The first project to extend the Holme Valley Arts Trail commenced in March with an initial meeting between artist Sue Jenkins and the staff and children at Brockholes C.E (C) School.

Headteacher Gill Roberts said “The Riverside Project will allow children to step out of the box and enjoy enrichment within the curriculum through a creative, innovative approach, which we can then extend into school. Franco, aged 7, ‘I like animals and nature and it’s nice when you look at water and can see the wildlife and be involved with it’.

Artist Sue Jenkins, who both lives and works in the Holme Valley, is working with Brockholes School. Sue has a particular interest in ceramics for outdoor use in gardens and for community murals. Sue will be working with the children during a

series of workshops when the children will be able to develop their ideas and designs for a set of ceramic tiles which will highlight flora and fauna which can be seen in the Holme Valley whilst walking the Riverside Way.

The children are now working with Sue at workshops, creating their ideas for the tiles which will spell out the message “Welcome to the Holme Valley Riverside Way”. She hopes that the mural will be completed in the Autumn, perhaps during October 2006.

The mural will be placed on a wall at the start of the Holme Valley Riverside Way, near Steps Bridge, in Honley. Permission has now been given to the Council by the owner of the wall to allow the mural to be located here.

Honley was chosen for the first phase because a piece of artwork there would mark both the start of the Riverside Way and the Arts Trail. Sites being considered for future pieces of artwork are Magdale and Spider Alley in Honley. Slightly further along the walk, possible sites include an area near the Campsite and also where the Riverside Way crosses through Thongsbridge. Sites will also be considered near the centre of Holmfirth and further up the valley towards Holme. The plan is to involve Holmfirth Junior and Infant School in the second stage of the project with another local artist, Mike Disley.

The Parish Council is joining with other partners in its plans to develop the Arts Trail. Preparations are already in hand with the Holme Valley Civic Society, Holme Valley Business Association, and with Kirklees MC to apply to the Arts Council and other grant funding organisations for external funding, to allow the development of various different arts initiatives in the Holme Valley to complement the Arts Trail.

Holme Valley Civic Society is developing the idea of placing “Blue Plaques” to commemorate significant inhabitants and buildings in the Holme Valley; the Business Association hopes to develop a Heritage Garden in Holmfirth, for which plans are at an early stage.

Further information contact - Holme Valley Parish Council - 01484 222462.

Click here to read more about the Arts Trail.