Celebrating 100 years of Tolson Memorial Museum
The Yorkshire Post of 29th May 1922 announced that the Tolson Memorial Museum had opened on Saturday 27th May. It reported this occasion was in the ‘presence of a large gathering’ which included Mr Legh Tolson. It was Mr Legh Tolson who had donated this estate, his former residence, to the people of Huddersfield which was to be the Museum. This wonderful gift had been given as a memorial in memory of his two nephews who had died in the recent World War. Mr Tolson was presented with a ‘gold key’ to commemorate the occasion. This splendid key is today in the Gallery in the Museum.
The article also reported how the museum was to be planned and organised. A previous article had named Dr Woodhead, head of the Biology Department of the Huddersfield Technical College as the planner of this scheme. The first curator in this new Museum was to be Seth Mosley. Today both men are celebrated in the museum.
The Friends have organised events on the weekend of 14th and 15th May to celebrate this occasion.
On Saturday there is an evening when the achievements of the museum will be celebrated. Deborah Marsland, Head of Museums Service, Kirklees, Nathan Smith, Assistant Curator who has recently been engaged with research in the museum will both talk about the museum. The evening will be introduced by Ann Denham of the Friends who has recently been researching the history of the museum. Refreshments will be served. Guests will be welcomed into the museum by a jazz group playing in the 1920’s style.
On the Sunday afternoon in the Heritage Memorial Garden there is to be a 1920s jazz concert, to which you are not only invited to attend, but also to come in your best 1920’s clothes. We have the Denholme Jazz Group to entertain us and there will be a prize for the best 1920’s outfit—so get your flapper gear out and come and join the fun. This is a free event, just come along.
These are not the only celebrations that the Friends plan this year. Events to plan the launch of publications about the Museum are planned. These to include an extensive book on Seth Mosley, a history of the museum and a children’s book on the work on the environment in the museum. Hopefully these to be sometime in the autumn.
Events
Sat 14th May – Celebrating 100 years of Tolson Memorial Museum
Woodhead Hall
6.30 for 7pm – 9.30
Booking essential. £5
Book online » https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/friends-of-tolson-and-ravenskowle-park-25512629981
Tea & Cake 2pm – 3.30
2nd Wednesday afternoon in the month
Free events – just a donation towards refreshments.
11th May. Growing together – Gardening for health.
Anne Merry
Anne is part of the Social Prescribing Team working in the Heritage Memorial Garden.
8th June – Visit to Mining Museum.
This was to be our excursion two years ago but was cancelled. Please let me know if you would like to attend. The tour of the museum offers the opportunity of a trip underground, however there is plenty to see if you would prefer not to go underground. This must be booked at the meeting in May.
13th July – The Welcome Centre
Emma Greenough, Manager.
Behind the scenes of this establishment that is supporting those in need.
Heritage Memorial Garden
Events in the Heritage Memorial Garden are free though a collection is taken. There is limited seating on the wall so please bring a seat or something to sit on if you can. Refreshments are available before each event and in the interval.
- Sun 15th May. 2pm – 4pm. Downholme Jazz. Prize for the best 1920’s outfit.
- Sun 5th June. 2pm – 4pm. Sheply Band.
- Sun 12th June 2pm – 4pm. Emley Brass Band.
- Sun. 3rd July 2pm – 4pm.
Mondays at the Museum
Free wellbeing activities between 11:00am & 3:00pm. Starts 9th May. Connecting heritage, health and community.
Tolson Memorial Museum, Huddersfield HD5 8DJ.
A 4-month pilot collaboration between Tolson Museum, Tolson PCN Social Prescribing team, Local Services and Huddersfield Mission.
Gardening in Heritage Memorial Garden
In the Garden we are working with the Social Prescribing Team and now meet on Monday from 11am 9th May. We are still working to produce a ‘colour’ garden. Another of the individual gardens is to be cultivated to grow plants that can be eaten. The main part of the garden is still to be mainly a flower garden but with the emphasis on plants that will encourage bees and butterflies. Come and join us.
NB Friends of Tolson & Ravensknowle AGM Sunday 19th June 2pm
About Friends of Tolson & Ravensknowle
The Committee of Friends of Tolson & Ravensknowle meet once a month to plan the programme for the local community and support the work of the Museum. We look after the Heritage Memorial Garden. We would welcome any one who is interested in working with us.
For more information please contact Volunteer Ann, Friends of Tolson & Ravensknowle. m: 07803159506 email: secretary@friendsoftolson.org