Number 137 June 2014

______CHALLENGES AHEAD

HELEN PUTS HERSELF ABOUT

IT'S NOT Helen Thornton , our History Club In this issue NEW ADDRESSWorld Heritage Site meets PERFECT on Thursday, DICKENS IN THE PAPER th PEOPLE BUY, Officer, will be telling June 5 , at the LOCAL HOSPITAL this month’s meeting of Methodist church, on Plus IT'S THE the Saltaire History Saltaire Road, at 7pm. BOATING ON AIRE PAPER BY THE Club about the job, and As always, admission is Plus PEOPLE the challenges it entails. free and all are welcome. ALL OUR USUAL UNUSUALS ______FUTURE NEW PLANS FOR Whatever the challenges LOCAL SUPPORT FOR OLDER FOLK may be, Helen is clearly

TRAMWAY PAYS OFF willing to discuss them, A meeting at Saltaire Methodist Church, on as she will also address Following our promotion [Watch this Space for th the Annual General in this space last month Wednesday, June 4 , future events!] (4-6pm), will show- Meeting of the Village of a benefit for the The Tramway which, Society later this month. Shipley Glen Tramway , case plans for the having opened in 1895, Saltaire Extra Care [See page 4>> ] Dina Plowes writes: is the oldest extant PAST A big thank you to Scheme , which aims to attraction of its kind, provide “older people” Meanwhile, the History everyone who made the has recently been concert on May 16 th at with support from, and Club’s other speaker, awarded by the links with, the local Trevor Hart , Visiting Caroline Street Social respected website Trip Club such a pleasant community; to help in Research Fellow of the Advisor its “Certificate times of crisis and Dept. of Architecture, event: Management and of Excellence, 2014”. staff of the club, the enable them to play a Planning and Landscape, Staffed entirely by more active part. University of Newcastle artists, the residents of volunteers, and weather For more information, upon Tyne, looks back, Albert Avenue who permitting, the Tram- please call (01274) as well as ahead with his donated raffle prizes – way runs every Tony Dodd 437196 or talk on "Saltaire - and, of course, the Saturday and Sunday Umar Hayat 431808 lessons from the past". audience. afternoon.

WHATEVER IT IS - SAY IT IN THE Sentinel ! [email protected] OR c/o The Saltaire Bookshop, 1 Myrtle Place The Deadline is always 20 th of the month prior to publication.

2 Stories from DICKENS AT SALTAIRE HOSPITAL By Roger Clarke World War One I found this account of Salts Hospital among my notes last year. By Colin Coates Unfortunately author and source are unrecorded. However, it is an Victoria Hall account which Sentinel readers might find enlightening, and hopefully During World War One Victoria someone might recognise it and know its source. Hall was at the hub of everyday The hospital was another building which opened as I arrived. life of Saltaire and Shipley. The It treats injuries sustained in the Mill. There are in-patient facilities of hall was home to the Saltaire nine beds in separate wards for men, women and children. There is also Institute and of one of two a dispensary for out-patients. It is under the control of a competent libraries in Shipley. surgeon and a live-in nurse (Sarah Turner). In 1869 it treated 153 out- Fund raising concerts, dances, patients and 35 in-patients. bazaars, whist drives etc where Sir Titus has recently extended its brief to offer treatment for anyone held there throughout the war. It living in a three mile radius – thus taking in the whole of Shipley. was also the headquarters of Mr. Dickens toured the hospital when he visited two years ago, and various fund raising groups, and has written the following about it:- a venue for committee meetings. “Upstairs are what we would call the wards, but what are really the The hall hosted lectures to brightest and most cheerful little apartments for the patients. At the educate and entertain the head of each bedstead is the usual official certificate of the case and villagers; it also held inquests dietary table, a bell to summon the nurse, and a couple of strong ropes into their deaths. and pulleys pendant from the ceiling, to aid the patient in raising himself The hall played its part in the in bed. Throughout the whole place cleanliness, cheerfulness, and order changing political situation; reigned supreme. Nor can I fancy a more comfortable home in illness, holding meetings for the or one affording a better chance for speedy recovery, than the Infirmary emerging Labour Party, the at Saltaire.” Suffrage movement and for all Tragically, Mr. Dickens died shortly after his visit to us. I remember parties in the 1918 General that he looked terribly ill, a result of his most punishing tour of Britain Election. and the USA where he gave ‘actings’ (rather than readings) of some of However the hall was not the most violent scenes from his books – with full blown histrionic without its problems and effects. The poor man was physically exhausted. controversies. Shipley Urban There is also tragedy here in Saltaire. District Council took over the That wonderful fibre, alpaca, holds a deadly secret. Within its hanks are running of the hall in 1903 and the spores of anthrax, which are released when the woolcombers work some saw it as a burden, not as upon it, and are inhaled by those poor wretches. The disease is always an asset. fatal, and all that the hospital can do is make these patients as More on this next month. comfortable as possible until the Lord mercifully welcomes them to his HELP bosom. To help with local com- In addition to the hospital, there is a Sickness Benefit Scheme run by the memorations of World War Mill. One, please contact either Men pay 8 pence each month and women 6 pence. Colin Coates or Dave Shaw: For every member enrolled, Sir Titus contributes a further 4 pence. [email protected] Members are entitled to: or mobile 07736408339 • 8/- per week for the first 6 months HELP • 4/- per week for the next 6 months Plans are in hand for a four page • 3/3p a week for the next 6 months supplement to the August issue • 2/- per week thereafter of your Sentinel , commemorating The Hospital opened in 1868 the outbreak of the Great War Charles Dickens died on June 9th , 1870 aged 58. and the sacrifices made by The Sickness Benefit Scheme was run, like the Funeral Brief Society for Saltaire residents of the time. As death insurance, by overlookers and senior workers in the Mill. The always, all contributions will be Mill supported both schemes but did not instigate them. “gratefully received”.

Saltaire History Explorers PETER The SPA Investigate 21 Titus Street RANDALL BOATING ON THE AIRE No Victorian Park of importance was complete The Authentic Gentleman’s without a boating lake, but Roberts Park had the Village corner shop Hairdresser natural advantage of the . The boathouse, Open Mon-Sat 8am-10pm 205 Road constructed in 1871, originally provided a base for Amateur Rowing club, founded in 1867. Sun. 10am-10pm

01274 – 597140 Rowing boats and a canoe were also hired out to the 01274 – 826534 ______public, locals swam in the river and a steam launch, ______VICTORIA The Rose of Saltaire, provided pleasure cruises. SALTAIRE TEAROOMS Such heavy use, particularly during the busy summer months, undoubtedly led to problems BOOKSHOP 8 Victoria Road during the Rowing Club's races and regattas. 1 Myrtle Place Open Daily The solution was for the rowing club to move up- Tuesday- Saturday Coffee, tea, cakes, scones, river. In 1893 a new, private boathouse was built on snacks and novelty gifts 10am - 5pm the south bank, just above Hirst Mill on land owned New/Second-hand books 01274 - 823092 by their president, the Earl of Rosse. The land was 01274 – 589144 ______sold to Salts Estates in 1911, with the Rowing Club CAROLINE paying £2 rent annually. Unfortunately, strained VICARS relations with the owner of Hirst Mill reached the SOCIAL CLUB extent that, in 1922, the club moved to the opposite Café Bistro Caroline Street, always bank. The club building was taken apart, ferried 79 Victoria Road has a welcome for all. across the river in pieces and re-built on its present “Pop in and see us!” Regular Events site! Continued development has included additional 01274 – 597818 01274 – 585140 boatsheds and extensions to the changing facilities. ______The Club provides facilities for Bradford University ADVERTISING SALTS Rowing Club and Bradford Grammar School. BGS All the establishments boats are housed in a building on an adjacent plot promoted here serve as and the Club has a programme to encourage juniors outlets for this paper. MILL from other schools to become involved. Advertising space is Opened in 1853 Success and expansion has not detracted from the NOT for sale . and still charm of the historic building and its setting. The Saltaire Sentinel Open Every Day However, a serious concern is the recently reported can also be found at threat of collapse of the Hirst Mill Weir, which has Attractions include : VICTORIA HALL led the club to the formation of a company to raise Saltaire SALT’S DINER funding for repairs. We hope Saltaire residents will UNITED provide support in their challenge. For more Cafe in to information, contact [email protected]. REFORMED the Opera New members to the club are welcome , although CHURCH Saltaire SALTAIRE there are waiting lists for some categories. The Spring regatta is held on June 28th, so do come POST OFFICE HISTORY along. Saltaire EXHIBITION David and Jonathan (aged 10) Starley MEDICAL ______1853 Gallery PRACTICE REPORTERS ARE ALWAYS Saltaire THE HOME REALLY NEEDED VISITOR and many other, varied The Saltaire Sentinel continues to require volunteered INFORMATION retail outlets reports of recent, local newsworthy items – and CENTRE ADMISSION FREE writers who will accept invitations to forthcoming Shipley and 01274 - 531163 events on the Editor’s behalf. LIBRARIES

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VILLAGE SOCIETY TAKE THE HIGHWAY VILLAGE WEBSITE

Vanessa Pilny Writes: Say Chris and Tony Grogan: The Saltaire Sentinel is

We have been planning our Sharp eyed Saltarians might have spotted the available online, via the not

AGM on June 24 th – it will sign at the bottom of the Information Board for profit Saltaire Village start at 7 for 7.30 and will be in Carloline Street car park which reads: Website, thanks to Pamela it followed by a talk from new “Saltaire is the start of a Dales High Way – Reynolds , who manages the World Heritage Officer Helen 90 miles to Appleby, across the glorious site at Thornton from 8pm. The high country of the Yorkshire Dales.” www.saltairevillage.info venue is the Half Moon Café . Many people have heard of the – Drinks and snacks will be the famous long distance path from to BANDSTAND Bowness-on-Windermere which is walked by available to purchase and a PROGRAMME raffle will be held (donation over 4,000 people each year. Well it’s got a FREE music in Roberts of prizes appreciated!) At the younger, tougher sister. A Dales High Way Park every Sunday from AGM we will be discussing was created in 2008 by us Saltaire locals. 2.30 pm. and voting on changes to our The high level route between Saltaire and June constitution re. membership. Appleby-in-Westmorland takes in Rombald’s 1st Bradford Metropolitan We are planning a three tier Moor, Malhamdale, , Whern- Concert Band structure with all residents of side and the Howgill Fells. Walking it takes 8th Otra (folk duo) Saltaire being Associate around a week and walkers often return on 15 th GMC Jazz Members, people who want to the Settle-Carlisle line, whizzing back in a 29 th Bradford Voices be a bit more involved can few short hours through the landscape it took ______become Full Members with days to walk. The route is gaining in popularity every year and we are confident Cuppacare voting rights and the most interested/involved can be that by next summer over a 1,000 walkers in New Kirkgate, Shipley, is a Committee Members. There will be setting off from Saltaire. Give them a non-profit enterprise kept will be no fees for cheery wave if you see them - a long distance open from 10am until 1.30pm membership. Remember: the walk is always a daunting prospect so any on Mondays and Fridays by more members we have, the encouragement is very welcome. Shipley Christians Together. more representative we are! ______We are also looking more Saltaire Cricket Club WORLD HERITAGE seriously at becoming a TABLE TOP SALE WHEELIE designated Community Group Does NOT talk rubbish Victoria Hall with the Council under the th Localism Act and will discuss Sunday, June 15 that furthe r at the AGM. Our Doors open at 10 am. next ordinary meeting will be 01274 787908 st ______at 7.30pm on Tuesday July 1 ENJOY THE MID-YORKSHIRE at Caroline’s Club, when the SUNDAY CRICKET LEAGUE new Committee will appoint IN ROBERTS PARK the next officers (Chair, Secretary and Treasurer). Saltaire Cricket Club First XI "I must confess that I am not Home fixture in June the best of company when [email protected] th it comes to long distance or contact via Saltaire Bookshop Sunday, 29 v Farsley walks!" [See above, left.]

The Saltaire Sentinel , written by the people of Saltaire and photocopied by in the heart of Saltaire every month, is not affiliated to, nor in any way controlled or influenced by any group, society or organisation . [email protected] Sadly, sooner or later you will dispose of this copy of the Sentinel . Please do so with care for our World Heritage Site environment.