I live in Bradford

[Cybernetics]

My home town gets a lot of bad press but I am a proud Bradfordian, so ask me anything. I'm happy to discuss all the awful rumours that you've heard about this place 😊

@JaneAustensHeroine you will have a great time. I often visit central Bradford at different hours including evenings and have never had any trouble. There are young people around but I've never had any trouble. Obviously, take care, as you would anywhere, but no special precautions needed. People are generally lovely. To be honest you'll probably find more interesting things to do outside of the centre as others have suggested.

@Needmorelego

@Cybernetics wow 😍
That's a nice looking Waterstones.

Thank you! I’m really looking forward to it. Did some research on violent crime and Bradford was fifth. There are two areas higher than that I’ve already lived in so I’m sure I’m not going to feel too out of my depth! Hopeful that the regeneration taking place in readiness for the City of Culture celebrations makes a difference to all of you who live there. It’s hard to see your home town change into something you don’t recognise or which feels unsafe. The architecture and history of Bradford and the surrounding area is very special.

I've lived in Bradford since 1987. It has some unusual and challenging issues undoubtedly. But it's also a beautiful, friendly place. I live near Saltaire; the architecture, the moors, woods, river etc all stunning.
Haworth is close and well worth a visit if you're interested in the Brontes.
@JaneAustensHeroine I'm sure you'll have a lovely time.

I have seen you on a few threads @poppyzbrite4 and I think I have worked out your agenda, however you aren't worth getting banned for

It was built as a place for the many woollen mills to do their trading. Bradford had over 300 at the time, so it was a very important building.

A great deal of the finding was from the local Jewish community which is why there are windows with the Star Of David all the way around.

Gothic revival style, and you can sit in the mezzanine cafe in the bookshop with a coffee and cake to admire all the twiddly bits of design.

I have been visiting Bradford on and off for 40 years. What struck me most early on and still is the massive cultural divide - two large communities inhabiting the same space but in parallel universes, apparently with very little or no mixing. Why do you think this is? I used to think that white Bradfordians, particularly the local authority then were at fault for allowing this to develop and persist in their city, perhaps by not extending enough welcome. Or is it fear of integrating on the part of the then newcomers? What is your take on this?

Have you always lived there? What do you like about it?

Thank you @rumred . I love West Yorkshire. Love Haworth and Hebden Bridge. Must put Saltaire on my list of places to visit. Looking forward to seeing Bradford - I’m sure I will love it as I love the history of the area as well as the landscape that surrounds it.

Have you been to The Piece Hall in Halifax?
I have lived here most of my life and didn't think it was anything special but when I take guests, especially ones from other countries they are very impressed.
Only one of its kind in the world apparently

I grew up in Halifax too, the posh end 🤣 Parents now moved away so I haven't been back for 10 years+

I’ve heard a lot about The Piece Hall @Hoppinggreen - it looks wonderful - what a fabulous building / space! I definitely need a reason to visit. Would love to see a concert there. You’ve got so many interesting places and buildings in West Yorkshire. I come and visit as much as I can but I do wish I could move there sometimes. Everyone is so friendly too. I’ve had some wonderful conversations with local people which has made my visits even more special. Thank you for suggesting places - The Piece Hall is on my list.

And after you've been to Waterstones, visit Pizza Pieces in the basement of the Wool Exchange. Amazing, proper Italian pizza in a family run, no frills cafe and cheap too. Great place to eat in Bradford if you don't fancy curry!

I second the rec for pizza pieces . It’s an oasis of pure nostalgia in the city centre. Excellent value and a brilliant place to eat with kids too.

I would also recommend La Caverna pizza in Sunbridgewells.
Piece Hall is amazing for concerts. We have seen Duran Duran, Sting and Bryan Adams there- all huge artists and they seemed to love the acoustics and venue. How cool to see artists like this so close to home!
West Yorkshire has so many beautiful spots. East Riddlesden Hall, St Ives, Cliffe Castle, 5 rise locks, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway to name a few.
It is multicultural and some areas have a lot of poverty and hence crime. Some areas have beautiful countryside and a lot of wealth. There’s a rich and interesting history.
I don’t think I would live anywhere else, (but will spend months abroad when I retire for the weather!)

Love the look of Pizza Pieces! I’ll definitely go there. Great that it opens all afternoon too.

Hello @poppyzbrite4 Sorry to be late to this thread. I am a Bradfordian. I have grown up since my teens with an interest albeit a terribly sad one in child abuse, predatory behaviour, gang rape, pedophilia etc (I know deep down why but that is not for this forum). How can one rely on the so called ‘statistics’ to ‘back up’ these claims that Bradford has grooming gangs and white teenage girls are the target. My goodness me we live in a country that spent an entire year plastering the pictures of Asian men grooming gang in Rochdale on every tabloid newspaper yet in the same year 8 white men and 4 white women (GANG of 12) raped one six month old baby repeatedly together. Here is the story https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/paedophile-gang-raped-baby-after-offering-to-babysit-a104181.html. Did you even hear about this? Or is it only the sexual abuse by a non-white man that gets your ears pricked up and ready to launch the narrative you all wish to follow. I can tell you now, it is in every town, whether you hear about it is another story. You only read what they want you to know and read not what they dont. I live and work in Bradford, never felt unsafe in the city centre, if I am scared in the dark with men nearby, I would be the same in Leeds or Durham. Stop it. Stop being brainwashed to hate on a race other than your own.

And the new Darley Street Market looks amazing. Cannot wait for it to open.

@Hoppinggreen you have got that ones number marked. Top lass.

@Cantalever Sadly I have to agree. It is not the LA’s fault. Unfortunately Bradford over the years has attracted new people that have happily set up their own communities, shops, foods etc and as their families have expanded and more have joined, the need to learn English as some women do not work and many South Asian men are also self-employed has not been in the numbers it should. Communication is a huge part of integration, if there is no contribution in society and folk live in their own bubbles than how on earth can we break down barriers, challenge the mainstream media narrative, have our children play together etc. Problem is very cultural. The communities that live have a very strong culture even Bradford is segregated by time. You should see the parks in the morning and then afternoon. Its sad but we can only try our best.

I worked at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in the 1990s. Best job ever, and I worked with some amazing people who I am still in contact with today. Very happy times (and Omar Khans curry house was our staff canteen!). And does anyone remember the Love Apple cafe bar nearby? Think it's long gone, probably.

Hi @JoanThursday I used to go to the love apple, lovely people and fabulous daal. Their club nights were good too, although it got too rough as time went on. Has been closed a long time now. The bloke who owned it djs a disco in Saltaire which is a good do.
The centre isn't vibrant anymore, we're hoping being capital of culture will improve it....

Thanks @rumred Ah happy times. I know Saltaire very well too - I definitely need to plan a visit.

Do you know what would have really helped support integration?

If South Asian men in the 70's weren't "p* bashed" for being brown. Communities relied on each other to survive.