Details of the Parish Council Annual Assembly on 3 March 2014 can be seen here.
Details of the next Parish Council meeting, also 0n 3 March 2014, can be seen here.
Recycling for cycling
Heptonstall School PFA (Parents and Friends Association) are hoping to raise some money this term to support the school in activities linked to the ‘Grand Depart‘.
We’re asking for donations of unwanted CD’s, DVD’s and electronic games (in working order and no copies please) for resale.
If you have any that you no longer need, please drop them off at the school office.
New lease of life for the old tip
Work has started on making a new community woodland and new paths on the land which used to be the village tip. Local resident Matt Taylor has been behind the work on behalf of the Council.
There will be a network of new paths, wildflower verges, woodland planting and the fencing has been replaced. Clearance work of the old overgrowth has revealed a lovely new view point, with a vista down into Hebden Bridge and a new gate to provide access to the tops of the quarry.
This project brings a new lease of life into the old tip, will enhance the amenity and biodiversity of the area without compromising public access to this well used dog walking area.
Sunday School
St Thomas’ Church has a new Sunday School run by retired teacher Val Perry, who organised a successful crib service before Christmas.
Children aged four to 11 are welcome to attend the class, which starts at 9.15am. They hear stories and take part in activities at the back of the church, before joining the rest of the congregation for a blessing at the end of the service.
This week, the children heard about Jesus healing the lepers, then drew pictures about being thankful for our blessings.
The class will be held every Sunday except the first Sunday in each month, which is an all-age service suitable for children.
If anyone would like to get involved in helping to run the class, they are welcome to get in touch with vicar Howard Pask.
News from Heptonstall Lights and Planting Group (HeLP)
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.
Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees Winter Support Service
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:
- Checking your home’s energy efficiency
- Tips on staying warm and well in winter
- Installing practical equipment, such as draught excluders and radiator foils
- Companionship visits
- Days at Centres in Halifax and Huddersfield
To find out more, call us on 01422 262011 or visit the website.
Age UK Calderdale and Kirklees Online at Home Project
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:
- Loan of digital equipment for 6 months
- One-to-one support from an experienced IT volunteer
- Access to the internet
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 29 March 2014
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;
Tour de France comes to Yorkshire, but not quite to Heptonstall !
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.
Parish Council Meeting 3 February 2014
The Agenda for the next Parish Council Meeting can be seen by clicking here.
Heptonstall Parish Council Newsletter
The following has been received from Roger Greenwood, Clerk to Heptonstall Parish Council…
I hope Christmas and the New Year went well for you and the weather has not interfered with your daily routine. As I write there has been no flooding or snow disruption, and I hope it continues. Calderdale Council has published its statement on the provision of winter gritting. With any luck it will prove to be adequate for our needs.
The Council has given opinion on fourteen Planning Applications during the past 3 months, a couple of which has excited many members of our community. It is probably worth reminding you that the Parish Council, whilst being a public consultee, can only make a recommendation to the planning authority – it does not have a power of veto.
On other planning matters we maintain a dialogue with the Enforcement Manager at Calderdale Council, and Councillor John Scarborough (who chairs our Planning Committee) and myself will hold what is now a regular twice a year meeting with her very shortly.
Your members have considered a wide range of topics in the past quarter. It has been good to see members of the public attending recent meetings. They tell me how surprised they have been at the detail and wide range of issues. Do remember you will always be made welcome should you choose to attend. Details are shown on the council’s notice boards about a week before each meeting.
Topics considered have included :
- Speed of traffic & consultation with Calderdale Council re 20 mph orders for residential areas
- Restricted access caused by inconsiderate parking
- Road closures
- Dumping of waste
- Public Footpaths
- Bus service : effect of proposed changes for hill top routes
- Review of the council’s Standing Orders
- Tour de France/Fell Race – public meeting to review and advertise impact in July 2014
- Dog Fouling (yet again! – it never goes away)
- 2014/15 Finance – beginning to look at a budget for the coming year
Finally……
Congratulations on the success of the community Christmas Lunch for the ‘young at heart’. All reports I have received were positive, and thanks must go to all who volunteered their time and energy in making it go so well.
On a personal note I was so pleased to see the happy faces in the Hebden Bridge Times photograph, particularly that both my aunt (Nellie Dawson) and my mother (Marian Greenwood who is the oldest person still alive who was born in the parish) were at the forefront of the picture.
The Parish Council provided a donation from its charity fund and, more importantly, also provided Father Christmas in the shape of Councillor Adrian Baldwin who tells me he dispensed with the need for padding under his outfit!
Congratulations too to the Lights & Planting Group for the constantly improving Xmas lights in Weavers Square. Their work is surely applauded by us all.
Roger M Greenwood
The Clerk
Heptonstall Parish Council
Film Crews visit for new drama
New crime series “Happy Valley” was being filmed in Heptonstall’s graveyard this week, which included the installation of a “victim’s gravestone”.
Sarah Lancashire stars in the drama by award winning writer Sally Wainwright (Last Tango in Halifax, Scott and Bailey), which is set around Calderdale.
Lancashire plays Catherine, a no-nonsense police sergeant who heads up a team of dedicated police officers in a rural valley in Yorkshire. When a staged kidnapping quickly spirals out of control and turns into a much more brutal and vicious series of crimes, Catherine finds herself involved in something significantly bigger than her rank, but unknowingly close to home.
Sarah Lancashire said:
“Happy Valley is a dark, funny, multi-layered thriller revolving around the personal and professional life of Catherine, a dedicated, experienced, hard-working copper. She is also a bereaved mother who looks after her orphaned grandchild. It’s an emotional, complex, challenging role. I’m terrified, exhausted and freezing cold but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Sally Wainwright, executive producer and writer, said: “I’m pleased that we’re filming Happy Valley right in the heart of Calderdale in West Yorkshire. It’s going to be hard work, but on screen it will look stunning”.
Nicola Shindler, executive producer and founder of RED Production Company, adds: “Sally has done it once again, delivering an expertly crafted and brilliantly written drama series that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats as Catherine and her team attempt to get to the bottom of a truly shocking crime. We’re delighted to have such a strong line-up of talent to bring the original and gripping scripts to life, in what is sure to be a remarkable piece of television.”
Happy Valley is 6×60 minute series made by RED Production Company for BBC One. It is written and executive produced by BAFTA-winning writer Sally Wainwright, produced by Karen Lewis (Last Tango in Halifax, Exile) and directed by Euros Lyn (Broadchurch, Doctor Who). Executive producers are Nicola Shindler and Sally Wainwright for RED Production Company and Matthew Read for BBC.
Happy Valley has begun filming in the Calder Valley area of Yorkshire and will be broadcast on BBC One in 2014.
Bush Tucker Trial and Barbeque
The Cross Inn is following up Thursday’s haggis supper with a family event “Bush Tucker Trial” event from 5pm on Sunday, 26 January.
Try your stomach with a large and wacky variety of strange foods. There are prizes to be won with all proceeds to local charities.
For the more “traditional” palate, there will also be a family barbeque. Terry looks forward to seeing you there.
Northern Powergrid: online registration for Priority Services Register (PSR)
Northern Powergrid has launched an improved online registration process for its Priority Services Register (PSR) for those customers who feel they are particularly vulnerable and would benefit from additional support during a power cut. New features now allow carers or relatives to register on behalf of a vulnerable person and also let those registering set the length of time they wish to be on the register. Reminders will be sent automatically to extend or end their registration. The PSR pages include tips on energy efficiency and contacts for organisations offering support and advice on heating and fuel bills.
http://www.northernpowergrid.com/page/powercuts/priority.cfm for more details…
New housing and other developments
New housing estates in Heptonstall will be considered as part of Calderdale’s “Land Allocation and Designation Plan”, and the council is urging local residents to make their views known.
The plan will influence all future planning decisions for many years to come, and a series of public workshops are being held. Three major plans for housing estates and several smaller schemes have been submitted for the Heptonstall and Colden area as part of the first stage of the plan.
Plans now on the Calderdale Council website which have been submitted for consideration include:
Land next to Draper Lane, Slack: 187 semi-detached and terraced dwellings (reference CFS-0256) (this is part of the land now being considered for a caravan site).
Land next to Towngate, Heptonstall: 57 semi-detached and terraced houses (reference CFS-0226)
Land next to Lily Hall, Heptonstall Road, 5 to 10 terraced cottages (reference CFS-0303)
Gypsy Flats, Colden Road, Blackshaw Head: up to 90 houses (reference CFS -0181)
The meeting for Hebden Bridge area is on 6th February @ 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. – at Hebden Bridge Town Hall
Places are limited, so if you wish to attend, please contact 01422 392206 or email spatial.planning@calderdale.gov.uk.
Full details of these and other smaller plans can be seen by searching from Calderdale’s planning page for site submissions.
Heptonstall Old Church in song
Ted Hughes’ poem “Heptonstall Old Church” has been set to music by acclaimed acoustic folk singer-songwriter Milly Hirst.
You can hear this lovely, haunting track here. Perhaps Heptonstall’s festival committee might like to consider her?
Heptonstall.org’s correspondent is musically illiterate, but this is what alphabetbands has to say about it:
“We’ve spoken before about the divine sounds of Milly Hirst and the bewitchingly delicate songs she sings. Such is the level of elegant beauty that she exudes, it’s worth talking about her some more, especially as she recently released a new song, “Heptonsall Old Church” which is as heavenly and soothing as anything she has done so far.
“Based on the Ted Hughes poem of the same name, “Heptonstall…” is like a countryside walk at dusk. It’s as tranquil and beautiful as dwindling light flickering amongst the woodland while the noise of the city is a distant, forgotten sensation replaced instead with gentle guitar picks, graceful strings and backing vocals (courtesy of Jessica Wilson). Serenity abounds as the majestic sights of rolling fields and farmland unfurls before you, a line of trees on the horizon silhouetted by the faint amber glow of the sunset behind (making the artwork choice particularly apt). A warm fire and steaming mugs of tea or chocolate await but, like when listening to Milly sing, you can’t leave; you must stay and take in the beauty of the view one more time.
“She remains the only person we have ever seen literally silence a room when singing, to hold a man so drunk he can’t stand in raptures as he listens, understandably muted by the mesmerising beauty of the sounds filling the room. Just like everyone else who hears her play then.”
The poem reads:
A great bird landed here.
Its song drew men out of rock,
Living men out of bog and heather
Its song put a light in the valley
And harness on the long moors.
Its song brought a crystal from space
And set it in men’s heads.
Then the bird died.
Its giant bones
Blackened and became a mystery.
The crystal in men’s heads
Blackened and fell to pieces.
The valleys went out
The moorlands broke loose.
Meat Raffle
The Cross Inn is now running a regular Sunday evening meat raffle, tickets priced £1.
Raffle of farm fresh meat starts at 7pm, with eight winners of a large selection of meat.
Public Meeting about Fell Race and Tour de France
There will be a public meeting about the Tour de France and the Fell Race at Heptonstall School Hall on 27 January 2014 at 7:30pm.
Calderdale Council’s Head of Tourism will provide information and be available for questions
– everyone welcome.
Burns Night at the Cross Inn
A traditional Burns Supper Night will be held at the Cross Inn in aid of the Heptonstall Festival on Thursday, January 23, with bagpipes and the address to the haggis.
The menu is haggis (or veggie haggis), neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes), followed by sticky toffee pudding with whiskey sauce, all for £7.50. Please reserve your place at The Cross Inn- 01422 843284.
Robert Burns’ address to the haggis, together with a translation, can be found here.
New take-away
The Cross Inn is now doing take-aways as well as eat in menus on Friday and Saturday evenings, as follows:.
Home made pizzas from 5pm-10.30pm eat in as an addition to the menu or take out £6.50 Fri & sat
Also;
Curry night on a Tues, curry + a pint/med wine £6.50
Fish & chips on a Fri take out or eat in £5.25
The new landlord is planning several events, watch this space for further details.
Cross Inn update
The Cross Inn page has now been updated with new opening times and information. New landlord Terry is also planning a special New Year’s Eve celebration with live entertainment and a hot buffet.
Bowling Club events
The Bowling Club is set for a Christmas season full of fun with events from a charity bike ride to a New Year’s bash, as follows:
Sunday, December 22, 12 to 4pm, annual charity bike race, registration noon, first race 12.30pm.
Monday, December 23, club open as usual 7.30pm til late.
Christmas eve, club open 6pm til late.
Christmas day, club open 12 to 2pm.
Boxing Day, open 8pm til late with quiz and bingo.
Sunday, December 29, 1pm til whenever! Games day.
New Year’s Eve, 8pm til next year. Party night with the village’s own Dave Redman.
Saturday, January 4, 10am, Heptonstall Cancer Research Walk. Entry fee £5 including festive snacks and mulled wine. for info, contact Susan Greenwood on 07944 466724 or sue.greenwood@talktalk.net.
Carol Singing
Everyone is welcome to join in carol singing around the village this evening, starting at St Thomas’ Church at 6.30pm. This event usually finishes at about 8pm at the vicarage, but singers are welcome to drop in or out as they like.
Charity walk from Bowling Club
The third Heptonstall 10 mile Cancer Research Charity Walk will take place on Sat. 4th Jan 2014, leaving Heptonstall Bowling Club at 10am.
Entry fee is £5 and includes mulled wine and festive snacks at the start and soup at the end when there will also be a raffle, with a shorter walk which is pushchair friendly for anyone not able to commit to the full route.
For further information please contact Susan Greenwood on 0794 4466724 or by email sue.greenwood@talktalk.net
A Celebration of Sylvia Plath
A Celebration of Sylvia Plath in music, poetry, and readings will be held on Sunday, 15 December, followed by a party with klezmer/gypsy music, including the first performance of a new piece by local musicians. Starts at 4pm at the White Lion pub, Heptonstall.
Heptonstall Parish Website 