New Wortley: Event celebrates South Asian arts

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July 24, 2025

South asian arts new Wortley — South Asian arts celebrated at New Wortley Community Centre. Photo: Helen Fay

By Helen Fay

New Wortley Community Centre hosted a vibrant community arts event on Saturday (19 July).

The event, organised by South Asian Arts UK, featured a packed programme of arts and crafts, solo and group dancing, singing and music – as well as mouth-watering food provided by the Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Tong Road.

The event was a family friendly celebration of South Asian arts and there were a variety of creative stalls including face painting, henna tattoos, a fun photo booth and a clay workshop session.

South Asian Arts UK (SAA UK) is a Leeds-based registered charity whose mission is to enrich people’s lives through the engagement and participation in traditional and contemporary South Asian music and dance.

Sherin Alex, Marketing & Creative Communities Manager of SAA UK told WLD about the event at New Wortley: “This is part of our pop-up culture project that we have taken across seven of the wards that took part in the Leeds 2023 events, including Armley.

“As part of our commitment to community engagement this year we’re strategically going across different communities and wards, taking forward the legacy of Leeds 2023.”

SAA UK have already held pop-up events in Morley, Chapeltown and Chapel Allerton among others, and the Armley event was the last of these.

However, Sherin said “There will be a final showcase at Leeds Playhouse on Saturday, 16 August where we will be bringing together talents from all these different wards to perform.

“The intent behind this project is to bring diverse communities together and give them a safe space in which to perform in a relaxed, informal environment.”

Saturday’s event was organised in conjunction with LCC Localities Officer Kimberley Frangos, who was also Armley ward Host during the Leeds 2023 Year of Culture.

Kimberley said: “SAA UK approached all the 2023 Hosts because they had been granted funding to run some events across local communities.

“Seven wards responded, including Armley, and we were lucky enough to hold this event in New Wortley Community Centre.

“SAA UK are planning to do this again next year across Leeds, in as many wards as they can. It’s a pleasure working with SAA UK, they have some brilliant people, it’s wonderful learning about cultures new to me, it brings music, vibrance, colour and happiness to the community – it’s all just fantastic.”

Performances on the day included a dance solo by Sahana, singing from Bratati Chaudhury, music from Eshwar Sureshkumar and dance by the Sabhrang Dance Group.

Armley councillor Andy Parnham opened proceedings with a short speech endorsing his support of the project. The event also marked South Asian Heritage month, which runs from 18 July to 17 August.

South Asian Arts UK is a 28 year old organisation, based in Leeds.

SAA UK teach music and dance and also arrange concerts performed by world renowned artists from across South Asia in the UK. The most recent was a sold-out show held at Howard Assembly Room in Leeds with Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, a stalwart of Hindustani classical singing.

Sherin Alex added: “While on the one hand we showcase renowned international artists, our community engagement ensures we give the common man a chance to perform and give their voice to this project.

“As an organisation we champion the cause of bringing people together – instead of focusing on differences, it’s better to focus on what we as humans have in common.

“Music and dance has no one language – it’s universal, whatever background or culture we come from. I think it’s a matter of finding those similarities and focusing on what brings us closer rather than what divides us. All in all, it’s a nice initiative, a good project and one I’m proud to be associated with and happy to lead on it. I feel very fortunate.”

Further details of SAA UK’s projects, a Music Summer School and the Leeds Playhouse showcase can be found here.

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Festival celebrates wellness in Kirkstall

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July 24, 2025

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Harriet King Wellness studio — Harriet King at the Wellness studio with her book, “The 12 Week Ultimate At Home Yoga Guide”. Photograph by Jan Calvert

By Jan Calvert

Well Nest in Kirkstall is opening their studio for a weekend celebrating wellness at their ‘WellFest’ festival during the weekend of 8 to 10 August.

Harriet King opened the converted church studio on Victoria Road, Kirkstall, two years ago. Inspired by a vision to offer a safe space for movement, relaxation and connection for the Kirkstall and West Leeds community, Harriet has a programme of events planned throughout the weekend.

Harriet’s love of yoga began as a child when she attended classes with her mum. Since then she has trained as a teacher and specialised in working with children with special and additional needs before fulfilling her dream to open a wellness centre.

She now collaborates with the ‘Sunshine and Smiles’ charity and ‘Cafe 21’ supporting families and young people with Down Syndrome and adapting her classes to meet a wide range of community needs.

Harriet said: “We wanted to create a space where different ages and different body types from all walks of life can feel part of a community promoting wellness.”

The British Heart Foundation recommends yoga as an activity which helps to develop, flexibility, strength, balance and coordination. The festival also offers meditation, massage, hot and cold water therapy and gatherings for dance, ceremony and harp playing.

There is a programme of events throughout the summer holidays for children and Harriet says the festival “offers adults a time away from the responsibilities and hustle of everyday life!”

Anyone wanting to re-charge or try something new can find out more on the West Leeds Dispatch what’s on section or https://www.wellnestkirkstall.co.uk/

Event details

A ‘festival of wellness’ will be held in the heart of Kirkstall at the Well Nest Studio on Victoria Road from August 8 to August 10.

Celebrating movement, music, connection and community, ‘Wellfest’ has a programme of yoga, dance and revitalization.

For more information or to book a ticket, contact Harriet at Chantry House, Victoria Road, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3JB or online here.

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Eye-catching support: Opticians gift high-vis vests to Horsforth Scouts

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July 24, 2025

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An opticians in Kirkstall is helping children in Horsforth to shine brightly by donating high visibility vests to the local youth organisation.

Specsavers Kirkstall has donated 50 luminescent jackets to the 7th Airedale (St Margaret’s) Scout Group, with the aim of making sure children can easily be spotted by motorists when their activities take them out into the community.

The youngsters have already worn the vests while out on a community litter pick.

Established over a hundred years ago, the Scouts help children and young people develop life skills, teamwork and outdoor adventure through activities like camping, hiking, and community service.

Jennie Long, ophthalmic director at Specsavers Kirkstall, said: “It’s so important for children to spend time outdoors – it offers a wide range of benefits, including supporting healthy eye development.

“That’s why we’re honoured to help out the Scouts and all the amazing work they do to help young people get outside and learn valuable life skills. We hope our donation helps keep children safe by making them more visible when exploring their communities.”

The 7th Airedale Scouts, which is based in Horsforth, works with over 75 children in the community across its Beavers, Cubs and Scouts groups.

Cassy Simpson, group lead volunteer at the organisation, added: “A big thank you to Specsavers Kirkstall for providing our group with these high vis vests.

“They are extremely useful, helping our children be seen and kept safe while out and about during our meetings.

‘So far, our Beavers have used them collecting litter around the community and on the evening chip shop hike. They will be an invaluable part of our safety kit for all of our beavers, cubs and scouts.”

Horsforth Scouts is open to children 4 – 18 years old. As well as an active lifestyle, regular eye tests are an important part of any child’s development. All children under 16, as well as those under 19 in full- time education, are entitled to an NHS funded eye test, available at Specsavers.

To book an appointment at Specsavers Kirkstall, visit the website or call 0113 278 8774. Specsavers is based at Kirkstall Bridge Retail Park.

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Horsforth: Annual Norman Hunter fundraiser raises over £32,000 for leukaemia research

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July 24, 2025

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An annual golf day in memory of Leeds United footballing legend Norman Hunter has now raised over £170,000 to support life-saving Leukaemia research in Leeds.

On Friday 11 July, the fifth annual Norman Hunter Golf Day took place at Horsforth Golf Club, organised by his widow Sue, daughter Claire and son Michael.

The money raised supports innovative technology and groundbreaking research into Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Leeds.

Fundraising efforts led by Norman’s wife Sue were recognised at the Yorkshire Choice Awards in June, where she was presented with the Local Fundraiser of the Year Award in recognition of the golf day.

This year’s event, sponsored by Manning Stainton, raised over £32,000 which will continue to support large, internationally significant trials that will inform future Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia treatment on a global scale.

Norman’s family decided to fundraise in his memory after he died in April 2020 from COVID-19, aged 76. For seven years before his death, Norman was treated at Leeds Cancer Centre after being diagnosed with CLL, a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow.

Dr Darren Newton, Lecturer in Haematology and Immunology at the University of Leeds spoke to us about how the fundraising is helping his team find better treatments and potentially move towards a cure.

He said: “The Hunter family’s fundraising has helped us accelerate our efforts to find more personalised treatments for CLL patients and get even closer to finding a cure.

“We have seen hugely promising results with thousands of patients up and down the country taking part in clinical trials run by the University of Leeds.

“Thanks to the funds raised through these events, we have been able to expand our research around these trials and to gain more, valuable personalised insights from them.

“We cannot thank the family enough for their dedication to fundraising over the past five years, and together we are working towards our ultimate goal of finding a cure for CLL.”

Norman’s wife Sue thanks everyone for their support.

She said: “When we first came up with the idea of hosting a charity golf day, we never imagined we would be here five years later, with over £170,000 raised.

“This has only been possible thanks to everyone who has come together to support the golf day, from sponsors, to players and volunteers. I know that Norman will be looking down on us and beaming with pride at what we have achieved.

“We’re incredibly proud that we have been able to contribute to research that has the potential to transform outcomes for CLL patients, giving them more time to make precious memories with their families.”

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‘We need to show strength of feeling’ over allotment development – Kirkstall councillor

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July 23, 2025

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By John Baron

A Kirkstall councillor has urged residents to have their say on proposals to develop the long-established Headingley Station Allotments.

WLD reported last week that Leeds City Council is seeking views on a planning blueprint which could see thousands of new homes built on potential sites across Leeds – including up to 61 homes on the allotments site.

The Leeds Local Plan will guide how land is used and developed. It influences planning decisions to ensure any developments meet the needs of the community and the environment.

A range of potential sites included in the consultation were put forward by developers, landowners, residents and others.

Councillor Hannah Bithell (Lab, Kirkstall) wrote on Facebook that the council cannot pull the site out of the consultation as all the proposed sites have to be part of a wider consultation along with other suggested sites.

She and the other Kirkstall councillors say they are ‘devastated’ that a resident has put this suggestion forward

Cllr Bithell said: “It has caused a lot of unnecessary upset when no-one wants the allotments to be built on.

“The impact allotments have on people’s health mentally and physically, the community spirit of an area, combatting social isolation etc, is massive – so we want to make sure the strength of feeling is shown here.”

Cllr Bithell is urging people to make sure that they fill in the online consultation.

She added: “The only effective way to make our voices heard as a community is to fill in the consultation.

“There have already been hundreds of responses and we want to make sure that the planning department hear loud and clear that this suggestion was from a rogue lone wolf rather than something this community will tolerate happening.”

The consultation can be found here. The consultation runs until 7 September.

Mark Sewards MP: “It’s time to solve the SEND crisis”

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July 23, 2025

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By Leeds South West & Morley MP Mark Sewards

This summer, as well as making visits to businesses, community groups and engaging in my regular door knocking, I’ll be working hard on a solution to a crisis that effects every single one of our schools.

One of the key issues that residents have consistently raised with me since my election, is
the crisis in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision in our schools.

Many parents across Leeds South West & Morley are facing the same issues when trying to
ensure their children receive the correct level of support for their needs.

The current system for SEND provision is broken and no longer fit for purpose.

As well as speaking to parents, I have visited primary and secondary schools across the constituency who have relayed to me the impossible task they now face with supporting the number of children with SEND under the current framework.

I have also witnessed this first hand, during my time as a maths teacher; school budgets got tighter and tighter and the number of pupils needing support increased.

This effects every school in the country and cannot continue.

This Autumn, the Government is due to announce an overhaul of the system. In my role as a member of the Education Select Committee, I have been working with fellow members to
conduct an inquiry into the SEND crisis.

This inquiry has looked at all aspects of the current system, including Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), training for education providers and how different regions are affected by the challenges.

It has also taken written and verbal evidence from educational experts, policymakers, teachers and parents to ensure we have considered how the current system operates for all perspectives.

At the conclusion of this inquiry, the committee will present the government with a set of recommendations ahead of their own announcement. I will share more details on this work once my committee colleagues and I have finalised our recommendations.

However, ahead of any proposals, I would like to say that any changes to the SEND system
must prioritise meeting the needs of students whilst ensuring providers can remain
financially stable.

In addition to teaching provision, another issue in relation to SEND which I know is of great
importance to parents, is the funding of post-16 school transport.

Local authorities currently have no legal obligation to provide free transport for SEND students who have completed their compulsory education, and many are scaling back their school transport offer to these children.

Whilst I fully understand the financial pressures local authorities are facing, this transport
funding is a lifeline for many students in allowing them to get the qualifications they need to succeed in life.

The government has a responsibility to develop long-term solutions to this crisis.

We should accept nothing less than wholesale reform to our SEND system so that it is inclusive and no longer requires students to travel miles away from where they live to receive the support they need.

Until we’ve made these changes, I believe that the law should be changed so the local authorities have a statuary commitment to fund transport for SEND students between
the ages of 16-19.

I challenged the Minister for Skills to do just that at a recent sitting of the
Education Select Committee.

I encourage any readers who live in Leeds South West and Morley with negative
experiences of the SEND system to contact me and share their experiences. I will use all
these experiences to inform my work on this over summer.

Every child deserves and excellent education. It’s time to solve the SEND crisis.

Former Sunny Bank Mills workers invited to reunion

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July 23, 2025

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By Fiona Gell

Did you or a family member work at Sunny Bank Mills when it was still an operating textile mill?

RSVP now for a Workers’ Reunion Party as part of the Mills’ Heritage Festival.

Gather in the Art Gallery for free drinks, chats with other former workers, games and a look around our first major group photography exhibition.

See the Museum and Archive’s photograph collection, bring your own photos and memories and watch a new film containing footage from the Mills’ final cloth pressing in 2008.

The event runs in Sunny Bank Mills Gallery on Friday, 12 September, 12pm-2pm,

RSVP through one of the following options; E-mail arts@sunnybankmills.co.uk, call 0113 256 3239 or register at the Gallery counter.

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Campaigners welcome decision as airport loses night flights appeal

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July 23, 2025

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By Don Mort, local democracy reporting service

Airport campaigners have welcomed a public inquiry decision which will limit the number of night-time flights allowed in and out of Leeds Bradford Airport.

Airport bosses had appealed against a Leeds City Council planning decision to restrict some aircraft from flying after 11pm.

It led to a Planning Inspectorate hearing in March, in which the Yeadon airport sought a re-interpretation of the regulations.

Complaints had been made from people living near the airport, and the council issued an enforcement notice last September after LBA was found to have breached noise rules.

Now a decision has been issued dismissing two of three appeals made by LBA.

An airport spokesperson said: “We’re reviewing the outcomes of the public inquiry and will be working closely with Leeds City Council to determine the best path forward.

““Our priority is for our airport to continue to fulfil the needs of the 4.2m-plus people who choose to travel with us every year. And in doing so support our employees, our communities and our region.”

GALBA (the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport) said they were delighted with the inquiry outcome.

Group secretary Ian Coatman said: “This is a victory for local people, our environment and common sense.

“While it doesn’t mean an end to all night flights, it does mean the airport must stick to the rules that limit the number of planes allowed to fly at night.”

The inquiry considered three applications for Certificates of Lawfulness of Existing Use or Development (CLEUDS).

It allowed one of LBA’s appeals, which sought to exempt some aircraft from the night flight limits.

Leeds City Council said its officers were still looking at the detail of the inquiry decision.

A spokesperson said: “The council has been notified by the Planning Inspectorate regarding LBA’s appeals against our refusal of two CLEUD applications and the non-determination of a third.

“We can confirm that, following a public inquiry held earlier this year, two of these appeals have now been dismissed and one has been allowed.”

Last month WLD reported more than 40 Horsforth residents attended a public meeting about Leeds Bradford Airport at St Margaret’s Church.

The new terminal at LBA also opened last month with upgraded terminal facilities. The opening of the terminal marks the end of the first phase of the airport’s £100 million ongoing expansion project.

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Farsley: Gaunts Ltd appoints new managing director

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July 23, 2025

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Paul Curson Gaunts Ltd — Paul Curson is the new MD at Farsley-based Gaunts Ltd.

Farsley commercial property firm Gaunts Ltd has welcomed new managing director, Paul Curson.

Mr Curson, a chartered surveyor with over 30 years’ experience in property and asset management, will be based at their main site, Springfield Mills in Farsley.

Mr Curson was at JLL for 27 years, dealing with assets across the UK, and heading up the property and asset team in Leeds, with an extensive portfolio of properties across Yorkshire and the North East. Before making the move to Gaunts, he was at CBRE for just over two years overseeing a large team responsible for office, industrial and retail assets across the UK.

“For the last two years, I have been working largely remotely and dealing with assets in London and Manchester,” he said. “I was keen on this role, as I wanted to work locally and as part of a day-to-day team.”

As well as developing the portfolio, Curson is keen to raise the profile of Gaunts, updating the company’s online presence, and improving brand recognition by creating a consistent and cohesive identity across the company.

Chris Pratt, former MD and now non-executive board director, welcomed the appointment. He said: “I know Paul has the wealth of experience needed to consolidate Gaunts Ltd’s success and I look forward to seeing the expansion and growth of the business in the coming years under his leadership”

Gaunts are currently building eight new hybrid units at their main site, Springfield Mills in Farsley, for fledging businesses, which are due for completion at the end of the year. For enquiries, please visit gauntsproperty.co.uk or call 0113 236 3555.

Gaunts Ltd’s commercial property portfolio consists of 11 sites across West and North Yorkshire with a mix of office, leisure, industrial and retail premises for up to 200 businesses.

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Breeze offers affordable summer fun for West Leeds youngsters

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July 23, 2025

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West Leeds youngsters can look forward to fun times in the great outdoors as the annual Breeze In The Park entertainment programme returns for another summer.

Organised by Leeds City Council, the roadshow-style programme will see a total of 26 low-cost play days taking place in local communities over the next month.

Each event will be held in a different park or green space and will feature interactive activities such as arts, crafts, sports and games together with Breeze’s much-loved giant inflatables.

The programme gets under way today (Wednesday, July 23) at Belle Isle’s Coopers Field and will finish at Wortley Recreation Ground on August 21.

In between times, events will take place in Armley, Bramley, Farsley, Horsforth, Kirkstall and Pudsey.

The visits to Armley, Kirkstall and Wortley will include quieter and more relaxed sessions for those with additional needs.

And to help families plan their summer to-do lists, the council’s Child Friendly Leeds team has now produced – with support from partners and stakeholders – a handy guide giving full details of what’s on and when.

The guide covers everything from magic shows at Leeds City Museum and workshops at Leeds Discovery Centre to film screenings at Hyde Park Picture House and children’s activities at Leeds Kirkgate Market – as well, of course, as Breeze In The Park.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “By making the events low-cost, taking them out into so many different communities and running sessions for those with additional needs, we aim to ensure they are as accessible and inclusive as possible.

All of the Breeze In The Park events will have one main session, running from midday to 4pm.

Additional needs sessions will run from 11am to midday, with those attending them being welcome to stay on for the afternoon activities at no extra charge.

Tickets for all sessions cost £1 each and must be bought in advance. Purchases can be made here or, for additional needs sessions, here. A full list of event dates and locations can be found on the same web pages.

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Family of murdered Horsforth boy joins Mayor to tackle serious violence

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July 23, 2025

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The family of murdered Horsforth schoolboy Alfie Lewis have joined forces with West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to combat serious violence and knife crime across the region.

Fifteen-year-old Alfie was fatally stabbed in Church Road, Horsforth on 7 November 2023.

Bardia Shojaeifard, also 15, was found guilty of his murder and was given a mandatory life sentence with a minimum jail term of 13 years.

His aunt, Mechelle Lewis, is now calling for change and is supporting the Mayor in a major consultation to tackle the issue.

Today (Wednesday, 23 July), Harehills will host the first in a series of district-wide events featuring powerful personal stories, workshops and discussions.

Communities are invited to share their views, experiences, ideas, and solutions to help shape a new strategy that will tackle serious violence.

As part of this work, Mechelle Lewis is collaborating with Leeds-based Redbobble Arts on Alfie: Forever 15 – a trauma-informed, multi-arts intervention co-created with Alfie’s family.

Drawing on Alfie’s story, the project combines immersive performance, film, and music created by Alfie’s friends to engage students in schools and colleges.

With the aim of reducing knife carrying and preventing youth knife crime, Alfie: Forever 15 is supported by West Yorkshire Police and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Alfie’s Aunt, Mechelle Lewis said a single vision is crucial.

“We are supporting this serious violence consultation, as families should never have to experience such trauma and heartbreak,” she said.

“When Alfie was murdered, not only did our worlds change forever, but so did the lives of all those who witnessed it. The ripple effect reached far beyond those in and around Horsforth that fateful day. As with all serious violence, it destroys, and it decimates.

“We are left behind with broken hearts and eternal immeasurable pain. Alfie was taken from us so cruelly and that we cannot change; but we can stand together, united with a voice and with conviction to make a change.

“So, we are working alongside The Mayor and community, with a call to do exactly that, make changes. Together and unified, we Rise, Reshape and Re-builld. The new three ‘r’s for our education prevention intervention.

“We will not allow Alfie’s life to have been taken in vain”

From knife crime and gang culture to violence against women and girls, the community events aim to capture the full spectrum of concerns linked to serious violence.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: “Tackling serious violence is one of my top priorities and I want to thank Alfie’s family from the bottom of my heart for their bravery in sharing their experiences.

“It’s a heartbreaking reminder of what’s at stake, and their voice is such a powerful force in helping to drive real, lasting change.

“But we can’t do it alone. Please get involved, either online or in person and help make a safer, brighter future for West Yorkshire.”

Take part in the survey here, share your views and find event details.

Youngsters meet Leeds United stars – and receive Paw Patrol surprise

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July 23, 2025

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The Leeds United Foundation has joined forces with children’s show PAW Patrol Live! to provide a paw-some experience for youngsters in west and east Leeds.

The youngsters from Whitecote Primary School in Bramley, Christ Church Upper Armley C of E Primary School, Harehills Primary School, and Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School attended an exclusive workshop with the official charity of Leeds United Football Club.

The fun began last week, when children were told about their surprise trip to at lunch time party, hosted by Leeds United Foundation at Elland Road on Tuesday, 15 July.

The party saw them enjoy PAW PatrolLive! crafts and party food before first-team stars Ilia Gruev and Sebastiaan Bornauw arrived to reveal the exciting details.

As well as benefiting from the Premier League Primary Stars party, they have been invited along to the Leeds show as special guests of PAW Patrol Live!

Bella and Lola from Our Lady’s Primary School said: “We had such a fun day meeting the players and coming to Elland Road. The players even gave us tickets to see PAW Patrol Live! in Leeds this summer – we can’t wait!”

The Leeds United Foundation uses football to support and inspire those who live in Leeds. They do this through a range of activities including health and social education in primary and secondary schools, community volunteering, sports participation for everyone, and enable young people to make positive choices about their lives and futures.

Louise Burns, the School Partnership and Education Manager for the Leeds United Foundation said: “It has been fantastic being able to engage and support local children and families from some of the schools we work with.

“Seeing the smiles as they arrived at Elland Road and providing them with the chance to take part in some fun activities before meeting some of their footballing heroes was brilliant. A big thank you to everyone involved in making this happen!”

Claire Anter, spokesperson for PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” said: “Our hope is that this experience sparks joy, creates lasting memories, and inspires a lifelong love for the arts. We look forward to welcoming these special guests to the show in just a few weeks.”

PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure is at first direct arena Leeds on Saturday, 9 August at 10.45am, 2pm and 5.15pm.