Cragg Vale's 'Collinge Climb'
Monday, 1 May 2023
Some people were wondering where the famous sign at the start of the Cragg Vale incline had gone.
So here is the answer. A new sign was needed. It was installed lunchtime, Thursday, 27th of April, looking fresh. The installation was just in time for the Cragg Challenge which took place over the weekend.
The newly designated "Collinge Climb" is named after Oliver Collinge, who sadly lost his life in July 2016, aged 28, after a short battle with a rare form of cancer. He lived all his life in Cragg Vale which he loved. Attending Cragg Vale Junior and Infant School, his passion was sport and he played cricket for Booth CC and Rugby for Heath RUFC.
Oliver Collinge also loved cycling, walking, ski-ing, sailing, football, golf - to name a few. He represented his School and University in cricket and rugby. He was a qualified cricket coach and worked for Calderdale in the School holidays as a childrens' coach. He also ran the junior cricket section at Booth CC. Oliver was also a very popular teacher at Tuel Lane and Christchurch Schools.
Making this happen has been a real labour of love and affection by his parents, Dad Roy & Mum Marie, the Cragg Challenge team, (especially Phil & Tim) and the team at Calderdale Highways Department.
Cllr Scott Archer-Patient told the HebWeb, "It's been a pleasure to help support and make this happen from the start, so a big thank you all.
"So behold the longest continous gradient in England which is now the The Oliver Collinge Climb in memory of Oliver. As one of the many people who regularly cycles up that hill, I hope you agree it is an amazing tribute to a brilliant young man."
From the HebWeb archive, April 2014: Grand Piano hauled up Cragg Vale by Bike