Welcome to the Calderdale Lead!
It's our first ever edition, here's what to expect in the coming weeks...
Hello and welcome to the first edition of The Calderdale Lead, the newsletter that covers the stories that matter to you—be that politics, culture, sport, environment… pretty much anything.
I’m Andrew Greaves and I’m going to be editing the newsletter and bringing you original and longform content from across the borough.
I’ve been in journalism for more than two decades having joined the Burnley Express – a mere stone’s throw from Calderdale – at the age of 17 in 2001.
Since then I’ve taken a number of roles both in the UK and in Spain, where I edited the Almeria edition of a popular ex-pat paper.
The last decade or so has been spent training the next generation of journalists, firstly as head of journalism at News Associates – the UK’s top journalism school – and then for the last three years in a similar role at Bauer Academy.
Here’s a much younger me with some bloke who used to run the country…
I’ve interviewed Prime Ministers and Cabinet Ministers and even taught the nephew of one recent PM! I’ve also had time to fall out with – and be banned by – not one but two Premier League managers who took exception to something I’d written in a weekly column I had for the best part of 10 years.
I can carry on with the bit between my teeth thanks to the generous support of our readers (here comes the sales pitch, sorry!). Paid subscribers to The Calderdale Lead directly support independent, in-depth journalism about their local area.
I know you’ve heard it all before, and I’ll spare talented former colleagues who work hard within tough constraints, but we all know the old business model for news is challenged. This is a news service that has value to its readers.
The Calderdale Lead is accountable to you, the readers, not advertisers or shareholders. Paid subscribers will get access to exclusive investigations and features from across Calderdale, as well as access to premium content from The Lead’s national coverage (which I think is superb, even though I’m obviously going to say that!).
Starting at just £4.99 per month, a subscription includes the option to receive the subscriber benefits of The Lead nationally, at the same price (bargain!). Or become a founding member and your name or your organisation’s name will appear in the footer of every email, you’ll be thanked on our About page and you’ll have access to all the exclusive subscriber benefits. For one month this option is available at the discounted rate of £125 instead of £149 annually.
Two emails will land in your inbox from The Calderdale Lead each week, whether you pay or not, keeping you abreast of everything interesting that’s happening across Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden, Brighouse and beyond!
On a Wednesday we’ll be providing a look at the week ahead with our guide to all things culture in Calderdale (or Culturedale as the borough has been dubbed by the powers that be at the council!).
So, to give you a flavour of what to expect… here’s this week’s Culture Guide:
November 21 - An Evening with Kevin Sinfield - Victoria Theatre, Halifax
I think we’d all agree that the world would be a better place if everyone had a mate like rugby legend Kevin Sinfield.
The former Leeds Rhinos legend’s friendship with late teammate Rob Burrows captured the nation’s hearts and Sinfield has raised millions for charities associated with Motor Neurone Disease, which his friend bravely battled.
Kevin Sinfield embarking on one of his charity challenges
Tomorrow (Thursday), Kevin will be chatting to his old mate Barrie McDermott and compere and funny man of rugby league Pete Emmett at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax for An Evening with Kevin Sinfield.
It promises to be a night to remember… with probably a few tears along the way! Tickets are still available. For more information click here.
November 23 - Semay Wu and Frise Lumière - Nan Moors, Todmorden
Nan Moors in Todmorden hosts a ridiculously diverse range of music events, and this Saturday afternoon, composer, cellist/improviser, and media/sound artist Semay Wu will bring her unique brand of performance to the popular venue.
Semay Wu is bringing her unique musical talents to Todmorden
Expect ‘distinctive playfulness of unpredictable instrumental experimentation from cello, toys, electronics and everyday objects’. She’ll be joined by Frise Lumière, a personal project by artist, musician and composer, Ludovic Gerst, exploring and perfecting the bass instrument, with deftly crafted prepared bass solos.
The fun starts at 4pm and entry is free/by donation.
November 22-24 - Christmas Market - The Piece Hall, Halifax
Some of us might want to avoid Christmas until the very last minute but there’s no escaping that the fact the festive season is now in full swing.
And over the next few weekends, Halifax’s spectacular Piece Hall is hosting it’s own Christmas Market.
Each weekend, 50 stalls will showcase the best of regional talent, featuring a curated selection of independent food and drink producers alongside skilled artisan makers offering unique goods.
The organisers say that whether you’re searching for that special gift, craving a delicious bite, or simply want to soak up the festive spirit, The Piece Hall Christmas Markets offer an unforgettable experience for all.
Festive fun comes to The Piece Hall in Halifax
With an offering like that, even I might be tempted to silence my ‘bah humbugs’ for a bit!
Entry is free and the Christmas Market is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10am until 8pm, and on Sundays from 10am until 4pm.
November 26 - Dark Matter presents... Ceremony East Coast + Tremours - The Golden Lion, Todmorden
Rounding off this week’s guide is a joint-headline show from American indie outfits Ceremony East Coast and Tremours at The Golden Lion in Todmorden.
Ceremony East Coast is a two-piece band made up of John and Sandra Fedowitz, who are both current members of A Place to Bury Strangers. They are known for their intense live shows, which feature drone bass lines, white noise guitars, savage drums, and intense vocals.
LA-based duo Tremours produce beautiful and sometimes intense dreamy hazy shoegaze apparently. What’s not to love about that?
Tickets are £8 plus booking fee (more on the door). Click here for details.
That’s all for this week’s Culture Guide. I’ll be back on Saturday with our first long-read newsletter.
Until then - have a great week!
Andrew
p.s. I love a story tip-off, know something we should be looking into or including in The Calderdale Lead? Drop me a line at calderdale@thelead.uk or I’m on X at @andrewgreaves84