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News 2017-2018

 

December 2017

 

TWO YEARS ON FROM THE FLOODS: Over the past 2 years the local community, Calderdale Council and partner organisations have been working hard to recover from the floods that hit our area on Boxing Day 2015. For more information on progress made, flood resilience schemes and works to be carried out in 2018, see this news page (21 Dec)

FROM CRIME SCENE TO HOLIDAY CAMP The first thing that Freda Kelsall had to deal with when she bought Hawdon Hall near Hardcastle Crags, was the tangle of names: Howden or Howdon – Hole, Hoyle or Hall? But the house also came with many stories, most famously the Hawdon Hall murder. Report of recent History Society talk. (20 Dec)

PICKING STICKS, PATENTS AND POWER LOOMS 132 members of the now 497-strong local U3A enjoyed a stimulating talk by Ian Gibson about key developments in the machinery that drove the UK textile industry forward.  Read report (16 Dec)

CAROLS FOR COMMUTERS The Town Mayor and her consort came and sang carols along with The Friends of Hebden Bridge Station to raise £127.83 for The Railway Children Charity. More info. (13 Dec)

CAROL SINGING ALONG THE CALDER VALLEY LINE: 34 young singers from the local primary schools met at Mytholmroyd station and sang carols on the train to Sowerby Bridge - where their own Santa was waiting for them. More info and photos (11 Dec)

HANDMADE PARADE LAUNCHES BOOK CELEBRATING TEN YEARS Joyful Streets: Ten Years of Handmade Parade, written by author Linda Green and artistic director Andrew Kim. The 96-page book tells the story of the parade and is illustrated by local photographers. More info. (5 Dec)

HEBDEN BRIDGE TO DISCUSS THE REVOLUTION IN MEDICINE Medicine is about to undergo the biggest single change there has ever been, which will see our individual healthcare potentially transformed.  That's the argument which Prof Tony Freemont will be advancing on 9 Sat Dec, at a lecture at the Town Hall. More info (4 Dec)

CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR TODMORDEN FOOD DROP-IN may now be left with Calderdale Self Storage, halfway between Tod and Hebden Bridge. More info (3 Dec)

DAVE NELSON'S CHRISTMAS SINGALONG You’re invited to start the Christmas weekend in festive style at Hebden Bridge Town Hall when local pianist Dave Nelson presents his annual Christmas Singalong on Saturday 23rd December. More info (3 Dec)

GREAT ROCK CO-OP CHRISTMAS MARKETS this December will showcase local artists and artisans every Saturday and this year the Co-op will be packed with superb food and crafts, a café, kids activities and everything you need for a sustainable Christmas! More info (1 Dec)

TOM WRIGGLESWORTH AT THE COMEDY CLUB Hebden Bridge Comedy Club is off to a great start for 2018 with Sheffield's Tom Wrigglesworth as their headline act! More info (29 Dec)

PREPARING FOR SNOW: Calderdale Council says it is prepared for the snow forecast tonight and tomorrow morning. (Friday 29 Dec 2017). The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for snow. Read more

RESERVOIR DRAWDOWN TRIAL starts 21st December 2017 through to the 31st March 2018.

SLOW THE FLOW ON THE BBC: Calderdale natural flood management group will be appearing on two BBC 1 programmes this week. More info (17 Dec)

TOWN HALL JOB VACANCY: Hebden Bridge Town Hall is looking for a committed and enthusiastic person to assist in the day to day running of The Town Hall cafe, bar and events catering. More info (16 Dec)

LATE NIGHT OPENING IN HEBDEN BRIDGE Many businesses are taking part each year and will be opening later today and next Thursday, 21 December. More info (14 Dec)

LUNCHTIME LIVE AT HOPE BAPTIST CHAPEL on Sat 16 Dec. A special Christmas Lunchtime Live featuring Terry Logan, Frank Leigh, Midnight Train and 14 year old, Isaac Hughes Dennis. More info. (12 Dec)

SAFER HOMES FOR BIRDS, BUGS AND BICYCLES: Earlier in the year Friends of Hebden Bridge Station smartened up the 10 cycle lockers at the station. More bird and bug boxes have also been put up around the station. Read more. (6 Dec)

TOUR DE YORKSHIRE COMES TO HEBDEN BRIDGE In May 2018, the Tour de Yorkshire cyclists will pass through Hebden Bridge having started the fourth and final day, 6 May, at Piece Hall, Halifax. Read more (5 Dec)

HELP NEEDED TO SLOW THE FLOW After nearly a year working with The National Trust at Hardcastle Crags, Slow The Flow Calderdale have now built 117 leaky woody dams using over 100 volunteers. More info about future volunteering dates. (4 Dec)

PLANS FOR FOR IMPROVING TOWPATH AXED The proposals for making the towpath between Hebden Bridge and Todmorden into a high quality cycle and walking route have been scrapped. Read more (3 Dec)

TOWN COUNCIL CO-OPTION: this week, Hebden Royd Town Council co-opted Cragg Vale resident and Labour Party member Chris Phillips for the Cragg Vale ward, filling the vacancy which followed Luke Daber's departure. The Council now has 11 Labour, 5 Lib-Dem & 2 Independent members. (1 Dec)

November 2017

 

JUDITH WEIR LECTURE REPORT: A COMPOSER'S LIFE Judith Weir, one of the country’s leading composers, was appointed to be Master of the Queen’s Music in 2014. She spoke to the Literary and Scientific Society about the importance of music. Read report (29 Nov)

HEBDEN BRIDGE ARTS FESTIVAL ARE INVITING PEOPLE TO MEET RONJA AT THE TOWN HALL. A new sculpture by Hannelora Johansson in the Town Hall courtyard. More info and photos (29 Nov)

TWENTY THOUSAND DESCEND ON HARDCASTLE CRAGS: Using photos from the Archive, David Taylor conducted a virtual walk for the Local History Society, following the route taken by visitors who arrived in Hebden Bridge by rail, and then walked to and around Hardcastle Crags, Whitsun, 1897. Read report. (26 Nov)

HEBDEN BRIDGE FLOOD MARKS: the Local History Society has commissioned a set of flood marker plaques commemorating the major floods of the past century. The one at the Picture House was unveiled yesterday, in the pouring rain. Read more (24 Nov)

PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY DEMONSTRATION AGAINST AUSTERITY on eve of budget. Calderdale People's Assembly Against Austerity organised a vigil in Hebden Bridge to remember all those people killed by austerity cuts. Read report (22 Nov)

TOWN COUNCIL BYE-ELECTION for Caldene ward in Mytholmroyd on Thursday, 23 November. Barnaby Neale for Labour has sent the HebWeb his statement. We'd welcome a similar statement from the Lib Dem candidate. Read more (21 Nov)

ROLEPLAY BY ALAN AYCKBOURN is the next Little Theatre production from 27 Nov until 2 Dec. Justin and Julie-Ann, mismatched in love, are about to introduce their parents to each other over dinner – Justin’s upper-crust alcoholic mother from Surrey and Julie-Ann’s bigoted Yorkshire father and prim mother. Photos and more info

HISTORY REPORT: THE WITHINS FARMS Historian Steven Wood told the local history society about the Withins Farms, including Top Withins, which provided Emily Brontë with her inspiration for Wuthering Heights. Read more. (16 Nov)

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS SWITCH ON - AND MARKETS This Friday 17th Nov, Hebden Royd Town Council will be holding its annual Christmas light switch on from 4.30pm, with the lights being switched on at 6pm. Mytholmroyd's lights will be switched on - with markets - on Saturday 18th Nov. Read more.

HEPTON SINGERS' AUTUMN CONCERT will be tribute to former Musical Director, Roger Scaithe, including several pieces which have long been firm favourites of both choir and audience alike. Heptonstall Parish Church at 7.30pm on Sat 25 November. Read more

THE MASTER OF THE QUEEN'S MUSIC TO LECTURE IN HEBDEN BRIDGE The eminent contemporary British composer Judith Weir, the Master of the Queen's Music, is to give a public lecture in Hebden Bridge on Saturday 18 November. Organised by the Lit&Sci. More info

HEBDEN BRIDGE COMMUTER STIRS UP NORTHERN RAIL A Facebook group has been set up by frustrated commuter, Kate Anstee. With already over 600 members, rail travellers report being delighted to find a group where they can share frustrations, problems and info. Read more (7 Nov)

ONE WOMAN ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Sheila Antrobus wowed U3A Todmorden with her wonderful enthusiasm and knowledge as a one person Antiques Roadshow. Read report (6 Nov)

HOW THE HIPPIES SHAPED HEBDEN BRIDGE: Report of the talk given by Chris Ratcliffe and Jenny Slaughter to a packed meeting of the Hebden Bridge Local History Society, telling of communal living, revolutionary politics, alternative lifestyles and more. Read report (2 Nov)

COUNCIL RESPONDS TO CONCERNS ON GRITTING - Calderdale Council will reinstate gritting on secondary routes following concerns raised by local residents during recent wintry weather. Read more

LAMPLIGHTER FESTIVAL Hundreds of revellers lined the streets to watch a light and fire extravaganza when the fifth Lamplighter Festival took to the streets of Todmorden on Saturday, organised by Hebden Bridge's Handmade Parade, made by local artists and community including a host of fire shows, installations and street theatre. Photos and report (27 Nov)

CALDENE BYE-ELECTION RESULT: Stephne Harrison won the seat for the Liberal Democrats with 157 votes. Labour's Barnaby Neale received 133 votes. More info (updated 27 Nov)

VIEW FROM THE COUNCIL CHAMBER: Josh Fenton-Glynn, one of Hebden Bridge's 3 Calderdale councillors gives a personal account of last night's council meeting. Read his report (23 Nov)

THE STATION BUILDING, MYTHOLMROYD: UPDATE - for some years, volunteers from the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership have been meeting with building owners (Network Rail) with a view to converting the station building for community use. Read more. (23 Nov)

HEBDEN BRIDGE'S VERD DE GRIS WINS AWARD. Verd de gris arts has won the Outstanding Arts & Creativity category in the National Dementia Care Awards 2017. Read more (21 Nov)

TODMORDEN'S LAMPLIGHTER FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY organised by Hebden Bridge's Handmade Parade, will include giant illuminated puppets and lanterns made by local artists and community and a host of fire shows, installations and street theatre. Map, photos and info (20 Nov)

A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF HEBDEN BRIDGE ROTARY CLUB: Collecting for Marie Curie Foundation, and shoeboxes from schools, planning next year's Duck Race and Vintage weekend, and much more. Read story (17 Nov)

ARTSMILL: WINTER OPEN EXHIBITION: 45 artists and designer makers from around the Calder Valley are coming together and showcasing their work at The David Wright Gallery at Artsmill, Hebden Bridge. Read more. (15 Nov)

FLOODS: TRIAL OF RESERVOIR 'DRAWDOWN' TO BEGIN SHORTLY. Yorkshire Water have agreed to trial the drawdown of some of the reservoirs above Hebden Bridge over autumn/winter 2017. Read more. (9 Nov)

FRIENDS OF HEBDEN BRIDGE STATION hosted the third talk in the series by Peter Jeffery of Todmorden, entitled 'Trials and Tribulations of Railway Passengers'. Read report. (9 Nov)

LUNCHTIME LIVE AT HOPE BAPTIST CHAPEL is launching on Saturday 11th November and is going to be a monthly free event, allowing local folk to showcase their talent on stage. Read more (8 Nov)

ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TOILET now permanently open in the evening. (7 Nov)

LINDSAY RIMER RE-APPEAL FOR INFORMATION - 23 years after she was last seen. "Someone somewhere knows what happened to Lindsay. It is a weight that they have carried for twenty three years. A secret they may have shared with others who feel obliged to protect them." Read more. (7 Nov)

FESTIVE FANDANGO SPREADS TO MYTHOLMROYD: The popular Festive Fandango scheme that has boosted Christmas spending in Hebden Bridge businesses over the last six years has now been extended to traders in Mytholmroyd. More info (3 Nov)

October 2017

 

TODMORDEN'S LAMPLIGHTER FESTIVAL The Calder Valley will be treated to a fire and light extravaganza when the Lamplighter Festival returns to Todmorden on 25 Nov.More info (30 Oct)

CARNIVAL PARADE 1925 Due to public demand, a rare film made at Hebden Bridge Carnival Parade and Gala in 1925 is being shown again at the Picture House - twice! More info (29 Oct)

PUMPKINS IN HEBDEN BRIDGE: photographer Bruce Cutts of the After Alice Project has sent the HebWeb photos of BBC Breakfast filming in the square Friday morning. See photos and more info about pumpkin events on Sunday, 29 October

ACCESSIBLE HEBDEN BRIDGE: this 7 minute video shows the work of the Making Hebden Bridge Accessible for All project and how accessibility can be good for business. (27 Oct)

WALKERS ARE WELCOME CONFERENCE IN HEBDEN BRIDGE The three towns of Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Todmorden played host to keen walkers from across Britain when the Walkers are Welcome Annual Meeting was held here.  Read more (24 Oct)

SCOTTISH SINGER HORSE RIDES BACK to into the Trades Club and on Thurs 9 November and she is promising new songs alongside the classics they love at the Trades Club. More info (17 Oct)

HEBDEN BRIDGE TWINNING FEATURED ON BBC RADIO LEEDS The mid-morning programme is doing an exciting range of pieces on twinning in West Yorkshire – and we in Hebden Royd were included! Read more (17 Oct)

FALLEN TREES ON PATHS: If people come across a fallen tree blocking a route would they let CROWS know and they will sort it out. Read more (17 Oct)

WINTER SHOWCASE EXHIBITION AND ARTFAIR brings local and regional artists to The Town Hall, Hebden Bridge to await shoppers searching for gifts, creations and festivities! More info (12 Oct)

NHS CUTS: LOCAL MPS REFUSE CALLS FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS All Calderdale patients will have to travel to Huddersfield for planned operations and cancer treatment. Read more about the closure of hospitals and protests against the cuts. (11 Oct)

BEFORE THE BIG BANG: Lit & Sci lecture report. Jeff Forshaw, Professor of particle physics gave his talk to a packed Waterfront Hall. Read report about the Big Bang, the growth of the universe, and the possibility of other universes. (10 Oct)

NEW POETRY BOOK CELEBRATES MYTHOLMROYD: Poet Winston Plowes and artist Hannah Greenwood have collaborated to create a booklet which will be launched at this year’s Mytholmroyd Arts Festival. Read more (6 Oct)

WIN TICKETS FOR YAK AT THE TRADES CLUB – Hotly tipped powerpop trio Yak play Hebden Bridge Trades Club on Tuesday 10 October and the Hebweb has two pairs of tickets to give away. More info (4 Oct)

SLOW THE FLOW SHORTLISTED AS 'COMMUNITY GROUP OF THE YEAR' by Yorkshire Post Rural Awards 2017. Read story (4 Oct)

WAINSGATE CONCERT: JEMIMA FOXTROT: The Wainsgate concert series comes to an end on Sat 7 October with the return of former Calder High School student Jemima Foxtrot performing her recent Edinburgh Fringe hit show. Read more

GREAT ROCK CO-OP: at their general meeting this Saturday (7 Oct), the Great Rock Coop areinviting food producers to give short presentations about their work. There'll also be a chance for a chat, a drink, and something to nibble from 1pm onward. Read more

CHARITY FASHION SHOW RAISES MONEY FOR WATERMARK FLOOD FUND Ten Hebden Bridge businesses came together on Thurs 26 October 2017 in a fashion extravaganza to raise money for the Watermark Flood Fund. More photos and info (30 Oct)

PIONEERING PLANS FOR REDUCING FLOOD RISK IN THE CALDER VALLEY are launched: Yorkshire Water intends to trial a change in how some of the reservoirs above Hebden Bridge are managed this winter. And Calderdale is thanking communities for their fantastic efforts during and after the near-flood of Saturday 21 October. Read more (28 Oct)

HEBDEN BRIDGE TWINNING: VISIT FROM WARSTEIN The Twinning Society hosted a visit from our friends in Warstein (plus a small number from St Pol). Saturday evening's theme was 'flooding' which proved too topical for comfort. Read more (26 Oct)

AFTER SATURDAY'S NEAR-FLOOD The flood siren went off in Hebden Bridge just before 7pm on Saturday, 21 October 2017. The Environment Agency issued flood warnings for our area, indicating "Flooding is expected. Immediate action required". Read more

BOB DEACON, who died 1 October, was a former chair of the Hebden Bridge Partnership, a regular contributor to the HebWeb and a tireless volunteer in the aftermath of the Boxing Day flood. His funeral will be at Wainsgate Chapel, 3 pm, Friday 20 Oct and Old Town Cricket Club afterwards.

TODMORDEN OLD PUB TRAIL- Barbara Rudman told the recent meeting of the Local History Society how her passion for the history of twentieth century pubs led her to explore the stories of the pubs in Todmorden and how they reflect social change. Read report (17 Oct)

FLOOD TRAINING EXERCISE on Friday 20 October to rehearse the actions that would be taken during and after a flood. More info

FANTASTIC TURNOUT AS TOD COLLEGE SETS OUT PLANS Upper Valley residents, businesses and community groups came out in force on Sunday to help save the town’s college. Read report (11 Oct)

GREENWODE TO GIBSON TO NATIONAL TRUST Trevor Moody, a National Trust volunteer, told a recent University of the Third Age meeting about the history of Gibson Mill in Hardcastle Crags. Read report (10 Oct)

RE-VAMP OF PATHS IN HARDCASTLE CRAGS: update Yesterday, CROWS volunteers finished uncovering the causey stones on the new Slurring Rock path in the Crags. The Current waymarked routes will all be renamed and a new improved map will be introduced. More info (5 Oct)

MEMORIES FROM HEBDEN BRIDGE PHARMACIES. The apothecary’s bottles, jars and scales on display at the recent meeting of the Local History Society seemed redolent of an ancient craft; in fact they were an essential part of the working life of Linda Powell. Read report (4 Oct)

‘WE SHALL OVERCOME' GIG: The Trades Club are staging their annual We Shall Overcome gig joining venues across the country who are raising money for local food banks. Read more (3 Oct)

SECOND HEBDEN BRIDGE DANCE FESTIVAL set for a swinging start! Online ticket sales have opened for the second annual Hebden Bridge Dance Festival, bringing a vibrant array of 26 dance events to four venues in Hebden Bridge. Read more

September 2017

 

THE PEOPLE'S FAIR: Calderdale’s talented creative community are set to take over The Piece Hall as The People’s Fair storms into Halifax this weekend, 30 Sept - 1 Oct. Parades and processions, street theatre, market stalls, exhibitions, food. Read more

LOCAL NHS UNDER INCREASING THREAT - on Friday, 22 Sept, a letter signed by more than 250 people called on West Yorkshire and Harrogate Councillors’ joint health scrutiny committee to urgently defend the area’s NHS and social care services from over £1bn cuts. Read more. (25 Sept)

ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC TOILET TO OPEN IN THE EVENING. Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum (HBDAF) is working with Calderdale Council to re-open the accessible toilet on New Road, Hebden Bridge, in the evenings. Read more. (22 Sept)

RE-VAMP OF PATHS IN HARDCASTLE CRAGS: CROWS have started some major path works in the Crags. The Current waymarked routes will all be renamed and a new improved map will be introduced. More info (20 Sept)

LOCAL PLAN: HAVE YOUR SAY There are just over two weeks left for local people to have their say on the draft plans for housing, employment, infrastructure and open spaces in Calderdale over the next 15 years. Read news item and see Forum thread (14 Sept)

SAVE TODMORDEN COLLEGE: PUBLIC MEETING IN HEBDEN BRIDGE: campaigners are holding a public meeting in Hebden Bridge on Tuesday, 12 September at 7pm to save the college which once served the whole of the Upper Valley. More info

SIMON MANFIELD EXHIBITION at the David Wright Gallery, Artsmill from 13 September with a preview this coming Saturday - Orcadians: Seven Impromptus and other works. Read more

THIS WEEKEND IN OUR AREA: Heritage Open Days, Up the Buttress, Wuthering Bytes, Tod Open Studios, Frenzy, Luke Jackson, John Fawcett talk, Comedy Club, the Walk and Ride Festival, exhibitions at the Fox and Goose, Town Hall, Artsmill, and more. See What's On. (8 Sept)

WALKERS' GROUPS POP-UP AT LAUNCH OF WALK AND RIDE FESTIVAL. To help launch the Walk and Ride Festival, local walking groups will be at Hebden Bridge Visitor Centre all day on Saturday 9th September. More info

HEBDEN BRIDGE STATION CAFE VOTED BEST IN COUNTRY "The Coffee Station", the cafe on Hebden Bridge railway station, is the first ever winner of a national award from Railfuture - the passenger organisation that campaigns for better and more trains and a bigger and better railway. Read more (28 Sept)

CALDERLAND: A new folk opera celebrating the Calder Valley’s tempestuous relationship with water premieres the weekend of 29 Sept-1 Oct in the recently restored Piece Hall in Halifax. Read more

SALLY WAINWRIGHT IN CONVERSATION. On Saturday evening, Sally Wainwright, was on stage with her former teacher, Jenny Gore for a benefit for the Little Theatre. She revealed her next TV drama series about Anne Lister, Gentleman Jack, will not now show until 2019 but will star Suranne Jones. Read more. (24 Sept)

WAINSGATE CONCERT: THE BREATH This Mancunian jazz-fusion quartet is headed up by former The Cinematic Orchestra guitarist Stuart McCallum, and Irish singer Ríoghnach Connolly. Read more (21 Sept)

MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA Silent film with musical accompaniment. The film met with bewilderment on its release but is now recognised as a cinematic milestone. Sat 23 Sept. Read more

QUAKERS IN HEBDEN BRIDGE PREPARE FOR QUAKER WEEK: Quakers have now been meeting every Sunday morning for worship in Hebden Bridge for 30 years. Read more about the Quakers and Quaker Week, starting at the end of the month. (14 Sept)

HOPE BAPTIST CHAPEL REOPENS ITS DOORS after an investment of nearly £1m. One of the few remaining non-conformist Pennine chapels that is largely intact and still in use. More info (11 Sept)

WIN TICKETS FOR THE RAILS AT THE TRADES The Rails are back with a new album Other People they describe as 'folk rock on steroids' and Hebweb has two pairs of tickets for their Trades Club gig on Thurs 14 September. More info

THE AFTER ALICE PROJECT LAUNCHES ONLINE YORKSHIRE PHOTO ARCHIVE - with a difference. Based at the Birchcliffe Centre in Hebden Bridge, the After Alice Project's photos are all shot on old fashioned film. More info and links (6 Sept)

 

NEW HALIFAX CENTRAL LIBRARY opens next Tuesday 5 September as the old one closes today. Situated next to the Piece Hall and Square Chapel it will be part of a vibrant cultural, heritage and learning quarter. Read more 

APPRENTICE VACANCY: HEBDEN ROYD TOWN COUNCIL: an opportunity for young person wanting to start career in Business and Admin. You will be trained to provide efficient and effective clerical/ admin support to the Town Council. More info (25 Aug)

COMEDY CLUB After a brief break during the summer, Hebden's regular night of laughter returns to its usual home, upstairs at The Old Gate pub with Alex Boardman, Carl Hutchinson and Susan Murray. Read more (24 Aug)

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.

SAPH WRIGHT The Memorial Service for Saph will be held at the Birchcliffe Centre on Thursday 24th August at 1.30pm. See Saph's obituary on this Lives Remembered page.

PEDAL TO PARIS Gerard Liston of Hope Baptist Church in Hebden Bridge, is starting a 4-day cycle ride from London to Paris on 30th Aug to raise funds for the British Legion. (16 Aug)

1,300 ROAD GULLIES IN CALDERDALE will be repaired or replaced, including those along the A646 in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. (14 Aug)

MUSIC FOR PLEASURE AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT with speakers: Geoff Tansey and Neil Smith. Report of the latest University of Third Age meetings. Read report (13 Aug)

BEHIND THE SCENES AT HARDCASTLE CRAGS: the countryside team are sharing the secrets of their work with a Ranger Day on Saturday 19 Aug. Meet and chat with the team.

SLOW THE FLOW CALDERDALE RAISE £3500 for competing in Tough Mudder Yorkshire - the group was set up to look at the issue of why and how the Calder Valley floods and to look at solutions to slowing the volume of water which comes down the hillsides . Read more

MYTHOLMROYD OPEN ART EXHIBITION is calling for submissions for an Open Art Exhibition that will launch the Mytholmroyd Arts Festival on 14-15 October. Read more (31 Aug)

WAINSGATE CONCERT: RACHEL MCCRUM AND CAROLINE BIRD - the Wainsgate concert series resumes after the summer recess on 2 Sept with an entertaining performance poetry event featuring two award-winning poets. Read more

NEW CARE CO-OP STARTING UP IN HEBDEN BRIDGE, to be owned by workers and users, making use of users' abilities, skills and experiences. Details of workshops and more info (25 Aug)

HELP TODMORDEN FOOD DROP-IN BOOST FUNDS? Around 80 to 100 people visit each Saturday morning, but more money is needed as numbers grow. Read more (24 Aug)

LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY TALKS from September until March are now listed in our What's on section. Find more out about 7 centuries of floods in the Calder Valley, Top Withins, Thousands visiting Hardcastle Crags in the late 19th century, how the Hippies changed Hebden Bridge, the Norman Conquest of Yorkshire and more. See What's on

COMMUNITY BEE GROUP, set up by Wadsworth Environment Group, run their apiaries as a community activity. Members share responsibilities and - the honey crop too. Read more (18 Aug)

TODMORDEN'S GEOFF LOVE REMEMBERED Musical Arranger to the Stars remembered with a weekend of celebrations and the publication of a new book this September, 100 years after his birth. Read more (15 Aug)

NORTHERN RAIL ROW: "London gets money. We get a kick in the teeth" - piece in the I newspaper. (12 Aug)

'EXTRAORDINARY IS MY ORDINARY' by Victoria Shone - upcoming new exhibition at ArtsMill for most of the month of September. More info (11 Aug)

HIROSHIMA DAY COMMEMORATION: On Sunday, Calder Valley for CND held a commemoration of Hiroshima Day, the 72nd anniversary of dropping A-bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, on the Wavy Steps in Hebden Bridge. Read more (8 Aug)

July 2017

 

VARIED LINE-UP AT MORNING STAR BENEFIT Multi-instrumental folk performer Tim Moon leads the line-up at the Trades Club on Sunday afternoon 30 July. Read more.

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. (26 July)

ACCESSIBLE HEBDEN BRIDGE - a visit to our town by Visits Unlimited, devoted to providing info for disabled people on where they can go for a day out with good access. (24 July)

HEBDEN BRIDGE IN THE MEDIA - The I newspaper today has the following piece: "In the gay-friendly Yorkshire mill town of Hebden Bridge, everyone feels at home." Read article (22 July)

WIN JIM LAUDERDALE TICKETS Double Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale is coming to Hebden Bridge Trades Club on Sun 23 July and the Hebweb has 2 pairs of tickets to give away. Read more (20 July)

HEBDEN BRIDGE VINTAGE WEEKEND: 5-6 August. Along vintage, veteran and classic cars, motorcycles, commercial, kit and replica cars, along with craft, autojumble & produce stalls, on-site catering, entertainment for children and a jazz band. Read more (18 July)

VANDALS TARGET HOPE CHAPEL'S COMMUNITY GARDEN A "super weekend” with Open Gardens was followed by someone choosing to smash up the much-used benches at the end of the community garden. Read more (17 July)

PROTEST IN THE SQUARE: Calderdale is again attempting to move Chris Drake who displays posters concerning Palestinian rights in the Square. Read about allegations of assault (14 July)

TOWN COUNCIL FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS: 2017/18 again sees Hebden Royd Town Council with a sizable Community Funding budget which it hopes will benefit as wide a range of groups as possible. Read more (7 July)

THE POLITICAL AND SOCIAL SATIRE OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN and more on recent talks at the University of the Third Age. Read report (7 July)

OPEN WEEKEND IN HEBDEN BRIDGE: 7-9 July. Thirty gardeners and ninety artists will be meeting visitors to talk about the creative process. More info

COUNCILLOR AMONG VOLUNTEERS HELPING TO SLOW THE FLOW Cllr Josh Fenton-Glynn joined Slow the Flow volunteers working in Hardcastle Crags to reduce flooding. More info (4 July)

HEBDEN BRIDGE IN THE MEDIA: The Observer reports that part of Mike Leigh’s film on Manchester’s Peterloo massacre of 1819, and starring Maxine Peake, was filmed in Heptonstall. Meanwhile, The Mirror reports that the Hangingroyd Lane house used as Sarah Lancashire’s home in Happy Valley is for sale at £250k. (30 July)

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE FESTIVAL 2017, celebrating LGBTQ life in Hebden Bridge and beyond (7th to 13th August) - a festival of diversity, inclusivity and awareness for everyone. Read more and see programme

LIT & SCI LECTURES - FIVE MORE SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED. Five eminent speakers will be coming to Hebden Bridge over the coming autumn and winter months, continuing the successful lecture series by the Literary and Scientific Society. Read more. (23 July)

BESTSELLING AUTHOR'S NEW BOOK SET IN MYTHOLMROYD The latest novel by Linda Green will be launched in Hebden Bridge next Tuesday. 25 July. Linda Green's previous novel sold more than 400,000 copies. Read more (21 July)

CALDER VALLEY SEARCH AND RESCUE DUO TO CLIMB THE MATTERHORN to raise funds. Two members of the team are swapping the Pennines for the Alps and challenging themselves to climb this iconic mountain. Read more (19 July)

THE COMPANION, INSPIRED BY GIBSON MILL is the debut novel by Hebden Bridge author Sarah Dunnakey and will be launched at the Birchcliffe Centre on Weds 19 July. Read more

WOODLAND ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL IN THE CRAGS: The week-long event provided an opportunity for people to get hands-on experience of an excavation, and learn about traditional woodland industry activities. Read more (16 July)

SOUTH PENNINES' WALK AND RIDE FESTIVAL 2017 this September. Enjoy the great outdoors all around us, from the unspoilt beauty of the moorlands to the fascinating heritage of the industrial revolution. There's 130+ events for families, cyclists, horse riders and walkers. Read more (12 July)

OVERGATE HOSPICE VAN DESTROYED AFTER SUSPECTED ARSON ATTACK in Valley Road, Hebden Bridge. Buildings have been evacuated following a suspected arson attack in the early hours Monday morning in which an Overgate Hospice charity shop suffered damage.  Read more (4 July)

NATHAN JOINS THE BATTLE TO REDUCE FLOODING A special team member will be sharing the load with volunteers to help prevent flooding next weekend – a large working horse called 'Nathan'. Read more (3 July)

June 2017

 

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE FESTIVAL 2017 from 7-13 Aug. In its second year, Happy Valley Pride have organised an ambitious, week-long festival of diversity, inclusivity and awareness for everyone - celebrating LGBTQ+ life. Read more (28 June)

REPORT: THE AMAZING 10TH HEBDEN BRIDGE HANDMADE PARADE

See Photo Gallery of photos of the Parade. And read the News Report with more links and photos (27 June)

PICTURE HOUSE LAUNCHES AUTISM FRIENDLY SCREENINGS: Autism Friendly Screenings will be available from July promoting the cinema-going experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivity or a learning disability. Read more (26 June)

ARTS FESTIVAL KICKS OFF THIS WEEKEND - Some of the UK’s best street entertainers are coming to Hebden Bridge for a fun packed day of crazy entertainment on Saturday 24 June. Read more

10TH HEBDEN BRIDGE HANDMADE PARADE - THIS SUNDAY Thousands of people from across Yorkshire and beyond are expected to watch the Parade when it takes to the streets on Sunday. Read more (20 June)

FLOODS DROP-IN SESSIOn next Tuesday (27th) organised by the Calderdale Flood Partnership. Find out about progress with flood alleviation in Hebden Bridge. And make your views known. More info (20 June)

WAINSGATE CONCERT: THE CHARLIE CARR QUARTET - Singer Charlie Carr and jazz pianist Dave Nelson are joined by an inter-continental rhythm section. Sun 18 June.

SHOUT OUT FOR OPEN WEEKEND Shout! is being staged as part of the first Open Weekend - a joint effort between the Arts Festival and Open Studios, with local gardeners and artists opening their gates and studios to the public. Read more. (12 June)

PARKING CHARGES to be introduced in currently free parking areas in Albert Street, Crown Street, Valley Road and elsewhere. See Planning Watch (8 June)

NEW CO-OP store, Mytholmroyd. See Planning Watch (8 June)

PAINTING THE TOPS: Walking on the tops around our area you are likely to come across trig points on the tops of hills. CROWS volunteers intend to repaint all the trig points in our area. They need donations to buy paint. Read more (7 June)

HEBDEN BRIDGE TWINNING SOCIETY'S TRIP TO ST POL including visits to Montreuil-sur-Mer, Le Touquet, Arras and Abbaye de Belval. Read report (4 June)

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION RECEIVES QUEENS AWARD - Hebden Bridge Community Association receives Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for its volunteer-led response to the 2015 floods. Read more (2 June)

PARADE WORKSHOPS START THIS WEEKEND! Fancy lazing on the beach, swimming with sharks or creating a ship of hopes and dreams? Then get down to the Handmade Parade, starting Saturday, 3 June. Read more

FLOOD WALLS ON HEBDEN WATER: Express your views. By using some glass walls on Old Gate and self raising Flood Barriers behind the Wavy Steps, the Environment Agency have come up with some interesting ideas. Have your say. Read more (30 June)

HEBDEN BRIDGE TWINNING SOCIETY seeks work experience for a young man from St Pol (30 June)

UNITY PLAQUE UNVEILED AT TOWN HALL'S GREENWOOD ROOM which has recently been refurbished by the Community Association. Joseph Greenwood, after whom the room is named, was a founder member and long-term manager of the Hebden Bridge Fustian Manufacturing Company. Read more (28 June)

STREETS OF FUN ON STREET SUNDAY: This event is the traditional end of the Arts Festival. Some of Britain's best street performers join local acts in 4 venues on Sun 2 July.

THE JUNE 2012 FLOOD: See HebWeb News from five years ago.

HANDMADE PARADE'S SEA OF DREAMS: International artists from the Greek Street Theatre Company Motus Terrae are working with local people to create astonishing street theatre work. Read more (13 June)

SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM WELCOME MBE for their honorary president, Mr Robert (Bob) Uttley for services to the community. (19 June)

ARTS FESTIVAL COMEDY FOR ALL AGES: Laugh at some of the nation’s best stand-ups thanks to Hebden Bridge Arts Festival, including Sara Pascoe’s Animal show at the Picture House. Read more

JOB VACANCIES AT THE TOWN HALL: positions now filled. A cleaner and catering assistant are required. The Town Hall is run by the Hebden Bridge Community Association for the benefit of the community. More info (12 June)

CRAIG WHITTAKER WINS CALDER VALLEY for the Conservatives, winning by 609 votes. See HebWeb General Election section for Calder Valley results (9 June)

SEARCHING FOR PEACE IN POONA - Exhibition at ArtsMill. Journals, sketches, paintings and poems of Cyril Mount and Madhuri Z K Ewing. Preview Sun, 11 June. More info

WUTHERING BYTES FESTIVAL BACK FOR A FIFTH YEAR over ten days. The opening keynote will explore developments and people in the history of computing, from Maurice Wilkes and Max Newman to Alan Turing. More info (7 June)

TOWN HALL BIRTHDAY PARTY - 24th June is the start of the Arts Festival but also the Town Hall's Birthday. The new building is 5 and the old one is 125. The Town Council's organising a birthday celebration for children in the area. Read more

ELECTRONIC BLITZ IN HEBDEN BRIDGE: Fans of electronic music are in for a treat as Hebden Bridge Arts Festival have booked some of the UK’s most exciting acts. Read more. (3 June)

FREE I, DANIEL BLAKE SCREENING AT THE TRADES. On Sunday 4 June. Ken Loach's hard hitting Palme d'Or winner is free, and presents "a searing indictment of a failed and discriminatory benefits system." Read more

May 2017

 

MISSING: The family of missing Christopher Mulligan are appealing for help in tracing him as concerns grow for his welfare. Aged 26, he has not been seen since Thursday, 25 May. See W. Yorks Police report (31 May)

WELLIES NEEDED: Have you got any spare wellies? Arts Festival Director, Helen Meller told the HebWeb, “We desperately need more wellies so we’re asking people to search through their cupboards or sheds." Read more (30 May)

GUARDIAN COLUMNISTS POLLY TOYNBEE AND DAVID WALKER are coming to Hebden Bridge to ask locals what has the State ever done for you? Part of this year’s Arts Festival Read more. (29 May)

MURDER ON THE MOORS: The Gallows Pole by Mytholmroyd writer Benjamin Myers is reviewed in today’s Guardian. It’s a retelling of the Craggs Coiners' story and ‘King’ David Hartley. (27 May)

PIANO FESTIVAL FUNDRAISING CONCERT: Following the 5th Hebden Bridge Piano Festival in April comes a spectacular fundraising Gala Piano Recital to raise cash for more exciting Festivals in 2018 and beyond. (20 May)

WOODLAND ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL IN THE CRAGS this June. It will include an archaeological excavation of a charcoal burning pit and an introduction to many different woodland activities that helped to fuel the Industrial Revolution, such as charcoal production and the smelting of iron. Read more (17 May)

JEREMY CORBYN IN HEBDEN BRIDGE. Hundreds packed into the Town Hall today to support and hear the Labour leader. Photos and initial write-up. (15 May)

WAINSGATE CONCERT: The 2017 season kicks off on Sunday May 21st with acoustic music from the delightfully idiosyncratic Manchester trio The Magic Beans. Read more.

ARTS FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LAUNCHED promising a summer of fun, and wellies. Guests at the launch were met by a sea of planted wellies as the full 2017 programme was announced. Read more. (11 May)

REGISTER TO VOTE BY 22 MAY Do it online here now or watch Jon Snow and Russell Brand try to persuade you. Read more (9 May)

FREE FAMILY FUN FOR ALL: Hebden Bridge Arts Festival have announced the acts for their two free Street performance extravaganzas that attract thousands of spectators every year. Read more. (5 May)

GREEN PARTY SEEKS 'PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE' of Labour, Lib Dems and Greens to oppose Craig Whittaker and they have written to the other parties. Read more about how they are getting on. (4 May)

LABOUR CHOOSE JOSH FENTON-GLYNN to contest Calder Valley for the 8 June General Election. Josh is a Calderdale councillor who lives in Hebden Bridge and who previously fought the 2015 general election. Read more. 1 May

CALDER VALLEY GREEN PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE CALLS FOR CLEAN AIR ACTION Kieran Turner donned a face mask at the Leeds Road crossroads in Hipperholme to draw attention to the air pollution hot spot, where levels of nitrogen oxides and particulates break the law. Read more (31 May)

DIG DEEPER INSIDE THE HEBWEB There's much more on the HebWeb than you may think. This website has become a unique resource of local activity over the past twenty or so years. Read our brief summary of some of these less obvious features. (29 May)

DREAMING OF THE DAYLIGHT DAYS: the launch of a poetry book which came from creative sessions at Hebden Bridge Town Hall for people living with dementia, led by Verd de Gris (25 May)

TWENTY IS PLENTY - SLOW DOWN DAY: Traffic speed monitoring has recently been carried out in a number of locations in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, in both 30mph and 20mph areas. Read more and about worst examples (23 May)

ARTS FESTIVAL: SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF WATER Artistic Director Helen Meller told the HebWeb, "We'd chosen the theme of water before the Boxing Day floods as it has powered and shaped the fortunes of the valley for centuries." Read more. (17 May)

CALDERDALE GREEN PARTY LAUNCHES GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN in Calder Valley. Kieran Turner from Todmorden is Calderdale Green Party’s Parliamentary candidate for Calder Valley. Read more (16 May)

CALL FOR ELECTION DEBATE IN THE CALDER VALLEY Labour, Green and Independent candidates for Calder Valley have written to Conservative, Craig Whittaker challenging him to debate. Read more (13 May)

PROFESSOR SCOTT SCORES A EURO-HIT with a jocular talk to the U3A looking at that very peculiar phenomenon, The Eurovision Song Contest. Read report (10 May)

BYE-ELECTION: Hebden Royd Town Council for White Lee ward in Mytholmroyd. Vote next Thursday, 11 May. Candidates are encouraged to send the HebWeb words and a photo. Read more

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE LAUNCHES 'HEROES' ART EXHIBITION and invites artists to participate in an Art Exhibition, with work being exhibited and sold at Nelson’s Wine Bar, Hebden Bridge during August 2017. Read more. (4 May)

GENERAL ELECTION SECTION 2017 of the HebWeb is now online. We will post updates as they are received. The first discussion is on the question of a possible "progressive alliance". See the Election section.

April 2017

 

EXHIBITION: 'CELLOTAPE' BY JOE HESKETH Paintings and Sculpture at Artsmill. "Cellotape is about my world, everything in it all stuck together." Read more. 29 April

WILL SELF IS ON THE PHONE TO HEBDEN BRIDGE Controversial novelist Will Self is coming here to talk about his new novel Phone satirising our obsession with technology. Read more. 27 April

SLOW THE FLOW - HARDCASTLE CRAGS: Slow The Flow Calderdale, with The National Trust and the Environment Agency, will shortly begin a programme of activity in Hardcastle Crags aimed at slowing the flow in the river and its feeder brooks. Read more. (26 April)

PIANO FESTIVAL PHOTOS - see Craig Shaw's gallery of photos from this year's Hebden Bridge Piano Festival (25 April)

CALDER VALLEY COMMUNITY LAND TRUST RECEIVES MAJOR GRANT to the value of £88,000 to enable it to develop and to attract investment for its proposed affordable homes developments. Read more. (24 April)

FOLK ROOTS FESTIVAL - INTERVIEW WITH DAVE BOARDMAN who tells us who playing at the festival, why particular acts have been handpicked, and more Read interview. (20 April)

GOOGLE STARTS TO ADD TRAILS TO ITS STREET VIEW: After Alice photographer, Bruce Cutts has been out to photograph Bill Brady, Pennine Bridle Way Ranger with Google Trekker camera mounted on his quad bike. See photos and read more. (18 April)

HANDMADE PARADE: MAKE GIANT PUPPETS! Handmade Parade artists Andrew Kim and Kerith Ogden to teach giant puppet making in advance of this year's Handmade Parade. More info

YOUNG ARTISTS GO SUPERNOVA Young artists and performers in Hebden Bridge have created a new collective to support and develop emerging creative talent across Hebden Bridge. 17 April

HEBDEN BRIDGE DUCK RACE One of the great things about our annual duck race is the Schools competition for Decorated Ducks. More info and photos (12 April)

STAND-UP COMEDY COMES TO HEBDEN BRIDGE… BUT FOR KIDS. Thanks to Hebden Bridge Arts Festival, kids can enjoy some top class comics… but without the rude bits. (10 April)

CRIMINAL DAMAGE AT HOPE BAPTIST CHAPEL: The Chapel is 2 months away from reopening after major repairs, including dealing with flood damage. Now a group of locl teenagers has chosen to add to its problems. (7 April)

HEBDEN BRIDGE MARKET MOVES TO LEES YARD on Thursday 13 April - new Saturday Artisan market, a weekly Sunday local produce market and the Wednesday market moved to Fridays. More info (6 April)

PIANO FESTIVAL’S EVENTS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN This year’s children’s concert is Saint-Saens' The Carnival of the Animals, performed by the Willshire Piano Duo. More info (4 April)

ARTHUR MILLER'S A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE is the next Little Theatre production, set in 1950s Brooklyn. Love, lust and pride make a lethal combination for Eddie Carbone and his family. More info (4 April)

PACE EGG PLAY: Once again, the Heptonstall Players will be performing their unique version of the Pace Egg Play this Good Friday (14 April) in Weavers' Square, Heptonstall. More info, background and times - and something about a wall to keep out the wrong people - and making Halifax pay. (1 April)

BOOTSTRAP: SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS MEET for major event in Hebden Bridge on 5 May. A new “lively, fun and inspiring” event designed to enable charities, businesses and individuals to support each other. Read more. (28 April)

HEBDEN BRIDGE HIPPIES EXHIBITION: The main panels from the exhibition are now upstairs in Hebden Bridge Library. They're there for the next couple of months. The online version of the exhibition will remain available here on the HebWeb.

LINDSAY RIMER: a second Bradford man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder. See BBC report for more details, and this recent HebWeb News page for the background to this terrible crime. (25 April)

SUMA WHOLEFOODS WINS QUEEN’S AWARD. Suma is a workers' co-operative which has thrived for 40 years wholesaling wholefoods and has long had connections with Hebden Bridge. Read more. (21 April)

NEW LEAFLET WITH 3 WADSWORTH WALKS, including to Lumb Falls. Each walk has a route out and back to Hebden Bridge with details about where to get refreshments on the way. Read more. (19 April)

NEW FIRM OF SOLICITORS TO WORK FOR JUSTICE FOR ASBESTOS VICTIMS is being opened by Hebden Bridge solicitor Paul Glanville. The Asbestos Law Partnership has its office in Halifax. Hundreds of people in our area have died from asbestos related cancers from working at Acre Mill. Read more (18 April)

LINDSAY RIMER: FURTHER APPEAL FOR INFO: 12 April marks 22 years since the body of teenager Lindsay Jo Rimer was recovered from the Canal. Detectives continue to appeal for information to help bring the case to justice for Lindsay's family. Read more (12 April)

JOB VACANCIES AT THE ARVON CENTRE: Three jobs are available at The Ted Hughes Arvon Centre, Lumb Bank, an 18th-century mill-owner’s house near Heptonstall. (11 April)

OLD FLAMES AND STEAMY MEMORIES: - Granville Dobson was 41 years with British Rail and gave the U3A a quick resumé of the development of the railways in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Read report (9 April)

FUTURISTIC JAZZ-FUNK AT PIANO FESTIVAL: Marc Cary is a leading light of contemporary jazz with roots in Washington DC’s go-go music scene - just one element in his complex mix of styles and influences. More info (7 April)

GOOD NEWS FOR EASTER IN HARDCASTLE CRAGS: the 906 bus is back! And a new path has been created by CROWS (Community Rights of Way Service) in the vicinity of Gibson Mill. More info (5 April)

MIDGleY PACE EGG PLAY: Former pupils of Calder High School have joined together with current pupils to continue the tradition of performing the Midgley Pace Egg through the ancient settlements of the Upper Calder Valley. More info, background and times

HEART OF THE PENNINES - a new venture to promote walking in the Upper Valley. Local walking groups have organised a new website to to promote our area to walkers from other parts of the country. Read more (3 April)

March 2017

 

JOIN THE TWINNING SOCIETY TRIP TO ST POL: Hebden Bridge Twinning Society still have places for their trip of 25-28 May to Hebden Bridge's twin town in France. More details here (31 March)

SARA PASCOE IS AN ANIMAL: Fearless comic Sara Pascoe is on the road with her new show Animal and Hebden Bridge Arts Festival have tempted her to stop off for a gig at the Picture House on 27 June. (28 March)

MARKET TO MOVE IN TWO WEEKS, Markets Officer John Walker told the public meeting of the Hebden Bridge Partnership Thursday evening, and the Weds market will now be on Fridays. Read report of this and some of the other main points from the meeting. (24 March)

LOCAL HISTORIAN REMEMBERED. A new book published by the Local History Society, History in the South Pennines, will be a memorial to gifted local history lecturer, Alan Petford who died 2 years ago. Read more. (22 March)

WELLIES WANTED FOR OPEN GARDENS: Old and much loved wellies are needed to create a sea of flowering boots as part of the Open Gardens celebrations across Hebden Bridge in July. Read more. (22 March)

A TALE OF THE GREAT STINK! Speaker Tony Boughton gave Hebden Bridge Local History Society a talk about the problems caused by the rapid growth of urban areas in the 19th century. Read more. (16 March)

AFTER THE FLOODS: new project to promote working together for a more resilient valley - and an online survey. Read more. (15 March)

MAYOR’S 1940S CHARITY EVENT. Cllr Tony Hodgins will be holding the Mayor's annual fundraising event on 1 April. Music and 1940s buffet and classic drinks. Read more. (10 March)

CAMPAIGN TO SAVE CALDER COLLEGE Demonstrators were out in force at the weekend against the proposed sell-off of Calder College, one of the last remaining community resources in Todmorden. The college has been well-used by the whole of the Upper Valley. Read more (7 March)

BLACKSHAWHEAD LAUNCHES CROWD-FUNDED DEFIBRILLATORS: On Saturday 4th March, two newly installed defibrillators in Blackshawhead went online with a training and 'launch' event, attended by around 30 residents. Read more and see photo and video

SHIBDEN HALL is the new Sally Wainwright eight part drama series: After Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax, Scott and Bailey and others, the first few episodes of Sally Wainwright’s next drama is based on the book Nature's Domain by Mytholmroyd writer Jill Liddington, published by Hebden Bridge publishers Pennine Pens. Read more. (5 March)

CALDER VALLEY SEARCH AND RESCUE HIT 1000 The CVSR was formed in 1966 and on Thursday, 2 March the team was out at Top Withens (or Wuthering Heights) for their 1000th incident. Read more. (4 March)

GREAT UNCLE PERCY: INVENTOR OF ‘CATS’ EYES’ Glenda Shaw told the local History Society of the story of Percy Shaw, inventor of the reflecting road studs or ‘Cats’ Eyes’ Read more. (1 March)

THE ARTISAN NATURALISTS: Speaker Rob Trueblood told the Local History Society about self-taught working men - e.g., handloom weavers, shoemaker and tin worker - who became experts in Botany. Read report. (29 March)

NEW MARKET PLACE PREPARATION - Ralph Nimmann has taken photos of the work being done in Lees Yard to get it ready for the market to move there very soon. More info and photos (27 March)

JOB VACANCY: One duty manager at the Hebden Bridge Picture House. Full details here (23 March)

SWITCH TO LED STREET LIGHTING WILL HALVE COSTS. Calderdale Council is set to save up to £600,000 a year, reduce its electricity use and cut its carbon footprint by switching to LED street lighting. (22 March)

HEBDEN BRIDGE PARTNERSHIP’S PUBLIC MEETING is next Thursday, 23 March. Topics include the moving market, how the High Street award was won, new visitors' leaflet, development board, neighbourhood plan and making Hebden Bridge accessible. Read more. (17 March)

PART-TIME JOB OFFER: The Festival is seeking a freelance festival assistant to provide admin and event support to Artistic Director in the run up to the festival. 15 Mar

SALEM CRICKET PAVILION LIFTED INTO PLACE - see Bruce Cutts' photos of the large crane assisting in moving the new pavilion over the Hebden Water and into place at Salem Cricket club. (14 March)

BLUE PLAQUES FOR EVERYDAY HEROES: see the plaques all over Hebden Bridge, commemorating lives from 100 years ago. Part of an Arts Festival project. Read more. (8 March)

STEVE BELL - a big draw for Arts Festival. Legendary cartoonist Steve Bell is the first act announced for this year’s Hebden Bridge Arts Festival with an appearance at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Monday 26 June. Read more. (6 March)

HOW THE HIPPIES CHANGED HEBDEN BRIDGE: An exhibition organised by the Local History Society aims to show how those who moved into our area in the 1970s - the locals called them 'hippies' - kick-started the cultural renaissance which is today so Hebden Bridge. Read more. (6 March)

DANCE FESTIVAL TO RETURN FOR SECOND YEAR: The Hebden Bridge Dance Festival has received a grant of £3,150 to organise a second festival on the weekend 20-22 October 2017. Read more. (5 March)

TITUS SALT – PHILANTHROPIC PATERNALIST OR CAPITALIST VILLAIN? Speaker Maria Glot told a recent Univerity of the Third Age meeting how Titus Salt made his fortune from Alpaca, became Mayor of Bradford and created Salts Mill and Saltaire. Read more. (2 March)

February 2017

 

'REFLECTIONS OF LIGHT' Exhibition at Artsmill from Weds 8 March, featuring the works of Phyllis Hargreaves who takes inspiration from Healey Dell Nature Reserve. Read more. (28 Feb)

PIANO FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LAUNCH takes place at the Town Hall on Sat 11th March where there'll be live jazz piano music provided by Festival Director David Nelson. Read more. (24 Feb)

TOWN COUNCIL VACANCY: A vacancy on the Council has arisen (White Lee ward) following the resignation of Green councillor, Elizabeth King. A Bye-Election will be held if, within 14 working days, 10 electors for the ward give notice in writing. Read more. (23 Feb)

CALDERDALE ARE LOOKING FOR SCHOOL GOVERNORS Governing bodies rely on a variety of experiences and perspectives. No prior knowledge is required. Training and support is available for new and existing governors and is free of charge. Read more. (20 Feb)

Yorkshire Post on Hebden Bridge and the Trades Club "Hebden Bridge is one of Yorkshire’s most-famous towns. With a thriving community of independent stores and a population of people who champion the arts, built around some of the UK’s most picturesque countryside, it has become a large tourist attraction. The Trades Club, has transformed into one of Britain’s coolest intimate venues." Read more(20 Feb)

BIG WINS FOR LABOUR CANDIDATES IN FAIRFIELD AND WEST END WARDS. Sue Fenton (Fairfield) and Sarah Courtney (West End), the Labour candidates for the Town Council bye-elections, each landed over 50% of the vote. The 3 candidates who didn't respond to the HebWeb invitation to post messages and photos received the least votes. Results and info (17 Feb)

FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME FOR HEBDEN BRIDGE: the scheme will also aim to address surface water issues in the town, and wish to gather knowledge and anecdotal evidence from the community. Read more (14 Feb)

PEOPLE PUZZLES AND EARNING A LIVING: Mike Crawford gave the The Alan Petford Memorial Lecture 2017 to the Local History Society, explaining the fascination of working with old documents. Read report (13 Feb)

OPEN EVENING where the first big name will be announced. Monday 6 March will also be a chance to discuss last year’s festival, and hear plans for the future. Read more (10 Feb)

THE SPIRIT LEVEL: Report of the Lit & Sci Lecture given by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson. Their 2009 book on inequality, happiness and wellbeing became a surprise success. Read report (7 Feb)

SPRING AND PORT WINE at the Little Theatre this February. Thanks to Bruce Cutts for photos of the cast. Read more.

JOB VACANCY - Casual Cafe/ Bar assistant. The Town Hall is looking for a committed and enthusiastic person to assist in the day to day running of The Town Hall cafe, bar and events catering. Read more. (1 Feb)

HANDMADE PARADE SPARK DAY: Would you like to see giants in George’s Square, Bridge Gate awash with crazy inventions or Calder Holmes Park transformed into a intergalactic playground? If so, now is the chance to make it happen. Read more. (27 Feb)

FLOOD RESILIENCE GRANTS Time is running out for residents and businesses to apply for funding up to £5000 to make their properties more resilient against flooding. Full application, survey and quote to be submitted by 31 March. Read more. (23 Feb)

WORSE THAN THE POLL TAX says Labour group leader Cllr Tim Swift who has slammed Calderdale Conservatives for targeting people on low incomes in their budget proposals. (22 Feb)

ARTS FESTIVAL: CALL OUT TO COLLECTORS: Hebden Bridge Arts Festival wants to hear from local collectors keen to take part in an exhibition of their prize possessions at the Egg Factory. Read more. (21 Feb)

HOW FLOODS INSPIRED INVESTMENT AT CRAGGS COUNTRY BUSINESS PARK. The recently completed Business Park is bringing a boost to the local economy, and firms such as Make Solutions, Blazing Saddles and VisioSound thanks to the vision and determination of the landowner and support from Calderdale Council.  Read more (19 Feb)

JOB VACANCY - Catering Assistant (Maternity Leave cover until February 2018). The Town Hall are looking for a committed and enthusiastic person to assist in the day to day running of The Town Hall cafe, bar and events catering. Read more. (14 Feb)

NEW RADIOS TO BOOST FLOOD WARDEN COMMUNICATIONS Calderdale Council and the Environment Agency have funded some new radios, which flood wardens will use to give and receive messages quickly and easily in the event of a flood. Read more (14 Feb)

SHAKING HITLER'S HAND (BY PROXY) - Alun Pugh told U3A that his father was a bomber pilot during WW2 and at a reunion many years later he met some Luftwaffe pilots. One of them had shaken the Fuhrer’s hand. Read report (12 Jan)

BOOK REVIEW: Jonathan Timbers reviews Michael Haslam's Scaplings, Star Jelly and a Seeming Sense of Soul which is to be launched at the Stubbing Wharf on 17 February. Read review. (6 Feb)

'MOLLY AND BILL' LAUNCHED IN LOCAL RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES. The name of the project is an acronym of ‘making our lives lively and being involved in local life’, and the project is working with 5 residential care homes and the Community Place at Calderdale Royal.Read more. (2 Feb)

January 2017

 

TOWN COUNCIL BYE-ELECTION CANDIDATES: On Thurs, 16 Feb, bye-elections will take place in Fairfield and West End wards of Hebden Royd Town Council. Eight candidates are competing for the 2 seats. This news page give details. The HebWeb will post candidate messages and photos as they are received (25 Jan)

FRENCH GOVERNMENT HONOURS D DAY VETERANS Medals were presented to 2 local servicemen for their part in the D Day Landings in 1944, at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Weds 18th Jan. Read more (24 Jan)

TOWN COUNCIL ADOPTS ANIMAL WELFARE MOTION: Green Hebden Royd Town Councillor Elizabeth King has successfully introduced an important animal welfare motion. Read more (22 Jan)

JOB VACANCY: one casual usher at the Hebden Bridge Picture House. Full details here (20 Jan)

LOCAL HISTORY: DID I SEE MARILYN? Allan Stuttard gave a talk to the Local History Society on his time as a soldier during the Korean War. Read more (19 Jan)

JAZZ CAFÉ WITH DAVE NELSON Friday 27th January sees the start of a new series of informal jazz events at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Read more

TRADES CLUB GROUND FLOOR WORK STARTS: A volunteer work brigade of socialists and trade unionists has begun the task of renovating the ground floor of the Trades Club at Hebden Bridge, which was devastated by the floods of Boxing Day, 2015. Read more. (8 Jan)

PANTOMIME AND BURNS NIGHT at the Trades Club, complete with haggis and pipes, on Sunday afternoon, 15 January

AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT Local charity Calder Valley Community Land Trust has fixed on Saturday 14th January as the date for its public consultation on the proposed affordable housing project in Hebden Bridge. Read more. (4 Jan)

MYTHOLMROYD: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PENNINE VILLAGE - Rodney Collinge told the Local History Society how developments from the Ice Age to the end of the 19th century have left their marks on the area. Read more. (31 Jan)

NEW GRANT AVAILABLE FOR FLOOD-HIT BUSINESSES: A new grant launched by Calderdale Council and the Community Foundation for Calderdale will help businesses affected by the 2015 floods to expand. Read more. (26 Jan)

CALL FOR ARTISTS for Hebden Bridge Open Studios 2017 during the Open Weekend of 7-9 July. Last year over 90 artists welcomed visitors into their studios and workshops. More info (25 Jan)

FESTIVALS TEAM UP FOR OPEN WEEKEND. The Arts Festival has joined forces with the Open Studios and is bringing back Open Gardens for a special open cultural weekend this summer. Meet 100 local artists and visit 50 gardens. Read more (22 Jan)

HEBDEN BRIDGE MARKET ON THE MOVE Work is finally due to start later this month on the relocation of Hebden Bridge market to Lees Yard, off our main square. Read more (19 Jan)

Calder High and Cragg Vale schools consultation Proposals to close Cragg Vale J & I School and to enlarge and change the age range of Calder High School to create an all-through School. See consultation document (pdf) (13 Jan)

Town Council Elections: vacancies for councillors in Fairfield and West End wards. Nominations by 20 Jan for election of 16 Feb. More info

Central Street area drop-in session to discuss bringing nearby streets up to standard. 26 Jan. See What's on

WALKING THROUGH HEBDEN BRIDGE’S PAST: Award winning local storyteller Ursula Holden Gill is leading a free story walk celebrating the lives of people who lived in Hebden Bridge a century ago, including those killed in WW1 and suffragette Lavinia Saltonstall. Read more (6 Jan)