Museums gear up for Tour de France

Le Tour des Musées has been created to encourage people to visit all the museums in the district and take part in a range of activities.

Visitors can collect stickers at each museum, which will give them the chance to earn prizes for visiting three or more sites during the 100 days of the festival.

Coun Bolt launched the scheme by cycling between the museums, including Oakwell Hall and Red House Museum, last Saturday.

He said: “The Grand Départ is a unique event that will leave a legacy in the district.

“What we will see is sites such as the museums who are not on the route benefiting during the tour.

“It is an opportunity to showcase the fantastic museums and culture we have in Kirklees and they are all great family fun.”

During his cycle, Coun Bolt was joined by museum staff Eric Brown, Emma Crowley and David Morby at different points throughout the day.

On his return to Oakwell Hall, Coun Bolt took part in a cycling quiz in the walled gardens.

Coun Jean Calvert, Kirklees Council joint cabinet member for museums, said: “There is a wealth of Tour de France related things to do at all the Kirklees Museums from the end of March until the Tour itself in July.”

Activities include learning Yorkshire phrases in French at Bagshaw Museum, which also has a display of cycling memorabilia.

There will also be a chance to design a cycling jersey at Dewsbury Museum and adding your favourite Yorkshire place to Red House Museum’s interactive map.

Visitors to Oakwell Hall in Birstall can also celebrate the build up to Le Grand Depart with a fun cycling themed quiz.