Holmfirth Web

All About Holmfirth and Holme Valley

Holmfirth this May

Welcome to May in Holmfirth. Lovely warm sunshine, listening to the birds in the morning. Ideal for longer walks in and around Holmfirth. See you around!

See you in Holmfirth…

Stuck for an hour or two with nothing to do? Follow the helpful footpath signs and take off across the fields surrounding Holmfirth and see where you end up. There’s always going to be a breath taking view somewhere along the way.

Holmfirth’s Hot Chocolate Moments..

Following a breathtaking hike across Valley hills, call into Holmfirth and treat yourself to a warming hot chocolate and delicious slice of something naughty but nice.

Top Tips for Holmfirth this May

Stuck for something to do over this May? Not for long. Call into Holmfirth Tourist Information Centre, or the library next door, and pick up some ideas.

Head for Digley Reservoir this Spring

Fancy a breathtaking walk this Spring – but nothing too heavy going? Head for Digley Reservoir, park up, spend an hour on the fab circular walk then treat yourself to well-earned refreshments at one of the friendly little pubs nearby.

Lights! Camera! Action! All Go for Big Holmfirth Film Festival

Posted by patrick on May 2nd, 2013

Grab the popcorn ready for the huge Holmfirth Film Festival appearing on a big screen at a pub, club, barn and other quirky venues near you.

Regulars will know its an exciting community festival which brings to the Holme Valley a feast of cinema in all its forms, from the past and present, in quirky and new venues, though innovative events and specialist talks. It seeks to tap into and encourage the creative potential of the area with film-making, workshops and competitions for young people.

Make a note of the Festival Dates – Friday 17 TO Friday 24 MAY 2013

The 4th Holmfirth Film Festival builds on the success of the last three years with an exciting programme of over fifty screenings, quirky venues throughout the area, innovative events and more opportunities to see award-winning films and documentaries, cult films, the very best movies from around the world and the premier of features and shorts.

This year’s festival has expanded its reach to new venues in Brockholes, Slaithwaite, Marsden and Penistone, and an exciting new development – Cinema in a Yurt at the Cricketers in Deanhouse.

Will Self (pictured) one of Britain’s most dazzling contemporary authors, talks about Walking to Hollywood and his favourite films. Funny, disturbing and fearless, Self is a modern-day Swift with an entertaining take on the state of film today.

Among the 50 films screened are Amour, Rust and Bone, Untouchable, The Royal Affair and revivals of Billy Liar and This Sporting Life. There will be lots of opportunities for families to watch award-winning children’s films and animation classics. Get out your costumes for a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, introduced by the co-writer of the music, locally born Richard Hartley.

The festival taps into the creative potential of the Holme Valley with film-making workshops and short-film competitions for would-be directors of all ages. There is still time to enter the Film Competition for Young People – The Spirit of Where You Live – with £500 of prizes for the best short films.

Festival favourites – Local Film Night, Ladies Who Lunch, Film in a Barn, Curry Night – always sell out quickly so make sure you buy your tickets early.

Full details see the flyers in town or visit the feature-packed website.

New Advertiser Boost for Holmfirth’s Online News

Posted by patrick on May 1st, 2013

Holmfirthweb.com is proud to welcome aboard another two advertisers – see the buttons (top right) for Wishes fabulous gift shop Huddersfield Road, Holmfirth, along with the region’s premier Land Rover dealer Rocar Moores, of Huddersfield.

Advertising support is vital for the Holmfirth website as it helps support our free online news and information service which benefits and promotes the Holmfirth community.

If you are interested in advertising, please contact the Editor at holmfirthweb@yahoo.co.uk,

Holmfirthweb popped in to see the team at Wishes to find out about their very popular gift shop.

They said: “We are a family run business located in the heart of Holmfirth who have been established for just over 2 years. We specialise in a wide range of Candles including Yankee, Wax Lyrical and Kringle, we also have a large selection of greeting cards for every occasion to suit everybody’s tastes.

“We also stock Bomb Cosmetics, Arran Aromatics, Di Paloma and Dora Designs.

“We pride ourselves in selling good quality products at a fair price whilst also giving our customers service second to none, so please come and visit us at Wishes on Huddersfield Road at the bottom of Cooper Lane.” The Wishes button links to their Facebook page.

A spokesman for Rocar Moores told the Holmfirth website: “We are committed to supporting all your Land Rover needs. From purchasing to servicing, we have a dedicated team of specially trained staff to assist you.

“Whether you’re looking for a new Evoque, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery 4, Freelander 2 or Defender or a quality assured Approved Used Land Rover, our highly trained, dedicated Land Rover sales team are on hand to help with every step of the way.”

Their impressive button is promoting the innovate Evoque and right now you can click the button to arrange a test drive.

Holmfirth’s Fairandfunky Helping Teach Keighley Kids

Posted by patrick on May 1st, 2013

Congratulations to Holmfirth-based “Fairandfunky” which has teamed up with Fairtrade Keighley to deliver innovative new teaching projects across Keighley schools.

Keighley is the latest town in Yorkshire working to achieve Fairtrade Town status and comes after Yorkshire was declared the very first Fairtrade Region earlier this year.

Fairandfunky creates Fairtrade jewellery, soaps and toys from recycled material, and was established in May 2012 by Helen Robinson and Sophie Bebb.

Helen is co-founded the Holme Valley Fairtrade Support Group and together with others from the group set up a Fairtrade co-operative in Holmfirth and worked as the buying and shop manager. Helen also loves Holmfirth, is committed to Fairtrade.

Sophie and Helen met whilst working together, and are very proud of collaborating with Holmfirth Arts Festival in 2011 to put 5 pianos in the streets; all decorated on global themes! Sophie is an active member of the Holme Valley Oxfam Support Group and is also co-chair of The Oxfam National Youth Board.

Police Appeal to Public Following Holmfirth Stone Thefts

Posted by patrick on April 28th, 2013

Police at Holmfirth are investigating a number of reports of thefts of stone from the Holme Valley, and are appealing to the public for help with information.

Stone thefts are, sadly, on the increase and a number of measures are underway, including the use of a high-tech product called SmartWater.

West Yorkshire Police teamed up with SmartWater to safeguard dry stone walls by marking them with a uniquely coded indelible liquid. This ‘smartwater’ allows police to arrest offenders involved in the theft and trade of stolen stone, as well as acting as a deterrent.

Earlier last year local officers said stone thefts had dropped by nearly half, overall, proof that the technology was working.

A spokesman for The Valleys Neighbourhood Policing Team told Holmfirthweb.com: “We have had several reports this week regarding theft of stone, particularly wall toppings in the Holmfirth area.

“If anyone has any information regarding any of the reported crimes please dial 101 or 0148 4436855.”

Residents can also email the local police via ea.valleysnpt@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Holmfirth’s Hilarious “Very Cunning” Blackadder Quotes

Posted by patrick on April 22nd, 2013

We challenged YOU to come up with your best ever Blackadder quotes to celebrate Holmfirth Turn Again Theatre’s classic production of the TV sit-com at the end of May. And you did not let us down!

The first entries came in only an hour or two after we published the story on the Holmfirth website, with many more to follow! Thanks for all your hilarious quotes – we never realised there were so many classics!

We’ve whittled them down to about half a dozen but it was tough going, nearly all of them are pure gems. You can read the full story here about the forthcoming Blackadder production in Holmfirth Civic Hall, and where to buy tickets etc, but in the meantime here are your fantastic quotes:

Edmund: This man’s mad. He’s really mad! He’s madder than Mad Jack McMad, the winner of last year’s Mr McMadman competition (T Ellis, New Mill)

Edmund:So, what you’re telling me, Percy, is that something you have never seen is slightly less blue than something else you have never seen. (RJ, Holmfirth)

Blackadder: [about the dictionary] It’s surely the most pointless book since “How to Learn French”… was translated into French. (Sue)

Edmund: We’re in the stickiest situation since Sticky the Stick Insect got stuck on a sticky bun. (Rachel Webster, Shepley)

Von Richthoven How lucky you English are to find the toilet so amusing. For us, it is a mundane and functional item. For you, the basis of an entire culture. (J Collins, Staleybridge)

Edmund: If you want this thing done properly then kill Baldrick before you start. (Ian S, Lockwood)

Holmfirth Farmers’ Market to run Twice Monthly

Posted by patrick on April 20th, 2013

The award-winning Farmers Market in Holmfirth – one of the first to open in the north of England – is to open its doors twice a month from this September.

The existing farmers market takes place on the third Sunday and a second market will now be launched on Sunday September 1 and will take place every first Sunday of each month from then. The times will be the same for both markets, 9am-2pm.

Cllr Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said: “The decision to move to twice each month has been taken with advice from FARMA, the awarding body for national Farmers Markets. Experience and evidence from across the country shows the most successful farmers markets are more frequent than once per month. People need to shop more frequently and where farmers markets are taking place more often it allows people to make sustainable changes to their buying habits.”

The current market was the first farmers market in the North of England and opened in 1997. It was runner-up as Farmers Market of the Year in 2010 and 2013.

The new farmers market will also be an accredited farmers market which means it will be inspected regularly by FARMA to ensure all producers meet strict criteria relating to the locality of the produce. The accredited farmers market stalls are based on the lower floor of the market hall, the upper floor has stalls which are complementary but do not meet the strict criteria.

Cllr McBride added: “The non-accredited upper floor ensures that the market can offer a broad range of food which makes it a real alternative to supermarkets.”

The new farmers market will launch on Sunday September 1 as part of the Holmfirth Food and Drink Festival’s month of food. Already lined up during the month are the two Farmers Markets on September 1 and 15,. and a “fairandfunky family food day” on Sunday September 22 with the main headline Food and Drink Festival on Saturday September 28 and Sunday September 29. Plans for Sunday September 8 are still under wraps, but visitors and residents can look forward to five weekends of fabulous food and drink throughout September. Enquiries for stall bookings for the family food day should be made to helen@fairandfunky.com

The next Farmers Market in Holmfirth takes place tomorrow (Sunday April 21) from 9am to 2pm.

Valley Residents with Private Water Supplies Warning

Posted by patrick on April 20th, 2013

The spotlight has fallen on the Holme and Colne Valley as having the most homes with private water supplies in the whole of Kirklees – now the council are warning residents to clean up their act.

A spokesman told the Holmfirth website: “Residents with private water supplies in Kirklees are being reminded that they have a responsibility to ensure that the supply is safe to drink.

”Under the Private Water Supply Regulations 2009 the council has a duty to ensure that private water supplies are fit for human consumption.

”A private water supply is any water supply which is not provided by a statutory water organisation, such as Yorkshire Water. The majority of the private supplies in Kirklees are in the Colne and Holme Valleys.”

Anyone who would like advice on how to improve their private water supply should contact the Pollution and Noise Control Team on 01484 414739.

Shalliley Books Promotes Two New Ventures

Posted by patrick on April 18th, 2013

By David Walker

In partnership with New Mill Male Voice Choir, Shalliley Books is sponsoring an ‘open night’, inviting the community to share in the choir’s 21 years of singing and fellowship.

The date – June 27th, and the venue – Holmfirth High School. Doors open 7pm.

The event will centre on the presentation ‘Men in Green Jackets’ which light-heartedly covers the life and times of the choir, followed by four or five songs from the concert repertoire. Bar and supper available.

In 1982, CWJ Cocks, Holmfirth High School headmaster wrote a book ‘A Musical Heritage: musical meanderings of the Holme Valley’, based on research by head of music, Richard Sargeantson.

This great little book is now out of date. Is there anyone who would like to contribute to a second edition of Meanderings? We would welcome contact from any member of a musical ensemble, including one that no longer sings or plays. Are there any friends and colleagues of Mr Cocks who could produce a short celebratory biography?

Are there any book-lovers who would like to help create this piece of work: writing, interviewing, editing, proof-reading and illustrating?

Shalliley Books will donate surplus funds from Meanderings (2) sales to Jim Morgan’s community choir initiative. Jim is Director of Community Music at Holmfirth High School. He and Steve Bradnum will be recruiting singers from the local districts to join a choir dedicated to musical theatre.

They will start rehearsing in September with a view to producing a concert for the following year’s Holmfirth Arts Festival. This will also be the launch date of Meanderings (2).

Please contact David Walker: 683196 or shalliley@btinternet.com

Wooldale-based Sprout Celebrates it’s First Birthday in Style

Posted by patrick on April 15th, 2013

A unique gardening project based in the Holme Valley, which was set up for children with additional needs in Kirklees, has been an outstanding success over the last year!

Families have gardened together on Wooldale Community allotment, building dens and campfires, racing snails, as well as cooking and enjoying food – all outdoors. They have created themed events such as celebrating The Queen’s Jubilee with afternoon tea and Olympic themed sports activities.

The venture, created by Holme Valley Gardening Network, was supported by Awards for All during the last year. Families meet fortnightly at Wooldale Allotment on the field behind the Co-op. The group has gained enormous popularity with both families and local people, as well as recognition from schools and health professionals of the outstanding progress that some of the children have made socially, emotionally and educationally.

This success has led to exciting developments. Kirklees Community Partnership and the newly formed NHS North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group will support the organisation to develop their ‘Growing Works’ activities in social and therapeutic horticulture over the next 3 years.

Sprout sessions will be available on a new site at Northorpe Hall in Mirfield from the 11^th May onwards, so that families from other areas of Kirklees can enjoy the fun of finding out about nature, plants and wildlife as well as enjoy the health benefits of outdoor activities. It’s a great opportunity to meet other parents who are facing similar challenges and there are lots of opportunities to relax and have a chat together.

Regular attendees will celebrate this first birthday on Saturday 20^th April from 11-1 with party themed activities and a special Sprout cake. No diagnosis is needed to come along, if you think your child would benefit for whatever reason, you will be very welcome

For more information please contact Holme Valley Gardening Network on 07949414163 or email info@hvgn.org or see our website at http://holmevalleygardeningnetwork.org/workshop_3.php

Life After the Fall – by Holmfirth Writer David Walker

Posted by patrick on April 10th, 2013

The late winter deluge ended with the thaw still some time away. The rats reclaimed their runs. The workers upped their daily routines to normal speed. Fewer enthusiasts walked and sledged on the hills.

An excellent moment. Warm sun, clear skies and bitingly cold winds. Upperthong, Cartworth Moor, Crow Hill and Holmbridge had turned into The Arctic; fantastic and familiar but different, looking at something you know from a different point of view.

A white wilderness. Unpassable paths. Walking on wall toppings. Falling and sliding into snowdrifts and sticky gullies. Vulnerable on stiles. Curlews (pictured). Hinchliffe Mill’s favourite watering-hole.

Then it’s a memory.

The temperature staggers to a staggering 1 or 2 degrees, heralding the onset of knuckle abrasions, dirty fingernails, blisters and backache. Gardens with attitude are fighting back.

Editor’s Footnote: Many thanks David for your contributions to the Holmfirth website. Incidentally, temperatures could be as high as 20c in some parts of the country this coming Sunday but only about 14c in Holmfirth according to BBC Weather. Time to break out the BBQ??