Horsforth folk “of a certain age” enjoyed an afternoon of tunes from a variety of eras and genres at Horsforth’s first adults only day rave.
DJs played sets featuring old school classics and beyond at The Kings Arms on Town Street at the event on Saturday afternoon.
The event provided a great opportunity for the busy people of Horsforth to socialise with friends and let their hair down whilst still being able to be home and in their pyjamas by 9pm.
The Kings Arms hosts a substantial programme of varied events for adults and families, from comedy nights, bands and tribute nights to singalongs and quiz nights.
A community project which provided lifeline support during the Covid pandemic has celebrated its fifth birthday with a special event.
Pudsey Community Project exists to support and empower vulnerable and disadvantaged people in Pudsey, Swinnow, Calverley, Farsley, Rodley and Woodhall.
Last year its foodbank distributed 818 food parcels, its Reduce Reuse Kids’ Clothes section gave out over seven tonnes of fabric and the community pantry had 4,832 visits, saving customers over £96,500 on shopping bills.
CEO Richard Dimery welcomed attendees to a special birthday celebration at the project’s base in Fartown on Friday.
“We are always listening to our community and bringing people together to make a local difference,” Mr Dimery said. “Our values are those of a community anchor – being a gateway, not just a gatekeeper.
“We value the local, not just seeking to change what is wrong but celebrate and amplify what is right in the community.”
Pudsey Community Project also runs a weekly older people’s lunch club on Wednesdays, which is attended by almost 30 people, and there are seven youth and children’s sessions, including after school Lego and arts/crafts.
A repair cafe runs monthly, as well as a bereavement support cafe. The project also ran employability skills and support training over six months last year to help people get back into employment.
PCP, which boasts 120 volunteers, is looking to the future.
It has also received funding to improve windows, insulation, electrics and install a new lift at its base, and is looking to pilot teen mentoring work after Easter, as well as setting up a charity shop, a ‘library of things’ and Pudsey Community Cinema.
Mr Dimery added: “The often quoted African proverb says ‘if you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together’ and the team work which has made PCP successful shows how true this is.”
More details about Pudsey Community Project and its services can be found here.
The Find It IN Farnley hard at work at Cup 19. Photo: Josie Armitage
Review by Josie Armitage
I have been attending Find It In Farsley for about a year as I was looking for a small, local networking group with like-minded small business owners.
I knew Clare Clifford from Sunshine Digital Media, as she provides me with accountability for my social media through her Shine Online Club. Clare set Find It In Farsley up.
I have found the group to be supportive (everyone offers genuine help), and it provides the opportunity to spend time in good company every month.
I love the co-working sessions every other month as I can get so much work done. The group grows from strength to strength.
Clare Clifford.
Clare says: “I set up Find It In Farsley small business networking in 2023 to support small business owners and ‘solo-preneurs’. Working alone can feel very isolating, so the aim was to create a support network for small business owners that isn’t competitive or sales driven.
“We are all about collaboration more than competition.
“Sometimes, we co-work and hold each other accountable for getting through our lists; other times,we have guest speakers to help us learn and develop our skills.”
The group meets on the second Monday of the month at Cup 19. Tickets are £5, which is donated to the Farsley Rehoboth project.
Jackie Scargill, from Gratzie Gifts, said: “I like the group because they give me great feedback and brilliant business support as I am a small business.”
Julie Cotton, the Farsley Freelancer, says: “Setting up and running a small business is not for everyone. Often, it can be lonely and isolating working from the kitchen table or, if you are lucky, the spare bedroom.
“Being able to meet other small local business owners is a fantastic opportunity to share ideas, ask for peer support, or gain local clients.
“The Find it in Farsley networking group allows this to happen on a monthly basis, organising regular speakers, co-working time and even the odd outdoor activity.
‘The relaxed and supportive atmosphere has allowed me to grow my client list as well as gain my confidence to attend larger events.”
Ruth Freestone, from Baker and Co Accountants, says: “Each session is expertly hosted by Clare, who strikes that perfect balance of making everyone feel welcome without putting anyone on the spot. The atmosphere is relaxed yet purposeful, with a genuine focus on supporting local small businesses.
“One highlight for me has been the Pitch Your Problem sessions, where each attendee shares a challenge, and the group brainstorms solutions together.
“The insights shared were incredibly valuable, and I left feeling energised — ready to tackle my own ‘frog’ (you know, that task you’ve been avoiding!).”
Members actively support each other across social media, and collaborations have blossomed as a result.
l Book your place via Eventbrite. Follow Find It In Farsley on Instagram.
A new co-working space has launched in Farsley. Photo: Josie Armitage
By Josie Armitage
I attended the launch of Farsley Co Work at Springfield Mills on Thursday 20th March. It’s a lovely light space that has a green link to the outdoors and has separate desks for co-working.
There is also a comfy seated breakout area at the back, which is a relaxed space for casual meetings and building connections. This also has lovely prints by Lucy Johnson from Lucy Victoria Arts.
There are two Focus pods – quiet spaces you can book for making private calls. Don’t forget refreshments! There is a kitchen area with Yorkshire Tea and Nespresso Coffee and facilities for printing and scanning.
What is especially amazing about this space is that Phil Johnson and Sam Booth, the two co-founders, came up with the idea, received the keys on 1 March, and did all the work themselves to have a decorated and furnished space for the launch on 20 March! Super quick but looks so professional.
The lunchtime launch was well attended and there was a second launch in the evening. Lots of familiar faces local to the area showing great interest in the space.
They are open seven days a week, from 7am to 9pm.
Sam says: “When I started to work for myself, I thought it was fantastic that I could work from home every day.
“But over time I started to miss some of the perks of working in an office. I hope that our new workspace can provide a change of scenery, a sense of community, and be a productive environment for all our members.”
Phil says: “We wanted to create a space that not only Sam and myself could be proud of but an environment that could serve the wider community locally.
“We feel it’s something that has been missing, and hopefully, we have gone some way in filling that void, giving the people of Farsley and the surrounding areas an accessible and affordable alternative.”
The lunchtime launch was well attended and there was a second launch in the evening. Lots of familiar faces local to the area showing great interest in the space.
Clare Clifford, from Sunshine Digital Media. attended the launch and said: “As a small business owner I’m really excited to use this fabulous new office space.
“Working alone and around a young family can be both lonely and distracting. Both have an impact on my productivity and mental health. Having a space like this to use on a flexible basis has filled a massive gap in our local community. I’m really looking forward to meeting and collaborating with other local business owners. Also the coffee is top notch!”
Fulneck School bosses have blamed falling pupil numbers and rising costs for the planned closure of the historic Pudsey institution.
In an announcement on social media today, the school announced it is due to close on 8 July 2025.
The independent day and boarding school is based in the historic Moravian settlement of Fulneck and dates back to 1753.
Fulneck School in Pudsey
The full statement said: “It is with deep regret that we announce the planned closure of Fulneck School, which is scheduled to take place on 8 July 2025.
“Despite the dedicated efforts of the school and the Fulneck Trustees to sustain pupil numbers, a continued decline in enrolment, combined with rising operational costs, has made it increasingly challenging to maintain financial viability.
“Following a comprehensive strategic review and the exploration of all possible alternatives, the Trustees have made the difficult decision to plan for the school’s closure. We understand that this announcement will be distressing for our pupils, parents, staff, and the wider school community.
“The Trustees, Board of Governors and the school are committed to ensuring that the school year finishes as planned, with all teaching continuing until the end of the school year and pupils completing public and internal examinations as intended.
“We are also committed to ensure a smooth transition for all affected and will offer support to our pupils, parents, and staff throughout this process.
“We sincerely thank our school community for its dedication and support over the years.”
One former pupil added: “I am deeply saddened to hear this news. I spent part of my youth at this extraordinary school, which truly shaped me. Thanks to Fulneck School, I was able to flourish and found the desire to succeed.
“A part of me will disappear with the closure of this school. I believe it would be meaningful to organise an open day for former pupils, so we can reunite, share our memories, and properly celebrate the legacy and many years of Fulneck School’s existence.”
Another added: “Absolutely devastating when we remember the school has been going since the 1740s and education has been so important to the Moravian church throughout the centuries and throughout the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected (including our two grandchildren).”
Pudsey’s councillors reacted with shock to the news.
Cllr Trish Smith (ind) said: “I’m devastated to read this. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, such sad news.”
Cllr Simon Seary (Cons) added: “We are absolutely shocked and devastated to hear the news that Fulneck School will be closing at the end of this academic year. This is an incredibly sad day for the pupils, staff, and wider school community who have made Fulneck such a special place for generations.
“With over 250 years of history coming to an end, this loss will be deeply felt by so many. Students are losing their school, dedicated staff face uncertainty, and families now have to navigate difficult transitions. My thoughts are with everyone affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
Fulneck School was established in 1753 in order to provide an education for the sons and daughters of the Church’s ministers and missionaries. Famous former pupils include actress Dame Diana Rigg and HH Asquith, who was Prime Minister between 1908–16.
Lloyds Banking Group’s is inviting developers to transform its former office and data centre site at Dawsons Corner into 93 new homes.
Proposals for the social housing scheme include both houses and apartments, offering a mix of one, two, three, and four-bedroom properties, along with green spaces and gardens.
The successful developer will take forward a final design scheme to Leeds City Council to obtain full planning consent.
It is expected construction on the Pudsey site could begin in late 2026.
Mark Burton, Lloyds Banking Group ambassador for Yorkshire and The Humber, said: “This is an important first step in our plan to provide around 100 new affordable homes at our site in Pudsey and I am happy to see it.
“The lack of genuinely affordable housing in our communities means too many people are living in insecure or poor-quality conditions.
“We’re working with local authorities in order to understand where our former sites may be well-positioned to support residential needs and I hope what we are seeking to do in Pudsey sparks many similar solutions around the UK – helping more people to access a safe and sustainable home.”
Police investigating a serious assault on Kirkstall Lane are appealing for any witnesses or dashcam footage, including three people who stepped in to help.
The incident happened directly near Headingley Stadium at 2.46am on Sunday, 9 March when a man in his 20s reported being attacked by another man who was standing at a bus stop.
It was reported that the suspect had a knife and punched and kicked the victim, causing injuries to his arm and hands.
Following the assault the suspect walked off up Kirkstall Lane towards Cardigan Road.
Officers are keen to speak with three witnesses, a man and two women, who intervened.
The first witness is described as a white female with blonde hair wearing a black blazer and wide leg light blue jeans. The second female also appears to be a white female, with light coloured hair, wearing a black cropped vest and wide leg dark grey jeans. The third, a white male, appears to be wearing a white shirt, black trousers and a black suit jacket.
The witnesses were walking on the opposite side of the road when the assault took place and ran over to the bus stop.
Officers from the Inner North West Neighbourhood Policing team want to speak to these witnesses, as well as anybody with dashcam footage that might have captured the incident. This includes a taxi driver who was seen to drive past at the time.
Sergeant Simon Green from Leeds NPT said: “We believe this to be an unprovoked attack and would like to speak to anyone who saw or has footage of what happened, particularly the three people that came to the victim’s aid.
“Officers are carrying out high visibility patrols in the area as we continue to investigate.”
Anyone who can assist with the investigation is asked to contact Leeds NPT here or by calling 101 quoting reference 13250133649. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Bradford-based supermarket giants Morrisons has announced a raft of cuts which could see more than 350 people lose their jobs.
A total of 52 cafés, all 18 market kitchens, 17 convenience stores, 13 florists, 35 meat counters, 35 fish counters and four pharmacies all face closure at stores across the country.
Although the significant majority of colleagues affected by these changes are expected to be deployed in suitable roles elsewhere in Morrisons, there will be a total of around 365 colleagues at risk of redundancy.
Cafes at stores in Horsforth, Swinnow Lane and Thornbury all face closure. The Market Kitchen at Kirkstall also faces closure.
Rami Baitiéh, Chief Executive of Morrisons, said: “The changes we are announcing today are a necessary part of our plans to renew and reinvigorate Morrisons and enable us to focus our investment into the areas that customers really value and that can play a full part in our growth.
“Morrisons Cafés are rightly famous for their great quality well-priced food, their place in the local community and their appealing mix of traditional favourites alongside exciting new dishes.
“In most locations the Morrisons Café has a bright future, but a minority have specific local challenges and in those locations, regrettably, closure and re-allocation of the space is the only sensible option.
“Market Street is a beacon of differentiation for Morrisons and we remain committed to it.
“But as we modernise we are making some necessary changes to the areas of the model which are simply uneconomic.
“In some stores where we are closing counters or cafés, we plan to work with third parties to provide a relevant specialist offer.”
“Although these changes are relatively small in the context of the overall scale of the Morrisons business, we do not take lightly the disruption and uncertainty they will cause to some of our colleagues.
“We will of course take particular care to look after all of them well through the coming changes.”
The guide, published by The Sunday Times, includes 72 locations across the UK and was released on Friday.
The Sunday Times’s expert judges have visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds and mobile signal to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street.
Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “It is easy to feel overwhelmed by everything going on in the world, but there really is so much to celebrate as we look closer to home.
“From small gestures that lift the everyday like – verges blooming with daffodils and volunteer-run dementia cafés, to larger initiatives from repair cafés to new railway stations.”
The chosen locations come in all shapes and sizes, from the Scottish Island of Tiree and the remote Welsh village of Maenclochog to vibrant market towns, and suburbs of big, lively cities such as Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and London.
There are more new entries than ever before in this year’s guide and no place for many previous winners including York, Winchester, in Hampshire, and Altrincham, in Cheshire. Judges looked for thriving locations with a strong sense of community rather than famous names with high house prices.
“What makes our guide unique is that we actually visit all the places we choose and talk to locals to find out what life is really like there,” Ms Davies added. “That means we can see what people really love about the places they live. That could be anything from exceptional schools and fast trains to beautiful houses and countryside.
“The health of the high street is important, but more than anything else, what we are looking for are towns, villages and cities with strong communities who work hard to make the best of where they live, and play hard too.
“We also consider affordability. High house prices are no barrier to inclusion – as long as they provide value for money. Different people will be looking for different qualities when they are choosing a place to live. One thing all our chosen locations have in common is that the people who live in them are proud to call them home.”
Ilkley was the regional winner, and other northern towns on the list alongside Horsforth included Easingwold, North Yorkshire; Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire; Morpeth, Northumberland; Ripon, North Yorkshire; Sheffield, South Yorkshire; and Tynemouth, Tyne and Wear.
Anyone for the Rodley tram? Photos like this feature in the exhibition.
Bramley History Society is holding its Spring Photo Exhibition next Saturday morning (29 March).
Roger Cliff, from the Society, says there will be hundreds of photos on display and dozens of old maps.
The popular annual event is held at Trinity Church on Bramley Town Street, from 9.45am to 11.45am. Volunteers from Trinity will be providing refreshments.
West Leeds has a number of bowling greens, including this one in Bramley Park. Photo: Barry Tebbs, 2019
A bowling club in Bramley is encouraging more people to take up the sport – and members are holding a series of sessions and events to draw fresh faces to their bowling green.
Bramley Park Bowling Club is set to hold a ‘bowls big weekend’ on Saturday, 24 May (12.30pm-4pm) which includes an open day with a raffle, tombola, food and a chance to have a go at the game.
The club is facing a challenging future due to cutbacks by cash-strapped Leeds City Council, with bowling clubs across Leeds facing proposals which would mean they have to cover the cost of electricity, water rates and general maintenance to the clubhouse.
“To cover this additional cost we will need to fundraise by holding raffles etc,” said Bramley Park Bowling Club chairman Jeff Allman.
Mr Allman is encouraging local businesses and individuals to donate prizes for the raffle.
“Any donation we receive will be really appreciated and help in our battle to keep the bowling green open,” he added.
The former Upstairs Downstairs site on Armley Ridge Road. Photo: Google
By John Baron
Revised plans for eight hew homes have been approved at the site of the former Upstairs Downstairs nightclub in Armley.
The proposals – reduced from the original plans for nine homes – are a mix of three and four-bedroom semi-detached and terraced houses.
Leeds-based developer Trinity 146 plans were submitted in December 2013. The site was also the former home of The Limelight Dance Studio, off Armley Ridge Road.
The proposals would lead to the loss of three mature trees and the pruning of others.
A council planning officer’s report concluded: “The principle of the scheme on this site can be considered appropriate; it will provide eight dwelling houses in a highly sustainable location.
“Whilst the proposal will lead to harm to three trees and potential harm to trees marked for retention, the proposal will provide many benefits which will outweigh this limited degree of harm.”
The former Upstairs Downstairs nightclub in Armley Ridge Road has already been demolished. Photo: Google
The blaze tore through the former Upstairs Downstairs club, which opened in 1975 and closed in 2009.
After the club’s closure, the building stood empty before it became home to Limelight Dance Studio, and in 2016, Little People Nurseries submitted a planning application to turn the former nightclub into a nursery. Those plans were approved in January 2017 but the interested business never moved in. The former nightclub building was demolished several years ago.
Housing plans for the site were approved in 2021, but again the development never came to fruition.
In 2021, developer Zarina Acquisitions Ltd was granted permission to build a mix of four flats and five houses on the site in 2021, but the development never happened.
