Today we look at three amazing community projects that are enhancing the quality of people’s lives in Huddersfield. All have been shortlisted in this category and the winner will be revealed at the awards at the Galpharm Stadium on May 31.

SINCE establishing its UK base in Huddersfield more than 150 years ago David Brown has grown to become a globally recognised specialist in gear engineering, solutions and services.

As a proud member of the local community, David Brown is committed to adding value through its links with local schools, colleges and charities as well as developing the next generation of David Brown engineers through its company-wide development programme, the David Brown Gear Academy, and its apprentice scheme.

Ian Farquhar from David Brown said: “We are extremely delighted to be sponsoring the Community Project of the Year award.

“It’s a fantastic way of recognising local people who go the extra mile to deliver projects that make us all proud to be a part of the Huddersfield community.”

PARENT power is the name of the game in Lindley.

The Motherhub is a community organisation run by, with and for parents.

Located in what is now a large disused storage room at The Nightingale pub at Acre Street, the group’s aim is to offer a lifeline to parents with any problems or issues.

It can help people suffering from post natal depression, financial worries or career problems – or simply offer a hot drink and a friendly ear from one parent to another.

Although the Motherhub was only set up in February 2011, its members have big plans for the future. They are currently trying to raise £10,000 to provide a kitchen area for making drinks and warming babies’ food and bottles, a comfortable sofa area, internet, phone and computers, a soft play area and a sensory baby area.

Once the work is complete organisers will be looking for more funds to train counsellors, promote the Motherhub and roll the concept out to other towns and cities.

The group already organises mum and baby meet-ups where mums – and dads – can drop in for a chat and advice.

Another successful project is The Bag where second hand clothes are exchanged for other items.

Plans for a website and forum at www.motherhub.org are already in hand with sponsorship from one of the parents.

Once refurbished, the space will be the new venue for the Eventalicious meetings as well as being made available for complimentary therapists, breast-feeding peer support groups and other charity and community groups.

Sarah Jane Marcussen, who is on the fundraising committee, said: “The Motherhub is the brainchild of Katy Livings, a local mum who wants to create more support for parents, especially those who suffer with post natal depression.

“We have made so much progress already, working tirelessly to make this dream a reality. This project really deserves wider recognition.”

TWO men have taken on the might of the British legal system – and emerged victorious 16 years later.

The David versus Goliath battle started in 1996 when a speculator applied to build blocks of flats on the 6.5 acres of open land between Edgerton and Birkby known as Clayton Fields.

Local residents Mike Hardy and Bill Magee got together to form the Clayton Fields Action Group to campaign against the proposal.

They won that round by gaining legal village status for the fields – but the matter was far from over.

The land was sold to a housebuilding company which, in 2008, launched the first of three further High Court actions against the residents’ group.

Undeterred, the dynamic duo galvanised local support and planned their case. In 2010, Mike, Bill and David Bowen travelled down to London where they personally put the residents’ case before the High Court, saving many thousands of pounds in legal fees. They won.

In March of this year Clayton Fields was awarded the coveted village green status and the community celebrated. The developers have since threatened to pursue the case in the Supreme Court, but Mike and Bill are convinced that the March High Court ruling will prevail.

The two men have never wavered in their task of protecting the fields for the benefit of a wide range of locals who use them – nurseries, schools, community groups, young and old residents alike – and for posterity. Their story is even more amazing as Mike and Bill are both suffering from terminal cancer.

Their legacy is not only saving a beautiful wildlife-rich haven just one mile from the town centre, but they have brought people together.

Residents of all ages and religions have banded together to save the fields and to participate in community activities like the Easter events and annual bonfire which attracted 1,000 people in 2011. The Action Group now has 400 members.

Mike said: “There has been a terrific amount of interest in saving Clayton Fields and we are absolutely elated to have won in the High Court. It has been a wonderful feeling to be doing something so worthwhile.”

Bill added: “The fields are a safe haven for wildlife and the community. Mike and I never looked for any awards – we just bashed on and did it – but it is rather nice to be nominated.”

A BRADLEY association has been making a difference to residents’ lives for more than a quarter of a century.

Bradley Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) has been run from a house in Alandale Road for more than 25 years.

During that time members have organised numerous community activities and taken up many battles on behalf of the 1,100 households on the Bradley estate, one of the largest in Kirklees.

Founder members Judith Balbontin and Betty Turner have campaigned tirelessly since the 1980s to make it a more cohesive and caring community.

Members work hand in hand with local councillors and the neighbourhood policing team.

Initiatives over the last 25 years include fun days and children’s parties, clinics for babies and the elderly, theatre visits, annual street cleaning and coffee mornings.

One of their proudest achievements is setting up the independent charity Woodscape which looks after a group of woods including Bradley Gate Wood and Dyson Wood in Bradley.

Local volunteers trim trees, maintain and repair pathways, build stiles and generally manage the woods.

Every Friday morning adults with learning difficulties visit and help to keep the woods clean and tidy. Green-fingered residents enjoy the large allotments and greenhouse on Saturday mornings and there is a popular weekly healthy living walk.

The group has benefited from the arrival of Mandy Tomkin and Howard Taylor with their high-tech skills, resulting in a text messaging service to keep residents up to date with information and events and a community web page and blog where residents can air their views.

Bradley TRA is also currently funding young people on a Bumpy motorcycle repair and maintenance course.

PCSO Karen Clifford said: “A very small group of committed residents, old and young, have worked tirelessly to provide an enhanced community spirit and quality of life for local residents.”

Judith Balbontin said: “I am really, pleased and very happy to be nominated. Betty and I have done a lot over a long time and it is lovely to be remembered.”