Charitable and community support activities - 6 month round up

With community ties stretching all the way back to the 1880s, Wilkinson Woodward has long been a keen supporter of the charities and good causes that play vital roles for the people of Calderdale and Kirklees.

We’re pleased to say this has continued with equal enthusiasm throughout the first six months of 2025.

Here is an overview of activities and events we have supported or participated in since the start of the year:

In February, we sponsored the Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival, an annual, nighttime lantern parade that celebrates a local legend and attracts large numbers of visitors. This year saw over 200 lanterns carried through the streets, together with performers, illuminated dancers and marching bands.

April saw the firm host its Annual Charity Quiz Night in aid of Overgate Hospice. The chance to be crowned champions and the temptation of a pie and pea supper and a raffle win attracted nearly 120 participants. The fun event, held at the Shay Stadium, raised £2300 for Overgate’s Big Build Appeal. Our support for the hospice continued in June when we sponsored a hole at the Overgate Hospice Charity Golf Day, and members of the team took part in the tournament.

Our ongoing support of the Huddersfield Literature Festival continued again this year with the sponsorship of the Alan Johnson on Harold Wilson event. Johnson, a former Home Secretary and Wilson biographer, delivered a talk on the Huddersfield-born Prime Minister as part of the festival.  

In May, we sponsored a page in the programme and a keg of beer in support of the Slaithwaite Brass Band Beer Festival. This family-friendly event features food stalls, children’s rides, real ales and music from the volunteer-run Slaithwaite band.

June saw the Brighouse 1940s Weekend, one of the area's most popular annual attractions. Like last year, the Wilkinson Woodward team erected a gazebo outside our Brighouse office and held a colouring competition for children.

Once again, we supported two events at Manor Heath in Halifax. This included the sponsorship of the map in this year’s Halifax Gala programme and the Gold Sponsorship of the K9 Party in the Park, a family event for dog lovers of all ages in aid of the Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch of the RSPCA. 

In July, we sponsored a water stand for the Kirkwood Starlight Walk. The annual fundraising event, organised by The Kirkwood Hospice, Huddersfield, sees over 1,000 participants head out from the Accu Stadium, walking distances of up to 10 miles.

We have also supported the Halifax Light Opera Society Juniors (HLOSJ) by sponsoring their Juniors Jubilation 50th Celebration Ball at Bertie's in Elland, as well as sponsoring several local sports teams, including MSA Huddersfield Thai Boxing, Laund Hill Rugby Union (Girls under 14 team) and Elland Rugby League (Boys under 15 team).

After recently moving into more suitable offices in Brighouse town centre, we have also invited locals to visit the new premises for an open afternoon. To celebrate the move, attendees were treated to cakes and bubbly.

Finally, the team will be taking part in the Wilkinson Woodward annual charity walk in September - an internal event, when we stretch our legs and raise funds for a local good cause. This year’s chosen charity is still to be confirmed, so watch this space for more details.