LATEST NEWS
Monday 1st November 2021
FoOL Newsletter - October 2021
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Our crowdfunding ended at 9am this morning with a final total of £60,711 and 876 unique supporters. We hit our target of £53,000 five days before the campaign finished. At that time, the ‘stretch’ target of £65,000 was activated. Thanks to all of you, we honed in on that target too! We shall be contacting each of you very shortly about your rewards.
The extra funds raised will provide a larger contingency fund should any issues be encountered during Phase 1 of the project. We hope this is not the case! Should no unforeseen challenges be encountered, the additional monies shall be carried forward into future phases. This shall allow us to bring the project to fruition sooner.
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We are, of course, ecstatic to have not only hit the target but surpassed it by some margin. We cannot thank you all enough. From the smallest pledge to the largest they have all made a difference. Every business who pledged, donated a reward or hosted our banners contributed. Each person who engaged with our social media posts - and therefore increased the ‘reach’ - made a difference. The volunteers who delivered flyers on our behalf played their part. From each of you who spoke to others about our campaign and raised awareness; to the organisations that pledged considerable sums; you all deserve to share in the success. However, this is not Friends of Otley Lido’s success. It is success for our community and the wider area.
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Finally crossing the line was an overwhelming joy and a huge relief! However, it was built on the foundations of the thousands of people who have supported us - not just during the crowdfunding campaign but also throughout our existence. This feat was not achieved in 6 weeks of crowdfunding. It was hard won over the course of nearly 6 years!
Many of our supporters have stuck by us through some challenging times when it seemed that this day would never come. You helped us previously raise £12,000 through various fundraising events and grants. We haven’t forgotten how important your support has been over the years!
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Many of you may not be aware that Otley Town Council and Otley BID each provided a grant of £500 in 2016 to erect hoarding to secure the lido site - and improve the riverside aspect - after the wall collapsed during the Boxing Day floods in 2015. Further, the town council also pledged the last £5,000 towards the Phase 1 costs back in 2017 and reaffirmed that original pledge so it could be added to the crowdfunding campaign. Otley Lions Club made a very generous donation as part of the President's Project for 2016/17 - thank you Gareth Dibble. Otley Chamber of Trade and Otley BID both helped us build relationships with businesses over a number of years. Leeds City Council offered a 125 year lease at nil rent on the lido site back in 2016. These examples of long-term support are testament to the organisations, businesses and individuals involved. They also provide a glimpse of what FoOL has been undertaking over a number of years.
Whilst now is the time to celebrate the success of the crowdfunding campaign - and also a very exciting period - it is also a time to reflect. We would ask all of you to be patient. Please do not expect to see people on the site tomorrow carrying out studies and surveys - it shall take a little longer!
Our organisation has learned a tremendous amount during this campaign. We also have a number of things we need to follow up now we have more time to dedicate to other matters. We must be thorough in our planning and judicious in our decision-making. Our next steps also include further engagement with our community – we are listening to you and shall continue to do so!
We intend to keep you updated every step of the way through our website and social media. We shall also hold community engagement events so you can discuss the project with us, provide input and feedback, and express any concerns you may have. Subscribe to our email list (you can do this at the bottom of the page) and follow us on social media to receive the latest news and updates.
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Crowdfunder Review
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We believe the crowdfunding demonstrated what we can achieve as an organisation and as a community. Individuals, businesses, organisations, councils, prominent people, politicians – the whole community (and beyond) uniting to bring about positive change. We are so grateful to everyone for getting behind the project.
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We were really heartened and energised when Sport England pledged £10,000 as part of the ‘Activate Your Space’ scheme. To have a major funding body recognise the value of our project to our community was satisfying and humbling. When it pledged another £3,500 we were completely surprised and blown away!
We were so grateful to receive both pledges but the feedback we received was just as valuable and heart-warming. FoOL Funding Lead, Sarah Langli, conveyed this at the time: “Sport England has been so massively impressed with our campaign - on all levels - that they have committed another £3,500. We received praise regarding the number of supporters; the range and number of businesses who are pledging rewards; the endorsements from prominent people and councils; the press coverage; and our own social media posts”. Sport England responded not only to what we were doing, but also to what you – our community – were saying and doing in a variety of ways to support our campaign.
However, we didn’t get everything right. At the start of the campaign we had difficulties processing in a timely manner the rewards businesses and individuals were offering. As an organisation we learned and adapted. It became a slick process from initial contact to the reward being added to the Crowdfunder page. Thank you to everyone who donated a reward – what great rewards they were both in terms of quality and variety!
Before the crowdfunding started we identified areas for improvement and took the necessary action. The website was overhauled to make it simpler and more functional (especially on mobile devices) whilst the content was updated and expanded. We also reviewed our methods of communication and our social media strategy. We believe this has resulted in positive change and intend to continue to build on these improvements.
Prior to commencing the crowdfunding Alistair Brownlee, Alex Sobel MP, Baroness (Judith) Blake of Leeds, Leeds City Council, Otley Town Council, Otley BID and Otley Chamber of Trade were notable supporters. The campaign provided both the platform and opportunity for us to actively engage with various organisations and individuals and we were able to add Sport England, Mayor Tracy Brabin and Rachel Reeves MP to our list of prominent supporters. Our project needs the backing of as many people as possible. It also bring benefits beyond Otley. Therefore, we shall continue to expand our scope as we engage and consult in order to secure the wider support necessary to bring you a lido.
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During crowdfunding we also moved our relationships with businesses on to another level with the help of Otley BID and Otley Chamber of Trade. Businesses supported our campaign by pledging, providing rewards, hosting our banners and displaying and distributing flyers advertising our campaign. Over 60 businesses were directly involved and we are grateful to all of you:
3xa Design
Andrew Hillas Properties
Asda (Otley)
Aura Jewellery
Baxter Logs
Bondgate Bakery
Brodie Cashmere
Buttercups Play Centre
Catapult Films
Club Energy
Courtyard Planters
Cutting Crew
Dodgshons
Echelon Coffee Roasters
Etempa Web Solutions
Fika North
Flinn Architecture
Galley Decorators
Gifted Angel
Halo Hair Design
Hammond & Son
Harriets
Headlush Hair & Beauty
Houldsworth & Sons
Isca
Ivy House
J.B. Wilkinson & Sons
Landguard Pest Control
Laura Alice
Like Nana Did
Little Munchkins
Michelle Hodgson
Milk Bar Café & Deli
Mosaic Mania
Nickie James
Otley Boats
Otley RUFC
Patisserie Viennoise
PlantsDOTcom
Print Crew
Puffin Pottery
S.H.E. Holistics
Sainsbury’s (Otley)
Shadow Brewing
Sift Cafe & Bakery
Soma Wellness
SR Kitchens & Bathrooms
Sylvia Too
Tate Oil
Tatton Settled Estates
The Art Works
The Bookshop on the Square
The Donut Shop
The Happy Little Gift Shop
Wharfedale Tutors
White House Distillery
White House Gin
Woolpack Studios
Yorkshire Fixing Solutions
Zeppo Creative
Our thanks also go the businesses who have supported us previously. The businesses above shall be added to these shortly. We understand that Covid-19 has made the economic situation more turbulent and that in these circumstances not every business was able to support us at this time.
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Our campaign really seemed to strike a chord with both the public and the media. We are grateful to the latter for its considerable interest which culminated in a feature on BBC Look North on Tuesday 26th October. Cathy Killick reported from the lido site as Alistair Brownlee MBE - Double Olympic Champion (Triathlon - 2012,2016) and FoOL supporter - made a personal appearance to support our campaign.
The Wharfedale Observer and the Yorkshire Post comprehensively covered our campaign from the launch - with Baroness (Judith) Blake of Leeds, Alex Sobel MP (Leeds North West) and Cllr Richard Hughes (Chair, Otley Town Council) - right through to our celebrations after reaching our target.
Additionally, national and local media including the BBC News website, BBC Radio Leeds, Leeds TV, Telegraph & Argus, Greatest Hits Radio, Triathlon Today and Your Harrogate also covered our story.
One of the additions we shall be making to our website shortly is a page dedicated to media coverage. We believe it will be a useful addition and a great one-stop shop for media coverage of Otley lido and our organisation.
Grants – Otley BID & Otley Chamber of Trade
Aside from our crowdfunding we have also been progressing a small number of other items. Last week we announced two grants - Otley BID (Business Improvement District) kindly provided a grant of £5,000 and Otley Chamber of Trade provided a grant for £1,000.
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The BID explained “Otley Business Improvement District is delighted to be able to support the campaign to bring back the Otley Lido. Our board of directors all agreed that the Lido would be a huge benefit in bringing people to the town who would then use the local businesses too. We could tell by the number of businesses pledging goods and services to the campaign that FoOL have the business community of Otley wholeheartedly behind them.”
Similarly, in conveying its support for our project the Chamber said: “Otley Chamber of Trade are delighted to be able to contribute to the funding appeal for the Lido. The Lido will be a great attraction for our town and it will help to make Otley a more attractive place. The land that you are going to be developing has been derelict for far too long and we welcome all your hard work in bringing the Lido back to Otley and helping to keep Otley on the map. We all wish you all the best with this important project”.
Both the BID and the Chamber have assisted us and helped facilitate the building of relationships with businesses over a number of years. This has been invaluable throughout our existence and was critical during the crowdfunding period.
Both shall continue to provide us with on-going help, advice and support in addition to the grants. FoOL Director and Treasurer, Ian Lawson, said “We are so grateful to Otley BID and Otley Chamber of Trade for their grants and continued support. Both organisations have been tremendously supportive over the years and shall be invaluable as we progress our journey. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with both organisations – and the businesses they represent - as we aim to deliver economic benefits to the town in addition to the social, health and well-being benefits.”
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The next steps
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At the start of this newsletter we asked for your patience as we move forwards. The lido will not happen overnight – it shall take time! The FoOL committee are amongst the most fervent supporters of the project and want to deliver the lido as soon as possible. We can assure you that we will be working hard behind the scenes to progress the project. We know our supporters understand, and shall appreciate, that not everything we do can be publicised due to its delicate and sometimes confidential nature. However, our pledge to you is that we shall keep you updated as fully as possible as we take the next steps.
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Finally, thank you everyone. You have all played your part!
Friends of Otley Lido
Sunday 31st October 2021
Crowdfunding campaign: weekly round-up
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Thank you all! Because of you, we hit our crowdfunding campaign target of £53,000 on Tuesday evening – over 5 days before the end of our campaign! Our ‘stretch’ target of £65,000 immediately kicked-in. The extra funds raised shall go towards future phases of the project which shall enable us to bring the project to fruition sooner. You can still pledge to our crowdfunding campaign here.
Our total pledges now exceed £60,000 with over 860 unique supporters! This means we are now closer to our ‘stretch’ target than to our original target. An absolutely phenomenal effort from all of you! Why not help us hit the ‘stretch’ target too!?
The last length of our marathon swim saw a sprint finish! BBC Look North aired a feature on both the evening and late night editions on Tuesday. This included an appearance by local sporting hero - and FoOL supporter - Alistair Brownlee MBE (Double Olympic Champion – Triathlon 2012, 2016). Within minutes of the evening edition airing – and pushed on by a tidal wave of support - we sprinted to the finish! We are so grateful to Alistair for his on-going support and for giving us some of his valuable time between training sessions. Our thanks also go to BBC Look North, and its reporter Cathy Killick, for bringing our story to hundreds of thousands of people in our region.
Our project seems to have struck a chord with both the media and the public. As we neared our target - and then swept past it – media interest grew and grew. Just look at this week’s coverage!
BBC Look North (Yorkshire): feature on the Evening News (6:30pm) and an edited version on the Late News (10.30pm) on 26th October. If anyone has a copy of these please email us at friendsofotleylido@gmail.com
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BBC News Website: Otley lido: Triathlete Alistair Brownlee backs reopening plans
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BBC Radio Leeds (at 42:48 on the link): Gayle Lofthouse Show (Pete Allison sits in) - 26/10/2021
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Yorkshire Post: Otley Lido will re-open to swimmers for the first time in 30 years after crowdfunding campaign raises £53,000
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Yorkshire Post Opinion: 'Years of memories': 10 things you said as Otley Lido set to re-open for the first time in 30 years
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Telegraph & Argus: Otley Lido crowdfunder hits target
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Wharfedale Observer: Otley Lido crowdfunder hits target
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Leeds Live: Otley Lido takes huge step towards opening as crowdfunder pays off
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Greatest Hits Radio: Otley Lido a step closer to re-opening for first time in 30 years
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Triathlon Today: Alistair Brownlee supports campaign to re-open local swimming pool
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Your Harrogate: First look at Otley Baths transformation if fundraising campaign is successful
Alistair Brownlee MBE speaks with BBC Look North reporter Cathy Killick at the Otley Lido
Special thanks this week go to:
3xa Design
Alistair Brownlee
Bauer Media
BBC Look North
BBC Radio Leeds
Brodie Cashmere
Flinn Architecture
Headlush Hair & Beauty
Ivy House
J.B. Wilkinson & Sons
Karen (Hammond & Son Building Contractors) & Matt (Galley Decorators)
Laura Alice
Leeds Live
PlantsDOTcom
Puffin Pottery
Soma Wellness
Sylvia Too
Tate Oil
Telegraph & Argus
The Happy Little Gift Shop
Yorkshire Post
Wharfedale Observer
We had a FoOL committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday night to plan the last few days of our campaign. As we arrived, there was a combination of overwhelming joy and huge relief as we surged past our target. However, we resolved to finish the campaign as we started it – with 100% commitment and to continue to give our all until 9am on 1st November.
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Whilst a combination of Alistair Brownlee and BBC Look North propelled us down the last length, the success was built on the foundations of the thousands of people who have supported us - not just during the crowdfunding campaign but also throughout our existence. We have not forgotten the efforts of, and support from, all of you over the last five years.
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Businesses continued to pledge rewards during the week. We want you to be able to benefit from some great offers. We also want the businesses to receive the recognition and thanks they deserve for supporting us. Some rewards are now discounted. So whilst there may not be many hours left, there are still opportunities available to bag yourself a bargain and support us at the same time!
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We have thanked Otley BID and Otley Chamber of Trade in every weekly round-up and our thanks go out to them again this week. Both organisations and their respective members have been tremendous every day of the crowdfunding campaign. We could not have done it without them!
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We are grateful to this week’s businesses and individuals who offered us rewards:
3xa Design
Robert from the creative, design-led architectural practice kindly offered a home or business improvement consultation.
Brodie Cashmere
The distinctive family-owned British brand - with roots in the heart of Yorkshire - donated a fabulous voucher for £150 off their modern and classic luxury cashmere products.
Flinn Architecture
The local and national family business kindly provided you with the opportunity to receive a design consultation for a domestic extension.
Headlush Hair & Beauty
Beauty therapist and hair stylist Sarah offered you the chance to enjoy a top to toe pamper session - including hair, facial, manicure and pedicure.
Ivy House
Diane from the specialist Otley botanicals and well-being retailer donated a £25 voucher so you could enjoy vegan or organic food, natural beauty products, vitamins or supplements.
J.B. Wilkinson & Sons
The independent butcher - offering high-quality meat that is mostly locally sourced - donated a 2kg turkey just in time for Christmas!
Karen (Hammond & Son Building Contractors) and Matt (Galley Decorators)
Donated a £1,000 discount voucher for a holiday let in the splendid Reighton House in Filey.
Hammond & Sons
07973 899263 / 01943 467331
Laura Alice
The talented printmaker and artist from Ilkley offered an A3 hand pulled screen print on pale blue paper to brighten up your home or office.
PlantsDOTcom
The family run business with both physical shops – including Otley – and an online store gave you the chance to receive a £10 voucher.
Puffin Pottery
The paint your own pottery studio in Otley donated a voucher for pottery painting and subsequent glazing in its onsite kiln.
Soma Wellness
Rachel donated a five class pass so you could experience the tranquil, community driven and inclusive wellness hub that exists in their Otley studio.
Sylvia Too
Multi-talented and qualified massage therapist Sylvia donated a voucher for a free massage in her home treatment room in Otley.
Tate Oil
Andrew from the Yorkshire based, and family run, fuel supplier offered you the chance to receive ten 10 minute jet car washes at their base in Otley.
The Happy Little Gift Shop
Olivia from the Menston based gift shop donated two £20 vouchers so you could enjoy some gorgeous stationery, prints, homeware or Christmas gifts.
Our social media platforms continued to have excellent ‘reach’ and engagement. Our Facebook post announcing we had hit our target has reached over 26,500 people, has nearly 1,000 ‘like’s and ‘love’s, 249 comments and 72 shares! Thank you everyone for helping our social media campaign by engaging with our posts. Please follow us on social media and subscribe via our website (www.otleylido.com) to receive all the latest updates.
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There are only a matter of hours to go now. When we say we have committed to keep going until 9am on Monday 1st November we really do mean it! FoOL Chair, Leonie Sharp, shall be a guest on the Radio Leeds Breakfast Show at 7.50am tomorrow (Monday) morning – a little over an hour before our crowdfunding ends. Tune in to hear what the crowdfunding campaign means for the future of our organisation and - more importantly - to our community.
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Friends of Otley Lido
Saturday 30th October 2021
Brodie Cashmere donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Jes at Brodie Cashmere for kindly offering a £150 voucher for any non-sale purchase to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Designed in England and produced in Mongolia. Brodie Cashmere pieces are spun from 100% pure cashmere and have been designed to bring you joy, excitement and comfort for years to come. Their aim is to provide you with luxurious products that are fully sustainable.
They are proud members of the SFA, an organisation that works to improve the impacts of cashmere production in Mongolia.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 30th October 2021
The Happy Little Gift Shop donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Olivia at The Happy Little Gift Shop for kindly offering two £20 vouchers for her online gift shop to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Born and raised in a little village just outside Ilkley, West Yorkshire, Olivia's passion has always been to run her own gift shop.
Her mission is to bring happiness into your home by sharing her own love of stationery, prints and other joyous gifts. All products are sourced in the UK and they feature many fabulous illustrators who design fun and bright pieces. You will also find their own handmade pieces on the site.
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Email: thehappylittlegiftshop@gmail.com
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Friday 29th October 2021
Soma Wellness donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Rachel at Soma Wellness for kindly offering a voucher for a five class pass to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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The vision at ‘Soma’ is to offer a tranquil, community driven and inclusive wellness hub for those wishing to pursue health, happiness and soul searching. Through yoga, dance, movement, meditation and alternative therapies they hope to provide a sanctuary that can be shared and enjoyed by the local community of Otley and beyond.
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Soma has long existed in the owners' minds – it just took a lot of meetings, creative vision and shopping trips until they were able to finally create their little studio. They had one main intention – to build a studio that could impact the lives of those living around us. They wanted to create a space whereby people feel warmth as they enter, a space for people to unwind over a post-yoga coffee, a space for children to explore their worlds through learning and movement, and finally a space away from home whereby people could seek that much needed physical and emotional restoration!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
"This will be a great asset to our local community and great to see restored."
Friday 29th October 2021
Ivy House donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Diane at Ivy House for kindly offering a £25 voucher to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Ivy House stocks a range of vegan & organic food, natural beauty products, vitamins & supplements, and offer a variety of holistic treatments. Their lovely shop is based in the heart of Otley. This voucher cannot be used for holistic treatments.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thursday 28th October 2021
Tate Oil donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Andrew at Tate Oil for kindly offering ten 10 minute jet car washes to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Tate Oil has kindly offered 10 10-minute jet car washes at their base in Otley. So if you’d rather not use a sponge and bucket, why not treat yourselves to a regular jet car wash!?
Tate Oil is a Yorkshire-based fuel supplier specialising in heating oil, diesel, lubricants and additives. With nearly 50 years’ experience, they pride themselves on being the same hard-working, family-run fuel supplier they were back in 1972,. They have started a tree planting scheme with qualifying customers to support the climate change agenda.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thursday 28th October 2021
Flinn Architecture donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to John at Flinn Architecture for kindly offering five design consultations for domestic extensions to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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The design consultation will typically include a visit to your house to discuss ideas for extending and improving your home. As part of this package, John will provide you with sketch designs, advise on site specific planning considerations, and help you take the first step in making your dream project a reality.
07815 125515​
Flinn Architecture are passionate about property. They understand that our physical environment shapes the way we live and feel.
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A home that is open and light, functional and beautiful will enable a richer quality of family life. Equally, neighbourhoods that are carefully designed with variety, safety, sustainability and healthy living at their core will contribute to strong communities and ultimately become places that people are proud to call home.
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As a family business with offices in Yorkshire and the Midlands, they work on projects throughout the UK and further afield. Whether you want to realise the potential of your landholding or would simply like to discuss an addition to your family home, they can help you every step of the way.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thursday 28th October 2021
Otley Chamber of Trade provides a grant of £1,000
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We are extremely grateful to – and delighted to announce that - Otley Chamber of Trade has provided a grant of £1,000.
Otley Chamber of Trade represents 150 members of the business community. It has been instrumental in helping us to establish relationships with businesses over a number of years. The Executive Team at the Chamber has also provided invaluable advice to us at the Friends of Otley Lido. In addition, many of their own businesses have supported us in a multitude of ways. The Chamber’s support has been crucial to us throughout.
In conveying its support for our project the Chamber said: “Otley Chamber of Trade are delighted to be able to contribute to the funding appeal for the Lido. The Lido will be a great attraction for our town and it will help to make Otley a more attractive place. The land that you are going to be developing has been derelict for far too long and we welcome all your hard work in bringing the Lido back to Otley and helping to keep Otley on the map. We all wish you all the best with this important project”.
Prior to us commencing our crowdfunding campaign the Chamber invited us to attend and present to its next meeting. The meeting fell on 21st September 2021 – the second day of our crowdfunding campaign. It provided a great platform to engage with both the Chamber and its members at the beginning of our campaign and contributed to an excellent start.
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FoOL Director & Treasurer Ian Lawson explained: “Otley Chamber of Trade has always been a great supporter. It has not only helped us to develop relationships with businesses but also been a fantastic source of advice. Before we commenced our crowdfunding campaign the Chamber invited us to present to its members who immediately offered their support in a multitude of ways. We are extremely grateful that the Chamber has subsequently decided to offer us this substantial grant”.
Wednesday 27th October 2021
Otley BID provides a grant of £5,000
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We are absolutely delighted - and ever so grateful - to Otley BID (Business Improvement District) for a grant of £5,000.
Otley BID represents 500 businesses and has been a great supporter of our organisation throughout our existence. It has facilitated and enabled us to build and develop relationships with the business community. This support has been crucial during both the current crowdfunding campaign and over a number of years.
The BID explained: “Otley Business Improvement District is delighted to be able to support the campaign to bring back the Otley Lido. Our board of directors all agreed that the Lido would be a huge benefit in bringing people to the town who would then use the local businesses too. We could tell by the number of businesses pledging goods and services to the campaign that FoOL have the business community of Otley wholeheartedly behind them.”
Back in 2017, Otley BID provided a grant of £500 – matching that of Otley Town Council – so we could erect hoarding at the lido site. This was necessary to both secure the site and improve the riverside aspect after the wall collapsed as a result of the 2015 Boxing Day floods. Thanks to Otley BID and Otley Town Council, we were able to install and paint the hoarding in Tour de Yorkshire colours prior to the commencement of stage 2 of the tour in the town - thus portraying Otley in the best possible light.
The BID has also offered additional on-going support such as business advice. FoOL Director and Treasurer Ian Lawson said “We are ever so grateful to Otley BID for its on-going support. Both the grant and the additional support offered shall be invaluable as we progress our journey. We look forward to working closely with Otley BID – and the businesses it represents - in the future to bring economic benefits to the town in addition to the social, health and well-being benefits”.
Wednesday 27th October 2021
Headlush donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Sarah at Headlush for kindly offering a top to toe pamper session to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Beauty therapist and hair stylist Sarah from Headlush Hair and Beauty by Sarah Jackson has offered a top to toe pamper session - this will include occasion hair-up, an aesthetic facial, gel manicure and gel pedicure. The treatment can take place across two sessions. So, if you’ve got a big day coming up or fancy the ultimate treat, this is the reward for you. It would also make a brilliant gift for a friend, partner or mum.
Sarah is a local beauty therapist who does all things beauty - including massage, dermaplaning, microneedling, manicures and pedicures. She has a passion for dry styling and hair ups.
See some of the amazing things she can do on social media.
Wednesday 27th October 2021
Karen (Hammond & Son Building Contractors) & Matt (Galley Decorators Ltd) donate reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Karen & Matt for kindly offering a discount voucher for £1,000 off a Filey holiday property let to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
Reighton House is a stunning Georgian property that sleeps up to 15 adults (2 cots if needed), 6 bedrooms, 3 en suites, spacious kitchen, lounge and games room and a large enclosed garden. This is for new bookings only. You are advised to check out availability before you pledge via the Facebook page.or via the Airbnb page.
Mark Galley Decorators Ltd is a Harrogate-based painting and decorating company and has been established since 1983. they cater for domestic and commercial properties and regularly work with homeowners, landlords and business owners alike. Their services include painting and wallpapering services, as well as exterior property painting for all types of renovation work.
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They have experience working with various commercial clients including banks, police stations, airports, BBC media city in Salford and Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, London. Their staff are honest, trustworthy and have cleared security checks for your added peace of mind. They also undertake renovation projects for heritage sites and listed buildings and restore them with care and attention. All their staff are highly skilled and fully trained in Health and Safety and have all the required insurances to work in the painting and decorating business.
07973 899263
or
01943 467331
Hammond & Son is an Otley based buliding contractors undertaking domestic and commercial work.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Wednesday 27th October 2021
Crowdfunding campaign: £53,000 target hit!
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We are absolutely delighted that our crowdfunding campaign has reached the target of £53,000! We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us. However, we would love to go further and have set a 'stretch' target of £65,000. Any extra funds raised will go towards future phases of the project which will enable us to bring the project to fruition sooner!​
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We still have over 5 days remaining. Businesses have been tremendous - we still have more rewards to add and more being offered. To be fair to businesses - and to you - we shall continue with our campaign. We want businesses to receive the recognition and thanks they deserve for supporting our campaign. We also want you to be able to benefit from the great rewards on offer!
Tuesday 26th October 2021
Puffin Pottery donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Puffin Pottery for kindly offering a voucher for pottery painting to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Puffin Pottery is a paint your own pottery studio in the heart of Otley. They have hundreds of pottery designs to choose from at a range of prices to suit every pocket. They have no studio fees or hidden charges & the price you see is the price you pay. After you have painted your pottery they will glaze it in their onsite kiln and it will be ready to collect in a week.
They have a spacious, accessible studio, and serve hot and cold drinks, cakes, sweets and snacks. Friendly staff are always on hand to give help and advice on how to gain the best results with your painting.
Puffin Pottery is child friendly and buggy accessible plus we have baby changing facilities too.
Booking is advised, please contact by phone 01943 465731 or email to reserve your place.
They also offer a huge range of activities & events from bitrthday parties and child hand and feet prints, to ladies' nights and baby showers.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Tuesday 26th October 2021
Artist Laura Alice donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Laura Alice for kindly offering an A3 hand-pulled screen print of a Herring Gull to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Printmaker and artist Laura Alice has kindly offered an A3 hand pulled screen print on pale blue paper. The Herring Gull is printed with a colour blend of bright colours to show the rebellious personality of this sea bird. The picture is unframed. Why not treat yourself or It would make a lovely gift for someone.
Laura Alice is an artist and printmaker based near Ilkley, where she takes inspiration from the bird life on the moor and surrounding areas. She creates vivid, textural images of birds combined with abstract shapes in a variety of media such as screen print, linocut, collage, paint and risograph.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Tuesday 26th October 2021
Sylvia Too donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Sylvia Too for kindly offering a voucher for a free massage to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Multi-talented and qualified massage therapist, Sylvia Too has kindly offered a voucher for a relaxing massage in her home treatment room based in Otley. It’d make a great present or a pre or post Christmas treat.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Tuesday 26th October 2021
PlantsDOTcom donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to PlantsDOTcom - the new plant shop in Otley - for kindly offering a £10 voucher to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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PlantsDOTcom is a family run business operating in West Yorkshire with both physical shops and an online presence. The latter was born out of necessity due the Covid-19 pandemic which also brought a boom in the popularity of house plants which hasn't slowed since! PlantsDOTcom now has a larger audience than ever through its online platform and shops.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Tuesday 26th October 2021
J.B. Wilkinson & Sons donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to J.B. Wilkinsons & Sons - the independent butcher - for kindly offering a turkey crown to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Dan from Otley’s Wilkinson butchers has offered a seasonal reward, namely a 2kg (that’s 4.5 lb in old money) turkey breast crown. So why not take the hassle out of that bit of the Christmas dinner, leaving more time to cope with all the rest!
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J.B. Wilkinsons & Sons have been in Otley since the 1970s. They sell a variety of excellent high quality meat, most of which is from local sources. All of the products have fully traceable provenance. Consequently using high quality meat suppliers means that you are guaranteed excellent flavour and satisfaction with all our products. They offer traditional butchers meat cuts, but have also developed excellent highly recommended sausages, pies and pre-prepared recipes. These are freshly made every day at their Rawdon HQ.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Tuesday 26th October 2021
3xa Design donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Robert at 3xa Design for kindly offering a home or business improvement consultation to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Robert from 3xa design has offered a home or business improvement consultation. He will bring a professional, thoughtful and imaginative approach to your space or building and can help you realise your ideas and advise on design solutions and strategies. The consultation can last for up to 2 hours and is offered in a 30 mile radius from Otley. You will also receive a followup assessment or report which will include suggestions for a way forward.
3xa Design is a creative, design-led architectural practice based in the world heritage site of Saltaire, West Yorkshire. The practice is led by Robert Blundell, an ARB (Architects Registration Board) registered architect and chartered member of RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects).
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3xa Design undertakes a wide range of projects, both large and small, locally in the Yorkshire region and across the U.K.
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Services Provided
Accessible Design, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Basement Design, Bathroom Design, Boot Room Design, Building Design, Custom Build Homes, Eco Homes, Floor Plans, Home Renovation, House Extensions, House Plans, Kitchen Design, Space Planning, Sustainable Design, Utility Room Design
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Monday 25th October 2021
Crowdfunding campaign: weekly round-up
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Our crowdfunding campaign pledges now exceed £47,000 with over 640 unique supporters! We need less than £6,000 to hit our target.
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We have been helped tremendously this week by another 170 unique supporters pledging to our campaign. Every pledge - no matter how big or small - helps us towards our target. Additionally, each pledge also demonstrates community support for our project.
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This has been critical in the decisions by Otley Town Council which pledged £5,000 and Sport England which pledged another £3,500 this week in addition to the previous pledge of £10,000. We are so grateful to both for pledges that are potentially crucial to our campaign.
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The Wharfedale Observer ran a news feature reporting the support for our project from Mayor Tracy Brabin (Mayor of West Yorkshire) and Alex Sobel MP (Leeds North West) who both encouraged the community to chip in whatever they could to help us realise a great community asset. Read the full news feature here.
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We are also grateful to Rachel Reeves MP (Leeds West & Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer) who is supporting our campaign and participated in our social media campaign this week.
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Businesses have not let us down either. We added 12 new rewards in a Big Splash Rewards Weekend. We could only do this as a result of the support of businesses and individuals offering us these rewards. Thank you to each and every one of you.
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Otley BID and Otley Chamber of Trade continue to support us in building relationships with the business community.
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We are continuing to distribute flyers outside of Otley in order to extend our reach and if you can help with this please email us at friendsofotleylido@gmail.com.
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Our social media continue to have excellent ‘reach’- helped by each and every person who shares, likes and comments on our posts. Follow us on social media so you can help our campaign and receive notifications when new rewards or news stories are added.
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We are grateful to this week’s businesses and individuals who offered us rewards:
Special thanks this week go to:
Alex Sobel MP
Baxter Logs
Cutting Crew
Dodgshons
Echelon Coffee Roasters
Etempa Web Solutions
Halo Hair Design
Houldsworth & Sons
Mayor Tracy Brabin
Nickie James
Otley BID
Otley Chamber of Trade
Otley Town Council
Rachel Reeves MP
S.H.E. Holistics
Sift
Sport England
Sylvia Too
The Art Works
The Bookshop on the Square
The Donut Shop
White House Distillery
White House Gin
Wharfedale Observer
Woolpack Studios
Baxter Logs
The Huby based second generation family business let you benefit from 12 winter log bundles – this offer was on fire as the bundles were snapped up!
Cutting Crew
Donated five vouchers for haircuts in January 2022 so you can start the New Year either freshly trimmed or with a total restyle.
Dodgshons
The Kitchenware and Sugarcraft specialist offered a £20 voucher so you could support a local family run business whilst making something nice!
Echelon Coffee Roasters
Gave you the chance to enjoy a two hour roastery experience for up to three people including tour, demonstration, bean exploration and brewing tutorial.
Halo Hair Design
Donated four vouchers for a cut and blow dry in January 2022 so you can have a timeless classic or something more evocative and ‘out there’.
Etempa Web Solutions
The perfect solution if you want to understand and improve your website is this £60 voucher towards a comprehensive report and one hour consultation.
Houldsworth & Sons
Provided you with opportunity to save money on £200 of insulating rockwool and then to carry on saving through reduced heating bills!
Fika North
The cool, friendly café in Far Headingly donated five £20 vouchers so you could enjoy a Swedish-style coffee culture experience.
Nickie James
Five deals for a two night stay in a lovely Otley town centre apartment plus English breakfast and a meal voucher for a pub in town.
01943 465728
S.H.E. Holistics
Offered a combined reiki and chakra balancing treatment at its lovely Otley treatment room.
The Art Works
A donation of two £50 vouchers towards the cost of framing from the Otley specialist in custom and bespoke framing.
White House Distillery
A locally crafted bottle of Hammered Coin Spice Rum (70cl) with finest ginger spice and pineapple fruits, giving their spiced rum spirit a real Caribbean kick.
Sift Cafe & Bakery
Donated a scrummy box of home-made brownies - white chocolate and raspberry or kinderella (hazelnut) – to enjoy at home with a cuppa or drink or your choice!
Sylvia Too
Kindly offered a free commission for an unframed A3 painted portrait based on a photograph so you don’t need to sit for the painting.
The Bookshop on the Square
Donated a £30 voucher so you can snuggle up as winter draws in and have a good read, or alternatively buy cards and wrap for that special occasion.
The Donut Shop
The Otley online and wholesale donut company offered two vouchers for delivery of delightful and delicious donuts which includes vegan options.
White House Gin
A locally crafted bottle of London Dry Gin (70cl) was offered so you could enjoy a vibrant and smooth gin with a determined dry finish.
Woolpack Studios
This offer sounds really good (pun intended!) since you can benefit from a range of studio experiences at the Otley community music studio.
If you are a business and want to support our campaign please check out our dedicated page.
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If you are able to host our 2m x 1m banners please contact us at fundingotleylido@gmail.com
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We’re on the final length in our marathon swim. We can see the touch pad on the wall at the far end of the pool. However, we know there is still that final length to go and we shall keep working hard to ensure we get there and hit our target!
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Friends of Otley Lido
Saturday 23rd October 2021
White House Distillery donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Nick at White House Distillery for kindly offering a locally crafted bottle of Hammered Coin Spiced Rum (70cl) to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Nick from Otley based White House Distillery has offered a locally crafted bottle of Hammered Coin Spiced Rum (70cl). The rum spirit is blended at their distillery here in Otley with the finest ginger spice and pineapple fruits, giving their spiced rum spirit a real Caribbean kick, a revolution against the bland! It would make a lovely Christmas present or treat yourself.
Only available to 18 plus.
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White House Distillery are an artisan small batch producer. The magic happens at their distillery situated on the banks of the River Wharfe in Yorkshire. The meticulous attention to detail of their distiller (Nick), combined with their state-of-the-art distillery create consistently excellent spirits.
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Read their fascinating story at www.whitehousegin.com.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Sunday 24th October 2021
Sift Cafe & Bakery donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Sift for kindly offering a box of home-made brownies - in two flavours - to support our crowdfunding campaign.So you can decide if you prefer the white chocolate and raspberry or kinderella (hazelnut). Full details available here.
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Sift is a fully vegetarian cafe & bakery located in the beautiful market town of Otley, West Yorkshire, about 10 miles from Leeds and 8 miles from Bradford. They are located in a beautiful bright green Grade II listed former bank, complete with their very own vault!
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They make all of their beautiful cakes in-house, from the best possible ingredients, including local butter and eggs, Callebaut chocolate, and British sugar where possible. Bread is also sourced locally, from Bondgate Bakery here in Otley, and they get all their fruit, veg and eggs from Simon & Becky on the market.
They also have a very carefully curated selection of art prints, cards and gift items for sale in the shop. They are not currently accepting submissions for new items to sell or display.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Sunday 24th October 2021
Sylvia Too donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Sylvia Too for kindly offering a free commission for an A3 unframed painted portrait to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Local artist Sylvia Too works from photographs so you won’t need to sit for the painting. The picture will be A3 size and unframed, although Sylvia can arrange for framing for an additional cost. So if you’ve ever fancied a portrait of yourself or someone else, this is the reward for you.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Sunday 24th October 2021
The Bookshop on the Square donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Sara from The Bookshop on the Square for kindly offering a £30 voucher to support our crowdfunding campaign. It can’t be used to buy book tokens but there is a brilliant range of books, cards and reading related gifts. Full details available here.
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An independent bookshop in Otley selling a fabulous range of titles, some at discounted prices, but always fabulous quality. They also sell design-led gifts, greetings cards and wrap.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Sunday 24th October 2021
Nickie James donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Nickie James for kindly offering her lovely Otley town centre apartment to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Stay for 2 -5 nights in a lovely Otley town centre apartment - sleeps up to 5 adults or 4 adults and 2 kids. Cot is also available. Towels and linen are provided. Booking is limited to Mon-Thurs but can be extended. English breakfast and a meal voucher for a pub in town included. Call 07812 741719 to check dates before making your pledge. TV, equipped kitchen and towels and linen are provided. Read the full story here.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 23rd October 2021
White House Distillery donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Nick at White House Distillery for kindly offering a locally crafted bottle of London Dry Gin (70cl) to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Nick from Otley based White House distillery has offered a locally crafted bottle of London Dry Gin (70cl). The gin is vapour infused in our still, using carefully selected botanicals, topped with a hint of home grown hops – a nod to Otley’s legendary pub culture. It is described as vibrant and smooth with a determined dry finish. Read their fascinating story at www.whitehousegin.com.
Only available to 18 plus.
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White House Gin are an artisan small batch producer. The magic happens at their distillery situated on the banks of the River Wharfe in Yorkshire. The meticulous attention to detail of their distiller (Nick), combined with their state-of-the-art distillery create consistently excellent spirits.
FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 23rd October 2021
Woolpack Studios donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Woolpack Studios for kindly offering a range of studio experiences to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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The Woolpack Music Studio have kindly offered the following packages for you plus a friend. Choose from
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A 4 hour studio recording session with sound engineer
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2 x 2 hour Ableton Live (music production) tutorials
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4 x 1 hour instrumental lessons (guitar, ukulele, bass, sax, clarinet, keyboards)
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4 hour jam with Jen and Richard. Work on your own songs or your favourite covers- they will back you on drums, bass, guitar, keys, sax- as you wish!
Woolpack Studios is a community music studio and rehearsal space in the centre of Otley run by Richard Sabey and Jennifer Pugh. It has a broad timetable of regular local sessions including a community choir, the infamous Otley Ukelele Orchestra, a music social club and offer a range of additional classes and sessions for both young people and adults.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 23rd October 2021
Halo Hair Design donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Helen at Halo Hair Design for kindly offering four vouchers for a cut and blow dry in 2022 to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Fancy a new hair cut in the New Year? Helen from Otley’s Halo salon has offered a voucher for a cut and blow dry. They are so busy up to Christmas that Helen has asked that the voucher is not used until sometime in the New Year. Grab yourself a bargain and a new look for the new year.
Halo is a fresh and modern salon, with the style and chic feel of a classic hairdressers. The experienced staff will welcome you with a warm smile and work with you to create your perfect look; from a timeless classic to something more evocative and "out there".
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Sunday 23rd October 2021
Houldsworth & Sons donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Richard at Houldsworth & Sons for kindly offering £200 of insulating rockwool to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Save heat, save money and save the planet! Richard from Otley’s Houldsworth & Sons has kindly pledged £200 worth of insulating rockwool. Approximately 50sq.m (depending on the thickness) which is suitable for an average 3 bedroom house. Delivery is included and additional amounts can be purchased if necessary.
01943 465728
Basil Houldsworth & Sons was started in 1962 by its namesake in a small rented workshop off Pool Road. They started with just a bag of hand tools for equipment and a motorbike and sidecar for transport but it has prospered and grown over the past 50 years. The company's workforce and fleet of vans now operate from a much larger site off Leeds Road. It is still very much a family affair featuring four generations of Houldsworths.
FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 23rd October 2021
Echelon Coffee Roasters donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Ben at Echelon for kindly offering a roastery experience - for up to three people - to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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The roastery experience will last around one and a half to 2 hours and be based at Echelon in Leeds 7. Included is a tour of the roastery, demonstration of how the process works, exploring the origins of different coffee beans and a coffee brewing tutorial. You will get to taste the different coffees and a bag of coffee to bring home. This is for up to 3 people.
"Otley really needs more healthy communal activity options to promote mental and physical wellbeing. The lido would be a great addition."
Founded in 2018 in Leeds, Echelon is a small, speciality coffee roaster. Their goal is to ensure that all the hard work and dedication that the farmers in coffee-producing regions put into growing an exceptional product is fully expressed in your cup.
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They work with coffee importers that adhere to the very highest ethical standards, with full traceability down to the level of individual households and smallholders.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 23rd October 2021
Cutting Crew donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Barham at Cutting Crew for kindly offering five vouchers for haircuts to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Cutting Crew - based in Kirkgate in Otley - has offered five vouchers for free haircuts in January 2022. Your chance to start the new year with a fresh trim or a total restyle!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 23rd October 2021
S.H.E. Holistics donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Julia at S.H.E. Holistics for donating a combined reiki and chakra balancing treatment, at her lovely tratment room in Otley, to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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S.H.E. Holistics in Otley offer a range of complementary therapies to aid you in achieving a state of happiness and wellbeing. Their practitioners have 15 years of experience, are fully qualified Reiki masters and also have VTCT Level 3 in Swedish Massage. Read the full story here.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 23rd October 2021
Baxter Logs donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Baxter Logs for donating 12 winter log bundles to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Baxter Logs has offered a great winter log bundle which includes a barrow bag of locally sourced, seasoned hardwood logs, 2 bags of heat logs (compressed briquettes), 2 bags of twizzlers (natural firelighters) and a bag of kindling. All this for £50. Please note the bundle will need to be collected by 11/12/21 but will fit in a car. See website for product information.
Baxter Logs is a second generation family owned and run business based in Huby which has been established for 30 years. They supply seasoned ready to burn hardwood logs / firewood to Harrogate, Leeds and surrounding areas. The logs are 'Ready to burn' accredited by the HETA Woodsure scheme.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Friday 22nd October 2021
The Donut Shop donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to The Donut Shop for donating two vouchers for delivery of delightful, delicious donuts to our crowdfunding campaign.
Full details available here.
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The Donut Shop is an Otley based business delivering donuts and fulfilling wholesale orders. Check out their menu online which caters for vegans and it all looks delicious!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Friday 22nd October 2021
Crowdfunding update: another huge boost as Sport England pledges additional £3,500!
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Sport England has committed another £3,500 to our crowdfunding campaign. This is in addition to the £10,000 previously pledged.
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This has come totally out of the blue and was a complete surprise to us!
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We were absolutely thrilled – and so grateful to Sport England - to receive the original pledge so this additional commitment has blown us away. We had not even considered the possibility of any additional funding from Sport England given its original, exceptionally generous pledge.
Sport England are an amazing organisation - here providing match funding for capital works (building or refurbishment) that will enhance spaces in local communities to give people the opportunity to be more active. Match funding because they see you donating and are keen to help us reach our target.
Funding Lead of Friends of Otley Lido, Sarah Langli explained “I received a lovely phone call from Chloe at Crowdfunder to say that Sport England has been so massively impressed with our campaign - on all levels - that they have committed another £3,500. We received praise regarding the number of supporters; the range and number of businesses who are pledging rewards; the endorsements from prominent people and councils; the press coverage; and our own social media posts. We're delighted that Sport England has been following our progress and it’s brilliant that they have pledged another £3,500”.
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We have also been added as one of the projects supported by Sport England on the Crowdfunder website.
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Our total now stands at over £43,500 towards a target of £53,000.
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If – like Sport England – you too would like to pledge please go to our crowdfunding page here.
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Sport England
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Established by Royal Charter in 1996, Sport England is funded by the government and the National Lottery. It is determined to give everyone in England the chance to benefit from sport and physical activity regardless of age, background or ability. It does that by working collaboratively to run campaigns, award funding and build partnerships with organisations big and small. It’s ‘Uniting the Movement’ strategy is the 10 year vision to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity. Read more about Sport England here.
Thursday 21st October 2021
Wharfedale Observer - Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and Alex Sobel MP urge community to support crowdfunding campaign
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The Wharfedale Observer's Annette McIntyre reports on Mayor Tracy Brabin (Mayor of West Yorkshire) and Alex Sobel MP (Leeds North West) urging the community to support our crowdfunding campaign.
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Read the full Wharfedale Observer news feature here.
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West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin commented: “I’m really pleased to be able to confirm my full support for the inspirational Otley Lido campaign. That the ambitious plans are supported by both Leeds City Council and Sport England is a testament to how feasible they are, and what better way to treat a disused local site than by turning it into a thriving, beloved community hub, offering everything from child swimming lessons to simply a great place to grab a cuppa with friends.
“As we emerge from Covid, examples like these of West Yorkshire communities pulling together are as heart-warming as they are necessary, and I’m proud to support a campaign that’s absolutely dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of the local area. I wish the campaign the best of luck in its final, exiting step, and I will be working with my good friend Alex Sobel MP to encourage as many local residents as possible to chip in for a new, well-used and cherished community asset.”
Leeds North West MP Alex Sobel added: “I am delighted that the Otley Lido campaign has received such a significant sum from Sport England. The £10,000 commitment recognises the serious difference that a Lido would make to the health and wellbeing of the community. The endorsement of our Mayor Tracy Brabin, shows that this project has real legs and can deliver on the aims that campaigners like Leonie, Jen and Sarah have been working towards so tenaciously for many years. I would encourage the community to donate to the campaign as every penny will make a difference.”
FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thursday 21st October 2021
Otley Town Council pledges £5,000 to support crowdfunding campaign
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Following our meeting with Otley Town Council on Monday 18th October we are absolutely delighted to announce it has pledged £5,000 to support our crowdfunding campaign.
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The council has been a strong and loyal supporter of FoOL and originally pledged the final £5,000 towards comprehensive feasibility studies back in 2017. However, given the time that had elapsed we felt compelled to seek the council to reaffirm this commitment.
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"Otley Town Council is delighted to have confirmed its £5,000 contribution to the Otley Lido feasibility study. The Council reaffirms its support to the Friends of Otley Lido fundraising efforts and would be very pleased to work with the group to source appropriate support and advice in the future."
Thursday 21st October 2021
The Art Works donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to BJ at The Art Works for donating two £50 vouchers - towards the cost of framing only - to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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The Art Works is a modern picture framers based in Otley near to Leeds, West Yorkshire. Specialising in custom or bespoke framing services for over 15 years, they have a reputation for delivering a premium service at unbelievably competitive prices.
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They offer relaxed, friendly advice from their studio in the centre of Otley, near the Courthouse. This is a custom-designed framing studio, with gallery and private parking.
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They can frame almost anything.
FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Councillor Penny Robinson, Chair of the Otley Town Council Community Development Committee said "I am aware of the great times that were had at Otley Lido in the past; it would be wonderful if we were we able to recreate that for the current generation."
Councillor Richard Hughes, Leader of the Council commented "An Otley Lido would be a fantastic addition to the town's facilities, both for residents and visitors alike. We are pleased to have been able to help with the funding for a feasibility study."
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Wednesday 20th October 2021
Etempa Web Solutions donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Etempa Web Solutions for donating a £60 voucher towards web improvement to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Want to understand and improve your website? Let Etempa Web Solutions put together a comprehensive report on your website to highlight issues and offer suggestions on optimisations. Highlighting SEO, web accessibility, user experience and content issues. Comes with 1 hour free consultation with one of our developers who will go through the report with you.are offering a comprehensive report on your website to highlight issues and suggest optimisations.
Etempa Web Solutions is a local business which specialises in a range of web-based solutions. Everything they do is tailor-made, from the simplest informational website through detailed corporate designs to complete online stores and bespoke web applications.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Tuesday 19th October 2021
Dodgshons donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Dodgshons - a well known and popular family run business - for donating a £20 voucher to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
It’s time to ice the Christmas cake, so why buy what you need locally and support an established Otley business? Dodgshons have been offering a warm and friendly welcome to all their customers for over a quarter of a century. They offer a wide range of specialist Sugarcraft and Kitchenware and hold the expertise to guide and support you in their use. To appreciate the wide range of stock they carry you are recommended to visit their premises. Read the full story here.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Monday 18th October 2021
Crowdfunding campaign: weekly round-up
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Our crowdfunding campaign pledges now exceed £31,500 with over 450 unique supporters! A lot of people have asked about the pledge of £10,000 from Sport England - this has now been added.
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The Yorkshire Post ran an update news feature whilst the Wharefedale Observer made FooL the headline news feature - as both highlighted our progress since their last features and the significance of the pledge from Sport England.
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The Yorkshire Post followed up later in the week with an opinion column proclaiming “Otley Lido reopening realistic after Sport England grant offer”. The column identifies “Yorkshire is in dire need for more pools”. Further, it notes Swim England - and others – recently sent letters to the government insisting swimming must play a key part in the national strategy for health. These provide further justification for - and impetus to - projects such as ours.
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Meanwhile, the Wharfedale Observer also ran a history feature on our beloved lido later in the week. The baths provided nearly 70 years of benefits to the community acting as a social hub, improving health and well-being and improving the town's economy. Our aim is to bring these benefits back to our community. We want current and future generations to be able to enjoy the same opportunities and create memories of their own.
Special thanks this week go to:
Club Energy
Isca
Like Nana Did
Milk Bar
Otley BID
Otley Chamber of Trade
Otley RUFC
Print Crew
Landguard Pest Control
Michelle Hodgson
Tatton Settled Estates
Wharfedale Observer
Yorkshire Post
Zeppo Creative
We are grateful to every one of the over 450 supporters who have pledged - each and every one of you makes a difference! Similarly, our thanks go to the businesses whom continue to support us with both pledges and rewards. New rewards are being added daily – so keep checking back! Thank you to every individual and business who has supported us – we appreciate every single pledge or reward – we do not take them for granted. We are also grateful to Otley BID and Otley Chamber of Trade who continue to support us in developing our relationships with businesses.
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If you’d like to support us but are not in a position to pledge why not help deliver some flyers!? We’ve had volunteers out in surrounding areas (Leathley, Bramhope, Pool, Menston and Burley) this week. There are plenty of homes that still need flyers in those areas plus Huby, Ilkley, Guiseley and further afield. Please contact us at friendsofotleylido@gmail.com if you are able to help.
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You can also help by spreading the word or following us on social media. The more shares, likes and comments we get, the more the algorithms determining ‘reach’ are tipped in our favour! You’ll also get notifications when new rewards or news stories are added.
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Addtional thanks go to the supporters and businesses who offered us rewards:
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Anonymous FoOL supporter
Donated a weekend for up to four people in a 5* apartment in central York plus £20 voucher for Betty’s, fizz and breakfast items.
Club Energy
3 month membership at Otley’s friendliest gym including a free tailored programme and unlimited access to classes.
Isca
Kindly donated two £20 vouchers for its independent store which sells a range of beautiful and practical interior accessories.
Landguard Pest Control
Provided two £50 vouchers so our pledgers could keep the pests at bay or utilise environmental management and consultancy services.
Milk Bar
Iconic Otley café and deli since the 1940s offered a £20 voucher – try the cooked to order food, coffee, brunch, snacks, home baked cakes or the ‘made in Yorkshire' products at the deli.
Like Nana Did
Like Nana Did – the Otley refill grocery and household store aiming for zero waste donated a £20 voucher so you could help us and the environment.
Michelle Hodgson
Local music and singing teacher Michelle donated three 30 minute singing lessons.
07792 716299
Print Crew
Simon Raybould has kindly offered to print advertising panels at cost to help with our hoarding advertising reward.
Zeppo Creative
Creative design contributions for the advertising panels for the hoarding
Thanks to Tatton Settled Estates who kindly agreed to host our banner on the railings in Otley Bus Station. Also to Otley RUFC whom displayed our banner before and during the match against Blackburn (home win by the way!).
If you able to host our 2m x 1m banners please contact us at fundingotleylido@gmail.com
This coming week we have meetings arranged with a number of supporters and we are hopeful of securing some significant pledges. We’ll let you know as soon as any are confirmed!
Thanking everyone for your support – we are another step closer to the target at the end of this week! Let’s all stay positive and we’ll continue to work hard to make this happen!
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Friends of Otley Lido
Monday 18th October 2021
Fika North donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Fika North - in Far Headingley - for donating five £20 vouchers to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Fika is a cool, friendly cafe nestled in the leafy suburb of Far Headingley. Their passion is brewing the finest speciality coffee from independent roasters in Leeds, Yorkshire, the UK and beyond.
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Serving mouth watering pastries, cakes and brunch all day. Along with craft beers, wines and cocktails. Sourcing ingredients from local independent suppliers across Leeds, Yorkshire & the UK.
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Inspired by Swedish coffee culture and their friends in Stockholm, we bring to you... Fika.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Sunday 17th October 2021
Yorkshire Post: "Otley lido reopening realistic after Sport England grant offer"
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The Yorkshire Post followed up the news feature with an opinion column proclaiming “Otley Lido reopening realistic after Sport England grant offer”. The column identifies “Yorkshire is in dire need for more pools”. Further, it notes Swim England - and others – recently sent letters to the government insisting swimming must play a key part in the national strategy for health. These provide further justification for - and impetus to - projects such as ours.
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Read the full Yorkshire Post opinion column here.
Read the full Yorkshire Post news feature here.
The challenges we have faced are common for projects such as ours. However, the tide might be starting to turn as the need to address the impending shortage of swimming pools is starting to be appreciated.
Our crowdfunding campaign is live here and has some great rewards. Check it out!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Sunday 17th October 2021
Wharfedale Observer - history feature on Otley lido
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The Wharfedale Observer followed up the feature earlier in the week with a history piece on our beloved Otley lido / baths / (outdoor) pool. Annette McIntyre looks back at the history from opening in 1924 until its close in 1993.
Read the full Wharfedale Observer history feature here.
Read the full Wharfedale Observer headline feature here.
Our crowdfunding campaign is live here and has some great rewards. Check it out!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Sunday 17th October 2021
Anonymous FoOL supporter donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to a FoOL supporter (who wishes to remain anonymous) for donating a weekend for up to four people in a 5* luxury apartment in central York to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Fab location near Micklegate Bar and train station with parking space plus EV charger. Large bedroom - super king size bed (converts to two singles), double sofa bed in living room, TV, kitchen and walk in shower. Includes £20 voucher for Betty's, fizz and some breakfast items.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 16th October 2021
Otley RUFC display banner to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Otley RUFC for displaying our banner in support of our crowdfunding campaign before and during today's match against Blackburn. Our community shall be glad to hear it was a resounding home victory!
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We are looking for other locations to display our banners which measure 2m x 1m. If you - or your organisation - can help us then please contact us on fundingotleylido@gmail.com or use the form at the bottom of the page.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 16th October 2021
Like Nana Did donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Jo at Like Nana Did - based in Otley - for donating a £20 voucher to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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The shop is a refill grocery and household store aiming for zero-waste. It doesn’t quite sell everything, but it’s not far from it! If you’ve been, you know how lovely it is. If you haven’t, pop in and restock your dry groceries, cleaning solutions, lotions and potions and lots more.
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Like Nana Did is helping the wonderful community of Otley and surrounding areas to reduce waste. This a great chance to support FoOL and a great local business whilst simultaneously saving the environment. It doesn't get much better than that!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 16th October 2021
Landguard Pest Control donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Landguard Pest Control for donating two £50 vouchers to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Landguard offer a full range of pest control services. Traditional pest control is at the heart of the business and its an area they excel in. They also offer environmental management and consultancy. Landguard Ltd is a member of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) – the trade body for the pest management industry in the UK.
"Growing up in the local area the Lido has always had a special place in our hearts, as it has for many others. We hope that by donating we will help to contribute to a long and happy future for Otley Lido."
FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Friday 15th October 2021
Milk Bar Cafe & Deli donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Milk Bar Cafe & Deli for donating a £20 voucher to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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An iconic Otley Cafe since the 1940's with great views up to the Chevin. Milk Bar serves great coffee, brunch, snacks and amazing home baked cakes. All food is cooked to order and using local produce where possible. There is also a range of 'made in Yorkshire' products available to buy in the newly created shop area.
FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thursday 14th October 2021
Wharfedale Observer - FoOL headline news as Sport England's pledge of £10,000 provides massive boost to crowdfunding campaign
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FoOL made the headlines of the Wharfedale Observer again today as Annette McIntyre provides an update on our crowdfunding campaign including Sport England's pledge of £10,000 as part of the 'Activate Your Space' scheme.
Read the full Wharfedale Observer article here.
Our crowdfunding campaign is live here and has some great rewards. Check it out!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thursday 14th October 2021
Club Energy donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Club Energy for donating a three month membership to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Join Otley's friendliest gym! As a member you will benefit from a free induction and consultation, a free 6 week tailored training programme and unlimited access to all the exercise classes.
Club Energy's primary focus is your fitness and they are there to help you every step of the way!
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Not only do they provide access to the latest fitness equipment and an extensive timetable of fitness classes but the support and advice you need to achieve your goals.
So, if your bag is weights, HIIT, pilates, spin or boxing, they’ve got it. Minimum age is 14 years.
FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Wednesday 13th October 2021
Yorkshire Post - news feature updating our crowdfunding campaign including Sport England's pledge of £10,000
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FoOL made the pages of the Yorkshire Post again today as Grace Newton provides an update on our crowdfunding campaign including Sport England's pledge of £10,000 as part of the 'Activate Your Space' scheme.
Read the full Yorkshire Post article here.
Our crowdfunding campaign is live here and has some great rewards. Check it out!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Tuesday 12th October 2021
FoOL - in conjunction with Zeppo Creative and Print Crew - add new reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We have added advertising for 12 months on the lido site hoarding to our list of rewards for pledges to our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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The lido site hoarding is approximately 25m long and runs alongside the river adjacent to the children’s play area in Wharfemeadows Park. Footfall is high all year round with visitors to the town, walkers, dog walkers, and families visiting the play area.
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Our advertising panels are high quality and can be professionally designed by our creative partner Zeppo Creative who shall work with you to bring your advertisement to life! Each panel is 150cm x 50cm with a design area of 135cm x 35cm (approximately). The reward includes design (contributed by Zeppo Creative), printing (supplied to us at cost by Print Crew), and installation. We shall also publicise your business on our social media platforms and our website.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thanks to Zeppo Creative for contributing their design talents (example below)
Our thanks also go to Print Crew for offering to print the panels for us at cost
Tuesday 12th October 2021
Michelle Hodgson donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
We are grateful to Michelle Hodgson for donating three 30 minute singing lessons to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Fancy learning something new or improving your singing? Qualified local music teacher, Michelle Hodgson offers bespoke and fun singing lessons to all ages, including exciting sessions for preschoolers where they can learn rhythm, pitch and reading skills. She works with children and adults and is offering 3 singing lessons.
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In addition to singing Michelle also teaches piano and theory. She covers a broad range of genres from classical to pop, jazz to musucal theatre Piano, voice and theory. ABRSM, LSM andTrinity exams offered.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Michelle Hodgson - 07792 716299
Monday 11th October 2021
Isca donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Isca for donating two £20 vouchers to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Isca an independent shop selling a range of beautiful and practical interior accessories including plant pots, candles, soaps, lanterns and cushions. It's very kind of them to support our campaign and it’d be great if you can support them and grab a bargain at the same time.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Monday 11th October 2021
Crowdfunding campaign weekly round-up
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This week’s headline is the pledge of £10,000 from Sport England as part of the ‘Activate Your Space’ scheme (read the full announcement here). Our total – including this pledge which shall be added shortly – now stands at over £24,000! You can pledge to our crowdfunder campaign here.
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The pledge from Sport England helps us take a big step forward in reaching our target of £53,000. However, the significance is much greater. Firstly, it demonstrates faith in our project - and the positive change it shall bring for our community - from a trusted, major funding body. Secondly, it reinforces and vindicates our approach of engaging in dialogue with potential larger funding sources. Finally, it demonstrates our ability to successfully secure funding at a time when we are in extensive discussions with a number of potentially large funders some of whom have previously pledged significant sums but which - for various reasons – need to re-approve or re-confirm those commitments. We shall continue to work tirelessly with them in order to achieve the best possible outcome.
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Leeds TV also aired a feature in their news stories on our project to redevelop the lido site and our crowdfunding campaign. Thank you for the interest in our project and airing the story to thousands of households. Watch the full feature here.
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However, we have not forgotten each and every one of you who has pledged – over 300 unique supporters so far! Individuals still represent our largest source of pledges and we appreciate that you have worked hard to earn the money you have entrusted to us.
Similarly, businesses have made a massive contribution - in what are very tough times for many – through both pledging money and also in offering rewards. We are so grateful to each and every one of you! Our thanks also go to Otley Chamber of Trade and Otley BID who are actively promoting and helping us build relationships with businesses.
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We also appreciate that not everyone can support us in monetary terms. That doesn’t matter! You can still show your support by spreading word of our project and by following us on social media and engaging with our posts by sharing, liking and commenting. Every engagement furthers our cause.
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We are also looking for people to deliver flyers in the areas surrounding Otley such as Bramhope, Pool, Menston, Guiseley, Burley or further afield. Please contact us at friendsofotleylido@gmail.com if you are able to help.
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Similarly, businesses and individuals can show their support by downloading our flyer from our 'Opportunities' page here, printing it, and displaying it in a prominent position in business premises or homes. Post a photo on social media and tag us. In return, we shall publicise you or your business on social media!
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We are grateful to this week's businesses who offered us rewards:
Anonymous FoOL supporter – who enabled us to offer a £250 discount voucher toward the cost of a 1 week holiday in a Lake District cottage
Buttercups Play Centre – rewarded you with three after school meal deals for 2 children which also included access to the play area
Harriets Ladies Clothing & Accessories – for contributing three £20 vouchers for their lovely shop in Otley
Little Munchkins – donated two £25 vouchers so you could treat your little one and support us
Mosaic Mania – Frances Taylor donated a £75 voucher which could be used for anything from a house number, an animal plaque or towards the cost of a course
Patisserie Viennoise – for a beautiful gift box of hand crafted chocolates to treat yourself or someone else
Print Crew – Simon Raybould kindly offered us 10 x 25% discount vouchers on new orders over £100
Wharfedale Tutors – Dr Nikki James is still offering five weeks of online tutoring covering the fundamentals of science on our crowdfunding page.
If you are a business and want to support our campaign please check out our dedicated page here.
Our thanks would also normally go to the hosts of our banners…but we now have a secret banner competition! Search out our banners (Wharfemeadows Park play area doesn’t count!), take a photo, and post it on social media with #olsecretbanner and tag us. You’ll be entered into our end of crowdfunder prize draw for some FoOL merchandise!
If you able to host our 2m x 1m banners please contact us at fundingotleylido@gmail.com
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Thanking everyone for what has been a tremendous week!
Friends of Otley Lido
Sunday 10th October 2021
Harriets donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Harriets Ladies Clothing for donating three £20 vouchers to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Harriets is an independent Yorkshire based ladies fashion business now in it’s third generation of a local family. They stock both designer and high street clothing and accessories, offering exceptional value for money.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 9th October 2021
Print Crew donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Print Crew for donating ten 25% discount vouchers to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Print Crew can produce anything print related – short run leaflets, annual reports to hoarding posters on building sites. They even print bespoke wall paper! Use your imagination. A chance to get a discount on your Christmas printing...just remember to order before the end of November.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Friday 8th October 2021
Huge boost as Sport England pledge £10,000 to crowdfunding campaign!
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Friends of Otley Lido received a huge boost today from Sport England who has pledged £10,000 as part of the ‘Activate Your Space’ scheme. We engaged with Sport England prior to launching the crowdfunder campaign and extensive dialogue has been on-going ever since.
Donate to our crowdfunding campaign here.
Sarah Langli on behalf of Friends of Otley Lido committee: "We are absolutely delighted - and so grateful to Sport England – to receive this pledge which recognises the value of our project to our community".
Read the full announcement here.
Friday 8th October 2021
Buttercups Play Centre donate a reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Buttercups of Otley for the donation of three after school meal deals for two children to support our crowdfunding campaign. It includes entry to the play area and a meal deal for two children (adult entry is free). Full details available here.
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Buttercups softplay centre, Otley, have offered an afterschool meal deal for 2 children. It includes entry to the play area and a meal deal for 2 children (adult entry is free). Come along with the kids and enjoy a fun-filled session and support this business's new owners.
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Buttercups - located in Westgate Arcade in Otley - is a softplay centre with separate areas for under 3s. They can cater for children’s parties and have a lovely cafe so it’s fun for both the adults and the children.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thursday 7th October 2021
Discount voucher for Lake District cottage donated as
reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful for the donation of a £250 discount voucher for a Lake District cottage to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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The owners - who have been a tremendous supporter of FoOL - have offered this great deal! Do you fancy a week away in the beautiful Lake District? For £170 you will get a £250 discount for a week’s holiday at The Old Bothy, Watermillock. The Old Bothy is a charming 3 bedroom property from 1750 with views of the hills and Ullswater a short walk away.
The Old Bothy, circa 1750, is a traditional, semi-detached, stone built holiday home which stands in a tranquil, elevated position close to the shore of Ullswater. This charming cottage combines character with modern facilities and enjoys spectacular views to the Eastern Fells. Perfectly placed between the lakeside villages of Glenridding and Pooley Bridge, guests will enjoy the varied outdoor activities close at hand amidst the most beautiful scenery. A stunning drive over Kirkstone Pass connects Ullswater to Windermere. A perfect holiday retreat for touring the Lake District National Park. Shops 3 miles, pub 1 mile and restaurant 300 yards.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thursday 7th October 2021
Little Munchkins donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Little Munchkins for donating two £25 vouchers to treat your little one and also support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Little Munchkins are a small family run business with a small but very well stocked boutique in Otley. Specialising in children's footwear they pride themselves on being fully qualified, trained and experienced in measuring feet and fitting shoes correctly. They stock a wide range of popular footwear and children's clothing.
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A long-standing supporter of FoOL this super local business worked in conjunction with us back in 2017 to host a fashion show at the Parish Church.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
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Everything made is individually designed and personalised to complement your special occasion whether it be wedding cakes, birthday cakes or celebration cakes. It will not only look amazing but taste wonderful too.
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Tel: 01943 467927
info@patisserieviennoise.co.uk
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - is able to donate a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Wednesday 6th October 2021
Patisserie Viennoise donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Patisserie Viennoise for donating a beautiful gift box of hand crafted chocolates to our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Established in 1986 by Trevor Backhouse. Patisserie Viennoise based in Otley, Leeds brings a little bit of France and the continent to Otley. Trevor's experience whilst working in France provides inspiration for some of the designs, in particular the continental gateaux and desserts.
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Tuesday 5th October 2021
Mosaic Mania donates reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Frances Taylor of Mosaic Mania for donating a £75 voucher to our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Have you ever noticed the amazing chair outside The Woolpack or the fantastic tiled step at Bloomfield Square? Well, Frances Taylor, professional mosaic artist from Mosaic Mania is fully responsible and she has offered a voucher for £75. This will cover the cost of a fabulous house number, or an animal plaque or go towards the cost of a course (currently not taking place but voucher will not expire).
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We are really grateful for this creative reward from Frances Taylor at Mosaic Mania. Frances is a professional mosaic artist with more than 20 years’ experience. She runs mosaic projects with schools and community groups as well as teaching mosaic making at her riverside studio in Otley. Frances also undertakes public commissions as well as for individuals and businesses. She is always happy to discuss ideas and projects, so please get in contact with her if you need more information, or advice about your mosaic ideas.
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Frances is based in the market town of Otley, ten miles north of Leeds, West Yorkshire.
Email - frances@mosaicmania.co.uk 07984 424897
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If your business is able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Monday 4th October 2021
Leeds TV reports on Otley lido from the derelict site
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FoOL were featured on the news on Leeds TV today with the local tv company speaking to Leonie Sharp (Chair) and Ian Lawson (Director & Treasurer) at the derelict site of the former baths / outdoor pool. We are grateful to Leeds TV for their interest in our campaign and airing the story to thousands of households.
View the full Leeds TV news story here.
Our crowdfunding campaign is live here and has some great rewards!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Monday 4th October 2021
Dr Nikki James from Wharfedale Tutors donates reward
to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Nikki for donating an online tutoring package in the 'fundamentals of science' to our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Join experienced local science tutor Dr Nikki James from Wharfedale Tutors for 5 weeks of online tutoring covering the fundamentals of science. The sessions will take place on Zoom on Sunday evenings between 6-7pm starting 14 November. The topics are: biology - cells and genetics; chemistry - atom bonding, structure and properties, the periodic table; and physics - forces.
Please see the website for further details.
"I'd like to see the lido project succeed"
- Dr Nikki James
Nikki is an expert 4-in-1 science and maths tutor, with 20 years experience of helping GCSE and advanced students with their exams. Sessions are hosted by Nikki herself and are live, personalised and interactive. She has four years online teaching experience and a host of bespoke resources. Nikki uses Zoom with virtual paper and screen sharing. Students are sent bespoke infographics to save to their phones - to consult after the lessons.
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Nikki is passionate about supporting young people's learning, She has developed a free GCSE science playlist which covers the entire content of GCSE chemistry, biology and physics in just 30 hours. This can be accessed via her website.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If your business is able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Monday 4th October 2021
Crowdfunding campaign weekly round-up
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Our crowdfunder campaign total is now over £9,000 thanks to you wonderful people! We feel incredibly lucky to have a supportive community – and a national supporter base – of individuals and organisations that are pushing us toward our target. We understand times are tough and not every person can pledge or every business donate a reward. However, you can still help us by spreading the word and engaging with our social media posts - the more shares, likes and comments we get the more people hear about our campaign!
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Our thanks also to the media who are bringing our story to tens of thousands of people. Both the Yorkshire Post (available here) and Wharfedale Observer (available here) have run stories about us over the last few days.
To the businesses who have pledged some great rewards this week – thank you so much! We could not be doing this without your support and that of Otley Chamber of Trade. More rewards are being added daily and others are in the pipeline. Keep checking our crowdfunder page to see the current rewards plus follow us on social media to get notifications every time we add a new one!
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Last week’s rewards were all snapped up within hours – or minutes! - of being added. We are grateful to:
Aura Jewellery - £100 voucher
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Courtyard Planters – 3 hour 1-2-1 consultation with an experienced garden horticulturalist
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Gifted Angel - £30 voucher
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Otley Boats – a season ticket for 2022
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Shadow Brewing – brewing experience for four people
If you are a business and want to support our campaign please check out our dedicated page.
Our thanks also go to the hosts of our crowdfunding banners:
If you able to host our 2m x 1m banners please contact us at fundingotleylido@gmail.com
Many thanks to everyone for their enthusiasm and amazing support!
Friends of Otley Lido
Sunday 3rd October 2021
Aura Jewellery donate reward to support
crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Aura Jewellery for donating a £100 voucher to our crowdfunding campaign.
Full details available here.
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How about a £100 voucher for Aura Jewellery for £90? What’s not to like? You support us, you support them and - most importantly - you can treat yourself! This is valid for a new sale and can not be used for repair or remake work.
Aura are an independent jewellers based in Otley. They carry out repairs on the premises, create custom pieces and stock a large range of jewellery. They specialise in making and repairing all types of jewellery and unlike many competitors they do the majority of the work on the premises. All work undertaken is guaranteed.
They supply engagement rings and wedding rings working in gold, silver, platinum, palladium, steel, titanium etc as well as making wedding rings to fit engagement rings.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If your business is able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 2nd October 2021
Yorkshire Post - Grace Newton reports on Otley lido
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FoOL made the pages of the Yorkshire Post today as Grace Newton reported on our plans for the lido and the importance of our crowdfunding campaign in realising our vision.
Read the full Yorkshire Post article here.
Our crowdfunding campaign is live here and has some great rewards!
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 2nd October 2021
Otley Boats donate reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Otley Boats for donating a very special season ticket for the 2022 season to our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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Do you enjoy bobbing about on the river? Dive in and grab this fun packed reward. You will be able to use a boat or pedalo for one hour every week between April and September 2022 (weather permitting). You need to be 18 or over and standard boats rules apply.
"I think this is a very worthwhile project. The lido would benefit the whole riverside and support other businesses.”
Otley Boats hires boats and pedalos from April to September (weather permitting) each year in Wharfemeadows Park. Chris Thornton worked tirelessly over a number of years to bring the boats back to Otley and shares our vision to revitalise Wharfemeadows Park: “I think this is a very worthwhile project. The lido would benefit the whole riverside and support other businesses.”
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Thursday 30th September 2021
Shadow Brewing donate reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Shadow Brewing for donating a brewing experience for up to four people to support our crowdfunding campaign. Full details available here.
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You will join Ian for a 4 hour session to create your own beer at the micro-brewery. Before the big day, meet with Ian at the tap house to discuss - over a pint - what type of beer you'd like to make. On the day Ian will take you through the process. You can then name your beer and design the pump clip (subject to approval).
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Further, your brewing experience will continue to support the lido since Shadow Brewing shall contribute £1 from each sale to Friends of Otley Lido. It truly is a reward that keeps on giving!
Shadow Brewing started selling beers to the public in April 2019. However, the story really began a couple of years beforehand after buying some basic equipment and starting to experiment with brewing alongside friends. Through support from other breweries, both locally and nationally the company have now produced dozens of beers for pubs and bars, festivals and for the public. Their commitment to themselves is that they’ll never make beers they wouldn’t be happy to drink (even though sometimes they’ve sold out before they’ve had the chance), and they’ll always support the communities in which they operate as much as they can.
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Wednesday 29th September 2021
Sainsbury's support crowdfunding campaign
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Friends of Otley Lido (FoOL) is grateful to Sainsbury's for agreeing to display our crowdfunding banner in a prominent position outside the Otley store.
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FoOL is a community initiative and many community organisations and individuals are rallying round to support our cause. A true community effort!
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We are looking for other locations to display our banners which measure 2m x 1m. If you - or your organisation - can help us then please contact us using the form or contact information at the bottom of the page.
Wednesday 29th September 2021
Gifted Angel donate reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Gifted Angel hair salon for pledging a £30 voucher as a reward for our crowdfunding campaign.
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Based in New Inn Court - in the heart of Otley - Gifted Angel celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this month. Louise and her team deliver a range of quality services to meet the needs of clients whom praise "fantastic haircuts" and "expert colouring".
Find out more at www.facebook.com/GiftedAngelOtley
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FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Tuesday 28th September 2021
Courtyard Planters donate reward to support crowdfunding campaign
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We are grateful to Courtyard Planters for pledging a 3 hour 1-2-1 consultation with an experienced garden horticulturalist as a reward for our crowdfunding campaign.
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Courtyard Planters is Otley based and was established in 2005. It is a shop with a difference - a garden boutique catering for expert gardeners and novices alike. Find out more at courtyardplanters.co.uk
FoOL is a community initiative and the community are rallying round! If you - or your business - are able to pledge a reward please visit our dedicated page here.
Saturday 25th September 2021
Asda support crowdfunding campaign
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Friends of Otley Lido (FoOL) is grateful to Asda for agreeing to display our crowdfunding banner in a prominent position outside the Otley store over the weekend. Particular thanks go to manager Adrian.
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FoOL is a community initiative and many community organisations and individuals are rallying round to support our cause. A true community effort!
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We are looking for other locations to display our banners which measure 2m x 1m. If you or your organisation can help us then please contact us using the form or details at the bottom of the page.
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Wednesday 22nd September 2021
Wharfedale Observer - FoOL make a big headline splash!
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FoOL made headline news today in the Wharfedale Observer as Annette McIntyre reported on the launch of our crowdfunding campaign.
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Leonie Sharp (FoOL Chair) provided greater detail and insight into both the project and the campaign. She discussed the 'all or nothing' approach, details of the studies, and the opportunity to seize this "historic moment".
Leonie re-iterated the FoOL's determination and commitment to the project and cited the addition of new housing in Otley and the Covid-19 pandemic as recent additional drivers of the project.
"This last 20 months have demonstrated the need for healthier and more active lifestyles. We know also that our town has expanded with many more households coming to live in Otley in Yorkshire who need more facilities to make our town even more special than it already is."
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Read the Wharfedale Observer article here.
Wednesday 22nd September 2021
Nearly 2,000 fewer swimming pools in
England by 2030 - Swim England
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Swim England's 'A Decade of Decline: The Future of Swimming Pools in England' makes for bleak reading (full report available here).
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It highlights that if the current trend continues the number of available pools shall drop by 40% by the end of the decade. This is the result of pools constructed in the 1960s and 1970s coming to the end of their lifespan combined with a shortage of new pools being built.
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This is exactly why projects such as ours are essential. Our community initiative is a partnership with Leeds City Council that would reduce the burden on the council whilst delivering the benefits that the community needs by virtue of being community owned and run.
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Swim England is callling on the Government to make extra funding available "so communities can apply for grants to get design and feasibility studies completed – the costs of which can currently be a barrier to pools being built". Raising the funds for these studies is the biggest challenge Friends of Otley Lido face and the reason for our current crowdfunding campaign.
Read about our crowdfunding campaign and pledge here.
Saturday 18th September 2021
Crowdfunding campaign launched
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Baroness (Judith) Blake of Leeds, Alex Sobel MP (Leeds North West) and Richard Hughes (Chair, Otley Town Council) unveiled the new 'fundraising pool' and 'vision' panels on the lido site hoarding ahead of the launch of the crowdfunding campaign on Monday 20th November.
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The target is to raise the remaining £53,000 required in order to complete fundraising for Phase 1 which comprises of specialist studies. This is a necessary first step to progressing our journey.
Read more here.
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We are grateful to Zeppo Creative for designing the 'fundraising pool' and 'vision' panels. Thanks also go to Print Crew for optimising the design of the banners and turning around the printing of both the panels and banners so quickly.
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Our gratitude also goes to Mark Currie at Catapult Films for his video which brings the crowdfunding campaign to life.
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(Left-right): Alex Sobel MP (Leeds North West), Baroness Blake of Leeds and Cllr Richard Hughes (Chair, Otley Town Council)