They sang & played their hearts out: two superb bands put on a stunning night to remember a stunning 15 year old
We knew it would be quite a night last night at the Picturedrome – but we didn’t know it would be such a night to remember. It felt like teenage Holmfirth met 70s rock and punk; and they got on great 🙂 Huw was there in spirit including the 4 banners that made a beautiful backdrop to the set. The stage and set up looked a million dollars – the bands, the lighting and Huw behind and above it all. The night was a perfect combination of people having a wonderful night, great performances by the 2 bands, and everyone remembering Huw in such a positive way.
Dave Brennan & Nick pedal behind & watch with awe as Huw’s Uncle Steve & cousin Doug powered up Holme Moss to complete cycle marathon
Dave Brennan and Nick pedalled behind and watched with awe as Huw’s Uncle Steve (46 yrs old) and Huw’s cousin Doug Wilson (13 years) left us in their wake as they powered up Holme Moss at 10.00pm on Friday 1st July. Steve had cycled 179 miles from Cardiff and Doug 102 miles of it earlier in the day as they ripped into that mountain like men possessed to complete their last 9 miles. Dave (who is a seasoned and very competent cyclist) and Nick, had cycled up the Holmfirth side of the hill at 9.00pm and down the other side to meet them – and they pulled away from us up the Woodhead side. Inspired by the 3 cars following and their massive achievement – and mostly inspired by Huw Thatcher who they love and will never forget for the rest of their lives.
Thank you for some lovely ways to remember Huw at the Upperthong Gala
It was the Upperthong Gala this weekend. Huw went to the Gala nearly every weekend over 15 years. From a toddler rushing round playing with his friends and a ball to a 15 year old last year – still running round with his friends and playing cricket or football but a bigger version of the same Huw…………and paying a bit more attention to the girls 🙂 This weekend saw a fund raising cricket competition on Saturday and sales of the Huw T shirts on both days………..
Ellie Sinkinson : I’ll miss you always and love you forever
Ellie was a good friend of Huw’s ever since they were in reception at Upperthong Junior School. Ellie and Huw’s Upperthong friends have been thinking of Huw a lot this weekend as it is Gala weekend and they all had a lot of fun together with Huw at the galas over the years – especially last year. I’ll put something on the web site about this year’s gala tomorrow, but for now here are Ellie’s lovely memories – thank you Ellie. Read more 
Over £500 raised in Cardiff this week too : with love from Huw’s Granny
While everyone was busy with 5 a side football and the karate tournament last weekend, Huw’s Granny was making final preparations for her tea / coffee afternoon which took place today on 21st June. The weather obliged during the afternoon; she raised over £500 and they all had a good time doing something positive in Huw’s name.
Feedback from the Holme Valley Black Belt Academy inter-club tournment – organised by Jordan Craven
Jordan Craven is a good friend of Huw’s who takes part in the Holme Valley Black Belt Academy. ‘Crov’ as he is known, came up with the idea of an event run with his club to raise funds for Huw’s trust – and to remember Huw. Over the last month or so Crov has set up the event, arranged printing for the tickets, promoted the event and then took part in it himself. The end result – an entertaining event, promotion of the sport, getting a load of good people together, a sense of achievement for all the participants and most of all remembering Huw and raising £500 for Huw’s trust. Well done Crov and here is a bit more about the event.
24 hours 5 a side for Huw : a very special day (and night)
Some days are special and some are very special. All the days involving Huw’s friends are always very special and the 24 hours football tournaments were no exception. There will be other days when friends and family do fantastic things, but this Saturday & Sunday was all about the 24hrs football. The brainchild of Sam Briggs involved 220 players and a similar numbers of visitors / spectators during the 24 hours. It was not lost on Huw’s friends that this was a day he would have revelled in. Alongside that sadness, we saw hundreds of people remembering Huw, loving Huw, having a good time, and raising over £2000 for his charity trust 🙂
Kate Benn (Tiny Head) : there will always be a place in my heart for you Huw
As you can see from this memory, Kate was another person who had a unique and special friendship with Huw. ‘”Tiny Head” played football today and has also been involved in other stuff like the coffe shop in May at the Folk Festival. Kate is a lovely girl and here is a lovely memory from her; thank you Kate 🙂
Banners with lovely pictures of Huw
We now have 4 banners with lovely pictures of Huw. They are 6 feet by 4 feet in size and will be first used at the five a side football even this weekend. One of the banners has Huw’s logo and the web site address etc on it. The other 3 are these 3 pictures. They look lovely and anyone who wants to use them for an event is welcome to contact us. We will also use them at the Picturedrome gig and may put one at Sands for a while too.
With thanks to L’Fire Graphix in Brockholes for providing the banners at a great price for us.
Huw a year ago
A year ago this weekend, Huw took his Grade 4 drum exam. He passed the exam and was due to be taking his Grade 5 this spring or summer. Huw was less interested in the theory but played the pieces really well. He had great rythm as anyone who was in his German lessons and heard him drumming on the desk will know 🙂 Huw loved George – his drum teacher who became a good friend. Jenny and Nick took Huw to his drum lessons every fortnight at the Rock School in Linthwaite. Huw loved music overall and we are grateful to everybody who helped with music lessons and introducing him to a different and beautiful part of his varied life.
This seems very appropriate on the day when Tom from Mcfly and Huw’s Trust got the BIRT eyes alight appeal off to a flying start.
The Huw Thatcher Trust 