Meltham Mercury - Winter 2023

Meltham Mercury Meltham Town Council’s Newsletter - Winter 2023 The Council offices are open:Mon - Thurs: 9:00am - 4:30pm

/AroundMeltham

YOUR Members of Council TOWN MAYOR Clr Richard Noon 07706 678 730 richard.noon@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk DEPUTY MAYOR Clr Jean Wrathall 01484 319 686 jean.wrathall@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk Clr Russell Barrowclough 07900 811 052 russell.barrowclough@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk Clr Kate Buchanan 07780 548 689 kate.buchanan@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk Clr Richard Crankshaw 07526 581 055 richard.crankshaw@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

INTRODUCTION & REPORT FROM THE TOWN MAYOR - CLLR RICHARD NOON A warm welcome to your winter edition of the Meltham Mercury.

Since the last update, a lot has happened. The local elections saw 4 of the existing Councillors stand down, one existing Councillor failed to secure re-election and 5 new Councillors were elected to Meltham Town Council. The Town Council has also appointed a new Town Clerk who took the reins on the 19th of June, with Tara Ball moving her role from Locum Clerk to Advisor to the Council. I'd like to extend a warm welcome to all the new people and energy! There is a

brief overview of the Councillors below.

In order to provide some continuity, I w a s r e - e l e c t e d b y t h e To w n Councillors to continue as Town Mayor for an additional year. The rationale behind this is to provide some continuity across the significant projects we are currently pursuing. In the coming months, I will also bring forward pledges from the election, which were to improve transparency and reporting from the Town Council, through the Local Council Award Scheme.

Clr David Haigh david.haigh@melthatowncouncil.gov.uk Clr Richard Jackson 07525 437 037 richard.jackson@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

R.A.M.P Update

Clr Ann Jurczyszyn 07779 936 026 ann.jurczyszyn@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

The refurbishment of the Robert Ashton Memorial Park is now u n d e r w a y. T h e £ 2 6 8 , 0 0 0 investment will see a transformation within the play area and tennis courts area of the park. The refurbishment team were on-site from the 23rd October and work is expected to be complete ahead of Christmas.

These are exciting times for the park – it is an important asset to the Town, not just as a place for recreation, play and rest, but it is of key strategic importance in drawing visitors to the Town.

Clr Spencer King 01484 349 606 07941 403 538 spencer.king@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk Clr Lisa Naylor 07900 404 973 lisa.naylor@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk Clr John Varley 07585 951 367 john.varley@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk Clr Paul White 01484 308 995 paul.white@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk The Clerk to the Council is Mark Brook 01484 362 927 townclerk@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Meltham Town Council The Carlile Institute Meltham HD9 4AE 01484 852367 townclerk@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

The work is being undertaken by Groundwork Inc, who were

appointed in August 2023. This is a project that has taken a while to get to this stage, but it is really good to get here! Thank you to Councillors and Clerks current and old for their persistence, and to Kirklees Council, who we appointed to be the project’s Landscape Architects.

Additional stages of development within the park will be reviewed once we have begun progress within the park. You can view updates on the transformation of the park at the Town Council website; www.melthamtowncouncil.gov. uk/refurbishment

The Council offices are on the first floor of The Carlile Institute, accessed via lift or stairs.

www.melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

MEET YOUR COUNCILLORS Russell Barrowclough is a Melthamer born and bred - schooled at Meltham C of E School and then Honley High School. The first 39 years of his working life were spent as a partner and then owner of a well-known local patisserie business (based in Meltham) until selling and semi-retiring in Spring 2022. Russell now spends part days working in a Marsden Bakery and spending time with his grandchild and family. A massive supporter of small local businesses, as well as a lover of locally produced and sourced foods. - Russell is looking to give a little back to the village that has provided him with so much.

Kate Buchanan has been a Town Councillor for over 10 years. Elected Town Mayor in 2019, Kate took a leading role in the Ask Meltham initiative, helping the Town Council establish its priorities and was involved in the early stages of planning for refurbishing Robert Ashton Memorial Park. A Trustee for the Carlile Institute and a former governor of Meltham CofE, Kate helped establish the first Holmfirth Art Week: Meltham Fringe exhibition. She runs Meltham Community Choir, Singing for Health group and is passionate about promoting and supporting creative activities in Meltham.

Richard Crankshaw is a driving instructor who lives in Meltham with his 2 children. He is an active community volunteer, including Meltham Memories, Beer Festival and Civic events such as Remembrance Sunday and the Civic Service parades. Known by many as the ‘Meltham Womble’ he is frequently seen picking up litter and keeping Meltham clean and tidy.

David Haigh has lived all his life in Meltham. Now retired from teaching - he is vice chair of a large northern academy trust, an active magistrate and drives part time on the village 933 bus service. No stranger to the Town Council - David has been Chairman/Mayor three times and chaired the finance, administration and properties committee in recent years. A firm believer in the importance of strong public transport, he spends part of his leisure time driving vintage buses. Adamant about sustainable communities, David advocates where possible mutual solutions to promote economic growth and social resilience.

Richard Jackson was born in and has lived in the village all his life. He is married to Adele and they have 3 grown up children and 4 grandchildren. He was a retained firefighter at Meltham Fire Station for 33 years and worked for Yorkshire Ambulance Service in emergency care before returning to the construction industry as a site manager for a local company. As a former coach and committee member of Meltham boxing club and coach, child welfare officer and committee member of Meltham All Blacks junior rugby club - he is keen to see all junior sports supported. Involved with Meltham Christmas lights for more than 20 years.

Ann Jurczyszyn moved to Meltham in 2000 with her husband Chesh. She is a former Nursery Nurse and worked for Tameside Social Services. She is a keen walker and is a volunteer walk leader for Meltham Health walks and is treasurer and walk leader with Meltham Walkers are Welcome. She's a member of the Friends of Meltham Pleasure Grounds group and enjoys planning family events, such as Light Up the Pleasure Grounds. Ann is a Trustee of The Carlile Institute.

Spencer King has lived in Meltham with his wife since 1999, both of his children were born and raised here. Spencer has been actively involved in many of the Town's community activities over the years including Meltham Memories and the Meltham Beer Festival.

Spencer works at Kirklees Council, within the School catering team and as such has a passion for providing opportunities for the young people of the Town to thrive. Spencer enjoys woodwork and among many other activities. Supporting local businesses and promoting Meltham is a key objective in improving the Town for all residents.

Lisa Naylor has grown up in the Colne Valley and moved to Meltham 2 years ago. She is engaged to Matt Coates. Lisa works as Head of Sport for Lancaster University and has a passion for Sport and Physical Activity. Lisa has experience with local music festivals and other charity events. She wants to represent the local community and help develop and improve Meltham for the benefit of its local residents. Lisa wants to work with local businesses, to make Meltham the place to be!

Richard Noon is current Town Mayor and was elected as a Councillor in 2015. Richard is active in the community, delivering Christmas Lights, Meltham Memories events, Meltham Beer Festival and remains a founding Trustee of The Carlile Institute. Richard played an active role in the local response to the Covid pandemic and also secured significant funding to improve Meltham Food Bank. Richard has also established a regular comedy night at The Carlile Institute.

John Varley has lived in Meltham for over 50 years, and is married with 3 grown up children and 4 grandchildren. He has volunteered at various local organisations that his children attended whilst growing up. More recently, he has helped out delivering food and prescriptions to local residents during Covid, for which he received a Pride of Meltham Covid 'Thank You' award.

John has also helped with the Christmas lights and the erection of market stalls at various local events. Proud to live in and promote Meltham.

www.melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Paul White is Meltham-based and has been on Meltham Town Council since 2011. He has been very active both on the Council and in the community for many years. Paul is the Chair of Trustees at the Carlile Institute and also The Sports and Community Centre (The Complex), both of which he founded with other Meltham volunteers. He is former Chair of Governors at Meltham CofE Primary School and also on the board of three other local community charities.

Jean Wrathall is married, with two grown-up daughters and four grandchildren. She has lived in Meltham all her life. She takes pride in the village and what happens to it. She has been Secretary/Treasurer of the Huddersfield Bowling Association for 35 years and Treasurer of the Dearne & Don Bowling League for 19 years. Jean supports many local projects and initiatives, including Meltham CIC and the Metham Greenway, and is an active member of Meltham Town Council.

Hello, I’m Mark Brook and delighted to have been appointed the new Town Clerk of Meltham. I’ve lived here for over 10 years and absolutely love the place, such nice people and I’m really looking forward to helping the town flourish in years to come. My interests outside of work are playing golf at Meltham Golf Club, getting out on walks with my dog Harry and my son Thomas – if I can ever get him out of bed! I also like to socialise at the pubs in the village.

I’m based at the council offices in The Carlile Institute, if you need a chat either pop in or email me at townclerk@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk and I’ll be only too happy to help.

Broadlands Recreation Ground The last 12 months have seen work partcompleted on the refurbishment of the p l a y a r e a a t B r o a d l a n d s Recreation Ground; new play equipment, seating and trees have been installed; there are still some items to be added to the overarching scheme though;

these will be completed in the Spring. This will focus on planting; there have been requests for additional seating, which is currently being reviewed by Kirklees Council, who are running the refurbishment programme and own the land.

It’s a Knockout!

The Meltham Memories Committee organised a fantastic family fun day in July at Meltham Sports Complex & Broadlands Recreation Ground.

The day raised funds of £862.71 each for Crossroads Food Bank and Meltham Wildlife Rescue

MELTHAM TOWN COUNCIL

Over 70's Christmas Gift If you’re 70 years old or over, come and collect your small Christmas gift and enjoy a nice social event in the lead up to the festive season. There will be a Christmas café provided by local business Bewley’s where you can enjoy tea, coffee or a hot chocolate plus a mince pie. Some of your Town Councillors will be there to chat with too!

Monday the 4th of December 10.00am – 4.00pm At Meltham Church Hall, Greens End Road

www.melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Recap of Summer Events Beer Festival The Beer Festival was held in the grounds of Meltham C of E School over the Easter weekend and was a great success, with visitors enjoying live music, beer, wine, soft drinks and food from local businesses.

Thank you to the sponsors, volunteers and everyone who worked so hard to put on this event. A donation of £1,500 was made to the school as a thank you for use of their land Picnic in the Park Once again, the weather in August was kind to us, and we had a fabulous event in Robert Ashton Memorial Park. Thanks to all of the stall holders, musicians, Valley Bowmen, David Brown Tractors and everyone who attended, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

WelcomeFest A launch event for WelcomeFest 2024 was an absolute triumph. Held at the Fourth Fiend Taphouse on a very warm day, it ignited the excitement for this upcoming music festival and raised £260 for The Welcome Centre, an organisation dedicated to assisting those in need in the local region.

The evening featured four outstanding local acts that had the crowd dancing and cheering. As the anticipation for WelcomeFest 2024 builds, planned for the 17th and 18th of August in the picturesque surroundings of Meltham, music fans can look forward to a unique experience and brilliant line up of top talent, while knowing they will be supporting two essential causes: The Meltham Foodbank and The Welcome Centre. Stay tuned for more details in the New Year, as this festival promises to be a unifying celebration of music and community spirit.

Meltham Walkers are Welcome Celebration Meltham WAW celebrated their 10th Anniversary, with 2 guided walks and a social event at the Carlile Institute, which included a slideshow and presentations by Mayor Richard Noon and Chairman Brian Keighley, plus a glass or two of fizz!

Telephone Boxes Refurbishment Meltham Town Council commissioned the refurbishments of the grade two listed Wilshaw telephone box and the Helme defibrillator telephone box.

We used local expert John Ford to do the work and as you can see by the before and after photos, he has certainly done a fantastic job!

While the Helme telephone box stands as a potentially life saving tool and focal point for the village, it is also a great example of how all the Helme residents pulled together to raise funding for the defibrillator, which was also match funded by the Holme Valley Community Responder Scheme.

This was all facilitated by Paul Nielsen and Sophie

Birkhead.

The use of the Wilshaw one is going to be a little bit different…

Sprouting from an idea by local resident Chris Sinclair, the Council are looking at converting this phone box into an artwork gallery, where local artists and photographers can contact the council and have their work displayed inside at no cost for the pleasure of passers-by.

It has even attracted radio coverage, as Chris took part in an interview along with one of the facilitators of the Helme phone box, Paul Nielsen. So please watch this space and social media as to how it progresses.

HELME BEFORE

HELME AFTER

WILSHAW BEFORE

WILSHAW AFTER

www.melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Small Grants Community Info The council awarded a grant of £1,000 to the Friends of Robert Ashton Memorial Park to help with the costs of the Picnic in The Park event in August. We will also be issuing a grant of £350 to support the Carols in the Park event.

Community Projects Grants The council has continued their support of the nationally acclaimed Meltham & Meltham Mills Band, so that they can purchase new equipment, and Wilshaw Village Hall for essential building repairs and improvements to the versatility and energy efficiency of the hall with the aim of making it self sufficient.

The Council has spent almost £10,000 in total for these two projects.

The Willow G arden Club of Meltham was formed in May 2017 and meets on the second Thursday evening each month at the Carlile Institute in Meltham and our members receive a monthly newsletter.

Our speakers cover a variety of topics but always with a gardening theme. Each year we have ‘celebrity ’ speakers include Katie Rishworth, Christine Walkden, Aadam Frost, Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Biggs. Next year (2024) we have Chris Beardshaw booked and in 2025, Pippa Greenwood will be visiting us again.

Meetings start at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm).

There is a plant sale, refreshments stall and raffle at each meeting. No subscription is required, just pay £4 on the door for the meetings you attend.

Our meeting venue is the Jubilee Room at the Carlile Institute which was built in 1891 for the benefit of the inhabitants of Meltham, where travelling lecturers visited to educate and entertain the residents – you could say we are carrying on this tradition!

For further information contact Mary: Phone: 07912 513 236 Email: mary@willowgardenclub.co.uk www: http://www.willowgardenclub.uk/

Community Open Day This was an interesting and informative event, co-hosted by Meltham Carlile Institute and Crossroads Centre.

There were over 30 Information stalls, showcasing all the fabulous community groups and activities available in Meltham, including music, crafts, gardening, history, heritage, art, health and fitness and activities for babies and toddlers.

www.melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Civic Reception On April 28th, the Town Mayor, Cllr Richard Noon and Consort, Alice hosted almost 100 attendees at Meltham Complex, where this year's recipients of the Pride of Meltham Award were given their awards, a Meltham shield. There were some very worthy recipients, pictures below:

Meltham & Meltham Mills Brass Band

Rachael Chadwick Morrisons Community Champion

Bev Corrigan Kirklees Bridleways

Jenny Allgood Friend to Friend

Richard Crankshaw Community Volunteer

Meltham Scarecrow Festival 2023 This year the Scarecrow Festival was organised by members of the Meltham Community Group. There were some fabulous scarecrows on display and everyone enjoyed walking around the scarecrow trail in the sunshine. Well done to everyone involved, the entries were of a really high standard.

The winners per category were– Church/Charities 1st - Kirkwood Hospice – Gardener Charles 2nd - Church Hall – SpongeBob 3rd - Methodist – Ant & Dec

Adult over 16 1st – Brenda Taylor – Brittania 2nd – Jonathan Quarmby – Zogg & Princess Pearl 3rd – Sue Ashton – King on the Throne

Business 1st - The Nest – Paddington 2nd - Haigh’s Butchers – Sweeney Russ 3rd - The Flower Box – Charles & Camilla

Child Under 16 1st – Lindsay Haigh – Tutankhamun 2nd – Beatrix Archer – Prue Leith 3rd – Meltham Pre-school

Senior Groups 1st - Meltham Food Bank – Keeping the Wolf Away from the Door 2nd - Meltham Fire Station – Saving a Cat 3rd - St. Barts Bell Ringers – Ringing for the King Congratulations to all the winners and all the entries. Everyone worked so hard to produce some fabulous scarecrows.

www.melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Sport & Fitness Update An Active Community There are many activities available in Meltham and it is fantastic to see that so many of our residents are committed to staying fit and healthy, whether that is taking part in a regular fitness class, playing as part of a sports team or group, or just exploring the wonderful walks in and around Meltham.

This summer saw new activities in Robert Ashton Memorial Park, a weekly free fitness boot camp hosted by Step Out Coffee & My Tribe Fitness. If you are looking for ways to stay active this winter, contact the Town Council today and we can point you towards the numerous activities that take place both indoors & out!

Meltham Athletic Football Club This year Meltham FC was joined by Max Payne, an open age coach who has been working hard to ensure a strong and successful club, alongside coach Alex White. In just a short period the club has evolved, and the first team is now at the top of division 2, with the reserves 4th in division 3, 3 points from promotion spots. The club has also worked with Kirk Jacobs to form an academy as part of their long-term ambition to become a top football club in Huddersfield.

Max said ‘I have high goals and ambitions I want to achieve with Meltham Athletic and everyone involved within the club, both on and off the pitch are working hard to help build Meltham to become a successful club’.

Check out the Club’s active social media channels for updates and fixture details, and head down to their next game to show your support

Meltham Youth Activities The Town Council is excited to announce that we are working in partnership with Kirklees Youth Alliance to support the development of youth provision in Meltham. Back in 2019 residents gave feedback as part of the Ask Meltham campaign and results highlighted the need for more activities for young people and teenagers.

The Holme Valley & Meltham Steering Group has been actively trying to increase structured youth activity in the Holme Valley area with successful activities already taking place in Honley and

Holmfirth. Youth Workers will soon start to engage with young people in the area to gain an understanding of what activities would be of interest to them.

If you have any suggestions or ideas please get in touch with Councillor Lisa Naylor who is a member of the steering group and the Meltham Town Council lead on this Project.

E-Mail: lisa.naylor@melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

www.melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Christmas Church Services Sunday 10th December 6.00pm - Carol Service, St Mary’s Church Sunday 17th December 4.00pm - Nativity, St Bartholomew's Church

What’s On in MelthaM

Nov - Dec 2023

Sunday 23rd December 4.00pm - Christingle, Helme Church Sunday 24th December 4.00pm - Crib Service, St. James Church

Christmas Events; Saturday 25th November 7.00pm - Ukraine Rock Choir, Church Hall Saturday 2nd December 10.00am to 3.00pm - Christmas Market, Church Hall Saturday 2nd December 4.00pm - Christmas Tree Lights & Tinsel Tractors Sunday 3rd December 4.00pm - Carols in the Park, Robert Ashton Memorial Saturday 9th December time 7.30pm - Carols in the Pub, Waggon & Horses

Meltham Makers Market at The Fourth Fiend Wednesday 15th November 6.00pm - 9.00pm Wednesday 29th November 6.00pm - 9.00pm Wednesday 6th December 6.00pm - 9.00pm

Meltham Methodist Church Christmas Tree Festival is: Saturday 25th November 9.30am to 3.30pm Sunday 26th November 2.00pm to 4.00pm with service at 4.00pm

Sunday 17th December 6.00pm - Carols by Candlelight Sunday 24th December 10.30am - Nativity Service Monday 25th December 10.00am Christmas Day Service - Christmas Day Service joint with Meltham Baptist Church.

www.melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk