News

31 Jul
A Heartfelt Thanks from Howlands: Celebrating Success at our Recent Fashion Show

Celebrating Success at our Recent Fashion Show

As the spotlights dim and the catwalk clears, the team at Howlands basks in the resounding success of its recent charity fashion extravaganza.

A Heartfelt Thanks from Howlands: Celebrating Success at our Recent Fashion ShowWe express our deepest thanks to everyone who joined us we’re ecstatic to announce that the event raised an astounding £265, a sum that will help us to continue to move forward. 

First and foremost, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who attended the show, contributed to our cause, and supported us.

Our models deserve a special mention for their professionalism and flair.

With poise and confidence, they strutted down the catwalk, effortlessly bringing the clothes to life.

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One model who deserves a special mention is Rachel. Sharing her experience, Rachel said, “The show was brilliant! Walking down the catwalk in all these lovely clothes was a truly delightful experience.”

Rachel was particularly smitten by the red and white dress she modelled, so much so she decided to buy it! We are thrilled to hear that she is planning to wear this dress for the next special occasion she attends.

From all of us at Howlands, thank you! Your continuous support propels us forward.

3 Jul
Reviving Memories and Raising Funds: Howlands Receives an Extraordinary Dollhouse Donation

Reviving Memories and Raising Funds: Howlands Receives an Extraordinary Dollhouse Donation

We’re thrilled to share a heartwarming tale about an extraordinary gift we’ve recently received, and the journey we plan to undertake with it.

Reviving Memories and Raising Funds: Howlands Receives an Extraordinary Dollhouse DonationA generous soul recently walked through our doors carrying a treasure  – an incredible dollhouse. Complete with fittings, the house is a miniature wonderland, evoking memories of childhood whimsy and imaginative play.

Though the temptation to lose ourselves in this charming miniature world is great, we at Howlands have a different plan in mind. This wonderful dollhouse is not for us to play with, but for us to restore and rejuvenate.

We’ve undertaken the mission to revamp this dollhouse, preserving its essence while breathing new life into it.

We’re proud to say that several of our members have eagerly volunteered to take on this endeavour. Armed with brushes, glues, and a whole lot of enthusiasm, they are ready to give the dollhouse a makeover.

It’s a project that will not only keep our members busy but also foster teamwork and creativity.

But the journey doesn’t end with the restoration. Our grand plan for this wonderful dollhouse is to auction it off in hopes of raising funds for Howlands. It’s a beautiful cycle of giving – a generous donation leads to a collaborative restoration project, which will then hopefully bring in funds to help us continue our mission.

We are incredibly thankful for this kind donation and are eagerly looking forward to seeing the transformation of the dollhouse under the skilled hands of our members.

Stay tuned for updates on our restoration project. We can’t wait to share the journey and the final result with you. And remember, every donation, big or small, carries the potential to make a significant impact.

3 Jul
From Second-Hand to Brand-New: Howlands' Upcycling Genius

From Second-Hand to Brand-New: Howlands Upcycling Genius

At Howlands, we’ve always believed that fashion doesn’t need to be a drain on our environment or wallets. On the contrary, it can be a fun and engaging way to contribute to a sustainable future. That’s why we’ve fallen in love with up-cycling, and we’re eager to share one of our favourite projects with you today: Pam’s remarkable transformation of a white denim jacket.

From Second-Hand to Brand-New: Howlands' Upcycling GeniusOur story starts in a charity shop, a treasure trove of preloved and unique clothing items. A white denim jacket was the perfect blank canvas just waiting for Pam to start an up-cycling project with collection of buttons from our button collection.

Pam’s creative process involved more than just sewing buttons onto fabric. Each button was carefully selected, considering its shape, colour, size, and the unique aesthetic it could bring to the jacket. What was once a plain white denim jacket is now an exclusive, stylish piece of clothing.

Pam’s up-cycled jacket isn’t just a testament to her creativity and talent for design. It is a symbol of a broader ethos we hold dear at Howlands: sustainable, thoughtful, and individualistic fashion. Up-cycling isn’t merely about making old things new again, but rather, adding a personal touch to extend their lifespan and express our own creativity.

Pam is eagerly awaiting the perfect occasion to debut her revamped jacket. After all, every artist relishes the moment their work is showcased.

2 Jun
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Try Then Buy”: An Exciting Fashion Show Experience Awaits in Dewsbury

Fashion enthusiasts, mark your calendars!  Next month, Saturday, 1st July 2023, an exciting event is set to unravel on the catwalk at Howlands, School Street, Dewsbury WF13 1LD. The event, themed “Try Then Buy,” promises a fascinating fusion of fashion and retail, where you will not only get to witness the latest trends on the runway, but you’ll also have the opportunity to purchase what you see.

The “Try Then Buy” is a fundraising fashion offering end of line clothing for sale. It’s an incredible opportunity for those who love fashion and want to take home a piece of the show.

Tickets for this event are priced at a mere £5.00, which includes a complimentary drink upon arrival. This is fantastic value for an event that combines the best of fashion entertainment and retail therapy.

Doors open at 12.30 p.m., with the show commencing at 1.00 p.m., promising an afternoon filled with stunning fashion presentations and a unique shopping experience.

Each ticket purchase also enters you into a free prize draw. The winners of this draw will receive vouchers that can be used on the day of the show. This means you could walk away with even more fabulous fashion pieces without breaking the bank!

For further information or to secure your ticket, contact us on 01924 463693.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a unique fashion event that invites you to ‘try then buy’.

We look forward to seeing you there. Get ready for a fantastic afternoon filled with fashion, fun, and fabulous finds!

26 May
Howlands Recycling Project Receives a Generous Donation

Howlands Recycling Project Receives Generous Donation

Howlands recently received an unexpected gift that has revitalised its recycling initiative.

A long-time supporter discovered an assortment of gardening tools in the back of her shed and thoughtfully decided to donate them to our cause.

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The tools were a bit worn and tarnished, a testament to years of hard work in gardens and flower beds, but this did not diminish their potential.

With the arrival of the tools, our recycling project found a new focus. Armed with elbow grease, wire wool, and an oily rag, our dedicated team of volunteers set to work on these relics from the back of a shed.

Now sparkling and ready for use, these tools are not just functional but carry with them a story of renewal and second chances. As with all items that pass through Howlands recycling project, these gardening tools will be given a new home, where they will continue to bring value and joy.

5 May
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Howlands Coronation Activities

1683205072089blobWe’re ready! What a week filled with exciting activities and games at Howlands it has been, all leading up to Saturday’s Coronation celebration!

Our members have been hard at work, with some even taking on the task of making and decorating some delicious, colourful cakes to share with their friends.

What a fun time we’ve been having as we prepare for this special event.

20 Apr
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Leeds Road Co-op Store in Dewsbury donates a whopping £780.00 to Howlands for Arts and Crafts Materials!

What an amazing day for Howlands! We were absolutely thrilled to receive a jaw-dropping cheque for an incredible £780.00 from the Leeds Road Co-op store in Dewsbury.

We couldn’t believe it! We want to give a huge shoutout to the hardworking staff and amazing customers for their tremendous efforts in raising this magnificent amount.

This donation is an absolute game-changer and will enable us to provide our members with the most innovative and exciting materials for their individual arts and crafts projects. We can’t wait to see the amazing creations that come out of this generous donation!

To make this day even more special, we captured a photograph that will be cherished forever. Deborah, our fantastic Howlands Manager, was beaming with joy as she accepted the cheque from the lovely Karen of the Leeds Road Co-op store.

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We are truly grateful for this incredible opportunity and can’t wait to see what amazing things we can achieve with this wonderful donation.

21 Mar
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Great Supporter of Howlands Passes

It was with great regret that we recently learnt of the death of Susan Cunliffe-Lister, Baroness Masham of Ilton.
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She was a great supporter of Howlands, and the League of Friendship, having been involved with us from the early days.
 
She visited Howlands many times and talked easily to the members who really enjoyed her company.
 
In 1995 the National Trust celebrated its centenary and Howlands was asked to create a mural to hang in the Visitor Centre at Fountains Abbey.
 
Lady Masham unveiled it and spoke highly of the work of the members and volunteers who created it.
 
She will be sorely missed,  but we will always remember her tremendous support and good humour.

 

3 Mar
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Development Officer Required at Howlands.

Opportunity knocks for someone out there who would like to be our new Development Officer.
 
As a local charity we are looking for someone to seek grants and external funding to help develop Howlands even further.
You will join a small but happy team whose aim is to help disadvantaged people.
 
Enthusiasm and the ability to work independently are important.
 
18 hours per week at £12.00 per hour
 
For more detailed information please contact our manager Deborah Hall on 01924 463613
2 Feb
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We’ve Received Lottery Funding!

Great news to start the New Year for Howlands. We have just been awarded £9,400.00  from the Lottery Community Fund to help fund our Repurpose Project.

Which means we can go ahead with so many exciting things.

We have an amazing “up-cycling” project that will  jazz up your junk.

Turning something old into something new to breathe new life into that much loved piece of clothing our project is starting on the 20th February.

Just come along to Howlands to find help and inspiration with a friendly warm welcome.