Holme Valley Review February 2011

February 2011

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Council launches blitz on potholes as drivers hit out

By Sandie Marshall DRIVER Keith Thompson had a lucky escape when his brakes failed moments after hitting a pot hole in Holmfirth.

The 57-year-old from Hade Edge was driving his Fiat car in the dark with his two teenage sons when he realised his brakes had stopped working.

Luckily, he had reached the relative safety of the country lanes around his home and he was able to use his handbrake and steer his car harmlessly to the side of the road. But the incident has left him very angry about the state of the roads in the Holme Valley.

He said: “I took the wheel off and there was a huge dent in the inside wheel rim where it hit the pothole. This had been catching on the brake pipe and it had severed, causing the brakes to fail.

“Heaven only knows what

would have happened if I’d been coming down hill or towards a main junction. It could have been really nasty.

“The roads around here are disgusting and they’re just getting worse. I’ve driven all over this country and I’ve never seen roads like they are around here. I wonder if it’s going to take someone getting killed before the council does something about it.”

The pothole Keith hit was behind the Co-op supermarket on Bridge Lane. He said: “It was a dark and wet evening. I didn’t see the hole but we all felt a big jolt and a bang from the front wheel. I got out immediately thinking the tyre had burst but I couldn’t see any other damage. It didn’t occur to me that it could have damaged the brakes like that.”

Keith’s car has been off the road since the incident and he is

now trying the claim the cost of the repairs from Kirklees Council.

There was also a lucky escape for a young motorbike rider who says he narrowly avoided being thrown from his bike and into the path of a van when he hit multiple potholes on the bottom of Dunford Road, also in the town centre.

The learner rider, who didn’t want to be named, said the many ruts and holes had completely taken him by surprise as he approached the junction with Victoria Street, causing him to lose control of his bike.

Kirklees Council has announced a new blitz on pothole repairs with an extra £400,000 being found to tackle up to 10,000 holes across the district by the end of March. Dunford Road, it says, will be repaired as part of this programme.

Partner in court on murder charge

Keith Thompson who is trying to claim the cost of his car repairs from the council.

THE partner of a Holmfirth woman whose body was found in a suitcase has appeared in court, charged with her murder.

Marie Stewart, 30, was found in the garage of the couple's home in Perseverance Place, Holmfirth, on the night of Sunday February 13.

She had been missing since before Christmas and her body was found with stab wounds and other injuries.

Andrew Lindo, 28, a music teacher, was remanded in custody following a brief appearance at Huddersfield Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

2 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

Holme Valley Review, February 2011 – 3

Free athletics opportunity

Flood-hit footpath is restored

By Sandie Marshall WALKERS can once again stroll between Upperthong and Netherthong thanks to the reinstatement of a woodland footpath which was washed away by floods four years ago.

The footpath at well-known beauty spot Mark Bottoms above Dead Man’s Hollow straddles the two villages.

But heavy rain turned the public right of way into a small ravine which was virtually impossible to cross, destroying the only countryside route between the communities.

When it looked as though the damage would never be repaired, Upperthong walker Paul Gallagher decided to take action into his own hands.

“I contacted the council to see what could be done. My initial idea was to form a working party of locals and carry out some sort of work ourselves” he said.

“In this climate of public spending cut backs, I didn’t

expect that the council would find the time and money to do it for us.”

However, Kirklees Council did respond to Paul’s request and sent in workmen to fill the divide and re-lay the footpath, much to the delight of walkers from both villages.

Sheelagh Illingworth of Netherthong regularly walks her dog Bob towards Upperthong.

She said: “It makes a welcome change to be able to continue all the way to Upperthong instead of having to stop at the damaged footpath. The views at this point are particularly stunning, so the repair work is much appreciated by everyone who enjoys this part of the valley.”

Paul agreed: “This was once an old drovers’ route where Netherthong farmers would drive their cattle down to drink at the stream in Dead Man’s Hollow. Now it is once again a useable footpath for everyone to access.”

YOUNGSTERS are invited to have a go at athletics at new free sessions in Honley. Anyone aged between 10 and 14 is welcome to attend the sessions at Neilly Pavillion on Thursday evenings between 4 and 5pm where qualified coaches will be on hand to help them try out running, jumping and throwing events. The sessions are an initiative between Holmfirth Harriers athletics club and Pennine Schools Sports Partnership and interested budding athletes will be invited to join the Harriers.

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4 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

The biggest act to appear was Radio 2 folk award winners Lau

The Angie Palmer Band

A tiny village hall in Hepworth has made a name for itself on the folk scene, thanks to the hard work of music fan Paul Drury. Holme Valley Review reporter Nicky Hyde finds out why.

How Paul’s music heroes end up in his spare room Paul with Flossie Malavialle

Roger Davies and Vin Garbutt

HEPWORTH public servant Paul Drury has fond memories of travelling all over the UK, attending folk festivals with his wife and their daughters.

Although he admits that he is not musically talented himself, Paul loves folk music and – through an idea in 2009 – has helped to build one of the most popular folk nights in Yorkshire.

Paul’s folk nights rebranded to HepworthLIVE in September had started by accident, during a joking exchange between Paul and his family.

“I put the first concert on two years ago and it was quite a strange way we came about it. We’re really into folk music and we were coming home

from a concert one night when I jokingly said ‘wouldn’t it be good if we could put on a concert in our village?’ The girls rolled their eyes and went ‘Dad’s off on one again’.

“But when Claire was 18 we organised a ceilidh and we got a folk musician in to perform. It was so good that I set myself the task of organising a folk night with the same musician who played at her party. I decided to take the risk of doing it and whatever it made I’d give back to the village hall. It absolutely sold out – it was packed to the rafters.”

Hepworth Village Hall is owned by Hepworth Church but run by a Community Association

which is tasked with raising enough money to keep it afloat and subsiding big events.

It was after the first sell-out concert that they approached Paul with the offer of a monthly folk night, running seasonally from September to April.

Paul added: “The community really seemed to enjoy it and the community association came on and said if you do it on a regular basis we will support you and we will take the risk if any of them lose money. It’s gone on from there really. When I first started I was expecting the usual prejudice against folk music and for the first few not that many people from the village came – it was

mostly people from outside who knew the bands. Eventually though, locals got curious and started to come and watch as well.”

HepworthLIVE is now a staple on the folk calendar with Paul getting dozens of emails from bands wanting to perform there. The intimate venue – the hall only holds 100 – hasn’t stopped it from pulling in big acts like Lau, winners of the BBC2 Folk Awards. It’s also making a steady income – last year contributing £1,000 to the hall fund on top of covering all its running costs.

The event even managed to attract folk legend Martin Simpson – but the 170-strong audi-

ence wouldn’t fit in the church hall and so he performed in the church itself instead.

Paul added: “It’s really good, we love doing it. It is hard work sometimes and takes up a lot of our spare time but there’s a real buzz you get when you see these great bands performing in your village – especially because we’re seeing some of the bands that we probably wouldn’t have got around to seeing if we’d had to travel.

“Some of the bands even stay in our house – and it’s so surreal when you have your music heroes sleeping in your spare room and having cups of tea with you.

We’re very lucky.”

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Holme Valley Review, February 2011 – 5

Generations unite to push forward plan for BMX bike track

By Nicola Hyde PLANS are underway to develop a BMX bike track in the Robert Ashton Memorial Park in Meltham after a group of community volunteers spotted kids trying to make their own.

The Friends of Meltham Greenway are leading the proposals after finding a group of kids trying to build their own on the Greenway cycle path.

Spokesman Mel Gibson said: “Some kids were damaging the Greenway – they were pulling things down and ripping stuff up to make tracks for BMX riding.

“We organised a meeting with some kids and they said there’s a really popular BMX track at Clayton West but that there was nothing like it locally for them. So we looked into locations and managed to find an area in the park, down the bottom end, that would be perfect.

“They like the bike tracks but they have a long way to go to get to them and we thought it would be good for our local kids to have one that they can use locally.”

Meltham Town Council handed over a grant to fund some design

Mel Gibson and admin costs and the project now has a designer working with the kids to create something they’d use. So far, £1,000 has been spent on initial design consultations.

Mel added: “We were really luck to get grants to cover the costs of that so now we are meeting with the kids and our designer is coming over.

“It’s really important that they have a say in what they want on the BMX track. But I keep saying to

them if they don’t turn up to help us with it then they won’t get one. At the end of the day, it’s an idea – whether it happens or not is up to the kids.”

The group met at Meltham Fire Station earlier this month to discuss initial design ideas with the children who turned up for the meeting. And the idea has now moved on to incorporate a skateboard track as well.

He added: “The meeting with the youngsters was brilliant. Having a meeting with them before starting the design has saved us a lot of wasted time and money.

“What they wanted is completely different to what we had planned to provide. They want a combined skateboard/BMX track similar to Holmfirth, Honley, Newsome.

However they would like something modelled on the track in Wellhome Park, Brighouse since they feel this is the best around locally.

“The youngsters were super and uninhibited. They told us straight and clearly what they wanted and we couldn't want better than that.”

The best features form each favourite track will now be incorporated into the Meltham design.

Do you know someone who goes the extra mile to help others? If so, they could be named as a Community Champion in a new scheme from the Parish Council.

The council wants to recognise ordinary people who do something out of the ordinary to help the Holme Valley community.

“We’re not looking for anyone famous or grand, just people who do special things for others,” said council chairman Coun Rhona Bratt.

Winners will be celebrated in the council’s quarterly newsletter.

The first Community Champion is Scholes bus driver Rodger Batley. For a number of years, Rodger has organised a free bus service on Boxing Day to ferry passengers from the Holme Valley to Huddersfield and the Royal Infirmary. The cost of the service is shared between Stotts Coaches and Kirklees Council but Rodger drives the bus and gives his time for free.

Nomination forms for Community Champions can be found on the Parish Council website or in its latest free newsletter.

6 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

Holme Valley Review, February 2011 – 7

Phone box funding helps ring the changes

By Sandie Marshall

Coun Greg Cropper at Upperthong's phone box which is set to become a mini-library

FUNDING has now been agreed to transform four old red telephone boxes into useful parts of village life.

The iconic K6 boxes have been adopted by Holme Valley Parish Council after consultation with the residents of Holme, Upperthong, Oldfield and Fulstone.

People there overwhelmingly asked for them to be protected – BT is in the process of removing some old telephone boxes they say are not financially viable unless they are bought from them and formally adopted.

So now the four boxes are about to be given a new lease of life – two as mini libraries, one as a bus shelter and one as a village noticeboard.

Grants from Kirklees Conservation and Design have been put in place to pay half the £2,000 cost of cleaning and repairing each box and then kitting it out for its future use.

The Parish Council will pay the remaining costs.

A person in each village has been identified as a custodian for the box and it will be their responsibility to look after it on behalf of the community.

Upperthong parish councillor Greg Cropper has led the adoption

MP in America on foreign business

HOLME and Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney has been in Washington DC meeting top US politicians and officials.

Jason was in the United States in his role on the Defence and Security committee of the NATO assembly.

The former RAF Officer had briefings in the Pentagon about the revolution in Egypt which was going on at the time, and on process on behalf of the council. He Afghanistan. He also met with Congressmen was quite surprised by the response on the Foreign Affairs committee in the when he asked residents whether Capital. the telephone boxes should be “It was a very interesting time to be there saved. with the unfolding situation in Egypt,” said Jason.

“It was a unanimous ‘yes’!” he “It was also really useful to get the US persaid. “No one questioned whether spective on troop withdrawal from we should be doing this. It seems Afghanistan which is the top issue for our people are genuinely fond of red telephone boxes and consider them armed forces at present.” to be part of the structure of their village. Clearly if was felt it would be a waste if they disappeared forever.”

Ideas then started to come in for what they should be used for. “We had a few good ones. Someone suggested the one in Upperthong should be fitted out with a mini bar as an extension to the pub next door. Someone else suggested an icecream parlour and we even had an idea to turn one into a village shower!”

In the end it was agreed that Oldfield’s kiosk will become a bus shelter and Fulstone’s a walk-in village noticeboard. The boxes at Holme and Upperthong will both be turned into ‘telephone exchanges’ mini libraries where locals can swap their books, CDs and DVDs with each other.

“It’s going to be great,” said Coun Cropper. “It’s wonderful to think these pieces of British village history can be put to good use for a long time to come.”

8 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

Parliamentary Corner MY EMAIL inbox has been pretty full with emails on Forests and the Fair Fishing campaign in recent weeks, but for me the most pressing local issue has been the Local Development Framework.

This is Kirklees Council’s consultation on which land should be allocated for housing and business for many years to come. It’s a fundamental piece of work and it’s vital we get it right.

I’ve been contacted my countless constituents who have deep concerns with the LDF. There are two big issues.

Firstly the consultation process itself which closed on February 13. Did you get the LDF leaflet through your door?

Many say they didn’t. Did you know about the LDF community meetings? Many say they didn’t. Did you struggle to navigate

with Jason McCartney MP

the LDF page on the Kirklees website? Many did, including me.

Secondly, and most importantly, what are the long term implications of the framework?

I’m about to join the people of Lindley in fighting yet another planning application up on Lindley Moor. The developers are using the old Unitary Development Plan that allocated the fields for development over a decade ago. These green spaces should never have been designated this way. That is why we must make sure that the ever decreasing green spaces around our lovely villages and towns don’t suffer the same fate.

The council says we need 26,600 new homes. But why when there are 19,000 vacant properties already? Why not complete sites like Thirstin Mills, which has been cleared

ready, in my home village of Honley? Let’s develop brown field sites, finish uncompleted developments, restore mills and use up vacant properties before we bulldoze our countryside.

Crucially, what about infrastructure? Our schools our full, the dental surgeries oversubscribed and our roads are clogged.

With all this in the background I called for this LDF consultation process to be suspended pending the Royal Assent of the Localism Bill.

This new piece of legislation will give local communities a real say in what developments take place in their areas via Local Plans.

On a separate matter it was ironic that the day another former MP was jailed for expenses fraud, and rightly so, was personally one of my proudest of being an MP so far. I was one

of the 234 MPs, of all parties, who voted to maintain the ban on prisoners voting.

For me it was not only the right thing to do but the vote also made a clear statement that the sovereignty of the UK Parliament is paramount.

As always if you need my help please get in touch: my Holmfirth office is at Upperbridge House, 24 Huddersfield Rd, Holmfirth, HD9 2JS – opposite Ashley Jackson’s gallery. Tel: 01484 688364 or 688378. Email: jason.mccartney.mp@ parliament.uk Best wishes, Jason Jason McCartney Member of Parliament for Colne Valley

Popular programme foxtrots into Honley HUDDERSFIELD'S popular ‘Shall We Essentially Dance?’ programme has arrived in Honley with new weekly sessions at the Phoenix Squash and Fitness Club.

The sessions are open to people of all ages who would like to try a fun mix of ballroom and Latin dance and run every Friday from 23pm.

There’s no need to book – just turn up. There is a small charge for the session and light refreshments are avail-

able afterwards.

Meanwhile, ladies at the Monday dance sessions at Huddersfield’s Galpharm Stadium need more men to partner them. The class is popular with ladies but more men would be very welcome to join them in their waltz, cha cha cha, quickstep and jive.

Kelly Brown from the Kirklees Sport and Physical Activity Team said: “The classes are great fun and we always have a laugh. We have built up to a regular

group of dancers each week but at the moment mainly women attend.

“It would be great if a few more men would join us so that the ladies can perfect their follower steps with a male lead.”

Everyone is welcome to join the sessions – no previous dance experience is necessary.

For more information about ‘Shall We Essentially Dance?’ contact Kelly Brown on 01484 234092 New Mill Male Voice Choir has presented cheques for £750 to the NSPCC and children’s cancer charity Candlelighters. The choir and charities worked together to raise the funds by selling programmes for the choir’s concert with Julian Lloyd Webber at Huddersfield Town Hall last year. Pictured are Elaine Kay (left) from the NSPCC and Caroline Jackson from Candlelighters. With Caroline is her son, George, who has had a bone marrow transplant as part of his treatment for leukaemia. The cheques were presented on behalf of the choir by John Mallinson, Richard Green and Barry Meeres.

Searching for budding comedians DO YOU fancy yourself as the next Jimmy Carr, Russell Howard or Jonny Vegas? They are just three top UK comics who have appeared at the Lawrence Batley Theatre’s Comedy Cellar before they hit the big time. Now the Huddersfield comedy club is looking for new talent to try their luck.

They are looking for aspiring comedians to enter the Comedy Cellar best New Act 2011 competition. They need people with natural wit and a flair for making people laugh. To enter, send in a CD or DVD before March 25 with at least six minutes of your original material. Entrants must be aged 16 or over.

Entries will be judged by resident compere Anthony J Brown and the best will be invited to take part in a final on Thursday June 9 in front of a public audience.

Those picked will be competing against other successful entrants and a panel of judges will decide the winner. The overall winner will win £100 and a boost to start their comedy career.

Chris pulls new monthly activity clubs out of his hat THERE’S a magical theme to new monthly activity clubs for children being launched at Huddersfield’s Greenhead Park during the half term holidays.

The regular free sessions are being run by activity officer Chris Smith as part of an effort to involve young people in the park which is nearing the end of a £5.4m restoration project funded by Kirklees Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Chris is a professional magician and, in addition to running environmental activities, he will be giving lessons in magic.

“Magic is popular at the moment, what with being on TV again. I’ve trained magicians in the past and am really looking forward to encouraging a new generation of enthusiasts. I also hope that they will be able to help provide entertainment for the park,” said Chris who performs under the name ‘Chris Black’.

When the full programme of events is up and running Chris is aiming to cater for all ages.

A Nature Club on Monday, February 21, is for children up

to eight years of age. Being held 10am to 11am in the Community Room (adjacent to the Refreshment Rooms), the club will be making bird feeders. Children must be accompanied by parents/carers.

On Wednesday, February 23, the Young Wardens, for children over eight years, will be making bird boxes. Again, the session will be held in the Community Room, 10am to 11am. Parents/carers are welcome but do not have to stay during the activity.

The Magic Club, for ages 10 years and over, will also be held in the Community Room on Thursday, February 24, 1pm to 3pm. Parents/carers do not have to stay.

As places are limited on all the sessions, early booking if advised. Contact Chris on 07814 387426 to book places.

After half-term, all the activities will continue as afterschool clubs. For further information contact Chris or keep up-to-date with developments on Greenhead Park’s Facebook page.

Holme Valley Review, February 2011 – 9

Councillors to consider massive £50m cuts in council spending

By Sandie Marshall BUDGET proposals which will slash Kirklees Council spending by £50m over the next three years have been set out.

The dramatic reductions, in response to central government spending cuts, are in addition to the £30m savings already identified by the council last year.

So far, the proposals only identify overall reductions to departments within the council.

Any cuts to specific services within the Holme Valley will not become clear for some time. The propoals will be considered for formal adoption at a meeting of the full council on February 23.

Among the losers in the budget proposals are the elderly and disabled.

Spending on services for older people would drop from £52m to £40.5m with £2.5m being cut from residential services. Daycare for adults with learning difficulties would be reduced from £3.2m to £482,000.

Money to combat anti-social behaviour and community safety would be reduced from £840,000 to £593,000, while £1.5m would be shaved from waste collection and disposal services.

Council tax payments frozen for a year THERE is some good news for the majority of Kirklees residents as council tax payments will be frozen at current levels for 2011/12.

But older people will lose out as there are plans to scrap the Council Tax Reduction

Scheme which has given all residents over 65 a 3% reduction in their annual payments.

The scheme has existed since 2007 and costs the council £750,000 per year.

During 2010 almost 22,000 households

Even money spent on the borough’s public toilets would be reduced from £380,000 to £264,000.

The proposals also show council job cuts across all departments.

Among the services receiving minimal or no cuts are libraries, art galleries and museums, economic regeneration and winter road maintenance.

The proposals also show the council expects to increase its income from public car parking by £300,000 – an indicator that motorists should expect parking fees to rise slightly over the spending period.

After the budget proposals were announced, the leaders of the council’s Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups took the unual step

qualified for the reduction in council tax but from April everyone will pay the full amount, meaning an increase for the over 65s of between £28.03 and £84.09 per year depending on their council tax band.

of issuing a joint statement of support.

In it they described the budget as “the most challenging that any of us can remember” and say they have arrived at a budget that offers “the least worst combination of cuts”.

Since September last year the council has been asking residents and employees to comment on cash saving ideas through a new online discussion forum called Your Voice.

This website gave residents the chance to submit their own ideas and even have a go at balancing the Kirklees budget themselves. In six months, only 127 people registered to use the site although it was viewed on 1,700 separate occasions.

School cook Jacqui Thackray has gained an adult apprenticeship after taking part in a 12 month government-funded course.

Jacqui, who works at Honley CE Junior School, is one of 40 catering staff in Kirklees to achieve the new qualification which is designed to improve skills and confidence and increase career progression.

After a great deal of hard work, Jacqui received her certificate at a special award ceremony at Huddersfield Town Hall from schools facilities manager Annette Bird. Afterwards Jacqui said: “It’s a really good thing to be recognised for what I do daily and have written proof of my skills. I really enjoyed the course.”

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10 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

Group opens new chapter with annual book award KIRKLEES Readers’ Groups are sharing their passion for reading with their very own Book of the Year award. Members of Kirklees Readers Groups have nominated titles for a Kirklees Readers’ Group Book of the Year. A shortlist of six classic and c ontemporary novels has been produced from over 40 nominations.

The shortlisted books are Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Rough Music by Patrick Gale and Vanity Fair by

William Thackeray.

A panel of volunteers made up of two members of library staff and seven Readers Groups members now have the task of reading the shortlisted books and agreeing upon a winner, which will be announced in the summer.

Copies of all the shortlisted books are available in Kirklees Library and Information Centres including Holmfirth, Honley and Meltham if readers want to borrow the books, decide on their own favourite and see if they agree with the winning choice.

HoTT news HoTT stands for Holmfirth Transition Town Initiative. We are a growing number of local people concerned about the very real threat of climate change and peak oil.

Tackling challenges of energy efficiency in older properties

By Janet Williams MANY people in the Holme Valley live in houses over 75 years old.

Making an older home energy efficient can present serious puzzles.

The people who attended HoTT’s recent workshop found some answers.

Mary Blacka has lived in a midterrace house in Cliff, Holmfirth for nine years. Its age is roughly dated as 1830 by a property sale there at that time. Built into the rock behind, its rear wall is damp.

Now spending more time at home Mary needs the heating on longer and wanted both to cut her energy bills and reduce her carbon footprint.

Bob Eades and Kay Whitfield moved into a 1920s ex-council house in the Holme Valley six months ago hoping it would be warmer and their energy bills lower than their previous 19th century home. They were disappointed to find it colder and their bills higher despite more modern construction and double-glazing.

Bob said: “We are keen to lead green lifestyles and were looking for other things we could do to the house such as improve insulation and air tightness.”

Nick Parsons, the energy consultant who led the workshop, met a keenly expectant audience and enthusiastically presented a wide range of information. He explained the relative benefits of good cavity wall insullation compred to thick, rubble-filled walls

HoTT founder Janet Williams (the former wins hands down), and which insulating materials are more or less environmentally friendly. Most of all Nick emphasised the importance of insulating your home first before spending money on the micro-generation of electricity or hot water so that the energy you create does not simply leak away. Also, the advantage of incorporating energy saving improvements into major building works as this saves money. He pointed out, however, the inevitability of making compromises.

Did you know that our forebears were on to a good thing when they used lime-based plaster? Lime has the ability to breathe, letting water vapour out through the walls so that it does not cause damp and mould.

Many of the workshop participants live in 18th or 19th houses.

What did they take away from the workshop? Everybody found it helpful in giving them a basic knowledge of the topics.

Kay and Bob wanted to be able to do things properly themselves and valued the opportunity to talk to an expert. Kay said: “It was good to find out about green building materials and non-toxic paints. Bob was glad to feel better equipped to install insulation.

“Coming to the workshop was part of our investment in educating ourselves for a longer-term renovation strategy.”

Mary said: “Nick was thoughtprovoking and realistic. I liked the way he balanced realism against the importance of aesthetic considerations in improving an old house. I will probably start with insulation.”

This month Holmfirth Transition Town Initiative (HoTT) celebrates its first birthday. Fighting climate change does not have to be all doom and gloom. Why not join us at the Ceilidh with deservedly well-known band, Rocks and Reels, at 7.30 on Saturday February 19 at Holmfirth Civic Hall. Come along and raise a glass of your favourite Nook Brewery Ale! HoTT’s activities this year are supported by Kirklees Council’s environment grant scheme and the workshop was funded through the Peak District National Park’s Sustainable Development Fund.

Community services will be in the spotlight during a one-day conference being hosted by Holmfirth Community Forum on April 1. The conference, entitled ‘Doing Community Better, Services Support and Strategy in a Time of Change’ will feature a keynote address from Professor Alan Dyson from Manchester University. Entrance to the conference, including lunch, is free. Places must be booked in advance by emailing jenny.brook2@btinternet.com

by March 18.

Fourteen make their Rainbow promise HOLMFIRTH has a new Rainbow unit for five-to-seven year old girls.

The 14 members of the 2nd Holmfirth Rainbows made their Promise and received their badge in front of a large audience of family and friends at Holmfirth Parish Church.

Rainbows is the youngest branch of the Brownie and Guide movement.

Also making their Promise in front of Girl Guiding divisional commissioner Audrey Broadbent were new Rainbow leaders Sian Parr and Lisa Coldwell.

They responded to an appeal for new leaders because of a long waiting list of young girls wanting to become Rainbows.

Audrey said: “Having a new unit in Holmfirth had helped

but we still have enough girls waiting to form at least one further group so if anyone else thinks they could become a Rainbow leader or helper I’d love to hear from them.”

Anyone who to like to know more about working with Rainbows or any part of Guiding can contact Audrey on 01484 684357.

Holme Valley Review, February 2011 – 11

12 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

Young cast enjoys a sell-out success OVER 100 young entertainers from Holmfirth High School turned on the style in front of sellout audiences for their annual production, Sweet Charity.

The pupils from years 7-11 had been rehearsing since September for the comedy musical which follows the misadventures of hapless Charity Hope Valentine and her quest for romance. Flo Anstey and Hailey Diamond shared the role of Charity, while Sam Wigfield and Alex Headford took turns in the role of Oscar. They sang and danced their way through the show’s big numbers including ‘Hey, Big Spender’ and ‘If My Friends Could See Me Now’.

Val Gunning from the school drama department was impressed with the hard work that went into the production: “Everyone involved was very dedicated. It isn’t the easiest show to perform and so we needed hard work and talent from everyone involved to pull it off.”

Pre-school’s race against time to secure new home

By Sandie Marshall A CAMPAIGN to secure a new home for Meltham Pre-School is reaching a crucial stage.

The group has been offered a £10,000 grant to help it move into the old caretaker’s bungalow in the grounds of Meltham CE School but in order to qualify for the cash, they must move into the building by the end of March.

That means they are up against the clock to get vital repairs and alterations done to make the building ready for the children.

The pre-school caters for up to 24 children and is currently homed in Meltham Church Hall. The room is also used by other groups and societies in the evening and at weekends. This means staff must completely clear away all their toys and equipment every evening and any permanent play equipment inside or out is not possible.

“It’s really not ideal,” said group chairman Hannah Ratcliffe.

“It’s hard to feel properly at home when we have to put everything away each night. It would also be lovely to have a garden with proper play equipment, which is something we’re very much looking forward to.”

It is three years since they were offered the former caretaker’s bungalow as a new, permanent home and since then they have been drawing up plans, raising cash and

Hannah (left) and pre-school deputy they hope will be their new home. applying for grants. Their original proposals to extend and fully equip the bungalow carried a £140,000 price tag but difficulties with funding have meant they have had to scale back their ideas.

“We were very unlucky,” recalled Hannah. “We were working towards government funding but our application was just not ready on time and within a few days the grant had

manager Sam Chorlton with some of their children outside the bungalow been scrapped. Because of the government cutbacks, other sources of funding have also dried up.”

The group has, however, been successful in securing £10,000 in Lottery funding and have been given £5,000 from the Masons.

They have also been offered a £10,000 grant from Meltham Town Council but on the condition that their project is complete in this

financial year – by March 31.

Hannah said: “With £25,000 we can get the bungalow useable and move in but we need to act fast.

We’ve got a builder who says he can do it on time but it will be tight.

“There’s also so much more we’d like to do with the building so we’re going to continue fund raising until we have enough money to get it done.”

Holme Valley Review, February 2011 – 13

Dancers pirouette to success ...

STUDENTS at Lightfoot School of Dancing have achieved record results in their latest exams.

The youngsters completed their New Year International Dance Teachers Association Examinations (IDTA) and were awarded with more honours than ever before in the history of the Holme Valley school.

School’s principal Kathie Lightfoot said she “was over the moon” with the 100% pass rate from the 243 examinations that took place and

especially proud that 24 of the students achieved honours.

IDTA’s examiner, Tony Dyer commented on how pleased he was to see such an improvement in the students’ skills since he last adjudicated over examinations at Lightfoot School of Dancing.

“The girls and boys have a lot to live up to if they are going to achieve the same high level of results in the next round of examinations which take place in June, but I am sure they will rise to the

challenge!” he said.

The pupils awarded with honours were: Abbie Dare, Ella Marshall, Molly Turner, Abi Sykes, Selina Langford, Hannah Morris, Samantha Moore, Charlotte Parr, Olivia Taylor, Helen James, Chloe Byrne, Tamsin Kendall, Amy Foreman, Katie Broadbent, Sophie Tedder, Emilia Henton, Elise Meara, Sally Rowe, Tilly Brown, Ellie Schofield, Emmy Bailey-Taylor, Lucy Roebuck, Grace Horner received two.

14 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

A disused railway line in Meltham has been rescued from ruin by a group of volunteers and is now used by at least 1,000 locals every month.Reporter Nicola Hyde went to the Meltham Greenway to hear how it all began.

How volunteers get Meltham Greenway back on track ...

Pictured top: The Greenway reopened after hard work by volunteers and, above, the Greenway volunteers clearing the testing circle.

A FEW years ago the Meltham Greenway was a maze of overgrown shrubbery which was virtually impassable. The abandoned railway lines had been left to overgrow for almost half a century before a team of dedicated community volunteers campaigned for its rescue.

It’s taken over £200,000 – money which has been contributed by the council, Meltham Town Council, volunteers and supermarket giant Morrisons – but the Greenway has been reclaimed and repurposed and has become a hub of the community and a favourite amongst elderly walkers and children learning to ride their bikes.

Mel Gibson, a founder member of The Friends Of Meltham Greenway, said: “It was quite a funny tale actually because I’d been involved with a cycle group and we’d realised that the train line would make a lovely Greenway so we went and asked for the money.

“Meltham Town Council agreed to give us some money but they said we had got to be a legitimate group to get it so we went away and formed the Friends of Meltham Greenway.

“Within days, we had written our constitution, opened a bank account and then we were up and running. That’s how it all started really.

“Before if you wanted to walk through there you’d

have to hack your way through it because it was so overgrown, we’ve done a lot of work on it but there’s still an awful lot to do.”

The railway line which the Greenway follows was originally opened in the 1860s and ran passenger trains to Huddersfield until 1949 when it closed because it couldn’t compete with the cheap buses on offer. After that, the train line was used for freight - mainly by local company David Brown Tractors who used the line to ship out thousands of custom made tractors.

Even when the freight line closed in 1964, David Browns adopted the site and used part of the track bed to create a circle for testing tractors on.

Mel added: “A lot of people see the circle and don’t know what to make of it.

What they used to do is they had a big arm and they’d drive the tractor around and around for 100 hours to see how it coped. It was a terrific simulated live test for a tractor - but then when the factory closed in 1988 that wasn’t used any more either and some trees grew in the middle and it became massively overgrown.”

The Friends group has about 14 members – eight of whom are environmental Sustrans Rangers – but it’s a core group of just three volunteers who go to the Greenway every week and log hundreds of volunteer

David Brown Tractors used the circle to test its vehicles.

hours just doing general maintenance.

Mel added: “We go down during the week and sweep it up, cut the vegetation back and maintain it – it’s hard work. If it’s a big project though then we get everybody together.

“I love to go down there, people stop and talk to you, I’ve made a lot of friends through it. It’s funny though because the residents who don’t know about us must see all these little changes taking place and wonder who is doing it.”

The Friends group has already got funding to pay for some inspiration boards to explain the origins of the path; benches have been put in place; and bollards have been installed to stop motorbikes going on the path and damaging it.

Mel said: “When we put those bollards in we were going to pay for them but the residents who lived there had a whip round and paid for them for us. We’ve had some amazing local support – a section of the Greenway isn’t adopted and so Morrison’s stepped in and paid for that section.

They’ve been really marvellous.”

The next project is to clear the outer circle and the group is now looking for a plinth to sit in the middle of it which will say ‘ Meltham Greenway, A Path For People.’

Holme Valley Review, February 2011 – 15

Meltham’s shoppers are staying loyal to their local retailers FIRST impressions of Meltham are of a friendly little town with streets full of character and charm which are home to many fine shops.

With customers’ changing lifestyles and ever-increasing competition from outside the area and online, it is reassuring to see a village centre where independent retailers and traditional family-run businesses still have a strong foothold.

Loyal regular shoppers have kept the tills ringing in

Meltham and long may they do so. With small local shops becoming virtually extinct in many places, the heartfelt plea of recent years ‘use us or lose us’ still rings true. In other words, without your continuous all-yearround support, many of Meltham's long established traders would-be bringing down the shutters for good.

Browsing the shops in Meltham’s neat and compact central area, and venturing slightly further afield, is a real breath of fresh air espe-

cially after traipsing round soul-less shopping malls and being stuck in never-ending queues at the checkouts and on the roads. Within easy walking distance, you can stock up with everyday essentials, quality goods and fresh produce, or shop around for a great choice of gift ideas.

A spot of window shopping can be inspiration enough but sometimes you really need to call in and see for yourself.

Continued on Page 16

‘Browsing the shops in Meltham’s neat and compact central area, and venturing slightly further afield, is a real breath of fresh air’

16 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

Continued from Page 15 If you can’t see what you are looking for, don’t be afraid to ask – friendly and attentive staff will be on hand to help and advise. While out and about, you could also take time out for some much-needed refreshment or sustenance – from a soothing cup of tea or coffee to a relaxing pint, a light snack to a full meal.

Traditional values of quality, customer service and value for money are as important today in Meltham as they were way back in 1826 when the first People's Co-op was opened in Royds Road, nearly two decades before the famous Rochdale Pioneers.

Most people who live and work locally speak proudly of their village, but officially it is a town with its own town council, responsible for grassroots services and decision making. The council has been work-

ing closely with the Chamber of Trade to attract more shoppers into the village – or town – centre, a spirit of co-operation which resulted in the much-improved Christmas lights displays of the past two or three years.

A boon for the weary motorist is the abundance of free and easy parking on the council-run car parks.

How many times have you driven round in circles desperately seeking that elusive space – and then having to pay for the privilege. Not in Meltham! Park for free on long-stay car parks in Carlile Street, Clarke Lane and Westgate. Regular buses run to and from Huddersfield and Holmfirth.

Meltham is buzzing with activity throughout the year with sports events, concerts, a summer gala which usually takes place in June and a recent addition to the calen-

dar, the Meltham Memories 1940s weekend. This year's event will take place from 15 - 17 July. To find out more, visit the website melthammemories.ning.com If you want to see the area from a different angle, there are regular guided walks including, on Thursday 14 April, an easy walk (1.5 miles) to the Rocks of Folly Dolly Falls, led by Alison Tymon of Huddersfield Geology Group. Meet in the car park behind the Carlile Institute, off Huddersfield Road (B6108) for a 6.30pm start. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and please note: wellies are essential.

Pictures courtesy of David Lawton – www.sunsetstories.vpweb.co.uk – An exhibition of David’s work can be seen at The Lionhart Boutique in Thongsbridge, The Flower Box in Meltham and The Fairtraders Cooperative in Holmfirth.

Holme Valley Review, February 2011 – 17

Wedding day package The £999 wedding day package is available midweek, excluding bank holidays and includes: 3 course wedding breakfast x 25 guests Evening buffet x 50 people Complimentary Bridal Suite Sparkling wine on arrival x 25 Function room hire Use of Cake stand & knife Use of Gardens Informal Host Tablecloths & Napkins Complimentary Car parking Evening DJ

Transformed former stately home offers supreme versatility THE luxurious Durker Roods Hotel was taken over by new owners eight months ago and they’ve spent more than £150,000 on transforming the former stately home.

The building dates back to the 1800s but was converted to a hotel over 30 years ago and today – thanks to the addition of Oscar’s Restaurant – it’s firmly established as a venue of supreme versatility.

It’s the perfect setting for a relaxing, quality meal, with an early bird offer running from Tuesday to Saturday between 6 and 7.30pm giving diners two courses

and a half bottle of wine for £19.99 per person.

A spokesman said: “Oscar’s Restaurant has proved to be a welcome venue in the Holme Valley, being very popular with the local community.”

But equally, Durker Roods offers the perfect setting for wedding day celebrations as it is now licensed to stage civil ceremonies.

There is a 150-seat function room with french doors opening onto magnificent gardens, creating a romantic backdrop for wedding day photographs.

But hotel management

are keen to point out that despite the lavish surroundings, Durker Roods is still an affordable venue for any couple – with a full wedding day package costing as little as £999.

A spokesman said: “The hotel has a reputation for creating special memories for the bride and groom with impeccable service and fabulous surroundings on their wedding day.

“We work around your budget – so don’t be put off by our grand surroundings. We cater for all with wedding packages starting from £999, so it’s very affordable.”

Thanks for the memories ...

Happy couples say Durker Roods played a big part in making their big day even more enjoyable. Hotel management are proud of the thankyou letters they have received. Here are just a few: “Your staff and yourself made the day go so smoothly and couldn't have made things any easier for both families and us.

“The surroundings were beautiful, the food was delicious and the service was impeccable.

“You really made it a day to remember and we will cherish the memories you helped to create forever.”

Karen and Nigel Maynell

“Your support from day one in the planning of Mike and Rebecca's wedding was greatly appreciated.

People have commented on what a wonderful and friendly atmosphere there was – so relaxed – but at the same time so efficient and professional.”

Kathryn Evans “You did everything we could have wished for and although it sounds a little cliché we had the perfect day.”

Vicky and James

18 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

Fun sporting event seeks sponsorship Family audiences have been enjoying Jack and the Beanstalk, this year’s traditional pantomime from Honley Players. The show at Southgate Theatre, was written by Alan Frayn and directed by Mark Thewlis, and finished on Saturday February 19. Pictured during final rehearsals are cast members: (Standing l-r ): Simple Simon (Dennis Thewlis), Fairy Sugardust (Kirsty Hazelden), Dame Dotty Dibble (David Barnes), Piccalilli (Andrea Gosslin), Humphrey (George Taylor), (Seated): King Hubert (Stuart Armitage), Jack (Louise Leggett), Princess Primrose (Hannah Barnes), Queen Hyacynth (Maxine Taylor), (kneeling): Scarper (Ben Thewlis), and Snatchet (Ashley Moorhouse).

Storyteller takes family show to library POPULAR children’s storyteller Ray Stearn will be at Holmfirth Library on Saturday February 26 to present his family show A Can of Worms.

Ray started telling stories over 30 years ago when he qualified as a librarian. He uses stories from books, poetry, puppets and songs to entertain his young audiences.

He is appearing as part of ‘A Yorkshire Mixture’ a

month-long programme of events to celebrate National Storytelling Week and as part of the ‘Stories from the Tree of Life’ celebration of storytelling, literature and arts in Kirklees Library and Information Centres.

Tickets for the event, which begins at 10.30am are £1 for adults and 50p children and are available from Holmfirth Library.

Also as part of the

National Storytelling Week, popular children’s author Emily Diamand will be sharing her skills and ideas with children aged nine and over at a children’s writing workshop on Tuesday February 22 from 10.30am to 11.45am at Huddersfield Children’s Library.

Harrogate-based Emily, is the author of ‘Flood and Fire’ and ‘Flood Child’ and will also be giving a read-

ing of her work at the Mrs Sunderland Festival at Huddersfield Town Hall at 2pm on the same day.

The workshop is free of charge, but booking is essential as places are limited.

Places can be booked by contacting Huddersfield Children’s Library for tickets on 01484 221956.

Refreshments will be provided.

ORGANISERS of an annual event to introduce more children to the fun of sport are looking for sponsorship from local businesses.

Thongsbridge Bowling, Tennis and Cricket clubs jointly organise and host the event which is always held on May Day bank holiday.

The clubs invite children of all ages to go along and try their hand at something new.

Activities on offer will include tennis, rugby, cricket, cycling, bowls, football, gymnasium and aerobics. Youngsters who enjoy their taster day will be invited to join the clubs and participate more regularly – and that’s where local companies are needed.

Jason Rook, one of the event’s organisers said: “We’ve found that some very talented children are missing out on sports because their parents can’t necessarily afford club membership fees and the cost of coaching.

We would like businesses to sponsor a child and pay for their sports costs for a time.

“The business can keep track

of the child’s progress and get satisfaction from knowing they are helping a youngster to discover and improve their sport.”

Jason also needs Holme Valley companies to give prizes generously for this year’s event raffle which is held to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Raffle tickets will be on sale on the day and the winners will be drawn by local MP Jason McCartney.

“We’ve had some really good prizes in previous years,” said Jason. “We also have stalls selling local goods and crafts, and entertainment. Last year we had Strike, one of the acts from Britain’s Got Talent.

“In all last year we raised £2,500 for Macmillan and £1,000 to help local kids continue to enjoy their sport. We hope this year can be even better.”

If you would like more information on how you can get involved in this year’s charity sports day, including how to provide sponsorship or a raffle prize, telephone Jason on 07590 524548.

‘If you can draw or describe it then Mark can make it’ HEIRLOOM jewellery can be recrafted into something more modern by Zebra’s in-house goldsmith Edward Mark Booth who has 30 years’ experience in jewellery design.

Zebra was established in 1999 but was taken over by June Mclean in 2008 – now it stocks an increasing amount of gifts and jewellery, offering something for everyone at an affordable price.

And for those who want something a little more custom-made, diamond engagement and wedding rings, dress

rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets or brooches can be made by re-designing old jewellery into something new.

June said: “Mark can make them a bespoke item of jewellery that gives them something different. If they can draw it or describe it then Mark can make it.”

Lovelinks are one of the best sellers at Zebra, giving a range of silver charms and hand made murano glass beads for you to build up a modern day charm bracelet and owners even get a loyalty card that gives you or your friends five per

cent discount off the first five beads or charms then 7.5 per cent off the next five then ten per cent off the full Lovelinks range.

The shop is keen to be as environmentally green as possible and so it recycles all boxes and packing and uses bio-degradable plastic bags that dissolve within three months of going into landfill even though they are more expensive than traditional plastic bags.

June added: “All jewellery boxes can be returned to Zebra and 25p per box returned is donated to Forget Me Not Trust or Kirkwood Hospice so we are not only being green but also donating to good local causes.”

Below: Natasha’s old diamond rings and, left, shows the stunning ring which Mark made for her

These old broken gold chains etc turned into a gold bangle

Holme Valley Review, February 2011 – 19

‘Industrial estate would damage two villages’

By Sandie Marshall A LOCAL action group is objecting to plans to build a new industrial estate which, it says, would merge Brockholes and Honley with permanent damage to both villages.

Brockholes Action Trust has written to Kirklees Council in response to the Local Development Framework (LDF) proposals. Members say that adoption of the proposals would result in land between Robinson Lane, Woodhead Road and the

river Holme being allocated for industrial development. This, they say, would go against the council’s own policy of safeguarding the rural setting of the area.

The LDF sets out the way the council sees development for the region over the next 18 years. It states land is needed in the Holme Valley for 1,200 new homes and business development to accommodate 1,000 new jobs.

“This is Brockhole’s last flat pastureland and we are strongly against it being built on,” said

Trust Chairman David Wyles. “If this goes ahead there would be no open space between Brockholes and Honley, effectively turning them into a single settlement and losing their identities. I’m pretty sure no one in either village wants that.”

This plan, says the Trust, is a re-hash of a proposal put forward by the council in 1993 to develop the same piece of land. On that occasion it went to a public hearing because of strong local objection, and was rejected.

“We can’t understand why they are revisiting the idea” said David. “It was thrown out 18 years ago and we can’t see what has changed since.”

Colin Hill, chairman of Honley Civic Society agrees with David and is also concerned that some of the new homes in the plan would be built on greenbelt land.

“The greenbelt is supposed to protect from urban sprawl, not be used as a land bank,” he said. The society has also submitted a letter to the council expressing its concerns.

Councillor criticises consultation process HOLME Valley South Councillor Donald Firth has strongly criticised the LDF consultation saying the whole exercise is a costly waste of time and money.

“The council organised two meetings for this area – one in Meltham and one in Milnsbridge but nothing for the people of Holmfirth or Honley. In the end, myself and my fellow councillors Ken Sims and Nigel Fitzpatrick held a meeting

in Holmfirth and the Parish Council organised one in Honley.

“I still don’t think enough people have seen the information or know what the LDF is proposing. Everyone is supposed to have received information in the post about it but I’ve asked over 250 people and so far 12 say they’ve had a leaflet. I don’t see where the infrastructure is coming from for this level of development. Our

schools are full, our doctors and dentists are full and our roads and sewage wouldn’t cope. It hasn’t been thought through.”

The formal LDF consultation period is now closed although the council says information will remain on its website and it will still listen to comments and views from individuals and groups until the proposals are considered by the full Donald Firth council later in the year.

Parents ready for tricky questions A GROUP of parents from the Holme Valley have completed a course to help them communicate with their children about sexual education.

The Speakeasy course at the Golcar, Cowlersley and Milnsbridge Children’s Centre has been developed by the Family Planning Association and covers topics on sexual

health and relationships.

The parents were supported

by Carol Woodhead and Sam Stubley, family support workers, in completing their portfolios to be submitted to the Family Planning Association.

One of the parents who took part said: “I feel fully prepared for the inquisitive questions my four-year-old tends to ask.”

Could you serve as a councillor?

WITH elections for Parish and Town Councils due to take place on May 5, now is the ideal time to start thinking whether you could serve as a councillor.

Holme Valley Parish Council has 23 councillors representing different parts of the parish, known as wards. Meltham Town Council doesn’t have a ward system – all its 12 councillors share responsibility for representing the whole town.

Being a town or parish councillor is not a full time role and many successfully combine it with other jobs.

It is done on a completely voluntary basis so councillors do not get paid. Most councillors are expected to attend no more than one evening meeting each week in addition to holding regular surgeries to meet local people and listen to their views.

It is not necessary to have strong political views to stand on a council. Many people stand as an independent candidate but it is possible to approach a specific political party with a view to standing on their behalf.

Among their responsibilities, parish and town councillors can comment on planning decisions, support community groups and have an influence on how local funds are spent.

More information about becoming a councillor can be found on the two websites; www.holmevalleyparishcouncil.go.uk and www.melthamtowncouncil.gov.uk or pick up a leaflet from council offices and information centres. It could be a good idea to attend one of the public meetings to see what goes on or contact an existing councillor to ask about their role.

Information packs giving full details of nomination process and the May 5 elections are now available. Completed nomination forms for candidates must be submitted between March 28 and April 4.

Fair Traders get the bunting out to help record bid HOLMFIRTH Fair Traders Cooperative is preparing to take part in a record-breaking attempt as part of Fairtrade Fortnight.

Members will be stringing up bunting across the river in the town centre on Saturday March 5 as their contribution to a national attempt to set a new record for the most bunting ever displayed. The bunting will carry fairtrade messages and was designed by customers of the Co-operative’s shop during recent workshops.

The bunting will rub shoulders will fair-trade cotton pants which will also be strung across the river to celebrate the positive impact that fair trade has on the lives of millions of people around the world. The theme for

this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight is 'show off your label'.

On March 4, members will welcome special guest Monica Norley who is co-founder of the Visionary Soap Company, the UK’s leading Fairtrade body care and beauty company. Monica will lead a ‘Visionary Evening’ to showcase her company’s work with communities in South Africa. It will also provide an opportunity to hear the inspirational human stories behind the ingredients in their products.

“It's a real boon to The Fair Traders Co-operative and to Holmfirth that Monica has agreed to come all the way from Hastings to talk to us,” said Helen Robinson, Founder Director of The Holm-firth Fair Traders Co-operative.

Council offers royal wedding cash HOLME Valley Parish Council wants to help local groups mark the royal wedding by offering cash towards community celebrations.

The first 12 groups who contact the council with brief details of their party plans will receive £50 to help towards their costs.

To be eligible for the money, events must be open to the community and not limited to a closed group such as members of a family, club or society.

Prince William and his bride Kate Middleton will be married on Friday April 29 at Westminster Abbey. Thousands are expected to travel to London from all over the country, while others will hold their own group and street parties closer to

home. The big day has already been declared a Bank Holiday and pub licencing laws will be relaxed to allow celebrations to continue into the early hours.

By offering the grants, the council hopes to encourage Holme Valley groups to start planning their own celebrations.

You can apply for a royal wedding celebration grant by writing to: Holme Valley Parish Council, Council Offices, Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, HD9 3JP or by email to admn@holmevalleyparishcouncil.gov.uk How are YOU planning to celebrate the Royal Wedding? Let us know by emailing your plans to news@holmevalleyreview.co. uk or call our newsdesk on 07747 447023.

20 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011

CLASSIFIED SERVICES SITUATION VACANT

COMPUTING

REMOVALS

CARPET FITTING

What’s On Guide Saturday February 26, Holmfirth Library, 10.30am-11.30am, A Can of Worms – family storytelling session with Ray Stearn, using poems, puppets and songs. Tickets £1 adults, 50p children, available from the library 01484 222430.

Saturday February 26, Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival, 6.30pm, with lanterns, storytelling, music and dancing, celebrating the 200-year-old tale of villagers 'raking the moon' from the canal – in reality, they were retrieving a secret stash of contraband rum.

Saturday February 26 – Sunday February 27, Colne Valley Museum, Golcar, Havercakes – see traditional oatcakes being made in the 19th Century kitchen. On Sunday, a visit by the Havercake Lads – His Majesty's 33rd Regiment of Foot. Open 2pm-5pm both days.

Phone 01484 659762.

Monday February 28, Reception Room, Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.30pm, talk by David Griffiths on the Huddersfield Exhibition of 1840, free admission for members of Huddersfield Local History Society, £1 on the door for non-members.

Wednesday March 2 & Friday March 4, Marsden Health Walk, 11am-12.30pm, get some exercise, discover new places, meet new people. Sturdy boots and waterproofs essential. More information from Alison Mills, National Trust Marsden Moor estate office 01484 847016, email: marsdenmoor@nationaltrust.org.uk Wednesday March 2, Holmfirth Civic Hall, 7pm, Oxfam evening – opportunity for communities within the Holme Valley and further afield to hear first hand about the charity's work, and how grassroots support plays a vital role in helping some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

Guest speaker Jo-Anne Witcombe will have only recently returned from a three-week trip to Oxfam’s projects in Liberia.

Thursday March 3, Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.30pm, The Magic of Motown, smash hit concert show featuring classic songs made famous by The Supremes, The Four Tops,.Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves, Lionel Richie and more. Tickets £19.50 from Kirklees booking offices.

Saturday March 5, Holmfirth Picturedrome, Latin night with nine-piece band Oye Vamos, a mix of old-style Cuban classics, New York boogaloo and familiar tunes reworked in their own distinctive style. A great night if you're a salsa dancer or just want an excuse to let your hair down! For tickets, call in at the box office bar any weekday evening, 7.30-10pm, or book online at www.picturedrome.net Saturday March 5, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, 8pm, O'Hooley and Tidow, live in

the Syngenta Cellar, contemporary gentlewomen described as 'Jo Brand meets Laurel and Hardy', £10, £8 concessions.

Box office: 01484 430528, online at www.thelbt.org Sunday 6 March, Marsden Station, off A62 Manchester Road, 10am, join Malcolm for a walk around Scammonden, eight to nine miles, a 'hard' route with some rough terrain. Under-16s must be accompanied. Contact Kirklees countryside volunteer Oliver 07971 192 383 Monday March 7, Huddersfield Town Hall, 1pm, Organ concert

by Dr Gordon Stewart. Lunch available from 11.30am in the Old Court Room. Tickets £4, £3 concessions from the town hall box office.

Wednesday March 9 - Friday March 11, Hepworth Village Hall events: Weds 9, 10am, charity coffee morning, in aid of Cystic Fibrosis research; Fri 11, Film night: Mid August Lunch, (comedy drama, cert U), £3, doors open 7pm.

Wednesday March 9, University of Huddersfield, 1.15pm, recital

by John Scott Whiteley, organist emeritus of York Minster, music

by JS Bach. Tickets £3, £2 concessions. Contact James Greenwood, events and marketing 01484 472003.

Wednesday March 9, Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.30pm, Bjorn Again – spring break tour featuring the hits of Abba and songs from the musical Mamma Mia. Tickets £18.50 from Kirklees booking offices.

Saturday March 12, Brockholes Wander, meet 10.15am at St George's Church, Brockholes Lane (HD9 7EB), for a 'medium' circular walk, eight to nine miles, free to take part. To find out more, contact Eileen Blakey, Huddersfield CHA Walking & Social Club: 01484 534521.

Saturday March 12, Penistone Paramount, 2.30pm, Howard Beaumont will be playing the four-manual Compton cinema pipe organ, latest in the regular series of concerts arranged by the Penistone Cinema Organ Trust. Phone 01226 767532 / 762004 Saturday March 12, St Paul's Church, Armitage Bridge, 7.30pm, concert by Paddock Orchestra, with music by Mozart, Beethoven and Bizet. Admission £6, £3 juniors, pay on the door or book tickets with Jean Gooden 01484 661196.

Saturday March 12 - Saturday March 19, Live music at Holmfirth Picturedrome: Sat 12, A Foreigner's Journey - respected tribute band playing classic rock

by Foreigner and Journey; Sun 13, Alan Price - the original Geordie lad who first found fame with The Animals (House of the Rising Sun) in1964; Thurs 17, Jack Bruce & The Blues Experience: rare UK date by the founding member of the leg-

Review Holme Valley

endary '60s psychedelic rock trio, Cream; Fri 18, The Manfreds – maximum rhythm and blues with original Manfred Mann frontman Paul Jones, his old band mates Mike Hugg and Tom McGuinness and others; Sat 19, Steve Lukather, guitarist-singer, founder of Toto (Hold The Line, Africa, Rosanna). For tickets, call in at the box office bar any weekday evening, 7.30-10pm, or book online at www.picturedrome.net

Sunday March 13, St Patrick's Parade, 1pm, Huddersfield town centre, showcasing the best of Irish culture with bands, floats and street artistes. The parade will start and finish at the Irish Centre, Fitzwilliam Street (HD1 5BB).

Tuesday March 15 - Saturday March 19, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, Little Shop of Horrors, musical production by Woodhouse Operatic Society, in the style of early '60s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown featuring several well known tunes, on the main stage, 7.30pm nightly + 2.15pm Saturday matinee.Box office: 01484 430528, online at www.thelbt.org Wednesday March 16, Old Court Room, Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.45pm, BR Steam in the '60s, Ken Horan giving a talk for all rail enthusiasts, hosted by Huddersfield Railway Circle.

Contact secretary Mike Swift 01422 374526.

Saturday March 19, Almondbury Methodist Church, 7.15pm, Songs in Spring, presented by Huddersfield Choral Society junior choirs. Information from the church on 01484 424753 or by e-mail: junior.choirs@huddersfieldchoral.com Saturday March 19, Honley Ladies Choir present Love Is In The Air, 7.30pm, at St Mary's Church, Honley. In the run-up to the Royal Wedding, the choir invite you to an evening of romantic music, from classical to popular. Tickets £6, on the door.

Phone 01484 307189.

Saturday March 19, St Aidan's Church, Skelmanthorpe, 7.30pm, Voice and Verse Trio celebrate in words and music the 400th anniversary of the King James Authorised Version of the Bible.

The trio have performed in Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and the National Gallery. Tickets £10. Contact Ruth Sherrin 01484 864164, email: r_sherrin@hotmail.com Sunday March 20, Holmfirth Farmers Market, 8am-2pm, in the Market Hall, a monthly array of quality local produce, meats, fresh fruit and veg, breads, cheeses, cakes, jams, honey and much more. Information line: 01484 223730.

Sunday March 20, Spring Equinox Mind, Body and Soul Festival, 10am -5pm, at Slaithwaite Community Centre (HD7 5DH), a host of holistic

delights, therapy, healing, readings, stalls and talks, also performances by local belly dancers, music from The Thieving Magpies and a fire-spinning finale.

Admission £2. Contact Linda Haigh 01484 840283, e-mail: moryanna2008@hotmail.com Sunday March 20, Tolson Memorial Museum, Huddersfield, 1pm-4pm, Fun with Phones, children's activities on the theme of communication, have a go at making your own gadget for National Science Week.

Admission 50p. The museum is within Ravensknowle Park, on the A629 Wakefield Road.

Sunday March 20, Castle Hill, Almondbury, 1.30 -4.30pm, Spring Equinox walk. Please note you will need good footwear, warm clothing & waterproofs.

It's free to take part, but all children must be accompanied, no dogs allowed except assistance dogs. Booking essential: phone ranger Julian Brown 07968 426 312.

Thursday March 24 - Saturday March 26, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, Dancing at Lughnasa, award-winning, lifeaffirming play filled with dark humour, raw energy and tenderness, on the main stage 7.30pm nightly + 2pm Saturday matinee.

Tickets £12 - £16, with concessions. Also: Sat 26 March, 11am and 2pm in the Syngenta Cellar, The Dragon's Daughter, family show with bewitching music and beautiful hand-carved puppets, £6 adults, £4.50 children. Box office: 01484 430528, online at www.thelbt.org Saturday March 26, New Mill Circular Walk, 10am, from the village centre car park, 'medium' ten mile route, free to take part.

Contact Eileen Blakey, Huddersfield CHA Walking & Social Club 01484 534521.

Saturday March 26, Denby Dale Station, off A636 Wakefield Road, 10.45am, 'Clothiers Bound' – join Tony for a medium linear walk, six to seven miles, along lanes, field paths and through woods, finishing at Shepley station. Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Contact Kirklees countryside volunteer Oliver 07971 192 383

Saturday March 26, Holmfirth Civic Hall, 7.30pm, Handel's Messiah performed by Holmfirth Choral Society and Valley Sinfonia. Soloists: Stephanie Ball, Lucy Appleyard, Richard Buxton, John Ramsdin, conductor: Geoffrey Lockwood.

Admission £8, tickets available from Tourist Information, Huddersfield Road. Contact Carol Hamer 01484 661397.

Saturday March 26, Hepworth Village Hall, 8pm, HepworthLive presents singer-songwriter Reg Meuross with Bethany Porter playing cello. Tickets £10 from Paul Drury 01484 686987 or online: www.hepworthlive.com

Coffee shop work begins at Bolster Moor New Probus chairman

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

BOLSTER Moor Farm Shop, suppliers to restaurants and the public in the Holme Valley, are expanding again to meet demand.

Work is starting on their new coffee shop as a result of customers travelling to the Farm Shop requiring a quality cup of coffee or tea and homemade confectionery fresh from their own bakery to break their journey.

Simon Haigh and his partner Andrew Whitwam, have recently scooped the UK's top sausage award and been declared Britain’s Champion of Champions 2010. The competition organised and run by Meat Trades Journal, is an annual competition

which sees the best sausages from right across the UK pitched together to pick out the ultimate winner.

The pair, who run Bolster Moor Farm Shop, took the title after beating off competition from 25 other champion sausages in the competition held at Butcher’s Hall, London.

Harden Road farm, Bolster Moor was bought by Simon’s grandfather, Joe Haigh, in 1953 and in 1963 it was passed to his son John Haigh. In 1973, with the introduction of VAT, John and his cousin Harry (Andrew’s father) decided to form a partnership. Not only did this allow them to reduce their overheads it

also allowed them to run a larger egg production business and diversify to achieve a pedigree flock of Texel sheep and pedigree Aberdeen Angus cattle.

Simon and Andrew’s wives, Debbie and Lisa, are also actively involved in running the business.One son is currently employed working as a full-time butcher and recently qualified as a candidate for Young Butcher of the Year and another is at Askham Bryan College studying agriculture and the younger ones are all involved in the shop or on the farm helping to grow this thriving family business.

HOLMFIRTH Probus Club has a new chairman. Mr Philip Horne was elected at the 40th annual general meeting of the club at Holmfirth Methodist Church.

The other officials were all re-elected to their positions.

The outgoing chairman Mr Marcus Senior thanked officials and members for their support during his year in office. Treasurer Mr Gordon Hallas presented his accounts and the secretary’s report showed an average attendance at monthly meetings of 38 from a total membership of 60. After the official business was completed, Mr Senior gave a talk about his first employment at Mettricks butchers in Holmfirth. Following the meeting, lunch was held at Meltham Golf Club.

Community Trust meeting THE Annual General Meeting of Honley Village Community Trust will be held on Tuesday March 8 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

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24 – Holme Valley Review, February 2011