Talented singer-songwriters O’Hooley & Tidow have captured the pride of the Pennines in a specially commissioned song for the launch of a new park. The South Pennines Park is an alternative National Park covering 460 square miles of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester. The park is officially launched tomorrow (8th September 2021).
Although Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow have featured prominently on Folk Radio over the years, the duo are probably best known for creating the HBO/BBC drama ‘Gentleman Jack’ theme tune. The duo have thrown their support behind the launch of the newly formed South Pennines Park, for which they have been appointed the prestigious role of ambassadors.
They have written a beautiful song called ‘Chimneys, Moors and Me’; the lyrics capture the beauty of the landscape juxtaposed with the industrial heritage and imposing buildings. It is accompanied by an animated video which you can watch below.
The pair recorded a special message while filming their music video at Halifax Minster near their home in Huddersfield.
Belinda said: “We have found the work incredibly inspiring. The song is all about the absolute passion we have for where we live and the pride that’s in the communities in the South Pennines. It’s written with love and it’s not just about a place, it’s about the people. The song is going around our heads 24 hours a day.”
Belinda said the South Pennines Park area is often overlooked because of being “too industrial.”
“The area has big mills and imposing structures nestled in the most beautiful moorland and miles of canals. It’s a history lesson on our doorstep. It’s the juxtaposition that makes it unique.
“The South Pennines Park is like an underdog. There’s so much spirit and energy and positivity. We feel a real sense of creativity and love for the place.”
Speaking about the benefits of having such a variety of amenities on your doorstep, Heidi said: “Nature is so important for your mental health and wellbeing, and it became even more beneficial during lockdown. It made us take a closer look at what’s on our doorstep.”
Heidi added: “We have put a lot of personal experiences into the song, and we hope it brings people home. We hope it brings those feelings of love, and heart, and the pulse of where you’re from.
“We have a duty, as ambassadors of South Pennines Park, to visit more places on the map.”
This really is a beautiful song, they capture such immense passion (and detail) in the space of one song for the South Pennines. They do it so well you’d be hard-pushed not to want to visit this treasure…those living there will no doubt find a touch of pride and maybe a tear in hearing it.
Our places don’t fit the bill
Too much concrete, urban spill
Scammy Dam to Heptonstall
Chimneys, moors and me
Too industrial, so much rain
Bursts of green against the grey
From the window of this train
Bringing us home again
The single, which is released tomorrow (8th September), is only available to buy via Bandcamp here: https://ohooleyandtidow.bandcamp.com/album/chimneys-moors-me
Situated between Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, South Pennines Park is 460 sq. miles and includes urban and rural areas. 660,000 people live in the park —twice as many as the 10 National Parks put together — and as it sits between the big conurbations of Greater Manchester, Bradford and Leeds, more than 8 million people have access to the park within 30 minutes.
South Pennines Park is a partnership of different councils, conservation bodies, business consortiums and other stakeholders who will work together to protect the area’s future.
Established in 2005 to promote, protect and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the South Pennines, Pennine Prospects (now South Pennines Park) has raised £15m for major landscape projects, generating more than £45m of investment in the area. As South Pennines Park, it now focused on championing the area. It will do so by securing funding and delivering innovative community-led projects by bringing partners together and helping people connect to nature within the park.
South Pennines Park on Socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
O’Hooley & Tidow Live Dates
Celebrating ten years of creating music together, Belinda and Heidi have 3 special concerts in October:
03 DERBY Folk Festival
15 BRIGHOUSE Arts Festival SOLD OUT
23 MANCHESTER Folk Festival
Website: https://ohooleyandtidow.com