By community reporter
There’s so much going on each week at Kirkstall Valley Development Trust’s hub.
KVDT is based at St Stephen’s Church Hall, off Norman Street, and is offering a variety of activities for the whole community.
Mondays are all about ping-pong with both ParkyPing! and Gay-ble tennis meeting alternate weeks.
The super friendly lunch club gang meet every Monday and Wednesday and are always welcoming to new people.
Also on Wednesdays, KVDT still host the fabulous Hookers and Clickers. A new craft and mindfulness group is starting on alternate Mondays-this is a relaxed session for all abilities, plus Thursday’s Boxercise is a brilliant FREE fitness and confidence building class for young people. For all this and more, pop in for a brew or have a look online at: https://bookwhen.com/kvdt.
Community pantry
KVDT’s community pantry runs a busy service every Wednesday from 10am until 3pm and serves at least 30 customers each week.
Pantry members can also access free advice with Lindy (Better Leeds Communities) and join the Foodsavers scheme as well as enjoying a brew, chat and lunch.
The volunteers do an amazing job at, not only getting the food to people who need it, but also making it a a positive and supportive experience. We are always looking for new volunteers to join our happy band! More details about the pantry can be found on the website or call in on a Wednesday.
Children and families
KVDT is continuing to develop and extend its children and families offer and is now working with two excellent Forest School providers – Little Trees and Leodis Forest Schools.
They have created a cosy forest school space in the woodland area at Kirkstall Valley Farm and are now running preschool sessions, as well as supporting our school holidays playscheme and school visits program.
During the summer, we also ran our popular canal walks as well as teaming up with Kirkstall Crusaders for some football camp days.
Our Explorer Tots, Home Ed Group and school visits program are all running throughout the Autumn at the farm. We are always keen to welcome schools, nurseries and other children’s groups to visit the farm. Please email kirsty.ward@kvdt.org.uk to find out more.
A popular family pumpkin carving event is coming to the farm this year. It’s on Sunday 27 October and will also include a family-friendly hallowe’en trail around the farm.
For the grown-ups only, there’s a“Fright Farm” ghost walk on the farm on the evening of hallowe’en.
December starts with a Festive Market at the hub on Sunday 1 December. There will be stalls, food, mulled wine and more!
In the run up to Christmas, KVDT will also be inviting Santa back to ride his sleigh round Kirkstall on 19 December as well as some children’s activity days in the school holidays. All details will be listed on our booking site www.bookwhen.com/kvdt as tickest are available to book.
KVDT needs your help!
KVDT is urgently looking for people who can volunteer some time. This can come in all different forms from regular weekly sessions, occasional support at events or specialist advice.
Support is needed with the food pantry, hub, children’s activities, farm sessions and events. KVDT offesr a great experience for volunteers, including being part of the team, giving back to your community and gaining experience and skills for your future.
If you, or someone you know, would be able to help please email adele.rae@kvdt.org.uk and she will find the right role for you!