November – It’s all so noisy

by | Nov 6, 2026 | Blog, Garforth | 0 comments

Remember, remember the 5th of November; and that the rest of the weekend is going to be loud, noisy, and annoying for animals but good fun for kids.  Did you know that before every state opening of Parliament, the Yeoman of the Guard still searches the cellars for gunpowder?  421 years on and they’re still checking if Guy Fawkes had a cousin!  Talk about a mad tradition!
Anyway, this led me to an article I shared yesterday https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crp3gk07850zo

Local Job
Business Works has an opening for a Client Administrator – full-time, but part-time is considered – take a look at the details and how to send in your application https://www.themaindeal.co.uk/job/client-administrator-business-services/

Side Hustles
As we’re on the subject of accountants, as of April 2027, someone earning up to £3,000 a year from a side hustle, before expenses, will not have to declare it on a tax return. That works out at about £250 a month from things like tutoring, odd jobs, or selling things you have made – so it’s like having a 2k raise – sort of…..  I think this is great, because it could actually be the start of someone growing their own business.

Gymophobics is no more
It’s sad to see Gymophobics leave Garforth Main Street after years as our women-only gym. By all accounts, they’d been working hard for some time to keep going, but sadly it became too much in the end.

Contacts from the post I did from members: that may help if you were a member – 01908 752078 to cancel my monthly direct debit – support@clubmanagercentral.com

The way we exercise has changed a lot. It’s not that we don’t need gyms anymore, as a few new ones have popped up nearby. But many women in particular now seem to prefer the growing mix of local classes, choosing to pay as they go rather than sign up to a monthly or annual membership.

A big thank you to the team for everything they’ve given Garforth over the years. They’ll be missed. 💜

SAD NEWS – AS OF YESTERDAY A FAVOURITE BUSINESS HAS GONE UP FOR SALE  (retiring), but I will leave it up to him to tell you on his socials before we share the details – just know that he’s had a lot of interest in the last 24 hours already!

SOMETHING NEW

Coming into Garforth High Street – Hair and Beauty business called Bleau’s will be taking over Shine’s old premises – welcome to Garforth

And Gymopobics old premises will also see a new type of academy coming in too – watch this space, you will see banners up very soon – (look up)
and on main street

The Lord Gascoigne to be a Hickory Smokehouse
The changes will happen in Spring 2027  – read more here https://bit.ly/4BK6skG

I’ve never heard of a Hickory Smokehouse; let’s hope it’s a good addition to Garforth’s food scene

Proposed Parish Council: you’ve got until 16th November to have YOUR say about the first draft

I’ve lived in Garforth a long time, and I’ve never seen a small corner of town get quite this worked up about a single question. We’ve had monologues that scroll for days and even an AI-generated song. Yes, a song about not wanting a parish council. My head hurts!

A parish council might not be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s absolutely fine. But WOW, the tone it’s brought out in some has been something else. I’m still not sure whether to call it passion, or just a lot of people with a very long winter ahead of them.

You’d think we were being asked to hand over our houses and our firstborn. We’re not. It’s a perfectly reasonable, very local question about how Garforth is run now, and going forward. No one is coming round with a clipboard and a crowbar, but equally the Steering group didn’t have £13k to print off a leaflet for every home.  The thing is, if you’re having your opnion on social media, you can find out all you need to know online!

Here’s the bit most people have missed. Leeds City Council’s draft recommendation is that Garforth should not have a parish council. This second stage isn’t a fresh yes or no vote. It asks whether you think the first round of views was weighed up fairly, and whether you have anything new to add. Agree or disagree; if you don’t respond, someone else decides for you.

So my wild, radical suggestion is to make your own mind up. Don’t let someone else’s views decide for you, and don’t assume the people shouting loudest are right. Volume and accuracy aren’t the same thing.

And whatever you think, the Garforth Neighbourhood Planning Forum are local volunteers giving up their own time (one of them is 100!). They deserve a bit of courtesy, not to be treated like they’ve just tried to flog you a timeshare in Blackpool.

Have your say by Monday 16 November 2026
👉 www.leeds.gov.uk/GarforthGovernanceSurveyStage2
📧 electors@leeds.gov.uk

What happens next: responses are considered until 3 December, final recommendations go to committee on 16 December, and Full Council decides in January 2027. If the answer is yes, elections would be held on 6 May 2027; if the answer is no, then ragebook will go quiet until dog poo or parking comes up. Talking of  parking, look for the newly realised article in the planning section down below

Anyway – A question to leave you with: have you ever actually heard of a parish council ruining a town? Me neither. But don’t take my word for it; ask someone who’s got one.
And NO, I’m not, and never have intended to run for a parish council committee – I’m just sharing the facts and information as requested.

 

What’s Coming up

  • Friday 6th  November – new Girl Power sessions have opened up in The Wellness Lounge – started today  – 5 sessions  – If you have a daughter or granddaughter aged 7+ go and find out more about the brilliant things that Amy will be doing here in relation to body confidence and education https://www.themaindeal.co.uk/2026/10/22/the-girlhood-space-autumn-term/
  • Some Mondays throughout each month,  Eco Friendly is running a Fair Shares Youth project for 11- 16-year-olds, 4-5:30 PM
    Check out their page for more details of ones coming up https://www.facebook.com/ecogarforth
  • Last of the free Art Sessions with Penny’s Community Arts

 

  • Wednesday 12th November – The Wellness Lounge will be holding a Business Network event so you can get to meet the businesses that use the lounge, and there will also be others there too, including me.  Tickets are £10 – buy here  https://bit.ly/4jVR3HJ
  • Saturday 14th November – The Scalp Edit at Luna Aura  – find out more here https://bit.ly/4sHsxw4
  • Monday 16th November – Enhance Dental has an Invisalign Open Evening  – Booking essential, and there will be a discount on the night
    Invisalign Open Evening 💫
    Only a few appointments left!
    Dr Liv is renowned for creating natural, confidence-boosting smiles, combining both dentistry and artistry to get truly beautiful results.
    When she’s not caring for patients, you’ll catch her lecturing across the UK, sharing her cosmetic expertise and passion for improving smiles.
    We’re so excited to welcome patients to our Invisalign Open Day with Dr Liv Schorah.
    BOOK ONLINE OR CALL 0113 286 0232.
    *A £50 refundable deposit is required to secure your place at our open day event.

 

Friday 20th November – Christmas Lights Switch-on and outdoor Christmas market at the Gascoigne car park

Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd  November – The first ever Garforth Open Studio weekend – map coming out soon – Have a look at all the details of this fabulous event run by Angela Hennessey of Raspberry Thief –  This is going to be so good – https://www.themaindeal.co.uk/2026/10/22/garforth-open-studios-november-2026/



December

1st – 5th December: Garforth Musical Society is putting on their Jack in the Beanstalk Panto, and you can buy tickets online this year as well as from the uniform shop

 

PLANNING

Until December, be kind to people, especially the ones you do not know!

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