The Government is delivering unprecedented funding for new apprenticeships:

• Businesses and training providers can bid for a share of £6 million from the Higher Apprenticeship Fund, which will support the development of thousands of new Higher Apprenticeships in sectors including aerospace, energy and renewable technologies.
• Small and medium-sized businesses without any apprentices who hire one aged 16-24 are eligible for a £1,500 bonus, with up to 40,000 payments available.
• Businesses can bid for a share of a £250 million fund to boost skills in their workplace, giving employers rather than training providers direct access to funding for training.

Lindley Juniors (pictured) won the Junior School trophy, while Honley High School went on to win the Senior School trophy.

He visited J B Schofield and Sons in Linthwaite to hear the views of a local scrap metal merchant. It is his view that the criminals must be punished, not reputable businesses.

The festive fun included performances from the Honley Ladies Choir, Honley Male Voice Choir, St Mary’s Hand Chime Ringers, a solo tuba, the High School ukulele and guitar groups and the Honley Saxophone Choir.

Congratulations to Musical Director Emily Reaves, accompanist John Oldfield, Head of Music at Honley HS Leigh Baker, and everyone else who made it such a special evening.

Pupils from Clough Head and Wellhouse designed, coloured and painted their entries to be this year’s card. The cards are being produced and sent out at no cost to the tax payer.

Jason and local campaigner Mark Hemingway enjoyed the evening, with Jason tucking into braised pig’s cheek and creamy mash on offer outside the award winning Eric’s Restaurant. Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark turned on the lights.

Jason had a busy festive weekend. Friday evening saw the big Christmas Lights switch on in Honley. Congratulations to Ian Gooch and the Holme Valley Business Association for doing the valley proud with the lights in Holmfirth and Honley.

Hundreds braved the squalls to walk round the Honley Christmas street market on Saturday morning with shelter just up the road in Trinity Church for their lovely Christmas Tree Festival.

Then it was Marsden’s turn for their lights switch on with entertainment from the Imbolc fire twirlers. The blue and white Christmas lights in Meltham looked as dazzling as ever on the drive home.

Jason spent an enjoyable Sunday afternoon at the 1940s themed Christmas at Taylors Food Store with a festive performance from Honley Male Voice Choir.

Marsden folk group the Thieving Magpies (pictured) and the Slubbing Billys joined in the festive fun. Jason then spent a wonderful evening at the Diwali Dinner Dance at the Sikh Leisure Centre in Huddersfield.

For more information, please visit www.savegrimescarvalley.com.