Heritage open days-Braimes

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Tue 09 Sep, 2008 11:11 pm

I'll post this snippet of info I've recieved today. It will be featuring in the Y.E.P tomorrow.******************************************************Hi Phill, I have a secret tip off about a story I'm doing tomorrow. It's about the old WW1 canteen at Braimes on Hunslet Road. I bet they'd let you go in and take pictures? You probably already now about it existing but here's my piece anyway (pre-edited):IT is thought to be Leeds’s first-ever works canteen, providing hot meals for the “gentler sex” who took up jobs in the factory during the First World War. Now, the historic womens-only canteen at TF and JH Braime, which once boasted “the best dance floor” in the city, could soon be back in action. The firm, which is hoping to sell its Hunslet Road site, has received an approved planning brief to allow developers to transform the Grade II listed canteen, opened by Princess Mary in 1917, into a bar, a themed pub or a restaurant. There were also plans to bulldoze the main factory building, built by Thomas Braime in 1911, to make way for flats and houses.But managing director Nicholas Braime had to put the sale on ice due to the credit crunch - and instead, the firm is taking part in a Heritage Open Day on Saturday, which will see six former workers return to the factory to share their memories, as well as giving visitors the chance to see the historic canteen. Nicholas Braime, the grandson of Thomas’s brother Harry, said: “Women were seen as the “gentler sex” and it was thought they should eat proper meals in comfortable surroundings. "There was no expense spared on the canteen. At the time, it was very extravagant. “The firm needs to move as soon as possible for financial reasons. But we are keen to preserve these buildings, which are very important to my family. “We don’t want to create a museum. We want them brought back into use so people can enjoy them and appreciate the cultural significance.” TF and JH Braime, which makes metal pressings and elevator components, decided to move to smaller, cheaper premises in 2005. At its height, the firm employed 1,000 workers, but now only has around 150. Bosses at English Heritage initially told Mr Braime that the entire factory would be given Grade II listed status, meaning the whole site would have to be preserved - but in the end, this was reduced to just the canteens, toilets and reception area. The womens-only canteen, which is believed to be the first-ever works canteen built in Leeds, includes mahogany and marble worktops, stained glass windows and glazed tiles. A mens canteen was also built and is still in use today, although hot food stopped being served more than 20 years ago. • The Heritage Open Day will take place at the factory between 12.30pm and 4pm. For more information about Heritage Open Days in Leeds, visit http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/

simonm · Post by **simonm** » Wed 10 Sep, 2008 11:22 am

Which one is Braims? Is that the big building opposite Costco, next to Wass's?

Phill_d · Post by **Phill_d** » Wed 10 Sep, 2008 11:27 am

Yeah that's the one mate. The pic and geograph location is here.http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/529635

simonm · Post by **simonm** » Wed 10 Sep, 2008 11:31 am

Not really seen round the back of it, but I always thought the way the green steel ladders and walkways, around the front, over the glass roof section, looked fantastic. I always say to myself, "I really must come back and shoot that", but I alwasy forget about it. Such a shame that a fantastic building like this has to come down. I suppose I better get mi finger out and do what I keep promising to do afore its too late!

Steve Jones · Post by **Steve Jones** » Wed 10 Sep, 2008 12:54 pm

Thanks for posting this. i shall try and go along on Saturday to look around as i pass it every day going to and from work. it is also an excuse to look in "The Mulberry" opposite which i haven't been in for years.

Post by **chameleon** » Wed 10 Sep, 2008 6:46 pm

Don't forget the whole weekend is full of Open Days - this is the info Munki posted for us a while ago:munkiAdministrator Location: LeedsJoined on: 25-Jan-2007 09:46:31Posted: 821 posts # Posted on: 22-Aug-2008 06:20:53. Quote There's stuff going on at the Town Hall & the Museum for the week from 7th - 14th (as the 7th September this year is a very big birthday! Our own Town Hall will be a grand 150 years old).There is a big programme of events, which I won't pretend to know off - hand! Leaflets about Heritage Open Days across the city & about events surrounding the anniversary of the Town Hall can be picked up from the Town Hall itself.There is info about the Museum at http://www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum/default.aspxIf you go tohttp://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/& put 'Leeds' in the keyword search, it will come up with a list of HOD events in Leeds. Reclaim your City! http://www.pilotlightleeds.co.uk

Squatch_11 · Post by **Squatch_11** » Thu 11 Sep, 2008 10:43 am

Gutted!!! I'm at a wedding on Saturday, I'd have loved to go round this place - glad they're not letting it get bulldozed for flats. But surely no-one in their right mind is looking at central Leeds and saying "you know what, what we need is more flats".....I'm sure you guys that go will do us proud with piccies, look forward to seeing them.Sq.

Brandy · Post by **Brandy** » Thu 11 Sep, 2008 1:24 pm

chameleon wrote: Don't forget the whole weekend is full of Open Days - this is the info Munki posted for us a while ago:munkiAdministrator Location: LeedsJoined on: 25-Jan-2007 09:46:31Posted: 821 posts # Posted on: 22-Aug-2008 06:20:53. Quote There's stuff going on at the Town Hall & the Museum for the week from 7th - 14th (as the 7th September this year is a very big birthday! Our own Town Hall will be a grand 150 years old).There is a big programme of events, which I won't pretend to know off - hand! Leaflets about Heritage Open Days across the city & about events surrounding the anniversary of the Town Hall can be picked up from the Town Hall itself.There is info about the Museum at http://www.leeds.gov.uk/citymuseum/default.aspxIf you go tohttp://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/& put 'Leeds' in the keyword search, it will come up with a list of HOD events in Leeds. Reclaim your City! http://www.pilotlightleeds.co.uk Chameleon,i can't see the opening times for the day at braimes on them sites you linked?What time does it start and finish please mate?

simonm · Post by **simonm** » Thu 11 Sep, 2008 1:30 pm

Brandy.. According to the Heritage site above it gives the times as Saturday 13th September: 1230-1600 For te Braims tour.

Brandy · Post by **Brandy** » Thu 11 Sep, 2008 2:55 pm

simonm wrote: Brandy.. According to the Heritage site above it gives the times as Saturday 13th September: 1230-1600 For te Braims tour. Thanks simon,hopefully (if i have time) il pop down and have a 'deek'