Focusing Minds was proud to take part in the annual Ossett and Gawthorpe Maypole Parade, joining local organisations, businesses, families and community groups for one of the area’s longest-standing traditions.
As an Ossett-based Community Interest Company, the event was a fantastic opportunity for Focusing Minds to support our local community while raising awareness of the mental health, wellbeing, counselling, SEND and personal development services we provide across Ossett, Wakefield and West Yorkshire.
The history of the Ossett and Gawthorpe Maypole Parade
The Ossett and Gawthorpe Maypole Parade, also known as the Gawthorpe Maypole Procession, has a remarkable history stretching back more than 150 years.
Gawthorpe is one of the relatively few places where a permanent maypole remains an important feature of the community. Historical records show that a maypole was standing in the village as early as 1840, with the first recorded permanent pole purchased in 1850.
The tradition developed further during the 1870s, with a new pole erected through public subscription and voluntary labour in 1874. The first procession followed in 1875.
Since then, generations of local people have helped keep the tradition alive, with the annual event bringing together the May Queen and attendants, decorated floats, local organisations, businesses, schools, performers and members of the wider community.
For Focusing Minds, being involved in an event with such a strong connection to the history and identity of Ossett and Gawthorpe was particularly special.
Focusing Minds wins third place at the Gawthorpe Maypole Parade
Focusing Minds was also delighted to achieve third place in the Class 1 Commercial Advertising section at the Ossett and Gawthorpe Maypole Parade.
While taking part and supporting the community was always the most important part of the day, receiving third place was a fantastic bonus and a lovely recognition of the work that went into preparing our entry.
It was also a brilliant opportunity to showcase Focusing Minds and our commitment to helping people “to make progress” across our local communities.
Supporting the Ossett and Wakefield community
As an Ossett-based Community Interest Company, being visible and actively involved in the communities we serve is extremely important to Focusing Minds.
Our work extends beyond the support delivered in schools, therapy spaces and individual sessions. We want Focusing Minds to be a positive and recognisable part of the Ossett and Wakefield community, supporting local events and initiatives whenever possible.
Events such as the Ossett and Gawthorpe Maypole Parade are a brilliant example of what can happen when volunteers, community groups, local organisations, businesses and families come together.
They also give us an opportunity to speak with local people and raise awareness of the mental health, wellbeing, counselling, SEND and personal development support available through Focusing Minds.
Thank you to our Ossett and Gawthorpe Maypole team
Our involvement would not have been possible without the people who gave their time and energy to support us.
A huge thank you goes to Andy, our personal trainer and coach Mark, and Focusing Minds director Nick, who all helped make our involvement in the parade possible.
We would also like to give a special thank you to the children who joined us and enthusiastically handed out Focusing Minds flyers along the parade route. Their help was very much appreciated and played an important part in helping us introduce Focusing Minds to even more people across the local community.
Finally, thank you to everyone involved in organising and delivering the Maypole celebrations and to the many people who lined the streets of Ossett and Gawthorpe to support the parade.
Focusing Minds: proud to support the Ossett community
Focusing Minds is proud to be based in Ossett, Wakefield, and of the relationships we continue to develop with schools, families, organisations and local communities across West Yorkshire.
Taking part in community events such as the Ossett and Gawthorpe Maypole Parade gives us an opportunity not only to raise awareness of our services, but also to give something back to the communities that continue to support our work.
Achieving third place in the Class 1 Commercial Advertising section made a fantastic day even more memorable.
We look forward to continuing to support local events alongside our work providing mental health, wellbeing, counselling, SEND and personal development support for children, young people and adults across Ossett, Wakefield and West Yorkshire.
If you would like to find out more about Focusing Minds and the support we provide, explore our services or contact our team to discover how we can help you to make progress.