Ravensthorpe Heritage Project 21st September 2012

Ravensthorpe History Project

It was my pleasure and privilege to attend the celebration event of the Ravensthorpe Heritage Project this morning, at the Greenwood Community Centre.

Earlier in the year, youngsters from Old Bank, Castle Hall, Ravensthorpe Junior, Ravenshall,  Westborough and St Paulinus Schools took part in a project to learn about local history. They engaged with some older local community members to uncover the splendid heritage of Ravensthorpe. They took part in an  archaeological dig, local history workshops investigating the life of a local mill owner, made clay models and created portfolios of their work, which I found interesting.

The project was a great opportunity to get out of the classroom, meet different people and learn in a different way, in a new environment which brings learning to life. The archaeological dig was fascinating despite the terrible weather this summer. Also it allows young people the opportunity to contribute to the permanent historical record of West Yorkshire.

It is important to get a grasp of history. It allows us to understand that the space that we live in, was once occupied by others in different ways and when we pass on, other people will be here and put this place to other uses. This is a historical pattern which has been in place for thousands of years.

This is a really valuable project. It’s really important to understand the past so that we are better equipped to shape our future.

Well done to all who made this project a success. Thanks to the organisers, West Yorkshire Joint Services, The Greenwood Centre, the staff of the schools, who continually do wonderful work and most of all to the young people for their enthusiasm and commitment to this project.