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In photos: Brilliant Boys’ Brigade award evening

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Boys' Brigade presentation in Armley. Photo: Paul Abraham

By Paul Abraham – www.theartfulrambler.com

At a time when there is so much negativity around, especially in regard to young people, it was wonderful to attend the 11th Leeds Boys’ Brigade annual display and awards evening at the Whingate Methodist Church and Community Centre in Armley.  

It’s a great shame that the Boys’ Brigade seems to be a “forgotten” organisation in recent times, as the amount of good they do for both the young people attending and their brilliant work throughout the local community deserves to be recognised to a larger audience.

The well-organised and fun packed evening was attended by community activist Lou Cunningham, church liaison volunteer Audrey Reed, officer of the 5th Leeds Girls’ Brigade Lindsay Westlake and the Reverend Pete Brazier and professionally. It was enthusiastically presented by Captain Darren Wilson.

Check out our slideshow of photos from the event below:

The event included an inspection for juniors and company followed by well-worked display sessions from the Anchor Boys.

The Junior Section and finally Company/Senior Sections. A collection then took place for the Leeds North and West Foodbank before the Awards and Promotions were presented in front of an appreciative and proud audience.  

Finishing with comments from the captain and closing prayers brought an end to an enjoyable, inspiring and uplifting evening. 

Check out their Facebook page for more information of this brilliant Boys Brigade group.

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Night-time flights cap ‘may have been breached’ – airport boss

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By David Spereall, local democracy reporter

The boss of Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has admitted rules around night-time flights “may” have been broken, according to the published minutes of a meeting.

Vincent Hodder is said to have told local representatives and councillors that a cap restricting movements to and from the airport at night “looks like” it “may have been breached” last summer.

The airport has not commented any further on the quote, which was detailed in the minutes of an LBA consultative committee meeting held in March. The committee itself is run by the airport’s business administration team

LBA has been under investigation since last year over claims from campaigners that it ran too many night-time flights over the summer season in 2022. A cap on such activity is in place through the planning system to protect local residents.

The Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) who raised the issue with Leeds City Council, said Mr Hodder’s apparent admission showed their complaint was justified.

The minutes of the committee’s March 15, which were published this week, quoted Mr Hodder, the airport’s CEO, as saying: “We have a meeting with Leeds City Council at the end of the month to discuss what has happened and why.

“It looks like there may have been a breach in the summer night time movement cap but this is still to be confirmed.”

He is then said to have added: “There are differences in how the planning conditions can be interpreted which is something we are working through with Leeds City Council.”

The city council has declined to comment on the quote, saying its investigation into the alleged breach is still ongoing, more than six months after it started.

GALBA, however, is growing increasingly impatient and has called for the council to report back and take action.

The group’s chair, Chris Foren, said: “Our monitoring found there were more than 600 flights from LBA above the limit for night time flying last summer.

“Mr Hodder has all but admitted this, so our complaint to Leeds City Council is justified. He also said he was meeting with the council about this at the end of March.

“So we cannot understand why it’s taking the council’s enforcement team so long to make a simple decision. Our complaint was made in October last year, it’s now May, the 2023 summer season is well under way and they’ve done nothing. What on earth is going on?”

Mr Foren said the cap had been put in place to limit excessive noise and to protect the health and wellbeing of the airport’s neighbours.

She added: “The rule was designed by the council and agreed to by LBA but it seems LBA has ignored the rule and the council didn’t do proper monitoring.

“The council still hasn’t done anything to enforce the rule. So it’s left to us, GALBA, to be the grown-ups and take responsibility on behalf of local people.”

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‘I never planned to be leader for so long but the bug bites you’: Andrew Carter on retiring as Tory group leader

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Cllr Andrew Carter. Photo: LDRS

By David Spereall, local democracy reporter

Leeds’ retiring Conservative group leader has admitted he never intended to do the job for 40 years, after stepping down as party chief this week.

Councillor Andrew Carter has led the local Tories on the city council since 1983 and said he wouldn’t change his last four decades in frontline politics “for anything”.

In his first interview since his departure as leader was confirmed this week, Councillor Carter insisted “it’s not a wrench” to give up the job up, and that he’d plotted his retirement for some time.

He will continue to serve as a ward councillor for the Calverley and Farsley area, until at least his current term expires in 2026.

Councillor Carter said: “It’s been a pleasure. It’s been a privilege and I owe my constituents a huge debt of gratitude, which I’ll always try to repay, but it’s so great I don’t think I ever will.

“I wouldn’t change it for anything.

“I didn’t plan to be leader for so long. There was always something coming up that needed to be tackled and I thought, ‘I can’t go just yet’. The bug bites you.

“You’ve got to like people and the advice I give to aspiring candidates is if you don’t like people and you’re not prepared to sit and listen to their issues and problems, don’t go for it. Because you’ll be miserable, or you won’t serve the people who elected you properly.”

As the city council’s most experienced member and with a CV that includes a spell as joint council leader between 2004 and 2010, Councillor Carter is widely respected across the political spectrum in Leeds.

Among the achievements he holds most dear are the completion of stage six and seven of the city’s inner ring road and the construction of the Aire Valley Link Road, both of which occured during his time in office as part of a ruling coalition with the Liberal Democrats.

But it’s the building of Leeds Arena, which opened 2013, which his political allies, and some opponents, believe may be his most enduring legacy.

The sale of Leeds Bradford Airport in the 2000s helped raise the cash needed for the arena, but multiple hurdles still had to be cleared for the scheme to go ahead. Objections from Sheffield over the potential impact on their own arts scene were chief among them.

“I did drive it, but all sides of the coalition were behind it,” Councillor Carter, who’s kept old Yorkshire Evening Post cuttings of the saga, said.

“Labour were lukewarm on it, because they’d never been able to do it (when in office before 2004).

“It was the sale of the airport that gave us the biggest part of the capital required. People tried to block it at every stage, particularly Sheffield.

“As far as I can tell it’s had no effect on Sheffield at all. Why should people from Leeds do a round trip of 80 miles to get to to an arena?”

From Margaret Thatcher through to Rishi Sunak, the Conservative Party has had 10 different Westminster leader since Councillor Carter took the reins locally in 1983. Sunak himself was a toddler at the time.

Asked which of all of them he felt his politics were closest to, Councillor Carter said it was “difficult” to choose, but that David Cameron was “very much my cup of tea”.

“I was very fond of David Cameron,” he said.

“When he was elected I thought he was a breath of fresh air, though I thought the way he handled the Brexit referendum was very poor.

“I have to say I have a great deal of time for the current Prime Minister. I think he’s a very bright guy and probably the brightest Prime Minister we’ve had for a long time, and I include Blair and Brown in that.

“I think if Rishi gets the chance, he will be an excellent long-term PM.”

Councillor Carter’s successor, elected unanimously by the 18-strong Conservative group is Wetherby councillor Alan Lamb.

Asked if he’d given his political heir any advice, Councillor Carter replied: “Always be straight with people. Tell them what you mean. Listen to advice and even if you don’t want to acknowledge it, listen to it anyway.”

Although stepping down as leader will mean more time for his beloved gardening and horse racing, Councillor Carter jovially dismissed suggestions he was finished with politics.

He compared questions on the subject to the John Wayne film ‘Big Jake’, in which the title character is repeatedly asked, ‘I thought you were dead?’ When asked for a final time at the movie’s climax, Wayne responds ‘Not hardly’.

“I’m not giving up from the council,” Councillor Carter smiled. “I wish people would stop saying ‘I thought you’d retired’. Not hardly!

“I’ve still got three years on my term to go as councillor for Calverley and Farsley, and then I’ll make a decision on whether or not to carry on in two years time maybe.

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Farsley Celtic lose top scorer Mulhern but announce retained players for next season

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Frank Mulhern on the charge against Buxton. Photo: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots

Farsley Celtic have confirmed last season’s top scorer Frank Mulhern has left the club.

The club saw boss Russ Wilcox quit this week, but on Friday announced the signing of experienced striker Clayton Donaldson, 39, for next season.

Mulhern hit 11 goals in National League North last season as Farsley avoided relegation by a point. He has been linked with a move elsewhere.

Luke Parkin struggled with injuries last season. Photo: John McEvoy

The club also announced the departure of popular forward Luke Parkin, who had been with the club since 2019. Other players departing include utility man Carlton Ubaezuonu, left back Lewis Butroid and midfielder Sam Muggleton.

Players retained, with contracts agreed or signed, include influential defender Tom Allan, reserve goalkeeper and coach Tom Morgan, reserve centre back Isaac Assenso, right back Lewis Turner and midfielder Chris Atkinson.

Farsley Celtic’s Andy Butler and Tom Allan fight for the ball against Gloucester City. Photo: John McEvoy

Players currently in negotiation with the club for the new season include experienced 40-year-old defender Andy Butler, keeper Max Dearnley, experienced defender Adam Clayton, and midfielder Bobby Johnson.

Skipper and coach Dave Syers retired at the end of last season.

The Celts have confirmed loanees Theo Williams, Kian Scales, Danny Devine and Harry Jessop have returned to their clubs.

The new National League North season kicks off in August.

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West Leeds planning applications: 21 May 2023

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Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the six council wards in West Leeds.

The following new applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward


Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

  • None found.

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

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Hint at ‘positive news’ for Bramley passengers after bus operator talks

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Councillor Tom Hinchcliffe. Photo: David Spereall

By David Spereall, local democracy reporter

A new west Leeds councillor has hinted there may be imminent “positive news” for local bus passengers, who’ve been hit by a spate of cuts.

Tom Hinchcliffe, who was elected onto the city council for Labour in Bramley and Stanningley earlier this month, said he’d been in talks with operators in a bid to improve services covering the area.

First Bus’ 508 bus was among dozens of services altered in April, with its route changed to cut out Bramley, as well as neighbouring Farsley and Rodley.

Councillor Hinchcliffe suggested that although First’s decision was unlikely to be reversed, a separate service may be re-routed to mitigate the impact of the cut.

The number 9, which runs from Horsforth to White Rose Centre, was rescued by Yorkshire Buses after First ditched that service too.

Speaking earlier this week, Councillor Hinchcliffe said: “I’ve been having a lot of meetings with other bus companies to see if they’ll take on the route.

“I had a meeting with Yorkshire Buses last week. I can’t say anything yet because the proposals are still with Metro, but there will be some positive news and a partial victory coming soon.

“It’s not going to be a magic bullet and I don’t want people to get excited and think the 508 is coming back in full, but the 9 route may have some changes soon which would benefit passengers.”

The son of a postman and a supermarket staffer, Councillor Hinchcliffe, who grew up in Seacroft, joined the Labour Party aged 15.

He’s worked for the Leeds North East MP Fabian Hamilton since 2017 and earlier this month was elected in Bramley with a majority of 1,966.

Outside of politics he’s a Leeds United season ticket holder and is the drummer in a melodic rock group called Aire.

Among his priorities as a councillor are to set up a number of neighbourhood watches across Bramley, where he says such groups are scarce. He hopes the move will help tackle anti-social behaviour, which like many other areas across the city, is on the rise.

But tackling the shortage of bus services too remains a priority.

When the 508 and other Leeds services were withdrawn earlier this year, First said the decision was taken because these buses were underused.

But Councillor Hinchcliffe said the move was like “taking a hammer to a peanut” and that it had had massive consequences for people living in Bramley and Stanningley.

“I’ve had hundreds get in touch with me to tell me they’re struggling to get their Covid boosters for example,” he added.

“I’ve had to give people lifts and be in touch with Elderly Action to make sure they can get their boosters, whereas normally they’d have just got on the bus.

“A lot of people are saying that because of the number 14 being re-routed, it’s impacted on their jobs at the White Rose Centre. I’ve had young people say they’re considering moving colleges, because they can’t get there anymore.

“These are real-life effects.”

Farsley Celtic sign striker Clayton Donaldson, 39, as ‘signal of intent’ for new season

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Farsley Celtic's head coach Clayton Donaldson.

Managerless Farsley Celtic have announced the signing of veteran striker Clayton Donaldson on a free transfer.

The 39-year-old most recently played for Northern Premier League outfit Gainsborough Trinity in the 2022/23 season where he racked up 22 goals in 38 matches in all competitions.

The Bradford-born man came through the ranks at his hometown club Bradford City, before joining the youth setup at Hull City.

Donaldson has played much higher up in the football pyramid, with long and successful spells in the Championship with clubs such as Brentford, Birmingham City and Sheffield United which has seen him score a total of 246 goals in a career which has spanned 21 years and counting.

He now links up with Farsley in the National League North looking to add to his impressive goal tally. Donaldson joins the club just two days after boss Russ Wilcox quit The Citadel.

The player posted on social media this afternoon to confirm his departure from Gainsborough. He said: “Sadly my time @GainsTrinityFC has come to an end, it didn’t end with a promotion but was a positive season overall and one that I’ll always remember. Would like to thank the staff, players, fans and everyone connected for making my time enjoyable. Wish you all the best.”

In his first interview with Farsley’s club media Donaldson said he was drawn to the club’s vision for the future:

On the signing of Donaldson, head of football development Pav Singh said: “Clayton is a player we have been looking at for some time, and his presence on the pitch is something that will add something totally different to our game.

“This a hugely exciting signing for the club, and sends out a signal of intent as to what we want to achieve this season.”

Chairman Paul Barthorpe also welcomed the signing. He added: “Clayton is a top professional and has been for a number of years having played at the highest level. He brings with him not only his fantastic ability on the pitch, but also his character off it. He is also a top coach and will have huge benefit to the club both on and off the field.

“His goal scoring record over recent years is superb and will bring a whole new dimension to us on the pitch, which will make Clayton a fan favourite in no time.”

Lewis Turner re-signs

Lewis Turner with Farsley Celtic head of football development Pal Singh.

Right back Lewis Turner has become the first Farsley Celtic player put pen to paper on a new contract extension, the club also announced today.

Turner made 36 appearances in the 2022/23 season, scoring one goal, and signs on for another season at the Citadel.

The Leeds-born 30-year-old first joined Farsley in 2018 after moving from Harrogate Town on a free transfer. He then left for Matlock Town and had a spell with Scarborough Athletic before rejoining the Celts in 2021.

As of May 2023, Turner has made 148 appearances for Farsley.

‘Heartfelt’ new artwork celebrates industrial past at £20m Stonebridge Beck

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Embrace launch: From left, Georgina Maud and Jonathan Maud, Rushbond, Rachel Reeves MP, Chris Knight, sculptor, and Tim Reeve, of developer Advent. Photo: Simon Dewhurst

A ‘heartfelt’ new artwork celebrating the industrial heritage and the importance of community has been unveiled at a new £20m housing development in Wortley.

Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves today officially cut the ribbon on ‘Embrace’, an artwork reflecting the past, present and future of Stonebridge Beck, off Stonebridge Lane.

Embrace is six-metres tall and is made out of a reclaimed historic pump wheel found in the original Stonebridge Mills building, framed by an enormous hand-crafted stainless-steel arch made by specialist steel and special metals fabricator, Steel Line, in Sheffield.  

The artwork celebrates the industrial heritage of 10-acre Stonebridge Beck – home to the Grade II listed Stonebridge Mills which was once a key part of the fabric of the textile industry in the city before it fell derelict. It marks a new chapter for the site as a growing residential community.

The artwork was launched at Stonebridge Beck today. Photo: Richard Gough

It has been created by Yorkshire-based metalwork sculptor Chris Knight, whose previous work includes the spectacular steel Cutting Edge sculpture outside Sheffield train station. 

Mr Knight said: “From the start, the Rushbond team and I knew we wanted to use some of the incredible pieces salvaged from the ruins of the mill to create something heartfelt and reflective for the people who live in the area.

“This includes those who have been part this community for generations and who may have very personal connections to the mill, as well as the new residents putting down roots here. The pump wheel is the perfect emblem of the industrial heritage of this place – recast for a new generation who can enjoy it as a work of art.

“The stainless-steel arch offers a modern frame for the piece, and combined the elements embrace the past and future of Stonebridge Beck.”

Artist Chris Knight speaks in front of Embrace at Stonebridge Beck. Photo: John Baron

Speaking at the celebration event, Rachel Reeves MP said: “We desperately need new homes across the country, and here in Leeds. My postbag is full of people who are not able to get onto the property ladder or who live in sub-standard housing.

“Across my constituency, we see the history of our region and our city’s industrial heritage at sites like Stonebridge Mill.

“For too long, many of these locations have remained derelict and dilapidated, and it is so refreshing to see the culmination of all the hard work that has been put in on this site. Not only does the development sensitively incorporate the site’s heritage, but also provides good, high-quality homes for its residents.”

A view of Embrace at the entrance of Stonebridge Beck. Photo: John Baron

Jonathan Maud, of Rushbond plc, spoke about the value of the Farnley and Wortley community and of the historic site, which he says ‘tries to reflect the echoes of the past’.

Members of Wortley Local History Group were also present at the launch event.

The housing development consists of 112 homes, including 30 reformed from the existing mill buildings on the site. Developers are hoping to finish in late summer.

Stonebridge Mills, which dates back to the early 1800s when the water-powered woollen mill, was a focal point of the local community and it continued to be in industrial use for around 150 years before falling into disrepair.

Many architectural features of the original buildings including the old wagon boiler, the oversized cobbles from the original entrance and the mill pond, a crucial part of the wool finishing process, have all been carefully incorporated into the new residential community. 

Embrace  was commissioned by Leeds-based property investor Rushbond, which specialises in repurposing heritage buildings.

Kirkstall meeting will discuss residents’ concerns over Goit

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Kirkstall Abbey. Picture from Google Maps (July 2022)

By John Baron

A public meeting has been amidst concerns a ‘beautiful’ river channel near Kirkstall Abbey has become ‘a mess’.

Community campaigners have raised concerns about the Goit at Kirkstall Abbey Park, the current water flow and the impact of the Flood Alleviation Scheme on this.

The meeting will be held at St Stephen’s Church Hall, Norman Street on Monday 5 June from 6-7pm and offers residents a chance to meet with local councillors and senior officers working on flood defences at Kirkstall Abbey Park.

Kirkstall Valley Action Group have said that the flow of water towards the goit was cut off around 20 years ago when the sluice gates – which control the amount of water being let into the goit from the River Aire – were closed. Residents have campaigned constantly for water to be allowed back into the goit without success.

The meeting has been organised by Kirkstall’s councillors Hanna Bithell, Andy Rontree and Fiona Venner.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of ongoing concerns regarding the low water levels within Kirkstall goit. Our ecologists have carried out further investigations and can confirm that no wildlife will be affected by the low water levels. The goit has experienced low flow several times in the past, associated with the historic sluice gates upstream, this is an issue that pre-dates the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme Phase 2 (FAS2) works.”

They went on to say that the Flood Alleviation Scheme 2 (FAS2) has been designed to have “no impact on the levels within the goit when completed” and that the works will be adaptable to allow “goit flow improvements”.

Kirkstall Abbey goit is an artificial channel by the side of Kirkstall Abbey Park running by the River Aire. The goit was established so that water could be used to power the nearby mills and dates back to the Victorian period.

Councillor’s concerns over ‘distracting’ illuminated advertising board plan

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The new digital display board would be in this area off Bradford Road.

A councillor has submitted ‘strong objections’ to plans to replace existing billboards and an illuminated digital display board in Thornbury.

Councillor Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) fears the proposed digital display board on Bradford Road, near Yorkshire Vets and the entrance to Grange Avenue, is ‘wholly inappropriate’ and is asking residents to submit their comments on the plans.

He has objected to these proposals on the grounds of height, its impact on nearby householders and road safety.

Cllr Carlill said: “Bradford Road and the Dick Lane junction is already a dangerous area with a track record of safety concerns and accidents. The proposed location is very busy with the entrance to Grange Avenue, the vets, and near the Dick Lane junction. Digital displays would create additional distraction and clutter in this busy and dangerous location.”

peter carlill farsley
Cllr Peter Carlill.

The applicant is JC Decaux UK.

The plans can be viewed in full here.

When does Pudsey Carnival and parade 2023 start?

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Pudsey Carnival returns. Photo: Simon Cullingworth

Organisers of the 2023 Pudsey Carnival will be hoping the sun shines when thousands of people flock to the popular annual event tomorrow (Saturday, 20 May).

The annual parade, featuring community floats and bands, will set off from Queens Park at 12 noon and wind its way through Pudsey town centre.

Following the parade there will be plenty of attractions for all the family at Queens Park.

Live music and performances will be in stage throughout the day, alongside dozens of community stalls and a large travelling funfair.

Attractions include: Circus Skills experience, Breeze Leeds fun, Punch and Judy shows, lots of food stalls, an amazing dog show from 12.30pm, classic car show, craft activities, and inflatable attractions.

More details on the carnival’s Facebook page.

Brave Pudsey home care workers take on Cow and Calf zip-wire challenge

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Some of the team from Caring Folk who will be taking on the zip line. From left: Charlotte Clemmens, Devon Mason, Sarah Ward, Danielle Harrison, Jenny Redfearn, Jess Procter, Debbie Spaven and Shelby Handford

A group of kind-hearted colleagues from a Pudsey home care provider are preparing to take on a thrilling charity zip-wire ride over Ilkley this July. 

The 16-strong team from Caring Folk, on Richardshaw Lane, will be taking on the daredevil challenge to raise funds for national healthcare charity Sue Ryder, which runs Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley. 

“We have a real connection to Sue Ryder as a lot of people we care for transition to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice for end-of-life care,” says Jess Procter, registered manager. “We work closely with the brilliant Sue Ryder Nurses from the hospice’s community team, and we often hear from families what fantastic care and support they have received.

“I’ve been to visit a few of our service users in the hospice and I always say to everybody that it’s the most amazing place, and where you would want to be at the end of life. The whole environment is so warm and welcoming, and the staff go above and beyond for every patient.”

Care assistant Charlotte Clemmens will be taking on the zip line with her sister Jess. In 2013 their parents got married at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice while their mum was receiving end-of-life care.

Speaking about the care her mum received, Charlotte said: “It was outstanding. The morning of the wedding the nurses came and got her ready and really went above and beyond by providing a private room to use throughout the day. Every time I think of Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice it makes me smile.”

Care assistant Debbie Spaven’s father also received care at the hospice before he died in January 2023. She said: “Dad was cared for at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in the final week of his life. He was very settled and comfortable, and all the staff were fantastic. It was a massive help to us all knowing he was in good hands, as a family we were all able to be there around his bed when he passed. We can’t thank all the staff enough for everything they did for us all.”

To raise funds for Sue Ryder and show their appreciation for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, 16 brave members of the team have signed up to Zip the Cow, which will see them walk up to the top of the iconic ‘cow’ at the Cow and Calf Rocks above Ilkley, before whizzing 270m down Ilkley Moor reaching speeds of up to 35mph.

Jo Stevens, Fundraising Manager at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to the team at Caring Folk for signing up for this challenge to raise vital funds to support our care. There is always an electric atmosphere at Zip the Cow and it’s wonderful to see families, friends and colleagues come together to have fun, try something new and share a truly memorable experience.”

Donate to the Caring Folk team’s fund-raising page here.

Zip the Cow is now open for entries and will take place on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July 2023. More details here.