Friday 6th Sept. We're back with a, Big Load of Garforth

Welcome back to the Blog, it’s been a while, but the time has flown! I hope you all managed to get away over the summer, even if it was just for a few days to change the scenery, and switch off.

Grab yourself a drink, we have a lot to get through - happy reading 
 
The first week of the summer holidays, we managed a few days away in Whitby; and then this happened! 

Meet Winston, he is a very funny, bitey little fluff ball.  We picked up our new recruit on 9th August and have so have been stuck in  for most of the holidays until it was safe to go out.  Winston is a Cavapoochon; a what, I hear you say?  A Cavapoo with a Bichon Friche  basically,  a posh mongrel!  My family have wanted a dog for so long, and it was a long time before I was pressured , forced and won round!  So here he is.  So far, he’s been a great addition to our family and is great company in The Main Deal office.  You will see us round and about Garforth, when his legs can walk more than 15 minutes!
 
Anyway, a lot has happened in Garforth since the summer break, a new business opening, with Refill and Go, and what a great shop it is, not only does it have some wonderful things, but all the artwork was created by one of our fabulous local artists and creators, Penny Rowe;  you know how much I like keeping it local and cross marketing businesses.  If you haven’t yet paid it a visit, please do drop in.  We are very lucky to have this great independent business in Garforth.
 
The old premises at Shake it up, also has a new tenant!  This is not food related, and it something that we’ve never had in Garforth before.  To give you a little heads-up, a lot of her customers will be so glad to HEAR she is here, so wait and LISTEN and see what comes along.
 
Everyone keeps asking me about the Cocktail Bar/Lounge.  I have recently spoken with Dan, one of the owners, they are just finalising some paperwork and then we should hear more details, in the not too distant future.    There are rumours  they were unable to get a license, I can happily confirm, this is not true.
 
As mentioned in one of our previous blogs, planning was approved for the bar and bistro in the Hydroponics building, things have been quiet here and I haven't yet been able to connect with the new owner!  Another  planning application has also gone in for this on 29th August; I think it’s for some changes to the building itself,  doors, windows, access etc, it’s looking good though, a bar downstairs and a  bistro upstairs!
 
Reed Rains old premises have been under offer for a while,  yet, still no sign of movement.
 
Lilypops Boutique will soon be on our doorstep.   Vanessa the owner is  a lovely lady and really knows her stuff, which is really great when opening a new shop.    The shop will be situated upstairs next to Gymophobics where you will also find lots of other great businesses, this area is really full of businesses now, so go and have a look.  You can  access the upstairs by the front door next to Lee The Greengrocers/Co-op.  In the meantime, follow Vanessa’s shop on Facebook until she’s opens on Main Street, as you are able to purchase items now, and she delivers in Garforth for free.    - https://www.facebook.com/lilypopsboutiquex/


WOW
 GFest was just brilliant?  Such a good day and so glad to hear they have raised £37,775  ‘in a day’.   Well done to all our local community for supporting this brilliant event and to the fabulous team who work so hard.    I feel it’s now nicely taken over Garforth Arts, and the fact it’s all for a brilliant cause, is even better.  A big thank you to all who voted for Sticks and Stones, winners of battle of the bands! Not biased at all!
 
The Repair Café
I have learnt over the holidays that our application for insurance cover to enable us to hold the repair café in the library, has been declined.  I would love to say it was down to, too many other applications, being put forward, but unfortunately, as I am quite well connected, it is apparent there was more to it, and it was declined for other reasons – some people truly have no understanding of The Main Deal or why I would want to do great things, voluntarily  - But all is not lost, we will now be applying for private funding which will not need to be seen by anyone who isn’t involved! Onwards and Upwards
 
 
What’s on:

• Tonight – it’s all about the Gin at Quirky with Rebecca at The Gin Shack from 5.30pm

 

• Saturday 7th –The annual, Garforth Show – The Miners Welfare Hall

Show opening times for entrants are;-
Friday 6th September, 6pm-8.30pm
Saturday 7th September, 9am-10.45am.
Open to the public, Saturday 7th September, from 2pm.
Official presentation of prizes at 2.45pm, and auction at 3.15pm.
See you then.
 An event for all the family! Lots of classes for you to enter - just have a go!
Classes include:-
Photography
Handicrafts
Home Produce
Flowers
Fruit & Vegetable
Children's Classes
Official opening of the show and prize giving at 2pm by Revd Jane Brown, Rector of Garforth (St Mary's church)
Auction of produce after prize giving at approx. 3:15pm
Cakes and drinks available
For more info contact -
garforthshow@gmail.com.
Look us up on Facebook - Garforth Show

SCHEDULES will be available in the library, Welfare Hall, Allotment Hut, St Mary's Church and local garden centres 

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• Sunday – Lotherton Hall’s Autumn Harvest – this is wonderful family event, lots of apples to choose and pick, we love it, and have attended for many years – follow and see https://www.facebook.com/Lotherton/

• Tuesday 10th September – WI Make Group – 8-10pm at Firthfields Community Centre – everyone is welcome, you can go along and in for a trial to see what you think, it’s only a small fee for the first session.  The WI is not what it used to be and you don’t have to be of an age to join, all women are welcome

 

• Thursday 12th September – my birthday,  that is all (not bad for 45)

 

• Friday 13th September  - 10.10-10.50am - New Under 5’s Class with Funky Jives at Garforth Methodist Church Tickets are available at https://funky-jives.class4kids.co.uk/info/165?fbclid=IwAR1d-tVrdVeIBQbe0iuEO87zd5YeQKqWDN2j2rBXd8zAVughE9bJm8JSjwY

 
This is our toddler and pre-schooler movement to music class.
The sessions are action packed and full of fun!
Classes are suitable for both boys and girls aged from 2 to 4 years old
Every session provides little ones with the opportunity to release all of their pent up energy, dance, sing, stamp, roll, jump, stretch, balance, play, imagine and so much more all in a safe environment.
Got another baby? You are very welcome to bring them along to class and of course wear them in a sling or carrier whilst you join in the Funky Jives session with your child! Older siblings can join in (for half price) or just watch from the side (free).
Each half term has a different theme and all sessions include parachute fun, bubbles and stickers. There is also the option to stay for 10 minutes for stories and songs which allows children to refocus and calm their body and mind.
 
 
Planning
I see the shop on Church Lane has planning to:
Change of use of ground floor retail shop (A1) and first floor flat to form a single dwelling (C3) and internal and external alterations. I think this makes sense as I’m never sure if the shop is actually open or not!
 
Planning applications(s) in for the land on Lidgett Lane/Beech Grove Avenue for dwellings.  I think this has been in planning thoughts for some years to change the garage to flats/shops – not yet sure what their full plans are as yet though – will keep an eye on it.
 
I would love to see another planning application for a place to be, eat, drink on Main Street.   I think then, with what’s coming, we will have a great night time vibe; it’s about if I can influence it happening – fingers crossed

How great would it be if we had more of a reason to walk to main street and enjoy being local.  More options can make this happen, we already have some great restaurants, let's make it a place people really want to choose to be.
 
My motto for The Main Deal has always been, "don’t sit back and let things happen, go out and happen to things”.
I can, I try and I will
 
 
 
Until next week.