Kirkstall Abbey to host night of music in festival fundraiser

By

-

June 15, 2025

Get ready for another epic night of music at Kirkstall Abbey – and help support the popular annual festival at the same time.

Festival organisers have announced the return of Weetwood Mac and Gary Stewart’s Graceland to the stage within the church of the historic 12th century former Cistercian monetary.

Both bands feature Leeds-based musicians, including Ellen Smith (Ellen & the Escapdes, writer and performer of the title song from the Amazon Prime docuseries about Leeds United, ‘Take Us Home’), Gary Stewart (Hope & Social), Sam Wood (Wayward Sons & Black Star Rider), Isaac Heywood (Rock School UK) and a host of other musicians.

You will be able to hear some of the greatest hits from two of the most successful albums in musical history – Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and Paul Simon’s Graceland – together with other tracks.

Kirkstall Festival has now been a mainstay in the Leeds social calendar since 1981 and the 46th annual event will take place on Saturday, 12 July 2025. It is a full un-ticketed event which usually attracts around 25,000 people and aims to provide something for all ages.

The festival is organised by unpaid volunteers. All proceeds from the gig will go to support the festival. In 2000 the Festival cost £6,000 to stage, which rose to £35,000 2024.

Tickets available via Eventbrite.

Check out the latest West Leeds events in WLD’s what’s on section.

Sponsored content

Traffic orders set for Bramley streets

By

westleedslife

-

June 13, 2025

4

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

Council chiefs are set to give the green light to a £25,000 package of measures to regulate problem parking in Bramley & Stanningley ward.

Councillors, residents, businesses and schools have over the past three years requested waiting restrictions to remove indiscriminate and obstructive parking in residential areas.

A council report has this week authorised the detailed development, consultation, preparation and delivery of a scheme.

The streets earmarked for Traffic Regulation Orders in Bramley and Stanningley include:

Hough Lane/Warrels Road
Wellington Grove/Broad Lane
Rossefield Approach
Richmond Close/Broad Lane
Hough Lane/Bath Lane
Wellington Terrace/Broad Lane
Langley Close/Langley Avenue
Langley Road/Langley Avenue
Outgang Lane/Raynville Road
Coal Hill Drive
Spring Valley Crescent
Half Mile Lane/Fernbank Avenue
and others to be confirmed.

Councillor Kevin Ritchie (Labour) said on behalf of all three Bramley & Stanningley councillors: “These are locations that have been brought up by residents and we are also looking at other schemes not listed here.”

The report – which was published this week and can be read here – gave authority to promote a Traffic Regulation Order in the Bramley & Stanningley ward. Local residents will get the chance to comment on the order when it is advertised.

Sponsored content

Family’s autism charity bid in memory of son Corban

By

westleedslife

-

June 13, 2025

0

corban — Corban (centre) with his two sisters, Elsie (left) and Stevie (right).

By Harry Ward

The family of a much-loved autistic 22-year-old from Farsley who passed away from a heart attack are raising money to set up a charity in his memory.

Corban Rosenthall, described as “gentle, incredibly kind and funny,” passed away in January 2025.

He was autistic and had communication difficulties, which sometimes made it hard for him to express pain or distress.

Now, Corban’s family are working with the specialist schools and college he attended to create a charity in his name.

The charity — Corban’s Way — will focus on supporting young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), particularly those who are non-verbal or have communication challenges. It aims to provide training and resources for families, schools, and public services, including the emergency services.

Helen Rosenthall, Corban’s mother, told West Leeds Dispatch she wants every child like Corban to be able to communicate “pain, illness, distress, anything on their mind… In a way that works for them”.

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition which can affect how a person communicates, experiences sensory input, and understands emotions and behaviour. Like many autistic people, Corban sometimes struggled to recognise or express when something was wrong — a challenge his family hope to help others navigate through their work.

To help raise funds for both the charity and a family fun day in August, the family have launched a GoFundMe campaign, with a goal of £10,000.

The family is keen to make Corban’s Way a lasting legacy, ensuring families have the resources and support they need.

You can donate directly to their campaign HERE.

Sponsored content

Bramley personal trainer’s mammoth fundraiser after cardiac arrest

By

westleedslife

-

June 13, 2025

0

By Katherine Turner

This April women’s health coach and personal trainer, Emma Houldsworth found herself in a situation where the odds were stacked against her.

Out walking her dog, Emma felt the sudden need to sit down. Emma’s heart stopped beating, she stopped breathing and was in cardiac arrest.

Outside of a hospital environment fewer than 8% of patients would normally survive. Luckily for Emma, her partner knew how to administer CPR, a defibrillator was nearby and the passerby who was able to help was a trained nurse.

Emma has since made a full recovery and wants to raise funds for CPR training and new defibrillators in the local community.

She shared on her social media pages: “One moment I was running my business, going to the gym and busy being a mum and the next thing my heart stopped. If my partner had not known CPR or there hadn’t been a defibrillator nearby I wouldn’t be here today.

“There’s a common misconception that heart problems only affect older people or those that are unhealthy. When there is an issue with the heart’s electrical signals, this can happen to anybody at any age.”

The cause is very important to Emma, and the charity raffle is now live with 71 prizes donated and has been supported by all of her clients.

One of her clients, Meg Coleman also of Bramley, told WLD: “It’s important to us to help raise funds because of what Emma went through with her cardiac arrest, if it hadn’t been for the nearby defibrillator and the help of her partner who is trained in CPR she potentially wouldn’t have survived.

“We want to make sure we do all we can to spread awareness, raise money for defibrillators and fund some CPR training too.

“I’ve known Emma since February last year. She genuinely cares about her clients rather than just seeing it as just a job, she puts her all into it. She’s such a lovely woman and I’ve honestly never felt so comfortable around someone so quickly, which is why I want to support this raffle.”

Last year Emma and her clients raised £3,000 for Cancer Research and hope to raise the same amount again. This could fund CPR training for 75 local people and one new defibrillator.

Emma’s raffle can be found here.

Sponsored content

Pudsey Civic Hall: Festival brings dyslexia community together

By

westleedslife

-

June 13, 2025

0

By Harry Ward

An organisation supporting people with dyslexia in Leeds is holding a major event at Pudsey Civic Hall in July.

The Yorkshire Dyslexia Festival — organised by Yorkshire Rose Dyslexia (YRD) — is set to bring the dyslexia community together with speakers and a range of exhibitions, at their event at Pudsey Civic Hall on the 5 July.

The event will feature talks on dyslexia in education and sensory needs along with a variety of activities and stalls from a range of organisations.

YRD, founded in 1987, has been supporting people with dyslexia in Leeds and Bradford for over 30 years. They have previously hosted the Festival at Elland Road stadium, which saw over 1,000 attend.

The organisation runs a very successful Touch Typing Club — which teaches dyslexic children and young people to Touch Type, a more accessible form of writing. They say this has massively boosted both school and wellbeing outcomes for young people they support.

Lee Hart, Co-Chair of YRD, said: “We really wanted it to be a celebration of dyslexia and other neuro conditions, we have stalls on dyscalculia and dyspraxia and other support services as well, which is fantastic.”

He also emphasised YRD’s drive for a “level playing field” in education, pointing out how class disparities often hinder access to screening, diagnosis, and ongoing support. To tackle this, the organisation is currently exploring an accreditation scheme — where schools could gain a ‘Dyslexia Friendly’ status for inclusive learning practices.

Lee said many parents are left with no choice but to take their local authority to tribunal to secure the support their child needs. “Families are having to take the local education authority to court,” he said, referring to the specialist Education Tribunal process.

While schools have a legal duty to support pupils with Specific Learning Difficulties, including dyslexia, many still fall short.

“Schools continue to fall behind,” Lee said. Although many recognise the value of interventions like Touch Typing, he added that in other cases, schools are reluctant to cooperate with families.

Sponsored content

Fundraisers help turn Yorkshire pink

By

westleedslife

-

June 13, 2025

0

candlelighters pink — On yer bike: Fundraisers Jenny Jones is standing on the right side, Sam Williams on the left. Bicycle on the right Iain Hobbs and the left side is Mark Gallimore.

By Wendy Exley

Candlelighters’ week of fundraising to ‘turn Yorkshire Pink’ has been raising funds and awareness for children with cancer by bringing the community together.

Staff, volunteers and participants have been raising funds by covering 150 kilometres on each of two static bicycles outside their support centre in Leeds city centre.

The fun and excitement was captured via a live stream connected to the hospital, so staff, children and supporters could cheer them on along the way.

For over 45 years Candlelighters have supported families, in Yorkshire by providing emotional, practical and financial aid, when they need it the most, and fund vital research to improve the outcomes and lives of children with cancer.

Fundraiser Jenny Jones said the two static bicycles were kindly donated by Leeds City College for the fundraising event.

Each year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer, turning lives upside down. Recovery is a long and challenging journey for the whole family.

For more information see the Candlelighters’ website.

Sponsored content

Leeds: Consultation to be launched over future development sites

By

westleedslife

-

June 12, 2025

0

Council chiefs are set to give the go ahead to launch a summer public consultation into future development sites in Leeds.

The Leeds Local Plan is a document setting out how much new development is forecast to take place across the district, where it will be and how it will look. It includes housing and commercial sites.

It signals to developers what the framework for development is for the future, by preparing policies that guide the grant or otherwise of planning permission. It also sets out what land will be protected and enhanced.

Senior councillors at next week’s executive board will discuss launching a public consultation on the detailed proposals. The consultation will not start before June 30.

A report to be considered by councillors states: “The production of a new Local Plan for the city is timely as it will guide the development industry to deliver the right type of housing (especially affordable homes) and for economic growth, which are both national priorities.

“At the same time [it will ensure] that the local environment is enhanced and that new development helps to mitigate and respond to climate change.”

The agenda and reports for next Wednesday’s executive board meeting can be read here.

Community comes together for WLD quiz night

By

westleedslife

-

June 12, 2025

0

WLD quiz Horsforth — WLD hald a community quiz in Truly Scrummy, Horsforth. Jill Stocks was the quiz mistress. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

Words: John Baron

Photos: Kelvin Wakefield

Members of the community and WLD’s community reporters and supporters all came together to put their brains to the test at our latest community quiz night.

The event saw more than 25 people puzzle over some tough questions in good company at Truly Scrummy cafe, Horsforth Town Street, on Tuesday evening.

Tough questions to answer but lots of fun at our quiz night. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

Representatives from the local WI, from MHA Communities Horsforth, town and city councillors all formed teams and enjoyed the super food and drink from our hosts.

The quiz was hosted by community reporter Jill Stocks and the event was part of the annual UK Indie News Week, which highlights the importance of independent news.

The Week is the brainchild of The Public Interest News Foundation (PINF), the UK’s first charity to support public interest news – ethical and impartial journalism that informs and empowers the public about the things that matter to all of us.

Open newsroom and community mapping

Don’t forget, today (Thursday, 4-7pm) sees WLD opening our community newsroom at Bramley Lawn Social Centre to anyone interested in meeting our team, having a coffee and a chat and perhaps getting involved in our people-powered journalism.

We’ll also be doing some community mapping, highlighting where local community groups, organisations and centres are based in our communities, with a view to producing interactive maps which help guide people to what community activities are going on and where.

You’re very welcome to attend!

Sponsored content

Cheers! Horsforth Beer and Music Festival draws the crowds

By

westleedslife

-

June 12, 2025

0

Horsforth beer festival 169 — Lyndsey Acaster and Zak Beech at The Old King’s Arms bar. Photo: Sam Gillinder

By Sam Gillinder

Horsforth Beer and Music Festival 2025 took place at St Margaret’s Church on 6 and 7 June.

The event was highly anticipated by the residents of Horsforth and they turned out in force to enjoy the drinks, food and music on offer.

During the event several bands performed in the nave of the church with the altar space providing the stage. People danced and drank throughout.

“Horsforth you have done it again. You’ve gone all in and supported another great community event. This time it was Horsforth Beer and Music Festival.” said Dave Brosnan, a member of the Horforth Town Team and also a Horsforth town councillor.

He added: “I shouldn’t be surprised though because it’s who we are. It’s what we do as Horsfordians.”

Alastair Dawson and Ellie Stevenson represented the Horsforth Brewery. Photo: Sam Gillinder

Lyndsey Acaster, from The Old King’s Arms, confirmed: “We had almost 1,000 people over the weekend”

The event began on Friday evening with tickets available to adults. Within the church nave the bars were set up. They were provided by The Old King’s Arms and the Horsforth Brewery. Hoolios also served their delicious Mexican cuisine.

Julio Tumalan provided Mexican cuisine He owns a restaurant on Town Street. Photo:

The Wing Savant, who have recently taken a residency at The Old King’s Arms, were serving from the gazebo next to the main site. Wine and tasty dishes were showcased from the hatch in the Parish Centre by Grilling Me Softly X Lunation Wines.

With all this in place the music began. Craig Burns started the proceedings. Next to grace the stage were Blue Horizon.

Blue Horizon raised the feel good factor. Photo: Sam Gillinder

People began to dance to their covers from some popular and iconic acts. They introduced the next tribute band with enthusiasm. Go Your Own Way played songs from the artistry of Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac. They entertained and the party atmosphere thrilled the audience.

The Saturday sessions began with tickets available for children so that parents could enjoy an afternoon with their family.

The Horsforth Mags: Dave Holgate, Rev Nigel Sinclair and Jill Stocks enjoyed the event. Photo: Sam Gillinder

The Wing Savant teamed up with Secret Dough Co near the entrance.

Acts who performed on the Saturday included an electro acoustic set by Band Captain, Red Becks with The Stones, Bryan Adams and Bob Marley covers and Colin with an energetic mix of rock, pop and indie.

The event concluded with Old Skool Anthems taking to the stage with their performances of 90s and early 00s dance-pop floor fillers, some absolute bangers echoed around the fun soaked audience under the back drop of the nave within St Margaret’s Church.

Old Skool Anthems performing the finale of the event. Photo: Sam Gillinder

Sponsored content

Councillor’s concerns over ‘duplication’ of potential West Leeds mass transit route

By

westleedslife

-

June 12, 2025

15

An artist's impression of a mass transit system in Leeds

By John Baron

A Calverley & Farsley councillor has labelled one of the proposed tram routes through West Leeds as ‘illogical and unnecessary’.

Councillor Andrew Carter (Calverley and Farsley Ward) said a mass transit system route following the A647 would simply duplicate the already effective number 72 bus route and the Leeds to Bradford railway line.

He was speaking after Chancellor and Leeds West and Pudsey Rachel Reeves last week announced £2.1 billion funding to get spades in the ground on a mass transit system in West Yorkshire by 2028.

Leeds city centre via Armley, Stanningley, Thornbury and Laisterdyke to Bradford city centre
Leeds city centre via via Laisterdyke, Pudsey and Wortley to Bradford city centre
Leeds city centre via Laisterdyke, Pudsey and Armley to Bradford city centre.

Results of a recent public consultation showed public opinion narrowly favoured the Armley, Stanningley, Thornbury and Laisterdyke route, with 55% of respondents supporting or tending to support it.

Speaking to WLD, Cllr Carter said: “I listened intently to the announcements on funding for the tram linking Leeds and Bradford. Pardon me for being cynical, but I have heard these announcements from governments of all political complexions for 25 years.

“A route following the A647 is illogical and unnecessary; it merely duplicates one of the few good bus services we have, the number 72, and the railway connection between Leeds and Bradford, which has a 15-minute service.”

Cllr Carter said it would also involve extensive additional works to the junction at Dawson’s Corner, which has recently seen work start on a £44 million package of improvements.

He added: “The logical route would be the one going into Pudsey, but anyone who physically looks at that corridor realises that is easier said than done.

“Compulsory purchase and property demolition would be inevitable, with all the associated disruption. West Yorkshire Combined Authority should not try and minimise the issues that exist in constructing this tram line, nor the timescale that would be involved.”

West Yorkshire Combined Authority is undertaking environmental and technical assessments on the proposed routes ahead of selecting its preferred scheme later this year. A public consultation on a detailed version of the preferred route is due to be launched early next year.

The first phase of West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit network will create two tram lines – a Leeds Line, running from St James’s University Hospital through the city centre to the White Rose Centre, and a Bradford Line connecting Bradford and Leeds city centres, via West Leeds.

Earlier this week WLD reported on Rachel Reeves’ visit to the Greenside Greenway in Pudsey, where she discussed mass transit with a local campaign group.

Follow WLD‘s ongoing coverage on the mass transit system here.

Men’s mental health project goes from strength to strength

By

westleedslife

-

June 12, 2025

0

Holy Trinity Church Ripon gig — Man About Town at Holy Trinity Church, Ripon. Photo: Mike Smith Photography

By Helen Fay

The Man About Town men’s mental health and well-being project continues to go from strength to strength in West Leeds.

The project currently runs two groups – a walking group on Sundays and a music group on Wednesdays.

The music group has been held at Holbeck WMC for the past few months, but will have a new venue in West Leeds from July. The James McKenna Community Hub in Redshaw Road, Armley will be playing host to the group from next month.

The MAT music group has been running since 2021 and has met at a variety of locations over the years. During lockdown the group ran outdoors at Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club and then at Woodhouse Moor Allotments.

When lockdown eased and the weather got colder, the group started meeting indoors again at Woodhouse Community Centre, then later at Lovell Park Hub.

The idea of the music group first came into fruition during one of the MAT walks, when member Darren mentioned he played ukulele and that he could teach other participants of the group to play. Some of the other members, willing to take on a new challenge, duly bought ukuleles and the music group was born with Darren as teacher.

Fast forward to 2025 and the music group now features ukuleles, guitars, percussion and keyboard.

Apart from meeting every Wednesday to play and learn new songs, the group has played a number of gigs, including opening at Armley Festival last year, playing at the New Wortley Community Centre information cafe and performing at a charity fundraiser in Ripon.

Last Wednesday (4 June) the group played a set at the Armley Helping Hands 30th Anniversary celebration.

The group has another gig tomorrow (Friday, 13 June) at Kirkgate Market as part of the Northern Man Festival for Men’s Health week.

Man About Town will be playing together with the Bramley based BARCA men’s music group between 12pm and pm. More information can be found here.

Another new development for Creative Frame/Man About Town is the launch of a training programme for people interested in running men’s groups.

Creative Frame director Jonathan Parker told WLD: “The first training session is full, but anyone interested in finding out about future sessions can get in touch. We are working towards a level 1 accreditation for the course.”

The course is designed to increase the number of groups available for men to participate in. For more information about the music group and walking sessions, or about training courses available contact Jonathan by email: info@creativeframe.org.uk and Facebook.

The Creative Frame website can be found here.

Sponsored content

Horsforth: Ofsted praise for ‘home from home’ nursery

By

westleedslife

-

June 12, 2025

0

Prospect Nursery, Horsforth. Photo: Google

By John Baron

A Horsforth nursery has been rated ‘good’ in all areas by Ofsted inspectors.

Prospect House Nursery, based in New Street, received particular praise for its quality of education, behaviour and attitudes of pupils, personal development and leadership and management.

“Children love spending time in this highly nurturing home-from-home nursery,” the inspector’s report states. “The passionate leadership team and enthusiastic staff team create an environment where all children thrive.”

Children are ‘incredibly happy and content’, the report adds.

It goes on to say: “Children are motivated learners and demonstrate high levels of concentration and engagement. Staff implement a sequenced and ambitious curriculum that is embedded well throughout the nursery.”

The report also praises staff for encouraging students to lead a healthy lifestyle.

It adds: “The leadership team is ambitious and has a clear vision for the nursery. Staff feel valued and appreciated. They receive regular supervision sessions and attend regular training and development opportunities. However, leaders do not regularly observe staff or provide feedback on their daily practice.”

The full report can be read in full here.

More Horsforth news and views from WLD can be found here.