Get a glimpse of Dewsbury’s hidden heritage

ORDER, ORDER Richard Batterby in the old court room, which was in use until 1982. (d536a436)

Tours of the town hall, which is 125 years old this month, are planned to coincide with the national Heritage Open Weekend programme on Saturday September 13.

Run by Stuart Hartley, of Dewsbury Matters, the tour will include a visit to the old court room, which is often used for television film sets and is usually off limits to the public.

Tour times are 11.30am-12.30pm and 3pm-4pm. There are 20 places per tour, which can be booked at the town hall box office now.

General entry to the town hall will be free, 11am-4pm. Visitors can enjoy tea and cakes in the Victorian concert hall, discover the Dewsbury Greats Exhibition and view photographs of the town hall in days gone by.

Richard Batterby, who is in charge of town hall audience and business development, said: “People often say they don’t feel they can’t get access to the town hall, but now is their chance.

“It will give people a chance to understand what goes on in the building now there’s no council offices in there anymore.”

Meanwhile, An event aimed at promoting business opportunities in Dewsbury town centre is being held just before Heritage Open Weekend. People who run businesses in the town centre or own construction companies looking for work in North Kirklees are invited to the event to learn more about financial incentives and other opportunities. These include the Townscape Heritage Initiative, the Green Deal, the Kirklees Apprenticeship Hub and the Heritage Skills Hub. It takes place at the town hall on Thursday, 8.30am-11am.