MENSTON NEWS

ISSUE NUMBER 130 www.menston.org Summer 2021 Misson Statement of Menston Community Association: To unite the village through community-driven engagement, communications, events and experiences in order to enhance the wellbeing, inclusivity and amenities of the community for its residents.

WELCOME TO THIS EDITION OF MENSTON NEWS, THE NEWSLETTER OF MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

The sky on our front cover reflects the unsettled weather we have had of late and also perhaps the uncertain period in front of us this summer. We shall miss the tranquility of plane-free skies and less busy roads, the crescendo of bird song and the solidarity so many of us have felt from collective clapping and community initiatives to support our more vulnerable residents. But we can still resolve to change things for the better.

Photo courtesy of Steve Davey MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

In this edition you will at last find some preliminary details of an event – a time to celebrate and reflect upon the period we have just gone through, both on a personal level and a community one. Save the date! - 17th July. Articles develop this theme and there are more walks in response to popular demand. There is much evidence that events from late adolescence are remembered best in later life. So that generation, just about to enter adulthood now, will remember these urgent times more vividly. So we need to work as a community to foster good mental health and also face the next challenge together - to stop an environmental catastrophe later this century. In this edition there are many suggestions as to how we can all play our part. Thanks go to our contributors, our editor Anne, and volunteer distributors. As always we are anxious to have more offers of help, to [email protected]. Anne is planning that the Autumn edition will once again be more focussed on events and new plans from organizations. She welcomes contributions and suggestions on [email protected]. If you are not into emails, just leave a note for us at the library with your phone number. Jonathan Gadd, Chair MCA until October 2021

MENSTON PARISH COUNCIL

I write this in the hope that by the time the newsletter is published some of the Covid-19 restrictions will have been lifted and that some degree of normality will have returned. I sincerely hope that you will continue to support those local businesses that remained open and provided a lifeline to many of us during the recent year. Since its installation the Zip Wire and the Trim Trail have proved popular, along with the provision of the new entrance to the Park from Road. In the near future it is intended to form a ‘Friends of Menston Park’ group to plan for future schemes to enhance the play offered, especially for the younger members of the community. In April 2020, due to Covid-19, all Councils were given dispensation to meet remotely until 7 May 2021. After this date, we intend to run mixed media meetings with Council members meeting face to face but offering Zoom attendance for everyone else, until the situation allows members of the public to attend. We will keep you informed via our website. Peter Finlay - Chairman

Page 2 www.menston.org Summer 2021 PICKARDS DELI - ONE MEMBER OF MENSTON BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (MBA)

On 23rd March 2020 lockdown was announced. Initially if you had 3 years of trading you could claim 80% of your earnings. We had only put 1 tax return in, the first 6 weeks of trading, which with buying the business, decorating, business equipment and other set up costs meant we were in deficit. The first year we put 90% of the profits back into the shop, neither of us took a wage. We were genuinely worried that we would have to close and go out of business. However, we found that we could stay open and offer delivery and takeaways. We had no choice but to do that, we haven't closed and have traded throughout but we are one of the lucky businesses that could do that. It was a hard decision to stay open, were we doing the right thing? Both morally and financially. The first 2 weeks we ticked over, people were, rightly, frightened to go out. It was so stressful and we barely slept. However, after that we steadily saw a lot of our old customers and quite a lot of new ones, whether that was through deliveries for the vulnerable or takeaways. We adapted and were able to get flour and yeast that you couldn't get in the supermarkets. We've supported the Parish Council in providing hot meals for our older generation in the village, this was alongside The Pantry. We now have a traditional sweet section and started Street Food Saturday a few months ago, both have been a roaring success! We also managed, with the support of Menston Primary, to give the Year 6 leavers their annual free graduation ice cream. Due to lockdown all our customers have been local. The village we call home and the surrounding area have ensured that we are still here. We both are incredibly humbled with the support we have received from you all. Thank you and be proud that you personally contributed to keeping a local independent business alive ..... thank you doesn't seem enough xxxx Michelle and Mark

LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS West Mayor – Tracey Babin Councillors elected in Ward CBMDC covering Menston village were Bob Felsted for three years and Dale Smith for two years. Gerry Baker being the third councillor. Councillor elected in and Wharfedale Ward LMDC covering the High Royds estate was Paul Alderson for three years. The other two councillors being Paul Wadsworth and Graham Latty ST JOHN’S PARISH CHURCH - STEVE PROUDLOVE - VICAR

St John’s Parish Church is 150 years old this year. It’s a real milestone in the history of the church and the village and there will be events spread throughout the year to celebrate. Coincidentally, I turn 40 this year too (I’m not so excited about that fact!). Big birthdays, as well as being an opportunity to celebrate, are often a moment of reflection too. With my 40th approaching, I find myself thinking about how I remember my parents being 40 and how ‘old’ they seemed, and now that’s me! I find myself wondering about what the next decade will have in store for our family. The church’s 150th birthday is no different. We will be doing a lot of celebrating, but also a lot of soul-searching. Particularly after the last year and a half, there has been the chance to step back and take stock of where we’ve come from and where we are now. We’ve been thinking and praying about what the next 10 or 20 years will look like. As any of you who have had a celebration in lockdown will know, celebrating without friends is not the same. This is why everyone is invited to be part of the various celebrations throughout the year. The church family is not exclusive but involves all of us who live in Menston. Please join in! But the reflecting also, isn’t done in an isolated bubble, or else we’d become a community removed from the village in our direction, hopes and aspirations. So please join in this reflection too. We’d love to hear your views on the church and the direction we should be going in by emailing [email protected] or even better by coming along to events or even Sunday gatherings and being part of the church community. Either way, the parish church exists for the village, and therefore we hope that this reflection will be done with you. The core of Christian belief is God ’s love for the whole of the world, and that includes everyone in Menston. The church community should therefore be a people who act as a source for that love as it flows through the village. Please celebrate with us the history of our trying to do this, and please help us to get better at it in the next 150 years! Thanks Steve (Vicar of St John’s Parish Church)

WILDLIFE LAND TRUST

A group is considering setting up a Charitable Trust to acquire land in the locality for nature reserves - if you are interested in being involved please contact me at [email protected]. Francesca Bridgewater

Page 4 www.menston.org Summer 2021 IAIN JONES - HEADTEACHER EXTRAORDINAIRE

It is a privilege to thank Iain Jones for his leadership over these last 17 years and to witness changes continuing to accelerate at pace to the advantage of its pupils and our community. Iain's passion for outdoor activities makes our school a shining example of how to enhance the wellbeing of every child. Under his leadership, the school grounds have been transformed into an imaginative learning environment where every part can be used for purposeful activity. His passion for inclusion and diversity means that our children understand these aspects and respect differences among people. Iain delayed his retirement to lead the school during a most challenging period of school closures and openings, whilst providing ongoing schooling for children of essential workers. He worked with all staff to provide key support to families, to rapidly develop online learning and teaching skills, and to sustain morale of all children in lockdown. Apart from an excellent leader, Iain has been an exceptionally kind Head Teacher. His popularity amongst the children is testament to how approachable and child-centred he is. His daily involvement in playground activities, encouraging children to be active in the fresh air, will have made a lasting impression on many. Since his arrival Mr Jones has increased the number of opportunities for the pupils to attend residential trips. Years 3 through to year 6 in normal pre-COVID times have all enjoyed a great variety of trips, his enthusiasm is certainly infectious on both staff and pupils.

The inhabitants of our school are very fortunate to have had Mr Iain Jones as Head Teacher for the last 17 years mainly because he loves his job and encourages all who are involved to take part in a similar manner with consideration and courtesy, which creates a wonderful atmosphere to be shared . Also very effectively he sets an example of the importance of development and achievement of oneself - an attitude that grows with the person for life. What a gift! Issue 130 MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Page 5 An important aspect of Iain’s leadership has been the way in which he has developed the staff to their maximum potential to the benefit of the children. Marie Wilson's appointment as our new Head teacher is but the latest example and will ensure the school continues to flourish. Iain - your legacy is our childrens' many successes. Thank you. on behalf of all the governors, and the Menston Community. Annet Nottingham, Peter Finlay, Pat Reid and Dale Smith. Footnotes:- Annet - I am chair of governors and have been an LEA governor for 20 years. Peter - All my three children went through Menston Primary School, which resulted in me firstly joining the PTA and eventually I was elected a parent governor, following them leaving the school I was asked to become a co-opted member of the Governing Body, a role I have continue to enjoy. Pat - I have been involved with the Primary School for 50 years as a parent, a teacher, teacher governor and on retirement as a community governor and grandparent. During these years governors have supported not only the school but the development of a before and after school club 20 years ago in response to parent request . Dale - A pupil at Menston Council School when 5, elected Communist Prime Minister when aged 10 at the school mock election in 1950, a Governor over generations of children, a plaque when I opened the Link building, a school at which my mother taught under Ronnie Leigh. Can you imagine the changes I've seen!

LOWER WHARFEDALE RAMBLERS - THE WALK OF THE STARS This walk leaves from Menston Kirklands, on Main Street, and follows roads, footpaths and ginnels to discover the “stars” of our area. Commencing at Kirklands, look for the plaque on the library building commemorating Eric Knight 1897-1943, the writer of the Lassie books. “Lassie Come Home” was filmed in 1942, and a further 6 films were made following this. The Lassie TV series ran for 19 years. Leaving Kirklands head towards the Recreation Ground following Main Street as it becomes Bingley Road round the back of the park. Cross the A65 Road and turn right. After a few metres turn left onto Buckle Lane between the Ambulance Station and St. Mary’s School grounds. Three of the attended St. Mary’s School and there is a song on the second album called High Royds. Matthew Lewis, better known as Neville Longbottom, acted in all of the Harry Potter movies also was a pupil. Follow Buckle Lane until it becomes a path, go over the railway bridge and continue straight on. Cross Chevin End Lane (be careful it can be busy) and continue along the path. Take the next turning to the right towards Bracken End Farm. Go past the farm and the stables, go through a gate and continue along the path which takes a turn to the right. Continue over a

Page 6 www.menston.org Summer 2021 stile and then aim for the furthest right hand corner. Cross the path and enter Parkinson’s Park through a gate. There are information boards about the park and the Parkinson family who left it to the people of Guiseley. Frank Parkinson born in 1887, became an electrical engineer and set up a successful business, Crompton Parkinson, in Guiseley leading to the creation of the park, Parkinson’s Houses (you see many on this walk), Parkinson’s scholarships, and the Parkinson Building. The Guiseley Station car park still has the original clocktower in the middle of it. Walk through the park and take another gate onto Kelcliffe Lane. Continue along the path until you reach Kelcliffe Avenue. Cross the road and take a public footpath downhill. At the end of this path continue down Kelcliffe Lane. Cross Oxford St and enter Saint Oswald’s Church. This is where Patrick and Maria Bronte, the parents of the Bronte sisters, married in 1812. Without them there may never have had Wuthering Heights. With your back to the church cross the road and go down Wells Lane. This becomes Springfield Road. You will see Springfield Fisheries chip shop as you walk along. This is where Harry Corbett was brought up. A small glove puppet he made went on to become the world famous . The props for Sooty, Sweep and Sue, were made in Menston at Waite the joiners, relatives of the Corbett family. Harry Corbett was given an OBE in 1948 for his services to entertainment. When you reach the A65 Road, turn right and walk along it for 0.7 mile until you reach the Whaler chip shop. Along the way is a new housing estate, once the home of Silver Cross, makers of fine prams that were sold all round the world, including our own Royal Family. On the right is Guiseley Cricket Club where Brian Close, Captain of the 1967 Cricket Team, used to play. At the Wetherby Whaler look at the clock. This still has Harry Ramsden’s written on it. This was once the largest chip shop in the world. There is a Blue Plaque on the building providing more information. The restaurant still has chandeliers and a grand piano. Interestingly Harry Corbett’s uncle used to play the piano here. Take the crossing by the Wetherby Whaler on the A65 Bradford Road, and turn right. Turn first left onto Guiseley Drive and take the foot- path to the right by the side of the pond with lots of ducks. Look across to the High Royds buildings. These were used as a psychiatric hospital between 1888- 2003. When the hospital closed the buildings were used to film many television series including Fat Friends, Heartbeat, The Royal and No Angels. Follow the path past the pond, the football pitches, the cricket pitch (round the part furthest from the houses), and turn right along a path that takes you to High Royds Drive. Cross this road and continue along the path taking the second left path to Bingley Road (there is a new path round the current building work). Turn left and cross the road. Take the path through Menston Park and then continue down Main Street back to Kirklands. www.lowerwharfedaleramblers.co.uk Lesley Hill

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MENSTON IN BLOOM

The spring bulb display has been brilliant. The 1000’s of bulbs which community groups have donated, planted and bought through grants and fund raising activities have been admired by one and all. It is our wish to increase this spring colour around the village, so if you have any ideas where more winter and spring bulbs could be planted, we would like to know. We are seeking sites that are visible to our community, where snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils, narcissi, bluebells and alliums brighten the village year after year. Please send your ideas to the email address below, including the location, photos and your contact details and we will see what we can do to get even more beauty into the village. The volunteers of Menston in Bloom have been out and about caring for the green spaces of the village. Mulching and watering the new ‘Jam and Jelly’ hedge at Kirklands, introducing new plants, pruning trees and roses, preparing for an annual wildflower display in Menston Park, we are now preparing for the summer planting and bedding in the planters and tubs. Lots being done and lots to do. We always welcome new volunteers. There’s no need to commit to a regular session, come along when you can! Our work sessions and other news are publicised either through our email or Facebook page and our section of Menston.org.

Six “man” team mulching the newly planted Jam and Jelly hedge as well as the Hawthorne hedge

Tree Trail First created in 2009 the Menston Tree Trail has been revised. Developed to bring awareness to the great diversity of trees we live amongst, this gentle walk will take about one and a half hours and is 1.5 miles/3km long. Trees are a major part of our landscape and contribute to the health and wellbeing of all. They are the largest and longest living thing on the planet, giving us the oxygen we breathe, food, shelter and materials to

Page 8 www.menston.org Summer 2021 create the places we live and work in. Trees are great to look at, they clean our air, cool a warming climate, absorb noise and provide homes for thousands of different insects, birds, animals and plants. The circular route begins at Kirklands Community Centre and Library on Main Street, and is on paths along streets, quiet tracks, and through the green spaces of Menston. The Tree Trail also has some fantastic links to tree activities for all ages that can be undertaken whilst walking the route. To download a copy of the tree trail or view on an electronic device visit the village website:- http://www.menston.org/Menston/menston_tree_trail-6011.aspx If you do not have access to our website paper copies will be available in the library. There may be a small charge for this to cover printing costs. Enjoy these trees because they contribute to our community and help make Menston a great place to be. [email protected] Geoff Lomas

CLIMATE ACTION MENSTON (CAM) - TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT

Many thanks to all who took part in the workshop for a “Vision for Main Street” back in March. Lots of great ideas and Street Space have made suggestions for next steps in the process. It was great that the school got involved too - we need all sections of the community to have a say if we are to bring about any changes. Please check out our website for more information. The new access from the park into the High Royds estate was completed in February and with the better weather now seems to be well used - many thanks to the Parish Council for backing that idea with funding. Would you be interested in being part of a car club in Menston? We are wondering whether to pursue this as a possibility. Do get in touch if you are interested. Do you like walking around Menston? Have you heard about Slow Ways? https://beta.slowways.org/ It is an organisation that is trying to create a national walking network. They would like feedback on the state of local paths between places eg Menston to Guiseley, to Otley or Hawksworth etc. Is it muddy, narrow,overgrown etc. You can plan walking routes using the site as well. Do have a look. CAM are in touch with Friends of and you will be able to hear more about that project at the CAM AGM on 9th June at 7.30 to be held on zoom as well as lots of other information. Do join us and get involved in local action - we are in the midst of a climate emergency! We need to act now! Marilyn Banister ( 874220) and Goodith White (872043) https://climateactionmenston.org.uk Issue 130 MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Page 9 MENSTON METHODIST CHURCH

We are hoping that by the end of June we will be able to open our church to a larger congregation, be able to sing with gusto and share fellowship with each other before and after the service. Many of our congregation and others have welcomed the variety of online and Zoom services and this is something we hope to continue in parallel with our Sunday morning services in church. We are conscious that many people have found this last year incredibly difficult with the loss of family members and friends and personal health issues. With this in mind we are hoping to hold some form of village commemoration and plant a tree of remembrance in the church garden area. Friday Club for young people aged 7 to 13 years resumed at the end of April. It was wonderful to see our young people again. The Friday Club will continue to meet usually on the last Friday of each month (except August). Details will be available on the Church website and Facebook page. We are hoping that our other groups, in particular the Friday Friendship Group, will be able to resume in the autumn. Our premises are opening up to outside groups. It is wonderful to feel the church building coming alive again. The church has been very kindly donated a second table tennis table. It is hoped that in addition to it being used by Friday Club, it will be possible to set up a morning or afternoon table tennis session in the main hall which will enable more people to come and play. Our thoughts and prayers are continually with all those in our community and their families. If you need someone to talk to or pray with, please contact our Minister, Rev Tim Perkins ([email protected]) or our Lay Pastor, Jo Dixon (dixonjo2000.gmail.com / 07870 700713). All calls will be in strict confidence. Details of our services and other resources and news are available on our website www.menstonmethodist.org.uk and the Menston Methodist Facebook page. MENSTON METHODIST TENNIS CLUB We are now back playing tennis, which is great, and our junior social sessions resumed at the beginning of May. We have welcomed some new members which is encouraging. We hope the members who play table tennis on a Monday morning will be able to resume fairly soon. New members would be welcomed during the summer – please call 01943 870871 for further information or pop along to the court behind the church on a Monday morning. Jalna Jenkins Page10 www.menston.org Summer 2021 CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY CAFÉ

We hope that by the time you read this, we have been able to re-open our inside tables so you can sit in the warm and dry as well as outside in our lovely garden. We have extended our hours so we are now open from 9am to 1.30pm during the week and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays (closed on Wednesdays and Sundays). If you haven’t discovered Cornerstone yet, we are next to the Methodist Church on Main Street (nearly opposite the Malt Shovel). We have a Facebook page (search for Cornerstone café) so if you want to give us a like, you’ll get notifications of our special offers and pictures of our delicious cakes and scones to tempt you! We also serve soup, sandwiches, paninis, bacon butties, bagels, freshly ground coffee, speciality teas and lots more. Charlotte Montague The café is staffed exclusively by volunteers and we are currently recruiting! If you have free time on a Saturday and would like to join our friendly crew, please get in touch with Jo on 07870 700713.

THE MALT SHOVEL

As you may be aware last year Menston Parish Council ran a campaign for The Malt Shovel, an asset of community value, to be bought and maintained as a public house. We can now confirm that a local consortium have completed the purchase of The Malt Shovel which includes the car parking areas both front and rear. Much needed renovation work will start very soon to the building frontage, bar, toilets and outside areas. A representative said “The Malt Shovel is in the heart of our village, as Menston residents we wish to ensure that it continues to be available to the community as a pub.” He continued ‘We know that in its present state the pub could be described as a little tired and in need of some attention but we hope that our plan for refurbishment will return it to an establishment that villagers can proudly call their local.” The Malt Shovel will re-open as soon as the phase one renovation is completed and will welcome customers old and new. The Malt Men Consortium

Join CAM at https://climateactionmenston.org.uk Only £10 a year!

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Page 12 www.menston.org Summer 2021 Issue 130 MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Page 13

CLIMATE ACTION MENSTON (CAM) - TREEWILDING GROUP

The Treewilding Group has been busy helping several Menston residents with plans to increase woodland habitats, and helping plant and look after trees along the river bank in Burnsall. We were encouraging Bradford Council to sign up to NoMowMay, to allow insects to flourish in the verges. Keeping the insect population high is essential for the entire food chain! If everyone was able to leave a patch of lawn uncut, it would make a big difference. If you are interested in creating more varied habitats in your garden, and would like some help or support, please contact us through the CAM website or by email at [email protected]. Francesca Bridgewater

MENSTON-BASED WRITER’S CLUB FOILS PANDEMIC

Menston-based writers’ club Writing on the Wharfe has kept going throughout the pandemic, having a virtual video meeting every two weeks on a Saturday morning, via a private group on Messenger. Before that it met in Menston Library. It celebrated its 5th birthday in 2020. Meetings, after some general chat, usually consist of short readings of members’ writing, often to a theme decided on at the previous meeting. However, there is no obligation to write or to read at a meeting. During the pandemic a member (David Machin) produced the latest booklet of some of his work, All the World’s a Stage, printed by Small Print, selling the booklet to support the Parish church roof fund ([email protected] or Small Print). Another member (Luc Byard) completed a science fiction novel, not yet published. Another (Roger Livesey) published a book, available on Amazon, titled Writings from the Wharfe Valley - short stories including children’s stories, ‘mild horror’, and verse - most of them resulting from membership of the club. Another (Sussi Louise Smith) published a book of her beautiful poetry, Seashaken Light, available from Grove Book Shop, . Another (John Ridyard) published On Encountering Sirens and Angels on Amazon earlier in the life of the club. Some members had pieces published elsewhere. Membership is open to writers or would-be writers 18 or over. There is no membership fee. Further information from Ruxandra Moore at [email protected]. Roger Livesey

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Issue 130 MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Page 15 KIRKLANDS COMMUNITY CENTRE IS OPENING UP!

We have welcomed back supervised children’s activities and keep fit and yoga classes. The centre is following covid secure guidelines and we are working hard to ensure that our users are safe and have a great time at their classes. We are delighted that Voices of Yorkshire have chosen Kirklands to start a new choir in June on Tuesday evenings. Contact details will be available on Facebook. You will have noticed the new hall windows which are part of our drive to make the building more energy efficient. These have been funded entirely by a grant from the Time to Change Community Business Renewal Fund. Thank you to all of you who took the time to respond to our survey. As a result of your feedback we are currently working on a new and interactive website which will include an on-line booking system, details of our competitive prices and room specifications for all the spaces to hire. Our Facebook page @kirklandsmenston will be the window into what is happening at the centre. We are considering the introduction of office/meeting space for the increasing numbers of homeworkers. If you are interested in this facility, please get in touch with us. Thanks to the continued support of the Parish Council and grants which have been received during the lockdown period, further renovations of the main hall will take place over the summer including modernising the main toilets, updating the hall electrics with LED lighting, continued work on the roof and making the hall much more attractive, whilst keeping it a flexible space. We continue to explore ways in which we can become more energy efficient in innovative ways. Our aim is to be the first choice for any village event and we are always open to new partnerships and bookings so if you have a business, an event or an idea that you think could benefit from the facilities that Kirklands provides then get in touch. Heather Norreys – Centre Manager Tel: 874335 Email: [email protected] Facebook @kirklandsmenston

Climate Action Menston will be holding their AGM on 9th June at 7.30pm to be held on zoom. Please look at their website to apply for meeting id and password to join this annual event.

Page 16 www.menston.org Summer 2021 NEWS FROM HIGH ROYDS

High Royds Residents Association (HRRA) have maintained regularly monthly meetings by Zoom during the pandemic. Our efforts have been concentrated on liaising with Avant Homes, Council and Trinity Estates with the aim of ensuring that the whole development is finally completed to a satisfactory standard when handed over to the managing agent Trinity Estates Avant Homes construction staff left the site in December 2020 although the sales office is to remain in situ until the final five apartments still to be constructed are sold. These will be in the building currently occupied by High Royds Sports and Social Club which has been closed during the pandemic. Avant’s former site manager is still responsible for completing the development although no longer based here. Subcontractors are being sourced for the outstanding works to be undertaken over the next few weeks. Some minor work has been undertaken to tidy up the Wider Estate removing debris, old fencing and sign posts, etc. and it’s hoped that the path around the wood will soon be finally completed. The Orchard is to be replanted in the autumn and the area around the pond made good. The main roads and adjacent footpaths and street lighting are to be eventually adopted by Leeds City Council. Avant are currently waiting for to formally accept the drainage under the roads prior to the final surfacing work required pre-adoption. The disappointing news is that Avant despite numerous requests and pressure from HRRA have refused to provide lighting on the full length of Menston Drive. Currently street lighting stops at the bottom of Norwood Avenue. This area is very dark on winter mornings and evenings and is the main pedestrian route to the village, school, shops and railway station. This remains a concern to us. The other serious concern is the misuse by some residents, delivery drivers and visitors of the single track stretch of road with no entry signs joining Guiseley Drive and High Royds Drive. HRRA are hoping to find an acceptable solution to this issue in conjunction with Leeds City Council Highways Department. This stretch of closed road is used by walkers, cyclists and children and we are very concerned that an accident will occur if the issue is not resolved.

Issue 130 MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Page 17 High Royds Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator maintains in regular contact with the local PCSO as and when incidents occur especially the occasional “boy racers” who are attracted to driving around the road network from time to time causing both a nuisance and danger. Discussions are also continuing with Avant regarding the provision of a new Social Club for the site following the withdrawal of High Royds Sports Association. If a new club is to be built community support both practical and financial will be essential. Various conversations have taken place regarding organising a gardening club, walking club, litter picks etc. etc. but to date Covid-19 has prevented these being taken forward. It is hoped that later in the year and once COVID restrictions are fully relaxed, an AGM can take place possibly in September. The next HRRA Committee meeting by Zoom is scheduled for 7.30pm on Wednesday 9th June and High Royds residents are welcome to attend. If they send an email request logon details will be provided. For more info contact: [email protected] Nigel Hackett

D Orchard at High Royds

APPEAL FOR DISTRIBUTORS OF MENSTON NEWS ON HIGH ROYDS

The Menston News has been delivered to High Royds now for a few years and our current distributors are relinquishing this task. Is there anyone on High Royds available to become part of a team of deliverers on the Estate? You do get to meet new people whilst doing this and on a fine Grtday Spotted is a fun Woodpecker way to exercise. Linnet Please contact [email protected]

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The CAM hedgehog project on Leathley, Farnley and Cleasby plus adjoining roads has confirmed that many gardens are visited by hedge- hogs. Several people said they were unable to put out food because cats would eat it. This tunnel made of 8 bricks is easy for a hedgehog to enter, but not cats. About 70% of hedgehogs die during their first year, partly because they cannot put on enough weight to see them through hiberna- tion. It will make a difference if we put out food and water in our gardens.

Issue 130 MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Page 19 FITNESS TRAIL IN THE PARK

Young ladies in the Park having fun whilst exercising

We also have wheelchair accessible taxis for hire

Page 20 www.menston.org Summer 2021 SAVE THE DATE MENSTON IT’S TIME FOR A MENSTON GET TOGETHER SATURDAY 17 JULY 1.00 – 4.00 PM

DISPLAYS DECORATIONS EVENTS COMPETITIONS FOOD

TO BE HELD IN AND AROUND KIRKLANDS AND MENSTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

It’s been a long time coming we know so let’s make it a special day. A chance to meet up with friends and family, say thank you to those who are special to us and have some fun.

We look forwarding to seeing you there.

Watch out for further details through Facebook, posters and the local press.

If anyone may be interested in having a table or stall at the event please contact [email protected]

ANOTHER “SAVE THE DATE MENSTON”

“Divine Reflections” Flower Festival

Parish Church of St John the Divine

17th – 19th September, 2021

Morning Coffee and Afternoon Tea being served

Issue 130 MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Page 21 CAM - WHY WE SHOULD NOT USE PEAT

Most of us put compost in our shopping trolley without really thinking about what's in it. But more and more people are realising that it can often contain peat, and that's bad for the environment. This article explains why that is, and what you can easily (and cheaply) do instead. Peat bogs have taken thousands of years to form and cannot regenerate: once they are gone, they are gone. They provide habitat for thousands of species of insects and plants. When left undrained they help prevent flooding of lower lying land. But crucially, they are the biggest vegetation “carbon sink” on the planet: more than all the other sources combined, including rainforests. Every time someone cuts peat, stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere. So what can you instead? Look at the Climate Action Menston website for an informative list of FAQs on peat. There is also a PDF comparing brands of peat-free compost with advice on where to buy it. Have a go at making your own compost! It is very satisfying to turn scraps into something useful. The cheapest receptacle is available from the council. You can put it straight onto the earth so that worms have access. Order at www.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444. There is plenty of advice online, but basically you need nitrogen, carbon, air and water. Green garden waste and chopped up raw kitchen waste can go in. Torn up inner tubes from toilet paper and kitchen paper provide the right sort of carbon. Leaves, sawdust and used pot plant compost and used herbi- vore animal bedding can be added. Avoid perennial weeds, bulbs, rose cuttings, cooked food etc. YouTube has lots of videos and it is fascinating to see what google returns when you search “what can go in a compost bin?” Turn the mixture after a few months, keep it moist and wait! Alison Davies

MENSTON NEWS

Again we would like to thank our contributors and distributors for the time and energy that they give to the Menston News which we hear from many people in the village is much appreciated. Obviously the content of each article is down to the writer and so Menston News is not responsible for the views expressed. Should you wish to contact Menston News please do so on [email protected]. We are always interested to hear your views and ideas and should you wish to become a distributor we would appreciate that as well. The cut-off date for articles for the next Menston News (Autumn edition) is 15TH August.

Page 22 www.menston.org Summer 2021 #HOUSEHOLDSMALLSTEPS We are back with another five small steps to help householders become greener and hopefully save you money in the process! Please contact Climate Action Menston with any of your own ideas (which we can include in future editions) or why not post directly on our Facebook page.

Issue 130 MENSTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Page 23 Menston Village Show’s 45th Anniversary 12th SEPTEMBER 2021 This September sees the welcome return of the much loved ‘Menston Village Show’. We cannot wait to welcome you back! To commemorate our 45th year, (Sapphire Anniversary), the theme for many of the classes is ‘Celebrating Anniversaries’. In the Flower arranging category you may be creating a display to showcase, ‘Here comes the Bride’. Or your children could turn their hands to our classes inspired by David Attenborough’s Blue Planet which first aired on 12th September 2001.

The vegetable and flower classes remain largely unchanged, so let us hope the weather stays nice for a bumper crop. Our previous show’s keen bakers impressed with their bread making skills, this year we are asking for a Cob loaf. You may enjoy making things with your hands? We have added a pottery & ceramic class and an article made principally from wood. If you can knit, or would like to learn, then we are asking you to make a Love Heart, with all entries being donated to the Palliative Care Unit. The basic pattern is provided, but you can add your own flair with the colour scheme, or additional pattern. The special community class was a great success last time, so we are hoping that our community groups will highlight their special skills to design an A3 ‘Menston Village Show’ poster. The winning design will be used for advertising the 2022 show. Further details of this event will be announced following any updated government advice for social gatherings. In the meantime, please enjoy making and doing and growing and we hope to see your entries in September. Check out our Facebook page @MenstonVillageShow Victoria Taylor (Chair - Menston Show Committee)