With rain and pain in the world, the year is starting off quite miserably, and we need something uplifting quickly!
My weekly vlogs are usually about what’s going on locally, sharing the good stuff, shining a light on brilliant people and businesses. You know, balance in the chaos. Listen here if you haven’t ventured in yet – https://youtu.be/m4KXuJhX6ck
But this week… honestly… if I hear one more story about wrongdoing, people being awful, or crimes quietly shrugged off like “not really bothered”, my head might actually pop. Not in a dramatic way, just a very British internal scream followed by a Gin and Tonic
It’s 2026. And yet.
Men. Not all men, obviously, before anyone warms up their keyboard, but it does feel like men are still front and centre of so much that’s broken. Power being abused, truth being bent, accountability going missing, and women still having to prove they belong in rooms they’ve been holding together for decades.
Sometimes I just want to hand the mic to a room full of Gen X women, fuelled by strong opinions and Easter egg Chocolate, and let us run the White House press briefings. Imagine the efficiency. Imagine the eye contact. Imagine the not putting up with any nonsense and being told to smile!
What worries me, though, is thinking about my boys growing up in this world. A world where ‘some’ older men are leaving behind a messy trail of lies, deceit, misogyny, and performative power plays, all so they can feel important for five more minutes.
The good news? Our kids aren’t like this. They’re kinder, more aware, and far less impressed by nonsense.
The bad news? It means the ladder they’re climbing is steeper, wobblier, and still being guarded by people who refuse to move aside. – That’s also old opinions
So yes, this week’s vlog might be a little less “here’s what’s on locally” and a little more “can we all please do better now”. Same platform, same honesty, just with a bit more side eye than usual.
Anyways……
TOFS (The Original Factory Shop) looks to be closing for good after going into administration. There’s still hope of a buyer, but if we’re being honest… It’s not looking promising.
Last week, Kippax announced it wouldn’t be renewing its lease inside the Co-op. Not long after, Garforth followed suit, sharing that they too will be shutting their doors. They’re not closed just yet, though, so yes, there are still a few bargains to be had. Pop in, grab a bargain, and maybe have a quiet moment of retail reflection on the way out.
It’s always sad when a long-standing high-street store disappears. The Original Factory Shop has been part of high streets for years, very much in the same nostalgic bracket as Woolworths and Wilko. Shops you didn’t plan to go into, but somehow left with six items and a receipt you didn’t fully understand.
The bigger question is whether businesses like this can survive the constant shifts of our increasingly fast, online-first world. From a marketing point of view (and very much IMO), TOFS appealed strongly to a specific demographic. My mother-in-law, for example, loved it, and would never shop online for clothes unless there was a catalogue involved. The problem is, loyalty alone doesn’t always translate into enough footfall to keep large retail units afloat.
It’s sad to see it go. As for what comes next, that’s anyone’s guess. The space is built for retail, so maybe it’ll be split into either a few smaller units or perhaps another chain will take a punt. For now, it’s another reminder of how quickly our high streets are changing, sometimes faster than we’d like.
❤ Valentine’s, who’s doing what
If you’re looking for Valentine’s inspiration, it’s always worth keeping an eye on our pages and website, especially around seasonal moments like this. We regularly share posts from local businesses offering something a little bit special.
You can’t go wrong with Dumouchel or Sally at Grange Chocolates (because chocolates are basically a love language), and a few of our other businesses are also pulling out all the stops with thoughtful, gift-worthy treats.
For something a bit different, follow Emma Winter Massage Therapy, because sharing the love doesn’t have to involve sugar and can absolutely involve a massage.
Support local, give a great gift, and let someone else do the hard work this Valentine’s.
SPOTLIGHT
Emma Clowes is a Family Solicitor at Ison Harrison’s Garforth branch on Main Street.
Emma understands how overwhelming and emotional family disputes can be. She supports clients through all matters relating to separation and divorce issues, including advising on and negotiating financial settlements as well as sensitive and often emotionally charged Children Act proceedings, with clear, practical advice and a calm, compassionate approach.
She advises on all areas of family law, including financial settlements arising out of divorce, and assists clients with pre-nuptial agreements and cohabitation agreements, helping them to plan ahead and protect their interests in a fair and thoughtful way.
Emma’s focus is on helping families navigate difficult times with confidence, working towards fair and constructive outcomes while always keeping the well-being of those involved at the centre of every decision. She is known for her measured, supportive manner and ability to guide clients through complex situations with clarity and reassurance.
Outside of her legal practice, Emma has a strong interest in health and fitness, which reflects my belief in balance, resilience, and long-term wellbeing—values I also bring to my work with clients.
If you need help and advice with any family-related legal issues, you can arrange an appointment with Emma by contacting Ison Harrison’s Garforth branch on:
0113 286 1455 or hello@isonharrison.co.uk https://www.isonharrison.co.uk/branches/garforth-solicitors/
New Member
We welcome a new member, La Pointe Boutique – Mel has been running this local and fabulous dance shop for 4 years now and resides down Chapel Close, just next to The Welfare Hall – find out more https://www.themaindeal.co.uk/directory/la-pointe-boutique/
What’s on
- Saturday 7th February – following on from The Future Flood of Garforth that took place on 17th January – this is another opportunity to join these workshops to assist in some brilliant ideas of good for our town – here is the link to register http://tinyurl.com/Flood-Risk-Forum
- Some fabulous local events coming up this month https://www.facebook.com/events/?date_filter_option=ANY_DATE&discover_tab=CUSTOM&location_id=105872162778090
- 11th February 6 -7 pm – find out more about what Incredible Edibles do and drop into Garforth Library to find out more –
Incredible Edibles is also asking you, the community, some questions in order they can find out what you think and know about their Raised Beds and the food you can take when ready https://forms.office.com/e/h6hxkjtMMG
- February half-term activities with Leeds Youth Service
- Monday 16th February 10 am- 1 pm Eco Friendly Garforth Fair Shares Workshop
- Thursday 19th February 6 pm – Garforth Business Network is going into a new year with a new host and a new venue
Find out more and links to the Eventbrite booking system – all local businesses welcome, and you can bring a business friend too https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587506697051
If the weather seems rubbish over the half term, here are some indoor options from Leeds-List https://leeds-list.com/culture/indoor-activities-for-kids-in-leeds/
Planning
Another railway bridge is getting lifted.
Plans are in place for the A656 (Ridge Road, Micklefield) to close from March through to December while works are carried out to increase the height of the bridge.
- Which, in practical terms, means nearly ten months of traffic doing what traffic does best… finding new ways to clog up everywhere else. It’s likely Micklefield and Garforth will feel the knock-on effects, with busier roads, longer queues, and a collective sigh from anyone who drives at peak times. Necessary work, of course, but if you usually pass this way, it might be worth planning alternative routes, adjusting timings, or mentally preparing for a bit of extra windscreen staring.
- Nice to see The Wellness Lounge Leeds coming on too – check them out and give them a follow https://www.thewellnessloungeleeds.co.uk/ also on Insta and TikTok
Have a great half-term.
And for everyone’s sanity, maybe park the political takes for a few months, so the algorithm sends us joy, dogs, and decent content instead of Dicktim behaviour and outrage on tap.
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