Inspectors delivering talks on toilets!
The Moor Friendship Group – Scholes, Nr Cleckheaton
We would like to extend a big thank you to Martin and Tess for representing our team of Inspectors and the Loo of the Year Awards at a recent talk with The Moor Friendship Group in Scholes, near Cleckheaton.
Their connection with this wonderful group started quite by chance. During a stay in Newcastle upon Tyne last year, where they met Jane Bowen and some of her friends. Over dinner, the conversation turned to what they did – inspecting toilets! It always raises a laugh at first, but as we talked in more detail, Jane quickly saw the real value behind our work.
The Moor Friendship Group has been running for many years, previously linked with the local WI, and they regularly host guest speakers. Jane kindly invited us along – and what a warm welcome Martin and Tess received.
The session was lively and interactive, with around twenty ladies joining in. Martin and Tess shared an insight into what goes into our inspections of away-from-home washrooms, touching on just a few of the 101 criteria we use when assessing facilities. They also explained what we look for in accessible toilets and introduced the group to the concept of Changing Places facilities, which provide essential support for people with profound and complex disabilities. Many of the group had never heard of Changing Places before, and it was great to raise awareness.
There was also a lovely local connection – as soon as Martin and Tess mentioned the Loo of the Year Awards, the group recalled seeing Junction 32 Shopping Centre, Castleford, featured in the local news as a major 2025 award winner.
Martin and Tess said “ was an absolute pleasure to spend time with such an engaged and friendly audience. The group kindly presented Tess with a beautiful bunch of roses, while Martin left with some delicious homemade sausage rolls – both very much appreciated!”
A big thank you again to Jane and the Moor Friendship Group for having us – and to Martin and Tess for sharing our mission with such passion and good humour.
