Wakefield-based contractor CCL Facades has been appointed to design and supply the curtain walling facade at the new Pudsey Sixth Form College.
Delivered on behalf of main contractor, Caddick, the £380,000 contract will see CCL Facades design, supply and install a glazing package incorporating thermally broken aluminium windows and specialist curtain walling, as well as manual and automated doors.
The contract forms part of the Luminate Education Group’s new £14 million Sixth Form College, which includes a new further education development to cater for over 600 students aged 16 to 18 years off Kent Road.
Due for completion in time for the 2025/26 academic year in September, the college will expand Luminate’s further education capacity alongside Leeds Sixth Form College, Leeds West Academy, Crawshaw Academy and Co-Op Academy Priesthorpe, all of which are partners of the project.
Tony Blake, Managing Director at CCL Facades, said: “Public sector schemes such as these require meticulous planning using only durable and high-quality facades to ensure safety and aesthetic are both prioritised.
“Working alongside our colleagues at Caddick gives us a unique edge to ensure a swift delivery, keeping the project on programme ahead of completion.
“We are proud to add Pudsey College to our growing portfolio of public sector projects across Yorkshire, and look forward to seeing this development complete for the new students in the 2025/26 academic year.”
Steve Ford, Regional Managing Director at Caddick Construction Yorkshire and North East, comments: “We are pleased to be partnering with our colleagues at CCL Facades to deliver this impressive public sector scheme for our client, Luminate Education Group.
“With CCL Facades forming part of the Caddick Construction Group, we know we can offer our clients greater value, which prioritises efficiency in the construction programme.”
An artist's impression of the new wetland area off Hough Side Road, Pudsey.
Plans for a multi-million pound wetland scheme in Pudsey have been submitted to Leeds City Council for approval.
Yorkshire Water have proposed a major scheme to improve the water quality of Pudsey Beck and reducing storm overflows that carry sewage wastewater into the beck.
The scheme will introduce a wetlands greenspace which will use plants to naturally treat storm wastewater on land previously earmarked for housing, off Hough Side Road.
Plans include the relocation of an existing storm overflow and the construction of an integrated constructed wetland, a new outfall to Pudsey Beck, new access tracks, and associated ancillary works.
The wetland will be based at the disused Yorkshire Water sewage works. The land has not been used by Yorkshire Water for at least 30 years.
A West Leeds school is holding a community Iftar, with stalls and guest speakers.
A community Iftar is a gathering where people from a neighbourhood, mosque, or organisations come together to break their fast during Ramadan. It is a time of unity, generosity and spiritual reflection.
Coop Academy Priesthorpe is running the Iftar on Thursday 20 March from 5pm. All welcome to attend.
Raffle prizes are very welcome. Contact info@cooppriesthorpe.co.uk.
All monies raised will be donated to children’s hospitals in Bradford and Leeds.
Print Maker Oli Bentley from The People Powered Press. Image supplied
By Fiona Gell
Sunny Bank Mills’ annual Print Festival is back over the weekend of March 1-2 in the iconic 1912 Mill in Farsley.
The Print Festival 2025 comprises Leeds’ biggest Print Fair, which includes:
Free drop-in zine, bookbinding and printmaking workshops for all ages;
a pop-up exhibition and workshop from the People Powered Press;
Artists’ Open Studios in the Twisting, Spinning Mill and Red Lane Studios;
The launch of its annual emerging artist exhibition, Ones to Watch 2025;
and a drop-in to its textile Museum & Archive which houses a collection of national importance.
Sunny Bank Mills Print Festival. Photo: Joanne Crawford
The Print Fair features over 60 printmakers, bookmakers, collectives and studios ready to sell their work as part of a weekend celebrating traditional and contemporary print and bookbinding techniques.
Expect to see screenprints, monoprints, risographs, collagraphs, zines, hand-bound books and more.
There will be a wide range of stallholders from across the UK, including Basil & Ford, Angela Hall, West Yorkshire Print Workshop, Ploterre, Ellie Way, Right Nice Stuff and Concrete Nature to name but a few.
Browsing at Sunny Bank Mills Print Festival. Photo: Joanne Crawford
Natalie Kolowiecki, Arts Events Co-ordinator at Sunny Bank Mills, said: “We’re very excited that our prestigious Print Festival is back.
“At the Print Fair there will be hundreds of prints and books to see from a wide selection of artists, from early career zine makers to traditional printmakers.
“In addition to the Print Fair, we’re delighted to welcome back The People Powered Press, which will be taking over the 1912 Mill’s third floor. Their exhibition ‘These Northern Types,’ at the Mills in 2018, was the first public display of their Guinness World Record holding giant letterpress printing press.”
Their pop-up exhibition over the weekend will feature large-scale works hand-printed at their Saltaire studio including a 12-metre-wide mural, a collection of individual letters 1.5-metres tall and a photographic exhibition of works installed across Bradford and Leeds since 2021.
Visitors will also have the chance to design and print their own letter on the People Powered Press’ mini press, contributing to a complete alphabet of unique designs created by them to add to the exhibition over the weekend.
Sunny Bank Mills Print Festival. Photo: Natalie Kolowiecki
A range of pre-bookable workshops are happening throughout the weekend, including an Introduction to Collagraph Printing, and an Introduction to Concertina Books with Abbie Mooney, Faux Leather Journal-Making with Zoe Platt, Drypoint Printing with Cath Brooke, Let’s Make Zines! with Kristyna Baczynski and an Introduction to Lino Printing with Saba Siddiqui.
Some of workshops are sold out but you will be able to book on the day if there are spaces available.
Print Maker Matt Hooper. Photo: Natalie Kolowiecki
Natalie added: “If all of this is not enough, our 35-strong artist community is holding Open Studios in the Twisting, Spinning Mill and Red Lane Studios where you can meet them, find out more about what they do and buy art direct from the makers.
“In the Gallery, our Ones to Watch exhibition opens, showcasing the work of over 30 Yorkshire-based emerging artists. Our Museum and Archive is open to drop-in where you can find out about 180 years of cloth production and the lives of our former mill workers.”
Make a day or even a weekend of it by visiting the Print Festival. The Fair’s Craft Café will be open for cakes, savoury food, and hot and cold drinks. All the Mills usual retail and food and drink outlets will be open. U12s have free entry into the Print Fair.
Sunny Bank Mills is home to an acclaimed contemporary Art Gallery, a large artists’ studio community, a textile Museum & Archive, and with many other creative independent businesses on site.
Flashback to the flooding in Kirkstall, 2015. Photo: Win Roddy
It was a Christmas to remember for all the wrong reasons.
The Boxing Day floods of 2015 saw thousands of people and businesses in Leeds affected by the worst flooding for years.
Community reporter Win Roddy shares her surreal photos of the event, almost ten years after the flood which left parts of the Kirkstall valley submerged under murky rainwater after an almighty downpour.
Farsley Celtic have been playing their games away at Buxton.
By John Baron
Farsley Celtic have made an urgent appeal to help safeguard the future of the National League North club.
The Celts haven’t played a home game in Farsley since last April due to delays in installing as 4G pitch at the Citadel. The delays have resulted in Farsley playing ‘home’ fixtures almost 70 miles away in Buxton, Derbyshire.
Last week the club confirmed chairman Paul Barthorpe had stepped down from the football club side of the business, with directors Paul Glover, Josh Greaves, John Stubbs and Jon Wickham taking over the running of the club.
Last night The Celts launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £25,000, with funds used to support running costs until the end of the current season, and to help re-lay a grass pitch at the ground.
In a statement, the board said: “We’ve played the past ten months without any home games due to delays on installing a new pitch. As a result we have had very little revenue, which has led to severe financial challenges.
“This leaves us facing a battle to get through the rest of the season.
“As a board we are working hard to generate income commercially and from other sources, but we need help with our running costs to help get us through the season and ensure a bright future for Farsley Celtic.
“We’re confident we can get there if we all – supporters, the wider community and local businesses – come together to make it happen.”
They added: “A donation – even £1, or whatever you can afford – will be a massive help towards securing the club’s immediate future.”
The club, which appointed its fourth men’s first team manager of the season in David Stockdale last week, has also confirmed that it is looking to lay a grass pitch at The Citadel.
“Planning permission for a 4G pitch has been obtained and our long-term goal is to implement that plan,” a statement on club media added. “But the board’s aim is to get a playable pitch down as soon as possible to get football back at The Citadel and ensure the club’s immediate future.”
Make a donation
The club has set up an online crowdfunder and donations can be made here.
Open meeting
Supporters, members of the community and anyone interested in Farsley Celtic are being cordially invited to a meeting with the club’s board next Friday (February 21).
The meeting follows a meeting with supporters’ club members last Thursday and will see the board provide an update on the club following the departure of the chairman last week.
It will be held in the clubhouse on Friday (February 21) at 7pm. The bar will also be open on the evening.
The Celts currently sit third from bottom in the National League North.
New research has been carried out to see how a Pudsey 11-year-old’s dream of a world without litter could be achieved.
Fundraising campaign Matilda’s Legacy was set up to honour Matilda Pritchard, who passionately cared for the environment but who tragically died in her sleep last April.
She had an undiagnosed heart condition called arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, which affects one in 1,000 people.
The Pritchard family.
Research carried out by the Matilda’s Legacy campaign found education was the obvious solution, with 99% of UK respondents believing that children should be taught about the impact of litter at school. And 85% believe that the younger education starts, the better, with infants school being the main age group chosen.
Additionally, 85% of the respondents believe that the wider climate change topic should be taught in all schools. This was considered more ideal for older children, with 34% of respondents saying that it should be taught within primary/junior schools.
Steve Pritchard, Matilda’s father and campaign manager, said: “Matilda loved learning about the environment and making a difference to her local community through regular litter picks.
“This campaign looks to honour her passion and hopefully inspire future generations to be just as passionate.”
The campaign is looking to raise £42,000 to fund five years of sponsorship of the Litter topic for Eco-Schools England, this represents the years at secondary school Matilda should have experienced. The total raised currently stands at more than £30,000.
Adam Flint, National Manager, Eco-Schools England, added:“Young people aren’t just concerned about climate change—they’re demanding the knowledge and tools to fight it. Pupils working on Eco-Schools have demonstrated this for more than 30 years.
“Litter and waste are a key part of this drive. Litter-picking, recycling and reducing our waste are day to day things we can do to take action, but it all starts with increased knowledge. Covering this in the classroom is vital.”
You can support Matilda’s cause by visiting matildaslegacy.com for more information on this report and to donate.
Running club Horsforth Harriers have honoured one of their most well-known members as she leaves for a new life in Scotland.
And many others have joined in saying goodbye to an inspirational member of the running community.
Hilary Wharam took up running at the age of 52 and now, at age 82, she has completed over 200 marathons and numerous other events from 5k’s to ultras since her first race, the Horsforth 10k in 1994.
As well as this in 2010 she became the first woman to complete the full Bradford Millenium Way in one day. In 2019 she completed 10 marathons in 10 days at the Scorcher running festival, becoming the oldest person to do so at the age of 78 and gaining an entry in the Guinness Book of Records in the process.
Photo: Anne Akers
This week Hilary is moving to Scotland to be nearer her family and start a new chapter in her life, which will still feature running as a major part of it.
Last Saturday she completed her final Leeds parkrun at Woodhouse Moor, which she has not only ran 112 times, one of 171 parkruns she has completed, but also volunteered at, helping set up the course.
Anne Akers, Director of Woodhouse Moor parkrun said: “Everyone knows Hilary because they see her everywhere, she’s a running machine. Not only does she come and run with us but she also comes and helps to set up. She’s just a stalwart.”
Photo: Anne Akers
As a member of Horsforth Harriers for 30 years, having joined on 1 January 1995, Hilary also ran the Absolute Beginners group at the club, helping new runners taking up the sport.
The club honoured Hilary with life membership at their presentation evening at the end of January. Bev Elliott, Horsforth Harriers ladies’ captain and long-time friend of Hilary, spoke at the event.
“Hils has been instrumental in improving the physical and mental health of so many people who have joined her group over the years. She is incredibly supportive, highly motivational and a great friend to many. She is a real character and has a wicked sense of humour!”
Photo: Bev Elliott
Fellow Harrier Addi Manolopoulou said of the Absolute Beginners group: “Tuesdays won’t be the same without Hilary, but the miles and conversations we’ve shared with her will always stay with us. A group brought together by running but held together by friendship.”
Hilary was also a regular at It’s Grim Up North running events and took part in her last event with them this weekend, taking part in the Besotted at Bingley half marathon and completing it in 4 hours 19 minutes. She will be much missed by the organisers and regulars at Grim events.
Photo: Anne Akers
Grim Up North posted on social media: “Hilary’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable. Her dedication, perseverance and sheer love of running have made her an inspiration to many. Whether it was a wet and windy day on the canal or a scenic trail race, Hilary always turned up with a smile and a determination that was truly admirable.”
“Those lucky enough to have shared a race, a chat or even just a moment with Hilary know the impact she has had on the running world.
“She embodies the spirit of community, endurance, and friendship that makes running more than just a sport – it’s a way of life. Her support for fellow runners, her unwavering enthusiasm, and her ability to make even the toughest races seem enjoyable will be sorely missed.”
Hilary is also featured on a Leeds city centre sculpture which recognises 383 women who have made inspirational contributions to the city of Leeds. The Ribbons Sculpture is located at the top of the gardens between Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus and Leeds Playhouse at the gateway to the SOYO development at Quarry Hill.
Ted Trousdale proudly showing his junior parkrun milestone wrist bands. Photo: Sarah Cullingworth
Words: Jean Hollings
Eight-year-old Ted Trousdale started Bramley junior parkrun in April 2021 aged just four years old.
Since then he has visited eight other different junior parkruns, bringing his total events completed to 100 – and earning him a coveted silver wristband.
Although it’s not about completing the junior parkrun 2k in the fastest time, Ted’s progress is noticeable with him achieving a personal best at Bowling Park junior parkrun this year in nine minutes from his initial time of 15 minutes 35 seconds.
Ted says he has made many friends at junior parkrun and looks forward to running with them every week. He also enjoys taking part in the Saturday morning 5k event where he runs with his parents.
Ted Happily receiving his first-place prize, photographed by him proud mum.
Due to his love of running he has recently started training with the junior section of the Pudsey and Bramley running group.
He usually plays football after juniors, but yesterday he got a late notification that his football match was called off. So with his mum made a last minute dash over to Dewsbury to do the Hoppits Hill fell race, where he came first boy in his under nine category.
Junior wrist band achievements after completing the following number of events: 11 = half marathon – blue; 21 = marathon – green; 50 = ultramarathon – orange; 100 = silver; and 250 = yellow.
Farsley is one of the top 11 postcodes in the country to live – and is full of ‘cool dads’, according to the Sunday Times.
It’s Style magazine singled out Farsley for its ‘micro-breweries, sourdough bakehouses and great live music venues’ which apparently appeals to ‘hipster dads’.
Venue: Deeva Restaurant in Farsley.
“Farsley has all the cultural catnip that hipster dads can’t get enough of,” it says. “Once a sleepy suburb, this neighbourhood has become the focus for Birkenstock Boston-clad, Radio 6 Music-listening dads — oh, and it’s also considered the happiest place in Leeds.”
The write up singles out Amity Brew Co, The Mill Kitchen, Deeva restaurant and the Old Woollen, which the article says is the ‘creating heart’ of the village.
The Sunday Times article can be read in full here.
There’s always plenty going on in Horsforth and the past fortnight has been no exception.
Here’s just a few pictures from local residents out and about in Horsforth.
The above picture shows Claire Evans and friends at Horsforth Brewery with Mark Costello where they were brewing a beer which will be ready for International Women’s Day on March 8.
If you have any photos depicting life in Horsforth please send them in to us so we can feature them. If you would like a copy of our print edition look out for them in a number of local cafes, pubs and shops or contact us.
Horsforth Lottery winner Anne, who purchased her ticket at Woodside Micropub, collects her prize of £80 Horsforth pounds to spend locally (Dave Brosnan).
