On the evening of Wednesday 5 July, Bramley Fall Park is the place to be. Cyclo-cross is an exciting form of bicycle racing which consists of short course laps usually in off road terrain.
The event will cater for all ages with the under 12 race at 7pm, the under 14 and 16 at 7.20pm and the adult race at 8pm.
All you need to enter is:
an off-road bike with knobbly tyres (mountain bike or gravel bike are perfect)
a bike helmet
The length of time depends on your race:
Under 12s race for 12 minutes
Under 16s race for 25 minutes
Seniors race for 45 minutes
To take part you will just need to ensure that you sign up before 2 July to secure your place in the race.
For further details of entrance fees and the sign up form see the website or scan the barcode on the poster.
The event is free for spectators and there will be refreshments and toilet facilities on site.
One of the organisers, Doug Jopling, of the Bramley Wheelers Cycling Club is excited to be able to bring the event to Bramley and demonstrate Cyclo-cross to people from all walks of life.
“Cyclo-cross is a sport that is accessible for all ages and abilities,” said Doug. “We hope that by hosting this event in Bramley Fall Park, it will encourage local residents to come along and get involved by either taking part in the races, or spectating and cheering on their friends, families and other competitors.”
Bus drivers in Leeds have today (Sunday) gone on indefinite strike in a row over when their annual pay rise takes place.
Around 800 Unite members out of First’s two depots – including Henconner Lane in Bramley – have walked out indefinitely from Sunday, affecting dozens of routes.
Workers say agreed to change the pay date from April to October to help the firm financially during the pandemic.
First has agreed to change the date back in 2025, but Unite said it would leave drivers “struggling”.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “When First West Yorkshire needed its drivers to dig deep for the company, they did. Not only did they put their and their families’ health on the line by continuing to drive First buses, they also agreed to delay getting a pay rise.”
Ms Graham said First had taken advantage of this “sacrifice” to keep drivers’ wages down as inflation “rocketed”.
The union said delays in reverting to an April pay date would see workers “left struggling during the cost-of-living crisis” and would mean they might not get a pay increase until October.
Andrew Cullen, Managing Director of First North & West Yorkshire, said: “We are very disappointed and dismayed at the decision to continue with strike action in Leeds.
“The generous pay offer we made to the union of a 12 per cent increase between now and April next year is well above inflation and would have helped our drivers to manage the cost of living as quickly as possible.
“Part of this pay increase would have been implemented now with further rises in October and again in April 2024.
“The current agreement on pay, which was signed by Unite and its officials, is in place and agreed until October 2023. The anniversary date was changed during Covid in order to safeguard jobs and to enable us to offer an enhanced sick pay scheme during the pandemic.
“As part of our discussions, we listened to Unite’s request to return the anniversary date to April and as part of the offer we agreed to do this and therefore the next pay review date would be April 2025.
“Industrial action is not the way forward to find a settlement.”
A real-time display at a stop at the top of Henconner Lane. Photo: John Baron/West Leeds Dispatch
Which buses are running and when?
During the industrial action, limited timetables will run from around 7am until around 7pm each day. There may be short notice changes if not enough drivers to run the services.
Services run by other companies, such as the number 9 route, which is operated by Yorkshire Buses, and the 60 run by Transdev AireLine will operate as normal.
The following services will not be affected as they are run by First Bradford and will run as normal: 72, X6, X11 and 508, including school services: CH24, CH25, CH26, CH27, CH28, CM3, L74, L75, L78, L79, LW1, LW2, OA2, OA3, and OA4.
Route & Frequency
1B – No service
N1 – No service
2 – Hourly
3 – Every 03 and 23 past the hour
3A – Hourly
4 – Hourly
4F – No service
5 – Hourly
6 & 8 – Every 30 mins
7 – Hourly
7A & 7S – No service
9A – No service
11A – No service
12 – Hourly to Roundhay Park
13 – Hourly to Brackenwood
13A – Hourly
12 & 13 – Every 20 mins to Middleton
14 – No service
15 – No service
16 – Hourly
16A – No service
19 & 19A – No service
27 – No service
28 – No service
33 – No service
34 – Hourly
38 – Hourly
39 – No service
40 – Hourly
42 – Hourly
46 – No service
47 & 47A – No service
49 – No service
50 – Hourly to 11:16 then hourly till 17:18
50A – No service
51 – No service
52 – Every 30 mins (no journey at 13:20)
55 & 55C – No service
56 – Hourly
62 – No service
64 – No service
65 – No service
74 – No service
75 – No service
X84 – No service
86 – No service
91 – No service
PR1 – Every 15 mins (Mon-Fri)
PR2 – Sorry, no service
PR3 – Every 15 mins (Mon-Sat)
Flexi Bus – No service.
How much will fares cost?
Buses running on limited service will have a flat fare of £1 for all journeys. The fare must be paid in cash on the bus or using contactless payments, as the reduced tickets will not be available on the app.
Police are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on Kirkstall Road.
The collision occurred in the early hours of yesterday (Saturday) morning shortly before 1am, when a blue BMW travelling out of Leeds collided with a pedestrian crossing the road.
The pedestrian, in their twenties, suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital.
The driver of the BMW was arrested at the scene in relation to the incident and enquiries remain ongoing.
Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to get in touch.
Information can be given through the 101LiveChat function on the website or by calling 101 quoting log 0101 of 17 June.
A woman with cancer has had her head shaved to raise £305 for a woman with a genetic condition.
The Armley community came together to support Dawn Charlesworth after she organised a sponsored head shave to raise funds for a young girl with mitochondrial disease.
Dawn’s journey has been filled with adversity. “In January, my partner died, and two days later I found out I had cancer,” she said. Afterwards, she underwent a parathyroidectomy and a thyroidectomy, with radiotherapy scheduled for July.
See below for images of Dawn before and after her head shave:
Despite her own battles, Dawn said she wants to make a difference in someone else’s life.
The recipient of this support is the granddaughter of Dawn’s best friend. Afflicted with mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder affecting the body’s energy production, the young woman now requires end-of-life care.
Recognising the challenges faced by the young girl and her family, Dawn has taken it upon herself to raise funds for a special trip for them.
Dawn hopes to create memories for the pair through a spa weekend or an opportunity to spend quality time in a peaceful location.
Dawn thanked supporters and added: “No contribution is too small and each act of kindness is instrumental in helping.
“Most kids don’t live up to the age of four but some carry it through to a later age and it’ll grow from there. She is, I think, 25 now and is struggling.”
Kayleigh D’Abundo cuts Dawn’s hair.
The hairdresser who cut Dawn’s hair, Kayleigh D’Abundo, said she feels good to be a part of this event. “I have participated in a few of these events, and it is great.”
Arron Lambert and the Bielsa the Redeemer mural tribute to the former Leeds United boss. Photo: John Baron
by John Baron
A Leeds United fan and pet shop owner is transforming his business into a Marcelo Bielsa-themed ‘pet cafe’.
Arron Lambert has run Pet Lodge Superstore in Oldfield Lane for over 20 years, but is aiming to transform the shop into a pet friendly cafe where people can bring their four-legged friends and enjoy coffee and cake, with pets enjoying a ‘puppacino’ or dog ice cream or two.
Football-mad Mr Lambert is proud that the world-famous Bielsa the Redeemer mural, which remembers former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa, is based on the side of his business.
The mural has been painted on the side of Pet Lodge Superstore.
He is refurbishing the inside of the cafe in Argentina team colours to mark Bielsa’s birthplace and will even serve Bielsa’s favourite drink Mate Tea, which has been shipped in especially from South America.
The mural was designed and created by Farsley artist Nicolas Dixon, assisted by Andy McVeigh (also known as Burley Banksy). Since then people have been flocking from all over the world to see the mural and Mr Lambert is looking to get another Leeds United mural painted inside the cafe.
“We were looking to evolve the business and thought what better idea than to combine the appeal of the Bielsa mural and keep the pet element going through a cafe,” Mr Lambert told WLD. “Lots come to see it on a match day.
“The mural draws Leeds fans from all over. Last game of the season we had a student from Australia, who was studying in Norway, come over to have his photo take with the mural. We’re also planning more Bielsa-themed artwork inside.”
The cafe will welcome all kinds of pets into its premises and there have already been enquiries about pet birthday parties and themed get-togethers involving Bearded Dragons.
Mr Lambert, who is also one of the campaigners fighting to save the TV Harrison sports ground close to his business from having houses built on it, says the cafe will be will be called Lil and Flo’s Pet Cafe. The name comes from his two daughters, Liliana, 12, and seven-year-old Florence.
“This is a family business and it involved all of us,” he said. “The girls started off with the idea of having a pick n mix section for pets and things gradually evolved into a pet cafe.”
He will also keep some pet supplies at the side of the cafe, but says most people now attend his other shop in Tong Road, Armley.
Mr Lambert, who will apply for an outdoor licence to serve food and drinks outside and has already installed a new kitchen and toilet in the shop, is aiming to open the doors to the new cafe on Saturday, 24 June.
He’s hoping for an official opening ceremony later in the summer.
Bielsa the Redeemer Mural – a brief history
Life-long Leeds fan Nicolas Dixon created a tribute dedicated to Marcelo Bielsa, named “Bielsa the Redeemer” in Wortley, supported by Andy McVeigh. The pair were commissioned by Arron Lambert, owner of the Pet Lodge Superstore on Oldfield Lane, writes.
The mural in the typical Leeds United colours, white, blue and yellow presents Bielsa in the style of Rio’s famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil.
The piece itself took one week to paint and the words ‘Marchando Juntos dos mil Veinte’ surround the outline of Bielsa, meaning “Marching On Together 2020” in Spanish.
The project was in aid of the football manager and all of his hard work, to honour and respect his efforts for turning Leeds United around. Many said that he truly changed the team.
Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera is an Argentine professional football manager who is the current manager of the Uruguay national team. He is considered by some to be among the most influential football coaches of all time.
Platforms at Kirkstall Forge could be extended to cater for longer six-car trains.
Network Rail have this week submitted a planning application to extend both platforms by 48 metres as Northern is looking to increase seating capacity on some of its services.
The application would see the platforms extended at their western end.
A letter from Network rail accompanying the application said: “Northern Trains are keen to introduce further seating capacity along the Airedale and Wharfedale routes and to cater for this increased length of train it is necessary to lengthen the current platforms at the stations by varying degrees. The length of platform to accommodate six-car trains is 143 metres.
“The current operational length of both platforms is 100 metres. Therefore, we propose to extend both platforms by 48 metres – both at the western end of the station (in the direction of Shipley). A secondary means of escape from Platform 2 will also be provided, running along the rear of the proposed extension back to the existing platform egress to Bramley Woods.”
The letter adds: “The station is modern, and the platform extensions are merely replicating the existing design to given additional seating capacity afforded by six-car trains. The extensions are on existing railway land with no ecological value.”
‘Detrimental’ plans to install solar panels at the Kirkstall Brewery halls of residences off Broad Lane have been refused planning permission.
The panels would have provided power for hundreds of students living in Abbey House, Walker House, Musgrave House, Poplar House, Olive Mount House, Grove House, Elsworth House, Graham House, Monkwood House and Oakhouse residences.
But council planners said the proposals failed to meet planning policies and added: “It is also concluded that the proposed western section of solar equipment would be detrimental to the adjacent residential accommodation.”
Applicant Cloverco hoped the new panels will make the buildings more energy efficient on the 8.7-acre canal-side site, which caters for more than 800 students.
Once again, photographer Susan Tellum has been out with her camera, capturing the breathtaking Kirkstall Abbey and beautiful Abbey gardens in the sunshine.
In these photos, Susan captures the ethereal and enchanting wildlife and the remains of the ancient Abbey.
Many artists and photographers love to explore the beauty of the Abbey and translate it into their pieces, including JMW Turner, Thomas Girtin and John Sell Cotman.
Surrounding the ruins of the Abbey are the Abbey House Gardens, which are a beautiful and peaceful place to go for a walk, smell the flowers and look around!
Here’s a slideshow of photos from the Abbey gardens and the nearby cenotaph:
The Abbey House Gardens are supported by volunteers from the Friends Of Kirkstall Abbey Park group, who assure that the gardens are cared for.
Susan Tellum said: “The Abbey House Gardens are a credit to the volunteers and with a visit. Smell the honeysuckle and roses! And there are fine roses planted at the Kirkstall cenotaph too.”
The planters around the cenotaph are looked after by volunteers from Kirkstall in Bloom.
Roses at the cenotaph. Photo: Susan Tellum
There are also many interesting activities and community groups to get involved in based around the park and gardens, such as the Live Well at Leeds gardening group which focuses on both looking after and expanding on the nature and environment.
Abbey history
Kirkstall Abbey is a ruined medieval monastery which was founded in 1152 by a community of monks from Fountains Abbey as a place of religious worship housing monks and nuns.
Monasteries such as Kirkstall were major for all Cistercian European society, their initial intention was to serve as a religious community devoted to the continual worship of God.
However, it was surrendered to Henry VII during the dissolution of the Monasteries in late 1540 and remains in the same state from the destruction.
Although it is not the same as it was when first built, Kirkstall Abbey is in fact one of the most complete and best reserved Cistercian Monasteries in Britain- the church still stands to roof level!
Another aspect of history also in Kirkstall, located just outside the park of the Abbey is the Kirkstall cenotaph.
It commemorates the men of Kirkstall who died in World War I and World War II and is a space to allow others to pay their respects.
Photo shows (second left) Heritage Officer Alison McMaster at the Sunny Bank Mills Archive with students at West SILC.
An acclaimed West Leeds special school has moved into the historic Sunny Bank Mills complex in Farsley.
The Post-16 department of the West Leeds Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (West SILC) is now based in the recently renovated Mending Rooms at Sunny Bank.
Rob Lakewood, of West SILC, explained: “The post 16 department of our school has been based in Farsley at Springfield Commercial Centre for the past six years, which has been perfect for developing our pupils’ confidence, road safety and employability skills.
“The Mending Rooms represent the next step in our journey. This space is our employability setting, developing key skills in specific job sectors that give our young people genuine opportunities to work towards employment.
“Being based in the heart of Farsley enables our pupils to take full advantage of all the amazing opportunities the village can offer our young people. Having previously worked on an exciting project with the Sunny Bank Mills Archive, we have a great insight into what Sunny Bank can offer us.
“Facilities such as the Mill Kitchen, Grumpy’s, Amity Brew and Scrap Creative have enabled us to show our students how we can give them aspirational opportunities.
“I’d like to thank John and William Gaunt, the co-owners and managing directors of Sunny Bank Mills, who have been so supportive of our school and our students. Having first spoken to John over three years ago, he was kind enough to put us in touch with the mills’ Archive and run a careers session about Sunny Bank Mills for our young people.”
John Gaunt welcomed the move. He said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome West SILC to Sunny Bank. They have played a pivotal role in our Archive project, called Weaving the Web, which has created a special online collection. This currently features 50 unique objects from our Archive that can now be viewed from every angle, thanks to 360-degree photography.
“I am full of admiration for the innovative and ground breaking approach Rob and the West SILC team have towards preparing their young people for life beyond their school. I am happy that Sunny Bank Mills and its community can contribute to that journey. In turn, they will add a new dimension to our community and the ongoing regeneration of the mills.”
During the past ten years Sunny Bank Mills has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use retail and leisure complex for the 21st century, welcoming 100 new companies and creating 400 sustainable new jobs.
While the majority of Sunny Banks Mills is occupied, four spaces are available very soon, 1768 sq ft at the Spinning Mill, 977 sq ft in the 1912 Mill and 556sq ft in The Old Engine Rooms. The letting agent for these offices is Sarah-Jayne Lishman of boutique Leeds property consultancy Dove Haigh Phillips. Contact 0113 457 5551.
An area of land outside Pudsey Parish Church will be revamped. Photo: Google
By John Baron
A start date for work to transform an area opposite Pudsey Parish Church into a Jubilee pocket park has been revealed.
The scheme will transform a small piece of land, which has been used as an informal parking area, into a garden featuring planting and two commemorative benches marking the late Queen’s platinum jubilee.
Contractors Colas are set to start on site Monday, 26 June.
A council spokesperson added: “Some programming matters relating to other schemes ended up pushing this back slightly but we have a fixed date, the road permits are in place and the contractor is resourced up to start.”
Cllr Simon Seary (Cons, Pudsey) welcomed the start of work. He said: “I’m looking forward to the work actually starting, which will see the small waste land transformed into a small pocket park in front of Pudsey Parish Church.”
WLD reported in February that the final scheme had been signed off by council chiefs, following delays and some local opposition to the loss of the informal parking spaces.
Residents living in the Victoria Park area have mixed reactions to the upcoming permanent road closure scheme – but concerns remain over road safety following another collision at the weekend.
Following a series of car crashes in the area, the council’s highways officers are looking to push the scheme forward to tackle rat running and speeding between Broad Lane and Raynville Road in Bramley.
Proposals aim to stop vehicles rat-running between Broad Lane and Raynville Road, “while exploring the addition” of pedestrian crossings to help residents cross the road safely and easily.
A local resident contacted WLD following a crash involving two cars on Victoria Park Avenue and Raynville Avenue on Sunday, 11 June, which led to one person breaking their arm. “For all those thinking the Victoria Park rat run is OK, that’s now six crashes on that corner in seven years,” they said.
Gina Morris, a local resident who has been living in the area for 45 years, expressed her worry regarding speeding traffic.
“Every day. It happens every day,” she says. “It’s just a 20 mile-an-hour road here, but a lot of cars just go over 20. For years I have been living in this area, and I have noticed at least seven severe car accidents at the junction between Lancaster Grove and Victoria Park Avenue.
“There are a lot of young children living in the estate; they cross Victoria Park Avenue and go to Hollybush Primary School every day.”
An artist’s impression of the proposed scheme.
She also mentioned her concerns the scheme would cause inconvenience and increase traffic on nearby roads.
“We are living in Lancastre Grove; if the scheme happened, we would not be able to pass through it and would need to pass by Victoria Park Avenue to get to Broad Lane. It will be another five-minute drive.
“But the Avenue is always busy. Somehow the scheme might just put the traffic elsewhere.”
A permanent road closure to vehicles is planned at the junction of Victoria Park Grove and Lancastre Grove (A & B on map)
George Dawes, a student whose grandma lives on Kirkstall Avenue, mentioned the busy traffic and issue of speeding in the area.
He said: “Broad Lane is very busy, especially at 8am–9am in the morning, it takes more than 15 minutes just to get down the hill.
“There are lots of cars speeding up and down this road (Kirkstall Avenue). My grandma is living here, and she has lots of cats; there were two times her cats got knocked down by cars. I think the permanent road closure might help to reduce traffic here.”
A permanent road closure to vehicles would be located on Kirkstall Avenue at the junction of Abbey Avenue (D on map).
Mick Douglas, an elderly man who has been living in the area for 35 years, thinks the traffic is safe in general. “This is a quiet area. This neighbour is a good one. I don’t mind having road closures since I don’t drive. I think there is not much to worry about in this area.”
A permanent road closure to vehicles would be located on Kirkstall Mount at the junction of Victoria Park Grove (C on map).
Some of our readers also shared their thought when we last reported on the scheme in April.
Rod Whiting suggested that there are other methods to slow traffic down.
He commented: “I thought the original plan is to put jogs and deviations in. This would make the shortcuts unappealing,” he said. “However, I see we are getting completely blocked off in the middle.”
Jim Miller is worried about causing more traffic on other roads: “This will make life hell for parcel delivery people as well as adding to the queuing traffic at Kirkstall Bridge lights and the lights at Bramley Centre. Outgang Lane will carry at least three times the amount of traffic it does now.”
WLD has previously reported on traffic issues here. Local resident Paul Chatterton had been campaigning for action to make Victoria Park Avenue, at the junction with Lancastre Grove, safer following a number of collisions and near misses on the road.
