OSCAR ON TOUR June 2024

 

In the Yorkshire Dales

Staying near Holmfirth – ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ country for two weeks.

The rolling hills, narrow lanes, stone walls, farms and villages are a change for Oscar the Owl from the town of Tamworth in Staffordshire. He was invited to attend two locations and we enjoyed sharing our book with the children and adults we met.

First was Hepworth Pre-school – a short drive from Totties, along Scholes Road by Jackson Bridge Dike. Children came inside from playing in the sunshine, to hear Oscar’s wise words, see the pictures in the book and to tell me ‘My sister has a wobbly tooth’ and ‘my sister can run fast’. (There were children’s races later that day) They sat on the floor and listened well.

The teachers/leaders were helpful and a book-signing followed. I was told that as it was the last Monday of June a Festival is held each year to commemorate the end of the 1665 Great Plague during which the village had been closed off. A procession of villagers walked to Scholes village and back accompanied by Hepworth Brass Band. Local children are given a tea after the procession and there is entertainment. A pig roast is held in the evening at The Butcher’s Arms pub.

 
Inside Hepworth Pre-school and view of Hepworth village. Pictures taken from websites.

Honley is another village in the Holme Valley passing through New Mills and Brockholes from Totties. Its library stands proud at the bottom of the High Street hill.

Here a table of Lego and two computers were in use and a delivery of books arrived – some pre- ordered and others to refresh the shelves. In this quaint library, that is a community group hub, little seats were arranged for children to hear stories read to them.                 

                                

The library was founded in 1936 but the Honley Book Club ran from 1750 to 1823. More recently, heading towards closure, The Friends of Honley Library was created in 2013 and volunteers help to keep the service of books and community group going. Do look them up https://friendsofhonelylibrary.org.uk or visit if you are in the area.

 I was made most welcome by Elaine Fenton who kindly took these photos in a colourful, vibrant area of the library for children.

 

With grateful thanks to Carolyn & Stephen for accommodation in their home with pets Abi the dog to walk in the countryside with and Phoebe the cat as company too.

                                     An Oscar Shelfie and Oscar’s café, Holmfirth.  

Oscar the Owl book is available from Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/bqy7S7x or if you would like to receive a signed copy please email me at sueflint13@hotmail.com.