Volunteers at museum build up a head of steam

Members of the Calderdale Industrial Museum Association voted to transform the association into a limited company, paving the way for an application to become a registered charity.

The ultimate aim is to re-open the Halifax museum to the public and get the industrial machinery exhibits in working order.

The exhibits include a forge, carpet looms, steam engines, a toffee wrapping machine, water wheel and hand looms.

At present the building opens only occasionally and the exhibits are mostly silent.

The association’s new status will make it easier to apply for funding and sponsorship.

It will take many thousands of pounds to get all the machines in working order. One priority is to raise around £20,000 to get a working lift in the four-storey building.

Museum association chairman Tim Kirker said: “Our new legal status means that we are now able to enter into agreements and contracts with other bodies, including Calderdale Council and we are exploring how responsibility for aspects of running the Industrial Museum might be passed to CIMA.

“Our long-term objective is to see the museum opening much more often than the few open days we are currently managing, and we want to see more of the historic machinery actually working.”

The museum association now has over 100 members but new volunteers are being encouraged to join, particularly people who have an interest in, and knowledge of, old weaving and spinning machines.

Committee member George Drake, who managed Calderdale Industrial Museum in its heyday, is concerned that people with experience of running these old machines are getting scarce.

“It’s vital that we tap into these old skills, before it’s too late, and pass them on to a new generation.

“What visitors really want is to see the machines working.”

The museum, which is housed in a brick building near Halifax railway station, closed in 2000 owing to rising costs and falling visitor numbers.

It remains under the control of Calderdale Council but there isn’t any council cash to get it operating again.

Museum association secretary Dee Weaver said getting all the machines running was a long-term aim.

In the meantime, negotiations are taking place between the association and the council over whether the former can take over the building.

This year’s first open day is on Saturday, April 13, from 10am to 3.30. Entry is free.

Anyone who wants to get involved can call 01422 823966 or email: [email protected]