Leeds City Forum

16/11/2024

Lord Mayor of Leeds to Host Festive Fundraiser to Support Community Equality. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, is preparing to host a special festive fundraiser in support of the Leeds Community Foundation. Since aligning with Leeds Community Foundation in May, Councillor Katung has been actively working to enhance public understanding of the foundation’s crucial role. Leeds Community Foundation stands as a pivotal force in fostering community development and equity across Leeds. As an independent grant-making entity, the Foundation excels in bringing together various organizations and individuals to channel investments into local communities, aiming to build a more inclusive and fair society. The Lord Mayor's Festive Ball is more than just a social event; it is a celebration of the spirit of Leeds — a city united by a commitment to kindness and community support. It presents an excellent opportunity for the people of Leeds to come together, celebrate the festive season, and make a lasting impact on their community https://leedsstar.co.uk/charity/lord-mayor-of-leeds-to-host-festive-fundraiser-to-support-community-equality/

16/11/2024

Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice’s Christmas Fair Promises Festive Fundraising Fun in Leeds. Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice’s Christmas Fair will bring Festive Fundraising Fun to Leeds next month. Visitors can look forward to a winter wonderland of stalls offering handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, and unique gifts, perfect for stocking fillers and secret Santa surprises. Local artisans and businesses will be showcasing their products, giving attendees the chance to support local craftspeople while finding that perfect holiday gift. The fair will not only be a shopper’s paradise but will also feature a variety of entertainment. Carol singers will fill the air with classic holiday tunes, creating a merry atmosphere. Children will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his grotto, making the event a magical experience for the younger guests. Everyone in and around Leeds is invited to St Chad’s Parish Centre on Saturday 7 December, as Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice brings back its Christmas Fair — a festive event for all ages and an opportunity to support the charity. With free of charge entry, the Christmas Fair offers crafts and creative activities, live music, festive fundraising stalls, and much more https://leedsstar.co.uk/charity/sue-ryder-wheatfields-hospices-christmas-fair-promises-festive-fundraising-fun-in-leeds/

16/11/2024

Middleton Park Lodge Nursing Home Spreads Joy on World Kindness Day. Middleton Park Lodge Nursing Home marked World Kindness Day with a heartwarming initiative, setting out to spread positivity and kindness throughout their local community. The dedicated staff organized numerous activities and gestures of goodwill to brighten the day of both residents and neighbors alike. Middleton Park Lodge, a member of the Orchard Care Homes group which manages 23 facilities across the Midlands and North of England, celebrated World Kindness Day with enthusiasm and a commitment to community goodwill. Originating in 1998, World Kindness Day was created by the World Kindness Movement to emphasize the importance of good deeds and the universal value of kindness. To all the wonderful residents of Middleton Park Lodge Nursing Home: May your days be brightened by the love and kindness that surround you, and may your hearts always feel the warmth of connection and care. We would like to wish you moments of joy and laughter, memories that bring smiles, and peace that fills your soul. May each day bring new reasons to celebrate the beauty of life, and may you always know how deeply valued and loved you are https://leedsstar.co.uk/lifestyle/middleton-park-lodge-nursing-home-spreads-joy-on-world-kindness-day/

16/11/2024

Progress Update on Leeds’s Health and Housing Programme. Leeds continues to make strides in its innovative Health and Housing Programme, aimed at boosting public health through improvements in housing conditions. This programme, integral to addressing health disparities in the city, has made notable progress in various initiatives over the past year. One of the standout projects within the programme is the weatherproofing scheme. This initiative, funded by Leeds City Council and delivered by Care and Repair Leeds, has significantly improved living conditions for the city’s most vulnerable residents. By targeting homes privately owned by individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or the elderly, the scheme has upgraded 45 properties in 2023/24 with plans to enhance 55 more by March 2025. The improvements in heating and insulation have led to reduced energy costs and markedly better physical and mental health outcomes for the occupants. As the Leeds Health and Housing Programme progresses, it consistently showcases the significant benefits of integrating health and housing strategies on the overall well-being of its residents. This initiative is paving the path towards a healthier and more equitable city, demonstrating the crucial link between quality housing and improved public health outcomes https://leedsstar.co.uk/health/progress-update-on-leedss-health-and-housing-programme/

Leeds continues to make strides in its innovative Health and Housing Programme, aimed at boosting public health through improvements in housing conditions. This programme, integral to addressing health disparities in the city, has made notable progress in various initiatives over the past year. One....

16/11/2024

White Rose Express Christmas Grotto Makes Festive Return to Shopping Centre. The festive season has kicked off at White Rose Shopping Centre with the return of the beloved ‘White Rose Express’ Christmas grotto this weekend. The center is now adorned with steam train-themed decorations, creating a magical Christmas atmosphere. Upon entering the centre, visitors are instantly drawn into the festive spirit, guided by an enchanted train track that leads to Santa Claus waiting in a vintage train carriage. This unique experience will be available every day until Christmas Eve. The holiday excitement extends across White Rose with carnival rides located in The Village, suitable for children aged three to ten. The attractions include tea cups, monster trucks, and bungee trampolines, with rides priced at £3 per child, accepting only card payments. Moreover, the holiday festivities at White Rose will be further enhanced by the return of its family-friendly ice rink starting November 21st. This year, the ice rink is in partnership with JD, which coincides with the grand opening of its larger, upgraded store in the shopping centre https://leedsstar.co.uk/whats-on/white-rose-express-christmas-grotto-makes-festive-return-to-shopping-centre/

The festive season has kicked off at White Rose Shopping Centre with the return of the beloved ‘White Rose Express’ Christmas grotto this weekend. The center is now adorned with steam train-themed decorations, creating a magical Christmas atmosphere. Upon entering the centre, visitors are instan...

15/11/2024

09/11/2024

Lord Mayor of Leeds to Lead Citywide Remembrance Tribute. Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, extends a heartfelt invitation to all to participate in the city’s Remembrance Sunday observances, honoring the servicemen and women who have given their lives for their country. This solemn event is scheduled to take place at Victoria Gardens on Sunday, November 10th. Festivities will commence at 10:50 AM when a group of dignitaries departs from Leeds Civic Hall. They will join a procession that includes ex-servicemen and women, various veterans’ organizations, and active military personnel. This procession will march from Rossington Street to the war memorial, leading the tribute. Remembrance Sunday is more than just a historical commemoration; it is a day to reflect on peace, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring hope that from great sacrifice comes a greater appreciation for the value of life and freedom. As communities come together to remember, they also reaffirm their commitment to fostering a peaceful world https://leedsstar.co.uk/our-city/lord-mayor-of-leeds-to-lead-citywide-remembrance-tribute/

09/11/2024

Oxfam Seeks Volunteers in Leeds to Donate Time During Festive Shopping Surge. Oxfam’s charity shops across the UK are bustling hubs of activity where volunteers contribute their time and energy to help combat global poverty and injustice. These shops, which range from high street storefronts to larger superstores and specialized hubs, rely heavily on the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers to operate effectively. Volunteers at Oxfam shops are more than just staff; they are ambassadors for change, playing a pivotal role in the charity’s mission to create a fairer world without poverty. From sorting and pricing donated goods to creating attractive window displays and interacting with customers, volunteers handle a variety of tasks that are crucial to the day-to-day running of the shops. As Christmas approaches and Oxfam’s four Leeds shops gear up for a bustling season, the charity is reaching out to the community for volunteers. Oxfam is asking locals to contribute their time during the holidays to support efforts in combating global poverty and inequality. Volunteers are welcome to dedicate whatever time they can throughout the festive season and beyond https://leedsstar.co.uk/charity/oxfam-seeks-volunteers-in-leeds-to-donate-time-during-festive-shopping-surge/

09/11/2024

Meanwood Playground Reopens with Fresh Look After Extensive Renovation. The Woodlea Playground in Meanwood has reopened following a substantial upgrade to its play equipment, marking it as one of the numerous play areas throughout Leeds to receive enhancements this year. Constructed concurrently with the neighboring estate about two decades ago, this was the playground’s first update since its original installation. In a 2021 discussion involving council officers and local school children, it was brought to light that despite the playground’s frequent use, it suffered from outdated facilities and a lack of inclusive equipment, particularly for children who use wheelchairs and were unable to fully enjoy the playground’s features. Following its recent renovation, the play area in Meanwood now features several new installations, including an accessible roundabout and trampoline, a junior multi-play unit, a ‘WeHopper’ seesaw, and cradle swings. This refurbishment was funded by developer contributions designated for greenspace enhancements, including playgrounds. Leeds City Council has managed the upgrade of over 20 playgrounds throughout the city in 2024. This includes the construction of a brand new play area at Oak Road Recreation Ground, also known as Jailey Fields, in Armley https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/meanwood-playground-reopens-with-fresh-look-after-extensive-renovation/

The Woodlea Playground in Meanwood has reopened following a substantial upgrade to its play equipment, marking it as one of the numerous play areas throughout Leeds to receive enhancements this year. Constructed concurrently with the neighboring estate about two decades ago, this was the playground....

09/11/2024

Lotherton Wildlife World Welcomes New Wallabies. Nestled within the expansive grounds of the historic Aberford estate, Lotherton’s Wildlife World offers a unique glimpse into the animal kingdom. This exceptional wildlife park is more than just a zoo; it’s a vibrant sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and education of wildlife, providing a haven for numerous species from around the globe. Lotherton’s collection spans a diverse range of animals, each selected not only for their appeal to visitors but also for their participation in vital international breeding and conservation programs. Lotherton Wildlife World has expanded its collection with the addition of a lively group of wallabies, welcoming six female marsupials from Yorkshire Wildlife Park to their diverse menagerie. The wallabies have adapted well to their new surroundings at the Aberford estate. Wallabies, smaller relatives of kangaroos, are marsupials native to Australia and Tasmania. Female wallabies are equipped with a pouch, similar to kangaroos, where they nurse their young, known as joeys. A joey typically remains in its mother’s pouch until about six months of age. During this period, it begins to venture out to explore its environment, though it returns to the safety of the pouch until it outgrows the space https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/lotherton-wildlife-world-welcomes-new-wallabies/

Nestled within the expansive grounds of the historic Aberford estate, Lotherton’s Wildlife World offers a unique glimpse into the animal kingdom. This exceptional wildlife park is more than just a zoo; it’s a vibrant sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and education of wildlife, providing a ...

09/11/2024

Introducing The Mill Gallery: A New Creative Hub in Bramley. Leeds is set to welcome a vibrant addition to its cultural scene with the upcoming opening of The Mill Gallery. Situated in the core of Bramley, this artist-led, community-focused venue will begin welcoming visitors in November. The Mill Gallery aims to revitalize the local art landscape with its innovative and forthright approach to curation and exhibitions. More than a mere gallery, it serves as a haven for artists to regain their creative territories, encouraging a culture of daring expression and artistic autonomy. ‘Celf Ar Waliau’ — A Daring First Exhibition: The Mill Gallery is set to debut with its first exhibition, ‘Celf Ar Waliau’ (Welsh for ‘Art on the Walls’), highlighting the exceptional skills of contemporary artists from Leeds. This collective display bravely navigates through whimsical, dark, and deeply human themes, presenting an eclectic mix of textured sculptures, mixed media, paintings, and photographs. The exhibition delves into a spectrum of emotions and images, from humor to melancholy, inviting viewers on a journey through personal, societal, and abstract landscapes https://leedsstar.co.uk/museums-and-galleries/introducing-the-mill-gallery-a-new-creative-hub-in-bramley/

Leeds is set to welcome a vibrant addition to its cultural scene with the upcoming opening of The Mill Gallery. Situated in the core of Bramley, this artist-led, community-focused venue will begin welcoming visitors in November. The Mill Gallery aims to revitalize the local art landscape with its in...

09/11/2024

Enhanced Energy Efficiency Upgrades for Back-to-Back Terraced Homes in Leeds. Leeds City Council is set to launch a £4.4 million initiative in January aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of up to 100 back-to-back terraced homes in the Cedars area of Armley. This move is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest housing standards across all communities. The planned upgrades will involve installing new insulation in external walls and attic spaces, along with replacing doors and windows as needed. This project underscores the council’s dedication to improving living conditions and energy efficiency in local homes. The initiative aims to make heating homes more affordable and efficient, which is expected to decrease fuel poverty and reduce cold-related illnesses among residents. Additionally, a comprehensive technical study will be conducted to evaluate the potential future integration of carbon-reducing ground source heat pumps in the area https://leedsstar.co.uk/homes/enhanced-energy-efficiency-upgrades-for-back-to-back-terraced-homes-in-leeds/

Leeds City Council is set to launch a £4.4 million initiative in January aimed at enhancing the energy efficiency of up to 100 back-to-back terraced homes in the Cedars area of Armley. This move is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest housing standards across all comm...

27/10/2024

26/10/2024

Marston’s and The Royal British Legion Encourage Yorkshire Patrons to Buy and Keep Poppy-Themed Glasses to Support Veterans. Acknowledging the British tradition of inadvertently taking pub glasses home, Marston’s and The Royal British Legion are turning it into a Charitable act. This year, 1,000 pubs across the UK, including 110 in Yorkshire, will offer drinks in special limited-edition poppy-themed glasses as part of the Poppy Appeal, encouraging patrons to legally take the glasses home. Starting October 26th, these commemorative pint and half-pint glasses will be on sale at 1,175 Marston’s locations nationwide, with the Yorkshire pubs participating. Pint glasses will be available for £2.50 and half-pint glasses for £2. All profits from the glass sales will benefit The Royal British Legion. Customers can buy the glasses empty or filled with their choice of drink, enjoying a pint in the pub before taking their glass home as a keepsake. The poppy-themed glasses are a highlight of Marston’s month-long campaign to honor veterans, with pubs across the country hosting various awareness and fundraising events. These include community breakfasts and live music performances to pay tribute to both past and present veterans. Traditional pin-on poppies are also available for purchase. The Royal British Legion, the nation’s largest Armed Forces charity with over 180,000 members, has been committed since 1921 to supporting serving and ex-serving veterans as well as their families, including dependents and carers https://leedsstar.co.uk/charity/marstons-and-the-royal-british-legion-encourage-yorkshire-patrons-to-buy-and-keep-poppy-themed-glasses-to-support-veterans/

Acknowledging the British tradition of inadvertently taking pub glasses home, Marston’s and The Royal British Legion are turning it into a Charitable act. This year, 1,000 pubs across the UK, inclu…

26/10/2024

St. Vincent’s Social Enterprise Launches New Food Pantry in Leeds to Combat Rising Living Costs. St. Vincent’s Social Enterprise unveiled its new pantry this week, aimed at providing those struggling to afford essentials with a dignified shopping alternative to traditional grocery stores. Located on Silk Mill Drive, Vinnie’s Food Pantry is open every Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM. The pantry operates on a membership basis, promoting equitable access to affordably priced goods. This system helps ensure that a broader range of people can benefit from this initiative. A key goal for Vinnie’s Food Pantry is to maintain a fair and unbiased distribution system, preventing the bulk purchase of high-demand items. To achieve this, items are individually priced and color-coded, guaranteeing that everyone has an equal chance to buy the essentials they need. The concept for Vinnie’s Food Pantry emerged after Leeds City Council reached out to St. Vincent’s Social Enterprise to explore the possibility of the charity assisting in establishing a new food pantry in the area. With this initiative in mind, funding was secured for a 12-month period, leading to the creation of Vinnie’s Food Pantry https://leedsstar.co.uk/food-and-drink/st-vincents-social-enterprise-launches-new-food-pantry-in-leeds-to-combat-rising-living-costs/

St. Vincent’s Social Enterprise unveiled its new pantry this week, aimed at providing those struggling to afford essentials with a dignified shopping alternative to traditional grocery stores…

26/10/2024

Vertu Jaguar Land Rover Leeds Supports Local Youth Basketball with Donation for New Kits. Founded in 2019, Leeds ‘Let’s Do More’ Basketball is dedicated to expanding basketball access for young people in some of Leeds’ most underserved communities. It has quickly become one of the region’s premier basketball providers, conducting weekly sessions for hundreds of players and leveraging sports to motivate and elevate participants. Under the banner: ‘To Change Lives and Create Opportunity Through Basketball‘, Leeds LDM Basketball strives to positively influence the lives of young people through sports. With new support from Vertu Jaguar Land Rover Leeds, the teams will soon sport new kits, enhancing unity and pride. Located near LDM Basketball’s hub, the dealership is eager to contribute to this valuable community project and help broaden opportunities for the upcoming generation. The collaboration between Vertu Jaguar Land Rover Leeds and LDM Basketball is set to strengthen, promising further support for local youth in the future https://leedsstar.co.uk/news/vertu-jaguar-land-rover-leeds-supports-local-youth-basketball-with-donation-for-new-kits/

26/10/2024

White Rose Shopping Centre Unveils Expanded Play Area with New Features for Enhanced Family Fun. This month, the White Rose Shopping Centre introduced an expanded outdoor play area in The Village, featuring new additions and more space for family enjoyment. The play area is accessible to children of various ages and abilities and includes a large canopy, ensuring fun playtime regardless of the weather. The new features at the White Rose Shopping Centre’s expanded play area have been selected based on guest feedback, each designed to enhance mental and physical development. The play area and The Village at the White Rose Shopping Centre are designated smoke-free zones, aligning with Leeds City Council’s Clean Air Leeds initiative to promote a healthier environment. White Rose Shopping Centre in Leeds stands as a vibrant hub of retail, leisure, and entertainment, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of shoppers from across the region. Located in the heart of South Leeds, this bustling shopping destination offers an extensive array of stores, eateries, and attractions, ensuring a memorable experience for visitors of all ages https://leedsstar.co.uk/shopping/white-rose-shopping-centre-unveils-expanded-play-area-with-new-features-for-enhanced-family-fun/

This month, the White Rose Shopping Centre introduced an expanded outdoor play area in The Village, featuring new additions and more space for family enjoyment. The play area is accessible to child…

26/10/2024

Little Bird Artisan Markets Ending October in the Heart of Leeds. Little Bird Made are excited to be returning to Leeds Briggate on Sunday 27 October bringing with them a wide range of Yorkshire artisans and their products. The outdoor Artisan Market will see traders set up in Briggate in the heart of Leeds which attracts large crowds of visitors each month. There will be a wide variety of artisans so you will be spoilt for choice when making those all important purchases. If you are looking for organic skin care products, home fragrance or something new to brighten up your home from art and soft furnishings, or you’re making a start on those all important Christmas gifts then you won’t want to miss this artisan event. Street food vendors will also be selling hot and cold food from beautiful Bavarian BBQ to freshly made pizza to authentic Indian cuisine, as well as freshly brewed coffee and beautiful handcrafted cake. So why not come and enjoy a slice of cake and a hot coffee while you stroll around the market or have a seat and admire the beauty that is Leeds https://leedsstar.co.uk/shopping/little-bird-artisan-markets-ending-october-in-the-heart-of-leeds/