Wakefield Up In Flames

Wakefield's time to shine

It was our turn to shine earlier today as the torch passed right through the heart of the city, to a mass of spectators and well-wishers. In true Yorkshire style they did not disappoint, as the torch was met with rapturous applause and cheer. 


It really is amazing how such a diverse community as Wakefield can all get together really share in the experience. Designed to be a homage to athleticism and community spirit the torch bearers are all chosen for being true ambassadors to their area. 

Gayna Goalby (left) is a teacher at Westborough high school and has done amazing work for disabled and underprivelaged children in the area. She was charged with carrying the flame over the stunning (triumph to architecture) Hepworth Gallery footbridge, where it was met by Karen Townsend. Karen is a plastic surgery nurse who helped many of the survivors of the Bradford City Staduim fire in 1985.

Although this is the third time that London has hosted the Olympics, the fact is that we would be very lucky to see it again in our lifetimes. With so many up and coming developing countries, we could see future games held in some very interesting places indeed. With any luck, The Big Orchard will have a hand in supplying the Legacy Companies for those too!


The whole experience seemed to be over in a flash, with carnival style buses preceding the bearers themselves. To catch a glimpse of the torch, if only for a moment, really brings it home - we are all a part of these Games even if the focus will mainly be on London. I can't wait for the games to get under way - shame about the football, but what a summer for England.

Wakefield Art Culture

WAKEFIELD CULTURE 

(historically an oxymoron)

Don't get me wrong, Wakefield has always been nice enough; sat in the heart of Yorkshire, surrounded by mining towns and countryside. Despite all that, it has always been the case that when someone asks where I'm from, I say 'Leeds'. Not just because most of the country knows where Leeds is, but because Wakefield has always been in its shadow, with nothing particularly to put it on the map.

However, in recent years the 'generic northern town (actually a city)' brush it has been tarnished with, has started to be shaken. The Hepworth Gallery, built in tribute to the world famous sculptor Barbra Hepworth, has made art and design enthusiasts all over the country stand up and take notice, with impressive foot-fall since it was opened over a year ago.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park

In turn the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (just outside Wakefield) has also seen renewed interest. The Park has always been well renowned for showcasing the county's best modern sculptors with inside and outside exhibitions. Championing Hepworth pieces has always been natural for the YSP, with a large collection of it's own.

At Orchard, we have been lucky. Situated where we are, if it wasn't for a few trees and a Homebase, we would be able to see the Hepworth in all it's glory from our office window.

Why not tie your visit to the Hepworth in with a quick coffee at Orchard. 

We can talk you through and demo any of our drawing boards, paper storage systems, light boxes or retail display equipment. We'll let you park here with only a 5 minute stroll down to the Hepworth! Perfect for a cultured day out in Wakefield .... near Leeds.