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Horsforth Community Café

The Community Cafe is a 'pay as you feel' cafe. Volunteers use surplus food that is destined for the bin to create delicious meals for everyone.

It is open on a Monday on the following dates from 10am -2pm. 

9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th January

6th, 13th, 20th, 27th February 

6th, 13th, 20th, 27th March

Lunch is served from 12pm. 

The Community Cafe is located at The Parish Centre, St Margaret's Church, Horsforth, LS18 5LA.  

Get in touch via Facebook or just turn up at the cafe.


Thursday 12th January 2023 - Horsforth Food Bank Drive:

 

It was an honour today for Cllr Emmie Bromley and I to be invited by Sarah Marston, Morrison’s Community Champion to support and help with the Horsforth Food Bank Drive. Thank you so much to our lovely Horsforth Community for donating so generously food items to help towards stocking our local food banks.

Tracy Stones

Chairman, Horsforth Town Council

 

 

 On behalf of Horsforth Town Council, I would like to wish our Horsforth Community a Merry Christmas and Festive New Year for 2023.

Peace, happiness, prosperity and good health to everyone,

Tracy Stones

Chairman, Horsforth Town Council

 

 

Vacancy for an Administration Assistant – Part-Time

Horsforth Town Council is looking to appoint an Administration Assistant for 16 hours per week (with a potential increase in hours during the next year) to undertake the day-to-day administrative tasks of the office and to provide support to the Clerk.

You will be based in the Town Council office in Horsforth. Some attendance at evening meetings will be required to minute and advise.

We are looking for somebody who is motivated, well-organised and who can work independently but who must be comfortable working in a small team.

A flexible and positive approach is required, together with relevant and appropriate experience, including general office-based skills. IT skills and a good working knowledge of Word and Excel are essential.

Salary NJC SCP 7-12 (£22,369 - £24,496) pro rata

Specific responsibilities are detailed in the Job Description.

Further details and an application form are available to download below or on application to the Clerk, Becky Crabtree, Horsforth Town Council, Mechanics Institute, Town Street, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5BL

Tel: 07526 567591

Email: admin@horsforthtowncouncil.gov.uk

Website: www.horsforthtowncouncil.gov.uk

CVs WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: Monday 9th January 2023 at Noon.

INTERVIEW DATE: Interviews to be held week commencing 16th January 2023.

If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please telephone the Clerk on the above telephone number.

Please note the Town Council office is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Horsforth Town Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer

 Application Form

Job Description

Person Specification

 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 form

Churches Together – Carols in the Park:

 

Councillor Charlotte Sellers and I were honoured to be asked to be angels in the Nativity scene for the Churches Together special Carols in the Park Christmas Event on Saturday 10th December. It was fantastic to see so many Horsforth residents out in force to enjoy sharing the spirit of Christmas together, by participating in a Carol Service led by Nigel Sinclair, from St. Margaret’s Church, by singing a selection of carols together.

Tracy Stones

Chairman, Horsforth Town Council


Friends of Hall Park and Horsforth Community Garden Team:

 

As Chair of Council, it was lovely to accept the kind invitation to join Friends of Hall Park and the Horsforth Community Garden Project at their Christmas, Community Fundraising Event on Saturday 10th December. An excellent talk, with practical demonstrations was given by Kat Green, a local resident of Horsforth, who is a medical herbalist – passing on her top tips for staying on top of our health in the Winter Season. Claire Evans, our Horsforth Asset Based Community Builder (ABCD) and Julie Richardson, one of our fantastic Horsforth PCSO’s were both in supportive attendance.

It was good to receive an update from the Community Garden Team, who informed me that the path being funded by Horsforth Town Council will begin to be installed by Hollybush Conservation Team in the New Year.

Tracy Stones

Chairman, Horsforth Town Council

 

 

Horsforth Town Council big Light Switch On: Saturday 3rd December, 4.30pm – 6.00pm:

 

I would like to say a big “THANK YOU” to the people of Horsforth for your amazing support on Saturday, turning-out in your huge numbers to attend our Horsforth Town Council Christmas Light Switch On. It was wonderful to see Horsforth in true festive mode with St. Margaret’s School opening their Christmas Fayre to the public, The Horsforth Town Team hosting their Winter Wonderland, and all our businesses across Horsforth (Station Road, Town Street and New Road Side) looking amazing with their Christmas window displays.

A special mention must go to The Horsforth Museum team who kindly opened their doors for refreshments and use of their facilities, along with the Yoga Café team who kindly supplied our power for our Light Switch On and special changing facilities for our guests!

Joy Choir spread their special essence of Christmas joy, singing a lovely mix of Christmas favourites. Many thanks to our guests Stuart Andrew MP, Ronnie the Rhino from Leeds Rhinos and our competition winners the Horsforth Walk of Art team who received our Good Citizen Award (for bringing the community of Horsforth together through creative arts) and Jean Paul Heppell from Broadgate Primary (for his fantastic Christmas artwork entry) and of course the big man himself, Father Christmas for taking time out from his busy schedule to turn on our Christmas lights with a helping hand from Jean Paul combined with a tremendous count-down from the crowd.

Thank you Horsforth, enjoy a lovely, safe and happy festive season,

Tracy Stones

Chairman, Horsforth Town Council


 

 

 

 

 

 

Horsforth Town Council working proudly in partnership with Horsforth Climate Action – Our first Horsforth Repair Café: Saturday 3rd December, 2.00pm – 5.00pm

 

I had the pleasure of helping and supporting our first Horsforth Repair Café on Saturday afternoon at St. Margaret’s Parish Hall. It was a true team effort from everyone, with Caroline Tomes and Anthony Smith successfully leading our group.

It proved a huge success with people turning-up with a whole host of items to be repaired by our menders. For our first event it was fabulous to see so many items being fixed and tears when they were brought back to life! People also enjoyed the complimentary teas and coffees on offer, sharing a chat with each other as they waited for the required repairer to call them up to their table.

If you were not able to make it this time, we will be back at St. Margaret’s on Saturday 7th January (the first Saturday of each month) 2.00pm - 5.00pm.

A big “ WELL DONE” to everyone involved in the preparation, planning and hosting of Saturday’s event.

Happy Christmas and a Festive New Year.

Tracy Stones

Chairman, Horsforth Town Council

 

 

Horsforth Town Council working proudly in collaboration with Horsforth Farmer’s Market: Saturday 3rd December, 9.00pm – 12.30pm

It was fantastic to be a guest of Duncan and his wonderful team at Saturday’s Farmer’s Market. It definitely had an amazing festive feel, as stall holders and shoppers were treated to Christmas carols and songs being played by the Steel Drum Band. It was a great opportunity for Horsforth Town Council to hand out copies of our recent Horsforth Matters and to politely remind people about our Christmas Light Switch On at the bottom of Horsforth Town Street, on The Green at 4.30pm later that same day.

We look forward to seeing you again in February. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to the Horsforth Farmer’s Market Team.

Tracy Stones

Chairman, Horsforth Town Council

 

 

 

 Information from Leeds City Council

As the weather continues to get colder and our gritter trucks are starting to make their rounds, we all need to be looking out for one another and our winter wellbeing.  

We know that energy costs continue to build up over winter, and if you are struggling with heating your home, our network of warm spaces across the city is growing week by week, and we now have 110 sites registered. We also have a dedicated Cost of Living website which offers help, support and advice on a range of financial issues, including housing, food, fuel, health and general finance.

Protecting your health during the winter months is important in ensuring you remain fit and well, and also protecting our most vulnerable. There is still time to book in for a flu vaccination or covid booster jab.

Although times are tough for a lot of people, if you have time to give back to your community, you can sign up to become a community champion for your area

 

New map shows your nearest advice hub

The Leeds Money information centre has mapped information on where to access advice locations across the city – from community hubs, to children’s centres and debt and health advice – you can search for your local outlet here.

 

Collection points for free warm coats 

Over 3,428 warm winter coats were generously donated by people across Leeds over the last few weeks as part of the Zero Waste Leeds, winter coat appeal.

We're delighted to let you know that those coats are now available to be picked up by families who need them for free at 20 collection points across Leeds. They're a mixture of adult and children's coats (with all some hats, gloves and scarves). All the venues below began sharing coats on Monday 21st November - and they will continue to give them away for free until coats run out. Find your nearest Collection points for free warm coats - Zero Waste Leeds

 

Free and low cost activities in Leeds

Our round up of free and low cost activities for families in Leeds is available here Leeds City Council News - Cost of Living

 

Horsforth Cenotaph Remembrance Service – November ‘22

It was a privilege and an honour for Horsforth Town Council to work collaboratively with Horsforth Royal British Legion to plan and deliver this year’s Remembrance March and Cenotaph Service. We took part in a newly routed parade march in readiness for next year’s march which will be incorporating a second stop at a new Boulder Stone (to commemorate the fallen, Horsforth Second World War veterans) where Stanhope Drive meets the Ring Road.

Rev. Larry Hibberd delivered an excellent, fitting service with help from Horsforth Choral Society leading attendees’ in singing ‘Joyful Joyful, We Adore Thee’ and Vera Lynn’s war-time favourite ‘We’ll Meet Again’ alongside a fantastic, empathetic recital of the world-renowned poem ‘In Flanders Field’ created by the poet John McCrae, by Horsforth Sixth Form Pupil Iliah Movahedzadeh.

Thank you and well done to all the community groups and the public who came together to make this years’ Remembrance Service truly special.

 

 

Horsforth Cemetery School’s Armistice Service – November ‘22

 

It was wonderful for Horsforth Town Council in conjunction with Kay Brown, Chaplain at Abbey Grange CofE Academy to welcome our local schools to participate in our School’s Armistice Service. The schools respectfully placed individual crosses on the Commonwealth War graves. Thank you also to Gordon Tollefson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant, John Huck and the Rt. Hon. Stuart Andrew, MP.

 

 

 

 

Horsforth Town Council Visits Students at Horsforth 6th Form: - November ‘22

Horsforth Town Council enjoyed a lovely visit to Horsforth School.

We were invited as Chairman of Council, Children's and Young Person's Champion and Dementia Champion to lead two Sixth Form Assembles on consecutive days at Horsforth School, meeting with Year 12 and Year 13 students.

We have offered our support in helping and supporting Horsforth's students with their School Council's newly formed Parliament, inviting their newly appointed Chairs, Ella and Frank to our next Full Council meeting to address Councillors on matters pertinent to the students attending Horsforth.

We had the opportunity to meet with Iliah, who has been specially selected by his teachers at the invitation of Horsforth Town Council to do a reading at our Council's Remembrance Service this coming Sunday at the Cenotaph. We were also able to invite Horsforth students as part of their Enrichment Curriculum to participate in next May's Dementia Friendly Horsforth's Action Week.

Our hope is for Horsforth Town Council to forge further good links with Horsforth School to facilitate the next generation of Councillors to help in preserving and improving our great Town of Horsforth.

Horsforth Farmer’s Market – November ‘22

Horsforth Town Council were delighted to be back at our Horsforth Farmer’s Market this November, sharing information on our forthcoming Remembrance Services.


Horsforth Poppies – October - November ‘22

Horsforth Town Councillors were happy to support this year’s Poppy Scheme in Morrison’s.

 

Pool Civic Service – October ‘22

 

We were made very welcome by the lovely Pool in Wharfedale Chairman of Council, Hazel Lee at their Civic Service in October.


Notice of Vacancy

Notice is hereby given that due to the resignation of Councillor Becca Batchelor a casual vacancy has arisen in the office ­­­of Town Councillor for the Town Council of Horsforth, Victoria Ward.

In accordance with Section 89(3) of the Local Government Act 1972, where the vacancy occurs within six months before the day on which the councillor whose office is vacant would regularly have retired, an election shall not be held under Section 89(1) of the above Act, and the vacancy will be filled at the next ordinary election of councillors on 4th May 2023.

The Council may choose to fill the vacancy for the period until that election.

Dated: 8th November 2022

Signed: B. Crabtree, Clerk

Address: Horsforth Town Council, Mechanics Institute, Town Street, Horsforth, LS18 5NL

          

Farmers Market

Horsforth Town Council's first stall at the Farmers Market proved a great success on 3rd October 2022 with Councillor Stones, Councillor Glover and Councillor Arbuckle. Councillor Stones was invited to award cheques on behalf of the Farmer’s Market 10-year Birthday celebrations to four local charities. 

The next Farmers Market is being held on 5th November 2022.

 

Notice of meetings

We have published notices of the Council's meetings for 2022-23. They can be found by clicking on the "Agenda and Minutes 2022/23" tab on the left or by clicking on this link


Electric Bike Scheme

Leeds City Council have an electric bike trial scheme, where you can try out an electric bike and see if it's for you. There is a waiting list until March 2021 so now might be the ideal time to add your name. Full details of the electric bike trial scheme can be found here.

Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

The CIL is a planning charge for developers and landowners which is used to support development of local infrastructure. Leeds City Council collects it and has to pay a proportion to the local communities where the development takes place. 

Click here to find out more about CIL and to see the latest report on CIL income and expenditure.in Horsforth.

Horsforth Neighbourhood Plan

Horsforth Town Council would like to thank all those who came out to vote in support of the Neighbourhood Plan.The vote was 91.35% in favour of the plan.You can view the declaration of result notice here.

The adoption of the plan is a very positive outcome for Horsforth.

  • ·         Green spaces in Horsforth are special and valuable. The NP contains policies that promote the retention of green spaces and provides protection to some that are not otherwise protected. Some of the boundaries of Horsforth are defined by becks. These watercourses and the associated land adjacent to them are recognised in the NP as important wildlife, amenity and recreation networks.
  • ·         There are a number of special buildings and structures in Horsforth that have no protection within planning law at present. These buildings and structures are given Non-Designated Heritage Status in the NP. Some examples are the memorial boulder stone and lime trees on Stanhope Drive, and the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
  • ·         Character areas, previously identified in the Horsforth Design Statement, are confirmed and described in more detail alongside specific requirements for any developments taking place within those areas. This aims to ensure that new development fits in well with what is already there.
  • ·         The four Conservation Areas (CA) in Horsforth are recognised in the NP and in e.g. Horsforth Town Street CA, a specific policy is introduced to indicate how shop front lighting should be, so that its impact is managed, especially where it affects nearby residents.
  • ·         Three new local heritage areas are recognised. The Brownberries and its associated buildings originating in the mid-18th century, the Victorian and Edwardian villas of North Road and Scotland Lane, and the “arts and craft” housing style of the 1930’s – 1950’s on upper West End Lane and the Southway Estate. Any development in these areas must take the style of these existing buildings into account.
  • ·         Leeds Development Plan has identified a number of sites in Horsforth on which housing can be built. The NP identifies five of these and specifically details requirements that must be considered when they are developed. The largest of these sites is the former Horsforth (Park Lane) Campus and its crucial location,  feeding traffic onto the A65 and Horsforth Roundabout.
  • ·         Having an NP will mean that the Town Council (TC) attracts an additional 10% from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL - a new-house tax). Currently the TC receives 15% of CIL. This will rise to 25% once the plan is adopted by LCC. This money is to be spend of the provision of community services.
  • ·         The NP recognises the need for housing provision of particular type, and has a policy encouraging the provision of accommodation specifically designed for the elderly and providing a mix of tenures; small starter and family homes; and housing for independent living.
  • ·         The NP notes the predominance of hot food takeaways in the town and seeks that these should not undermine the vitality and viability of existing retail uses to meet day to day local shopping needs. The NP recognises that a concentration of these might detrimentally impact on the community in respect of amenity of the area and traffic generation, and in evening opening, the effects (including parking and noise) on residential accommodation.
  • ·         Parking in Horsforth can sometimes be a nightmare as well as the impact of school time drop off and pick-ups. The NP seeks to ensure the existing provision of both private and public car parks and supports the provision of additional parking created at e.g. the Fink Hill Car Park. Any new schools should include specific off-road drop-off and pick-up areas. There is also a policy promoting improved cycling, walking and equestrian routes.

These are a small selection of the benefits of having a Neighbourhood Plan. The purpose of the plan is to influence local planning in Horsforth when it comes to the green environment, the built environment, employment and shopping, housing, community facilities and services and traffic and transport. In particular the plan gives local people a greater say in how the town will develop in the years up to 2028.

 

The Town Council has requested, and Leeds City Council has agreed, that the date for the Horsforth NP Referendum will be Thursday 27th February 2020.

All those within the Horsforth Town Council area and on the Horsforth Electoral Roll will be notified of the Referendum and directed to the final Horsforth Neighbourhood Plan and its supporting documents.

You can see these documents here.

The Referendum will ask the simple question “Do you want Leeds City Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Horsforth to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?” A majority decision will adopt the plan or not.

 


 


 

Purchase of 3&5 The Green and The Stables 

Update 27 February 2019: Council resolved to apply for approval to take out a loan of up to £290,000 

  

Click here for link to full-sized poster

The agenda and report for this meeting is now available.

You can also download the business plan. 

Please contact the office if you would like more information.  

 

Goodbye to plastic cups

Horsforth Town Council is working towards stopping use of single-use plastics.

As a starting point, the Council has stopped using disposable plastic cups during its meetings - councillors will be bringing in their own cup or mug if they want a drink!

The Council would urge businesses and schools in Horsforth to think about how they can reduce their use of single-use plastics.