Kirklees churches open doors for treasure-hunters

May 4 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

DISCOVER hidden treasures in Kirklees.

That was the invitation as over 40 places of worship of various faiths threw open their doors as part of the nine-day Treasures Revealed in Kirklees festival.

Some churches or chapels will be holding special events and displays, while others will be welcoming people to take a look around and ask some questions.

David Thompson, project development officer, visited St Mark’s Parish Church in Longwood on Saturday to look at the stained glass windows and enjoy a cream tea.

He said: “The aim of the programme is to give an opportunity, and to attract residents and visitors into places of worship and recognise them as hubs of the local community.”

St Mark’s Parish Church is just one of the many churches taking part in the festival.

Among its treasures, visitors to the Longwood Gate church can see a stained glass window dedicated to Mary Sumner, the founder of the Mother’s Union.

A second window depicts Richard Oastler, the famous Yorkshireman who campaigned for the rights of working children in the Factory Act of 1847.

While adults marvel at these windows, children can enjoy searching for the ‘Thompson’ mice on furniture dotted around the church.

Treasures Revealed in Kirklees runs until Sunday, May 10 and is a multi-faith event.

Jamia Mosque, in Heckmondwike and Gulzar-e-Madina Mosque in Dewsbury are both taking part in the scheme. Masoud Razaq, a volunteer at Jamia Mosque, said people of all faiths were welcome to take a look around the two storey building and meet members of the mosque.