Author: Amy Louise

Reflecting on 2025, Inspiring 2026: Parklane Foundation Dinner Recap

Posted on by Amy Louise

On Thursday 6th November 2025, we welcomed over 200 guests to the Howard Suite at Headingley Stadium for our Annual Parklane Foundation Dinner. Each year, this special evening gives us the chance to come together as a community, celebrate the incredible work of our charity partners, and shine a light on the people and stories that inspire our mission to build better futures.

A Night of Community, Celebration and Connection

Guests were greeted by a vibrant atmosphere as soon as they stepped into the venue. My Lahore once again delivered an exceptional dining experience, beginning with delicious canapés, a colourful grazing table and handcrafted mocktails, followed by a beautifully presented three-course meal and an indulgent dessert station. The room felt alive with conversation, connection and purpose.

Setting the tone for the evening, Mark Oysten and his sons captivated the room with their contemporary classical performance. Their music created the perfect backdrop for an event grounded in hope, generosity and community spirit.

Recognising Our 2025 Charity Partners

This year’s dinner gave us the opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work of our 2025 charity partners; Getting Clean, YoungMinds, and Recovery Runners. They took to the stage to share their journeys, the challenges they face, and the incredible impact our support has on their ability to change lives.

From empowering people in recovery to rebuild their futures, to ensuring young people have access to vital mental health support, to fostering community and wellbeing through running, our partners reminded us exactly why the Parklane Foundation exists: to make meaningful change where it’s needed most.

The first half of the evening culminated in the presentation of a cheque, symbolising the dedication, generosity and collective effort of everyone who has contributed throughout the year.

Looking Ahead: Our 2026 Partnerships

We also looked forward with excitement to our charitable focus for 2026, announcing new partnerships with Koala and Project Limitless. Together, we’ll be helping children gain access to prosthetics and adaptive sports opportunities; opening doors to movement, confidence and possibility.

Working alongside Leeds Golf Centre, we aim to break down barriers so every child, regardless of their physical challenges, can experience the joy of sport. These partnerships perfectly reflect the Foundation’s values.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To everyone who joined us: thank you.
To those who purchased tables, sponsored the event, bid in our auction, or donated on the night: thank you.
To our partners, colleagues, suppliers, entertainers and volunteers who made the evening possible: thank you.

Your kindness is the driving force behind everything we do. Each contribution, big or small, helps us continue our work, support more people, and reach more communities. The Annual Dinner is one of our most important fundraising moments of the year, and we are incredibly grateful for your continued trust and generosity.

Together, we are improving lives, inspiring progress, and building brighter futures for those who need it most.

Here’s to an impactful 2026.

Celebrating Success at Leeds Golf Centre: From Juniors to Champions

Posted on by Amy Louise

At Leeds Golf Centre, we’re proud to celebrate every achievement, from juniors winning their first trophy, to members representing the club at regional level, to lifelong players enjoying personal milestones on the course. Success here doesn’t just mean silverware; it means progress, perseverance, and the joy of sharing the game with others.

This summer has been packed with amazing results from across our community, and we want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the talent, hard work and spirit of the players who make Leeds Golf Centre what it is – the home of modern golf.

Standout Performances from Our Members

We begin with a huge congratulations to James Sheen and Tony Rhodes, who teamed up to win the Jack Roberts Trophy (Heavy Woollen League) at Woolley Park. Their teamwork and determination were outstanding, and it’s a brilliant reminder of what golfers can achieve when they support one another out on the course.

James then went on to secure the Presidents Trophy for the Leeds & District Golf Union (LDRGA) the very next day – a remarkable back-to-back achievement that highlights his consistency, resilience and commitment to the game.

Achievements like these inspire everyone around them. They remind us that golf is as much about focus and composure as it is about skill and that victories, big or small, are always worth celebrating.

Junior Achievements That Make Us Proud

Equally inspiring are the successes of our juniors, who continue to show just how bright the future of golf looks at Leeds Golf Centre.

Ethan Duckworth recently claimed the President’s Trophy. A fantastic result that reflects the hard work and hours of practice he has put into his game. Ethan is proof that dedication pays off, and we’re excited to see what’s next for him.

Ava McDaid proudly took home the Junior Trophy on Captain’s Day, a brilliant achievement and a moment she will always remember. Ava’s success shows the joy of junior golf at Leeds Golf Centre – friendly competition, shared experiences, and unforgettable memories.

Arthur Firth achieved something every golfer dreams of: a hole-in-one on the 5th during a junior team match. Well done, Arthur – what an amazing milestone at such a young age!

Our talented junior girls are also making waves at regional level. Orla and Jia represented Yorkshire at the Northern Counties Jamboree, winning their matchplay matches and doing Leeds Golf Centre proud. To compete at that level and succeed is an incredible achievement, and both girls are fantastic role models for other young players.

Hudson Cooper is a truly rising star – he has powered through the summer, winning numerous competitions on the Ping Junior Golf Tour. An absolutely sterling performance!

Continuing her brilliant run of form, Orla Young secured another victory on the Ping Junior Golf Tour. Orla’s dedication, talent and love for the game shine through every time she steps onto the course. She’s a true inspiration for the next generation of golfers.

Every one of these achievements deserves recognition, not just because of the trophies and titles, but because of the passion and perseverance behind them.

Families Making Memories

Success at Leeds Golf Centre isn’t just about individual performances – it’s about the shared moments that bring people together. One of the highlights of the summer was our Father’s Day Tiger Cubs competition in June.

It was heart-warming to see dads and children enjoying the game side by side, creating memories that will last a lifetime. A huge well done to our 2025 champions, Mabel Craven and her dad Martin, who showed fantastic teamwork to take the win. Congratulations also to our brilliant runners-up, Jude Rasche and his dad Mark, who put in a superb performance.

Seeing families out on the course together is exactly what modern golf at Leeds Golf Centre is all about; fun, inclusive, and unforgettable.

How We Nurture Talent at Leeds Golf Centre

Behind these achievements is an environment designed to help golfers thrive at every level. We’re proud to provide world-class coaching that combines experience, encouragement and the very latest technology with our team at Leeds Golf Academy.

Our PGA-qualified professionals have worked with Ryder Cup and European Tour players, LPGA stars and national teams. But just as importantly, they bring the same passion and expertise to every session with juniors, beginners, and everyday members who simply want to get better and enjoy the game.

With swing studios, Toptracer technology, and cutting-edge putting and balance labs, players of all abilities have access to the tools and coaching they need to grow in confidence. This supportive, inclusive approach is what makes the difference because when golfers feel comfortable, encouraged, and part of a community, their potential truly shines.

Why Achievements Matter

When we celebrate members’ successes, we’re not just applauding individual effort. We’re building inspiration across our whole community.

A junior golfer seeing Ethan, Ava, Hudson or Orla lift a trophy might be encouraged to stick with their lessons. A parent watching Mabel and Martin at the Father’s Day event might be inspired to bring their child to try golf for the first time. And a new member hearing about James and Tony’s win might decide to take the leap into competition golf.

These stories matter because they show golf as it should be: inclusive, welcoming, and rewarding for everyone.

Looking Ahead

As we move through the rest of the season, we know there will be many more achievements to celebrate from tournament wins to personal bests and family milestones. At Leeds Golf Centre, we’ll continue to share and celebrate them all, because every success, big or small, adds to the vibrant, supportive culture we’re building together.

So, whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a parent of a budding junior, or someone picking up a club for the very first time, remember that your journey is worth celebrating too. With world-class coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and a community that values inclusivity above all, there’s no better place to enjoy the game than Leeds Golf Centre.

To every member of our community: thank you for making Leeds Golf Centre the home of modern golf. Here, success belongs to everyone.

Leeds Golf Academy Launch – Same team, new badge, more vigour!

Posted on by Amy Louise

2025 sees us embark on the most exciting evolution of the Academy to date.

Having spent the last decade accruing the services of some of the most talented and passionate coaches around, the time is right to put a new stamp on our academy. We are determined to further developing our identity within the golfing landscape, and will be delivering the most advanced, versatile and inclusive offering of golf tuition, programs and outreach around.

Over the past 12 years, we have operated as a branded Leadbetter Academy, which has been a great ride. During that time, the business model of Leadbetter has evolved to a position whereby our best interest no longer lies in being a branded academy. That being said, that isn’t the end of our relationship, just an evolution. Our coaches still have access to the superb certifications the Leadbetter network has to offer.

The Brand – Why ‘Leeds Golf Academy’?
Well, reason number 1 is that we are the largest golf academy in Leeds. But it’s more that, the name really aims to nail home our mission, which is to help make Leeds and the surrounding area a hotspot for golf, both in terms of participation and excellence. We find ourselves in somewhat of golfing haven in North Leeds, and we see our role within that landscape to give the people of Leeds the opportunity to enjoy the amazing courses and facilities on their doorstep.

Our Mission
We want to make golf as accessible as possible, allowing people from all backgrounds to enjoy all the physical and mental benefits the game has to offer.
We are devoted to our junior pathway, which provides a range of routes in to the game, and clear guidance and opportunities to progress into golf for life, and elite performance.
We will be the most versatile collective of coaches around. No matter who you are, what you need, we are dedicated to being the team and facility that brings the best out of you.

Our Pledge
Our team of coaches work tirelessly to deliver continuous improvement, helping you become the best you can be.
We recognise and celebrate that golfers have different aspirations and ambitions, we’ll help you reach them, whatever they may be.

Start, Improve, Excel
We do it all! Whether it’s holding a club for the first time; getting simple digestible tips to help you improve a certain part of your game; or in depth analysis, drills and programming, we’ve got the team, the facilities and the passion to help you achieve your goals.

There’s no price hikes, no changes in our ethos, just a renewed vigour, under a banner we all identify with, under which we dedicate ourselves to your golfing journey.

Together We Raised £56,173 for Mental Health and Well-being Charities!

Posted on by Amy Louise

What an incredible few weeks! From 7th–27th July, our teams, guests, and partners came together for Roomzzz Charity Week 2025 – and thanks to everyone’s amazing support, we raised a record breaking £56,173 to help mental health and well-being charities across the UK – in partnership with the Parklane Foundation.

How We Did It

The highlight of this year’s event came on Saturday 19th July, when we donated all profits from one night’s stays across every Roomzzz Aparthotel. That single night made a huge difference in reaching our biggest fundraising total yet.

But it wasn’t just about stays, our guests joined in the fun too with activities including:

  • Golden Ticket Raffle – one lucky winner walked away with 10 overnight stays at Roomzzz!
  • Spin the Wheel Game – Guests had the chance to spin to win instant prizes like pamper packs, free late check outs, room upgrades, discounts, and even some mystery treats.

Where the Money’s Going

All funds raised will be donated via the Parklane Foundation to three incredible charities doing life-changing work:

  • Young Minds – supporting children and young people’s mental health across the UK.
  • Getting Clean – a Leeds-based recovery charity helping people build new lives through soap-making and life skills.
  • Recovery Runners – a community running group supporting people rebuilding after addiction or major challenges.

As well as supporting other local charities through the year!

A Word from Our COO

Our COO, Shaan Ahmed, summed it up perfectly:

“We are incredibly proud of the generosity shown by our teams, guests, and partners during Charity Week 2025. Together, we’ve raised a record amount that will directly support charities making a real impact on mental health and recovery across the UK.”

A New Record

This year’s fundraising beats last year’s total of £45,000 (and £38,240 in 2023). Each year, the event gets bigger and better, showing just how much our community cares about making a positive difference.

From the bottom of our hearts – thank you to everyone who donated, stayed with us, bought raffle tickets, or simply cheered us on.

We’re already excited to see how much more we can do together next year!

Senior Masters Pro AM

Posted on by Amy Louise

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Senior Masters Pro Am at Leeds Golf Centre – we were honoured to host such a brilliant day of golf.

From standout shots to great camaraderie, today was a celebration of everything we love about the game – open, inclusive and full of spirit. ?

Well done to the Pros who all tied for first place – Andy Orr, Ian Roper, Matt Corney and Mike Watson – fantastic golf all round.

And big congratulations to the winning team, finishing an incredible 23 under par – Mark Flanagan, Joel Feldman, Emin Tugut and Andy Orr. A well-deserved victory!

A special shoutout to Dean Taylor, who took home the £250 cash prize in the shootout – putting it just 32 inches from the pin. Top class under pressure!

Thanks again to everyone who played their part – this is what modern golf is all about.

Golfers went on to play their second day at Moortown. Huge well done to our very own Nigel Sweet who finished 4th amongst the 38 professional senior golfers at the event!

Parklane Group Golf Day 2025, A Day to Remember!

Posted on by Amy Louise

The sun was shining, spirits were high, and the stage was set for what turned out to be an unforgettable day at the 2025 Parklane Group Golf Day. From early registration at 9:00 AM to the last bite of BBQ, the entire event was designed to show our appreciation to the incredible corporate guests and partners who help drive our continued success. Whether you were out on the course or joined us later for food and festivities, thank you for making the day so special.

Players warmed up on the practice facilities before the 10:30 AM shotgun start, following a short briefing from the team at Leeds Golf Centre. The competition was good-natured but fierce, and we were thrilled to crown this year’s winning team: Shaan Ahmed, Haaris Ahmed, Ed Clothier, and Sam Davies. A huge congratulations as well to James Henry for his incredible hole-in-one on Hole 13, a standout moment of the day!

As much as the event was about enjoying a day of golf, it was really about bringing together our valued network of partners, colleagues, and friends. After the final hole, everyone gathered for a thank you speech from Hanif, Director of The Parklane Foundation, and Naveen Ahmed, Managing Director of The Parklane Group. Their words reflected our deep appreciation for the relationships that fuel everything we do. We also took a few moments to shine a light on the charitable efforts supported by The Parklane Foundation. Chris from Getting Clean and Jamie from Recovery Runners shared powerful stories during their short speeches, giving us all a glimpse into the impact our support can have. A charity auction followed, with some great prizes up for grabs, all contributing to our 2025 charity partners.

No great gathering is complete without great food and MyLahore delivered in true style. Guests enjoyed a vibrant outdoor BBQ featuring an array of delicious foods, all served up under the summer sun. Laughter, good conversation, and the clink of glasses made for the perfect finish to a truly rewarding day.

From all of us at The Parklane Group and The Parklane Foundation – thank you again to our guests and partners for being part of such a fantastic day. We’re already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better!

Golfathon 2025

Posted on by Amy Louise

In the early hours of the morning, as most of the world was still fast asleep, a group of determined golfers teed off at 4:30 AM for what would become an extraordinary test of stamina, spirit, and generosity: The Golfathon Challenge.

Starting under the dim glow of dawn, these dedicated teams set out to complete 72 holes, four full rounds, of golf in a single day. They battled fatigue and the extremely hot weather, they pushed themselves to the limit. Each swing, step, and putt was not just for the scorecard, it was for a cause far greater.

The challenge was undertaken to raise vital funds for three remarkable charities, and the support from friends, families, and community members was nothing short of inspiring. Golfers were kept energised with food and refreshments throughout the day, but it was the encouragement and generous donations that truly fuelled their determination.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of the players and the unwavering support of donors, The Golfathon Challenge was a tremendous success. Every contribution made a meaningful impact, helping these charities continue their essential work in the community.

The team were joined in the final round by supporters which ended in a celebratory BBQ, which was fully deserved. A huge well done to those who took part. We’ll see you again next year!

Roomzzz Charity Week Returns: Let’s Make a Difference Together

Posted on by Amy Louise

We are thrilled to announce the third annual Roomzzz Charity Week, in partnership with the Parklane Foundation, running from 14th to 20th July 2025.

Join us for a week of giving back as we support this year’s incredible cause: mental health and wellbeing. Through a range of initiatives, we’ll be raising funds and awareness for three remarkable charities:

  • Young Minds – supporting children, young people, and their families facing mental health challenges
  • Recovery Runners – helping people use running to recover from addiction and significant life changes
  • Getting Clean – a Leeds-based charity helping those in addiction recovery learn vital life and business skills

In 2024, our Charity Week raised an incredible £45,000, supporting vital work by Dementia UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and Leeds Hospitals Charity. Let’s make this year even more impactful as we rally together for mental health and recovery across our communities.

A Night of Giving: Entire Revenue Donated

As part of Charity Week, we’ll once again host a Night of Giving — where 100% of Roomzzz revenue from one special night will be donated to the Parklane Foundation and its selected ‘Charities of the Year’.

Your stays directly helps fund recovery, resilience, and mental health support across the UK.

To learn more about how Roomzzz gives back, visit: https://www.roomzzz.com/charitable-initiatives

Golden Ticket Raffle: Win Big, Give Back

Our Golden Ticket Raffle is back — and so is your chance to win an unforgettable experience:
One overnight stay at each of our 10 Roomzzz UK aparthotels, from Edinburgh to London Stratford (valued at £2500+).

How to Enter:

  • Add a Golden Ticket to your reservation when booking online here on roomzzz.com.
  • Donate just £2 per ticket at check-in to be in with a chance of winning.

The lucky winner will be announced at the end of Charity Week!

Want to donate directly instead? You can do so – https://gtap.uk/44MYCG


Terms & Conditions:
By entering the raffle, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Entries submitted after midnight on Sunday, 27th July 2025 will not be counted. All bookings are subject to availability and based on entry-level room types. Stays must be redeemed by 1st August 2026. Winners may be requested to participate in reasonable publicity as a condition of Prize Acceptance. *Revenue minus the cost of operations.

Let’s unite for a week of generosity, wellness, and hope. Thank you for continuing to support Roomzzz and the Parklane Foundation in driving positive change.

The Apprentice Challenge 2025 – Our Best Year Yet!

Posted on by Amy Louise

Our Apprentice Challenge is back—and this year, it was bigger and better than ever! Teams from across The Parklane Group went head-to-head in a week-long fundraising competition, all in support of The Parklane Foundation. Creativity, collaboration, and community spirit were on full display as departments battled it out to raise the most money for our three fantastic charity partners: YoungMinds, Getting Clean, and Recovery Runners.

From Monday 24th March to Sunday 30th March, our offices were buzzing with activity, and no idea was off-limits!

Here’s a snapshot of what went down:

  • Hive had a jam-packed week featuring bake sales, raffles, a sponsored walk and silence, a car boot sale, and more.
  • Parklane Properties Headingley and rentinc hit the local high street, selling advertising slots in their student welcome packs, and took on a team steps challenge.
  • Parklane City Office got thrifty with a raffle and by selling preloved clothes on Vinted.
  • Roomzzz brought the heat—literally—with a ‘Hot Ones’ chilli challenge, plus jacket potato lunches and a bake sale.
  • Marketing & HR took on an epic 17.4-mile sponsored walk, trekking across all Parklane Group sites in Leeds.
  • Iconinc sites kept moving with a 24-hour bike challenge, a pool tournament, a car wash, and more.
  • UOWN raised funds by selling unused office items and collecting donations for a mountain climb.
  • Finance got competitive with a padel tournament and raffled off a signed Leeds United shirt.
  • Leeds Golf Centre added a twist with a spin-the-wheel game and a raffle for donated four-balls.

The results? Absolutely incredible. Not only did every team beat their previous records, but together we raised a phenomenal £12,911. A massive congratulations to everyone involved!

🎉 Top Fundraisers: 🥉 3rd Place – Marketing & HR: £1,774 🥈 2nd Place – Hive: £1,913 🥇 1st Place – UOWN: £2,056

Thank you to everyone who donated, participated, or supported us in any way. Your generosity and enthusiasm made this the most successful Apprentice Challenge to date!

Hive’s Transformational Makeover for Community Learning Partnerships

Posted on by Amy Louise

Hive believes in the power of transformation—not just in spaces, but in lives. They recently completed an incredible makeover on behalf of the Parklane Foundation at Community Learning Partnerships (CLP), and we couldn’t be prouder of the result.

Starting on February 17th, they worked tirelessly for over a week, finally handing over a beautifully revamped reception area and four meeting rooms on February 25th. This transformation wouldn’t have been possible without the invaluable help of volunteers from Dulux, the dedicated staff and students of Leeds City College RE: Team, and of course, the Hive crew.

A Huge Thank You to Our Partners
A special thank you goes out to Dulux, who generously provided all the paint and supplies, as well as a fantastic team of volunteers. Their support was instrumental in bringing this project to life.
Another huge shoutout to the staff and students from Leeds City College RE: Team for their incredible signs and memory trees, which added a truly special touch to the makeover. Their talent and enthusiasm were a joy to work with, and we are excited for many more collaborations in the future.

About Community Learning Partnerships
CLP is a Leeds-based charity with over 34 years of experience in providing opportunities and support for children, young people, and adults to access education, employment, training, and volunteering. They work in some of the most deprived areas of Leeds, helping individuals overcome significant barriers such as long-term unemployment, mental health challenges, and low-level skills.

Their programmes include:
Adult Learning – Courses that build confidence and skills to help individuals on the path to employment.
Let’s Read – A volunteer programme supporting disadvantaged children with literacy and language skills.
Roots & Shoots – A community-focused project improving green spaces and promoting wellbeing.
Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) – Engaging local people to drive positive change in their communities.
Single Parent Power – Support for unemployed or inactive single parents to help them move towards employment.

Heartfelt Feedback
The response from the CLP team has been overwhelming. Jenny Harris, Senior Manager of Projects/HR, shared her gratitude:
“Can I just take this opportunity to thank you and all your volunteers for the amazing job they have done in our previously depressing reception and surrounding rooms. This transformation will help to improve the wellbeing of all our staff, service users and visitors by providing a warm and welcoming experience.
We now have a comfortable counselling room, an appropriate room where participants can choose clothing, and two one-to-one rooms. The transformation will make people feel welcome and valued.”

Neil Bostock, representing the RE: Team and Creative Craft Students, also expressed his appreciation:
“It has been a great experience for the students, giving them valuable insight into the expectations of a live project. They’ve had hands-on involvement in a range of manufacturing techniques and have thoroughly enjoyed the process. We’re looking forward to collaborating with you again in the future!”

Looking Ahead
This project was an incredible experience for everyone involved, and we are immensely proud of the positive impact it will have on the CLP community. Seeing the joy and appreciation from the team at CLP makes all the hard work worthwhile.

We look forward to many more projects like this, continuing to bring communities together and transforming spaces for those who need them most.
Thank you to everyone who contributed—we couldn’t have done it without you!