NEWS REVIEW OF THE YEAR: 2011

TOWN HALL GETS HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND BACKING - Hebden Bridge's landmark Town Hall has been given an early Christmas present, with the news of an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Read more (19 Dec)

FISHING FOR BISHOPS: Having been a huge success in 2011, The Big Ass Hebden Bridge Christmas Concert is back, this year on Wednesday 21st December. Read more

Guardian Northerner Blog - My Summer of Love, Fanny and Elvis and A boy, a Girl, and a Bike are just three of the many films made in our area. Read more from Berringden Brow author, Jill Robinson.

HX7 JAZZ Guitarist Stuart McCallum brings his superb Trio to the HX7 Jazz Club on December 22nd. Mixing ultra contemporary electronica with classic jazz grooves. Read more

CENTRAL LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE - Calderdale releases key information after FOI request. Mass lobby called for. Read more (5 Dec)

PICTURE HOUSE: Formal Submission of Asset Transfer. Read more (1 Dec)

BENEFIT FOR LOU TEMPEST: The gig is a benefit to raise money for the Lou Tempest Fund. Lou is a young woman from Hebden Bridge who sustained severe spinal cord injuries in a devastating accident in 2010. Read more (29 Dec)

UNIVERSITY OF THE THIRD AGE - Gail Allaby, U3A's Queen of the Underworld

TEENAGE KICKS - Young musicians from Calderdale's Rock School delighted the audience at Hebden Bridge Trades Club on15 December. Read more (22 Dec)

Ted Hughes remembered at Poets' Corner this evening. The plaque reads: "So we found the end of our journey, So we stood alive in the river of light, Among the creatures of light, creatures of light." See Yorkshire Post. (6 Dec)

MAKE FLAMENCO DANCE YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION! Tutor Patricia Skeet will help put more passion, exercise, posture, stamina and grace in your life. Read more (19 Dec)

OCCUPY HEBDEN MEETING - with Transition Town group at Trades Club. More info (16 Dec)

THE UNTHANKS PLAY HEBDEN BRIDGE - They are the only two gigs the Unthanks are playing in Yorkshire on their winter tour. Read more about why they've chosen our town for these unique concerts. (29 Nov)

HALIFAX CIVIC TRUST OPPOSE LATEST PLANS TO MOVE CENTRAL LIBRARY - "The demolition of the purpose-built library, archives and meeting room facilities, the newest and finest of their kind yet constructed within West Yorkshire...) Read more (22 Nov)

Hundreds turn out for Remembrance Sunday Parade in Mytholmroyd - see this YouTube clip from the Mytholmroyd Net.

DEAD MOLES AND RABBITS pictured strewn alongside footpaths on tops, hanging from barbed wire fences. See photos and forum. (21 Nov)

'ADOPT A LENGTH' OF ROCHDALE CANAL - residents, community groups, schools and companies are being invited to 'adopt a length' of the Rochdale Canal, and to help give the canal some TLC. More (16 Nov)

BILL ROFE EXHIBITION of landscapes and vegetables: vibrant landscapes of Hebden Bridge, alongside tomatoes, marrows and Big Max the pumpkin. Read more (15 Nov)

POET JOHN SIDDIQUE GOES NAKED - John has shed his clothing to raise funds for seeking a cure for younger sufferers of Diabetes. Read more (14 Nov)

JAZZ CLUB - Highly acclaimed London band Just East visit Hebden Bridge’s HX7 Jazz Club on Thursday November 24th. Read more

Fireworks over Hebden Bridge on 5 Nov. Click photo to enlarge, from Andy Spencer

Guardian Northerner article on "latest chapter in teacher Leonora Rustamova's fightback . . . the judge asked why no-one had a list of the allegations and he said it was like Stalinist Russia." Read article - 5 Nov

MISS RUSTY WINS COURT RULING. Case now returns to Employment Tribunal. Read report of the hearing. Employment Appeal Tribunal agreed with Ms Rustamova's counsel that the Tribunal had not given sufficient reasons for their decision that her dismissal was fair. - 4 Nov

HARD HATS IN FASHION for Saturday (3 Dec) tour of Town Hall development. Read more

RECYCLING GOES WEEKLY. From Monday 5 December, all recycling will be collected weekly on your usual collection day. Read more

BACKING FOR REBUILDING BID FOR CALDER HIGH about which Education Secretary Michael Gove had said, "one of the worst school buildings I've seen". More (15 Nov)

GUARDIAN NORTHERNER reports that Hebden Bridge needed no prompting to join the so-called Big Society – it was already a paid-up member with its "plethora of clubs, groups, societies and courses available, catering for just about every interest."

Hebden Bridge Folk Roots Festival on Saturday, 19th: Steve Tilston, Becky Unthank, Chumbawumba, Ewan McLennan, Flossie Malavialle, Grace Notes, Roger Davies and Maia the Band. See What's on for more info

HAVE YOUR SAY ON CANAL BOOST BID - Improvements to the experience for visitors enjoying the Rochdale Canal through Calderdale could be on the way, as regeneration partners put together a bid to the Lottery this month. Read More (11 Nov)

Market Street floods again, this time due to a burst water main on Fairfield (25th Nov)
- Photos: from Andy Spencer

TIME CAPSULE, carrying contributions from children at Riverside School in Hebden Bridge reflecting life in 2011, was buried last Friday under what will eventually become the Town Hall's riverside courtyard. Read More (9 Nov)

RETIREMENT SALE: Peter Harvey of Studio Seven Art Shop in Market Street to retire. Read more - 1 Nov

SARAH IS TOWN HALL'S FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - and will oversee the effective management of the Town Hall under community ownership. More info (3 Nov)

PICTURE HOUSE SURVEY RESULTS Strong support for the Town Council to take over the Picture House. Read more - 1 Nov

STEVE TILSTON AND BECKY UNTHANK talk about living in Hebden Bridge and the upcoming Folk Roots Festival. Read and hear more - 23 Oct

CALDERDALE COUNCIL'S CABINET to look at improving recycling, broadband and bad weather services. Read more - 21 Oct

HX7 JAZZ CLUB - Jazz musicians from the USA, Italy, Switzerland and New Zealand will be on stage at the Trades Club on 27 October with Robert Castelli fronting his all-star BOOM Quartet. Read more - 17 Oct

Radio Four Drama tells the story of Liam Jones - "a play written full of gut-wrenching love, determination and the hope that one day there may be a full stop." Starring Maxine Peake.

Groundbreaking British progressive rock band Curved Air make their debut at the Trades on Saturday. Details of this and dozens of other local events on our What's on page

INSULATION GRANTS: most Hebden Bridge residents lose out despite the fact that they are subsidising these grants through their bills at a rate of around £90 a year. Read more

MYTHOLMROYD MEMORIAL STATUE: The people of Mytholmroyd are being invited to a dedication ceremony where the new head to the memorial statue will be unveiled. Read more - 12 Oct

PROPOSED RAIL IMPROVEMENTS - more trains, extra platform at Halifax, Manchester Victoria to be rebuilt, direct connection to Manchester Airport and more. Read details - 11 Oct

SUCCESSFUL BOOK SIGNING FOR NOVEL SET IN CRAGG VALE - Bestselling local author Linda Green signed copies of her new novel And Then It Happened at The Book Case in Hebden Bridge on Saturday. Read more - 10 Oct

Trades this week: The Acoustic Gathering folk supergroup on Wednesday, Curry Night on Thursday and Beatherder Festival fundraiser on Friday. See What's on section

DOG CONTROL ORDERS CONSULTATION now taking place and will run until at least the 4th November. Read more

The Guardian Northerner's Hebden Bridge correspondent Jill Robinson looks forward to a busy weekend at the annual Ted Hughes Festival. Read article

WAINSGATE CHAPEL CONCERT - on Saturday October 15th with a great show for music lovers of all ages - the Classic Buskers (all two of them) perform some of the greatest and most famous works of music on a variety of weird and wonderful instruments. Read more

INSIDE PARLIAMENT - free workshop. One of a series of free workshops designed to give practical and useful information on how groups can engage with Parliament's processes for the benefit of their communities. Read more - 20 Oct

The Guardian Northerner's Hebden Bridge correspondent Jill Robinson looks forward to a busy weekend at the annual Ted Hughes Festival . Read article.

PICTURE HOUSE SURVEY bringing some unexpected responses - still time to have your say. Read latest - 19 Oct

THE HEBDEN DOULA - Mums-to-be in the Calder valley and surrounding area can now use the services of a properly qualified doula during their pregnancy, labour, and after the birth of their baby. Read more - 17 Oct

NEW GREEN BUSINESS CLEANS UP - A new cleaning service has arrived in the Valley, offering eco-friendly cleaning to homes and businesses. Read more - 17 Oct

People's Town Hall of 21st century - "The picturesque Calderdale town of Hebden Bridge has always innovated, as might be expected of somewhere once named the funkiest town in Europe, and this extends to local politics." Read full Yorkshire Post article - 10 Oct

DO YOU RECOGNISE UN-NAMED FACES of soldiers and nurses who went to war. See news article and all 115 faces - 12 Oct

MEN AGAINST PATRIARCHY - Some men in Hebden Bridge are looking to start a group. Read more - 11 Oct

Slim Chance at the Trades this Thursday (13th) - See What's on

PICTURE HOUSE: HAVE YOUR SAY - Hebden Royd Town Council are seeking views about the future of the Hebden Bridge Picture House. Read more - 7 Oct

Hebden Bridge Community Self Build Housing public meeting on 9 October - See What's on section

QUIZ TEAM REQUIRED - more info

BESTSELLING LOCAL AUTHOR LINDA GREEN TO SIGN NEW NOVEL - at The Book Case in Hebden Bridge on Saturday - days ahead of its national release. Read more - 4 Oct

HANGING BASKETS TO COME DOWN
on Wednesday (5th Oct) Read more

CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT CALDERDALE'S GREEN FIELDS launched by Friends of the Earth. As the political battleground over planning reform intensifies, FOE is drawing attention to how our local countryside is "in peril" if controversial proposals are pushed through by the Coalition Government. Read more - 28 Sept

Brazilians at the Trades - this Saturday, 29th - see What's On for this and dozens of other events

'Manchester's Nick Drake', John Stammers, plays the Trades on Saturday (1st) - See What's on section

HEBDEN BRIDGE BASED DIGITAL ARCHIVEawarded accreditation. Just after news that Pennine Horizons has received Heritage Lottery funding of £524,000 comes the news that its Digital Archive has now been awarded accreditation by West Yorkshire Archive Service. Read more - 24 Sept

CONSTITUENCY CHANGES: it is proposed that Calder Valley constituency take 10,300 voters from Keighley (Worth Valley area) and 4 from Shipley!

IDEAS FOR IMPROVING SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT - sought by Transition Town group. Read more - 21 Sept

HEBVEG PLAN AMBITIOUS STEP FORWARD - HebVeg are now planning to emply their own grower, produce food directly on land in and around Hebden Bridge, and sourcing more food from growers in the area. Read more - 21 Sept

CANAL TOWPATH IMPROVEMENTS IN HEBDEN BRIDGE - Calderdale Council have recently completed a scheme to improve the towpath on the heavily used Blackpit Aqueduct stretch of the Rochdale Canal in the centre of Hebden Bridge. Read more - 16 Sept

Michael Chapman and Revolver at the Trades this weekend. See What's On

WALK THE TREESPONSIBILITY TRAIL - A new walk has been established by Treesponsibility, the local group whose work combines reforestation and ecological restoration with awareness-raising about climate change. Read more - 9 Sept

Former Wailin' Jenny Annabelle Chvostek plays the Trades Club on Sunday showcasing her formidable songwriting and her skills asa versatile multi-instrumentalist. See What's On

GREENEST TOWN IN THE LAND: BEAR V BERNARD - Fierce reaction to Bernard Ingham's scathing attack on Hebden Bridge Transition Town and renewable energy. Read more - 7 Sept

THE BOOK CASE TO HAVE NEW OWNERS: read more details about the shop's new chapters and its latest Book News - 5 Sept

HERITAGE WEEKEND AT THE BIRCHCLIFFE CENTRE: The Birchcliffe Centre is not only home to the Hebden Bridge Local History Society Library but also the newly formed Pennine Horizons Digital Archive. Read more - 1 Sept

BLACKSHAWHEAD VILLAGE FETE this Saturday 3rd Sept from 1.30 p.m.  is not only one of the highlights of the year in this part of “the tops” but heralds the start of a week-long festival of fun for the local community. Read more

EASTWOOD RECYCLING CENTRE: Have your say. Local residents are being offered the chance to have their say about how improvements to the Centre can be made. Read more - 30 Aug

THE OUTSIDE TRACK AT WAINSGATE: The Summer season of concerts at Wainsgate Chapel resumes on Sunday September 4th with a welcome return visit by acclaimed acoustic/ folk band The Outside Track. Read more - 22 Aug

Hebden Bridge and the HebWeb feature in the Guardian's Northerner blog by Berringden Brow's Jill Robinson: "You can celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee if you want to, but Hebden Bridge Town Council isn't joining in."

EAST AFRICA BENEFIT, and more at the Trades - local musicians have pulled together a quality line-up to raise money for East Africa at the Trades Club on Thursday. Read more - 8 Aug

The Book Case will continue - under new owners in the Autumn - 19 Aug

BOOK NEWS - Future still unclear for The Book Case with upcoming retirement of Peter and Anne Tillotson. Read their recent statement and see top ten bestsellers in July, along with the latest book news. Read more - 3 Aug

POP VISIONARY JULIAN COPE to make a rare trip to Yorkshire playing classics from across his hit studded career at the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge on Friday 28 October. More info (2 Aug)

Ian Coates - latest, on his way back to Hebden Bridge after 12 years riding round the world on his Honda - update from the Balkans - See HebWeb Feature for latest update. (1 Aug)

NEW COMMUNITY MARKET offers free stalls for fundraisers and vegetarian cafe. Read more (28 July)

CONCERN OVER CUTS TO WEST YORKSHIRE POLICE - Calderdale’s Labour leader has warned that cuts in the number of police officers in West Yorkshire - required because of Government spending reductions - will put future crime levels at risk. Read more (22 July)

COLDEN SCULPTURE TRAIL: Every year, the children of Hebden Royd have created a Sculpture Trail within Colden Clough Local Nature Reserve. The Sculptures are arranged around what was once the site of Lumb Mill ? one of many mills along the length of the Colden Valley. Read more (21 July)

STOP! DON'T READ THIS - the story. Miss Rusty's book is finally published this week for all to read, and includes her account of being sacked from Calder High along with ideas for working with disaffected teenagers. Read HebWeb review (12 July)

Station Cafe - a HebWeb correspondent reports that the cafe is open again after last week's burglary- "Much relieved commuters were able to pick up their Guardian and get a caffeine fix" this morning.

SEVENTEEN DAYS OF COMEDY, MUSIC, LITERATURE AND DRAMA came to an end on Sunday as the 18th Hebden Bridge Arts Festival drew to a close. Read more (12 July)

TRANSITION PARTY AND MORE EVENTS AT THE TRADES - The Trades Club and Hebden Bridge Transition Town have joined forces for a free street party next weekend featuring top local bands and DJs. Read more

'INSPIRATIONAL' STEVE CANN CLEARED - The General Teaching Council for England has confirmed that there was no case to answer. Steve was the union rep suspended from Calder High in early 2009 along with Leonora Rustamova (Miss Rusty) Read more (5 July)

VANDALISM AT STATION - British Transport Police (BTP) is appealing for information after flowers and plant pots were vandalised at Hebden Bridge station. Read more - 4 July

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY JUDGES will be visiting Luddenden on Thursday 4 August as part of the UK-wide judging tour for RHS Britain in Bloom 2011. Read more (27 July)

THE PICTURE HOUSE IS LOOKING FOR FILM FANS to help make a real community cinema. Become on of the Friends Of The Picture House. Read more (25 July)

THE BEAT SOLD OUT - More info about events coming up at the Trades Club. (20 July)

Profile on Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge in Yorkshire Post. 'It's the wild, wild west of Yorkshire. Hippies and highwaymen, murderers and Methodists, artists and alternative healers . . . Glyn Hughes . . . insisted its character was determined by geology, the millstone grit, whose blackened outcrops he likened to "the bones [that] press through the flesh of a hungry cow".'

The Wombles go skipping in Hebden Bridge - Guardian's The Northerner - another piece from Berringden Brow author Jill Robinson.

HELP PAINT THE LITTLE PARK - Join parents and friends at the much loved Victoria Road playground on Saturday. Read more about what they are doing. (18 July)

More problems at Station - Two weeks after the vandalism (HebWeb report), last night the cafe was broken into and one traveller told us of "lots of confused commuters wandering round needing a caffeine boost this morning". (15 July)

Analogue radio TV and O2 stopped working 8.30am 12th July. Engineers worked on problems with the Hebden Bridge transmitter. Resolved by mid-afternoon.

LOCAL PAINTINGS ONLINE: Calderdale has now put online what the council describes as some of the finest oil painting collections in the country with work dating from the 17th to 21st century. Read more (11 July)

BIG BIKE FIX - Cyclists can bring their bikes along for a free safety check, provided by professional mechanics, at Hebden Bridge station on Thursday 14 July. Read more (6 July)

Yorkshire Post feature on the Trades Club

BOOK NEWS - Peter and Anne Tillotson of The Book Case are retiring in September and are looking for someone to take over the business. See also: Top ten bestsellers for the month of June, and the latest book news. Read more - 4 July

FORMER MAYOR WINS BACK CONTROL IN ST POL - Hebden Bridge's twin town moves left. (30 June)

DON'T JUST SIT THERE! - After getting off to a yarnstorming start, Hebden Bridge Arts Festival continues with its vibrant programme of music, drama and literature - Read more (29 June)

30TH JUNE STRIKES - Calder High and Riverside Schools to close and the Trades Club to hold a benefit for Calderdale Save Our Services the night before (Weds)

TOWN HALL LATEST - Local people who have been watching the progress on the construction site at the rear of Hebden Bridge's Town Hall will have a chance to find out more this Saturday (July 2nd).

TRADITIONAL CIDER FESTIVAL AT THE STUBBING WHARF - Now in its fifth year, the Stubbing Cider Festival will be held on 1-2 July 2011, at the Stubbing Wharf, Hebden Bridge. Read more - 23 June

CO-OPERATIVE HOUSING FOR OUR AREA - Calderdale Council is currently exploring the benefits of encouraging co-operative housing schemes in the borough. . . and it wants to hear from people who think they'd like to get involved. Co-operative housing is already a popular choice for communities in Sweden and Denmark but is new to the UK. Read more - 21 June

Now BBC covers the discussion about the 'So Hebden Bridge' sign on the HebWeb Forum

COMMUNITY SPIRIT KEEPS ROAD OPEN - A fete planned for this Sunday in a small Hebden community is more than your usual summer celebration - it’s a lifeline for residents who rely on the proceeds to keep their road open. Read more - 20 June

CALDERDALE COMMUNITY ENERGY - The Alternative Technology Centre in Hebden Bridge is working with Calderdale Council and other partners to establish a Community Energy Company which will form a revolving fund for investment in Renewable Energy and energy efficiency schemes in Calderdale. Read more - 14 June

HANDMADE PARADE TRIUMPH - "It just keeps getting bigger and better every year." Nearly 700 people took part in the parade and an estimated 5,000 lined the route to enjoy amazing giant puppets, dazzling artwork, a riot of colour and toe-tapping music. Read more - 14 June

COMING UP AT THE TRADES - Benny Gallagher began his career writing songs for the Beatles' Apple label and he is holding a songwriting masterclass at the Trades Club on Thursday. Read more about the coming week at the Trades - 13 June

BBC SEEKS GAY OR LESBIAN COUPLES or individuals who are parenting or co-parenting. They are keen to speak to as many people as possible to find out what their experiences have been. Read more - 10 June

HEBDEN BRIDGE HANDMADE PARADE - watch this Saturday's parade with food, music, colour, giant puppies, dazzling artwork and crazy costumes. Read more - 7 June

COMING UP AT THE TRADES - Hippie legends It's a Beautiful Day take a trip to the Trades Club on Friday sprinkling some of their West Coast magic along the valley Read more about the coming week at the Trades - 6 June

BLUES FESTIVAL REPORT - from Craig Shaw. "Many music lovers, regulars at other festivals, said they were blown away by the quality of the music." Read more - 5 June

BEER, BUNS AND BUTTONS FOR THE HEBDEN BRIDGE ARTS FESTIVAL! - the whole community is joining in the festival spirit to enjoy a feast of music, theatre, literature - Read more (29 June)

UNIVERSITY OF THIRD AGE - reports of the May meeting on the role of the Lord-Lieutenant and the June meeting entitled Keep Learning: Live long and prosper Read more - 28 June

SATURDAY IN THE SQUARE - Hebden Bridge Arts Festival Opening Weekend - Read more (28 June)

CALLING ALL COMMUNITY GROUPS IN HEBDEN ROYD - Hebden Royd Town Council wants to hear from community groups in need of grant funding for projects. Read more - 23 June

NEW PA FOR COMMUNITY USE IN HEBDEN ROYD - Performers, bands, event organisers in Hebden Royd can access a new community owned public address system, thanks to a grant form Calderdale Council. Read more - 22 June

WHITE RIBBON'S SILENT WITNESSES - Hebden Bridge based White Ribbon Campaign has benefited from the donation of 50 life size plywood figures bearing silent witness to the devastating effects of violence against women. Read more - 20 June

FRIENDS OF THE LITTLE PARK are a group of local parents committed to improving facilities at the much loved Victoria Road playground. After forming in October 2010 we carried out extensive consultations with local residents and schools. The feedback was overwhelmingly in support of our project so we set to work applying for funding. Read more - 15 June

HEBDEN ROYD MAYOR GIVES SPEECH IN GERMAN in Warstein, our twin town. The purpose of the visit was an invitation from Warstein Town Council to celebrate the recently refurbished town Square Wilkeplatz at Belecke, Warstein, and celebrate and welcome the twinning between Warstein and Pietrapaola in Italy. Read more - 14 June

Guardian piece mentions HebWeb Forum - 'A sign on the main A646 road . . . "That was So Hebden Bridge." There's currently a thread discussing this on the excellent Hebweb local community forum; some like it; others loathe it. Is the sign a symbol of quirkiness, or simply pretentious?' Article written by Berringden Brow author, Jill Robinson.

Campaigners hail mast victory - see Proposed Communication Mast Forum thread

HANGING BASKET FEVER HITS HEBDEN ROYD

- This week over 300 baskets and planters have been put up across Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd, the plants are still young but give it a couple of weeks, a drop of sunshine and a sprinkling of rain and by Summer the baskets will be overflowing with colour and making our streets look ‘blooming’ great! Read more - 13 June

ARTS FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE TO OPEN SATURDAY - The box office is run by a team of over 30 volunteers and has recently benefitted from a makeover thanks to community contributions. Read more about Festival comedy and drama - 6 June

KEIGHLEY ROAD PARKING - After considerable discussion on the HebWeb Forum, people are being invited to a Hebden Bridge.drop-in consultation to say what they think about Council proposals to introduce waiting restrictions along part of Keighley Road. Read more - 5 June

Glyn Hughes: local author and poet Glyn Hughes has died. Glyn was the author of Millstone Grit and the award winning Where I used to Play on the Green, and a contributor to the HebWeb, including 11 poems - see our Features section. Add your comments on our Lives Remembered page

BOOK NEWS - Top ten bestsellers for the month of May, and the latest news from the Book Case. Read more - 1 June

MUSIC AT THE ARTS FESTIVAL: Got the blues? Get back to your roots with music at the Festival - Read more - 29 May

YOUTH HOUSE PLAN DITCHED - building could be up for grabs - Pennine Horiizons recently made the decision that they didn't have the resources to put into place the "Eco-Museum" they had been planned for the Youth House Building, which could now be the latest council owned building to be sold off to private investors. Read more - 29 May

WIN TICKETS FOR BLUES FESTIVAL - The winning entry will receive 4 weekend tickets for the Hebden Blues Festival. Read more - 25 May

MURDER, SEX AND DRUGS at Arts Festival for literature fans. Book Now! - Read more (25 May)

HEBDEN BLUES FESTIVAL. Over the bank holiday weekend of the 27th to 30th of May 2011, Hebden Bridge will be hosting its first Blues Festival.. Up to 50 bands from across Britain, Europe and the USA will be playing in a variety of venues. Read more - 20 May

FESTIVAL FIRST WEEK: Theatre premieres, percussion and picnics are all on offer for the opening weekend of Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.  - Read more - 18 May

Radio 4 comes to Heptonstall - iPlayer link to Ramblings

MP TO RECEIVE PETITION against NHS Cuts. Dennis and Frances Deadman, in co-operation with the Internet campaigning group, 32 Degrees have organised a petition against Cuts in the NHS and are presenting it to Craig Whittaker at Halifax Town Hall on Friday, 20 May 2011 at 5.30 pm. Those wishing to join them are encouraged to meet at Union Cross Hotel beforehand.

2011 WAINSGATE CONCERTS KICK OFF WITH MAD AGNES - on Sunday May 22nd with a visit from Connecticut-based acoustic music specialists Mad Agnes. Their music defies category, taking in folk, rootsy Americana and even elements of classical music. More info - 17 May

CHANCE TO FIND OUT ABOUT TOWN HALL on Thursday. The team responsible for the development of the Hebden Bridge Town Hall extension will be running a stall in the centre of Hebden Bridge on Thursday (May 19th), to explain the progress being made and the timescale for the building work. More info - 16 May

LOCAL CAFE NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL AWARD - Greens Vegetarian Café has been nominated for a Vegfest UK Award 2011 in the 'Best Vegan Friendly Places to Eat in the UK' category. More info - 10 May

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LAUNCH - Mayor of Hebden Royd, Cllr Robin Dixon, uses an iPad to launch the Festival's website. Read moreand see photos (10 May)

HANDMADE PARADE WILL BE A 'FABULOUS FEAST': everyone is being invited to take part by making scrumptious costumes. More info - 9 May

JEFFREY LEWIS PLAYS ONLY UK GIG IN HEBDEN BRIDGE - Antifolk legend Jeffrey Lewis plays an exclusive solo gig at the Trades Club as his only UK show before he returns for an autumn tour. More info - 9 May

FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LAUNCH this Friday follows success of resubmission to Arts Council for grant. And the Arts Festival is turning 18! Are you? More info - 5 May

COMING UP AT THE TRADES - Dr Feelgood legend Wilko Johnson makes a welcome return to the Trades Club on Saturday promising another dose of high octane R'n'B. Read more - 29 May

MILLION POUND ROCHDALE CANAL BID would mean improvements to the Hebden Bridge Visitor Centre. Calderdale Council's Cabinet is to discuss a proposal which could see around £1million made available to help people enjoy their visits to the Rochdale Canal. Read more - 29 May

RESIDENTS URGED TO REPORT FLY TIPPERS - Once again the moors above Cragg Vale are being targeted by fly tippers as an easy place to leave their rubbish. Hebden Royd Mayor and residents campaign to stop them. Read more - 25 May

BLUES FESTIVAL SEEKS VOLUNTEERS - The Blues Festival is looking for volunteers to help over this coming bank holiday weekend. There is a need mainly for stewards but also for anyone who is interested in videoing the event (with a camera supplied.) Volunteers will be fed, watered, t-shirted and ticketed for their trouble and anyone who is interested should contact Jason on jason@hebdenblues.co.uk.

LIFE IN A NORTHERN TOWN: 1980s Hebden Bridge footage featured in an 80s pop video - more info and discussion - 18 May

Mayor Making and Annual Town Council on Wednesday, 18th May - see What's On

HB writer Chris Reason's play 'Every Child Matters' won best drama award at Sony Radio awards.

HX7 JAZZ CLUB - Following a sold out performance at the Blue Note in Milan, alto saxophonist Tommaso Starace brings a new exciting all-star Quartet to the HX7 Jazz Club on Thursday May 26th. More info - 17 May

INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA AND TRANSPHOBIA - Gay and Lesbian Youth (GALYIC) members are holding a 'Speak Out' at Hebden Bridge Town Hall at 6 pm on Tuesday 17th May when they will share their experiences in public. More info - 12 May

WONDER STUFF AT THE TRADES - Chart topping Miles Hunt plays the Trades Club on Wednesday with a hits packed set from his long career as the voice of The Wonder Stuff. - More info - 13 May

SMOKING FAIRIES, OUTER ZEDS AND MORE AT THE TRADES - the coming week at the Hebden Bridge Trades Club - More info - 11 May

RESEARCHER SEEKS FOCUS GROUP - A researcher is looking for Hebden Bridge residents to take part in a focus group in the town on Saturday 28th May to explore ideas about heritage attractions and events. More info - 10 May

MAYORAL RAFFLE to raise money for young carers in our area. More details of where to buy and what you can win. - 10 May

NEWLY REBUILT AND EXTENDED SKATEPARK REOPENS - Hebden Bridge now has a skatepark that any town or city would be proud to have and it’s been achieved with the help and commitment of our young people. More info - 3 May

BOOK NEWS - Top ten bestsellers for the month of April, and the latest news from the Book Case. Read more - 1 May

Independent: "there were spirited counterblasts in the form of Not The Royal Wedding parties in Hebden Bridge, Bristol and London."

NOT THE ROYAL WEDDING STREET PARTY and much more at the Trades Club this week. More info

LOCAL STUDENT GETS STANDING OVATION AT TEACHERS' CONFERENCE - Joe Cotton's address to the NUT Annual Conference on Educational Maintenance Allowance More info - 20 April

PENNINE QUARRY WILL SUPPLY STONE FOR TOWN HALL - The extension to Hebden Bridge's Town Hall is to be built of best Pennine stone. Hebden Bridge Community Association announced today that the stone for the major new building will come from the Crosland Hill quarry near Huddersfield, regarded as one of the best sources of true Yorkstone. More info - 25 April

LETS NOT WALK AWAY, LETS WALK TOGETHER - Following the success of last years ?We?re not walking away? charity event that raised £3739.34, the Jones family have decided to make the charity walk an annual event. This year?s walk will follow the same route as last year, starting at Burnley Road playing field in Mytholmroyd. More info - 21 April

Craig Whittaker's expenses: our local MP claimed £29,776.94 from May to December last year, according to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority's figures, published today.

ARTS FESTIVAL YARNSTORM: pick up your knitting needles to join the fun. Arts Festival plans to ‘yarnstorm’ Hebden Bridge this summer are gathering momentum as community groups, schools and individuals pick up their knitting needles to join the fun. More info - 19 April

ELECTION BIOGS AND PHOTOS: The HebWeb invites candidates to send us a brief biog and photo, and we will publish them as we have done in the past. Here are the first ones - 7 April

HEBDEN ROYD TOWN COUNCIL ELECTION - 30 candidates put themselves forward for the 18 seats. More details - 4 April

CALDERDALE ELECTION - candidates norminated for Calder and Luddenden wards. Read more - 4 April

WOMEN OF BLUES - The Hebden Bridge Blues Festival is proving that the Blues is still with us and bringing it bang up to date.  Celebrating the contribution of women to the scene is a special ‘Women of Blues’ night, which brings together some of the best female blues artists in Britain today. Read more - 4 April

BOOK NEWS - Top ten bestsellers for the month of March, and the latest news from the Book Case. Read more - 2 April

NOMINATIONS CLOSE FOR HEBDEN ROYD - Eighteen Hebden Royd council seats are up for election on 5th May but nominations must be in by Monday, 4th April. There will not be a similar opportunity for another 4 years. Read more - 1 April

UNIVERSITY OF THIRD AGE - reports of the April meeting of the local U3A. Bob Hayter, whose talk was entitled, "Belt and Braces - An Everyday Guide to Risk and Chance", started by saying that driving his car was the most dangerous thing he would do today. Read more - 27 April

15 year old Calder High student gets standing ovation at Teachers' Conference. Read speech and see links to media coverage and video of speech

Election Fever hots up as Hebden Royd Town Council candidate Nigel Yorke starts an election blog, and punches are thrown on a HebWeb Forum thread

VIVA MORRISEY, popular Smiths tribute act Viva Morrisey are back at the Trades. More info - 20 April

HEBVEG POTATO PLANTING - on Easter Monday. More info - 15 April

KUSCHTY AND MORE AT THE TRADES - Roots rocker Des Horsfall brings his tribute to Ronnie Lane to the Trades on Friday with proceeds going to fight multiple sclerosis which claimed the Faces legend's life. Read more - 14 April

TRADES CLUB WALKING WEEKEND - Tired hikers will enjoy Celtic tunes from The Tannahill Weavers who headline the first Trades Club Walking Weekend that kicks off on Saturday morning. Read more - 12 April

Give Away Free Day on 9 April - see What's On section for more info.

TURKISH DELIGHT AT THE TRADES - Folk pioneer Dogan Mehmet brings his unique vision of multi-cultural Britain fusing traditional English and Turkish music to the Trades Club on Saturday. Read more - 6 April

NOT THE ROYAL WEDDING STREET PARTY - Trades Club Manager who has told the HebWeb, "Here at the Trades, as a socialist club, we're not exactly bothered about celebrating the royal wedding, but it's a bank holiday and in these difficult times, we all need a reason to let our hair down. Read more - 4 April

SEEDY SATURDAY - Swap seeds and knowledge at Calder Food Hub's second Seedy Saturday plant and seed exchange at the Hope Baptist Church on Saturday 9th April. Read more - 1 April

TRUE STORIES TOLD LIVE WITH POET IAN MCMILLAN - The Bard of Barnsley is one of the most gifted storytellers in the country and he will performing some new tales especially composed for this free event at the Trades Club on Monday 4th April.

CO-OP STORE - APRIL MEETING - Regional Manager of the Co-op Tim Coulman has asked the HebWeb to publicise the next Hebden Bridge Co-op Customer Forum; it will be Tuesday, 5th April between 5pm and 7pm. Read more - 23 March

UNABOMBERS DROP INTO THE VALLEY - Tickets are going fast as globe trotting superstar DJS The Unabombers play a rare Yorkshire date teaming up with the Into the Valley crew at the Trades Club on Saturday 2 April. Read more - 21 March

HANDMADE PARADE IDEAS LATEST - A public ideas get-together this week came up with a madcap array of themes, costumes, giant puppets and potty performances. Up for discussion were lots of ideas popped into the suggestions box in the library over the last month. Read more - 18 March

Flood siren Tuesday 15th March was a test.

HORSING AROUND - COMING UP AT THE TRADES: Horse McDonald, The Troubadors, The Mouldy Joes, Freear and more this week at The Trades Club. Read more - 15 March

A TASTE OF LITERATURE - Vicki Berry moved to Hebden Bridge with her daughter in September 2010 and got involved in various activities at Hebden Vale Children's Centre. Vicki felt so welcomed at the Centre that she decided to use it as the basis of her application for World Book Night. Read more - 10 March

MIDGEHOLE DYEWORKS - The people of Midgehole are naturally concerned that any potential development does not have a detrimental impact on the landscape or the community. Not only is this a place where people live, it is also a stone's throw from a much loved and visited National Trust beauty spot. Read more - 9 March

FROM FULLING TO FUSTIANOPOLIS will be launched at the ATC on 24th March - it tells the story of the history of the textile industry around Hebden Bridge, from the early water powered fulling mills to the rise of the cotton industry during the Industrial Revolution and the growth of the Co-Operative movement. Read more - 7 March

PICTURE HOUSE PUBLIC MEETING - report of the packed and lively public meeting. Read more - 3 March

PARADE: GETS £15K IN GRANTS - Handmade Parade ideas ideas wanted to go with harps, lighthouse kangaroos and psychedelic solar system. Read more - 2 March

SQUEEZING OUT THE HITS AT THE TRADES - Chris Difford is coming back to Trades on his 'The Imaginary Friends' tour because 'he loves the place' and he is promising some of his massive hits like 'Up The Junction' plus tracks from his critically acclaimed new album 'Cashmire if You Can.' Read more - 29 March

PACE EGG PLAYS - HEPTONSTALL AND MIDGLEY - Good Friday 2011, 22nd April. Times, information and background.

UNIVERSITY OF THIRD AGE - reports of the first three meetings of the year from Todmorden U3A Read more - 28 March

MEGA MIX at the Trades - Indie kids from along the valley will be making a pilgrimage to the Trades Club on Friday as DJ Campbell unveils his megamix of top dancefloor fillers from the last 30 years. Read more - 22 March

HX7 JAZZ CLUB - SNAKE DAVIS - Hebden Bridge’s wonderful HX7 Jazz Club has been putting on great gigs for the last 15 months, and the next one on March 24th promises to be the funkiest yet when top British jazz soul saxophonist Snake Davis appears with his band to perform material from his 8 CDs and especially from his current live album. Read more - 14 March

Calder Ward Forum and police and community meeting on Thursday, 17th - see What's On section for more info.

AN EVENING WITH RAMZY BAROUD - Friends of Palestine are holding an evening with the renowned Palestinian-American journalist, Ramzy Baroud, in the Waterfront Room in Hebden Bridge Town Hall, at 7.00 p.m. on Saturday 12th March. Read more - 10 March

MUNDO MADNESS AT THE TRADES - Spoof world music legend Mundo Jazz brings his mix of crass philosophising and catchy tunes to headline a Cabaret Heaven cowboy special at the Trades on Saturday. Read more - 7 March

Midgehole Dyeworks Consultation Event: All interested parties welcome at the Blue Pig 10am-12noon Saturday 5th March to discuss the possible development of the Midgehole Dyeworks site.

BOOK NEWS - Top ten bestsellers for the month of February, and the latest news from the Book Case. Read more - 3 March

FESTIVAL - OPEN EVENING POSTPONED - Plans for this year’s Arts Festival have suffered a blow due to a lack of financial support from Arts Council England. The Open Evening has been postponed until Wednesday 23 March. Read more

MEETING TO DISCUSS PLANNING VISION for next 15-20 years. Calderdale Council is currently consulting on the draft Local Development Framework (LDF), which sets out the overall planning vision for Calderdale for the next 15 to 20 years. Read more - 1 March

RAISING CURTAIN ON BLUES FESTIVAL - To get music lovers in the mood for Hebden Bridge's four day Blues Festival at the end of May, the Trades Club in Holme Street are hosting a "curtain-raiser" gig with four great blues bands on Saturday March 5th - Read more - 23 Feb

DEAD BELGIAN AT THE TRADES - and, with folk riding an unprecedented wave of popularity, the Trades Club welcomes the Hut People who are gaining a reputation as one of the hottest acts to come out of the Yorkshire scene in a long while. Read more - 22 Feb

LAUNCH OF CIVIL CEREMONY COMPANY - Hebden Bridge resident, Lita Hallyburton, is launching Civil Ceremony NorthWest delivering ceremonies for all life events, to give you a personally tailored ceremony, respecting all faiths & none. Read more - 16 Feb

FESTIVAL NEWS AND OPEN MEETING - Get your knitting needles out and get ready to party!  This summer will see the 18th consecutive annual Arts Festival in Hebden Bridge and organisers are busy ensuring this year’s event is one to remember. Read more - 16 Feb

NEW TOWN COUNCIL WEBSITE - Hebden Royd Town Council has now launched their brand new website. The website will become the one stop shop for all you need to know about Hebden Royd Town Council. Read more - 14 Feb

Northern Towns Against The Cuts demo is this Saturday - see "What's on"

BBC News features Hebden Bridge's commmunity takeover of Town Hall as example of Big Society but those interviewed, Andrew Bibby and Tom Greenwood, express their doubts. - 14 Feb

PUBLIC MEETING: TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF THE PICTURE HOUSE - All who love the Hebden Bridge Picture House and care about its future are being invited to a meeting being held at Riverside School on Thursday, March 3 from 7.30pm. Read more - 8 Feb

INSULATION AND EMERGENCY HEATING FOR LOCAL HOUSEHOLDS - Residents are being encouraged to make their homes warmer and cheaper to heat with help from the Council's Home Energy Action Team. Read more - 7 Feb

GET REGISTERED and have your say. There are 13,000 residential properties in Calderdale where there are no registered voters. Calderdale Council is sending letters to all of the properties concerned, inviting the occupants to register to vote in time for the Local Council Elections on May 5. Read more - 2 Feb

BOOK NEWS - Top ten bestsellers for the month of January, and the latest news from the Book Case. Read more - 3 Feb

Regional newspaper sales were down in the last 6 months of 2010. According to ABC, sales of the HB Times were down 18.2% to 2766 copies. (Making the HebWeb a much better prospect for advertisers!)

BEER TASTING AT THE TRADES - The explosion of craft and micro-breweries producing high quality strong ales is being celebrated at a special Transatlantic extreme beer tasting night at the Trades Club next Sunday. Read more - 28 Feb

AN EVENING OF PROTEST AND DANCE - The Trades Club is hosting an evening of Protest Song on Friday 4 March. The evening will feature comtemporary songs by Liverpool singer songwriter Alun Parry, who's Oh Mr Cameron is becoming an internet sensation. Will Kaufman will provide songs form the great American protest songwriter Woody Guthrie. Read more - 23 Feb

CUTTING CARBON IN HEBDEN BRIDGE - An innovative energy efficiency project is now underway in Hebden Bridge. Local residents in the project areas are receiving comprehensive energy surveys of their properties and advice on how to save energy costs and cut down on carbon emissions. Read more - 16 Feb

THE UNTHANKS FINISH WORLD TOUR IN HEBDEN BRIDGE - on Tuesday 19th April. This time they’re playing sat The Picture House having grown too big for the Trades club, one of their favourite venues. They have been returning to Hebden Bridge since Rachel Unthank was bottom of the bill at a folk night in 2003. Read more - 14 Feb

- Excitement is in the air for this year’s Huddersfield Literature Festival. Visit Huddersfield from Wednesday 16 - Sunday 20 March to experience some of literature’s finest names. Read more - 11 Feb

HUDDERSFIELD LITERATURE FESTIVAL - Excitement is in the air for this year’s Huddersfield Literature Festival. Visit Huddersfield from Wednesday 16 - Sunday 20 March to experience some of literature’s finest names. Read more - 11 Feb

HX7 JAZZ CLUB - Son of legendary Yes guitarist Steve Howe, acclaimed and versatile drummer Dylan Howe brings his superb band to Hebden Bridge's HX7 Jazz Club on Thursday February 17. Read more

HANDMADE PARADE 2011 - Knitted zebra crossings, sheep on skateboards - Handmade Parade is calling for ideas for this year's Hebden Bridge parade on Saturday, June 11. Read more - 8 Feb

HebVeg - if you haven't already reserved a box for this Saturday contact Helen (07900 003758).The HebVeg box scheme continues to generate a lot of local interest - organisers have told the HebWeb of huge support for sourcing locally and developing community supported agriculture. - 3 Feb

THE HEBDEN BRIDGE BLUES FESTIVAL - Over the bank holiday weekend of the 27th to 30th of May 2011, Hebden Bridge will be hosting its first Blues Festival. Up to 50 bands from across Britain, Europe and the USA will be playing in a variety of venues including the Trades Club, Hebden Bridge Picture House and Calder Homes Park. Read more - 28 January

RESISTANCE GROWS TO SWEET AND MAXWELL REDUNDANCY THREAT - Employees at the major legal publisher Sweet and Maxwell are consulting unions to defend jobs against management redundancy plans at its offices in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, and London. Read more - 24 January

HELEN OF FOUR GATES - The HebWeb talks to film-maker Nick Wilding and reveals some of the story of how this classic silent film was tracked down to once again enthrall audiences at the Hebden Bridge Picture House. Read more - 20 January

CALDERDALE BUDGET CONSULTATION - Calderdale Council's Cabinet has unveiled its proposed Budget for the financial year from April 2011. Full details of the budget plans are contained in Cabinet's proposals for consultation as agreed at their meeting last night (Monday). Read more - 18 January

MISS RUSTY TRIBUNAL REPORTS - Report by Hetha Duffy, Calder High School parent who is attending the Tribunal and writing reports for the HebWeb Read more - updated 15 January

CREATIVE QUARTER PLANS TO BE UNVEILED - Hebden Bridge’s growing reputation for creative and digital businesses is set to be enhanced,  under plans to create a new Hebden Bridge Creative Quarter as part of the Town Hall development. Read more - 7 January

HEBVEG - Ambitious local, community-run, organic veg box scheme to launch this month. First chance to pick up your own HebVeg selection on January 15th - The aim is to produce everything in the box from within 3 miles of Hebden Bridge town centre within 3 years. Read more - 4 January

Quake - A small earthquake, with it's centre near Ripon was felt in Hebden Bridge just after 9pm, Monday 3rd January.

NEW YEAR'S DAY TREASURE HUNT - The Annual New Year's Day Treasure Hunt, held in Mytholmroyd has raised a total of 1£47.36 in aid of The Fire Fighters Charity. Read more - 1 January

HB THEATRE GROUP HELP LAUNCH NEW MUSEUM EXHIBITS - Bankfield Museum was the meeting place recently of representatives from several important Halifax-Calderdale groups, all ‘woven’ together by Square Peg Productions of Hebden Bridge to launch a new exhibition featuring a rag rug and commemorative book which were created as part of the summer production: Woven in the Fabric Read more - 31 January

DON'T BULLDOZE CENTRAL LIBRARY - The campaign has been resurrected following further threats to Central Library and archive from Calderdale Council. Read more - 24 January

DATES FOR SPRING CLEAN UP - Residents asked to put the dates in their diaries and think about how they could get involved - clean up their street, garden and yards or a community group could raise sponsorship for cleaning up a certain area or for each bag of litter retrieved. Read more - 21 January

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY - An evening to reflect on past genocides and look at present day hate crime is taking place at the Victoria Theatre on 27 January. The Council marks Holocaust Memorial Day each year by inviting victims of hate crime to speak about their experiences. Read more - 19 January

JAZZ CLUB - It's the HX7 Jazz Club's 1st birthday this month, and to celebrate they're putting on a lavish musical spread (actually there may well be proper birthday cake too!) with two excellent bands co-headlining - plus the debut performance of the Dave Nelson Trio! Read more - 13 January

CUTTING CARBON IN AND AROUND HEBDEN BRIDGE - Local residents in two small areas in and around Hebden Bridge are being encouraged to take part in a comprehensive energy survey and receive advice on how to save energy costs and cut down on carbon emissions. Read more - 4 January

FLAMENCO DANCERS BEAT THE WINTER COLD - Colour, castanets and driving rhythms attract travellers to flamenco shows in Andalucia, Southern Spain.  But you can enjoy taking part here Hebden Bridge, with an enthusiastic group of aficionados who meet to learn and practice flamenco dance weekly. Read more

BOOK NEWS - Top ten bestsellers for 2010 and for the month of December, and the latest news from the Book Case. Read more - 1 January