News, Discussion, Info, Features, Events and much more
BBC news item on parking issue Traders claim they would lose custom when a major highways project begins at the same time as a car park is taken out of use for flood alleviation works. Read BBC report. 10 Oct
What's on in October? Ageing Well Together event, WI Autumn Rag Market, Mini Hand Embroideries, Needlefelting, celebrating St James organ, Ink and Grain Exhibition, The Story of the Panama Canal, A Dress for Kathleen, Folk-Rock Legend at Wadsworth, Widow's Marriage Act 1921, Pumpkin Trail, Talking Pictures TV Festival of Film, Mytholmroyd Soul Club and more. See What's On
A Film-Inspired Pumpkin Trail 'Pumpkins at the Pictures' is the theme for 2024. Over the weekend of 19-20 October, the annual Pumpkin Trail will return and promises to be bigger than ever! Read more
Murphy's Lore - This 150th Murphy's Lore includes the sad demise of Tina Crumb, a break in the lakes, two John Lennon tales, nude men reading the Brontës, Maggie Smith reflections, and a reader writes. Read the latest episode - 2 Oct
Mytholm Mill Chimney to go: Mytholm Works Chimney, also known as the Browns Site Chimney, is due to be demolished on Monday, 7 October. Updated to show video from the Wandering Turnip, lamenting the mill's imminent demolition. Read more. 3 Oct
Wainsgate Piano Weekend
Wainsgate Chapel in Old Town ihosted a whole weekend of piano music from 27-29 September. The Piano Weekend featured a starry line-up of renowned artists who performed some of the greatest piano music ever written. Read more
Trees Felled David H sent the above photo to the HebWeb with the comment, "Returned from holiday and was so disheartened to see the devastation at the top of Osborne Street. Three weeks ago this green oasis had three beautiful rowan trees covered with red and orange berries." 24 Sept
Riot Women: The Cast The cast of Riot Women, the drama series currently being filmed around Hebden Bridge includes Joanna Scanlan, Rosalie Craig, Tamsin Greig, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Amelia Bullmore. The series is written by Sally Wainwright who also brought us Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and others. See BBC report 20 Sept
Catherine Shaw discusses with George Murphy her years in London working for Film and TV, why she moved to Hebden Bridge, her inspirational parents, using performance poetry to raise money for charity, owning a massage centre, shop and salon, her favourite things, new husband and brilliant children. Read the Interview
Calder Valley MP votes for cuts to Winter Fuel Payments Our newly elected MP, Josh Fenton-Glynn this afternoon voted with the Government to cut winter fuel payments to pensioners not receiving benefits. See Parliament website 10 Sept.
LINDSAY RIMER'S MURDER, 30 YEARS ON: Lindsay's family are having a big push for info about what happened to her, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of her disappearance on 7 Nov. There's a new Facebook page and they would like to ask people who knew Lindsay to get in touch and share stories, photos, etc. See this HebWeb feature for background to the tragic story. 8 Sept
Petition to support more cycle routes: Organisers consider that many more people would like to cycle but feel that both the local infrastructure and road safety concerns prevent them. Updated with response from Cllr Scott Patient. Read more. 3 Sept
Small Ads: "Lots of response, as usual from Hebweb, and found a great tenant... many thanks, keep up the good work!!"
Calder By-election: Former mayor of Hebden Royd, Jonathan Timbers has been selected as the Labour candidate for Calderdale's Calder Ward which covers Hebden Bridge. The forthcoming by-election follows the resignation of Josh Fenton-Glynn who was elected MP in the July general election. 29 Aug
Join the Citizens' Jury helping to shape climate action. Help to influence climate action and support work to make local homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat. Read more 28 Aug
Small Ads "Now filled. Many thanks to HebWeb small ads again." See Small Ads
We are Calderdale Unity Rally, was organised by Calderdale Stand up to Racism, on 10 August in Halifax and widely supported by people and groups in our area.
Murder Investigation Launched Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a man died after a serious assault in Hebden Bridge on Saturday night, 27 July. Police were called after a fight between two men in Crown Street. Read more updated 3 August.
Canal boats stranded More than 20 canal boats have been left stranded after a stretch of waterway between locks 7 and 8, beyond Mayroyd, ran dry due to a faulty lock being left open. Read BBC report 30 July
Removal of Parking: Calderdale Council are planning to remove all parking along the Burnley Road from Hebden Bridge station to Fallingroyd at the beginning of Mytholmroyd. The deadline for making your views known is Tuesday 30 July. See Forum message. Updated
Seriously injured following a street fight in Crown Street yesterday evening, a man in his 50s was found unconscious and taken to hospital with injuries thought to be life threatening. Read BBC report 28 July
Yorkshire Water bosses get hefty bonuses Earlier this year, Yorkshire Water was named as the second-worst water company for sewage discharge from storm overflows. Read Guardian article 21 July
John Morrison remembered - updated
John Morrison, who died in May aged 73, was one of the earliest contributors to the HebWeb. Starting in April 1997, just before the previous Labour landslide, John wrote a comic column we named View from the Bridge. The column affectionately mocked our town and area. Read this Lives Remembered page and perhaps contribute your memories. Updated 19 July
Small Ads Message received: "I had a great response to this and the house is now let. Could you take the ad down please?"
Tour de France in Hebden Bridge - ten years ago in July 2014. "Hebden Bridge was at its most wonderful!" See HebWeb feature from July 2014
Labour Win Calder Valley
Josh Fenton-Glynn has won in the Calder Valley at his 4th attempt, having previously campaigned in 2015, 2017 and 2019, with a thumping 9000 majority. See HebWeb General Election page for details. 5 July, 5.15am
General Election Turnout in the Calder Valley constituency was 64.37% compared with 72.9% in 2019. 5 July, 4am
9 July 2012 Flood A couple of weeks after the previous flood, one month's rain fell in three hours. Click photo above to enlarge. Read HebWeb report from 14 years ago
Small Ads messages received: "Had an amazing response to our House to Let ad!" "HebWeb ads magic at it again! Please can you take the VW Beetle ad down." "Please take this ad down as we have been indundated, and now have the perfect person"
General Election: Who are the Candidates? The HebWeb has information on each of the seven candidates for the Calder Valley Constituency. Read about the candidates in the HebWeb general election section.
Riot Women, the new Sally Wainwright BBC series, being filmed outside the Shoulder of Mutton in Hebden Bridge. 26 June
The Irish Times visits Hebden Bridge: Reporter Mark Paul, in town to write a feature about the election, hears busker James Bragg singing The Foggy Dew, an Irish rebel song. The singer tells him he'll be voting Green. "There was more than a touch of the atmosphere of west Cork in this attractive corner of West Yorkshire." Read Irish Times article 26 June
Permits to be required at Waste Recycling Centres throughout Calderdale, including the local one at Eastwood between Tod and Hebden Bridge. Read more, and how to apply 20 June
General Election: CalderValley.org.uk is the HebWeb home page for general elections in the Calder Valley. It gives results and info about the last few general elections, and there is now a fresh page providing info for the election on 4 July - HebWeb General Election page. Seven candidates are now listed. updated 14 June 2024
Seven General Election candidates for the Calder Valley constituency - Josh Fenton-Glynn (Lab), Vanessa Lee (Con), Jim McNeill (SDP), Donal O'Hanlon (LD), Kieran Turner (Gn), James Vasey, (YP) and Donald Walmsley (RP) More info. 10 June
60 years of Twinning: In October 2024, Warstein and St Pol-sur-Ternoise celebrated 60 years of twinning in Warstein. A delegation from Hebden Royd took part in the event. Read report 10 Oct
Sylvia Plath: The West Yorkshire Poems The Lit and Sci started its 2024/5 programme with an evening featuring the West Yorkshire poems written by Sylvia Plath, with speaker, Sarah Corbett. Read report. 7 Oct.
Discussion latest Where's Josh? - Parking - Mill Chimney demolition. See HebWeb Forum 6 Oct
Calderdale Council by-election: 6 candidates stand in Calder Ward There is to be by-election on 24 October for the Calderdale Council seat vacated Josh Fenton-Glynn who became Calder Valley MP in July. The Calder Ward covers the Hebden Bridge area. Read more Updated
Campaigners protest at energy price rise Yesterday, members of the Unite union, alongside other community organisations, rallied outside Wilco's in Halifax from midday until 2pm. Read report. 2 Oct
Mike McAllister, died peacefully in hospital, aged 83, after a short illness. His family would like to invite those who wish to say their goodbyes to join them for his funeral and farewell. This will take place in the Waterfront Hall at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Tuesday, 15 October at 11am.
Scouts return to Hebden Bridge This January, Hebden Bridge Scouts is relaunching for 10-14-year-olds, and they're searching for extra hands to help make it happen. Read more 3 Oct
Folk-Rock Legend at Wadsworth In is a bit of a coup, Ashley Hutchings, a founding member of the influential Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band plus countless other ensembles plays Wadsworth Community Centre on 19 October. Read more
Clubland: How the Working Men's Club Shaped Britain - The Hebden Bridge Literary and Scientific Society next event is on 26 Oct, at 7.30pm in The Town Hall. Read more. 3 Oct
River levels have now peaked and are anticipated to fall throughout Tuesday, 1 Oct. No more significant rainfall is expected over the coming days. See Environment Agency page
Flood Alert for Upper Calder was issued Monday afternoon. Following the persistent rainfall over 24 hours or more, rising river levels could have led to flooding. See Environment Agency page 30 Sept
The people against the establishment - The History Society heard David Glover tell how thousands marched on Halifax and cotton mills were brought to a standstill, as part of the the Great Strike or the Plug Riots of the summer of 1842. Read report 30 Sept
The End of Everything The speaker at this month's University of 3rd Age meeting was Steve Barrett, Senior Research Fellow in Physics at the University of Liverpool. He outlined what was likely to happen to Earth, the Sun and the Universe in the futture. Read more 26 Sept
Save Our Soil Grow and Graze was on Saturday 28 September at Hebden Bridge Town Hallwhere there were talks and stalls. More info here
Small Ads - "We placed a job ad on the Hebweb, intending to keep it there for 2 weeks, but we had to take it down after 3 days due to the huge response generated"
Real Voices of Happy Valley reaches 50 The Real Voices of Happy Valley podcast has reached 50 episodes. The podcasts features Viv and Dave Boardman chatting with a variety of people of the valley from musicians and artists to environmental and community activists. Read more 19 Sept
Camera Club - 2024 Winners
Above: this year's 2nd prize - Fiery Autumn Colours by Steph Penny. 1200 visitors to the Hebden Bridge Camera Club exhibition at the end of August had an opportunity to vote for their favourite images. More info, winning photo and runners-up. 10 Sept
Grants available for cultural activities Organisations with ambitious plans for cultural activities in our area are invited to apply for grant funding of up to £15,000. Read more 10 Sept
Train disruption in September: Between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale, the railway will be closed from 6 September until the early morning of 25 September. Replacement buses will be available. Northern Rail say journeys Hebden Bridge as trains will be unable to divert and may be replaced by buses. Read more
Donations - support the HebWeb: For nearly 30 years, the HebWeb has been hosting news, features and discussion, listing all major events and so much more. The HebWeb receives no funding and covers costs with minimal advertising; minimal to avoid annoying popups and banners. Read more.
Pat Douthwaite:
Alive and Kicking
A new theatre piece from Heroica Theatre Company, Pat Douthwaite: Alive and Kicking, is a one-woman theatre piece by Anna Carlisle with Alexandra Mathie in the title role. It was at the Town Hall, 5-6 September. More info
Mytholmroyd studios award for best video design Prodoto Commercial Photographic Studios in Mytholmroyd has won the Best Video Design Award its immersive storytelling, high-definition visuals, and dynamic editing. Read more 4 Sept
Daily Mail finds 'local uproar': "Unhappy Valley! Creator of hit BBC crime drama sparks local uproar while filming latest TV series" according to today's Daily Mail. Read the Mail article. And now this one in The Metro. Updated 2 Sept
Canals could disappear without more investment, say the Canal and River Trust. See this BBC report which mentions the canal at Hebden Bridge a couple of times 21 Aug
History Talks for the coming few months are now listed in the HebWeb "What's on" section. 16 Aug
House to let - Now let. "Thanks very much - I had a really good response." See Small Ads
FROM THE ARCHIVES: "How the Hippies Changed Hebden Bridge" was an exhibition organised 7 years ago by the History Society. It aimed to show how those who moved into our area in the 1970s - the locals called them 'hippies' - led to vast changes and a cultural renaissance of Hebden Bridge. Read the HebWeb section on the Hippies
People's Park Festival Thousands of people enjoyed the successful return of the People's Park Festival in Halifax, celebrating the diversity of the borough's culture. Read more 7 Aug
Steam Punk weekend: Last weekend, Hebden Bridge saw the annual invasion of the steam punk tribe wearing their bizarre blend of Victorian-era style clothing adorned with industrial and futuristic elements. See this video from 4-5 August.
Local Paper Archived Issues of the Hebden Bridge Times have now been archived by the British Newspaper Archive, making them searchable for subscribers. To see example front pages from 1884, 1976 and 1991, see this blog 5 August
Campaign for wheelchair accessible pavements - Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum have taken action over advertising boards, café tables and chairs obstructing the pavement in Hebden Bridge. Pictured above: wheelchair users forced on to the cobbles. Read more. 2 Aug
The Piece Hall featured in today's Observer with the headline, "How a cloth mill became one of the UK's biggest music venues." Every ticket sold, it is claimed, generates £100 for the local economy, with no cost to the taxpayer. Read The Observer article 28 July.
Encouraging Signs for the Deaf at Little Theatre For the first time, The Little Theatre is going to have a British Sign Language interpreted performance to make attendance more accessible to deaf people, on the 10 October performance of its next play Beryl, by Maxine Peake. Read more
Lady Killers: Michael Astrop told a recent meeting of the University of the Third Age about five cases of homicide where the accused was female and, after each one, would ask his audience whether they thought she was guilty or not guilty. Read more 21 July
Small Ads "We placed an ad for a 3-bedroom home to rent. We had an overwhelming response . . . And thanks for maintaining this important service to the Hebden Bridge community"
Sewage protest in Hebden Bridge Activists from 'Friends of the River Calder' organised a protest last weekend to remind the new government to prioritise river sewage issues. The public were invited to play a carnival-inspired 'Hook a Poop'. Read more 10 July
Calderdale Council has stopped using peat Peatlands are major carbon stores and support vulnerable wildlife. When peat is dug up to provide compost for gardening, the stored carbon is released into the environment, contributing to climate change. Read more 8 July
Small Ads: "We have now found a home. Thank you for a fantastic service."
Small Ads Message: "Could you take down my ad? I had an overwhelming response. Hebweb is fantastic! Thank you."
One Woman Protest in the Square
More discussion on the HebWeb Forum 18 June
Brass Band Contest 2024 See this YouTube video of one of the bands taking part. 18 June
New Mayor for Hebden Royd On 22 May, the Annual Meeting of Hebden Royd Town Council was held at the Town Hall and appointed Cllr. Pat Fraser as Mayor for 2024-2025, and Cllr. Keith Butterick as Deputy Mayor. More info and photos.
Windfarm Meeting More than 250 people from across the Calder Valley turned out to learn more about the environmental threats and challenges raised by the proposed Calderdale Wind Farm on Walshaw Moor Estate. Read report
George Murphy's latest interview reveals the life and career of artist Simon Manfield. A man who crossed the world to find a place that feels like home. Simon shares reflections on childhood in Australia, his love of drawing, how he was inspired by the works of George Mackay Brown and his moving depiction of the uncovering of the remains of Spaniards slain by Franco's firing squads during the Spanish Civil War. Read the Interview
Northern Lights over Hebden Bridge, 10 May 2024 with many thanks to photographer Andrew Smith. Click on image to see large version of this photo.
No Mow May - letting Nature flourish Calderdale Council is letting nature flourish this May by taking part in the annual campaign to reduce grass cutting that takes place during the month. Read more 7 May
Far more than a large home page, the HebWeb is now an essential local resource. It has been around for nearly 30 years, covering local news, events, opinions, tourist info, small ads, where to stay and much, much more. Updated every day. Read more and go deeper into the HebWeb.
Local Election Results: Labour win 3 Upper Valley seats and retain control of Calderdale Council. Josh Fenton-Glynn is re-elected councillor for Calder Ward, covering Hebden Bridge, Jane Scullion is elected for Luddendenfoot Ward, covering Mytholmroyd, and Diana Tremayne is elected for Todmorden. See votes cast, candidates and turnout. 3 May 2024, 3.15pm
In George Murphy's latest interview, find out about the dynamic, tenacious and multi skilled Director of Hebden Bridge Film Festival, how her interest in theatre developed into a love of film and what's involved in organising the Film Festival. Read the Interview
Yorkshire Moderates during a Revolution Mike Crawford told the Local History Society how Barack Obama's A Promised Land led him to reflect on the parallels between the frenzied and polarised politics of 21st century USA and the political hysteria of late 17th Century England. Read more 4 April
Small Ads "Unbelievable result Hebweb, so many enquiries in response to this advert on your site and now have lovely new tenants. What a success - Thank you Hebweb." See Small Ads page
Valley Community Meals Read how the local volunteer group, which provides 3 course meals with table service - no questions asked - has grown over the past 2 years. Guests give donations if they can afford it. Read more
Town Council backs calls for ceasefire in Gaza On Wednesday 6th March 2024, Hebden Royd Town Council passed a motion calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire. Read more
Satnam Singh has been the Hebden Bridge Sub Postmaster since 2008.
In this interview, he reveals how he used his own money to make up for losses shown on the faulty Fujitsu Horizon program. When George Murphy met up with him, he was struck by Satnam's dynamism, his endless work for charity and his determination to carry on serving the community. Read the Interview
Small Ads Thank you to everyone who responded (too many to reply to personally). I have somewhere now.
Walshaw Moor wind farm - website launched: Stop Calderdale Wind Farm have now launched a website as a platform for the growing opposition to the proposal to build the largest onshore wind farm in England, just above Hebden Bridge. High profile names are now adding their support, including Martin Parr. Read more 30 Jan
Whatever happened to Happy Valley - update
Dave Boardman updates HebWeb readers with the latest info following his daughter's dismissal for her her lesbian-feminist views as recounted in his controversial article last April, his continued disappointment with the Labour Party and how he persuaded the Town Council to adopt a Social Media policy. Read more 12 Jan
Walshaw Moor Windfarm Guardian article argues "Mooted project in West Yorkshire could cause 'heartbreaking' disruption for wildlife and harm local tourist industry, say critics." And "What do Saudi developers know of Heathcliff?" Read Guardian article 7 Jan
UK's 'prettiest towns for Christmas shopping' according to The Times has Hebden Bridge as number one. Read article 28 Nov
The latest interview features writer and broadcaster, Horatio Clare. George Murphy caught up with him at a local hostelry to hear his views on mental health, farming, travel, SAD, music, world affairs, life in Hebden Bridge and his BBC Radio 4 series: Is Psychiatry Working?
Small Ads Message received: "You can take the ad down now we have found a tenant through it already! Thanks so much Hebweb, don't know what we'd do without you!"
14 years ago: June 2012 Flood. Click image to see larger version - See 2012 report
Help with restoration work at Withens Clough The National Trust and Yorkshire Water have announced plans for upcoming landscape restoration work around Withens Clough Reservoir, with the chance for locals to help. More info 13 June
Woodcraft Folk's Height Gate is 25
Today, members, past members and supporters of the Woodcraft Folk, celebrated 25 years since Height Gate, situated below Stoodley Pike, was opened as a camping barn. Read more 8 June
Jeremy Corbyn in Hebden Bridge A clip of the crowds at our Town Hall welcoming the former Labour leader in May 2017 was featured in this Double Down News video where he announced that he is standing as an Independent for the coming election. See HebWeb archive report of the 2017 visit. 24 May
Sewer Discharge into River Calder From 11am this morning, Yorkshire Water has been discharging sewage into the River Calder at Princess Bridge, near Machpelah, Hebden Bridge. And since 11.30am, into the Calder at Eastwood. This evening, discharges around Central Street and Oldgate. See the live sewage discharge map. 22 May, updated at 11.55pm
Small Ad: "We have now sorted short term accommodation, thanks to the advert we placed with you."
Where to Stay in Hebden Bridge. See the HebWeb listings of accommodation, self catering and bed and breakfast options for when you visit our wonderful area. Where to Stay.
GrubHub Update Calder GrubHub continues to supply the community with great meals every Wednesday. It's a collective, staffed entirely by volunteers and there is a constant need for new volunteers. More info
Small Ads "You can take the ad down now we have found a tenant through it already! Thanks so much Hebweb, don't know what we'd do without you! "
Small Ads Message received: "Thank you to Hebweb for a successful advert."
Sewage Spills The Guardian reports that one of the worst places in England for sewage spills in 2023, with 5647 spills, was the Halifax/ Calderdale region, with nearly 200 of them being around Hebden Bridge. See Guardian report
Director of the British Museum: Nicholas Cullinan, who grew up in Hebden Bridge, has been appointed to run the British Museum. For the past few years he has been Director of the National Portrait Gallery and has recently given talks in Hebden Bridge to the Lit and Sci. See Guardian report
Small Ads - "I found a new tenant in no time at all thanks to the ad, so much appreciated."
Ted Hughes Estate Backs the Campaign to stop Wind Farm The Ted Hughes Estate, run by Carol Hughes (widow of the Mytholmroyd-born Poet Laureate) is backing the campaign, along with leading academics from the Ted Hughes Society and the Ted Hughes Network. Read more 3 March
Writers, artists and conservationists oppose windfarm - Over 350 writers, artists and conservationists have written an open letter to the Times Literary Supplement opposing the Calderdale Wind Farm. Read more
'New Movie Making Mecca' - The Daily Mail have an extensive article, with photos old and new, on Halifax this New Year's Day, and how our area has become a top filming location which has helped it to be the fastest growing tourist destination in the UK. Read article 1 Jan
Small Ads: "I have found new tenants. Many thanks once again for a fantastic service."
Benjamin Zephaniah: From the HebWeb Archive for July, 1999: "On Tuesday night, the Picture House was full for Benjamin Zephaniah. Nearly all of the 500 attending signed the petition calling upon the Council to keep the building."
HebWeb Small Ads: "I found a new tenant in no time at all thanks to the ad, so much appreciated." From message received.
Labour row over choice of candidate Widespread anger is being expressed on social media after Calder Valley Labour Party members were offered just three people to choose from, when they come to vote for their parliamentary candidate for next year's general election. Read more
'Community-spirited walkers' town' with independent shops and literary connections. "This proudly independent 'Happy Valley' town marches to its own beat and has dramatic Pennine walks on the doorstep." Read article in the "i" newspaper 3 Nov
Blackshaw Head and May's Shop were featured in a Daily Mirror artcile. Locals in village say that have an amazing community with people kind and helpful - and "if you can survive your first winter here you'll stay forever." Read article 21 Oct
Behind the pages of Pennine Pens - In episode 10 of Real Voices of Happy Valley, Hebweb editor Chris Ratcliffe chats with Viv Boardman about the origins of Pennine Pens, Jill Liddington's early work on Anne Lister, creating the Sylvia Plath online forum, Hebweb, View From The Bridge and more. More info.
The Tempest at the Town Hall Message received: "120 people came which is in my book a tribute to HebWeb!!"
New Sally Wainwright Drama set in Hebden Bridge. The 6 episodes of Riot Women centre on the lives of five women of a certain age who come together to create a makeshift punk-rock band in order to enter a talent contest. See BBC report.
Station booking office saved Transport Secretary Mark Harper said today that the government had asked train operators to withdraw their proposals to close booking offices. See July news item 31 Oct
Market Street No pot holes, no bumps and no parking! This follows the work completed this month.
Ian McMillan's The Verb recorded for BBC Radio in front of a live audience at the Trades Club, Hebden Bridge. Listen now
Inside Hebden Bridge - "from hippies to BBC's Happy Valley to one of UK's prettiest towns, . . . with its rolling green hills, historial architecture and the River Calder flowing through its veins." Read Daily Mirror feature
Rebuilding Calder High - Head speaks to Channel 4 News Tony Guise, the Head Teacher of Calder High School, was interviewed on Channel 4 News on Wednesday 28 June about the state of school buildings. Read more along with links to HebWeb reports from 2009, 2011 and 2015.
Small Ads - Message received: "We've filled the room. Thanks for your help. Great response as always!"
Small Ads - "I am very pleased to say the response was terrific and both properties are now let." (Less than a week)
Traffic Problems in Hebden Bridge - featured on BBC's Look North. And the delays are not set to end anytime soon. Watch 2-3 minute clip.
Hebden Bridge's Jane Scullion to lead Calderdale Cllr Scullion has been Deputy Leader for 4 years and is about to take over as leader of Calderdale Council from Tim Swift Read more
Small Ad Response "I've had a great response and am now sorted." Small Ads.
Whatever happened to Happy Valley? Most people who've lived in the area a while will know Dave Boardman and appreciate all he has done for our community. Now he and his wife Viv are moving away. They cite a 'toxic storm of intolerance' and lack of support from friends, especially those in the Labour Party, for their efforts to stand by their daughter who has been 'unfairly dismissed' from her teaching job for her views on biological sex. Read more 14 April. See Discussion Forum - over 50 responses.
Small Ads "We placed an ad for a 3-bedroom home to rent in Mytholmroyd. We had an overwhelming response . . . And thanks for maintaining this important service to the Hebden Bridge community." See Small Ads
Happy Valley: Two different views of our town:
Daily Mirror - Hebden Bridge: What life's really like in Happy Valley. Read article
The Sun - Hebden Bridge: What life's really like in Happy Valley". Read article
Hebden Bridge: one of the best independent high streets. Today's Observer says of our town: "Famous for its bohemian vibe, Hebden Bridge is a hotbed of independent designers, artists and craftspeople." Read report
Station booking office closure demo The news of proposed closure of the booking office at Hebden Bridge station has provoked outrage. A quickly arranged protest brought out more than 50 people in the rain to make clear that this booking office is valued by the community. Read more 12 July - see BBC News item
"HebWeb is our 'go to resource' that allows us to stay up to speed with all things Hebden Bridge." - from message received.
Gallows Pole brings more visitors The Guardian reports a surge of visitors captivated by the true story of illegal coin-minting operation. Read Guardian article
Hali-wood With the BBC2 adaptation of the Ben Myers novel The Gallows Pole the Observer had a piece on filming in Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Calderdale. Read article
Filming is Booming with 27 film and TV productions in Hebden Bridge and Calderdale during 2022. Marvel's Secret Invasion, The Gallows Pole, Full Monty 2 and Boat Story are some of the productions we can expect to see soon. Read more about filming in our area.
Small Ads "I have now found a lovely place to live after being contacted through the ad within a week. Thank-you!" See Small Ads
Trevor Beale's Fireside Stories from 1971-1974. Before his early death at the age of 34, Hebden Bridge folk musician Trevor Beale had composed and recorded the tracks of this new album. Tracks which were rediscovered around 3 years ago. Read more about this remarkable story, and pre-order the album.
Life in the real Happy Valley As millions watched the last thrilling episode of Happy Valley filmed around here, more of the media are publishing articles about our area. See this BBC feature.
How Happy Valley affects house prices
Daily Mail: house prices 'plummeting' Read article
The Sun: house prices 'booming'.
Read article
Liz Truss's Hebden Bridge past - Former Prime Minister Liz Truss was the Conservative candidate for our Calder Valley seat in the 2005 General Election, and lived in Hebden Bridge. She was defeated by Labour's Chris McCafferty, having misled local Tories about her private life. Read more
Large Fire at La Perla Restaurant
The Fire Service and the Council asked people to avoid the area. Some roads in the centre were closed. 10 fire engines. See HebWeb news for more info, Local Giving Appeal and media links. Click photo to enlarge. 2 Aug 2022
37 degrees in Hebden Bridge at 3pm, 19 July 2022. The last time the HebWeb reported such a high temperature, apart from 18 July, also 33 degrees, was 25 July 2019. See 2019 report.
Yorkshire Water sees highest water use in 15 years They provided more than 1.56 billion litres of water on Monday – which is around 260 million litres more than usual - enough to supply the whole of York and Leeds. Read more.
HebWeb Small Ads: Ad worked again, so can you please take my ad down. See Small Ads
Green Pages Archive 2000 - 2005, a collaboration between the HebWeb, Frogs Design, the HB Times and the former Alternative Technology Centre, now once again available - see here.
Message received to say thanks: "Brill. Where would our town be without Hebweb!"
Heptonstall: "The beautiful medieval village an hour's drive from Manchester with no cars on the cobbled streets" - see article in Manchester Evening News
Small Ads: Message received: "Delighted by the response and now happily accommodated."
HebWeb Small Ads - received today: Please take this ad down as we have been indundated, and now have the perfect person.
Hebden Bridge in the National Media - this HebWeb feature looks at how our town and its issues have been reported over the past 20-25 years, including greatest town accolades, 4th funkiest town in the world, UK's second city, Have I got News for you, Any Questions at the Town Hall and much more. Read the article
Hebden Bridge traffic and carbon emissions set to increase argues Friends of the Earth campaigner Anthony Rae. He makes the case that the proposed A646 corridor improvement programme will increase traffic and carbon emissions. See this Forum message.
The Making of a Town Hall Now that the rebuilt Town Hall is 10 years old, read how the development of this groundmaking project was reported on the HebWeb from 2007 until 2012 when it opened. See this HebWeb feature 27 June
Filming in Calderdale
A new website, showcasing the magnificent architecture and landscape available to be used for filming in our area, has now launched. The website also includes info on how residents or businesses can offer-up their premises for filming. More info 9 May
Small Ads successes: "We have been successful at finding accommodation through Hebweb" and "Successful sale to someone who will enjoy using the van. Excellent result from Hebweb."
Small Ads "We were overwhelmed with responses!" See Small Ads page
Messages to HebWeb: ". . . after months of procrastinating, we've cancelled the Hebden Bridge Times (no journalists left!) and going to rely on Hebweb - much more professional and useful!" 23 Feb 2022
And this reply received 25 Feb: "Cannot agree more with the comment about HB Times. No longer a local paper, ruined by the present publishers. HebWeb is so much better"
May's Shop is featured on the BBC. May Stocks has been running her store in Colden, 6 days a week, since 1974. See this short video clip from the BBC.
Bestselling English language writer in Germany: According to Der Spiegel, The Offing by Hebden Bridge writer, Benjamin Myers, is expected to be the best selling English language novel in Germany this year, ahead of Sally Rooney and Stephen King and is currently third in their overall fiction best sellers list. Ben was featured in The HebWeb Interview recently.
Walking around Tod - "The industrial past blends with nature, the community runs on kindness and it's home to England's highest beach" See Guardian article
Small Ads response received: "I have found a tenant. Many thanks for this fantastic service."
Flooded six times since 2000 - there have now been six major floods, and many more smaller ones in the past 20 years. Links to HebWeb reports of previous floods.
Banking in Hebden Bridge: 'The only banks left in Hebden Bridge are grass ones down by the river'. See this weekend's article on the bankless town of Hebden Bridge in This is Money
Gentleman Jack
The first episodes of Gentleman Jack, the new drama from Happy Valley writer Sally Wainwright, are based upon a book written about Anne Lister by local writer, Jill Liddington and published by Hebden Bridge publishers, Pennine Pens. More info, links and trailers
Small Ads: "Hebweb scores again! I have sold my electric lawnmower today"
HebWeb Small Ads We've been overwhelmed with the response and quality of applicants! Thanks so much!
No banks. No petrol. Lloyds Bank was the last bank left in Hebden Bridge. It closed this month. Shepherds was the last petrol garage still open in Hebden Bridge.
HebWeb Small Ads - The HebWeb is brilliant.
Found tutor within 3 days. The response was excellent as was the calibre of the candidates.
Have I Got News for You This prime time BBC 1 programme featured the Cornholme library notice story, and its reference to 'the cesspit that is Hebden Bridge'. Click here for the 35 second clip.
Hebden Bridge trends on Twitter Once again, Hebden Bridge is in the news following extensive posting on Twitter and Facebook about this notice which appeared in Cornholme's free library. Read more
Crystal Wilde: Finding peace in hippie Hebden Bridge: "Hippies, hikers, kooky cafes, drugs and lesbians: my home town of Hebden Bridge is notorious for many reasons, some more surprising than others." See feature in The Independent
Small Ads response received: "Can you please remove my ad for the house at Tod as it's now been let, the response has been amazing"
MURPHY'S LORE
- THE BOOK
Murphy's Lore, the book, from the popular HebWeb column, is finally published. Read the weekly record of a dramatic year in the life of the UK. 52 episodes, viewed from Hebden Bridge. More info, and how to buy the book
Small Ad house sale response: "offer received within a week of listing on HebWeb. Brilliant, thank you!"
HebWeb Small Ads positive feedback: 1. "Brilliant as ever. Thank you. Ads fulfilled". 2. "We've been inundated with enquiries from potential tenants."
HebWeb Small Ads. Message received about ad for 2 bed house: "I've had so many people message about this I can't keep up with replying."
Small Ads - "We filled the vacancy thanks to the Hebweb, brilliant service"
Hebden Bridge on Woman's Hour (from around 28 mins in) - our area is praised for being friendly to lesbians the liberal minded, creatives and progressives, for its co-operatives, hippies and Sylvia Plath's grave. And they plan to do a Woman's Hour from Hebden Bridge.
Small Ads - 3 two bed houses to rent, all announced the same day, on the HebWeb Smalls Ads page
Small Ads message - "Once again, great success by placing my house to rent on HebWeb!"
Huffington Post on Hebden Bridge: "You will find a town that was almost abandoned, but brought back to life by hippies, artists and lesbians looking for a place to make a life." Written by Sean Pert, who continues: "The town doesn't just tolerate its LGBT+ community, it values and embraces us." Read more
Hebden Bridge: How a thriving town lost its last bank: This Guardian article reports that, "Residents feel angry and let down as Lloyds departs, but one man (David Fletcher) has a plan to fill the gap." Only a few years ago, Hebden Bridge had five full time banks. The last one, Lloyds, closed last week. Read article)
Hebden Bridge is Cool - Hebden Bridge has made National Geographic's Cool list. "The Calder Valley - with hippyish Hebden Bridge as its epicentre - is a burgeoning hub for restaurants and independent shops." See article.
Save Hebden Bridge Signal Box
After more than 125 years as a familiar sight in the town, Network Rail have pulled the levers for the last time. Two community groups have put forward proposals for the building to be saved and restored to its former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway glory. More info and leaflet
Hebden Bridge features in The Spectator "The Yorkshire town that’s gone from dirty old buildings to New Age nirvana" by William Cook.
Small Ads: "Please can you remove small ad. I had a response within an hour of the ad going live and the first viewer took the house. I had 8 requests to view in 24 hours. Brilliant!"
Small Ads message - "Just to say that my cottage has now been let. Thanks once again to HebWeb!"
Less than an hour from Hebden Bridge: try these halls, houses and galleries which many may not have heard about. Yet they are just on our doorstep. If you can't find anything to do locally (see What's On), have a look at this new HebWeb Feature.
Hebden Bridge, the UK's second city, BBC article by Evan Davis. "Hebden Bridge is an inverted city with a greenbelt centre and suburbs called Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool." Read the article
Small Ads: "House successfully rented through Hebweb. Fantastic posting wall!"
Selling my house on HebWeb was "extremely successful - I hope to complete on the sale in 2 weeks time, and I think I could have sold it a few times over."
Smll Ads: "I had so many wonderful responses to my ad for someone to help me re-organize my house post-flood, I wanted to employ everyone! Thank you." - Susan
Small Ads - I just wanted to let you know that through my small ad on your site I found my ideal new home, meeting all my requirements. Thank you very much for such a great resource
Small Ads: "Ad posted Monday, lease to be signed Saturday and tenant moving in Sunday. Thanks HebWeb."
"Unbelievable result Hebweb. So many enquiries in response to the small ad on your site and now have lovely new tenants. What a success - Thank you Hebweb."
HebWeb also available on the slightly shorter hebdenbridge.uk as well as hebdenbridge.co.uk
Small Ads - "We placed a job ad on the Hebweb recently, intending to keep it there for 2 weeks, but we had to take it down after 3 days due to the huge response generated"
Britain's favourite market town? Hebden Bridge has been shortlisted in the 'Britain's favourite market town' category in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2013. Read more
Guardian Northerner: Hebden Bridge the UK's coolest place? The Yorkshire Paradise has won its fourth accolade in a decade. Born, brought up and living here, Rachel Pickering is loyal, but has one or two cautionary thoughts.
Small ads: "We've successfully rented our house. Thanks for an excellent service - I'll heartily recommend Hebweb, as our house was previously listed through an estate agent who didn't manage to get us a tenant in 3 months - through Hebweb we had 4 prospective tenants within a week."
HebWeb on Twitter - join our 3750+ followers.
Small Ads: We had a prospective buyer view it, she loves the house and has put in offer we've accepted. So, thank-you!
"In a world where style often triumphs over substance, Hebweb is reassuringly informative, reliable and clear. An invaluable community resource and public information forum reflecting the independent spirit of Hebden Bridge. Lesley at Elmet Farmhouse.
Floods: HebWeb Gallery - 24 photos taken on the morning of Boxing Day, 2015.
Small Ads: "Amazing but my house in Tod got rented out within 30 minutes after putting the house on Hebweb."
HebWeb Feature on the 2015 Boxing Day Flood, gathering together many of the articles, news, links, photos and videos. Updated reguarly.
Small Ads success - "Hi there I have found lovely tenants for my house in less than 24 hours. Amazing!" Re house to let in Mytholmroyd.
Small Ads - "Choosing to advertise the house for rent on the Hebweb was incredibly effective. The perfect tenants were found within 48 hours"
From Steve Farrell, now living in Mysore, India: "As someone who lives abroad, the Hebweb site has always been critical for keeping in touch 'back home' in Hebden. I've just needed to re-advertise my home for rent, so where to turn to? The Hebweb, of course. The Ad was up within minutes and there were 10 enquiries within 24 hours. Superb!" See Small Ads.
'Greatest Town in Europe' - as well as being the 4th funkiest town in the world, Culture Trip gives 12 Reasons why Hebden Bridge 'is known as the greatest town in Europe'. Read article
Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire crowned best place in the UK - 'Machine learning' used millions of data points to discover top locations. Read more
From the archive: The Times listed the 30 coolest places to live in Britain. Number one was Hebden Bridge.
Let's move to Hebden Bridge From the Guardian. If the roots of its liberal and creative image are a mystery, its appeal is obvious. See also: HebWeb report from Sept 2005
HebWeb Small Ads message: "Please could you close the advert? We've been overwhelmed with the response and quality of applicants! Thanks so much!"
Small Ads: Very good service, result achieved in only 4 days.
Hebden Bridge Station car park to expand: Calderdale Council is working with Network Rail, which owns the land to the east of the existing station car park to create 46 extra places. Read more.
Some years ago in the Guardian, Martin Wainwright wrote, "Witness current comments on the community website, the Hebweb, which is one of the best of its kind in the country. No, world." 25 Oct 2012
Happy Valley writer loves Calderdale. "Hebden Bridge is vibrant; there's a lot going on artistically and it's also got great galleries, pubs and restaurants." Sally Wainwright talks of our "dramatic and awe-inspiring" landscape and the influence of local historian Jill Liddington's Anne Lister book. Read her Guardian article
Guardian Northerner: What the UK can learn from Hebden Bridge? The BBC's Mind the Gap asks how London's success can be replicated elsewhere: Claire Donnelly argues that our small town could have the answer. Read more
"Many thanks Hebweb, the Small Ad asking for Volunteers to cook and help at Wadsworth Lunch Club has already had success. We now have someone coming to help cook. We'd still welcome a washer up, and occasional helpers please."
More from Hebden Bridge Web
- Accommodation - from bed and breakfast to self catering, a range of places to stay in our area
- Archive - news and discussion going back to the mid 90s
- Bloggers and columns - a section where you can read regular pieces by selected local bloggers.
- Books - of interest to people living in Hebden Bridge and area
- Contact info
- Discussion Forum - hundreds of messages every year on matters of concern to those who live in Hebden Bridge and the surrounding hills, villages and valleys
- Emails - a directory of local email addresses
- Events: a selection of local events
- Features
- Five hundred words on Hebden Bridge - one of the 500 years of the Hebden pack horse bridge projects
- Green Pages
- Hebden Bridge info - some basic information about Hebden Bridge with links to some features which have been written about our town.
- Hebden Bridge 500 - celebrating 500 years of the bridge
- HebWeb Interview
- History pages - links to local history websites, together with a selection of articles remembering times past.
- Lives Remembered - thoughts and comments on the death of a selection of local people
- Mailing list
- Maps - several maps of the town and area, including Google maps.
- Murphy's Lore
- Neighbours/twins - links to websites of surrounding towns and our twin towns in France and Germany
- News: Dozens of news items are posted every month; many are unique to Hebden Bridge Web, coming from our growing number of correspondents. Others may also be covered elsewhere but can be found on HebWeb many days earlier.
- News Archive
- Photos - many galleries of photos, including some by well known local photographers
- Planning Watch - details of controversial developments are posted here.
- Radio and video samples relating to our area
- Search HebWeb - search the thousands of news, features and discusssion on the entire Hebden Bridge Web in seconds.
- Small ads
- Tourist Info
- Useful sites - a range of site which we think local people will find useful, rail and bus timetables, ofsted reports, local doctors, etc.
- View from the Bridge
- Web Design from Pennine Pens
- Websites Listings A-Z: listings of a large selection of Hebden Bridge websites
- Websites List - by category: listings of a large selection of Hebden Bridge websites
- What's on/Local events: a selection of local events
- Where to stay - from bed and breakfast to self catering, a range of places to stay in our area