Swinnow Community Centre is thrilled to announce a significant milestone of 2,500 visits since its relaunch in June, reflecting the community’s strong and enthusiastic support.
The centre has quickly become a cherished hub for local residents, offering a diverse range of events and services that cater to all ages.
A summer of success
Swinnow Community Centre‘s summer program featured a variety of well-attended events, particularly the Fun Days, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
An impressive 98% of attendees rated these events as “very helpful” for their families. Parents and caregivers praised the engaging atmosphere, the variety of activities, and the thoughtful inclusion of lunch for children.
Leeds Rhinos offered free rugby sessions, live music entertained locals, and well-being workshops supported around 30 young people with additional needs.
Here’s what some attendees had to say:
“Staff are really friendly and helpful. It’s so good that the children get a lunch included too! My 2-year-old daughter loves it here!”
“Such a fantastic event, lots of happy kids and parents. There’s a wonderful energy about the place.”
“Great atmosphere and lots going on to entertain the kids.”
“We’re not from the area but were visiting friends. I know the centre is vital for them. We were made to feel so welcome and the day was fantastic. All my kids had a brilliant time, thank you!”
“My children have really enjoyed the family fun days. This is absolutely what this community needs. My daughter has been able to catch up with her school friends through the holidays as they attend these events.”
Swinnow Community Centre.
Introducing the ‘The Café’
In addition to the success of its events, Swinnow Community Centre proudly launched its new weekly café, the “The Café,” which operates every Thursday from 9.30am to 1pm.
This welcoming space has quickly become a favourite among locals, offering delicious, high-quality food at great value. In fact, 100% of café customers have praised the food as excellent, providing superb value for local people. During the summer holidays, children can eat for just £1, making it a popular choice for families.
Customers have shared their positive experiences:
“A very welcoming space, a great setup, the food was delicious and great value for money.”
The café is part of the centre’s mission to promote community cohesion and a sense of belonging, providing a place where residents can connect over a meal.
Strong youth work provision with “The Den”
The centre’s youth group, “The Den,” has also received glowing feedback. All families involved have expressed high satisfaction with the provision, and over 80% believe it has made the area a safer place. The Den offers young people a secure environment where they can engage in positive activities and build meaningful relationships.
New partnerships and future collaborations
In an exciting development, Swinnow Community Centre has recently partnered with Pudsey Community Project to offer clothing exchange pop-ups.
This is just the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful collaboration, with plans for more joint initiatives in the near future.
The team are also working with Leeds City Council’s employability team to help people seeking employment.
Jim Bolton, Employment and Skills Advisor, Leeds City Council, said: “Swinnow Community Centre is an invaluable asset to its neighbourhood, providing a much-needed safe space for residents of all ages to gather, learn, and engage in recreational activities.
“The centre offers vital services such as children’s playgroups, youth groups, and senior citizen activities, creating a sense of community and improving the quality of life for local residents. Their dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that no one in the community feels isolated or left behind.
“As an Employment and Skills Officer on the Communities and Partnerships team for Leeds City Council, connecting with the team of dedicated volunteers has given me an invaluable opportunity to promote our services and enable local residents to access jobs, skills training and careers guidance.
“This centre is building the foundation of a stronger, more connected community and I am looking forward to working with them more in the future.”
A bright future ahead
The team at Swinnow Community Centre is deeply grateful for the community’s support and is committed to the team values to provide hope, to love people, and to serve the community.
With the ongoing backing of local people, the centre looks forward to many more successful events and initiatives in the future.
Clayton Donaldson in action for Farsley Celtic. Photo: John McEvoy
Battling Farsley Celtic slipped to an unlucky 2-1 defeat at big-spending Buxton in a game they should have come away with a creditable draw.
Despite a generally impressive performance, The Celts will feel they only have themselves to blame – gifting their full-time opponents two disastrous goals and failing to convert a host of second-half chances.
Gaffer Clayton Donaldson said after the game: “I’m disappointed because we definitely deserved something from the game. It was a game of two halves.”
The hosts were a goal to the good at the break after Ben Sault capitalized on a defensive mix-up to score, but a much-improved Farsley levelled the scores 14 minutes from time through Ben Atkinson.
The Celts twice hit the woodwork in the second half and missed a number of other chances. Their profligacy eventually proved costly when a goalkeeping error following Josh Popoola’s header seven minutes from the final whistle secured the points for Buxton.
The Celts were dealt with an early blow when defender Aidan Walker suffered a reoccurrence of his arm injury sustained during the opening day win at Rushall Olympic.
After a closely-contested opening 20 minutes which saw both defences on top, Farsley carved out the first dangerous chance of the match. A free kick had been cleared to the edge of the area where Danny Greenfield was waiting, but his shot flew just wide of the upright.
On 22 minutes, a defensive mix upbetween Tom Allan and Lewis Turner saw Buxton captain Connor Kirby pick up the ball and square to the ball to Sault, who slotted into an empty goal to put them ahead.
Celts’ on-loan keeper Tom Wooster was called into action twice on the 36th minute as an excellent double-save saw him deny Sault and then Ethan Fitzhugh, before a further save against Popoola three minutes later as the visitors pressed.
Farsley started the second half on the front foot and were unfortunate not to draw level after a quick-fire double set of chances. Firstly, a free kick was drifted into the box and Tom Allan’s snapshot on the turn was claimed by the goalkeeper and then shortly after, Danny Greenfield showed great footwork to find Ben Atkinson, but his shot was deflected over for a corner.
And the visitors came even closer on 68 minutes as the ball was crossed in from the right but Allan’s header crashed against the crossbar in a chance which the defender will feel he should have converted.
Farsley were playing some good football and the pressure finally paid off on 76 minutes as a corner was flicked on to Atkinson, who saw his header clip the base of the post before creeping over the line, for his second goal in as many games.
Farsley were the more dangerous side at this stage and came agonizingly close to taking the lead on 81 minutes as a trademark Ryan Watson strike from more 30 yards smashed against the crossbar. It would have been an early contender for goal of the season had it found the back of the net
The double-woodwork strike made Buxton’s second and eventual winner all the more painful for the travelling Farsley faithful.
A stretched Celts defence saw Popoola get enough space to head home from Elliott’s cross, with the assistant referee adjudging the ball to have crossed the line before it was claimed by young keeper Wooster, who appeared to be struggling with an injury.
The Celts had a late, late chance deep into stoppage time to grab back a point as Connor Branson swung in an overhead kick from the bi-line right back into the danger-zone but Buxton goalkeeper Grant was able to scramble the ball clear from the goalmouth as the Bucks took all three points.
Despite the result, this was an encouraging performance by The Celts – particularly in the second half – against a full time team which will be hoping for promotion to the National League next April.
Reaction
Mixed emotions for gaffer Clayton Donaldson, who felt the Celts were good for a point based on their second half display, but lamented giving away two sloppy goals:
Line up
Farsley Celtic: Wooster, Walker (Branson 17), Misambo, Allan, Turner, Greenfield, B Atkinson, Fielding (Sloane 65), Watson, Mampala (Youmbi 62), Donaldson (Stephenson 85). Sub not used: Leverett.
Next up
Next up for the Celts is a trip to Marine on Tuesday night (7.45pm). It’s the third of at least eight consecutive away fixtures, and Farsley fans will be hoping for positive news on work re-starting on installing a new artificial pitch at The Citadel on Monday evening.
Police are appealing for information to help find a missing woman who was last seen in Burley over two weeks ago.
Chelsea Scales, aged 34, who is from the Dewsbury area, was reported missing on Thursday (15 August), but the current last confirmed sighting of her was in the Burley area on Wednesday, 31 July.
She is described as a white woman, 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with shoulder-length, straight ginger hair.
She is known to frequent areas in Halifax and Kirklees.
Police are keen to speak to anyone who has seen Chelsea since 31 July or who has any information about her movements or whereabouts since that time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via Live Chatonline or by calling 101, quoting log 538 of 15 August.
On weekdays, the 1327 Whinmoor to Bramley will be extended to Pudsey arriving 1520, the 1458 Pudsey to Whinmoor journey will commence from Copley Hill at 1550, and the 1600 Bramley to Whinmoor journey will start back from Pudsey at 1530.
Clayton Donaldson in action for Farsley Celtic. Photo: John McEvoy
By John Baron
Farsley Celtic will be looking to build on their 100% start to the season tomorrow when they make the picturesque journey to the Peak District – and a trip to promotion favourites Buxton.
While Buxton is unquestionably one of the most enjoyable away days in the National League North calendar, it’s also likely to be one of the toughest this season.
They made unexpected decision to go full-time for the 2024-25 campaign, and – with a new manager and an influx of new players – they will prove challenging opposition for Clayton Donaldson’s part-time Farsley side.
John McGrath replaced Craig Elliott, who had been in charge at Buxton since December 2022. McGrath joined the Bucks after eight successive seasons at Mickleover.
The Bucks’ will be boosted by Josh Ayres’s late 95th-minute strike to sneak his side a 2-1 winners over newly promoted visitors Leamington last Saturday.
But Farsley also come into the game on a high after Darren Stephenson’s 89th-minute winner saw them edge past Rushall Olympic at Dales Lane in a five-goal thriller. The Celts, who have added greatly to the depth of their squad this season, put in a terrific first half performance and fans will be looking for more of the same tomorrow.
The two sides last met on the final day of last season when Farsley’s 2-0 life-line victory came courtesy of goals from Tom Allan and Isaac Assenso. This gave Farsley a rare double as The Celts had tasted victory when Darren Stephenson and Ryan Watson had sealed the deal at Silverlands in November.
The Celts will be without skipper Chris Atkinson as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained last season.
It’s the second of at least eight away league games on the bounce for Donaldson’s players.
With growing uneasiness among Farsley’s fan base over the lack of progress on the club’s new artificial pitch, the travelling Celt Army will be looking for an upset at Buxton to lift the spirits.
The former Rupyal Restaurant, Stanningley.
Photo: Google
By John Baron
Plans to transform the former Rupyal Restaurant in Stanningley into a shared household (HMO) with 16 bedrooms has been submitted to Leeds council.
Developer Burley-based Watts & Co wants to change of use of the Town Street building from a restaurant into 16 en-suite bedrooms with eight on the ground floor, five on the first floor and three in the converted loft space.
The bedrooms will be serviced by a substantial kitchen, laundry, two store rooms, a communal dining hall/study and cinema/tv room in the basement. A further kitchen will be provided on the first floor and a lounge/tv room on the second floor.
A planning statement submitted with the application said: “There is adequate on-street parking available nearby and five parking spaces fronting onto Vernon Place to the rear and on-street parking is generally recognised as being acceptable where the benefits of the proposal outweigh any shortcomings of the parking deficit.”
The statement says alternative methods of transport, included buses, are a short walk away.
“It is considered that the proposed use is entirely suitable for the property and which provides for an increasing demand in the city,” the statement concluded.
A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is an entire house or flat which is let to three or more tenants who form two or more households and who share a kitchen, bathroom or toilet.
A consultation has been launched where residents in parts of ‘outer’ West Leeds can have their say on travel issues in their communities.
Connecting Leeds wants to better understand issues related to travel in Leeds and are consulting in a few wards at a time for a period of six weeks.
The consultation has now gone live for people living in Calverley & Farsley, Farnley & Wortley and Pudsey wards and will run until Sunday, 8 September 2024.
The consultation looks at issues related to travel, including how people access public transport facilities, whether people feel unsafe walking, wheeling or cycling, the attractiveness of a street, or where traffic and speeding are causing issues.
A Connecting Leeds spokesperson said: “Your comments are important to us as we will use them to help us prioritise improvements, as and when funding becomes available, in line with our Leeds Transport Strategy targets.”
The main aim is for people to have their say on transport/safety issues in their local area. Residents, businesses and stakeholders can do this by visiting this website and dropping a pin on a map. The five main themes are:
Vehicles and parking.
Walking and wheeling (including accessibility, prams, wheelchairs and scooters).
Cycling.
Accessing bus stops and rail stations.
The street environment.
The data from these consultations will help Connecting Leeds prioritise improvements when funding becomes available.
A visit to Farsley Rehoboth. Photo: Calverley Rotary
By John Procter
Sixteen members of the Rotary Club of Calverley had a very interesting tour of The Rehoboth graveyard in Farsley to see the wonderful work undertaken by volunteers to bring the cemetery back so people can now visit.
Farsley Rehoboth burial ground covers two acres and is situated off Coal Hill Lane, close to the junction with Bagley Lane which is within a Conservation Area.
Friends of Farsley Rehoboth’s John Barker speaks to Rotary members. Photo: Calverley Rotary
The Rehoboth was a place of internment from 1785 to 2000 and reflected the growth of Farsley, in particular its textile industry with many prominent residents buried behind its walls.
In total there are circa 4,000 local people interred in the Rehoboth all with their own stories and contribution to the history of Farsley and surrounding areas.
For decades there was no access to visit the hundreds of graves, which included eight registered War Graves. The neglect to the steep and wooded two acre site meant that its trees, shrubs and vines had grown out of control, covering all of the paths and headstones, making the site completely inaccessible.
Their charity was established in 2019 and since then, with the help of over 90 volunteers they have restored an acre of the land and graves to their former state.
The land itself has now been returned to the people of Farsley, Rodley and Stanningley as a Community Asset.
The aim of the charity is to promote, for the public benefit, the preservation, care and improvement of Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground as a place of historic and ecological interest.
The charity will also advance the education of the public through the preservation and maintenance of Farsley Rehoboth Burial Ground.
Clean air: The Normans, in Kirkstall. Photo: Google
A residential area in Kirkstall is one of five pollution hotspots in Leeds to be removed from an action list after securing improved air quality in line with national standards.
Council chiefs today confirmed the removal of the Normans, situated off the busy A65, has been an air quality management area (AQMA) since 2010 and had been closely monitored for the quality of its environment.
As first revealed by WLD in March, Leeds City Council has now formally revoked five of its AQMAs – neighbourhoods previously identified as failing to meet clean air standards – after comprehensive monitoring has shown air quality to be within the UK guidelines for a number of years.
Map of the affected area in Kirkstall.
The five areas also include Ebor Gardens in Burmantofts, Caspar Apartments in Little London, The Tilburys in Holbeck; and Chapel Hill in Morley.
The AQMAs were initially declared between 2001 and 2017 as areas where the annual average nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels exceeded legal limits. A sixth AQMA, covering Main Street in Pool-in-Wharfedale, met air quality objectives for the first time in 2023 so will remain in place to allow for continued assessment.
Monitoring will also continue at the locations of the revoked AQMAs for the foreseeable future to ensure levels stay compliant. Nitrogen dioxide is mainly from vehicle exhaust emissions and all AQMA areas were close to busy roads.
Council chiefs say changing travel behaviours, a rise in the use of electric vehicles and major highways improvements, are among factors likely to have contributed to the city’s healthier air.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “It is fantastic news that air quality in some of our most congested areas has improved to such an extent that these AQMAs – some of which date back over 20 years – have now been formally revoked.
“This continues the long-term trend in Leeds where air quality has significantly improved in recent years, thanks to a truly city-wide effort, which has seen major changes in travel and transport as well advances in air quality monitoring and a focus on public health outcomes.
“Breathing in polluted air can lead to serious and long-lasting health problems and it has long been our priority to tackle this critical issue and protect the health of everyone in the city.
“We know there are no truly ‘safe’ levels of air pollution and lower levels of air pollution inside and outside of buildings still pose a health challenge to vulnerable people.
“It is vitally important that we all do what we can to improve air quality. As a council we will lead by example and – through our ambitious and wide-ranging Leeds Air Quality Strategy – continue to drive down pollution levels further to make Leeds a healthier, better place to live.”
