Climate Change: from Paris COP 2016 to the UK 2025 - The Hebden Bridge Literary and Scientific Society is excited to present Professor Kevin Anderson on Saturday January 11th, 2025, at 7.30pm in The Town Hall. More info.

LINDSAY RIMER: 30 years ago today: Lindsay went missing. Months later, her body was found in the canal, weighted down. Her murder remains unsolved.
Today's BBC News;
Facebook page;
HebWeb feature for more background to the tragic story. 7 Nov

Walshaw Windfarm Community Assembly The Walshaw Windfarm Community Assembly has been organised to help "attendees explore the potential benefits and environmental impacts" of the proposed Walshaw Windfarm, with "carefully selected expert speakers." Read more 4 Nov

Parking plan paused: According to a BBC news report appearing today, the plan to remove parking between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd is being put on hold, pending the findings of a Parking Area Plan for Hebden Bridge due out later this year. Read BBC report 2 Nov

Land Trust celebrates 10 years - On 14 November, Calder Valley Community Land Trust is celebrating 10 years since it first began its work to create good quality, affordable homes and community spaces in the Calder Valley. More info. I Nov

Car share scheme returns to Hebden Bridge Share scheme meeting on 26 November. With three cars in Hebden Bridge, and two in Todmorden, POD will be able to offer a car share scheme, including the offer of extra facilities, from child car seats and disability controls to bicycle racks. Read more 7 Nov

Rebekah moves on - After three years as Creative Producer, Rebekah Fozard is moving on from Hebden Bridge Arts. In her time with them, she delivered community-driven projects like Open Space 70, and The Man Who Planted Trees. Read more 6 Nov

Hebden Bridge: The surprising 'lesbian capital of the UK' Another BBC report on Hebden Bridge says that while our town is home to just 4,500 people and "set in a scenic, rural valley, this quaint market town has blossomed into a bastion of tolerance." Read BBC report

MURPHY'S LORE - In the latest episode, there's clubs in pubs, readers writing, tellers uniting, Rachel announcing, Non Doms denouncing and much more!  Read the latest episode - 1 Nov

Hebden Royd Council VacancIes - Vacancies on the Council have arisen following the resignations of Councillors Richard Needham in Birchcliffe Ward and Rachel McNicholas in Fairfield Ward. More info 30 Oct

History: the dual economy of textiles and agriculture - Peter Thornborrow, well known for his talks about buildings, drew on his experience as an architectural historian and surveyor of listed buildings, introduced members of the Local History Society to Hartley Royd in Shore. Read more 27 Oct

The story of the Panama Canal The guest speaker at the recent University of the 3rd Age session was Norman Harris, a much-travelled retiree, who presented Atlantic to Pacific – The story of the Panama Canal. Read report. 22 Oct

Vacancy for Town Clerk Hebden Royd Town Council are inviting candidates to apply for the full-time position of Town Clerk to the Council and Responsible Financial Officer. More info. 21 Oct

CHAINSAW TUESDAY: 20 years on. 19 October is the 20th anniversary of the Battle of the Mill Pond: street-fighting in a back street of Hebden Bridge. See HebWeb feature for more photos and background info

REMEMBERING LINDSAY RIMER: A Community Gathering at 1.30pm, Sat 26 October in Calder Holmes Park, to remember Lindsay who lived in Hebden Bridge and who was murdered 30 years ago this November. Lindsay was 13 years old and her murder remains unsolved. Read more 14 Oct

Leaves on the line A BBC report, which features Hebden Bridge, claims that "Leaves on the line is a serious safety and performance issue for the railways." And the hills surounding the Calder Valley intensify the problem. Read BBC report 13 Oct

Lottery Grant for Pennine Heritage Pennine Heritage Ltd, in partnership with the Local History Society, has announced a £54,827 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to protect and develop South Pennine Archives and transform access. Read more 12 Oct

BBC news item on parking issue Traders claim they would lose custom when a major highways project begins at the same time as a car park is taken out of use for flood alleviation works. Read BBC report. 10 Oct

Sylvia Plath: The West Yorkshire Poems The Lit and Sci started its 2024/5 programme with an evening featuring the West Yorkshire poems written by Sylvia Plath, with speaker, Sarah Corbett. Read report. 7 Oct.

Campaigners protest at energy price rise Yesterday, members of the Unite union, alongside other community organisations, rallied outside Wilco's in Halifax from midday until 2pm. Read report. 2 Oct

Scouts return to Hebden Bridge This January, Hebden Bridge Scouts is relaunching for 10-14-year-olds, and they're searching for extra hands to help make it happen.  Read more 3 Oct

Folk-Rock Legend at Wadsworth In is a bit of a coup, Ashley Hutchings, a founding member of the influential Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band plus countless other ensembles plays Wadsworth Community Centre on 19 October. Read more

Travel in and around Hebden Bridge Improvements to include reducing the speed limit between Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd to 30 mph, upgrading the crossing at Station Road, new car park at Stubbing Holme and more. More info. 31 Oct

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: Rosie Grant and Lisa van der Zanden - George Murphy's latest interview is with award-winning Natural Endings undertakers and their championing of newer, approaches to funerals. George had heard glowing accounts of the service provided by Rosie and Lisa, and met with them at their new location in central Todmorden. Read the Interview

Labour wins Council bye-election - Jonathan Timbers retains seat on Calderdale Council for Labour with 38% of the vote. Greens came second with 28%. Turnout: 29%.

The Calderdale Otter Project will be the topic for the Lit & Sci lecture on Saturday, 16 November with speaker Andrew Mather. More info.

50 years of Calderdale When Calderdale was created 50 years ago, few knew what it was. The Local History Society heard how local democracy in Calderdale had an awkward birth, a tough upbringing and how the area became a place well worth celebrating. Read report 20 Oct

Soup Dragon Each Friday lunchtime, volunteers at Soup Dragon, based at the Methodist Church hall, provide wholesome soups, bread and often a tasty crumble for afters. Read more 16 Oct.

MURPHY'S LORE - In the latest episode, there's Jesus in the garden, a book about the North, weather women dodging death, Steve and merry dancers, Liptrot on page and screen, children of a blood red cult and ancient tales still told.  Read the latest episode - 15 Oct

Fungi Festival at Hardcastle Crags from 26 October - 17 November, celebrating some of the world's rarest species. Learn all about these weird and wonderful mushrooms, including more than 30 endangered species. More info 14 Oct

60 years of Twinning: In October 2024, Warstein and St Pol-sur-Ternoise celebrated 60 years of twinning in Warstein. A delegation from Hebden Royd took part in the event. Read report 10 Oct

Clubland: How the Working Men's Club Shaped Britain - The Hebden Bridge Literary and Scientific Society next event is on 26 Oct, at 7.30pm in The Town Hall. Read more. 3 Oct

Mike McAllister, died peacefully in hospital, aged 83, after a short illness. His family would like to invite those who wish to say their goodbyes to join them for his funeral and farewell. This will take place in the Waterfront Hall at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Tuesday, 15 October at 11am.

MURPHY'S LORE - This 150th Murphy's Lore includes the sad demise of Tina Crumb, a break in the lakes, two John Lennon tales, nude men reading the Brontës, Maggie Smith reflections, and a reader writes. Read the latest episode - 2 Oct

Calderdale Council by-election: 6 candidates stand in Calder Ward There is to be by-election on 24 October for the Calderdale Council seat vacated Josh Fenton-Glynn who became Calder Valley MP in July. The Calder Ward covers the Hebden Bridge area. Read more Updated

The people against the establishment - The History Society heard David Glover tell how thousands marched on Halifax and cotton mills were brought to a standstill, as part of the the Great Strike or the Plug Riots of the summer of 1842. Read report 30 Sept

The End of Everything The speaker at this month's University of 3rd Age meeting was Steve Barrett, Senior Research Fellow in Physics at the University of Liverpool. He outlined what was likely to happen to Earth, the Sun and the Universe in the futture. Read more 26 Sept 2024

Riot Women: The Cast The cast of Riot Women, the drama series currently being filmed around Hebden Bridge includes Joanna Scanlan, Rosalie Craig, Tamsin Greig, Lorraine Ashbourne, and Amelia Bullmore. The series is written by Sally Wainwright who also brought us Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and others. See BBC report 20 Sept

Calderdale Council by-election: Calder Ward There is to be by-election on 24 October for the Calderdale Council seat vacated Josh Fenton-Glynn who became Calder Valley MP in July. The Calder Ward covers the Hebden Bridge area. Jonathan Timbers is the Labour candidate and it's Chris Wadsworth for the Lib-Dems. Read more 18 Sept

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: Catherine SHAW - Catherine Shaw discusses with George Murphy her years in London working for Film and TV, why she moved to Hebden Bridge, her inspirational parents, using performance poetry to raise money for charity, owning a massage centre, shop and salon, her favourite things, new husband and brilliant children. Read the Interview

Grants available for cultural activities Organisations with ambitious plans for cultural activities in our area are invited to apply for grant funding of up to £15,000. Read more 10 Sept

Opening Autumn Gig at Wadsworth: The Autumn Season of gigs at Wadsworth Community Centre includes Kathryn Tickell and Ashley Hutchings and the opener, contemporary acoustic roots duo, Gilmore & Roberts on Sat 21 Sept. Read more

Petition to support more cycle routes:Organisers consider that many more people would like to cycle but feel that both the local infrastructure and road safety concerns prevent them. Updated with response from Cllr Scott Patient. Read more. 3 Sept

Donations - support the HebWeb:For nearly 30 years, the HebWeb has been hosting news, features and discussion, listing all major events and so much more. The HebWeb receives no funding and covers costs with minimal advertising; minimal to avoid annoying popups and banners. Read more.

Mytholm Mill Chimney to go: Mytholm Works Chimney, also known as the Browns Site Chimney, is due to be demolished on Monday, 7 October. Read more. 28 Sept

A Film-Inspired Pumpkin Trail 'Pumpkins at the Pictures' is the theme for 2024. Over the weekend of 19-20 October, the annual Pumpkin Trail will return and promises to be bigger than ever! Read more 24 Sept

Save Our Soil Join Grow and Graze on Saturday 28 September at Hebden Bridge Town Hall for their Save Our Soil event. Talks and stalls. More info here 22 Sept

Real Voices of Happy Valley reaches 50 The Real Voices of Happy Valley podcast has reached 50 episodes. The podcasts features Viv and Dave Boardman chatting with a variety of people of the valley from musicians and artists to environmental and community activists. Read more 19 Sept

MURPHY'S LORE - There's fell runners at a fete, two choirs meeting, duvets and sofa sagas, a night without JOY, memories of funerals, Natural Endings and Johnny Cash. Read the latest episode - 17 Sept

Calder Valley MP votes for cuts to Winter Fuel Payments Our newly elected MP, Josh Fenton-Glynn this afternoon voted with the Government to cut winter fuel payments to pensioners not receiving benefits. See Parliament website 10 Sept.

LINDSAY RIMER'S MURDER, 30 YEARS ON: Lindsay's family are having a big push for info about what happened to her, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of her disappearance on 7 Nov. There's a new Facebook page and they would like to ask people who knew Lindsay to get in touch and share stories, photos, etc. See this HebWeb feature for background to the tragic story. 8 Sept

Mytholmroyd studios award for best video design Prodoto Commercial Photographic Studios in Mytholmroyd has won the Best Video Design Award its immersive storytelling, high-definition visuals, and dynamic editing. Read more 4 Sept

Daily Mail finds 'local uproar': "Unhappy Valley! Creator of hit BBC crime drama sparks local uproar while filming latest TV series" according to today's Daily Mail. Read the Mail article. And now this one in The Metro. Updated 2 Sept

MURPHY'S LORE - In this late August episode, there's a room with a view and a flight from fleas, Portillo's second coming and a cultural clash (with plenty of cash), Chintan and Madhuri, late nights and rare singles, Hitler run over and garden slugs despatched. Read the latest episode - 31 August

Calder By-election: Former mayor of Hebden Royd, Jonathan Timbers has been selected as the Labour candidate for Calderdale's Calder Ward which covers Hebden Bridge. The forthcoming by-election follows the resignation of Josh Fenton-Glynn who was elected MP in the July general election. 29 Aug

Heart Gallery Exhibition 18 Years, 18 Artists is an exhibition from 1-30 September to celebrate creativity and art over nearly 2 decades. A print from artist Kate Lycett will be raffled. More info about the Exhibition. 27 Aug

Canals could disappear without more investment, say the Canal and River Trust. See this BBC report which mentions the canal at Hebden Bridge a couple of times 21 Aug

Woven Warriors: On Friday 30 August at the Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre in Halifax a new woven artwork will be unveiled, highlighting the rich and diverse untold stories of the women driving the cultural life of Calderdale. Read more 17 Aug

Calderdale Trades Union Council statement on riots Calderdale TUC condemns these riots and renews its commitment to organise against racism and anti-migrant violence. Read more 12 Aug

People's Park Festival Thousands of people enjoyed the successful return of the People's Park Festival in Halifax, celebrating the diversity of the borough's culture. Read more 7 Aug

Campaign for wheelchair accessible pavements - Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum have taken action over advertising boards, café tables and chairs obstructing the pavement in Hebden Bridge. Pictured above: wheelchair users forced on to the cobbles. Read more. 2 Aug

MURPHY'S LORE - In the latest episode, there's a scoop about disappearing buskers, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, sex on legs and sixties gangsters, litter literacy and Le Grand Depart. Read the latest episode - 2 August

Wainsgate Piano Weekend: Wainsgate Chapel in Old Town is hosting a whole weekend of piano music from 27-29 September. The Piano Weekend features a starry line-up of renowned artists who will be performing some of the greatest piano music ever written. More info 29 Aug

Join the Citizens' Jury helping to shape climate action. Help to influence climate action and support work to make local homes warmer, healthier and cheaper to heat. Read more 28 Aug

Train disruption in September: Between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale, the railway will be closed from 6 September until the early morning of 25 September. Replacement buses will be available to Rochdale and Bradford. The HebWeb is seeking further info. Read more 19 Aug

MURPHY'S LORE - In the latest episode, there's a scoop about disappearing buskers, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, sex on legs and sixties gangsters, litter literacy and Le Grand Depart. Read the latest episode - 15 August

Steam Punk weekend: Last weekend, Hebden Bridge saw the annual invasion of the steam punk tribe wearing their bizarre blend of Victorian-era style clothing adorned with industrial and futuristic elements. See this video from 4-5 August.

We are Calderdale Unity Rally, organised by Calderdale Stand up to Racism, is this Saturday, 10 August and widely supported by people and groups in our area. Meet 12 noon outside Wilko's in Halifax.

Local Paper Archived Issues of the Hebden Bridge Times have now been archived by the British Newspaper Archive, making them searchable for subscribers. To see example front pages from 1884, 1976 and 1991, see this blog 5 August

Campaign for wheelchair accessible pavements - Hebden Bridge Disability Access Forum have taken action over advertising boards, café tables and chairs obstructing the pavement in Hebden Bridge. Pictured above: wheelchair users forced on to the cobbles. Read more. 2 Aug

Murder Investigation Launched Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a man died after a serious assault on Hebden Bridge on Saturday night, 27 July. Police were called after a fight between two men on Crown Street. Read more 30 July

The Piece Hall featured in today's Observer with the headline, "How a cloth mill became one of the UK's biggest music venues." Every ticket sold, it is claimed, generates £100 for the local economy, with no cost to the taxpayer. Read The Observer article 28 July.

Removal of Parking: Calderdale Council are planning to remove all parking along the Burnley Road from Hebden Bridge station to Fallingroyd at the beginning of Mytholmroyd. The deadline for making your views known is Tuesday 30 July. See Forum message.

Lady Killers: Michael Astrop told a recent meeting of the University of the Third Age about five cases of homicide where the accused was female and, after each one, would ask his audience whether they thought she was guilty or not guilty. Read more 21 July

Murphy's Lore - In the latest episode, there's a Portillo moment and a Lib Lab pact, Freddie and his Dreamers and prefab sprogs, Gary and Gary on Gareth, a missing clock and impious imps, Trump gets shot and Biden takes a hit, there's Mick Jagger's stern tutor, a writer remembered and lionesses forgotten. Read the latest episode - 19 July

Sewage protest in Hebden Bridge Activists from 'Friends of the River Calder' organised a protest last weekend to remind the new government to prioritise river sewage issues. The public were invited to play a carnival-inspired 'Hook a Poop'. Read more 10 July

Town Council job vacancy Hebden Royd Town Council are looking for an exceptionally organised Finance Officer to join their small team at the Council. More info. 8 July

A New MP for the Calder Valley will be elected this Thursday. 13 years of a Labour MP followed by 14 years of a Tory MP means Calder Valley is a key marginal seat. So your vote will count! Results will be posted here on the HebWeb on Friday 5 July. See the HebWeb General Election section for more info. NB: photo id is required to vote

General Election: Who are the Candidates? The HebWeb has information on each of the seven candidates for the Calder Valley Constituency. Read about the candidates in the HebWeb general election section.

Canal boats stranded More than 20 canal boats have been left stranded after a stretch of waterway between locks 7 and 8, beyond Mayroyd, ran dry due to a faulty lock being left open. Read BBC report 30 July

Seriously injured following a street fight in Crown Street yesterday evening, a man in his 50s was found unconscious and taken to hospital with injuries thought to be life threatening. Read BBC report 28 July

Encouraging Signs for the Deaf at Little Theatre For the first time, The Little Theatre is going to have a British Sign Language interpreted performance to make attendance more accessible to deaf people, on the 10 October performance of its next play Beryl, by Maxine Peake.  Read more

Technology festival Wuthering Bytes announces line-up:Speakers have been revealed for Wuthering Bytes, a technology festival which has been running in Hebden Bridge for more than a decade. The week-long event will kick off with Festival Day on 23 August. More info 22 July

Yorkshire Water bosses get hefty bonuses Earlier this year, Yorkshire Water was named as the second-worst water company for sewage discharge from storm overflows. Read Guardian article 21 July

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: Alan Fowler - George Murphy met with Old Town historian, Alan Fowler and asked him about his early years, confrontations with the law, walking out on Bob Dylan, fear of flying and much more. Read the Interview

Calderdale Council has stopped using peat Peatlands are major carbon stores and support vulnerable wildlife. When peat is dug up to provide compost for gardening, the stored carbon is released into the environment, contributing to climate change. Read more 8 July

Labour Win Calder Valley Josh Fenton-Glynn has won in the Calder Valley at his 4th attempt, having previously campaigned in 2015, 2017 and 2019, with a thumping 9000 majority. See HebWeb General Election page for details. 5 July, 5.15am

Schools marched through Hebden Bridge for the ClimateJunior schools, including Scout Road, Riverside, Hebden Royd and Burnley Road, have completed the Town Council's first year long Interschool Climate Café programme in a visually stunning fashion. Read more 3 July

Murphy's Lore - In the latest episode, there's a vision of a better world, old mills and child mortality, Grace Jones hula hooping, Sally Wainwright filming, the mental health crisis, a new and old folktale, a book and film recommended and a gathering of a clan. Read the latest episode - 30 June

The Irish Times visits Hebden Bridge: Reporter Mark Paul, in town to write a feature about the election, hears busker James Bragg singing The Foggy Dew, an Irish rebel song. The singer tells him he'll be voting Green. "There was more than a touch of the atmosphere of west Cork in this attractive corner of West Yorkshire." Read Irish Times article 26 June

Coat of Hopes Visits Hebden Bridge on Weds 3 July. The Coat of Hopes is a patchwork coat that is on an ongoing walk through Britain. Made, worn and walked by hundreds of people during and since its pilgrimage from the south coast of England to COP 26, the UN climate summit, in Glasgow in 2021. Read more

Music at Wainsgate:Paul Edis on piano and Vasilis Xenopoulos on saxophones. Sat 29th June, 7.30pm at Wainsgate Chapel. More info

Community Land Trust latest - News from this community organisation which works at meeting housing needs in this part of Calderdale. Read more. 22 June

General Election - still time for a proxy vote New applications to vote by proxy at this election must reach the Electoral Registration Officer at the council by 5pm on Wednesday 26 June 2024. More info 20 June

REGISTER TO VOTE NOW! To vote in the general election you must be on the electoral register. Register to vote now. Deadline: Midnight Tuesday 18 June 

Murphy's Lore - There's a star studded cast in the latest episode, including storytellers at Hebden and Haworth, poets in the park and Henry Normal at the Trades, along with D Day veterans, Starmer and Sunak, Michael Moseley, Nick Clegg and a local folk hero. Read the latest episode - 15 June

Help with restoration work at Withens Clough The National Trust and Yorkshire Water have announced plans for upcoming landscape restoration work around Withens Clough Reservoir, with the chance for locals to help. More info 13 June 2024

Seven General Election candidates for the Calder Valley constituency - Josh Fenton-Glynn (Lab), Vanessa Lee (Con), Jim McNeill (SDP), Donal O'Hanlon (LD), Kieran Turner (Gn), James Vasey, (YP) and David Walmsley (RP) More info. 10 June

Woodcraft Folk's Height Gate is 25
Today, members, past members and supporters of the Woodcraft Folk, celebrated 25 years since Height Gate, situated below Stoodley Pike, was opened as a camping barn. Read more 8 June

Calder Valley Musicians support Medical Aid for Palestinians Musicians from the Calder Valley will help raise more funds for Medical Aid for Palestine with a gig at St Mary's Church, Todmorden on Friday 7 June. Read more

Meadows Day at High Hirst Woodmeadow - On Saturday, 6 July, there's a family-friendly nature fun day at Town Council managed ancient grassland, and local wildlife site, High Hirst Woodmeadow. More info

Plant Sale Beats Own Record: The annual Plant Sale and Cream Tea event, held in Todmorden, on 2 June, raised almost £2000, to be donated to two charities: Freedom from Torture and Torture ID. Organisers thank all those who donated plants, scones and cakes. 25 June

Twinning Society Garden Party For the first time in several years, the sun shone on the Hebden Bridge Twinning Society Annual Garden Party on Sunday, 23 June. Read more

The Victorian Era - A Legacy of Antiques: Sheila Antrobus, speaker at the recent University of the 3rd Age meeting, spoke about Victorian rich and poor, the Great Stink of 1858, châtelaine belts, pocket watches, walking sticks and more. Read report. 24 June

General Election: About the Candidates The HebWeb now has information on each of the seven candidates for the Calder Valley Constituency Read about the candidates in the HebWeb general election section. 21 June

Permits to be required at Waste Recycling Centres throughout Calderdale, including the local one at Eastwood between Tod and Hebden Bridge. Read more, and how to apply 20 June

Brass Band Contest 2024 See this YouTube video of one of the bands taking part. 18 June

More trouble at Salem
See HebWeb Forum 17 June

General Election Education Question Time on Weds 19 June, at Calder Learning Trust in Mytholmroyd. Called by Calderdale Against School Cuts. More info

Bus timetables for bus users in and around Hebden Bridge who don't have access to apps on mobile phones, or own a computer, it's now possible to pick up paper copies of timetables at the new Halifax bus station. (Thanks to Vikki Uttly.)

Peat-Free Hanging Baskets - Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd are looking vibrant again thanks to the return of 140 beautiful hanging baskets once again adorning the front of local shops. Read more 10 June

Ebb and Flow: Exhibition about river walk Local artist Annie Harrison will be exhibiting artwork from 14-16 June at Northlight Studios, inspired by a walk along the river network from Mytholmroyd to Hull.   Read more 5 June

Heptonstall Museum marks a year since volunteer reopening. More than 4,000 people have visited in the past 12 months. Read BBC report. 26 May

New Mayor for Hebden Royd On 22 May, the Annual Meeting of Hebden Royd Town Council was held at the Town Hall and appointed Cllr. Pat Fraser as Mayor for 2024-2025, and Cllr. Keith Butterick as Deputy Mayor. More info and photos. 25 May

Windfarm Meeting More than 250 people from across the Calder Valley turned out to learn more about the environmental threats and challenges raised by the proposed Calderdale Wind Farm on Walshaw Moor Estate. Read report 24 May

General Election: CalderValley.org.uk is the HebWeb home page for general elections in the Calder Valley. It gives results and info about the last few general elections, and there is now a fresh page for the election on 4 July - HebWeb General Election page. updated 23 May 2024

John Lyons at the Whitworth, Manchester John Lyons and Jean Rees ran the Hourglass Gallery in Hebden Bridge for many years. Having had an exhibition at the Tate last year, he now has an exhibition and retrospective at the Whitworth Gallery. Read more 18 May

ChoirFest Last weekend, seven choirs sang at St James' Church, raising £1100 for local charity, Music for the Many who were represented by a group of three teens called Low Expectations. Read more 16 May

45 years of twinning! Over the weekend, Hebden Bridge and St Pol celebrated 45 years. Read more about the Twinning Society trip to the French town. 15 May

GrubHub Update Calder GrubHub continues to supply the community with great meals every Wednesday. It's a collective, staffed entirely by volunteers and there is a constant need for new volunteers. More info 14 May

Asbestos at Acre Mill A woman suspects she caught mesothelioma from having been at Old Town Primary School from 1959-60. Her solicitor is seeking local witnesses. See Forum post. 14 May

Daniel Bath talking about Lucy Illingworth The latest episode of Viv and Dave Boardman's podcast Real Voices of Happy Valley features Hebden Bridge piano teacher Daniel Bath talking about Lucy Illingworth, blind piano sensation, Read more 4 May

Murphy's Lore - The latest episode, the 140th, includes death and the devil, who was working class, what they ate and did they have a mangle, howlers, gaffes and April fools, funerals, wet weather, Flanders and Swann and Norky on Cwop Am Tea. Read the latest episode - 1 May

Murphy's Lore - In the latest lore, there's the sun's rays and wet away days, castles and encampments, a garret and a garden, some strops about shops, conscripts and cafes, tough tykes v Romans and a magical musical spot. Read the latest episode - 31 May

Jeremy Corbyn in Hebden Bridge A clip of the crowds at our Town Hall welcoming the former Labour leader in May 2017 was featured in this Double Down News video where he announced that he is standing as an Independent for the coming election. See HebWeb archive report of the 2017 visit. 24 May

Sewer Discharge into River Calder From 11am this morning, Yorkshire Water has been discharging sewage into the River Calder at Princess Bridge, near Machpelah, Hebden Bridge. And since 11.30am, into the Calder at Eastwood. This evening, discharges around Central Street and Oldgate. See the live sewage discharge map. 22 May, updated at 11.55pm

So You Want to be a Pirate Chris Helme gave a recent meeting of the University of the 3rd Age a brief history of pirating, including its golden age, pieces of eight, the black eye patch, Blackbeard, Captain Morgan and Davey Jones' Locker. Read report. 21 May

Camera Club - 2024 Exhibition:This year's exhibition will be taking place at the Town Hall in Hebden Bridge during the last week in August. More info and photos. 20 May

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: SIMON MANFIELD - George Murphy's latest interview reveals the life and career of artist Simon Manfield. A man who crossed the world to find a place that feels like home. Simon shares reflections on childhood in Australia, his love of drawing, how he was inspired by the works of George Mackay Brown and his moving depiction of the uncovering of the remains of Spaniards slain by Franco's firing squads during the Spanish Civil War. Read the Interview

Withens Clough Reservoir landscape restoration: The National Trust and Yorkshire Water are to hold public information event and Q&A in Mytholmroyd on 4 June ahead of landscape restoration work at Withens Clough Reservoir. More info

Flamenco at Wainsgate: Making a return to Wainsgate on 11 May after his sell-out appearance in 2021 is the flamenco virtuoso Samuel Moore, with a musical journey to the many countries, regions and cities that have shaped flamenco evolution. Read more

Dementia Friendly Cinema Screening The next screening at the Hebden Bridge Picture House is Mary Poppins, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Monday 13 May at 1pm. More info

Hepton Singers' 50th anniversary concert On Saturday 18th May, 4pm at Heptonstall Church, this year's Hepton Singers May concert will mark 50 years since the choir's first public performance in the Spring of 1974. Read more 18 April

Murphy's Lore - In this episode there's a makeover man, a plea for Ukraine, a magnolia tree, parties and mini breaks, thugs in suits, local heroes, Pecket Well and a poetry challenge. Read the latest episode - 16 April

The Rentier City: Isaac Rose, who grew up in Hebden Bridge was back over Easter promoting his book - The Rentier City. What is behind the dramatic change in the Manchester's skyline over the past 15 years? Read more 13 April

Order Hanging Baskets Now The Town Council is encouraging businesses and organisations to make their orders now. The price includes installation, watering and much more. Along with 60 lamp-post baskets, they will add to the stunning summer colour of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd. Read more 8 April

Film Festival 2024 - it's a wrap:The fifth annual Hebden Bridge Film Festival, which took place at the Picture House and Town Hall from 15-17 March celebrated international film and brought a record number of 2673 viewers to the area for a weekend of entertainment, excitement and emotion. Read more 6 April

Arvon North's First Festival of Writing is coming to Hebden Bridge as part of Calderdale's Year of Culture celebrations - a Festival of creative writing, imagination, and the power of storytelling, from 30 May to 2 June. More info 4 April

Register to vote! by Tuesday 16 April. By voting in the 2 May elections, you have a say on how Calderdale Council is run. Your vote matters. Don't lose it. Read more about how to register 2 April

Granny's Attic Award Winning trio Granny's Attic stop off at Wadsworth Community Centre on their 15th Anniversary Tour on Saturday 18th May. Read more

Medieval Churches of West Yorkshire Dave Weldrake told a recent meeting of the University of the Third Age about the origins the churches which grew up during Anglo Saxon, Norman times, and the later Middle Ages. Read more 23 April

Bike Hangar Survey Whether you cycle, or take another mode of transport, Hebden Royd Town Council would like your input about how you travel in the local area. By sharing your thoughts, you could win £50! Read more 21 April

History of The Little Theatre The History Society heard from Vaughan Leslie how he has been working to digitise memorabilia, from programmes and reviews to set designs and cast photographs. The result is a comprehensive Centenary Album, a digital archive and an exhibition at the Town Hall throughout May. Read report 13 April

Candidates for May election: Calderdale Council elections will take place on Thurs, 2 May. See lists of candidates for Calder Ward which covers Hebden Bridge, Luddendenfoot Ward which covers Mytholmroyd and Todmorden ward. West Yorkshire mayoral candidates are also listed. 9 April

Calderdale Wind Farm - A Hostile Act? Public Forum to explore the Environmental and Cultural impact of De-Wilding Walshaw Moor at 7.30pm, Weds 15 May at the Birchcliffe Centre. More info about speakers, etc.

Yorkshire Moderates during a Revolution Mike Crawford told the Local History Society how Barack Obama's A Promised Land led him to reflect on the parallels between the frenzied and polarised politics of 21st century USA and the political hysteria of late 17th Century England. Read more 4 April

Consultation for 2nd screen at Picture House On Monday 15 April, a public consultation with the project team will take place at the Picture House from 5-6pm. Read more. 2 April

Director of the British Museum Nicholas Cullinan, who grew up in Hebden Bridge, has been appointed to run the British Museum. For the past few years he has been Director of the National Portrait Gallery and has recently given talks in Hebden Bridge to the Lit and Sci. See Guardian report 28 March

Sewage Spills The Guardian reports that one of the worst places in England for sewage spills in 2023, with 5647 spills, was the Halifax/ Calderdale region, with nearly 200 of them being around Hebden Bridge. See Guardian report 28 March

The HebWeb Interview: Linda Hodges - Read George Murphy's latest interview and the remarkable story of a local photographer who rediscovered Hebden Bridge, found an old flame who became her life's partner and, after decades of searching, and strange intimations, found a father and a new family. Read the Interview

New bridge opens in Mytholmroyd: Pedestrians can now walk to the centre of Mytholmroyd more easily, thanks to a modern new footbridge that crosses the River Calder. The bridge opened by Jo Ward to the public on Wednesday 20 March 2024. Read more 21 March 2024

The Man Who Planted Trees: Hebden Bridge Arts is back with more creative opportunities as part of Calderdale's Year of Culture, featuring community events, workshops and exhibitions from March to July. Read more 16 March

The Long Road is just around the corner. The next Little Theatre play (April 8-13) is by Shelagh Stephenson and explores the emotions of a family that has lost a member via a stabbing. Directed by Rachel Doyle-Richards. Read more

Murphy's Lore - In episode 5 of Series Four, there's a Big Issue and a history of tea, a wet T-shirt and innocents who died, Ted Hughes, a pair of mums, and Einstein on the run and on his hols. Read the latest episode - 13 March

Town Council backs calls for ceasefire in Gaza On Wednesday 6th March 2024, Hebden Royd Town Council passed a motion calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire. Read more

Stop Calderdale Wind Farm rally on Monday, 11 March, 2.30pm outside Halifax Town Hall. Campaigners will hand in a letter and lobby councillors at their meeting. Read more.

Budget Day protest against cold homes Activists were in Halifax talking to people about the Energy4All campaign and getting signatures on cards to present to Rishi Sunak demanding action on fuel bills. Read more 6 March

Jowett - the Yorkshire car:Barbara Atack, an officer of the oldest 'one-make' car club in the world, told the Local History Society, love for the Yorkshire car is as strong as ever. The ingenious 'flat twin' engine gave this Bradford car the edge over competitors in the early 1900s. Read more 4 March

More Pace Egg madness The Pace Egg Players hope to see you all on Good Friday (29 March) in Weavers Square, Heptonstall. Read this HebWeb news item and find links to background info and photos of previous years.

Murphy's Lore - In the latest episode there's an ADHD tax, a Pace Egg missed, strange happenings in grave places, a 14th century brooch, Film Festival 2024, a Home Movie, a month of poems and a story fit for a Queen. Read the latest episode - 31 March

Crippen - A case of Mistaken Identity? The speaker at the recent University of Third Age meeting was Doctor Julian Somerville. He described Crippen's marriage, affair, accusation of murder and famous arrest. Read report 25 March

Wizard of Oz, 85 years on: Charity Screening with the Mayor On 14th April at the Picture House hosted by the Mayor of Hebden Royd, Cllr. Bernice Hayes. Immerse yourself in the timeless wonder of one of her cherished classics, The Wizard of Oz, as we celebrate its 85th anniversary this year. All profits to Calder Food Support. Read more

The farm that moved: David Cant told the Local History Society about Hollin Hey in Cragg Vale. The house which dated from the 16th century had, by the end of the 19th century, moved the length of a field. Read more 21 March

Valley Community Meals Read how the local volunteer group, which provides 3 course meals with table service - no questions asked - has grown over the past 2 years. Guests give donations if they can afford it. Read more 16 March

Where do babies come from? Starting the talk with Aristotle, at least 2330 years ago, and through Greek, Arabic and Chinese scientific thinking on the subject, pausing in the 18th century where the public's understanding of the subject was still so speculative that some people were taken in by Mary Tofts who, in 1720, convinced her audiences that she could give birth to rabbits. Read report. 13 March

Hebden Bridge Film Festival 15-17 March Three Premieres, including World Premiere of The Appliance Of Science and showing the shorts competition line up in the Hebden Bridge Picture House for the first time. Read more about the Festival

The HebWeb Interview: Agustina Figueras Ahead of the 2024 Hebden Bridge Film Festival (15-17 March), George Murphy interviewed Hebden Bridge's much travelled Festival board member, Agustina Figueras, including how she fell in love with cinema from an early age, and what attracted her to Hebden Bridge. Read the Interview

Music at Wadsworth Community Centre with Lauren Housley and The Northern Cowboys on 23 March. At the 2024 Americana UK Awards, Lauren was awarded 'Song of the Year' as well as being nominated for 'Best Live Act.' Read more

Ted Hughes Estate Backs the Campaign to stop Wind FarmThe Ted Hughes Estate, run by Carol Hughes (widow of the Mytholmroyd-born Poet Laureate) is backing the campaign, along with leading academics from the Ted Hughes Society and the Ted Hughes Network. Read more 3 March

Murphy's Lore - In the latest episode, there's coffee beans in Welsh, Sylvia before Ted, a Co-Pilot and a Colin, Navalny and Putin, Breathtaking and busking, Ukraine and Russia, our sub postmaster and others, and Eva and Adam. Read the latest episode 29 Feb 2024

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW: SATNAM SINGH
Satnam Singh has been the Hebden Bridge Sub Postmaster since 2008. In this interview, he reveals how he used his own money to make up for losses shown on the faulty Fujitsu Horizon program. When George Murphy met up with him, he was struck by Satnam's dynamism, his endless work for charity and his determination to carry on serving the community. Read the Interview 24 Feb

Artificial Intelligence - Prof Leo McCluskey last Saturday gave a talk to the Lit&Sci about the myths and realities of Artificial Intelligence, whether AI can be conscious, whether it might take over the world. Read report. 22 Feb

Sara Robinson, Director of St Augustine's Centre is interviewed by Viv and Dave Boardman for the latest episode of their podcast, Real Voices of Happy Valley. Read more 20 Feb

A Place Apart:
Hebden Bridge
New book showing Hebden Bridge as seen through the eyes of the Spencer family in the late nineteenth century, written by Christopher Collier
Read more 18 Feb

Fox and Goose: 10 years as a community owned pub During the weekend of 21-25 March, Hebden Bridge's award-winning community-owned pub will be celebrating its 10th birthday with a festival of events. Ten years in which the pub has thrived. Read more 15 Feb

High Hirst Woodmeadow meets criteria to be an SSSI Findings from the latest grassland fungi report include the fact that the Woodmeadow now fulfils the criteria for SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status, attributed to the abundance of a certain grassland fungi. Read more 12 Feb

Twinning Society: New Officers - At their meeting, end of January, the Twinning Society appointed new officers. Read more 7 Feb

Discovering the secret of sex - Professor of Zoology at Manchester University and a regular guest on Radio 4, Matthew Cobb will be addressing the Lit and Sci for their lecture on Sat 9 March at the Town Hall. Read more 4 Feb

HEBDEN BRIDGE DISABILITY ACCESS FORUM works to improve access for disabled people in the Hebden Bridge area, and they meet on the 3rd Monday of each month. The next meeting is just after the AGM on 18 March. Read more

Six inches of Soil On 24th March, the Picture House, in partnership with Pennine Cropshare, will be screening Six Inches of Soil, telling the inspiring story of 3 young farmers standing up against the industrial food system and transforming the way they produce food. Read more updated 17 March

Community Education in the 19th century History teacher Hebe Gilbert told the local History Society about 'dames schools', Sunday school, Mechanics Institutes and the more co-operative "Mutual Improvement Societies" in 19th century West Riding. Read more 27 Feb

Writers, artists and conservationists oppose windfarm - Over 350 writers, artists and conservationists have written an open letter to the Times Literary Supplement opposing the Calderdale Wind Farm. Read more 23 Feb

Calendar raises money for food support Roger O'Doherty raised £3200 through the sale of his fourth annual wildlife calendar. This money is donated to Calder Food Support, a local charity helping people struggling to make ends meet. Read more 21 Feb

Does Colour Exist? The speaker at the recent University of Third Age meeting was Stephen Westland, who is Professor of Colour Science and Technology at the University of Leeds. While colour does exist, it doesn't exist in the way we think it does. Read report 20 Feb

Lost Lionesses take centre stage at Film Festival's opening night screening of Copa71. The film will be followed by Q&A with Chris Lockwood, Gill Sayell and Leah Caleb from the original 1971 England Women's World Cup team. Read more 16 Feb

Murphy's Lore is back - The third episode of the 4th series includes a plea to save the children in Gaza; a sculpture of the king; techniques for remembering; VapoRubs and lozenges; a slow and silent killer; Wuthering witnesses; AI lies and a man of few words. Read the third episode 13 Feb 2024

Hay Fever On Monday, 26 February Hebden Bridge Little Theatre starts its Centenary year with Noel Coward's Hay Fever – written 100 years ago in 1924! Directed by Hannah Stow and starring Judith Bliss. Read more. 8 Feb

Community Land Trust public meeting, and latest news Priced out of renting in the Calder Valley? Discuss affordable rent in the Calder Valley at the meeting on Monday, 12 Feb at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. More info 6 Feb

Walshaw Moor wind farm - website launched: Stop Calderdale Wind Farm have now launched a website as a platform for the growing opposition to the proposal to build the largest onshore wind farm in England, just above Hebden Bridge. High profile names are now adding their support, including Martin Parr. Read more 30 Jan

Three times Yorkshire Boxing Champion Hebden Bridge Boxing Club's Kai Fenton has won an elite Yorkshire belt in his first outing as a senior amateur boxer, making him a three times Yorkshire champion in his weight division. Read story. 28 Jan

Murderous Anaesthetists The speaker at the University of the 3rd Age meeting on the 18 January was Alan Kershaw, who retired from a career in Anaesthesia in 2017.  Read report 25 Jan

Mayor's Charity Fundraiser On Saturday, 9 March, the Mayor, Cllr. Bernice Hayes and consort Mr Eddie Hayes are hosting a 60s & 70s night to remember to fundraise for local charity Calder Food Support. Read more 23 Jan

Hebden Bridge Little Theatre Celebrates Centenary During 2024 Hebden Bridge Little Theatre is celebrating 100 years! Not even the Second World War could prevent the curtain being raised, with well over 70,000 seats being sold during the six-year conflict. Read more 17 Jan

Whatever happened to Happy Valley - update Dave Boardman updates HebWeb readers with the latest info following his daughter's dismissal for her her lesbian-feminist views as recounted in his controversial article last April, his continued disappointment with the Labour Party and how he persuaded the Town Council to adopt a Social Media policy. Read more 14 Jan

Lives Remembered: David Taylor - David, who has died aged 81, was a noted local and railway historian. He was a member of the Local History Society and a founder member of the Friends of Hebden Bridge Station. Read more 11 Jan

More Murphy's Lore soon - George Murphy will be continuing his offbeat column for the HebWeb from around the middle of January. In the meantime, all 132 editions may be read here..

Cragg Vale Coiners - Wadsworth Community Centre, 2 Feb. an evening of words and music devoted to the Cragg Vale Coiners with author and descendent of Coiner 'King David' Hartley, Steve Hartley and Tom Kitching, musician, author, busker, and actor. More info. 8 Jan

'New Movie Making Mecca' - The Daily Mail have an extensive article, with photos old and new, on Halifax this New Year's Day, and how our area has become a top filming location which has helped it to be the fastest growing tourist destination in the UK. Read article 1 Jan

Murphy's Lore series 4 - The second episode of the 4th series includes Wuthering Weather, Isha and Jocelyn, Ruby and Rohan, how to address a haggis, bogeys and boggarts, A Monologue about a Bog, Puzzled Poets and a Shaggy Dog revival. Read the second episode 31 Jan

White Lee bye-election (2) Liberal Democrats have selected Chris Wadsworth, 49, to contest the White Lee Town Council vacancy on Thursday 15 February. Read more 31 Jan

White Lee bye-election (1) Luddenden Foot Labour Party has chosen Steve Woodhead as its candidate for the White Lee byelection to Hebden Royd Town Council on 15th February. Read more 29 Jan

WI Spring Rag Market on Saturday 27 April. The Rag Market is a twice yearly event run by Hebden Bridge WI to raise funds for their Charity of the Year and for an Educational Bursary with the chance to build new skills. Read more.

Poet Laureate Simon Armitage was the guest at the recent (sold out) Lit & Sci talk. Chatting with host Amanda Dalton, he reflected on being poet laureate, told of his many other activities and read some poems. Read the report 24 Jan

Boo Hewerdine & Jenny Sturgeon - known as the Outliers are providing entertainment for an evening at the Wadsworth Community Centre on 10 Feb. Read more 21 Jan

Murphy's Lore is back - for a 4th, election year, series. "Witty, humane, serious, cheerful, satirical, wise, local, global and continuous." Read the first episode 16 Jan 2024

Find a Warm Space where people can gather for free in a warm, safe, welcoming place. Calderdale has published a list including the Library, Town Hall, Baptist Church, Wadsworth Community Centre and the Cozy Cafe at the Methodist Church.. See full list of warm places in Calderdale 14 Jan

THE HEBWEB INTERVIEW - Ian Humphreys is currently the Writer in Residence at the Brontë Parsonage Museum. George Murphy recently met him for a chat at a local pub and quizzed him about his life, his poetry and his response to living in Hebden Bridge. Read the Interview

Walshaw Moor Windfarm Guardian article argues "Mooted project in West Yorkshire could cause 'heartbreaking' disruption for wildlife and harm local tourist industry, say critics." And "What do Saudi developers know of Heathcliff?" Read Guardian article 7 Jan

Swimming Pool Latest: A new Committee is exploring an unheated, open air pool option as its 'new vision'. Read more about the latest plans, along with links to news coverage and forum discussion on the HebWeb over the past 20+ years. 5 Jan