The Wetherby Wailer - Edition 1
Bienvenue, wilkommen, and welcome to the first edition of "The Wetherby Wailer"
For those of you not yet following us on Facebook, a very brief introduction for you;
My name is Rosey, Wetherby was an integral part of my formative years, been living on Hallfields for 17 years, and I thought it was high time that someone became seriously proactive about showcasing the better side of life here while promoting local businesses, charities, events, and social groups.
I did have a very brief stint at this before. Some of you may remember "Wetherby Community News" from a few years ago. We amassed quite the following, but this reincarnation really has taken off in a way that I would never have expected! At the time of this "going to press" our Facebook page is almost 650 members strong...not bad for just over three weeks!!
Seriously though, I wouldn't be here without all of you, so my genuine heartfelt thanks to each and every last one of you for your support.
If I can be of any help to you, all you have to do is ask, and if I can't help, chances are I know someone who can.
The page, the blog is about the Wetherby community, for the Wetherby community; sometimes it is good to be of service, and to give back to a place, and people, who have nurtured you. This is my way of saying "thank you" to the town.
If there is anything specific you would like me to cover, or you would like to promote your business/charity/event, please email;
thewetherbywailer@gmail.com
Without further ado, may I proudly present to you;
The Wetherby Wailer - Edition #1
The Wetherby Whaler
It would be hugely remiss of me if I did not at least mention the local institution that inspired the name of this venture.
Most, if not all of us have at some time frequented this hallowed establishment for our chippy tea, or to scran a bag of hot chips as we sit by the river.
The Wetherby Whaler began as a traditional fish & chip takeaway, founded by Philip & Janine Murphy in Tadcaster, 1969. Through the experience they developed two guided principles to create the "Whaler Experience" we all know and love today - skinless, boneless Haddock, and Maris Piper potatoes.
The formula seems obvious in modern cooking, but back in the day this was revolutionary stuff.
The original Wetherby branch opened in 1989. Not only did the premises provide a space for the takeaway, but also included the cafe upstairs.
There was a very specific vision in terms of decor and atmosphere for the restaurant, that vision still holds nearly 40 years later, and turned the Wetherby Whaler from a local chippy into a destination eatery.
Since then the Wetherby Whaler has grown into a powerhouse of Yorkshire chain restaurants, although still very much, I am happy to say, family owned and run. Sites include Pudsey, York, Wakefield, and Guiseley. The Guiseley site also has a rich history; the property was acquired from Harry Ramsden's, which is considered the spiritual home of Fish & Chips in Yorkshire.
For the full historical rundown of this iconic Wetherby business, you can check out
www.wetherbywhaler.co.uk
Local Business Showcase - Kofi & Co
Kofi & Co, situated in the marketplace, is certainly a treasure among the range of places to dine in Wetherby, providing a highly distinctive, unique ambience and vibe.
Having a background in fine dining, and high end catering, I am very difficult to impress, so when I say that Kofi & Co delivers not only the best food and drink, all of which is locally sourced, but the service is unrivalled and unparalleled, it is indeed one of the highest accolades I can personally bestow upon any eatery.
From the coffee, to The Pocket Rocket, you can taste the level of love, innovation, and passion that has become synonymous with the brand.
Everyone that comes through the door is greeted warmly as though it is two best friends being reunited, and is welcomed in as one of the family. The individualised care, and attention to detail to each and every patron is what should be considered as standard in hospitality, but is in truth so exceptionally rare in today's climate.
You haven't gone out to eat, more you've come home for nurturing company and soul food.
Autumn/Winter Menu
Sitting at the coffee bar taking in all of the magnificence of the place, it became so apparent that the owners, Harrison & George Pinder, had not only poured their hearts and souls into creating a high quality dining experience, but also in rooting the business firmly in their own personalities.
The walls are adorned in George's artwork, he even designed the takeaway coffee cups, and menu cover.
The quality of the coffee, and training of the Baristas speaks to Harrison's background as the former Area Manager for Filmore and Union, which, interstingly enough, was what was on site before Kofi.
Harrison Pinder outside the branch on acquisition day
I think possibly the greatest testament to the success of the Pinder brothers is not only surviving the pandemic in a town that was already saturated in cafes and restaurants, but being so successful with the Wetherby branch that they set up another outlet in Roundhay (Street Lane)
Both are thriving, bringing in rave reviews, and garnering a huge regular customer base.
This is by no means an easy thing to achieve, which again speaks volumes to the winning formula of the whole Kofi & Co team.
The new Autumn/Winter menu is out now, as are the House specials.
Don't just take my word for how phenomenal this place is, go and experience it for yourself.
Community Project Focus - Chronic Pain and Long Term Illness Peer Support Group
Councillor Penny Stables (Green Party) is a real powerhouse for the Wetherby community, and since her landslide election win she has more than proven why she deserves her seat on the Council.
Around a year ago Cllr Stables began to canvas interest for the exact type of support group that Wetherby needs.
There are so many residents, myself and my children included, that live with chronic pain and long term illness.
Doctors are rarely prepared for anyone under the age of 65 who find themselves in this position, you need to be able to advocate for yourself before referrals will even be considered, and once you do manage to get to a specialist, obtaining a diagnosis is akin to capturing a Unicorn.
As if living with the physical side isn't gruelling enough, nobody ever talks about the mental strain you find yourself under, nor the medical PTSD you suffer from the entire process.
As much as I treasure our NHS, it is woefully lacking in empathetic GPs and specialists, and mental health services for people in our position.
For many, this life is not only incompehensible, but almost inconceivable, yet the truth of the matter is that any of us can be hit by this at any time, and the system is in no way prepared to deal with that.
Sometimes we don't necessarily need anyone to do anything for us, rather we need someone to tell us that they understand, and share the frustrations we have; venting to someone who gets it can go a long way in terms of being able to cope.
I sent Penny an email briefly describing what it's like to live with a chronic condition while caring for dependents who also have chronic conditions. I also suggested that it might be a good idea if we could set up a group more focused on the younger end of the scale.
I explained that not only are there an abundance of resources and carers, as well as a willingness to diagnose for the older generations, but the whole experience, and management plans differ vastly for us younger ones, those of us who are younger still, and, just for once, it would be good to have that support in place.
Penny obviously couldn't promise who would be in attendance, but did say she heard my concerns, and would do what she could to encourage a younger membership.
The first group was held on Tuesday 30th September at St. James Church Centre, and knowing the logistics of putting on a group of this nature, my deepest gratitude goes to Cllr Stables for her tireless effort and devotion in making this happen; if I hadn't already thought she was Wetherby's answer to Wonderwoman, I certainly did by the time the group dispersed.
We heard from Petula & Brigid who work as Social Prescribers for Wetherby and Boston Spa, along with Sanchez, who is the Primary Care Network manager for the area.
For those who are unaware, a Social Prescriber is someone who links you up with services and activities in your local community to help improve your health and wellbeing, and a Primary Care Network Manager is responsible for ensuring GP services & referrals run smoothly.
If you feel you may need the help of a Social Prescriber, see
www.linkingleeds.com
or you can telephone 0113 336 7612
or email linking.leeds@nhs.net
I was fortunate enough to meet a lovely lady, of similar age and issues, and we spent much of the time sharing our experiences, both of us relieved that there was at least one other person that we could relate to.
Although there were a few of us younger ones there, we were still heavily outnumbered by the older generation. Speaking to others in the pain community afterwards there were a lot of shared reservations about attending the group, and it was mainly the age gap issue, and was there any point in attending yet another group that was set up for the older generation. Now they know that yes, people their own age are there, they feel more inclined to come along to the next support group.
The other issue was time of day. Many of us are able to make an 11am slot, but many of us are at work, or have other commitments and appointments to attend to.
Taking all of this into account, Cllr Stables was kind enough to create a chat group that has put a few of us in touch with a view to bringing an evening support group for those of us who are younger to fruition. This is in its very early stages, but we are hoping to get something off the ground as soon as we possibly can.
Overall, Cllr Stables has done an amazing job of taking a brilliant idea, and nurturing it to life, but now it is up to us, the Chronic Pain & Long Term Illness community to make sure this group works, elevate it to the next level, and ensure none of us get left behind.
Once again I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all of us, to thank Cllr Stables for listening to us, and creating a space filled with empathy & compassion at a time when the well, able bodied world seems to be working against us.
The next support group is being held on Tuesday 28th October, 11am-12:30pm, St. James Church Centre, and then on every 4th Tuesday of the month.
Please do come along if you can!
Local Business Spotlight - Doodlebug
Doodlebug, situated on Church Street is a stunning boutique that specialises in clothing, toys, and gifts for children aged 0-9 years.
They are currently in the throes of celebrating their 10th birthday, and I was invited down to help promote this wonderful milestone; what I ended up discovering was a treasure trove of the most darling ranges of everything you could possibly wish for.
Doodlebug encapsulates the very ethos of the small local indie business community, supporting other small indie businesses by stocking a wide range of handmade goods crafted right here on our doorstep.
The hooker in me was taken by the hats, mittens, headbands, and cardigans that you just know someone has spent hour upon hour lovingly creating, but my attention was soon turned to a plethora of the most exquisite onsie suits adorned with farm animal, and of course dinosaur prints, along with birthday badges, Fairy wands, and the cutest little accessories for the most Royal of little Monarchs. Speaking of yarn, and dinosaurs, there is the most adorable range of knitted dinosaurs.
I was genuinely in a bespoke crafter's paradise, surrounded by the teeniest, tiniest, most adorable items you could possibly imagine.
You would be forgiven for thinking that anything as bougie as this would also carry a bougie price tag, please trust me when I say you'd be pleasantly surprised to find that assertion completely wrong!
Doodlebug does also carry "off the peg" clothing from larger manufacturers, but again the designs are so very unique, the quality is beautiful, and the price range suits each and every pocket
Having had children who were always dressed to the nines in outfits it took them five minutes to grow out of, it warmed my heart to see the pre loved clothing rack filled with items just waiting for someone to come along and give them a whole new lease of life.
In the age of disposable consumerism, it really is terrific to see retailers and their clients being environmentally conscious, choosing to offer others the opportunity to enjoy the joy and comfort that they themselves took from these outfits.
Perhaps one of the best parts of Doodlebug is the warm, welcoming, friendly greeting you get as you walk through the door, and the attentiveness given to anyone who enters the boutique.
The service is tailored, personalised, and if you have been in before, you and your child are remembered.
In an age where customer service seems to be an idea rather than something that is actually practiced, seeing Doodlebug in working motion is a pleasure and a delight, bringing with it the deep sense of comfort and familiarity that parents want when their children are at the forefront.
I also adore the sense of nostalgia brought by the giant plushie of Miffy sat outside the boutique; quite often my son, who is now a whopping 20 years old, and I will walk past Miffy on our little bimbles around town, and we have yet to not sing "Miffy's Theme" as we amble on by.
To celebrate their 10th birthday, Doodlebug are offering 10% off their complete range both in store, and online until Sunday 12th October
www.doodlebugkids.co.uk
Community Resource Focus - Wetherby Salvation Army Community Hub
The Salvation Army has had a presence in Wetherby since 1993, and although I cannot remember what I had for dinner yesterday, I can clearly remember Andrew Vertigan rocking up to our high school assembly, dressed in his full Salvation Army uniform, ready to deliver some sort of speech to us all. There were ripples in the hall of teenagers who, quite frankly, found Mr. Jordan's RE lessons more than enough to contend with; Andrew Vertigan spent his airtime talking about Rugby, at which point most of us realised he was a pretty right on sort of guy who we were willing to adopt as one of our own.
I have a lot of fond memories of Major Vertigan, and also a lot to thank him for. It isn't just me though, Major Vertigan helped so many of us traverse through the perils of teenagehood, supporting those of us who found school tough, giving sage words of wisdom whenever they were needed, and offering practical help when everyone else had given up on us. Even years after I had left Wetherby High, I would speak to teenagers who thought Andrew was the best adult they had ever encontered, and were glad that there was someone in the school who genuinely cared for their wellbeing.
Major Vertigan was, and I am assured still is, an all encompassing, compassionate, honest to goodness decent human being who gives endlessly to anyone who needs him.
Then there is Pat Donkin, who is a local institution all by herself.
Pat has devoted more years than I care to remember sitting outside the town hall on each and every last market day seling the War Cry magazine.
It fills me with enormous warmth and happiness to tell you that Pat received her much deserved recognition fron the Harrogate Soroptimists, who are part of an international women's volunteer organisation who work to improve the lives of women and girls on a local, national, and global level.
Pat has volunteered for 20 years, generating an average of £3000 a year for charity which goes straight back into our community.
To read more about the award, and Pat's story, please see
https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/news/volunteer-recognised-after-20-years-selling-war-cry-magazine
When I posted that I would be out and about around town, and Yvonne invited me to the hub, I did remain open minded, but I was indeed extremely dubious as to what I would be confronted with. Let's just say that, generally speaking, religious organisations and I do not tend to play very well together these days.
I very tentatively opened the door, and I have never been put at ease so fast!
Within 30 seconds of coming through the door I had a cup of coffee in my hand, and was engaged in discussion with Dave as though we had known each other for years, and were old friends just chewing over the rich fat of life.We talked about Theology, which as an ex member of the Methodist Church conversing with anyone still involved in a religious organisation can be a daunting, charged, combustible topic to handle, but much to my surprise and elation Dave and I, and later on, Yvonne, were all of a similar mind on what faith is, and the most enriching way to practice it.
Dave also regaled me with his passion project at the hub, the Men's Meet and Eat Group.
Dave is one of those animated and alive types of people anyway, but to hear him speak about this project, what he envisaged at its conception, and the group it was becoming, it was like watching a spark catch off into a roaring fire.
You can tell that not only has he put everything he has into creating a much needed safe space for men who need a place to turn, but that in fostering the group it has given him a new lease of life, a focused sense of direction and purpose, and the opportunity to find his own inner peace.
If ever I have heard of divine intervention & timing, I firmly believe that whatever it was gave Dave the seed of this project was telling him that this was part of a larger plan, and as he has tended to it so patiently over the last few months, he is most definitely being shown that this is a path he was always meant to lead and learn on.
Following the theme of support groups through social interaction, Sue, who I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting, conceived the idea of the Chat and Craft morning.
Crafting has long been used as a coping mechanism for people who struggle with their mental health, creating something beautiful from the pain. It's a form of visual conversion which has been proven time and again to vastly improve state of mind by giving focus, purpose of task, and eventually an end result that demonstrates that even the darkest of emotions can flourish into radiant beauty.
Perhaps it comes as no surprise that the volunteers at the hub, along with Yvonne and Dave, have had their own experiences with mental health, and wish to support others in an enriching, meaningful way.
Every Friday is Coffee Morning, another outreach project designed to bring members of the community who may feel isolated, or in need of support to congregate and find a sense of camaraderie. The ethos of this project is the same as the many others going on at the hub; to let people know that there is indeed somewhere to turn, and that there are still good people who can be trusted to care for you.
I don't mind admitting that I have become somewhat a "fan girl" of Yvonne, both professionally and personally.
She is quiet and humble about the many strings she has to her bow, and the accolades she has received, her feeling being that it is simply our duty as human beings to care for one another, and help when and where we can.
Not only is Yvonne an Ordained Minister, she works in SEN, Safeguarding, is a Mental Health First Responder, she counsels up at YOI, is a champion for those fleeing domestic violence, and works tirelessly to rescue captives of modern slavery. This, however, is merely the beginning of everything this outstanding human being does for society.
I did tell her that I think she is awe inspiring, to which she looked a little coy, and reiterated that she was only following her calling.
By the time I left I was so appreciative that we are blessed with this, sadly massively underrated, community resource, and I genuinely felt as though I had made two new friends who I can call upon simply for the pleasure of seeing them.
I would seriously encourage anybody to go to the hub, talk to Yvonne & Dave, and get to know them for the upstanding, shining example of humanity that they are - you will be glad you did!
That's A Wrap!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made this First Edition possible, for inviting me to come and meet them, and for showing me such warmth and hospitality. The page, the blog, none of it would be possible without the kindness and generosity of the Wetherby Community.
I would also like to thank Richard Brockley AKA "We Are Wetherby" (plus the plethora of other "We Are.." Facebook pages) for his support, encouragement, and shares from my page to his. Richard was also on board with Wetherby Community News, and it is a real pleasure to be working alongside him once more.
Merci, danke, thank you Wetherby!
Until next time!
Big love,
Rosey xoxo