Upperthong

infobox UK place
country = England
latitude= 53.57293
longitude= -1.79761
static_

official_name = Upperthong
map_type= West Yorkshire
population = 1166 [ [http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/statistics/census-by-town/settlements/Uppertho.pdf Kirklees Government Area Profile 2005] ]
os_grid_reference = SE135085
metropolitan_borough = Kirklees
metropolitan_county = West Yorkshire
region= Yorkshire and the Humber
post_town = Holmfirth
postcode_district = HD9
postcode_area= HD
dial_code = 01484
constituency_westminster = Colne Valley
MemberofParliament = Kali Mountford MP

Upperthong is a village approximately 290 metres above sea level near the town of Holmfirth in the Holme Valley, approximately seven miles west 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 to Netherthong, suggesting the names could refer to Upperthong - an upper strip of land, and Netherthong - a lower strip of land.

Politics

Upperthong has been represented by Labour MP Kali Mountford since her win over Graham Riddick in 1997.

Education

Upperthong Junior and Infant School takes children aged 4 to 11 in 7 single aged classes. [ [http://www.kgfl.org.uk/kgfl/schools/upperthong/frontpage/home/ Upperthong J&I School] ] The school provides a high level of education [ [http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/index.cfm?fuseaction=summary&id=107680 Upperthong J&I OFSTED Report] ] to it 189 pupils with an above average overall score in the key stage 1 and 2 league tables. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/06/school_tables/primary_schools/html/382_2125.stm BBC Schools' league tables 2006] ]

port

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 [ [http://www.sustrans.org.uk/default.asp?sID=1095667305656 National Cycle Network] ] - 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.
* Cashing in on Holmfirth's "Last of the Summer Wine" fame, "Compo's Cafe" is a popular fish & chip restaurant and takeaway.
* Upperthong is the Headquarters of The World Welly Wanging Championship which is held on the Sunday of the Gala Weekend, in turn held over the last weekend of June each year.

References

External links

* [http://www.holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk/ Official parish council site]
* [http://www.kirkleesmc.gov.uk/you-kmc/parishcouncil/holmevalley.shtml Holme Valley]
* [http://www.holmevalleymrt.org.uk Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team]
* [http://www.ckcricketheritage.org.uk/southkirklees/upperthong/clubhome.htm Upperthong Cricket club]
* [http://www.holme-valley-anglican-church.org/serviceDisplay.asp?id=33 St John's Parish Church]
* [http://maps.google.com/maps?t=k&q=53.57293,-1.79761&ie=UTF8&ll=53.568963,-1.795076&spn=0.00105,0.002806&z=19&iwloc=addr Google Maps Satellite image of St John's Parish Church]