A Brief Introduction to Halifax

The Town

With a population of some 90,000, Halifax is the administrative centre of the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale. It grew dramatically during the industrial revolution with the bulk of employment coming in the fields of wool (the town boasted John Crossley's - the largest carpet manufacturer in the world), engineering, and confectionery (originally Mackintosh's - now Nestle's).

The 1970's saw a major decline in the traditional industries and by the mid 80's unemployment had risen to around 10%, with some areas being double this. This is what inspired the Group to start up its Charity. However, things have improved. The Halifax Bank, for example, is a major employer expanding tremendously, at Trinity Road and Copley.

A lot of the council estates are being re-vamped with government grants. The area around Park Church is the focus of a Single Regeneration Budget scheme, and a similar scheme has recently started in North Halifax, covering the area around Providence.

Education

There are two selective grammar school and a number of comprehensives. The local Church of England (11 to 18) comprehensive school, which admits committed Non-Conformists , shares a sixth form with the Catholic High. There is also a sixth form college and a college of further education, and a Government Education Action Zone.

Rest, recreation and shopping

The Halifax Choral Society, which rehearses at Carlton URC, is the oldest Choral Society in the country. Calderdale is the home of many brass bands including the Brighouse & Rastrick. The former Square (Congregational) Chapel (18th century building) is at present an Arts Centre. The Dean Clough complex houses art galleries and a theatre. People's Park, adjacent to Park is being restored. There are Rugby League, Union & Soccer Clubs. There is the Piece Hall (where the home produced cloth was brought for sale), and the Eureka! Museum for children. Halifax is surrounded by stunning countryside with a dense network of footpaths, including the Calderdale Way and Pennine Way. Halifax also has the highest number of night-clubs per head of population in the country!

The town has an indoor Victorian Market as well as outdoor markets at the Piece Hall throughout the week. Leeds and Bradford are easily accessible both by car and train. The Trafford Centre in Manchester is approximately ¾ hour away, while the Meadow Hall Shopping Centre in Sheffield is about an hour away.

Conclusion

Halifax is a pleasant place to live. It has much to offer people of all ages. However as Churches we are well aware that beneath the surface of well being there are many living lives of emptiness, uncertainty and materialism. Through our Churches & Charities we pray that we may reach out to help all find life in all its fulness.

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