Community
Every year we support numerous local community groups, charities and individuals with their projects through our Green Vision Scheme.
Helping to create a sustainable future - environmentally and socially
Our Green Vision Scheme was set up as part of our post-consumer glass recycling initiative in 2021 to help support communities.
The thinking behind Green Vision is simple. Every year in the UK, thousands of tonnes of high quality glass removed from windows and doors during replacement work is needlessly sent to landfill. This is because the value of this post-consumer glass has never fully been understood by the industry, and it is simply habit for many installers to throw their old sealed units in the general waste skip.
We put the value of this waste to good use by collecting and crushing end of life glass units (IGUs) into what is known as cullet. As it generates a high quality raw material for making new glass, it has a significant value. This means we can generate money through our production of cullet, and this is all placed into the Green Vision fund so it can be used to support good causes.
Types of projects supported by Green Vision
Green Vision can support any project or initiative that is helping to deliver environmental or social improvements in communities in Yorkshire.
It supports a wide range of individuals, groups and charities, examples of which you can see on this page below and on our Sponsorship page – projects and initiatives making a difference, large and small.
Our grants have provided financial assistance to support everything from a project to create a vegetable garden at a primary school and volunteer-led ‘village in bloom’ initiatives, to dance school scholarships and amateur sports clubs.
Discover community projects we’ve supported below
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Calverley Brownies
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Moorlands Primary School
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Freedom 2 Dance
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The Tribe Youth Group
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Yorkshire Children's Charity
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Chisana Senshi Karate Club
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Yorkshire Cat Rescue
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Huddersfield Litter Bandits
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Cash For Kids
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Gildersome Cricket Club
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Swim Championship
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Mafwa Theatre
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Triathlete Sponsorship
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Huddersfield Royal Infirmary
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Big Bike Fix
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Garforth Peace Project
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Halton In Bloom
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Golcar Playing Fields
Brownies Gain Green Fingers Thanks To Morley Glass
One of the most recent beneficiaries of the Morley Glass Green Vision funding, has used the money to take over and improve one of the flower beds in a local park.
The Calverley Rainbows, Brownies and Guides joined forces to put their green fingers to the test at Calverley’s Victoria Park.
This began in 2022 as part of First Calverley Brownies centenary celebrations, with those who took part planting spring bulbs, summer perennials and winter bedding plants. A number of edible bushes and fruit trees have also been planted at the Brownies’ allotment.
Initially, the girls planted and grew all the plants in suffragette colours of green, white and purple - products including peas, beans and carrots. This year however, the funding has been used to invest in a green house where tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers have all been growing nicely.
In addition to this there is now a cage where the girls are growing cabbages and Brussel sprouts which they hope will be ready in time for Christmas. Furthermore, they also learned about sustainable foraging with some of the girls taking home some of the wild garlic growing along the footpaths.
All the girls – from First Calverley Rainbows, First and Second Calverley Brownies, and First and Second Calverley Guides – have taken part in the planting programme as part of the North East England chief commissioner’s #growshoutandshare challenge for 2023. This looks at GROWing up through guiding; SHOUTing about guiding, and learning to SHARE with communities. All attributes that complement the Morley Glass Green Vision ethos.
The girls will be doing further challenges this year including the Leeds Owl trail, donating 50 items to a local food-bank, and completing 50 random acts of kindness within the community.
Morley Glass Helps Children To Design Their Own Safe Space
The Morley Glass Green Vision was developed by Ian Short, Managing Director to support and encourage growth in the community. There is no greater example of this than the project created by the children and teachers at Moorlands Primary School in Huddersfield.
Head Teacher Amanda Denney discusses the benefits gained by the children and the school, which she attributes to the financial donation from Morley Glass.
Amanda comments, “We asked the children what they wanted to do to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Their overwhelming response was to create something where they could always remember the celebration, but also something that could be used by them to enjoy.
Funding for schools is not great generally, so thanks to the monies from Morley Glass we now have a stunning Jubilee Garden. It simply would not have been possible without the support from the company.
The garden has been designed by the children and can be used as a quiet space for them to enjoy all year round during the academic term time.
Designs were submitted to the teachers by the children, then planting began with the concept based around the colours of the Queen’s Jubilee. Pebbles and stones were also painted and strategically placed to add to the overall aesthetic. It is an ongoing tribute to Queen Elizabeth II that can be celebrated year in and year out, by many children during the time they attend the school. Hopefully generations of children will be able to enjoy it.
The Jubilee Garden is now used regularly as a comfort zone, while the school’s ‘Go Wild Club’ also benefits from the area as they learn about plant life and nature.
The donation from Morley Glass has demonstrated such a positive approach to life and shown them that their aspirations are achievable.
Exam Success For Freedom 2 Dance Students
This year’s exam season proved very successful for students at Freedom 2 Dance with some notable achievements. Morley Glass is a key sponsor of students at the dance school so this news is very rewarding.
Across all styles the dancers have developed and grown their skills with some fabulous results particularly in street dance where dancers gained fantastic results. Although it can be a daunting time for students the determination and commitment shines out with all styles performing exceptionally well, and all the students proving that they are developing first class dancing skills.
Laura and Michelle, co-owners of F2D believe that their approach of providing access to dance, in many styles, enables both children and adults to develop greater confidence and self esteem, which is demonstrated by the success of all those who attend the dance school.
Laura comments, “In many cases the exam success our dancers gain gives them wonderful encouragement on their road to becoming enthusiastic performers. Whether students want to continue in a career with dance or simply to enjoy the competitions and successful individual accomplishments, it is evident that our dancers are committed and enjoy the process.
For many of our students, dancing becomes one of the most important things in their life and the desire to dance never leaves them. We are all so proud of all they are achieving for themselves.”
This year the exam successes have demonstrated the commitment from both teachers and students with the F2D school going from strength to strength.
Michelle comments, “Personally, I think exams are more important across the board as they show just how much students can achieve by going through the process of learning routines and preparing themselves for passing the exam. All the preparation, excitement and feelings of success that come with dance exams is so important as it can be taken beyond the studio and used in life outside the classroom.
For some students the process of learning the work and passing the exam is a huge part of the joy they gain from dance.”
Anyone wishing to explore the different dance styles available to learn at F2D please call either Laura or Michelle to chat through the options.
Our next set of exams are scheduled for April 21st 2024 and October 2014 date TBC
The Tribe Youth Group Creates Award Winning Garden
The Tribe Youth Group was launched back in April 2018 to offer a safe space for children and young adults aged between 6 and 15 years of age.
The idea behind this was to provide young people with a place where they could socialise with people of a similar age to enjoy fun, gain personal support and when needed someone they can talk to about issues that are impacting their lives.
This ethos ties in with the principles of the Morley Glass Green Vision Grant project, which made it ideal to receive funding from the company for The Tribe Youth Group’s Community Garden Project.
The redevelopment of the garden, which is based in Cross Gates, Leeds, has helped to forge deep connections between the children and supporters who regularly attend.
Just a couple of hours a week, has given the youngsters a rewarding project that they can be part of and can maintain. All weeds and a huge amount of brambles were removed, and replaced with beautiful flowers. Despite an attack from vandals 3 years ago, Morley Glass funding has ensured that the garden is now back to full bloom.
Since renovating the green space, the garden has subsequently won a Wild Garden Award for the efforts made, the results achieved and the continuing participation of the children involved.
Ian Short, Managing Director, Morley Glass comments, “This simple and easy social solution with The Tribe Youth Group, falls into the category of charities and good causes that need and deserve support in the local area. Providing a safe zone for young people to enjoy is such a benefit to the community.”
Jean Barnbrook comments, “We aim to give those who attend some vital life skills including socialising, working together as a team whilst making a valuable contribution to the area. Also, we offer emotional support for the children who may not always have a safe space to talk about their personal issues and challenges.”
Any children wishing to join, please visit, The Tribe Youth Group children can attend for a very small fee of £3 per week. Contact Jean Barnbrook for more information.
Our Support for Yorkshire Children’s Charity and the Great Yorkshire Build Initiative
We are also proud supporters of Yorkshire Children’s Charity, who exist to make sure no child in Yorkshire is left behind due to ill health, disability or financial circumstance. One third of all children in Yorkshire are living in poverty, and our disabled children are significantly more likely to grow up in poverty than their non-disabled peers. As a business born and bred in Yorkshire, just like Yorkshire Children’s Charity, we don’t believe this is acceptable. Crucially, we played a big role in the charity’s first Great Yorkshire Build project, at Brooklands Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) school in Skipton.
Children with SEND in the UK are being systemically failed. Their schools are hugely oversubscribed and underfunded. As a result, their facilities and resources are overcrowded, outdated and entirely insufficient. The Great Yorkshire Build is a unique initiative bringing together the property and third sector in a one-of-a-kind partnership to re-fresh and re-energise these failing SEND facilities. We were incredibly proud to supply the bi-fold doors to the new classrooms at Brooklands, giving profoundly disabled and vulnerable children much greater freedom and independence to be outdoors and enjoy their new playground facilities.
Morley Glass Helps Local Karate Club Achieve Excellent Results
The Chisana Senshi Karate Club was founded by Sensei Michelle ‘Shelly’ Collinson 3rd Dan, who is a recognised KKO champion having won titles both nationally and internationally since she was 18. She launched the club in 2019 with over 40 years experience and a successful record in Shotokan Karate including various World titles.
Michelle contacted Morley Glass with a view to supporting students in competitions by sponsoring kit with some funds used to assist the club with the purchase of protective equipment. The funding was considered important for the future of the club with Michelle dedicating her time to passing on her knowledge and skills to future champions.
Based in St. Luke’s Community Centre, Swarcliffe, classes are available four times a week with students able attend to from the age of 4 years old.
Morley Glass funding has also been used for the purchase of School T-shirts for the entire Chisana Senshi Karate Club Squad.
Being a member of the Kenshin karate organisation’s Great Britain Squad Michelle inspires her students who have already started competing and won many medals along the way.
Michelle comments, “It is wonderful to be supported by a local company which sees the benefits that learning karate can bring to children’s lives. The confidence my students have gained is wonderful to see, so we are very grateful to Ian for the donation he has made.”
Ian comments, “It is always so rewarding to see such positive results from our donations particularly when it has helped students achieve great results.”
Rescued Cats Kept Warm Thanks To Morley Glass Funding
The Yorkshire Cat Rescue based in Keighley, initially approached Morley Glass for a Green Vision Fund to help reduce heating costs for the beautiful felines in their care, during the cold and bitter wintry months.
The registered charity was created to help save the lives of abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens in and around the Yorkshire area.
Jo Beverley, from Yorkshire Cat Rescue, wanted to ensure that every cat or kitten could be kept warm without expensive heating costs subsequently limiting what could be provided for each and every animal in their care.
She comments, “Part of our mission is to ensure that we can properly look after every cat that comes into our safe keeping. With heating costs now so expensive we have decided to install graphene heating mats in every unit, which will help the cats to stay warm in their own personal space.
This prototype will hopefully also help the Yorkshire Cat Rescue reduce its heating bills so that monies can be diverted towards other areas of the charity.“
The Morley Glass Green Vision Funding has been used to purchase the graphene heating pads which use infrared heating and come with a 10 year guarantee.
As the cats in care require food, love, shelter and essential veterinary care such as neutering, being able to spread costs across the charity is crucial, until a permanent home can be found.
Demand for rehoming cats is currently increasing due to the severe cost of living crisis. Whilst many are cared for by fosterers across Yorkshire there are many cats needing the bare essentials at the main Yorkshire Cat Rescue in Keighley.
Jo Beverley continues, We want to ensure that all the cats in our care are provided a warm soothing place to sit or sleep on chilly days or nights. The graphene heating pads, purchased with the funds from Morley Glass have been ideal and will also be very beneficial for any of our cats or kittens who may be unwell or recuperating after surgery.”
Ian Short, Managing Director Morley Glass and Glazing comments, “I am familiar with rescue animals and believe that they deserve to be a priority when it comes to forever homes.
We are all hoping that the excellent thermal conduction of the graphene heating pads will provide a safer, more environmentally friendly option for Yorkshire Cat Rescue, so that money can be saved on heating bills, to be used elsewhere as the charity needs.”
Huddersfield Litter Bandits Clean Up With Help From Morley Glass
The Huddersfield Litter Bandits are a small group of like minded individuals who are focused on keeping green spaces litter free. Pamela Spychalski, believes that individuals should be responsible for their rubbish and is committed to keeping her local area as clean and tidy as possible.
Whilst making the green areas and surrounds look better, the objective of the Huddersfield Litter Bandits is to educate and encourage others to be responsible for waste.
This environmental focus, brought Pamela and her team together with Morley Glass through the Green Vision programme, which helps to fund local projects and charities across Yorkshire. Launched by Ian Short who has been responsible for introducing a successful recycling scheme at his company, Green Vision intends to support those who need it most in the community.
The funding for the Huddersfield Litter Bandits has helped to purchase quality litter picker handles that are reliable and won’t break. Hoops have also been purchased to hold the bags open and hi-vis jackets bought and branded for the growing team of enthusiasts.
Pamela comments, “Litter picking has so many environmental benefits, because if rubbish can be recycled or disposed of correctly it prevents wildlife from getting hurt and also prevents plastics from breaking down and entering the food chain.
Initially the group started with two old school friends reuniting for the common cause, via Facebook, and this page has now grown to nearly 240 followers. Companies, scouting groups and politicians are all very supportive of the Litter Bandits cause.
Most recently the work done by Huddersfield Litter Bandits was mentioned in parliament by local MP Jason McCartney. Meanwhile a local ‘Squirrels’ scouting group attended an organised Litter Pick, where rubbish had been scattered for them to pick up to learn about different types of waste and how it can be recycled.
Ian Short, MD Morley Glass comments, “Protecting the environment is very close to my heart and this particular funding project enabled me to support a group of people with environmental issues at their core. The mindset needs to change regarding littering - moving forward, education as well as physically removing waste and rubbish, will be very necessary - the Huddersfield Litter Bandits are doing a great job protecting the local environment and we are proud to support them.”
Morley Glass Helps Support Children In Crisis Via Cash For Kids
With the cost of living crisis hitting so many families currently, the Cash For Kids charity has this year been making a focus to help disadvantaged children with the bare basics.
So many of the children and families who contact the West Yorkshire based charity need help to buy some of the fundamental products many of us take for granted. Items such as toiletries, school uniforms, clothing, shoes but notably this year, funding has been requested for food.
For Ian Short at Morley Glass, the Green Vision programme is there for just such funding programmes and the focus is to help disadvantaged families and children across the local area.
The Cash for Kids grant is helping to improve the lives of so many families but this year there has been an exceptionally high number of requests due to the current economic crisis. At the start of this year £50k, was donated as part of the Cash for Crisis campaign, with a further £25k recently given in June.
Cash for Kids is a grant-giving charity that relies on generous donations to provide access to therapists, specialists, therapy rooms and other necessary support that is otherwise unavailable to disadvantaged children.
Similarly, the Morley Glass mission is to help improve lives of those in poverty, neglect or who may need medical assistance or other special needs.
For organiser Lisa Sullivan, this year, the financial impact has meant so many more families are at risk and through 2023 alone the charity has helped 21,903 children to date.
She comments, “Every child should be able to achieve their full potential and enjoy life to the full. Working with companies such as Morley Glass and Ian in particular, makes such a difference. Thanks to the generosity of the company we have been able to help local families across West Yorkshire, The Dales, Harrogate and York.
Without people like Ian we would be unable to function as a charity - because of Morley Glass we can directly support children and their families who have absolutely nowhere else to turn.
We work with local grass-roots organisations across the region that aim to make a difference to young lives, and directly support families who often have nowhere else to go through our regular grant rounds.”
At least 80p from every £1 received goes back into the local communities.
Morley Glass Sponsors Gildersome Cricket Club
Connecting with local community causes is at the very heart of Morley Glass Green Vision funding. For Ian Short, Managing Director it is all about helping the community and providing opportunity for growth at any age.
By giving to local charities and communities it enriches lives and and helps people to come together through ideas and positive impact.
The Gildersome Cricket Club, is just such a community cause, so when Ian was contacted by Paul Pearson from the club, they chatted about the physical benefits and mental well being that healthy competition brings to young and old alike.
Consequently, earlier this year, Morley Glass donated funds to the club as a sponsor in a bid to give young cricketers the chance to learn new sporting skills.
Ian comments, “Giving back to the community ensures that it becomes a better place for the next generation. Physical health is just a part of this donation, as the club supports players who want to learn, whilst also giving them a great place to socialise.
Being able to immerse yourself in a community and the local people you can learn so much about how the world works. It gives the young players a unique sense of purpose which can be transferred into other areas of their life moving forward.”
Gildersome Sports Club is the home of Gildersome & Farnley Hill CC, which was formed in 2018 and with games in the Bradford Premier League both cricket and football teams play at Street Lane, Gildersome.
The club has seen an excellent resurgence in popularity over the last few years, both on and off the field, being part of a thriving village sports club that is open all year round.
Paul Pearson, Club Secretary commented, “It is essential we continue to develop our junior cricket teams over the coming years and thanks to the support of companies such as Morley Glass, we are attracting new members who enjoy the team spirit and benefits that club life has to offer. Players and/or coaches are always welcome to join.”
Ian concludes, “Giving back to the place you call home helps to bring the community together and bridge some of the social, economic and political gaps.”
For more information on the Morley Glass Green Vision Funding contact Charlotte on 0113 277 8722
Primary School Swim Squad Wins Championship in Morley Glass Kit
Gemma Traviss-Turner approached Morley Glass and Glazing for support with a local primary school swim squad when they achieved phenomenal results last summer. The team of swimmers from Roundhay St. Johns Primary entered the regional qualifiers for the English Schools Primary Swim Championships which were held in Hull.
After winning the regional qualifiers, Gemma wanted to boost the team morale by providing professional swim kit, so Gemma approached Ian for sponsorship for the national finals in Sheffield.
Subsequently, the team of 10 and 11 year olds travelled to Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield, proudly wearing their new matching and highly prized ‘Arena’ swim kit, to take part in the championship finals.
On 17th June, wearing matching swimsuits, caps and onesies, the young group of swimmers, comprising 3 boys and 1 girl, were clearly inspired by their united-looking front as they went on to win the final in their age group, as overall State School champions.
One of the team commented ‘it was like living a dream’, to wear the bold, red swimming outfits, with all of them very proud to look so professional as they received their medals from the President of the England Schools Swimming Association.
Ian comments, “Despite the obvious advantages that come from learning a life-saving skill, I am sure that team swimming such as this gives young children a holistic way to develop and grow. Being able to add to that by providing the Roundhay St John’s swim team with a bonded and professional feeling I hope helped to add to the fantastic results they achieved.”
Gemma Traviss-Turner, Coach, comments, ‘Feeling part of a ‘team’ at these big events promotes great bonding and confidence for young people. When taking part in championships like this, it is important to bolster the mood and the excitement. Thanks to Ian and Morley Glass the team got such a boost on their big day.”
Lincoln Green Residents Gain Green Space from Mafwa Theatre and Morley Glass
Mafwa Theatre is a community theatre company bringing refugees, asylum seekers and settled communities together in Leeds. The company initially contacted Morley Glass regarding funding to support the redevelopment of a disused playground into a garden of sanctuary in Lincoln Green.
The idea for the Roxby Community Garden was first developed during lockdown in 2020, when it became increasingly apparent how highly the refugee and asylum communities in Lincoln Green value green spaces.
Lincoln Green has been recognised as being one of Leeds most deprived areas, with many residents living in high rises without access to a garden, so the opportunity for the local community to come together to create a safe green space fit with the Morley Glass Green Vision funding programme.
Mafwa consulted Lincoln Green residents and worked alongside Leeds City Council, with a major grant from Veolia, to transform the previously overgrown, derelict and run-down area.
With so many now living in the vicinity from different parts of the world, and with a lot of people living in crisis, the new green space has gone on to become so much more than initially planned.
The community garden is now blossoming, it is a multi-functional open-air space where people can socialise, play and connect. It has hosted arts events, workshops and community get-togethers. It also has a thriving vegetable garden that is tended to by the ‘Lincoln Greeners’, a gardening group run by Mafwa Theatre. Produce grown in the garden is made available for the local community to take and the group has created a place where the diverse residents can teach each other about vegetables from their home countries, share recipes and exchange gardening tips.
Ian Short, Managing Director, Morley Glass comments, “Community is everything and for me it is essential to give back where possible. The Mafwa Theatre company has created an incredible environment for people in dire need. Being able to support their programme for those with migrant backgrounds who have potentially lost everything is what the Green Vision funding is all about.”
Tamsin from Mafwa Theatre comments, “Donations from Morley Glass have helped us to give people in sometimes terrible circumstances, room to have fun, make new friends, build trust whilst also developing a beautiful area for them all to enjoy. Without companies like this we would be unable to support the community as we currently do.”
Next year, Mafwa Theatre is planning on developing a venture planting trees and establishing a micro allotment scheme to allow members of the community to develop their gardening skills. A ‘Flourish’ evaluation newspaper has been created to inform locals on the work Mafwa Theatre has done over the past year and what’s to come in 2024.
Leading UK Triathlete Sponsored By Morley Glass
Four years ago, Triathlete Gemma Traviss-Turner bought her first road bike - this was at the start of the first lockdown in the pandemic. Gemma took up cycling to get outdoors and improve her mental wellbeing.
As time progressed the challenge of attempting to complete a triathlon began. In 2021 Gemma won her age-group in her first event at Roundhay Park and qualified to represented Great Britain in the European Championships in Munich that same year.
On discussing how much taking part in the championships had helped to improve her confidence and overall mental wellbeing, Ian from Morley Glass discovered that it was a passion Gemma was keen to continue; but that her future could become restricted due to the exorbitant costs of equipment, coaching and travelling to international events.
Since then, Morley Glass has been her main sponsor along with Liv bike store in York, Together we are helping her fly the flag for Great Britain with new kit and some financial support.
By the Summer of 2023 Gemma had qualified for the European Championships in Madrid, where she came 8th in her class. By July, Gemma was off to attend the World Championships in Hamburg where she attained an incredible 11th place in her class.
This year, Ian has once again committed to sponsoring Gemma with her triathlon events across Europe as well as globally. Funding will be used for kit, maintenance and travel to attend events throughout 2024.
Morley Glass will be following Gemma’s progress as she trains for her sporting challenges to give her as much support as possible.
Gemma comments, “I am thrilled that Ian is supporting me - becoming a triathlete for Great Britian makes me incredibly proud. For me this is just the beginning, this year I will be competing in several GB qualifiers for 2025 along with some local triathlons in Yorkshire and the British Championships.”
She continues, “Being able to inspire others, particularly the younger generation to take up the sport is one of my aims. In addition to racing I have become a level-2 coach to share my knowledge. I am so thrilled that Morley Glass will be there by my side.”
Ian comments, “Supporting Gemma is a great privilege as she not only wears the Union Jack for these events, but as a local she also wears the ‘brand of Yorkshire.’ We are all willing her on to great success and will enjoy being on her triathlon journey with her.”
Morley Glass Provides Funding Towards Huddersfield Royal Infirmary Well Being Garden
CHFT Charity manager Emma Kovaleski contacted Morley Glass and Glazing for Green Vision funding in 2023. The project was to create a wellbeing garden in the grounds of Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.
With mental health a focus the aim was to create a tranquil space that could be enjoyed by staff, patients and visitors alike.
Development began last year behind the new A&E building on the site of the old nurses accommodation. Funding came from a combination of NHS Charities Together grant funding as well as donations from individuals and businesses such as Morley Glass.
When completed the new garden will be split into seven zones, that will offer a quiet area of calm for socialising and gentle exercise, as well as peaceful areas for reflection.
Areas will have dedicated uses with sponsor recognition and will include an arrival and sensory space, a meeting and social section as well as an activity group zone. Other designated spaces will comprise a wildlife maze, an area for physiotherapy as well as a quiet seating spot and an inspired wildflower garden.
Emma Kovaleski said: “The idea of creating a wellbeing garden began back during the pandemic, so it is wonderful that this year we will see those plans come to fruition.
“Time outdoors has a real impact on people’s wellbeing and soon our colleagues, patients and their loved ones will be able to enjoy this beautiful space.”
The garden is being built by landscaping firm Horticon and is expected to be finished by May 2024.
Ian Short, Morley Glass and Glazing commented, “Mental health is such an important aspect to consider when dealing with health in general.
Being able to contribute to a garden that is being created to offer a refuge to everyone who may need it when visiting Huddersfield Royal Infirmary reflects the reasons behind our Green Vision funding programme.”
Morley Glass Green Vision Supports The Big Bike Fix
To call the Big Bike Fix a labour of love really is an understatement. Launched by Councillor Ed Carlisle during the pandemic, this project was founded in south Leeds, for the people of the area, and it has since become a passion for all those involved.
During the COVID lockdowns, Ed found a way to keep the local community connected – by taking donations of unwanted bikes, getting them fixed up, then donating them back into the community. The team also started repairing bikes for local people of all ages.
The project has rolled on ever since – and is having a big impact. It’s enabling people to improve both their physical and mental health, and save money, and reduce carbon emissions and air pollution. By giving old bikes a new lease of life, it’s a great example of the ‘circular economy’.
The Big Bike Fix has given out over 1,300 bikes since 2020, and fixed up over 1,000. Many of the repair jobs that come in are simple fixes, such as tightening brakes, handlebars or seats, patching punctures, or even just oiling chains. Resolving these issues means people can continue cycling without the need for specialist tools or expensive costs.
Morley Glass were contacted about the Green Vision Funding Project, and a donation was subsequently made which went towards expenses for parts. This meant that the mechanics had all they needed to fix the bikes that were broken.
Ian Short, Managing Director, Morley Glass & Glazing Ltd commented, “In today’s society that tends to throw broken things away, the Big Bike Fix is a great example of community empowerment and a commitment to the environment. This is a wonderful way of giving everyone a chance to achieve something in their own right.”
Ed comments, “The Big Bike Fix has been hard work, but so rewarding. Huge thanks to the wide range of volunteers who’ve been part of it (and we always welcome new people to help!) – and all the partners and supporters, including Morley Glass. It’s a great example of what an impact we can make together, in our communities, for relatively little money.”
To find out more about the Big Bike Fix, or to get involved, find them online, or contact Ed on 07738 921 277.
To learn more about the Morley Glass Green Vision Funding please call Charlotte on 0113 277 8722.
Garforth Peace Project Gains Greater Recognition Thanks To Morley Glass
Garforth Peace Project had originally approached Morley Glass for some funding to help with the day to day running of the project. They needed new information leaflets, lamp oil to keep the Garforth World Peace Flame fuelled and running, tea light candles to give to the public and costs in general.
A grant was kindly agreed from the Green Vision Fund and the small 2 person team visited Morley Glass HQ to distribute leaflets and candles to the company. Charlotte from Morley Glass suggested developing a website to push the associated message out to the wider world in general - which is exactly what happened. The money went towards the development of the current website : www.garforthpeaceproject.com.
Originally lit on 28th April 2017, in Garforth, West Yorkshire, the Garforth World Peace Flame Monument can be found in the Diamond Jubilee Garden, Aberford Road, Garforth. Since then, the team has given out over 70,000 tea-lights. It is the 1st World Peace Flame Monument in England where people can take a tea-light candle from the original to create their own World Peace Flame.
Sharing the same ethos as Ian Short at Morley Glass it is hoped that this is a way to inspire and encourage others to live better, more peaceful and happier lives. Ian too hopes that by supporting community projects such as the Garforth Peace Project that people will become the change they wish to see in their own communities - not just locally, but also globally.
6 local schools have taken part in peace related projects. The Garforth Schools’ World Peace Pathway, Garforth Schools’ Peace Flag and the Coronation Peace Tree Project, which have been recognised and supported by consecutive Lord Mayors of Leeds, as well as the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leeds and local Councillors.
Fiona Murray comments, “Each candle lit from the World Peace Flame retains the energy from the original which ensures that the powerful message of hope and peace is passed on - we hope that this will generate a positive and peaceful message not just around the Garforth community but to a larger audience.
We are so grateful to Ian and the team at Morley Glass for having inspired us to push our message further out. The new website is helping us to promote the message of peace to more people within Garforth and beyond.”
Morley Glass Helps ‘Halton In Bloom’ To Blossom
Halton In Bloom is recognised for celebrating outstanding women from the past who were born in the Leeds suburb that can be found in West Yorkshire.
For the second year in a row, Morley Glass & Glazing will once again be one of the main sponsors for a flower bed that will be dedicated to the memory of local lady champion, Commonwealth swimmer, Doris Storey.
In 1938 Doris won a medal in the Commonwealth Games which were then known as the Empire Games. She proudly defied policy by refusing to stand for Hitler when the games began. At the age of 18, she returned home to a hero’s welcome with thousands of people lining the streets.
The project is currently in the planting stage and it will house predominantly blue flowers to represent the sea, in which she sometimes trained. An iron swimmer is being created by local metalsmith, Mark Haddock, which will sit within the flowerbed. This will be in a similar style to the decorative dedication to cyclist Beryl Burton which Morley Glass also sponsored.
Beryl was a phenomenal cyclist, frequently beating men in competitions at the peak of her fitness. She used the surrounding areas of Yorkshire to practice and lived in Halton all her life.
With a diverse membership the Halton In Bloom group was formed in early 2013 to help raise the profile of the area so that people who lived and visited there could enjoy the surroundings.
Boosting the profile of some exceptional women who lived in Halton including Gertrude Bray, the first lady builder who built many houses in the area in the 1930s, it is hoped will help to keep all they achieved in the memories of those who live there now. Primarily, it is hoped that the continuing project will improve the local environment, helping to make Halton a better place to live, work and shop.
This year’s garden project is expected to open in the Summer with an official event to be hosted by Halton In Bloom.
Jenny Marshall, one of the group’s current leading organisers comments, “As a team we are thrilled to have been supported once again by Ian via the Morley Glass Green Vision funding programme. Giving back to the community is at the heart of Halton In Bloom and we believe this is an excellent way for locals to really enjoy the area.”
Furthermore, after opening, the garden will be incorporated onto the geocaching.com website with three of the beds being used for Geocachers to discover some hidden treasures. Geocaching guides people using a GPS-enabled device which uses coordinates, for people to discover places all over the country.
Ian Short comments, “Giving back to the local community is at the very heart of Morley Glass, so providing an area for people to simply enjoy and relax could not be more deserving of our support. I will look forward to the grand opening of the garden in the Summer.”
Morley Glass Helps to Maintain Golcar Playing Fields
Maintaining Golcar Playing Fields for the local community is an essential part of local living with football teams and residents regularly enjoying its use.
With two football pitches that host 3 adult teams, 2 girls football teams and 5 junior teams for Golcar United, as well as a recreation park all needing regular maintenance, the community approached Morley Glass for Green Vision funding to help with its upkeep.
Monies given from Morley Glass have been used for maintenance equipment including petrol hedge trimmers and a large lawn mower so that the bushes, trees and surrounds can all be kept neat and tidy.
This year The Party On The Pitch will return to the playing fields on the 10th and 11th May. The two day family festival will include a BBQ as well as a number of great tributes acts including Ed Sheeran, Elton John, The Killers and The Specials to name a few. Tickets are £20 each for adults for both days with children’s tickets £10 each.
Ben Senior from Golcar Playing Fields comments, “Without support from Morley Glass and Glazing we would have really struggled to maintain the grounds and recreation park this year. The new equipment makes life so much easier for us which ensures that we can keep the spirit of the area thriving. We are so grateful for Ian’s donation. ”
Anyone wishing to buy tickets for the family fun day - Party On The Pitch - Click Here
Working in Partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust have launched an inspiring and ambitious campaign to bring communities together across Yorkshire to reverse nature’s decline and bring back wild places for the benefit of wildlife and people. #TeamWilder is a rapidly growing movement of people who care about the environment, and want to help wildlife thrive, not just on nature reserves, but at home, at work and in their communities.
Everyone can get involved in #TeamWilder – simply sign up at www.ywt.org.uk/team-wilder to access toolkits, guidance, support, and events to help you to be the difference nature needs.
We are always keen to hear from charities, schools and good causes in the Leeds and Yorkshire areas who may need our help. We can’t promise to help everyone but if every business took the time and effort to give back to their local communities then the world would be a much better place.
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