Morley Victoria Primary has joined the Owlcotes Academy Trust
An academy trust which was started six years ago by two Pudsey primary schools is set to welcome its seventh member.
Morley Victoria Primary School in Morley became the latest school to join the Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust.
The staff team is led by the headteacher, Jo Wood.
With over 450 pupils across 14 classes, Morley Victoria Primary School is the seventh primary school to join the Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust. It joins Pudsey Primrose Hill Primary School, Pudsey Waterloo Primary School, Calverley Parkside Primary School, Armley Park Primary School, Manor Wood Primary School and Spring Bank Primary School.
“We are so excited to be joining the Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust” said Mrs Wood. “We believe that Owlcotes’ values align with our own as a school and we are looking forward to being part of a like-minded community.”
Lesley West, CEO of the Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust, said: “Morley Victoria Primary School is a fantastic school with a commitment to achieving the best for its pupils and the school community.
“We are so pleased to welcome them to the Owlcotes family. I have no doubt that Morley Victoria will fit in perfectly and be a valuable addition to our family of schools”.
Owlcotes Multi-Academy Trust was established in March 2018 by its two founding primary schools, Pudsey Primrose Hill Primary School and Pudsey Waterloo Primary School.
Morley Victoria Primary School’s conversion to join the Owlcotes Trust will be marked by the Trust providing a £500 fund for Morley Victoria Primary School to provide a friendship bench, as chosen by the pupils at the school.
Leeds MPs are being urged to oppose a government plan to cut pensioners’ winter fuel payments.
The city’s Liberal Democrat group said more than 140,000 pensioners in the Leeds area would lose payments of up to £300.
The move, announced by chancellor Rachel Reeves, Leeds West and Pudsey MP, will limit the payments to only those claiming certain benefits.
The Labour government is facing calls for a U-turn on the plan, set to be voted on in parliament on Tuesday (September 10)).
Cllr Stewart Golton
Leeds Liberal Democrat Leader Stewart Golton said: “Countless pensioners across Leeds are worried about losing this vital support and how they will afford their energy bills this winter.
“Stripping support from many of the poorest pensioners in Leeds just when energy bills are set to rise again is simply wrong.
“It could force vulnerable elderly people in our community to choose between eating and heating this winter.”
The Lib Dems said an estimated 141,113 pensioners in and around Leeds would lose the payments.
Coun Golton said the city’s MPs should back a parliamentary motion from his party which would block the plan.
More than ten million pensioners around the country are thought to be affected.
Coun Golton added: “That is why we are urging all MPs who represent Leeds pensioners to back the Lib Dem motion in parliament this week and do everything they can to block these plans which could cause immense financial hardship in our area.”
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer insists the cut – expected to save the Treasury £1.4bn this financial year – is necessary and that his government is “going to have to be unpopular” to create “change”.
There will be be a vote in the House of Commons tomorrow – Labour MPs opposing the move are expected to abstain rather than vote against it and risk suspension from the party.
Next year will be the 125th anniversary for Burley Park and the Friends of Burley Park would like to host an event to mark the occasion.
The Friends are looking to put together a plan for other events and things they’d like to do together in the park over the coming year.
As agreed at the AGM, the Friends be holding a planning meeting next Tuesday, 17 September, 6.30pm, in the Burley Park room at the Cardigan Centre, Cardigan Road.
A spokesperson said: “Please do come along to this meeting, we’d love to have suggestions and ideas from as many users of the park as possible.”
The Pudsey Roller was bequeathed to the children of Pudsey by Councillor Sir Walter Ward in February 1959 and was played on by countless hundreds of children and their friends and relations up until its removal on safety grounds in 1990.
Some of these children, now grown up, have told us they used to drive it around the park after school!
Photo: Friends of Pudsey Roller
These kids would have played on it, in it and climbed all over it, some falling off and hurting themselves and then climbing back on to carry on playing on it, lest they would lose face!
A number have also told us they used to get stuck in the chimney, whereby their friends would take great delight in running round to the fire station and getting the brigade out to go and rescue them!
The roller is now being restored to a working condition and will return to Pudsey in the fullness of time – not to go back into the park but to be on display somewhere locally so the parents and grandparents can tell their children that: “I used to play on the Pudsey Roller”.
The steam roller has recently had a new boiler. The Friends are now raising funds for new nuts and bolts for the wheels – these are very specific size and type, and cost £18.75 each.
An event raised funds to enable a Bramley based holistic living organisation to host community open days in the future.
The Clearing was previously named the Healing House and is going through a rebranding and refurbishment as it will soon be given charitable status to enable it to be of service to even more of the community.
A healing, supportive and fun day was had by all who attended the magical event, at St Catherine’s Mill.
The Clearing for anyone in West Leeds to access to various treatments such as Reiki and head/shoulder massage amongst many other treatments
Shirley Webster at the show with her prize winning roses. Photo: Dianne Craven
By Dianne Craven
The Pudsey Allotments and Cottage Gardeners’ Association (PA&CGA) runs the annual Pudsey Flower and Vegetable Show each summer, plus a spring show in March.
On Saturday 7 September 2024 the 102nd Pudsey Summer Show took place at Pudsey Parish Church.
The small but perfectly formed show had 142 classes, ranging from fruit and vegetables to handicrafts, photography, art and cakes. There was even a Lego challenge for the children. Despite the rain the show was well attended.
Dorothy Knapton (Vice President, committee member and show steward) said that there were more entries this year than there was in 2023 and included some excellent handicrafts.
There were 729 entries and around 400 visitors to the show.
There even was a homemade bridal dress, made by the bride’s sister and worn by her at her own wedding at the church only a couple of weeks earlier this year. Crafters – look out for a new class for Spring 2025 – the 100 gram Challenge.
Attendee Tony Binns said this was the second year in a row that he and friends had come to the show.
He added: “I think it’s amazing. I think is it better attended than last year.”
In contrast, Mr Binns noted that it was a warm and sunny day last year. He added: “The range of classes that can be entered into make the show something for everything.”
Mr Binns was not sure how the weather had affected the growth of the fruit, flowers and vegetables, but there was a magnificent display.
Home Produce trophy was won by Mindy Ellingham, who became the youngest competitor to win this award. She had baked for two weeks, including before school, to produce her award-winning entries.
Congratulations to all the class winners.
More details on The Pudsey Allotments and Cottage Gardeners’ Association can be found here.
The Friends of Pudsey Roller also had a stall at the show. The steam roller is still being restored.
After a year off, Pudsey Pacers are back hosting the on and off-road Pudsey 10k race around the streets and valley of Pudsey.
The race is on Sunday, 15 September and starts at the Pudsey Cenotaph at 9am, finishing in Pudsey Park.
It costs £18 to enter, or £16 for affiliated runners, and you have the option to plant a tree as well.
Here are the advanced warnings for temporary road closures with approximate timings:
• Cenotaph area, and top of South Parade from 8.45am to 9.20am. • South Parade to Littlemoor Road, Radcliffe Lane to junction with Church Lane / Chapletown, 8.50am to 9.15am. • Church Lane / Chapeltown, Carlisle Road to Fartown 9am to 9.20am. • Fartown from Carlisle Road junction to Bankhouse Lane junction and Bankhouse Lane to Bankhouse / Fulneck (Bankhouse Public House) 9.05am to 9.30am. • Tyersal Lane, Smalewell Road to Green Lane, Greentop from 9.15am to 10am. • Runners cross Fartown at Carlisle Road junction 9.15am to 10am. • Fartown, to Roker Lane 9.20am to 10am. • Littlemoor Road from Roker Lane junction to Radcliffe Lane, Radcliffe Lane to Park 9.25am to 10am. • Junctions leading on to these roads will be closed as necessary. Roads that will be closed for a longer period are New Street junction with Littlemoor Road, South Parade with Littlemoor Road and Radcliffe Lane junction with Littlemoor Road from 9.25am to 10.15am.
Pudsey town centre roadworks. Photo courtesy Cllr Simon Seary
Work to replace old traffic signals in Pudsey town centre is due to start today (Sunday, 8 September).
Essential highway works are scheduled to take place at the junction of Church Lane and Market Place to replace the existing traffic signals, which have exceeded their expected lifespan.
The works will affect Church Lane, Lidget Hill, Lowtown, Robin Lane and Market Place and will last until 3 October 2024.
The new signals will be energy-efficient LED lights, contributing to carbon reduction.
A council spokesperson said: “Our teams will work diligently to minimise disruption, but please be aware that there will be some impact on traffic flow during this period.
“To mitigate inconvenience and to maintain traffic flows, works in the carriageway will be limited to off-peak hours whenever possible. For example, lane closures for the installation of cross carriageway ducting or to provide safe working zones.
“We appreciate your understanding and patience during this essential improvement project. Our goal is to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and contribute to a greener environment.”
A Playbox has landed in Armley signalling the start of Armley Play Week in the countdown to Armley Festival 2024 on 14 September.
Thanks to a Play Enabling Grant from Child Friendly Leeds (Leeds City Council) – residents are invited to enjoy some outdoor fun on Armley’s green space off Town Street this September.
The Playbox is open on Armley Moor today (Sunday). Residents of all ages are encouraged to come and play with the giant marble run and other Playbox favourites; Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Playbox Sessions are free and are being held on:
Sunday 8 September 11-3pm
Tuesday 10 September 2.45-5pm
Thursday 12 September 11-3pm
Friday 13 September 1-5pm
Saturday 14 September (Armley Festival) 12-6pm.
Parents can book for a quiet session on Tuesday, 10 September, from 1pm-2.30pm, designed to support children who will benefit from a smaller group and less stimulation and stress. Contact armleyfest@gmail.com to book a free place.
Armley Action Team has teamed up with Playful Anywhere to bring the Playbox back to its roots in Armley, to create more reasons to play on Town Street’s green space, and to find out who wants to help bring a permanent Playbox to the area.
AAT is inviting local businesses to get in touch if they can offer support for a permanent playbox owned by Armley’s children and young people, through sponsorship or services such as haulage, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, design and architectural skills.
Farsley Celtic continued their fine start to the season thanks to a superb late Danny Greenfield winner at National League North newcomers Market Needham.
The injury-hit Celts have recorded a creditable four points from two games since sacking head coach Clayton Donaldson and assistant Danny Ellis on Monday evening – and new gaffer Pav Singh will be pleased with his side’s application and points tally.
Farsley loanee goalkeeper Darryl Ombang made an awkward early save from Jamie McGrath’s curled effort as the hosts edged the early exchanges.
Danny Greenfield then tested Cullum in Needham’s goal with a free kick but the goalkeeper parried the shot away. Ryan Watson then saw a shot from distance swerve just wide of Needham’s left-hand post.
A fairly even first half then saw The Celts come the closest to scoring. A superb passing move started on the right before the ball was slickly moved across the penalty area to Bailey Sloane, whose powerful shot rattled off the underside of the bar to safety.
Needham dominated for long periods of the second half, Jacob Lay hitting the side netting from a tight angle when through on goal. And on 65 minutes a goalmouth scramble saw The Celts’ goal lead a charmed life as the hosts pressed.
On 82 minutes the visitors took the lead – and it was a second great strike in two games by the influential Danny Greenfield. The attacking midfielder scored a brilliant individual goal on Tuesday to help earn his side a point at Southport and the former Spennymoor talisman made his mark again.
Greenfield picked up possession from a throw-in to find the bottom left-hand corner with a superb strike from outside the box which left the Needham keeper rooted to the spot.
The travelling Celts, facing their eighth successive league game on the road due to stalled work on replacing The Citadel’s pitch, withstood some late pressure and seven minutes of injury time to hold on for a win which sends them up to eighth in the league.
They sit just outside the playoff places with with a decent return of 13 points from eight straight away games which include four wins and a draw.
At the final whistle the Farsley Celtic players came over to thank the travelling fans for making the near 400-mile round trip from West Leeds. It was a gesture much appreciated by the supporters.
Boss Pav Singh will be pleased to come away with four points from two tough away matches since Donaldson’s dismissal as head coach. The two games have highlighted the professionalism and togetherness of a playing squad, which has been stretched by injuries to the likes of Rudy Misambo, Lewis Turner, Aiden Walker, Tom Wooster and DJ Campton-Sturridge.
Reaction
Pay Singh.
Gaffer Pav Singh praised the players, coaches and support staff after the win.
He said: “I couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved. This victory isn’t just about the players on the pitch; it’s about the incredible work done behind the scenes by the entire team.
“A massive thank you to Chris Atkinson and the coaching and analysis team for your dedication and relentless drive. Your hard work and belief in what we can achieve have been outstanding. The players have been unbelievable and yes, it’s what Danny [Greenfield] does, [he’s a] special player with special goals, he’s our magician.
“Our amazing fans who made two long away trips to support us—your passion and loyalty means everything. Those hugs I received today from the fans after the match are moments I will treasure for a long time. And to Izzy, our Women’s Manager, your emotional embrace and heartfelt thanks reminded me how much this club means to all of us.
“A special thanks as well to our chairman and directors, whose belief and support keep us pushing forward.
“It’s been a tough journey, but with the backing of our management, players, fans, and everyone connected to the club, we will continue to show that Farsley togetherness. We’ll strive to get better for our community, and this win is just the start.”
Assistant coach and club captain Chris Atkinson praised his side’s effort and spirit:
Volunteers took part in a litter pick at Farnley Fish Pond. Photo: Katherine Turner
By Katherine Turner
Farnley Hall Fish Pond has been neglected for many years but is now set for a much-needed clean up, with funding provided by the council.
Residents have been invited by letter to join a public consultation on Monday, 9 September from 3pm until 5pm at Farnley Hall.
The pond is located opposite Farnley Hall Park on Hall Lane and is in need of attention.
Local residents recently took it upon themselves to remove debris from the pond using magnets and as reported in WLD a group had previously completed a community litter pick removing tens of bags of rubbish.
The proposed work is to be undertaken by Ebsford and includes removing silt, cutting back vegetation and to make it a more accommodating habitat for wildlife and residents to enjoy.
If you would like more information please attend the meeting on Monday at Farnley Hall.
Clarification: This article was amended 11.34pm, Friday 6 September, to clarify the clean-up is council funded, not councillor funded as first started.
