Holme Valley Review - September 2021

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£3.9m investment planned for town centre HOLMFIRTH’S market hall will be demolished and replaced with a ‘multi-use space’ – including a car park – as part of a £3.9m investment to improve the town centre.

The long-mooted plan – first decided by Kirklees Council in 2018 – is down to the Huddersfield Road venue ‘no longer being financially viable’.

With money to spend from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, the council is pressing on with its so-called Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan.

Town centre roads –

which the council says will ease congestion and speed up journey times – are also in line for improvements, according to a planning application.

The bridge over the River Holme will be replaced with a wider deck providing improved views of the watercourse and opportunities for additional event space, cycle parking and seating, the document revealed.

“The proposed scheme will complement adjoining businesses in several ways – it will provide them with secure bin storage, reopen Hollowgate back up to Huddersfield Road and

Holmfirth’s market hall could be set to be replaced. draw additional footfall – and expenditure – between the two areas,” a planning statement said.

“It will introduce a number of public realm

improvements and make the area considerably more attractive to customers and visitors alike and will provide additional town centre car parking.

“Unlike other car parks in Holmfirth, the redevelopment and expansion of Huddersfield Road car park represents a strategic opportunity to significantly increase pedestrian connectivity within Holmfirth town centre, particularly between Huddersfield Road and Hollowgate.

“The existing market hall building does not contribute to the significance of the Holmfirth conservation area.

“The upper market hall is of no historic or architectural significance and the lower market hall extension is a negative feature that detracts

from the character of the conservation area.

“While the redevelopment of the market hall site for a car park would have a negligible adverse impact on the conservation area, the demolition of the lower market hall would be beneficial.”

A public consultation launched on August 20 and will run until September 10, before the council’s own planning board members decide on the scheme.

The scheme forms part of wider plans to improve road access across Kirklees and is funded through the West Yorkshire-plus Transport Fund.

Honley Show

Centenary Event 100 Years

September 18th 2021 Honley Cricket Club Tickets £5 adults · Kids Go Free Buy tickets on the day or at local outlets before the day Get your Free Commemorative Centenary Programme

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Photography by Sandie Nicholson

By Josh Timlin

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Holme Valley Review, September 2021 – 3

Tributes paid to ‘true inspiration’ Ella who died after treatment cancelled

By Josh Timlin A YOUNG woman who was struck down with a rare blood cancer died just weeks after her treatment – which her family believe could have prolonged her life – was cancelled.

Ella Dawson, from Slaithwaite, fought a two-year battle against acute leukaemia and was due to undertake a clinical trial in the USA before it was halted before the 24-yearold was meant to fly out.

A charity – dubbed The Ella Dawson Foundation – has been formed to support others with the illness.

A spokesperson said: “Ella was an aspiring artist with a great passion for travel, nature, yoga and love for life and people.

“In August 2019, while travelling in Colombia, shortly after graduating from Newcastle University, Ella was diagnosed with PH+ ALL, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.

“Since that time, Ella was under almost constant treatment, including over 70

Ella Dawson died after her cancer treatment was cancelled. given a terminal diagnosis in chemotherapy infusions, six January 2021. Despite her life months of immunotherapy, situation, Ella was always a true several rounds of radiotherapy inspiration and she faced every followed by CAR-T therapy and day with gratitude, positivity, a gruelling stem cell transplant incredible strength, bravery and in October 2020. humour.

“Despite the extent of “She took every opportunity this treatment regime, this aggressive cancer kept coming to use her experience to help back and sadly, Ella was others.

“In June, Ella experienced the biggest blow ever when her acceptance on a CAR-T clinical trial in the US – a potential cure – was cancelled merely a few hours before she was due to board the plane to the USA. “Unfortunately, Ella’s condition deteriorated after this and she sadly passed away in July.”

Since a Go Fund Me page was launched, more than £6,500 has been raised by well-wishers.

The spokesperson added: “With the extensive knowledge and experience Ella and her family amassed over two years, The Ella Dawson Foundation has been created with the aim of helping young people to live as well and as empowered as possible despite a leukaemia diagnosis.

“Our charity will aim to help young people and families to access support right from initial diagnosis through their whole journey battling this hideous disease. This will include help with nutrition, physical and mental wellbeing and working with medical teams.”

Cannon Hall Farm has a Royal visitor CANNON Hall Farm was honoured recently by a surprise visit from HRH the Princess Royal.

She visited the farm for a few hours to hear all about the work done during lockdown – from broadcasting live for more than 100 consecutive days to implementing merchandise and animal adoptions.

It has been quite some years in development and has faced a few bumps along the way but the new 150-seat dog cafe was officially opened by Her Royal Highness – who took a break from her duties for a spot of afternoon tea with Farmer Roger and Farmer Cynthia, the founders of the Barnsley tourism attraction.

Director Robert Nicholson led the tour for the Princess and said: “It was a real honour to show Her Royal Highness our family farm and she seemed genuinely interested in what we had to say.

“She was here quite a few hours and it was a wonderful tribute to the hard work of our staff who have really pulled together to keep the business going throughout lockdown.”

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New showroom opening soon EXCITING times are ahead for Daniel Fitzpatrick and his team at Oak and Pine By Design with the opening of a new showroom.

The new showroom will be opening shortly in Unit 9, Leeds Road Mini-Park (opposite Dixons ice cream parlour on Leeds Road).

The new premises, which will be open six days a week, will showcase the range of hand-crafted furniture and reclaimed doors that Dan and the team are known for across Yorkshire and beyond.

Oak and Pine By Design has been based in Honley for several years and will continue to work there with an extended workshop and small showroom which will house examples of handmade kitchen designs.

Dan said: “Now we have the Leeds Road showroom, we have lots of space to showcase all our handcrafted furniture.

“We will also have a rack of reclaimed doors on display so customers can see the extensive range of doors now available. The showroom at Honley will be smaller and just concentrate on our hand-made kitchens.’’

Dan has recently expanded his workforce to cope with the busy workload and the new showroom facility.

All aspects of the business – kitchens, furniture making, paint stripping service and woodturning – are currently in great demand.

Thanks to the website www.handmadekitchens yorkshire.co.uk, orders are

coming in from all over the country meaning that the last 12 months have been one of the busiest in Oak and Pine’s history.

Also in demand is the company’s door stripping service, popular with homeowners all over the local area. Dan and his team are well known in the Holme Valley for their excellent workmanship and innovative furniture designs.

Now their reputation is set to spread further with the opening of the new Leeds Road showroom.

To see all Dan’s work, look at the websites www. handmadekitchensyorkshire. co.uk, www.doubledipper paintstrippers.co.uk, www. spindleswoodturning.com and www.beertaphandles. co.uk

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4 – Holme Valley Review, September 2021

One boy and his lamb, photo courtesy of Sandie Nicholson (left) The 2018 Supreme Champion (right).

Show returns for centenary year

By Susan Hampshire

HONLEY Show is returning to its roots for a special celebration to mark its centenary year.

The smaller than usual event will be held on Saturday September 18 at Honley Cricket Club and Recreation Ground, just over 100 years after the first show was held on the same cricket field on August 27, 1921.

While the event will not be as large as the Farnley Tyas based full blown show it will have many of the usual features such as food and drink stalls, entertainments and outdoor shopping opportunities.

There will also of course be animals to see – cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and dogs – though the usual large marquees and the competitive element will not be in evidence this year.

The committee chose the new date to give the event the best chance of going ahead due to the Covid situation becoming more controlled and because

they wanted to celebrate the Show’s centenary actually in its centenary year.

The celebration aspect will be highlighted as when the Honley Show event ends, the festivities will continue, organised by Honley Cricket Club with bands and a bar from 6pm.

The emphasis will be on celebrating the history and ethos of the show in its 100th year and will involve working closely with the local community to bring a muchneeded good news event to the early autumn.

There will be traditional activities and displays with a 1920’s theme such as vintage tractors and classic cars and fancy dress prizes will be awarded!

The history of the event will be showcased with help from Tom Moorhouse and Son Ltd who have very long-standing links with the show.

Local estate agent Belong and Longley Farm are also key sponsors.

The Holme Valley Parish

Council has sponsored the Centenary Event Commemorative Programme and a new handicraft prize for the eight-to 16-year-olds.

The handicraft competition is open for entries so check out the website if you want to showcase your skills in knitting, crochet, embroidery, photography, painting and drawing as well as floral display and baking.

And if that sounds too exhausting you can just watch the Holmfirth Harriers who will be holding a 5km road race in the morning and junior races in the afternoon.

Peter Aspinall, the Show President, said: “ There is a real sense of everybody being welcome and involved in this year’s event from community members and organisations, sponsors and local businesses.

“We have had tremendous help from people who fully understand what we are trying to achieve and who appreciate what a boost this event can give to us all ahead of autumn.

“Along with most of the show

community the Covid situation has stopped us in our tracks.

“Neither we nor our partners and suppliers have had the certainty or extended lead time necessary for planning a full show so the huge marquees and animal competitions will not be there.

“This event is more a “flavour of” and a celebration of Honley Show.

“We are sure everyone will get into the spirit and make it a day out for everyone to remember.”

The show is working closely with Kirklees Council to make sure the event fully conforms to all the prevailing safety measures relating to Covid and numbers are limited so get your tickets before the day to be sure of entry.

Tickets will be available at local outlets including Taylor’s Foodstore, Fitzpatrick Fuels, Belong, Honley DIY and Pet Store, YBS Honley and Hinchliffes, Netherton.

Tickets will be £5 for adults and – the really great news – kids go free.

n Agricultural shows were one of the highlights of the year for local communities. Holmfirth, Meltham and Meltham Mills, Woodsome, Kirkburton all held shows during the 19th century but only Honley has stood the test of time. n This first annual show was not on the scale of the present day Honley Show.

Apart from some small livestock such as rabbits, hens, pigeons and cavies, the show had vegetable classes for local allotment holders together with a brass band contest and gala. n By the late 1990s, the potential to expand the show meant another change of venue. Although not in Honley, large level fields were secured on Farnley Moor where the show has been held for the last 20 years. n One of the most successful additions to the annual show schedule was the Dog Show in 1925. n There will still be plenty of farm animals to see at the 2021 show.

Cattle, sheep, goat and pig pens are all on The Rec so go and have a look.

Photo from the 1950s showing local dairy farmer William Falkingham with horse and foal (left) and going back to its roots, flashback to the first show in 1921 at Honley Cricket Club (above).

Community Partnership members return to work

By Susan Hampshire

COVID might have temporarily halted the work of the Netherthong Community Partnership – but members are now moving ahead with their plans Here is the latest update from Netherthong Community Partnership and All Saints Church on the plans to create a community space for the village of Netherthong..

The last 17 months have been a difficult time for everyone dealing with the consequences of the Covid virus, but this has been particularly so for charities, says the partnership.

Netherthong Community Partnership (NCP)was established as a charity in July, 2019 to develop a community hub in All Saints Church in Netherthong, whilst retaining the latter as a place of worship.

Covid however has meant plans for fundraising had to be cancelled or halted.

Members of the NCP have however managed to seek feedback from the community for the plans for the building, (thank you to Londis and The Cricketers Arms for displaying the plans) resulting in a final plan which will be presented to the Diocese for approval in September 2021.

A member of the Netherthong gardening army.

The first phase is to remove the pews and dais and replace these with portable chairs and portable dais.

This will mean the space in the church will be much more useable for the local community and groups.

A tree survey has been completed with help from Longley Farm Fund, identifying trees that need work and applying for permission for the work to be completed.

The next phase will be to carry

out the urgent work on the dead trees in the church grounds.

Covid lockdowns have also prevented the gardening army from keeping on top of the church grounds.

When restrictions permitted, the volunteers came back with a vengeance, hacking back weeds that had grown over three foot tall during the lockdown.

The volunteers certainly had a challenging task ahead of them but are pleased to report that they are at last getting the grounds under control.

If you fancy helping, please contact the email address below.

All these plans need money!

The NCP has some funds from grants already received from Yorkshire Building Society, the Lottery, Coop Bank plus funds raised in pre-Covid years from events at the church and events put on by local businesses like The Clothiers Arms and The Cricketers Arms.

More is needed as these initial areas of work need in excess of £17,500.

The Fundraising Committee has taken up the challenge and has already planned a secondhand table top sale on Saturday September 25 from 10am to 1pm.

Tables are £10 each, so why not use this as an excuse to clear out your cupboards and sell

Holme Valley Review, September 2021 – 5

your unwanted goods for some money towards Christmas?

There will also be a Christmas Market on Saturday November 27 from 1pm to 5pm where local crafts people and stall holders will offer great presents to buy for Christmas or just a treat for yourself.

Both events will offer drinks and hot food.

Graeme Hoyle of The Clothiers Arms has offered to donate the proceeds of the Harvest Home Auction on Sunday October 17 from 4pm.

If you have anything to donate for auction, please contact him direct and come along on the day.

Netherthong Community Partnership is also registered on Easyfundraising.org.uk.

This means, if you shop at any of over 500 online stores through this site, NCP can earn between 0.5 – 2.5% of what you spend, with no charge to you!

To find out more about the NCP and its work, visit the Netherthong Community Partnership Facebook page.

If you’d like a table at the table-top event or want to make a donation to NCP or donation for the Harvest Home Auction or offer your skills free of charge, please contact NCP at netherthongcp@gmail.com

A new book about Wooldale will be available later this month. A book launch is to take place at the Old Bridge Hotel in Holmfirth on Thursday September 30 from 10.30am to 6.30pm. Following this, an open day will be held in the Community Centre, Wooldale on Friday October 1, again from 10.30am to 6.30pm, where there will be an exhibition of additional photographs and information not included in the book. There will also be the opportunity to purchase the book Walking Round Wooldale – Places Of Interest. The period covered is from medieval times to the mid-20th century and the purpose of the book is to reveal Wooldale’s history, as far as it is known, as the reader follows a walker’s guide around the village. This is the latest in a series of books produced by the Local History Group, several of which are on the Holmfirth Local History website.

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PEOPLE visiting Sons of the North at Armitage Bridge can now enjoy the best of both worlds – with a daytime cafe along with evening dining on Fridays and Saturdays.

The popular cafe is open for coffee and cake, breakfasts Delicious pizza served and lunches and will Friday and Saturday shortly be tweaking evening. the menu with a few autumnal favourites like tasty pies, sausage and mash and other classic winter warming dishes.

As the children go back to school and the nights draw in, why not enjoy some comforting, warming lunch options?

Evening dining on Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm is also increasingly popular with pizza lovers who are enjoying delicious pizzas from the Tin Box Pizza Company served with a selection of pastas, salads and desserts.

The bar is also open in the evening for diners to enjoy a beer or glass of wine with their food in a casual, relaxed environment.

Tables for evening dining can be booked either on-line or speak to a member of staff.

Sons of the North now has its own special wood-fired pizza oven from Italy which cooks quickly to give an authentic traditional taste.

Luke Tankard and the team are also planning to create a new lounge area in the cafe to allow diners to sit and relax while they enjoy their food and drinks with friends.

Sons of the North is well worth a visit, both during the day and for evening pizzas.

The cafe is situated within the North Light Gallery at Armitage Bridge with plenty of car parking for visitors.

TIN BOX PIZZA COMPANY at SONS OF THE NORTH EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY

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6 – Holme Valley Review, September 2021

Honley High School – forging a brighter future FOLLOWING a forced hiatus in 2020, it will be wonderful to welcome prospective students and their parents/carers to join us for our Open Evening this September.

This event has long been a highlight of the school calendar.

As we enter our 90th year, it provides a fantastic showcase for the incredible opportunities we continue to offer our young people both in terms of our curriculum’s

quality and breadth and our rich extra-curricular offer.

During the evening, there will be time to talk with our staff about our courses and the pastoral care we provide.

There will also be the opportunity to hear directly from our prefect team, student leaders and Year 7 ambassadors about their experiences since joining our school community.

Following what has, in no doubt, been a challenging period for children, parents and school staff alike, it is exciting to look forward to the developments we have planned to enhance the educational experiences of our young people.

From October 2021, our students with additional needs will have access to cutting-edge online support, and in September 2022, we will be remodelling the student

lobby and reception.

We are an exceptional school because of what we continue to do.

We hold firm to our traditional values but do not rely upon our past success.

We build upon this, forging an ever-brighter future for our young people.

We strive to be the very best that we can be and look forward to new students joining us on their future

learning journeys.

NITIMUR IN EXCELSIS – STRIVE FOR THE HIGHEST n We will continue to follow the latest Government guidance on COVID-19.

Please check our website prior to attending in case we have to make any adjustments to the evening.

HONLEY

HIGH SCHOOL

OPEN EVENING Thursday 30 September 2021 Headteacher’s Address 6.15pm, 7.00pm and 7.45pm School tours from 6.00pm to 8.00pm

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS & PARENTS TO: Meet students and see their work Speak with staff, try some activities & tour the school Meet the Headteacher and the Senior Team

HONLEYHIGH.CO.UK Station Road, Honley, Holmfirth HD9 6QJ T: 01484 506484 E: office@honleyhigh.co.uk

Holme Valley Review, September 2021 – 7

Holme Valley Review readers may have noticed that the local purple heather is putting on a fine display this year – maybe because of all the rain. Providing a lovely display of colour right across the Holme Valley, it has been captured in all its glory by local photographer Sandie Nicholson. One of the photos shows the trig point at Wolfstone Heights. Originally used in mapping and surveying, they are still used as beacons by walkers and cyclists. This particular trig point is a pillar design and is a well-known local landmark. Other local trig points can still be found, although quite a few are stationed in church towers. Wolfstone Heights is a popular walking route and provides extensive views of the local area. Thanks to Sandie for allowing the Review to use her seasonal photos once again.

8 – Holme Valley Review, September 2021

Buildings to be demolished and replaced as part of plan

By Susan Hampshire

Ride puts village on the map UPPERTHONG is on the map for a journey with a difference – and is set to receive a visit from Paul Taylor who is embarking on his Moronic Moped Marathon to seek out the UK’s silliest and rudest place names and raise money for Cancer Research.

He has included Upperthong in his list of 46 destinations which also includes Penistone.

His journey is in memory of a dear friend who died from cancer, and his trip is now underway.

On his Just Giving page,

he writes: “In memory of my dear friend Alexis Leventis I will be riding a 49cc moped on an epic journey of around 1,800 miles through some of the UK`s silliest and rudest named places.’’

His journey started in Shitterton in Dorset and passes through places including Happy Bottom, Crackpot, Dull, Bedlam and many more.

He said: “My chosen steed is a Slovenian Tomos XL45 Classic (called XL45 as it has a dizzying top speed of 45km/h or 28mph), which means I expect my 1,800

odd mile marathon journey to take 12 days at the break neck average speed of around 20mph.’

All proceeds will go to The Institute of Cancer Research and the Just Giving page has already received well over £13,000.

Paul is from Wantage in Oxfordshire. His journey will take him the full length of the UK from Dorset right up to the Scottish Orkney Isles.

You can see his journey by looking at https://www. google.com/maps/placelists/ list/ BGF1KgwQtPEFW8NXy RviBTK7-e36aw

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TWO high-rise buildings on the approach to the Holme Valley are to be demolished and replaced with lowerheight buildings.

This is part of a wideranging plan for safer and more modern high-rise living which has been approved by Kirklees Council.

The investment totals £57million and will see Bishop’s Court and Holme Park Court at Berry Brow demolished and replaced with lower height buildings.

Buxton House in Huddersfield will be significantly remodelled, and Harold Wilson Court, also in Huddersfield will see improvements to fire safety standards.

The plan was formed following in-depth conversations with tenants earlier this year, looking for ways to ensure robust fire safety measures were in place and that potential fire risks were minimised in line with government requirements.

Tenants provided vital

Artist impression of new low-rise buildings at Berry Brow. to the standard our tenants insight that has allowed the deserve. council to hear the voices “Our tenants are of those directly impacted uniquely placed to give us and plan with the needs of feedback and when the new tenants at the centre. government standards were A recent cabinet decision introduced, we spoke to our means the multimilliontenants and explained the pound investment plan options for each of the highacross the four high rise rise blocks in question. blocks will go ahead.

“Taking on this feedback Coun. Cathy Scott, helped inform the cabinet Cabinet Member for decision and we now have Housing and Democracy a plan for investment that and Deputy Leader of the will deliver safer and more Council said: “The tragic modern homes.” events of Grenfell were a There will now follow a reminder that the council further consultation with cannot ignore the ongoing tenants to explain the plan risks associated with highmoving forward including rise residential blocks. rehousing options during “There is no price that the works, which should can be put on safety and we commence sometime next are committed to bringing year. our high-rise buildings up

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All work is personally overseen by Matthew or Christopher who have a team of professional tradesmen to assist them including plumbers, electricians, plasterers etc.

Matthew and Christopher say: “We take care of the whole project from start to finish, from the initial design stages to full completion.

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Pylon removal work to step up

By Josh Timlin CONTROVERSIAL work on a scheme to divert power cables underground – despite campaigners warning wildlife will be decimated as a result – is set to step up in the coming weeks, according to engineers behind the two-year project.

Dumper trucks will be creating the trenches needed to kick-start the National Grid’s so-called ‘visual impact project’ along the Trans Pennine Trail between Dunford Bridge and its border with Kirklees.

Eight pylons along a oneand-a-quarter mile stretch will be taken down in favour of channelling power underground.

After the new underground cables have been connected, the first pylons are due to be taken down permanently in summer 2022, leaders revealed this week.

In recent days, teams have been pruning and cutting back branches on a small number of trees which are scheduled to be removed later in the project and which have been overhanging the trail between Dunford Bridge and Wogden Foot.

Project manager Chris Carr said: “We’ve really enjoyed working closely with the local

community over the past few years and have listened to feedback as we’ve developed our proposals.

“Having secured planning consent last summer and completed our preparation work, it’s now time for us to get started on this unique project.

“Between now and early 2023 we’ll be working with our appointed contractor, Morgan Sindall, to safely install the underground cables and transform the landscape.

“It’s a significant engineering challenge, but we will be minimising our environmental impacts as well as any disruption to local communities wherever possible.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have continued to blast the plan

and supported local claims that local wildlife would be ‘significantly harmed’ by the work – including the loss of willow tits, an endangered bird.

A spokesman added: “Dunford Bridge is located on the periphery of the Peak District National Park and is considered to be an area of outstanding natural beauty.

“This work will undo a success story which has given the area recognition across the country for its willow tit population, one of most endangered bird species in the country.”

Councillors gave the nod for the sale of 1.2 acres of land and permission to give a two-year land lease – relating to 8.77 acres – late last year for the work to be carried out.

Campaigner Doug Brown said: “This will result in an unsightly, concrete-covered trough running down the Trans Pennine Trail for about one mile.

“The only conclusion I can draw from this whole sorry episode is that councillors are not interested in biodiversity or the protection of wildlife sites.”

‘Good progress’ is being made on the project, according to the

National Grid.

Spokesman Giles Venn told the Review the creation of the cabling trench will also be carried out when the area is at its quietest to increase safety.

“The project team is also making good progress on the temporary diversion of the Trans Pennine Trail, ahead of this opening to the public,” he said.

“Pruning the trees will minimise any travel over the grass verges while taking essential construction materials down to Wogden Foot.

“The truck convoy will be repeated several times in the weeks ahead due to the volume of materials needed at Wogden Foot for the temporary trail diversion.

“The convoy will be led by a pedestrian escort to restrict vehicles to walking pace.

“We have been monitoring trail usage and intend to do this activity when the trail is at its quietest, again with the view to minimising any disruption or inconvenience.

“All this work will take place under the strictest health and safety measures to protect both members of the public and our project team.”

Holme Valley Review, September 2021 – 9

A Holmfirth artist has donated a large sculpture to feature in a new adventure trail. Ceramic sculpture artist Jim Robison – who owns Booth House Gallery based in Holmfirth – donated the large handsculpted mural, which is featured at Cannon Hall’s new mystical creaturethemed woodland trail in Barnsley. Jim sculpted the piece a while back, but after its commission fell through he was forced to store it at home and has since been anxious to find a public place for it. At the time of sculpting he had been really passionate about the mining industry around Barnsley and so this influenced parts of his piece, as well as nearby historic buildings. The 81-year-old artist – who is originally from America but has lived in Holmfirth since the 1970s – said: “I wanted to let it have a home that would benefit the community and to say thank you to Yorkshire. I’m really happy to see it there.”

What if..? How to ensure your will covers every eventuality IF THE past year has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected.

Unfortunately in life, things don’t always go the way we plan – sometimes leaving us caught completely off guard.

You may think that having a will in place will offer a degree of certainty in how your estate is managed.

However, not all wills are equal, and in the cases of some DIY wills or entry level documents, they may not allow your wishes to be followed at all, potentially leaving your estate to the rules of intestacy.

Take, for example, a couple without children who have mirror wills in place, specifying that the remaining spouse receives the entirety of the estate upon the first death.

This is not an uncommon arrangement. But what if both were to pass away at the same time?

Or what if, upon the death of their spouse, the surviving spouse was unable to make a new will before they themselves passed away – either due to ill health or lack of mental capacity?

A case involving such circumstances was recently heard in the High Court – involving married couple Margaret and Alan. Margaret passed away in February 2019, leaving her portion of

Jill Waddington, who has recently joined the O’Donnell team. the couple’s estate to her husband Alan.

However, Alan passed away within three months of Margaret’s death, not having had the opportunity to successfully update his will. The entirety of the couple’s estate was therefore distributed amongst Alan’s side of the family – with Margaret’s closest relatives not being entitled to anything under intestacy rules.

This case serves to highlight that having a will in place doesn’t necessarily mean your wishes will be followed, and that a will needs to be carefully worded to look at and allow for several ‘what if’ scenarios.

Furthermore, there are the many thousands of people that die ‘intestate’ each year – without having a valid will in place.

According to recent research, commissioned by Anglia Research, the number of people dying without a will increased by 60 per cent across England and Wales between March and May 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.

There are many scenarios where the rules of intestacy are not set out to provide for close loved ones – especially unmarried couples or families where parents have remarried or have children from previous relationships.

A good Private Client solicitor will look at a number of eventualities and include appropriate wording to ensure the will covers these.

Where significant life or family changes occur, especially where these involve death, marriage or children, updating your will shouldn’t be delayed, but should be treated as a priority.

For any help or advice in relation to will and probate planning, please get in touch.

For further advice or assistance on any aspect of Wills or estate planning, please contact Rebecca on 01457 761320 or email Rebecca@odonnellsolicitors. co.uk.

Rebecca O’Donnell is Head of Private Client at O’Donnell Solicitors.

The straight talking law firm Offering services in: Conveyancing • Commercial Property • Company Law • Landlord and Tenant • Employment Law • Divorce • Separation and Family Law • Disputes and Litigation • Wills • Estate Administration • Lasting Powers of Attorney • Court of Protection www.odonnellsolicitors.co.uk Head office at: Appleby's Business Centre, Oldham Road, Grasscroft, OL4 4HH. 01457 761320 Also visit us at: First Floor, 91-93 High Street, Uppermill, OL3 6BD. 01457 761320

10 – Holme Valley Review, September 2021

HOLME VALLEY PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21 n Report from the Chairman 2020-21 – Cllr Rachel Hogley “A Year Like No Other” Alongside our community, the Parish Council has experienced a tumultuous last year as we have faced operating during the coronavirus pandemic.

I was honoured to lead the Council during this difficult period as we embraced remote working, grappled with Zoom meetings and sought to support local people as best we could.

One of the great strengths of the Holme Valley is its sense of community and we were pleased to be able to contribute funds to the Holme Valley COVID Mutual Aid network which rapidly developed to help those in need across our area.

I would like to extend my thanks to all those volunteers, including parish councillors, who put in so much energy and effort to assist their neighbours as we all faced the challenges of lockdown.

On the positive side, I, like many, have appreciated our beautiful environment even more and been grateful for our excellent local businesses that have gone above and beyond in providing for us over the last year.

Thankfully we are now gradually emerging from this strange and challenging period and I am confident that our community will be stronger as we recognise and embrace opportunities together in the future.

Reflecting on the year as Chair, it’s been a different experience from my predecessors with few events or functions to attend on behalf of the Parish but I have still kept very busy working closely with other councillors and the clerk team to deliver positive change in our community.

My one ‘opening event’ was marking the new Boules court at Brockholes Village Hall: a great example of local people and groups working together to bring a new facility for all ages to the

valley. Earlier in the year, I proposed five strategic priorities for the council to help coordinate and clarify everything that we do to help local people understand how we spend their money on local priorities.

Each of the Chair reports below reflect their committees’ activities but I would like to highlight a few key elements within each priority which show how we are delivering for our local community, economy and environment.

Value community assets & services: We have awarded £24,000 in grants to help secure the future

of important local facilities both old and new including village halls, Thongsbridge Wild Space through River Holme Connections, Hepworth Band Room and Holmfirth Bowling Club.

Build community resilience: We have committed to boosting local youth provision and are working with local business associations to support better CCTV in Honley and Holmfirth as well as continuing to subsidise local minibuses and fund dog waste bag dispensers throughout the valley.

Support the local economy: Our Holmfirth public toilets remained

A look at the past year in the Holme Valley

open throughout Covid and continue to provide a key service for residents and visitors.

We are delighted to have secured a tenant in the unit next door, bringing an income stream and a new retail offer to the town.

Our grants for community events and projects has increased to £20,000 to allow us to support the return of the wonderful range of events organised locally.

Champion local democracy: The Holme Valley Neighbourhood Development Plan, which has been led by HVPC but written by the community for the community, successfully completed its Independent Examination and will go to local referendum in the autumn.

If adopted, its locally specific policies will formally be considered in planning applications helping give our residents a stronger voice in local development.

Improve our environment: We recruited a Climate Emergency

Coordinator to help drive forward our Climate Emergency Action Plan including installing a drinking water dispenser on Holmfirth public toilets, completing an energy audit of Holmfirth Civic Hall and Honley Library and developing a range of other projects to drive us to net zero by 2030.

More details are on our dedicated website: https:// holmevalleyclimateaction. co.uk/ Whilst I have not had the opportunity to meet as many local people as I would have liked through this last lockdown year, I would like to thank all those who work so hard to make our community thrive and make the Holme Valley such a great place to live.

The Parish Council seeks to represent our community and work in partnership with others to serve our community of nearly 30,000 people.

It has been a pleasure to lead the Parish Council and I wish my successor, Cllr Michael Pogson, the best of luck for his year as Chair.

‘Sustainable housing a Appointment shows Council’s commitment to deliver Plan priority for councillors’ n Report from the Chairman of the Climate Emergency Committee – Cllr Paul Davies

n Cllr Mary Blacka Chairman, Planning Committee

This is my first report as Chair of the Planning Committee as I took over from Cllr Judith Roberts after the Annual General Meeting in September 2020.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Cllr Roberts’ years of service as Chair of the Planning Committee and her detailed local knowledge.

The work of the Committee, as for the Council as a whole, was disrupted by Covid 19.

However, we managed to cope with the intricacies of Zoom and run efficient and productive meetings on-line.

We have now returned to meeting in person.

Because the Planning Committee often attracts several members of the public, wishing to raise issues in the open session at the beginning of the meeting, we have had to move recent meetings to venues larger than the Exhibition Room in the Civic Hall to allow for social distancing.

The Committee is very pleased that the passage of the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) through its various stages has been relatively smooth.

There are still some stages to complete, including a public referendum.

Once the plan is fully ‘made’ we will be able to use its locally focused requirements when

assessing planning applications.

Our heartfelt thanks are due to Cllr Rachel Hogley who has steered the NDP through its many stages and continues to do so.

Considering proposed developments is always a balancing act.

We wish to preserve and enhance the special built environment of the Holme Valley but know that economic development is also needed.

We are all aware that there is a great need for sustainable and affordable housing in the Holme Valley and that, unfortunately, developers prefer to build large, expensive houses.

One recent initiative is to promote the Parish Council’s Climate Emergency agenda by making positive comments on any planning applications which address green issues and to object to larger developments when these issues have been poorly addressed.

I would like to thank all members of the Planning Committee and the Deputy Clerk, Rich McGill, for their support for me as a new chair.

This is a demanding committee in terms of time, meeting much more frequently than other committees, to stay in step with Kirklees Council’s planning cycles.

Collectively, committee members have a wealth of local knowledge and experience and we do try hard to come to balanced judgements on planning applications and on wider issues.

The work of the Climate Emergency Committee continued during the pandemic and the Parish Council demonstrated its commitment to delivering its Climate Emergency Action Plan by appointing our Climate Emergency Co-ordinator, Michelle Brown, to co-ordinate the work on the action plan.

She has helped ensure the delivery of the following outcomes: n Ran a week-long online community engagement event with videos and streaming of events. n Set up of a standalone website.

Increased use of bite-size videos.

Grants Awarded

Organisation / Body - Specific purpose of grant Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust – Covid-19 aid (staffing) HV Covid Mutual Aid Group – R2 Distillers bulk hand sanitiser Full Life Church Food Bank – to food parcels Holme Valley Covid Mutual Aid – expenses for volunteers (returned

n Installed the water bottle re-filling station in Holmfirth town centre. n Implemented an energy audit of Parish Council buildings, with resultant action plan to reduce energy use. n Progressed the land-use mapping initiative in the valley through partnership working with Huddersfield University. n Worked on active transport initiatives – cycling, walking etc including identifying sites for bike racks. ‘If it’s not far, leave the car’ scheme also in process. n Home Energy Savings Booklet completed. n Ensured that the subgroup’s work continued through the use of zoom meetings.

Date of Award Apr 2020 Apr 2020 Apr 2020 May 2020

Amount £4,000 £240 £6,300 £2,000

unused)

Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust – deep clean Holmfirth Bowling Club – towards new toilet block Wooldale Community Association – towards playground resurface Upperthong Village Hall – repair of village hall River Holme Connections – creation of riverside path, Thongsbridge Brockholes Village Trust – fencing for Boules Court Holmbridge Cricket Club – accessible path to pavilion Valley Minibuses Christmas trees ( x 6 ) 4 large Christmas trees provided by Kirklees Council Holmfirth Christmas lights (not applied for) Honley Christmas lights Holme Valley patient transport scheme Honley Youth Club Honley Library Children’s – events throughout the year Honley Growers – for planting around Honley library Honley Cricket Club – towards sight screens Holmfirth Country Markets – perspex screen (Covid-19) Holmfirth Tech Random Acts of Kindness – gift boxes of cheer Holmfirth Arts Festival Honley Village Trust – towards youth workers Hepworth Band Room – building repair Climate Action Partnership CIO – grant for land use mapping Climate Action Partnership CIO – energy audit of Council buildings Honley Business Association – towards CCTV equipment

June 2020 June 2020 June 2020 June 2020 June 2020 June 2020 June 2020 Paid monthly

Sept 2020 Sept 2020 Sept 2020 Sept 2020 Sept 2020 Sept 2020 Oct 2020 Oct 2020 Oct 2020 Nov 2020 Nov 2020 Nov 2020 Nov 2020 Dec 2020 Dec 2020 Dec 2020 Feb 2021

£1,000 £5,000 £2,000 £2,000 £4,994 £2,000 £5,000 £25,000 £250 £2,873

n More partnership-building with community groups (HOTT, River Holme Connections, schools) and individuals (local farmers). n Supported the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill. n Supported newly co-opted members who have bought new experience, skills and a fresh outlook. n Working on a plan to do more with local allotment/growing space provision.

All of the above provides a great base from which to build on and I am sure that the new Chair of the Climate Emergency Committee – Cllr Rachel Hogley – together with Michelle will continue to drive the implementation of the action plan in both a collaborative and positive manner.

Councillor Contacts 2020-21 Ward

Name

Email

Tel.

Brockholes

Michael Pogson cllrmichaelpogson@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk 07927 668327

Fulstone

Donald Firth

cllrdonaldfirth@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

01484 683735

Fulstone

Di Hall

cllrdihall@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

01484 686488

Hepworth

Thomas Dixon

cllrtomdixon@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

07725 698860

Holmfirth Central

Mark Bustard

cllrmarkbustard@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Holmfirth Central

Rachel Hogley cllrrachelhogley@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

07970 475806

Honley Central & East

Pat Colling

cllrpatcolling@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

01484 663214

Honley Central & East

Ben Lockley

cllrbenlockley@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

07729 498385

Honley Central & East

Sarah Sheard

cllrsarahsheard@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Honley South

Joe Sweeney

cllrjoesweeney@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Honley West

Charles Greaves cllrcharlesgreaves@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk 07888 698245

Honley West Netherthong

Sean East

cllrseaneast@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

Judith Roberts (TL) cllrjudithroberts@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk

£1,000 Netherthong James Dalton £2,000 Scholes Paul Dixon £1,000 Mary Blacka cllrmaryblacka@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk £1,000 Scholes Deferred £200 Upper Holme Valley Kath Bellamy (TL) cllrkathbellamy@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk £207 Upper Holme Valley Trevor Bellamy £1,000 Upperthong Duggs Carré cllrduggscarre@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk £1,000 Upperthong Andy Wilson cllrandywilson@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk £4,000 Jason Brook cllrjasonbrook@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk £2,000 Wooldale Paul Davies cllrpauldavies@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk £5,000 Wooldale £2,500 Wooldale Darryl Gould cllrdarrylgould@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk £5,000 TL = temporarily on leave from the Council £86,564

07736 940326 01484 684930 07784 284661 01484 685928 07908 074167 / 01484 686799 01484 683147 01484 683147 07973 961159 07802 892091 01484 688790 01543 016668

Cautiously opening up activities again n Report from the Chairman of the Publications and Communications Committee Cllr Duggs Carré

All of our regular events and festivals which the Parish Council often has the pleasure to support have been cancelled and it was not until late July 2021 that a cautious start was made to open up community activity once more.

Many of the events and projects the Parish Council had given grants out to had to be cancelled due to Covid.

The Tour de Yorkshire and VE Day commemorations are but two examples.

A decision was taken not to award our awards last year for Tidy Trader Awards and Community Champions.

We know many traders had a tough year and we would have found it difficult to choose from the many in our community that stepped up this year.

It is still unresolved about the awards for the year ahead.

But it’s not all “doom and gloom” we still met as planned and many things were done.

Behind the scenes we have been working on a few projects to promote positive news and information in the valley.

The following list is just some of them: n Purchase of new noticeboard for Holmfirth Toilets to promote local events and services that the Parish Council supports. n Update of the noticeboard by the Civic Hall. n Purchase of new pavement sign for the maintenance contractor so people know some of the work we fund – especially the maintenance of the 150 parish benches. n Purchase of hi-vis vests for use by community volunteers.

The Parish Council is becoming more proactive in regard to commemorating local events that reach milestones (like the Honley

Show Centenary) by creating an annual checklist of upcoming milestones in regard to big events of the past that could/should be marked.

The Parish Council held all meetings via Zoom and videos of these meetings were uploaded to YouTube for members of the public to view.

As we saw from the viral interest in the Handforth Parish Council these meetings can be of interest to many and what is now said in every future meeting will be available to view to everyone in the world.

We think this level of transparency is a good thing.

Now we are back to face-toface meetings that the public can attend we are routinely uploading audio recordings of all meetings.

To support this the Parish Council recently agreed the purchase of video and audio recording equipment, projector etc to trial improved recordings of hybrid meetings, streaming Council meetings and recording for YouTube.

As more Councillors now use laptops to look at papers for meetings and with the new trend of uploading content to the web the Council Offices were upgraded to fibre broadband to facilitate meetings in future.

We are committed to promoting our work using various avenues including our monthly column in the Holme Valley Review free newspaper.

We also have our own Facebook page and website.

All are used to keep people informed on key work programmes such as the Neighbourhood Development Plan, Climate Emergency and the granting of awards.

On a personal note it was my first time holding office on a formal committee and I thank my fellow councillors for their support and ideas.

Changes have been unavoidable n Report from the Chairman of the Staffing Committee Cllr Trevor Bellamy There have been many unavoidable changes to our normal work routines over this past year.

Covid led to officers working from home and setting up all Council and Committee meetings by Zoom.

Councillors and staff working from a home environment led to varied reactions from all involved with much debate as to the merits of the scope and the duration of the changes and activities involved.

Covid has given lots of opportunities for training as there have been a lot of excellent and varied online classes for officers (and councillors) through our Yorkshire Local Councils Association membership with its much-used and appreciated support and advice facilities.

The Committee commissioned

a review of staff workloads and Council is looking into how workloads can be better managed.

There are some changes in names and faces to report.

We created and appointed to a new post – that of Climate Emergency Coordinator.

We said goodbye to Liz Bennett as Clerk (many thanks, Liz!) and appointed Jen McIntosh as new Clerk (welcome, Jen).

We must also offer our thanks to our Deputy Clerk and Responsible Finance Officer for his commitment and hard work.

Many thanks also to our Maintenance Contractor.

Though working to a contract rather than being employed he is a real part of the team.

Much appreciation and thanks to all involved with this Committee over the past year and looking forward to welcoming the forthcoming changes and challenges.

Holme Valley Review, September 2021 – 11

Income and expenditure affected by pandemic n Report from the Chairman of the Finance and Management Committee Cllr Michael Pogson The Covid-19 pandemic continued to impact on the Council with meetings of the Finance and Management Committee continuing to be held via Zoom.

Whilst this proved difficult at first, I believe that my fellow committee members adapted well, and this enabled the Finance and Management Committee to continue its business without too much disruption.

However, both the income and expenditure of the Parish Council have been affected by the pandemic with some of the services that the Council funds, – toilets and buses, for example, – closing during the lockdown

period and there was a reduction in the number grant applications received by the committee.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee members and especially our RFO Rich McGill for their hard work, support and commitment.

I am pleased to report that the Council has again agreed a budget that means there will be no uplift in charges to householders this year.

Continued financial prudence has enabled the Council to choose to maintain charges to allotment holders and garage tenants at the same rates as 2019/20.

A new Internal auditor has been appointed and I am happy to report that the Audit went well with no major concerns.

The RFO has informed me that the Council has successfully moved over to

Accounting statements 2021-22 31/03/20

21/03/021

Balances brought forward Precept Total other receipts Staff costs Loan interest/ capital repayments All other payments Balances carried forward

£224,724 £274,970 £6,887 £37,122 0 £200,308 £269,150

£269,150 £275,871 £8,123 £58,700 0 £147,343 £347,101

Total value of cash and short term investments

£266,670

£337,368

Total fixed assets plus long term investments and assets

£5,266,353 £5,271,894

Total borrowings

0

a new accounting system which has been of great assistance in managing the Council’s accounts and we now upload the Council’s Financial Records to the website monthly for residents to view.

Over the last year the Council has streamlined its Grants application process.

Furthermore, one of

0

our Committees, – the Community Assets Support Committee, – has been disbanded and a number of its functions passed to the Finance and Management Committee.

This will mean the Finance and Management Committee will oversee the majority of grant applications going forward.

For ease of understanding, the Precept is money raised through local taxation. Other income, here as Total other receipts, is raised through things like tenancies, bank interest and from donations in the Holmfirth public toilets. Staff costs have increased because we have recruited new staff between the two terms – a Deputy Clerk/RFO and a Climate Emergency Co-ordinator. You will note that payments by the Parish Council have gone down significantly. Under the pandemic, lots of services were curtailed. Grant applications reduced markedly. This has meant that the Parish Council has more reserves than anticipated and will need to make adjustments in next year’s budgets calculations. The accounts are subject to audit, and are available for public view. Some accounting records are accessible from the homepage of the Parish Council’s website or residents can review the accounts at the Council offices. The website will be updated once the external audit has been completed.

Number of applications down on previous years n Report from the Chairman of the Community Assets Support Committee Cllr Pat Colling Despite Covid 19, the CASC committee continued to meet (via Zoom) and to support community assets throughout the valley.

Unsurprisingly, the number of applications was down on a normal year, and the total amount spent was down too: our budget for the year was £85,091, and we spent £23,897.

The projects we awarded grants to include fencing a boules court in Brockholes and several facility improvements including Holmfirth Bowling Club, Wooldale Community Association, and

Upperthong Village Hall.

Our work with the Friends of Honley Library Trust regarding the community asset transfer of Honley Library from Kirklees to the Parish Council has gone on longer than we had hoped, but, at the time of writing, the final documents are with lawyers.

We are hopeful that we will complete in time to take over in the autumn of 2021. This process has proved MUCH lengthier than any of us anticipated and I continue to be inspired by the Friends of Honley Library Trust team and look forward to our continued partnership in the future.

In Holmfirth the committee continued to

work with Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust and has provided funding towards works now started on the hall.

The Holmfirth public conveniences continued to be managed by the committee.

Our tenants, Monty’s Loft, have had a tough year in the shop space next door to the toilets.

The pandemic struck the month they took it on, then there was flooding.

They have now been properly open for several months and we wish them every success.

I would personally like to thank all members of the committee and our past council clerk and current deputy for their hard work and contributions to the

meetings.

We have had to be adaptable, and everyone has rallied to make the year successful.

Some of you will know that the CASC committee has been disbanded.

It was agreed by councillors, staff, and an outside assessor that we had too many committees and too many meetings.

There was some overlap of CASC’S responsibilities with the Service Provision and the Finance and Management committees so they will be divided between them with the toilets and shop, Honley Library, and the Civic Hall overseen by Service Provision and all grants now awarded by Finance and Management.

Services we oversee are getting back to normal n Report from the interim Chairman, Service Provision Committee, Cllr Michael Pogson

Following on from my report from last year, 2020/2021 has been another eventful year for the Service Provision Committee.

Cllr Jason Brook was elected chair of this committee at the start of the Council year in 2020 but was not able to take up this role due to ill health.

The Vice Chair, Cllr Cath Bellamy, was then herself struck with ill health and also could not take on the Chair’s role.

Therefore it was agreed that I would step in as interim Chair of this Committee until they were both recovered.

For much of the year, meetings have been held via Zoom rather than in person and I can report that the committee members and Council staff have adapted well to this way of working and ensured that the business of this committee has been able to continue.

The Covid-19 pandemic impacted on some of the services that the committee oversees such as Holme Valley minibus service, and its benches, shelters, churchyard, and phone box maintenance.

However, I am happy to report that these are getting back to normal.

The committee has been more than happy to continue to provide grants for Christmas festivities and Christmas trees and we have continued to support the efforts of communities of the Holme Valley in making this a special time of year.

Going forward we are hoping to provide sustainable living trees where appropriate as recommended by the Council’s Climate Emergency Committee.

We have had members of the public and representatives of local organisations attending and addressing several meetings and the Committee has received and responded to requests for grants for many diverse uses and activities.

I am also pleased to report that

the Committee continues to focus on youth provision with Grants to Friends of Honley and they have appointed two youth workers to give young Honley people more opportunities of things to do.

I really hope going forward that we can support such initiatives throughout the whole of the Valley.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Keith Fermor and John Ford for their help and hard work in digitally mapping all of the Parish Council Assets (benches, shelters etc).

You can find the location of all our assets from the home page of the Parish Council website.

Thanks also to all the volunteers who continue to refill the dog mess bag dispensers, the Council would not be able to continue to provide this service without their help.

Finally, I would to express my thanks to the outgoing Parish Clerk, Liz Bennett, wishing her well with her retirement, and to Deputy Clerk and RFO Rich McGill for the support they have both provided over the last year.

12 – Holme Valley Review, September 2021

The rain just held off for Upper Denby’s big bash on Monday. Around 100 runners, youngsters and adults took part in the annual charity races after a break due to the Covid19 restrictions halted the Denby Dash. The races up and down the countryside and around the village have become a hugely popular event and watched by a strong supporting crowd. Adult runners from a variety of clubs competed in a five-mile off road race whilst the youngsters completed two shorter races up and around the ‘Pirate Galleon’ on Denby Delf, a local nature reserve. Prizes were presented at The George Inn afterwards. The race, organised by Denby Village Conservation Group, raises funds for the ongoing maintenance of the village greens, benches, dog-poo bins, the defibrillator in the telephone box and notice and information boards on Denby Delf and the new pictorial meadow flower planting on several spots in the village, which have received numerous compliments from visitors to the village.

RADCLIFFE FUNERAL SERVICE Incorporating F. Lindley & Son 01484 682732

16 Westgate, Honley, Holmfirth, HD9 6AA.

01484 662324

www.radcliffefuneralservice.co.uk

An Independent family business established 1964

Walker attacked and mugged by gang POLICE are appealing for information after a man was robbed by a group of three men.

At 8.50pm on August 18, the victim was walking in Wessenden Head Road, Holmfirth, when he noticed a man standing next to his car.

The suspect struck a conversation, before it is reported that two other

men approached the victim from behind and assaulted him, before stealing his wallet and watch.

The three men then fled the scene in dark blue Vauxhall Astra GSI, driving off at speed.

The victim was unharmed during the incident, but shaken.

The first suspect

described as a white male, 6ft 2ins of slim build and aged in his late 20s.

He had ginger hair, which was long on the top with short sides, and had a bit of stubble, wearing a black hoodie with a white Adidas logo.

The second man is described as a white male, and the third man is described as white, around

5ft 11ins, of heavy build.

Officers are keen to identify the three men, who may be able to assist with enquiries.

They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have seen a dark blue Vauxhall driving erratically around the area or may have dash cam footage that can assist with enquiries.

PARISH COUNCIL NEWS

Tackling the Climate Emergency – an update of recent work Helping our assets become more sustainable The Parish Council undertook a professional ‘energy audit’ of two of our key community assets over the summer – Holmfirth Civic Hall and Honley Library.

These comprehensive reports provide expert analysis of current energy usage within each building and what opportunities could be developed to reduce their carbon footprints.

We look forward to working with the Trustees of both buildings to progress options for the short, medium and long term as we strive towards being Net Zero by 2030.

Helping you save money

and the planet Go to our dedicated Climate Action website to download an energy savings booklet full of suggestions to help us all make small changes to our homes and habits to reduce our impact on the planet.

Many of the ideas will

help save money too!

Visit www.holmevalley climateaction.co.uk and click on Energy in the Actions menu.

Also look out for the Great Big Green Event from 18th – 26th September when we are planning local events and activities in Holmfirth!

Introducing the new clerk, Jen McIntosh Hi! I’m Jen. I’m thrilled to be the new Clerk to Holme Valley Parish Council.

Having been lucky enough to live in the Holme Valley since 1999 – first in Honley and now on Cartworth Moor – the work of the Parish Council is of personal importance to me.

This is a role that matters and I will do my absolute best to support the elected councillors in their vital work in every possible way that I can.

My West Country accent reveals that I’m not Yorkshire born and bred. I’m from Wiltshire originally and still have strong family roots there.

However, the Holme

Valley is definitely ‘home’.

My two grown up children both went through the schools in Honley and my Mum-in-law lives in Hepworth.

Whether I’m wandering footpaths trying to spot little owls, dropping into a local hostelry for refreshment or on my way

to a sewing class, this is where I belong.

I am loving the varied nature of the role of clerk.

I’ve been based in secondary schools in West Yorkshire and the Greater Manchester area all my working life in a variety of roles, including a time as headteacher.

Most recently I taught English in a Calderdale school.

I know I’ll miss the young people I’ve had the privilege of working with but I welcome the change that my new role brings.

It is fabulous to be finally working where I live and giving a little something back to the local area.

Prompted by local concerns raised with Holme Valley Parish Council about the local and environmental impact of the Yorkshire Motorsport Festival, we held an Extraordinary Full Council meeting on 26th July. We heard from local residents, particularly in the Upperthong area, who had been most affected by the event and discussed the challenges of balancing the economic and social benefits of large festivals with the environmental and disruptive impacts. We agreed to write to the organisers of the Festival and Kirklees Council to outline the concerns raised and to withdraw support for YMSF until such a time as we are satisfied that all legislation, guidance and best practice with regard to the event are met.

Holme Valley Review, September 2021 – 13

Awards nomination for music promoter

By Susan Hampshire

LOCAL music promoter Maria Wallace (True North Music) has been nominated for a Momentum Award by the International Bluegrass Music Association in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Industry Involvement nomination recognises Maria’s ongoing work to bring world class live music to audiences across the UK. Since 2015 she has organised more than 50 Yorkshire concerts and numerous UK tours by acclaimed Americana, bluegrass and folk-roots artists.

Her regular live music series at The Carlile Institute in Meltham built up a loyal following of music fans until the pandemic stopped play in 2020.

When tours and concerts came to a standstill True North Music adapted to online events, organising several live streamed concerts and workshops with the help of Arts Council England Project Grants funding.

Local music fan Jim Gillan is a long-term supporter.

Maria Wallace hosting a live stream earlier this year.

He said: “Maria’s gigs are invariably wellorganised, welcoming occasions marked by the kind of chemistry between performers and audiences that makes the moment truly memorable for everybody.

“Covid has made for a brutal 18 months and the sudden loss of live music left a void that looked like it might remain unfilled, but Maria was amongst those who found ways of keeping the music coming and the flame burning.”

True North Music’s summer online festival included a concert by two acclaimed UK acoustic

bands, Jaywalkers and The Jellyman’s Daughter, broadcast live from Meltham with the help of an experienced sound and film crew.

Maria said: “Although we didn’t have an audience in the room, it was very special to have live music back at the Carlile Institute for the first time in nearly 18 months! I hope we can bring back our local concert series in 2022, and perhaps stage our first reallife festival after having to cancel in 2020.

“I’m delighted to have been nominated for an International Bluegrass award and will be watching online.

“It’s been a tough time for live music, but we’ve got exciting plans for the future!”

The IBMA Awards take place in late September in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Maria was recently selected to take part in music charity Brighter Sound’s Music Leaders Network programme, and is also looking forward to being involved with Kirklees Year of Music 2023.

To find out more, visit www.truenorthmusic.co.uk

Ball to benefit charities DAN Bamforth, managing director of Towndoor Ltd and Rich Paxman, CEO of Paxman are hosting the first ever BAMPAX Charity Ball to be held at Meltham Mills on Saturday November 6 in aid of two charities they are both passionate about, Adoption UK and The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust.

Both charities are close to the hearts of Dan and Rich with them recently adopting their little four-year-old boy, Rory.

Adoption UK provide support, community, and advocacy for all those parenting or supporting children who cannot live with their birth parents.

They connect adoptive families, provide information and signposting on a range of adoption-related issues and campaign for improvements to adoption policy and legislation at the highest levels.

Rich is also an ambassador for The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust, a trust close to his heart with Paxman specialising in cancer treatment across the globe.

The Laura Crane Trust supports young people with cancer through targeted cancer research and support projects to help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

They raise money to support 13 – 24-year-olds fighting cancer by funding medical and social research specifically into cancers that affect that age group whilst also providing support mechanisms to improve their quality of life and time spent on hospital wards and after treatment.

Including canapes on arrival, street food and pizza throughout, fizz, cocktails and high-end spirits, entertainment, and much more, the aim is to raise as much money as possible for the two chosen charities.

Arrival from 7pm – this is a relaxed cocktail attire/glam affair. To purchase tickets, visit www.bampax.com

Four information boards situated on Meltham Greenway have been replaced after vandals struck. The boards – which feature detailed information and photographs about the former Meltham Rail Line, David Brown Tractors, Folly Dolly Falls and the flora and fauna of the Greenway – were replaced by the Friends of Meltham Greenway.

A spokesperson for the group said it was very disheartening when the boards were vandalised. The group works to maintain and enhance the Greenway to make it a pleasant walk for local people from Meltham Morrisons to Huddersfield Road at Meltham Mills. It follows the route of the former Meltham Railway line and is about a kilometre in length, passing the popular Folly Dolly waterfall. Eventually the aim is to extend the current Greenway as far as Netherton and hopefully build a bridge to carry the footpath across the busy Huddersfield Road. Anyone who could help with fundraising for the next stage of the Greenway can contact the ‘friends’ group via the Holme Valley Review.

Restaurant has an extensive menu

IF YOU fancy eating out this summer, then why not book a table at the ever-popular Spice Fusion restaurant at New Mill.

The normal menu will be available along with special offers on Tuesday and Wednesdays when a three-course meal is available from 6pm to 10pm for only £10.95 from the main menu (choose any starter, main course, rice/naan and coffee).

If you still wish to order a take-away, you can either collect in person or have a delivery.

Remember that Spice Fusion is OPEN ALL BANK HOLIDAYS. The family-run business is now well established within the New Mill and Holmfirth areas and offers a wide choice of Indian and Bangladeshi food. Chefs use only the finest ingredients to ensure all food is of the highest quality.

The restaurant has an extensive menu which includes an excellent choice of starters, classic dishes and house specialities.

Starters include individual or sharing platters, vegetarian dishes, seafood choices and popular chicken dishes.

Meat or prawn tandoori starters are also in demand and are marinated in special spices and cooked in a traditional clay oven.

Biryani are a North Indian classic and are always popular with customers along with classic favourites like tikka, korma, kahari, bhuna, dansak and rogan josh which come in chicken, lamb, fish and prawn choices.

The house specials include a wide array of flavours from the Indian and Bangladeshi regions and feature a choice of mild or robust flavours with delicious tender chunks of meat, perfect spicing and fresh flavours.

A range of accompaniments is always available to complete your meal.

Order at www.spicefusionholmfirth.co.uk or by phone 07539 944009. You can also order with Just Eat and Uber.

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(king prawns £2 extra)

(king prawns £2 extra)

Takeaway and delivery service within 8 miles

Every night apart from Monday. Kitchen opens 5pm last orders 10pm

Order by phone or online at www.spicefusionholmfirth.co.uk for click and collect or delivery.

Tel: 01484 688661 Mobile: 07539 944009 7 Sheffield Road, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7JT @SpiceFusion - New Mill

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14 – Holme Valley Review, September 2021

Help required to improve church hall PLANS are in hand to improve Meltham Parish Church Hall – and local people can help raise funds to get the work done.

Pam Murgatroyd, speaking on behalf of the church hall, said: “We’re delighted that the Meltham Parish Church Hall has been chosen to benefit from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

“As you can imagine, the last 18 months have been really challenging for small, charitable groups like ours.

The pandemic has drastically affected our fundraising efforts, so we’re grateful to have this partnership with the local Co-op.

“There are just weeks

to go before the funding round closes, and we’ve just been notified that there’s still £ 1,852 of unallocated money because some Co-op members haven’t selected their cause yet.

“We’re urging local members to choose us as their cause so we can deliver our project and help more people in Meltham.’’

Fundraising is currently ongoing to improve the church hall in appearance and for safety reasons with new doors and windows to save on utility bills and for the comfort of those using it.

The hall is rented out to other organisations for fundraising and to bring

people together for weekly coffee mornings, exercise classes and other community groups.

When members buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 1p from every pound spent goes to support local causes like Meltham Parish Church Hall.

Co-op members can select the hall as their local cause by visiting Co-op Community Causes.

Pam said: “We really hope that people will visit the Co-op website or download the Co-op app and select us as their Local Community Fund cause so we can continue making a difference.’’

Forum applies for a Development Plan NETHERTON and South Crosland Neighbourhood Forum has made an application to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan A Neighbourhood Area has been outlined where this plan would apply.

A map can now be seen online.

A Neighbourhood Development Plan allows the local community to work

together to develop a vision for the area, and to develop planning policies which can be used to assess planning applications in the area.

The plan can be quite general or more detailed, depending on what is important to the local community, but it must be in conformity with the Kirklees Local Plan and should not be used to promote a lower level of development.

As many people as possible are now welcome to share their views on the applications, copies of which are available to view on the Kirklees Neighbourhood Planning online page at www.kirklees. gov.uk/beta/planning-policy/ neighbourhood-planning. aspx The deadline for comments is 5pm on Tuesday September 281.

Events to raise funds for route

TWO events are being held later this year to raise funds for the Friends of Ramsden Road.

Ramsden Road is an historic route in the upper Holme Valley which is badly in need of repair.

Friends of Ramsden Road represents all user groups and is working closely with Kirklees Council, the highways authority and local landowners with the aim of carrying out repairs and maintenance to make it accessible to all.

In October a quiz night is being held at Holmbridge Church Hall. This will be on Saturday October 23 from 7.30pm to 11pm. There will be a quiz with food and drinks available.

The month after on Saturday November 27, also at Holmbridge Church Hall, there will be a table top sale from 9am to 2pm.

For quiz tickets or table top bookings, contact 07856 844432.

Ramsden Road, close to Hade Edge, is an important lane for all its users, but in recent years it has fallen into disrepair, largely due to water erosion. Blocked/broken drainage systems and surface erosion have left large parts of the lane in a difficult, rutted condition.

The lane needs to be available and accessible to all eligible users – walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders, wheelchair users, motorcyclists and 4x4 drivers as well as farm and emergency vehicles.

ADULT, PART-TIME & COMMUNITY COURSES #UnlockYourPotential www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk/adult-learners

Holme Valley Review, September 2021 – 15

Club hosts open day to mark completion of toilet block

By Josh Timlin

HOLMFIRTH and District Bowling Club held an open day to mark the completion of the building of a new toilet block at the club.

After receiving a donation from one of the clubs members, Nancy Battye, in 2018 specifically to kick-off the fundraising effort, grants were applied for and funds received from The National Lottery Community Fund and Holme Valley Parish Council to complete to project.

The original toilets, built when the club first opened in 1898 were past their best as well as being pretty inaccessible for anyone with mobility issues.

The new toilet block includes a fully disabled access toilet meaning that the club can now welcome back members who had become reluctant to attend previously, as well as any other visitors.

While the club has been closed over large parts of the last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, members were also kept busy on a major overhaul to the clubhouse, opening up the space, putting in new kitchen facilities and enlarging the seating area, so the event was also a

great opportunity to show off the new facilities.

Guests at the event included the Mayor and Mayoress of Kirklees, Coun Nigel Patrick and his wife Judith, Colne Valley MP, Jason McCartney, the chair of Holme Valley Parish Council Michael Pogson and Nancy.

Members took part in some social bowling before Mrs Battye, who was also confirmed as an honorary life member of the club at the event last month, unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.

Ladies attending the event were presented with a white rose to commemorate Yorkshire Day. Pat Whiteley, president at the club, said: “Without Nancy’s generous donation this project

wouldn’t have got off the ground.

“We’ve been grateful also for the financial support from The National Lottery Community Fund and Holme Valley Parish Council.

“This event also gives us the opportunity to thank ADP Architecture and Design, our architects, and NDPA Construction, our builders.

“The building has been the collaborative effort of a number of our members as well – too many to name, but between them all they have transformed the clubhouse and bowling green so that we are now being recognised in local leagues for our facilities, for our green and for our welcome.”

The club has a growing

membership and recently held an open day to encourage people to give bowling a try, with approximately 30 people attending.

Pat added: “The club was established at its Bridge Fold premises in 1898 as a member-only organisation for people looking to undertake both social and competitive crown green bowls.

“Having become a registered charity in 2014, the club operates entirely through the voluntary efforts of its members, some of whom are also trustees and serve on the organising committee.

“The club has five teams in the Huddersfield area’s veterans’ bowling leagues as well as providing social bowling for more than 70 members.”

Festival performers ready to entertain TOP quality performers and musicians are ready to entertain at Holmfirth Arts Festival this month.

The annual event is one of Yorkshire’s best small festivals and is set to take over the capital of the Holme Valley, from September 17 to 19.

A comedy triple bill featuring Holmfirth born Kieran Hodgson, with support from Pete Sellwood and Seeta Wrightson will perform at the Civic Hall.

Festival director Bev Adams said: “There will be something for all ages including a contemporary circus company with an extraordinary aerial show, a flying astronaut winding its way through the streets, Yorkshire brass from Hade Edge Band and lots of street performance, much of it free or Pay as You Decide.

“Biscuit Head and the Biscuit Badgers and

Mambo Jambo will also perform live music.

“Street performers include Urban Astronaut

by Highly Sprung Theatre, Garden of Delights by Urban Circus Angels, The Whale by Circo Rumbaba, percussion by Banda Na Rua and HD9 Community Brass.

“Where needed, indoor and outdoor events will be

socially distanced.”

The popular parade around the streets of the town will take place on Sunday September 19 from 2pm, walking from Hollowgate to the Sands Recreation Ground.

Organisers want to hear from community and family groups, schools, brownies or other clubs to get in touch to arrange

to attend or arrange a workshop to create colourful banners about the history of Holmfirth.

The participants can then join the parade and show off their designs.

To book your place or more details contact tony@edgelandsarts.co.uk For tickets and info visit www.holmfirtharts festival.co.uk

Honley theatre receives Covid recovery grant SOUTHGATE Theatre in Honley has become one of the recipients of a council Covid recovery grant.

Kirklees Council has provided almost £500,000 through the Community Buildings Recovery Grants scheme this summer to support vital community buildings in local places across Kirklees.

The scheme offered grants of up to £20,000 for community and voluntary organisations who have lost significant income due to national lockdowns and local restrictions.

Over 40 local organisations have been supported through this fund, with grants totalling £470,000.

The aim is to help vital community organisations recover from Covid-19, so they can continue to be places that support local people.

Coun. Cathy Scott, Deputy Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for

Housing and Democracy said: “Community organisations are incredibly important for people’s well being.

“We wanted to make sure that community buildings can continue to be safe places for people to get together and enjoy activities as part of our recovery from Covid-19.

“The Community Buildings Recovery Grants have clearly mattered to the local organisations who are so fundamental for keeping people connected and safe.

“We’ll continue to work proudly alongside these dedicated and inspiring groups in our local places.”

Bob Newton of the Southgate Theatre in Honley said: “The pandemic had cut our income to zero, and the theatre was on the verge of closing for good.

“The community buildings recovery grant has changed this by giving us a much needed cash boost. Now the show will go on.”

16 – Holme Valley Review, September 2021

Park and ride plan for ‘under-utilised’ station

By Josh Timlin

The organ at Honley Parish Church (left) and Tom Osborne and Gordon Stewart.

Organ restored to former glory

FOLLOWING two years of fundraising and then total refurbishment, the Conacher Organ in Honley Parish Church has now been fully restored.

More than 50 per cent of the £80,000 project costs came from trusts and foundations but this could not have been achieved without the very generous support of local people, companies and organisations.

The work was carried out

by J.M.Spink Organ Builders of Leeds.

To celebrate this

achievement a concert will be held at St Mary’s Church Honley on Sunday October 10 at 2.30pm.

St Mary’s talented organist Jeremy Plummer will be joined by three highly acclaimed professional musicians – Gordon Stewart, international organist and Organist Emeritus Huddersfield Town Hall, Tom Osborne, co-principal trumpet with the Halle Orchestra and Ann Wilkes, soprano.

This is a free concert but as space is limited, entry is strictly by ticket only.

These can be obtained from Dixon and Franks, Honley DIY and Taylors Food store.

Enquiries to 01484 666827 or 07913 382017.

A colour brochure commemorating the work has been written by local historian Peter Marshall and published by Honley Civic Society and St Mary’s Church.

This will be available for purchase (price £2) at St Mary’s Church on Heritage Open day, September11 and at the Commemorative Concert.

Opening Times: Mon 10.00am - 7.00pm Tues

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Wed 8.00am - 5.00pm Thurs 9.00am - 5.00pm

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8.00am - 5.00pm

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MAJOR plans to create a park and ride facility near an ‘under-utilised’ train station in a bid to encourage commuters to use public transport has taken a step closer to boost connectivity between the Holme Valley and Sheffield.

A council plan to acquire the site at Lairds Way, Penistone, to then sell on to the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive has been agreed.

It paves the way to create the park and ride facility – which the Review understands could be completed by 2023 – as cabinet members’ approval means council bosses can now begin ‘onward sale’ discussions with public transport bosses.

SYPTE director of customer services, Tim Taylor, said: “We’ve prioritised a park and ride facility in Penistone and are seeking funding to develop proposals for the land at Lairds Way, in discussion with Network Rail.

“The current parking allocation for the station is not enough and we’re seeking a long-term solution, alongside our plans to improve services on that line.”

Mayor of Penistone Andrew Millner said such a project would ‘solve parking problems around the station at a stroke’ – and it’s already been given the seal of approval by MPs. “I have been banging on about this for more than a decade,” he said.

“I totally support this project – we are desperate for more parking and this will alleviate many problems, so this is very good news indeed.”

The longed-for scheme has become possible with approval for the 400-home development at Wellhouse Lane, which secured Section 106 money – cash put aside by co-developers Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes – for loss of local amenity.

Yorkshire Land, which purchased the Lairds Way site in 2007 for £500,000, has interests in that scheme and has always indicated a park and ride hinged on the estate going ahead.

Mr Millner believes the site could support 60 parking spaces – a ‘significant improvement’ on the station’s current 15.

The Penistone line – which runs from Sheffield to Huddersfield via

Meltham – is also set to receive work thanks to a scheme backed by MPs Miriam Cates.

Miriam, MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, described the park and ride scheme and line improvements as ‘a fantastic opportunity to boost connectivity’.

She said: “This new facility would work well alongside the improvements to the Penistone line.

“It’s clear that we need better transport links in and around Penistone, and also to improve connectivity with nearby towns and cities.

“My bid will see a faster and more reliable service to Barnsley, Sheffield, and Huddersfield, as well as allowing for a second train per hour in each direction.

“It also allocates money for a public transport interchange at the station, which would complement a park and ride facility.

“Improving transport links in Penistone will help to connect people to jobs and opportunities across the region, and make the town an even better place to live and do business.

“Local people and businesses need to see the railway as a viable alternative to the car.”

Choosing the right shoes IF YOU are the far side of 50, you may remember your feet being measured at the shoe shop as a child, when the likes of Clarks would measure both length and width.

Sadly, as fashions have dictated greater choice, availability of widths and half sizes have reduced and measuring feet is a less common activity.

Donna Hall runs DMH Podiatry within the Elmwood Health Centre in Thongsbridge, and thinks goodfitting shoes are essential to foot health.

“This starts in early childhood.

As children grow, new shoes are a significant expense and parents might be tempted to buy a size bigger to make them last longer.

“However, as little toes try to grip over-sized shoes, they become irreversibly clawed.

“For the same reason hanging on to shoes which are outgrown can cause deformation called ‘hammer toes’, as well as callus and blisters.”

All this is happening at a crucial time when the foot is growing and forming, so problems caused here are carried on to adulthood.

If budget is tight, Donna suggests buying fewer pairs, but choose good quality shoes with breathable materials and the right size and width, and regularly check them for condition and continued good fit.

“Spending the same on one or two decent pairs will pay dividends later on, but children don’t always see that – I know I didn’t.”

Hand-me-downs are another way to spread the cost, but Donna says shoes conform to a foot’s shape, which won’t match the next child’s feet.

“I really wish there was a magic answer, especially as children’s shoes are so expensive.”

There is no avoiding the fact that children’s feet sweat, so choosing real leather is far better than fake PVC, which doesn’t allow feet to breathe.

“But check the shoe linings,” warns Donna. “I’ve seen leather shoes with a plastic lining, defeating the benefit of a leather upper.”

Cloth or mesh are also good so long as the shoe is supportive, with a decent inner arch and stable heel, to avoid creating long-lasting problems as young legs and feet grow.

“There are some very smart trainers in vogue at the moment, but they have a very soft heel and no inner arch support at all.”

Donna recognises that children’s shoes are very difficult to get right without spending a fortune.

“It’s a problem, as the right approach is expensive for parents and highly unpopular with the children, who don’t see the longerterm benefits.”

If you have any problems regarding any foot or lower limbrelated question, do get in touch with Donna or her colleagues at DMH Podiatry, located at Elmwood Healthcare Clinic.

Events to keep children happy THE Huddersfield Literature Festival is planning some exciting, free, family events in September to engage children with storytelling and the spoken word.

A series of Story Walks for adults and children will take place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 September at 11am and 2pm in the centre of Huddersfield – these free walks are organised by Kirklees Libraries.

The fun continues on Sunday 5 September at 10.30am and 2pm with a family Treasure Hunt led by The Rubious Harmonious Birds, courtesy of Frolicked Outdoor Theatre.

The “Rubious Harmonious” has unmistakable plumage, a surprisingly trusting disposition and a repertoire of bird song not to be missed!

For further details of both events go to www.huddlitfest.org.uk and keep an eye out for more festival events during the Autumn.

Charity takes next step to progressing first scheme EcoHolmes has taken the next step in progressing its first housing scheme in the Holme Valley.

The vision of the locally based housing charity is to build homes for local people that they can afford, are cheap to run and fit for the future.

A request has been submitted for the planners’ initial and technical advice on using the Chippings site in Scholes for up to 10 affordable homes.

The homes will be built to high quality, low-energy standards, modelling how future homes should be constructed.

This is a small-scale scheme which will be in a pleasant environment with as much open, shared space on the site as possible.

The outline proposals reflect ideas that were supported in the wide community consultation last summer and seek to address issues raised by local residents in more recent conversations.

The site is a former quarry and is owned by the Holme

The Chippings site in Scholes. local people who otherwise Valley Land Charity who are forced to move away. wish it to be used for a good EcoHolmes should social purpose. know in a month or two The homes will be kept whether it can proceed to in community ownership the next stage of submitting and remain affordable in a planning application perpetuity. following full consultation More affordable homes with the local community and a more sustainable Anyone wanting to learn approach to local more about EcoHolmes developments is at the or the Land Charity – both heart of the Holme Valley Neighbourhood Plan, shortly have websites: www. ecoholmes.org.uk and www. to be voted on by the holmevalleylandcharity. community. org.uk or email at info@ Evidence from surveys ecoholmes.org.uk show that around 80 per EcoHolmes is part of a cent of people believe that national network of nearly homes being built should 300 Community Land Trusts. be within the price range of

Photos from the bioblitz day revealing some of the flora and fauna of Honley Old Wood. Photos by Mick Forster Jones and Andrew Duffy, volunteers from River Holme Connections.

Bioblitz day reveals some of Honley wood’s secrets THE secrets of Honley Old Wood are gradually being revealed.

Home to a wide range of biodiversity, the wood now has a new group, the Friends of Honley Old Wood, looking after its interests.

Already the group has discovered a wide range of flora and fauna, a pond area and there is even evidence of an iron age burial ground following excavations some years ago by a local archaelogical group.

Christine Senior from the ‘friends’ said: “We recently enjoyed a bioblitz day to identify as many animals and plants as possible in the wood.

“A number of local experts joined us including representatives from The Woodland Trust, Butterfly

Conservation, the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, Badger Protection, a bird expert, a representative from Kirklees Council and the local River Holme Connections.’’

Christine explained there are various areas to look at, including a pond area.

She said: “There are three ponds and the plan is to dig out all the pond area and improve it to create a better environment for wildlife and birds.

“Ideally in the future we would love to see the wood designated as a nature reserve.

“We have lots of plans for the wood going forward.’’

Another area has many self-seeded trees growing and the plan is to take some out before it becomes too

dense an area.

Various plants have already been found in the wood including a number of orchid species.

Animals found in Honley Old Wood include two different types of ants and possibly lizards, grass snakes and adders.

If you would like to join the Friends of Honley Old Wood, they would be delighted to welcome you.

Various volunteering roles are available.

To get involved, contact either Andy Wickham, Kirklees Council volunteer co-ordinator on 07773 386550 or email andy. wickham@kirklees.gov.uk or Christine on 07856 844432 or email: christine_senior@ outlook.com

Holme Valley Review, September 2021 – 17

Give us a word and we will write you a story

MEMBERS of Holmfirth Writers’ Group are inviting visitors to call in at their ‘Story Shed’ on Saturday September 18 between 12 noon and 4pm and present them with inspiration and ideas for personal pieces of writing.

The event is part of this year’s Holmfirth Arts Festival and the writers’ group has employed Percival the Mechanical Pigeon to whisk the words over to a secret location where members of Holmfirth Writers’ Group will turn words into a poem, letter or short story.

You may want them to write about your favourite animal or your least favourite food.

Perhaps you’d like a sunshine poem for someone who’s poorly, a thank you letter to a friend or an adventure story for a child.

The finished piece of writing will arrive back at the ‘Story Shed’, outside the Parish Church, an hour later

to be specially performed for the recipient.

On Sunday September 19 the group will be doing readings from its latest anthology ‘Escape: Writing Out Of Lockdown.’

During lockdown writing was a real liberation for members of the group, and this new anthology is the result of that escape.

Some of the work included is specifically focussed on the experience of lockdown but much of it,

although written during this period, is concerned with other issues, such as love, memories and the natural environment.

Members of the group will read a selection of their work at The Tech in Holmfirth from 3pm to 5pm and refreshments will be available.

The event is free with donations for refreshments.

Copies of the anthology will be available at the event and on sale at ‘Read’ and ‘Oxfam’ bookshops in Holmfirth.

Group member Sally Brown said: “It’s been really strange not to be able to meet face to face for over 18 months now, but many of the group have continued to get together on Zoom and we have all continued writing at home.

“We thought it would be a good idea to bring all that writing together under one roof and release a new anthology for people to enjoy.”

All welcome at Holme Valley u3a AS LOCKDOWN restrictions eased, Holme Valley u3a found that not only had the majority of members decided to renew their membership, but also that new members were also joining up.

U3a chairman David Barnett wrote to all 400 members recently and said how pleased he was to be able to welcome them back to the Friday meetings.

Those meetings, for anyone in the Holme Valley no longer in full time work, are particularly valuable to new members.

Newcomers are welcomed at the door by volunteers and have the opportunity to

chat over coffee.

David is keen to meet members in person again and to get to know some of those who have joined recently.

With this in mind he is proposing an informal discussion over coffee in September for anyone who has joined in the last six months to enable them to find out more about the organisation.

Group leaders will be getting together in September to share plans.

Groups coordinator, Rose Cuthbertson said: “Some groups plan to remain meeting remotely through Zoom for the time being

whilst some will meet in person and some have opted for a mixture.

“September seems to be the time when most are planning their new way forward – maybe it is that sense of a new term starting.’’

The wide variety of groups offer the opportunity to learn a new language, get a bit fitter, get creative, play or enjoy music.

The Friday meetings usually include a speaker or some form of entertainment.

Anyone wanting to attend either the new members discussion or the Friday meeting in October should email hvu3a1@gmail.com

A warm Yorkshire welcome!

Accommodation · Farm shop Book your stay and order farm produce at www.coddysfarm.co.uk

18 – Holme Valley Review, September 2021

Shop locally and see what’s in store as we head into Autumn AS WE move into Autumn, local businesses are looking forward to welcoming all their customers now that Covid restrictions have eased.

With new ranges and designs in store for the coming season, why not take this opportunity to shop local and see what’s in store.

Maybe now is the time to start that new home project you’ve been thinking about or update items in your home ready for the coming months.

Maybe you’re planning on moving house shortly and need help with furnishing your new property – so now is a great time to start looking at local specialists.

Elsewhere others are launching new businesses to help you in all walks of life.

MELTHAM SELF STORAGE If you’re moving house in the near future or simply need more space for your possessions, then remember that Meltham Self Storage facility is now open.

Situated in Green Street, just on the edge of the town centre, the storage facility is perfect for house moves, clearances, business use, stock or your hobby items.

Secure and dry storage is available in new weather-tight containers.

Storage boxes, tape and bubble wrap are also available for parcelling up belongings ready for storage.

Offering a friendly, personal service, the storage site can be accessed from 7am to 7pm.

The site has the benefit of CCTV and each unit has a free high security padlock.

emb mbrace race doula •Inclusive birth and breastfeeding education and support for pregnant people and families.

•1 to 1 care, groups and workshops.

Holmfirth, Huddersfield doulaembrace@gmail.com www.embracedoula.co.uk

The

RUG & CARPET Shop

RUGS • CARPETS • STAIR RUNNERS • EDGING • RESTORATION • REPAIRS • CLEANING

For any enquiries about storage, unit sizes and more, ring 07870 553334.

Meltham Self Storage is proud to be a supporter of the town’s Crossroads Centre.

GRANITE WORKTOPS UK LTD If you’re thinking of updating your kitchen in the coming months, then why not add that special finishing touch with a granite or quartz worktop.

Now that Covid restrictions have eased, Huddersfield’s Granite Worktops UK is welcoming customers back to its Aspley showroom once again where some great designs are now available.

Business owners Paul and Deborah Bond are delighted to be busy once more with customer enquiries and always do everything to help their customers create their dream kitchen.

Deborah said: “The showroom at Wakefield Road, Aspley is now open as normal Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm and it is lovely to welcome customers back once more.’’

The repair service to existing granite, quartz or Corian worktops is carried out by Paul, adhering to Covid regulations.

Granite Worktops UK Ltd has worktops for all budgets from affordable ranges to more expensive choices. Look at www.graniteukltd.co.uk

SIMPLY LIGHTING With darker nights on the way, now is a great time to invest in some new lighting to make your home cosy this autumn and winter.

All the new season lighting ranges are currently arriving at Huddersfield’s Simply Lighting showroom at Wakefield Road, Aspley.

Why not call in and take a look at the exciting new designs now available?

September to March is the main ‘season’ for lighting manufacturers and all are keen to get their new ranges on show and available to buy now.

Graham Reading, who runs Simply Lighting, said: “The correct lighting is important in every home to create the right atmosphere and make us feel warm and cosy during the darker months.

“We have new lighting ranges arriving all the time at Simply Lighting.’’

The long-established showroom also has a wide selection of outdoor lighting to provide both security and character to your outside space.

As well as the showroom, there is also an online ordering service at www.simply-lighting.co.uk

EMBRACE DOULA Holmfirth local Bel Woffenden has left a career in recruitment to support Holmfirth families as they welcome their new baby.

Embrace Doula is an inclusive, non-judgemental birth and infant feeding support service.

Birth is at a crisis point as it has become a highly medicalised event where many parents feel out of control, unaware of their choices and disregarded by the system.

The UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. Embrace Doula is here to change that for local families.

Bel, who lives in Honley, has trained as a Doula and Mindful Breastfeeding Practitioner so that families can access the birth and infant feeding support and education that they deserve.

Embrace Doula runs workshops, groups and one to one sessions across Holmfirth and Huddersfield.

All sessions incorporate practical tips, evidencebased information and mindfulness techniques.

Bel said: “Becoming a new parent can be an incredibly exciting but very vulnerable and lonely time.

“By getting informed and investing in what’s important to them, parents can take control of their birth and feeding journey.

“All families deserve to have a positive experience when welcoming their new baby.”

For more visit www.embrace doula.co.uk

RUG AND CARPET SHOP It’s that time of year – schools go back, darker nights draw in and there is an a nip in the air.

What better time than to invest in a new carpet to make your living space feel even more cosy for the cooler days ahead.

Take a look at Holmfirth’s Rug and Carpet Shop where customer service is always a top priority and where there is a great range of traditional and contemporary carpet colours and designs for all rooms of the house.

As well as carpets, the shop in Woodhead Road also specialises in rugs and stair runners, vinyls and bespoke linen edged carpets and rugs. The specialist business also offers a full fitting service and caters for all budgets.

With the easing of Covid restrictions, business owners John and Sally Birkhead are now able to welcome all their customers back to the showroom.

Moving on after Covid, the business now offers out-of-hours appointments, a more personal service and home visits to give advice on their full range.

The business has been established for 15 years, moving from its original home in Hollowgate several years ago to more modern and spacious premises at Woodhead Road, where there is also customer car parking The showroom is open Tuesday to Saturday.

Call 01484 686823 for more information.

Group helping families from Afghanistan

MEMBERS of a caring group are helping Afghan families who have escaped the Taliban terror.

The award-winning Penistone Refugee Group is already looking after one set of arrivals from Kabul – the first to arrive – and a second family is due at any time.

And group vice-chairman David Greenhough says the refugees are incredibly thankful to be in Yorkshire.

“The first family to arrive under the resettlement scheme is here,” he said.

“These are people who worked with British forces in Afghanistan.

“A member of the family worked hand in hand with the military, so it was simply too dangerous for them to stay as they would have been executed.”

The family is not staying in Penistone due to the high cost of housing in the town, but PRG has a major influence across South Yorkshire and Kirklees and has been recognised nationally, also winning awards for its work.

“Councils have asked us to help these families so we will be right in the middle of this,” said Coun Greenhough, who is also a Penistone ward councillor.

“The family comprises parents with young children and they are very glad to be here, but another family member is still out there in Kabul.

“It is hard to believe what has happened – Afghanistan was becoming a much more open place but it faces a dark future now.”

The family is being funded directly from the Ministry of Defence. “They have been integral to our work and managing really important tasks,” said Coun Greenhough.

“We will be keeping an eye on them to see how they get on, there to help in any way we can.”

Kirklees Council leader, Coun Shabir Pandor, said the local authority will help support Afghans fleeing the Taliban.

“Anyone who has been following the news in recent weeks will understand just how serious and challenging the situation in Afghanistan has become,” he added.

“The withdrawal of allied troops has created instability in the country and I urge the UK government and the international community to step up and develop solutions to stabilise this unprecedented crisis.

“I hope the government ensures all local authorities are available and asked to support the Afghan refugees and that councils across the country are given the resources they need to provide safety and support.”

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SHOWROOM: 97 WAKEFIELD ROAD, ASPLEY, HUDDERSFIELD HD5 9AB Showroom open Tuesday - Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sunday, Monday

Visit our website: www.graniteukltd.com

To advertise in this feature in a forthcoming issue of Holme Valley Review call Gillian Cooper on 07810 108003

Volunteers headed out onto the River Holme to clear up invasive Japanese knotweed from the watercourse. In a series of targeted action days along the Holme, the stretch near Primrose Hill received work on August 24.

A spokesperson from River Holme Connections – the group behind the clean-ups – said: We hope to cover 20 kilometres of river this year.”

Holme Valley Review, September 2021 – 19

Parliamentary Corner with Jason McCartney MP

Afghanistan situation has kept me busy ...

I’M writing this column at home in Honley on the August Bank Holiday Monday.

Where has the summer gone? The past few weeks have been very busy with the situation in Afghanistan. I’ve had regular virtual meetings with Ministers from the Foreign Office, Home Office and the Ministry of Defence.

I have constituents from our area with family over there and they are understandably very worried about the Taliban takeover of the country.

When Parliament was recalled earlier in August I caught the 06.15 train from Wakefield down to Westminster for the debate on the situation in Afghanistan.

During the seven-and-ahalf hour debate I kept bobbing up to be called to speak by the Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle.

You must bob up to be called and you have no idea what the speaking order will be.

I was lucky to be called some five hours in but more than 80 MPs who’d wished to speak never got the chance.

With my experience of serving on the No-Fly Zone over Northern Iraq as an RAF Officer, I spoke about our country’s appreciation for those British servicemen and women who had served in Afghanistan over the past two decades.

I read out the names of those from our area who had died and reiterated that their sacrifice hasn’t been in vain.

It’s easy though to have

Jason McCartney the benefit of hindsight in these crises but it’s clear once President Biden decided to withdraw his troops so rapidly, we had no option but to leave too.

During the summer I’ve also been dealing with a vast array of local issues from missed bin collections to parking issues.

Many of these are Council issues and I always encourage people to contact their local Councillors too.

I’ve also been getting briefed on the £4million Town Centre Access Plan for Holmfirth.

As we know Holmfirth is a busy traffic bottle neck with Victorian road and path infrastructure.

No solutions are perfect with the high level of traffic, but I’ve been stressing to Kirklees Council the importance of spending this Government cash well and listening to local people and business owners.

You may be aware the plan includes demolishing the Indoor Market Hall.

That’s a venue I’ve used for my Jobs Fair and seen it bustling for major events like the Food and Drink Festival when bad weather dictates indoor venues.

You can have your say on this element of the plan until September 10 on the Kirklees Planning site.

I did manage a short break with my daughters this summer with three days in Scarborough.

We were lucky with the weather and loved walking on Scarborough and Filey beaches and on the cliff tops.

Things though are continuing to get back to normal, or near to it.

My Dad and his pals in New Mill Male Voice Choir are busy rehearsing for their concert with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain at Huddersfield Town Hall on the evening of Saturday October 9.

Finally, like many other Huddersfield Town fans I’ve been delighted, if not slightly surprised, at our promising start to the Championship season. Long may it continue.

As ever, my team and I continue to deal with hundreds of issues every week so please get in touch if you need my help with any issue.

My phone number for my constituency office, which is being answered remotely, is 01484 443975 or you can email me at Jason. mccartney.mp@parliament. uk alternatively you can write to me at the House of Commons, Westminster, London, SW1A 0AA.

Increase in call-outs revealed THE latest available call-out figures from Holme Valley Mountain Rescue team show a 46 per cent increase on last year.

By the mid-point of 2021, the team had reached 57 call-outs, compared to attending 39 call-outs at the same stage in 2020.

May and June saw 13 call-outs but in a marked change from earlier in 2021, the majority were to assist West Yorkshire Police with high-risk missing people, rather than responding to calls from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

On the website, the mountain rescue team lists a complete breakdown of calls for May and June: n Seven call-outs to assist West Yorkshire Police with searches. n Four call-outs to Yorkshire Ambulance Service jobs. n Two call outs to assist other Mountain Rescue teams. These were to help Calder Valley team with a search and the Oldham team with an injured walker.

The Holme Valley team recently had to postpone its 2021 Rescue Rides event to later in the year.

The event, due to be held in July, had to be postponed due to the pandemic impacting on obtaining permission from councils and land owners for the event to go ahead.

This family event is one of the team’s major fundraising events. More details about when the event will take place will be available on www.holmevalleymrt.org.uk Holme Valley Mountain Rescue is the chosen charity for this year’s Mayor of Kirklees, Coun. Nigel Patrick who represents the Holme Valley South ward.

NOW AVAILABLE TO READ ONLINE

www.holmevalleyreview.co.uk FREE COPY

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MP backs plan to improve ‘lef t behind’ stations

By Josh Timlin

A TRANSFORMATIVE funding stream which will improve several ‘left behind’ railway stations in a bid to lure more motorists to opt for public transport on their commute has been backed by a local MP. More than £7m could be used to create ‘Mobility Hubs’ at stations between Barnsley and Huddersfi eld – with Silkstone Common, Penistone, Honley, Brockholes and Denby Dale all set to benefit.

Leaders behind the bid – which has been backed by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and

August 2021

Penistone MP Miriam Cates – will mean better integration of rail, bus and active travel, as well as upgrades to facilities such as live information boards and improved access to stations.

A revised train timetable – which includes an extra service per hour – will also be implemented.

Miriam – who co-sponsored the bid with Mark Eastwood, MP for Dewsbury – described the bid as ‘a fantastic MP Miriam Cates at opportunity to boost Penistone railway for us to improve public station. connectivity on one local people and businesses of our transport connectivi left behind local railway ty in the to see the railway as communities served a viable lines’. by the alternative to the car.

Penistone line.

She said: “This is a “Better transport links “One train per hour fantastic opportunity is means more opportuni simply not good enough ties for to level up the economic and

www.simply lighting.co.u

social life of our towns and villages.

“We need to invest in local commuter routes our like the Penistone line, which is the missing link between South and West Yorkshire.

“I know current and future users will benefit hugely from a better rail service on the line.”

The Penistone line is currently served by one train per hour in each direction but it has been a longstanding aim of campaigne rs to see the frequency of trains increased and a faster service on the route.

Miriam added: “Our bid proposes to invest in the infrastructure and signalling

along the line to improve speed and reliability, as well as to allow for the introduction of a second train per hour in each direction.

“I have worked with Barnsley Council and Kirklees Council, as well the Sheffield City Region,as to make this bid as strong as possible and to ensure it achieves the important aim of levelling up our communities.

“This is a great chance improve public transport to links along the route, and bring the sort of benefits to our towns and villages to that are already enjoyed in other city regions across the UK.”

Second cut of silage is one less worry DID YOU KNOW...

AUGUST has been a busy month both on the farm and in the bed and breakfast.

The dry weather at the end of the month provided opportunity to make a second cut of silage, we should have plenty to last through the winter, one less worry!

Dry grass makes the best silage; it is more palatable for the livestock and the bales are lighter so can be handled easier.

To make silage we cut and bale grass into large round

bales and wrap them in black plastic.

This creates an airtight environment allowing the grass to ferment and pickle, preserving the grass for feeding to our livestock through the winter when grass growth slows.

Our farm has also been accepted onto a pilot scheme for the new farm subsidies which will replace the existing system over the coming years.

The new scheme aims to encourage sustainable farming practices balancing food production with the needs of the environment.

There has been a lot of learning this month but we feel to be heading in the right direction.

Congratulations to all the couples who celebrated their weddings at Coddy’s Farm this month.

Guests at one wedding were delighted when our sow gave birth to a litter of piglets.

• • • •

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