We’re All Active Calderdale – Portsmouth to Todmorden

Winter Celebration 2025

On a dark, wet, and wintry December afternoon in Cornholme, Vale Baptist Church offered a welcome contrast, glowing with light, warmth, and conversation. Around forty people came together to reflect on and celebrate the positive changes taking shape locally at the first We’re All Active Calderdale Winter Celebration.

Despite the cold outside, the atmosphere inside was upbeat and energising. The event marked a moment to pause, look back on what has been achieved over the past few years, and look ahead to what is still possible when communities come together.

A Room Full of Energy and Ideas

The celebration brought together an eclectic mix of people and organisations, reflecting the breadth of activity happening across Cornholme & Portsmouth, and the wider Todmorden area. Guest speakers included representatives from Vale Baptist Church, Staying Well, Inspire Motivate Transform, the Upper Valley Community Rights of Way Service, Todmorden Town Council and AHR Inclusion.

They were joined by residents, ward and town councillors, Calderdale Council’s Neighbourhood Officer and Green Spaces team, representatives from Todmorden Learning Centre, The Makery bike workshops, the walking and wheeling group Tod Stroll & Roll, and the local University of the Third Age.

It was a diverse and enthusiastic gathering of people with different backgrounds, skills, and interests, united by a shared purpose: supporting local people to move more, feel better, and improve the spaces and opportunities that make this possible.

Building Momentum Through Active Calderdale

Active Calderdale has been supporting Cornholme & Portsmouth for several years, helping to make connections, create opportunities for collaboration, and build strong local relationships. Since Spring 2023, this work has taken on a more focused, community-led approach.

Investment in the area has supported CROWS' work to improve access to public rights of way, as well as the growth of initiatives such as the flourishing Vale Community Garden. This is alongside a developing timetable of activities that encourage people of all ages and abilities to get involved, get active, and connect with others.

Sharing Stories, Learning, and Progress

The Winter Celebration was a chance to bring together everyone involved, from those who have been part of the journey from the beginning to newer faces curious to learn more and get involved.

During the afternoon, participants mapped who was in the room, what was happening locally, and the connections already linking people and projects across the community.

Todmorden Town Council’s Community Support Officer shared photos and updates on the development of Vale Community Garden, highlighting the dedication of the volunteer group that continues to nurture the space. Rebecca from Inspire Motivate Transform spoke passionately about the importance of being active and the wide-ranging benefits for both mental and physical health.

The Upper Valley Community Rights of Way Service talked about their ongoing work to repair and maintain local footpaths, ensuring routes remain safe and accessible for everyone. Staying Well provided updates on community events and small funding opportunities, while Jim from Vale Baptist Church outlined the variety of community-focused groups and activities hosted at the church.

The group also heard about the annual Great Get Together held each September, a joyful, village-wide celebration featuring all-age activities such as circus skills, an intergenerational sports day, T-shirt printing, and the creation of a community beach mural.

Looking Ahead: Active Ambassadors and What’s Next

Information was shared about the new Active Ambassadors pilot recently launched in Todmorden. This community activation programme offers entry-level training in inclusive and accessible sport, enabling local people to lead activity within their own community groups as part of regular sessions.

For anyone interested in learning more about the Active Ambassadors programme, contact Aron Harper-Robinson at aron@ahrinclusion.com.

Ending on a High Note

The afternoon concluded with a delicious festive lunch and plenty of time to chat, make new connections, and explore shared interests. Conversations flowed easily, and there was a strong sense of optimism about what lies ahead.

If the Winter Celebration was anything to go by, 2026 looks set to be another year of Cornholme & Portsmouth, and the wider Todmorden area continuing to come together, supporting one another, strengthening local links, and creating more opportunities for everyone to be active, connected, and well.

For more details on what’s happening locally

Inspire Motivate Transform’s movement classes: Rebecca Slaven rebecca@imtforever.co.uk

Vale Community Garden: Becca Toop community@todmorden-tc.gov.uk

Vale Baptist Church: Jim Haughey jim.haughey@yahoo.co.uk

Cornholme & Portsmouth Old Library: Director Susan Press sspre2@aol.com

Cornholme Running Wild forest school: cornholmerunningwild@gmail.com

Upper Valley Staying Well: stayingwell@hebdenbridgetownhall.org.uk

Todmorden Health Centre: todmorden.grouppractice2@nhs.net

Todmorden Learning Centre: Tod College – learning centre and community hub

Todmorden Makery Bike Repairs & Workshops: todmordenmakery@gmail.com

Todmorden University of the Third Age: groups@u3atod.org.uk