Francis Redwood

A Veezu survey found that 84% of Yorkshire holidaymakers prefer to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure, compared with 78% nationally. The research also showed that 36% of Yorkshire passengers prefer taking a taxi to the airport, mainly because of convenience and the savings on petrol and parking. Veezu spokesperson Sally Krouma said airport taxis can reduce travel-day stress.

Halifax Playhouse will stage Leila Jones's play “And Now For Something Completely Divergent” on September 5 and 6. The humorous production features four neurodivergent characters and explores experiences associated with autism, ADHD and other conditions, with three autistic actors contributing to its authenticity. All proceeds will support The Henry Grierson ADHD & Mental Health Foundation, founded by Ruth Grierson after the death of her son Henry, who had ADHD. Tickets start at £7.59.

Kirklees Council leader Sarah Wood has formally asked Baroness Longfield, chair of the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, to consider including Kirklees in the inquiry. The council says participation would support victims, residents and public confidence, and has pledged full transparency and cooperation with lawful requests if selected. The inquiry is examining systemic institutional failures in responding to child sexual exploitation across England.

Huddersfield Library Hub and the Victoria Lane Local Studies Library are relocating to a modern town-centre facility as part of Kirklees Council’s Our Cultural Heart programme. Existing services at Civic Centre 3 and Victoria Lane will close from 30 August to allow staff to pack and move collections and resources, causing temporary disruption. Councillor Michael Simmons said the new hub will support reading, learning, access to services and community activities.

Bradford environmental health inspections resulted in the highest food hygiene rating of five for a range of local restaurants, cafes, takeaways, hospitality venues, care and community facilities, and other food businesses. The ratings assess cleanliness, food safety management procedures, and hygienic food handling under Food Standards Agency guidelines. The businesses may have been reinspected, with any changes expected in a future roundup.

Yorkshire-based Celebration of Life says enquiries for direct cremation plans are increasing as people seek to protect relatives from rising funeral costs. The company’s head of operations, Peter Shuttleworth, argues that direct cremations are becoming more popular because they offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional funeral services. A SunLife report is cited as finding that families without funeral plans can struggle to pay expenses, sometimes turning to credit, loans or crowdfunding.

Railway upgrades over the August bank holiday are expected to cause disruption near Knottingley. Network Rail is investing £800,000 to renew waybeams, repair and repaint the historic Brotherton Bridge, and replace 1.4km of track at Sherburn in Elmet. The works are scheduled from Saturday, August 29, to Monday, August 31, with Network Rail and the Northern and TransPennine Express operators saying the improvements should support more reliable journeys in the future.

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust will hold its Annual Members’ Meeting at the hospital’s Education Centre on September 16, from 10am to 11.30am. New chair Sarah Jones and board members will discuss the trust’s recent performance, priorities and plans for the new hospital. Members of the public, staff, patients and partners can attend, submit questions in advance and use free parking at the P3 car park.

A comparison of the cheapest petrol and diesel prices at garages in and around Bradford lists Shell Manningham Lane and Shell Whetley Hill as the lowest-priced unleaded options at 153.9p per litre. Tesco locations offer the cheapest diesel at 174.9p per litre, while Murco, BP, ASDA and other Tesco sites also feature among the lower-priced options. Prices were accurate at the time of writing and may change; readers are directed to PetrolPrices.com for updates.

Riddlesden Convenience Store owners Kishor and Hema Patel met MP Robbie Moore and Federation of Independent Retail Businesses representative Doug Oliver to discuss pressures on small retailers. They raised concerns about rising energy costs, taxes, possible higher business rates, and competition from illegal tobacco, alcohol and counterfeit goods. Moore said he would press the Government for better economic conditions and urge West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council Trading Standards to act against illegal trading.

Bradford-area environmental health inspections awarded 25 restaurants, cafés, takeaways, community facilities and other food businesses the top food hygiene rating of five between July 22 and August 4, 2026. Ratings assess facility cleanliness, food safety management procedures and food handling practices under Food Standards Agency guidelines. Businesses may have been reinspected, with any changes expected in a future roundup.

Robbie Moore, MP for Keighley and Ilkley, joined a training session at Bucks AFC, a grassroots football club that has expanded into a wider community venture. The club aims to develop children’s confidence, respect and resilience alongside their football skills. Moore praised its work and called for grassroots sports organisations to receive secure tenure from local authorities so they can continue investing and providing opportunities for young people.

The Ridings Shopping Centre in Wakefield will host Battle for the Throne, a free fantasy-themed family event from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday, August 12. Visitors can take photos on a throne, see a dragon and White Shadow Warrior, dress up, and make cardboard swords and shields. No booking is required.

Zizzi will give away more than 3,700 free classic pizzas to students on A Level results day, August 13, 2026, and GCSE results day, August 20, 2026. The first 30 eligible students at participating restaurants, including locations in Bradford, can claim a pizza by showing their exam results and buying a soft drink. Available options include several classic pizzas, a vegan Margherita and non-gluten alternatives.

A national survey of 500 senior employers conducted by Opinion Matters and Leeds Beckett University found that 77% consider university graduates essential to their future workforce plans. Leeds Beckett vice chancellor Peter Slee said the findings reinforce the value of higher education and alternative routes such as Clearing. Leeds Rhinos managing director Rob Oates said graduates contribute problem-solving ability, adaptability and willingness to learn across the sports organization.

The Bradford Telegraph and Argus presents five recent death notices for Lloyd Smith, Brian Lobley, Pauline Proudlove, Christine Greenwood and Loretta Hollings, recording their dates of death, ages, places of death and surviving family relationships. The notices also invite readers to send condolences through the deceased individuals’ online tribute pages.

Darley Street Market in Bradford will host free Live Lunch performances every Friday from noon to 2 p.m. throughout August. The series will feature Chloe Blood on August 7, Lola Simms on August 14, Jack from The Homburgs on August 21, and Molly Rymer on August 28. Bradford Markets and Bradford Council say the events will showcase local musical talent while giving visitors live entertainment during lunch.

A comparison of the cheapest petrol and diesel prices at garages in and around Bradford, based on information from petrolprices.com. Murco Bingley had the lowest listed unleaded price at 153.5p per litre, while ASDA West Bradford Automat and ASDA Bradford offered the lowest listed diesel price at 173.7p per litre. Prices were accurate when written and may change.

Incommunities has invested £50,000 in upgrading play areas across Bradford, with major improvements at Fagley Park including an inclusive net swing, outdoor gym equipment, a roundabout, a seesaw and specialist safety surfacing. The upgrades were shaped by consultation with residents and are intended to serve children, teenagers and families while encouraging community use and reducing antisocial behaviour. A new playground has also been completed at Crosley Wood alongside affordable housing. Bradford Council welcomed the investment and the involvement of local residents and young people.

More than 15,000 children and young people participated in over 460 hands-on learning workshops delivered through Bradford District Museums and Galleries during the past academic year. The programme reached learners at Bradford Industrial Museum, Bolling Hall, Cartwright Hall Art Gallery and Cliffe Castle Museum, while another 1,450 pupils took part in school-based workshops, careers events and outreach sessions. Popular activities included weaving, Victorian classroom lessons and a workshop on the Great Fire of London. Bradford Council’s Ian Walker praised the museums’ learning team and its efforts to bring collections and specialist teaching into schools.

Suzanne Vega performed the only Northern England date of her UK tour at Halifax's sold-out Victoria Theatre. Joined by guitarist Gerry Leonard and cellist Stephanie Winters, she played classics including “Tom’s Diner,” “Luka” and “Marlene on the Wall,” alongside newer material from Flying with Angels. Folk singer Katherine Priddy opened the concert, which venue manager Chloe Bridgman described as a magical and highly successful evening.

Bradford Hospitals Charity has funded fans for family rooms in the neonatal unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary through its 100 Club, helping families stay more comfortable during hot weather. Ambassador Ishfaq Farooq said the donation addressed an important practical need alongside the exceptional medical care provided by NHS staff. The charity is also raising money through its Home from Home Appeal to build a new purpose-built neonatal unit.

DVSA data shows that lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment accounted for 25.01% of MOT defects in 2024/25, making them the most common failure reason for the fifth consecutive year. Including wipers, washers and mirrors, nearly one-third of defects involve issues drivers could identify and fix themselves. Tyre problems, while less common, made up 64.05% of major or dangerous failures and pose the greatest safety risk. Motoring expert Mark Reece advises drivers to check lights, visibility equipment and tyre tread before testing.

Environmental health inspections resulted in the highest food hygiene rating of five for 29 Bradford-area restaurants, cafes, takeaways, food businesses and catering facilities, including establishments in Bradford, Keighley, Ilkley, Shipley and surrounding areas. The ratings assess cleanliness, food safety management procedures and hygienic food handling under Food Standards Agency guidance. The businesses may have been reinspected, with any changes expected to appear in a future roundup.

The Bradford Telegraph and Argus lists eight recent death notices for Barbara Kathleen Haley, Peter Holdsworth, Charlene Heseltine, Richard Culling, Keith Lawley, John Stuart Wright, Sheila Parkin and Christopher Pollard. The notices record their deaths, ages or circumstances where provided, family relationships and funeral arrangements, including a private funeral for Stuart Wright.

A weekly roundup lists nineteen recent death notices published in the Bradford Telegraph and Argus, providing brief details about each individual and their surviving family members.

A collection of ten recent death notices from the Bradford Telegraph and Argus shares brief tributes and details about the lives and passing of local residents, including family members, ages, and places of death, with some notices requesting prayers or announcing forthcoming services.

Recent death notices from the Bradford Telegraph and Argus list individuals who passed away in June 2026, providing brief biographical details and information shared by their families as part of weekly obituary announcements.

Kim Rebecchi of Baildon has been appointed Chair of Cynergy Bank, succeeding Euan Hamilton following his retirement. With more than 40 years of experience in financial services, she aims to support the bank’s strategy, promote sustainable growth, and advance its ‘Human Digital’ model that blends personal service with digital innovation. Cynergy Bank CEO Nick Fahy praised her leadership and sector expertise. Rebecchi also plans to champion diversity initiatives and strengthen the bank’s support for SMEs across the UK.

MyLahore marked its 24th anniversary, highlighting its growth from a small family business into a well‑known Bradford hospitality brand. The company emphasized its strong community relationships and long‑term support for local charities, schools, hospitals and other initiatives. It also introduced its Wunder Crumble dessert concept over the past year and reaffirmed its commitment to investing in Bradford through job creation and new experiences.

Riddlesden St Mary’s Primary School will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a community event on 30 June 2026, inviting former pupils, staff, and local residents. The school plans special activities for students during the day, including creative writing, artwork, and exploring historical photographs. Guests can attend in the afternoon to view the children’s work and enjoy refreshments, with proceeds supporting the school’s Parent Teacher Association. The school is also collecting memories and photographs from past community members, marking the consolidation of two former local schools that formed the current institution.

A large-scale Bassline Symphony performance is scheduled for November 28, 2026 at Bradford Live, featuring a fusion of bassline music with orchestral arrangements. The event, created by producer Tanya Vital, includes performances by TS7, DJ Q and Jamie Duggan alongside the Opera North Orchestra, following a sold-out 2025 debut. Tickets are available at £20 to £30 and the show is supported by Arts Council England.

Bowling for Soup and Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls performed in Halifax as part of the TK Maxx Presents Live at The Piece Hall summer series, drawing a large crowd. Jaret Reddick expressed gratitude for longstanding UK support, while Frank Turner reflected on his earlier small Halifax show before returning to perform for thousands. Bowling for Soup closed with well‑known hits, and upcoming performances in the venue’s 2026 summer lineup were highlighted.

Bradford will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Bradford Pals’ sacrifice on the first day of the Battle of the Somme with a service at the Bradford Pals Memorial. The ceremony will include addresses, musical tributes, a minute’s silence and wreath-laying led by civic, military and community representatives, honouring the heavy losses suffered by the battalion in 1916.

Green Road in Leeds will be closed on July 18 from 9:30am to 4:30pm for the Meanfeast Festival, with the closure running from the Stonegate Road and Meanwood Road junction to the Waitrose car park entrance. Leeds City Council authorised the order due to potential public safety concerns, and contact details for further queries were provided.

Empire Of The Sun performed a sold-out show at The Piece Hall in Halifax as part of their Ask That God Tour, delivering hits including We Are The People and Walking On A Dream before closing with an encore featuring multiple fan favourites. Luke Steele thanked the audience for their support, and the event opened with a set by New Zealand band Balu Brigada. The performance was part of the TK Maxx Presents Live at The Piece Hall summer series, which continues with additional artists in the following days.

A list of the lowest petrol and diesel prices at fuel stations in and around Bradford is provided using data from petrolprices.com, with Murco in Bingley offering the cheapest rates for both fuel types at the time of publication.

An 89-year-old woman from Keighley, Joan Livesey, is preparing to complete the Zip the Cow zip-wire challenge in West Yorkshire to celebrate her 90th birthday and raise funds for Sue Ryder, whose nurses cared for her sister and a friend. She hopes to inspire others to participate, while Sue Ryder staff praise her enthusiasm and encourage sign-ups and donations for the event.

Age UK Bradford District opened a new affordable clothing outlet in Shipley to support its services for older people. The shop sells donated clothing for men, women, and children, promoting sustainability while generating funds to help older adults remain independent and connected. The charity highlights increased financial pressures on households and aims to provide both value and environmentally conscious shopping options, with proceeds directly supporting local elder services.

City Road Pharmacy in Bradford has been sold to Siddique Pharmacy Limited after more than two decades under owner Rekha Taheem. The business, which dispenses nearly 9,000 items per month and offers a range of NHS and private services, was sold through Christie & Co for an undisclosed sum. Taheem expressed gratitude and support for the new owners, while Mo Siddique pledged continuity and high service standards.

Staff from Margaret McMillan Primary School will complete a 12‑mile walk from Kirkstall Forge to Bingley Five Rise Locks to raise funds for Bradford Central Food Bank. Co‑headteacher Sarah Johnson highlights the effort as a way to support local families while strengthening team bonds. Donations are being collected through the school’s JustGiving page, and the school participates as part of The Priestley Academy Trust.

A Shipley College fashion and textiles student, Ethan Shackleton, received the Essential Skills Award for Creativity and Innovation at the SkillsHouse CTE Awards held at the University of Bradford. The recognition highlights his creativity, technical ability and strong performance during an industry placement, which contributed to his progression to a fashion degree at the University of Huddersfield. Tutors and the college praised his dedication, high attendance and development throughout the program, while encouraging prospective students to apply for upcoming creative courses.

A new Pedal & Pour café by MAMIL has opened at Dean Clough in Halifax, becoming the family‑run business’s fourth venue. Founder David Van Gestel highlights its community‑focused ethos, while Dean Clough’s leadership welcomes the addition to the site’s amenities. The café offers locally roasted coffee, alcoholic drinks, meals and a community noticeboard. Its first charitable initiative will support Bowel Cancer UK, with Van Gestel participating in the London to Brighton cycle ride to raise funds.