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The floating sweet shop on the Leeds-Liverpool canal run by a pensioner
"We know where we are by the popularity of the sweet. If we're in Gargrave, they love their sarsaparilla-crazy. In Rodley, they love their midget gems and wine gums"
A man from Leeds who used to work on the markets has left his retirement to set up a new stall with a difference.
His floating sweet shop travels up and down the Leeds-Liverpool canal and has become quite the success after launching during lockdown.
Run by Pat Creaven and his wife Jill, Pendle Witch Sweets stops at various points along the canal - sailing between Rodley, Leeds, to Foulridge in Pendle.
Initially, the narrowboat was purchased by the couple to enjoy during their retirement but during the pandemic, Pat got other ideas and talked Jil into the new venture.
Image: Pendle Witch Sweets
It all started with the purchase of some old-fashioned Woolworths scales which, to his wife's dismay, inspired Pat to start the now very successful sweet shop business.
"It's a trip down memory lane, who didn't love a sweet shop when they were a kid?" he said, speaking to Leeds Live.
"It's that memory of sweets, you can walk along the canal and bring back memories."
Pat has colour coded all of his sweets to make shopping easy for those with special dietary requirements, including those with gluten intolerances, vegetarians and vegans.
He also has a dedicated 'memory lane' section which sells all of the old school favourites, like Yorkshire mix, rhubarb and custard, toffees and eclairs.
Image: Pendle Witch Sweets
"We know where we are by the popularity of the sweet. If we're in Gargrave, they love their sarsaparilla-crazy. In Rodley, they love their midget gems and wine gums," he continues.
The couple already traveled most of the UK and Irish canal system during their brief stint at retirement, and are now enjoying being out on the waters in a different capacity.
"You can't beat it, every morning you wake up and you have a different view. When you get used to one view, it's time to move."
Feature image - Pendle Witch Sweets
News
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Leeds City Council granted £1.6m to tackle rough sleeping by Christmas
Clementine Hall
A £1.6m grant has been given by the government to Leeds City Council to help tackle rough sleeping.
The funding has been allocated to Leeds City Council as part of the Government’s national Rough Sleeping Programme.
The overall target is to help rough sleepovers off the streets by Christmas through providing safe accommodation.
The council have said that voluntary organisations and charities will be able to help them reach this target.
The council report said: "This funding will be used for immediate interventions to ensure all those rough sleeping have an offer of accommodation by Christmas and support longer term sustainment of accommodation.
“The initial target is to provide a suitable offer of accommodation for everyone who is rough sleeping by Christmas 2026.
“Providing a path into supported accommodation and independent living is the key objective and sustaining this independent living with, where necessary, ongoing support to prevent any return to rough sleeping and homelessness.”
The government announcement spoke of the scheme: "The programme is intended to support people experiencing rough sleeping.
"People experiencing rough sleeping may have differing entitlements to housing and support depending on their individual circumstances, including their immigration status and eligibility for public funds."
The funding is intended to help provide immediate support for people currently sleeping on the streets, while also helping them access longer-term accommodation and the support needed to maintain independent living.
By working with local charities and voluntary organisations, the council hopes to ensure people are not only offered a place to stay but are also given the help they need to avoid returning to the streets.
Georgina Pellant -
29th September 2021 
