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Ben Rushton Memorial Project (A hero from Ovenden?)
Location: Calderdale
The project explored the life of handloom weaver and local Chartist leader, Ben Rushton of Ovenden, who campaigned for the rights of his fellow workers throughout his life.
The group researched Rushton's life and times. West Yorkshire Archive Service compiled a mobile exhibition in order to encourage members of the community to participate in the project and share information and memories. The information gathered was displayed at a final exhibition in the Piece Hall, and a booklet about Ben Rushton was produced.
Schools took part in workshops leading to a performance about the life and times of Ben Rushton, helping to raise awareness of this local hero with younger people in the area.
The children and local community produced banners for a parade which was part of the celebratory event- Halifax's Chartist festival. The parade was accompanied by a brass band fron Ryburn Valley School, a stilt walker acting the part of the Union Workhouse matron, and a fire juggler. The song Blackstone Edge was sung, and Chris Bennetts, as Ben Rushton, made rousing speeches. A Charter 06, its 6 points selected by 6th form students at the Ridings School, was presented to MPs Chris McCafferty and Linda Riordan, before the children's performance at Square Chapel told the subject's story.
Reminiscence sessions generated discussion of more recent and personal heroes, in relation to Ben's story. The results were interpreted in collaged images featuring local heroes in Ben Rushton;s honour, for the Noah's Ark Community Cafe.
Dr JA Hargreaves gave a public lecture on Ben Rushton and the Halifax Chartists; Dr Mike Sanders led a walk to the top of Blackstone Edge, where he made a speech about the relevance of Chartist thinking to today; Linda Croft led a guided walk round Skircoat and Salterhebble, telling the story of the Halifax Chartists and the 1842 Plug Plot- An evening of songs and words was held at the Square Chapel Arts Centre. A final ceremony at Rushton's graveside was attended by, among others, three of Ben Rushton's descendants.
Group Name |
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Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery |
| Project Contact |
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Harriet Dell |
| Address |
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1 Savile Row. Halifax. West Yorkshire. HX1 2EJ |
| Project Postcode |
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HX1 2EJ |
| Finishing Date |
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30 Sep 06 |
| See also |
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Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery website |
| Local Community Involvement / Partnerships: |
| The Friends of Lister Lane Cemetery working with a committee representing the Ovenden area and the West Yorkshire Archive Service to encourage awareness of the project and participation from local schools and community groups. |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: £24439
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