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A talk is being given in Keighley to raise awareness of Asian hornets.

Anyone is welcome to attend the free event, at Keighley Civic Centre on Thursday, April 4.

The session, between 6pm and 7.30pm, is being hosted by the town council.

Linda Schofield – secretary of Airedale Beekeepers Association, and the Asian hornet team co-ordinator for the Yorkshire Beekeepers Association Airedale district – is delivering the talk.

She says Asian hornets are a non-native insect that pose a “significant” risk to native pollinators including honey bees.

She adds: “We are calling on the public to help spot Asian hornets and report sightings from spring through to late autumn.

“This destructive insect poses the greatest threat to our native pollinators in a generation.”

“Asian hornets can become aggressive when defending nests, posing a risk to public health.”

“More nests were discovered throughout the UK in 2023 than in the previous six years combined. The cost to the economy in France, where Asian hornets have become established, is estimated to be in excess of £26 million a year.”

“Members of the public are invited to attend the talk to discover more and how they can help.”

Light refreshments will be available.

Over £1,500 was raised for charity at the Keighley town mayor's civic dinner.

Guests at the event – held in Keighley Civic Centre – included fellow mayors from across Yorkshire, councillors and representatives of organisations.

A raffle and auction were held.

Proceeds will go to Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands and Sunbeam Support Group, the chosen charities of mayor Councillor John Kirby.

He says: “I am immensely grateful to everyone for making the civic dinner such a memorable occasion.”

“The overwhelming turnout truly amazed me – and I couldn’t be prouder of the significant funds raised for two exceptional causes.”

He expressed particular thanks to town council officers, his wife and family, his chosen charities and councillors, and Timothy Taylor’s brewery for its year-round support.

Two events are taking place at Keighley Civic Centre to raise money for the town mayor's charities.

A coffee morning is being held on Tuesday, April 2, between 10.30am and noon.

In addition to enjoying refreshments, cakes and biscuits, people are invited to join in dominoes.

Admission is free, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation.

And a race night is being staged on Friday, April 12, at 7pm.

Tickets are £3.50, including pie and peas.

Go to gov.uk/payments/keighley-town-council/race-night

A spokesperson says: “The race night promises to be filled with excitement and entertainment and we hope people can join us.”

Further information can be obtained by emailing sarah.broadbent@keighley.gov.uk or calling 01535 872126.

The mayor’s charities are Oxenhope hospice Manorlands and the Sunbeam Support Group.

Organisers are hailing the success of an event held in Keighley as part of celebrations for International Women's Day.

The gathering, hosted by Keighley College, aimed to showcase to women and girls the range of roles that are available in traditionally male-dominated industries and fields of work.

Keighley Town Council and the town’s Soroptimist club spearheaded the event.

Companies and organisations represented included Yorkshire Water, Keighley Bus Company parent firm Transdev, Incommunities, IT company Cosurica, manufacturer GESIPA, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Smart Works Leeds and West Yorkshire Police.

Also, there was an interactive plumbing workshop led by Plumb Learning for people to try their hand at the skill.

A spokesperson says: “This free, open-access community event aimed to inform and encourage women and girls to consider working in traditionally male-dominated industries by bringing together representatives from different areas of work, alongside community organisations that support or champion women.”

Around 300 people attended, including students from five primary and secondary schools in the area, members of the public and college students.

Councillor Clare Abberton, vice-chair of the town council’s events and community action committee, says the event was a huge success.

She adds: “It was splendid, and we were especially pleased with how interested the children and young people were. They were very inquisitive and asked lots of insightful questions.

“We hope that those who attended had a fantastic time and were inspired by the amazing businesses and organisations that took part in the event.”

Julia Allen, secretary of Keighley Soroptimist Club, says: “Soroptimist International of Keighley’s key purpose is to educate, empower and enable ­– and that is certainly what happened at the event. What was so brilliant was the wide range of age groups in attendance and the buzz of excitement that could be felt at the many different possibilities.”

Kevin O’Hare, principal at Keighley College, said the campus was delighted to host the event.

He added: “With help from our friends at the town council and Soroptimist International, we had brilliant engagement from people of all ages – including our local primary schools – as well as fantastic role models from health, engineering, building trades, IT and public service employers.

“It completed a great week of training and events at the college.”

“As principal, I am incredibly proud of the inspirational women who lead, learn and achieve remarkable things at – and with – the college.”

A series of free activities is being staged across Keighley aimed at encouraging people to try something new.

The Try Something Spring programme, designed for all ages, is taking place over the Easter holiday period.

Keighley Town Council is spearheading the venture, in conjunction with several groups and organisations, following the success of a similar initiative last summer.

Over 200 people took part in Try Something Summer.

A spokesperson says: “Building on the popularity of last year’s scheme, Try Something Spring is a programme of free sessions for people who live in the Keighley parish area.

“The project is designed to encourage people to step out of their comfort zone, learn new skills and feel more connected to their community.

“There are different activities taking place in partnership with local groups and organisations – including a volunteer drop-in session with Action Point, a wood workshop with the Responsible Timber Co and a samba drumming session with the Jamba Community Samba Band.”

The project has been funded by the town council’s events and community action committee.

Its chair, Councillor Abdul Shohid, says: “We are delighted to be working with more local organisations and promoting the amazing work they do, as well as supporting fun and free activities for residents.

“Keighley has so much to offer, and this is a great opportunity people can engage with.”

Booking is not required for any of the sessions.

The programme of activities includes:

Monday, March 25 – Wood workshop with The Responsible Timber Co, at Woodville Activity Centre, Woodville Road, Keighley, 10am-3pm. All ages (under-16s require adult supervision). Drop-in.

Tuesday, March 26 – Volunteer drop-in session with Action Point, at the Temple Row Centre, 23 Temple Row, Keighley, 10am-noon. All ages (under-16s require adult supervision).

Wednesday, March 27, and Wednesday, April 3 – Samba drumming session with the Jamba Community Samba Band, at the Jam on Top Studios, Third Floor, Melbourne House, Chesham Street, off Dalton Lane, Keighley, 6pm-8pm. All ages (children require adult supervision).

Tuesday, April 2 – Walk and Wheel session, 1.30pm-2.30pm. Meet at Keighley Leisure Centre. Ages 18-plus.

Thursday, April 4 – Look and See history walk with Keighley and District Local History Society, 11am-noon. Meet at Town Hall Square. All ages (under-16s require adult supervision).

Friday, April 5 – Swing into Spring creative craft session, at the Downstairs Project, Keighley Civic Centre, North Street, 10am-noon. All ages (under-16s require adult supervision).

A mini library is being launched in a Keighley Co-op store.

The free, children’s library is being sited in the retailer’s outlet at Broomhill Avenue.

Youngsters will be able to choose from a bookcase full of different titles, and leave books for others.

Keighley Town Council is staging the initiative, in collaboration with the Co-op and author Christina Gabbitas – founder of Children’s Literature Festivals, which aims to give children and families from less privileged areas free access to books.

A spokesperson says: “The aim is for the free club to provide a social hub where people are able to join together and make new friends. You can play some of the various games that are on offer, or if you prefer, simply enjoy a drink and some conversation with other people.”

Christina will be amongst those at a launch event which takes place at the Co-op store on Tuesday, March 12, between 4pm and 5pm.

Children will have the chance to explore the bookcase, and receive a free signed book whilst stocks last.

Tracy Tough, a member pioneer for the Co-op, welcomes the scheme.

She says: “This is a fantastic venture for the Co-op – partnering with the local community, Keighley Town Council and Christina.

“I really hope the children love it.”

And Keighley town mayor, Councillor John Kirby, is confident that the scheme will take off.

“I have no doubt the initiative will be a huge success,” he says.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the popularity of the bookcase and the positive impact it could have.

“This is a great example of partnership working.”

Christina is providing some books from her own collection, and others – featuring work by an array of authors and illustrators – from the Children’s Literature Festivals charity.

She has received a Point of Light Award and last year was presented with a Coronation Champions accolade for her work.

Christina says: “I am a big believer in the power of words, books and reading.

“If it wasn’t for my local library, I wouldn’t be the successful author I am today.

“Libraries have played a crucial role in shaping my love for literature and inspiring me to pursue my passion for writing.”

“That’s why I’m proud to support and be working with Keighley Town Council and the local Co-op to produce a mini children’s library to make books more accessible in the community.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to explore the world through books and I’m excited to be a part of this initiative to promote literacy and a love for reading. I’m also looking forward to engaging with children and young people at the third literature festivals event to be held at Keighley Library in May.”

A Free dominoes club has been launched in Keighley.

Anyone is welcome to attend the sessions, which take place every Tuesday morning.

Meetings are held in the Downstairs Project area of Keighley Civic Centre, in North Street, between 10.30am and noon.

In addition to dominoes, people can take part in board games such as Scrabble and snakes and ladders, and play darts.

Light refreshments are provided.

Behind the initiative is Keighley Town Council.

A spokesperson says: “The aim is for the free club to provide a social hub where people are able to join together and make new friends. You can play some of the various games that are on offer, or if you prefer, simply enjoy a drink and some conversation with other people.”

An event aimed at encouraging women and girls to consider careers in traditionally male-dominated industries is being held in Keighley.

Anyone is welcome to attend the free event, taking place at the town’s college on International Women’s Day – Friday, March 8 – between 11am-1pm.

Organising the initiative are Keighley Town Council and the Soroptimists.

Companies and organisations showcasing opportunities will include Byworth Boilers, Cosurica, Incommunities, the Department for Work and Pensions, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, Yorkshire Water, Keighley Bus Company and West Yorkshire Police. There will also be a workshop run by Plumb Learning.

A spokesperson says: “We’re bringing together representatives from different areas of work, alongside community groups and organisations that champion women.

“There’s no need to book, just come along.”

A Carrom tournament is being staged in Keighley.

Two-strong teams will compete, in under-18 and senior categories, for trophies and first and second spots.

Any players are welcome to take part for free in the event, at the civic centre, North Street, on Tuesday, March 5, from 12.30pm to 9pm.

The tournament is being organised by Keighley Carrom Club, which is based at the civic centre, and funded by the town council.

Spectators are welcome, and refreshments will be available.

Councillor Abdul Shohid, chair of Keighley Town Council’s events and community action committee, says: “This is the second carrom tournament the town council has funded and hosted.

“Carrom is a fun game, suitable for all ages and families.”

“Keighley Carrom Club aims to bring the community together and we hope the tournament encourages new players to join.

“We want to thank the dedicated volunteers who attend the club every week and support new and established players.

“The efforts the town council has made to share the benefits of carrom are putting Keighley on the map.”

Any players wishing to enter the tournament should call 07535 553366.

Last year’s event attracted teams from across the UK, including London, Liverpool and Birmingham.