Holme Valley Review November 2012

November 2012

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£6m investment earmarked for Special School

By Sandie Marshall

LYDGATE Special School is in line for £6million of improvements under proposed Kirklees spending plans.

The money could transform the Wooldale school into a state-of-theart learning and support centre for children with disabilities and signals the ultimate turn-around for a school which was almost closed down ten years ago.

Kirklees has identified the money in its new Five Year Strategic Investment Plan which, if approved by the Council, will form part of its Capital Plan, setting out all its new major investments between now and 2018.

If the Lydgate spending is eventually approved, the school will have to wait until 2015 for its major work

– most of the £6m is earmarked to be spent between then and 2017.

Currently the school can work with a maximum of 72 young people aged from four to 16, who have many different disabilities and learning difficulties from mild to complex. Its last Ofsted report judged the school to be ‘good with outstanding features’.

There are no details as yet on how the Kirklees money could be spent.

Lydgate headteacher Nicky Rogers said: “Of course we’re very, very excited at the news although we know nothing is certain yet.

“At the moment, we’re an out-ofthe-way, rather tatty-looking little school which achieves big things with some amazing kids. It’s hard not to imagine what a different such

investment could make.”

Even small-scale investment in Lydgate would have been unthinkable 10 years ago when the school was due to be closed altogether. It was saved after a hard-fought battle by parents and staff but has received little investment since in its buildings and facilities. Most improvements over the last few years have been as a result of fundraising efforts.

The school’s £6m Kirklees windfall will be a step closer to reality early next year when the council’s Detailed Capital Plan for 2013-18 is produced.

Turn to page 8 for an in-depth look at how Lydgate Special School transforms the lives of its students and their families.

The former managing director of a marketing services firm has turned his cider making hobby into a new business venture. Rob North has spent five years developing his knowledge of cider making and now provides Pure North to several pubs in Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Keswick in the Lake District. Full story page 7.

Picture: Marie-Claire Kidd.

2 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Club launches appeal to save iconic pavilion

By Sandie Marshall

The men of Hepworth, from the left: Richard Southam, Clifford Marshall, Jim Selkirk and John Blunden sort out their equipment for the pop-up cafe.

Men create pop-up cafe THE MEN of Hepworth are rolling up their sleeves and preparing to get busy with their own pop-up cafe at the village Christmas Market on November 17.

They will be providing food and drinks from 10am to 2pm including breakfast buns, hot meat sandwiches, mince pies and Christmas pud. They will base their cafe in the village hall but with a takeaway barbecue service outside for shoppers on the go. It’s a new venture for Hepworth Church which organis-

es the market each year. If it proves successful, the men are already considering expanding into a takeaway service for next year.

With the men busy cooking, the ladies of Hepworth will be running the stalls. They are promising a greater selection this year including a craft stall with donations from local artists.

Full details of the Christmas Market, including the pop-up cafe food menu, can be found on the church website www.hepworthchurch.org.uk

A NEW appeal has been launched to save Honley's iconic cricket pavilion.

The wooden pagoda shaped building is thought to be around 130 years old but is now in need of some serious renovations and improvements to bring it up to modern standards.

Honley Cricket Ground Trustees and Honley Cricket Club have jointly formed a pavilion development group to look at how to save the pavilion for future generations of cricketers. Although a full assessment is yet to be done, the development group is already concerned the extensive work is likely to cost hundreds of thousands of pounds.

On the list for improvement are the changing and toilet facilities which are dilapidated and do not meet the minimum stipulations laid down by the English Cricket Board.

Then there are new facilities needed for female cricketers and match officials and the building must also be adapted to meet the needs of those people with special needs. The toilet and shower area to the rear of the pavilion is

Honley pavilion development group's Peter Green (left) and chairman Dr Bill Parker thank local author David Walker (centre) for his generosity.

West Yorkshire and tells money needed. not watertight and is curthe stories of the players, It has already received a rently leaking. clubs and leagues that welcome boost through Further work is needed have shaped the cricketing local author David Walker to ensure the building landscape over the years. who has promised to gift meets current fire regula‘It’s Not Lord’s’ is priced all the proceeds from his tions, and to address rot in £7.50 and can be brought book, ‘It’s Not Lord’s’ to some areas. via the fund.

Despite the task ahead shalliley@btinternet.com The book, compiled and being huge, the developor by contacting David on edited by David, is an ment group is optimistic it 01484 83196. anthology of cricket in will succeed in raising the

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 3

Some of the new young players of Yorkshire Traction Honley Band.

Brass band looking to attract new members

ONE OF the Holme Valley’s smaller brass bands is doing everything it can to attract new members and secure its future.

The Yorkshire Traction Honley Band is almost 150 years old. Membership in recent years has dwindled but now, under the musical directorship of Wayne Bostwick, the band hopes more players of all ages and abilities will step forward.

A new junior band has just

been started, giving youngsters from the age of eight a golden opportunity to try brass for the first time.

Lessons on Monday evenings are free and each new recruit will be loaned an instrument to take home and practice on.

Wayne is hoping his new, young band will be ready to give its first public performance at the Christmas Concert.

During the year, the senior

band accepts bookings to play at weddings, parties and community events all over West Yorkshire.

The year’s highlight is a summer trip to Scarborough where the band performs in Peasholm Park.

Anyone interested in joining Yorkshire Traction Honley Band can telephone Liz Illidge on 01484 304754 for more information or visit the band’s Facebook page.

4 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Locals take over running of Netherthong pub

By Sandie Marshall

Louise Curtis (left) singing with her sister in Satteli.

Music teacher to host singing workshop FROM the mountains of Switzerland to the hills of Holmfirth, music teacher and yodeller Louise Curtis is inviting people to join her for three Wintery and Festive singing workshop during December.

Louise is promising easy-tolearn songs from around the globe which need no singing experience – just enthusiasm and a willingness to take part.

She regularly performs with her sister in the yodelling duo Satteli, which the pair started to honour their Swiss mother, and with Georgian vocal quartet Samzeo. She has been leading singing workshops with these

groups for the last three years as well as performing across Yorkshire and beyond.

Professionally, Louise is the oboe tutor at Yorkshire College of Music and Drama in Leeds.

She also enjoys supply teaching around Kirklees, Calderdale and Greater Manchester when she takes every opportunity to: “spread the joy of music and singing – and a bit of yodelling!”

The one-hour Wintery and Festive workshops will be held at Holmfirth Methodist Church on December 3, 10 and 17 from 7.30pm. Places can be booked in advance by calling Louise on 01484 681683.

THE LOCALS have taken over a Netherthong boozer and are working hard to restore it to its rightful place in the heart of the community.

Two couples, Ian and Karen Morrison and Aiden and Kerry Weir, have been regulars at The Clothiers Arms for many years.

They had become increasingly concerned at its deterioration and so, when they heard the lease was available, they stepped up to the bar and offered to take over themselves.

It was brave decision, especially since all four have jobs elsewhere but just six weeks later, they were given the go-ahead from Thwaites Brewery and now The Clothiers is once again open for business.

“We could have done nothing – just stood by and watched the shutters come down like so many other local pubs,” said Ian. “But that would have been wrong. Generations of people have been drinking in here – it’s not just a pub, it should be a community centre and that’s what we want to make it.”

With help from

New landlords of The Clothiers Arms, from the left: Aiden, Karen, Kerry and Ian. Thwaites, the Clothiers has now been given a complete make-over. By working in shifts and enlisting local help, the new landlords are able to open Monday to Thursday from 5pm, Fridays from 2pm and weekends from noon.

A home cooked meal is currently on sale on Fridays. There’s also an upstairs meeting room which can be booked through the bar.

The first official event to be held in the re-opened pub, a Harvest Home,

raised £660 for Netherthong cubs, beavers, guides and brownies. There is also much anticipation for the pub’s first live music event featuring popular local band Old Man Pie on December 1.

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 5

Mountain Rescue warns of winter walking dangers

By Sandie Marshall HOLME Valley Mountain Rescue has issued a warning to winter walkers to ensure they are properly prepared before heading onto the moors.

The warning comes after three walkers were reported lost on Wessenden Moor above Butterly Reservoir. Nightfall and worsening weather left them unable to find their way back to civilisation.

They called the police from a mobile phone and, eventually, using the headlights from police vehicles

as a guide, they found their way safely off the moor.

Members of the Mountain Rescue team were scrambled for the incident but in the end were not needed.

Owen Phillips, assistant leader of the team, said: “In the end this was a good result – the walkers got home safely and didn’t need our help.

“However, we do have concerns that they seemed to be very ill-equipped and unable to locate themselves even a short distance from the track.

“As far as we were aware the three males in the party were carrying no map, compass, torches, spare clothing or water.

“When it got dark and the weather came in they had no method of finding their position, or sustaining themselves in their present situation.

“They did, however, do the correct thing and alerted the police – and they were fortunate to be close enough to a track to enable the light of a police vehicle to guide them in. If they hadn’t had a mobile

phone signal the result could have been very different.”

“We would like people to enjoy the moors in safety,” he added. “By all means go up and enjoy the landscape, but be prepared.

Make sure you carry a map and compass and know how to use them, even in the dark. Take spare clothing, food and water in case the weather changes or you end up out for longer than you anticipated, and always tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to be back.”

Holme Valley Parish Church has commissioned 12 new benches to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The benches are being made by local metalwork sculptor Mick Kirkby-Geddes and will be installed in the Parish’s 12 local wards. It is hoped they will be a permanent memorial to the Queen for many years to come.

Each of the benches will be slightly different to reflect its location.

Mick is involving children from local primary schools to help with the design work around the central themes of royalty, diamonds and, of course, the Holme Valley. It is hoped the first of the 12 seats will be installed outside Honley Library during December.

Mick Kirkby-Geddes is pictured discussing the new Jubilee benches with parish councillors Mady Walker, Bev Osborn and Jason Brook.

Cracker of a fair promised SCHOLES Methodist Church is promising a cracker of a Christmas Fair on Saturday November 10 from 10am–2pm.

Stalls will be selling homemade cakes, preserves, plants, handicrafts, woodwork, cards and sweets.

A special stall will be selling crackers, some of which will

contain unexpected surprises.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the event by members of the church, children from Scholes Junior and Infant School and the Valley Flutes. Refreshments and light lunches will be served.

Admission to the event is 50p.

6 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Wimbledon champ Brass Factor competition to Jonny to deliver celebrate everything British masterclasses IT’S BRASS Factor time again and this year the event celebrates everything that is British.

The fast paced contest has grown quickly in just three years to become West Yorkshire’s leading brass band competition.

Contest inventor, organiser and compere Alex Bray is promising an evening that is more exciting, more entertaining and most of all more British.

He said: “2012 has been a vintage year and a fantastic time to be British.

“We have seen record medal hauls at the London Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the 50th anniversary of the first James Bond film and the 50th anniversary of the Beatles's ‘Love Me Do’ single. To mark all these, Brass Factor will be

By Sandie Marshall

LOCAL tennis players will have the rare chance to play with a Wimbledon champion when men’s doubles winner Jonny Marray comes to Thongsbridge to deliver coaching masterclasses.

During this fantastic summer of sport, Jonny became the first Brit in 76 years to lift the Wimbledon Doubles trophy with partner Frederik Nielsen.

He will be appearing at Thongsbridge Tennis Club on November 24 where he will give coaching to junior and senior members, take part in an exhibition match and sit down for a meal with some of the members.

He will be joined by ex-Davis Cup player Danny Sapsford.

After passing on tips to dozens of Thongsbridge members, the two pros will team up for an exhibition match against club coaches Dan Sinclair and Alistaire MacGregor.

Club operations director Oliver Constance is anticipating a high standard of play: “Dan has previously been number two in Yorkshire and Alistaire used to play competitively throughout America so we know it will be a fantastic match to watch and enjoy.

“The day is free for non-members to come down and watch tennis being played at the highest standard. I would encourage

Wimbledon men’s doubles champion Jonny Marray. everyone to come along, enjoy the entertainment and the facilities we have here.”

Although watching the action will be free for everyone, only club members will be able to take part in the coaching masterclasses with Jonny and Danny.

The club is holding a ballot to select the lucky players but has promised that anyone who joins up before November 9 will also get their name in the hat.

themed around the phrase ‘Proud to be British’.

Six bands will go head to head performing British themed songs at the Picturedrome on Friday November 30.

The winner will be decided in part by the X Factor-style judging panel with the audience casting the final vote.

To add some celebrity glitz, the well-known New Zealand rugby player and Brass Factor fan Robbie Hunter Paul will be making an appearance.

On the judging panel will be BBC Radio Leeds presenter David Hoyle, former Children In Need presenter Jon Hammond, Oldham Community Radio presenter Gilbert Symmes and well-respected cornet player Kevin Wadsworth.

In addition to the British theme, this year’s Brass

Alex Bray, creator of Brass Factor.

Factor will be dedicated to 18-year-old Meltham soldier Tom Wroe who was killed in Afghanistan in September.

In his honour, money raised by the event will benefit officers and soldiers of The Yorkshire

Regiment and their families. Tickets for Brass Factor 2012, which is sponsored by Brambles Bar & Cafe and Longley Farm, cost £10 and are on sale via http://www.picturedrome.net/tickets/Bras s-Factor/20121130.htm

Witnesses sought for assault on pensioner THE VALLEYS Neighbourhood Police Team is appealing for witnesses to a broad daylight assault in Scholes on October 24.

The incident happened at around 9:30am on Oak Scar Lane. Two men aged 70

and 38 were walking their dogs, a border collie and spaniel, when a loose 'staffy' type cross dog approached and tried to attack the border collie. When the 70year-old owner tried to separate the dogs, the

owner of the loose dog appeared and slapped the man to the floor.

The suspect then picked up the victim before throwing him to the ground.

The suspect was a white man in his late twenties or early thir-

ties. He was around six-feet tall, slim and wearing jeans and a brown jacket.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should contact PC 5775 Natalie Bailey at the Valleys NPT via telephone number 101.

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 7

Yorkshire is staking a claim to the art of traditional cider production.Helen Williams spoke to producer Rob North,who runs The Pure North Cider and Juice Company Ltd – based at his farm at Deanhouse in the Holme Valley.

Rob presses on with latest cider venture WHEN Rob North and his family moved into an old farmhouse in Netherthong six years ago, it came with an old apple orchard.

Many would have just sat back and admired the (spectacular) views, but not Rob. He decided to start producing cider as a hobby.

After much research he embarked on planting a ‘test’ cider apple orchard to make sure that the varieties mainly grown in the south west of England would adapt to the Pennine climate.

The trees all did well and now Rob has 350 in his orchards including Yorkshire, Scottish, and perry varieties.

He said: “At one time, every single farm in Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria would have an orchard, and it was usual then to pay part of a farm labourer’s wages in cider.

Our soil is perfect for the trees and we have a south facing field – the only limiting factor is the wind.”

Rob has been busy over the past five years developing his knowledge of cider making. He pressed his first commercial batch in 2009 under the Pure North brand, and launched the cider at his local pub, The Cricketers Arms, in 2010.

His cider has been lovingly pressed by hand and delivered with care not only to The Cricketers but also to The Nook in Holmfirth and the Sportsman in Huddersfield town centre.

The cider is made from traditional cider apples, fermented naturally, free from all preservatives and full of health-giving antioxidants. It has no foreign yeast strains, concentrates, sulphites or colourings.

As with wine, cider can be blended or made with single varieties of apple, and there are at least as many apple varieties as there are grapes.

Given that it works so well with food, the drink has been championed by various celebrity chefs

Rob North with one of his bottles of Pure North. such as The Hairy Bikers.

Rob’s two main products on sale in selected pubs around Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Keswick are Pure North in bottles – a medium dry cider – and Valley Gold, a still, medium cider sold as a bag in box product. These ciders have also been popular at various events and beer and cider festivals.

Rob’s old stables have been completely renovated as the new cider house and now contain the press, fermentation vessels and oak maturation barrels.

His product has been celebrated with the traditional ceremony of Wassailing to ward off evil spirits, and almost 100 guests gathered for this community event where the women wore flower garlands and the men dressed in traditional country outfits.

Now Rob, previously managing director of a marketing services firm, wants to spend more of his time on cider production.

“It’s simple really – I like making it and I enjoy drinking it,” he said.

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8 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Spotlight on Lydgate Special School

By Sandie Marshall WHEN Ben’s parents realised life in mainstream school wasn’t quite working, they faced a tough decision – leave him where he was and hope things would get better, or turn to a more specialised school and face his issues full on.

After much research and discussion, they chose Lydgate Special School and haven’t looked back since.

His mum knows it was the right choice: “When Ben was in mainstream school we weren’t aware of Lydgate School until it was mentioned in one of his reviews.

It was one of the best decisions we have made regard-

Six-year-old George has made his first friends at Lydgate.

ing Ben’s education and we wished we knew about Lydgate much earlier.”

Ben’s story is not unusual, as Lydgate headteacher Nicky Rogers knows all too well. “It’s a amazing that even parents with special needs children don’t necessarily know we exist – they have to find us.

“It can then be a massive emotional choice to come here. There is often a fear of a school full of disabled children, a fear we won’t be aspirational enough, a worry the child will never fit back into mainstream life. We understand all of that but the vast majority of parents who make that decision realise it is the right one for their child.”

Lydgate, which sits next door to mainstream Kirkroyds Infants School in Wooldale, helps children with all types of special needs from the ages of four to 16. It came close to being closed down 10 years ago but was reprieved by Kirklees Council after a fierce fight by parents.

It’s currently a bit of a poor relation among the borough’s four special schools – even headteacher Nicky describes it as “an out-of-theway rather tatty-looking little school!”

But that could soon change with the news that Kirklees is proposing a £6million investment in Lydgate over the next four years.

Good friends and learning partners Patrick (seated) and Ashley, both 15.

Although the funding is yet to be confirmed, Nicky and her team are finding it hard not to get excited at the prospect of improved facilities.

“We could do so much with funding like that but we need to wait and see. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter about buildings when you see the power of the relationships and the personalised provision we give each child.” she commented.

There’s little doubt that Lydgate’s approach – which has a recognised system known as Nurture at its heart – works for its students. It aims to help in all aspects of the child's life and all students leave the school with a range of external

Children are taught phonics in a small group. qualifications, from Entry Levels up to GCSE level.

Mum of Jake, 15, describes the decision to join as “the best decision I have ever made. The progress I have seen is astounding.”

Feelings echoed by the parents of 12-year-old Laura: “I never realised how much a specialist school like Lydgate could assist physical development. The PE has been targeted to build her strength and co-ordination.

In fact, when her previous teaching assistant saw her, she was taken aback by her ability to play on outdoor equipment.

“I remember what a difficult decision it was to move to a special school but I know it was the right choice

– it felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders.”

Nicky knows how agonising it can be to consider a move to special school.

Her own son, now 21, is autistic and often struggled with life at mainstream school.

She knows very well how the social isolation of being ‘different’ can affect children for ever. “It’s not cool to have special needs and so often other kids don’t want to be friends. That’s a fact – it’s not something that can be forced. Often a child’s stress levels are the main indicator that it’s not working.”

It was a choice faced by the parents of Scarlet, 6. Her

mum said: “At first I was sad knowing my daughter was coming to special needs school but became happy knowing it was the right place for her and her needs.

“She loved it from day one and seemed very happy and excited to come to school each day.”

And George, also six, is happy at Lydgate.

His mum said: “Since George has come to Lydgate he has come on a lot. He never used to have friends, now he even has a best friend.

“He loves his class and teachers. A year ago, I never thought George would be able to read. He’s much happier boy now he is at Lydgate.”

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 9

Parliamentary Corner with Jason McCartney MP ONE OF THE biggest issues for an MP is crime and the fear of crime.

The latest West Yorkshire statistics show there was a five per cent fall in the number of crimes committed in our county. However I know only too well that if you’re a victim of crime that is no comfort at all. I have regular meetings with the Divisional Police Commander at Huddersfield to discuss local crime issues and I was pleased to welcome Chief Superintendent Tim Kingsman to his new post.

The best way to get a feel for what’s really going on though is to spend time with the police officers. I spent a Friday night shift, 4pm to 2am, with the Valleys Neighbourhood Policing team who operate out of the Holmfirth Police Station. Following a local tip off I joined a raid on a property in Meltham that housed a cannabis factory with 70 plants growing under the halogen lamps.

The cannabis plants had a potential street value of £70,000. There were various other call outs but I was heartened to see the local policing priorities reflected the issues that local people raise with me.

The Valleys

Neighbourhood Policing Team’s contact details are ea.valleysnpt@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk 01484 436855 At this time of year our thoughts turn to Remembrance Day services. Having attended the funerals of four young local soldiers – Cpl Jake Hartley, Private Anthony Frampton, Private Danny Wilford and Private Thomas Wroe – in recent weeks and months, this year’s services will be emotional and poignant.

On Remembrance Sunday I will be attending the parade and service at the War Memorial in Greenhead Park. I’ll then be heading over to New Mill, I’m a member of the New Mill branch of the Royal British Legion, for the wreath laying in the Remembrance Room of the New Mill Club. In my role as the President of the Huddersfield Branch of the Royal Air Force Association, I’ll then be hosting be a Remembrance Day lunch for RAF veterans and their families at the George Hotel in Huddersfield. I hope you will be able to find time to pay tribute to our fallen heroes and to those still serving. Whatever we think of the missions they are

embarked on I have been greatly heartened by the respect and gratitude shown to our brave servicemen and women.

Hundreds of local people recently lined the streets of Huddersfield for the homecoming parade of Corunna Company, 3rd Battalion, Yorkshire Regiment. I also enjoyed a superb concert at Huddersfield Town Hall by the New Mill Male Voice Choir and the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment which raised funds for the Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Trust.

As always please get in touch if you need my help.

My constituency office is opposite Ashley Jackson’s gallery on Huddersfield Road in Holmfirth: 24 Huddersfield Rd, Upperbridge House, Holmfirth, HD9 2JS. Tel: 01484 688378. Email: jason.mccartney.mp@parliament.uk

10 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

House-holders ‘making it easy’for burglars to raid BURGLARS have boasted that West Yorkshire householders are ‘just making it easy’ for them to raid their homes by leaving doors and windows unlocked.

Now local police are urging people to lock up and lock thieves out as part of a new crime prevention campaign called It Only Takes A Minute.

To help it better combat burglars, West Yorkshire Police commissioned academics to interview a number of convicted local criminals about their experiences.

One offender said that by not locking doors householders were “just making it easy” while another said: “we go and try doors which are sometimes open…the

message should be lock your doors and close your windows...”

Another said local offenders referred to one community in West Yorkshire as ‘the bank’ as “cos from a criminal point of view everyone makes a withdrawal.”

The research found that key deterrents for a burglar were still basic precautions such as alarms and not leaving doors and windows unlocked or keys on display.

Officers across the Force will be visiting households throughout the Autumn and Winter months as part of the campaign. Advice and information will also be posted on Neighbourhood Police

Team websites, Facebook pages and Twitter using the hashtag #wypburglary.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Dodd, said: “This new research conducted for the Police with reformed offenders has confirmed that they will seek to exploit homes which are vulnerable and to hear a former offender say householders 'make it easy' for him just speaks for itself.

“We know it literally only takes 60 seconds for a thief to get in and steal from an unlocked home and that one in four burglaries are through an unlocked door.

So the message is very simple - lock up and you will reduce your chances of becoming a victim.”

Syrin and Alkonost by Natalia Dolgova.

Artists come together for exhibition at North Light TWO ARTISTS from very different backgrounds but with a shared love of the Holme Valley landscape have come together to exhibit their work at the North Light Gallery in Armitage Bridge.

The exhibition is called Kindred Spirits – a reference to the immediate bond felt between Natalia Dolgova and Peter Whiteman when they first met only 12 months ago.

Peter, who is originally from the Holme Valley, is best known for his work creating costumes and items in films such as Harry Potter, Gladiator, Braveheart and The Mummy and for his designs for stage and exhibitions.

Kindred Spirits signals a return to his first love of painting and he presents 40 works embodying the spirit of music.

Each piece is inspired by different music and the “spirit” may be seen as a physical presence in

the piece or as an atmosphere visible in the painting.

For example, “Endlessly” is inspired by the eponymous track from the album Absolution by Muse.

Peter now lives and works from his home in France but returns to the Holme Valley on a regular basis.

Natalia Dolgova’s journey brought her around the world from Siberia via Russia and Denmark to settle in Netherthong where she takes deep inspiration from the spectacular countryside views.

This is Natalia’s first local exhibition and she is showing 20 paintings inspired by the spirits of the lands where she has lived and her love of traditional Russian iconography.

Kindred Spirits is open to the public, free of charge, from 10am to 4pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until December 16.

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Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 11

Cost of winter safety revealed BATTLING this winter’s worst weather will cost Kirklees Council up to £2.8m.

The council says it will expect to spend £1.8m on gritting and snow clearance on the area’s roads between now and Spring 2013, with a further £1m held in reserve in case the winter weather becomes extremely severe.

As part of its Streetscene winter operations, the council’s fleet of 32 vehicles will grit an average of 70 times over the winter period.

Head of highways and operations Mark Dobson says his teams will do everything possible to keep traffic moving along 700 miles of main roads.

“When the weather requires it, the teams will be out from 5am to put down an early coverage of rock salt in time for the rush hours and this will

continue throughout the day.

“In very icy or snowy periods, we will be putting down 240 tonnes of salt each day along 60% of the Kirklees road network.”

The council will provide information on winter road conditions via the internet plus up-to-the minute updates on its Gritter Twitter site – a facility which proved increasing popular last year, especially during heavy snow when news of public transport cancellations, road blockages and school closures were posted there in real time.

In addition to its Streetscene teams, Kirklees will continue with its policy of licensing small groups of volunteers to use the grit in public bins to treat side roads and footpaths to doctor’s surgeries and elderly people’s homes.

Academic awarded Fellowship AN UPPERTHONG academic has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship, the most prestigious award for excellence in higher education.

Dr Christine Dearnley is the Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching in Bradford University’s School of Health Studies.

She is one of 55 lecturers and learning support staff across the UK who have been recognised with a Fellowship from 180 nom-

inations submitted.

Among Dr Dearnley’s achievements at Bradford is the University’s successful Mobile Enabled Disabled Students (MEDS) project.

In addition to the honour of the accolade, Dr Dearnley will receive a £10,000 award to be used for her own professional development in teaching and learning or other aspects of education.

Ladies’choir looks for new members

By Sandie Marshall ANYONE inspired by the hit-making Military Wives Choir is being given the chance to take to the stage themselves.

Honley Ladies Choir are looking for 200 ladies of Kirklees to join them in a special concert next year.

Their campaign, Wherever You Are – Our Salute, takes its name from the Military Wives smash hit of 2011.

The concert is being organised to support the Mayor of Kirklees chosen charity, the Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Trust. Accompanying the choir on stage will be the Band of the Yorkshire regiment.

Taking the part of TV choirmaster Gareth Malone in recruiting and training the new singers is Honley’s musical director Emily Reaves. She explained what she is trying to do: “The core Honley Ladies Choir will be the lead choir for the concert but I would like them to be joined by a huge new massed choir of ladies who are discovering

The ladies of Honley Choir are ready to welcome new recruits you’ve seen how women nightly rehearsals will singing and performing to who had never sung start. The big concert is honour the soldiers of the before, women who had planned for March 16 at Yorkshire Regiment. only sung at school – just Huddersfield Town Hall.

“It will be fun – so fanwomen who wanted to She is confident that tastic to have a whole sing – could achieve so ladies of all ages and with stage of ladies singing at much – now it’s your turn!” little or no singing experionce.

To join Emily’s new ence will want to be “We’re trying to emulate choir, visit the Wherever involved: “We want any the Military Wives but we You Are page at the webwomen “where ever you have such a vast talent of site are” 16 or over, to come singing in Kirklees that I www.honleyladies.co.uk and take part – no musical think we can do it as well experience is necessary, all and complete and submit if not better.” the form. you need is willingness to Emily is hoping to have Alternatively, telephone have a go and work at it! her 200 new singers by 01484 652425.

“With the Military Wives, November 18 when fort-

12 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 13

Honley High School’s future discussed at meeting

By Clarissa Ashton HONLEY High School has confirmed that its governing body is looking at the options to change its status to either an Academy or Trust School.

But the school’s headteacher insists they are just fact finding at this time and any decision on Honley’s future will not be taken quickly.

At a meeting in October, the governors discussed the school remaining under state control, converting to a Trust School or becom-

ing an Academy.

Headteacher Chris Sylge said after the meeting: “Governors want to explore and understand Trust School status further, and require more information about Academy Status.

“To secure more information about Academy status the school will register an interest at the DfE, although it is important to note that this does not mean that Academy Status is the preferred option for Governors.

Getting into the Christmas spirit at the Holmfirth shop for the Santa Dash are, from the left: Kirkwood shop volunteer Pat Peaker, general assistant Julie Brunswick and volunteer Jean Fisher.

Hospice seeks Santas for fun dash for cash KIRKWOOD Hospice urgently needs Santas to dash for cash around Huddersfield town centre.

The charity, which has a shop in Holmfirth, has 50 places in the annual Santa Dash fun run and is looking for local people willing to pop on the red suit and sprint, run, jog or walk around the one mile course.

The event takes place on December 9 and is organised by Huddersfield Lions Club.

Last year, around 100 Santas raised over £2,500 for good causes and, based on this success, the Lions are promising an even bigger and

better dash this year.

There’s no age limit on the run so Santa’s little helpers and reindeers are welcome to take part and, as the route is mostly flat and on pavements, it is completely suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Taking part costs £5 for adults and £2.50 for children under 11.

This includes use of a Santa suit for adults and reindeer ears or flashing nose for the little ones.

To register to join the Kirkwood team, email mariep@kirkwoodhospice.co.uk or call Marie Peacock on 01484 557911.

Club hosts flower demonstration

PENNINE Borders Flower Club in Meltham is holding an evening of festivities featuring a demonstration of

Christmas flowers by Diane Fair. The event takes place on November 14 from 7.15pm and is open to non-members.

“Governors are clear that they have to consider all options open to them in detail before making any decision.

There will be consultation with all stakeholders to support this and before any final decision is made.”

But the decision to even consider changing status proved controversial. Outside the meeting a small group of people held a demonstration against the idea of Honley becoming an Academy school.

One member of the

protesting group gave his opinion: “Academies are undemocratic, unaccountable and are about the privatisation of education by the back door.

“It is not for governors or anyone else to give away what belongs to the community.”

Honley would not be the first school in Kirklees to consider taking the government’s option of removing itself from state control.

Recently, Salendine Nook High School, Moor End Academy, Lindley Junior School, and

Shelley College have all become Academies.

Local independent Kirklees councillor, Edgar Holroyd-Doveton, spoke out against the Shelley College decision as disruptive and dangerous to local education.

He said: “The legal status of a school is less important than its accountability to the community. It is important that local schools have governing bodies who are regularly elected by parents, the staff and the community.”

New standard for cadets PRIVATE Tom Wroe, the 18-yearold Meltham soldier who died in Afghanistan in September was remembered by his old Army Cadet Force in a service to dedicate their new standard.

Members of the Thongsbridge cadet unit, where Tom served as a schoolboy, gathered in Christ Church, New Mill to receive their new standard from the New Mill branch of the Royal British Legion.

The service was led by Padre Sean Robertshaw, vicar

of Christ Church, and started with a moving act of remembrance in memory of Tom and all the soldiers who have lost their lives in war. Padre Sean spoke about the pride that the youngsters should have in the service that they are giving to the Cadet Force and the wider community.

This service also cemented a growing relationship between the Thongsbridgebased Army cadets and Christ Church where they will parade the new standard on Remembrance Day.

14 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

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Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 15

Janet makes top 10 in Mums in Business list

By Sandie Marshall

Some of the school’s music talent, from the left: Rebecca Alex Jones.

A HOLMFIRTH businesswoman has been named number 10 in the Top 100 Mums In Business 2012 despite her business being just 12 months old.

Mum of two Janet Bebb set up Social Progress Ltd last November after being Truby, Jacob Fullalove and made redundant from her job as a Business Link adviser. Her new business provides advice and training on how companies and individuals can make the most of cert is enjoyed by everyone and are planning further vir- social networks such as tual performances if this is a Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. success – this concert doesShe was nominated for the n’t include our brass band, MumsClub national award by orchestras or pop choir for business contact Sinead example.”

Sopala of Ramsdens Anyone can listen to the Solicitors, and beat off over virtual concert via a smart350 other nominations to phone or tablet but may make it into the top 10. need to download a free QR Since her win, Janet has code scanner app onto the joined forces with three device. Once this is done, other Yorkshire mums from simply use it to scan the the top 100 list to offer free sample QR codes found below and click on the image business mentoring to a new on the webpage to enjoy the business start-up.

Together with Kate concert.

Hardcastle of Insight With Passion from Huddersfield, Claire Mitchell of Chillipeeps in Ripon and Louise Turner of Your Virtual PR in Wakefield, she is running a competition open to any female, either individually or as part of a group.

The four are encouraging Jazz Band – Boogie teams of college students as Woogie Bugle Boy

School pupils perform ‘virtual concert’ HOLMFIRTH High School is experimenting with new ways of sharing the musical talents of its students with the outside world.

Its latest idea involves a ‘virtual concert’ which can be accessed using QR codes, the modern barcodes which are scanned by mobile phone to open up a webpage.

Each QR code leads to a different performance recorded by just some of the school’s talented musicians and singers.

It’s part of the school’s drive to use cutting edge

African Drums – Djembi Djammin

mobile phone and tablet technology to enhance learning rather than just talking, texting and playing games.

Community music director James Morgan believes the QR code system will be used in many ways in the future.

He said: “This is an exciting technology with lots of potential. In the music department we have used it to celebrate the many talents of our students, but there is lots of scope for other subjects to use QR codes in other creative ways.

“We hope our virtual con-

Chorale – Lullaby

Guitars – Yesterday

Top 10 business mum Janet Bebb.

“It doesn't matter if you're well as young mums or at college, a stay-at-home women with a business idea, mum, or already in a good but who are unsure of how job, if you have an idea for a to get the business off the business, are female and ground. over 16, we want to hear Janet said: “A recent govfrom you. All you need to do ernment report found that to enter is send us 300 words lots of young girls don't describing your business think they could run their idea.” own business. We're keen to From the entries received, burst that myth.

Janet, Kate, Claire and “We got together as Yorkshire winners and decid- Louise will choose one winner to receive free business ed we didn't want to waste mentoring to get the idea off this opportunity. We have a the ground. To enter the wide range of complementacompetition, send your 300 ry skills which we know we words to iwanttobe@madcan use to help one of the womeninbusiness.co.uk by next generation of business December 10. women.

16 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Adults’chance to have their say on Holme Valley life A scene from this year’s successful festival.

Folk festival organisers in urgent appeal for help ONE OF Holmfirth’s biggest annual events urgently needs help to keep its success alive.

Hundreds of visitors flock into town each May to enjoy a weekend of traditional music and dance, providing a much-needed boost to local businesses.

Now organisers are appealing for help to keep the flagship event on track.

Sheila Sutton of The Nook Brewhouse who sponsors the festival outlines what is needed: “We are looking for the support of local people or businesses to ensure we can continue in style this year. We need local people to get

involved with the running and organising of the festival.”

“If anybody can help it would ensure continued success and would be much appreciated by the festival committee and the town traders alike.”

The majority of entertainment on offer during the festival weekend is free to watch and enjoy. This creates a lively street atmosphere but means the committee does not have money to spend on organisation and relies heavily on volunteers. In recent years, help has dwindled to a small but dedicated band.

Now new faces are needed

help the event survive.

Sheila says they are currently pulling out all the stops to make sure the eighth Festival of Folk, planned for May 10-12, is the best yet.

“The Brewhouse and festival committee is doing all it can, but we could really do with some extra help from anyone else who feels they can contribute.

Volunteering can be a great way to enhance a CV,” she added.

Anyone interested in supporting the festival should email commitee@holmfirthfestivaloffolk.co.uk or contact the Nook Brewhouse.

YOUNG PEOPLE and business owners have given their views on life in the Holme Valley – now it’s the turn of all adults.

In the first two of three surveys carried out by the National Lottery-supported Holme Valley Vision Project, 1,027 youngsters and 91 business people have said what’s good and bad about living here, and what they would most like to see improved.

A third survey of adult residents will be available during November with letters and questionnaires delivered to almost every home.

The project is keen for as many people as possible to complete the survey and post it back in the pre-paid envelope.

Alternatively, the questionnaire can be filled in on line through the Holme Valley Vision web site www.holmevalleyvision.org.

Of the 11-18 year olds who took part in the young people’s survey, 76 per cent said the Holme Valley is a good place to live, but only 42 per

cent said they wanted to stay and live here as adults and an even smaller 27 per cent wanted to work here.

Almost three quarters felt it was important for young people to have a voice in the valley’s future, and the same number wanted greater recognition for their contributions to the community.

In a valley considered safe by many, just over half (51 per cent) of the youngsters said there are areas where they feel threatened by other young people while 49 per cent often feel intimidated by other young people and groups when they go out and would like to see stricter controls on alcohol drinking by young people.

A reasonably healthy 43 per cent felt they had a good relationship with the police.

An improved and cheaper bus service and better sports facilities were the groups’ top two priorities for the future, with the vast majority saying they would use local buses and sports venues more if they were less

expensive. Youngsters also showed they are environmentally conscious by highly rating a cleaner valley, more bike lanes, bridle ways and better footpaths and a ban on development of field and woods on their priority list.

The result of the survey of local business people makes difficult reading in parts.

Although 95 per cent agree that the Holme Valley is a good place to live, only 41 per cent feel the area offers advantages for a business in their sector and even fewer (39 per cent) believe the Valley is a good place to grow a business.

Most businesses displayed a high degree of negativity surrounding training and employment with only 24 per cent believing there are appropriate training programmes available and a tiny eight percent agreeing that opportunities for re-training local people are good.

Again, a low 18 per cent believe that opportunities for general employment in the valley are good.

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 17

18 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

New attraction brings Christmas light switch-on events being finalised golden age back to life THE GOLDEN age of motoring is being brought back to life at the Holme Valley’s newest shopping and leisure attraction.

Vintage motoring specialists IK Classics and Racing in The Carding Shed, off Butt Lane, Hepworth has expanded to include a cafe, small antiques emporium, a meeting room and various shop units selling clothing, antiques, pictures, books, gifts and furniture.

It’s a road trip down memory lane, all surrounding a central display of classic and vintage cars, guaranteed to fascinate anyone with an interest in the 40s, 50s and 60s.

The new attractions at The Carding Shed have already received a steady stream of locals and visitors, including a number of classic car clubs. It is the result of two years of planning by IK Classics owners Ian and Nicola Kellett who have a passion for all things vintage.

Nicola said: “We knew people love to see the classic cars and so we wanted to give them other things to see and do while they are here.

It’s a collection of small shops and businesses which work well together in one location.

“Of course, IK Classics is still here at the centre of things and people can still bring in their cars – old and

FINAL preparations are being made for two huge outdoor parties to switch on Christmas Lights in Holmfirth and Honley.

Christmas in Holmfirth will get underway on Saturday November 24 with events in the town centre starting from 3pm.

Kids can visit Father Christmas in his grotto while parents enjoy Christmas shopping and refreshments around the market and town shops.

modern – for servicing and maintenance. That hasn’t changed at all.”

Once visitors have admired the 12 beautifully restored classic cars on display they can continue the mood with a visit to The Oil Can Cafe with its old oak tables, table cloths and memorabilia. Tea comes in proper teapots with china cups and saucers. There’s nothing old fashioned, however, about the food, with all produce supplied by local businesses including Brindon Addy butchers, Andrews Greengrocer, Nicola’s Gateaux and Parfitts bakers.

Fully refreshed, visitors can head for The Carding Shed’s new shops.

High Society Vintage Retrospective Clothing has a terrific range, 90 per cent of which is true vintage from the 1950s onwards including hats, scarves, seamed stock-

ings and handbags. There’s also an expert on-site alterations service for clothing, whether bought on site or elsewhere.

Motoring enthusiasts will love Pytchley Auto Car Company Ltd which offers books, pictures and giftware on a classic car theme. Then there’s Hepworth Emporium, a group of six separate small antiques traders, each with its own collection of classic objects for sale.

Finally there’s Primrose Furniture selling old and modern painted furniture and china, and antique shop Fox and Moon.

Completing the new facilities is the Barry Williams Meeting Room available to hire for half or full days to seat 12 people around a board table or 20 theatrestyle. There’s also free WIFI available throughout The Carding Shed.

The best dressed Christmas window competition will be judged during the afternoon.

As the day grows dark the entertainment will kick off with Santa’s parade to the bus station car park at 4.45pm where there will be family music and entertainment on the stage.

The big switch-on will take place at 5.30pm followed by a fireworks display.

Honley’s Christmas lights party will take place on

Saturday November 30 and will also feature Santa in his grotto, a parade and family entertainment around the village centre on Westgate.

There will be Christmas singing with brass bands and choirs and plenty of warming food and drink followed by the lights switch on at 6.30pm and fireworks. Both events are being organised

by Holme Valley Business Association with the support of local businesses and are free for all to attend.

Forging ahead at Blacksmiths THERE’S a new face at the local blacksmiths, and quite appropriately his name is Robert Smith.

Myers Blacksmiths, based at Meltham Mills Industrial Estate, continue a long tradition of blacksmithing in the Holme Valley.

Proprietor Peter Myers said: “To get some idea of what we do you really need to visit our website. It shows our genuine commitment to service and craftsmanship.”

Standing beside one of the original forging machines which they have saved, he added: “Like all small businesses, we have felt the effects of the recession, but skilled craftsmen

are hard to find, so when Robert approached me I felt we could not afford to miss this opportunity. We are delighted to welcome Robert to the team, as a well respected local craftsman, he will bring a range of skills to the business.”

Robert has been charged

with the specific task of developing the decorative ironwork side of the business – an area where he has both wide experience and great interest.

“I have plenty of experience in managing gate and railing projects,” said Robert. “And I am keen to use my artistic flair in designing wrought ironwork with the last real blacksmithing firm in the locality. We are able to provide a unique service, and I’m looking forward to ‘forging ahead’.”

The firm are also training 18-year-old Will Wordsworth from Skelmanthorpe in the skills of traditional blacksmithing.

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 19

20 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

The place to be in the run-up for Christmas

By Mike Wallbank WHETHER you're seeking out unusual presents, stocking up on the season's essentials or getting ready to party, Holmfirth is definitely the place to be in the run-up to Christmas.

With a great variety of shops, mostly within a few yards of each other and so many different places to eat out and enjoy a festive drink or two, it offers a welcome escape from the mad rush elsewhere at this time of year.

In Holmfirth, you can prepare for Christmas at a leisurely pace without feeling pressured.

Not only does it make for a much more enjoyable experience, you also have an ideal opportunity to rediscover – or explore for the first time, if you're new to the area – the quality shops and services available on your doorstep.

Gift-buying aside, you can also look on it as your first port of call for the very best in festive fare and fresh produce.

While you are out and about, it’s reassuring to know that you are never far away from a refreshment stop where you can take the weight off your feet and relax for a while.

Cafes and tearooms, pubs and cafe bars, restaurants and bistros, Holmfirth has got the lot.

If you’re planning a Christmas meal or a night out with family, friends or work colleagues, there are plenty of options – a festive curry perhaps? Devotees of Indian cuisine are well served by the popular Bengal Spice restaurant, at the town centre end of Dunford Road.

The quest for interesting and original gifts often seems never-ending but rest assured, you will find plenty of ideas to inspire you. Lionhart Boutique, which recently opened at the top of Victoria Street has a vast array of gifts for all.

Continued opposite

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 21

Continued from page 20.

From bookends to wine bottle holders, clocks to garden pots and planters.

Norridge Bottom, with its row of cottage shops, slightly tucked away but easily accessible over the river footbridge, is home to The Potters Den, where you can paint your own ceramic crafts and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, with a flapjack or muffin.

Up Country, on Huddersfield Road, is a well-established outlet for ladies fashions and accessories, worth a visit, particularly if you're thinking of replenishing your wardrobe for the Christmas and New Year party season.

It's the time of year to look your best and regain that elusive feelgood factor, especially if the pressures of life over the past 12 months have left you somewhat jaded and out of sorts.

UV tanning is available at Daisey’s, Station Road, which has its launch day for laser lipolysis – affordable inch loss – on Friday November 16.

Infinity Skin Care, based in Norridge Bottom, specialises in botox treatment

to smooth out those wrinkles. Over on Hollowgate, Techniques beauty salon offers a range of services from facials to waxing, along with more specialist treatments including stone therapy and Swedish massage.

Hollowgate is a street that was made for strolling with shops which you can almost fall into from the narrow pavement.

Pop into Shades of China and you will be amazed by the huge choice of gifts, with prices starting at just a few pounds.

Just along the street and up the steps is Silver Dream, specialising in hand-made jewellery, including lots of lovely pieces which are perfect for Christmas presents.

Just a short drive from the centre of Holmfirth, Totties Garden Centre has a plentiful supply of plants and garden ornaments, including traditional ceramic pots, old-style troughs and quirky animal figurines.

While you are there, why not treat yourself to a coffee or a snack at the Olive Tree bistro cafe restaurant – the menu also includes an all-day breakfast and a choice of main courses.

Have you got news for us? Call us on 07747 447 023

There’s something for everyone in Holmfirth this Christmas.

22 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 - 23

Shop stocks saucy postcards

By Sandie Marshall THEY tickled the fancy of holidaymakers for almost a century. Now Bamforth’s famous seaside postcards are back in production and on sale in Holmfirth.

The saucy postcards became one of Holmfirth’s most famous exports after movie-making family Bamforth produced its first artist drawn comic card in 1910.

By the end of the First World War, an astonishing 20 million cards were being printed each year at the studio on Station Road.

For the next 60 years the popularity of the cheeky characters grew and grew, thanks to artists such as Donald McGill and Douglas Tempest.

Around 50,000 different designs were produced until, in the 1980s, the company bowed to changing tastes and stopped production.

The entire collection was sold to Ian Wallace, a Leeds businessman, who always believed the postcards, with their over-sized

matrons, hen-pecked husbands and busty young ladies, could rise again.

He has now picked 54 of his favourite cards and joined forces with leading postcard publisher and distributer Judges to get them back on sale.

The new Bamforth’s collection was spotted at a trade fair by Caroline Kane, owner of the Chocolate Box sweet and gift shop in Holmfirth.

She had no hesitation in asking to stock the postcards, together with new mugs, coasters and tins of sweets.

“Before the Chocolate Box I used to have an antiques shop and I sold the postcard there – they were always popular,” she said.

“I thought it would be the tourists who would buy them but actually its locals from here and Huddersfield who are most interested. I think they are wonderful.”

The Chocolate Box is one of only 20 stockists of the new Bamforth range, with postcards priced at 50p.

Caroline Kane is selling the postcards at the Chocolate Box.

24 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Family-owned restaurant remains firm favourite for more than a decade

BENGAL Spice is an award-winning, familyowned restaurant renowned for its quality of service and delicious food.

A firm favourite in Holmfirth for 10 years, it has earned numerous accolades, including the Certificate of Outstanding Achievement from the Good Food Guide, Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor and a four star hygiene rating.

The fully licensed restaurant has two separate eating areas and a spacious bar/ waiting area, seating up to 60 patrons at a time.

It also has a private function room upstairs with a bar for private parties which can seat up to 40 people.

Situated at the bottom of Dunford Road, Bengal Spice has built up an appreciative regular clien-

tele, while positive reviews from visiting customers have helped to spread the word far and wide.

Meal deals are available every Sunday and Thursday, with a selection of starters and main courses to choose from, priced at ÂŁ9.90.

The restaurant also offers a takeaway service at a discounted price. To see a menu visit bengalspiceonline.co.uk

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 - 25

Butchers celebrate the banger

By Sandie Marshall NOVEMBER is banger time as foodies everywhere celebrate National Sausage Week.

And this year the Holme Valley can proudly boast not one but TWO of the best eight pork bangers produced in Yorkshire and Humber.

In the Stand Up for British Bangers competition, both Meltham’s Two Valley’s Fresh Produce and Sharlands butchers of Holmfirth were named as regional finalists from 230 entries.

Both took part in a cook off in Sheffield hosted and judged by top TV comedian the pub landlord Al Murray.

Sharlands are old hands at the competition, having reached the finals on many previous occasions.

This year it was their Yorkshire Tyke pork sausage which won them most praise.

For Two Valleys, however, this was their very first attempt at a competi-

tion – making their success even sweeter.

Two Valleys Fresh Produce was set up in March this year by fourth generation farmer John Bamforth and his partner Ella Bower.

They took over the small butchers shop on Green End Lane in the centre of Meltham and are quickly gaining a reputation for excellent meat, pies and sandwiches.

All their meat is produced on the family farm in Slaithwaite.

John and Ella entered two of their sausages for the competition and were delighted when their ciderflavoured Yorkshire Gold received a Gold Award – and over-the-moon when their Classic Pork went one better and was named in the top eight.

As well as taking part in the bangers cook off final, Two Valleys Fresh Produce marked its first National Sausage Week by donating sausages to Golcar Meals on Wheels,

John and Ella with their prizewinning bangers. holding in-house sausage tastings, and asking customers to create their own flavour of sausage which will be later created and sold in the shop.

Villagers welcome speed sign HADE Edge villagers have welcomed the news that a portable electronic speed sign will be installed on Dunford Road.

Kirklees Council’s Holme Valley Area Committee has

Stress-free shopping at pub UPPERTHONG pub The Farmer’s Arms is holding a stress-free Christmas shopping evening on November 23.

Lots of local businesses and craft stalls will be offering gifts and cards in the pub’s upstairs function room and shoppers will have the added benefit of being able to enjoy drinks from the bar as they browse.

agreed to fund the £8,000 speed indicator sign after receiving a petition signed by hundreds of locals about speeding along the road, especially close to the village schools.

26- Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Grocery ledger discovered in shop

By Sandie Marshall

Why not grow your business with an advertisement in the Holme Valley Review?

From the Holme Valley call 07703 718860 From outside the Holme Valley call 07867 806933

A 120-YEAR-OLD book which reveals the shopping habits of late 19th century Holmfirth has been discovered.

The battered book is a grocery ledger from 1893 listing the weekly purchases of local people.

Along with everyday items there’s a number of more usual products which are baffling local history experts.

The ledger shows entries for items called Kiel, Danish, Xcelsior, Moist and Thirds – all of which have long disappeared from modern shopping lists. The discovery was made by Avelynne Harrison and Nige Beever as they cleared out the premises for their new shop Harrison’s Interiors on Huddersfield Road.

It is well known that the building used to be home to the local newspaper, the Holmfirth Express.

They thought the book could be of interest and handed it over to Holme Valley Civic Society.

Avelynne said: “When we

Avelynne Harrison and Nige Beever read through the 120year-old ledger found in their shop.

Kiel, Danish, Xcelsior, Moist saw how old it was we and Thirds? If a grocery thought we couldn't just bin ledger was found in a former it. Someone in the local hisprinting shop and newspaper tory group might be interestoffice, what treasures lie in ed in looking at it.” other basements?”

Civic Society member In fact, this isn’t the only Deborah Wyles has been fasshop discovery Deborah has cinated by the ledger: “Not researched. Other long-foronly is this an interesting gotten papers turned up in find historically, it also tells the Arthur Charlesworth’s us what people were buying newsagents, all of which over 100 years ago. There's help paint a picture of everythe usual flour, sugar and day life in old Holmfirth. tea, but what on earth is

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 - 27

Rich pickings from company RICHMOND Kitchens & Bathrooms Ltd is opening its third showroom on November 17 on Lockwood Road, Huddersfield.

The company, which has been trading since July 1997, has built up a customer base in and around the West Yorkshire area, where their customers have been delighted with the level of service and care.

The new showroom features a large number of kitchen and bathroom displays, all of which are fully tiled, equipped and accessorised. All ranges carry a comprehensive guarantee by each of the manufacturers ranging from five to 20 years. In addition, this is supported by Richmond’s own guarantee which covers installation.

The company offers a free comprehensive home survey and state-of-the-art computerised design service which demonstrates to their customers how their

The sheep that have moved to a lowland cattle farm near Leeds.

Tups and sheep move for winter

ing its opening offer of half price granite worktops or VAT paid (terms and conditions apply).

If service and quality are important to you then Richmond Kitchens and Bathrooms Ltd will not be beaten.

Call in to their showroom at 260 Lockwood Road Huddersfield HD1 3TG (by the lights) and AS the weather turns colder our enjoy some light refreshattention has once again focused ments with Mike and his on our sheep. team.

Over the last couple of weeks we have moved our flock to a lowland cattle farm near Leeds where they will graze until next spring. Our two new tups have travelled with the flock and will return home later this month when their work is done.

The now pregnant ewes will stay near Leeds until early next year when they will return home for lambing.

Grazing sheep over winter in this way has huge benefits. The Leeds cattle farm, like ours, has moved its herd of cows indoors so as not to poach or churn up the land.

Unlike our grassland, their lowland grass will continue to grow through the winter. Grazing their fields with sheep will keep their grass short, helping to protect against frost damage.

Moving our sheep to lowland Three members of local company Sash Windows are supporting the movement Movember who invest in prograzing will provide them with grammes that address the strategic priorities related to raising vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer in the UK. The three areas of investment are awareness and shelter and nutritious grass, ensuring they remain healthy. education, survivorship and research. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting Our poor quality upland grass of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces in the UK and around the world. Once registered at is not grazed as intensively over movember.com each Mo Bro must begin on Movember 1 with a clean shaven face. For the entire month each the winter, so has time to recover Mo Bro must grow and groom a moustache. from last summer's grazing and Pictured are a clean shaven Craig Bedford, Keith Cosgrove and Jason Dickinson. kitchen or bathroom is going to look prior to placing an order.

Director Mike Bruce said: “After extensive research we established that the kitchen and bathroom market in the Huddersfield area seemed to be missing a company who can provide the complete installation package.

“Richmond specialise in all aspects of installation from general building work e.g.: removal of walls, windows etc, all compliant

with current building regulations. We also provide gas, electrical, plumbing, tiling and lighting solutions, all carried out by our fully qualified team of professionals.”

Richmond offers the entire service from first plans to final completion incorporating traditional standards of service and quality combined with today’s design techniques.

Richmond is delighted to announce that several manufacturers are support-

time to grow ready for grazing next spring.

Before our sheep can be moved from our farm we have to ensure each one is marked with an electronic tag to identify them. Farmers are required by law to report all livestock movements and sheep and cattle have their own unique numbers, similar to our National Insurance numbers, identifying each animal.

Record keeping in this way provides a huge amount of data about UK farming, enables food traceability and better animal welfare by controlling the spread of disease.

We have invested in an electronic tag reader, similar to a barcode reader, and computerised our farm management system in order to identify our sheep electronically.

With practise, this is easier than recording sheep numbers by hand and handles the information far better than paper in a file. The only issue we have had so far is that computers don't like the wet and windy weather Cartworth Moor can throw at us.

We have some long, hard working days outdoors followed by long, frustrating evenings in our office recording what we have been doing all day – we can’t wait for the day they produce a truly waterproof, wipe clean, unbreakable, portable farmer's computer.

Festive food market to feature finest produce EXPERIENCE the very best in local produce at Yummy Yorkshire’s first festive food and gift market taking place on their Denby Dale farm between December 1 and 27.

The ice cream producer, who has been shortlisted in the ‘Huddersfield Place to Make it’ category of the 2012 Examiner Business Awards, will be hosting the Christmas market in a dedicated marquee next to its ice cream parlour. If you’re looking for inspiration for the perfect gift for friends and family or simply want get into the festive spirit with some mulled

wine and mince pies, then head to Yummy Yorkshire.

On offer will be an array of quality gourmet foods, as well as plenty of gifts and treats. Santa will also be present each weekend for children to give their Christmas lists to.

Stalls will include produce from Timothy Bilton’s new range including goose fat, chutneys and oils, Andrew Jones Pies, Greedy Little Pig chorizo and a selection of charcuterie as well as Rosebud Preserves jam, festive chutneys and relish, not to mention Yorkshire

Cheeses including Barncliffe Brie. There’ll also be some delicious Lottie Shaw’s mince pies and Christmas cakes plus loose leaf teas and tea hampers from The Tea Experience.

In addition, a selection of children’s gifts including fun mugs, baubles and locally made natural body and bath products will be available.

The market is also the perfect place to pick up your Christmas tree – Nordman fur trees from 4ft to 7ft in height – will be available to buy potted and cut, with or without a stand.

28 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Advertiser’s announcement

Flutter-by What’s On Guide Review Butterflies Holme Valley

‘MORE than just childcare’ claim the Butterflies team.

As I drive to visit the newly refurbished Butterflies Nursery and pre-school in Meltham, I am intrigued to find out just what they mean by that.

I am greeted warmly by everybody, including the children and I feel relaxed immediately. Butterflies Nursery is bright, cheerful and welcoming and I am amazed by the range of activities the little ones are involved with and the high level of interaction by the staff.

Children who have only just turned two years old are having a lot of fun learning their alphabet through putting actions to sounds with the ‘Jolly Phonics’ scheme.

Outside in the sunshine, there is a ‘Music and Movement’ class and in the Activity room a small group of children are helping prepare a healthy and delicious lunch of ‘Giant’s Beanstalk Stew’.

The children are clearly happy, involved and enjoying all that is on offer and it is obvious that the Butterflies staff team are more than happy to ‘go the extra mile’ both for the children and their parents.

Please, don’t take my word for it.... go see for yourself. If you are looking for a nursery or pre-school for your child, Butterflies really is ‘more than just childcare’.

CLASSIFIED SERVICES FUNERAL DIRECTORS

COMPUTING

ROOFING

JOB VACANCY

Saturday November 10 Sunday 11, A Day Out with Thomas at Kirklees Light Railway, off Wakefield Road (A636), Clayton West, 10am-4pm.

Chance to meet Thomas the Tank Engine and friends.

Special attractions include platform rides, Clayton Flyer miniature train, face painting, donkey rides and bouncy castles. Family tickets available. More information: 01484 865727.

Saturday November 10, Family History Fair at The Root Cellar, 35 Greens End Road, Meltham, 10am-4pm: including help and advice if you are just starting to think about exploring your past.

Admission £2, free for accompanied children.

Contact Susan Hutson 01484 687146.

Saturday November 10, Penistone Paramount, 2.30pm, Cinema Organ Trust concert with Nigel Ogden, host of BBC Radio 2 show The Organist Entertains, playing the 1937 Compton cinema pipe organ. Box office: 01226 767532.

Sunday November 11, Remembrance Sunday – Huddersfield parade and service this year will take place in Greenhead Park (HD1 4DT) The parade sets off from the park's lower gates at 10.40 am for a service at the memorial at 10.50.

For more information contact the Mayor's office 01484 221904 or 221905.

Wednesday November 14 Saturday 17, Honley Players present How The Other Half Loves by Alan Ayckbourn,, at Southgate Theatre, 7.30pm nightly.

Tickets £8, £6 children available from Holme Valley News, Westgate, Honley (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm).

Wednesday November 14, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, 7.30pm, Last Night of The Proms: a rousing night of traditional British music, including selections from British Sea Songs, Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory. Box office 01484 430528, www.thelbt.org Thursday November 15 Saturday 17, Slaithwaite Moonraker Beer Festival, organised by Colne Valley Lions in aid of Forget Me Not Children's Hospice and local Lions' charities, at Slaithwaite Conservative Club, Britannia Road (HD7 5HF), with 32 hand-pulled, cask conditioned real ales and food available. Open Thurs 6-11pm; Fri 611.30pm, with folk group Whiskey In The Jar; Sat 1211.30pm, with entertainment from JB Goode.

Contact Jan Daker 01484 653195.

Friday November 16 Sunday November 25, Holmfirth Picturedrome, Fri 16, The Blockheads, keeping alive the musical legacy

of the late Ian Dury, supported by Barnsley’s finest, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican; Sat 17, Standup comedy with Jo Caulfield; Sun 18, Holmfirth Film Festival presents The Angel’s Share (2012, cert 15), comedy-drama, directed by Ken Loach; Fri 23, Magnum – British prog rock band; Sat 24, Nine Below Zero – no frills, punchy R&B; Sun 25, 2-10pm, Movember charity gig + vintage afternoon market.

Tickets from the Box Office bar any weekday evening, 710pm, online at www.picturedrome.net Saturday 17 November, Hepworth Village Hall, 10am-2pm, Christmas Market, variety of stalls including cakes, Christmas decorations, plants and bulbs and items donated by local professional and amateur artists. Also: Pop-Up cafe serving hot and cold food to eat in or take away.

Contact Sheena Blunden 01484 688131 Sunday November 18, Holmfirth Farmers’ Market, 8am-2pm, in the Market Hall, monthly array of quality local produce, fresh fruit and veg, meats, cheeses, cakes, jams and much more. Information line: 01484 223730.

Monday November 19, Hade Edge Pre School & Baby and Toddler Group, Christmas Fair, 6-9pm, at the Sunday School Room, Dunford Road. Bags, jewellery and accessories; cards and wrapping paper; custom made celebration cakes and toppers; Fairtrade toys, gifts, books and more. Contact Kerry Sykes 01484 680235 or 07769 536 612.

Tuesday November 20 Saturday 24, Huddersfield Thespians present Misery – suspense-filled play, based on the Stephen King novel, at Lawrence Batley Theatre (Syngenta Cellar), 7.15pm nightly + 2pm Saturday.

Box office 01484 430528, www.thelbt.org Tuesday November 20 Saturday 24, Meltham Parish Church Gilbert & Sullivan Society presents The Gondoliers, 7.30pm nightly. Tickets £9 from the Flower Box, Meltham.

Phone 01484 850311 or 349037.

Wednesday November 21 Saturday 24, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield: The Loneliness of The Long Distance Runner – set in 2012, the play unlocks the biting realism of Alan Sillitoe’s original 1958 novel. On the LBT main stage 7.30pm each night + 1.30pm Thurs, 2.15pm Sat. Box office 01484 430528, www.thelbt.org Saturday November 24, Holmfirth Christmas Lights switch on, build-up starts 3pm with music from local school bands, sing-a-

Kate Rusby, appearing at Huddersfield Town Hall on Saturday December 1. long carols and a mini fairground, refreshments stalls and Santa’s grotto. Follow Santa's sleigh at 4.45pm as it parades from School Street, Crown Bottom to Towngate car park, with the switch-on at 5.30pm followed by a firework display.

Saturday November 24, Hepworth Live, 8pm at the village hall: Saltfishforty, fresh and dynamic duo hailing from the Orkneys, supported by Hawker Reunion.

Tickets £12 – book by phone 07845 921 527 or online at www.WeGotTickets.com Saturday November 24, Scholes and Hepworth Lifeboat Group Christmas Fair at the Oil Can Cafe from 10am. Lots of stalls with proceeds going to the Lifeboat Group.

Sunday November 25, Snailsden and Ramsden Clough walk, meet Liz at Holmfirth Bus Station, 9.45am to catch the 9.52 Penistone bus (no: 25).

Eight miles, medium-hard route from Harden back to Holmfirth. More information: Susan, Kirklees Countryside Volunteers 07979 292 781. You are advised to check for any timetable changes 0113 245 7676 or www.wymetro.com Sundays November 25 to December 23, Christmas shopping at Holmfirth Market, 10am-4.30pm, fabulous range of gift ideas from local businesses.

Contact 01484 223730, markets@kirklees.gov.uk Friday November 30, Holmfirth Picturedrome presents Brass Factor: six of the area’s top brass bands compete in an XFactor style contest, with judging panel including exBBC broadcaster John Hammond and BBC Radio Leeds presenter David Hoyle. Doors open 6.30pm,

for 7pm start. Tickets available from Andrew’s Greengrocers, Holmfirth, by phone: Alex Bray 07917 197 952; or e-mail brassfactor@gmail.com Friday November 30 Saturday December 1, Honley gets festive: Fri, Christmas Lights switch on, fun and entertainment for the whole family from 4pm, visit Santa's grotto or indulge in hot pie and peas then watch the parade from outside Trinity Church at 6pm, lights switched on at 6.30pm. Sat, Trinity Church Christmas Tree Festival, also St Mary's Church Christmas street market with entertainment in church – to book a stall contact Cliff Green 01484 664277.

Saturday December 1, Snow Stone walk: meet at Marsden Station 10.30am, for a climb up Pule Hill to view the snow stone carvings. To find out more, contact Susan, Kirklees Countryside Volunteers 07979 292 781.

Saturday December 1, The Hey Diddles Christmas Show, 4pm, at Denby Dale Pie Hall, Wakefield Road, Denby Dale (HD8 8RX). If your children enjoy the Wiggles, the Tweenies and CBBC’s Justin’s House then they'll love The Hey Diddles in this unique, high energy, high colour show aimed at 0 to 6 year olds, with all your favourite action songs and nursery rhymes, lots of singing, dancing and storytelling! Tickets: £5 children, £3 adults available from Holmfirth Tourist Information 01484 222444.

Saturday December 1, Charity quiz night at Meltham Church Hall, Green End Road: joint venture by Holme Valley Oxfam Support Group and Holme Valley Fairtrade Support

Group, with live music and a Fairtrade bar. £5 per person, including pie and peas supper.

Saturday December 1, Huddersfield Town Hall, 7.30pm, Kate Rusby at Christmas: a rousing seasonal celebration of carols and songs from one of Britain’s best-loved contemporary folk singers, who hails from Cawthorne, near Penistone. Ticket information 01484 223200 or 222444.

Saturday December 1 Sunday 2, Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield, Sat, 7.30pm, Peter Pan: fly away on a magical journey with Peter and Wendy, and follow 60 young performers, in their magical footsteps through Neverland. Sun, 2pm and 6pm, The Storybook – Audrey Spencer School of Dance with fables, fantasies and myths from some of the greatest tales of our time.

Box office 01484 430528, www.thelbt.org Sunday December 2, New Orleans Jazz Club, 8pm10.30pm, at the Old Bridge Hotel, Holmfirth, relaxed monthly session with a sixpiece, old style jazz band.

More information: Richard Lord 01484 683476 or 07932 160 508, e-mail richardblord@gmail.com Monday December 3 Tuesday 4, Huddersfield Town Hall, Mon, 1pm, Lunchtime organ concert with Nigel Ogden, including Tower Ballroom classics, Mr Mozart Takes A Sleigh Ride and Santa’s seasonal songbook; Tues, 7.15pm, Huddersfield Voices present Handel's Messiah.

Ticket information 01484 223200 or 222444.

Wednesday December 5 Saturday 8, Sleeping Beauty – pantomime at Hepworth Village Hall.

Show time 7.30pm + 2pm Sat. Tickets: Weds - performance and dinner £20, phone 01484 683638; ThursSat: tickets £5, £2.50 children, phone 686557.

Thursday December 6, A Saxy Christmas with Honley Ladies Choir and guests Honley Saxophone Choir, 7.30pm, at St Paul’s Church, Armitage Bridge.

Tickets £8 (£6 concessions) including refreshments.

Contact Lynn Brooks 01484 605937 Saturday December 8, Christ Church, New Mill, Christmas Market, 10am4pm, lots of stalls selling local produce and goods, also refreshments – mulled wine and roast chestnuts, soup, teas and coffees.

Musical events will take place inside the church with local schoolchildren singing carols. Parking on Fulstone Hall Lane and Penistone Road. Stalls available to book – contact Jane Rodgers 01484 684745.

Distant threads are uprising at Dewsbury Mills COME and play with invisible flock on November 16 and 17 at Dewsbury Mills.

In partnership with Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield and Kirklees Council’s arts and creative economy team, Distant Threads is part of the Uprising series of events commemorating the bi-centenary of the Luddite Uprising.

Explore hidden tech-

nologies and our relationship to machinery from the Luddites to modern day. Using hand held devices and interactive installation, to explore the Luddite Uprising.

Distant Threads is a tactile exploration of stories that connect the past to the present. Audience members are empowered as co-creators of the experience, through installations that are

entirely user generated or through theatrical game play, allowing audiences choices to affect the outcomes of the piece in a meaningful and creative way. Invisible Flock is a collective made up of visual artists Ben Eaton, Victoria Pratt and Richard Warburton, based in Leeds. Creating installations, games and live performances, exploring the subversion

of social space in unusual locations.

They have created work for major art companies and festivals across the UK including; Opera North, The Crucible Theatre, Theatre in the Mill and Brighton Festival.

Distant Threads is part of the Uprising series of events celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Luddite Uprising in West

Yorkshire. They are funded by Lawrence Batley Theatre Jubilee People’s Millions grant run by the Big Lottery Fund.

Distant Threads takes place at 4pm on November 16 and 2pm and 4pm the following day. Tickets, priced at £8 / concessions £6, can be booked via the theatre box office on 01484 430528 or online at www.thelbt.org

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 29

Wm. Sykes and Son are Holmfirth's longest established independent estate agents and auctioneers. Established in 1866 we have provided over 140 years of continued service to property owners and purchasers.

We specialise in the sale of residential and agricultural properties in and around the towns of Huddersfield, Holmfirth and Penistone. We offer a full estate agency service with competitive selling fees.

Our experienced and caring staff are always on hand to assist in the sale or purchase of your property.

• FREE SALES VALUATIONS • AUCTION • RICS HOMEBUYERS’ REPORTS • RENTALS Holmleigh, 141 Church Street, Netherthong, Holmfirth

Holme Farm, Nettleton Hill, Scapegoat Hill

Choppards View, Lamma Wells Farm, Cartworth, Holmfirth

Newholm, 42 Church Lane, Clayton West, Huddersfield

Offers Region £995,000

Offers Region £750,000

Offers Region £475,000

Offers Region £369,950

This exceptional double fronted Georgian Residence occupies a stunning position on the edge of the sought after village of Netherthongwith far reaching views over its gardens, paddock and the Holme Valley. Built upon the site of a much older residence circa 1820 the property comes complete with an attached 3 storey weaverscottage which predates it by approximately 40 years. The main house offers over 5000 sq ftof accommodation which includes a stunning hall, 3 reception rooms, dining kitchen, 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a 42 games room. In the cottage there is a further 1000 sq ftarranged over 3 floors including dining kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a stunning 2nd floor lounge. The grounds feature a sweeping driveway leading to the main house and a separate courtyard and drive to the cottage, extensive formal gardens, kitchen garden, a range of outbuildings and a paddock amounting to approximately 3 acres.

This unique property comprises of a detached house, with further annex / garage block, agricultural building and approximately 8 acres of grazing land. The property has been extensively renovated and improved by the present owners but still allows a future owner to complete things to their own needs. The property comprises: entrance hall, lounge, sitting room, dining kitchen, downstairs wc, utility, landing, 4 bedrooms, house bathroom and en-suite bathroom. There is additional accommodation in the annex which features a double garage, large living kitchen, bedroom, shower room and 3 further rooms upstairs.

There are generous garden areas around the house with ample parking, field shelter and a block of grazing land amounting to approximately 8 acres.

This exceptional converted barn occupies a sought after rural location with far reaching views but less than a mile from the centre of Holmfirth. Conversion works are now almost complete with the exception of the kitchen and bathrooms which await the purchasers input. Its spacious accommodation comprises: dining kitchen, hall, downstairs wc, utility, large lounge, sitting room / bedroom 4, landing, 3 further double bedrooms (en-suite to master) and house bathroom. It will be completed to a high standard throughout with sealed unit double glazing, gas central heating and quality contemporary fittings throughout. There is a generous gravelled driveway and parking area to the side of the house which provides access to a detached oak framed garage. In front of the property there is a generous lawned garden with dry stone wall surround.

An extended 5 bedroom detached house with large gardens occupying a delightful position with splendid far reaching views to the rear. The house offers deceptively spacious and flexible accommodation on 3 floors, with potential to further extend the accommodation into and above the garage. The house has a gas central heating system, double glazing and modern kitchen fittings. It features a delightful decked seating area with glass balustrade leading from the kitchen and conservatory from which to enjoy the elevated views. The house comprises entrance porch, entrance hall, lounge, large L-shaped dining kitchen, conservatory, utility, cloakroom/w.c., hallway, 5 first floor bedrooms, bathroom, separate w.c., and Jack and Jill en-suite shower room. On the lower floor there is further accommodation with stores, wash room and playroom. Having its own external access door it offers further potential for a self containedarea. Outside there is an attached garage, in and out driveway, planning approval for a detached double garage, an extensive lawned garden areas to the side and rear.

28 The Village, Holme

26 Laithe Avenue, Holmbridge

8 Upper Bank End Road, Holmfirth

The Coach House, Ridings Lane, Thongsbridge

Offers Region £360,000

Offers Region £275,000

Offers Region £250,000

Offers Region £245,000

Situated within a conservation area in the heart of the delightful rural village of Holme is this charming stone detached house. Positioned in an attractive courtyard setting, the house offers cosy accommodation of great character and features attractive period style fittings, sealed unit double glazing, a central heating system and multi fuel burning stove in the lounge. The property comprises spacious entrance hall, lounge, dining kitchen, 2 ground floor bedrooms and bathroom, and bedroom 3, shower room/w.c., and large landing study/bedroom 4 at first floor level. There is an integral garage and storage area together with enclosed cottage style garden. Holme village is situated in the Peak National Park and has a highly regarded junior school and village pub.

A large 4/5 bedroom detached house occupying a pleasant position on a cul-de-sac of detached properties built to a variety of designs and situated in this popular village location in the Upper Holme Valley. The house has a gas central heating system, double glazing, solar panels and attractive fittings. It comprises entrance hall, cloakroom/w.c., loungewith feature fireplace, large through dining kitchen, sitting room/bedroom 5, 4 double bedrooms at first floor level together with family bathroom. There is an attached garage, driveway and additional parking areas, and good sized terraced gardens to the rear with extensive patio areas. Internal viewing is recommended to appreciate the size of accommodation on offer.

Internal viewing is essential to fully appreciate the size and quality of accommodation in this deceptive modern detached house. It occupies a stunning elevated location with far reaching views over Holmfirth whilst remaining in close proximity to the amenities of Holmfirth. It comprises: entrance hall, cloakroom / wc, stunning dining kitchen, study, landing, lounge with Juliette balcony enjoying the views, 3 good sized bedrooms, dressing room, bathroom and shower room. It is constructed in natural stone with uPVCdouble glazed windows, gas central heating and quality contemporary fittings throughout. To the front of the house there is a double width tarmac driveway and to the rear is a good sized enclosed garden which has a large stone paved sitting area enjoying the views with steps down to a level lawned area.

Internal viewing is essential to fully appreciate the size and character offered in this unique home. It has been extensively modernised by the present owners who have finished the property to a high standard throughout. It comprises: entrance hall, 2 ground floor bedrooms, bathroom, utility, stunning first floor lounge / dining room with exposed roof trusses, kitchen and study / bedroom 3.

It has the benefit of gas central heating, double glazed windows and quality fixtures and fittings throughout. There is an attractive low maintenance garden to the front of the property, with a driveway leading to the integral garage.

Spring Cottage, 104 Millmoor Road, Meltham Offers Region £219,950

12 Royd Mount, Holmfirth

48 Greenhill Bank Road, New Mill

Springwell Cottage, 100 Sunnyside, Underbank Old Road, Holmfirth

This characterful inner terraced cottage comes complete with a delightful rear garden and large adjacent paddock. The cottage occupies a sought after rural location on the outskirts of Meltham with far reaching views to the front and rear. It comprises entrance porch, lounge, kitchen with open plan living / dining area, landing, 2 double bedrooms and bathroom. There is a driveway / parking area located down the lane from the property.

Chapel Cottage. 59 Dunford Road, Holmfirth

Offers Region £199,950

Offers Region £195,000

Offers Region £169,950

Offering spacious and well presented accommodation with, parking, garage and a garden to the rear this attractive modern semi detachedhouse would be an ideal purchase for a young family. It is located on a small culde sac close to the centre of Holmfirth and enjoys excellent far reaching views to the front. The accommodation comprises: entrance porch, open plan lounge / dining, breakfast kitchen, conservatory, landing 3 good sized bedrooms, en-suite shower room and bathroom. It has the benefit of a gas central heating system, sealed unit double glazed windows and modern fixtures and fittings throughout. There is a garden area to the front with driveway leading to the integral garage, a path leads to the rear garden where there is an attractive enclosed garden area.

This characterful end terraced property occupies a superb elevated position, enjoying views to the front with the added benefit of a large garden to the side and rear. The cottage has been extensively renovated by the present owners but offers great further potential for a two storey extension to the side. The accommodation currently comprises: entrance hall, large living room, kitchen, landing, 2 double bedrooms and a shower room but has the potential to create a much larger home if required. It has the benefit of a gas central heating system, uPVCdouble glazed windows and attractive modern fixtures and fittings alongside exposed beams, stonework and stone flagged floors. Externally there are parking and sitting areas to the side with a large terraced garden to the rear.

A unique and beautifully presented end terraced cottage of great charm and character having large landscaped gardens and situated in a pleasant position with views to the front. The cottage features exposed beams and timberwork, delightful fireplaces, interesting display niches, attractive period style fittings, mullioned windows together with a gas central heating system and recently installed double glazed windows with timber frames. The charming accommodation comprises entrance porch, lounge, dining room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms and bathroom. There is a cottage style garden to the front and large landscaped garden extending to the side. Planning approval has been granted for an off road parking area if required. Internal viewing recommended.

73 Stoney Lane, Honley

64 West Avenue, Honley, New Mill Offers Region £129,950

19 Paris Road, Scholes

Offers Region £139,950

Offers Region £135,000

An internal inspection is essential to appreciate the character and quality of accommodation offered by this charming end terraced cottage. The property is located close approximately half a mile from the centre of Holmfirth and its many amenities and features a delightful garden to the front. The accommodation comprises: entrance porch, lounge (with dining area), kitchen, landing, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. It is finished to a high standard throughout and features quality modern fittings, gas central heating and mostly uPVCsash style windows alongside traditional exposed beams and stonework. There is an attractive garden area to the front with sitting area and a useful outbuilding.

An attractive semi detached house occupying a pleasant position in the popular village of Honley. It comprises entrance hall, large through lounge/dining room, kitchen, rear hall, separate w.c., attached stores, 3 bedrooms and bathroom. The house has a gas central heating system and Upvc double glazing. There are gardens to the front and rear and driveway providing ample parking space. It is handily placed for local amenities.

This stone built terraced house occupies a convenient location close to the amenities of Honley and would make an ideal purchase for a first time buyer, young family or downsizers. It is attractively presented throughout and has the benefit of gardens to the front and rear.

The accommodation comprises: entrance hall, lounge, dining kitchen, landing, 3 bedrooms and bathroom. It has the benefit of gas central heating, uPVCdouble glazing and attractive modern fittings. There is a lawnedgarden to the front of the house with a further enclosed garden to the rear which has the added benefit of a detached garage. Internal viewing is highly recommended.

Tel/Fax 01484 683543

Offers Region £129,950 Situated in this popular village location is this attractive 2 bedroom stone cottage with large gardens and pleasant outlook to the rear.

Enhanced by Upvcdouble glazing and gas central heating, the accommodation comprises entrance hall, lounge, kitchen, cellar, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. It is handily placed for local amenities.

www.wmsykes.co.uk

38 HUDDERSFIELD ROAD, HOLMFIRTH, HUDDERSFIELD HD9 3JH

30 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Proudly selling homes for decades in and around the valley. With four offices in the Kirklees district and three others in Wakefield, Barnsley and Penistone.

Lettings & Management available at all offices

Fairfield House, Hollowgate, Holmfirth 01484 689689

Local, regional, exceptional

Georgian Grade II listed period home has five double bedrooms A DOUBLE fronted late Georgian period Grade II listed home in Almondbury is on the market.

Finthorpe, owned by the Willis family, is a five bedroom home on Fleminghouse Lane what enjoys views over its mature gardens.

The Willis’ bought the house 15 years ago as they were looking for a large family house with character – “a period home but with scope to put our own print on it”.

Fiona said: “ What we have loved about Finthorpe is that we have been able to create a contemporary look in one room, minimalist and clean while contrasting it with a traditional look in the dining room which is probably more respectful of how the house would have looked when it was first built around 250 years ago.

“The refitting of the kitchen and the main bathroom were both major pieces of work which we undertook within the first few years of arriving. It

was a question of making the house our own, designing spaces which we would feel comfortable in.

“The kitchen is the room I spend most of my time in, totally through choice either cooking, eating or entertaining. The large dining table in the kitchen means that lots of talk as well as eating takes place there. The views from the kitchen stretch across beyond Kirkheaton, so you get a completely different aspect from the views at the south-facing front of the house which are on to the beautiful Woodsome valley.”

The family also modernised the home’s heating and electrics and replaced an electrical fire in the dining room with a real fire to”create an alluring environment in the winter months”.

But their biggest challenge was making the top floor of the home habitable as it had only previously been used as storage space.

“The original wooden staircase leading up to it was in quite a rickety

condition,” added Fiona.

“We spent a lot of time having all this area revamped so that we could create two new bedrooms.

“There was a lot of dirt and again a lot of dust, but the effort was well worth the finished product.

While our family have lived on the first floor,

guests can stay up on the second floor and have their own unique views of the countryside through a beautiful original semi circular window.

“We housed our daughter's drums in the other room on the top floor so that she could beat away her energy

www.simonblyth.co.uk

without disturbing anyone else.”

Fiona and her husband are looking to move into a smaller property, probably within the local vicinity, as their children have grown up and left home.

Finthorpe is priced at offers around £635,000. It has five double bedrooms

(one with en-suite), a lounge, sitting room, high quality breakfast kitchen, snug, vaulted keeping cellar. The property also has a garage/ outbuilding with useful first floor space above, sweeping gravel driveway and mature lawned front and rear gardens.

Open 7 days a week

Holme Valley Review, November 2012 – 31

Proudly selling homes for decades in and around the valley. With four offices in the Kirklees district and three others in Wakefield, Barnsley and Penistone.

Lettings & Management available at all offices

Fairfield House, Hollowgate, Holmfirth 01484 689689

Local, regional, exceptional MOSSFIELD, WOODHEAD ROAD, HOLMFIRTH O/A £695,000

KILNCROFT HOUSE, BANK LANE, UPPER DENBY

OCCUPYING AN INCREDIBLE LOCATION THIS DETACHED STYLISH BEAUTIFULLY BUILT HOME WAS ERECTED JUST A FEW YEARS AGO TO EXACTING STANDARDS AND TAKING FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE LARGE GARDENS, GROUNDS AND FIELDS THAT IT STANDS WITHIN,ALL OF WHICH MEASURES APPROX ONE ACRE.With accommodation that is sure to please the home is just a short walk from Holme, this much loved Pennine village with its renowned pub and school enjoys breath taking scenery and views.A high stone wall and timber gates provide the home with a huge amount of privacy.The home with modern appointments is beautifully finished and has many high grade stylish features throughout, lovely beams, apex roof light, galleried first floor landing and full height sitting room. Briefly Mossfield accommodation comprises: Impressive hallway, downstairs w.c., snooker room (20'6 x 18'2), fabulous open plan sitting room and dining area, the sitting room measures 24'4 x 17'0 and has a fabulous bay overlooking the gardens, fields and view beyond, has an impressive inglenook fireplace and is overlooked by the galleried library/study area.The kitchen has an Aga, adjoining garden room/snug, utility room.The first floor master bedroom suite (24'4 x 14'4) including balcony enjoying the views, bedroom , dressing area and superb en-suite, library/study area gives the option of creating a fourth bedroom.To the lower ground floor, two further double bedrooms both served by large en-suites and there is a store. Garaging/car port in oak, including double space to the side and extensive area to the rear. Beautiful gardens including Jet swimming pool and hot tub, lawned areas, variety of garden shed stores and paddock reaching down to woodland. easy access to foot paths giving stunning rural walks through the foot hills of the Pennines.

A MOST APPEALING DOUBLE FRONTED DETACHED PERIOD HOME SITUATED IN THE HEART OF THIS WELL REGARDED VILLAGE. TO THE REAR THERE ARE SUPERB VIEWS OVER FIELDS TO THE VILLAGE CHURCH. The stylish and characterful interior is presented to a high standard.The ground floor accommodation comprises of entrance lobby; lounge with beautiful fireplace incorporating a multi-fuel stove and French doors giving access to the garden; separate dining room; large rear dining kitchen; utility / shower room with an adjoining w.c.; cellar accessible from the kitchen. On the first floor are three large double bedrooms and a house bathroom; an attic room suitable as an occasional bedroom / playroom / study; separate loft space.The house is stone built with slate roof and has gardens to three sides.The property has gas fired central heating, double glazing throughout, a security alarm system and mains smoke alarms.

UPPER BANK END ROAD, HOLMFIRTH

BRAMLEY CLOSE, NEW MILL, HOLMFIRTH

O/A £349,950

O/A £369,950

O/A £249,950

A DETACHED FOUR BEDROOMED TRUE BUNGALOW STANDING IN A GOOD SIZED LEVEL PLOT IDEALLY ACCESSIBLE FOR HOLMFIRTH AMENITIES AND LOCAL SCHOOLING AND HAVING THE ADVANTAGE OF NO UPPER CHAIN INVOLVEMENT. Much larger than first impressions may imply this detached true bungalow occupies a generous level plot with particularly good sized rear garden which enjoys a good degree of privacy.The accommodation itself comprises: vestibule with entrance hallway having oak flooring, utility room, kitchen, dining room, music / sitting room and adjoining lounge, four good sized bedrooms, the master having an en-suite shower room and also a house bathroom, good sized driveway leading to an attached double garage.The property has double glazing and a gas fired central heating system and the property offers ease of access to the amenities within Holmfirth centre and also well regarded local schooling.

A VERY WELL APPOINTED FOUR BEDROOM DETACHED FAMILY HOUSE WITH THE OPTION OF A FIFTH BEDROOM / SECOND RECEPTION ROOM, SUPERB DINING KITCHEN AND OCCUPYING A CORNER PLOT WITH VIEWS TOWARDS THURSTONLAND. Enjoying a pleasant cul d sac setting, ideally placed for local amenities, particularly schooling the property offers a certain amount of flexibility with the second sitting room also being an optional fifth bedroom if so required.The accommodation is larger than first impressions may suggest and the presentation warrants an early inspection.The accommodation itself comprises to the ground floor: entrance hallway, good sized lounge, four bedrooms and a stylish bathroom incorporating a separate shower cubicle.To the lower ground floor is a large dining kitchen (232 x 102) with integrated appliances and a sitting / family room which could equally be utilised as a fifth bedroom.There is a double width driveway to the front, gardens with lawns and a flagged patio area.There is PVCu glazing, an alarm and a gas fired central heating system.

SHEFFIELD ROAD, NEW MILL, HOLMFIRTH

UNDERBANK OLD ROAD, HOLMFIRTH

O/A £215,000

O/A £119,950

A SUPERB CHARACTER COTTAGE HAVING UNDERGONE AND EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF MODERNISATION WITH THREE GOOD SIZED BEDROOMS, OFF ROAD PARKING AND AN OUTLOOK TO THE REAR OVER OPEN FIELDS. Only by an internal inspection can the high quality interior be fully appreciated.

Having been upgraded throughout including an extension the contemporary interior also retains character. It comprises: hallway with w.c., good sized dining kitchen, superb lounge with fireplace, conservatory and useful cellar, three good sized bedrooms and a well appointed bathroom.The home has off road parking and an enclosed rear garden adjoining the conservatory.Viewing is essential

A DOUBLE FRONTED MID TERRACE COTTAGE WITH SOME WONDERFUL VIEWS OVER THE VALLEY OFFERING TWO GOOD SIZED BEDROOMS, CHARACTERFUL LOUNGE WITH SUPERB FIREPLACE AND A SEPARATE KITCHEN AND HAVING FRONT AND REAR GARDEN AREAS. Having the advantage of no upper chain involvement this cottage is ideally placed for access to local amenities within Holmfirth centre. Particularly from the first floor it enjoys some stunning views over the Holme Valley and particularly over Cartworth.The accommodation itself comprises: entrance lobby, a good sized lounge with superb fireplace, exposed stonework, beams and a stove.There is a separate kitchen with pantry / store.To the first floor there are two good sized bedrooms and a bathroom and the landing area itself gives access to the rear tired garden and there is also an open plan garden / yard area to the front.

There is PVCu glazing to the majority of windows and there is a gas fired central hating system.There is no upper chain involvement.

WATERHALL COURT, NEW MILL, HOLMFIRTH

COPLEY AVENUE, MELTHAM

O/O £110,000

A SPACIOUS END OF TERRACE COTTAGE STYLE HOME BEING PART OF A CONVERTED BREWERY WITH WONDERFUL OPEN PLAN LIVING SPACE WITH SUPERB MEZZANINE,TWO BEDROOMS AND PARKING SPACE,ALL LOCATED IN THE CENTRE OF THIS POPULAR VILLAGE. The open plan living dining kitchen space in particular offers light and airy accommodation with it being situated on the first floor with a wealth of windows and the full height ceiling apex and timbers on display.The kitchen has integrated appliances and there is a full width mezzanine above (19'6" x 8'2" approx) ideal as a home office or occasional bedroom.To the ground floor are two bedrooms and house bathroom.The home has a gas fired central heating system, double glazing, allocated parking space and a low maintenance flagged garden area.The property is ideally accessible for local amenities and transport networks. **NO VENDOR CHAIN INVOLVED**

O/O £57,500

**STARTING BID £57,500**. FOR SALE BY AUCTION ON 27TH NOVEMBER 2012 VIA THE WEST YORKSHIRE PROPERTY AUCTION. PLEASE CONTACT SIMON BLYTH ESTATE AGENTS FOR PRE AUCTION VIEWING ARRANGEMENTS.WITHIN A CUL DE SAC SETTING IS THIS TWO DOUBLE BEDROOM MID TOWN HOUSE WITH GOOD SIZED LOUNGE AND BREAKFAST KITCHEN CLOSE TO VILLAGE AMENITIES PARTICULARLY LOCAL SCHOOLING. Being in a cul d sac setting is this inner town house with gas fired central heating system and PVCu single glazing. Briefly the home comprises: entrance hallway, large through lounge, fitted breakfast kitchen with integrated appliances, rear porch.To the first floor are two double bedrooms and a house bathroom with a white suite.There are enclosed front and rear gardens and there is formal parking within the cul d sac itself. Ideally situated for local amenities within the village centre and also nearby local schooling.

www.simonblyth.co.uk

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32 – Holme Valley Review, November 2012

Most recommended roofing firm rewards customers ROOFING specialist Fenton & Fenton is extending its anniversary celebrations to customers as the business marks yet another successful year.

While some businesses have struggled to stay afloat during the most recent economic challenges, Fenton & Fenton Roofing has gone from strength-to-strength, growing both its workforce and customer base to remain Huddersfield and Barnsley’s most recommended roofing company.

As part of its birthday celebrations this year, the family-run firm which has three generations of roofing knowledge and 24 years’ experience, is offering customers 24 per cent off labour on any reroofing job.

“We are fortunate to have had another successful year, the past 12 months having been our busiest period to date,” says owner Craig Fenton.

“As a thank you to our customers for their continued support and kind recommendations we want to give them something back with this unique offer which marks our anniversary.”

Craig believes the ongoing success of the company is down to customers simply wanting to find a

good company they can trust.

“During the recession people have become much more careful about spending their hard-earned money, and where previously they would pick up the book and ring any roofing firm, they are now taking the time to research companies who they are sure will do a good job first time round.”

“We pride ourselves on customer satisfaction and always strive for 100 per cent which is why more than 92 per cent of our work over the last two years has come through recommendations.

“With three generations of roofing knowledge, experience and thousands of hours of education in the roofing industry, we can guarantee our customers are in safe hands.

“Furthermore, the high volume of work we obtain means our prices are very affordable as we can work off smaller margins.”

Fenton & Fenton provides a range of roofing services to meet customer requirements, specialising in domestic and commercial repair and renewal.

With the majority of work in the domestic market, the team has helped thousands of homeowners improve their homes with new

‘With three generations of roofing knowledge, experience and thousands of hours of education in the roofing industry, we can guarantee our customers are in safe hands’ roofs, repairs to existing roofs or with stylish additions such as UPVC fascias and guttering. Other services include Firestone EPDM, fibreglass and traditional flat roof systems.

“We do all the work involved from start to finish,” says Craig.

“We don’t use subcontractors, simply because we set very high standards of workmanship.

Instead we have divisions within the organisation to deal with all

aspects of roofing requirements, with individual employees trained in specific aspects of roofing work such as flat roofs, slate roofs, tiled roofs, lead works and UPVC replacements and fitting.

“As a fully insured, fully qualified and fully recommended firm, customers can be assured all jobs will be completed to the highest of standards.”

The Federation of Master Builders, Confederation of Roofing

Contractors, Fair Trades Association, Home Pro, The Guild of Master Craftsmen and The European Builders Federation accredit all Fenton & Fenton tradesmen.

The firm’s ongoing training process ensures that all employees are fully aware and stay abreast of health and safety issues.

Fenton & Fenton welcome applications from fully qualified, skilled roofers.