Meltham Town Council

04/09/2026

💡 New & Improved Lighting at Broadlands Skate Park! 🛹

Since taking back ownership of Broadlands Recreation Ground, the Trustees have been working hard to identify repairs and improvements that will help keep the space safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

One of the improvements identified was a much-needed upgrade to the lighting at the skate park. The new lights are now operated by a PIR sensor, meaning they only come on when the area is being used.

This will help to:
🌙 Reduce unnecessary light pollution for neighbouring properties
💷 Reduce running costs
🛹 Most importantly, ensure the skate park remains a safe and well-lit space for people to enjoy.

A huge thank you to the Trustees and the contractors who have helped make this improvement happen.

We think the new lights look great — and we hope everyone who uses Broadlands enjoys them too! 🙌

03/09/2026

🕰️🍻 Throwback Thursday – The Story Behind Wills O’ Nats!

This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us up the road to a much-loved Meltham landmark — Wills O'Nats 🍻📸

And what better time to look back at its history than the week it is getting ready to reopen its doors following a refurbishment? 🎉🔨

But where did that rather unusual name come from? 🤔

Our local history archives tell us that the inn was known as the Spotted Cow Inn in 1854, with good stabling. 🐄

In 1866, William Dyson — son of Nathaniel Dyson — took over the inn, and local people began calling it “Will’s O’ Nats”, meaning William, the son of Nathaniel. 👨‍👦

By around 1897, when Jas. Dyson was landlord, the inn had become known as the New Inn. But the old nickname refused to disappear! Even in 1972, a traveller asking for directions to the New Inn was apparently told that they had never heard of it in Meltham — they only knew Will’s O’ Nats! 😂

And so, in February 1973, the decision was made to officially restore the name “Will’s O’ Nats” to the inn. A triumph for common sense… and local knowledge! ❤️👏

📜 Swipe through our photographs and take a little trip through the years — how many of these images do you recognise?

And now, more than 50 years after its name was officially restored, there's a new chapter about to begin…

🎉 Wills O’ Nats is reopening! 🎉

After a refurbishment, the pub is throwing open its doors tomorrow at 4pm for its grand opening. 🍻🥳

So if you’re looking for somewhere to head this weekend, why not pop up, have a look at the changes and show your support for another of our local pubs? ❤️

We wish the team at Wills O’ Nats every success for this exciting new chapter!

👉 For the latest information about the reopening, follow Wills O’ Nats on Facebook

Do you have memories of Wills O’ Nats? Maybe a favourite night, a memorable landlord, or simply memories of how it looked years ago? 🍻💭

Share them with us below! 👇

🍻📸❤️

29/08/2026

27/08/2026

Unfortunately our skateboard session was cancelled today due to the heavy rain. Such a shame as everyone was looking forward to the session.
Thanks to everyone who turned up on Tuesday!

27/08/2026

🌳🕰️ Throwback Thursday – From Meltham Hall to Robert Ashton Memorial Park 📸

This week, our Throwback Thursday takes us somewhere very familiar to many Meltham residents… Meltham Hall and its beautiful parkland. 🏡🌳

Looking at these photographs, it’s fascinating to see how this much-loved part of Meltham has changed over the years — from the days of Meltham Hall and its historic grounds, through to the park we know and enjoy today as Robert Ashton Memorial Park. ❤️

We've got some wonderful old photographs to share, along with snippets from the history of the Hall and the park. 📜📸 And there are even a few glimpses of events from years gone by, showing that the park has long been a place for our community to come together. 🎶👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

And how fitting that our Throwback comes just as we're getting ready to enjoy the park today! ☀️🌳

🎉 Picnic in the Park returns on Saturday 29th August! 🎉

Organised by the fantastic Friends of Robert Ashton Memorial Park, this FREE community event runs from 11am–4pm and promises live music, stalls, a raffle, face painting, children's activities and much more! 🎶🎨🎪

So, why not bring a picnic, grab a rug and make a day of it? 🧺❤️

From Meltham Hall and its historic grounds, to the vibrant community park we enjoy today — what memories do you have of this special place?

We'd love to hear them! 👇💬

🌳📸❤️

25/08/2026

The first of the skateboard sessions funded by Meltham Town Council was great success today! Over 20 children came along to the session and enjoyed expert tuition from the excellent instructors from "Skate it Yourself". One little girl said that she'd give the session 10/10 and wishes they were every day.
Finlay (age 5) had his first lesson and wants a skateboard for Christmas.
The next session will be on Thursday 27th August, 1-4pm, at the Skateboard Park, Broadlands Recreation Grounds.
All equipment and tuition provided.

20/08/2026

🌧️ DATE CHANGE – POP-UP SKATE & RIDE SESSION 🛹🛴

Due to today’s wet weather, today’s Pop-Up Skate & Ride session at Broadlands Recreation Ground has been postponed.

The organisers have made the decision to postpone the session for everyone’s safety — and to make sure the kids can enjoy their skating without having to do it in the rain! ☔️

📅 NEW DATE: Tuesday 25th August
⏰ 1pm – 4pm
📍 Broadlands Recreation Ground
💷 FREE – everyone is welcome!

The session will still be run by Skate It Yourself, with skateboard coaching, scootering, bikes, ramps, challenges and a fun jam session for all ages and abilities. 🛹🛴🚲🔥

If you were planning to come along today, please save the new date — Tuesday 25th August! 🙌

We’re really sorry for any inconvenience caused by the change, but we hope the better weather will make for a much more enjoyable afternoon of skating and riding! ❤️

See you on Tuesday! 🛹🛴🎉

20/08/2026

🕰️ Throwback Thursday – Meltham Market Place through the years! 📸

After a couple of weeks of road closures, diversions and resurfacing works around the town centre, we’re sure many of you will be pleased to see things getting back to normal soon! 🚧➡️🛣️

So, what better way to celebrate than with a little Throwback Thursday? 😍

This week, we’re taking a trip back in time to Meltham Market Place and looking at how this familiar part of our town has changed over the years. 🏘️📜

From different buildings and businesses, to different vehicles and fashions, these photographs are a wonderful reminder of how much — and how little — Meltham has changed! ❤️

👀 Can you recognise the Market Place in these old photographs?
🗣️ And perhaps most importantly… what do you remember about Meltham Market Place from years gone by?

We’d love to hear your memories in the comments! 👇

📸❤️

15/08/2026

🛹🛴 POP-UP SKATE & RIDE SESSIONS COMING TO BROADLANDS! 🎉

Looking for something fun to do during the summer holidays? We’ve got something exciting coming to Broadlands Recreation Ground! 🙌

Thanks to funding from the Trustees of Broadlands Recreation Ground, we’re delighted to welcome Skate It Yourself for two FREE pop-up skate & ride sessions this August.

📅 Thursday 20th August
📅 Thursday 27th August
⏰ 1pm – 4pm
📍 Broadlands Recreation Ground
💷 FREE – everyone is welcome!

Skate It Yourself are a West Yorkshire-based skateboarding organisation focused on community, running lessons, events and outreach activities to get people involved and enjoying skateboarding together. 🛹

What can you expect? 👇

Whether you’re already a confident skater, fancy having a go for the first time, or just want to come along and see what it’s all about, there’s something for everyone!

🛹 Skateboard coaching – learn some new skills or have your first go
🛴 Scootering – come along and get involved
🚲 Bikers are welcome too!
🤝 Activities for all ages and abilities
🔥 A jam session where the ramps come out and everyone can have a go
⭐ A chance to try new tricks and challenges
🎬 And we’ll finish with a demonstration of some of the tricks the team can land!

The aim is to get everyone riding together, having fun and building a local skate community, where people of all ages and abilities can enjoy Broadlands Recreation Ground together. ❤️

So grab your skateboard, scooter or bike — or just come along and have a go!

No experience needed. No cost. Just turn up and join in! 🙌

🛹🛴🚲

13/08/2026

🎺 Throwback Thursday! 🎺

This week we're turning our attention to one of Meltham's much-loved community institutions — Meltham & Meltham Mills Band! 🎶

Established way back in 1846, the band has been part of Meltham's story for almost 180 years, bringing music to generations of residents and becoming an important part of our town's identity. The band continues to thrive today, with opportunities for players of all ages through groups including Meltham Community Brass and Meltham Junior Blast. 🎺👏

📸 These wonderful photographs from the Meltham In Focus archive give us a glimpse back at the band, its members and the role it has played in our community over the years.

And there's no better time to celebrate the band than now! ❤️

🎺 As is tradition, Meltham & Meltham Mills Band will once again lead the procession at our Annual Civic Service on Sunday 13th September.

Everyone is warmly invited to join us as we come together to celebrate the people who make Meltham such a special place to live.

🕙 10.15am – Assemble between The Carlile Institute & St Bartholomew's Church
🎺 10.30am – Procession led by Meltham & Meltham Mills Band
⛪ Following the procession – Civic Service at St Bartholomew's Church

The Civic Service is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication of our local volunteers, community groups, organisations and public servants who give so much to our town.

💬 Do you recognise anyone in these photographs? Perhaps you or a family member played in the band? We'd love to hear your memories! 👇

🎶 And if you'd like to find out more about the band and its history, you can visit their website here https://www.melthamband.co.uk/