Visit to the Army Cadets

I joined Army Cadets from across North and West Yorkshire at an awards and information day at Strensall near York last Sunday.

The day, organised by Yorkshire based groups of Army Cadets, was attended by Mayors from Towns and Cities across Yorkshire including Morley, Bradford, Wakefield, Wetherby and Richmond.

It was a fabulous day where we all gained a valuable insight into the work the Army Cadets undertake and the opportunities they offer for young people.

Councillors were shown the different skills cadets were developing include First Aid, wall climbing, communication skills and camouflage techniques. Cadets were also given certificates for their achievements over the last year.

The Army Cadets offer many opportunities for local young people, both girls and boys. They develop skills such as resilience and self-motivation along with teamwork and practical skills that they can use later in life. It was a pleasure and a delight to attend and to meet so many well motivated youngsters. We are exploring what options are available to bring an Army Cadet Corp to the Morley area.

CCTV schemes to be expanded

CCTV scheme expanded in Churwell Park

Morley Borough Independent Town Councillors have backed proposals to improve CCTV schemes at both Morley Sports Centre and Churwell Park. The finance, from the Community Infrastructure Levy - often called CIL - that developers of new housing developments around Morley have to pay, will contribute towards expanding the CCTV schemes at both locations.

Cllr Robert Finnigan said “We were happy to support the proposals at Morley Sports Centre and Churwell Park. Morley Sports Centre is presently suffering from increased vandalism and this means money that could be used to increased opportunities for Morley residents is being used to repair the damage to the Sports Centre. The new CCTV stay will help reduce this burden and offer more opportunities for everyone.”

The Morley Sports Centre expanded system will overlook the outside of the Kirkness Room which is popular with Sports Centre users but has been subjected to increased vandalism. The Churwell Park CCTV system will overlook the newly refurbished Children’s Play area and has shown to reduce vandalism previously.

Cllr Judith Elliott, who sat on the committee that agreed the funding said “The Town Council has a fund which can be used to support local projects and to improve the quality of life of local residents. We believe this is what we have achieved by supporting both applications.”

 

Morley gets two defibrillators for Town Centre

Morley Town Centre now has two defibrillator following work by Morley Town Centre Management Board and money raised by the former Mayor of Morley Cllr Simon Kimberley.

 The two defibrillators – based in former BT phone boxes – were delivered after Cllr Kimberley raised funds during his year as Mayor to cover the costs. The new units were also sponsored by local Estate Agents – Onwards and Upwards – and were fitted free of charge by Morley Town Council Andy Hutchison.

 Cllr Robert Finnigan – Chairman of Morley Town Centre Management Board said “I would like to pass on my thanks to Onwards and Upwards and pay tribute to my colleagues Cllr Kimberley and Cllr Hutchison who have made this project a reality. It has made excellent use of former phone boxes and will make Morley Town Centre safer by offering lifesaving equipment on those hopefully rare occasions they are needed.”

Mayors Charity Channel Challenge

Cllr Robert Finnigan - Mayor of Morley - takes on Ronnie the Rhino!

The Mayor races across the channel for Charity

The Mayor of Morley will race against Leeds Rhinos Foundation and other local business for Martin House and Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice

 The Mayor is bringing the Olympics to Morley with an exciting charity rowing race in aid of Martin House and Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice; two fantastic charities that provide care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions across West Yorkshire.

 With the Mayor of Morley heading up his team, he is asking others to row the Channel alongside him in the heart of town using Morley Sports Centre rowing machines. As well as cheering on your team; there will be a host, music, stalls, a bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle and a qualifying prize draw making this an event not to be missed!

 Where is the race?

 This great day out for the family is at Morley Sports Centre on Saturday 21 October, and kicks off with the boat race at 2pm.

 How can you be involved?

      1.     Be a team and see if you have a chance beating the Mayor! The teams must be made up of five people and there is a £20per person minimum sponsorship required. Teams already confirmed from Leeds Rhinos Foundation, a team including ex marines, Morley Police Officers and Sports Centre staff.

2.     Sponsor the event!

3.     Do some fundraising for your business

4.     Donate something towards the day or the auction; this can be an item, food or vouchers!

5.     Volunteer your skills or talents for entertainment on the day!

6.     Like our Facebook page at The Mayors Charity Channel Challenge.

7.     Attend the event and help cheer on the teams!

The Charities

Martin House supports families from across West, North and East Yorkshire, both at their hospice and in the community.

“Our families are at the heart of everything we do and we value each member as an individual with their own needs. The hospice itself is a place of love and understanding, a peaceful place but one that can also have a lively, friendly atmosphere full of fun and laughter”

Forget Me Not supports families in West Yorkshire.

“We help hundreds of wonderful children, and their equally wonderful families, through our Hospice at Home service and at our fantastic hospice building at Russell House in Huddersfield. We provide superb nursing care, days out, listening, respite care, therapy and anything the family wants us to do, we are here to say yes and help in any way we can.”

 Morley Mayor Cllr Robert Finnigan said “I am encouraging as many people as possible to get involved in the charity fundraising event. Both the Martin House and Forget Me Not Find hospices undertake excellent work with families with children with life shortening illnesses. The day will be a real opportunity for people to have fun, out row the Mayor and his team and raise funds for these excellent charities!”

For any more information on the above please contact 0781 3322737.

You can support this event and both charities by donating to www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/mayorschachacha