Back-to-school delight as Broadgate Primary School unveils new play frame

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September 10, 2025

PTA vice chair Clare Smith (far left) and Emma Steel (centre right) Chair of the PTA with Broadgate pupils. Photo: Lara King

By Lara King

Pupils at Broadgate Primary School, Horsforth, greeted the new school term with joy this
week, thanks to the installation of a new playframe paid for by the school’s Parents
and Teachers Association (PTA).

The new multi-featured play frame includes ropes, climbing points and balance beams and
offers school children opportunities to improve their physical activity, as well as hours of fun.

It is already proving extremely popular with the 451 pupils at the school, who will all benefit from it during their time there.

The school has even drawn up a schedule to ensure that different year groups get their chance to play safely on it.

The frame was installed over the summer and funded entirely by the PTA’s various fundraising activities. It is the centerpiece of a series of improvements to the school’s
outdoor spaces, including blackboards, an outdoor reading shelter, playground markings and storage facilities for sports equipment.

Emma Steel, Chair of the PTA said: “We’re delighted to be able to invest in this exciting
piece of equipment that so many pupils will get to enjoy.

“It’s thanks to the support of parents and teachers who have attended events, purchased raffle and lottery tickets and bought Christmas cards, that this has been possible.

“We are so grateful to them, and of course our wonderful PTA volunteers who generously give their time to support the school.”

Working closely with school staff, the PTA now has its sights set on its next improvements,
including a new projector for the school hall and treats for the children throughout the year.

Emma added: “We have lots more activities coming up this autumn, including a back-to-
school raffle, school lottery and Christmas fairs. We’d love to see the wider community get
involved too.”

One of the ways that local residents can show their support is by buying school lottery tickets – with a chance to win up to £25,000! Just head to www.yourschoollottery.co.uk, select Broadgate Primary as your chosen school, and buy a ticket in the weekly draw for school supporters, from as little as £1.

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‘Kind’ Burley St Matthias continues to be a ‘good’ school – Ofsted

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September 9, 2025

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Screenshot 2025-09-08 at 15.18.24 — Burley St Matthias Coffee E Primary. Photo: Google

By John Baron

A West Leeds primary school ‘with a sense of kindness’ has been praised by Ofsted inspectors during a recent visit.

Burley St Matthias Church of England Primary School has been rated ‘good’ for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and its early years provision.

“A sense of kindness permeates through this school,” the report noted, praising ‘warm and caring’ relationships between staff and pupils’.

It added: “A high number of pupils join the school at different points during the school year. Many of these pupils are new to the country. Pupils are welcomed by staff who know them, their families and their individual needs well.

“Consequently, pupils enjoy coming to school. Pupils greet visitors and staff members with excitement. They are proud to show off their achievements.”

The school has high expectations for all pupils.

The report added: “Since the last inspection, the school has experienced many changes to staffing, including leadership.

“It recognises that many pupils previously have not achieved as well as they could have. Improvements to the curriculum are ensuring that current pupils know more and remember more. Leaders are tenacious in their vision to improve the school further.”

The report says the school has made changes to the curriculum to ensure that most subjects are ambitious and well considered. Teachers present knowledge clearly to pupils.

There’s also praise for improving attendance, early years provision and the focus on reading. Safeguarding is effective.

The report notes in some subjects, the implementation of the curriculum is not as effective as the school intends. The school should also broaden the range of opportunities or additional activities available to pupils.

The full report can be read here.

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Farsley Literature Festival 2025 returns for latest edition

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September 9, 2025

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Amanda Truman books — Amanda Truman runs Truman Books in Farsley

This October and November will see the fourth edition of The Farsley Literature Festival, brought to you by Truman Books and Old Woollen.

Once again, the team from the village’s bookshop and events’ venue are bringing some fantastic headliners to Farsley, including Sir Tony Robinson, Andrew Child, Adele Parks and Terry Deary.

Kat Harrison, Events and Marketing Manager at Truman Books said: “Every Autumn, the Farsley Lit Fest invites a book loving audience to take part in conversations, be entertained, explore ideas, meet renowned and debut authors and to just come together for a celebration through a shared love of books.

“We have some amazing authors with some really powerful stories, and we can’t wait for you to meet them.”

Sir Tony Robinson will be sharing stories from his remarkable career, his passion for history and his exciting fiction debut.

Acclaimed British author Adele Parks, who has written 25 books in 25 years, will be launching her new, gripping, psychological thriller, complete with the razor-sharp insights into human relationships she has become know for.

It’s a key year for ‘Jack Reacher’ the popular protagonist of the notorious crime series. And to celebrate Jack Reacher’s 30th adventure, published in November, Farsley Lit Fest will be welcoming global bestselling author Andrew Child all the way from Wyoming.

Even Terry Deary, who has had 359 books published in the last 48 years, is finding time to call in for a chat about his new history book. This is definitely an event for inquisitive minds, with Terry set to delight audiences with his playful, cheeky trademark humour as he offers up an insight into the riotous rebellions that have shaped our history. It’s ‘ Horrible Histories’ for grown ups!

Farsley Lit Fest will feature a wide range of events across many genres so they’re calling all crime fans, nature lovers, rom com admirers, horror junkies, history buffs, thriller devotees, poetry followers, true story supporters and bona fide book bguyers, to take a look at the full programme.

From a food writer (in an exciting collaboration with Farsley’s Mill Kitchen) to a justice campaigner (as part of Black History Month), from crime writers to one of the UK’s most original voices on nature, places and people, Farsley Lit Fest offers something for everyone. There’s the chance to find new fiction favourites, and to catch up with established top picks like Robin Ince, who’ll be sharing his first collection of poems.

There’s interactive experiences too; from an afternoon of sleuthing and the opportunity to try your hand at solving a crime with Antony Johnston as part of Crime Day, to a journaling / writing for wellness workshop to the legendary Book Lovers’ Quiz, where you can test your bookish knowledge.

The Lit Fest team has given every event a title and have summed up each one using three words or phrases to give you a feel for the author and their book, offering up an extra bit of guidance to help you find the event(s) best suited to you. Why not book tickets to an event you know you’ll love and to one, that offers something completely new. There’s lots to be discovered. Have fun!

Full details, venues and bookings are available at the Farsley Lit Fest website.

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Horsforth to host first drag cabaret brunch

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September 9, 2025

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Horsforth is about to get a whole lot more fabulous.

On Saturday 13 September (1–4pm), The Old King’s Arms will host its first-ever CAMP Drag Cabaret Brunch Bingo; a colourful afternoon of drag performances, games, food and cocktails in the pub’s beer garden.

Tickets are just £10 including a welcome mimosa, with prosecco and cocktail deals
available for those booking in advance. Spaces are limited and already in demand,
with tickets on sale now via DesignMyNight.

Hosted by the quick-witted Sue Pertrouper, the show features a dazzling line-up of
drag icons: Koko Popperz, Nurve, Luna Lazuli, Deville and Unknown Amazon.
Audiences can expect electrifying performances, outrageous bingo, and plenty of
campery to wave goodbye to summer in style.

Sue, founder of CAMP, explained: “I started CAMP in 2021 to bridge the gap between mainstream and alternative drag.

“Horsforth might seem like a surprising choice, but that’s exactly the point – not
everything has to happen in Leeds city centre. CAMP is about creating safe, colourful
spaces in communities where drag isn’t seen as often. You’ll laugh, you’ll dance, and
if you’re brave, you might even end up part of the show.”

Alongside the show, guests can enjoy food from resident kitchen Wing Savant,
famed for their bold flavours and gourmet wings.

Owner Will Eastlake said: “Drag queens and chicken wings… what more could Horsforth want? We’re turning up the heat in the kitchen while Sue and the performers bring the spice outside.”

To add extra sparkle, the pub has created a one-off glitter-dusted cocktail, The Glitterball, with £2 from every sale donated to Yorkshire MESMAC, supporting LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing across the region.

John Dugdale, Community Development Worker at MESMAC, said: “Events like this show that inclusivity and celebration don’t just belong in big venues, they should be part of local life.

“We’re proud to partner with The Old King’s Arms, and our team will be there on the day, enjoying the event and sharing information about our services in a relaxed, celebratory setting.”

The event is the product of collaboration between performers, local businesses and
community organisations.

Lyndsey Acaster, co-owner of The Old King’s Arms, said: “We wanted to bring something bold and fun to Horsforth, and CAMP Drag Brunch is exactly that.

“Our aim is for it to become a regular fixture alongside quizzes, open mic, DJ sets and live sport, showing that The Old King’s Arms is more than just a pub, it’s a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

Town councillor Dave Brosnan also welcomed the event. He added: “Not every cultural experience has to happen in Leeds city centre. By bringing drag to Horsforth, we give people something unique on their doorstep, while strengthening our identity as a welcoming, creative town.”

To celebrate, The Old King’s Arms has launched an Instagram competition giving fans the chance to win a table for four with prosecco. Entrants can generate their own drag names using a tongue-in-cheek prompt chart, comment them on the competition post, and tag their brunch crew to be in with a chance.

The best and worst names will even be critiqued online by Sue Pertroupe, in true drag style. The winner will be announced on Friday, 12 September.

Full competition details and prompts are live now on @TheOldKingsArms.

Event Details
● Event: CAMP Drag Cabaret Brunch
● Date: Saturday 13th September, 1–4pm
● Venue: The Old King’s Arms, Town Street, Horsforth
● Tickets: £10 (includes mimosa) – via DesignMyNight.

The Old King’s Arms is a long-established, dog-friendly pub in Horsforth, known for its spacious beer garden, real ales, and resident kitchen Wing Savant.

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Pudsey 10k announces new partnership – and bus diversions revealed

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September 9, 2025

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beForm Nutrition has announced its official partnership with Pudsey Pacers Running Club for the upcoming Pudsey 10k race, taking place on Sunday, 14 September 2025.

Every finisher crossing the line at this year’s Pudsey 10k will receive a complimentary beHydrate performance drink, specially formulated with essential electrolytes and vitamin C to support optimal recovery and rehydration after the challenging 10-kilometre course.

The Pudsey 10k, now in its established position as one of West Yorkshire’s premier running events, is expected to attract approximately 400 runners from across the region and beyond. The race has become a cornerstone event for both competitive athletes and recreational runners looking to challenge themselves in the heart of Pudsey.

“We’re thrilled to support the running community at such a fantastic local event, especially as our company is based in nearby Rawdon and we’re really keen to collaborate and support local events where possible,” said Ben Bunting for beForm Nutrition.

“Our beHydrate formula has been specifically developed to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts replenish vital nutrients lost during exercise.”

Pudsey Pacers Running Club has welcomed the partnership.

“Having beForm Nutrition on board really enhances what we can offer our participants,” commented a club representative. “Recovery nutrition is so important after a 10k effort, and we’re delighted that every single finisher will have access to a quality performance drink to help them celebrate their achievement properly.”

The Pudsey 10k continues to grow in popularity, drawing runners from across West Yorkshire and beyond who are attracted by the well-organised event, scenic route, and strong community atmosphere that the Pudsey Pacers Running Club has cultivated over the years.

Registration for the Pudsey 10k is still open, allowing participants to sign up through the Pudsey Pacers Running Club website. The race begins promptly at 9am on 14 September 2025.

Route

Starting at Pudsey Cenotaph at 9am, South Parade to Littlemoor Road. Left turn on to Littlemoor Road, left turn on to Radcliffe Lane, left turn on to Chapletown, left turn on to Carlisle Road, right turn on to Fartown, left turn on to Bankhouse Lane and into the Valley. Returning from Tyersal Lane, Smalewell Road, right turn Green Lane, left turn Greentop, proceed on to Fartown, Roker Lane, left turn on to Littlemoor Road, along to left turn on Radcliffe Lane and up to Park entrance.

Bus diversions

Next Sunday, 14 September, between 8am and 2pm, a number of bus services will be diverted due to the Pudsey 10K.

Service 4 & 4F – Diverting via Church Lane, Lidget Hill and Cemetery Road in both directions.
• 4F towards Fartown will terminate at Pudsey Bus Station (no service to Fartown).
• 4F towards Leeds will start from Pudsey Bus Station.

Service 14 – Diverting via Lowtown in both directions.

Service X11 –
• Towards Leeds: normal route to Galloway Lane, then diverting via Owlcotes Road, Cemetery Road, Lidget Hill to Pudsey Bus Station.
• Towards Bradford: starting from Pudsey Bus Station, then diverting via Lidget Hill, Cemetery Road and Owlcotes Road to rejoin normal route at Galloway Lane.

Pudsey Pacers Running Club is a thriving community running club, which organises the annual Pudsey 10k race and supports runners of all abilities through regular training sessions and social events.

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Music venue Boom Leeds hopes for new licence

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September 9, 2025

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By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

Supporters of a much-loved music venue are urging the council to grant a permanent licence to host gigs.

Boom Leeds hopes to continue staging bands at Canal Place, off Armley Road, after moving there with the help of fundraising and volunteers.

The venue faced an uncertain future after having to vacate its previous site in Mabgate, where it ran live events, rehearsal rooms and studio space for more than a decade.

Boom moved to Canalside Community Music Space in May this year, and has been since been using temporary event licences.

Leeds City Council received 46 letters of support for a new licence application, including from Leeds East MP Richard Burgon and the Music Venue Trust.

Mr Burgon praised a fundraising effort launched when Boom had to leave Mabgate due to redevelopment plans.

He said: “Boom Leeds is a very special place, not a standard run-of-the-mill music venue. It is a place imbued with the DIY ethos.”

In 2019, Mr Burgon tabled a parliamentary early day motion (EDM) in support of Boom which was signed by 26 MPs.

The following year, warnings were made that the venue, also known as Temple of Boom, might not survive the Covid pandemic.

The Music Venue Trust (MVT) said the closure of the Magbate venue in March was met with an “outpouring of public sadness”.

It said: “MVT is confident that granting this application will strengthen and diversify the cultural provision of the area, boosting the local economy and furthering the city of Leeds’ evening and night-time hospitality offering.”

The council also received 18 objections from people living nearby who feared noise disturbances if the venue was allowed to play music until 3am.

One said: “Prolonged exposure to loud music and late-night activity will lead to serious disruption in what should be a peaceful residential area.”

Conditions to prevent public nuisance were being agreed with the council and West Yorkshire Police.

A licensing sub-committee will consider the application at a hearing at Leeds Civic Hall on Tuesday, September 16.

Councillors say plan should protect greenbelt land in Calverley and Farsley

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September 8, 2025

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By John Baron

Residents living in Calverley and Farsley have been encouraged to have their say on a planning blueprint for Leeds ahead of next Monday’s deadline (15 September).

Councillors Peter Carlill and Craig Timmins (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) have said any development should be focussed on brownfield rather than greenbelt sites.

They also say that housing which has planning permission but is not yet built should be deducted from the number of new homes required in the plan.

As reported by WLD, views are currently being sought on the Leeds Local Plan, a legal framework that will set out Leeds City Council’s vision and strategy for sustainable growth up to 2042.

The plan will guide how land will be used and developed. It influences planning decisions to ensure any developments meet the needs of the community and the environment.

A range of potential sites included in the consultation have put forward by developers, landowners, residents and others. They are not suggestions or endorsements from the council but were put forward in a ‘call for sites’ that the council must evaluate to see whether they are suitable for development.

Cllrs Carlill and Timmins said: “Please do have your say in the consultation – there is just a week left.

“It is important residents give their views on the individual sites included, but also on the overall methodology used for the assessment of sites – as this is key in ranking sites and choosing which sites would be selected.”

In their feedback on the plan, they say that development should focus on brownfield sites first, as has been the case in previous years with 80% of development in Leeds being on previously developed land.

They wrote: “The proposal to direct major growth to the city centre whilst protecting the character and distinctiveness of market towns and villages is welcome.

“As noted in the plan, there are 34,000 units with planning permission across the district that are not yet built – these should be deducted from the housing target. Government are right to act to ensure land is not landbanked and granted planning permissions are brought forward in a timely manner. There are also already-allocated sites that should be used before new sites are considered.”

They also said that the plan should provide a mix of housing in line with local need, not just larger homes, as well as provide a ‘substantial’ increase in affordable housing. They also called on the plan to bring local benefits, such as new/improved services, better transport links, green space and infrastructure.

The councillors’ full response can be found here.

Individual sites featured in the early stage of the plan include:

Calverley

Estimated housing capacity 56, on land to the south of Leeds Liverpool Canal, west of Calverley Cutting and west of Harewood Drive, Calverley.
Estimated draft housing capacity: 12, at 3 Crowther Avenue, Calverley.
Estimated draft housing capacity: 26, land to the south of Upper Carr Lane, east of Reservoir Court, Calverley.
Estimated draft housing capacity: 293, land to the south of Foxholes Crescent and east of Woodhall Road, Calverley.
Estimated draft housing capacity: 171, land to the north of Carr Road, south of Clara Drive and west of Calverley Cutting, Calverley.
TBC, Palmer Plants, Calverley Lane.
Estimated housing capacity 363, Crossfield Farm, Woodhall Road, Calverley, Pudsey.

Farsley

Estimated draft housing capacity 56, on land North East of Red Beck Nurseries, Ring Road Farsley.
Estimated housing capacity: 527, land to the east of the A6120, west of Bagley Lane and north of Kirklees Drive, Farsley.

Have your say

The Leeds Local Plan on-line portal can be found by visiting the website.

Follow WLD’s ongoing coverage of the Leeds Local Plan here.

Annual Aston Martin Day draws crowds to sunny Farsley

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September 8, 2025

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Aston Martin Day 2025 winner receives his prize. Photo: Si Ishmael Cliff

Words: John Procter Photos: Si Ishmael Cliff

With wonderful weather for the day 34 Aston Martins assembled in Farsley Celtic’s car park before they left to drive up Newlands, the site of the original Aston Martin factory.

From here they drove up along Frances Street before driving down Town Street to Weavers Yard in Sunny Bank Mills.

All along the route people gathered to admire these magnificent cars before making their way to Weavers Yard.

Here’s a slideshow of Si Ishmael Cliff’s photos from the day:

People were asked to vote for their favourite car on the day (Saturday, 6 September) and the winner was a car that was built at the Farsley factory.

The owner of the winning car was presented with a cake made by The Farsley Cake Company by Steven Gaath, of The Aston Martin Owners Club.

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Police hunt man over attempted burglaries in Farsley and Rodley

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September 8, 2025

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Burglary appeal — Police would like to speak to this man in connection with the incidents in Farsley and Rodley. Photo: WYP

Police investigating a series of attempted burglaries in the Rodley and Farsley areas have issued an image of a man they would like to identify.

Officers would like to speak to this man in connection with these incidents which occurred overnight on Wednesday, 27 August.

If you can assist with identifying him then please contact the Leeds District Crime Team on 101, or by using the livechat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website. The crime reference is 13250490402.

Information can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.

Baton of Hope to launch in Bramley on World Suicide Prevention Day

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September 8, 2025

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By Helen Fay

This Wednesday (September 10) sees the launch of the Leeds leg of the national Baton of Hope 2025 tour.

The Baton of Hope is a powerful symbol to raise awareness about suicide prevention. Its purpose is to promote a message of hope, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking and to bring communities together to remember those who lost their lives to suicide.

84 baton bearers will be taking part, all of whom have been affected by or bereaved by suicide. Further information about the Baton of Hope can be found here.

The route stretches across from West to East Leeds, via the city centre. The walk launch event starts at 8.30am from BARCA-Leeds at Manor House, 259 Upper Town Street in Bramley.

There will be live music, a speech by Councillor Adele Rae (Lab, Bramley) and the opportunity to support and cheer on the baton bearers.

The West Leeds part of the route takes in Bramley centre, Raynville Road, Wyther Lane and along the canal towpath, through Armley Park, beside Armley Moor, then along Armley Town Street and past New Wortley Community Centre before heading towards Holbeck and onwards.

There is an interactive map to enable observers to follow the whole route live. A list of approximate timings and locations of where the baton will process, can be found here.

The Leeds leg of the Baton of Hope tour takes place on World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September) and there will be a number of events taking place along the route. More information can be found here.

The event finale will take place in the evening at the Old Fire Station in Gipton, East Leeds.

The BARCA Being You Leeds men’s group will be performing an original song written by it’s members.

Group leader Jonathan Parker said: “The Being You Leeds Music Group have been hard at work writing and recording a song for the Baton of Hope.

“We’ll be performing the song at the end of walk event and would love to welcome as many people up as possible to sing it with us. There will be lyric cards provided. It’s a song of resilience and hope at our darkest times. The song is called Here I’m Staying.” The song is available as a free download and can be accessed here.

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Crowds attend opening of mum and daughter’s new Horsforth restaurant

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September 8, 2025

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big scoffs opening — Mum and daughter team Tracy and Ria Wale celebrate the opening of Big Scoffs Diner, their new restaurant in Horsforth. Photo: Jan Calvert

By Jan Calvert

Crowd funders and supporters of Big Scoffs Diner – Horsforth’s newest restaurant – gathered to celebrate the much-anticipated opening at 79 New Road Side.

The event, on Saturday 6 September, drew a large crowd who came to wish the local mum and daughter team, Tracy and Ria Wale, congratulations and ‘good luck’ on their latest endeavour.

Local families were excited to help cut the ribbon, including Octavia and Orla McKniff who attended with their mum Abigail. Photo: Jan Calvert

The family run restaurant serves home cooked, plant based meals and is the sister restaurant of Little Scoffs ‘Feel Good Food’, their cafe serving vegan breakfasts, including the famous Scoffs Macscoffin burger, on Horsforth’s New Road Side.

Crowd funders who had supported the fundraising – Jane Squire, Julie Matthews, Eleanor Lilley and Sid Cramp – took their first view of the new diner and sampled the canopies on offer.

Sid Cramp and his wife Rose were delighted, Sid said: “It’s amazing in here! We can’t wait to book.” And Jane Squire has already ‘bought a table’ as part of the crowd funding promotion.

From left: Julie Matthews, Eleanor Lilley, Sid Cramp and Jane Squire, supporters of the crowd funding initiative.

Local mum, Molly Hall brought her three children, twins Aamaiyah and Eden, aged nine, and Leiana, aged 5, who have all grown up eating plant-based food.

Molly said: “It didn’t seem ethical to raise children eating meat when our values are based around kindness to animals.

“We’re really happy Horsforth has a plant-based diner where we can eat such healthy food which the children love.”

Molly Hall with her three children, Aamaiyah, Eden and Leiana.

The restaurant is open Thursday to Sunday and serves a full vegan roast dinner on Sundays.

Restaurateur, Tracy Wale, said: “Everyone is welcome, we are all about good food and friendly vibes.”

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Everything you need to know about Armley Festival 2025

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September 8, 2025

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Armley festival 2024 — Armley festival returns. Photo: Clancy Walker

Armley Festival will draw the crowds to Armley Moor at the weekend, with a mix of community, music, stalls and other activities.

Organised by Armley Action Team, the popular family friendly event is being held on Armley Moor on Saturday, 13 September 2024, 12pm–6pm

The day will feature:

Live music from local bands including Creedence Clearwater Revival Revival, Cowtown, Hot Squash, Lonan, The Bops and Bramley Ukulele Group, and Man About Town.
Food & drink from Suefa Jerk Centre, Bagaara, Nero’s Ices, Super Whip Leeds, North Star Coffee, the much-loved Tea Tent, and a Beer Bar from Kirkstall Brewery.
Market stalls from local makers and traders such as Bellas Enchanted Crafts, Gothica UK, Crafty lil Hands, Sweet Treatz to You, Animou, Glitter Girl UK, and many more.
Community groups, including YUM, Bundles, New Wortley Community Centre, Leeds Youth Service, and others showcasing their fantastic work.
Family activities like the PlayTent (sponsored by North Star Coffee Roasters), Climbing Wall, and Armley CommUNITY Games (organised by Dixons Academy & Christchurch).
Entertainment from Piff Paff Theatre and Cusan Theatre with street theatre and walkabout performances.