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Parish Council Update – Autumn 2011

Since the May elections the Council has held one vacancy. I am now pleased to tell you this post has been ably filled by  Nick James who lives on Edge Lane, Colden.  This is  particularly good news as Nick comes from the upper part of the parish, and members have always been keen to see such  a spread of representation.  You are most welcome, Nick, and  I am sure you will find your work most rewarding (though not  financially).

Well, in the past 3 months it has been very busy from a  planning point of view. Twenty one applications have been  considered and, in order to meet Calderdale Council’s  deadlines, three additional meetings have had to be held by  your members. I am grateful to members for taking on these additional tasks with such willingness.  It has also been a busy period for the wide range of issues the Council has had to address. I shall not list them all here as I need the space for other things (I will give you more  detail next tirne).

But one issue is the progress of the  Localism Bill, and the effects and opportunities this may provide to Parish Councils.  Early discussions are already  being held to consider the possibility of Asset Transfers –  the taking of Calderdale assets into local control.  You can be  assured nothing will happen without full consultation opportunities with you – our parishioners.  Watch this space!

Over the past 12 months the Council has put in place updated Standing Orders, Financial Regulations as well as  creating new Terms of Reference and Policies & Procedures.  The final leg of this has been to create a Statement of Aims  of the Council and I hope you will be interested to know what  they are.  I therefore reproduce them below :

  • To protect and conserve what is of merit in the heritage of the Parish, whether this be the green or the built environment,objects or features within them, or organisations, activities and facilities operating within the Parish.
  • To promote and support new developments in the Parish which will contribute to the wellbeing of the Community whilst not detracting from that which is worth preserving.
  • To prevent new developments which will impact adversely on the heritage of the Parish, or on the wellbeing of the Community.
  • To consult members of the Community on all matters which potentially may have a major impact on the Community before arriving at a decision on action.
  • To maintain awareness of the needs and wants of parishioners so that these can inform the prosecution of the Council’s aims.
  • To keep parishioners informed of Council business in hand and of decisions made.
  • To respond courteously and constructively to parishioners’ complaints and concerns of whatever nature and, where justified, to endeavour to the best of the Council’s abilities to bring about a fair and reasonable outcome to these.
  • To secure the involvement and support of Ward Councillors – and through them the Principal Local Authority – in seeking to achieve the Council’s aims.
  • To establish and maintain links with, and where required gain the involvement and support of, other people and bodies in achieving the Council’s aims eg the local MP, other Parish & Town Councils, NALC, National Trust, Rambler’s Association, etc.
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SPRING BULB PLANT|NG 2011

Thank you to residents who turned out on Saturday October 15th for the Annual Bulb Planting Event.   Over three sacks of bulbs  have been planted at Popples Common and another four for other  areas.  Residents have received bulbs to add to the ‘patch’ that  they have adopted both at Slack and the in the village.  Both  schools have also recelved some bulbs also and will bejoining in  the community planting.

Our thanks also go to Calderdale Metropolitan Borough  Council for awarding us a grant of £150 and to residents who made donations.

Roll on spring….!

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Good Neighbourhood Scheme

The Good Neighbourhood Scheme emerging from the Parish Plan questionnaire needs information to secure its success.  If you know how any elderly or vulnerable neighbours could use a helping hand,  or you know of/organise facilities already in our community please drop your ideas in the boxes provided at Post Office/May’s shop (no names please).

Do  not leave this to others – we will sift out any duplication.

Thank you.

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Methodist Church Autumn Calendar

Sunday at 10.45am -Village Remembrance Service at Methodist Church.

Monday 14th. November at 8pm – Ladies Evening in the Sunday school – speaker Roger Benn on travel and holidays.

Saturday 19th. November – Christmas Fayre in the Sunday School 11am with lunch served from 1pm.  A slight change from the bazaar with more things for children but still some traditional stalls.  Note new time.

Sunday 18th December at 10.45am – Nativity Service in the Methodist Church.  Children from the village and the school are warmly invited to take  part in this enjoyable event.

Sunday 18th December at 6.30pm – Village Carol Service in St Thomas` followed by tea or coffee and mince pies.

Sunday  25th  December at 9 30am – Village Christmas Day Service at the Methodist Church.

Sunday 1st January 2012 at 10.45am – Annual Covenant Service at the Methodist Church.

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St Thomas’ Church Calendar update – Autumn 2011

This is the time of year when various activities take place at St. Thomas’.

  • Friday 11th. November there will be a concert by “Seventh Wave Music” at 7.30pm Sunday 13th November-a joint service of remembrance will be held atthe Methodist Chapel at 10.45am.
  • Sunday 13th. November-a concen given by Iocal muslcian Stephen Shulman and his son David. The conceft will include a : piece 00mposed by Stephen called “Sarah and Isaac” and David will perfonn with h~s London based chamber folk group “Magic Lantern”. The concert will start at 7.30pm and admission will be £8/£5 on the door. ‘
  • Friday 18th. November – start of the Christmas Fair Trade Event.  This runs from 7pm-9pm with cheese and wine. The event continues on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 11am·5pm. There will be a wide selection of Christmas csrds and gi~ ~ with fair trade focd. Light refreshments will be servej throughout . the weekend.
  • Sunday 4th. December-at 3pm-the Christingle Service. This is held in aid of the children’s soc.iety and is a Iovely service for children.
  • Thursday 8th. December-The Hebden Bridge Junior Band wjll play in the church. Please watch out for posters giving the time. Friday 16th. December -at 6.30pm the start of carol singing around the village. All are welcome to take part in the sing~ng. Meet at the church at 6.30pm.
  • Sunday 18th.December Village Carol Service at St. Thomas at 6.30pm.
  • Saturday 24th.December – Midnight Servicee for Christmas at 11.30pm
  • Sunday 25th. December – a Christmas day joint service of carols and communion at the Methodist Chapel at 9.30am.
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Details on local groups wanted

The Heptonstall Community Website team are keen to promote awareness of and information about groups and organisations based or operating in the Heptonstall parish area.

We would therefore welcome any information on your organisation, including brief details about you, where and when you meet and so on.  We would also like you to keep us up to date with your events and achievements.

Please therefore contact us by email, or by leaving a comment (use the link below).  Once we get to know you, it will become easier for you to update your details.