It has come to my attention, there are now more and more people creating businesses trying to influence people to use local, Apps. Booklets, Websites, etc., and jumping on the ‘use local’ campaign. Since Covid, companies have decided that they have seen a market for capturing people and influencing their shopping habits. I would love to think it’s because they are extremely passionate about supporting indie businesses but it’s not led by passion. In theory, it’s great, I’m all for the encouragement of people using local more and consciously thinking where they are spending their hard-earned money. I am never afraid of competition, well, I say competition, these companies tend not to live local themselves, and truly have little idea of the area and the demographic, and their ideas and hopes are that it runs ideally by us the public, but in reality, it’s very much run like a glorified gossip page, who likes what, who recommends what, who doesn’t, whose moaning the loudest!
Who meets these companies they advertise; how do they vet them properly? My mother-in-law naively used a local magazine to find an emergency roofer, her flat roof had leaked during the storm we had one Saturday, in December. The roofers I know who are credible and recommended were unfortunately unable to assist. The so-called ‘trusted magazine,’ whom I have recently found more details about, and how they vet their advertisers, and what they do to check business, is somewhat a little disappointing. Some have to have 3, yes 3 bad complaints before they are removed from advertising!! So… they have to do 3 bad jobs for someone….. My mind is blown. I contacted the magazine, as my Mother in Law used a recommended company who could do it the following day; I wasn’t keen, the next day?! However, she needed her roof fixed asap before more bad weather came along. They have done a very naff job (I’ve had it checked) and they have refused to give her the paperwork for the guarantee of works, and the receipt she needs to claim part payment through her insurance! I have written a lengthy email to the booklet company and asked for this roofing company to be removed, I’ve had no response! So be careful when you are looking for tradespeople, if they can do the next day, or next week, check them out, be careful who you trust and who is advertising. Make sure you ask for the paperwork upfront and do not pay them unless they give you guarantees of works first. My mother-in-law has learned a tough lesson, and it certainly hasn’t helped that she moved here in September and hasn’t really settled yet!
But there is always fun locally,
Art in the Community – Book on with Penny https://www.facebook.com/myneigbourhoodgarforth
The ‘My World My City My Neighbourhood’ project is part of the Leeds City of Culture 2023 bid. This page is dedicated to showing the efforts of the Garforth Community in celebrating its arts & culture
Dan the Man
I had a lovely catch up with Dan from Incredible Edible Garforth this week, a great chat about lots of good things and it’s always easy flowing because we are both people who sing from the same hymn sheet, how could things be better, what could we do to make them great? Give us a fair few grand and we would change a lot for the better. Like many of our local volunteer projects run in and around Garforth they are always in need of other likeminded people to join and help, find out more here on this week’s vlog https://www.instagram.com/tv/CY6WlbELR96/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
First Aid Course with Tony Clough
Today I have been on my renewal, first aid course with the fabulous Tony Clough of Tony Clough First Aid Training– over the years I have been on many courses as I have always seen the importance of being a first aider. it’s about having the confidence to go and help a family member, a friend, or a stranger in need. I’m one of those people who can be calm in a storm, who would help and do my best, get on with what’s needed, and then secretly go and throw up afterwards. Tony’s courses are truly unforgettable, he has such a good way of teaching you, his methods are ones you keep remembering, it’s all about learning through the visual, and taking part to help your understanding. I am a visual learner, so I find the whole hands-on thing (not rude) much easier to learn. It sticks, and at a time of crisis, this is what you need. To book on any of his courses, that are held locally, in The Garforth Country Club with lunch included, book directly here. The next Emergency First Aid at Work is on 22nd February 2022 https://www.tcfirstaidtraining.co.uk/our-training-courses/
Planning
Hearing on the grapevine that there ‘may be’ some changes on Main street, business changes, all for the better. I will keep you posted when I know more and can confirm the rumours
As we hear, there will now be more changes towards the normal world we crave next week, I hope you have a good return if you’re back in the office, office!
Until next week…. No plans on a weekend are sometimes just needed.
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