News, Discussion, Info, Features, Events and much more
COVID & LOCKDOWN: 5 years on In the early evening of Monday, 23 March 2020, the first Lockdown was announced. The HebWeb reported upon it daily with facts and figures from reliable sources. The HebWeb has now created this Covid Feature with info, links to the news from five years ago, George Murphy's Lockdown Diary, photos, charts and video. Read the Covid Feature. (23 March 2025)
'Mytholmroyd Man' Memorial Tree: Last Friday, 14 March, marked the first anniversary of Tony Hodgins' death, and a rowan tree was planted in White Lee Memorial Gardens, Mytholmroyd, to mark his contribution to the community. Read more 18 March
Lindsay Rimer's Murder - a moving and impressive documentary features two local journalists, Sheron Boyle and Virginia Mason, who have covered the unsolved case over the past 30 years, and Lindsay's sisters, Kate and Juliet. The 24 Minute programme has been produced by TV company ShotsTV and is available to watch here. Also, see this BBC Crimewatch programme
Gig Celebrating The Pennine Way Celebrating 60 years of The Pennine Way, Johnny Campbell is walking from Edale, Derbyshire to Kirk Yetholm, Scotland, 268 miles, performing 17 shows in 19 days. Including Wadsworth Community Centre on Sun 23 March. Read more
Bridge Mill Crowdfunding Appeal The iconic water wheel was restored in 1998, but its wooden paddles have become rotten over time and now needed replacing. Read BBC report - Crowdfunder page - HebWeb feature on Bridge Mill - 10 March
Small Ads "Thank you to everyone who responded (too many to reply to personally). I have somewhere now. "
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.
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.
Hebden Bridge Flood Prevention Plans Hebden Bridge has been hit by a series of devastating floods over the past 15 years. The Environment Agency is now drafting plans to help reduce the impact of heavy rainfall in the future. More info. 7 March
Writing Centre launches Crowdfunding Campaign - Arvon, the UK's leading creative writing charity, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the final £75,000 needed to complete the transformation of Lumb Bank, a historic literary house situated above the Colden Valley, Hebden Bridge. Read more 4 March
Twinning Society seeks new members Hebden Bridge Twinning Society has been active for over 40 years. Valuable friendships have been forged through exchange visits with people from St Pol in France and Warstein in Germany. Read more. 3 March
Town Council celebrates LGBTQ+ contribution: Hebden Royd Town Council meeting last night agreed a motion celebrating LGBTQ+, and committing to support all marginalised communities in Hebden Royd. Read more 27 Feb
POD car share is up and running Car sharing has returned to the Upper Calder Valley with three cars in Hebden Bridge and two in Tod. People are signing up and are already using the cars with the POD app. Read more 26 Feb
A646 now open again: The road between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden, which has been closed since 14 February, for sewer maintenance work, has now re-opened. 24 Feb
Five years on from Storm Ciara On 9 February 2020, Storm Ciara caused 10 miles of damage across Calderdale. As the 4th major flood event in the area within 8 years, Storm Ciara caused flooding in around 1,200 houses and business properties. Storm Dennis and subsequent heavy rain further impacted the borough. Read more
Windfarm Petition calling on the Government to ban wind farms on protected peat land. Campaigners argue that there is plenty of other available land for all the onshore wind farms needed for the green transition. See Parliamentary petition and forum discussion.
Changes to travel in and around Hebden Bridge - Parking charges, speed reduction and limited yellow lines to be introduced on A646 between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. Calderdale says these changes will help make it safer and healthier for people to get to Hebden Bridge, and will support local businesses. Read more 11 Feb
GrubHub Feedback February Calder Grubhub are always keen to know what our community wants. They continue to supply great meals every Wednesday, between 5pm and 7pm. Come along to GrubHub on a Wednesday to let us know. More info
Keeping Old Town Post Office for the Community In recent years the post office and cafe have become central to the community of Old Town. Now that the owners wish to sell, a group has been formed to try and put the post office and cafe into community ownership. A share offer is planned. Read more
MP seeks 'united voice' against windfarm plan A West Yorkshire MP has written to other members of parliament calling for a cross-party "united voice" against proposals for a wind farm in Calderdale which would be England's biggest. Read BBC report 6 Feb
Grants available for natural flood management to support initiatives such as planting trees and hedgerows, installing leaky dams and creating attenuation ponds to temporarily hold back rainwater. Read more 28 Jan
Pennine Cropshare Receives £28,000 Grant to create jobs and expand operations in Calderdale. The organisation is dedicated to supplying sustainable organic vegetables, fruit, eggs, and bread to collection points across the Calder Valley. Read more 21 Jan
"Hebden Bridge is more than just a town - it's a vibrant canvas of creativity. Wandered through indie shops, traced canal paths, and soaked up the artsy atmosphere that makes this place legendary. This place is basically an artist's dream come true" Insta, 26 Jan
Act Now on Climate Change was one of the central themes of the passionate and illuminating talk by Prof Kevin Anderson to the packed, sold out meeting of the Lit & Sci at the Town Hall on Sat 11 Jan. Read report
Julie Cockburn: Julie died Friday evening, 29 November after a long illness. She was a strong, remarkable woman who touched the lives of so many. Share memories of Julie Cockburn on this Lives Remembered page. Updated 2 Jan
What's on soon in Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and surrounding areas. Opening of the Trades Club and first Lab Gov, Shaggy Dog Story Telling, Back to the 90s, The Houghton Weavers, Anne Lister Festival, Poetry at the Dusty Miller, Sarah Jane Morris live, Mill Town Arts Spring Art Fair, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, WI Spring Rag Market, Pace Egg play, Duck Race and much more, along with links to What's on in Hebden Bridge over the past 20 years. See What's On
The Houghton Weavers The North West's leading comedy / folk group, stars of TV, Radio and Stage, are making their way around the region with their 2025 tour, including a show at Hebden Bridge Town hall on 29 March 2025. More info
Vacancy: Environment and Allotments Officer Hebden Royd Town Council are seeking to recruit a Local Environment & Allotment Officer, to be part of a dedicated small team making a positive impact in the community. More info 20 March
Community Film Afternoon as part of the Anne Lister Festival. On Sunday, 30 March, there will be an afternoon showing of three short films celebrating lesbian stories - at the Hebden Bridge Picture House. More info
Murphy's Lore Season 5 continues - The latest episode includes flood defences, parking matters, depleted peat and Lucifer's birthday. There's an old film reviewed, an old tale retold, some sages annoyed and a Joy! I enjoyed. Read the latest episode - 16 March
Calderdale Ecological Land Trust seeks help Are you enthusiastic about being at the cutting edge of food system change? The Ecological Land Trust is looking for a new member to join their management group. More info here. 15 March
Small Ads Message: "Could you take down my ad? I had an overwhelming response. Hebweb is fantastic! Thank you."
The rise and fall of football in the Upper Calder Valley Why does the area have no notable football teams today? Derek Kettlewell spoke to the Local History Society about the challenges faced and highlights enjoyed by teams such as Hebden Bridge, Portsmouth Rovers and Luddendenfoot. Read more 14 March
Women only events: After complaints, a Women's Self Protection Class, planned for International Women's Day at the Town Hall, has had to move to a venue in Halifax. Follow the discussion.
Kim Carnie Out Loud Hebden Bridge Picture House,
Sat 15 March, 7pm, followed by a Q&A. From the age of 16, singer Kim Carnie spent six years in a secret same-sex relationship. Read more. 28 Feb
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!"
The Civil War in Sowerby Who would have thought that a book of accounts could open up the day to day reality of life during the civil war? But as Murray Seccombe told the Local History Society, the rare survival of the accounts of the Constable of Sowerby during this period was invaluable. Read more 5 March
Trades Club wins music award - The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge has won a prestigious music industry award. The Northern Music Awards committee have voted the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge the Best Venue Under 2000 capacity. Read more. 26 Feb
Mytholm Mill Demolition has started this week, with "fears it might become a liability for the community" given as the reason. Read more 25 Feb
Breakfast clubs coming to Calder Valley schools: Four Calder Valley primary schools are set to be amongst the first in England to offer free breakfast clubs under a new government scheme. Read more. 24 Feb
The Assassination of President Kennedy The guest speaker at the recent University of the 3rd Age meeting was Pete Mellor, who described the events of 22nd November 1963 in Dallas, Texas and the assassination of President Kennedy. Read more 24 Feb
The Hebden Crypt was situated off Valley Road from 1990 to 1996. Yorkshire Live yesterday did a piece on "the lost Yorkshire horror museum which upset townsfolk and vicars." Read article. 23 Feb
Over half of Calderdale primary schools plan to make teachers redundant Calderdale Against School Cuts approached 84 Calderdale primary headteachers. The survey revealed that increases in school costs have outstripped any recent funding that the government has provided. Read more.
Small Ads - "I am very pleased to say the response was terrific and both properties are now let." (Less than a week)
The HebWeb Interview: see over 45-50 interviews from George Murphy with talented, interesting, characters, writers, artists, campaigners, etc from the Hebden Bridge area. See the interviews.
The Return of the Otter:
A Conservation Success
The Calderdale Otter Project is dedicated to monitoring, protecting and researching otters, advocating for cleaner rivers, and much more. The Group is growing from strength to strength and have established that otters are present throughout Calderdale. Read more 11 Feb
Town Council Bye-election for White Lee Ward, Mytholmroyd, was on Thursday 6 February. Scott Burrows (independent) won the seat. The only other candidate was Stuart Murray for Labour.
WI Spring Rag Market on Saturday 13 April. The Rag Market is a twice yearly event run by Hebden Bridge WI to raise funds for their Charity of the Year and for an Educational Bursary with the chance to build new skills. See HebWeb news item for more info.
Co-option of Town Councillor for Birchcliffe ward of the Town Council following the resignation of Alison Matthias. As there has been no demand to hold a by-election, a councillor may be chosen by co-option. More info. 29 Jan
Todmorden and Hebden Bridge re-united: The A646 re-opened this morning just before 6am for all traffic, including buses. One way only for now so there is still likely to be delays.The sewer has now been fully repaired, and the culvert reinstated. A lining will be added at a later date. See report from BBC. Updated 25 Jan
First look at Riot Women - The BBC have released info and photos of the new drama from Sally Wainwright, the writer who gave us Happy Valley. Set and filmed in Hebden Bridge, Riot Women is a six-part series, showing later this year. See BBC report 13 Jan
Loose Ends at the Trades The long running BBC Radio 4 chatshow Loose Ends was broadcast from Hebden Bridge on Saturday, 11 Jan. Host Clive Anderson announced the show was coming direct from "the world famous Hebden Bridge Trades Club." Listen to programme
Louise Brough Louise died yesterday at Overgate Hospice. Well known at the Trades, Windsor Road and throughout Hebden Bridge. Louise did not wish to have a funeral but rather two parties which will be organised in due course. Add your memories to this Lives Remembered page updated 15 Jan
Hebden Bridge in the late 70s and early 80s "Slicing through the Valley" is a HebWeb feature where Matt Hilton remembers his time living here, working on farms and for the fire service, selling linocuts, and mixing with poets, writers, artists and photographers. Read feature and see photos.
A sunny Sunday, early March 2025. Photo: HebWeb
A646 Road Closure Update Cllr Sarah Courtney has posted information from Calderdale and Yorkshire Water on social media, indicating further complications and delays. The latest re-opening date for the road between Todmorden and Hebden Bridge is now Monday, 27 January. Read more. - See discussion thread - and latest BBC News 11 Jan
A646 Closure Yorkshire Water had said that the A646 would be partially re-opened the week beginning 13 January. Bad weather and more complex repairs needed are said the be the cause of the latest delay. See BBC Report. 8 Jan
Sinkhole Update: A 12 minute YouTube video from the Wandering Turnip, who shows viewers all around the hole and its surrounds, discusses some of the issues and expresses doubt about whether the A646 will really be ready for one way traffic by 13 Jan. See video. 8 Jan
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."
Town Council Bye-Election: Nominations for election as Hebden Royd Town Councillor for White Lee ward should be submitted by 4pm on Friday, 10 January. More info here 3 Jan
New Year starts with more flood worries with the siren going off at 3am and flood warnings overnight. The river has now peaked and water levels are falling. See this Environment Agency page 1 Jan
A646 Closure latest Cllr Scott Patient says the sewer is more damaged than originally thought and so the work was not be completed by 24 December as hoped. See this BBC Report giving the re-opening date as 6 Jan.
Christmas Eve Carols in the Square
Click photo to enlarge. The carol singing was delayed half an hour until the Tractor Run had passed by.
Sewage concerns in Victoria Road: Questions are being asked about the sewage system for the new block of flats between Victoria Road and Waterside Fold, next to the Little Park. See Discussion thread 16 Dec
Red-throated Diver in Hebden Bridge Photographed from The Smithery B&B this morning. Thanks to Andrew Smith for sending it to the HebWeb. Andrew says, "This bird has caused a stir with the birders. A lot of long lenses in evidence at the marina this afternoon!" Click photo to enlarge. 3 Dec.
from the Archive: 26 December 2015
Boxing Day Floods: Flood Sirens went off at 9.30pm Christmas Day in Hebden Bridge and again throughout the length of the Upper Valley at 7.30am Boxing Day morning. Read the HebWeb report from 9 years ago. Click photo to enlarge
Market Street Flooded at 5pm Saturday. The road was blocked for several hours. River levels have fallen to just below 2m from a high of 2.89m. Updated 24 Nov 18.20pm
Ice causing road delays: Andrew Beck sent the photo above to the HebWeb and commented: "At around 7.30am this morning, a delivery truck got stuck due to ice just outside Mytholm School causing large numbers of drivers to get stuck in either direction. A similar jam occurred when a lorry was stuck on the Steeps on Thursday. This is before the planned Council downgrade of gritting for the road starts on 1st December." 22 Nov
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"
Land Trust celebrates 10 years - On 14 November, Calder Valley Community Land Trust celebrated 10 years since it first began its work to create good quality, affordable homes and community spaces in the Calder Valley. More info.
LINDSAY RIMER: 30 years on - Lindsay went missing, 7 Nov 1994. Months later, her body was found in the canal, weighted down. Her murder remains unsolved.
Today's BBC News;
Facebook page;
HebWeb feature for more background to the tragic story, and 12+ links to national and local media coverage today including West Yorks police appeal. 7 Nov
Travel in and around Hebden Bridge Improvements to include reducing the speed limit between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd to 30 mph, upgrading the crossing at Station Road, new car park at Stubbing Holme and more. More info. 31 Oct
Parking plan paused: According to a BBC news report, the plan to remove parking between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd is being put on hold, pending the findings of a Parking Area Plan for Hebden Bridge due out later this year. Read BBC report
The HebWeb has joined Bluesky, as part of the exodus from Twitter or 'X'. Papers such as the Guardian have stopped posting on X describing it as 'toxic'. See (and perhaps follow) the HebWeb on BlueSky.
Recycling Centres cuts Reducing the opening hours of Recycling Centres (tips) such as the one at Eastwood and closing the one at Elland are among the options Calderdale Council are considering in order to cut costs. Read more 8 Jan
Small Ads: "Ad posted Monday, lease to be signed Saturday and tenant moving in Sunday. Thanks HebWeb."
Snow: Road, rail and bus services were badly disrupted by the overnight fall of snow in the early hours of Sunday. Some events have been postponed. Check the HebWeb "What's on" section for updates. 5 Jan
Guardian feature Hebden Bridge photographer Alice Longstaff "She was a working-class woman who took amazing photographs for 70 years, yet she is little known precisely because, some would argue, she was a working-class woman." Read Guardian article 1 Jan
The Handmade Parade is Back in Hebden Bridge on 22 June. Now known as "The Summer Parade". Funding is from the Arts Council and Calderdale Council. New big puppets, artist training, volunteer sessions, music, stiltwalking classes and loads more are coming in 2025. See this HebWeb Feature on the Parade with photos and info since 2008.
Latest news from the Land Trust The Land Trust has been working away at several really interesting projects in 2024 and finally, in December, a lot of these ventures are bearing fruit. Read more. 24 Dec
2025 Shorts
Film Festival
The Hebden Bridge Film Festival has announced that the popular international shorts competition is at the Picture House on Sunday 6 April as part of a day long programme celebrating short film. Read more 19 Dec
Two New Town Councillors have been appointed by co-option to Hebden Royd Town Council. They are Barry Young and Alex Turner for Labour. 20 Dec
Yet another Town Councillor resigns: A vacancy on the Hebden Royd Town Council has arisen following the resignation of Cllr Alison Matthias in Birchcliffe ward. This is the 4th Town Councillor resignation in less than 2 months. Read more. 19 Dec
POD - car share scheme launched Over 60 people came to hear about the new car share scheme. The share offer was launched and the audience heard from the Leader of Calderdale Council Jane Scullion, and Deputy Leader Scott Patient. Read more 29 Nov
Another Town Councillor resigns A vacancy on the Hebden Royd Town Council has arisen following the resignation of Councillor Bernice Haye in White Lee ward. Read more. 27 Nov
Satnam's Himalayan Adventure For those who missed it, there is now a YouTube video of the talk. Satnam Singh is Hebden Bridge's postmaster. He and his son trekked to Everest Base Camp for Overgate hospice in memory of Les Leedham. See the video 23 Nov
Picture House Screen Two: update The Town Council are looking at securing investment to enable the addition of the second screen and ensuring that our cinema is not only preserved, but kept sustainable and accessible to everyone in the community. Read more 20 Nov
Snow: Hills, towns and valleys all covered in snow overnight. 19 Nov
Photo: Andrew Smith, 19 Nov 2024. Click on photo to enlarge and see complete photo
Cuts to gritting in Hebden Bridge: Calderdale Council is being forced to make cuts which means many roads will not be gritted during cold weather. See this 2-3 min clip from BBC Look North. 18 Nov
Car share scheme returns to Hebden Bridge Share scheme meeting was on 26 November. With three cars in Hebden Bridge, and two in Todmorden, POD will be able to offer a car share scheme, including the offer of extra facilities, from child car seats and disability controls to bicycle racks. Read more
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"
Labour wins Council bye-election - Jonathan Timbers retains seat on Calderdale Council for Labour with 38% of the vote. Greens came second with 28%. Turnout: 29%.
Hebden Bridge: The surprising 'lesbian capital of the UK' Another BBC report on Hebden Bridge says that while our town is home to just 4,500 people and "set in a scenic, rural valley, this quaint market town has blossomed into a bastion of tolerance." Read BBC report
Filming in the Park: Local filming for the BBC series Riot Girls from Sally Wainwright continues.
One day stage errected in the park, 17 October 2024
Soup Dragon Each Friday lunchtime, volunteers at Soup Dragon, based at the Methodist Church hall, provide wholesome soups, bread and often a tasty crumble for afters. Read 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
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
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
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
Small Ads: "Lots of response, as usual from Hebweb, and found a great tenant... many thanks, keep up the good work!!"
Small Ads "Now filled. Many thanks to HebWeb small ads again." See Small Ads
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?"
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
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.
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
CHAINSAW TUESDAY: 20 years on. 19 October is the 20th anniversary of the Battle of the Mill Pond: street-fighting in a back street of Hebden Bridge. See HebWeb feature for more photos and background info, and now a YouTube video
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Vintage Car weekend, 3-4 August 2024
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
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
Small Ads: "We have now found a home. Thank you for a fantastic service."
Rochdale Canal, Hebden Bridge, early August 2024
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.

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
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
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
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!"
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.
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
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
Small Ads - Message received: "We've filled the room. Thanks for your help. Great response as always!"
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.
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.
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
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.
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."
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."
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
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.
"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
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
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
How Happy Valley affects house prices
Daily Mail: house prices 'plummeting' Read article
The Sun: house prices 'booming'.
Read article
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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: 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.
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"
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 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
"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 3500+ 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