The Heptonstall Lights and Planting Group Front of House Competition was won this year by David Flint of Townfield (see pic.) and a runner up prize was given to Bernice Briggs of Smithwell Lane.
The group would also like to make special mention of both pubs who have helped brighten up the village this year with their impressive displays of flowers.
Details of the next Heptonstall Parish Council meeting can be seen here.
Picture courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/smallblu/
“Many thanks to all in the village and beyond for their support and enthusiasm for this years Pace Egg.
It was yet another great day blessed with good weather for all.
Thanks to the Calder Valley Search and Rescue for collecting and St Johns Ambulance for being on hand plus the Hill Millies for dancing on.
With a combination of good weather and an enthusiastic following the collection was up this year and I am please to announce we collected £1200 pound and 10p. Thus this year we were able to donate £600 to Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team, £600 to McMillan Cancer Support and 10p to Toss Pot for some thread to mend his pants.
We look forward to next year.”
David Burnop – for the Heptonstall Pace Eggers.
A SPECIAL TOUR DE FRANCE NIGHT FOR THE VILLAGE
Tour de France excitement will reach fever pitch on the evening of Saturday July 5th when the village hosts its annual summer fell race. This year’s race has been renamed the Heptonstall Grand Depart Fell Race, and is likely to attract a large influx of visitors arriving for the Tour de France the following day.
The race promises to be a spectacular start to the Tour de France weekend. After the success of the Germanic themed race-catering last year, the obvious theme for this year’s event will be Le Tour, and all things French.
The 6 mile race (full details at the Festival Fell Race Website) takes place at 19.30 on Saturday evening, by which time we expect hundreds of runners and visitors to be gathering for the an evening of sport, food, music (plus les biėrres et les vins). The race HQ will be at the CROSS INN. There will be French style catering and music back in the pub’s decorated court yard. All proceeds from the race and catering will go to support village causes.
CAN YOU HELP?
The race can only take place with the enthusiastic involvement of the people of Heptonstall. The generous support of so many people from around the village is much appreciated and has proven to be key factor in runners coming back to take part in the event year after year.
The organisers would be very grateful to volunteers willing to give up around 90 minutes of their time, whilst cheering on the visiting runners.
SO WHAT IS INVOLVED?
No experience is required. A marshal is simply there to keep an eye on the race at the given point, advising runners of any hazards, and reporting back to race organiser to confirm all is going well. There are many points along the route where marshals will be stationed to make sure runners don’t head off in the wrong direction, or alerting runners to approach road crossings safely. Your position can be organised to suit your preference – either in the village and surrounding fields, somewhere around the Blue Pig, or up around Peckett Well.
We usually team you up with a friend or neighbour, providing you with instructions, timings, hi-viz bib, and contact numbers. No experience is required but we will explain everything you would need know for your position. You might need to head off to your position at around 19.00-15, and should be finished before 21.00 (earlier if you are up at Peckett Well). The runners will be pleased to see you and will be thanking you as they run by – hopefully you can cheer them on!
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP
Anyone interested in helping out with marshalling duties (easy and fun lasting 90 mins maximum) please call race organiser; Stephen Grimley on 07710 015560 / email stephen.grimley@royalmail.com.
FREE BEER
All marshals will receive a free pint of beer as a thank you.
HeLP is planning to hold a free workshop in Weavers Square – learn how to create a lovely hanging basket or planter and take it home with you. Everything you might need will be available, with plants to buy.
Saturday 14th June at 11.0 – 2.0 pm.
The Tour de France will bring us lots of visitors – we’d like to decorate the village together and make it even more attractive this summer.
We will also be running our annual Front of House competition to coincide with the race; judging will take place on the race weekend – so get your tubs and baskets ready and see if you can win a prize!
Join The Heptonstall Village Team for a leisurely lunch at The Cross Inn, Heptonstall.
Tuesday 17th June 12pm til 3.00
Transport available.
You are cordially invited to join the landlord of the pub for the first of our lunch club events. The pub will be providing a special, good value lunch every Tuesday, and The Heptonstall Village Team will support one of these events each month with additional entertainment and transport.
The menu is £2.95 and you have a choice of:
Ham and Leek Pie, Steak and Ale Pie or Cheese and Onion Pie,
All served with veg and chips.
The Heptonstall Village Team, will be on hand with scrabble, dominoes, music and bingo to entertain.
Or just use this as a chance to catch up with your old friends from the village and Mytholm Court and Meadows.
To book a place, arrange transport or if you need assistance or an escort on the day, ring…..
Jan Lymer 01422 847979 or 07772 168812.
The following comment was sent to Heptonstall village website by Brian Hemsworth, Trustee of New Hope, the organisation connected with Slack Chapel.
“We were asked by people at the meeting on the 9th of April to give an update of what our intensions were after we met as a committee. below is our response.
“A meeting had been arranged at Colton Primary School [sic] to appraise residents of New Hope’s vision to restore the building for use as a ” Recovery Centre” for those recovering from various addictions.
“The meeting was attended by around 100 people but sadly did not afford those representing New Hope the courtesy of being allowed to present the proposed use,due to constant disruptions.
We were asked at the end of the meeting to let those who attended, know of our future intentions.
“At our New Hope committee meeting on Friday 11th April it was decided that we would continue with the proposal.
It is therefore intended to submit a planning application in due course.
“This process will ensure that local residents can submit their views on the application to the planning authority.”
Brian Hemsworth. New Hope Trustee.
Pudding Night – 2 April
Thanks to everybody who supported the Pudding Night in The White Lion and made it a success.
Churchyard Clear up – 12 April
Thanks to everyone who helped with the churchyard clear up. We are beginning to make a difference.
The next clear up and planting session is on Saturday 26 April at 11.0 – 1.0 pm. Everybody welcome.
Plant and Planter / Hanging Basket Sale
HeLP are also planning to hold a Plant and Planter / Hanging Basket Sale in Weavers Square on Saturday 14th June at 11.0 – 2.0 pm. We want to help make Heptonstall even better for the Tour de France.
We will also be running our annual Front of House competition to coincide with the race, so get your tubs and baskets and see if you can win a prize.
Buses – Service 596 (Hebden Bridge – Heptonstall – Blackshaw Head)
From 27 April 2014….
All journey times on Service 596 will be amended by adding 2 minutes between Heptonstall and Blackshaw Head and removing 2 minutes between Heptonstall and Hebden Bridge.
06.35 Monday – Friday Service 596 from Blackshaw Head to run 10 minutes earlier throughout – this meets requests to connect with the 06.52 Manchester train.
Service 596 to be registered as ‘Hail and Ride’ on High Court, Slack as requested.
The new timetable can be found on the following page.
Service 596 timetable from April 2014 (opens as new window).
Good Friday, 18th April in Weaver’s Square, Heptonstall
The crowds are parting, giving Neil Hope-Collins a wide berth. He’s clearing the path for the combatants behind him, as they make their way slowly up the hill.
Stuart Hought is leading in the white jersey with his famous star motif, closely followed by Jimmy Green in his now familiar grey jersey (or did he just mix his whites with his coloureds in the wash?).
David Burnop in his highly experimental headwear is making the most of it’s aerodynamic properties as he closes on the front runners. He pauses for a quick swig of his own recipe medicinal brew to help him on his way.
Andy Carter in the black jersey with the gold trim isn’t pushing at all, almost ambling along, laid back in his signature sunglasses. Sydney Roper in his long white jersey and cap follows next, sharing good natured banter with the public as the group pass by.
The young blood of the group Rowan Carter is vying for position, his red jersey flashing in the sunlight. Tailing, last but definitely not least, is the ladies’ favourite Dean Gash, pausing to entertain the crowd as the group weave up the hill narrowly avoiding a bus. What’s this you say? Le Tour has arrived early? No, of course not. This is the traditional procession of Heptonstall Pace Eggers making their way to their next performance in Weaver’s Square this Good Friday.
They would welcome your attendance, especially if you also weave up the hill to Heptonstall by foot or public transport. Or yes, for the fittest amongst you, even by bike!
Please avoid bringing your horseless carriage, parking is very limited.
This year collection will be for: McMillan Nurses and Calder Valley Search & Rescue Team. Members of the search and rescue team will be collecting.
Pace Egg play 2012 – photo: HebWeb
Performance times are as follows in Weaver’s Square:
11.15 am Heptonstall Pace Egg
12.30 pm Heptonstall Pace Egg
2.00 pm Heptonstall Pace Egg
3.00pm Midgley Pace Egg (Calder High Players)
4.00pm Heptonstall Pace Egg
The cast are:
Compare MC Juggler Neil Hope-Collins
St George Stuart Hought
Bold Slasher Jimmy Green
The Doctor David Burnop
Black Prince Andy Carter
King of Egypt Sydney Roper
Hector Rowan Carter
Toss Pot Dean Gash
Above details courtesy of Hebweb – http://www.hebdenbridge.co.uk/news/2014/082.html
Have your say on new flood risk reduction plans
Calderdale Council and the Environment Agency are consulting residents in the Upper Calder Valley about new plans to reduce flood risk.
A public drop-in meeting will be held at Hebden Bridge Town Hall on Wednesday 9 April 2014 between 3pm and 7pm to outline details of proposed schemes for the Todmorden, Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd areas.
These include plans for managing water running down the hills into Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Midgley, overtopping from the canal in Todmorden and highway flooding in Todmorden and Eastwood.
The £3 million programme will be funded by the Environment Agency and Calderdale Council and work on the first of the schemes will start this autumn.
The Environment Agency wants to hear what local people have to say about the initial proposals before drawing up detailed designs during the summer.
There will also be an opportunity to learn about the work done so far by the local flood action groups in the Upper Calder and visitors to the Drop-In will be invited to give their views on plans to establish stores across the valley which will contain equipment to be used in the event of flooding.
Local people will also have a chance to share their views on the development of a new website to provide up to date community information and advice in times of flooding.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, Cllr Barry Collins, said: “This is an opportunity for local residents to find out more about the planned works and to make their opinions known. The £3 million programme demonstrates the commitment of both the council and the Environment Agency to flood prevention in the Upper Calder Valley. The various schemes are part of the Calderdale Flood Investment Plan, designed to help local people and businesses become increasingly flood resilient.”
EA project manager Andrew Coen said: “A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes in the last year to develop projects that will make a real difference to the risk the communities in the Upper Calder Valley face from flooding. Over the next 12 months, we will be implementing these projects on the ground. However, before we do that, we would like to invite local people to have their say on these plans.”
The April-May 2014 edition of The Calderdale Voice can be seen by clicking this link.
The Calderdale Voice magazine will provide information on local Health & Social Care services in Calderdale, new national initiatives and news from the Healthwatch Calderdale team.
Hard Copies of the magazine are also available on request, whilst electronic copies of previous editions can be seen here.
More information available from:
Voluntary Action Calderdale
The Resource Centre
Hall Street
Halifax
HX1 5AY
Tel: 01422 431099
Facebook: Healthwatch Calderdale
Twitter: @hwcalderdale
The agenda for the next Parish Council meeting can be seen here.
On Saturday 12 April, from 10am to 4pm, Hebden Bridge based charity Pennine Horizons will be launching four new electronic trails to enhance four walks in the Calder Valley area. The launch will take place at a special open day at the Birchcliffe Centre, Birchcliffe Road, Hebden Bridge.
The e-trails (or audio commentaries) can be downloaded to a phone or mp3 player and include interesting stories of local events and people of note as well as information about of the awe-inspiring ecology and outstanding industrial heritage of the area. The trails are:
Visitors are welcome to drop in to the launch day between 10am and 4 pm to find out more about the new trails as well as a further nine trails which are currently being developed across the Calder Valley. This is likely to include a version of the Heptonstall Trail. They can also find out how they can get involved in the Pennine Horizons project and sign up for future guided walks in the area
As part of the launch, Pennine Horizons will also lead a FREE guided walk around Hebden Bridge on the group’s Tree Trail, looking at the fascinating history of how trees and wood were utilised in the area. This will start at the Birchcliffe Centre at 2pm. Spaces are limited so you will need to book in advance by contacting Vicky on Vicky@pennine-horizons.org.uk. The walk will take about 2.5 hours and involves some hills and muddy paths, so please come prepared with sensible footwear.
Frank Woolrych, Chair of the Pennine Horizons project said: “The stunning landscapes and striking remains of its industrial heritage have drawn walkers and historians to the Calder and its valleys for many years.
“To share this with more people, we have teamed up with a whole host of local volunteers, community groups and organisations to create 12 interesting and inspiring walks and trails. The event in April will provide visitors with a great opportunity to see the work we have been doing and we hope that some of them will join us on the free guided walk on the day.”
Anyone interested in volunteering to help to develop the charity’s walks and trails, support events, education groups or digital archive project can contact the organisation via email: info@pennine-horizons.org.uk or phone: 01422 844450 or visit the charity’s website at www.pennineheritage.org.uk
All evening concerts are held in Heptonstall Parish Church
Tuesday 27 May 7.30
Orchestra and Chorus,
Mozart : Symphony 35 “Haffner”
Hummel : Trumpet Concerto– soloist Christian Barraclough
Rutter : All things bright and beautiful, God be in my head,
For the beauty of the earth.
Poulenc : Sinfonietta
Wednesday 28 May
The Bell Ringers are contributing to the festival by ringing a full peal – (1pm- 4pm). The chosen piece is ‘Heptonstall Surprise Major’ and was performed for the first time, on the bells of St Thomas’, in 1988
Thursday 29 May 7.30 Chamber Concert
Choir:
Verdi : Chorus of Hebrew Slaves, Anvil Chorus,
Chorus of Scottish Refugees
Hughes: Spirituals – Jonah and Norah
Due Voci:
Selection from Dvorak and Monteverdi
Wind Chamber Group:
Selection from Ibert, Vinter and Dvorak
Saturday 31 May 7.30
Orchestra and Chorus,
Brahms:` Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Mendelssohn: Lobesang
soloists include: Louisa Stirland (BBC Chorister of the year 2012)
Linda Harvey and Tom Morrs
Tickets £10, (£8 concessions), £1 (under 16’s) to all concerts.
Available on the door or bookable in advance at Hebden Bridge, Todmorden and Halifax Tourist Information Offices.
Full Programmes will be available at the Post Office, Tourist Information Office, Libraries and several outlets locally.
Over the last couple of years you may have been aware of some changes at Slack Top Centre which you may know as Slack Chapel.
External renovations were completed two years ago but the trust subsequently had administrative problems which resulted in the building being closed. These problems have now been resolved and we find ourselves looking to the future and endeavouring to use the building in keeping with our trust deed, which is to provide low cost temporary accommodation for people of limited means, encouraging care and concern for the countryside, and for the promotion of the Christian Faith. Previously these aims were met in the form of a self-catering hostel primarily for young people alongside the work of Mount Zion Baptist Chapel, the church which met on the premises. For various reasons this is no longer a viable plan for the building and we have been looking at alternative uses.
The trust is now negotiating a partnership with another charity, New Hope, who will work with us to renovate the internal fabric of the centre and establish a new use for the building still in keeping with our trust deed, which brings us to the reason for this letter.
We have been working closely with the Calderdale planning department which includes the conservation officer as the building is grade2 listed. The charity we are working with supports people with addictions and wishes to establish a residential rehabilitation centre. In order for this to go ahead we need to apply for a change of use on the building and in doing so wish to consult with the local community.
To facilitate this we have organised an open meeting on Wednesday 9th April at 7.30pm, in Colden School, the trustees of the building will be there as well as the director of New Hope to answer your questions and concerns. For those of you who cannot make this meeting we welcome your input either by mail to the above address or e-mail to joannehulmestc@yahoo.co.uk.
We know some of you may be concerned about the impact this will have on the church that has met in the building. The leadership of Mount Zion Baptist Chapel have been working closely with the trustees and are long term supporters of the New Hope charity. They are fully behind this change in direction, and are looking forward to the opportunities it will bring to serve the local community alongside New Hope. In the meantime they continue to meet at Heptonstall Bowling Club.
Please feel free to contact us for further information and we look forward to meeting some of you on the 9th. It would be good to see this building restored and used then to help restore people, a cause we are sure the original congregation of 1878 would have considered worthy.
More information on New Hope can be seen below.
The Slack Top Centre Trustees
Slack Top Vision
We are a charity and have been running a non residential rehab for people with addictions in Leeds for 14 years. We have had over 2500 people come through our doors in that time and have had some success in seeing people come of their addiction and returning to normal life. We work closely with doctors and government agencies to see that the people we deal with will get the best help they need.
In the past few years we have seen the need for a residential centre and have been actively looking for the last year. We have known Jason and Joanne for 12 years and met them to discuss the use of the Slack Top Centre for that purpose.
Our Purpose:
To accommodate up to 8 people in the centre for a period of 3 months at a time. They would have to be detoxed before coming to us.
When they arrive there will be a very controlled environment for them with full time staff and part time staff on site at all times. The people would have to remain free of drugs in the facility for the complete duration of their stay.
Each person would have an individual care plan and would have to agree to do work in the community while here. There will be very strict rules of conduct in and outside of the centre, any one breaking them will be sent home immediately. The people coming here will be put through an entrance check so that only those serious will be allocated a place.
What would this entail for You
There would be opportunities for you to come into the facility on open days to see what happens. There would also be an opportunity for any practical work you would need doing such as gardening or small decorating jobs.
We will be arranging meetings for you to put your point of view across in case you have any issues or fears.
Or you can have as little as possible to do with us.
Have there been any other places like this in a small community:
Yes there are. We have two who we know very well, one down in Norwich called Hebron; the other is in Northern Ireland called the Stauros Foundation.
Both have facilities in small hamlets and have very good relationships with the local people who have had no problems at all.
HeLP’s next meeting is on Monday 7 April 2014 at 8.00 pm in the White Lion.
The next churchyard clear-up is on Saturday 12 April 2014 between 11.00 am and 1.00 pm. Bring tools if possible.
More details about HeLP can be seen here.
If you are worried about your home being cold or damp in winter, and rising energy costs, Age UK have a new FREE service that is available to any older person.
They can help with:
To find out more, call us on 01422 262011 or visit the website.
Want to get to grips with new technology and the internet but don’t want the outlay of a new computer straight away? Age UK may be able to offer:
If you would like more information or to see if you or someone you know is eligible, please call Anne Cuthbert at Age UK Calderdale & Kirklees 01422 252 040 or visit the website
HEPTONSTALL FELL RACE – Saturday March 29th – 10.30 am
Heptonstall Hurriers are busy preparing for another big day in the village calendar. 2014 will see the 4th running of the Heptonstall Fell Race. The race has new HQ this year as THE CROSS INN takes over as the main race sponsor. Heptonstall Hurriers (an informal group of runners based in around the village) expect over 200 runners to enter the 15 mile race. Local Scouts, Mountain Rescue, Raynet radio team, and Church Volunteers will all be supporting the event. In return, all proceeds from the race are split between these organisations. The race is now one of the UK’s premiere fell races and its popularity is as much due to the warm welcome and hospitality of the community, as for its challenging route through our local valleys, moors, and woodlands. The race features over 3000 feet of climbing over tough terrain, so safety is a priority. The event relies heavily on the generous support of an army of volunteers in ensuring the safety of visiting runners.
APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO MARSHALL
Village volunteers play a vital role in marshalling the race. We hope that many will volunteer again this year. We would also be very interested to hear from anyone who might be free to help for the first time; the roles are easy to pick up and may involve 1-2 hours. If you could help us get this request out to everyone in the village it would be much appreciated. (All volunteers will be given a token for a “Thank You Pint” at THE CROSS).
The Hurriers would be delighted to hear from anyone who might be able to help out on the day. Please contact Stephen Grimley – 07710 015560.
INFORMATION
The new race website is still work in progress, but already viewable at http://heptonstallfellrace.wordpress.com/race-day/ whilst a popular Facebook page has already attracted a following of over 300 runners; https://en-gb.facebook.com/Heptonstallfellrace
RECCE OPPORTUNITY
Experienced runners who might be training for the race will have opportunities to recce the route, guided by local organisers. There will be a fast medium, and steady paced group (depending on numbers). All runners should be capable of running 15 miles off road.
The first takes place this Saturday , 1 February, at 10am, meet in Weavers Square from 09.45 with all the appropriate gear (see race website above). Further recces will be planned for the weekend of 15th/16th February; keep checking the race Facebook page for news ; https://en-gb.facebook.com/Heptonstallfellrace.
The race website is currently missing the route map and route description (due to be added over next few days) in the meantime they can both be downloaded here;
On July 6th 2014, Calderdale hosts 22 miles of the the world’s biggest annual sporting event as the Tour de France comes to Yorkshire, generating an estimated £100 million for the regional economy.
Le Tour will not pass directly through any part of Heptonstall, Colden or Blackshaw, but the influx of visitors will have a huge impact on our communities. There will be many issues to consider such as parking, camping, bus service, road closures etc.
At a public meeting in Heptonstall on 27 January, Katie Kinsella, Principal Officer-Tourism at Calderdale MBC, spoke about how the event will affect the locality.
On the day, Sunday 6 July 2014, Stage 2 of the Grand Départ enters Calderdale at Cock Hill passing over the summit of a climb between Oxenhope and Hebden Bridge. From there the riders will descend quickly as the road cuts through the open moorland, passing through Peckett Well and Wadsworth and onto the super-fast tree lined descent to Hebden Bridge. The route then continues from Hebden Bridge to Mytholmroyd on the flat of the A646 for a short distance, before taking on England’s longest continuous road climb, Cragg Vale, as part of the 200km Stage 2 between York and Sheffield.
A great many visitors will come to the area over the weekend, and the A6033 Keighley Road and A646 Halifax Road from Hebden Bridge will be closed for much of the race day from about 7:00am (final details yet to be announced – updates at http://letour.yorkshire.com/road-closures).
Prior to the race itself, due through Hebden Bridge at about 1:30pm, the seven mile long “Caravan” will pass along the route from around 11:45am. This cavalcade of floats, decorated cars and other vehicles moves along the route, throwing out goodies and free samples to the spectators, and is a massive advertising stunt. The Caravan, made up of the Tour’s official sponsors, is followed by a long line of official cars, technical vehicles, media and motorbikes, lights flashing, horns sounding, all warming up the spectators for the actual event itself.
All this will be a great spectacle for all, and is expected to bring a great deal of business for local traders and businesses.
More details about the event are available on the Visit Calderdale website event page, or on the Welcome to Yorkshire website.
Heptonstall’s own Fell Race is being planned to take place on Saturday 5 July 2014, adding more local interest to this exciting weekend.
The Agenda for the next Parish Council Meeting can be seen by clicking here.
Heptonstall Parish Website 