General

Approximately 4,000 people descended upon the hotel in Pontefract on August 1st to raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, as well as to celebrate all things Yorkshire.

Crowds basked in the summer sunshine, enjoying food and drink from Yorkshire-based suppliers. Entertainment on the day included a falconry display, a police dog demonstration and a floral show from celebrity florist Carl Wilde.

At midday, The YAA landed one of their Helicopters in the hotel grounds, giving children the opportunity to meet the pilots, sit in the cockpit and have their photo taken.

Hotel manager Catherine Harrild said:

“It’s the third year running we've held the event and, once again, it’s exceeded our expectations. The weather was perfect and all the entertainment was fantastic. We’d like to thank everybody who attended and helped raise so much money for local charities.”

Kerry Garner, Yorkshire Air Ambulance Regional Fundraiser commented “The annual Yorkshire Day fundraiser at Wentbridge House is now a key event in the YAA calendar and we’d like to thank them very much for choosing to support our charity.

"This year’s event was fantastic and the whole day had a great atmosphere! We were delighted that one of our helicopters was also able to make a visit this year to help reinforce just why it is so important for us to raise the money we need. It costs £9,990 each day to run the charity, and we rely solely on individuals, groups and organisations such as Wentbridge House and its customers to help us raise those vital funds. We’d also like to thank everyone who came along on the day and supported the event.”

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Flying High After Wilko Renews Charity Support

Wilko stores across the county have renewed their pledge to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance, after raising more than £130,000 for the life-saving charity last year.

During 2012/13, staff at 18 Wilko stores completed a range of fundraising events and activities to help Yorkshire’s helicopter heroes.

Their efforts brought in a staggering £131,630 for the independent rapid response charity, which needs to raise £9,990 each day to keep its two aircraft flying.

Wilko team members have once again voted to support Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) as their chosen charity and stores from York to Wakefield have already started their fundraising drive.

Kerry Garner, YAA Regional Fundraiser, said: “We have enjoyed a fantastic year of fundraising with the Wilko stores across Yorkshire.

“There have been some great fundraising events taking place and the enthusiasm from all the stores has been wonderful. To raise over £131,000 is absolutely phenomenal.

“We are also delighted to hear that the teams have chosen us for a second year of fundraising and we look forward to working with them again to raise vital funds to help keep both of our helicopters in the air and saving lives.”

A family owned firm after more than 80 years of trading, JK Wilkinson opened the first Wilko store on Charnwood Street, Leicester, in 1930. The company’s portfolio has expanded significantly over the decades that have followed and there are currently 372 stores across the UK, including 10 in Scotland.

Since opening its first store, Wilko has been committed to Britain’s high streets and prides itself on being a community-focused retailer, actively supporting local charities and community groups.

Cliff Hall, Wilko regional manager, said: “We’ve had a wonderful year supporting YAA and we hope the grand total raised by all the stores in the region will make a real difference.

“But we’re not stopping there – we can’t wait to get going with this year’s fundraising. There’s plenty of ideas in the pipeline and we hope our loyal customers will support them and see us on our way to another amazing total.”

Customers can also show their support to YAA by donating in one of the county’s 18 stores:

Armley, Huddersfield, Bradford, Headingley, Pontefract, Crossgates, Shipley, Dewsbury, Wakefield, Barnsley, Morley, Selby, Halifax, Brighouse, Clifton Moor (York), Castleford, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds Trinity

Photo caption: Kerry Garner, YAA West Yorkshire Regional Fundraiser with Wilkinson store managers and colleagues

Paramedics and doctors at Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) have worked with the UK’s leading safety company to design new flight suits.

The customised salopettes and jackets have been produced by Arco, the Hull-based provider of workwear, personal protective equipment and workplace safety products.

The company’s designers worked closely with YAA medics to ensure the new suits meet the need to deliver emergency medical care to trauma patients – often in very difficult conditions.

YAA paramedic John Baxter said: “The suits are lighter while still providing all the protection we need to be able to do our job safely and effectively.

“It has been a very good process. We went to see the designers at Arco and they have been out to our Air Support Unit to see at first hand the demands placed on the suits.

“As well as being flame and tear resistant, they have micro-bacterial layers to ensure that any blood and other body fluids can’t penetrate. The knees have extra padding and the suits feature lots of pockets purpose-designed to fit what we need to carry.”

Arco is a major sponsor of YAA and supports the life-saving charity by providing advice and guidance on personal protective equipment.

Richard Sansom, Product and Procurement Manager – Hazardwear, at Arco said: “Our core purpose is to keep people safe at work and we’ve used our expertise in safety product design and development to produce these suits to meet the exact needs of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance team.

“They are often working in extreme conditions, helping to save lives and need to be able to rely on their uniforms and equipment to protect them as they carry out their demanding jobs. As experts in safety, we are proud to be associated with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and fully support the essential work it does.”

YAA is an independent charity providing a rapid response emergency service to five million people across Yorkshire – England’s largest region. It needs to raise £9,900 each day to keep its two helicopters in the air and maintained.

The service operates two helicopters from bases in West and North Yorkshire and in its 13-year history has transported more than 5,000 patients to hospitals across Yorkshire.

Caption: Yorkshire Air Ambulance paramedics John Baxter and Tony Wilks in the new flight suits.

Asda raise more than £50,000 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Asda staff and shoppers at stores throughout Yorkshire have completed a super summer fundraising spree for Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA).

During the three months from June to August, the supermarket's 17 stores across Yorkshire raised a staggering £53,634 for the life saving charity.

Money was collected through a wide range of activities and events including sponsored bag packing, tins on the tills, in-store Yorkshire Day celebrations, sponsored walks, raffles and the sale of YAA merchandise.

Louise Brown, Community Life Champion at Asda's Glasshoughton Superstore, said: "We have wonderful staff who have responded fantastically to this fund raising campaign.

"Yorkshire Air Ambulance is such a fantastic, life-saving charity and a service that is close to our hearts. The helicopter came to the aid of an Asda Home Delivery driver who had an accident and helped him receive the urgent treatment he needed.

"So Asda stores in Yorkshire are delighted to be providing them with a substantial donation."

Yorkshire Air Ambulance is an independent rapid response charity, which has carried more than 5000 patients in it's 13 year history, needs to raise £9990 each day to keep it's two helicopters in the air and maintained. That's equivalent to £3.6 million a year.

Kerry Garner, YAA regional fundraiser said: "We have had a fantastic few months working with Asda colleagues and customers across Yorkshire.

"To raise over £53,000 in such a short space of time is brilliant and we cannot thank them enough. Given we are an independent charity, we rely on organisations such as Asda and their customers to help us raise the vital funds we need."

Pictured is Asda fundraisers and store managers from throughout Yorkshire meeting Yorkshire Air Ambulance and paramedics and aircrew after raising £53,634 for the life saving charity in just three months.

A pretty South Yorkshire village is celebrating the expected return of summer this weekend with a fund raising festival in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Cawthorne, near Barnsley, is definitely the place to be on Saturday with stalls and family fun activities throughout the day at the local village hall on Tivydale where a willing team of volunteers will be serving “all day” breakfast sandwiches, teas, coffees, sausage sizzlers, salad sandwiches, cakes and biscuits throughout the day. The hall will be open from 10am to 5pm and they are encouraging people to pop in and show their support.

The special weekend has been organised by longstanding YAA supporter and Cawthorne resident Margaret Cooper to raise money for the independent rapid response charity, which needs to raise £9,900 each day to keep its two helicopters in the air and maintained. That’s equivalent to £3.6 million a year.

The fund raising moves to Cannon Hall Farm on Sunday, which is celebrating Pear Day, where there will be a YAA stall in the car park throughout the day running a raffle and selling various YAA merchandise. YAA staff will also be on hand to talk to people about the life-saving work carried out by the charity.

The weekend’s fundraising events culminate in a special signature luncheon on Monday to be hosted at the Spencer Arms, Cawthorne, for local businesses & YAA supporters. The exclusive luncheon includes a bespoke 3 course menu designed by the Spencer Arms head chef Ben Atkinson with a welcome cocktail on arrival. Diners will also hear firsthand about the experience of working with the YAA from Clinical Operations Manager and Paramedic, Pete Vallance.

Tickets are £30 per person and a final few are available by calling Margaret Cooper on 01226 790838

Fans have an extra chance to take part!

The deadline to join Town's 2013 'Walk for Pounds' event, which raises money for the 'Keep It Up' campaign, has been extended by an extra week!

Town fans now have until 5pm on Monday 23rd September to sign up to the 19 mile walk, which will set off Yorkshire Air Ambulance's airbase at Leeds Bradford Airport to the Stadium in time for the home game against Watford on Saturday 5th October 2013.

Huddersfield Town's Supporter Partnerships Manager Robyn Deegan urged fans not to miss out: "The Club has decided to extend the deadline by an extra week to give supporters every opportunity to get involved in this fantastic event.

"We've already got over 120 fans signed up and we're hopeful we can get near the 180 who took part in the equivalent walk in 2012 as the more walkers we have, the more money we will raise for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Huddersfield Town Academy."

The event entry fee is £10 per person which includes a breakfast pre-walk, a snack and refreshment as well as an 'I completed the Walk' t-shirt. Coach transport from Canalside to LBIA is also included courtesy of Stotts Coaches.

Please note participants aged 15 and under must be supervised by an adult aged 18+ and will be required to complete a parental consent form.

To download the entry form, please see the link; http://www.htafc.com/documents/walkforpoundsform238-1006393.pdf

and return to Walk For Pounds, Huddersfield Town, The John Smith's Stadium, Stadium Way, Huddersfield, HD1 6PX or hand in at the Stadium Superstore or ticket office.

Alternatively, download the form and email to robyn.deegan@htafc.com forwarding the entry fee via post.

Digital Media Systems & Halifax Bus Company Donate Free Advertising To Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Digital Media Systems of Brighouse have fitted advertising display screens into buses operating around the Halifax area of West Yorkshire. It is the first scheme of its type in the UK with digital advertising inside public transport. Because it is proving effective for local business advertising, as well as Calderdale Council and the local college, it was agreed that it would help raise donations for YAA.

The joint operation, organised between Avtar Singh (MD of Digital Media Systems) and Neil Walsh (MD of Halifax Bus Company) is running animated adverts that include video scenes of the YAA helicopters in action. The text message in the ads request donations of just £3 by texting direct from a mobile phone as well as through the YAA website or by telephone.

The buses carry 1.5 million passengers a year and runs daily shuttles between local areas for 2500 employees of Lloyds Banking Group.

Following the pilot scheme in the Halifax area, Digital Media Systems is to roll out the scheme to other public transport operators in various regions.

CommsProvider charity golf day a runaway success

The inaugural charity golf day staged by regional telecoms company CommsProvider is expected to raise an estimated £3,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA). (Wed, Sept 4)

A total of 68 players competed in the stableford event, held at Bingley St Ives Golf Club, with a foursome from Bradford IT services company KS Services – managing director Paul Kelt, sales director Richard Kelt and customers Graham Braithwaite and David Hindle – taking the team prize.

Chris Berry, of Leeds-based Liquid Voice, posted the best individual points tally, with Paul Kelt and David Hindle also chipping in again when landing nearest the pin prizes. Craig Wintersgill, of Naylor Wintersgill in Bradford, had the longest drive, with a special prize for guessing the number of balls lost on the day – a whacking 125 in total – falling to CommsProvider’s Dan Farmer.

MC at the presentation ceremony was CommsProvider’s sales manager Stuart Pollard, who thanked all companies which had taken part in, supported and sponsored the event, among them headline sponsor O2, and others who had donated prizes for a charity auction.

Prizes were presented by Nicky Massen, West & South Yorkshire regional fundraising manager for the YAA, and Carrie Cheeseman, of Morley, Leeds, who was flown to hospital by helicopter after suffering horrific injuries in a road traffic accident.

Nicky outlined the vital life-saving role of the YAA, which is funded entirely by donations from businesses and the general public, while Carrie, now recovered and a true champion of the YAA, spoke about her ordeal and her gratitude to the service, which she believes saved her life. Also present were aircrew paramedics John Baxter and Darrel Cullen.

Thanks were also paid to the CommsProvider team responsible for organising the company’s first-ever charity golf day, staged on the back of solid business performance and growth. It may now become an annual event.

Both CommsProvider and its mobile phone recycling arm MPRO are members of the YAA’s Yorkshire Business Supporters Network. Mike Bower, chairman of CommsProvider, said: “Our inaugural golf day was a runaway success, raising money for a fantastic and crucial cause, which deserves all the support it can get, while also allowing like-minded Yorkshire businesses to network.”

Nicky Massen said: “We are extremely grateful to CommsProvider – and everyone involved in staging this inaugural event – for supporting the YAA. As an independent charity, we rely solely on individuals, groups and corporate supporters like CommsProvider to help us raise the £9,990 we need each and every day to keep our two air ambulances flying and saving lives across the region.”

Established in 2010, CommsProvider operates from purpose-built 10,000 sq ft premises near Halifax, West Yorkshire, offering a dedicated account management, support, repair and fault resolution portfolio on behalf of an expanding nationwide customer base.

Pic caption: Pictured at the CommsProvider golf day presentation ceremony are, standing from left, Carrie Cheeseman and Nicky Massen, of the YAA, and members of the KS Services’ winning foursome – David Hindle, Paul Kelt, Graham Braithwaite and Richard Kelt. Kneeling are CommsProvider’s Zola Ezzati and YAA aircrew paramedics John Baxter and Darrel Cullen.

Malton, Norton & District Lions donate £1,000 to Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Following the successful Summer Lunch in July, Malton Lions agreed at their meeting later the same month to make a donation of £1,000 to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Bob Smailes received the cheque on behalf of the charity, which is an independent charity providing a life saving rapid response emergency service to a 5 million people across Yorkshire. They fly seven days a week, 365 days a year, covering a vast landscape that not only includes major cities and motorways, but also rural and isolated locations.

To keep providing this life saving service the charity needs to raise £9990 per day to keep both of Yorkshire's air ambulances maintained and in the air. The generosity that they receive is the life blood of the charity and without this generosity, they would not be able to provide the service that we are all so proud of.

Lion John Harrison who has organised the Summer Lunch for the last few years presented the cheque to Bob accompanied by Lion Robert Wainwright who was part of John's organising committee and President Richard Lukey.

President Richard said “Living in a rural area we are all acutely aware of the time it can taken to get people to hospital in an emergency and hope that the Lions donation will help in a small way to keep this essential life saving service in place for the future.”

Brods support for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance

Old Brodleians RUFC is proud to announce that the Yorkshire Air Ambulance will be the club's official charity partner for the next 2 years.

The Brods will be supporting the charity through various activities and events by proactively fundraising and helping to maintain their awareness in the region.

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance needs to raise £9990 per day to keep both of Yorkshire's air ambulance's helicopters maintained and in the air. As an independent charity they rely on the generosity of those who support the service to continue to save lives across Yorkshire.

The Brods will be 'doing their bit' by featuring Yorkshire Air Ambulance's logo on the 1st Team Strip, on the club website and on boards around Woodhead Park.

In addition the club will be having a charity match each season, be proactively inviting members to take part in a number of sponsored events, placing collection tins in the bar areas as well as hosting a large Summer Ball at the end of the 2 year partnership.

About YAA:

Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) is an independent, registered charity providing a life-saving, rapid response emergency service to 5 million people across Yorkshire. The 2 helicopters and air crews are on standby 7 days a week, 365 days a year and cover an area of 4 million acres. This provision supplements the work of the statutory emergency services and is funded through voluntary donations.

Cheers to Beer

2013 MTT Yorkshire Beer Awards

The cream of the Yorkshire beer scene descended on Coopers in Guiseley on Yorkshire Day, August the 1st for the inaugural Market Town Taverns Yorkshire Beer Awards.

The event was a first for Knaresborough based pub chain, Market Town Taverns who created the Yorkshire Beer Awards out of a passion for beer & the pride they have in Yorkshire’s brewing heritage.

Credibility & transparency were key to this celebration of local pub craft as 105 Yorkshire based breweries were invited to submit their beers for a blind tasted judging session. Three finalists in each category were decided on by a judging panel which consisted of industry experts, Annabel Smith (Cask Marque), Greg Mulholland (Chair of the Parliamentary Save the Pub Group and MP for Leeds North West), Gavin Frost (beer blogger), Ben Hodginkinson (James Clays) and Simon Midgley (Managing Director of Market Town Taverns). There was manual voting in all 15 MTT pubs across North & West Yorkshire and online voting, which saw votes cast as far afield as St Lucia & New Zealand. In total there were nearly 2,000 votes cast across 19 different countries.

Fittingly enough the awards ceremony & presentation evening took place on Yorkshire Day where nearly 100 members of the local & national brewing community attended the event which was supported by fellow Yorkshire businesses Rudding Park, Jet2, Harrogate Spring Water, Leeds Rhinos & Yorkshire Tea. The evening was hosted by beer sommelier, award winning beer writer & TV presenter Marverine Cole and the evening raised over £2500 for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

‘ Our aim was to create an annual event which would embrace & promote Yorkshire beers & brewing and the strong link Market Town Taverns has with the Yorkshire brewing community ‘ commented Simon Midgley ,Managing Director of Market Town Taverns ‘ The response from our customers, brewers & the industry as a whole has been amazing and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event being even bigger & better ‘ he added.

The overall MTT 2013 Yorkshire Beer Award Champion Beer ‘ Saltaire Pride’ brewed by Saltaire Brewery will be available in all Market Town Taverns outlets over the coming weeks.

For more information please contact :

Layla Martin – Market Town Taverns Marketing Manager

Tel : 01423 866100 / 07931 254461

E : layla@markettowntaverns.co.uk

Website : www.mttyorkshirebeerawards.co.uk / www.markettowntaverns.co.uk

Category nominees & winners

2013 MTT Yorkshire Beer Awards

Best Bitter

Frothingham Best – Great Newsome Brewery

Joshua Jane – Ilkley Brewery

WINNER :Saltaire Pride – Saltaire Brewery

Pale / Golden Beer

Citra – Great Heck Brewing Company

Deception – Abbeydale Brewery

Farmers Blonde – Bradfield Brewery

WINNER : Citra – Great Heck Brewing Company

Dark Beer

Black Maria – Old Bear Brewery

Londinium – Rooster’s Brewing Company

Riggwelter – Black Sheep Brewery

WINNER : Londinium – Rooster’s Brewing Company

IPA Beer

Fort Smith – Rooster’s Brewing Company

Stateside IPA – Saltaire Brewery

Yakima IPA – Great Heck Brewing Company

WINNER : Stateside IPA – Saltaire Brewery

Speciality Beer

Bad Kitty – Brass Castle Brewery

Imperial Russian – Black Sheep Brewery

Tabatha – Partners Brewery

WINNER : Imperial Russian – Black Sheep Brewery

Craft Keg

Humber Light – Wold Top Brewery

Saltaire Gold – Saltaire Brewery

Yorkshire Blackout – The Great Yorkshire Brewery

WINNER : Saltaire Gold – Saltaire Brewery

Best Newcomer

WINNER : Magic Rock Brewing Company

Overall Winner of the 2013 MTT Yorkshire Beer Awards

Saltaire Brewery

Fan On The Run For 'Keep It Up' Camapaign

Rob Kelly is running 500 miles for YAA and Huddersfield Town Academy

Town fan Rob Kelly is raising funds for the ‘Keep It Up’ campaign by undertaking a ‘Ten Match Challenge’- a fundraising journey which will see him run to one HTAFC away game every month of the 2013/14 season!

Rob, who comes from Honley, came up with the idea for the unique challenge after taking part in the Club’s ‘Walk for Pounds’ event to Barnsley last season, which raised an amazing £16,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Club’s Academy.

Rob commented, “The 10 away games challenge starts on 17 August with me competing in the ‘Hell on the Humber’ 12 hour night endurance run, this will mark the beginning of 10 months of training and ultra-running, and hopefully raising much needed funds for a fantastic cause.”

Details of the planned runs are below:

31 August – Barnsley, 16 miles

21 September – Blackburn Rovers, 38 miles

19 October – Leicester City, 85 miles

23 November – Sheffield Wednesday, 22 miles

3 December – Bolton Wanderers, 36 miles

1 January – Burnley, 28 miles

1 February – Leeds United, 18 miles

8 March – Doncaster Rovers, 33 miles

12 April – Derby County, 60 miles

3 May – Watford, 167 miles

Huddersfield Town’s Supporter Partnerships Manager Robyn Deegan commented: “I never cease to be amazed at the determination and imagination of Town fans, especially ‘Keep It Up’ campaign fundraisers such as Rob.

“Like David Elliott and Alan Boothroyd before him, Rob has chosen to take part in an astonishing individual fundraising feat, and I’d like to thank him on behalf of everyone at the Club and charity- and wish him good luck!”

The ‘Keep It Up’ campaign has recently hit the £964,000 mark with the Club’s goal being to reach £1 million.

Funds raised go half towards the Yorkshire Air Ambulance charity which needs £9,990 per day to keep running, and half towards the Huddersfield Town Academy.

To sponsor Rob, please visit www.justgiving.com/The10matchchallenge or by texting TTMC50 £(amount) to 70070.