News

Getting crafty at the market

Pudsey residents shopped until they dropped at a lively arts and crafts market.

Over 25 local artists were selling handmade gifts and wares ranging from jewellery to paintings at the Artsmix Market.

The Marvellous Tea Dance Company kept shoppers entertained with jive demonstrations while serving traditional tea in china cups.

A spokeswoman for the Artsmix said:  "We would like to thank Leeds Ahead, Leeds Markets and Leeds West Area Management Team for their support, and all the visitors which made it such a special event for all the artists.  There will be a special Christmas Artsmix Market at Pudsey on December 7th with original handcrafted gifts, Kindergluhwein, non-alcoholic mulled wine and Christmas entertainment"

  

© Yorkshire Evening Post

 

Woodlands have a WOW Day

The classroom and corridors of Woodlands Primary were buzzing with excitement as volunteers from International Personal Finance and Eversheds took part in a World of Work Day on 30 September. The whole school was involved in activities supported by volunteers aimed at raising pupils' aspirations and getting them to think about the world of work. To encourage them, the pupils were invited to dress up as what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Classes were filled with would-be businessmen, dancers, surgeons and policemen. The children wrote their aspirations on paper leaves which the volunteers turned into a collage, showing some good creative skills.  Laura McBrien of Eversheds said of the day 'It was interesting to hear the pupils' aspirations, and hope to inspire them and emphasise how important school is. The kids were really enthusiastic about learning which was great to see.' 

Karen Shotton, who works in the school's Pupil Development Centre, said 'The day provided opportunities for the children to connect learning to their futures, learn about different professions and develop questioning skills. They really enjoyed the volunteers being part of their school day.'  

Leeds City Council weed 'em and reap - 26 September 2008

On a surprisingly warm and sunny day at the end of September, 10 willing volunteers from Leeds City Council helped improve the nature area at Grimes Dyke Primary School in  Whinmoor. Over the summer holidays the school allotment had become so overgrown it resembled a wilderness. However, the volunteers wasted no time getting stuck in to weed, prune and cut back the site. All this hard work means the pupils now have a clear, safe space to start planting fruit and vegetables which will be used in the school kitchen, and of course to encourage the kids to eat their 5 a day.

The team also painted the garden shed with pictures designed by the pupils themselves. When asked what they had got out of the day, one volunteer said "Blisters, an aching back, paint on my face and a great feeling of accomplishment. It's a great team building event, encouraging co-operation and team work. I have really enjoyed myself"'.

Asda create 'chill out zone' for kids

 

 

Working in partnership with the West North West Homes Estate Management Office, Leeds Ahead brokered a team of volunteers from ADSA to undertake the renovation of a green space in Park Spring Primary School on 16th September 2008. The all female team transformed a plain grassy area into a new Quiet Area where children will be able to gather and enjoy the space. The project included assembling an archway, trellis for plants to grow up, a footpath, flower beds and 250 box tree hedge plants.

The Groundwork Trust loaned the use of some of their tools for the day and kindly came out and helped in the afternoon. Teachers brought their classes down to observe and help a little throughout the day. Headteacher, Martin Bennett later said "The children and the staff were really excited to see the project unfold. It's amazing what a group of people can do in a day."

Kids in Armley are inspired about work

On Tuesday 16 September, volunteers from Premier Farnell, careyjones, Arena Group and Barclays Commercial Banking joined staff and pupil at Armley's Christ Church Primary School to host a World of Work Day.

The aim of the day was  to  raise the children's aspirations and make the link between learning in school to the skills they'll need in the workplace.  150 pupils at the school were involved. 

One volunteer said of the day 'I feel like I've made a small difference and helped inspire the kids to work hard.' Another volunteer reported that dealing with children of different age groups had really helped her develop her communication skills. Teacher Cat Hardcastle said the day had been a great success . The children  had gained a new understanding of work and benefited from meeting people they would not normally see.