New group for the jewels in Batley’s crown

Plans to relaunch the Friends of Bagshaw Museum and Wilton Park group have been supported by all six councillors and Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate Jo Cox.

The park and museum, dubbed the jewels in Batley’s crown, have not had a friends group since it folded in 2012.

Bagshaw Museum will be hosting a community tea party to encourage residents to become ambassadors for the landmarks.

Mrs Cox said: “We would urge anyone who values our museum and Batley park to come and get involved.

“We need to do everything we can to make sure people are using the park and visiting the museum to help ensure they both continue to be available for future generations.

“Kirklees Council faces the toughest financial test of its existence due to government cuts to funding and we want to make sure two of Batley’s greatest assets don’t suffer.”

Anyone interested in joining can meet at the museum on Sunday July 13, from 1pm.

The meeting is followed by a community tea party, from 2pm.

Bagshaw Museum heritage manager Linda Levick has urged residents to follow in the footsteps of the Friends of Crow Nest Park in Dewsbury.

Mrs Levick, who has been at the museum for 18 months, said the group has organised a host of events which have been well received by the town.

“You could do anything from helping to organise events in the park to fundraise for charities,” she said.

“Both are fabulous attractions and joining up will ensure people can make the most of them.”