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“They feel like my second family”: West Leeds young people gain skills to succeed

By
westleedslife
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14 July 2025. Intern graduations at Amazon LBA8, Leeds From the left, Jack Robinson, Henry Lacy and Callum Light.

Three young people from West Leeds have gained skills for future career success by taking part in a supported internship programme at the Amazon sortation centre in Leeds.   

Supported internships equip young people with the skills, experience and confidence they need to secure paid, meaningful employment.

They are structured work-based study programmes for young people aged 16 to 24 with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The internships are for young people with a learning disability and/or who are autistic. Barriers to employment are particularly acute, with less than 5% of adults known to local authorities currently in paid employment across England, despite 86% wanting to work.  

Supported internships at Amazon combine classroom education and practical work experience in a number of roles; all within an Amazon fulfilment centre, where items are stored, packed and shipped. Many young people who have completed a supported internship at Amazon have gone on to secure permanent roles at the company.  

Callum Light from Bramley, Henry Lacy from Horsforth and Stanningley’s Jack Robinson are among more than 80 people with SEND who will graduate from a supported internship across 17 Amazon sites this year.   

“Working in customer returns and meeting such nice people who could support us if we struggled – that was the best part of the experience,” said Callum. “It really helped me to learn how to work as part of a team.”  

Callum, who has learning difficulties and delayed speech development, found that this support from his colleagues was crucial to his learning experience.  

He added: “If someone didn’t understand what I was saying, being able to go to people who could understand was important to me.   

“If anyone working with people with hidden disabilities wants to know more about us, all they have to do is ask!”  

Henry also spoke about the learning curve that accompanied his internship.  

“Over the course of this internship I’ve been building up my initiative. If something goes wrong while I’m working, I’ve gradually been getting to know what to do to resolve the issue,” said Henry.

“Something I’m most proud of is the fact that we’re starting to catch up with co-workers that have been working here for years, in terms of our responsibilities, and that’s great.”  

Jack feels similarly proud of his progress over the past year.  

“I really enjoyed my internship because of the opportunity to learn new things, like scanning, loading packages and operating the pallet truck,” he said.   

Henry spoke about how he is looking forward to being a helping hand for other interns starting out on their Amazon journey.  

“When they first start, a lot of people feel they can’t approach or disturb someone else. What I’ve noticed from my time here, is that if you need help you just need to ask for it. If I stay on at Amazon, I’d officially be their senior, and I can help them out!”  

All three interns have been offered jobs at Amazon – Jack will continue working full-time, while Henry and Callum will work part-time as they attend Leeds City College in September.  

The interns completed their supported internship at Amazon earlier this month. Their success was celebrated at a graduation ceremony at the Leeds sortation centre, which was attended by their families and Amazon colleagues.  

The supported internship programme at Amazon was launched in 2021 in a bid to see more young people with SEND enter the workforce. It was expanded in 2023 through an ongoing partnership with national charity DFN Project Search. Since the launch of the programme, more than 160 young people have started a supported internship with Amazon, making the company one of the UK’s largest providers of supported internships.  

Kirsty Matthews, CEO of DFN Project Search, said: “We are incredibly proud of Callum, Henry and Jack, and all those completing their supported internships this year. Each and every one of our interns graduating has shown that with the right support and opportunities, young people with a learning disability, who are autistic, or both, can thrive in the workplace.   

“Our partnership with Amazon continues to open doors that might otherwise have been closed, proving that inclusive employment isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. Every success story like Callum, Henry and Jack’s shows what is possible when we invest in the potential of our young people.”  

The programme is for young people who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), or equivalent.   

To apply for a supported internship programme with Amazon via DFN Project Search contact info@dfnprojectsearch.org ahead of the company’s September intake. 

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Paint a pot with your pet!

By
Anne Akers
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Rebekah and Dora

Farsley’s new arty offering opens this week at Sunny Bank Mills, giving folk a chance to paint ceramics and, if they want, to bring their pet dog to join in – or just curl up in the corner.

Pots and Paws is the idea of art teacher and dog lover Rebekah Tinsley. Rebekah and her partner Max have lived in Farsley for nearly six years, and she has always wanted a pottery-painting studio, preferably within walking distance. So after a couple of years commuting and teaching at Tadcaster Grammar School, she said a sad goodbye to them so she could start her new venture at a unit in the Spinning Mill.

The studio is full of blank pots, plates and bowls, along with lots of coloured paints and brushes.

“The idea is that people can chose their pottery, paint it however they want and then leave it with us to be fired in the kiln and collecting it later,” she said. “There are also some ready-made pieces to paint and take away if people don’t want to wait.”

For those not sure what to paint or draw, there are stencils and plenty of inspiration from Rebekah. Or there’s even the option to bring your dog and add a few paw prints.

“I want the studio to be a fun and relaxing place for people to come to,” said Rebekah. “And as I wanted to be able to being Dora my labrador to work, I’ve made it a dog-friendly studio, so dogs are welcome.”

The studio will open five days a week for walk-ins and booked parties. There are also evening Pots and Pour sessions, pots are provided to paint, just bring your own drinks!

‘Many Hands’ make great photography at Sunny Bank Mills exhibition

By
westleedslife
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0
Seren Metcalfe, Chanelle Windas, Anna Turzynski and Natalie Kolowiecki - co-curators of the Many Hands exhibition at Sunny Bank Mills

What happens to a community when industry dissipates? Who tells the stories of working-class life and who listens?

Many Hands: Class, Community and the Changing Face of Industry is a bold new exhibition that brings together the voices of working-class artists to explore how shifts in industry, migration, and land continue to shape identity, tradition, and belonging.

The exhibition weaves together historic and contemporary photography to examine the lived experience of class not just as an economic category, but as something felt in the clothes we wear, the meals we make, the words we use, and the ways we carry our past.

Artist Czesław Siegieda in the Many Hands exhibition at Sunny Bank Mills. Photo by Harry Meadley

It is co-curated by Anna Turzynski and Natalie Kolowiecki, from the Gallery team at Sunny Bank Mills, and Seren Metcalfe and Chanelle Windas from Working Class Creatives (CIC),

Sunny Banks Mills’ Arts Director Anna Turzynski said: “This is the first major photography exhibition held at the Gallery and the quality of the work on show is phenomenal.

“We are so honoured to host such exceptional talent alongside archival images from the Mills’ collection. What I love most is the immersive mix of photography, installation and film that invites you to engage, share and be inspired.”

Natalie Kolowiecki added: “The work in Many Hands spans from the 70s to the present, documenting the experiences of communities in Scotland, the North East, the West Country, the Midlands and Bradford.

“Many of the artists have documented the daily lives of their friends, families and neighbours, consequentially creating an invaluable record of the lives of industrial workers, including many from small communities of Polish, Irish, Caribbean and South Asian people. Others have actively created work to highlight the effects of the gig economy, housing shortages and the cost-of-living crisis.

“Despite the differences in these photographers’ practices, the work on display in this exhibition tells a collective story of connection, solidarity, joy, resilience, and friendship.”

Artist Janine Wiedel in the Many Hands exhibition at Sunny Bank Mills. Photo by Harry Meadle

Seren Metcalfe and Chanelle Windas from Working Class Creatives (CIC) said: “Representing artists from different generations was super important for us, to create a space to critically reflect on the lived realities and resistances of working class communities during and after deindustrialisation.

“We are aware of the growing critique that working class life must not only be framed through the lens of loss and hardship. That we need to move past documenting Working Class life in a voyeuristic sense. That we should celebrate our roots and our blooms, and this exhibition responds to that, showcasing lives lived with immense creativity and community whilst refusing to look away from the structures that shaped, and continue to shape, these communities.”

Featuring work by acclaimed and emerging artists including Amber Brown, Czesław Siegieda, Ian Beesley, Joanne Coates, Kirsty Mackay, Kelly O’Brien in collaboration with Devon Osborne, Nudrat Afza, Sean O’Connell in collaboration with Flornicate and Victor Wedderburn,  the exhibition spans generations and geographies, building a powerful, interwoven portrait of life in working-class communities across the UK.

Exhibiting artist Kelly O’Brien said: “Making this work was a reckoning with my own classed history through my family archive, working with photos where smiles mask exhaustion and labour lingers just out of sight. Reworking and reimagining these photographs became a way to make visible what was overlooked: the everyday graft of working-class women. Making this work wasn’t just about nostalgia, it was a form of intergenerational resistance, a way to honour the women who raised and shaped me.”

Many Hands is open in the Gallery, Sandsgate Building, Sunny Bank Mills, Farsley, LS28 5UJ, Tuesday- Sunday 10am-4pm until 5 October. Closed on Mondays. Free entry.

For more information on Many Hands at Sunny Bank Mills, visit the website.

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‘A true Farsley Celtic legend’ – tributes paid to vice president Don Holmes

By
westleedslife
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Don Holmes (pictured right) with fellow club Vice President Stuart Bryce. Photo: John McEvoy

By John Baron

Farsley Celtic have paid tribute to club vice president Don Holmes, who died this weekend.

Don was a stalwart volunteer and a popular figure at the club for more than 35 years.

A club statement released today said: “Over the past three and a half decades he visited the ground most days of the week to help clean and maintain the facilities.

“As well as carrying out day-to-day tasks he was often seen repairing and improving all aspects of the site to improve the matchday experience for all attendees. He also volunteered his time to help out on match days.

“His commitment to the club was second to none and he is rightly regarded as a true Farsley legend by all who knew him.

“He was always highly regarded by players and staff, who he had a close relationship with.

“Don will be very much missed. The thoughts of everyone at Farsley Celtic are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

In November 2019 Don was awarded National League North Volunteer of the Month in recognition of his work and commitment.

Dozens of tributes to Don have been posted on social media.

Former Farsley manager and current Halifax Town boss Adam Lakeland said: “Sad to hear this news. What a great man Don was. He loved the club, always had time for people and was always incredibly helpful and supportive. RIP Don.”

“An all-round top man – RIP Don,” posted former Farsley Celtic captain Chris Atkinson.

Former Farsley physio Gareth Liversidge said: “RIP Don. Legend of a fella and had some great times over the years. Was one of the key people who made the club such a great place. Condolences to Jean and the wider family”

Former player Luke Parkin added: “An absolute diamond of a bloke and a true Farsley legend! RIP Don.”

Cllr Kevin Ritchie, a Farsley supporter, said: “Very sad to hear. A lovely fella. Sincere condolences to family and friends. RIP Don.”

And Mark Craven added: “RIP Don, my first ever team manager at Wortley Boys and around 10 years working with myself and other young lads keeping them off the streets. Legend!”

  • An offer by the Stockdale family to buy 100% of FC 2010 (Holdings) Ltd was accepted by shareholders in June. WLD understands the purchase is still moving through the legal process and the club will make an announcement in due course.

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Civic watchdog’s concerns over Burley charity shop plans

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westleedslife
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The empty building on Cardigan Road. Photo: Google

A civic watchdog has objected to plans to transform a former charity shop in Burley into shops and flats.

As previously reported, 12 retail units and nine apartments could be built at the derelict site on Cardigan Road.

The building was formerly occupied by Poverty Aid, which sold discounted second hand furniture.

City View Holdings is seeking planning permission from Leeds City Council to convert the site. 

But members of Leeds Civic Trust’s planning committee have registered their concerns over the proposals

In a statement on social media, they said: “The planning committee object to this application because: there are unnecessary blind walls to the side and back of the site; the application prioritises car parking over landscaping & greenery and there is a lack of dual aspect balconies for the residential part of the plans.”

The plans also include the creation of new parking spaces and a cycle store, a new bin store and alterations to existing access.

A -planning statement submitted with the application said: “The site has good access to local facilities and amenities including shops, medical centre, pharmacy, primary school and parks.”

Plans can be viewed in full here.

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Stanningley: Picnic in the park beats the weather

By
westleedslife
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0

Words & photos by Kelvin Wakefield

Even a Sunday morning downpour couldn’t put the dampeners on Stanningley’s Picnic in the Park.

The weather eventually cooperated by being warm and mostly dry. The crowds came to sit out, eat, drink, and be entertained by The Tutti Concert Band as well as The Bandstanders.

 Cllr Adele Rae (Lab, Bramley & Stanningley) attended. She said: “It’s great to see a good turn out and to see the space being used in a positive way. Many thanks go to the Friends of Stanningley Park group for organising this.”

Cllr Kevin Ritchie echoed those sentiments and added that he’d like to see more community events like this, but added: “Things like this can only happen when people volunteer or lend their support.”

Representatives from the Leeds Bee Keepers Association hosted a stand which showed off their fascinating work.

They brought an observation hive, which allows you to watch honey bees in action, without disrupting them.

There was also a stand for Pudsey’s Prickle Patch hedgehog rescue, who were there to raise awareness and funds for their new treatment facilities.

The event, which was organised by the Friends of Stanningley Park, had stalls selling ice-creams and refreshments. Creative and sports activities for children were on offer too. 

The fun continued inside Stanningley Park Bowling Club, where adults and children were encouraged to have a go, with club regulars providing tips and encouragement. 

The event organiser and Friends of Stanningley Park Treasurer, Carol Hodgson, said: “I’m pleased that so many people have come out and grateful for all the support the volunteers have given.” 

You can stay up to date with the Friends of Stanningley Park via their Facebook page.

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Aunt organises Farnley Fest to raise money for nephew 

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westleedslife
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New Farnley Cricket Club. Photo: Graham Hepworth

By Noah Roberts

A loving aunt has grafted over the last few months to pull together a fundraising event for her three year old nephew Noah Butterfield, who has a tumour and is in need of treatment. 

On Sunday, 3 August New Farnley Cricket Club, in Lawns Lane will be the venue for a very special event: Farnley Fest 2025.

Rebecca Garnett, Noah’s aunt, used to live in Pudsey and now lives in New Farnley. She said she wanted to “host this event to raise awareness, hopefully raise some funds and to have a fun, family friendly community day.”

She approached New Farnley Cricket Club asking for help. Noel Bullock, from the club, said  “With us having the biggest beer garden in Farnley, we were approached to see if we could help, and it was a no-brainer.” 

Noah, who is three years old, has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and is undergoing intense chemotherapy. Because of where the tumour is located Noah now has sight loss, which Rebecca says is unlikely to return. 

Rebecca said “His parents have been forced to give up work and move into hospital to be with Noah, whilst he receives treatment. 

“Treatment has been very gruelling. Six months of intensive  chemotherapy and numerous procedures and tests that have caused a number of infections. Despite all he is and has gone through, he is in high spirits and very much a proud Leeds United fan.” 

Rebecca’s mother died at age 52 of cancer when Rebecca was only 21 years old. Rebecca said that “Living with or knowing someone who has cancer is not just devastating, but it also has a massive impact on mental health. So I want Farnley Fest to be fun and create happy memories, to bring people closer together and know that we are not alone.”

Rebecca has worked hard over the last few months to pull together Sunday’s festival.

“I have been in contact with nearly all the councillors across Leeds. Those who have replied have said they will share the details and spread the word. Some of the councillors will be attending and one has offered to do face painting”.

She has appealed on social media for performers, stall holders and food vendorsBusinesses across West Leeds have made generous donations of raffle prizes.

Attendees can expect lots of fun activities, including: 

  • Bouncy castle 
  • Inflatable slide
  • Hook a duck
  • Spin the wheel
  • Street food vendor
  • Burgers and other hot food
  • Coffees, Lattes and milkshakes
  • Ice cream van
  • Candy floss stall
  • Balloons
  • Character mascot and children’s entertainer 
  • Handmade crafts
  • Toy stall
  • Tombola and raffle.

Stanningley Red Watch from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed they will be in attendance. 

Farnley Fest starts at 10am on Sunday, 3 August at New Farnley Cricket Club, Lawns Lane, LS12 5ES

You can help by sharing Rebecca’s Facebook event page and spreading the word. 

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Replacement signs planned at Horsforth pub

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westleedslife
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The Horsforth. Photo: Google

The owners of The Horsforth pub have applied for planning permission to replace its existing signs.

Greene King has applied to Leeds City Council to install replacement signs at the pub in Featherbank Lane.

Plans include two externally illuminated fascia signs, one illuminated post mounted pictorial sign, one illuminated new corex panel to existing posts, one set of of non-illuminated sign written letters and one non illuminated ‘welcome’ sign.

The plans can be viewed in full here.

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Police appeal for witnesses over Armley Gyratory fatal crash

By
westleedslife
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0

Police are investigating after a fatal road traffic crash on Wellington Road, just off the Armley Gyratory.

Officers were called at 5.36pm yesterday evening to reports of a one-vehicle collision involving a motorbike.  

The rider, a man aged 27 years old, died at the scene.  

The motorbike was travelling away from the Armley Gyratory onto Wellington Road when it left the road and collided with a wall.  

Officers from the Major Collision Enquiry team are appealing for witnesses and anyone who may have dash cam footage from the incident to come forward.

Any information can be given via 101 or use the live chat options at www.westyorkshire.police.ukl/livechat, quoting log 1501 of 25 July. 

West Leeds set to pilot publicly controlled bus services

By
westleedslife
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By John Baron

West Leeds is likely to be one of two areas to pilot bus franchising from 2027, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin has said.

Taking public control of buses, as part of the Weaver Network, will allow the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (CA) to set bus routes, frequencies and fares for the benefit of passengers across the region.

Details of how contracts will be awarded for running buses, which areas will see the first franchised services, and plans to purchase bus depots were discussed at a meeting of the CA last week.

The support from West Yorkshire’s council leaders comes ahead of the launch of the first round of contract procurement in October, expected to cover West Leeds and Kirklees.

Mayor Tracy Brabin

 Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “It’s fantastic to see the progress we’re making to take back control of our region’s buses. 

“Franchising will be a vital part of our Weaver Network which will offer seamless travel for passengers across bus, train, tram and walking and cycling routes.   

“There is still plenty to do, but we are well on our way to launching the first franchised bus services by 2027, and a wholly publicly-run network the following year.”

When awarding bus service contracts, West Yorkshire will be split into nine zones. Kirklees and west Leeds are likely to have the first franchised services, expected to start running in 2027. 

Bus companies will be able to bid for both large and small contract bundles, aimed at encouraging competition within the sector and allowing smaller operators to grow. 

Leader of Bradford Council and chair of the CA’s Transport Committee Susan Hinchcliffe said: “For too long, bus passengers in West Yorkshire have suffered from unreliable services and cancellations – and that is just for the routes that haven’t been cut completely. 

“A franchised network will allow us to run buses in the interests of the people who use them.

“It’s important to give the public a clear picture of how franchising will work, at the same time as giving assurances to us as CA members and helping to build excitement about the future of bus travel for our region.”

The paper also contains details on how the CA may choose to use compulsory purchase powers if necessary to secure control of key bus depots in the region over the coming years.

For more information, read the papers here.

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West Leeds planning applications: 27 July 2025

By
westleedslife
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0

Each week we publish a list of the latest planning applications related to the seven council wards in West Leeds.

The following applications were published on the Leeds City Council website in the past seven days.

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

  • None submitted.

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

  • Tree works, Honeybourne Road, Lower Wortley, Leeds.

Horsforth Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

Decided applications

Here are the planning applications decided by Leeds City Council this week:

Armley Ward

Bramley & Stanningley Ward

Calverley & Farsley Ward

Farnley & Wortley Ward

Horsforth Ward

Kirkstall Ward

Pudsey Ward

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Photos: Fuse Festival brings music and arts to Pudsey

By
westleedslife
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0

Fuse Festival was back in Pudsey for the third successful year – and once again drew the crowds.

Pudsey Park was filled with community stalls, crafts and food. The stage was filled with talent from the Music Box bands, a talent show, ‘bandeoke’ from The Lights Band and local legends Sons of Robin!

Organisers The Music Box had a youth leadership team working with them, which was a new way of working this year.

Founder Kate Frazer said: “The Music Box team are so pleased with how the event went.

“This was our third year of bringing the community together for a festival or arts and music – and it was all funded by the National Lottery, which we are really grateful for.

“The event was a huge success!”

To get in touch with the Music Box team or to see more about their activities, visit the website.

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