‘I was amazed to learn how much is going on in Huddersfield and how much has been achieved’
BREN and I were among the many thousands of people in St Peter’s Gardens and St George’s Square last Friday evening for Huddersfield’s Festival of Light spectacular opening event and we enjoyed every minute of it.
Prior to the display a number of influential people who are considering or already investing in the future of Huddersfield attended a reception in the new Media Centre in Northumberland Street to learn more about the town.
The leader of the Council, Clr Robert Light; the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Bob Cryan; and the Lord Lieutenant, Dr Ingrid Roscoe and I were asked to say a few words in support. I was amazed to learn how much is going on and how much has been achieved.
As we read in the Examiner a few weeks ago, our council had been given four stars for the way it is run and the service it provides. In a national survey it was only beaten by one other similar body which is great credit to all of those concerned.
Whilst I have been critical of the way it has handled specific issues I praise its overall performance. Running a local authority of this size is a very complex and difficult task and we should take comfort in the professionalism of those people who do it on our behalf.
Those we elect are determined to attract industry and wealth to the town in order to create jobs and allow them to continue to upgrade and improve the services they provide for us. The redevelopment of the town centre and events such as last Friday’s is a visible way in which they are achieving this.
Prof Cryan outlined the work of our University which is achieving international recognition and accolades for its research achievements in a wide range of disciplines. Moreover, the number of teaching staff continues to grow along with its campus, thus providing hundreds more, much needed jobs. Again, this success story is due to the foresight, excellence and dedication of its staff who must be congratulated.
Talking of buildings I don’t know if you are aware that Huddersfield has the third highest number of listed buildings of any town or city in the United Kingdom which is no mean achievement. Whilst this is largely due to the creativity of our forefathers, our current leaders plan new, exciting ventures which I am certain will maintain our reputation for creating innovative and beautiful structures which will stand the test of time.
Dr Roscoe, the Lord Lieutenant talked about the visit of Her Majesty the Queen earlier this year. She said it had been the best Royal visit she had been involved in since taking up office. The reason being, the support and enthusiasm of every single agency involved. She added that her feelings of well-being were felt by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh who thoroughly enjoyed the day.
One amusing anecdote, she asked an elderly lady in the crowd if she had been waiting a long time to see the Queen, as she was close to the front and the barriers had been in place for a number of hours “Yes love I have” she replied “76 years”.
For me this remark portrayed the stoicism, dry humour and wonder of the people of this town, which, having been born and bred here is what I talked about. We have spawned so many national and international figures who have contributed to our society. Actors, entertainers, musicians, politicians, athletes, industrialists and artists, the list goes on and on.
On a different tack, would anyone believe the authorities would split a major motorway at the cost of millions of pounds merely because the occupant of one farm refused to move? They had to on the M62 above Outlane.
I experienced this trait of doggedness as a young inspector. Filled with new ideas I asked for volunteers to ride bikes round their night beats instead of walking. I felt this would be easier, quicker and provide more stealth.
Early the following morning I accompanied a constable pushing his bike up Chapel Hill. “How has it gone?” I asked him, eager to learn. “Very well sir”. He replied. “It’s much easier down hill,” I commented as he was obviously straining to get the old heavy bike uphill. “Not really” he replied “I can’t ride a bike”.
Huddersfield has so many things going for it, not least its inhabitants. I am proud to have been born here and despite the lures of sunnier climes and the big city down south will continue to live out my days here.
