The annual general meeting of NAWRA, the Newlay and Whitecote Residents’ Association, took place recently at the Abbey Inn, writes JILL BUCKLEY. It provided members with an opportunity to reflect on what they had achieved over the past year.
Since July 2016 huge progress has been made on the community garden; previously an eyesore it has now been transformed into a practical and well-tended green space.
But this isn’t the only activity which has kept NAWRA volunteers busy in Newlay and Bramley over the past 12 months.
At the end of 2016 volunteers planted another 800 daffodil bulbs in the area, bringing the grand total number of bulbs planted to 12,000. There have also been litter picks and a balsam bashing session in July, which is designed to protect the bluebell woods.
At the beginning of the year work continued on hedge laying next to Hunters Greave, helped on one of the sessions by Yorkshire Wildlife volunteers; a project which is now in its third year. With the path now open to Kirkstall Forge railway station many users of the station will see the hard work which has gone into the area by volunteers.
In March ranger Jon Dunster led a bird box-building event, which attracted people of all ages. Some participants took their bird boxes home but six boxes were placed in Bramley Fall Woods.
On the campaigning level NAWRA was succesful in campaigning for the resurfacing of Pollard Lane, something which they have been working on for three years.
Socially the association has also been active with a Christmas party at the Rock, where attendees enjoyed pie and peas.
And in June this year they organised their first street party as part of the Jo Cox Great Get Together, bringing together families from Newlay, Bramley and Horsforth for food and music.
Get involved! For more information on NAWRA visit their Facebook page or their website.
