Last update: 2 December, 2024 17:24

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2025 Bird Calendar Roger O'Doherty has produced his fifth wildlife calendar featuring birds of the Calder Valley - praised by wildlife campaigner and TV personality, Chris Packham. His previous calendars have raised more than £10,000 for local foodbanks. Read more 30 Nov

Todmorden Town Hall – 150 years old: One of the most impressive buildings in the Calder Valley, Tod Town Hall is about to celebrate its 150th birthday, as Margareta Holmstedt told Hebden Bridge Local History Society Read report. 2 Dec

MP Abstains Calder Valley MP Josh Fenton Glynn abstained in today's Assisted Dying vote in the House of Commons, saying he could not support the bill in its current form. See Forum thread 29 Nov

New Town Clerk Hebden Royd Town Council, at its last meeting, has confirmed the appointment of former Deputy Town Clerk, Emma Green as the new Town Clerk, taking over from Jason Boom who has retired. 26 Nov

Open Studios and Christmas Markets This weekend, Hebden Bridge will have Christmas markets, Art and Craft Fairs and Open Studios. Visitors are being encouraged to take advantage of a special park-and-ride service from Mytholmroyd Train Station. More info

Blast Furness street band
Jazz in the square: 28 Nov

Gritting: Calderdale changes its mind After last week's snow and ice, and mounting local conerns, Calderdale Council have decided that the planned changes to its gritting of roads due to start on 1 December will not go ahead.  Read more 25 Nov

A proper flood scheme needed Labour MP for Calder Valley, Josh Fenton-Glynn told BBC News, "Here in Hebden Bridge we've been waiting almost a decade for a proper flood scheme to get underway." BBC report on yesterday's flooding. Travel between Tod and Hebden Bridge is now fine: the problems at Callis Mill are now resolved. 24 Nov. 18.20pm

Market Street Flooded at 5pm Saturday. The road was blocked for several hours. River levels have fallen to just below 2m from a high of 2.89m. Updated 24 Nov 18.20pm

FLOOD WARNING was still in place Sunday morning. "River levels are rising as a result of persistent heavy rainfall and rapid snow melt. This rainfall will continue through much of today, Saturday 23 November 2024. Levels at Hebden Bridge continued to rise until about 5pm. See this Environment Agency page 24 Nov

Flood siren in Hebden Bridge was sounded at 13.28pm Sat 23 Nov. Burnley Road was currently closed in both directions due to flooding near Callis Bridge. Keep up to date by checking the Facebook page, Calder Valley Flood Support. 23 Nov 13.30pm

Flood alert for Upper Calder A risk of flooding on Saturday as melting snow combines with "Widespread heavy rain associated with Storm Bert . . is expected across the Calder catchment from around 5am Saturday 23 November." See this Environment Agency page 22 Nov, 11.30pm

Ice causing road delays: Andrew Beck sent the photo above to the HebWeb and commented: "At around 7.30am this morning, a delivery truck got stuck due to ice just outside Mytholm School causing large numbers of drivers to get stuck in either direction. A similar jam occurred when a lorry was stuck on the Steeps on Thursday. This is before the planned Council downgrade of gritting for the road starts on 1st December." 22 Nov

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

Tod Square Designs revealed Calderdale Council is investing around £3.5 million to transform Bramsche Square in the town centre, to create a welcoming, attractive and flexible space, where people will be able to spend time, gather and take part in events, festivals and specialist markets. Read more 19 Nov

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

Climate Change: from Paris COP 2016 to the UK 2025 - The Hebden Bridge Literary and Scientific Society is excited to present Professor Kevin Anderson on Saturday January 11th, 2025, at 7.30pm in The Town Hall. More info.

Thanks to Heart Gallery for Charity Raffle success: Hebden Bridge Arts is delighted to express its sincere gratitude to Heart Gallery for their incredible generosity during a recent charity raffle that raised over £1,000 in support of the arts. Read more 18 Nov

Land Trust celebrates 10 years - On 14 November, Calder Valley Community Land Trust celebrated 10 years since it first began its work to create good quality, affordable homes and community spaces in the Calder Valley. More info.


LINDSAY RIMER: 30 years on - Lindsay went missing, 7 Nov 1994. Months later, her body was found in the canal, weighted down. Her murder remains unsolved.
Today's BBC News;
Facebook page;
HebWeb feature for more background to the tragic story, and 12+ links to national and local media coverage today including West Yorks police appeal. 7 Nov

Parking plan paused: According to a BBC news report, the plan to remove parking between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd is being put on hold, pending the findings of a Parking Area Plan for Hebden Bridge due out later this year. Read BBC report

Travel in and around Hebden Bridge Improvements to include reducing the speed limit between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd to 30 mph, upgrading the crossing at Station Road, new car park at Stubbing Holme and more. More info. 31 Oct

History: the dual economy of textiles and agriculture - Peter Thornborrow, well known for his talks about buildings, drew on his experience as an architectural historian and surveyor of listed buildings, introduced members of the Local History Society to Hartley Royd in Shore. Read more 27 Oct

Vacancy for Town Clerk Hebden Royd Town Council are inviting candidates to apply for the full-time position of Town Clerk to the Council and Responsible Financial Officer. More info. 21 Oct

Murphy's Lore

Murphy's Lore - In the latest episode there's memories recalled, Storm Bert batters staunch defences, there's Satnam home and away, Jay Rayner and PW on food, a cautionary tale and a local folk hero. Read the latest episode - 1 Dec

POD - car share scheme launched Over 60 people came to hear about the new car share scheme. The share offer was launched and the audience heard from the Leader of Calderdale Council Jane Scullion, and Deputy Leader Scott Patient. Read more 29 Nov

Another Town Councillor resigns A vacancy on the Hebden Royd Town Council has arisen following the resignation of Councillor Bernice Haye in White Lee ward. Read more. 27 Nov

Real Cop, Literary Cop The speaker at the recent University of the 3rd Age session was author and former police detective inspector, James Ellson, who spoke about the craft of writing a crime thriller. Read more 27 Nov

Bassoonery Last weekend, not all was doom and gloom about flooding. In view of the improving weather and river levels on Sunday morning, the Parish Church decided to go ahead with Bassoonery and sounds that'll make earthworms wriggle. Read more 27 Nov

The Calderdale Otter Project - report: Andy Mather told the Lit&Sci in poetic language about an otter's milk chocolate brown coat, their holts, couches, and spraints. How the River Calder was one of the main spotting sites but also the second most polluted river in the country. Read report. 26 Nov 2024

Apparent Scam Christmas Fair See Discussion Forum for more info - Read message 26 Nov

Satnam's Himalayan Adventure For those who missed it, there is now a YouTube video of the talk. Satnam Singh is Hebden Bridge's postmaster. He and his son trekked to Everest Base Camp for Overgate hospice in memory of Les Leedham. See the video 23 Nov

The HebWeb has joined Bluesky, as part of the exodus from Twitter or 'X'. Papers such as the Guardian have stopped posting on X describing it as 'toxic'. See (and perhaps follow) the HebWeb on BlueSky.

Local History Society Report Instead of the usual lecture, members of the Society were invited to report on their recent research. Barbara Hall spoke about wills in the 17th century and Sheila Graham reported how neighbours at Edge Hey Green in Colden banded together to find out more about their properties. Read report 24 Nov

Picture House Screen Two: update The Town Council are looking at securing investment to enable the addition of the second screen and ensuring that our cinema is not only preserved, but kept sustainable and accessible to everyone in the community. Read more 20 Nov

Snow: Hills, towns and valleys all covered in snow overnight. 19 Nov

Photo: Andrew Smith, 19 Nov 2024. Click on photo to enlarge and see complete photo

Cuts to gritting in Hebden Bridge: Calderdale Council is being forced to make cuts which means many roads will not be gritted during cold weather. See this 2-3 min clip from BBC Look North. 18 Nov

Car share scheme returns to Hebden Bridge Share scheme meeting was on 26 November. With three cars in Hebden Bridge, and two in Todmorden, POD will be able to offer a car share scheme, including the offer of extra facilities, from child car seats and disability controls to bicycle racks. Read more

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"

Walshaw Windfarm Community Assembly The Walshaw Windfarm Community Assembly has been organised to help "attendees explore the potential benefits and environmental impacts" of the proposed Walshaw Windfarm, with "carefully selected expert speakers" - on 17 Nov. Read more 4 Nov

Police seek info about the Lindsay Rimer murder, with a stall in the square and talking with passers-by. Police appeal. 7 Nov 2024

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

Hebden Royd Council Vacancies - Vacancies on the Council have arisen following the resignations of Councillors Richard Needham in Birchcliffe Ward and Rachel McNicholas in Fairfield Ward. More info

Rebekah moves on - After three years as Creative Producer, Rebekah Fozard is moving on from Hebden Bridge Arts. In her time with them, she delivered community-driven projects like Open Space 70, and The Man Who Planted Trees. Read more 6 Nov


The Interview

George Murphy's latest interview is with award-winning Natural Endings undertakers and their championing of newer approaches to funerals. George had heard glowing accounts of the service provided by Rosie and Lisa, and met with them at their new location in central Todmorden. Read the Interview

Hebden Bridge: The surprising 'lesbian capital of the UK' Another BBC report on Hebden Bridge says that while our town is home to just 4,500 people and "set in a scenic, rural valley, this quaint market town has blossomed into a bastion of tolerance." Read BBC report

The story of the Panama Canal The guest speaker at the recent University of the 3rd Age session was Norman Harris, a much-travelled retiree, who presented Atlantic to Pacific – The story of the Panama Canal. Read report. 22 Oct

Labour wins Council bye-election - Jonathan Timbers retains seat on Calderdale Council for Labour with 38% of the vote. Greens came second with 28%. Turnout: 29%.

Calderdale Council by-election: 6 candidates stand in Calder Ward
There was a by-election on 24 October for the Calderdale Council seat vacated Josh Fenton-Glynn who became Calder Valley MP in July. The Calder Ward covers the Hebden Bridge area. Results soon. Read more Updated

Filming in the Park: Local filming for the BBC series Riot Girls from Sally Wainwright continues.
One day stage errected in the park, 17 October 2024

A Film-Inspired Pumpkin Trail 'Pumpkins at the Pictures' is the theme for 2024. Over the weekend of 19-20 October, the annual Pumpkin Trail returned, bigger than ever! Read more

Soup Dragon Each Friday lunchtime, volunteers at Soup Dragon, based at the Methodist Church hall, provide wholesome soups, bread and often a tasty crumble for afters. Read more 16 Oct.


Lottery Grant for Pennine Heritage Pennine Heritage Ltd, in partnership with the Local History Society, has announced a £54,827 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to protect and develop South Pennine Archives and transform access. Read more 12 Oct

BBC news item on parking issue Traders claim they would lose custom when a major highways project begins at the same time as a car park is taken out of use for flood alleviation works. Read BBC report. 10 Oct


Murphy's Lore

Murphy's Lore - This 150th Murphy's Lore includes the sad demise of Tina Crumb, a break in the lakes, two John Lennon tales, nude men reading the Brontës, Maggie Smith reflections, and a reader writes. Read the latest episode - 2 Oct


Mytholm Mill Chimney to go: Mytholm Works Chimney, also known as the Browns Site Chimney, is due to be demolished on Monday, 7 October. Updated to show video from the Wandering Turnip, lamenting the mill's imminent demolition. Read more. 3 Oct


Trees Felled David H sent the above photo to the HebWeb with the comment, "Returned from holiday and was so disheartened to see the devastation at the top of Osborne Street. Three weeks ago this green oasis had three beautiful rowan trees covered with red and orange berries." 24 Sept

Riot Women: The Cast The cast of Riot Women, the drama series currently being filmed around Hebden Bridge includes Joanna Scanlan, Rosalie Craig, Tamsin Greig, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Amelia Bullmore. The series is written by Sally Wainwright who also brought us Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and others. See BBC report 20 Sept

The Interview

Catherine Shaw discusses with George Murphy her years in London working for Film and TV, why she moved to Hebden Bridge, her inspirational parents, using performance poetry to raise money for charity, owning a massage centre, shop and salon, her favourite things, new husband and brilliant children. Read the Interview

Calder Valley MP votes for cuts to Winter Fuel Payments Our newly elected MP, Josh Fenton-Glynn this afternoon voted with the Government to cut winter fuel payments to pensioners not receiving benefits. See Parliament website 10 Sept.

LINDSAY RIMER'S MURDER, 30 YEARS ON: Lindsay's family are having a big push for info about what happened to her, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of her disappearance on 7 Nov. There's a new Facebook page and they would like to ask people who knew Lindsay to get in touch and share stories, photos, etc. See this HebWeb feature for background to the tragic story. 8 Sept


Petition to support more cycle routes: Organisers consider that many more people would like to cycle but feel that both the local infrastructure and road safety concerns prevent them. Updated with response from Cllr Scott Patient. Read more.

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

Small Ads "Now filled. Many thanks to HebWeb small ads again." See Small Ads

John Morrison remembered - updated
John Morrison, who died in May aged 73, was one of the earliest contributors to the HebWeb. Starting in April 1997, just before the previous Labour landslide, John wrote a comic column we named View from the Bridge. The column affectionately mocked our town and area. Read this Lives Remembered page and perhaps contribute your memories. Updated 19 July

Small Ads Message received: "I had a great response to this and the house is now let. Could you take the ad down please?"

Labour Win Calder Valley
Josh Fenton-Glynn has won in the Calder Valley at his 4th attempt, having previously campaigned in 2015, 2017 and 2019, with a thumping 9000 majority. See HebWeb General Election page for details. 5 July, 5.15am

General Election Turnout in the Calder Valley constituency was 64.37% compared with 72.9% in 2019. 5 July, 4am

9 July 2012 Flood A couple of weeks after the previous flood, one month's rain fell in three hours. Click photo above to enlarge. Read HebWeb report from 14 years ago

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"

General Election: Who are the Candidates? The HebWeb has information on each of the seven candidates for the Calder Valley Constituency. Read about the candidates in the HebWeb general election section.

The Irish Times visits Hebden Bridge: Reporter Mark Paul, in town to write a feature about the election, hears busker James Bragg singing The Foggy Dew, an Irish rebel song. The singer tells him he'll be voting Green. "There was more than a touch of the atmosphere of west Cork in this attractive corner of West Yorkshire." Read Irish Times article 26 June

Permits to be required at Waste Recycling Centres throughout Calderdale, including the local one at Eastwood between Tod and Hebden Bridge. Read more, and how to apply 20 June

General Election: CalderValley.org.uk is the HebWeb home page for general elections in the Calder Valley. It gives results and info about the last few general elections, and there is now a fresh page providing info for the election on 4 July - HebWeb General Election page. Seven candidates are now listed. updated 14 June 2024

Seven General Election candidates for the Calder Valley constituency - Josh Fenton-Glynn (Lab), Vanessa Lee (Con), Jim McNeill (SDP), Donal O'Hanlon (LD), Kieran Turner (Gn), James Vasey, (YP) and Donald Walmsley (RP) More info. 10 June

50 years of Calderdale When Calderdale was created 50 years ago, few knew what it was. The Local History Society heard how local democracy in Calderdale had an awkward birth, a tough upbringing and how the area became a place well worth celebrating. Read report 20 Oct

Chainsaw TuesdayCHAINSAW TUESDAY: 20 years on. 19 October is the 20th anniversary of the Battle of the Mill Pond: street-fighting in a back street of Hebden Bridge. See HebWeb feature for more photos and background info, and now a YouTube video

Leaves on the line A BBC report, which features Hebden Bridge, claims that "Leaves on the line is a serious safety and performance issue for the railways." And the hills surounding the Calder Valley intensify the problem. Read BBC report 13 Oct

60 years of Twinning: In October 2024, Warstein and St Pol-sur-Ternoise celebrated 60 years of twinning in Warstein. A delegation from Hebden Royd took part in the event. Read report 10 Oct

Sylvia Plath: The West Yorkshire Poems The Lit and Sci started its 2024/5 programme with an evening featuring the West Yorkshire poems written by Sylvia Plath, with speaker, Sarah Corbett. Read report. .

Discussion latest Where's Josh? - Large Windfarm proposal - Parking - Mill Chimney demolition. See HebWeb Forum 6 Oct

Mike McAllister, died peacefully in hospital, aged 83, after a short illness. His family would like to invite those who wish to say their goodbyes to join them for his funeral and farewell. This will take place in the Waterfront Hall at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Tuesday, 15 October at 11am.

Scouts return to Hebden Bridge This January, Hebden Bridge Scouts is relaunching for 10-14-year-olds, and they're searching for extra hands to help make it happen.  Read more 3 Oct

The people against the establishment - The History Society heard David Glover tell how thousands marched on Halifax and cotton mills were brought to a standstill, as part of the the Great Strike or the Plug Riots of the summer of 1842. Read report

 

Real Voices of Happy Valley reaches 50 The Real Voices of Happy Valley podcast has reached 50 episodes. The podcasts features Viv and Dave Boardman chatting with a variety of people of the valley from musicians and artists to environmental and community activists. Read more


Camera Club - 2024 Winners

Eaves

Above: this year's 2nd prize - Fiery Autumn Colours by Steph Penny. 1200 visitors to the Hebden Bridge Camera Club exhibition at the end of August had an opportunity to vote for their favourite images. More info, winning photo and runners-up. 10 Sept

Grants available for cultural activities Organisations with ambitious plans for cultural activities in our area are invited to apply for grant funding of up to £15,000. Read more

Donations - support the HebWeb: For nearly 30 years, the HebWeb has been hosting news, features and discussion, listing all major events and so much more. The HebWeb receives no funding and covers costs with minimal advertising; minimal to avoid annoying popups and banners. Read more.

Pat Douthwaite:
Alive and Kicking

A new theatre piece from Heroica Theatre Company, Pat Douthwaite: Alive and Kicking, is a one-woman theatre piece by Anna Carlisle with Alexandra Mathie in the title role. It was at the Town Hall, 5-6 September. More info

 

Daily Mail finds 'local uproar': "Unhappy Valley! Creator of hit BBC crime drama sparks local uproar while filming latest TV series" according to today's Daily Mail. Read the Mail article. And now this one in The Metro. Updated 2 Sept

Canals could disappear without more investment, say the Canal and River Trust. See this BBC report which mentions the canal at Hebden Bridge a couple of times 21 Aug

House to let - Now let. "Thanks very much - I had a really good response." See Small Ads

FROM THE ARCHIVES: "How the Hippies Changed Hebden Bridge" was an exhibition organised 7 years ago by the History Society. It aimed to show how those who moved into our area in the 1970s - the locals called them 'hippies' - led to vast changes and a cultural renaissance of Hebden Bridge. Read the HebWeb section on the Hippies


People's Park Festival Thousands of people enjoyed the successful return of the People's Park Festival in Halifax, celebrating the diversity of the borough's culture. Read more 7 Aug

Local Paper Archived Issues of the Hebden Bridge Times have now been archived by the British Newspaper Archive, making them searchable for subscribers. To see example front pages from 1884, 1976 and 1991, see this blog 5 August

Vintage Car weekend, 3-4 August 2024

Campaign for wheelchair accessible pavements - Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum have taken action over advertising boards, café tables and chairs obstructing the pavement in Hebden Bridge. Pictured above: wheelchair users forced on to the cobbles. Read more. 2 Aug

The Piece Hall featured in today's Observer with the headline, "How a cloth mill became one of the UK's biggest music venues." Every ticket sold, it is claimed, generates £100 for the local economy, with no cost to the taxpayer. Read The Observer article 28 July.

Sewage protest in Hebden Bridge Activists from 'Friends of the River Calder' organised a protest last weekend to remind the new government to prioritise river sewage issues. The public were invited to play a carnival-inspired 'Hook a Poop'. Read more

Calderdale Council has stopped using peat Peatlands are major carbon stores and support vulnerable wildlife. When peat is dug up to provide compost for gardening, the stored carbon is released into the environment, contributing to climate change. Read more

Riot Women, the new Sally Wainwright BBC series, being filmed outside the Shoulder of Mutton in Hebden Bridge.

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

One Woman Protest in the Square
More discussion on the HebWeb Forum 18 June

Rochdale Canal, Hebden Bridge, early August 2024

New Mayor for Hebden Royd On 22 May, the Annual Meeting of Hebden Royd Town Council was held at the Town Hall and appointed Cllr. Pat Fraser as Mayor for 2024-2025, and Cllr. Keith Butterick as Deputy Mayor. More info and photos.


Windfarm Meeting More than 250 people from across the Calder Valley turned out to learn more about the environmental threats and challenges raised by the proposed Calderdale Wind Farm on Walshaw Moor Estate. Read report



Northern Lights

Northern Lights over Hebden Bridge, 10 May 2024 with many thanks to photographer Andrew Smith. Click on image to see large version of this photo.

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.

Local Election Results: Labour win 3 Upper Valley seats and retain control of Calderdale Council. Josh Fenton-Glynn is re-elected councillor for Calder Ward, covering Hebden Bridge, Jane Scullion is elected for Luddendenfoot Ward, covering Mytholmroyd, and Diana Tremayne is elected for Todmorden. See votes cast, candidates and turnout. 3 May 2024, 3.15pm

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

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

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


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

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

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!"

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.

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

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

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

Hebden Bridge centre

14 years ago: June 2012 Flood. Click image to see larger version - See 2012 report

Woodcraft Folk's Height Gate is 25
Today, members, past members and supporters of the Woodcraft Folk, celebrated 25 years since Height Gate, situated below Stoodley Pike, was opened as a camping barn. Read more 8 June

Sewer Discharge into River Calder From 11am this morning, Yorkshire Water has been discharging sewage into the River Calder at Princess Bridge, near Machpelah, Hebden Bridge. And since 11.30am, into the Calder at Eastwood. This evening, discharges around Central Street and Oldgate. See the live sewage discharge map. 22 May, updated at 11.55pm

Small Ad: "We have now sorted short term accommodation, thanks to the advert we placed with you."

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.

GrubHub Update Calder GrubHub continues to supply the community with great meals every Wednesday. It's a collective, staffed entirely by volunteers and there is a constant need for new volunteers. More info

 

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! "

Small Ads Message received: "Thank you to Hebweb for a successful advert."

Sewage Spills The Guardian reports that one of the worst places in England for sewage spills in 2023, with 5647 spills, was the Halifax/ Calderdale region, with nearly 200 of them being around Hebden Bridge. See Guardian report

Director of the British Museum: Nicholas Cullinan, who grew up in Hebden Bridge, has been appointed to run the British Museum. For the past few years he has been Director of the National Portrait Gallery and has recently given talks in Hebden Bridge to the Lit and Sci. See Guardian report

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

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

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

'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."

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

'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

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 Riot Women 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.


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

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!"

Small Ads - "I am very pleased to say the response was terrific and both properties are now let." (Less than a week)

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.

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

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.

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


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

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

"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

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

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.


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 - Former Prime 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."

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.

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.


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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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."


More from Hebden Bridge Web


Please e-mail us to report dead links, inaccuracies, suggestions and comments. Thanks.

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

www.hebdenbridge.co.uk