Encouraging school field trips to Saddleworth

With its outstanding industrial heritage and breathtaking geography, Saddleworth is the perfect destination for a school field trip. Saddleworth Parish Council are in the process of mailing schools in the region to encourage them to visit Saddleworth and while they’re here to take advantage of our Civic Hall as a base for school trips. This is a copy of that letter:

Dear Headteacher,

Field Trips to Saddleworth

As part of the Key Stage 2 Schools Curriculum covers the Industrial Revolution, schools often make field trips to our area where the impact of that era can still be clearly seen. Particularly during adverse weather conditions, these field trips can be challenging due to the lack of shelter and public toilet facilities.

Uppermill, where Saddleworth Parish Council is based, is an ideal location for the field trips as, within a relatively small area, we have the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, the River Tame, a railway viaduct built on a curve – a fairly unique feature – and a museum which contains many exhibits telling the story of industrialisation in Saddleworth. There is also a park and playing fields which could be used on fine days for the students to picnic but, unfortunately, no longer any public conveniences.

In the centre of Uppermill is the Gothic-style Civic Hall, a former Mechanics Institute which opened in 1859, where the Parish Council is based. The building has been recently renovated and now provides a large ground floor hall with full catering facilities and accessible toilets – the perfect place to find shelter from the rain. Coaches can stop at the front of the building to drop students off and can park for no charge on the leisure centre car park, a 5 minute walk away.

The hall is available for hire at very reasonable rates and this can provide a solution to the current challenges and enhance the experience for both teachers and students. Although not under the remit of the Parish Council, we do work closely with the staff at the museum and could also organise a private visit for school parties.

All of this will help deliver an interesting, safe and fun learning experience for your students and staff.

If you would like any further information or wish to receive a brochure please contact Mrs. Pam Bailey, Clerk to the Council on 01457 876665, e-mail: enquiries@saddleworthparishcouncil.org.uk.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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