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News 2016

 

December 2016

 

TRADES CLUB BACKS INDEPENDENT VENUE WEEK: starting 23 January 2017 with Sheffield Crooner Richard Hawley, American songwriter Cass McCombs, punk rockers Cabbage and the return of Moolandingz. The Richard Hawley gigs sold out within minutes. Read more (28 Dec)

CAFE CULTURE SAVED AT LAST MINUTE, thanks to Creative Minds and Thomson Reuters. The monthly events at Hebden Bridge Town Hall brings together local older people for lively, interactive sessions and to meet friends over a cup of tea. Read more (20 Dec)

THE FLOODS ONE YEAR ON - see this news item for details of some of the progress which has been made over the past year. And for some of the plans for continued work into 2017. Read more (16 Dec)

HEBWEB SOUNDS AND VISIONS 3 new videos added. One showing the new flood prevention movable sign at The Book Case. Others on a Hebden Bridge map, and the Safer Together Christmas Tree. Sounds and Vision section (12 Dec)

NEW BOOK HONOURS ‘FLOOD ALERT’ CAT Vanessa Guy was at home when the floods struck Mytholmroyd last year. A narcolepsy sufferer, Vanessa might have slept through the alarms, had it not been for her constant companion, Harry the ginger cat. Read more (10 Dec)

YORKSHIRE CYCLING AWARD GOES TO HEBDEN BRIDGE’S PARALYMPIC MEDALLIST, STEVE BATE. With his team mate, Adam Duggleby, the pair achieved gold at the Rio Olympics. Read more (7 Dec)

CALDER VALLEY VOICES' CHARITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The charity concert in Hebden Bridge will be in the Hebden Bridge Methodist Hall on Thurs 10th Dec.  Read more (5 Dec)

TOWN COUNCIL VACANCIES: Vacancies on the Council have arisen following the resignations of Cllr John Dunford and Cllr Nigel Yorke. Bye-Elections to fill the vacances in West End and Fairfield wards may be held. Read more (29 Nov)

WELCOME CHOIR SEEKS HELP: Following the success of the recent Welcome Festival, a choir is being created that will be able to sing songs from different cultures. Read more (4 Dec)

LOCAL HISTORY: CAROLS AND CHRISTMAS Diana Monahan gave a talk to the Local History Society on carols, tracing them back to medieval times. Read more (21 Dec)

King Arthur ruled from Hebden Bridge! Retired Bangor University professor Peter Field claims to have found evidence showing King Arthur was a Yorkshireman who ruled Camelot from Slack above Hebden Bridge. See Daily Express article (17 Dec)

TOWN COUNCIL ELECTIONS: Liberal Democrats call for Council by-election. Following the resignation of two Labour councillors, t is expected the election will take place on 16 February. Read more (16 Dec)

CALDER VALLEY VOICES RAISE £600 for Freedom from Torture and the Forget-me-not charities, at their annual Christmas concert. See photo above. Read more (11 Dec)

PICASSO’S PORTRAITS: Report of the recent Lit & Sci meeting where the speaker was someone who grew up in Hebden Bridge and who is now Director of the National Portrait Gallery: Nicholas Cullinan. Read more (10 Dec)

FUNDRAISER FOR A FRACK FREE PLANET: Trades Club this Sunday (11 Dec) with Terry Logan, Dave Manley; Charlie Carr, Dave Nelson; the Revelator Band, Nick Hall and Calder Valley Voices. With Films, photos, music, food and fun. See What's on for more info

£37,000 GRANT WILL HELP HEBDEN BRIDGE GET AFFORDABLE HOUSING Calder Valley Community Land Trust, which is working to bring more affordable housing to the upper Calder valley, heard this week that it has been awarded a feasibility grant of £37,700 to enable it to advance its project for the former High Street area Read more (6 Dec)

November 2016

 

HEBDEN BRIDGE PICTURE HOUSE: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF A LOCAL TREASURE The Friends of the Picture House are delighted to announce the release of a book of the history of the cinema written by daughter and father team Kate Higham and Ray Barnes. Read more (30 Nov)

HEBDEN BRIDGE VISITOR CENTRE WINS AWARD: Staff are celebrating after winning the prestigious Visitor Information award at the Welcome to Yorkshire, White Rose Awards ceremony. Badly flooded on Boxing Day, the Centre is now fully operational. Read more (24 Nov)

COUNCIL'S RESPONSE TO MONDAY'S SURFACE WATER FLOODING: The Council, Environment Agency, emergency services, and an excellent community response with flood wardens out supporting people. Read more (22 Nov)

CHRISTMAS SINGALONG WITH DAVE NELSON, mince pies and mulled wine and a first glimpse of Hebden Bridge Piano Festival 2017. Read more (22 Nov)

DANCE FESTIVAL RAISED £900 FOR KHALSA AID: The organisers covered all costs and raised £900 for the charity Khalsa Aid who helped feed Hebden Bridge after the Boxing Day floods. Read report (20 Nov)

DRACULA: NOW IN REHEARSAL: Fang-tastic! The cast and crew of Dracula are sweating blood at the Little Theatre to bring a spook-tacular entertainment for the panto season Read more and see photos (18 Nov)

GRAHAM BRINGS HISTORY TO LIFE: Town Hall director Graham Mynott wanted to find out who lived in his house at the time many local men lost their lives in the Somme as their wives made uniforms in the town's mills. Read more (16 Nov)

CONCERNS OVER FLOOD GRANT CALLERS:
Calderdale Council has been made aware of concerns from some residents over companies visiting properties in flood-hit areas and asking them to sign a document to apply for a Repair and Renew flood resilience grant. Read more (14 Nov)

FLOOD GRANTS HELP MYTHOLMROYD RESIDENT REPAIR AND PREPARE Calderdale Council remind residents there's still time to apply for flood resilience grants for alterations to protect their property in future. Read story of Roger Barr of Mytholmroyd. (10 Nov)

SIXTH FORM CLOSURES IN THE UPPER VALLEY: calls for wider debate. The Green Party has sent the HebWeb a press release, challenging local councillors, and calling for the public to have full information and to be fully consulted. Read more. (7 Nov)

THE WHITE SWAN TAKES FLIGHT AGAIN after being closed due to catastrophic flood damage last Boxing Day, was finally able to re-open its doors on Thursday 3 November following extensive restoration work. Read more (6 Nov)

LINDSAY RIMER: CANAL WORKER TALKS ABOUT FINDING BODY 22 years ago. Local man, Andy Glove was one of two canal workers who made the grim discovery of Lindsay's body in April 1995 whilst working on the Rochdale Canal. Read report and watch video. (4 Nov)

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEEDS MORE HELP: Join Trustees of the Hebden Bridge Community Association for a cuppa and a piece of cake in the Town Hall cafe on Thurs 10 Nov between 4pm and 7.30pm and find out about becoming a trustee. Read more. (1 Nov)

WELCOME FESTIVAL A HUGE SUCCESS Nearly 400 people attended the Welcome Festival on Saturday 29th October at the Birchcliffe Centre in support of asylum seekers and refugees. Most of the performers on the day were refugees. Read report. (1 Nov)

1916: THE WOMEN MACHINISTS' STRIKE IN HEBDEN BRIDGE Andrew Bibby told the recent History Society meeting how, exactly a hundred years ago, in November 1916, at the height of World War One, women garment makers of Hebden Bridge came out on strike. Read more

CROWS NEED HELP: Crows, who fix local paths and bridleways, are repairing a path near Stoodley Pike and have to carry 250 lengths of timber up to the site on Weds, 7 December. Read more (25 Nov)

THE HEBDEN BRIDGE ANNUAL - NOW AVAILABLE. After the Floods some of the Egg Factory members decided that everyone deserved cheering up so they set to, collecting the stories of the town, past, present and future. Read more. (23 Nov)

ACCESS FORUM FOR HEBDEN BRIDGE: The newly created Hebden Bridge Disabled Access Forum is holding its next meeting on Monday 28 November at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Read more

WAVING, NOT DROWNING - community film about the response to the Boxing Day floods, is to be screen at 6pm on Sun 27th Nov at the Town Hall, Hebden Bridge, in association with the Arts Festival. Read more

TRADITIONAL FARMHOUSES AND BUILDINGS in the Lancashire and Yorkshire Pennines was the subject of the recent Local History Society talk by Kevin Illingworth. Read report (19 Nov)

PARKING: THE OLD FIRE STATION OPENS ITS GATES TO CARS AGAIN, for up to six months, following negotiations between the David Fletcher of Bridge Mill, Upper Calder Valley Renaissance and the owners. Read more (17 Nov)

TODMORDEN LAMPLIGHTER FESTIVAL: The 4th annual Lamplighter Festival will take place on Sat, 19th Nov - a mythical fire and light spectacular with parade, illuminated installations and street festival. Read more (15 Nov)

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO SEE INDIE ROCKERS VANT: Indie Rockers Vant have spent the last 2 years on the road securing a reputation as an intense live act and we've a pair of tickets to give away for their Trades Club gig on Friday 25 Nov. Read more. (10 Nov)

LIT & SCI: REPORT OF THE TALK BY SIR MARK ELDER, Music Director of the Hallé Orchestra who spoke on the question 'Are conductors really necessary?' at the Waterfront Hall. Read more (7 Nov)

HEBDEN BRIDGE WRITER ANDREW BIBBY'S 2ND CRIME NOVEL - once again set in the Lakes and once again featuring journalist sleuth, Nick Potterton. Careful when you go out on to those hills! Launches on Thursday 10 Nov. Read more.

JUDGES SWOOP ON HEBDEN BRIDGE: Market Street in Hebden Bridge was on full alert Thursday morning as a crack-team of expert judges visited to find out what makes it so special and a contender to win the Great British High Street competition. Read more and how to vote (3 Nov)

HISTORY REPORT: Gracie Fields, transpennine crossings and industrial use of woodlands were topics covered at the recent meeting of the Hebden Bridge Local History Society - see report. (2 Nov)

SCOUT ROAD SCHOOL REOPENS: Students and teachers are back at Scout Road school in Mytholmroyd for the first time since the Boxing Day 2015 floods. Read more. (1 Nov)

HEBDEN BRIDGE WOODCRAFT FOLK CELEBRATES 25 YEARS on Saturday 19 November. Since 1991, many hundreds of local children, young people and adults have taken part in the life of this unique organisation. Read story

 

October 2016

 

MASTERCLASS ON GILBERT AND SULLIVAN at U3A Todmorden. Bernard Lockett is a 'life-long enthusiast of G & S' and dispelled myths about the musical pairing who produced 14 shows which are, after Shakespeare, the most performed pieces of theatre in the world. Read report (28 Oct)

JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH SAYS FAREWELL AT PICTURE HOUSE: Comedy legend John Shuttleworth brings his farewell tour to Hebden Bridge Picture House next year and he is promising to play all his hits as he hangs up his cardigan. Read more (27 Oct)

PICASSO'S PORTRAITS: The speaker for the next Lit & Sci lecture on 12 November will Nicholas Cullinan, Director of London's National Portrait Gallery, and who grew up in Hebden Bridge. See What's On for more info.

ROTARY CLUB: JUST WHAT IS IT? Members are constantly asked just what is the Rotary Club and what does it do. In this article for the HebWeb, some of their wide ranges of activities and support are described. Read more (20 Oct)

CALDER VALLEY HERITAGE DAY this Saturday, 22 Oct: Hebden Bridge, Cragg Vale and Mytholmroyd Historical Societies are coming together to organise a joint venture, the proceeds of which are to go to the Flood Relief Fund. Read more

MARKET STREET SHORT-LISTED IN BRITAIN'S BEST HIGH STREET COMPETITION Hebden Bridge's high street has been named alongside two others as one of the top three in the Small Market Town category. Read the story (18 Oct)

FESTIVE FANDANGO IS BACK: The popular Festive Fandango encouraging shoppers in Hebden Bridge to spend locally is back after last year's scheme was washed out by the Boxing Day flood. Read more (14 Oct)

MYTHOLMROYD ARTS FESTIVAL: Activity Trail launch this Sunday as part of the Festival weekend. Trail available all year round and participants can share photos. Read more (13 Oct)

HEBDEN BRIDGE PARTNERSHIP REPORT: holding the Environment Agency to account while shaping the future of Hebden Bridge. Chair Bob Deacon looks back on a successful year. Read more (12 Oct)

HELP NEEDED FOR GALLERY CAFÉ - Artsmill is looking for volunteers/helpers to help run the new community café, Threads. Read more (11 Oct)

THE WIZ FROM CALDER VALLEY YOUTH THEATRE, who are based in Hebden Bridge. They're preparing for their next major production The Wiz which will be performed at the Halifax Playhouse from 2nd to 5th Nov. Read more (9 Oct)

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE: Steve Halliwell spoke on Moses Holden, Autodidact of Preston, who gave packed lectures throughout the region in the first half of the 19th century. Read report (7 Oct)

CALDER VALLEY WELCOMES REFUGEES: The Welcome Festival is on Sat 29th Oct at the Birchcliffe Centre, 1.30-4pm. Refugees from several towns will come together for an afternoon of performance and other activities. Read more (5 Oct)

GREAT BRITISH HIGH STREET COMPETITION: See Jason Elliott's fascinating video of Market Street shopkeepers and hear Eileen Kelly from the Business Network talk on Recycle Radio. Go to news page (4 Oct)

WAINSGATE CONCERT: KIRK MCELHINNEY Kirk is a passionate singer with a soulful voice, insightful lyrics and a rich and vibrant mosaic of acoustic guitar picking. Read more (3 Oct)

HEBDEN BRIDGE WOODCRAFT FOLK CELEBRATES 25 YEARS on Saturday 19 November. Since 1991, many hundreds of local children, young people and adults have taken part in the life of this unique organisation. Read story (31 Oct)

CALDERDALE FLOOD ACTION PLAN PUBLISHED: Of interest to Hebden Bridge will be the statement that construction of the Hebden Bridge flood alleviation scheme will start in 2018 and be completed by 2020. The Mytholmroyd scheme is more advanced and will be completed by 2019. Read more. (28 Oct)

NEW ACCESS FORUM FOR HEBDEN BRIDGE: The newly created Hebden Bridge Disabled Access Forum is holding its second meeting on Monday 31st October at 1pm to 3pm in Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Read more (25 Oct)

BLUES GREATS PLAY THE TRADES CLUB Brooks Williams and Guy Davis have joined forces for a joint UK tour which includes a date at Hebden Bridge Trades Club. Read more. (21 Oct)

BURIED ALIVE? PAST FUNERAL CUSTOMS IN CALDERDALE: David Glover, local historian and writer, indulged a fascination with the macabre with his talk to Hebden Bridge Local History Society with an eclectic mix of tales of deaths and burials. Read more. (19 Oct)

MYTHOLMROYD ARTS FESTIVAL LIGHTS UP THE VILLAGE with a celebratory exploration of the four elements: air, earth, fire and water. Winner of Schools Art competition winner pictured right. Read report and see more photos (19 Oct)

WAINSGATE CONCERT Sklonište The final concert of the season is a provocative and moving work combining new music for live classical accordion, poetry, photography and film commemorating the spirit of the Sarajevans who lived through the longest siege in modern history. On Sun 23, Oct. Read more

RETHINKING HUMAN SECURITY: report of public meeting. About 60 people gathered round tables at the Town Hall on Sunday Oct 9th to discuss what human security meant for them - as individuals, in our community, country and globally

SERIOUS FLOOD INCIDENT - TRAINING EXERCISE - Sirens will be sounded and the community hub opened on Friday, 14 October. Read more (12 Oct)

COMMUNITY WIND TURBINE SUCCESS: Pennine Community Power's wind turbine in Blackshaw Head has hit the 100,000kWh generation milestone. That's enough electricity to power more than 25 homes for a year.  Read more (11 Oct)

HEBDEN BRIDGE ARTS FESTIVAL IS LOOKING FOR A TREASURER. Someone with experience of financial management and who could also help develop its programme and community activity. Read more (10 Oct)

£750,000 REPAIRS COMPLETE at flood-hit A646 Hebden Bridge to Mytholmroyd road. Now fully open to two-way traffic, as works to repair the road and retaining wall are complete and temporary traffic lights removed. Read more and see time-lapse video. (5 Oct)

THE BRONTE FAMILY Isobel Stirk told the Hebden Bridge History Society that 200 years after the birth of Charlotte Brontë a fascination with the lives of all three sisters remains as strong as ever. Read report. (5 Oct)

HELP MARTIN STAY BY JULIE'S SIDE Julie and Martin have been volunteering at the Elphaborough Flood Hub since Boxing Day. This week Julie had 3 operations on her back at Nottingham Hospital. Read more (4 Oct)

September 2016

 

HEBDEN BRIDGE ANNUAL: Egg Heads from the Egg Factory have spent the last year making a massive omelette - a new book called the Hebden Bridge Annual. Read more to find out how to pre-order. (28 Sept)

MYTHOLMROYD ARTS FESTIVAL EXPLORES THE ELEMENTS - earth, fire, water and air - with a packed programme of events from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th October. Read more (28 Sept)

TRADES CLUB NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL LIVE MUSIC AWARD Music industry insiders have nominated Hebden Bridge Trades Club for the Live Music Business Awards where they will join the likes of London's 02 Arena and the Glastonbury Festival. Read more (26 Sept)

MYTHOLMROYD CELEBRATES ITS YOUNG ARTISTS: The opening event of this year's Mytholmroyd Arts Festival celebrates the creativity of our young people with a Schools' Art Exhibition and Competition at the Ted Hughes Theatre, Calder High School. Read more (25 Sept)

THE HEBDEN BRIDGE LITERARY & SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY will burst back on to the Hebden Bridge scene with a short series of high quality lectures by prominent speakers. The first is by Sir Mark Elder, conductor & musical director, Hallé Orchestra, 1 Oct. Read more (22 Sept)

MANCHESTER EXHIBITION features former Calder Valley author and artist Jeff Nuttall, poet, artist, writer, actor, musician and more, is currently being celebrated in an exhibition at John Rylands Library. Read more (20 Sept)

REMEMBERING THE SPANISH CIVIL WAR AT THE TRADES CLUB The Trades Club marks the 80th anniversary of Spanish Civil War with an exhibition paying tribute to the men and women who volunteered to fight fascism. Read more (17 Sept)

A NEW CHAPTER FOR FLOOD-HIT LIBRARY: Hebden Bridge Library is fully reopening on Thursday 29 September, after refurbishment following the flooding at the end of last year. Read more (16 Sept)

CRAGG VALE SCHOOL UNDER THREAT OF CLOSURE AGAIN. Have your say on its future, as Calderdale Council outlines options and is seeking people's views. Read more (14 Sept)

GOVERNMENT FLOOD REVIEW: "DISAPPOINTING" - says Leader of Calderdale Council. The review found that a 20% heavier extreme rainfall event would lead to 400 more homes flooding in Mytholmroyd and a similar number in Hebden Bridge. Read more (9 Sept)

GREAT BRITISH HIGH STREET COMPETITION: Thanks to the efforts of the Hebden Bridge Business Forum, Market Street is in the running to win up to £50,000 in prize money as Britain's best high street. Read more (9 Sept)

THE RAINY SEASON: earlier this year, the HebWeb featured this book by Berringden Brow writer, Jill Robinson. Today, Owen Jones' Guardian article on men and domestic violence retells episodes of abuse from Jill's book. (8 Sept)

WHO LIVED IN YOUR HOUSE A HUNDRED YEARS AGO? Hebden Bridge Arts Festival is inviting local people to a special drop in session so they can discover who lived in their house a century ago. Read more (5 Sept)

YOUNG LABOUR PARTY ACTIVIST IS GUEST SPEAKER at Trades Club fund-raiser for Morning Star on Sunday afternoon. Beth Paramor, 26, a member of Tod Town Council, is campaigning to re-elect Jeremy Corbyn. Read more (5 Sept)

WAINSGATE CHAPEL CONCERT - the concert season resumes on Saturday, 10 September with a return of long-time Hebden Bridge favourite, Manchester-based jazz guitarist Stuart McCallum. Read more (5 Sept)

NEW ARTSMILL EXHIBITION: ELEMENTS OF EARTH - a unique opportunity to see a wide range of sculptural ceramics from the North of England. Read more (3 Sept)

WORK ON SCOUT ROAD PROGRESSES: Work to allow flood affected Scout Road in Mytholmroyd to reopen is now in its final stages as a safety fence is being installed. Read more. (1 Sept)

LOCAL MUSICIANS PLAY FOR TODMORDEN FOODBANK Local musicians are giving their time playing gigs to raise money for Todmorden Food Drop In which provides support to hundreds of families along the valley. Read more about the We Shall Overcome Weekend (28 Sept)

QUAKERS PUBLIC MEETING: Working together for a new vision of security. Sunday 9th October from 1.30-4.30pm to discuss what security means for us, for society and for our planet. Read more (27 Sept)

HARDCASTLE CRAGS STEPPING STONES AND BRIDGE ARE NOW RESTORED After nine months of work, Hardcastle Crags has been largely restored following extensive damage during last Boxing Day's storm. Read more (26 Sept)

MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS: Legendary film producer David O. Selznick is five weeks into shooting Gone With the Wind when he realizes the script is awful, and the director doesn't have a clue. Currently in rehearsal at the Little Theatre. Photos: Bruce Cutts. Read more (25 Sept)

TUNE IN TO RECYCLE RADIO Hebden Bridge's very own Community Radio Station takes to the airwaves from 29 Sept till 2 October. On FM radio and the internet: 4 days of non stop music and talk. Read more (21 Sept)

WAINSGATE CONCERT: Alison Rayner's Quartet, ARQ - "deliciously upbeat, groovy and thoughtful jazz" (Jazz UK). Saturday 24 September at 3pm at Wainsgate Chapel. Read more (20 Sept)

'CALDER' GOES ON TOUR: The short film 'Calder', commissioned by Mytholmroyd Arts Festival in 2015, will shortly be touring Calderdale with screenings in Blackshaw Head, Midgley, Todmorden and Mytholmroyd. Read more (15 Sept)

MAKING HEBDEN BRIDGE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL apply now for free survey to show how your shop or cafe can be made accessible Read more (15 Sept)

HEBDEN BRIDGE DANCE FESTIVAL: the programme is now available for the dance festival which will take place on 9 October. Proceeds from the festival will go to Khalsa Aid. Read more (14 Sept)

PUBLIC MEETING ON SCHOOLS - Calderdale Trades Council will be holding a Public Meeting with the title: 'Hands Off Our Schools' on Tuesday 20 September at Trades Club, starting at 7.30pm. Read more (12 Sept)

BUSINESS FORUM'S SPEED NETWORKING EVENT: Businesses from Brighouse through to Todmorden were at last night's Speed Networking event at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Read more (8 Sept)

DON'T LEAVE ME NOW explores with humour and insight the impact on two very different Yorkshire families, before and after, an early onset dementia diagnosis. Performed by New End Theatre Beyond and written by Yorkshire playwright Brian Daniels Read more (7 Sept)

HARDEEP SINGH KOLHI HELPS HEBDEN BRIDGE RAISE MONEY FOR KHALSA AID: Broadcaster turned comedian Hardeep Singh Kolhi is playing a one off charity gig in Hebden Bridge for Khalsa Aid who provided thousands of free curries in the aftermath of the Boxing Day floods Read more (6 Sept)

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO THE HEBDEN VALE CENTRE: a home for the Environment Agency and a future car park are options Calderdale are discussing for the future of the site which was badly damaged in the 2015 floods. Read more (5 Sept)

HEBDEN ROYD TOWN COUNCIL SUPPORT ANDYS MAN CLUB: The single biggest killer of men aged under 45 is suicide! At the council meeting on 31st August, members showed their support to the #Andysmanclub campaign by wearing the slogan t-shirts for the whole meeting. Read more (1 Sept)

August 2016

 

GRANTS WILL HELP TO MAKE HEBDEN BRIDGE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL A new grants scheme from the Community Foundation for Calderdale will help make Hebden Bridge's businesses and public buildings more accessible for local people and visitors with disabilities. Read more (26 Aug)

£50,000 FUND LAUNCHED FOR EVENTS AND FESTIVALS. Local community groups can apply for a share of a new £50,000 fund set up by Calderdale to help put on events and festivals. Alternative Christmas and Handmade Parade have been helped previously. Apply by 1 Sept. Read more (23 Aug)

RELAUNCH OF THE CALDERDALE WAY on 5 Sept. This 50 mile walk circling Calderdale is nearly 40 years old. Repairs are being identified and it has been waymarked to help people to find their way. Read more (21 Aug)

VINTAGE CAR WEEKEND: report of the two day event which drew record crowds and helped raise over £25k for local charities and good causes. Read report (18 Aug)

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: HAVE YOUR SAY: local people are being asked to have their say on public transport in West Yorkshire, with a number of drop-in events being held in Calderdale. Read more (17 Aug)

CANAL TRUST PODCAST ON ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd with some very special guests. "This is an incredible story of the power of community spirit." Read more (13 Aug)

Calder Valley Labour Party overwhelmingly backs Corbyn. Victoria Theatre was hired for this evening's meeting. Jeremy Corbyn received 141 votes and Owen Smith 28. Hebden Bridge and all towns and villages of the Upper Valley are in the Calder Valley parliamentary constituency. (9 Aug)

WE:CYCLE ELECTRIC BIKE SCHEME CUTS PRICES this summer for renting the new electric Raleigh bikes, stationed in hilltop villages around Hebden Bridge Read more (9 Aug)

CALLING LOCAL ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Hebden Bridge Picture House is inviting you to create an eye-catching original image of our beloved cinema to adorn the cover of an upcoming book about the cinema's history. Read story (8 Aug)

PETER TATCHELL SAYS HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE IS LONG OVERDUE The legendary campaigner has risked life and limb in his battle for human rights for LGBTQ people and he is coming to Hebden Bridge to support the first Happy Valley Pride Festival. Read more. (7 Aug)

GREEN BELT UNDER THREAT: Calderdale Council has completed a review of the green belt across Calderdale, as part of the development of the Local Plan. Read story (3 Aug)

NORTHLIGHT ART COURSES FOR THE AUTUMN: Hebden Bridge's art studio cooperative starts their autumn term on 12 September - painting, drawing, stained glass, ceramics & textiles, calligraphy, watercolour and more. Read story (30 Aug)

CALDER VALLEY VOICES WELCOMES NEW SINGERS. The community choir for people living in the upper Calder Valley, is kicking off a new year with lots of new songs and hopefully some enthusiastic new members. Read more. (29 Aug)

LOCAL HISTORY TALKS from September to March: the Brontë Family, past funeral customs, traditional farmhouses, women machinists' strike of 1916, Carols, Marilyn Monroe, Victorian pollution and more. See What's on

WAINSGATE CHAPEL - HERITAGE OPEN DAY on 11 Sept. Friends of Wainsgate Chapel invite you to come and experience this stunning Grade 11 Listed Building and Burial Grounds. Read more (21 Aug)

THE KING'S TROUPE: SHAKESPEARE WITHOUT BORDERS - "Our work is about widening participation, theatre-making in non-traditional ways in non-traditional venues nationally and internationally, through the wonderful medium of Shakespeare and his plays". Mary & Richard Coaten. Read more (20 June)

BLACKSHAW HEAD VILLAGE FETE on Sat. 3rd Sept. boasts a great new attraction! Brighouse and Halifax Model Engineers will be offering rides on one of their steam-powered railway trains. Plus many other attractions. Read more (16 Aug)

THE NOT-SO-GLORIOUS TWELFTH: It is widely thought that mismanagement of the Walshaw Moor for intensive grouse rearing has contributed to recent floods in Hebden Bridge. Protests are planned for the start of the shooting season. Read story (11 Aug)

MAKING HEBDEN BRIDGE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL: new initiative to ensure shops, premises and public buildings are accessible for those with disabilities. To be launched at the Town Hall on 3 Sept. Read more (10 Aug)

Ted Hughes' brother dies aged 95. "Gerald Hughes was a hugely influential figure in Ted's youth, particularly during the poet's first seven years whilst living in Mytholmroyd" - see ITV news report

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE: David Gilman who described his experiences of volunteering on building projects in the Occupied Territories of the West Bank and in Guatemala. Read report (9 Aug)

SOUTH PENNINES' WALK AND RIDE FESTIVAL: from 10-25 September - nearly 150 events, historical graveyard tour, Happy Valley walks, Radical History of Tod, hidden gems of ancient woods and moors, Brontë Mountain Bike Challenge and more. Read more (5 Aug)

 

July 2016

 

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE FESTIVAL 2016 - a week of fringe events, live music and family activities from 8-14 Aug, including visits to Hebden Bridge by campaigner Peter Tatchell and performance artist David Hoyle. Read story.

AFTER ALICE PROJECT WINS ARCHIVE AWARD: This locally based photographic archive collects contemporary images from all over Yorkshire - since March 2015 it has a wealth of material. Read more (25 July)

HANDS AROUND TODMORDEN TOWN HALL: Organiser Beth Paramour, said, "We wanted to do something in response to the rise in racist incidents nationally and show that Todmorden is a welcoming town." Read more (24 July)

CALDERDALE FLOOD COMMISSION REPORT is available for download here The report makes dozens of recommendations including "There needs to be significant investment in flood risk management in Calderdale." (20 July)

WARSTEIN CONCERT FUNDS GO TO JUNIOR BAND to help them recover from the damage caused by the floods. The band are still in temporary accommodation lost sheet music, uniforms and instruments Read more (18 July)

CALDER VALLEY VOICES' SUMMER CONCERT of diverse songs from around the World.  Everyone is welcome at the charity performance in Hebden Bridge on Thursday 21st July, from 7.30pm. Read more

NO PLACE FOR YOUNG MEN: Alex Kostyakov has written a moving piece on work chances for young men in Hebden Bridge. Why do you never get served a latte by a young man, and is there a connection with break-ins at the park and station cafes? Read more. (13 July)

HARDSHIP AND HOPE: Hebden Royd and Todmorden during WW1. New book by local writer Peter Thomas starts with the death of a young solider who lived in Oak Street, and reflects upon themes of how the war was experienced locally. Read more (11 July)

WASTE AND RECYCLING CHANGES FROM AUGUST: including more materials to be recycled, new trucks, change of collection days and what goes where. Read more (6 July)

AFTER THE FLOODS: LATEST NEWS, PROPOSALS, OPTIONS AND DATES: At a public meeting of the Hebden Bridge Partnership on Monday, 4 July, the Environment Agency shared their latest thinking about Flood Prevention and Defence for Hebden Bridge. Read more (5 July)

HIPPY VALLEY is an eBook published by Pennine Pens - monologues and songs performed by storyteller George Murphy who often uses the news and discussion on the Hebweb for inspiration for his comic tales. Read more (29 July)

WUTHERING BYTES FESTIVAL RETURNS TO HEBDEN BRIDGE. And will include Hebden Bridge hosting a stellar line-up of speakers and a conference normally held in Silicon Valley or Cambrdige. Read more (28 July)

THE ILLUSTRATED JACKASS and exhibition of illustration and amination by Louis Benoit goes on display at Artsmill, Hebden Bridge from 3 August. More info

CALDERDALE COUNCIL DISCUSSES THE FLOODS COMMISSION REPORT, AND HOUSING: The HebWeb has received reports from both Labour and the Liberal Democrats following yesterday evening's Calderdale Council meeting. Read more (21 July)

FABER SOCIAL RETURNS TO THE TRADES. Cancelled Following a sell out event with Brix Smith and Viv Albertine in April, Faber Social returns to Hebden Bridge for another Sunday session with Tim Burgess (The Charlatans) and Spacemen 3's Will Carruthers. Read more (20 July)

FLOOD COMMISSION CALLS FOR ACTION That's the message within the Calderdale Flood Commission's final report into the causes, impact and response to the unprecedented flooding which hit the Calder Valley on Boxing Day 2015. Read more (14 July)

ARTS FESTIVAL THANKS HEBWEB: "Most arts festivals of our size would love to have a popular local site like Hebweb that is fully behind what we do." Read more with links to all HebWeb coverage of the Festival.

ALFIE KUNGU'S POP-UP EXHIBITION FOR SPIRALS RE-OPENING Local artist Alfie Kungu is staging a pop up exhibition of his new work in Spirals who are about to finally reopen their shop following the Boxing Day floods. (11 July)

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE: Dr Frank Nicholson spoke about snow, permafrost, insects and iron in northern Canada. Read report (8 July)

ARTS FESTIVAL UP FOR MAJOR TOURISM AWARD: After another successful week of events, Hebden Bridge Arts Festival is celebrating making the final of the prestigious White Rose Awards rewarding the best tourism organisations and events across Yorkshire. Read more (5 July)

June 2016

 

REPAIRS TO A646 SCHEDULED FOR THIS SUMMER: Work will begin shortly on the A646 at Falling Royd, between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, after the road was severely damaged by the Boxing Day floods. (29 June)

WHAT IS BEING DONE TO PREVENT MORE FLOODS, 6 months on? Actually quite a lot… but you would never know it from the continued failure of the Environment Agency to communicate effectively or widely. Read more (27 June)

CHRISTMAS IN JUNE A few photos. Dozens of groups rescheduled Christmas Day, 25th June. There were events all over Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd - Christmas Dinner, Fair for Youth, Arts Festival, Mytholmroyd Gala and more. Read background story and see some photos and more photos in BBC news report

LITTLE VALLEY BREWERY IS RECRUITING for three positions at the brewery. Do you like decent beer and want to work with a great team in a growing business? Now filled (25 June)

THE HEBDEN BRIDGE PICTURE HOUSE IS TOO SPECIAL TO LOSE. Now that new seats have been installed, and the foyer is back open, the Picture House urgently needs to increase the numbers attending. Read more and download leaflet. (21 June)

CHRISTMAS IN JUNE. With help from Santa, dozens of groups have rescheduled Christmas day to 25th June. Events all over Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd - Christmas Dinner, Fair for Youth, Arts Festival, Mytholmroyd Gala and more. Read story

HANDMADE PARADE: LAST WEEK OF WORKSHOPS - last chance to come and create a head-turning show stopper costume for this year's Handmade Parade, with open workshops entering their final week. Read more (15 June)

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR ARTHUR SMITH Veteran comic Arthur Smith is playing a Hebden Bridge Arts Festival gig at the Picture House on Friday 1 July and Hebweb has a pair of tickets to give away. Read more

CONVOY TO CALAIS Some people from Blackshaw Head will be going to the refugee camps in Northern France with donations from local people in Calderdale, as part of a national convoy leaving from London. Read more (13 June)

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE: Gill Russell was Todmorden U3A's recent guest speaker. 129 members listened to her account of 4 years in Japan. Read story (12 June)

WAINSGATE CHAPEL CONCERTS: PROJECT JAM SANDWICH: A welcome return to Hebden Bridge Sunday, (19 June) for Project Jam Sandwich, who delivered a sensational set at the Great Folk Roots Party in 2015.

SOCIALIST TOUR GIG AT THE TRADES: A top comedian and a leading young singer - Josie Long and Grace Petrie - have joined forces for a three-gig Northern Socialist Tour which includes the Trades Club. Read more (9 June)

Floods: ELPHABOROUGH HUB VIDEO - Sheila, was flooded during the Boxing day floods, losing everything she owned. The Community Foundation talk with her about what happened and how residents have been supported by the Flood Fund. (8 June)

POSTMAN KEVIN DELIVERS LOVE LETTERS TO YORKSHIRE Postman Kevin Boniface's observations of life on his postal round has won him a major commission from the Yorkshire Festival. Read story (4 June)

WARSTEIN CONCERT RAISES FUNDS FOR FLOOD RELIEF Our twin town Warstein organised a benefit concert with The Band of the Royal Logistics Corps to raise funds for flood relief work in Hebden Royd. Read more (1 June)

LOCAL FARMHOUSE SHORTLISTED FOR 2016 WHITE ROSE AWARDS. Elmet Farmhouse, a unique holiday cottage perched on the hill at Pecket Well has been shortlisted for Welcome to Yorkshire's 2016 White Rose Awards. Read more (30 June)

HELEN OF FOUR GATES: Another chance to see this iconic film, made in Hebden Bridge in the 1920s, as the Hebden Bridge Picture House hosts a month-long celebration of silent cinema. Read more (29 June)

HEBDEN BRIDGE VOTED TO REMAIN in the EU. Votes in the Calder Ward were: Remain: 4545. Leave: 2986. The 80% turnout was the highest in Calderdale by far. Source: Cllr Dave Young.

ARTS FESTIVAL STREET A weekend of free street fun, Saturday and Sunday 2-3 July as some of the UK's top performers come to town. Read more (28 June)

ARTS FESTIVAL 2016 kicks off on Friday 24 June when Hebden Bridge becomes Trouser Town. There's also a chance to see some quality big name acts like Kate Rusby and Arthur Smith and free street entertainment offer a chance to have some much needed fun. Read more

HANDMADE PARADE: Thousands of people will make their way to Hebden Bridge on Sunday June 26 to watch the 9th Handmade Parade with the theme this year Muck In! More info, links, galleries and map of route

PLANTS AND PEOPLE WANTED FOR STATION Have you any spare seedlings, seeds, plants, or small shrubs? Can you give some away to further beautify Hebden Bridge Station? Read more (20 June)

MADE IN HEBDEN EVENT LAUNCHES ARTS FESTIVAL next Friday 24 June. Local craftspeople and businesses are joining forces to help open Hebden Bridge Arts Festival. Read more

VIGIL: WE STAND WITH ORLANDO. George's Square, Hebden Bridge. 9pm. A walk of solidarity and a candlelit vigil on Wednesday 15th June. Bring a candle. See this Facebook page

TORIES PUNISH CLLR ROB HOLDEN FOR WHISTLEBLOWING: founder of vital floods Facebook Group is removed from Conservative Party on Calderdale, and from the Flood Steering Group! Read more (13 June)

SIX MONTHS AFTER THE FLOODS: WHERE ARE WE UP TO? A Friends of the Earth briefing identifies "some significant weaknesses that need to be corrected now, in June-July" if the process leading up to the publication of the Calder Catchment plan in October is not to be substantially compromised. Read more (11 June)

QUESTIONS RE POLICE RAID ON CALDER VALLEY CONSERVATIVES. The journal which broke the original story has now published an update, raising serious questions of public concern. Read more. (10 June)

CRIME WRITING COUPLE TO VISIT THE BOOK CASE Crime writing duo Carol and Bob Bridgestock, better known as RC Bridgestock, will be at The Book Case in Hebden Bridge on Weds 22nd June. Read more (9 June)

HEBDEN BRIDGE 1916 - On Saturday 25th June it is your opportunity to experience what life was like 100 years ago. Hebden 1916 is an event for children to learn about Hebden in WW1 looking at toys, photographs and clothes.

WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS FOR WILD! Hebweb has a pair of tickets to give away to WiLd! a new show by Tutti Frutti coming to the Hebden Arts Festival on Sunday 3 July. Read more

COMMUNITY ORCHARD SEEKS HELP on 11 June, spreading the wood chip - already bagged - around the fruit trees and fruit bushes

May 2016

 

AFTER THE FLOODS: PICTURE HOUSE FRIENDS TO HELP BOOST AUDIENCE NUMBERS: The Friends of the Picture House will be out in force on Friday to hand out cinema programmes and leaflets at railway stations in the Calder Valley, in a bid to boost numbers. Read more (31 May)

POLICE SEIZE DOCUMENTS AT CALDER VALLEY MP'S HQ. On Wednesday, police seized the accounts of the Calder Valley Conservative Association in connection with enquiries they are currently undertaking. The Party Chair has resigned. Read more (27 May)

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS LUNCH 'THANK YOU' FOR FLOOD VOLUNTEERS - and HebWeb readers are urged to help track down those who gave their time in the aftermath of the Boxing Day Floods. Read more (26 May)

TRADES CLUB BECOMES A CO-OP. Trades Club members unanimously agreed to turn the Holme Street venue into a co-operative at their AGM. The Club spent 18 months considering the proposal that gives each member an equal £1 share. Read more (25 May)

PAY AS YOU FEEL CAFE IN HEBDEN BRIDGE. The Real Junk Food Project Calderdale is to officially open a Pay As You Feel Café on Thursday 26 May at Midday. Read story

HEBDEN BRIDGE FOLK ROOTS FESTIVAL REVIEW. Organsers told the HebWeb that crowds came in from Huddersfield, Bolton, York and as far as Australia to catch some of "our amazing talent we have here in the Valley". Read story (20 May)

MASSIVE FLY TIPPING IN CRAGG VALE OVER THE WEEKEND: Residents and visitors to the beautiful moors above Cragg Vale were horrified to find a huge amount of household clearance items dumped roadside over the weekend. Read more (19 May)

ART DECO CLOCK FOR PICTURE HOUSE FOYER. The timepiece, which had been hidden away in a cupboard in the cinema, has been given a new lease of life by clock repairer, Jonathan Cope. Read story (17 May)

WAINSGATE CHAPEL CONCERTS: STEVE RITCHIE, AL PARRISH AND ROB RITCHIE on Sunday 22 May. For years, these three musiicians rocked the UK folk scene as the rhythm section of the Canadian powerhouse band Tanglefoot. Read more (16 May)

TRADES CLUB TO VOTE ON WHETHER TO BECOME A CO-OP. Trades Club members are set to vote on the final step to becoming a co-operative society at their AGM on Sunday 22 May. Read more (12 May)

YORKSHIRE FESTIVAL BACKS HEBDEN BRIDGE ARTS FESTIVAL by sending four of their acts to Hebden Bridge as part of county wide tours and they have also commissioned an original piece. Read story (10 May)

HEBDEN BRIDGE ARTS FESTIVAL LAUNCHES TROUSER TOWN THEME Artistic Director Helen Meller said, "The response to the Trouser Town theme from the community has been amazing. We've created a series of events based on the impact of the town's textile trade. Read story (9 May)

HEBDEN BRIDGE WILL HAVE ITS OWN DANCE FESTIVAL On Sunday, 9 October 2016, Hebden Bridge dancer Ralph Nimmann is organising this new festival and he's looking for others willing to help Read more (8 May)

THE SCIENCE OF FLOODS: Hydrologists, practitioners and experts from universities and the world of consultancy will be joining in a 'hands on' workshop for residents and schools at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on 8-9 May. Read more (3 May)

AFTER THE FLOODS: GREENS VEGETARIAN CAFÉ REOPENS Four months on, after support from Calderdale Council, Flood Aid and the landlord, the Café has now been refurbished and will reopen on Saturday 7th May Read more (1 May)

LET LOCALS HAVE THEIR SAY IN FLOOD WORK, says councillor. The Environment Agency must listen more to the locals when planning its flood defence work in Mytholmroyd, says Cllr Jane Scullion. Read more (30 May)

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS AWARDS: HEBDEN BRIDGE COMPANY RUNNER UP Based in Hebden Bridge Town Hall, Pennine Pack have been awarded runner up in the Supply Chain category, Guardian Sustainable Business Awards 2016. Read more (27 May)

FLOODS: Mytholmroyd Action Plan released by the Environment Agency (26 May)

LOVE OUR STREETS: 20MPH SPEED LIMIT FROM FRIDAY. One hundred and eleven streets in Hebden Bridge will have a 20mph speed limit from Friday, as part of the Love our Streets campaign. Read more (26 May)

CONVOY TO CALAIS on Saturday 18 June 2016. The People's Assembly has organised a convoy of vehicles to take supplies to refugee camps near Calais and Dunkerque. Food donations needed. Read more (24 May)

ASYLUM SEEKERS AND REFUGEES WORK WITH TOGETHER WE GROW which aims to promote the social and emotional wellbeing of asylum seekers and refugees in our area. "We want them to feel welcome in our community," says Finn Jensen in his piece for the HebWeb. Read more (21 May)

NEW MAYOR FOR HEBDEN ROYD TOWN COUNCIL - Cllr Tony Hodgins is the new Mayor of Hebden Royd with his partner Hazel Scriven as his Mayoress Latest news (18 May)

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS DAY ON 25 JUNE - HRAX‬ aka Hebden Royd Alternative Christmas in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. All welcome, residents and visitors alike. Latest news (18 May)

BANNER BAGS FROM THE ARTS FESTIVAL, recycling their old publicity banners, turning them into shoulder bags, £15 from the Arts Festival box office. Read story (17 May)

HEBDEN BRIDGE TO HAVE ITS OWN RADIO STATION: Launching in June, designed specifically for the people of Hebden Bridge, Hebden Radio will play music with local presenters and news, local gigs and events and much more! Read news item (14 May)

THE ALBERT PUB FACADE PRESERVED: Planning has been refused and the Victorian frontage of one of our last few traditional pubs will not be changed. Read more 10 May

INNOVATIVE A CAPPELLA SINGING WITH JUICE vocal ensemble, at the Birchcliffe Centre in Hebden Bridge on Saturday 21st May. Read more

WAINSGATE CHAPEL CONCERTS: ZOE KYOTI on Sunday May 15th in collaboration with Hebden Bridge Folk/Roots Festival. It features the superb singing and songwriting talents of Manchester-based singer Zoe Kyoti. Read more (10 May)

LABOUR WIN HEBDEN BRIDGE'S CALDER WARD. Josh Fenton-Glynn won 2310 votes, against 1424 votes for the current councillor, Janet Battye (Liberal Democrats). Jane Scullion (Labour) won the Luddendenfoot ward which covers Mytholmroyd. More results and figures (Updated 8 May)

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE: report of the latest talk, "Life with polio and a career as a TV and Radio presenter." with speaker Jane Shepherd. Read story

YORKSHIRE AMBULANCE SERVICE NEEDS COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS CFRs are volunteers who provide immediate life-saving care to members of their local communities in an emergency medical situations. Read more (2 May)

April 2016

 

PARTY WITH PRINCE AT THE TRADES CLUB Journalist and Prince fanatic Simon Price will DJ a special party at the Trades Club in memory of the pop legend whose death sparked a worldwide wave of mourning. Read more 30 April

MAY ELECTION CANDIDATES:The HebWeb has invited candidates to post messages on the HebWeb saying why we should vote for them. So far, we had received response from Jenny Shepherd, the Green Party candidate and Cllr Janet Battye, the Liberal Democrat candidate Read more 28 April

LINDA GREEN LAUNCHES HER LATEST NOVEL IN HEBDEN BRIDGE Already on the Amazon top ten for Kindle, with more than 500 reader reviews, Linda Green is launching the printed version, 29 April at the Town Hall. Read more

Zeitgeist Hair: job vacancy: The Zeitgeist team is growing and we're on the hunt for two new team members.

Retired Head walks to Italy. Roger Gill, 69, is walking 1,200 miles from Hebden Bridge to Italy. Read the article in the Yorkshire Post 21 April

THEME ANNOUNCED FOR HANDMADE PARADE 2016: "The 'Muck In' theme aims to capture the spirit of the Boxing Day floods, celebrating the heroic super-human effort from everyone to rebuild our local communities," said Andrew Kim. Read more 21 April

AFTER THE FLOODS: ROTARY CLUBS OFFER SUPPORT TO COMMUNITY GROUPS. They want local community groups who were affected by the floods to get in touch, as they have some funds available. Read more 19 April

FABER SOCIAL AT THE TRADES on Sunday, 24 April. The trend-setting Faber Social is an events and publishing programme curated by Faber where literature and music get together. Read more 19 April

HEBDEN BRIDGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION SEEKS NEW CHAIR. Amonst other things, the Association owns and manages the Town Hall, one of the first community-owned town halls in the country. Read more 18 April

LAST NIGHT A VENUE SAVED MY LIFE. One local resident Nick Rice's personal account of the Boxing Day flood, and ending up at the Trades Club. Published this week in the award winning music magazine Clash Magazine. "There's no food, heat or water at home and I'm caked from head to toe in toxic slurry after attempting to clean up." Read the article. 15 April

PRESERVE THE ALBERT PUB FACADE: A campaign has begun in Hebden Bridge to conserve the Victorian frontage of one of its last few traditional pubs. Read more 14 April

MAY ELECTIONS - on 5 May, we'll have the opportunity to elect a Calderdale councillor for each ward, and the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire. Register to vote before Monday, 18 April. List of candidates and more info. 14 April

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS DAY UPDATE: latest information about all the events planned for 25 June. Snow machines, Christmas trees, Fair for Youth, Mytholmroyd Gala, lunch for hundreds of flood volunteers and helpers. Read more 14 April

ORDER YOUR HANGING BASKETS! Each year over 300 baskets and flowers are put up across Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. In an effort to support local businesses, this year Hebden Royd Town Council are pricing the baskets at just £20+VAT each. Read more 7 April

HEBDEN BRIDGE PIANO FESTIVAL starts on 22 April and tickets are selling well. There will also be free concerts, a festival café and a piano out on the riverside terrace of the Town Hall for anyone to play. Read more 6 April

HOSPITAL CUTS CONSULTATION: Town Hall from 2-8 on Tuesday 5th April. Save our A&Es campaigners recommend people hold off on responding to the hospital cuts consultation survey until more information is available. Read more 4 April

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE BOXING DAY FLOODS: An economic impact report on flooding in Calderdale is due for publication early this coming week, and it focuses on the impact the floods have had on local businesses. Read more 3 April

SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE VALLEY ROAD TOWN CENTRE SITE Now that Sainsburys will not be building their store, there is a Town Hall drop-in event on Saturday 30th. Or post your views online about the development of the wider area around the old Fire Station premises. Read more 29 April

ELECTRIC BIKE LAUNCH IN OLD TOWN We:cycle electric bike membership scheme is launching the first of the hubs at Old Town this coming Saturday, 30th April at the Hare and Hounds pub at 2pm. Read more 28 April

HAPPY VALLEY COLLECTIVE'S SECOND EP. The independent record label run by a group of local recording musicians has just produced its second EP. Read more 26 April

THE RAINY SEASON by Jill Robinson. Many will be familiar with Jess, the put-upon heroine of the popular Berringden Brow series of books. The Rainy Season chronicles Jess's teenage years in the 1960s, abuse, the social changes and escape. Read more 22 April

FLOODING THE PICTURE HOUSE WITH FILMS. Hebden Bridge and Mythlomroyd Arts Festival have joined forces to host a special screening of three short films reflecting on the Boxing Day floods that devastated both towns. Read more 21 April

DONOVAN TO PLAY AT THE TRADES CLUB Folk Legend Donovan will be playing all his hits when he plays two intimate shows at Hebden Bridge's Trades Club in July. Read more 20 April

10 YEARS OF FAMILY FOREST SCHOOL AT EASTWOOD: The family sessions at Eastwood were started way back in 2006 but the site was destroyed in the Boxing Day floods. After much very hard work, it is now back up and running. Read more 18 April

LINDSAY RIMER'S MURDER 21 YEARS ON: DNA clues revealed, and Lindsay's sister Juliet (pictured right) speaks publicly for the first time. Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson tells of "new forensic leads which we hope may lead to the identification of Lindsay's killer." Read more and watch Juliet Rimer's video 12 April

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN - THE NEXT STAGE. Have your say in the next phase of development of the Hebden Royd and Hill Top Parishes Neighbourhood Plan. Details of meetings. Read more 12 April

LABOUR SAY NO TO MORE ACADEMIES - Calderdale Labour councillors are joining forces with Halifax MP Holly Lynch to campaign against the Government's plans to force every school to become an Academy. Read more 12 April

WAINSGATE CHAPEL CONCERTS: CARDBOARD FOX The Wainsgate Chapel 2016 concert seasons begins on Sunday 17 April. Winners of the 2015 Spiral Earth Award for Best Debut, Cardboard Fox are an exciting new four piece with a fast growing fan base. Read more 10 April

EVIDENCE: exhibition at Artsmill by Roo Waterhouse, focusing on the clutter of everyday domestic life and large scale oil paintings of accumulated possessions. Read more 10 April

FLOODS MEETING REPORT - report of Monday's public meeting, called by the Hebden Bridge Partnership. 7 April

BOXING DAY FLOODS - ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT PUBLISHED: Businesses in Calderdale have lost £47 million so far as a result of the Boxing Day floods. Just 61% of Hebden Bridge businesses are back open after 3 months. 30% of businesses affected (nearly 300) were in Hebden Bridge. Read more and see report 6 April

LOOK NORTH IN HEBDEN BRIDGE to talk about a new scheme which allows some flooded home owners the possibility of getting insured again. 5 April

TROUSER TOWN IN HAPPY VALLEY - scroll down to see the item on Hebden Bridge in The Observer. "The picturesque town of Hebden Bridge was once better known for producing menswear than providing the set for Happy Valley. 3 April

March 2016

 

GIRLS' SELF DEFENCE AND CONFIDENCE WORKSHOP - hands-on workshop aimed at girls aged 11-16 years focuses on day-to-day personal safety issues they may experience at school, on the street and on public transport. Read more 28 March

MYTHOLMROYD ARTS FESTIVAL PRESENTS PREMIERE OF SHORT FILM CALDER. Film-maker Paula Sutherland says, "The receding flood waters truly revealed the remarkable character of this community. We were astonished by the strength of connection that moved people to set aside their own troubles and extend help and support to others." Read more 30 March

JOSEPH WOOD, A YORKSHIRE QUAKER - Pamela Cooksey told the Local History Society of his many notebooks which included accounts of his visits to the Calder Valley in the late 18th Century. Read more 28 March

ARTS FESTIVAL GOES WILD: Award winning children's theatre company Tutti Frutti bring their new play WiLd! to this year's Arts Festival. Read more 24 March

THE FLOOD RECOVERY ART AUCTION earlier this month raised thousands of pounds. Unsold and newly received items will now be available at a silent auction and exhibition starting at the end of April. Read more 22 March

DANCE HALL DAYS: Do you have any memories, stories, photos, programmes or posters from those dancing days of the 1930s 40s and 50s? Read more 21 March

SCHOOLS' SPOKEPERSON SLAMS ACADEMY PROPOSALS: local schools will "be forced to join bureaucratic and undemocratic Academy chains, accountable to unelected sponsors and to civil servants in Whitehall." Read more 16 March

DUCK ISLAND SAVED AS HEBDEN WATER DREDGED: Today Jos Wattam, who is managing the dredging by the Environment Agency of Hebden Water gave a reassurance that the Duck Island would be preserved Read more 11 March

FOLK STAR KATE RUSBY TO CLOSE THIS YEAR'S ARTS FESTIVAL As well as hits from a twenty year career, 'The Barnsley Nightingale' will also be showcasing songs from her last studio album Ghost. Read more 9 March

NHS BILL: CRAIG WHITTAKER WON'T ATTEND THE DEBATE OR VOTE FOR THE BILL - There is growing support among political groups in our area for a Parliamentary Bill which aims to fully restore the NHS as a publicly owned service and to reverse 25 years of privatisation. Read more 8 March

CALDERDALE BUDGET: Council Tax rise and a flood recovery and resilience fund worth £3 million. More details 2 March

HEBDEN BRIDGE ARTS FESTIVAL OPENS UP. The Festival is holding two open events to find out what they can do to help the town's recovery during the festival week: June 24 to 3 July. Read more 1 March

FLOOD RECOVERY ART AUCTION: Friday, 4th March, Trades Club. Over 150 pieces from all over the world including "Elland Bridge" by Kate Lycett. Pieces may be viewed throughout the day on Friday Read more 1 March

THE MANCHESTER AND LEEDS RAILWAY: 175th Anniversary - 1st March 2016. Read story (PDF) from Friends of Hebden Bridge Station.

After the floods: Overgate Hospice shop in Crown Street is re-opening on Thursday, 10 March at 11am.

After the floods: in Blackshawhead, Nick Wilding is screening footage of the Boxing Day floods, part of an unfinished film entitled 'Floods Again'. See What's on

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE: report of the latest talk, "Small in a Tall Person's World" with speaker Penny Dean. Read story 31 March

TWIN TOWNS ST POL AND WARSTEIN MAKE GENEROUS DONATIONS TO FLOOD RELIEF WORK Our twin towns have already donated nearly 4000 euros. St Pol is now making a further official contribution of 2,000 euros, specifically for post flood repairs to the Picture House. Read more 29 March

CALDERDALE CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS IN THE FIRST WORLD WAR: John Rhodes told the Local History Society about what happened to those who opposed the war and those who sought exemption from military service on grounds of conscience. Read more 9 March

VISIT THE OLD FASHIONED PORTRAIT STUDIO IN WEAVERS' SQUARE: As part of the Heptonstall Family Day in Weavers' Square on Easter Saturday, the After Alice Project are hosting a vintage-style photo-booth. Read more 22 March

ELECTRIC BIKE REVOLUTION BEGINS!: We:cycle, the community-based electric bike hire project will have a 'Show and tell' of the new electric bikes from 2-4pm on Saturday (19th March) at the New Delight, Blackshaw Head. Read more 18 March

SAVE OUR A&E CAMPAIGN: 'TWO TOWNS, ONE FIGHT' A&E's campaigners in Calderdale and Huddersfield deride consultation as 'meaningless' Read more 15 March

REAL JUNK FOOD CAFÉ to open in Hebden Bridge: a 'pay-as-you-feel' Café, due to open in April, will work with local food producers and retailers, using products that would otherwise go to waste, turning them into healthy, nutritious meals. Read more 10 March

SALLY WAINWRIGHT TO HELP LAUNCH HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE, the brainchild of 4 local residents who were shocked and outraged by a piece of a homophobic graffiti they saw in Hebden Bridge in the summer of 2015. Read more 9 March

AFTER THE FLOODS: DEADLINE LIFTED FOR FUNDING to protect your home or business. Read more 9 March

BIG CALDER SPRING CLEANUP It's time to put the wellies on again! A series of volunteer events have been organised this March to remove rubbish and debris from the banks of the Calder. Read more 7 March

CRAIG WHITTAKER, 'THE USELESS MADE USEFUL' : A Hebden Bridge exhibition is drawing attention to our politicians' apathy regarding the recent and devastating floods. Read more 4 March

CALDER VALLEY CONNECTIONS TO MAGNA CARTA: David Cant explained to the audience at the Local History Society, the charter was basically a peace treaty, broken within months. Read more 4 March

FUNDING BOOST FOR FESTIVALS: Calderdale Council is offering grants of up to £5000 for local voluntary and community groups organising festivals or events after the Boxing Day floods. Read more 3 March

PACE EGG PLAY 2016.
Good Friday. More info

 

February 2016

 

AFTER THE FLOODS: HEBDEN BRIDGE PARTNERSHIP HAS CALLED FOR MORE TRANSPARENCY in the way the Environment Agency and Calderdale plan flood resilience schemes. Read more 28 Feb

FLOOD FUNDRAISING WRITING COMPETITION: The Watermarks Writing Competition (on the theme of water) has been organised by Bluemoose Books, Helen Meller of Hebden Bridge Arts Festival and Anna Turner. Read more and how to enter 25 Feb

MENTAL HEALTH JOBS AXED IN CALDERDALE: Users of a NHS Art Psychotherapy service in Calderdale are fighting to save it from closure after the therapists were given compulsory redundancy notices over the Christmas period. Read story 23 Feb

JOB VACANCY: one / two casual duty managers at Hebden Bridge Picture House. Click here for full details about the position and how to apply. 22 Feb

'THE FLOOD' FUNDRAISER SINGLE AVAILABLE 1ST MARCH. A quickly assembled alternative band 'Johnny Powell and the Happy Valley' will release a single called 'The Flood' on 1st March: all proceeds go the flood relief fund. Read story 19 Feb

FLOODING THE VALLEY WITH MUSIC: The Folk for Floods fundraiser at the Trades Club was organised by folk singer Steve Tilston. Clare Latham, right with Steve and the guitar she won. Read story 17 Feb

RAILWAY ROUNDABOUT: Paul Kenny, by profession a signal-man (including at Hebden Bridge) is also a keen photographer, and shared slides and his stories with the Local History Society. Read more 16 Feb

JOB VACANCY: one / two casual ushers at Hebden Bridge Picture House. Click here for full details about the position and how to apply. 12 Feb

AFTER THE FLOODS: PROGRESS AT THE PICTURE HOUSE The waters claimed all of the stalls seating and wrecked the basement boiler room, and damages the under-stage area, toilets, foyer and kiosk. However, the flooding has provided some great opportunities. Read more 10 Feb

REPAIRING OUR FLOOD DAMAGED PATHS: CROWS have a list of paths they need to repair, but need the public's help to identify problems. They've introduced a new simple system for people to contact them. Read more 8 Feb

WAVY T-SHIRTS HELP BOOST FLOOD FUND: The first batch of specially designed T-shirts inspired by one of rock music's most iconic record sleeves has sold out boosting flood relief funds. Read more 5 Feb

THE 9TH ANNUAL HEBDEN BRIDGE HANDMADE PARADE will be on Sunday 26 June, the opening weekend of the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival, promising to once again bring celebration, colour and spectacle to the streets of our town. Read more 3 Feb

COUNCIL APPOINTS FLOOD EXPERT TO CHAIR COMMISSION: Calderdale Council has appointed Paul Cobbing as the Independent Chair of the Calderdale Floods Commission. 2 Feb

BOOKS FOR SCHOOLS SUCCESS: Di Seymour and Michael Prior had little idea when they asked children's bookø publishers for help restocking flooded schools just how many they would get. A couple of hundred? They've now received more than 2500. Read more 1 Feb

PIANO FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LAUNCH on Saturday, 5 March at the Town Hall, with live music and the chance to buy tickets for the Festival. Read more 28 Feb

HANDMADE PARADE SPARK DAY: Ideas needed. Parrots amassing in George's Square? Bridge Gate awash with crazy inventions. Calder Holmes a prehistoric hub? Now's the chance to make it happen. Read more 24 Feb

COMEDY CLUB: OLD NICK AND THE YOUNG PRETENDERS Sunday 13th March sees a Godfather of alternative comedy joined by the cream of the current crop of young pretenders to that very title. Read story 22 Feb

CO-OPERATIVE PIONEER, JOSEPH GREENWOOD sees light of day again The gravestone of a leading Victorian co-operator, which for many years been lying face-down in thick undergrowth, has now been restored. Read story 21 Feb

HEBDEN BRIDGE GROUP PRACTICE WINS PRIDE IN PRACTICE AWARD: The staff at Hebden Bridge Group Practice had the award presented to them by Laurence Webb and Dale Maskell from LGBT Foundation for delivering fully inclusive health care services to their patients. Read story 19 Feb

SCOUT ROAD LANDSLIDE: WORK TO START SOON - Work to enable the road and school to reopen and residents to return home at flood-affected Scout Road, Mytholmroyd, moved a step closer as Calderdale approved up to £400,000 of funding. Read more 17 Feb

CALDER VALLEY CND demonstrate against Trident on Thursday, 11 February 2016. Read more

After the Floods: ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS DAY On 25th June 2016, there is going to be an Alternative Christmas Day, 6 months after the floods, showing that our area is Back Open. Read more 12 Feb

PICTURE HOUSE - half term afternoon changes to programme because of repair work - Read more

PENNINE COMMUNITY POWER SUPPORTS FLOOD VICTIMS. The community wind turbine at Blackshaw Head regularly has some of its surplus given to community projects, and PCP has just agreed that £1400 will go to flood victims. Read more 8 Feb

GHOST HOUSES OF HEBDEN BRIDGE. Can they be brought back to life? Public meeting and consultation being held at the Town Hall to discuss resurrection of the High Street, once crowded with early nineteenth century terraced houses. Read more 7 Feb

BBC'S ANNE ROBINSON wants to hear from parents with strong opinions about raising children - are you laid back, bossy or best friend? Read more 4 Feb

HEBDEN BRIDGE MARKET WINS BEST SMALL OUTDOOR MARKET AWARD: Hebden Bridge Market has been crowned one of Britain's best markets in a prestigious national competition. Read more 3 Feb

SUPPORT STILL NEEDED by scores of Hebden Bridge businesses. People are urged to donate to the various crowdfunding sites. The appeals end soon. Read more 1 Feb

January 2016

 

COACHES FROM CALDER VALLEY TO STOP TRIDENT DEMO. Local CND members have been busy fundraising to subsidise coaches to the national Stop Trident demo in London on Sat 27 February.

FLOODS: WELLIES TO WESTMINSTER DEMO Greenpeace campaigners, including representatives from Hebden Bridge, laid 500 muddy wellies outside the Palace of Westminster to highlight the impacts of climate change on the flood hit communities recently affected. Read more. 29 Jan

FREE PARKING EXTENDED for February in Hebden Bridge and other flood affected areas of Calderdale. But "Civil Enforcement Officers" will be reintroduced to enforce parking restrictions. Read more 28 Jan

RECORD BUYERS SAVE LOCAL MUSIC SHOP: Record buyers from across the north converged on a one off record fair in Hebden Bridge raising £5000 to save Muse Music that was facing closure after the devastating Boxing Day flood. Read more. 26 Jan

HEBDEN BRIDGE FLOOD FUNDS - DONATIONS NEEDED: there are now many different funds raising money for those affected by the floods. Thousands have been given, but thousands more are needed. Read more. 20 Jan

BOOKS FOR FLOODED SCHOOLS: National publishers of children's books have responded to an appeal for books for our flooded schools. Hundreds of new books will be delivered to local schools over the next week. Read more. 17 Jan

BIG SUPPORT FOR CALDERDALE ROYAL HOSPITAL JUNIOR DOCTORS' STRIKE: There was strong support for the Calderdale Royal Hospital Junior Doctors' strike on Tuesday. As well as a junior doctors' picket, NHS campaigners and members of the public turned out, and busy passing traffic honked support. Read more 13 Jan

ORGANIC CO-OP POPS UP IN MILL: Valley Organics lost stockroom shelving, three fridges, till, scales, scanner, card machine and a van. Like most Hebden businesses they were unable to obtain flood insurance. Read more 12 Jan

AFTER THE FLOOD: HEBDEN BRIDGE LIBRARY - Library services are getting back on their feet after the Boxing Day floods caused over £100,000 of damage to books, equipment, fixtures and fittings. Read more 8 Jan

NO PARKING CHARGES FOR THE REST OF THE MONTH All pay and display charges in Council car parks and on-street parking will be lifted until the end of the month to help alleviate pressure for residents and businesses in floodhit areas. Read more 7 Jan

TIM BURGESS' TELLING STORIES FUNDRAISER: Tim will be reading from his best-selling biography Telling Stories at the Trades, Sat 9 Jan, doing a Q and A, signing 100 event posters for a tenner. Read more 6 Jan

SUPPORT FOR FLOOD-HIT BUSINESSES: A grant of up to £2,500 per business is available to help them open up and start trading again. Read more 6 Jan

EBIKES IN OLD TOWN?: The Alternative Technology Centre is arranging a session to find out whether Old Town would benefit from eBikes. Sat 9th. 1.30pm. See What's on for more info

THE REAL STORY OF THE CALDER VALLEY FLOODS: restored communities and faith in humanity - Eight days on from the devastating Boxing Day floods that swamped Calder Valley, the real story is that people came together and have been magnificently supported by a wide range of groups from all backgrounds, some of whom have travelled long distances to help. Read more 3 Jan

FLOOD DISRUPTIONS LATEST: FAQs on what schools are opening; road closures; volunteering, donating, insurance and more. 3 Jan

HEBDEN BRIDGE BOUNCES BACK: List of shops back open as of Saturday morning. 2 Jan

NEWS in BRIEF 2015

LOCAL HISTORY TALK: Peter Jeffery explained how a special organ came to be restored during the time when he was vicar of Cornholme. Read more 31 Jan

ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY LIZ TRUSS PROMISES FLOOD PREVENTION MEASURES. It has been announced that new flood defences will be built in Mytholmroyd and possibly Hebden Bridge and a new flood prevention plan for the whole Calder Valley will be drawn up, and work started in October 2016. Read more 29 Jan

WALKERS ARE WELCOME POPUP STALL AND EXHIBITION COMES TO VISITOR CENTRE. Although badly damaged in the Boxing Day floods, Hebden Bridge Visitor Centre has been open since Christmas but from now on there will be an additional 'Walkers are Welcome' pop up stall. Read more 28 Jan

STEVE TILSTON PLAYS FOLK FLOOD FUNDRAISER: Folk legend and Hebden Bridge resident Steve Tilston is the latest local act to put together a fundraising gig at the Trades Club, Weds 3 Feb. Read more 27 Jan

JOB VACANCY: Head Technician at Hebden Bridge Picture House. Permanent: 20 hours per week. Click here for full details about the position and how to apply. 26 Jan

SMITHS LEGEND MIKE JOYCE PLEDGES TO HELP FLOODED RECORD STORE and has donated some very rare signed vinyl to a special record fair that will help save Muse Music Read more 20 Jan

A SYRIAN LOVE STORY at the Picture House, Sunday 31st January. The film focusses on the reality of life in Syria and will be followed by a Question and Answer session. There will be a collection for St Augustine's Centre who work with asylum seekers and refugees. Read more

TALES ALONG THE PACKHORSE WAY At this recent talk, John Billingsley, author of six books on local folklore, told the Local History Society of places passed along the Long Causeway, a 'bleak and comfortless road.' Read more 18 Jan

TRADES CLUB FLOOD FUNDRAISERS GET OFF TO A FLYING START: The first in a series of Trades Club flood relief fundraisers got off to a flying start as three events last weekend raised a grand total of £4130. Read more 13 Jan

AFTER THE FLOODS AT THE TOWN HALL HUB: "This is a community building - your town hall - and your efforts have shown what can be achieved when a strong community works together." Read more 12 Jan

THE IMPACT OF THE BOXING DAY FLOODS ON HEBDEN BRIDGE'S ECONOMY: the Hebden Bridge Partnership have produced a report seeking to raise the profile of Hebden Bridge in the clamour for flood funds, showing that 80% of town centre shops, cafes, pubs, services were hit by the flood. More info and link to report

FUNDING FOR RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY FLOODING: The Council is providing grant funding to support residents affected by flooding with a £500 hardship payment to householders who have been severely affected. Read more 6 Jan

FLOOD RECOVERY: PUBLIC MEETING: The Hebden Bridge Partnership has called this meeting jointly with the Town Council and the Business Forum - Sat, 16 Jan. Read more

CALDERDALE WAY TO GET A MAKE-OVER: Preparing for its 40th anniversary of The Calderdale Way, a plan is in place to make sure it is in a condition to welcome a new generation of walkers. Read more 3 Jan

Sainsburys' latest court action thrown out. See court ruling here. The High Court has dismissed Eshton Gregory's/ Sainsbury's judicial review challenge to the Planning Inspector's refusal to grant an appeal to Calderdale Council's refusal of planning permission.

TOWN HALL FLOOD SERVICES Hebden Bridge Town Hall flood services are being driven by Hebden Bridge Community Association, Calderdale Council, the Environment Agency and the goodwill of local and far flung volunteers. Read more 2 Jan