The Colne Valley Futurebuilders Project was set up by Connect Housing 18 months ago, in partnership with Kirklees Council, Kirklees build and Calderdale College. Connect recruited 8 unemployed people from the valley area who wanted to train for a career in the building maintenance industry.

Jason had a cracking day in the sun and hailstones. In the morning he visited Shapemaster exercise equipment in Honley and Chickadee Poultry near Hade Edge who take eggs and chicks into schools to educate about poultry. Jason then spent the afternoon with the Yorkshire Water spillway project team visiting Ramsden, Brownhill, Yateholme and Riding Wood reservoirs to see the completed or nearly completed work. They next visited Butterley spillway near Marsden where Jason stressed the importance of saving the historical character of the listed spillway and fully involving the community in the project. Jason ended a busy day as speaker at the Honley Civic Society.

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.

In his capacity as President of the Royal Air Force Association in Huddersfield, Jason joined RAF veterans and their families for a lunch at the George Hotel. Jason attended Remembrance Day services at Marsden and the Holme Valley Memorial Hospital.

Jason was pleased to congratulate some of the local winners including Hinchliffe’s Farm Shop from Netherton, Eric’s Restaurant from Lindley, Hanson Music from Marsden and Young Businessman of the Year David Elliott of Wellhouse Leisure who also picked up the “Make It Huddersfield” award.

Huddersfield Town fan Jason was also proud to see Town Chairman Dean Hoyle pick up the Business Person of the Year.

British Waterways recently installed a new ‘No Swimming’ sign at the reservoir between Marsden and Slaithwaite and it has sparked anger from local residents who have used the reservoir for swimming for decades. Jason invited British Waterways to meet the local action group at Sparth. Now the two sides are trying to reach a compromise.

He then spent a busy afternoon helping the wonderful volunteers at the Kirkwood Hospice shop in Holmfirth.

The apartments for people over 55 include small allotment plots and they’re very energy efficient. Happy new resident Val is pictured with Jason.