Weaving magic at Farsley’s Sunny Bank Mills

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April 27, 2023

William Gaunt weaving by Lorne R Campbell 87626-0173 (1) — William Gaunt works on one of the seven looms at Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, West Yorkshire, on Monday morning. Picture: Lorne Campbell Guzelian

By Robert Beaumont

Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley is weaving its magic by opening the doors of its iconic 1912 Mill for the Threads Textile Festival over one weekend in May.

The Threads Textile Festival will open on 12 May 2023 in the Textile Archive with a day of talks on dyeing by leading experts in the field. In the evening, new exhibition, Tailored, by the 62 Group, will have its preview in the Art Gallery, with music and refreshments.

During Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May there will be an extensive workshop programme. On Saturday there will be screen and sublimation printing with El Riordan, a day of natural dyeing with Debbie Tomkies, weaving with Agnis Smallwood and hand quilting with Jenny Haynes.

Sunny Bank Mills, Printed Bound & Artist Studios. Photography by Joanne Crawford

On Sunday there’s a workshop on embroidery with nature with Elnaz Yazdani, Punjabi embroidery with Saima Kaur, all day indigo fabric dyeing with Debbie Tomkies, weaving with Agnis Smallwood and resilient mindful embroidery with Claire Wellesley-Smith.

A series of textile talks will be held during the weekend starting on Saturday with Hannah Lamb’s ‘Inspiration from Historical Textiles’ and in the evening keynote speaker will be the fashion historian Amber Butchart with a talk on ‘Clothing the Counterculture: Medieval Revivalism from the Pre-Raphaelites to Biba’.

On Sunday morning there’s a talk on ‘Phulkaris from Punjab’ from Saima Kaur and in the afternoon a panel of textile, fashion and academic speakers are discussing sustainability.

Students from Leeds Arts University will be holding a free fashion show on Saturday afternoon.

In the historic 1912 Mill there will a wide range of stallholders selling everything from yarn to sewing materials to hand made clothing to soft furnishings and textile art. There will be the opportunity to make something unique from recycled fabric, a weaving taster session with Agnis Smallwood and tours of the Archive on Saturday and Sunday together with history tours of the site.

Dr Sarah Gaunt, Threads Textile Festival Director, explained: “As we celebrate 10 Years of Arts and Culture at Sunny Bank Mills, it is the perfect opportunity to launch Threads. Over the years we have had various textile related workshops and exhibitions but never a full weekend celebrating all things textile.

“It seemed an obvious and natural fit to have such an event at an historic textile mill and nationally important textile Archive. The intention is for the visitor to have a fully immersive experience either visiting the Archive, taking a tour of the site, visiting the market, listening to a talk or learning a new skill in one of the workshops, all within these historic buildings.

“We want to establish Threads as an annual event that celebrates textiles in its many incarnations within the unique and very special setting of Sunny Bank Mills. Make sure you leave lots of time to explore our historic Mill and immerse yourself in a weekend of creativity and fun.”

Visit www.sunnybankmills.co.uk for information.

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Bramley school moves from ‘inadequate’ to ‘outstanding’, according to Ofsted

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April 26, 2023

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Bramley Park Academy in Leeds celebrates their recent Ofsted report — Bramley Park Academy celebrates their recent Ofsted report

A West Leeds primary school has received official confirmation of its incredible turnaround, with Ofsted inspectors now rating the school ‘outstanding’ after it was previously named ‘inadequate’.

In Bramley Park Academy’s latest Ofsted report, released this week, the school was described as ‘exceptional’ and received praise for its strong curriculum, pupils’ ‘exemplary’ behaviour, the range of extra-curricular experiences offered to pupils and more.

Inspectors reported that: “There are no limits to the ambition that leaders and staff have for them. Pupils enjoy coming to school and live and breathe the school’s vision to ‘believe, persevere and achieve’. Leaders have an unswerving commitment to serving pupils, families and the community. They believe that every pupil can achieve great things.”

They highlighted pupils’ behaviour stating: “Behaviour in lessons and around school is exemplary. Pupils are polite and welcoming. They enjoy learning and are engaged and attentive in lessons.”

The curriculum was also praised with inspectors reporting that: “Leaders have developed a highly ambitious and impressive curriculum that begins in Nursery and continues to the end of Year 6.

“A well-planned sequence of learning is the bedrock for all learning… Pupils in key stage 2 make impressive progress in core subjects and have secure knowledge of what they are learning in the wider curriculum. The curriculum in early years is also impressive. Leaders have identified the end points they want children to reach and to prepare them for key stage 1. The children are confident and independent learners.”

Carrie Green, executive principal at Bramley Park Academy, said: “Everyone involved in Bramley Park Academy is absolutely thrilled with this report.

“The whole team has worked incredibly hard over the past four and half years to create a school which is, as the inspectors put it, ‘exceptional.’ Not only do we wrap all the children in love and care, we are ambitious for them and enable them to reach their full potential, and it is wonderful to have that recognised externally.

“Bramley Park Academy has been on a real journey since joining Wellspring Academy Trust in 2018. It has gone through a huge transformation and is now a school that parents and carers can have 100% confidence in and pupils adore attending. With the support of the Trust, we are providing the top quality, inspiring education that every child deserves.”

Mark Wilson, CEO at Wellspring Academy Trust, added: “Whilst Ofsted reports can only ever tell a fraction of the story about a school, this report is another important landmark in the transformational tale of Bramley Park Academy.

“The quality of education and care offered to every pupil, whatever their circumstances, is second to none and I am incredibly proud that Bramley Park Academy is part of our Wellspring family.”

Established in 2012, Wellspring Academy Trust is a family of mainstream primary and secondary schools, and SEND and Alternative Provision settings operating across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

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Farsley: Road closures announced for King’s Coronation street party

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April 26, 2023

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Farsley residents are set to enjoy a huge Coronation street party on Monday 8 May which will see Farsley Town Street close for four hours.

Here’s everything you need to know about the road closures:

The road will be closed to though traffic from 1pm until 5pm.

Barriers will be in place at Frances Street with a diversion around the village by way of Frances Street, New Street, Newlands, Parkside then into Springbank Close round to Bagley Lane.

Another barrier will be in place just beyond the Cenotaph with traffic coming off Calverley Lane diverted on to The Green ( behind Farsley Dental Practice) and down Bagley Lane . Another barrier will be in place to stop vehicle access from the Cenotaph up Farsley Town Street .

Please note there will be no vehicle access from the following streets on to Town Street between 1pm and 5pm when barriers will stop access to the roads

High Street
Cherry Trees
Charles Street Car Park
Andrew Square Car Park
Wesley Street
Wade Street leading to Ebenezer Street
Water Lane
Back Lane
Croft Street
Old Fold ( Burton Street)
Prospect Street
New Street
St. John’s View
Beckberry Close
Beckberry Street
South Drive

How can I get around Farsley and access areas?

Priesthorpe Road from the Cenotaph will be open which will give people access to Bryan Street, Wadlands, Beech Lee’s, Red Lane, Water Lane, Low Bank Street, Gladstone Street, Land Street.

Richmond Road will give you access to The Mertons, Farfield Field Estate and Croft Street.

Frances Street Diversion on to New Street then right on to Newlands which will give you access to The Springbanks and down to Bagley Lane.

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Revamped playground and children’s centre boosts Swinnow Primary pupils

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April 26, 2023

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Swinnow primary school trim trail — Upgraded facilities: The Trim Trail and equipment supported by Cenergist will help enrich Swinnow Primary School pupils playground experience.

Pupils and staff at Swinnow Primary School are celebrating after having their playground and children’s centre facilities upgraded thanks to a grant from Cenergist.

With offices in Beeston, Cenergist is a specialist energy and water services company that is helping Leeds City Council improve the energy efficiency of its housing and public buildings, reducing the risk of fuel poverty while cutting energy bills and carbon emissions.

As part of its social value commitment, Cenergist has provided a grant to fund a new trim trail and playground equipment at the school and refurbish the children’s centre including a purpose-built canopy with an artificial turfed area for the children during summer.

Swinnow Primary School headteacher, Becky Naylor, said: “The funds have made a huge difference in terms on enriching our pupils’ playground experience and supporting our staff with upgraded facilities in our Children’s Centre.”

Cenergist's Stephen Duffy, Claire Howells and Becky Naylor from Swinnow Primary School and Cenergist's Fiona Railson. — Cenergist’s Stephen Duffy, Claire Howells and Becky Naylor from Swinnow Primary School and Cenergist’s Fiona Railson.

Cenergist’s Director of Operations, Alex Brown said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Swinnow Primary School in improving their facilities. Hopefully they will improve the learning experience and enjoyment of the children.

“As a company, we recognise our commitment and responsibilities to the wider community in the areas in which we operate and are happy to support such initiatives.”

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‘Overly dominant’ Pudsey mobile phone mast plan refused

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April 26, 2023

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Council planners have refused planning permission for an ‘overly dominant’ 15m-high mast on a small grass verge in Pudsey.

Applicant CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd had wanted to put up a 5G phone mast and additional equipment cabinets on the verge off Waterloo Road – just two months after a proposal for a 17m-high mast was refused at the site.

But Leeds City Council’s planning department have refused the application, saying the visual harm caused by the mast would outweigh the 5G capacities on offer.

A council report concluded: “It is considered that the proposed siting of the development would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the immediate location by virtue of the equipment’s size, design and overly dominant appearance on a small and intimate area of grass verge, that has public value in terms of its visual appearance.”

In October 2021 planners refused permission for an 18-metre high phone mast at nearby Uppermoor after con corns were expressed by residents and councillors. Council planners last month also refused planning permission for a 55ft-tall ‘utilitarian’ phone mast at Littlemoor Gardens following local opposition.

Community raises £1,800 to replace stolen Kirkstall Valley Farm kitchen

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April 26, 2023

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By Connor Briggs

Kirkstall Valley Farm repairs are under way after thieves stole a community kitchen last week – and volunteers hope the kitchen will be back running “fairly quickly.”

The renovations were possible after a huge show of community support rallied around the farm with £1,800 raised through a GoFundMe appeal which was set up to support the site.

Adele Rae, chief executive at Kirkstall Valley Development Trust (KVDT), said: “We were very fortunate that the crowd funder has covered the cost of replacing things. It was a really sad day for us as we work so hard to try and support the Kirkstall community and beyond.

“For someone to come to a community farm that feeds the community and steal key parts of the cooking operation is gut-wrenching.”

Thieves have targeted Kirkstall Valley Farm.

Ms Rae thanked people for the support the farm received: “When we started getting messages of support, it made it all alright. It was lovely to see people value the farm and the work we do.

“Some people have supported us through words, items to replace what we’ve lost, and some people with donations. We’re very grateful for them all.”

Taking a breather: Keith Hodgson volunteers at the farm

Keith Hodgson, a volunteer at the site, discovered the theft. Mr Hodgson said: “It’s just set us back to the money side of it, and the amount of effort put into it to get it into a usable, easy to clean place.

“We’ve taken steps this time to make sure the replacement doesn’t have monetary value, so if anybody was to come back and steal it would be out of spite. The worktops won’t have a value.”

Kirkstall Valley Farm have made repairs a priority, as future events are planned at the site. The farm is also available for event hire such as weddings and parties.

Volunteers are welcome to join, with Ms Rae adding: “We are always happy to welcome new volunteers to KVDT. It’s a really friendly team and we have a wide range of things for people to do.”

For event enquiries or for volunteering information, contact Adele Rae at 07900 986570, or visit the farm’s website.

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Armley organ concert promises friendly patriotic fun and frolics

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April 26, 2023

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st bartholomews armley — St Bartholomews, Armley, photographed from Cabbage Hill. Photo: Mark Stevenson

The ‘Really Friendly Organ Concert’ series kicks off again next Monday (May Day) in anticipation of the Coronation weekend.

The concert will feature a selection of patriotic music, including nostalgic references to the 1937 Coronation and to popular national songs.

Entrance is free at Sgt Bartholomew’s Church in Armley and refreshments are available from 10.30am for a 11am start.

Postcode is LS12 1SR and buses include 4 and 16 from Leeds centre.

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Last orders at The Highland pub as cost of living crisis bites

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April 25, 2023

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The Highland pub — Calling time: Simon Pierce, pub manager. Photo: Connor Briggs

By Connor Briggs

A West Leeds pub with decades of history is closing due to rising prices.

The Highland Pub will be closing for good after over four decades of business on Sunday, 30 April 2023.

Owned by EMER Ltd, the pub is off Cavendish Street, near Burley Road, and will be closing due to rising prices and not enough business.

The Highland pub is sandwiched between Burley Road and Kirkstall Road. Photo: Connor Briggs

Simon Pierce, pub manager, said: “We’ve had five beer price increases in the past six months, coupled with utility and gas prices increases, it’s unsustainable. It’s been losing money for the last five months.

“[Hospitality] is struggling badly, all the overheads have shot through the roof and with the cost of living, a pint is a luxury now.”

Mr Pierce doesn’t think The Highland Pub will ever operate as a bar again: “People get their drinks cheaper at the supermarkets. How can a pub compete with supermarket prices? It’s ripped the heart out of hospitality.”

Reflecting on his tenure as the manager, Mr Pierce said: “It’s been a blast working here, I’ve got good regular customers and some good memories. I’d like to thank all the customers who have been coming in, and good luck in the future guys.”

The Highland and its regulars this lunchtime. Photo: Connor Briggs

Local customer, Joanne Sellars is a regular at the pub: “I’ve been drinking in here since 2004. We came every day in summer, and it’s always been the local pub to come to.

“We’re a minute from this pub, the prices are better here, we have lovely staff. It’s just sad, to think yet another pub is gone because of the prices breweries are pushing onto them, it’s just sad.”

Last orders for these loyal punters? Photo: Connor Briggs

Luke Threadgould, another customer, said: “The smaller independent pubs with character end up gone. You get a lot more individual drinks in independents rather than the standard Carling and Carlsberg in the big-name pubs.”

The Highland Pub will be hosting a closing party on Saturday, 29 April with food and drinks, a sign advertises to customers to go to the pub to “help us finish off whatever booze is left” on Sunday, 30 April.

Price increases set for Leeds museums and galleries

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April 25, 2023

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By John Baron

People using Leeds museums and galleries will face an average 10% increase in admission charges for the new financial year, a Leeds City Council report has said.

Admission to Kirkstall Abbey ruins will remain free to Leeds residents during the 2023-24 financial year, with Leeds Industrial Museum in Armley maintaining the £1 admission fee for residents of Armley within the LS12 postcode and the neighbouring postcodes of LS3, LS4 and LS5.

For people living outside those postcodes, adult admission to Leeds Industrial Museum will rise from £5 to £5.50, while a child’s will increase by 15p to £3.

Adult admission to Abbey House Museum will rise 50p to £6.50 while a child’s will increase by 15p to £3.15.

Remaining free to Leeds residents: Kirkstall Abbey. Illustration: Mindy Goose

People living outside Leeds will see adult admission prices to Kirkstall Abbey ruins rise 50p to £5.50.

Three out of the nine of Leeds Museums and Galleries sites are currently free to general visitors: Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds City Museum, and Leeds Discovery Centre with Kirkstall Abbey free to Leeds residents on producing proof of address.

Meanwhile, at Temple Newsam House, the price of a family ticket, which covers up to two adults and three children, has gone up from £19 to £21. The price of a child ticket has gone up by 14 per cent, from £3.50 to £4, making it one of the biggest single ticket rises anywhere this month. Adult tickets increase from £8 to £9.

Discounts for all these venues are available to those with a Leeds Card, a children’s Breeze Card, or a Max Card, which is available to families of children with special needs.

A council report detailing the price changes said they wanted to “ensure Leeds Museums and Galleries can provide choice to visitors, offer value for money alongside specific discounts, deliver against agreed income targets in the next financial year and support Leeds 2023, in the year of culture.”

The council report adds: “An option not to increase fees and charges was considered. This would, however, create budget pressures and would constitute a notable budgetary risk.

“The introduction of charging at the free sites is complex and would require further consideration and consultation. Changes have, therefore, not been considered for the purpose of this report.

“A wider admissions review will, however, be undertaken during 2023/24 as recommended by the external commercial review.”

The report adds the annual review of fees and charges has taken into account the current financial environment including the rate of inflation, the ongoing recovery still required following the recent pandemic, current and proposed income targets for 2023/24 whilst balancing this with the cost of living crisis.

It has also drawn on recommendations from a 2022 commercial review by an external organisation, as well as considering any new income streams taking into account current trends and opportunities.

On Leeds Industrial Museum, the report said: “Following the trial of a £1 admission fee at Leeds Industrial Museum for residents of Armley within the LS12 postcode and the neighbouring postcodes of LS3, LS4 and LS5, it is proposed that this charge remains for 2023/24 to add value to Leeds’ Year of Culture and to continue to engage directly with local residents.

“The £1 local admission charge will continue to be promoted via web sites, social media and community hubs. Residents will still be required to show proof of address.”

Venue hire and weddings

The price of a wedding at Kirkstall Abbey and Thwaite Watermill is rising by 10 per cent, with the council saying it has to cover the cost of rising staff wages.

The changes will not to apply to those who’ve already booked their wedding with a deposit, the local authority says.

Meanwhile, room and venue hire at a council-run attraction is going up by 25 per cent, after a review found charges were considerably cheaper than similar places in the private sector.

Prices for the picture lending scheme at Leeds Art Gallery will also go up slightly for residents, charities and businesses.

The council report can be read in full here.

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The Farsley Cake Co: Popular business rises with new name amid cost of living pressures

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April 25, 2023

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Farsley cake co — Steven Newbatt is refitting the Farsley shop. Photo: Connor Briggs

By Connor Briggs

Farsley’s sweet and savoury bakery Candied Peel Cake Co is set to rebrand following a partnership with another company to tackle rising prices and take on more orders.

The partnership will see the bakery join with Wendy’s Cakes and Bakes to operate as one, rebranding as The Farsley Cake Co. The high-street store will remain on Town Street, Farsley.

Founder of the Candied Peel Cake Co, Steven Newbatt-Macdonald, said small businesses needed to receive more support from the council: “More financial support. After the Covid support ended customers have less money now and they’re spending less. It’s impacted on us, yet our bills have gone up.”

The partnership aims to tackle the rising cost of living and to keep the businesses operating. Mr Newbatt-Macdonald said: “It makes sense because after Covid everything has gone up in price so much. It makes sense for two of us to go into partnership and keep the business open.

“It offers the customers more selection, if there’s more staff here, we can do more cakes. We will be adding more products as we go along, we’ve got new ranges coming in. It’s going to be a new shop, completely different.”

The Farsley Cake Co will relaunch on Monday, 8 May – the day of Farsley’s Coronation street party.

For further information on store details, visit the Farsley cake Co website.

The Candied Peel Cake Co was founded in 2017 by Steven Newbatt-Macdonald.

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Listed: New parking restrictions could tackle obstructive parking on these West Leeds streets

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April 25, 2023

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A £230,000 city-wide package of parking restrictions has moved a step closer to reality – and will include roads in Armley, Farnley & Wortley and Pudsey.

The council has approved plans in principle to remove ‘indiscriminate and obstructive’ parking on a number of roads – including three wards in West Leeds – by introducing parking restrictions, known as traffic regulation orders.

As the works programme develops, consultation on each individual scheme will be carried out as appropriate, a council report has said.

“The majority of the schemes in the proposed programme have originated from local communities, either from ward members, local residents or businesses,” the report added.

Here’s a list of roads earmarked for restrictions:

Armley ward

Bruce Lawn;
Tong Road/Oldfield Lane;
Wortley Road;
Moorfield Road.

Farnley & Wortley ward

Wood Lane;
Green Hill Lane;
Queensthorpe Avenue/Henconner Lane;
Tong Road;
Royds Lane;
Chapel Lane/Lawns Lane/Maple Drive

Pudsey ward

Smalewell Road/Station Street;
Chapeltown
School Street/Carlisle Road
Littlemoor Road
Robin Lane/South Parade/Radcliffe Lane
Ravens Mount/Hazelhurst Court
Kent Road/Broadlands Avenue
Mount Pleasant Road
Lowtown/Crown Place
Swinnow Road/Lane End
Swinnow Road/Welstone Avenue
Marsh/Uppermoor
Marsh/Wellington Grove
Waterloo Road
Wasterloo Road/Sunnyridge Avenue
Owlcotes Road/Owlcotes Terrace

The schemes are due to be implemented within the new financial year.

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Appeal launched to help spot and record River Aire pollution

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April 25, 2023

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A charity aiming to improve the River Aire has launched a £5,000 appeal to help build a pollution spotting tool.

The Aire Rivers Trust supports volunteers who want to monitor and restore the health of the River Aire and River Worth in West Yorkshire.

The charity is looking for funding to build an online pollution spotting tool, buy water testing kits and give expert advice on how to identify pollution and its sources along the Aire.

It aims to train local people to protect a stretch of the Aire close to them and equip them with the skills to understand what pollution looks like and common sources.

A spokesperson said: “Our rivers are polluted every day and, without hard evidence, polluters go unchallenged. Funding cuts have left the Environment Agency without the necessary resources to do these detailed investigations.

“We want to inspire and empower people living and working along our beautiful river with the skills and tools to investigate and address pollution together with flytipping and litter, illegal discharge pipes, invasive plants and animals, and farm runoff.”

The crowdfunder has so far raised over £2,000 and can be found here.