a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £45,700 and a council contribution of £3000.

Coun Swift said: “This project is a real celebration of Todmorden Town Hall’s unique heritage. Local people are proud of its rich history and we’re keen to keep this alive. We want more people to come through the doors, be inspired to explore and share their own stories. This investment is just one of the ways we are working to secure the future of the magnificent building. I’d like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund and all the staff and volunteers for making this happen.”

The council is working with Pennine Horizons Digital Archive (a local, specialist charity who will hold and care for the project’s digital records and photos), Todmorden and Hebden Bridge local history societies and its own Library and Museum Services team to ensure local heritage is preserved for future generations.