Sara Cox is taking Pudsey Bear to Pudsey. Photo: BBC
By Katherine Turner
Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox is set to take part in a marathon challenge to get Pudsey Bear to Pudsey – and raise money for Children in Need at the same time.
Each year the BBC hosts the Children in Need fundraiser with Pudsey Bear as its mascot. Last year they raised an astonishing £52 million.
Radio 2 presenters have been completing outstanding challenges since 2019 – last year was the turn of Paddy McGuinness, who raised almost £9 million for the charity.
This year is the turn of much-loved host of Radio 2’s Teatime Show Sara Cox to take on the challenge of a lifetime. This was announced this week during Scott Mills’ breakfast show on Radio 2.
Sarah will be enduring a five-day mission to “Get Pudsey to Pudsey.” Running five marathons over five days, Sara will start her challenge in Kielder Forest, covering 135 miles on foot across four counties – Northumberland, Durham, North and West Yorkshire.
She will finish the challenge on Friday, 14 November in Pudsey.
Sara Cox said: “When they picked me to get Pudsey to Pudsey, I was honoured and horrified in equal measure – we’re talking 135 miles of hills, moors and blisters – but I am ready for the challenge, and I will absolutely be giving it everything I’ve got!
“Just like with Vernon and Paddy, I know the brilliant Radio 2 listeners will be with me every step of the way and their encouragement and support will shove me up every incline and pull me through my toughest moments.
“Pudsey has been part of Children in Need for 40 years this year, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by helping raise much-needed funds for children who need it most.”
This challenge will certainly put Pudsey on the map. More information will be shared regarding the exact finish point, nearer the time.
Sara is expected to arrive in Pudsey in the afternoon of Friday, 14 November and will be encouraged to succeed by the support of the local community.
Listeners will be encouraged to take on their own walking or running challenges to support BBC Children in Need – asking themselves, “how far will you go for Pudsey?” Whether it’s a school mile, a park jog or a moorland hike, everyone is invited to get moving. Challenge yourself to help make life lighter for children and sign up at bbc.co.uk/Pudsey.
Children in Need mascot Pudsey Bear was created in 1985 by BBC graphic designer Joanna Lane. The bear was named after her hometown of Pudsey, where her grandfather Irvine Ball was borough councillor between 1936 and 1955 and town mayor in 1950.
51-year-old Jax, from Horsforth has been an upcycle volunteer with Leeds Hospitals Charity since January
A creative Horsforth mum who volunteers with Leeds Hospitals Charity at their Merrion Centre shop has been transforming donations with her unique creative flair.
And 51-year-old Jax Temple-Smees’ passion for volunteering has inspired her husband and two sons to also give up their time to help the charity continue to raise vital funds to support over one million patients treated at Leeds Teaching Hospitals every year.
As an upcycle volunteer, Jax, a practising artist and maker, rescues unwanted garments from the rag bag, items deemed unsellable due to damage or wear, and reimagines them with artistic flair.
Since becoming a volunteer in January, Jax has created more than 30 unique creations, from vintage jackets adorned with repurposed ties to designer pieces given a new lease of life with simple repairs.
Her creations are not only sustainable but also one-of-a-kind.
Jan said: “We all gain so much out of volunteering with the charity. I love the challenge of making something interesting and durable.
“It’s about minimising waste and maximising the value of donations. I think about how things fit together, how they’ll wear over time. I don’t want anything ending up back in landfill within six months.”
It wasn’t long before Jax’s 19-year-old son Nero, who is neurodiverse, started volunteering at the charity’s Horsforth shop, something that Jax says has really helped build his confidence before going to university.
After seeing how much his mum and brother were getting out of volunteering, Jax’s eldest son, 24-year-old Moomin wanted to get involved.
As an appraiser for Vintage Cash Cow, Moomin shared his expertise to help identify valuable pieces and advise on whether to sell or scrap for maximum return.
Not wanting to miss out on what was becoming a family affair, Jax’s husband Adam, co- owner of an antique shop in Horsforth, was the last member of the Temple-Smees family to get involved.
He recently shared his e-commerce knowledge with the charity’s online sales team, offering tips on listing optimisation and sales strategy.
Jax was inspired to volunteer because both her sons were born in Leeds and her brother spending much of his childhood being treated for chronic asthma at Leeds Children’s Hospital.
She said: “We’re really close as a family, it’s just how it has always been with us. We’ve worked together as a family before, and it’s lovely that we’re all supporting a cause close to our hearts.
“With so much of our family’s care rooted in Leeds, supporting this charity feels incredibly meaningful and we all get so much out of it.”
Leeds Hospitals Charity is looking for people to volunteer at their charity shops across the region. To see the latest volunteering opportunities, find out more and apply, visit the website or e-mail volunteers@leedshospitalscharity.org.uk.
Venue: The meeting was held in the Eric Atkinson Centre in Bramley.
By John Baron
Christmas is officially coming to the streets of Farnley and Wortley after councillors approved funding to install the ward’s first official Christmas lights.
Members of the Outer West Community Community met in Bramley last night to agree a raft of funding applications – and unanimously agreed to spend £9,000 on installing the lights.
Councillor Kate Haigh (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) said: “We have been out looking at lampposts and we have got a good start on where we’d like to see the lights. Dare I say it, Christmas is coming to Farnley and Wortley!”
Councillors also agreed to fund up to £8,360 for Bramley Festive Lights Switch On and £3,537 for the lights. £1,898 will go towards Calverley’s Christmas lights and in Farsley £5,187 to the lights and £3,825 towards the festive switch on.
Pudsey’s lights and artificial trees will benefit from a £9,072 grant, Rodley will receive £2,099 and next year’s Pudsey Carnival will receive £2,600.
Councillors also agreed to fund speed indicator devices on Valley Road and Pudsey Road at a cost of £15,000.
The move was supported by Pudsey Conservative councillors Simon and Dawn Seary, who argued the devices would help to keep speeds down on both roads. “They are popular with local residents and if it deters one person from speeding then it is worth every penny,” added Dawn Seary.
Councillor Trish Smith (Reform, Pudsey) felt the cameras were too expensive, questioned their effectiveness and raised issues over maintenance.
Councillors approved the expenditure, with Cllr Smith abstaining.
The committee also agreed to install three new picnic tables in Western Flatts Park for £7,500, as well as £3,627 for personalised training tops and new match kits, £800 for new fencing at The Crimbles in Pudsey and £512 for two replacement litter bins in Pudsey.
The Outer West Community Committee is made up of 12 councillors from four wards: Bramley & Stanningley, Calverley & Farsley, Farnley & Wortley and Pudsey. It is made up seven Labour, three Conservative, one Green and one Reform councillor, along with community representatives.
Councillors will next week decide an application to sell alcohol from a shop in New Wortley.
Applicant Omed Aras Ali has applied to sell alcohol at 24-26 Tong Road – formerly known as Carpatica.
A report to be considered by members of the council’s licensing sub-committee says West Yorkshire Police and the council’s Environmental Protection Team have withdrawn their representations after the applicant agreed to a number of conditions, including reduced opening times and the hours for selling alcohol.
The applicant has agreed to open and sell alcohol from 8am and 11pm every day.
Concerns about anti-social behaviour from Leeds City Council’s Public Health Service and New Wortley Community Association will be heard by councillors.
The premises had its licence withdrawn in April following breaches of the previous licence.
The agenda and reports for next Tuesday’s licensing committee meeting at Leeds Civic Hall can be viewed in full here.
A warm welcome at Penny Lane, which is held at Pudsey Congs Cricket Club. Photo: Diane Sullivan.
Community reporter Noelle Williamson continues her series of articles looking at dementia and memory cafes in West Leeds.
For anyone who has memory problems or sometimes finds public spaces confusing, being out and about can be challenging.
For someone who has been diagnosed with dementia, or is caring for someone with dementia, it can be a daunting prospect. You find yourself trying to anticipate things that you never used to think about, like access, changes of level, and toilets.
The beauty of a memory café, run by people who have relatable experience, is that someone else has done the anticipating.
There are several memory cafés in West Leeds, out of dozens across the city.
Although centred on Bramley, Burley, Farsley, Horsforth and Pudsey, they are all on, or very close to, bus routes from Armley, Burley, Farnley, Kirkstall or Wortley.
If you belong to a South Asian community, there is also Hamari Yaadain in Harehills, a memory café in person and online for speakers of Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu and other regional languages. bmedementia@touchstonesupport.org.uk 0113 219 2727.
There are too many West Leeds memory cafés to include more than a sample here, and that’s without considering other options, such as weekly minibus trips to supermarkets, dementia-friendly cinema showings, and neighbourhood strolls.
Follow the links at the end to find out about these and other memory cafés, groups and support services, and the amazing range of affordable social, therapeutic and creative options offered locally and across the Leeds area.
Not all memory cafés have parking, but you can expect a fully accessible building and toilets; a kitchen where volunteers make drinks and maybe toast a teacake; something interesting to do if you like, and good company in a pleasant environment.
A note from me, not from any organisers: All these brilliant volunteer-run memory cafés have running costs for refreshments, entertainers, and often room hire, too. They run fund- raising activities from time to time (like The Sunflower Café’s hilarious Beetle Drive in June) to cover those costs, so that they can charge as little as possible, including pay what you can.
Some are free! Memory café volunteers wouldn’t dream of asking for your spare change, but small change can make a big difference.
Each memory café has its own character.
Penny Lane Dementia Café, Pudsey Congs Cricket Club, Fortnightly, on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 2pm-4pm. Cost: £5.
MHA Community Co-ordinator Karen Mitchell (centre) with Penny Lane volunteers. Photo: Diane Sullivan
Remember Thursday, Bramley Lawn, every Thursday, 1pm-3.30pm, £4, or pay what you can. At one Remember Thursday, the tables had been moved together and every seat was occupied by regulars who had come from all over Bramley.
Ian, a volunteer there for 15 years since he ‘retired’, said: “People have been coming for ages so they all know each other,” but if he spots anyone new, or on their own, Ian will go over for a chat.
People arrive between 1pm and 1.30pm, for a catch-up before Jackie brings out the tea and biscuits, and the planned activity starts.
Once a month, there’s a sing-song, and sometimes tin-can bowling or crafts, but this time there was a collection of comedy shorts on the big screen – Monty Python and Frank Spencer.
Lively conversation went back and forth about the careers of Michael Crawford and Doris Day: cue a clip from Calamity Jane! It was a really enjoyable afternoon, right down to a game of bingo and the allowance of a full half-hour for everyone to sort themselves out and head for home between 3pm and 3.30pm. No wonder they keep on coming. Details here.
Dementia Café, Aire View Care Home, Kirkstall, Monthly on the first Friday of the month, 10.30am-12pm. Free.
One Friday morning, over coffee and biscuits in a charming little upstairs room overlooking a cherry tree in the car park, residents shared memories of a childhood in India, youthful shenanigans in an air-raid shelter (“before I met your dad!”) and life in the army.
It was enlightening, and very entertaining for their visitors! No charge. Details here.
Café Revive, St Wilfrid’s Parish Church, Calverley, Monthly, on the first Saturday of the month, 2pm-4pm. Free. Café Revive happens in an old church fitted with a modern kitchen and servery and accessible toilets. It is relaxed and loosely structured, with table-top activities, memorabilia, and delicious refreshments.
People go for a quiet wander around the church or a private chat, or to browse the leaflets on the information table.
Volunteers circulate – sitting and chatting, bringing fresh drinks, and asking for requests. A Memory Support Worker visited, a Sporting Memories volunteer led a lively afternoon’s activities, and the String of Beads Choir is booked for later this year. Details here.
Choir master Joe Smith introducing another song at the Sunflower Café. Photo: Noelle Williamson
The Sunflower Café, St John’s Church Hall, Farsley, Monthly except December, on the third Saturday of the month, 10am-12pm. Cost: £1.
Enjoy a teacake, company and one of Shirley’s quizzes at The Sunflower Café.
The airy church hall has excellent acoustics when entertainers visit, and plenty of room to dance, too.
While still primarily a ‘memory café’ for Farsley and neighbouring communities, the Sunflower Café’s doors are also open for anyone who wants to drop in for coffee, a quiz, and maybe sing along or get up and dance when there’s an entertainer. Details here. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Useful links
Bramley Elderly Action offers activities at Bramley Lawn, Bramley Community Centre and Bramley Baths. OWLS (Older Wiser Local Seniors) offer activities at various locations in Headingley and Burley. You can find activity schedules and contact details for MHA Farsley, Pudsey and South Leeds here. farsley@mha.org.uk 07720 680366 or pudsey@mha.org.uk 07720 680366. The directory here is largely up-to-date, with contact details for groups across the city.
Autumn has arrived in West Leeds – and photographer Susan Tellum has been out and about capturing the the mellow fruitfulness of September in Bramley and Kirkstall.
Did you swim at Bramley Baths in the famous Leeds schools swimming galas? Or learn to roller skate on the covered pool? Did you take part in the wrestling, football or card tournaments over the years?
Bramley Baths wants to hear from you and capture your story – and if you have any memorabilia they would love to see it!
A drop in event is bering held at the Baths on Tuesday, 30 September, 2.30pm-5pm with some light refreshments available for those wanting to share their stories.
A Baths’ spokesperson said: “Please dig out those certificates, badges, medals and photos and join us on National Sporting Heritage Day – Tuesday, 30 September – to celebrate the impact sports heritage has on our lives and communities.
“We’ll be joined by People’s History of Leeds to capture your stories and help us build our heritage led project.”
Bands will continue to perform at a much-loved music venue after a full premises licence was granted by the council.
Boom Leeds successfully applied to permanently stage live gigs at its events space at Canal Place in Armley.
The organisation, which also provides rehearsal and studio facilities, faced an uncertain future after having to vacate its previous site in Mabgate.
Fundraising and volunteers helped the venue, also known as Temple of Boom, move to its new home in May this year.
Boom organisers thanked their supporters, including the Music Venue Trust, on the venue’s blog site.
They said: “Boom at Canalside Community Music Space is officially licensed. After months of planning, building, fundraising, and form-filling, we’ve secured our permanent premises licence.”
Councillors were told the licence would allow Boom to open for live music indoors until 3am.
But the venue was not planning to open until that time every day, a licensing sub-committee heard.
Leeds City Council initially received 18 objections from people living nearby who feared noise disturbances.
But there were 46 letters of support, including from Leeds East MP Richard Burgon, a long-time supporter of the venue.
Measures to reduce noise and public nuisance were agreed with the council and West Yorkshire Police.
Boom was previously staging live music events using temporary events notices (TENs) allowed by the council.
Parking charges will be introduced at six car parks in Leeds – including one in Horsforth – by the cash-strapped Leeds City Council.
From 6 October, drivers will need to pay a small fee to park at Wilderness and Station Gardens in Wetherby, Fink Hill in Horsforth, Barleyhill Road in Garforth, Marsh Street in Rothwell and Netherfield Road in Guiseley.
The first hour will be free of charge and driver will then need to pay £1.15 for two hours, rising to a daily maximum of £3.65. Weekly tickets cost £12.15. Blue badge holders will still park for free.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said the charges will support improvements, accessibility and better management of busy car parks.
“Just as many local authorities across the country, we are facing unprecedented budget challenges impacting all our service areas,” Cllr Rafique added.
“We have therefore taken the decision to introduce small charges at the six car parks in question, to be able to fund improvements and maintenance of the car parks. We are also hopeful that the charges will help combat the problem people have with being able to find a parking spot in busy areas.
“Keeping the first hour free will help support short trips and maintain footfall for local businesses but also encouraging turnover.”
Charges will apply Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm. Payments will be accepted at the machines using a contactless bank card or via the PayByPhone parking app. Leeds City Council will never ask for payment via a QR code.
At Wetherby Station Gardens parking is free for three hours as it is used by sports teams. This is followed by a £2.15 daily charge or £10.15 for a weekly ticket.
WLD has been following local and national government cuts in West Leeds via its Cutswatch series here.
Venue: St Wilfrid's Church, Calverley. Photo: Mark Stevenson
By Noelle Williamson
My mother had Young/Early Onset Dementia, which affects people before the age of 65.
Last September, when I was worried that I was going in the same direction and didn’t know what to do, I saw a flyer for Café Revive, on the first Saturday of every month. It said: “A café for everyone, with an especially warm welcome for people living with memory problems or dementia and their family and friends.”
Back then, I didn’t know that this is the basic premise for a memory café, or that Café Revive was only the latest one to open in West Leeds. I only knew that I had memory problems, I had to get a grip, and those words spoke to me.
On the bus to Calverley, that first Saturday in October 2024, I was nervous, but at St Wilfrid’s Church, I found the promised warm welcome, and coffee, cake and company.
The nerves remained, but I still enjoyed my first memory café very much. The next time I went, the first five minutes showed what Café Revive is about. First, (1) Kim remembered my name and how I like my coffee. She then (2) directed me to the yummy pyramids on the cake table. Then, with my coffee in one hand and a piece of splendid- looking fruitcake in the other, I noticed another table. This (3) was spread with Alzheimer’s Society leaflets about what dementia is and is not; known causes and types; what you can do to slow its progress; what you might expect for yourself or your partner or parent; and what help is available for you and your family to enable you to stay in your own home for as long as possible.
There you have it: 1) personal connection, 2) easy hospitality, and 3) a commitment to supporting and empowering ‘people living with memory problems or dementia and their family & friends’.
Kim said: “We wanted it to be a resource centre. We have leaflets on memory problems, but also about what’s going on around the city, because when mum and I were in the thick of it, I didn’t know what was available. I felt quite isolated.”
Kim is a trainee lay minister at St Wilfrid’s, and a founding member of Café Revive.
Kim’s mother has dementia, and was able to live at home for a long time before moving into a home when she needed specialist care.
“Since then, I’ve discovered how much is going on in and around Leeds. What you’re writing should help people to access things.”
I’ve been back almost every first Saturday since. On the fun side, it’s a relief to drop my guard and ‘just be’; lovely to join in with conversations and silly games, or just listen and watch.
At the same time, the fun side provides a comfortable background of chatter and laughter to the business side of working through leaflets to decide whether to go to a doctor and, if so, how to describe my situation coherently, preferably without crying.
Rachael is another founding member, along with Rob, the Vicar. In her professional role, Rachael is part of efforts to enable more people with dementia to live well at home for longer.
She knows a lot about the practical and emotional aspects of living with memory problems or being a carer, and the services available in Leeds.
I’ve often seen her in private conversation in the middle of the church, mostly listening as a wife or son talks, while their husband or father is safely and contentedly occupied at one of the round tables.
Talking with Kim about our mothers’ dementia helped me lay some things to rest. Talking to Rachael enabled me to cut through fears and worries, and focus on key points.
While this was excellent preparation for when I saw my GP, a few weeks later, there was another huge unexpected benefit: I started sleeping better than I had for a very long time. I expect that’s when my memory started to function better.
When I went to my GP, I learnt that I do not have Early Onset Dementia. Instead, the memory problems I had experienced only amounted to MCI, or Mild Cognitive Impairment. Oh! Thank you! Er… sorry?
So: MCI is another variable aspect of ageing, like hair going grey, the waistline going south, and bones losing density.
However, like loss of bone density, MCI is attributable to prolonged physical inactivity, regardless of age. Both conditions, cognitive and physical, are preventable, manageable and – to some degree – reversible through exercise, diet and vitamin or mineral supplements. Use it or lose it, basically.
Of course, chronic sleep deprivation, due to illness, excessive desk or sofa time, or relentless stress, will also temporarily impair cognitive function at any age; but normal function is restored once the situation improves and you catch up on sleep.
Mine was due to stress, but my couch-based coping mechanism had not helped matters. Dementia is different. All forms of dementia are diseases, and progressive. Some people cop it. Some don’t. It’s a lottery no-one wants to win.
BUT, there’s a lot more knowledge and support than there used to be, particularly in Leeds, which means you can live a good quality life with dementia.
I first went to Café Revive as a nod towards finding answers about my “memory problems”, but mostly to hide under the blankets and eat cake.
I got a great deal more from my ‘first Saturdays’, but I was embarrassed at my own ignorance – firstly about memory problems and dementia, but also about all the services that so many individuals and organisations in West Leeds have been delivering for years, even decades.
However, no-one ordinarily talks about memory problems and dementia: we just cross our fingers and hope that the bogeyman won’t get us. Unfortunately, it means that if we sense him lurking, or a parent or partner is diagnosed with dementia, we have no idea what to do or how to get help.
This article is the first in a short series on living with memory problems or dementia. The aim is to highlight resources in West Leeds (primarily memory cafés) and provide links to relevant groups and organisations.
Finally, MCI is frustrating, so I strongly recommend finding forms of exercise you can enjoy, eating well (for nutrition and pleasure), taking any supplements your doctor or pharmacist recommends, and getting plenty of sleep!
Part of the collapsed wall off Oldfield Lane. Photo: Andy Parnham
By Katherine Turner
Wortley residents have been warned to be wary after part of a wall at the TV Harrison sports ground collapsed.
Councillor Adrian McCluskey (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) shared warnings today after a significant amount of debris blocked the public footpath on Oldfield Lane.
The wall that runs alongside the TV Harrison ground in Wortley has suffered substantial damage, suspected to be caused by the recent torrential rain.
The wall has collapsed and large stone bricks have fallen onto the footpath and road.
Cllr McCluskey has warned people to “avoid that area as I fear there is likely to be further collapse.”
He has contacted the highways department, police and the owners of the ground but advised people to “please avoid that side of the road.”
Councillor Andy Parnham (Lab, Armley), who lives locally, witnessed the collapse and shared his photos.
To report a dangerous building or structure contact Leeds City Council on 0113 3786006 or out of hours 0113 3760499.
Horsforth's Eyob Casa (left) and Adam Gregory (right). Photo: Sam Gillinder
By Sam Gillinder
Horsforth St Margaret’s went through to the second round of the Leeds and District FA Senior Cup beating Rotherwell 2-1 on their home ground King George’s Playing Field.
Horsforth, playing in their yellow and blue first kit, dominated the first half. The first goal coming from a quick move down the left wing, the ball put into the six yard box where Jake Kilbride found plenty of space between the defenders and tapped the ball into the net.
But they conceded an unfortunate equaliser at the end of the first half, the goalkeeper deceived by the last action of the period and they went into the break 1-1.
Rothwell began the second half with slightly more possession than they did in the first half, but they failed to make any impact on the Horsforth defence.
Horsforth pushed for a second goal but couldn’t find the net. Eyob Casa found himself with a chance to score but couldn’t get himself set and the ball was saved by the goalkeeper. Adam Gregory could also have got himself on the scoresheet.
Man of the Match Jordan Robbin (left) plays in midfield. He is pictured with coach Tom Fisher. Photo: Sam Gillinder
Rothwell clattered the woodwork at one point in the second half but didn’t pose much of a threat.
A switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation by the Horsforth coaches Tom Fisher and Drew McBillan kept them on top in the match.
Playing out from the back they managed to get the winner. A move down the right wing brought dividends when the ball was put into the box and Connor Peate put the ball into the goal.
The minutes ticked down and Horsforth held out for the win.
The match finished with Horsforth beating Rothwell 2-1.
After the match Fisher said they: “Started well, controlled the game, it could have been five or six.”
McBillan added: “We showed resilience, mental strength, all across the park the lads showed character.”
Horsforth’s season is going well. They currently sit fifth in the West Yorkshire Association Football League Division 1 but with games in hand over the teams above them.
They aim to win their division this season with the current players at their disposal.
They are now through to the second round of the Leeds and District FA Senior Cup and start the campaign for the West Yorkshire League Cup next week (27 September)
Adam Gregory leads the top scorer list with six goals.
