The event was held at Swinnow Community Centre. Photo: Dianne Craven
by Dianne Craven
Swinnow Community Centre has hosted its final fun day of 2024. Described as “epic”, these Tuesday family fun days have seen over 750 people attending over the six-week school holidays.
These affordable family days were pack with entertainment for all. The final session had live music, a free bouncy castle and crafts. There was also free face painting, along with free packed lunches for all kids. Previous guest visitors included the Rhinos.
There were also some special visitors in the form of a fire appliance and crew from Stanningley Fire Station.
The centre’s autumn programme will be available soon. This includes the return of the successful youth group – ‘The Den’.
Leodis Games has won the ‘Games Store of the Year’ award for the second year in a row.
The business was founded in 2016 and has been at Springfield Mills in Farsley since 2018. They specialise in table top war games and card games.
Leodis won the award for the second year running at the Prestige Awards, which are held to celebrate small and medium-sized businesses.
Store owner Neil Prichard (pictured above) said: “This year has seen us increase staff numbers by 25%, store opening times to over 80 hours a week and we’ve continued to grow both in turnover and, more importantly, customers served.
“It’s fantastic to see the staff’s hard work throughout the year recognised by the judges and rewarded.”
What Armley Town Street could look like at its junction with Theaker Lane.
By John Baron
West Leeds residents have identified nine hotspot areas which urgently need improvements, a council report has revealed.
The council is developing Local Area Transport Plans across the city, and councillors on the inner west community committee will next week hear about results from the Streets For All consultation in the Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall wards.
The consultation gave people a chance for people record what type of improvements they want to see and where in their local areas.
Proposed schemes following the consultation include:
Provide better crossing points to access the school and church on Hough Lane, Bramley, and review current parking enforcement.
Review the current speed limit and add additional crossing on Leeds & Bradford Road.
Improve pedestrian access to Bramley Shopping Centre and Bus Interchange.
Connectivity improvements on the Cycle Superhighway route at A647 / Lower Town Street / Stanningley Road (Roundabout) to Bramley Centre and A647 / Armley Road Retail Park.
Better connectivity between Armley Centre and A647.
Road junction pedestrian crossing improvements at St Anne’s Lane / Kirkstall Lane.
Access improvement to parks (Gotts Park, Armley, Bramley Fall, Bramley, Kirkstall Abbey, Burley) including improved safety, lighting, pedestrian access, public realm and play areas.
Improved river / canal crossings at Wyther Lane / Kirkstall Bridge Road / Broad Lane.
Footpath and crossing improvements to schools in Kirkstall Hill / Beecroft Street.
Create a better environment for cycling and walking at A65 / Cardigan Field Retail Park.
The nine areas most commented upon by respondents were:
Concerns raised by respondents included:
The report says the Council has been awarded £2.9 million from Active Travel England funding to revitalise Armley Town Street.
The scheme aims to reduce bus delays and tackle rat running, while improving the street environment for visitors and shoppers with wider pavements, planting and landscaping and more crossing points to encourage active travel journeys. A consultation on the proposals ended last week.
Councillors on the inner west community committee will discuss the report at their next meeting on Tuesday, 3 September at Interplay Theatre in Armley Ridge Road (6pm).
The agenda and reports can be read here. Members of the public can attend. There is an open forum section at the start of the meeting where residents can speak on local issues.
The inner west community committee is made up of nine councillors from Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall wards, along with community representatives.
The former HSBC branch in Pudsey. Photo: John Baron
By John Baron
Plans to transform the former HSBC bank building in Pudsey into a retail unit and flats have been approved by council planners.
The former HSBC Bank, at the corner of Church Lane and Robin Lane, has been empty since it closed its doors in October 2020. A number of planning applications – including for apartments and a coffee shop – have been submitted since then.
Plans submitted in June by Mohammed Abbas, of Otley Old Road, proposed that the ground floor former banking hall become a retail unit, with five additional one-bedroom flats to the ground and first floors.
The plans have since been scaled back, with the ground floor flats removed and two offices being retained, with two flats to the first floor.
There were 20 objections, mainly on the grounds of poor quality of accommodation and the use of uPVC windows and rainwater goods is not appropriate within a Conservation Area. There was one letter of support on the grounds that more housing is needed to tackle the housing crisis.
A planning officer’s report approving the proposals concluded: “The proposal is considered to offer good levels of living conditions for future occupants without undue harm to the existing residents. Matters of heritage, highways and use are acceptable.”
Original plans said the proposed retail unit would open seven days a week, 7am to 11pm.
Ben Atkinson on the ball for Farsley Celtic in pre-season at Silsden. Photo: John McEvoy
An injury-time strike from Ben Atkinson capped a fine Farsley Celtic comeback and earn a hard-fought 2-1 win at Warrington FC.
The Celts bounced back from Saturday’s disappointing defeat at Scarborough, despite falling behind early to a goal from Mikey O’Neill.
But Farsley’s lively 18-year-old debutant Cole Hyde struck an equaliser midway through the second half. And substitute Atkinson’s low shot from the edge of the box squirmed through the grasp of Warrington keeper Dan Atherton to earn the three points in the 92nd minute.
Home keeper Atherton was called into early action, a strong save denying the lively DJ Sturridge, before the hosts went ahead after just four minutes. Connor Woods’ cross was cushioned down by Gez Sithole for O’Neill who fired home to make it 1-0.
Sturridge had another chance soon after, this time attempting to round Atherton, but the young striker was forced wide.
The second half saw Farsley gain control of the game, with the home side struggling to create much from open play.
The equaliser came on 65 minutes. Sam Fielding played the ball out to the right for the onrushing Hyde, who hit a clinical finish low into the bottom corner.
Substitute Robbie Fox hit a firm left-foot shot that was parried away and Alex Kiwomya fired a shot into the side netting as Farsley pressed.
Just as the game looked as if it was heading for a draw, Kiwomya played a neat one-two with Atkinson, who fired a shot from 20 yards that the keeper fumbled at his near post to earn the visitors a dramatic 92nd-minute winner.
It was Atkinson’s fourth goal in five games, and his side’s third win in five consecutive away games due to ongoing renovation work at The Citadel.
The performance was a welcome improvement after Saturday’s limp surrender at Scarborough Athletic. The win continues Farsley’s decent start to the season and leaves them in sixth position on nine points in the National League North.
Gaffer Clayton Donaldson praised his players after the game:
Walter made his debut against Leeds, the side he’d been transferred from, in a 4-33 defeat at the Barley Mow on 3 September, 1960.
He went on to play in a total of 29 matches that season with his first tries for the Bramley club being when he crossed twice in the 20-46 defeat at Castleford.
He scored a crucial try in the 17-13 victory at Dewsbury and also scored a try in each of the defeats at Liverpool City (5-11), the 5-6 home loss to Rochdale Hornets in the RL Challenge Cup and in the final match of the season at Batley (7-13). He played every match on the left wing.
1960-61 29 Apps 6 Tries 18 Points
The 1961-62 campaign saw Walter on the left wing for another 24 appearances. He was a try scorer in the 10-5 victory at Dewsbury, at Headingley in the 5-10 defeat to Leeds and again in the final match of the season in a 23-16 victory for Bramley v York at the Barley Mow. This turned out to be Walter’s last try in the Black and Amber.
1961-62 24 Apps 3 Tries 9 Points
A first appearance on the right wing for Walter in the 7-10 defeat at Keighley was followed by four appearances back on his preferred left wing. His last appearance for Bramley was on the 1st September 1962 in the 5-40 defeat at York.
1962-63 5 Apps No tries
Career totals: 58 Appearances 9 Tries 27 Points.
Although only a relatively short career at Bramley he was a popular player with the Bramley faithful who still remember his awesome defensive qualities which stopped even the greatest like Billy Boston in their tracks.
Walter made his debut against Leeds, the side he’d been transferred from, in a 4-33 defeat at the Barley Mow on 3 September 1960.
He went on to play in a total of 29 matches that season with his first tries for the Bramley club being when he crossed twice in the 20-46 defeat at Castleford.
He scored a crucial try in the 17-13 victory at Dewsbury and also scored a try in each of the defeats at Liverpool City (5-11), the 5-6 home loss to Rochdale Hornets in the RL Challenge Cup and in the final match of the season at Batley (7-13). He played every match on the left wing.
1960-61 29 Apps 6 Tries 18 Points
The 1961-62 campaign saw Walter on the left wing for another 24 appearances. He was a try scorer in the 10-5 victory at Dewsbury, at Headingley in the 5-10 defeat to Leeds and again in the final match of the season in a 23-16 victory for Bramley v York at the Barley Mow. This turned out to be Walter’s last try in the Black and Amber.
1961-62 24 Apps 3 Tries 9 Points
A first appearance on the right wing for Walter in the 7-10 defeat at Keighley was followed by four appearances back on his preferred left wing. His last appearance for Bramley was on the 1st September 1962 in the 5-40 defeat at York.
1962-63 5 Apps No tries
Career totals58 Appearances 9 Tries 27 Points.
Although only a relatively short career at Bramley he was a popular player with the Bramley faithful who still remember his awesome defensive qualities which stopped even the greatest like Billy Boston in their tracks.
Dear sir,- Regarding Congress Mount, Alliance Street and Conference Road.
I was wondering where these streets in LS12 might have got their names. Do they have their origins in early left-wing/union activities or perhaps the Methodist/Wesleyan movements?
Perhaps you or your readers might know and are able to answer my query.
Jane Morrison
Anyone with information can either post on the comments section below or e-mail news@westleedsdispatch.com.
Sunday visitors to Stanningley Park enjoyed listening to The Wakefield Metropolitan Band performing some brass band favourites, part of the Summer Bands in the Park series.
It was a perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Thanks to everyone who came out to support the event
The event was attended by Bramley and Stanningley councillors Kevin Ritchie, Tom Hinchcliffe and Adele Rae, who sponsored the series.
The Wakefield Metropolitan Band performs in Stannignley Park.
They said: “We enjoyed the bands in the Stanningley Park. It was great to see local residents enjoying the sunshine and the music. Thanks go to the brilliant band, Friends of Stanningley Park and Stanningley Park Crown Green Bowling Club for providing the music, raffle and refreshments.
“The volunteers at the Bowling Club and Friends of Stanningley Park are so important to our community. We were delighted to, once again, fund this event as your local councillors.”
Councillors Kevin Ritchie, Tom Hinchcliffe and Adele Rae with Friends of Stanningley Park’s Carol Hodgson (second from right).
Love Leeds Parks were in attendance, a charity which works in partnership with Leeds Council and Leeds Parks and Green Spaces Forum to provide a voice for communities who care about their local green space.
Anne Proud and Oliver Scruton asked people what they thought was important using their unique mobile voting contraption. For the results you will have to attend Friends of Stanningley Park’s open meeting on 12 September.
Organisers thanked Stanningley Park Bowling Clubfor the use of their club house facilities and providing hot drinks and ice creams.
Friends of Stanningley Park volunteers were on hand to give information about volunteering and to promote their inaugural Lantern Parade on November 1.
If you want to know what’s going on to improve your park or how to get involved in the friends group then come along to the Friends’ next open meeting for a chat and discuss ideas.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, 12 September at St John’s Methodist Church in Stanningley (6pm).
The Friends will also be promoting their inaugural Lantern Parade taking place on Friday, 1 November. Creative Communities Leeds CIC will be running free workshops, everyone welcome.
Klaxon AI, a ground-breaking automated podcast creation and publishing platform, has been awarded £50,000 funding by Innovate UK to develop a self-serve podcast advertising creation system aimed at small business owners.
The start-up is developing a service enabling anyone to create their own professional audio adverts quickly and easily without the need for a studio.
Mark Woodward, Farsley-based co-founder of Klaxon AI, said: “We’ve had quite a lot of interest already from small businesses who can’t afford to make podcasts or podcast adverts.
“We have just launched our fully-managed service for businesses and content creators, where we turn newsletters and blogs into podcasts and this Innovate UK funding will accelerate the extension of this service to enable anyone to create podcast adverts too.”
Klaxon AI was founded last year by former journalists and media professionals Arup Biswas and Mr Woodward.
“Podcasts are the fastest growing medium worldwide but they are time-consuming, challenging and expensive to make, meaning that most creators quit before their fourth episode,” said Mr Biswas.
“Our mission is to democratise podcasting by enabling anyone, anywhere, to create a podcast in minutes without the need for expensive equipment, technical expertise, a script, or even a broadcast voice.”
The platform www.klaxon.aiharnesses artificial intelligence to research, script, voice and create podcasts at the touch of a button.
The user selects a topic, length, language and voice for the podcast and the software then delivers a finished podcast in minutes.
Mr Woodward added: “We will adapt the proprietary technology to enable anyone to similarly create professional podcast adverts effortlessly.”
The funding was awarded as part of Innovate UKʼs Creative Catalyst programme.
Gotts Park Mansion, Armley. Photo: Katherine Turner
By John Baron
Park users are being encouraged to help shape the future of three West Leeds parks as part of a consultation which ends at midnight tomorrow (Monday).
Council chiefs have drawn up initial plans to improve Gotts Park in Armley, Wortley Recreation Ground and Hainsworth Park in Farsley – and are encouraging people to have their say.
A council spokesperson said: “We are currently working to develop a vision plan for each of these parks based on the thoughts and opinions of local people to ensure they are the best they can be.
“The plans are vision documents, so we cannot guarantee their delivery in full, as many of the elements in them will be funding dependent and some of them will be quite ambitious.
“However, having an agreed plan in place means we are more likely to be able to identify, access and allocate the resources required to improve the park than we are currently, without a plan.”
Gotts Park, Armley
Plans for Gotts Park include improvements around the Mansion House, in the park and in the rose garden. These include better signage, new heritage seats and picnic tables and restoring a woodland path, along with new planting schemes.
Hainsworth Park, Farsley
Initial ideas at Hainsworth Park include additional paths, welcome signs, more accessible play equipment and creating grassland meadow, wet woodland edge and wildflower areas, along with additional planting.
Wortley Rec
Ideas include installing gym equipment around the park, updating the skatepark and seating, and introducing a picnic area close to the playground.
Other ideas include extra tree planting, installing more benches and levelling the football and rugby pitches and realign goal posts.
