Farsley Celtic strike late in a game of missed chances against South Shields

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August 16, 2023

farsley celtic training — Farsley Celtic warm up ahead of their game against South Shields on Tuesday evening. Photo: Farsley Celtic

By John Baron

Ben Atkinson’s calm converted 92nd-minute penalty maintained Farsley Celtic’s unbeaten start to the season in an entertaining 1-1 draw with newly-promoted South Shields.

Substitute Atkinson’s late leveller – his second goal of the season – came after Clayton Donaldson was bundled over in the box. It cancelled out Lirak Hasani’s 60th-minute opener against a lively South Shields side.

It was a game which saw both sides squander numerous chances in front of goal, but a draw was probably a fair result.

The new-look Farsley side should have been on the scoresheet in the first three minutes. Celts’ striker Donaldson somehow put his shot wide from four yards out when it looked easier to score, following a good run down the right by Darren Stephenson.

And after three minutes Shields’ keeper Miles Boney denied Isaac Robinson with a diving fingertip save fas Farsley continued their strong start.

The visitors responded with a flicked effort from South Shield’s Paul Blackett, which only found the side netting. And only a great double save from Jan-Luk Leban in the Farsley goal kept the Tynesiders out from a corner on 23 minutes.

Everton loanee Laban continued his fine start to the season with another fine save on the half-hour mark, palming Aaron Martin’s drive over the bar.

The second half continued to see chances fall for both sides and it was the visitors who took the lead on the hour mark, as the ball was squared across into the box and Lirak Hasani produced a composed finish.

The game continued to be end to end as Farsley pushed for an equaliser and twice Shields could have added to their lead. Jordy Mongoy hit the bar but it wouldn’t have counted anyway as he was offside after Shields broke three on one. And Leban saved The Celts again when Paul Blackett was clean through.

Farsley were knocking on the door for an equaliser. Striker Stephenson shot straight at Boney when through, and the striker then scuffed his shot wide when he should have hit the target. Farsley debutant Jack Leckie then headed narrowly over from a corner as time looked to be running out.

But Donaldson was bundled over at the edge of the box as the game entered seven minutes of injury time and Ben Atkinson calmly converted the penalty down the middle to earn The Celts a share of the spoils and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

The Celts are a team in transition and the new management team will have been pleased to see their side create so many chances as they continue to bed in a new playing style and so many new players.

They still look a little light up front as Donaldson and Stephenson find the right positions but struggle to find their shooting boots. The Celts will be hoping to become more clinical as they make the long trip down to newly-promoted Bishop Stortford on Saturday.

Match reaction

Couch Danny Ellis was pleased with Farsley’s fighting spirit following the 1-1 draw at home with South Shields:

Striker Darren Stephenson said South Shields were a tough side and likened the end-to-end match to a basketball game:

Jack Leckie joins the Celts

20-year-old Jack Leckie made his debut for the Celts last night – just hours after joining the club on a season-long loan from Championship side Hull City.

The central defender, who played for the Celts in the pre-season match against York City, has featured prominently in Hull City’s U18 side, playing 23 times in the U18 Premier League as well as amassing two appearances in the FA Youth Cup.

Chairman Paul Barthorpe said: “Jack played for us in pre-season against York and played very well and we looked to take him on loan then, unfortunately injury prevented this and now Jack is back to full fitness we are pleased to have him back for the season.

“Once again we have looked to the higher end of the league structure to obtain our loans, and have again looked to secure a long-term loan as opposed to short-term deals. We believe this gives us a better quality of player, and helps create stability and build team rapport as opposed to the shorter-term option.”

Director of Football Pav Singh added: “Jack is a talented young player with both pace and power and given the injuries and suspensions we have in defence will be a good long-term option for us.

“He played well for us in pre-season and is highly regarded by his parent club and our scouting network.”

Farsley have a number of injuries in defence, with Isaac Assenso and Lewis Turner yet to play this season and Tom Allan facing a three-match suspension following his sending off against Chorley on Saturday.

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Second annual Fulneck Classic Car Show revs up for some legendary motors

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August 15, 2023

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Fulneck classic car rally — Fulneck Classic Car Rally returns to the Moravian settlement. Photo: Damon Sugden

By Damon Sugden

As part of the Heritage Open Day at Fulneck Settlement, the organisers are delighted to announce the second annual Fulneck Classic Car Show will be part of this year’s events on Saturday, September 16.

Bring all the family to see some classic cars ranging from legendary historic vehicles right up to 80s and 90s superstars.

Among the vehicles hoping to attend is a unique Jowett 1934 Long 7 ‘Kingfisher’, built nearby at Jowett’s in Idle.

These special cars have a lot of fans in the community – and this car was due to attend last year but had technical issues on the day. Organisers hope to get her along for you to enjoy.

Other rare examples are the settlement’s own 200-year-old fire engine and Humber 16/60 F-coupé dating from 1935.

There will also be the ‘People’s Choice Award’ through public voting, and the winning car will join last years winner John Anderson’s Morris 8 ‘Family’ in being added to the ‘People’s Choice’ shield.

Come on down to support this unique heritage car show and give your vote – which car will you choose?

Entrance to the car show is free to Fulneck residents, and the organisers are requesting kind donations from visitors to help keep the wheels rolling for next year.

There is plenty to see as well as the cars: during the day the Settlement will be open to explore – there is a display in the historic mid 18th Century Moravian Church.

This year’s theme is ‘Love, life and labour in the Fulneck community.’ An opportunity to explore the establishment of the settlement, how people lived and worked and the relationship with the wider Pudsey community.

The Moravian Museum will be open and showing off its 200-year-old fire engine as well as showcasing life in the settlement. Additionally there will be tours of the settlement allowing you the chance to properly explore this exciting and colourful part of our heritage – these start at the Church.

Refreshments will be available at the Boys Brigade building in the centre of the settlement, the Heritage Museum will be open, and music will be played throughout the day.

The event will take place Saturday, September 16, between 10.30am and 4pm, at the East End car park from the Roker Lane entrance. Limited free car parking is available at the West End car park.

Events and entrance to the Moravian Church and Museum are free but we do request a donation to help with upkeep.

All profits from the day will be donated to the Fulneck Moravian Church, Fulneck Moravian Museum and Fulneck Dramatic Society and help to support these important local community bodies.

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Paxton Hall listed as asset of community value as campaigners seek to establish Taoist temple

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August 15, 2023

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By John Baron

Paxton Hall community facility on Kirkstall Lane has been added as an asset of community value, council documents have revealed.

The building is owned by registered charity Paxton Horticultural Society.

In essence, becoming an asset of community value gives communities a right to identify a property that is believed to be of value to their social interests or social wellbeing and gives them a fair chance to make a bid to buy the property on the open market if the property owner decides to sell.

Currently, only eligible community groups, local parish councils or local neighbourhood planning forums and charities can nominate.

More than £117,000 has so far been donated towards a £150,000 online crowdfunder to turn the building into a Taoist temple as the International Taoist Society (ITS) seeks to establish a permanent home there.

They want the building to be an international centre for the Taoist community in Europe and want to host workshops, events and masterclasses. The organisation has been running classes in Leeds from a variety of venues (church halls, parks, community centres and schools) for over 60 years.

Campaigners, who fear the site might be sold and developed, argue the hall has changed from being a building solely to serve horticulture groups in the 1960s/70s to providing a wider use to a number of community groups in more recent years.

But ITS is concerned the building may be sold to a property developer.

Current owners Paxton Horticultural Society had objected to the right to buy nomination, saying that several groups who have previously used the hall have left to seek alternative accommodation and the hall is currently under-utilised.

They argued that all the groups who have vacated have found readily available alternative accommodation, including the nearby Kirkstall Leisure Centre.

However council officers did not accept this as a basis for an objection to the nomination.

A council report released this week said: “It is clear from the information provided that Paxton Hall has had a current and recent use by community groups and is an important venue within the local community.”

Councillor Fiona Venner (Lab, Kirkstall) has confirmed her support to listing the building as an asset of community value.

ITS members have put together a survey with a view to maintaining the facility for community use, which can be found here.

The council report can be read in full here.

What is taoism?

Taoism or Daoism refers to a Chinese philosophy, or a set of Chinese traditions and religions which emphasize living in harmony with the Tao. The Tao is generally defined as the source of everything and the ultimate principle underlying reality.

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Have your say on the future of Burley Park

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August 15, 2023

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Burley-walk-3 — Burley Park. Photo: Mark Stevenson

By John Baron

A public consultation has been launched asking how people currently use Burley Park and how it could be improved.

Burley park has a range of facilities including a bandstand, cricket practice pitch, gym equipment, basketball court, tennis courts, bowling green and a playground.

Council parks chiefs have a consultation both online and in the park itself to encourage people to help shape its future.

Parks technical support officer Chris Megginson said: “Our aim is to set out a vision for each of our 65 community parks, to help us achieve our goal of providing the best parks in the UK.

“To achieve this we would like to know what people think about their local parks and how we can make them better for everyone. I am aiming to gather input from as many people as possible and as well as individuals I would love to hear from any groups who use Burley Park or are based in the area.”

As well as the consultation being online, Mr Megginson will be in the park bandstand to talk to people in person on:

Thursday 24 August: 9am – Noon
Saturday 23 September: Noon – 3pm
Wednesday 4 October: 2pm—5pm

The online consultation will be live until 8 November and can be found here.

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Youngsters from Bramley and Stanningley campaign to become Leeds Children’s Mayor

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August 15, 2023

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Bramley childrens mayor — The candidates along with Cllr Tom Hinchcliffe, Caroline Gruen and Kevin Ritchie.

Two young people from Bramley and Stanningley have begun campaigning to become the next Leeds Children’s Mayor.

Both candidates have published manifestos of their plans, should they be successful.

Josh Dennison from Stanningley Primary School wants to create a Poverty Awareness Week to help promote kindness.

Jaxon Luxford from Bramley St Peter’s Primary School wants to raise awareness of disability discrimination by making schools, clubs and playgrounds more fun and inclusive.

Both candidates will be appearing at several community events over the coming weeks to ask young people to vote for them, including the Leeds 2023 event in Bramley and Stanningley on Sunday 27 August.

Jaxon Luxford said: “I believe that ending disability discrimination is important to children and young people in Leeds because people often treat children with disabilities and unique abilities differently.

“Often, as I have learnt myself through having Autism, they can be excluded from activities that children without SEND are able to join in with.”

Josh Dennison said: “Due to the current cost of living crisis, there are more people on the streets, or close to it, than ever.

“Some people can’t afford basic essentials such as food, clothes, housing and heating. If elected, I will work with schools in Leeds to educate young people about poverty and homelessness and establish a Poverty Awareness Week to support our most vulnerable.”

Councillors Tom Hinchcliffe, Kevin Ritchie and Caroline Gruen (Labour, Bramley and Stanningley) said: “We’re thrilled to have two excellent candidates for Children’s Mayor in Bramley and Stanningley. It was great to meet with Jaxon, Josh and their supportive families to discuss their manifestos.

“We paid tribute to their courage in putting themselves forward at such a young age and their commitment to tackling poverty and discrimination in our city. We’re looking forward to supporting them over the coming weeks. Vote Jaxon and Josh!”

People aged 18 or under can cast their vote for the next children’s mayor here. There are a dozen candidates from across the city.

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In photos: Low-hanging rainbow over Bramley – with a chance of pot o’ gold!

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August 15, 2023

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For her weekly photo column West Leeds photographer Susan Tellum captured a rainbow over rainy skies in Bramley and a quiet – if wet – walk along the canal.

Here’s a selection of her photos:

If you have any photos off your favourite West Leeds spots to share, send them to news@westleedsdispatch.com.

John Baron

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Calverley’s 102nd show is on Saturday

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Anne Akers

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August 14, 2023

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By Anne Akers

This Saturday (August 19) will be the 102nd annual Calverley Show, which will be held at the Methodist Hall in the village.

Despite cold, wet weather leading to poor growing conditions this year, organisers are hoping for a bumper number of entries in the vegetable, fruit and flower classes. They are also hoping bakers, artists and photographers will enter their classes, in the hope of winning prizes and trophies.

There will be plenty to keep visitors entertained with live music, market stalls and food and drink. Calverley Brownies will be selling home-baked cakes again this year.

The artwork commissioned to celebrate the show’s centenary is now on show in the village library, which is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Details of how to enter are in the schedule on Calverley Horticultural Society’s Facebook page.

Wortley storage container plans refused by council amid pedestrian safety concerns

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August 14, 2023

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Plans to put four storage container units on land in Wortley have been refused by Leeds City Council planners.

The proposals, by an unnamed applicant, said there would be ‘occasional’ deliveries to the site, behind Highfield Avenue and Dragon Road in Wortley.

But council planners refused the proposals due to concerns over pedestrian safety, inadequate access to the site, noise and loss of visual amenity in a residential area.

Ramblers Leeds Group had objected to the application. They stated: “Ramblers Leeds Group objects to this application on the grounds that users of FP Leeds 195, which runs along the proposed entrance to this site, will be placed at increased risk from vehicular movements.”

The plans can be viewed in full here.

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“The smile on my face says it all”: Taking the plunge at Bramley Baths

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August 14, 2023

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Sharon Bramley Baths — Confidence: Sharon outside Bramley Baths. Photo: Siobhan Gaffey

Words: Laura McDonagh | Photos: Siobhan Gaffey

Sharon tells her story of how being supported by Leeds Irish Health and Homes has helped her find freedom in swimming at community led Bramley Baths.

Sharon’s father hails from Newtownards outside Belfast. “I’ve been there lots of times,” Sharon says. “I think that’s why when I was looking for a support worker, I was referred to Leeds Irish Health and Homes through Live Well Leeds.”

Sharon has some physical needs – she has lymphedema, arthritis and issues with the veins and arteries in her legs – and has experienced periods of poor mental health.

“My instincts are usually to hide and not go anywhere when things are bad, which doesn’t help,” she explains.

Not long after Sharon first started receiving support from LIHH, the UK entered its first pandemic lockdown. Sharon found the virtual arts and crafts groups helpful.

“I did lots of art and painting with Megan and Emma,” she says. “I’ve always had a creative streak, but it’s been coming out more and more with some encouragement.”

“I’ve got a pile of canvases in my front room now! Mainly landscapes – I’ve done the Giant’s Causeway – but I like to experiment with different things, too.”

Some of Sharon’s artwork.

Over the last year, Sharon has started receiving some light support from LIHH Community Support Worker Siobhan. After reviewing Sharon’s physical needs, Siobhan suggested swimming as a means of getting some gentle exercise.

“I took a bit of persuading,” Sharon admits. “But I decided to give it a go. I’m only about 20 minutes from Bramley Baths, and Siobhan came with me.”

The pool has wide changing rooms to accommodate Sharon’s mobility scooter and a poolside lift to help people with mobility issues get in and out of the water with ease.

“It looked a bit daunting, but there are staff there to help and I was safely belted in,” Sharon explains. “They lowered me in really slowly – I had a great view! And the minute I got in the pool, it was like a different world.”

“I thought, ‘Oh my God, I can move my legs again!’ It felt brilliant.”

On her first visit to the pool, Sharon focused on getting comfortable in the water with Siobhan by her side to help her; by her second trip, she was swimming.

“With my health issues, my legs feel so heavy. It’s hard to explain, but it’s like having to drag yourself to get things done. With swimming, I have some freedom,” she says.

Confidence: Sharon outside Bramley Baths. Photo: Siobhan Gaffey

And Siobhan and Sharon have reached an agreement: once she’s been for five swimming sessions, Sharon will try going by herself.

“I’m really proud of myself. I’m not looking too far ahead; I’m just focusing on the next step for now,” Sharon says.

“Siobhan said to me at one point ‘You’re grinning from ear to ear!’ And she’s right – the smile on my face says it all.”

Edwardian Grade II Listed Bramley Baths.

For more information about how Leeds Irish Health and Homes supports people in Leeds, e-mail info@lihh.org or call 0113 262 5614.

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Inspirational creative director to leave Farsley’s Sunny Bank Mills

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August 14, 2023

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SBM-Jane Kay — Jane Kay is leaving Sunny Bank Mills after ten years.

by Robert Beaumont

Jane Kay, the inspirational creative director at Sunny Bank Mills’ acclaimed Art Gallery in Farsley is leaving after 10 years at the forefront of the Mills’ creative regeneration.

Jane, along with Sunny Bank’s co-managing directors William and John Gaunt, has established the gallery as one of the finest independent art and making spaces in Yorkshire.

Jane, who arrived at Sunny Bank 10 years ago after a successful legal career with a top Leeds law firm, said: “I am immensely proud of what we have achieved at the Gallery over the last 10 years.

“What started as a small independent pop-up gallery has developed into a fully curated independent gallery and shop, with an event and engagement programme providing artists and makers with spaces not only to exhibit and sell work but also to make it.

“Our diverse programme aims to make art accessible to everyone and demonstrate what art can be.

“In the past 10 years we have had exhibitions as varied as Throw Up which featured graffiti in the former weaving sheds and included the world’s longest painted carrot; the People Powered Press; Panel Show, an exhibition about comics; Lullabies in Lockdown, charting the experience of new parents in lockdown and. artmaker, supporting Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre.

“I am particularly proud of our popular annual Ones To Watch exhibition, which has helped to launch and support the careers of over 300 promising artists and makers who are either from or studied in Yorkshire. Many of these have gone on to exhibit elsewhere, exhibited again with us and have remained in Yorkshire.”

Jane went on to say: “The creative offering at Sunny Bank is so much more than the gallery. With William and John’s support, the last 10 years has also seen the development of 25 artists’ studios providing the Mills with a creative community. This brings its own vibrancy and appeal to Sunny Bank as a destination for culture whilst adding to the diversity of its tenants and helping fill a general shortage of studio spaces in Leeds.”

Similarly, the growth of annual events enabling artists and makers to sell their work directly to the public; this year Threads, a new textile festival adding to Printed Bound and the Christmas Market has opened the Mills to thousands of new visitors and a diverse audience. Additionally, the workshop and engagement programme is now an established part of the cultural landscape of Leeds; supporting artists and makers and providing a space for people and families to explore their own creativity.

Jane continued: “But it’s time to step aside now and let someone with fresh ideas take the Gallery to another level. When I arrived in 2013, I had a dream and a blank canvas. With fantastic support from William and John, whose aims aligned with mine, we have turned my dream of creating a fantastic independent gallery into a reality.

“The sad truth is that there aren’t enough large gallery spaces for aspiring artists and makers in Yorkshire, but at least we have created one. That is a legacy of which I am tremendously proud.”

Sunny Banks Mills Farsley — Venue: Farsley’s Sunny Banks Mills

Jane will be greatly missed by everyone at Sunny Bank Mills.

William Gaunt said: “Jane’s constant whirlwind of creativity has helped create Sunny Bank Mills into a leading arts space in Leeds. She leaves a tremendous legacy for the arts community in Yorkshire.

“Jane’s vision has masterminded the creation of an ambitious visual arts offering at the Mills and has helped so many talented fine artists from across the country to further develop their practices whilst at the same time giving the visitor to the Mills an amazing experience.”

John Gaunt added: “The arts and creativity are essential ingredients in the successful sustainable regeneration of Sunny Bank Mills. Over the last 10 years Jane has developed a creative programme that has been adventurous, bold and innovative and should be credited with bringing the Mills alive in areas that money just can’t reach.

“Alongside our ambitions of mill regeneration, she has achieved her ambition to make art accessible to the local community and arts space accessible to artists to practice and sell their work.

“Jane’s legacy of creative regeneration and accessible arts programming is now woven into the fabric of these Mills and we look forward to working with a new arts director to build on this amazing legacy.”

Recruitment for the next Sunny Bank Mills Arts Director will start at the end of August. Full details will appear on the website: www.sunnybankmills.co.uk and on social media.

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Buffaloes bulletin: Buffaloes are just champion!

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August 14, 2023

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Tom Langton bramley buffaloes — Just champion: Tom Langton.

By Paul Abraham

Huge congratulations to club chair Martyn Cheney, Bramley Buffaloes committee, the amazing coaching staff and every player who wore the amber and black with such pride this season on becoming The Yorkshire Mens League Division Four Champions.

From a wet February night when the club only had four players signed on for the rapidly approaching new season to reaching the YML Shield Final and winning the league in outstanding fashion. This season is nothing short of an amazing success story for everyone associated with the club, including the sponsors and die-hard supporters who kept the faith.

The 24-16 home victory against York St John Barbarians was not a classic, but all that mattered was the result and as the final whistle went then the celebrations began!

The Buffaloes scorched into a 16-0 lead by scoring at a point a minute and it looked as though the young Buffs were going to run up a colossal score, however York dug deep and were able to keep the score the same as the half-time whistle went.

Bramley’s first half points came from two Sam Marshall tries, a Jack Booth try and two conversions from Dan Booth.

A scrappy first 20 minutes of the second period saw the Barbarians cross the line while Bramley replied with two Kasper Mroz penalties. The Bramley defence were under pressure before Colin Cobley scored a try to settle the Buffaloes fans nerve.

The next match for the champion Buffaloes is a trip to Goole on 2 September with the final match of the campaign coming a week later with the return fixture at York St John Barbarians.

Tom joins an exclusive club by Martyn Cheney, chair Bramley Buffaloes

The York match welcomed a new member to the Buffaloes ‘100’ Club. Since the Buffaloes were reborn as a Phoenix club in 2004, we have had six players, who have attained membership of the ‘100’ Club, so far.

We welcome Tom Langton into this exclusive club, as today marked his 100th appearance for the Buffaloes. We have marked this occasion with a special shirt for today.

Tom made his debut in the 2011 Rugby League Conference National season, away at Wilderspool, where the Buffaloes went down 66-6 to the Warrington Wizards. Since 2016, Tom has been ever-present in the team.

Along the way, Tom has been recognised by his peers, winning the Players Player Award in 2017 and 2018, The Supporters Player Award in 2021, Captains Player in 2022, and Man of Steel in 2017 and 2018.

On behalf of the club and supporters, I would like to congratulate Tom on this remarkable achievement, especially the way the Open Age Seasons are going.

The other members of the 100 club are;

Graham Harrison, 142 appearances,
Shaun Flynn, 138 appearances,
Paul Drake 122 appearances,
Danny O’Connor, 112 appearances,
Scott Pendlebury, 110 appearances and
Chris Gardner, 108 appearances.

Tom Langton’s career total after the match against York stands at:

Season Games Tries Points

2011 7 1 4

2012 12 1 4

2016 8 1 4

2017 16 3 12

2018 14 3 12

2019 11 3 12

2020 1 1 4

2021 7 0 0

2022 12 1 4

2023 12 2 8

Total 100 16 64

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Allotments open day in Calverley

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Anne Akers

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August 13, 2023

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By Anne Akers

It’s been National Allotments Week, with sites all over the country opening their gates to welcome visitors and show what’s growing and how to grow it.

Gatescroft Allotments in Calverley held their open day last week, showing visitors around the Carr Road site where there are 55 allotments, including a handful of raised beds specifically for people with mobility or other needs.

The site is one of 101 allotment sites throughout Leeds, which are either managed by Leeds City Council or self-managed, Gatescroft is self-managed so anyone wanting an allotment there has to join Calverley Horticultural Society (£4 a year). In West Leeds there are about 20 sites plus several privately-owned sites.

Allotments are in demand and, according to the council’s website, there are currently no vacancies, with waiting lists of a couple of years depending on what people want and where.

Calverley Horticultural Society’s open day. Photo: Anne Akers

The allotments come in different sizes, a full plot is 250m^2,a half is 125m²and a quarter 63m².

Annual rents from October this year are £76.38 for a full, £38.19 for half and £19.24 for a quarter. In addition, some sites charge for water supplies and other services such as grass cutting.

Allotment holders must cultivate at least 60 per cent of their plots, with the remaining area used for sheds, flowers and grassed areas. They are also responsible for keeping the plots tidy and they are inspected regularly. Some sites allow livestock.

For more information on joining waiting lists, visit the council’s website.