Jason Elliott's (mainly) Hebden Bridge blog

BIg Blues Session at Bar Place

2011-11-29T10:04:00.000Z

Photo by Tony Winfield

We start the run in to the 2012 Hebden Bridge Blues Festival with this very special gig to whet the appetite, flex the blues muscles in your ears, and raise a few funds, with the irrepressable Paddy Maguire and a galaxy of other blues-musos.

More info about who is playing will be posted nearer the time but you can take our word for it that the talent will be immense!

A mere £5 will get you in and, while stocks last, will also get you a free Blues Festival T-shirt.

(For a bit more info about the venue, B@r Place, which also is a boutique hotel, check out this link www.barplace.co.uk)

Classic Buskers at Wainsgate

2011-10-10T09:22:00.003+01:00

The highly acclaimed season of concerts at Wainsgate Chapel finishes on Saturday October 15th with a great show for music lovers of all ages. It features The Classic Buskers (all two of them) performing some of the greatest and most famous works of music on a variety of weird and wonderful instruments.

Their new show “MiniClassics” (also the title of their latest CD) will conclude with Tchaikovsky's magnificent tribute to the land that gave us pasta - his Caprice Italien. Before that, the audience will be treated to an enormous variety of music on highly original instruments, including works by Bach and overtures and arias by Offenbach, Mozart and Rossini. There will also be edited highlights from Bizet's Carmen, some beautiful Balkan folk music and an arrangement of Ravel's Bolero, which uses sonorities unknown even to that master of orchestration.

Instruments range from the world's smallest ocarina to a strangely huge cowhorn, as well as the normal selection of flutes, recorders, panpipes and those buzzy Renaissance things. In fact Michael Copley plays more than 40 woodwind instruments, which also include crumhorns, Pico Pipe and a rubber trout! He is accompanied by Ian Moore on a small but perfectly formed accordion, either pink or yellow. Their virtuosity on these instruments is staggering. It's a great show for those who know a little about classical music (listen out for an endless stream of musical jokes) or indeed for anybody who simply appreciates wit, and wants to be entertained.

The Buskers have performed in over 20 countries and in 15 languages, from London to Lyons, Paris to Potsdam, Toronto to Tokyo and Vienna to Valencia, and in venues ranging from Seoul's National Arts Centre to Salzburg's Mozarteum, London's Royal Albert Hall to Malaysia's Petronas Towers.

The Classic Buskers have a knack of communicating their passion for classical music in two of the best ways possible – virtuosity and laughter. The audience comes away from a Buskers' concert on a high, having been both entertained and educated. That's the Classic Buskers' secret – an ability to communicate their love of music: which is surely what performance is all about. “Technical virtuosity, combined with musical seriousness, humour and high entertainment are a perfect recipe – the audience were delighted.” said Ian Ritchie from the City of London Festival.

The concert will start at 3pm and should finish around 5pm. Tickets are available on the door at £8.00 and £6.00 (concessions), and refreshments will be available beforehand, and during the interval.

Wainsgate Chapel is on Wainsgate Lane (Wadsworth, Hebden Bridge HX7 8SU). Parking there is very limited and reserved for disabled drivers. There are plenty of footpaths for those who’d like to walk from Hebden Bridge, or there’s an hourly bus service to Old Town Mill Lane (opposite Wainsgate Lane) where there is plenty of parking space. For more information and news of forthcoming events visit www.wainsgate.co.uk or phone Dave Nelson on 01422 843315.

The Devil's Dinner Party - contestants wanted

2011-09-14T15:34:00.001+01:00

I received the following email this afternoon from Lisa McCaghy of ITV Studios.

It's not really my cup of tea but I thought I'd put up here in case you wanted to participate.

My name is Lisa, I work for ITV Studios in London. We are making a new show for Sky Atlantic called "The Devil's Dinner Party" and are trying to spread the word in Hebden Bridge!

We are looking for intelligent, sophisticated, successful people to come to dinner and have a chance at winning up to £7,000! I was wondering if you might be able to help us spread the word amongst anyone you think may be interested? I have posted the blurb below. Any help you could give us in getting the word out would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Lisa

A brand new TV show for SKY ATLANTIC

SIX STRANGERS + ONE DINNER PARTY = A CHANCE TO WIN UP TO £7,000!!

How good are you at judging strangers? Would you know a prima donna from a perfectionist? An extrovert from an ego-maniac?

ITV Studios (Come Dine With Me, I'm a Celebrity) are looking for sophisticated, intelligent, successful guests to come together and dine at the Devil's Dinner table.

Over food and wine you'll play a psychological game of the Devil's devising, using your intuition to judge your fellow diners. Who's the most charismatic? The most attractive? The most insecure

The better your instincts, the more money you'll earn. BUT, only the most popular diner will leave the table with the prize money...

If you're 21 or over and would like more information and an application form please email: ddp@itv.com

We're casting now so contact us ASAP to be considered (closing date: 4th November 2011)

What should the boffins invent?

2011-09-06T20:13:00.001+01:00

I wonder if you could help by taking a few minutes out to answer these ten questions about things that need inventing?

Thanks!

2011-09-04T03:18:00.002+01:00

Well, here we are again. The inevitable post apologising for not having really posted anything for ages! :-)

That should all change soon though, as I have a whole bunch of projects ready to kick off this autumn.
Chat soon!

Vacancy - Executive Director, Hebden Bridge Community Association Ltd

2011-08-26T15:37:00.001+01:00

Photo by Chris Ratcliffe/hebdenbridge.co.uk

Hebden Bridge Community Association is looking for its - first-ever - Executive Director.

Hebden Bridge Town Hall is one of the very few town hall buildings in Britain to be owned and managed by the local community, the result of a pioneering ‘asset transfer' from the local council into the hands of a member-led charitable trust.

They're proud of what they've managed to do so far. Thanks to community pressure and hard work, a neglected building has found a new lease of life in the heart of our active community. And now they're looking to appoint their senior member of staff, somebody who will share their excitement about what has already been achieved, and who will also have the skills to move them forward into the next stage of their development. You'll be working closely with their team of committed and experienced trustees to make the most of some great opportunities.

If you feel that you have the energy and commitment to make this new post your own, you'll find details at www.hebdenbridgetownhall.org.uk/recruitment.

The deadline for applications is Friday September 30th.

Friday filming in the skatepark

2011-07-28T16:40:00.000+01:00

BBC Look North will be filming the new Hebden Bridge skatepark and all its users on Friday morning at 11am and again at 6pm for a live feed into the studio.

We need as many skatepark users as possible to be there to showcase the positive side of the new skatepark. And some brave young people to do some interviews. So please come down, get yourself on Television and show people how important it is to support young people and what a difference it can make.

The Hole in t'Wall RIP

2011-07-26T05:37:00.000+01:00

I've gotta say, and I know I should have written this a few weeks ago when it happened, that I reckon its a real shame that Justin Pringle has had to let the Hole in t'Wall go.

Whatever you think of the guy personally (I liked him, but there was a bit of a "Marmite" situation generally methinks) there's no denying he did a fantastic job in creating a venue in Hebden Bridge that really added to the town. Justin's ability to give things a try, from the deadly cocktail bar upstairs to knitting circles and open mic nights downstairs, really made a positive contribution to the cultural life of Hebden Bridge.

Blogging, or not...

2011-07-26T05:27:00.000+01:00

I've been very lax about blogging for a while.

Sorry.

There's been a lot going on and I've neglected this corner of the web.

Still, I will be rectifying that shortly.

"Taking Flight" a community performance at Todmorden Unitarian Church about immigration

2011-04-16T12:50:00.002+01:00

"Taking Flight" a community performance at Todmorden Unitarian Church about immigration and the search for home is starting to take shape- They have a great list of performers with a few more on the way.

They have a schedule now for those who are interesting in taking part.

--You don't have to come to all of these sessions but as many as possible would be great.
--Everyone must be at the dress rehearsal on Thursday 5 May, 6-9pm.
--All rehearsals and making at the Unitarian Church.
--Don't know what you're doing in the show? Don't worry just come to the rehearsal and they'll explain the options. Yes, there is a role for YOU! They especially need ensemble suitcase performers and people to operate some giant puppets and people to help make sets and puppets.
--Tell your friends! Plenty of roles for performers and makers or just about anyone who wants to participate.

--All performers will need white clothes they can move in and old, interesting looking suitcases. If you don't have these, be on the lookout at the market or at charity shops!

Rehearsals:
21 April Thurs 5-7pm -- Devising (we will be trying out ensemble movement ideas, puppetry and solo pieces)
28 April Thurs 5-5pm -- Devising continues
3 May Tues 5:30-8:30pm -- Rehearsal; food will be provided
4 May Wed 5:30-8:30pm -- Rehearsal; food will be provided
5 May Thurs 6-9pm -- Dress Rehearsal -- essential for all performers

Making sessions:
2 May Mon 10-5pm
3 May Tues 10-5pm; 3-5pm family session (child-friendly builds during this time)
4 May Wed 10-5pm; 3-5pm family session
5 May Thurs 10-5pm
6 May Fri 10-5pm

Performances:
6 and 7 May at 8pm

Anyone is invited to come help make set pieces, giant puppets, lanterns and costume pieces for the show. All materials and instructions will be provided. It's all free!

Here are some of the people who will be contributing so far:

--Andrew Kim (from Korea via USA: puppetry and Korean drumming)

--Sonya Moorhead of Canopy (from Northern Ireland: storytelling and songs)
--Matthanee Gig Nilavongse of Hanuman Gallery & Thai Cuisine (from Thailand: performance piece about roles of Thai women)
--Siddique Mirpuri (from Pakistan: Poetry in Punjabi, Urdu and English)
--Choreography for suitcase ensemble by Gillian Burns
--Lights and sound by Jonny Quick and Dan Powers Productions
--Live music by Daniel Bath and Kathy Kim and Barka, St. Joseph's PolishEnglish choir

And a few more yet to confirm.

Please forward this blog post to other people in the Todmorden area who you think might be interested in being a part of this project. It will be a very exciting and beautiful piece of performance but mostly it will be a fantastic opportunity for local artists to meet and collaborate with each other.

Translators wanted

2011-04-16T10:13:00.001+01:00

I would like to hear from "native speakers" of various languages to assist with some translation projects that are coming up of the spring and summer for our British Recycled Products business.

The languages I'm particularly looking for are German, Dutch, French, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Portugese, Italian, Czech, and Polish at this point.

If you are interested and can speak and write one of theses languages fluently, as a mother tongue, please drop us a line to info at britishrecycled dot com.

Upper Calder Valley stuff on t'interweb

2011-04-13T11:09:00.000+01:00

I've been running a section down the side of this blog high-lighting local websites with links for some years now.

I wouldn't be so presumtious to say that this has generated them lots of traffic, but I'm sure they will have seen the odd click through here and there though. What it certainly does do however, is help there visiblity with Google, Bing and the other search engines as they all visit this blog several times a day and will find the links and visit the sites.

If you have a website in or specifically relevant to Hebden Bridge, Todmorden, Mytholmroyd or the Upper Calder Valley in general and would like it featured, just ping me a link to jason at jasonelliott dot co dot uk and I'll do my best to accommodate (unless its something nasty of course).

Part time admin vacancy - NOW CLOSED

2011-04-08T15:48:00.002+01:00

PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED FOR THIS POSITION

British Recycled Products has a part-time admin vacancy at our office in the centre of Hebden Bridge.

At the moment we have one person who looks after customer service and ordering, amongst other tasks, and and another who looks after the book-keeping and accounts side of things but they both do seem to be flat out a lot of the time. (Obviously, other members of the team do their fair share of admin too!)

One works full time and the other does three full days (although that often increases) so what I’d like is someone who has experience of office admin, together with Microsoft Office/Open Office and ideally (but not essentially) SAGE, to give them some support and do a bit of the “heavy lifting”.

This might suit someone with school age kids who would like to work between 10am to 2.30pm or thereabouts at £8.50/ph. This is not set in stone however and can be discussed.

Initially, it will be a 3 month contract.

Most people working here live in Hebden Bridge or fairly nearby and this is something that seems to work well. Getting up after the commuters have left and walking to and from work is always better than sitting in traffic or on a crowded train!

If you're interested, please send an email for the attention of Jenna to idliketowork@britishrecycledproducts.co.uk with a covering note and and your CV.

For a chat about the job, and what it's like to work here, feel free to call Jenna on 01422 844 716

Two new vacancies in the pipeline

2011-04-07T11:54:00.000+01:00

I'm currently thinking about recruiting for two positions at our Hebden Bridge office.

The first would be a part-time admin post.

At the moment we have one person who looks after customer service and ordering, amongst other tasks, and and another who looks after the book-keeping and accounts side of things but they both do seem to be flat out a lot of the time. (Obviously, other members of the team do their fair share of admin too!)

One works full time and the other does three full days (although that often increases) so what I’d like is someone who has experience of office admin, together with Microsoft Office/Open Office and ideally (but not essentially) SAGE, to give them some support and do a bit of the “heavy lifting”.

My first thoughts are that this would probably suit someone with school age kids and that the best hours would be 10am to 2.30pm or thereabouts at £8.50/ph.

Initially, I would like to keep my options open and make it a 3 month contract.

I am also thinking about recruiting someone with web design and coding skills and a general understanding of how web, and in particular social networking, works.

This could be quite an interesting post as we have a very large web presence already and are going to be undergoing an extensive expansion programme this spring and summer, including the addition of a mobile site and foreign language sites.

They wouldn't need to have masses of experience but they would need both creative and technical abilty, lots of enthusiasm, as well as good written English as blogging, tweeting and other similar stuff could be fired their way as the role would sit within the communications team.

As above, I would initially expect to hire someone on a three month temporary contract to see how things went, but in contrast to the admin position, I see this as a full time (8.30am - 5.00pm) role with a salary of £9/ph.

Most people working here live in Hebden Bridge or fairly nearby and this is something that seems to work well. Getting up after the commuters have left and walking to and from work is always better than sitting in traffic or on a crowded train!

For either (hypothetical) position, feel free to drop a speculative email through to idliketowork@britishrecycledproducts.co.uk with a CV and a bit about yourself.

Helping keep music live

2011-03-29T10:50:00.000+01:00

If you have your own blog or website and have somewhere you could put this little GIF with a link back to http://hebdenblues.co.uk I'd be very grateful!

Thank you!

Canon EOS 300 needs a loving home

2011-03-21T10:21:00.000Z

We have a (body only) Canon EOS 300 which has sat on a shelf for a couple of years without any use.

This is a reasonably good, auto focus, 35mm camera but no-one in the family uses film any more so it doesn't get any use.

If there is anyone locally who would like it (I'm not going to post it anywhere) please let me know by emailing me and we can arrange its collection.

Carlsberg don't do Hebden window cleaning...

2011-03-16T10:30:00.000Z

This picture shows Richard, the local window cleaner, cleaning the back windows of our offices and standing IN THE RIVER to do it.

Awesome!

Streaming video

2011-02-28T13:08:00.000Z

I would like to talk to someone about the possibility of getting much of the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival streamed live as video on the web, also known as a webcast.

Get in touch please if you know how to do it, especially if you'd LIKE to do it!.

Cheers!

Help the Calder High Pace Eggers

2011-02-11T15:21:00.001Z

As tradition dictates, students from Calder High School will again be performing the age old play around Hebden Bridge, Heptonstall and for the first time at the New Delight at Jack Bridge. The Midgley Pace Egg has been performed by students from Calder High for over 50 years and is enjoyed by all.

The students are very proud of the fact that they organise rehearsal schedules and produce the Pace Egg totally independently. They are a dedicated bunch and perform purely for the enjoyment of their local community and to raise funds for local charities. They each consider it a great privilege to be able to perform the oldest play in the world in front of a wide and varied audience, made up from the wider community and visitors to our valley.

Unfortunately this year the cast have discovered that the Pace Egg costumes - familiar to us all, have suffered from flood damage whilst in storage at school and have subsequently been thrown away, without informing the group. The costume are extremely important to the Pace Eggers, each character immediately recognisable from a distance by the traditional pink shirts a beribboned hats.

Although discussions have taken place, it doesn't look like much money will be forthcoming from school as reimbursement for the loss. The players are working on ways to raise funds to buy and make replacements. In times when the younger generation appear to be constantly criticised in the media for their behaviour, many young people in our valley strive and succeed in proving them wrong. It is traditions like the Pace Egg that show us what a Great Generation we really have. Calder High should be very proud of their students, and we should be proud to have them as members of our community.

The students presenting the Calder High Midgley Pace Egg Play are very keen for any help you may be able to offer. They are desperately in need of new swords - the most difficult of the props to replace. The swords had a metal (very) blunt blade and hefty wooden handle, and replacing these would require the help of a metal worker. Wooden swords just aren't up to the dramatic energy exuded during a Pace Egg play unfortunately! If there are any metal workers out there able to help...PLEASE get in touch! The rest of the costumes, shirts etc can be made with a little help from mums and friends able to use a sewing machine, but the swords, as I'm sure you all appreciate require slightly more specialist skills.

Any help with any part of recreating this ancient tradition will be very gratefully accepted by the Calder High Pace Egg Players.

Please contact Billy Painter on billypainter@painterschronicle.co.uk or Vanessa Kay on nessk@talktalk.net if you feel you can help in any way.

Apprentice electricians wanted

2011-02-03T09:14:00.000Z

The following useful bit of info was passed to me by Martin Overend yesterday...

If anyone knows a young person (under 19) who wants to be an apprentice electrician, then call City Training Services 01274 728316 now. They have a local company wanting to take someone on. As a qualified electrician, in 3 years they will have completed an advanced apprenticeship, have a job, be on great money, and all tuition fees paid.

Get Fighting Fit in your 50's

2011-02-01T10:41:00.001Z

A class for people in their 50's or older is the latest on offer at Hebden Bridge Boxing Club, recently taken over by Kate Dakers of Box 4 Fitness and Head Coach Clayton 'Cass' Varey.

The class launches on Monday 14 February and the team at the boxing club invite all those 50 or over to get gloved up on Valentines Day and try a bit of non-contact boxing training.

Participants can enjoy all the benefits of boxing without the bruises, hitting only focus pads and punch bags. The sessions will be led by ABA Boxing Tutor, Rachael Smith who has been boxing for over 2 years.

'I never imagined I'd get into the sport of boxing but once I tried it out for the fitness, I got the bug and never looked back. It's a fantastic workout, especially if you are the type of person who is easily bored by solo gym routines or regular classes' said Rachael.

Many people are intimidated at the thought of going to a boxing club so specialised classes such as Fighting Fit 50's and the women's only Boxercise classes have been created to encourage participation by all members of the community.

For more information on these or any other classes at Hebden Bridge Boxing Club visit www.box4fitness.co.uk or call Kate 077 3243 3243.

Accommodation needed across the area for the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival

2011-01-27T21:45:00.000Z

We now on the look out for accommodation in Hebden Bridge and beyond for visitors coming to the town for the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival.

Although the event runs over the Bank Holiday between the 27th and 30th of May, we have already been contacted by people looking for somewhere to stay.

If you have an apartment (or several), a bed and breakfast, hostal, or spare room you want to rent out, we would be happy to put it up on the official Hebden Bridge Blues Festival website for you.

Send the following info to jason@hebdenblues.co.uk please:

The name of your accommodation
The type of accommodation
A description in 50 words or less
One photo
A link to the location on Google Maps
Contact information
Rates charged
A link to your website, if you have one

Shed Your Tears and Walk Away DVD on sale now

2011-01-18T13:28:00.000Z

I am pleased to tell you that the DVD of Jez Lewis's film Shed Your Tears And Walk Away went on sale today, and it’s been getting some great reviews! Peter Bradshaw has it as one of his top ten documentaries of 2010, Mark Kermode calls it "something special", and Mike McCahill has it as his top DVD rental. It's featured strongly in end of year film round-ups, not just against other documentaries but all film genres (it's even listed beside Toy Story 3 in Alex Beattie's top ten!). Film review aggregator and iTunes official movie meter Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 100% 'Tomatometer' rating.

"Shed Your Tears and Walk Away is a harrowingly honest portrait of young lives wasted in Hebden Bridge, a picturesque northern enclave beset by drugs, alcoholism and tragic self-destruction. It may sound unappetising, but Jez Lewis's documentary is something special – a poetic, powerful and often very painful film made with a raw intimacy that bespeaks harsh truths." Mark Kermode, The Observer

Links to some other reviews, etc:

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shed-your-tears-and-walk-away/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/jan/16/mark-kermode-dvd-round-up

http://www.criticsnotebook.com/2011/01/alex-beatties-best-of-2010.html

http://www.cinesthesiac.blogspot.com/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/filmblog/2010/dec/01/peter-bradshaw-best-movies-2010

http://www.indiemoviesonline.com/news/editors-2010-movie-round-up-291210

http://mainlymovies.blogspot.com/2011/01/2010-list-time.html

It‘s available through most of the usual outlets and can also be downloaded to rent or buy from iTunes and elsewhere . But probably the best way to buy it is direct from the distributors here.

Hebden Bridge Blues Festival

2011-01-16T02:05:00.000Z

I am delighted to say that the legendary blues guitarist Paddy Maguire and I will be putting on the Hebden Bridge Blues Festival over the bank holiday weekend of the 27th -30th May 2011 at a number of venues across the town.

Rather than have the most established blues bands that have been doing the same sets for many years, we will be concentrating on those musicians that are pushing the genre forward and performing the blues of the future.

More information will be available on the official website at hebdenblues.co.uk and on the Facebook page as it happens, (and here on my blog of course!)

Hebden Bridge Xmas Open Studios (well, at least Northlight anyway)

2010-11-20T12:06:00.000Z

In two weeks time, the weekend of December 4th and 5th (from 11am to 5pm) sees the artists of Hebden Bridge throw open the doors of their studios to the general public.

Unique pieces of work lovingly (and sometimes tortuously) created can be yours at "straight from the artist" prices.

Hebden Bridge Open Studios usually happen twice a year with a big event in the summer, round about the time of the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival, and another in November or early December for Christmas shoppers. Usually a combined booklet or information is produced as, together with the big "collective" studios of Northlight, Brooklyn and 39 Steps, many individual artist open their doors too.

Usually there is something about the combined event on t'interweb but this year I can only find out about Northlight Studios for some reason (who are serving mulled wine and mince pies too), but I would imagine the other studios will also be putting something on.

Personal favourites of mine whose work I have bought at Northlight are Holly Rowan Hesson's abstract photography and painting, Kate Boyce's stunning contemparary local paintings and prints, Helene Fletcher's gorgeous abstract canvases (some of which remind me of Miro, especially her Cornwall series) as well as Kate Rhodes who makes beautiful and original jewellery using titanium, gold and silver.

If the other studios are also open I would recommend popping in to Brooklyn Studios to see Gay Wilshire's delicate abstract washes and Sakinah Haq's mosaic mirrors.

If 39 Steps is open, make sure you go and see the extremely talented Roo Waterhouse whose treatment of mundane household items and toys in her canvasses and photographs shows the hidden beauty in the everyday things we take for granted.

Bits of granite for an artist maybe?

2010-11-20T10:58:00.001Z

I'm having a bit of a clear out in my office and am going to get rid of about thirty bits of granite/stone like those in the photo.

They were originally samples used by the kitchen company that previously occupied our premises to show the different types of work surfaces available but are from lines they stopped supplying some time ago.

Rather than take them to the tip where they would be landfilled, I thought they may be of use to someone, possibly an artist, craft worker or other "maker of stuff".

Most are about 100mm x 100mm x 25mm (4" x4" x 1") or bigger.

They have to go next week so if you're interested please let me know by email on jason at jasonelliott dot co dot uk.

Mountain bikes for sale in Hebden Bridge

2010-11-19T13:31:00.000Z

Mark from Wheelie Fun Mountain Bikes has contacted me as he has a number of mountain bikes for sale as it's the end of the season and he is shutting up shop.

They have all been lightly used (they have a few scratches but then they are bikes), regularly maintained and recently serviced by Pedalsport @ King Cross.

He has two types of Specialized Hardrocks, the normal version (21 gears, v brakes, front suspension) and the Sport Disc version, which has 24 gears, disc brakes, front suspension with lock out - they are available in a variety of sizes 15"-19" The bikes cost £300 & £400 respectively when bought new, and he is happy to see them go to new homes for half that.

If anyone is interested just drop Mark an email or t: 07952 654 617.

Hebden's other website

2010-11-11T13:42:00.000Z

I know I often refer to the Hebweb on these pages, but its also worth mentioning that there is another Hebden Bridge website and that is hebdenbridge.com.

It isn't as busy as the Hebweb but it does provide quite a lot of other useful information.

HebdenBridge.com is rum by the local business association who say,

"Hebden Bridge Business Association is a member organisation founded 30 years ago. We exist to support and promote both established and new businesses within the town and its environs and to encourage new initiatives in the interest of a diverse and balanced local economy for all who live, work and visit the town. We hold regular monthly meetings where all members are welcome to attend, produce and circulate minutes for those members who can't make the meetings."

Click the link to find out more about the Hebden Bridge Business Association.

Office space to rent

2010-11-09T14:54:00.000Z

We have some office space to rent for one year only at £150 per month, paid quarterly.

Recently painted and with deep wall to wall capet fitted this year, this 20ft x 20ft office is on the second floor of a landmark mill, between the river and the canal in the centre of Hebden Bridge and also has the use of a fully fitted shared kitchen.

The office itself is light and airey with large windows on the north and east faces and is partly finished with exposed stonework, making it a very pleasant environment in which to work.

The mill is shared with a web development company, a recycled products business and a diversity consultancy.

Drop me a line at jason@jasonelliott.co.uk if you're interested.

Benefit gig at the Trades this Friday

2010-11-04T06:36:00.001Z

This Friday there will be a Box 4 Fitness benefit gig combined with a calendar launch at the Trades Club

In February 2011, 5 female boxers who train at HB based boxing club, Box 4 Fitness, will travel to Gleason's Gym* in New York to participate in a boxing clinic culminating in their first 'white collar' boxing bout.

Following in the footsteps of of Ali, Foreman and Mike Tyson who also trained at Gleason's, these 5 women will bring back valuable knowledge to the club and the young hopefuls of Calderdale who have the opportunity to participate in the 2012 Olympics, when for the first time, Women's Boxing will be featured.

The 2011 Calendar will be launched and on sale at this event, photographed in 'Calendar Girls' style by me.

ENTERTAINMENT will include local band, Elms as well as DJ's Black Angel and Daz & Dave.

Tickets are available from the Trades Club or from Kate at Tony's Gym in Salem Mill.

*Gleason's is a world famous boxing gym responsible for popularising women's boxing when they trained Hilary Swank for her part in Million Dollar Baby.

The Trades get one of our benches!

2010-11-02T07:36:00.000Z

Smokers at the Trades Club in Hebden have been enjoying sitting on a "Harewood" bench from British Recycled Products, made from waste recycled plastic and donated by long-time Trades Club member, Frances Minto.

Free! 100s of surplus lever arch files and office trays

2010-11-01T15:11:00.000Z

Material:
Miscellaneous (available)

Description:
VARIOUS OFFICE FILES AND TRAYS ETC

Frequency:
100s units one off

Notes:
LEVER ARCH/OTHER FILES, PLASTIC IN TRAYS ETC

Dated:
01/11/2010 (expires on 01/02/2011)

Organisation:
SWEET & MAXWELL/THOMSONS REUTERS

Address:
THE HATCHERY, HALL BANK LANE, MYTHOLMROYD, HEBDEN BRIDGE, WEST YORKSHIRE HX7 5HQ

Main contact:
JULIE LORD

Phone:
01422 889208

Email:
julie.lord@thomsonreuters.com

Sharyn Lock on "Gaza beneath the Bombs"

2010-10-31T10:41:00.000Z

I popped into the Hebden Bridge Little Theatre yesterday to catch Sharyn Lock talking about her voluntary work in Gaza during Operation Cast Lead that lead to her book "Gaza beneath the bombs".

The talk, which included reading extracts from the book, was part of the Literature Festival organised by the Hebden Bridge Bookshop.

Stop moaning and get elected!

2010-10-28T14:20:00.001+01:00

Having seen with the success of the skatepark project what the young people of Hebden can achieve when they put their minds to it, hopefully a few will now come and get elected on to the local Hebden Royd Town Council.

Quite a few of the current members of the council are standing down next May and frankly, given the attendance records of some of the others, there is a good opportunity for a thorough shake-up.

Hebden Royd has a long tradition of Independant councillors, so if you don't fancy joining any of the current political parties because you think they're all the same, don't worry about it. It won't affect whether or not you can stand for election.

'It may seem a long time away but if you want to be involved with the local election process in May 2011 now is the time to act' says Jason Boom, Clerk to Hebden Royd Town Council. 'It's especially important to make sure you are on the electoral role if you intend to stand as a candidate in the parish elections as without this 'role' number your application cannot be accepted.'

'The system allows you to stand for election in a parish if you live there, have your primary place of work there or live within 3 miles of the boundary' added Jason 'but you must be on the 'role' somewhere to qualify'. To help prospective candidates who may be considering standing for election in the parish of Hebden Royd there is a chance to find out more on the 10th November at the Council Offices in Hebden Bridge.

The Town Clerk and senior members of Hebden Royd Town Council will be on hand to unlock some of the mysteries of how a parish councillor can support and help their communities. The evening starts at 7.30pm and refreshments will be available.

Fruity Festival in Hebden Bridge

2010-10-05T09:01:00.005+01:00

Following the success of ‘Seedy Saturday’in May, Calder Food Hub and the John Fawcett Centre have jointly organised Hebden Bridge’s first ‘Fruity Festival’. The event, which takes place between 11am - 4pm on Saturday the 9th October at the Hope Baptist Church, is a celebration of food and the abundance of our local produce.

Cookery demonstrations using locally and seasonally sourced produce, with Moyles’ head chef Mark Brankin, will take place during the afternoon. Local Herbalist Sue Goodwin will also be showing us how to make simple herbal remedies from plants found in the valley.

Kath Baker from Calder Food Hub comments: ‘We are repeating the seed and plant swap, which was a great success in April. Visitors can split those unruly plants in their garden and exchange them for something new, as well as bringing surplus seeds on the day.’

Alongside the demonstrations, a mini-cinema will be showing inspiring footage of foraging, cooking, farming and medicine making. Craft activities include smoothie making and bike powered juicing for the kids (big and small!).

Kath Baker adds: ‘We will offer a fine array of produce, including homemade preserves, cakes, fruit and vegetables and herbal remedies. The day will also be an opportunity to meet some of the people in our area who are working towards a more sustainable food future in the Calder Valley and find out how you can join in.’

If you would like to know more about the Fruity Festival, would like a stall to sell your homemade produce, or would like a platform to publicise your food related project please call CFH 01422 846540 or email calderfoodhub@ymail.com. Food and refreshments will be available on the day.

Todmorden market under threat from Netto

2010-08-27T07:55:00.005+01:00

Photo by H is for Home

Netto, the chain of ultra-cheap supermarkets now owned by Asda/Walmart, has applied for planning permission to place a store directly opposite Todmorden market.

Needless to say, this could prove disasterous for the market.

Allowing a supermarket that specialises in ultra-low prices to be positioned directly opposite the market would be the death-knell for local traders.

Profits from the market by-and-large continue to circulate in the Todmorden economy whereas the profits from Netto don't even stay in the UK.

It is also a well known fact that, wherever they are, markets attract people into a town, helping boost the wider economy.

On the supermarket front, Todmorden already has Lidl and Morrison so has no need at all for a Netto.

For a good overview of the delights of Todmorden Market, check out this article on the H is for Home website.

If you'd like to object to this planning application of Netto's, and have literally a couple of minutes to spare, visit the Calderdale planning section where there is an very simple form on which you can log your objections to this application.

Please note that the expiry date for objections is Friday, 3rd September, so if you want to help, please get cracking!

Chris Ratcliffe talking about the 500 words of Hebden Bridge

2010-07-28T22:39:00.003+01:00

Currently on view as an additional exhibition to my 500 faces show at the Arts Festival Shop, the 500 words collection provides some illuminating thoughts about Hebden Bridge.

Conceived and sponsored by local publishers Pennine Pens as a homage to the town in its 500th anniversary year, each piece of writing is exactly 500 words long.

The following video is a chat I had with Chris Ratcliffe, the man behind Pennine Pens, about the project.

500 Faces of Hebden Bridge video

2010-07-18T10:26:00.002+01:00

Now that my 500 Faces of Hebden Bridge photographic project is finished, I've put a little video together of all of the images in a four-and-a-half-minute burst (below).

They are all on the 500 faces website too and will also be on display at the Arts Festival Shop in Albert Street, Hebden Bridge from next Saturday, 24th July, until Saturday 21st August 2010.

Freecycle at Hope Baptist Church in Hebden Bridge

2010-07-18T09:42:00.002+01:00

There is going to be a Freecycle event at Hope Baptist Church in Hebden Bridge on Saturday August 28th from 12 - 2pm.

After running a successful clothes swap party "Pimp My Closet" during this years Big Green Weekend, Jo Johnson has decided to hold another like event but this time include all items and not just clothing. She is asking people to put things aside if they are having a clear out or have things they no longer use. She can collect items if necessary and if people just want to donate that is more than fine.

The event will be entry by donation (any amount but suggesting around 50p) and after that everything is free to take if you think you can provide someones unwanted items a new and loving home.

All Jo is asking is that any items donated or brought to the event are in decent working order. Items may include household items such as plates, cutlery, glassware, bed linens, baby toys, tools, basically anything that you think someone else might benefit from.

Any monies raised will go to the funds to help the repair of Hope Baptist Church and/or another local charity to be decided.

If anyone has items that need collecting then Jo can be contacted on her email - jamjo2005@googlemail.com or by mobile on 07928 177737.

Calder Food Hub Bush Fruit Festival at Callis Community Gardens

2010-07-18T08:27:00.005+01:00

Calder Food Hub, member based organization to promote local food production in the Calder Valley, are holding a fabulous Bush Fruit Festival shortly.

It will be held on Sunday 25th July 2010, between 12 midday and 5pm, at Callis Community Gardens, on the Rochdale Canal 2km from Hebden Bridge towards Todmorden.

You can pick-your-own, chat to other berry growers over a cup of tea and a snack, relax while your kids join in the games, get new plants etc...

They also run regular 'gardeners days' at various venues on a crop share basis so, if that appeals to you, you can contact them for details, either by email on calderfoodhub@ymail.com or by calling 01422 846540.

Neglecting this blog

2010-07-09T06:32:00.002+01:00

Hello dear reader,

Sorry I haven't been blogging about Hebden Bridge for a bit. It's pretty slack of me I know.

There have been so many things going on too...

Anyway, I'll be back at it shortly.

Jason

Greater Generation "Big Night In 2"

2010-06-30T10:03:00.006+01:00

Local doer of stuff and all round good egg, Billy Painter, has asked that I pass on info about his gang's latest event, the "Big Night In 2".

"After the success of the first ever ‘Big Night In’ back in January 2010, popular demand has led to the event being held again on Friday 9th July.

The event is a unique initiative designed to entertain all audiences, with various acts of entertainment scheduled in to take place throughout the evening.

Performing on the night will be a total of four live acts, with extremely talented Patrick McCallion opening the evening, local bands Pink Elephant Fish and Frontier Psychiatrists and headlining the act will be an unmissable band....

There will be plenty of audience participation too with a round of ‘Play Your Cards Right’ and a family quiz. A bar and BBQ will also be present.

Tickets cost just £4 (including quiz entry), with a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) just £15. Money raised will go towards the Great Generation Project and Cancer Research UK. The event will take place from 7pm onwards at the Ted Hughes Theatre, Calder High School, Mytholmroyd and promises to be an even bigger and better event from the inaugural ‘Big Night In’ back in January.

Do not miss what will be a fantastic evening of fun, entertainment and pure enjoyment!

If you'd like to reserve tickets please email billy@billypainter.com or call 07768863233"

Fair for Youth, Hebden Bridge

2010-05-24T20:58:00.005+01:00

Last Saturday I was at the Fair for Youth in Calder Homes Park in Hebden Bridge (although not that youthful meself these days) and was amazed by the amount of stuff going on.

All credit to Lesley Jones and john Gale who were the prime movers and shakers who put it together.

Anyway, here is my little video that I shot during the day. Enjoy!

Hebden Royd Councillor Attendance

2010-05-24T13:47:00.004+01:00

I've just got my paws on The Hebden Royd Annual Report, May 09 to April 10, produced by the Town Council. It gives a little overview of what's been happening, but the part that interests me is always the Councillors attendance record.

Highest performers this year Dave Young (as usual) who attended 100% of both Full Council and Committee meetings that he was supposed to be at, as did Jade Smith, although she no longer attends committee meetings. Also up for honours are Lesley Jones who attended all Full Council Meetings and 22 of 24 committee meetings, and Robin Dixon (the new mayor) who was there for 14 of 16 Full Council Meetings and a staggering 39 of 40 possible committee meetings. Also "mentioned in dispatches" would be Chris Sawer and Catherine Groves.

At the other end of the scale we have Michael Smith, who attended only 2 of the 16 Full Council meetings and none of the 6 committee meetings.

There's a town council election next year by the way....

World On Your Doorstep festival to return to Hebden Bridge in 2011

2010-05-21T18:06:00.007+01:00

Photos by Chris Ratcliffe/hebdenbridge.co.uk

I'm very pleased to say that, having missed a couple of years, the much-loved World on your Doorstep festival will be returning to Hebden Bridge in July 2011.

I've just been speaking with Lauren Arthington, one of the new festival directors, about their plans and looks as though they will be building on the great legacy left by the Trades Club to create a festival that will surpass previous years in both scale and content.

Part of the plan is to hold a series of gigs, events and workshops, starting in August 2010 and going on from there, to spread the word, broaden the community involvement, and help raise much-needed funds, before the mother-of-all-hebden-festivals in July of 2011!

If you are in a good quality band or are a performer that would like to have the spotlight on your talents by being showcased at this amazing festival, or at any of the warm-up events, especially if you have personnel or styles that are from elsewhere in the world, drop me a line to jason at jasonelliott dot co dot uk and I will forward your details on.

At this moment, there is not much in the pot, so while expenses can of course be covered, fat fees are not on the table.

More info will be posted here as I get it...

dCarb Upper Calder Valley carbon reduction plan

2010-05-19T06:28:00.002+01:00

dCarb Upper Calder Valley is a pilot project to try out ways of reducing carbon emissions in Calder ward and the HX7 5 area of Mytholmroyd and Cragg Vale, while improving the local economy, quality of life and the natural environment - and having fun.

The pilot project will involve setting a target for reducing carbon emissions for a representative sample of the area's households, schools, businesses and public/community organisations, who will take part on a voluntary basis. The pilot will offer these participants a package of support from local sources, to help them to reduce their carbon emissions.

dCarb also hopes to raise investment funding for low carbon capital projects, such as community-owned renewable energy schemes (enabling communities to benefit from the new Feed in Tariffs, which allow people to sell surplus electricity to the grid), increasing the energy efficiency of hard-to-treat houses and improving local wood fuel supply.

The pilot aims to enable training, increase skills and help create jobs in a new, local low carbon economy.

Using social media on broadband and smart mobile phones, participants in the pilot will be able to share ideas and information.

Once the pilot is completed and evaluated, it is hoped that it will generate a workable model for creating low carbon zones, which can be used for the whole population of the area's households, businesses, schools and community organisations, as well as in other areas within Calderdale and elsewhere.

Governance of this new UCV Renaissance Ltd project is through the dCarb UCV (Upper Calder Valley) Steering Group. This has members from over 20 local environmental organisations, businesses and community groups as well as local council officers. Hebden Bridge Alternative Technology Centre (ATC) provides the Steering Group secretariat and is applying for LEADER funding for the project co-ordination.

If you or any community group you might be involved with would like to be involved in this project then please contact either Polly Webber or the ATC on 01422 842121 or email info@alternativetechnology.org.uk

John Gale and Lesley Jones talking about Fair for Youth

2010-05-11T20:58:00.002+01:00

Last week I chatted to John Gale, instigator of the campaign to extend the skatepark in Hebden Bridge, and Councillor Lesley Jones of Hebden Royd Town Council's Young Peoples' Working Party.

The main topic covered was the Fair for Youth, to be held in Calder Homes Park in Hebden Bridge on May 22nd, 2010.

Looking for a job in Hebden Bridge?

2010-04-29T22:25:00.002+01:00

Here at British Recycled Products, we will be very shortly looking for someone to work full-time in our Hebden Bridge office.

The position will be primarily a customer service role, answering the phone, answering enquiries and taking orders.

The working hours will be 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday, and the starting wage will be £8 per hour.

If you are interested, get in touch by sending an email to jobs@britishrecycledproducts.co.uk with your CV and telling us why you'd be the best person for this position.

Today on BBC Radio Leeds

2010-04-27T18:46:00.005+01:00

Well, that was an interesting interview with Liz Green on BBC Radio Leeds today.

I was there to discuss the upcoming general election with fellow panelists Joan Stocks, chair of Calderdale Pensioners Association, and Roger Davies, a (very talented) singer/songwriter.

If you're interested in listening to it again, it starts about 11 minutes in on the iPlayer here.

Beth, China and Childreach

2010-04-26T20:16:00.002+01:00

Over the past few weeks we've had the very talented Beth Paramor working here at the British Recycled Products offices during her Easter break from university to raise some money for an awesome expedition this summer.

With some of her friends from Nottingham University, Beth will be trekking the Great Wall of China in late August, but in order to do so, she needs to raise £2200, half which goes to Childreach, and half will be going towards her actually getting to China and staying alive when she's there.

This Saturday just gone, she and two friends (Lotti Hought and Jess Woodhead, pictured with Beth above) raised £160 from generous Hebden Bridgers just passing in the street so she's asked me to say thank you on her behalf.

If anyone else would like to donate a little, Beth has a Virgin Money Giving page set up here where you can part with a few bob to help her and Childreach.

Squirrel raids the bird feeder

2010-04-26T20:04:00.001+01:00

A squirrel raiding the bird feeder in our garden.

Any suggestions?

BBC Radio Leeds Calder Valley Election Debate

2010-04-26T18:23:00.004+01:00

Tomorrow, Tuesday April 24th, I have been invited to take part in a three-way debate at BBC Radio Leeds about the General Election in the Calder Valley constituency between 12 noon and 1pm.

No idea what I'm going to say yet, but it should be interesting. (For me anyway, not necessarily for you the listener of course!)

Although I voted Labour without hesitation at the last two elections for the excellent Chris McCafferty, this time round Labour haven't shown any interest in my vote so I'm genuinely undecided and will probably make my mind up when I'm actually in the polling station.

I have been reassured that there will be music and news throughout the hour too, so it won't just be us prattling on.

If you're interested, you can listen online or at 92.4FM and 95.3FM or on DAB.

Helen Blackwell's Oxford St Plant Sale

2010-04-25T21:19:00.006+01:00

I thought you might be interested in the following info about an annual plant sale about to take place, sent to me by Kerry McQuade...

Hooray! It's that time again.

Helen Blackwell's plant sale/bazaar is on Saturday 8 May 2010 at 10am to 2pm at 19 Oxford Street, Hebden Bridge (by the canal) There'll be the usual wide range of perennials, plus the odd biennial, shrub and tree.
And willow plant stands.
And a guest appearance by Joel, the succulent man.
Plus delicious refreshments as usual.
And good company.
And probably sunshine.

See you there!

Chris, Hebden Bridge Town Crier for the Big Green Weekend 2010

2010-04-25T10:21:00.003+01:00

There was a competition yesterday, Saturday 24th April 2010, to find the Town Crier of Hebden Bridge for May's Big Green Weekend.

This is a video of the winner, Chris, who will announce some of the events at the Big Green Weekend between May 29th and 31st, although I can see him being quickly booked up for other things!

Interview with Hilary Myers, Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for the Calder Valley

2010-04-24T01:26:00.003+01:00

Below is the interview I recorded yesterday of Liberal Democrat candidate for the Calder Valley, Hilary Myers.

Part one

Part two

Part three

Part four

Interview with Kate Sweeny, Green Party parliamentary candidate

2010-04-23T14:26:00.002+01:00

Below is an interview I recorded with Green Party candidate, Kate Sweeny, earlier this week.

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Interview with Craig Whittaker, Conservative parliamentary candidate

2010-04-23T11:11:00.002+01:00

Below is my interview with Craig Whittaker, Conservative parliamentary candidate for the Calder Valley.

Town Crier Competition this Saturday

2010-04-22T12:47:00.002+01:00

Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!

Big Green Projects are searching for the most vocal person in Hebden Bridge to act as Town Crier during the Big Green Weekend (May 29 - 31), the search is on and a competition to find our Crier will be held in St. Georges Square on Saturday April 24th at 2pm.

Do you think you have what it takes? Come along and join in the fun, prepare a short piece on why Hebden Bridge is the best town in the country and come out and test your loud voice!!

The winner will be our Big Green Weekend Town Crier (so must be available over the weekend of May 29 - 31) and expenses will be paid for the role. For more information contact joanne@biggreenweekend.org.uk

More free furniture and office equipment

2010-04-19T14:28:00.003+01:00

The following info comes from Steve Blackman, via Billy Painter.

All this stuff is going free, if you can collect it from Dean Clough. Contact Keith or Dianne on 01706 816145 to arrange collection.

Furniture

2 work tables, 70cm high x 1.2m wide x 60cm deep, brown tubular metal frames, dark veneer tops, reasonable condition, ok for workstations or will seat 6 if put together

1 four drawer filing cabinet, 1.3m high x 45cm wide x 63cm deep, royal blue, including filing pockets, good condition

1 small wooden cupboard, 60cm high x 60cm wide x 40cm deep, double doors with an open shelf above, floor standing, reasonable condition

1 coffee table, 70cms square, 30cms high, chrome tubular steel legs with an original abstract design painted on the top, mostly green and and red, reasonable condition

6 tubular steel stacking chairs with slatted wooden backs and seats, well used but comfortable and nice in an old-fashioned sort of way

3 royal blue swivel office chairs, reasonable condition

1 wall-mounting vertical magazine rack, 20 sections, 1.5m high, for A4 size publications or leaflets, black, excellent condition

9 clear plastic wall-mounting individual leaflet racks, for A5 size publications or leaflets, excellent condition

Machines etc

1 small fridge, grey, good condition

1 free-standing fan (70cm high) working

4 wall-mounting electric convector heaters, all light grey, very good condition

1 floor standing electric convector heater, light grey, reasonable condition

2 large (16") old-style computer monitors (i.e. not flat screen) reasonable condition

1 telescopic computer monitor stand, grey, desk mounting, good condition

1 3com wireless LAN card for PC, new & unopened

1 fax/phone, good condition, also several rolls of fax paper

1 minicom phone (instructions included)

1 portable induction loop, as new

1 zip drive (for PC)

1 pair of small computer speakers, grey, good condition

1 xerox black & white laser copier (this has been mothballed for a while so may need some tlc from a friendly expert)

1 twenty-four channel soundcraft mixing desk, reasonable condition (maybe suit a youth music project?)

1 Genexxa 20 watt mono amplifier, good condition (suit small PA or for gallery use)

approx 40 blank audio cassettes

upwards of 2000 clear polypropylene CD/DVD wallets, new and unused (these come flat and are easily folded into wallets)

various ring binders, card wallets & folders

1 box plastic cups (approx 1000) for water cooler

2 large wicker roller blinds, excellent condition

2 black plastic picture frames, 20" x 16", brand new

Giving away a Computer Tower Stand

2010-04-19T12:18:00.002+01:00

I have an Ikea stand for a computer tower at the office I don't want.

It has castors and a hand grip to make it make it easy to move about and to keep it about the floor.

If you want it, just let me know.

A voice for Luddendenfoot on Calderdale Council

2010-04-19T10:30:00.005+01:00

Mayor of Hebden Royd, John Beacroft-Mitchell, pictured in the centre

I am delighted to say that a very good friend of ours and outgoing Mayor of Hebden Royd, John Beacroft-Mitchell, is standing for election in the forthcoming Calderdale Council elections.

I have found him a man of great integrity, vision and community engagement, combined with a strong sense of social justice.

He is standing in place of Cllr Peter Coles (who you may remember for his critical opposition to the "wonky houses" development of Garden Street and his vocal support for Kerbside) who is retiring from his post in the Luddendenfoot Ward.

You can find out more about him by reading his blog or following him on Twitter.

Lech Kaczynski

2010-04-12T00:14:00.002+01:00

My condolences go to the people of Poland and those families who lost their loved ones, together with the Polish President, Lech Kaczynski, in Saturday's plane crash.

Climate Pics at the ntama gallery in Todmorden

2010-04-03T10:54:00.003+01:00

I'm just off to deliver a new batch of prints to the ntama gallery in Todmorden this morning of my Climate Pics series. (Tod Town Hall pictured above.)

They are very reasonably priced and available either framed or unframed.

Check out the series on the website or call Sally at ntama on 01706 810526.

The excellent apartments at Croft Mill

2010-04-02T05:54:00.004+01:00

A couple of weeks or so ago, Transco had to fit a new gas main to our house, meaning that we would be without hot water, central heating and cooking facilities for four days.

For those four days we moved into one of the apartments at Croft Mill in the middle of Hebden Bridge and, I have to say, we were very impressed.

During many years working as a travel brochure photographer I have stayed in some excellent accommodation in my time, but this was up there with the best.

The level of finish throughout was of a very high standard, (non-slamming drawers in the solid oak furniture being my favourite example), the complementary welcome pack of food was vast and all either locally-produced, fairtrade or organic, and to top it all, the hospitality of Josephine, our host, was first-rate.

The owners have also worked hard to minimise the building's impact of the environment, even going as far as relplacing halogen lights for LED bulbs in the apartments.

If you have anyone coming to visit Hebden for a short stay, whether business or pleasure, looking for something a little bit above our local B&Bs, I can thoroughly recommend Croft Mill.

To find out more, and for contact details to check availability or make a booking, just visit their website.

Essential gig - Resonation at the Hole in t'Wall

2010-04-02T05:37:00.004+01:00

If you go to just one gig locally in April, try and make it the Resonation one at the Hole in t'Wall, Hebden Bridge, on April 23rd.

They are a melting pot of Roots, Rock and Reggae (and even have a melodica player!)

To find out more about them, and to check out some of their tunes, visit their website.

They have also just released "Impropaganda", their first album, recorded mainly at Calder Recordings in Mytholmroyd.

Check it out people. See you there!

Public Notice regarding Calder Homes Park

2010-04-01T12:06:00.003+01:00

Calder Holmes Park is maintained and managed by Calderdale MBC on behalf of the Hebden Royd Community.

The Friends of Calder Holmes Park is a voluntary organisation that works with Calderdale officers to make sure that the park provides facilities that serve the community in the best possible way. This partnership also looks at the ways that the park can continue to be developed in order to provide the best facilities for Hebden Royd.

More members are always needed. They appeal to parents of footballers, skaters, stunt bikers, younger playground users etc. We also appeal to others who use the park - walkers, dog owners, picnickers. You all have a stake in making sure that the park provides what we need and want it to be, for now and for the future.

Projects are always ongoing. Currently the skatepark extension is top of the agenda along with the refurbishment of the pavilion café. Next they hope to look at refurbishing the tennis courts which are now in quite a poor condition.

Their AGM this year is to be held on Thursday 8th April at 7pm and will take place in the Committee Room at the Town Hall (Council Offices)

Please come along to see what they do, ask questions and perhaps be encouraged to become involved and help out, in any capacity whatsoever.

Giving away a spiral binding machine

2010-03-30T12:06:00.003+01:00

I'm have an office clear out and have this spiral binding machine to give away to a good home.

I think I may even have some spirals to go with it!

Let me know if you want it.

Giving away a USB powered drum kit

2010-03-30T12:01:00.003+01:00

This little lot can be put together and plugged into a PC via a USB port. Obviously, if your machine has no speakers you won't hear it though!

I would prefer to give it to a local so if anyone wants it, just let me know.

Hebden Skatepark website back up and running

2010-03-27T00:49:00.005Z

I'm pleased to say that the Hebden Bridge Skatepark website is back up and running after being destroyed by a hacker.

This was one of a number of local and community sites the hacker destroyed including those of the Big Green Weekend, artists Sarah McDade and Roo Waterhouse, social enterprise advisor Adrian Ashton, women and children's boxing club, Box 4 Fitness, the Mytholmroyd Shotokan Karate Club, the 500 faces of Hebden Bridge etc etc...

I've still got some photos to add to the skatepark site but there's a lot of text and information on there now, so go and check it out peeps.

If you have you own website or blog, please link to it too. :-)

My views on the BNP

2010-03-18T10:33:00.002Z

If you are at all interested in what I REALLY think about the BNP, have a look at this article I wrote last year.

Jason

A quick note regarding Kevin McDougall's "List" sites

2010-03-18T07:59:00.003Z

Kevin McDougall, who I have always refrained from criticising publicly, has decided to write and publish headline articles today in the Todmorden List, Hebden Bridge List and Sowerby Bridge List about that are extremely defamatory and untrue.

To find out what I actually said, look either on this blog or on the Hebweb forum.

In the meantime, I do not wish to comment further whilst legal proceedings take their course.

As always, thanks for reading.

Jason Elliott

Political Exclusion Zone in place

2010-03-16T18:44:00.003Z

With the latest news that, following the NUT's example at the recent debate in Todmorden, the Churches Hustings are excluding the independent, Chris O'Connor, UKIP representative, Greg Burrows, and Kate Sweeny, the Green Party candidate, it would now seem that there is a political exclusion zone in place to make sure that no-one votes for any party in the Calder Valley other than the "big three", i.e. to maintain the status quo.

Of course, the majority of the local electorate will vote for either Steph Booth, Hilary Myers or Craig Whittaker. They have the history, the organised and polished policies and the budgets to make sure that, to some degree or other, tribal voting patterns will ensure they retain their deposits.

But what about those people who feel disenfranchised by the current arrangements?

If we take a look for a moment at the offerings of the three candidates excluded, one party had the second highest votes in the European elections, another is not only very popular in the Upper Valley, but part of a groundswell movement linked to the sustainable development of low carbon economies right across the world, while the third appeals directly to the voters who are apalled by the recent shenanigans surrounding the (still ongoing) MP's expenses scandal and the bankers bailouts.

All three candidates actually have messages that strike a chord with a great many people, so why are they left out?

Surely the churches have no political agenda?

All credit to the organisers of the Lightcliffe debate, who did manage to include everyone, but it looks like that may be the only time we get to see them all together.

NB. For those who aren't aware, the original debate I had organised, not only had Kate Sweeny included, but Chris O'Connor had also been invited. At the time Greg Burrows hadn't declared himself as a candidate so, for that reason only, wasn't included.

Lets not walk away, lets walk together

2010-03-08T17:53:00.003Z

A great number of the good people of Hebden Bridge and Mytholmroyd came together on Saturday 6th of March for a sponsored walk to raise funds for Lifeline Calderdale.

"Lets not walk away, lets walk together" was an incredible show of support for charity and the local families who had lost loved ones too early to the temptations and abuses of alcohol and drugs.

The event was organised by Belinda Jones, sister of two of the fallen young men, and looks set to become an annual event.

On a personal note, I was extremely disappointed to see that vast majority of the people there were from the original working class families of the area, with the organic-flapjack-juggling middle class "chatterati", as well as almost all of our elected representatives, being conspicuously absent.

Sure it would be lovely to have wifi hotspots around the town, and I agree, its terrible the way people are treated in Tibet, but come on, people are dying on your doorstep too.

Drugs and alcohol do not care whether you use long words, they don't care whether you're rich or poor, eat sliced white bread or tofu. They can affect EVERYONE.

Digital Marketing Assistant Vacancy could be advertised shortly

2010-03-08T16:34:00.004Z

Just a quick heads-up...

I am very seriously thinking about recruiting a digital marketing assistant to help Stephen with his ever increasing work load here in the British Recycled Products office.

It would be a full time position of 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

As is widely known, it would please me greatly to employ another Hebden Bridge resident, so, if you'd like a job at the pointy end of digital communication, working with a fab bunch of people, feel free to send in a speculative email explaining why I shouldn't advertise this (theoretical) position widely and give the job to you instead.

Send it to idliketowork@britishrecycledproducts.co.uk and mark it for my attention.

A note about comments from "Anonymous"

2010-03-08T16:14:00.002Z

An interesting situation has occured recently regarding anonymous comments on posts here.

Some commenters have raised interesting points and made insightful observations but not had them published. (There are currently 6 awaiting moderation).

If it is important that you maintain your anonimity, PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY to explain, and to identify yourself.

Do that, and I'll generally publish your comment, libel laws notwithstanding!

Thanks for your understanding.

To the membership of Blakeborough Social and Sports Club from the Blakeborough and Albion Bowling Club Committee

2010-03-03T19:25:00.000Z

The following is on behalf of a friend of mine, a gentleman of the highest integrity.

Dear members,

On Friday afternoon 26th February a meeting took place between the members of the club (who still pretend they are the lawful committee) and a few of the bowling club members to try to resolve the present absurd situation which is damaging our club. Taylor and Allott still refuse to hand over the keys to the club and committee room to the new lawful committee despite having been responsible for the terrible mess the club is in and being replaced on 17th December.

You are no doubt already aware that there is a fraud investigation ongoing.

On Tuesday 9th February the District Judge at the County Court told Taylor and Allott that if the matter proceeded to a full trial they could find themselves (and not the club) personally liable for our costs, which he would expect to exceed £10,000. Our solicitors have now asked the court at Halifax to transfer the matter to the Chancery Division in Leeds, as we expect complex matters of trust law to be involved, which will no doubt increase legal expenses.

The Bowling Club membership wishes to separate from the Bradford Rd club. We have named Taylor and Allott in our court action to bring this about. We believe Taylor and Allott will lose when the case is heard by the Chancery Court for the following reasons:

The club rules require strict compliance to be lawful but the accounts are a shambles and audited accounts are long overdue. Loans have been taken out without telling all the membership. A charging order was made by Oxford County Court and registered by the creditor against the club’s deeds on 6th January 2010. There is a mountain of debt and the management of our club is incompetent. This is called “Breach of Trust” Anybody reading through the rule book will find that much of it has been completely ignored.

Some committee members are alleged to have been taking payments for work despite this being forbidden in the rules.

Even small bills are not being paid. The club owes many thousands of pounds and is insolvent and is arguably trading unlawfully.

We believe the former committee are incompetent and the club has no chance of sorting out the finances without professional guidance. We believe no-one in their right mind will lend to such a committee.

The meeting on 17th December elected a new committee and new trustees who have been unable to take possession of the club due to the refusal of the former committee and officers to hand over the keys and control. This may well mean that if, as seems likely, the court rules that the 17th December meeting was correctly convened, all the people who have held on to the club will be held liable for the losses incurred by the club since that date.

We believe that Taylor and Allott and co are not the lawful committee and therefore they cannot call for a vote without first petitioning the secretary with at least 20% of members calling for it. In any event their behaviour up to now makes it impossible for us to believe they can be trusted to conduct a fair ballot or election. Contrary to what they have been saying, the meeting they propose to hold will not resolve the matter: only a validly convened meeting properly held and attended will do so.

The Bowls Club land is protected by covenants on the deeds preventing development but the former committee told the bowlers that they are going to sell the bowling green for housing. That is the reason for our determination to fight to rid the club of these incompetent people.

Bowling club members who have tried to object to these silly plans have been written to (if scrawled hand printed “notes” can be called that) telling them they have been expelled or suspended without any of the proper procedures being observed. These notes are to be the subject of separate legal action.

One member who tried to distribute some information about the situation in the Bradford Rd club was assaulted and ejected from the club and abused in a most shameful way by Taylor and Allott and others on 10th January. Clearly the club cannot continue with 2 factions where such hostility is encouraged at committee level.

That is why the bowlers wish to split from the Bradford Rd club and have put forward a proposal for achieving this. This proposal may have to be decided by the courts in the fullness of time if we are unable to resolve the matter in a sensible and productive way without incurring needless legal expense.

Signed,

Andy Speechley on behalf of the committee of Blakeborough and Albion Bowling Club March 2nd 2010

Passing the Big Green Weekend baton

2010-02-23T03:08:00.002Z

This year's Big Green Weekend will be organised by Big Green Projects Ltd, a non-for-profit company we have set up with Paul Brannigan at the helm, who many of you will know from Kerbside.

We are currently in the process of selecting a project co-ordinator who will organise the nitty-gritty of the Big Green Weekend and details of this appointment will be announced shortly.

Although I will remain as a Director of Big Green Projects Ltd, I am personally taking a back seat this time around, due to work commitments, but have thoroughly enjoyed the last two years, seeing Hebden Bridge come together in a fabulous celebration of sustainability. This time I intend to take it a bit easier and get out and enjoy the weekend!

Thank you all very much for your belief, help, hard work and support over the last two years in bringing the Big Green Weekend from a glimmer in my eye to a permanent fixture on the Hebden Bridge calendar.

For the moment, if you have any questions about this years event, please address them to paul@biggreenprojects.org.uk .

Live at the Hole In t’ Wall - March 11th

2010-02-23T00:14:00.004Z

Thursday March 11th 2010 @ Hole In t’ Wall, Hangingroyd lane, Hebden Bridge

8.00pm, free entry.

SVARTE GREINER
Svarte Greiner is the one man project of Erik K. Skodvin (one half of the duo Deaf Center and the man behind the Miasmah label). While the duo create dusty grey soundscapes in a surrealistic world of sounds not far from that of David Lynch/Angelo Badalamenti, Svarte Greiner is further exploration into a darker, more mysterious and disturbed universe. Drawing inspirations from artists such as Earth, Volcano The Bear, David Darling & Deathprod, the output is draped in lynchian mysticism and horror film cinematics.

ITHACA TRIO
An ever shifting group of people, Ithaca Trio also manage to cover a variety of styles in their music - ranging from slow burning deep ambient pieces reminiscent of Machinefabriek on a calm day or Jasper TX, they're also at home producing clear as a bell rythmic pieces based around (ahem) 'real' instrumentation, taking nods from Steve Reich or John Fahey.

JEDNOTA
Jednota is a project from Yorkshire who has found freedom by making music on his own rather than playing and writing music with other people. The whole concept is finding music within music, sounds from natural things rather than just using 'normal' instruments and instead using wind up toys and music boxes and samples from film, tv and radio.

RELMIC STATUTE
Relmic Statute is Leeds-based artist David Horner, who assembles lulling, grainy soundscapes based on the splicing of field recordings collected from cassettes and old 1/4-inch tape.

UK Big Freeze Flashmob

2010-02-22T15:24:00.003Z

The UK Big Freeze is the largest flashmob ever to hit the UK, taking place in 25 Cities UK wide at the same time. The UKBF will feature all participants suddenly freezing in pre-determined poses at the same time for 5 minutes before unfreezing and continuing on as normal.

When is it happening?
12:30pm on Saturday 13th March 2010

Where is it happening?
The specific place you will be freezing is on St. Georges Square and down the first 100ft of Bridge Gate (if it is excessively busy on the day you can spread a bit further down Bridge Gate).

What do I do?
At 12:30pm, two short sharp airhorn blows will mark the beginning of the event. When you hear them, continue as you are but count to 10 in your head. When you reach 10, freeze into your position and hold. After the 5 mins is up you will hear two more airhorn blows. Again, hold your position and count to 10, then at 10, carry on with whatever you where doing before the freeze.

If you want to keep informed, the best way is to join the Facebook group.

Fundraiser quiz for Rethink at the Trades Club

2010-02-21T13:58:00.002Z

Come along and take part in a fun quiz to raise money for Rethink at the Trades Club on Sunday 28th February from 8pm.

Rethink provides services and support for people with severe mental illness and strives to challenge discrimination and prejudice against people with mental illness in society. They are the largest voluntary sector providers of mental health services, and their research and work in education seeks to improve the quality of life of people with mental health problems through finding new approaches and innovation in service delivery.

There'll also be a cakes stall, books and bric-a-brac so please feel free to bring stuff along for them to sell too if you've some unwanted Christmas presents to get rid of.

Banker's greed knows no limits

2010-02-21T11:58:00.005Z

We had a visit from two Lloyds TSB employees a week or so ago, trying to get us to use "invoice discounting", at a cost of at least £600 a month.

One turned up in a convertible Mercedes, the other in a top-of-the-range Audi A8, combined value of at least £70,000.

"Cheeky gits" I thought. "Have they no shame or sense of public awareness?"

Now it looks, from a poll in the Guardian, that they obviously don't.

"The findings come the day before RBS, now 84% owned by the taxpayer, announces its results, with a rumoured £1.3bn set aside for bonus payments despite an expected £5bn loss before tax. Lloyds, which is 43% state-owned, is expected to announce losses between £3bn and £11bn with a bonus pool of £200m."

WTF???

Come on guys, get with the programme!

How on earth are the workers at Corus in Redcar, or many other places up and down the country supposed to feel when they are losing their jobs and livlihoods, yet the bank boys and girls carry on picking our pockets like this.

Enough is enough.

Greedy bastards!

PS. We are declining their offer by the way...

Catch "I Concur" when they next play!

2010-02-20T17:39:00.004Z

I was upstairs at the Hole in t'Wall pub in Hebden Bridge yesterday for a birthday party when I stumbled across an amazing band, I Concur, playing downstairs.

Because of the birthday party, I only got to catch their last few numbers, but they were bloody brilliant!

The music reminds me a bit of some of the very best mid-nineties Indy stuff from bands like the Seahorses, with textured layers of interwoven guitar backed joined by bass and drums that were impersonating the engine room of a battleship, topped off by some great vocals.

I was so impressed I bought their debut CD, Able Archer, which I've now listened to three times already.

According to the band's website (unfortunately for gig-lovers, not regularly maintained):

I Concur formed in Leeds at the tail end of 2006 thanks to a shared love of American indie, slowcore and post rock - bands such as The National, Low, Wilco and Mogwai.

Comprised of Tim Hann (vocals/guitar), James Brunger (drums/vocals), Toby Page (bass) and Chris Woolford (guitar) the band formed from the remnants of other defunct Leeds bands. With a penchant for reverb, delay and distortion the band began blending Hann’s narrative lyrical style with layered barrages of noise.

Their first gig, a low key affair at The Packhorse, Leeds, took place on 15th January 2007. The following May the band released their self produced debut EP ‘Whatever it’s going to be’ containing songs about fraudulent stem cell scientists, political tensions and extinct crocodiles.

The band completed several UK national tours before the band released their debut single, ‘Lucky Jack / Build Around Me’, on Brew Records in March 2008.

A second single for the label, ‘Oblige’, was released in October 2008 produced by Tom Woodhead of ¡Forward, Russia!.

The band released their debut album Able Archer on the shoegaze loving Club AC30 label in October 2009. Produced by James Kenosha (Grammatics, This Et Al) in windswept Bridlington Able Archer tackles themes of cold war nuclear tension, ancient lost languages and characters from the acclaimed HBO series The Wire.

It's worth mentioning that, if you're looking for some great live music from bands on their way up, the Hole in t'Wall has become one of the best venues in the area, and it's always been free to get in, every time I've been there anyway...

Further info about Lifeline and its services

2010-02-20T16:07:00.003Z

As mentioned in my earlier post, the monies raised on the 'Let us not walk away, let us walk together' sponsored walk in a couple of weeks time will go to an organisation called Lifeline.

The info below is about their local service, Branching Out.

Branching Out is a confidential alcohol and drug service for Young People in Calderdale aged 10-21yrs. They work with young people who are using alcohol, drugs or solvents at any level, and those at risk of using substances.

Branching Out offers a flexible, holistic service to young people with a wide range of interventions, providing honest and accurate advice and information and supporting young people to achieve their goals. Interventions include one to one support, counselling, complementary therapies, diversionary activities, clinical treatment, advocacy and signposting. They have a worker based in each locality across Calderdale and can see young people at their convenience.

They run a GP clinic in the town centre on Wednesday afternoons for young people who may require substitute prescribing/detoxification, or have health concerns related to their use of substances. They also provide Hepatitis A&B vaccinations and sexual health screening and advice.

The service has a dedicated family worker, providing information, advice and support to parents affected by substance use, children of substance using parents and teenaged parents.

Branching Out also provide information, advice and training to a wide range of professionals working with young people across Calderdale.

If you would like more information on what they can offer or would like to see a worker / make a referral please contact them on any of the numbers below, or just call in:

Tel: 01422 258800 Upper Valley - 07894566971
9-11 Ferguson Street Lower Valley - 07738192589
Halifax Halifax Central - 07834622373
HX1 2EE North and East Halifax - 07841502948

Opening hours:
Main office Mon – Fri 9.30am – 5pm
Services delivered between 9.30am – 8pm Monday – Friday

Let us not walk away, let us walk together

2010-02-20T15:54:00.003Z

Join us on Saturday 06th March on a fundraising walk in the memory of Liam and Sam Jones, and the other young lives that Hebden Bridge has lost in recent years. Let us make that start and come together and show our support. Raise awareness and funds for ‘Lifeline’ who do the invaluable and essential work in the Calder Valley with people struggling with both drug and alcohol addiction.

Meeting at Mytholmroyd (Burnley Road) playing fields at 11am, to enjoy a family friendly fun run/walk ending in Hebden Bridge.

The route will start at the playing fields, on the canal bank to Luddedenfoot, then back to Hebden Bridge on the cycle path - finishing at Salem Community centre (behind co-op) for refreshments.

The number of deaths in recent years has prompted some of us to use our initiative and ability to confront and address these issues, we should come together as a community and walk together, lets not ‘Shed our tears and walk away’ lets ‘Wipe our tears and walk together’

Registration fee of £7.50 for adults, children attend free. Get your sponsorship forms and tickets now Oasis Stores, William Holts, Tony's ring, Hebden Bridge, or Mytholmroyd Working Mens club. Alternatively, register on the day or contact the organisers directly by email at werenotwalkingaway@live.co.uk.

See you there!

Recruitment of Project Coordinator

2010-02-17T14:57:00.004Z

Recruitment of Project Coordinator
BIG GREEN PROJECTS Ltd

POST: Project Coordinator for Big Green Projects
RESPONSIBLE TO: CEO of Big Green Projects
LOCATION: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
SALARY: £9.74 per hour for a 7 hour day
DURATION: 39 days from 1st March 2010 to 4th June 2010

PRIME OBJECTIVES OF THE POST:
Big Green Projects is a social enterprise that runs the Big Green Weekend event.

The prime objective of the post is coordinate the delivery of the Big Green Weekend event which runs over the weekend of May 29th to May 31st.

This involves tasks such as:

Ensuring the whole event runs to plan.
Coordinating the Green Market by liaising with stallholders and looking after the logistics of the market.
Booking acts such as street performers, musicians and entertainers.
Encouraging local businesses, organisations and people to get involved.
Liaising with local venues.
Design and distribution of promotional material.
Liaising with local media to promote the event.
Updating content on the web site (training given).

Working knowledge of:
Word, Excel is required.
Photoshop (or other design package) is desirable.

This post is offered as a temporary contract.

APPLICATIONS
To apply for this position please send a covering letter and application form (downloadable here or available from paul@biggreenprojects.org.uk) along with your answer to the question below, to Paul Brannigan, Big Green Projects Limited c/o British Recycled Products, Unit 3B, Beehive Mills, Hebble End, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire HX7 6HJ or by email to paul@biggreenprojects.org.uk.

Please answer the following question in no more than 200 words:

“Describe how you have successfully coordinated an event and how you ensured the event ran to plan.”

Deadline for applications: 22nd February 2010. Interviews: 24th February 2010.

Spare seat to London and back in a day

2010-02-13T21:25:00.003Z

I'm driving to Earls Court in London on Feb 24th for the day, leaving around 6am from Hebden Bridge, and getting back around 10 at night.

I have one, possibly two, spare seats if anyone needs to go down for the day.

If that is of any use to you, just let me know.

The stuff MPs are made of

2010-02-13T20:40:00.006Z

Open most newspapers these days and there seem innumerable stories about the malign greed of MPs. If the headlines don't just turn you off and you dig a little deeper, you will, of course, find that behind the sensational headlines there are really but a handful of "baddies".

The truth is generally pretty different, and virtually all MPs have such an ethos of service built in, that they are prepared to subject themselves and their families to public scrutiny, spend much of their working life away from home, and work some extraordinary hours between constituencies, parliament and their offices.

This sense of duty and service is something I have personally experienced in exemplary fashion on a couple of occasions now.

The first, well documented, time was when organising my first Big Green Weekend, our current MP, Chris McCafferty was the very first person to contact me offering their services.

The second has just occured.

You may have seen my recent post about a friend of mine, currently living in his van, who was looking for a caravan. Only one person has contacted me so far with info, and the promise that they are following up some leads to try and get hold of a caravan.

Well, it wasn't Chris McC this time, instead, someone after her job. One of the six parliamentary candidates for her Calder Valley seat...

These are incredibly busy people, busier than me by a long shot, yet one of them was bothered enough about a homeless person that they didn't know, nor were even likely to meet, to go out of their way to try and do something about it.

I'm sure you know, from the things that have gone on recently, which one of the six it wasn't. But who of the remaining five was it?

Well, for know, I'm not telling, so as to save all concerned from the usual cries of "Unfair!" "You're biased!" from one particular camp. (Although I reserve the right to do so at some point in the future.)

The truth is, it could have easily been any of them. For these people, service is what its all about. So, come the next election, get off your backsides and vote.

Caravan wanted for homeless friend

2010-02-11T10:43:00.004Z

I was wondering, dear reader, if you happen to know anyone who has a caravan sitting around that they would like rid of?

Sitting in your front garden gobbling up space maybe?

A friend of mine has spent the winter living in his van so I was hoping we could find him something a bit better for the rest of the year. It doesn't need to be either pretty (like the one in the pic) or especially roadworthy as it will not be going far...

If you, or someone you know, has one that you could either sell cheaply, or give away, please get in touch.

Thanks.

Cass takes it on the chin for Haiti

2010-02-08T14:04:00.004Z

Broken Britain? My arse!

In one of the myriad of selfless acts the British people have come up with to help the people of Haiti affected by the recent earthquake, Clayton "Cass" Varey sparred for 5 hours with over 60 people to raise more than £350.

And for those people who think that boxing is violent sport for thugs, rather than an incredible workout and the opportunity to learn self discipline, just watch this video below.

It's also worth pointing out that not one single drop of blood was spilled, although there were a few bucket loads of sweat!

The event was at Tony's Gym in Central Street, Hebden Bridge, and participants were mainly Tony's Ring members, Box 4 Fitness students and their families, although there were a few from "off the street" too.

Drawing a line

2010-02-08T13:56:00.003Z

Local Politics
_________________________

There. I've drawn a line under it.

At least, under my participation for a while. If certain people can avoid sniping at my friends and I (those NOT standing for election of course), then I will keep that line in place.

Spammers attack forums

2010-02-05T14:14:00.005Z

If you read the discussion that occured following on from my post last year about Chris Ratcliffe and the Hebweb, you will have noticed that much of Kevin McDougall's (Hebdenbridgelist editor) critisism centred around the format of the website.

He made particular reference to Chris manually moderating the Hebweb forum saying "Additionally, Given the dozens of methods now available for preventing spam on forums, there is simply no excuse for manually 'moderating' the Hebweb 'forum'."

In view of recent events (see images) it could be that he has changed his mind...

This post is now closed for comments.

Thanks

Quote of the Debate - Kate Sweeny

2010-02-04T21:53:00.003Z

"Where I grew up in East Yorkshire the Tories could put up a banana for election and he would be elected. When he retired he would go to the House of Lords as Lord Banana. There should be no such thing as a safe seat." Kate Sweeny

How the candidates fared...

2010-02-04T21:36:00.007Z

To follow on from my last post; how did the candidates do?

In his concluding his in-depth coverage on the Hebweb, Chris Ratcliffe summed it up about right in my opinion when he said,

"If we are looking at knowledge and familiarity of the issues, confidence, sense of humour, then Kate Sweeny and Craig Whittaker would win. Hilary Myers was competent. Steph Booth, perhaps not surprisingly given that Tony Blair is her son-in-law, remained solidly New Labour. Chris O'Connor might consider whether wanting to abolish all laws is actually a vote winning strategy. Greg Burrows could benefit from some public speaking training, although he did admit that this was his first time on such a platform."

My thoughts exactly...

You can read the full article on the Hebweb.

Lightcliffe and Hipperholme Debate

2010-02-04T14:14:00.001Z

Sorry it's taken a while to get anything up about this.

There were only 15 or so of us braving the snow on a school night to represent Hebden Bridge but, although being invited by the organisers (and asked not to go by the local Labour party!), we made it.

Far from being a baying mob as portrayed by the Booth camp, all those present (with two exceptions) behaved impeccably.

What were the exceptions?

Well, the chair, no doubt fearing pitchfork weilding, veg throwing, flaming brand waving Hebdenites, high on blood-lust, asked that anyone on the floor wishing to intervene should put their hand up and wait for his invitation. Everyone complied, except for Matt Baker, Steph Booth's campaign manager, who started shouting at Craig Whittaker whilst pretenting he was a neutral bystander.

(When asked by another audience member who he was, and being identified by me, he then accused me of being Craig Whittaker's campaign manager, much to the amusement of many!)

The second bit of bad behaviour came from Steph Booth herself who decided that, totally out of the spirit of the event, she would mount a personal attack on Craig Whittaker!!!

It was the only such attack of the evening and it offered the opportunity for Craig to sail, in a statesmanlike, way straight over it.

Is this man Wyatt?

2010-02-03T13:26:00.007Z

Matt Baker, campaign manager for Steph Booth

The photo above shows Steph Booth's campaign manager, Matt Baker, sitting alongside the Labour candidate's husband Tony Booth.

The image was taken at last night's electoral candidates' debate in Lightcliffe as he videoed Conservative candidate, Craig Whittaker.

"Wyatt", as you may know, has been responsible a vast number of smears and bad-mouthing made on the forum of a little-used Todmorden website about anyone or anything that doesn't fully support Steph Booth as the Labour candidate. Obviously, that includes me, but also Chris Ratcliffe who publishes the Hebweb, Janet Oosthuysen who manages the Trades Club, journalist Susan Press, and even Johnston Press (publishers of the Yorkshire Press, Halifax Courier and Hebden Bridge Times.)

The website owner has crossed his fingers and hoped that the average £3000 cost of defamation litigation means that no-one sues him between now and the passing of the 12 month time limit for these types of action.

I have been informed by a number of Labour Party insiders that Wyatt is indeed Matt Baker, and while the evidence is very compelling (considering how incredibly well informed Wyatt is), it is still only circumstantial so far, meaning that any hypothetical legal action would be directed against the website owner personally as the publisher, rather than Wyatt directly.

Any clues anyone?

Also, I would like to go on record as saying that at no point have I threatened libel action against the website via my solicitors Chadwick Lawrence, and any statement to the contrary is also defamatory.

This can be easily confirmed by calling Chadwick Lawrence and asking.

Simples!

Hilary Myers - Candidate Profile

2010-01-31T23:15:00.005Z

Next in my series of profiles of candidates for the Calder Valley seat is Liberal Democrat candidate, Hilary Myers.

Brief biography:
Hilary was born in Bristol, went to primary school in Trinidad, grammar school in Surrey and university in Reading. Following a varied career as an English teacher in Cairo, a bookseller in Wales and a London and British Isles tour guide, Hilary finally settled in the Calder Valley to raise her family in 1988. She works for a voluntary sector mental health organisation and has a particular interest in disability and employment.

She shares a passion for community engagement and local regeneration with her partner, Dr. Lindsay Smales, a senior lecturer in planning and urban design at Leeds Metropolitan University. Between them they have four young adult children and a border collie.

Hilary has long been inspired by the slogan “Think Global, Act Local”. From working literally at the grass roots as an environmental activist with the Todmorden Riverside Improvement Group (TRIG), she went on to become a board member of Todmorden Together and currently chairs the governing body of the fast-improving Todmorden High School.

In 2003 she became involved in the Upper Calder Valley Renaissance (UCVR) process and led the influential Tourism Action Group until 2006 when Calderdale MBC once again took up responsibility for tourism development. She is also a Director of UCVR Ltd, the pan-community arm of the UCVR Partnership, and is committed to a 25 year vision for achieving well being and prosperity throughout the Calder Valley.

A Calderdale Councillor for Todmorden 2003 – 2004 and a Town Councillor since 2007, Hilary was selected as the Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Calder Valley in June of that year.

What I know of Hilary:
I have only had a couple of conversations with Hilary Myers, but the one thing that has struck me about her, that seems to underscore the various policies she values, is a desire for fairness. Not some idealistic utopian dream, but a deep rooted sense of justice and keeping a level playing field for people.

"Gaza - Beneath the Bombs" Book Tour

2010-01-26T22:52:00.006Z

The book I covered (and finished last night) by Sharyn Lock, together with Sarah Irving, in an earlier post, "Gaza - Beneath the Bombs" is now on tour.

Fitting events around her midwifery degree, Sharyn will be at the Trades Club for a special night, including Palestinian music and food, as well as a silent auction, on Saturday February 6th from 9pm.

The full tour of remaining venues is:

Date: Saturday 30th 5pm
Location: Manchester
Presented by: The Zanfha Initiative
Venue: Zion Arts Centre
Featuring: We’re joining in (between 5 and 7pm) with the Initiative’s Palestine Film Event. The event will celebrate the anniversary of Zanfha Initiative and a culmination of a year of fundraising for the childcare centre in Gaza. It will be a one day event with films shown by prominent Palestinian film directors, photo exhibition, crafts stalls of merchandise from Palestine, food of the region. Photo exhibition and short films by UNRWA will also be prominent at the event, and To Shoot An Elephant will be screened. Olive Co-op and Hadeel will be selling Palestinian goods too. Tickets must be booked in advance…

Download the event poster here.

February

Date: Tue 2nd
Location: Wellington, New Zealand
Venue: Thistle Hall,on the corner of Cuba and Arthur streets.
Featuring: The New Zealand launch of Gaza Beneath the Bombs and the exhibition opening of “Occupation and Resistance”For more info: http://wellingtonpalestinegroup.blogspot.com/

Date: Sat 6th
Location: Hebden Bridge
Venue: Trades Club
Featuring: Palestinian food, Music, and a small Silent Auction (Get in touch with Sharyn by leaving a message here if you want to donate an item worth a minimum of £5.)

Date: Thurs 11th, 8pm
Location: Bradford
Presented by: The 1 in 12 Club click here for map
Venue: The club’s library
Featuring: cake and snacks!
Entry: by donation, proceeds to ISM and Defend the Rescuers
PS: The 1 in 12 are also showing Gaza film “To shoot an elephant” as part of its global screening day on January 18

Date: Feb 20 7.30pm
Location: Penrith
Venue: Bluebell Bookshop
Featuring: the famous Bluebell cafe food!

Date: Thurs 25th
Location: Huddersfield
Details to be confirmed

Date: Sat 27th
Location: Bristol
Details to be confirmed.

March

Date: somewhere in between March 5-13
Location: Lancaster University, as part of One World Week

Date: maybe Sat 20?
Location: Southampton
Details to be confirmed

Date: Sun 28
Location: Nelson, Lancashire
Venue: to be confirmed
Presented by: Lancashire Muslim Writers
Details to be confirmed

Keep up to date with the tour by clicking here.

Expand Hebden Skatepark

2010-01-26T21:16:00.004Z

The community campaign to expand the skatepark in Hebden Bridge, one of the few places in the town given over to young people, has moved on with the beginnings of a new website.

Hebdenskatepark.org.uk will be a central point where information about the campaign, together with photos and videos, can be shared.

Free Bus - Lightcliffe and Hipperholme Candidates Debate

2010-01-26T20:59:00.003Z

If Steph Booth won't come to Hebden, Hebden will have to go to Steph Booth.

There will be a 55 seater coach to take people, at no charge, from outside Ken's Kabin, opposite Hebden Bridge Memorial Gardens, to and from the debate in Lightcliffe on February 2nd.

The bus will leave at 6.30pm and, if anyone would like a seat, they will need to email me on jason@jasonelliott.co.uk with COACH as the subject line and the names and contact numbers of those people they want seats for.

Gaza: Beneath the Bombs, by Sharyn Lock

2010-01-24T23:14:00.012Z

I am currently reading the amazing book, Gaza: Beneath the Bombs, by Sharyn Lock whose "Tales to Tell" blog I highlighted on these pages over year ago.

Sharyn was in Gaza last winter throughout "Operation Cast Lead" and the occupation by the IDF.

This is the resulting book, based on her experiences as an ISM volunteer, riding on ambulances and hoping her presence as an "international" would discourage the Israeli soldiers from firing on them.

It was a very dangerous thing to do (she has previously been shot and other ISM volunteers have been killed by the Israelis), and she saw more suffering, death and fear than anyone should, but this was a story that had to be shared with the wider world.

What I personally find amazing here is the incredible resilience and positivity of the Palestinian people shining through the pages. Sharyn's humour and compassion, combined with her literary skill as a "page-turner", clearly illustrate the Gazan people as the one of the most "glass full" on the planet!

A short interview with Sharyn can be read here and a BBC interview recorded at the time of the attack is below, together with one for PRESS TV.

The book is available on Amazon but if you really want to help, go to the publishers www.plutobooks.com, where if you use the code FREE GAZA or ISM GAZA, a bit of your payment will be donated to those projects. Alternatively, you can go directly to Sharyn's "Tales to Tell" blog and leave a message asking for a copy and she'll post you one..