Art trail to look at Kirkstall through both lens and stanza

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May 9, 2024

By Jim Corah

Members of the public are being invited to contribute their photography and poetry to Kirkstall Art Trail.

For KAT2024 organisers are looking for creative members of the community to contribute to the Kirkstall Poetry Trail and the Capturing Kirkstall Photography Competition.

For the photography competition, keen photographers can make a submission capturing the wonder of Kirkstall. There are four themes: Wildlife and Pets; Buildings and Places; Nature and Environment; People and Community. A submission form can be found on the Kirkstall Art Trail website.

The winning photographs will be printed out and put on display at a venue over the Kirkstall Art Trail weekend and for a period of time after.

Lines have been also been drawn up to bring poetry and spoken word into Kirkstall Art Trail. Poets can make a submission to Kirkstall Poetry Trail, which will be printed out for visitors to discover around Kirkstall (submissions can be made to the KAT website).

There will be a writing workshop and various spoken word events, including a open mic in Burley Rugby Club’s clubhouse on Abbey Road.

Kat Williams, a regular artist on the trail and a member of the organising group, said: “I’ve really enjoyed being a part of Kirkstall Art Trail, as an artist and as a volunteer. This year we are expanding the types of artforms that are on display, with the poetry trail offering all poets an opportunity to submit their work and discover it around Kirkstall. There is also an open mic event taking place at Burley Rugby Club, along with a writing workshop.”

Kirkstall Art Trail is a free event that takes place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 July 2024 between 11am-5pm, with venues across Kirkstall hosting artists and workshops. KAT2024 maps will be available during the week to help visitors make their way around. KAT2024 is funded in part with support from Leeds City Council’s Inner West Leeds Community Committee.

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Buffalo Bulletin: Bramley charge into next round of cup

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May 9, 2024

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By Paul Abraham

On the 20^th anniversary of Bramley Buffaloes’ return to the rugby league fold, the present incumbents of the shirts produced 80 minutes of powerful and expansive rugby to destroy Castleford Panthers by 40 points to 12 to go through to the next round of the cup.

Despite being in a higher division the Panthers had no answer to the power of the Buffaloes’ forwards of the fleet footed three-quarters as Bramley ran in four first half tries to lead 22-12 at the break.

The second half was more of the same as the highly focused Buffaloes added another four tries including a near length of the field effort to put the icing on the cake.

Try-scorers were Sam Marshall, Sam Neave, Keiran Hudson, Keiran McFarlane, Jack Boot, Louis Morrison, Bailey Harman and Lewis Gaunt with Connor McGill kicking four goals.

Double-Header weekend

This weekend sees the Buffaloes welcome Birstall Victoria to West Leeds as they return back to league duties. The match kicks-off at 2.30pm following the Buffaloes second team playing Thornhill Trojans, which kicks off at 12.30pm.

This week’s visitors

Birstall Victoria visit Blue Hill Lane with one victory from one match after they defeated York Acorn 22-18 on 20 April. The club was formed in 1976 and have been proud members of both the Heavy Woollen and Yorkshire League since then.

The club were the first winners of the Darryl Woollin Trophy which included two players who went on to have successful professional careers, Dick Jaziewicz (Bradford, Wakefield and Great Britain and John Lyons (Wakefield, Leeds and Halifax).

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Farsley Celtic partnership — www.farsleyceltic.com

Calverley Millennium Way walk to raise cash for cancer research

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Anne Akers

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May 8, 2024

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The annual eight-mile walk around the boundaries of Calverley will be on Saturday, 11 May on what promises to be a warm, sunny day.

The circular walk around the village was first held in 2000, created by local residents, supported by the Rotary Club and Leeds Council to mark the millennium, it has been held regularly ever since and has raised more than £33,000 for charity since the first event.

This year walkers will meet at the Calverley Arms from 10.30am, with the walk starting at 11am. All funds raised this year through sponsorship will go to the World Cancer Research Fund.

All welcome – don’t forget your sunscreen!

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Police appeal after man dies in Armley Gyratory collision

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May 8, 2024

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Police are appealing for witnesses or dash cam footage following a collision in Leeds which sadly resulted in the death of a man.

At about 10.30am yesterday (Tuesday), a silver Peugeot 307 collided with a barrier as it attempted to exit the Armley Gyratory on to Wellington Road.

The driver, a 59-year-old man from Leeds, was taken to hospital but was sadly pronounced deceased a short time later. He is believed to have suffered a medical episode.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have footage that will assist is asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 101, quoting log reference 462 of 7 May.

It is believed the 307 had been in a collision with a Peugeot Partner van on the A58 prior to it entering the Armley Gyratory. Officers would also be keen to speak to anyone who may have footage or dash cam that will assist with their enquiries.

Pudsey Beck: Major wetland scheme plans due in ‘coming weeks’

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May 8, 2024

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Hough Side Road wetland — An artist's impression of the new wetland area off Hough Side Road, Pudsey.

Plans for a multi-million pound wetland scheme in Pudsey will be submitted to Leeds City Council in the ‘coming weeks’, Yorkshire Water has confirmed.

As reported last year, Yorkshire Water have proposed a major scheme to improve the water quality of Pudsey Beck and reducing storm overflows that carry sewage wastewater into the beck.

The scheme will introduce a wetlands greenspace which will use plants to naturally treat storm wastewater on land previously earmarked for housing, off Hough Side Road. A public consultation on the proposals was held in March.

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson today told WLD: “We are still planning to construct a wetland at Hough Side. We have been reviewing our plans in recent months and will be submitting them to the council for approval in the coming weeks.”

A social media post by Pudsey councillor Simon Seary (Cons) confirmed five other projects proposed in or around Pudsey and West Leeds have been put ‘under review’ to look for ‘greener and more cost effective solutions’. The projects included installing or improving storm water storage at locations including Farnley Ring Road, Dale Farm in Drighlington, Kent Road and Smalewell in Pudsey, and Thornbury in Bradford.

The scheme was originally due to cost £36 million, but costs had risen to £50m.

Review: Friendly lunchtime concerts live up to reputation at St Bartholomew’s

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May 8, 2024

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st bartholomews armley — St Bartholomews, Armley, photographed from Cabbage Hill. Photo: Mark Stevenson

By Susan Johnson

The four concerts plus lunch held at St Bartholomew’s Church lived up to their name for friendliness, warm atmosphere, great live music and tasty lunch.

In this magnificent Armley church with its famous Schulze organ, we were entertained to some diverse music by a variety of very talented musicians.

In the first concert Roger Quick, a brilliant raconteur, entertained with his piano extravaganza and delighted his audience with an eclectic mix of music styles finishing with a renditioning of the Hippopotamus Song to smiling faces.

The second concert was performed by two talented young musicians Molly Barber, violin, and Ben Attfield, piano, with a recital of works by Mozart, Elgar and Debussy. A delightful performance.

In the third concert a singer with a beautiful soprano voice, Julia Poole, accompanied by her husband guitarist, Mike Poole, gave a wonderful interpretation of popular songs, some written by Mike.

The final concert was given by Graham Barber, the church’s resident organist. The programme was entitled “The Harmonious Harpsichord” but due to a problem with the instrument Graham brilliantly rescued the situation by playing an assortment of composers’ works on the piano instead, which proved to be a very harmonious finale.

Other free concerts bookable online are on the 12th and 27th of May. Those who attended are grateful to all the volunteers for their hard work and to the Asda Foundation for supporting the Really Friendly Music Lunches, they do really live up to their name.

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Armley: Pedal power raises £1,800 for children’s hospice

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May 8, 2024

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Two men have shown true pedal power to cycle over 200 miles to support Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Lee Metcalfe, 51, joined the 11th Leeds Boys Brigade in Armley when he was ‘six or seven’ years old, and has gone on to volunteer in a number of positions, including leader and now treasurer.

Last weekend Lee took part in a sponsored bike ride from Leeds to the tip of Spurn Point via Hull, along with fellow volunteer Kevin Pyett. They set off on Saturday and returned on Sunday to raise money in memory of Abbie Wilson, who passed away in a road traffic accident on 27 December aged just 10 years old.

Abbie’s dad, Darren, is captain at the 11th Leeds, which is based at Whingate Methodist Church.

“The ride took us along riverside paths, quiet back roads, reclaimed railway lines and even a short section of Pontefract race case,” Lee said. “Reaching the North Sea on Saturday was a great sense of accomplishment and crossing the Humber Bridge on the way back on Sunday offered amazing views.

“Two stiff and sore men in their 50s finished back in City Square Leeds on Sunday afternoon after just over 200 miles. All for a fantastic cause.”

The fundraiser has so raised £1,800, which is £650 above its target. You can still donate and find out more about the fundraiser here.

The duo were sponsored by Solutions Lighting in Bramley.

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Farsley Celtic announces new veterans team

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May 8, 2024

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farsley celtic veterans — The veterans lines up as two 'legends' teams at Farsley Football Festival. Photo: John McEvoy

Farsley Celtic have announced the formation of a new veteran’s team, made up of former players at the semi-professional football club.

The team has played in friendly games at The Citadel in the past couple of years, most recently fielding two ‘Legends’ sides at the inaugural Farsley Football Festival on Sunday – a friendly tournament one of the legends sides won. It’s unclear which league the new veterans side will be playing in, but it will be led two Legends team captains Lee Connor and Mark Bett.

Both are without Farsley legends in their own right, enjoying successful playing and assistant managerial roles, with Lee assisting Neil Parsley and John Deacey and more recently Mark being Adam Lakeland’s assistant.

Farslery Celtic chairman Paul Barthorpe said: “I am delighted that we are bringing a number of our ex players back home to the club.

“Their passion, winning mentality and love for the club is a hugely positive influence that we can all benefit from. Many of the players I have had the pleasure of getting to know are Farsley through and through and have enjoyed being back at the club and pulling on the shirt again, and will be more competitive than ever in representing the club once more!”

Lee Connor said: “I first signed from Bradford (Park Avenue) when Martin Haresine was gaffer, I stayed for three seasons, winning the players’ player, supporters’ player and manager’s player of the year. I returned to Farsley a second time when Lee Sinnott was in charge after a spell with Ashton FC.

“I then returned to Farsley a third time after appearing for Stalybridge Celtic when the club won promotion to the Evostik league. I stayed on as a player and myself and Mark Jackson performed a good partnership in defence.

“After retiring, Clive Freeman – who I was mates with – persuaded me to return to playing at 41 years old and i returned to Farsley for a final time as assistant to Pars and John Deacey.

“I’ve had some great memories with Farsley and still in touch with a lot of the ex players and fans, and have really enjoyed turning out in the Farsley colours on the last two legends events.”

Mark Bett added: “My time at Farsley was an unbelievable time for me, I started as a 20 year old lad new to semi-pro level, but I was a raw player and relished the challenge. I was lucky to have a good manager and a good set of lads too! Throughout my time at the club we went on to win leagues and cups, I can’t remember how many but I was happy to add another one last weekend.

“As my playing career wound down I joined the managerial staff as Adam Lakeland’s assistant where we enjoyed further success and promotion!

“It’s great to be back here playing again, and I’m looking forward to representing Farsley Celtic again competitively!”

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Farsley Celtic forward Joao Silva has received his first international call up for the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Malawi and Liberia.

An ‘honour and privilege’ – former councillor Amanda Carter signs off with ‘thank you’ message

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May 8, 2024

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A former Calverley & Farsley councillor who lost her seat at last Thursday’s Leeds City Council elections has spoken of the ‘honour and privilege’ of serving the community.

Conservative Amanda Carter received 3,182 votes on Thursday, but lost her seat to Labour’s Craig Timmins, who received 3,514 votes.

Mrs Carter had two periods as Calverley & Farsley councillor, from 1999-2007 and 2015-2024.

Posting on social media, she wished her successor Craig Timmins ‘the very best’ and added: “Thank you to everybody who has supported and put their faith in me over the last few years, it has been a great honour and privilege to serve the residents of this ward.

“Being a councillor is about getting bins emptied, filling potholes, making roads safer, and fighting to get the best deal for your constituents – this is important and a top priority as your representative. In fact, the very last thing I did as an elected member last Thursday, was to ask the drainage department to clear all the gullies in Calverley & Farsley.

“There is also an important strategic element attached to being an elected member. One of my roles was Shadow Cabinet Member for Community Safety and I will miss helping vulnerable women and children escape domestic violence to a safe place with support, sometimes fleeing for their life leaving all their possession behind.

“Sadly, in this country, two women a week are killed through domestic violence. I have exposed child abuse, which forced the council into changing their policy to better protect children. That’s the kind of thing opposition councillors do and it’s important that whichever colour party is in control, there is a strong opposition to hold the ruling party to account, by scrutinising and questioning policies.

“I wish Craig well in his new role and thank you all for giving me the opportunity to represent you for so many years. I would also like to thank everyone for their kind wishes.”

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Community comes together for first Farsley Football Festival

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May 7, 2024

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Photos: John McEvoy

Farsley Celtic entertained four teams and a few hundred spectators who took advantage of the spring sunshine for the first Farsley Football Festival at the weekend.

A chairman’s XI, supporters club/general public team – managed by Celts gaffer Clayton Donaldson – and two Farsley Celtic Legends sides made up of former players, all contested the fun community event.

Spectators and players enjoyed the football and refreshments in a friendly atmosphere, capped off by a trophy presentation and a DJ in the clubhouse.

The two legends sides contested the final.

All four teams who took part. Photo: John McEvoy

Photographer John McEvoy was in hand to capture some of the action. Here’s a selection of his photos:

Mote photos can be viewed here.

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Ofsted praise for improving Dixons Unity Academy

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May 7, 2024

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By John Baron

Ofsted inspectors have praised the progress made at improving Dixons Unity Academy in Armley during the past few months.

The school, based Whingate Road, was judged to have serious weaknesses following an inspection in March 2023, which said the school was ‘inadequate’ overall. But a second monitoring inspection published today said the school is making progress, and praised leaders and staff for taking ‘purposeful action’ to improve the school.

The inspection concluded: “Leaders have made progress to improve the school, but more work is necessary for the school to be no longer judged as having serious weaknesses.”

The inspector said: “Since the previous monitoring inspection, leaders have continued to build the capacity for improvement. An assistant vice-principal has been appointed to lead the school’s on-site alternative provision, ‘Connect’. Further changes have been made to the organisation of the pastoral team, to bring inclusion, attendance and support for the most vulnerable pupils closer together.

“You, in partnership with colleagues from the trust, have continued to review and refine the school improvement process. Pupils and staff are beginning to feel the impact of the changes that are being made. Pupils feel that there is a renewed focus on learning in classrooms. In lessons visited, there was little sign of disruption to learning. Staff value the focus on professional development and school improvement.”

Further steps to enhance pupils’ personal development have also been made.

The inspection warns that poor attendance remains one of the most significant barriers to the improvement process.

The report adds: “You and your team are taking significant action to improve attendance. Tutors, pastoral staff and the attendance team are working ever closer together on whole-school attendance strategies.

“The number of home visits to address absence has risen to over 300. Your team now uses a minibus to make home visits each morning to target those most at risk. While overall rates of absence have not fallen, there have been marked improvements for specific groups. Pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils are attending more regularly than before.”

Pupils at the school feel behaviour is improving, and the report concludes: “You are building closer links with the community. The school is becoming a hub for a range of support services. You are receiving increasingly positive responses from parents and carers.

“The staff I talked to conveyed a sense of optimism. They value opportunities for professional development during the school day and the signs of emerging improvement in the school.”

Ofsted’s latest monitoring visit can be read in full here.

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Daredevil Wortley resident turns 100 – and celebrates in style

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May 7, 2024

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By Katherine Turner

Wortley great grandma May Moss, who many locals know as Nana May, achieved an amazing milestone on 1 May, when she turned 100 years old.

May, who has lived her whole life in West Leeds, celebrated with family and friends and attributes her longevity to luck, keeping fit, a good sense of humour and enjoying a few treats.

May told WLD: “I have always done exercise. I was the netball captain and I did ballroom dancing, although my husband Reg didn’t really like dancing. We had a happy marriage and he passed away at age 84.

“I have done dancing, yoga, walked with a walking group at Farnley Cricket Club and did running competitions at the TV Harrison ground where I could beat all the boys except one.”

May enjoys a glass of prosecco or a Baileys and has a sweet tooth, her favourite being a Kitkat bar.

Gemma Craven, May’s granddaughter, said: “We celebrated by having a party at St John’s with food, live music and decorations. All her church friends and friends from the many groups that she goes to were there. Helping Hands celebrated with her at her group, the Farnley walking group celebrated with her, they had food, balloons and cards. On her actual birthday we went to The Greyhound pub for tea.”

As well as a week of celebrations May was surprised when her two granddaughters who live abroad came home to celebrate with her.

May has achieved a lot over her 100 years. She has three grandchildren; Gemma, Hayley and Abby and two great grandchildren, Isla and Fern. When she turned 90, May raised over £3,500 for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity by completing a skydive, which is an amazing achievement. May chose this charity as it is very close to her heart after her daughter, Linda died from a brain tumour at age 44.

A lot has changed since May was born in 1924 where George V was on the throne, James Ramsay MacDonald was the first Labour Prime Minister and the country was still recovering from the First World War and the Spanish flu pandemic.

Growing up May’s father died at age 28 from Consumption, or Tuberculosis as it is more commonly known, and talks of a time where unemployment was high: “People were poor, men were out of work, there was no money about, although the pubs were still full. Women weren’t working.”

Although May explained that she felt World War ll got women working and that they could be more independent and there was less poverty. Cars were very rare and everyone would run out and gather to watch if a car was in the neighbourhood.

As an only child May said that she wasn’t called up for dangerous war work: “As an only child I was allowed to stay at home, there were eight of us in the house, I remember the black-out curtains and when the sirens went we went into a cellar at the local shop.”

May did spend some time working at an RAF base near Middlesborough where she dated a Canadian man, she saw the war and “took it in my stride”.

As part of her birthday celebrations May selflessly raised £500 in lieu of gifts for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, again showing what a remarkable woman she is.