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Businesses ready to welcome shoppers this festive season
By Susan Hampshire
THE Christmas lights are on, the traffic through the town is flowing more freely and Holmfirth businesses are ready to welcome shoppers through their doors to celebrate the festive season.
Good news that the roadworks in and out of the town are being paused over the festive period has been welcomed by Holmfirth businesses, locals and visitors alike.
From now until January, traffic management associated with the major 72-week long Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan project will be removed until the New Year.
This will allow for additional on-street parking and access during the busy Christmas period which will be welcomed by local businesses.
Work will however continue on the Huddersfield Road car park site throughout this time in preparation for the next phase of the project.
The run-up to Christmas is a vital time for shops and services in Holmfirth and all shopkeepers are now hoping that local people will get behind them to make December 2024 a memorable trading season.
They ask residents to `shop local’ and stay in Holmfirth to do their festive shopping.
Holmfirth businesswoman
Isobel Heeley, who runs Massage by Isobel at New Fold, said:
“Some businesses – on the north side of the town in particular –have not fared too badly during the weeks of demolition and roadworks.
“With the exception of only
two to three weeks, traffic management has been good. There have been surprisingly few tailbacks given the enormity of the project.’’
Isobel, speaking on behalf of Holmfirth Businesses Together, said some businesses however are vulnerable and struggling.
“The south side of the town, particularly those businesses adjacent to the construction site are struggling badly.
“Shops in particular need to maximise sales leading up to Christmas to survive the quieter trading months of January and February.
“Kirklees Council responded quickly to calls from some local businesses (Read, Fair Trader and Massage by Isobel) to reintroduce short term parking in the council offices car park (the only car park on the south side of Holmfirth).
“This is hoped to take effect in early December and will be a great relief to businesses and shoppers.
“Previously it had been made long-term parking only.
“We need more support from the council in a quick and effective manner to support the community to the completion of the project,’’ she said.
Many Holmfirth organisations are working non-stop behind the scenes to support businesses, promote Holmfirth and attract tourists.
Isobel said: “It is vital that the Holmfirth community comes into town to do their shopping and support their neighbours over the next 12 months.’’
She said if people avoid Holmfirth because of the ongoing work, they risk losing their
favourite shops and restaurants. She advises them to just take a few extra minutes to cope with any delays and support the town.
Much has already happened in Holmfirth since work on the Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan began in July.
A redesign of the Huddersfield Road car park started with the demolition of the old market hall as it’s transformed into a new multi-use community space with public parking and electric vehicle charging points.
Over the last few months, significant changes can be seen along Huddersfield Road and Victoria Street, where existing footpaths have been made wider and laid with new flags and Yorkshire stone kerbing, as well as additional tactile paving to help people with visual impairments.
Councillor Graham Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration at Kirklees Council said: “It’s exciting to see the landscape in Holmfirth town centre evolve as the vision of the Town Centre Access Plan starts to take shape.
“We can see significant progress following the demolishing of the old market hall and the improvements to the pavements.
“This scheme remains a collaborative effort by the community, council and the Combined Authority to create a brighter future for Holmfirth.”
When complete, the Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan, funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will bring great benefits to the town, its businesses and residents.
At the end of the project, pedestrians will benefit from wider pavements which will be beneficial for parents with prams and those using mobility scooters.
Traffic will be able to flow more easily through the town centre, leading to lower carbon emissions from vehicles.
The work will open up the south side of Holmfirth and a central car park will provide more spaces and a number of electric charging points.
There will potentially be a space for markets and festivals etc – in effect, a town square. This would depend on planning permission.
The project will link the west and east side of the town with walkways from the new car park over the river Holme onto Hollowgate.
The scheme aims to help reduce traffic congestion, improve journey times and ensure accessibility for everyone and support the growth and development of the cultural sector.
Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan is a 72-week project, which began on July 1 this year and which should hopefully conclude towards the end of 2025.
Artist’s impression of how the Huddersfield Road construction site will look with completed car parking and walkways over the River Holme to Hollowgate.
Open as usual banner, photo courtesy of Kirklees Council.
Green light for new Scholes homes
By Susan Hampshire
TEN new homes in Scholes, which will be at an affordable rent and prioritised for local people, have got formal agreement from Kirklees Planners.
Eighteen months after approval by the Planning Committee, the legal agreement for the Chippings site has now come through for the local Community Land Trust, EcoHolmes.
The permission now allows the trust’s partner, Connect Housing, a West Yorkshire housing association, to begin preparations for building the eight two-
bedroom and two three-bedroom terraced houses on the ex-quarry site on the edge of Scholes village.
These homes will be built to high energy efficiency standards and will be available at an affordable rent to people, with a connection to Scholes and surrounding area, who need housing.
As it is late in the season, plans are being made for starting construction on site next year in Spring 2025. Work to secure a contractor and assemble the finances is underway. Construction will take about 10 months with
the first tenants moving in early 2026.
This will be the first communityled affordable housing scheme for local people in Kirklees.
EcoHolmes is a voluntary body set up five years ago as a charity, with the aim of providing much needed affordable and low energy housing in the Holme Valley.
Tony Hood from EcoHolmes said: “High house prices and rents mean that many families are forced to look outside the area they belong to. A local housing needs survey is planned for the New Year to demonstrate just
how many people are in need of affordable homes. ‘’
EcoHolmes is now looking for further opportunities to refurbish or build new homes in the Holme Valley. One possible scheme is the conversion of the long-deserted Parish Council Offices in Holmfirth into flats and community workshops.
If you are interested in helping or have ideas for providing affordable homes, possible sites or buildings, please contact EcoHolmes at: info@ecoholmes. org.uk or on their website: ecoholmes.org.uk
EcoHolmes Chippings site.
Partnership thanks Rotary Club for £500 donation
By Susan Hampshire
NETHERTHONG Community
Partnership would like to say a big thank you to the Rotary Club of Holmfirth for the recent £500 donation.
The kind Rotary donation will be used to carry out much needed repairs to the front door of the All Saints Church building.
Netherthong Community Partnership is a non-religious, non-political, registered charity run by trustees and volunteers, set up to develop Netherthong All Saints Church into a multifunctional community space that can be used by all villagers, as well as continue to be a place of worship.
It is a great space and available for hire for parties, family celebrations, clubs, events and activities. Bookings can be made through the Facebook page or via the email address below.
A large number of regular events take place in the community space.
Partnership Trustees receiving the £500 Rotary Club cheque, with villagers enjoying the weekly Tea and Chat run by the church in the background.
For adults there is Crafting for Wellbeing on Mondays from 9.30am to 11.30am. the church has a Tea and Chat on Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm as well as Soup & Sandwich from 12pm to 2pm on the last Friday of every month, although not in December so the next one will be January 31. There is also Knit & Natter from 2pm to 4pm on the third Thursday of every month.
All of these are free to attend
although donations are welcome to cover costs if you are able. There is an Art Club Wednesdays from 7.15pm to 9.15pm and Bounce Trampoline Fitness is starting in January, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm;
For children there is Beavers for six to eight-year-olds from 6pm to 7pm and Cubs for eight to 10.5-year-olds from 7pm to 8.15pm on Thursday evenings in
term time. Rugby Tots is held on Saturdays mornings for two to five-year-olds.
Special events for the whole community include an annual Christmas Market which this year was held in late November, as well as other events that are advertised throughout the year. Look out for details in future editions of the Holme Valley Review and the Facebook page.
In addition to running community events, the Partnership raises funds to maintain the grounds and the building. Extensive tree work has been carried out by Peaker Tree Services in the last month to reduce the damage caused by trees close to the building.
An enthusiastic, small team of volunteers meet regularly to maintain the grounds with the help of Broomy Lea Garden Services. As always, we are very happy to receive offers of help from other volunteers. Make contact us on the email address below if you can help, whether adhoc or regularly.
You can also follow the partnership on www. facebook.com/Netherthong CommunitySpace.
If you would like to contact the charity, email francp@outlook. com The charity is always happy to receive donations, either send an email or go online at cafdonate.cafonline.org/19683.
Royal approval for Crossroads Project
MELTHAM’S Crossroads
Project has just received a major accolade, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
On the recent King’s birthday, November 14, Buckingham Palace announced that the Meltham project was among 281 organisations across the UK to receive this prestigious award.
The news has meant celebrations for the 70 plus volunteers who all help The Crossroads Project run a free information and advice service, a food bank helping around 160 local families and a well supported charity shop.
Chair of trustees Sue Priestley said: “We are all absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive the award. We were nominated in February 2023 by Meltham Town councillor Richard Noon.
“Following this, we were contacted and visited and had to meet a number of criteria. We were established 28 years ago and are delighted to share this good news with everyone.’’
Representatives of the Crossroads Project will received the award crystal and certificate from Edmund Anderson, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire at a time to be arranged before April 2025.
Two volunteers from the Project will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace on a date yet to be announced in May to July 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s award. Volunteers names will go into a hat and be drawn at random.
The King’s Award celebrates the outstanding work of local volunteer groups to support their communities across the UK.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Majesty, the late Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued with the accession of King Charles.
The award is equivalent to an MBE for an individual and is the highest award given to voluntary groups. The award aims to shine a light on the millions of people across the UK who help to make a difference in their local community.
This year sees the largest number of recipients in the award’s 22-year history.
The Crossroads Centre is based in the Old Town Hall, Huddersfield Road, Meltham and the charity shop is in the town’s Market Place.
For more information about the award, take a look at the website www.kavs.dcms.gov
Big Community Celebration event is a huge success
By Susan Hampshire
HOLME Valley Parish Council is thrilled to share the success of The Big Community Celebration held recently at The Civic in Holmfirth.
From 10am to 4pm, The Civic buzzed with over 800 visitors, all celebrating togetherness and community pride.
The venue was transformed into a mosaic of community stalls, each highlighting the vibrancy of life in the Holme Valley.
Visitors explored an array of stalls, including sports clubs, youth and children’s groups, arts and festivals, and other special interest groups, all of which exemplified the vibrant spirit of our community.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, six community music groups took centre stage, filling the air with a huge range of musical styles from classical to modern pop and soul. The performances not only entertained but were also a great way for the music groups to recruit new members.
Refreshments were provided by The Civic Community Cafe. The cafe’s dedicated team
ensured that everyone had the opportunity to relax and refuel, making the celebration even more enjoyable.
The event was honoured by a special visit from the Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Nosheen Dad. During her visit, she took the time to engage with many of the participants and visitors.
The celebration was officially opened with an introduction by the Parish Council Chair, Cllr Pat Colling, who emphasised the value of a sense of mutual support and belonging among residents of the Holme Valley.
The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Many praised the event for the comprehensive showcase of what is happening locally and what makes Holme Valley a unique and cherished place.
The celebration was a reminder of the power of community and the importance of coming together to celebrate shared values.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all the volunteers, participants, and attendees whose enthusiasm and support made The Big Community Celebration an
outstanding success.
The parish council looks forward to welcoming everyone back for more memorable moments at future events.
Musical entertainment was provided by Cafe Orchestra, New Mill Male Voice Choir, Holme Valley Singers, Holme Valley Orchestra, Hade Edge Brass Band and Soul Choir.
Those taking part in the event were: Agbrigg District Girlguiding, Arts For Health CIC, Brockholes Village Trust, Choppards Community Association, EcoHolmes, Eden’s Forest CIC, EPIKS, Friends of Cliff Rec, Friends
of Honley Library, Full Life Church, Food Bank, Hepworth Hurricanes Netball Club, Holme Junior and Infant School, Holme Valley Civic Society (with Holmfirth History Group), Holme Valley Climate Action Partnership, Holme Valley Land Charity, Holme Valley Owls, Holme Valley Vision, Holme Village Community Centre, Holmfirth & District Bowling Club, Holmfirth Arts Festival, Holmfirth Camera Club, Holmfirth Civic Hall Community Trust, Holmfirth Conservation Group, Holmfirth Cycling Club, Holmfirth Film Festival, Holmfirth HikesHolmfirth Walkers Are Welcome, Holmfirth Parish Church Tennis Club, Holmfirth Women’s Institute, Honley Agricultural Show Society, Honley Village Community Trust, Huddersfield and District Archaeological Society, Huddersfield Healthy Life Walking Group, Just Hoop, Kirklees Libraries, Kirklees Youth Alliance / Valleys Anchor CIC, Penistone Line Partnership, Phoenix Womens Group, Probus, River Holme Connections, Sharing Memories, The Nest Holmfirth, The Tech, U3A, Valleys Anchor CiC and Wooldale Quaker Meeting.
Hade Edge Brass Band
Visitors enjoying the busy, well attended event.
New Mill Male Voice Choir.
Motorists welcome parking update
By Susan Hampshire
HOLME Valley motorists have welcomed the news that most local village car parks will remain free of charge.
A recent Kirklees Council cabinet meeting confirmed that the initial proposal to introduce charges had been paused and re-thought.
Proposals to introduce charges to 57 free car parks were originally made in November 2023.
In July, the new Leader of Kirklees Council, Cllr Carole Pattison, pledged to re-think the approach to local parking charges.
Following public feedback to the proposals, over 40 Kirklees car parks will remain free to use with the 15 other car parks free for the first two hours to help support local businesses and benefit those accessing local services and shops.
Car parks which will see charging applied, after the first two hours, are located across the district and have been identified based on their capacity to hold over 25 cars.
Councillor Munir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways said: “Thousands
of local residents responded to public consultations on both parking proposals. In light of this feedback, one of our first decisions as a new cabinet was to pause the initial proposals and conduct a thorough review.
“Parking charges have remained static for the last 14 years.
Unfortunately the current financial climate means the council is no longer able to sustain the price freeze. But we’ve listened to concerns and we think the new plans are proportionate and fairer for residents and businesses.
“The proposed introduction
Book a Room
of some parking fees are not decisions we take lightly and it’s important we balance the financial needs of the council whilst taking into consideration local views.”
Car parks in the local area which remain free to use include: Honley (Westgate and New Street) Marsden (Argyle Street) Meltham (Clarke Lane and Westgate) Netherton (Meltham Road and Mercer Close) New Mill (Holmfirth Road) Slaithwaite (Carr Lane and Old Bank) Denby Dale (War Memorial) Kirkburton (Riley Lane) Emley (Church Street) Scissett (Car Park)
Shepley (Marsh Lane - Library) Skelmanthorpe (Coop (Rear), Council Offices and Huddersfield Road).
The local car parks where the first two hours will be free are Holmfirth (Huddersfield Road –Sands) Marsden (Standedge) and in Meltham (Carlile Street).
The Holme Valley Review spoke to a group of motorists in Meltham who welcomed the news that free parking (up to two hours) is still available.
One driver said: “I understand why parking charges after two hours are being introduced. At least this will stop people leaving their cars all day in the bigger Carlile car park which gets very busy at times.
“It will still allow locals to park up for a shorter time and use village shops, the chemist, the post office and library etc. I was worried that if parking charges were introduced at every local car park, I would have faced either paying or having to walk into the village every time.’’
For more information, look at the council’s parking web page: www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/ transport-roads-and-parking/ parkingspaces/
Looking into the history of the Holme Valley and local area
“I sought them far and found them
The sure, the straight, the brave,
The hearts I lost my own to, The souls I could not save. They braced their belts about them,
They crossed in ships the sea, They sought and fought six feet of ground
And there they died for me.”
- A. E. Housman - ‘When I Would Muse in Boyhood’
The build up to war
The weekend of July 25th, 1914 had been a fairly good weekend of sport for Holmfirth and District. Cartworth Moor Cricket team had won at Dogley up by Fenay Bridge and Scholes had thrashed Thongsbridge, but Holmfirth collapsed dramatically against Kirkburton. Having dismissed their opponents for a miserable 60 runs, Holmfirth’s batting order was destroyed by the bowling of Messrs. Kaye and Schofield and they were bowled out for the grand total of 39.
Members of the New Mill Homing Pigeon Society had just returned from a race in Worcester where Harry Fisher was overall winner with an impressive 1,317 points and Tom Smith’s daughter, Alice, was married in the Wesleyan Church in Holmfirth.
The bride, who was given away by her father, was daintily attired in a dress of cream crepe de chene, with chiffon and pearl trimmings. She also wore a veil with real orange blossom, and carried a bouquet of white roses, lilies, and sweet peas. The bridesmaids, who were neatly arrayed in dresses of cream embroidered voile, were Miss Doris and Miss Elsie Coldwell (sisters of the bridegroom) and Mr. Fred Caldwell acted as the best man. The wedding gifts included many beautiful and useful articles.
In a far away country though, minds were on other things.
Events develop overseas
On 28th July, 1914, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia. Russia immediately mobilised her forces on the border and created consternation in Germany, which sent an ultimatum to the Tsar demanding that he demobilise within twelve hours. Panic mounted in Berlin because Russia had a military alliance with France for mutual aid in the event of either country being attacked. If Germany declared war on Russia in support of Austria-Hungary, France would declare
war on Germany in support of Russia and Germany would be faced with attack from two sides.
Britain remained uncommitted and sought to solve these complex problems through diplomacy. The British declared that if Germany undertook not to go to war with either Russia or France while negotiations took place to solve the Austrian-Serbian dispute, then Britain would prevent France from declaring war on Germany.
Unfortunately, this was unacceptable to the Kaiser and his military advisors and Germany promptly declared war on Russia.
France and Belgium mobilised, Germany then declared war on France and quickly invaded Belgium which triggered an assistance pact with Britain who mobilised and declared war on Germany.
It took just eight days, from July 28th to August 4th 1914, to transform most of Europe into a violent, military war zone which, over the next four years, was to dramatically change the lives of millions of people and tragically so for the two hundred or more men whose names appear on the Holmfirth War Memorial.
Mobilising Holmfirth
Britain had a long standing tradition of maintaining local, part-time, military units known as the Volunteers, or Militia, for home defence purposes while the regular army generally fought overseas (the Drill Hall in Holmfirth was originally built for the 2nd Battalion Volunteers of the Duke of Wellington’s, West Riding Regiment).
In 1908 the Minister for War, Richard Burdon Haldane, in a radical restructuring of the army abolished these units and created the Territorial Force. The men of the Territorial Force, who were all volunteers, remained part-time soldiers whose agreed role was defence of the homeland. In the event of war, they were not obliged to serve overseas but they could agree to do so.
When Britain decided to go to war in 1914, all Territorial Troops were ordered to mobilise. Most of them had only just gone onto the annual fortnights training and were quickly recalled back to base. Those local men who were in the Territorial Force were part of F Company (Holmfirth) of the 5th Battalion, West Riding Regiment, the Duke of Wellington’s, and were completing their training at Mareke Camp on the east coast. They arrived back in Holmfirth at 1.00 in the morning, Tuesday August 4th, and were allowed to return to their homes with orders to report to the Drill Hall on Huddersfield Road in just a few hours time at 8.00am. This they did to a man, and then, like so much of military life, spent the rest of the day waiting, in ignorance of any news or information. So much so, that many of the men had drifted back to their homes by the afternoon when Lieutenant Clapham arrived breathless from Huddersfield with the news that the local lads must move. Those who were already there began to assemble and prepare and messages were quickly sent to the absentees to return. In the meantime, a great crowd had gathered outside marshalled by Inspector Foster and a posse of policemen. The Commanding Officer, Captain Eastwood was abroad on business and Lieutenant Sykes, megaphone in hand, took charge of the company. Sometime after 10pm the roll was called and 87 men replied “Here Sir”, whereupon rations were distributed - bags of meat sandwiches, hastily prepared by Mettrick Brothers, Holmfirth butchers, mostly eaten there and then.
A sombre task ahead
After that the mood began to turn more serious as each man took his allocated 100 rounds of small arms ammunition from a sinister looking box that had been carried to the centre of the floor. Occasionally, the noise of the crowd outside intruded into the hall. They had become a little bored with waiting and had resorted to singing. Snatches of songs were
Men of Holmfirth mobilise for war
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heard and then came the inevitable ‘Holmfirth Anthem’, quickly taken up by the Territorials inside the room who then responded with a verse of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.
As the last notes died away, Lieutenant Sykes called for silence and spoke a few sentences. He thanked the men for their prompt and splendid response to the country’s call to duty and reminded them that they were now subject to the discipline of military law but he was confident that they would obey all orders and acquit themselves well. With that, they formed up and marched out onto the road. It was close to midnight but it seemed that almost every house in the valley had lights on, and the crowd surged around and accompanied them as they made their way through Holmfirth to the Railway Station up Station Road. Songs were sung, round after round of cheers went up and everywhere there were women in tears. As they entrained, the crowd was kept behind barriers but as soon as the men were all aboard (apart from three latecomer soldiers who suddenly appeared, running down the platform) the barriers were removed and the police allowed everyone to surge forward. Groups gathered at every window, with much handshaking and hoorays and countless adieus, and finally the train steamed out of the station, deafening everyone with its fog horn and accompanied by a great waving of farewells.
‘F’ Company made its way, through Huddersfield, to Waltham, near Grimsby on the East coast where they took up post duty at a wireless station there. At this point, the men were asked if they were willing to serve abroad and the two Lieutenants, Sykes and Clapham along with a Lance Corporal and thirty seven privates volunteered. Lieutenant Keith Sykes, of Thongsbridge, served in France with the 5th Battalion, West Riding Regiment throughout the war. He was promoted to Captain and distinguished himself by winning the Military Cross. He survived.
Lieutenant Clapham died of wounds one week before the end of the war on November 5, 1918 and is buried at Awoingt British Cemetery in northern France.
This information was kindly provided by Dr Tom Ashworth and is taken from ‘Photos on the Wall’, published by Shalliley Books 2015, written by Dr Tom Ashworth.
The Drill Hall building on Huddersfield Road today, with blue plaque
Makers Market hosts series of events
By Susan Hampshire
STALLHOLDERS from Meltham Makers Market have been showcasing their skills at a series of pop-up events in the run up to Christmas – with the last one being on Wednesday, December 18.
The Seasonal Shopping Evenings will be held from 6pm to 9pm at The Fourth Fiend in Station Street, Meltham where a number of stalls will be selling last minute festive gift ideas and decorations. Food and drinks will be available.
Kathy Ancell from the Makers Market said the regular markets will continue in 2025 at their normal home in Meltham’s Carlile Institute and will re-start in the Spring.
She said: “We haven’t finalised the dates yet for 2025 but people can check our Meltham Makers Market Facebook page for details.
“A normal market in the Carlile has 25 stalls and we are gradually building up visitor numbers.
“Most of our stallholders are local people and there is a great talent of crafters in the area.
“We have around 200
stallholders on our books now who can book in with us for the various events.’’
“Meltham Makers Market is run by myself and my friend, Nic Baker and was set up to provide an opportunity for local crafters and artists to get together to showcase and sell their work.
“We have 25 stalls across three rooms and attract talented makers from a wide variety of crafts including jewellery, textiles, candles and wax melts, cosmetics, knitting and crochet, decoupage, painting and illustration, felting, paper crafts, resin art, woodwork,
baking, bespoke gifts, clothing and hair accessories, ceramics, glass art, and stationery.
There are usually five markets during the year at the Carlile Institute.
The last market was a few weeks ago but the series of popup events was a way to showcase a few stallholders and bring festive shopping evenings into Meltham.
Find out more about the events by joining Meltham Makers Market group on Facebook and following the market on Instagram @melthammakersmarket. www.facebook.com/share/
Iconic tower on the hill is well worth a visit
By Susan Hampshire
ASK yourself a question.
How long is it since you last visited Huddersfield’s Castle Hill?
If you’re anything like me, it’s probably years and years ago since you drove up the narrow road to one of the highest points in the local area.
After seeing that the plans to upgrade this historic site are once again back in the news, I decided it was time to revisit our iconic landmark and see if people still support our tower on the hill.
On a bright and breezy autumn Sunday morning, I took four members of my family to see what was happening on a typical weekend on Huddersfield ‘s famous hill.
A few other people were up there – young families, dog walkers and a couple of optimistic kite flyers – but it was far from busy.
Making our way towards the Victoria Tower, we were delighted to see we had picked a day when it was open for visitors.
At just £7.25 for three adults, a four year old, a toddler (and a dog on a lead), it was a refreshing change to have a family outing that didn’t cost the earth. So off up the 138 steps we went.
Memories flooded back to when my children were small and we walked up the historic stone steps.
I’m sure some young visitors will be secretly hoping they might see Rapunzel hiding in this very tall tower, getting ready to let down her long golden hair. Alas, they will be a little disappointed.
The view from the top however is far from disappointing. It’s stunning and I think we are all guilty of forgetting about our famous landmark right on our doorstep.
A friend of mine, who travels over from The Wirral by train, always says she knows she’s nearly at journey’s end when she spots our iconic landmark high on the hillside. Of course, we’ve all known for years that we’re almost home when we spot the tower on the horizon.
The spectacular panoramic view from the top of the tower really does take in the whole of Huddersfield and surrounding areas. With views of the Holme Valley in one direction, Emley Moor in another and the town centre in the distance, it’s incredible what you can see from the top.
Information in the tower tells us that on a clear day, the visitor can see York Minster, 40 miles away. We managed to pick out some local landmarks like the town’s stadium, the university and our own village before returning to the bottom and enjoying a walk on the circular path below.
The history of Castle Hill goes back thousands of years and the first occupation of the hill is believed to be about 4,000 years ago.
The Victoria Tower is effectively the newcomer to the famous hill and was built to mark the 60-year reign of Queen Victoria. It was designed by London architect Issac Jones and cost £3,398 to build.
In World War Two Castle Hill was used as an observation post - and there was a suggestion during wartime that the tower be demolished in case it acted as a landmark to enemy aircraft.
Today the tower is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, a legal status to protect it against damage and
change.
That’s why any planning proposals are subject to the greatest scrutiny.
Planning permission allowing a restaurant and six-bedroom hotel was granted in February 2022 but was met with some objections from the local community and ward councillors.
More recently an application to vary one of the planning conditions relating to drainage was submitted to Kirklees Council. This is now under discussion.
Whatever the outcome, Castle Hill and its iconic Victoria Tower will continue to watch over the town and provide a lovely outing for local families who simply want to enjoy a walk or climb the 138 steps to the top.
I certainly won’t leave it so long again to visit our much-loved landmark. The views alone are priceless and a walk around the hill certainly blows the cobwebs away.
It’s strange, isn’t it, how we all take our surroundings for granted. The lush green countryside of the Holme Valley and fantastic views from the top of the Victoria Tower are something we should all perhaps appreciate a little more. Why not enjoy a visit soon, support this beloved landmark and educate younger members of the family in an important chapter of the history of Huddersfield?
Keep it fairandfunky when you shop at the Co-op
HOLMFIRTH-based community interest company fairandfunky has done it again, having been chosen as a Co-op local community cause at Holmfirth Co-operative store for the second year running.
The eco-focussed organisation will receive additional funds for their work in the local community around climate action.
Since 2020, the Co-op has shared more than £58m with nearly 20,500 unique community projects across the UK, giving opportunity for greater capacity of charities and organisations, who play a vital role in the wellbeing of communities. The premise of the fund is very simple – the more Co-operative members use their blue Co-op membership card at the checkout, the more funding The Co-operative allocates to support local causes.
“We believe that as individuals we each have the power to make a positive difference in the world; through the way we act, what we wear, where we shop and what we do,” said Sophie Root from fairandfunky CIC.
“Empowering the young people with this knowledge plays a huge part in creating the next generation of active citizens and change-makers, and the Co-op funding will allow us to do much
more of this on our doorstep.
“We’re urging Co-op members to choose fairandfunky as their cause so we can deliver our climate action project and work with people in the Holme Valley and surrounding areas.”
The project, funded by the Local Community Fund and run by fairandfunky, focusses on engaging and empowering the community with the knowledge that they can have a positive impact on people and planet, matching one of The Co-op’s core themes for the funding.
During a time where climate anxiety is prevalent, fairandfunky aims to put positive action and activities in the hands of people to bring about change.
Based in Holmfirth, fairandfunky CIC deliver workshops in schools and with community groups on key global themes such as recycling, Fairtrade and the environment, and have been doing so for over 12 years, so are very much experts in their field.
fairandfunky begin to benefit from being chosen as a community cause from October 2024, right through to October 2025, so you have 12 months to show your support, just by using your membership card when you shop.
SHOWROOM OPEN: MONDAY - FRIDAY:
SATURDAY:
Helen Robinson and Sophie Root of fairandfunky outside Holmfirth Co-operative.
Exhibition offers a glimpse into Mission’s 200-year history
By Susan Hampshire
CHOPPARDS Mission, Holmfirth recently opened its doors to offer a glimpse into its 200-year history and lift the lid on long-lost archives.
The exhibition was put together using archives which only recently
came to light after 50 years in the back of a cupboard.
In recent times, the Mission has hosted birthday parties, theatre and music shows, talks, art exhibitions and films.
This exhibition was able to be held with the generous support
of Jimmy Dickinson of Longley Farm, to shine a light on the myriad activities of the Mission in previous centuries.
Sunday School Registers from 1840 onwards, School Feast receipts, itemised accounts, photographs and letters were among the many artefacts which were used to highlight some of the men and women who shaped the building’s history.
These included men like George Arthur Singleton who was organist and choirmaster. Born in the First World War, he fought in the Second World War and was captured by the Japanese and forced to work on the infamous Death Railway.
Also, women like Beatrice Moorhouse who attended the Sunday School as a child before becoming a teacher and the Mission’s treasurer.
Over 200 visitors enjoyed the
archives on display while Hade Edge Band (which itself has a long association with the Mission) provided a musical interlude of hymns. The event was generously supported by Longley Farm, The Oil Can Café and several local artists.
With an excellent array of refreshments provided by Choppards Community Association volunteers, people stayed to chat, reminisce, share memories with friends and neighbours, old and new.
One visitor summed up the many positive comments: “Superb displays detailing the wonderful history but told in a way to give a feeling of belonging”.
The organisers hope that the sentiment generated in this event will now translate into the community’s support for continuing the Mission’s story as a centre of local activity.
Choppards concert
Choppards Mission
Group with banner, dating from 1921.
Well attended archives event.
Council leads community in tree planting revolution
THE Kirklees landscape now benefits from 15 hectares of new woodland thanks to the combined efforts of Kirklees Council, community groups, and volunteers.
The Kirklees Council Woodland Development Team, as part of The White Forest programme, engaged the local community in planting nearly 15 hectares of new woodland, equivalent to 21 football pitches, with a mix of native broadleaf species.
During the last planting season, from November 2023 to March 2024, almost 1,000 volunteers planted trees across 50 sessions in various wards, including Batley East, Birstall & Birkenshaw, Colne Valley, Holme Valley South, Kirkburton and Newsome
Children from local schools and scout groups braved the great outdoors to learn how to plant trees, as well as Kirklees Council staff volunteers and Councillors, Huddersfield University students and staff, and residents.
The woodlands are more than just trees; they are diverse
ecosystems that include open spaces, various habitat types, different layers of vegetation growth, and varied soil compositions.
They provide benefits such as flood risk reduction, increased biodiversity, enhanced climate resilience, and the improved health and well-being of Kirklees
Make this Christmas extra special with Longley Farm
MAKE this Christmas special with Longley Farm – natural dairy products for your festive celebrations
The festive season is about being together with your loved ones, sharing delicious food and creating memories that last a lifetime.
We are proud to offer the public natural, top-quality dairy products that can make your Christmas recipes not just good but exceptional. As a trusted Yorkshire brand, we believe in keeping things simple, wholesome and delightful.
For decades, Longley Farm has been committed to providing the highest quality dairy products, produced right here in Holmfirth.
Our products are made with all-natural ingredients, free from unnecessary additives or preservatives. From our creamy yogurts to our rich luxury Jersey butter and fresh cream, each product promises purity and taste, perfect for your festive cooking. Christmas is the perfect time to indulge, and our range of dairy products can help elevate your experience.
If you are struggling for inspiration you can find some traditional recipes on our website creating a perfect showstopper for your friends and family, using Longley Farm products. Just scan the QR code on our advertisement to find recipes from a spiced gingerbread biscuit using our luxury Jersey butter to some velvety
melt-in-the-mouth chocolate truffles using our fresh cream. These recipes are not only easy to follow, but they highlight the quality ingredients that make every mouthful memorable.
We know the festive period can be hectic. That’s why Longley Farm offers a convenient click-and-collect service, available 24 hours a day once you have your locker code.
Shop for all your dairy essentials whether that’s a tub of cottage cheese for Uncle Ken, a pot of cream for your trifle or a blueberry yogurt for yourself to enjoy.
Visit our online store and pick them up whenever suits you. Last orders can be seen upon checkout ensuring your table is stocked with the finest local products this Christmas.
We are proud to be a part of your celebrations, bringing you the best that Yorkshire has to offer.
Longley Farm products add more than just flavour to your dishes- they bring a sense of tradition, quality and love.
This Christmas let’s celebrate the joy of good food and good company with natural, locally made dairy products you can trust.
For festive recipes, inspiration, or to place your click-and-collect order, visit our website.
Make this Christmas deliciously memorable with Longley Farm. Here’s to a wonderful Yorkshire Christmas with those that you love.
landowners and farmers to plant trees where they are needed the most.
Councillor Munir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways said: “We are proud to lead the White Rose Forest initiative and of our vital involvement here in Kirklees.
“I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the volunteers and local community groups for their invaluable contribution to our new woodland creation.
communities.
Kirklees Council has been the lead organisation and accountable body for the delivery of the White Rose Forest programme since 2002.
The White Rose Forest is the community forest for North and West Yorkshire. The programme works with communities,
“Planting trees together can foster a sense of hope and growth for the future whilst creating a legacy of improved health and well-being for future generations and a thriving habitat for wildlife. I hope that many more people will join us for our new planting season.”
The new tree planting season will run through to March 2025 and the Kirklees Woodland Development team is once again looking for volunteers to plant trees and help with their aim of increasing the tree canopy cover in Kirklees to 21 per cent by 2050.
Could you help improve the facilities at Honley Station?
By Susan Hampshire
WOULD you be interested in forming a Steering Group to adopt Honley Station which would allow access to grants and funding to improve this local facility?
Why not join other local people at nearby Brockholes, Shepley and Denby Dale Stations who are already working to improve their local rail facilities?
Improvements are needed to the station building and there is a need to create a level access to Honley Station to help the less mobile.
“We need to bring people in Honley together to help improve their station,’’ says Sarah Wells, the Penistone Line Partnership’s community rail officer.
Since she started in her role, Sarah has been networking with the various communities on the Penistone Line to encourage community groups to adopt their local station.
Funding is available from Northern and Community Rail Network for community projects to help welcome rail users and showcase village stations.
PLP and Huddersfield Penistone Sheffield Rail User Association
are awaiting a response from the Minister for Transport on the previously promised investment by the last government to upgrade the line to allow a half-hourly service and improve stations without level access.
Sarah said: “Paul Davies, MP for Colne Valley, has written to the Transport Minister for an update
on the promised investment. At the moment everything is in limbo but if we could encourage local people to get together to form a Steering Group, this would open the door to some funding.
“The station building is in disrepair and Honley Station really needs level access for wheelchair users and others with mobility issues.’’
Seventeen trains pass through Honley Station every day and, at the moment, the Huddersfield to Sheffield service is every hour.
The Rail User Association is pushing for a half-hourly service if investment is forthcoming from the new Labour Government.
Elsewhere in the Holme Valley –along the Penistone Line – Denby Dale Station has recently been adopted by a steering committee of the parish council, Brockholes Station is adopted by the Green Spaces and Station Adopters group and there is a Friends of Shepley Station group.
Earlier this year Honley High School, which sits across the road from the station, hosted a Penistone Line Partnership meeting with representatives from Kirklees Council, Holme Valley Parish Council and Northern to talk about campaigning for level
access to Honley Station. Many Honley High School students use the train to get to and from school.
They talked about the frequency of trains and improvements including access, lighting, shelters and ticket machines.
Sarah said: “If we could form a Steering Group, it would be great to involve some of the student ambassadors from the High School and ask for their ideas.’’
Many local village stations across the North of England have been adopted and improved by ‘friends’ groups in recent years.
This has seen them access grants to improve platforms, hold events, create flower beds and planters and even hold art exhibitions in station waiting rooms.
Honley Station was opened on July 1, 1850 by the Huddersfield & Sheffield Junction Railway, a subsidiary of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway.
If you are interested in getting involved in a Steering Group for Honley, contact Sarah by email at: penistoneline@gmail.com
Northern manages around 470 stations and over half of them already have a station adoption group, often known as “Friends of’’.
Be part of train travel’s 200th anniversary
2025 promises to be a big year for the rail industry as train travel marks its 200th anniversary.
The Penistone Line Partnership will be joining national celebrations across the UK in 2025 and invites you to help showcase the region’s heritage and culture.
A National Exhibition Train will travel across the UK from June 2025 to June 2026, offering everyone a chance to participate, alongside a host of national events and community projects.
Here’s how you can get involved locally:
n Oral History Content: Share stories about railway workers and themes from the past.
n Anniversaries and Events: Identify upcoming anniversaries ending in 0 or 5 that could be celebrated with Railway 200 events.
n Railwayana Collectors: Do you or someone you know have
railway memorabilia to feature on the Railway 200 website?
n Model Railway Enthusiasts: Host an event for model makers and collectors.
n Historic Sites and Stories: Contribute knowledge about graves or memorials linked to railway history.
n Creative Contributions: Showcase rail-themed artwork in a local platform gallery.
n Station History Panels: Help create heritage panels with local station adopters or the Penistone
Line Partnership for your station platform.
n Red Wheel Plaques: Contribute stories for transport heritage plaques. Learn more from the National Transport Trust at https:// www.nationaltransporttrust.org. uk/red-wheels
n Adopt a station on the Penistone Line: new Northern station adopters are welcome at the following unadopted stations – Meadowhall (SYMCA & Northern), Elsecar, Wombwell, Dodworth, Penistone, Denby Dale, Stocksmoor, Honley, Berry Brow and Lockwood. Contact us at penistoneline@gmail.com or to find out more online at https:// www.northernrailway.co.uk/aboutus/community/station-adoption. Our region is east.
This celebration is also about the future of rail travel.
Penistone Line Partnership will
develop projects with local schools and youth groups and will be running Scouting project ‘Platforms for Change’ throughout 2025.
If you are a teacher, youth, or scout leader, please get in touch with Penistone Partnership’s community rail officer at penistoneline@gmail.com to arrange free bespoke sessions and rail days out.
Be part of this extraordinary celebration to honour the past, appreciate the present, and inspire the future of rail travel. For more information or to contribute, contact by text at 07450 807953 or email info@penline.co.uk to celebrate 200 years of train travel.
Penistone Line Partnership is the nearest Community Rail Partnership in the Holme Valley and is happy to work with communities on anything rail related that can be connected or celebrated in 2025.
Sarah Wells, Penistone Line Partnership’s community rail officer.
Christmas
ONE of the biggest problems we face at Christmas - what to do with all this turkey?
Well, we have a few solutions. It can actually be a culinary treasure, offering endless possibilities for creative and delicious meals.
Here are some unusual ways to transform your Christmas leftovers into something truly special:
Savoury Recipes
Turkey and Sweet Potato Curry: Combine leftover turkey with sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and a blend of Indian spices for a flavourful and comforting curry.
Turkey Pot Pie: Create a hearty and satisfying pot pie by layering leftover turkey, vegetables, and a creamy gravy in a flaky pastry crust.
Turkey and Wild Rice Soup: A warming and comforting soup made with leftover turkey, wild rice, and vegetables. Add a splash of cream for a richer flavour.
Turkey Fried Rice: A flavourful and satisfying dish made with leftover turkey, rice, vegetables, and your favourite stirfry sauce.
Sweet Recipes
Turkey and Cranberry Salad: A sweet and tangy salad made with leftover turkey, cranberries, celery, and mayonnaise.
Serve on a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich filling.
Turkey Noodle Casserole: A comforting and hearty casserole made with leftover turkey, noodles, and a creamy sauce. Top with a layer of cheese and bake until bubbly.
Turkey and Sweet PotatoShepherd’s Pie: A twist on the classic shepherd’s pie, made with leftover turkey and sweet potatoes. Turkey and Stuffing Fritters: A delicious and easy appetiser made with leftover turkey, stuffing, and eggs. Fry until golden brown and serve with your favourite dipping sauce.
Other Creative Uses
Turkey Stock: Make your own flavourful turkey stock by simmering leftover turkey bones and scraps with vegetables and herbs. Use the stock to make soups, stews and sauces.
Turkey Salad Sandwiches: A classic and delicious way to use up leftover turkey. Add your favourite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.
With a little creativity, leftover turkey can be transformed into a variety of delicious and satisfying meals. Whether you’re looking for something savoury or sweet, there’s a recipe to suit every taste.
7 Bird to dance at Irish party, say (12)
8 Former king raised by small Persian king (6)
Containing nothing yet MP is worried (5)
Withdraw two forms of
(8)
Before noon all right to run
like this (4)
One who inherits
iridium (4)
Provoke girl into weird rite (8)
One appearing in Queen musical (5)
19 Very tired when murdered! (4,2)
1 Plan clues he’d unravel (8)
2 Animal, ten, reaches peak (4)
3 Italian white Fiat car’s crashed (8)
4 Front of refurbished cafe (4)
5 In Nepal, the incredible animal (8)
6 Mine closure in Derby is a shame (4)
11 Awful drone during your old lament (8)
12 Refuse to become blue (4,4)
Total wrong, then not wrong (8)
Part of fragrant Indian city (4)
Need another garden (4)
Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both (eg FRONT - DOOR - MAT). The shaded squares of the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out a random word.
21 TV host disperses wallaby herds! (7,5) ACROSS 7 Large Scottish grouse (12) 8 Ancient Persian king (6) 9 Containing nothing (5) 10 Deduct (8)
Northern university students, void (4)
Out of control (4)
Inheritor (4)
Annoy (8)
Musical about an orphan (5)
Exhausted (4,2)
Host of The Chase (7,5)
Long‑term Ogling
8 letters
Adjusting to fit Entire or whole Notifying in advance Speckled garden bird Thankless people
Plan of procedure (8)
Acme (4)
Italian white wine (8)
Front of the head (4)
Animal with a trunk (8)
Compassion (4)
Dirge (8)
Decline (4,4)
Altogether (8)
Taj Mahal city (4)
Biblical garden (4)
and
Andy’s Man Club meets on Mondays
LOCAL men are regularly attending Holmfirth’s Andy’s Man Club which meets every Monday. It is one of a network of clubs across the country which provide a meeting place for men to get together and chat through their issues.
A spokesman for the national Andy’s Man Club organisation said: “Our clubs run every Monday (except bank holidays) from 7pm-9pm for all men aged 18 and over.
They offer peer to peer support in a safe, nonjudgemental environment and can be a great place for men to meet new people and get things off their chest.
“Last week, 17 men walked through the doors at Holmfirth and received support.’’
Anyone who wishes to attend should email: info@
andysmanclub.co.uk to confirm the meeting place.
The organisation aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgement-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives.
It was started by nine men in 2016 who met in Halifax to talk through their issues and help each other with their mental health.
It takes its name from Andrew Roberts who sadly took his own life. His parents subsequently came up with the idea of groups where men could regularly meet.
The service is now used by over 3,000 men across the country at 150 locations every week.
For more information, take a look at the website www. andysmanclub.co.uk
Auction of Promises benefits extension
A MAJOR fundraiser for Honley Library’s planned extension has raised over £3,670.
The Auction of Promises, which took place at Honley’s Dixon & Franks, had various lots for auction including a three-night holiday to Whitby and four hours of gardening.
Emma Sutton, volunteer and secretary of the Friends of Honley Library said: “The auction raised an incredible £3,670.85.’’
This is one of many fundraising events which will be planned to help raise enough money to build and furnish an extension to the library which was recently given the go-ahead by Kirklees Council.
Today the library offers much more than books with all kinds of events taking place there on a regular basis. To join the Friends of Honley Library, take a look at the website www. friendsofhonleylibrary.org.uk
Bus petition continues
AN online petition is continuing to establish a reliable bus service to connect Emley with its neighbouring villages.
The petition, which is available to sign at www.change.org, says that without reliable bus services to nearby villages in HD8 like Skelmanthorpe and Denby Dale, residents of all ages can face difficulties accessing local services and amenities.
A resident of Emley started the petition after she was unable to drive for a short period of time and found it very difficult
Church launches annual appeal
THE annual Christmas Joy appeal has just been launched by the Full Life Church, based in Thongsbridge.
Running alongside the weekly Food Bank, Christmas Joy is appealing for food for festive hampers and new toys to give to children who would otherwise get very little or nothing at all.
If you can donate to this project, which has been running for 20 years, please call in at the church, food bank or play centre, Tuesday to Friday between 9.30am and 3pm or phone 01484 684545.
Last year Christmas Joy gave out about 2,000 Christmas presents and is understood to be the only local food bank/church that does this every year.
Donations of new toys can also be dropped off in Holmfirth
at
Estate agents. The normal food bank runs Tuesday to Friday and is always looking for volunteers and food donations.
The team will be working hard on Christmas Eve to deliver extra food parcels to cover the Christmas and New Year period if any one would like to help.
If you would like to join the team, the food bank needs packers, people with cars to deliver, weekly food donations and much more.
to get herself to work and her children to their activities.
The petition details state: “Our village needs better connectivity for its growth and development. A reliable bus service will increase accessibility for all residents – from young people seeking education or employment opportunities outside Emley; elderly citizens needing access to healthcare facilities; or families wanting socialisation options.
The next goal is to reach 25,000 signatures.
New opening times at household waste sites
NEW opening times at two local household waste sites have now come into operation.
Bromley Farm at Upper Cumberworth will now be closed Wednesdays and Thursdays while the site at Bent Ley Road, Meltham will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
These changes were approved at October’s Kirklees Council cabinet meeting as one of many cost-saving measures being implemented across the council.
Winter opening times are now operational across all sites from 8am to 4pm.
A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “These changes to our Household Waste and Recycling Centres have allowed us to save nearly £200,000 over the next two financial years while maintaining the peak opening times across the remaining sites. We have had to make difficult decisions in the current financial climate.’’
Centre
WH Browns
The Christmas Joy team.
A big panto birthday
TURN Again Theatre in Holmfirth reaches a milestone this coming January – their 100th show
Holmfirth’s only theatre group, began life in 1986, as a spin off group from, what was then, the Holmfirth Amateur Dramatic Society.
HADS, formed in the 1930s was apparently floundering, stuck in it ways and adverse to modernisation.
So, some of the younger members of the society broke away and set up their own amdram group – aiming to have fresher ideas and a more adventurous choice of drama.
The last HADS 1986 pantomime, Dick Whittington, was the inspiration behind the name
of the new theatre group – Turn Again Theatre (a nod to the iconic “Turn Again Whittington” line in the Dick Whittington fable).
Turn Again Theatre (affectionally named TAT by its members) is a friendly, hardworking group of locals, committed to bringing live theatre to the people of Holmfirth.
They produce two plays and a panto every year and each production is produced, directed, performed, costumes and dressed solely by their members.
There is no “actors just act”, “directors just direct”. At Turn Again Theatre it is a group of friends working together, spending the weekends before and after each production working as a
team to create a magical piece of theatre.
Such is the pull of camaraderie, that two members of the original Turn Again Theatre team are still heavily involved with the group today.
Pete Townsend, one of the original founders, now lives in Spain, but travels back to Holmfirth three times a year to light the TAT productions and Jenny Hinchliffe has been painting the scenery, on and off, for more than 40 years.
For their 100th show, Turn Again Theatre will be bringing Aladdin the Pantomime to The Civic, Holmfirth this coming January.
IN COLLABORATION WITH WWW.HOLMFIRTH.INFO
To celebrate the event, director, Lisa Kendall has invited back many old members to be part of the production.
Lisa, who joined TAT in 1994, is chair of the society and felt the 100th show was an opportunity to celebrate everything that TAT stands for – friendship.
Twelve of the cast of 20 have been involved with the society for more than 10 years, some for significantly longer.
Aladdin is being performed from January 23 to 25. To help them celebrate, and coming to watch a fabulous show, you can buy tickets at www.ticketsource. co.uk/tat or in person at the Civic or the Holmfirth Library.
Meet & Greet Santa
24th December - 6pm - 11:59pm
Meet and Greet Santa at the White Horse Inn, Santa and elf from 6pm Christmas raffle from 9pm The White Horse Inn
Scholes Road, Jackson Bridge Holmfirth
Christmas Party Nights -
The Rusty Bull
21st December
£39.95
Our Christmas Party Menu is here, filled with seasonal favourites and festive cheer. With a live DJ to keep the party going, the Rusty Bull is the perfect venue to celebrate with friends, co-workers, and family this Christmas!
Book early to secure your space and avoid disappointment — spaces always fill up fast! If these dates don’t work for you and your colleagues, private hire is available for larger groups. www.therustybull.co.uk
New Year’s Eve - lusplace 31st December - 12pm - 4pm
Finish 2024 the right way and join us on New Year’s Eve to enjoy complimentary music from DJ David Walsh.
Get ready to groove to an exciting
mix of beats from laid-back afternoon tunes to upbeat tracks, perfect for setting the mood for New Year’s Eve.
Whether you’re stopping by for lunch or afternoon drinks, DJ David Walsh is sure to keep the energy flowing all afternoon. Come with friends or family, relax, and enjoy the music – good vibes and good company!
lusplace.co.uk/bookings
New Year Extravaganzatenfourteen
31st December - 7pm - 9pm
£55
Why not celebrate the New Year in style and join us at Ten Fourteen for a New Year Extravaganza, with a four course meal and complimentary glass of Prosecco upon arrival. Includes free entry to our New Year’s Eve Party.
Tommy Craggs playing from 8pm until 10pm, followed by Matt Hayes playing into the New Year and 2 DJ’s playing on both floors until 3am.
£10 entrance fee from 8pm. Advance tickets available due to
limited availability. Fancy Dress optional - prize for best dress. info@tenfourteen.co.uk or call 01484 681884
New Years Day brunchNowhere 1st January - 11am or 2pm £60pp
Come down to Nowhere and revive your soul after welcoming in the New Year in style the night before.
Enjoy a six course tasting menu, devised by our team of outstanding chefs, and a bottle of the regions first ever biodynamic Champagne (one between two). Expect the finest seafood, the best locally sourced meat and veg and a dining experience like the Ritz but without the pretence. www.nowhere-nowhere.com/ events/
Christmas Tree Collection 4th January 2025
Minimum donation £5 We’ve made it easier than ever to book your Christmas tree collection! Just follow the link, enter your details and you’re all booked in!
Collection day is Saturday 4th
January with last orders taken on 2nd January, so still plenty time to get booked in yet! HD9 and HD4 post codes only. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, allowing us to continue our work with young people across the Holme Valley, so please do share this with all your neighbours once you’ve got yourself booked in! https://1sthv.online/xmastree
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