Spring is here, the daffodils are blooming and as we write this, it is snowing outside! As so often April in Yorkshire brings the promise of Summer mixed with reminders that Winter is not yet quite behind us!
But Spring and early Summer brings more things to do in Calderdale and this newsletter is packed with events, social groups and activities, all for the over 50s. Scroll down to read more and if you can't find what you're looking for, visit our website Events and In Touch pages for more ideas.
Also this month we would like to know what you think about our website and newsletters. What do you most want to read about and what are the local issues that concern you right now? We launched our survey in March and it will remain live until the end of April. So if you haven't yet given us your views, please do have a look. It is very short with just four questions.
Tell us your views
Calderdale litter picking sessions Calderdale has joined the Great British Spring Clean campaign to remove the litter in our community. From 25th March to the 10th April, every day at 10am you can join a team of litter pickers across Calderdale.
Flooding support website re-launched The new Eye on Calderdale website, which provides information to support those vulnerable to flooding, is now live! The redeveloped website has a new look and improved functionality to make it easier to access and find the information you need before, during and after a flood.
West Yorkshire’s first Police and Crime Plan The Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin has launched her first Police and Crime Plan. It follows one of the biggest consultation exercises the county has ever seen, and outlines a vision of making West Yorkshire ‘Safe, Just and Inclusive’.
Anne Lister Festival this week! From Saturday 2 April there will be a week-long series of "Gentleman Jack" themed events in Calderdale as our region celebrates Anne Lister's birthday. This Saturday through Monday there will be a Victorian Artisan Market at Shibden Park and Halifax Minster is open daily all week. Halifax Central Library is displaying Anne's Diaries and Bankfield Museum is showing fashions in the time of Anne Lister.
Calderdale Big Band Tea Dance Dance the afternoon away with the Calderdale Big Band on Saturday 14 May at a Staying Well Hub Tea Dance at the Ardern Road Social Club. Doors open at 1.15pm for a 2pm start.
Sunday tea with Todmorden Age Concern Age Concern Todmorden are running a Sunday Afternoon of Teas at Roomfield House, Cambridge Place,Todmorden on 3rd April. Tickets are still available from Age Concern.
Calderdale Heritage Walks summer programme Calderdale Heritage Walks have released details of their Spring and Summer walks 2022.
The run regular walks from April to October, with most taking place on Sundays with occasional Saturday, Bank Holiday and summer evening events.
“Young at Heart” concert brings sunshine to older people in Calderdale! On Tuesday 15 March, Concert for the Young at Heart put on a wonderful free show, welcoming hundreds of older people back to the Victoria Theatre, Halifax. Prior to the pandemic the show has been performed annually for 18 years, and now after a two-year gap, Young at Heart was back, sponsored by the Maurice Jagger Centre and bringing a night of music and entertainment to an appreciative crowd.
What’s on at the Square Chapel this April? There’s a great line-up of entertainment at Halifax’s Square Chapel in the coming weeks – to see the full line up and book, please visit their website. From Rugby League legend Martin Offiah to an Abba Tribute night, there is something to suit every taste!
Brighouse Scottish Country Dance Club welcomes visitors Brighouse Scottish Country Dance Club is a friendly group who enjoy getting together to dance each Thursday evening. They also hold open evenings once a month on a Saturday.
Ryburn Men in Sheds At Ryburn Men in Sheds you can make things, repair things, enjoy great company with other men or just have a natter and a coffee and make new friends. Sheds are all about meeting like-minded people and regaining a sense of purpose while having fun. The shed is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm and visitors are welcome.
Huddersfield Flower Club welcomes new members uddersfield Flower Club brings together like minded people who love flowers and want to see and create the most up to date designs. Watch qualified demonstrators bring flowers to life in artistic ways, learn and develop skills through sharing tips and techniques, attending workshops, listening to informative talks and much much more. We also participate in the events of the National Association of Flower Arrangers held each year, keeping us inspired, educated, entertained and informed.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance available to give talks Robin Owen-Morley from the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is available now to give talks to community and social groups in Calderdale. As well as explainng the history behind Air Ambulance and the stories of some ex-patients he gives a fascinating peak into the scenes at their operations and what it means to work for the YAA.
To invite Robin to your group or event contact robin.om@btinternet.com
NHS begins Spring booster vaccinations The NHS in Calderdale started to offer Spring booster vaccines from 28 March as the Covid-19 vaccination programme moves to the next phase. The extra booster is being offered to people aged 75 and over, care home residents and people with weakened immune systems (12 and over), in line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Immunisations & Vaccinations (JCVI).
Macular Disease Society latest newsletter Macular Disease affects many older people and this month we bring you highlights of the Macular Society's March newsletter including updates on their continued efforts to beat Macular Disease as well as top advice from those living with the condition.
Halifax Society for the Blind Updates Halifax Society for the Blind have updated us with their latest news including social group meetings for people with sight loss and groups targeted at specific interests. They also run a Sight Loss Resource Centre in Halifax where you can browse a wide range of sight loss equipment and get information and advice from their trained Sight Support Advisors.
Become a Staying Well telephone befriender If you are looking for a volunteering opportunity that can make a huge positive impact to an elderly person then you may want to become a Staying Well Telephone Befriender. They are looking for people from all walks of life, of any age, having a friendly, chatty approach, willing to reach out to someone who needs a chat.
Council’s energy cost rebate A £150 rebate will soon be available to help eligible residents with rising energy costs. If you pay your Council Tax by Direct Debit you’ll receive it automatically within 10 working days of your first instalment being paid. For everyone else an application form will be available in early May.
Finding support from West Yorkshire Trading Standards West Yorkshire Trading Standards work with consumers to prevent them from becoming victims, with businesses to help them comply with good practice and with partners to put funds back into communities. We have published full details of how they can help you and how they enforce legislation on our website.
Final year of life benefits changes From 4 April 2022, people who are thought to be in their final year of life will be able to receive vital support through the ‘Special Rules’, six months earlier than they are able to at present. The 12-month approach will be implemented first in Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance and will then be extended to Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance as soon as Parliamentary time allows.
Funding for the Forum from Community Foundation for Calderdale Thanks to recent funding from Community Foundation for Calderdale, we are creating six new information hubs on our website and adding more essential information, advice and guidance for you and your families. If you like what we do, then please share our newsletter or social media posts so more over 50s in Calderdale can find us and complete our Spring opinion survey
The Community Foundation for Calderdale supports charities and voluntary groups across Calderdale, working alongside these groups to address inequalities and create opportunities for those who need them the most.
