A Pudsey cyclist is planning to ride 301 miles during the summer on a hand-built bike frame first given to him 61 years ago.
Tim Devereux is looking to raise money for British charity Medical Aid for Palestinians, which is offering medical services during the current crisis in the West Bank, Gaza and Lebanon.
Mr Devereux said: “For the past three years I have done a cycle ride over four or five days in the summer, covering about 250 miles. This year, I’m planning to ride the 301 miles from Leeds to Brighton in June.
“This year I’ll be riding a bike based on an ancient hand-built frame given to me by a club mate in 1963! It now has posh wheels and modern transmission.
“I hadn’t intended to do any fundraising, but the current crisis in Palestine compels me to change my plans. If you care about the suffering in Gaza, please, consider sponsoring me. You don’t have to wait till the ride is over!”
Mr Devereux will be staying in B&Bs or with family, and without needing to carry camping equipment and is hoping to avoid 13-hour days – unlike last year’s trek.
Volunteers from the Greenside Greenway group have announced the official unveiling of new heritage information boards on Saturday, 6 April 2024.
The unveiling will be performed from 1pm by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin (Lab), a champion of low energy travel. Councillor Trish Smith (Cons, Pudsey), who supported the boards, will also be in attendance.
The two boards show maps, a history of the railway in Pudsey and have pictures of the old railway stations.
The first board is located close to the former Greenside Railway Station on Carlisle Road. The second board is on Lowtown at the old entrance to Lowtown Station.
Greenside Greenway is a route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and other forms of low energy travel following the approximate route of Pudsey’s former railway.
A group of passionate individuals came together in 2017 to try to prevent the infilling of the railway cutting and Greenside Tunnel, off Station Street.
Since then the group has grown and become a registered charity which aims to promote and encourage for the public benefit in the community, the development and provision of safe routes, paths and facilities for cycling, walking and other forms of low energy transport and to undertake and carry out projects and activities of a charitable nature which will assist in promoting healthy recreation and the protection of the environment.
The committee have organised litter picks, path widening, repairs to gates and fencing, tree planting and balsam bashing.
It is hoped that in the future the route can be upgraded along its full length to a standard similar to that of other Greenways. This will provide a safe off-road route for the people of Pudsey, linking to the Cycle SuperHighway and Leeds in one direction and Low Moor and the Spen Valley Greenway to the west.
Reopening: Pudsey Park kiosk. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
The proposed reopening of an ice cream kiosk in Pudsey Park has been welcomed by park goers.
Leeds City Council has agreed to reopen the kiosk, which has been closed since 2018 but has been a favourite with Pudsey families since the 1930s.
Cllr Simon Seary (Cons) said on social media: “After working closely with the council’s parks department for many years in trying to continually improve the provision at Pudsey Park, I’m extremely pleased to have been able to convince the council to complete a business case in reopening the kiosk as a council asset.
“The kiosk once opened will be selling drinks and ice creams after the modifications inside have been completed.”
It’s hoped the kiosk will be open to sell ice cream, drinks and other refreshments in the summer.
Cllr Trish Smith (Cons) added: “I chased the Parks Department for an update on the status of the park kiosk as I’m aware no ice cream licence was issued for 2024 – and we can’t have a summer without ice cream!
“This means two things: Our lovely kiosk is being brought back into use. We will have ice cream in the park for the summer!”
The kiosk had, in recent years, been used as storage by volunteers at Pudsey in Bloom.
A spokesperson for Leeds City Council added: “We are pleased to confirm plans to reopen the refreshment kiosk at Pudsey Park.
“Refurbishment and redecoration work will now be carried out at the building to get it ready for business again. A timescale for this work and the reopening has yet to be finalised and residents will be provided with an update in due course.
“We hope the kiosk will be a popular added attraction for people using the park, which is already one of the most-visited in the city.”
The news has been welcomed by park goers on social media.
One said: “Yey! It’s been a miserable few years walking past the closed kiosk. Well done!”
Another added: “Brilliant news! I could never understand it stood empty for so long when park is always full of thirsty children always in need of an ice cream.”
“Great! I hope the ice cream tastes as good as it did over 60 years ago…” another posted.
Farsley keeper Zan Luk Leban has it covered. Photo: Ivor Hughes
by Josh Makin
Farsley Celtic face Southport in a huge match at The Citadel on Good Friday as both sides look to claw themselves away from the relegation zone.
Gaffer Clayton Donaldson said that “something has to give” in his post-match interview after the 4-1 defeat to Hereford last weekend, and he will be looking for Farsley to finally put an end to their recent struggles as the Celts take on Jim Bentley’s Southport.
Farsley are back at The Citadel after the previously mentioned defeat away to Hereford where the Celts found themselves 4-0 down at half time after a bizarre ten minutes at Edgar Street which saw three goals for the hosts put the result beyond doubt. The Celts improved in the second half and managed to grab a consolation from Ryan Watson in the dying embers of the match.
Donaldson is eager for Farsley to build upon the second half performance at Edgar Street, saying: “The boys will be giving 100% in terms of effort and hopefully, with a little bit of luck on our side and less mistakes from ourselves, I think we’ll be able to get a positive result.
“I think a change in fortunes is needed as well as deserved. Our luck in recent games hasn’t been there but us and the boys are looking forward to it so hopefully we can end this run of defeats and get a good result.”
Speaking on the Southport game, Donaldson said: “The Good Friday fixture is always a great game for neutrals, players and everyone involved to look out for and we hope it will be a good friday for Farsley Celtic.
“Southport have picked up some decent results as of late so they are in good form, but at the same time The Citadel is not an easy place to come to and get a result.
“We will have the crowd behind us as usual which we will need as we want that twelfth man to spur us on and get us over the line.”
Isaac Assenso was still injured for the clash with Hereford, so it’s touch and go for whether he will be available for this weekend. Joao Silva is available after returning from loan.
It’s been a tough season for Farsley’s Easter Friday opponents Southport, who have spent the majority of the 2023/24 season in the relegation fight, however after recent results Jim Bentley’s men find themselves in 15th place, eight points clear of 21st placed Rushall Olympic. Southport have four wins out of their last six after most recently defeating already relegated Bishop’s Stortford 4-1 in midweek.
Michael Feeley, of Hainsworth's milling (left) and Sam Windsor, dyeing.
AW Hainsworth, aBritish fabric manufacturer and woollen mill at Stanningley Bottom, has achieved ‘Zero to Landfill’ status through recycling and waste reduction.
The 240-year-old heritage textile mill, which creates woollen cloth, high-performing textiles, and iconic fabrics for customers worldwide, tracked and measured its waste to develop a plan to reduce it to zero.
AW Hainsworth partnered with Reconomy, a waste management provider which outsources management services to approved local providers to minimise transport costs and emissions and allow for quick and effective turnarounds when collecting. The recycling centre they use recovers 97% of all materials received.
The manufacturer has invested in better machinery to manage on-site waste, installing energy-efficient plastic and cardboard balers, each sent to recycling. AW Hainsworth has also ensured the recycling process is as simple as possible, with improved signage throughout the mill and employee waste management education.
During the past year, the textile producer has completed several projects, including using un-dyed yarns in partnership with some aviation customers to create sustainable fabrics. Using 100% un-dyed wool reduces energy, water, and waste effluent in manufacturing.
AW Hainsworth has also analysed ways to reduce packaging waste from suppliers. This involved working with a regular yarn supplier to reduce the packaging weight by 79% and condensing the packaging to reduce freight space.
Amanda McLaren, MD of AW Hainsworth, explains: “As manufacturers, we know that our processes can result in high emissions. We continuously monitor our energy and water use and remain conscious of ways we can limit waste while continuing to operate efficiently and effectively. We also regularly review our manufacturing processes and their impact to identify areas for improvement.
“We had already made good progress with improving waste reduction on smaller projects in specific departments. However, looking at our overall waste management process and strategy for site-wide improvements was important.
“We started tracking our waste streams to measure what was being re-used or recycled and what was being sent to energy recovery, making significant changes and improvements. There is still work to do to increase recycling and reduce energy recovery, which will form part of our goals for waste management over the next three years.”
The company has recently published their 2023 Sustainability Report, which documents the mill’s sustainability journey. A head of sustainability position will be recruited on to the AW Hainsworth team this year.
Worzel Gummidge and Aunt Sally in Hill Court Avenue last year – clothes sourced from numerous charity shops in the area. Photo: Ivor Hughes
The organisers of Bramley Scarecrow Festival have confirmed the event will return in 2024 – and that it will return to a Hallowe’en slot.
The event was started is a socially distanced fashion back in October 2020 and has proven a popular annual event. Last year’s event was moved to the summer, but organisers have decided to move the festival back to its traditional October time slot due to popular demand.
Four year old Aida Malik was a fan of the efforts at Costa Coffee, Bramley Shopping Centre, last year. Photo: Ivor Hughes
A new Facebook group – Bramley Scarecrow Festival 2024 – has been set up and Bramley residents are being encouraged to join the group to receive updates.
One of the organisers, Bramley resident Cathy Mill, told WLD there had been local rumours that the festival wouldn’t be going ahead this year, but they were untrue.
“It ran in June/July last year at short notice, but most people wanted it back at Hallowe’en,” she said. “It’s very much back by popular demand! We’ll be looking to get local schools involved, as well.”
The event is scheduled for October 25-November 2.
Cathy is joined by founder Martine Pearson and Karen Hargreaves as volunteer organisers of this year’s event.
The heartbroken family of murder victim Jamie Meah have spoken about how his baby son faces growing up without a father, a year on from his death.
Jamie had only just turned 18 years old when he was stabbed and fatally wounded in an incident in Hall Lane, Armley, on March 31 last year. A 16-year-old boy was also stabbed and seriously injured in the attack.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are continuing to appeal for information to help locate four men they have previously named as wanted over his murder.
Aquade Jeffers, Caleb Awe, Enham Nishat, all now aged 21, and Ranei Wilks, aged 22, all from Leeds, are believed to have fled abroad shortly after the incident, before they were identified as suspects. Enquiries showed they had initially travelled to Liverpool before leaving the country.
All four are wanted over Jamie’s murder and for the attempted murder of the 16-year-old victim.
On Easter Sunday, it will be exactly a year since Jamie’s death and his family have spoken for the first time of their loss.
In a statement released to mark the anniversary, his family said: “We are still absolutely devastated that Jamie has been taken from us so cruelly and unfairly.
“Every single day over the last year has been so painful for us all, as we struggle to come to terms with what has happened.
“Jamie’s son was born in November last year and now faces his future growing up without ever knowing his father, which is something no child should have to live with.
“Jamie was looking forward to being a father, but that opportunity was snatched away by those responsible for his murder.
“We still desperately want to see the people responsible for Jamie’s murder answer for what they have done, and we feel we can’t begin to move on until that has happened.”
Tributes have been paid to 18-year-old Jamie Meah. Photo: Connor Briggs
Detectives are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries to locate the four suspects and are liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Damian Roebuck said: “Although a year has now passed since Jamie’s murder, his family understandably remain utterly heartbroken at his death at such a young age and in such violent circumstances.
“We are determined to keep doing everything we can to see that those responsible are brought to justice and that Jamie’s family finally get the answers they need.
“We are still appealing to the public for any information that could assist the investigation, particularly anyone who may have knowledge of the current whereabouts of the four suspects we have named.”
Anyone with information can contact police via 101 quoting Operation Plunket, reference 13230180255, or online here. Information can also be given online via the Major Incident Public Portal or can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Two West Leeds fundraisers are set to embark on a series of sponsored walks to raise funds to support a Wortley-based mental health charity.
Paul Abraham, of Bramley, and Damon Cooper, of Farsley, are taking part in the walks to raise money for the James Burke Foundation, which has its headquarters in Proton House, off Tong Road. They are hoping to raise £500 between them.
Mum Sharon Burke set up the foundation in 2018 in memory of her son, James, a former University of Leeds student and LURL player. James, an explosive force on the rugby league field, represented Jamaica in the 2014 Commonwealth Games but tragically took his own life in 2017. Sharon started the foundation to address mental health issues, confront stigma, and foster a deeper understanding of these challenges.
Paul Abraham, who is also a trustee at the charity, said: “James grew up supporting Wigan Warriors, idolising Andy Farrell, so we’re starting at the DW Stadium and aiming to reach the Totally Wicked Stadium for the Wigan versus St Helens clash on Good Friday, March 29. On the same day, Damon will return across the Pennines, to travel from The Shay to Odsal Stadium for the Bradford Bulls versus Halifax Panthers match, whose squads feature players James played or grew up with.
“This will be my biggest walking challenge since breaking and dislocating my right hip and having to have major surgery on it twice in three years – but I’m looking forward to it!”
On August 17 the duo aim to travel from Leeds University to Elland Road via South Leeds Stadium for the Super League Magic Weekend. These challenges will conclude with a walk from the DW Stadium to Old Trafford for the Super League Grand Final on October 12.
Damon Cooper added: “The James Burke Foundation is a small charity which deserves more recognition than it gets for its work. I’m trying to do my little bit to support it so they can build on the important work they are doing in the community.
“In the face of personal adversity, we are embarking on a transformative journey. Your contribution will not only propel us through the physical challenges but will also support The James Burke Foundation. Together, let’s break down barriers and defy expectations.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, came to see the popular and recently refurbished West Leeds RUFC on Blue Hill Lane on Tuesday, 26 March.
Representing the rugby club were chair Karen Breakwell and treasurer Barry Breakwell.
Karen told WLD: “The Mayor wanted to see for herself one of the many strengths in our community, with the rugby club being right up there is what we are doing. The Mayor was wowed with the recently refurbished premises and felt that our little club was a great example of what the community needs.
“She was also very supportive of the great work we are doing in encouraging youngsters to get playing sport and also how we are trying to get the wider community involved in using our facilities.”
The club had recently held a fundraising campaign to support a raft of improvements at the club.
Councillor Adrian McCluskey explained what it meant to have a visit from the Mayor of West Yorkshire visit Wortley: “It was great to have our West Yorkshire Mayor visit residents on the Blue Hills. Tracy was incredibly impressed how, in so many ways, West Leeds RUFC contribute to our community.
“As a ward with no town centre or high street it is clubs like West Leeds RUFC, Farnley Cricket Club, Farnley Falcons and Wortley FC and our community centres that provide such a positive focus for everyone in Farnley and Wortley.”
Community spirit will be at the forefront this Easter Sunday, 31 March when the rugby club holds its annual Easter party. Starting at 1.30pm there will be a disco, Easter bonnet competition, decorate your own egg competition, games, hot dogs and a raffle with many prizes to be won.
Flashback to Armley Common Right Trust's hanging basket event 2016
By community reporter
Armley Common Right Trust will be holding is next quarterly open meeting at Interplay Theatre on Armley Ridge Road on Thursday, 28 March at 7pm.
Chairman Philip Cave said: “We are committed to openness and clarity, and welcome any resident of Armley who would like to ask us questions, contribute to the discussions or find out what’s going on.”
Topics include:
Plans for the year ahead, including the feast, circus visits, hanging basket event and Armley Festival.
The new Commoner’s Muck gardening club, which welcomes gardeners of all ages and abilities to learn more about gardening, contribute their knowledge, or a bit of both.
Horses on the Moor and how to best manage the open spaces for everyone.
The latest information on the ground source heat pump project for the Burnsalls.
Long-term plans and activities.
and anything that the residents of Armley would like to ask.
The trust has been busy over the winter months with gardening, tidying and weeding in Charlie Cake Park and Little Moor, as well as formulating medium to long term plans for Armley that will involve all ages, all abilities and all aspects of Armley’s vibrant community.
The trust is responsible for managing, protecting and preserving the open spaces in Armley. Formed after a unique Act of Parliament in the late 1700s, the Trust exists to manage the land on behalf of the people of Armley, and to make decisions (after consultation) in the best interests of the long-term future of the land.
It looks after six pieces of land: the Moor, Far Fold, Moor Top, Charlie Cake Park and Hill Top. A further portion of land in Ley Lane was leased by Leeds City Council in the 1960s on a 99-year lease.
Household bin collections. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com
This year’s fortnightly brown bin collections will start in Leeds from 1 April and continue until December.
Leeds City Council delivers the largest garden waste collection service by any council in the UK, last year collecting 33,000 tonnes of garden waste from 220,000 households across the city.
Leeds continues to be one of few councils to provide the service for free. Brown bin collections are intended to help divert garden waste away from black bins and assist those homes with gardens that produce enough garden waste to justify a fortnightly collection.
The garden waste is then composted locally and used in farming, horticulture and land restoration projects around the city.
The service complements other environmentally beneficial ways to use or dispose of garden waste. These include leaving grass cuttings on your lawn, reusing garden waste by composting or creating piles for insects, birds and other local wildlife, which will help both the eco-system and the garden itself.
To further help residents with composting, the council is working in partnership with Great Green Systems to offer an exclusive discount to residents on a range of composters.
Excess garden waste can also be disposed of for free at all eight of the council’s household waste recycling centres which are open seven days a week, no booking required. Your closest centre can be found here.
Brown bin collection dates can be checked by downloading the Leeds Bin App or by checking online.
