BW giving away Standedge Tunnel

Published: Wednesday, 08 September 2010

NOT the whole of it!—just 100 special pieces of tunnel rock, to encourage visitors to the Huddersfield Narrow Canal attraction.

Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre will be giving away 100 special pieces of tunnel rock to the first 100 people who travel into the  canal tunnel on Sunday 12th September.

This is to promote the popular voluntary cultural event—Heritage Open Day 2010, with a spokesman telling us:

"Over 9,000 people have travelled through the tunnel so far during 2010, but in a first for Standedge, the individually wrapped pieces of tunnel rock will give visitors the opportunity to walk away with a very rare piece of one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways'."

Free trip

As a special Heritage Open Day treat, those who come for Sunday's 10:00am trip will be able to travel free!

Organised by English Heritage, the mix of nationwide events celebrate England's architecture and culture by allowing visitors free access to interesting properties that are either not usually open, or would normally charge an entrance fee.

Celebrating heritage

James Dean, Visitor Services Manager for Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre, explained:

"What better way of celebrating the importance of our heritage than giving away a rare piece of our famous tunnel to a lucky few. Standedge and Huddersfield's canals are steeped in fascinating history so this is a great event to get the community to explore their local heritage. We've also got lots of other things happening including a classic car rally, interesting local history displays and our exciting boat trips to keep all the family entertained."

150 years old minute book

As an extra special bonus, an original 150 years old minute book, which was originally thrown out in the rubbish in the 1940s, will also be on public show for the very first time. The book relates to London & North West Railway Company's ownership of the Huddersfield canals and gives a fascinating insight into life on the canal during the mid 19th Century.

The special event will run from 10am to 4pm and the free bits of tunnel rock are only available on a first come first served basis on Sunday 12th September.