A Message from Ken Jenkin, Chairman

To Honley Civic Society Members and Friends,

I want to wish you well and to update you regarding Civic Society activities. 

 In an earlier note, I said that the committee would review the situation with Covid during December and decide whether or not to re-commence speaker meetings in January. I am sorry to say that, given the current resurgence in infections and increased transmissibility of Covid, we are regrettably not planning to hold speaker meetings in the foreseeable future, however a number of our less visible activities have been continuing. 

 The recently published book “Colliers and Clothiers” has sold really well, both through retail outlets such as Zebra, Holme Valley News and Reads (in Holmfirth) and via the website. Despite the poor weather, we sold books to the value of over £160 at the Christmas street-market and Huddersfield and District Family History Society are now selling a number of our books via their website.

 We have continued to monitor planning applications for developments in our area, and have commented where necessary. 

The Holme Valley Neighbourhood Development Plan has finally been approved by Kirklees Cabinet; the policies within the NDP have been used since it went through successful public examination and it is now a formal planning policy document, and both developers and planners now have to take account of this.

 Local guided walks have taken place, in conjunction now with Holme Valley Lions.

We have supported the restoration of the organ in St. Mary’s church through the production of a descriptive booklet, as well as financially.

The Civic Society also made a donation towards the employment of a Youth Worker to support the young people in the village.

All of these activities support the objectives set out in Honley Civic Society’s Constitution, and we intend to continue with these and other areas in which we can be instrumental in enhancing appreciation and protection of our village’s heritage. If you feel that you are able to contribute in any way, we would welcome your support.

Together with all of the Civic Society Committee, I hope we may be able to once again meet together.

Best wishes

Ken

Ken Jenkin

Chairman

Holme Valley Riverside Way Revamp Reverse 20 years of neglect by improving the footpath surface and drainage, way marking throughout the route, vegetation management, installation and repair of steps, and a new section of boardwalk. Help fund this project by pledging here and release matched funding AND gift aid The Riverside Way is a 9.6 miles long linear footpath, and could be a fantastic resource for Holme valley residents (linking several of the villages such as Holme, Holmbridge, Honley and Armitage Bridge via Holmfirth town centre). The footpath ends in the centre of Huddersfield, and could be used for commuting and accessing the town centre.  The path traverses a mix of habitats from open meadows to ancient semi-natural woodland, and passes numerous sites of industrial heritage. A detailed walkover survey and report identified a wide variety of work that is required to improve the route, and includes costs for the works. A project officer will lead volunteer tasks, to deliver much of the route improvement work, during the one year project.

Huddersfield and District Family History Society can now offer some of our titles to purchase by post.

See the new books page for details of our latest titles.

Honley Civic Society does not take responsiblity for nor does it endorse external websites.