I READ with interest the letter in the Examiner (Mailbag, July 19) regarding using the current site of Kirklees College as a museum for Huddersfield.

In the current economic climate this is possibly not an idea that would gain much support, but let’s look to the future!

The position would be perfect and the suggestions made seem to make perfect sense, particularly the increase in car parking.

Huddersfield does already have museums – one at Ravensknowle and the excellent voluntary funded Colne Valley – but this would be an opportunity to bring together exhibits that would show our past and the influences on the making of Huddersfield as we are now.

A few years ago my grandchildren visited Dewsbury Museum to see their toys section which they enjoyed (I believe Dewsbury Museum has recently had a revamp).

But I’m sure the teachers would have preferred to take them to an interactive exhibition at the Huddersfield Museum.

brian wood

Lindley

Transform our heritage

THE letter regarding a Huddersfield Museum is one that I support.

The area around Huddersfield Technical College is full of beautiful buildings and is part of the town’s Victorian heritage, but is completely obscured by the ill thought-out modern extensions to the beautiful facade of the old Royal Infirmary.

Opening up this area would completely transform this view of the town.

A museum for Huddersfield would give the town another cultural venue in addition to the art gallery/library.

The position is well served with transport links and an underpass already in situ. The obvious addition of extra benefits such as car parking and an opportunity to enhance this area of Huddersfield should not be squandered.

Hopefully the decision to put another supermarket or housing has not already been agreed and a discussion to look at this idea not ignored.

janette haigh

Newsome

A grand entrance

I THINK that a museum for Huddersfield is a really good idea.

I would like to visit a museum that shows the history of the Huddersfield district.

I had never really noticed the entrance to the Technical College before, only the big modern extensions that surround it.

If the picture in the Examiner is anything to go by, it certainly would make an impressive front to a museum.

I hope someone on the council can look into this idea because it is a very good one.

p noble

Oakes

A fabulous site

HAVING seen the letter in the Examiner about the idea of a Huddersfield Museum at the Technical College campus, I would like to add my support to this idea.

I wrote in the Examiner some time ago in support of the idea of a museum after visiting an exhibition by the Civic Trust at the old Neaverson’s shop.

The exhibition only served to highlight my ignorance of the town where I had been born and bred.

In fact, I was a little more disconcerted to talk to individuals who were not native Huddersfield people but had taken on the challenge to see to it that Huddersfield retained any character that was left!

When I wrote my original letter I had no thought of where the museum could be situated (other than the derelict Co-op building on New Street) but after reading the suggestion in the Examiner this would make a fabulous site and I hope this idea continues to prosper.

mrs sandra hobson

Newsome

Sad end to old Palace

HOW sad it is that they are wanting to pull the Palace down to build more shops as if we have not got enough shops already in this town.

That will be another part of our heritage gone like the old Theatre Royal.

I have been going to theatres from the age of three all over the place.

In the 1940s and 1950s they put some very good shows on at the Palace, both variety and musical comedy. One show I remember in the 1950s was Love From Judy with a full London company. It was a number one show.

The theatre closed at the end of the 1950s, then opened up again as the Continental, where me and my wife did our courting.

It’s a pity that Wetherspoon’s could not save it like they did with the Playhouse in Colchester where we went to look round a few weeks ago.

That was a variety theatre just like the Palace. All round the walls they have old photos of the stars who appeared in years gone by. And in the dress circle they have dummies in evening dress as if they are at the theatre.

As for the Lawrence Batley Theatre, all we seem to get there are bits and bats of shows. It is only the amateurs that are keeping it going.

Let’s hope they can save the Palace if it’s not too late.

d saxton bean

Longwood

Never ban the Burkha

ONCE again your correspondent Bill Armer (Mailbag, July 20) brings a bit of common sense to the silly suggestion of banning the burkha.

The burkha is a fashion item and if young women choose to wear it to show modesty and distance themselves from the vulgarity of some other fashions like micro skirts, plunging necklines and see-through clothes, they are to be commended, not criticised.

The future of our world is in their hands. They are a special generation who face challenges we would not be able to handle. Our youth is wonderful and will correct many of the mistakes we made.

Jerry condon

Quarmby

Carry on working

I STARTED work at 15 and worked solidly, as did many of my generation, to 65. I then drew a retirement pension.

Very few start at 15 and the majority start much later. So what argument can there be against the retirement age being increased a few years? On average, we all live much longer than we did 50 years ago.

The truth is the government cannot afford the luxury of its citizens retiring early because the money will not be there.

We are told the benefit system is not sustainable and huge cuts will have to be made before this country bleeds to death from years of living today and not caring about the future.

Will our front line services be cared for? Yes, but only at a huge rise such as in care charges. The poor will get poorer and the rich can take their pick.

age concern

Huddersfield

A real friendly vicar

I WAS sorry to hear that Canon Catherine Ogle is leaving Huddersfield.

I first met Catherine many years ago when my nephew, a Carmelite priest who was in change of a monastery in Argentina and additionally ran a priest’s seminary in Buenos Aires, came to see me here in Huddersfield.

He was very interested in the church building as it was relevant to his doctorate, so we went to see the parish church.

Acting as an interpreter between Catherine and my nephew, I was amazed how interesting the conversation was between them. The Carmelites do not have women in their order.

Later through the many years I met her at the memorial days and veterans’ days.

It was always a pleasure to talk to her. She is a friendly person.

tony sosna

Huddersfield

Fears for the future

HAVING seen the paper scattered through Honley and thinking of an insecure lorry load, your article on page 12, 22nd July is a revelation.

Why should we have any fears for the future, when, after years of nurture at home and the benefits of our education system and society, a group of immature schoolchildren can demonstrate to us what they have learned and be so thoughtful of the welfare and well-being of others in the community as to carry out this stupidity?

A L Jones

Meltham