2008-10-07   Arts and Crafts Exhibition at Welfare Hall

Garforth Community Association are holding their Arts and Crafts exhibition from 29th October to 1St November. Anyone interested in exhibiting wood, paper, flowers, knitting, sewing, embroidery crafts etc. should contact David LeRoy on 2868576 or Doreen Hawkins on 2868341  

2008-10-06   Simon Clifford Linked with Newcastle United Job

Brazillian soccer schools and Garforth Town FC owner Simon Clifford has been approached by the 'Bok' consortium, who are in discussions to by Newcastle United, about a role on Tyneside. If successful, Clifford would be given a seat on the Newcastle board and handed responsibility for developing the club's youth football structure. 

2008-10-04   Charlie’s Charity Success

A family fun day at Garforth Town raised £4,000 for charity. The event was held in memory of seven-year-old Charlie Liversidge who died in April after getting trapped under a car on a neighbour's driveway. Proceeds from the fundraiser are being donated to Charlie's Trust, a charity set up in memory of Charlie, to enhance educational opportunities for children in Yorkshire. 

2008-10-03   Teenager Slashed at Garforth Skate Park

A 19-year-old teenager was slashed by a knife in an attack at the new Garforth Skate Park. The victim was treated in hospital following the attack at the park on Ninelands Lane at 8pm on Friday, September 26. Police arrested a man after searching the area soon after the incident. There is no cctv to protect skaters at this park. 

2008-10-02   Local Housing Organisation Performs Well

Aire Valley Homes, which provides housing management and maintenance to council homes in Garforth and Swillington has been praised for its service to tenants. The organisation which looks after almost 16,000 properties in outer areas of east Leeds was awarded a "good" two-star rating by the Audit Commission. 

2008-10-01   Sherburn Students Raise Thousands for Cancer

Students at Sherburn High School raised six thousand three hundred pounds for Teenage Cancer Trust through their 2008 sponsored walk.  

2008-10-01   Christmas Lights 2008

The Christmas lights will be switched on in Garforth on Friday 28th November this year. 

2008-09-30   European Week at East Garforth Primary School

East Garforth Primary School held a "European Week" culminating in the celebration of the "European Day of Languages" on Friday the 26th September. Each class chose a European country and has undertaken work looking at an aspect of life in their chosen country and presenting this to the rest of the school. On Friday a special "European Banquet" school lunch was offered and everyone was encouraged to dress in the style of one of the European countries.  

2008-09-30   Medieval Gardens at Garforth

Garforth Historical Society are holding a talk on Medieval Gardens, presented by Simon Tomson, on the 16th October. Society meetings are held in the Community Center at Church Gardens off Church Lane, Garforth.  

2008-09-29   Kippax Christmas Card Competition

Kippax Parish Council have announced their annual Christmas Card Competition. The competition is open to all children who attend the 3 Primary Schools in Kippax and to the Year 7 children who attend Brigshaw High School. Entries should have the front of the card no larger than A5 and it should be completed in pencil crayon or felt tip pen. See Kippax Parish Council website for more details. 

2008-09-28   Rainbow Pack Returns

Monk Fryston Community Association have announced the re-introduction of a Rainbow Pack into the village. Mandy Shaw and Becky Gatenby have agreed to become Guiders and start a pack in January. If you would like your daughter to join the Rainbows in January then please make sure you get along to an open evening at the Community Centre on 14th November at 8pm to register and to find out more.  

2008-09-27   Family Day in Memory of Charlie

A fundraising family fun day is being held at Garforth Town in memory of Charlie Liversidge, seven, who died in April after he became trapped under a car on a neighbour's driveway.Proceeds from this event on Sunday, September 28, at Garforth Town's stadium will be donated to Charlie's Trust. Attractions will include a five-a-side football tournament, music, refreshments and a 32ft-high climbing wall.  

2008-09-26   Olympic Week at Green Lane

Children from Green Lane Primary School in Garforth have taken part in an Olympic Week. Inspired by British success in cycling, the children designed their own version of cycling clothing for the 2012 Olympics. Six children's designs were selected and signed by Jamie Staff, (2008 Gold Medallist in the Men's Team Sprint Event ) The children were presented with an individual photograph of him with their work. 

2008-09-25   Poker League for Garforth

Garforth Town Football club are looking to start a poker league.This 'not for money' league will start on October and take place on Monday nights. If you are interested contact g.williams@garforthtown.com 

2008-09-24   Hoedown to Community College

A Hoedown, organised by Garforth Community College's Parent Teacher Association and supported by Garforth Lions, will be held on Friday, September 26, between 7pm and 9.30pm.Tickets cost £3.50 per adult or £2 for children, and a family ticket for two adults and up to three children costing only £10.  

2008-09-24   Arson Suspected in Car Fire

Fire crews were called to the dormer bungalow in Meadow Road on Sunday, September 21 believe the fire was started deliberately in the car, and an official investigation will now take place. 

2008-09-23   Car Fire Damages Home

Fire crews were called to a car fire at a dormer bungalow in Meadow Road at 9.30pm on Sunday, September 21, while the owners were on holiday.The flames spread to the entrance porch of the home, which was badly damaged by smoke.  

2008-09-22   Gas Works Disrupt Village

EXTENSIVE gas works in Sherburn are causing major disruption for village residents.Finkle Hill, Beech Grove and Beech Close have all been dug up as part of essential maintenance being carried out by United Utilities on behalf of Northern Gas Networks. United Utilities have apologised for any disruption caused. 

2008-09-19   Dog trials at Monk Fryston

Aberford Kennel Club are holding dog trials at Monk Fryston on Saturday and Sunday 20th and 21st September. Some of the country’s top dogs will be put through obedience and agility tests on land adjacent to Monk Fryston Common Lane . Admission is free. 

2008-09-19   Open Day at Bigshaw School

Brigshaw School is holding an open day on 20th September from 10am till 2pm for parents choosing a school for their children. 

2008-09-18   Advertising on Lamposts

The council has agreed a 15 year contract for the installation of advertising on lamp posts. This will generate income for each site and may eventually result in advertising on around 800 sites across the City. Area Committees will receive a 20% share of the annual income for every lamp post site which has planning consent to spend on local priorities.  

2008-09-18   Kippax Carnival 2009 Night

Volunteers are needed to join the organising committee for the 2009 Carnival. The Carnival Committee invite everyone to an open evening and carnival presentation on Tuesday September 30th at 7.30pm at the Kippax Ex-Service and Social Club. Everyone is welcome, a light supper will be provided. 

2008-09-17   Blooming Success

Kippax won the small country town award in the Yorkshire in Bloom competition. Micklefield and Great and Little Preston were prize winners in the little village category. 

2008-09-17   Ninelands Primary Fun Run Success

Children, parents and grandparents from Ninelands Primary School in Garforth have taken part in a family fun run to raise money for school funds. The event was organised by the Friends of Ninelands parents group and they raised over 400 pounds. Last year they raise over eight thousand pounds through a series of events. 

2008-09-17   Talent Night at Brigshaw

The Kippax branch of the Stagecoach theatre school is holding an open night at Brigshaw School on 17th September where young singers, actors and dancers can take part in free classes. To register ring Lisa on 2103505 

2008-09-16   Stores Plan for Busy Roundabout

Leeds City Council has granted planning permission for the old toilet block adjacent to the mini roundabout at Crosshills, Kippax to become 2 General Stores with 2 x 2 bedroom apartments above. The Parish Council do not support this decision as there are already empty buildings on the high street and there is no access for delivery vehicles to these proposed stores.  

2008-09-16   Monk Fryston Creates Village Plan

The Monk Fryston Fund for All Community Planning Group exhibited the results of their consultations with village stakeholder groups, along with the suggestions and observations made by village residents at the Summer Fayre, at the Community Centre on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September. The Group has analysed and collated the collective responses into a Hillam and Monk Fryston Draft Village Plan. Residents were invited to view the draft, raise further points and help prioritise actions before the plan is finalised. 

2008-09-15   Parish Council Campaign for New Sports Centre in Kippax

Kippax Parish Council are urging residents to write and let their local Councillors and MP know how they feel about the council’s proposal to build a new sports centre. They believe that if it goes ahead then Kippax is an ideal location to house this new centre, “We have space to build on the site of the present centre without having to pull the original one down first; it is easily accessed by public transport for people in the surrounding villages and it’s just what Kippax needs to compliment the modern buildings of the recently new built Primary and High schools”. 

2008-09-15   WI Launch New Website

South Milford Women's Institute have launched their own website www.smwi.co.uk 

2008-09-14   Garforth Town FC New Loan Player

Garforth Town have signed midfielder Oliver Hotchkiss from Leeds United on loan for one month. The 18 year old player is a former Brazilian Soccers Schools student 

2008-09-13   Flight Simulator Day in Sherburn

Sherburn Aero Club held a flight simulation event attracting over 200 visitors to try their hand on the latest computer generated flight training aids.  

2008-09-13   Dementia Café Opens in Garforth

Councillor Dobson has opened a new facility in Garforth for people suffering from dementia and their carers to meet up. The centre, at the NET office on Main Street, opens from 2-4pm on the third Thursday each month. For more information ring Monica on 2874784. 

2008-09-12   MOD Object to Windfarm

The Ministry of Defence have lodged an objection to the proposed wind farm at Micklefield claiming it will interfere with the Royal Air Force's radar network. Tests carried out by scientists have revealed that turbulence from supersized propellers creates a 'hole' in radar coverage that makes it impossible to spot potentially-hostile aircraft. An MOD spokesman said Air defence radar is essential to the defence of the country and we need to be satisfied that the impact of any proposed wind farm does not compromise our national security. 

2008-09-12   Local Singer in Final

Seventeen year old Rebecca Gemlo-Dunstan from Garforth has reached the regional finals of Idol 2008. Rebecca was one of ten thousand entrants and sings in the regional final at Leeds City Varieties on 21st September. The winner will go through to the final and be competing for upto 25 thousand pounds in prizes and a recording contract. 

2008-09-11   Local Well Being Leisure Centre Proposed

According to the council’s draft proposal on local leisure centres the Garforth and Kippax centres would be replaced by a single ‘Well Being’ centre. Councillor Wakefield said that the Labour group will not support the proposal. 

2008-09-11   MP Condemns Soccer Coverage

MP John Grogan has criticised the Football Association over their agreement to give Setanta exclusive rights to England’s World Cup qualifying games. He also criticised the government for dragging its heels over making the qualifiers one of the sporting occasions that must be shown on terrestrial TV. 

2008-09-10   Groundsman of the Year

Richard Cale, the Garforth Town FC groundsman has been named groundsman of the year by the FA. Richard beat off competition from 200 other entrants to win the award at the national finals in London. 

2008-09-10   Ladies Fishing Championship at Kippax

The Northern Ladies Championships were held at Kippax Park lakes and easily won by 17 year old Kayleigh Smith. Turnout was affected by a forecast of bad weather but those that entered enjoyed a fine day of good sport. 

2008-09-09   Campaign Group Protests Against Road Charging

The Selby branch of the No2ID campaign is meeting at the Blue Bell public house in Monk Fryston on 16th September to challenge the road pricing system planned to be trialled in Leeds. They see road charges as an example of a Big Brother state in action. 

2008-09-09   MP Hits Out at Car Tax Proposal

Elmet MP Colin Burgon has called the government's proposed retrospective tax on gas guzzling cars morally and politically wrong.One hundred thousand cars in West Yorkshire are likely to be adversely affected by the tax change. 

2008-09-08   Open Cast Protest Planned for Leeds

Campaigners against a proposed open cast site near Farburn Ings intend to protest outside the Civic Hall next Wednesday when the council discusses the application. Local parish councils including Kippax and Great Preston oppose the plan as do local MPs Colin Burgon and John Grogan. 

2008-09-08   Free Activities for Over 60s

Sherburn Pride is offering free activities for over 60s at the Lady Popplewell Centre in Sherburn. The events will take place on Tuesdays throughout September, October and November, from 2 to 4pm and includes free door-to-door transport. Contact Sherburn Visiting Scheme on 01977 681828 to book a place. 

2008-09-07   Wind Farm Work to Start Soon

Work on the monitoring mast at the site of the proposed Hook Moor wind farm is expected to commence in the next 2 weeks. A planning application for 5 masts, each over 400 feet tall, is currently with the council but no decision is expected for at least two months.  

2008-09-07   New Group Blooming

The recently formed Garforth in Bloom Group hold their next meeting at 7.30pm, on Monday, 8th September 2008 at Garforth Squash Club. The group has launched its own website at www.garforthinbloom.co.uk New members are welcome.  

2008-09-06   Greens Win at Flower Show

Pupils from Green Lane Primary School, Garforth have won the Brown Butler Shield at the Leeds Horticultural Society 2008 flower show. Two of the kids won first prize in their respective age groups, one pupil won second prize and two children won a third prize. The judges also awarded highly commended certificates.  

2008-09-06   Sherburn White Rose FC See the Blues

Sherburn White Rose FC are hosting a Blues Brothers tribute band on 13th September. Tickets are £5 each which includes a pie & pea supper. The event will raise funds for their planned under 13’s & 14’s trip to France in 2009. Sherburn White Rose FC are looking for new players to strengthen their teams next season, particularly under 8’s, 9’s, 11’s and under 15 girls. For details phone Angela MacDonald on 0775 868 014  

2008-09-05   East Leeds Link Road Opens November

The 32 million pound east Leeds link road connecting junction 45 of the M1 to the centre of Leeds opens in November. The road is expected to ease commuter traffic on the A63. 

2008-09-05   Councillor Against Sex Shop Fee Fall

Councillor Wakefield has spoken out against council plans to cut the fee for opening a sex shop in Leeds from 11 thousand pounds to 8 thousand pounds. Councillor Wakefield complained that at a time when fees for child nursery places and swimming for the elderly are rocketing the council shouldn’t be encouraging those sorts of establishments. The council fear that the high fees will be challenged in court.  

2008-09-04   New Head for East Garforth Primary School

The school's new headteacher, Mrs Godfrey, takes up her post in January 2009. During the autumn term the school will be led by Ms Morrisroe as acting headteacher. Former Head teacher Mr North is taking up a new post with the School Partnership Trust based just down the road at Fusion Court. 

2008-09-04   Cable Theft Disrupts Trains

Commuter trains were disrupted on Tuesday morning following the theft of 130 metres of cable at Garforth station. British Transport Police are appealing for witnesses to contact 0800 405040. 

2008-09-03   Village Design Statement For Sherburn

Sherburn Parish Council intend to set up a steering committee of 5 people to carry out a design statement for the village. It will be led by the parish council, co-ordinated by Selby district council and will give a design for what the people of the village want for the future. There will be regular consultation with all who are interested in their views being represented. The whole process will take about a year to complete and will be a legally binding document for any further development proposed. Anyone interested in taking part in this design statement should contact the parish clerk at Eversley Park Centre, Telephone 01977-681024  

2008-09-03   Kippax Playground Vandalised Again

The protective surface of the Kippax playground has been partially destroyed underneath the large swings and many broken bottles thrown around the play area.The playground cost approximately £95,000 to install and is the only one in Kippax. Anyone who saw or heard anything should contact the Parish Council.  

2008-09-02   New Playground Funded by Local Business Fund

Caird Barden, the owners of the Peckfield tip, have provided 125 thousand pounds towards the refurbishment of a play area at Allerton Bywater that has been vandalised. The company operates a fund that offers hundreds of thousands of pounds to local clubs and groups each year for community based projects.  

2008-09-02   The Sherburn Visiting Scheme

The Sherburn Visiting Scheme provides activities for the elderly inhabitants of Sherburn, including weekly shopping trips to Selby and Castleford, organised trips to places of interest, picnics, afternoon teas, theatre trips, etc. The scheme, founded over 20 years ago, is non profit making. If you are elderly and would like to take part in any of these activities or would like to help please contact the Sherburn Visiting Scheme on 01977 681828.  

2008-09-02   New Doctor in Swillington

Grange Medicare Limited has been selected to provide NHS care at Swillington Health Centre following a 3 month consultation with the local community.  

2008-09-01   Hilltop Reaches Out to Community

Hungate Seedlings Gardening Club were invited to Hilltop Manor to garden with the residents as part of a Sherburn community link project. The Care home is actively seeking to invite local organisations to interact with the residents and gardening was viewed as a good starting point. The children had a super time and were made very welcome. 

2008-09-01   Historical Move in Garforth

The Garforth Historical Society has moved to a new venue, They are now meeting in the Community Centre at Church Gardens, off Church Lane opposite the Methodist Chapel. 

2008-08-31   Anger at Removal of Vegetation

Residents groups are angry at the persistent actions by local builders to remove established trees and bushes along the Sherburn bypass. The land in question belongs to North Yorkshire Highways who had not been consulted nor would given permission for this action. North Yorkshire legal department are taking action to ensure that the area is replanted by the builders with mature trees and bushes. 

2008-08-31   Garforth Town Still on Road to Wembley

Garforth Town beat Tow Law Town FC by one goal to nil in the preliminary round of the FA Cup. 

2008-08-30   Parish Council Office Opens Longer

The Sherburn Parish Council office is now open 4 afternoons per week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. The councillors have decided to appoint an assistant to the Clerk so that they can open the office on a more full-time basis during the week. Anyone interested in applying for this post should contact the Clerk, Margaret Gibson, on 681024 

2008-08-30   Garforth Man Guilty of Murder

Robert Cameron from Garforth was one of 3 men found guilty of murdering Edward Simpson of Bradford. The jury was unable to reach a decision on a fourth man. The three men will be sentenced on the 3rd of October. 

2008-08-28   It's Never Too Late for GADS

The autumn production by Garforth Amateur Dramatic Society is "It's Never Too Late" by Ron Aldridge. The play will be staged at the Miners Welfare Hall on Main Street from Wednesday 19th November to Saturday 22nd November. (7.30pm). The play is directed by Pam Hill. 

2008-08-28   Dear Constable

Police have introduced a comments post box at Sherburn library and at the Eversley Park Centre where residents can post any concerns or issues in their area that they want to bring to the attention of the police. The boxes will be emptied each week by an officer who will follow up the comment. The boxes are not to be used to report crime or other urgent matters. This should continue to be done by dialling 0845 6060247 or 999 as appropriate 

2008-08-27   Organist in Great North Run

Gill Law, the assistant organist at St Marys Garforth, will be running in the Great North Run half marathon on the 5th October to raise money for prostate cancer.  

2008-08-27   Champion Fishing at Kippax

The Northern Ladies Championship will be held at Kippax Park fishery on 6th September. Entry is limited. To reserve at place ring 07765 075582. Fishing is from 10am till 3pm. 

2008-08-26   Even Better GCSE Results This Year

Sixty five percent of students gained 5 or more good grades at Brigshaw School, up from 42 percent last year. At Garforth Community College they were able to raise their pass rate from 89 percent to 94 percent. At Sherburn High School the pass rate rose to 95 per cent. 

2008-08-26   Orchestra Wants Players

Local semi-professional orchestra Sherburn Sinfonietta requires new members. If you are interested the next rehearsal is on 7th September at 2.30pm in All Saints' Church Hall, Sherburn. Contact Kate Galloway on 01977 681571 or Malcolm Galloway on 01937 836155 for further details. 

2008-08-26   Commuter Chaos on Trains

A signal failure at Garforth disrupted early morning commuter traffic on the rail line between Leeds and York/Selby today. 

2008-08-25   Local Singer in Beauty Final

Sherburn singing sensation Carrie Winfield has made it through to the final of the prestigious ‘The Look Of 2008’ beauty contest. The winner of the grand final on 16th September will win a place on a modelling course, a holiday to Tenerife, and a portfolio photo shoot. 

2008-08-25   Free Physio for Garforth Teams

Physiotherapy company Medihealth, based at Garforth Leisure Centre, is hosting a free one-day advice session for local sportsmen to help avoid picking up injuries early in the new football and rugby seasons. The open day will be held on 28th August from 6.30pm till 8.30pm. 

2008-08-24   Bank Holiday Party in South Milford

South Milford British Legion is holding a garden party at the British Legion Club on Monday 25th August from 1pm. There will be a bouncy castle, sumo wrestling, face painting, cake stall, mini golf and tombola. 

2008-08-24   New Shop Opens at Lotherton Hall

A shop has been opened at Lotherton Hall to sell sweets, souvenirs and more exotic products such as bat boxes, bird feeders, bug boxes and plants from the hall’s gardens. 

2008-08-24   Police Step Up Patrols for Festival

Police are providing extra reassurance patrols in the area as a result of the Leeds Festival which is being hosted at Bramham. A Pro–Laser speed detection device is being used to help keep traffic disruption in the surrounding villages to a minimum. Additional officers from both Killingbeck and Stainbeck police stations have been drafted in to assist in policing this event 

2008-08-23   Councillor Slams Controversial Plan to Close Local Sports Halls

Leeds City Council has unveiled controversial proposals to close Kippax and Garforth Leisure Centres, and a number of others across the city and replace them with two ‘Well Being’ centres. Councillor Keith Wakefield called the proposal a closure programme rather than an investment programme and an absolute disgrace. Council bosses stressed that the proposal would be subject to public consultation.  

2008-08-23   Local Artist Wins Place at Fine Art School

Ryan Riddington, a former pupil of Garforth Community College has won a place at the Slade School of Fine Art to do a masters degree. Ryan is selling some of his works to finance his studies. Anyone interested in his work can contact him at riddington@talk21.com . 

2008-08-22   Local Artists Exhibit at Lotherton Hall

Visitors to Lotherton Hall over the coming bank holiday will be able view works of art by local artists Olive Simmonds and Jim Humphreys. They are putting on their first individual exhibition and sale of work on Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August 2008 from 10am until 4pm both days. There will be a variety of works to view, from landscapes, seascapes through to still life paintings mainly in oils, and all paintings on view will be for sale. There will also be a selection of small prints and cards depicting works past and present for sale. Olive and Jim are self taught, which is a bit of an anomaly, as they have learned their craft from reading books, watching videos and dvd's, and attending demonstrations which are, of course, all produced by professional artists over many years. Both are long standing members of the Society For all Artists, they also sit on the committee of the Sherburn & South Milford Art society  

2008-08-22   Annual Festival Road Chaos Returns

Residents can expect severe traffic problems on the A63 as northbound music fans leave the M1 heading for the annual Leeds festival at Bramham Park following the designated route. The festival end on Sunday evening. 

2008-08-21   Old Lion Receives Thanks from City

Ken Woodhead, three times president of the Garforth Lions and Scout Leader at Garforth First Scouts for 16 years has received a Certificate of Appreciation from the city of Leeds to mark his retirement. 

2008-08-21   New Look Co-op Reopens

The Co-operative foodstore on Kippax High Street reopens today Thursday 21st August following lots of changes and improvements. 

2008-08-20   Garforth Town Looking for Promotion

Garforth Town FC owner Simon Clifford has resumed the role of manager of the club and announced his intention to win the league this season. He has brought in a number of new signings over the summer and promises to bring in more players if the club needs them to win the title. 

2008-08-20   Mini Olympics at Garforth Leisure Centre

A mini Olympics event will be held at Garforth Leisure Centre on Thursday 21st August 1.30-3pm as part of the Breeze summer programme. All activities are for children aged from 5 upwards.  

2008-08-19   Hall Closes for Maintenance

Garforth Welfare hall is closed for maintenance from 18th to 25th August.