New Horbury People's Museum tells rich history of town

A new museum showcasing the rich history of a West Yorkshire town has been opened.

The People's Museum, in Horbury, features exhibits donated by members of the public following an appeal.

Stories of businessmen such as William Sykes, whose firm made footballs for the 1966 World Cup and cricket bats for Sir Don Bradman, also feature.

Curator Helen Bickerdike said: "Horbury might be a small place, but it is absolutely packed with heritage."

The items have gone on permanent display at the town's library after funding for the project was secured by councillors, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Alongside the story of Sykes, whose saddlery business developed into a major manufacturer of sports equipment and is now part of the Slazenger group, the museum also features the stories of Charles Roberts' railway carriage makers and engineer William Roberts.

Charles Roberts had the sole patent for, and supplied, wooden railway coaches to the whole country, before going on to produce Churchill tanks and munitions during World War Two.

Meanwhile, William Roberts invented the world's first mining conveyor belt and set up his own firm in Horbury to manufacture it.

'Brilliant response'

Ms Bickerdike said: "We have called it the People's Museum because it is for the people of Horbury and the items have been loaned by local people to tell the social history of Horbury.

"I had a lady who was born in Horbury but has lived in Germany for years and years who offered items from the old Horbury District Council days.

"She travelled from Germany to Horbury to bring them in person last week. The response has been brilliant."

Funding for the museum was secured from Wakefield Council by councillors Darren Byford and Deb Nicholls on behalf of Friends of Horbury Library and Horbury Village Partnership.

Chris Williams, senior library officer, said: "We're really thankful to the local elected members for supporting The Friends of Horbury Library and the Horbury Village Partnership with the People's Museum project.

"The museum will enable the library service to engage with the local community to showcase the history of Horbury through themed displays."

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