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.

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.

Springtime Savings: Make Your Money Go Further This Spring!

21st March 2025 10:24 am Comments Off

Springtime Savings: Make Your Money Go Further This Spring!

With spring here again, now is the perfect time to refresh your finances and make your money work harder for you. Whether you’re saving up for a special present, planning a holiday or just looking to save more money, here are five tips to help you make the most of your money this spring!

Look over your savings account.

Take a close look at your current savings account and compare it to some of the other savings accounts that are out there. Lots of credit unions offer very good interest rates and incentives for new customers, so moving your savings to an account with better rates can help your money grow faster.

Don’t spend what you can’t afford!

Spring is the perfect time to review your monthly expenses to see where you could be saving money, so have a close look at your subscriptions, memberships and recurring bills. Are you paying for anything you no longer use or need? Could you manage with less data on your mobile phone contract or fewer streaming services?

If the answer is ‘yes’, cancel or downsize these expenses asap to free up extra money and add it to your savings account!

Shop smarter.

Now the weather is getting warmer, you may be tempted to buy things like new clothes, things for your home or outdoor equipment. But before buying anything, ask yourself if you really need it.

If you really do, take the time to shop around and compare prices. Look for sales, discounts and coupons to make your money go further, or consider buying second-hand or pre-loved items to save even more money.

Explore cashback and rewards programs.

Make the most of your everyday spending by signing up for cashback and rewards programs. Many banks, credit cards and shopping platforms offer cashback or rewards points on purchases and, by using them cleverly, you can earn money back on your regular expenses.

Become more energy efficient.

As the weather warms up, now is the perfect time to invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your home.

Simple changes like installing LED light bulbs, resealing drafty windows and upgrading to a programmable thermostat can help lower your energy bills and save you more money.

Leeds Credit Union – here when you need us.

By trying these five tips, you can make your money go further this spring and set yourself up for financial success in the months ahead.

If you’ve done everything you can to save some extra money but are still struggling to make ends meet, you could borrow between £250 and £25,000 with one of our affordable loans. To find out more, click here.

How To Get a Bargain When Buying a Used Car.

7th March 2025 8:44 am Comments Off

How To Get a Bargain When Buying a Used Car.

According to the most recent statistics, almost 80% of households in England have a car, with people in the UK changing their cars, on average, every four to six years.

This adds up to a whole lot of cars being bought and sold every year and, with the cost of living continuing to cause financial headaches for many people, more and more are opting to pick up a used car, rather than a brand new one.

With new car number plates having been released at the start of March, now is the ideal time to pick up a quality used car for less, so we’ve compiled some advice on getting maximum value for money when delving into the second-hand market.

Timing is everything.

New number plates are released annually on March 1st and, as a result, the weeks around this date are the best times to buy a used car, for two reasons:

1) as soon as new plates are available, people rush to part-exchange their old cars in order to get their hands on one, leaving dealers with a surplus of used cars they can’t wait to sell on, and…

2) both before and after the new plates’ release, dealers start clearing out their old cars to make room for the new ones, meaning they’re more likely to accept a lower price in order to free up room on their forecourts.

If you’re not in a hurry to grab a new set of wheels, you could potentially save even more money by waiting until the end of car dealers’ sales quarters in March, June, September and December. In order to hit their sales targets and earn bonuses, dealers are often happier to negotiate, allowing you to pick up a quality ride for less.

It’s also a good idea to go to dealerships during the week as they tend to be much busier at weekends. This enables the dealers to focus their attention on you, increasing your chances of getting a better deal.

Know your trim levels.

Trim levels are essentially different variants of the same vehicle. While the names vary from car to car, what this basically means is how many optional extras do you want/need your car to have. The more you want, the higher the cost.

Only you know what’s right for your needs but it’s vital to find out about the different options before making a purchase. There’s no point paying more than you can afford for a model packed with features you’re unlikely to ever use.

MOT, tax and service history.

When buying a used car, the only way to know for sure that it’s reliable and not going to cost you a fortune later is to get your hands on its service book and go through the stamps that are in it – these will tell you the dates when the car was serviced and how many miles it had done between each service.

To be extra sure the car’s as good as it seems, you can also use the DVLA’s free Online Enquiry Service to check its current tax and MOT status by entering the registration number and vehicle make. Don’t be alarmed if the tax has been cancelled – that’s normal when a car is sold to a dealer – but remember to make a note of the date when it was cancelled or it expired.

Every car more than three years old must have its MOT renewed every year so you ideally want a car that has recently passed its MOT as this means you won’t have to pay to have it tested again for several months.

If the MOT isn’t current and/or the tax expired a long time ago, there’s a chance the car has been off the road for a significant period of time and, if so, it’s important to find out why. If the dealer can’t give you a good reason, it’s often a sign that the car’s not up to scratch and should be avoided at all costs.

Get help with an LCU Car Loan!

At Leeds Credit Union, you can borrow between £250 and £25,000 to help you buy the car of your dreams with one of our affordable car loans. To find out more, click here.

How To Make Half Term More Affordable.

19th February 2025 3:33 pm Comments Off

How To Make Half Term More Affordable.

The February half term holiday comes at a tricky time for some households, with many still feeling the financial effects of an expensive Christmas, the ongoing cost of living crisis and, to top it all off, the weather is unreliable, making planning ahead difficult.

But by thinking outside the box and keeping an eye out for money saving offers and cheap days out, you can ensure your kids have a fun-filled half term without spending the earth.

Here’s how.

Movie magic.

With more cold and wet days on the horizon, there’s no better way to enjoy being indoors than with a film the whole family can enjoy.

But with adult cinema tickets often costing more than £10, the cost of a family trip to the multiplex can soon become too much to justify, especially if you have several children who all want their own snacks.

Luckily, many cinemas offer special kids’ screenings, with tickets sometimes costing as little as £2.50, even for adults. Better still, those that do offer these screenings typically do so throughout school holidays, meaning you’ll have plenty of dates and times to choose between if you have a participating cinema nearby.

All of Cineworld, Vue and Odeon cinemas offer some form of reduced ticket scheme for kids/families, so have a hunt for the best option and bear in mind that some tickets are even cheaper if purchased online, with weekday screenings usually cheapest. Showings of older films can sometimes be cheaper than brand new releases too.

Tickets tend to sell quickly too so book ahead to avoid disappointment!

Movie magic II.

If you don’t have easy access to a cinema, you can recreate the fun of a trip to the big screen at home for a fraction of the cost.

Either curl up on the sofa, make a comfy sitting area on the floor using cushions, pillows and blankets or build an indoor den by draping sheets over a couple of chairs, then round up the family for some blockbuster action.

If you have a Netflix, Disney Plus or Sky account, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking a film to watch; if not, simply sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime and you’re good to go (just remember to cancel your membership again before the trial runs out and you start incurring costs)!

Get cooking!

Two things kids love are getting messy and eating so why not combine the two and entertain your offspring by getting them to help make some half term meals? Not only is home cooking cheaper than eating out, it can also be lots of fun!

There are plenty of cheap and easy recipes available online but a couple of our favourites are pizzas and turkey burgers.

If you can’t face the prospect of letting your children loose in the kitchen with a bag of flour, try making pizzas using a wrap as a base instead. Kids can then decorate their own, making patterns or funny faces out of the usual toppings before popping them on a baking tray and cooking them in an oven set to 200 degrees/180 degrees fan for 8-10 minutes.

Turkey burgers are a great idea as they’re healthy – 99% fat-free turkey mince is easily available – and fun to make.

To make four turkey burgers, you’ll need:

500g turkey mince
One red onion
One garlic clove
One egg
Two gherkins
Lettuce
Vegetable oil
Four burger buns

Simply get your little ones to mix the turkey mince, egg, onion, garlic, chopped gherkins and a little salt and pepper in a large bowl. Combine well with their hands, then shape into four flat burger patties. With lots of different textures, this is the part kids will enjoy most.

The next step involves heating the oil in a frying pan and cooking the burgers for five minutes on either side, before serving on the buns, so it might be safest to do this part yourself while the children wash their hands and set the table!

They could even make it into a picnic or tea party by grabbing a picnic rug and eating on the floor or by making invitations, getting dressed up and bringing some favourite toys along as dinner guests!

Other ideas.

If you want to save on expensive days out this half term why not try:

Organising a treasure hunt. Just hide clues or riddles around your home and leave a reward like chocolate at the end.
Having a cardboard box challenge. Get some cardboard boxes and tubes out of the recycling box and let your children’s imaginations run wild. Equip them with some safe scissors, sticky tape and felt-tip pens and see what they can come up with. Submarines, dens, animals – anything is possible!
Visiting your local library. Whether you spend a few hours reading there, choose some books to take home or partake in any activities that are available, libraries have something for everyone and are free!
Check out local galleries or museums. Many offer free (or reduced) entry for children and put on adventure trails over school holidays so why not head over and enjoy some culture for an afternoon?

Happy half term!

Whatever you do this half term, you can’t put a price on spending quality time with your little ones.

But if you do need a hand bringing your plans to life, you could borrow as much as £1,250 with one of our affordable Family Loans. For more information, click here.

Enjoy Peace of Mind With Our Christmas Club Accounts.

17th January 2025 3:36 pm Comments Off

Enjoy Peace of Mind With Our Christmas Club Accounts.

With the festive period having only recently come to an end, the last thing many people want to think about is next Christmas.

But if Christmas 2024 put a financial strain on your household, one of the best ways to ensure it doesn’t happen again this year is to start planning for it in advance. In fact, you could do a lot worse than to start planning for it right now, with one of our Christmas Club savings accounts!

Read on to find out about their benefits!

Early Planning, Lasting Joy.

The earlier you start saving for Christmas, the more you can spread out your financial commitments. By opening one of our Christmas Club accounts now, you’ll have ample time to build up your savings. This ensures that when the holiday season arrives, you can focus on creating magical moments with your loved ones without worrying about the financial strain.

Avoiding the Debt Trap.

One of the pitfalls many people encounter during the festive season is accumulating debt. By saving in advance through a Christmas Club account, you can break free from the cycle of credit card debt and high-interest loans. Our bespoke savings account provides you with a disciplined approach to saving, helping you avoid unnecessary financial stress in the run-up to – and aftermath of – the holidays.

Flexible Saving Options.

Life is unpredictable and we understand that circumstances can change, which is why our Christmas Club account offers flexible saving options, allowing you to contribute according to your financial capacity. Whether you choose to deposit a fixed amount regularly or make occasional lump-sum contributions, our account is designed to accommodate your unique needs.

Community-Centric Approach.

By choosing Leeds Credit Union, you’re not just opening an account, you’re becoming part of a community that cares. Our Christmas Club is built on the principles of community support and financial inclusion and your savings will contribute to a shared pool that benefits all members, fostering a sense of unity and mutual support.

Limited Access to Your Funds.

Trust us, that’s a good thing!

Because our Christmas Club accounts are specifically designed for the festive period, you can only withdraw funds from the 1st of November onwards, meaning there’s no chance of your hard-earned Christmas budget getting accidentally spent in the middle of summer!

Then, between November 1st and December 24th, you can make unlimited withdrawals in branch, online or via our mobile app, allowing you to buy that perfect gift or cover an unforeseen Christmas expense, stress-free.

Take the stress out of saving with LCU.

Next Christmas, why not give yourself the gift of financial peace of mind?

By starting to save for Christmas 2025 early with one of our Christmas Club accounts, you can look forward to a holiday season filled with joy, laughter and cherished memories. Click here to open yours today!

Tag Archive: Savings

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.

Affordable Gift Ideas For Mother’s Day!

Springtime Savings: Make Your Money Go Further This Spring!

How To Get a Bargain When Buying a Used Car.

How To Make Half Term More Affordable.