Holme Valley Review August 2017

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August 2017

Campaigners given boost in library fight By Danny Richardson CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Honley Library from closure have overcome their first major obstacle after Holmfirth Parish Council agreed to take over the running of the building. The library’s future had been plunged into doubt after it was revealed that Kirklees Council was set to cut its library services budget by 44 per cent in April next year. Chairman of the Friends of Honley Libary - Joe Hodgson - said the cuts will have a devastating impact as they will mean the loss of more than 50 staff across the library

service and see all small libraries run solely by volunteers. Back in May he issued a desperate plea for volunteers to come forward to help keep the library open. And even though volunteers are still needed, the building itself is now secure after parish councillors strongly supported a vote to take it over via a community asset transfer and pay for its running costs. Holme Valley North Independent Councillor Charles Greaves told The Review: “It’s the first big step we’ve overcome to keep the library open as the building is now secure.

“The Friends of Honley Library are delighted with the support from the Parish Council and are looking forward to working together for the good of the library. “It’s great news and a really positive step. It gives us a chance to convince Kirklees Council that, when the libraries review and services review come up, that we can make Honley Library viable and sustainable. “The next step is to set up a working group - so we can come up with a sustainable business plan and analyse budgets and costs. “We want the library to evolve and become

like the libraries of old - an information access point that’s a source of education. It’s a really valuable community asset. “Even though this is a really positive step, I can’t stress enough that we still need volunteers. That’s the next big hurdle to overcome. So we’re appealing to the community to come forward to help, whether that’s with the general running of the library or events.” Anyone interested in volunteering should contact the Friends of Honley Library: info@ friendsofhonleylibrary. org.uk

Local actress Jodie Whittaker has been named as the new Doctor Who – the first female to be cast in the iconic role. Jodie, who studied at Shelley College, was unveiled as the latest Time Lord last month. Originally from Skelmanthorpe, she graduated from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2005 with a gold medal in acting, before working in film, TV and theatre, securing roles in critically acclaimed ITV drama Broadchurch, Emmy award-winning Black Mirror, Sky One’s The Smoke and BBC’s Cranford. She will be the 13th incarnation of the Doctor and takes over from Peter Capaldi, who leaves the global hit show at Christmas. Full story on page 5

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Holme Valley Review August 2017 by Script Media - Issuu