Club News
This recent report makes several references to the Cowcliffe bowling club and it also covers much of what makes Cowcliffe an attractive place to live for many folk. In addition of course the locals can now look forward to a season of Winter League bowling as well, another weekly social event to be proud of.
Yorkshire Live 19 July 2024
"This is a nice, friendly community. It always has been and that's why I have never moved out."
So says Lynn Rynham, a stalwart of the Cowcliffe Sports and Social Club where the main focus of activity is crown green bowling, but you might also get to play snooker, pool and darts. There is also a bar, a quiz night and lots more.
Lynn has lived in Cowcliffe for many years and says there is no shortage of community spirited people who have a 'can do' attitude when it comes to helping the village thrive. In recent years, locals have created and nurtured a community allotment and a Community Park, with a committee overseeing the improvements.
Lynn says the local volunteers ensure the village is the best it can be. Beside the Community Park is a noticeboard which is packed full of things to get involved with, and events to enjoy, from a 'plant swap' event to an annual day of live music. "I have lived here since 1976 and I am still here," says Lynn, who spoke to YorkshireLive as she assisted with judging a men's bowling match.
"We have bowling here Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and a junior team with people playing for Yorkshire. Today a cup game is taking place between Golcar and New Mill."
Lynn says people tend to stick around in Cowcliffe because it's a friendly place with a good community vibe.
For newcomers, the weather can bring surprises. The village sits high above Huddersfield and can get some seriously poor weather. "It can get very windy up here with gusts of 70mph, and when the snow comes..." she adds. She thinks the 'snow line' tends to be around York Avenue, a little further down the village from the sports club.
Cowcliffe has a number of very large houses, and is similar in some ways to neighbouring Fixby, which historically has been viewed by some as Huddersfield's most upmarket postcode. One or two people in Cowcliffe might even tell you they live in Fixby. "Cowcliffe people do say they live in Fixby," jokes Lynn. "It's more upmarket." The village has attracted a handful of retired and current sports stars, according to locals.
Debra Farrar, who lives on the outskirts of Cowcliffe, says: "It's a lovely, friendly area. It's one of those places where you can let your children go out to play. Everybody knows everybody."
Both Debra and Lynn mentioned Chris Walsh as an 'amazing' community champion, crediting him with helping promote projects and getting things moving.
As well as the sports club, there is also the Shepherds Arms pub, on Cowcliffe Hill Road, but that's about it for food and drink. The pub can trace its history back to at least 1840. Before the 1770s Cowcliffe Hill Road was a main coach road from London but it was so steep the authorities decided to construct a new road to Halifax in 1777, according to Discovering Old Huddersfield (Part 1) by Gordon and Enid Minter.
Cowcliffe itself, like most Huddersfield villages, has changed a lot over the years. "We had a butchers and a fish and chip shop but they have all gone. Asda is nearby and there is Fixby Stores," says Lynn.
Lynn says the bowling club has a thriving junior section whose members are given plenty of tuition and support. The younger ones are helping to change the image of bowling as an older person's pastime. "Some people say that if you bowl you are in God's waiting room but it's not like that at all. It is very social, friendly and you can play all year round. And it doesn't cost a lot of money. The membership prices are cheap."
Driving round Cowcliffe you will see well-tended gardens and houses being extended and renovated. It is clear that homeowners take pride in their properties. Some of the houses have incredible views out towards Castle Hill and Emley Moor mast, with the John Smith's Stadium far below but clearly visible from many vantage points.
One man who lives at the top of the village said: "It is nice and quiet, with lovely views."
Gerald, 88, who has lived in Cowcliffe for many years, said: "It is nice and quiet, with no trouble up here. I have been up here a long time and would not want to move."
Huddersfield estate agent Paul Keighley of Bramleys says Cowcliffe is something of a property hotspot. "Cowcliffe is a popular location that merges nicely with Fixby.
"It has a great mixture of housing with something for everyone, especially a good supply of detached bungalows. It has Fixby golf course on its doorstep and is conveniently located for the M62, Brighouse, Elland and Huddersfield of course.
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