On Tuesday 12th May, Cllr. Keith Butterick stepped down as Mayor of Hebden Royd Town Council, as Cllr. Steve Woodhead takes on the role for the 2026/27 year.
We look forward to sharing more about HRTC’s new Mayor next week, with a report on the Mayor Making event and Service to the Community Awards.
For now, we’d like to thank our outgoing Mayor, Cllr Keith Butterick, as we share his reflections on a year as Mayor:
“I can’t believe how quickly the year has gone. Being Mayor has been a hectic and enjoyable experience. It combines enjoyable events such as handing out cheques to schools to buy books, twinning events in Hebden and France and opening the iconic Hebden Film Festival. Then there is the serious business of chairing meetings of the Full Council.
In this past year Hebden Royd Town Council (HRTC) has had to consider a range of difficult and controversial issues such as car parking charges, the Hebden Bridge Flood Alleviation Scheme and the proposed windfarm at Calderdale Energy Park.
These are serious issues about which people have strong opinions. As chair of the Council I have attempted to ensure debates have been conducted in a manner that respects different opinions and maintain the dignity of the Council. It has not always been easy.
The last few years have shown both the strength and fragility of community life. Social media can be a powerful tool for information and campaigning, but it can also deepen divisions and create an atmosphere where disagreement quickly becomes hostility. Hebden Royd, I believe, works best when people work together — not because everyone agrees, but because we recognise that we share the same town, the same challenges and ultimately the same future. Civic life depends on maintaining that sense of common purpose, particularly at difficult moments.
The best part of being the Mayor though has been the privilege of meeting so many of the wonderful people that live in this amazing area where there is so much going on.
The final two events I attended illustrate its diversity and richness. On the one hand the unique World Dock Pudding Championships (see a video here), and the other, Happy Hounds run by HRTC and the RSPCA. What makes many of the events successful are the spirit of the volunteers who put the time and effort that make them a success.
I’d like to share a word of appreciation and thanks to the hard-working staff of Hebden Royd Town Council, Emma, Rebekah, Jacqui, Ebony, Bryony and Gareth who provide an important service to the whole community sometimes under trying circumstances.
Finally, my best wishes to Cllr. Woodhead as the next Mayor and Cllr. Turner as the Deputy Mayor.”
Hebden Royd Town Council thanks Cllr. Keith Butterick for all the time and energy he has brought to his role as Mayor throughout the past year.
