Kirklees Local TV

13/08/2025

MAYOR’S BIG IDEAS CHALLENGE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED!

Nineteen local businesses have been announced as finalists in the £1 million Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge, each receiving a £20,000 grant and a skills-building package to accelerate their innovation over the next nine months.

The competition, launched by Mayor Tracy Brabin in February, aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across West Yorkshire in developing pioneering products and services that tackle health inequalities and create economic growth.

The 19 finalists will now enter a nine-month development phase before three winners are chosen in March 2026. Each winner will receive an additional £100,000 grant to commercialise their solutions.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4loeJl5

Nineteen local businesses have been announced as finalists in the £1 million Mayor’s Big Ideas Challenge, each receiving a £20,000 grant and a skills-building package to accelerate their innovation over the next nine months.

12/08/2025

BOOK NOW - MASTERCLASS ON BUILDING GREENER, MORE RESILIENT BUSINESSES THIS SEPTEMBER

Businesses from across Yorkshire and the Humber are being invited to attend an inspiring one-day masterclass aimed at helping them become more sustainable, adaptable, and future-ready.

The Growing Green & Resilient Businesses Masterclass will take place on Thursday, 4 September at The Green Estate, a unique heritage venue located at Manor Oaks House in Sheffield. Running from 9 am to 4:30 pm, the event promises to equip business leaders with practical tools, expert insight, and the inspiration to lead in a rapidly changing world.

Join the growing network of change-makers leading Yorkshire and the Humber towards a greener, more resilient future.

Find out how to book here: https://bit.ly/41vYQlm

Businesses from across Yorkshire and the Humber are being invited to attend an inspiring one-day masterclass aimed at helping them become more sustainable, adaptable, and future-ready.

11/08/2025

A LASTING TRIBUTE TO A REMARKABLE WWII VETERAN - BLUE PLAQUE UNVEILED FOR JOHN SMYTHE QC

On 26 July 2025, a blue plaque was unveiled in Thame, South Oxfordshire, commemorating the extraordinary life and legacy of John Henry Smythe QC, OBE, MBE (mil).

Smythe was not only a decorated Royal Air Force officer and World War II veteran but also a pioneering figure on the HMT Empire Windrush and a trailblazing legal mind in Sierra Leone.

The blue plaque now stands as a powerful symbol of recognition for a man whose courage, intellect and commitment to justice left an indelible mark on both British and Sierra Leonean history.

Find out more about John Smythe: https://bit.ly/4fBR1Rc

Reading Time: 3 minutes By KAF Newsdesk – Ceremony Marks Lasting Tribute in Thame to Remarkable WWII Veteran and Legal Luminary On 26 July 2025, a blue plaque was unveiled in Thame, South Oxfordshire, commemorating the extraordinary life and legacy of John Henry Smythe QC, OBE, MBE (mil). Smythe w...

09/08/2025

SEQUINS, SNARK, AND SIDE-SPLITTING COMEDY – THE JOHN GODBER COMPANY IS BACK IN HUDDERSFIELD

Renowned touring theatre group, The John Godber Company, is heading back to Huddersfield this September with their latest comedy, Black Tie Ball, a sharp, satirical look at the glitzy world of fundraising galas, brought to life with Godber’s trademark wit and energy.

With its signature mix of biting humour and heartfelt moments, Black Tie Ball skewers the sophistication of high-society events, while giving a voice to those working tirelessly behind the scenes.

The new play by acclaimed playwright John Godber promises a night of hilarity at The Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen Street, from the 30th of September to the 1st of October.

Book your tickets here: https://bit.ly/45hb02N

Renowned touring theatre group The John Godber Company is heading back to Huddersfield this September with their latest comedy, Black Tie Ball, a sharp, satirical look at the glitzy world of fundraising galas, brought to life with Godber’s trademark wit and energy.

08/08/2025

TWO HEADS ONE HAT PODCAST – CHAMPIONING SOCIAL CHANGE WITH HOWARD BELAFONTE

In this episode of Two Heads One Hat, hosts Millie B and Deacon B sat down with Howard Belafonte, a visionary in community activism and event management.

With decades of experience, Howard is the driving force behind the iconic Deighton Carnival – he shared his insights on the power of events to create lasting social impact, the challenges of planning large-scale community gatherings, and his journey in curating unforgettable experiences that bring communities together.

Listen to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/47cxT9W

In this episode of Two Heads One Hat, hosts Millie B and Deacon B sit down with Howard Belafonte, a visionary in community activism and event management.

07/08/2025

TOMMY'S LOUNGE – WARMTH, CAMARADERIE AND SUPPORT FOR VETERANS IN THE HEART OF HUDDERSFIELD

Tommy's Lounge is a unique and welcoming space designed to provide a sense of community for everyone, especially veterans.

Officially opened in September 2022 near Huddersfield Train Station, Railway Street, Tommy's Lounge is the brainchild of Jennie Thorn, Mick Riley MBE, and Sue Longbottom. This cosy haven is adorned with military memorabilia, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where veterans and their families can feel at home.

Whether you're a veteran looking for a supportive community or someone seeking a friendly place to relax, Tommy's Lounge is open to all. Come and experience the warmth, camaraderie, and invaluable support available at this exceptional venue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rC7eliNQjc&t=3s

Tommy's Lounge is a unique and welcoming space designed to provide a sense of community for everyone, especially veterans. Officially opened in September 202...

06/08/2025

“IT’S STILL LITTERING!” CAMPAIGN CUTS RUBBISH BY 41% IN HECKMONDWIKE

As part of the Love Where You Live Heckmondwike campaign, Keep Britain Tidy is targeting “careful littering”, and it’s already seeing impressive results: a 41% drop in littering behaviour in areas where the campaign has been rolled out.

The campaign comes in response to concerns raised in a recent local survey, which found that 37% of residents in Heckmondwike do not feel proud of their area.

The campaign message couldn’t be simpler, no matter how ‘careful’ it looks, litter is still litter.

Find out more here: https://bit.ly/3GXVNLX

Have you ever left an empty coffee cup on a bench or tucked a takeaway wrapper behind a bus stop sign? You might not think twice, but according to Keep Britain Tidy, it’s still littering.

05/08/2025

NEW WINDRUSH SCANDAL - COMMISSIONER VOWS TO RESTORE JUSTICE

HAVE YOU BEEN AFFECTED BY THE WINDRUSH SCANDAL?

The Windrush scandal, exposed in 2018, revealed that the UK Home Office had failed to properly document thousands of Caribbean migrants who legally arrived between the 1940s and 1970s. Many were wrongly classified as illegal immigrants, leading to denied jobs, housing, healthcare, and in some cases, people were unjustly detained or deported.

In a powerful move to address the ongoing consequences of the Windrush scandal, Reverend Clive Foster has been appointed as the new Windrush Commissioner, pledging to act as a “trusted voice” for victims.

Appointed by the government on the18th of June, Rev. Foster will serve a three-year term, during which he hopes to rebuild trust and help individuals affected secure the justice they have long been denied.

Discover more here: https://bit.ly/3IX4uXr

In a powerful move to address the ongoing consequences of the Windrush scandal, Reverend Clive Foster has been appointed as the new Windrush Commissioner, pledging to act as a “trusted voice” for victims.

04/08/2025

“TRAVELLING BLIND” HIKER SEEKS SUPPORT ON 300-MILE TRANS PENNINE TRAIL FUNDRAISER

A blind adventurer is appealing for help from accommodation providers across the North as he prepares to walk the entire 300-mile Trans Pennine Trail to raise money for Guide Dogs UK - calling on local hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs along the trail to donate overnight stays to help ensure every penny raised goes directly to the charity.

Andrew Elliker-Reeve, known as “Travelling Blind”, will begin his remarkable 22-day journey on the 7th of September, supported by a dedicated team.

Andrew’s journey is about more than fundraising. It’s a deeply personal mission to raise awareness around accessibility and the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Find out how you can help here: https://bit.ly/4lTWpBn

A blind adventurer is appealing for help from accommodation providers across the North as he prepares to walk the entire 300-mile Trans Pennine Trail to raise money for Guide Dogs UK.

02/08/2025

HONOURING A WARTIME HERO - BLUE PLAQUE UNVEILED FOR WINDRUSH PIONEER, JOHN HENRY SMYTHE

A prestigious Blue Plaque was unveiled at Garden City, Thame on the 26th of July in honour of John Henry Smythe OBE, MBE (mil), QC, whose life spanned wartime heroism, legal excellence, and pivotal contributions to Britain’s post-war transformation.

John is survived by his son, Eddy Smythe, who regularly holds talks about his father’s life and career.

The Blue Plaque, placed at his former home, stands as a lasting tribute to his remarkable journey, from wartime skies over Europe to the foundations of modern African governance and British multicultural society.

Read more about John Henry Smythe here: https://bit.ly/4lPJbFV

A prestigious Blue Plaque will be unveiled in Thame this Saturday in honour of John Henry Smythe OBE, MBE (mil), QC, whose life spanned wartime heroism, legal excellence, and pivotal contributions to Britain’s post-war transformation.

01/08/2025

EY UP, RECOGNISE THESE YORKSHIRE PHRASES?

We have a pretty unique way of speaking, and this Yorkshire Day we wanted to share one of our favourite videos - asking a few folks around Huddersfield what some of their favourite Yorkshire phrases are!

What Yorkshire-isms do you find yourself saying most often?

https://youtu.be/ssbixk3bI9k

On this week's episode of Summat Yorkshire, we're looking at dialect! We have some pretty unique ways of speaking and wanted to ask a few folks around town w...

01/08/2025

Hard to beat those Castle Hill views, eh?

Happy from Kirklees Local TV!