Top honour for Armley’s Barbara Taylor-Bradford

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November 28, 2019

barbara taylor bradford armley — Barbara Taylor Bradford was recently presented with The Leeds Award, which recognises those who have made an enormous contribution to the city. She's pictured with former Leeds Lord Mayor Eileen Taylor. Photo: 2019.

Celebrated Armley-born novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford has received one of the Leeds’s highest civic honours.

The Leeds Award formally recognises those who have made an enormous contribution to the city, with their names proudly displayed on the wall in the antechamber of Leeds Civic Hall.

Barbara was presented with her award by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor, as part of a special event in London at her publishing house, HarperCollins Publishers.

Born in Leeds in 1933, Barbara attended nursery school in Upper Armley along with Alan Bennett. She began work as a typist on the Yorkshire Evening Post and quickly progressed to a reporter.

Barbara is now a multi-million-copy bestselling author and wrote one of the biggest selling novels of the 20^th century, A Woman of Substance. This year marks the book’s 40^th anniversary.

A Yorkshire woman through and through, Barbara has woven Leeds into many of her novels, including A Woman of Substance, and often champions her home city on an international stage.

Collectively, Barbara’s books have sold more than 92 million copies worldwide in more than 90 countries and 40 languages, with ten of her books being made into television mini-series and television movies.

Barbara Taylor Bradford OBE said:

“I was surprised but truly thrilled when I was informed that I would receive the Leeds Award and that my name would be written on the wall of fame in the Civic Hall.
“What a wonderful honour. I have always loved Leeds and actually did start my working career on the Yorkshire Evening Post. I remember those days with great affection and Leeds will always have a special place in my heart.”

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor, said:

“The Leeds Award was designed to honour those people that have made an enormous contribution and achieved so much in their respective fields, and there is no better recipient than Barbara, who has worked tirelessly to champion our city.”

Last chance: Make your voice heard in climate conversation before deadline

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November 28, 2019

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West Leeds residents have until Saturday 30th November to have their say in the Big Leeds Climate Conversation. Community reporter Keely Bannister explains how:

Earlier this year councillors representing wards across the city, including those throughout West Leeds, collectively voted to declare a citywide climate emergency. They agreed to work to make Leeds carbon neutral – the carbon created is offset elsewhere so the total net carbon the city produces is zero – by 2030.

To achieve this, councillors recognised that the people who live and work in Leeds would need to be onboard with the systemic changes that would be required to make this a reality.

For this reason it was decided to create a mass engagement campaign – titled The Big Leeds Climate Conversation – to connect with every community in Leeds so a citywide plan for tackling climate change could be developed.

So whether you want to see more cycle lanes to encourage active travel or you enjoy the current status quo where car is king, it’s important you have your say and make your voice heard.

The survey takes around 15 minutes to complete and is mainly made up of multiple choice questions gauging opinion on different issues such as ways to reduce our individual and collective carbon footprints.

Have your say in The Big Leeds Climate Conversation by following this link.

Pedestrian seriously hurt in Kirkstall collision

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November 27, 2019

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Police are appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in Kirkstall.

The collision happened at around 8.30pm yesterday (Tuesday), at the junction of Evanston Avenue and Kirkstall Road, and was involving a pedestrian, a man in his 20s, and the driver of a black VW Golf. The pedestrian suffered serious injuries.

The driver of the car stopped at the scene.

Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone who saw the vehicle driving in the area prior to the collision.

Officers would also like to hear from anyone who may have dash cam footage of the vehicle driving prior to the collision.

Anyone with information should contact PC Varley on 101, quoting reference 13190607951.

Pudsey cake maker to star on Channel 4’s Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas

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November 26, 2019

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Award-winning Pudsey-based cake artist Beccy Weston is to make her TV debut on Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas on Channel 4 tomorrow night (Wednesday 27 November) at 5pm.

Beccy, who beat off thousands of applicants to win her place on the show, will compete with three other cake makers to be awarded ‘Best Christmas Cake’ with the winner announced on the show itself.

Beccy (31) set up her business, Cabbage Patch Bakery, just over 12 months ago and is completely self-taught.

She specialises in making extraordinary and healthier showstopper celebration, birthday and wedding cakes packed with vegetables where possible, as well as more traditional ingredients.

She said: “I applied for the competition on a whim, after someone in a networking social media group mentioned they were looking for competitors to make a Christmas Cake. I didn’t think for one minute I’d even be considered but I got the call and my mum insisted I pursue it!

“After discussions with producers, we came up with a design that we think viewers will really love and is a Christmassy spin on a cake I made for my very own wedding. I had so much fun creating the cake and me and the other cake makers had an absolute blast. It was very stressful on the day of filming the competition as I had a couple of things not go quite to plan – I’m so curious to see the final cut!”

Beccy, who lives in Pudsey with husband Richard, made her Christmas cake based on a design of her own wedding cake which she made and set up on the morning of her wedding in March, earlier this year. Show bosses spotted her wedding cake online and were very keen to have her recreate it for the show.

Over the past decade Kirstie Allsopp has featured over 500 festive makes on her Crafty Christmas shows. In this, the show’s tenth year, she has over 120 more, including many even she’s never seen before, and of course, some fresh takes on old favourites.

Across three weeks, a host of crafty contestants are going all out to be crowned winner of one of 15 craft competitions packed with inspiration, tips and fresh techniques.

To complete the carnival of Christmas cheer the programme will take a sneak peek into the workshops of some of the nation’s most creative makers and crafters.

Farnley: Ryecroft Academy makes ‘good’ progress, according to Ofsted

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November 26, 2019

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ryecroft academy farnley — Ryecroft Academy in Farnley.

A primary school in Farnley has now been classed as a ‘good’ school by Ofsted inspectors.

Ryecroft Academy was told it ‘required improvement’ after its last Ofsted inspection in May 2017.

But the latest inspection in September has seen it become classified as good overall – and in some areas, it’s outstanding. Inspectors graded:

The quality of education as good
Behaviour and attitudes as good
Personal development outstanding
Leadership and management as outstanding
And early years provision as good

The Ofsted report says:

“The headteacher and staff have created a caring, nurturing school where pupils achieve well. Pupils learn well in subjects such as reading, mathematics and writing.
“In some subjects, such as geography and science, they do not remember all the valuable information.
“Pupils’ behaviour in school is good. Incidents of bullying are rare. Pupils know that staff will support them with any concerns, including bullying.”

The inspector said children settle quickly into Nursery and Reception classes and ‘make a good start with their learning’. The report adds:

“Relationships with parents and carers and members of the surrounding community have improved. Many parents like the improvements in the school over the last two years.
“A very small number of parents of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) were not as positive.
“When inspectors looked at the provision for pupils with SEND, we found that staff plan carefully to meet the needs of these pupils. The GORSE Academy Trust has supported the school to improve.
“Training from the trust has helped leaders and staff to improve teaching. The trust has helped to make a good-quality school building for pupils to learn in. “

The leadership of Principal Helen Townsley at the school in Stonebridge Grove is also singled out for praise.

Oftsed’s findings will be a welcome relief for the GORSE Academy Trust, which was recently accused of “off rolling” low-achieving pupils to another school to “falsely inflate” exam results. The Trust has strongly denied the accusations.

Stephen Longfellow Academy in south Leeds and The Farnley Academy, which are both run by GORSE, were both subsequently inspected by Ofsted in October. The results of the inspections are awaiting release.

The Ofsted report for Ryecroft Academy can be read in full here.

Plans to repair and preserve historic Armley Mills submitted

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November 26, 2019

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leeds wool festival armley mills — Venue: Armley Mills

A raft of plans to carry conservation repairs to a number of Grade II* and Grade II listed buildings at the historic Armley Mills complex have been submitted.

A series of planning applications submitted on behalf of Leeds City Council includes:

Repairs and works to chimney stack, including re-pointing of stonework, install coping stones, treat ventilation grill and upgrade lightning conductor
Repairs and repointing to stonework; works to fencing and balustrade on the Bridge Over The Head Race
Work to sluice gates and re-pointing or retaining walls.
Repairs to stoneworks, roofing, windows and heating pipework
Internal and external repairs and alterations including works to stoneworks, water tanks and roofs, rainwater repairs and replacement, replacement windows, new guardrail and upgrade to electrics and lighting to the Main Range.

A design statement submitted on behalf of Leeds City Council said:

“The buildings have been altered over the years and this is evident in the buildings that stand today.
“The proposed repairs to the buildings have been developed with this in mind and are of a sympathetic nature following current best practice guidance from Historic England as well as relevant professional bodies.
“The proposals ensure that the repairs do not detract from the buildings’ historic significance.”

The Leeds Industrial Museum at Armley Mills is a museum of industrial heritage. It includes collections of textile machinery, railway equipment and heavy engineering amongst others.

The Grade II* listed building housing the museum was once the world’s largest woollen mill.

Environmental issues top November’s Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum agenda

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November 25, 2019

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bluebells farnley park — Bluebells under the trees in Farnley Park. Photo: Dave Dalton

Leeds City Council’s declared climate emergency features highly on the agenda for the Bramley & Stanningley Community Forum meeting this Thursday, 28th November, writes Keely Bannister.

Trees, electric cars and how they relate to the climate emergency are two of five topics which will be discussed at the meeting, due to be held at the Eric Atkinson Centre in Wellington Gardens, Bramley, from 7pm.

Other topics include recycling, bin collections and an update from the local policing team.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and join in the discussions on the above subjects as well as ask local councillors any questions/raise any issues they have.

Valley View Primary nets positive Ofsted report

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November 25, 2019

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valley view primary school — Valley View Primary School. Photo: Betty Longbottom/Geograph/CC

Valley View Community Primary School continues to be a good school.

That’s the conclusion of Ofsted inspectors following a recent inspection at the school in Coal Hill Drive, Rodley.

Inspectors praised the school’s ‘rich curriculum’, which has ‘high-quality experiences. They add:

“Parents, carers and pupils value the sense of family. Everyone is very proud of being a member of Valley View. This is a caring school, with a real sense of community spirit.

“Pupils are well cared for and valued. Adults and pupils have strong relationships. They bring to life the school’s motto of ‘Enjoying, achieving and learning together’.

“Pupils enjoy their lessons, especially in mathematics and art. Pupils appreciate the opportunities they have for learning beyond lessons.”

The inspector added that leaders have started to improve the curriculums in science, history and geography to help pupils remember important knowledge from previous years.

Read the full Ofsted report in full here.

West Leeds: Can you help plant 1,000 trees in a day?

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November 25, 2019

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An idea inspired by Tree Planting Week and Horsforth in Bloom has led to a plan to plant over 1000 trees on the boundary of Horsforth, Bramley, and Calverley and Farsley, writes Iola Shaw.

The trees will be planted from base at Calverley Lane picnic area, just off the Horsforth Ring Road, on Saturday 30^th November.

The Trees are provided but you need to bring a spade to get involved.

The trees are in keeping with the local fauna, and are slim “whips”, these are bare rooted young trees.

There will be people there to give you guidance how to do the planting between 10.30am and 4pm so come along for a couple of hours or bring a picnic and stay for the whole day, older children can get involved too.

The Woodland Trust and the Tree Council are the source of the 1,000 trees, with some fruit trees to follow to add some diversity around the picnic area.

The vision for the area is that the trees will become naturalised in an area with some mowed walkways as part of improving the positive environmental profile of Leeds as a city.

Horsforth Town Councillor, and “In Bloom” chair Dawn Collins said she was inspired to help give the next generation the same experience of wildlife and nature as a part of every day life she was fortunate enough to have.

The aim is to have some trees planted on the Bramley side accessible by walking under the bridge over the ring road, while others will be spread up into the area by the new housing estate.

West Leeds: Can you help holistic therapy group find new home?

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November 25, 2019

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A group of West Leeds residents have set up a ‘pay as you feel’ holistic therapy group to help local people in need. They’re searching for new premises to run the group – community reporter Ramona Green finds out how you can help …

Wortley man Lee Stead, a qualified Reiki therapist, has recently gone on to gain a further qualification in Reflexology. After meeting up with a few friends who are mostly all trained and qualified in a number of different holistic treatments, Lee decided to look into starting a free holistic therapy session group.

Emma Whiteley, the co-founder of the group, is trained in Reiki.

Donna Tate, as well as Reiki and Reflexology, is also trained in Indian Head Massage, Angelic Reiki, Aromatherapy Massage, Crystal Healing and Hopi Ear Candling.

Rachael Greenisn’t currently trained in any holistic treatments but takes care of the admin and secretarial roles. She will be looking into taking up Foot Massage and Seated Back Massage as soon as funding has been sought.

Between them all, they decided on the name, “R&R”. Rachael said:

“The R’s denote both rest and relaxation and Reiki and reflexology.
“The main aim of the group is to provide traditional, holistic therapies that generally don’t come cheap to people who cannot usually afford them – all for free.
“Well, there will be a “pay as you feel/can” box for anyone who perhaps can afford to make a small “donation”, but there would be absolutely no pressure whatsoever. “

Lee, Emma and Rachael have visited a couple of potential sites to hold the sessions but so far they have not been suitable.

It has to have at least two rooms for giving the treatments in and somewhere for clients who may be waiting to be able to sit down and relax.

Rachael added:

“It is not a necessity as such, but it would be ideal if there were facilities available to make hot drinks. It also ideally needs to be as close to the city centre as possible but we will consider all possibilities.”

If you or anyone you know has somewhere that may be suitable at either low cost or even free, please contact Rachael on 07443001272.

Call out for help as Christmas switch-on 2019 lights up Farsley

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November 25, 2019

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It’s one of the highlights of the West Leeds festive season – but even an event as glittering as the Farsley Christmas lights switch-on relies on community assistance to happen, writes Keely Bannister.

This Wednesday 27th November, Farsley’s Town Street will be transformed for the annual extravaganza – which The Dispatch has previously previewed – and, as such, volunteer stewards are needed to help line the road to make sure Santa’s parade can travel through the heart of the village to his grotto.

People who are able to give up 45 minutes on the evening are asked to arrive at Farsley Library at 6.15pm on the evening and ask for John Proctor.

Coming down the parade with Santa’s sleigh will be collection buckets aiming to raise money to help towards the £4,000 it costs to host the event.

Road closures, parking restrictions and bus diversions will be in place for the event which will see celebrities such as Tanya Arnold, Ronnie the Rhino, members of the victorious Leeds Rhinos Ladies challenge cup winning team attending.

Businesses will be staying open later and hosting tombolas and raffles, a funfair and musical entertainment from Farsley Village Singers.

A funfair will be in the Charles Street car park. In Andrew Square there will be entertainment before the light switch on and fireworks, then Farsley Village Singers will continue to entertain you until 7.45pm

The parade and floats will come down Town Street from the Library at 6.30pm led by The Leeds Pipe Band with the school children and finally The Rotary Club of Calverley Sleigh.

Updates on the event are posted on the Farsley Village Facebook page.

Wortley: Football pitch housing campaigners make their point at Leeds Civic Hall

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November 24, 2019

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TV Harrison civic hall protest — Protesters against the development of the TV Harrison ground pictured at Leeds Civic Hall in November 2019

Campaigners fighting to save a historic Wortley football pitch from having housing built on it have met council officials to try make them change their mind.

Members of the TV Harrison Action Group are hoping to save the Oldfield Lane pitch – once a breeding ground for a generation of footballers who went on to make the grade with Leeds United and other clubs.

The council want to buy three quarters of the site from the Leeds Schools Sports Association (LSSA) and build around 50 council houses built on it.

Campaigners protested outside Leeds Civic Hall this week before meeting with council officials to discuss the future of the land.

One of the campaigners Aaron Lambert said:

“[The meeting] went pretty much as expected. We gave as good an account of our fight as we possibly could.
“We have left them with lots of question marks regarding treatment of the TV Harrison ground over the past 20 years by trustees and the council. We also left them with questions to answer regarding LSSA’s ability to sell without replacing the sports field like for like, as is the required remit.”

Fellow campaigner Clare O’Keefe added:

“They are looking into any legal impediments that might block their plans. For instance, that they already own the playing field if LSSA cannot make use of it, and that it must be retained as a playing field. We got solid support from a number of other people.”

The former TV Harrison Sports ground in Wortley is named after Thomas Vernon Harrison, a World War One veteran and headteacher who was the main instigator of buying the land as a children’s sports pitch in the 1930s.

The land, next to Wortley Asda, has already been allocated for housing in Leeds City Council’s site allocation plan, a blueprint for development across the city.

The group is also organising a public meeting on Wednesday 27 November at 7.30pm in St John’s Church, Lower Wortley Road, to discuss the next moves in their campaign.

Check out West Leeds Dispatch‘s coverage of the issue here.