ONE of Saltaire’s celebrated historical treasures will be rediscovered next spring with the return of its once-famous Conversazione event.

Fifty years since the last one took place and 136 since the first, the 2015 Conversazione will celebrate Saltaire Stories: past, present and future in Victoria Hall on Saturday, April 18, as part of World Heritage Weekend. The Conversaziones were meetings for conversation especially on literary and scientific subjects. The latest innovations were often displayed and in 1878 the Bell telephone was demonstrated with a call being made and speaking to a servant in Milner Field. Saltaire resident and local expert Rob Martin is one of the organisers of the coming Conversazione and said plans were now taking shape: “We’re progressing well with the social and entertainment part of the programme for the World Heritage Weekend. “What we need now is the participation of businesses which are able to demonstrate their use of technology to the public in an interesting way at the Conversazione - things such as 3D printing or the latest form of communication.

“We are looking into setting up video links with other World Heritage Sites across Britain and around the world,” Mr Martin said.

“There’s no limit to what we can do. “There are a lot of high tech businesses in Saltaire and Shipley, we hope that some of them will participate”

The 2015 Conversazione will also include art and entertainment including a “Saltaire Revue” written by Eddie Lawler giving a satirical look at Saltaire life and history followed by music from “Sultans of Swing”.

For more information about taking part in World Heritage Weekend 2015, the Conversazione or the events planned for Roberts Park contact Rob Martin by email at robmartin@phonecoop.coop