News Archives | Page 13 of 18

2 Aug

New Members for Howlands

Look what turned up on the busy road outside Howlands, new members. Our new centre is attracting visitors from all walks of life!

New Howlands members

They were invited in for a relaxing paddle in a tray and then taken to a local canal to find a new safe home.

In: News

18 Jul

Howlands Officially Opens

Over 120 people attended the official opening of the newly refurbished Howlands to recognise and celebrate the centres re-birth.

Pictured left-right Amanda Cunoosamy, Big Lottery; Deborah Hall, Howlands Manager; Barry Stephenson, Big Lottery; Kevin Keogh, HB Projects; Sam Cullingworth, Stakeholder; Tom Ellis, Howlands Chairman; Steve Voke, Voke Consltancy; Dewsbury Labour MP, Paula Sherriiff.

Special guests were Barry Stephenson and Amanda Cunoosamy from the Big Lottery, Dewsbury Labour MP Paula Sherriff, and Kirklees Deputy Mayor Clr Gwen Lowe.

Everyone who attended had in some way helped with the transformation. Whether it was with words of encouragement, donations, fundraising, or help in kind.

All the hard work for the grant was delivered by the local people of Dewsbury. Not just ordinary people, special people who had overcome their own varied abilities and difficulties to make the refurbishment a success.

Tom Ellis, Chairman, said that he had heard of the regeneration in other parts of Dewsbury but he believed the real regeneration in Dewsbury was happening in Howlands.

Our first morning back we received a surprise visit from Chris Clarke Managing Director of HB Projects, the company that made it all happen, and the opportunity to thank him directly for the high standard of work from his team who were keen to preserve the integrity of building and preserving many of the interesting aspects of the building whilst installing new facilities such as air conditioning, central heating, double glazing and black out blinds in the Community Room.

Howlands is now open watch the refurbishment time lapse video here Howlands Refurbishment Time Lapse Video and come along and join us.

In: News

23 Jun

Embroidery project is completed

Keen embroiderer and Howlands member Pam Long has finally completed her much awaited embroidery project.

The incredibly detailed project features a wonderful characterful octopus in a variety of green shades an has been stitched to a shopper.

It took Pam quite a long time to complete but as you can see she is very pleased with the result!

Well done Pam, it looks fantastic.

In: News

9 Jun

Stop press: Howlands centre to open soon

Howlands centre to open. Reserve this very special date in your diaries. On Friday the 14th of July at 1.30pm we will be holding a re-opening ceremony to mark the simply wonderful transformation our building has been through.

Looking forward to seeing our members, volunteers and friends on this very special day.

In: News

9 Jun

Howlands Refurbishment update.

Our chairman Tom Ellis and centre manager Deborah Hall met with Steve Voke from the Voke Consultancy and site manager Andy Mately for HB Projects to look at the Howlands refurbishment progress.

We have a few pictures to share with you:

The picture on the left shows the metal work needed to support the new room dividers. Each set of doors will weigh approximately one and a half tonnes hence the need for the structures.

The picture on the left shows the double glazing that is being fitted to keep our building draft free. Notice the accessible bottom opening windows which will be a great help to the staff especially during summer when we want to feel the breeze.

The picture on the left illustrates the huge amount of insulation behind the wall panels which will definitely help cut down the heating bills not mention keep us nice and warm during the cooler months – image that!

We’d just like to take this opportunity to say we are extremely impressed by the work and the sheer scale of the hands-on commitment, there are up to 30 men on site at any one time, ensuring targets have and are being achieved.

In: News

24 May

Refurbishment latest

Here are some latest pictures of the refurbishment. No hidden treasure but some equally amazing finds.

You may have noticed there was a slight dip in the car park as you drove in. HB Projects decided to investigate and just look what they found, a cellar.

Discovered a cellar at the Howlands

Revealed is a stunning fireplace

Take a look at the picture on the right, this magnificent fireplace was hidden behind wooden paneling and has now been stripped back to its original stone finish and former glory.

Take a look at the photo below of the wooden structure of the building. It’s such a joy to see, it’s starting to look like a church again!

Massive reveal of the structure of the church.

Hope you like the update, we’ll keep sharing, just keep reading.

In: News

22 May

Howlands refurbishment pictures

Howlands refurbishment progress.

More progress pictures from the refurbishment.

The photograph on the left shows you one of the steel bars that has been introduced to support the new room dividers.

It also gives an idea of how much dust is flying about!

Below is a photograph illustrating the true structure of the building, lovely to see the building reveal its character once again.

Howlands refurbishment progress.

In: News

18 May

Did you see our news in the Huddersfield Examiner?

Read the full item here:

Revealed for the first time in decades Dewsbury’s mystery Pancake Dog

New light shed on little-known legend but is it really a dog?

In: News

17 May

Taking a close look at the Pancake Dog with Andy Matley the site manager for HB Projects.

Taking a closer look at the Pancake Dog

Look at Thomas Ellis taking a close look at the Pancake Dog with Andy Matley, site manager for HB Projects.

Taking a close look at the Pancake Dog with Andy Matley, manager for HB Projects.

“Sorry my hand is in the way but I am not too good with heights!” Says Tom.

The visit to the roof was part of taking in the progress and getting a closer look at the success of the refurbishment.

The Pancake Dog pictured is a bit of a local legend known for jumping down from his perch

for his pancake when the bell is rung on Shrove Tuesday.

In: News

12 May

Auction Update

During the big clearout of the building a number of items were sent to CW Harrison & Son auctions in Ossett.

We’re pleased to say we were successful in securing sales on some of our tables and chairs but for those who missed out the remainder of our items will be going through the auction at CW Harrisons on Monday 22nd May.

All money raised through the auction will contribute to the Howlands fundraising efforts.

We’d like to thank John Mosby and C.W. Harrison and Son who have been extremely helpful.

Please don’t forget to view the auction here at C.W. Harrison and Son

In: News