Leeds has prospered thanks, in part, to its engineering heritage and sport and it is entirely fitting that the two elements should come together to celebrate a joint anniversary.
In 1864, rugby was first played in the city when a group of enthusiasts met on Woodhouse Moor and formed Leeds Athletic, the forbearer of the current Leeds Rhinos and Carnegie teams.
That same year, A. Taylor & Son (Leeds) Ltd was established as tinsmiths and sheet metal workers in premises situated close to Headingley – rugby’s spiritual home in the city.
Today the company operates from four sites in Leeds with a 150 strong workforce and recently relocated its head office to Hunslet, the historical home of engineering in the city and one of its most fertile areas for the continued production of rugby talent.
The Leeds Rugby Foundation Heritage Committee have been involved in planning a year of varied events to commemorate their 150th birthday and A. Taylor’s have come on board as sponsors under their ‘Taylormade’ brand – renowned in oil and gas, process engineering and defence sectors – to make the celebrations shared.
David Minskip, Commercial Director at A. Taylor said: “We are delighted to join forces with the Leeds Rugby Foundation as they celebrate 150 years of rugby in Leeds this year. The opportunity to partner such an important organisation is very rare and we are proud to offer our wholehearted support throughout 2014.”
A number of prestigious gatherings have been scheduled throughout the year that will commemorate every aspect of rugby in Leeds incorporating both codes, the professional arm, community, student and schools, together with links to culture and the arts.
Phil Caplan, Trustee and Chairman of the Leeds Rugby Foundation Heritage Committee commented: “The support of A. Taylor is invaluable in allowing us to have a totally-inclusive celebration of this keynote anniversary.”
“There is an obvious synergy between the growth and success of their business and the sport over the last 150 years. It is a perfect partnership, their values fit perfectly with those of the Foundation and we very much look forward to working together to mark this occasion in the manner it deserves.”