Residential and retail plan for former Armley Town Street pub

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February 28, 2024

A former pub in Armley Town Street could be transformed into residential and two retail units, if plans submitted to the council are approved.

Applicant Mr A Yeung wants to change of use of The Royal Hotel, which already features residential accommodation, to form two retail units on the ground floor, and an eight-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) on the first and second floors.

A HMO is a property rented out by at least three people who are not from one ‘household’ (for example a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen. It’s sometimes called a ‘house share’.

Shared kitchen, dining and living accommodation would be provided.

A design statement submitted with the application states: “The existing building will largely remain untouched with the exception of the introduction of two doors in the front elevation. One will serve the smaller retail unit, while the second acts as main entrance to the HMO over.”

The plans can be found in full here.

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Wortley fundraiser nets £1,700 for Candlelighters

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February 28, 2024

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By Jean Hollings

Wortley’s Stacy Procter and her pink team of supporters hosted another fundraiser for children’s cancer charity Candlelighters on a cold February Saturday afternoon.

St John’s Hall was buzzing, with many stalls from cakes to tombola (including bottles, chocolate, toys and many more).

With 57 main raffle prizes to be won the draw started promptly at 3.30pm. Hot and cold refreshments were also available to purchase.

The total raised so far has passed the £1,700 mark. This will support any of the 150 children and their families who are diagnosed every year with cancer in Yorkshire. Support may include research, support groups, peer mentoring, equipment for the oncology wards and more.

A regular gift can impact their income. Visit the Candlelighters website for more details.

Farnley Academy teacher to complete Ultra Marathon challenge – in Tanzania

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February 28, 2024

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By Katherine Turner

Popular Farnley Academy PE teacher Sam Hallas has travelled to Tanzania to complete an Ultra Marathon challenge to raise vital funds for local food banks.

Mr Hallas will be running five marathons over five days, clocking up a total of 2,220km. As part of his challenge he will be running part-way up Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. He will be rising to almost 6,000 metres in elevation, travelling through nature reserves.

With a target of £1,250, Mr Hallas is raising funds for Leeds North and West Foodbank. Their aim is to relieve poverty and hunger. They help prevent housing loss, mental health problems, family breakdown and much more. At the time of writing Mr Hallas has raised a massive £1,160.07 which is 93% of his target.

The Farnley Academy has wished Mr Hallas the best of luck for his trip and are providing students with daily updates of his progress and have arranged activities based around the challenge for students to complete during lessons.

If you would like to donate you can find a link to his page here.

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Pudsey: Money seized from criminals used by young people to build brighter futures

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February 28, 2024

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Pudsey building futures mayor — West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe meets with Graham Kelly, John Thornton and young people from Building Futures Together to find out how they are benefitting from the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Safer Communities Fund.

A Pudsey-based organisation is using money seized from criminals to deliver vocational plumbing and electrical training sessions to young people aged 13 to 16.

West Yorkshire’s deputy mayor – and former Armley councillor – Alison Lowe visited G&H Group’s in-house training centre, Building Futures Together, to see how young people are benefitting from the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s Safer Communities Fund.

Building Futures Together received £7,905 from the fund, which gives money seized from criminals to community-based organisations that are making their area safer. Building Futures Together provides young people, including students who are struggling with the curriculum in school or are missing from education, the opportunity to receive hands-on learning and insight into the construction sector.

Graham Kelly, G&H Group chairman and Building Futures Together co-founder, and John Thornton, managing director, showed Ms Lowe around the facility, which will provide 200 sessions across the 2023/24 academic year.

The deputy mayor met with students and learnt how Building Futures Together is providing young people pathways to employment through vocational learning, and how it is collaborating with local schools to help them meet their Gatsby Benchmarks (the defined framework for what world class careers provision looks like in education), increase engagement and attendance.

Speaking at the visit, Deputy Mayor Lowe said: “Here in West Yorkshire, we’re sending a clear message that crime doesn’t pay. It is fantastic that we can re-invest money taken from criminals back into projects working to support people in our communities, just like Building Futures Together.

“Their work goes far beyond teaching practical skills. They are encouraging these young people to be ambitious, believe in themselves, and reach their full potential, all important life lessons that I have no doubt will stay with them for years to come.”

Graham Kelly said: “A key part of G&H Group’s social value strategy is to support young people and provide a route into the construction industry.

“Building Futures Together was created to provide a nurturing and structured environment where young people receive hands-on learning and insight. The funding received from the West Yorkshire Mayor makes a real difference and ensures students have access to vocational learning and a stepping stone to a future career in the construction sector.

“It was a pleasure to host Alison and showcase the positive difference John and the Building Futures Together team are making in the local community.”

Community Interest Company Building Futures Together was co-founded in 2020 to help prevent young people from adding to the growing number becoming not in education, employment or training (NEET). It supports students who have a passion to join the industry and helps schools to engage with pupils who struggle with the curriculum or are missing from education.

Between January 2023 and January 2024, Building Futures Together delivered 1,209 places giving young people the opportunity to experience vocational learning.

Building Futures Together’s training facility is split into eight bays providing 24 individual spaces, one project room and a newly created classroom to assist in the delivery of entry level/level one qualifications. The space can cover a range of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and air conditioning services.

Sessions run from 9.20am until 2.30pm, Monday to Friday during term time, with the students receiving training and support in a structured and nurturing environment from three members of staff.

‘Bramley is family’: Meet the parkrun volunteers helping to keep everyone running

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February 28, 2024

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Bramley parkrun — parkrunners in action at Bramley Park. Photo: Simon Cullingworth

Words: Jean Hollings

Photos: Simon Cullingworth

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, parkrun is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. parkrun is 5k and takes place every Saturday morning. junior parkrun is 2k, dedicated to 4-14 year olds and their families, every Sunday morning.

parkrun is positive, welcoming and inclusive, there is no time limit and no one finishes last (we have a volunteer role to finish last). Everyone is welcome to come along.

parkrun is free and you only need to register once whether walking, jogging, running, volunteering or a combination.

People can register here. All parkrun events are organised by a dedicated team of volunteers.

You are welcome to volunteer at the event as an event day volunteer which may include setting up and checking the course, recording the participants’ times or scanning their barcodes using the volunteer app. You can hand out finish tokens in the finish funnel or write down finishers details if their barcode is unscannable.

Bramley parkrun is renowned for its hill. The course consists of path and trail three-and-a-half times around the park now taking views from the top of the park over Leeds.

Over the years it has been given an affectionate name ‘Bramley is family’ due to the friendliness of the volunteers and participants.

The team regularly receive positive feedback about the volunteers and the course.

Bramley has a regular core base of volunteers e.g. Reg – Guardian of the gate; Satty – Satty steps; Jamie (and Rosie) at Jamie’s junction; Ian in the naughty corner and Carol at Carols corner.

Jill regularly makes an appearance in fancy dress at the turn around, while Elizabeth and Graham show their moves on disco corner.

Simon is our resident photographer and has recently won an award (NHS Shared Business Services, Community Impact Award 2023) for his volunteering.

His photographs are printed and commonly used as profile pictures by parkrunners.

Volunteers are always welcome and are made to feel part of the team. Drop Bramley parkrun an e-mail if you can help out: bramley@parkrun.com.

Meet the volunteers

Reg – guardian of the gates

I volunteer because I enjoy motivating and encouraging people on their run or walk – and also without us volunteers parkrun wouldn’t be possible.

The most memorable moment for me was seeing a chap called Arthur coming back to parkrun after a long period of being really unwell after he suffered a heart attack at a parkrun which resulted in a triple bypass.

We were fortunate as at that time not all parkruns had a defibrillator and we had one donated by Pure Gym. Along with support from off-duty medical professionals that saved his life that day.

Satty – runs Satty’s steps

I used to run Bramley Parkrun on a Saturday until I realised I never have a rest day I then started volunteering thinking it would be once in a while.

I enjoyed it so much that I started volunteering every week and soon became part of the Parkrun volunteering family and the breakfast club!

I am often stood at the steps half way up the hill. The lovely comments I receive from runners thanking me because I’m cheering them on is so rewarding… I’m on name terms with the dog walkers! I have met some lovely people who have soon because friends and every week whether it’s rain or sunshine is fun.

Elizabeth and Graham – disco corner

I volunteer because it’s a great way of participating in parkrun without running/walking as I can’t run but lovely to applaud those who do and encourage them on the way.

We meet some wonderfully inspiring people at parkrun – both participants and volunteers – and are in awe of the volunteers who come every week in all weathers to encourage others to do the best they can.

Graham and I love being at Disco Corner when we volunteer. We just love being part of the parkrun family and enjoy encouraging others, especially the younger children who go like the wind!

Parkrun is for everyone no matter their age and ability, it’s a fun event for everyone.

Carol on Carol’s Corner

I volunteer because it makes me feel great.

It is fun. Everyone is so friendly and love to join in any celebration, be it personal parkrun milestones, birthdays, Halloween, Christmas.

It is like being part of a great big family.

A memorable moment that springs to mind is Angela and Malcom celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

So many people shared their special day, cheering them round in their ‘wedding attire’, by wearing carnation button holes, veils, or enjoying a piece of their golden wedding cake.

It was such a wonderful atmosphere.

Jamie and Rosie – usually found at the top of the hill

I started volunteering after a knee injury stopped me running.

That was over five years ago now and it’s still my favourite place to be on a Saturday morning.

Being there feels like you’re a part of something special and it never fails to put a smile on my face.

My nine-year-old daughter has also volunteered at over 50 parkruns and really enjoys it. There have been many memorable moments as a parkrun volunteer.

A highlight was when we had several parkrunners dressed up in inflatable dinosaur costumes.

It was a bizarre sight and definitely made for an entertaining parkrun that day!

The Bramley parkrun team is like a big family and it’s great to be part of such a special event at the heart of the community.

Jill on the turnaround point

Why do I volunteer at Bramley parkrun? Cake, yes it’s the cake! Ha ha. On a more serious note; I volunteer at Bramley parkrun to support an event that has made me feel like part of a community and helped me make some great friends. I love seeing how people turn up week in week out giving it their best that morning and I feel joy in celebrating people’s amazing milestones.

It’s hard to choose a favourite moment when there is something unique each week, like people attending their first parkrun, to celebrating personal milestones (birthdays, Wedding Anniversaries etc) and their running milestones, to Halloween fancy dress.

But one of the best was volunteering the day we had a herd of fancy dress inflatable dinosaurs roaming the park – definitely a sight to behold and interesting getting high fives from a T-Rex!

Ian, in the naughty corner

I get a buzz from helping people who are trying to get fitter and healthier, or even just enjoying the exercise.

My favourite volunteer moment was seeing the chap in front of the other runners after he’d just run up a steep hill pushing a buggy with an infant on board.

I also shout at the runners with jokes for enthusiasm!

Get involved

Bramley parkrun has had several Duke of Edinburgh students over the years completing their bronze and silver awards. If you know of a young person who would like to volunteer, get in touch with the team. Contact the team bramley@parkrun.com or face to face on a Saturday morning.

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Armley: Community spirit celebrated at event

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February 28, 2024

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By Michelle Corns

Armley Action Team (AAT) held a social to thank everyone who gave their time helping out within the community, over the past year.

AAT was established by residents to help Armley Town Street and wider Armley area to thrive, not just survive.

It is now the main hub for several community services and events in the area – including the Yum Community Fridge and Pantry, Bundles reuse shop for 0-18’s, and the extremely popular annual Armley Festival. They are also responsible for the street markets, planters and painted rocks on Town Street, as well as the pop-up park and mural on Gelder Road.

The evening welcomed around 50 volunteers and board members to thank them for their valuable contribution to the community over the last year – with food, a quiz and a raffle.

During the quiz, attenders were asked to suggest up to five things they’d like to do tomorrow in Armley. Two teams said a zipwire from Armley to Kirkstall was their number one priority!

Bethany Korynek:

“Because these volunteers are willing to give up a lot of their free time with us, we have a huge amount of gratitude to them.

“This kind of event where you can celebrate the successes, the good things in the neighbourhood and the improvements that have been made in people’s lives – they actually don’t come that often.

“When we do have events like this, it reminds everybody that they can be hopeful and that they can feel good about what they are doing – as well as hearing about some of the real impacts that their work has had on local people.

“That is really valuable because otherwise, you are just giving up your free time organising things or working in a charity shop and you don’t actually see the bigger picture. This event has really helped me to see that for sure.

“I found out this evening, that apparently there are over 70 people involved in the organisation.

“Bundles can give young people from 14 and over a great opportunity to volunteer and get work experience.

“A lot of young people in the area don’t get much opportunity to do work experience, so that has been really good for them.

“The work of AAT is so important – just because you may be on a low income doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a nice place to live and the things that AAT do has had a positive impact one hundred percent. They have initiated the mural project on Gelder Road, that recruited a lot of young people.

“They had planters to grow things in and food on Armley Town Street as well.”

Kacie Halliday:

“It was good to celebrate and see everyone come together, but also to see just how many people actually make up Armley Action Team, as if you’re only in one day you don’t really see all the amazing people that are involved as well as those behind the scenes.

“It was nice to be out and socialise while meeting others, who may be different to you, or who you may not necessarily have contact with. We all have a common interest in helping those around you and within your community.

“The work that is done is vital as it allows families to access food, toys, clothing with dignity and pride as it is at an affordable cost whilst also still putting back into the community when buying from Bundles or Yum pantry.

“It also reduces textiles waste, food waste and landfill by things just being thrown away, while putting money back into the community and events that families can access, which in turn creates bonding memories and enables child development opportunities.”

Judi Telford:

“It highlighted the good I feel is happening in the community, and the way that different groups have so many common threads. And the curry was bloody lovely!”

Richard Honey:

“As a new volunteer at Bundles I’m so impressed by the dedication, enthusiasm and creative ideas that go into offering such a brilliant resource for the community.

“It’s wonderful that here we have an example of sustainable living. Hopefully what may start as simple need might become an embedded community-led consumer habit.”

Lou Canon:

“One of the many things I love about Armley is our rich diversity of people and I see them all represented in Bundles – donating, buying, volunteering.

“Seems some of those paths likely wouldn’t cross except in Bundles. It’s bloody ace!”

Lou Cunningham:

“The work of the volunteers is central to Bundles and Yum being able to fulfil our offer to the community.

“We want our volunteers to know that they are appreciated and that we value the time and energy they give.

“We know the work is vital for the community because the community tells us how much it is needed. Having access to good-quality preloved items and a community pantry means that families and individuals can benefit without feeling marginalised.”

Yvonne Wilson:

“We are all like a huge family in the community, all wanting and trying to do the same – and to be rewarded through the social night was an honour.

“I felt like I belong somewhere. I have anxiety and am not always good in a room full of people, but I knew we were all there for the same reason, helping others and helping Armley. I feel proud to be part of that team.”

To find out more about the Armley Action Team or to volunteer at any of their community projects, email: armleyactionteam@gmail.com or search for Armley Action Team on Facebook.

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Pudsey daughter’s challenge: Why I’m doing The Moonwalk for mum

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February 27, 2024

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ALICE Dale is taking on the Full Moon – 26.2-mile – walking challenge at The MoonWalk this year. Alice, 28, is taking part with her two sisters, to mark five years since their mum Samantha died from cancer.

The event is run by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, organisers of The MoonWalk, when thousands of women and men wearing brightly decorated bras walk marathons through the streets of London at midnight on Saturday 18 May. Here’s Alice’s story:

“I’m taking on the Full Moon (26.2 miles) at this year’s MoonWalk London with my sisters, to mark five years since our wonderful mum Samantha died from cancer. She completed three MoonWalks herself in the years before she was diagnosed. Signing up for an event which she loved so much seems like the perfect thing to do in her memory.

“Mum’s three MoonWalks were between 2010 and 2012 – two in London and one in Scotland. She originally signed up because she was looking for a challenge. I was only 15 when she did her first event and I remember that she’d started walking with her friends in the evenings. The MoonWalk was a chance for her to do something different and push herself a little further.

“When I look back on that time, cancer felt like something which was quite removed from our family. We didn’t know anyone who was going through cancer treatment and we were just very proud that mum was doing something amazing to help other people. Then – out of the blue – mum was diagnosed with cancer herself in 2013.

“She’d discovered a lump on her chest right under her bra. It was annoying her, so she went to the doctor’s, only to be assured that everything was fine. But it wasn’t. She went back and pushed for further tests and was finally told that the lump was indeed cancerous.

“The original cancer had actually developed in her uterus, but by the time she was diagnosed, the cancer had already spread to her lungs – hence the lump on mum’s chest. I was only 18 at and just about to head off to university, my eldest sister Harriet was 20 and my younger sister Phoebe just 15.

“I remember thinking how strange it was that our family was suddenly one of those being helped by cancer charities.

“We were now in the same position as the people who mum had helped previously.

“Mum went through a lot of treatment, including a hysterectomy, various rounds of chemotherapy, as well as a few new therapies. There were periods when she was relatively well and she was able to enjoy holidays with our dad. It was a very up and down time.

“We were blessed to have her for another six years, but ultimately the secondary cancer in her lungs couldn’t be eradicated and she passed away in 2019, aged just 54. For most of those six years, Mum was able to carry on her job as an IVF scientist. At her funeral, one of her work colleagues told us that mum had been responsible for the birth of around 600 babies, which was just incredible.

“My sisters Harriet and Phoebe mean everything to me – I don’t know what I’d have done without them since we lost our mum. We’ve helped each other get through some very hard times.

“To honour mum’s memory, we decided that we’d like to raise some money for charity. Taking part in The MoonWalk London 2024 is just perfect – not only will we be raising money to give something back, but we know that The MoonWalk is so much a part of her. It feels like we’ll be walking in her footsteps. We’ll be thinking of her as we walk, imagining how she may have felt at certain points along the route.

“Completing the Full Moon is going to be a real challenge for us, even though myself and my sisters all try to do different things to keep fit.

“Our dad has done a lot of marathon challenges and told us that if you’re three quarters prepared, the atmosphere will take you the last quarter! I must admit that I’m a mixture of excited and frightened, but can’t wait to take part in such an iconic event.

“On the night, we’re planning to wear decorated bras, just like mum did – I remember she had an Arabian Nights themed bra, an animal one and one which simply had lots of pink! Mum’s friends have already sent me lots of pictures of her taking part in The MoonWalk, which has been lovely. Wonderful memories.

“Such an incredible night will obviously be tinged with sadness for us. I feel very strongly that mum shouldn’t just have been assured that everything was fine when she first went to the doctor’s.

“They should at least have done a biopsy. Unfortunately, when a medical expert tells you that everything is fine, that’s what you believe. I’d encourage everyone in the same position as we were to push for a second opinion.

“Mum may no longer be with us, but on 18 May, my sisters and I will be hugely proud to honour her memory as a family.”

The challenge runs at midnight, Saturday, 18 May 2024, starting from Clapham Common. Sign up now at www.walkthewalk.org.

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Wortley: New playground to ‘encourage families to use the park more’

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February 27, 2024

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western flatts park — Amy and her daughter. Photo: Katherine Turner

By Katherine Turner

A new park playground in Wortley is coming on leaps and bounds, following a residents’ campaign.

Western Flatts Cliff Park has been waiting a long time for new and improved playground facilities and it looks like the end is now in sight with the park due to be completed around Easter time.

The work has been funded through Section 106 money secured from the developers on new houses built on the former Wortley High School site.

As reported by WLD, a petition was signed by over 1,000 people back in 2021. Further campaigning from the Friends of Western Flatts Cliff Park group was followed by a public consultation asking the local community to choose between two sites at the top and bottom of the park.

The results came in and 564 people chose location two at the top of the park, while 303 chose location one at the bottom of the park.

Local resident Amy Kyle and her daughter Elsie told WLD how excited they are to have the new playground on their doorstep.

Amy said: “The old playground was tired, not fit for purpose. It was unsightly and was neglected and not up-to-date.

“The new playground has something for everyone and all abilities. Toddlers, young children and those with disabilities. It will encourage families to use the park more and not have to travel out of the area.”

It has not been an entirely smooth process after plans had to be changed at the last minute due to the discovery of a World War Two air raid shelter.

Work continues at Western Flatts Park. Photo: Liam Sowden

Richard from the Friends Group gave a recent update: “The onsite team are making great progress and things are still looking on track.

“We’re now roughly at the halfway point, so it’s the next few weeks where things will get really exciting.”

The committee has worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible facilities and have successfully secured a £10,000 award from the Outer West Community Committee.

The funding will enable the installation of a wheelchair accessible carousel or similar fully-inclusive ride.

The Friends Group feel it is important that all local children will be able to enjoy the new playground regardless of ability.

There have been some concerns from local residents due to the new location of the playground, but Amy Kyle told WLD: “You can’t please everyone, the top of the park could be too far for those at the bottom end and vice-versa.

“The location is in the open and it is less likely for anything to happen in an open environment. You can get vandals anywhere, why should that mean we don’t get a new park?”

The Friends Group are planning to celebrate the long-awaited completion of the new facilities with a community event around Friday, 29 March.

They are looking for local businesses to lend their support in order to make this a family fun day to remember.

E-mail fowfcp@gmail.com if you can help.

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Exhibition dates:

Sunny Bank Mills appoints new arts director

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Residential and retail plan for former Armley Town Street pub

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‘Bramley is family’: Meet the parkrun volunteers helping to keep everyone running

Meet the volunteers

Reg – guardian of the gates

Satty – runs Satty’s steps

Elizabeth and Graham – disco corner

Carol on Carol’s Corner

Jamie and Rosie – usually found at the top of the hill

Jill on the turnaround point

Ian, in the naughty corner

Get involved

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Armley: Community spirit celebrated at event

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Pudsey daughter’s challenge: Why I’m doing The Moonwalk for mum

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Wortley: New playground to ‘encourage families to use the park more’