Tolson Memorial Museum – Your Museum. 100 items about the Museum and Huddersfield
The Friends of Tolson and Ravensknowle are highlighting over the coming months 100 of the many unusual and fascinating items that are found in the museum and the collections.
First a word about the building. The Museum building was originally called Ravensknowle Hall and was given to Huddersfield Corporation on 31st December 1919. Mr Tolson who made this wonderful gift was a local cotton manufacturer and local historian. He made this gift as a memorial to his two nephews Robert Huntriss Tolson and James Martin Tolson both killed fighting in the First World War.
At the time there was a burgeoning museum in the Technical College but woefully restricted by space. Mr Tolson made the donation on condition that the museum should reflected the history and environment of Huddersfield as suggested by Dr Woodhead, the Head of Biology at Huddersfield Technical College. It should be open to the public and demonstrate ‘the influence of all life of the town and district. It should be an educational institution and should provide practical illustrations of the main factors in the environment of the community.’ As it does to this day.
1. Key to the door.
On 22nd May 1922 Legh Tolson was presented with a gold ‘key to the door’ of the Tolson Museum. You can see this on the first floor landing.
Have you a favourite item in the Museum that should be included in the 100? If so let us know.
Tolson Junior Park Run
The Tolson Park Run is part of the national Parkrun organization. The Tolson Junior Parkrun is a run of 2k round Ravensknowle Park. It is a free event. It starts at 9am promptly every Sunday morning.
If a child wants to take part they should go online to Parkrun to sign up and get a barcode. Round the course are 10 marshalls. After the run refreshments are served to all from the hut on the bowling green behind the Museum.
We have between 30 and 50 children running each week. The FoT&R would welcome help for an hour in serving refreshments.
Tea & Cake
2pm – 3.30pm. 2nd Wed in month.
Book stall. Free event.
8th February. Story of Huddersfield Army Veterans. Illustrated talk by President Ian Fillan.
8th March. Life on Castle Hill. Talk by Julian Brown, Ranger.
12th April. Museum Special. Why Tolson is important to us and what we are doing to keep as the Museum of Huddersfield.
10th May. Citizens Advice Bureau. What the service does and how it helps people.
14th June. Trip to the Butterfly House, Leeds. Must be booked by the end of May. There will be a charge for transport and entrance to the Butterfly House.
12th July. Kirkwood Hospice, the work of the hospice today.
9th August. Demonstration of Croquet, on the bowling green. and opportunity to have a go. (If wet games in the Museum.!)
13th September. Starting school – memories of first days. What was it like in your day, what is it like today?
11th October. Fire Prevention . Talk by officer from West Yorkshire Brigade officer.
8th November. TBA
13th December. Christmas Party.
Afternoon Cream Teas
1:00 – 3:00. £5 per person. You are advised to pre-book.
Sunday 12th Feb. Celebrate St Valentine’s Day.
Sunday 26th March. Give Mum and the family a treat on Mothering Sunday.
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