Playboxes bring fun and creativity to Armley Moor

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August 30, 2023

playbox armley — The Playbox provided workshops on Armley Moor. Photo: Armley Action Team

By Grace Cooper

Big shipping containers, known as Playboxes, have been providing fun and activities for youngsters on Armley Moor during the summer holidays.

Once opened up, various toys and activities are inside for anybody to get involved with.

Playful Anywhere began in 2012 and offers various creative and playful activities, with the playboxes being one of them.

Armley Action Team are working with Playful Anywhere to deliver the Playbox to the residents of Armley, and it will remain on Armley Moor up until the Armley Festival on Saturday, 9 September.

Playbox has been based on on Armley Moor. Photo: Grace Cooper

Fran Graham from Armley Action Team says the playboxes and Playful Anywhere are “Interested in play for all ages, and believe that children, young people and adults should have access to things to play with.

“Lots of the things inside are geared towards kids realising their own fun and creativity helping youngsters to tap into hidden or obvious talents.”

Playful Anywhere playboxes have also been beyond Leeds in such as Cambridge and York.

Fran says the playbox in Armley is partly to see if local people would be interested in a permanent playbox. She adds that permanent playboxes have been a success in Seacroft and Bradford, with it being a collaborative activity for the community.

The playbox has attracted many people to play, with Fran saying that all ages have been involved, which she says is what is “really lovely about the playbox” adding that “you have to remind adults sometimes that they’re still playful”.

A summer of fun on Armley Moor. Photo: Grace Cooper

Shenanigans Armley, a local women’s group who got involved with the playbox, is one example of adults joining in with the fun.

Susan and Claire are among many parents accompanying children to the playbox. They said: “It’s a marvellous idea to encourage play and bring the community together. Local activities are better than having to head into the middle of town.”

The playbox is a free activity to get involved with and more sessions with the playbox are due to take place. Today (Wednesday, 30 August) a session is being run by We Belong Here from 4.30pm-7.30pm, on Thursday, 31 August Barca-Leeds are running a session from 10am-12pm and on Friday, September 1 a session for 13-17 year olds by Leeds Youth Service is taking place.

The playbox will also still be around on Armley Moor during Armley Festival on Saturday, 9 September.

Playful Anywhere was established in 2012 by Pudsey resident Emma Bearman with a mission to learn from her young inquisitive children how to fully embrace the joy in the ordinary everyday moments and minutiae, see the potential in places and the people they encountered.

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Burley Park Little Owls Nursery receives ‘good’ Ofsted rating

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August 30, 2023

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Little Owls Nursery Burley — Little Owls Nursery in Burley Park. Photo: Google

By Grace Cooper

Little Owls Nursery in Burley Park has received a ‘good’ rating in all areas by Ofsted in its first inspection since the Covid-19 pandemic.

An Ofsted inspector said that the children were “happy and settled”, which showed that they feel “safe and secure”. The inspector also said the staff appear to “understand the needs of the children and helped them to quickly settle and build positive relationships”.

The inspector also reported that staff are good at communicating behaviour expectations to the children with them mostly showing good responses to this.

When considering what Little Owls Nursery does best, the inspector highlighted an ambitious curriculum and staff’s consideration of the children’s background and experiences. The inspector also says staff do well in supporting the children’s communication, and bilingual staff support the children who speak English as a second language.

There is also good support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The nursery also offers further activities and experiences for children that receive early years pupil premium funding. This extra funding is paid to childcare services to support children in or adopted from care or children with parents that receive benefits. They help the children’s development with creative activities and experiences, so they are not at a disadvantage to other children.

Safeguarding arrangements at the nursery are also reported as good, with staff being well trained in reporting any issues. The inspector also says there is clear support for staff’s health and wellbeing from management.

Little Owls Nursery appears to have a good reputation in the area, with the inspector saying “parents speak highly of the nursery and its staff team” and have seen their children develop skills whilst being at the nursery.

The inspector reports two areas for the nursery to improve, saying that performance management processes have not yet been fully put in place so teaching skills across the staff is not always consistent.

The inspector also says that staff should be more confident in helping the children learn early maths concepts as these ideas are not always introduced.

The nursery was rated ‘outstanding’ at its last inspection in 2018.

The full report can be read here.

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Armley: Wilko redundancies suspended after late bids for high street business

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August 30, 2023

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Armley wilko — Armley's former Wilko store, off Stanningley Road. Photo: Google

Job losses at Wilko stores across the country have been paused after administrators agreed to assess last-minute rescue bids for the high street chain.

GMB Union met with administrators yesterday morning (Tuesday) to discuss multiple bids which have been made for the discount retailer.

The chain recently collapsed into administration, which has put 12,500 jobs at risk, including staff at its store in Armley.

Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary urged caution over the bids. He said: “While this is a positive development, Wilko is not out of the woods by any means and this is a time of incredible stress and worry for the 12,500 workers who face losing their jobs.”

About 400 shops across the UK are also at risk of closure. Wilko also operates a head office and two distribution centres.

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Bramley Baths partnership 1 — www.bramleybaths.com

Pudsey Produce and Craft Market celebrates five years of supporting independent traders

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August 29, 2023

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A produce and craft market is celebrating five years of supporting independent traders in Pudsey.

This Sunday, 3 September 2023, will mark the fifth year of the Pudsey Produce and Craft Market.

Originally established in September 2018, the monthly market has impressively weathered challenges including the Coronavirus pandemic and has gone from strength to strength.

Originally set up to put the spotlight on Pudsey market place, the event will feature over 30 stalls, from candles and cheese to dog treats and sweets.

If you want a bite of the action then you can find it in Pudsey Market Place from 9am to 1pm on the first Sunday of every month. All funds raised will support the annual Pudsey Christmas Lights display.

Check out WLD’s what’s on guide for the latest events from your community and beyond.

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In photos: Bramley celebrates a ‘Cultural Collective’

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August 29, 2023

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371781188_10227843318460015_8012335238393607606_n — Fun and frolics in Bramley park. Photo: Philip McConnell

Photos: Philip McConnell

Bramley’s community came together at different venues to celebrate the area’s culture as part of the Leeds 2023 City of Culture celebrations.

Cultural Collective was the first arts and culture festival in Bramley and featured a number of venues, including Bramley Baths, Bramley Park, Trinity Methodist Church and Bramley Villagers Club.

Community reporter Philip McConnell was on hand to capture some photos from the day:

Photos show Calverley and Farsley’s culture and creativity

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August 29, 2023

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Photos: Jo Reilly

Culture and creativity was on show at an event to mark Calverley and Farsley’s contribution to Leeds 2023’s city of culture celebrations.

Seven artists showed the work they have created with the community, and there was activities, story telling and more to entertain and delight visitors of all ages at Sunny Bank Mills.

People could also vote for their favourite mural design, which will be painted on Croft Street, opposite the fish and chip shop.

Jo Reilly attended and took the photos in the slideshow below:

It’s not too late to vote for your favourite mural design. More details here.

Check out WLD’s what’s on guide for the latest events from your community and beyond.

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Inspirational entrepreneur moves into Farsley’s Sunny Bank Mills

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August 29, 2023

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SBM-Michelle 2 — Michelle at Sunny Bank Mills, with (l-r) co-managing directors John and William Gaunt.

By Robert Beaumont

Michelle Hands, the founder of the inspirational female content and clothing company She Who Dares Wins, has moved into a state-of-the-art studio at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, near Leeds.

Michelle has taken space in the beautifully refurbished 10 Old Combing building in the heart of the mill complex.

Michelle, who has spent 17 years in the male-dominated property, construction and civil engineering sectors, set up She Who Dares Wins to inspire and empower women to take up careers in these industries.

She explained: “She Who Dares Wins is a culmination of my life’s experience, combining my training and work as an actor, filmmaker, content creator and public speaker with my life as a construction engineer, predominantly in landfill sites across the UK.

“I have lived in a man’s world for most of my life, which has been both fascinating and challenging. Working with tough Alpha males, whose behaviour often leaves a good deal of room for improvement, is eye-opening.

“But the experience inspired me to create a company and a brand that empowers women to challenge convention and celebrate their own strengths and I am delighted to report that this has gained real traction, bringing a strong and vibrant community together. Hence my move to this fabulous studio at Sunny Bank Mills,” explained Michelle.

Michelle in her new studio at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley.

Michelle, who lives in Horsforth, studied Geography at Birmingham University, before taking an acting course in Los Angeles.

“Whilst I loved acting, I soon realised that I preferred being behind the camera, rather than in front of it. At the same time, I needed to earn a living, and, through a friend, I found a job surveying landfill sites. Before I knew it, this has turned into a long-term career – and despite some tough times, I don’t regret any of it. It made me the woman I am today.”

From her base at Sunny Bank Mills, Michelle runs her own clothing brand and creates content, videos and podcasts for her clients. Recent posts include the moving story about a young woman who rowed across the Atlantic and a thought-provoking essay by Michelle herself on the importance of embracing imperfection.

“I feel so at home in my new office in the heart of a vibrant cultural and commercial community. I’d like to thank Sunny Bank Mills landlords William and John Gaunt who have been very helpful and accommodating with my move, making the whole process very smooth,” said Michelle.

John Gaunt, who runs the mill with his cousin William, added: “Michelle is already creating a significant reputation with She Who Dares Wins and she is a valuable addition to our community here. We wish her the very best of luck in her new home.”

During the past ten years Sunny Bank Mills, one of the most famous family-owned mills in Yorkshire, has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use retail and leisure complex for the 21st century, creating more than 400 sustainable new jobs.

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Armley youngsters encouraged to learn boxing at taster session with rising star

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August 29, 2023

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By James Bovington

Armley Leisure Centre have teamed up with Armley pro boxer Josh Wisher to offer local youngsters a chance to learn a bit about boxing from one of Yorkshire’s rising boxing prospects.

Wisher is organising a two-hour taster session at the centre on Carr Crofts, Armley, and youngsters aged between 12 and 16 are encouraged to turn up between 1pm to 3pm on Thursday 31 August 2023 for as much of the session as they wish. There is no charge.

“I’m delighted to have been given this opportunity to share some basic boxing technique with more young people from our local area,” said Wisher, 25, whose gym The Ministry of Boxing on Moorfield Road. is about to celebrate its first birthday. ”Hopefully quite a few will come along and give it a go.”

armley leisure centre — Armley Leisure Centre

Further information can be obtained through the Leisure Centre’s Facebook page or by calling 0113 376 0340.

The event is funded by Leeds City Council’s inner west community committee.

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Farsley Celtic’s unbeaten start ended by comfortable Chester

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August 29, 2023

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Clayton Donaldson Farsley Celtic — Clayton Donaldson in action for Farsley Celtic. Photo: John McEvoy

By Niall Togher

Farsley Celtic’s unbeaten start to the season came to an end with a 2-0 defeat away against Chester.

Chester made a fast start, taking an early lead and were clinical in front of goal to race into a 2-0 lead in under 15 minutes.

Despite the game settling down after this, Farsley were unable to find a way back into the game and had to play the last half an hour or so with ten men after Conor Branson was dismissed.

Chester took the lead within the first five minutes with the first shot of the game. Elliot Whitehouse was alive in the box and able to side foot his effort in from close range after a low cross was drilled across the face of goal.

The hosts continued to dominate early on and doubled their lead before the 15-minute mark when captain George Glendon was picked out spectacularly at the back post and was able to nod his effort past Leban in the Farsley goal.

Leban prevented Farsley from conceding a third before the 20-minute mark when he tipped Iwan Murray’s powerful attempt from range around the post.

After half an hour, Chester had another opportunity when Whitehouse found space down the left flank and delivered a ball into the box which was tipped away well by Leban, but it fell into the path of Kole Hall. Just before Hall could tap the ball into an empty net, Rudy Misambo was on hand to slide in and block the shot.

Farsley’s first real chance came when Joao Silva was played in well by Darren Stephenson just before half time. Silva was one on one with the defender and shifted the ball onto his left foot well, but his shot was saved by Chester keeper Wyll Stanway at his near post. It was the Celts’ only meaningful attempt on goal all afternoon.

Chester started the second half the faster of the two teams. Whitehouse thought he had bagged himself a brace when he found the back of the net again after a tidy Chester
move, but he was flagged offside.

Conor Branson was dismissed on the hour mark for Farsley after he brought down Kole Hall just outside the box, with the referee deeming him to have denied Hall a goal-scoring opportunity. Hall was unable to convert his free-kick however, as it sailed over the bar.

Leban made another exceptional save in stoppage time when he tipped Declan Weeks’ volley over the crossbar to keep the score at 2-0.

Farsley are back in action when they welcome King’s Lynn Town to the Citadel where they will be looking to extend their unbeaten run at home to four games whilst claiming their first home win of the season in the process.

Match reaction

Farsley Celtic head coach Clayton Donaldson said his side’s slow start – and a sloppy first goal – hurt the ‘leggy’ Celts. He also voiced his concerns over Branson’s sending off, which he felt was harsh as The Celts had players covering.

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Bramley Lantern Parade, playground painting and basketball projects bid for ‘inner west’ funding

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August 28, 2023

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new-wortley-community-centre — Venue: New Wortley Community Centre, on Tong Road

A number of community and youth-related projects in ‘inner’ west Leeds are hoping to receive council funding at a meeting next week.

Councillors on the inner west community committee will decide on a raft of applications in the Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall wards. Applications they will consider include:

Bramley Lantern Parade – £2,000

The grant will be used to support the Lantern Parade in Bramley, run by Creative Communities CIC. The funds will be spent on materials, facilitators and refreshments.

Discover Wellbeing – £10,000

The money would help pilot a new community based emotional health and wellbeing offer for children, young people and their families run by Barca-Leeds.

Inner West Youth Summit – £2,250

The grant awarded will fund the council-run Inner West Youth Summit 2023.

Bramley Falls Park playground painting – £2,880

The funding will be used to repaint the playground at Bramley Falls Park.

Bramley Basketball at Leeds West Academy – £1,330

Weekly term time basketball sessions with the aim of engaging positively with the young people who attend Leeds West Academy. An opportunity for professional coaching for free within the community. It will be afters chool on Wednesdays in term time, 3pm till 4pm.

LS12 Creative, Armley – £5,847

This funding will support Interplay in the expansion of their existing free to access LS12 Creative project. The grant will increase the number of young people reached, and offer holiday as well as term time activities.

The inner west community committee is made up of nine councillors (all Labour) from Armley, Bramley & Stanningley and Kirkstall wards. It is also made up of community co-optees.

Its next meeting will be at New Wortley Community Centre on Tuesday, 5 September at 6pm. Members of the public are welcome to attend. The agenda can be read on full here.

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Green light for solar panels at Kirkstall Brewery halls of residences

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August 28, 2023

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Kirkstall Brewery student — The Kirkstall Brewery Hall of Residences

New plans to install solar panels at Kirkstall Brewery halls of residences have been approved at the second time of asking.

The panels will provide power for hundreds of students living in seven halls of residence at the site.

Planners refused similar proposals in June, raising concerns over glare and the impact on nearby residents.

In approving the application, a council officer’s report said: “This application is a resubmission of a recent refused application for the same development, this revised proposal has clarified the extent of protrusion of the panels from the roofs, and has included with it a glint and glare study.”

Applicant Cloverco hopes the new panels will make the buildings more energy efficient on the 8.7-acre canal-side site, which caters for more than 800 students.

The plans, documents and reports can be read in full here.

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Green light for shared housing plan at historic Bramley property

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August 28, 2023

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Council planners have approved proposals to turn a Grade II Listed property in Bramley into a house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Applicant Sue Corbett wanted to turn the Upper Town Street building, which dates back to the late 18th century and previously had a commercial use, into a five-bedroom HMO. A HMO is a property rented out by at least three people who are not from one household (such as a family) but share facilities like the bathroom and kitchen.

261 Upper Town Street is a Grade II Listed Building that represents one of the few remaining examples along Upper Town Street of ‘old’ Bramley which was demolished by Leeds City Council’s efforts to regenerate the area in the 1970s.

In approving the application, a council planning officer’s report stated: “The existing building seemingly had consent for extensive renovations in the 1970’s and 80’s and this has resulted in a building who’s heritage values are more contained within its structural fabric and external appearance than any internal features.

“As a result the interior of the building appears largely modern with the majority of its heritage values being within its room proportions and remaining structural elements such as chimney breasts and roof timbers.”

The report notes the property appears to have been earmarked for demolition in 1975, like many of its neighbours, but was probably saved from this by its Listing designation.

View the plans in full here.