Community Awards: Best Community Event
Jun 18 2009 By Andy Hirst
The last parade took place on March 8 when the streets of Huddersfield were turned green by Irish-themed floats, bands, dancers and marchers led by the Limerick City Pipe and Drum Band.
John McLoughlin, chairman of Huddersfield St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee said: “It’s about promoting Irish culture in Huddersfield and bringing together Irish people and the Huddersfield community for an event full of colour, culture and craic.
“I think it’s wonderful to get recognition for our group. It shows people enjoy our parade.
“Thousands attend it but it is a tangible recognition to be down for an award.”
Laura Lambe who nominated the parade said: “I feel they deserve recognition as they put on fun events for the families, fundraising events, encourage all participants throughout the community to join in and bring a buzz to Huddersfield, not to mention the income generated in the cafes and shops.”
HONLEY VILLAGE CHRISTMAS EVENT
IT’S the village festival that draws in big crowds.
Honley Village Christmas Event pulls in the punters on the first Saturday of December every year when the village is transformed into a festive carnival.
St Mary’s Church holds a 40 to 50-stall market which sells food, gifts and offers information on various village organisations with all proceeds going to the church.
Meanwhile Trinity Church puts on its well known Christmas Tree Festival and the Village Trust puts on seasonal events in the village hall. Last year the Village Trust organised a toy swapping fair.
The whole event, in which Elim Church is also involved, takes a full year of preparation.
Honley Christmas Market Committee chairman Cliff Green said: “I feel very honoured to be nominated. It’s come as quite a surprise. It would be a tremendous honour to win.
“I think we get some recognition from our own members but it would be nice if people in the wider area knew about it.
“People come to the village because there’s a lot going on that day.”
Marcia Murray, of the Village Trust, added: “I think it’s absolutely amazing and we’re really pleased to be nominated.
“We’re all villagers, it’s all voluntary and we want to keep the village alive and make it a good place to live.”
