So sorry I missed last week’s First Friday of the Month Blog, there’s been a lot going on in the Thom household, as well as with The Main Deal and Garforth Feastival. In all honesty, I didn’t have the blog set as a diary reminder and, without those little prompts, things simply don’t happen! I’m sure that’s something many people can relate to.
Juggling life, work, and everyone else’s schedules can sometimes leave the brain struggling to keep up. Add a touch of menopause into the mix, and every now and then something is bound to slip through the net!
Anyway, here we are
If you missed this week’s vlog – get your ears out, there’s always lots to listen to and learn https://youtu.be/A3Dzui0qSno
Garforth Feastival
We’re currently in talks with The Leisure Centre in Garforth for this years proposed Feastival and we’re waiting on a reply for ‘da management’ to confirm it can go ahead – I will keep you updated on how we go
Curator & Facebook Update
We’ve had a small technical hiccup with the system that sits in the middle of our content sharing, Curator. For those who don’t know, Curator automatically collects the content we share and sends it over to our website. They’re based in Australia and, over the 11 years I’ve used them, they’ve always been very reliable.
However, for some reason their software has recently stopped pulling through Facebook posts and sending them to our website. Their technical team are looking into the issue, and I’ve been chasing them for updates for nearly two weeks.
In the meantime, many of our members use other platforms, and those are still sharing to the website via Curator as normal. It currently just appears to be Facebook that’s affected.
Please bear with us while I continue to chase their tech support for answers and, hopefully, a quick fix.
The Original Factory Outlet
We’re so sorry to hear that Sam and he team at TOFS will soon be leaving Main Street, after 20 years; mad how long it’s been – TOFS will officially close on Sunday 22nd March, so grab a bargain or two.
Aldi – FYI and this I shared on our socials last week
NO ONLINE NEWS!!
Expansion Plans in West Yorkshire.
Aldi is currently undergoing a massive £1.6 billion two-year investment to reach a target of 1,500 stores across the UK.
Priority Areas: As of 2026, Aldi has identified several priority areas in West Yorkshire for new sites, including Horsforth, Roundhay, and Harrogate.
Garforth Context: While Garforth is NOT explicitly on the 2026 immediate opening list, Aldi has previously expressed interest in opening 40 new stores across West Yorkshire.
ALDI Site Requirements: Specific location criteria: according to their website)
20,000 square feet with a minimum of 100 dedicated parking space
77-83 Main Street Total building is: 15,386 sq ft with fewer than 100 spaces it would be unusual for them to pick this plot, mainly due to the parking issue
** It doesn’t mean they haven’t looked, but there is nothing online to say there is a change of use at this present moment in time **
So let’s just wait to see what a sign says, when it says it
Its also still showing its up for rent with Dresler Smith as of 12th Feb
*FYI this building is privately owned and not owned by Tesco Ltd.
New Members:
Richard Tull Tutoring – Primary school tutor English and Maths at Sherburn Girls school as well as private tuition and Richard is also an Autism friendly teacher too https://www.themaindeal.co.uk/directory/richard-tull-tutoring/
Rich has an open day on Saturday (tomorrow) at The Old Girls School – go and say hello
Also, a warm welcome to Yorkshire Shifters!
They’re here to literally give you a hand with any house, garden, or office clearance you might need. Whether you’re a landlord, business owner, or need help clearing a property after a bereavement, Gareth and the team can help make the process much easier.
We’ve personally used Gareth and the team when moving my mum from a small flat to a bungalow, and in just two trips everything was moved, they were absolutely brilliant.
They’re also fully registered and licensed to dispose of waste properly, so anything that needs to go to the tip is handled responsibly. https://www.themaindeal.co.uk/directory/yorkshire-shifters/
Mother’s Day
Sorry, but I’m just not a fan of Mother’s Day. I’ve never really seen the point, maybe that sounds a bit miserable, but it’s just how I feel. I’m not one for doing things just because ‘it’s tradition’ or because someone decided we should.
The whole thing started in the US, when a young girl thought mums should be celebrated, and here in the UK, it became tied to Mothering Sunday. Then, of course, the commercial world jumped in, and suddenly it’s all about buying stuff…stuff that usually ends up forgotten or discarded (unless, of course, you’re of a certain age and keep everything like my mother-in-law!).
Personally, I think the best way to celebrate is by simply being together. Go for a walk, take in some fresh air (weather permitting!), and just enjoy each other’s company. For me, that feels like a true celebration of what celebrating your Mum is, Giving time, it costs nothing
What’s on
- Lots going on next week and in March at Luna Aura – check out their pages for all their pop ups https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566842834718
- Wednesday 18th March Garforth Business Network will be held from 6pm until l8.30pm at Perfectly Batched Bar on Lotherton Way – Here is the Facebook page and
- Every Wednesday – The Podger Quiz
- Every Thrusday – The Quirky Quiz
Later in the year
Temple Newsam have been in touch with me, in relation to an event coming up in September, if you’re part of a dance school or dance group of any sort, they are asking for your involvement
Caroline Jacques is the Events Coordinator at Temple Newsam House. They are planning on hosting a dancing festival here at Temple Newsam House on Saturday, 5th September 2026. They envisage the day to consist of dance performances and workshops, delivered in a variety of different dance styles, all set within the halls and galleries of our magnificent Tudor-Jacobean mansion.
They would like to know if any of our dance groups might be interested in the opportunity to perform at our event or would perhaps be interested in delivering a workshop?
Caroline would be delighted to speak anyone who would like to get involved caroline.barrett@leeds.gov.uk
DRONE SHOTS
Intermittent Yellow Lines
As you may have seen on social media or heard in previous vlogs, we’ve now submitted three films of drone footage to my contact at the council, covering Green Lane, Church Lane, and Ninelands Road. These videos are really eye-opening, and the safety concerns are clear, particularly on Ninelands Road during school pick-up times. I suspect the same issues might occur in the mornings when parents and carers are dropping off their children.
In all three videos, there are numerous near misses and a complete lack of patience among drivers, ( i get it) which is evident in the footage. Specifically, on Church Lane, the video shows a quieter period during works hours and perhaps school pick-up time, where the road isn’t clogged with cars. When there’s less traffic, especially on a bus route, the road flows much better.
On one occasion, I followed a car up Church Lane toward the doctors. There was no oncoming traffic, so we had plenty of room to pass parked cars. But as we approached the end of the road, the driver in front suddenly decided to pull in behind a parked car rather than carrying on; there was only space for one car! . A car had just turned out of the doctors, and there was no way for me to pull in. So, I had no choice but to continue, leaving the car coming from the direction of the doctors stuck waiting. The driver flashed their lights in frustration, and this is exactly the kind of situation that causes tension frustration, limited options, and impatience, which ultimately leads to accidents or even road rage incidents.
Add a bus to the mix, and it’s a complete disaster.
let’s hope I hear back and they see, clearly that something does needs to be done in order for us to manage these roads – we can’t just keep putting solid yellow lines everywhere as it doesn’t solve the problem, it just moves it
** I have been working on this since 2022 – its up to the community to sort and it’s actually putting people off travelling to our high street
Planning
The Aagrah are planning a few small improvements and have submitted a planning application for EV charging points and a cycle shelter.
They already have a really good relationship with East Garforth Academy, as the school allows Aagrah customers to use the school car park after 6pm, which helps with additional parking for visitors.
I’ve also heard some news – soon to be announced
Until April – which will be a Thursday release due to the Easter weekend break
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