2026. And how many people have already said, “It’s freezing”? We’re only nine days in, and the world is feeling a bit bleak. World Politics is doing its thing to disturb the start of the year. Well, truthfully, it’s really one man, the one applying Cheeto dust to his face with a blusher brush; he’s the main world problem. Either way, it has not exactly been a warm welcome. I’d hate for the year ahead to be one long forehead wrinkle from constant surprise at the daily news cycle; although on the plus side, I do know a few people who could sort those wrinkles out.
I hope you all managed to get a decent break. Not everyone loves Christmas. Some people throw themselves into it and inhale everything December offers. Me? I prefer it after Boxing Day, when everyone’s gone home, the fridge is quieter, and I no longer have to think about what I’m feeding other people.
Twixmas, yep, it’s a word and here are some more you can use later this year – you’re welcome
• Perineum Week (yes, really, the internet did that)
• Day 37 of December
• The Festive Black Hole
• Time Soup
• The Bermuday Triangle
• The Nothing Days
• The Forgotten Days
• The Week That Time Forgot
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Moving forward to the year ahead, what can you be part of this year, and how can you help make a change locally?
Here’s the first one!
A new pilot scheme forum, and we can have it coming to Garforth – Garforth Future Flood Risk Community Workshop and Forum
- 17th January 10.00 am – 1 pm – The Miners Welfare Hall
Teas and Coffees will be provided
They’re looking for local people to help Gaforth prepare for future flooding and share ideas on making our town stronger and safer
Scan the QR code or click here on the link to join https://bit.ly/4prU6GN
Other things to get involved in, in 2026 because;
Making a difference locally doesn’t always start with a grand plan. Sometimes it begins with simply showing up, being part of something, and giving a bit of time where it matters. Getting involved in your community has proven benefits that go far beyond helping others.
Time spent outdoors boosts vitamin D levels, regular movement supports physical health, and social connection reduces loneliness and strengthens mental wellbeing. Being part of something local also keeps the brain active, improves confidence, and builds genuine friendships that don’t come from a screen. As we move through 2026, small actions close to home can create healthier people, stronger communities, and a real sense of purpose for everyone involved.
Here’s our local list, and you can find them all online and on socials
- Incredible Edibles Garforth
Garforth in Bloom
Garforth Wombles
Garforth Planning Forum
Eco-Friendly Garforth
The Repair Cafe
Something new
Saturday 24th January – Free Film: OCEAN with David Attenborough
Miners Welfare Hall – hosted by Eco Friendly Garforth
Greenpeace Leeds and Eco-Friendly Garforth have teamed up to bring you this free film, a wonderful mix of beauty, urgency and hope, at the Miners’ Welfare Hall on Saturday 24th January from 1:30pm.
Refreshments available afterwards, and you are invited to stay to discuss the issues with members of Greenpeace, Eco-Friendly Garforth & Richard Burgon MP.
More information is available here:
https://greenwire.greenpeace.org.uk/…/free-film…
(No need to register, but doing so helps them plan for numbers).
Lots of great things coming up in January and February
You can check the local ones here on Facebook Events https://bit.ly/4qQHV7z
Dry January – if, like many, you’re partaking in this month’s Dry January (it’s ok), this may be for you https://leeds-list.com/culture/15-things-to-do-in-leeds-instead-of-drinking/
Together is better
If you’ve followed The Main Deal for any length of time, you’ll know that promoting local businesses has always been about more than advertising. What’s on your doorstep matters, but so do the people, the ideas, and the quiet work that goes into building strong towns and communities. I’ve always tried to shine a light on that, the role local people play in sustainability, growth, empowerment, and real, lasting change.
This month, The Main Deal turns 12. Twelve years of watching ideas grow from seeds into something tangible, visible, and valued. Twelve years of being involved in change, helping implement it, supporting it, and sometimes simply standing back and watching it take shape. Every conversation, connection, and nudge forward has been worth it.
I believe where you choose to live is where you can make a difference. Change doesn’t need a crowd. It starts with one person who sees a problem and decides to be part of the solution.
We don’t need New Year’s resolutions. That idea belongs to another time. Real progress doesn’t come from grand promises that fade by February. It comes from small, deliberate actions repeated consistently.
Move forward. Adjust. Improve. Repeat.
That’s how progress actually happens.
Look after local. It’s where you choose to live.
Until then – See you next month, 6th February
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