11/06/2026
SAVE THE DATE - SUNDAY 30TH MAY 2027!
We are reflecting back on what a wonderful day our 2026 Slaithwaite Scarecrow Fest was and looking forward to next years event which is promising to be bigger and better already.
We love to celebrate our little village here in Slaithwaite! We have some wonderful small businesses two of which won awards on the day. Here is a little more about who they are and what they do:
Experience Community is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company plus a charity which aims to help physically disabled people access the outdoors through a range of walking, cycling, arts, crafts and conservation activities.
They run regular inclusive walking and adapted off-road cycling activities from both their Slaithwaite office and their Leeds hub where people can try out and use one of their specialist off-road wheelchairs or cycles.
They also run a project called "All Together Now" which has weekly activities from Slaithwaite to help build community engagement and reduce social isolation. This includes book clubs, board game clubs and lego clubs, gardening days, and social walks along the canal. Around half their staff have a disability and are well placed to offer support, guidance and understanding to any disabled people who would like to join them. Their Slaithwaite office includes a Changing Places facility and is fully wheelchair accessible.
Everyone is welcome to join them, so get in touch if you would like to pop along for a brew and a chat!
www.experiencecommunity.co.uk
All Together Now group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/928130165091286
Valli Opticians
Valli was founded in 2005 as an independent optician’s practice — Valli Opticians, by local optometrist Moin Valli and his wife Rachel. Born in the north, Moin was raised to care for others and the wider community throughout his childhood, living in a friendly neighbourhood where people supported each other. He has carried those values with him throughout his life and career.
Valli has grown considerably over the years and now includes multiple practices throughout the Yorkshire and North West region and beyond, with a strong focus on local eye care, supporting the ethos of shopping locally and caring for the community. As a family business that also believes in employing locally, Valli strives to make a positive impact on the surrounding area, being actively involved in initiatives for local schools, businesses and charities. One of their initiatives, The Valli Rally, is an annual countryside trek that raises money for Outlookers and encourages people to gather, get active and connect with one-another.
Today, the businesses have grown to offer more health services to the community — with audiology now available to take care of hearing, the Valli Opticians ‘Seeing Red’ campaign for children’s vision screening in schools and Co-Optic care, visiting local businesses that require eye care services.
Valli believes in looking after people like family, taking more time for appointments, being thorough, asking questions and building relationships year on year with the same friendly team to welcome and look after you.
https://www.valliopticians.co.uk/
