June 2011
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Centre closure would be a ‘major loss to valley’ By Sandie Marshall HOLMFIRTH is to lose its adult education centre as Kirklees College says it can no longer afford to run courses there. It has published a statement in which it blames the move on Government cuts in its funding coupled with its own plans to restructure. The Huddersfield Road centre it says “is expensive to maintain and fee income is not sufficient to justify continuing classes”. Holmfirth, it adds, is “a non-priority area for Government funding”. There are currently 43 full and part time staff based at the Holmfirth centre and the college is in talks with them to “explore options”. It has set a target of reducing its total 1,400 workforce by 50 people through voluntary redundancy. The Adult Education Centre provides part-time leisure courses and is attended by
hundreds of students. It has 48 courses currently on offer covering interests from art, pottery and gardening to computing, languages and spiritual growth. Depending on the subject, courses can cost over £100 for ten weekly sessions although some are free and reductions for older people and the unemployed are available. Such part-time leisure courses make up only a small proportion of the college’s offering from its main Huddersfield and Dewsbury bases. Many of its courses are aimed at 14-18 year old fulltime students including GCSEs, A Levels and professional qualifications. The college, which has an annual turnover of £56m, says it hopes to continue offering part time leisure courses for adults but Holme Valley students will need to travel to other centres to access them. The move to close the cen-
Students outside the centre protest against the planned closure tre has angered local MP Jason McCartney who has requested an urgent meeting with College Principal Chris Sadler. Jason told the Review: “I will be doing everything I can to get them to reverse this decision. I believe in good quality services where people
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need them. This will be a major loss to the valley and I can’t stress strongly enough my opposition to it.” The announcement of the Holmfirth closure came on the same day as Ofsted published a highly critical report on the College’s overall per-
formance which it said was at worst “inadequate” and at best only “satisfactory”. The college responded by saying that the report gave an out-of-date picture and that it has already addressed many of its findings.
Probe as man dies in site accident THE Health and Safety Executive is investigating the death of a man on a Huddersfield Road building site. Mark James Taylor, 36, suffered a fatal accident while operating pile driving equipment on the former Dunsley Heat site next to the police station in Holmfirth. The land is currently being cleared in readiness for 48 houses to be built there. Mr Taylor, from Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire, was working for Sheffield-based Green Piling Ltd. Police and air ambulance attended the accident. An inquest has been opened.
2 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 3
Man told to pay back £36k in illegal earnings
Special workshop to be held in Holmfirth
Earthshift Ltd to take the waste to an appropriate site, who at the time denied ever receiving any information about its nature. Initially, Mosley claimed he hadn’t gained from the contract, stating that all the money had gone to Earthshift Ltd, which is now in liquidation and he was facing a threat of bankruptcy. But it was proven that he had benefited by at least £36,475 for his part. He now has six months to settle the order with the threat of 15 months in prison if he defaults. Paul Harley, prosecuting for the Environment Agency said: “This case shows that not only do we use environmental legislation to prosecute those who abuse the environment, but that we won’t let them get away with any money they make from that abuse. “Working with the Regional Asset Recovery Team we have all the resources we need to pin down what profit people have made from breaking the law. The court has shown today that they will not let criminals keep the profits of their crimes.”
The visit is part of a trip to the UK by the farmers from Nyeri in central Kenya, where they work as coffee, dairy and tomato farmers on small family-owned farms.
By Nicola Hyde A HOLMFIRTH man has been ordered to pay back over £36,000 that he earned after illegally dumping almost 1,4000 tonnes of hazardous waste in Sheffield. Edward Mosley, of Holmfirth, was driver and director for the company Earthshift Waste Removal – and he was found guilty of illegal dumping after it emerged a contract with Campbell Homes to shift the debris ended up in it being dumped on land on Penistone Road, just 500m from a local nature reserve. Mr Mosley pleaded guilty to three offences at Sheffield Crown Court, and was sentenced to a community service order totalling 150 hours of unpaid work. During the investigation – carried out by The Environment Agency and North East Regional Asset Recovery Team (RART) – it was revealed that Campbell Homes had paid a company to do a survey on the soil which revealed the potentially hazardous polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The firm then contracted
THE FAIR Traders Co-operative in Holmfirth is hosting a special workshop for a group of four young Kenyan farmers on June 2.
The visit has been arranged in partnership with the Lorna Young Foundation and the Young Ethical Pioneers. Mark Lewis, Secretary at The Fair Traders Co-operative said: “The link with Kenyan youth is an important element in all our learning as not only will we be able to work directly with producers of the raw materials, but we will hear first hand some of the struggles faced by their peers in developing countries and be able to help directly by ensuring the profits from the produce are shared.” Further details of the workshop can be found on the Holmfirth Fair Trader website. Students at Holmfirth Adult Education Centre welcomed visitors during Adult Learning Week with an exhibition of their work from courses over the last 12 months. Jason McCartney MP unveiled a mural made on the theme of Evolution by members of Sue Jenkins’ pottery class. Other crafts on display included upholstery, stained glass and flower arranging plus information on available classes.
For more information on the workshops and the visit of the farmers from Kenya, visit www.thefairtraderscooperative.co.uk/latestnews
4 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Pupils hope to hit right note at youth festival THE HOLME Valley will be well represented at this year’s Music for Youth National Festival in July as groups from its primary schools and both high schools have qualified to take part. The Festival is one of the country’s biggest youth music events, bringing together 12,000 performers in every musical style and genre. The winners in each section of the competition will go on to play at the Royal Albert Hall later in the year. Holmfirth High School Orchestra and Voices and Honley High Flyers are up against each other and 19 other school groups in the Ensembles section of the competition at Birmingham Conservatoire on July 6.
On the same day, over 200 younger children from a mix of local junior schools will appear as The Rainbow Project, performing a piece written by local composer Barry Russell. Among those taking part are the year 4 pupils from Holmfirth Nabb School who will be playing guitars in the performance. They are now busy raising the £475 needed to hire a coach to take them to Birmingham for the Festival with activities including a concert and a cafe for parents. They also rolled up their sleeves and cleaned teachers’ cars with equipment and shampoo donated by Holmfirth motor parts specialists Wheelsbrook Services.
Two new boats on the water MEMBERS of Pennine Sailing Club are looking forward to the Summer season on the water with two new training boats bought with the help of a £10,000 grant from Sport England. The two-man dinghies will allow the club to extend its work as a Royal Yachting Association accredited training centre for dinghy sailing as well as offering power boat and first aid courses. A full
programme of RYA training is now planned to introduce new people of all ages to the sport in 2011. The club, which is based at Winscar Reservoir, Dunford Bridge, welcomes anyone interested in trying sailing for the first time. More information can be found on the website www.pennine-sc.co.uk or by contacting membership secretary Ann Whitfield on 01142 883518.
Nick wants footpath users to step forward By Dominic Musgrave A HOLMFIRTH resident is appealing for people who use a popular footpath in the town to get in touch. Nick Charlton has applied to Kirklees council to have the route, which links the river path behind the Coop to the path down the river at Sands acknowledged as a public right of way. To strengthen his case he is calling on everyone who uses the route regularly to get in touch and fill in a form that can be used as evidence with his application. He told Holme Valley Review that while he accepts that Holmfirth cricket club may own the land, it has had an established right of way across it for at least the last 25 years. “My wife, who was born in the area, has been using the route since she was a child,” Nick said. “Children use it in a morning as a safe way to
get to school, and it is used constantly as an access to the swimming baths on foot. “The cricket club say they have had problems with vandals and have complained about dog users and undesirables, which is unfortunate, but I believe we have a right.” The club has previously installed a chain
across part of the path in an attempt to stop people using it, but moved it after Nick threatened them with legal action. He added: “I have had words with the club and do understand their issues, but I believe it needs to be officially recognised as a footpath. “I would urge and residents who use the path regularly to email me
and fill in the form, which I will then use as evidence to support the application.” Holmfirth CC refused to comment on the petition. Nick hopes to send off the documents in June, and anyone who wishes to get in touch should email him as soon as possible at np.charlton@btinternet.com
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 5
Blooming good turnout for festival OVER 400 people visited the Flower Festival held in Scholes Methodist Church over the Mayday weekend. The event, which was held to mark the Church’s 150th Anniversary, had the theme of Celebrations and the colourful arrangements cre-
Annabel with David Tennant at the studio recording of her book.
New chapter for Dr Who THE DEBUT novel by Netherthong author Annabel Pitcher has been released as an audio book read by one of Britain’s top television and film actors. Dr Who and Harry Potter star David Tennant is a self-confessed fan of Annabel’s book, My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece. He said: “I couldn’t put this down – I had to record the book.” For Annabel, 28, listening to David reading her novel was one of the highlights of her careers so far. She told the Review: “I walked down the corridor in the London studio and suddenly I could hear my words being read out loud by Dr Who. It was a true pinchmyself moment!” The book has received sparkling reviews from all quarters since it was first published in March. Written with older teenagers in mind, it tells the story of 10-yearold Jamie Matthews and how he
and his family move to the Lake District to rebuild their lives after his sister was blown up in a terrorist attack. Annabel, who went to Holmfirth High School before studying English Language at Oxford, wrote the book while travelling the world with her husband. She remembers one night in a South American hostel watching a documentary about the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. This, she says, started her thinking about the personal lives behind the headlines and the untold stories of family that come from a single act of violence. “It sounds depressing but actually it’s quite funny in parts and has great bravery and hope,” says Annabel. On returning to Britain, she put the finishing touches to the book and sent it off to the best literary agent she could find. To her delight and surprise it was picked
up almost immediately and received offers from a number of publishing companies. It has now been published in more than 15 countries across Europe and in the USA. She says: “I saw it in a Spanish book shop the other week. That was a bit surreal.” Annabel is now putting the finishing touches to her second novel which has the working title Ketchup Clouds and centres around the life of a 15-year-old girl. She says she doesn’t deliberately set out to write for teenage readers and hopes people of all ages will enjoy her work. “I don’t think about the audience when I’m writing – I just hope someone will like it. A good story is a good story across all age boundaries.” My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece is published by Orion and is available in hardback and audio book from shops and online. A paperback version is due out later this year.
School plans boot sales FANS of bargain hunting should visit Holmfirth Nabb School on every Sunday in June for a car boot sale. The sales, to be held on June 5, 12, 19 and 26, are being organised by the Friends of Nabb School organisation to raise funds. Selling pitches are available at £10 for cars and £15 for vans. Gates will open at 7.30am and food and drink will be available. To book a pitch contact Steve on 07877593111.
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ated by church members and local people represented the church year and its activities. Guests organists performed throughout the weekend, and the children of Scholes Junior and Infant School gave two demonstrations of Maypole dancing.
6 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Fitness suite to be added to pool HOLMFIRTH pool is to get a ‘bolt on’ fitness suite and dance studio after Kirklees Active Leisure was given the green light to spend £500,000 on the development. Kirklees Council Cabinet approved the spend from its selffinancing budget, stating that it expects the facility to pay for itself and be making a profit within two years of opening. Building work is to begin almost immediately with a target opening
set for September. The pool was given an extensive face lift in 2008 including new changing rooms, lighting and reception area. Designs done at the time allowed for a modular fitness centre to be added at a later date. The new rooms will house 30 pieces of gym exercise equipment, a 100sqm dance studio and additional changing rooms. In addition to its primary use as a fitness centre, the development
will be available for community and private hire for such activities as training courses and play schemes. In a 2010 survey of customers at the pool, 68% of those asked said they would use a fitness centre at the site. Based on this and other market information, the council expects around 750 people to pay to become members although fees and prices have yet to be set.
Plans revealed for permanent museum By Sandie Marshall AN AMBITIOUS plan has been launched to create a major new tourist attraction in the centre of Holmfirth. A community group of business people and councillors want to see a permanent museum in the town as a focus for visitors into the future. It would house important elements of the area’s past such as magic lantern slides and postcards from Bamforths and props and costumes donated by Last of the Summer Wine. The props, including bicycles, pianos and furniture were given to Holmfirth when the much loved sitcom finished last year. They are currently being held in storage until a new home can be found for them. Greg Christofi, owner of the town’s Old Bridge Bakery and parish councillor, is one of the people behind the plans. He said: “This is a group of people who recognise that Holmfirth needs something to keep tourists coming here. It would need to be something big – something worth visiting. “We have two possible locations in mind. We’ve spoken to Kirklees Council planning and they have said they would be supportive of the plan in broad terms.” One possible location being considered for the museum is the old Bamforths photographic studio on Station Road. Owned by a local builder, the property is in a serious state of disrepair and would need extensive work to bring it back into use. “If Bamforths is the right place then it would need hundreds of thousands, if not a million, spending on it. That would need major grant funding from things like the Lottery,” Greg explained.
Props and costumes from Last of the Summer Wine could feature in a permanent museum in the town. The group would like people to come forward to help with the planning, especially anyone who has experience of applying for large grants. Anyone interested in helping can contact Greg on 01484 682721. He said: “This is a big project and it would be a big thing for the town. It would need to be self-sustaining with things like a souvenir shop. We’d also like it to be educational and get local school children involved. “These are big plans but if the right people work together it can happen.”
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 7
Academy bowls youngsters over YOUNG cricketers in the Holme Valley can now access one of the best indoor practice facilities in Yorkshire with the opening of the Community Cricket Academy at Holmfirth High School. The academy’s state of the art flooring, lighting and cricket nets have cost £115,000 to install inside one of the school’s existing sports halls. Of this £99,999 was provided by the England and Wales Cricket Board in partnership with Sport England with the remainder being funded by the school. The academy’s official opening was attended by
over 50 young players representing clubs across the valley although it was one of the region’s most famous footballers who cut the official ribbon – ex-Huddersfield Town player Andy Booth who is a local champion of youth sport. He let the youngsters into a secret: “I know you think of me as a footballer but actually I always preferred cricket when I was your age and I still love playing it today.” Steve Archer, development manager with the Yorkshire Cricket Board which supported the school in the project said: “This amazing academy will benefit young play-
MP Jason McCartney joins in the fun.
ers at the school and also those at the 10 local cricket clubs which have junior sections. It really is a terrific bonus to cricket and other sports in the area.” Steve paid tribute to local junior cricket coach Tony Eustance MBE who he said tirelessly championed the need for investment in the Holme Valley. “He phoned me up time and again to get me to come down here and take a look. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer!” he laughed. Tony is behind the formation of Holme Valley Girls cricket, one of only a handful of clubs in the county to specialise in teaching and developing the sport for girls. This interest in girls’ cricket was one of the key factors in securing the money needed for the academy. Local MP and sports fan Jason McCartney said one of his most enjoyable duties last year was to officially wave off the England cricket team when they departed for Australia for their successful Ashes tour. He told the young players: “With this fantastic facility there is no reason why I shouldn’t be wishing one of you good luck one day as you set off to play for England’s men’s or women’s teams.”
School pupils look on as the new cricket academy is officially opened.
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8 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Passports available at library and centre HONLEY Library and Information Centre is now issuing Kirklees Passports. The passport scheme provides discounts on a range of activities to Kirklees residents who receive certain benefits, such as council tax or housing benefit, or certain types of tax credit. Full time students over 16, people with a disability and those who are registered as unemployed are also eligible. Previously, the passports were only avail-
able in the Holme Valley at Holmfirth library. A Kirklees Passport costs either £2 or £3 a card per year with halfprice cards for children. It gives great savings on things like sport and leisure activities, car parking, environmental services and lots more. They include 50% off swimming, up to 25% off other sporting activities, an extra hour’s car parking free, 50% off DVD, CD and video loans and up to 100% off part-time adult edu-
cation courses. A number of private businesses also offer discounts to Kirklees Passports holders. Savings include driving lessons and some high street shops. Applicants must supply their own photograph. For more information on who qualifies and how to apply for a Kirklees Passport telephone 01484 234056, email kirkleespassport@kirklees.gov.uk or go to www.kirklees.gov.uk/kir kleespassport
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Curtain goes up on film festival By Sandie Marshall CINEMA-lovers will hardly have time to draw breath over the last week of May as the curtain goes up on the second Holmfirth Film Festival. ITV presenter Christine Talbot will open the festival at the Picturedrome on Saturday May 21 at 2pm. From then until the close on Saturday May 28, everyday is packed with films, workshops and special events at venues across the valley. Highlights include a 50th anniversary showing of A Taste of Honey with special guest Rita Tushingham who stars in the film. After the showing, she will answer questions about her career which includes classic sixties movies such as The Knack, Smashing Time and Dr Zhivago. This is at the Picturedrome on Thursday 26 May from 7pm. Tickets cost £10 and proceeds from this evening will be donated to the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Films on other days cover a wide spectrum of tastes from cult classics such as Skeletons (May 24, 2.30pm, Old Bridge Hotel) to well known names including Mike Leigh’s Another Year (May
Organiser Stephen Dorill is confident this year's Holmfirth Film Festival will be a box office smash. 27, Picturedrome, 2.30pm) and box office smashes like this year’s Oscar nominated True Grit (May 28, Picturedrome, 6.30pm). There are plenty of special events lined up including a Cuban night, a film and curry evening and a ‘ladies who lunch’ afternoon. For the children, the festival has The Red Balloon, The Secret of Kells and How to Train Your Dragon. There’s also a chance to learn animation techniques
with workshops led by local cartoonist Dr Simpo. The festival brochure provided full listings of the many films and events and gives venues, times, ticket costs and booking information. The brochure is available from Homfirth Tourist Information Office and many shops, bars and restaurants around the town. It can also be downloaded from the festival’s website www.holmfirthfilmfestival.co.uk
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 9
Theatre of Dreams awaits as school team books final place By Dominic Musgrave HUDDERSFIELD Town Football Club will be represented at the League One play-off final day at Old Trafford by two teams. The youngsters from Meltham C of E School are representing the club in the npower kids cup final against a team from a school twice its size representing Bristol Rovers. And to help them ahead of their big day, former
Leeds United and Newcastle United star Gary Speed, the current manager of Wales, put the youngsters through their paces at a special training session. The school’s deputy headteacher Julian Rose, who also doubles up as the team’s manager, said Huddersfield legend Andy Booth has also dropped by to offer advice. He added: “First and foremost we have got a good set of lads and there
The team with Gary Speed and manager Julian Rose.
is obviously a lot of talent there. “They work hard and look after each other. We have had a lot of luck along the way, which you need to have, but they have worked their socks off. “We have never known anything like this, and if someone told me I would be leading a team of lads out at Old Trafford I wouldn’t have believed them. It is unbelievable. “Having the ex-professionals visiting has been the icing on the cake for the lads, and they talked to them about preparing themselves both mentally and physically for the big day.” To qualify for the final, which will be eight-a-side instead of the usual six, the team won through to represent the Terriers by winning the final of a tournament during the half-time interval of a game at the Galpharm Stadium. They then won through to the Old Trafford final after defeating the other schools representing
Wales manager Gary Speed puts the youngsters through their paces. League One teams in the north at a competition played at Sheffield Wednesday’s Hillsborough ground. Ahead of the day the team also has another big game to play after reaching the final of the Super Soccer Saturday English Schools Football Association’s national finals at Watford’s training
ground. To qualify for this they won a competition for other schools in the town before also going on to win West Yorkshire and north of England tournaments. The team has also recently won the local play-offs for the first time after winning the Huddersfield League earlier in the year. The school had previously only
reached the final stages once before. The squad is made up of Jonathan Woodall, George Sykes-Kenworthy, Jordan Williams, Alfie Copley, Nathan Beaumont, Charlie Horncastle, Liam Ralph, Cavan Haworth and James Hughes. To find out how they got on see next month’s Holme Valley Review.
10 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Kids invited to scrapbook workshop By Sandie Marshall AFTER a busy Easter of recycled bug making workshops, the Fair Traders Co-operative is inviting children back to its shop during the half term holiday for more craft fun, this time making their own scrapbooks for recording memories of their summer holidays. The ‘Make a Holiday Scrapbook’ workshops, sponsored by Holmfirth Colour Print and New Overseas Traders, will run twice a day, at 11am and 2pm, from Monday May 30 through to Sunday June 5. All the crafty bits and pieces needed to make a personally designed scrapbook will be provided; participants just need to bring £2 and their creativity. Those attending will leave with a hand-made scrapbook in which they can keep notes, photos and other memorabilia of their holidays. These workshops follow from the successful ‘Get the Gardening Bug’ sessions that were held in the Community Room at The Fair Traders Co-
operative during the Easter holidays. In addition to bug-making, children were invited to make their own paper plant pot using a ‘Paper Potter’ from The Fair Traders Co-operative’s gardening range. Each child then planted a sunflower seed in their paper pot to take home and care for, and the shop is running a competition via its Facebook page for the tallest resulting sunflower. Sophie Bebb of The Fair Traders Co-operative said: “Everyone has been really creative at these workshops and the children have made some amazing bugs! I’m sure the holiday scrapbooks will be just as impressive – it’ll be fun to see what people come up with.” “The Fair Traders Co-operative always runs creative workshops during the school holidays, and the feedback we’ve had from children and parents has been very positive,” said Sophie Bebb. “So don’t be at a loose end this half term – come and join in!”
Parliamentary Corner I'VE JUST about recovered from taking part in the 280 mile Huddersfield to Brighton charity bike ride. It was an amazing experience with lovely weather and great team spirit among the cyclists. Pedalling through London on the day of the Royal Wedding was a day to remember. I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored me to the tune of £1,750 as we all raised in excess of £200,000 for the Keep It Up Campaign which supports the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Huddersfield Town academy. I also asked the Prime Minister to praise my fellow cyclists as I raised the issue of VAT on the fuel that the Yorkshire Air Ambulance uses in PMQs. I’m delighted Huddersfield Town have claimed a place in the Playoff Final at Old Trafford and wish them well for the big game. Back in the Holme Valley there’s just so much going on at the moment. I enjoyed the Nook Beer Festival, the Folk Festival and I’m looking forward to the Holmfirth Film Festival. I was pleased to support the
with Jason McCartney MP
official opening of the Holmfirth High School cricket academy. These excellent indoor facilities, funded by a £100,000 grant from the England and Wales Cricket Board, will be well used by cricketers of all ages from our area. I’ve written before about promoting tourism so I was delighted to join the Holme Valley Civic Society at the launch of their Holmfirth Blue Plaque trail. The walk covers the 12 blue plaques located on local buildings, including the Towser and the Picturedrome. Holmfirth based watercolourist Ashley Jackson is sharing his vision of the Holme Valley. The legendary artist has inspired a walk showing off the hidden gems around the back streets and landscape surrounding Holmfirth. I joined school children from Wooldale Junior on the first walk with Ashley, stopping at the precise locations which inspired the artist’s watercolours. I was proud to celebrate St George’s Day at a lunch at the George Hotel in Huddersfield with RAF veterans. As honorary President of the Huddersfield Royal Air Force
Association it was a lovely opportunity to thank the veterans for what they did for our nation. 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
Children experience life as a Viking for latest project HOLMFIRTH children have left their history books in the classroom for their latest project on the Vikings. Instead they have been experiencing Viking life for themselves by building a full scale village complete with homes, a cooking oven and a marketplace in a field next to their
school. The year 5 youngsters from Nabb School with their teacher Jane Perrons, even made their own costumes and weapons before setting out for a full day of historical adventure. As well as learning how the Vikings spent their time with cook-
ing, crafts and chickens, the new tribe had to face danger and fight off a raid from a vicious rival clan. The village was created by the children with the help of teachers and parents by using natural materials such as willow branches, leaves and sand.
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 11
Council bids to bring rugby world cup home By Sandie Marshall RUGBY league could be ‘coming home’ if Kirklees Council is successful in its bid to bring the 2013 World Cup to the Borough. The sport was invented at Huddersfield’s George Hotel in 1895. The hotel now houses the Rugby League Heritage Centre. The council believes that hosting the competition would lead to a major tourism, financial and jobs boost for the area. If the bid is successful, matches could be played at grounds including the Galpharm stadium, home to Huddersfield Giants and at Batley Bulldogs’ Mount Pleasant and Dewsbury Rams’ Tetley stadiums. Leeds Road sports complex could be a training base for one of the countries taking part. Local hotels have also come on board, with the Cedar Court Hotel, George
Hotel and Gomersal Park Hotel all submitting applications to host teams for the duration of the tournament. Competition organisers, the Rugby Football League, plan to run the 14 team competition over a five week period from October to November 2013. Twelve of the teams are already known and include reigning champions New Zealand, Australia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cook Islands, France, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Tonga, with two additional qualifiers to be determined in October. Cllr Mehboob Khan, Leader of Kirklees Council, feels all areas of Kirklees have something to offer to the bid. He said: “Rugby League is a big part of the social and sporting fabric of Kirklees and Huddersfield is the birthplace of the sport. “Both Batley and Dewsbury also have great
traditions as rugby league towns in the heartland of the game, and the amateur clubs across Kirklees are often at the heart of their local communities. “I am delighted that so many partners have come on board with quality applications and are prepared to support each others bids. “I hope this will result in the whole of Kirklees being able to benefit from a major international event coming to the borough through a big increase in visitors to the area. Being part of the tournament would have a positive impact on the local economy and would help safeguarding local jobs.” The Rugby Football League will now analyse applications from across the country, before embarking on a series of site visits and fact-finding missions ahead of selecting the successful applicants, with announcements expected at the end of October this year.
Do you have a news story to tell us? Send your news and photographs to news@holmevalleyreview.co.uk or ring our newsdesk on 07747 447023.
12 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Local government elections round-up
Chairman Tom is youngest ever elected HOLME Valley Parish Council has its youngest ever chairman after 27-year-old Tom Dixon was elected to office. In his acceptance speech Cllr Dixon thanked outgoing Chairman Dr Rhona Bratt and said: “Much has been made of the fact that I am much younger than our previous chairmen. I believe youth shouldn’t be a barrier and if you are ready and are capable then you should just go for it. I am disappointed that more young people didn’t stand for Council this time and I will be using my year in office to reach out to the younger generation through my work as Chairman.” The previous youngest chairman is believed to be his father, Cllr Paul Dixon who held the office 20 years ago. Supporting the new chairman will be Vice Chairman Cllr Greg Christofi. The Parish Council has eight new members following the May local government elections with one vacancy still to be filled. None of them, however, were voted into office as all
Cllr Tom Dixon receives his chain of office from retiring chairman Dr Rhona Bratt. of the seats were uncontested, meaning an election was not necessary. The new councillors are: Keth Bellamy, Brenda Bodenham, Rod Bowles, Jason Brook, Andrew Hampshire, Bev Osborn, Keith Sharland and Liz Ward. The vacancy for Honley South ward will be advertised on the Council website and on public noticeboards. The council hopes to co-opt a member to fill the vacancy at a special meeting on June 6. The new council will run slightly differently to previous ones with fewer committees and meetings, leading, it is hoped, to less paperwork and overhead costs.
Holme Valley Parish Counci's new clerk Sally Barber (seated) with admin assistant Jane Neary
Changes in admin team AS well as eight new serving members, Holme Valley Parish Council also has a change in its administration team. Sally Barber has taken over as Clerk to the council from Marjory Bewick who has retired after 24 years in the role. Sally worked with Mrs Bewick as the council’s admin support officer for three years until she gained her qualification and was promoted to the role of assistant clerk last October. Supporting her now is new admin support officer Jane Neary. The council offices, which are sited above the tourist information office in the centre of Holmfirth, will continue to be open the public between 10am and 3pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays with an additional opening of two hours from 3-5pm on Mondays.
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 13
Lib Dems lose string of seats
Discussing local politics around the table are the Bellamy family, from left: Kathleen, Donna, Jason and Trevor.
Politics on the menu as four Bellamys serve on council LOCAL politics is a family affair for the Bellamys – four of them are now serving on councils. Trevor Bellamy has been a member of Holme Valley Parish Council for 12 years. He has now been joined by wife Kath and son-in-law Jason Brook. Kath will represent Upper Holme Valley ward alongside her husband, while Jason has taken a seat for Wooldale. The pair already work together every day as they own the Corn Loft bed and breakfast and cafe in Hinchliffe Mill. They ran the village Post Office on the same site until it was controversially closed down in the postal giant’s rationalisation of branches in 2008. Kath says she considered
joining the parish council some time ago but opted to step forward this time as previous ward councillor Joan Osborn had decided to retire. “I’m really looking forward to it,” she said. “I’ve always taken an interest in Trevor’s work on the council and so now I’m looking forward to giving it a go myself.” Meanwhile, daughter Donna has made her debut in local government by winning a seat on Kirklees Council. Standing on behalf of the Conservative Party, Donna defeated the Liberal Democrat candidate to take Colne Valley. This was her second attempt to gain a seat on the council as she narrowly missed out last time. She admits to being “a bit gobsmacked” by her victory
but says she can’t wait to get her teeth into local affairs. “I’m particularly looking forward to getting involved in the Local Development Framework and the fall out of the failed consultation exercise.” She says her political interests were sparked by dad Trevor and also by local MP Jason McCartney with whom she worked on his election campaign last year. It was the forced closure of her parents’ Post Office, however, which really made her want to become personally involved. She said: “When you see things like that happen you realise that we need more ordinary people who are prepared to come forward and work on behalf of local people and local services. That’s what I hope to do.”
THE POOR showing nationally of the Liberal Democrats was reflected in the Kirklees Council elections where the party lost a string of seats. Among them was Holme Valley North where Independent candidate Edgar Holroyd-Doveton polled 1,887 votes to unseat Lib Dem David Woodhead who could only manage third place with 1,097 votes. Cllr Holroyd-Doveton, who lives in Meltham, joins Cllrs Beryl Smith (Con) and Terry Lyons (Ind) in representing Holme Valley North, neither of whom were up for re-election on this occasion. He has a busy year ahead after also being voted onto Meltham Town Council.
New town council chairman Cllr Jean Danson is the new chairman of Meltham Town Council following its annual meeting. Cllr Alan Redfearn was elected as vice chairman. Out of the council’s 12 members, seven are new following the recent election. They are Susan Andrew, Nigel Brook, Edgar Holroyd-Doveton, David Maxfield, Pat Maxfield, Paul White and Jean Wrathall. Unlike Holme Valley Parish Council, Meltham Town Council does not have a ward system as all 12 members represent the town as a whole.
Across the council as a whole, the Lib Dems slipped from second to third place after losing a total of three seats to Labour and two to the Conservatives. Labour held all seven seats it contested while the Tories held onto their six. Both Green Party councillors were returned to their seats. Holme Valley South ward remains unchanged as Cllr Ken Sims (Con) was returned with a healthy majority of 3,201 votes. His nearest rival was Labour’s Steven Morris who polled 1,808 votes. Cllr Sims will continue to serve in Holme Valley South alongside fellow Tories Cllrs Donald Firth Nigel Patrick.
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Colour in confidence ... By Becky Sturdy ASK any of my friends and they will tell you I spend far too much time sitting in cafes and watching the world go by. People watching is a pastime that many of us enjoy now and again, but there is nothing more frustrating than watching crowds of people walking through bright blossom streets in dark dull colours. My advice to all those who are looking for a way to escape the easy draw of a dark outfit is to start with one colour. Maybe one you already feel comfortable with or maybe shop around and find the one best suited to you. Don’t be scared to try new colours and don’t be put off all colours if the first one doesn't suit you. Ice cream colours are hot this season so why not start your shopping spree in Longley’s for some inspiration. As with most trends I’m a terrible one for obsession and love to create an entire head to toe look based on one colour. So start with that all-impor-
Yellow headband 99p, Lotties
Mint, summer dress, £47.50 Pipa-Nik Boutique; Yellow dress £12.99 The Loft, situated opposite Rhythm and Booze along from Andrews and above HD9 Print, Red dress, £57.50 Pipa-Nik Boutique catching a chill. tant signature piece, this month get your legs out (even if it’s just Don’t let the breeze ruin your ankle), crank up the fem-omitor outfit and treat yourself to a and don a dress. Holmfirth matching cardigan from once again delivers with this Edinburgh Woolen Mills in a choice selection of inspiring range of colours starting at just pieces. £15. It’s summer but I’m not Now it’s time to get accesexpecting you to believe that sorising, head down to Lottie’s you can now spend the next few on Hollowgate to spice up your months in short sleeves without outfit. Finally why not match up your nails to give your look the finishing touch. Amy’s cosmetics has a wide selection of summer faves for the perfect polish. Barry M Nail polish £2.95, Barry M Crackle £3.99 Amy’s Cosmetics
If you’re not interested in a dress but still want to add a bit of colour to your look then look no further. This turquoise top is £17.99 from The Loft And there you have it a colourful look without leaving the Valley. So next time I’m watching the world go by make it bright and make it beautiful.
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 15
16 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
HoTT news
by Janet Williams
Surprises at Go Green Transport Show HOLMFIRTH Transition Town initiative (HoTT) held its first Go Green Transport Show last month – with some surprising outcomes. People were taken aback when the true costs of their motoring were exposed on the HoTT computer. This reflects research from the RAC that people underestimate the amount they spend on motoring each year by more than £3000 on average. Another surprise to visitors was the power and potential of electric cars. The Mitsubishi I-Miev on display attracted a lot of interest – it is certainly capable of tackling our local hills and you can, with an average 10,000 mile usage, save over a £1,000 a year on fuel by driving one. After the show people told us that they would consider travelling more by public transport, ride a bike and walk more, as a result of what they had learned. One person commented that the falling supply of cheap oil and consequent rising prices would be a ‘big problem’ unless the UK addressed the issue. More recently HoTT has sponsored Eco-driving training and participants on the 50-minute ‘hands on’ course found that they could save 15 per cent or more on fuel by driving ‘eco-sensibly.’ May sees a move into the outdoors for HoTT, with discussion about how we can get together to grow more of our own food. Growing Communities in Hackney, London, estimates that we could grow 80% of our food here in the UK – and we can certainly do much more of this in the Holme Valley. The irony, however, is that
Pictured with the Mitsubishi electric car at the HoTT Go Green Transport Show are, from left, John Yard, Carl Dunbar, Chair of HOTT Janet Williams, Chas Ball and Nick Hubbard of Huddersfield University. Summer is a good time to do with much agricultural land going jobs in the house that will make out of cultivation, or being taken your home cheaper to heat in the over by horses, there isn’t much winter. On the first Tuesday of land in the area for people without each month HoTT is running short a garden to grow their own food – workshops on how to cut energy and people want to do this. Local use and home heating bills. Why allotments, for instance, are over not come along to the next one at subscribed. 7pm on Tuesday June 7, at the Something needs to be done. On Carniceria in Holmfirth? Please Saturday May 28, therefore, HoTT book in advance – email janetis holding its first AGM together mikeatpaw@aol.com or ring with a workshop to discuss the 686912. various ways in which we could In this season of festivals in the work together to grow more e.g. Holme Valley, mid-June sees the by more allotment gardening, comarrival of the Arts Festival. If you munity orchards, garden sharing follow the River Trail on Sunday and picking of fruit that otherwise afternoon, June 12, you will find goes to rot. Join HoTT on HoTT celebrating the importance Saturday, May 28 at 10.15 for our of water at Holmfirth Methodist brief AGM at The Gallery Room, Hall. You will be able to see a Holmfirth Parish Church and then photo exhibition revealing our take part in an Open Space workriver in its many moods, as well as shop to discuss how we can find find out how to save water and cut ways to produce more of our own bills at home. food in the Valley. Bring the kids! HoTT is grateful for the Finish by 3pm. Still time to do support it receives from Kirklees other things on a Saturday afterCouncil. noon!
Lesroy makes guest return for opening of new nets By Sandie Marshall WEST Indian international cricketer Lesroy Weekes was the guest of honour at the opening of Thongsbridge Cricket Club’s new permanent practice nets. Lesroy, who has played first class cricket for Yorkshire and Northamptonshire as well as for the West Indies and the Leeward Isles, started his career playing at Thongsbridge. He has always maintained close links with the Holme Valley club and said he was delighted to be back to open the nets. “We would have loved this facility when I was playing here,” he said. “This is a terrific club and it deserves to have great facilities.” The nets were built with the help of a £35,000 grant from Kirklees Council’s Community Investment Fund and a donation from Holme Valley Parish Council.
On hand for the opening were Claire Howe from Kirklees Sports Development and Rhona Bratt, Chairman of the Parish Council. Also there were Steve Archer from Yorkshire Cricket Board and local young people’s sports champion and ex-Huddersfield Town footballer Andy Booth. Club Chairman Alan Moore feels the new nets will make a huge difference to the quality of coaching the club can now offer: “As well as adult teams we have a thriving junior section with teams for all age groups and this gives them dedicated space to practice away from the main cricket pitch. “As well as the nets, we’ve installed an auto-bowling machine which will also be a great help for practicing.” The nets are part of an ambitious future for the club including plans for a new clubhouse which they hope to bring to life in the coming years.
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 17
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Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 19
Crowds pack Norridge Bottom for Colonel Custard's Punch and Judy show.
Charlotte Wilcock and Maddy Van Ruiten from local dancers Slubbing Billys.
Festival smiles through the rain DESPITE the odd shower of rain, Holmfirth Festival of Folk was one of the most successful ever with no sign that the weather was spoiling anyone’s fun. Families mingled in all open spaces around the town on Saturday to enjoy the music, dancing and merriment. Pubs were packed with musicians and audiences for the planned – and sometimes impromptu – performances. As ever the valley’s children threw themselves into the festival with enthusiasm and energy. There was standing room only at the schools concert in the Civic Hall on Saturday lunchtime where groups performed traditional dances. Meanwhile in the Methodist Church garden, more schools showcased their dancing and musical talents. Organising committee member Alex Bywaters said: “Word on the street is that Holmfirth is a brilliant festival with a lovely community feel to it because it is just that! The festival is well supported by local people who turn out in their hundreds not only to watch, but also to be part of all that is going on and of course the loyal stewards – without whom
Cowboys from Hepworth School there wouldn’t be a festival. Many thanks to all.” Almost before the last bells and whistles were packed away, the committee was already planning for next year’s festival. An open meeting will be held very soon for everyone to come along and give their views and even offer to help. Each year the committee changes as new people arrive and others move on. This year saw the departure of long-standing member Jenny Burkinshaw, while next year’s event will be organised without the help of Cath Ingham who has been central to the festival’s success for the last years. “The committee would like to express their heartfelt thanks for all her work and dedication to the
Street performers of all ages thrilled the crowds. Festival and wish Cath all the very best in the future and hope to see her at future festivals in Holmfirth,” said Alex. “Breaking news is that that the world famous anglo/european, hurdy gurdy and bagpipe drone band Blowzabella have agreed to play Holmfirth Civic Hall on the Saturday May 12 2012 as part of next year’s Festival – see you there!”
Kirkroyds Infant School Dancers
20 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Honley club backs Government initiative with discount offer A FITNESS club in Honley is backing a Government initiative to get people in the UK to eat well, move more and live longer. For a limited time Warehouse Gym, New Mills Road, Honley will be offering discounted membership to people who join as a part of the health awareness initiative. Fitness consultant Tom Ulanowsky said: “We have had a really good response; we’ve had a lot of beginners and people over the age of 40 joining up, which is fantastic because they are usually the hardest to get in.” Regular exerciser Karen Entwistle, 49, saw the benefits of exercise and joined the health club to keep her fantastic weight loss achievements going. When asked why she joined on the membership she added: “I was very overweight, 16-and-a-half stone, and I
Andy Peacock decided it was time for a change. I just used the cardio in the beginning, but added more resistance and even free weights as I gained confidence.” Karen has seen amazing results from diet and regular exercise, losing a massive six-and-a-half stone. She also took
on a high protein diet to get the correct amount of nutrients to her muscles. Karen was asked to give some advice to anybody who was looking to get into regular exercise at Warehouse. She added: “I have never found the gym intimidating, they have friendly staff and you can work to your fitness level, whatever that may be!” Andy Peacock, manager of Warehouse Gym, said: “It’s fantastic to hear of so many gyms and leisure centres, private businesses and Government working together within the local communities to really drive this fantastic initiative to encourage people to lead a healthier lifestyle.” To join all you need to do is call 01484 446 079 or save time and join online at www.bemoreactiveorg/honley and use the enter code npap1.
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 21
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Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 23
Fascinating times recalled in verse By Sandie Marshall MOST of us hope to enjoy an active retirement, looking back on a life of achievement and even a little adventure. For 82-year-old Dorothy Norris life has been fascinating mix of parenthood, work and travel including almost 10 years spent living with the indigenous people of the Canadian wilderness. Most of her remarkable experiences are chronicled in the poems and short stories she has written since childhood. Now retired and living in Meltham, her work is regularly published and wins prizes on both sides of the Atlantic. Her latest successes, a poem called The Dwelling and a short story called Hope have both been awarded third prizes by the Poetry Institute of Canada and published in recent books. Dorothy was born in Canada in 1929 to a Canadian father and English mother. She was brought to live in England at the age of three although her two older brothers both remained on Vancouver Island, and she wouldn’t see her native land again for almost 50 years. She can’t remember a time when she didn’t enjoy writing and when she was 10 she won a national first prize for a short story about China. It seemed natural to find a career which involved writing and so after leaving school Dorothy completed a course in journalism – still very much a male dominated world in the 1950s – and began submitting articles to local and national newspapers as a freelance. She recalls: “It never made a huge amount of money. I would receive five shillings per article although I think I was once paid 10 shillings for something I wrote for the Daily Mirror. It wasn’t much!” The theme of writing continued in her next career move when she started writing articles for the chronicles and magazine published by the John Lewis Partnership. By this time, she was juggling working with life as a parent, bringing up her three chil-
Dorothy Norris, who's colourful life has inspired many poems and stories. dren mostly alone. The poems and stories she made up to entertain her two daughters and son again encouraged her love of creative writing. Dorothy then embarked on a career change to teaching, specialising in working with children with special needs. She found the work incredibly rewarding although frustration set in during the late 1970s when she realised she was being overlooked for top jobs in favour of male candidates. She says: “I finished studying at Southampton University and was told I was in line for a deputy headship. Unfortunately it didn’t come off and was given instead to a male teacher. It wasn’t the first time something like this had happened and it probably wouldn’t have been the last. “It was a tough period in my life when everything seemed to go wrong – my children were no longer at home, the car broke down, my dog died – I felt at a complete loose end and so decided a change was needed. I decided to throw it all in and move back to Canada.” So in 1980, Dorothy set out alone to discover her roots. She was reunited with her older brothers, with whom she lived for a few weeks, forming a “wonderful” relationship with them. Her independent streak, however, made her determined to be self-
sufficient and so she accepted a teaching job working with the Heiltsuk native Canadians, or First Nations as they are called today, in an extremely remote coastal area of British Colombia. “These people had recently received some independence from the Canadian government and were setting up their own infrastructure, including schools. They were a fishing community in a very isolated area with no cars and just one truck to carry supplies from the wharf. “My children thought I was crazy – maybe I was! I lived in a little float house by the water with my dog, a wild-born wolf-crosshusky. It was an extraordinary time. Not many people can take that kind of isolation but somehow it suited me. I was happy there.” Dorothy has written a number of poems and short stories about her life in the British Columbian wilderness including one poem called “Storm” about the night of extreme Pacific gales when her little float house was almost ripped to pieces while she huddled inside. “Most frightening!” she recalls, with a grin. After three years with the Heiltsuk, Dorothy moved again, this time to Alberta to teach in the schools of the bison-farming Plains Cree people. Again her life was fairly
remote although there was a small town nearby and she was able to witness the damage this inflicted on the previously isolated people. This, combined with a steady erosion of their traditional way of life, led to high instances of depression and even suicide. “It’s what happens when your land is being eroded and your way of life steadily taken away from you. I feel very strongly about the way the First Nations of Canada have been treated over the years. Certainly when I was there, there was a general feeling of hopelessness. Very few of them were able to look upon their lives with any optimism or hope for the future. This even affected some of the children in my school.” Writing again featured strongly in her life with the Plains Cree and she penned a school song for them and several plays for the children to perform. In the end, after six years there, it was extreme Alberta winters which convinced her to retreat to the civilisation and relative warmth of retirement on Vancouver Island. “I never got used to those winters. Standing in the playground when the temperature was minus 40 degrees was something I could no longer do although it never seemed to bother the children! I remember having to make a wall of books around my desk to keep the draught away from my legs. It was time to go.” It was during her retirement on Vancouver Island that Dorothy’s writing moved to another level when her daughter persuaded her to enter a poem for publication by the Poetry Institute of Canada. She was successful and began writing even more seriously, continuing after she returned to live in England in 2000 to be close to her daughter and grandchildren in Meltham. She then started to enjoy success in competitions run by United Press. “I now have 65 books, all of which contain poems or short stories I have written,” she says. “I am constantly writing and can’t see that changing anytime soon.”
24 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
The four friends set out from Wakefield train station for their royal wedding adventure
Alison broadcasts live to BBC listeners from outside Westminster Abby. Radio presenter Victoria Derbyshire is standing behind her
From her vantage point Alison was able to take some amazing photographs including these of the bride arriving, and the happy couple after the ceremony
A single,short message posted on Alison Bray’s Facebook page set off a chain of events which led to her and three friends having an extraordinary involvement in last month’s Royal Wedding.Sandie Marshall found out what happened. Telephone: 01484 680055
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Facebook post prompts Royal Wedding adventure for friends “YIPEE, I’ve got my train tickets! I’m going to the Royal Wedding!” wrote Holmfirth primary school teacher Alison Bray on her Facebook page. She was excited. After years of talking and planning, she, fellow teacher Beverley Firbank and Beverley’s two daughters Hannah and Emily were all set to travel to London for William and Kate’s big day. Alison and Beverley met when they worked at Hade Edge School. They quickly established they were fans of the royal family and had both been in the crowd for the wedding of Prince Andrew and Sarah
Ferguson in 1986. “We said then that we would go to the next royal wedding together” said Alison, “so I booked the train tickets and we planned whereabouts on the route we would stand.” But their plans were thrown into the air a couple of weeks later when Alison was contacted by BBC producer Tom Green who had seen her Facebook message and explained he was looking for ‘ordinary’ people to interview on Radio 5 Live on the day of the wedding. “We chatted on the phone for ages
and he seemed to like our story about how we’d been to previous weddings and how excited we were about this one. “Then, a few days later he rang again and asked if we would be guests of the BBC on their platform outside Westminster Abbey and do live broadcasts on the radio about the atmosphere and Kate’s dress. “We were completely stunned – we just couldn’t believe it. We knew then that we would be in the best possible position to see the whole thing.” Continued on Page 25
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 25
Friends recall a perfect day ... Continued from Page 24 Alison and her friends were sworn to secrecy by the BBC but from then on things continued to gain pace. She said: “On Good Friday I received a call from Victoria Derbyshire, Radio 5 Live presenter, asking if I’d do a telephone interview about how excited we were to be going – which I did. “Then, two days before the wedding, I got another phone call, this time from Richard Westcott from BBC Breakfast TV saying he and a film crew were coming up to Holmfirth to film us getting ready and setting off for London. It was surreal!” It was this piece, filmed in Alison’s back garden and shown to millions of viewers on BBC Breakfast, which propelled the four friends to instant fame. “When we got to London on the day of the wedding, we were recognised everywhere. People were asking for our autographs and to have photographs taken with us, and we were interviewed by TV film crews from other countries. “At 9.45am we were taken onto the BBC platform and we were there until around 2pm. I broadcast live from 10am onwards and I really enjoyed it. It was just like chatting with friends – commenting on the crowd, talking about the celebrities and the royals as they arrived, and of course, Kate and THAT dress. We met all the BBC TV and radio presenters and had the most fantastic view as it all happened.” Despite being busy with her radio duties, Alison admits to being caught up in the atmosphere herself. “I did shed a tear when William arrived at the Abbey because his mother wasn’t there to see him. I’ve got three sons of my own and Diana should have been there.” But her favourite moment of the whole day came later when the four friends walked over to Clarence House to see the newly married couple arrive in Prince Charles’ vintage Aston Martin car. “They looked so happy – really beaming. Again, I was so close I could have reached out and touched them. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.”
Right Royal celebrations THE HOLME Valley joined the rest of the country to celebrate William and Kate’s Royal Wedding with parties in pubs, clubs and on streets. In Upperthong, regulars at the Royal Oak dressed for the occasion and came together to watch the event on the pub television. Later, local children enjoyed a
Twins Thomas and Elliott Wilson, six, with Kate Morley, seven, arriving at the Upperthong Village Hall Royal wedding celebration
Party-goers at Upperthong's Royal Oak react to THE KISS!
Retailers and shoppers enjoy their party at Norridge Bottom
party at the Village Hall which was supported by the Parish Council’s Royal Wedding grants scheme. Shopkeepers in Holmfirth’s Norridge Bottom dressed the street with flags and bunting and offered food, drinks and entertainment for passing shoppers.
26 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Charity walkers celebrate life of landlady Angela Brother and sister Callum and Nieve Bolton hold a lamb
Visitors flock to lambing time FAMILIES flocked to Holmbridge over the Easter weekend as Coddy’s Farm opened its gates to the public for lambing time. Around 500 visitors had a hands-on tour of the farm, feeding lambs and collecting eggs, while many were delighted to witness new lambs being born. The Holme Valley Scout group held a pig roast and provided refreshments for visitors, raising over £500 for their troop. Farm owner Andrew Colwill said: “We had a
really good weekend. People have a genuine interest in where and how their food is produced, and we are in an ideal position to show them.” Andrew’s family has farmed in Holmbridge for three generations, rearing sheep, Aberdeen Angus beef cattle and pigs. Coddy's Farm butchery was established in 2007 to sell the meat reared on the farm at local farmers’ markets. Holme Valley customers also benefit from the convenience of a
free home delivery service. Meat orders can be placed by calling Coddy's Farm on 01484 688076 or emailing via coddysfarmshop.co.uk. For customers further afield mail order can be arranged. If you are interested in the good life why not try a Coddy’s Farm experience days. You will be taken on a hands on guided tour of the farm, going from field to fork with a butchery demonstration preparing meat which you take away with you.
THE FIRST charity beer walk organised by The Nook Brewhouse in Holmfirth will raise money for local group Holme Valley Sharing Memories and celebrate the life of former Nook owner and landlady Angela Robert who died recently. Angela was a longstanding member of Sharing Memories, the group that provides new learning and social opportunities for the elderly. Her daughter Sheila Sutton, who runs the pub along with her brother Ian Roberts, is delighted to continue to support the charity: “My mum got so much from her time with Sharing Memories and they in turn have given me precious memories of mum which I will value forever. “The group relies entirely on public funding so we were more than happy to help.” The walk will take place on Saturday June 25 and will visit nine local hostelries around the Holme Valley.
The Nook beer walk will celebrate the life of former owner Angela Roberts, pictured here taking part in a Sharing Memories project. The day will be rounded Walkers will be encouraged off with a charity auction at to come along in fancy dress the Nook with live music in the theme of heroes. If from Leo Brazil and his successful, it is hoped the Twitch, and Blue Label. walk will become an annual event. For a registration pack and further information conThe fee to take part is £5 tact Becky Sturdy at the or £22 for a group of five Nook on 01484 682373 or people. email office@thenookbrewThere will be collection house.co.uk. buckets along the route and You can also register sponsorship is optional with online at http://www.evenprizes for the best fancy telephant.com/thenookbeerdress costume and the most walk2011 money raised.
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 27
A great day out for both farmers and families ... HONLEY Show is one of the most prestigious, best-attended and well-respected rural agricultural shows in the country – and is proud to be celebrating its 90 years since the first show in 1921. The show will be held this year on Saturday 11th June at The Showground, Moor Lane, Farnley Tyas – one of the region's best venues situated in the beautiful countryside near Huddersfield. The amazing location allows families and exhibitors alike to enjoy a wide range of activities, agricultural events, country crafts, family entertainment and competitions. The showground will be full of attractions for the whole family. Booked so far include: Springer Dog Agility Display, Ferret Racing, Vintage Cars, Punch and Judy, Kirklees Light Railway, Stilt Walkers, Magicians, Wildlife Displays, Meerkat Displays, Balloon Modelling, Climbing Wall, Bungee Trampolines, Inflatable Slides, Children’s Quad Bikes and Children's Roundabouts – plus food concessions and a bar. There will also be family entertainment in the main ring between 10am and 4pm including the Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team Display; the Battling Cumberland Giants (the biggest wrestlers in the world), a Falconry Display, a display of Beagles and Hounds, and a Judo Display. This year there are also more competitions and classes than ever before, including Cavies, Cattle, Dogs, Goats, Handicrafts, Light Horses, Heavy Horses, Showjumping, Gymkhana, Mice, Poultry, Rabbits, Sheep and Tractors. There will be also be more than 150 trade and craft stalls across the showground – and the Countryside Marquee which is not a trading area, but a showcase of all things rural, with displays in the past from organisations such as stickmakers, beekeepers, ramblers, fishermen, dry stone wallers, the National Trust, wildlife organisations and tourist information. Full details on all attractions, activities and schedules can be found at www.honleyshow.co.uk
Main ring entertainment schedule 10am - Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team Display 10.30am - Stilt Walkers, Balloon Modelling and Magicians 11am - Cumberland Giants 11.30am - Falconry Display 12.45pm - Beagles and Hounds (Holme Valley/Colne Valley/Pennine) 1.45pm - Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team Display 2.15pm - Holme Valley Black Belt Academy Display 2.45pm - Tractor Parade and Judging 3.15pm - Cumberland Giants 3.45pm Falconry Display
28 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Rescue team to wow crowds HONLEY Show are proud this year to have the Woodhead Mountain Rescue Display Team to entertain the crowds. The team is a volunteer search and rescue service covering South Huddersfield, South Yorkshire, the Peak district and surrounding areas. They were formed in 1964 and provide an on call, round the clock, all year volunteer search and rescue service in upland or mountainous areas of the Park. However, the Police are increasingly calling upon the teams to undertake searches for missing people in lowland areas, especially chil-
Abbie and Dodge will show off their skills in the Main Ring. dren and older people. They have also assisted at the Lockerbie air disaster, searching for York chef Claudia Lawrence, the floods of 2007 and various road closures due to snow. Come along and meet these amazing dogs: Dodge
is a five-year-old Black and White Border Collie and Abbie is a six-year-old Blue Merle Border Collie who passed her assessment in January 2010 in particularly difficult conditions in the Lake District.
Range of goods and services on show THE trade stands form an important feature at Honley Show, being the first sights on entry to the showground – and have continued to grow considerably over the last few years. There will be over 150 stalls including local and national businesses and charities, offering a wide range of goods and services from wooden bird
boxes to beautiful interior gifts, from exquisite handmade jewellery to fine country clothing, and car dealerships to motorhomes – and for the more adventurous, we are again delighted to welcome back the Red Arrows fight simulator. Inside the craft marquee at the top of the showground there will be 18 food stalls which will
include preserves, relishes, vegetables, meat, fish as well as the old favourites. There are also 32 handicraft stalls with new exhibitors offering fashion clothing, coal models, cosmetics, childrenswear as well as the regular jewellery, cards, oriental and pet goods. Details of all the traders can be found on www.honleyshow.co.uk
List of attractions Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team Display The Battling Cumberland Giants Beagles and Hounds Falconry Display Tractor Parade Rabbit Jumping Springer Dog Agility Ferret Racing Vintage Tractors Vintage Cars Punch and Judy Kirklees Light Railway Amateur Radio Station Huddersfield Youth Brass Band Stilt Walkers Magicians Balloon Modelling Climbing Wall Bungee Trampolines Inflatable Slides Children’s Quad Bikes Children’s Rides Trampolines Wildlife Displays: including Meerkats, Snakes and Tarantulas Chain Saw Modelling Trade Stalls Countryside Marquee
Take your ringside seats for the world's biggest comedy attraction, the ever-popular asseen-on-tv Great Battling Cumberland Giants Show. The crowds will be glued to their seats as they watch the 12ft high giant wrestlers, "Mighty Mick", the people's favourite and "Terrible Ted", the nasty one, who do battle in this fast-moving, action-packed spectacular comedy wrestling show. The referee and crazy clown, "Handy Andy", add to the laughter and thrills with their slapstick, bangs and zany stunts involving a mini quad bike and giant travelling bag. Not to mention the biggest bottle of champagne you will ever see. This show is too big to miss!
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 29
British Legion chosen charity in its 90th year
HONLEY Show are pleased to present falconer James McKay from the National Hawking School in Derbyshire who will be entertaining the crowds with an interactive display which will be exciting, educational and memorable. The school is dedicated to promoting the conversation, through education of raptors (birds of prey) and their breath taking displays are renowned for the passion which the team has for their subject that will make the display head and shoulders above the crowd.
THE nominated charity for this year is The Royal British Legion who are also celebrating their 90th anniversary. The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading armed forces charity which provides welfare to the whole armed forces family – serving, exservice and their dependants – and although their needs have changed over that time the need for its work is as vital as ever. The Legion was founded in 1921 as a voice for the ex-service community, and over 380,000 members continue to
ensure that this voice does not go unheard. They are committed to the welfare, interests and memory of the service family. They are probably best-known for their role as the nation's custodian of Remembrance and for the Poppy Appeal, their annual fundraising campaign. But the Legion is not just about poppies in November, but caring for people all year round – and Honley Show is proud to be supporting this charity in its 90th year.
Bumper entry expected for unique event AN afternoon of fun is guaranteed outside the Rabbit Tent as the very unique and popular rabbit jumping comes back to Honley Show for a second year. Organised by Rabbit Jumping UK – a group of
rabbit jumping enthusiasts that hope to form a club and spread the word of this new 'sport' – will be giving out information on training and trying to get as many people involved as well as promoting responsible rabbit owner-
ship and welfare. A bumper entry is expected for our competitions at Honley Show this year – so bring your pet rabbits wearing a harness and lead to try our jumps near the Rabbit tent at 1.15pm and 3.15pm and
join in the fun. And if anyone would like to give it a try before show day please contact the Rabbit Section Secretary Maureen at mandhhoyle@yahoo.co.uk or by telephoning 01484 450310.
Join the team at Huddersfield Audi for extended test drives across the Audi range.
The new Audi A6. Enhanced driving. Lightweight construction makes the new Audi A6 less thirsty. Constructed around a bodyshell that’s part aluminium, part steel, it’s 80kg lighter than it’s predecessor. The result is less work for the engine and therefore less fuel consumption. Meaning you’ll spend less time at the pumps and more time on the road.
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01484 350000 www.sytner.co.uk/audi/huddersfield/home *Test drive restrictions apply. Full clean driving licence required. Subject to status and availability. Official fuel consumption figures for the A6 Saloon range in mpg (l/100km) from: Urban 26.2 (10.8) - 47.1 (6.0), Extra Urban 42.8 (5.5) - 64.2 (4.4), Combined 34.4 (8.2) - 57.6 (4.9). CO2 emissions: 190 - 129g/km.
30 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Many cow breeds on show in huge tent CYNTHIA and Mandy welcome you to the Cattle section of the Show in 2011, which will be housed in a magnificent 200 foot long tent at the top of the showground. The public are invited in to see the magnificent animals and their owners busy brushing and grooming them ready for judging. Full of many different breeds of dairy and beef cattle, each is judged against its own breed outside in the three show rings. The Holstein, Freisian and
COUNTRY STORE
Ayrshire will begin, followed by Jersey cows, Herefords, Dexters, Highland, Native Pure Breeds, Commercial and Pedigree Beef Cattle. Also watch the budding ‘showmen’ of the future with specialist classes designed for young handlers from five up to 26 years old. The judging begins at 10.30am, and at 3pm the presentation of cups and trophies will take place after a grand parade of most of the cattle that have been exhibited.
PET FOOD STORE & WAREHOUSE
• Pet Food • Wild Bird Food & Feeders • Equine Feed • Beddings • Horse, Dog, Cat & Poultry Wormers / Frontline • Horse & Pet Supplements • Pet Beds • Poultry Feed & Hardwear • Grass Seed • Weed Killers • Wood Briquettes • Country Clothing FRIENDLY HONEST ADVICE OPEN: Monday-Friday y y 08.00-17.30 & Saturday 08.00-12.00 Kirkwood Mill, Sheffield Road, Penistone, S36 6HQ Tel. 01226 762341 Fax. 01226 766707 email. info@argofeeds.co.uk web. www.argofeeds.com
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 31
Green-fingered Joe set to make fifth visit YORKSHIRE’S favourite gardening expert, Joe Maiden, will be making a return visit to the Holme Valley on June 21, to give seasonal tips to local gardeners. The ever popular Radio Leeds presenter, who also manages his own nursery north of Leeds, will be making his fifth visit to Brockholes Village Hall. The evening will provide a chance for the audience to ask Joe’s advice on the care and growing of plants and Joe will have with him a wide range of plants from his
nursery to demonstrate his green-fingered skills and to purchase. Brockholes Village Trust president, Hilda Goddard, said: “Whether you’re a keen gardener or not, Joe’s knowledge and anecdotes of a life spent in managing gardens make for a very enjoyable evening and we always have a full house for the event.” The evening starts at 7.30pm and tickets, costing £4, are available at Brockholes Village Post Office or by phoning Huddersfield 663270 or 664061.
Call to Dryad runners Roger celebrates retirement after 40 years’ service BUDDING runners are being encouraged to enter a five-mile race which raises money for charity. This year’s Hepworth Dryad takes place on Sunday June 26 and registration is £8 for club runners and £10 for non club runners. As runner numbers
have increased each year, organisers have asked those interested in taking part to pre-register. The event is also looking for sponsors and volunteers and more information can be found by contacting Paula Moss on hepworthdryad5@hotmail.co.uk
Boost for air ambulance campaign YORKSHIRE Air Ambulance’s Keep It Up campaign will benefit from the Midsummer Music Madness event being held at New Mill Club, Sheffield Road, on June 18. The event will feature performances from a
number of bands including Still No Name, Worst Kept Secret and Kath and the Mighty Menace. Tickets for the event, which starts at 8.15pm, cost £8 and can be bought by calling 01484 602533 or 07778 638863.
ROGER Hobson is celebrating his retirement, following over 40 years’ service for Les Heywood and Son. He started work for the company in 1969, when it was based in Hinchliffe Mill, Holmfirth, and worked in and around the Huddersfield area. Roger started plumbing when he left school, working for Burgess Plumbers and learning his craft with a five-year college apprenticeship. Over the years he has trained numerous school leavers and Alan Heywood, who now runs the business, is among his apprentices. Roger – who has worked for some famous names in his career including the late Bill
Owen and QPR manager Neil Warnock – has worked all around the the Holme Valley and has seen many changes both to the valley and the plumbing and heating industry. Everyone who knows Roger from wholesalers, customers and all the staff at Les Heywood and Son wish him all the best and a happy retirement.
Family firm builds on its success FAMILY-OWNED Decorative Concrete Ltd has a lot to celebrate as they head into yet another year as the region’s leading pattern imprinted concrete suppliers. The company, which practices under the Spectacular Driveways UK banner, has provided innovative paving systems to both commercial and household driveways for more than 15 years, earning the company the opportunity run workshops at the UK Concrete Show, held in February. Founder and managing director John Quinn said: “The success of the business, particularly over the last few years, has been a combination of the passion for the industry and qualities
of our maintenance free paving and formation of a licensed network of trained and highly skilled installers. “We have the technical know-how and expertise and I am excited and optimistic that the business will continue to see growth over the coming months.” He added that, despite the recession, demand for their products has increased, particularly due to the maintenance free aspect. Decorative Concrete Ltd also run a training centre, held at their headquarters, from which newly trained operatives can also take up a franchise opportunity to start up their own business. The company gives them
all the assistance they require to get established and succeed. The firm’s next aim is to provide an overall service by supplying ready mix concrete following investment into a state of the art mobile concrete batching unit. Such an innovative unit will provide a range of concrete mixes designed for paving and imprinting which allows just the perfect amount of concrete to be delivered, completing all requirements for the company and their customers. For further information visit www.spectaculardriveways.co.uk
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32 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Something for all in a village centre steeped in history THE jewel in the crown of the lower Holme Valley is the lively village centre of Honley, renowned for its great choice of restaurants and pubs, friendly local shops, and a wide range of cultural, sports and leisure activities. Whether you are planning an evening of wining and dining, looking for ways to get active or just fancy a stroll around and a spot of browsing, Honley is definitely worth a closer look. The village centre offers an escape from the steady flow of main road traffic through the valley. From Woodhead Road, turn off on to Eastgate and follow the road round into Westgate. Along here and the streets branching off you will find many dedicated independent retailers and specialist traders and other small-scale businesses. With its cobbled lanes steeped in history, wide open spaces and scenic views all round, it is easy to see why a visit to Honley is like a breath of fresh air especial-
ly for anyone more used to the pace of life of a busy town. At the same time, it's worth bearing in mind that the thriving village high street of Westgate is part of a much broader picture. On the 'bottom road' heading towards Huddersfield, Queens Square business park provides a launchpad for new businesses. Heading out in the opposite direction on the A616 New Mill Road, is a hive of industry and commercial enterprise. If you want to get a feel for the breadth of retailing and business activity within the area before venturing out, the Honley Village Community Trust website offers a useful overview with its A-Z listings. Among the many categories are everything from art and antiques to architects, hairdressers to handymen, jewellers to joiners, beauty clinics to builders, shoe sales and repairs to signwriters and solicitors. Continued on Page 33 Honley is renowned for its great choice of restaurants and pubs.
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 33
The village is home to many dedicated independent retailers and specialist traders Continued from Page 32 iors through to seniors, a stage several productions Looking away into the disthroughout the year. squash club, a health and fittance beyond Honley High The next event is a murness centre and a ladies-only School, the view is distinctly der-mystery evening on gym. Holmfirth Harriers rural. Saturday June 18, with the Athletics Club holds twiceRail passengers travelling next plays scheduled for weekly training sessions on the Huddersfield to September and November. open to all at Neiley Playing Sheffield line can also enjoy Details will be announced Fields, on New Mill Road. a scenic route through the nearer the time. Several local walks start The village is also well area. from the wildlife haven of From Honley station, there known for its long-standing tradition of music-making are hourly trains on weekMagdale Fields including the and singing and especially by Holme Valley Riverside days. 'Music trains' – with a the ever popular Yorkshire live jazz band or folk group Way. Traction Honley Band, on board – and guided walks Free parking is available Honley Male Voice Choir and from local stations in recent on the public car parks run Honley Ladies Choir. years have encouraged many by Kirklees Council on On the sports and leisure more people to leave their Westgate and New Street. front, Honley is particularly cars at home – at least occaRegular buses run to and well blessed with football sionally. from Huddersfield, Holmfirth and cricket teams spanning Southgate Theatre is home and New Mill. several age groups from junto the Honley Players who
The surrounding area to this historic village is distinctly rural.
34 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
A Honley business held a two day extravaganza to celebrate its fifth anniversary and the official opening of a patio and paving centre by local MP Jason McCartney. Visitors to Holmebuild were treated to free bacon sandwiches and curry tasting plus a range of special offers to help get their gardens in shape for summer. The business, which also has depots in Saddleworth and Elland, stocks over 5000 product lines covering electrical, plumbing, building, decorating, DIY, tools and hardware. For more information visit www.holmebuild.co.uk or call director Andrew Skelton on 01484 666688.
Workers beat the weather BUILDING merchants took on the famous Three Peaks and raised £5,000 for charity. Five workers from Holme Build Supplies in Honley climbed Britain’s three tallest peaks in aid of the COINS Foundation. The construction charity develops buildings in poor nations around the world, most
recently in earthquake hit Haiti. The Holme Valley team including Andy Skelton, James Noble, Gordon Behrens, Joe Morris and Mark Frith were among 40 teams taking part in the challenge to scale Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdonia in 24 hours. Due to the poor weather conditions they completed it in 25 hours 11 minutes.
Walkers can feast while they stroll along the river By Sandie Marshall WALKERS can now enjoy more than the fresh air and stunning views as they stroll along the river between Honley and Holmfirth. Parts of the route are now edible after hundreds of fruit and nut bearing trees were planted there. The river walk has been created by the local group Incredible Edible, whose aim it is to see more locally grown and community produced foods. Most of the trees have been donated by the Woodland Trust with some from individuals and group members. Volunteers from the group and from Honley Trust have spent long days and weekends planting them along the route. The theme is jams, chutneys and cordials which can all be made from the blackthorn, crab apple, elder and dog rose trees. Three sections of the walk
are now edible – the start at Magdale in Honley, the central section by Holme Valley Caravan Park and towards the end at Hinchliffe Mill. Details of the route are available in a booklet from Holmfirth Information Centre. Norah Hamill, who started Incredible Edible Huddersfield two years ago, would like to see the walk become a focus for local activities, even creating a festival around it. She says: “The UK is one of the least wooded countries in Europe with only 4% native woodland cover. But we need at least twice as many native trees and woods for the sake of wildlife and people, to combat climate change and improve our environment. If we replant, we can help lock Co2 back in the soil where it belongs.” Food produced by the trees will not only sustain walkers. Brian Hincliffe from the Bee Keepers Society has
been involved with the walk since its inception and has helped plant many of the edible trees. He says: “Bees will take advantage of everything we plant, as will other insects and birds. It is becoming known that bee populations all over the country are on the decline so it is important to start growing the plants they can benefit from.” The river walk is just one of Incredible Edible’s ongoing projects. The group has created four mini-orchards in Hinchliffe Mill and are determined to use any available community ground to grow food – last season they used flower beds in Holmfirth Memorial Garden to plant beans, courgettes and herbs. They are also working on Space to Grow, a major community gardening project based at Holmfirth High School.
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 35
ROSE & CROWN Tel: 01484 660 790 - www.therosethurstonland.co.uk The Village, Thurstonland, Huddersfield, HD4 6XU The Rose & Crown at Thurstonland offers great food, seven hand pulled real ales and superb bed & breakfast accommodation - take a trip out to see us soon!
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BAR SNACKS Monday to Saturday served 12 noon to 3pm EVENING MEALS Monday to Thursday served 5.30 - 9pm, Saturday served 5 - 9.30pm 1st SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH Themed food evenings (see blackboard or ring for details) 1st SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH “Carl’s Cookout” Full English Breakfast, served 9am - 12 noon
BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 30th May - All Day BBQ from 12noon
HONLEY SHOW Saturday 11th June All Day BBQ from 12 noon (only 1 mile from Honley Show) Join us for our
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36 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
CLASSIFIED SERVICES COMPUTING
What’s On Guide
Review
Thursday May 26 - Sunday 29, New Street, Huddersfield town centre, French Market with an array of continental market stalls and four large baking ovens so you can savour the aroma of fresh baked croissants. Also: fresh fruit and veg, cheeses, Britanny biscuits, delicious honey and jams and much more.
ley@kirklees.gov.uk
Friday June 17 - Wednesday 22, Live music at Holmfirth Picturedrome, Fri 17, Alabama 3, acclaimed Brixton/Glasgow collective, best known for Woke Up This Morning, theme tune to the TV show Sopranos, combining techno beats with country, Sat 18, The Beat: two-tone ska legends, hits including Mirror In The Bathroom, Too Nice to Talk To, Can't Get Used to Losing You, with special guests: The Uplifters and DJ Fat Piggy; Weds 22, Ron Sexsmith, world class singer-songwriter - recent single Get In Line was a BBC Radio 2 record of the week. For tickets, call in at the Box Office bar any weekday evening, 7.30-10pm or book online at www.picturedrome.net
Saturday May 28 - Holiday Monday 30, Colne Valley Museum, Golcar, 40th annual exhibition by Colne Valley Art Society. Adults and children welcome. Also on June 4-5. Contact Diana Rowell 01484 650037
MAINTENANCE
Sunday May 29 - Holiday Monday 30, Castle Hill, Almondbury, Sun, 11am and 2pm, A Bird's Eye View, walks and children's wildlife activities to celebrate Castle Hill becoming a designated Local Nature Reserve; Mon, 12noon-4.30pm, Geo Day! rocks, minerals and fossils are under the spotlight in an afternoon of geological activities for children. To find out more, contact Castle Hill Ranger Julian Brown 07968 426 312. Sunday May 29 - Holiday Monday 30, Huddersfield Open Market, giant car boot sale alongside the market, 'first come' queuing system for sellers to unload from their vehicles onto the next available stall. Cost £8 per stall. More information: 01484 223730.
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
Holiday Monday May 30, 'Along The Edge' welly walk, setting off at 1.30pm from Brun Clough car park, A62 Marsden to Delph road. Wander along Millstone Edge on a three-mile easy walk. Comfortable strong boots, waterproofs and warm clothing are strongly advised. Suitable for groups, no need to book. Contact National Trust: 01484 847016. Wednesday June 1, St Mary's Church, Honley, Mothers' Union Coffee day, 2-4pm and 6.308.30pm, in aid of the Away From It All holiday scheme which helps around 550 families each year who otherwise could not afford to take a break.
PLUMBING
Thursday June 2, Tolson Museum, Ravensknowle Park, Huddersfield, 11am-1pm and 2-4pm, Bounce into Spring: half term holiday fun and crafts. Admission 50p per child (516 years), Kirklees Passport holders free. Phone 01484 223830. Thursday June 2, Huddersfield Town Hall, 8pm, Jimmy Carr, celebrating his 10th year as one of Britain's most successful comedians. For tickets, contact Kirklees Booking Offices 01484 223200 or 222444.
AERIAL
Friday June 3 - Sunday 5, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, Fri 3, 11am and 2pm, Rip, Fold, Scrunch - family show fusing theatre, dance and live music; Sat 4, 7.30pm, Nuh Stress Mi Out! - trip down memory lane to the 1970s, drama by Blue Mountain Theatre; Sun 5, 2.30pm, Little Howard & the Magic Pencil of Life and Death, bursting out of your TV on to the stage. Box office 01484 430528, online at www.thelbt.org Saturday June 4 - Sunday 5, Kirklees Light Railway, A636 Wakefield Road, Clayton West, Day out With Thomas the Tank Engine meet Thomas, Percy, Mavis, Toby and the Fat Controller, plus many other attractions to keep the kids entertained. Next events: July 9-10 and August 19-22. Phone 01484 865727.
HAIRDRESSERS
Saturday June 4, Holmfirth Cricket Club, 8pm till late, Rock the Pig Roast - two live bands J B Goode and Aces High. Ticket only event: £12.50 adults, £7 children. More details and to book, phone 01484 686388 or e-mail armitagej@btinternet.com Saturday June 4, Holmfirth Picturedrome, The Clone Roses, UK's No.1 tribute to Madchester legends The Stone Roses plus DJ Clint Boon (XFM radio presenter, played keyboards with The Inspiral Carpets). Doors open 7.30pm. For
Holme Valley
Billy Ocean is appearing at the Holmfirth Picturedrome on June 21. tickets, call in at the Box Office bar any weekday evening, 7.30-10pm or book online at www.picturedrome.net
Saturday June 4, Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.30pm, Halle Orchestra From Agincourt to Alassio: the season finale is a tribute to both the Halle's and Kirklees' association with the great English composers of the last century. Ticket hotline 01484 223200. Sunday June 5, Marsden 10-mile Challenge: Colne Valley Lions, in association with Holmfirth Harriers, invite you to walk, run or jog in aid of local charities to local charities and The Laura Crane Youth Cancer Trust. Meet at Marsden Conservative Club, 10am start. Entry fee £10 includes refreshments after the event, free for accompanied under 16s. Contact Sharon Topham 01484 658173, email elaine.ridgway2@btinternet.com Sunday June 5, Up and down the Dearne, eight-mile medium walk: meet David, 10.45am at Denby Dale railway/bus interchange, off Wakefield Road (A636). Children aged 16 and under must be accompanied. Sunday June 5, Meltham Gala, fun for all the family at Broadlands recreation ground. To book a stall or display, phone 07908 622 036 or e-mail melthamgala@sky.com Sunday June 5, Beaumont Park, Meltham Road, Lockwood, 1.304pm, Proms and picnic in the park, with music by Lindley Band. Free admission. Sunday June 5, Huddersfield Philharmonic Orchestra present a Movie Spectacular with Robert Powell, 3pm, at Huddersfield Town Hall. For ticket information, contact Kirklees Booking Offices 01484 223200 or 222444. Sunday June 5, New Orleans Jazz Club, Old Bridge Hotel, Holmfirth, 8pm-10.30pm, relaxed monthly gettogether with New Orleans Wiggle, a six-piece old-style jazz band playing blues, boogie, old pop songs, spirituals and gospel songs. More information from band leader Richard Lord 01484 683476 or 07932 160 508. Friday June 10, Hepworth Village Hall, Film night: Sex, Drugs and Rock n' Roll (2010, cert 15), biography of Ian Dury who was stricken with polio at a young age and defied expectations by becoming one of the founder of the punk rock. Doors and bar open 7pm for 7.30pm start Admission £3. Saturday June 11 - 25, Holmfirth Arts Festival, various venues throughout the valley: theatre shows, music, art, comedy, poetry, puppets, walks and more. Programme of events available from the tourist information centre, phone 01484 222444 or online at www.holmfirthartsfestival.co.uk Saturday June 11, North Light Gallery, 8pm, Saturday Art Club: Ages 5-8 between 1pm and 2.30pm and ages 8-12 from 1pm3pm. To book, contact Mel or
Harriet on 01484 340003. Also on June 25 and July 9.
Saturday June 11 - Sunday 12, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, Sat, 11am and 2pm, Imagine Creative Workshop presents Bend Me, Shape Me, Make Me - creature-crafting, monstermaking fun with pipe cleaners; Sun 12, 7pm, Dan Leno: The King's Jester, celebration of a comic genius hailed as the greatest ever music hall star. Box office 01484 430528, online at www.thelbt.org Saturday June 11, Honley Agricultural Show, at the showground, Moor Lane, Farnley Tyas, celebrating its 90th anniversary with more competitions and classes than ever before. Attractions include Springer dog agility display, ferret racing, vintage cars, The Battling Cumberland Giants biggest wrestlers in the world, Punch and Judy, Kirklees Light Railway, stilt walkers, magicians, meerkat displays, balloon modelling, climbing wall, bungee trampolines, inflatable slides, children's quad bikes and roundabouts, plus over a hundred trade and craft stalls. Tickets £8 adults, £6 seniors, £3 children on the day, £7, £5 and £2 in advance, from local outlets including Holmfirth Tourist Information, Honley Library, Honley and Thongsbridge post offices or online at www.honleyshow.co.uk Saturday June 11, Penistone Paramount, 2.30pm, John Mann playing the four-manual 1937 Compton cinema pipe organ. Monthly concerts are arranged by the Penistone Cinema Organ Trust. Events line 01226 762004 (24 hours), box office 01226 767532. Saturday June 11, Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.15pm, Skelmanthorpe Band in concert with special guest, Paul Potts, the acclaimed tenor who shot to fame as the first series winner of Britain's Got Talent. For ticket information, contact Kirklees Booking Offices 01484 223200 or 222444. Sunday June 12, Toll House, 32-34 Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, 1pm4pm, Fair Traders Co-operative first birthday celebration. The band New Orleans Wiggle will be on hand to get the party started. Fairtrade cakes and refreshments will be served. Contact Sophie Bebb 01484 690515. Wednesday June 15, Moorlands Birds, nine-mile 'medium' walk, meet at Marsden railway station, 9.15am. Wear suitable boots and clothing and take waterproofs. Contact National Trust 01484 847016. Wednesday June 15, Castle Hill, Almondbury, 9.30am-4pm, Go Wild with Conservation Kirklees: help to protect and conserve one of the region's finest ancient monuments. Work over the year includes footpath maintenance, scrub clearance, dry stone walling, tree thinning, and litter pick ups. All training and equipment will be provided. Please wear suitable clothes and strong boots, and bring a packed lunch and drink for the day. Booking essential - phone Simon Pedley 01484 225618, e-mail: simon.ped-
Friday June 17 - Sunday 19, Harden Moss Sheepdog Trials, A635 Greenfield Road, Holmfirth, including displays, trade stalls and a parade. To find out more, contact Helen Jubb 01484 684222. Saturday June 18, Southgate Theatre, Honley, Murder Mystery Evening, tickets £10. More information from the theatre 01484 662490, e-mail enquiry@honleyplayers-ads.org.uk, or call in on a Monday evening, from 7.30pm. Saturday June 18, Holy Trinity Church, Trinity Street, Huddersfield, 7pm, Colne Valley Boys present A Feast of Male Singing with special guests, Colne Valley Male Voice Choir. Tickets £7 available from any choir member or phone 01484 658188. Sunday June 19, 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 June 19, Huddersfield Open Market, 10am-3pm, 10th annual June Fair, more than 50 charities and voluntary organisations will be selling a wide range of goods from antiques and bric a brac to cakes and books to raise funds, plus music from a brass band and Wurlitzer organ. The event is organised by Huddersfield Pennine Rotary Club - contact Peter Bottomley 01484 656346. Tuesday June 21 - Saturday 25, Syngenta Cellar, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, 7.45pm nightly + 2pm Sat matinee, State Fair - Rodgers and Hammerstein’s only musical written directly for the screen is now a stage musical. Also: Tues 21 and Weds 22, on the main stage, Ghosts: Ibsen’s thrilling and chilling play in a brilliant new version by award winning Irish writer, Frank McGuinness. Box office 01484 430528, online at www.thelbt.org Friday June 24 - Sunday 26, Upperthong Gala weekend, starting with the traditional Friday night live music curtain-raiser, this year featuring The Fabulous BB Kings, a fantastic nine-piece soul, Motown and disco band, with rhythm and horn sections, supporting some sensational singers. On Sunday, weather permitting, the highlight of the gala will be a spectacular Spitfire fly-past. Friday 1 July - Sunday 31 July, Live music at Holmfirth Picturedrome, Fri 1, Paul Carrack + support; Sat 9, The Summer Sessions, benefit concert featuring The Blueflies, Jon Strong Band, JB Goode, Roger Davies and Tim Wood; Sun 10, Hayseed Dixie; Fri 15, Think Floyd; Thurs 21, Billy Ocean - the most successful black singer Britain has ever produced, with record sales topping 30 million, hits including Love Really Hurts Without You and Caribbean Queen; Fri 22, The Wonder Stuff; Thurs 28, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Philip Sayce acclaimed guitarists; Sun 31, The Michael Schenker Group (NB: rearranged date). Tickets: call in any weekday evening, 7.30-10pm or book online at www.picturedrome.net
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 37
38 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011
Holme Valley Review, June 2011 – 39
40 – Holme Valley Review, June 2011