Sky Fallers and Songbirds fly high for Aspire CBS tenth anniversary celebration

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August 5, 2025

Songbirds fly high at celebration. Photo: Helen Fay

By Helen Fay

Events venue Project House in Armley played host to Aspire Community Benefit Society’s 10Fest party.

The event was a celebration of Aspire CBS’ 10 years of supporting adults with learning disabilities since the service was transferred over from Leeds City Council.

Aspire CBS provides day services, supported living services, respite and crisis services to more than 900 adults with a learning disability and their family carers.

Cath Lee, Business Development Manager for Aspire, said: “We’re here for 10Fest to celebrate 10 years of being Aspire Community Benefit Society.

“Previously Aspire was part of Leeds City Council and the organisation ‘spun out’ from the Council in 2015. Aspire offer daytime opportunities, short breaks and support people with learning disabilities to live independently.”

Cath added: “Our aim is to make sure people have choices and opportunities to follow their interests, fulfil their ambitions and live as part of their local community.”

The event included performances by Sky Fallers, a band comprising of four members with learning disabilities/autism and two members of the Aspire staff team. They played a diverse set of songs including pop/ rock classics and numbers from musical theatre.

Also featured were The Songbirds, a neurodiverse girl group whose members are Jenny Robinson, Megan Nunns (both who are also in Sky Fallers) and staff member Becky Barker.

Other organisations running stalls and activities at the event were Connect in the North, Leeds Rhinos Foundation and Yorkshire Dance. A mobile pizza kiosk, kebab stand and ice cream van provided sustenance for attendees during the celebration, which was held on Thursday (July 31).

The event started with a speech from service user Luke, who described how it felt when Aspire took the reins of the previously council-run service: “It was a massive change, I didn’t know half the staff, I was meeting new customers and the buildings were brand new.

“The biggest change was the attitude – we soon became part of a customer-led company and I’d never known anything like that before. Customers feel valued now and it shows. Aspire has done so much, we have more of a voice, everyone knows Aspire.”

Business development manager Cath Lee summed up the day: “Today is a fun, social day and we’re celebrating all the people we support, our amazing staff team and the fantastic partner organisations we work with.

“It is not only about celebrating the past ten years but also about looking forward to the future and continuing support people with learning disabilities to live life to the full.”

More information about Aspire CBS and the services and activities it provides can be found here. Both Sky Fallers and Songbirds have Facebook pages.

To find out more about Project House and events, click here.

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Horsforth man set for lifesaving challenge at The World Games in China

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August 5, 2025

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By John Baron

A Horsforth athlete will represent Great Britain in lifesaving at The World Games in China.

Samuel Lawman, 30, will compete in Chengdu from 7 to 17 August 2025. This marks a major moment for the sport in the UK, as no British athlete has competed in lifesaving at The World Games for over two decades.

Samuel, an MSc Physiotherapy student at Leeds Beckett University and a former Leeds West Academy teacher, said: “I was drawn to lifesaving because it’s the only sport with humanitarian origins.

“It’s not just about competition – it’s built on the principles of saving lives.

“The sport combines rescue techniques with swimming speed, power, and control, which really appealed to me as someone passionate about both water safety and performance. It’s a unique and rewarding blend of purpose and athleticism.”

Samuel also holds three Masters Swimming World Records, which speaks to the high level of swimming ability required for lifesaving sport at the highest level.

The World Games is an international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring the world’s best athletes in sports that are not part of the Olympic Games. Often described as the “Olympics for non-Olympic sports,” the event showcases elite competition on a global stage, backed by the International World Games Association and recognised by the International Olympic Committee.

Lifesaving is a dynamic, internationally recognised sport that combines athleticism with essential water rescue skills, making it both physically demanding and uniquely purposeful.

Samuel added: “Alongside my athletic and academic commitments, I previously worked as a teacher at Leeds West Academy, where I spent four years supporting and educating young people in the local community. My time there was incredibly rewarding, and I remain passionate about inspiring the next generation to pursue both education and sport.”

He competes for Race Pace Yorkshire Lifesaving Club and also train with Leeds Phoenix Lifesaving Club, balancing elite training with his postgraduate studies.

He will be racing against many full-time, professionally funded athletes — while his own journey is only partially funded.

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Bramley: Padel court plan submitted at former mill complex

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August 5, 2025

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By John Baron

New padel courts could be built on the site of demolished industrial units at the Swinnow Grange Mills complex.

Padel tennis is the fastest-growing racket sport in the UK, with its growth predicted to continue.

Gems Investments has applied to Leeds City Council to change of use of part of the former mill complex off Stanningley Road and the erection of padel courts with canopy above and associated works.

A design statement submitted with the plans concludes: “The proposed change of use and development will constitute a positive addition not only to Swinnow Grange Mills but to the residential of the wider community.”

Padel Tennis consists of a court 10m and 20m long. The area is closed off by glass walls and fencing.

View the plans in full here.

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Community concert band launches conductor search

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August 5, 2025

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Tutti-community-Band — Tutti Concert Band performing in Bramley Park in the summer.

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A community concert band in West Leeds is looking for a new conductor.

Tutti! is an inclusive community concert band, with around 40 members of varied ages and abilities.

Formed in 2018, it meets in Bramley on Saturday mornings to play music for fun, social connection, and mental wellbeing.

A spokesperson said: “Coffee and cake afterwards is an important part of the morning! We enjoy an eclectic mix of repertoire, from Holst to Star Wars to Stevie Wonder and relish discovering new pieces and working on our sound.

“We value connections with the local community. This summer, we have entertained locals at Bands in Leeds Parks and various other events, and also held a successful stall at Kirkstall Festival. Additionally, we hold at least two more formal concerts per year, including a Christmas concert in collaboration with other local musical groups.”

Tutti is looking for someone with enthusiasm for community music, who will develop the band’s musicality whilst nurturing the friendly atmosphere and community connections. The successful applicant will lead on all musical matters, including choice of repertoire.

The salary will be £38/hour, in line with The Musicians’ Union recommendations.

Send your CV and a covering letter outlining your vision for the role to tutticoncertband@gmail.com. Application deadline is 24 August 2025.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 6 September and invited to lead part of a rehearsal on the morning of either 13 or 20 September.

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New Military Preparation College could open in Armley

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August 4, 2025

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Carlton trading estate — Carlton Trading Estate, off Pickering Street, Armley. Photo: Google

Plans to open a Military Preparation College on an Armley trading estate have been submitted to Leeds City Council for approval.

Applicant Michael Ronan from education provider Learning Curve Group wants to open the Military Preparation College (MPCT) in units 9 and 9A of the Carlton Trading Estate in Pickering Street, Armley.

The units are currently vacant and had previously been used by a distribution company. The new college would be open 8.30am-5pm weekdays and would employ three full-time staff.

A statement submitted with the planning application said: “MPCT delivers vocational training and education for young people aged 16 to 19 focusing on employability, fitness, and military preparation.

“This provision addresses skills gaps, reduces youth unemployment, and supports Leeds economic strategy.”

MPCT says is will reduce the number of young NEET young people Not in Education, Education or Training), and will engage with hard-to-reach learners, as well as providing a pipeline of skilled candidates to the Armed Forces and local employers.

The plans to change the use of a former industrial unit to a training and education academy can be viewed in full here.

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MP Mark Sewards launches AI version of himself

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August 4, 2025

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AI Mark Sewards MP — An AI version of Mark Sewards MP.

Mark Sewards has become the first British MP to launch AI version of himself.

The MP for Leeds South West and Morley has worked with a local constituent’s AI start-up company to create a prototype AI version that can answer questions and help with casework queries.

This innovative AI model, created for free by Neural Voice in Drighlington, uses cutting-edge neural voice synthesis and advanced natural language processing to replicate the speaking style, tone, and mannerisms of Mr Sewards.

The model has been developed using his Parliamentary contributions, social media profiles and previous correspondences with constituents on a range of policy issues.

The aim of this tool is to provide constituents of Leeds South West and Morley with a 24/7
service that will allow them to ask their MP for help with local casework issues, policy related queries or simply pass on a message to him and his office.

The AI tool can be found here.

Mr Sewards, whose constituency covers Farnley & Wortley, said: “When a constituent and local business owner approached me with this idea, I was very excited to work with him because I wanted to increase my knowledge of AI and its potential applications.

“This prototype AI model offers my constituents a new way to engage with their Member of Parliament and their office. I’m very keen to explore how new technologies such as AI, can help strengthen the connection between an MP’s office and the constituents we serve.”

Mr Sewards said the approach is a ;good first step in broadcasting how AI can be used to
improve our democracy and make MP’s offices more efficient’.

He added: “Having an AI start-up based in my constituency willing to work with me on this project has been fantastic. I would like to thank Jeremy Smith and Neural Voice for all their hard work to create the UK’s first virtual MP!

“I encourage any resident of Leeds South West and Morley to give AI Mark a try. This is only the first step, and all feedback will be very welcome to further develop a practical, useful tool that can help people.”

Neural Voice is a Voice AI platform that allows people and businesses to create Voice AI
assistants for your phone systems and websites. It uses state of the art LLMs and voice
synthesis technology to allow communication in real time.

Jeremy Smith, CEO and Co-founder of Neural Voice said: “For too long, politicians have been out of reach for their constituents. The vast majority of people do not know the name of their MP, let alone their voice and what they stand for.

“This also means that most MPs are out of touch with their constituents. There’s only so many hours in a day. We are working with Mark to bring access to his office to the masses and to make him more accessible to the constituents of Leeds South West and Morley, with using revolutionary technology.

“We believe many other MPs and businesses will shortly follow suit to be more accessible to the world.”

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Tea party celebrates 25 years of Rodley Nature Reserve

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August 4, 2025

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By David Nesham

Trustees, volunteers, Friends group members and visitors were all welcomed to the Rodley Nature Reserve Tea Party to celebrate its 25^th anniversary.

Trust secretary Peter Murphy welcomed everyone to the party and commented on the idea of converting the redundant sewage treatment works into a nature reserve.

This concept was put to Yorkshire Water back in 1992 by the environmental lobbying group “Eye on the Aire”. It wasn’t until 1999 that construction work actually commenced with the Reserve eventually opening to the public in July 2000.

Peter, who has been Trust secretary since 2004, added: “We are proud of what we have achieved over the last 25 years all of which is down to Yorkshire Water, the Friends Group, volunteers and public support.”

Peter’s wife Barbara has also played a significant part over the years, supporting him as well as being chairperson of the Friends group from 2014 to 2023.

Barbara recalls the very early years back in 1999 when the Reserve was under construction: “I used to visit the developing Reserve during my lunch hour to photo the diggers and excavators carrying out the construction work wearing my high heels!”

Asked about her highlight of the last 25 years Barbara recalled the first ever appearance of Avocet back in 2018 which hasn’t been recorded since.

Along with Peter they both commented on the BBC Countryfile Magazine’s Nature Reserve of the Year Award 2018 and the introduction of nest box cameras of Barn Owl and Kestrel relaying live images into the Visitor Centre as memorable moments.

One of the Reserve’s key objectives is to introduce members of the public, and particularly children, to wildlife and over the years to fulfil this objective the Education Team has become a well-established free resource now used annually by local schools. 950 school children visited the Reserve during 2024 on educational visits and this was further enhanced by evening youth group visits.

The education team at Rodley Nature Reserve. Photo: David Nesham

The Reserve has become so popular with the local schools that vacant dates are now rare.

Val Walker, a longtime member of the Friends of Rodley Nature Reserve, had travelled up from Derbyshire for the day. Val has been a very generous supporter of Reserve over the years and, with her daughter Christine, visits whenever she can.

Val said: “I wouldn’t have missed this day for anything. I’ve always had a love for wildlife and before moving to Derbyshire some 30 yrs ago enjoyed the local area prior to the Reserve opening, Swain Wood being a particularly favourite spot.”

Val is pictured below:

When asked about the next 25 years many ideas and thoughts amongst the guests were suggested – an extension to the visitor centre, redevelopment of the current reed bed and wet grassland habitats and car parking improvements to name just a few.

With the current enthusiasm amongst the volunteers no doubt such ideas will become reality over the next 25 years.

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City’s authors have the write stuff to star in new Abbey House Museum exhibition

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August 4, 2025

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Curator Patrick Bourne with a wine bottle from the set of celebrated bucolic British crime drama Midsomer Murders, on loan from screenwriter and playwright Lisa Holdsworth who has also worked on hit shows including Call the Midwife and Fat Friends.

A new exhibition celebrating the work of the city’s authors, poets, playwrights and scriptwriters is proving a real page-turner for visitors to Kirkstall’s Abbey House Museum.

Literature in Leeds showcases objects, memorabilia and personal stories which have inspired a generation of modern-day writers to create works enjoyed by audiences around the world.

Objects on display include a wine bottle from the set of celebrated bucolic British crime drama Midsomer Murders, on loan from screenwriter and playwright Lisa Holdsworth, who has also worked on hit shows including Call the Midwife and Fat Friends.

Her contributions also include original scripts from her first paid writing job, signed by Liza Tarbuck and famed presenting duo Ant and Dec.

Other exhibits include a dress created as part of theatre show and exhibition Corseted, which centred around the life and work of radical Leeds suffragist Alice Cliff Scatcherd.

The dress is based on one worn by Alice when she opened the Morley Friends Adult School in 1894, and sits alongside objects chosen by writer and performer, Becky Cherriman, whose own work touches on themes such as women’s history and industrial working conditions.

Also on display is an ancient Greek coin featuring a fearsome snake-headed Gorgon, chosen by author Jennifer Saint whose books, including Ariadne, are inspired by Greek mythology.

Farsley author Chris Nickson chose a model of the Moot Hall, formerly on Briggate, which features in his novel Them Without Pain exploring the story of ill-fated Leeds silversmith Arthur Mangey. Mangey created the Leeds Mace but was executed in 1696 after he was found guilty of forgery.

Alongside work by poet Claire Wigzell are a series of Cistercian floor tiles and a stylus excavated from the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey, which is the subject of one of her poems.

And poet Khadijah Ibrahiim has loaned items reflecting her writing process and professional achievements including laptops, ipods and flyers for events including Rootz Runnin and Leeds Young Authors poetry slams.

Patrick Bourne, assistant community curator with Leeds Museums and Galleries said: “Leeds is home to so many talented writers who have made major and lasting contributions to all manner of fields from literature to theatre, TV and film.“

But there’s perhaps something in the nature of many writers which means they often do their work behind-the-scenes and let others take the spotlight.

“That’s why we’re so pleased to be celebrating the efforts of all these imaginative, local people and to be giving visitors a chance to find out more about their work, the process behind it and some of the inspiration for the incredible stories and narratives they have created.”

Opened in 1927, Abbey House Museum is home to three replica Victorian streets, which feature shops, a pub, and houses. The museum building itself is Kirkstall Abbey’s original gatehouse.C

Literature in Leeds: Prose, Poetry and Plays is open now at Abbey House Museum.

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Anne’s Patch: An allotment workout

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August 3, 2025

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1000017282 — Anne Akers on her Calverley allotment.

By Anne Akers

Do you know that one litre of water weighs one kilogramme? So that makes carrying a 10L
watering can full of water in each hand a 20kilo deadlift. Do that ten times or so on the
obstacle course of my allotment path and I’d call it a blooming good workout!

It was absolutely no surprise at all that Yorkshire Water introduced a hosepipe ban earlier in the summer.

The huge waterbutt which had collected rainwater from the shed roof at the
allotment had long since run dry.

Our Gatescroft site in Calverley is fortunate to have water taps, so all of us were making use of those, with hosepipes the preferred watering method before the ban.

And while the restrictions announced by Yorkshire Water do not apply to allotments, as a committee and individuals we took the view that we’d recommend plotholders use cans instead of hosepipes to save as much water as possible.

After chuntering about the standing water in my heavy-clay soil earlier in the year, when
nothing could be planted, I found myself watering most days as the soil turned to dust. My
goodness, that was hard work.

And yes, I could have just carried one can at a time, but two gave me balance and saved me half the trips to the tap. On the plus side, the weeds didn’t thrive in the hot sun, so the targeted watering at the base of the many annuals saw them thrive.

The warm weather also encouraged earlier growth of nearly all the crops. All the broad
beans and most of the peas were done by early July and I was surprised to be unearthing
sizeable Charlotte potatoes mid-month, they are usually weeks later.

It was a bonus to have these so early, there is absolutely nothing to compare with potatoes freshly dug, then boiled in the pot and served with a grind of salt, freshly-picked mint and a little too much butter, but, hey, I’d been carrying 20 kilos, up and down the plot, not to mention the filling up and pouring out, I deserved it.

One crop I left quite late to transplant was squash. In the past, I’ve planted them out too
soon only to have the sneaky wind break the tender main stem.

This year most of them had buds or flowers before I took them down to the plot. I also constructed mini windbreaks around each plant and gave them a little straw bed to keep emerging fruits off the soil where they might rot if it ever rained again.

I’ve planted three types, Crown Prince, a traditional- shaped grey-skinned fruit with orange flash and Butternut, for me the King of Squash with a fabulous flavour, especially when made into soup with chilli and coconut milk.

Bush Baby is a squash I haven’t grown before, it’s supposed to be a bit like Crown Prince, but smaller. Let’s see!

So even if it rains prolifically, the reservoirs are so empty that all of us on the site thing the
hose pipe ban will stay for the rest of the summer and autumn. That means in my case that the watering can work-out will stay.

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VOICES Network brings community cohesion to Armley

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August 3, 2025

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1000054141 — litter pickers outside the Red Cross.

By Helen Fay

Members of the VOICES Network took part in a litter pick in the streets around their Armley base.

The VOICES Network is an independent initiative supported by the Red Cross. It is located in various locations around the country, and the West Yorkshire project is based in Armley.

Shah Mahmood Nasiri, Participation Officer for the West Yorkshire VOICES network, explained: “The VOICES Network is an independent network composed of asylum seekers, refugees and those who experience destitution here.

“We call them experts by experience because they know first-hand how the asylum system in this country runs and the hardship of being refugees and asylum seekers.”

VOICES Ambassadors represent thousands of asylum seekers and migrants who face
language barriers, and who have no access to raise their issues and concerns. They
give them a voice to express their needs and opinions and the ability to engage in
positive change.

He added: “VOICES Ambassadors are independent volunteers and some attended a meeting with the Home Office to discuss the asylum system and ways in which it can be improved.

“We have been engaged in a number of events – VOICES Ambassadors have attended Parliament, spoken with MPs and met King Charles to talk about the main three key objectives of changing perceptions, policies and practices.”

From left: Cllr Andy Parnham, Joseph (VOICES Ambassador), Sir John Battle and Shah Mahmood Nasiri (Participation Officer)

Mr Nasiri’s background was working as a surgeon in Afghanistan, then involvement with international emergency organisations or many years. Due to the fragile political situation in Afghanistan and other reasons, Shah had to flee his country.

Mr Nasiri said refugees and migrants faced limited finances, resulting in issues travelling to essential appointments or to college courses; social isolation affecting mental health; and long delays in asylum status being processed causing further stress.

Shah said: “Some people say they don’t want migrants, but people don’t leave their home and family unless there is something wrong and life-threatening situations push them to flee the country.

“But once people are here they bring not only their experience of the asylum system, but different kinds of expertise they have – doctors, engineers, teachers and those from other fields.

“These are all good contributions to bring to the socio-economic development of the country. They are not here just to receive support from the government, they are also here to support the government and society, to contribute to the betterment of society.”

As part of Refugee Week in June, one of the VOICES Ambassadors, Joseph, suggested a litter pick in the local area as the theme was “Community as a Superpower”.

The Ambassadors wanted to do something to bring a positive change. A preliminary assessment found an area nearby blighted by litter and rubbish.

VOICES approached Armley councillor Andy Parnham, who put them in touch with
New Wortley Community Centre.

“Andrea and all the staff there were fantastic”, Mr Nasiri said. “They provided us with hi viz vests, litter pickers and bags.”

Ann, one of the VOICES Ambassadors who took part, told WLD: “The litter picking
activity we did in Armley had a positive impact on me personally. It helped me
mentally and physically and made a positive impact in the community – we got so
many good comments from passers-by, saying we were doing a good job.”

Find out more about the VOICES Network here and Refugee Week here.

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Kirkstall: Petition calls for ‘crucial’ investment in new playground

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August 3, 2025

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Campaigners are fighting for new play facilities on the Queenswood estate. Featured: Wendi Carson (QTARA chair) Hannah. Children: Nicoli, Harley, Finley, Tommy, Macy, Leah, Imogen and two mums Dani and Sara. Photo: Angela Harrison

By Angela Harrison

A petition has been launched by community campaigners for a children’s playground to be built on Queenswood Drive, Kirkstall.

A dedicated community group Queenswood Tenants & Residents Association is working hard to provide outdoor enjoyment and create a safe and engaging space in fresh air, for youngsters.

The campaigners are calling out for broader community support to help them overcome several challenges and setbacks, hence this petition, which says: “A well-designed playground is more than just a place for fun.

“It’s a vital community resource that encourages physical activity, promotes social interaction, and fosters mental well-being among children of all ages. Studies show that children who have access to playgrounds are more likely to excel in school and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.”

Youngsters at the site of the proposed playground. Photo: Angela Harrison

The campaigners need to raise £130,000. If the petition gets enough signatures to demonstrate the community’s support, they can then apply for grant funding.

Petition author, Nicholas Carson said: “Building a children’s playground on the Queenswood estate isn’t just a goal, it’s a crucial investment in the future of our children and our community.

“A vibrant playground will not only serve our current residents but will also attract more families to the area, fostering a sense of community and enriching the lives of everyone who call Queenswood their home. Every signature brings us one step closer to a new playground and a better future for our children.”

Campaigners are also spreading awareness of a JustGiving page – they need £2,000 to get the ball rolling. The author of the JustGiving page, Paula Moore, says: “To be eligible for funding and grants, we need to raise a proportion of the total ourselves. If you’d like to help us see this playground be built, please consider contributing to our fund – every pound helps!”

Wendi Carson, group chair, says she has been campaigning for a playground for five years.

The children of Queenswood also back the bid. Leah, age eight, said “I’d like to see people enjoying a new playground with their friends.” Harley, age eight, added “I’ve been waiting a very long time for this playground.”

The children’s mums also back the campaign. Sara said “The playground on Beckett Park is not safe for our kids to get to – they have to cross a busy main road if they live on the Woodbridge estate.

“When parents are watching outdoor sporting events at the Queenswood Social Club, our kids could pop over to the playground when there is one.”

Mum Dani added: “Kids are running riot in the streets, playing football near the houses and annoying neighbours. The kids need space and something to do. This is a big open space – it is perfect, ideal and begging for a playground.”

A letter sent to Woodbridge Estate residents from Leeds City Council asked that parents be mindful of their children playing within the housing estate, and to instead use a designated play area such as a park.

Campaigner Stuart Long added: “The Queenswood Drive community has long lacked a safe, inclusive and local space for children and families to play, connect and thrive. A new playground here is not just desirable – it’s essential.

“Most importantly, a new playground would strengthen community ties. It creates a space not just for play, but for social inclusion, intergenerational connection and pride in the local area.“

If the campaign is successful the new playground will be built on the open land between Queenswood Social Club and the Woodbridge estate.

Kirkstall councillors Fiona Venner, Hannah Bithell and Andy Rontree, issued a statement in support of a playground:

“We are totally in support of the aspirations for a children’s playground on Queenswood Fields,” they said.

“Crossing the busy road to go to Beckett Park, or down to Kirkstall Abbey, adds an extra layer of risk and means young people are less able to be independent when the time comes to spread their wings.

“We are actively working to secure funding through developments to get this park built, and are delighted that the community is doing such a great job raising funds.

“We would be looking at over £100,000 to put a small park here, so it is no mean feat. We will update the community as soon as we have secured the necessary funding.

“Our passion for children’s play is evidenced through our work in the ward and across the wider city, and it’s exciting to have a new park to work on since we developed and installed the West Park one.”

The petition can be found here. And here is the link to the JustGiving fundraiser page.