We always seem to miss the mark when it comes to snow, don’t we? I’m yearning for a proper snowfall, a generous Alaska-style dump, or something from my childhood of the late 70s, but reality check—we’re not exactly equipped to handle anything other than something resembling a bit of rain, let alone a winter wonderland. The forecast promises heavier snowfall in the coming days, a pledge lingering for a week or two. So, let’s embrace it wholeheartedly or call it off, the suspense is as thick as the snow is about to be…. I’m so going to eat my own words aren’t I?

As highlighted in this week’s vlog (check it out https://www.themaindeal.co.uk/2023/11/29/wednesday-vlog-in-garforth-29th-november/, a young lady is expressing her religious views audibly outside the BT building on Main Street. She’s been there for several days, though it seems her message might not be resonating as intended with the Garforth residents. Many view her as a unique occurrence on Main Street, but as discussed in the vlog, she’s harmless. Nevertheless, if you have an opinion to share, it’s advised to do so before the schoolchildren emerge, because GOD knows what they would say.

*By the way, 70% of people haven’t got their Christmas Tree up yet – SO WHAT

Thinking locally extends beyond what many initially perceive.

When someone advocates for “Shopping local,” the immediate association tends to be with food—altering supermarket habits to favour local shops or markets. Yet, it’s not merely about that shift. Despite having Tesco deliveries and occasionally indulging in Marks and Spencer’s fabulous finds, my commitment to local extends to a myriad of items.

For two decades, I’ve chosen local independent stores for my fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, meat, and the best bread and chocolate in town and the motivation goes beyond the freshness and reduced use of plastic. It’s a conscious decision to minimise the carbon footprint, knowing that these products haven’t travelled extensively. Opting for in-house creations ensures a level of freshness that chain stores might struggle to match, and the added benefit of minimal processing.

Supporting local businesses becomes a lifestyle choice—a commitment evident in every purchase. While the focus often zeroes in on food, the local ethos doesn’t stop there. In the past ten days alone, my family and I have done just this in various aspects of our lives, choosing local services and products that contribute to our local economy. In essence, thinking locally and sustainably helps create a better community in the place we choose to call home.

The Thom family has used and shopped at;

  • Zumba Fitness with Charlotte Martin
  • Garforth Golf Range
  • Jo Baker Permanent Makeup & Aesthetics
  • CLO
  • The Greengrocers
  • Floors and Snores
  • Westwood Vets
  • Shampoodled Doodled Dog Groomers
  • Dumouchel Patisserie
  • The Gin Shack
  • Firths Butchers

 

Horrific Crash

Sad to hear about the awful accident on Selby Road on Wednesday evening – according to the Yorkshire Evening Post (article below) 3 people were seriously injured and taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries  – If you witnessed anything or could help, please contact the police as below

 

Cracked up

In Leeds, there’s a noteworthy development that has caught my attention— a surge in the appearance of new signs across the city, claiming to designate safe zones for the use of crack and heroin. What’s particularly puzzling is the inclusion of the WYP and LCC logos, which, upon closer inspection, seem to have no genuine association with this initiative. It’s evident that someone has gone to great lengths to fabricate these signs, given that it’s highly unlikely for law enforcement (WYP) and local government (LCC) to endorse such activities explicitly; and would they use the word CRACK? Understandably, the police are delving deeper into this matter, promptly dismantling these misleading signs.

 

 

Coming up

 

  • Santa Streets Visits

  • Saturday 2nd – The Gaping Goose Adult Christmas party from 6 pm

  • Sunday 3rd December– Garforth Repoari Cafe this time at the Methodist Church Hall from 1-3 pm

  • Thursday 7th December 3 pm – 7.30 pm – Garforth Garden Centre’s Ultimate Christmas Shopping Event takes place, mince pies, fizz, and some live music 
  • 4th – 15th December – Santa’s Grotto at The Gaping Goose  and 
  • 9th DecemberChristmas Market at The Gaping Goose from 12- 5 pm

  • Tuesday 5th  – 9th  December – Garforth Musical Society put on a show – all tickets can be purchased at Scream Hair Salon on Main Street (opposite Wetherspoon’s)

 

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

 

  • 20th December 2-4 pm Heritage Cafe in Garforth Library free mince pies C/o Incredible Edible

 

  • New Year’s Eve NYE party at The Gaping Goose – get your tickets at the bar from today

 

Planning

Ah, it’s rubbish – Christmas Bin Collection

It’s’bin really useful

You can download the Leeds Bin App. I find it extremely useful especially when there are seasonal collection changes – it takes a little time to process through the pages (so be patient through the process) once you open the app, find your address, save to your calendar, and then it reminds you, when your bin to put out

 

Until next week – Shop local as there’s more to it than you think