Yorkshire Day and Blinds Direct
By Ana Zuravliova
Today is Yorkshire Day, a special time of year when we celebrate all the amazing things the historic county of Yorkshire has given the world. From cricketing legend Geoffrey Boycott and world famous authors Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, to the best known use for batter ever discovered and the first ever football club, Yorkshire has done some incredible things. Today, we’ll be paying tribute to our home county and explore why we’re proud to be a Yorkshire business.
When is Yorkshire day?
Yorkshire day takes place on 1 August every year, but why is it on this day? Well, there are a couple of reasons. Firstly, on 1 August 1833, the Slavery Abolition Act was passed following a campaign lead in significant part by Yorkshire MP William Wilberforce. 1 August is also an important day for the Light Infantry, successors to the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, as Minden Day. The first official Yorkshire Day was celebrated in 1985.
What being from Yorkshire means for us?
Almost every item we sell is made, by hand, at our 130,000 sq ft factory in Huddersfield. Because we receive so many orders to fulfil from across the UK, we employ over 250 talented team members.
From the teams that make our blinds and curtains, to those carefully crafting our range of home accessories and our office teams, we’re delighted that we offer employment to so many talented people from Yorkshire, and around the world.
Moreover, we want our customers – regardless of where they live – to feel absolute confidence in their shopping experience. This is why we offer up to eight free samples, helpful measuring guides and fitting instructions. We offer a Surefit promise, perfect for customers concerned about making a mistake when measuring.
We are also pleased to offer our customers a five year guarantee. Our blinds, curtains and other interior products are all handcrafted by a team of skilled individuals, using only the best materials and components.
Why is Yorkshire day important?
At Blinds Direct, we are unabashedly proud of being a Yorkshire business. Since our company was founded in 2003, we’ve been in the beating heart of West Yorkshire and it’s where we’ll stay.
Yorkshire has a long and proud history of manufacturing textiles and transforming them into some of the most beautiful home furnishings and items of clothing enjoyed around the world. As a result, we’re perfectly positioned to draw upon hundreds of years of experience for manufacturing our high quality products.
From as far back as the 1700s, there are clear signs of the textile trade in Huddersfield which took root because surrounding waters were enriched by millstone grit which made up a lot of the surrounding Pennine hills. This made the water ideal for raw wool washing.
Once the Industrial Revolution started, it took local textile manufacture to a whole new level and by 1911, it is estimated some 22,000 people were employed in the Huddersfield textile trade. 168,000 people at this time worked in Yorkshire’s textile industry. By the 1940s, it is believed that Huddersfield was home to more Rolls-Royce owners per capita than anywhere else in England.
While this world declined after the second world war, many of the skills have remained in the local area and we’re proud to protect and nurture Huddersfield’s important legacy.
How are we celebrating Yorkshire Day?
To celebrate Yorkshire Day, we at Blinds Direct went all out by creating a special Yorkshire Day flag, now proudly displayed at our headquarters!
We wanted to make this celebration even more personal, so we asked our incredible team what they love most about Yorkshire and featured their answers on the petals of the Yorkshire Rose.
Among the top favourites were the unbeatable Yorkshire brew and delicious Yorkshire pudding, along with brass bands, whippets, fish and chips, and our stunning landscapes. The answer that truly melted all our hearts was “my beautiful Yorkshire wife.” These cherished aspects of Yorkshire are just a few reasons why we’re so proud to create made-to-measure blinds and curtains right here in the heart of Yorkshire.
Yorkshire Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a heartfelt homage to a region rich in history, culture, and community spirit. From the scenic beauty of the Dales to the bustling streets of Leeds, every corner of Yorkshire has something unique to offer. As we honour this special day, let’s remember to carry forward the pride and traditions that make Yorkshire exceptional.
