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.
One of the cars and a lucky owner at the 2021 event. Photo: Damon Sugden
By John Procter
Book the date in your diary and the times – Farsley’s popular annual Aston Martin Day is returning on Saturday, 14 September 2024.
Do you know anyone who has an Aston Martin? They are welcome to come along on the day.
Farsley Business Forum and The Aston Martin Owners Club will be joining together on Saturday, 14 September as part of the Heritage Weekend.
The cars will start assemble at Farsley Celtic Football Club’s car park at 9.30am.
The cars will leave at about 10.20am and drive up Newlands turning left on to New Street and then right on to Frances Street. They will be leaving here at 10.30 before driving down Town Street and turning in to Weavers Yard at Sunny Bank Mills.
Cars will be staying here for about an hour and people visiting will be asked to vote for their favourite car.
History
Farsley’s connections with Aston Martin date back many years.
Although the main manufacturing plant of James Bond 007’s car of choice was in Huddersfield, they also had a factory at Newlands Works in Farsley. By 1950 Newlands was the main producer for tractor engines and the power unit for the new Aston DB2.
Although some of the business had started to move by the mid 50s, rolling chassis were still produced at Newlands and test driven in Farsley.
Provided the cars could reach 90 mph in third up the hill towards Rodley they were signed off. The company left the site in 1957 after deciding not to renew their lease.
Photo: Mark Stevenson
A 5.5 tonne memorial was unveiled at Newlands in 2015 to mark the Aston Martin link with the village. The memorial plaque was unveiled by five former apprentices from The David Brown Aston Martin site in Newlands who helped build the DB2/4. The cars featured in the James Bond film Goldfinger.
Popular Fudge could be found on Armley Moor - and elsewhere when he went wandering.
By Lou Cunningham
Owners Paddy and Patsie are devastated to announce that Fudge the much-loved Armley icon has sadly died.
Despite efforts from vets, an all-night vigil of care and assistance from the animal section of West Yorkshire Fire Service, Fudge died of natural causes on Tuesday, 3 September.
Fudge has lived and grazed on Armley Moor since he was eight months old and has provided years of joy and happiness for many members of our community. He was also regularly cited as a place spotting landmark.
Highlights of Fudge’s “community service” include him attending Armley Common Right Trust socials, being featured on a community mural at Armley Festival and leading the Palm Sunday procession into church at Christ Church.
In due course there will be a memorial on Armley Moor in celebration of Fudge.
In the meantime heartfelt condolences to Patsie, Paddy and family.
Armley Moor will no longer feel the same. Thank you Fudge and run free over Rainbow Bridge knowing how much you are loved.
Photographer Susan Tellum captures an early autumn feel in West Leeds as the Abbey awaits a Beer Festival.
Leeds International Beer Festival is returning for its 12th year at Kirkstall Abbey and runs until Sunday, 8 September. Tickets and more information about the festival can be found here.
Leeds Rhinos Matt Gannon and Tom Holroyd joined Capital FM’s Jojo Kelly and James Priestley the winner of series four of the Channel 4 reality show SAS: Who Dares Wins to hand out certificates to some of the people who had been supported by Forward Leeds.
The organisation has its headquarters in Armley and also has support facilities in Burley.
Programme Leader from Leeds City Council’s Adults and Health Directorate Ian Street, who attended the event said: “Events like these are crucial. Some people can struggle with addiction for years before attaining abstinence. For many of the people graduating today, this has been a long and challenging journey, with many ups and downs.
“Recognising their success this evening is so important. Not just to those in recovery but also their loved ones who have watched them improve their lives dramatically. The celebration tonight lifted and energised everyone in the room.”
Helen Cook, the Operations Director of Forward Leeds, said: “We’re very grateful to our celebrities for giving up their time to be a big part of this event.
“Just their presence helps to break down some of the stigma that goes along with issues with alcohol and drugs. Their involvement with Forward Leeds delivers a strong message to our graduates and their families—that recovery is an achievement to take great pride in.”
The event took place in the Norman Hunter Suite at Elland Road on 5 September 2024.
But councillors sitting on the south and west plans panel this afternoon said they are minded to refuse the proposals amid concerns over the impact the restaurant could have on already congested roads.
They have 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. The report would protect the council if the plans are refused and the developer appeals.
Developers say the new restaurant, off Savins Mill Way, would create 40 new jobs, but there have been 29 objections, including local councillors and Leeds Civic Trust.
Concerns include the proposal exacerbating existing traffic problems in the area, air pollution and a saturation of drive thru restaurants in the area.
Cllr Fiona Venner (Lab, Kirkstall) told the meeting that the new restaurant ‘was the last thing our community needs’.
She expressed concerns about what she claimed was ‘flawed and incomplete’ highways data, which did not include more than 1,000 homes due at Kirkstall Forge.
Pointing to a cumulation of similar businesses in the area, she added: “When do we say enough is enough? I am staggered highways officers think this proposal is acceptable.”
Cllr Venner also pointed to a ‘huge number of accidents’ – 30 since 2021 – at the main Kirkstall junction, which has been the subject of a number safety concerns over the past few months.
The corner plot at Kirkstall Retail Park. Photo: John Baron
“At a junction where there is already too much traffic, regular chronic congestion and significant safety concerns adding a drive through is a terrible idea,” she added.
Nick Pleasant, planning advisor for the applicants, said he was aware of local concerns and have address the issues with ‘robust and significant’ work.
The meeting, held in Leeds Civic hall, heard that traffic demand had been specifically measured via catering footage and that a large proportion of visitors will already be travelling to Morrisons or Matalan. Mr Pleasant agreed with council highways officers that traffic increases will be ‘negligible’.
Mr Pleasant added: “There is a clear recommendation for permission to be granted. This is a near-£2 million investment which will bring jobs and growth, and use a brownfield site.”
He said other more intensive plans had previously been greater number of traffic movements.
The meeting heard the development is expected to generate 24 and 30 two-way ‘primary’ trips during the Friday afternoon peak and the Saturday peak hours respectively. It would generate 31 and 57 two-way ‘pass-by’ trips during the Friday afternoon peak and Saturday peak hours respectively.
Councillor Andy Parnham (Lab, Armley) said the plans would be like ‘pouring petrol onto the fire’ in highways terms.
He added: “It’s a pinch point between Armley, Bramley and Kirkstall. It is hugely congested. It really worries me. Five local councillors have objected. My residents in Armley, just over the very congested bridge, would think I was bonkers if I agreed to this and I’m not going to.”
Council planning officers had recommended approval, subject to a raft of conditions, including highways contributions. These include £30,000 for signal timing improvements on the A65/Savins Mill Way and £42,000 towards red light violation cameras.
Officers argued the scheme was not meant to solve the traffic problems of the whole area, and the financial contributions from the developer would have a wider benefit.
A planning officer’s report concluded: “The proposed restaurant and drive-thru is considered acceptable within Kirkstall town centre and would not unduly impact on the residential amenity or create a significant adverse impact upon the highway network, subject to the mitigation measures.”
Planning officers are now set to bring back a further report to the next plans panel giving reasons for refusal which councillors will debate.
The south and west plans panel met today (Thursday, 5 September) at Leeds Civic Hall. The agenda and council reports can be read in full here.
Edwardian Grade II Listed Bramley Baths is at the heart of the community.
Heritage Open Days are back for 2023 – and historic buildings across Armley, Bramley, Burley, Calverley, Farnley, Farsley, Kirkstall, Pudsey, Stanningley and Wortley are opening their doors for you to explore.
This year Leeds will play host to over 100 events, many embracing the festival’s theme ‘Routes, Networks and Connections’.
It’s your annual chance to see hidden places in their community and try out new experiences as part of Heritage Open Days, all of which are FREE to explore. Pre-booking is needed on some of the events, so follow the links for more information.
Multiple dates available. Pre-booking not required
Visit our huge church, its tower and spire visible for miles, see our beautiful font, lectern, pulpit, Reredos, and our world-famous Schulze Organ. We also boast a comprehensive exhibition area. Details here.
Armley Mills, Canal Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2QF.
Multiple dates available Pre-booking not required.
Visit Leeds Industrial Museum for free on Friday 6, Saturday 7, and Sunday 8 September. Enjoy new exhibitions ‘Entangled’ and ‘Engineery’, and family friendly activities.
2 Aviary Road, Armley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 2NS
Multiple dates available. Pre-booking required.
Built in 1886, this Leeds red-brick end terrace house retains a surprising number of original features. Visitors will get a glimpse of how this wedge-shaped house was originally decorated, and how it has survived subsequent attempts at modernisation. Details here.
Bramley Baths’ chimney can be seen from the park. Photo: Susan Tellum
Bramley Baths, Broad Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS13 3DF.
7 September. Pre-booking required
If this pool could talk…..what stories would it tell? Olympic medallists, Hollywood swimming costumes, legendary dances, Finding Nemo, and being saved by people power. Hear the stories of Bramley Baths brought to life by professional storytellers. Details here.
The Lancasterian School Room, Low Moorside Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS12 5HY
12 Sep 2024. Pre-booking not required.
Former Leeds West MP Michael Meadowcroft returns to the historic Lancasterian School Room in New Farnley with another talk for Heritage Open Days. Details here.
A visit to Farsley Rehoboth. Photo: Calverley Rotary
Sunny Bank Mills, 83-85 Town Street, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS28 5UJ
Multiple dates available. Pre-booking preferred
Explore these atmospheric mills, which produced some of the finest cloth in the world, on a free heritage tour. Visit the new Gallery exhibition, our artists’ Open Studios, Sculpture Trail & Family Trail before enjoying refreshments in the tearoom. Details here.
9 Coal Hill Lane, Farsley, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 5NA
15 Sep 2024. Pre-booking required.
You are invited to tour a 200 year old burial ground that for years was neglected and untended. It is now being reclaimed as a community asset sharing its history, war graves, nature and ecology. Details here.
Abbey House Museum, Abbey Walk, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3EH
6 Sep 2024. Pre-booking required
Kirkstall Abbey is one of the country’s finest and best preserved Cistercian monastic ruins. This illustrated talk will explore the historical events leading up to its foundation. Details here.
Hollybush Conservation Centre, Broad Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS5 3BP
15 Sep 2024. Pre-booking not required.
Learn more about the paths and waterways that helped Victorian Gentleman farmer Joseph Whitwell become the largest forced rhubarb producer in the world, at Hollybush Farm. Details here.
Discover Pudsey Masonic Hall – a hidden gem in the town. Details here.
Pudsey Parish Church open weekend
Pudsey Parish Church, Church Lane, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 8BE
Multiple dates available. Book on day
Pudsey Parish Church is a beautiful Grade II listed building which is celebrating its Bicentenary this year. Set in treelined grounds, on the edge of Pudsey Park, come along and explore this inviting and impressive church and learn about its history. Details here.
Pudsey Town Hall, Pudsey, West Yorkshire, LS28 7BL
8 Sep 2024. Pre-booking preferred.
A rare opportunity to visit the civic floor of Pudsey Town Hall. The floor contains the historic council chamber and Ann Hickinson meeting room along with historical artifacts and information on the building of the town hall. Details here.
LIBF organiser Maz Terron Busteros getting stuck into the brew at Amity Brew Co in Farsley
Amity Brew Co has been revealed as the official festival beer for Leeds International Beer Festival.
As a renowned celebration of craft beer, the Leeds International Beer Festival is an ideal place for beer enthusiasts to explore and enjoy a diverse range of brews – and Amity Brew Co is thrilled to craft the official beer.
The festival is taking place at Kirkstall Abbey, from 5-8 September.
Their deliciously tropical ‘Tempus’ beer is a DDH Pale Ale, crafted with Cryo Pop and Nelson Hop Kief giving citrus, mango and papaya-like flavours and aromas. Tempus fugit holds the meaning of ‘time flies’. This is a nod to the festival, the friends, and the beer that Amity has shared over the years.
Team Amity have been faithful attendees of the festival for the last decade, so brewing the official beer of the festival, along with organisers, is a very proud moment for the Farsley brewery.
Russ Clarke, from Amity Brew Co, said: “We’ve been attending the festival for the past 10 years, and it’s surreal to now be brewing the official beer for the festival.
“We’re really proud, and although it’s a tough time for the industry at the moment, with cost demands and the cost of living increase, the festival is a great chance to get together and celebrate with breweries and drinkers both local to Leeds and across the UK.”
Festival goers can expect to experience Amity Brew Co’s unique signature styles, crafted especially for the festival.
Leeds International Beer Festival will be returning for its 12th year at Kirkstall Abbey from 5 to 8 September. Tickets and more information about the festival can be found here.
This month’s Burley Park volunteer day will be on Sunday, 8 September.
Anyone who wants to get involved in improving the park is welcome to join volunteers from the Friends of Burley Park group to help keep the park looking great.
Volunteers will be working on the flowerbed borders and in the community orchards.
Friends: Burley Park. Photo: Mark Stevenson
If you do have your own shears or secateurs please do bring them with you. If you have gloves do bring them too, but the Friends will have some pairs available for those who need them.
Meet by the former park keeper’s cottage near Cardigan Lane.
Andy Dalton hands out apples to a passer by outside Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre in Mistress Lane, Armley.
By community reporter
Baskets full of apples are being given away to people in the Armley area.
Over the next two weeks volunteers at the Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre in Mistress Lane are giving away hundreds of freshly-picked apples.
The City Mission has been fortunate to be the destination for quantities of apples by horticultural supporters of the charity.
Hand-picked on an almost daily basis – the apples will be made available to anyone who cares to visit the Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre in Mistress Lane. The centre is next to Westerly Rise flats and also across the road from Armley Library.
City Mission Development Worker Andy Dalton said that the apples can be eaten as fruit or used to make pies, crumbles, sauce, jams and salads. He said: “The City Mission is benefitting from a bumper crop of apples in this harvest season and they will help people struggling with budgets and life.”
He went to say that the provision of food at the City Mission’s foodbank is proving to be a lifeline for many local people.
The morale of staff and volunteers has received a real boost from the generosity of supporters.
Anyone is welcome to call at the Centre between 10am to 3pm Monday to Fridays (not Wednesdays) and take a quantity from the ‘Apple Table’ on display. Visitors are encouraged to bring a small bag with them.
Leeds City Mission is one of the oldest charities in Leeds being in continuous existence since 1837. It is a multi-church Christian agency which organises a number of projects from its premises in Mistress Lane helping people at the margins of life.
