The BBC has been spotted filming Shane Meadows' new drama The Gallows Pole in a quiet Yorkshire village.
Film crews from the BBC have descended upon the quiet West Yorkshire village of Heptonstall, near Hebden Bridge, transforming its tiny cobbled streets into that of an 18th-century town as they shoot new drama The Gallows Pole.
Inspired by a real-life story about a gang of counterfeiters who lived in the area hundreds of years ago, the new BBC drama is based on Benjamin Myers’ award-winning novel of the same name.
Image: Angela Jarrett
Its heroes, the Cragg Vale Coiners, came to the area in the 1700s to produce fake gold coins that supplemented their income from weaving and were responsible for what became known as the biggest fraud in English history.
The new BBC drama will feature This Is England star Michael Socha alongside actors Thomas Turgoose, 1917’s George MacKay, Sophie McShera, Tom Burke, Cara Theobold, Yusra Warsama, and Eve Burley.
Image: Angela Jarrett via Twitter
Documenting a fascinating period of Yorkshire history, The Gallows Pole will dramatise how the pursuits of the counterfeiters, also sometimes known as the Yorkshire Coiners, ultimately damaged the British economy and set the men up as rebels against the state.
Images shared on Twitter by Angela Jarrett show actors dressed up in full 17th-century costume, with the women in full skirts and shawls, whilst the male actors donned loose shirts, thick work boots, and dirty-looking waistcoats.
Sharing the discovery to Twitter, Angela wrote: “went to visit son in Calder Valley for a bit of walking and visit to picturesque olde worlde Heptonstall – happened upon filming taking place for new BBC period drama coming soon called The Gallows Pole”.
She also posted the image of a grave of one of the chief coiners, which is also located in Heptonstall.
A portion of the headstone reads: “Here was interr’d the body of Grace Hartley of Lodge in Erringden who departed this life Sept 2nd 1802 in the 61 year of her life.
"Also of David Hartley her Grandson who departed this life Feb 23rd 1845 aged 25 years."
Feature image - Dawn France via the Afghan Rug Shop on Twitter
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Classic FM will be playing calming music for anxious pets this Bonfire Night
Classic FM will be back playing calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks season.
Bonfire Night may be loved by us humans for the spectacular firework displays and all the festive-themed activities that come along with it… but sadly, the November holiday isn’t quite so fun for our four-legged friends.
Loud bangs, flashing lights, and unpleasant strong smell of spent explosives are just some of the reasons why fireworks are frightening to pets.
Not only that, but with multiple bangs occurring from numerous displays across this time of year, pets are rarely able to pinpoint when and where the booming explosions are coming from, therefore creating even more anxiety around this time of year.
Classic FM will play calming music for anxious pets during this year’s fireworks / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
Which is why, for the ninth year running now, Classic FM is once again teaming up with the RSPCA for two Pet Classics programmes packed with ‘the most soothing and comforting classical music’.
The music has been handpicked to help calm and settle any anxious pets.
A survey by the RSPCA revealed that almost two-thirds (63%) of animal owners reported their pet was distressed during fireworks season, and that playing relaxing music was the most common way (36%) to help calm or prepare their animal.
Presenters Dan Walker, Aled Jones, and Dawn O’Porter will each host a night of the specially created programme to help keep the nation’s pets calm through the whizzes and bangs.
Dan will present the first programme on Bonfire Night itself (Thursday 5 November), and then as celebrations continue throughout the weekend, Aled will be on hand to bring some peace to Friday 6 November, and Dawn picks up the baton on Saturday 7 November.
All three Pet Classics programmes will be broadcast from 5pm to 10pm, and you can listen on Classic FM or Global Player available across the UK.
Leeds station to undergo £303m transformation in biggest upgrade for a generation
Clementine Hall
Leeds train station set for biggest transformation in a generation as Government backs growth.
If you thought the work was over for Leeds station, think again.
Because passengers are set to see major improvements as the Government injects a further £200 million into the development of the transport hub.
The additional funding was announced at the Budget today, with upgrades set to be delivered by 2030 and will include the construction of a new central overbridge, three new entrances, more space on the concourses and a longer Platform 14.
Image: Supplied
It means passengers will benefit from more direct routes, less crowding, and nearly 40% more ticket barriers.
Three new entrances will strengthen links between the station and town, improving access to the South Bank, the Dark Arches and Princes Square.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Leeds station is the gateway to West Yorkshire, and this extra £200 million investment will turn it into a station this city can be proud of: modern, welcoming and built for the people who rely on it every single day.
"The great cities of the north deserve better transport, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering. We're paving the way for Northern Powerhouse Rail, forging stronger connections across the region, and backing the infrastructure that creates jobs, builds homes and puts passengers first as we work to set up Great British Railways."
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: "Leeds Station is the beating heart of our region's transport network, connecting millions of people to jobs, education and opportunity every year – and it’s only going to get busier.
“This investment will benefit passengers and businesses, help to unlock the capacity we need for future growth and create a gateway to West Yorkshire that reflects our ambition.
“Together with our wider plans for West Yorkshire’s Weaver Network, we're building a better-connected region which works for all.”
Georgina Pellant -
25th October 2021 
