Tuesday, 9 September 2025
Dissolution of Calder Civic Trust
After six decades of dedicated service, it is being proposed that Calder Civic Trust will be formally wound-up in the next few weeks. Founded in 1965, the Trust has been a cornerstone of civic pride and environmental stewardship in Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, and surrounding parishes.
The Trust sought to promote high standards in architecture and town planning, and to preserve the unique beauty and heritage of the Calder Valley. The Trust also played a pivotal role in saving Hebden Bridge from demolition in the 1960s, helping to preserve its character and charm for future generations and its legacy includes landmark projects - including the planting of Park Fold Wood; the preservation of Nutclough Terrace; the annual Hebden Water clean-up; the publication of local trail booklets; the "Our Man at Large" campaign to highlight neglected spaces and the restoration of historic sites like Stag Cottage in Heptonstall.
After a short period of time, where it was in danger of dissolving at the end of the century, it was revived again in 2007. The Trust continued to work with Calderdale and Hebden Royd Councils contributing to the plans for the Hebden Bridge Conservation Area and corralling the community on numerous controversial planning schemes, notably the rejected Garden Street Scheme and the successful re-development of Hebden Bridge Town Hall.
As we prepare to close this chapter, we invite any interested parties who may wish to carry forward aspects of the Trust's work or preserve its archives to contact us by 12 September. This is a unique opportunity to honour and continue the legacy of a group that helped shape the cultural and environmental identity of our region.
Please direct enquiries to: caldercivictrust@gmail.com
Thank you to all who supported the Trust over the years.