Community Champion – Thanks to Bramley’s Jackie Scargill for her reading group

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March 16, 2023

By Katherine Turner

Community stalwart Jackie Scargill was nominated by WLD reader Josie Armitage for the care she gives to the members of Bramley Elderly Action’s weekly reading group.

She is the second WLD ‘community champion‘ to be nominated by readers for the contribution she makes to her community.

Josie said: “Jackie has been running the weekly reading group for elderly ladies at Bramley Elderly Action since January 2021 when she moved to Bramley from Headingley.

“She started to do this as a volunteer during the Covid-19 lockdowns over a combination of zoom and telephone to meet the needs of the group.”

Josie heaped praise on Jackie and added: “She has transformed this into a weekly face-to-face group session at Bramley Community Centre with some members still joining by phone.

“She has gone out of her way to support members to be able to take part in the sessions and also sorted out any minor issues for members.”

Bramley Elderly Action provides opportunities for older people in Bramley, Swinnow and parts of Stanningley. Offering weekly activities, day trips, a befriending scheme, support with technology alongside general information and advice.

Activities include a weekly drop-in cafe, craft group, line dancing, exercise classes, ukulele lessons, quizzes and much more. They provide a vital service for over 60’s in the area.

Jackie was over the moon to be nominated, telling WLD: “I feel honoured because I love my volunteering, I don’t do it for the recognition as I feel that I am giving back to my community.”

Jackie told us about the work she does: “I took over the running of the group after the lady who ran it left after lockdown. I have four ladies in the room with me and three ladies who I ring. We all take turns to read part of that week’s book.

“The books come from an affiliation I set up with Bramley Library so we don’t have to buy books and can choose what we read. We meet for an hour from 2pm every Wednesday at Bramley Community Centre.

“I also do other volunteering at the centre around Christmas time.”

According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour or family member. Thanks to volunteers like Jackie and the Bramley Elderly Action Group our older generation can feel less isolated.

If you would like to volunteer or would like any more information please visit bramleyea.org.uk or email hrbramleyea@gmail.com

Bramley Elderly Action is based at Bramley Community Centre, Waterloo Lane, Bramley, Leeds LS13 2JB. Telephone 0113 2361644.

Nominate a community champion

To nominate a Community Champion simply drop us an email at news@westleedsdispatch.com with the name of the person you would like to nominate and the reasons why.

Please include your name and telephone number so that we can contact you.

The February WLD ‘community champion’ was Wortley resident Debbie Binnersley for her work with the LS12 School uniform scheme.

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Reader’s letter: Grandmother was caught up in Wortley ‘snowflakes’ tragedy

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March 16, 2023

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memorial_to_the_girls_at_saint_johns_wortley — The memorial to the girls at St John's in Wortley. Photo: Mark Stevenson

Sir;- Further to your report on the fire at St John’s Church in Wortley in 1891 it may interest you to know that Eleanor Coleman is my grandmother and it was during my research into the family tree that I found out about this fire and the part our grandmother played in it.

As you could imagine it was a great shock to those of us still living as none of this was known to the grandchildren’s generation.

We can only speculate what she went through as she was a orphan at the time of the fire, her mother having died six years before, and this after her father walked out on his wife and three children seven years before. I hope you find this of interest?

Maurice White, Clova Gardens, Ripon

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Instructor tackles stress with a stretch in Pudsey

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March 16, 2023

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pudsey pilates stretches — Calverley's Emily Carvis stretches out to relieve stress

A health and fitness expert is making it her mission to reduce the stress of Pudsey residents.

Emily Carvis, 47, from Calverley, is a pilates instructor and – after noticing dozens of her clients complaining about stress – she decided to act on this.

From Tuesday 11 April, Emily will be taking relaxing, meditative stretching classes at St James the Great Parish Church on Galloway Lane from 6.30pm to 7.15pm.

Said Emily: “I’m determined to help locals manage their stress with some gentle pilates. Stress causes a multitude of illnesses and stops good quality of life; it equals bad posture, poor sleep, a damaged immune system and anxiety. It’s time I put a stop to this.”

Emily is an experienced Pilates personal trainer and also offers online classes. She’s lived in Pudsey for 15 years and can often be seen around the local parks relieving stress with a dog walk.

For details contact Emily on 0772 0713731.

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£185,000 grant will help ‘overwhelmed’ Leeds debt support charity

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March 16, 2023

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old farnley community centre — Venue: Farnley Community Centre. Photo: Google

By John Baron

A money advice scheme which has seen demand soar during the cost of living crisis has received a £185,240 grant from Leeds City Council to help continue its work.

Money Buddies runs 22 advice sessions across the city, including six well-attended sessions in West Leeds – including community hubs in Armley, Bramley, Farsley, Hawksworth Wood and Pudsey, as well as Farnley Community Centre.

A council report says between 2014 and 2020, the number of children living in “relative low-income” and “absolute low-income” in Leeds increased by 49% and 18%.

As reported by WLD in October, Money Buddies CEO Sylvia Simpson said the service was being ‘overwhelmed’ by demand for help.

Funding will ensure that residents across Leeds have regular access to money and budgeting services – an essential requirement during the cost of living crisis.

“Locally, financial inclusion partners are consistently reporting that demand for face-to-face advice services is now higher than ever, and that wait times for the provision of support are growing as a consequence,” the council report added.

“Poverty and financial exclusion have been deep-rooted challenges for many years. These were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the current economic climate continues to add financial pressures and widen inequalities to households across Leeds.

“For many the current cost-of-living crisis is not a short-term crisis but an ongoing reality.”

Money buddies is based at Ebor Gardens Advice Centre. A full timetable for its advice sessions across Leeds can be found here.

Last year the charity received a £97,000 donation from money expert Martin Lewis to help support their work.

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Snow storm delays Farsley Celtic match, as tight relegation scrap with Leamington ends even

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March 15, 2023

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farsley celtic leamington snow — A snowstorm delayed Farsley Celtic's kick off by 15 minutes tonight. Photo: John McEvoy

By John Baron

A near-Biblical snowstorm delayed the kick-off by of Farsley Celtic’s relegation six-pointer with Leamington at The Citadel by 20 minutes this evening.

And the snowy conditions certainly played their part in a tight contest which ended up in a 1-1 draw which will probably please the visitors more than the hosts.

The first half saw both sides take their time to adjust to the difficult playing surface and its snowy covering.

Volunteers helped to clear the lines on the pitch ahead of kick-off. photo: John McEvoy

Leamington edged the first half, and could have taken the lead in the 11th minute when Farsley keeper Max Dearnley was caught off his line, but Dan Turner’s effort slid harmlessly wide.

It was the Celts who had the best chance of the half. After 28 minutes Mulhern helped it onto Kian Scales, who burst through the Brakes defence, but his low strike was saved one on one by Leamington keeper Cann.

Kian Scales looks on as Leamington mount an attack. Photo: John McEvoy

The second half was again an even affair, but the visitors took the lead just four minutes in, Dan Turner firing home a stunning strike from the edge of the box, giving Dearnley no chance.

The setback clearly rocked the Celts – but 12 minutes later the hosts struck a desperately-needed equaliser.

Frank Mulhern and Dave Syers in action at a snowy The Citadel. Photo: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots

Lewis Butroid delivered an excellent cross from the left, and his opposite full-back Lewis Turner sneaked in round the back to prod home.

Farsley’s best chance to grab a winner and ease their relegation fears came 14 minutes from time when Leamington keeper Ted Cann making a phenomenal double save to deny first Tom Allan and then Theo Williams on the rebound.

Chris Atkinson lets fly for Farsley Celtic. Photo: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots

Four minutes later Leamington had a good chance to win it, Kelly-Evans crossing for Jack Edwards, but his header was straight at Dearnley.

Farsley forced a series of corners in nine minutes of stoppage time but couldn’t find a winner despite the late pressure. It leaved The Celts fourth from bottom, three points behind three teams above them on 42 points, but having played fewer games.

While Farsley’s home unbeaten run stretching back to November was preserved and The Celts have now lost just one of their last 12, boss Russ Wilcox will have again been left frustrated by his side’s inability to turn one point into three.

Tuesday’s meeting with Leamington saw Farsley defender Adam Clayton make his 300^th appearance for the Celts – and the 36-year-old earned a man of the match award to cap off a big night for the stalwart.

Match reaction

Celts boss Russ Wilcox paid tribute to players from both teams, who played in difficult conditions – but was critical of his side’s finishing after yet another draw.

Sam Muggleton signs for the Celts

New Farsley Celtic signing Sam Muggleton was an unused sub against Leamington

Farsley Celtic have signedSam Muggleton on dual registration from Melton Town.

The 27-year-old midfielder has plenty of experience at this level and in the National League, spending time with Barnet, York City and Chesterfield.

Muggleton began his career in non-league football with Holwell Sports before moving to Gillingham on a scholarship deal at 16.

Following his departure from the Gills he spent three years at Barnet, where alongside his time in the National League, he also made 36 appearances in League Two.

More recently he has spent time with Stratford Town, Bedworth United and Belper Town, before he made the move to his hometown club Melton Town this season.

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Calverley Primary ‘continues to be a good school’ – Ofsted

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March 14, 2023

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Calverley C of E Primary School continues to be a good school, Ofsted inspectors have said.

Inspectors visited the school for an ungraded inspection in January, and were pleased with what they saw.

“The school’s motto of ‘love, learn, care’ sums up daily life at Calverley Church of England Voluntary-Aided Primary School,” the report, which was published today, said. “Christian values are at the heart of school life. This is a welcoming and happy place to learn.”

There was praise for a ‘broad and interesting curriculum’ and pupils’ behaviour.

The report adds: “Reading is at the heart of the curriculum. Leaders promote a life-long love of reading. They provide pupils with a wide range of books to enjoy, many by authors from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Visits from children’s authors engage pupils and widen their knowledge of the world. All staff are trained to teach phonics well.”

Safeguarding arrangements were rated as effective at the school, on Town Gate.

The report notes that assessment in subjects other than English and mathematics is at different stages of development. As a result, teachers do not consistently identify and address gaps in pupils’ knowledge.

The full report can be read in full here.

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Outer West councillors warn of budget cuts to local grants

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March 14, 2023

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By John Baron

Councillors representing ‘outer’ west Leeds have awarded grants worth thousands of pounds to ‘in bloom’ groups, Christmas light switch ons and youth activities – but have warned a reduced budget will affect which initiatives they support in future.

Members of the outer west community committee – who represent Calverley & Farsley, Pudfsey and Farnley & Wortley wards – heard they faced around a 10% cut in the amount of funding they receive from Leeds City Council.

Meeting chair Councillor Amanda Carter (Cons Calverley & Farsley) said the cut affected all community committees across the city

“we know we will have to make a cut in what we are able to spend,” she added.

Members of the Outer West Community Committee met at Farnley Hall today (Tuesday) to decide the applications or ring fence funding from the 2023-24 financial year, after deferring decisions at last month’s meeting due to uncertainty over the budget.

Some applications were awarded grants less than originally requested due to the budget cuts.

Here’s a list of the applications they considered from Calverley & Farsley, Pudsey and Farnley & Wortley wards:

Calverley in Bloom – £5,500

To plant and maintain the village’s floral displays.

Farsley in Bloom – £3,049

New Farnley in Bloom – £1,000

Pudsey in Bloom – £5,001

Tyersal and New Farnley parks worker – £15,570

Staff member will cut grass, prune, litter pick, remove fly tipping. inspect play equipment and maintain the parkland. Councillors will approach the parks department to see if the grant total can be reduced to last year’s levels.

Pudsey Adult Band Project – £2,950

Participants will be able to take part in creating music by either forming a band or having the chance to learn about electronic music such as; DJing, Launchpads, and Ableton software.

Pudsey Carnival – £2,600

To support the annual parade and carnival at Queens Park.

Farnley Football Project – £1,000

Targeting young people on Bawns and Heights estates.

Rock up to do a mock up project (Pudsey) – £12,000

Funding will allow the project to continue working with young people aged 13-18, to reduce the numbers of young people not in education employment or training. Engaging with young people ninth community.

Mini Summer Sports Programme 2023 – £720

Sport sessions across the Farsley, Calverley, Pudsey Wards (Hainsworth Park, Calverley Park, Swinnow Moor and Farnley Rec) – but councillors said they may need to look at other venues if existing ones aren’t popular.

Farnley Youth Project – £2,500

Weekly structured activities to young people around subjects such as health and wellbeing, cooking, relationships, self-confidence, crime and anti-social behaviour, community, internet safety, life skills, arts and crafts and careers.

Farsley & Calverley transition group – £1,530

To develop youth provision in the ward.

Summer Holiday Targeted Provision – Outer West – £1,440

To enable some of the hardest to reach and vulnerable young people to access positive activities.

Pudsey Youth Cafe – £4,120

The group runs each Wednesday evening from 6.30pm–8pm and is a safe space in Pudsey where young people can gain a positive social experience. It was suggested that the organisers look into running half term events in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour in the town.

Breeze in the Park 2023 – £11,400

The grant will be used to deliver summer Breeze in the Park events in Farnley Hall Park, Hainsworth Park in Farsley, and Queens Park, Pudsey. Councillors agreed the expenditure in principle but will ask organisers whether it’s possible too run a series of mini-Breeze events in parks in more areas across the three wards.

Dance Action Zone Leeds in Farnley/Wortley – £3,331

Creating a dance program in school holidays.

The committee also approved ring-fencing funds for Calverley and Farsley Christmas Lights (£6,959), £12,000 towards CCTV schemes, £7,699 to Pudsey Christmas Lights, and £1,840 for Rodley Christmas Lights.

They also agreed a further £4,450 for Farsley Festival – although councillors want to see Love Farsley’s accounts before agreeing a final amount – and £2,592 for Outer West Easter Holiday Activity Days 2024.

A £1,218.70 award for Pudsey Park Weekend Littering to employ additional litter picking over town summer weekends in Pudsey Park was deferred for further information, as was £6,600 for activities at West Leeds Activity Centre.

The Outer West Community Committee, which met at Farnley Hall, is made up of all nine councillors from the Calverley & Farsley, Pudsey and Farnley & Wortley wards. It consists of five Conservative councillors, two Green and two Labour.

The full agenda can be read in full here.

WLD has been chronicling local cuts in our Cutswatch series here.

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Mobile community hub supports Farnley and Wortley residents

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March 14, 2023

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People living in Farnley and Wortley are being encouraged to make use of a mobile hub for their council, information and library needs.

The Mobile Hub vehicle is in Farnley and Wortley on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9.30am until 3.30pm.

It serves as a point of a contact for local residents who are looking for help with a variety of Council and Library services much like a regular community hub.

Examples of assistance residents can get help with include:

Housing – rent, repairs, tenancy enquiries, applications and priority enquiries
Council Tax – change of address, discounts, payment arrangements, recovery enquiries
Benefits – Council Tax support, Housing Benefit and DHP applications and enquiries, general advice with state benefits
Employment Support – working with LCC Jobshops we can offer one to one support to eligible residents with CV writing, job applications and interview preparation
Library services – residents can register with Leeds Libraries to borrow and return books as well as order books to be delivered to the vehicle.
Self-service computers and free WiFi – using their Leeds Libraries card, residents can log on to a public access PC and get digital assistance
General assistance with LCC services – reporting ASB and waste/tipping issues, parking permits, Blue Badge and Blind & Disabled Persons Bus Pass applications.
Financial Inclusion – signposting to schemes such as emergency food and fuel and debt advice.

Also, in light of the upcoming May local elections, staff are able to help residents who don’t have valid photo ID to apply for a voter authority certificate including providing a photo for the application.

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Free music and food at Armley’s Really Friendly Music lunches

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March 14, 2023

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music lunch Armley st Bartholomew's — Roger Quick and Graham Barber at a Musical Lunch at St Bartholomew's earlier this month.

Enjoy a free lunch and music thanks to a series of free concerts with sandwiches, soup and hot drinks over lunchtimes in March and April.

Really Friendly Music Lunches are held at St Bartholomew’s Church in Armley and people are being invited to attend.

This Wednesday (15 March) it’s Graham Barber on the organ with a programme of well-known pieces by Bach and Handel disguised in jazzy style, and some duos with Chris Newton.

Book via this link. Donations welcome. Food is at 12.15pm, with music starting at 1pm every Wednesday until Easter.

Check out WLD‘s new what’s on section for more events.

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Toasters, scooters and microwaves found in Leeds’ gullies

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March 14, 2023

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Leeds Civic Hall. Photo: John Baron/westleedsdispatch.com

By David Spereall, local democracy reporter

Children’s toys, scooters and kitchen appliances are among the items that have been fly-tipped into Leeds’ drainage system.

Broken toasters and microwaves have been found by council staff responsible for maintaining gullies across the city.

The local authority has reminded local residents to dispose of their waste responsibly and to avoid flushing items that might cause blockages down the toilet.

The revelation was made at a council community committee on Monday.

Eleanor Jordan, an engineer from the local authority’s highway maintenance team, said: “Gully pots are not rubbish bins.

“You’d be surprised what we pull out of the gullies. We’ve had toasters, scooters, children’s toys and microwaves.

Expressing surprise at the length fly-tippers are going to, she added: “The effort to actually lift the grate must be greater than just putting it in a wheelie bin.”

Ms Jordan said the UK’s drainage system was struggling to function as a whole, with most of the infrastructure having been built in the Victorian era to serve far fewer houses.

But she told councillors that unnecessary blockages were a frequent problem too.

So-called fatbergs are a chronic issue in sewers when non-perishable items club together and form a blockage.

Ms Jordan said: “We as residents are filling our sewers with items that are not biodegradable. These form most of the blockages.

“These are most notably fat, oil and baby wipes.

“I must stress these things should not be poured down sinks, tipped into gullies or flushed down toilets.”

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Farsley Celtic entertain Leamington in relegation ‘six-pointer’

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March 13, 2023

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frank mulhern farsley celtic — Farsley Celtic's Frank Mulhern battles against Telford's defenders in a recent 0-0 draw. Photo: John McEvoy/Leeds Shots

By Thomas Ritchie

Farsley Celtic welcome Leamington to the Citadel on Tuesday evening for what can undoubtedly be categorised as a relegation ‘six-pointer’.

The Brakes sit three points in front of the Celts, fifth from bottom, having played a game more, so a victory for either side would be vital in the fight to avoid the drop zone.

While Farsley were in FA Trophy action at the weekend, Leamington picked up a valuable point at home to promotion-chasing Chester, extending their unbeaten run to four games.

Home delights: Farsley Celtic’s The Citadel

However, they will be travelling to the Citadel to face a side who have also seen an improvement in their form in recent weeks, with Russ Wilcox’s side having lost just one of their last 11.

The Celts also have an excellent record at home having gone without defeat in almost four months, although the last two outings at the Citadel have ended in goalless draws.

Following our exit from the FA Trophy, the focus is now firmly on securing survival, as Russ Wilcox said: “Your bread and butter’s more important over 46 games, that’s the target.

“We knew how difficult it was going to be at the start of the season when it’s four going down, after only one last season.

“When I came in last season I knew I had half a chance of keeping us up because we had to finish above one team, but this year you’ve got to finish above four.

“There are a few bigger teams down there that are not quite safe, so it’s going to be a really interesting last quarter of the season.”

TEAM NEWS

Tom Allan returned from injury on Saturday, appearing off the bench in our penalty shootout defeat to Gateshead. Danny Devine will be available again after being ineligible for the FA Trophy and Wilcox may be tempted to shuffle his pack after a hectic schedule.

TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here.

You can check out all the important supporter information for the fixture here.

£100,000 improvement scheme approved for notorious Stanningley Bottom junction

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March 13, 2023

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image2-2 — Scheme: Stanningley Bottom. Photo: Darren Bullough

By John Baron

The notorious Stanningley Bottom junction – once likened to the ‘surface of the moon’ – is set to benefit from a £100,000 scheme which highways chiefs say will make the road safer to use.

Details of the scheme emerged this afternoon and feature plans to restore the deteriorating road surface to a high quality, and to change the two continental-style ’roundels’ into two mini-roundabouts, as well as adding relevant signage and markings to make them clear to motorists.

There are also plans to improve pedestrian infrastructure at the two existing zebra crossings.

A map detailing the new scheme for Stanningley Bottom.

The scheme follows calls last year from Conservative, Green and Labour councillors on both the inner and outer west community committees for an urgent package of improvements in the area, which has been subject to complaints by motorists about its safety and the deteriorating road surface.

A council report published today states: “There are local perceptions that this location is unsafe despite the limited number of recorded injury collisions, and the improvement package detailed in this report will address those concerns.”

Some of the faded markings on the roundels at Stanningley Bottom. Photo: Darren Bullough

Cllr Peter Carlill (Lab, Calverley & Farsley) welcomed the report. He said: “It’s good to see these works ready to come forward, as agreed by all councillors on the Inner and Outer West community committees.

“I understand some of the thinking behind the previously unmarked junction, in encouraging people to slow down and take more care on the approach – and it has had some success in doing that. But it is clear from speaking to residents that many people don’t understand the layout or are unsure of how to use the junction in its present state.

“As well as the safety concerns, the surface has badly deteriorated and is greatly in need of resurfacing, which will be completed along with these works. It’s hoped the clearer markings will also deter parking on the junction, which is another issue I have raised often.”

Cllr Andrew Carter (Cons, Calverley & Farsley), who last year likened the junction to the ‘surface of the moon’, said: “I regret to say we’ve had to ‘shame’ the council into doing something.

“They’ve been dragged ‘kicking and screaming’ into action and at last they’ve agreed. Let’s hope they make a good job of it so that pedestrians, motorists, and cyclists know what’s supposed to be going where. I’ll be keeping a very close eye on the situation.”

The new scheme was welcomed by Bramley & Stanningley councillor Kevin Ritchie (Lab) who said: “I am pleased that they have found some funding to deliver this long-overdue scheme.”

The improvements are earmarked to be completed before the end of 2023.

The road layout was introduced as part of the CityConnect cycle superhighway project back in 2016 and has already been subject to revision since then.

Only this morning, WLD featured photographs taken by a reader in Stanningley, highlighting his concerns over the deteriorating road surface and labelling it ‘the worst junction in Leeds‘.