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Swinnow Community Centre relaunches with ‘hope, love and service’

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PEOPLE POWERED: Swinnow Community Centre volunteers and users. Photos by: Swinnow CC

By Dianne Craven

Hope, love and service are the values of the relaunched Swinnow Community Centre.

Originally opened in 1984 the centre has had a significant impact on the lives of people living in the Swinnow area. 

It comprises a main hall, kitchen, office and storerooms.  Over the years it has hosted fun days, bingo, councillor surgeries and even theatre productions such as The Wizard of Oz.

While Leeds City Council owns and maintains the building, the centre is run by volunteers. No-one receives a salary.   

In February 2024 Yvonne Allman, who had run the centre for the previous eight years, announced she would be stepping down. 

If no-one took over the role, the centre was under threat of closure.

But then in April 2024 the Swinnow Community Centre Community Interest Company (CIC) was set up. Four directors and a team of volunteers set about relaunching the centre.

Yvonne said on social media: “A massive thank you to Lucy Munton for taking over the community centre.  

“Lucy and her husband have worked so hard putting things in place to make the centre more successful, vibrant and alive, with new groups, events, etc.  

“I believe in them and trust them wholeheartedly to keep the centre going for many more years.”

Lucy, one of the directors, and her husband Will Munton have returned to the UK following working as charity supporters in India.  

They saw the opportunity to help the community. However, Lucy insists: “Swinnow Community Centre is run by the community.  Volunteers can do as little or as much as they can – all are welcome.”  Volunteering opportunities can be found on the centre’s Facebook page.

Although the main users are families from Park Spring Primary School, the centre is seeking to encourage others from Swinnow Primary School and Stanningley Primary School.

In August WLD reported that since the relaunch there had been over 2,500 visits to the centre. Its summer programme featured well-attended events, including Tuesday Family Fun Days.

Director and volunteer Craig Newnes said the centre had fantastic people and was a safe place to go.

Craig is currently unemployed due to ill health. Already involved in the centre as a volunteer handyman, he said that getting involved with the centre has helped his confidence and self-esteem. 

He said: “It gives me a purpose, and it is a great place to volunteer.”

One user of the centre said: “Swinnow Community Centre is amazing, and the people are amazing. It’s an amazing place.  Thank you for keeping it going.”

The volunteers are currently developing the outdoor space.  

On the morning of 16 September, the centre hosted its first prize bingo. 

Working alongside Pudsey Community Project the centre is hoping to establish a new weekly food bank – The Pantry.

Bramley Elderly Action are also looking into using the centre too.

So why does the centre focus on values of hope, love, and service?

  • Hope – for a brighter future.
  • Love – one another
  • Service – to serve the copmmunity.

Contact

  • Phone: 0113 8244765.
  • E-mail: swinnowcommunitycentrecic@gmail.com.
  • Facebook:  Swinnow Community CIC.
  • Check out WLD‘s what’s on section for details of events and activities at the centre.

West Leeds planning applications: 29 September 2024

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westleedslife
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Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the six council wards in West Leeds.

The following applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

  • None decided.

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

  • None. decided.

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

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Farsley Celtic march on in FA Cup after narrow Wythenshawe Town win

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By John Baron

Farsley Celtic reached the FA Cup fourth qualifying round for the first time since 2007 – but were made to sweat by a determined Wythenshawe Town side two leagues below them.

Striker Darren Stephenson’s well-taken first half goal was enough to take the spoils in what proved to be Farsley’s only attempt on target in a tight 1-0 win which was televised on the BBC iPlayer.

Wythenshawe were the better team for the most part. They twice hit the woodwork and forced Farsley keeper Tom Wooster into a string of second-half saves.

But the Celts battled to an important win to lift spirits among beleaguered fans, who are yet to see their team play at The Citadel this season due to delays in laying a new 4G pitch.

The home side started the better of the two teams and on 17 minutes Farsley were let off the hook after Hepple was allowed space to run at goal and his effort hit the post before bouncing to safety.

Farsley’s first effort came when Bailey Sloane moved into the penalty area but shot into the side netting under pressure from a defender.

The visitors were ahead a short time later. Ben Atkinson played the ball through to Darren Stephenson, who beat the offside trap, took the ball around the keeper and showed great composure to slot home for his fifth goal of the season.

The hosts continued to battle and had a half-chance just before half time when Abankeah headed goalwards from a corner but Tom Wooster got down to make a comfortable save.

The second half saw the hosts enjoy the lions’ share of possession. Wooster pulled off a good save to deny Hepple early on. They came even closer ten minutes’ from time when a free kick clipped Wooster’s cross bar.

The final few minutes saw Town throw everything at Farsley as they went in search of an equaliser. Wooster denied George Boyd and then got down well to save from Edwards’ free kick before the sub fired a second shot just wide of the goal.

The Manchester club even threw their goalkeeper forward in the dying embers of the game but couldn’t force the equaliser they arguably deserved.

The game was Farsley’s 20th consecutive match played away from the Citadel, including pre-season. Players and staff should be rightfully proud of their achievements in such challenging circumstances. Hats off should also go to the club’s loyal away support, many of whom have already travelled countless miles – and spent a lot of money – supporting their side this season.

Fans will now be hoping for some positive news on work starting on laying the new pitch. It looks increasingly unlikely that it will make the Spennymoor home game on 19 October and Peterborough Sports three days later. They’ll also await news on the lifting of the club’s transfer embargo, which was imposed earlier this week.

Reaction

Manager Pav Singh was pleased with the spirit of his players and to get past a difficult opponent.

Next match

Farsley are back to National League North action next Saturday when they travel to Chester (3pm).

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Farnley & Wortley by-election 2024: Candidates’ profiles

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westleedslife
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Voters in Farnley & Wortley Ward will go to the polls on Thursday 10 October, 2024 for a Leeds City Council by-election. One councillor will be elected following the resignation of Labour’s Mark Sewards.

Voters are reminded that photo ID is needed to vote at polling stations. More details here. 

Your West Leeds Dispatch has attempted to contact all candidates asking them for a statement of up to 300 words and a head and shoulders photograph to help you decide who to vote for. Here are their responses:

Allison, Peter Edwards: Independent

462 Tong Road, Farnley LS12 5AU.

Candidate is disqualified.

Andrews, Peter: Liberal Democrats

2 Whingate Avenue, Armley, Leeds LS12 3RE.

Peter Andrews, Liberal Democrats

I was born and brought up in Leeds and moved to LS12 in 2019. I live in Armley but only a couple of hundred meters from the Farnley and Wortley ward boundary. I work for our family run solar panel installation business, which is also based in Armley. I am an environmentalist, but with a practical outlook on the issue, hence my chosen career where I am actually doing something, not just talking about the issue of climate change. 

I believe that Councillors should first and foremost be representatives and advocates for the residents of their wards. Helping them with their issues and campaigning on things that matter to them. Issues such as housing, transport and crime as well as more mundane things like bin collections, all of which the local Council has significant influence over.

I am also aware there are local issues in Farnley & Wortley like the TV Harrison Sports Ground, which the Council have been trying to allow housing developments on for years despite the fact it is held in trust for the benefit of the Children of Leeds. Whilst we do need additional housing to help with the housing crisis this should not be at the expense of vital green sports areas for local children to be able to use. 

I feel that Labour Councillors all too often simply toe the party line regardless of what the views of their residents are. I think that Labour run Leeds City Council would benefit from another voice in opposition in the Council chambers helping to scrutinize their plans and highlighting where the Council are making mistakes. 

So please vote for me to have a Liberal Democrat representative for Farnley and Wortley on Leeds City Council.

Blackburn, David: Green Party

9 Cobden Grive, Farnley, Leeds LS12 5PA.

David Blackburn, Green Party. Photo: David Spereall

I have lived in Farnley & Wortley for over 40 years and was one of its Green Party councillors for 26 years. Over that time I have worked with many local organisations and tried to make sure funds are spent fairly across all parts of the ward.

I have worked for lots and lots of people helping them with their individual problems through my surgeries, by e-mail, by letter or by personal contact. It would be my intention to restart these surgeries as soon as possible if I am elected. 

During my period on the council I always made it clear that I believed councillor allowances were too large and I, along with the other Farnley & Wortley Green councillors, did not take the full amount. If elected, I again would not take the full amount.

In this time of cost of living increases I will try to support those that are suffering and sign post them to where they can get the help they need. I will work at a local level for energy savings schemes and local renewable schemes.

In the past I have played my part in the council’s snsulation scheme and the solar panel scheme on council houses working cross party for the benefit of our citizens.

I will oppose any development on the green belt and any future proposals to take areas out of the green Bbelt. It is my view developments should be on brownfield sites, which there are plenty of in Leeds

If you elect me you will be electing a local person who puts Farnley & Wortley first and is not controlled by a party whip. Greens think for themselves!

I ask you to support me on Thursday, 10 October 2024.

Dresser, David Stephen: Reform UK

Address in Leeds.

Garthwite, Al: Labour Party

Address in Leeds.

Al Garthwaite.

I’m delighted to be standing for election as councillor in the Farnley and Wortley by-election on 10 October.

Who am I? After moving around throughout childhood (we were an army family), and studying, I settled just across the border in Beeston, my home for over 40 years. I have friends, and have worked, in Farnley and Wortley, so already know the area.  

I’ve been talking to local people about its challenges, such as anti-social behaviour, unreliable buses, speeding, matchday parking, the need for activities for young people and local support for those older, and of course the cost of living.  

All these issues I’ve tackled successfully in my previous work as a Leeds councillor, as a director of community-based enterprises and in my own time. I’ve been a school governor, set up two community nurseries, chair an older people’s charity and am active with the ‘Friends’ of my local park, where I organise summer band concerts and an annual dog show.

I’m passionate about combatting violence against women and girls. I helped set up domestic violence refuges and organised England’s first Reclaim the Night march, demanding women be able to go out at night (and during the day) without fear. Last year I was proud the lead the Leeds march as Lord Mayor. 

I was behind Leeds’ Ask for Angela initiative, where anyone feeling uncomfortable in public premises can ask staff for “Angela” and get the help they need.

I believe strongly in the power of partnership to get things done.  As a councillor, I shall work closely with colleagues and our own MP Mark Sewards, as well as voluntary and community groups, the police, local businesses and more, and do my utmost to secure the highest possible quality of life for everyone in Farnley and Wortley.

Riley, Richard: Social Democratic Party (SDP)

54 Cross Flatts Crescent, Leeds LS11 7JP.

Suryawanshi, Lalit: Conservative

3 Winders Dale, Morley, Leeds, LS27 9TH

More details on the Farnley & Wortley by-election can be found here.

West Leeds: Last chance to have your say in mass transit consultation

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westleedslife
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Thousands of people have had their say on plans for a new tram system in West Yorkshire – including a line which would go through West Leeds.

The Mass Transit plans consultation, launched by Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin in the summer, is due to come to an end next week.

Phase one of the Mass Transit network aims to connect St James’s Hospital with south Leeds, with another line running between Bradford city centre and Leeds city centre.

Leeds and Bradford have been chosen as the hubs from which the West Yorkshire mass transit network can grow, as they are the region’s most concentrated centres of population, business, leisure and retail.

All potential phase one options for the Leeds Line will also run to the White Rose Centre, with other places the proposed route options could connect including Leeds General Infirmary, The South Bank, Holbeck and Beeston.

The Bradford Line will connect people between Bradford city centre and Leeds city centre with the proposed route options aiming to connect areas like Thornbury, Laisterdyke, Pudsey, Armley and Wortley.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the consultation so far, but now is your last chance to tell us what you think of our route options.

“It isn’t just about getting from A to B – Mass Transit is a crucial part of our growth mission in West Yorkshire and will help attract investment into the region and boost our economy.

“We want to create a better-connected West Yorkshire, with a Mass Transit system that is affordable, easy to use, and safe and secure for all.”

The results of the consultation, alongside further environmental and design refinement work, will help the West Yorkshire Combined Authority make a decision on an emerging preferred route for the Leeds and Bradford lines in the coming months.

More detailed plans will then be developed and consulted on in late 2025. The Mass Transit Phase One Route Options Consultation ends at 11.59pm on Monday, September 30.

Farsley Celtic placed under transfer embargo ahead of TV cup tie: Updated

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westleedslife
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Farsley Celtic's Ryan Watson on the ball against Leamington. Photo: John baron

By John Baron

National League chiefs have placed Farsley Celtic Football Club under a transfer embargo.

The embargo was imposed on the National League North club on Monday, 23 September.

According to the National League website, the breach is for ‘non-compliance with league financial regulations’.

Chairman Paul Barthorpe played down the embargo. He said: “The embargo is over a small amount of money [and] is more to do with what we believe is right and making a point than anything else. 

“It doesn’t affect anything business-wise and once our point has been heard we will clear it.”

Farsley Celtic was last placed under embargo – which the club contested – on Friday, 23 February. The embargo was lifted in early June.

Work has stalled on re-laying The Citadel pitch.

Farsley Celtic have played their first nine league matches and one cup game away from the Citadel this season as they look to install a state-of-the-art 4G pitch.

Work has stalled due what the club says is a ‘historic’ problem discovered when removing the grass surface.

A statement issued by the club’s new CEO Jon Wickham said: “As you are aware we were expecting a third party subcontractor on site this week to resolve the issue we are currently suffering from with the ground underneath the pitch area.

“Again as discussed this has had contracts signed and has been paid for in full, however due to the adverse weather conditions in the UK at the moment, the subcontractor has been delayed on their current job meaning that our job is been on hold too.

“Obviously this is far from ideal, but is a situation that is out of our control because we are relying on third parties and their work loads.

“We obviously have a contingency in place with back up contractors, and we also have a contingency in place with where we will be playing any further home games that may be disrupted should this delay cause us to miss the deadlines we have set for completing the job.

“We are just awaiting league approval on this, with whom we have been with closely with throughout, and as soon as we get that we will share it with you.”

FA Cup preview

The Celts are back on the road and looking ahead to an FA Cup tie tomorrow (Saturday), which is being streamed live on the BBC.

They travel to south Manchester to face Wythenshawe Town, who play their football two leagues lower in the North West Counties Football League.

The game will kick off at 12.30pm and will be available to watch via BBC iPlayer, the red button and BBC Sport website on tablet, phone and desktop.

The NPL West Division new boys have enjoyed a solid start to their first season at Step 4 and will prove tough opposition for their higher league visitors, who beat Hallam FC in the last round.

Each club will receive a £2,000 broadcast fee from the BBC.

Rodley: Supported accommodation proposal goes before planners

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westleedslife
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Council: Leeds Civic Hall.

Plans to convert a Rodley semi-detached house into supported accommodation for three people will be considered by councillors next week.

Applicant Amethyst247support wants to change a five-bedroom semi on Chiltern Court, Rodley, into a residential home for three young people aged between 16 and 25 years old who are in full-time education or employment.

    The home would be supported by two members of staff at any one time, with staff working on a rota basis.

    A planning officer’s report says the existing off-street parking facilities equates to one parking space. Visits by relevant professionals and family would be planned and arranged.

    Andrew Carter
    Cllr Andrew Carter.

    The proposal has been opposed by Councillor Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley). He says staff and visitors are likely to increase traffic in an already congested cul de sac, putting extra pressure on parking.

    He also says there has been a proliferation of this type of application to change residential properties into what are essentially commercial businesses, with a subsequent loss of residential properties.

    There are also 12 letters of objection from the public.

    Members of the south and west plans panel will consider the application at their meeting next Thursday, October 3, at Leeds Civic Hall.

    Council planning officers are recommending approval, subject to conditions.

    Their report concludes: “The proposal is considered to comply with both national and adopted local planning policy in terms of establishing sustainable development. The application site would operate within a use that would attract occupation and levels of noise and disturbance from comings and goings, akin to those that could reasonably and likely occur if a family resided at this five-bedroomed property.

    “The size of the building and its grounds provides suitable accommodation for three residents and the on-site staff and Highways have concluded that the parking provision is in accordance with the Councils adopted guidance. Moreover, the site is considered to fall within a sustainable location.”

    The officer’s report can be read in full here.

    Volunteers support college’s dream of new outdoor sensory space

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    westleedslife
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    A Kirkstall-based specialist college supporting young adults with complex needs is one step closer to realising its dream of an outdoor sensory space.

    Colleagues from the IT team at Yorkshire-based parcel business, Evri spent the day at Future Horizons College, on Wyther Lane, helping to clear an unusable large outdoor space.

    Headed up by Daniel Farrell, business analyst at Evri, the team were looking for ways to support the local community, spurred on by the company’s extensive ‘time off policy’, which gives permanent colleagues a day’s paid leave a year to help make a positive change in their local areas through volunteering or charity support.

    Through engagement with local Facebook groups, Daniel was directed to Groundwork Yorkshire – a local cause working as part of a wider national organisation which aims to support communities across the country, from helping people get jobs to creating and maintaining accessible green spaces.

    Beckie Loosemore, CEO at Future Horizons Leeds, said: “We are extremely grateful for the effort made on our outdoor project!

    “The team worked extremely hard to begin work on our sensory outdoor space, which, once finished, will have such a positive impact on the college.

    “The garden will provide an area for relaxation, exploration, learning new skills and engaging with nature, all of which is so beneficial for the health and wellbeing of our students.”

    Daniel said: “At Evri, we’re always looking at ways to continuously improve, and the business really supports this by making volunteering days more accessible for its colleagues.

    “In line with this, my team and I were exploring ways we could best help our local community and from connecting with Peter Murphy at Groundwork Yorkshire, we were told about Future Horizons Leeds, who had recently contacted the team asking for support – the whole thing just sort of fell into place!”

    From this, the team at Evri were able to spend the day at the specialist college, working on clearing the previously unusable space and preparing the area to be landscaped, creating a much-needed space for the students.

    “Overall, it was a great day!” said Daniel, “the sun was shining and although it was very warm, we managed to get a lot done, filling a massive skip with tree cuttings & undergrowth.

    “The day was so rewarding and following this, we have already reached out to other organisations to explore activities we can be involved which benefit Morley and the surrounding areas!”

    Driver Brian keeps on trucking, at the age of 84

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    westleedslife
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    Brian Morley.

    Retirement isn’t on the horizon for 84-year-old West Leeds-based goods vehicle driver, Brian Morley.

    Brian, who works for recruitment agency Driver Hire Leeds West, has no intention of hanging up his keys for the foreseeable future.

    “I’ve always loved trucks, buses and driving,” says Brian who’s also Institute of Advanced Motorists accredited.

    “My father was a haulier in the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s. I spent much of my childhood and teenage years in and around trucks. One of my earliest recollections was the winter of 1947, with my father changing a broken rear leaf spring on a Bedford at the roadside in thick snow and ice. A very hard life – it’s so much easier now.

    “Crash gearboxes in those days, no cab heaters – now there’s power steering, electric parking brakes and automatic gearboxes.

    “Some of my favourite Driver Hire jobs have been with TV and film companies. I’ve worked with production crews on series like Victoria, Gentleman Jack and All Creatures Great and Small. Always good fun. But in the end, it all comes down to the people you meet in this line of work. I still enjoy it, and I have some more miles in me yet.”

    Brian, has been with Wortley-based Driver Hire for the past 20 years.

    To mark the occasion, Tim and Fiona Hennah, owners of Driver Hire Leeds West, organised a splendid afternoon tea at Brown’s restaurant in Leeds.

    “We’re so proud of Brian,” says Tim. “And we were delighted to be able to celebrate his achievements with him. We quickly discovered that customers love Brian for his can-do approach and his easy charm.

    “Over the years he’s driven everything from HGVs to vans, coaches and minibuses. Thank you, Brian, for all that you’ve done for Driver Hire and for so many people in Leeds, over the years.”

    Fire service responds to blaze at Armley Conservative Club: updated

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    westleedslife
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    Armley Conservative Club.

    Fire crews from across West Yorkshire attended a blaze at the former Armley Conservative Club building yesterday (Wednesday, 25 September).

    Ten crews attended the blaze at the disused building, off Theaker Lane in Armley, which started at around 8.40pm. An aerial appliance also tackled the fire.

    West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service are also in attendance.

    A West Yorkshire Fire Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 8.42pm yesterday to a derelict building fire at Theaker Lane, Armley. This was a two-storey building 40 metres x 20 metres, 25 % of building involved in fire.

    “At its height 10 crews were in attendance (Leeds x2, Stanningley, Hunslet x 2, Cookridge, Bradford, Moortown, Killingbeck x 2, Wakefield (Aerial), Bingley (Aerial support) and Dewsbury (Command support).

    “Crews used breathing apparatus, hose reel jets and a large jet to extinguish the fire.

    “No reports of any injuries on our log, all persons accounted for.”

    WLD reported in July that plans to convert the site into housing had been refused by council planners. Eleven terraced houses would have been built off Theaker Lane as part of the proposals, which were first submitted in 2022.

    Read more of WLD’s coverage of Armley Conservative Club here.

    Councillors warned over refusing Kirkstall Burger King plans

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    westleedslife
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    The site of a new Burger King drive-thru restaurant in Kirkstall. Photo: Google

    By Don Mort, local democracy reporting service

    Additional reporting: John Baron

    Councillors could change their minds over proposals for a new Burger King drive-thru in Kirkstall after council officers issued a warning over the costs of a planning appeal.

    As reported by WLD earlier this month, members of the south and west plans panel said they want to refuse controversial proposals for a new £2 million Burger King restaurant in Kirkstall.

    There have been multiple objections surrounding traffic congestion and road safety.

    Real estate investment trust NewRiver Retail submitted the single storey plan for the disused corner plot at Kirkstall Retail Park, next to Matalan. They say the project would create jobs and bring a disused site near Savins Mill Way back into use.

    The original proposals were initially recommended for approval by Leeds City Council planning officers. But the council’s South and West plans panel did not give permission after arguments were heard at a meeting on September 5.

    They asked planning officers to bring a report back to October’s south and west panel meeting detailing specific highways reasons why the plans should be refused.

    Councillors will consider the application when the panel meets again next Thursday (October 3). A planning officer’s report offers two options, including refusing the application on highways grounds, or approving the proposals.

    The report warns that the developer was likely to appeal and lodge a claim against the council for costs.

    It said: “The panel may choose to accept officers’ previous recommendation to approve the application and not, as previously resolved, decide to refuse the application.”

    At the September meeting, the panel resolved that it was “minded” to refuse permission. Final refusal would be subject to detailed reasons being drawn up.

    Council officers had recommended the scheme be given consent, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement which would see the developer pay £30,000 towards road signal improvements and £42,000 for traffic cameras.

    But the report said a successful appeal could potentially see the scheme go ahead without the Section 106 deal in place.

    It said: “Officers would reiterate that the panel is entitled to change its mind over the previous resolution as a consequence of the content of this report and approve the application, subject to a Section 106 agreement.”

    The report said council highways officers were satisfied that the traffic impact of the scheme was not serious enough to refuse permission.

    The panel can either go ahead with refusal or defer and delegate the scheme for approval by the council’s chief planning officer.

    The South and West Plans Panel meets next Thursday, 3 October, at Leeds Civic Hall. Full details and reports here.

    Busy times at Kirkstall Valley Development Trust

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    westleedslife
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    KVDT's new base at St Stephen's Church Hall in Kirkstall is open

    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
    Volunteers at the community pantry in December 2022. Photo: 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! 

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