Aldi will be giving out dozens of £100 vouchers to parents throughout next month as part of a new dedicated fund.
With the summer now drawing to a close, and millions of children across Leeds and the country preparing to head back to school for the new term from next week, Aldi has unveiled its plans to support families struggling to cover costs through the launch of a new dedicated fund, aptly called the ‘Back to School Fund’.
The new fund has been launched after the supermarket recently conducted some research and found that parents, carers, and guardians spend just over £100, per child, during the back-to-school period – with around three quarters (73%) sadly admitting they worry about the costs that come along with the start of the new academic year.
Uniform, new shoes, pencil cases, and lunchboxes are just some of the common back-to-school expenses parents say they struggle to afford the most.
Image: Aldi UK
On top of this, the research also found that around £23 a week is spent, on average, throughout the school year on things like packed lunches and school snacks, and £90 on after school clubs or extra-curricular activities too.
So, as part of its new fund, Aldi has announced that it’ll be giving away £100 vouchers throughout September to help ease the financial burden on families.
In addition to this, the supermarket also is donating £20,000 to causes focused on supporting children – which includes schools and nurseries – through its community giving platform, Neighbourly, to help provide essentials to “families that need it most”.
Keen to apply for Aldi’s ‘Back to School Fund’? You’ll want to email AldiBTSFund@citypress.co.uk by this Friday (30 September 2024) – with 100 people chosen throughout the month.
Leeds City Council have revealed the exciting new concept for Abbey House Museum.
Opened to the public almost 100 years ago in 1927, the historic Grade II listed museum originally served as Kirkstall Abbey’s gatehouse until the dissolution of the monasteries.
The plans for the site have been drawn up as part of a 'Reimagining Project' supported by Leeds City Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Museum Renewal Fund.
The concept aims to create a more interactive visitor experience as the museum goes into its centenary year, with a main focus on intergenerational play for people of all ages to enjoy together.
Image: Supplied
Leeds’ rich collections will be at the heart of the museum, whilst the proposals include enhancing the museum’s traditional streets to enhance and include magical reveals that will let the public experience history through hands on activities.
The proposals mark a new direction for Abbey House Museum, which was put forward for potential closure in 2024 as part of measures to help Leeds City Council address unprecedented budget pressures.
A public appeal saw the council listen to the community, agreeing to keep it open and pledge to make steps to make the museum more sustainable in the future.
Image: Supplied
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, said: “This is an exciting moment for the future of Abbey House Museum and one which we hope will be the beginning of a bold new direction for a special place which has been part of the Kirkstall community for centuries.
“During the public consultation on the museum’s future, what really came across was the passion and determination people have to see the site succeed, and we want to channel that enthusiasm into creating an attraction which can continue to welcome visitors for many years to come.”
Independent Leeds matcha stand forced to close by council despite 3,000 people signing petition
Clementine Hall
An independent matcha stand in Leeds has been forced to closed due to council concerns.
You may remember back in August when the whole of Leeds rallied to save Sips Matcha over in Headingley.
The front garden matcha spot has become a firm favourite for students and locals alike over the past year, gaining more than 12,000 followers on Instagram.
The self-proclaimed 'tiniest matcha stand in Leeds' is located in the residential area of Little Woodhouse and is run by the lovely Matt and Julia.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
However, in August their retroactive planning application was rejected by the council and they were given 28 days to remove the shed.
In a published document via Leeds City Council website, multiple reasons were listed for the decision to refuse planning permission for the bright-green matcha shed.
The electronic letter signed by Martin Elliot, Chief Planning Officer, listed spoiling the property's character, increased footfall, and a failure to comply with numerous development and design policies.
In response, Matt and Julia launched a petition urging people to save Sips Matcha, labelling the painted wooden shed-turned-coffee shop as a 'Community Stand'.
Despite over 3,000 signatures, Sips Matcha have announced on their social media today that the shed must be removed by the end of November.
The statement reads: "our retrospective planning was declined, we appealed, and the appeal was dismissed. then the dreaded email arrived: the shed has to come down by the end of november.
"we don’t have all the answers yet, but we’re working out what happens next. over 3,000 of you signed the petition and it meant the world. thank you for every sip, share and signature. come say hi while we’re still here."
We're absolutely gutted for them, so make sure you pop by for a matcha before the end of November to give them a proper farewell.
Emily Sergeant -
29th August 2024 
