My Place Al-Hikmah Project Celebration Event

I had the pleasure of attending the celebration event for the My Place Al-Hikmah Project which involved 5 primary schools in a local history project. They met children from other backgrounds and learned about the history of Hyrstlands House and the lives of the Oldroyd family who lived there in the 19th century. They also took part in an archaeological dig which gave further clues about life here in the past. As archaeology is a multi-disciplinary study, they also learned other skills such as maths and how to use a "level" to measure ground depth. The work they produced ws on display and a drama was enacted about life in the mill for children in 1875. I had been asked to say a few words at the celebration so I prpared a speech, so as it turned out, the mayor gave a speech and Graham Hepplestone, First Officer at West Yorkshire Joint Services, who ran the project, also spoke and there was not time for me, but this is the speech I prepared.

Thank you Mr Mayor, my good friend Cllr Eric Firth, welcome to our MP Mike Wood, who is also my good friend and our guest, Bradford Deputy Mayor, Cllr Val Slater.

Thank you children for letting me join in your celebration, see the work you have produced and enjoy your drama which was moving, as well as interesting and informative. It gave us all an insight into life for children in the mills, 130 years ago and reminds us that we are lucky to be alive now and not then. I think you all deserve a pat on the back.

This project has run for 4 years and provides a wonderful opportunity for children to come out of the classroom, meet children from other backgrounds, learn about our local history and also have fun.

I dropped by during the project and joined in some of the activities. I noticed the enthusiasm and curiosity of the children who were exploring the old house as they used their imagination to work out what each room was used for and who used them. There were lots of other activities to fire the imagination such as looking at historical photos, examining old maps, working out the Oldroyd family tree, learning about life in the mills and of course, dressing up in period costumes, which was a lot of fun. This all brings history to life and makes learning real. The archaeological dig provided further clues about life here in the past and allowed you to learn other skills and also contribute to the permanent historical record of our area, which is very valuable work.

This has all given you a good understanding of our local heritage, as I could see from the drama you enacted and displays we all looked at. It was also an opportunity to learn how to think for yourself, investigate and work things out, which will be useful for you all your life.

It has once again, been a very successful project and I would like to thank the Musa Kasi and IMWS for allowing us to use this marvellous historical facility.

West Yorkshire Joint Services, particularly Amanda, Linda and Stewart for running the project once more; Louise from Archaeological Services for facilitating the dig; Blah Blah Theatre for making possible the lovely performance we have just seen.

The school staff – the head teachers, teaching and support staff for bringing the children and supporting the project - also for your good work, day in day out.  Kirklees Council really appreciates the wonderful work you do for the children of our community.

Also thank you to parents for coming along and supporting your children. The support, guidance and love that parents give their children, is I think, the most important factor that determines educational attainment so please keep up your support.

Most of all, I would like to thank the children for their good behaviour, their enthusiasm for learning. and for getting on well together. The project allowed children to share experiences and develop mutual understanding and respect and, which I found delightful

You children are the future of our community and In order to shape our future, it is important to have an understanding of the history of our community and its impact on our lives today.

Seeing the faces of these children today, I am filled with optimism for out future. Thank you very much.