News

12 Jul

A successful Showcase

We would like to thank all those who attended our Showcase Event recently.

We welcomed longstanding friends and local Councillors Cathy Scott, Eric Firth and Paul Moore to the event as well as our friendly Enforcement Officers, Hayley and Andy.  Generally over the 3 days we had a nice steady flow of people coming in to see some of the beautiful creations that have been designed and made by participants in our sessions.

Amanda and Jane took centre stage with our Councillors.  Amanda is working on a diamond art kit showing two tigers in the shape of a Yin and Yang, and Jane is well underway with her latest painting, this time of a Border Collie.

We had a wonderful time and it was fabulous to reflect on the work that we have done recently.  Much of this work is thanks to our sponsors as well as everyone who comes through our doors and supports directly.

 

21 Jun

Howlands Newsletter June 2024

Please see our latest Newsletter.

 

With thanks to Tom for all his efforts with creating and drawing these newsletters together.

 

We are working on ways to introduce a digital newsletter that visitors can subscribe to.

 

Please watch this space.

 

 

Newsletter June 2024_Page_1 Newsletter June 2024_Page_2 Newsletter June 2024_Page_3 Newsletter June 2024_Page_4

21 Jun

Feelgood Friday

The sun is shining, Summer is here, the Euros are underway and life is great.

Here’s an insight into some of the work that our wonderful Howlands family have been doing recently.

Our garden and growing themes continue with some bee drinking stations and birdhouses in full flight; we have a beautiful bee in progress (by Nico);  a flourish of flowers and trees (by Jane) adorn the centre; a seagull stands dutifully surveilling the scene (Nico); and all comes together in the Yin and Yang of two glorious tigers (by Amanda).  Winnie the Pooh and Friends is keeping a watchful eye on us as well just to make sure we know the Way and have a little fun as we go.

“Any day spent with you is my favourite day. So, today is my new favourite day.”
—Winnie the Pooh (A.A. Milne)

21 Jun

Showcase Event

On Wednesday 26th, Thursday 27th and Friday 28th June we will be opening our doors to encourage and support our fabulous Howlands family in showcasing their work and celebrating their achievements.

 

The timetable will be as follows:

  • Wednesday 26th June: 1pm to 3pm
  • Thursday 27th June: 10am to 3pm
  • Friday 28th June: 10am to 3pm.

We will have tea/coffee and biscuits for visitors, or a soft drink/water if this beautiful sunshine continues.  Come and join us, find out what we do, share in the creativity and joy that shines out of the creations our people make and forge new connections and, who knows, maybe lifelong friendships.

 

With thanks to all our sponsors

 

Sponsors 2 Sponsors 2023-2024

14 Jun

Fashion Show Update – A Glamorous Success

“Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well.” —Vivienne Westwood

Well, go fashion it certainly was at Howlands last Saturday, 8th June 2024.  The glam rags were out, the lights were dazzling and the models were elegant, flamboyant and suitably gorgeous, darling, at our first faaaabulous Fashion Show of the year.

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 An outstanding afternoon, filled with friendship, fun and a few frolics was    delivered expertly by our compere and fashion guru, William Finan.  All our  models were dancing queens on the catwalk, leaving us hungry like the wolf  for more of their modelling magic.

We had an almost full house to witness some of the latest high-street  fashion styles on parade and it created a brilliant atmosphere.  We at  Howlands are incredibly grateful for all your efforts as we raised an  outstanding £440.00 towards our continued good work.

Thank you, all.
IMG_20240608_131604299Our very own, Rachel was star of the show again, demonstrating poise and panache as she owned the place.  You are a true professional, Rachel.  Well done.

Sharing her experience, Rachel said, “The show was brilliant! Walking down the catwalk in all these lovely clothes was a truly delightful experience.”

Watching on was a model in training, Emaline, 9, who said “It was just wonderful.  I’ve got some ideas now that my Dad’s going to get for me.  I loved the blue pleated trousers and the shimmering cardigan.”

From all of us at Howlands, thank you!IMG_20240608_131525779

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24 May

Finish it Friday!

This week’s run-down of activities

Upcycling and Bringing the Outside in and the Inside out.

Check out some of these finished pieces created by participants as part of our ongoing projects.

With thanks to the following sponsors we have been able to generate quite a buzz with some of our gardening creations and we’ve upholstered fabulous friendships as we’ve upcycled footstools and the like.

 

National Lottery Awards For All England (2023) – Upcycling Project

Kirklees Community Plus (2023/2024) – Bringing the Outside In and the Inside Out (a project to create and upcycle things to allow outside spaces to flourish and bring nature inside where outside space is not available)

16 May

Fashion Show – UPCOMING 8 June 2024

Date for your diaries: Howlands Fashion Show – 8th June 2024

This year’s Fashion Show is fast approaching

BROWSE THEN BUY

 

Come and join us for a lovely afternoon at our annual Fashion Show.  Meet new friends.  Enjoy the show.  Check out any clothes that are for sale and go home with a new outfit.

 

Entry: £6.00 includes a glass of Prosecco or non-alcoholic alternative.

 

All to help Howlands keep making a difference in tackling loneliness and social isolation.

 

We are a Registered Charity (Charity Number 1184667)

Donations can be made at our JustGiving Page: Howlands JustGiving Donate

 

TICKETS ON SALE NOW – Call in or contact us! Fashion Show 2024

 

 

Howlands, School Street, Dewsbury

WF13 1LD

t : 01924 463693

e : [email protected]

 

8 Apr

Thank you all – Easter Fayre

Many thanks to everyone who came to our recent Easter Fair. With your help we raised over £700 which is a terrific amount in these hard times.     Everyone enjoyed a freshly toasted Hot Cross Bun with their coffee while taking time to visit the many stalls around the room.

A special thanks must go to Tesco, Batley and Simone for making up and donating this splendid Easter Hamper  which was won by  Deborah Hall who has kindly  donated it to be raffled again!

 

8 Apr

Upcycling is Uplifting!

Do you have something that needs a new lease of life? Maybe an old jacket, bag, chair or pot that could do with some TLC ? Bring it along and see what can be done while learning a new skill. Thanks to a grant from Awards to All we are able to offer sessions running every day until the middle of April. Plenty of ideas, and help, at Howlands.

We were donated a rather dated piano stool which could have ended up in the tip.

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However Andy Oldfield worked a minor miracle on it and now it would be acceptable in any room of the house.  Andy is a support worker to Nico Griffin one of our members. While Nico is busy with his own very special artwork, Andy likes to work on  his own project.

 

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11 Dec
Crafting Christmas Magic at Howlands

Crafting Christmas Magic at Howlands

At Howlands we’re crafting Christmas magic with handmade festive decorations.

We believe in the magic of coming together and embracing the festive spirit. This year, we’ve taken our celebrations a step further by crafting our own Christmas decorations with love and creativity.

IMG_7886 Crafting Christmas Magic at Howlands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget to join us this Friday for our Christmas dinner, where you’ll get the chance to see these handmade decorations up close and personal. Each decoration carries a piece of our community’s heart and represents the joy of the season.

It’s not just about the decorations; it’s about the warmth, unity, and the sense of togetherness that this season brings.

We can’t wait to share this special season with you.