Artist deadline looms as Kirkstall Art Trail expands its opportunities

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March 28, 2025

Kirkstall art trail — Workhouse Stories at Kirkstall Art Trail by Belinda May. Photo: Noelle Williamson

By Jim Corah

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With months to go until Kirkstall Art Trail returns in July plenty of planning and organisation is going on to put on the annual art in the community. There will be many different ways to get involved.

As the trail is primarily an event to encourage engagement and education in art in all its forms, Kirkstall Art Trail is looking for artists to contribute.

Building on last year’s success with increasing the art forms exhibited, KAT is would like submissions from many different artists.

This could be the finest of fine art, the most chiselled of stonework, perfect porcelain, or perhaps photography and poetry. All submissions come through the KAT page on CuratorSpace.

The Kirkstall Art Trail sign with Mickey the dog looking on. Photo: Mindy Goose

The deadline is Sunday, 6 April 2025 but keep an eye on Kirkstall Art Trail social media channels and their website on whether this is extended by another week.

The project has had funding from Leeds City Council’s Inner West Leeds Community Committee to run two neighbourhood specific projects.

These were launched in 2024 and Kirkstall Art Trail is looking to repeat the projects in the Glebes and Vicarages areas of Kirkstall. For 2025 KAT are looking to recruit an artist facilitator with skills in digital arts to work with residents in the Glebes, while the Vicarages is open to all types of artist facilitators. Details on the KAT website.

The art trail is an excellent way for visitors and residents to engage with art and artists. This year will mark a decade since the initial event in 2015, and since returning following the pandemic the “friendliest event on the calendar” has steadily re-established itself in terms of artists, volunteers and venues.

Kirkstall Art Trail is nothing without venues who give up their spaces to help exhibit art and host workshops.

Venues can be residential homes, businesses, community organisations and public spaces like the Kirkstall Abbey. KAT is hoping to encourage new venues to help host artists, ideally for both Saturday 19 July and Sunday 20 July 2025 though they are flexible and work with the hosts. Venues interested in potentially hosting should contact Kirkstall Art Trail via the contact form on their website.

Earlier in March 2025 the first ever Pancakes and Poetry event was held by Kirkstall Art Trail at the Kirkstall Educational Cricket Club, raising funds for the art trail while providing poetry, pancakes, and arty activities for visitors.

Returning for a second year will be the Poetry Trail, which will be formally launched in April along with the Kirkstall Art Trail Poetry Competition. Also returning will be the Kirkstall Art Trail Photography Competition and the upcycling fashion show.

With the growth in volunteer organisers, Kirkstall Art Trail has been able to run a more consistent approach to their website as well as their social media output.

Later in Spring Kirkstall Art Trail will begin looking for new volunteers to help during the event weekend. If you are available for a couple of hours or more there will be tasks that will ensure the smooth running of the art trail. Interested people can contact via the KAT website.

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Bramley boxer Billy Pickles wins silver title

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March 28, 2025

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Billy Victorious March 25 — Winner: Billy Pickles. Photo: Ben Sheldon

by James Bovington

Bramley boxer Billy Pickles has won the Commonwealth Silver Boxing Title in his super lightweight division on a show at the O2 in Greenwich.

He defeated Wiltshire’s Connor Gray over ten rounds by unanimous decision with the three judges all awarding six of the rounds to Pickles.

“It’s my first time on a show in the capital,” said Pickles, 30, “and I won a closely fought bout with a talented and previously undefeated southpaw.

“I loved every minute of the bout demonstrating my fight skills and entertaining my supporters by trading punches. Just like when I defeated Sheffield’s Keanan Wainwright last July I went to London as the underdog.

“Bringing the belt back to Leeds coupled with the amount of support shown has been amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough, supporters and sponsors.’

Pickles, 30, trains at Club Energy under Martin Bateson. He’s won 17 of his 18 paid bouts and is ranked 25^th out of 120 active UK super lightweight boxers.

Coach Bateson said: “I’m happy with how Billy’s done in his last two fights where he’s travelled to defeat the opponents on their shows.

“He’s proved that he has what it takes to challenge for bigger titles. Billy never underestimates his opponents so avoids mistakes from over-confidence.

“This recent win has rewarded him with the exposure and recognition he deserves. Some opponents have underestimated Billy’s skill, toughness and durability. What people love about Billy is his willingness to accept how hard a fight might have to be for him to dig deep. He left nothing in the gym having covered every angle. A boxer with the heart of a lion.”

Extra sponsorship would allow Pickles to give up full time work and concentrate exclusively on his boxing.

“That way I could win the Commonwealth title and become the next world champion from Leeds. As always, I want to thank my sponsors HB Tunnelling, Baker Harding Recruitment, Rodley Carpets, Redbox Renovations, Haley’s Yard Kitchen, EGFoam Ltd., LA Building & Joinery, Johnson Sports Therapy & Massage and Club Energy.”

Potential sponsors should contact him on Instagram @billytkpickles or by e-mailing billy.pickles@outlook.com.

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King praises local media as West Leeds Dispatch attends Palace reception

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March 27, 2025

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WLD editor John Baron (fifth from right) was among a group of independent publishers attending the event at Buckingham Palace. Photo: Joe McCann

West Leeds Dispatch joined local media outlets from across the UK at a special reception hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening.

Editor and co-founder John Baron was a guest at a reception recognising the important democratic role local media plays in society.

WLD joined around 20 independent publishers who were invited to rub shoulders with more than 350 industry leaders and media celebrities.

The reception was held in the main ballroom at Buckingham Palace, where the King, Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester mingled with guests.

WLD editor John Baron outside Buckingham Palace. Photo: Michael Casey

The reception comes as WLD this year celebrates its tenth birthday, publishing more than 11,700 articles during that time.

The King did not speak at the event, but in a statement he praised regional media for helping to “strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow”.

He said: “I have long believed that regional media, in all its forms, has a unique and vital role to play in society, perhaps even more so in these uncertain times.

“As I said in a speech to mark the tercentenary of Britain’s first daily national newspaper, back in 2002, the Press, alongside other long-standing institutions, is at the forefront of ‘defining, describing and celebrating the more profound values of our nation’.

“Two decades on, when too much focus is given to that which divides us, that role for your whole industry is more important than ever – and it starts from the ground-up, at local level, in your hands.

“Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing. Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow.”

The King did acknowledge that journalists “won’t always get it right,” noting that “a free media is one that will and does make mistakes.” But he that “the industry at its best is a cornerstone of our democracy”.

“I know how commercial pressures and changing technologies have had a significant impact on your industry,” The King added. “But as the media landscape has changed, so too many of you have adapted and innovated, finding ways of sharing your journalism and engaging audiences in new and creative ways.

“It is in everyone’s interests that you should succeed. For without a thriving and financially robust regional media, we would all be the poorer.”

WLD editor John Baron said: “It was an honour to be invited to Buckingham Place last night as a guest of the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) and a testament to the hard work of our volunteer-led board and community reporters over the past decade.”

Fifteen members of the Independent Community News Network (ICNN), of which WLD is a founder member, also attended.

WLD in Parliament

On Tuesday, John was in Parliament to back calls for Government action to save local news.

PINF launched the Local News Commission’s report Regenerating Local News in the UK, which argues a bold plan is needed to support local publishers who are fighting to survive.

It calls for a Local News Stimulation Fund to transform the future of local journalism and, with it, the fates of communities who desperately need resilience against false narratives and collapsing news business models.

Other key recommendations include increased regulatory pressure on big tech, tax incentives to support local news, a new workforce strategy and new relationships with both local councils and the BBC.

More details can be found here.

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Changes in the Kirkstall Valley?

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March 27, 2025

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John Preston looks ahead to the Kirkstall Park Charity expanding its environmental and social work in the valley.

The Kirkstall Valley Park charity and limited company was set up in 2005, by former Kirkstall councillor John Illingworth and has worked through the last 20 years championing the Park concept and advocating where possible to take the idea forward.

Several design studies have been done by students from Leeds Beckett University School of Landscape Architecture. Sadly, major funding to implement the connectivity at the heart of the vision has not been forthcoming.

Kirkstall Valley Development Trust (KVDT) was established in 2016 and the original aims included environmental aspirations, including the Valley Park.

KVDT successfully took on the Kirkstall Valley Farm in 2019 and by the time of the Covid pandemic a more social mission had also developed, and this evolved into the Community Hub, Food Pantry etc now based at St Stephen’s Church Hall.

Some of the grants and trusts that could support the social side aspects of KVDT are only open to registered charities and KVDT is a community benefit society.

It is proposed that the Kirkstall Park Charity takes on some of the social projects run by KVDT and that representatives of KVDT join the KVP board. It is time for some of the KVP founders to retire and let others take forward the vision.

The two organisations would be legally independent, with their own trustees/directors, accounts etc, but would share the same vision and mission, branding and strategy with a formal legal agreement governing how they will work together to achieve shared goals.

Developing KVP instead of creating a new charity offers a number of advantages as it creates an opportunity for KVP to continue and develop and deliver a wider range of projects in collaboration with KVDT.

KVDT can begin fundraising for social projects sooner as they will not need to create a new organisation. In time KVDT may become the trading arm of KVP, but this all takes time.

Both parties have considered the proposal, and a meeting of the KVP Board on 27th March formally approved the changes. The next step is to hold an AGM which will be online on Thursday 24^th April at 11am.

If anyone wishes to comment on the change, or would like to join the new board, please contact Adele.Rae@kvdt.org.uk.

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Centre offers support to stay warm despite rising costs

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March 27, 2025

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New Wortley warmth centre — The New Wortley Community Centre Team who worked tirelessly preparing for launch day along with Northern Gas Networks Centre for Warmth Coordinator Carole Marshall. From left: Rebecca Foster, Carole Marshall, Andrea Edwards, Rebecca Hunter, Sarah Malone, Ana Sangil and Rhea Bentley )

By Rebecca Hunter

New Wortley Community Association is collaborating with Northern Gas Networks to help local residents to stay warm while minimising household expenses.

They aim to support individuals and families who may be worried about their own well-being or that of vulnerable friends and family members.

The initiative began with a well-attended launch event, featuring speeches, a complimentary buffet, and a special raffle where lucky attendee Pat won an air fryer (below)!

Sarah Malone, from the Centre for Warmth, said: “The launch of the Centre for Warmth was a wonderful event with plenty of positive feedback!

“Rising energy costs are a significant concern for many, particularly for vulnerable individuals and families. We’re here to help in any way we can.

“Please drop by or reach out via e-mail at centreforwarmth@newwortleycc.org.”

If you’re seeking advice, feel free to visit New Wortley Community Centre every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am to 11am. You can enjoy a cup of tea and breakfast while receiving valuable guidance.

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Fulneck School building ‘protection’ pledge – closure raised in House of Lords

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March 27, 2025

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Fulneck School, Pudsey - Photo: Kelvin Wakefield

By John Baron

A senior body in the Moravian church has pledged to ‘protect’ the future of the historic Fulneck School building after this school announced its shock closure earlier this week.

The independent day and boarding school is due to close on 8 July due to falling pupil numbers and rising costs, but members of the Moravian Church which owns the school say they remain committed to maintaining the building.

A statement on social media by Fulneck Church said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the announcement of the proposed closure of Fulneck School.

“Following a meeting today with the Church Committee, members of the Provincial Board appear committed to ensuring that the appearance. upkeep of and the heart and values of Fulneck settlement continue undiminished and ‘protected’, notwithstanding what the future holds for the school buildings beyond July.

“This includes plans for an appropriate security service presence to ensure the vacant buildings are suitably protected against vandalism.

“There is also an assurance that any future use of the school buildings will be fully compatible with the nature of the settlement and the ethos of the Moravian Church.”

The church, in the centre of the Moravian settlement, is unaffected by the proposed school closure.

Closure raised in Lords

Tory peer Lord Caine has spoken of his sadness over Fulneck School’s closure in the House of Lords.

Speaking in a debate on Wednesday afternoon, he reminded the House that the school had been established in 1753, during the reign of King George II, but will now shut its doors for the final time in July.

“Fulneck, for those who do not know, is famous for educating, among others, the great Liberal Prime Minister Herbert Asquith and the late great Dame Diana Rigg—otherwise known to some as Mrs Peel—along with a very close friend of mine, who was absolutely devastated to hear the news this morning,” he said.

“Fulneck is part of a Moravian settlement in Pudsey, which includes a grade 1 listed church and many other listed buildings. It is a unique part of the heritage of Leeds and the broader West Riding of Yorkshire, a large part of which will now be lost forever.”

The Conservative peer, who was born in Leeds and continues to live in the city, said he would not argue that the imposition of VAT was the only reason for the closure of the school.

He continued: “The school’s own statement refers to problems of falling numbers in recent years.

“However, the statement points to significantly rising administrative costs. Surely the broader point here is that, for a large number of small, independent schools across the country that have been struggling to keep their heads above water in recent years, the imposition of VAT and increases in employer national insurance are policies that will sink them.”

The Conservative peer added: “As a result of the closure, 300 or so students will now have to be educated elsewhere within the locality; most, presumably, will have to find places within the state sector. I note that the school lies within the parliamentary constituency of Leeds West and Pudsey, which is represented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.”

fulneck school view — Fulneck School in Pudsey

‘Huge blow to Fulneck family’

Pudsey independent councillor Trish Smith described the closure as a ‘huge blow to the Fulneck family’.

She said: “For many years now I’ve suggested to senior officers at Leeds City Council that we should consider using facilities such as this, particularly for SEND students. I’ve again emailed the senior team asking them to at least investigate the potential of this facility.

“Whilst I have absolutely no guarantee that anything will come of this, I can confirm it is at least being looked at as a possibility – let’s hope common sense prevails!”

The independent school already has a good reputation for the quality of its SEND support.

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Club classics return to Armley’s Project House

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March 27, 2025

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By Gavin Lampitt

The 90s and noughties daytime clubbing event taking Leeds by storm is back!

After nine sell out events in Leeds along with numerous sell outs in Huddersfield the daytime club event dedicated to Club Classics and hands in the air Anthems returns on Sat 31 May with another Over 30’s Daytime Disco at the amazing 1,000 capacity Project House event space on Armley Road.

Providing the soundtrack this time round is none other than 90s Ibiza legend Brandon Block who will be joined by Jon Fitz of Herd and Fitz – I Just Can’t Get Enough fame.

Sheryl Jay will also be performing the massive 90s hit Let The Beat Hit Em live.

Completing the dj line line up are Leeds based dj’s Marc Leaf & Gavin Lampitt.

Accompanying the DJs is live saxophone and percussion provided by Saxmode and Miriam Drums, as well as the Club Classics Disco-Ball Dancers.

Promoter for the event, Gavin Lampitt, said: “Project House is the perfect event space to host our parties with both indoor and outdoor areas, it really does open up the options in the Summer months.

“What more can you ask for than partying and re-living your youth with likeminded people of a similar age who are not quite ready to hang up their dancing shoes in a safe hassle free environment”.

“Starting at 5pm and running till 11pm means everybody can get home and be tucked up in bed for midnight feeling fresh for whatever Sunday brings and you can even satisfy your appetite throughout the day with the tasty food available from on-site food vendors”.

As always tickets sell quickly for these events so head on over to skiddle to secure your place on the dancefloor and relive your youth.

Tickets are available via www.skiddle.com.

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Stocks Hill: Campaign to save mental health hub from axe continues

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March 26, 2025

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stocks hill protest — Protesters campaigning against the closure of Stocks Hill Hub in Armley outside Leeds Civic Hall. Photo: John Baron

By Peter McDonagh

The service users of Stocks Hill Hub in Chapel Lane, Armley have again been to Leeds Civic Hall today to deliver a petition to a meeting of full council.

The signatures are from people who want the building to remain open as a community resource for Armley and West Leeds.

Under threat: Stocks Hill Hub. Photo: Google

The building is a purpose-built mental health support centre. If it closes it will leave people with less options for day time activities and therapeutic support.

There is more than one petition in circulation and more than 120 names have been collected.

The hub is under threat of closure as Leeds City Council is currently consulting on whether to move the mental health services to another location. A decision will be made in April.

Campaigners fear the service could be heading to a centre in Horsforth.

Additional reporting: John Baron

Photos: An Evening With Dame Prue Leith at The Old Woollen, Farsley

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March 26, 2025

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Great British Bake Off judge Dame Prue Leith entertained a the crowd at The Old Woollen in Farsley this week.

Dame Prue is a successful restaurateur, chef, novelist, business-woman and is well-known as a judge on Channel Four’s The Great British Bake Off.

Photographer John McEvoy was at the Old Woollen to capture her ‘an evening with…’ show on Sunday. Here’s a gallery of his photos:

Dame Prue Leith at the Old Woollen in Farsley. Photo: John McEvoy

Check our more of John’s photos here.

Large crowd sees the official opening of Horsforth Community Garden

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Jill Stocks

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March 26, 2025

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Locals, volunteers and organisers were among the crowd that gathered for the official opening of the new community garden in Horsforth Hall Park this weekend.

Cllr Emmie Bromley (Lab, Horsforth) cut the ribbon on the garden, which is situated adjacent to the Japanese garden in Hall Park, and is a space for growing produce as well as learning about gardening.

Cllr Bromley cuts the ribbon alongside Claire Evans.

Cllr Bromley said: “I feel really honoured to be able to open this garden and I’ve seen from the beginning the absolute effort and sheer energy and focus put into this. Thank you to all the volunteers involved in this.”

The seeds for the community garden were sown four years ago, the idea of keen gardener and Horsforth resident Janet Little.

Claire Evans is the ABCD Community Builder. She said: “Janet Little came to me with the idea of a community garden back in March 2021 and four years later here we are at the opening of this very special place.

“Janet soon met others who shared her vision to create this amazing garden that has already benefited so many people in Horsforth – schools, nurseries, childminding groups, our neighbourhood network scheme and uniform groups have all visited to learn about growing organically and sustainably.

“What’s so wonderful about projects like this is when people connect over a shared passion they don’t just create something they also form lasting friendships. All of which I believe benefits our community.”

Cllr Emmie Bromley, Claire Evans (ABCD Community Builder), Janet Galvin (Secretary of FOHHP), Caroline Fowler (Chair of FOHHP).

Janet Galvin is the Secretary of the Friends of Horsforth Hall Park. She said: “Four years ago a group of us came together. We didn’t even know each other at first but over the last four years we’ve become friends.

“We’ve got some amazing people in our team; dedicated, enthusiastic, committed, hard working and it’s been fulfilling and inspiring to work alongside them.

“We’d like to thank the park staff, especially Andy Wilson. Today’s also about saying a big thank you to all our sponsors and the generosity of the community that supported us when we were doing the crowd funding.

“We want to become a beacon to others to show that volunteering and building communities can achieve great things. And we want to promote the importance of growing food locally and organically. We want to encourage the next generation to carry on growing and using the park.”

A buffet was provided at the event by Truly Scrummy, sponsored by Horsforth Community Cafe, and music was provided by Richard Stirland.

Pictures for the display were provided by pupils from Newlaithes Primary School and 7th Airedale Beavers for a competition to design mosaic panels to go on the raised beds.

In January Horsforth Community Garden were awarded a Heart Of Horsforth Award by Horsforth Town Council, winning the Volunteering Award (over 21s).

Cllr Simon Dowling, chair of Horsforth Town Council, presented the award.

He said: “This group of people have been fantastic in transforming a part of Horsforth Hall Park into a lovely garden and it’s bringing benefit to a lot of people within the area. Getting a lot of people out and getting a lot of people interested in gardening.”

Volunteers are always welcome to join and the group meet every Thursday afternoon from 1.30pm to work in the garden.

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Horsforth Skatepark volunteers hold spring clean

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Jill Stocks

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March 26, 2025

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By Jill Stocks

A recently formed volunteer group in Horsforth hosted their first community event this weekend when the community were invited to meet the team and take part in a clean up.

Skateboard repairs (photo: Claire Evans)

The Friends of Horsforth Skatepark are a recently formed sub group of the friends of Horsforth Hall Park and as well as a park clean up the team were also offering a skateboard MOT service, an opportunity to meet other skaters and learn about the sport and an invite to come and skate.

Volunteers clean up the bowl (Photo: Claire Evans)

The event on Saturday and the numbers who attended highlighted the popularity of skating and the popularity of the skatepark which was completed in 2020.

Ian Pemberton is a regular user of the skatepark and has been skating 45 years.

He said: “I come here as much as I possibly can. It’s literally the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

“I opened an office just down the road and I look out the office window and every time the suns out I’m like right it’s time to escape [to the skatepark] so it’s been fantastic for me.”

Mike Farrell board member and Fraser Doughty team member from Friends of Horsforth Skatepark (Photo: Claire Evans)

Indeed all of the volunteers were keen to stress the health benefits of the sport commenting on how beneficial it was to their mental health, reducing stress and anxiety and helping to build confidence, as well as the benefits for physical health, burning calories as well as helping with balance and coordination and muscle toning.

Burley Road takeaway refused later opening

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March 26, 2025

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NYK Fried Chicken on Burley Road. Photo: Google

By Don Mort, local democracy reporter

A fast food shop has been refused later opening hours after people living nearby raised fears over noise and litter.

NYK Fried Chicken applied to serve customers until 2am every day at its shop on Burley Road.

Leeds City Council received nine letters objecting to a variation of the premises licence.

A licensing sub-committee hearing was told measures would be in place to prevent public nuisance.

Chris Rees-Gay, representing NYK Leeds Ltd, said there were no problems when the premises was granted Temporary Event Notices to open later.

He said: “This is evidence again that the premises can operate to the hours applied for without issue.

“There is overwhelming evidence of the steps that the owner has taken.”

The hearing was told a noise and odour impact assessment had been undertaken by the applicant.

Litter checks would be carried out and delivery drivers required to keep quiet outside.

No objections were raised by West Yorkshire Police or the council’s environmental health team.

But Deryck Piper, chairman of Little Woodhouse Community Association, said late night customers would disturb elderly and vulnerable people living in nearby Westfield Court.

He said: “They will be parking up there, having the radio on, talking on mobile phones.

“As we get warmer weather it would be nice to have your window open at night.”

The hearing was told the premises applied for 2am opening last summer but was granted reduced hours, until midnight, Sunday-Thursday, and 1am Friday and Saturday.

Dr Piper said: “We felt we had an acceptable compromise. If this is now extended it will become unreasonable.”

The licence variation was refused in a split decision by councillors at Leeds Civic Hall.