Upperthong
Coordinates: 53°34′17″N 1°48′23″W / 53.5713°N 1.80633°W
Upperthong is a village approximately 950 feet (290 m) above sea level near the town of Holmfirth in the Holme Valley, approximately seven miles south of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England.
History
The name Upperthong may be derived from the Danish 'Thing' (a place of military gathering) - there is also a Netherthong - which suggests a link to the Viking invaders who took control of large areas of the North East of England. The name could also be derived from the Viking word 'thong', meaning a strip of land. Upperthong is set on higher ground than Netherthong, suggesting the names could refer respectively to an upper strip of land and a lower strip of land.
Politics
Upperthong has been represented by Jason McCartney (Conservative) since his victory in May 2010.
Education
Upperthong Junior and Infant School takes children aged 4 to 11 in 7 single aged classes.[2] The school provides a high level of education[3] to its 192 pupils with an above average overall score in the key stage 1 and 2 league tables.[4]
Sport
Although small, Upperthong manages to support a cricket team in the Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League and a football team, who play in Division 4 of the Huddersfield and District Association League.
Several roads in Upperthong form part of the southern section of National Route 68 of the National Cycle Network[5] - the Pennine Cycleway, the route follows Upperthong Lane from its start in Holmfirth, and continues along Wickins Lane and Wolfstones Road.
Trivia
- Bill Owen, who played Compo in the BBC comedy Last of the Summer Wine, is buried at the parish church, St. John's.
- Cashing in on Holmfirth's Last of the Summer Wine fame, Compo's Cafe is a popular fish & chip restaurant and takeaway.
- Upperthong also boasts a village hall situated close to the cricket field, used by various clubs and groups in the village.
- The annual Upperthong Gala is held over the last weekend in June, and includes events for all ages, including live music, kids evening and a Sunday fete.
- Upperthong hosts the World Welly Wanging Championships each year at the Village Gala on the last weekend in June.[6]
- Wickens Lane changes its spelling to Wickins Lane halfway along its length.
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_2007-03-21.jpg)
Part of Upperthong, viewed from Dunsley Bank Road
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National cycle route marker at corner of Upperthong Lane and Broad Lane
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St John's Parish Church, viewed from Dunsley Bank Road
References
- ↑ Kirklees Government Area Profile 2005
- ↑ Upperthong J&I School
- ↑ Upperthong J&I OFSTED Report
- ↑ BBC Schools' league tables 2006
- ↑ National Cycle Network
- ↑ findarticles.com citing Huddersfield Daily Examiner June 26, 2006
External links
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