The Rotary Club of Holmfirth

11/09/2026

We recently welcomed Barry Newman and his partner Nicki to our club meeting where they spoke about a revolutionary new treatment.

Barry Newman from Wakefield was just 48 years old when, in 2014, he was rushed to hospital with breathing difficulties.

He was diagnosed with heart failure and placed on palliative care.

Despite defying his doctor’s original prognosis, Barry’s health soon declined.

Too poorly for heart surgery, he would often choke or collapse and was back and forth from A&E.

It was only after watching an episode of the BBC’s The One Show with partner Nikki and son Robert that Barry learnt about a new stem cell therapy available at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

Within months plasterer Barry had undergone the procedure, which involves taking stem cells from the bone marrow, treating them in a lab before injecting them back into the heart via the groin.

The stem cells regenerate the damaged heart and carry less risk of rejection than a transplant.

Barry’s therapy was funded by the Heart Cells Foundation, an independent charity which has run a small unit in the hospital since 2016.

Barry said: “Within days I’d gone from running up flights of stairs to being short of breath putting kettle on. I never drank, smoked and would use the gym, so it came as a huge shock. My two wishes were to see Robert graduate and to outlive my dad who lived next door.

"When you’re poorly all you do is sleep and watch TV. Luck was on my side as we saw an incredible report about the Foundation. I thought ‘this could be my lifeline’ and we got in touch immediately. I took some tests and was a suitable candidate.

"I underwent a week-long treatment in 2018 and felt like a new man almost immediately. My heart has doubled its capacity, my fitness has improved and I’m leading a very normal life.

"I got to see my son graduate but sadly lost my dad during the pandemic. I’m so glad I was there for him in his last hours and it wasn’t the other way round."

The unit is the first of its kind in the UK. Led by consultant cardiologist Professor Anthony Mathur, it has treated more than 400 patients, including many on research trials as clinicians seek to prove its effectiveness.

On representing the unit and all the patients who have had their life changed, Barry said: “it is an honour and a privilege.

"If it wasn’t for their work, I would have been dead and gone years ago."

The Club has made a donation of £500 to the charity following fund raising from the annual Classic Car Rally

27/03/2026

The Huddersfield Hub coverage of the recent Technology Tournament:-

https://www.facebook.com/100064067073913/posts/pfbid0EbFjSMjjVtX1ZPSVE7Hf6HoRN2QB4zFWyT3GJwkh4NnZ9qRyuqqxaUwH55BspUGgl/?

Over 100 students from around the Huddersfield and Holmfirth area took part in this year’s local Rotary Clubs Technology Tournament

20/03/2026

Hugely enjoyable and successful day with the Technology Tournament today.

Over 100 students from around the Huddersfield area took part in this year’s local Rotary Clubs Technology Tournament, held on Friday, 20th March, 2026.

Fifteen local schools and colleges were invited to enter teams of budding designers, technicians and engineers to represent them, over three age groups. Each faced the same technical task on the day. The task changes each year, and in recent years students have designed and built a launcher, and a motorised vehicle. The student's task today was to build an opening bridge.

Eight schools took part today; Huddersfield New College, King James, Greenhead College, Colne Valley High School, Honley high school, Kirklees College, Salendine Nook High School Academy,
and Newsome Academy.

The Technology Tournament is organised annually by three local Rotary clubs, Denby Dale, Holmfirth and Huddersfield Pennine. This year’s tournament was hosted by Huddersfield New College, whose principal and staff did a great job to ensure the tournament’s continued success for local students. Valued sponsors Accu Ltd and AMPI, also helped with judging of the entries work and finished designs, along with other appropriately experienced professionals, who willingly volunteered their time to provide feedback and an invaluable experience for the students.

This year's winning teams were Colne Valley in the Foundation category, Honley High in the Intermediate category, and Huddersfield New College (2) in the Advanced category. The winner's trophies appropriately designed and produced by NERDHERDRZ using modern 3D printing technology, were presented by the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Elizabeth (Liz) Smaje.

A spokesperson for the Rotary clubs said “we are always impressed by the standard of determination and talent demonstrated by our local students to complete the task each year. And we’re equally grateful to the schools, colleges and everyone involved for their time and commitment to ensure it's a great day for everyone”

17/03/2026

2026 Rotary Technology Tournament
for Local Schools & Colleges

Over 100 students from around our area will be taking part in this year’s local Rotary Clubs Technology Tournament, being held on Friday, 20th March, 2026.
Fifteen local schools and colleges have been invited to enter teams of budding designers, technicians and engineers to represent them, over three age groups. Each will face the same technical task on the day. The task changes each year, and in recent years students have designed and built a launcher, and a motorised vehicle. Teams won’t know this year’s task until Friday.
The Technology Tournament is organised annually by three local Rotary clubs, Denby Dale, Holmfirth and Huddersfield Pennine. This year’s tournament is being hosted by Huddersfield New College, whose principal and staff did a great job last year to ensure the tournament’s continued success for local students. Valued sponsors are Accu Ltd and AMPI, who will also be helping with judging of the entries work and finished designs, along with other appropriately experienced professionals, who willingly volunteer their time to provide feedback and an invaluable experience for the students.
The winning teams will be awarded certificates and a trophy, appropriately designed and produced by NERDHERDRZ using modern 3D printing technology, and presented at the end of the tournament by the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Elizabeth (Liz) Smaje.
A spokesperson for the Rotary clubs said “we are always impressed by the standard of determination and talent demonstrated by our local students to complete the task each year. And we’re equally grateful to the schools, colleges and everyone involved for their time and commitment to ensure it’s a great day for everyone”

13/01/2026

Thanks to the Co-Op for providing the venue for us to sell our recent Raffle Tickets and also for providing the excellent Hamper as one of the many prizes.
If you were one of the lucky winners we'll be in touch to let you know very soon!

09/01/2026

The Draw for the Annual Christmas Raffle has taken place and the winning tickets identified!

If you are one of the lucky winners you don't have to do anything at this stage - one of the Rotary members will be in touch to let you know what you've won and how to get hold of the prize.

Thanks to all who have bought tickets and to the people and organisations that have provided the prizes.

Income from this and other events help us to make donations to local charities and good causes so we are very gateful for all contributions.

19/12/2025

Holmfirth Rotary club has again joined forces with Denby Dale and Huddersfield clubs to provide a great opportunity for budding young designers to get together and compete in our annual Technology Tournament.
Invites have already gone out to local schools and colleges, to enter their teams. We'll be returning to this year’s venue, New College, Huddersfield, on Friday, 20th March, 2026 and we look forward to seeing all the 2026 entries!
We'll keep you posted