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. 

2008-08-19   Rugby Club try to Rearrange BBQ

Garforth RUFC are trying to reschedule their cancelled BBQ at Garforth Cricket to 23rd August, however this is subject to availability of the cricket club and also the availability of the entertainment scheduled as part of the day.  

2008-08-18   Road Chaos Looms for Sherburn

Parish council chairman Coun Malcolm Dowson has warned of months of traffic chaos in Sherburn resulting from the combined impact of National Grid gas pipeline works, the commencement of renaissance project work in the centre of the village and the continuing problems with traffic diverted away from South Milford.  

2008-08-18   Scarecrow Making Lesson Planned

There will be a scarecrow making session in Monk Fryston Community Centre on Saturday 6th September for everyone needing assistance making their entry for the forthcoming Scarecrow Festival. Straw and stuffing will be available for anyone needing help with their creation. 

2008-08-17   Charity Match Boost for St James

Hewlett Engineers and Royal Mail, Seacroft raised two and half thousand pounds with a charity football match played at Garforth Town FC in aid of St James’ Hospital’s Respiratory Unit. 

2008-08-17   Disappointing Start for Garforth Town

Garforth Town FC lost their opening game of the season, away to Colwyn Bay by two goals to one, conceding a goal in the ninetieth minute. 

2008-08-16   Local Park Wins Green Flag

Lotherton Hall is one of six Leeds parks to win a Green Flag Award. The scheme is run by the Civic Trust on behalf of the Department of Communities and Local Government. 

2008-08-16   Garforth Scout Group Off to Malta

Garforth based Templars Crusader Explorer Scout Unit received a letter of friendship and a plaque from the Lord Mayor of Leeds, to be presented to the Mayor of Valletta when they visit Malta as ambassadors for the youth of Leeds. 

2008-08-15   Boxing Success at Garforth Town Stadium

Over 500 people visited the Genix Healthcare Stadium for the first open-air boxing event held in Leeds. A temporary boxing ring was built in front of the stand for 26 fighters to compete. 

2008-08-15   Prize Winning Gardens at Holiday Inn

Geoff Atkinson, head gardener at the Holiday Inn Garforth has won a silver medal in the best hotel category of the Business in Bloom competition.  

2008-08-14   Trial Date Set for Triple Death Crash Driver

The American charged with causing the deaths of three men by dangerous driving in Garforth will face trial on January 19, 2009. Meanwhile he must remain in Lewes, near Brighton, not apply for any international travel documents and report to Lewes Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. 

2008-08-14   Kippax Leisure Centre closure Row

Kippax Leisure Centre has closed for three weeks for urgent repairs to its boilers and electrical systems. Local councillors are furious that the centre has closed during school holidays. 

2008-08-13   Victory In Sherburn Public Footpath Dispute

Following a County Court order, the locked gate blocking off the right of way between Kirkgate and Beech Grove in Sherburn has been removed. Developer GMS Rawfield restored access last Wednesday. The campaign to reopen the path was led by Sherburn Parish Council chairman Coun Malcolm Dowson. 

2008-08-13   Ridge Road Bodies Released

The coroner has released the bodies of the three men killed in a road accident on the Ridge Road so that the families can proceed with funeral arrangements. The coroner adjourned the inquest pending further police enquiries. 

2008-08-12   New Priest to Be Installed in October

Reverend Gordon Cooper will be licensed and installed as priest in charge of St Marys Church Garforth at a service on Wednesday 22nd October at 7.30pm. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the parish centre.  

2008-08-12   Tuba Memorial for Matt

Friends and family of the late Matt Carver have created the Matt Carver Tuba Appeal in his memory. Matt was the subject of a recent appeal for bone marrow donors. Donations to the tuba appeal should be sent care of Garforth Bookshop. 

2008-08-11   Robber Jailed for Five Years

Andrew Keens has been jailed for 5 years after being found guilty of a series of robberies including robbing the Spar store in Garforth. 

2008-08-11   Garforth In Bloom Group Created

Following a meeting at the leisure centre a Garforth in Bloom group has been created. Anyone wishing to help can attend a meeting at the Leisure Centre on 11th August at 7.30 pm 

2008-08-10   MP Blames Government for Lack of TV Cricket

Local MP John Grogan blames the Government rather than the BBC for the absence of live cricket from terrestrial television. Cricket is not one of the 12 sports that are protected by law so that they must be made available on free-to-air television. His comments follow the ECB signing of a 300m pound deal with Sky to show domestic and international cricket exclusively live on their satellite channels. 

2008-08-10   Runners Invited to 18th Leeds Country Way Event

Kippax Harriers are inviting local running clubs to join in their 18th annual run on the 31st of August. The 64 mile run takes about 7 hours for the teams. For application forms and further details visit the Harriers website at www.kippaxharriers.org.uk  

2008-08-09   Bat Night at Fairburn Ings

The general public are invited to learn about the secret life of bats, before going out onto the reserve at Fairburn Ings to find out which species of bat can be found there. The event takes place on 9th August , from 8pm till late. Booking is essential so call 01977 628191 to reserve a place, non-members prices are Adults £4 Children £2, RSPB members half price. 

2008-08-09   Riding School Robbed for Third Time in 12 Months

A riding school and stables on Nannygoat Lane Garforth has been robbed for the third time in the last year. Thieves broke into a securely locked metal container and took away tack worth 15,000 pounds. The stable intends to install CCTV and other measures to discourage further raids. Anyone with information should ring Garforth NPT on 0845 6060606. 

2008-08-08   Rugby BBQ Postponed

Due to forecasted bad weather at the weekend the Garforth RUFC barbecue at the cricket club has been postponed. It will be rescheduled for the earliest possible date. Watch this website for details. 

2008-08-08   Two Local Headteachers Retire

Jane Butler from Kippax North Primary School and John North from East Garforth Primary School have retired at the end of the summer term. They were among 12 retiring heads to receive commemorative gifts at a reception given by Education Leeds. 

2008-08-07   Residents Angry at Bus Route Change

Residents of the Allandale estate in Garforth are angry that Arriva has re-routed the 163 service away from them. MP Colin Burgon has raised the issue with Arriva MD Nigel Fealtham however the bus company argue that following the re-routing the service is now being better used and feedback from customers is positive. 

2008-08-07   Councillor Helps Local Bands

Councillor Dobson has given council grants worth 200 pounds to Garforth Brass and 500 pounds to Musicability. 

2008-08-06   Garforth Lions Bonfire Date Announced

The annual Garforth Lions bonfire at Glebelands will take place on Saturday 1st November. 

2008-08-06   Barbecue Weekend at Cricket Club

The annual Garforth Rugby Club Sizzling Summer Barbecue takes place on Saturday 9th August at Garforth Cricket Club, Church Lane, starting 2.30pm. Entrance is free, fun for all the family Bouncy Castle, Penalty Shoot-out, Face Painting, Water Stocks and much, much more. Come down to have fun throwing wet sponges at your favourite local rugby players stuck in the stocks, take part in the penalty shoot-out or relax whilst watching the Cricket Match.  

2008-08-05   Garforth Town Car Park Extension Date

Garforth Town FC have submitted their planning application to extend the car park at the Brierlands stadium and if approved, work on the car park is likely to commence at the end of September. Their new season commences on 16th August. 

2008-08-05   Main Street Regeneration Continues

The renewal of the street lights under Phase 1 of the Garforth Main Street regeneration project will take place within the next few weeks.The legal issue concerning ownership of land that was delaying Phase 2 of the Garforth Main street project had now been resolved. 

2008-08-04   Photo Competition in Monk Fryston and Hillam

As part of the Scarecrow Festival on 13th and 14th September the Monk Fryston and Hillam villages are holding a photo competition. The themes are ‘In my Garden’ Or ‘In my Village’. Submit your entry with £1 fee to the Village Store by Thursday 11th September. 

2008-08-03   Man In Court Over Deaths By Dangerous Driving

American Nathan Doud, appeared before Leeds magistrates following a crash near Garforth in which three men died when their Ford Fiesta was hit head-on. He was granted conditional bail until 5th August. Mr Doud was allegedly driving the Citroen car also involved in the accident. 

2008-08-03   Garforth Annual Flower and Vegetable Show Coming Soon

Garforth Annual Flower and Vegetable Show will take place at the Welfare Hall on Saturday 6th September. Staging of exhibits will be from 7pm to 8.30pm on Friday 5th Sept and from 9am to 11am on Saturday 6th Sept. Judging of exhibits starts at 11.30am On Saturday 6th Sept and the show is open to the public from 2.00pm. There will be a silver collection at the door. 

2008-08-02   Victims of Ridge Road Crash Named

The driver of the Ford Fiesta was named as David Bell, 51, from Purbeck Grove, Garforth, the front seat passenger was Stephen Thackwray, 57, also from Garforth, and the rear seat passenger was Brian Lewis, 55, from Cross Gates. The American businessman who was driving the Citroen C4 has not yet been named and is currently under arrest. 

2008-08-02   Netballers Needed in Sherburn

Sherburn Netball Team requires new players to train at the Fairways sport pitch, Mondays, 7.30 to 9pm. Cost is £2.50 per session. Contact Carlee on 07779 644710 for details. 

2008-08-01   GCA Launches Own Website

Garforth Community Association, manager of the Welfare Hall at Garforth, has launched its own website to keep residents informed of what is happening at this busy local landmark. To visit the website goto www.gcauk.zoomshare.com.  

2008-08-01   Local Labour MPs Call for Radical Direction Change

In the wake of the Glasgow East by-election result Selby MP John Grogan has called for a major reshuffle of the Government while Elmet MP Colin Burgon urged a return to traditional Labour values of taking the side of the vast majority rather than that of big business and vested interests. 

2008-08-01   American Driver in Death Crash?

The 27 year old driver currently under arrest following a fatal head on collision with three men in a Ford Fiesta on the Ridge Road is believed to be an American who may have lapsed into driving on the right-hand side of the road. The three victims, all in their fifties, were returning from a night out in Sherburn.  

2008-07-31   Parishioners Angry at Planned Closure of Village Church

The planned closure of St John the Evangelist Church in Allerton Bywater on 17th August has angered local residents and parishioners. The church also serves worshippers from nearby Kippax . The tiny church which holds 85 is well attended and was built as a result of regular door to door collections to raise the necessary 500 pounds. Worshippers will have to make the longer journey to churches in Garforth or Castleford. The Diocese recently had the site valued.  

2008-07-31   Summer Cricket Scheme For Kippax

Leeds City Council in association with Yorkshire CCC have provided money for cricket coaching at Kippax and Whitkirk this simmer. The Kippax sessions will be from 4th to 8th August at Kippax Welfare Club, 10am to 3pm. For details ring Lynne on 2474445. 

2008-07-31   Three Killed in Head On Crash

A man has been arrested after three people died in a head-on crash between a Ford Fiesta and a Citroen C4 on Ridge Road near Garforth around midnight last night. The driver and two passengers of the Fiesta were killed in the crash. A 27yr old man is being held on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Witnesses should contact the police.  

2008-07-30   Anti Social Behaviour Down in Garforth and Kippax

The Community Safety Annual Report shows that in Garforth and Swillington ward from 1st October 07 to 31st March 2008, compared to the same dates the previous year, the number of reported crimes is practically unchanged, however theft from vehicles is down 45% and anti social behaviour is down 11%. In Kippax and Methley for the same period, reported crime is up 10% with anti social behaviour down 9%. 

2008-07-30   Hillam and Monk Fryston Plan Scarecrow Festival

Hillam and Monk Fryston are planning a Scarecrow Festival on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September. The scarecrows will be displayed in front gardens and public spaces on a trail through the villages. The theme of the scarecrows can be anything - from a traditional model to a well- known character, person or animal. Two pounds per entry, please complete the forms available or contact Carolyn Popham 01977 684008 or Sue Newton 01977 682084. All money raised will go to Community Association Projects.  

2008-07-29   The Growing Zone Helps People with Special Needs

The Growing Zone is an alloment Garden Project for Children and Adults with Special Needs in Gibson Lane Kippax. The Aim of the Growing Zone project is to bring together youngsters and older persons with disabilities, visual impairment and certain learning needs, in an environment that is safe where they can learn from each other, build up their confidence, mix with other people from the community, be taught about the land, how to grow vegetables, flowers and fruit etc. and be out in the fresh air having fun. For more details visit www.growingzone.btik.com  

2008-07-29   Play Safe Message from Sherburn Hungate Primary School

Pupils from Sherburn Hungate Primary School are working with Northern Gas Networks and United Utilities to warn youngsters to keep away from roadworks carried out during the summer holidays, after listening to a talk about the potential dangers. They warn that roadworks are like building sites and need to be treated with respect. 

2008-07-29   Kippax Girl Designs Winning Flowerbed

Rebecca Calvert from Kippax Greenfield Primary School was one of three young children who saw their flowerbed design come to life in Leeds city centre as part of the Leeds Schools in Bloom initiative.  

2008-07-28   Signing Off at South Milford

North Yorkshire County Council are to remove 10 road signs from Low Street in South Milford. Further rationalisation of the signs will take place in next 2 years.  

2008-07-28   Open-Air Boxing in Garforth

On Sunday 10th August 14 fighters will be competing in the ring at the Garforth Town FC ground. Events will include white collar (newly trained boxers) fights, Northern Area Championship matches and the main event will be a Female British Championship Fight. Bouts are licensed by the EBF. 

2008-07-27   Vintage Motorbikes at Lotherton

There is a Vintage Janese Motorbikes show in the grounds of Lotherton Hall today 27th July. The event opens 10am till 4pm and admission is 5 pounds for adults, one pound for children. 

2008-07-27   Pubwatch Scheme Expands

Police have been in talks with members of the Kippax Pubwatch scheme about combining forces with the Garforth Pubwatch scheme. The move would reinforce the message that alcohol fuelled crime and anti social behaviour will not be tolerated. 

2008-07-26   Forty Five Sign Up for Bone Marrow Donation

The bone marrow donor clinic held at the Welfare Hall attracted a good attendance and 45 people signed up to be donors. The organiser, Mr Godfrey, said the Anthony Nolan Trust were pleased to get so many to sign the donor register.  

2008-07-25   Makins Plans on Display Today

There will be a Drop-in Session at Firthfields Community Centre, East Garforth from 2pm to 7pm today, 25th July, to view and discuss the plans to re-site Mr Makin’s Caravans. Residents will be able to talk to planners about how the long running dispute can be resolved. 

2008-07-25   Lions Visit London

Members of Garforth Lions have been to London to visit the Houses of Parliament where they were shown around by MP Colin Burgon. 

2008-07-24   Park and Ride Near Micklefield?

Rail authorities are looking at the possibility of building a park and ride facility for up to 500 cars on the Leeds to York railway line near Micklefield, convenient for the A1 and M1. The station would be known as East Leeds Parkway and would result in more frequent rail services into Leeds. 

2008-07-24   Great Preston School Closes After 100 years

Great Preston Primary School is closing its doors for the final time after 111 years because from the start of the new term pupils will all be housed on the same site as the junior school, a quarter of a mile away. A special event was staged to mark the closure. 

2008-07-24   Scribblers Playgroup Receives Grant

Garforth playgroup Scribblers has received a 325 pound grant from Councillor Dobson to purchase toys to help with road safety. 

2008-07-23   Charity Soccer Match Raises Thousands

A Garforth Villa v Emmerdale Stars charity football match at the Garforth Town FC stadium earlier this month raised over £2,500 for Daniel Yorath House and the Neo-Natal Ward at St James’ Hospital.  

2008-07-23   Volunteers Required for Christmas Lights

Volunteers are wanted to help maintain the Christmas lights in South Milford. The work would suit a retired person, no electrical skills are necessary. If you are interested ring Howard Reynolds on 683474. 

2008-07-23   Leader of Council Supports Windfarm

Councillor Brett, leader of Leeds City Council has spoken out in support of the windfarm proposal at Micklefield, saying it will meet the city’s commitment to having 10 percent of its electricity produced by renewable sources by the end of the decade. Local residents and councillors are furious that the council leader has spoken out ahead of any decision being made by the planning panel. 

2008-07-22   Sherburn Butchers are Sausage Sandwich Kings

FATHER and son butchers Cyril and Graham Starkey from Wolsey Parade Sherburn beat 16 other producers to claim the regional sausage sandwich kings title. The contest was organised by the North East NFU. 

2008-07-22   Local Teacher Reaches National Final

Green Lane Primary School teacher Nicola Davies will be up for the Scholastic and La Jolie Ronde Primary Language Teacher of the Year Award at the House of Commons in October. Nicola teaches Spanish and French. 

2008-07-21   Theft of Diesel Oil

The last few weeks have seen an increase in the number of diesel thefts occurring within the villages and surrounding area. The thefts have included diesel stolen from private cars to red diesel being stolen from industrial vehicles. If you see anything suspicious obtain as much detail as you can and then contact Wetherby Police on 0113 2855374, or if it is an emergency ring 999 

2008-07-21   Kippax Man Sued by Postman

Kippax resident Joe Spink is being sued by his postwoman after she slipped and fell on the steps to his letterbox. The victim is claiming she slipped because the steps had been painted and as a result became slippy when wet. Mr Spink has put the matter in the hands of his house insurers.