HEBWEB REVIEW OF THE YEAR 2013
TOUR DE FRANCEOn Thursday, 17th January, it was announced that the eyes of the world will be on Hebden Bridge in July 2014 when the 200 competitors of the Tour de France cycle through our town, and Cragg Vale's famous five-and-a-half mile incline, the longest in England. Read more
After months of campaigning during 2013, the Co-operative Pub buy-out deal finally got the green light. A purchase offer to buy the Fox and Goose pub for the benefit of the community has now been formally accepted. Read more
The biggest Handmade Parade ever will be took to the streets on Saturday, 22nd June as Hebden Bridge marked a year on from the floods with a dazzling display of its creative talents. More info, times and map of route. And see photos
Following an extensive campaign by HebWeb Forum contributors and on Facebook, Bernard Ingham's long-running column in the HB Times came to an end. Campaigners had been calling on Ingham to apologise for his insults and untruths in respect of Hillsborough tragedy. Read more
WORKERS' CO-OP TAKES OVER VALLEY ORGANICS.
The organic grocers on Market Street, which has been selling good organic produce and wholefoods for more than 12 years, was bought and taken over in June 2013 by its employees - as a workers’ co-operative. Read more
BURLESQUE FESTIVAL BARRED FROM HEBDEN BRIDGE PICTURE HOUSE:
Organisers of Hebden Bridge Burlesque Festival were left reeling after a request to the Town Council to stage an event in Hebden Bridge’s historic Picture House was rejected. Read the story.
HEBDEN BRIDGE: THE COOLEST PLACE TO LIVE IN BRITAIN
according to The Times. Read about what The Times said.
came to The Picture House in 2013. Starting with The Audience, broadcast live on 13 June from the Gielgud Theatre, London. Read more
HEBDEN BRIDGE PEOPLE MAKE MONEY DO GOOD.
The community spirit, the recent raft of community share issues, local green credentials and the HebWeb are cited in a new report on ethical investment published this week. See HebWeb news item
MYTHOLMROYD SWIMMING POOL:
CALDERDALE APPROVES PLANS.
If all goes as is hoped, swimmers will be able to enjoy a local pool by Spring 2014. More funds are still needed. Read more and how you can donate.
BLACKSHAW HEAD COMMUNITY TURBINE
Income generation was delayed when the energy regular Ofgem questioned the grant. Having spent months negotiating with Ofgem (the energy regulator) Pennine Community Power (PCP) has now had their Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) payments reinstated and backdated to when the suspension took place.
The turbine has started bringing in the money. Apart from paying interest to 65 shareholders PCP expects to be able to give around £80,000 to community projects over the next 15-20 years. Read more
Digital Radio coverage set to improve: Hebden Bridge and the Calder Valley are included as places set to benefit from new DAB transmitters to be created over the next 2 years. See Radio Today report. (14 Oct)
Farewell to a popular view of Hebden's unique Nutclough Mill. See more photos
SUPERFAST BROADBAND IS COMING:
Ten years after Hebden Bridge's very first broadband connections, following an effective community campaign, spearheaded by the HebWeb, we learn that over 90% of Calderdale will receive superfast fibre broadband from 2014. Read more (9 Sept)
HEBDEN BRIDGE BLUES FESTIVALWon the prestigious British Blues Award for "Festival of the Year" for the second consecutive year at the ceremony in Colne.
Organiser Jason Elliott told the Hebweb, "We are delighted with the recognition, especially so early in our history, but this award really belongs to all of the people who rolled up their sleeves and got involved in the project. We would particularly like to thank the people of Hebden Bridge and Calderdale who voted for us."
EASTWOOD RECYCLING CENTRE CLOSED
on 28 August for 4 months, for demolition and reconstruction of waste shed - no local alternatives wiill be provided. As the end of the year approaches, and the four months has now passed, Calderdale are now saying this essential service will not resume before the end of January..
After questions were raised on the HebWeb Forum, the police station sale was halted. The community can now discuss its future.
COMMEMORATIVE MEMORIAL TO THOSE HARMED BY EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS.
This morning, 13 April a commemorative memorial plaque, to remember those who have died or been harmed by asbestos exposure, was unveiled with a ceremony in Pecket Well. Read more
20 MPH THROUGHOUT CALDERDALE? Residents in Calderdale are being asked what they think about Council plans to introduce 20mph limits in residential areas across the borough. Read More
Hebden Bridge continues to be an exciting place for cultural and artistic events. As well as the Handmade Parade and Live Theatre at the Picture House in 2013 and a Christmas Alice in Wonderland , the Arts Festival gave us John Cooper Clarke, Tracey Thorn, Ian McMillan, Simon Armitage, June Tabor and Chris Mullins while the Trades Club brought Lucy Ward, Jo Caulfield, the Hebden Roots Festival, The Fall, Mark Steel, Mike Harding, Andy Kershaw and Mark Thomas to Hebden Bridge - all covered by the HebWeb.
The HebWeb listed about 400 events and 400-500 small ads.
Hundreds of news items and forum contgributions were posted, along with over 600 news photos and images. Our Where to stay section continues to provide the most comprehensive listings for visitors looking for B & B and self catering options.
HEBWEB FORUM: The most discussed issues were
Packhorse route closure - concern persists over the future of the Hole in the Wall
Sainsbury's and Tesco's - by the end of the year, it was clear that our town, famous for its independent shops, could be hosting two extra supermarkets, as well as the Tesco takeover of the Spa.
Zero carbon green house blocked by Calderdale - discussion of the pros and cons of developing a carbon free house in the hills above Hebden Bridge.
Development at Mytholm Works - although planning permission has now been given for a hotel and supermarket on Brown's field, it is not yet clear whether either of these will be built. Or whether the visions of the 'Incredible Edible Mytholm' group are the most likely scenario for this land.
Metro Bus Service Consultation - discussion about bus services continued for most of the year.
Dangerous junction - Heptonstall Road
Burlesque Festival - probably the longest thread of the year with 133 contributions.
Hole In T'wall pub closing for ever?
HB Partnership's Action Plan launch
Thatcher - nearly 60 contributions discussing the Thatcher legacy, following her death.
Bedroom Tax - 76 contributions
Bernard Ingham - opinions were understandably inflamed when Bernard Ingham said, "In my view the culprits of Hillsborough were those yobs in mass numbers who turned up just before the match and tried to force their way in and did force their way in. They are responsible for the deaths of innocent people. They are responsible".
Our MP and gay marriage - Craig Whittaker voted against the bill to allow gay people the same right to marry as heterosexual people.
A special thanks and Happy New Year to all those who read and support the HebWeb, especially those who have sent us their news items, event details and photos, shared their views on the Forum and submitted their Small Ads.
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