Friday 17th November – How many things are going on?

Black Friday Deals… whenever!

Black Friday originated in the United States in the 50s, a day of offers after Thanksgiving, only for it then to make its way to the UK for a single day in November, showcasing exclusive offers and special deals for participating stores. How did it morph into this extended “whenever November” phenomenon? I’m a bit perplexed, to be honest. What was once a specific day has evolved into a prolonged period of seemingly endless promotions. Now it feels like Black Friday has become clickbait. You spot the term, and suddenly you’re lured in to explore deals from major chains that may not be as spectacular as they appear. Take a moment to scrutinise some retail chain stores; next October, check out the prices, take screenshots, and then evaluate the supposed Black Friday deals in November. It’s not uncommon for the reality to fall short of the hype.

Moreover, this craze puts pressure on independent businesses to join the fray, often compelling them to offer genuine but financially challenging Black Friday deals, such as modest discounts or buy-one-get-one-free offers. So, the next time you consider clicking on a Black Friday deal, pause and consider what you’re truly gaining and from where. It’s essential to approach these promotions with a discerning eye to ensure you’re getting the value you expect

Welcome to Monday Moaning!

Each week, I produce a brief 1-minute vlog capturing the various gripes I come across during my journeys through Garforth. The twist? I endeavour to spin those moans and groans into something positive, showing how a change in perspective can make a difference. You can catch up on these episodes on my YouTube channel—don’t worry I’m not an influencer; I simply find YouTube to be a convenient platform for sharing these videos. Join me in turning the Monday Blues into something fun  https://www.youtube.com/@themaindeal/videos

The Jam…of traffic

Certainly, navigating through Garforth becomes quite a test of patience with the constant presence of orange barriers, diggers, and men in Hi-Vis jackets at every turn; I’ve been looking to see if there are any women. Nevertheless, amidst this inconvenience, there’s a silver lining in the form of some long-term benefits. The ongoing efforts aim to provide enhanced options and improved Wi-Fi—a definite boon for those working from home or to save your house from the chorus of kids declaring, ‘The Wi-Fi has crashed,’ reminiscent of scenes from the exorcist when the plug is pulled or it’s ‘too slow’! While the current situation may be a bit of an arse (not the children), let’s remain optimistic that it paves (see what I did there) the way for a smoother and more connected future should you require a change in providers… as well as smoother paths!

What’s on

• Tonight, at The Gaping Goose – Pizza Box serving delicious pizzas from 5.30 pm until sold out
• Tonight – At The Podger England Vs Malta 7.45 pm kick off
• Saturday 18th – Garforth Towns Women’s Guild Christmas Fair 10 am – 12.00 pm The Welfare Hall

• Saturday 18th  – Garforth Methodist Church, Christmas Fair 10 am –1 pm

• Saturday 18th – Kippax Makers Market 10.00 am https://www.facebook.com/events/1966923433663637/
• Saturday 18th – Celebrate Kippax Libraries 50th  Anniversary 12.30pm onwards

• Saturday 18th  – Millwood Duo Nashville Sessions at The Podger from 9 pm –  Free Entry

• Sunday 19th  10am-12pm –  Volunteers needed at Garforth Community Wildlife area  – now doing fortnightly sessions – warm drink available as always   – give a little of your time and the wildlife garden will give back.

Coming up

• Friday 24th November – Garforth Christmas Lights switch on  – Some Traders will be open late, as always to help celebrate the lights being switched on
• Friday 24th November  –  Angela Hennessy of Raspberry Theif  – I am restocking my mushroom wooden tree decorations today. I love painting these.

All handpainted watercolors, little mini originals. Sealed to last a lifetime.

• Saturday 2nd December – The Gaping Goose, From 6pm Adults Christmas Party

• Saturday 2nd December – Quirky Ales 4-8 pm The Calendar Girls 2024 Launch Party in aid of Breast Cancer

• Tuesday 5th  – 9th December Garforth Musical Society – Tickets still available to be purchased at Scream Hair Salon

• Saturday 9th December – Garforth in Bloom Christmas Fair 10 am – 12 pm The Welfare Hall

• Saturday 9th December – 12-9 pm The Gaoing Goose’s Christmas market  in aid of Yorkshire Air ambulance

• Leeds Christmas Market and it’s all over town – https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/winter-season/christmas-markets/  and you can also download the map https://bit.ly/46s1xnW

Phew….. I think I got all the events in!!

Until next week – Christmas is getting closer and our local businesses have loads on offer, listen to this week’s Vlog to find out more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vINIr6fFN7Q