Over 180 upper Calder Valley residents - and a few visitors from Norway - enjoyed an afternoon of activities relating to Incredible Edible Mytholm’s (IEM) plans for the former Mytholm Works site in Hebden Bridge.
Growing Futures is the name the group has given to its proposed community-owned, sustainable food business, which - business plan and fundraising permitting -they aim to set up on the brownfield site on King Street.
The aim of the Growing Futures Field Day, held at Hebden Bridge Town Hall, was to find out how much public support there is for IEM’s plans.
Hebden Royd Town Councillor Tony Hodgins said: “I attended the event with a certain amount of scepticism but after seeing the enthusiasm and ideas that were presented I feel this is the right use of this site. It could be a tourist attraction in its own right and will provide employment and apprenticeships much needed in the area and provide a sustainable food source.
“I hope at some time in the future we can find a site in Mytholmroyd where we can do something similar.”
During the event, people were able to view a range of architect drawings and plans for the Growing Futures business and gave their own reactions to it.
They also saw apple tree and bean planting in containers in the town hall courtyard, weed soup and pancake cooking, straw bale building demonstrations in Waterside Hall and children’s art activities.
Young Shaggy Dog storytellers Rhiannon and Millie entertained children with scarecrow stories and Kerith from Hand Made Parade helped youngsters make food- themed art work.
As well as children’s activities, wild tasty food from Flood Angels Helena Cook and Jo Thompson, and bread from the Bakehouse, there were roundtable discussions about sustainable food, growing and building with different speakers.
Myra James, an IEM management committee member, said: “Charlie Clutterbuck’s talk was a very interesting perspective on food production issues. And it was fascinating to learn about straw bale building - all new information to me. In fact the day as a whole was a great learning experience. And how fantastic that so many people came along to learn about our project - a proper vote of confidence.”
Calder ward Councillor Dave Young said: “IEM have come up with a really good alternative use of the Browns site and I wish them every success in their venture which could be a great asset for our wonderful town of Hebden Bridge.”
Hebden Royd Town Councillor Jonathan Timbers said: “I was really impressed by the enthusiasm of the organisers and mixture of activities. This project has potential.”
If you would like to know more, please email changingmorethanlightbulbs@gmail.com or visit IEM’s Facebook page (IncredibleEdible is all one word).