News, Discussion, Info, Features, Events and much more
The Origins of the Arab - Israeli Conflict The guest speaker at the May University of the 3rd Age meeting was Paul Atherton. Paul recounted the history of Palestine from the Roman era through to modern times. Read report 19 May
Murphy's Lore latest: In the latest episode, George reports on a mini break to the Lakes, considers the status of dandelions, reflects on VE day celebrations, remembers the good and bad uses of birches, and celebrates being twenty years younger than he used to be, despite doubts from some friends and readers. Finally, he gives timely advice on the birds and the bees. Read it all here - 15 May
Granny's Attic at Wadsworth Granny's Attic stop off at Wadsworth Community Centre on 23 May for their new album tour: 'Cold Blows The Wind.' Expect lively performances and skilled delivery of traditional material, playing with verve, energy and their own inimitable style. Read more
Small Ads: "Ad posted Monday, lease to be signed Saturday and tenant moving in Sunday. Thanks HebWeb."
The problem of invasive species
The Council is raising awareness of the problems caused by invasive species and actions people can take to stop their spread. They can spread rapidly and become dominant. Read more 14 May
Disability Access Forum launches revised Access Map and Guide to Hebden Bridge town centre, first published in 2018. There are changes to the Step Free Guide, as shops, cafes and other businesses have changed hands since the last update. Read more 13 May
Small Ads: "Please take down the ad. Big response!" From message received 14 May
24 Down, 41 to Go – The fight against the Turbines goes on Campaigners against the newly rebranded Calderdale Energy Park are urging local residents to carry on fighting the huge industrial development proposed for Walshaw Moor. Stop Calderdale Wind Farm want people to respond to the public consultation which lasts until 10 June. Read more 7 May
Report on Walshaw Windfarm community assemblies Just as Calderdale Wind Farm Ltd unveils its revised proposal - now rebranded as Calderdale Energy Park - the HebWeb has been sent a report which reviews 2 Walshaw Windfarm Community Assemblies. Read more 30 April
"HebWeb is our 'go to resource' that allows us to stay up to speed with all things Hebden Bridge." - from message received.
MP calls for rethink on Keighley Road closure Bradford Council plans to close the A6033 road bettween Hebden Bridge and Oxenhope for months over the summer period. MP for Keighley, Robbie Moore, has described the closure as 'absolute lunacy'. Read more. Updated
POD expands car share scheme with reduced rates - POD has nearly 50 users already and 4 hybrid vehicles with another arriving soon. Now they have cut their rates, and the geese are watching out for their cars. Read more. 12 May
What's on soon in Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and surrounding areas. Granny's Attic at Wadsworth, Exhibition of Ice and Fire by Steve Morgan, Tod Cream Tea and Plant Sale, Poetry at The Dusty Miller, the Handmade Parade, Open Studios and much more, along with links to What's on in Hebden Bridge over the past 20 years. See What's On
Renewal of water mains on Keighley Road: A £60,000 investment from Yorkshire Water to renew water mains in Hebden Bridge is set to get underway from Monday 12 May along Keighley Road. Read more. 10 May
Stamping down on fly-tipping: The Council continues its fight against fly-tipping and new government policies give the council more powers. Fly-tippers and criminal waste operators can have their vehicles seized and crushed. Drones and mobile CCTV are also being used. Read more 6 May.
Small Ads: "Thank you - I have had my first reply within the hour!" - from message received 6 May
Hebden Bridge Flooding and Flood Alleviation Following some quick research on flooding 1900-2025, the significant events are highlighted in this message from Mike Shillabeer. "It appears there were only three flood events between 1900-1950 but eleven after that date with seven of the events occurring in the past 30 years. Read Forum message. 6 May
Cllr Scott Patient applauds Landscapes for Water: The National Trust and Yorkshire Water recently invited Cllr Scott Patient for a tour of the latest conservation works, planting trees and installing leaky dams. Read more 1 May
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! "
Folkloric map and beer mat treasure hunt On 9 May at the Folklore Centre in Tod, artist David Chatton Barker will be unveiling a new folkloric map and series of beer mats, which explore and celebrate the lore and legends of sites in the surrounding area. Read more 29 April
The Speed Limit on the A646 between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd has been reduced to 30mph from 28 April. More info and reasons
Small Ads: "Hebweb scores again! I have sold my electric lawnmower today"
Memorial Service for Julie Cockburn: was on 17 May at Wainsgate Chapel.
For more info about this remarkable woman, see this Lives Remembered page
Charlestown Open Gardens: On Saturday, 8 June it will be the third year of Charlestown Open Gardens – a chance to gather some inspiration and have a good old nosy at what local householders have been designing and growing. Read more
Last Dance on the Riviera Emerging local playwright Chris Berry will be staging his debut play, Last Dance on the Riviera at Hebden Bridge Little Theatre this July. Read more
It will be nice when it's done: At the April meeting of the University of 3rd Age, John and Mary Lyte told of buying and converting a derelict row of 3 former miners' cottage, condemned as unsuitable for human habitation and to be demolished. Read report.
Latest news from the Land Trust Lots going on with the Land Trust - new homes in Todmorden and Jerusalem Farm, 19 social rented homes in Ferney Lee in Todmorden, Fielden Hall update, Crown Street in Hebden Bridge, High Street sauna, and more. Read more 18 April
Forum discussion: Current topics include women-only spaces, Change to digital only and the Flood alleviation scheme. See Forum
Picture House Second Screen latest Hebden Royd Town Council is now moving forward with a funding strategy, feasibility study, design development and detailed business plan. An Expression of Interest has been submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Read more 15 April
Ground Floor to re-open: Northern Powerhouse Boxing Academy have raised over £380,000. So, 100 years after the Trades Club first opened, its Ground Floor is to be transformed into a community resource, promoting health, wellbeing and 'enriching local lives'. Read more 10 April
Small Ads 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." See Small Ads
Unite Union demonstrates against Energy Price Cap Members and supporters of Unite demonstrated in Halifax Town Centre today, as part of the Union's National Day of Action against rising energy costs. Read more. 1 April
"Police threatened couple with arrest if they contacted councillor" was the headline of an article published in Monday's The Times. Dave Boardman and his wife, Viv, were visited by 2 officers wearing body cameras at their home in Hebden Bridge to question them about a claim of 'harassment' centring around the issue of women only events.They were 'shocked' that the complaint had come from their Town Councillor, Rebecca Boden. Read Times article. 31 March. Update: see Daily Mail. 1 April
Trades Club
Centenary Year
Alan Fowler, a longstanding member of the Local History Society, and with encyclopaedic knowledge of local Labour and Trades Union history, spoke about the first Labour Government and the opening of the Hebden Bridge Trades Club in 1925. Read report. 31 March
Yorkshire Water - with bills about to go up 29%, it was announced today that last year Yorkshire Water dumped into rivers and seas more than 400,000 hours of sewage. See Yorkshire Post article 27 March
Hebden Bridge Flood Prevention Plans Hebden Bridge has been hit by a series of devastating floods over the past 15 years. The Environment Agency is now drafting plans to help reduce the impact of heavy rainfall in the future. More info. See also: Forum discussion
COVID & LOCKDOWN: 5 years on In the early evening of Monday, 23 March 2020, the first Lockdown was announced. The HebWeb reported upon it daily with facts and figures from reliable sources. The HebWeb has now created this Covid Feature with info, links to the news from five years ago, George Murphy's Lockdown Diary, photos, charts and video. Read the Covid Feature. (23 March 2025)
Small Ads Message: "Could you take down my ad? I had an overwhelming response. Hebweb is fantastic! Thank you."
Lindsay Rimer's Murder - a moving and impressive documentary features two local journalists, Sheron Boyle and Virginia Mason, who have covered the unsolved case over the past 30 years, and Lindsay's sisters, Kate and Juliet. The 24 Minute programme has been produced by TV company ShotsTV and is available to watch here. Also, see this BBC Crimewatch programme
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.
POD car share is up and running Car sharing has returned to the Upper Calder Valley with three cars in Hebden Bridge and two in Tod. People are signing up and are already using the cars with the POD app. Read more 26 Feb
Five years on from Storm Ciara On 9 February 2020, Storm Ciara caused 10 miles of damage across Calderdale. As the 4th major flood event in the area within 8 years, Storm Ciara caused flooding in around 1,200 houses and business properties. Storm Dennis and subsequent heavy rain further impacted the borough. Read more
Windfarm Petition calling on the Government to ban wind farms on protected peat land. Campaigners argue that there is plenty of other available land for all the onshore wind farms needed for the green transition. See Parliamentary petition and forum discussion.
Keeping Old Town Post Office for the Community In recent years the post office and cafe have become central to the community of Old Town. Now that the owners wish to sell, a group has been formed to try and put the post office and cafe into community ownership. A share offer is planned. Read more
MP seeks 'united voice' against windfarm plan A West Yorkshire MP has written to other members of parliament calling for a cross-party "united voice" against proposals for a wind farm in Calderdale which would be England's biggest. Read BBC report 6 Feb
"Hebden Bridge is more than just a town - it's a vibrant canvas of creativity. Wandered through indie shops, traced canal paths, and soaked up the artsy atmosphere that makes this place legendary. This place is basically an artist's dream come true" Insta, 26 Jan
Cafe On't Front Fire ripped through this well known Hebden Bridge cafe late evening, 22 April. The building was one of the last wooden structures from Dawson City. To show support, visit the Cafe's Facebook page.
Music at Wainsgate A new season of concerts at Wainsgate starts 10th May with iyatraQuartet who make original music rooted in ancient melodies and folk tales.
The Flood: A Musical A Love Letter to a Town that refused to sink. On Boxing Day 2015, our town was devastated by the worst floods in a century. Homes and businesses were submerged. Lives were turned upside down. Read more - update - see BBC article.
Town Council's New Website Hebden Royd Town Council are pleased to announce the launch of its new website. The new site is now managed internally by the Town Council, thanks to the appointment of a Communications Officer in the past two years. Read more. 21 April
Podcast: Andrew Bibby and Co-operative Housing Local author and journalist, Andrew Bibby, whose book These Houses Are Ours tells the story of the first wave of co-operative housing, is the guest on the latest Red Heaven podcast from oral historian and interviewer Dr Simon Machin. Read more. 17 April
Hebden Royd Town Council vacancy for a Communications & Engagement Co-ordinator, an opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to become involved at the heart of the community. Read more 17 April
The Calderdale Swift project Calderdale Council, working with the RSPB, Calderdale Bird Conservation and Natural England, is helping to stop the decline in the swift population with free swift nesting boxes. Read more. 8 April
Donations - support the HebWeb: For 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 the annoying popups and banners seen on so many local news websites. Read more.
The Korgis coming to the Trades This classic British pop band best known for their worldwide hit single Everybody's Got to Learn Sometime play Hebden Bridge Trades Club on Friday 25th July. Read more.
New proposals to ban heather burning on peatland to protect air, water and wildlife. Under plans set out by the Government, the burning of peat in the uplands would be banned. This would improve the health and wellbeing of people in nearby communities. Read more 1 April
Christine Gudgin died suddenly on Friday 28 February. She helped renovate the Trades Club in the late 1970-80s and has been a strong supporter of the Hebden Bridge Town Hall. Christine grew up at Dodnaze and attended Stubbings School. Read more on this Lives Remembered page. Friday 4 April 2025
Small Ads "Thank you to everyone who responded (too many to reply to personally). I have somewhere now. "
Parking charges go up from Sunday, 30 March. The half an hour 'quick shop' rate on streets such as Crown Street and Albert Street, which was 20p is now £1, or £2 for one hour. Where the rate was 90p per hour (eg,Hangingroyd Lane and Valley Road), it is now £1 ph.
Vacancy: Environment and Allotments Officer Hebden Royd Town Council are seeking to recruit a Local Environment & Allotment Officer, to be part of a dedicated small team making a positive impact in the community. More info 20 March
Women only events: After complaints, a Women's Self Protection Class, planned for International Women's Day at the Town Hall, has had to move to a venue in Halifax. Follow the discussion.
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!"
Trades Club wins music award - The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge has won a prestigious music industry award. The Northern Music Awards committee have voted the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge the Best Venue Under 2000 capacity. Read more.
Mytholm Mill Demolition has started this week, with "fears it might become a liability for the community" given as the reason. Read more 25 Feb
The Hebden Crypt was situated off Valley Road from 1990 to 1996. Yorkshire Live yesterday did a piece on "the lost Yorkshire horror museum which upset townsfolk and vicars." Read article. 23 Feb
Small Ads - "I am very pleased to say the response was terrific and both properties are now let." (Less than a week)
The HebWeb Interview: see over 45-50 interviews from George Murphy with talented, interesting, characters, writers, artists, campaigners, etc from the Hebden Bridge area. See the interviews.
The Return of the Otter:
A Conservation Success
The Calderdale Otter Project is dedicated to monitoring, protecting and researching otters, advocating for cleaner rivers, and much more. The Group is growing from strength to strength and have established that otters are present throughout Calderdale. Read more 11 Feb
First look at Riot Women - The BBC have released info and photos of the new drama from Sally Wainwright, the writer who gave us Happy Valley. Set and filmed in Hebden Bridge, Riot Women is a six-part series, showing later this year. See BBC report
Loose Ends at the Trades The long running BBC Radio 4 chatshow Loose Ends was broadcast from Hebden Bridge on Saturday, 11 Jan. Host Clive Anderson announced the show was coming direct from "the world famous Hebden Bridge Trades Club." Listen to programme
Pennine Cropshare Receives £28,000 Grant to create jobs and expand operations in Calderdale. The organisation is dedicated to supplying sustainable organic vegetables, fruit, eggs, and bread to collection points across the Calder Valley. Read more 21 Jan
Hebden Bridge in the late 70s and early 80s "Slicing through the Valley" is a HebWeb feature where Matt Hilton remembers his time living here, working on farms and for the fire service, selling linocuts, and mixing with poets, writers, artists and photographers. Read feature and see photos.
Act Now on Climate Change was one of the central themes of the passionate and illuminating talk by Prof Kevin Anderson to the packed, sold out meeting of the Lit & Sci at the Town Hall on Sat 11 Jan. Read report
A sunny Sunday, early March 2025. Photo: HebWeb
The Handmade Parade is Back in Hebden Bridge on 22 June. Now known as "The Summer Parade". Funding is from the Arts Council and Calderdale Council. New big puppets, artist training, volunteer sessions, music, stiltwalking classes and loads more are coming in 2025. See this HebWeb Feature on the Parade with photos and info since 2008.
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."
Sewage concerns in Victoria Road: Questions are being asked about the sewage system for the new block of flats between Victoria Road and Waterside Fold, next to the Little Park. See Discussion thread 16 Dec
Red-throated Diver in Hebden Bridge Photographed from The Smithery B&B this morning. Thanks to Andrew Smith for sending it to the HebWeb. Andrew says, "This bird has caused a stir with the birders. A lot of long lenses in evidence at the marina this afternoon!" Click photo to enlarge. 3 Dec.
from the Archive: 26 December 2015
Boxing Day Floods: Flood Sirens went off at 9.30pm Christmas Day in Hebden Bridge and again throughout the length of the Upper Valley at 7.30am Boxing Day morning. Read the HebWeb report from 9 years ago. Click photo to enlarge
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"
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
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"
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.
Snow: Road, rail and bus services were badly disrupted by the overnight fall of snow in the early hours of Sunday. Some events have been postponed. Check the HebWeb "What's on" section for updates. 5 Jan
Guardian feature Hebden Bridge photographer Alice Longstaff "She was a working-class woman who took amazing photographs for 70 years, yet she is little known precisely because, some would argue, she was a working-class woman." Read Guardian article 1 Jan
Yet another Town Councillor resigns: A vacancy on the Hebden Royd Town Council has arisen following the resignation of Cllr Alison Matthias in Birchcliffe ward. This is the 4th Town Councillor resignation in less than 2 months. Read more. 19 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
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
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
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%.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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"
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
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
CHAINSAW 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
Camera Club - 2024 Winners
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
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
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.
Small Ads: "We have now found a home. Thank you for a fantastic service."
Rochdale Canal, Hebden Bridge, early August 2024

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
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
Small Ads - Message received: "We've filled the room. Thanks for your help. Great response as always!"
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.
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.
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."
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
Small Ads - "I found a new tenant in no time at all thanks to the ad, so much appreciated."
'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
Small Ads: "I have found new tenants. Many thanks once again for a fantastic service."
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!!"
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
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
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
How Happy Valley affects house prices
Daily Mail: house prices 'plummeting' Read article
The Sun: house prices 'booming'.
Read article
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
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
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
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
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
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
Small Ads response received: "I have found a tenant. Many thanks for this fantastic service."
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
HebWeb Small Ads We've been overwhelmed with the response and quality of applicants! Thanks so much!
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.
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)
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.
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
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: 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.
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"
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.
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
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 message - "Just to say that my cottage has now been let. Thanks once again to HebWeb!"
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!"
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
"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."
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
Happy 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
- Accommodation - from bed and breakfast to self catering, a range of places to stay in our area
- Archive - news and discussion going back to the mid 90s
- Bloggers and columns - a section where you can read regular pieces by selected local bloggers.
- Books - of interest to people living in Hebden Bridge and area
- Contact info
- Discussion Forum - hundreds of messages every year on matters of concern to those who live in Hebden Bridge and the surrounding hills, villages and valleys
- Emails - a directory of local email addresses
- Events: a selection of local events
- Features
- Five hundred words on Hebden Bridge - one of the 500 years of the Hebden pack horse bridge projects
- Green Pages
- Hebden Bridge info - some basic information about Hebden Bridge with links to some features which have been written about our town.
- Hebden Bridge 500 - celebrating 500 years of the bridge
- HebWeb Interview
- History pages - links to local history websites, together with a selection of articles remembering times past.
- Lives Remembered - thoughts and comments on the death of a selection of local people
- Mailing list
- Maps - several maps of the town and area, including Google maps.
- Murphy's Lore
- Neighbours/twins - links to websites of surrounding towns and our twin towns in France and Germany
- News: Dozens of news items are posted every month; many are unique to Hebden Bridge Web, coming from our growing number of correspondents. Others may also be covered elsewhere but can be found on HebWeb many days earlier.
- News Archive
- Photos - many galleries of photos, including some by well known local photographers
- Planning Watch - details of controversial developments are posted here.
- Radio and video samples relating to our area
- Search HebWeb - search the thousands of news, features and discusssion on the entire Hebden Bridge Web in seconds.
- Small ads
- Tourist Info
- Useful sites - a range of site which we think local people will find useful, rail and bus timetables, ofsted reports, local doctors, etc.
- View from the Bridge
- Web Design from Pennine Pens
- Websites Listings A-Z: listings of a large selection of Hebden Bridge websites
- Websites List - by category: listings of a large selection of Hebden Bridge websites
- What's on/Local events: a selection of local events
- Where to stay - from bed and breakfast to self catering, a range of places to stay in our area