Friday 27th January - #PAYDAY weekend for most

A busy week of meetings  at TMD HQ this week, which is a part of my job I love; talking!

It’s a Scouser’s prerogative; yes for those who didn’t know….  I’m a Scouser,  well… a plastic one!  We come out of the womb talking and cracking jokes,..... Being from the,  Wirral, we take your CD collection as well as nicking the radio!  Just in case you were wondering……!

A fair few meetings with lots of possible great ideas for Garforth, it’s always nice to be asked my opinion on things. Last Friday night I met with some great people at Quirky Ales, it’s always good to hold meetings with a drink in my hand; some of my ideas are actually better! We had a talk about possible new happenings on Main Street and other possible projects that if all come off, could be really good for our town!  Wait and see   Nice to also see many other people in there too  #busytaproom


It won’t be long before the kids are off on Half Term, anyone going away somewhere warm?  I’m away but I’d be daft to think, The Lake District will be anything other than a little damp, cool and rainy!  I think it will be thermals, walking and lots of afternoon teas and gingerbread instead #notcomplaining

Following on from half term, if your child, like mine is in year 6 and feeling the pressures of doing well in their SATS, have you considered talking or visiting Kip McGrath?  Chris who runs our Garforth Branch is here to help and prepare Year 6 for SATs and for high school, where the demands and assumptions are often very different.  They offer free assessments.

If you do have any questions or feel help would be beneficial call Chris and the team on 0113 232 0044 or http://kipmcgrathgarforth.co.uk/
 


It was nice to meet up with our lovely #MIG this week and see how the lovely little Tommy has grown
#MIG (Mum in Garforth)

Water Baby
 
This week baby Tommy went for his first swim! My husband loves swimming and couldn't wait to take him for his first foray into the water.
 
After figuring out the correct attire for babies in the pool (we bought some Huggies Little Swimmers and a Splash About Happy Nappy), the next step was to find a nearby pool warm enough for babies (about 32 degrees C for babies under six months old).
 
Temple Moor has a warm pool but unfortunately it's not open to the public. We decided to try Tadcaster Community Pool because their small pool hosts baby classes (so must be warm enough) and it's only a 15 minute drive from Garforth. 
 
The pool was really nice and the staff were very friendly and helpful. Tommy was a little unsure about going underwater all the way but he did really well and seemed to have fun. My husband was one proud daddy. I have to say, the pool was a bit chillier than I expected so we didn't stay in for long, but but overall it was a positive experience.  We'd like to go again so I've ordered a wetsuit for next time.
 
I'm also looking into baby swimming groups and there are several options around that I need to look into more closely - Flutterbabies, Turtle Tots and Waterbabies to name a few. If anyone has any recommendations, I'm all ears. It would need to be close to Garforth and accessible by public transport for days when hubby is at work with the car.
 
Let me know your thoughts and suggestions on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @garforthkitchen
 
See you next week!
 
Christine x
 
 



#WOTS(word on the street)

Hearing from the Manager at Monkey Maze yesterday, that they will be shutting their doors in March for 16-18 weeks in order to complete a whole refurb!    I think it’s been something that has been needed for a while,  I think their plans are to move some of the nursery from upstairs about a little  and move the kitchen up near reception making everything more accessible.  She didn’t mention what their plans were for the actual play structures… there has to be some element of surprise I suppose!
 
You may have noticed, Dumouchel have put a post put up on their social media pages and will also be following it up with a poster outside the shop, but for now, they will  no longer be opening the shop  on a Wednesday, this may just be for the winter months when it is quieter and they will revisit it in the spring.  But for now, if you do wish to collect something or want something for a Wednesday, you can still pick up as they are in house. 

OPENING HOURS
THURSDAY from 9am to 2pm
FRIDAY from 9am to 3pm
SATURDAY from 8.30am to 3pm

If you would like to place an order for collection on WEDNESDAY this can be arranged by CALLING 0113 2870055 or email info@dumouchel.co.uk or call in to see us!
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Of course, our bread, croissants and mots of other lovely things are available to purchase on MAIN STREET form Pride and Produce Deli when we are closed.
Best wishes
The Dumouchel Team
 
I noticed the newly built houses on Green Lane; you know, the ones practically tickling the train track, have suddenly dropped their asking priced by £10k!    Still not sure who will want to live here, but I’m sure the developer is optimistic; at least it looks nicer now they're up.
 
 

Planning  you can look too -  https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/
 
A few things in planning this week with the release of the information on Marstons Pub Group coming into the space they have allocated for a new pub/restaurant.  To give you an idea, this is what sort of pub it will look like. I have tweeted asking them question as to what type of pub they will be gracing us with, but yet to hear, I can’t see on their list of new jobs for new pubs that Garforth is on their list yet!  I’ll keep you posted if and when I see jobs coming up
http://www.marstons.co.uk/pubs/
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I here on the grapevine that one of our local Vets will be moving into the smaller unit. I’m just hoping a big massive pile of junk doesn’t come to the other larger one; I’m not being shop snobby, I'm truly concerned with a supermarket, a pub and another retail unit coming together, creates a destination for people to go and then the high street suffers!  I know, I know, I’ve mentioned it before, but when you start seeing that it’s not too far away, it does bring a worry of uncertainty to our high street.

The layout for the Lidl development;

Plans have been shared by Councillor Dobson by Redrow Homes to develop another little village of 238 homes and some open space upon the Stocks Blocks site.  See here for details. If you are wanting to object/comment you can do so my adding in the comments box;

https://publicaccess.leeds.gov.uk/online-applications/centralDistribution.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=OJWWT6JBL7400
 
Nothing happening in the old LadyCares building, shutters still down and no sign of any works going on at all thus far.  Considering the new owners are supposedly meant to be opening in March!
 
 
 
 
 
To end on a nice note, I received a lovely private message yesterday thanking me for all the things I do in Garforth and that I’m inspirational to our town; how nice was that?   I got all a bit choked whilst reading it in Monkey Maze!  I read stats all day long seeing what is popular, what works, what people are seeing and what is engaging everyone, but to hear nice kind words being especially sent really does give you a boost and it goes a long way. - keep em coming!

Thank you for shopping local, be proud you are, as you're helping the place you call home.....
 
Until next week…………………………….