KM108

KIRKSTALL MATTERS Autumn/Winter 2011 Issue 108 £1

Sam Airey Oastler‘s Vault Kirkstall Festival 2011 Kirkstall Brewery Launch Silver Acorn For Scout Leader The magazine of the Kirkstall Valley Community Association

www.kirkstall.org.uk

Dough Bistro December Evening Menu 2011 Course Set-Menu £22.00 per person Four Course Set-Menu £27.00 per person

Seven Course Tasting Menu £40 per person [Whole table must take this menu]

Starters

Carpaccio of wild swordfish- Whitby crab, caper & cream cheesecarrot & orange puree- civiche of diver caught Whitby king scallopbeetroot & lime crème fraiche [£3 supplement] * Confit of free-range lamb breast- filo basket-creamed leek- apple sauce- Wensleydale cheese- crispy onion * Orange and Leeds Sparkling wine sorbet * Wild sea-bass fillet-root vegetable cassoulet infused with smoked halibut- parsley beurre blanc- tiger prawns * Swillington free-range Turkey breast - pork, black pudding & sage stuffing ball- sprout puree- turkey & Leventhorpe red wine gravy * Eggnog posset - ginger biscuit * Warm Christmas cake bread & butter pudding- orange & cinnamon ice cream- orange sauce

Organic chicken cold poached in herb broth - Paganum Yorkshire chorizo & potato salad – field mushroom crème- tortilla crisps * Field mushroom cheesecake on Portobello base, mushroom ketchup, parsnip crisps, wild rocket, herb oil [v] * Confit of free-range lamb breast- filo basket-creamed leek- apple sauce- Wensleydale cheese- crispy onion * Wild boar & orange pate- charred ciabatta- allotment leavescaramelised onion chutney * Carpaccio of wild swordfish- Whitby crab, caper & cream cheesecarrot & orange puree- ceviche of diver caught Whitby king scallopbeetroot & lime crème fraiche [£3 supplement]

Sorbet

Orange and Leeds Sparkling wine sorbet

Mains

Barnsley 28 day mature beef fillet- Yorkshire blue cheese & onion salsa- allotment beetroot, parsnip & potato salad- Yorkshire blue velouté [£5 supplement] * Wild sea-bass fillet-root vegetable cassoulet infused with smoked halibut- parsley beurre blanc- tiger prawns * Swillington free-range Turkey breast steak- pork, black pudding & sage stuffing ball- Yorkshire pudding- sprout puree- turkey, cranberry sauce & Leventhorpe red wine gravy * Root vegetables baked inside filo pastry- thyme potato cake pickled cucumber- green olive velouté [v] * Fillet of ostrich- thyme potato cake- carrot puree- red cherry coulisblanched cherries- salted crispy onions

Sides

Twice cooked hand cut chips £3.00 Wild rocket, orange & Fountain’s Gold cheddar £4.00 Organic carrot and parsnips with coriander £3.50 Leeds grown sprouts fried with chorizo and onion £4.00 Leeds grown boiled new potatoes with garlic and rosemary olive oil £3.00

Desserts

Eggnog posset- cold pear, brandy & ginger crumble - Christmas pudding ice cream * Milk chocolate and Baileys pave - white chocolate oat base – Baileys sauce – Baileys cream * Warm Christmas cake bread & butter pudding- orange & cinnamon ice cream- orange sauce * Cheese and biscuits served with celery, grapes, apple and chutney [£3 supplement, £8 as a course]

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

Latest News *We are Leeds’ only new entrant into The Good Food Guide 2011/12* *We now have a local ale & wine board, including specialist items only for Dough’s customers, not to be found anywhere else!* *Gift vouchers are available to buy for Christmas presents* *We are on twitter, follow us at www.twitter.com/ doughleeds* *10% off all weekday bookings in January made before 24th December 2011* *New Year’s Eve at Dough from just £50 per person, groups welcome* Dough; 293-295 Spen Lane, West Park, LS16 5BD Reservations: Tel: 0113 2787255 *Winner of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s ‘Oliver Award’ for Best Chef 2009* *Featured in BBC Olive Magazine’s Best British BYO’s* *Winner of the Yorkshire Evening Post’s ‘Oliver Award’ for Best Suburban Restaurant 2010* *Winner of the Budapest Food Festival’s most innovative Chef 2010* *Winner of Leeds Menu of the Year 2010* *The Good Food Guide recommended 2011/12* *Winner of Leeds Menu of the Year 2010*

www.kirkstall.org.uk

From The Editor

Contents

It‘s been a hectic summer with another stunning Kirkstall Festival and a record number of visitors. Did you come along? What did you like about the day, and what were your favourite bits? Never one to rest on our laurels we now have some more new faces to the festival committee which will bring more ideas and input so it promises to be even better next year. If you‘d like to be involved please drop me a line, particularly if you have ideas and inspiration with what you‘d like to see on the festival site.

REGULARS 3 From The Editor 37 Dear Editor 53 What‘s On?

I received a comment recently that there seems to be more advertising in recent issues so I thought I‘d address that point. Whereas in previous issues the adverts were placed together towards the back, I have tried to spread them more throughout both to give value to the advertisers, but also to have them in context of the sections of the magazine for our readers. Through this support we have been able to grow from around 44 pages per issue to around 56 and has enabled us to start printing the cover in colour without significant additional cost to the association. I‘ve been careful to ensure that the number of adverts is still proportionate to the increased content in the magazine, and I trust this balance gives even better value to both our readers and the advertisers themselves.

We have a bit of a rule of thumb here at Kirkstall Matters HQ that we will always try to use our advertisers where possible, so I personally have tried and tested many of them and I‘d encourage you to do the same - supporting local businesses is crucial in improving our area and creating new jobs. There‘s also some great offers and deals for readers of this magazine!

As you‘ll be aware we also have a website, Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as the magazine, and although it is sometimes a challenge to keep all of these current we want to make Kirkstall the most prominent online community in Leeds/Yorkshire/the World. We need your ideas so please get in touch if you can help. I know you‘ve all got some ideas to offer!

Simon x PS For those of you who keep pestering me to include a photo of myself in the magazine (Lord knows why you‘d want one) I‘ve hidden one in this issue. Just one photo.

And its very small. I‘m very shy you see..... ;)

ASSOCIATION NEWS 5 From the Chair 6 Deli Quiz Answers 7 Kirkstall Festival Poster Winner!

8 Kirkstall Festival COMMUNITY 12 Metric-BHS Proposal 12 Local Scout Leader Receives Silver Acorn 13 Strictly Come Trancing to Success 14 Annual Art Exhibition 14 Leeds Santa Dash 14 Leeds Zumbathon 2012 15 Charity iPhone App! 17 Government Health Reforms 18 Kirkstall Brewery Launch 20 Festival of Archaeology Event 22 Scouts Update WORSHIP 24 Singing in the Rain 25 Abbey Churches Together Events 26 Kirkstall Festival Service LOCAL HISTORY 29 Kirkstall Gala and The Abbey Light Railway 31 Friends Of Lawnswood Cemetery 32 Richard Oastler‘s Vault SCHOOLS 41 Beecroft Primary 42 Kirkstall St Stephens 43 Hawksworth Wood Primary SPORTS 46 Kirkstall Harriers 48 Aviator Allstars 49 Swimming Success For Local Youngsters ENVIRONMENT 50 In The Garden 51 Big Garden Birdwatch 2012 52 Chapel Lane Allotments 53 Leeds Pilates Place Allotment Group 54 Paxton Early Autumn Show MUSIC 56 Sam Airey

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS Issue 108 - Autumn/Winter 2011 Cover Photo: Kirkstall Abbey

by Eva Pitt

Hawksworth Wood Community Association 6 Broadway, Leeds LS5 3PR Tel & Fax 0113 228 5550 Email: hw.ca@ntlworld.com www.hawksworthcommunity.leedslearning.org

Editor Simon Dawson kirkstallmatters@ntlworld.com KIRKSTALL MATTERS, 19 Norman Street, Leeds, LS5 3JN The views expressed in Kirkstall Matters are those of the contributors and if not attributed to individuals, they are from the editorial team. They are not necessarily the views of the KVCA.

Local Councillor Surgeries Multi-agency Advice Surgeries 1st Wednesday each month 10am-12 noon Leeds City Credit Union Services

The Abbey Light Railway Kirkstall The Railway is open for visitors every Sunday and bank holidays. There is a quarter-mile ride into the Abbey Grounds.

The Abbey Light Railway was founded in 1976. It is a family run operation supported by volunteers to restore and maintain vintage Narrow Gauge locomotives and rolling stock.

Production KIRKSTALL MATTERS is the magazine of the Kirkstall Valley Community Association. It is published 3 times per year by volunteers and distributed free to members of the KVCA, and sold through local stockists. Articles are also regularly published via our website www.kirkstall.org.uk, and on Twitter @kirkstallonline.

If you have ideas or would like to help with either of these please contact the editor.

Submissions Articles, readers' letters, poems etc. are welcome. Our preferred format is plain text with separate high resolution images but we can accept other formats. Ideally please email your file as an attachment to the editor or deliver it on disk to our postal address. If you can't provide your article in electronic form, you can give us it typed or handwritten.

Distribution Delivered through the doors of Kirkstall and beyond by members of the KVCA. If you can help distribute on your local street, please contact Mary on 0113 2752441 or maryrennie6@gmail.com

Advertising To advertise in Kirkstall Matters please contact the editor.

Printed by Thistle Print, tel 0113 204 0600

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

www.kirkstall.org.uk

ASSOCIATION NEWS

From The Chair

About the Kirkstall Valley Community Association

W

ell we have had our Indian summer and now it's back to normal, no doubt wind and rain before we get the snow. But never mind that, we are now well into putting together our 2012 Kirkstall Festival. We are however trying to to find a relevent theme, in 2012 we have the Olympics and also it's Queen Elizabeth's celebrations for 60 years on the throne. Has anyone any ideas?

If you fancy having a stall at the festival or would like to be involved in some way please get in touch with us. We would like to see more groups taking part in the Parade, are you a member or know of a group who would like to be part of our fancy dress Parade. Please make contact with us. We always need volunteers to help us set up and take down the festival, would you like to be in our field team for the Friday or Saturday or perhaps both days.

You won't get paid but we will provide you with a very nice dinner and you will enjoy yourself. I think this year we are going to find something to go with the baked beans!

If you would like to help but can not do full days with us, why not volunteer to spend a couple of hours selling programmes on festival day, all proceeds from programme sales go back into the festival.

Anyway must move on, there is an awful lot of development planned for Kirkstall in the near future and no doubt you will find articles within the magazine which cover all the planned proposals. Please let us know what you think, the Metric-BHS store on Bridge Road also the Tesco site on Kirkstall Lane. We know traffic will be horrendous but then it always is. Will the A65 bus scheme make any difference? Please give us your opinion.

The KVCA was founded in 1978, with the aim ‗to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Kirkstall and the neighbourhood'.

We are non-party political, non-sectarian and a registered charity.

KVCA is also responsible for organising events and activities, for example through the Kirkstall Festival committee. We act as a pressure group and a watchdog on developments affecting Kirkstall, and campaign and co-operate on a number of issues with other local organisations.

It is open to anyone to join. Annual membership is only £4 and includes three issues per year of Kirkstall Matters magazine, delivered free to you within Kirkstall and the immediate area.

If you live outside Kirkstall, you can still become a member, but we need a minimum additional donation of £3 to cover postage if you are to receive the magazine by post.

 and want to join the Kirkstall Valley Community Association Name

………………………………………………………………

Address ………………………………………………………………

Anyway in the mean time enjoy the winter snow and have a very Merry Christmas and safe New Year, I myself have been invited to spend the winter with Shergar and Elvis on an exotic island owned by Lord Lucan.

John

………………………………………………………………

Postcode ………………………………………………………………

Phone

………………………………………………………………

Email

………………………………………………………………

Hobbies and interests? …………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………

KVCA Officers John Liversedge Chairman 0113 278 5987

Ken Stratford Secretary 0113 275 5413

Are you interested in helping out at Kirkstall Festival?

Steve Gradys Vice Chair

Rita Samuel Treasurer

Would you like to get involved in KIRKSTALL MATTERS or Kirkstall Online? Could you help deliver KIRKSTALL MATTERS on your street?

Annual membership is £4 per year and includes delivery of KIRKSTALL MATTERS within the Kirkstall area. UK postal delivery for a year costs us £3 and for postal delivery outside the UK we welcome a donation.

I enclose cheque/postal order payable to ‘KVCA’ for £ ……...

Post to: KVCA Treasurer, 18 The Rise, Leeds, LS5 3EP

www.kirkstall.org.uk

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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KM107

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Deli Quiz Answers If you‘ve visited the KVCA stand at Kirkstall Deli Market (the last Saturday of every month at Kirkstall Abbey) you‘ll have seen our quiz May‘s answer was 1996;. We had 50 entries and 3 correct: Stephen Smith Margaret Murphy Angela Moran June‘s answer was 2003. We had 41 entries and only one right!

John Illingworth

Like us!

Kirkstall Online

Follow us! @kirkstallonline Kirkstall St Stephen’s Pre-School Kirkstall St Stephen’s C of E Primary School, Morris Lane Leeds LS5 3JD

Tel: 0113 214 4630 From 2½ to school age FREE from 3 years old.

Monday- Friday 9am to 12 noon A warm, safe and stimulating environment

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

www.kirkstall.org.uk

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Kirkstall Festival 2011 Poster Competition Sponsored by the West End House, Abbey Road, Kirkstall

E

very year the competition to design cover of the Kirkstall Festival programme gets some amazing entries from local children, and we are pleased to announce that the winner for 2011 is....

Maia Harris, Age 9 Beecroft Primary School Well done to you Maia!

Unfortunately Burley St Matthias and Hawksworth Wood could not take part this year due to heavy workloads, but we hope to see them again next year!

Age 3-4

1st 2nd 3rd

Isabelle Willis Frances Shelley Toby Tse

Beecroft Primary Sacred Heart Primary Sacred Heart Primary

Age 5

1st 2nd 3rd

Ella Porritt Niamh Scott Millie McKenna

Kirkstall St Stephens Primary Sacred Heart Primary Sacred Heart Primary

Age 6

1st 2nd 3rd

Nancy Davies Brian Tkoengoe Jayna Parmar

Kirkstall St Stephens Primary Sacred Heart Primary Beecroft Primary

Age 7

1st 2nd 3rd

Dominika Matelska Aaron Ung Aanisha Anisco

Beecroft Primary Kirkstall Valley Primary Kirkstall St Stephens Primary

Age 8

1st 2nd 3rd

Prairwa Pratoomchat Ashley Trojak Beth Scanlon

Kirkstall Valley Primary Beecroft Primary Sacred Heart Primary

Age 9

1st 2nd 3rd

Logan Gye Alice Hewitt Hannah Clarke

Kirkstall Valley Primary Kirkstall St Stephens Primary Kirkstall Valley Primary

Age 10

1st 2nd 3rd

Priya Notay Emma Trojak Dominik Mocniak

Kirkstall Valley Primary Beecroft Primary Kirkstall Valley Primary

Age 11

1st 2nd 3rd

Kirsty Hammond Saskia Smith Connor Earnshaw

Beecroft Primary Kirkstall St Stephens Primary Sacred Heart

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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Kirkstall Festival 2011 It was another brilliant year for the festival with another recordbreaking turnout. We hope you had fun! Here are some of the photos taken by the Exposure:Leeds for us of the day.

Photos By Dawn Cobe

Photos By Nathan

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

www.kirkstall.org.uk

Photos By PT Brewster

Number 55 Sandwich Bar & Coffee Shop 55 Kirkstall Lane Leeds LS5 3BE 0113 2580498 www.number55.co.uk

Fresh Coffee - All Day Breakfasts / Meat Free Breakfasts - Snacks - Pizza - Paninis - Cupcakes and much more!

Homemade Gourmet Burger Menu - Burgers from only £2.50 Homemade Cupcakes available for any occasion.

Personalised Cupcakes also available decorated with YOUR Photographs, Company Logo, Children's Drawings & Much More!!! VEGAN cupcakes now available

***SPECIAL OFFER*** 2 Full Breakfasts for only £6 on production of this advert* *No photocopies accepted, voucher must be presented & surrendered at time of ordering.

Ideal as Wedding Favours, Birthday Gifts or for Corporate Events Mini Cupcakes from only 50p and Regular Cupcakes from 80p. Gift Box of 12 mini cupcakes £5 Outside Catering Available - Telephone Orders Welcome

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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It‘s not about winning, it‘s all about…

Photographer, Faye Kenny, shares her insights into this year‘s Kirkstall Festival, while we share our favourite images of hers from her set theme of participation.

I

was really impressed with the size and diversity of this year‘s Kirkstall Festival. Both I and my family really enjoyed the whole day. Capturing the theme of participation was an interesting brief, and relatively easy as there was so much to see and do on the day – and so may people did indeed join in and make the most of what was happening in and around the Abbey. The vibe and feel of the events, stallholders, activities and participants was definitely of a community from a vibrant city coming together to really enjoy themselves and a fantastic testament to what can be achieved when people get together to celebrate what is great and good about our local businesses and people in this area.

Look: www.fkbphotography.co.uk Poke: www.facebook.com/pages/FKBPhotography/150188058359750 Follow: @fkb_photo

I think my favourite image from the day is of the little boy hooking a duck with some really colourful looking face paint! The sheer concentration of his expression makes me smile as he was really determined to win the prize he had his eye on. For me it symbolises one of the small moments that sum up what we take from a day like this to remember it by.

I think the best tip I could give any photographer photographing such a colourful and varied event is to really get a feel for what people are getting involved in, and their expressions, as this tells the story. As with all photography, the skill is in capturing a moment and the feel of what is happening around you, and I think all of the designated photographers on the day did this remarkably well. in three words my experience of the day would be: proud (to be part of Leeds – a city that can offer this kind of event for no cost to the public), happy (that the sun came out and so many people had fun) and grateful (that I was given the opportunity to photograph what unfolded).

Biog FKB Photography provides creative, affordable photography to individuals, businesses and exhibition spaces across Yorkshire. My work and customer base is wide and includes family & lifestyle portraits, fine art prints, and business photography. I‘m happy to discuss and tackle a wide variety of briefs.

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www.kirkstall.org.uk

Photos By Val Crompton

346 - 348 Kirkstall Road, Leeds. LS4 2DS

48 Harrogate Road, Leeds. LS7 4LA

Tel: 0113 230 4161 0113 230 7799

Tel: 0113 237 4035 0113 237 4036

Open 7 days 5pm to 12 midnight

Open 7 days 6pm to 11:30pm

www.sheeshmahal.co.uk

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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COMMUNITY

Planning Application Of Former BHS Site

M

etric Property are pleased to confirm that a planning application has been submitted to Leeds City Council for the site known as the Former BHS site, Kirkstall.

The scheme will provide for a mix of shops, restaurants, on site car parking, cycle parking and new access arrangements to the site.

The application follows extensive public consultation which was carried out in July 2011. The feedback received at the public exhibition from both residential and local businesses was extremely positive and a number of amendments have been made to the scheme in light of the comments made. These include alterations to the car park and additional public realm including a commitment to reintroduce a clock to the site.

Should you wish to view the application proposals then please visit www.leeds.gov.uk and type in the following reference number 11/03274/fu. This will also provide you with a link to the Community consultation.

Local Scout Leader Receives Silver Acorn Appreciation of Richard Frank‘s 40 years service to Scouting

T

he Phoenix St Mary's Scout Group's Annual General Meeting was held on the 15th June, during which, a very special presentation was made.

Richard Frank, the Scout Leader, was awarded the 'Silver Acorn', which is awarded by the Chief Scout in recognition of 40 years of outstanding and distinguished service to the Scouting Movement, and it is very well deserved.

Richard's dedication to St Mary's Scout Group is well known to every member who attends. Richard does not just provided Scouting for young people - he

provides Scouting at it's very best! Well done and well deserved! â– Jill Lindley , Group Scout Leader

Ivor Drake, the Assistant County Commissioner came along to make the presentation, and he spoke not only about Richard's commitment to Scouting within his own Group, but to his commitment to the Scout District of North Leeds, and the Scout County of Central Yorkshire, through organising events and activities as well as supporting and training other Leaders.

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

www.kirkstall.org.uk

COMMUNITY

Strictly Come Trancing to Success Local Hypnotherapist enters Strictly Learn Dancing contest

A

lison Noscoe, a local hypnotherapist who runs Headingley Hypnosis takes to the dance floor to raise money for St. Gemma‘s Hospice. The dance competition is in it‘s third year and recruits local people, who have never been professionally dance trained; contestants will take up the challenge of learning the Cha Cha Cha and the Argentine Tango.

Alison says that she will use ―trance to help her learn the dance‖. She states selfhypnosis will help improve her confidence by using visualisation and calming any performance nerves. She is passionate about hypnotherapy because ―it works and gets fast results‖ and would recommend that ―self-hypnosis be taught in schools to all children‖. Alison says that hypnotherapy combats stress and helps maintain a healthy work-life balance, an

Brand new and exciting mediterranean bistro

Bookings welcome: 01132740041 41-43 Commercial Road Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3AW E: info@gallery-fortyone.com W: www.gallery-fortyone.com

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essential skill to survive in our busy modern day lives.

Hypnotherapy is a safe, effective, brief interventional therapy that can be used to help improve confidence, manage stress and help people become more assertive.

Hypnotherapy is also useful in treating phobias, habits, anxiety and depression, exam stress or driving test nerves; the list is not exhaustive. Alison also tells that the NICE guidelines, used by GPs and doctors in the UK, recommend hypnotherapy for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and there is strong clinical evidence to support the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in treating IBS, so ask your GP about it and see if you the NHS can fund a visit to the hypnotherapists. At St Gemma‘s, hypnotherapy is regularly used with patient‘s in helping them manage medical side effects of chemotherapy, in addition

to helping cope with difficult emotions.

Alison operates a private practice and holds a fully accredited diploma in hypnotherapy and also is a trained NLP practitioner. You can find out more about Headingley Hypnosis by visiting Alison‘s website www.headingleyhypnosis.co.uk or contact Alison directly on 07811 119157 or email alison@headingleyhypnosis.co.uk.

The ‗Strictly Learn Dance‘ competition will be held on Friday 11 November 2011 at 7.00pm, Leeds Seventeen Bar and Suites, Alwoodley. Tickets will be available to the public at a cost of £15. You can purchase tickets 3 weeks before the event by logging on to www.st-gemma.co.uk/ events. If you would like to sponsor Alison, you can make a donation at www.justgiving.com/Alison-Noscoe1

Come and dine in beautiful surroundings, choose from a wide range of delicious traditional mediterranean dishes Hors d’oeuvres Pasta & Risotto Pizzas Salads Cheese Platters Desserts Bottled wine & beer selection

Bring this voucher for a free bottle of house wine (with the purchase of two 2 course meals)

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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Buy An Original For Your Home

S

t. Gemma's Hospice are inviting you to attend their 11th Annual Art Exhibition and Sale where you can view the collection of 800 paintings, photographs and pastels which are all hung, mounted and framed and available for you to buy. To be held at The Grammar School at Leeds in Alwoodley, it's an opportunity to start or expand your art collection and buy affordable, original pieces to display proudly in your homes.

Prices range from just £30 to £700 and can make perfect Christmas, birthday or anniversary gifts.

A percentage of all the art sold is donated to St. Gemma's

Hospice and by having this commission they have managed to raise an outstanding £140,000 from this event. With such a huge variety of art on display from professional and up and coming artists, you would be mad not to come along and view the exhibition. Entry is just £2 and as well as viewing the art you can enjoy delicious cakes and pastries along with tea and fresh coffee served in vintage china from the Art Cafe.

Whatever the reason, buying art is fun, invigorating and makes a great addition to any home, office or business.

Opening hours are Thursday 3

to Saturday 5 November 10am till 6pm and Sunday 6 November from 10am till 4pm.

There will also be a fabulous Craft Fair running alongside

the exhibition on both the Saturday and Sunday showcasing and selling the work of regional talents.

Ho, Ho, HO and away we go!!

J

oin hundreds of other Santas for a fantastically fun and festive day for all on Sunday 11 December. Sign up for the Leeds Santa Dash in aid of St. Gemma's Hospice where you will take part in a one mile sponsored dash in Leeds, dressed as Santa. The event is sponsored so you can raise money for the patient

care at the Hospice and know you have done your bit to make sure their patients have the best Christmas they can.

Each participant will receive their very own Santa suit to run in on the day. Call 0113 218 5505 or visit www.stgemma.co.uk for details and sign up.

Leeds Zumbathon 2012

I

t‘s the hottest fitness craze on the scene at the moment and loads of people want to take part in a sponsored Zumbathon. So not only could you be taking part in a fun and exhilarating Zumba session – it will be for 3 hours and it will be sponsored!!

Don‘t panic though, as the work outs are interval there will be lots of

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

chances to get your breath back and ready for the next section. The Zumbathon will be held at The Grammar School at Leeds in Alwoodley in their main sports hall. It‘s a huge venue and will accommodate 600 people to all do Zumba at once.

The event is open to both male and female participants so

please, if you feel like getting mega fit, shifting some stubborn pounds then sign up today and be part of a Zumba Sensation! Burn up top 2,400 calories in this Zumbathon session – that‘s enough to burn off 22 Kit Kats or 9 medium portions of McDonalds fries!!

out on what promises to be a Sunday to remember and join this unique event.

Visit www.leedszumbathon.co. uk or call 0113 218 5505 to sign up.

So make sure you don‘t miss

www.kirkstall.org.uk

New phone app supports children and young people with cancer

A

new smart phone app and mobile website being launched into the market in Leeds is helping to raise vital funds for CLIC Sargent, based in Burley, supporting children and young people with cancer.

The app, called NoQ.mobi, is being launched by Yorkshire based company Reach ME Limited. You can pre order your daily coffee and avoid queuing, order your weekly takeaway and save 10%, book a restaurant table and get up to 50% off your total food bill and even order a taxi in just a few clicks.

But not only does this free 4 in 1 app make life easier for you, it also supports children and young people with cancer, as the company donates 29% of their net profit to the charity CLIC Sargent,

www.kirkstall.org.uk

Jo Warmington, Community Fundraising Manager at CLIC Sargent says ‗CLIC Sargent is currently supporting 328 children and young people with cancer in Yorkshire. We rely almost entirely on voluntary donations, so the support of companies like Reach ME Limited is vital to funding our services. We want as many people as possible to download the app and to support CLIC Sargent through using it!‘ The app is being launched in October.; To download it visit www.NoQ.mobi and click on the Android or iPhone icons.

For more information about CLIC Sargent contact Jo Warmington at CLIC Sargent on 0113 2883219 or email joanne.warmington@clicsargent.org.uk

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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Leeds City Council Department of Education

Kirkstall St Stephen’s Church of England Aided Primary School Headteacher : Mr Steven Viles Looking for a friendly and happy primary school which will provide for the needs of your child?  A caring, Christian environment welcoming children from all sectors of our community  Good Ofsted Report July 2010  Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools July 2010 judged us as an ‘Outstanding school at meeting the needs of our learners’.  Holders of the Basic Skills Agency Quality Mark for high standards of provision in Literacy and Numeracy  Activemark for PE and sport  Significant investment in ICT throughout the school including laptops for the children  Excellent links with the community  Before and after school childcare available  Many extra curricular opportunities including football, netball, basketball, dance, athletics, cookery, drama, recorders  Highly supportive Parent Teacher Association  Investors in People award July 2010 Contact school if you would like to look for yourself

Morris Lane, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3JD

Tel: 0113 2144630

www.kirkstall-st-stephens.leeds.sch.uk

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

www.kirkstall.org.uk

COMMUNITY

Fears rise of government health reforms The NHS at present provides the best outcomes and most cost-effective care of any health service in the world, except that of New Zealand.

However, all that is under threat if the government‘s proposals come about. There are four main things which you as a NHS patient should be concerned about.

The first is the NHS descending into chaos as its current organisation is ripped up at unprecedented speed.

The NHS has been reorganised fifteen times in the last thirty years, to no great benefit. Do we really want another upheaval? The changes are to be introduced with no prior testing of them to see if they work, and at the same time as the NHS is being told to save

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£20 billion.

The NHS Confederation has described the changes as ―extraordinarily risky‖.

The second threat is a massive growth in bureaucracy, again paid for by taxpayers. GPs will be organised into groups which will negotiate contracts with hospitals and private companies (many probably based in the USA). There will need to be a huge number of staff whose job is simply to negotiate and monitor these contracts on all sides. The extra cost to the NHS will be £3 billion, money that should rather be spent on patient care.

Third, the doctor-patient relationship may change as GPs have to weigh up patients‘

needs against financial pressures. GPs will have to concentrate on being managers and purchasers of service as well as on looking after patients.

expensive than ordinary NHS facilities, and private companies running surgeries have proved unable to do it effectively and have had to hand the surgeries back.

Finally, and most importantly, the NHS will turn into a market place where hospitals, nursing services and GP practices will all be up for sale. Sales will take place under European Union competition rules, which mean that local people will have no say or control over them. Contracts will be handed out solely on the basis of price, so that NHS services will be increasingly run as cheapskate.

Moreover, private providers of healthcare in the NHS have a poor track record.

Privately provided treatment centres have proved 12% more

There is now very little time left before the government‘s changes ruin our NHS for good. Parliament will debate the final stages of the changes at the beginning of September.

If you as a patient are concerned about this contact your MP now. Alternatively, get in touch with Leeds Hospital Alert, a group of Leeds people who are fighting the changes, at info@leedshospitalalert.org.uk ■ Beatrice Rogers

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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COMMUNITY

Kirkstall Brewery Launches In Style Ian Smith takes one for the team and spends a day on the canal.

With beer. And pork pies. It‘s a tough life... from the canal on foot. Well, I know that casks of beer are quite heavy, as did everybody aboard, but being kind and considerate folk, we thought we'd assist the poor people who had to carry it the last couple of hundred yards. The obvious way of helping was to drink a fair amount of it on the journey, so we'd really made an effort to help out.

Once inside the pub, we were treated to a marvellous buffet, the centrepiece of which was a huge personalised Kirkstall Brewery pork pie from Wilsons.

R

egular readers will know that beers from Kirkstall Brewery have been around for a few months now with the first coming out in May. However, Dave Sanders and Steve Holt, the team behind the revival of the brewery, wanted to mark its opening with a big splash and that's what happened. I was lucky enough to be invited along, showing that there are some perks to being involved in the publication of this newsletter.

I woke on a July morning, midweek with a day off work. The sun was shining and I knew there was a real treat in store. A bite to eat and a quick spruce up followed, and then a stroll to the brewery (I'm fortunate to live close to the site).

Now the grand plan was to deliver a cask of ale to the Abbey Inn at Newlay, but given the long history of brewing in Kirkstall, it was felt that it should be transported by traditional methods, the same way as it would originally have been taken from the old Kirkstall Brewery (which some of you will know as student accommodation these days). As the site is next to the canal, the idea was obvious; it had to be a trip on the water.

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

So after a quick trip to the brewery itself, it was round the corner to the mooring site and the first thing I spotted was a handpump on the barge itself. We happy guests climbed aboard, the excellent beer, Three Swords, was dispensed and made the ideal accompaniment to the journey.

Space was at a premium for the number of people who squeezed on, and quite a few decided to journey on the roof. They quickly learned to duck when we went under bridges.

After that, it was just a case of taking some photos for you, the readers, and enjoying the scenery as we took our leisurely trip on the waterway. Some people strolled alongside, occasionally being left behind, but always catching us up at the locks. Some waited inside the Abbey Inn, knowing that the landlord, Martin Lockett, was on board with us. He phoned ahead and many came out to join us for the final part of the journey.

Now, if you've been paying attention, you'll remember that the purpose of this visit was to deliver a cask of ale, and for those of you who don't know, the destination point is a minute or two away

I've mentioned the Three Swords beer which we had on the journey. It's a real classic and I'm sure it will go on to win many awards. In fact, despite only being open a few months, Kirkstall Brewery has already picked up a Beer of the Festival award from our friends in Skipton. The other regular beers are Kirkstall Pale Ale, a wonderful golden session beer, Black Band Porter, the rich, dark award winner at Skipton, and Dissolution IPA, a delicious amber ale with a huge hop kick.

The ales are starting to appear regularly around Leeds and beyond. Head brewer, Dave Sanders's reputation for quality has preceded him from his days at Elland Brewery, and he's fulfilling all that could be asked.

It really is a wonderful time to be in Leeds with top quality beers being produced all over the city, and Kirkstall is a welcome addition for all fans of cask ale.

If I may, I'd like to say a personal thank you to all at Kirkstall Brewery for inviting me to be part of your big day and for your kind hospitality. Likewise to all at the Abbey Inn, who seemed to enjoy the launch as much as I did. â– Ian Smith

www.kirkstall.org.uk

COMMUNITY

www.kirkstall.org.uk

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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COMMUNITY

2011 Festival of Archaeology Event The final Wednesday Group after the it has been discontinued

A

lthough we didn‘t attend each meeting, over the number of years that the Wednesday Group at Kirkstall Abbey House Museum has been running, a certain camaraderie has grown up between attendees which will be missed.

Kat gave a most interesting illustrated talk ―Collecting the Ancient World: 19th century Leeds Collectors‖. The talk put the Leeds Collectors into an historic context, beginning in Europe in the 16th century, where the aristocracy had their cabinets of curiosity. This fashion spread to Britain by the 17th Century, with whole rooms stuffed with the exotic or unusual natural history or geological exhibits. Even the ceilings would contain objects – as recreated in the Leeds Museum – a display showing how Ralph Thoresby, the first Leeds collector, might have displayed the objects in his museum. Some of these 17th century collections have formed the basis of current museum collections – Ashmole – the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, Sloane – the British Museum. Tradescant (a name known to gardeners for plants he introduced) opened his collection to the public – the first museum.

There was no interpretation and had there been, it would be suspect, as mythical creatures were believed to exist - the narwhal horn belonged to the unicorn! Ethical collecting was several centuries away too.

This interest in collecting was fuelled

Dr Barrie Hopson with Kat Baxter

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

Dell'Historia Naturale (Naples 1599), the earliest illustration of a natural history cabinet

in Victorian times by the intellectual climate of the times – the theories of Darwin (1809-1882) were creating a fascination in the origin of the natural world. The Empire was creating an environment where foreign travel was becoming easier, the industrial revolution was creating the wealth to enable people to travel and academics were altering the way we looked at objects. Thomson (17881865) in Copenhagen came up with the three age system we still use –

stone, bronze and iron – instead of the former geographical system. This was the foundation of an innovative academic approach to the display of objects and a challenge to the traditional Biblical teaching of world history – it was much older than at first thought.

Egyptology began in earnest in 1799 with the discovery of the Rosetta Stone, which contained the same (mundane) information in three languages – hieroglyphics, a sort of shorthand and Greek. This latter, which was known, enabled the former to be deciphered – a breakthrough.

Within only a few years – in 1823, the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society were able to ―read‖ the inscriptions on the newly arrived Nesyamun –the only one known to be from the dynasty of Rameses XI. The Leeds Society made history by not ripping off the wrapping in public, but doing a scientific, documented examination including an autopsy.

Kat went on to discuss the careers of a number of ―names‖ in the business of

Ralph Thoresby 1658-1724

www.kirkstall.org.uk

COMMUNITY obtaining archaeological artefacts:  *General Pitt Rivers (1827-1900), the founder of modern scientific excavations  *Amelia Edwards (1831-1892) a journalist and author (and a woman, which was rare) who set up an Exploration fund for Egyptology, based on the belief that if the world did not take an interest, there would soon be nothing left.  *Flinders Petrie (1853-1942) – an academic with the UCL, an Egyptologist and finder of quite a number of items in the Leeds collections.  *Heinrick Schliemann 1822-1890 the ―front‖ man and financier and Frank Calvert the practical archaeologist were the team responsible for the Priam Treasure.

Doubts have been cast on some of their finds.  *Sir Mortimer Wheeler (more recent, but ―old school‖).

In Leeds we had Aquila Dodgson 18291919, the Hon. Librarian of the Leeds Philosphical and Literary Society who had a notable collection. Leeds industrialist, John Marshall, built Temple Mills – an exact replica of an Egyptian Temple and this can still be seen on Marshall Street. It is the only grade 1 listed building in Holbeck.

Kat finished her talk with a look at the ethics of collecting today and some of the

current debates - e.g. should the British Museum return the Elgin Marbles to Greece, or Berlin the Bust of Neferitite to Egypt? Those present were then invited to examine and handle various ancient objects – and realise how long ago it was since they were first handled. It was a superb end to a long run of excellent curator/academic led sessions that those attending will really miss.

■ Ann Lightman

Temple Mills, Holbeck—built by John Marshall 1765-1845

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

21

SCOUTING

Phoenix St Mary's Scout Group News Richard Frank Tells Us What The Scouts Have Been Up To Recently

T

he Scout Group has once again, been very active during the Summer, providing a wide variety of activities for the young people of the area.

At the end of May, the Scout Troop camped at Woolley Edge camp site. The weather was not too kind – it was very windy and at times, wet as well, but a good time was had nevertheless. In between some of the showers we managed a variety of activities, including a walk in the hills around Holmfirth (‗Last of the Summer Wine‘ country).

During May, 3 Scouts completed their Expedition Challenge, hiking for 2 days and camping overnight.

Despite the heat, they managed this with no real problems to gain their badge.

In June, the Scouts went Caving in the Yorkshire Dales we met up with the activity leaders close to the Ribblehead viaduct and explored 2 caves in the area, and then visiting the White Scar show cave near Ingleton.

The Cubs and Beavers explored St Mary‘s Church, looking for the carved wooden

mice, and being allowed to ring the Church Bell – many thanks to Bridget for showing the youngsters round!

The Group Camp took place in June, this year at Bramhope, and we were lucky to have wonderful weather – until the Sunday afternoon when we were packing up! The Cubs camped for the weekend and the Beavers came up for the Saturday; the Cubs and the Beavers did archery, and the Scouts and the Cubs climbed on the climbing wall. The Scouts also cooked tea for the Beavers – the Cubs had to

make their own! On the Sunday morning, the Cubs and Leaders played the Scouts at Rounders and regrettably, there was cheating on a massive scale. Fortunately, the Cubs and Scouts played fairly – the Leaders were the problem!

A great weekend, enjoyed by everyone (despite the rain on Sunday afternoon!)

Also in June, the Scouts went on a night hike – we went to Sharp Haw (near Skipton) to sleep out under the stars and enjoy a tranquil sunrise – however this was not to be! It rained – there were no stars and in the morning, just mist (with rain, of course!) However, it cleared up as we got nearer Leeds on the way home, to the extent that it was bright sunshine when we got back to St Mary‘s.

Summer Camp was in the Lake District and this time, we had fabulous weather for the full

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week! During the Camp, Scouts climbed 4 of the highest mountains in the area; cycled; visited a zoo; enjoyed a trip on the Lake; had a BBQ by the Lake and much more as well.

Loads of laughs, and activities in a beautiful part of Britain!

During the school holidays, the Scouts had the opportunity to do a day‘s cycling in the York area (it‘s nice and flat!), and cycled along the old railway track to the outskirts of Selby and back.

We also had the annual ‗Golf championship‘ – well pitch and putt really, which is never taken too seriously and is a pleasant Sunday afternoon‘s entertainment! Some Scouts have yet to understand that the aim is to get round in as few shots as possible . . .

In September, we got a lot of free tickets to the Circus and had a great time! The roar of the grease paint, the smell of the crowd . . .

www.kirkstall.org.uk

SCOUTING Also in September, we went Narrow Boating, and had another great time! All the Scouts worked the Locks and had the opportunity to steer the boat on the Calder Hebble Navigation – and the trip was enlivened with Callum falling in!

We are now into the Autumn programme – for the Scouts, weekends in Wensleydale and Calderdale are planned; there is the possibility of learning to scuba dive; the Beavers and Cubs may get a visit from a Meerkat and a large python (as well as other exotic animals!); and the Group Bonfire Night party will again be held at Wike. There will be parties (at Christmas) and possibly visits to the pantomime – and these are just a few of the activities planne, so lots to look forward to!

The Scout Group now has it‘s own website, full of information about the sections and their activities!

We currently have vacancies in all sections, particularly in the Beaver and Cub sections, and welcome all enquiries! Visit us a t h t t p : / / www.phoenix43.x10hosting.co m

by trained Leaders who have been CRB checked, and hold a current First Aid qualification.

The 5th North Leeds (St Stephen's) meets at the St Stephens Church Hall, Norman Street, Leeds 5. Beaver Scouts meet on Tuesdays at 5.30pm & Cubs meet on Fridays at 5.45pm, For details of the Scout Troop, please contact Laurie on (0113)2259234 Mob: 07798 7 3 0 9 1 7 : e - m a i l lawrence.wilson3@ntlworld.co m The 43rd North Leeds (Phoenix St Mary's) meets at the St Mary's Church Hall, Hawkswood Crescent, Leeds 5.

Beaver Scouts and Cubs meet on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm, Scouts meet on Friday at 7.00pm.

Details from Richard on (0113) 2 6 7 3 3 2 5 : e m a i l richardfrank@phoenix43.fsnet.c o.uk ■ Richard Frank

Richard has recently received the Silver Acorn—have a look at page 12 for more details!

The Scout Movement is for young people from the age 6 upwards - and for boys and girls. There are 2 Scout Groups in the Kirkstall area, one based at St Stephens' Church in Kirkstall, the other is based at St Mary's Church, Hawksworth Wood. Each Group runs Beavers Scouts (for the 6 - 8 year olds); Cub Scouts (for the 8 - 10½ year olds) and Scouts (for 10½ - 14+ year olds). The Scout District provides an Explorer Scout Unit for young people over 14½ . Each section is led

www.kirkstall.org.uk

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

23

WORSHIP

Singing in the Rain

Historic Event on Festival Sunday 11th July

S

oon after 11am on Sunday, when Kirkstall Festival Team members were still clearing up after the festival, hundreds of people were arriving at the abbey. The sun was shining but heavy showers were forecast. Families came with rolled-up umbrellas, waterproofs and picnic bags. Traffic on Abbey Walk was at a standstill.

Over a thousand of us were gathered together in the roofless Abbey Church for an historic occasion. It was the first time, since the dissolution of the monasteries (1539) that a Catholic Mass was to be celebrated within these abbey walls. There were seats for 750 but the rest of us were standing in an air of excited anticipation.

Fr Pat had said that I could come along and take photos for Kirkstall Matters. I climbed up on the base of a pillar to get a good view above the crowd.

Photos: Val Crompton with ‗As the rain and the snow came down from the heavens‘. We looked up at the darkening sky but the rain held off until Fr Pat had read ‗The Parable of the Sower‘.

The rain began to fall and an array of colourful umbrellas shot up and people put on raincoats. A very large, black & white checked umbrella protected Bishop Arthur. He spoke to us about the skills of the Cistercian monks in leather goods, pottery and metalwork – starting Kirkstall Forge. We were gathered here, like the monks before us, as those who profess the ancient faith.

In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus invites us to take stock of where the seed of His

word ‗has landed in our hearts and in our lives.‘ We sang ‗Be Still for the Presence of the Lord‘. The rain ceased, umbrellas were put away and the mass celebrated.

Bishop Arthur blessed us all and we sang ‗I, the Lord of sea and sky‘ as clergy, uniformed groups and others recessed down the nave.

It was now picnic time and the sun shone!

Bishop Arthur, in pink, shook hands with us and moved around talking with family groups who were relaxing with babies and dogs on the grass in front of the abbey. It was a special day to remember.

■ Val Crompton

Three parishes in Leeds had joined together to become the new Parish of Our Lady of Kirkstall. Today they were celebrating a year‘s work of forming their new parish with Fr Pat as the Parish Priest.

Youth groups from the churches paraded with flags and banners. Then at noon, as we sang ‗Praise to the Holiest in the height‘, Bishop Arthur with the Clergy, all in green, plus Readers and Altar Servers etc processed up the nave.

Bishop Arthur Roche welcomed us and reminded us of the history of Kirkstall and how the monks had helped the poor, sick and the hungry. The first reading started

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

www.kirkstall.org.uk

WORSHIP

Abbey Churches Together Events Remembrance 2.30pm Sunday 13th November

T

he Abbey Churches Together will be holding the Annual Short Service of

Remembrance at Kirkstall Cenotaph.

Wreaths will be laid as we remember all those from Kirkstall who died for our country. All are welcome to join us for this Act of Remembrance.

West Park United Reformed Church

Christmas Fair 12th Nov 11am-2pm Toy Service 20th Nov 10.30am Lessons & Carols 11th Dec 10.30am Christingle Service 18th Dec 6pm Christmas Day Service 10.30am

Contact: 225 9637

7.30pm Wednesday 14th December

Annual Christmas Concert will be held in Kirkstall St Stephen‘s Church YEP Brass Ensemble 'Carols for All'

OUR LADY OF KIRKSTALL PARISH PATRONAL FEAST DAY

Saturday 8th October at 6.30pm A Celebration of our community as a Parish of Sanctuary , in Holy Name Church and Hall, with music by pupils from Holy Name, St Mary‘s and Sacred Heart Primary Schools, a presentation by Ice and Fire Drama Group, and buffet supper.

HOLY NAME CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Saturday 12th November in Holy Name School. 1.30am-3pm Tel 228 8128 if you can help.

19th 11am-3pm Saturday 19th November

Kirkstall St Stephen‘s

November Fayre will be held in the Church Hall, Norman Street.

www.kirkstall.org.uk

This is always an enjoyable evening, ticket £6 includes refreshments. Tel. 267 7775 to reserve tickets, or pay at the door.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES Christmas Eve 4pm Holy Name Crib Service 7pm Virgil Mass of Christmas 10.30pm Carols followed by Mass 5pm St Mary’s Family Mass of Christmas 12pm St Mary‘s Midnight Mass 7pm Assumption Virgil Mass of Christmas

Christmas Day 9.30am St Mary’s Dawn Mass of Christmas 10 am Holy Name Dawn Mass of Christmas

■ Val Crompton

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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WORSHIP

Kirkstall Festival Service And Did Those Feet...

O

ver 15,000 people, from all over Leeds and beyond, attended Kirkstall Festival. All day there were multiple activities and events at different locations on the Abbey site. We enjoyed sunshine and there was only one short shower in the morning.

It was 4.30pm before the Open -Air Ecumenical Service got started in the roofless Abbey Church. It was a bonus this year to have the ‗String of Beads‘ Choir leading the singing and they, plus the excellent Leeds Central Salvation Army Band (who played a rousing rendition of

‗Jerusalem‘) have already been booked again for next year‘s Festival (14 July 2012). Canon Rosemarie Hayes, of Kirkstall St Stephen‘s, and Fr Pat Smythe, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Kirkstall, led the short service.

John Battle & Rachel Reeves MP did the readings.

Fr Pat told us a story about monks. He was standing on the spot where, for centuries, Kirkstall monks had knelt in prayer. In front of Fr Pat, a wide, white tablecloth covered the table (altar). A small but heavy central wooden cross weighted the cloth down. As Fr Pat spoke, a rushing breeze lifted high the corners of the cloth. Fr Pat‘s face appeared between four white ghost-like shapes, rising and falling.

We recalled hooded habits of long-gone Cistercian monks, as Fr Pat described how a once thriving monastery had fallen on hard times. There were only a few elderly miserable monks left and no young people were interested in joining them. (At this point, the front half of the white cloth was lifted by the wind to briefly form a blank screen.) But Fr Pat‘s voice c o nt i n u e d t he s to r y , recounting how a holy man told the Abbot that the Messiah had returned to earth and one of the monks was the Messiah in disguise! When the monks heard this, they treated everyone with respect and were filled with joy. Soon, many other younger people joined the happy monastery.

Fr Pat Smythe & Canon Rosemarie Hayes

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

Fr Pat then reminded us to hold each other in respect, those who share our beliefs and those who do not. The Leeds City of Sanctuary Movement seeks to make our city a hospitable place for all.

Everyone has something

precious to offer for the benefit of all. In former days, Kirkstall Abbey was such a place of hospitality, and support to the community.

Rachel Reeves MP gave a vote of thanks to John Liversedge, and to the KVCA committee for 31 years of organising Kirkstall Festivals and she hoped it would continue for another 31 years and that she would be there! (Some of us had grave doubts that we would still be here!!) Make a note to join us next year at Kirkstall Festival on 14th July, Bastille Day. ■ Val Crompton

John Liversedge & Rachel Reeves

Revd Charity Hamilton MA of Leeds Headingley & West Methodist Circuit will be giving the address at the 2012 Kirkstall Festival Service.

www.kirkstall.org.uk

WORSHIP Photos: Val Crompton

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Kirkstall Ward Councillor Surgeries

Help & advice from your local Councillors is available on the first Saturday of the month at Kirkstall Leisure Centre from 10.30am (except August) and every Thursday at Hawksworth Wood Community Association at 6 Broadway from 12:30pm.

Rachel holds regular surgeries throughout the constituency.

For details, and to book an appointment, please call 0113 263 0411 or email rreevesmp@gmail.com www.rachelreeves.net

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Cllr John Illingworth tel. 0113 267 3735 John.illingworth@leeds.gov.uk Cllr Lucinda Yeadon tel. 0113 217 7330 Lucinda.yeadon@leeds.gov.uk Cllr Bernard Atha tel. 0113 267 2485 Bernard.atha@leeds.gov.uk

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

27

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

www.kirkstall.org.uk

LOCAL HISTORY

Kirkstall Gala and The Abbey Light Railway

B

ack in early 1980, I was invited by a school friend, Craig Lowe, to come and help out on the Abbey Light Railway, which was owned by his Father Peter.

The railway was ran by the Lowe family, assisted by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Every Sunday for many months, I would leave home in the morning with overalls and a sandwich to join the group and carry out tasks such as locomotive restoration, track maintenance and much more to the point and more fun, driving the locomotives!!

Sometime during the year, it was announced to us that a gala was to be held in the grounds of the Abbey, I believe, the very first one and Peter had been asked if he could contribute in someway.

So, one fine summers evening, the day before the gala, we all assembled at the railway, loaded up the Land Rover and trailer with rail, sleepers and tools, drove the short distance to the Abbey grounds and began to lay, spike and bolt a few lengths of track together, ready for the next day.

Early the following morning, the eager group congregated once again, this time to load up Peters trailer with the small Lister Diesel Loco. This was hauled round to the awaiting track, offloaded and a return journey was made for the passenger car.

Needless to say, everybody had a fun time, the weather was fine and we all had a go driving the loco along the track, albeit rather steadily!!

Being only 14 at the time, I don`t think I was allowed to carry passengers, but I did give my Mum and Grandma a trundle up and down during a quiet spell!! The accompanying photographs, taken by my Mum are a reminder of what a lovely day we had.

After the gala, everything was dismantled and transported back to the loco shed with the same military precision. The ALR is still in the ownership of Peter and his family and I occasionally still visit, enjoying a pleasant chat with him and the lads. â– Nigel Facer.

Me driving, visible behind the loco are, left to right, Gavin Lowe, my Gran, Craig lowe and Craig Turner sat down

www.kirkstall.org.uk

In the background, My Grandma, Gavin Lowe on the left. Some of the lads who volunteer on the railway sat down, Peter Lowe stood up

Selecting a gear

Grandma and me

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

29

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LOCAL HISTORY

Friends Of Lawnswood Cemetery A new group set up to preserve, and promote the cemetery

W

here in Leeds can you find Lord Mayors rubbing shoulders with publicans, captains of industry and an American Civil War veteran?

The answer is Lawnswood Cemetery.

Lawnswood was opened in 1875 and has some of the most beautiful memorials in Leeds and beyond, including several which have been Grade 2 listed by English Heritage. It is a haven for wildlife and a lovely place to have a stroll at any time of year.

There are a number of people with Kirkstall connections commemorated at Lawnswood, including William Kitson, former owner of ―Crooked Acres‖ on Spen Lane and other members of his illustrious family of iron and railway manufacturers.

Lawnswood is also the last resting place of Henry Crowther, the long time curator of the Leeds City Museum who, with the help of his daughter, set up our own Abbey House Museum.

This is a memorial to the Partridge family, who ran the Beckett‘s Arms Inn which could be found at 86 Kirkstall Road at the turn of the century and is just one example of the hundreds of memorials in the Victorian section of the

www.kirkstall.org.uk

cemetery. Of course the cemetery is not just about Victorian graves and is the last resting place of thousands of Leeds folk.

BUT Lawnswood is not all it should be, and a group of us have organized the Friends of Lawnswood Cemetery to work towards preserving, enhancing and promoting this unique place. We have a number of upcoming events, including our first public meeting on Wednesday 5th October at 5.30pm at the chapel inside the cemetery where we would love to see as many people as possible. If you miss that, we have an action day arranged for Saturday 29th October at 10.00am where the Leeds Countryside Rangers are giving us a hand to tidy up.

Our first guided walk is taking place over Remembrance Weekend, 12-13 November, where we will be telling some of the tales behind the many First World War graves at Lawnswood.

Look out for us on Facebook and in the local press, or get in touch with us direct for more i n f o r m a t i o n – ahetherington123@btinternet. com ■ Andrea Hetherington & Kate Vernon

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LOCAL HISTORY

Why Kirkstall? A Matter of Grave Concern.

R

ichard Oastler was a Leeds‘ man, born on the 20th December 1789, in what was then St Peter‘s Square which was later demolished to make way for the Quarry Hill flats and in turn today is the scene of the West Yorkshire Playhouse. He died on 26 August 1861 and lies buried in the churchyard of St Stephen‘s Parish Church, Kirkstall together with his wife, Mary, and their two children, Sarah and Robert. Sadly, today, the grave, in a low vault under the floor of the altar and accessed from the churchyard is neglected..

The web site of St Stephen‘s Parish Church, Kirkstall states: ‗It is not clear why he [Richard Oastler] declared a wish to be buried in St Stephen's Church, although local legend has it that he passed by the church and seeing it was so beautiful wished to be buried there. Possibly its proximity to the mills, whose workers he had so passionately defended, might also have attracted him.

He, along with members of his family, was buried in what is now the Oastler Vault‘ One version suggests that he saw and took a fancy to the church when passing in the Leeds-Headingley-Harrogate train.

I want to say a few words about this legend and the real connection of Richard and Mary with Kirkstall.

His name is probably unknown to many, perhaps most, of those reading this note – a great shame. So let me first give a few quotes; first one from the obituary in the Leeds Mercury on Saturday, August 24 1861: ‗This gentleman whose name was once a ―household word‖ in every working man‘s abode, throughout Yorkshire and Lancashire and whose memory will long be affectionately cherished there, died on Thursday, at Harrogate, aged 72…. was in the autumn of 1830 on a visit to the late John Wood, Esq. an extensive manufacturer at Bradford, when in the course of conversation with that gentleman, who had discovered somewhat of the benevolent, energetic and impassioned nature of his guest, expressed surprise that he had never

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

turned his attention to the Factory System, adding that little children were by it subjected to excessive work and exposed to much cruelty in other ways.

Mr Oastler inquired particulars and next morning found that Mr Wood‘s mind as well as his own had been so much impressed with the subject that neither of them could sleep. The consequence was an engagement on his part to obtain if possible remedies for the evils which had so deeply excited the feelings of both. From that day this became the great object of Mr Oastler‘s life, and in pursuit of it he spent seventeen years of almost incessant labour.‘

In his own famous letter which followed the talk with Wood, on September 29, 1830 in the Leeds Mercury and which launched the campaign to reduce the hours worked by children in the mills and factories exploited by the leaders of the Industrial Revolution to no more than ten hours a day – think about it!! - Oastler wrote: ‗…Let truth speak out, appalling as the statement may appear. the fact is true.

Thousands of our fellow-creatures and fellow-subjects, both male and female, the miserable inhabitants of a Yorkshire town (now represented in Parliament by the giant of anti-slavery principles)[referring to Henry Brougham MP for Yorkshire in 1830 and a champion of the anti-slavery movement] are this very moment existing in a state of slavery, more horrid than are the victims of that hellish system ‗colonial slavery‘…‘. The very streets which receive the droppings of an ‗Anti-Slavery Society‘ are every morning wet by the tears of innocent victims at the accursed shrine of

avarice [greed], who are compelled (not by the cart-whip of the negro slave-driver) but by the dread of the equally appalling thong or strap of the over-looker, to hasten, halfdressed, but not half-fed, to those magazines of British infantile slavery – the worsted mills in the town and neighbourhood of Bradford!!!…‘ And for just one more, certainly not exaggerated, glance at the life which these factory and mill children were forced to lead: ‗Cruel punishment was their lot if their merciless tasks were not fulfilled— punishment that not unfrequently ended in death. The lash was almost constantly in requisition, and many kinds of tortures were used to compel the sinking frames of the apprentices to pursue their unceasing toil. At length, wearied out and worked to death, their forms stunted and misshapen by accidents and overwork, often scarred and bruised by the whip of the overseer, these poor wretches found a merciful relief in death. Many a silent plantation and lonely moorland is a silent repository of dark secrets over which an outcast's grave has for ever closed.‘ (H de B Gibbins).

In short and in the words of one of the web sites about him (Cotton Times – Understanding the Industrial Revolution): ‗RICHARD Oastler was undisputed leader of the Ten-Hour Movement aimed at improving the conditions of millworkers, and he was a staunch campaigner against the cruelties of the factory system.‘ Whatever the reason we should be proud that Oastler is buried in Kirkstall. His memory and his grave should be respected. Of course, what is important is what he did while he was alive; not where he went when dead. But it is worth looking at the legend mentioned above and the connection with Kirkstall which led to his burial in its Parish Church on 30 August 1861, before a great crowd, when ‗On arriving at the West entrance to the church-yard the coffin was removed from the hearse and covered with a pall, and carried into the church by twelve representatives of the Operatives [mill workers] of Yorkshire and Lancashire…..‘

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LOCAL HISTORY Richard himself was, of course, buried in St Stephen‘s because his wife, Mary, had been buried there when she died on the 12th June 1845. His two children were buried, or rather re-buried, with her. The story is sad. The daughter, Sarah, was buried on 5th February 1819, probably just a month old. The son, Robert, was buried on 23 December 1819, but a day old. They had no more natural children. But they did adopt a child, Anna Maria Tatham – one of Mary‘s nieces, probably a daughter of her sister Ann who died in childbirth on June 12, 1819. If you go into the church, on the left hand side there is a stained-glass window, inscribed as follows: ‗This window is placed here out of deep affection and sincere gratitude to the beloved memory of Richard and Mary Oastler by their adopted daughter A M Tatham. Not unto us O Lord but unto Thy name be the glory.‘

Oastler who died August 22nd, 1861, aged 71 years.

He rests from his labours and his works do follow him.‘ Today, the vault and grave and vault are in a sad, state of neglect and disrepair.

It was certainly not because either she or Richard were passing in the Harrogate train one day, saw the church from the window and took a liking to it as a place in which to be buried This is not only fanciful but necessarily incorrect: the section of line between Leeds and Horsforth (going on to Harrogate and Thirsk) was not approved by Act of Parliament until 21 July 1845; by July 1847 no rails had been laid on that stretch; and it was not opened until 9 July 1849.

Between 1844 and 1845 until Mary died, they were living in Headingley. At the time of Mary‘s death they were at either the Priory in Headingley (now student accommodation) as stated on the gravestone or at Westfield Grove (at the junction of North Lane and St Michael‘s Road) as stated in the death notice in Leeds Mercury. From what I have now been told it seems clear that they were living at Westfield Grove when Mary died.

Possibly, Richard had moved to or was staying at the Priory by the time the gravestone was prepared. At that time, Headingley-cum-Burley formed one township of which Kirkstall was part. Until it got its own, newly-built church and became a separate parish in 1829 all three were part of the ecclesiastical parish of Leeds. The station was originally and for a long time called the Headingley and Kirkstall Station. And, of course, both Richard and Mary were devout, active Christians. They were probably very familiar with the new church in Kirkstall even as it was being built.

And any notion that the Oastlers chanced as strangers to see the church when passing that way one day (whether on foot or otherwise) and were attracted to it as a place in which to be buried, fails to appreciate and unjustly ignores their real connection with Kirkstall. Richard was no stranger to Leeds or to Kirkstall. He was born in Leeds and lived and worked there as a merchant until he went to Fixby Hall, near Huddersfield, between 1821 and

The natural connection between Headingley and Kirkstall was underlined when Kirkstall‘s St Stephen‘s Church was extended in 1863-864. £500, a quarter of the expected total cost, was contributed

by Sir William Beckett, one time MP for Leeds. He lived at Kirkstall Grange (now part of the Beckett Park campus) part of Headingley and within what was then shortly to become the church parish of Far Headingley.

She, a spinster all her life, remained with Richard looking after him until his death when she moved to London.

The two children, Sarah and Robert, were at first buried in the graveyard of the Wesleyan Methodist Old Chapel on Quarry Hill, Richard, like his father, having been a Methodist. But by the time Mary died he (and presumably she, though she came from a very devout Nottingham, Methodist family) had converted to the Church of England. And he was devout. As told in the obituary, he wrote of himself to a correspondent that ‗He has many books, but the Holy Bible may now be said to constitute his library.‘ When Mary died the children were reinterred in her grave. The gravestone (difficult to read in places because of flaking and decay) states: ‗In this grave is buried the body of Mary, the beloved wife of Richard Oastler of the Priory Headingley who fell asleep in Jesus, on the 12th day of June in the year of Our Lord 1845, aged 52 years.

The remains of their two infants, Sarah and Robert, who departed this life at Outwood House, Horsforth in the year of Our Lord 1819 and were buried in Leeds are laid with the body of their mother in this grave.

Here also rest the remains of Richard

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1838 to manage the estate there of the large landowner, Thomas Thornhill. But both before, during and after his time at Fixby he had extensive dealings, buying and selling land both in Leeds (particularly in the St Peter‘s Hill - off Park Lane - and Burmantofts. areas) and throughout West Yorkshire. On 6 August 1825 he bought a property of about an acre off the Old Turnpike Road from Kirkstall to Leeds (now Kirkstall Hill and Burley Road) from George Waddington of Kirkstall, adjacent to land owned by Sir James Graham, one of Kirkstall‘s two big landowning families (whose son contributed £500 towards the cost of building the Kirkstall church) And in June 1836 he sold on the same piece of land.

So why was Mary buried in the churchyard of St Stephen‘s at Kirkstall? There really is no serious mystery.

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

33

LOCAL HISTORY Quite possibly Kirkstall seemed very attractive and pleasantly rural. At that time the church was surrounded by open fields; with virtually no buildings apart from the school. The Kirkstall settlement was near the river bridge. As recorded by Driver in his biography of Oastler (Tory Radical: The Life of Richard Oastler, p 27) Richard had an unaffected love for the countryside.

choice of Kirkstall for the family grave.

Headingly or Kirkstall would have made equal sense; and been equally unsurprising. It could fairly be said that Richard and Mary Oastler belonged

equally to Headingley and to Kirkstall (indeed to the whole of Leeds) and should be remembered and memorialised as such.

■ Mike Harwood

It is also possible that the then vicar of Kirkstall was more favourably disposed towards Oastler, his politics and his militancy – Richard made many enemies opposed to his ideas and factory reform as well as friends – than the vicar of St Michael‘s at Headingley; Headingley where ‗by 1861 a large portion of the mercantile community of Leeds‘ had taken up residence, may not have seemed particularly friendly to Richard, with his political and social views, as the final resting place for his much loved wife.

But to sum up, there is no mystery in the

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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Dear Editor This page is the opportunity for you to voice your concerns, fears, comments, thoughts and deepest darkest secrets. Drop us a line in writing to 19 Norman Street, Leeds, LS5 3JN or email us at kirkstallmatters@ntlworld.com

Either Way, It’s Half Way In the Summer issue of Kirkstall Matters I was interested to read Mike Harwood’s article about the memorial milestone erected in 1829 recording fifty years since the Beecroft and Butler families leased “The Forge” from the Earl of Cardigan’s estate in 1779.

The article correctly states that the Kirkstall Forge business was taken over by GKN some 195 years later and it was closed and finally bulldozed in 2008 for future development.

The inference is that GKN closed the site but this was not the case. The business was sold by GKN to Dana Spicer of America. It was the Americans who decided to split up the business, dispersing the various functions of the organisation to their other sites in Europe and disposing of the site in Kirkstall.

As the eldest member of the sixth generation of my family, who controlled the business from 1779 to the takeover by GKN, I wish to put the record straight.

I also wish to say that I still deeply regret the demise of such an old and important part of Kirkstall’s livelihood and history, which has passed away together with many other similarly well-known old established firms in the Kirkstall and Leeds area. Finally I do congratulate all concerned with the production of Kirkstall Matters, which I always enjoy reading.

With very best wishes to you all, Edmund M Butler

Yorkshire Evening Post. I think the houses between Norman Street and De Lacy Mount were built in rows over a period and the houses opposite No. 13 (and the left hand side of Norman Row) were there before the left hand side of Norman View.

I trust the above is helpful, and I will be pleased to provide and further information as far as my memory will allow.

Yours sincerely, J. A Hodgkinson

Norman View With reference to the letter from Helen Warburton in the Spring issue of Kirkstall Matters, I moved in to No. 13 Norman View with my parents in July 1934, and I enclose a photocopy of the completion statement for the purchase of the property with a copy of the advert from the

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Norman View Dear Editor, In relation to Helen Warburton's query (issue 106) re the age of the houses in Norman View, I have finally dug out some papers which belonged to my husband's great aunt, Norah Lunn who lived at 28 Norman View.

Norah's parents bought the house in 1933 from the builders, G W Charles and Son, of Tinshill Lane, Horsforth. We have a completion statement for the purchase which shows they bought the house for the princely sum of £375, with a mortgage of £300 from the Huddersfield Building Society.

Norah continued to live in Norman View after her parents died, until 1997 when she moved into residential care, and died in 2008 at the age of 104.

Norah was a very private person so I'm not sure how she would feel about me writing to a magazine about her, but I hope she wouldn't mind too much.

Kind regards, Joanne Wigglesworth

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

39

Kirkstall Brewery

particular voyages.

Colonel North

Great read again in summer mag.

Anybody there have more info in Dawson, brewer at Kirkstall and used 2 ships SS Kirkstall & SS Charante for transport to Australia & New Zealand.

I have searched for books and photos on and of for 2 years to no luck looking forward to this years festivalmany thanks

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/ Where_can_you_find_information_or_picture s_of_the_SS_Kirkstall_and_SS_Charante_own ed_by_Mr_Dawson_and_Kirkstall_Brewery_a nd_used_to_deliver_to_Australia#ixzz1YJPR Oz00

John Thomas North donated Kirkstall Abbey to the then borough of Leeds, and was the first Freeman of Leeds. My biography "The Nitrate King" has just been published in the University of London series 'Studies of the Americas'. There is a great deal in my book on North's purchase of Kirkstall Abbey. I believe the book will interest residents of Kirkstall.

Please contact me for further information.

Mike Halloways

KM: Actually Mike I do have some info for you about these. after a quick bit of Googling!

Charante built in 1865 - the owner was B Dawson of London (Lloyds register 1870/71) . Kirkstall built in 1870 - the owner London and Yorkshire Steam Ship company. (Lloyds register 1874/75), (Lloyds register 1880/81 the owner was E Harris & Co).

There is no indication in Lloyd's registers of shipping that either Benjamin Dawson or Kirkstall Brewery owned the vessels. They may have chartered the vessels for

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

On the 26/10/1895 the CALEDONIA (then as the KIRKSTALL) ran aground on the South Gare and was thought to have become a total loss. However, the vessel must have been re-floated and repaired as she had a life this event.

William Edmundson.

In 1895 the KIRKSTALL was sold to W. H. Muller of Rotterdam and renamed CALEDONIA. On 16/06/1897 the CALEDONIA was on passage Tyne to Rotterdam with a general cargo and coal, Following an explosion the vessel taken in tow but sank 20 miles off Spurn Head. One life lost.

See http://www.wrecksite.eu/wreck.aspx?

155981 for more info. It appears the SS Kirkstall had several name changes in its lifetime!

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SCHOOLS

Outstanding Geography At Beecroft Year 6 Explore The Locality

B

eecroft Primary School had an HMI Ofsted Subject Inspection in Geography and achieved Grade 1 Outstanding in every area: Quality of Teaching and Learning (Grade 1 Outstanding)

Fieldwork in Kirkstall

Quality of the Curriculum where the

Achievement – Standards are High

Inspector particularly commented on fieldwork, outside visits and residentials (Grade 1 Outstanding) Quality of Leadership and Management (Grade 1 Outstanding)

(Grade 1 Outstanding) Overall effectiveness (Grade 1 Outstanding) Beecroft‘s success will be written up in a Geography report.

Asking questions about the local area

Mapping the local area

Felt Making at Beecroft Primary School

P

upils from years 4, 5 and 6 worked together to produce 5 large scale collaborative felt hangings for the school hall. Inspirations came from the landscape and other artists‘ work.

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Felt making is an ancient craft using sheep‘s wool.

Heat and friction are applied to the wool which combines the fibres.

Felt making is still practised by nomadic peoples in Central Asia and northern parts of East Asia, where rugs, tents and clothing are regularly made.

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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SCHOOLS

Kirkstall St Stephens Year 4 Iron Man Poetry

Y

ear 4 have enjoyed reading the Iron Man story by Ted Hughes.

They have looked at the different techniques used by the author eg. Use of simile, powerful verbs onomatopoeic words etc and tried to incorporate some of these ideas into their own work.

They have imagined what life would be like on the Iron Man‘s planet and written a poem to describe their thoughts; they have created their own Iron Man time line and written their own suspense story in the style of Ted Hughes.

■ Carol Doyle

The Iron Man's Home

On Some Other Planet

On some other planet near some distant star there's a crushing, loving Iron Man with a house shaped like a car.

On some other planet lots of space ships zoom, above the Iron man's head, if they go too fast they land with a boom!!!

On some other planet near the moon, the Iron Man eats junk cars Without a spoon!

On some other planet, the Iron Men are rusty, and the bedrooms no offence they are really, really dusty!

On some other planet Near the sun, The Iron man laughs While having fun.

On some other planet, the Iron man has love, in the supermarket doves fly above.

On some other planet Near the milky-way, The Iron man walks on metal beams Until they give way!

On some other planet, they have rivers of oil and when they prepare their food, they wrap it in lots and lots of silver foil

On some other planet Near one of Neptune's moons, The Iron Man listens To some groovy tunes.

On some other planet, the Iron man's brain is growing and while they do their work, the oil rivers are flowing.

By Laura Whitaker year 4

By Erica Bastian, Rebekka Scott, Sarah Legge, Alex Koerber

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

The Iron Man's Planet

On The Iron Man’s Planet

On the Iron Man's planet there's lots of iron trash, and when the iron children fall they make a loud crash!

On the Iron Man‘s planet Where lots of space ships land, Ships get destroyed By the Iron man's handy hand.

On the Iron Man's planet they eat rusty can's, but if they‘re lucky they can eat two vans.

On the Iron Man‘s planet Where nobody goes, Iron men literally have no toes!

On the Iron Man's planet there's a river made of oil, but you could only drink out of it if you were royal.

On the Iron Man's planet, There‘s loads of robots, There are so many kinds, Even ones called Toebots!

By Charlie Hatton

On the Iron Man's planet it is very great, if you ever see the Iron Man be sure to give him an iron plate!

By Ellie Henson (Year 4)

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SCHOOLS

John Bercow M.P. Visit To Hawksworth Wood

I

n preparation for the visit by our famous visitor, Y6 spent a week doing a project on the House of Commons in Westminster. It was perfect as a research exercise for us to quiz the speaker of the House. We found out how everybody is part of a constituency, and every constituency has an M.P. – our M.P. is Rachel Reeves.

There are 650 M.P.s – the party in ‗runs‘ the government is the party that holds the most seats.The speaker is someone that is like our Head teacher.

He is in charge of the House of Commons and has to make sure that everything goes smoothly. Did you know, here has been a speaker in the House of Commons for 635 years? It has not always been a popular job to get, with 9 previous Speakers being murdered, kidnapped or tortured! Mr John Bercow M.P. has been the Speaker since June 2009.

A

t the end of term, we spent a week preparing for the visit of John Bercow MP (speaker of the House of Commons.) It was a real honour for the school to have such a high profile visitor coming to our school. He spent the afternoon having a question and answer session.

He was asked a few challenging questions about the phone hacking scandal. He found it very funny when someone asked him why people agree or disagree with their faces. Puzzled, he asked what they meant – to which Martha replied – ―because you vote with your eyes or nose.‖ (In Parliament, the ‗ayes‘ (eyes) means ‗yes‘, the ‗no‘s (nose) means ‗no‘.) He found it hilarious! A couple of weeks after his visit, his wife, Sally Bercow, went in the Big Brother House – he kept that to himself! It was a wonderful experience, to have met the legendary, John Bercow.

By Casey.

O

n the final afternoon of last term a very famous man visited our school called John Bercow (The Speaker of The House Of Commons!). He came to answer some questions prepared by Year 5 and Year 6.

We had researched about himself, watched him in action on the TV, and found lots of things we wanted answering about the Houses of Parliament.

He did not disappoint us with his answers!

He was very knowledgeable about all aspects.

The questions we asked covered questions about what the

government could do to help the famine in East Africa, we asked about the phone hacking scandal – which he answered honestly. He was asked who his biggest rival was in Parliament and who his best friend was. He answered several questions about the Government spending cut backs and how it would affect children like us. The afternoon flew by – what a great end to a great school year. John Bercow praised us for the grilling we had given him. He signed our parliament books so we would never forget. By Harrison E

Martha Wins School Award

C

ouncillor Bernard Atha who has done so much for Hawksworth Wood Primary School and for the local community and for the City of Leeds itself, is here presenting the award to Martha for, ‗Outstanding Contribution To School Life.‘ This was in recognition of Martha‘s work for the Diversity Forum, her work with Northern Ballet and the Leeds Diving squad and for

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being an ‗always ‗ in school.

Other award winners saw Mrs Margaret Rawnsley present Cameron with the Academic Achievement Award and Mr and Mrs McHale present Caitlin with the Citizenship Award.

After the outstanding year for Year 6, the Leavers Assembly was a wonderful end to a wonderful year.

KIRKSTALL MATTERS

43

SCHOOLS

Myst III Here is a sample of writing from the new Hawksworth Wood Year 6 class who used the computer fantasy game ‗ Myst 3‘ to inspire their writing. The children investigated new lands and new worlds using 4D writing. This is when the children use all their senses to bring a scene to life, using lots of adjectives, adverbs, similes and metaphors……..

Myst 3 I was stood nervously all alone, on the balcony – looking out onto the barren, rocky landscape.

The atmosphere was dead. As I turned cautiously, I saw a river of rich green vegetation. As I looked up, I saw the most beautiful, multi coloured window letting a stream of light in. Have you ever seen anything like this?

Breath taking isn‘t it?

Suddenly – I noticed the door!

Should I walk to the door? I walked apprehensively towards it. Unexpectedly – from nowhere, an attractive, young lady welcomed me with an adorable baby in her arms. I was more anxious. I nervously approached the door…

By Willow Turner

Myst 3 The temperature was so hot it was powering down, burning my skin. It was as hot as stepping into a red hot volcano! Where was this mysterious place? In the barren distance I could see the razor sharp mountains, and the dinosaur rock laying down quietly asleep with the deadliest spikes on its back. I was sure nothing green grew in this dry landscape. When had it last rained? What was that smell – ‗Yuk!‘ It was the putrid odour of rotting flesh! It overwhelmed my senses and left me reeling. A lone hawk circled early, forming shadows in the intense, blue sky. It swooped down and began to feed on its prey. Hhhhm!

By Jordan Lipzith

Myst 3 I was stood nervously! Around the rough barren balcony, I saw multi coloured glass - like, a deep flood coming towards me, like a shark .The bushes looked like flowers flowing up in the beautiful blue sky. Have you seen anything beautiful like this? Breath taking isn‘t it?

Suddenly, I noticed the door!

What would it hold for me? I walked nervously to the unusual door. Would you go through the door? Then I saw a gorgeous, beautiful, young woman with a tiny baby in her soft hands. She explained that her husband was changing the locks. This made me more anxious…

By Hannah Stanford

and swimming. Each week we learnt two new sports. We had to listen and work as part of a

team. It was great.

By Ruben

Inspiration Day

C

hildren from Year 5 from Hawksworth Wood and several different schools were invited to take part in a Police Project called ‗The Inspirations Project.‘ For 5 weeks every Wednesday we attended Leeds Metropolitan University ( wow what a place!) It was based around sports activities. This is us playing American Football!

The project gave us lots of confidence, support and guidance. We learned to be part of a team and how to overcome new challenges. We made lots of new friends.

Many thanks to Adrian and

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

Mat and the University.

Meeting Mick Hill (the javelin thrower) was a real pleasure.

From Cain Charles

C

hildren from Hawksworth Wood Primary School went to Leeds Metropolitan University for Inspiration Wednesdays.

We worked with other schools and the police, building confidence and skills and making friends. We met famous people such as Mick Hill, and did some brilliant activities such as climbing, volleyball, Frisbee, athletics

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SCHOOLS Mark In Time!

In partnership with Marks and Spencer and Leeds University, Year 5 had a wonderful week working on different projects looking at the history of fabric production in and around Leeds in the 19th Century……

Here the children have been trying some dyeing techniques.

We carried out an experiment to see how different materials reacted to dyes.

We got into pairs and I got with Willow, we got three different coloured dyes, red, blue and yellow. We started by putting the red in, then the blue and finally the yellow.

Willow and I filled in the sheets. A few minutes later we went over to the cup with the dye in it. Willow got hers out first and then me. When we got the strip of felt Willow said ―WOW!‖

Something amazing happened all the colours sorted themselves out. The wool turned orange, the acrylic stayed white, the polyester turned yellow, the nylon turned pink, the cotton turned blue on the acetate. We washed all the excess dye off the fabric.

By Laura Bellfield Marks In Time Tyler and I had a job as a ‗doffer‘ at Armley Mills. When we did our job we had to take the full bobbins off and put empty ones on. Unfortunately we forgot to put empty bobbins back on!

more. Then we w a t c h e d everybody else doing their jobs.

Apart from the ‗doffer‘ there was a ‗scavenger‘, a ‗piercer‘,‘ filler‘ and an ‗overseer‘.

I am going to work hard at school so when I am older I can be a doctor and not have to do a 21st Century version of this job.

Casey Robinson

(If we had really been working in a Victorian mill we wouldn‘t have got paid!) We only had ten seconds and by the end we didn‘t have time to do any

The Bookshop Kirkstall 10 Commercial Road Leeds LS5 3AQ UK Tel 0113 2780937 www.amazon.co.uk/shops/bookshopkirkstall www.abebooks.com/bookseller/kirkstall book.shop@btinternet.com

We buy and sell good secondhand and antiquarian books

Alison James Opticians 372 Kirkstall Road Leeds LS4 2HQ Tel: 0113 2752201 At Alison James Opticians, we take eyecare seriously. Just like you, we believe your eyes deserve the very best care and attention you can give them. We’ll help you keep them in tip-top condition with relaxed stress-free examinations, accurate prescribing, precise lens manufacture and of course, a wide range of frames.

Monday to Saturday 10.00a.m. - 4.00p.m. or by appointment

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SPORT

Kirkstall Harriers Review The ―summer‖ months bring a lot of races and events and as usual the Harriers have been out in force all over the county and the country.

T

he Bridlington Festival of running took place for the first time in July this year and the Harriers were there to take place in the various events.

These began with the Grand Yorkshire 10k on the Saturday afternoon, which was followed by several talks from local runners, including Olympic marathon runner Tracey Morris, and local hero Tom Williams, Hyde Park Harrier (our friendly local rivals! ) and responsible in part for the Marathon Talk podcast which is very popular in the running community. An evenings entertainment was also laid on, including a performance from The Southmartins, a Beautiful South/ Housemartins tribute band, and a cheesy disco. Sunday morning was a four mile Beat the Clock beach race, the idea being to start as late as possible but get back before the clock got to zero. All in all a good weekend was had by all.

Richard Hancock was out and about at various races again in June, July and August! As well as the aforementioned he also took part in the Darrington Feast and Fayre 5 mile race and the Sandal Beat 10k, a fast flat trail race taking in Sandal Beat woodland and Doncaster racecourse along the way.He then went on to take part in the Wolds Vets 5 mile series, Walkington 10k in July and the Laxton 10k a bit later in the month. In August he was off to Billingham for the Ray Harrison Memorial 10k and the Brampton Brewery Spire 10 miler in Chesterfield. Also on his

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travels again was Adam Moger, taking part in the 5 mile Hepworth Dryad Multiterrain race, over a hilly but very scenic course, and the Escrick 10k near York in August.

A new edition to the calendar is the Hyde Park Harriers Summer Mile in August. Mile races are not a very common occurrence and a good chance for runners to test themselves and see how they can do over an individual mile, though many runners have no idea how fast they can run over an individual mile! The race got a good reception from our runners and will hopefully be on the calendar again next year. Well done to Hyde Park Harriers who organised an excellent first race.

Also taking place at Hyde Park (also known as Woodhouse Moor of course) were the annual 5k races organised by Leeds City AC. These races are an annual event but this year were renamed in honour of John Lunn, a Leeds AC stalwart and great supporter of running and athletics in the city and county, who passed away earlier in the year. Having worked with John several times at cross country events I am pleased to say that the high standards he expected were shown and he would have been proud of the performances of runners from all clubs.

Helen Goldthorpe, never content with just a simple run of course, took part in the

Ripon Black Sheep Triathlon, including a 1500m open water swim, 42k cycle and 10k run. She finished in an excellent 2:57.

Well done to Helen.

Summer Relays Summer brings with it a host of relay races, usually comprising several short (and invariably fast) legs.

First up was the Danefield Relay at Otley Chevin where teams of three run the same three miles each around a hilly course, including a nasty hill right at the end which you have to run up regardless as everyone is watching. The first Kirkstall Team home were Phil Hewitt, Paul Millar and Johnny Moore, 11th home. The other two chaps teams were 31st and 34th out of 47 teams. The ladies also put in a very respectable performance. Collette Spencer, Catherine Elvin and Stella Cross (borrowed from Abbey Runners!) were 7th ladies team and just to prove us slower runners are just as welcome at these events myself, Eleanor Franks and Lisa Smailes (alright so the latter two are not

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SPORT actually very slow at all in my opinion!!) were 9th.

Next up was the Washburn Relay, once again in beautiful surroundings at Fewston and Swinsty reservoirs, again three legs of three ish miles or so. The chaps team of a newly returned Matt Marsh, Phil Hewitt and Paul Millar finished 7th in a very good field. Kirkstall 2, thanks to Peter Hey filling in at very short notice, finished 32nd and the ladies team 56th, made up of Catherine Elvin, Marion Muir (running after a bout of illness!) and myself, running with a couple of broken ribs after another ―comedy‖ fall involving a rock on some moorland somewhere near Keighley. All in all some great performances in a strong field on a very damp evening.

We also had five teams at the Golden Acre Park relay at the end of July; two men, one ladies, one male vets and one mixed.

Making their debut for the club were Mosa and Stephen Groves.

Pecolympics Presentation The ―Pecolympics‖ sports day and presentation took place in May, to mark the end of the cross country season and award those who have achieved success.

Several members were there to take part in the three legged race, sack race, egg catching and throwing event and tug of war. The ladies had some success in the egg catching and throwing event but feel they were hindered in the other events as they were not segregated into gender categories. Awards wise Sheila King received the trophy for 2nd place in her age category, Peter Branney was second overall and Paul Glover was second in his age category. Well done to all of them and to everyone who took part in the PECO cross country races, usually in the cold and mud!

Yorkshire Vets The second Vets race of the season, open to runners over 35 years of age, though any age can run as a guest, took place at West Vale, Halifax and was hosted by Stainland Lions. Described by our roving reporter Adam Moger as more akin to a fell race the course was a real ankle turner, and despite the lure of other races in the area we still had a decent turnout, with 10

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chaps and 2 ladies representing the club.

A record 240 competitors were on hand for the third vets race at Pudsey, with 16 from Kirkstall Harriers. Once again Adam was on hand, describing the course as the most challenging of the season so far, with plenty of mud, and Chairman Peter Hey losing a shoe at one stage and having to stop and dig it out. The fourth race took in part of the Meanwood Valley Trail and almost went wrong from the start as the leaders headed off in the wrong direction!

The fifth race took place at Honley, hosted

by Holmfirth Harriers on a day more suited to a BBQ than a run! Adam was once again present and described the course as very scenic and even having the added attraction of ―an impressive but docile bull‖ as well as ―a herd of alpacas‖ to run past. Race six was at Knavesmire in York, and as expected for the York area was the flattest course of the series so far!

And number 7 was at Bingley. Described as ―a mixture of good surfaces and appalling surfaces‖ this appears to have been quite accurate! Not to mention the hills!

At the time of writing the ladies are 6th and 5th in their two leagues from 22 clubs and the chaps 7th and 5th from 30 clubs.

Individually Collette Spencer, Bal Sandhu, Alyson Glover and Sheila King are riding high in their age categories for the ladies, and Adam, Andrew, Stuart, Gary, Kevin, the two Peters, and Patrick are all doing well in their categories for the chaps.

Not one to do things by halves our wonderful newsletter editor, committee member and Guiness World Record Holder Eleanor Franks (now Eleanor Gallon) married in style at the Chevin Country Lodge Hotel. And of course she had not one but four hen do's! Including a very entertaining trip to Alton Towers and running the Eccup ten Mile race on Sunday July 10th as her ―Running Hen Do‖! Several members were on hand to don tutus around the course in celebration of the forthcoming nuptials.

And also produced some great times to boot! Matt Marsh finished well in 16th place in 1:00:30 and Gemma Smith was second lady home in 1:05:05. The ladies team of Gemma, Amy Richards and Rachel Pilling also won the Ladies team prize!

There were also countless PB's and a few members completing their first ten mile race. Not content with that several of Eleanors friends gathered on Otley Chevin early on the morning of her wedding for her last run as a single lady!

Congratulations to Eleanor and new husband Russell.

The next few months We make our way into Autumn and winter with our very own club race the Kirkstall Abbey 7, as well as several longer distance relays and of course our Christmas events (sorry to mention the C word). Onwards and upwards!

■ Jill Stocks

Members Meander 21 members took part in the annual Members Meander in mid August, which takes in the route of our race. And ends in the LPSA club with a buffet. The first three members over the line were Sandra Fraser, Mark Skinner and Catherine Elvin.

Club Championship 2011 After 7 races the Club Championship has Chris Hunt in first place with 96 points, very closely followed by Chris Glover with 95 and Adam Moger in third with 86 points. All to play for!

The Blushing Bride

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47

SPORT

Aviators Fly High at European Cheerleading Championship

C

o m p e t i t i v e cheerleading club the ‗Aviator Allstars‘ brought back six trophies including three national titles to their West Leeds training facility following on from what has already been a very successful year for the group.

At the European ‗JAMfest‘ competition last weekend in Liverpool, the F-16 Falcons junior team and F-35 Lightning senior team scooped the top prizes in their categories.

The Spitfires Co-ed (boys allowed) team were also placed 1st , beating a team that were 5 years undefeated

champions. The Hurricanes senior team, Harrier Jump Jets youth team and Trinity and All Saints College Titans University team also performed well receiving 2nd, 6th and 8th places respectively.

The successful group has also been in action abroad with the flagship team the F-22 Raptors placing 15th at the World Cheerleading Championships in Florida in April and the F-35 Lightning senior team placing 8th out of 30 teams at the Elite Cheerleading championships in Germany earlier this month.

The Aviator program is now looking for the cheerleaders of

Kirkstall Leisure Centre offers Active Life sessions for the over 45s every Tuesday and Thursday.

To book and for further information contact Allyson Bertram Phone 0113 395 0196

the future and has spaces available for girls and boys from the age of 5 and up.

Complete beginners are always welcome as are those who have a gymnastic or dance background. The team is lucky enough to train on one of only three full-purpose sprung cheerleading floors and has a highly experienced team of coaching staff. The Aviators will be showcasing their award -winning routines at the Kirkstall festival on the 9th July where prospective new members can sign up and meet the team. Alternatively you can contact coaches Tim a n d R a c h e l a t

frontdesk@aviatorallstars.com or on 07800 889916 for information on how to join.

You can also look up Aviator Allstars Cheerleading Program on Facebook of follow them on Twitter @AV_Allstars.

■ Allie Snape

Kirkstall Leisure Centre Looking for somewhere to hold a meeting or event?

We now have a Meeting Room Available every day one off or long term bookings.

Seats up to 25 people. Children‘s Parties, local groups and businesses welcome.

Contact Reception for further details: Kirkstall Leisure Centre, Kirkstall Lane, Leeds LS5 3BE Tel 0113 214 4555/6

Kirkstall – your local leisure centre

Email allyson.bertram@leeds.gov.uk

Kirkstall Leisure Centre Kirkstall Lane, Leeds, LS5 3BE

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SPORT

Swimming Success for local youngsters

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ommunity Sport Officer North West Louise Walker secured funding from Inner North West Cluster to deliver a ‗Top Up Swimming‘ program for disadvantaged children living in the Inner North West Cluster. The lessons were based at Kirkstall Leisure Centre.

Through previous consultation with partners within the Outer North West I identified that once pupils had attended swimming lessons in their curriculum time, which in most schools was in year 5, that there was no other opportunity within the school curriculum to develop their swimming skills.

This meant that unless parents/carers took them for lessons outside of school, a large group of pupils were going onto high school unable to swim unaided.

Drowning is the 3rd most common cause of accidental death in 11-18 year olds. We targeted Years 5&6 and pupils had to hit the Activity Fund criteria but also those identified as not achieving their 25mtrs in curriculum time swimming lessons.

We worked with 44, children from all different ethnicities, backgrounds and abilities. We targeted 9 primary schools: Sacred Heart, Kirkstall Valley, Kirkstall St.Stephens, Beecroft, St.Chads, Hawksworth Wood, Burley St. Mathias, Shire Oak & Weetwood.

The lessons were delivered at Kirkstall Leisure centre. The first 10wk block started in

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October 2010 and the last block of 10 lessons ended August 2011.

The swimming teacher Mark Campbell has 13 years of experience and has been so committed to this program that he came in on his day off to deliver the lessons. Since the program has finished Mark was nominated and won an award for the Leeds City Council Colleague of the year.

We aimed to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds who couldn‘t swim the opportunity to gain skills to swim unaided as far as possible. The results show this was achieved and in some cases we exceeded target with 6, pupils achieving their 50mtrs. Every child who participated received a certificate and badge of achievement.

Having the tools to swim unaided will give the 44, children that attended this project the confidence and opportunity to try out so much more in the world of water and leisure. This will enable them to take part in projects other than swimming such as canoeing, kayaking , sailing even just attended our inflatable fun sessions at Kirkstall Leisure Centre, the water world is now their oyster !

■ Louise Walker

Carole Anne BA (Hons) Oasis Adv Dip Therapeutic Counselling Counsellor Low self-esteem

Relationship Issues

Anxiety/Stress

Loss/Bereavement

Family Matters

Meditation Group

Spiritual Counselling Please visit my website at: www.lovingcounsel.co.uk I offer a confidential service within a healing space.

BACP reg Contact Carole Anne 0113 258 1126 KIRKSTALL MATTERS

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GARDENS

In The Garden

By Vanessa Strachan and Graham Wheatley from Paxton Horticultural Society.

Try ―Lasagne‖ planting in bigger pots. Plant several different types of bulbs in layers which will flower at different times, over a few months. Plant the bigger bulbs on the bottom layer as in the picture.

Try tulips, then daffodils, then iris or crocus. You can get small or tall varieties of all of these if you look at the labels.

F

or back yards, small front gardens and pavement gardening, plant some bulbs this Autumn. Use all kinds of containers, making sure there are large drainage holes (about 1 and a half cm) which should be covered up with crocks (bits of broken pot) or a few polystyrene lumps (from packaging) to prevent the drainage hole being blocked with compost. In small pots plant one type of bulb. Don‘t buy bulbs that are hollow, already sprouting, wet, or mouldy! Don‘t buy them too long before planting. Garden centres sell bulbs for autumn planting from the end of July and want them out of the way by September to make room for Christmas-tree baubles. August is far too early to plant spring-flowering bulbs. October is the best time for daffodils, crocus and iris; November for tulips.

Bulbs should be planted three times as deep as the bulb itself.

So, for example, a 1inch crocus bulb needs to be planted in a hole 3 inches deep. In this picture the bulbs will now need to be covered to the top of the pot with compost. Water so that the compost is moist and then the seasonal rain should suffice.

Gardening failure of 2011 Earlier this year, I encouraged you to try growing courgettes in pots. I wonder how yours went. Mine were awful. Everyone else had courgettes aplenty, except me. My courgettes in pots hardly grew and the leaves went all powdery and grey, but my neighbours trailed along the path! The ones in the ground grew a bit but the courgettes rotted from the flower end.

―What went wrong with my courgettes ?”

An answer; could be down to poor compost and as for the rotting, try nipping off the dead flower as the courgette develops behind it next time. The grey powdery leaves is mildew. Try a courgette variety that is mildew resistant like ―soleil‖.

Gardening success of 2011 ―Minibel‖ tomatoes in hanging baskets. Good flavoured small tomatoes with attractive green foliage.

Any top tips for next year for the beginner?

Let us know.

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GARDENS

October

As vegetable patches bec ome vacant, roughly dig over and put on compos t/manure, worms will do the rest. Gather up Au tumn leaves to make lea f mould in black bin ba gs or a cage made fro m 4 sticks and chicken wi re. Sow an overwinter ing manure crop. Plant Sp ring bulbs, but not tu lips yet. Along with the us ual daffodils, crocus, snowdrops and iris, wh y not try something different such as anem ones, chionodoxa, erythronium, pushki nia and scilla. Plant prepared bulbs to force for Christmas

Paxton Horticultural Society PAXTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY is based at 186, Kirkstall Lane, Leeds, LS5 2AB. ■ Graham Wheatley Come and join us on a Saturday evening, when a friendly group of about 15—20 of us have a light hearted, but helpful and interesting discussion about gardening topics.

There are lots of other gardening groups meeting during the week, so please contact Graham Wheatley - on 0113 2563055 or email at wheatleygraham@yahoo.co.uk if you need to know more details.

November

ng overwinteri om fr es v a le nt low Remove yel disease. Pla encourage ey th st le e lifted brassicas, hlias can b a D s. lb u b tulip t. Cut by the fros garlic and ed en ck la b ave been soil as once they h e as much ov m re , th w dry p gro the tuber to ow down the to ll a d n a the tuber inter - not possible from place over w ry d a in oring out before st tubers. to label the forgetting in the Cordylines s/ m iu m or Ph them ber to give If you have iners remem ta n co in g garden garden or t by wrappin os fr om fr ion house. some protect an out green le C . em th d fleece roun

December

Make your Christm as wish list: secateu rs, gardening gloves, plant labels . . . . Ta ke hardwood cuttings of soft frui t. Prune apple and pear trees.

Plan a small pond project to extend th e bio diversity in the garden, for implementation in Sp rin g.

Even a small pond will attract frogs to spawn and pond insects. Read up about plants that encourage butterflies, moths an d bees.

January

have enjoyed insettias you po ou e th rd ca ings and y Don’t dis taking cutt ry T e s. th a r m ts fo over Christ cellent plan rded with ex a w re be l il w ear. browse the following y catalogues or ed se e th h it what to try Sit down w and decide s te si eb w s nt' es of what seed mercha ms and hop a re d e th y njo this year. E bring. l y the hoe! il w Spring s—especiall ol to g in tt t seeds r cu and wash ou Sharpen you ps to ts n a pl y dead Clear up an ys. a pots and tr

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Leeds In Bloom 2011

T

here were 245 entries across Leeds into this annual event.

There are no prize winners as such, but gardens are given awards according to standard. Congratulations to the 3 entrants from Kirkstall who were awarded the following: Karen Gibson Silver Mrs Scoot Bronze Mr & Mrs Aaron Highly Commended Details for entering next year can be found on the City Council website or by phoning the Council Parks and Countryside.

A

ll you need is a pen, some scrap paper and a way of identifying birds! Simply make a note of the highest number of each bird species seen on the ground (not flying over) at any one time, and log onto http:// www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/results.aspx to report what you saw.

You can do your birdwatch on your own with a cuppa, your favourite biscuit and your feet up, in the park, or try and beat the largest group that took part in 2011: 84 adults and 2 children.

With results from so many gardens, the RSPB are able to create a 'snapshot' of bird numbers in each region. They‘ve been able to see that some of our birds are disappearing in scary numbers.

We've lost more than half our house sparrows and some threequarters of our starlings. However, it isn't all doom and gloom these surveys help spot problems, but more importantly, they are also the first step in putting things right.

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GARDENS

Chapel Lane Allotments Vanessa Strachan reports on a gardening revolution taking place A plot that is accessible for people with disabilities— some plants were donated to this garden by other allotment holders.

A

patchwork quilt of gardening activity has sprung up this year on the Church Lane allotments, newly opened again in 2011 after laying unused for many years. Plot holders clubbed together to buy taps to plumb onto the existing underground irrigation pipes and blue water tubs on every plot add to the colour that abounds as you walk from plot to plot. Raised beds, hoops and netting, bricks borders, footpaths, weed suppressing plastic and fabric have been put in and best of all, produce and flowers have been overflowing. Just a year ago, overgrown, the site is now a beautiful tapestry of colour with nasturtiums, calendulas, cornflowers, sunflowers, dahlias, pumpkins, vegetables or many types and of course the dandelions, nettles, dock, thistles, bindweed and rosebay willow herb that compete for space and keep the gardeners busy! But weeds have not got the gardeners down, an abundance of produce has been grown, even amongst them. With the water problem resolved, security is still an urgent issue for the allotments, although there have been only a few instances of produce ―walking‖ and night time visitors using the area for drinking parties.

Pulling the weeds up around spring onions and leeks on Rob, Claire and Jasper‘s plot. ―It‘s just a great space to come and be for the family‖ says Rob. They‘ve harvested artichokes, leeks, onions, potatoes, broad beans but

were away for the peas!

Jasper was distracted of from his gathering seeds from calendula flowers by a shield bug.

After an initial rush of enthusiasm, some plots are looking in need of attention and there are people on the waiting list who would be eager to take a plot on. However, the wonderful thing about gardening is the cycle of seasons—there is always next year to dig in and try again.

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GARDENS Runner beans, courgettes and peas—enough to give away— but for Chris, it‘s more about the excitement of seeing

Carolina, Derek and Adrian, like any gardeners have had their successes and disasters this year. Their sweet corn shrivelled whilst a neighbour enjoyed a bumper crop! But they have really enjoyed the feeling of producing enough courgettes to give loads away to friends. Their plot has the feel of a cottage garden, where on walking around things surprise like the spiral of edgeon bricks Carolina is working on. Marigolds , cornflowers and borage have delighted her with their attraction for hundreds of bees and pollinators.

things grow from seed and the relaxation of tending the plot, rather

Leeds Pilates Place Allotment Group

than harvesting the produce, albeit a pleasant bonus! Chris and Tim had just grown potatoes and tomatoes in pots and tubs, before taking on plot 49.

Tim has enjoyed chilling out on their plot after a week‘s driving HGVs and has enjoyed success with Gardener‘s Delight and Golden Sweet varieties of tomatoes. Look at these cabbages—not bad for a first time!

Alongside

squash, potatoes, shallots, Chris and Tim have also established a herb garden on their plot. But Chris and Tim wonder where all the worms are—there seem to be very few . . . .

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S

tronger muscles are growing alongside vegetables down on the Leeds Pilates Place plot on the Headingley Station allotments. Started up by one of the directors of Leeds Pilates Place who set up a studio on Victoria Road last September, a group of 12 who all attend pilates classes turned the overgrown plot into an allotment boasting fresh and organic lettuces, beetroot, potatoes, swiss chard, french beans and spinach this summer. They are currently preparing to plant winter crops ready for spring. One of the 12, Daisy, a Kirkstall resident explained ―We all attend classes at Leeds Pilates place and have found new friendships in sharing the allotment space and learning about gardening together. ―

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GARDENS

Paxton Early Autumn Show Saturday 24 September 2011

P

axton Horticultural Society Early Autumn Show attracted many excellent exhibits. There were colourful displays of dahlias, chrysanthemums and amazing vegetables!

The Hardy Plant Society West Yorkshire Group meets at the Paxton Hall on the second Friday of each month at 7.30pm. The Group Secretary is Mrs Gill Evans 0113 257 6188

The Show included the 35th Annual Show of the National Vegetable Society West Yorkshire District Association. The Leeds Vegetable Championship collections were impressive, each with four distinct kinds of vegetables. This year, as part of the society‘s 125th Anniversary Celebrations, there was Master Gardener‘s Class.

PROGRAMME FOR 2011 Please bring along any spare plants

As part of the celebrations, the society will be holding a ‘Faith Buffet Lunch’ at Paxton Hall, 186 Kirkstall Lane, LS5 2AB, on Saturday 22nd October at 12 noon for 12.30, followed by a presentation from local historian, Michael Meadowcroft, about Leeds in the late 19th century. Tickets are limited to 100 and are available from: Graham Wheatley 0113 256 3055 or email wheatleygraham@yahoo.co.uk . Tickets are free to Paxton members, £2 to nonmembers.

October 14th Plant Auction, lots of bargains to be had, non member guests welcome.

November 11th Noel Kingsbury – International lecturer, writer and horticultural consultant `A Rabbit`s Eye View` December 9th Christmas Social - do come along for an enjoyable evening with a Fun Quiz, Seed Exchange & Supper Visitors & Guests are welcome at all meetings. Garden Visits are charged at cost to visitors & guests.

■ Sue Gray

Late Autumn Show will be on Saturday 26 Nov 2pm-4.30pm

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www.kirkstall.org.uk

GARDENS

The Gardeners’ Friday Forum meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month at 1.30pm at the Paxton Hall.

The meetings are split between hands-on sessions, guest speakers and garden visits.

A regular feature is the "Plant table" where members are invited to bring their plants for discussion and advice.

Another feature is the "Sales table, members bring plants and cuttings and produce they have grown to sell at a small cost to help the club funds. The summer garden visits concluded on 19th August with a visit to Sue Gray‘s garden. The next meetings are: October 7th features Gordon Kirby, ‗Autumn Glories‘ October 21st Harvest November 4th David Aldred, ‗Washburn Valley Landscapes‘

Photos: Val Crompton

Paxton Saturday Group The group meets Saturday evenings between 8pm and 10pm. Discussions cover many aspects of horticulture, wild life and recycling as we constantly strive to overcome gardening problems.

■ Graham Wheatley

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

55

MUSIC

A single launch at Kirkstall Abbey, 100,000 hits for his video (filmed at Hawksworth Wood) and now a Radio 1 Session for Huw Stephens at the BBC‘s Maida Vale studios. The future is bright for

Sam Airey ones, where the Peel Sessions had been recorded back in the day. It seemed to go in a flash but we took a lot of photos and tried to breathe in the experience. The session will be aired on Huw Stephens' Radio One show on Wednesday November 2nd. In terms of new releases, I have a new EP finished - more details on that soon on the website (www.samairey.com) - it will be released in the new year, most likely in January. ―

B

ack in July, songwriter Sam Airey launched his single, ―The Blackout‖ in the grounds of Kirkstall Abbey to widespread acclaim.

Originally from the Isle of Angelsey, Sam was raised on various types of folk and country music and blends these influences with the sounds and experiences he has encountered along the way. He now lives in Burley, Leeds.

Sam said ―Really enjoyed the single launch at the Abbey. In planning it, we had been very aware that a lot of local artists have been releasing their records at the usual music venues around Leeds, and while these are still great, we wanted to do something a bit different. Given the current musical and economic climates, I think it's very

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KIRKSTALL MATTERS

important to reward the people that buy your records and come to your shows by giving them something unique and making them feel a part of the whole experience. So I had handmade 50 numbered copies of the single for the people that came down, and since we didn't need it, the set was played without amplification, and filmed by the local video blog Anthologies. Since its release, the single has been really warmly received - the physical copies sold out within a few days, and it picked up airplay on radio one, two, and 6music, which in truth has been a bit overwhelming.‖ The single has received a large amount of support from many well trusted DJs; Huw Stephens has played both the

A and B-sides on his Radio 1 show, Tom Robinson has given the single a couple of plays on his 6music show. BBC Wales DJs Bethan Elfyn, Adam Walton and Frank Hennessy have all been very generous in their support of the single too.

Steve Lamacq also featured Sam as a guest interviewee on his Radio 2 show. In late September, Sam and his friend Emma were invited to BBC Radio 1‘s Maida Vale studios

by Huw Stephens for a Maida Vale session for BBC Radio 1.

Sam said ―Maida Vale was an amazing experience obviously it's steeped in musical history, and we spent some time wandering the corridors looking at pictures of the people that had previously recorded there. The studio itself was one of the main live

Sam plays a variety of instruments, but is sometimes joined by friends, both in studios and on stages, and it is his live performances that really show what this man is capable of.

His live performances have garnered comparisons to such notable songsmiths as Nick Drake, Conor Oberst and Leonard Cohen.

The video for his single ―The Unlocking‖, which was filmed in Hawksworth Wood, has got a massive 100,000 views so far, which is a lot than many signed bands with professional videos. Why not add some more to that count? http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pBf62XlyU You can find out more about Sam at: www.samairey.com soundcloud.com/samairey twitter.com/samairey

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What‘s On ABBEY HOUSE MUSEUM Opening times: Monday closed all day. Tues to Friday 10am - 5pm, Saturday 12noon—5pm, Sunday 10am - 5pm Admission charges: Adults £3.80, Children £1.70 (16 and under).

Concessions £2.80 (senior citizens and students). Family ticket £6.50 (2 adults and up to 3 children) The Gate House: Licensed restaurant / café (accessible without museum entry).

Every Weekend Saturday Shoppers Each Saturday afternoon from 24pm, we have different fun activities for families, from trails to craft activities.

Arty Smarties Craft Activities for children every Sunday afternoon 2-4pm

ABBEY - GUIDED TOURS Contact Abbey House Museum for details. Tel. 0113 230 5492 ABBEY - VISITORS’ CENTRE Admission free. Open 11am - 3pm Tues-Sun Closed Mondays except Bank Holiday Mondays Tel. 0113 2305492 KIRKSTALL LEISURE CENTRE Kirkstall Lane. Open 8:30am to 10:30pm. Bookings Tel. 214 4555 Special activities for children during school holidays KIRKSTALL ABBEY TENNIS CLUB Jason Sears on 07814 549170 e-mail sears-j@sky.com ABBEY LIGHT RAILWAY Trains from Bridge Road run at frequent intervals along to Kirkstall Abbey (and vice-versa) on Sundays from 1 pm to dusk (weather permitting) CARDIGAN CENTRE 145-149 Cardigan Road Resource Centre 9am to 8pm MonFri. Tel. 275 9282 Youth Point; ‗Active for Life‘ Healthy Living Project; Older Active People Scheme; Handy Person Scheme

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HAWKSWORTH CENTRE Broadway, Leeds LS5 3BQ T. 0113 258 4507 / 0845 0457275 hawksworth@parklanecoll.ac.uk www.parklane.ac.uk HAWKSWORTH WOOD COMMUNITY SHOP 8 Broadway. Monday to Fridays 9 am to 3.30 pm.

HAWKSWORTH WOOD YMCA Lea Farm Mount Tel. 216 2970. Free ‗Connexions‘ Access Point - Mon day-Thursday 3pm - 4pm and Fridays 6-8pm.

Lunch Club (age 50+) Fridays 11.30am - 1.30pm Parent &Toddler group, Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am.

Park Lane College Courses, Tues Thurs (Term time) Activity groups in Sports, Drama, Dance, Martial Arts etc.

STEP St Andrew's Church, Butcher Hill, Leeds, LS16 5BG, Tel 2757988, www.stepleeds.org.uk STEP supports people over 60 and runs the following groups: Monday - 1.00 - 3.00, Come and have afternoon tea & cakes with us and a game of bingo Tuesday - 10.00 - 11.30, Come and join our gentle exercise class followed by a cuppa and a chat Thursday - 10.00 - 11.30, Come and have a cuppa and a toasted teacake with us Thursday - 11.30 - 1.00, Come and have a game of bingo followed by brunch

Hall Hire

tel. 258 2923

ST STEPHEN’S CHURCH Morris Lane, LS5 3HE 2nd/4th Sunday, 8am: Holy Communion There will be no 8.00 a.m. Service on the 1st, 3rd or 5th Sunday in the month.

1st/3rd/4th Sunday, 11am: Parish Communion 2nd Sunday, 11am:: Parade Service & Parish Communion 5th Sunday, 11am: Joint Team Communion (If there is a fifth Sunday in a month, a Joint Team Communion Service will be held in one of the four Abbeylands‘ Team Churches*.

Please note the time of this Joint Service may vary ) 1st Sunday, 1pm: Holy Baptism 1st Sunday, 4pm: Evensong 2nd/3rd/4th/5th Sunday, 4pm: Said Evening Prayer *The Abbeylands Team Churches are St. Andrew‘s, on Butcher Hill: St. Mary‘s, in Hawksworth Wood: St. Margaret‘s in Horsforth and St. Stephen‘s in Kirkstall.

Contact: Revd Rosemarie Hayes, Tel. 258 2481, email: rosemariehayes@live.co.uk

ST ANDREW’S CHURCH & HALL Butcher Hill, LS16 5BG Sunday Service 9.30am Wednesdays 10am Holy Communion Hall Hire tel. 226 7441 WEST PARK UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Spen Lane, LS16 5BB Sunday Services with crèche 10.30am Monthly prayer meeting House group fortnightly Coffee morning with toasted tea cakes 1st Saturday in the month 10.30am Contact: Church Secretary 2785373 LEEDS HUMANISTS Meet monthly at the Swarthmore Centre. Contact Bob Tee, 14 Foxholes Crescent, Calverley, LS28 5NT - Tel 0113 257 7009 mandr.tee@ntlworld.com www.wyhumanists.org.uk AVIATOR ALLSTAR CHEELEADERS Contact Tim on 07800 859 916 frontdesk@aviatorallstars.com

OUR LADY OF KIRKSTALL PARISH is made up of 3 churches: The Holy Name of Jesus, 52 Otley Old Road, LS16 6HW; St Mary's, Broadgate Lane, LS18 4A; The Assumption of Our Lady, Spen Lane, LS16 5EL. The contact number for all 3 is 267 8257.

Holy Name Saturday Vigil 6.30pm Sunday Mass times are: Holy Name 9.00am, 11.15am Assumption 9.45am St Mary's 8.15am, 11am ST MARY’S CHURCH & HALL Hawkswood Ave, LS5 3LU Sunday Service 11am Mon 5.30pm Karate 8pm Zumba Tues 7.30pm Bingo WedS 6.30pm Beavers & Cubs 8pm Zumba Thurs 5.30pm Karate Fri 7.30pm Scouts

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email: abbeyleeds@ntlworld.com

www.abbeyguesthouseleeds.co.uk

English Tourism Council

Steve Dunn PC Services For home PC users and small businesses PC & Laptop Troubleshooting and Repair Upgrading PC hardware or software Home/small office networks and general advice

Call me on 0113 2264567 for a free quote Birthday Parties at Abbey House Museum If you are looking for a birthday celebration with a difference, why not book a Birthday Party at the Museum?

Our parties give children a chance to be creative and explore the museum and its objects in a fun way. Party Planning Birthday Parties take place on Sunday mornings from 10am - 11.30 The party is suitable for children aged between 7 - 14 years. We can take up to 10 childrenper party. We provide a party leader and the materials.

The Birthday Party costs ÂŁ30.

Pre-booking is essential tel. 0113 230 5492

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