An Armley care home welcomed three talented visitors who brought joy to all of those living at the home.
Residents is Paisley Lodge Care Home welcomed songs from their era in a special performance from singing trio The Bluebirds – who have regularly appeared as backing singers with Jane McDonald & Friends on Channel 5.
The group performed war time classics such as ‘Don’t sit under the apple tree’ and ‘Candy Man’ to the 25 people living at Paisley Lodge.
The home, in Hopton Mews, offers a full activity and entertainment programme throughout the year to help keep everyone active and put a smile on the faces of the ladies and gentlemen living there.
Diane Henderson, Home Manager at Orchard Care Homes’ Paisley Lodge, said: “It was amazing to welcome a live performance from The Bluebirds. Everyone was in such good spirits as they sang and danced along to familiar music of their era which brought back lots of happy memories. The girls put their hearts and souls into their singing; it really was a fantastic day!”
Paisley Lodge Care Home is committed to providing the best possible care to all. Quality of care and invigorating best practice are at the forefront of Orchard Care Homes’ strategy.
The Moss Swing Bridge site in Rodley photographed in April. Photo: John McEvoy
A final opening date for a new swing bridge over the Leeds Liverpool Canal at Rodley has been revealed by a Bramley & Stanningley councillor.
The replacement swing bridge has been delivered to site and we have been advised that it will be lifted into place on 11 or 12 November, with a reopening date ‘provisionally’ set for Wednesday, 14 December.
Work on the replay ing the old swing bridge with a new one began back in January, and has affected easy access to both Rodley Nature Reserve and Rodley Cricket Club
The new bridge will provide access to a proposed housing development of 66 homes on the Airedale Mills site.
Posting on social media, Councillor Kevin Ritchie said: “Further fabrication works for installing surfacing and parapets will then be required together with a period for commissioning the bridge. It is anticipated that this will be complete on 24 November subject to no “hiccups” during commissioning.
“During this period, surfacing works to the access road to the Nature Reserve/ Treatment Works and Cricket Club will commence.
“After the bridge has been put in place, workso n Moss Bridge will also commence and allow Statutory Undertakers to lay cables/pipes for diversion and new services. Once the roadworks are complete, the road and bridge access will be opened to the general public. The opening date is provisionally programmed for 14 December.”
he overall development is being derived by two separate planning applications by two different applicants. One has been approved, one is awaiting a decision by Leeds City Council.
Plans by Dynamic Capital & Investments for access to the site and a new swing bridge, alongside the principle of a housing development of up to 69 houses, was green-lit by councillors in July 2019.
A second planning application including the detailed proposals for 66 new homeswas first submitted last December by Casa By Moda (part of construction giants Caddick) and include layout, scale, appearance and landscaping. This could come before planners later this month.
A planned road block to ‘help reduce traffic and speeding’ in Wortley has split the opinion of local residents.
Leeds City Council sent out a letter in mid October confirming that they plan to block the road just before the bend between Dragon Road and Highfield Avenue. Both of these roads are part of a ‘rat run’ from Dixon Lane to Whitehall Road which sees heavy traffic during peak times.
Some residents are in favour of the move. Peter Chapman of Dragon Road, said: “Between 7am and 9am people don’t slow down. They fly down the road and there are parents and kids walking down.”
Others who live and work on the road were not as keen to see access between the two streets be cut off.
A map of the proposed road changes.
Andrew Jessop is not in favour of the proposal. He is a carer for his mother who lives on Dragon Drive and his mother-in-law who lives on Highfield Close. A journey that should take a matter of seconds would now take up to five minutes for him to get between the two houses he cares at.
Karen Collett, who lives on Lynwood Crescent, said: “I think it is ridiculous, I can’t see any benefits whatsoever.
“It will cause more traffic at Five Lane Ends. Doing this may cause a fatality.”
She did acknowledge that rat running and speeding is an issue: “Nobody does 20 miles per hour apart from the residents.” Karen believes that a form of traffic control would be better suited rather than a road block.
A number of locals felt that although the levels of traffic during peak hours and speeding cars are an issue, the bigger problem in the area is people using the streets for parking during Leeds United games.
Both Andrew Jessop and Maria Smyth, a resident of Highfield Avenue, suggested that a permit parking system should be put in place which would deter people parking in the area and blocking roads on matchdays.
Responding to residents’ concerns about what the plans are for Dixon Lane/Whitehall Road junction and Five Lanes roundabout due to the increased traffic the closures could bring, a council spokesperson said:
“Our traffic team constantly review all junctions for improvement, and prioritise junctions with the highest levels of incidents that result in serious injuries or loss of life. Though we recognise your concerns about Five Lanes roundabout and the Dixon Lane / Whitehall Road junction, we understand other junctions in Leeds are a higher priority for improvements.
“Additionally, based on the results of similar schemes nationally, we believe this scheme will lead some residents who are able to switch to walking and cycling for local trips to do so, which will reduce traffic levels along Dixon Lane and at both junctions.
“This scheme is a first step, and along with other improvements in our Connecting Leeds programme, we believe it will further make walking and cycling a more natural choice for local trips in line with the aims in our transport strategy.”
It’s been a rollercoaster year for west Leeds boxer Josh Wisher.
He’s now juggling his time between preparing for his third professional fight at Elland Road on 25 November and running The Ministry of Boxing gym he opened in Moorfield Road, Armley, in September.
Josh, 24, said: “It’s great to share what I love and am good at with people in west Leeds and especially in the groups we run for children and teenagers. We even have fun sessions for tiny tots.
“I’m a great believer in boxing as therapy and if more lads gloved up there could be far less knife violence. So far everything’s going well, with excellent attendance and hopefully some will be inspired to start their own boxing journey.”
Dad Phil now works for his son at the gym. “I couldn’t be more proud of Josh,” Phil said. “He’s a capable boxer and now he’s learning to manage a gym. But he won’t forget his roots and his priority is as much opportunities for people in west Leeds as making a name for himself.”
Aaron Harrison, 22, who trains regularly at ‘The Ministry’, complimented Josh for creating “a class atmosphere with excellent planned workouts and with dad Phil bringing a wealth of experience. And Josh will help anyone he can with anything”.
Josh is also keen to develop a community engagement programme. He’s been selling poppies and is organising a remembrance event at the war memorial in Armley Park on Friday, 11 November to commemorate the more than 300 Armley men who lost their lives in World War One.
The Remembrance commemoration will take place at 3.45pm at the Armley Park War Memorial and all are welcome. A speaker from the local Royal British Legion will hopefully in attendance. It should last about 20 minutes.
The Ministry is also supporting BBC Children in Need with a six-hour Boxathon on Friday, 18 November.
Local youngsters are already benefiting from the boxing training sessions held at The Ministry.
A regular attender is McKauly Hennessy, 14. He said: “I love training at The Ministry of Boxing with Joshua Wisher as my coach, along with so many other lads helping us and inspiring us to keep fit, conditioned and disciplined. I go three times per week and one 1-1 every month. I’ve learnt so much and progressed more than I thought was possible in such a short space of time.”
His sentiments echoed by mother, Natalie. “I’ve seen such a difference in my son since starting at The Ministry. Joshua has taught him so much,” she said. “When he’s not training he’s either running or practicing what he’s been taught. Josh is such a good role model for kids/adults of all ages.”
Josh Wisher studied at Farnley Park school, leaving in 2015 with nine GCSEs at grades B and C and then took an engineering apprenticeship having worked until recently as a metals and plastics fabricator. Now he’s at The Ministry full time and training to be a fully qualified gym instructor and physical trainer. But first there’s that fight on 25 November.
Following on from the Bramley parkrun fundraising event in September where Daisy Daniels raised £595, the Yorkshire scout delegation are fundraising again this weekend.
The fundraiser will be held at Deeva Restaurant, on Town Street, Farsley on Sunday, 6 November 2022.
Money raised will help pay for a trip to the 25th World Scout Jamboree, in SaeManGeum, South Korea, next year.
Contemporary Indian cuisine will be served as a buffet between 1-4pm. Under threes go free, aged three to ten is £7 and ages 10 and above £15
They will be activities for children such as guess the weight of the cake, how many sweets in the jar and What’s Teddy’s name – a small charge will apply.
There will be raffles, silent auctions and a bottle tombola.
Local businesses have donated some lovely prizes ranging from gift vouchers from the butchers, a massage and jewellery to pan sets. Definitely something for everyone.
Entry is by ticket only – contact Linda on 07773 165138.
Watch out for other fundraising events in 2023 such as: Race Night – a virtual horse racing night TBC Bingo Beatle Drive TBC Tea & Coffee morning TBC
These events will support Daisy, Archie, Alex, Martin and Linda to attend the World Scout Jamboree.
Dave Syers put Farsley Celtic 2-0 up against Spennymoor, but the Celts were thwarted at the death. Photo: Simon CUllingworth
By Thomas Ritchie
Farsley Celtic return to action at the Citadel this weekend for a first-ever meeting with Banbury United.
Following their promotion triumph last season, Banbury were promoted to this level for the first time in their history.
The Puritans adapted to life in the National League North superbly, and sat second in the division after nine games; however, they are since winless in their last six league outings.
For Farsley, inconsistency has been the tale of the 2022/23 season. A first home win of the season was secured last time out at the Citadel, as Kettering Town were defeated 2-0, before a 4-3 reversal at Chorley followed last Saturday.
Reflecting on the defeat at Chorley last time out, Dave Syers said: “After conceding early we recovered well to go in ahead at the break, however once again we conceded early in the second half to shift momentum back in Chorley’s favour.
“This has happened too many times this season and both as individuals and as a group we need to take responsibility for the key periods in games.
“As frustrating as it is to score three goals and come away with nothing, it was great to see Frank stick a top quality free kick in the back of the net.
“Carlton came on as an early sub and played really well, rewarded with two good headers at the back post and if not for a good save could have had a hattrick.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s contest at the Citadel, the skipper concluded: “I don’t like to keep saying our performances have deserved more because it’s points not performances that really matter, so hopefully regardless of performance we come away with a positive result.”
TEAM NEWS
Lewis Turner and Andy Butler are both nearing a return from injury, however, Adam Clayton remains a little further off.
Isaac Assenso is a doubt after being forced off through injury last time out, whilst Bobby Pointon suffered a hamstring injury in training with Bradford City.
TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased at the gate at the Citadel, or in advance online HERE.
An artist's impression of what development on the Kirkstall Road site could look like.
Detailed plans for 618 flats on the former Arla Foods site on Kirkstall Road in Burley have been deferred by councillors amid concerns that the development does not have anopugh three-bedroom properties.
Developers Glenbrook Properties is hoping to build a mainly residential-led development of five blocks of apartments with commercial space at ground floor level.
The apartments are based on a ‘Build to Rent’ model, with 308 one-bedroom apartments, 248 two-bedroom units and 62 three-bedroom units. This conflicts with the council’s housing mix policy, which dictates 50 per cent of new homes built should include two bedrooms and 30 per cent should contain three.
The blocks range between seven to 12 storeys high and there would be 226 surface level car parking spaces. The proposal includes the demolition of the existing former Arla depot building which fronts the site.
But councillors on the city plans panel this afternoon criticised the over-reliance on one bedroom properties at the site, which they said was not compliant with council planning policies and called for the developer to negotiate with the council over including more three bedroom properties.
There were also concerns over the size of green space on the site, the bio-diversity net gain, the need for more balconies and the need for more affordable housing.
Cllr Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said if the council has a policy over housing mix ‘we ought to stick to it’. He added: “This has come to members because it is not policy complaint. Officers are essentially asking ‘how much short of policy are you willing to accept?’.
“I think you could do much more on this site.”
Cllr Robert Finnigan (Morley Borough Independents) also questioned the housing mix and said a business model of favouring one beds over three beds ought to be challenged.
“I am with Cllr Campbell on this,” Cllr Finnigan said. “We need to start saying that we’re not willing to accept compromise after compromise. We are building the communities of the future and we need to be in a situation where these communities are sustainable. There is a reliance on one-bedroom flats because they are making more money and an under-reliance on three-bedroom properties which aren’t being provided anywhere else. It is not policy compliant.”
Cllr Kayleigh Brooks (Lab, Woodhouse & Little London) said she was delighted to see a playground and the detailing on the balconies. But Cllr Paul Wadsworth (Cons, Guiseley & Rawdon) called for more balconies and said: “I quite like it. The development is inoffensive and nice and much better than the previous applications.”
Cllr Dan Cohen (Cons, Alwoodley) said: “The development is inoffensive but I do have a real issue with balconies. It is also not policy compliant. Officers should be far more robust when it comes to three-bedroom properties. There is a snail-paced movement towards this. We need more three bedroom properties.”
David Blackburn (Green, Farnley & Wortley) said: “It is a heck of a lot better than the previous one but we need more green space.”
Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) said plans are more accessible – but were ‘at bare minimum’ although they added some benefits to the location.
The developer is now being asked to negotiate with council officers on the issues raised and return with revised proposals to a forthcoming plans panel meeting.
A planning officer’s report recommended councillors approve the application. The report concludes: “This scheme represents an opportunity to regenerate a mostly cleared brownfield site on the southern side of Kirkstall Road.
“The proposals provide 618 residential units contributing to housing supply as well as associated employment uses, large areas of open space and connectivity to the waterfront with a new section of riverside walkway in a highly sustainable gateway location.
“It is considered that the scale, form and detailing of the proposal would enhance the character of this part of Kirkstall Road and help to deliver an identified housing need in the development plan. On balance the proposals are supported by national and local planning policy.”
Outline plans for more than 630 flats on the site from a different developer were originally approved in principle by councillors in January 2021, despite concerns on the impact of extra traffic on the already busy A65.
As a lover of all things Farsley and a fan of The Great British Sewing Bee I was thrilled when the series upped sticks from down south and headed north to Sunnybank Mills, where we know a thing or two about textiles, fashion and sewing, writes Anne Akers.
I love to see the opening credits showing our fabulous town and the surrounding area, Yorkshire really is very beautiful! But it delighted me even more to see that Esme Young, one of the show’s presenters, was to headline at the first ever Farsley Literature Festival, Ink Slingers.
The evening with Esme at the Old Woollen to discuss her book Behind the Seams, immediately sold out with festival co-organiser and owner of Truman Books Amanda Truman quickly setting up a book signing at the new School of Sew in the mills to help meet the demand.
Esme managed to take time out from book signing to tour the mills and inspect the archives, which are regularly open to the public.
I bagged tickets early for my friend Ruth and I. She’s am amazing seamstress, always making something lovely. I’m an occasional stitcher, so not in the same league, but knew I was with sewing stars when we sat at a table with two former Sewing Bee contestants, all wearing stunning outfits. Esme would be very proud.
Of course Esme is more than the co-presenter of the programme (along with Leeds University Alumni Paddy Grant).
During the evening she shared stories and anecdotes of her Swinging Sixties times and then later, casually dropping names such as David Bowie, the Sex Pistols, Renee Zellweger when she was Bridget Jones, and Leonardo DiCaprio, yes, she’s dressed them all!
She’s also co-founder of Swankey Modes, a designer collective and the mastermind behind the Amorphous Dress, first work by Linda Kozlowski in the 1986 movie Crocodile Dundee which featured in the last Sewing Bee. The dress itself is now in the V&A Collection.
It was a delightfully entertaining evening in good company, with the promise of more Sewing Bee stories to be told in Farsley as the series stays put here up north. There’s even a whisper that we may hear from Paddy at next year’s festival. I’m already on the waiting list for tickets.
NOVEMBER and December brings a busy period for Farsley Celtic. On the pitch, the National League North side are looking to push up the table, and are at home this Saturday (5 November), with Banbury United the visitors. Ticket details can be found here.
Whilst the World Cup brings a stop to the top level of football, the show rolls on in the National League! Why not try out your local community club, and cheer on Russ Wilcox’s side at the Citadel?
Keep your eyes peeled on our social media pages for any upcoming ticket offers, and we hope to see you at the Citadel for one of our upcoming fixtures!
Off the pitch, we have a number of exciting events in the pipeline over the next couple of months, kicking off with our Bonfire Night Extravaganza on Friday, 4 November.
This year’s event will include a traditional bonfire, a fireworks display, food stalls, bars, and fairground rides – fun for all the family!
Schedule includes: Gates open at 6pm, the bonfire is let as 6.30pm and fireworks start at 8.30pm. Tickets are just £3 for adults, while all under 16s are FREE!
Then, on Thursday 17 November, we will be hosting an evening with Leeds United legends Paul Reaney and Allan Clarke.
The Leeds United ’72 legends will be joining us at the Nest Bar for an evening of chat, comedy and laughter.
Hosted by Jed Stone, the evening will include a raffle and auction including footballing memorabilia – and your ticket even includes a picture with Paul and Allan! Tickets cost just £25, and can be purchased by e-mailing events@farsley celtic.com.
It’s an evening no football fan should miss!
We will also be hosting a family-friendly event on New Year’s Eve – keep your eyes on our brand-new website, and on all our social media pages for further details on that.
We hope to see you down at the Citadel and the Nest Bar soon!
SHEnanigans is an exciting and fast-growing social group based in Armley.
The team welcomes women (or anyone who identifies as a woman) who works and/or lives in Armley to come to their bi-monthly events and forge friendships, have a giggle and do activities together. It’s a simple formula that’s really working!
Their motto is ‘Do Your Thing’ and there’s only one rule – ‘Be Kind’.
With no membership fees, the events are often free and there’s always an eclectic and entertaining opportunity for members to do something different. To date, members have tried belly dancing; Dragon Boat racing; tap dancing; badge making; bingo and a weekend camping trip to name but a few.
A SHEnanigans member commented: “I’m really grateful for the free and pay as you feel places at the events. It’s made such a difference and I’ve tried out so many things.”
Dragon boat racing for these Armley women.
Members take part in whatever they want, pop along whenever they can and most importantly, decide on what activities they’d like to try.
With nearly 500 members, it’s a fantastic social outlet where women from the community feel really connected and welcomed.
Rachael commented: “Being part of SHEnanigans has meant meeting many open-hearted women who live locally – I’ve made good friends from all walks of life.”
Paulette said: “I absolutely loved the camping weekend. We had such a laugh and it was the first night I’d had away from my family in 16 years. Having time to spend with brilliant women from Armley and get away for some proper fun was just what I needed!”
Another member, Liv, said: “As a university student who has just moved to Leeds, finding a group like this was a great opportunity for me to meet new people and feel welcome. As someone with autism I find the group completely inclusive and they make me feel so at ease.”
To find out more search on Facebook for ‘SHEnanigans Armley’, e-mail armleyshenanigans@gmail.com or text/call 07943 321635.
If anyone is interested but feels shy or uncertain about coming along, get in touch and Lizzie, Sarah, Toni or Clancy from the SHEnanigans team can meet you beforehand.
BEA’s
Rebecca
Durrant is in the driving seat. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
By John Baron
OLDER people in West Leeds are traveling in style in a brand new Electric London Cab – and meeting new friends at the same time.
The new six-seater luxury cab is providing better conncections for members of Bramley Elderly Action (BEA) and OWLS, to access local groups, activities and trips out, as well as helping isolated people to socialise.
The Happy Cab project is funded by the Department for Transport as part of a larger Happiness through Transport project.
The cab has all the mod cons, including air conditioning, panaramic roof, six comfy seats and easy access.
Keep your eyes peeled for this ‘cab’ on the streets of West Leeds – and give the occupants a wave!
BEA transport coordinator Rebecca Durrant said: “This isn’t a cab you can just hail as we only have the one vehicle. We’re a charity so it is essentially a ‘social club’ on wheels to help people who might not be able to get out and about.
“It’s a bit of a luxury, and because people are facing each other in the back, they are more inclined to chat with each other and make new friends.
“We’re already seeing this happen. The first couple who used it said they felt like royalty and were doing the royal wave from the window.”
BEA’s details are on one side of the cab, with OWLS on the other.
The taxi can be used for group trips to places like Otley, Murgatroyds fish restaurant, Tong Garden Centre and also other destinations members can choose themselves at affordable prices, but can only be booked for members of BEA and OWLS.
Staff also offer a door to door service for those less steady on their feet.
BEA covers Bramley, Swinnow and parts of Stanningley, while OWLS covers Headingley, Burley, Hyde Park, Little Woodhouse and parts of Kirkstall.
