Historic Oakwell Hall is given £11k funding boost

Oakwell Hall Country Park has been given £11,000 that will help ensure its future is every bit as bright as its past.

Birstall firm PPG Industries, which manufactures paint brands Johnstone’s and Leyland, donated the money to fund three new projects at the historic hall.

They include creating an iron age roundhouse in the park and an environmental education project which will focus on how plants can be used to encourage wildlife.

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The money also paid for the English Civil War Society’s re-enactment of the Battle of Adwalton Moor held at the hall on Saturday.

Coun Graham Turner, Kirklees Council’s cabinet member for resources, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of PPG, thanks to their donations the hall and country park have been able to improve and expand on the facilities and services we offer to visitors over the years.

“The plans for the roundhouse and a new education programme sound very exciting and will enhance the education of local children for years to come.

“Events like the civil war spectacular bring the park to life in a unique way and provide a fantastic day out for local families and visitors from further afield.

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“These types of event take a great deal of organising and just wouldn’t be possible without the support of local businesses and the hall’s friends of group.

“Oakwell Hall is highly valued by me and those that use it, and with the continued support of the excellent hard working friends group and local businesses like PPG I am sure we can continue to develop the site In the coming years.”

PPG finance director Felicity Parry said the company’s charitable contributions programme aimed to help enhance the community.

She said: “We put a particular emphasis on the education of young people and look to support programmes and initiatives that will help them develop skills, which is something that Oakwell Hall is committed to doing.

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“More than 75 per cent of our staff live within five miles of our Birstall site and many of them use the outstanding facilities provided by Oakwell Hall. It is close to all of our hearts.”

PPG representatives presented the £11,000 cheque to Wakefield Council during the civil war re-enactment on Saturday, before taking a tour of the historic hall.