News, Discussion, Info, Features, Events and much more
General Election Education Question Time on Weds 19 June, at Calder Learning Trust in Mytholmroyd. Called by Calderdale Against School Cuts. More info
REGISTER TO VOTE NOW! To vote in the general election you must be on the electoral register. Register to vote now. Deadline: Midnight Tuesday 18 June
WHAT'S STILL TO COME THIS JUNE? The Victorian Era; Extinction Rebellion Coach to London demo; Ambient Bowling - Solstice Special; Cragg Challenge; Lavena Saltonstall talk; Play bowls in Old Town, Shaggy Dog Storytelling Club, Choir in a Weekend, and more. See What's On
Seven General Election candidates for the Calder Valley constituency - Josh Fenton-Glynn (Lab), Vanessa Lee (Con), Jim McNeill (SDP), Donal O'Hanlon (LD), Kieran Turner (Gn), James Vasey, (YP) and Donald Walmsley (RP) More info. 10 June
Bus timetables for bus users in and around Hebden Bridge who don't have access to apps on mobile phones, or own a computer, it's now possible to pick up paper copies of timetables at the new Halifax bus station. (Thanks to Vikki Uttly.)
The Man Who Planted Trees: Hebden Bridge Arts were back with more creative opportunities as part of Calderdale's Year of Culture, featuring community events, workshops and exhibitions from March to July. First exhibition: 28 May. Read more
New Mayor for Hebden Royd On 22 May, the Annual Meeting of Hebden Royd Town Council was held at the Town Hall and appointed Cllr. Pat Fraser as Mayor for 2024-2025, and Cllr. Keith Butterick as Deputy Mayor. More info and photos.
Windfarm Meeting More than 250 people from across the Calder Valley turned out to learn more about the environmental threats and challenges raised by the proposed Calderdale Wind Farm on Walshaw Moor Estate. Read report
Calder Valley Musicians support Medical Aid for Palestinians Musicians from the Calder Valley helped raise more funds for Medical Aid for Palestine with a gig at St Mary's Church, Todmorden on Friday 7 June. Read more
John Lyons at the Whitworth, Manchester John Lyons and Jean Rees ran the Hourglass Gallery in Hebden Bridge for many years. Having had an exhibition at the Tate last year, he now has an exhibition and retrospective at the Whitworth Gallery. Read more 18 May
George Murphy's latest interview reveals the life and career of artist Simon Manfield. A man who crossed the world to find a place that feels like home. Simon shares reflections on childhood in Australia, his love of drawing, how he was inspired by the works of George Mackay Brown and his moving depiction of the uncovering of the remains of Spaniards slain by Franco's firing squads during the Spanish Civil War. Read the Interview
45 years of twinning! Over the weekend, Hebden Bridge and St Pol celebrated 45 years. Read more about the Twinning Society trip to the French town. 15 May
Northern Lights over Hebden Bridge, 10 May 2024 with many thanks to photographer Andrew Smith. Click on image to see large version of this photo.
Arvon North's First Festival of Writing came to Hebden Bridge as part of Calderdale's Year of Culture celebrations - a Festival of creative writing, imagination, and the power of storytelling, from 30 May to 2 June. More info
No Mow May - letting Nature flourish Calderdale Council is letting nature flourish this May by taking part in the annual campaign to reduce grass cutting that takes place during the month. Read more 7 May
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
Dementia Friendly Cinema Screening The next screening at the Hebden Bridge Picture House is Mary Poppins, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Monday 13 May at 1pm. More info
In George Murphy's latest interview, find out about the dynamic, tenacious and multi skilled Director of Hebden Bridge Film Festival, how her interest in theatre developed into a love of film and what's involved in organising the Film Festival. Read the Interview
History of The Little Theatre The History Society heard from Vaughan Leslie how he has been working to digitise memorabilia, from programmes and reviews to set designs and cast photographs. The result is a comprehensive Centenary Album, a digital archive and an exhibition at the Town Hall throughout May. Read report
The Rentier City: Isaac Rose, who grew up in Hebden Bridge was back over Easter promoting his book - The Rentier City. What is behind the dramatic change in the Manchester's skyline over the past 15 years? Read more 13 April
Film Festival 2024 - it's a wrap: The fifth annual Hebden Bridge Film Festival, which took place at the Picture House and Town Hall from 15-17 March celebrated international film and brought a record number of 2673 viewers to the area for a weekend of entertainment, excitement and emotion. Read more 6 April
Small Ads: "Lots of response, as usual from Hebweb, and found a great tenant... many thanks, keep up the good work!!"
Yorkshire Moderates during a Revolution Mike Crawford told the Local History Society how Barack Obama's A Promised Land led him to reflect on the parallels between the frenzied and polarised politics of 21st century USA and the political hysteria of late 17th Century England. Read more 4 April
More Pace Egg madness The Pace Egg Players on Good Friday (29 March) in Weavers Square, Heptonstall. Read this HebWeb news item and find links to background info and photos of previous years. More 2024 photos.
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
Read George Murphy's latest interview and the remarkable story of a local photographer who rediscovered Hebden Bridge, found an old flame who became her life's partner and, after decades of searching, and strange intimations, found a father and a new family. Read the Interview
Crippen - A case of Mistaken Identity? The speaker at the recent University of Third Age meeting was Doctor Julian Somerville. He described Crippen's marriage, affair, accusation of murder and famous arrest. Read report 25 March
Mytholmroyd Station Latest News After 17 years of meetings, they have been successful with the Community Ownership Fund. Plans to install basic amenities before the first artistic tenants come, in about twelve months time. Read and see more 24 March
New bridge opens in Mytholmroyd: Pedestrians can now walk to the centre of Mytholmroyd more easily, thanks to a modern new footbridge that crosses the River Calder. The bridge opened by Jo Ward to the public on Wednesday 20 March 2024. Read more 21 March 2024
Valley Community Meals Read how the local volunteer group, which provides 3 course meals with table service - no questions asked - has grown over the past 2 years. Guests give donations if they can afford it. Read more
Town Council backs calls for ceasefire in Gaza On Wednesday 6th March 2024, Hebden Royd Town Council passed a motion calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire. Read more
Small Ads 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"
Satnam Singh has been the Hebden Bridge Sub Postmaster since 2008.
In this interview, he reveals how he used his own money to make up for losses shown on the faulty Fujitsu Horizon program. When George Murphy met up with him, he was struck by Satnam's dynamism, his endless work for charity and his determination to carry on serving the community. Read the Interview
White Lee bye-election result Labour's Steve Woodhead won the Town Council seat with 197 votes. The Liberal Democrat candidate Chris Wadsworth received 102 votes. The turnout was 23%.
Small Ads Thank you to everyone who responded (too many to reply to personally). I have somewhere now.
Walshaw Moor wind farm - website launched: Stop Calderdale Wind Farm have now launched a website as a platform for the growing opposition to the proposal to build the largest onshore wind farm in England, just above Hebden Bridge. High profile names are now adding their support, including Martin Parr. Read more 30 Jan
White Lee bye-election (1) Luddenden Foot Labour Party has chosen Steve Woodhead as its candidate for the White Lee byelection to Hebden Royd Town Council on 15th February. Read more 29 Jan
Hebden Bridge Little Theatre Celebrates Centenary During 2024 Hebden Bridge Little Theatre is celebrating 100 years! Not even the Second World War could prevent the curtain being raised, with well over 70,000 seats being sold during the six-year conflict. Read more 17 Jan
Whatever happened to Happy Valley - update
Dave Boardman updates HebWeb readers with the latest info following his daughter's dismissal for her her lesbian-feminist views as recounted in his controversial article last April, his continued disappointment with the Labour Party and how he persuaded the Town Council to adopt a Social Media policy. Read more 12 Jan
Lives Remembered: David Taylor - David, who has died aged 81, was a noted local and railway historian. He was a member of the Local History Society and a founder member of the Friends of Hebden Bridge Station. Read more 11 Jan
Walshaw Moor Windfarm Guardian article argues "Mooted project in West Yorkshire could cause 'heartbreaking' disruption for wildlife and harm local tourist industry, say critics." And "What do Saudi developers know of Heathcliff?" Read Guardian article 7 Jan
Swimming Pool Latest: A new Committee is exploring an unheated, open air pool option as its 'new vision'. Read more about the latest plans, along with links to news coverage and forum discussion on the HebWeb over the past 20+ years. 5 Jan
UK's 'prettiest towns for Christmas shopping' according to The Times has Hebden Bridge as number one. Read article 28 Nov
The latest interview features writer and broadcaster, Horatio Clare. George Murphy caught up with him at a local hostelry to hear his views on mental health, farming, travel, SAD, music, world affairs, life in Hebden Bridge and his BBC Radio 4 series: Is Psychiatry Working?
Small Ads Message received: "You can take the ad down now we have found a tenant through it already! Thanks so much Hebweb, don't know what we'd do without you!"
Labour chooses Josh Fenton-Glynn as candidate for next year's General Election at a selection meeting at Halifax Minster on 21 Nov. With over 50% of the vote, he won the first round for a 4th attempt at overturning the Tory majority in Calder Valley. See HebWeb News on the row over members' restricted choice.
Inside Hebden Bridge - "from hippies to BBC's Happy Valley to one of UK's prettiest towns, . . . with its rolling green hills, historial architecture and the River Calder flowing through its veins." Read Daily Mirror feature 12 Nov
Dr David Wild died on 18 October. Born in New Zealand in 1955, he spent over 35 years as a dedicated and tireless GP for the Hebden Bridge Group Practice. For comments, info and funeral details, see this Lives Remembered page 30 Oct
Extinction Rebellion protest in Hebden Bridge, against Yorkshire Water using the region's rivers as a dumping ground for effluent — and sometimes raw sewage. They claim that the River Calder is the 2nd most polluted river in Britain. See Morning Star report
General Election: Child Poverty
See HebWeb Forum 18 June
One Woman Protest in the Square
More discussion on the HebWeb Forum 18 June
Brass Band Contest 2024 See this YouTube video of one of the bands taking part. 18 June
More trouble at Salem
See HebWeb Forum 17 June
Murphy's Lore - There's a star studded cast in the latest episode, including storytellers at Hebden and Haworth, poets in the park and Henry Normal at the Trades, along with D Day veterans, Starmer and Sunak, Michael Moseley, Nick Clegg and a local folk hero. Read the latest episode - 15 June
General Election: CalderValley.org.uk is the HebWeb home page for general elections in the Calder Valley. It gives results and info about the last few general elections, and there is now a fresh page providing info for the election on 4 July - HebWeb General Election page. Seven candidates are now listed. updated 14 June 2024
Help with restoration work at Withens Clough The National Trust and Yorkshire Water have announced plans for upcoming landscape restoration work around Withens Clough Reservoir, with the chance for locals to help. More info 13 June
Peat-Free Hanging Baskets - Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd are looking vibrant again thanks to the return of 140 beautiful hanging baskets once again adorning the front of local shops. Read more 10 June
Woodcraft Folk's Height Gate is 25
Today, members, past members and supporters of the Woodcraft Folk, celebrated 25 years since Height Gate, situated below Stoodley Pike, was opened as a camping barn. Read more 8 June
Valley Road closed after a large water burst this morning which also left much of the town without water, for some hours. 7 June
Ebb and Flow: Exhibition about river walk. Local artist Annie Harrison will be exhibiting artwork from 14-16 June at Northlight Studios, inspired by a walk along the river network from Mytholmroyd to Hull. Read more 5 June
Heptonstall Museum's interesting programme of talks for the next few months now added to the HebWeb What's on section.
Heptonstall Museum marks a year since volunteer reopening. More than 4,000 people have visited in the past 12 months. Read BBC report. 26 May
Ancient Meadow below Old Town. £133 pledged so far for community purchase. Another £100K needed. See this Forum thread 23 May
Jeremy Corbyn in Hebden Bridge A clip of the crowds at our Town Hall welcoming the former Labour leader in May 2017 was featured in this Double Down News video where he announced that he is standing as an Independent for the coming election. See HebWeb archive report of the 2017 visit. 24 May
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
Forum discussion currently includes sale of ancient meadows, town centre bars spilling on to pavements, asbestos at Acre Mill, the large proposed windfarm, and travel to and from hospital. Read more. 22 May
So You Want to be a Pirate Chris Helme gave a recent meeting of the University of the 3rd Age a brief history of pirating, including its golden age, pieces of eight, the black eye patch, Blackbeard, Captain Morgan and Davey Jones' Locker. Read report. 21 May
Small Ad: "We have now sorted short term accommodation, thanks to the advert we placed with you."
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.
Camera Club - 2024 Exhibition
Above: last year's winner: Spooky Woods by Jennifer Hartshorn. This year's exhibition will be taking place at the Town Hall in Hebden Bridge during the last week in August. More info and photos. 20 May
ChoirFest Last weekend, seven choirs sang at St James' Church, raising £1100 for local charity, Music for the Many who were represented by a group of three teens called Low Expectations. Read more 16 May
GrubHub Update Calder GrubHub continues to supply the community with great meals every Wednesday. It's a collective, staffed entirely by volunteers and there is a constant need for new volunteers. More info 14 May
Asbestos at Acre Mill A woman suspects she caught mesothelioma from having been at Old Town Primary School from 1959-60. Her solicitor is seeking local witnesses. See Forum post. 14 May
Bike Hangar Survey continues until 20 May. Whether you cycle, or take another mode of transport, the Town Council would like your input about how you travel in the local area. By sharing your thoughts, you could win £50! Read more
Calderdale Wind Farm - A Hostile Act? Public Forum to explore the Environmental and Cultural impact of De-Wilding Walshaw Moor at 7.30pm, Weds 15 May at the Birchcliffe Centre. More info about speakers, etc.
Daniel Bath talking about Lucy Illingworth The latest episode of Viv and Dave Boardman's podcast Real Voices of Happy Valley features Hebden Bridge piano teacher Daniel Bath talking about Lucy Illingworth, blind piano sensation, Read more 4 May
Flamenco at Wainsgate: Making a return to Wainsgate on 11 May after his sell-out appearance in 2021 was the flamenco virtuoso Samuel Moore, with a musical journey to the many countries, regions and cities that have shaped flamenco evolution. Read more
Small Ads "You can take the ad down now we have found a tenant through it already! Thanks so much Hebweb, don't know what we'd do without you! "
Music at Wadsworth at Wadsworth Community Centre on Saturday 18th May. Due to illness, Sam Carter will replace Granny's Attic. Read more
Small Ads Message received today, 26th. "Thank you to Hebweb for a successful advert."
What's On See Trades Club Anniversary events and Hebden Bridge Arts events, which have recently been added
Medieval Churches of West Yorkshire Dave Weldrake told a recent meeting of the University of the Third Age about the origins the churches which grew up during Anglo Saxon, Norman times, and the later Middle Ages. Read more
Hepton Singers' 50th anniversary concert
On Saturday 18th May, 4pm at Heptonstall Church, this year's Hepton Singers May concert marked 50 years since the choir's first public performance in the Spring of 1974. Read more 18 April
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 28 March
Director of the British Museum: Nicholas Cullinan, who grew up in Hebden Bridge, has been appointed to run the British Museum. For the past few years he has been Director of the National Portrait Gallery and has recently given talks in Hebden Bridge to the Lit and Sci. See Guardian report 28 March
Small Ads Message: "Could you take down my ad? I had an overwhelming response. Hebweb is fantastic! Thank you."
Six inches of Soil On 24th March, the Picture House, in partnership with Pennine Cropshare, will be screening Six Inches of Soil, telling the inspiring story of 3 young farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food. Read more updated 17 March
Small Ads - "I found a new tenant in no time at all thanks to the ad, so much appreciated."
Where do babies come from? Starting the talk with Aristotle, at least 2330 years ago, and through Greek, Arabic and Chinese scientific thinking on the subject, pausing in the 18th century where the public's understanding of the subject was still so speculative that some people were taken in by Mary Tofts who, in 1720, convinced her audiences that she could give birth to rabbits. Read report. 13 March
Ahead of the 2024 Hebden Bridge Film Festival (15-17 March), George Murphy interviewed Hebden Bridge's much travelled Festival board member, Agustina Figueras, including how she fell in love with cinema from an early age, and what attracted her to Hebden Bridge. Read the Interview
Ted Hughes Estate Backs the Campaign to stop Wind Farm The Ted Hughes Estate, run by Carol Hughes (widow of the Mytholmroyd-born Poet Laureate) is backing the campaign, along with leading academics from the Ted Hughes Society and the Ted Hughes Network. Read more 3 March
Budget Day protest against cold homes Activists were in Halifax talking to people about the Energy4All campaign and getting signatures on cards to present to Rishi Sunak demanding action on fuel bills. Read more 6 March
Jowett - the Yorkshire car: Barbara Atack, an officer of the oldest 'one-make' car club in the world, told the Local History Society, love for the Yorkshire car is as strong as ever. The ingenious 'flat twin' engine gave this Bradford car the edge over competitors in the early 1900s. Read more 4 March
Small Ads "We placed an ad for a 3-bedroom home to rent. We had an overwhelming response . . . And thanks for maintaining this important service to the Hebden Bridge community"
Writers, artists and conservationists oppose windfarm - Over 350 writers, artists and conservationists have written an open letter to the Times Literary Supplement opposing the Calderdale Wind Farm. Read more
Artificial Intelligence - Prof Leo McCluskey last Saturday gave a talk to the Lit&Sci about the myths and realities of Artificial Intelligence, whether AI can be conscious, whether it might take over the world. Read report.
Twinning Society: New Officers - At their meeting, end of January, the Twinning Society appointed new officers. Read more 7 Feb
'New Movie Making Mecca' - The Daily Mail have an extensive article, with photos old and new, on Halifax this New Year's Day, and how our area has become a top filming location which has helped it to be the fastest growing tourist destination in the UK. Read article 1 Jan
Small Ads: "I have found new tenants. Many thanks once again for a fantastic service."
Benjamin Zephaniah: From the HebWeb Archive for July, 1999: "On Tuesday night, the Picture House was full for Benjamin Zephaniah. Nearly all of the 500 attending signed the petition calling upon the Council to keep the building."
Craig Whittaker and the Madonna Tickets Our Tory MP who criticised the gambling regulator received more than £8,000, including Madonna tickets worth over £2000, from betting industry, according to an article in today's Guardian. Read the article 29 Nov
HebWeb Small Ads: "I found a new tenant in no time at all thanks to the ad, so much appreciated." From message received.
Labour row over choice of candidate Widespread anger is being expressed on social media after Calder Valley Labour Party members were offered just three people to choose from, when they come to vote for their parliamentary candidate for next year's general election. Read more
Arthur Bailey Local character Arthur Bailey was regularly seen walking around Hebden Bridge with his friendly smile. Arthur sadly died recently. This photo was taken in 2015 as part of the After Alice Project. Click on photo for a larger version.
'Community-spirited walkers' town' with independent shops and literary connections. "This proudly independent 'Happy Valley' town marches to its own beat and has dramatic Pennine walks on the doorstep." Read article in the "i" newspaper 3 Nov
Camera Club - 2023 Winners
Above: this year's winner: Spooky Woods by Jennifer Hartshorn. Visitors to the Hebden Bridge Camera Club exhibition at the end of August had an opportunity to vote for their favourite images. More info and runners-up. 26 Oct
Blackshaw Head and May's Shop were featured in a Daily Mirror artcile. Locals in village say that have an amazing community with people kind and helpful - and "if you can survive your first winter here you'll stay forever." Read article 21 Oct
The Gender Debate: Woman quizzed over sticker Today's Mail Online has a report about a Hebden Bridge woman, retired social worker, being quizzed in her own home by hate-crime police for taking a photo of a sticker that said: 'Keep males out of women-only spaces' - Read the Mail report - see also the several threads in the HebWeb Forum
Behind the pages of Pennine Pens - In episode 10 of Real Voices of Happy Valley, Hebweb editor Chris Ratcliffe chats with Viv Boardman about the origins of Pennine Pens, Jill Liddington's early work on Anne Lister, creating the Sylvia Plath online forum, Hebweb, View From The Bridge and more. More info.
The Tempest at the Town Hall Message received: "120 people came which is in my book a tribute to HebWeb!!"
New Sally Wainwright Drama set in Hebden Bridge. The 6 episodes of Hot Flush centre on the lives of five women of a certain age who come together to create a makeshift punk-rock band in order to enter a talent contest. See BBC report.
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
Market Street No pot holes, no bumps and no parking! This follows the work completed this month.
Ian McMillan's The Verb recorded for BBC Radio in front of a live audience at the Trades Club, Hebden Bridge. Listen now
"Calderdale Libraries Hide Feminist Books" is the title of a new thread on the discussion forum. The HebWeb has raised the issue with Calderdale Council. Read messages and see BBC article
Rebuilding Calder High - Head speaks to Channel 4 News Tony Guise, the Head Teacher of Calder High School, was interviewed on Channel 4 News on Wednesday 28 June about the state of school buildings. Read more along with links to HebWeb reports from 2009, 2011 and 2015.
Small Ads - Message received: "We've filled the room. Thanks for your help. Great response as always!"
Calder Grub Hub needs volunteers to help with a range of jobs including cooking, serving, setting up, washing up, clearing up or being on hand to help where needed and fundraising. Read more
Small Ads - "I am very pleased to say the response was terrific and both properties are now let." (Less than a week)
The Gallows Pole now available on BBC iPlayer. Based on the book by local writer, Benjamin Myers, the series is a fictionalised take on the true story of David Hartley and the Cragg Vale Coiners. See Five star review from the Guardian
Traffic Problems in Hebden Bridge - featured on BBC's Look North. And the delays are not set to end anytime soon. Watch 2-3 minute clip.
A New Mayor for Hebden Royd On 17th May, the Annual Meeting of Hebden Royd Town Counciil saw Cllr Bernice Hayes take the chain for the Mayoral year of 2023/24. The Deputy Mayor will be Cllr Pat Fraser. Read more
Hebden Bridge's Jane Scullion to lead Calderdale Cllr Scullion has been Deputy Leader for 4 years and is about to take over as leader of Calderdale Council from Tim Swift Read more 12 May
Small Ad Response "I've had a great response and am now sorted." Small Ads.
Whatever happened to Happy Valley? Most people who've lived in the area a while will know Dave Boardman and appreciate all he has done for our community. Now he and his wife Viv are moving away. They cite a 'toxic storm of intolerance' and lack of support from friends, especially those in the Labour Party, for their efforts to stand by their daughter who has been 'unfairly dismissed' from her teaching job for her views on biological sex. Read more 14 April. See Discussion Forum - over 50 responses.
Craig Whittaker won't stand again MP for our Calder Valley constituency since 2010, Craig Whittaker has confirmed he won't contest the next General Election. See BBC report.
Small Ads "We placed an ad for a 3-bedroom home to rent in Mytholmroyd. We had an overwhelming response . . . And thanks for maintaining this important service to the Hebden Bridge community." See Small Ads
Happy Valley: Two different views of our town:
Daily Mirror - Hebden Bridge: What life's really like in Happy Valley. Read article
The Sun - Hebden Bridge: What life's really like in Happy Valley". Read article
Alice Mahon dies: As MP for Halifax for 18 years from 1987 to 2005, Alice Mahon often spoke in Hebden Bridge, especially in the run-up to the Iraq War which she fiercely opposed. See this HebWeb report from 2009 on why she left Labour. And this BBC report of her death. 31 Dec
Hebden Bridge: one of the best independent high streets. Today's Observer says of our town: "Famous for its bohemian vibe, Hebden Bridge is a hotbed of independent designers, artists and craftspeople." Read report
Bernard Ingham, Margaret Thatcher's former Press Secretary, who started his career on the Hebden Bridge Times, has died. Click here to read some of the coverage of Bernard Ingham by the HebWeb over the past 25+ years
Station booking office closure demo The news of proposed closure of the booking office at Hebden Bridge station has provoked outrage. A quickly arranged protest brought out more than 50 people in the rain to make clear that this booking office is valued by the community. Read more 12 July - see BBC News item
Save our stations! Calderdale Labour councillors have slammed new proposals to close ticket offices at stations serving the Calder Valley line, calling for members of the public to join them in campaigning against the cuts. Read more - and see Forum thread
"HebWeb is our 'go to resource' that allows us to stay up to speed with all things Hebden Bridge." - from message received.
Gallows Pole brings more visitors The Guardian reports a surge of visitors captivated by the true story of illegal coin-minting operation. Read Guardian article 18 June
Moonwort found in the Crags An incredibly rare species of fern has been found in fields at Hardcastle Crags. Moonwort hasn't been recorded in Calderdale for 40 years. Read more.
Hali-wood With the BBC2 adaptation of the Ben Myers novel The Gallows Pole the Observer had a piece on filming in Halifax, Hebden Bridge and Calderdale. Read article
Calderdale Election Results: Labour's Israr Ahmed has won the Calder Ward, covering Hebden Bridge. Labour's Katie Kimber has won in Luddendenfoot, the ward which covers Mytholmroyd. Labour's Silvia Dacre takes Todmorden. See results and number of votes. 5 May,
Election Turnout: Calder ward had the highest in Calderdale with 48%, and Luddendenfoot ward, the second highest with 42%
No Vote for Town Council unless you live in the Fairfield ward. Labour retain control of Hebden Royd Town Council without a vote being cast. Five of the six wards had only three candidates meaning all were elected. 4 years until the next opportunity to vote for the whole Council. Fairfield ward election result - all three seats go to Labour. Read more and voting numbers.
Filming is Booming with 27 film and TV productions in Hebden Bridge and Calderdale during 2022. Marvel's Secret Invasion, The Gallows Pole, Full Monty 2 and Boat Story are some of the productions we can expect to see soon. Read more about filming in our area.
Lives Remembered: Jocelin Black
Jocelin died peacefully a few days before her 96th birthday and will be remembered locally as a teacher, poet, political and social activist. Jocelin was a fierce opponent of any injustice, iniquity or inequality that she saw. Read more
Small Ads "I have now found a lovely place to live after being contacted through the ad within a week. Thank-you!" See Small Ads
Trevor Beale's Fireside Stories from 1971-1974. Before his early death at the age of 34, Hebden Bridge folk musician Trevor Beale had composed and recorded the tracks of this new album. Tracks which were rediscovered around 3 years ago. Read more about this remarkable story, and pre-order the album.
Life in the real Happy Valley As millions watched the last thrilling episode of Happy Valley filmed around here, more of the media are publishing articles about our area. See this BBC feature.
How Happy Valley affects house prices
Daily Mail: house prices 'plummeting' Read article
The Sun: house prices 'booming'.
Read article
Liz Truss's Hebden Bridge past - Former Prime Minister Liz Truss was the Conservative candidate for our Calder Valley seat in the 2005 General Election, and lived in Hebden Bridge. She was defeated by Labour's Chris McCafferty, having misled local Tories about her private life. Read more
Large Fire at La Perla Restaurant
The Fire Service and the Council asked people to avoid the area. Some roads in the centre were closed. 10 fire engines. See HebWeb news for more info, Local Giving Appeal and media links. Click photo to enlarge. 2 Aug 2022
37 degrees in Hebden Bridge at 3pm, 19 July 2022. The last time the HebWeb reported such a high temperature, apart from 18 July, also 33 degrees, was 25 July 2019. See 2019 report.
Yorkshire Water sees highest water use in 15 years They provided more than 1.56 billion litres of water on Monday – which is around 260 million litres more than usual - enough to supply the whole of York and Leeds. Read more.
HebWeb Small Ads: Ad worked again, so can you please take my ad down. See Small Ads
Green Pages Archive 2000 - 2005, a collaboration between the HebWeb, Frogs Design, the HB Times and the former Alternative Technology Centre, now once again available - see here.
Message received to say thanks: "Brill. Where would our town be without Hebweb!"
Heptonstall: "The beautiful medieval village an hour's drive from Manchester with no cars on the cobbled streets" - see article in Manchester Evening News
Small Ads: Message received: "Delighted by the response and now happily accommodated."
CROWS - repairing and improving our local footpaths
Volunteers from CROWS - our local Community Rights of Way Service - continue to improve and repair footpaths in our area and the rest of the Upper Valley. See video and read about some of their recent work
HebWeb Small Ads - received today: Please take this ad down as we have been indundated, and now have the perfect person.
Hebden Bridge in the National Media - this HebWeb feature looks at how our town and its issues have been reported over the past 20-25 years, including greatest town accolades, 4th funkiest town in the world, UK's second city, Have I got News for you, Any Questions at the Town Hall and much more. Read the article
Hebden Bridge traffic and carbon emissions set to increase argues Friends of the Earth campaigner Anthony Rae. He makes the case that the proposed A646 corridor improvement programme will increase traffic and carbon emissions. See this Forum message.
Small Ads: "We have now found a home. Thank you for a fantastic service."
The Making of a Town Hall Now that the rebuilt Town Hall is 10 years old, read how the development of this groundmaking project was reported on the HebWeb from 2007 until 2012 when it opened. See this HebWeb feature 27 June
Filming in Calderdale
A new website, showcasing the magnificent architecture and landscape available to be used for filming in our area, has now launched. The website also includes info on how residents or businesses can offer-up their premises for filming. More info 9 May
Small Ads successes: "We have been successful at finding accommodation through Hebweb" and "Successful sale to someone who will enjoy using the van. Excellent result from Hebweb."
Small Ads "We were overwhelmed with responses!" See Small Ads page
Messages to HebWeb: ". . . after months of procrastinating, we've cancelled the Hebden Bridge Times (no journalists left!) and going to rely on Hebweb - much more professional and useful!" 23 Feb 2022
And this reply received 25 Feb: "Cannot agree more with the comment about HB Times. No longer a local paper, ruined by the present publishers. HebWeb is so much better"
May's Shop is featured on the BBC. May Stocks has been running her store in Colden, 6 days a week, since 1974. See this short video clip from the BBC.
'Grotty' trains with 'filthy' seats Reporter Vicki Grimshaw spent over 24 hours travelling on our railway, with passengers complaining about delays and high costs. A man described the trains as 'a nightmare' Read Daily Mirror report
Bestselling English language writer in Germany: According to Der Spiegel, The Offing by Hebden Bridge writer, Benjamin Myers, is expected to be the best selling English language novel in Germany this year, ahead of Sally Rooney and Stephen King and is currently third in their overall fiction best sellers list. Ben was featured in The HebWeb Interview recently.
It Takes A Flood… ITV programme shown on Tuesday evening (2 Nov) features Hebden Bridge, our community Town Hall and Khalsa Aid, all towards the end of the programme. Watch now
Walking around Tod - "The industrial past blends with nature, the community runs on kindness and it's home to England's highest beach" See Guardian article
Small Ads response received: "I have found a tenant. Many thanks for this fantastic service."
Flooded six times since 2000 - there have now been six major floods, and many more smaller ones in the past 20 years. Links to HebWeb reports of previous floods.
Banking in Hebden Bridge: 'The only banks left in Hebden Bridge are grass ones down by the river'. See this weekend's article on the bankless town of Hebden Bridge in This is Money
The National Geographic's Cool List for 2019 has West Yorkshire at number 7. The Calder Valley is highlighted - "with hippyish Hebden Bridge as its epicentre" - as a "burgeoning hub for restaurants and independent shops." )
Gentleman Jack
The first episodes of Gentleman Jack, the new drama from Happy Valley writer Sally Wainwright, are based upon a book written about Anne Lister by local writer, Jill Liddington and published by Hebden Bridge publishers, Pennine Pens. More info, links and trailers
Small Ads: "Hebweb scores again! I have sold my electric lawnmower today"
HebWeb Small Ads We've been overwhelmed with the response and quality of applicants! Thanks so much!
No banks. No petrol. Lloyds Bank was the last bank left in Hebden Bridge. It closed this month. Shepherds was the last petrol garage still open in Hebden Bridge. It stopped selling petrol this month.
Have I Got News for You This prime time BBC 1 programme featured the Cornholme library notice story, and its reference to 'the cesspit that is Hebden Bridge'. Click here for the 35 second clip.
Hebden Bridge trends on Twitter Once again, Hebden Bridge is in the news following extensive posting on Twitter and Facebook about this notice which appeared in Cornholme's free library. Read more
Crystal Wilde: Finding peace in hippie Hebden Bridge: "Hippies, hikers, kooky cafes, drugs and lesbians: my home town of Hebden Bridge is notorious for many reasons, some more surprising than others." See feature in The Independent
Small Ads response received: "Can you please remove my ad for the house at Tod as it's now been let, the response has been amazing"
MURPHY'S LORE
- THE BOOK
Murphy's Lore, the book, from the popular HebWeb column, is finally published. Read the weekly record of a dramatic year in the life of the UK. 52 episodes, viewed from Hebden Bridge. More info, and how to buy the book
Small Ad house sale response: "offer received within a week of listing on HebWeb. Brilliant, thank you!"
HebWeb Small Ads positive feedback: 1. "Brilliant as ever. Thank you. Ads fulfilled". 2. "We've been inundated with enquiries from potential tenants."
HebWeb Small Ads. Message received about ad for 2 bed house: "I've had so many people message about this I can't keep up with replying."
Small Ads - "We filled the vacancy thanks to the Hebweb, brilliant service"
Hebden Bridge on Woman's Hour (from around 28 mins in) - our area is praised for being friendly to lesbians the liberal minded, creatives and progressives, for its co-operatives, hippies and Sylvia Plath's grave. And they plan to do a Woman's Hour from Hebden Bridge.
HebWeb Small Ads - The HebWeb is brilliant.
Found tutor within 3 days. The response was excellent as was the calibre of the candidates.
Small Ads - 3 two bed houses to rent, all announced the same day, on the HebWeb Smalls Ads page
Small Ads message - "Once again, great success by placing my house to rent on HebWeb!"
Huffington Post on Hebden Bridge: "You will find a town that was almost abandoned, but brought back to life by hippies, artists and lesbians looking for a place to make a life." Written by Sean Pert, who continues: "The town doesn't just tolerate its LGBT+ community, it values and embraces us." Read more
Hebden Bridge: How a thriving town lost its last bank: This Guardian article reports that, "Residents feel angry and let down as Lloyds departs, but one man (David Fletcher) has a plan to fill the gap." Only a few years ago, Hebden Bridge had five full time banks. The last one, Lloyds, closed last week. Read article)
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
Fox and Goose one of top 50 pubs according to The Guardian
Hebden Bridge features in The Spectator "The Yorkshire town that’s gone from dirty old buildings to New Age nirvana" by William Cook.
Small Ads: "Please can you remove small ad. I had a response within an hour of the ad going live and the first viewer took the house. I had 8 requests to view in 24 hours. Brilliant!"
Small Ads message - "Just to say that my cottage has now been let. Thanks once again to HebWeb!"
Less than an hour from Hebden Bridge: try these halls, houses and galleries which many may not have heard about. Yet they are just on our doorstep. If you can't find anything to do locally (see What's On), have a look at this new HebWeb Feature.
Hebden Bridge, the UK's second city, BBC article by Evan Davis. "Hebden Bridge is an inverted city with a greenbelt centre and suburbs called Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool." Read the article
Small Ads: "House successfully rented through Hebweb. Fantastic posting wall!"
Selling my house on HebWeb was "extremely successful - I hope to complete on the sale in 2 weeks time, and I think I could have sold it a few times over."
Smll Ads: "I had so many wonderful responses to my ad for someone to help me re-organize my house post-flood, I wanted to employ everyone! Thank you." - Susan
Small Ads - I just wanted to let you know that through my small ad on your site I found my ideal new home, meeting all my requirements. Thank you very much for such a great resource
Small Ads: "Ad posted Monday, lease to be signed Saturday and tenant moving in Sunday. Thanks HebWeb."
"Unbelievable result Hebweb. So many enquiries in response to the small ad on your site and now have lovely new tenants. What a success - Thank you Hebweb."
HebWeb also available on the slightly shorter hebdenbridge.uk as well as hebdenbridge.co.uk
Small Ads - "We placed a job ad on the Hebweb recently, intending to keep it there for 2 weeks, but we had to take it down after 3 days due to the huge response generated"
Britain's favourite market town? Hebden Bridge has been shortlisted in the 'Britain's favourite market town' category in the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards 2013. Read more
Guardian Northerner: Hebden Bridge the UK's coolest place? The Yorkshire Paradise has won its fourth accolade in a decade. Born, brought up and living here, Rachel Pickering is loyal, but has one or two cautionary thoughts.
Small ads: "We've successfully rented our house. Thanks for an excellent service - I'll heartily recommend Hebweb, as our house was previously listed through an estate agent who didn't manage to get us a tenant in 3 months - through Hebweb we had 4 prospective tenants within a week."
HebWeb on Twitter - join our 3750+ followers.
Small Ads: We had a prospective buyer view it, she loves the house and has put in offer we've accepted. So, thank-you!
"In a world where style often triumphs over substance, Hebweb is reassuringly informative, reliable and clear. An invaluable community resource and public information forum reflecting the independent spirit of Hebden Bridge. Lesley at Elmet Farmhouse.
Floods: HebWeb Gallery - 24 photos taken on the morning of Boxing Day, 2015.
Small Ads: "Amazing but my house in Tod got rented out within 30 minutes after putting the house on Hebweb."
HebWeb Feature on the 2015 Boxing Day Flood, gathering together many of the articles, news, links, photos and videos. Updated reguarly.
Small Ads success - "Hi there I have found lovely tenants for my house in less than 24 hours. Amazing!" Re house to let in Mytholmroyd.
Small Ads - "Choosing to advertise the house for rent on the Hebweb was incredibly effective. The perfect tenants were found within 48 hours"
From Steve Farrell, now living in Mysore, India: "As someone who lives abroad, the Hebweb site has always been critical for keeping in touch 'back home' in Hebden. I've just needed to re-advertise my home for rent, so where to turn to? The Hebweb, of course. The Ad was up within minutes and there were 10 enquiries within 24 hours. Superb!" See Small Ads.
'Greatest Town in Europe' - as well as being the 4th funkiest town in the world, Culture Trip gives 12 Reasons why Hebden Bridge 'is known as the greatest town in Europe'. Read article
Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire crowned best place in the UK - 'Machine learning' used millions of data points to discover top locations. Read more
From the archive: The Times listed the 30 coolest places to live in Britain. Number one was Hebden Bridge.
Let's move to Hebden Bridge From the Guardian. If the roots of its liberal and creative image are a mystery, its appeal is obvious. See also: HebWeb report from Sept 2005
HebWeb Small Ads message: "Please could you close the advert? We've been overwhelmed with the response and quality of applicants! Thanks so much!"
Small Ads: Very good service, result achieved in only 4 days.
Hebden Bridge Station car park to expand: Calderdale Council is working with Network Rail, which owns the land to the east of the existing station car park to create 46 extra places. Read more.
Some years ago in the Guardian, Martin Wainwright wrote, "Witness current comments on the community website, the Hebweb, which is one of the best of its kind in the country. No, world." 25 Oct 2012
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
Please e-mail us to report dead links, inaccuracies, suggestions and comments. Thanks.
The Hebden Bridge Web (Hebweb) is published, produced and maintained by Pennine Pens and started in the summer of 1995.