People So Far.....

Week 1 Dave of Goose Eye

I'm Dave, I moved to keighley about 12 months ago with my young family. I live with my Wife and our two children (20 months and 1 month) in Goose Eye.

Previously we lived in Leeds. I grew up in Grimsby and then went to Uni in Leicester in 1995 before moving to Leeds in 2001. So I have no previous experience of living in keighley.
I suspect a keighley/Grimsby double is a fairly unique achievement! I'm looking forward to learning what the town has to offer.

I work for a large insurance firm in Leeds and commute in every day by train.
As well as having a busy domestic life these days, I love football. I'm also looking forward to going to glastonbury later in the year.
I have a beard.



Week 2 Jane of Oxenhope

I'm happily in my forties (it's all true), married with one very scruffy dog. I was born in Bradford and moved to Haworth twenty years ago when I met my husband. We have been happily residing in Oxenhope since 1998.

I work full time for Bradford College and commute there each day by train, so I get to enjoy the ever changing scenery of the Aire Valley without the stress of traffic jams and parking issues.

I am also a qualified fitness instructor and in my spare time teach aerobics and Zumba. That is my true vocation. My weekends are spent enjoying the company of family and friends, walking the hills and moors enjoying our spectacular landscape and the odd supermarket shop.
 

I am also a member of a small and merry band of people who organise the Oxenhope Straw Race each year. A village event that raises much needed funds for local charities (£350,000 to date).

My Tweets will be comments on my daily life; my likes and loves and observations on what I see in this lovely part if the world that I call home.

 

Jane x

Week 3 Graham of Haworth

Graham Smith is the director and founder of Bronte Media based in Haworth. A journalist, broadcaster and writer for many years he founded Voice of the Valleys, the Worth Valley online community newspaper at www.votv.co.uk and recently Bronte Radio at www.bronteradio.com

He also ghostwrites biographies for a world-wide company, wrote and toured his own UK stage musical show and is involved in PR work and web site compilation for individuals and businesses. His interests include creative photography and musical entertainment.

Week 4 Carrie of Keighley

Keighley girl born and bred; I grew up in the local area, left briefly for University, then promptly returned as the pull of family and friends was too great. Currently live in Steeton, a stone's throw from the hospital.

I work as a teacher at a little Primary School in Keighley. I am privileged enough to work with some of the most hard working people I have ever encountered and to spend my time with brilliant young people who make me laugh every day. I may well share some interesting anecdotes from my ‘little darlings’ who are currently preparing the musical performance of the year! Oh yes, things are getting serious.

I am a (reasonably?) regular swimmer and pretend to go to Zumba on a weekly basis. I also play at having a variety of other interests (such as reading for pleasure) but they are usually on the back burner awaiting the school holidays.

My family regularly make me giggle and I look forward to explaining ‘How frogs open doors’, should you wish to know the answer. (Using the words and logic of my 3 year old nephew, of course.)

To be honest I am looking forward to finding out more about the area and it's inhabitants during my time as the Keighley People person.

Don’t have much more to tempt you with, but I am sure we will encounter each other soon in the Twitterverse…

Week 5  Freya Fire Sprite of Keighley

Fairy sparkles, My name is Freyja fire sprite and I am a professional fairy. I entertain children at Parties, festivals, gala days and events up and down the country. I do fairy modelling in and around Keighley (you will often see me in full costume getting my shopping at Keighley stores after gigs and photo shoots). I have just completed my first children's adventure book "Freyja saves the badgers" I am available for storytelling sessions around Keighley free of charge to do readings of my book. I help to organise Oakworth enchanted gardens (fairy fest north) once a year and spend a lot of time making decorations for this and other events, which I help to organise along with a collective of artistic people. I make fairy hair pieces which are called falls (very much like dreadlocks)and do fire dancing and fire eating as part of my act, as well as belly dancing.

I have appeared in several magazines over the past few months including "Fae" magazine and "The Magical Times". I have recently applied for Saltaire Arts trail with my photographs and artwork from the children's book and awaiting the result of my application. I am also attending college to update my skills (first aid, health and safety etc).

 My blogs will be about updating my skills ready for the festival season, practising my fire dancing, doing my artwork and making decorations, as well as my antics around Keighley and where children can be brought to meet a "real life fairy

 

 

 

Week 6 Adam of Keighley

I'm Adam, 50, married to Siân with 1 daughter, Emily. I am offcumden
having moved to Haworth from Milton Keynes just over 10 years ago in
order to find the sort of place we wanted to bring our daughter up. It
was the best move we ever made, though we joke that our grandchildren might eventually be considered locals.

My daughter is a performing singer/songwriter and I get to be actively involved in the amateur local music scene. By profession I am a web applications developer, currently working for a West Yorkshire company that develops virtual learning environments for schools, though I used to be a mental health nurse in a previous employment incarnation. I also have an active interest in traditional storytelling and folklore,and host the Haworth Open Storytelling Circle once a month at the Old Hall Inn. At weekends and on days off Siân and I are keen walkers of the local moors and hills, and I am an active member of the British Druid Order.

 

 
 

Week 7 Andrew of Keighley

Hi I’m Andy a 29 year old teacher from Cottingley. I have worked at Keighley Campus, Leeds City College (previously Keighley College and Park Lane College, Keighley) for 6 years and I am currently Curriculum Leader for Sport. I have lived in Bradford all my life apart from 4 years at Liverpool John Moores University and I have played local football, cricket, golf and pool all my life which has led me to know the area and people greatly.

I will be tweeting about Keighley Campus to raise awareness of all the fantastic opportunities available to people in the local area and anything to do with sport!

 

 

 

Week 8 Michelle of Keighley
 

Hello! I am originally from Keighley, but left to study Criminology at University in Manchester. I've since lived in Leeds for the last eight years.

I moved back to the Keighley area about 14 months ago & live here with my Husband & two children (20 months & 3 months).

When I'm at work, I'm a Probation Officer based within an Offender Management Unit.(I'm currently on Maternity Leave). I love my job and really enjoy helping people making positive changes in their lives. It can be tough, frustrating and often very stressful but ultimately it's extremely rewarding.

In 2009 I also started my own business,'Minnie's Macaroon' which involves designing/retailing animal themed crochet hats and gifts. I sell both online and in person on my stall in Leeds Corn Exchange.
I am passionate about Fair Trade and so I also sell Fair Trade toys to compliment my own products. It's been a completely new venture for me, but I am loving every moment of it. I'm currently developing wholesale opportunities within the business which is a busy, but exciting time.

I am a strict vegetarian and I love animals although sadly the only pets I have are tropical fish. I'd love to own a tortoise and a Highland Terrier on day!

Hobby wise I attend Zumba classes each week, walk lots and when I get the time I love trying new eating establishments- looking for good food or just coffee and cake. I love baking and spend time de-stressing in my kitchen, often sipping wine whilst making cakes!

 

I also love Twitter, blogging and online shopping. A dedicated bargain hunter, I spend large amounts of my time in various retail outlets and Supermarkets in the area!

I am looking forward to my week so I can re discover my home town & see what it has to offer a stay at home Mummy.

 

 

Week 9 Adrian of Keighley

Born and raised in Steeton. A marine biologist by qualification and a security professional by trade. You may well know my face, as I can often be found near the doors of a well known supermarket protecting our goods from Keighley's finest.

I love running, started after one day deciding to quit smoking (40 a day) and take it up. Never looked back since. Currently suffering from Achilles Tendonitis though, which is causing much disruption to my running schedule and already made me back out of an intended race. Suggestions and advice is more than welcome. Know some good routes round the area and would love to hear yours.

If I was hosting a dinner party by ideal guests would be David Attenborough, Shakira, Charles Darwin, Tony Robinson, Gruff Rhys and Nigel Clough.

Think that just about covers it.




Week 10 Niko of Riddlesden

Hi! I'm Niko, 28 years old, living currently living in Riddlesden. Will shortly moving to Cullingworth with my fiancee @ktownBex27. I work for Barclays bank and I've lived around Keighley most of my life, apart from 3 years in Manchester at University and a year travelling the world!

I've been lucky enough to visit some amazing places, but I'm proud to call Yorkshire my home. Brought up up near Oldfield I've also lived in Oakworth and Crossroads, and used to play junior footy for Oxenhope.

I'm a massive football fan and and go to see my team Derby County whenever I can. I like having a bit of banter with the many Leeds 'fans' I know, especially as Derby have won the previous 8 meetings between the two sides!

I'll be tweeting about my favourite places in and around Keighley and asking the all important questions, such as was K2 really any better when I was a lad, or has it always been pants? I'll also be keeping people up to date about any local news. Basically to keep people informed and get them talking.


Week 11 Jane of Keighley

Hi my name is Jane

Originally from Bradford, I bought a hairdressing business 27 years ago.

My Keighley experience started in Cross Roads when I bought our first house with my husband.

We have two sons (born in Airedale Hospital) and whilst living in Cross Roads I was an active member of the Lees Play group. When my eldest son was about to start school, we moved over the valley to Exley Head and have remained there ever since.

I joined Exley Head Play group (lots of great memories and laughter). At the same time I started to child mind and I looked after 4 children over the course of 4 years. One of the children I still in contact with Facebook. At the start of my youngest starting school and completing my childminding days, I trained to be a Nursery Nurse and ended getting a job in a local school. I still work in the same school and my role is completely different. My role in the school is to support the ICT area in the curriculum and I regularly 'tweet' and add 'blogs' under the schools domain.

I am also attending Trinity University and just a few months off completing my Foundation Degree in Supporting Learning. I love working with children and extending their independence and watching their self-esteem grow. Both of my sons are at university at the moment too, so when we've passed we've told my husband 'He'll have the three degrees in the house!'

I am proud to live in Keighley and we have some fabulous stone built buildings. The surrounding areas are amazing with some beautiful walks. The canal in the bottom of the valley is a great cycle ride with lots of places to stop.

I enjoy keeping fit and in the spring / summer will cycle to work. At the moment though I attend a local gym that open 24 hours - how brilliant is that! I shop when ever I can in the local area to support local trade, this includes drinking the local ales (I'm very happy to keep this going :) !

I feel Keighley ticks all the boxes and that'll do for me.

During my blogging for Keighley People I will be taking lots of photos from various viewpoints along side my own personal comments.

Can't wait.

 

Jane

Week 12 Rachel of Keighley

I’m Rachel, 45. Born in Bradford, with a brief visit to Manchester University many years ago, I have lived in Oakworth for 17 years. I’m married to Martin, who is originally from Dundee, and have 4 children (only one of them still at home), one granddaughter and two cats. We moved to Oakworth as we liked the village feel and it was within reasonable driving distance to Bradford where we both worked at the time.

My interests include walking in our wonderful countryside (especially if we find a pub en route!), visiting the theatre, live music and reading. I like to try keep my brain active, so I have studied with the Open University in recent years. Last year I started to teach myself Spanish, this year’s project is crochet and knitting. I’ve also joined a choir as I love singing (can’t say that I’m very good, but they’re very polite about it!).

I work at Oakbank School in the Sixth Form. I love working with older teenagers; as they change from school kids to young adults, it’s such an exciting time of life with lots of challenges and opportunities.

I really enjoy living close to Keighley town centre but within walking distance of beautiful countryside, where you can be “in the middle of nowhere” in minutes.

Week  13 Kath of Keighley

I'm Kath, a 50 something working mum and grandma. I'm Keighley born and bred. Was born in St Johns hospital, sadly no longer there. Lived in the Fell Lane, Nessfield area until 10 years ago when I moved to Utley. My primary school was St Joseph's, Ingrow then at eleven I moved to St Joseph's College, Bradford. My social life got in the way of school somewhat and I left at 16. Had some happy years working at Boots the Chemist until I decided I needed a change and started working in the wages office at Walter Slingsby, a well known local engineering firm at the time.

I took a break from work when I had my four sons, all within 5 years!

When the boys were all at school I started to work as a volunteer reader at Bronte Middle School in the 'good old days'. Then over time I became the receptionist and later a support assistant. Unfortunately with the closure of middle schools I had to look for another job and landed myself one at Oakbank. I started as a Support Assistant then Year 7 Mentor and now I am Assistant Head of Yr7. I've been in this post for 5 years and I love it. Most of my qualifications,( apart from a handful of O Levels from school)I have gained from Oakbank. I am qualified to teach and assess students with Spld, although I don't practise that in my current post.

My sons are now 28, 27, 25 and 23. My third son Will is father to a beautiful 15month old boy, Charlie, my first grandson. He is adored.

I have been married to Phil for 9 years and I am very lucky as his hobby is cooking therefore I haven't made a meal for all that time! He loves food shopping too which is great for me. We love to travel and look forward to our holidays when we escape in Vera our VW campervan.


Week 14 Judith of Keighley

Hi, I’m Judith and though I am a Sheffield lass I have lived happily and contentedly in Riddlesden for the last 6 years with my two cats Milly (Millicent when she’s naughty) and Merlin who seems to treat me a bit like a cat hotel! I love the community spirit and the neighbourliness of the people who live near to me. I currently work full time at Bradford College but have recently started a business helping people who find themselves at a crossroads in their life and are not sure which path to travel, or who have decided that they want to find the courage to change their lives to start their journey to live their dreams.

I have two sons Robert (25) and Matthew (20), both of whom must have slept in grow bags when I wasn’t looking as they are 6’4 and 6’7 respectively. Their favourite pastime is patting me on my head saying “there there mother!” when I get in a kafuffle.
 

I am one of the small but merry band of people along with Jane of Oxenhope (week2) who organise the Oxenhope Straw Race each year helping to raise funds for the fantastic local charities that abound in the area. It is quite humbling when you listen to the wonderful work that the charities do for the people of Keighley, the care and time and effort that they put in for so many wonderful causes.

I like nature, and can get quite misty eyed at the beautiful blossom that is coming out on the trees at the moment, a sign of hope and so pretty, well done Mother Nature. I also like to read and this year I intend starting to knit again, a pastime I enjoyed when I was younger. Lots of lovely Aran jumpers ready for the winter ahead! In the meantime I hope the sun will shine, the birds will sing and the flowers will bloom beautiful, happy colours. My tweets will be about the wonderful things I see, the funny things that people say, and probably the daft things I have done!

 

Judith x

Week 15 Alix of Keighley



Week 16 Kathryn of Keighley

Hi I'm Kathryn. I'm 34, married with 2 young children. I've been a jeweller for 15 years and I work at a lovely shop in Ilkley.

I'm a twitter addict and love to follow rural debates, as well as following world topics. Hope your all ready for a bit of fun!

Kathryn x

Week 17 Karen of Keighley

I am originally from Ilkley and moved to east Morton almost 9 years ago. I live with my husband Marc and two cats.

I work in Horsforth and travel every day over the moors which I love, unless it snows!

I am also a WW member at goal having lost 5 and a half stone and I now help out by running the shop at our weekly meeting.

I am also in training as I will be doing the great north run again in September this will be my forth time and I am hoping to get 10 done by my 50th in 7 years time so hopefully this should be achievable.

Week 18 Joanne of Keighley

I'm a full time mum to a 14 month old girl and we love going to lots of groups/ activities around Keighley so i'd love to be the person updating Keighley people for a week!

Week 19 Dave of Keighley

I'm Dave, I moved to Keighley about 12 months ago with my young family. I live with my Wife and our two children (20 months and 1 month) in Goose Eye.

Previously we lived in Leeds. I grew up in Grimsby and then went to Uni in Leicester in 1995 before moving to Leeds in 2001. So I have no previous experience of living in Keighley.
I suspect a Keighley/Grimsby double is a fairly unique achievement! I'm looking forward to learning what the town has to offer.

I work for a large insurance firm in Leeds and commute in every day by train.

As well as having a busy domestic life these days, I love football and
I have a beard.


Week 20 Katie of Keighley

I've been adopted by God's own county - originally from Derbyshire but lived in Yorkshire since I was 18 almost 30 years!! Its my birthday on Friday haha!!

Live in Sutton in Craven with my daughter and 2 dogs, my son is down South at uni.

 

 Week 21 Julie of Keighley

I work as Communications Officer at the Bronte Parsonage Museum, handling press, publicity, advertising, social media and the website.

 

I’m a mother of two (nine-year-old son, 13-year-old daughter), and used to edit women’s magazines in London before I fell in love with a Yorkshireman, got married and moved north. I’m originally from Norfolk, live on the edge of the moors in Stanbury, and love to go on holiday in Northumberland, the Hebrides, and - in recent years - Scandinavia. In fact I’m so obsessed with Scandinavia I’ve taught myself Swedish, and can read it but not speak it (no-one to practise on).

 

I love Keighley, love Keighley people, and this week I’d like to get to know some more.