This year, as they have done for many years, Calverley Rotary Club will again distribute Christmas lunches to elderly people living on their own on Christmas Day.
The Rotary Club have a database of names of people who had meals last year, but others may qualify.
The residents must live in Calverley, Farsley, Rodley, Bramley, Pudsey and Swinnow to qualify. If any social worker or community groups know of people who qualify and require a meal they can contact the secretary j_m_procter@hotmail.com.
Thanks to a team of volunteers at Calverley Golf Club who prepare the meals and to around 50 volunteer drivers, volunteers will ensure that people are provided with a full Christmas Day dinner, a small gift and a card.
The drivers are given addresses to deliver when they arrive at Calverley Golf Club.
Last year volunteers distributed around 180 of these meals and everyone was so grateful.
Recipient Raymond Raymond Fowler said: “Thank you to the good people of Calverley Rotary Club for the nice Christmas dinner, and thank you to the nice friendly couple who delivered it, thanks from Raymond.”
Dan Squires with Paul Morton from Building Futures Together
Leeds apprentice Dan Squires is encouraging 14 to 19-year-olds to sign-up for free hands-on construction sessions at Building Futures Together (BFT), after the vocational training provider helped him secure his apprenticeship.
The October half term holiday sessions give students the opportunity to gain electrical and plumbing experience and insight into the construction industry, all with the aim of boosting their employability.
Taking place at BFT’s purpose built training centre in Pudsey, students will learn how to wire a plug, switches and install lighting. Plumbing activities include soldering, fitting radiators, sinks and understanding the trades.
They will take place from 10am to 2.30pm on Wednesday, 29 and Thursday, 30 October.
16-year-old Dan joined BFT’s Easter 2024 holiday programme. He enjoyed it so much that he returned during the six-week summer break, travelling over an hour each way to attend. His commitment paid off, as he gained valuable hands-on experience and achieved a City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction Skills.
Dan said: “I was keen to gain work experience and after my best friend’s dad told me about BFT, I decided to give it a try.
“I really enjoyed the atmosphere and I knew it would give me a head start on others interested in becoming an electrician.
“As I was particularly focused on gaining skills specifically for an electrician, BFT tailored my training so I could concentrate on electrical installations.
“I learnt about currents, how to lay everything out, and what would be expected of me at college. Securing my City & Guilds qualification looked great on my CV and has definitely helped me stand out from the crowd.”
He added: “For me, it confirmed what career I wanted to pursue and gave me the confidence and qualifications to progress. Thanks to BFT, I’ve now started an apprenticeship whilst studying at Leeds College of Building.”
Managing director and co-founder at BFT, John Thornton, added: “The aim of our holiday programme is to give students insight into a career in construction, unlock their potential through hands-on learning, and provide a productive way to spend their time during the holidays.
“As demonstrated by Dan, our holiday programme has acted as a career springboard for students, with a number successfully securing apprenticeships and their City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Construction Skills.”
BFT was co-founded in 2020 to help prevent more young people from becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training).
The former Horsforth School pupil in action. Photo: Bad Company Gym
By James Bovington
Horsforth Muay Thai fighter Fergus Smith’s stunning first round victory on the Friday evening ONE championship show at Bangkok’s Lumpini Stadium has established him as a major contender for future world championship competition.
Smith executed a crushing first round knockout of Yemeni fighter Zahran Al-Wesabi who, at 24, is teenage Smith’s senior by five years.
Smith launched an immediate and relentless onslaught knocking his opponent to the canvas twice within 80 seconds.
Interviewed while still in the ring, Smith said: “The hype surrounding me is real. I steamed right through my opponent, the man who’d boasted at the weigh-in that he’d knock me out. My dreams are starting to be fulfilled. I want to fight here again and will face anyone at my weight 118 pounds.”
Former Horsforth School student Smith won the coveted invitation to appear on the ONE fight card following his win on the UK Road to ONE, a four-fighter tournament hosted by the Hitman Fight League.
Fergus defeated his former GB teammate Louis Fairhurst on points before going on to beat fellow national squad teammate Joe Lemaire in the final.
This bout took place on Hitman’s Manchester show featuring Bad Company legend Liam Harrison. Fergus had also added the WMO European Title and WBC Amateur World medal prior to securing his date and opponent for ONE.
The younger of two brothers who have already built an international reputation in the sport, Fergus was accompanied to Thailand by mum and coach Lisa Houghton-Smith and brother Finlay.
Like Smith, opponent Al-Wesabi had qualified to make his ONE debut following intense selection and was himself riding the crest of a five victories wave including knockouts. Hence, he was no apparent pushover.
The Thai commentator described Smith as being a “talented, tactical athlete accurate and unpredictable who may well emerge as a future Muay Thai global superstar after a global search.”
Photo: Bad Company Gym
Another combat sports pundit declared that: “It’s rare to see such a barrage of precisely delivered punches expertly showcasing a fighter’s skills.”
“Lisa, Finlay and I and his sister Felicity are beyond proud of Fergus,” said dad Richard, who also trains Fergus at Bramley’s Bad Company gym.
So impressed was Chaatri Sodyodtong, the founder of ONE, that he immediately awarded Fergus a sizeable bonus equivalent to £ 7,000, almost unheard of for a first timer.
Richard added: “They want him back soon. Leeds has a new potential combat sports superstar. Fergus Smith.”
Contact Richard Smith on 07885 270267 for information about Bad Company, which is based in Waterloo Way, Bramley.
Do you have an item that needs fixing rather than throwing away? LS28 Repair Café returns this weekend.
Pudsey Community Project in Fartown, is holding its latest repair cafe on Saturday, 25 October 2pm-5pm.
The cafe will feature a strong team of general/electrical fixers- including offering clothes repairs/alterations – and simple bike safety checks and minor bike repairs/servicing.
A spokesperson said: “If you have a faulty item we will try and fix it and if you have the parts then we will fit them for free, but please leave a generous donation so we can keep this going!”
There will be refreshments available while you wait including hot chocolate, caramel shortbread and muffins.
The initiative runs every fourth Saturday of the month to bring together the community, impact the environment and try and reduce household costs.
Check out WLD‘s what’s on column for the latest events and activities from your community.
Leeds City of Languages co-founders Sofia Martinho (right) and Bettina Hermoso-Gomez.
By John Baron
Two Horsforth residents are holding a ‘vibrant celebration’ of Leeds’ languages and cultures.
Sofia Martinho and Bettina Hermoso-Gómez both work for the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at the University of Leeds and are co-founders of the Leeds City of Languages Festival.
They described the festival, taking place from November 10 to 23 November, as a vibrant celebration of the city’s languages, cultures, and communities, highlighting connections with the world. More than 80 events are planned for all kinds of audiences.
Sofia said: “We are both proud Horsforth residents, our children attend St Margaret’s School and Horsforth School. When I arrived in Horsforth 15 years ago I didn’t hear many different languages while walking along Town Street.
“Now I hear Spanish, Italian, Cantonese, Mandarin and others. We run this festival to give back to our community, to remind people of the different languages now spoken along Town Street and the important contributions people with different languages make to the community and economy of Town Street.”
Originally founded as Leeds Languages Week in 2023, the initiative has grown into a regional festival celebrating the rich diversity of languages and cultures across Yorkshire.
The festival offers free activities in schools, community spaces and at the University of Leeds, inspiring people of all ages to embrace multilingualism, explore new languages and celebrate the cultural tapestry that surrounds us.
According to the last census, there are over 170 languages spoken in Leeds. Bettina – who was born in Germany and lived in Spain before coming to England – said her multicultural background made her understand the value of speaking more than one language.
“We are no longer living in a monolingual country,” she added.
More than 80 events are being held as part of the languages festival and both Sofia and Bettina are keen to attract more schools and teachers to get included.
Exhibitions, workshops, talks, taster sessions, webinars and activities for young and old all feature at different venues across the city.
Adrian Morley (centre) with pupils at Whitecote Primary in Bramley. Photo: John Baron/WLD
By John Baron
Bramley youngsters have celebrated the grand opening of a new £25,000 sensory and nurture cabin.
Whitecote Primary School pupils were visited by former Leeds Rhinos and Great Britain rugby league star Adrian Morley, from children’s charity Wooden Spoon which had funded the facility.
The new Whitecote Cabin, based in the school’s grounds in Wellington Grove, will provide vital support for pupils with special educational and emotional wellbeing needs – an increasingly important focus in mainstream education.
Grand opening: Adrian Morley with Whitecote headteacher Frances Stead. Photo: John Baron
Whitecote headteacher Frances Stead welcomed the investment. She said: “It is important for the local community because children are coming to us with more needs and families are needing more support.
“The cabin will be a special place for children to come away from the main school building. I must thank Wooden Spoon as they listened to what we needed, considered it and have been so supportive through this process.”
Former Leeds Rhinos star Adrian Morley cut the ribbon.
Cutting the ribbon on the new cabin, Adrian Morley told youngsters: “I loved my time playing rugby league and I loved living in Leeds and playing for the Rhinos. It’s not every day you get the chance to open important facilities like these.”
Youngsters inside the Whitecote Cabin.
Stuart Watson is the Yorkshire chair of Wooden Spoon, a charity dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people through the power of the rugby community.
He said: “We’re about supporting children who might need a leg up in life. We use the principles behind the sport of rugby, where everything is about working as a team and ensuring the nobody gets left behind.
“We fund projects that will make a long-lasting impact to young people – we hope the cabin here will last up to 20 years.”
The cabin will also be used for activities including Lego therapy groups, drawing and talking, planters, growing food, cooking, as a break-out area for those needing support, and running after-school sports and parent-children groups.
It’s hoped the cabin will be more inclusive for pupils who struggle in a mainstream education setting, and better support parents who need a better understanding of supporting a child with special educational needs. It’s also hoped to set up a network between parents and professionals.
Leeds City Council has declared Pudsey Town Hall ‘surplus to requirements’ and will progress with the sale of the historic building.
As revealed by WLD in July, the council is looking to sell the building – which dates back to 1879 – as it aims to raise money to balance its books. It says maintaining the building costs thousands of pounds a year.
A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are currently in the process of reviewing advice from Lambert Smith Hampton on the sale of Pudsey Town Hall after it was declared surplus to our operational requirements in September.
“The decision to progress with the sale comes after a significant amount of time working with ward members and the Community Interest Company to try and find an alternative solution, unfortunately no viable way forward was found.
“We are grateful to all those who have contributed to the discussion about the future of Pudsey Civic Hall and we will aim to keep those involved updated as developments progress.”
The Robin Lane building was the headquarters of Pudsey Urban District Council from 1912-1974. The council chamber remains preserved for educational purposes. The building also used to house Pudsey Magistrates’ Court and the housing office.
Leeds City Council sources point to 15 years of underfunding from central government and the rising cost of caring for vulnerable people for their need to raise money. They are already predicting a £30 million overspend this financial year.
Councillors Dawn and Simon Seary. Photo: John Baron
Councillors Simon and Dawn Seary (Cons, Pudsey) said: “We are deeply disappointed that Leeds City Council has decided to progress with the sale of Pudsey Town Hall, a much-loved landmark that has stood at the heart of our community for generations.
“Hundreds of residents have signed our petition to save the Town Hall, but despite repeated calls from us and local residents to explore genuine alternatives, the Labour-run council has now declared the building ‘surplus to requirements’ and is pressing ahead with disposal.
“We have always supported the idea of a community group taking on the building and had hoped that the Pudsey Town Hall CIC, originally led by former Conservative Cllr Trish Smith, would deliver a sustainable plan, protecting the historic council chamber and providing a home for Pudsey Civic Society.
“Unfortunately, after four years and very little communication with the community, the project inevitably failed – costing the council thousands of pounds and, more importantly, valuable time that could have been spent developing a viable business case to actually save the building.
“We specifically asked council officers to explore all options, including moving the Pudsey Library and Community Hub into the ground floor of the Town Hall and repurposing the old library site as a children’s soft-play area, but sadly, these ideas were not taken forward. Money is tighter than ever after 15 months of the Labour Government, and local communities like ours are paying the price.”
Pudsey Town Hall CIC — a volunteer-led, not-for-profit group made up of members of the local community — says it has worked to create a robust, fully costed business plan to revive the building as a community asset.
In partnership with Pudsey & District Civic Society, the CIC’s vision was to bring the Town Hall back into daily community use, safeguard its Edwardian council chamber and historic interiors, and provide a permanent home for local groups.
Cllr Trish Smith.
Councillor Trish Smith (Ref, Pudsey) said: “Naturally, I am deeply disappointed that Leeds City Council has decided to proceed with the sale of Pudsey Town Hall.
“As one of Pudsey’s most historic and iconic buildings, I believed — and still believe — that it deserves a future rooted in community use, civic pride and accessibility for all. I personally dedicated considerable time and effort, working with a dedicated team at the Community Interest Company, to explore and present viable alternatives.
“I consider the level of personal abuse deliberately stirred up against me [on Facebook] to be completely unnecessary and unacceptable. Cllr Seary consistently refused to engage with me over the future of the town hall despite many opportunities while I was still a member of the same political party.
“There was ample opportunity for him to work with me and/or the CIC but he chose not to.
“That said, the CIC and I have not given up. We are still working to explore any and all remaining avenues that could keep this building in the hands of the community. We recognise the scale of the challenge — particularly in light of the council’s financial position — but we remain open to meaningful dialogue and partnership.
“I am grateful to everyone in Pudsey who continues to support our collective vision for this building. Together, we will continue to fight for a future that reflects our town’s heritage and meets the needs of its people.”
A residents’ led petition opposing the closure of Pudsey Town Hall received more than 1,250 names.
Leeds City Council last week told WLD that no final decision has been taken on the future of Pudsey Civic Hall, which is also facing proposed closure.
WLD has been following local and national government cuts in West Leeds via its Cutswatch series here.
Leeds Mods team shot after beating Darwen 1-0 to get through to the first round proper of the FA Cup
By Ruth Turner
Leeds Modernians Women FC are aiming to pull off a giant killing this weekend — as the sixth-tier side take on York City Ladies, two tiers above them, in the first round proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
The Mods have reached the first round proper for the second time in their history, following a superb run of three straight away victories — a gritty 1-0 win over Darwen, a thrilling 6-5 goal-fest against Grimsby Town, and a commanding 2-0 triumph at Bottesford Town.
The Cookridge-based team are also flying high in league action.
They are unbeaten in the North East Regional Women’s Football League – Southern Division. With four straight wins over FC Farsley Women, York City Ladies Development, Altofts Ladies and Millmoor Juniors FC, they’ve netted 18 goals and conceded just three.
Team captain Beth Barkley.
And while Sunday’s challenge at York Sport Centre is tough — York City play two tiers higher in the Women’s National League Division One North — team captain Beth Barkley believes the momentum is with the Mods.
“The girls are in high spirits,” Barkley said. “We’ve worked hard to build consistency and confidence. This FA Cup run has only made us hungrier — and we’re going into Sunday with belief.”
Mark Womersley, first team manager, added: “The FA Cup is special — it brings clubs and communities together. It gives teams like ours a chance to show what we’re capable of against stronger opposition.
“The players have earned this moment, and we’re going in with confidence, unity, and a real hunger to cause an upset.”
This season’s Women’s FA Cup prize pot means clubs at Leeds Mods’ level are also playing for vital financial support. The team have already earned £9,400 from their run — more than six times what the same progress would have been worth four years ago. Victory on Sunday would increase that to £15,400.
Leeds Mods second team pictured celebrating after winning promotion last season
The club’s second team, formed just last season, are also making waves — unbeaten in cup competitions and currently second in the West Riding County Women’s Division Three, after gaining promotion in their debut season.
Leeds Modernians Women rebranded and relocated in 2023 — a move hailed as the “start of an exciting future” by Leeds Modernians Sports and Social Club, which prides itself on championing women’s sport.
Since then, the club has gone from strength to strength, winning the West Riding Premier Division, a League Cup, and reaching a County Cup Final, and launching a new committee to help drive growth off the pitch.
Now, the club is seeking local sponsors to support its growing women’s setup — one of the largest female player bases across the West Riding FA and North-East Regional Women’s League.
Paul Challenor, Chair for Leeds Modernians, said: “We have strong foundations in place, and we’re genuinely excited about the next chapter.
“We want to keep building on our success — and with the right sponsorship and community support, the future of Leeds Modernians Women looks incredibly bright.”
Leeds Modernians Women FC kick-off against York City Ladies on Sunday, October 26, at 2pm, at York Sport Centre.
Ruth Diskin from Fat Pigeon Bakery. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield
Words: Wendy Exley
Photos: Kelvin Wakefield
The first Moorfields market at Bramley Park was a huge success, bringing the community together.
On Sunday, 19 October, hundreds of people came to Bramley Park to buy locally produced foods and crafts.
The community focused market had a range of stalls selling local products, including pastries, cheeses, flowers and plants, dog treats, specialist pure honey and 3D laser printed toys.
Check out a slideshow of Kelvin Wakefield’s photos below:
The market was a collective idea that developed after Ruth Diskin from Fat Pigeon Bakery, and horticulturalist India Sida-Murray – both from Bramley – were discussing their love of visiting local markets, and the community feel they bring. They wanted to bring that to Bramley.
India said: “We want the markets to be a meeting place for local residents, to promote and engage with local businesses and charities, to bring the people of Bramley together.”
The market in full swing at Bramley Park. Photo: Wendy Exley
They approached local councillors, Friends of Bramley Park Committee, businesses and charities to seek permission, gather support, information and funding for the markets to run.
Tasha Grant, of FLF, who run a series of maker community street markets, helped to arrange, plan and promote the project.
The market is held every third Sunday of the month. Photo: Wendy Exley
The markets will run every third Sunday of the month from 10.30am to 2pm. Check the event’s Facebook page for dates, and there will be two free pitches available at each market for local charities, schools, clubs or individuals who are just starting up.
Pizza Hut’s restaurant at Cardigan Fields is among 68 restaurants to be closed permanently, it’s been revealed today.
Administrators were yesterday appointed to DC London Pie Limited, which operates Pizza Hut’s UK restaurants, while the global brand owner Yum! Brands stepped in to save the remaining 64 pizza restaurants and 1,276 jobs.
Some 1,210 people will be made redundant at 68 restaurants across the UK, along with 11 delivery outlets.
Administrators FTI Consulting told the BBC that DC London Pie had been hit by the combination of “challenging trading conditions and increased costs”. Cashflow had come under pressure “as a result of tax-related obligations”.
“The joint administrators will continue to work with employees who have unfortunately been made redundant, to ensure they get the support needed,” joint administrator Matt Callaghan said in a statement today (Tuesday).
DC London Pie had bought Pizza Hut UK’s restaurants from insolvency in January this year.
Other Pizza Hut restaurants at Colton Mill and the White Rose Centre in Leeds have also closed.
Scarecrows are set to return to the streets of Bramley for the annual Scarecrow Festival – and residents are being urged to take part.
The event returns for October half term – 25 October to 1 November 2025 – and Bramley people are being urged to take part in the annual event, which first started during lockdown to give people something to do.
Organiser Cathy Mill said: “The festival is all about fun for the family, whether people want to create something spooky, sporty or just crazy! It’s about brining people together and we’d love more people to take part.”
Prizes donated by local businesses include:
Costa Coffee – two drinks and two cakes
Lizzies Cafe – small breakfast for two people
J D Wetherspoons – meal for two at The Old Unicorn
Bramley Fisheries – Light bite to the value of £7.80
Gents’ hair cut to the value of £20
Charlene’s Nails – Value £20
Hedge trim and lawn cut.
The winner of the Scarecrow Festival will get first choice of any of the prizes, second place gets second choice, and so on.
To register a scarecrow, join the Facebook group – ‘Bramley Scarecrow Festival 2025’. A full list of all streets and shops hosting scarecrows will be listed prior to the weekend on the Facebook group.
