Cricket is a fundamental part of the local cultural tradition. Yet often, the heritage of grounds, and the societies that shape them, is neglected.
Clubs in Calderdale/Kirklees act as a focal-point for community life. It is not just that local men play for senior teams, but children turn out for junior sides, women often help on the social side, and many elderly people take on administrative roles. There is also high ethnic-minority involvement.
This project received a £43,400 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It aims to explore and celebrate the cricketing heritage of Kirklees and Calderdale, focusing in particular on the local league cricket clubs and grounds in the Kirklees-Calderdale area.
The project is a pioneering and exciting venture:
- It will establish cricket archives in Halifax and Huddersfield town libraries.
- It will employ 'community' photographers/artists to depict local cricketing landscapes.
- Local libraries will host exhibitions on a cricket/community theme and 'Heritage Trail' leaflets will be available.
- Informative features will appear in the local media.
- Books will be written on the cricketing heritage of Calderdale/Kirklees.
The aims of this website are:
- to explain the project.
- to encourage participation in the project.
- to facilitate communication between local cricket enthusiasts and project volunteers.
The Project Leader, Dr Peter Davies, can be contacted via