Mourners braved the drizzle to pay their respects in Millennium Square today. Photo: Liam O'Sullivan
By Liam O’Sullivan
Mourners gathered at Millennium Square in Leeds today to watch the coverage of the Queen’s funeral.
The drizzly start to the day didn’t stop people coming together to pay their respects to the longest-reigning monarch the country has ever seen.
This historic moment was watched by the people of Leeds and across the country.
There was an understandably emotional feel in the Square, but also a sense of patriotism amongst those attending.
People were stood up and also sat on camping chairs and benches in front of the large screen to pay their respects, as well as many sat in the temporary stand set up in the Square for the coverage.
Military members were also present, with some bearing flags outside the Civic Hall as the funeral was ongoing.
Before midday, there were two minutes of silence held across the country to mark the end of the funeral, which was impeccably observed. Many then joined in on a rendition of the national anthem.
Despite the emotional nature of the service, there was also a sense of celebration and admiration for the life of Queen Elizabeth II.
This was reflected by remarks made by those attending, such as Philippa Boxford who said she looked up to Queen Elizabeth for being an “influential female monarch and a strong woman.”
Judith Briggs told West Leeds Dispatch: “She showed people how to be respectful, how to lead and how to be a decent person.”
People from different nations also attended the service in the City Centre, such as German student Dylan Brandes, who is currently studying in Leeds. He said he “can’t imagine a United Kingdom without Elizabeth” with the Queen being “one of the reasons I fell in love with this beautiful country.”
Although Queen Elizabeth II’s reign has come to an end, the admiration shown by those in attendance today both in Leeds and across the country epitomised the positive influence Her Majesty has had on much of the British population and people across the world.
A collection of classic Aston Martin luxury cars were paraded through Farsley to mark the car firm’s historic links with the village.
Members of the Yorkshire branch of the Aston Martin Owners’ Club brought cars from the 1920s to the present day.
They met up at Farsley Celtic’s ground to take part in the event, finishing at Sunny Bank Mills, off Town Street.
Farsley’s connections with Aston Martin date back many years.
Although the main manufacturing plant of James Bond 007’s car of choice was in Huddersfield, they also had a factory at Newlands Works in Farsley. By 1950 Newlands was the main producer for tractor engines and the power unit for the new Aston DB2.
Although some of the business had started to move by the mid 50s, rolling chassis were still produced at Newlands and test driven in Farsley.
Provided the cars could reach 90 mph in third up the hill towards Rodley they were signed off. The company left the site in 1957 after deciding not to renew their lease.
Aston Martin Memorial at Newlands. Photo: Mark Stevenson
A 5.5 tonne memorial was unveiled at Newlands in 2015 to mark the Aston Martin link with the village.
The memorial plaque was unveiled by five former apprentices from The David Brown Aston Martin site in Newlands who helped build the DB2/4. The cars featured in James Bond film Goldfinger.
Mast site: North Side Exchange, Wyther Lane. Photo: Google
By John Baron
Plans to remove an existing phone mast and replace it with a 30-metre pole on Wyther Lane have been withdrawn.
Applicant Cornerstone wanted to take down the existing 22.5-metre mast at North Side Exchange Office Park and replace it with a taller 5G mast and equipment cabinets.
The application stated the new mast would boost mobile phone signals in the Armley, Bramley and Kirkstall areas, but the proposal attracted local concerns over its height.
Leeds Civic Hall. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
The life of Queen Elizabeth will be commemorated and celebrated at a multi-faith vigil in Leeds today (Sunday).
The eve-of-funeral event, which is open to the public, will be held on the Millennium Square steps directly in front of Leeds Civic Hall and will get under way at 6pm.
It will feature prayers and readings as well as the lighting of candles, one for each faith community taking part. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Robert W Gettings MBE JP, will be among those speaking.
The event is due to last for around 45 minutes and will culminate with the lighting of the candles and a minute’s silence, ahead of the national moment of reflection for the Queen later that evening.
Representatives of a wide range of faith communities have been invited to attend, and younger people will play a prominent role in proceedings.
Organised by the Diocese of Leeds, Leeds Faiths Forum and Leeds City Council, the event is being hosted by the Bishop of Kirkstall, the Rt Rev Arun Arora.
The Bishop of Kirkstall, the Rt Rev Arun Arora, said: “On the eve of the Queen’s funeral we will gather together from our different traditions united in thanks for the life of the Queen.
“We will offer prayers of thanksgiving and commendation from faith communities from across Leeds representing people of faith from across the globe.
“We come together, young and old, with one voice to mourn, to grieve and to give thanks for a faithful life so well lived.”
The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Robert W Gettings MBE JP, said: “The Queen’s unifying presence in our local and national life means her loss has been keenly felt by many different communities across Leeds.
“Sunday’s multi-faith vigil will help those communities come together to remember Her Majesty and offer comfort to one another in this time of sadness.”
As previously announced by the council, coverage of the Queen’s funeral will be shown live on the Millennium Square big screen between 10am and 6pm on Monday. All are welcome to attend.
A Book of Condolence for The Queen is available at Civic Hall until 6pm on Tuesday. An online book will also be open until 6pm on Tuesday and can be signed here.
Organisations with their own Book of Condolence are being advised to keep it and archive it.
Farnley Hill Methodist Chapel. Photo: Mark Stevenson
Plans to transform a run-downgrade II listed former Sunday school and caretakers’ flat in Farnley into a six-bedroom house have been withdrawn.
Farnley Hill Methodist Church in Stonebridge Lane, dates back to 1828, with a 1921 extension to the Sunday school. It has suffered from vandalism in recent years.
Mr Ash Mahmood’s application focussed only on the Sunday school building. But council conservation officers said this was unacceptable as the whole building, including the chapel, were in urgent need of restoration.
Senior conservation officer Kate Newell said in a report that the building was in a poor condition with deteriorating structural issues and extensive vandalism including significant damage to the historic interior.
She added: “As a result, I have added the building to the council’s building at risk list and now require urgent works to secure the immediate protection of the building to ensure no further damage is suffered. I’m also looking to work with the applicant to get the whole building back into use to secure its sustainable future.
“The current application seeks only the redevelopment of the Sunday School and makes no proposals for the church, which is the principle part of the heritage significance. Given the current condition of the church this is not acceptable, and a proposal is required that addresses the building as a whole.
“What is done to the Sunday School may prejudice being able to secure the … sustainable future of the rest of the building.”
At risk: Farnley Hill Methodist Chapel. Photo: Mark Stevenson
Her report adds that if timely contact is not made regarding a whole building approach, either through a pre-application enquiry or submitted applications, the council would start enforcement action to address the situation.
A planning statement submitted with the original planning application said: “The building’s structure is basically sound but – being vacant – is in a deteriorating condition with significant roof leaks, rotting windows and continuous vandalism being the main problems.
“The church has a fine interior with original features whereas the Sunday school is described as having ‘no original features remaining within’. Although a marble stone plaque remains to the first floor and will be retained.”
Three previous planning applications for the Sunday school were approved but not implemented due to financial considerations.
The planning statement said the whole of the grade II listed buildings, including the former Methodist Church, have been bought by Mr Mahmood. He intends to register a split site, with the Sunday school and church to have separate titles.
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Farsley Celtic earned a creditable draw at Fyle yesterday. Photo: Thomas Ritchie
By Thomas Ritchie
Farsley Celtic and AFC Fylde will have to do it all again on Tuesday evening, as a 1-1 draw at Mill Farm ensured a replay will be required to determine who will take their place in the Emirates FA Cup third qualifying round.
Both sides will feel they created enough chances to win the game, but neither could find the all-important third goal which would have secured progression to the next round.
Ultimately, it was a tale of two corners, Kyle Morrison turning home in the first half, before Tom Allan replied for the Celts after the break.
Despite the two clubs’ diverging fortunes in the league at this early stage, it was the Celts who looked the most likely early on.
Jimmy Spencer forced a smart save from Chris Neal before, from the resulting corner, Andy Butler found himself free in the box but failed to direct his header on target.
It would be the hosts who found the opener; Pierce Bird did superbly well to keep a corner in play at the back post, managing to divert the ball into the path of Morrison, who turned home from close range.
The Coasters would then have a terrific opportunity to double their lead, and would have done so but for some heroic defending from Adam Clayton.
Morrison delivered a deep cross for Joe Rowley, whose header was deflected onto the post by Owen Mason, before Clayton reacted superbly to block Rowley’s follow-up on the line.
It would continue to be a game in which both sides had chances, Adam Clayton and Dave Syers both having good efforts blocked after the break, either side of Rowley blazing wide when well-positioned.
But it would be Farsley who struck next. A run of four successive corners, which Fylde failed to deal with convincingly, bore fruit for the Celts as Tom Allan superbly powered home Bobby Johnson’s delivery.
Fylde’s chance to snatch the win would arrive in the final minute of normal time, Nick Haughton was the architect before Mason produced a stunning save to deny Tom Walker, with Rowley and Connor Barrett also denied in a desperate penalty-box scramble.
There would still be time for Farsley to almost find a winner, Andy Butler making a great run to get on the end of a Chris Atkinson free-kick, only to glance his header inches wide.
Farsley Celtic and AFC Fylde will now do it all again on Tuesday evening at the Citadel, kick-off 7.45pm.
Farsley Celtic boss Russ Wilcox said he was proud by his side’s battling performance but was again frustrated with the Celts not translating a positive performance into a win:
Skipper Dave Syers said the Celts were building on two strong away draws – but was frustrated the visitors didn’t have more to show.
Replay tickets and supporter information
Farsley Celtic and AFC Fylde will have to do it all again on Tuesday evening at the Citadel, as the Emirates FA Cup second qualifying round tie goes to a replay.
Find out all you need to know ahead of the fixture.
KICK OFF 7.45pm.
ADDRESS The Citadel, Newlands, Farsley, Leeds, LS28 5BE.
ADMISSION PRICES Adults: £14 Concessions (Over 60s, Students with a valid NUS card): £9 Ages 10-17: £5 Ages 6-9: £2 Under 6s: Free
Tickets can be purchased at the gate, or in advance online.
Organisers have announced a shortlist of 40 establishments in the running for the Fish and Chip Takeaway of The Year category.
Judges pay particular focus to customer service, environmental consideration and sustainably good practices. The nomination was welcomed by The Bearded Sailor owner Alex Papaioannaou on social media.
He posted: “We are over the moon to announce that we have been short-listed into the top 40 UK fish and chip shops.
“Considering there are around 10,000 fish and chip shops in the UK, it is humbling that our little Pudsey shop has made it through to the next round. Congratulations to all of the other shops around the country who have made it with us.”
Andrew Crook, President at The National Federation of Fish Friers said: “Being able to announce the top 40 finalists for this category is an absolute pleasure. It is no secret that the industry is facing some challenges.
“That said, this industry is built upon British stoicism. And with spirit and determination we are committed to supporting our members and seeing through tough times. We cannot wait to celebrate at the awards ceremony in February 2023.”
Customers welcomed news of the nomination for the chippy, which is based in Robin Lane. One posted on Facebook: “OMG – brilliant, well done guys – well deserved!” and another added: “Best fish and chips, you deserve to be recognised. Here’s hoping for a nice award coming to you and the team.”
The winners of the awards will be announced during a ceremony in February 2023 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.
Other Leeds fish and chip shops nominated include the The Fish Bank in Sherburn-in-Elmet and Oceans in Crossgates. It’s the first time the awards have been held since before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Earlier this month The Bearded Sailor raised money for Candlelighters children’s cancer charity by selling fish and chips for just £2.
Farsley Celtic earned a creditable draw at Fyle yesterday. Photo: Thomas Ritchie
By Thomas Ritchie
Farsley Celtic’s Emirates FA Cup adventure gets under way this weekend with a trip to AFC Fylde in the second qualifying round.
It is a competition that hasn’t been kind to Farsley in recent years, who have failed to surpass the third qualifying round since the club’s reformation in 2010.
The last time the club progressed to the third qualifying round was in 2020, when it was tomorrow’s opponents, AFC Fylde, who ended our FA Cup journey.
The Celts face another tough ask to improve on that record this season, travelling to a side in Fylde who find themselves towards the top of the National League North, sitting in fourth place, four points off the top spot.
However, Russ Wilcox’s side can take confidence from their performance against the Coasters earlier this season, when the full-time outfit were perhaps fortunate to leave the Citadel with all three points in a 2-1 victory.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s clash, Wilcox said: “You look at the teams that are left in there, and it’s probably the hardest draw in the hat.
“But we’ll go there, and if we perform like we did [against Blyth], if we’re solid as a group, we can be confident.
“We’ve got to restrict them. They’re a possession-based team, so we’ve got to be careful how we go about things, but we’ve got to go there with confidence.”
TEAM NEWS Lewis Butroid remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury sustained at Brackley.
TICKETS Supporters can purchase tickets online HERE, by calling 01772 682593 or by visiting the Club Shop in person.
Hereford game re-arranged
Last weekend’s postponed trip to Hereford will now take place on Tuesday 1 November. Kick-off will be 7.45pm
15th August 2022 was a sad day for Grant Chakas’ family, friends and work colleagues.
At only 43 years old he died suddenly, leaving his wife and a young family of three children.
Grant was at his happiest with his family and friends, showing and demonstrating to people in Bramley how to cook and eat healthily.
Yacine Sahel (Yaz) was so affected by Grant’s death he felt he had to do something to commemorate Grant’s life and to support his young family.
As a runner with Bramley Breezers he decided to come out of retirement from long-distance running to complete a 43km run – with 1km for Grant’s birthday.
After discussion with Grant’s wife, his family and Greggs Bakery – where they both worked – it was decided the run will be on Sunday, 18 September.
Yaz will start at 8am at Pure Gym, Bramley where Grant initially took ill. Yaz will finish at around 12noon at Greggs Bakery.
The route will be going to Morley via the ring road then Dewsbury Road, into the city centre past the hospital where Grant died, then along the canal to Rodley Barge and turning left to Farsley police station. He will then go left into Stanningley Road, then left into Broad Lane and finally two laps of Bramley parkrun to give chance for people to join on the short distance back to the bakery where Grant worked.
If you see him en route please spur him on by clapping and cheering.
Members of Bramley Breezers will also be joining him on the route. Local cheerleaders have also stated they’ll be supporting him too.
Dean Ward, a friend to them both has offered to be Yaz’s support vehicle for refreshments and water.
Greggs bakery has kindly offered to provide refreshments at the finish line.
Yaz has set up a gofundme page for anyone wishing to donate.
There will also be a fundraising event at the next clothing exchange at Bramley Community Centre on 8 October.
By Christopher Young, local democracy reporting service
Additional reporting: John Baron
A route linking Leeds and Bradford – which would cut through West Leeds – will be included in the first wave of a potential £2bn new mass transit plan, a new report has said.
The West Yorkshire mass transit network has been in the planning stages for years, and will link the region’s towns, cities, and suburbs.
Although work is still years away, a new report has revealed that both Leeds and Bradford will be among the first areas to benefit from the expansive plans.
A new report by West Yorkshire Combined Authority reveals that the Leeds to Bradford route and the Bradford to Dewsbury route will be among the first two routes to be drawn up by the consortium tasked with designing the plan.
Despite being in the planning stages for years, it has yet to be decided what form the mass transit system will take, or the exact routes.
Early plans have suggested the Bradford to Leeds line would include stops at Pudsey, Bramley, Armley and Wortley.
Future lines would come at a later stage.
WLDreported in July that work on West Yorkshire’s mass transit system, which it’s claimed will “hurtle” the region into the 21st century, could start by the end of the decade.
Mass Transit plans for Leeds have been revealed. Image: WYCA
Another report into the plans, this one produced by Bradford Council, says the network would include a link between Bradford Interchange and Bradford Forster Square stations.
The report to the Authority’s Transport Committee says: “The consortium have been commissioned to lead on the business case development workstream and will initially focus on the Orange (East Leeds, Bradford to Leeds and South Leeds to Dewsbury) and Green (Bradford to Dewsbury) corridors, with other areas of the network following in due course.”
It says work is now being done to develop routes and stops, adding: “The team are now beginning to discuss route options in more detail in a further series of workshops with stakeholders.
“As with the Business Case, this stage of work focuses on the Orange and Green priority areas of the network. It is expected that this phase work will be completed by July/August 2023.”
The council report into the plans says: “Mass Transit routes are anticipated to bring high quality, fast, frequent and reliable public transport to major corridors. Infrastructure works are anticipated to be complemented with place-making programmes and parallel segregated cycle facilities.
“In Bradford, Mass Transit would serve the city centre and link both city centre railway stations, as well as having numerous other stops to serve communities on the route.
“Whilst this programme is still several years away from the start of construction, which could start from the late 2020s, the first stage(s) could potentially be opened in the latter half of the decade.”
Parents and carers can have their say on play provision for young children in Armley and New Wortley at a community meeting taking place next week.
New Wortley Community Centre will play host to a New Wortley & Armley Community Voice meeting organised by community builder Victoria Kortekaas, where people can develop ideas to create opportunities for play.
Victoria said: “We held themed summer play days around the high-rise flats and I was chatting to parents about some of the issues that were important to them.
“People were telling me there wasn’t enough opportunity for young children, so we’ve set up a community meeting to see what we, as a community can do.”
The meeting is open to parents, carers and community organisations and will be held at New Wortley Community Centre on Thursday 22 September, from 12pm-2pm.
Victoria Kortekaas.
Ideas already floated by some parents include having access to large games, like Connect Four, or introducing traditional markings so youngsters can play the likes of hopscotch.
The New Wortley & Armley Community Voice Group has been set up to encourage people to work collaboratively is developing solutions to local issues with the support of the New Wortley Community Centre team and wider partners.
The group meets in different locations on the first Tuesday of the month.
To participate you need to live, volunteer or work in New Wortley or Armley and be passionate about making positive change.
More information from community builder Victoria Kortekaas by e-mailing victoria.kortekaas@newwortleycc.org or calling 07856 785904.
