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Out & About :

Our fascinating garden wall

John Edward Wainhouse was a local dyeworks owner and his aunt previously owned the building of which we are a part. He inherited it and certainly added the distinctive front porches and the garden wall too as it bears his initials JEW and the date 1878. Part of the wall was a water source, probably a well or trough which has been bricked in more recently. We have now been told that this was actually 3 water troughs which were installed following the failure of a previous scheme called Cockett Well due to land ownership issues with Sir Henry Edwards. On the back wall there was an inscription in gilt lettering which said “And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away” Genesis 21:25. This is a reference to JEW’s feud with Sir Henry Edwards who lived at Pye Nest House and had objected to the building of Wainhouse Tower a few years previously as he thought it was an intrusion of his privacy. It later became known as ‘the tower of spite’. The cottages were allegedly known as Dye Nest which was inscribed on a chimney. More research is required to find out more!

Thanks to Peter Kemp for the photo and Steve for the additional information.

Special events at the Bankfield Museum Halifax 2025

The fascinating Bankfield Museum is just outside the town centre, across North Bridge and along the road to Queensbury. The entrance is slightly hidden so watch out for the stone gate posts leading up a narrow drive just past the magnificent All Soul’s Church which sadly only opens occasionally. It has been a museum since 1887 and tells the story of Halifax, Calderdale and its people and heritage.

Opening times are Tuesday to Saturday 10.00-16.00 FREE ENTRY unless you attend an event or workshop.

The house was originally the home of Edward Akroyd local MP and mill owner and now hosts a very interesting collection of local memorabilia such as exhibits from the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, a toy collection and jewellery crafted by the renowned local silversmith Charles Horner.

In addition, the museum hosts special events throughout the year and below is the schedule for 2025. For more details please visit the website https://museums.calderdale.gov.uk

Exhibition 50 Years of Calderdale. This explores the history of the borough, created in 1974, over the past 50 years from archaeological discoveries to the changing industrial landscape and the new future as a filming location. To December 21st 2025

Exhibition Edith Durham 1863-1944; Explorer, Collector and Champion of The Balkans to March 29th 2025

Exhibition Wild Words. This celebrates the poetry of the area most famously Ted Hughes 1930-1998. To 1st March 2025

Exhibition Welcome to Calderdale, a new exhibition of paintings by local Brighouse artist Roger Davies until 28th June 2025

Exhibition The World of Chris Mould an award winning graphic illustrator. Until 30th August 2025

Event Sketch Away with Chris Mould. Come and join a workshop on 18th February. Book online.

Event Fastest Felting Workshop and create your own wet felting masterpiece. 19 February 2025. Book online.

Event Mask Making Workshop for children 4-12 21st February. Book online.

Event Poetry Inspired by the Brontes to accompany the Wild Words Exhibition. 21st February. Book online.

Event Vintage Sewing Machine Demonstration, a free session on 8th March

Exhibition Let’s go Shopping! Suitable for all ages, this looks at the shops of yesteryear in Halifax with a display of photos and objects. 8th March -13th September 2025

Event Roger Davies in Concert. Join in with a performance by local poet, who is also a talented songwriter, on 11th April 2025. Book online

Event Regency Summer Ball with music from the Pemberley Players. 2nd August 2025. Book online

Below are two of the costumes, from a previous exhibition at the Bankfield Museum, worn by the fictional character Eugenie Pierre played by Albane Courtois in the BBC/HBO tv series ‘Gentleman Jack’. This very popular historical drama focuses on the unconventional life and loves of local landowner Anne Lister who was played by Suranne Jones.

Calendar Pricing and Availability NOW FIXED

Unfortunately our calendar is accurate to March 31 2025 but after then it is being stubborn and any changes won’t save. Please contact Jane at dyerscottageyorkshire@outlook.com or give me a call/send a text to 07359 200053 and I am happy to help. Alternatively our automated booking system via Bookalet is working so if you click on the mauve button Book Now and choose the online option, you will be able to see our availability and pricing.

Christmas Morning Service on BBC1 live from Halifax Minster at 10.15 on December 25th

Halifax Minster, previously known as the church of St John the Baptist, welcomes everyone to the live recording of its Christmas service which will be broadcast on BBC1 at 10.15 on December 25th. This is a tremendous honour for the church clergy and its parishioners. Please arrive early as the doors will open at 08.45 followed by a warm-up and rehearsal before the broadcast. For security reasons bags may be searched on entry. The doors will close earlier than 09.30, when all congregation has to be seated, if the church is full.

The service will begin at 10.15 and features the Minster choir accompanied by the organist and Hammonds Band from Saltaire. The bishop of Huddersfield, the Right Reverend Smitha Prasadam, will be the preacher. The service will be broadcast for an hour but if Holy Communion has not finished, the service will continue without the cameras.

View from the top of Wainhouse Tower Halifax UK, the tallest folly in the world

Wainhouse Tower is unique! Originally designed to be a chimney for a dyeworks, the creativity of the architect Isaac Booth got ever more bold and it never achieved its original purpose. John Edward Wainhouse, the owner of the dyeworks, was very influential in the architectural design of the local area and this masterpiece took from 1871-1875 to build. It became the most famous landmark in Halifax offering views from the balconies over the whole of Calderdale into the Pennines. Unfortunately it also overlooked the estate of his neighbour Sir Henry Edwards and locally became known as “the tower of spite”. Reputedly, on days with excellent visibility, it is said that having climbed the 369 steps, you are rewarded with a view to Blackpool Tower over 40 miles away. It is 84 metres tall, with a square base, an octagonal shaft and 2 balconied viewing platforms, the upper one not open to the public.

It is now owned by Calderdale Council who arrange special open days when tickets can be booked. In 2024 these were on the third Saturday and the first Wednesday of each month and some Bank Holidays. For more information visit https://www.visitcalderdale.com

Philip Fearnley, a local photographer and owner of Halo Vue Aerial Photography https://www.halovue.co.uk has published an extensive series of stunning photographs taken by drone from the top of Wainhouse Tower in all directions. Dyer’s Holiday Cottage Halifax is proud to feature in the left part of the first photograph which is looking South West towards Sowerby Bridge and in the distance are the Pennines. These photographs are available in a book with more information about Wainhouse Tower called Calderdale From The Air Wainhouse Tower by Philip Fearnley and would make an amazing Christmas gift for anyone who has a connection to Halifax and Calderdale.

Photos credited to Philip Fearnley Photography. Dyer’s Holiday Cottage is in the centre left of this photo just before the bend in Edwards Road, next to a large Victorian building with a slate roof which was formerly the home of John Edward Wainhouse and known as West Air. It is now the very popular pub The Wainhouse Tavern and has won accolades as one of the best real ale pubs in Calderdale and the food is well worth a mention too.

If you would like to see more of Philip’s work, please take a look at the virtual tour on our website https://www.dyerscottageyorkshire.co.uk which takes you around the cottage and then offers you an opportunity to see more of Halifax and Calderdale from the air. He also has worked with tv production companies, notably on ‘Gentleman Jack’ and ‘Canal Boat Diaries’.

Last minute special offer at Dyer’s Holiday Cottage Halifax July 13/27 just £500/wk

Stay at Dyer’s Cottage Halifax when you are coming to a music or comedy event at the Piece Hall

Dyer’s Cottage is just short of 2 miles from the Piece Hall and the walk takes about 35 minutes through the leafy roads of Skircoat. You will pass Manor Park and Skircoat Moor so it is a very open and green route. Many road closures and restrictions are in place on gig nights so a bus, taxi or walk is possibly the best option.

We have availability for many of the events and so please consider staying in our charming character cottage which sleeps 3 in one bedroom with either a superking bed or 2 twin beds plus a comfortable sofa bed in the living room.

The events are as follows

June 7 Blondie We have availability

June 9 Blondie We have availability

June 13 Sheryl Crow We have availability

June15 Annie Mac We have availability

June 16 Chic featuring Nile Rodgers We have availability

June 19 Crowded House We have availability

June 22 Grace Jones

June 23 Bryan Adams

June 25 Placebo

June 26 Air

June 27 Michael Kiwanuka

June 28 Underworld

June 30 Tom Odell

July 7Rick Astley

July 9 Loyle Carner

July 12 Tom Jones

July 13 Idles We have availability

July 27 Ministry of Sound Ibiza Anthems with Ellie Sax We have availability

July 31 Bill Bailey

Aug 1 Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Aug 2 Richard Ashcroft

Aug 3 The Stranglers

Aug 8 Jess Glynne

Aug 9 Korn Loathe

Aug 10 McFly

Aug 13 Status Quo

Aug 18 McFly We have availability

Aug 20 PJ Harvey We have availability

Aug 21 Pixies

Aug 22 De Streets

Aug 23 Buffy Clyro

Aug 24 Fat Boy Slim

Aug 25 Jingle

Aug 26 Clan Ducrot

October 12 David Hepworth We have availability

For more info please see www.ents24.com/halifax-events/the-piece-hall www.thepiecehall.co.uk www.visitcalderdale.com

Availability at Dyer’s Cottage is correct on June 6 2024 but do check our calendar please or phone 07359 200053

Last Minute Special Offer May 25 to June 19

Just £500 for a weeks stay at Dyer’s self catering holiday cottage in the beautiful Calderdale West Yorkshire between Halifax and Sowerby Bridge. Located in the shadow of Wainhouse Tower, the tallest folly in the world, this is a truly heritage area and our cottage is part of is one of the oldest buildings in the area.

Price includes a breakfast pack too.

Shorter stays available too.

Enjoy relaxing in our unique cottage garden after a day out exploring the natural beauty and historic sights.

Last minute offer at Dyer’s Cottage Yorkshire Sunday May 19 to Saturday May 25 just £500

Please phone or text me on 07359 200053 or send an enquiry email mentioning the special offer as this cannot be booked online. The price includes a complimentary Yorkshire welcome pack too.

Porky Pies? Yes, but also cheese, chicken, steak and ale and others too made by The Crusty Pie Company Halifax West Yorkshire

When you are staying at Dyer’s self catering holiday cottage Halifax, why not take a look at www.crustypie.co.uk or their FB page and see where they are selling at local events or maybe place an online order as they deliver locally? You can also order to arrange a national delivery as the pies are sent out surrounded by dry ice to maintain maximum freshness. This is a true family business who only sell to the public. They don’t supply pubs, restaurants or shops, just you. Diane and Richard have been making pies for 28 years using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible so we hope you will support them too.

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