Spen Valley Magazine Spen Valley Magazine (draft) | Page 2

Who are we?
We're an independent voluntary society formed
over 40 years ago, dedicated to promoting high
standards, public interest and pride in Spen
Valley's townscapes and countryside. We're local
people with a wide variety of interests including
architecture, urban planning, history, nature
conservation, walking & cycling.
We belong to the Yorkshire & Humber Association
of Civic Societies and to Civic Voice, giving us both
regional and national connections.
Where are we?
And what's "Cleckheckmondsedge"?
We're in the heart of West Yorkshire, near the M62
and M1, at the centre of a circle joining Bradford,
Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Halifax (all
less than 10 miles away). The River Spen rises near
Bradford and flows south into the River Calder
near Dewsbury.
Our Spen Valley is about 7 miles long, containing the
small townships and hamlets of Gomersal, Drub,
Hunsworth, Scholes, Roberttown, Hightown,
Littletown, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and
Liversedge. The last three gave rise to the
fun name of "Cleckheckmondsedge"! These
settlements are surrounded by countryside,
criss-crossed by footpaths and bridleways.
The famous Spen Valley Greenway (part of
Sustrans National Cycle Route 66) runs through
our valley, a boon for walkers, horseriders, joggers
and cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Our historical gems include over 100 listed
buildings, many Bronte and Luddite connections,
and sites where spirited free-thinking local people
like Quakers, Chartists and Non-Conformists
stood up to oppression and intolerance.