Pudsey Spring Flowers Show at Pudsey Parish Church. Photo: Kelvin Wakefield
By Kelvin Wakefield
Spring was in the air as hundreds of locals visited the 50th Annual Pudsey Spring Flower Show, on Saturday, March 29.
The event had 400 entries on display, with people showing off their green fingers, handicrafts, and baking prowess.
Pudsey Parish Church was filled with tables of flowers, vegetables, home produce, knitting, photos, artwork, cakes, and even booze!
Check out the slideshow of photos below:
Janet Samuel’s home-made cucumber wine gained praise from show secretary, Ian Feber, who had the tough task of judging the fruit wine category.
Ian said: “There’s very healthy competition, with many categories having new winners. It’s great to see a growing number of kids involved, with some of them even winning in the adult competition classes, as Mindy Ellingham has done, in baking.”
Although the winning cakes themselves were sadly not for sale, the refreshment stand looked to be doing a roaring trade, as were the flowers and plant stalls.
The event was organised by Pudsey Allotments & Cottage Gardeners’ Association. More details can be found on their website.
Farsley Celtic fan Jimmy Charing with his painting brush at The Citadel. Photo:
A second day of action is being at Farsley Celtic this Sunday (March 30) in a bid to help get the facilities ready for ground grading at the end of this month.
The club, which has played every game away from home this season following an aborted bid to lay a new 4G pitch, has a number of jobs which need carrying out at the ground in order to meet the Football Association’s stadium accreditation.
A club spokesperson said: “We made great progress at our first ‘action day’ a fortnight go, but any help people can provide to carry out some general tidying up or painting the hatchings around the ground would be very welcome.
“We know it’s Mother’s Day and mums are very welcome, so bring them along!”
Supporters and the wider community are being encouraged to lend a hand from 10am.
West Leeds Dispatch community reporters have taken part in a community litter pick in the Burley Lodge area today.
The small team of volunteers have joined hundreds of litter pickers holding their own community litter picks across Leeds this weekend as part of the Leeds Goes Purple campaign.
The annual Leeds Goes Purple campaign aims to tackle the scourge of littering.
It is run by Litter Free Leeds, a community movement which works closely with Leeds City Council. It harnesses the power of volunteers, businesses and organisations to pick up litter and tidy up neighbourhoods and roadsides across the city.
The idea for a Dispatch litter pick came from community reporter Win Roddy, of Bramley. Volunteers targeted streets around the Burley Lodge Centre and the children’s play area at the back of the centre.
WLD editor John Baron said: “Leeds Goes Purple is an important community-led weekend which the Dispatch reports on annually.
“The weekend is another great example of the impact that volunteers can have on communities and we were happy to do our little bit, collecting five full bags of rubbish.”
The sale of two plots of council land could see them redeveloped into affordable homes for Leeds.
Leeds City Council has agreed to sell the vacant sites at Clarence Road in Hunslet and Viaduct Road, Burley.
The buyer, for an undisclosed sum, is Homes England, the government agency which funds affordable housing.
A council report said both sales were expected to be completed by March 31, allowing for government-backed housing schemes to be developed.
It said: “This will support health and well-being for Leeds residents, offering them more affordable housing choice, and will see dwellings built to modern standards of energy efficiency.”
Both sites attracted offers from private developers after being deemed surplus to requirements by the council in 2018.
After both sales fell through, the council approached Homes England, which made unconditional offers to buy the sites.
The sites were recommended for disposal under the council’s “accelerated sales programme”, designed to raise cash for the authority before the end of 2024/25
The report said: “A sale of the assets will generate a substantial capital receipt for the council within the current financial year.”
Homes England was expected to carry out planning work on the sites before selling them on for housing development, said the report.
It added: “On successful onward sale the sites will be developed out into residential units providing modern sustainable housing and new communities.”
The building projects would boost the regeneration of Hunslet and Kirkstall and growth of the city centre as part of the council’s Transformational Regeneration Programme.
A Horsforth councillor has hailed the success of last week’s Youth Summit in Leeds.
Councillor Emmie Bromley (Lab, Horsforth), a Leeds City Council Youth Champion, described the summit as “a real day of engagement” as pupils from 12 schools across Leeds gathered for the event.
The Outer North West Community Committee Youth Summit took place last Thursday at Leeds Civic Hall with speakers addressing schools from across Leeds, including pupils from Horsforth High.
Horsforth High pupils receive a certificate of attendance
After some introductions by facilitator Kezia Roberts from Horsforth Walk of Art, Cllr Bromley, Chair of the ONW Community Committee, addressed the audience.
“I am so excited that you’re all here today. The reason that we invited you here today is so that we can have this conversation, this discussion, about what it is that you want in your community and what you would like to see across the city.
Cllr Bromley addresses the audience
“These are things that we have the ability to do through the Outer North West Committee with a Youth Activity Fund.
“Across our city we are Child Friendly Leeds and this means that we really want to hear your wishes, make sure that you are engaged in communities and that you are happy and that there are wishes that you have that we hear as a city, that we make sure that we’re listening to you and that we can bring about in the best possible way for you.”
Cllr Bromley also outlined what the committee had funded in the past year based on feedback from that summit, such as additional Breeze events, art funding, holiday projects and Codswallop, a young people’s dance and drama group.
“Amongst many other things the event today will explain to you how you can get involved with Leeds Youth Council, become a member of the Leeds Youth Parliament, as well as get involved with the Leeds Children’s Mayor programme and other groups across Leeds.
“The Youth Summit will give you an opportunity to learn about democracy and what that means. I hope that in this room today that there are people that will engage with politics and will take the roles also to care about their communities in the future.”
After a human bingo icebreaker there was a presentation led by Emily Alderson from the Voice Influence and Change team, focusing on local democracy and looking at roles across the city for the younger generation to get involved in, such as Leeds Youth Voice Network, Leeds SEND Youth Council, and the Children in Care Council.
Emily Alderson (VIC)
There was then an interactive session which looked at how democracy works including a project funding game before Ben Fraser from Active Leeds then re-energised everyone with three activity games.
Ben Fraser (Active Leeds)
Adam Ranson from Climate change then led the group in a series of activities around climate change, encouraging discussion around the issue through interaction.
Adam Ranson (Climate Change)
Everyone was then invited to the council chambers where there was a Q and A session with local councillors and Leeds Children’s Mayor Esosa from St Patricks Catholic Primary School.
Leeds Childrens Mayor Esosa with Cllr Bromley
In the afternoon session, for the older pupils only, Lee Horne from West Yorkshire Police and Steve Harper from Youth Services and the 90 Minutes programme, were joined by Marcus Garvie from On the Verge, who gave a very hard hitting presentation recalling his lived experience of gangs and knife crime.
Marcus Garvie (On the Verge)
The day ended with a Q and A session for the councillors, who were presented with some searching and interesting questions by the audience.
Kezia Roberts posted on Instagram to share her feelings about the day.
“Had the absolute pleasure of facilitating the Outer North West Leeds Youth Summit 2025 today.
“What a wonderful thing to be part of! Teaching kids about democracy, climate change, and knife crime. Allowing them to speak freely and to help shape their own futures.”
Horsforth Hall Park. Photo: Friends of Horsforth Hall Park
By Katie White, Leeds North West MP
It’s always nice when your home patch gets the recognition it deserves. Last week, The Sunday Times named Horsforth one of the best places to live in the UK – and honestly, I can’t say I’m shocked. If you already live here, you’ll know exactly why.
Horsforth is one of those rare places that gets the balance just right. It’s got all the perks of city living – just ten minutes from Leeds by train – but with a proper community feel, fantastic green spaces, and a pace of life that means you can actually enjoy them.
It’s a town where you can start your morning with a bagel from Slow Rise Bakery or breakfast from Pooky’s, grab a coffee from Woodlawn, and settle in for lunch at Hooleos.
You can spend your afternoon wandering through Horsforth Hall Park (maybe even the Japanese gardens, if you fancy feeling a bit cultured) and then finish the day with a glass of something good from Once Upon a Vine.
Leeds North West MP Katie White.
And if that wasn’t enough, Bavette serves some of the best French food in the country – officially, according to The Good Food Guide.
And let’s not forget the social scene. Where else could you go from a stand-up comedy night to a pub quiz at a local craft brewery, all in the same week? Horsforth Brewery makes that possible, and it’s just one example of the way this town brings people together.
There’s also the monthly farmers’ market, two brilliant cricket clubs, and even a new WI group – Sisters of Horsforth – proving that community spirit is alive and well here.
Of course, it’s not just about great food, drink, and entertainment. Horsforth’s schools are among the best, its transport links are excellent (though I won’t pretend the ring road is anyone’s favourite place), and the broadband speeds are faster than you’d expect for somewhere that feels this green.
But if The Sunday Times really wanted to get it right, they might have looked beyond just Horsforth.
The whole of Leeds North West is the best place to live – though maybe I’m biased.
Where else can you enjoy a weekend walk up Otley Chevin with views across Wharfedale, take in the beauty of Golden Acre Park – a true jewel in our patch’s crown – or visit Abraham Moon & Sons in Guiseley, a Yorkshire institution weaving some of the finest fabrics in the country?
And let’s be honest, if you haven’t had a steak pie from Morton’s Butchers or fish and chips from Murgatroyds, have you really experienced the best of West Yorkshire?
So, yes, The Sunday Times has confirmed what we already knew. Horsforth is one of the best places to live in the UK – but if you want the full picture, you’ll have to explore a bit further. I promise, it’s worth it.
Houses could be built on a vacant plot of land in Pudsey, if the council agrees to planning permission.
The site off Alder Drive could be redeveloped into nine family homes with parking spaces and garages.
Permission is sought from Leeds City Council to build three, four and five-bedroom houses.
A design report by planning consultancy Johnson Mowat said: “All homes will be provided with private gardens or public amenity space and at least two off-street car parking spaces.
“Cycle storage will be provided where garages are not proposed. Electric vehicle charging points will be provided for each home.”
The report said part of the site was within the Leeds Green Belt, but was an appropriate place for new housing. The new homes would help meet a growing need for housing in the city.
The applicant said wildlife habitats would be improved as part of the development.
The report said: “The habitats introduced and enhanced by the development are expected to benefit various species including bats, hedgehogs and foraging and nesting birds.”
It added: “The site is located within a sustainable location in relation to access to services, facilities, employment opportunities and public transport links within reasonable distance.”
Join West Leeds Dispatch’s team of volunteer community reporters who are set to ‘go purple’ and carry out a community litter pick around the Burley Lodge Centre.
The Leeds Goes Purple campaign this weekend sees a range of community clean ups held across Leeds.
And WLD’s volunteers are doing their bit tomorrow (Saturday, 29 March) at 11.30am for an hour-long litter pick.
Meet at Burley Lodge, 42-46 Burley Lodge Road, LS6 1QF (what three words: cure, goal, enjoy). Refreshments will be served afterwards at our community newsroom at Bramley Lawn Social Centre.
WLD editor John Baron said: “What a fantastic idea by some of our community reporters to hold a litter pick in West Leeds to do our bit to It would be lovely to see as many of you as possible.
Improvements: Farnley Fish Pond. Photo: Katherine Turner
By Katherine Turner
Last year saw the restoration of this much-loved local beauty spot, located opposite Farnley Hall Park, almost completed. The last part of the works outstanding was attention to the footpaths and to make the area more accessible.
Contractors are now back on site completing the footpaths and already the area is looking much smarter.
As reported in WLD, the large-scale clean-up was finished in October 2024 where 3,500 tonnes of sediment was removed, new fencing erected and 5,500 plants introduced.
The smallest nature reserve in Leeds had been neglected for many years until contractors, Ebsford Environmental, were tasked by Leeds City Council to complete renovations.
The local community have welcomed the improvements to this beauty spot, describing it as a “better than when work started in the late 1970’s.”
Concerns from local residents that the area could quickly fall back into a state of disrepair, with rubbish strewn and anti-social behaviour led to calls for a Friends group to be created.
This Friends group has now been put together and a Secretary, Treasurer and Chair appointed. Plans have stalled slightly after the last Friends group meeting was unable to take place due to an issue with the meeting venue.
Councillors Adrian McCluskey and Kate Haigh (Lab, Farnley & Wortley) are looking for a resolution to this.
Cllr Adrian McCluskey told WLD: “For the past two weeks Leeds City Council’s Parks Department have been laying a new path around the pond and it looks amazing.
“They have also been resurfacing the vehicle ramp up to Hall Lane. Next week they will start on the pedestrian access points. This will involve repairing the steps from the Hall Lane end to the pond.
“The entrance at Butt Lane to the new path will be replaced, making the site much more accessible, attractive and with no mud! We are still awaiting a date for the new benches and bins, but it really looks so much better and can be used as the amazing community asset it is.”
Now is a great time to get involved and support this community asset, people are being encouraged to visit Farnley Hall Fish Pond and see how wonderful it has become.
If you are interested in joining the group email Cllr Adrian McCluskey (adrian.mccluskey@leeds.gov.uk) or Cllr Kate Haigh (kate.haigh@leeds.gov.uk).
Volunteers at Kirkstall in Bloom AGM. Photo: Grace Hills
By Jim Corah
Volunteers at Kirkstall in Bloom are taking a step into Spring with a vision for the year ahead.
Plans for 2025 include a plant sale, hosting during Kirkstall Art Trail and another celebratory year for the Drink and Be Grateful Fountain.
The Kirkstall in Bloom committee met for their AGM and organising session. For personal and work reasons 2024 had been a difficult year for committee members, so it was good to be joined by Grace Hills to help inspire what to do in 2025.
As part of the AGM wonderful committee members were voted to retain their positions, Jim Corah as Secretary, Becky Nicholson as Treasurer, and Hannah Corah as Chair, and all members of the committee agree that they enjoy the impact their volunteering has in the community.
There has been negative impacts in the community. There’s been vandalism at the Drink And Be Grateful Fountain Garden, with the Kirkstall in Bloom sign being ‘pulled out’ and left a couple of hundred yards up the road.
Just before the AGM the community notice board was smashed. The committee is working on how to fix these things alongside maintaining the garden and improving the facilities. To do this there needs to be more volunteer support.
Looking back on 2024 one of the issues faced by KIB was encouraging volunteer support. There are some amazing volunteers who help KIB though it would be good to increase numbers through 2025. Having a more consistent presence on social media and promoting events more widely through West Leeds Dispatch will help.
Volunteering isn’t by being present for every hour of every session, Kirkstall in Bloom would be able to survive and blossom when members of the community gave a couple of hours every few months.
Volunteering also isn’t about knowing everything, Kirkstall in Bloom much prefer enthusiasm over experience because community gardening is an excellent opportunity to learn and develop new skills. Volunteering should always be fun for volunteers.
Kirkstall in Bloom have not received funding for projects from Leeds City Council for a couple of years. With Grace Hills’s input, along with fantastic volunteer Iola Shaw, Kirkstall in Bloom have put together a series of sessions and events that will help keep KIB in the heart of the community.
One of the projects Kirkstall in Bloom would like to complete is updating the benches at the Drink and Be Grateful Fountain Garden.
Many members of the public have told KIB that they enjoy sitting out in the garden, whether waiting for a bus or having a stop on a walk, even with the relentless traffic on the A65 the garden can be a mindful spot that catches the sun. The garden is a stop for Pokémon Go! and Kirkstall in Bloom are hoping to catch the imagination of geocachers.
Events for 2025 include a plant sale taking place on Saturday, 21 June 2025, hosting for Kirkstall Art Trail during the weekend of Saturday, 19 and Sunday 20 July 2025, and a birthday celebration for the fountain on Saturday 22 November 2025.
A full list of dates and times will be posted in the noticeboard (what is left of it) as well as the Facebook page.
Join us: Western Flatts Bowling Green in Wortley. Photo: Katherine Turner
By Katherine Turner
West Leeds bowling greens face a battle to stay afloat after proposed council cuts.
Leeds City Council initially proposed to close 30 bowling greens in a bid to save £140,000 per year. There was a public outcry and, after a consultation, they agreed to maintain the greens until the end of this summer season.
A council report stated that the £140,000 saving would now need to be spread over two financial years. Season ticket prices are proposed to double and clubs must have at least 20 adult, paying members by the end of 2025. They will also become responsible for paying their full electricity costs from the 2025/26 season and full water costs from the season after.
This is a huge change and many clubs may struggle to survive.
Western Flatts Cliff Park Bowling Club in Wortley.
WLD spoke to Western Flatts Bowling Green in Wortley to see how they are coping with these sweeping changes.
Secretary Dean Lucas explained that they were devastated when the council announced the cuts: “Our green is over 100 years old and is a national heritage. People of all ages, genders and disabilities can gather here and form friendships.”
Their pavilion is relatively new at 30 years old and is the only bowling green in Leeds with facilities that enable them to be open all year round.
Dean was keen to highlight how the bowling green is a lifeline for many people, they want to “ensure that people are not left alone, especially in the winter months.”
With the increase in costs the club is having to come up with new ways to raise funds to keep them afloat. There is a fun day on Sunday, 24 August at 11am, including raffles, tombolas, stalls, a BBQ and a chance to have a try bowling.
On Sunday 25 May and Monday 26 May a “Big Bowls Bank Holiday Weekend Extravaganza” will be held, more information will be available on their website.
Every Saturday the club will be open and selling food and hot drinks and they will also be running weekly football cards and raffles.
On Good Friday, 18 April a free afternoon tea will be available from 1pm until 3pm as a thank you for those who have supported the club and a chance to try bowling will be available.
With bowling greens across the West Leeds area including Armley Park, Bramley Park, Horsforth, Westroyd Park in Farsley, New Farnley Park, Western Flatts Cliff Park, and Tyersal Park, local support is needed more than ever.
Dean explained how people can get behind their club: “For us to survive we need new members, any age or experience, please come and join us. We are a small club with a big heart, we will help you every step of the way.”
With the offer of subsidised green fees, (a year’s membership, including winter bowling will cost £50), it is clear that this club has the fight it takes to survive.
If you would like any more information, visit their Facebook page or contact Ann Lucas, Treasurer, by emailing annlucas2927@gmail.com
