Hebden Bridge Web

Latest news from the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership

With Network Rail and Northern Train Managers permission- the exterior restoration of the area began! As a listed building, permission was sought and given from the Railway Heritage Trust, Network Rail, Northern Trains, local and parish Councils and businesses. Funding applied for and gratefully received from these organisations that enabled remedial works to be carried out.

Volunteers, who are still engaged with the project today, are mainly Mytholmroyd residents, but the eye of a Huddersfield traveller was captured by the sight of these gardeners working throughout the station embankments, and he was hooked.

• Ian still travels here to work and enjoy the friendship and laughter, (and cake) Always a welcome sight! (both Ian and cake)
• Thirteen rose to the occasion in magnificent style – it opened its building to over a hundred visitors – (some say 175) and just looked amazing to us all.
• Already our rental team have commenced interviews for potential users of the building.
  
• We have so many people to thank who have helped, advised, supported and encouraged us through this long journey of 19 years to 13th December 2025.

Basically, the Local Motive is intended for the future use of our local Community, The Station Building Mytholmroyd Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) number 117 4609 and the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership.

Nothing yet set in stone – this is where we need you, our Community of Mytholmroyd, Calder Valley and area to add your ideas, thoughts and hopes.

This is the main project for 2026

The event of 13th December was when Mayor of Hebden Royd Cllr Butterick together with his Consort Mrs Butterick declared the Station Building, Mytholmroyd (aka The Local Motive) open for business to wild support from the assembled guests, allegedly over 150 present.

As ever, the visit of our fabulous twins of Bentham in North Yorkshire brought enjoyment, and laughter which just follows Gerald Townson, and Brian Howarth around.

The business side of the Opening had been created by the Charity's team, planned and led by Secretary Sarah Grundy, and Carol Cole whose skills at organising, and keeping speakers on the ball is phenomenal; the speakers represented the Railway Networks that include Northern Trains, Network Rail, and the Railway Heritage Trust. Thank you, everyone for the invaluable contributions.

Grateful thanks to Architect Jacquie Milham, RIBA, the surveyors and building contractors West End Joiners and Builders and their supervisor Andy Woodhead, and representatives from the local community all adhered to their allotted time, so speeches were interesting, entertaining, and well received.

I have never heard the magic of a harp together with an accordion - but we did that afternoon – thank you to musicians Trig and Wobbly Man (aka Hazel and Jim) as I said 'Magical!'

Almost precisely at 2pm visitors were escorted for a timed visit of the Station Building; there were quite a few trips up and down the stone steps for our fitter/younger members. Thank you, everyone involved!

Viewings were followed by lunch for all at the Shoulder of Mutton; a sumptuous buffet had been prepared for us by Mark Stanforth, the owner of the Shoulder. I imagine Liam (the chef) had a big input as well. And, a lovely touch, pudding comprised of a delightful display of home-made cakes prepared and cooked by the ladies of the Mytholmroyd Station Partnership – so thank you to Elaine, Sarah, Jane, Brenda,

Pauline, Christine - abject apologies if I have left anyone out! Please let me know so I can record it in this resume. My brain has plumb tuckered out!

Grateful thanks for the help and funding from Richard Isaac Northern Rail, Dawn and Paul Bigland Community Rail Network for the funding and photography (and friendship), Jo Woodhead, Admin of the Church who has welcomed us since the Group began in 2006. Fond memories of the late priest Father John Gott; he was a founder member of the MSP also a trustee of the CIO 117 4609. He would have loved today's event.

Station Partnership (gardening) meets on the second friday of the month at 1pm – followed by the Planning Meeting with tea and cake!
Contact details – wilsondian@me.com