Search Results

Young Leicester City goalkeeper Chituru Odunze has joined Major League Soccer Next Pro side Crown Legacy FC on a permanent contract, subject to league and international clearance. The 20-year-old shot stopper, who has been a regular feature for Leicester City’s Development Squad in recent seasons, joins the North Carolina side for an undisclosed fee after four years with the Foxes. Born in North Carolina and capped by the United States at international level, Odunze also spent time in the academy of Vancouver Whitecaps ahead of his move to England. The Club thanks Chituru for his contribution over the last four years and wishes him the very best for the future with Crown Legacy FC.

John Good Group is excited to announce that Tim Good, Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Matthew Good Foundation, has been shortlisted for the Family Business Next Generation Award by Family Business United. The recognition comes in the celebration of the best of family business, and the winners will be revealed at a gala dinner in London on National Family Business Day on September 21. Tim Good says, "Being shortlisted for the Family Business Next Generation Award is a testament to the strength and character of the entire John Good Group. Our people, their passion, and our shared commitment to sustainable growth and a better future is what truly defines us as a family business." "Our team’s dedication and enthusiasm make 'Good' things happen. This nomination isn't just about me - it's about each and every one of our passionate team members.” This isn't the first time that the John Good Group has been acknowledged by Family Business United. The group was previously crowned the winner of the People’s Choice Family Business of the Year, Yorkshire award in June 2023. This nomination for Tim Good further affirms the dedication and accomplishment of the John Good Group in upholding the values and spirit of family businesses. John Good Group also extends its congratulations to all the finalists for the Family Business Next Generation Awards and are proud to be sharing the platform with other family-run enterprises.

Douch Family Funeral Directors has appointed two new staff for its AE Jolliffe & Son branch in Ferndown. Leanne Adimi is a senior funeral director and community engagement officer and Helen Dean is an office administrator. Leanne, who previously worked for the business in the 1990s, will also be working for the Ives & Shand branch in Parkstone. She took time out to have a family and complete a degree and has also worked on a self-employed basis. Leanne said: “It’s great to be back working for the Douch family and to see how far the company has come. The facilities in Ferndown and Parkstone are superb and I will be making sure they are utilised for community groups. Being an active part of the community is something that is very important for the business and I’ll be striving to ensure the branches are fully involved.” Helen added: “Previously I worked in the alarms and access control sector where I learned a great deal about working with the elderly which is helpful for this role. I have always wanted to work in the funeral sector and am pleased that I have a role with such a friendly, forward-looking group.” Nick Douch, managing director of the group, said: “Leanne and Helen are great appointments for us". “Both come with lots of practical and sector experience and being local they know the area well. Recruiting the right people is so important in our business because first impressions count more than they do elsewhere.”

Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co has been awarded the highest three-star Great Taste award rating for its Wye Valley Traditional Mead. The Guild of Fine Food rates three star products as “extraordinarily tasty food and drink” and only 2% of the thousands of products submitted for Great Taste judging every year achieves three stars. Hive Mind brews meads and beers at its meadery in Caldicot with natural ingredients and honey from its own local hives, where its beekeeping supports habitat conservation and important pollinator populations. Hive Mind’s Traditional Mead reflects the flavours from the hills, meadows, hedgerows and woodlands of the Wye Valley through the honey that is harvested every season. To make the honey that goes into every bottle, the bees will have pollinated more than 1.7 million flowers and flown more than 70,000 miles. The Great Taste accreditations celebrate the UK’s finest artisanal food and drink and are blind-tasted by a panel including celebrity chefs, Michelin-starred restaurateurs, food critics, buyers, retailers and writers. Three-star products go on to compete for Great Taste’s Golden Fork Awards, given to the best products in each nation and region in October The judges’ comments described the Mead’ as: “Altogether beautifully crafted and thoroughly enjoyable…This is an absolute joy to imbibe and we love it.” Judges’ tasting notes included: “A lovely complexity to this mead - well balanced throughout with woody and toasted notes and a soft sweetness rolling into a soft lemony acidity with a long finish”; “Smooth and silken on the palate with lingering floral notes on the finish. A really delightful and delicious mead with both fragrance and floral complexity”; and “A delightful, promising nose with a heady, blossomed fragrance to this gorgeous pale yellow mead. Softly sweet and nuanced, rounded and complex and deeply floral.” This year, to help reduce food waste and prevent honey left over after the judging process being discarded, Hive Mind will be working with the Guild of Fine Food to collect the honey and brew a new ‘Great Taste’ mead. Hive Mind’s tasting notes describe the Mead as sweet, rich and moreish with rich floral and heather notes. Hive Mind Traditional Mead is sold in classic cork-stopped 70cl bottles in numbered batches and is 14.5% ABV. Hive Mind sells direct to consumers online and from its Caldicot tap house. It is available through independent delis, farm shops, bars and restaurants across the UK through specialist distributors including Pig’s Ears, Cotswold Fayre, Hammonds of Knutsford, Craft Drinks Co and Blas ar Fwyd. The Traditional Mead, along with the whiskey barrel-aged version, has recently been added to the shelves of Selfridges and is used by Michelin-starred restaurants including Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and James Sommerin’s Home, following an appearance earlier this year on a TV series with the Hairy Bikers focused on small artisan producers. Hive Mind co-founder Kit Newell said: “We describe our Traditional Mead as a distillation of the local landscape - it’s a well-balanced flavour that showcases the seasonality and all the floral notes from our carefully selected local honey, not just its sweetness. It’s a great example of how we’re working to modernise the perception of what mead can offer and how well it works as an alternative to sweet wines, spirits or ciders. It is also a fantastic after-dinner drink and pairs beautifully with blue cheese.” “We’ve seen a huge surge in interest in mead in the US off the back of the growth in the craft beer market as people search out new and interesting flavours. And we’re delighted to be growing the profile and availability of mead in the UK through recognition by the Great Taste judges and the growing number of specialist distributors, artisan retailers and high-profile chefs supporting Hive Mind,” he said. Hive Mind recently launched a range of flavoured session-strength Sparkling Mead (4%, 330ml cans). Other Hive Mind products include Oak Whiskey Barrel-Aged Traditional Mead (20%, 500ml) and honey beers including honey pilsner, Nectar (440ml 4.5%), smoked honey porter (750ml 7.0%), Citra IPA (330ml 5.7%) and golden ale (330ml 4.5%).

Staff members from Mayfield View, a nursing home in Ilkley battled gale force winds and rain as they took part in ‘Zip the Cow’ charity event to raise money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. The event hosted by Sue Ryder and sponsored by various local organisations, including Mayfield View which is operated by Springfield Healthcare, a Yorkshire care provider which manages six other care homes across the region, was a huge success, raising over £50,000. Despite gusty winds, rain and plenty of nerves, three members of staff from the 80-bed care home which provides nursing, residential and dementia care took on the challenge which saw them zip line 270m from the top of the iconic ‘cow’ at the Cow and Calf rocks in Ilkley at speeds of up to 35mph. The trepid trio raised over £1,000 for the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice – a charity they have worked with for many years to provide palliative care to many of their residents. Sally Carter, clinical deputy manager at Mayfield View said, “The nerves only kicked in with all the wind and rain at the top, but it was amazing fun once you jumped off. Everyone we met was so supportive and friendly and it was a well worthy charity to support.” Residential deputy manager at Mayfield View, Jay Garraton added, “I wasn’t scared, but excited. Once I had done it, I wanted to climb up and do it again to get a better photograph.” Joana Dower, a care assistant at the home also said, “I was nervous and excited as I’ve never done a zip line before. After I did it, I felt so happy and would have done it again!” As Mayfield View is in close proximity to the Cow and Calf rocks, and due to such unfavourable weather, residents were able to cheer on staff from the comfort of their home as they watched from the window.

The team at Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery, Spirit of Yorkshire , have launched a limited edition special release whisky to celebrate Yorkshire Day. Filey Bay Yorkshire Day 2023 Special Release is the fourth bottling in a limited run of releases that are launched annually to celebrate the iconic day. Of the launch, Spirit of Yorkshire’s Whisky Director, Joe Clark said: “Outside of the single cask releases, Filey Bay Yorkshire Day is the rarest whisky we release each year. Matured in ex-Madeira and ex-Bourbon casks, this is the first example of Filey Bay whisky matured in Madeira casks in the UK and is made from some of our oldest, rarest whisky. " “It's very different to previous Yorkshire Day releases which were all built around sherry maturation. It's incredibly fruity and honeyed. Crunchie bars, Jamaican ginger cake and stone fruits are all present, with apricot and peach particularly noticeable on the finish.” Co-Founder, David Thompson is pleased with the flavour profile of the distillery’s latest single malt whisky release: “Filey Bay Yorkshire Day 2023 is fruity and complex with flavours of honeycomb, gingerbread, citrus and stone fruits. “With only 1500 bottles available, Filey Bay Yorkshire Day 2023 is amongst our rarest whisky releases to date. It's also one of our oldest whiskies to be bottled so far and it’s highly likely that it will sell out quickly.” Filey Bay Yorkshire Day 2023, 55% abv is sold with a Special Release tube and costs £90. It’s available exclusively from the distillery shop and online at spiritofyorkshire.com. A limited number of bottles will be released to selected on-trade venues for dram sales. Spirit of Yorkshire is a true field-to-bottle distillery and one of only a few distilleries that use 100% homegrown barley to produce its single malt whisky that is available throughout the UK and in a growing number of export markets.

East Yorkshire-based chicken specialist, Soanes Poultry has received further accolades for four of its products that were entered into the prestigious fine food and drink accreditation scheme, The Great Taste Awards. Soanes Poultry’s Red Tractor-assured Grain Fed and Free-Range whole chickens were rewarded with a one-star award, as were Grain Fed Chicken Supremes and Drumsticks after going through rounds of blind-taste testing. The judges’ feedback for the Grain Fed whole chicken included: “ The flavour is outstanding. We are so used to breast meat as being flavourless and mushy - this is how it should be! This is how we remember chickens being. Utterly wonderful” and “This is a generous meaty chicken, tender and moist with a distinctive chicken flavour and a mild grassy note. Clearly well cared for chickens!” They also commented: “These are neat drumsticks which have been well-butchered. The meat looks moist and there is a fresh, clean, poultry aroma. The texture is mostly soft and tender with a slight bite. The flavour is light, appealing and clean. This is good simple chicken that would have family appeal” about the drumsticks. Soanes Poultry’s MD Ben Lee said: “This is the eighth consecutive year that our chicken has won the prestigious awards that are dubbed the Oscars of the food industry. This consistency of product is a testament to our farmers’ high welfare standards and to the skill of our operations team. It’s a real team effort and I couldn’t be more pleased.” The Great Taste Awards are organised by the Guild of Fine Food and are the largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. They support and promote food and drink producers, large and small, giving buyers and food lovers in the UK and overseas reliable recommendations for great-tasting food. Due to Soanes Poultry’s success, both in this year’s competition and in previous years, the business can use the coveted Great Taste Producer logo for multiple wins in successive years. Soanes Poultry is a family-owned business that has been rearing and preparing chicken since 1947. It employs over 100 people and sells its chicken to butchers and independent retailers in Yorkshire and to wholesalers and catering butchers nationwide.

Finn Russell will lead Scotland as one of 13 changes to Gregor Townsend’s starting line-up for this Saturday’s Famous Grouse Nations Series encounter with France at Scottish Gas Murrayfield. Darcy Graham, whose brace of tries helped Scotland to a 25-13 win over Italy at the weekend, retains his place in the back three, where he is joined by fellow wing Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn at full back. Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones, who were named in the 2023 Guinness Six Nations Team of the Championship, resume their impressive centre partnership with the former named as one of two vice-captains. There is a fresh half-back pairing as captain Russell links up with scrum-half Ben White. In the pack, Matt Fagerson switches to blindside flanker, as part of a back row also containing openside Hamish Watson and No 8 Jack Dempsey. The experienced heads of Richie Gray and vice-captain Grant Gilchrist – 135 caps between them – line up in the second row. Ewan Ashman gets the nod to start at hooker, alongside Pierre Schoeman (loosehead prop) and Zander Fagerson (tighthead) in the front row. Rory Darge, who led Scotland to that Italy win, is one of five forwards named as replacements, with Dave Cherry, Jamie Bhatti, WP Nel and Scott Cummings listed as forward options, with backs George Horne, Cameron Redpath and Ollie Smith completing the matchday 23. The Scotland team to play France in The Famous Grouse Nations Series at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday 5 August 2023, kick-off 3.15pm – live on Amazon Prime: Starting Line Up 15. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 44 caps 14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby) 34 caps 13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 36 caps 12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) - Vice-captain - 16 caps 11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 28 caps 10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby) - Captain - 69 caps 9. Ben White (Toulon) 14 caps 1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 21 caps 2. Ewan Ashman (Edinburgh Rugby) 7 caps 3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 58 caps 4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 73 caps 5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) - Vice-captain - 62 caps 6. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 34 caps 7. Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby) 57 caps 8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 9 caps Replacements 16. Dave Cherry (Edinburgh Rugby) 8 caps 17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 30 caps 18. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 54 caps 19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 26 caps 20. Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) 8 caps 21. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 20 caps 22. Cameron Redpath (Bath Rugby) 6 caps 23. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps

A University of York professor has been awarded a prestigious award in recognition of her significant contribution to stained glass conservation. Professor Sarah Brown has been named as the recipient of the 2023 Plowden Medal for Conservation, awarded annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the conservation profession. Key Role Professor Brown oversaw the conservation of the Great East Window of York Minster, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in Britain. Professor Brown has been a tireless champion of the stained-glass community since the 1980s, playing a key role in the development of professional accreditation for practitioners and introducing academic training for stained-glass conservators. Professor Brown said she was humbled to be awarded the prestigious Medal, which honours the life and achievements of the late Hon. Anna Plowden CBE - a leading conservator. Humbling Professor Brown, from the Department of History of Art, said: "Anna Plowden made such a big difference to the conservation community that to be awarded this medal in her memory is very moving." "It was very humbling to be told I had been chosen — I am not often speechless but momentarily I was! It's a tremendous affirmation especially because I never feel like I am working, and I love what I do so much. I am grateful to my colleagues and peers for making a nomination on my behalf." Heritage Whilst studying a Masters at the University of York, she first became aware of threats to stained glass and aware of the fact there were very few people who could care for this heritage and endangered craft. She worked hard to establish a national accreditation scheme for stained glass conservators, which subsequently became part of The Institute of Conservation (ICON) national scheme. Following this, the University of York launched a Masters Course in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management in 2008. Professor Brown is currently the Course Director of the MA in Stained Glass Conservation and Heritage Management at the University of York and the Director of the York Glaziers Trust, where she leads the team responsible for the care of York Minster’s internationally outstanding collection of historic glass. Conservation Carole Milner, MBE, who nominated Professor Brown and previous Plowden Medal winner said: "Sarah is one of the sector’s most generous advocates, innovators, and supporters, who has occupied numerous formal positions in the world of stained-glass conservation, all carried out with the highest degree of responsibility, excellence, and commitment." “Above and beyond this, she has given generously and unstintingly of her own time, to her colleagues, her students, her profession and the wider conservation world, nationally and Internationally. "There is no question in my mind that Sarah is one the UK’s leading conservation professionals both in her field and beyond it."

The Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) have been honoured by Islamic Relief UK at the organisation’s annual charity recognition evening. Last week, YCCC was awarded the strategic partner award by Islamic Relief at the special appreciation night, attended by the organisation’s community and charity partners, faith groups, schools and businesses, at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. Yorkshire Cricket was recognised after supporting Islamic Relief UK to raise more than £120,000 to support those affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan last year – resulting in the creation of the YCCC village which houses up to 50 families. Over the last 10 months YCCC have also hosted a number of groundbreaking events, working alongside Islamic Relief, including the Club’s first ever Ramadan Iftar and Eid Milan events and supporting the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) host Ramadan Iftar events in The Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Adil Ali, the North East and Yorkshire Fundraising Officer for Islamic Relief UK, said: “We wanted to thank the YCCC family and recognize the hard work and dedication they have put in to support Islamic Relief UK." “The long-term relationship Islamic Relief holds with The Yorkshire County Cricket Club will be key to saving and supporting lives across the world, and here in the UK." “There is already discussion on future events and activities which we are all so excited about especially here in the north-east and Yorkshire office.” In total Islamic Relief last year reached more than 17 million people in over 35 countries – this includes flood victims in Pakistan, those affected in the Türkiye–Syria earthquake, through domestic food drives, refugee support and much more. YCCC President Jane Powell, who collected the award on behalf of the Club on the evening and who was also a keynote speaker on the night, said: “It was a privilege to be part of this very special evening and be present alongside so many incredible organisations and groups. “We care about helping our local community and have also built some strong relationships globally. We will continue our meaningful partnership with Islamic Relief to support their incredible work.” Yaseen Mohammed, YCCC Board member, said: “We are particularly proud of how we were able to support those affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan. We far surpassed the target that we had originally set, and I am so pleased that we are able to help those in need. “I would like to thank those who kindly contributed to our fundraising efforts. The money raised has been used to rebuild homes in areas that have been affected by the floods and support those families who are in desperate need of help.” Photo Credit: SWPix.com. Pictured from left: Lauren Winfield Hill, Shan Masood and Darren Gough at the Club’s second annual Eid Milan event held at Headingley Stadium in May this year with the evening bringing communities together for a final celebration to mark the end of Ramadan 2023.

Bradford-based Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group supported the 30th year of the iconic Hollybank Eccup 10-mile road race by sponsoring finishers’ t-shirts. Organised by Abbey Runners with its charitable partner, Hollybank Trust, the race is dubbed ‘Leeds’ most popular 10-mile road race’ on account of its rural closed roads and a scenic route around Eccup reservoir. This year’s race was run on 9th July and raised over £5,000 that will be distributed between the Hollybank Trust and the running club’s nominated 2023 charity, Zarach, which delivers beds and basics to children in poverty in Leeds. Race Director, Simon Jones said: “Thanks to the generosity of Yorkshire Garden Centres and our other corporate sponsors, we are able to maximise the amount of funds raised for Hollybank Trust and Zarach. “The 30th running of the race was a great success. It was a near sell-out in both senior and junior races and there was a great atmosphere. Thanks to everyone who supported the race and the runners – the cake stall was a real hit this year and raised an unprecedented £1,200 for the charities.” “Community support and engagement is at the heart of all four Yorkshire Garden Centres. We’re delighted that we have helped the team at Abbey Runners, who are based near our Otley Garden Centre, raise valuable funds for these great charities,” said centre manager, Andy Bradley. Abbey Runners is the North Leeds club for runners of all abilities and all ages. Its members take part in road running, cross-country, fell, trail and triathlon events. The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres. Otley and Bingley were known as Stephen H Smith’s before they were acquired by YGC in 2022.

A Yorkshire coast whisky distillery has teamed up with a Yorkshire Dales cheesemaker for a tasting event. On 7th September, Wensleydale Creamery will host a tasting evening with Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery in the Visitor Centre at the Creamery in Hawes. During the event, Morgan McDermott, UK Sales Manager at Yorkshire’s first whisky distillery will give a talk about the distillery’s farming heritage and will pair six Filey Bay whiskies with three Wensleydale cheeses for visitors to enjoy. The pairings will include Filey Bay Flagship, STR Finish and Moscatel Finish and some of the Creamery’s most popular cheeses including Yorkshire Cheddar, Wensleydale Blue and Yorkshire Wensleydale and Cranberries. Trish Cannon, Visitor Centre Director at the Wensleydale Creamery said: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with Spirit of Yorkshire on this very special tasting event. “It’s a perfect pairing for us as it brings together two artisan producers who are equally passionate about provenance and flavour. It promises to be a delicious and informative evening, and a must for any whisky enthusiast.” “People more commonly associate cheese with wine, but cheese with whisky works so well. We’re looking forward to sharing some big Yorkshire flavours with our visitors,” said Mr. McDermott. The whisky and cheese tasting event takes place between 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm on 7th September. Tickets cost £25 and include six whiskies paired with three Wensleydale cheeses. They are available to buy from the cheese and gift shop in the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre or online here . Guests will also receive £10 off any bottle of Spirit of Yorkshire whisky purchased on the night. Hunmanby-based Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is one of only a handful of distilleries that grows 100% of the barley used for whisky production. Situated in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Wensleydale Creamery uses traditional methods to handcraft artisan cheese using time-honoured recipes, milk from local farms and its unique cheesemaking starter cultures.