Achievements

Mill Bank villagers are passionate and take great pride in maintaining their local environment. This is done on a voluntary basis but provides a great social and community spirit. The village is proud of the following achievements.

Social Awareness

The experience of people getting together to enhance the environment generates a sense of pride in the local community. The Group also promotes an appreciation of past history and an awareness of place in time. To this end we have produced three social history publications and a ‘Walks about Mill Bank’ leaflet published in 2009. A number of social groups are now flourishing. The group supported a villager with her exhibition at local libraries on the Triangle Women’s Hostel by applying for a grant on her behalf. The exhibition was a huge success.

Organisation & Communication

Mill Bank has a management committee and holds an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the autumn. Each year there is a consultation exercise, usually a spring ‘walk-about’ to identify priorities. The village noticeboard is well used and newsletters are circulated quarterly. There is an active email network for regular volunteers. The Halifax Courier publishes stories of our achievements and the newsletters are available on our Facebook page.

Planting Project

This was particularly popular and aimed at people who do not have gardens. Raised vegetable beds were installed and a mini orchard was planted. Herb tubs and the soft fruit area for use by all villagers are also popular.

History Boards

Mill Bank Group commissioned three history boards in the village tracing the historic roots of the village. The boards are located by the stream on Lower Mill Bank Road, outside St. Mary’s School and by the entrance to the playground. This project was supported by St. Mary’s School children and villagers.

Fundraising

Mill Bank Groups core work is funded through the sale of the annual village calendar and other merchandise. We need approximately £1,500 per annum for base activities and grants for special projects are obtained from a variety of sources. The group aims to be as self-sufficient as possible.