A MILITARY museum has just opened in Milnsbridge.
The Bullecourt Museum, in the Old Drill Hall off Scar Lane, was officially opened by Walter Downs, who served in the Duke of Wellington's Regiment during the Second World War and Glen Jessop, who is currently serving with the regiment.
The museum building is the former Territorial Army HQ of the regiment's 7th Battalion.
The museum has been created by builder and military enthusiast John Garside and his partner, Catherine Clay.
John, 57, said: "So far business has been steady. Word hasn't got round to everyone yet, so it has mainly been local people coming.
"People have said they enjoyed it and we've had some good comments."
John and Catherine - who owns the museum building - have worked on the project for five years.
John, the museum's curator, has taken the Duke of Wellington's Regiment as a focal point to help people relate to aspects of military history, such as the Battle of Waterloo, the Crimean War and modern-day warfare.
He has even named the museum after a valiant stand made by the Dukes at the French village of Bullecourt in 1917, during the First World War.
Military and civilian memorabilia from both world wars and many other conflicts are featured in the museum.
They include maps, badges, flags, de-activated weapons - and even an American army jeep.
Some of the items are from a personal collection built up by John over the past 40 years.
He has been a member of the Lincoln TA Parachute Regiment for 40 years.
He is hoping to share his knowledge and his museum with local schoolchildren.
He and Catherine are sending letters out to schools in Kirklees, inviting them to visit the museum.
* The museum is currently open at weekends, but could soon open during the week.
Phone 01484 461029 for further information.
