Upperthong
Coordinates: 53°34′23″N 1°47′51″W / 53.57293°N 1.79761°W
| Upperthong | |
 Upperthong
Upperthong shown within West Yorkshire |
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| Population | 1,166 [1] |
|---|---|
| OS grid reference | SE135085 |
| Metropolitan borough | Kirklees |
| Metropolitan county | West Yorkshire |
| Region | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Holmfirth |
| Postcode district | HD9 |
| Dialling code | 01484 |
| Police | West Yorkshire |
| Fire | West Yorkshire |
| Ambulance | Yorkshire |
| EU Parliament | Yorkshire and the Humber |
| UK Parliament | Colne Valley |
| List of places: UK • England • Yorkshire | |
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.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] Politics
Upperthong has been represented by Jason McCartney (Conservative) since his victory in May 2010.
[edit] 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]
[edit] Sport
Although small, Upperthong manages to support a cricket team in the Huddersfield Central 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.
[edit] 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 half way along its length.
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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
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[edit] 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
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Upperthong |
