Headline Sponsors Whitakers Chocolates, were delighted to welcome the cast and crew of film “Lad – A Yorkshire Story” to their Skipton shop for a pre-premiere champagne reception.

Glasses full of champagne and delicious Whitakers chocolates on hand, the party went incredibly well (unlike the Yorkshire weather outside) and it was an excellent opportunity to meet the cast first-hand.

Written, produced and directed by local Austwick lad Dan Hartley, the film was shot in a variety of Yorkshire locations and tells the story of a young “Lad” who loses his father (and subsequent direction) and is taken under the wing of the local park ranger with happy and sad consequences.

Whitakers have always supported anything Yorkshire and to see the Dales scenery presented in such a dramatic way made their involvement an obvious choice.

The premiere itself was held just down the road at the Skipton Plaza where the red carpet was rolled out and the cinema packed ready to play to an eagerly anticipating audience.

The billing didn’t let it down and the film showcased the dramatic scenery of the Yorkshire Dales magnificently and combined with truly heart-warming story, the premiere was a total success.

For further information and to see photos, please click here

Their motivation? Last year, they lost a very good friend to breast cancer and now they have a work colleague (and dear friend) who is battling against the disease. Rather than get upset about it, they’ve decided to do something and try to raise as much money as they can to help ‘ kick its ass’ !!

“We may run, walk, skip or dance round, who knows, but one thing we know is that it will be a fun day out for everyone involved and it’s a great way to remember those who we have lost to cancer.” clucked Chief “Chick” Alison (Whitakers Factory Manager).

The company has kindly agreed to contribute 50p towards any pound raised by the girls and everyone else’s support would be gratefully appreciated.

Every penny counts so if you’re can spare a few, please click here to support the girls’ efforts.

Inspired by loss and the suffering of family and friends from the disease, Gemma has set herself the challenge of cycling an astonishing 5,000 miles between January 1st and Christmas 2013 which equates to 100 miles as week.

Everyone at Whitakers is behind Gemma and she’s going to need as much support as possible to achieve her goal at the same time as raising valuable funds for this worthwhile cause.

If you’d like to support Gemma or see how she’s getting on, please click here and give your bit to helping to get rid of cancer.

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With the City of London Philharmonic Orchestra and The West End Chorus,the show will take us through an emotional journey of beautiful performances, shared memories, tears and laughter. With surprise special appearances from some of the many people that the Girls have met over the years as these range from Jay Leno to Michael Palin it’s sure to be an unforgettable show.

Whitakers Chocolates have been heavily involved with Leukaemia and Lymphoma research (our chosen charity and organisers of the event) and with the sales of Calendar Girls neapolitans have raised over £114,000 for the charity

Tickets start from £20 – £55 and are available directly from the Royal Albert Hall Box Office: 02075898212 or online at www.royalalberthall.com

“I’m absolutely delighted to have won this award” commented William, “there’s no question that it wouldn’t have been possible without having the back-up and support of my incredibly loyal and capable staff who’ve made Whitakers the successful company that it is”.

Held at York’s National Railway Museum, highlight of the event was an inspirational speech by Richard Noble about his latest project, Blood Hound, which aims to break the land speed record by driving at over 1,000 mph.

The awards recognise the best of Yorkshire business and the award is testament to all the hard work of everyone at Whitakers Chocolates.

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“I was delighted to have been nominated for the award and to have got down to the last 13.” commented William.

“Whitakers is a family company with a forward-thinking approach and the nomination is testament to all the hard work of my staff who’ve enabled us to make Whitakers Chocolates an international niche business”.

Held this year on September 4th at the National Railway Museum, York, the glittering ceremony will honour some of the region’s highest business achievers who have been recognised as the best in their field by the Yorkshire & Humberside IoD.