Last update: 18 March, 2024 18:52

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News, Discussion, Info, Features, Events and much more

Valley Community Meals Read how the local volunteer group, which provides 3 course meals with table service - no questions asked - has grown over the past 2 years. Guests give donations if they can afford it. Read more 16 March

Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum works to improve access for disabled people in the Hebden Bridge area, and they meet on the 3rd Monday of each month. The next meeting is just after the AGM on 18 March. Read more

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

Fox and Goose: 10 years as a community owned pub During the weekend of 21-25 March, Hebden Bridge's award-winning community-owned pub will be celebrating its 10th birthday with a festival of events. Ten years in which the pub has thrived. Read more

The Long Road is just around the corner. The next Little Theatre play (April 8-13) is by Shelagh Stephenson and explores the emotions of a family that has lost a member via a stabbing. Directed by Rachel Doyle-Richards. Read more


Film Festival 15-17 March Three Premieres, including World Premiere of The Appliance Of Science and showing the shorts competition line up in the Hebden Bridge Picture House for the first time. Read more about the Festival

Lost Lionesses take centre stage at Film Festival's opening night screening of Copa71, on 15 March. The film will be followed by Q&A with Chris Lockwood, Gill Sayell and Leah Caleb from the original 1971 England Women's World Cup team. Read more

Town Council backs calls for ceasefire in Gaza On Wednesday 6th March 2024, Hebden Royd Town Council passed a motion calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire. Read more

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! "

Stop Calderdale Wind Farm rally was on Monday, 11 March, 2.30pm outside Halifax Town Hall. Campaigners will hand in a letter and lobby councillors at their meeting. Read more.

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"

The Interview

Satnam Singh has been the Hebden Bridge Sub Postmaster since 2008.

In this interview, he reveals how he used his own money to make up for losses shown on the faulty Fujitsu Horizon program. When George Murphy met up with him, he was struck by Satnam's dynamism, his endless work for charity and his determination to carry on serving the community. Read the Interview

Sara Robinson, Director of St Augustine's Centre is interviewed by Viv and Dave Boardman for the latest episode of their podcast, Real Voices of Happy Valley. Read more 20 Feb

White Lee bye-election result Labour's Steve Woodhead won the Town Council seat with 197 votes. The Liberal Democrat candidate Chris Wadsworth received 102 votes. The turnout was 23%. 16 Feb

Small Ads Thank you to everyone who responded (too many to reply to personally). I have somewhere now.


Walshaw Moor wind farm - website launched: Stop Calderdale Wind Farm have now launched a website as a platform for the growing opposition to the proposal to build the largest onshore wind farm in England, just above Hebden Bridge. High profile names are now adding their support, including Martin Parr. Read more 30 Jan

White Lee bye-election (2) Liberal Democrats have selected Chris Wadsworth, 49, to contest the White Lee Town Council vacancy on Thursday 15 February. Read more 31 Jan

White Lee bye-election (1) Luddenden Foot Labour Party has chosen Steve Woodhead as its candidate for the White Lee byelection to Hebden Royd Town Council on 15th February. Read more 29 Jan

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage was the guest at the recent (sold out) Lit & Sci talk. Chatting with host Amanda Dalton, he reflected on being poet laureate, told of his many other activities and read some poems. Read the report 24 Jan

Hebden Bridge Little Theatre Celebrates Centenary During 2024 Hebden Bridge Little Theatre is celebrating 100 years! Not even the Second World War could prevent the curtain being raised, with well over 70,000 seats being sold during the six-year conflict. Read more 17 Jan


Whatever happened to Happy Valley - update
Dave Boardman updates HebWeb readers with the latest info following his daughter's dismissal for her her lesbian-feminist views as recounted in his controversial article last April, his continued disappointment with the Labour Party and how he persuaded the Town Council to adopt a Social Media policy. Read more 12 Jan

Lives Remembered: David Taylor - David, who has died aged 81, was a noted local and railway historian. He was a member of the Local History Society and a founder member of the Friends of Hebden Bridge Station. Read more 11 Jan

Walshaw Moor Windfarm Guardian article argues "Mooted project in West Yorkshire could cause 'heartbreaking' disruption for wildlife and harm local tourist industry, say critics." And "What do Saudi developers know of Heathcliff?" Read Guardian article 7 Jan

Swimming Pool Latest: A new Committee is exploring an unheated, open air pool option as its 'new vision'. Read more about the latest plans, along with links to news coverage and forum discussion on the HebWeb over the past 20+ years. 5 Jan


Christmas Eve Carols in the Square In spite of being 'officially' cancelled - no church, brass band or loudspeakers - hundreds turned up to enjoy the singing. Some told the HebWeb that it was the best Christmas Eve singsong they could remember, with 3-4 acoustic musicians, someone near the tree shouting out the name of the next carol and a very festive atmosphere. 24 Dec

A History of Town Twinning in Hebden Royd - Jane Jackson told the Local History Society how, after the end of the Second World War, a strong feeling of 'never again' led to the beginning of a remarkable grassroots movement to foster friendship and understanding between countries. Read more 21 Dec

Funding boost for tree planting, and flood management Landscapes for Water will install natural flood management across five upland areas of West Yorkshire by 2028, including at Walshaw and Gorple, and the Withens Reservoir near Cragg Vale. Read more 18 Dec

Wind Farm Public Meeting Report from the organisers of the meeting which took place at Wadsworth Community Centre last week and which was attended by 130 people, concerned about the proposal for a windfarm on Walshaw Moor. Read more 13 Dec


Second Screen for the Picture House? Hebden Bridge Picture House is revealing plans for the potential addition of a second screen, and is preparing for a community consultation. Read more 7 Dec


UK's 'prettiest towns for Christmas shopping' according to The Times has Hebden Bridge as number one. Read article 28 Nov

The Interview

The latest interview features writer and broadcaster, Horatio Clare. George Murphy caught up with him at a local hostelry to hear his views on mental health, farming, travel, SAD, music, world affairs, life in Hebden Bridge and his BBC Radio 4 series: Is Psychiatry Working?

Read all 35+ HebWeb Interviews

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!"

Labour chooses Josh Fenton-Glynn as candidate for next year's General Election at a selection meeting at Halifax Minster on 21 Nov. With over 50% of the vote, he won the first round for a 4th attempt at overturning the Tory majority in Calder Valley. See HebWeb News on the row over members' restricted choice.

 

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 12 Nov

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

Dr David Wild died on 18 October. Born in New Zealand in 1955, he spent over 35 years as a dedicated and tireless GP for the Hebden Bridge Group Practice. For comments, info and funeral details, see this Lives Remembered page 30 Oct

Large Windfarm proposed for hills above Hebden Bridge - updated. England's biggest onshore windfarm is being proposed to be built on 16,000 acres covering Widdop and Wadsworth Moors. If the plan goes ahead, it would also mean the end of grouseshooting at Walshaw. Read more

New solar panels for Gibson Mill Scaffolding will be wrapped around Gibson Mill from 9 October ahead of replacement solar panels and restoration work on the roof. Read more

Extinction Rebellion protest in Hebden Bridge, against Yorkshire Water using the region's rivers as a dumping ground for effluent — and sometimes raw sewage. They claim that the River Calder is the 2nd most polluted river in Britain. See Morning Star report

HebWeb

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.

Where to stay

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.

The Man Who Planted Trees: Hebden Bridge Arts is back with more creative opportunities as part of Calderdale's Year of Culture, featuring community events, workshops and exhibitions from March to July. Read more 16 March

Six inches of Soil On 24th March, the Picture House, in partnership with Pennine Cropshare, will be screening Six Inches of Soil, telling the inspiring story of 3 young farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food. Read more updated 17 March

Music at Wadsworth Community Centre with Lauren Housley and The Northern Cowboys on 23 March. At the 2024 Americana UK Awards, Lauren was awarded 'Song of the Year' as well as being nominated for 'Best Live Act.' Read more


Pace Egg

More Pace Egg madness The Pace Egg Players hope to see you all on Good Friday (29 March) in Weavers Square, Heptonstall. Read this HebWeb news item and find links to background info and photos of previous years. Click poster above to enlarge it.


Murphy's Lore

Murphy's Lore - In episode 5 of Series Four, there's a Big Issue and a history of tea, a wet T-shirt and innocents who died, Ted Hughes, a pair of mums, and Einstein on the run and on his hols. Read the latest episode - 13 March

Small Ads - "I found a new tenant in no time at all thanks to the ad, so much appreciated."

Where do babies come from? Starting the talk with Aristotle, at least 2330 years ago, and through Greek, Arabic and Chinese scientific thinking on the subject, pausing in the 18th century where the public's understanding of the subject was still so speculative that some people were taken in by Mary Tofts who, in 1720, convinced her audiences that she could give birth to rabbits. Read report. 13 March


The Interview

Ahead of the 2024 Hebden Bridge Film Festival (15-17 March), George Murphy interviewed Hebden Bridge's much travelled Festival board member, Agustina Figueras, including how she fell in love with cinema from an early age, and what attracted her to Hebden Bridge. Read the Interview

A Place Apart:
Hebden Bridge

New book showing Hebden Bridge as seen through the eyes of the Spencer family in the late nineteenth century, written by Christopher Collier. Book Launch: Weds 13 March. Read more

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

Budget Day protest against cold homes Activists were in Halifax talking to people about the Energy4All campaign and getting signatures on cards to present to Rishi Sunak demanding action on fuel bills. Read more 6 March

Jowett - the Yorkshire car: Barbara Atack, an officer of the oldest 'one-make' car club in the world, told the Local History Society, love for the Yorkshire car is as strong as ever. The ingenious 'flat twin' engine gave this Bradford car the edge over competitors in the early 1900s. Read more 4 March

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"

Community Education in the 19th century History teacher Hebe Gilbert told the local History Society about 'dames schools', Sunday school, Mechanics Institutes and the more co-operative "Mutual Improvement Societies" in 19th century West Riding. Read more 27 Feb

Hay Fever From Monday, 26 February Hebden Bridge Little Theatre starts its Centenary year with Noel Coward's Hay Fever – written 100 years ago in 1924! Directed by Hannah Stow and starring Judith Bliss. Read more.

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 23 Feb

Artificial Intelligence - Prof Leo McCluskey last Saturday gave a talk to the Lit&Sci about the myths and realities of Artificial Intelligence, whether AI can be conscious, whether it might take over the world. Read report. 22 Feb

Calendar raises money for food support

Roger O'Doherty raised £3200 through the sale of his fourth annual wildlife calendar. This money is donated to Calder Food Support, a local charity helping people struggling to make ends meet. Read more 21 Feb

Does Colour Exist? The speaker at the recent University of Third Age meeting was Stephen Westland, who is Professor of Colour Science and Technology at the University of Leeds. While colour does exist, it doesn't exist in the way we think it does. Read report 20 Feb

The proposed Walshaw Moor Windfarm is proving to be a defining issue for our area. The forum discussion continues with "detailed, clear and knowledgable" contributions, covering different views. Read the "well informed debate" - one of the latest contributions is from writer Horatio Clare.

Small Ads message: "Could you take down my ad? I had an overwhelming response. Hebweb is fantastic! Thank you."

High Hirst Woodmeadow meets criteria to be an SSSI Findings from the latest grassland fungi report include the fact that the Woodmeadow now fulfils the criteria for SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status, attributed to the abundance of a certain grassland fungi. Read more 12 Feb

Twinning Society: New Officers - At their meeting, end of January, the Twinning Society appointed new officers. Read more 7 Feb

WI Spring Rag Market on Saturday 27 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. Read more.

Murderous Anaesthetists The speaker at the University of the 3rd Age meeting on the 18 January was Alan Kershaw, who retired from a career in Anaesthesia in 2017.  Read report 25 Jan

Small Ads Message received: "Lots of response, as usual from Hebweb, and found a great tenant... many thanks, keep up the good work!!"

Find a Warm Space where people can gather for free in a warm, safe, welcoming place. Calderdale has published a list including the Library, Town Hall, Baptist Church, Wadsworth Community Centre and the Cozy Cafe at the Methodist Church.. See full list of warm places in Calderdale 14 Jan

'New Movie Making Mecca' - The Daily Mail have an extensive article, with photos old and new, on Halifax this New Year's Day, and how our area has become a top filming location which has helped it to be the fastest growing tourist destination in the UK. Read article 1 Jan

Small Ads: "I have found new tenants. Many thanks once again for a fantastic service."

Benjamin Zephaniah: From the HebWeb Archive for July, 1999: "On Tuesday night, the Picture House was full for Benjamin Zephaniah. Nearly all of the 500 attending signed the petition calling upon the Council to keep the building."

Craig Whittaker and the Madonna Tickets Our Tory MP who criticised the gambling regulator received more than £8,000, including Madonna tickets worth over £2000, from betting industry, according to an article in today's Guardian. Read the article 29 Nov

 

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

Arthur Bailey Local character Arthur Bailey was regularly seen walking around Hebden Bridge with his friendly smile. Arthur sadly died recently. This photo was taken in 2015 as part of the After Alice Project. Click on photo for a larger version. 7 Nov

 

 

'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

Camera Club - 2023 Winners

Eaves

Above: this year's winner: Spooky Woods by Jennifer Hartshorn. Visitors to the Hebden Bridge Camera Club exhibition at the end of August had an opportunity to vote for their favourite images. More info and runners-up. 26 Oct

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

The Gender Debate: Woman quizzed over sticker Today's Mail Online has a report about a Hebden Bridge woman, retired social worker, being quizzed in her own home by hate-crime police for taking a photo of a sticker that said: 'Keep males out of women-only spaces' - Read the Mail report - see also the several threads in the HebWeb Forum

Behind the pages of Pennine Pens - In episode 10 of Real Voices of Happy Valley, Hebweb editor Chris Ratcliffe chats with Viv Boardman about the origins of Pennine Pens, Jill Liddington's early work on Anne Lister, creating the Sylvia Plath online forum, Hebweb, View From The Bridge and more. More info.

The Tempest at the Town Hall Message received: "120 people came which is in my book a tribute to HebWeb!!"

New Sally Wainwright Drama set in Hebden Bridge. The 6 episodes of Hot Flush 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.

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

"Calderdale Libraries Hide Feminist Books" is the title of a new thread on the discussion forum. The HebWeb has raised the issue with Calderdale Council. Read messages and see BBC article

Rebuilding Calder High - Head speaks to Channel 4 News Tony Guise, the Head Teacher of Calder High School, was interviewed on Channel 4 News on Wednesday 28 June about the state of school buildings. Read more along with links to HebWeb reports from 2009, 2011 and 2015.


Small Ads - Message received: "We've filled the room. Thanks for your help. Great response as always!"

Calder Grub Hub needs volunteers to help with a range of jobs including cooking, serving, setting up, washing up, clearing up or being on hand to help where needed and fundraising. 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 Gallows Pole now available on BBC iPlayer. Based on the book by local writer, Benjamin Myers, the series is a fictionalised take on the true story of David Hartley and the Cragg Vale Coiners. See Five star review from the Guardian

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.

A New Mayor for Hebden Royd On 17th May, the Annual Meeting of Hebden Royd Town Counciil saw Cllr Bernice Hayes take the chain for the Mayoral year of 2023/24. The Deputy Mayor will be Cllr Pat Fraser. Read more

Hebden Bridge's Jane Scullion to lead Calderdale Cllr Scullion has been Deputy Leader for 4 years and is about to take over as leader of Calderdale Council from Tim Swift Read more 12 May

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.

Craig Whittaker won't stand again MP for our Calder Valley constituency since 2010, Craig Whittaker has confirmed he won't contest the next General Election. See BBC report.

Small Ads "We placed an ad for a 3-bedroom home to rent in Mytholmroyd. We had an overwhelming response . . . And thanks for maintaining this important service to the Hebden Bridge community." See Small Ads


Happy Valley: Two different views of our town:

Daily Mirror - Hebden Bridge: What life's really like in Happy Valley. Read article

The Sun - Hebden Bridge: What life's really like in Happy Valley". Read article


Alice Mahon dies: As MP for Halifax for 18 years from 1987 to 2005, Alice Mahon often spoke in Hebden Bridge, especially in the run-up to the Iraq War which she fiercely opposed. See this HebWeb report from 2009 on why she left Labour. And this BBC report of her death. 31 Dec

 

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

Bernard Ingham, Margaret Thatcher's former Press Secretary, who started his career on the Hebden Bridge Times, has died. Click here to read some of the coverage of Bernard Ingham by the HebWeb over the past 25+ years

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

Save our stations! Calderdale Labour councillors have slammed new proposals to close ticket offices at stations serving the Calder Valley line, calling for members of the public to join them in campaigning against the cuts. Read more - and see Forum thread


"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 18 June

Moonwort found in the Crags An incredibly rare species of fern has been found in fields at Hardcastle Crags. Moonwort hasn't been recorded in Calderdale for 40 years. Read more.


Hali-wood With the BBC2 adaptation of the Ben Myers novel The Gallows Pole the Observer had a piece on filming in Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Calderdale. Read article

Calderdale Election Results: Labour's Israr Ahmed has won the Calder Ward, covering Hebden Bridge. Labour's Katie Kimber has won in Luddendenfoot, the ward which covers Mytholmroyd. Labour's Silvia Dacre takes Todmorden. See results and number of votes. 5 May,

Election Turnout: Calder ward had the highest in Calderdale with 48%, and Luddendenfoot ward, the second highest with 42%

No Vote for Town Council unless you live in the Fairfield ward. Labour retain control of Hebden Royd Town Council without a vote being cast. Five of the six wards had only three candidates meaning all were elected. 4 years until the next opportunity to vote for the whole Council. Fairfield ward election result - all three seats go to Labour. Read more and voting numbers.

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.

Lives Remembered: Jocelin Black

Jocelin died peacefully a few days before her 96th birthday and will be remembered locally as a teacher, poet, political and social activist. Jocelin was a fierce opponent of any injustice, iniquity or inequality that she saw. Read more


Small Ads "I have now found a lovely place to live after being contacted through the ad within a week. Thank-you!" See Small Ads

Trevor Beale's Fireside Stories from 1971-1974. Before his early death at the age of 34, Hebden Bridge folk musician Trevor Beale had composed and recorded the tracks of this new album. Tracks which were rediscovered around 3 years ago. Read more about this remarkable story, and pre-order the album.

Life in the real Happy Valley As millions watched the last thrilling episode of Happy Valley filmed around here, more of the media are publishing articles about our area. See this BBC feature.


How Happy Valley affects house prices

Daily Mail: house prices 'plummeting' Read article

The Sun: house prices 'booming'.
Read article


Liz Truss's Hebden Bridge past - New Primie 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

Wren

The Fire Service and the Council asked people to avoid the area. Some roads in the centre were closed. 10 fire engines. See HebWeb news for more info, Local Giving Appeal and media links. Click photo to enlarge. 2 Aug 2022

37 degrees in Hebden Bridge at 3pm, 19 July 2022. The last time the HebWeb reported such a high temperature, apart from 18 July, also 33 degrees, was 25 July 2019. See 2019 report.

Yorkshire Water sees highest water use in 15 years They provided more than 1.56 billion litres of water on Monday – which is around 260 million litres more than usual - enough to supply the whole of York and Leeds. Read more.

HebWeb Small Ads: Ad worked again, so can you please take my ad down. See Small Ads

Green Pages Archive 2000 - 2005, a collaboration between the HebWeb, Frogs Design, the HB Times and the former Alternative Technology Centre, now once again available - see here.

Message received to say thanks: "Brill. Where would our town be without Hebweb!"

Heptonstall: "The beautiful medieval village an hour's drive from Manchester with no cars on the cobbled streets" - see article in Manchester Evening News

Small Ads: Message received: "Delighted by the response and now happily accommodated."

CROWS - repairing and improving our local footpaths

Volunteers from CROWS - our local Community Rights of Way Service  - continue to improve and repair footpaths in our area and the rest of the Upper Valley. See video and read about some of their recent work

HebWeb Small Ads - received today: Please take this ad down as we have been indundated, and now have the perfect person.


Hebden Bridge in the National Media - this HebWeb feature looks at how our town and its issues have been reported over the past 20-25 years, including greatest town accolades, 4th funkiest town in the world, UK's second city, Have I got News for you, Any Questions at the Town Hall and much more. Read the article



Hebden Bridge traffic and carbon emissions set to increase argues Friends of the Earth campaigner Anthony Rae. He makes the case that the proposed A646 corridor improvement programme will increase traffic and carbon emissions. See this Forum message.

Small Ads: "We have now found a home.  Thank you for a fantastic service."

The Making of a Town Hall Now that the rebuilt Town Hall is 10 years old, read how the development of this groundmaking project was reported on the HebWeb from 2007 until 2012 when it opened. See this HebWeb feature 27 June


Filming in Calderdale

A new website, showcasing the magnificent architecture and landscape available to be used for filming in our area, has now launched. The website also includes info on how residents or businesses can offer-up their premises for filming. More info 9 May

Small Ads successes: "We have been successful at finding accommodation through Hebweb" and "Successful sale to someone who will enjoy using the van. Excellent result from Hebweb."

Small Ads "We were overwhelmed with responses!" See Small Ads page

Messages to HebWeb: ". . . after months of procrastinating, we've cancelled the Hebden Bridge Times (no journalists left!) and going to rely on Hebweb - much more professional and useful!" 23 Feb 2022

And this reply received 25 Feb: "Cannot agree more with the comment about HB Times. No longer a local paper, ruined by the present publishers. HebWeb is so much better"

May's Shop is featured on the BBC. May Stocks has been running her store in Colden, 6 days a week, since 1974. See this short video clip from the BBC.


'Grotty' trains with 'filthy' seats Reporter Vicki Grimshaw spent over 24 hours travelling on our railway, with passengers complaining about delays and high costs. A man described the trains as 'a nightmare' Read Daily Mirror report

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.

It Takes A Flood… ITV programme shown on Tuesday evening (2 Nov) features Hebden Bridge, our community Town Hall and Khalsa Aid, all towards the end of the programme. Watch now

Walking around Tod - "The industrial past blends with nature, the community runs on kindness and it's home to England's highest beach" See Guardian article


Small Ads response received: "I have found a tenant. Many thanks for this fantastic service."

Floods

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

The National Geographic's Cool List for 2019 has West Yorkshire at number 7. The Calder Valley is highlighted - "with hippyish Hebden Bridge as its epicentre" - as a "burgeoning hub for restaurants and independent shops." )

Gentleman Jack

Gentleman Jack

The first episodes of Gentleman Jack, the new drama from Happy Valley writer Sally Wainwright, are based upon a book written about Anne Lister by local writer, Jill Liddington and published by Hebden Bridge publishers, Pennine Pens. More info, links and trailers

Small Ads: "Hebweb scores again! I have sold my electric lawnmower today"

HebWeb Small Ads We've been overwhelmed with the response and quality of applicants! Thanks so much!

Shepherds

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. It stopped selling petrol this month.

Have I Got News for You This prime time BBC 1 programme featured the Cornholme library notice story, and its reference to 'the cesspit that is Hebden Bridge'. Click here for the 35 second clip.

Hebden Bridge trends on Twitter Once again, Hebden Bridge is in the news following extensive posting on Twitter and Facebook about this notice which appeared in Cornholme's free library. Read more

Crystal Wilde: Finding peace in hippie Hebden Bridge: "Hippies, hikers, kooky cafes, drugs and lesbians: my home town of Hebden Bridge is notorious for many reasons, some more surprising than others." See feature in The Independent

Small Ads response received: "Can you please remove my ad for the house at Tod as it's now been let, the response has been amazing"

Murphy's LoreMURPHY'S LORE
- THE BOOK

Murphy's Lore, the book, from the popular HebWeb column, is finally published. Read the weekly record of a dramatic year in the life of the UK. 52 episodes, viewed from Hebden Bridge. More info, and how to buy the book

Small Ad house sale response: "offer received within a week of listing on HebWeb. Brilliant, thank you!"

HebWeb Small Ads positive feedback: 1. "Brilliant as ever. Thank you. Ads fulfilled". 2. "We've been inundated with enquiries from potential tenants."

HebWeb Small Ads. Message received about ad for 2 bed house: "I've had so many people message about this I can't keep up with replying."

Small Ads - "We filled the vacancy thanks to the Hebweb, brilliant service"

Hebden Bridge on Woman's Hour (from around 28 mins in) - our area is praised for being friendly to lesbians the liberal minded, creatives and progressives, for its co-operatives, hippies and Sylvia Plath's grave. And they plan to do a Woman's Hour from Hebden Bridge.

HebWeb Small Ads - The HebWeb is brilliant. Found tutor within 3 days. The response was excellent as was the calibre of the candidates.

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)

bluebells

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

Saignal 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

Fox and Goose one of top 50 pubs according to The Guardian

Hebden Bridge features in The Spectator "The Yorkshire town that’s gone from dirty old buildings to New Age nirvana" by William Cook.

Small Ads: "Please can you remove small ad. I had a response within an hour of the ad going live and the first viewer took the house. I had 8 requests to view in 24 hours. Brilliant!"

Small Ads message - "Just to say that my cottage has now been let. Thanks once again to HebWeb!"

One hour from hb9

Less than an hour from Hebden Bridge: try these halls, houses and galleries which many may not have heard about. Yet they are just on our doorstep. If you can't find anything to do locally (see What's On), have a look at this new HebWeb Feature.

Hebden Bridge, the UK's second city, BBC article by Evan Davis. "Hebden Bridge is an inverted city with a greenbelt centre and suburbs called Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool." Read the article

Small Ads: "House successfully rented through Hebweb. Fantastic posting wall!"

Selling my house on HebWeb was "extremely successful - I hope to complete on the sale in 2 weeks time, and I think I could have sold it a few times over."

Smll Ads: "I had so many wonderful responses to my ad for someone to help me re-organize my house post-flood, I wanted to employ everyone! Thank you." - Susan

Small Ads - I just wanted to let you know that through my small ad on your site I found my ideal new home, meeting all my requirements. Thank you very much for such a great resource

Small Ads: "Ad posted Monday, lease to be signed Saturday and tenant moving in Sunday. Thanks HebWeb."

"Unbelievable result Hebweb. So many enquiries in response to the small ad on your site and now have lovely new tenants. What a success - Thank you Hebweb."

HebWeb also available on the slightly shorter hebdenbridge.uk as well as hebdenbridge.co.uk

Small Ads - "We placed a job ad on the Hebweb recently, intending to keep it there for 2 weeks, but we had to take it down after 3 days due to the huge response generated"

Britain's favourite market town? Hebden Bridge has been shortlisted in the 'Britain's favourite market town' category in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2013. Read more

Guardian Northerner: Hebden Bridge the UK's coolest place? The Yorkshire Paradise has won its fourth accolade in a decade. Born, brought up and living here, Rachel Pickering is loyal, but has one or two cautionary thoughts.

Small ads: "We've successfully rented our house. Thanks for an excellent service - I'll heartily recommend Hebweb, as our house was previously listed through an estate agent who didn't manage to get us a tenant in 3 months - through Hebweb we had 4 prospective tenants within a week."

TwitterHebWeb on Twitter - join our 3750+ followers.

Small Ads: We had a prospective buyer view it, she loves the house and has put in offer we've accepted. So, thank-you!

"In a world where style often triumphs over substance, Hebweb is reassuringly informative, reliable and clear. An invaluable community resource and public information forum reflecting the independent spirit of Hebden Bridge. Lesley at Elmet Farmhouse.

Floods: HebWeb Gallery - 24 photos taken on the morning of Boxing Day, 2015.

Small Ads: "Amazing but my house in Tod got rented out within 30 minutes after putting the house on Hebweb."

HebWeb Feature on the 2015 Boxing Day Flood, gathering together many of the articles, news, links, photos and videos. Updated reguarly.

Small Ads success - "Hi there I have found lovely tenants for my house in less than 24 hours. Amazing!" Re house to let in Mytholmroyd.

Small Ads - "Choosing to advertise the house for rent on the Hebweb was incredibly effective. The perfect tenants were found within 48 hours"

From Steve Farrell, now living in Mysore, India: "As someone who lives abroad, the Hebweb site has always been critical for keeping in touch 'back home' in Hebden. I've just needed to re-advertise my home for rent, so where to turn to? The Hebweb, of course. The Ad was up within minutes and there were 10 enquiries within 24 hours. Superb!" See Small Ads.

'Greatest Town in Europe' - as well as being the 4th funkiest town in the world, Culture Trip gives 12 Reasons why Hebden Bridge 'is known as the greatest town in Europe'. Read article

Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire crowned best place in the UK - 'Machine learning' used millions of data points to discover top locations. Read more

From the archive: The Times listed the 30 coolest places to live in Britain. Number one was Hebden Bridge.

Let's move to Hebden Bridge From the Guardian. If the roots of its liberal and creative image are a mystery, its appeal is obvious. See also: HebWeb report from Sept 2005

HebWeb Small Ads message: "Please could you close the advert? We've been overwhelmed with the response and quality of applicants! Thanks so much!"

Small Ads: Very good service, result achieved in only 4 days.

Hebden Bridge Station car park to expand: Calderdale Council is working with Network Rail, which owns the land to the east of the existing station car park to create 46 extra places. Read more.

Some years ago in the Guardian, Martin Wainwright wrote, "Witness current comments on the community website, the Hebweb, which is one of the best of its kind in the country. No, world." 25 Oct 2012

Hilary WainwrightHappy 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."


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The Hebden Bridge Web (Hebweb) is published, produced and maintained by Pennine Pens and started in the summer of 1995.

www.hebdenbridge.co.uk