Matt Hepworth
I’d like to nominate Matt Hepworth for a Pride of Meltham award.
I’ve seen him around Meltham and particularly up Mill Moor Road and been impressed
with his enthusiasm and cheerfulness. I always stop for a few words with him, and what a
nice guy he is.
He’s out in all weather and always has a smile on his face. I definitely think he deserves
recognition for his exceptional service in the community. Well done Matt.
Kate Buchanan
When Kate was elected to the Town Council, she was determined to make a difference. At
the first opportunity, she formed the Meltham Community Choir, where no experience was
necessary. Starting small, with 12 members, it soon outgrew St Bartholomew’s Church,
and it was moved to the Carlile Institute.
As a professional musician, Kate believes strongly in the power of music to enhance
people’s lives, raising moods, calming and relaxing those who are anxious, and bringing joy
to those who sing.
This year, Meltham Community Choir celebrates 10 years since its formation. There are
now regularly 30 members of the choir who attend, whether rain or shine, on a Tuesday
between 6.45pm-8.15pm.
Working with Barry Russell (in itself quite a feat!), she has enabled people like Nigel, who
has no ability to read music, to make joyful noise.
For many members, this is the highlight of their week. The choir has performed for a
number of local groups who, particularly at Christmas, have enjoyed hearing the choir in
action.
The Christmas concert is a delight for the choir who are able to show their friends and
family Kate’s ability to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear!!
Kate also formed Singing For Health; a group for everyone who loves singing. The group
is enjoyed by people of all ages, particularly supporting those who are elderly and may
be struggling with physical or neurological conditions.
Kate was behind the plan for Meltham to become part of the Holmfirth Art Week, this has
given local artists the opportunity to showcase their skills and sell some of their work. It
has also raised significant sums for Macmillan Nurses as a result of this initiative.
Kate has the ability to inspire love, devotion and commitment among the people she works
with. Her enthusiasm for life alongside her own struggles with her health, inspires us all.
Paula Spittlehouse
Paula has made it a first for the Pride of Meltham Awards and has received not one but two nominations, so here they are – well done Paula!
Nomination Letter One:
I am nominating Paula Spittlehouse for the Pride of Meltham award for her outstanding contribution to brass tuition at Meltham C of E School.
Since Paula began working at Meltham C of E as a TA, she has built up the school band to over 30 players which is incredible for a primary school. Paula gives her time voluntarily for the children both before school, from 8.00am – 8.40am and through Monday lunchtime for beginner players. Instruments are provided through Meltham Band of which Paula is Principle Cornet.
The children at Meltham C of E receive tuition, an instrument and the opportunity to play in Meltham Blast (associated with Meltham Band) free of charge. Many families today can not afford the prices of tuition from Kirklees Musica and the cost of hiring an instrument, therefore Paula is giving lots of children an opportunity to learn an instrument that they wouldn’t otherwise have. During the time that Paula has worked at Meltham C of E Primary, she has organised an annual trip to Bridgewater Hall for the children to experience both listening to and playing alongside the famous ‘Halle’ orchestra. In addition, she also organised for the children to take part in the ‘Festival of Brass’ organised by Brass Bands of England which in 2024 took place in Barnsley. For all these fantastic experiences, Paula has sourced grants to make the trips affordable for all children concerned.
Through Meltham Bands ‘Brass Roots Project’, all children learning a brass instrument have the opportunity to go along to ‘Meltham Blast’ on a Tuesday evening which creates community links between the school and Meltham Band.
The outstanding work that Paula is doing bodes well for future brass players and ensures sustainability for years to come.
Nomination Letter Two:
Paula I do believe is involved with all of the Meltham and Meltham Mills Bands, besides being the secretary she is also Principle Cornet of the Senior Band.
About Paula….
Paula is a family person with a husband, a working mother with two young sons who play in the bands as well, but also finds time to help others. She is involved in the successful publicity of Meltham’s Brass Bands – Paula is a hard working, kind, good person.
