There are currently 10 of us – an eclectic collection each with our own characteristics. We are all enthusiasts about our local heritage and all wanting to help others appreciate it. Between us we cover virtually all Calderdale (and a few enclaves just outside the District).  

Each year we aim to offer several new walks which involves quite a lot of research and 50 hours of preparatory work would not be untypical for a new 2/2¼ hour walk. That includes devising an actual route which, as nearly as possible, enables the theme of the walk to evolve logically whilst including all the major points of interest. Even after all that's done, at any time in the future new information may come to light, buildings are altered, or other things happen. So updating is an ongoing process.

In alphabetical order, we are :

John Billingsley

A librarian specialising in folklore, curiosities and prehistory. He edits the antiquarian magazine 'Northern Earth' and has written several books on local topics. He's Programme Secretary for Hebden Bridge Local History Society and mainly specialises in walks around there.

 

John Brooke

A retired Headteacher with a longstanding interest in local history. WEA lecturer and co-author of a school history. Devoted to cricket and is secretary of the History Society in his home area. His walks tend to be east or north of Brighouse.

 

Iain Cameron

Also retired from teaching and now very actively working to improve Calderdale's countryside and its facilities. His main areas of interest are the outer suburbs of Halifax and the villages just west and south-west of there.

 

Pam Jordan

Mytholmroyd native whose ancestors included one of the coiners which is where she says she got her creative talents. After escaping the purgatory of teaching she became a successful artist and publisher of quality walking guides. Concentrates on walks within a few miles of Mytholmroyd.

 

Anne Kirker

Family history specialist, historian, lecturer, former nurse and keen motor cyclist. Anne is Secretary of Halifax Antiquarian Society and Halifax Branch of WEA. Her walks tend to be mainly in and around the Ryburn Valley area where she lives, or in Halifax.

 

David Nortcliffe

After many years working in Countryside Management and recreational use of the countryside, he's returned to his earlier love of local history. Specialises in the east of Calderdale plus Halifax, but with occasional forays elsewhere.

 

Margaret Nortcliffe

Another former teacher, she takes a major role in the Kirklees Estate walks but is also involved in Halifax and Brighouse sites from time to time. Has a wide range of historical interests from mediaeval to early 20 th century.

 

Mary Twentyman

Concentrates on the far north-east of Calderdale (and just beyond). A family historian whose interests have spread to population studies and the area in general. Working on a detailed study of certain woodland areas and former iron works locally.

 

Liz Watkins

Has been a teacher and lecturer, but now works in the Visitor Centre at Hebden Bridge. Her walks are mainly, but not exclusively, in the Hebden Bridge and Heptonstall areas and Liz does some walks designed specifically for young people.

 

Ed. Westbrook

Spent most of his working life in tourism management. Lives in Hebden Bridge and involved with various organisations there. Most of his walks are in the mid/ upper Calder valley from Sowerby Bridge to Todmorden, but also covers the Dean Clough and Hebble Valley areas in Halifax.