LOCAL HISTORY: I started a box to capture some photos, history and research on Newlay Weir, which is at the bottom of my lane.

In February 2021 the weir collapsed. The environment agency were building a salmon leap (fish pass) over the weir and the increased pressure of water over the remaining section of the weir caused it to collapse. When the middle section of the 300 year old weir collapsed, the river level dropped by around two metres, exposing lots of interesting history of previous bridges across the River Aire and also exposing a ford that was used by the Monks of Kirkstall Forge as long ago as 1600. 

Myself and a neighbour started to gather up photos and background information on the various bridges and we're using the box to share photos and updates with the local community. We're also adding cards to record the ongoing discussions with the Environment Agency about the repair of the weir. The box has been turning into part history project, part journal, part newsletter.