LS26 Local - July 2020 Issue 23

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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR KEY WORKERS!

IN THIS ISSUE...GARDEN WALL GALLERY, THE HEART WARRIOR, CHARITY GOLF DAY... PLUS MUCH MORE

LS26 LOCAL YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSZINE

CALL US: 0113 328 0210 EMAIL US: ls26local@gmail.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ls26.org.uk

@LS26Local

LS26 Local Editor - Graham Ambler

LS26 LOCAL STOCKISTS:

ALLERTON BYWATER: Woodend Premier Store, St Aidans RSPB Nature Reserve CARLTON: Carlton Post Office, Rhubarb Triangle Farm Shop, The Unicorn Inn LOFTHOUSE: Lofthouse Nisa Convenience Store METHLEY: Methley Methodist Church, Methley Mini Market, Mickletown Store & Post Office, Pinfold Surgery, Rivers Meet Cafe OULTON: Holiday Inn Hotel, Leeds Physiotherapy & Pilates Centre, Oulton Surgery, Rothwell Sports Centre, Three Horseshoes, Vintage In Oulton ROBIN HOOD: The Coach & Horses, One Stop Mini Market, Robin Hood Post Office ROTHWELL: The Black Bull, The Chair Barbers Shop, Gills Hair Salon, Jail Yard Diner, John O’Gaunts Convenience Store, The Hare & Hounds, LHA Car & Commercial, Manse Surgery, Marsh Street Surgery, Martins Newsagents, Morrisons Supermarket, Grays of Rothwell, Parans Mini Market, Pavilion Cafe, Purple Vet, Rothwell Community Hub, Rothwell Dental Care, Rothwell Methodist Church, Rothwell Sports Centre, Select Hair Salon, Swithens Farm Shop, The Rosebud Inn SWILLINGTON: St Mary’s Church, Swillington ‘Go Local’ Store & Post Office, Swillington Fisheries, Tesco Express WOODLESFORD: Brown or White Sandwich Bar, Beechwood Nisa Convenience Store, LIDL Woodlesford.

Front cover image photography courtesy of Thea Spencer All information in this magazine is published in good faith and cannot be reproduced without prior permission.

We try our upmost to ensure all information in the magazine is accurate, but assume no responsibility for errors or omissionsandthusnoliabilitywillbeacceptedunderanycircumstancesshouldanyof thecontentsinthismagazine be incorrect. LS26 Local do not guarantee the services and products from any businesses featured or advertised.

The views expressed within the articles are not necessarily those of the publisher. We reserve the right to refuse any content which we deem to be offensive or inappropriate. All rights reserved. Company number 11965553

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elcome to the July issue of LS26 Local, your free monthly community newszine.

It’s great to be back! We have tried our best to keep active online during the months it was not possible to produce a printed magazine but even though our own website, facebook page and twitter feed is a valuable assett, it’s just not the same as ink on paper.

So a lot has changed since our last magazine, its been tough for a lot of us over these past few months. Businesses have struggled to stay afloat with many adapting their services to keep their heads above water. Families have found it equally tough, many of whom have experienced redundancy, reduced hours plus the issue of home schooling as well as looking after elderly members of their family.

It is fair to say each and everyone of us have experienced a different challenge since March, all of which have been equally tough.

I’d like to think though that during times like these, good always prevails and indeed this has happened. The weekly applause for the key workers on a Thursday night has brought many of us together, neighbours that rarely spoke are now friends and in some cases whole streets think of themselves as one big family rather than people who share a postcode.

Younger people have made the effort to check

on older neighbours and relatives, offering help with shopping and other tasks, each generation holding out a hand of not just friendship but help to the next.

It has also been heart warming to see childrens rainbow drawings decorating windows with messages of thanks and hope.

I would personally like to thank all our key workers who have continued their work selflessly to help others. Nobody should ever think of someone anymore as ‘just’ working for a supermarket, or ‘just’ being a bus driver or ‘just’ a refuge collector, because these are the people who got us through the past three months and god forgive if this happened again, they will be the people who get us through it again.

Getting back to the small matter of the magazine, our July issue is bumper packed with our usual features and community themed articles, we hope this July issue has been worth the wait!

A final note to just remind you that if you run a business we offer very affordable advertising, as we are a Community Interest Company any profits we make will go back into the heart of the community so eventually everyone benefits.

Have a great, sunny and safe July!

PS - Our What’s On feature is still suspended but will return!

KATHERINE BRENTON’S

We invited Katherine to tell us more about her idea to the LS26 Local readership:

They say every cloud has a silver lining and the impact of the Coronavirus on communities up and down the country has shown many acts of kindness, togetherness and the appreciation of those around us.

One such act in our own community was the creation of a Garden Wall Gallery by Katherine Brenton of Methley who decided to share her passion for art as a homage to the NHS and care workers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic.

Although initially nervous to put something that is so personal out there for all to see, the response has been overwhelming. People have been so kind both on social media but also whilst I’ve been out walking the dogs around the village. During this period of lockdown, I

GARDEN WALL GALLERY

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“The idea to create a garden wall gallery was initially inspired by a fellow artist, Steffan Macmillan based in Shrewsbury, who had an exhibition in London cancelled due to current restrictions. He decided instead to put on an exhibition of his work on his garden wall. He was amazed at the reaction and reflected that it was probably one of the best things he had done. This spurred me on to create my own Garden Wall Gallery; the aim to provide local people with something different to look at whilst out doing their local exercise particularly whilst art galleries are closed due to the Covid 19 pandemic. This was logistically quite a challenge as the paintings are all large canvases so hanging them securely was going to be difficult however this has been a real family effort with my husband kindly creating a large wooden frame to fix them to and along with my two daughters helping to put them up on a morning and take them back down at night.

decided to do a painting specifically dedicated to the NHS and care workers but also in memory of those who have suffered as a result of the pandemic. The painting is titled ‘Humanity’ and depicts a person holding another person’s hand.

The restrictions in terms of human contact have been one of the things to really strike me.

It seems so alien to not reach out to a loved one when at their most vulnerable. There have been so many reports of NHS staff and care workers demonstrating huge amounts of compassion throughout this crisis supporting people when they are scared and alone and I wanted this to be remembered. The reaction to this painting has been incredible and it has really struck a chord with people. The hope is that I will be able to donate the painting to the NHS locally

once lockdown is over. I will also be making prints of the image to sell as many people have enquired about the possibility of buying it. All money raised will be donated to the NHS�

If you are interested in purchasing a print of the humanity image or any other piece of art from Katherine you can contact her via facebook or email ourselves with your details and we will happily pass them on to her..

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RAINBOWS SAY...

THANK YOU TO OUR KEY WORKERS Up and down the country the public has expressed their thanks to all our key workers who went about their normal working lives to ensure that despite the lockdown, the country still had busses to catch, police on the street, supermarkets stocked with food, delivery drivers, refuge collectors and of course nurses and doctors ready to treat us.

Our own LS26 area was no different, out of nowhere, windows were decorated with the colours of the rainbow, pavements and walls had chalk messages of thanks and spring walks would be brightened up with painted rocks and colourful pom poms hanging from trees and bushes.

We put out a message on our facebook page for the kids (and big kids) to share their paintings and artwork and as promised here is our 2020 lockdown gallery!

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Many thanks to our contributors: Emma Briggs, Isabella and Joseph Snee Paula Chambers, Izzy Makin, Thea Spencer Evie Brook, William and Albie Waite, Imogen Shuttler, Emily Evans, Esme Bruce, Leanne Wilton, Karen Elizabeth, Freya Moss, Liyona Loucas and Morrison’s community champion Lyndsay Conner 8

THE FAIR EXCHANGE

UPDATE ON GROUPS

MONDAY MENZ OWN interest and hobbies Club 27th July 6pm Oulton Instititute. Please give your ideas for future sessions when restrictions are lifted.

TUESDAY COFFEE MORNING at the Oulton Institute 10 – 11.30am. Meet for a chat and find out what is happening locally, only £1 for tea or coffee and biscuits. Now a chat over the phone.

TUESDAYS SALSA CLASSES, Oulton institute 8pm. Have a chat with us.

Third Wednesday of the month RESEARCH YOUR FAMILY TREE, 15th July at Rothwell Hub (Library). Venue closed until further notice but contact us for help and advice.

The Fair Exchange groups are being reviewed until venues are open again and risk assessments are completed and safety guidelines in place, so please contact Pauline on 07780 601917 to double check if a group you are interested in attending is still on as they are working differently to find ways to support those who sign up.

REGULAR GROUPS: MONDAYS WEEKLY ART GROUP, 1pm at the Oulton Institute (£10 on joining for 4 sessions) Sessions are on Zoom but we also have a chat over the phone.

Thursday 9th and 23th July `CRAFT AND CHAT’ the Craft and Social afternoon, 2 -3.30pm at the Oulton Institute. Contact us for a chat.

First Thursday CRAFT ACTIVITY WORKSHOPS contact us to sign up to start after restrictions are lifted.

Third Thursday of the month, COSY CORNER CAFÉ, 16th July 2 -3.30pm, Woodlesford Methodist Church Hall - Venue closed until further notice. We are supporting people by phone and using other methods.

FRIDAY HEALING MINDS SUPPORT GROUP Sign up to CBT, Mindfulness, Meditation

and relaxation, Rothwell Fire Station 2pm.

Community room closed. Courses and support continue by phone, email and other methods.

JULY EVENTS CARERS SUPPORT GROUP and COPD SUPPORT GROUP, information only, contact Pauline for details.

WEEKLY EVENING SEWING CLASS & COMPUTER CLASSES contact Pauline for sign up and details only.

Want to cycle with others ? Sign up to `2 WHEELS GOOD ‘ CYCLE CLUB an informal cycling group. Under review until restrictions are lifted, contact Pauline, or the website www. thefairexchange.org.uk New POSTURAL EXERCISE SESSIONS to get muscles back into shape after Lockdown and isolation.New Support sessions for those with long term conditions. Contact for details.

If in any doubt please contact Pauline on 07780 601917 to double check that the above groups are running and to confirm meeting and venue times. Due to current restrictions all venues have to be assessed and safety guidelines put in place for meetings to operate.

We look forward to seeing you all again very soon!

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ANOTHER MINI HERO

THE HEART WARRIOR!

At times the younger generation can get a bad press for being accused of being a selfish generation. Fortunately for our area we have some shining exceptions, namely, Jacob the Pilot of Methley who tirelessly raises money for the RAF Benevolent Fund and of course ‘Determined Dan’ who raises funds in aid of ‘Leeds Cares’.

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Our latest hero to make it into LS26 Local is young 12 year old Alfie, who with his dad Neil McGuire set a plan to walk 300, 000 steps in a month and raise money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund at Leeds General Infirmary.

Alfie’s dad Neil is originally from Rothwell and was brought up in the Rothwell WMC. His parents, Bob and June Mathery were the steward and stewardess of the club so many of our readers will remember them. We were lucky enough to have a natter with Neil who told us about Alfie’s story: “Alfie is 12 years old and lives in Wakefield, he was born with congenital heart disease and had a balloon valvuloplasty at just 7 weeks old on his Aortic valve. Alfie suffered a cardiac arrest during this procedure but fortunately the amazing team at the Leeds General Infirmary managed to get his heart working again.

At 10 months old Alfie went into intensive care on a ventilator as he had contracted pneumonia due to developing Kawasaki disease (a rare condition that mainly affects children under the age of five), once he managed to get slightly better he had open heart surgery to replace his Mitral valve. Alfie is now warfarin dependent for life.

Alfie had another open heart surgery at the age of 5 and is due to have another one in the near

future as the mechanical valve that was fitted is now getting too small. He will also need more in the future too.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, Alfie made the decision to try and raise some vital funds for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund alongside myself after seeing just how much they are going to struggle this year. I think this is very admirable of a 12 year old boy.

Alfie attends St. Thomas a Becket School in Wakefield and his headteacher has branded him as ‘heroic’ and is supporting him all the way.

Alfie is taking part in a step challenge of 300,000 steps in a month with myself which is no mean feat as Alfie gets breathless and tired easily due to his condition, but he pushes through and is a true heart warrior.

Without the amazing work that the CHSF do, Alfie would not be here today. They truly are

an amazing charity and the support that they have provided to Alfie, me and his mum is outstanding and we will forever be thankful.

We would love to raise as much money as possible to give something back so that other poorly children and their families can also receive the same outstanding support that we did and will continue to receive in the future”.

The event ran from April to May and between them both they have managed to raise a staggering £500 plus the extras from gift aid and into the bargain smashed their target of 300,000 steps by clocking up an incredible 403,456 steps!

Alfie plans to get on board with some more fundraising for the CHSF, hopefully when the Coronavirus pandemic is over. Alfie and Neil plan on doing a fundraising event next year somewhere to raise even more money.

To conclude the article we will leave the last word with Alfie who told us why the fundraising was so important to him: “I wanted to do this challenge because CHSF gifted a home INR machine a few years ago to me that reads my blood levels so I know how much Warfarin to take, these machines cost £300 so I wanted to get at least that amount so another child can benefit too.”

Well done Alfie, another LS26 Local hero!

LEEDS CITY LIBRARY

ACTIVE AND ONLINE!

in can put you in contact with a librarian who can help you. Both the workshop and the telephone consultations can be booked here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibraryevents

The library also have very popular Local History talks which are now available online via Zoom.

You can book using the Ticketsource link above.

There is also a wide range of online heritage resources available at your finger tips.

Don’t forget the Libraries also have an online blog - www.secretlibraryleeds.net - which has regular articles and updates, including local history quizzes every 2-weeks which can be accessed through the ‘local history’ menu.

Ten weeks ago Leeds Libraries closed due to lockdown restrictions – but only in the physical sense; in a virtual online capacity they have been as busy as ever!

The library has resumed their popular Family History, so if you want to start using Ancestry from home but have no idea where to start, its worth knowing the library run a one-off course fortnightly. If you’ve completed the beginners course but have hit a stumbling block and are really missing the Family History Drop-ins, well don’t fret because they have that covered too! A Fortnightly phone drop

LOCKDOWN PROJECT The Library is interested in people’s responses to lockdown, and particularly interested in seeing what kinds of physical material people have collected over the last few months so they can expand their local history collections to cover this period. If you are interested in contributing please visit secretlibraryleeds. net/2020/05/07/the-lockdown-leeds-2020collection/ or email localandfamilyhistory@ leeds.gov.uk for further info. You can also upload more personal stories and reflections to the Covid Diaries website - www.coviddiaries. co.uk - a story gathering project run by CEG in partnership with Leeds City Council.

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LOCAL PUBS ORGANISE

CHARITY GOLF DAY

Despite being in lockdown since late March, two local pubs, The Hare & Hounds of Rothwell and The Unicorn of Carlton have been busy organising ‘The LS26 Trophy’, a charity golf day which will take place at Oulton Hall on July 15th.

An impressive total of 70 golfers have signed up for the tournament meaning all available places have been snapped up!

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All proceeds from the event will be split three ways and benefit three local charities, namely FDM, Determined Dan and the Tea Cosy Memory Cafe.

FDM is the ‘For Disability Mobility’ charity which provide transportation for wheelchair users, disabled adults, elderly groups and children in our local area.

The Determined Dan charity supports the fantastic work that the Neuro team does at the LGI after being diagnoased himself (Daniel Morton) with a brain tumour in 2014.

The Tea Cosy Memory Cafe helps to raise awareness and supports those suffering from dementia as well as those caring for them.

All three charities have previously featured in LS26 Local and it is great to hear they will soon be benefitting from this fantastic event.

We spoke to Mark Collin of the Hare and Hounds who expressed his excitement over the forthcoming event and that he and Paul Spooner (fellow organiser) would like to thank and express their gratitude to John Pilkington, director of golf at Oulton Hall for generously providing the venue.

If you are interested in donating a prize or providing any kind of sponsorship, please contact Mark Collin at the Hare and Hounds on 0113 2820252.

THOSE D DANCERS...

STAY BUSY IN LOCKDOWN!

The D Dance Theate group was amongst many groups affected by the Coronavirus when government restrictions meant they could no longer meet up at their usual dance groups.

Luckily will the aid of modern technology they have continued to meet each week in a virtual capacity for ‘zoom’ classes.

Hannah was busy helping the ladies get to grips with smartphones and tablets online and ‘training them up’ to use the zoom app. She told us “It’s been a social opportunity and we can’t wait to hold an afternoon tea when we can to get everyone together”.

Some of the ladies in the group are very creative and talented and have been painting and knitting to support the NHS and cooking delicious food and making cards to share with people not able to go out.

In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, - here are some of the groups fine work!

Everyone is welcome to join the D Dance zoom classes online. Even if you have never been to a class and just want to try it or see a few friendly faces. Cost is ÂŁ2.50 a class payable by bank transfer and all you need is a computer, smartphone or tablet with the zoom app to join. Each week a link and password will be sent to access the class. Please contact Jenny.oulton@yahoo. co.uk or 07833 745860 for more details.

TEA COSY MEMORY CAFE

UPDATE ON TRIPS & CAFE

Our good friend Peter Smith has been in touch to provide an update on their planned trips and their cafe opening plans: Firstly the trip for July (Coach to Pickering then steam train to Whitby), have obviously had to be called off for this year, but will take place May or June in 2021, (exact dates to be confirmed). Anyone who has already paid and would like a refund,please let me know.

The Bury Market trip in September will go ahead, but owing to the social distancing rule may be run using two coaches.

The Llandudno trip,which should have been in May, is still on hold. There is a possibility that this could take place late August or September, again on two coaches, if you have booked on this trip and you are still interested then please contact me via messenger or telephone 07845 935233, so that a new date can be arranged, this will still be on a Saturday or Sunday.

Tea Cosy itself will return as soon as we are able, but,owing to unknown numbers of attendees and volunteers, the first one will be hot sandwiches (bacon or sausage), toast,and hot drinks. Unfortunately, no breakfasts, and may involve social distancing. There will be no charge for at least the first one.

Hopefully the party in September will still take place, but may possibly be different to the one expected. When Buddies at the Bull returns, this will only be held on a Monday, but possibly with an earlier start time.

As many of you are aware we are self funding and raise money from our little table top sale every month at the cafe, but there is a possibility that we could arrange a larger event, so if you have any unwanted items then please think of us, I can collect from anywhere locally.

We hope you understand the reasons why things are having to change, but if you have any questions please get in touch... Keep safe and hope to see you all soon!

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KAREN BRUCE’S

COMMUNITY VIEWPOINT

These have been such strange times during lockdown. It’s been so hard for so many people in so many ways. It will be a long time before things are back to normal but slowly steps are being taken to resume activity bit by bit.

The one thing that has struck me most in our local area throughout the months of lockdown during this pandemic is the kindness of people reaching out to others to help and the community really coming together.

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Thank you to everyone who has given up their time and sometimes resources to help your neighbours or have volunteered more formally at the foodbank or in the community. I can only imagine what the wartime spirit must’ve been like in World War Two in Rothwell. I think we have seen a real glimpse of it in the last few months here, it makes me really proud to be part of this community.

VE Day was one of the highlights where we saw streets coming together, decorating with bunting and holding socially distanced street parties or special VE Day afternoon teas to celebrate and there really was fantastic community spirit. The cakes everyone had produced looked great on social media. My daughter made a union jack VE Day cake which was delicious! Likewise, the clapping for carers every Thursday always brought a tear to my eye when many came out to clap and appreciate those risking their lives day in day out for us all. It was very emotional and something that will always stay with me.

Our children are really showing they’re a resilient generation but I really hope all our local schools can be ready to open to all students from September. It’s so important that our kids can get on with their education and start to catch up. I think as much as the education they’ve missed is the social contact

and activities they’ve missed out on which has impacted them so much. But it has to be safe before we can send them back and no-one knows better than our schools and our heads and teachers whether they can be ready or not. I feel sad for those who missed out on all the usual things they get to do as a right of passage like their exams and even prom night.

It’s a special time leaving school and getting through your exam year. I hope something can be done to help them all celebrate later. It is also harder for those starting a new school.

All our children will carry this experience with them all their lives and no doubt it will be a talking point for years to come and even with their grandchildren.

I was really impressed with Rodillian Academy, the school where I’m a parent, that its design technology department took it upon

themselves to start producing visors with their 3D printer, to help protect health care and care workers. We can be so proud as a community that they stepped up, thanks to Nicola Denham and everyone who worked on this as they all did a tremendous job and really made a difference at keeping people safe when the government didn’t provide proper protection where it was needed. I was really pleased to be able to help connect those who needed the visors to Nicola so that the visors were put to good use as fast as possible. Just some of the places they supplied to were local hospitals, care homes and primary schools. At my last contact with Nicola, they had produced up to 1399 although government red tape has recently made it harder for Rodillian to be allowed to supply the visors as widely.

Our local shops and other businesses have been hit hard during this pandemic and they will need our support going forward to make sure they all survive. The choices we make can really make a difference to them.

Lots of our businesses have been incredibly versatile and have turned their hands to doing things differently, like restaurants, pubs and cafes trying out take away menus with some providing delivery or drive through options. It’s incredible how resilient all our community is.

Rothwell has been through a lot before through wars and through pit closures and so much more. We will bounce back and when it is safe, at the right time, we will all be together again as normal. In the meantime, we will continue for a bit to be together but slightly apart!

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

CAN WALKING IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH?

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. Not only that, its free, easy and you can do it almost anywhere!

It is often overlooked as a form of exercise, but walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier. It is also great for the mind too.

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It’s something that can be planned so easily: • Walking part of your journey to work • Walking to the shops • Using the stairs instead of the lift • Leaving the car behind for short journeys • Walking the kids to school (when they return!)

• Doing a regular walk with family after dinner You do not have to walk for hours. A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.

Lockdown has provided a lot of people the opportunity to get some more outdoor exercise as my friend Belinda explained: ‘During lockdown I was furloughed, and my husband John had to work from home. We decided to use the time it usually took us to commute (an hour each way) to walk. We’d never really walked as a form of exercise before...we’d never really taken any form of exercise before, so this was something new.

We worked out a route and as we were used to getting up at 6am to travel to our respective jobs and we decided that staying in that routine seemed sensible so we wouldn’t be too out of sync on our return to work. The mornings were gradually becoming lighter at the start of lockdown so although we were heading out

early it wasn’t dark. We have walked for just over an hour every day for ten weeks and this is what we’ve discovered: Walking trims your waistline!

It really does, both John and I had the start of middle age spread. Over ten weeks I’ve dropped a dress size and John has discovered he’s wearing the trousers that prior to lockdown he’d been considering donating to charity. When the shops re-open I might treat him to a shopping spree and still send his old trousers to charity as he has shocking taste in clothing!

Arthritic pain eases.

After four weeks John noticed that his arthritis pain seemed less. This seemed counterintuitive so I consulted the arthritis society website (www.nras.org.uk) and discovered that walking is recommended because it does indeed help reduce inflammation and stiffness in your joints. The important thing to remember is to walk ‘correctly’. Hold your head up; keep your neck, shoulders and back relaxed; swing your arms naturally, with a slightly bent elbow; tighten your stomach muscles a little to give yourself a supported core, and breathe deeply as you walk.

You’ll feel better about things...

At the start of lockdown I think we both felt really anxious about all the uncertainty. As the weeks

concerned enough to buy a home blood pressure monitor online. We tested it out to make sure the readings matched those of the clinic then forgot about it! After six weeks (on the date he was supposed to have been returning the GP) we tried it and discovered his blood pressure was just within normal range. By week ten it was well within the normal range. Happy days!

Crucially throughout this period neither of us have felt like we were ‘exercising’. Walking felt natural and easy and as silly as this sounds you don’t need new trainers or snazzy shorts, you can just wonder out in your jeans and jumper. progressed, while we walked we discussed our worries and thrashed out solutions to some of the problems we faced or might be facing. I certainly began to feel in a better place mentally and as though I could cope better with life in general.

Being outside, breathing in the fresh Yorkshire air and enjoying the sunshine definitely helped to clear some headspace each day.

It reduces blood pressure - It sounds like my poor John is falling to pieces, as well as his arthritis, John had high blood pressure which had been sneaking upwards and just before lockdown our GP had been monitoring it with a view to him starting blood pressure medication.

When it became clear that he wasn’t going to be examined by a doctor for some time I was

I know this article is anecdotal and personal but there is plenty of research to support exercise being almost as important as diet in controlling type-2 diabetes; that it helps with balance and co-ordination and so helps to prevent falls in older people, meaning they are more likely to stay out of hospital, which at the moment is even more important than usual, and finally that it helps boost the immune system which is important for obvious reasons right now.

We will definitely continue to fit walking into our day even when life returns to a more normal pattern”.

So there you have it folks, there are plenty of scenic places in our area to enjoy, so if you haven’t already, get walking!

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MARJORIE QUINN’S

MONTHLY RECIPE

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I am hoping that July can be as kind to us with its weather as the spring months of lockdown have been. I’m sure you all agree that being confined to home would have been much worse without the glorious spring weather we enjoyed.

So with great weather in mind, this month we have a cool, creamy and delicious summer treat for you all to try. Coconut is not only tasty, but also have some good health benefits as they are high in manganese, which is essential for bone health and the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol. They are also rich in copper and iron.

COCONUT ICE CREAM Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 10 mins plus chilling and freezing time Serves 6

return to a low heat. Pour in the custard mixture and stir in the desiccated coconut. Continue to stir constantly for 5-10 mins until the custard thickens slightly and you can trace a line through it with a wooden spoon.

Main Ingredients ~ 1 x 400ml can coconut milk ~ 150ml double cream ~ 1 x 160g can coconut cream ~ 50g golden caster sugar ~ 4 large egg yolks ~ 25g desiccated coconut, toasted

At this point you can use your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Method Whisk the sugar and the egg yolks in a bowl until thick and creamy. Pour the coconut milk, double cream and coconut cream in a saucepan and heat until it almost reaches boiling point.

Pour this coconut milk mixture in a slow stream over the egg yolks and sugar, whisking constantly.

Rinse out the saucepan (important to stop any burning and tainting of the ice cream) and

Pour into a bowl and cover the surface of the custard with cling film...to prevent a skin forming), allow to cool, then chill for 30 mins.

If you don’t have an ice cream maker transfer the chilled custard to a small freezer-safe container with a lid and freeze for 1 hour, then use a fork or electric whisk to really churn through the ice cream to break up the ice crystals so that the mixture is the same consistency all the way through. Pop it back into the freezer for another 2 to 3 hours, whisking it about every half hour, then cover the surface with a sheet of cling film and freeze with the lid on until as firm as ice cream.

Remember to take out of the freezer 10 minutes before serving so it’s nice and easy to scoop.

DO YOU HAVE A RECIPE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE? If you would like to share one of your own recipes, why not send it in to us and we can feature it on this page. Marjorie would be happy to stand aside for a month so we can have a guest cook!

Simply email the recipe (and a picture if possible) to ls26local@gmail.com

MRS FLOWERPOT’S

ROOTS & SHOOTS

Welcome back to Roots & Shoots, after what seems such a long time in lockdown. I hope everyone is well and staying positive about the situation. We are all still facing problems but hopefully we are now coming to the end.

Many thanks to our Editor, Graham, for all his hard work and putting back into circulation this great community magazine.

July is now upon us and the gardens are in full bloom with flowers, regularly dead head bedding and perennial plants to encourage new blooms for as long as possible.

If the soil is dry, a good time to water plants is dusk as this cuts down evaporation, you can also use a good mulch around the plants to retain moisture.

Prune Lupins, Delphiniums and Foxgloves to encourage further flowers, divide clumps of Bearded Iris so they have time to form roots and flower buds for next year.

Keep an eye out for pests on plants, early treatment is best and also keep up with the weeding before the weed seeds can spread throughout the garden.

Autumn flowering bulbs can be planted now, they will bring you beautiful colour throughout September and October. The Nerines are head turning with their blasts of pink and white colours, these will bring a dash of welcome colour as Winter draws upon us.

Always remember your plants in pots and containers, as they will get little benefit from any rain, so give them a good soak at least once a day in hot and sunny weather.

Put out fresh water for all the birds, their birdsong has been beautiful and most welcome this year.

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MIRANDA FOSTER’S...

LIFE IN LOCKDOWN!

Life in lockdown is very different from how we normally live and life as a community builder has changed dramatically too. Gone are the days of whizzing over to Rothwell to meet residents.

No more coffees in Rothwell’s fantastic cafés.

Gone are the tempting cakes too, maybe that’s a positive for my waistline!

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Anybody who knows me knows I love to talk and, as much as zoom is my best friend at the moment, it will never replace that face-to-face contact that I crave and I’m sure others do too.

Social media is an amazing way to keep in touch, Facebook, Twitter and messenger are the way forward at the present time. That instant message or instant picture that you receive can lift your day; so if you get a spare moment do send that hello - it really does make a difference to the person receiving it. Sending my messages to people in Rothwell is my way of keeping in touch, finding out what is happening and how people are feeling. It’s also a great way to see how the community care for each other.

The kind acts that people are doing are amazing and I see this daily as people look out for their neighbours. People who normally may have had no spare time as they rushed to work, consumed by their own very busy lives, are now taking the time to check on each other, to care for each other, to shop for each other. I really hope that once lockdown ends these friendships continue and hopefully blossom in to something extremely special. It could be the biggest positive out of this difficult situation we find ourselves in.

I was listening to a man who was talking about the phrase ‘socially distancing’ and how as people we are very social and so this wording doesn’t quite

fit. He suggested that we should be physically distancing and I couldn’t agree more. We still want to be social but to do it safely.

Despite the difficulties, I am hoping once lockdown ends that my new normal is very different from my old normal. I hope that the new acquaintances that I have met become friends. I hope that the time I have to think about what I do isn’t replaced by dashing around and spreading myself too thinly. This is something that I will really need to work on, but planning my time and using it more effectively will hopefully mean I have time to make those acquaintances friends.

Making time to listen to others about how they are and being prepared to make sure I take the time to hear their answer. I also want to make time for me! Mental health starts by keeping yourself well and means you are in a good place to help others.

Time is my key word of the moment!

The one thing I really want from old normal life is to be able to hug people. Nothing beats a good hug. So to all the huggable people out there, be prepared - I’m coming after you!

So now I sit writing this and waiting from living room at home for my first zoom meeting of the day. One of many that I have had recently, hoping that it won’t be long before I can see this person in the flesh and not via a screen. I contemplate the future and how I want it to be!

Manor House Living

Oulton Manor provides a home-from-home in luxurious surroundings. Our beautiful contemporary home is set in private landscaped gardens and offers personally tailored care, specialist dementia care and short breaks.

Oulton Manor care home

3 Wakefield Road, Oulton, Leeds LS26 8EL Please call on 0808 102 7551 or visit www.anchor.org.uk/OultonManor Proudly not-for-profit.

Rated July 2017

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LS26 COMMUNITY

GROUPS IN OUR AREA Our comprehensive list of local charities and community groups in the area.

If you would like us to list a community group or charity on these pages just get in touch!

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DEMENTIA FRIENDLY ROTHWELL - A continuing project making Rothwell a dementia friendly community. The group holds various groups and cafés throughout each month.

FDM - FOR DISABILITY MOBILITY - Social Club for those unable to get out or would like to meet new people. For more info contact 0113 288 9000 or visit www.fdmbus.org.uk FORCE - Friends of Rothwell Civic Enterprise. A group working towards saving the Rothwell Civic Building. Visit their facebook page ‘FORCE Friends of Rothwell Civic Enterprise’ for more info.

FRIENDS OF ROTHWELL COUNTRY PARK - A group of volunteers who help manage, protect and promote the wildlife and heritage of the country park. For more info call Countryside Ranger Heather Wagstaff on 07562 439631.

MARIE CURIE- East Leeds fundraising group, based in Rothwell. For more info please contact Faye Waters on 01904 755260 or email faye. waters@mariecurie.org.uk.

MELODIA - Ladies choir based in Methley.

Rehearsals on Monday evenings 7.30pm at Methley Working Mens club. Contact Shirley Wright on 01977 554142 / 07900 953720 or Val on 01977 514535 / 07779 373068.

METHLEY ARCHIVE - Historical society with over 7500 photographs of the Methley area. methleyarchive.org METHLEY METHODIST CHURCH - ”Living the Gospel and serving the community with a BIG HEART” www.thecentremethley.co.uk METHLEY WOMBLES - Volunteer group from Methley and Mickletown who get together to keep their village clean and litter free. Contact via Facebook @methleywombles

NET - Neighbourhood Elders Team, caring for older people and their carers. Serving Swillington, Great Preston & Allerton Bywater. www.netgarforth.org.

P@SS - Parents At Swillington Primary School.

Contact Miriam on watsonm01@brigshawtrust. com or telephone 0113 286 3220.

ROTHWELL BAPTIST CHURCH - Welcoming the community with many activities each week. Wood Lane, LS26 0PG. www.rothwellbaptist.org.uk

ROTHWELL COMPETITIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL - Group running a competitive music festival in March each year in Rothwell town centre.

The Syllabus is produced in September and available from the Rothwell Library or on their website rothwellmusicfestival.shutterfly.com ROTHWELL CLUSTER - Provides access to local facilities, out of school hours and holiday activities and specialist support. www.facebook.com/ rothwellcluster

METHLEY YOUTH CLUB - Based at Methley Village Centre. For further info please contact Chloe Canning 07712 216071

ROTHWELL & DISTRICT GATEWAY CLUB - Meets every Wednesday during term time at Rothwell Windmill Club for adults of all ages with learning disabilities to reduce social isolation. For more information please call 07545 933748

MUSIC FROM THE ATTIC - METHLEY - Dust off your old instruments and join the group at Methley Methodist Chapel. Contact: Ben 07748 673116 bendenison@mac.com

ROTHWELL & DISTRICT LIVE AT HOME Charitable cause to reduce social isolation for older people. For more info call 0113 288 0887 or visit www.rothwellliveathome.btck.co.uk

ROTHWELL & DISTRICT SENIORS CLUB - For over 55’s. Holding Raffles, Bingo, Tea and Coffee and regular Parties and Trips thought the year. Contact Chris Neale at cbneale89@gmail.com for more information.

ROTHWELL FOOD BANK - Rothwell area food bank.

For more info visit: www.leedssouthandeast. foodbank.org.uk or telephone 0113 345 0850 ROTHWELL IN BLOOM - The group meets every Thursday morning in Rothwell from 9.30am. To join them please speak to a member of the team in their hi-viz tops.

ROTHWELL LADIES CIRCLE - Rothwell Ladies Circle is a group of girls who like to have fun whilst fundraising and supporting the community www. facebook.com/rothwell.circle ROTHWELL LIONS - Community group who organise fundraising and charity events. Tel 0845 833 2765 or visit www.rothwell-lions.org.uk ROTHWELL METHODIST CHURCH Running various meetings and charity events.

Please see our ‘What’s On’ pages for details. aireandcaldercircuit.org.uk/churches/rothwell ROTHWELL NORTH AND SOUTH WARDS AGED PEOPLES WELFARE. To combat social isolation in the over 60’s. Meeting on Thursdays at Blackburn Hall, from 1-3pm

ROTHWELL RHUBARB TARTS WI - Meetings on the 2nd Thursday of each month at Haigh Court, at 7.30pm-9.30pm. Please contact June Holstead via facebook.(new WI group)..

ROTHWELL SCOUT GROUP - 7th Rothwell Scout Group based on Haigh Road, Rothwell. www. rothwellscouts.com ROTHWELL T.A.R.A - Rothwell tenants and residents association, a group to discuss concerns within the local community. Visit facebook ‘rothwelltenantsandresidents’ ROTHWELL YOUTH CLUB - Based at the Rothwell Windmill Community Centre, Marsh Street, Rothwell. Please contact Mel Taylor 07891 279116. (See ‘Whats On’ for days/times) SOWHAT - Campaign group opposing HS2. Please visit www.sowhat.org.uk or their facebook page for more info.

#SAVEOURHOMESLS26 - Residents action group fighting the demolition of homes on Sugar Hill Close and Wordsworth Drive. Please visit saveourhomesls26.org or to sign the petition: www.change.org/pemberstone SWILLINGTON IN BLOOM - Group of volunteers who plant and maintain the flowerbeds and boxes In Swillington. For more information email swillingtoninbloom@hotmail.co.uk THE FAIR EXCHANGE - Champions inclusiveness through the exchange of skills, knowledge and experience. Contact Pauline on 07780 601917, email info@thefairexchange.org.uk, or visit www.thefairexchange.org.uk.

TIME TO SHINE PROJECT - Fun and excercise for the over 50’s. Run by D. Dance Theatre, 0113 282 6211 or email jenny.oulton@yahoo.co.uk

SPRINGHEAD PARK VOLUNTEERS Volunteer group of local residents committed to maintaining Springhead Park. For more info email springheadparkvolunteers@gmail.com

WOODLESFORD IN BLOOM - Making Woodlesford a great place to live by enhancing the environment with floral displays. More volunteers needed! Contact via Facebook or email www. woodyinbloom@btinternet.com

ST RAPHAEL SINGERS - Local choir whose main aim is to help churches and charitable organisations raise funds. Based at Trinity Methodist Church, Norton Road, WF1 4LH. email: straphaelsingers@ gmail.com.

WRITING FOR PLEASURE - A newly formed group of writing enthusiasts meeting in the Methodist Chapel in Methley each month For further info please contact Mally on 07592 580946 or email philip. mally77@gmail.com 23

MIDDLETON RAILWAY

CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY

The very first standard gauge train to be operated by unpaid volunteers left Moor Road, Leeds at 4.45pm on Monday 20th June, 1960, hauled by diesel locomotive No 1697, built by Hunslet of Leeds in 1932.

On Saturday 20th June 2020 at 4.45pm, the same locomotive hauled a commemorative 60th Anniversary train from Moor Road to Middleton Park and return.

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The train was ceremonially waved away by Matthew Youell, the son of the railway’s charismatic founder, Dr R F (Fred) Youell.

Due to restrictions imposed because of the Coronavirus epidemic, the Middleton Railway has remained closed since March, but are now preparing to re-open, hopefully in August.

In order to satisfy requirements of the Office for Rail and Road, they need to run a number of trains to reassess all their train crews and the special was one of those trains, specially prepared and timed to be able to operate on the exact 60th anniversary and using the historic diesel locomotive.

Local Middleton Ward Councillors, Judith Blake (Leader of Leeds City Council), Kim Groves and Paul Truswell said “We congratulate MRT on reaching this historic anniversary. We take great pride in having such an internationally significant piece of history on our doorstep. It is a powerful reminder of our area’s rich industrial heritage and a tribute to the generations of dedicated volunteers who have made it such a valued part of our community. It is not only a brilliant educational asset, but also great fun!

We have been delighted to support the MRT over the years and look forward to a continuing that close working relationship. We want to help it to cement its place as one of the city’s

great attractions, and perhaps one day even extend the line to its original starting point in Middleton Park.”

Middleton Railway is delighted to be working together with Leeds City Council to enhance the local community.

As with many heritage railways, Middleton is feeling the pinch with the lockdown meaning they can no longer open and thus generate income to keep this historic, community based railway going. To help them through this difficult period, they have set up a go fund me appeal and would be grateful for any donations received.

Please visit their go fund me page via: www. gofundme.com/f/covid19-safeguardingthe-future

A NEW ARRIVAL AT THE RAILWAY The Middleton Railway took delivery of a new coach on Saturday 13th June. Officially known as a Parcels and Miscellaneous Van, No S2223 was built by the Southern Railway in the 1930s and used extensively until withdrawn by British Railways in the 1980s and purchased for use as a stores van.

A TRIBUTE TO ONE OF

LIFE’S GOOD GUYS...

Middleton Railway has three existing passenger coaches, all converted from this type of vehicle and we have purchased No 2223 in order to convert it into coach number four to provide a spare vehicle for use on busy days.

When circumstances allow, No 2223 will be moved inside and work will commence on the conversion, which is expected to cost in the region of £14,000 over a period of two years.

Tony was a passionate supporter of our magazine who we considered not just a customer but a friend since he and his family took the pub over back in October 2018.

Tony was not just a good landlord, but also one of lifes good guys, a hard working family man who provided a warm welcome to patrons old and new alike. The sort of person you could have a relaxed natter and a good laugh with.

Tony helped to endorse and strengthen the pubs welcoming environment and will be missed by all his regulars. So much so that over £1000 was raised to make a memorial to remember him by, a fitting tribute to a great man.

We would like to express our condolences to Debbie, Billy, Sam and his extended family, we will greatly miss him.

LS26 Local were saddened to hear of the passing of local landlord Tony Johnston, who was the publican at the Coach and Horses on Wakefield Road, with his wife Debbie Johnston and son Billy.

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LS26 SPORTS...

CLUBS IN YOUR AREA

If you run, or are involved with a local sports club, who you would like listing on this page, just email us at ls26local@gmail.com with a contact detail that we can list and we will include your club.

BOWLS METHLEY BOWLING CLUB 01977 518279 ROTHWELL BOWLING CLUB upthetrap@hotmail.co.uk WOODLESFORD BOWLING CLUB 0113 2827928 CRICKET CARLTON CRICKET CLUB www.carltoncricketclub.co.uk METHLEY CRICKET CLUB methleycc.play-cricket.com ROTHWELL CRICKET CLUB www.rothwell.play-cricket.com FOOTBALL CARLTON ATHLETIC FC Contact via facebook - @carltonathleticfc CARLTON & ROTHWELL GIANTS JFC giantsjfc.club 26

METHLEY UNITED AFC www.methleyunitedafc.org ROBIN HOOD ATHLETIC AFC 07970 345945 ROTHWELL JUNIORS www.pitchero.com/clubs/rothwelljuniorsfc ROTHWELL JUNIORS GIRLS dazmillard2011@hotmail.co.uk ROTHWELL OLD BOARS WALKING FOOTBALL Chris Bird 07860 890383 SWILLINGTON SAINTS WELFARE JFC Contact via facebook - Swilly Saints Junior Football OULTON ATHLETIC FC Ethan Braggington 07852 930245 MULTI-SPORT OULTON SPORTS & COMMUNITY CLUB 0113 2822356 MARTIAL ARTS CHULDOW ROTHWELL MARTIAL ARTS 0113 2824935 / info@chuldowrothwell.com.

COOL KICKS 07450 673553 / kickboxing@coolkicks.uk.

ROTHWELL KARATE CLUB 07754 195625 / admin@rothwellkarateclub.co.uk ROUNDERS ROTHWELL ROUNDERS Contact via facebook - Rothwell Rounders.

RUGBY LEAGUE METHLEY WARRIORS Contact Andy Ward on 07769685756.

OULTON RAIDERS ARLFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/oultonraidersarlfc.

OULTON RAIDETTES UNDER 8s 07540 063778 OULTON RAIDETTES GIRLS U12s Kelly 07576 924350, U14s Kathrine 07780 498409 and U16s Vicky 07972 200280.

OULTON VIKINGS UNDER 7s James Crow 07898 861247 STANLEY RANGERS ARLFC www.stanleyrangers.org.uk / 01924 870508 SWILLINGTON ARLFC U10’s & TOTS Kyle 07397 859344 RUGBY UNION LEEDS CORINTHIANS RUFC www.pitchero.com/clubs/leedscorinthiansrufc STANLEY RODILLIANS RUFC Jordan Platt 07804 470382 (juniors), Gary Demaine 07776 353892 (seniors). www.stanleyrodilliansrufc.rfu.club RUNNING METHLEY STRIDERS methleystriders@gmail.com ROTHWELL HARRIERS www.rothwellharriers.org.uk RODILLIAN RUNNERS www.rodillianrunners.co.uk SQUASH ROTHWELL SQUASH & RACKETBALL CLUB 0113 2822276 / www.rothwellsquashclub.co.uk

LS26 LOCAL

PRIZE CROSSWORD Complete the clues to find the hidden word(s) by re-arranging the letters from the highlighted squares.

Clue: Birthstone for July (4)

THIS MONTHS PRIZE! £10 MORRISONS VOUCHER!

ACROSS 7 Transport of goods by sea (8) 8 Repetition of sound (4) 9 Eat hungrily or greedily (6) 10 Arranged, group (6) 11 Smoker’s accessory (7) 13 Make a formal request (5) 15 Striped cat (5) 17 Keyboard musician (7) 19 Type of word that ends in ‘ly’ (6) 21 Tiny, small (6) 23 Clean, untainted (4) 24 Convenience meal (8) DOWN 1 Footwear item (4) 2 Christmas vegetable! (6) 3 Interpret mouth movements (3-4) 4 Grows older (4) 5 Rip to shreds (4,2) 6 Persuades by persistent flattery (8) 12 Attract attention (5,3) 14 Feel hostility towards (7) 16 Ale or beer-producer (6) 18 Sort of ok (3,3) 20 Tub for taking a wash (4) 22 Fertile soil (4) To enter the prize draw simply email your answer to: ls26local@gmail.com no later than 31/7/20.

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