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Siege of Khartoum… with Peanut Butter and Banana?

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Siege of Khartoum… with Peanut Butter and Banana? Craft beer has never been shy of a bold experiment, but Wilde Child Brewing Co. of Armley, Leeds, has taken things to a new level with their 6.5% ABV porter: Siege of Khartoum. Dark, creamy, and laced with peanut butter and banana, this is a brew that’s as much an adventure for the tastebuds as General Gordon’s ill-fated stand in Sudan was for the history books. The name isn’t just a catchy gimmick. As the can explains, peanut butter was first patented in 1884, right around the time Gordon was holding out against the Mahdist forces in Khartoum. Sadly for Gordon, no relief force made it in time. We can only imagine what he might have thought of this modern Yorkshire “reinforcement” – a pint glass brimming with roasted malts, smooth lactose sweetness, and that unmistakable nutty-banana hit. Not the cavalry he was waiting for, but certainly a comfort. Wilde Child Brewing Co. has built a reputation for playful, daring creations ...

Fulneck School: A Heritage of Hearts and Minds

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 ðŸ’” A Farewell to Fulneck School: A Heritage of Hearts and Minds   It is with great sadness that we mark the closure of Fulneck School , a place that has stood for centuries as a living embodiment of educational hope and global vision. The roots of Fulneck School reach back to the ideas of John Amos Comenius , the 17th-century Moravian bishop and philosopher known as the "Father of Modern Education." Comenius believed that education should be universal, gentle, and lifelong — values that still guide classrooms today. The school was founded here in 1753 , initially for boys, as part of the Fulneck Moravian Settlement’s mission to create a self-sufficient community grounded in faith and learning. It expanded to include girls in 1755 , reflecting the radical Moravian belief in equal education for all , centuries ahead of its time. Those early boarders faced harsh conditions by today’s standards: unheated dormitories, strict schedules, and long days. Yet, for many, the altern...

Champions Again! History of the English First Division Trophy

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Champions Again! The History of the English First Division Trophy and Leeds United’s Triumphs Before the glitz and global fanfare of the Premier League, English football’s top prize was the Football League First Division Trophy – the silverware every club aspired to lift. Introduced in 1890, the First Division Trophy symbolised the pinnacle of English football success. Though rebranded with the birth of the Premier League in 1992, the trophy’s legacy lives on, especially for clubs like Leeds United – who etched their name in history as champions multiple times. Image source - Leeds United Official   Leeds United’s connection to the First Division Trophy is steeped in grit, ambition and a determination that defines Yorkshire football. Their first taste of championship glory came under the legendary Don Revie in the 1968–69 season. Revie’s side, known for their tactical brilliance and defensive discipline, won the title with a then-record 67 points, losing just two matches. It was a...

Pudsey Parish Church Tower and "A Clock For All Time"

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Hold on to your flats caps there’s 200 years of history coming your way… As Pudsey Parish Church celebrates it bicentenary this weekend, we take a closer look at its impressive tower and the clock that it holds - for both have a special significance for Pudsey. The tower is not only a great landmark, standing proudly on the skyline, visible from Ilkley Moor to Morley and very clearly from Westgate Hill (a fantastic view where the church appears to float amongst the trees). It also holds a special clock that has its own origins right here in Pudsey Chapeltown, the product of the world famous "Potts of Leeds". Note – this blog refers to Pudsey St Lawrence prior to 1873, and Pudsey Parish Church afterwards when the Town became a full Parish.     W.Potts & Sons: The Pudsey Years 1833-1862 William Potts founded the renowned clockmaking firm of William Potts & Sons in Pudsey in 1833, having moved to Pudsey from Darlington to set up his clockmaking business, only 9 ...

Lord Mayor of Leeds to attend re-opening of Fulneck Moravian Museum

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The Fulneck Moravian Museum is thrilled to announce its grand re-opening this year, by our esteemed guest of honour, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Al Garthwaite. Join us on Wednesday, April 3rd, from 2pm, for this momentous occasion. This reopening heralds a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself once again into our rich collection of Moravian heritage and exhibits. Run by volunteers this is currently the district's only social history museum, and explores the heritage of the Fulneck Moravian settlement from its inception through to the mid 20th century. As well as the many interesting objects and stories collected from around the world, there is also the delightful settlement of Fulneck to explore with its Georgian and Victorian buildings, and stunning views across Tong valley. To help celebrate this Civic occasion, there will be refreshments served close by in the Fulneck Boys Brigade Hall, everyone is welcome. The museum will be open every Wednesday and Saturday afternoons 2p...

Pudsey Legends - guess the Legend

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 A young face, and a stellar career to come. Can you name this Pudsey Legend?

International Women's Day, local contributions part 1: Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy

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International Women's Day, acknowledging local contributions part 1 International Women's Day serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing struggle for women's rights, equality, and justice worldwide. It celebrates the achievements of women, recognises the challenges they continue to face in the quest for equality, and inspires action to address these issues. This day underscores the importance of unity, advocacy, and awareness to foster a gender-equal world, honouring the contributions of women across all spheres of life. Today we are looking at two of the incredibly inspiring women who have made a difference both locally and nationally. In 1882, Parliament received its first demand for the women's vote in a petition from a group of Yorkshire women. The driving force of this movement was former Fulneck School alumnus, Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy [1]. Referred to among contemporaries as ‘the grey matter in the brain’ of the late-Victorian women’s movement. A pacifist, hum...