After the success of the last fruit tree pruning workshop, the Council has decided to hold another one.  We are inviting people who want to take part to get in touch and let us know which Saturday over the next few weeks would be suitable.  We will set the actual date after consulting the people who want to take part. 

If you're interested please email Emma, our Admin Assistant and let her know if there are any Saturdays which are better than others.  We will try to fit in with demand as far as possible.

People are requested to wear stout footwear and warm winter clothing.  It is also advisable to bring a flask with a hot drink, strong gloves and any tools you may have such as secateurs, loppers, pruning saws, etc.

The Village Improvement Fund is still available.  The Council can contribute up to £1,000 per Councillor to the cost of projects, which are of benefit to the local village.  If you have an idea for something which could be achieved in your village, tell your local Councillor about it, as it may be possible to fund it from this money.  Funding can also be used to support existing facilities, which are struggling financially.  To apply, the Councillors need to submit a form giving full details of the project, costings and a quote.  Forms and documents must be received by Friday 4 February 2022.

The Grants & Community Projects Committee will consider all the proposed projects, with the Council taking the final decisions at the March Council meeting.

The Council has approved £14,957 in small annual grants to 52 organisations, covering all age groups and interests across the Parish.

Please see the November Grants & Community Projects Committee minutes in the Reports section to find out if your application has been successful.  The cheques will be sent out in April, at the start of the new financial year.

The Council has awarded the following General Grants:

Kirkburton Senior Citizens Support Group: £750 towards the cost of the Annual Tea and Christmas Lunch.

Kirkheaton Cricket & Bowling Club: £4,000 towards the cost of replacement windows.

Stocksmoor Bridge Club: £1,000 towards the cost of an electronic scoring system.

Kirkburton AFC Seniors: £2,700 towards the cost of replacing fencing at Gregory Fields.

Shepley Band: £560 to cover the cost of new music and Band sweatshirts.

Grange Moor Community Association: £3,000 towards the cost of refurbishing the Miniature Park adjacent to the Bowling Club.

Yetton Together: £1,805 towards the cost of utility bills and a music licence at Kirkheaton Community Centre.

Shepley Pre-School: £2,160 towards the cost of re-fencing around the children's playground.

Shepley Spring Festival: £2,200 towards the cost of an outdoor stage and sound equipment.

We hope to send the cheques out next week.

It is with sadness that the Council learned of the death of former councillor, Roger Battye, which happened only a short time after he stood down from the Council due to ill health.  Roger has been a Kirklees Councillor for many years, working hard in the interests of his local residents.  He became a Parish Councillor in May 2019 and continued that work.  He will be much missed by colleagues and friends across Kirklees.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.