Yorkshire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce the signing of Australian seamer Mark Steketee on a short-term overseas contract. Steketee will be available for selection for the LV= Insurance County Championship game against Gloucestershire at Headingley, starting June 25, and will be one of the Club’s two overseas players alongside Shan Masood. Queenslander Steketee, 29, will be available for an initial four-game spell in Division Two, though there is scope for an extension to his stay at Headingley. The talented right-arm seamer currently sits on 248 first-class wickets from 69 appearances, of which 70 have come across the last two Sheffield Shield seasons for his home state. In 2021/22, he was the competition’s leading wicket-taker with 32 from six appearances. In the most recent campaign, he was third on that list with 38 from nine. He spent time with Essex last season, playing against Yorkshire in the May County Championship draw at Chelmsford. He claimed 10 wickets in five Championship matches for them. In February 2022, he was called up to Australia’s Test squad for their tour of Pakistan but didn’t play. Steketee is a former Australia under-19 representative and made his domestic debut for Brisbane Heat in the 2013/14 Big Bash League before he played for the National Performance Squad in the quadrangular one-day tournament in the winter of 2014. Steketee made his first-class debut in February 2015 and impressed with seven wickets (3/56 and 4/33) against Tasmania as Queensland powered to an emphatic victory. Darren Gough, Managing Director of Cricket for Yorkshire County Cricket Club, said: “Mark is a very talented young player and has performed well in Australia.With the schedule Yorkshire has – the Blast games followed quickly by Championship cricket – and current injuries in our ranks it was important that we strengthen the side in our bowling resources." “Mark will be a wonderful addition to our current squad and help give a further boost to our Championship campaign." “We have our first Championship win under our belt, and we want to push on from here. Mark can bring something more to our bowling line-up." “Here at Yorkshire, we are still working hard on getting the balance right between youth and experience and we now feel we have got a squad where we have plenty of opportunities for everyone.”

Verge Motorcycles has built two special bikes to support the charity work of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. One of the superbikes will be the grand prize of the foundation's golf tournament in September. Electric superbike pioneer Verge Motorcycles, which recently opened its first flagship store in Monaco, is donating two specially designed electric superbikes to the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Featuring unique red and white fairings, the two bikes are being donated to support the charity work of the internationally active foundation. “As home to our first brick-and-mortar store, Monaco is an important Southern European base for us. We wanted to show our support for local charity work in our own special way. The Verge superbikes donated to the foundation are our way of supporting their important charity work,” says Henri Vähäkainu, Chief Commercial Officer of Verge Motorcycles. Founded in 2012, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation is committed to building a world where children from all backgrounds can thrive in a safe environment and learn to live together. The foundation has numerous ongoing charity projects around the world, raising awareness of drowning and educating children through the value of sport. “Our foundation’s work is long-term, and we welcome new partnerships with pleasure. It is great to be able to collaborate with a pioneer in its field like Verge. The bikes donated to the foundation are unique and will go to a good cause,” says Gareth Wittstock, Secretary General of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. One of the superbikes donated by Verge will be the grand prize of The Princess of Monaco Cup charity golf tournament that is being organised by the foundation in September. It is hoped that the unique prize will promote fundraising for the tournament, which is aimed at the top names in the sports world. The tournament in 2019 raised 330,000 euros for charity, and this year the foundation hopes to break its all-time record. Sharp-eyed observers may have spotted the special superbike designed by Verge for the foundation already at the legendary Monaco Grand Prix, as Finnish F1 driver Valtteri Bottas rode the bike around Monaco during race week. Bottas, who currently drives for the Alfa Romeo team, has been an ambassador for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation since February. He has also admitted to being a die-hard Verge fan. “I am personally very excited about the desire of Verge and Princess Charlene’s foundation to do good together. I am not only a charity ambassador for the foundation, but also a diehard Verge fan. It was a pleasure and an honour to be able to present this wonderful Finnish innovation in advance during the Monaco GP week,” says Bottas.

The team at Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery is hosting an Open Day with specialist masterclasses next month. Spirit of Yorkshire’s Open Day will take place at its distillery in Hunmanby, North Yorkshire between 12 noon and 6.30pm on Saturday 29th July and visitors will be able to join in with a host of whisky-related activities from tasting sessions to masterclasses and distillery tours. Spirit of Yorkshire’s director and co-founder, David Thompson is looking forward to welcoming people to Yorkshire’s first whisky distillery and the home of Filey Bay: “Throughout the day, there will be opportunities for visitors to go on a distillery tour, taste our whisky, join in with masterclasses and see the direct drilling farm machinery that is changing the way we grow the barley for our whisky. Visitors will also be among the first to sample and buy Filey Bay Yorkshire Day 2023 Special Release single malt whisky. “We’re also very excited to be introducing two new special masterclasses at this year’s event: ‘Fresh from the cask’ and ‘Around the World’. Over the past couple of years, we’ve worked with our importers around the world on a number of exclusive Single Casks, relevant for each country. For this hour-long Masterclass, we’ll be trying and talking about six of these, in a seated tasting setting. These whiskies have never been poured by us here in the UK before and are sold out in their release markets, so it promises to be a great and unique session. During the ‘Fresh from the Cask’ session visitors will taste six drams of whisky drawn straight from the cask.” There will also be two free masterclasses on the main stage: ‘Field to bottle’ with a focus on home grown barley and regenerative farming and ‘Pairing with Principle’ featuring Sheffield business Bullion Chocolate, talking about their bean-to-bar ethos. Scarborough business, Embers will be serving wood-fired lunches and the Wold Top Brewery mobile bar will be serving a range of beers. Local producers will also be at the distillery, sharing their stories and offering samples, as well as selling produce and products for visitors to take home. Adult Open Day tickets cost £15 when pre-booked or £20 on the door and include a distillery tour and tasting and a Spirit of Yorkshire nosing glass. Child tickets (6 to 17 years) cost £5.00 and include a distillery tour (but no tasting) and under 6’s are free, but they cannot join a distillery tour. Tickets for the masterclasses cost £45 per session. Pre-booking online is advisable, but tickets may be available on the day, subject to availability for both the Open Day and the masterclasses. The Pot Still Coffee Shop will be serving hot drinks and homemade cakes throughout the day. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is one of only a handful of distilleries worldwide that grows 100% of the barley used for its whisky production. It is a collaboration between farmer and brewer, Tom Mellor from Wold Top Brewery and business partner, David Thompson. Photo : MD David Thompson who will lead the ‘Around the World’ masterclass

The team at a North Yorkshire rapeseed oil business has marked the height of the barbecue season with the launch of two new products. Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil’s new Plant-Based Mayonnaise and Limited-Edition Burger Mayo are made using cold-pressed extra virgin rapeseed oil that is produced from rapeseed that is grown on the Yorkshire Wolds and pressed on the family farm in Thixendale. A classic burger topper, the creamy Burger Mayo has mild and tangy flavours from gherkins, tomato and mustard, and the Plant-Based Mayonnaise is a perfect accompaniment for sandwiches, salads, chips and much more. Speaking about the rationale for the launch, Alex Cooper, who worked on the development of the new products with colleague, Jason Thompson, said: “We’re constantly looking at developing different flavours, the burger mayo is a perfect opportunity for our customers to enjoy something new through the summer months. “The Plant Based Mayonnaise has been developed to complement our existing mayonnaise range so that our classic mayonnaise can be enjoyed by those who choose a plant-based too.” The new products are available from Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil and from independent retailers throughout Yorkshire. Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil was established in 2008 by the Palmer family on their farm in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds. They produce a range of oils, dressings and mayonnaise based on their award-winning Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil that is pressed, blended, bottled and labelled on the farm. Pictured are Alex Cooper and Jason Thompson

Carbon accounting and net zero delivery firm Flotilla has achieved B Corp certification, joining just over 1,000 businesses nationwide and 30 in the region, to achieve the status. Flotilla attained an impressive impact score of 105 which is well ahead of the benchmark for companies in the UK, its sector and its size range. B Corp certification confirms that Flotilla has met the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The certification provides Flotilla with a measure of its positive impact on the world and a roadmap for future developments. To achieve the coveted B Corp status, Flotilla went through a rigorous assessment process which examined the impact of company decisions on employees, customers, suppliers, the communities the business serves, and the environment. Flotilla puts the environment, community and people at the core of its business, making B Corp certification a key objective for the team. This significant milestone showcases the company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility and the firm hopes its achievement will be an inspiring example for other businesses looking to make a positive impact on the world. Founder and CEO John Rastrick says, “Receiving B Corp certification is an outstanding achievement for everyone here at Flotilla. Not only does it honour our commitment to a better future, but it provides a framework for continuous future improvement. We believe that a successful business is one that balances profit with purpose. One that induces positive change for its employees, communities and the environment. It’s all about using business as a force for good." “The robust process recognises that we are a purpose-driven business, aiming to create benefit for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. It’s a test of a company's commitment to sustainable practices and ethical principles. It challenges you to scrutinise every aspect of your strategy, bringing additional clarity and meaning to your mission. While the process is no walk in the park, we think the rewards are well worth the effort. The certification by B Lab UK is just part of the recognition of everything we’ve been doing – from developing our proprietary technology, completing company carbon assessments, to improving our sourcing and supporting the communities we serve.” Flotilla now stands beside the best ethical leaders of the business world. Joining nearly 5,000 businesses worldwide, all committed to the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance. Its list includes Patagonia, the Body Shop, Ella’s Kitchen and The Guardian Media Group. The B Corp movement is a global initiative created by B Lab, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to make it easier for mission-driven companies to have a more positive impact on the planet and its people. Flotilla is now part of the global B Corp community, working towards reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment and a brighter future for all.

A prestigious Staffordshire school is putting careers for women in engineering centre stage with a series of innovative and fun education days. In the run up to International Women in Engineering Day on June 23rd, The JCB Academy at Rocester has joined forces with world-renowned digger maker JCB to encourage girls from across the county to consider careers in engineering. Almost 400 Year 6 girls from schools across Staffordshire and Derbyshire visited the Academy for a day of inspirational talks from JCB graduates and apprentices as well as engineering experiments to spark their imaginations. The youngsters built giant towers using spaghetti and took part in an Egg Crash Challenge as part of their interactive taster day. The JCB Academy Principal Jenny McGuirk said: “Year on year the number of girls choosing to study at The JCB Academy is rising but we still have more to do. Events like this give the Year 6 girls a real taste of what engineering is all about; problem-solving, innovating and having great fun at the same time." “The girls also got to meet some great role models, working with our own female students as well as apprentices and graduates who are forging fantastic careers in engineering and business with JCB. The event is also supported by The Institute of Engineering and Technology and Loughborough University who both champion this important issue.” JCB Early Careers Scheme Leader Holly Broadhurst added: “The number of female engineers at JCB is growing and while 20% of our early careers recruits are now female, we are not complacent and work hard to encourage more women into what has historically been viewed as a male profession. Changing these perceptions is a long-term goal and by supporting The JCB Academy and engaging with the next generation we can show girls that engineering is a great career path for everyone.”

The recent Shiptonthorpe Open Gardens event raised over £4,200 for charity. Five gardens in the East Yorkshire village that opened on 3rd, 4th and 5th June raised £3343 for the National Garden Scheme’s nursing and gardening charities and the village hall that served refreshments on two of the days raised £947 towards the running costs of the hall on Station Road. The gardens, including three that opened for the first time, were part of the National Garden Scheme’s ‘Gardens Open For Charity’ initiative that raises millions of pounds annually. “This is the most we have raised since we started Shiptonthorpe Open Gardens in 2013. We’re very grateful to the people who opened their gardens and to everyone who visited the gardens and helped us to raise this impressive amount,” said Helen Marsden, National Garden Scheme county organiser for East Yorkshire. “Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors we have donated over £67 million to nursing and gardening charities since the National Garden Scheme started in 1927.” Richard Waud, Chairman of the Village Hall Committee, was delighted with the amount raised for the village charity: “We are very grateful to the people who baked and gave up their time to help us. It was a fantastic weekend that raised valuable funds for the upkeep of our community hall.” Please visit their website here for more information about other gardens in Yorkshire that open for the National Garden Scheme.

A design concept that could transform construction of offshore wind turbines has received a major international award. Experts from the University of Dundee’s School of Science and Engineering Geotechnical Engineering Group worked with Heerema Marine Contractors to develop an alternative means of installing foundations for turbines at sea to reduce the impact on marine life. The so-called 'silent foundations' won the Environmental Sustainability Award from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) at a gala event in Amsterdam. Normal offshore piled foundations are driven into the seabed using large hammers. These create significant levels of underwater noise and vibration, which has raised concerns over the impact on marine mammals and sea life migration routes. These factors can be mitigated by using bubble curtains to reduce the level of noise passing through the water, though the effect of this is unpredictable and requires a vessel on site to pump compressed air into the area, bringing its own environmental cost. Heerema has been working with the University of Dundee on two concepts: helical or screw piles, and so-called push-in piles, which can be installed without loud hammering and the subsequent need for mitigation measures. Professor Michael Brown said, “This is a great honour and fantastic recognition for the work of our Geotechnical Engineering Group." “The transition to green energy is one of the most pressing issues of our time, but there are ethical issues around this process and the impact on marine life is one of extreme importance." “Our Geotechnical Engineering Group has extensive experience in developing new foundation concepts for offshore renewable energy and to work with Heerema in developing this design concept is a great example of how we can assist in the change to a more sustainable future for all life.”

Julius Rutherfoord, one of the capital’s largest independent cleaning contractors, has announced its central London head office will now be powered only by renewable energy - to ensure it reduces its overall impact on the environment. By making the shift, the move fits with plans set out by The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan – which sees a target for London to be net zero by 2030, though the Accelerated Green pathway. It also fits with the company’s own sustainability objectives to cut its carbon footprint, with the use of renewable energy sources significantly reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. By opting for renewable energy sources including hydroelectric power, the business will minimise the air and water pollution associated with traditional energy generation methods, helping preserve ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and create a healthier environment for all. It aligns to its 2024 commitment to being plastic free, to have a 100% electric fleet by 2025, and to ultimately being net zero by 2050. Managing Director, Chris Jarvis, comments on the news: “Our sustainability journey started in 2011 with solar panels installed at our HQ, since then we have dedicated a lot of time, effort and investment to ensuring that our impact on London and the UK as a whole, is a low as possible, whilst still delivering a first-class service for our customers." “We genuinely believe that business success and sustainability go hand in hand. We are committed to achieving our sustainability targets and continuously improving our practices to ensure a sustainable future for all.” Julius Rutherfoord & Co was incorporated in 1994 by two brothers-in-law. With sales now at over £25m a year, the company passionately believes that clients should receive a truly professional and high-quality service, one that delivers meticulously cleaned premises, cost-effectively and securely. For more information visit their website here

French pâtissier Tipiak has introduced free allergen fact sheets on all products sold to the UK foodservice sector to help make life easier for food professionals. The fact sheets, which can be downloaded from the Tipiak Food Service website, list the allergens of each product and are suitable for both behind-the-scenes and front-of-house staff. They have been created to provide essential information for food service professionals to help them keep their customers with food allergies safe. Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, said: “It is important to manage allergens effectively to ensure the safety of customers with food allergies. Our allergen fact sheets supply our food service customers with crucial information, which in turn can be used to provide their own customers with reassurance when it comes to allergens." “Tipiak is a leading producer of ‘thaw and serve’ authentic French pâtisserie and our aim is to make life easier for hospitality professionals. Now we have gone one step further in supporting our customers by providing these allergen fact sheets that can be downloaded, laminated if required, and then re-used whenever Tipiak products are served.” Tipiak supplies frozen authentic French sweet and savoury pâtisserie to the hospitality sector in the UK, including canapés, petits fours, pop éclairs and gluten-free macarons. Its products are available through key wholesalers. The new allergen fact sheets can be downloaded here and then laminated if preferred.

We’re fast approaching this year’s Father’s Day (18th June). To mark this special occasion care home residents across Yorkshire have shared their words of wisdom for new fathers, and dads-to-be with some timely and practical parenting advice! From providing a secure and safe home to ensuring your children have a good education, they’ve shared their practical advice, based on decades of experience. With an average age of 89, residents at Mayfield View Care Home in Ilkley and Seacroft Grange Care Village in Leeds have enthusiastically shared their best parenting advice. Father’s Day Wisdom for Yorkshire’s Younger Generations: - ‘Be prepared to listen to what the children have to say’, shares Keith (89 years old) - ‘Each child is different, communication is key’, shares Raymond (95 years old) - ‘Always do what’s right and take life as it comes’, shares Dennis (92 years old) - ‘Be a good father - understanding, careful and work hard’, shares Ronnie (95 years old) - ‘Never go to bed on an argument’, shares David (84 years old) 79-year-old Ian shares the importance of making sure your children have a good education. His proudest parenting moment was watching his daughters passing-out parade at the Cadettes. Ian shares, "I was very proud - she got to the same rank as me!" Ronnie (95 years old) is a devoted parent and grandparent and just like Ian, he believes a good education is very important. Ronnie shares, "I was really proud to see my daughter's child graduate from university to be a teacher." 92-year-old Dennis believes having a strong relationship with your children is the key to great parenting. Dennis shares, "I am very proud of how close myself and my daughter are and how she has always been there for me through the good times and the bad. I always appreciate it." Raymond (95 years old) believes having fun with your children and bringing them up with good manners is important. One of his favourite parenting memories is when his youngest son was asked to draw a picture in school. Raymond’s son chose to draw a picture of God. When the teacher said, "No-one knows what he looks like," his son replied, "No but they will when I’m finished." Whilst Keith (89 years old) shares his favourite memory from parenthood was watching his son take his first steps in the park whilst visiting family. “From lessons of wisdom to helpful parenting hacks - there’s plenty of parenthood lessons we can take from older generations. What’s more for older adults there are lots of benefits of reminiscing and revisiting treasured memories from the past,” shares Will Donnelly, Care Expert and Co-Founder at Lottie. “Reminiscing is such a great activity to do with your elderly loved ones and benefits the whole family." "After remembering happy memories, you’ll find your older relatives are often brighter and may smile more. Engaging in these types of conversations helps maintain balance, and it can even bring family members closer together. These past experiences that your elderly relative shares are valuable memories that can be passed onto future generations." "Reminiscing together is a wonderful way to communicate with anyone living with dementia. Activities involving reflection can improve their self-esteem and physical health by lowering their blood pressure. It also improves their communication skills and lowers their stress levels.”

Players and staff from FC Halifax Town attended a special event on Wednesday 14 June at Halifax Town Hall, to celebrate the club’s success in the FA Trophy. The team beat Gateshead in the FA Trophy Final, played at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 21 May and the Council and civic leaders wanted to recognise this amazing achievement. The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Ashley Evans, the Leader of Calderdale Council, Cllr Jane Scullion and the Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, Cllr Jenny Lynn, welcomed representatives from the club to the Mayor’s Parlour for a drinks reception. Players and officials from the club attended with the trophy and the Mayor and councillors spoke about the achievement and the pride the victory has brought to the club and local communities. The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Ashley Evans, said: “The FA Trophy victory was a magnificent achievement and it was great to see such fantastic support for the club, with thousands of fans travelling down to Wembley." “It was a real honour to meet members of the team, officials and coaching staff and to see the stunning trophy.” David Bosomworth, Chairman of FC Halifax Town, said: “We thank the Mayor and councillors for inviting our club to a reception in celebration of our Wembley win." ‘It was yet another immensely proud day for FC Halifax Town, reaching a second Wembley final in seven years. To reach Wembley once was a dream come true but for a second time is out of this world for everyone involved with the club and its fans." “We trust that this is not only wonderful exposure for the town and Calderdale as a whole, but a great example to everyone interested in sporting activities, that success can be achieved.”