Day 52 - Hebden Bridge

My first rest day since Welshpool almost 240 miles ago. 

Hebden Bridge........"and the rain it raineth every day" Well, not quite but first I needed to get my boots reheeled - last done in Monmouth. The soles are fine but I must be a heavy 'heel-striker' so the heels are starting to wear smooth.

I located a branch of Timsons in nearby Halifax, called them as soon as they opened to check that they'd be able to repair them within the day and after breakfast, I walked to the station in the pouring rain and caught the 0950 from Hebden Bridge. By 1020 I'd dropped the boots off and the manager had promised to have them fixed before 11.00.  Fantastic! 

Back outside I asked two ladies for their suggestion of where 1) I might have a good coffee and 2) their recommendation for somewhere to visit in Halifax if I only had an hour. Without hesitation they said 1) Harvey's across the road for coffee and 2) The Piece Hall.

 

In Harvey's, the Union Jacks were already much in evidence in readiness for the weekend.

Over coffee, I got in to conversation 

with Sylvia and Stewart.

Before he retired, Stewart had his own company specialising in dyes and the chemistry of dyes. Since retiring his broader interests have taken over and amongst other things he has been actively involved in the conservation and repurposing of redundant mill buildings. Using his charm and skill he's been able to arange the salvage of original features and connect with new businesses to ensure the buildings remain in use. Keep up the good work Stewart!!

A keen sportsman all his life, Stewart has just retired from golf and is now concentrating on bowls - crown rink, the proper version!

Before retiring, Sylvia was a headmistress of a primary school. We had a lovely conversation - far too brief - and they suggested that I should visit Heptonstall - a small village above Hepden Bridge.

By 11.00, my boots had been repaired and looking ready for the next 300 miles. Many thanks to the manager of Timsons on Commercial St. who'd done a splendid job. 

In pouring rain, I headed back to the station through the Westgate Arcade lined with coffee shops and designer shops

and through the arched entrance to

The Piece Hall. Built in 1780 as a cloth hall for handloom weavers to sell their 'pieces' of fabric. It is a Grade 1 Listed Building. 

Even in the torrential rain, this is a fabulously impressive space - Halifax's response to Siena's Piazza del Campo. I could easily imagine a Yorkshire Palio being held here with the terraces and balconies lines with cheering crowds. If anyone could arrange it, I bet Stewart and Sylvia could.

Back in Hebden Bridge we went to an outdoor shop to get a waterproof case for my phone - it having conked out altogether in yesterday's rain. It's the only means of navigation I have so when water gets in to the phone, I'm literally lost!!

One result is that photographs through the new waterproof case look a little 'impressionist'

We caught the 596 to Heptonstall. If our Prime Minister ever had a thought as to what the populace REALLY think of him, I'd suggest he should come for a short ride on the 596!! 

From outside the church of St Thomas the Apostle we could hear a timpani being tuned up. Inside there was an orchestra and choir rehearsing for tonight's concert - part of the annual Pennine Spring concert series. A scratch choir and orchestra from around the country gather for a week's reherasals culminating with three concerts. 

We heard part of Beethoven's 'Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage'. - a really testing first section. Brilliant!

I'd have loved to have heard Thursday's concert of Finzi's 'In Terra Pax'

Back outside, the rain had gone and we walked through the lovely cobbled streets in gorgeous sunshine and stopped off 

at The Cross Inn for a 'platter' of Scotch egg, sausage roll and pork pie - washed down with a pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord.

Ove lunch we met Margeurite who was born and brought up in Heptonstall, has worked away for a number of years and now returned. Margeurite is a teacher specialising in dance and drama and has worked with people with learning difficulties.

She talked passionately and convincingly about how crucial it is in small communities that everyone contributes and takes part.

She is in the final throes of organising a 40s -50s party for the Jubilee weekend. She'd just been out to get a dress for the event so we convinced her to put it on a give us a twirl. Stunning!!

Back outside, the rain had started again so we returned to Hebden Bridge on the 596 looking forward to the next installment of colourful political analysis.

A great day out!