Story Magic Theatre presents

Dick Whittington!

Little Theatre

Shows at 11am and 3pm on all dates

Tickets £8 children and £10 adults.  Book tickets here

Christmas Eve Tractor Run

This year the Christmas Eve Tractor Run will be supporting The Candlelighters Trust charity, who support children with cancer. We will be lighting up our tractors with sparkly Christmas lights and parading up and down the valley.

Route: 4pm Bridgeroyd Yard, Eastwood > 4:15pm Todmorden turning circle > through 4:45pm Hebden Bridge and 5pm Mytholmroyd > 5:15pm turning around at Moderna, Mytholmroyd > Mytholm turning circle > 5:45pm Heptonstall > 6pm Colden > the tractors will then disperse via Blackshaw Head

Carols in the Square

6.30pm

Carols in the Square 2022

Let's Celebrate Christmas Together

Sunday 24th December
9:15am Holy Communion at St. James, Mytholm
10:45am Family nativity service at St. Thomas, Heptonstall - come dressed up as any nativity character or animal and we will tell the story together.
6:00pm Christmas Eve carols at St Thomas, Heptonstall
6:30pm Carols in St George's Square, Hebden Bridge
11:30pm Midnight Mass at St. Thomas, Heptonstall

Christmas Day 
9:30am Service at Heptonstall Methodists
10:00 am Holy Communion at St. James
For more information contact:
ruthi.gibbons@leeds.anglican.org
07539128791

You are invited to the

Calder Festive Grub Hub

Hope Baptist Church Hebden Bridge

Arrival 12.30 Lunch 1.00pm

Please arrive at 12.30 and lunch will be served in one sitting at 1.00pm so everyone can eat together.

RSVP to caldergrubhub@gmail.com

Let us know Your contact details and any dietary requirements c.g. gluten free and other requirements e.g. transport.

Community Carol Service

4:30pm Community Carol service at St. Thomas Church, Heptonstall

Carol singing at Hebden Bridge Station 2023

4-6pm

The Friends of Hebden Bridge Station invite you to come and sing, play or collect for the charity, or just listen or make a donation

Out in the Valley presents:

No Sign of Dick

Little Theatre

Pantomime for anyone 14 years and up!

Tickets: £6/£10

Buy tickets here!!

Music At Walshaw Christmas 2023

2-5pm. Tickets are £38 each and include a full buffet meal with wine. Telephone: 01422 842275 or buy online here (no booking fee). Walshaw Lodge, Hardcastle Crags, HX7 7AX.

Open Mic

White Lion pub, Heptonstall

The return of … The Open Mic

From 8.30pm.

Any performer guaranteed a slot! 

Friendly soundman (Mark) on hand to help you set up and sort out the twiddly bits on PA system.

Come on down and have a go, or just show up and drink in the atmos. And drink beer.

The Story of Tin Pan Alley With Christmas Feel

Todmorden U3A Event – 14th December Roger Browne and the Story of Tin Pan Alley With Christmas Feel.

Actor, singer, speaker, and musician Roger Browne will be informing and entertaining the Todmorden U3A at their Christmas meeting on the 14th of December about the Story of Tin Pan Alley with a Christmas Feel. He will look at the influence of jazz, blues, opera, and musical theatre through the two world wars and the golden age of radio on the great composers of the early 20th century.

In this talk, Roger traces the history and music of this genre, and, as with all his talks, he illustrates it with live examples on the piano, and the hilarious stories about the people, places, and events that fuelled the development of this unique milestone in Western popular music.

The meeting starts at 14.00 and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

Singing in George Square

At 7:45 pm on Thursday 14th of December, Calder Valley Voices community choir will be singing a mix of songs in the square, some seasonal and some not!

We love singing to an audience so please do come and join us and sing along if you'd like to.

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

A history of Town Twinning in Hebden Royd

Speaker: Jane Jackson

In the aftermath of the 2nd World War a powerful impulse in France and Germany that never again would they go to war initiated the twinning process between individual towns and cities in the two countries. This impulse was also felt in the UK. In 1965 St Pol-sur-Ternoise and Warstein became twins, and this was followed by the twinning of Hebden Royd with St Pol in 1979, and with Warstein in 1995. The basis of the twinning process is that families and individuals in one town host visitors from their twin in their homes. This can be a challenge, but also leads to long-term friendships.

Jane Jackson's first degree was a BA in History from Leeds University awarded in 1968. Although she subsequently worked for more than 45 years in management in the manufacturing industry, she has always retained her interest in history. She moved to Hebden Bridge in 2009 and joined both the HBLHS and the Hebden Bridge Twinning Society, of which she us now Secretary/ Communications Manager.

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30pm, free to members; £4 for visitors

CultureDale Networking event

Calling local creatives and community groups! Sign up to one of our CultureDale activation events to find out how you can get involved in Calderdale's year of culture 2024

What to expect:

1. Meet the CultureDale Year of Culture team
2. Networking and time to discuss your ideas
3. A preview of the Year of Culture Programme
4. Information about funding, eligibility criteria and how to apply

Hebden Bridge Town Hall

10 am – 12

Please visit our website to book: Culturedale

I Feel Like a Bombed Cathedral plus Lines of Silence

The Trades Club, Friday 8 December.

£10 members / £11 non-members.

Amaury Cambuzat - guitarist in Krautrock legends Faust and post-rockers Ulan Bator - brings his immersive and moving solo project IFLABC to the Trades. Support from local experimental krautrockers Lines of Silence.

More info

Dark Matter Promotions presents....

Duke Garwood and his band
on the Rogues Gospel tour

With Ellis Best (the Hazy Janes)

Golden Lion, Todmorden
Tickets £12 via Skiddle/ on the door
8pm

844s Band, beer and dancing! And food!

Local rhythm and blues band, playing at Wadsworth Community Centre (Old Town).

Saturday 9th December. 7.30pm.

£5 on the door.

Food and cask ales available.

Gaza Benefit At the Trades

From 3pm onwards

3.50pm - Screening of The Tower - A young girl living in a Palestinian refugee camp learns about her family's history through stories told by three previous generations of refugees.

5:45 – 6:45 pm – Q&A on the Palestinian Struggle with Dina Matar (Professor of Political  Communication and Arab Media at the Centre for Global Media and Communication at SOAS  (School of Oriental and African Studies)

Plus exhibitions

See this Trades Club page for programme of events

Stop Calderdale Wind Farm

Public Meeting at Wadsworth Community Centre on Wednesday 6 December 2023 at 7.30pm Wadsworth Community Centre, Billy Lane, Old Town HX7 8RY

Come along and learn more about the environmental and ecological issues raised by the proposed Calderdale Wind Farm, a commercial scheme to build the largest on-shore wind farm in England on the Walshaw Moor Estate directly above Hardcastle Crags, Crimsworth Dean and Widdop Reservoir. This massive industrial development would consist of 65 huge 200 metre turbines - twice the height of York Minster and taller than the Blackpool Tower - dotted across Walshaw Dean, Widdop Moor and Wadsworth Moor.

The development will damage the blanket peat bogs on this sensitive moorland which act as a vital 'carbon sink' on a par with tropical rainforest. It will seriously affect wildlife on this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and wipe out the moorland habitats of curlews, lapwings and other ground-nesting birds. As well as spoiling the beautiful countryside of the Upper Calder Valley, this enormous wind farm will dominate the landscape far and wide throughout Calderdale, Bronte Country and beyond.

The event will consist of a series of presentations on various aspects of the development, followed by the chance to air your views. All welcome but numbers limited to 150.

Organised by Stop Calderdale Wind Farm - An alliance of individuals and organisations opposed to the proposed Wind Farm on Walshaw Moor.

Poetry at the Dusty Miller

A new series of poetry readings in the Calder Valley launches with readings by four outstanding poets: Steve Ely, Gaia Holmes, Andrew McMillan and Charlotte Wetton. 

7.30pm, Tuesday 5 December
The Coiners Room at the Dusty Miller, Burnley Rd, Mytholmroyd.

Free. All welcome. Hat passed round for poets

Books to buy

Car park at rear - Bus stop outside. Station 5 minutes walk

Join us for an evening of poetry and convivial company.

Blackshawhead Village Christmas Fayre

The Blackshawhead Village Christmas Fayre, Blackshawhead Chapel, begins at 1pm on Saturday 2nd December.

With craft stalls, home produce, a tombola, bric-a-brac, pre-loved toys and books, games, prizes and a raffle, there are many things to do. Pat's Pantry is serving drinks, sandwiches and lovely homemade cakes while Santa's Glittering Grotto opens at 1-30pm.

Everyone is welcome at this friendly and accessible venue. Money raised from this event will support the Chapel Building Fund. 

Retrofit Workshop: Airtightness and DIY Measures

Identify and tackle draughts, explore DIY materials and techniques. Learn how to strike the right balance between ventilation and airtightness to improve energy efficiency.

10am-12.30pm, Town Hall

Book your place by email or call 01422 842181

The Iron People Family Creativity Days

The Old Post Office, Todmorden (OL14 7AA)

Embrace the magic of Ted Hughes' literary worlds as Halifax's Northern Broadsides Theatre Company invites families in Calderdale to participate in creativity days across the valley.

The Iron People Family Creativity Days promise to ignite the imaginations of youngsters across Calderdale, bringing to life the enchanting tales of The Iron Man and The Iron Woman in unique and engaging ways, including storytelling sessions, performance workshops, drop-in craft activities and art workshops with The Iron Man illustrator, Chris Mould.*

The days will also allow young people to explore the environmental themes in the books and create their own stories about the natural world.

Each creativity day will run from 10am to 3:30pm. There is no need to book, and families can drop in and out of activities throughout the day. The event is aimed at ages 3 – 11 and their families.

Find out more here

Nanholme Mill's Christmas Weekend

Welcome to Nanholme Mill's Christmas Weekend on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd of December. Open from 10 am until 5pm each day, this event combines art, Christmas and cake. Please visit us to meet artists and businesses, buy antiques and curiosities and have a relaxing break in our Christmas-ready cafe-shop.

This friendly complex hosts a wide variety of local businesses, artists, skills and services. You can view and purchase sculpted stone artwork, crystal jewellery, ceramics, books and photography. Whilst here it is possible to visit the gym, book your pet into the dog grooming parlour or buy high-quality crafted items such as designer lamps and lino prints.

Opportunities to purchase Christmas decorations, cards, craft items and supplies, as well as antiques and vintage curiosities, exist. Call in to the dog-friendly cafe, interesting Stuff, for lunch, coffee, cake and icecream. Here, three local artists - Linda Thomas, Janet Gledhill and Sue Cordingley - will be present to display and discuss their work.

Whether searching for antique furniture, a gift for someone special or jam, there is something for you. All are welcome at this fully accessible, friendly venue.

Nanholme Mill, Shawwood Road, Todmorden, OL14 6DA.

Stained Glass Restoration: Meet the Artist

The Birchcliffe Centre's largest and most intricate stained glass window has recently been restored by talented local artist Karl Percival. Be among the first to see the stunning restored window, and hear from Karl about the stained glass restoration process.

Ever wondered how the complex images in stained glass are created? Or how they maintain their vibrant colours and detail through the centuries? Now is your chance to find out!

When: 2pm, Monday 27th November (doors open 1:30)

Where: The Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8DG

Tickets: £3.50, available on the door or on Eventbrite

What can our local authority do on climate change?

2pm at the Orange Box in Halifax.

Don von Rohland from Climate Emergency UK is travelling from Glasgow to tell us about their Scorecard of local authorities action on climate change, which will be published in October. How will Calderdale be on these Scorecards?

Louise Marix Evans has written reports for the Climate Change Commission and has just written one for UK100.

Councillor Scott Patient is a cabinet member at Calderdale Council responsible for climate change, active travel and housing.

There will be time for you to ask questions and make comments. There will also be stalls there.

Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd

Bring out your repairs!

Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd will be up and running on Sunday 26 Nov from 1pm to 4pm 

Mytholmroyd Community Centre,
Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd HX7 5AF

Hot drinks and refreshments. 

We can look to repair, clothes, bags, furniture, toys, bikes electrical appliances (not microwaves) knife/tool sharpening

Come and see what its all about.

Cost: A voluntary donation

Contact us:
Email: repairmytholm@gmail.com
Facebook: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd
Instagram: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd

Aerial Atlas of Ancient Britain

Join us in Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Sunday Nov 26th for an evening of inspirational images from author and photographer, David R Abram.

David has spent the past five years capturing views of Britain's most spectacular prehistoric sites from above in rare, sunrise light using drones and telescopic poles. Whether Neolithic tombs in Orkney, Bronze Age ceremonial sites in Snowdonia or the enigmatic earthworks carved by our ancestors over the Yorkshire Wolds, his images reveal astonishing forms invisible at ground level, and intriguing connections between the monuments and their varied landscapes.

Lively and rich with archaeological insight, David's illustrated talk will cherry pick highlights from his book, the 'Aerial Atlas of Ancient Britain' (published by Thames & Hudson with a foreward by Professor Alice Roberts), which charts in 227 beautiful photos the arc of British prehistory from the end of the Ice Age to the arrival of the Romans.

This is a rare opportunity to see his most acclaimed work projected at scale in the North of England – an experience that is sure to inspire visits to prehistoric sites you already know, and many you don't!

Signed, embossed copies of the Aerial Atlas will be on sale after the talk, along with 2024 calendar and greetings cards..

7.30pm (doors open at 7pm)

Tickets £10

Todmorden Book Festival

The Iron People Family Creativity Days

Mytholmroyd Community Centre

Embrace the magic of Ted Hughes' literary worlds as Halifax's Northern Broadsides Theatre Company invites families in Calderdale to participate in creativity days across the valley.

The Iron People Family Creativity Days promise to ignite the imaginations of youngsters across Calderdale, bringing to life the enchanting tales of The Iron Man and The Iron Woman in unique and engaging ways, including storytelling sessions, performance workshops, drop-in craft activities and art workshops with The Iron Man illustrator, Chris Mould.*

The days will also allow young people to explore the environmental themes in the books and create their own stories about the natural world.

Each creativity day will run from 10am to 3:30pm. There is no need to book, and families can drop in and out of activities throughout the day. The event is aimed at ages 3 – 11 and their families.

Find out more here

Harmonies of the Heart

A one day singing workshop with Helen Yeomans

10:00am

The Birchcliffe Centre

£28 full price and limited concessions at £21

More information and bookings 

Helen Yeomans is the founder leader of The Glorious Chorus. She writes and songs and leads workshops around the UK and abroad teaching her award-winning compositions. What sets Helen apart is being able to bring out the best in all singers - from the professional to the absolute beginner. Her ability to infuse groups with her passion and humour is a joy. Don't miss this rare opportunity to sing with Helen in Hebden Bridge in a workshop hosted by Calder Valley Women Singers.

The Shaggy Dog Storytelling Club

It's nearly that time again! Fable, fairy tale, folk tale, myth, legend, or just a good old yarn - whether you've got a story to tell, or just like to listen, join us in the upper room of the Stubbing Wharf Pub.

8pm start, free entry.

Light up the Valley: Hebden Bridge

• Town Centre including George's Square & Town Hall 3pm - 8pm
• Festive Market
• Santa's Grotto in the Town Hall Courtyard with suprises from Santa's helpers
• Live entertainment with Blast Furnace, Halo Glow Show, Hebden Bridge Junior Band. Story Magic Theatre, School Choirs, the Battle of the Elves and much more, including the Christmas Tree Stilt Fairies and a special Frozen sing-a-long
• Christmas Tree Lights switch on
• Food & Drink
• Competitions

More info

Hebden Bridge Group Practice Patient Participation Group

Annual General Meeting 

The Patient Participation Group  (PPG) at Hebden Bridge Group Practice will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 21 November at 7.30pm in The Space, Hebden Bridge Town Hall.  

There will be an update on developments at the Practice, and Dr Nigel Taylor will be giving a short talk, followed by a question and answer session. 

Members of the public are welcome to attend: if you wish to do so please email ppg.hbgp@gmail.com to register your interest.

All patients at the Practice are eligible to join the PPG - if you're interested, please email us at the above address.

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

Tenters in the landscape: a remarkable history

Speaker: Dr. Graham Cooper

The use of an outdoor frame with hooks to stretch and dry woollen cloth as part of the finishing process, would appear to be straightforward. Far from it! Complications included the weather, cloth theft, and the scourge of deliberate overstretching which brought parts of the industry into disrepute. In his well-illustrated talk, Graham will discuss the use, abuse, and control of tenters over the centuries. His survey of field tenters on 19th century maps suggests their prevalence in the West Riding and east Lancashire landscape. But a nationwide search for tenter remains revealed a very disappointing survival rate, with only one remarkable and largely complete set still standing (just!).

Graham Cooper was a medical research scientist for forty years but upon retirement focused his research efforts on many aspects of landscape history such as early deer parks. He lives in the Forest of Bowland.

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30pm, free to members; £4 for visitors

Charity Quiz Night

£10 - includes food (+10% booking fee – also going to the charity)
Doors open 8pm

Gather your friends, family and co-workers for a delightful evening of brainteasers and delicious food! Our quiz isn't just about showcasing your intellectual prowess; it's about coming together to support a meaningful cause. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit a great local charity.

STAF (Survivors of Torture Activity Fund) is a small charity that funds the well-being of survivors living in the North West. Our funds enable survivors to engage in activities that help their physical, mental and emotional recovery, such as gym membership, swimming, equipment for studies and hobbies. We also help to improve the quality of their daily lives, through the provision of winter clothes, daily living items, and toys for their children.

Please book tickets through The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge

Light up the Valley: Mytholmroyd

Mytholmroyd Community Centre Car Park, 12 Noon - 7pm

• Festive Market
• Santa's Grotto in the Community Centre + Christmas crafts with Santa's helpers
• Live entertainment with Flame Oz, Hebden Bridge Brass Band, St Michael's Amateurs, School & Ukrainian Choirs, Children's Rides* (*fees payable) and much more, including the Christmas Tree Stilt Fairies and a special Frozen sing-a-long
• Christmas Tree Lights switch on • Food & Drink
• Competitions

More info

Singing up a Storm

... songs of work, spirit and the sea!

Todmorden Unitarian Church
Doors 5pm, concert 5.30pm – 10pm

Todmorden Folk Festival have enlisted the help of hauntingly brilliant Gallows Pole singer Jennifer Reid for a mini-festival in a day at the atmospheric Todmorden Unitarian Church on Saturday 18th November to sing away those winter blues with a celebration of songs of work, spirit and the sea. 

Reid, who played Barb in the hit BBC series set in Cragg Vale and filmed largely in Heptonstall, will lead the audience through a cornucopia of work songs, mill songs, sea shanties and songs of spirit and determination. 

She will be joined at the Singing up a Storm festival by The Ragged Trousers, Three Valleys Gospel Choir, She Shanties and local shanty legends Kimbers Men.

There will be a bar serving local Eagles Crag beer, plus hot and cold food available throughout the gig so guests are invited to come hungry and wrap up warm as the Unitarian can be as cold as the sea!

Tickets are available from Eventbrite, Todmorden Tourist Information Centre or on the door.

'Numbers'

A Talk by Dave Calverley entitled 'Numbers' to the Todmorden u3a Meeting at the Central Methodist Hall at 1400 on the 16th November

Event Details: Dave's talk asks the question what's the connection between Fibonacci Numbers and sunflowers? Just how did the Egyptians build their pyramids with exactly 90-degree corners? Why is 1+1 = 10? What is the sum of one each of the Roman numerals? When is a billion, not a billion?

The meeting starts at 14.00 and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

Remembrance Sunday

An opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms. Organised by Hebden Royd Town Council.

Hebden Bridge: Service of Remembrance at St. James' Church, Mytholm - 9:30am

Act of Remembrance at Memorial Gardens -10:30am

Mytholmroyd: Gather at Mytholmroyd Community Centre 1:45pm Remembrance Parade to Memorial Gardens -2:00pm
Act of Remembrance at Memorial Gardens - 2:15pm
Service & refreshments at St Michael's Church -2:45pm

Wadsworth Walking Market

11-4pm

£1 wrist band gives entry to all four venues

Calder Retrofit Support Group 

We're excited to launch our first ever Calder Retrofit Support Group meeting and you're warmly invited!

Come along if you're wondering where to start or are already on your journey to Retrofit or fully insulate your home whilst also reducing carbon emissions.

Monday 13th November, 7pm.
The White Lion, Hebden Bridge.
(small table at back, ask friendly bar staff for Meg)

We are a small group of local householders, not experts, coming together in an informal space where we can all share information on the pitfalls and successes we've learnt on our retrofit journeys so far.

If you want support, some useful information or just to bend an ear for an hour or so we look forward to seeing you.

See you there!

Dark Matter Promotions presents

Déjà Vega

Déjà Vega - psych alchemy at its most raw and powerful
With 2 local bands in support: FADS (indie-rock that will get you dancing)

FAKE (young punk rockers)

Golden Lion Todmorden, upstairs live room

Tickets £8 + bf via Skiddle or some on the door

Doors 8pm

Buy tickets online from the "We got tickets" website. 

(with Steve) "The more you listen the more there is to discover." Bob Harris 

"Quite simply Peter Dilley is one of the very best players - songwriters from this new generation" Steve Tilston

£13/ £6.50 (Under 18/student)

Pie and peas available.

See HebWeb news article for more info.

Ceasefire now

4.30-5.30pm. Silent vigil in the Square, calling for a ceasefire now.

Called by the Halifax Friends of Palestine

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

The Manchester Ship Canal: from quays to pier

Speaker: Anne Kirker

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30pm, free to members; £4 for visitors

High Hirst Woodmeadow Fungi Survey!

Nature enthusiast or mushroom lover? Join the Town Council and National Trust mycologist and ecologist Steve Hindle for the annual fungi survey on Sat 4 November.

More information here

Arvon Live Poetry Writing Day

Join award winning poets Caroline Bird and Malika Booker for the next Arvon Live Writing Day at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Sunday 5th November. 

In a supportive and inspiring environment, you will explore the elements that create startling and luminous poems, including form, imagery and metaphor.

This Writing Day will be fully catered, including tea and coffee throughout the day, and a sandwich lunch.

More info and booking

Free Foraging Experiences

A Moonfull foraging experience is an introductory session where you can learn about edible plants, fruits, mushrooms, and other wild foods from nature. You can also learn how to prepare and cook them and discover their nutritional and medicinal benefits.

We've created a judgement-free and supportive experience for beginners and experts alike. 

Our walks attract fun, curious, like-minded people, their children and their furry friends. Therefore, no prior knowledge is needed to join in, it's a wonderful opportunity to network, share and learn.

The aim is to respect, explore and enjoy the biodiversity on our doorsteps whilst identifying what's in season and in abundance.

We strongly discourage any harvesting during our walks and no eating is allowed. For identification purposes, we share a sample among the group and use plant debris where possible, as specially designed flash-cards. You'll also receive a foraging guide and pen to sketch and make notes in.

Our priority is embracing the natural world, leaving no trace behind. 

Tickets are free - first come, first served basis. 

Tickets available here

Dark Matter Promotions presents

FLEX & Roller Boot Dogs & Geraldine Snell

Flex - a collab between members of Fingathing - The Whip (techno/house and live drums)

And local artists opening the show:
Roller Boot Dogs - magical electro/acoustic loops and beats 
Geraldine Snell - melodic marvelousness

Golden Lion Todmorden, upstairs live room

Tickets £8 + bf via Skiddle or on the door

Doors 8pm

Cantorelli

Friday 3rd November 7.30pm

St James the Great, Parish Church, Hebden Bridge

Cantorelli performs

Masses and Madrigals from the Renaissance

Free admission - donations in aid of Calder Community Kindness

Details: www.cantorelli.co.uk

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

The treasures of Hebden Bridge Local History Society Archive

Speaker: Anne Mealia

From archaeological investigations to Yorkshire dialect the HBLHS archive has a wealth of material relating to properties, people and activities in the Upper Calder Valley. We have deeds, diaries, maps and much more. There are even some artifacts such as fabric books and agricultural tools. Our oldest record, a deed, dates from the 16th century and we collect material up to the present day. Come and find out more about what we have and how to access our unique collections.

Anne Mealia is a professional genealogist and historical researcher and runs her own research business, Evergreen Ancestry, carrying out research for individuals, academics and TV companies. She leads historical walks round Todmorden and the surrounding area and is a trustee of Hebden Bridge Local History Society and helps catalogue the society's collections. Her own research interests include the Fieldens and the Dobroyd area of Todmorden.

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30pm, free to members; £4 for visitors

Support is Everything

Calder Community Kindness shop and Winnie Dot lingerie in Hebden Bridge have joined forces to launch 'Supporting the Women of Calderdale' at The Kindness Shop, Hebden Bridge marina on Thurs 26 October between 7-9pm.

See this HebWeb news item for more info

Authentic Mexican Street Food Pop-Up

Terra Tacos is a new pop up Mexican food concept launching at the Fox & Goose on Saturday 28th October (follow socials for future events)... We'll be slinging the heat 4pm-sell out. Vegan, veggie and meat menu items - this is tasty, authentic Mexican food on handmade, freshly pressed corn tortillas!

Moonfull Woodland Masquerade - Halloween Party

Woodland Masquerade at The Trades Club, Hebden Bridge

What's included?

• Entertainment and live music
• Raffle with prizes donated by local businesses
• Fully stocked bar
• Best dressed competition for adults
• Best dressed competition for children

Tickets
Under 11s Free
£12 Early Bird
£15 Standard

Due to the venue change under 18s are welcome until 8.30pm!

Book tickets Heptonstall Museum

The House That Ethel Built

Midgley Autumn Market

10am-3pm

Makers stalls and a walking market with food and drinks along Towngate in Midgley

Three Valleys Gospel Choir anniversary concert

Three Valleys Gospel Choir are celebrating 15 years at the Unitarian Church in Todmorden at 2.30 on October 22.

They will be joined by four other local choirs including Calder Valley Voices.

All profits will go to the Todmorden Food Drop In.

The Lost Chord Ensemble

7 pm, in the Little Theatre bar, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge.

The Lost Chord Ensemble is a small group of people who support the Little Theatre. They meet about once a month usually on a Sunday evening to play light music. Musicians (with their music stand) are invited to come and play.

If you are coming for the first time, please contact chris.browne@tiscali.co.uk with details of your instrument so that a pad of music can be made available.

A Solo Walk Across Africa

After the Todmorden u3a AGM there will be a talk by Fran Sandham entitled A Solo Walk Across Africa at the Todmorden Learning Centre and Community Hub (Tod College) at 2 pm on the 19th October.

Lecturer and author Fran Sandham will give an illustrated talk about his walk across Africa solo from coast to coast, from Namibia's Atlantic Coast to the Indian Ocean near Zanzibar. This three-thousand-mile journey was the first time on record anyone has crossed Africa solo entirely on foot by this route.

The meeting starts at 14.00 and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

Hebden Bridge WI Awesome Autumn Rag Market

Hebden Bridge Town Hall
The Making Mill, Valley Road
Northlight Studios,
Hangingroyd Lane
10:30am - 4:00pm

QI Gong Practice Day for Well Being

10am - 3pm at The Terrace Room Hebden Bridge Town Hall Community building St. Georges St., second gloor (lift)

An ancient beautiful meditation movement practice meaning to cultivate your life force. Suitable for everyone. Gentle movements with Kath Reade. Please book your place on kath.reade@outlook.com

Folk gig: Jack Rutter and special guest, Chris Brain

Wadsworth Community Centre, Old Town.

Organised by BGR events.

Buy tickets from "We got tickets" website. 

(Jack is) "among Britain's finest traditional singers" Folk Radio UK

Chris Brain "An acoustic gem" Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6

£14/ 7 (Under 18/ Student)

Pie and peas available. 

More info on this HebWeb News page

A Just Transition that protects both humans and the Environment

1:30pm at Myholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene Ave,

Free coffee, tea and cakes.

Speakers:

Samina Arshad, a leading member of the Pakistani community in Halifax, will speak about the environment.

Dan Whittal, chair of Calderdale TUC and president of NEU, will speak of a just transition for workers to a economy.

Finn Jensen, on what you can do it your local community to deal with climate change and biodiversity loss.

Ayesha from Africa will be speaking on FGM.

The meeting is organised by BEAT with the support of various environmental organisations and Calderdale TUC

Eco-Fair at the Town Hall

Eco-Fair at the Town Hall organised by the Town Council, will run together with the Pumpkin Trail Festival over the weekend of 14-15 October. See this HebWeb news item for more info

Dark Matter Promotions presents

Hebble

Traditional music, with bodhran, cello, and bouzouki, with three-part harmonies

Benny Jones (freak folk)

Joan the Wad (intricate alt-pop)

Golden Lion Todmorden, upstairs live room

Tickets £7 + bf via Skiddle or on the door

Doors 7.30pm

Calder Ward Forum

Starts at 6.30pm 

The Terrace Room,  1st Floor, Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St Georges' Street, (use the Hangingroyd Lane Entrance).

Ward Forums are an opportunity for YOU to get involved in what happens in your local area and discuss what is important to you. By working together we can talk about local issues and plan for the future.  

All welcome.

190th Anniversary of the Parish Church of Hebden Bridge, St James the Greater 1833-2023

An invitation to our 190th anniversary at St James',  Church Lane, Mytholm HX7 6DS on 8th October. 

The history of the church and the school will be on display during October so do call in on another day if you are not able to join us on 8th when there will be a service at 10.30am followed at about 11.30 am by refreshments and an opportunity to look at the story of the church and its school.  Wearing clothing redolent of 1833 is optional but encouraged. RSVP to event@machpelah.uk

The Bishop of Huddersfield, Bishop Smitha, the Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, the Mayor and Mayoress of Calderdale and Mayor and Mayoress of Hebden Royd Town Council and a number of past vicars (going back as far as 1984) are coming to help us celebrate. 

Dark Matter Promotions presents....

Tuppenny Bunters

Garage, Psych, Baroque-Pop. Dirty Fender Rhodes with wild garage drumming. 

Golden Lion, Todmorden
Free
5pm

Details updated

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

A melting season: inside the mind of Oliver Heywood

Speaker: Sheila Graham

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30pm, free to members; £4 for visitors

Dark Matter Promotions presents....

Throw Down Bones (Milan-London, IT-Fuzz Club)

Callis (Todmorden)
Holy Popes (Bristol)

Golden Lion, Todmorden
Tickets £10 via Skiddle
7.30pm

Do You Remember The First Time?

Fundraiser for Tod Food Bank

90s indie and alternative disco 
DJ Gigantic Dan (Leeds Cockpit, Town & Country Club) 

Doors open 9pm

The Trades Club

Tickets £5 + booking fee 

An Organ Revival

At 2pm on 14th October 2023 the event is being held in the beautiful and historic Octagonal Chapel on Northgate in Heptonstall.  We are celebrating the revival of the organ with a very mixed programme of music designed to put the organ through its paces and performed by two expert organists, Professor David Baker and Mr Chris O'Gorman.

Rarely will this instrument have been played like this so it will going to be a real experience.  Hits to hymns, Wesley to Williams.  

Please email jean.crowther02@gmail.com or call 07947 612560 if you would like to secure advance tickets and join us for a real treat.  
Homemade cake and tea will also be available. It is going to be good!

Calderdale Food Gathering at Halifax Borough Market on Thursday 5 October, with Hebden Bridge groups including Pennine Cropshare and Grow and Graze taking part. See HebWeb news item for more info

Autumn Ceilidh

St Thomas' Church in Heptonstall

Event cancelled

Folk gig: Sam Kelly and Jamie Francis

Wadsworth community centre, Old Town. Organised by BGR events. Buy tickets from the "We got tickets" website.

"Sam has such a beautiful voice and sings with so much soul" Cara Dillon

£14/7 (under 18/Student) 

Pie and peas available.

More info on this HebWeb news item

Exhibition of Paintings by Jane Walker

'Death of a Patriarch' - Age and regret up close

Northlight Artspace, Hangingroyd Lane, HX7 7BZ

11am to 5pm

Opening night Fri 29th Sept, 7 to 9pm All welcome and Free

These recent paintings began in response to a noticable societal resistance to women speaking out more about their experiences of misogyny and sexism.

"I created a character who represented patriarchy and portrayed him through a period of his life to death. One aspect that emerged during the painting process was how ageing may or may not evoke regrets and self reflection, and it is these parts I particularly homed in on."

One Night With Elvis

Mytholmroyd Community Centre.

Doors Open From 7pm.

Calder Valley Radio presents: Colin Paul

Tickets available directly from Mytholmroyd Community Centre at £10 each. This includes pie & peas (please state if vegetarian). Also a disco with music of the era and a raffle. Bar open until late.

Born in Bradford

The Shaggy Dog Storytelling Club

Fable, fairy tale, folk tale, myth, legend, or just a good old yarn - whether you've got a story to tell, or just like to listen, join us in the upper room of the Stubbing Wharf Pub. 8pm start, free entry.

Anti-Fast Fashion Show

Tickets are now on sale for The Anti Fast-Fashion Show at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on September 29.

Buy your tickets now at www.antifastfashion.uk, and check out the website for more information.

The Anti Fast-Fashion Show is being organised by a group of young volunteers at Oxfam Hebden Bridge to promote sustainable fashion while raising money for the charity.

The fundraiser will showcase donated, upcycled and remade products at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Friday, September 29.

It's part of Oxfam's Second Hand September, an annual campaign to encourage all of us to shop second hand and donate, reuse, rewear and restyle during September – and beyond!

The Anti Fast-Fashion Show will be on from 7pm-7.45pm and tickets cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for under-16s (plus fees).

There will be the opportunity to buy the clothes that are showcased on the catwalk.

The fashion show is being supported by HebTroCo.

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

The early co-operative housing movement: and how Hebden Bridge played a part in it

Poetry Workshop: Mike Crowley – Creating Dramatic Voices for Poetry

Event cancelled

An Evening of Popular Light Music

The Chris Irvin Concert Orchestra presents an evening of popular light music at The Good Shepherd Church, Mytholmroyd on Sunday 24 September @ 7.30pm.

Admission on the door: Adults £10.00/ Children free

Smeekin Hill War Memorial 100 Year Commemoration Service

Pottery Pop-up Weekend

We would like to invite you to our Pottery Pop-up Weekend at Feline Woodcraft and Cafe at Nanholme Mill, Shaw Wood Road, Eastwood, OL14 6DA.

On Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th September, from 10 am 5.30pm, local potters, painters and ceramic artists are exhibiting their work. All items are available for sale.

The cafe and shop are also open, with the latter launching a new range of gift items. Do come for coffee, tea, cake and ice-cream or try our excellent baked potatoes.

Accessible toilet facilities are provided. Both the cafe and shop are dog-friendly venues.

Insectageddon or Where have all the insects gone?

A Talk by Dr Christopher Hassall to the Todmorden u3a Meeting at the Central Methodist Hall at 1400 on 21st September.

Dr Christopher Hassall has a strong interest in the biological impacts of climate change and urbanisation on insects and he looks at the capacity of different species to respond to the environmental change.

This talk looks at the ability of insects to adapt to these environmental changes and examines why they are not as prolific as in the past. The talk will look at the importance of insects to humans and what will happen to us if they are no longer active in our environment.

The meeting starts at 14.00 at the Central Methodist Hall in Todmorden and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

Poetry @ The Museum:
Mike Crowley & Chris Preddle

7pm. Continuing our series of Poetry @ The Museum, we are delighted to welcome back Michael Crowley who will be reading from his collection First Fleet.  Joining Mike, is Chris Preddle, another local and established poet who recently published his third collection The May Figures came from Eyewear in 2022; his second was Cattle Console Him (2010).  His translations Sappho: Songs and Poems also came out in 2022.

Between 1787 and 1850 over 160,000 convicts were sent from Britain to penal colonies in Australia. First Fleet tells the story of the first eleven ships that sailed from Portsmouth on a 15,000 mile voyage to establish the first penal settlement at Sydney Cove. Drawing on surviving journals the poems inhabit the imaginary voices of convicts, crew, marines, and Aboriginal people to give voice to the poverty left behind and the 'starvation years' they faced when they reached Australia.

'Crowley's uncompromising, spirited and highly original collection addresses issues of exile, identity, class and rebellion, incorporating meditative lyrics on personal and political themes and visionary re-imaginings of the convict colonisation of Australia, triumphantly fulfilling his "impossible ambition" of entering history to give voice to the silenced and the dead.'   – Steve Ely

Tickets available here

Michael will also be holding a workshop on Sunday 24 September.

Unfolding History at Wainsgate Chapel's Heritage Open Day

Discover the secrets of Wainsgate Chapel at its Heritage Open Day on 17th September, from 2 to 6 pm. This Grade II* listed building and former Baptist chapel, nestled on a hillside above Hebden Bridge, is set to host an immersive experience of its rich history. 

Read more on this HebWeb News item

Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd

Bring out your repairs!

Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd will be up and running on Sunday 23rd July from 1pm to 4pm 

Mytholmroyd Community Centre,
Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd HX7 5AF

Hot drinks and refreshments. 

We can look to repair, clothes, bikes, furniture, electrical and mechanical items (not microwaves) and knife sharpening

Come and see what its all about.

Contact us:
Email: repairmytholm@gmail.com
Facebook: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd
Instagram: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd

Tickets: £10 / £8 for members of The Trades Club

Who's our headliner?

Dilettante is the brain-child of longtime BC Camplight member Francesca Pidgeon. Live shows are a genre-phobic loop-fest, featuring everything from fuzzy guitar licks to 5-part saxophone harmonies.

Recently Dilettante have sold out headline shows in Manchester, Leeds, Halifax, London, Hull and Liverpool. They have supported the likes of Self Esteem, Caribou, Graham Coxon (Blur) and Philip Selway (Radiohead) plus festival appearances at Kendal Calling, Live at Leeds, Manchester Jazz Festival, Focus Wales and The Great Escape. Their debut album 'Tantrum' was released in October 2022.

Support acts:Skydaddy, Beb and local singer-songwriter, Sweet Goose.

Heptonstall Museum and Calder Civic Trust

A Celebration for Ethel Carnie Holdsworth

Starting 1pm at The Undercroft, finishing at Slack Top at 3pm for a blue plaque at her former home.

Town Council to host Retrofit Workshop

The workshop introducing Retrofit on Sat, 16 September at the Town Hall will provide in-depth info on how to reduce energy bills and make homes more energy efficient.

See HebWeb News item for more info

The Offcumdens

Light verse for dark nights.
(Turn left at the graveyard).

Doors 7:10, Seated: 7:25, Poets: 7:30, Finish: 9.30ish

Heptonstall Museum

Those familiar with Shaggy Dog Storytellers, the Trades Club, literary and folk festivals along the valley will  recognise these performers, who've come together as 'The Offcumdens' for a very special performance.  We welcome you to join us for a great evening, bringing their tales and talent to the Museum.

The line up: one time, almost Scouser, George Murphy is the author of Hippy Valley & Murphy's Lore and a trader of new Folklore for old.

From the deepest south, H (aka Heather Wilson) is a shopkeeper, hat maker, illustrator as well as hilarious versifier.

From Manchester via Oxbridge, Theresa Sowerby, award winning poet, now residing in darkest Todmorden.

Welcome drink and entry: £8/£5 Members

Booking via Eventbrite 

Solidarity with Shu'fat Refugee Camp

Hebden Town Hall, 7.00 pm

Unite, the union, is bringing five activists from Shu'fat to the TUC conference and Halifax Friends of Palestine will host a meeting with them.

Two Collage Workshops

Sat 9 September or Sunday 9 September.

Make a collage for a frame - frame supplied

Make a set of coasters - bases supplied.

Also - Tea, coffee and cake. Lunch - Vegetable Soup and local bread

£38

Lead by Alison and Biggle in Hebden Bridge.

More info and booking - 07927 919996

Don't think about making art - just do it

Heritage Open Day at Hebden Bridge Picture House

Hebden Bridge Picture House will open its doors for Heritage Open Day on Saturday, September 9th, 10.30am to 1pm.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the screening of gala films, talks about the heritage projector, find out about the Friends of the Picture House and forthcoming films and learn about the history of the town's much-loved cinema.

All welcome, no need to book, free event.

Refreshments will be available.

Camera Club Annual Exhibition 2023

The exhibition is a showcase for the work of club members and will open 10am-4pm from 26 August to 2 September at the Town Hall. Above: last year's winner, 'Eaves Wood' by Chris Scarborough. See HebWeb news item for more info and photos.

Laser-Cutting Introduction

10am - 4:30pm
At Bridge Rectifier, 2-4 Stubbing Holme Road, 
Hebden Bridge, HX7 6EA (opposite scrapyard entrance)

• Fancy learning a new skill? Want access to a high quality laser-cutter? No previous experience needed.
• Come along to a free workshop at Bridge Rectifier to learn basic computer-aided design & laser-cutting.
• Laser-cutting can be used for: artwork, attractive cases, mechanical components, special mountings,  lampshades, intricate paper cuts/ invitation cards, sliced 3D forms.
• Materials include: acrylic sheet, wood, cardboard, paper, glass engraving, . . . .
• Produce your own piece to take away, free of charge.
• Once trained, you can continue your own projects for a very low charge, with a group of enthusiasts working on diverse projects.
• Waiting list for later dates
  

Bridge Rectifier is a not-for-profit community hackerspace/ makerspace.

Open Evenings run 7 to 9 pm every Wednesday & Open Day first Saturday of each month.

Book via website link

Blackshaw Head Fete

The annual Blackshaw Head Fete, held in Blackshaw Head, a village just above Hebden Bridge.

See Facebook page for more info

Heptonstall Jumble Trail

Jumble Trail in Heptonstall on Bank Holiday Monday 28th August, 10 am till 2 pm.  Unwanted items for sale on stalls all around the village.  £5 to have a stall, £1 for a trail map with proceeds going to HeLP (Heptonstall Lights and Planting group).  Refreshments will be available in the church.  For more information, contact Chris Scarborough on 07787 523617 or email: cscarborough@btinternet.com

Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum

Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum meets on Monday 21st August in the Terrace Room, Hebden Bridge Town Hall at 2.30 to 4.30pm.

You can also join the same meeting by zoom video link - a hybrid meeting.

Contact sechbdisabilityaccess@gmail.com or 01422 844914 for details and the zoom link.

Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum welcomes all Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent people, and those with long-term health conditions. We also welcome non-disabled associates.

The Shaggy Dog Storytelling Club

Fable, fairy tale, folk tale, myth, legend, or just a good old yarn - whether you've got a story to tell, or just like to listen, join us in the upper room of the Stubbing Wharf Pub. 8pm start, free entry.

Dark Matter Promotions presents...

Music at Eagles Crag Brewery

Eagles Crag Brewery, Todmorden

Tap room opens at 5pm

Free gig/ donations appreciated

Chris Manley/ 3 decades of guitar work come alive through wild instrumentals, ambient loop experiments and songs of life. Featuring Tim Burwell on percussion. 

Roller Boot Dogs/ acoustics and electronics travel together through dub-downbeat-4 on the floor and breakbeat.

The Sun and the Northern Lights

A Talk by Martin Lunn

- 'The Sun and the Northern Lights' to the Todmorden U3A Meeting at the Central Methodist Hall at 2pm on 17 August.

Our local star, the Sun, dominates everything in the solar system. Worshipped as a god from the earliest of times, at one stage astronomers believed that people lived inside the Sun! 

Today, our knowledge of the Sun has dramatically increased. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are caused by flares coming from the Sun and striking the Earth. However, there is a potential danger because if these flares are powerful enough, they can overload the very sensitive electronic equipment we rely on today. It has happened in the past and will probably happen again in the future.

The meeting starts at 2pm and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

Animal Magic!

Hebden Bridge Picture House, 11:30am-12:20pm

Music and film fun for children aged 5 and upwards, and their grown-ups!

Dogs and cats, penguins and seals, bear cubs and more - experience the wonderful world of animals in silent film, brought to life with live music and sound.

Animal Magic! is a relaxed, participatory live-music film show for children aged 5-12 and their adults - but all ages are welcome, including babes-in-arms. The audience is invited to join in with making sound effects and music to bring these wonderful animals to life!

More info

Vintage Car Weekend

Classic and vintage cars, live entertainment, stalls of every description, a children's play area, food court and much more

See Vintage Car Weekend website

Organised by the Hebden Bridge Rotary Club

Sammy Weaver, Poetry Workshop, Muses Within Museums II

Buy tickets here

Following the success of her last workshop, Sammy Weaver has kindly offered to return to Heptonstall Museum with a second poetry workshop on the theme of 'Muses Within Museums'.

How can museums and their exhibits be starting points for new poems? How might song be found in the muted silences of museums? How can the poetic imagination help us envisage different stories, memories and futures for our museums?

In an inspiring and supportive space, we will throw open the possibilities of how we see and write about museums. You will discover how different writers have approached this theme - its politics, curiosities and wonders. You will learn how to read a range of poems as a writer, discovering new tools and techniques as you go. Through generative writing exercises, you will come away with new writing and new ideas for discovering your own muses within both real and imagined museums.

This workshop is open to both newcomers and people who attended the first 'Muses within Museums' workshop ~ it is not a repeat of that first workshop, but a deepening exploration into the themes with new prompts and poems to inspire you.

Note: Workshops require a minimum of 8 for us to run. We will confirm to all participants as early as possible once confirmed numbers are reached.

Happy Valley Pride Festival 2023

Pride returns this year to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, Todmorden and throughout the happy valley and tickets have just gone one sale!

This week is an opportunity to celebrate all that can be accomplished through uplifting and supporting one another. Pride will be celebrating some of the UK's leading, alternative, drag kings and queens – Drag Race UK stars Ginny Lemon and Sister Sister will headline the free, Big Day Out in the park and performance legend David Hoyle takes the stage at The Trades Club along with future star Ginger Johnson.

See website

Mill Town Arts Summer Arts Fair

Featuring 20 great artists work, ranging from Fine Arts, Illustration, Photography, Jewellery, Textiles, Metal work, Craft and Ceramics, all displaying high quality artwork, and all under one roof.

Featuring artists from the Calder Valley and beyond and showcasing a live 'Street Art' demonstration by Steve McCracken, one of the leading street artists. FREE to enter and a great free Art prizes draw!!! You just need to get your hands on a flier to enter!

Mill Town Arts are a diverse group of creatives working in and out of the Valley. Mill Town Arts is a not for profit organisation.
Keep an eye on social media for this and all up coming Mill Town Arts events:

Instagram: @milltown_arts / Facebook: Mill Town Arts HX7, Mill Town Arts Summer Arts Fair is sponsored by the Print Bureau.

Hope Baptist Church - service and handover

Hope Baptist Church in Hebden Bridge is inviting the local community to join members in a service on the 30th July, a date that marks the handover of its activities to a new team. This transition is the start in a new chapter in the life of a church that was founded in the town in 1777.

Read this HebWeb news item for more info

Dark Matter Promotions presents....

Helicon (Fuzz Club Records)

Cinematic psychedelic rock group touring their third album.

Sister Wives - bilingual dreamweavers 

Golden Lion, Todmorden
Tickets £10 via Skiddle/ on the door
Doors 7.30 pm

The Shaggy Dog Storytelling Club

Fable, fairy tale, folk tale, myth, legend, or just a good old yarn - whether you've got a story to tell, or just like to listen, join us in the upper room of the Stubbing Wharf Pub. 8pm start, free entry.

Three women, three cities, three voices

Halifax Friends of Palestine, in association with the Camden-Abu Dis Friendship Association, invite you to come and hear three ordinary Palestinian women from different backgrounds speak about their lives.

Everyone who believes in equality and human rights is welcome.

3 - 5pm in the Terrace Room, Hebden Bridge Town Hall

The Cotton Factory Times and the cartoons of Sam Fitton

with Alan Fowler

Tickets £3 on entry/Free for FOHM members. 6pm

We welcome Alan Fowler, a social and economic expert on the history of the cotton mills for a fascinating insight into the highly successful 'The Cotton Factory Times' and celebrating the centenary of its' famous cartoonist Sam Fitton.

Alan will talk about the success of the newspaper between 1885 and 1914 and how, in 1907, Sam Fitton, a former cotton operative became the newspaper's first cartoonist.

Sam Fitton drew 400 cartoons for the Cotton Factory Times, and the talk will examine his cartoons in the key year 1914. Fitton was an unusual cartoonist in that he was a working man and the subject of his cartoons was the cotton industry and the lives of the operatives who worked in the industry. The newspaper he drew his cartoons for was a paper that served the workers who worked in the industry and who supported the associated trade unions.

The cartoons were also unusual in that each one also contained a dialect poem. This year, 2023, is the centenary of Sam Fitton's death and his life was celebrated by a recent exhibition at Gallery Oldham.

Alan Fowler taught economic and social history at the Manchester Polytechnic and Manchester Metropolitan University for 40 years and has written about the history of cotton operatives. He recently wrote with Terry Wyke an essay that was published as a pamphlet, about Sam Fitton for the exhibition at Gallery Oldham described above.

Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd

Bring out your repairs!

Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd will be up and running on Sunday 23rd July from 12pm to 3pm 

Mytholmroyd Community Centre,
Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd HX7 5AF

Hot drinks, delicious cakes and savouries, too. 

We can look to repair, clothes, bikes, furniture, electrical and mechanical items (not microwaves) and knife sharpening

Come and see what its all about.

Contact us:
Email: repairmytholm@gmail.com
Facebook: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd
Instagram: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd

The Tempest at the Town Hall

Update: Indoors in main hall, due to weather

The King's Troupe invite you to their performance of Shakespeare's 'The Tempest' adapted by Mary Coaten. Saturday 22nd July 2.30pm in the Courtyard at the Town Hall. Duration 1 hr 15mins.

Thanks to Hebden Rotary Club for funding us and the Royal Shakespeare Company for inviting us to perform on their outdoor Dell stage earlier this month.

Book launch and double exhibition

American Tony Wright – presents - his book launch of 'Reflections On Creation' - Images and Words on Fatherhood.

The Fox and Goose Pub - Meet the Artist 7 to 9 pm.

Including Painting and Print Exhibition.

With food and live jazz folk music by 'Greenwood' – Rosemary Howes-Ben Crosland - Chris Brown

Also: Art Exhibition at 11 Oxford Street HX7 6LL - JULY – Sat. & Sun. 15 & 16th - 10am to 5pm as part of Open Space 70.

A Talk by Colin Alderson

'Chef to the Royal Household'

University of Third Age Meeting at the Central Methodist Hall, Todmorden at 2pm.

Hear about the preparation it takes to get ready for a State Banquet, making 2,000 canapés and 4,000 lobster tartlets, and many more intriguing stories of life in the palace kitchens. As well as an insight into the meals and the manners of the Royal family. 

The meeting starts at 14.00 and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

Calder Valley Voices

Open Space 70 festival by Hebden Bridge Arts

A weekend of 70 exhibitions, events, happenings, performances, workshops, and walks.

More info on this web page

Percussion workshops: Bodies of Water

A performance protest piece devised and led by Delia Stevens, percussionist.

oin percussionist, composer and producer Delia Stevens as part of a small ensemble of people who want to be able to use our local waterways safely. Help to create sound pieces and soundscapes over two Tuesday evening workshops (20th and 27th June), to be performed as part of Open Space 70 festival in the Town Hall on Sunday 16 July (you'll be needed from 9am to 1pm on this day). 

Are you concerned about the pollution of our rivers? An environmental champion that feels frustrated? A wild swimmer who understands the importance of nature? Or just someone who wants to make a difference?

In the UK no river is currently safe to swim in due to pollution. 

In 2022, the River Calder was reported as the UK's second most polluted. In 2021 alone, 30,000 hours of sewage was released into our river. 

We think that this is unacceptable!

Amplify your voice, create a splash and make some noise! It's time to use the power of music to start a movement. It's not too late to reclaim our rivers! 

​This short course is suitable for those age 16++.  

Find out more and book your place (pay as you can afford) here

Free Foraging Experience

Hebden Bridge: 1 - 2pm

No prior knowledge is needed to join in, we aim to create judgement-free and supportive experiences for beginners and experts alike. 

Our walks attract fun, curious, like-minded people and their furry friends. The aim is to respect, explore and enjoy the biodiversity on our doorsteps whilst identifying what's in season and in abundance.

We'll take you along well-maintained paths and easy terrain, therefore children and dogs on leads are very welcome.

What to Expect:

• Your foraging guides Sherel & Dunc will explain how to keep you safe and within the law.
• We'll take a 45 minute walk and help you identify trees, plants, mushrooms and more.
• We end every experience with an original short story about the plants we've found.
• Due to health and safety, we do not eat anything that we find during the interactive walk and there is no emphasis on picking.

We will confirm the meeting point by email the week before your event date.

Please help us grow by following us on social media: @moonfulluk

Tickets here

Rural: The Lives of the Working Class Countryside

Rebecca Smith, Book Signing & Q&A, Rural: The Lives of the Working Class Countryside

Book tickets £3 on the door/Free for FOHM Members. 2pm

We're excited to host author, Rebecca Smith, talking about her personal links and research into working class life.

Just published, Rural: The Lives of the Working Class Countryside by Rebecca Smith (William Collins, Pub date: 8 June 2023) is an exploration that starts with Smith's own family history – foresters in Cumbria, miners in Derbyshire, millworkers in Nottinghamshire, builders of reservoirs and the Manchester Ship Canal – to survey our green and pleasant land, and the people whose labour has shaped it.

Work in the countryside ties you, soul and salary, to the land, but often those who labour in nature have the least control over what happens there.

Beautifully observed, these are the stories of professions and communities that often go overlooked. Smith shows the precarity for those whose lives are entangled in the natural landscape. And she traces how these rural working-class worlds have changed. As industry has transformed – mines closing, country estates shrinking, farmers struggling to make profit on a pint of milk, holiday lets increasing so relentlessly that local people can no longer live where they were born – we are led to question the legacy of the countryside in all our lives.

Exploring the lives of farmers, foresters, miners, millworkers, builders it's a book about the working class people who have shaped the countryside. Why are they being forced out of the places they call home? Why are their stories so often overlooked? What is the future of land in rural areas?

Jennifer Reid, Broadside Ballad Singer, 'Back @ Barb's'

Tickets £10/£8 for Friends of Heptonstall Museum.

Buy now from Eventbrite - Additional donations welcomed.

Join us on Saturday 15th July, as we welcome Jennifer Reid back to Heptonstall Museum.

Jenn was last singing at the Museum, when both were looking very different. As 'Barb' in the recent critically acclaimed BBC Drama, "The Gallows Pole" (directed by Shane Meadows). Heptonstall Museum was her very own Ale House, 'Barb's'.

For one night, we're delighted to welcome back Barb to Barb's sharing stories from her time on set and singing a selection of pre-industrial ballads - this is one not to be missed.

Jennifer is well known as a performer of broadside ballads – and is also a member of the Society for the Study of Labour History's executive committee. For more about her work, you can read more on her website www.jenniferballads.com

This is a seated event and will include a welcome drink.

Open Studios

The Upper Calder Valley is a hub of art and creativity so there's always plenty to see.

See website

See HebWeb news item

Weekend Plant Sale Plus

Feline Woodcraft, Nanholme Mills.

Open from 10am until 4.30pm each day, this event combines plant and garden trough sales with opportunities to buy crafted items and supplies, antiques and curiosities.

Three visiting artists are displaying work and beautifully sculpted stone pieces can also be bought.

Our cafe is open, serving cream teas, a range of hot and cold drinks and ice-creams.

All are welcome at this friendly and accessible venue.

Feline Woodcraft/Interesting Stuff, Nanholme Mill, Shawwood Road, Todmorden, OL14 6DA.

Heptonstall School PFA Colour Fun Run & Summer Fair

The Heptonstall School PFA are excited to announce we are running a Charity Colour Fun Run and Summer Fair on Sunday 9th July from 1pm - 4pm.

Registration for the race is required ahead of time, but all are welcome and spectators are free. So come and enjoy the food, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), games, prizes, music, stalls and much more.
On Sunday 9th July at Heptonstall Junior & Infant School, Smithwell Lane, Heptonstall, HX7 7NX

All details available on our website.

Family Fun Day On The Field

Organised by Hebden Royd CE Primary School

11-2, Mytholm Field Everybody Welcome Bouncy Castle, Benji's Balloons, Glitter Tattoos, Fire Engine, Police Car, Crafts, Spring Tuition Bar, Hebden Bridge Hummus, Mindful Kitchen, Duke Street Food, Hunky Dory Coffee, Cakes and more.

Free Community Events Celebrating National Meadows Day

Hebden Royd Town Council is excited to announce a vibrant line-up of free community events, celebrating National Meadows Day, on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

Set amidst the breath-taking beauty of the ancient grassland, High Hirst Woodmeadow, the programme features a range of activities catering to diverse interests and age groups. Please see this HebWeb news story for more information and details on how to book your place.

Heptonstall Festival

More info on this Facebook page

844s Band, beer and dancing! And food!

The 844s are vocalist and harmonica player Dave Rigg, lead guitarist Martin McGroarty, bassist Jerome Dineen, drummer Jim Duffy, and rhythm guitarist and second vocalist Wally Woodcock. The band plays original compositions with one or two covers, ranging from slow-burn blues to high-energy rock.

Treat yourself and come along, with your dancing shoes on!

844s playing at Wadsworth Community Centre (Old Town) this Saturday 1 July, 7.30pm.

Band at 9pm.

£5 on the door. 

Proms and Parties clothing sale

Oxfam Hebden Bridge is holding a Proms and Parties shopping event on Thursday, June 22, 5pm-7pm at Salem Mill.

It will be a mix of brand new and donated items, of glamorous dresses and party outfits including accessories and shoes.

Come and join us to find something fabulous for your summer wardrobe!

If you need to find space in your wardrobe first, we'd love to receive your clothing donations - pop them into our shop on Market Street.

See Facebook page

Coffee and Cake 

Join Hebden Royd Christian Aid group to enjoy Coffee and Cake in support of the Ukrainian Flood disaster

10am to 1pm, Hope Baptist Church, Hebden Bridge

Do pop in to enjoy some homemade cake, coffee and support thi cause 

Music at Walshaw Gala Summer Concert

2pm Enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music and fun with performances by Leona Gogolicynova, Violin, Natalie Merandon, Flute, Margaret Bruce, Piano and The Three Pitches.

The concert will include music by Chopin, Janacek, Martinu, and Herbert Howells.

Tickets: £35 including a buffet with drinks of your choice.
(Please advise of any special dietary requirements prior to the event)

For ticket reservations telephone: 01422 842275
Buy online at: www.margaretbruce.com (no booking fee)
Walshaw Lodge, Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7AX

Tales of a Customs Officer

A Talk by Brian Topping on Thursday 15 June to the Todmorden University of the Third Age at the Central Methodist Hall at 2pm.

Ever wondered what Customs Officers are looking for? Hear Brian Topping tell of his many years during the 1970s and 80s as a serving Customs Officer in the former department of HM Customs and Excise, at Heathrow Airport. He will provide an interesting, informative, and entertaining journey through the many situations he came across when dealing with passengers travelling through the airport and his involvement in apprehending and investigating smugglers.

The meeting starts at 2pm and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

TheyDunnit! - Meet The Mystery Men, David Stuart Davies and Matthew Booth

Hebden Bridge Library, 7pm.  

Free event. More info and booking

Come along to a lively, informative and humorous overview of the development of the fictional world of murder, mayhem and mystery. Looking at authors who shaped the genre, from creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to Ann Cleeves, the creator of Vera.

Dark Matter Promotions presents....

Live band showcase extravaganza - 5 bands

Dark Matter Promotions and Slomanmusic are putting on another live band showcase.

5 bands for £10 entry!

Hazel's Maze | TOKEO | Slow Knife | Slab | Mother Sugar

Golden Lion, Todmorden
Tickets £10 via Skiddle/ on the door
Doors 7 pm

Hebden Bridge March Contest

Competing bands enjoy a traditional atmosphere as they march down the cobbled streets of Hebden Bridge, where they then play a chosen hymn and march.

Bands shall be ranked on their performance by renowned musician Chris Binns, with awards given to high placing bands. Relevant information for entering your band or even sponsoring/advertising at the contest, can be found on Hebden Bridge Band's Facebook page

Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum Focus on Mental Health meeting

Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum will be meeting on Monday 19th June at the new time of 2.30pm to 4.30pm, in the Terrace Room, Hebden Bridge Town Hall and on Zoom video link - a hybrid meeting as last month.

The meeting will include our periodic Focus on Mental Health. We are very pleased to welcome Sally Newby of Healthy Minds Calderdale, who will update us on their current services. We shall be happy to hear of any mental health access issues which people have, and general  disability access issues.

We welcome all Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people as members, and those with long-term health conditions. We also welcome non-disabled associates.

Please drop into our meeting or contact sechbdisabilityaccess@gmail.com or 01422 844914 for details and the zoom  video link. 

Exhibition of Artwork

Mill Town Arts 'New Work' exhibition is a collaboration of three very different artists. Comprising of Photography, Illustration and Fine Art, it is an eclectic and diverse collection with  broad subject matter, by local artists Francis Charlton, Robin Maurice Barr and Phil Taylor.

The exhibition is currently running until 12th June, at Hebden Bridge Town Hall

Folk Roots Festival

For more info, events and tickets, please go to the Folk Roots website

Midgley Fete

From 1pm on Midgley Recreation Ground, Green Lane, Midgley. A traditional village fete featuring a full programme of events and activities for all the family, including welly-wanging, children's races, tug of war, straw races, and Midgley's famous terrier races where doggy chaos is guaranteed.

Plenty of traditional stalls and games will provide fun for all ages, and there will be a range of food stalls as well as plants and local crafts.

Hebden Bridge Junior Band will play throughout the afternoon, and Hebden Bridge band Owter Zeds will continue the party atmosphere into the evening.

The beer tent will serve real Yorkshire ale all day, whilst the tea tent will offer a chance for a quiet sit down with delicious home make cakes.

This year sees the return of the Churn Milk Chase Fell race, starting and finishing in the fete arena and taking in a circuit of Midgley Moor.  

Admission free.

Yorkshire Coiners: The True Story
of the Cragg Vale Gang

Steve Hartley has history with King David Hartley, literally. A direct descendent, he's spent more time than anyone researching the real story of the lives of his ancestors.

He's put pen to paper to create a definitive guide to what went on in the times of David and his family and the economic context their coin clipping had on the families and much wider afield resulting in his eventual demise at the York Gallows in April 1770.

Note: The Museum will not be open to non ticket holders when live events such as this are taking place.

Book tickets

Sign up to be a Friend of Heptonstall Museum

Wadsworth Walking Market

The 5th Wadsworth Walking Market - Sunday 11th June 11am-4pm

Over 40 local artists, makers, photographers and producers will be taking part across four venues in Wadsworth. Find them at Wainsgate Chapel, Old Town Cricket Club, Wadsworth Community Centre and Old Town Primary School.

Licensed bar, refreshments and food at the venues. Old Town Post Office Shop & Coffee House will also be open.

There will be a £1 entry fee which covers all 4 venues, this will be donated to a local charity.

Charlestown Open Gardens

Six beautiful Charlestown gardens open to the public.

June 11 from 1 to 5pm.

Free entry but donations to a range of charities welcome. Refreshments.

No parking, so this is a walking tour.

The gardens include woodlands, terraces, rockeries, vegetable plots and wildlife areas with plenty of inspiration and ideas.

More info here

Ambient Bowling Day

2pm till 8pm

Come try your hand at crown green bowling, have a drink at the Blue Pig bar, enjoy the ambient sounds emanating from the pavilion, and wonder at the idyllic location.

All welcome, including well behaved dogs on leads.

All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the green and pavilion.

Suggested donation £3. 

Hebden Bridge Bowling Club (along Hebden Water past the archery and cricket clubs)

Dreaming Valleys 2

Birchcliffe Centre 9.30-6.30

All-day multi-media event around the theme 'Deep Topography: Exploring beyond the maps'.

Featuring Gareth Rees, Richard Skelton, Mark Williamson (Spaceship), Emily Oldfield, John Billingsley, Kelly Starling, John McMahon, dbh, Nikta Mohammadi, Harry Wheeler.

Tickets available at The Bookcase, Todmorden Folklore Centre, Eventbrite

Dark Matter Promotions presents....

Knuckle + Hey Bulldog + Slap Rash

Cancelled - due to train strikes

Echoes of the Valley

Exhibition of recent watercolour and gouache paintings  by Hebden Bridge artist Don Myers.

Catch this short exhibition on Friday 2nd June 7-9pm and then Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June 11am - 5pm at Northlight Art Studio's  Artspace Gallery, Hangingroyd Road Hebden Bridge HX7 7BZ

Jennifer Page - author event

6.45 at Hebden Bridge Library

Free event. More info and booking

Jennifer Page is a local author, she has written her debut novel "The Little Board Game Cafe".

An irresistible story of love, friendship and the power of games night, perfect for fans of Holly Martin and Christie Barlow, The Little Board Game Cafe tells the story of Emily who decides to pursue a life-long dream and buys a small cafe in a quirky Yorkshire town of Essendale.

The Shaggy Dog Storytelling Club

Fable, fairy tale, folk tale, myth, legend, or just a good old yarn - whether you've got a story to tell, or just like to listen, join us in the upper room of the Stubbing Wharf Pub. 8pm start, free entry.

Dark Matter Promotions presents…

Blue Orchids & Furrowed Brow

Adv tickets via Skiddle

Golden Lion Todmorden, 8pm

Repair Café Mytholmroyd

12-3pm, Mytholmroyd Community Centre

Help, advice and assisted repairs with skilled volunteers plus tea/coffee and homemade cakes.

We can repair: clothes, bags, furniture, toys, bikes electrical appliances (not microwaves) knife/tool sharpening

Cost: A voluntary donation

Email: repairmytholm@gmail.com
Facebook: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd
Instagram: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd

Nanholme Mill Open Weekend

Everyone is welcome at Nanholme Mill's Open Weekend on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of May. 10 am until 5pm.

This friendly complex boasts a wide variety of local businesses, artists, skills and services. Call in to view sculpted stone artwork, crystal jewellery, poetry, books and photography. Crafted items, including lino mats and designer lamps, are available as are a great range of craft supplies. Look in on the dog-friendly cafe, Interesting Stuff, for lunch or perhaps coffee, cake and icecream. Here, two local artists- Linda Thomas and Sue Cordingley- will be present to display and discuss their work.

Visit the friendly, accessible gym, book your pet into the dog grooming parlour and meet our resident clock-maker.

Whether searching for antique furniture, a gift for someone special or jam, there is something here for you.

11A Nanholme Mill, Shaw Wood Rd, Todmorden OL14 6DA

Atar Hadari - Write Your Own Bible Poetry Workshop

Heptonstall Bowling & Social Club

Atar Hadari will lead this unusual poetry workshop with a religious theme.

The story of Esau and Jacob is open to a range of interpretations and after reading the King James' Version translation together.

Atar will work with participants to create an initial response Esau would have made as a starting point for a poem.  We'll look at examples of other bible poems and explore how they contrast with traditional attempts to explain difficult stories.  This will be followed by reading and sharing aloud work created on the day, plus a discussion of any other bible stories people want to discuss as problematic and whether bible commentators do or do not teach the bible as "an axe to break the sea of ice within us" in the words of Franz Kakfa.

Depending on time, there will be another opportunity to write a poem on a bible story of your own choosing and read and share before we conclude the workshop.

Workshops require a minimum of 8 for us to run. We will confirm to all participants as early as possible once confirmed numbers are reached.

Tickets are priced at £15/£12 (Members/Concessions) with monies going to Friends of Heptonstall Museum.

Music at Wainsgate

Sheffield pianist and singer Dale Storr who brings the sound of New Orleans to Wainsgate Chapel. Described by Jazz Journal magazine as the "piano man's piano man…" and "a national treasure", Dale Storr's musical journey has now brought him recognition as one of the UK's leading exponents of New Orleans piano. 

See HebWeb news item for more info

The Lost Chord Ensemble

7pm in the Little Theatre bar, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge HX7 8EE

The Lost Chord Ensemble is a small group of people who support the Little Theatre. They meet about once a month usually on a Sunday evening to play light music. Musicians (with their music stand) are invited to come and play.

If you are coming for the first time, please contact chris.browne@tiscali.co.uk with details of your instrument so that a pad of music can be made available.

Poetry at The Museum: Atar Hadari and Vicky Gatehouse

Atar Hadari & Vicky Gatehouse

Heptonstall Museum

During our evening in May, we will be hearing the words of Atar Hadari. Atar's work references his theological interests and learnings and a very unique poetic perspective. 

Atar will be joined by Yorkshire-based writer and researcher,  Vicky Gatehouse, whose pamphlet "The Mechanics of Love", published by smith|doorstop, was selected as a Laureate's Choice in 2019. 

Hosted by Mike Crowley.

Tickets are priced at £7/£5 (Members/Concessions) with monies going to Friends of Heptonstall Museum.

Ticket link

Wainsgate Concert

Wainsgate Chapel welcomes the extraordinary singer/ songwriter Sarah McQuaid. Born in Spain, raised in Chicago, holding dual Irish and American citizenship and now settled in rural England, she brings the eclecticism of her background to her "captivating, unorthodox songwriting" (PopMatters) and choice of material, spanning genres and defying categorisation.

See HebWeb news item for more info

Calderdale Placemaking & Design Guide

You are invited to a series of events to help shape the new Placemaking and Design Guide for Calderdale.

You can drop in to exhibition and workshop events to share your thoughts about the places you live, work and play in and help plan what well-designed streets, neighbourhoods, places and buildings should look like. The exhibition and workshop events are open to everyone. Drop in for as long as you can:

Hebden Bridge
11am - 5pm,
The Town Hall

Other events will be held in Halifax, Elland and Brighouse.

Once finalised, the Placemaking & Design Guide will be used to ensure that all developments in Calderdale respond to and reinforce the distinct character of our Borough, so it's important we hear from as many people as possible as we develop it.

For more information about the Calderdale Placemaking & Design Guide and the upcoming community engagement events please email community@jtp.co.uk or  visit the public website

Playing for Grown-ups

2-5pm, Hebden Bridge

Calling all adventurous spirits! monthly sunday afternoon workshops for creativity, connection and relaxation.

We will explore myths and fairytales through drama, play and mindful movement.

No experience necessary. Donation only, all proceeds to charity.

Booking through Eventbrite

Jesmonite Home Accessories Workshop

Spend a Sunday afternoon creating 3 unique homewares with Jesmonite, an eco-friendly alternative to resin and concrete.

Sunday 14th May
2.30- 5pm
Central Hebden Bridge 
Taught by Rachel, Dot Dot Disco

£35  - Buy tickets here

Ialoni and Musikeli ensembles

Two renowned choirs from the Republic of Georgia. 
7pm for 7.30pm
Birchcliffe Centre, HX7 8DG
Cost £15 / £10 

More details

Scarecrow Festival

until 8 May, organised by Heptonstall School PFA.

More info

Coronation Weekend at St James

St James' (Church Lane, Hebden Bridge, HX7 6DS) is celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III. The church will be decorated, including Coronation-themed flower arrangements and there will be an exhibition about Prince Charles' visits to Hebden Bridge and how Hebden Bridge has celebrated past Coronations. The church will be open every day for people to call in.

If you have any photos or memories of Prince Charles' visits or past Coronations to share or want to get involved, please contact event@machpelah.uk or call at the church during the Foodshare (weekdays 2:30-3:30pm).

6th May: St James' only has one bell which can be rung. If you want to try ringing, please go to the church after 10 am but before 11am (when the Coronation begins.)

7th May: Join in with The Big Lunch from 11:30 am. This is a nationwide initiative and at St James' we are having a foodshare, a Potluck lunch and fun with our local community. Crowns available.

8th May On this day there is a nationwide initiative called The Big Help Out. (thebighelpout.org.uk) If you are involved with a group and want to publicise it at St James' or run an activity in or from the church on that day,  please get in touch.

SPRING YOGA RETREAT: 28 April-1 May

Fancy a weekend yoga retreat, in a fab private bunk bank in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales?

Based in Grassington, the weekend will be a wonderful opportunity to take a break from day-to-day life, deepen your practice and connect with the growth of Spring. There will be asana, pranayama, meditation and deep relaxation. The weekend includes home cooked veggie food, optional walking and wild swimming. More info.

A Bit Feral an Art Exhibition

Rowan Dykewoods first solo exhibition 'A Bit Feral' - Paintings, prints, sketches and a conceptual work made from personal correspondence called 'Do I Deserve This'

At Northlight Studio, Hebden Bridge, HX77BZ.

Opening night Friday April 28th from 7pm. With wine. Open Saturday April 29th and Sunday April 30th. 

The Lost Chord Ensemble

Little Theatre, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge.7.00-9.30pm.

This is a small ensemble which meets to play light music.

Please bring a stand.

The Shaggy Dog Storytelling Club

Fable, fairy tale, folk tale, myth, legend, or just a good old yarn - whether you've got a story to tell, or just like to listen, join us in the upper room of the Stubbing Wharf Pub. 8pm start, free entry.

Poetry @ The Museum 

Friends of Heptonstall Museum are proud to present a brand new Poetry Series: Poetry @ The Museum kicks off on Friday April 28 April with Jodie Hollander and Sammy Weaver and a workshop to follow on Saturday 29 April with Jodie on the topic of Poetry, Memory & Childhood.

We're very excited to be working with Dr Sarah Corbett, founder of the successful Sylvia Plath Literary Festival held last October who envisions the Museum as 'the place for poetry in the Calder Valley' and has lined up a stellar guest list from Sprint to Autumn of both readings and workshops. Read more about the events and the poets involved and links to ticket information

For further information on forthcoming events, news and how to further support the museum, please click here

Our latest news/subscriber info and social media via our Linktr.ee

Wainsgate Concert

The Wainsgate Concert series continues on 23 April with Anglo-Alaskan duo Mike Freeman (guitar, percussion, vocals) and Tania Opland (violin, vocals - and a host of world-music instruments) who have been on the road together since 1995 in a unique collaboration which combines their distinctly separate musical backgrounds, bringing their exuberant music and wild tales to audiences around the world.

Read more on this HebWeb news page

Quartet at the Little Theatre

By Ronald Harwood

Directed by Hannah Stow

7.30 pm

Quartet is a gently comic and poignant look at the lives of four opera singers in a retirement home.

Cecily, Reggie and Wilf are preparing a concert to celebrate the birthday of Giuseppe Verdi. However, the home's most recent arrival Jean is disturbing their peace and routine, and refusing to perform.

It turns out that Jean and Reggie were once married, and a shared history is not helping the project. However – the show must go on!

Quartet premiered at the Albany Theatre London in 1999 and as well as being filmed has been a staple of both the professional and amateur stage since.

Tickets £11 / £9 - Book online

See HebWeb news item

Hebden Bridge Arts Open Space 70

Protest Lab: creative & environmental drop-in workshop

Free to attend

Open 10.30am-1.30pm

The Terrace Room, Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St George's Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7BY

With artist Michael Powell and environmental campaigner Zephie Begolo

Join Hebden Bridge Arts at our third Open Space 70 inspirer workshop (1st April Mytholmroyd and 15th April Todmorden are the other two). 

You are invited to this protest placard making session to explore your thoughts, feelings, and actions about climate change.

What needs to change? What do you value the most? What are your concerns? What is your creative response?

All materials provided just bring yourselves along! 

The work made in this workshop will be displayed in an exhibition on 15th-16th July as part of our Arts Trail, after which it is yours to keep. More info at www.hebdenbridgearts.co.uk

Hebden Bridge WI Spectacular Spring Rag Market

See HebWeb News item for more info

The World Dock Pudding Championship

12 noon, Mytholmroyd Community and Leisure Centre

Dean Fraser - Metaphysical Poetry Event

Hebden Bridge Library
Thursday 20th April at 6.45pm

Free but booking preferred via Ticket Source

For more info about Dean Fraser - see www.alivetothrive.co.uk

Todmorden U3A Event

The Moai of Easter Island

A Talk by Susan Rogers will be given to the Todmorden u3a Meeting at the Central Methodist Hall, Todmorden at 2pm on the 20th April.

Susan's talk covers places she has visited and she uses use photographs taken on her trips, in this talk, she is covering the enigma of the Easter Island figures and especially why the Moai were erected and even more intriguing why they were desecrated which is open to lots of theories. Having visited them and seen the remains she will offer one possible explanation.

Doors open at 13.30 with the meeting starting at 14.00 and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

In memory of Jocelin Black

Invitation to Meeting for Worship in memory of Jocelin Black Friday 21st April at 2.00pm.

Waterfront Hall, Hebden Bridge Town Hall, St George's St, HX7 7BY. 

The Quaker Meeting for Worship to give thanks for the life of Jocelin Black will be held on Friday 21st April at the Waterfront Hall, Hebden Bridge Town Hall, and will start at 2.00pm. Please arrive from 1.40.

Anyone who knew Jocelin is welcome. During the Quaker Meeting all are encouraged to contribute from the silence: memories, poems, music, reflections. We look forward to sharing together our many and varied memories of our dear Friend.

Afterwards there will be music and photographs from Jocelin's rich life to enjoy. Please bring any photos, poems that you may have. 

All are invited to stay and have tea, coffee and refreshments after the Meeting and the bar will be open. 

Jocelin loved bright colours so please do not feel that you have to wear black. If you would like to make a donation in Jocelin's memory, please make it to Shelter.   There will be a donations box at the Town Hall.

There will be a funeral for Jocelin the day before on Thursday 20th April at Burnley Crematorium which is for family and invited friends.

See also: Lives Remembered: Jocelin Black

Twinning Society apero at Blue Teapot

A flavour of France will be coming to the Blue Teapot in Mytholmroyd from 5pm and 7pm on Friday 21 April as the Hebden Bridge Twinning Society is holding an Apéro (drinks and canapés) there.

Drinks (including cocktails) will be available for purchase as normal
Contact Jane Jackson (by email or 07770 657 496) to confirm numbers.

We look forward to meeting old friends and new!

The Climate of Change - film

A film about resistance to new coal mining in Germany and Northumberland, with an introduction and Q&A with director Rich Felgate and local activists.

"FINITE - The Climate of Change"

Hebden Bridge Picture House, 19 April, 7.00 pm

More info here (pre-booking of tickets encouraged)

Trailer here

Playing for Grown-ups

2-5pm, Hebden Bridge

Calling all adventurous spirits! monthly sunday afternoon workshops for creativity, connection and relaxation.

We will explore myths and fairytales through drama, play and mindful movement.

No experience necessary. Donation only, all proceeds to charity.

Booking through Eventbrite

Loved Up

DJs: Jane Angel, Pete Monsoon, Matty Robbo, Zac Greenwood, Martin Lucas

Oldskool, Club Classics, Anthems

The Golden Lion, Todmorden
Preparty @ The Corner House, 3 Brooke St.

Tickets @ Skiddle, £10+bf / (£15 on the door)
Earlybird tickets sold out!

Hebden Bridge Arts Open Space 70

Insect printmaking: creative & environmental drop-in workshop

Free to attend

Open 10.30am-1.30pm

Todfellows Space, Oxford Street, Todmorden, OL14 5PU

With artist Rachel Red environmental expert Martyna Krol

Beginner printmakers welcome. Age 8 and above. 

Join Hebden Bridge Arts for our second inspirer workshop in the Upper Valley. 

Come and make an insect dry point etching using Tetra Paks, drawing needles, ink and a printing press. Let's celebrate the multitudes of different wonderful insects that are crucial in our ecosystems as pollinators and food for other creatures. Insects are seriously under threat from all angles, let us honour them and think how we can protect them.

The work made in this workshop will be displayed in an exhibition on 15th-16th July as part of our Arts Trail, after which it is yours to keep.

Allow around an hour give the activity a go, and the Hebden Bridge Arts team will also be there to help you explore ways to be part of our Open Space 70 July festival. ​

Ambient Bowling Day

Noon till 7pm

Come try your hand at crown green bowling, have a drink at the Blue Pig bar, enjoy the ambient sounds emanating from the pavilion, and wonder at the idyllic location.

All welcome, including well behaved dogs on leads.

All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the green and pavilion.

Suggested donation £3. 

Hebden Bridge Bowling Club (along Hebden Water past the archery and cricket clubs)

Easter Egg Hunt

Celebrate Easter at St James' Church Lane, HX7 6DS

Easter Service at 9:15 am, then refreshments & an Easter Egg Hunt for children (inside the church).

Duck Race

Trying to explain why up to 10,000 people from all over the North of England should descend on Hebden Bridge for 4 hours on an Easter Monday afternoon just to see some plastic ducks float down the river might be considered a hard task.

See Hebden Bridge Duck Race website for more info and to buy tickets.

Organised by the Hebden Bridge Rotary Club

Birchcliffe Open Evening

Neighbours of the Birchcliffe Centre, and anyone curious to learn more about us, are warmly invited to join us for this open evening on 3rd April, 6 to 8pm. We will discuss the exciting things happening at the centre, our plans for a sustainable future, and how members of the community can get involved.

More info

Pace Egg Play

Heptonstall Pace Egg Play The usual "raggle taggle band of Players" will be at Weavers' Square, Heptonstall, Good Friday, 7 April. More info, photos and times

The Shaggy Dog Storytelling Club

Fable, fairy tale, folk tale, myth, legend, or just a good old yarn - whether you've got a story to tell, or just like to listen, join us in the upper room of the Stubbing Wharf Pub, 8pm start, free entry.

Hebden Bridge Arts - Reclamation, Open Space 70

inspirer creative & environmental drop-in workshop

Free to attend

Open 10.30am-1.30pm

The Gloucester Room, Mytholmroyd Community Centre, Caldene Avenue, Mytholmroyd, HX7 5AF

With artist Gerard Liston and environmental expert Paul Knights

Reclamation is a challenge to use our smartphones to take photographs of nature restored, instead of just seeing nature unravelling on our TV screens. It is an opportunity to open our eyes and see nature's ability to recover from man-made development in our own neighbourhood.

A free drop-in workshop gives you an opportunity to talk through creative ideas about images with photographer Gerard Liston and to discuss environmental issues with nature conservation expert Paul Knights – both of whom live in the Upper Calder Valley. The collection of photographs will be published as a free online photo book, with a selection displayed as part of the Arts Trail during Open Space 70 festival in July.

Submit photographs to gerard@objective.uk.com or Text/WhatsApp on 07973 837 342.

If you can't make it this Saturday please visit this web page to download files for further information about joining in with the Reclamation photography project, which you can do even if you can't make our 1st April drop in workshop. 

IOU Two Rivers

Sat 1st April 4-7pm Exhibition Preview with Open Studios and Eagles Crag Brewery bar

This April experience IOU's atmospheric sculptural sound installation Two Rivers at the independent contemporary art space 9a Projects, Robinwood Mill, Todmorden

Entry to Two Rivers is free from 12pm- 5pm every weekend from 1st - 30th April 2023 (excluding Easter Sunday 9th April)

Special Events

Sat 15th April 12-5pm - Family Day with artist Louise Oliver
Sat 22nd April 4pm Artist Talks with IOU and Two Rivers Artists

More information on all events and how to visit

Hebden Bridge Film Festival 2023

Hebden Bridge Film Festival is back!

Put 24-26 March 2023 in your diaries and grab your passes now!

See this HebWeb news item for more info

Back in the Day: Remembering Wadsworth's People and Past

From 1 until 5pm the volunteers from Wainsgate Chapel welcomes all those interested in the past and present of Wadsworth and the surrounding area.

If you have stories or photos of Wadsworth that you would like to share you are welcomed to take part in the first "Back in the Day" event of Wainsgate. On 25 March local residents are invited to look through the chapel's growing collection of archival photographs and help identify the people who appear in them.

If you have historical photographs of Wadsworth or stories you would like to share with other local residents over tea and cake, than you won't want to miss Wainsgate's "Back in the Day" event this Saturday from 1 pm.

Dark Matter Promotions presents...

An evening of alternative psych

Doors 8pm, Golden Lion, Todmorden

93MillionMilesFromTheSun, The Dirt, Callis

Both bands are on the up, grabbing attention with rave reviews. If you love your psych presented with a difference, you will want to see these.

Adv tickets via Skiddle

Doors 8pm

Repair Café Mytholmroyd

12-3pm, Mytholmroyd Community Centre

Help, advice and assisted repairs with skilled volunteers plus tea/coffee and homemade cakes.

We can repair: clothes, bags, furniture, toys, bikes electrical appliances (not microwaves) knife/tool sharpening

Cost: A voluntary donation

Email: repairmytholm@gmail.com
Facebook: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd
Instagram: Repair Cafe Mytholmroyd

Climate Change Demonstration

50 Green Belt sites earmarked for development in Calderdale. Campaigners are calling for people to protest outside Halifax Town Hall on Weds 22 March at 5pm. See HebWeb news item

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

The 1922 General Election and the Calder Valley: the challenge of Labour

The 1922 General Election transformed the Labour Party nationally, and this talk discusses events at a local level. Locally, the cotton industry was badly hit when a period of high profits led to speculation and gambling followed by depression and wage cuts as employers blamed workers for the industry's problems.

The talk contrasts the failure of Labour to make a breakthrough in the Calder Valley (where the Conservative won and Liberals were second) with Oldham, where W J Tout, Secretary of the Todmorden Weavers, was elected the town's first Labour MP, following in the footsteps of John Fielden as MP for the town. Tout was later (1929) to be the Calder Valley's first Labour MP.

Alan Fowler is a member of Hebden Bridge Local History Society and has contributed many memorable talks especially about Labour history. He taught economic and social history at Manchester Polytechnic and Manchester Metropolitan University for 40 years.

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30 free to members; £4 for visitors

Todmorden U3A Event

Barrie J Yates' Seven Magnificent Seven Women

Engineer and speaker Barrie J Yates has created a talk around his magnificent seven women in science and engineering history.

His talk is very visual with many sound and video clips. His seven magnificent women are: Gertrude Bell, Ada Lovelace, Hedy Lamar, Rosalind Franklin, Amy Johnston, Marie Curie, and Beatrice Shilling

The meeting starts at 14.00 and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

Laser-Cutting Introduction

10am - 4:30pm
At Bridge Rectifier, 2-4 Stubbing Holme Road, 
Hebden Bridge, HX7 6EA (opposite scrapyard entrance)

• Fancy learning a new skill? Want access to a high quality laser-cutter? No previous experience needed.
• Come along to a free workshop at Bridge Rectifier to learn basic computer-aided design & laser-cutting.
• Laser-cutting can be used for: artwork, attractive cases, mechanical components, special mountings,  lampshades, intricate paper cuts/ invitation cards, sliced 3D forms.
• Materials include: acrylic sheet, wood, cardboard, paper, glass engraving, . . . .
• Produce your own piece to take away, free of charge.
• Once trained, you can continue your own projects for a very low charge, with a group of enthusiasts working on diverse projects.
• Waiting list for later dates
  

Bridge Rectifier is a not-for-profit community hackerspace/ makerspace.

Open Evenings run 7 to 9 pm every Wednesday & Open Day first Saturday of each month.

Book via website link

The Lost Chord Ensemble

7 pm to 9:30 pm, Little Theatre bar, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge

The Lost Chord Ensemble is a small group of people who support the Little Theatre. They meet about once a month usually on a Sunday evening to play light music with titles such as Easter Parade (Irving Berlin), April Day, The Squirrel Dance, Crushed Petals, Lilac Time. 
Musicians (with their music stand) are invited to come and play.

If you are coming for the first time, please contact chris.browne@tiscali.co.uk with details of your instrument so that a pad of music can be made available.

Film Festival Full Launch

We are delighted to be invite everyone to the launch of the full programme of the Hebden Bridge Film Festival 2023 at
6.00pm at Hebden Bridge Town Hall.

It would be lovely if you are able to join us for drink (we'll provide nibbles), watch the festival trailer, book tickets and pick up your copy of the printed programme, which is looking fantastic!

We are also very pleased to announce that Vocation has made us a festival beer! The HBFF Hope & Resistance pale ale will also be launched this week so come along and give it a try.

If you can't come on the 10th, don't worry there will be all the information on our website about each film and trailers for most of them from next Friday. There's 3 UK premieres, a master class, Q and A's and a Panel amongst an amazing line up. We're sure you're going to have a lot of difficult choices about what to go to. 

For anyone that can come along on Friday 10th, we'd love you to help distribute programmes if you have the time and take a poster to put in your window at home or work or at your friendly local cafe - please do pick some up.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the launch on the 10th or at the festival 24-26th March. 

A New Cold War with Russia?

A public meeting on 7 March will discuss the current unstable world of increased militarism and renewed global nuclear threats. And what can be done. More info on this HebWeb news page

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

Traditional food in Calderdale

A wide-ranging look at food, its preparation and its place in the lives of the people of the Calder Valley.

Peter Brears is a leading food historian, having published extensively on this subject and restored historical kitchens throughout the country. His interest in the traditional foods of Calderdale began in 1970 when he became curator of Shibden Hall. His recently published book draws together a wide range of sources and illustrations to tell the lives of the working people of nineteenth century Calderdale through what and how they ate.

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30 free to members; £4 for visitors

QI GONG FOR ALL

Six weekly qi gong sessions for anyone from Wednesday 1st March from 9.30am to 10.30am in Hebden Bridge Town Hall, The Space on 2nd floor (lift) with Kath Reade. All welcome. 

Our Responsibilities at this time

A talk on the climate crisis and direct action by Just Stop Oil

7 - 9 pm

The Todfellows Space, Oxford St, Todmorden OL14 5PU.

Just Stop Oil is a nonviolent civil resistance group demanding that the UK Government do not issue any new oil, gas or coal licences. Current plans are for 130+ new licences.

Just Stop Oil is inviting you to a talk and discussion about the climate crisis and how we drive social change. We will get to the heart of what climate change means for people we love and what we can do about it. We will also hear from ordinary people who are taking action and their reasons for doing so.

Preview & Performance at Heptonstall Museum

Midday till 4pm

Organised by Friends of Heptonstall Museum - now on the brink of community asset transfer - welcome you to the museum on Saturday 4 March for an afternoon to see and hear more about our plans and enjoy a flavour of what's to come. 

Tickets are Free - book to save your seat

We're proud to present a jam-packed afternoon of entertainment, giving you a flavour of the events we're planning throughout the year.

Drop in for one or all the performances, or just to say hello and hear more or sign up to become a Friend of the Museum or future volunteer. 

Midday (90 mins): Heptonstall: Village of Memories  

Kicking off proceedings, we're offering a rare opportunity to experience local film-maker and Museum trustee - Nick Wilding's evocative film exploring our local history, with the help of humour, intrigue and pathos from some of the colourful characters of the past.

2pm: Performance & Preview of Heptonstall Museum Forthcoming Events 

• "The Ballad of King David Hartley" - composed and specially written for our forthcoming Coiners' exhibition by Michael Crowley & Porl Den-Man, exclusive first performance by Porl Den-Man.
• "The Gallows' Pole" - an excerpt - reading by Mary Ellen from Benjamin Myers' award-winning novel*
• Sarah Corbett, Plath Festival founder - poetry-reading and sharing her plans to bring a regular monthly poetry event to the museum.
  

FoHM Chair, Tim Machin will also provide an insight to our re-opening exhibition and the year ahead - plus plenty of Q&A opportunities at our membership and information stalls while enjoying a cuppa and cake.

*excerpt read with permission from FoHM friend and author, Benjamin Myers - thank you

Allotment Arts project launch

Hebden Bridge Arts is delighted to launch its Allotment Arts projects, with a meeting for all interested allotment holders to come along and find out more, a week on Saturday, 4 March.

More info on this HebWeb news page

Dark Matter Promotions presents…

A frenzied night of hot garage punk and rockabilly

Thee Windom Earles, The Sleazoids and The Mandelbrot Shakes

£6. Adv tickets via Skiddle

Golden Lion Todmorden, 7.30pm

Disco-bedience

9.30 pm – late, Trades Club.

XR-Calderdale fundraiser: "A night of rebellious basslines and energising beats"!

DJ sets from Annie, Danielle Moore, Flash Atkins, and Kev Original.

Tickets £7 on the door.

Dark Matter Promotions presents…

Duke Garwood + special guests

London's primary exponent of wheezy broke-down Blues is touring his new album Rogues Gospel album.

Adv tickets via Skiddle

Golden Lion Todmorden, 8pm

Hot Club of Halifax presents Winter Swing Dance

Dance away those winter blues with 2 great bands - The Hot Club of Halifax and Red Hippo.

Todmorden Working Men's Club, Halifax Road Todmorden

8pm

Tickets on door £10.

Back by popular demand!

Free Yoga Class Suitable for All

Rachel Lightbird has been teaching yoga for more than 22 years. In this free yoga class she will teach you to tune into your body and listen to its messages, blending subtle body and physical body  techniques to restore, relax and revitalise your whole mind/body/soul energy system. 

Although deep and intuitive in nature, this class is suitable for beginners, and more experienced students alike. No experience or a wealth of experience. All welcome.

For more information  call Rachel on 07722 735218, or email r.lightbird@gmail.com.

To book your place use this link

Location:  Calerdale Yoga Centre, Unit 2, Hangingroyd Lane, Hebden Bridge

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

Calderdale Industrial Museum: a guide to its history from a personal perspective

Peter's talk will cover some of the early history of the building in Square Road, Halifax before it was converted for use as an industrial museum. He will briefly examine some of the issues faced by the museum, forcing its closure, and the decision taken by a group of volunteers to attempt to re-open it for the public benefit. Finally, he will offer some insight into the areas within the museum that he has been most closely involved with and offer some glimpses of highlights yet to come.

Peter Robinson is a founder member of the Calderdale Industrial Museum Association, and has been actively involved in the process of breathing new life into what had become a closed and almost forgotten part of Calderdale's heritage. He is a Vice President and long-time Treasurer of the Halifax Antiquarian Society who has written many articles on the industrial history of Calderdale.

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30 free to members; £4 for visitors

An evening of music at Tod Cricket Club

Dark Room Presents:

JON DASILVA

Dark Room presents acid house legend Jon Dasilva for a night of sleazy acid music supported by Dark Room residents Jimmy & Rubes at the Trades Club

8pm - 2am

Further info and tickets:

Todmorden U3A Event

Roger Browne and the Great American Songbook

Actor, singer, speaker, and musician Roger Browne will be informing and entertaining the Todmorden U3A at their next meeting on the 16th February about the Great American Songbook. He will look at the influence of jazz, blues, opera, and musical theatre through the two world wars and the golden age of radio on the great composers of the early 20th century.

Composers such as; George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Harry Warren, Hoagy Carmichael, and many others, between them, wrote thousands of richly melodic masterpieces, with equally memorable lyrics. The output of this period became known as "The Great American Songbook"

In this talk, Roger traces the history and music of this genre and, as with all his talks, he illustrates it with live examples on the piano, and the hilarious stories about the people, places, and events that fuelled the development of this unique milestone in Western popular music.

The meeting starts at 14.00 and is open to paid-up members of the Todmorden u3a, but if you would like to attend you can enquire by going to www.u3atod.org.uk or by contacting membership@u3atod.org.uk.

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

Scandal! Local cases before the bawdy courts 1516 – 1848

Local people appeared before the ecclesiastical courts for a wide variety of misdemeanours including adultery, brawling in church and slander.  The cases reveal some of the more scandalous aspects of life in our community in past centuries as well as details of people's lives, relationships and the things they argued about. Come along and find out about a long-running dispute over a pew, an attempt to frame someone for fathering an illegitimate child, a take-over bid by bogus churchwardens and much more.

Anne Mealia is a professional genealogist and historical researcher and runs her own research business, Evergreen Ancestry, carrying out research for individuals, academics and TV companies. She leads historical walks round Todmorden and the surrounding area and is on the Committee of Hebden Bridge Local History Society. Her own research interests include the Fieldens and the Dobroyd area of Todmorden.

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30 free to members; £4 for visitors

Do You Remember The First Time

9pm-1:30am
The Trades Club
90s indie and alternative disco
Fundraiser for Hebden Royd Primary School PTFA
Tickets £5 (plus booking fee

Trades Club website

Dark Matter Promotions, Slomanmusic and the Golden Lion present, as part of Independent Venue Week 2023 and the 10th anniversary

Large Plants + Jesus Knievel (IVW)

Large Plants is the post-apocalyptic downer-fuzz-rock side project of Jack Sharp, former singer guitarist from psych-folk luminaries Wolf People. With support from Jesus Knievel, a psychedelic alt rock band.

Golden Lion, Todmorden
Friday 3 February
Doors 8pm
Advance tickets via Skiddle

Heptonstall Methodist Church, 2pm

More info

Dark Matter Promotions, Slomanmusic and the Golden Lion present, as part of Independent Venue Week 2023 and the 10th anniversary

Local bands & artists showcase (IVW)

A selection of local bands and artists: Legs on Wheels, FADS, Stone Sister, Bridget Hayden, Benny Jones

Golden Lion, Todmorden
Tuesday 31st January
Doors 7.30pm
£7 advance (seetickets)

Philip Selway

8pm, Trades Club, Hebden Bridge 

Philip Selway is a member Radio Head. He tours with Independent Venue Week to showcase his new solo album Strange Dance.

Dark Matter Promotions, Slomanmusic and the Golden Lion present, as part of Independent Venue Week 2023 and the 10th anniversary

Mark Morriss (The Bluetones) + Nick B Hall (IVW)

Mark Morriss, lead singer of 1990s indie favourites The Bluetones will be performing songs from the band's back catalogue as well as his own. With support from Nick, well-known for his excellent guitar-playing and his emotive, warm and powerful singing voice.

Golden Lion, Todmorden
Wednesday 1st February
Doors 7.30pm
£12.50 advance (seetickets)

 IVW x BBC Introducing present 

English Teacher

7.30pm, Trades Club, Hebden Bridge 

Leeds post-punk four-piece English Teacher bring their alt-rock sensibilities and politically-charged lyricism to Hebden Bridge.

Trade Club Quizz

Dark Matter Promotions, Slomanmusic and the Golden Lion present, as part of Independent Venue Week 2023 and the 10th anniversary

Open mic night (IVW)

Dark Matter Promotions, slomanmusic and the Golden Lion present, as part of Independent Venue Week 2023 and the 10th anniversary:

Solo performers, duos and 3-pieces playing original music (pre booking is essential via Dark Matter or slomanmusic social media pages)

Golden Lion, Todmorden
Thursday 2nd February
Doors 7.30pm
Free entry

The Shaggy Dog Storytelling Club

Fable, fairy tale, folk tale, myth, legend, or just a good old yarn - whether you've got a story to tell, or just like to listen, join us in the upper room of the Stubbing Wharf Pub. Starts 8pm, Friday 27th January, free entry.

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

17th century yeoman farmhouses and oak furniture of the Upper Calder Valley

Peter's initial interest was the oak furniture of the 17th century, and he wanted the right house to display it. He tells a personal story of buying an old semi-derelict farmhouse on the edge of the moors above Hebden Bridge and gradually 'doing it up' to the point where it won an award for best house restoration in the North West of England in 1975.

Well known as a speaker in the area, Peter Thornborrow was architectural historian for Calderdale undertaking a survey of listed buildings. Later as an inspector of historic buildings he advised on conservation and the listing of buildings. He is chair of the Yorkshire Vernacular Buildings Study Group and is currently working on a book Halifax in 50 Buildings.

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30 free to members; £4 for visitors

Play or Sing - Bohemian Rhapsody in a Day

The Calderdale Fantasy Orchestra and Choir is inviting singers and instrumentalists of all abilities to join us to sing or play Bohemian Rhapsody in a day.  The workshops and performance will take place at the Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 8DG 

Friday 20th January 7.00-9.30pm &
Saturday 21st January 2023 10am - 5pm 

Tickets from £15 from Eventbrite

Repair Cafe

Community Centre Mytholmroyd, 12pm  to 3pm

Enjoy a warm drink and a cake or savoury 

Cost: Pay as you feel donation

Skilled experienced volunteers will try to mend clothes, bikes, electrical and mechanical household (no microwaves) and garden equipment. Advice given and sign posting to repair professionals if appropriate.

Come for a visit to see what its all about

The Lost Chord Ensemble

7 to 9:30 pm, in the Little Theatre bar, Holme Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8EE

The Lost Chord Ensemble is a small group of people who support the Little Theatre. They meet about once a month usually on a Sunday evening to play light music. Musicians (with their music stand) are invited to come and play.

If you are coming for the first time, please contact chris.browne@tiscali.co.uk with details of your instrument so that a pad of music can be made available.

Hebden Bridge Local History Society

A Victorian artist paints the Upper Calder Valley: discovering the landscape paintings of John Holland.

In 1869 at the White Horse in Hebden Bridge, there was an exhibition and sale of sixty one paintings of the area, by established landscape artist John Holland. This talk will give an overview of the life and work of John Holland who painted scenes in the Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Todmorden areas at a time of considerable change.

Both Diana Monahan and Justine Wyatt are long standing and active members of HBLHS. Their interests include walking the local landscape, and this has fed their historical researches. Diana began by researching the area around her own house, but has expertise in many areas; Justine has published her research into local water-powered industry and Fustianopolis.

Methodist Church, Market Street. Hebden Bridge. 7.30 free to members; £4 for visitors

Trades Club, 8.30pm for 9pm