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News 2020

 

December 2020

 

ROBERT BLOMFIELD: March 1938 - Dec 2020. A familiar sight around Hebden Bridge was that of former doctor and photographer Robert Blomfield being wheeled around by his carer, Ralph Nimmann who has written a tribute, and provided photos, for this Lives Remembered page. (24 Dec)

PICTURE HOUSE RECEIVES CULTURE RECOVERY FUND AWARDS, allowing Hebden Bridge's cinema to cover its operating costs over the course of the current financial year and to secure the cinema's future well into 2021, its centenary year. More info (22 Dec)

ICE POST BOX COMES TO HEBDEN ROYD Hebden Royd Town Council were unable to host the annual Christmas Lights Switch On this year, but wanted to find a way to do something special for the children in the community. A conversation with Sand in Your Eye led to the idea of funding a magic post box made of ice from the North Pole. Read more

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE HOSTS A BIG CHRISTMAS PARTY Happy Valley Pride presents a big Christmas Party broadcast live from The Trades Club in Hebden Bridge on Saturday 19 December at 8pm. The free event is open to all. More info

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 20 - There's winter weather, Ted and Sylvia, Dickens's artful nose, naming, shaming and pickpockets, Tier 3, Lost in Lockdown, Zooming, a train journey, a 70th birthday, a Yule poem and a song. See George Murphy's Murphy's Lore 20 (14 Dec)

HEBDEN BRIDGE COMPANY IS THE FASTEST GROWING IN YORKSHIRE! Where would you expect to find the fastest growing company in Yorkshire? Leeds, Sheffield, maybe York?  You may be surprised to hear that it's Blue Fin Trading, nestled high on the tops above Hebden Bridge! Read more (8 Dec)

HEBDEN ROYD HEROES AWARD WINNERS The awards shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes, individuals and groups, who have gone above and beyond to deliver the highest level of support and assistance within their community during 2020. Read more

CROWS STARTING WORK AGAIN on Monday 7th December. After looking at Tier 3 rules and government guidance, and having done a thorough COVID risk assessment, CROWS has agreed they can restart next week. Read more

CHRISTMAS TREES AT HARDCASTLE CRAGS The sustainably sourced, British-grown Christmas trees will be available to buy from the National Trust Midgehole Road car park on weekends from the 5th December. More info (1 Dec)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 21 - There’s artful graffiti, Krampuslauf greetings, a cry out for carols, a crime scene, The Yule Cat as a capitalist conspiracy, booze and Dorothy Parker, Midnight Mass in days of yore, a Nativity, a folk a tale, a warm up rhyme and a New Year’s wish. See Murphy's Lore 21 (28 Dec)

'FOOL'S GOLD' ENTERTAINS U3A WITH A FESTIVE POT POURRI of Non-Stop Entertainment. Fool's Gold entertained the members who attended with their well-known carols and popular songs for a good hour. Read report

CHOOSING FURNITURE FOR AN ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN There are two very distinct types of English country garden, the more formal type that is usually found in the grounds of a stately home and the informal English cottage garden. Read more (18 Dec)

MAGICAL SCENES LIGHT UP TOWN HALL - with colourful animations featuring magical scenes including snowy rooftops, a sparkling Christmas tree and a glimpse of the main man himself - Santa and his reindeer. Come and see after sunset until 19 Dec. More info

COMMON PROBLEMS: THE HISTORY OF COMMON LAND IN NORTHERN ENGLAND A capacity Zoom audience joined Angus Winchester, for a talk to the Local History Society which explored the history of common land in the north of England, but which also carried contemporary resonances of ways to share resources and maintain good neighbourliness. Read report. (14 Dec)

FOX AND GOOSE COVID-19 CROWDFUND APPEAL - our local, co-operatively run, community pub is seeking funds to build heated structures in the extended beer garden to ensure they can accommodate enough customers when they reopen. Read more (14 Dec)

BBC LOOK NORTH: FLOODING IN THE CALDER VALLEY: Rainfall could double if greenhouse gas emissions keep rising at the present rate, with much more flash flooding. See this report from Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. (8 Dec)

LIBRARIES OPEN AGAIN in Hebden Bridge and Todmorden from Monday 7 December. Monday to Saturday 10 - 4. Open to browse, choose books, use the computers, return & collect pre-reserved items.

LAURA ANNIE WILLSON – SUFFRAGETTE, BUILDER, ENGINEER: Anne Kirker told the story, to the online meeting of Hebden Bridge Local History Society, of a woman who is seen as extraordinary. Laura Annie Buckley was born to a poor working class family in Halifax and went on to become a trades unionist, member of the Independent Labour Party and more. Read report (3 Dec)

November 2020

 

MURPHY'S LORE - THE BOOK
The perfect present!
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 (27 Nov)

HEBDEN BRIDGE PICTURE HOUSE REMAINS TEMPORARILY CLOSED Following the government's announcement today, in which Calderdale was placed in Tier 3, Hebden Bridge Picture House will remain temporarily closed until further notice. More info (26 Nov)

MIND YOUR HEAD – LGTQ+ MENTAL HEALTH EVENT Happy Valley Pride presents a special LGBTQ+ focussed online mental health panel as part of their winter season of events. More info

FORMER MAYOR ROBIN DIXON DIES Cllr Scott-Archer has written: "Robin was a very active Labour town councillor for Hebden Royd for many years and was also the Mayor. I know town councillors who served alongside him regarded him in the highest terms, he had a wicked sense of humour and was passionate about the valley." See Lives Remembered (20 Nov)

HISTORY SOCIETY REPORT: THE FIELDENS AND THEIR LEGACY IN TODMORDEN Anne Mealia, local historian and genealogist, told her audience at the well-attended Zoom meeting of the Hebden Bridge Local History Society. There's hardly any aspect of life in 19th century Todmorden that the Fieldens didn't influence is some way. Read report (19 Nov)

HEBDEN BRIDGE E-BIKE FIRM FEATURED ON BBC Delivering everything from vintage clothes to cheese, the cargo electric bike company Cargodale, set up during lockdown, is seeing its trade soar. See BBC video (17 Nov)

GEORGE MURPHY INTERVIEWS MARY AGNES KRELL who is Director of Teaching and Learning for the School of Media, Film and Music at Sussex University. In normal times, she commutes each week from Mytholm to the south coast. She's also producer and director of the Grand Northern Ukulele Festival. Read all five HebWeb Interviews. (8 Nov)

TOWN COUNCIL BACKS MARCUS RASHFORD CAMPAIGN to end child food poverty. Hebden Royd Town Council unanimously passed a motion at the Full Council meeting formally supporting the campaign led by Marcus Rashford to extend free school meals. Read more. (6 Nov)

HEBDEN BRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SHORT FILM PROGRAMME for free and online. The 9 selected short films will be available to stream for an exclusive 24-hour window from midday on Thursday 19 November. Read more (5 Nov)

CYCLISTS CLEAR TRASH FROM TRAILS Volunteers, from Ride Calderdale, Cargodale and Trash Free Trails used electric cargo bikes to collect litter at hotspots around the Calder Valley and transported it to be safely recycled. Read more (3 Nov)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 17 - there's hospital dramas, a Martian postcard, a strange encounter with hippies, a PM with dead pheasants, a mathematical fable, spies and an Android Hospital, Robert Jenrick and memory foam mattresses, good news, bad news and fake news, Jack o'Lanterns and the smells of yesteryear and the perils of rambling. See Murphy's Lore 17 (2 Nov)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 19 - a lost stadium, supermarket shopping and parking matters, vaccines and the promise of spring, a magpie and The king of the cats, dead eyed Queens, computer problems and granny power, Tier 3 and one story that leads to another. See Murphy's Lore 19 (30 Nov)

HANDMADE PARADE: WE ARE HERE - a collaborative film made by over 1400 participants, from the UK and further afield. A story of hope and healing for 2020, brought to life by handmade artwork from all over the world. See video (29 Nov)

THE ORIGINS OF THE CIRCUS: Stephen Ward, the speaker, was only four when he discovered his lifelong passion for the circus and all things associated with it. Focussing on one of the early giants, he talked about the life and times of Philip Astley, also known as "Billy Buttons". Read report (21 Oct)

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW George Murphy interviews Andrew Bibby who has certainly made his mark on our town, not least for having been a key member of the team which led to the rebuilding of the Town Hall. Andrew tells about his writing and journalism, and his interest in walking, running, singing and the Community Land Trust. Read all six HebWeb Interviews. (23 Nov)

'HEBDEN BRIDGE LEADS THE WAY IN A BID TO BEAT LOCKDOWN SHOPPING SLUMP' according to this ITV news report. Around 70 traders have signed up to 'totallylocally'- a unique scheme which allows shoppers to buy online from local shops all on the same website. See the ITV video (19 Nov)

CALDERDALE ISSUE COVID-19 WARNING Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council's Leader and Deborah Harkins, Director of Public Health at Calderdale have asked for the public's help. "Calderdale is ranked 19th in England for COVID-19, with an infection rate of 488 cases per 100,000. This is the highest the rate has ever been in Calderdale. " Read more (19 Nov)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 18 - includes a lax MP, Mischief and Plots, bonfire nights of yore, Ted Hughes on his yacht, a President Elect and one who won’t leave, Remembrances, Friday 13th, the girl in white and a cautionary tale. See Murphy's Lore 18 (16 Nov)

FUNDING BID TO SUPPORT HEBDEN BRIDGE AND ERRINGDEN HILLSIDE FLOOD SCHEMES On Monday 9 November, Calderdale Council's Cabinet will be asked to approve plans to pursue a bid for an additional £4.5million of funding from the European Structural and Investment Fund. Read more (6 Nov)

ONLINE PORTRAIT CLUB FOR LOCKDOWN Since March, Hebden Bridge Portrait Club has taken place on-line every Friday morning from 10.30 to 12.30. More info (5 Nov)

DISABILITY ACCESS FORUM TO FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum has its next ordinary meeting on Monday 16th November, 3pm by Zoom video link. The meeting will be focusing on Mental Health issues. More info (4 Nov)

FREE SCHOOL MEALS PROTEST AT CRAIG WHITTAKER'S OFFICE Young people from the Calder Valley dressed as school dinner ladies to target the office of Calder Valley's MP, Craig Whittaker on 1st November in protest at his vote to deny vulnerable children meals during school holidays. More info (3 Nov)

OCTOBER 2020

 

TIER THREE West Yorkshire to go into Tier Three from Monday, 2 November. No mixing of households indoors or ourdoors in private gardens. Pubs and bars that do not serve substantial food must close and people are advised to avoid travel out of the area. Read press release from Calderdale

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW:George Murphy interviews John Billingsley, writer and offcumden, expelled from school, rebellious in Essex and Paris, who escaped to Mytholmroyd, Japan and Hebden Bridge. Read this HebWeb Interview and three more. (25 Oct)

THE LOW MOOR MUNITIONS EXPLOSION OF 1916 The History Society's series of Webinar lectures continued with a dramatic and engaging exploration of the devastating explosion of the Munitions Factory at Low Moor Bradford in 1916 – an accident waiting to happen. Read report (20 Oct)

KEIGHLEY ROAD TO RE-OPEN The final stage of work to improve the A6033 from Hebden Bridge to Oxenhope is now underway, with a completion date currently scheduled for the end of October. Read more (20 Oct)

SLOW THE FLOW APPOINTS 'ARTIST IN RESIDENCE' Environmental charity Slow The Flow have appointed artist Anne Fox as 'Artist in Residence' as part of a project to promote and interpret the environmental benefits of Natural Flood Management. Read more (16 Oct)

CAMERA CLUB ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2020 - THE WINNING IMAGES The results are in and the 1000+ votes have been counted! Lorna Tennant won the 'Local' category with 'Autumn Morning, Hardcastle Crags'. Click photo to enlarge. See more winning photos here. (14 Oct)

HEBDEN BRIDGE FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME: OCTOBER UPDATE and an online map allows selection of a location to access the description and approximate duration of the work taking place. Read more (13 Oct)

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW A new section for the HebWeb. Writer, storyteller, and creator of Murphy's Lore, George Murphy is interviewing local characters and personalities. We start with three interviews and Q&As: Heather 'H' Wilson, Marco Nizzardo, and Amanda and Debbie Elwen. Read them here (11 Oct)

PICTURE HOUSE TO RE-OPEN - Film fans will once again be able to experience a trip to the cinema as Hebden Bridge Picture House reopens on Friday 30 October, after being closed for 7 months due to the coronavirus pandemic. More info (1 Oct)

NEW COUNCILLORS WANTED Are you community spirited, do you care about what takes place on your doorstep and would like to contribute to your community's future? Then becoming a Wadsworth Parish Councillor might be for you. Read more

COMMUNITY ORGANISATION TO FEED SCHOOLCHILDREN With the help of Together We Grow, food parcels are being delivered by St Augustine's Centre to 30 families. Read more (25 Oct)

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE ANNOUNCE NEW DIGITAL EVENTS Following the success of their digital mini-festival in July, Happy Valley Pride has announced new series of online events, to be broadcast on Facebook and/or Zoom. More info. (21 Oct)

HOW COSMIC COLLISIONS CAN CHANGE WORLDS: The local U3A was given a rare opportunity, at their October meeting, to Zoom into exciting new research by Dr Jacob Kegerreis of Durham University who gave insights into the role of giant planetary collisions in the history of our solar system. Read report (21 Oct)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 16 - There's student shame and an island quiz, Shakespeare and Shipman, Corfu and Mull, a Hebden hero and a cure for buskers, Miller Lee and boggarts, Bob Pegg and the man from Luddenden Dene, Fiery Jack and Amazing Grace … and the second wave hits the north. See Murphy's Lore 16 (19 Oct)

TIER TWO - Hebden Bridge, like the rest of Calderdale, is from Wednesday, 14 October in the second Tier of the Government's three tier system of Covid restrictions, announced 12 October. More info. (13 Oct)

MORE CASES IN THE UPPER VALLEY for the week 1-7 Oct, 12 cases in Hebden Bridge, 17 in Mytholmroyd and 36 in Tod. 66 new cases in Calderdale reported on Sun 11 Oct making the total 2456 since the pandemic started, including 572 new cases in September and 660 so far in October! More info. (11 Oct)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 15 - there's a Golden Acre and a mother's pride and joy, cures for Covid and what would Margaret Thatcher do, a funeral of a stonemason and a Heptonstall story, a spaceship house and autumn leaves, mortality, a view from above, a dental visit and a sick President, an adolescent regret and the Earth in a spin. See Murphy's Lore (5 Oct)

SEPTEMBER 2020

 

MAYOR LAUNCHES HEBDEN ROYD HEROES AWARD The Mayor of Hebden Royd, Cllr Val Stevens is seeking nominations from residents to nominate those who have made outstanding contributions within the Hebden Royd community during the Covid-19 pandemic. More info (28 Sept)

HANDMADE PARADE IS LOOKING FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS! The Handmade Parade is looking for people with the skills, commitment and energy to provide strategic guidance and leadership as they embark on our new strategic plan. More info (26 Sept)

Last chance for flood resilience funding Residents and businesses affected by the flooding in February 2020 now have until the end of October to express an interest in flood resilience funding. More info (24 Sept)

LAST CHANCE FOR FLOOD RESILIENCE FUNDING Residents and businesses affected by the flooding in February 2020 now have until the end of October to express an interest in flood resilience funding. More info (24 Sept)

CELEBRATE ANNE LISTER'S LEGACY by taking part in a series of events to mark the 180th anniversary of her death. Click here to find out more about Anne Lister, Shibden Hall and Gentleman Jack. (21 Sept)

CALDER VALLEY RESTRICTIONS RE-INTRODUCED: Local COVID-19 restrictions will be re-introduced in the Calder Valley from Tuesday 22 September, just 20 days after they were lifted, meaning that the local restrictions will apply throughout Calderdale, including Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Tod. More info and details. (18 Sept)

FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME FOR HEBDEN BRIDGE The Environment Agency is working with Calderdale Council to design and build a Flood Alleviation Scheme for Hebden Bridge. More info (8 Sept)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 13 - In this episode there's staycation, a devil's bridge, our debt to viruses; Vesper flights, Coleridge and football transfers, a favourite kiss and John Cooper Clarke, a footballer's curse; tips for husbands and John Prescott's jowls, Amanda and Debbie and Boris, and a Slow Dancing song. See Murphy's Lore (7 Sept)

HANDMADE PARADE'S FILM PROJECT NEEDS YOUR ARTWORK - This year, instead of making art in their Hebden Bridge workshop and telling a story on the streets, Handmade Parade organisers are asking you to make art in your homes, for a story told on screen: We Are Here - More info (2 Sept)

THE BIG AUTUMN CLEAN-UP from 11-27th September, with sponsorship for groups from Hebden Royd Town Council. More info

OPEN STUDIOS ONLINE - A programme of videos and live streamed features during the weekend of 10-11 October, a Town Hall Exhibition, and online conversation hosted by artist Kate Lycett. More info (30 Sept)

WOMEN OF PROPERTY: THE ROLE OF WOMEN LOCALLY AT THE END OF THE 17th CENTURY. David Cant transported the Local History Society Zoom audience of more than 80 people back over 300 years, exploring documentary evidence, including wills and inventories, for the role of women at this time. Read report. (29 Sept)

LIVING WITH COVID 19 AND HOW WE CAN FIGHT BACK The local U3A asked Dr Zania Stamataki, a Senior Lecturer in Virology, to give them a better understanding of what Covid-19 is doing in our bodies and an insight into how our bodies fight back. Read report of U3A talk (24 Sept)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 14 - there's grannies and vicars, Ben Nevis and Petey the Snake, hippies posh and poor, Martin Parr and the mother of parliaments, dentists past and present, a second wave, Irish proverbs, testing and nesting, Marco Nizzardo and Italy's Robin Hood. See Murphy's Lore (21 Sept)

DELAYS AS MYTHOLMROYD FLOOD SCHEME COMPLETES FINAL PHASE On Monday 21 September, work will begin on Burnley Road in Mytholmroyd to carry out repairs to the surface water drainage system. The work is expected to take 1-2 weeks. More info (19 Sept)

LARGEST DAILY RISE the HebWeb has reported - 25 new Covid19 cases in Calderdale on 16 Sept. Today, there are 15 more new cases. The total is 1449 since the pandemic started, including 255 new cases this month. More info. (18 Sept)

EXTINCTION REBELLION CALDERDALE Photo documentary. The past week has seen disruptive action by Extinction Rebellion in London and elsewhere. Over the past year, the activity of the local group - Extinction Rebellion Calderdale - has been recorded in a series of photographs. See the online book here. (Thanks to Gerard Liston) (7 Sept)

LOCAL HISTORY TALKS programme now available. Talks will be by Zoom for the time being and include Women of Property, the Fieldens, a local suffragette, common land in northern England, building Hebden Bridge, the 1918 General Election, Sylvia Plath and more. See What's On (4 Sept)

HEBDEN BRIDGE LIBRARY to re-open from Weds, 16 September, with restrictions to allow for social distancing.

AUGUST 2020

 

DISABILITY ACCESS FORUM UPDATES MAP AND GUIDE - the group has issued the third edition of its Town Centre Step-free Access Map and Guide. More info (29 Aug)

KEIGHLEY ROAD CLOSURE - UPDATE Progress has been delayed by a combination of poor weather and the discovery of a collapsed culvert. More information about closure dates (27 Aug)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 12 - Episode 12 features art in the valley and artists we have lost, Percy Shaw and Ken Dodd, a stall holder and Vincent Van Gogh, memories of Strays restaurant, a policeman and Frank Bough, overdue compensation and Acre Mill. See Murphy's Lore (24 Aug)

A CONTEMPORARY HOME IN THE ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE - Stunning views, quiet road and peaceful surroundings. For many, living in the English countryside is the dream. This article explore the possibilities of creating a contemporary home in areas of the countryside. Read more (21 Aug)

NATURAL FLOOD MANAGEMENT REPORT Read all about what The Source Partners have been up to in the last 12 months. Flood alleviation, tree planting, biodiversity issues and more. (19 Aug)

RED SKY AT NIGHT AT NUTCLOUGH MILL: Calrec Audio in Hebden Bridge was one of several Calder Valley venues who lit the night sky red to help raise the alarm for the live events and entertainment sector. Read more

CLIMATE CAMPAIGNERS TO DEMONSTRATE AGAINST DRAX Hebden Bridge youth strikers will be taking the lead in family friendly action this Friday, 14th August. Read more

ARTIST "JOHN THE BARBER" who cut hair (and painted) for many years at his premises in Innovation, Hebden Bridge has sadly died, having stopped work through illness earlier this year. See this video portrait from 6 years ago. Photo: Bruce Cutts. Add your memories to the Lives Remembered page. (10 Aug)

TRADES CLUB LAUNCHES A CROWDFUNDER Like many small music venues the Trades Club, our celebrated venue for live music in Hebden Bridge, is facing an uncertain future so they have launched a crowdfunder. Read about the Trades Club Crowdfunder (7 Aug)

TOWN COUNCIL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS TWINNING WITH WARSTEIN A remote meeting was held on Friday 31st July 2020 to celebrate 25 years of twinning between Warstein and Hebden Royd.

TRIDENT PROTEST On Saturday, 29 Aug, Calder Valley CND joined in Extinction Rebellion's autumn rebellion with a demo in Calder Holmes Park, protesting the huge amounts of money to be spent on Trident. More info (30 Aug)

EXTRA RESTRICTIONS IN CALDER VALLEY LIFTED from Wednesday 2 September. This of course includes Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Todmorden. The national restrictions remain as the virus is still very active. Preventative measures such as washing of hands and social distancing should be continued. More info (28 Aug)

NO NEW CASES IN THE UPPER CALDER VALLEY were reported for the fourth week in a row, according to figures released Thursday, 27 August - no new cases in Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd or Todmorden between 16 and 22 Aug. More info

FREEDOM FROM TORTURE CAKE STALL: The Calderdale Supporters Group of the charity Freedom from Torture held a very successful cake, plant and ceramics sale on Sunday raising over £595. See photos (25 Aug)

COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATIONS WELCOMED - The Town Council welcomes applications from community groups to apply for a grant from the Community Funding Budget to support projects which benefit local residents. More info (20 Aug)

AXE DRAX CLIMATE CAMPAIGNERS STAGE PROTESTS in coordinated demonstrations across 10 locations in the North, including Hebden Bridge where Youth activists, artists, and climate campaigners joined together to create a colourful action at Hebden Bridge Station. Read more (14 Aug)

7 YEAR OLD'S LETTER IMPRESSES MAYOR - Lottie Cliffe, a 7-year-old from Hebden Bridge, wrote a letter to Town Council Mayor Cllr Val Stevens, to express her concern at the amount of litter in Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge. Read story (11 Aug)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 11 - See the latest from the HebWeb's offbeat columnist George Murphy - This episode focuses on our animal instincts, a staycation, our MP's BAME blame and reasons to be cheerful, unless you're a male peacock spider. See Murphy's Lore (10 Aug)

SPECTACULAR SHARKS, TURTLES, CROCODILES AND GANNETS was the title of the recent U3A talk. Wildlife and underwater photographer, David Keep spoke of some of his often hair-raising journeys to obtain some amazing sea-life photographs and videos. Read report (6 Aug)

JULY 2020

 

CALDER VALLEY BOOKS FOR CHANGE: is a new fundraising campaign that seeks to raise £6000 to buy a range of diverse and inclusive books for each of the 60 primary schools across the Calder Valley​. Inspired by Books for Change Folkestone, who were motivated by the Black Lives Matter movement. More info (30 July)

HEBDEN BRIDGE AND CALDER VALLEY FOOTBALL: A new book on the early history of soccer in Yorkshire's West Riding features many long-gone teams, leagues, and cup competitions, including those from the Hebden Bridge and Upper Calder Valley areas. A Noble Winter's Game (30 July)

ELEMENT JEWELLERY RELAUNCH ON 1 AUGUST When the owners of Element Jewellery announced that they were selling the business, local entrepreneurs Mark and Debbie Coup quickly stepped in to purchase it. More info

COVID-19 DATA: WHAT'S THE PICTURE LOCALLY? The number of cases reported in Calderdale has jumped significantly during July and Calderdale is on the Government's Areas of Concern. What do we know about cases in Hebden Bridge and the Upper Valley? How does Calderdale compare? More info

SLOW THE FLOW harnesses the power of nature to reduce flood risk. Here's their response to the Government's policy statement on flood and erosion risk management, arguing that more of the £5.2 billion should go to natural flood management. Read more (21 July)

WHAT'S BEHIND THE GREEN DOOR? With cases of domestic abuse rocketing during lockdown, Ann Brown seeks support to make a film of her play 'Green Door' and, with Hebden Bridge based charity, Verd de Gris to create a workshop. Read more (16 July)

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE PRESENTS STORYTIME! Happy Valley Pride has announced a series of videos featuring LGBTQ+ friendly stories for children across Calder Valley and beyond – as part of their series of digital events for 2020. More info (14 July)

SURVEY RESULTS from the Hebden Bridge Business Forum Survey show support for a moratorium on flood alleviation works planned for next year in Hebden Bridge. And for cancellation or delay of the Keighley Road roadworks. See results. (10 July)

CROWS ARE STARTING WORK AGAIN on 13 July. The've completed a risk assessment, developed a safe way of working and will be putting up signs to alert path users when they are working. Read more (8 July)

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE FESTIVAL GOES DIGITAL - Festival organisers have announced a series of online events during the week the main festival would have taken place. From Thurs 23 to Sat 25 July, the mini digital festival will include special guests, live performances and more. More info

CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS IN CALDERDALE: Today it has been revealed that the figures published by the Government, and daily updated on the HebWeb, did not include home and drive through tests. Now they are included, the number of reported cases in Calderdale more than doubles to 653 (2 July)

COMMUNITY TUTORING FUND goes from strength to strength. The 'Ask The Question' fund, set up in 2017, allows parents to 'donate a lesson' to enable a local disadvantaged child to have a free tutoring session. More info

WHAT WAS YOUR STORM CIARA EXPERIENCE? On 9 February, Storm Ciara caused severe flooding in Hebden Bridge and the Upper Valley, causing major damage to homes and businesses. Calderdale Council wants to hear from anyone whose property was affected by the flooding. Read more (30 July)

HELP THE TRADES CLUB FINISH THE WORK: Much of the work following the 2015 Boxing Day Flood has been completed by volunteers. Now funds are needed for professional builders to complete the next stage, and make the club fully accessible. Read about the plans and how to help. (29 July)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 10 - See the latest from the HebWeb's offbeat columnist George Murphy - What We Did in Lockdown, the Wuhan Whistleblower, a 1950s murder, Clare Balding, Steve Tilston and more - Murphy's Lore (27 July)

ZOOMING INTO: PUB AND INN SIGNS 100 members logged into the recent University of the Third Age Zoom meeting on Pub Signs. Why have signs? Speaker Michael Astrop suggested for reasons of taxes, illiteracy, and streetmapping. Read report (23 July)

CAMERA CLUB EXHIBITION The August Bank Holiday weekend will see the start of the popular Hebden Bridge Camera Club Annual Exhibition which this year, owing to Covid 19, will take place on their website. Above: last year's winner - 'Winter Steam' by Graham Speak. Read more (16 July)

£12 MILLION BOOST FOR FLOOD PROTECTION IN HEBDEN BRIDGE - The funding boost is part of the Government’s new multi-billion-pound investment across the country, including an immediate cash injection to speed up flood scheme construction. Read more. (14 July)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 9 - This week it’s a Beatles, books, shops, pubs and performers special! Murphy's Lore Lockdown Diary (13 July)

CALDER VALLEY RADIO STATION LAUNCHED - on Super Saturday by comedian, Jon Richardson (8 out of 10 Cats and Meet the Richardson) who officially launched the Station and cut the ribbon, along with Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council, Cllr Val Stevens. More info

PLAYGROUNDS AND OUTDOOR GYMS TO REOPEN All play areas and outdoor gyms in Calderdale are due to reopen by Friday 10 July, – but the Council has issued important guidance to ensure everyone can enjoy the facilities safely, as COVID-19 is still within our communities. More info

WEST YORKSHIRE DEVOLUTION: Deadline for comments 19th July. Leaders of the five West Yorkshire councils have secured a devolution deal with Government, which will see a transfer of powers and investment from Whitehall. See details and give feedback

RAW SEWAGE DISCHARGED INTO RIVERS Storm overflow spilled into the Hebden Water 27 times in 2019 (65 hours) and 60 times into Cragg Brook (417 hours). There were significant spills into the Calder at Cornholme, Todmorden and Brearley. See this interactive map. (2 July)

JUNE 2020

 

CALDER VALLEY RADIO STATION LAUNCH - Saturday, 4 July, Based at Mytholmroyd Community Centre, there will be a celebrity guest cutting the ribbon, along with the Mayor of Hebden Royd, Cllr Val Stevens and Station Director, Tony Hodgins. More info

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 8 - there's the Father Ted model for shopping, a tornado over Tod, alien encounters and Frank Bough, missing cattle and locked toilets, a cautionary tale, passion in a bookshop, ponds, UFOs and The Todmorden Triangle. Murphy's Lore Lockdown Diary (29 June)

PHYSICAL BOOKS OR PDFS: Which are better for education? A massive shift in the last two decades has seen institutions of learning preferring the use of a portable document format (PDF) to physical books to train students. This article discusses the merits and demerits of this. Read more (26 June)

HEBDEN BRIDGE BUSINESS FORUM SURVEY relating to the flood alleviation works which start this year and cause disruptions until 2024, the Keighley Road roadworks starting July for 20 weeks and the A646 Corridor Improvement Scheme. Respond to the survey by 5 July.

HEBDEN BRIDGE PICTURE HOUSE TO RE-OPEN IN AUTUMN - Whilst our cinema remains closed due to the continuing risks of Coronavirus, they are re-assuring customers that they will be re-opening our doors in early to mid Autumn. Read Picture House statement (23 June)

FANTASTIC READS ON CLASSICAL EDUCATION - By the time we are four years old, some parents had already started educating us in a classical manner of speaking. They, and even ourselves, may not have even known it. Classical education is made up of three different stages of learning.. Read more (18 June)

WORKERS' CO-OPS CONFERENCE GOES ONLINE - planned for July, two events to mark the 150th anniversary celebrations for worker-led co-ops will now be online from 3-4 July. More info

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 7 - includes a village under siege and a cautionary tale, Sir Sheer Calmer, Mr Malaprop and Miss Airedale, garden visitors and ladies’ gardens, slavery and statues, Mama Dot and JK Rowling, Mans’ Span and Maya Angelou. Murphy's Lore Lockdown Diary (15 June)

NEW MAYOR IS CLLR VAL STEVENS: On Weds 10th June, the Town Council elected Cllr Valerie Stevens as the new Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council for the coming year. See candidate profiles for 2019 Town Council elections

TOWN COUNCIL MAYOR RETIRES after two years in the post. This evening Wednesday 10th June, Hebden Royd Town Council will hold its Annual Meeting of the Town Council remotely. At this meeting a new Mayor will be elected. More info

SCHOOLS CAN CONSIDER WIDER RE-OPENING FROM 15 JUNE - Calderdale Council supports local schools to open more widely from Monday 15 June, provided that they are confident it is safe for children and staff to return. More info (9 June)

BOOST FOR NATURAL FLOOD MANAGEMENT New projects using nature to help reduce flood risk in Calderdale will soon get off the ground, thanks to a £112,000 funding boost from Calderdale Council and the Environment Agency. More info (8 June)

CONTACT TRACING IN THE UPPER VALLEY From Monday 1st June, people in the Upper Calder Valley who have Covid19 symptoms will be able to get help from a local Contact Tracing and Support pilot. Read full details here (1 June)

HEBDEN BRIDGE FLOOD ALLEVIATION WORK DELAYED: Work is now expected to start in summer 2021, but it is not expected to be completed before summer 2024, taking three instead of the planned two years. Read BBC news report (30 June)

100 DAYS OF LOCKDOWN IN CALDERDALE As the country approaches its 100th day of lockdown, Calderdale Council has reflected upon the enormous joint effort and kindness that have defined the response to COVID-19 across the borough. Read more (29 June)

THE TRADES CLUB, Hebden Bridge's living, vibrant, socialist club and music venue remains closed. Mal Campbell, the club's events manager, has written an article on the club and how people are missing communal live experiences. Read article (26 June)

HEBDEN BRIDGE & DISTRICT OLD PEOPLE'S WELFARE COMMITTEE is the Mayor's chosen charity - Read more (25 June)

DOES THE TYPE OF BOOKS DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF EDUCATION you will attain? The good thing nowadays is that you can search for any book from online sources and get them within the blink of an eye. Will online sources replace book? Read more (24 June)

A TOP BOOK PLATFORM FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS - Commonly, you might need guidance to ensure that you manage your education in the best way possible. Sometimes, such info doesn't necessarily have to come from academic advisors. A top book platform is one source that assists students in their education. Read more (21 June)

BLACK LIVES MATTER: LOCAL TRADES UNIONS CALL FOR JUSTICE West Yorkshire Association of Trades Union Councils (WYATUC) has expressed solidarity with those campaigning for justice and real, meaningful equality for Black people. Read more (16 June)

BOOKS ON EDUCATION YOU OUGHT TO READ - It is no secret that the current model of formal education is outdated. There is barely any engagement between instructors and learners. A teacher will stand in front of the classroom, disseminate knowledge, while students absorb as much as they can. Read more (15 June)

KEIGHLEY ROAD CLOSURES AND IMPROVEMENTS The works are scheduled for weekdays from Monday 6 July until to Friday 20 November. For the first six weeks, the road will be closed between Hebden Bridge and Oxenhope with local access only between Hebden Bridge and Pecket Well. Read more (11 June)

'THE AMERICAN DREAM' - explores Racism in Sport - A special online Q&A for acclaimed feature documentary will be hosted by Hebden Bridge Film Festival on Thursday, June 18 at 8pm. More info

FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME - survey work means pavement closures. The Environment Agency and Calderdale are designing a Flood Alleviation Scheme for Hebden Bridge. There will be a need for localised pavement diversions to close off access to specific areas. More info (9 June)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary 6 - there's a new bridge, sightings of nymphs, a billy goat rescued, a warning to buskers, dangers down a well, blubber boy, social distancing worries, William Holt and Trigger, nymphs in Todmorden, bird song and rewilding and an errant adviser. Murphy's Lore Lockdown Diary (2 June)

May 2020

 

WASTE AND RECYCLING CENTRE TO RE-OPEN at Eastwood, from Friday 22 May. It will not be as previously. There will be traffic management and strict safety measures in place to protect both staff and visitors. Read more (20 May)

MURPHY'S LORE: Lockdown Diary 5 In this issue, Nora does a duet with herself, there's Jon, John and Grayson, domestic abuse and a hanging judge, a randy professor and an artful woman, Poundland and Mr Big, VE Day and a passing poet, a fancy man and Boris, New Zealand versus England, a fable and a folktale and a Fairytale of Hebden Bridge! Plus Readers Write. Murphy's Lore Lockdown Diary (18 May)

HIMALAYAN BALSAM CHOKING BLUEBELLS Brearley woods is an area once renowned for its bluebells. Sadly, they are currently being choked by Himalayan Balsam. Walkers are being urged to helpbash the balsam. Read more

GREEN DOOR: Hebden Bridge's Ann Brown tells her true tale of relationship abuse, tinged with humanity and humour. Watch in the comfort of your own homes! Green Door exposes the traits of those who inflict physical and mental torture on their partners. Read more (7 May)

MURPHY’S LORE: Lockdown Diary includes a tale from Turvin, hunters, breeders, sky writing, haircuts for men, a president in hiding, a psychiatrist in action, Shakespeare's birthday, the farmer and the lion, the Doctor's Patient, bluebells, wild garlic, red skies, swallows, ducks, a man rehearsing and Nora starring in Britain's Got Talent. Murphy's Lore Lockdown Diary (4 May)

CALDERDALE SAYS DON'T OPEN SCHOOLS IF NOT SAFE: The Council is advising local schools not to open more widely until they can be confident that children and teaching staff are able to return to classrooms safely. The Government has set five key tests which must guide any decision to re-open. Read more (19 May)

NEW CALDENE BRIDGE OPENS MONDAY The opening of the new bridge, from 10am, Mon 18 May, is a major milestone for the Mytholmroyd Flood Alleviation Scheme. The old bridge was a serious constriction to flood flows and contributed towards the Boxing Day 2015 floods. Read more.

SWARM SEASON IS HERE With the warming of the weather it’s time for the bees to start swarming in the valley. If you have a swarm in the Hebden Bridge or Mytholmroyd area you can ring local beekeepers. More info (13 May)

MAYOR'S CHARITY RAISES MONEY FOR CROWS The Town Council Mayor, Cllr Dr Carol Stow has raised a total of £1561.51 during her Mayoral year for CROWS (Community Rights Of Way Service), to help CROWS to continue improving and maintaining the footways and bridleways for us all to enjoy. Read more (7 May)

April 2020

 

PLAN TO OPEN WASTE SITES EXPECTED SOON In the meantime, fortnightly garden waste collections will now resume for existing subscribers, and we're encouraged to report instances of fly-tipping More info (29 April)

MORE DUVET COVERS AND SHEETS NEEDED... ... can you help? The HebWeb has received a request to help Niladri make more laundry bags for the NHS. Staff can put their used scrubs straight into the bag so that they can be washed without further handling - thus reducing infection risk. More info (27 April)

HEBDEN BRIDGE FLOOD ALLEVIATION SCHEME - Listed Building Consent applications for some of these works have been submitted, eg in respect of all three bridges, Innovation and the Town Hall. Read more

HEBDEN BRIDGE'S JOAN PEARCE (100) recovers from coronavirus - see YouTube video of Joan being clapped as she left hospital on Monday, 13 April.

GRANTS FROM HEBDEN BRIDGE ROTARY CLUB The Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge awards grants to local, national and international charities and good causes. Its income comes from running events such as the Duck Race and the Vintage Weekend. Each year, they distribute around £45,000 in grants. Read more, and how to apply

MURPHY'S LORE TWO: Tales from an offcumden, a diary of the pandemic, DIY on the front line, what hides under kilts, EpiPens, Slack top and bottom, a scenic cemetery, when to cry wolf, the Earth takes a breather, bats, hedgehogs, pangolins, a hairy toe, a kissing tree, gardeners who can't garden, butter up awards, fame at 96 and readers write. Murphy's Law Two (6 April)

BEFORE THE BUG: In the absence of very much news during the lockdown, the HebWeb is taking the opportunity to celebrate our area by digging into our archives. Most days, our home page will be updated with HebWeb articles from the same date from the past 25 years. See articles posted since 1 April

FLOODS IN THE CONGO: Over the weekend of 17-19 April, flooding caused dozens of deaths and made a large numbers homeless in the community of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Town Council has sent a letter of support. Read more. (27 April)

MOORLAND FIRE AT WIDDOP: Fire crews tackle burning moorland blaze near Hebden Bridge. See ITV report

MURPHY’S LORE: LOCKDOWN DIARY
There's a question to Bob Dylan, a salute to a big man, time travel, care workers, a big and a little dog, hobyahs, a Grimm grim tale, a tunnel discovery, the mystery of Mr E, a red wine temptation, the frightening man and meeting up at the Omega Point. Murphy's Law Lockdown Diary (20 April)

TOWN COUNCIL LAUNCHES COVID-19 GRANTS: a small grants scheme available to support local organisations working to mitigate the effects of the Coronavirus outbreak on the most vulnerable in our community. More info and how to apply (15 April)

PACE EGG PLAY GOES ONLINE! The Heptonstall Players have decided to use 21st century technology to bring you the centuries old play and a one-off play will be streamed online here at 11am on Friday 10th April 2020. Read more

CHANNEL 4 NEWS - report from locked-down Hebden Bridge, on Weds, 8 April 2020.

LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM TWINNING/ FRIENDSHIP TOWNS: Hebden Royd Town Council (HRTC) sent letters of support to our Twinning and Friendship towns in St Pol sur Ternoise, Warstein and Paratico, in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Read more (4 April)

March 2020

 

CORONAVIRUS: FOOD FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE in Calderdale who are being supported to get the food they need during the COVID-19 outbreak, through food parcels, food banks and free school meals. More info (31 March)

MURPHY'S LORE TWO: THE C WORD This bumper first issue includes The C Word, herd immunity, a score draw in York, lunch at Leila's, Oscar Wilde, hand washing, down the grid, government suppression, winging it and much more. Murphy's Law Two (23 March)

HEBDEN BRIDGE GROUP PRACTICE - APPOINTMENTS BY PHONE ONLY Due to the emerging Coronavirus situation the reception areas have been closed in order to protect the population and prevent spread of the virus. All appointments have been converted to telephone consultations. Read more (18 March)

HEBDEN BRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL CANCELLED. Louise Wadley, Film Festival Director: "We are very sorry to announce that we are postponing the 2020 Hebden Bridge Film Festival. Given the worsening situation with the Covid-19 virus we feel this is the right decision." Read more (16 March)

OLD TOWN PLAYGROUND PLANS - Wadsworth Parish Council has recently recruited four new Councillors who would like to ask the community what piece of new equipment residents would like to see at Old Town play area. More info. (16 March)

AND THE WINNER IS . . . Calder Valley Community Land Trust! With first prize for Social Investment at the Awards ceremony in Leeds yesterday (March 12) organised by Social Enterprise Yorkshire and Humber. Read more

THE CAPTIVE QUEEN Speaker David Templeman told a recent meeting of the University of the Third Age about his researches into the life of Marie Stuart, Mary Queen of Scots. Read report

WIN TICKETS FOR KIRSTY ALMEDIA AT THE TRADES World folk singer/ songwriter and composer Kirsty Almeia is now based here in Hebden Bridge and the HebWeb has a couple of pairs of tickets for her homecoming album launch at the Trades on Friday 13 March. More info

THE EGG FACTORY HAS MOVED to new premises not far away - just over the car park at Unit 4 Victoria Works, Victoria Road. We're calling it the Egg Factory Annexe. More info (6 March)

SLOW THE FLOW LATEST NEWS Slow The Flow have been incredibly busy in the last month as a result of Storms Ciara and Dennis.  Read about some of the activities the group has been up to and dates to watch out for over the next few weeks. Read more (5 March)

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY AT THE TRADES, celebrating female artists everywhere this Sunday, 8 March. Fiona Love will be hosting this event and keeping you entertained. Organisers promise an amazing line up of talent. More info (3 March)

NEW NOVEL FROM BEST-SELLING AUTHOR LINDA GREEN - situated in the Calder Valley and selected for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club, the author will be signing copies at the Book Case this Wednesday, 4 March. More info (2 March)

DISABILITY ACCESS FORUM, CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum remains active during the Coronavirus crisis, raising issues of access to all aspects of life, including services, financial benefits, care and support, and info about local support. Read more (25 March)

HEBDEN BRIDGE GROUP PRACTICE: Latest info from the Patient Participation Group - obtaining results, routine and follow up procedures. Read more (23 March)

CELEBRATING OUR WOODLAND HERITAGE Chris Atkinson spoke with enthusiasm to the Hebden Bridge Local History Society about the project over the past three years exploring the history of the woodlands of the South Pennines. Read report (20 March)

SLOW THE FLOW cancels volunteer activity for the time being as a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic. More info (18 March)

PACE EGG PLAYS CANCELLED The Heptonstall Players have decided that the only sensible action they could take to limit the risk is to cancel the this year's Pace Egg. See HebWeb News item (17 March)

PIANO FESTIVAL CANCELLED. The HebWeb has been informed: "It is with great sadness and disappointment that due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Hebden Bridge Piano Festival Board has taken the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Festival." See statement. (16 Mar)

GREEN DOOR: Ann Brown's true story of escaping a toxic relationship that almost killed her. Funded by Arts Council England, her one woman play, Green Door, exposes the traits of those who inflict physical and mental torture on their partners. Read more(13 March)

LITTLE THEATRE LOOKING FOR A LARGE CAST Ray Riches will be auditioning for their June play, When We Are Married, on Sunday 15 March, at 7pm. More info

GRETA THUNBERG: GIANT WORK OF ART appears in the Mytholm area of Hebden Bridge. Artists from Sand in Your Eye worked with children from Hebden Royd School to produce a piece of art 60 metres long, in time for International Women's Day. See photos. (6 March)

DISCOVERING TED HUGHES'S YORKSHIRE: Trail Maps Launch on Sat 21 March. Literary and heritage trail, with maps designed by HB cartographer Chris Goddard. Poetry readings from Carola Luther and David Morley, and a talk by Hughes expert, Dr Steve Ely. Read more

FILM FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LAUNCH - The full programme for the 2020 Hebden Bridge Film Festival has been launched with new films from the UK and around the world. The Festival takes place from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March 2020. Read more

PIANO FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LAUNCH A regular fixture in the town's social calendar, the 2020 Hebden Bridge Piano Festival programme launch party takes place in the café bar at the Town Hall on Friday 13th March. Read more

February 2020

 

SKIPTON'S FIRST WORLD WAR POW CAMP Anne Buckley, in a talk to the Local History Society, told about being handed a book written in German, which had been lying forgotten in the storeroom of Skipton Library since the 1950s. Read report (29 Feb)

FRANK WOOLRYCH died peacefully at home with his family on 14 Feb 2020. For many years, the President of our Local History Society, the preserving of the Alice Longstaff collection and the creation of the Pennine Horizons Digital Archive were among his many achievements. For details of the celebration of his life, see Lives Remembered: Frank Woolrych (27 Feb)

HUNGER STRIKE TO BAN THE BURN Following the devastating flooding in Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd during Storm Ciara,  Hebden Bridge's Dongria Kondh, co-ordinator of Treesponsibility, has gone on hunger strike outside Natural England's Leeds office. Read more (20 Feb)

HAPPY VALLEY PRIDE LAUNCH 'BIG NIGHT OUT' Special one-off activities all year round to complement the main Happy Valley Pride festival in July. Writing Anne Lister, And Then We Danced and Kirsty's Poptastic Piano Singalong. More info (20 Feb)

AND THEN WE DANCED TO CLOSE FILM FESTIVAL 2020 - a passionate and beautiful coming-of-age tale about forbidden love in the Georgian ballet. Set within the conservative confines of modern Tbilisi, the film tells the story of a competitive dancer. More info (19 Feb)

BIG COMEDY LITTLE THEATRE Canalside Comedy is gearing up for the next evening of comedy on 8th March. Paul Tonkinson and Scott Bennett are joined by newer acts, Liam Pickford and Celya Ab, hosted by Bobby Murdoch. Read more (17 Feb)

CAUSES AND CAUSEYS – MANORIAL REGULATION OF ROADS - The Local History Society heard from Murray Seccombe who shared his experience of using records from the manor of Wakefield to get a fix on how the area's highways were managed in the seventeenth century. Read report (15 Feb)

PREPARING FOR STORM DENNIS Calderdale Council is preparing for Storm Dennis, which is expected to hit the our area this Saturday and into Sunday. An Amber weather warning is in place. With the ground already saturated, rivers are due to respond quickly. Read more (1 Feb)

THE FEBRUARY FLOOD Photos and links to crucial info, news and media reports and HebWeb reports of five previous major floods since the millennium. This page will be updated with further info as it comes in. (Updated 12 Feb)

HEBDEN BRIDGE STATION IMPROVEMENTS TO START NEXT WEEK Network Rail will begin major work to improve Hebden Bridge railway station in a £500,000 investment, to be completed by the end of March. Read more (5 Feb)

FEBRUARY LUNCHTIME LIVE: 2 hours free, live and local music on Sat 15 Feb starting at 1.30pm. This month's acts are familiar faces on the local circuit but their musical influences come from far and wide. Read more

CARBON NEUTRAL BY 2038 - OR SOONER! After declaring a Climate Emergency on 30 January 2019, Calderdale Council is proposing another significant move in its fight against climate change – to make the borough carbon neutral by 2038. Read more (3 Feb)

HELEN MELLER STEPS DOWN FROM ARTS FESTIVAL: After 7 successful years Helen Meller is stepping down. Helen became the Festival's Artistic Director after a career in publishing and television in London led her back to her native Yorkshire roots. Read more. (1 Feb)

DREAMING VALLEYS: Hebden Bridge based magazine, Northern Earth is sponsoring a "day of engagement with topography, history and folklore, in words, music and song" at the Birchcliffe Centre on Sat 14 March. More info

FUNDING FOR FLOOD-HIT COMMUNITIES The Calder Valley was the worst hit area in England during the recent floods. For details of grants, council tax relief and the flood resilience scheme, see this news page. (26 Feb)

ARTSMILL EXHIBITION: LIVING IN A PENNINE LANDSCAPE from artists Anita Burrows, Roy Hubbard and Andrew Morrison at The David Wright Gallery from 1-22 March with a preview on Sunday, 1 March at 2pm. More info (25 Feb)

HOW TO WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN - A business plan serves as a key strategic tool for all types of entrepreneurs, is highly likely to hit your short-term and long-term goals and can help you get funding for your project. More info (19 Feb)

FLOOD RELIEF The Government has now confirmed Calderdale Council will receive funding to help support residents and businesses affected by Storm Ciara. Read more (19 Feb)

CALDERDALE CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT RESPONSE to support the Calder Valley – to ensure that flooded homes and businesses get the urgent help they need and to help manage the significant, ongoing risk of floods across the borough. Read more (18 Feb)

FLOOD BRINGS PENGUINS TO THE U3A Sue Flood, internationally acclaimed award-winning wild life photographer and film maker told the U3A of her travels and working on The Blue Planet and Planet Earth, with Sir David Attenborough. Read report

PETERLOO AND AFTER: Lit and Sci lecture with speaker Robert Poole, Professor of History at the University of Central Lancashire on Sat, 22 Feb. More info

THE PICTURE HOUSE RE-OPENS this evening, Weds 12 February and needs your support. Read latest info from the Friends of the Picture House.

LITTLE THEATRE: ENTERTAINING ANGELS: The Little Theatre's first play of the 2020 Season is Entertaining Angels, by Richard Everett, from Mon 24 – Sat 29 Feb. Grace has been a dutiful clergyman's wife for forty years. Now, with the death of her husband . . .  Read more (8 Feb)

MISBEHAVIOUR TO OPEN HEBDEN BRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL 2020 - the story of the 1970 Miss World competition, and how a group of women disrupted the pageant in front of a world-wide audience of nearly 100 million viewers in what has now become a famous Women's Liberation Movement protest. Read more.

THE BIG SPRING CLEAN IS BACK! From 20-29 March. The Town Council will pay community groups £60 for each team of 6 which takes part. Applications should be made to Hebden Royd - more info

GRANTS FROM THE ROTARY CLUB The Rotary Club of Hebden Bridge awards grants to local, national and international charities and good causes. Their grant income comes from running events such as the Duck Race and the Vintage Weekend. Each year, they distribute around £45,000. More info (1 Feb)

January 2020

 

THE RUNAWAYS - 4.30pm this Saturday, 1 Feb at The Picture House. Three children, two donkeys and one big adventure! Filmed in Yorkshire, Q&A with director, Richard Heap. More info

ARTSMILL EXHIBITION: THE STILL EARTH - an art exhibition by Jan Langdale whose work is inspired by nature and the elements. From 29 Jan with a preview Sun, 26 Jan. More info

ARTSMILL EXHIBITION: MICK WILSON - recent paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. His work is representational, though often veering towards abstraction. From 29 Jan with a preview Sun, 26 Jan. More info

ARTS FESTIVAL SEEKS NEW CHAIR AND TRUSTEES Hebden Bridge Arts Festival is seeking to recruit Trustees and a Chair to join their dynamic and experienced Board. More info and details of how to apply. (14 Jan)

A VICTORIAN ARTIST PAINTS HEBDEN BRIDGE: the landscape paintings of John Holland. Diana Monahan and Justine Wyatt, spoke to the Local History Society on finding out more about the Victorian artist John Holland’s paintings of the Calder Valley. Read report (9 Jan 2020)

AUTHOR CHRISTOPHER DE BELLAIGUE TO LECTURE ON THE ISLAMIC ENLIGHTENMENT - organised by the Lit & Sci, this public lecture being given on Saturday January 18th in Hebden Bridge by Christopher de Bellaigue could hardly be more timely. Read more

HAVE YOUR SAY ON ROAD IMPROVEMENT PLANS - the plans are available to view online and there is a drop-in event at the Town Hall, where people can give feedback in person and Council staff will be on hand to answer any questions. Read more (3 Jan)

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY From the archive. In 2003, The Mytholmroyd Net interviewed Thea Gersten, about her diary of a Jewish teenager growing up in Nazi Germany and who came to live in Mytholmroyd. Read the interview.

GLEE UNIONS: SINGING AND SOCIALISM IN 19TH CENTURY - Members of the Local History Society cleared their voices and learned how to sing some historic glee tunes. Practical demonstration was a crucial part of Professor David Baker's talk about the golden age of Glee clubs. Read report. (27 Jan)

THE BEST MOTORHOME CAMP SITES NEAR HEBDEN BRIDGE - If you you’re heading for our area, you have some great choices to spend a holiday relaxing and recharging your batteries. More info (22 Jan)

OPPOSITION GROWS TO "TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS" which include making the Keighley Road at Commercial Street one way, banning commuter parking on the A646 between Hebden Bridge Station and Mytholmroyd, and banning parking on Market Street. The HB Business Forum is campaigning against the changes. Read more

SLOW THE FLOW 2020 and the new decade - Keeping Natural Flood Management on the agenda! And looking back over the milestones of the past year. Projects around Calderdale continue to develop, and are starting to make a tangible difference. Read report. (12 Jan)

JANUARY LUNCHTIME LIVE, on the afternoon of 18 January, features Reggie and the Krayfish, Creedy and The Men They Couldn’t Stand at the Hope Baptist Church. Read more

RADIOPHONIC RAZZLE-DAZZLE ‘CINDERELLA’ - not just an ordinary Christmas panto, oh no. "Commissioned, subtly scripted, wickedly witty, perfectly punned, colourfully costumed, musically magical, audibly amplified and magnificent." Read U3A report (3 Jan)