Otleyers Matt Town Council, Civic Centre, Cross Green, Otley LS21 1HD. Tel: 466335 Fax: 468658 E-mail: [email protected] DECEMBER 2005 No 35

CALENDER of EVENTS by OTLEY LIBRARY City Council for January 2006

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR JANUARY 2006 – see full programme for more details

A final programme is not yet available but it is intended to provide a succession of events, activities and workshops during the month of January to showcase the range & scope of resources and facilities available at & through the library & tourist information centre.

SATURDAY 7th JANUARY New Library and Tourist Information Centre opens its doors for the first time. Presentation of prizes for Design your Dream Library Competition. Events, activities & workshops for children. Simon Murphy author of ‘Mokeey Joe’ and ‘Aesops Fables’ with Mathew Bellwood. SUNDAY 8th JANUARY Drum Workshop MONDAY 9th JANUARY pm Special Storytime under 5’s Teddy Bears Picnic Otley Library WEDNESDAY 11th JANUARY Tourist Information Centre display & highlight the work of the Tourist Information Centre THURSDAY 12th JANUARY Christmas & New Year Arrangements Wine Tasting - Evening FRIDAY 13th JANUARY OTLEY LIBRARY & TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Coffee morning ~ General Welcome to the Library for all ~ introduction to the different services & resources available at Otley Library The Library & Tourist Information Centre will be closed from 1pm on 2-3 pm - Launch Friday Events Programme – speaker from the Saturday 24th December until 9am on Saturday 7th January, when it will Central Library on one of the specialist services - Michelle Le open in its new venue at the junction of Charles Street and Nelson Street. Fevre from the Local History Department. To minimize inconvenience to the local community, several changes have been THURSDAY 19th JANUARY ~ Evening made to normal practice. These include : - Author Event - Deric Longden An extended loan period for all items borrowed in the lead up to Christmas WEEK COMMENCING 23rd January • A week of computers & learning at the library. Learning sessions each • Increase in the number of books & items that can be borrowed over the day ~ some basic, some specialist including ‘Using the internet to Christmas/ New Year period. help decorate cards’ & Introduction to Library based websites. This closure of the library building for a few days will allow time for any items FRIDAY 27TH JANUARY that need transferring from the current library to its new home to be moved WORLD WAR II EVENT ALL DAY and to ensure the new Library and Tourist Information Centre is ready for business as early as possible in 2006. Royal Armouries Re-enactments and Artefacts.

For further details, please either ring Otley Library on 24 3285, New Library Opening Times for New Library & TIC drop into the library or access the local community website, www.otley-yeadon.leedslearning.org The L.C.C. Library & Information Service is pleased to announce that the new Otley Library and TIC will be open 60 hours a week, over 7 days.

Monday 10am - 7pm Friday 9am - 7pm Two options were drawn up in consultation with the local library staff for which Tuesday 9am - 7pm Saturday 9am - 4pm hours the library & TIC should be open. These were then distributed as widely Wednesday 9am - 7pm Sunday 11am - 3pm as possible within the Otley and Pool area to canvass a broad spread of opinion. Thursday 9am - 7pm The results were 3:1 in favour of one option, which means that the new library and TIC will be open at the following times.

OTLEY BRASS BAND OTLEY CAMERA CLUB CHRISTMAS OUT AND ABOUT Most of the members of Otley Camera Club have digital cameras and printers and are always prepared to exchange information at the weekly 9 Dec Friday Otley Victorian Fayre - small group busking meetings. Many more photographers are taking larger numbers of 7.30pm photographs with the developing digital system, should anyone wish to 10 Dec Saturday Playing outside Waitrose in Otley enhance their knowledge and improve their results they would be 10-2pm welcome at our meetings. 15 Dec Thursday Playing inside Booths in 12-2pm 16/17 Dec Fri/Sat Joint concert with 7.30pm Yeadon Amateur Dramatic Society

18 Dec Sunday Otley Farmer's Christmas Market 11-1pm 22 Dec Thursday Playing inside Booths in Ilkley 10-12 noon

Our main fundraising events are busking jobs around the locality, although we do like to sit down and get warm with an indoor concert at some point. We have never had a Christmas concert outside of the town, and are looking forward to joining with Yeadon ADS at Yeadon Town Hall this year. Several band members have duties on Remembrance Sunday, playing the last post at cenataphs and churches around the area, including the Methodist Church in Otley. Winner of the Best Print Section in The Wharfedale Competition, Mr I. P. Sanderson We rehearse on Tuesdays at the Courthouse from 7.45pm - 10pm. Contact [email protected] for more information. Early in March 2006 there is to be a Digital Workshop evening when David Ricketts the club president and member Jerry Marriner will demonstrate existing and new applications of the digital system .

The 61st Annual Photographic Exhibition will take place in the Civic Space to Grow Centre, Otley from Saturday 25th.March to the following Wednesday 29th March, when the Mayor will open a display of some of the work of Space to Grow Outdoors has been operating as a social enterprise for just all members of the club. During the exhibition there will be talks in the over a year now. Lee Burnside, Centre Manager, has just completed a year evenings on travel in Europe and in North America, the illustrated with the project and Pete Gurney, Operations Manager will complete his experiences of an armed forces photographer and a ‘Totally Digital’ year in January. It has been a very exciting and challenging year. Our presentation. aim has been to generate as much income as possible, offering a wide range of outdoor development packages, to as wide a client base as New members are always welcome to the Camera Club, who knows we may possible. The profit from this has funded regular, free outdoor learn something from you, come to the Civic Centre and say hello on a development sessions for local young people. Thursday evening soon or telephone Richard Morris the club secretary on 01943-4641 47 if you want more information. This spring and summer, sessions organised, managed and led by Pete, have taken place on Otley Chevin, Brimham Rocks, and at various locations in the Dales. In addition to the Space to Grow sessions Pete and Lee have run a kayak club, for young people and adults on the River Wharfe. Two of the adults have gained their 2 star kayak award and are working Over 55’s Exercise Group towards becoming volunteer assistant instructors with the project. The young people have gained their 1 star award. (Both awards are granted An Otley exercise group who were determined to keep the classes by the British Canoe Union). The kayak club has finished for the winter, going after Park Lane College withdrew funding, were successful in but will restart in the spring, as will a new climbing club, for young people obtaining a Healthy Living Grant, which has enabled them to keep who want to further develop the skills they have been introduced to on the classes going until June 2006. Space to Grow sessions. The members were devastated when after only two terms, the Pete has run 2 volunteer training days for adults who want to work with classes were axed, despite numerous letters of complaint to the Space to Grow. Six adults are now working as volunteer assistants with Principal of the college. Undeterred, the group got together to fund the instructors on Space to Grow sessions. all the costs of the tutor, and the hire of the Courthouse, for one hour every Tuesday morning, out of their own pockets. In the Lee has been working very hard building up Space to Grow‘s business. meantime, an application was made for a grant to carry on the Among others Space to Grow has provided sessions for Yeadon Guides, popular classes. The aim of the Otley Over 55’s Exercise Group is to HSBC Bank, Halifax Bank, Leeds Metropolitan University, Thomas Danby improve and maintain physical strength and mobility, and to increase College (Leeds), Leeds Youth Service, Police Scheme. Space to confidence and balance. The exercises build muscle tone and lung Grow has been working in partnership with Prince Henry’s School, function, improve memory, and promote a feeling of wellbeing. The providing a 10 week programme in school time and with Positive Action tutor is fully trained and insured,and she tailors the exercises to the for Young People (PAYP), working with young people in NE and NW Leeds, individual and their ability. including a wild camping expedition in the Lake District. The work with Leeds Metropolitan University, working on the outdoor education and Although the classes are serious in promoting good health in our over recreation module with students on the Physical Education Degree Course 55’s, the members have fun learning new gentle work-outs, and even has involved 3, week long residentials in the Lake District, run by Lee and indulge a little "soft shoe shuffle" to ‘o’le blue eyes Frank Sinatra. a number of Space to Grow’s free lance outdoor education instructors. The group has worked hard since getting the grant, designing posters From all this you can see that Space to Grow Outdoors has had a very good to advertise the exercise classes,and siteing them in various outlets first year. The project is now 80% sustainable. We have just received a in Otley and surrounding areas, all of which has resulted in increased £5,000 grant from Awards for All, to provide more outdoor sessions, and membership. are applying for further funding as we work towards full sustainability. Classes will recommence in the New Year on Tuesday 10th January Space to Grow is based at the White House on the Chevin. As well as Lee 2006 at 11.15 am to 12.30pm at the Courthouse, Courthouse St, and Pete it has an excellent team of highly qualified instructors and Otley. There will be ten session’s at £1.50 each, payable in advance, enthusiastic volunteers and directors. If you would like to get involved in new members will be made very welcome. the project or know young people who would like to take part in Space to Otley Over 55’s Exercise Group wish to thank all who have supported Grow sessions, or if you would like Space to Grow to provide some outdoor them during 2005 , their help, advice and generosity has been activities for you, your family, and/or colleagues: invaluable!! Contact Lee or Pete on 01943 466388 email info@space to grow.org website www.spacetogrow.org BELLMANS CORNER OTLEY Citizens O’yez – O’ye – Oyez, CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU Advice (CAB) Bureau hear ye this .....

By the time this edition of “Otley Matters” is published & on the streets We are an independent voluntary organisation supported by part- I presume we shall be waiting to celebrate Christmas and the New Year I time staff providing free, confidential and impartial information hope you all had an excellent 2005. and advice on every subject. My duties as Bellman throughout the last twelve months have been fairly Over the past three months Otley CAB has assisted 742 clients predictable, announcing birthdays, weddings, and dates of meetings of with 1795 enquiries. A lot of these enquiries involved debt, local societies which don’t always hit the press, officiating at the Annual benefit and employment problems. Two issues that are very General Meeting of the Town Council and the Annual Parish Meeting at topical at the moment are, the overpayment of tax credits and which the public are invited to attend and ask questions - sometimes the change in the law regarding civil partnerships. awkward, or even slightly embarrassing ones. I was once asked what was Overpayment of Tax Credits is a problem facing many families in my reason for being there all dressed up? I jokingly replied that I was there to prevent blood being spilt, whether the questioner believed me the UK. Since July we have seen 46 such enquiries at Otley alone. I don’t know for sure but the following year it was noticeable that a much Please call in if you would like to discuss any issues you may have larger number of the public attended, was it something I had said? with Tax Credits. There have, however, been a number of events that I was invited to December 2005 sees the legal recognition of civil partnerships for attend as Bellman which spring to mind as worth highlighting. There was same sex couples. Getting registered is a serious decision. As well an exhibition of paintings and greeting cards by a local group of adults as being an important commitment there are significant with special needs held at the Civic Centre which was an eye – opener for consequences, bringing both rights and responsibilities. A civil all of us and would not have disgraced professional artists, especially partnership can only be ended by death, dissolution or some of the ones who have featured recently in the national media. The annulment. Dissolution is a court based process and as with most memorable occasion for Otley, as well as myself, was probably the marriage will require a solicitor’s involvement. once in a lifetime dedication of the WW II plaque on the Jubilee Clock by From this December, any couple that registers a civil partnership the Town Mayor Cllr. Betty Bevan on completion of essential repairs. will have the same rights as a married couple in areas such as tax, I also had the honour of officially welcoming a lady, Eleanor Straton, who social security, inheritance and workplace benefits. Advice on had overcome a serious life threatening illness and celebrated her recovery how to register a civil partnership can be found at your local by completing an arduous cycle journey starting in Inverness and finishing register office or on the website of the General Register office – in Otley, a distance of over 500 miles in aid of a well known charity. www.gro.gov.uk. The most physically draining event for me last year, but none the less a very pleasant one - was without a doubt the Otley Carnival which was There is more information on these and other issues at held on the hottest and stickiest day of the summer. As usual I was www.adviceguide.org.uk. leading the Parade, ably assisted by the deputy Bellman “Bomber Wilson” - you may have noticed him - he is the thin one. It felt like purgatory to MORNING AFTERNOON me, in fact it was so hot that one of the pipers in the band was taken to MONDAY 9.30 - 12.00 1.30 - 3.30 hospital suffering from heat-stroke. However everyone else who was TUESDAY 9.30 - 12.00 1.30 - 3.30 there said it was perfect weather for the Carnival and agreed it was one WEDNESDAY CLOSED CLOSED of the most enjoyable - I must be getting old - no comment! THURSDAY CLOSED 1.30 - 3.30 In the next edition of “Otley Matters” I will hopefully have more FRIDAY 9.30 - 12.00 CLOSED information to impart about my friend the “Thin One” & Deputy Bellman, Bomber Wilson. Watch this space! May I take this opportunity Telephone Advice Available on 01943 466976 & 08701 202450 to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous and Peaceful New Year, God save the Queen ! Paddy Steval Bellman of Otley

COUNTRYSIDE NEWS – Chevin Update Educational work is one of the most important aspects of the Leeds City Council Ranger work at Chevin Forest Park and school bookings are going from strength to strength, with regular excellent feedback. We are more than half way through a twelve week “basic countryside skills” programme with students from Prince Henry’s work placement scheme. In addition to this, three students from local schools have chosen to do their work placement at the Chevin this year, learning about the role of a Ranger. In addition to this many Community and Business organisations are getting stuck in with practical conservation tasks, such helping out as to manage the species-rich meadow at Sinclairs Field or removing invasive species from Beacon Hill Moor. Groups from Yorkshire Water, Tinshill Learning Centre, Halifax Bank of Scotland, as well as a regular group from Wetherby Adult Training Centre have helped on the Chevin since the summer. Many people also visit the Chevin to learn or practice identifying plants and fungi, or to learn about managing sites, with groups from DEFRA, Mid Yorkshire Fungus Group, the Greater Yorkshire Tree Officers, regular visits from Park Lane College, and the very popular herb walks led by Bel Charlesworth. Work does not stop for the weekends either, with a wide variety of different groups meeting at the weekends including a very enthusiastic group from the Church of the Latter Day Saints. Two long running groups also meet at weekends. The Chevin Wildlife Watch Group, set up twenty years ago, is now well into its autumn-winter programme of activities after a successful day at Otley Show in the summer, and the Chevin Volunteers who have practical sessions once a month helping with a wide variety of different projects. If you would like to know more about any of the acitivities mentioned above, or you would like to get involved, or bring a group to visit the site, please ring Kerry Netherway on 0113 237 5268. Watch this space for future information and dates about the Chevin Forest Park and Open Access Land! OTLEY CHORAL OTLEY MUSEUM SOCIETY

In September 1952 Otley Road Safety Committee organised a competition for Otley DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:- schoolchildren to coincide with Animals Week. Children were asked to write a story, essay or poem about any subject connected with animals and road safety. SATURDAY 3rd DECEMBER 7.30 pm There were 251 entries and 242 of these entries have survived and have recently been Otley and Ilkley Choral Societies join together donated to Otley Museum. Over 200 of the entries were from children 11 years in a concert of contemporary music at and under and included poems, prose and pictures. St.Margaret’s Church in Ilkley. The programme Unfortunately the winning entries were sent to and probably never returned to includes John Rutters Magnificat, first Otley but the names of the winners were as follows:- performed in 1990 in Carnegie Hall in New York. This work is for soprano and mixed choir, 1st Prize - Andrew Howard Moss (under 11) & D Hunt (over 11) the second movement is the beautiful “of a rose, a lovely rose”. Other prize winners were Valerie Brumpton, Moira Cullen and Sheila Hopper in the over The other major work is the piece 11’s and Heather Good, John Spence, Lois Richardson, Derrick Teale, Merlyn Brown and commissioned for the Otley Choirs 50th Susan Parker in the under 11’s. Anniversary, this is “Musick’s Jubilee” by Andrew Carter. This piece has become very THIS IS ONE OF THE COMPETITION ENTRIES popular since the first performance in 1993.

As I was walking home one day SATURDAY 10th DECEMER 7.30 pm I saw a dog run out to play in Otley Parish Church He ran into the busy street A big black jeep then came along A performance of “Messiah” accompanied by And knocked my doggie off his feet the Yorkshire Chamber Ensemble, the soloists are Quentin Brown and Stephen Muir with I picked him up, and ran to the vet Joanne Dexter singing the soprano solos and And asked if he could heal my pet Bridget Budge the Alto soloist. He said he could, and I danced with glee To think I would have my dog with me. TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER 7.30 pm

Museum opening times: Monday-Tuesday-Friday 10 am to 12.30pm In Wesley Hall, Otley a Carol Concert with and the first Saturday in each month 10am to 12.30 pm. Admission Free. Christmas readings etc. and with a Telephone and postal enquiries welcomed. performance of a Christmas Cantata by Donald Otley Museum, Civic Centre, Cross Green, Otley LS21 1HD Cashmore “This Child Behold”. This concert Telephone: 01943 461052 arranged and conducted by David Carr. OTLEY CONTINUES TO BLOOM AND GROW Otley in Bloom has had another fruitful year. The steering group has grown and the extra hands are beginning to make lighter work of the many tasks we have in hand. The group welcomes new members. There is such a variety of jobs we are sure there is something of interest for everyone. We still meet on Tuesday evenings, 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm in the Manor House Pub. If you are interested please get along and see what is in the pipeline. Vacancy Filled Our special appeal for someone to come forward and take on the administration, planning and coordination for the Otley in Bloom regional spring and summer competitions has been successful. David Bellerby, by occupation an operations manager, has volunteered to undertake these tasks of cleaning the Market Place the night before judging. David is prepared to roll up his sleeves further and maintain Otley’s profile in the Yorkshire in Bloom competitions. David has the full support of the steering team and will welcome new ideas and extra help in the forthcoming months. Double Summer Success 2005 Otley won the Summer competition of Yorkshire in Bloom. The judges were delighted with all the various people and projects they saw and were highly impressed with the contributions of local businesses. Otley in Bloom was also awarded the highly treasured Community Spirit Trophy by Otley Town Council. Both the trophies are on display in Otley Civic Centre. Please find time to appreciate them because the trophies are as much a recognition of your efforts as they are of the steering group. So congratulations are deserved all round for everyone’s efforts and support over this past year. Forward planning The steering group is working hard on the major bids held within the Town Enhancement plan. This document and supporting evidence will be held in the new Otley Reference Library when it opens next year. To date the document has helped inform two key bids for the development of the Market Place and Wharfemeadows Park. We intend to pursue further bids for the removal of the hoardings, the town’s gateways and the Burras Lane Green arts work in the forthcoming year. In the meantime, Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2006. Mother nature looks as if she has plenty of surprises in store for us this winter. Let’s hope we can turn them to Otley’s advantage next spring.

VOLUNTARY ACTION LEEDS Year of the Volunteer Want to do something worthwhile? Have spare time? There is volunteering to suit everyone, so whether you fancy a change in career, need your first step into work or just want to meet some new friends, then your Volunteer centre, based at Otley Courthouse can help ! Call Hannah Dalaya on tell 0113 2977920 for an appointment. A few hours each week is all it takes. Give a little and gain a lot!

GOOD NEWS ON GREEN LANES Launch of Council WEB SITE The vast and beautiful Blubberhouses/Middleton moor that lies a few miles north west of Otley has suffered terrible damage from the activities of 4x4s and motorbikes. English Nature has issued a report that says that the moor is possibly the most damaged moor in the country. The Town Council is proud to announce that it is at the point of The good news is that the county highway authority has imposed a five- releasing its web site! year traffic regulation order across the moor, prohibiting recreational motor vehicles. Increasingly electors expected to be able to access information If any motor vehicles, other than those used by farmers, gamekeepers electronically and the Town Council is pleased to announce the and other people with legitimate business on the moor, are encountered release of its web site at the start of the New Year. by the public, it would be helpful if the date and time of sighting, The address will be in future issues of Otley Matters. together with registration plate details, are supplied to the police. The web site will provide both useful local information and useful People from Otley have walked, cycled and horse-ridden across this technical information on the workings of the Town Council. It will surprisingly wild and remote moor for many years. For the next five be possible to access notices calling meetings, written reports and years they should once again experience the peace and quiet that used minutes from the site so that all electors can readily see the to reign up there, and they should be able to see the fabric of the moor decision making process of each committee and the Council itself. slowly recovering from the damage inflicted by motor vehicles. The services of the Council will become increasingly available For more details of the campaign to prohibit recreational vehicles from from the web site for those who choose the electronic route. But green lanes, write to YDGLA, Civic Centre, Cross Green, Otley LS21 IHD. - this does not mean that the traditional access to services by phone and mail or by calling in will be in any way diminished in the foreseeable future. What it does mean is that those who wish to access for example A NEW SERVICE AT THE CIVIC CENTRE! an allotment application form by the web site will be able to call up a map of the town showing where each site is, an interactive The Town Council is pleased to announce an improved service at the Civic application form and a set of the terms of conditions of letting. Centre, which it is hoped will make significant improvements for those using The form can then be lodged directly on the site and reply will be the Centre. sent within a matter of days by e-mail. The Town Council has acquired a new conference microphone system. It is Similar forms will be available for the booking of the Buttercross designed to improve the quality of meetings by improving the quality of sound and rooms within the Civic Centre. As the technology improves it when somebody is talking to the meeting. This system is very easy to operate is hoped that bookings for the Civic Centre will be able to be and provides up to 12 users with an individual microphone with a built in made directly into an interactive diary, but we are going to have speaker in its base. The system will be able to connect into the public address to wait a little longer for that to be available, though our web site system within the Main Hall and when this element is in place it should be able designers are keen to find a solution! to generally improve the quality of sound in that Hall. It has to be said that none of the halls or rooms within the Civic Centre have particularly good acoustics so Otley is beginning to be well served by community web sites. So this new acquisition will be particularly important at business meetings. Any rather than having a number of community pages on the web site group holding a business meeting within the Civic Centre can ask to have the it is intended to have efficient hyperlinks that will take the user system setup for the meeting. A small deposit of £10 will be required and directly to the site that they wish. Any community group which is assuming no damage this will be returned at the closure of the meeting. Since interested in having a link should feel free to contact the town the system does take some time to setup organisations are requested to give clerk's office. as much warning as possible to the Civic Centre Manager or warden taking the original booking for the room. For those who think that they may be interested Running a web site is a new experience for the Town Council so it but are not used to such a system then it is recommended that they contact the is to be expected that as its experience grows so will the content Civic Centre manager, Mr. Foy to arrange a time when the system is being setup and effectiveness of the web site. Constructive criticism will and a demonstration can be given. always be welcome at the town clerk's office, especially from those have particular experience in this field and are able to It is hoped that this new addition to the resources at the Civic Centre will contribute to the growth of this useful site. continue to improve the level of service provided.

METRO NEWS M New and enhanced bus services for Otley

Services 960 - 967 The Wharfe Valley bus network (W services) has not changed significantly for many years and it was felt that a number of improvements needed to be made to meet changing passenger needs. The new services, now numbered 960 – 967, came into operation at the end of October. The services are branded as MetroConnect services and will be mostly operated using modern vehicles with low-floor accessibility. They are aimed at connecting communities with the main transport routes in . Some of the benefits for Otley include improved connections at Otley bus station between services from Menston and Ilkley, a new service to Waitrose supermarket (service 962) and an enhanced service for West Busk Lane on service 967.

Service 923 Otley to Wetherby Service 923 now operates four round trips a day between Wetherby and Otley, serving Collingham, Bardsey, Scarcroft, Harewood, Arthington and Pool in Wharfedale. The service also calls at , and acts as a local shopping service to the Waitrose (Otley) and Morrisons (Wetherby) supermarkets. The service was enhanced at the beginning of August to operate six days a week - Monday to Saturday and during the summer an extra later journey was introduced on a trial basis. This later journey has proved successful and as a result will continue to operate throughout the winter. The last journey time is 1530 from Wetherby and 1627 from Otley Bus Station. Concessionary fares are available at all times on all this wheelchair-accessible service, as is a messages and small parcels facility.

OTLEY ARCHAEOLOGICAL & OTLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMMUNITY Our winter programme commenced in September with a talk entitled COUNCIL ‘Pubs & Yards of Leeds’ followed in October by an illustrated talk on the River Thames. The speaker at our November meeting is Mr D Alred and his This year Otley Community Council has received a subject will be ‘Washburn Valley – yesterday’. new lease of life. On 12th January 2006 the Society begins the second part of our winter programme with a lecture At the AGM held early in the year the Chair of the by Ms.C Dean on ‘The Mystery of Otley’s Hidden Shoes”. In February we have a return visit by Council, David Robson, having talked to the Charity Mr M Taylor who will be speaking about ‘The Medieval Woodcarvings of Beverley Minster’ this will Commission called for more volunteers to serve on be accompanied with a slide show. Another favourite speaker is back in March, namely I.Dewhirst the Executive Committee. MBE who will speak on ‘Victorian and Edwardian Leisure’

His request was answered when Councillor In the summer months we have enjoyed outings to various places of historical interest including Christine Campbell, Les Cross, John Morgan, Karen the Chantry Chapel, Wakefield, Arley Hall in Cheshire and Sudbury Hall in Derbyshire. Popplewell and Edward Winpenny all agreed to join Our annual 4 day holiday this year was taken at Seamill in Ayrshire. This included visiting ‘Robbie the committee. Burns’ country and a day on the Isle of Arran. We were once again indebted to Tony our excellent coach driver for selecting such a wonderful hotel and for his care of us and his safe driving. With the addition of these five, the stalwarts, Dave The meetings are held on the second Thursday in the month at the Civic Centre, Otley and Robson and Raoul Guise were not soldiering on commence at 7.45 pm. Membership is £7 per person; guests are welcome at £2. alone any longer.

Since then several meetings of the Executive have taken place; plans are laid for the production of the OTLEY SAILING CLUB much wanted directory and for the application for funds by way of grants from Leeds City Council. The Club has had a very busy summer. Besides the usual racing programme, a scheme called “Sailing for All” is proving a great success. It means that anyone with a physical disability or a At a recent Executive Meeting Members agreed to complex learning problem can have the chance to enjoy the thrill of sailing, even to learn to work closely with Otley Town Partnership, a steer and help to keep the boat upright. decision which reflects the current situation of the Besides this, another enterprise called “Sail Free” is offering the sailing experience to various partnership Steering Group which now has a groups in the Leeds and area. Two of these are “Kidz2gether” a Cancer Support Group greater community focus and is underlined by the and the John Smeaton Community High School Special Needs Department. fact that Les Cross is now secretary of both organisations. The facilities available at Otley S.C. are ideal for helping handicapped people. There is a hoist The Community Council does have small start up and a fixed jetty so that a wheelchair user can be swung aboard a suitable dinghy and then sail grants available for community groups. Anyone away, just like an able-bodied person. In addition, a newly purchased power boat has a drop wanting to apply should either contact the Treasurer front, so that a wheelchair with its occupant, can be pushed off the jetty and onto the boat with Raoul Guise or the Secretary on 01943 851204. ease. Zooming round the lake in this boat is really exciting.

Otley Community Council looks forward to a Most important of all is the skilled and caring help of the volunteers who teach the methods, profitable association with Otley Town Partnership encourage the nervous and ensure the safety of everyone, not forgetting seeing that it is and many community groups in the years to come. enjoyable for all. There are also two tuition sessions in Spring and Autumn where our band of Royal Yachting Association (RYA) qualified teachers instruct would be sailors in the principles and practice of dinghy sailing. There are excellent life jackets, floating pontoons for easy launching and an elderly dinghy used to learn the technique of righting a capsized boat – an essential skill for beginners! So, if you fancy learning to sail, why not join the Club? CARERS LEEDS Contact Stella Murdoch on 01943 465115 or the Membership Secretary Eric Lee on 0113 2732800 Carers Leeds is an organisation that offers a confidential support and information service to Carers. It is part of the national network of Carers centres organised by the Princess Royal Trust for Carers. Carers Leeds holds Chinese Physical Culture regular Drop In sessions at Otley Civic Centre, Room 2, between 10 am and 1pm. Is a system of movement and exercise originating from China which has been developed over thousands of years. All Carers are very welcome to pop in for a coffee and a chat. We would like to take the Chinese Physical Culture (CPC) incorporates different aspects of mainstream Chinese opportunity at the Drop Ins to tell Carers physical arts such as Tai Chi, Yoga, respiration therapy and dance. Exercises are about the “Time for Carers” scheme. This is practiced in a relaxed atmosphere at the learners own pace and ability. Through a scheme which provides grants to Carers to help them take a break from their caring practicing CPC learners develop improvements in relaxation and reducing stress, while role. It is for Carers who provide substantial having fun and feeling good about themselves. and regular care on an unpaid basis to a relative, friend or neighbour. Carers can Using movement and exercise, provides a holistic approach to personal growth and receive up to £350. encourages physical, mental and effective skills development for overall well-being and increased vitality. It also encourages life-long learning for everyone, and can be adapted Our next Drop In is our CHRISTMAS DROP IN on to suit the needs of the individual. Thursday December 15th where we would love to meet up with Carers to share in a mince pie or two …. or even three … and There is a Chinese Physical Culture Class held in Otley, on Tuesday from 7 to 9pm at the coffee.Look forward to meeting up with you. Civic Centre – Room 4. Everybody is welcome to join. The first class is free.

Further information please ring For more information, please contact the teacher Therese Maini : 0113 2786471 or Carers Leeds on 0113 2468338 07931985758 WINTER AT GALLOWS HILL OTLEY & DISTRICT ROAD A sparrowhawk flashes past at head height and streaks into an area of trees. Seconds SAFET Y COMMIT TEE later an explosion of birds in The Annual Primary School Quiz took place in June, with 8 teams all directions signals its participating. All Saints CE, Ashfield, St.Joseph’s RC, Westgate and arrival. Another life and The Wharton’s from Otley. From Guiseley: Hawksworth School, death drama, the struggle St.Oswald’s CE, and Tranmere. between predator and prey, is taking place at Gallows Hill as The overall winners, for the 2nd year running, were The Whartons. Otley’s small nature reserve They were awarded the Shield, Silver Plate, School Certificate, and quietens down for the winter. individual trophies and certificates for team members. All quiz participants received book tokens, certificates and lucky bags, The reserve has opened out as some areas of long grass have been mown presented by the Town Mayor. and as the nettles and goosegrass, features of the old sewage beds and which sometimes overwhelm young trees and shrubs planted by Held at the Civic Centre, the event was supported by the Town volunteers, have died back. Mayor, Councillor. Betty Bevan, town councillors, teachers, parents and friends. Our MP Mr Greg Mulholland, had intended to be there, The bird population has changed. Insectivorous warblers have flown south but unfortunately, was detained at the last minute. The Committee to be replaced by flocks of winter thrushes, redwings and fieldfares from were amazed at the high standard of knowledge the children Scandinavia which will remain until berries are eaten or their supply of displayed and the Chairman expressed thanks to the staff and worms, snails and insects is cut off by snow or frost. The song and mistle parents who trained them. thrushes, blackbirds, robins and starlings are also likely to be continentals taking advantage of our milder winters and replacing our own nesting birds Next year, the Committee hope to expand the Quiz still further as the which have moved south. It is worth keeping an eye open for waxwings on L.C.C. ward boundaries have widened and now include Yeadon. For the berry carrying trees, after last year when flocks were seen around the last 4 years the Committee has been supported by Leeds Road Otley during one of their periodic winter invasions. Safety Promotions Unit. Without their help it would not be possible to run the quiz. The local L.C.C. Ward Councillors have also given The fronts and toads that successfully made it out of the tadpole stage financial backing each year, for which the Committee are most have joined the adults on land and looked for safe nooks and crannies in grateful. which to hibernate. Some of the frogs may have returned to burrow into the mud at the bottom of the pond. In October, ‘S.I.D.’ came to Otley (Speed Indicator Device). The Committee, through the local press appealed for volunteers, and The Gallows Hill volunteer group that works on the reserve meet at the car were able to monitor traffic speed on Pool Road, Newall Carr Road, park off Pool Road on the first Saturday of each month from 2 to 4pm. Weston Lane, Leeds Road and East Chevin Road. Many thanks to the For further details contact Denis O’Connor on 465107 local volunteers who came forward to help operate S.I.D. or Meg Morton on 461836. The Committee hopes the device did raise awareness of speed restrictions on the approach roads to the town, and hopes to repeat the operation next year. OTLEY TOWN PARTNERSHIP The Committee work very hard in the interest of Road Safety and would appreciate new members. If anyone is interested please contact the Secretary: Audrey Cartwright 01943 463942

FARMERS MARKET The FARMERS MARKET held on the last Sunday of the month from 9 am til 1pm now has over 40 regular stalls with a variety of produce and products. The Christmas Market will be held on Sunday 18th December with the Otley Brass Band in attendance to give some seasonable atmosphere. Following previous Christmas Markets a Hamper of produce contributed by the stallholders will be presented to a local Charity/Home in Otley. The new Otley Farmers Market 2006 leaflet with market dates and information will be available in December also the Otley Town Partnership printed plastic carrier bags for customer use. Peter Heald and Vivienne Whittle at the Launch of otley-online.co.uk For further information on the Farmers Market contact Geoff Johnson Markets Manager on 01943 863130 Otley now has its own WEB Portal on WWW.OTLEY – ONLINE. Co. UK The internet web presence of the Otley Community has been SUPPORT AND INFORMATION FOR commissioned by the Otley Town Partnership and funded by the Market Towns Initiative. It is an ideal platform for community news, forthcoming WOMEN IN OTLEY events, town history, travel news, business updates, council and local government information. Also a host of detail regarding Otley its people Behind Closed Doors is announcing a new confidential drop in and surrounding area. service for women experiencing domestic abuse The drop in offers offering support and information. In order to support the site Otley Town Partnership is looking for local LEEDS CITY COUNCIL OTLEY ONE STOP CENTRE businesses to add weight to this major internet presence through Commencing 9th December 9-30-12-30 Alternate Fridays advertising within the site. Anyone interested in adding details should contact: Les Cross, AIREBOROUGH ONE STOP CENTRE Secretary, Otley Town Partnership, The Courthouse, Courthouse Commencing 5th December 9-30-12-30 Alternate Mondays Street, Otley LS21 1AU Tel Fax 01943 851204 FURTHER INFORMATION TEL 01943 850555 Helpline 00800 328 2430 OTLEY TOWN COUNCIL OTLEY COURTHOUSE GARDEN COMPETITION

On the evening of 26th October the town mayor, Councillor Betty Bevan, With the Autumn programme well under way, Courthouse events go was delighted to hold a prize giving event for the town gardeners and the from strength to strength. Still to come during the build up to town allotment plot holders. This annual event is one of the highlights for Christmas are Bonbon Cha on Sat 3 December – come along and try out each town mayor as it gives the mayor the opportunity to reward those your salsa steps to Leeds based band playing a unique style of Cuban who bring particular benefit and beauty to the town. The event was well music – incredibly danceable! Victorian Fayre on 9 December will once attended by gardeners and allotment holders. Many of them are regulars again offer a chance to have a guided tour round the heritage of the in the competition and it is always a pleasure to see these well-known building and will be followed by an evening performance from the faces who are continuing to work hard for themselves hand for the phenomenally creative Otley Players. And last but not least join us for community. Me and the King. Motion Loco’s show last year was a tremendous Each year the town council is indebted to those who act as judges. Mr success and this year’s looks set to entertain and amaze again. Do you Richard Gill of Leeds City Council Floral Initiative acted as at the garden remember what you were doing the day Elvis died? Motion Loco judge once again. It is important to have such a well-qualified judge and combine magical comedy, eccentric characterisation, slick physical to have one who is independent of the town as this greatly enhances the performance and array of Elvis numbers sung live. Want to be the first value of the prizes. Likewise the Council must thank John Hamer, the to know what we have in store for the Spring? If you are not yet already town Council's former allotments supervisor, for being willing to act as on it, why not join our mailing list and get our seasonal brochures hot the allotment judge. His years of personal experience were invaluable. off the press? It is hoped to announce the date of the competition for next year at an The Courthouse Community Café is open Tuesday to Friday 11:30am to early date. The indication from the form at the prize giving night is that 2pm for tasty snacks, cakes, teas and coffees. The Café is an accessible July is particularly favoured. The garden judge Mr Richard Gill has a and friendly place to visit on your own or with friends…a place to relax, particularly heavy schedule in July but has indicated that if the date is chat and find out what’s on at the Courthouse. selected for late July then he may be able to act as judge yet again. As The Courthouse facilities are increasingly popular for meetings, noted above the importance of having a well-qualified and impartial conferences, private parties, Christenings and wedding anniversaries. judge cannot be overstated as it is his contribution that adds so much to Contact us if you would like to know more about the spaces, costs and the validity of the competition. A decision will be announced as soon as facilities. possible together with the most likely date for the prize giving so that as many of the entrants as possible can mark at the diary to attend the Volunteering at the Courthouse is a great way to meet people, gain new evening event. skills (or brush up on old ones!) and, of course, have fun! Whatever your skills, interests or circumstances there are lots of ways we could use THE TOWN MAJOR THANKED THE PRIZE WINNERS WHO WERE :- your help, such as: LARGE GARDEN ALLOTMENT Café 1st Joyce Cotton Cross Green Mr C Marston • 2nd Mrs F Spence Ings Beryl Hitch Stewarding at events 3rd Mrs V Marland Myers Croft Michael Parker • Station Road Ms Liz Stewart Working with lighting and sound HIGHLY COMMENDED Tempest Kate Lodge • Mrs D Wray • Publicity Whitebridge T Robinson Fundraising SMALL GARDEN Burras Carol Best • 1st Mrs B Watson Reception • 2nd P Skirrow MOST IMPROVED ALLOTMENT • …and lots more that isn’t listed here, so its always 3rd Allison Mitchell Burras Edie Bates worth calling in or giving us a ring so that we can HIGHLY COMMENDED OVERALL ALLOTMENT WINNER let you know the latest. G Slater & M Whitworth Todds Robert Armstrong CONTAINERS/TUBS If you have any spare time and would like to help out, please call in to 1st Billy Hayton speak to our Volunteer Coordinator, Danielle. 2nd M Parker OTLEY WALKING FESTIVAL JUDGED TWO ALLOTMENTS WHILST ON THEIR For more information you can drop in to the Courthouse from 3rd P Skirrow ALLOTMENT WALK Tuesday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm, visit our website COMMUNITY GARDEN www.courthouseproject.org.uk or phone us on 01943 467466 Bennett Court PRIZEWINNERS BEST BUSINESS PREMISES Mr Staton 1st Patisserie Viennoise Burras House 2nd Court Yard Planters Liz Stewart OTLEY GREEN FAIR 2006 Station Road COMMUNITY SPIRIT Otley in Bloom ‘We’re all in this together’ is the slogan for this popular event in the Otley calendar, which promotes green issues, environmental awareness, and healthy living. The next Otley Green Fair will take place on Saturday 18th March 2006 from 10 am to 4pm. The organisers of the event, which will be at Otley Courthouse, are management and volunteers of the Courthouse, assisted by members of the former Green Fair committee. Campaigning groups, alternative therapies and crafts will be represented. There will be art or music activities for children all day in the Art room, whilst in the café Fair Trade, organic, wholefood and vegetarian food and drinks will be served. If you would like to have a stall (£10 for campaigning groups and £15 for commercial) at the Fair or would be interested in helping on the day, please contact Hazel Costello on 01943 464431 or leave your details at the Courthouse Reception Desk 01943 467466. Bellman Paddy Steval, Otley Mayor Cllr Betty Bevan and Prize Winners LEEDS MENTAL HEALTH NHS OTLEY SPEAKABILIT Y Speak TEACHING NHS TRUST SELF HELP GROUP ability What is it? The Monday Club Speakability is a registered charity (295094) for people with aphasia. Who is it for? People living in Otley & Aireborough who have Aphasia is a life-disabling condition usually caused by stroke or head injury other experienced emotional problems neurological condition. Around a quarter of a million people in the UK suffer from When is it? aphasia. Every Monday (except Bank Holidays) 12.15 pm – 3.15 pm People with aphasia find it hard to speak, read, write or understand language, Where is the Venue? therefore making it difficult for them to communicate with others and hard to The wonderful newly-re furbished Cross Green undertake everyday activities such as shopping. Centre, Pool Road, Otley This can leave people with aphasia isolated and frustrated. What’s on offer? The group in Otley provides an opportunity for those with aphasia & their carers with: Outings i.e. Theatre visits, Dog Racing, visiting Support museums, trips to the coast etc. Quizzes in teams, on • every subject imaginable. Guest speakers. Pool. Table • Social activities tennis, cards etc. Good company, a warm friendly Building confidence welcome to all in a relaxed atmosphere. If you would • like to know more, please come along to any of our The chance to form friendships with others with aphasia sessions, have a cup of tea, say “Hello” to the group. We • By offering practice and support to our members, it is hoped that even people with would love to see anyone who is interested in the above. severe aphasia can continue to express their needs, choices and unique personality. You will find support, friendship, good company and fun. If you would like to know more please contact:- The groups runs on the 3rd Thursday of every month, usually between 2pm and 4pm. January’s meeting will be held at: VOLUNTARY SERVICES Otley Civic Centre The Mount 44 Hyde Terrace LEEDS LS2 9LN On 20th January 2006 Tel: 0113 3055549 To find out more contact Beccy Shuttleworth on: 07841447869 or 01943 464360

Neighbourhood Watch All Saints Out Of School Club Is your locality a member of a Neighbourhood Watch Group? All Saints Out of School Club has now been running successfully for over 2 Years in the newly refurbished Cross Green Youth Centre on Pool Road Otley.The club offers If not, then you should perhaps think about affordable After School care for children aged 4 to 12 years, it is run by 7 qualified organising one. Maybe you have an image of caring staff. We are open from 3.00 till 6.00pm daily, term time. We also cover training Norris or Percy Sugden of Coronation Street days. We offer 8 weeks Playscheme throughout the year. fame, but it is not a group for busy bodies and nosy parkers, The dates left to run are as follows unless of course you want it to be so! Mon 20th Feb for 1 week The Police telephone the leader of your local group to warn Mon 10th Mar – Thurs 13th and Wed 19th Apr – Fri 21st Apr of trends and things for which you should be on the look out. Mon 29th May for 1 week Meetings take place three times a year, at which there is a Summer holidays – 3 weeks if there is demand presentation, often by the Police, and the chance to exchange views about local problems. These meetings are We can now offer the children a choice of varied activities each day. We try to make not compulsory, and do not last more than a couple of these stimulating, interesting and absorbing as possible. The children have a choice of hours. playing on the computers, expressing themselves on the art table, reading, make The real benefit of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme is to be believe games, watching television, pool or table tennis or going outside and doing aware, early, of local problems, and to take steps to reduce something active, e.g. football, rounders, skipping, cricket. Or even a visit to the local the chance of being caught out by local criminal activities. park. Sometimes a child will want to do something more specific, maybe for a school project or homework. We offer help when it is needed. Our programme always There is also the chance to keep an eye out for your includes activities the children have specifically asked to do. Or even activities the neighbours when they are going away, and to draw curtains, children would like to try. We do have an equal opportunity policy which we promote or put the bin away. through play and activities.

It is as time consuming as you want it to be, but it is free to All Saints out of School Club is registered with OFSTED and Leeds City Council Early join, and in these days of scarce Police resource it is no bad Years. We are also affiliated to Kids Club Network. If you would like more details thing to keep an eye open for each other. phone Cath or Paula on 01943 462244 or email us [email protected] alternatively If you would like further information then please contact call into the club any day term time between 3.00pm and 6.00pm Peter Krushniak at Weetwood Police Station on 0113 2413441 SQUASH CLUB INSTALLS ELECTRONIC BOOKING SYSTEM A new electronic court booking system has been installed at Otley Squash Club. The new system allows members to book courts either from home, or via the simple touchscreen in the clubhouse. The system replaces the old tokens and stamps, used by the Club since its inception in the 70’s. Out of town members are finding the new system particularly useful as are members who spend long hours at work. Even those blessed by actually living in Otley are finding the new system more convenient to use. “Obviously the new system costs us more but we are hoping that we will experience what other clubs have found after installation – that is that the number of bookings will increase”, commented club chairman Douglas Thomson. He added “to pay for the new system we only need a few extra bookings per week.” ASHFIELD Otley Town Council Allotments PRIMARY SCHOOL In meteorological terms this has been an interesting year since it began very dry, then extended What our school is about and how you can join us into an Indian summer, is now producing heavy rain in a mild autumn but with the threat of a We are very lucky here at Ashfield School to be severe winter! situated in one of the most beautiful areas of There were times when it looked as if the allotment sites would not flourish this year as normal. Otley, facing open countryside to the north. Our However by mid-summer the allotments were looking as productive and charming as usual. The school is a Community school for children from Otley Walking Festival gave the opportunity to a good number of local people to take real three to eleven years of age where we aim to pleasure in the delights of many of the allotment sites. All being well, a second allotment walk create a warm, caring family atmosphere as we will be included in next year's Walking Festival when some, if not all, of the other sites will be know children learn best when they are happy and visited. At a ceremony in late October the Town Mayor took particular delight in a rewarding feel secure. The light, spacious building has well the hard-working allotment holders and the town gardeners by presenting cups shields and equipped classrooms, a large hall, a recently other awards to those who had won the numerous categories. Those two plot holders who refurbished library, an ICT suite and an Early Years particularly impressed the walkers on the summer night in June received small shields as a Unit for children in Foundation Stage (children memento of their hard work. aged three to five years of age). Within the school grounds are a large playground with interesting Also in October the allotment committee met as part of its annual cycle and discussed the markings and a shady seating area, extensive proposition for an association to cover the whole of the Otley allotments owned by the Town grassed areas and gardens, a wildlife garden and a Council. The Town Council has a problem in assisting the allotment sites to achieve a standard greenhouse. for the 21st century. Because it is a Council the town Council is debarred from applying to a number of public trusts and other similar sources of funding for capital money to plough into We are proud of the close partnership between the allotments. If an association was formed of all the plot holders then that association would school and home, working with parents together become a community body and would be eligible to apply for capital funding where the council to develop each child’s full potential in a cannot. The Town Council would remain the owner of the land and would provide certain supportive way. The school offers an extended essential management backup. However it would mean that not only was capital funding day with Breakfast Club starting at 8.15 am and available but that the allotment plot holders would become much more involved in the future After School care until 6.00 pm in order to support of the allotments and be able to influence the direction of the allotments. the needs of working families. On site care is provided for under 3s by the Little Green Frog Naturally, there is a great deal of detail to consider and the allotment committee remitted the Nursery, who also provide wrap around care for issue to the executive committee of the Council for further debate. children attending Ashfield’s nursery. Although the growing season is over this does not mean that there is not work to be done on the plots. It is noticeable that each year those who are very successful in spring and summer are also the ones who have put in the most work in late autumn and early winter. The plots have to be tidied and prepared for their rest until the spring digging. It is also a good time to avoid the attention of Mr Foy. Plot holders will now know that Mr Foy is continuing to manage the allotments on a day-to-day basis and has been very successful in pursuing those who either cannot or will not bring their plots up to a proper standard. His policy of telephoning those who are slipping enables him to assist those who have genuine problems in considering whether they ought to resign the lease and identifies early those who simply will not take their plots to a proper standard. Those who will not dig are being removed and their plots relet to those enthusiasts waiting on the lists. It is always surprising how quickly an untidy and uncared for plot can be turned round into an area of production and beauty by the hard work and skill of the gardening enthusiast.

So! Keep digging and keep preparing your ground for the next year and let us hope that the winter is not too hard.

A friendly welcome awaits all visitors to school. If you are interested in helping at school, looking around or investigating the school for your child/ren, please contact the school office on 01943 463341. We look forward to hearing New Year’s Resolution – Discover Something New from you. January 2006 is the start of a new year and the start of new courses at PARK LANE COLLEGE in OTLEY Did you receive a Digital Camera for Christmas and cannot use it? Join a 4-week course and find out, even download and print the photographs. Progress to removing tears and creases from your old family photographs that need some TLC. Computer courses are offered at all levels from Beginners to Advanced but there are plenty of courses for those who just want to learn for pleasure such as Word Processing, Desktop Publishing, Address labels, E-mail and the Internet. If you need computer skills to return to work or just aim higher, our Computer classes with The after school club based at Ashfield School is now flexible attendance is open every day and two evenings. under the supervision of a new Voluntary Going abroad this Summer? Start to learn the language with a 10-week beginners course in either Management Committee. The club is called Ashley’s French, Italian or Spanish. Art, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage, Reflexology, Chakra Healing After School Club and is managed day to day by and Bridge are all leisure classes available at the Otley Centre. The English and Maths courses Anne Milner and an assistant. We can offer the are ideal for learning the basics, brushing up on existing skills or for preparing for GCSEs. They children a wide range of activities, such as baking, indoor games, playing on the Playstation, dressing-up are tailor-made to your individual needs and the groups are friendly, supportive and informal. or outdoor games in the playground at the school. The Guiseley Evening Centre offers many different leisure courses: Belly Dancing, Yoga, Pilates, We have a fee structure in place which offers Cookery or take time to Research your Family History. Alternative therapy classes include affordable after school care for children aged 4 to 11 Chakra Healing, Crystal Healing and Chromotherapy. There are IT classes for Beginners and Word years. We are open from 3pm till 6pm term time Processing for the next step. only. For information on any of our courses please contact the Otley Centre on 01943 468800 or For more information ring Anne on 07947 889524 or call into the club for an informal chat any day drop into the College Reception, next to the Fire Station on Bondgate. There are concessions after 3 pm. The club is growing slowly but surely but available on many courses for those on benefits, low household income or over 60 years of age. we need your support. If you need after school care If you would like to talk to someone about jobs, career change, training, educational courses or then don’t hesitate to give us a ring. voluntary work, make an appointment with Pamela McFarlane, the Educational Guidance Worker. www.otleychamber.co.uk [email protected] ers y Walk Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley, LS21 1AU Telephone 01943 851204 Otle CHANGES TO OUR TEAM Our President Elect Jo Allen has October saw Otley Walkers complete the fifth and final unfortunately had to step down from stage of the Nidderdale Way. The club also completed her position to concentrate on other the last of the three peaks. These special walks were in activities, but remains a valuable addition to the clubs normal programme of walks. As Chamber member. Our new President well as organising a programme of walks the club has Elect Victoria Oldham has moved up Trevor Backhouse David Gagen Victoria Oldham held Navigation and GPS courses and there is a club from her Deputy role to work more Christmas meal taking place early in December. Between closely with President David Gagen, Treasurer Trevor Backhouse and the rest of our Christmas and the New Year Otley Walkers will be holding Executive Committee. three walks to help walk off the Christmas Pudding. ABOUT US Walks are held on various days and are of differing lengths in order to accommodate as many members as Otley Chamber was established in the 1930s, reflects the wide range of businesses in the possible. There are weekend walks, midweek walks and town (including high street names as well as numerous specialist retailers and service between the beginning of May and the end of providers) and has consistently spoken out on their behalf. September we hold evening walks. The club also holds social activities at various times throughout the year. Our objectives are to promote and represent all business interests in our town, and to provide an effective platform for encouraging businesses to flourish. Membership of this friendly club runs from May to April and costs £5 per annum per household. A programme of But the Chamber is not just about supporting business: it has always believed in walks can be obtained from the Civic Centre and non- contributing to the wider life of the town and works in partnership with, or helps support, members are allowed to attend two walks before a wide range of local organisations, groups and events. deciding whether or not to join. For further details These include Otley Town Council, Otley Town Partnership, Victorian Fayre Committee, phone Brian Rogers on (01943) 463798. Otley Disability Advisory Group, Otley in Bloom, Leeds Chamber of Commerce and the Rural Business Network

CURRENT ACTIVITIES Christmas Walks We are working with Otley Town Partnership to develop a marketing strategy for Otley, with the aim of promoting our town across the region (and possibly nationally) as a great Programme place to visit and shop. Wednesday 28th December We also have had discussions with Yorkshire Water about the mains improvement work Meet at the bus station for the 10.10 am X84 to Burley being carried out on Bradford Road by their contractors, Balfour Beatty Utilities, from Burley back to Otley along the river 24th October for an expected 24 weeks, and have had assurances that good traffic management and signage will be given high priority. If requested, a representative from Leader: Jan Bartholomew Tel: 01943 468459 Yorkshire Water will be able to attend our scheduled November meeting to answer any queries arising from the works to date. Thursday 29th December Meet at Wharfemeadows at 10am. A 7 mile walk MEMBERSHIP starting along the River Wharfe from Otley, and taking in Leathley and Farnley. Returning to Otley for a swift Ordinary membership of the Chamber is open to traders, merchants, professional men and half (or two or three!) women, companies, firms, property owners and associations of traders or professional persons having business or trading interests in Otley and the surrounding area. Leader: Brian Rogers Tel: 01943 463798

Friday 30th December OUR MEMBERS BENEFIT FROM: Meet at Wharfemeadows at 9.30 am for car sharing free listing on our website, which includes business and local information and Burley in Wharfedale circular. Across field paths to Ilkley Moor, traversing moor • links to a range of other useful business, community and news related websites including Lanshaw Delves, dams and hermit’s cave access to information on legislation, training, funding and other relevant before returning to Burley. • matters • many local networking opportunities Leader: Eric Wright Tel: 0113 2842796 Shop Mobility ....

For anyone that finds it difficult to get around Otley's town centre the Town Council has an excellent solution. The Town Council keeps and has two electric scooters which are specifically designed for those with mobility difficulties. They are excellent for getting about from shop to shop or out to one of a further flung shops. The machines are stable and able to carry some shopping. A wide variety of people have used them over the years. Some users have their own machine at home but prefer not to struggle with loading that machine into a car; some users are temporarily disabled by an accident such as a broken leg or damaged ankle and do not need the permanent use of electric scooter, whilst other users are looking to purchase their own machine but find it useful to practise and test out to the practicality of a scooter within the town centre prior to laying out their own funds. If you have a relative or friend who is visiting and who might benefit from the use of the scooter then why not make a booking so that you can walk beside your friend or relative whilst visiting the town centre? But whatever the reason for the need for the electric scooter the town Council is happy and keen to have the machines in regular use.

No charge is made for the use of scooter .....simply phone to see if one is free at the time that you require it and then make a booking. OTLEY BUTTERCROSS CHARITY STALL LEEDS CITY The Buttercross is available for hire, free of charge, to all charitable organisations on Fridays COUNCILLORS SURGERIES and Saturdays. Anyone interested can contact GERALDINE CROSBY on 01943 466335. Third Thursday of the month from 10 am to noon at Otley Civic Centre TOWN COUNCIL GRANTS First Thursday of the month from 10 am to Grant Aid is available from the Council and is open to all voluntary youth and community groups noon at Yeadon Town Hall working in Otley. Grants are available for the purchase of specific items or towards the cost of Councillors can also be contacted at the particular pieces of work. For further information contact Julia Johnson, Community numbers listed below:- Development Officer on 466713 or call in to see her at the Civic Centre. Cllr GP Kirkland 01943 850522 Cllr CA Campbell 01943 465909 OTLEY TOWN COUNCIL COUNCILLORS Cllr R Downes 0795 0008005 WEST CHEVIN WARD James Michael Spencer (Lib) ‘ThornCroft’ Burras Lane Otley LS21 3ET 465906 MP’S SURGERIES Graham P Kirkland (Lib) ‘Westholme’ Westgate Otley LS21 3AT 850522 GREG MULHOLLAND Kevin Cooney (Lab) 18 Sunnydale Ridge Otley LS21 3LR 465917 1st Friday of each month: MANOR WARD 2pm to 3pm at the Cardigan Centre in Gerald John McGowan (Lab) 15 Queen’s Place Otley LS21 3HY 465297 Headingley Nigel Gill (Lab) 39 Ramsey Terrace Otley LS21 1AW 467614 1st Saturday of each month: Jonathan Kirkland (Lib) ‘Westholme’ Westgate Otley LS21 3AT 461905 11 am to 12.30 pm at Asda at Holt Park DANEFIELD WARD 3rd Friday of each month: Nigel Francis (Ind) 6 Pearson’s Buildings Leeds Road Otley LS21 3BQ 463467 3pm to 4pm at the Robert Craven Memorial Gerard Francis (Con) 12 North Avenue Otley LS21 1AJ 462047 Institute, Old Lane, Bramhope Neville Birch (Lab) Mauville 13 St Clair Road Otley LS21 1DE (Ex D) 3rd Saturday of each month: PRINCE HENRY WARD 11 am to 12.30 pm at Otley Civic Centre, Cross Green. L.Christine Campbell (Lib) 23 Harecroft Road Otley LS21 2BG 465025 Colin A Campbell (Lib) 11 Prince Henry Road Otley LS21 2BE 465909 Norman Harrison (Con) 109 Wrenbeck Drive Otley LS21 2BP CIVIC CENTRE ROOM HIRE ASHFIELD WARD To hire rooms in Civic Centre contact MARTIN FOY Betty Bevan(Lab) 4 Wilkinson Way Otley LS21 2RJ 465564 on 01943 461413 or call to see him at the front John Eveleigh (Lab) 95 West Busk Lane Otley LS21 3LY 463478 desk. Availability varies from large to smaller Millie Stott(Lib) 9 St.Martin’s Avenue Otley LS21 2AN 464204 rooms to accommodate all different types of community organisations.

UNDER THE ROOF AT THE CIVIC CENTRE SOCIETY / ACTIVITY DAY TIME CONTACT TELEPHONE Art Club Wednesdays 7.30pm D Cattanach 467316 Caledonian Dances Burns Night J Dyson 461022 Camera Club Thursday 7.30pm R.Morris 850685 Chinese Physical Culture Tuesday 7pm Therese Maini 0113 786471 Country Market Alternate Fridays 9.30am D.Baxter 462450 Dancetime 1 Saturday per month 8pm Betty Roberts 01937 585402 Flower Arranging Wednesday/Thursday 7.30pm Lesley 463197 Historical Society Second Thursday in month K.Jones 465925 Lace Class Tuesday 1pm Mrs J.Sutcliffe 0113 2582602 Line Dancing Wednesday 7.30pm Maureen 463709 Maggies Workout Wednesday 10am Maggie Gilbert 601198 Mens Forum Thursdays Fortnightly 10 am M Hutchinson 462130 Otley Action for Older People Monday- Friday 9am-3pm Room 3 Civic Centre 463965 Otley Disability Advisory Group Ist Wednesday in month 10am Karen Popplewell 466556 Otley Little Theatre 4 performances per year Betty Brewster 464845 Otley Museum Mon/Tue/Fri and first Saturday of each month 10am to 12.30am 01943 461052 Otley Women’s Institute Second Wednesday in month 7pm S.Garthwaite 464828 Pilates Tuesdays 7pm Karen Dunford 463128 Royal British Legion Last Monday in month Doris Gagen 465098 Tea Dances Saturday 2pm J.Makin 01904 792641 Weight Watchers Tuesday 7pm Wednesday 10am Audrey 607293 Wharfedale Gardener’s Second Tuesday in month 7pm Alan Wilson 463197 Wharfedale Speakers First/Third Wednesday 8pm Andrew Robinson 831430 Whist Drive Fridays 1.45pm OAOP 463965 Women’s Forum Thursdays - Fortnightly 10 am Civic Centre 461413 Yoga Monday 1pm Jane Dalby 0113 2674298 Yorks.Dales Society Mondays Daytime Fleur Speakman 461938

PUBLISHED BY OTLEY TOWN COUNCIL PRINTED BY CHIPPENDALE PRESS 65 BONDGATE, OTLEY. TEL: 01943 465756 OTLEY TOWN COUNCIL is at The Civic Centre Cross Green Otley LS21 1HD Telephone: 466335 Fax: 468658 E-mail: community @otleytowncouncil.gov.uk