Day 29 of Tim Devereux's challenge saw him cycle in Rodley.
Pudsey cyclist Tim Devereux has completed the first 1,000 miles of his 3,431-mile ride to raise funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.
Starting on 1 January, he has been riding riding about 10 miles each day around West Yorkshire.
He will keep on riding until he has covered 3,431 miles – the distance from Pudsey to Gaza.
A puncture on day 79.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works for the health and dignity of Palestinians, providing immediate medical aid to those in great need, while also developing local capacity and skills to ensure the long-term development of the Palestinian healthcare system.
So far Tim has ridden every day but one, covering an average of 11 miles each day. He has used a variety of bikes, five of his and three borrowed, and suffered four punctures, four snapped spokes, a broken chain and a broken carrier.
Tim said: “I think I am getting a little fitter – I have managed to ride up Coal Hill Lane every time I’ve gone that way, except when the ebike battery was flat!
“I frequently ride along the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath – I enjoy the tranquillity.”
Tim said fundraising is going well, and currently stands at £2,091.31, including Gift Aid – smashing his original target of £1,000.
Detectives investigating the murder of Jamie Meah in Armley are making a fresh appeal for information to find three suspects, on the second anniversary of his death.
Jamie had just turned 18 when he died after being stabbed in an incident on Hall Lane, Armley, on 31 March 2023. A 16-year-old boy was also stabbed and seriously injured in the attack.
Last month, Ranei Wilks, 23, was sentenced for his part in the attack but detectives are continuing to search for three other men who are wanted over Jamie’s murder.
Victim: Jamie Meah.
Aquade Jeffers, Caleb Awe and Enham Nishat, all now aged 22 and from Leeds, are believed to have fled the UK shortly after the incident, before they had been identified as suspects.
Enquiries showed they had initially travelled to Liverpool before leaving the country. All three are wanted over Jamie’s murder and for the attempted murder of the 16-year-old victim.
In a statement released to mark two years since Jamie’s death, his family said: “It is now the second anniversary of Jamie’s murder and there are still three people who are wanted. Our pain and distress will continue until all those responsible face justice.
“Jamie’s son is growing up without his dad and will one day ask about where he is. Jamie was also a much-loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, partner and friend and we will never get over the heartbreak of losing him.
“He is always in our hearts, and no words will bring him back. The only thing we have left is the desire to get justice for Jamie and his son.”
Detectives are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries to locate the three outstanding suspects and are liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Damian Roebuck, said: “Jamie’s death has had a devastating impact on his family, and two years on they still haven’t got the answers they deserve.
“Jamie had only turned 18 two weeks previously and his death in such violent circumstances highlights the tragic and long-lasting consequences of knife crime.
“Ranei Wilks is serving a 15-year prison sentence for his part in the attack but this remains an active murder investigation and our determination to make sure all those involved answer for their crimes is as strong as ever.
“I am appealing to anyone who knows the whereabouts of Aquade Jeffers, Caleb Awe or Enham Nishat or has any information that could help us find them to please come forward.
“I can assure you that all information will be dealt with sensitively, whether you come to us directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
Ranei Wilks was sentenced to a total of 15 years imprisonment on 3rd February at Leeds Crown Court after being convicted of manslaughter.
Anyone with information is asked to contact HMET via 101 quoting Operation Plunket, reference 13230180255, or online here. Information can also be given online via the Major Incident Public Portal or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers online or on 0800 555 111.
Police are appealing for information on Talisha Clarke-Pierre, who has been reported missing.
Talisha, 13, was last seen in Horsforth at about 2pm yesterday (Sunday). She is believed to have travelled to the city centre.
Talisha is around 5ft 4ins tall and of medium build. She was last seen wearing a black denim mini skirt, a black crop top with long sleeves and beige Crocs-style shoes.
Police have concerns for her welfare.
Contact police in Leeds on 101, or by using the livechat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website. The log reference is 1372 of 30 March.
The dilapidated flat roof to the main building and custody area at Pudsey Police Station are set to be replaced.
West Yorkshire Police has submitted a planning application to Leeds City Council to carry out the work.
A design statement submitted with the application states: “These works are necessary to bring the custody area back into operational use and facilitate the future installation of PV panels onto the main station two-storey roof, as part of the WYP decarbonisation strategy.
“The works are to commence imminently to increase cell capacity within the West Yorkshire Police estate.”
The site and service delivery will remain operational throughout the works. The custody area affected consists of 20 cells.
An artist's impression of the new Kirkstall Road development
A major new housing development off Kirkstall Road will be delivered following a £91 million investment.
The build to rent scheme is being developed as a joint venture with Glenbrook, a leading UK residential developer, which will retain a stake in the project and act as development manager.
The scheme will deliver 618 one, two and three-bedroom apartments set across five buildings sitting in extensive landscape grounds, including a new public realm, next to the River Aire.
Investment comes from Homes England, Greater Manchester Pension Fund and West Yorkshire Pension Fund.
The five-acre former Area Foods site will include over 10,000 square feet of amenity space, including a residents’ lounge, co-working area and gym, two private roof terraces and 3,800 square feet of commercial space. Construction has begun and is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Nigel Barclay, Director of Loans at Homes England, said: “The Kirkstall Road scheme is an excellent example of how the agency’s Home Building Fund is delivering in priority regeneration locations whilst supporting small and medium house builders, that are crucial to building a diverse and resilient housing sector.
“As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, we are committed to working in partnership with organisations in both the public and private sector, to achieve their ambitions and develop much needed new homes across the country.”
This is in addition to a £5.7million grant from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority from its brownfield housing fund.
The Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “Devolution is helping us unlock over 5,400 homes for working families in West Yorkshire.
“It is fantastic to see this new, high quality development brought forward from Homes England, West Yorkshire Pension Fund and Greater Manchester Pension Fund. Together, we’re building a region which everyone can be proud to call home.”
Homes England is the government’s housing and regeneration agency.
Two former West Leeds councillors have received one of the highest civic honours the city can bestow at a special session of full council.
Former councillors Caroline Gruen (Lab, Bramley and Stanningley) and Jim McKenna (Lab, Armley) are among a group of six who were made honorary Aldermen/Alderwomen at a ceremony in Leeds Civic Hall.
The ceremonial position of Honorary Alderman/Alderwoman is conferred on past members of the council who, in the eyes of the council, have given eminent service to Leeds in a public position.
It does not entitle the holders to any special privileges. However, it enables them to attend ceremonial events as and when they are invited and to support the Lord Mayor’s charity actively.
Of those nominated, Jim McKenna and Alan Taylor held the position of Lord Mayor of Leeds during their time as councillors.
Speaking after the ceremony, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung, said: “It was a great honour to welcome back and bestow one of the council’s highest awards on a group of people who have worked tirelessly for the city of Leeds.
“While their new roles are ceremonial, I am sure they will continue to give unique and valuable support to the people of Leeds at every opportunity. I look forward to working closely with them as they continue to support the civic and charitable work of the Lord Mayor.”
The full list of new Alderman and Alderwoman is as follows: Caroline Gruen (Lab), Jim McKenna (Lab), Lisa Mulherin (Lab), John Procter (Cons) Ralph Pryke (Lib Dem) and Reverend Alan Taylor (Lib Dem).
Jim McKenna was unable to attend the ceremony and will be presented with his award at a later date.
Cllr Rae and Michael Halsworth, Regional Learning Co-ordinator at First Bus open the centre with Dave Pugh (right) and Trevor Booth, Unite Branch Secretary for Halifax.
Photograph by Richard Walker/ImageNorth
First Bus has announced the opening of a groundbreaking new learning centre in Bramley
The centre, in partnership with Unite the Union, will promote continuous learning and skill development for 2,000 frontline employees across the region, as well as colleagues in York.
The learning centre hub, one of 12 planned nationally, is based at its Bramley depot off Henconner Lane, together with a satellite centre at the Halifax depot.
It will ensure comprehensive access to vocational and non-vocational training for all frontline staff in North and West Yorkshire.
Cllr Adele Rae, (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley), a member of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, joined senior directors from First Bus North and West Yorkshire and leaders from Unite to open the centre.
She said: “I was delighted to visit the new First Bus Learning Centre at the Bramley Depot. As a passionate believer in the benefits of lifelong learning I know, from personal experience, how it can help individuals to grow, adapt, and succeed.
“For businesses, it drives innovation, boosts productivity, and creates an environment where everyone feels inspired to thrive.”
Andrew Cullen, Managing Director of First Bus North & West Yorkshire, said: “We’re delighted to open our new learning centre in collaboration with Unite the Union. This initiative continues to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to our people, whilst supporting the local communities we serve.
“We’re pleased to be working with the trade unions to champion workforce wellbeing, as well as enhancing accessibility and opportunities through inclusive learning.”
Dave Pugh, National Education Co-ordinator for Unite, added: “Education is the foundation of our Trade Union movement as it provides the means for our members to establish a clear understanding and embrace ever-changing technologies.”
A popular Horsforth clergyman has announced he will be leaving the parish in the summer to take up a new post in his native North East.
Reverend Nigel Sinclair announced his departure on social media at the weekend and shared a photo showing the stunning view of his new parish.
Photo: Christopher Hilton (cc-by-sa/2.0).
Nigel has been the Team Rector at St Margaret’s Church for 12 years and a prominent and popular part of the community.
The new post sees him move to St John the Baptist, Eaglescliffe, in the Diocese of Durham where he has accepted the post of Priest in Charge.
“The last 12 years have seen some times of great joy, and also times of tragedy and hardship,” he said.
“It has been a privilege to serve God and the community of Horsforth through all these ups and downs.
“Horsforth is a very special place to live and I will continue to hold you in my heart for years to come.”
Nigel celebrated his 60th birthday in March and the new role, which is a half time position, will allow him to ease himself towards retirement.
The move to the new parish will also take him closer to his beloved Newcastle United. Church duties permitting Nigel is an avid supporter and a member of local Newcastle United supporters group Horsforth Mags. He acknowledged that the move will take him “nearer St James’s Park”.
Nigel is proud of the part St Margaret’s now plays in the community and he leaves a great legacy at the church.
He added: “Over the past four years the community impact of St Margaret’s has absolutely gone through the roof.
“In a way the community cafe was the start of it. That was the thing that opened the doors quite literally.
“It was a place where people came to church. It had no impact in the community at all. And now it’s right at the heart of just about everything that goes on in Horsforth.”
Nigel will be serving a longer than usual notice period as he continues to oversee the extensive building work at St Margaret’s.
As well as the continuing restoration of the organ there is also repair work at the church dealing with a number of structural issues in the area of the altar which will see the temporary removal of the reredos as well as work to repair damage to the marble floor.
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it was a dry but bitterly cold afternoon at Nethermoor for the Wharfedale and District FA Sunday Cup Final last Sunday in front of a lively crowd.
The Maggies faced Yeadon side Ventus United, who won the first Sunday Cup Final in 1970, at the home of Guiseley AFC in a match not short on goals, particularly in the first half.
The first came as early as the third minute when Matty Dempsey headed Ventus into the lead from a free kick.
Chris Bellfield’s solo run in the seventh minute was eventually stopped by Jordan Moorhouse before his cross to Jake Kilbride two minutes later led to a low shot past Moorhouse and the Horsforth equaliser.
Ventus went on to regain the lead in the 15th minute with a break from Luke Thomson past Callan Burke in the Horsforth goal.
Ventus went on to increase their lead in the 25th minute through a Matthias Britton volley, before Horsforth responded with a shot from Kurtis Heyes kept out by Moorhouse.
Horsforth did go on to get one back in the 35th minute from a corner tapped in by Matty Nebard. But a minute later Ventus got another when the save from Burke was put in on the rebound by Luke Thompson.
Bellfield’s cross again almost led to a Horsforth goal two minutes before halftime but the sides went into the break with the score remaining 4-2 to Ventus.
In what could be called a game of two halves the second half was short on goals. Horsforth had a shot cleared off the line in the 52nd minute before the only goal of the second half went to Ventus in the 55th minute. A free kick for Ventus sees Adam Turner put the ball in the back of the net after the ball rebounded from Burke’s save.
Horsforth gave their best in the rest of the second half, and there was a good effort from Kurtis Heyes in the 62nd minute. It needed a good defensive display from Ventus to stop them getting into the final third.
Nonetheless the last 20 minutes of the 90 were quite quiet and the match finished 5-2 to Ventus United.
Thanks to Wharfedale and District FA officials and statisticians for their assistance with this article.
A charity based in Armley is getting ‘eggs-cited’ about Easter.
The Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre in Mistress Lane has acquired dozens of ‘Real Easter Eggs’ and is making these available to local people in West Leeds.
These unique eggs have been created by the Meaningful Chocolate Company and are made from Fairtrade chocolate. They also have an illustrated book about the Easter story in the box. A percentage of the price is donated to charitable projects
A spokesman for Leeds City Mission said: “The eggs are available for a donation of £5 each at the Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre, located on Mistress Lane, Armley. The eggs are great for children and teens. And as well as being authentic, they are delicious, too.”
The Real Easter Egg includes a new 24-page Easter story activity book with a £200 prize competition. The Real Easter Egg is super thick 150g Fairtrade milk chocolate with a lovely creamy taste, made from 30% cocoa. The egg is also palm oil and plastic free.
The Easter story-activity book in the box has been illustrated by award winning artist Martina Peluso and contains the story of the first Easter along with some fun activities. It also contains details of a children’s prize competition worth £200.
Staff and volunteers at the City Mission Centre report that as far as they know they are the only place in Leeds who are stocking the eggs. They also say that of the 80 million eggs consumed in the UK at Easter this is the only one that makes any reference to the actual Easter story.
Hub Manager Sinclair Martin said that in addition to the seasonal eggs there will be an easter gift display with gifts and greetings card enabling visitors to obtain items for the coming holiday season. He said that this special easter project sat well with the ethos and purpose of the City Mission.
Leeds City Mission is one of the oldest charities in the city, and has been in continuous existence since 1837. It works with marginalised people and those struggling with life. It is a multi-church agency and the Compassion Centre premises in Mistress Lane (end of Town Street) are diagonally opposite Armley Library.
Leeds City Mission Compassion Centre is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm. Telephone 0113 345 3118. The Meaningful Chocolate Company is an ethical business working with Third Sector organisations throughout the UK.
Cllr Abdul Hannan and Alex Sobel MP at the reopening. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield
By Kelvin Wakefield
The Bear Pit has opened again for the first time in 170 years.
Over 100 locals turned out on Saturday, March 29, for a grand reopening. They were there to explore and celebrate Leeds Civic Trust’s newly restored Grade II listed building on Cardigan Road.
The Victorian folly was originally part of the massive Leeds Zoological and Botanical Gardens, which opened in 1840 and closed in 1852.
Leeds Civic Trust acquired the site in 1966 for £128. After years of planning, the site has been restored and now includes disabled access, improved landscaping, as well as enhanced security.
Members of Leeds Civic Trust, including Director Martin Hamilton, gave short speeches explaining the long process of restoring the site.
They were joined by Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel, and Headingley and Hyde Park ward councillor Abdul Hannan, before the ribbon was cut and the public welcomed.
Opening: Alex Sobel MP, Martin Hamilton and Cllr Abdul Hannan. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield
Former Trust director, Kevin Grady, said: “It was great to see the Bear Pit finally restored, after several previous attempts had been hampered by planning obstacles.”
The outer grounds will be publicly accessible, but access to pit and the viewing area above are restricted. There’s a link on the Trust’s website to a consultation, where they’re seeking suggestions of what should happening to the site and how it could be used in future.
You can find the consultation link, and read more about the history of the Bear Pit, and its 60 year ownership by Leeds Civic Trust, on their website here.
Farsley Celtic have been playing home games at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium. Photo: Google
By Mark Rawlinson
Despite a spirited performance from a young side, Farsley Celtic went down to a 4-0 defeat to play-off chasers Hereford FC.
After a closely contested first half, the Bulls edged ahead just before the break thanks to Jaiden White’s deflected effort.
A Will Brook own goal followed by further late strikes from Andy Williams and Yusifu Ceesay saw Paul Caddis side secure a comfortable win, the scoreline slightly flattering the visitors from Herefordshire.
Despite general dominance from the visitors, Farsley largely restricted Hereford to half-chances in the first half with Dmari Sterling-James’ early free kick brushing the top of the net before Lewis Hudson fired just wide from a narrow angle.
In between those chances, Joao Silva who returned from international duty with Sao Tome e Principe, embarked on an incisive run forward before squaring to Manny Mampala but the forward couldn’t keep his shot down and fired over under pressure from Hereford defenders.
But the Bulls struck the opener four minutes before half time when White’s shot from the edge of the box took a big deflection off a Farsley defender, to hand Hereford the lead.
Their advantage was doubled on 48 minutes as Sterling-James’ free-kick from 25 yards out clipped the underside of the bar before finding its way over the line off the back of helpless Farsley goalkeeper Will Brook.
Brook made a sublime save on 65 minutes to deny Sterling-James another goal and Farsley could should have halved the deficit on 76 minutes when Dylan Youmbi’s dangerous cross found Tyler Polwarth at the back post but the centre-back heded against the post from a couple of yards out.
This let-off focused Hereford and within two minutes they had their third as Williams found the bottom corner with a crisp finish from just inside the box.
Then on 84 minutes, The Bulls added a fourth as sub Ceesay’s effort from the edge of the box found its way in via a nick off a Farsley defender.
The Celts return to action on Tuesday night when they entertain Oxford City at Buxton’s Silverlands Stadium.
