Pudsey’s plant-powered celebration plans Civic Hall takeover

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March 5, 2025

Calling all vegans! Pudsey Vegan Festival is coming to Pudsey Civic Hall on Saturday, 3 May.

There will be over 50 stalls, inspirational talks and demos running throughout the day from 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Organisers say if you are looking for inspiration or information on plant-based or vegan living, Pudsey Vegan Festival will be the perfect venue. And as entry is free for under 16s, the event is ideal for families.

Festival organiser and founder of Vegan Events UK, Victoria Bryceson, said: “Pudsey Vegan Festival looks like being a fantastic event again this year. The caterers and stalls are already fully booked.

“Pudsey is a perfect location – one stop from both Leeds and Bradford. Here’s what you can expect. Over 50 exciting vegan stalls, global cuisine, decadent cakes and desserts, expert talks and live cookery demos, ethical fashion, cruelty-free beauty and nutrition secrets and much more!”

There will be a huge selection of cooked foods, pies, cakes, chocolates, sandwiches and salads, beauty and skincare products, candles, cheeses, jewellery, crafts, healthy treats, sweet treats, clothing, drinks, juices, smoothies, charity merchandise, free samples and more.

Victoria added: “If you are looking for a vegan space with no need for label-checking, lots of new, innovative products and delicious food that isn’t available in the supermarket you’ve come to the right place!

“There will be everything vegan you could possibly need all under one roof. This extravaganza will provide the ultimate inspiration for vegans, vegetarians, flexitarians, those thinking about going vegan or wanting to include more vegan products in their diet – everyone is welcome.”

Vegan Events UK festivals provide a one stop shopping experience where all of your vegan products and services can be found in one place and provide small and family run businesses with a place to promote and sell their products and services.

Local stallholders include Relevance Catering, a family vegan catering company based in West Yorkshire producing traditional Yorkshire bakes, scotch ‘eggs’, pies and sausage rolls as well as cakes and traditional sweet treats.

Pudsey Vegan Festival takes place from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday 3rd May 2025 at Pudsey Civic Hall, Dawsons Corner, Stanningley, Leeds, LS28 5TA.

Standard entry is £5 on the door or in advance (under 16’s free) or advance VIP tickets are £15 to include a goody bag full of vegan products, samples, discounts and offers. Tickets are available here. For more information, visit the event website.

Check out more local events and activities in WLD‘s what’s on section here.

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Price rise plan for Leeds bowlers as council sets out fresh crown green bowling proposals

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March 5, 2025

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western flatts cliff park bowling club — Western Flatts Cliff Park Bowling Club in Wortley.

Bowlers in Leeds are facing a doubling of the cost of their season tickets after cash-strapped Leeds City Council released their latest proposals for the sport.

In January, local authority said that as part of its money-saving plans it might have to close 30 of its 61 crown green bowling facilities, with Armley Park, Bramley Park, Westroyd Park in Farsley, New Farnley Park, Western Flatts Cliff Park in Wortley and Tyersal Park.

The moves have already sparked fears that bowlers could be priced out of the sport. Laura Fulleylove, from Harehills Park Bowling Club, said: “The news from our members is that they quite clearly cannot afford it.”

Following a public consultation, the council has come up with revised proposals that it “hopes will allow many more of the city’s greens to stay open” — though it has not yet said which greens could still be affected.

The proposals would see the yearly price increase from £45 to £90 from the start of April 2025, and comes as the cash-strapped local authority said it wanted to “safeguard the long-term future of the sport”.

The plans also include:

Setting clubs a target of having at least 20 adult full-year season ticket holders per summer green by the end of September this year, rising to 26 by the end of September 2028.
Requiring any clubs unable to meet that target to make up the resulting shortfall in season ticket revenue themselves;
Requiring clubs to cover their own electricity and water costs, the vast majority of which are currently paid by the council;
Exploring ways – such as a community asset transfer – in which some clubs could, if they wish to do so, operate independently of the council on a self-sustaining basis.

A decision on whether to press ahead with the plan is due to be taken on or after March 20.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “The council has been clear that, given the severity of the financial challenges it is currently facing, significant savings need to be made across a whole range of service areas.

“Equally, however, we have stressed that decisions on how such savings can be achieved will take full account of the needs and views of local people.

“The recent public consultation underlined the important contribution that bowling makes to life in many of the city’s communities, and has helped us shape our revised proposals.”

Clubs will be offered the opportunity for individual meetings with the council this month to discuss how they will be affected by the new arrangements.

Follow WLD’s ongoing Cutswatch series here.

Playcart scheme ‘helps create welcoming and connected communities’

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March 5, 2025

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Leeds residents are being invited to transform their neighbourhoods into vibrant, playful spaces with the help of Playful Anywhere’s new Playcart initiative.

A playact is a mobile play station packed with creative resources designed to spark fun and connection in communities.

Playful Anywhere, a Pudsey-based organisation dedicated to fostering playfulness in public spaces, has launched three fully stocked Playcarts, available for communities to borrow and explore.

The initiative is part of a growing neighbourhood network supporting residents in making their streets and green spaces more sociable, welcoming and fun for all ages.

Emma Bearman, founder of Playful Anywhere, said: “Increasing play in communities isn’t just about children – it’s about creating more welcoming, connected, and friendly places for everyone.

“These Playcarts are a simple way to bring joy to everyday spaces, encourage conversation between neighbours, and reimagine our streets as places where people can gather, create, and connect.”

Throughout March, residents and local groups can borrow a Playcart, take it for a wander around their area, and bring people together through play — whether it’s chalking on pavements, blowing giant bubbles, or rediscovering classic games.

Join a Playcart Test-Drive Event:

Saturday, 15 March, 12-2pm Canal Connections, Royal Armouries. Event link.
Sunday, 16 March, 12-2pm, Opal, Cookridge. Event link.

Both sessions offer a chance for local residents, families, and community leaders to experience the Playcart in action and chat about how to bring more social, intergenerational fun to their area.

Marie Millward from Canal Connections, which is hosting the Playcart session near the Royal Armouries, said: We want to invite residents who’d love to make their local neighbourhood more child and teen-friendly to the two-hour session. We’re also keen to invite city centre dwellers and Climate Innovation District residents along to get to know us and to consider the power of play for bringing community together.”

Get Involved

If you’d like to borrow a Playcart, host a play session in your community, or find out more, contact Playful Anywhere at team@playfulanywhere.fun or visit www.playfulanywhere.fun

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Farsley: Garden and climate activities on agenda

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March 5, 2025

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Farsley Community Hub. Photo: Google, 2024

Environmental issues in Farsley are on the agenda at a special meeting this month.

The Farsley Gardens Project is holding a meeting next Wednesday, 12 March, at 6.30pm in the community hub. This is to discuss the next stages of the project and to share news about Farsley Climate Action.

The agenda includes an update on the Farsley Gardens project and roll out of a wildlife kit, activities coming soon via Farsley Climate Action including library planting, community planting, open garden event, potential speakers and a discussion how can we ‘green up’ Farsley and sharing ideas on a local map.

More details on the Farsley Gardens Project Facebook group.
Check out more local events and activities in WLD‘s what’s on section here.

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Work starts on £152m apartment scheme at former Arla Foods site

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March 4, 2025

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arla foods development — An artist's impression of the new Kirkstall Road development

Work has started on a 618-apartment scheme between Kirkstall Road and the River Aire in West Leeds.

Acquired on behalf of a US insurance company, the scheme will deliver 618 one, two and three-bed apartments set across five buildings in extensive landscaped grounds next to the River Aire.

The five-acre site will benefit from over 10,000 sq ft of amenity space including a residents’ lounge, co-working and gym, two private roof terraces and 3,800 sq ft of commercial space. Construction has begun and is expected to complete by the end of 2027.

All apartments will benefit from air source heat pumps, and solar panels will meet some of the electrical usage in the buildings.

Planning permission for the former Area Foods site was approved by Leeds Council two years ago.

Ben Pile, Head of European Residential Investment and Asset Management at Barings Real Estate, said: “Leeds represents a significant opportunity for growth for institutionally developed and operated residential property as the UK’s fourth biggest city, featuring a lively population of young professionals thanks to a strong employment market and significant graduate retention rate.

“Given the stabilising economic and political environments in the UK and as we enter a new real estate cycle in Europe, we expect the picture for residential property to become even more positive and are actively seeking further opportunities to deploy capital on behalf of our partners.”

Barings, one of the world’s largest diversified real estate investment managers, has agreed the £152 million forward funding with Glenbrook for the mixed build-to-rent and build-to-sell scheme.

Glenbrook, a leading UK residential development company, will retain a stake in the scheme and be appointed as the development manager.

Ian Sherry, co-founder of Glenbrook, said: “This development not only addresses the urgent need for housing in Leeds but also contributes to the revitalisation of the Kirkstall Road area. We believe that creating high-quality living spaces is essential for fostering thriving communities.”

The old Arla Foods building had diminished into a graffiti-laden eyesore on Kirkstall Road in Leeds since it was vacated by the company in 2004.

Follow WLD‘s ongoing coverage of the future of the Arla Foods site here.

Fancy becoming a walk leader? Take a stroll to Hollybush Conservation Centre

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March 4, 2025

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By Helen Fay

Hollybush TCV in Kirkstall are running a free walk leader’s training course on Friday, 28 March from 10am to 4pm.

There are still vacancies for anyone interested who would like to attend. The training will cover the following topics:

The benefits of walking.
The walk leader role.
Practicalities.

There will also be a demonstration walk to Kirkstall Abbey, so participants are asked to bring suitable footwear, and the course includes a talk through some scenarios.

The training also consists of slides, some group work, discussions and ample opportunities to ask questions.

The day-long course is facilitated by Aine Welsh. Participants will need to bring a packed lunch or can buy food from nearby shops. Hot drinks and biscuits will be provided through the day.

There is no formal registration process. If anyone would like to attend this free training just email Aine Welsh on a.welsh@tcv.org.uk to be added onto the attendees list.

There needs to be at least five participants for the course to run.

There may be other opportunities to attend at future walk leader courses dependent
on funding.

If you would like to know more and get further information, or have any specific
needs, contact Aine on the above e-mail address.

For details of other courses and activities that take place at Hollybush, follow this link.
Check out more local events and activities in WLD‘s what’s on section here.

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Swinnow: Young people bring home national trophy

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March 4, 2025

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A team of young people from The Boys’ Brigade in Swinnow have become national table tennis champions.

The team, aged between 13 and 17, took part in the organisation’s national competition final in Scotland last weekend and were crowned the winners of the UK & RoI National Table Tennis Competition 2024-25.

They are the first group from Yorkshire to win the competition in half a century and only the second group ever.

The national event, which saw young people coming together from BB groups across the UK is just one of the organisation’s regular national events.

Throughout the year, children and young people from all faiths and none are encouraged to get involved with competitions at a regional and national level, as well as annual camps and trips with other groups in their area.

Not only do the events encourage young people to get involved with activities and grow their skillset, but they also allow them to meet other young people from across the country.

Group leader Paul Curtis, group leader comments: “Having our members win this national table tennis title is a massive achievement. The children and young people here at 26th Leeds love getting involved with wider initiatives at The Boys’ Brigade and we’re always proud of the amazing efforts they put in to the national competitions!

“However, here at The Boys’ Brigade, we offer children and young people from all backgrounds a safe space where they don’t need to be good at something to be accepted and feel valued.”

The Boys’ Brigade is a Christian youth organisation which empowers children and young people aged four to 18 years old to learn, grow and discover. From camping, kayaking and five-a-side, to first aid, volunteering and crafts, children and young people who attend the group are given the opportunity to learn a whole host of skills.

Individuals have the opportunity to develop skills, build confidence and make new friends.

The 26th Leeds Boys’ Brigade in Swinnow takes place at St Mark’s Methodist Church, Swinnow Lane, from 6pm to 7pm on Tuesdays for Reception to Year 3, and 7.15pm to 9.15pm on Thursdays for Years 7 to 13. Costs is £24 to £30 per term, dependent upon age group to attend as a member.

There is not currently an age group for Years 4 to 6, but the group is keen to restart one on Thursdays from 6pm to 7:30pm should there be interest.

To find your local group, visit The Boys’ Brigade website – you can then either register interest, or just turn up on the day.

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World Obesity Day: Kirkstall councillor tackles her food addiction

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March 4, 2025

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A Kirkstall councillor is sharing her personal journey of recovery from food addiction and obesity, highlighting the challenges of weight-related stigma and the impact obesity had on her daily life and health.

Hannah Bithell, 37, once weighed 23 stone but has now lost over eight stone after recognising her relationship with food as an addiction.

Hannah Bithell – before and after her weight loss

Despite an active childhood filled with sports and outdoor activities, she turned to food as a coping mechanism, leading to significant weight gain in her teenage years.

Cllr Bithell is Leeds City Council’s Obesity Champion and is sharing her story on World Obesity Day.

“For many years, I struggled with my weight, not just physically but emotionally too. I turned to food to help cope with difficulties in life and didn’t realise at the time that it was an addiction,” said Councillor Bithell.

Her decision to change was driven by three key moments in her life: being told she needed to lose weight to adopt children, discovering her body had developed extra bone growth to support her weight, and being denied life insurance due to health risks.

Even with these warnings, she initially turned to food for comfort until she recognised the addiction at play.

Through a 12-step recovery programme, Cllr Bithell removed addictive components from her diet, cutting out sugar, white flour, and heavy fats. What might seem restrictive to some became a freeing lifestyle change for her.

“Once I removed the ingredients the cravings that were so overwhelming, just stopped, the weight took care of itself,” she explains. “I didn’t have to diet, I didn’t have to obsess over it – my weight just gradually went down.”

Now, over eight stone lighter, Cllr Bithell’s life has transformed. Simple tasks like tying her shoelaces or climbing stairs no longer feel like a struggle.

She recalls the first time someone voluntarily sat next to her on a bus, a moment that brought home how much her body had changed. She has also taken up American Football and climbed a mountain – both unimaginable at her previous weight.

Beyond physical benefits, her journey has had a profound impact on her role as a parent. She and her wife – who live in Pudsey – have adopted children, and her increased energy allows her to fully engage in play and outdoor activities.

“My kids love physical play. Now I can confidently lift them, run around, and take them on fairground rides I wouldn’t have fit on before. Losing weight not only opened up opportunities for me, but for my children too.”

As Leeds City Council’s Obesity Champion, Hannah uses her experience to advocate for better understanding and support for those living with obesity.

She emphasises that weight stigma can deter people from seeking help.

“People living with obesity frequently face judgement in every aspect of life. No one chooses to struggle with their weight, and no one should feel ashamed to ask for help.

“The more we talk about obesity as a health condition rather than a personal failing, and one that requires a therapeutic approach, the better our support systems will become,” she added.

She also acknowledges that her recovery is ongoing. “There are still days when I think about going back to old habits. But then I remind myself of everything I’ve gained – my health, my confidence, my ability to be present for my family.”

Through sharing her story, Hannah hopes to challenge misconceptions and encourage a more compassionate approach to obesity. “Obesity is complex, food was my solution to everything, it isn’t just about weight loss – it’s about addressing the reasons behind the eating.”

World Obesity Day, marked on Tuesday, 4 March, aims to increase awareness and improve understanding of obesity, tackling widespread misconceptions and encouraging better support for those affected. Find more information about World Obesity Day here.

If you need support with obesity or food addiction, help is available through:

Your local GP – can provide advice, referrals, and medical support tailored to your needs.
Public Health Services – a range of weight management support and lifestyle change programmes available through your local authority.
The NHS Better Health Programme – offers online tools and structured weight-loss advice.

For the past two years Cllr Bithell has been an obesity champion, sitting on the West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board Obesity and Weight Management Steering Group.

Work is under way to reframe obesity as a chronic relapsing condition, similar to diabetes, reduce stigma and improve access to effective weight management services.

West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership’s Obesity Strategy aligns with national priorities while focusing on local needs.

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Horsforth’s James Borrill in international fitness challenge

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March 4, 2025

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By James Bovington

Horsforth resident James Borrill describes himself as a ‘normal lad covered in tattoos who works hard on building sites’ but he’s also making a name for himself competing at HYROX events in Britain and abroad, the next in Glasgow on 14 March.

HYROX is a way of keeping fit and demonstrating your progress in competition. Participants run a kilometre then work at a fitness station. This is repeated eight times.

The stations include a variety of activities requiring you to push, pull, carry or throw and include such rowing, burpee jumping and sled push and pull. The running is done indoors as a 400-metre loop.

Twenty-nine-year-old Borrill is married and works on new building sites connecting homes to a range of utilities.

He said: “I took up HYROX because I needed to improve my fitness and running and training in the gym works perfectly for me.

“I’ve just returned from my first competition in Turin elated to have been placed 57^th overall out of 1687 competitors so in the top 5%. I’ll be competing as a solo competitor in Glasgow on 14^th March and later in Berlin. I’ve also got 50k and 100k races planned.”

Borrill trains in Leeds and Brighouse, attending Jetts Gym in Rothwell before work as they offer 24-hour access and then attend Fitness Lab in Brighouse for my HYROX specific work.

He said: “I normally train on my own but sometimes with people from my Tuesday running club.

“You make friends like I’ve done with a lad called Jamie Ward who I met at a five in the morning session and we’ve become good mates. He encourages me daily to keep working to achieve the HYROX top three finish flag and he says that I ‘undoubtedly’ will.

“It’s uplifting spending time with people who share your ambition. Competing is everything as I love working towards a goal and proving to myself that I can achieve. Anyone can do HYROX. Just purchase your ticket. You can do solo, same sex doubles or mixed doubles. Weight doesn’t matter it’s structured in age categories like 24-29.

“I’m two years into my fitness journey and two years sober. I couldn’t run 5k without stopping several times. HYROX has changed my mind set and improved my life helping me to believe I can achieve in other areas. It’s a cliché but if I can do it, then anyone can.”

James Borrill is happy for people potentially interested in HYROX to follow and/or message him on Instagram @soberfitbozza. General information about HYROX including how to find a conveniently located training centre can be found here.

Generous Pudsey youngster nominated for trio of Yorkshire Choice Awards

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March 3, 2025

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Aaryan Mitra Pudsey — Making a splash: Aaryan Mitra, of Pudsey

A kind-hearted Pudsey boy has been nominated for a trio of awards in recognition of his fundraising efforts.

As reported by WLD last year, Aaryan Mitra, from Pudsey, successfully completed a challenge to swim 70 lengths – or 1,500m – at Bramley Baths in aid of Children In Need. He raised £555.

Aged just seven, Aaryan Mitra who is autistic, only started learning to swim 18 months ago.

He now attends Bramley Baths five times a week to practise his swimming, which he enjoys.

Year 3 pupil Aaryan Mitra, who attends park Spring Primary School, has been nominated for three Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025 for his swimming and charity work.

Aaryan with Councillors Dawn and Simon Seary who he met at November’s 2p Challenge event at Pudsey Leisure Centre.

The winner is decided on the number of votes they get from the public. Voting is free and people can only vote once.

Aaryan said of his fundraising efforts: “I want people to see me as the ‘swimming boy’ who helps everyone feel happy and have a better life. I want to help other boys and girls and make them smile.”

He is nominated in. the following categories:

Inspirational individual of the year
Volunteer of the year
Local fundraiser of the year

Votes can be cast here.

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Model railway exhibition pulls into Pudsey Civic Hall

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March 3, 2025

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A popular model railway exhibition, Narrow Gauge North 2025, will be pulling into Pudsey this weekend, and is on track to deliver a day of delights for model railway fans and their families.

This much-anticipated event will take place at Pudsey Civic Hall on Saturday 8 March between 10.30am and 4.30pm, with proceeds from the day going to Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley.

Running on time and with no delays since 1994, the exhibition was set up by Ron Redmond, a keen model train enthusiast who worked as a fundraiser at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

Since then, the event has raised thousands of pounds for the palliative and bereavement support charity over the last 30 years.

20-year-old student Oliver Kirkby is organising the show this year, following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps.

He said: “We have a variety of exhibitors – those who have built their own model railways including the track, the building and the scenery including the fine details.

“There’s nothing stopping you, as a visitor, from walking in in the morning knowing nothing about model railways and buying everything you need to build a layout when you get home. Everything is here, from baseboards, tracks, the trains themselves, scenery items, kits to build. All sorts of things!”

The exhibition is open to everybody and offers something for everyone.

Oliver added: “We see quite a lot of families turning up – grandparents will take their grandkids for a day out to see the trains. We get a whole range of ages coming through the doors, which is good to see.”

When asked about his involvement with Narrow Gauge North 2025 (NGN), and what it means to him, Oliver said: “My love for model railways comes from my family really. My Dad and my Grandad used to take me to railways and railway exhibitions when I was much younger.

“I’m proud that NGN can continue supporting Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice by raising vital funds that will make an impact on the lives of those when they really need it.”

Clare Humphreys, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Narrow Gauge North 2025 will once again be raising funds for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

“Their continued dedication and all the money they have raised over the years helps us to be there when it matters with our end-of-life care and bereavement support.”

Narrow Gauge North 2025 will take place on Saturday 8 March, 10.30 – 4.30 at Pudsey Civic Hall. Tickets: £10 for adults and £1 for accompanied children under 16. Family ticket (available after 1.30pm: £15 (2 adults plus accompanied children).

For more information on Narrow Gauge North 2025, visit www.narrowgaugenorth.org.uk or email admin@narrowgaugenorth.org.uk.
Check out WLD‘s what’s on section for hundreds of events and community activities.

Calverley Rotary celebrates landmark birthday

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March 3, 2025

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By John Procter

Calverley Rotary Club celebrated its 40th birthday since it was Chartered.

Members were joined by friends and partners to have a very enjoyable meal together. they took part in a quiz based around “presidents” and were entertained by Farsley singer Jessica Frost who, with her mother Carroll, have become friends of the club.

Calverley Rotary Club is made up of neighbours, friends, and community leaders who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.