Calderdale couple get Freedom of the Borough in recognition of philanthropic work
The Greenwoods have made significant contributions to local community projects, heritage, and charitable causes.
Hello and welcome to The Calderdale Lead.
I hope you’re all having a good week so far and are looking forward to another Bank Holiday Weekend in a couple of days time.
In today’s edition we’ve got news of a very special couple from Calderdale being given the highest honour - freedom of the borough.
It comes in recognition of their wonderful philanthropic work, which has seen them give significant contributions to local community projects, heritage, and charitable causes.
Plus, we’ve a couple of nuggets in the Calderdale Digest.
So, on with the news…
Calderdale Digest
🍺 A future as a community pub may beckon for a village hostelry facing plans – which have received more than 300 objections – to turn it into a residence.
A group galvanising support behind the bid says community purchase of the Hare and Hounds at Lane Ends, Old Town, above Hebden Bridge, is being explored.
In April 2025, and filmed when still open as a pub under brewery ownership, TV stars Alexander Armstrong and James May filmed art of the BBC’s Perfect Pub Walks series there.
Campaigners have thanked new owner Rory Deighton for his role in helping getting things moving.
Earlier in the year Mr Deighton applied to Calderdale Council seeking permission to change the use of the pub into a house, arguing the pub is no longer capable of sustaining profitable operations.
But among objectors – more than 300 according to Calderdale Council’s Planning Portal – some questioned this, and the board of community benefit society Wadsworth Area Community Assets (WACA) has now formally resolved to proceed with investigating buying the pub.
Calderdale Council formally listed the Hare and Hounds as an Asset of Community Value in March and at the end of that month Mr Deighton let WACA know he has triggered the Community Right To Buy process with the council and will soon be putting the property up for sale, they said.
WACA responded positively and has formally expressed an intention to bid for the property with the council.
🛒 An inaugural Saturday pop-up market – the first since this part of town was pedestrianised – saw visitors bringing some extra bustle and business to Elland.
Dubbed the “It’s All About Elland Pop-up Market”, it took place in the centre of Southgate’s new square and the hope is that its success will see similar events help drive more footfall into Elland town centre.
The event was the brainchild of ward councillor David Veitch, but brought into being with the help of lots of volunteers including the team at Project Colt, the Brett Rhodes Joinery and Building Services team, Elland Community Events, Elland Round Table and Elland Juniors FC.
Coun Veitch said lots of manpower was required to transport, erect and dismantle the market stalls.
Stalls sold goods ranging from jewellery and cakes to woodturning and embroidery, he said.
Additionally, there was live music to lift the vibes – Phillip Cluskey and other musicians linked to Project Colt performed as did their choir, the Colt Community Voices.
The regular market takes place at Town Hall Square each Friday from 9am to 4pm, except for Good Friday and Fridays that fall on Bank Holidays.
Calderdale couple get borough’s highest honour to say thanks
By Andrew Greaves
A philanthropic couple who have contributed thousands to good causes and community projects have been awarded Calderdale’s highest honour at a special ceremony in Halifax Town Hall.
The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Steven Leigh MBE, granted Freedom of the Borough to Colin and Gillian Greenwood on behalf of the Council.
Their family and friends and the Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Steve Duncan, were there to see the Greenwoods’ extraordinary kindness being recognised.
Freedom of the Borough is the highest award that a council can bestow, and is for outstanding services to a place. The title doesn’t give any legal rights or responsibilities, but allows a ceremonial role at civic functions.
Colin and Gillian Greenwood have made generous contributions to many local projects benefiting the community. This includes over 50 grants for the arts, sport and helping people in need through food banks and other forms of support; significant contributions to the Duke of Wellington statue in The Woolshops in Halifax and the works at Halifax Minster; and investments in regenerating parts of Hebden Bridge and Todmorden.
The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Steven Leigh MBE, said: “It was an honour to make Colin and Gillian Greenwood Freeman and Freewoman of the Borough. We’re proud to be kind and considerate in Calderdale, and the Greenwoods have really gone the extra mile to help our communities.
“Their generous efforts are truly exceptional and worthy of this official recognition, as was the tireless contribution of Chris Harris DL when I awarded her Freedom of the Borough at a Town Hall ceremony in March.”
The Greenwoods were due to receive their scrolls at the same ceremony in March but were caught up in travel issues resulting from disruption to air services across the world due to the Middle East crisis.
Chris Harris DL is a former Deputy Lieutenant for West Yorkshire – a role in which she represented the Monarch at official engagements. She is deeply involved with numerous local charities and with the Community Foundation for Calderdale as a Founder Director and Life Vice President.
Chris is also part of the team running Halifax Heritage Tours, a volunteer-run organisation promoting local heritage, and is known for coining the well-known phrase, ‘Magic Halifax’.
The other most recently bestowed Freewomen of the Borough are Sally Wainwright for placing Calderdale on the international map through her acclaimed TV dramas, and Hannah Cockroft (also a former Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire) for her eminent para-athlete achievements and motivational speaking.
Cllr Leigh added: “Calderdale is known for its kindness, and we’re extremely lucky to have such generous people who do so much for our borough.
“Colin and Gillian Greenwood and Chris Harris are just three of these extraordinary people, and they have gone above and beyond for many years to give back to our communities.”
All recipients of the prestigious Freedom of the Borough title have pride of place on the roll of honour displayed at Halifax Town Hall.
That’s all for this edition!
I’ll be back in your inboxes at the weekend but don’t forget, if there’s something you’d like me to cover - or you have an event you want us to promote - then don’t hesitate to drop me a line at calderdale@thelead.uk.
Until the weekend, have a great week!
Andrew