Yorkshire’s Best Picnic Spots.

13th June 2025 1:49 pm Comments Off

Yorkshire’s Best Picnic Spots.

Not only is summertime nearly here again, International Picnic Day is too!

Taking place on June 18th, International Picnic Day encourages everyone to take all the food, drink and blankets you can carry to the nearest, nicest park to meet up with friends and family and enjoy a bite to eat in the open air.

With a huge array of suitable outdoor venues in and around Leeds, the only question is: where should you go? We have some suggestions…

Yeadon Tarn.

Located less than half an hour from Leeds city centre, Yeadon Tarn is one of Yorkshire’s best kept secrets.

Covering approximately 46 acres of land that includes a beautiful 7.5 hectare lake filled with wildlife and dedicated picnic spots for those who prefer tables to blankets, there’s plenty of Tarn to go around, even on busy days, meaning you won’t end up picnicking on top of another family.

And once you’ve finished eating, there’s plenty to do if you fancy burning a few calories, including sailing and other water sports, a playground, a BMX track and walks aplenty. It’s also dog-friendly, so your canine companions can enjoy the fun too.

Yeadon Tarn, Yeadon, Leeds. LS19 7UR.

Kirkstall Abbey.

If you want a picnic spot next to a gorgeous river with plenty of open spaces and a dash of Yorkshire’s unbeatable history, Kirkstall Abbey is the place for you.

Set against the backdrop of the ruins of the titular abbey – a stunning 12th-century Cistercian monastery – Kirkstall Abbey not only provides the perfect setting for a riverside picnic, it also has lots of areas to explore, a cafe in case it rains, a play area for kids and access to plenty of shade for respite from the sun on hot days.

Chuck in some local tennis courts and the legendarily large beer garden at the nearby Kirkstall Bridge Inn pub and you’ve got a top picnic spot.

Kirkstall Abbey, Abbey Road, Leeds. LS5 3EH.

Park Square.

Desperate for a picnic but don’t fancy travelling far to find the perfect spot? Just wander over to Leeds city centre!

That’s right, tucked away near the city’s business district, Park Square has everything you need for a meal out in the open. As well as being a natural sun-trap, this expertly landscaped spot has plenty of grassy areas to set up on, numerous benches and flowers and trees that add colour and make you believe you’re a million miles away from one of the UK’s busiest metropolitan areas.

And if you need any extra supplies or want something fun to do after you’ve eaten, you’ve got Leeds just a short stroll away. What could be better?

Park Square, Leeds. LS1 2NY.

Roundhay Park.

One of the largest urban parks anywhere in Europe, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Roundhay Park had actually been designed specifically for picnics.

Comprising 700 acres of incredible natural beauty, rolling parkland, floral displays, streams, secret paths, a gorge walk, two lakes woodlands and open spaces and wildlife in every direction, you could throw a picnic blanket on the ground almost anyway in Roundhay Park and find yourself surrounded by the perfect blend of greenery and tranquillity.

Just remember to set an alarm if you lie down to rest after eating – the park is so relaxing, you might just fall asleep.

Roundhay Park, Roundhay, Leeds. LS8 2ER.

Temple Newsam.

The biggest location on our list by some distance, Temple Newsam’s 1,500 acres of parkland provide no shortage of both sunny spots and shaded spaces for picnickers who like landscaped grounds, natural beauty and no fewer than three lakes.

One of Yorkshire’s most popular tourist attractions, Temple Newsam also has plenty to offer once the food’s all gone, with walled gardens, woodland trails, several walks and a shop all worth a visit.

Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Selby Road, Leeds. LS15 0AE.

Your own garden!

When all’s said and done, there really is no place like home so, if you’re trying to keep your outgoings to a minimum at the moment, why not cut down on travel costs this National Picnic Week and have one in your own backyard?!

With its handy location close to vital amenities like running water, toilets and indoor seating if the weather takes a turn for the worse, your garden is convenient, unlikely to be overcrowded and best of all, admission is free!

Bon appétit!

With a huge number of superb outdoor spaces available nearby, picnickers in and around Leeds are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding where to go for a sandwich in the sun. If we’ve forgotten to mention your favourite picnic destination, let us know about it on our social channels!

Lastly, remember that whatever your dream plans are for International Picnic Day, we can help make them a reality with one of our affordable loans. Find out more here.

Celebrate Father’s Day Without Breaking The Bank!

6th June 2025 2:34 pm Comments Off

Celebrate Father’s Day Without Breaking The Bank!

Sunday June 15th is Father’s Day, a day to celebrate your dear old dad and thank him for all the hours he spent raising you.

Most dads claim they don’t want anyone to go to any bother when it comes to getting them something for their birthday or Christmas but don’t be fooled, dads love a present as much as everybody else. This Father’s Day, why not get him something he’ll love with the help of our handy gift guide, which has something for every budget?

£20 and under.

Beard Shaving Apron.

If your dad is the sort who leaves his beard blocking the plug hole every time he shaves, this is a present the whole family can enjoy!

A convenient apron that attaches to the mirror to stop rogue hairs ending up all over the place during a shave, this handy bit of kit is washable, durable and even comes with a set of nose hair trimmers!

Dad Joke Book.

The only thing dads love more than a good joke is a good dad joke, i.e. the sort of joke that’s so unoriginal and/or unfunny that it actually is somehow kind of funny.

If your dad could do with adding a few new weapons to his gag arsenal, this bestselling dad joke book should be right up his street.

Dumbbell Beer Glass.

Does your dad enjoy a beer? Does he wish he had more free time so he could do more exercise? If the answer is ‘yes’ then this dumbbell beer glass is the gift you’ve been looking for!

Made of high-quality glass, this not-so-little beauty will hold a pint of your old man’s favourite tipple and every time he does a rep with it, he can reward himself by taking a swig. Talk about a win-win!

£20 – £50

Fumebar air freshener

This smart air freshener might just revolutionise the dad car industry…

A slim, slate grey diffuser that attaches discreetly to any of his car’s air vents, the Fumebar is a refillable cylinder that pumps out one of two dad-friendly scents (dark rum, clove & tobacco or Scotch whisky & incense) to make his car smell nice and/or mask the whiff of his old trainers.

£50+

Ooni Pizza Oven

Dads love pizzas, gadgets and cooking outdoors, so this tidy little pizza oven might be the pinnacle of Father’s Day presents.

A portable, wood-fired pizza oven that reaches 500°C in under 20 minutes and cooks pizzas to smoky perfection in as little as 60 seconds, Oonis also come with a three-year guarantee and the option of a whole host of accessories. If you ask us, all dads ought to come with one of these as standard.

Best of British Car Driving Experience

Not just one car but THREE!

That’s right, if your dad fancies himself as his generation’s Lewis Hamilton, he’ll be in his element taking each of three iconic British cars out for a three mile drive. With six cars to choose between – including an Aston Martin Vantage and an E-Type Jaguar – and an instructor by his side to stop him getting too carried away, this is an experience your dad will never forget.

Need a helping hand this Father’s Day?

At Leeds Credit Union, we can help you get your finances in order with one of our tailored loans, whether you need £250 or £25,000. Apply for yours here.

The Benefits of Credit Unions.

16th May 2025 1:47 pm Comments Off

The Benefits of Credit Unions.

As most of us know, stress is a common experience for many people. Luckily, when it comes to financial stress, credit unions can help alleviate some of the most common worries and, as it’s officially Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re taking a look at the ways becoming a member of Leeds Credit Union could reduce your financial worries and help improve your mental health.

Lower interest rates.

One of the biggest sources of financial stress is debt, particularly high-interest debt. Because credit unions typically offer lower interest rates on loans than traditional banks and high-cost credit providers, many people find using them enables them to save money more easily, reducing their stress levels by making it easier to pay off debt.

Personalised service.

Credit unions are member-owned, meaning they prioritise the needs of their members over the profits of shareholders. This allows them to offer a much more personalised service, with credit union staff more likely to work with you to find solutions to your financial challenges. This, in turn, helps reduce the stress of dealing with financial issues alone.

Money help.

Many credit unions enable their members to better understand their money, helping them learn about budgeting, saving and other important financial issues. By increasing your financial literacy, you may feel more confident and less stressed about managing your money.

Community focus.

Credit unions are often focused on serving their local communities. This helps create a sense of belonging and connection among members and in areas in which the credit unions operate, helping reduce stress.

Accessible services.

Credit unions often offer more accessible financial services than traditional banks. For example, they may offer lower minimum balance requirements, lower (or no) fees or more flexible loan requirements. These benefits can help reduce stress by making it easier to access the financial services you need.

How Leeds Credit Union can help reduce financial stress.

We provide straightforward, affordable financial services to people in Leeds, Wakefield, Harrogate, Craven, residents of certain housing associations and employees of some select employers.

If you are concerned about financial stress, our range of loans and savings accounts could help. For more information and to find out how to join our credit union, click here.

Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025.

9th May 2025 2:39 pm Comments Off

Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025.

Although the problems caused by loan sharks are well known, the most recent reports into the number of people turning to them for financial help have revealed that a staggering three million Britons have used their dubious services since 2021, indicating there is still much to be done to get them off our streets once and for all.

Step forward the England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) and its annual Stop Loan Sharks Week!

Taking place between the 19th and 25th of May, Stop Loan Sharks Week is a scheme set up by IMLT to raise awareness of the existence of – and risks posed by – illegal money lenders, also known as loan sharks. It works by offering people advice on how to recognise the signs that someone might be involved with a loan shark, what to do about it and where to get help.

What are loan sharks?

Loan sharks work by lending money to people who are struggling to make ends meet and who may have been turned down for a loan from reputable sources like credit unions or banks. They promise to provide them with a quick and easy loan, only to apply sky-high APR rates, trapping their financially vulnerable victim in a cycle of debt and resorting to intimidation and violence until the loan – plus interest – is repaid in full.

The IMLT works with local communities, educational facilities and the police to investigate and prosecute loan sharks, and offer support to those who owe them money. The IMLT is estimated to have written off close to £100 million worth of illegal debt since 2004, highlighting just how serious the issue is.

To try and put a stop to this illegal activity once and for all, Stop Loan Sharks Week raises awareness of the help that is available to people who have been targeted by illegal money lenders by encouraging conversations among friends, families and communities.

What does LCU do to stop loan sharks?

As a credit union, nothing is more important to us than looking after our members’ financial wellbeing. While we might not be out on the streets actively tracking loan sharks down to throw them behind bars, there are plenty of things we can do to stop them taking advantage of financially vulnerable individuals.

For example, during the 2023/2024 financial year, we lent more than £8.275m to our members, helping them save more than £11m in high interest repayments that would otherwise have ended up in the hands of loan sharks, many of whom were maliciously targeting some of Leeds’ most financially vulnerable postcodes.

We also work day-in and day-out to offer affordable loans, and access to savings accounts and money and budgeting advice to our members so that they never need to come into contact with loan sharks.

Seeking help if you’re in debt.

With the cost of living crisis driving more households into the grasp of illegal money lenders to help pay their bills, Stop Loan Sharks Week couldn’t have come at a better time.

If you have borrowed from an illegal money lender or are worried about someone else who may have, you can contact the IMLT team 24/7 on 0300 555 2222 or fill out a secure online form here to report a loan shark.

At Leeds Credit Union, our products and services can help you get your finances safely back on track and our friendly team is available to offer support and advice, whatever your circumstances. For more information or to get in touch, click here.

Springtime Home Improvements.

2nd May 2025 2:39 pm Comments Off

Springtime Home Improvements.

With longer days and winter a distant memory, many people in the UK are finding themselves inspired to breathe new life into their homes as part of ambitious spring cleaning and DIY projects.

But what are some of the UK’s most popular home improvements to undertake at this time of year? Let’s take a look…

Garden revitalisation.

Now our green spaces are bursting into bloom again, homeowners may well be tempted to show their outdoor areas a little TLC.

From simple tasks like weeding and pruning to more ambitious projects such as installing new flower beds, laying decking or creating a cosy seating area, giving your garden a shot in the arm is a quick and relatively inexpensive way of enhancing the beauty and functionality of your home at this time of year.

Painting and decorating.

A fresh coat of paint brightens up any room and spring is the ideal season for interior painting projects, as the warmer temperatures and increased ventilation from open doors and windows make it easier for paint to dry quickly and evenly!

Whether you’re opting for a subtle hue to create a calming atmosphere or a bold splash of colour to make a statement, a newly painted room is one of the most fool-proof ways to completely transform the look and feel of your home.

Decluttering.

For many of us, spring cleaning simply means ‘having a really good tidy up’ but there’s much more to it than that – it’s an excellent opportunity to declutter and organise your living space, creating a more serene and harmonious environment.

Take the time to sort through your belongings, donating or disposing of items you no longer need, and organising the rest in a way that maximises space and minimises clutter. From wardrobes and cupboards to garages and attics, there’s no shortage of areas to tackle during a thorough spring cleaning session.

Upgrading the kitchen.

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, making it a popular focus for springtime home improvement projects. Whether you’re planning a full-scale renovation or simply updating fixtures and appliances, there are plenty of ways to breathe new life into your kitchen. Consider replacing outdated countertops, installing new cabinetry or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of this vital space.

Outdoor maintenance.

As the weather warms up, it’s important to ensure that your home’s exterior is in top condition. From cleaning gutters and washing windows to repairing fences and repainting doors, outdoor maintenance tasks can help protect your property from the elements while enhancing its overall appeal.

Don’t forget to inspect your roof for any signs of damage and schedule any necessary repairs to prevent leaks and other issues down the line too!

DIY with LCU!

Whether your spring home improvement project requires just a few tins of paint and some new storage options or a whole new kitchen, our range of affordable loans is here to help you make your dream home a reality!

Find out how we can help here.

The Mental Health Benefits of Forming Good Financial Habits.

24th April 2025 2:17 pm Comments Off

The Mental Health Benefits of Forming Good Financial Habits.

Taking place from May 13th, Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event designed to promote mental wellbeing, reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health.

But did you know that research shows that taking small steps – like saving a small amount of money each month – can have a positive impact on both your financial wellbeing and your mental health?

Read on to find out more!

What is financial wellbeing?

Financial wellbeing isn’t about earning or being able to save lots of money, it’s about people’s relationships with money, the control they have over their own finances and their ability to strike the right balance between having enough money to pay the bills and enough to spend on things they enjoy, both now and in the future.

Why is it important?

As well as being important for financial reasons, financial wellbeing is also important for our mental health. People with poor financial wellbeing often suffer from stress and anxiety, and are at an increased risk of becoming isolated. Furthermore, employees with financial concerns are more than twice as likely to suffer from reduced productivity and/or absenteeism at work than those with good financial wellbeing.

On the other hand, people with good financial wellbeing are less stressed about money, which has a positive effect on their overall health and can help improve their relationships.

How to manage and improve your financial wellbeing.

Establishing good financial habits is easier said than done but these tips will help you on your way:

Plan your spending: From essentials like utility bills to treats like holidays, learning to budget will improve your financial wellbeing by allowing you to take control of where you need and want to spend your money. Try to make time each time you get paid and draw up a budget for the coming weeks.
Keep track of your spending: Once you’ve created a budget, you need to stick to it. Monitor your spending to help keep it under control and identify any areas where you could reduce your outgoings.
Save money where you can: The key to saving is to do it little and often so try to save on a weekly or monthly basis to help you cover your costs. A good idea is to set money aside every time you get paid and try to make it a regular habit. Setting yourself financial goals is a great way to stay motivated.
Shop around for the best deals on things like insurance or phone contracts: You can save a significant amount of money by doing some research and shopping around, so review all your Direct Debits once a year and see where you could make savings. There are plenty of online comparison sites that can help.
Plan for the future: Simply put, the more you can set aside now, the more flexibility you’ll have in future, so start putting money aside in a savings account for your future as soon as possible. Another great idea is to regularly contribute to a pension fund, so enquire if your workplace provides one asap. The sooner you start, the better – even small amounts make a big difference over time, so set aside what you can and try to increase your contributions over time.

Need a helping hand?

At Leeds Credit Union, we offer a Money and Budgeting Service (MABS) that can help you to budget more effectively and ensure your bills are paid on time. For more information, please click here!

Barking and Dagenham’s Best Easter Activities.

11th April 2025 1:55 pm Comments Off

Barking and Dagenham’s Best Easter Activities.

With most schools closing for around a fortnight for the Easter holidays, plenty of parents across Barking and Dagenham will be on the lookout for inexpensive activities to keep their kids entertained.

If you’re one of them, you’re in luck – there are plenty of fun, inexpensive activities to choose between including:

Ballerz Multi-Sports Easter Programme.

Taking place from April 14–17, children aged 5–11 can participate in multi-sports activities, enrichment sessions and an Easter egg hunt at Valence Primary (Dagenham) and Northbury Primary (Barking).

Funded places are available for eligible families.

Valence House Museum.

Explore local history in this free museum, set in a historic building with beautiful gardens.

Eastbrookend Country Park.

Perfect for walks and wildlife spotting.

Mayesbrook Park.

Offers playgrounds and open spaces for family fun.

Keep control of your money this Easter.

However you decide to spend the Easter holidays, we can help make it more affordable with one of our affordable loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.

Things To Do In Wakefield This Easter.

1:52 pm Comments Off

Things To Do In Wakefield This Easter.

With most of us having a few days off over the coming weeks, we’ve taken a look at some of the best activities Wakefield has to offer this Easter. And with so many fantastic destinations in the area to choose from, there are plenty of options!

Here are a few of our family-friendly suggestions:

Wakefield Markets Easter Egg Hunt.

From April 5–19, all six district markets feature free Easter-themed activities, including crafts, games, and egg hunts.

Kids will love getting hands-on with some of the crafting activities, before setting off to explore a variety of market stalls as you hunt for eggs in a traditional egg hunt. A wide range of other Easter-themed activities are also on the menu!

The Hepworth Wakefield.

Enjoy free family activities every weekend and throughout the school holidays at The Hepworth Wakefield this spring and get creative as a family while you explore the famous art gallery and its garden.

From special painting and sculpting workshops, to regular indoor and outdoor activities, there’s something fun happening every day until the end of the Wakefield school holidays!

Entry is free for Wakefield residents and under 18s.

Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Discover art in a beautiful park setting of 500+ acres of rolling countryside at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park – home to more than 100 open air sculptures and installations!

From Barbara Hepworth’s ‘Squares with Two Circles’ to Henry Moore’s ‘Large Two Forms’, you can see the work of the greats in an incredible setting. Often with a free-roaming sheep or two strolling right alongside you!

A dog-friendly space with plenty of cafes and food and drink outlets, plus a children’s play area and a huge, picturesque lake, if you like leisurely walks, picnics and fabulous scenery, this is the place for you.

Stay in control of your finances this Easter.

However you decide to spend Easter, we can help make it more affordable with one of our affordable loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.

Leeds’ Best Easter Activities 2025.

1:50 pm Comments Off

Leeds’ Best Easter Activities 2025.

The Easter holidays are upon us, so what have you got planned?

If the answer is “Not a lot”, you’re missing a trick – the Easter holidays are a fantastic time to explore Leeds without stretching your budget. Why not try…

Free Craft Activities at Kirkgate Market.

From April 14–19, 11am–3pm, Kirkgate Market offers free drop-in sessions with LEGO, Duplo, crafts and colouring for children aged 12 and under.

Dragon Quest at Lotherton.

Embark on a mythical adventure with the Dragon Quest at Lotherton from April 5–21. The quest is included with general admission, and it’s free for members.

Royal Armouries Museum.

Explore arms and armour from across the world, watch in amazement as the Armouries’ famous combat demonstrations take centre stage, then enjoy some Easter-themed activities!

Leeds City Museum.

Interactive exhibits designed for kids, no entry fee and a convenient, central location. Perfect!

Roundhay Park.

Enjoy vast green spaces, playgrounds and lakes. Ideal for families and kids of all ages, just remember to check the weather forecast before setting off if you’re thinking of taking a picnic!

Kirkstall Abbey.

Explore historic ruins and scenic grounds.

Stay in control of your finances this Easter.

However you decide to spend the Easter holidays, we can help make it stress-free with one of our affordable loans. For more information and to see how much you could borrow, click here.

Affordable Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day!

28th March 2025 12:51 pm Comments Off

Affordable Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day!

With Mother’s Day nearly here, it’s time for any last-minute shoppers out there to get their thinking caps on and find their mum a little something to show their appreciation without breaking the bank.

Here are some suggestions to get you started!

Aromatherapy set.

This relaxing beauty and fragrance gift set from aromatherapy company Tisserand is guaranteed to help your mum find some inner peace after a busy weekend.

Containing two vegan-friendly bath and body oils made with a soothing blend of lavender, jasmine and sandalwood, it’s the perfect gift for mums who don’t put their feet up often enough.

Crackling scented candle.

With their tranquil aromas and comforting glow, there’s a reason most mums love a good candle and this one is just brilliant!.

Presented with a stylish hourglass design, this linen-scented candle has a burn time of up to 130 hours, while its wick crackles as it burns, so your mum will feel as though she’s sitting next to a real fire.

RHS gardening book.

Greenfingered mums across the UK are chomping at the bit to get back into their gardens now spring is here again, so why not help yours make her outdoor space the best it can be with this month-by-month gardening guide?

Filled with tips and advice from gardening experts, as well as helpful illustrative images, the book will make your mum’s garden the envy of her neighbours all year round. And it’s currently available with more than 40% off!

Gin glasses.

If your mum likes a cheeky gin, she’ll really like this cocktail glass gift set, which includes two elegant gin glasses, a recipe book, a rose gold cocktail spoon and a double-sided measuring cup. At just over £20, it’s likely to sell out fast, so get ordering!

Days out.

Whitby Abbey.

If your mum loves a good walk, why not take her to Whitby Abbey?

Perfect for short or long walks, Whitby offers views of the famous, Dracula-inspiring abbey, beautiful coastlines, a wide range of pubs and cafes and, of course, the chance to eat some of the UK’s best fish and chips!

Brimham Rocks.

For mums that love the great outdoors, there aren’t many better places to visit this Mother’s Day than Brimham Rocks.

Located in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty a few miles outside of Harrogate, Brimham Rocks offers a huge array of wildlife, dramatic moorland views and scenic strolls, all among an amazing collection of natural rock formations that are the ideal spot for picnickers.

Need a helping hand this Mother’s Day?

At Leeds Credit Union, we can help take the hassle out of Mother’s Day with one of our affordable small loans. For more information or to make an application, click here.

Tag Archive: #lcu

Yorkshire’s Best Picnic Spots.

Celebrate Father’s Day Without Breaking The Bank!

The Benefits of Credit Unions.

Stop Loan Sharks Week 2025.

Springtime Home Improvements.

The Mental Health Benefits of Forming Good Financial Habits.

Barking and Dagenham’s Best Easter Activities.

Things To Do In Wakefield This Easter.

Leeds’ Best Easter Activities 2025.

Affordable Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day!