Realizing the Holme Valley Vision

The Evolution and Impact of Local Community Action

Holmfirth, image courtesy of moreyorkshire.com

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how best to tell this story. I should start by recalling how it came about.

I’m a Fellow of the RSA, the Royal Society of Arts based in London. It’s one of those things that sounds quite good, and in truth it is good. For me, I get three or four great ideas every year, things I hadn’t thought about that give me a much broader understanding of life and the world around us. And I meet inspirational people doing remarkable things.

This article is a result of conversations with Margaret Dale, one of a team of local people who have been transformational in the social regeneration of Holmfirth and the Holme Valley. In sharing her story Margaret has also transformed my understanding of community action and its possibilities.

There is just so much to this story to share that I think will be important to people who care about their communities, to urban planners, to policy makers, to local government and elected officials and others. I’ve decided to tell the story once as a narrative, then again as a chronology, and hope you will forgive me any repetition. I feel the story is important, and I think the chronology is revealing, how one event can be the catalyst for many things.

Holmfirth is a beautiful market town. It has an interesting past, an active community, and it’s future looks positive. But none of this has been easy, and every day is a challenge for those who love and care for the town.

It’s nestled in the heart of the Holme Valley in West Yorkshire, England, located 6 miles south of Huddersfield and 14 miles west of Barnsley, near the edge of the Peak District National Park (Wikipedia, 2002).

Known for its stone-built cottages, cobbled streets, and stunning Pennine hill landscapes, Holmfirth gained fame as the filming location for the long-running BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine (1973–2010), attracting tourists eager to experience its quintessential Yorkshire charm (Wikipedia, 2002). You don’t even have to be British and a certain age to remember Last of the Summer Wine. It was so long running that its appeal spanned generations and was a profitable export for the BBC, being broadcast in many countries around the world.

I suspect Holmfirth people may tire of this association, but I felt obliged to mention it. For many of us it is the reason we have heard of Holmfirth, while of course the town and the valley are about so much more.

Beyond its television legacy, Holmfirth is a vibrant community with a rich history and a strong cooperative ethos, striving to preserve its unique identity amid modern challenges. For Holmfirth people, Holmfirth is home, and it’s a fine home, one worth protecting.

A Short History of Holmfirth

Holmfirth’s history dates back to at least 1000–1200 CE, with early settlers, including Anglo-British, Danes, and Norsemen, contributing to its agricultural development (Denby Dale Coffee, 2022). The Norman invasion in 1066 brought upheaval, but the town recovered, growing around a corn mill and bridge in the 13th century (Wikipedia, 2002).

Travelling in fast forward through time, by the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed Holmfirth into a bustling mill town, driven by the textile industry and powered by the River Holme (Denby Dale Coffee, 2022). There is tragedy in the town’s history too, most notably the 1852 floods which claimed 81 lives. This was followed in 1944 by another flood which changed the town centre layout and killed 3 people (Huddersfield Exposed). Then and now Holmfirth’s resilience shines through, and the town has a history of reinvention and finding new purpose (Holmfirth Info, 2021).

Holmfirth’s cultural heritage includes Bamforth & Co.’s pioneering filmmaking and iconic seaside postcards, as well as vibrant arts festivals and a strong tradition of independent businesses (Wikipedia, 2002; Yorkshire.com, 2022). It’s a fascinating place with an awful lot going for it.

Challenges Facing Holmfirth

Image courtesy of holmfirth.info

If you look a little deeper, the community is facing a number of challenges but have come together to find solutions and maintain their town as a great place to live.

Like so many places in Britain, Holmfirth faces several challenges in maintaining its distinct character. A big one is traffic congestion, exacerbated by the town’s unique road layout and high car ownership, creates accessibility issues for residents and visitors (Your Voice, 2021; HoTT, 2011).

The Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan, funded by the West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund, aims to address this through road improvements, pedestrian enhancements, and a 20mph speed limit, though costs have escalated from £3.9 million to £10.3 million (Huddersfield Hub, 2024; Huddersfield Hub, 2023). Previously, the closure of key community spaces, such as a derelict college (of which more later), threatened to erode local gathering points (Co-operatives UK, 2022).

Economic pressures, including rising construction costs and inflation, further complicate regeneration efforts (Huddersfield Hub, 2023). Balancing modernization with the preservation of Holmfirth’s heritage remains a critical challenge, as does ensuring accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists while supporting the town’s 94% independent business rate (Telegraph, 2023).

The Fight Against Tesco

The catalyst that brought the community together was the fight against Tesco.

It began in 2008 when Tesco proposed an out-of-town “eco-store” in Holmfirth, sparking significant controversy (Holmfirth Info, 2021). The plan threatened the town’s independent businesses and risked drawing trade away from the vibrant town centre. Local residents, supported by groups like the Holme Valley Business Association, rallied against the proposal, fearing it would dilute Holmfirth’s unique character.

After four years of debate, the plans were rejected in 2012, a victory for community activism (Holmfirth Info, 2021). That simple sentence hides just how difficult the challenge was for local residents, Davids to Tesco’s Goliath. But they prevailed and went from strength to strength afterwards.

This campaign was not merely about opposing Tesco but about protecting Holmfirth’s identity as a hub of local commerce and culture. It was the prelude for the further community action which followed.

Better to Be For Something: Keeping Holmfirth Special

The Tesco campaign underscored a powerful principle: it is better to stand for something, keeping Holmfirth special, than to be solely against external threats like Tesco. This ethos fueled initiatives to enhance the town’s community spirit and heritage. It’s positivity that powers community action.

The “Keep Holmfirth Special” movement reflects a proactive commitment to preserving the town’s independent businesses, cultural vibrancy, and natural beauty. However, it had become associated with the fight against Tesco, and began to be retired as a slogan to keep the focus positive and “for” good things, rather than “against” challenging situations.

It was this focus on what makes Holmfirth unique, its arts scene, historic architecture, and community cohesion, that enabled residents to foster a forward-looking vision that celebrates local identity while addressing modern needs (Telegraph, 2023).

This was the inspiration behind developing the Holme Valley Vision.

Impact of the Conservation Group and Holme Valley Vision

Holmfirth town branding

This feels like a good point in the story to shine a light on the Holme Valley Vision network which laid the foundations for spin off groups. The most important of these is River Holme Connections, a ten-year-old charity which has been instrumental in environmental initiatives, from river clean-ups to combating Japanese knotweed, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the valley’s ecosystems (River Holme Connections n.d.).

The initial and ongoing focus on the environment was a unifying one. Communities with access to nature and who have pride in the natural world become great places to live, healthy places.

Another is the Holmfirth Conservation Group which carried out an appraisal of the conservation area and continues to find ways to preserve and promote the town centre’s heritage. (Holmfirth Conservation Group, n.d.).And the Holme Valley Vision’s unifying network is an important part of what happened next providing a framework for collaboration among residents, businesses, and local government.

By integrating sustainability, accessibility, and cultural preservation, the network has ensured that Holmfirth remains a vibrant, inclusive community. Projects like Holmfirth Tech and the wind turbine highlight the power of community-led regeneration, inspiring other towns to prioritize local identity and resilience (Telegraph, 2023).

There is more on these projects coming up.

The Community Purchase of Holmfirth Tech

A pivotal moment in Holmfirth’s community-driven revival was the purchase of Holmfirth Tech, a former college building that stood derelict on the high street. The closure of this venue in 2018 left a gap in community spaces, prompting residents to act (Co-operatives UK, 2022).

A group formed Holmfirth Tech Ltd, a community benefit society, to acquire the building through grants, donations, other fundraising, and a community share offer (Telegraph, 2023). Challenges included negotiating a purchase price with Kirklees College, securing a £10,000 grant from Power to Change’s Bright Ideas Fund, and raising half the funds through a local businessman’s investment (Co-operatives UK, 2022).

The team’s diverse skills, spanning community benefits expertise, business planning, and estate management, ensured success. It’s surprising the skills that exist in a community when people come together and take on challenges with a common purpose.

Today, Holmfirth Tech is a thriving hub for arts, learning, enterprise, and well-being, offering co-working spaces, workshops, and events such as a community choir, children’s arts school, ukulele classes, and fitness sessions (Holmfirth Tech, n.d.; Co-operatives UK, 2022).

It hosts regular community gatherings, such as a meet-and-greet for Ukrainian families settling in the valley, and regular coffee mornings. It also provides banking services through a partnership with Barclays, which extended its contract until March 2026 (Holmfirth Tech, n.d.; Telegraph, 2023). The venue’s accessibility features, including parking and a lift, ensure inclusivity (Holmfirth Tech, n.d.). Classes and gatherings attract people of all ages from the toddlers and parents in the Nest to older citizens who enjoy a wide range of activities.

As Chair of Holmfirth Tech Ltd, Margaret Dale brought together the team of people who worked on the campaign to buy and revitalize the Tech, drawing on the town’s cooperative ethos rooted in Victorian-era community subscriptions (Telegraph, 2023). Her leadership brought together a team with varied expertise, fostering collaboration and resilience.

The team’s vision extends beyond the Tech, emphasizing the importance of building relationships to celebrate Holmfirth’s heritage while embracing its future (Telegraph, 2023), ensuring Holmfirth remains a vibrant, inclusive community.

Broader Impact on the Holme Valley

The revitalization of Holmfirth Tech and the broader “Keeping Holmfirth Special” movement have had a profound impact on the Holme Valley. The Tech’s role as a community hub has strengthened social cohesion, providing spaces for diverse groups to connect and thrive (Co-operatives UK, 2022).

The Holmfirth Transition Town initiative (HoTT), promoted sustainable living through projects like the HoTTWind@Longley wind turbine, another community benefit society. This powers 188 homes and reduces CO2 emissions by 287 tonnes annually (HoTT, 2011). It also provides grants to green projects.

HoTT folded in 2022 and its work taken forward by the Holme Valley Climate Action Partnership and other spin off groups such as the Repair Café which meets monthly in the Tech and HoTT Edibles which maintains the town centre vegetable garden (Holmfirth Info n.d.).

A town team formed a company limited by guarantee in 2019. Holmfirth Forward now provides a forum for all those who have a legitimate interest in the future of the town. The team meets monthly and comprises local businesses and their association, residents, leaders of groups active in the town centre, a link to the many festivals and events and parish and ward councillors.

Holmfirth Forward runs the twice weekly community, recently ran the first Holmfirth Pride event, and provides a formal umbrella for the work on the Make it Your Holmfirth campaign and the tourism partnership which is working on the first Heritage Open Week which will happen in September.

These efforts have made Holmfirth a model for community-led regeneration, inspiring other towns to prioritize local identity and resilience (Telegraph, 2023). They make it a special place.

Conclusion

So, I’d thought I’d share some conclusions at this stage before moving on the chronology. Holmfirth’s story, and the broader story of the Holme Valley is one of resilience, community spirit. It is one of commitment to keeping its unique character alive. It is an inspirational one. From its historic roots as a mill town to its modern role as a cultural and tourist hub, Holmfirth has faced challenges with determination.

The successful campaign against Tesco’s out-of-town store and the community purchase of Holmfirth Tech combined with the many other examples of what working together can achieve exemplify the power of collective action.

By focusing on being for something, keeping Holmfirth special, the town continues to thrive as a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community, setting an inspiring example for the Holme Valley and beyond. And realizing that the slogan “Keep Holmfirth Special” needed to be replaced to keep the focus positive was inspired. The campaign to promote the town was renamed in 2024. With funds from Kirklees Council a new logo was developed to encourage all those who live and work in and visit the town to ‘Make it Your Holmfirth’.

There is so much to learn from the people of Holmfirth in how to make the place we live a place we love to live and can be proud of.

A Chronological History of Holmfirth’s Community Action

Early History and Foundations (1000–1200 CE – 18th Century)

Holmfirth’s story begins between 1000–1200 CE, with Anglo-British, Danish, and Norse settlers establishing its agricultural roots (Denby Dale Coffee, 2022). The Norman invasion of 1066 brought disruption, but by the 13th century, the town grew around a corn mill and bridge, laying the foundation for its development (Wikipedia, 2025).

The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century transformed Holmfirth into a bustling textile hub, powered by the River Holme, despite tragedies like the 1852 flood that claimed 81 lives (Denby Dale Coffee, 2022; Holmfirth Info, 2021). This resilience set the stage for the town’s enduring community spirit.

Cultural Development and Early Community Efforts (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

Holmfirth’s cultural heritage flourished with Bamforth & Co.’s pioneering filmmaking and iconic seaside postcards, alongside vibrant arts festivals and independent businesses (Wikipedia, 2025; Yorkshire.com, 2022). The town’s cooperative ethos, rooted in Victorian-era community subscriptions, began to take shape, fostering a tradition of collective action that would later define its modern initiatives (Telegraph, 2023).Holmfirth as a Transition Town (2008)

In 2008, the Holmfirth Transition Town (HoTT) initiative was launched to promote sustainable living and reduce environmental impact. HoTT aimed to address climate change and resource depletion through community-driven projects, setting a foundation for later environmental efforts like tree planting and renewable energy initiatives (HoTT, 2011).

The Fight Against Tesco (2008–2012)

A pivotal moment in Holmfirth’s modern history began in 2008 when Tesco proposed an out-of-town “eco-store,” threatening the town’s 94% independent business rate and vibrant town centre (Holmfirth Info, 2021; Telegraph, 2023).

The Holme Valley Business Association and residents mobilized, launching the “Keep Holmfirth Special” campaign to protect the town’s unique character. After four years of intense debate and activism, the Tesco proposal was rejected in 2012, marking a victory for community resilience and galvanizing further cooperative efforts (Holmfirth Info, 2021).

Formation of the Holme Valley Vision Network (2010)

Inspired by the Tesco campaign, residents formed the Holme Valley Vision Network in 2010 to proactively shape the town’s future. This network united community groups, businesses, and individuals to promote sustainable development, accessibility, and heritage preservation, laying the groundwork for initiatives like River Holme Connections and Holmfirth Tech (Kirklees Council, n.d.).HoTTWind@Longley Wind Turbine (2011)

In 2011, HoTT launched the HoTTWind@Longley wind turbine project through a Community Benefits Society. This initiative, powered by community investment, now generates electricity for 188 homes and reduces CO2 emissions by 287 tonnes annually, demonstrating Holmfirth’s commitment to sustainability (HoTT, 2011).

Valley Survey (2011)

In 2011 the Network questioned why so many of the really good ideas about how the Valley should develop were not activated. It decided to find out what mattered most to most people. With the support of a local businessman, a survey of residents, young people and businesses was carried out. This resulted in a nearly 24% response rate and identified as caring for the environment and keeping the river clean mattered most.

The survey set the ground for many future consultation exercises carried out by different groups over the years. The results of these were drawn together in 2021 into a master plan which focused on keeping Holmfirth as the place to spend time and money, to be with others and enjoy yourself.

River Clean-Up and Nature Holme Initiatives (2012–Ongoing)

Following the Tesco victory, the community turned its focus to environmental stewardship. In 2012, the Network initiated two river clean-up events along the River Holme to combat pollution and protect local ecosystems. In 2015 River Holme Connections was set up to take this work to a higher level.

RHC now is responsible for the Nature Holme project which involves tree planting and the removal of invasive Japanese knotweed to restore biodiversity. These efforts have enhanced the valley’s natural beauty and strengthened community engagement in conservation (HoTT, 2011).

Cleaning Up the High Street (2017)

Set up in 2017, HolmePride engages local residents and businesses to create cleaner, safer environments with organised clean-up events. This is a volunteer led CIC organisation which is now taking over the responsibility for keeping town centre green spaces in good condition.

Community Purchase of Holmfirth Tech (2018–2020)

The closure of Holmfirth Technical College in 2018 left an iconic building on the high street at risk of becoming derelict, threatening community cohesion (Co-operatives UK, 2022).

Residents formed Holmfirth Tech Ltd, a Community Interest Company (CIC) and Community Benefits Society, to acquire the property. Through grants, a £10,000 Power to Change Bright Ideas Fund, a local businessman’s investment, and a community share offer, the purchase was completed in 2020 (Co-operatives UK, 2022; Telegraph, 2023).

Holmfirth Tech now serves as a hub for arts, learning, enterprise, and well-being, hosting events like children’s arts classes, and fitness sessions, space for local businesses, a banking hub and the MP’s constituency office, with accessibility features like parking and a lift (Holmfirth Tech, n.d.).

During Covid, the Tech organized the 400 plus volunteers who helped people who could not shop, coordinated the volunteers for the vaccine clinics and administered the hardship fund.

Festivals and Events

A multiplicity of events happens in the town each year. The first is the Festival of Folk, followed by the Arts Festival which runs through the summer and the Duck Race. Art Week is a major exhibition of the work of local artists and crafts people and centralizes on The Civic Holmfirth (run by a community trust).

The Food and Drink Festival happens in September and this year there will be, for the first time, a heritage week and children’s book festival. The Film Festival runs across the year and the Music Festival is in October. The Christmas Festival lights the town and encourages people into the centre.

All of these are run by local people who give of their time voluntarily for the enjoyment of others. (Holmfirth Info, n.d.)

References

Co-operatives UK. (2022, May 24). Holmfirth Tech: A space that gives the local community what it needs. www.uk.coop.

Denby Dale Coffee. (2022, May 26). The history of Holmfirth. denbydalecoffee.co.uk.

Farewell to HoTT. (2021, October 20). In Holmfirth Info. https://holmfirth.info/farewell-to-hott/[](https://holmfirth.info/)

Holmfirth Flood of 1944. (2021, May 2). In Huddersfield Exposed: Exploring the History of the Huddersfield Area. https://huddersfield.exposed/wiki/Holmfirth_Flood_of_1944[](https://huddersfield.exposed/wiki/Category:Articles_about_the_Holmfirth_Flood_of_1944)

Holmfirth Info. (2021, September 22). Holmfirth history - View our timeline of events. holmfirth.info.

Holmfirth Tech. (n.d.). Holmfirth Centre for Arts, Learning, Well-being and Enterprise. holmfirthtech.co.uk.

HoTT. (2011, July 9). About us - Holmfirth Transition Town. hott.org.uk.

Huddersfield Hub. (2023, March 21). Work to start on Holmfirth town centre Blueprint this summer - but costs have doubled to £7.47 million. huddersfieldhub.co.uk.

Huddersfield Hub. (2024, June 21). Work set to start on Holmfirth regeneration scheme but costs have spiralled to £10.3 million. huddersfieldhub.co.uk.

Kirklees Council. (n.d.). Holmfirth Blueprint. www.kirklees.gov.uk.

Telegraph. (2023, December 10). How Northern grit saved Holmfirth, the town from Last of the Summer Wine. www.telegraph.co.uk.

Wikipedia. (2002, September 24). Holmfirth. en.wikipedia.org.

Yorkshire.com. (2022, September 27). Holmfirth - Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. www.yorkshire.com.

Your Voice. (2021, August 10). Holmfirth Town Centre Access Plan - November 2022 update. www.yourvoice.westyorks-ca.gov.uk.

Important Links

Holmfirth Conservation Group: https://www.holmfirthconservation.org.uk/

Holmfirth Info, Fairs, Festivals and Shows: https://holmfirth.info/event/category/main_events/

River Holme Connections: https://www.riverholmeconnections.org/

Make it Your Holmfirth: https://yourholmfirth.co.uk/

Holme Pride (Community in Action): https://holmepride.co.uk/about/

Footnotes

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My latest book, Delivering Social Value in Urban Development, a collected series of essays, is published through Kindle Direct Publishing and available on most Amazon portals.

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