Back in June HU asked the townsfolk of Huddersfield via social media for
nominations reflecting those businesses best supporting the future of the town. From
the names put forward, two have been chosen to receive the first of our Gold Badges
which have now been awarded.
First of these was to Holly Carr, a director of Thread Republic. Holly’s organisation, based in the town centre, offers a whole range of materials and services to people or businesses who wish to work in
the textiles sector, regardless of whether for pleasure or profit. They were nominated
for “getting the community together for crafts and mindfulnesss”.
Holly commented “With such a rich history and culture in the town, many people
have lost the predisposition to celebrate textiles in Huddersfield and we aim to
support the new post pandemic resurgence, spotlighting sustainability and the
circular economy that textiles can play a significant role within”.
Thread Republic receive donations of materials including cloth, thread and
accessories, from local producers and offer them for sale from their premises in the
Piazza Shopping Centre. Their premises also host training and support sessions for
people wishing to learn more about and use textiles, together with “stich social”
sessions where both those new to textiles and those reusing many years of
experience are welcome.
The second organisation to receive a gold badge from those nominated is Ridley and
Hall Solicitors which was presented to Emma Pearmaine,
MD of their Huddersfield office on Market Street. Their nomination came “from
donating money to the flowers planted in the imperial arcade, to their staff
volunteering at Birch Tree to renovate their care home garden.”
Emma commented that “Ridley and Hall’s values are Support, Growth and Respect
which are at the core of everything we do. We have supported the Huddersfield
community for nearly 100 years and today through our ESG policy, since 2023 each
employee has been gifted 2 community days to go out and do something to help
others locally.”
Award winning Ridley and Hall provide a large range of legal services including child
care, family, property and probate matters. Their gold badge is now being proudly
worn by their Gonk on reception!