Todmordians breaking fast together
On the 21st May Integrate Todmorden and Todmorden Mosque hosted a community Iftar at Todmorden Town Hall. The Iftar is the breaking of the fast during Ramadan and our host Nadeem Mir gave a presentation on Ramadan and what it means to the Muslim community of Todmorden with local children reciting a prayer and an account of what Ramadan means to them.
The Revd Martin Parrott concluded with his reflections on fasting in the Christian community before we all enjoyed breaking the fast together with a date and some delicious food.
We enjoyed a coming together of a broad cross section of Todmordians enjoying food together and reaching a greater understanding about each other.
Handmade Parade
The 12th annual Handmade Parade will be held in Hebden Bridge on Sunday 30 June and this year’s theme is ‘Once upon a time’, with elements of European folklore, myth, ritual and design. The Parade this year will bring fantastical creatures and imaginary worlds to the streets of Hebden Bridge – so come along to our open workshops to create a parade costume and be a part of this very special community event.
Dates for open workshops in June are as follows:
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16,10am–12 noon and 2–4pm
Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20, 4–6pm
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23, 10am–12 noon and 2–4pm
Tuesday 25 and Thursday 27, 4–6pm and 7–9pm (later session adults only)
No experience is necessary but under 14s need to be accompanied by an adult. Entry is by a suggested donation of £5 per person for the first session and £1 per person for further visits.
Parade
Sunday 30 June at 11.30am followed by a Picnic in the Park 12.30–3.30pm
Volunteer
If you would like to help out come and volunteer with us – it’s a lot of fun and a great way to contribute to the community – please email volunteer@handmadeparade.co.uk for more information. There a lots of things to help with either on the day or in advance, if you’re creative why not come and help the artists with the big makes or help with face painting on parade day. If your more of an organiser you can help with meet and greet at workshops, stewarding on parade day. If you shy away from the limelight there are all sorts of things that you can help with – sewing, basic carpentry, pushing the giant fantastical creations on the day, helping out at the park and many many more.
This year’s Hebden Bridge Handmade Parade is supported by Arts Council England, Hebden Royd Town Council, Calderdale Council and Community Foundation for Calderdale.
For more information about this year’s parade please go here or our Facebook page
A Great Get Together at Hebden Bridge
Inspired by the values of the late Jo Cox, The Great Get Together is a national event across the country every year and Hebden has its own.
Saturday 22 June, 12:00pm-6:00pm, Calder Holmes Park in Hebden Bridge will see some incredible activities include the international, highly acclaimed Human Library Project, a local ‘Bake off’, music and entertainment throughout the day, hair braiding, face painting, young people’s area, older people’s activities and much much more. There really is something for everyone. We’re particularly excited to hear 12 year old Sam on the decks, playing some quality reggae vinyl, as part of the ‘Sounds of Summer’ from local DJ’s!
Reach4Ward is organising this and is a non-profit community interest company delivering events, training and workshops based on the principles of achieving social justice.
In recognising that loneliness and isolation are some of the biggest issues in the UK today, affecting people from all corners of the community, these events are set to bring people together. To bridge the gaps that exist today, to promote kindness, and to say we have #moreincommon than that which divides us.
Todmorden's Strawberry Great Get Together
Saturday 22nd June 11am - 2pm on Pollination Street, Todmorden.
Join Age Concern Todmorden and others to enjoy some delicious strawberries and remind ourselves how good it is to chat to others. Find out about being a good neighbour, what's going on in your community and how we can make Todmorden a better place to live for all.
We're aiming to reduce isolation and help people understand small actions can make Todmorden a better place for all ages. Further details available on our website.
The Great Get Together at Crow Wood Park – Sunday 7 July
Just a reminder of the The Great Get Together at Crow Wood Park HX2 7JZ on Sunday 7 July, 11:00am-4:00pm. This is the third event aimed at bringing families together to share conversations, meet local people, play games and have fun.
This year the fun day will include The Burner at Crow Wood Park 2019 - 10km Run, 2.5km Run and Summer Fayre Runs are being organised for all abilities. If you would like to take part please click on the link above.
Lots going on with:
- Bouncy castle
- Traditional games
- Face painting
- Stalls
Bring food and share in a picnic (remember to bring a picnic blanket). Bring your friends and neighbours.
For up to date information call June on 01422 706373 or Shabir on 07866 369916.
Clean Air Day ~ Thursday 20 June
Thursday 20 June is Clean Air Day and it’s a great chance to do your bit and help make the air cleaner and healthier for everyone. Air pollution is real and harms the health of millions. But there are lots of simple things we can do to improve air quality and look after our own and other people’s health.
Why not help to spread the Clean Air message by pledging to make a small change on the 20 June, for example walking, cycling or taking public transport to work and leaving the car at home.
Post your plans on your twitter accounts and don’t forget to hashtag your messages and pictures with #LetsClearTheAir so that they can be displayed on the Clean Air Day website and remember, the Clean Air Day campaign is not just for one day - why not pledge to make the small change as regularly as you can?
Todmorden Ward Forum Grants – Deadlines for applications
Todmorden Ward Forum Grants have been very popular this year and so have set a deadline for applications of the 30th September 2019 for the allocating of the remainder of the budget.
We have some new terms and conditions for the grant too so if you want to find out more contact Kirsten and she will send you the latest forms.
Wrad Forum grants are also available from Jae for groups working in Calder or Luddendenfoot Wards. Maximum grant is £500 and the deadline to apply is Friday the 27th of September .
Daisy's Café
Tony Austin will provide the music at Daisy’s Café at Todmorden Health Centre on Saturday, July 6th
The café is on from 11am until 1.30pm and is run by Dementia Friendly Todmorden. Everyone is welcome and the group will be offering their usual support, advice and information for people affected by dementia along with their families and carers.
As well musical entertainment, the café will be serving soup, sandwiches, biscuits and drinks.
For more information please contact Lisa Candlin at Todmorden Fire Station on 01706 813541 or email lisa.candlin@westyorksfire.gov.uk
Don’t Panic!
What are your plans for this Saturday? Don't Panic! is a new exhibition which showcases objects related to life on the home front in Calderdale, where people had to make do and mend. September is the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the 2nd World War. Find out more here.
Neighbourhood Team Update
Todmorden CE Junior Wardens along with the Upper Valley Neighbourhood team attended Centre Vale park in Todmorden to search for dog foul. The Junior Wardens made their own flags which were placed near any dog foul they found to highlight the issues we have in the area. Shortly after the session, local residents posted some photo’s and comments on social media saying it was a fantastic idea. Many thanks to the Upper Valley Safer, Cleaner, Greener team for allowing us to do this which has proved to be a big hit !
The Upper Valley Neighbourhood and Safer, Cleaner, Greener team recently worked together in tackling the graffiti issues in Hebden Bridge. We targeted the town centre and Calder Holmes park by removing as much graffiti as we could. As Hebden Bridge is a tourists hot spot, we want to keep the town clean so the visitors will return year after year.
The Upper Valley Neighbourhood team have received complaints from local residents about speeding traffic on Midgley Road. Simon and Zoe deployed with the speed gun to monitor the issue and reported back the results to the local Neighbourhood Policing team to take further action.
The Upper Valley Neighbourhood team along with residents from Dodd Naze took part in a Community litter pick. During the session we were praised by local residents for doing such a good job. Many thanks to the Upper Valley Safer, Cleaner, Greener team for removing the rubbish.
Finally, Zameer and Jonny from the Central Neighbourhood team joined Upper Valley Community Warden Zoe in assisting with the Midgley Fete. Although it was a very wet and windy day, the event was well attended and fun was had by all.
Shared Lives Week from 17 - 23 June 2019
Shared Lives of Calderdale provides personalised day services, short breaks and long-term living arrangements for young people and adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs and older people. The service is provided by over thirty Shared Lives Carers who have been carefully selected and approved to provide support in their own homes, out in the community or in the homes of people who need extra help and support at home. If you would like to learn more about Shared Lives please pick up a leaflet or get in touch by visiting www.calderdale.gov.uk or call 01422 393887
West Yorkshire Police Community Alerts
West Yorkshire Police Community Alert is a service that members of the public are invited to sign up to free of charge. Once signed up members can decide on the type of alerts and news that they wish to receive.
WYP staff and officers will then post local alerts, that can range from crime prevention advice, emergency appeals and crime information.
The system allows us to target individual groups, for example to alert people who live within 100 meters of a burglary. WYP see this as a valuable engagement tool to further improve the way information is shared in the local community. It only takes seconds to sign up at www.wypcommunityalert.co.uk.
Armed Forces Day
We will be celebrating Armed Forces Day on 22 June, 9am-5pm in Halifax Town Centre. There will be stalls, military vehicles, equipment, full field kitchen and more. Come and talk to representatives from the armed forces and find out more about military life past and present. It will be officially opened at 11am on Southgate by The Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Dot Foster.
Crime Update & Prevention Advice
Police Charge 11 And Seize 100K Of Drugs In County Lines Crackdown
Police in West Yorkshire have arrested and charged 11 people and seized £100,000 of Class A drugs as part of a national County Lines crime crackdown.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police’s Protective Services Crime played a significant part in a recent National Crime Agency County Lines intensification week after seizing significant amount of cash and drugs.
The national intensification week took place between May 13 and May 20, and in West Yorkshire officers undertook work to arrest suspects and also safeguard potential victims.
During the course of the week West Yorkshire saw 11 persons arrested across the county who have all been charged and remanded for drugs and modern slavery act offences. A vulnerable man and a vulnerable woman were also identified and safeguarded.
As part of the operation offices seized cocaine and cash to a value of £120,000.00 as well as a quantity of crack cocaine.
The West Yorkshire activity was carried out as part of the force’s ongoing Programme of action against Serious and Organised Crime known as Programme Precision. That sees the Police, partners, 3rd sector organisation and the public come together to tackle serious organised crime within the force area.
This includes drugs and firearms offences, human trafficking and the exploitation of young people.
The force also continues to be heavily active with crime prevention activity in terms of schools inputs and work alongside partners such as St Giles trust.
Detective Superintendent Pat Twiggs, head of Serious and Organised Crime, said: “West Yorkshire Police are committed to tackling all forms of criminal exploitation including county lines through our ongoing work and activity under Programme Precision.
“During the recent national intensification week we deployed specialist officers and staff to tackle the issue head on and continue to develop our response and our understanding of this issue on a daily basis.
“We are currently monitoring a small number of organised crime groups whose activity centres around County Lines crime and regularly hold strategy and review meetings to plan action and coordinate our response with neighbouring forces.
“It must really be stressed that the sort of enforcement work we have carried out as part of the NCA week, is ongoing constantly here in West Yorkshire.”
He added: “County Lines style organised crime is insidious and the effect on communities and the individuals caught up in this kind of crime can be devastating. We would urge anyone with information or concerns to contact West Yorkshire Police or the independent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), said: “This proactive work by West Yorkshire Police as part of a week of action to tackle serious and organised crime demonstrates just some of the work being done to catch criminals and safeguard some of our most vulnerable.
“The exploitation of young people, in many cases by organised criminal groups running ‘County Lines’ drug related crime has a hugely detrimental impact on many communities and this sort of focused partnership work is crucial in showing perpetrators of these crimes they have no place to hide and will be caught and dealt with.”
HMRC Refund Scam Email
Emails are circulating purporting to be from HMRC stating that you have been issued a refund. The emails contain a link which you are encouraged to click on, and you will then be asked to enter your credit/debit card details in order to 'receive' the refund.
These are not legitimate emails. HMRC will never contact you via email or text message regarding refunds. If you are due a refund, you will be notified via post.
Here are some things to look out for that will help you to identify whether or not an email is legitimate:
1) The email address that the email has been sent from will likely bare no relevance to the organisation, be spelt incorrectly, have additional letters/numbers, or be from an email provider that is available to the public e.g. Hotmail, Gmail etc.
2) The email will contain spelling errors, grammatical errors, poor punctuation, or appear unprofessional.
3) The email will prompt you to enter your personal details such as bank account information.
If you receive an email or text message purporting to be from HMRC, do not click on any links, delete the message, and if in doubt contact HMRC directly using information from the government website. Do not use the contact details provided in the email or text.
Theft Of Catalytic Converter
Did you know a thief can take the catalytic converter from your car in a matter of minutes and leave you to foot the bill? Cars which are often targeted are those with higher chassis, such as a 4x4 or an SUV, however, other cars can still be targeted. For advice on reducing the risk of having your Catalytic Converter stolen please follow this link.
Garden Centre Thefts
You may have seen a report on BBC Look North yesterday in relation to a series of theft from Garden Centres.
The report highlighted thousands of pounds worth of plants and garden furniture stolen. We are investigating and have active lines of enquiry. Please can we ask you to support local business and:
- Take care when buying items on online auction sites and social media – they could be stolen
- If and offer is too good to be true (it probably is) – ask yourself why & How?
- Report any suspicious activity to the police online, via 101 or by calling crime stoppers anonymously on 0800555111
- Buy local and support local business
Theft Of Registration Plates
Since June 1st, registration plates have been removed from 5 vehicles in the Calderdale area.
Number plates are stolen by people who don’t want to be found out when they commit certain crimes. These crimes include:
- ‘Disguising’ a stolen vehicle.
- Not paying for parking tickets or speeding fines
- Driving away from a petrol forecourt without paying
- Illegal parking
- Speeding
To prevent the theft of registration plates, fit anti-theft registration plate screws
If your plates are stolen, they must be replaced as soon as possible. You should not drive the vehicle without registration plates. Only registered operators can create new registration plates. To find one of these registered suppliers go to the Gov.UK website and enter your post code.
Find a registered number plate supplier here.
You will need to go in person to the supplier as the supplier will need to see original documents that:
- Prove that you can use the registration number.
- show you’re allowed to use the registration number
- prove your name and address
If you receive fines or correspondence after the theft, you should return them immediately to the issuing authority with an explanation and any documentary evidence.
Scams Awareness Campaign 10-29 June 2019
Scams Awareness is a yearly campaign by Citizens Advice which aims to create a network of confident, alert consumers who know what to do when they see a scam. This year's campaign will take place over two weeks, from the 10th-23rd June.
Whether you’re an individual consumer looking to protect yourself and your family from scams, or an organisation or group representing consumers, your efforts during the campaign are important.
Help CAB to spread the message that scams are crimes that can happen to anyone and we don’t need to be embarrassed if we fall victim to them.
Advice for consumers
Resources for campaigners
Visit the Citizens Advice resource page to download resources to help you raise awareness of scams. You can also find resources from other partners here.
Resources will continue to be added in the run up to the campaign. If you would like to be notified when new materials are available please let CAB know you would like to be added to the campaign mailing list.
And Finally...
- Funding
Warburtons Family Community Grants
Small grants are available for local projects, activities and organisations that have charitable aims and that will be of real direct benefit to families. The next deadline is on 12th August, but the rounds are ongoing. Maximum award given: £250. More information and to apply click here.
New Funding to Improve Village Halls in England
Village hall committees can apply now for grants to update and refurbish their village hall or rural community building as long as the building is located in a town or village of under 10,000 people.
This new £3million fund provided by Defra (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and managed on its behalf by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) is expected to support around 100 community buildings. The funding is intended for the updating and refurbishment of village halls so that they are fit for purpose and can provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of the following outcomes for the local community:
•Improved health and wellbeing/reduction in loneliness
•Demonstrates a positive impact on the environment
•Supports the local rural economy
The fund offers grants of between £10,000 and £75,000 which can cover up to 20% of eligible costs and can support a number of different things, including, but not limited to:
•Internal reconfigurations
•New roof and roof refurbishment which includes insulation
•Improvements which help to increase energy efficiency
•Refurbishment of toilets and kitchens
•Damp proofing
•Installation of Wi-Fi
•Guttering, repointing and drainage
•Replacement of external and/or internal doors.
There is a two-stage application process.
Although there is no stated deadline for stage one applications, groups should bear in mind the deadline for second stage applications is 31 March 2020 or as soon as the funding is fully committed.
Apply here.
Marsh Christian Trust
The Trust focuses on providing funding which could help small organisations pay for various running costs, such as volunteer expenses, training days, equipment maintenance and other core outgoings.
Their funding strategy is to provide long-term core funding for such costs, as they understand that many of the organisations supported depend on unrestricted income in order to meet their operating needs.
Grants are unrestricted and range from £300-£2,000. Successful new applicants can expect to receive a grant at the lower end of this scale.
Applications are considered on the basis of the organisation’s financial position, performance against charitable aims and objectives and the ratio of voluntary income against fundraising expenses.
The Trust aims to build long-standing relationships with successful applicants and, subject to an annual review, continue its support over time.
More information and to apply.
- Opportunities
Todmorden Information Centre - INFORMATION CENTRE MANAGER
Maternity Cover August 2019 – July 2020
27.5 hours per week flexible
Salary - £16,198 p.a. pro rata
Responsible to: The Trustees of Todmorden Information Centre
Summary of position
Todmorden Information Centre is an independent organisation, administered by a trust and is self-funding. Todmorden Town Council helps support the Information Centre with a grant towards staff salaries which is reviewed annually.
Todmorden Information Centre provides an important service which is used by both residents and visitors.
The Manager actively promotes Todmorden by providing information about travel, indoor and outdoor events, shops, restaurants, markets, accommodation and local businesses. The Centre hosts exhibitions by local artists, craftspeople and organisations and works in conjunction with other local community groups to organise events e.g. The Geoff Love Weekend and the Todmorden Book Festival. The Centre is also a retail outlet selling local souvenirs, supporting charities through the sale of Cards for Good Causes and is a ticket outlet for local theatres and local events.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- The Manager will be responsible for four casual workers and several volunteers.
- Dealing with enquiries in person and by email, phone and post. Communicating information to members of the public.
- Ensuring that the Centre is well presented, efficiently organised, easy to use and accessible.
- Training, managing and motivating all staff including volunteers.
- Liaising with the Trustees of the Centre and attending Trust meetings. Preparing reports for the Trustees and interpreting Information Centre data.
- Attending meetings with a variety of people and, on occasion, taking minutes.
- Publicising the Centre’s services and assisting with the marketing of other local activities.
- Gathering information about and working with local businesses and visitor attractions.
- Producing guides and other marketing information as required.
- Researching and visiting attractions. Keeping up to date with tourist activities and events.
- ICT work including updating website, social media and on line sales and bookings.
- Implementing health and safety regulations and monitoring work practices, ensuring that the centre is run in accordance with policies and guidelines.
- Operating booking services and selling tickets for local events.
- Retail stock purchase, rotation and control.
- Assisting with preparation of bids for grants for special projects.
- Cash handling and liaising with the Treasurer.
Job related skills/experience
- Good local knowledge
- Flexible
- Self-motivated and able to work on own initiative
- Computer literate including Word and Excel
- Working knowledge of social media
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Experience of working with the public.
- Experience of cash handling and monitoring
- Confident working alone
- Experience of maintaining websites and online booking system
Other information
- Normal hours of work are 9.45am to 4.15pm Monday to Saturday all year and 10.45am to 2.45pm on Sundays in summer and four weeks before Christmas. This is a temporary post covering maternity leave, subject to a satisfactory probationary period.
- There will be occasional evening and weekend work when attending meetings, events and exhibitions.
- A workplace pension scheme will be provided
- Salary £16,198 p.a. pro rata
Interviews will be held on Thursday 4 July 2019
Applications in writing, to include a CV and the names of two referees, should be sent by 24 June 2019 to:
Chair of the Trustees
Todmorden Information Centre
15 Burnley Road
Todmorden
OL14 7BU
FREE access audits available to voluntary and community groups
Would you like to develop your community group venue to become more accessible to people with disabilities?
Are you considering re-locating your group and would like to ensure the proposed venue is inclusive and accessible?
Our experienced & skilled auditor will provide a full access survey and report. Groups will have the opportunity to apply for funding through the Community Foundation for Calderdale to support recommendations for access and inclusion.
The Accessible Calderdale Project can also deliver a FREE half day session in disability awareness to organisations who have received an access audit.
To request an expression of interest form please email Lorraine@visitsunlimited.org.uk or call 07596 707795.West Yorkshire Police Recruiting 300 Police Officers
This Summer West Yorkshire Police will be recruiting 300 Police Constables and for the first time new recruits will complete an apprenticeship and study for a degree as part of their training. The police officers are being recruited under the new training pathway, which is being launched to equip student officers with the skills needed to tackle increasingly sophisticated crime.
The trainees will be mentored by experienced police officers at West Yorkshire Police’s Learning and Development Centre at Carr Gate, Wakefield and by academics at Leeds Trinity University.
They will complete a three-year Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship and will be a paid police officer from day one, with all university fees being met by the Force.
The Force is reaching out to those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds as part of the latest recruitment drive in a bid to better represent the communities we serve.
Assistant Chief Constable Angela Williams said: “It is a really exciting time to join the Force, and our new recruitment pathway will give budding Police Officers the chance to ‘earn while they learn’.
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who has ever considered becoming a police officer to join us and see what an exciting and rewarding role it is.
“I have been a police officer here in West Yorkshire for 28 years and I can honestly say I’ve loved every moment. Every shift is different and challenging, but also rewarding.
“We want everyone living in West Yorkshire to feel their Force represents them and we are striving to better represent all of our communities, so we welcome applicants from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds as we recruit new officers.
“That being said, the job will always go to the right candidate and will be based on merit. If you have the skills and experience required, then I would urge you to consider applying to join West Yorkshire Police.
“Being a police officer really is a job like no other and our Police Constable Degree Apprenticeships will prepare and train officers to deal with evolving serious and complex crime.
“As it’s a three-year Apprenticeship, it allows our new officers to specialise as they move through the degree and they can look towards being a Detective, a Roads Policing Officer or a specialist working in our Neighbourhoods teams.”
The recruitment window will open in July and you can now register your interest online to be notified when recruitment opens. The first trainee officers will be appointed to the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship programme in April 2020.
The starting salary for officers on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship is from £18,000, with incremental annual increases leading to a salary of £24,654 on successful completion of the programme and confirmation in role.
To become a police officer, you need to be 18 (at the time of application), have a level 3 qualification or equivalent or have experience as a PCSO or Special Constable, be able to pass a job-related fitness test, have no criminal convictions (minor offences will be considered on a case-by-case basis) and meet our attendance record.
A new Degree Holder Entry Programme will also open later this year to allow those who already hold a non-policing degree to complete a two-year learning programme to become a qualified police officer.
You can register your interest in applying here and Further information is available here.
The Soil Association's 'Food For Life' programme job opportunities
The Soil Association's 'Food For Life' programme have several new jobs advertised across the UK, including two for Yorkshire/Humber area - suitable for nutritionists, horticulturalists and people with a passion for food, cooking, growing and sharing, and those who care about our food systems and environment - please can you share these job opportunities through any channels you have available to you. Link here for more information.
