JLife Leeds April-May 2024

Alex’s Big News

Gaynor

Yoni’s Nova Escape

CONTENTS:

YOUR REGULARFEATURES

Oakwood

In our Oakwood special we shine a light on vibrant businesses, plans for a new skatepark, and investigate the local invention of the world’s first single lens camera. Starts page 10.

Passover

The significance of freedom at Passover, plus some egg-citing yokey fun. Page 20.

Easter Break

This Easter half term there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Page 32.

Spring Homestyle

Get your home and garden ready for sunnier weather with a splash of colour and some interior designer approved tips. Page 34.

Yoms

This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day event, organized by Makor Jewish Culture, will feature guest speakers and a live violin performance. Page 59.

JLife Meets…

Alex Winston tells us about his new role as News Editor at the Jerusalem Post. Page 8.

University of Leeds student, Shmuel Von Weisl, has been working to empower Jewish students in the face of ongoing protests. Page 27.

Yoni Diller, a survivor of Hamas’ attack on Nova Festival, recounts his harrowing experience. Page 54.

We speak to Noga Ritter about her debut solo album, Ima. Page 86.

We speak to Writer Kay Mellor’s daughter Gaynor Faye, who directed The Syndicate, before its run at Leeds Grand Theatre. Page 90.

Community

Check out the latest news, events, and simchas across the community. Starts page 7.

Competition

Win a pair of Oakley sunglasses from James Daly Opticians worth £180. Page 29.

Win a delicious meal for four up to the value of £100 at Sukhothai. Page 30.

Win a teeth whitening package worth £350 or an Airpolish hygiene kit worth nearly £90. Page 84.

Spring Beauty

Why finding your colour season can make you your own personal stylist and improve your makeup and fashion. Page 62.

We continue to pray for all those in the midst of the war and campaign for all hostages to be freed. We chat with Ofer Fohrer, Head of Economic and Trade Mission to the UK Embassy about how the economic landscape in Israel will recover, we meet a survivor of the Nova Festival and catch up with one LS17 alumni forging a media career in Jerusalem! Closer to home, find out about the good work of one student at University of Leeds to combat antisemitism and catch up on lots of great community events and Simchas.

Alex

Shmuel Von Weisl

Simply Hearing UJIA

Winston Solicitors Yoni Diller

Travel in Style

With luxury transportation experiences, hopping from place to place can be the highlight. Page 66.

Spring Fashion

This year’s spring and summer collections are out! Update your wardrobe with this seasons’ trends. Page 69.

Media Preview

Check out some new and classic games to engage the whole family for National Board Game Day. Page 70.

Business

Northern festival of innovation, industry, and investment, Climb24, packs a punch for tomorrow’s industry leaders. Page 80.

This April edition is always packed with eclectic lifestyle features. Spring Homestyle welcomes some high-profile gardening tips, there’s all the Passover and Easter Holiday prep, and we’re down in Oakwood to check out some new businesses and some fascinating film history. Gaynor Faye gives us the lowdown about The Syndicate, a must see show this month at Leeds Grand Theatre!

You can win some fabulous Oakley sunglasses courtesy of James Daly Opticians, or dinner for four at Sukhothai to celebrate its new menu and return of the Sunday buffet at Chapel A!

NEWS IN BRIEF

St Gemma’s Pairs with Running Festival

St Gemma’s Hospice is the official Charity Partner for the Leeds Running Festival this year, which will take place at Roundhay Park on 21st April and 18th August. Over 1,000 runners are expected to be at each event where they can choose from taking part in a 5K, 10K or half marathon.

St Gemma’s Hospice have a small number of free places left so be quick to sign up and grab your place in return for raising some sponsorship to support the charity. Go the St Gemma’s website to find out more.

Stewart Graham, Head of Fundraising at St Gemma’s Hospice said: “I am thrilled that St Gemma’s Hospice is the official charity partner for the Leeds Running Festival this year. This is a new opportunity for us and we are excited to be involved! We look forward to seeing all our runners at the start line in Roundhay Park!”

St Gemma’s Hospice is a local, independent charity and has been providing expert care to the people of Leeds for 45 years. They provide the best possible care and support for local people and their families with life-limiting illnesses, specialising in pain relief and symptom control to help people live as well possible for as long as possible.

UHC Whisky Club Returns

Embarking on a journey to refine their palates and deepen their appreciation for the art of whiskymaking, members of the UHC whisky club and Leeds Kollel set out on an unforgettable tour of Scotland’s most esteemed distilleries. Through a weekend filled with expertly guided tastings and immersive experiences, they not only savoured the finest Scottish spirits but also gained invaluable insights into the intricate craftsmanship behind each bottle. As they returned home, their passion for whisky was not only reignited but also enriched, solidifying bonds, and creating lasting memories.

LJHA Reopens Hair Salon

Originally set up in the memory of much missed members of the LJHA family, the refurbished hair salon at Stonegate Way was recently reopened. The salon celebrated the memory of Brian and Shelia Stone and Lynda Ross.

Shelia Stone was responsible for opening the hair salon at Donisthorpe Hall and Brian contributed to the fixtures and fittings as LJHA’s Property Services Manager for several years. Whereas Lynda Ross was the driving force behind LJHA’s Knit n’ Knatter group who, over the years, have made countless donations to community causes and continue to do so today.

Andrew Stone, son of Brian and Shelia Stone, thought the opening of the salon in memory of his parents was a wonderful way to honour their memory and contributions to Leeds Jewish Housing Association and to Donisthorpe Hall. And Suzy Rudette, Lynda Ross’ daughter, recalled that her mum was always one for taking care of herself and that a hair salon is the perfect tribute to her memory.

Friendship Club Joined By Singer

A recent Friendship Club meeting saw a crowd of 170 people join to be entertained by Leeds Singer, Wendy King. Wendy performed for her audience before inviting her 13-yearold granddaughter, Sienna, to sing with her.

The New Friendship Club was recently formed by merging the leisure clubs at Etz Chaim Synagogue and BHH, and meets on alternating Tuesdays at 2pm at The Reuben Vincent Hall. The event on 2nd April is Banter and Bingo with Keith and Howard, the next date in the diary is 14th May, all are welcome.

Community Impact Report Released

Educating for Impact’s (EFI) Education Outreach Officer, Naomi Goldman, had the goal in 2018 to educate and inspire local children and families using Jewish values, knowledge, and skills, enabling them to live and contribute to a fulfilling Jewish life in Leeds.

Over the seven years Naomi has been connecting the community through several methods which include making opportunities to volunteer clear and available to children and families, collaborating with shuls to ensure community collaboration existed, and collaboration with nursing and care homes to ensure community members are visited.

Naomi’s projects such as shabbat UK, her involvement in organising the vigil for Israel, and Camp Achlah (a holiday camp for all members of the community to attend) have bettered and strengthened connections in the Leeds Jewish community with several plans to repeat successful events and ventures again this year.

BHH and Etz Chaim Merger Update

Jonathan Straight, BHH President, updated JLife on the years’ long process on the planning development for a merger between BHH and Etz Chaim Synagogues.

Jonathan commented: “The BHH Executive is waiting to see this plan when it is complete. We anticipate this may be early this month. We will then have to consider if the plan is viable and in the best interests of our members and if a majority of the executives agree, then a vote will be held.

“The details and timing of any such vote is yet to be confirmed, but we are clear that every member will have a vote and a significant majority of BHH and Etz Chaim members will have to agree.”

Jonathan highlights the complications of the plan’s many moving parts including the building’s cultural and sentimental value saying: “People imagine this is a simple thing, it is extremely complicated and even if voted through, might prove difficult, or even impossible, to implement. Both congregations need to go into this with their eyes wide open. We should be very careful about wishing away such an asset which will be worth far less than this to a developer.”

PLAY THE TUNES

Angel Fest, a music festival to raise funds for Homeless Street Angels and St Gemma’s Hospice, will take place in May.

Angel Fest, a music festival to benefit Homeless Street Angels and St Gemma’s Hospice, has been organised by local DJs Andy Hunt and Mark Foster, as well as Co-Founder of Homeless Street Angels Shelley Joyce, who herself has been DJing for 24 years.

Top DJs from around Leeds are donating their time to attend the event and organisers anticipate it being a sell-out. Shelley is also in the line up to be DJing!

Stephanie Jackson from St Gemma’s has said: “St Gemma’s Hospice is an independent charity providing expert palliative care to the people of Leeds for over 45 years, supporting over 3,000 local people a year.

“We believe everyone has the right to compassionate, expert care – St Gemma’s care is about living well and dying well, helping patients and families take back control of their lives. We provide individualised, supportive care for people with life-threatening illnesses, both in

Taking place on 7th March, a UJIA International Women’s Day event was dedicated to the 19 women hostages held by Hamas. During the evening, UJIA welcomed four women who each in their own chosen field continue to inspire us and all work to include others, together with Philippa Goldstone who facilitated the evening. We asked them all what International Women’s Day means to them, and why they got involved in the event.

Philippa Goldstone, Director Equals One

I think International Women’s Day is paramount to highlighting the importance of the part women have to play in today’s society. By celebrating the coming together of women across many organisations and the power of collectively working together. IWD should not be celebrated once a year, but daily.

Rebecca Manning, Head of Human Resources at TK Maxx

the Hospice, and patients’ homes.

“Our services are open to everyone, and completely free of charge to patients. However our services are not free to provide, with most of our running costs being raised by our fabulous supporters across the UK. We’re incredibly grateful to Mark and Andy, the organisers of Angel Fest, for choosing to raise funds for us alongside the wonderful Street Angels charity. This will not only help to support patient care, but also make every moment matter for the people living with a terminal diagnosis and their family and friends. Thank you to each and every one of you for supporting us.”

Shelley echoed the sentiment: “I am so pleased that the event is supporting Homeless Street Angels and St Gemma’s, as often our paths cross as charities and they are absolutely amazing at what they do. One of our guys who I have supported on the streets sadly passed away

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

I was excited to be part of the event as celebrating and supporting women has been crucial to me in my career and getting to be part of such an event alongside a great panel gave the opportunity to share stories to support others.

Debra Tammer, Comedian/Actor/ Writer/Poet

International Women’s Day is a great opportunity to celebrate our female unity and a great reminder that we must keep encouraging and championing girls and women to live their lives to the full.

I always support UJIA and wonderful work it continues to do in Israel and the Jewish community at large.

Nici Wertheim, Director Swizzles Matlow, UJIA Regional Trustee

International Women’s Day is about shining a light on the everyday achievements of women, often not recognised – so IWD puts the spotlight on those achievements.

I was honoured to be involved in this event as it is a great opportunity to share with people how important it is to be a role model and say to

a couple of years ago and I spent a lot of time visiting him in his final days at St Gemma’s and the team there were wonderful and made his final days as comfortable as they could. So it’s a great honour to have this collaboration.

“This fundraiser is so important to us as a charity as not only do we feed over 100 people every Thursday on our weekly outreach we also have over 600 families on our food parcels register. So it’s fundraisers like this that help us to do what we love to do. And I love the fact that it’s local to both our charities and we are looking forward to a great day with lots of good music.”

The event will take place on 25th May at Moortown Rugby Club, tickets are available at: Skiddle.com/whats-on/Leeds/MoortownRugby-Club/ANGEL-FEST-CharityDay/37266669

We heard from the speakers at the UJIA International Women’s Day event in Leeds on why marking the day is so important.

women that every accomplishment is one to be proud of and to stand up and pat our own backs!

Miranda Arieh, HEROES Groupwork Programme - Founder & CEO

After being a mental health coach for over a decade, I’ve ‘seen inside’ thousands of women’s minds! Some of the biggest themes I’ve seen come through are around low self-worth and ‘imposter syndrome’. International Women’s Day is a platform for women to gain inspiration, shift their mindset to one of creative possibilities, and raise their voices loud and proud to raise awareness of issues in a world that has not always been equal between women and men.

It was sincerely an honour to be a guest at the IWD event. We came together to inspire, empower, and open minds and I do feel we achieved that together! The all-female team heading the event were a joy to work with, there’s something special about women coming together – the sisterhood is well and truly alive in the Jewish community!

PHOTO: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST

The oldest and largest English-language daily broadsheet newspaper in Israel, not to mention the most read English news website in Israel, The Jerusalem Post, has a new News Editor.

Founded in 1932, the paper has retained its prominence as Israel’s leading English-language news outlet, and it today hosts high-profile conferences featuring world-renowned speakers from the government and business sectors. In 1996, the paper launched JPost.com, reaching millions more readers across the globe.

We caught up with Alex Winston, son of Mandy and Richard, who grew up in LS17 before leaving for Israel 13 years ago, where he has since married to Donna who he met at Manchester University and started a family in Jerusalem. His daughter Isabella is three and his son Jesse was born just days after the Hamas attack. Alex is forging a career at The Post where he is now the News Editor.

Hi Alex! Can you tell us about life in the newsroom?

Hello! So, I’d been working at The Jerusalem Post for about three years until 2021, then I worked for a few nongovernmental organisations and did some other media work before I came back in 2023. The News Editor role had been amalgamated into other roles but now they’ve decided to bring it back as its own separate role.

When I was gone, I was doing interesting work but there wasn’t quite the professional

News Just In

Alex Winston tells us about his new role as News Editor at the Jerusalem Post.

satisfaction I got when I was at the Post. I’ve never found it anywhere else where you go home with a real sense of pride in what we’ve done. We have a very dynamic newsroom, constantly in touch with reporters and dealing with breaking news, there’s always a lot to offer especially in the past six months.

Obviously, the weeks after 7th October everybody in the country was in a national shock. A lot of sad stories come out all the time, it can be a lot to deal with, or for anybody to deal with. But whatever comes out, whatever the news is, we have a duty to keep readers informed and we deal with that in the best way we can.

How did the Leeds Jewish community help shape you?

I am convinced, and nobody will convince me otherwise, that I am from the greatest city in the world. I love Leeds (and Leeds United of course) with all my heart and I’m so proud to come from there. There are two things that I would say have made me who I am today, one is growing up in Leeds, a northern city, in a northern culture, and being Jewish is the other.

The truth is, I grew up in a Jewish household and community, but I didn’t grow up in a particularly Zionist household. It was important to us, but it wasn’t like we came to Israel every year. So, I didn’t actually come to Israel for the first time until I was 16 – it was a real turning point in my life. I had the choice, I could either go with Leeds Grammar School to South America for a month, visiting Uruguay,

Argentina, and Chile or I had the opportunity to come to Israel for the first time with a Jewish youth group.

It was incredible, I just couldn’t believe it, it was such a different culture with so much history, which I just fell in love with. If I hadn’t come on that trip who knows where I would be now, everything could have been different.

What are your future goals and ambitions?

Definitely I would want to stay here in Israel, if anything because the weather is so much better! In a warmer climate, you’re just a little bit happier.

I want to be doing this role for many years to come – I don’t envisage doing anything else for a long time because I enjoy it so much and I really believe it’s worthwhile. I’m really excited as well to see what changes happen around here and to see how we continue to stay on top of the news.

MONTY DALY-SMITH RECENTLY CELEBRATED HIS BAR MITZVAH!

THE PARTY WAS HELD AT FEARNS, LEEDS DOCK AND EVERYONE PARTIED THROUGH THE NIGHT!

BEFORE BEING JOINED BY HIS PROUD FAMILY, REUBEN, ALI, AND ANDY AFTER THE CEREMONY.

HE WAS CALLED UP AT UHC ON HIS BIG DAY.

Oakwood has made a name for itself as a vibrant community with a bustling high street. There’s a lot going on in this exciting part of Leeds, just a few minutes down the road from LS17.

A picturesque area, Oakwood’s most notable feature is its clock tower, fittingly known as the Oakwood Clock which was built in 1904. The clock was designed by architectural firm Leeming & Leeming, which was established in Halifax

Oakwood delights both visitors and locals alike with its welcoming community and thriving businesses.

by George Goodman. The land was sold by Goodman in 1825 to a local textile merchant family, who soon began construction of a manor house called Wood End. This name was changed to Oakwood House sometime between 1847 and 1865, and it was this house which would lend the area its name. In 1891 much of the land was put up for sale as the Oakwood Building Estate which would form the basis for the boundaries that exist now.

in 1872, and the design was brought to life by Potts of Leeds. The striking timepiece sits at the bottom end of Roundhay Park. However, this wasn’t the location it was originally intended for. The original plan was for it to be the centrepiece of Kirkgate Market. However, after the design of the market was revised, the clock no longer fit the style of the architecture, and the idea to place it in Oakwood came about. Eight years after it was first built the clock was placed in Oakwood, where it has remained ever since.

Turning back the clock even further, as most might guess, Oakwood likely got its name from the oak trees found in the area, which were once part of an ancient forest, though the area took up this name fairly recently in its history. What is now Oakwood was originally rural land owned

The area is an attractive neighbourhood for young families to settle and visitors alike with its array of services, buzzing food and drink offering and easy access location. The high street is home to cafés, restaurants, and a wealth of independent businesses, all of which are worth a look. Worth a special mention is the farmers market which takes place every third Saturday of the month 9am to 12:30pm, drawing in plenty of visitors from both Oakwood and further afield. There’s also a family fun day taking place in Oakwood on 18th May which will feature stalls, live music, and street food.

With such a thriving leisure scene, it’s no surprise that new faces are always popping up. One such new face is The Acapella, a brand-new restaurant and bar serving exceptional tapas and drinks alongside live music on a weekend.

Great news for those who like a good cheese plate, The Cheesy Living Co has expanded to Oakwood, taking over from The Pantry and bringing it’s 100% British cheese and charcuterie café

to delight the area’s denizens. Owners Jake and Soph started the business as a lockdown project, and it expanded from there. For an extra special treat, make sure to book in for the fondue, available in a range of flavours.

Long term friends Paul Bolster and Nick Julian have recently opened a new pizza restaurant, called Ottimo. Paul already owns Tasty Kitchen & Coffee, the pizza concept is focused on quality ingredients, balanced flavours, and a tried and tested dough process, focusing on the small details to create a really special product. Owner Nick Julian comments: “Paul and I have always shared the same values around creating products that really exceed expectations and now this opportunity has given us the chance to work together. When Paul’s next-door neighbour announced their re-location it felt like this was the moment!”

These new restaurants aren’t the only changes happening! With lunch time favourite Pitta Fan opening a new seating area, Simon Falk Eyewear expanding into the shop next door (which used to house Gron), Punjabi Heaven set to open an Indian sweet shop, and Roundhay Aesthetics is setting up a new aestheics clinic inside Oakwood Dental, providing a range of treatments including LED therapy, peels, and injectable treatments. It’s no wonder why the area is proving so popular. And with one of Europe’s most visited parks just next door, oakwood is definitely the place to go.

OAKWOOD GONE BY – BY STEVEN VERB

OAKWOOD GONE BY – BY STEVEN VERB

We shine a spotlight on some of Oakwood’s best independent businesses.

Ottimo

There’s a new pizza restaurant on the block. Ottimo, the brain child of term friends Paul Bolster and Nick Julian, will be focused on quality ingredients, balanced flavours and a tried and tested dough process, focusing on the small details to create a really special product.

Paul is familiar to Oakwood residents as the owner of Tasty Kitchen & Coffee and Nick who owns Pizza Freak in Kirkstall will open their new restaurant in the former home of Pizza Loco.

Owner Nick Julian comments: “Paul and I have always have shared the same values around creating products that really exceed expectations and now this opportunity has given us the chance to work together. When Paul’s next door neighbour announced their re-location it felt like this was the moment!”

Ottimo is set of offer a fantastic range of wood fired pizza as well as small plates, with a focus on seasonality, flavours, and textures, backed up by delicious fresh ingredients.

Ottimo.pizza

Tasty Kitchen & Coffee

Talk of the Town

family’s dedication and ambition which caused their creation.

Perfect for any occasion, Signature Sweets also offers outside catering so you can impress your guests with some luxury sweet treats for any occasion.

Signaturesweets.uk 0113 518 2969

Southlands Retirement Apartments

A retirement apartment is the perfect option in later life. Moving in later life can often be a difficult decision. However, Leeds-based retirement apartment provider Westward Care is providing the perfect opportunity to explore retirement living by opening up its Southlands Retirement Apartments in Roundhay, Leeds on 27th April from 10am to 4pm.

With a day of entertainment, tours of the apartments, refreshments, and a chance to meet other apartment owners lined up the Open Day is the perfect opportunity to pop along and find out more.

Westwardcare.co.uk/our-locations/southlands-roundhay

Tasty has been an Oakwood staple, delighting customers with great tasting bites and coffee for over 13 years now, serving a great range of breakfast items alongside their famous signature sandwiches, burgers and cakes. Tasty also offers an all day brunch and lunch menu with a great selection of flatbreads, salads and brunch stacks. They have a large selection of vegetarian and vegan options , so there’s something for everyone.

Their drinks offering includes their own blend coffee, home-made milkshakes and healthy smoothies.

The menu is constantly updating with exciting new items and offers something for everyone.

If you have a big celebration coming up, bespoke business and party catering is also on offer.

Tastyleeds.com

0113 345 6319

Signature Sweets

Following the success of Punjabi Heaven, Signature Sweets is a traditional Indian sweet shop opening in Oakwood. Delve into the delights of a new culture and explore the world of Indian sweets, each of which has been meticulously handcrafted with precision and love.

The Indian sweets at Signature Sweets are infused with a depth of flavour which resonates with the soul, inviting you to indulge in the timeless traditions of Punjab and connect to the

Cheesy Living Co

A modern deli in the heart of Oakwood that specialises in British Cheese and Charcuterie. We pride ourselves on working with independent, local farms and small businesses to bring you the best this country has to offer. A deli by day and bistro by night, come down and enjoy some amazing produce from our cheese fridge, a warm focaccia sandwich, fresh pastry, fondue or even raclette. All whilst enjoying a glass of sustainable wine, one of our local spirits or craft beers, or coffee that’s roasted right here in Leeds. There’s always something happening, from tastings to supper clubs and creative workshops with a private area for events and outside catering available. We can’t wait to see you.

Thecheesylivingco.co.uk

THE CHEESY LIVING CO.

Lights, Camera, Action

As part of our Oakwood special feature, we investigate how the world’s first single lens camera was invented right here in the area.

The question of who truly invented the first film camera has been under debate for over a century. The invention is frequently attributed to famed inventor Thomas Edison in 1889 for the Kinetograph, but it was really his assistant William Dickson who developed the device. Some might claim the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, are the ones who should be credited, for producing the first camera widely used, able to develop its own film, and act as a projector in 1895. However, there is evidence that the first person to produce a working camera did so even earlier than Dickson and Edison, right here in Oakwood.

Louis Le Prince was born in Metz, France in 1841, before moving to Leeds in 1866 to work as agent at a brass foundry. He moved to New York in 1881 before returning to Leeds in 1887. Initially, he created a 16-lens camera, to little success before achieving success with the world’s first functional single lens camera in 1888. He did so in a mansion called Oakwood

Grange, which is still visible from Oakwood Grange Lane today. Look out for the gateposts obscured by random-stone infill and a section of its cut-stone garden wall past Oakwood Hall.

On 14th October 1888, within the confines of Oakwood Grange’s garden, Louis Le Prince captured the world’s inaugural moving picture using a single lens camera, capturing the iconic few seconds of footage known as Roundhay Garden Scene. The reason this footage is so significant is because it contains Louis’ motherin-law Sarah Whitley, who is easy to spot in the film, dressed in mourning attire. Sarah died just 10 days later, on 24th October 1888. This definitively dates the camera as existing before Edison and Dickson’s Kinetograph.

That isn’t the end of Le Prince’s ties to Leeds, as he filmed more footage in the city. Often mistakenly attributed as his first, Le Prince’s most renowned film, Traffic Crossing Leeds Bridge stands as a significant milestone. Filmed from an upper window at Bridge End,

Uncertainty shrouds Le Prince’s ability to project his images, with conflicting accounts regarding his success. It isn’t definitively known whether he ever projected his films. Notably, E Kilburn Scott, who provided an arc lamp for Le Prince’s projector, offers no confirmation of witnessing picture projection. However, anecdotal evidence from Louis’ daughter Marie claims that she saw him project moving pictures on the wall of his workshop as early as 1886.

The National Media Museum at Bradford exhibits a camera believed to have filmed ‘Roundhay Garden Scene’ and ‘Traffic Crossing Leeds Bridge,’ with a replica also showcased at Leeds Industrial Museum, should you wish to view this piece of history yourself.

Given the solid evidence which exists, it’s natural to wonder why Louis Le Prince isn’t widely heralded as the inventor of the video camera today. Sadly, Louis’ intended public demonstration of his camera in the US was thwarted when he vanished under mysterious circumstances on 16th September, 1890. He was last sighted boarding a Paris-bound train in Dijon after visiting his brother but did not disembark in Paris. A photograph of a drowning victim from 1890, which resembled Louis, surfaced in the Paris police archives in 2003, sparking intrigue surrounding his fate and the potential of foul play, which Louis’ wife, Elizabeth, had strongly believed to be the case.

We speak to Matt Evans, who –along with a group of other locals – is trying to revamp the Roundhay Park Skatepark.

1.3 SKETCH PLAN

Seeing the dilapidated state of his local skatepark in Roundhay Park, Matt Evans got together with a group of like-minded locals, including Paul Donnelly and Ralph Tinsley, with one goal: to revamp the park into a space suitable for everyone. Matt, a skater himself, felt that the skatepark as it exists now left something to be desired: “About two years ago, a group of parents and local residents got together for various different reasons wanting to do something about the current skatepark in Roundhay Park. That skatepark has been there for over 20 years and it’s not fit for purpose.”

With many people interested in breathing life back into the existing skate park, a plan was formed and the group came together as an organisation to make the project happen: “We formed a not-for-profit company, set up a website and social media, and set about raising awareness. We try to have a presence at any event around Oakwood, just to raise the profile of the project.”

The vision behind the skatepark is for it to be a space not just for skaters, but for the community at large: “We want this skatepark to be not just a skatepark, but a place for people to hang out, for families to go sit and have barbeques and play games, a space for everybody. We also want it to have a section for less ablebodied people. One of the guys on the team has twins who have cerebral palsy. He’s a skater and he really wanted his children to skate. One of them needs more assistance than the other, and he’s developed a prototype in his head of how we would do that. Basically, there would be a section of the park which is low-key and has smaller obstacles, and it would have a rail overhead that you can hook a harness onto and use the park. We’ve approached a few disability charities and they’re really excited about that.

“We’ve designed the park ourselves, consulting with the wider community and the skating community. We’ve been very careful not

to come up with some huge concrete monstrosity and have people go: ‘Well, that’s just for skaters.’ We want it to be more of a plaza style skatepark, not overwhelming.”

The plan has seen a lot of support from the Oakwood community, including local businesses, and also Leeds City Council: “We presented to Leeds City Council at a deputation. That’s where you stand up in front of the Lord Mayor and 100 councillors and state your case. They have a show of hands – and that was probably the most nerve-wracking things I’ve ever done – but we got 100 out of 100 to raise their hands in support. It will probably cost between £500,000 and £750,000 to make this happen, but we can reduce that significantly with the help of local businesses.” Matt and the team have already heard from several businesses owners in the Oakwood area saying they’d like to help.

Oakwood’s community has really gotten behind the skatepark project, and the story has even attracted the attention of a young filmmaker: “It’s a true community project, it’s self-raised and self-funded, and people in the community have massively gotten behind it. There’s even a young local skater who is studying film in college. For his final project he wanted to do a documentary of the story so far. He’s just finished filming a really exciting documentary that will be made for his course, and we’ll also get to use it for publicity.”

Go to Roundhayskatepark.com or appeal@ roundhayskatepark.com for more about the project and the fundraising events planned.

Your Skin, Reimagined

Roundhay Aesthetics in Oakwood offers a range of bespoke aesthetics treatments to allow you to love your look.

Unique, powerful, and resilient… your skin is incredible and is something that you should feel proud of. Roundhay Aesthetics is committed to giving you total skin confidence and a healthy, radiant complexion.

Everything the clinic does, from treatments to skincare, is backed by robust clinical data. Far from trends and fads, the clinic offers treatments that are safe, and that deliver results.

The expert team is here to help you along your skin journey. Each team member is passionate about helping you achieve results that are transformative yet natural-looking… they don’t want to take away from what makes you, you!

While the clinic offers standard treatment courses, the team prefers to create bespoke plans that will help you to achieve your goals. Your skin changes constantly – hormones, the weather, and stress play a huge part in this – and your treatments and skincare will be tailored to reflect these changes to make sure you get the very best results.

The team at Roundhay Aesthetics offer medical injectable treatments, professional skincare and skin treatments, so whatever approach you’re looking to take they’ll be able to create a bespoke plan to help you reach your skin goals.

Medical Injectable Treatments

Medical injectable treatments can help to reduce lines and wrinkles, restore volume and remodel the skin. Dr Amy, is highly experienced in creating subtle, natural-looking results for her clients. Book in for a consultation and Amy will advise you on the best treatment to help you achieve the results you’re looking for.

Dermal Micro-needling

Dermal micro-needling stimulates your skin’s natural responses to promote the production of new collagen. After a course of treatments you can expect to see reduced lines and wrinkles and a brighter complexion with a more even tone. It’s also a fantastic treatment for acne scarring.

Skin Peels

Chemical skin peels can help to address specific skin concerns or provide general skin rejuvenation. All of the peels that we perform deliver excellent results but won’t cause aggressive peeling or downtime.

Dermalux LED Therapy

LED therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the skin in different ways. Depending on the combination of wavelengths used it can help to rejuvenate the skin, improve spot prone skin and reduce redness.

Signature Treatments

Roundhay Aesthetics’ signature treatments have been designed to give your skin a regular detox and rejuvenating boost. While the clinic has a menu of treatments, our skin expert will help you to select the best one for your skin at that moment in time, and will tailor each element to make sure you get the very best results.

ALLSKIN | MED Professional Skincare

ALLSKIN | MED is the clinic’s chosen professional skincare range for one good reason… it delivers remarkable results. Backed by significant clinical data and packed with unique technologies, the team can create simple regimes tailored to your needs that will transform your skin from the comfort of your home.

Home-care is essential when it comes to healthy, radiant skin - it also works synergistically with your treatments to make sure you get the very best results!

Book in for your consultation online at and discover your personalised plan.

Roundhayaesthetics.co.uk

0113 240 2140

On Instagram @roundhayaesthetics

ROHEY, ADVANCED AESTHETICIAN

DR AMY, AESTHETICS INJECTOR

MARCIA & ANDREW BROWN CHARITABLE

TRUST

THE AWARDS ARE:

Sharlisse Levy Female Award

SPONSORED BY Gaynor and Jeremy Sorkin & Family

Which amazing woman do you know who deserves recognition?

Adrienne & Louis Harris Lifetime Achievement Award

SPONSORED BY Linda and Martin Lee

This person has dedicated their life to our community; who do you think it should be?

Outstanding Recognition Award

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We’re looking for someone who has made a big impact on the Leeds community with their tireless work.

Community Volunteer Award

SPONSORED BY

TerrI and Ian Barnett

There are so many to choose from who make up the backbone of our wonderful community; who do you know who goes above and beyond?

Richard Goldberg Male Award

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Is there a super man that you know that deserves an award? Tell us all about him.

Inspirational Award

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LJWB Champion

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A group or person that has volunteered their time above and beyond.

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Community Achievement Award

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Debbie and Adam Cutler

Is there a person who has inspired you or the community in some way who you think should be acknowledged?

Business Award

SPONSORED BY

This person may well be Leeds’ answer to Alan Sugar; who do you know who has thrived in business?

Person or people - we’re looking for an individual or organisation that has achieved levels beyond expectation.

The Lloyd Rakusen Sporting Achievement Award

SPONSORED BY The Rakusen and Sandle Families

We’re lucky to have some amazing people involved in sport in Leeds but is there anyone exceptional who deserves this award?

Leader of Youth Award

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Amanda and Jonny Jerome

Youth is at the heart of our vibrant community; who is the stand-out leader who deserves this award?

Egg-citing Times

As Passover approaches, we find out about the meaning of eggs and check out some sayings behind the beloved protein.

First thing’s first, why is the egg on the seder plate each year? The short answer is that it stands as both a symbol of mourning for the destruction of the Temple, and a symbol of hope and renewal. Eggs, being the beginning of a new life cycle for the chicken, have long been a symbol of fresh beginnings across cultures. Just don’t ask us which came first!

While the subject of whether the chicken or the egg came first is a popular philosophical question, we know that eggs came long before humans did, and we’ve been eating them for the entirety of our history. As for domesticated fowl, that came quite a bit later on. The first recorded proof of domesticated birds as livestock were jungle fowl in India in 3,200 BC. Records in China and Egypt show that fowl were domesticated and laying eggs for human consumption around 1,400 BC, while the eggheads at University of Oxford state that they weren’t domesticated in Europe until 800 BC, and not in North America until the second voyage of Columbus in 1493.

EGG-CELLENT SAYINGS

A good egg –a nice person.

A bad egg / a rotten egg –an unpleasant person. To have egg on your face –to be very embarrassed because of something you said or did. Nest egg –a sum of money saved for the future.

You can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs

Something is hard to achieve without consequences elsewhere.

Teaching your grandmother to suck eggs

Since eggs have been around as long as we have, it’s perhaps no surprise that they’ve even ingrained themselves in our language, with a fair amount of common expressions centring around eggs. Collecting them all is a tricky task, but you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs, so we’ll take a crack at it.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket

giving advice to another person in a subject which they’re already familiar with.

Egghead –a highly intellectual or studious person.

To egg on –

To strongly encourage someone in a bad idea.

What do you want, an egg in your beer? –

Wanting something for nothing.

Freedom With Purpose

Rabbi Fabian Sborovsky discusses the significance of freedom at Passover.

With Pesach falling later in the spring due to the leap-year, we find ourselves with a little more time to think about and prepare for our Festival of Freedom. There is much anticipation, and so much on our to-do list as well: ridding our homes of all traces of chametz with the ultimate of spring cleanings, shopping for kosher for Pesach foods, preparing for the seder, and of course the cooking of delicious traditional Pesachdik foods.

There is an irony that a festival celebrating freedom requires so much work, preparation, and attention to every detail so that we can observe it in the proper way. But is all the meticulous work not contrary to the spirit of being released from bondage, some argue? Are all these restrictions and meticulous control not reminiscent of shackles, they ask? What sort of freedom can all these regulations celebrate? The answers, require an exploration of the key concepts behind the festival celebration.

In our liturgy, not only is Pesach referred to as Chag HaMatzot, festival of unleavened bread, but also as Zman Cherutenu, the festival of our freedom. At the Seder we begin telling our story by pointing at the matza and declaring Ha Lachma Anya (this is the bread of affliction), to explain its purpose during the seder. Soon to be followed by joyful singing declaring ‘Avadim Hayinu, ata Bnei Chorin’ – ‘we were slaves [avadim], but now we are a free people! [bnei

chorin]’ reflecting the Hebrew word cherut for freedom. Interestingly, however, the words cherut, or bnei chorin, do not appear even once in the entire Hebrew Bible.

It may not be so ironic after all that we have to invest in our freedom with work and preparation

The biblical word for freedom is chofshi, used in the context of a slave going free, a person who can do what they like, with no one to tell them what to do. The word chofshi is perhaps more familiar from ‘Lihiyot am chofshi be’artzenu’ to be a free people in our land in Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem. Another biblical word for freedom, liberty, or release is d’ror. We find it in the context of the Jubilee year in Leviticus 25:10 ‘You shall proclaim liberty [d’ror] throughout the land for all its inhabitants’. D’ror connotes a release from specific debts and responsibilities. But to describe the concept of freedom at the heart of what it means to be a Jew the rabbis chose a different word, cherut. Unlike the freedom of chofesh, which implies doing what one likes, cherut is freedom with a

Pesach Pop-Up Announces Hours

purpose, as in G-d’s message to Pharaoh: ‘Let My people go that they might worship Me’ (Exod. 9:1). Cherut is the freedom the Israelites acquired at Mount Sinai, in the form of a covenant.

Pirkei Avot, one of the most well-known writings in Rabbinic Judaism, illustrates this point with some word play. Interpreting the biblical verse: ‘And the tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven [charut] upon the tablets (Exodus 32:16), it states: ‘Read not charut [graven] but cherut [freedom]. For there is no free person but one who engages in the study of Torah’ (Pirkei Avot 6:2).

Cherut denotes freedom with a purpose, to be free to bind ourselves to God and an obligation to higher ideals. Crucially, it assumes engagement, connectedness, and study. Cherut is a freedom dependant on our obligations and interconnectedness over mere individualism.

It may not be so ironic after all that we have to invest in our freedom with work and preparation. When it comes to our annual Pesach preparation, as well as our search for chametz, let us be more conscious of the way we express our Jewish bonds of freedom and liberation, of peoplehood, responsibility, and connectedness not only to each other but to a shared humanity and all who still long to be free.

Chag Cherut Sameach!

Gourmet Butchers and Deli has confirmed its opening of its Pesach Pop-Up Shop 2024 will be 7th April at 10am. Additional opening hours have been released for its entire stint which ends on 25th April at 1pm. As an upgrade this year Gourmet has announced it was donated state of the art cash registers by Ring A Till which will greatly help its service to the community.

Marshall Frieze and Simon Williams, the joint management team for the shop, said: “We’re working hard behind the scenes to make sure we have a superb selection of your favourite products with some great offers and prices. And we’ll also be adding some new items that we are sure you’ll love.”

A Family Affair

Harrogate Suit Hire provides excellent quality tailored suit hire in the heart of Harrogate.

Based in the heart of Harrogate, Harrogate Suit Hire stands as a beacon of excellence in providing tailored formalwear for a variety of occasions. As a family-run business, the team takes immense pride in their commitment to ensuring that your wedding day or unique event is not only special but also hassle-free.

Owners Stuart and Dale understand the significance of a well-fitted suit on your big day. That’s why a bespoke service is on offer, taking your measurements during personalised appointments to guarantee the perfect fit. Whether it’s a wedding, prom, business event, or

any other formal occasion, the attention to detail ensures that you look and feel impeccable.

Convenience is paramount to the service, which is why next-day delivery is available for those in need of a swift turnaround. Moreover, the team’s dedication to customer satisfaction extends to providing a complimentary final fitting to ensure every aspect of your suit is flawless.

You’ll be blown away by the extensive range of suits, which caters to a diverse array of preferences and occasions. For weddings, whether you’re envisioning an elegant two or three-piece suit, a classic tailcoat ensemble, a sophisticated tuxedo, or traditional highland wear, Harrogate Suit Hire has the perfect attire to complement your style and theme. As of the beginning of April, the range has even been extended to include tweed and a range of new colours. Knowing the importance of coordination, you’re also encouraged to bring along your groomsmen and page boys for a seamless fitting experience.

Highland wear enthusiasts will appreciate the collection of modern tweeds, Prince Charlie jackets, Argyll ensembles, and a myriad of tartan fabrics, ensuring a distinctive look for any special event. Complete your ensemble with the full range of highland accessories for an authentic touch.

Whether it’s an evening gala, a black-tie affair, or a prom night extravaganza, the shop has a selection of evening wear, tuxedos, and white tie ensembles guarantees a sophisticated and suave appearance. With a variety of sizes, fits, colours, and fabrics available, you’ll find everything you need to elevate your style and make a lasting impression at that big event.

For business events that demand

professionalism and refinement, the range of two-piece and three-piece suits offer versatility and sophistication. Choose from an array of options to suit your individual taste and corporate aesthetic, leaving a lasting impression wherever you go.

Most importantly, for Harrogate Suit Hire, every detail matters. From the impeccable craftsmanship of the suits to our personalised service, the team strives for excellence in every aspect of the experience. With appointments available seven days a week, including evenings, you can fit a time that will work for your busy schedule.

As a family-run business, Harrogate Suit Hire understands the importance of inclusivity. A wide selection of children’s suits are available, ensuring that every member of your party looks and feels their best. While you browse through the collection, your little ones can enjoy a biscuit or two, making the experience enjoyable for the whole family (and keeping them occupied while you peruse).

With the team’s commitment to quality, convenience, and customer satisfaction, you can trust them to deliver an unparalleled experience from start to finish, all for an extremely competitive price. Give them a call to arrange your personalised appointment today.

Harrogatesuithire.com

07809 422 485

ASK THE EXPERTS

Event planning of any kind – whatever your budget, guest numbers or event type – can be very stressful. There’s a great deal of pressure: do you know what the latest trends are? Do you have the right connections? Are you creative enough? And, ultimately, do you have the time to plan it all? These details make the difference between a conventional celebration and an unforgettable party.

Naturally, to plan the perfect event – whether it’s a party, conference, wedding, Bar or Bat Mitzvah – you need guidance and support. But with Google at our fingertips and every ‘friend of a friend’ offering advice, who should you really turn to for help?

Researching online

The internet gives you access to thousands of suppliers at the click of a button. Simply ask Google a question, and it’ll return multiple pages of answers. Type ‘best caterer in Leeds?’ and you’ll see hundreds of websites; the same applies to photographers, venues, and everyone else in between. How do you decide who is right for you?

Glossy images, a fancy website and glowing testimonials can be hugely enticing. However, relying solely on the internet to make decisions for your event can be a big mistake. Remember: clever photography and fancy wording can make even the most basic supplier and dullest venue seem first class. In reality, you don’t know if you can trust them, if the price quoted is fair, or even if they’ll turn up on the day.

Never place all your trust in what you see online. And never hand over deposits to unknown suppliers.

Asking friends and family

Announce you’re hosting a special event, and the advice from family and friends comes flooding in. Everyone knows someone who is a fantastic musician or had a wonderful photographer on their wedding day. Perhaps they’ve even offered to help out themselves, such as suggesting your gran makes your birthday cake?

Though the advice is usually well-intentioned, and can be helpful, it’s certainly not risk-free and can place you in an awkward situation. What was perfect for your friend’s event may be completely out of place at yours. We all have different budgets, tastes, and expectations.

Tread carefully and don’t feel under pressure. Each person, and every event, is unique.

Hiring an event planner

When you’re hosting a special event, you need to ask the experts. That’s where experienced events organisers like us steps in. We’ll bring our expertise in event planning to the table objectively: giving you clear advice as to what will – and won’t – work.

Experienced planners will work with a wealth of suppliers and venues. We know who can be trusted to deliver, who matches your budget, and who’s just right for your special day. And we’ll do all the planning for you: negotiating with suppliers, chasing up paperwork, and managing the venue on the day. All that’s left for you to do is relax and enjoy.

OUTSTANDING Pikuach (faith and ethos) inspection 2023

“The quality of Jewish education at Leeds Jewish Free School is outstanding.”

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

BEST WISHES

Leeds Jewish Free School celebrates its 10th birthday and you can get involved with the perfect gift to help enable the school’s continued growth.

Leeds Jewish Free School set out a decade ago to build and grow a vibrant Jewish secondary school in Leeds offering a first-class education. Its Orthodox Jewish values and ethos offer a caring, supportive environment which is reinforced by high standards of behaviour, allowing each and every child to develop a lifelong love of learning. As a Jewish faith school its Jewish ethos is core to ensuring each students’ success. It expects every student to not only know its values, but to live them as well. Whether it be in the relation of teachers to pupils, pupils to teachers, or pupils to one another, as well as towards the outside world.

Staff at the school have collaborated to put together a wishlist of items which they believe will enhance the learning experience of the students and really allow them to move forward with learning. To learn how to buy the school a present, you can view the wishlist on its dedicated website (linked below) and choose an item. Click the item on the list you wish to purchase and email Charlie.Kelsey@ljfa.org to confirm what you have purchased. Your purchase can either be sent straight to the school or you can hand deliver it.

If you wish to show your appreciation with a larger contribution, then there are two on-going school projects which require your help. The first of which is the renovation of the Jewish Life room. This project requires much attention in the form of, moving the location of the Jewish Life classroom to be at the heart of the school, furniture, resources for a spiritual area, and lighting. LJFS wants the Jewish Life room to be at the heart of the school to strengthen its identity with high class Jewish education. In order to make this happen, the school needs to raise £50,000. All contributions are welcome.

The second project is a drama and dance room. This contribution will give LJFS students a real experience of the theatre when they take drama or dance. It would like to fit out the drama room with black curtains, lights, speakers, and a mixer. For this project the school needs a donation of £3,000.

The projects will ensure the school continues to flourish with a Jewish ethos at its core. To get involved in either of these donation projects please contact Charlie.kelsey@ljfs.org to discuss a contribution.

Ljfs.org • Wishsite.net/wishlist/iqvtgmth

Stand Proud

Shmuel Von Weisl, a student at University of Leeds, has been working to empower Jewish students in the face of ongoing protests.

A group of students at the University of Leeds have been counter-protesting proPalestinian protests on campus. Shmuel Von Weisl, a second year Politics, Philosophy, and Economics student led the movement. He told us it was the intensity of the protest which drove the group to act: “A group of us were really fed up with seeing weekly protests that were pretty violent and hate filled. Shouting and screaming and saying some horrible stuff. We were really fed up because we weren’t noticing

and several other students decided to take action: “A group of us decided to do something, and what we decided to do was set up a table with some Israel flags. We just handed out badges and had some leaflets with information in them on the table, and we talked with people around us. The first time we did it was after October 7th, we set up with just a table and some homemade stickers, but then after that we kind of evolved it. We did another time after the antisemitic attacks on Hillel House and

a strong response or any response from the university. A lot of people were talking about it – not only Jewish students – and they were pretty intimidated by these protests. It was creating a really horrible atmosphere around campus, particularly for the Jewish students.”

Faced with regular protests, Shmuel

the chaplain, setting out a table then. We kept getting these overwhelmingly positive responses. To such an extent that nonJewish students were coming up to us and saying: ‘We’re finally seeing you. We haven’t been seeing anyone standing up for this or even creating a presence.’”

More recently, when protesters occupied

the Parkinson building at the university, Shmuel’s group headed over to present their case: “When they occupied the Parkinson building, we thought, enough is enough. We didn’t just do a table randomly, we actually set up in the Parkinson building, opposite them. Literally inside the same building. We set up some flags and put posters all around. We had no real advanced planning, we kind of just did it. At one point we had 20 Jewish students coming up to us and just being with us, creating a really nice vibe. The police we pretty happy we were there too. People were so happy to see that someone was finally showing the other side and who we are as Jews, not only Israel.

“The way we saw it is that we’re not Israel advocacy. What we’re doing is trying to empower Jewish students to feel safe and proud of who they are. And for a lot of Jewish people, expressing their Judaism is through Israel, through the only Jewish state in the world. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. It doesn’t mean we have to be politically motivated or supporting the government. This is basically what we’re trying to do; just empower the students to feel proud of who they are.”

The group does intend to keep putting out tables and is hoping to make a campaign in the future: “We’re working now on turning it into a campaign. We saw that we can’t really just have it be every so often because people want to feel that we’re doing something. We want to turn it into either a weekly or bi-monthly thing.”

With James Daly, Founder of James Daly Opticians

Soft contact lenses are made of a sponge-like material. They absorb water and most soft lenses have a water content of over 50%. This is not pure water but must match the salt concentration of your tears. Sponges are excellent for growing bacteria, which can cause infection, so it is vital that you clean the lenses carefully and disinfect them to reduce the risk of harming your eyes.

If you wear daily disposable contact lenses you should never reuse them.

Hygiene

There is a small increased risk of developing eye infections if you wear contact lenses of any type. Before touching your eyes or contact lenses, thoroughly wash and dry your hands. By paying careful attention to hygiene, and having regular check-ups, you can make sure that you keep the risk of infection as low as possible.

Soft Contact

Cleaning lenses

If you are reusing the lenses you will need to clean them each day. After you have taken it out, place the lens in the palm of your hand and add a few drops of your multi-purpose solution. Rub both sides of the lens for about 10 seconds, then rinse off with a vigorous squirt of solution.

Disinfecting lenses

After rubbing and rinsing, place the lenses in the storage case and cover them completely with fresh storage solution. You should throw the solution away when you next use the lenses and leave the case to air dry. Clean the case with storage solution every week but don’t use tap water. Throw the case away and use a new one each time you open a new bottle of solution. Never reuse daily disposable contact lenses.

If you wear make-up

Apply make-up after you have put your contact

lenses in, and remove it after removing the contact lenses. Use non-greasy make-up and do not get any on the lenses. If you use hand cream, apply it after you have ffnished handling your lenses. Keep your eyes shut if you are using hair spray or a make-up ffxing spray.

Replacement

Replace the lenses as often as you are told to by your optometrist or optician. This could be every day, every week, every fortnight, or every month.

Daily check

Check your eyes every day. Can you see clearly? Are your eyes red? Are the lenses comfortable? If your eyes feel tired, remove the lenses early. Do not continue to wear contact lenses that are uncomfortable and get advice from your optometrist or optician.

Jamesdalyopticians.co.uk

20-20 Vision

Win a pair of Oakley sunglasses worth £180 from James Daly Opticians.

It’s remarkable to think that James Daly Opticians has been serving the Moortown community for over 16 years now. Led by James and supported by skilled Dispensing Opticians Lisa, Lyn and Andrea, the team offers a diverse range of frames, contact lenses, and sunglasses.

At the Harrogate Road location, you’ll also find a friendly reception team, including Lynn, Bernie, and Andrea, who extend a warm welcome to every visitor, whether they’re coming in for an eye examination, urgent NHS eyecare, or assistance with choosing eyewear.

The clinic employs cutting-edge OCT equipment, enabling the team to examine the eye with unprecedented precision and detect conditions like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration early on.

Once you’ve got your prescription, you can the latest frames from renowned brands such as Chopard, Tom Davies, Prada, Jaguar, Johann Von Goisern, Reykjavik Eyes, Ray Ban, Oakley, Emporio Armani, Ralph Lauren, and Polo. With the skilled staff’s attention to detail, including precise facial measurements to ensure the perfect fit and consideration of factors like colour and material, you can trust the expert advice to help you find eyewear that suits your style and preference.

James is offering our readers a chance to win a pair of cool Oakley sunglasses. See below to find out how to enter.

Jamesdalyopticians.co.uk

Sukhothai Chapel Allerton has just introduced a new special menu as well as a delicious Sunday lunch buffet.

Sunday Service

One of Chapel Allerton’s most lauded restaurants, Sukhothai has Thai cuisine down to a tee! Owner Ban Kaewkraikhot opened the first Sukhothai there back in 2002, and it has gone from height to height ever since. Despite its long tenure, the restaurant is anything but stagnant.

Dazzling customers is a new special menu of over twenty delicious dishes. Sukhothai’s expert chefs have crafted a selection of 23 new and unique Thai dishes, each one a new creation that reflects the rich variety of Thai cuisine. From the fragrant herbs to the bold spices, every dish is a testament to the passion and dedication that has fuelled the restaurant’s culinary journey over the past 22 years.

One look at the menu, available on the restaurant’s website, will have you rushing to book a table. Our particular favourite is the Som Tum Mango Sorbet as a starter: a spicy Som Tum style salad made with shredded fresh mango, chillies, tomato, lemon juice, tamarind, and peanuts, topped with a scoop of mango sorbet. To indulge in true Thai fashion, mix the

mango sorbet into the salad before eating.

Follow this up with Gang Kiew Wan Gai Tod, a new twist on a beloved Sukhothai favourite. Crispy chicken takes centre stage, paired with a smooth Thai green curry sauce, with peppers, chilli, and basil; this isn’t one to be looked over.

The new special menu isn’t the only addition to Sukhothai’s repertoire however! Available now in the Chapel Allerton branch, and in the city centre branch as of mid-April, a Sunday lunch buffet is on offer, reintroduced due to popular demand. Available on Sunday lunch times, 12.30pm to 4.30pm, the buffet

costs £24.99 for adults, £14.99 for children, and kids aged four and under eat free! Explore many Sukhothai favourites, including authentic Thai starters, salads, soups, main courses, sides, and desserts. Those with dietary restrictions needn’t worry, as gluten free, vegetarian and halal options will be available.

Though not a new addition, there’s no way we could talk about Sukhothai without mentioning its bottomless brunch. Available in the city centre branch, the bottomless brunch

takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3.30pm. For only £35 per person, you can enjoy a delicious two-course set lunch, or three tasty Thai tapas plates, with bottomless drinks for 90 minutes.

If you want to head over and sample these culinary delights yourself, you’re in luck! Sukhothai is offering our readers the chance to win a meal for four at the restaurant. Sukhothai.co.uk/restaurants/chapel-allerton

COMPETITION

To win a meal for four up to the value of £100 at Sukhothai, please answer the following question...

How many tapas-style dishes are included in the bottomless brunch?

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-5 or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 17th May 2024

Terms and conditions apply: One entry per person. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in JLife Magazine and Sukhothai’s databases to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final.

Medieval Easter | Royal Armouries | 2nd to 14th April

The Royal Armouries is open every day of the Easter holidays with plenty of performances, demonstrations, and activities to keep your whole family entertained. 2nd to 7th April will include medieval combat demonstrations, battle stories, tales from the tournament, and themed have-a-go activities and 8th to 14th April will include live performances and combat demonstrations.

Royalarmouries.org

Wildlife Explorers | Leeds Industrial Museum

29th March to 14th April

This Easter holiday take part in an outdoor activity for the whole family. Explore the wildlife trail to discover unexpected creatures, critters, and feathered friends across the museum and site. What’s more, there’s also fun creative workshops and family films showing at the mini cinema everyday from 2pm.

Museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Gymnastics Holiday Camp | Leeds Gymnastics Club

2nd to 12th April

There are several options to get stuck into at Leeds Gymnastics Club. Half Day Camps are from 10am to 1pm which includes a rotation of the equipment and games with a short break, if you’d like to stay for the Full Day Camp the day is extended from 10am to 3:30pm (with 9:30am and 4pm pick up and drop off options available), your child will have a day of gymnastics specific development, games, and teamwork. Family Fun Sessions are an hour of fun for the whole family and adults over 18 go for free! The Pre-school Camp for kids aged from three to four runs from 10am to 1pm and each camp has its own theme such as story fun, seaside, and the zoo. Gymnasts will have the chance to explore the gym using the bars, beams, trampoline, pits, and more!

Leedsgymnastics.com

LHT Unwrapped: Drama Day | Leeds Grand Theatre

10th to 12th April

A perfect day for your little aspiring performer, Drama Day offers a packed day of drama games, improvisation, theatre skills, script work, and the opportunity to let their inner creativity loose! Running from Wednesday to Friday, each day is dedicated to a different age group. Wednesday is for ages six to eight, Thursday is for ages nine to 11, and Friday is for ages 12 to 14.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

Eureka! The National Children’s Museum | Halifax

23rd March to 14th April

There’s three weeks of Easter half term activities to enjoy, and even better, all shows activities are included free with admission. Every year on 22nd April the world comes together on Earth Day to celebrate our planet, to promote climate change action, and encourage others to protect our environment. You can become Eco Explorers as it focuses on our amazing planet Earth and what we can do to help look after it through hands-on activities, storytelling sessions and creative crafts. Take part in fairandfunky SCRAPtastic workshops and create a piece of Spring themed art using only recycled materials; become Eco Warriors with Heifer Productions and find out how to look after our green spaces; and visit the Climate Action Trail to see how climate change is affecting different habitats and the positive things we can do to help combat this.

Play.eureka.org.uk

This Easter half term there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy.

A New Restaurant with Old Fashioned Values.

Dhionist, Kol and the team welcome you for traditional and authentic Italian cuisine created by chefs with years of experience, paired with delightful service in our beautiful Leeds location.

Sunday kids eat free (up to 12 yrs, ts and cs apply)

Open Tuesday-Friday 5-10pm, Saturday 12-11pm, Sunday 12-9pm

Book now on 0113 5317274

74-76 Otley Road, Leeds, LS6 4BA

www.casaalbaleeds.co.uk

All allergens catered for.

As the regions most trusted estate agent, you’re in safe hands with our team.

Book Your FREE Valuation

Moortown: 0113 2370211

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manningstainton.co.uk

Everything You Need for the Home and Garden

Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2024 is Peach Fuzz! Check out these top products for incorporating this delicate hue into your home.

Beckenham Three-Seater Chaise Sofa | £3,781

The Beckenham sofa has a simple, classic square arm design and raised legs that gives it a modern twist. Though it is available in 170 luxurious fabrics, the peach colour allows you to create a timeless, trendy style in your home. Even better, the sofa is handmade here in the UK so the quality of the design shines through.

Darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

Crochet Storage Basket | £25

Add some handmade style to your spring decor and keep all your bits and bobs in this chunky crochet basket. Made with sturdy upcycled textile yarn in a pretty shade of peachy pink, so not only is it stylish but it’s sustainable and eco-conscious too. The basket has two handles which make it easy to carry it around with you and it is machine washable so would be perfect in a bathroom, bedroom, or child’s room to store toiletries, makeup, or toys.

Folksy.com

Cosette Wallpaper in Dogwood | £125

If you’re redecorating and looking for a stylish and fresh wallpaper, this design – named Cosette – is perfect. Cosette is a delicate set of illustrations featuring bamboo birdcages, morning glory vines and tiny birds flying free. This gorgeous design could look stunning in an entryway, a child’s room, dining room, or kitchen nook. It is sure to brighten any space it touches. This design is digitally printed on a matt non-woven paper which is sponge-able and has a good lightfastness rating.

Lyricpapers.com

Ca’Pietra California Peach Cotto Tile | Price varies

Emulating the deep luxe of real onyx, this California porcelain will bring highend luxury into any home, in a choice of beautiful high-gloss tones. The Cotto shade is best for the Peach Fuzz trend. Made if an ingenious blend of recycled stone materials made in a carbon-neutral factory, these tiles are highly durable and yet natural in effect. The rich playful tones are softened by the tumbled finish, with its lightly rounded edges and irresistibly tactile feel. Truly a tile made for the future!

Capietra.com

Esme Tangerine Bistro Set | £99

Bring a bit of colour into your garden with the bright table and chair set. Light and easily portable, putting them away due to sudden April showers will be a breeze, and the vibrant colour will brighten up even the greyest day.

Dobbies.com

Garden Paradise

Jane Mary garden bench | £475

As the weather begins to brighten up, get your garden ready for sunnier days with some fun additions.

Solar garden lanterns | £39.95

Brighten up your garden with these solar garden lanterns — colourful and striking, these light features will bring a chilled-out boho vibe to your space. You can use them as tree decorations, hang them from a pergola, or place them on a stand on the floor or as a table light. Both a hanging hook and a table stand come with the lantern, making styling and installation easy.

Sparkle.lighting

This gracefully designed and crafted bench makes a great addition to your outdoor space. With soft curves on the seat and back for comfort adding to the bench’s charm and style, the piece comes pre-assembled with all non-visible dowel fixings. Seating up to three people, you will adore this bench for years to come.

Joalexander.co.uk

Black wood herb garden wall planter | £60

This large wall planter is a fun way to showcase your plants, liven up a dull wall, and create a fun display. Give your plants a home of their own in our house-shaped wooden wall planter. With two shelves there's plenty of space for all your favourite smaller plant pots. Whether it's to create a herb garden, a bee-friendly flower garden, or a space to let your succulents grow, your plants are going to feel at home! It's also great for smaller outdoor spaces and balconies, where you don't have space to spare for large plant pots.

Funky-chunky-furniture.co.uk

Pent wooden garden bar | £1,120

Convert your garden into a versatile outdoor entertainment space by adding this simple but stylish bar. Made using dip treated shiplap cladding the natural look blends in and could even be assumed to be a shed when closed up, allowing for a showstopping reveal. It features a solid top bar and has two bi-fold shutters that open easily to create a serving hatch. With access from the side, its modular design means the door can be fitted on either end of the building.

Diy.com

hammock | £36

Kick back on a sunny day in this stylish garden hammock. This hammock adds an understated, elegant touch to your garden this spring. The dark charcoal colour looks stands out when teamed with brightly coloured linen and velvet cushions. The hammock has wooden spreader bars which make it easier to get in and out of and help it to dry faster after a sudden rain shower.

Ellajames.co.uk

Begin Anew

Leeds Interior Designer Allanah Vann tells us how you can give your home a spring refresh!

Working on projects across the London, Sydney, Melbourne, and Tokyo Allanah Vann’s personal style of eclectic yet refined homes shines through in her personal portfolio, effortlessly make each space feel detail-orientated without becoming over designed. After the long winter our homes need a rethink. Their purpose has changed from somewhere to keep us cosy and warm from the cold to a place which feels fresh, decluttered, and lets the light in. Allanah gives us some tips to transform your home for the spring and summer season.

Spring Clean

Allanah says: “Start with a sring clean, there are fewer joys than sorting out that cupboard that’s been overflowing for months. I particularly love to declutter the bathroom; it will instantly make the space feel more calming.” Before you can transform your interior it’s advisable to see it at its best. This will let you assess how much space you have to work with; in your decluttering you might reveal a new beauty spot of your home which you’ve overlooked.

Colour Palate

Each season has its own associated colours, Allanah says: “Bring in the spring colours! You

might not be able to justify a new pink range oven but try styling a tablecloth with a bright spring print, colourful cutlery, or glassware.” Swap out and match your home accessories to the bright colours you find outside and bring the outdoors in. Adore the colour of the blossom tree in the park? Find some new throw pillows which remind you of it! Can’t get enough of the clear blue sky? Buy some new towels which will make you feel wrapped up in it.

Florals

If you’re ever in doubt, Allanah advises: “Decorate with flowers, explore your garden (or a friends) and bring in some long stems of forsythia or blossom, they look beautifully architectural and more unusual than a bunch of daffodils.” Flowers bring a burst of colour in the home which you can swap and change when you get bored. What’s more, they make your home look elegant and timeless for almost no effort or maintenance.

Picture This

Allanah says: “Try experimenting with artwork. A decorative, colourful frame can elevate even the simplest scribble. Try framing your children’s drawings, a gorgeous piece of fabric, a photo you love in black and white, or perhaps a charity shop find.” If you want to find your personal homestyle having something on the walls which says something unique about you is a great way to start. Even the smallest details like postcards or vinyl covers tell a story about you, so get them hung up! Pinterest has some great inspiration for gallery wall layouts which will look like a professional did it for you.

Allanah-vann.com

MRK Loft Conversions

If you are looking for extra space in your home, you need MRK Loft Conversions based here in Leeds. From planning to design, we will work closely with you to create the perfect loft conversion for your home. You’ll increase your home value AND gain a new living space, office or bedroom! We offer attic and dormer conversions, full renovations, and a full design and build service to regulations.

MRK Loft Conversions is a Which Trusted Trader, see our advert on the next page!

Colour Scheme

Bring bright and bold colours into your home for spring with these nifty interior design tricks.

Using bold colour in our homes can be daunting, but unless we want our living room to look like an airport lounge, sometimes we just have to bite the bullet and take a risk. Thankfully, there are known tips and tricks to incorporate bright and bold colours into your home so you can choose whichever method works best for your space.

Accent

If you want to ease yourself into a colourful home, start by using colour in your accent pieces, this can be anything from brightly coloured cushions, vases, candles, or tableware. Because these small elements are interchangeable you can experiment with which colours suit your home and when you don’t like them anymore you can just swap them out!

Colour blocking

Choose one large space to paint but keep it simple with a block colour. Kitchen cabinets, bookcases, side tables and stair rails are a great opportunity to try your hand at adding a pop of bold colour, just make sure that the rest of your space is neutral, so the colour doesn’t overwhelm the space.

Pictures and patterns

If you’re worried about having a bright colour looking out of place to the rest of its surroundings, having a colour anchor in the room such as statement picture, will ensure your choice of colour is consistent in the room. This can also be done with wallpaper patterns which allow you to have a small dose of bold colour without the commitment of colour blocking.

Get technical

Don’t trust your natural intuition to choose a colour? Then don’t leave it up to chance, look to the colour wheel! Find which colours compliment your chosen shade (opposite to yours on the colour wheel) or which will be analogous to create a harmonious palate (the two either side of your shade on the colour wheel). If you still don’t know which colours you like, Designer Noz Nozawa advises home decorators to go for a walk and be mindful which colours attract their attention and trigger their sense of natural beauty, incorporating these colours in your home will lift your mood and create calm.

PHOTO: ANYDAY MODERN AT JOHN LEWIS & PARTNERS SPRING SUMMER HOME COLLECTION 2024

PHOTO: ROAMING BY NEXT HOME SPRING SUMMER COLLECTION 2024

PHOTO: NEW BLOOM BY B&M SPRING SUMMER HOME COLLECTION 2024

PHOTO: THE LEMON GROVE BY FURNITURE VILLAGE 2024

Green Planet

Earth

Day 2024

is coming

up on 22nd April,

so we find out how we can contribute and reduce plastic pollution.

The now global Earth Day originally started in America in 1970, and 54 years later, it is the largest civil event globally, with 192 countries taking part. This year’s theme is Planet vs. Plastics, with earthday.org demanding a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.

You’ll have heard a lot about the reduction single-use plastics in the last few years, but why is it so important? Plastic pollution stands as a pressing global concern, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, depleting biodiversity, exacerbating global warming, and posing significant threats to human health. Research consistently underscores a troubling forecast: should current trends persist unchecked, we should anticipate a surge in hormonal disorders, cancers, and cardiovascular ailments linked to plastic manufacturing and usage, particularly microplastics. There is hope on the horizon, however, if plastic production is reduced significantly. So how can you get involved with making that happen?

Sign the Global Plastics Treaty

This online treaty can be found on the earthday.org website, and calls for the United Nations and global governments to commit to: support a highly ambitious Global Plastic Treaty

that binds all to the same standards; a 60% of reduction of all fossil fuel-based plastic production by 2040; requiring producers and retailers of plastics to be liable for the cost of any environmental or health-related damages in accordance with the “producer pays” principle; public and private sector investments in innovation to replace all fossil fuel-based plastics; ban all plastic-related tobacco products including, but not limited to tobacco filters and e-cigarettes; ban the export of plastic waste; end the incineration of plastic waste; support innovative solutions and alternatives to plastic in all sectors; and implement fully-financed education and public awareness campaigns to inform the public about reasons and strategies for ending plastic pollution.

Organise a cleanup

Cleanups are a fun and easy way to improve your community on Earth Day and every day.

Litter not only looks bad and creates a poor environment, it’s also dangerous to wildlife. So grab a rubbish bag, some gloves, and a litter picker, and make a difference. Earthday.org has a great global cleanup initiative allowing you to register a cleanup in your local area, so why not get one started in North Leeds?

Take part in the #PlasticDetox challenge

Take part in this social media campaign to reduce plastic as part of an online community. Commit to reducing your use of singleuse plastics in your daily life by refusing plastic bags, straws, water bottles, and other disposable items, opting instead for sustainable alternatives. Challenge yourself to adopt this lifestyle change for any duration – whether it’s a day, a week, or an ongoing commitment. Share your plastic-free journey on social media, showcasing your eco-friendly swaps, innovative ideas, and sustainable choices to encourage others to join the Plastic Detox Challenge and raise awareness about the detrimental impacts of plastic pollution.

For tips on taking part and support on your plastic-free journey, check out the #PlasticDetox community.

Futureproof Frames

Elmhurst Windows can help you navigate the cost-of-living crisis with money off new A rated windows which will save you £400 per year on energy bills*.

bills by having their windows

Elmhurst is here to help you if your windows are in the 80 million that have not been replaced in the last 20 years.

Older windows, which have dropped to an EPC energy efficiency rating of C or below, don’t meet today’s guidelines. If you want to improve your energy efficiency, heating bills, and property resale value with A rated windows, to help amid the cost-of-living crisis Elmhurst is offering you £500 towards your new windows with special argon filled double glazing which will make the glass warm to the touch.

Want to upgrade the appearance of your

home but don’t have the cash for a full re-fit? You don’t have to delay in making your home a more polished and comfortable space with Elmhurst’s conservatory and roofline divisions. Transform the appearance and feel of your home for less by replacing conservatory polycarbonate roofs with glass or by upgrading the space to an extra living area with a new solid tiled roof and bi-fold doors. Replace your roofline with maintenancefree PVC fascias, soffits, and gutters which will enhance your roofline.

Elmhurst is a family company which has been serving the community for 50 years, its priority on customer satisfaction means it aims to beat any genuine quote and is happy to discuss your options before helping you through the whole process. And you can rest assured that you’re getting the best products available with a 15-year

quality guarantee on all windows and doors.

Managing Director Richard Abrahams recently appeared on GB News to discuss the shocking statistics: “The UK is the least energy efficient country in Western Europe, and we urge the government to look at ways to help homeowners towards Net Zero and save them money. Until that time, Elmhurst is cutting the cost of replacement windows right now so they can move forward.”

Elmhurst-windows.co.uk

*Based on average house with reduction of average heat loss.

LOVE YOU R

Joint Effort

With over two decades of experience, BrownHirst Joinery provides expert joinery and home extension services in North Leeds.

BrownHirst Joinery stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of woodworking and interior craftsmanship, led by the seasoned expertise of Owner David Hirst, whose extensive knowledge spans over two decades in the industry. Since its inception in 2013, BrownHirst has consistently delivered exceptional services, earning them the distinguished honor of becoming proud members of the Federation of Master Builders. Established in 1941, this prestigious association is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry, further cementing BrownHirst’s commitment to quality and professionalism.

At the heart of BrownHirst’s operation lies a team of skilled joiners, each possessing a wealth of experience and a passion for their craft. Specialising in the creation of bespoke kitchens and furniture, BrownHirst offers comprehensive solutions from initial design concepts to meticulous installation processes. Their bespoke furniture service is a testament to their dedication to precision, with each piece, whether it’s seating, shelving, beds, breakfast bars, or dining room tables, meticulously crafted to exacting specifications, ensuring the utmost satisfaction of their clients.

The testimonials of satisfied clients speak volumes about BrownHirst’s capabilities, with glowing praise extending beyond their exquisite bespoke pieces to encompass a wide

array of interior enhancements. From the installation of luxurious wood flooring to the intricacies of skirting, architraves, panelling, and even internal doors, attention to detail knows no bounds.

Recognising the profound impact a well-designed kitchen can have on a home, David places a strong emphasis on marrying functionality with aesthetics. Whether it’s a simple cabinet replacement or the creation of a fully customised culinary oasis, the team will manage every aspect of the project with finesse and expertise, ensuring that each kitchen is tailored to the unique needs and preferences of their clients.

For those seeking to optimise their living space with additional storage solutions, BrownHirst excels in the creation of madeto-measure wardrobes. Whether it’s a conventional wardrobe for a standard room or the realisation of a dream walk-in closet, complete with bespoke shelving, drawers, and dressing tables, the team’s craftsmanship transforms visions into reality.

Beyond catering to residential needs, David’s services extend to commercial ventures, undertaking projects ranging from shop renovations to office refurbishments. With

accreditations from esteemed institutions such as City & Guilds, the British Institute of KBB installation, and Trustatrader.com, clients can rest assured that they are receiving service of the highest caliber.

However, what truly sets BrownHirst apart is the unwavering commitment to personalised service. From the initial consultation to the final touches of installation, the team collaborates closely with each client, ensuring that their vision is brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. With a steadfast focus on client satisfaction and a comprehensive project management approach, BrownHirst Joinery continues to set the benchmark for craftsmanship and service excellence in the industry.

Visit Brownhirstjoinery.com to discover more about the services on offer.

Spring has finally sprung and it’s a perfect time to start thinking about changing your carpets and flooring.

Shaw Carpets has been helping people in Leeds and surrounding areas find the best carpet for their homes and businesses for more than 60 years. The company, which is owned and personally run by brothers David and Andre Spencer, is a popular choice in Yorkshire, the

business scores 4.9 in Google Reviews and boasts over 500 reviews online.

Visitors can browse through the huge range of carpets and floorcoverings on display across the spacious sales area in Darton – which is described as the largest choice of carpets and flooring in Yorkshire. The warehouse, just a short distance from junction 38 of the M1, extends to an impressive 250,000 sq. ft and this scale gives Shaw Carpets a crucial advantage over many competitors.

Alternatively, and probably a better option for us here in north Leeds, if you can’t get to

the warehouse, you can take advantage of its free Choose at Home service where one of the team will measure and bring hundreds of carpet samples for you to choose from in the comfort of your home. The service is free and there’s no obligation to buy.

“Because such a high proportion of the available products can be displayed at any one time, customers have the priceless advantage of being able to see what they are buying and so can better judge how it might look in their home,” explains David. “However, despite its impressive size, this is no impersonal retail park clone but, instead, a long-established family-owned business with a near 60-year track record of supplying quality carpets to customers across Yorkshire and beyond.”

Along with the experienced staff team, the brothers take pride in finding the right product at the right budget to suit each customer’s requirements. This is complemented by a full installation service, provided by long serving fitters who will lay your new carpet with the minimum of fuss to the highest possible standards.

Although Shaw Carpets stocks an unrivalled selection of colours, patterns and materials, the popularity of greys and neutrals remain as high as ever with customers. However, if you are looking for something a little different, be it

traditional or more contemporary, there is sure to be something which meets your requirements and style from its hundreds of samples. Including bold colours which are on trend for this season’s Spring homestyle. If you can make the trip, its well worth your while, the showroom is open 10am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays with free parking right outside. Or to book a home visit simply fill out the home visit online form or call to arrange an appointment.

For more information about Shaw Carpets, read its five-star Google customer reviews, visit its website at shawcarpets.co.uk or call in at the showroom at Dearne Mills, Barnsley Road, Darton, S75 5NH on 01226 390 133 or email enquiries@shawcarpets.co.uk.

With Gary Don, your antiques expert and Auctioneer

Football memorabilia is now sold at the top level of the world’s auction rooms and interest is very high for collectors.

Sotherby’s New York recently sold six of Lionel Messi’s 2022 World Cup shirts for $7.8 million (over £6 million). The record price for an individual football shirt is £6 million for Diego Maradona’s jersey for the 1982 quarter-final against England.

Our local team Leeds United has had plenty of interest too. Albert Johanneson made 200 appearances for Leeds and scored 67 goals from 1961 to 70. He has been hailed as ‘the first black superstar in English football, a man who paved the way for many top-flight players competing today. His 1966 long sleeved shirt with 23 signatures of Leeds squad members including Jack

With Mark Manning, Managing Director of Manning Stainton

The Chancellor’s recent budget didn’t offer much for the property market, disappointing hopes for initiatives to address housing targets. While changes in stamp duty relief and capital gains tax were observed, they ultimately fell short of stimulating the market. Scrapping tax for holiday lets was a slight positive, though its impact remains uncertain.

ANTIQUES

Bring It Home

Charlton, Billy Bremner, Norman Hunter and others sold recently at auction for £6,800.

The most expensive football programme ever sold was from the 1882 FA Cup Final between the Old Etonians and Blackburn Rovers. It fetched an incredible £35,250! A Sheffield United v Tottenham 1901 Final program sold for £19,000!

Medals are also very sought after. Some are made in gold and silver, but the name and match is more important to collectors.

In the 1960’s Panini was producing stickers for the Italian League. Then they secured the rights to publish the first FIFA World Cup trading cards for Mexico 1970. Many of us have kept our incomplete albums. Nowadays a complete album can

fetch £2,000 to £3,000. Get in your loft and take a look, we may be able to help you raise some cash!

In our last online sporting auction, we had a large collection of football programs, including Leeds United and others. They were bought by buyers from all over the world including Australia, New Zealand, USA and even China! It’s good to know that there are so many football fans out there!

We are proud of how well Leeds United have done since we sponsored them on New Year’s Day!

PROPERTY

A Great Start to 2024

Overall, the budget lacked significant measures to drive property activity. Let’s move on to talk about what we’re seeing. The start of 2024 is being pretty ferocious, and we’ve seen a lot of activity, and I just wanted to give you a few headlines on that. At the start of this year, there’s been a 30% increase in the number of new buyers registering. I think that’s a massive start to think about a big improvement that’s translated into a 24% increase in the number of people out there viewing and just over a 20% increase in the number of people offering compared to the same period last year. Now, not surprisingly, all of that has led to a big shift in the number of people actually going and buying property

so far this year. The number of offers agreed across Manning Stainton is just over 30% higher than this time last year. When you look at the market as a whole, courtesy of the data that we have from TwentyEA, that number is just over 20% higher. So clearly a huge amount of activity is happening, and we should be incredibly pleased with that and it is exactly how we expected it might be.

The prices are probably edging up in certain parts of our region, that’s not to say everywhere, but I don’t think we’re seeing a big shift right now.

Manningstainton.co.uk

Curtain Call

Elite Curtains in Chapel Allerton offers bespoke, customisable curtains produced by the experienced hand of Joanne Adams.

Elite Curtains, under the meticulous craftsmanship of Owner Joanne Adams, has been a beacon of quality and excellence in north Leeds for over a decade. Established 32 years ago and now under Joanne’s ownership for the past 10 years, Elite Curtains prides itself of providing excellent quality curtains and blinds.

Joanne’s journey into the curtains business began long before she took the reins at Elite Curtains. Initially living in Chesterfield, Joanne gained plenty of experience making curtains, before her relocation to Leeds presented a fortuitous opportunity to take the current shop, as she explains.

What sets Elite Curtains apart is Joanne’s personal touch in every curtain crafted: “The curtains are all handmade by me, each curtain is imbued with quality and attention to detail.” Customers consistently praise Joanne and her team for their exemplary customer service and competitive pricing, making it the go-to destination for bespoke curtain and blind solutions.

Customisation is key. Whether it’s long drops or uniquely shaped windows, the made-tomeasure approach guarantees a perfect fit every time. Joanne has mastered the art of creating curtains and blinds that not only meet but exceed customer expectations.

Inside the shop, you’ll find a diverse range of

high-quality fabrics, ensuring a luxurious finish to every curtain. From long, silky drapes to heavy, opulent cotton, there’s something to suit every taste and style. Joanne is adept at understanding clients’ requirements and budgets, offering tailored solutions that strike the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

Not only does the business offer made-tomeasure blinds and curtains, but also there is also a full measure and fitting service and a range of poles and tracks.

Plus if it’s a blind that works better for you, there’s a full range of wooden, perfect fit, Venetian and Roman blinds.

Keeping abreast of the latest trends in home decor, the shop offers cutting-edge contemporary or traditional designs that elevate any space using only the finest fabrics and materials, with a free, no-obligation quote to every customer.

For discerning homeowners and businesses alike, Elite Curtains is the ultimate destination for exquisite curtains and blinds that elevate any space. Pop in to the shop to discover your home’s new look.

Elite Curtains

226 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton

0113 237 0447

Elite-curtains.co.uk

info@elite-curtains.co.uk

Gardener’s World Presenter, Mark Lane, offers some advice to those prepping their

Spring is here and after a chilly winter, your garden is probably crying out for attention! Laying out a garden and getting your planting right can be a tricky task for those less experienced with a trowel, so we turned to Gardener’s World Presenter Mark Lane to let us know where to start: “When it comes to gardening there is a lot of information out there on what to plant and grow in April and May, but sometimes that information can be a little tricky to navigate,” Mark said. “I always recommend growing what you like, so if that’s edibles grow only what you intend to and want to eat. When it comes to ornamental plants, i.e. those that flower or have some other decorative element such as leaf colour, stem colour or overall architectural shape, the choice is wide and ultimately yours. Yet, there are some easy-to-grow plants that can be planted and will reward you with flowers in abundance.”

Plants which you can collect seeds from are a great investment: “Sunflowers and cosmos are some of the easiest plants to grow. They’re annuals, so they will only last for one year, but you can collect the seeds from the plants in late autumn and then sow them the following spring, which means free plants! Cosmos is so prolific that you can cut bucket loads throughout summer for indoor vases and still have enough outside so you have something lovely to look at.”

Of course, knowing which plants you want in your garden is only half the battle. You also need

to find the best spot to plant them: “First, you need to pick the ideal spot. In gardening, we talk about ‘right plant, right place’. In other words, we put plants or sow seeds in areas of the garden that suit only those conditions. For example, there is no point in growing a sun-loving plant in full shade, as it will not flower well and will struggle throughout the year.

“For the sunflowers and cosmos, you need a sunny, sheltered position, ideally an area of the garden that gets six to eight hours a day. You will need to work over the soil. This means lightly forking over the soil loosening the particles and removing any weeds. If you’re new to gardening and haven’t grown anything in this spot before and you’ve no idea what it was like last year, then just assume that any greenery coming through the soil is a weed. Next, gently brush over the soil surface with your hand and aim for a level area.

Getting the seeds in the ground properly is arguably the most important part: “Make a hole in the soil with your finger, down to the first knuckle and place two seeds inside the hole. Cover the hole with the compost. When shoots are coming through, you’ll need to remove one of the seedlings. The reason for sowing two seeds into each hole is to ensure that at least one comes up. Gently tug at the weaker-looking seedling by holding onto the leaves and not the stems.”

Three Tips

Gardening should be fun and for the majority of the time, it is. My top three pieces of advice for those of you getting started with gardening are the following:

1. Sow and grow only what you like. It’s your garden, so express yourself!

2. Keep things simple. Perhaps grow three different varieties of plants at the start. Learn about their growing conditions and watch and note how they grow. Once you feel happy with those three plants, then perhaps add another three the following year.

3. Save your seeds from this year’s flowers. It’s free and great fun, and you may end up with a whole outdoor space filled with sunflowers and cosmos the following year.

IN THE NEWS

The latest Leeds Wizo event featured guest speaker Shazia Tariq, a beloved local newsagent with plenty of stories to share.

On 25th February Leeds Wizo held a speaker function at the home of one of its members. The group invited Shazia Tariq to come and talk about her fascinating life. Shazia runs Slaid Hill newsagents and is well-known in the Alwoodley area. She regularly receives comments, birthday wishes, condolences, and greetings over social media on most days of the week. Not limited to online, Shazia is also often seen visiting shiva houses of families who she has come to know very well over the years. As you can imagine she has really endeared herself to the Jewish community.

Shazia is acquainted with thousands of children around the area who make a habit of calling in to her shop as they know that there is

always a bar of chocolate awaiting them on their visit to her. She listens to their problems and tries to help them solve them.

Sam Walton was the opener for the evening, and she told the group how much Shazia meant to her and her family. Carol Gold, one of Wizo’s members, interviewed Shazia and together they gave an amusing and interesting insight into how Shazia had come to England and made a wonderful family life here.

The evening had an excellent turnout and Lucille Winburn gave a vote of thanks for what was an extremely successful evening producing greatly needed funds for Wizo projects in Israel.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

SAFETY FIRST

A new self-defence class for over-60s is helping keep our community’s elderly people safe and well.

Personal safety is paramount, and luckily for over-60s, a self-defence class is available to teach you how to protect yourself against potential attackers. The club takes place every Monday with Darren Taylor, from 13.30pm to 2.45pm, inside The Martial Arts Hut which was formerly the old Jewish scouts hut.

No experience is needed to join the group, with complete beginners encouraged to come along. The class focuses on areas such as self-defence, posture, balance, co-ordination, confidence, and awareness. This is a great way to get fit and learn a new skill at the same time.

The classes cost £5 and there is no need to book! Just show up on the day.

A Message of Resilience

Yoni Diller, a survivor of Hamas’ attack on Nova Festival, recounts his harrowing experience.

When Yoni Diller, and 3,000 other attendees, headed out to Nova Festival, he had no idea of the horror that would unfold the next day. On the morning of October 7th Hamas attacked the festival, killing 260 people, and taking many others hostage. Yoni thankfully managed to escape the slaughter: “On October 7th I headed out to the Nova Festival with a friend; really looking forward to it. We arrived at around 4am. At 6am we went to the main stage to dance. At 6.30am when the sun is rising, we start to see rockets everywhere. Dozens of rockets flying overhead. Immediately we understood that something was happened, and we wanted to take cover, but because there was an open space, there wasn’t anywhere to take cover. So we went to the camp, start going towards our car, together with hundreds of people. There were 3,000 people trying to get out.”

Despite the rockets, it wasn’t immediately clear to the attendees that the situation was as serious as it was: “Some people are panicking, some people are less panicking. No one knew that there was a terrorist group coming in. We just fled. The main road, traffic was stuck, so we decided to take the other road. On that road we saw a car coming towards us, and I see this injured girl inside trying to get out. Myself and some other people tried to help her. She was shot in her left knee, we tired to help and gave her some water. A short time later we heard gunfire coming from the north, so we headed east.”

The decision to head east likely saved the lives of both Yoni and his companions: “My instinct was that we’d seen an injured girl from the south, heard gunshots from the north, and there were missiles coming from the west. At some point, bullets were flying over my head and we took cover. We walked for five hours through the desert with no food or water, like an Exodus.

We arrived at a small town called Patish, where people gave us food and water, and let us charge our phones.”

It was in the days after the attack that Yoni truly began to realise the full effect of the experience: “I went through hell, but I wasn’t really aware of it until more time had passed. The day after October 7th, I went to the army to join my friends. My mentor asked where I’d been, and I told him I was at the Nova festival and successfully survived it. He told me nicely that it’s better that I take a bit of time off and he would call me when he needs me. He never called; it was basically a nice excuse for me not to participate and to take care of my mental health.”

Since October 7th Yoni has spoken to many publications and at several events about his experience: “What really helped me out was speaking to international press. It all started by sharing the story, and sharing it makes me feel better because it gives me a sense of purpose. I was invited to be part of a special delegating to the US, meeting politicians, to tell the story and explain what really happened. While in the US I postponed my flight for a week and visited six college campuses. Columbia, NYU, Yale, Princeton, Harvard, and MIT. I went to give a lecture and combat antisemitism, as well as conveying a message of resilience.”

For facing the growing antisemitism since October 7th, Yoni had this to say: “I think that combatting antisemitism is something that can’t be done fully. It’s always been there, but there are certain times in history when it just wakes up. In these times, that’s when you have to be strongest in terms of being more united. You have to tell people what really happened and stop false accusations.”

Councillor Dan Cohen, talks us through the upcoming busy month in Alwoodley.

Sometimes periods of year just seem busier, maybe it’s because with spring in the air and nature going into overdrive after its winter break –everything is just more active, but this April and May are incredibly busy.

While the prospect of a May general election seems to have faded (and hopefully the Prime Minister won’t have blindsided me by announcing it after my deadline), as I mentioned last issue, 2nd May sees local and mayoral elections across the country. This does mean my step count will be up (which is probably not a terrible thing), it also means I get to see even more local residents than usual (which is a great thing).

I seemed to have, accidentally, caused some concern in my last JLife column when I wrote that Cllr Neil Buckley was standing for election in Alwoodley.

I’ve been asked why I wasn’t standing again. I appreciate (genuinely) the concern. Alwoodley residents did me the honour of electing me in 2022 for a four-year term, which means I am once again up for re-election in 2026.

Each ward has three councillors, this year it is Cllr Neil Buckley asking residents’ support (to hopefully keep our team of Neil, Lyn & myself together). I hope this clears up any confusion, I also hope you will all support Neil who is a superb local councillor for Alwoodley and a valued colleague.

Back to our busy old spring and it seems almost every faith has a major festival that coincides with this JLife. Ramadan is by now in full flow, Easter at the very end of March, Vaisakhi celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus on 13th April and not forgetting Pesach (Passover) starting on

Home Sweet Home HOUSING JAM PACKED

With Mark Grandfield, Chief Executive at Leeds Jewish Housing Association

LJHA is currently in its 70th anniversary year, making anyone connected to us very proud of our history and role in shaping LS17 over those years. Let us not forget the Association was founded back in the 1950’s by visionary community benefactors, tasking us with both delivering new housing and also supporting the community to grow.

Over a lifetime of change, at its core, LJHA is still here to support community growth, being that stable base where generations have put down roots, remaining affordable

22nd April. So, whether you like dates, chocolate eggs, hard boiled eggs with saltwater, badaam kheer, or of course Matza – we have you covered across our very diverse ward (and long may it be so). To all those celebrating, I wish you a truly joyous celebration.

Finally for this month, National Offer Day for Primary Schools on 16th April. It is often the case that Primary School offer day gives rise to more concerns than high school offer day the month before. If you, or someone you know, is concerned by the offer they have received, please do get in touch with me and I will try to give the best advice I can to assist.

Finally, finally (I did say it was a busy month) from 7th to 10th May sees our inaugural walk to school week. This project, being spearheaded by the Alwoodley 2030 Climate Action Hub, is being done in partnership with our local schools and is focussed on all our community’s young people making an extra effort to walk to school. There are a whole range of exciting prizes and inducements for getting involved – so we look forward to seeing as few people driving to school that week as possible.

Please remember for any local issues, concerns or questions, Neil, Lyn, and I are always here to assist – please don’t hesitate to get in touch with anyone us if there is anything we might be able to help you with.

Cllr Dan Cohen – Leeds City Councillor for Alwoodley 07711 647 849

Dan.Cohen@leeds.gov.uk

when property prices have boomed (we’re still broadly 40% better value than private landlord rents), providing support ourselves or alongside partner organisations when times have been tough. Giving residents real choices and a voice in what we do and the services that affect them, for both young and old, in a compassionate and trusted manner.

Marking our 70th year we have held celebrations in many forms, most importantly we’ve had the privilege to hear and share some of the stories of tenants and community

members of how the association has been such an important element of their lives. You can see some of these by searching for ’70 Stories for 70 Years’ on our website. Would you like to take part in this? You can be a current or former resident, a family member, someone who worked for LJHA, or someone who would just like to record and share their memories of LJHA. If so please contact Simon Phillips at simon.phillips@ljha.co.uk for more details.

With Raffaele Saccoccio from ES Motors Moortown

With the ever-present sight of more and more potholes in North Leeds, and the damage it can cause, this a brief article to explain the damage that can occur.

It’s a proven fact that potholes can damage your car – even if you react in time to partially avoid them. And, while some damage is immediately visible, it might take you a while to notice that your car isn’t handling as well as it used to.

What type of damage can potholes actually cause?

When it comes to potholes, your tyres are the most vulnerable part of your car. Common problems from potholes include sidewall bulges,

With Meharban Singh Riyat, Clinical Audiologist and Director of Simply Hearing

Hearing loss affects more 10 million people in the UK – yet only 40% wear hearing aids regularly because they do not want others to know they are struggling with their hearing. Left unaided people with hearing loss often report:

• Feeling like those around them are mumbling and are constantly asking them to repeat themselves.

• Struggling to follow conversations in busy and noisy environments.

• Increase the volume on their television to a point others may find it uncomfortable.

MOTORING

Bumpy Road Ahead

tread separation, or a puncture. You might also experience uneven wear on your tyres as a result of their alignment being knocked out of position oreven damage to your rims due to a larger or deeper pothole.

What should you do if you notice damage to your tyres?

If you notice uneven wear on your tyres, it’s best to keep an eye on the situation. However, if you notice any other damage to your tyres, it’s recommended to get your tyres changed as soon as you can.

If your rims are dented, try, and replace them sooner rather than later. A dented rim results in a poor seal between the rim and the tyre, which can lead to air leaks and flat tyres.

How can you prevent pothole damage to your tyres?

Apart from avoiding potholes completely, the easiest way to help prevent damage from potholes is to make sure your tyres are correctly inflated. Your wheels are also vulnerable to damage,

bends, chips, and cracks will prevent your wheel from forming an airtight seal with the tyre.

What should you do if you notice damage to your wheels?

Cracked or chipped wheels have the potential to be a major issue, so it’s best to completely replace them. Bent wheels can sometimes be repaired. If you suspect your wheels are misaligned, for safety reasons it is important to get them checked and corrected quickly.

Your suspension smooths the bumps in the road, so you don’t feel them. However, a sudden impact with a pothole can give your suspension a knock, causing a variety of problems.

What should you do if you notice damage to your steering and suspension?

Most steering and suspension problems can be fixed by replacing the worn or damaged part. As damage to your steering and suspension systems can put your safety at risk, it is recommended to get this in to a reputable garage to sort.

Esgarageleeds.co.uk

Life BETTER HEARING

Sound of

Ideal for those with mild to moderately severe hearing loss, the Lyric hearing aid is 100% invisible and comfortable, designed to be worn 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Placed in your ear canal, Lyric remains completely out of sight – invisible to the world. Clear, natural sound. While traditional hearing aids capture and process sound outside of the ear, Lyric uses the natural anatomy of the ear to amplify and give you a full, natural listening experience.

• Wear around the clock for months at a time without taking it out. Relieves tinnitus symptoms.

• Reduces tinnitus annoyance faster than daily wear hearing aids.

• Provides greater relief from tinnitus than daily wear hearing aids.

• Improves sleep quality.

• Paid through subscription model which covers replacement Lyric devices and servicing throughout the period.

• There are no repairs or battery replacements, and you will receive technology updates as they become available.

• Each device lasts for months at a time. When you need a new Lyric, revisit us for a replacement device.

Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age. If you are struggling with any of the symptoms of hearing loss, the best course of action is to visit a trained clinical audiologist.

Visit Simply Hearing for more information. Simply-hearing.com

My generation and generations since have been so fortunate to have not experienced the Israel of 1948, 1967, and 1973, so when I am asked: “Why are people so apathetic – why are our friends not passionate about Israel?” It is because until now we hadn’t seen what our parents and grandparents had seen. We didn’t know until now what it is like to witness Israel fight for its survival and to fear that our safe haven may be taken from us and witness the repercussions in our own diaspora communities – we have always taken it for granted and we mustn’t ever again!

So for me, while I felt a strange sense of privilege being able to travel to Israel at the beginning of January to bear witness to the barbaric attacks, to hear the survivors stories, to be able to be their voice the day after and say “I’ve seen it”, to understand how we as a community can help and be a part of rebuilding a stronger Israel makes me even prouder to work for UJIA.

We are the organisation on the ground that holds the relationships, that can allocate funds to those in need, have the ability to pause, focus and reassess to ensure those needs are met. We are committed and we will be there to support Israel and our own UK communities as we have done in the past and will do so, long into the future.

I cannot begin to tell you how emotional it was to have walked in the footsteps of those at the festival, to have had a sense of the fear they felt and witnessed, to hear a story of survival from one of the bravest girls I have ever met and at the same time share in the harrowing heartbreak of a mother who son is 21 the same age as mine – taken that day from the festival and is still being held hostage.

In the coming weeks we will have an update on the next stages of our appeal and the communities we are going to be supporting in Israel, where we can assist in the rebuilding and have the most impact along

with our ongoing work and commitments such as our trauma therapy programme in the short, mid, and long term.

Alongside all of this we have been fortunate to have hosted and heard from Fleur Hassan Nahoum, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem, have held an International Women’s Day event with an inspirational panel of speakers each of whom hold their own special relationship with Israel, and also welcomed Leeds two survivors of October 7th who were able to share their testimonies and the impact it has had on their communities whilst so grateful of the support of the Diaspora, knowing that we share in their pain and are able to assist with such immediacy.

Thank you as always to so many of you for your ongoing commitments and if you wish to support, get involved or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at alexa.harris@ujia.org

Shani, a mother of two teenagers, woke up at 6:30am on 7th October at her beachfront home in Kibbutz Zikim. She decided she was too tired to join her friends on their regular cycle ride and chose to stay in bed a little longer. This saved her life. Her friends went on their bike ride along the border wall without her and were murdered as they encountered the terrorists head on.

UJIA is raising essential funds to provide trauma support to those whose lives have been torn apart by the recent terror attacks in Israel.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Remembering the Six Million

This years Holocaust Memorial Day event, organized by Makor Jewish Culture, will feature guest speakers and a live violin performance.

Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, will be taking place from the evening of 5th May to 6th May. This solemn day is observed annually to commemorate the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and the millions of others who suffered under Nazi persecution. Taking place on the 27th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, Yom HaShoah serves as a day of reflection, remembrance, and education about the atrocities committed during World War II. It is a time for individuals and communities worldwide to honor the memory of those who perished, to recognize the resilience of survivors, and to reaffirm the commitment to never forget the horrors of the Holocaust, striving always to combat hatred, discrimination, and genocide in all its forms.

This year’s Holocaust Memorial Day will be remembered in a thoughtprovoking ceremony presented by Makor Jewish Culture.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, will be speaking at the evening. Elaine Green, violinist, will perform live, Jenny Kagan, Chair of Holocaust Centre North, Huddersfield, will present her mother Margaret’s story and Tali Jackson, actress and vocalist, Leeds Conservatoire, will deliver a powerful reading.

For more information, contact Makor by email at info@makor.co.uk or call 0113 268 0899.

WE

We

SIX

THE

JEWS THAT WERE MURDERED DURING THE HOLOCAUST.

Give your child a hands-on and creative introduction to early learning at Brodetsky Nursery.

Brodetsky Nursery, formerly known as Deborah Taylor Nursery, opened in the 1970s with a vision to provide a place for Jewish children to feel connected and be a part of their community. Embedded in that vision was the notion that Jewish traditions and values should be felt in the hearts of the children through their Jewish experiences during their time in Nursery. Generations of families have brought their children to Brodetsky Nursery in the footsteps of their parents. There is something special to be said about taking your children and grandchildren to the same building where your Jewish journey began.

Over the years, the nursery has blossomed, whilst keeping its foundations and vision at its core. Families have sent their children to start their life journeys at Brodetsky Nursery where a passion for outdoor learning, self-expression, independence, and teaching of Jewish heritage is evident in all areas of the provision. Building lifelong learners, the teachers at Brodetsky Nursery believe that early learning

is the most important part of a child’s educational journey. Research has shown that children learn more between the ages of zero and six than at any other point of their lives. It is for this reason that Brodetsky invests in high quality teaching staff who offer an excellent standard of education.

Brodetsky Nursery caters for children aged two to four years across two distinct classrooms. The classes are known as the Bees (aged two to three) and Butterflies (aged three to four), each with their own professional team of staff led by a dedicated teacher.

Across the Nursery, both the Bees and Butterflies work towards achieving the expected level of the Early Learning Goals in the prime areas of learning (communication and language; personal, social and emotional development; and physical development) and the specific areas (mathematics, literacy and Limmudei Kodesh – Jewish Studies). The children have endless opportunities to support their development of oracy, gross and fine motor skills in a play-based environment

PAINTINGANDCREATING.

PRACTISING THEIR FINE MOTOR SKILLS AND PENCIL GRIPS!

CHOO CHOO! DESIGINING THEIR VERY OWN TRAIN.

ZOOMING

EXPERIENCING

embedded with the traditions of Jewish life. There’s no need to worry about food during the day, as hot Kosher meals are served.

The Butterflies continue their pre-school learning journey in preparation for Reception, further learning the basics of phonics (mechanics of reading) and mathematics whilst fostering the children’s independent attitude towards learning.

Limmudei Kodesh is integrated into all areas of the provision throughout the nursery. Daily lessons are taught by the Limmudei Kodesh teacher who ensures to bring to life the joys of the Jewish faith, its practices, teachings and traditions. Highlights of the week include taking part in morning prayers, an interactive Havdalah ceremony on a Monday morning and the experience of Kabbalat Shabbat on a Friday filled with lively singing, dancing and special Shabbat treats.

In addition to this, Brodetsky enhances its already packed and enriching curriculum with forest school, baking, music and movement, modern foreign language (Hebrew) and

drama. Fun-filled holiday camps are available throughout the year where the children spend time being active outdoors, baking and doing arts and crafts. Bouncy castles, tie-dye t-shirt printing and water fun are just some of the amazing and engaging activities on offer.

Enrol your child at Brodetsky Nursery where children succeed through creativity, independence and resilience. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 7.30am to 6pm and Friday 7.30am to 3.30pm (2.30pm during winter months). For more information

IT’S LUNCH TIME IN THE ROLE PLAY AREA.

KABBALAT SHABBAT WITH THEIR FRIENDS.

YourShade

Finding your colour season can help you buy clothes and makeup you’ll never fall out of love with.

Colour seasons aren’t new, but they’re experiencing a recent buzz online with many influencers going all the way to Korea to get a colour analysis to see which colours would best suit them. Though it can be tricky to nail it down, you can do it all at home without the need to jet set off to Asia.

Colour seasons explained

12 individual colour palettes which correspond to a person’s unique colouring in their skin tone, hair, and eye shade. Divided into summer, spring, autumn, and winter, the summer and winter seasons are for cool skin tones (identifiable by whether you have blue veins on your wrist, or you suit silver jewellery) and autumn and spring are for warm skin tones (identified by green veins on your wrist, or whether you suit gold jewellery).

It's trending

Finding your colour season is like always having a personal stylist with you while you shop; you’re less likely to impulse buy clothes and the items you do buy you can be certain will suit you. The concept is trending on social media is because many of us can live our lives being drawn to colours

which don’t suit us, creating an amazing transformation in our appearance when we find the right ones so you can wear colours which make you the focus of people’s attention rather than those that don’t let your natural features shine.

At home

Several online videos break down the concept of colour seasons really well, we recommend watching Ellie Jean Royden’s Body and Style YouTube channel for simple but in-depth guidance on colour seasons with great examples. If you want to do an at home colour season analysis, for best results have a group of friends help you so you can analyse each other, this will make it easier for you to be objective about your own appearance.

The professionals

If you’re willing to devote some budget to it, you can have a colour season analysis done by a consultant near you. In this appointment they’ll ask you to attend with no makeup or fake tan and if you have dyed hair, to let them know what your natural hair colour was. They’ll drape several coloured fabrics below your face to determine which colours bring a fresh, bright look to your complexion and make your eyes pop.

Colour analysis consultants in the area

Styled in Colour

A verified Colour Me Beautiful Consultant (the UKs leading colour analysis service) Jill Clark can advise you on a range of subjects from colour analysis to personal shopping and wedding makeup.

Styledincolour.co.uk/colour-analysis

Claire Watkins Personal Styling

Claire will teach you how colour can have a psychological effect on your wellbeing and confidence all while teaching you how to pick the right colours for you from her home in Altrincham.

Clarewatkins.com

Emma Taylor

Emma Taylor is a verified House of Colour stylist who will help you find the right colours to make your eyes shine and your skin radiant. She also has personal style services to help you find your true style.

Houseofcolour.co.uk/stylist-profile /emma-taylor

•

A

ankle has many possible causes, ranging from joint instability to arthritis, and it’s possible to treat almost every problem, relieve pain and restore function. Mr Monkhouse

the entire range of foot and ankle problems, with a special interest in sports injuries, persistent pain after an ankle injury or just exercise, joint instability, mid-foot pain or pain in the ball of the foot when standing.

Other specialist interests include

management, tendon transfers and selective joint fusions of neuromuscular deformities of the foot and ankle, whether

stroke, congenital degenerative nerve problems, cerebral palsy or nerve injury.

Monkhouse treats traumatic injuries of feet, ankles and achilles tendons.

Dr Anna Day, Clinical Psychologist at

Dr Finlay’s Private Practice

At the start of the year, many of us set health goals such as losing weight, improving our sleep, or focusing on our emotional wellbeing. Spring can be a tricky time if you haven’t yet achieved your goals, leading to feelings of disappointment and even failure.

As a Long COVID sufferer, I often find myself falling short of my health goals through no fault of my own, so I really do understand. One thing that helps me manage this is reminding myself of the link between body and mind. Negative emotions like anxiety are brain states that manifest in our body, causing

HEALTH MATTERS

Focus on Self-Care

symptoms like palpitations, tense muscles, and breathlessness, which impact on our physical health by moving our body out of a healing, optimum state.

Likewise, when we’re physically ill, our emotional wellbeing suffers, leading to emotions like anxiety, anger, sadness, and grief.

Reminding myself of this mind-body link allows me to focus on self-care and joyful experiences, moving me away from self-criticism and shame, which only inflame my physical difficulties.

Remember that regular medical check-ups and working with a therapist can help you achieve your health goals in a kind and blamefree way.

Try these tips

When improving self-care and managing disappointment, try to:

1. Eat regularly, drink lots of water, go to bed at a reasonable time, and plan nice things.

2. Spend time with friends, family, or pets. As humans we’ve evolved to need this connection.

3. Instead of self-criticism, embrace compassionate self-correction. Try to learn from mistakes gently, with kindness.

Best foot forward

To move forward in a positive frame of mind:

1. Set achievable, realistic goals.

2. Try breaking bigger goals into a series of smaller ones so you feel a regular sense of achievement.

3. Remember, everyone struggles, and social media only shows us a biased snapshot of other people’s lives.

If you’ve got a comment or question for Dr Anna Day, you can email her on team@drfinlays.co.uk

NEW IN SHUL

Get to know the new Trustee at BHH!

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Beth Hamidrash Hagadol Synagogue has recently welcomed Marnie Sumroy as its latest trustee. Marnie, who hails from Glasgow, moved to Leeds eight years ago to be with her husband, David. Marnie is passionate about creating a meaningful Jewish life in Leeds for her family and others, her tenure will focus on three themes: youth, women, and sustainability. Marnie also has extensive experience in event management which she hopes to implement in her new role.

Recently appointed BHH President, Jonathan Straight, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Marnie as a member of our executive. It is refreshing to have someone younger on our board – and our female members are definitely under-represented. Along with my fellow trustees, we wish Marnie every success.”

PHOTO: MARNIE SUMROY PICTURED WITH HUSBAND, DAVID, AND CHILDREN, JACOB AND MAYA.

CROWING GLORY

St Gemma’s Hospice celebrates some royal recognition this spring.

St Gemma’s Hospice Chief Executive, Kerry Jackson recently received an OBE from HRH Princess Anne at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, this comes after Kerry was named in the King’s New Year Honours list for services to palliative and end of life care.

Kerry said: “I was honoured to receive the OBE and it was a really memorable day. It is a privilege to lead this incredible hospice and work with an outstanding team of staff and volunteers every day, so it has been very special to share this experience with them. St Gemma’s would also not exist without the supportive Leeds community who tirelessly help to raise the funds needed to run the hospice. None of it would be possible without them, so I accept this honour on their behalf too.”

ROLL UP!

Gather round for a swing on the pitch or a warming meal in the kitchen with LJWB.

Calling all Golfers! There are only a few team places remain for LJWB’s 33rd annual Caring for Children Golf AM-AM tournament on 20th June at Moor Allerton Golf Club. This popular event has been proudly supporting LJWB’s children’s services for over 30 years, providing help and support to families in crisis, children with additional needs, and inclusive play and support programs.

If you’re interested in making up a team of four or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact Shelley Frieze at 0113 203 4919 or via email at Shelley.frieze@ljwb. co.uk.

LJWB has also announced its Pesach offering this year, with catering under the management of LJWB’s new catering service. Take the heat out of your own kitchen and join

LJWB for one of its two traditional communal Sedarim at the MAZCC which includes a fourcourse hot meal.

The popular Kosher for Pesach restaurant will be open for one night only on 25th April. For further details and all menus please see its website at Ljwb.co.uk or to make a booking please call 0113 268 4211 before 11th April.

Travel in Style

The journey doesn’t have to be a drain on the holiday! With luxury transportation experiences, hopping from place to place can be the highlight.

Going away on holiday and exploring new parts of the world is always a thrill! But many of us have found ourselves standing in an airport, waiting for a flight, wishing for the ability to teleport to our destination. Travelling is often the worst part of going away, but what if you could make it another part of the amazing experience of your holiday? Below we explore some transport options which make the journey just as good as the destination.

Luxury rail travel

Rail travel isn’t all strikes and cancellations! Multi-day rail journeys on sleeper trains allow you to relax and watch the world go by from your own cabin. Perhaps the most famous name in luxury long distance rail travel is the Orient Express.

The Orient Express is a long-distance passenger train service created in 1883 by the Belgian company Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits that operated until 2009. The train travelled the length of Europe, travelling mostly Paris to Istanbul. The service has a reputation for luxury and is high profile enough to have featured in dozens of pieces of media, including Dracula, the James Bond classic From Russia, With Love, and of course, Agatha Christie’s famous Murder on the Orient Express.

Those who want to experience this famous journey themselves are in luck, because as of next year, the routes will be re-opening courtesy of Accor. The service will invite travellers to experience the legendary journey aboard 17 original Orient Express cars dating back to the

1920s and 1930s, adorned with exceptional décor – a set of cars formerly known as the Nostalgie-Istanbul-Orient-Express, reimagined by architect Maxime d’Angeac.

The suites will allow you to forget you’re even on a train. During the day, the sofa and settee invite you to relax and enjoy the views. When it’s time for “the Great Transformation” (also known as the passage to the “night” room configuration), a 2 x 1.40m bed invites travellers for a night of deep sleep. Discreet and surprisingly comfortable, the bathroom with sliding doors is adorned with marble and the toilets and dressing room complete the beautiful layout.

The Orient Express route famously terminates in Istanbul, a vibrant city full of dazzling sights. Not to be missed is the celebrated Blue Mosque, an easily spotted iconic feature of the city’s skyline, which is worth getting a closer look at. While you’re in the city, don’t forget to freshen up on your haggling skills at the Grand Bazaar, before heading a bit further afield to the ruins of Troy.

Cruises

Cruises are the epitome of a loaded travel experience. With cruise ships containing every amenity most hotels have, and often quite a lot more, you’ll barely even notice you’re on the move.

While it’s true that many cruises start off with a flight to sunnier climes, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Luxury cruises can be connected around the UK.

With a plethora of things to do, cruise ships from large providers such as Royal Caribbean are more like floating cities than vehicles. From skydiving simulators, to dodgems, to the sea’s largest viewing platform, even on days without a stop scheduled, you’ll be far from bored.

Not to mention a huge variety of food and drink, entertainment and casinos available for the evenings. Most cruise ships have a large range of restaurants available, so no need to worry about eating the same thing every day! You might even spot some familiar high street favourites on occasion.

Heading out from Southampton can see you on a nine night getaway to Rome, exploring La Coruna, Málaga, Barcelona, and Marseille along the way, before finally reaching the Eternal City. While you’re there make sure to check out some of the city’s famous sights such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, St Peter’s Basilica, or for a darker look at the city’s history, the Castel Sant’Angelo.

Private jet

Flying can be more of a pleasure and less of a hassle in a private jet. They best part is you don’t need to be uber-rich to own one. Chartering a private jet is easier than you think and can be done in the UK for as little as £6,000 depending on where you want to fly from and to. Several other factors also affect the cost of chartering a flight, including aircraft type and size refuelling costs, airport landing and handling fees, crew

salaries, passenger taxes, repositioning costs, and amount of luggage. However, if you aren’t too fixed on a specific destination, an empty leg charter is often the cheapest way to fly by private jet. This is when a jet is booked for a one-way trip and is scheduled to return home without any passengers, allowing seats to be booked at a significant discount. Globeair.com is a great resource to keep an eye on to check out upcoming empty leg flight’s which are available.

So, what are the advantages of flying private? Everything is under your control. Choose from a range of private jets to find the perfect aircraft for your trip, fly from the time and place that suits you, with private terminals and lounges so you don’t have to queue or struggle for a seat. No to mention that the on-board environment is a far cry from a commercial airline, with extra space, large seats, sofas, and even beds, as well as luxury dining and tech.

Update your spring summer wardrobe by catching up with this season's trends.

WHITE DRESSES

Et Vous Broiderie Dress | Matalan | £38

Though usually reserved for one special day, white dresses are making a statement on the runway this year. The simple shade gives a classic look to the garment and really allows you to choose fabrics which have elaborate details and patterns. This dress from Matalan has a clean-cut collar, buttons, a tie at the waist, and laser cut flower patterns but altogether it comes off as chic and minimalistic.

Matalan.co.uk

FLORALS

Tree Of Life Narrative Silk Square Scarf

Fable England | £80

Though floral patterns always come around every spring, this year’s catwalks are giving this predictable twist a groundbreaking twist. Instead of floral print on dresses why not try to incorporate flowers in new ways such as broches, a statement choker necklace, or in a luxurious scarf like this one from Fable England. Depending on the size of your scarf, you can wear it traditionally around your head, as a headband or headscarf, or tie it to your handbag strap to bring the details of your outfit together.

Fableengland.com

SHORTS

Linen Pleat Blue Short | Oliver Bonas | £25

Short shorts are officially in! Straying away from your typical denim, runways saw short shorts in several variations from tailored suit shorts worn with an oversized blazer, to colourful beach shorts. These pleated blue shorts from Oliver Bonas are easy to style for those wanting to experiment with shorts since the pleats can make it look like a skirt. Excellent for a warm day at the beach, these linen shorts are comfortable and more practical than a skirt.

Oliverbonas.com

CRAFT

Khaki Sleeveless Crochet Hem Midi Dress

Roman | £40

Craft fabrics and embellishments are taking over spring and summer fashion. This could be with a touch of embroidery, pom poms, feathers, or with crochet details like in this dress. Craft details can give your outfit texture and an unexpected flare depending on how out there you wish to go; you might be surprised to find that you already have craft details in your wardrobe in woven bags or wedge heels.

Roman.co.uk

SPORTSWEAR

Second Skin Leggings | Lola Starr | £70

Sportswear influences have continued in this year’s spring fashion. This year leggings, especially ones with a cropped hem, show a continuation of last year’s biker shorts trend. They can be worn to soften formal pieces like leather pumps or an oversized blazer.

Lolastarr.co.uk

Roll the Dice

11th April is National Board Game Day!

The resurgence of board games has helped bring the family together while developing problem solving and decision making, so turn off the electricity and try these classic and new games.

Pandemic | Waterstones

£44.99

Are you sick of competitive board games? Pandemic is a collaborative board game where everyone uses the unique skills of their character to complete a shared goal: stop the diseases from spreading overrunning the world. By moving between cities across the world map you will set up research centres to find a cure for the three diseases which are riddling the earth, but don’t forget to squash the disease as you go or else a pandemic could consume the entire globe.

Waterstones.com

What Next? | Big Potato Games

£39.99

What Next is a cooperative choose your own adventure card game with each card inviting you to make choices to see where the story goes next. Some cards will have you complete challenges to see if you can go down the path of your choice, whereas others will build the tension and have you add a peril tile to your tower (which you don’t want to fall down!) This box comes with three stories with a difficulty rate from easy to hard: Drums of Koala Cave, a stranded island story, The Skyscraper Caper, a superhero story, and Blinky’s Great Escape, a robot takeover story. There’s something for everyone in this imaginative take on board game night.

Bigpotato.co.uk

Monopoly | Select stores and prices

First published by Leeds game company Waddingtons in 1975, Monopoly has a special place in everyone’s hearts as one of their first board games. If you want to spruce up your experience, why not try themed versions of Monopoly such as Leeds Monopoly or Disney Monopoly. Or if you’d like a faster but entirely new Monopoly experience, try Monopoly Deal which transforms Monopoly into a card game while still keeping its money and property collecting format.

Products.hasbro.com

Trekking Through History | Amazon

£39.99

Trekking Through History has you play as a time travelling tourist where you can pick up cards which will allow you to write a play with Shakespeare, sail aboard the Titanic, or ride with Genghis Khan and place them in chronological order. If you break the chronological order, you must start a new stack. This is a great educational game for families as you can read more information about your collected historical figures on the back of your cards.

Amazon.co.uk

Hues and Cues | Zatu Games

£21.89

In Hues and Cues you’re trying to get your teammates to guess your colour from a board of 480 shades on the board without using more than two words or a primary colours’ name as a clue. Choose your words carefully and draw from your real-life experience and make pop culture, nature, material, or emotive inspired clues and see how close your team can get to your colour.

Board-game.co.uk

This Free Comic Book Day, 4th May, we’re celebrating the Jewish creators who wrote your favourite comic book heroes.

the character, Superman embodies Jewishness often being compared to Moses as both figures were orphaned at birth then raised by nonJewish families before finding their hidden strength to save their peers. What’s more, the hero’s Kryptonian birth name, Kal-el, bares the ‘el’ suffix in Hebrew used to denote Elohim, or Yahweh, Jehovah, or God, as can be seen in the names Michael or Raphael. These influences from Seigel and Shuster’s heritage were deeply embedded in the characters original design before they sold the concept to DC Comics in March 1938 for $130 (worth £2,700 now). Not only did they shape the inspirational character for years to come, but they also paved the way for numerous other Jewish creators who would follow in their footsteps such as Bob Kane who introduced Batman in 1939 and Jack Kirby who co-created characters such as Iron Man, Thor, and the Black Panther in the 1960s.

Check out where to go on Free Comic Book Day here: Thepopverse.com/free-comicbook-day-2024

New In Town

Find out what’s new around town with our pick of restaurants, cafés, and bars.

Boojum | Merrion Centre

Coming to Leeds this spring is Mexican food chain Boojum. Following its recent success in Ireland, Dublin and Belfast, Leeds will be its first English branch. You can expect plenty of burritos, fajitas, tacos, and salads. What’s more, Boojum boasts to have the freshest ingredients, slow cooked meats, and authentic salsas which are made every day – nothing frozen here.

Boojummex.com

Carousel | Albion Street

Carousel is a new games bar in Leeds, it has everything from digital darts, karaoke, arcade games, and shuffleboard. You can book activities in advance if you’d like to focus your visit around one activity or go for a bottomless booking which ensures you get 90 minutes of boozy bottomless drinks with a street food feast and fiercely fun gaming. Even better, your time starts when your first drink arrives so you can ensure you’ll be getting all the time you bargained for.

Carousel-bars.co.uk

The Functional Drinks Club | Otley

The Functional Drinks Club takes the difficulty out of choosing a designated driver as a non-alcoholic pub. Recently opened on Manor Square, the pub boasts to have Yorkshire’s largest selection of kombucha and was established to encourage people to live more consciously according to its owners. Filling a gap in the market for great tasting non-alcoholic beers, wines, and ciders the Functional Drinks Club plans to change the assumption that zero alcohol drinks don’t taste as good on its head. Functionaldrinksclub.co.uk

Il Piatto | Headingley

Headingley’s new Italian restaurant is Il Piatto. A favourite to locals of Scarborough, this beloved Italian chose North Leeds for its second branch. Serving classic Italian dishes from pizza and pasta dishes to delicious gnocchi; the restaurant is also introducing a Pasta to Go service where online order and collection can be arranged between 4pm to 5pm – so watch this space!

Il-piattoitaliano.co.uk

Meet Fresh | Merrion Centre

Taiwanese Dessert shop Meet Fresh is a new face in the Merrion Centre. Meet Fresh serves classic Taiwanese deserts such as taro ball desserts, grass jelly delights, and refreshing shaved ice. Since it’s of the nationality where the popular drink originated, you can also expect a handful of boba tea drinks.

On Instagram @MeetfreshUK

Ottimo | Oakwood

Long term friends Paul Bolster and Nick Julian have recently announced the opening of their new pizza restaurant –Ottimo. Paul who owns Tasty Kitchen & Coffee in Oakwood and Nick who owns Pizza Freak in Kirkstall will open their new restaurant in the former Pizza Loco unit on Roundhay Road, Oakwood in March. The pizza concept is focused on quality ingredients, balanced flavours, and a tried and tested dough process, focusing on the small details to create a really special product.

Ottimo.pizza

The Greatest Generation

The CTeen teenagers continue to work hard at their Impact Care Awards projects. Several groups signed up for “Adopt-a-Gran/Grandad”, which pairs up the teens with elderly members of the community. Residents of Leeds Jewish Housing Association kindly offered to be interviewed by the teens.

“For an hour or so the teenagers were fascinated by stories of days gone by and amusing incidents in the lives of people old enough to be their great grandparents!” commented Rabbi Reuven Cohen. “It is so important for the younger generation to appreciate and learn from the experiences

Agency Recognised by Northern Enterprise Awards

SOS Marketing have recently won a Northern Enterprise Award for The Best Full-Service Marketing Agency in West Yorkshire.

Scott Stalbow, Managing Director at SOS Marketing comments: “It’s truly rewarding to have been recognised as ‘The Best Full-Service Marketing Agency’ in West Yorkshire, and its testament to the unwavering dedication of the team! While our foremost priority is consistently delivering an exceptional service to each and every client, receiving this recognition is certainly the cherry on top.”

Going through a divorce is a challenging time especially when a property is part of the assets. Even more so where this is your family home. You need to approach this with caution and thoughtful consideration. You should take advice before you act. For one party selling the home may help financially, but the other party may see

NEWS IN BRIEF

of the older generation. Their wisdom is invaluable.”

Here’s what some of the interviewees had to say:

• Freddie Broch: “I had a great time talking to Ralph. He was really interesting and we had a good chat about football.”

• Josh Cohen: “It was really enjoyable to talk to Ralph and hear stories from throughout his life.”

• Leo Small: “It was really interesting to meet Marcia and chat with her.”

• Isaac Serr: “I enjoyed asking Barbara about the past and finding out about her life.”

• David Bentley: “It was a really good

experience and I enjoyed the visit. It was interesting to hear about Mrs Whyman’s life.”

• Zara Sefton: “I really enjoyed the whole experience and Diane was amazing to talk to – I loved learning about her life and the experience was great.”

• Sebastian Warner: “It was lovely to meet Sylvia and she was a very interesting lady.”

Any other high school children who wish to enrol in this rewarding scheme can get in touch: email lyo@judaismlive.com or telephone 07814 856 360.

LS8 Meet-Up Celebrates Anniversary

One year on since the start of LS8 Meet-Up, the networking group continues to thrive. The March breakfast event, organised by Winston Solicitors and hosted by The Leeds Deli, saw a collection of people from across North Leeds, meeting for tea, granola, and a proper chat! As always, everyone left with a big smile to continue with their day, and a list of contacts to work with.

Alongside the chatter, £65 was raised for the Give A Duck Foundation, which supports children going through chemotherapy treatment. Want to know more about networking in North Leeds? Email Leonie Donne on Ldd@winstonsolicitors.co.uk to be on the guest list!

WIZO Hosts Cooking Demo for LJWB

Recently at one of Leeds Jewish Welfare Board’s residential care homes for adults, Lily Thompson opened up its kitchen at the weekend to volunteers Natalie, Elissa, Miranda, and Lisa from WIZO’s Women Leading the Way.

Staff and residents were treated to a Jewish cooking demonstration with a delicious roast chicken and apple strudel on the menu. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed learning how to make tasty dishes as well as eating them that evening! Everyone agreed that the food was absolutely delicious and thoroughly enjoyed the cooking experience.

PRIVATE LAW: FAMILY & CONVEYANCING

this is a real loss to the family, especially if children are part of the family dynamic.

Ask yourself the following:

• Do you need to sell the house before the divorce is final or a financial Consent Order is in place?

• Can one party afford to keep the house and pay the mortgage and bills on their own?

• Importantly, can that party release the other from their mortgage commitments?

• Where will both parties live once the home is sold?

• How will the proceeds to be split?

• When children are involved, does one of you need to stay in the home due to proximity to schools?

If you are selling a house before your divorce, think about:

• Can you agree the fairness of the shares?

• What are the tax consequences – e.g. capital gains tax?

• What are the market conditions – is it the right time to sell?

• Disruption of family routines and the immediate need for a home for everyone if that is what the house is used for.

Helping you answer the questions

There are lots of options to avoid disputes, or unexpected consequences for the family. A lawyer who genuinely has your best interests in mind, will see the need to go to Court to get issues resolved as a last resort. Alternative dispute resolution such as family mediation can be invaluable for many to keep lines of communication open, and ensure the family gets the best eventual outcome for them. As divorce poses emotional and financial challenges for everyone involved, it is always best to seek legal advice to guide you through the questions.

Winstonsolicitors.co.uk

OLIVER COHEN RECENTLY CELEBRATED HIS BAR MITZVAH!

HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY JOINED HIM FOR A REEM(!) PARTY AT THE MARJORIE AND ARNOLD ZIFF CENTRE.

OLIVER WAS JUMPING FOR JOY BY THE END OF THE NIGHT!

WHERE THEY DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY…

THE STAR OF THE SHOW WAS CELEBRATED BY PROUD MUM ROCHELLE, DAD SIMON, AND HIS OLDER BROTHER JOSHUA.

HE WAS CALLED UP AT BHH SYNAGOGUE.

And…Action

This year’s Oscars, the 96th edition of the glitzy cinematic awards, recognised Jewish talent and history in its winners and nominees.

The annual Academy Awards recognises the best, most inspiring, and most influential moments in cinema, and whether you agree with the choices on the day or not, Oscar awarded films stand the test of time in film history. Not only did many nominated films capture the history and lives of Jewish people such as in Oppenheimer, The Zone of Interest, Barbie, and Maestro, but it also represented plenty of Jewish creators.

Winner of Best International Feature Film | The Zone of Interest |

Jonathan Glazer

The Zone of Interest is a film written and directed by Jewish Director, Jonathan Glazer. The film, based on the historical fiction book by the same name, written by Martin Amis, is about Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig who strive to build an idyllic life for their family in their beautiful suburban house and garden beside the camp. The film captures the banality of evil which reviewer Raphael Abraham from the Financial Times wrote: “Glazer has achieved something much greater than just making the monstrous mundane — by rendering such extreme inhumanity ordinary he reawakens us to its true horror.”

Winner of Best Short Film | The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar |

Steven Rales

The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is a short film by Wes Anderson following the story of a rich man who learns about a clairvoyant guru who could see without using his eyes by using a carefully trained meditative spiritual practice. After learning of this power, he sets out to master the skill so he can cheat as much money as he needs out of casinos. Steven Rales, who came from a Jewish background, took home an Oscar alongside Wes Anderson as Producer on the project, the pair have worked on several of Anderson’s well-known films including The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs, and Fantastic Mr Fox.

Eight Nominations | Barbie |

Mark Ronson

The Barbie film featured Jewish creator of the doll, Ruth Handler as a character in the film, the film was nominated for Best Picture as well as for Best Original Song, I’m Just Ken, which was written by Jewish Songwriter Mark Ronson. Though neither won, Billie Eilish did collect Best Original Song for Barbie and Ryan Gosling did get to perform his and Ronson’s song during the ceremony accompanied by over 50 Kens.

PHOTO: GAGE SKIDMORE

Seven Nominations | Maestro |

Steven Spielberg

Following the life of the iconic Jewish Composer Leonard Bernstein, Maestro was Directed by renowned Jewish film maker Steven Spielberg and was also in the running for Best Picture. The film received plenty of Oscar buzz before the ceremony, even with The Guardian writing an article titled: Why Maestro Should Win the Best Picture, which celebrated the composer’s capacity to change the world for the better through music and to continue bringing joy to many.

Oscars.org

Ofer Fohrer, Head of Economic and Trade Mission to the UK Embassy of Israel, discusses the impact of the war on Israel’s economy.

Keeping Going

The war in Gaza has understandably impacted how Israeli businesses operate and hugely affected the country’s economy. We spoke with Head of Economic and Trade Mission to the UK Embassy of Israel, Ofer Fohrer, to understand the impact: “The outcome of the war in Israel had different effects. The first one was the IDF had to recruit the reservists. In Israel, soldiers who finish their service in the army continue reserve duty up until they are 40, 45 if they are officers. Around 100,000 were called for return duties, many in their 20s to 40s and employed, either by a business, their own business, or are self-employed. So that immediately impacted the economy since companies had to deal with their employee’s absence.”

Ofer explained how the businesses have coped “The solution, specifically for tech companies, was to allocate the tasks of the people who were mobilised to the people who were not. In this way, they were able to keep up with their deadlines and make sure that the projects they were working on were

continuing as usual. Technology is really the locomotive pushing the Israeli economy forward, and a slowdown could have devastating effects on the economy. Instead, the sector really showed its resilience.”

Despite turbulence at the moment, the Israeli start-up investment market is still booming

Despite turbulence at the moment, the Israeli start-up investment market is still booming: “I received information yesterday that start-up investment in the first quarter actually increased. So investors – many of whom are not Israeli, mostly coming from the US, Europe, and Asia – have confidence in the resilience of the Israeli tech economy.”

The reservists are now gradually returning, but that doesn’t mean that things are back to business as usual for Israeli companies: “As

the war drags on, many reservists are going back to ordinary life. It’s not easy for many of them, heading back from the realities of the war to day-to-day life. Companies are obviously aware of the challenges they are facing. Many of them are looking into the option of allowing the reservists time to absorb getting back into daily life, but on the other hand, they also need to get the business running as usual. Many companies have halted recruitment of new employees, waiting to see how the economy is developing and how they are able to reabsorb reservists into the team. And if they want to bring in new employees or even promote existing ones, they need people there to guide them.”

The Israeli government is also funding a furlough scheme to allow businesses to support returning reservists: “Many retail employees are on a furlough scheme. The government pay their salaries for a limited duration. It’s the same scheme that was used during the pandemic.”

AZRIELI CENTRE, TEL AVIV

HAPPY ACCIDENT

Last month’s UK Israel Business Breakfast featured guest speaker Nick Glynne, Founder of Buy It Direct.

The most recent UK Israel Business Breakfast at MAZZ began, as usual, with a word from Colin Glass OBE, discussing the work UKIB does with Ofer Fohrer, Minister for Economic Affairs at the Israeli Embassy to the UK: “He’s keen to introduce Israeli companies to our region, and he’s currently organising delegations to visit the region. These delegations are likely to be in healthcare, water, transportation, and logistics.”

Ofer recently discussed the affect the war has had on Israel’s economy with us, see page 79.

Nick Dyson, Partner at Black’s Solicitors and sponsor of the event, then took to the stage: “What I want to do is to reflect on what makes me stand here and be proud to be supporting this organisation. The first thing is about the vision and what we’re trying to do here. Which is – despite whatever challenges there are in the outside world – create a positive space where we can reflect diversity. I feel really proud to be a supporter of an organisation that, when I look around the room, it’s different people coming together despite the challenges outside. The second thing is about welcome. My colleague Jenna who is here for the second time, said to me after her first breakfast how she was made to feel so welcome here.”

The floor was then handed over to the meeting’s main speaker, Nick Glynne, Founder of online retail giant Buy It Direct. Nick’s talk was about the mistakes he made along the way while growing his business to £400 million revenue: “Rather than bore you with a whole list of mistakes I’ve made, I thought I could share one very traumatic story that happened to me post-COVID and the lessons I learnt.

Before sharing the big event, Nick gave some background about how he began his business: “I started in 1999. I bought a small computer shop in a really dodgy area of Huddersfield. I remember me and another guy running the shop and he kept a baseball bat underneath the counter. A week later I understood why. Every time I got some cash, I poured the money into failed businesses around me. During the financial crisis, I brought a number of distressed businesses. Collectively, these businesses came together to make up the retail side of Buy It Direct.

“We have two other parts of the business, one of them a mistake, and another which was a mistake but is turning around. One was a repair and refurbishment business in Swansea, and the other is a business in Brighouse which recycles TVs.”

During COVID, the amount of money Buy It Direct was making became detrimental: “What happened during COVID was the trauma. It broke me, for the first time in my life I went down to three days a week at the beginning of last year, we made too much money. We made so much during COVID, were selling £299 fridges for £999, that’s the kind of market it was. We made £35 million in one year. On one hand it was amazing, on the other it was the worst thing that could ever happen. All the discipline, all the fighting over cost, all the careful building, was thrown out. Too much money in the business affected us, and we became arrogant. We started splashing the cash, buying new warehouses, we over-invested.”

Then the freight partner put prices up, which Nick was forced to pay since there wasn’t a contract with the provider. What cost $4,000 before was hiked to $17,000, and was retrospectively applied. Our warehouse got full as sales declined and we had to use cranes to stack containers in the yard to avoid paying detention charges, it was proper crisis time. Inevitably, because we had all of these expensive goods, when COVID stopped, had £80 million worth of stock. we had to get rid of to keep the business alive. We also sadly had to get rid of around 500 to 600 staff.”

Still, Nick learned from the experience and used it to grow: “There are a number of lessons I learned from this. First of all, it was the opposite of what got me here today. Too much instinct, too much entrepreneurship; following the opportunity is not always good for the business. The second thing was, as you grow the business, you have to find the right people. It’s a real challenge that we keep getting wrong. Everyone who has left the business, all of them have been people who couldn’t adapt to the slightly frantic, less planned environment of a relatively small business. The third thing was a personal thing, I realised I had completely neglected my own needs. I have two kids and I wasn’t spending enough time with them. It’s the classic mid-life crisis, I suppose, where you realise there are other things in life.”

Next meeting is 22nd May with Simon Cope – Owner and Managing Director Skopes Menswear.

For more information visit:

Ukisraelbusiness.co.uk or call 07703 271 238

ALL PHOTOS: DAVID COLE PHOTOGRAPHY COLIN GLASS (SEATED LEFT), NICK GLYNNE (SEATED RIGHT), AND NICK DYSON (THIRD FROM THE RIGHT) POSE WITH UKIB MEMBERS.

BUSINESS NEWS

Anxiety Improving Drug Exported

Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem will study PEX010, Filament’s botanical psilocybin drug candidate, for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Filament Health Corp, a clinical stage natural psychedelic drug development company, recently announced that it has successfully completed an export of PEX010 to Israel. The shipment is believed to be the first botanical psilocybin to be exported to Israel.

The hospital will study PEX010 in a clinical trial examining the effects of psilocybin for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (TR-OCD) and treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder (TR-PTSD): “There is a growing need for research into mental health conditions like TR-PTSD and TR-OCD, and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy shows significant promise for treating both of these conditions,” said Dr. Ronen Segman, Associate Professor of Psychiatry.

Security Provider Announces Results

Allot Ltd., a leading global provider of innovative network intelligence and security solutions for service providers and enterprises worldwide, recently announced its unaudited fourth quarter and full-year 2023 financial results.

The UK company with headquarters at Hod Hasharon, Israel, announced fourth quarter revenues of $24.3 million and full-year 2023 revenues were $93.2 million.

Town Centre Securities Welcomes New Addition

Leading property development and investment company, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) has announced a recent appointment.

Victoria McLeod brings more than 20 years’ experience to her position as Area Operations Manager at TCS and will be overseeing key sites across the business’ extensive portfolio in both Manchester and Leeds.

With a proven track record, Victoria has played a key role in maintaining, progressing and growing business strategy across city regions and has been instrumental in developing partnerships, driving new business growth and overseeing various aspects of property management.

Craig Burrow, Group Property Director at TCS expressed his excitement at the expansion of the team said: “We are thrilled to welcome Victoria to the TCS family. Their extensive experience, dedication to excellence and proven track records align with our commitment to delivering outstanding results.”

Lifted Ventures Receives Funding

Lifted Ventures, a Leeds-based business which exists to increase the flow of early-stage capital to female founders and the business benefits of backing women, has received funding from British Business Bank. The funding will go towards running a free series of educational programmes on angel investment. The next programme starts on 12th September and the in-person workshops will be held in Leeds. Lifted Ventures is also encouraging female entrepreneurs from the community to apply to for support in investor readiness and raising investment in an effort to ensure that regional funding is accessible to all.

Lifted Ventures was co-founded by Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham, who were previously known as the joint leaders of the awardwinning NorthInvest angel network, and co-founders of Fund Her North, and Women Angels of the North. Together, Jordan and Helen

have facilitated over £450m of funding, helped over 500 entrepreneurs and became the most active Innovate UK investor partner outside of London. Now, they’d like to use everything they’ve learnt to turn talk into action when it comes to backing Northern women in business, starting with a shift in rhetoric.

“Too often the conversation focuses on disparity, gender funding gaps, barriers and challenges. Lifted Ventures is focusing on opportunity,” said Helen, Co-Founder of Lifted Ventures, Angel Investor and Board member of the UK Business Angels Association and a member of the Women Angel Investment task force. “One of our main aims is to educate and inform investors on the proven business benefits and greater economic returns which result from supporting female-founded businesses.”

University of Leeds Alumni Excel at Awards

Three University of Leeds graduates have been recognised for their inspirational work in China by the British Council Study UK Alumni Awards. Among them was Bing Hou (PhD Biomedicine 2015), who won the Science and Sustainability Award for his pioneering work in cancer drug development.

The success and breadth of alumni work in China is demonstrated by the British Council citing graduates in three different categories.

Joe Browns Opens New Shop

Joe Browns, the Leeds-based fashion and homes retailer, has officially opened the doors to its first store in the city (2nd December 2023). A large queue had formed at the White Rose Shopping Centre as founder, Simon Brown, formally cut the ribbon.

Before the cutting, Simon touched upon what a poignant moment the opening was; “It’s really quite a remarkable milestone, to be opening a store in the city where it all started, in our 25th year of business. I want to thank all members of the team, from our store staff here with us now, to everyone back at our head office, from the merchandising department to the warehouse, it’s been a real team effort by the whole Joe Browns family and I’m extremely proud.”

The first customers were welcomed with a glass of bubbly and a gift bag as they walked around the 3,000 sq. ft Leeds White Rose store showcasing 400 lines across womenswear, menswear, and home. The new store, previously occupied by Paperchase, has created 14 new jobs.

Climate Saving Tech Gets Investment

FreezeM, an agri-tech pioneering biotechnology company based in Nahshonim, Israel, that offers Breeding-as-a-Service (BaaS) for Black Soldier Fly (BSF) protein factories, recently announced the closure of $14.2 million in Series A funding. This innovation plays a vital role in boosting insect protein production capacity for livestock and pet food while implementing a circular economy, conserving precious global farmland, and reducing ocean depletion.

The funding will be used to accelerate the growth of the company’s breeding hubs network and commercialise its novel solutions at scale, accommodating the rapidly increasing market demand. The funding round was led by a group of industrial investors and the prestigious European Innovation Council Fund (EIC Fund), along with FreezeM’s existing investors and partners. The company aims to simplify BSF reproduction and increase protein yield through the supply of its PauseM product to BSF protein producers, tapping an estimated $3.96 billion market by 2033 according to a Meticulous Research forecast.

Ridings Reprographics Ltd, Chapel House, 378 Meanwood Rd, Leeds LS7 2JF www.ridings.co.uk

Contact Barry Vale T: 0113 262 0353

E: barryv@ridings.co.uk F: 0113 262 5393

SERVICING AND REPAIRS • ANY MAKE / MODEL • EST

CLIMB THE LADDER

On 5th to 6th June, you can immerse yourself in the knowledge of top UK business leaders, and join the conversation about today’s industry, tech, sustainability, and diversity subjects which will form the business landscape of years to come. Following the footsteps of the successful Climb23 last year, connect with potential investors and partners at the event which saw 150 active investors on its exhibition floor, or soak up the atmosphere and look for inspiration you can implement in your own business with over 220 speakers in its education programme.

The exhibition offers several high-profile speakers so you can learn the best from the best, speakers this year include, Jake Zim, SVP VR for Sony from Los Angeles, Jennifer Byrne, former CTO at Microsoft US, Zandra Moore and Anna Sutton, Leeds-based Entrepreneurs, Cliff Prior, CEO of Global Steering Group for Impact Investing, and Sharon Jandu, Founder of YABA (Yorkshire Asian Business Association).

Gordon Bateman, Founder of Investor Ladder and Climb24 said: “There is a great talent pool here in Leeds, Climb24 is trying to send the message that big companies thinking of expanding from India, South Korea, and from United Arab Emirates don’t have to go to London to find great talent.”

Above all else the exhibition threads social inclusion into everything it does, part of Climb24’s initiative to highlight the strength of local talent is to introduce young people from Leeds to new roles and industries, Gordon says: “This year we’re going to bring a number of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to the event and to meet some of our speakers to talk about different career options. Our speakers come from all around the world with very different backgrounds themselves, so they can use that opportunity to be inspired and learn about jobs they might not even know exist.”

An objective at the core of the event is to introduce people to new schools of thought which could transform their career, instead of preaching to the converted, Karen Brooks from Setsquared said: “One of the most stimulating, diverse, and different conferences we have seen… roll on Climb24!” And if you also just can’t wait until this year’s event, then you can get your fix by listening to the Climb podcast. Found on the Climb24 website and on Spotify, the Climb podcast tackles subjects for keen impact-led founders and investors with fascinating insights from entrepreneurs on a mission to create positive change. Previous episodes have included, Balancing Sustainability and Profitability with Evan Maindonald, From Redundancy to a £100 Million Exit with Ian Fishwick, and How Shutting Up Can Make You a Better Business Leader with Dan Lyons.

Get your tickets for the Leeds Dock event at Climb24.co.uk

TAX TIPS

Money Matters

From the first snowdrops and daffodils to the lighter evenings and growth on the trees, spring is finally here.

Waking up from our winter snooze we have the promise of sunshine, new opportunities, and the Spring Budget.

According to the Chancellor his Spring Budget is a “budget for long term growth” delivering “more investment, more jobs, better public services and lower taxes.” But with a general election likely in the latter end of the year, it is far from certain whether this budget will play out in the long term.

So how does the Spring Budget impact your financial situation? Let’s look at the key points from the budget and see what this means to you…

• National Insurance – the main rate of Class 1 employee NICs will be cut from 10% to 8% from April 2024; the main rate of Class 4 self-employment NICs will also be cut from 8% to 6% from April 2024. This is in addition to the 1% cut announced in the 2023 Autumn Statement, which also comes into effect this month.

• The High Income Child Benefit Charge – the threshold will be raised from £50,000 to £60,000 from April 2024. In addition, the rate at which this is charged will be halved so that Child Benefit is not withdrawn in full until individuals earn £80,000 or more, rather than £60,000. The impact of this means more families will be able to claim child benefit from now, with a household means-tested review promised for next year; election pending.

• The taxation of non-doms – currently non-UK domiciles whose permanent home is outside the UK do not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. From April 2025 this is set to be abolished and replaced by a new residence-based regime; where all UK residents who stay in the UK for over four years will pay the same tax on their foreign income and gains, regardless of their domicile status.

• Capital Gains Tax – the higher rate of Capital Gains Tax for residential property disposals will be cut from 28% to 24% from April 2024. This should reduce the cost of selling long term residential

investment property, although the following point is not likely to prove popular with portfolio clients…

• Stamp Duty Land Tax – from 1st June 2024, the government will abolish Multiple Dwellings Relief, a tax relief in he Stamp Duty Land Tax regime for people and businesses buying multiple properties in a single transaction (or multiple linked transactions).

• Furnished holiday lettings – from 6th April 2025, long-standing tax advantage for landlords who let short-term furnished holiday properties will be abolished to bring it into line with the less favourable long term investment property tax regime.

• VAT threshold – this will be increased immediately from £85,000 to £90,000

Want to know more about the Spring Budget? Do not hesitate to get in touch and let Leon & Company help you see beyond the numbers.

Leonandcompany.co.uk

Tax Specialist Helen Booth from Leon & Co offers a rundown of the changes the Spring Budget will bring.

FREE CONSULTATION

Spring is here, and with it comes a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. The Dentist believes that your smile should reflect the beauty of the season – fresh, vibrant, and full of confidence. Its team is excited to introduce you to their range of dental services tailored to elevate your smile, offering minimally invasive, convenient, and highly effective solutions to achieve a perfect smile –designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule!

Utilising the clinic’s state-of-the-art digital technologies, The Dentist has also streamlined the process of fitting crowns to be more efficient. With expertise in same-day CEREC crowns, the team is often able to complete the entire process—from preparation to fabrication and fitting—within just one hour.

The Airpolish hygiene treatment will bid farewell to stains in just 20 minutes. This innovative technique removes plaque and staining using resulting in an instant sparkle.

The team’s commitment to your smile goes beyond convenience with its comprehensive range of dental services to address all your oral health needs.

Composite bonding delivers immediate results – taking just one hour to effortlessly restore chipped, gapped, or discoloured teeth in a single visit. Using cutting-edge digital technologies, the dentists can make minor adjustments to craft your new smile achieving a truly transformative appearance.

If a brighter smile is what you would like to achieve, there’s also a premium home whitening system, Boutique Whitening, designed to safely and effectively brighten your smile with stunning results in just two to three weeks. The process involves bespoke whitening trays and a specially formulated whitening gel for noticeable results.

The Dentist is offering you a FREE consultation for all advanced treatments such as orthodontics (fixed braces or Suresmile clear aligners), cosmetic dentistry or dental Implants. This is your opportunity to chat with Dr James Taylor or Dr Mike Goldstone and let them show you how they can enhance, transform or refresh your smile and function.

Whether you’re wanting to replace missing teeth with implants, straighten your teeth with fixed metal braces or clear aligners, or simply maintain optimal dental health, its experienced team is here to help.

If you are a new patient, you can have an exam and X-rays for general dental care for just £78.50. So, if you’ve been thinking about enhancing your smile or want your free consultation to chat to The Dentist, now is your time to book!

To be in with a chance of winning a teeth whitening package worth £350 or an Airpolish hygiene appointment worth nearly £90, simply answer the following question:

What is the name of The Dentist’s premium home whitening system?

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-5 or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 17th May 2024

Terms and conditions apply: One entry per person. Prize must be booked with owner. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in JLife Magazine and The Dentist’s databases to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s

Mum’s The Word

Following on from her sold-out 2022 Synagogue Nights show, Noga Ritter has followed up with with a newly released album, Ima. With songs sung in both Hebrew and English, Noga weaves intimate and personal stories into a compelling narrative of socialglobal issues. Her performance on the album passionate and energetic, getting any audience to dance and join in on her soulful journey!

Noga also did a creative workshop based on the album: “This time, we were inspired by the process of making the cover, which was me working with an amazing body painter. I basically just sent her the music and a

We speak to Noga Ritter about her debut solo album, Ima, which is dedicated to her late mother.

translation of the lyrics and she got inspired and did her own thing. At the workshop they did the same thing. We chose one song and I explained the meaning of it and the story of how my grandma appeared in my dream after she passed away, which the song is about, and then there was drawing and painting on a massive piece of paper.”

The album, Ima, which means mother in Hebrew, is Noga’s debut solo album dedicated to her mother: “It’s been a journey and long in the making. I was really fortunate to have funding from Arts Council England. While I was recording it, life turned around at me when mum was diagnosed with cancer while I was in the studio. It was a really violent one that progresses very quickly. I stopped everything to do with the album and went to Israel to spend time with her there. Then she passed away and I decided to call the album Ima and dedicate it to her.”

“She was an incredible woman. Without her I probably wouldn’t have followed my dream despite the challenges of being an artist. She encouraged me to do what I love and what I feel that I was called to do. A lot of that is thanks to her support and encouragement.”

Ima takes influence from Noga’s life and travels, combining her life experiences together: “I think the album represents my journey, which started growing up in Israel, with influences from the Jewish and Palestinian cultures there. And then I moved to Berlin when I was 21, where I got into jazz, and then was inspired by West African music when I

moved to London. It’s a mix of encounters and stories.”

You can find information about buying the album and about Noga’s upcoming performances at Nogaritter.com

PHOTO: JOHNATHAN TROTMAN

PHOTO: JOHNATHAN TROTMAN

We know that many of our residents have lived rich, fulfilled lives and we see no reason why that should stop when they make their next home with us. We understand that the body may be a bit unwilling but the spirit is still game! So, we build a plan around you, to ensure your care is personal to you; your story and the next chapter.

Life is for living, no matter your age.

EVENTS

Days Out

Get involved in some great activities and days out this season around Leeds.

Pretty Woman: The Musical | Leeds Grand Theatre

14th to 25th May

Big night out. HUGE. Pretty Woman: The Musical has arrived at Leeds Grand after its London residency at the Savoy Theatre. Based in the Hollywood Rom-Com, this new musical has a fantastic score by Grammywinners Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (Summer of ’69, Heaven) with choreography by Tony Award-winning Jerry Mitchel (Hairspray, Kinky Boots).

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

The North Leeds Food Festival | Roundhay Park

11th and 12th May

The North Leeds Food Festival is back this year with more delicious street food, artisan markets, and free kids activities including a fun fair and inflatable land. As always, the charity partner of the festival is Leeds Mind with a whopping £95,000 raised so far, so don’t forget to donate at collection points or when purchasing your ticket.

Northleedsfoodfestival.co.uk

Leeds Running Festival | Roundhay Park 21st April

In support of St. Gemma’s Hospice, run a 5k, 10k, or half marathon around Roundhay Park. As one of the biggest city parks in Europe, Roundhay Park covers more than 700 acres of beautiful parkland, lakes, woodland, and gardens – creating the perfect setting for a Sunday morning run! Included in your entry will be a unique themed medal, chip timed results, free official event photographs, and post-race goodies and refreshments.

Leedsrunningfestival.com

Lino Printing Workshop | Left Bank Leeds 24th April

Get crafty with River Aire Craft Club’s Lino Printing Workshop! In this session you’ll learn how to safely cut the lino board, the best techniques to ensure a clean cut, how to mix the ink for the right colour and consistency, and how to ink the lino and achieve a successful print. After you’ve become a lino pro, you’ll be taking home between 5-8 A4 or A5 prints. This course is great for beginners as you don’t need any prior experience.

Eventbrite.co.uk/e/april-2024-lino-printing-workshop

Leeds Brick Festival | New Dock | 4th May

Fun for families, collectors, adult builders, and every kind of LEGO fan, Leeds Brick Festival is back. There’s so much to do at this fan event, including speed building competitions, large scale displays, brick trading, activities, peruse new and retired LEGO sets, minifigures and accessories, and have a go in the dedicated building area. This event is for you if you’re mad about all things LEGO.

Eventbrite.co.uk/e/leeds-brick-festival

Inner Peace Workshop | Ookushana Workshop 7th April

Join Joyti Kaur for an inner peace workshop exploring yoga poses for self-kindness, self-compassion practices, and meditation techniques for inner peace. The day will include slow, mindful movement with breathing techniques to build resilience, a short, guided meditation to release tension, an exploration of techniques for self-compassion, and guidance on how to use a solution focused perspective to journal and reflect on strengths and self-kindness. This session is a spring cleaning for the mind and body.

Eventbrite.co.uk/e/inner-peace-workshop

Cirque Du Soleil: OVO | First Direct Arena 4th to 7th April

The legendary Cirque Du Soleil is bringing its show OVO to Leeds this spring. Prepare to be plunged into the natural world, the ecosystem alive at our feet, the perspective of the insects which move around us every day. This breathtaking performance will see Cirque Du Soleil’s performers dazzle you with their tricks in an explosion of energy and movement.

Cirquedusoleil.com

LOCAL ELECTION 2024 Re-Elect…

neil.buckley@leeds.gov.uk

Dear Alwoodley Resident,

I am asking you for your support at the local elections taking place on Thursday, May 2nd 2024.

It has been a great privilege to have represented you on Leeds City Council since 2012.

There really is no more generous and friendly a community in the City as ours. We have more voluntary groups and societies than almost any other area, dedicated to helping and improving our neighbourhood.

These are local elections; we can do very little about national politics. Here are a selection of projects Dan, Lyn and I are delivering for Alwoodley now:

POLICING – Alwoodley now has more PCs and more PCSOs. We asked for them & need them because we all deserve to feel safe & secure.

BUSES – I am fighting to ensure First Bus improves locally and a service be introduced to fill the gap, in Wigton Moor, left by the scandalous withdrawal by First and the Mayor’s office, of the number 48.

ROAD REPAIRS – will continue to ensure that Alwoodley punches above its weight in relation to road repairs (and ensure King Lane is properly repaired when the golf club works are over).

PARKING CHARGES – Alwoodley residents will be hit by charges to park at Roundhay & Golden Acre Park and The Chevin car parks. I am working to overturn Labour’s unfair charges.

I will also continue to speak out on the major issues facing the city of Leeds, but particularly the “little things” which are so important to all of us.

It has been an honour and a pleasure to have served you as your Councillor. With your support and your vote on May 2nd, I hope to continue to do so.

Kind Regards,

Neil

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Winning Feeling

PHOTO: HELEN WILLIAMS

The Syndicate was a family affair long before it blast onto the box in 2012 with a host of famous faces among the cast. Written and produced by “titan of TV” Kay Mellor, her daughter Gaynor Faye, the series script editor, knew it would be another big success for her mum: “I just knew that it was going to be a hit because she captured the brothers, the family, the whole arena of what winning the lottery and such a substantial amount of money brings people – both good and the not so good!

“My mum wrote for people, not accolades. The people who watch her shows, those are the people she relates to, the people she championed and admired. She encapsulated them and showedwhat it is to be a normal everyday person. At times it’s funny, at times its dramatic, or moving, but the key thing is that everyone can see themselves in her characters and that’s why people love her work.”

With a cast including stars like Timothy Spall and Joanna Page, The Syndicate was huge when it aired on BBC One and went on to enjoy success with three more series. The first series has now been adapted for the stage by Kay in what was her final venture into theatre before her untimely death last year. She had already asked Gaynor to co-direct the project with her, and now the actress is going it alone in a move that she confesses has been rather daunting.

Gaynor says: “Mum’s shoes are big ones to fill, but I understand what her vision was for this production because I have been by her side from the very beginning. I’m excited for everyone to see it.” The Syndicate tells the story of five supermarket workers whose lottery syndicate numbers come in just as their jobs and livelihoods are under threat. Will a share of the jackpot make their dreams come true or their

Ahead of The Syndicate rolling into Leeds Grand Theatre, we speak to Writer Kay Mellor’s daughter Gaynor Faye, who directed the play, and actors Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent.

nightmares a reality? One thing’s for certain, the win of a lifetime will change the lives, loves, and relationships of the syndicate members forever.

Such is the success of Kay’s writing that her stories have become a hit on the stage as well as the screen with the hugely successful stage adaptions Fat Friends – The Musical and Band of Gold, which, like The Syndicate, were also collaborations between Kay’s company Rollem and theatre producer, Josh Andrews.

For actors Samantha Giles and Brooke Vincent, the chance to work on a Kay Mellor production was too good an opportunity to miss. Brooke, who became a household name playing Sophie Webster in the ITV soap Coronation Street from 2004 to 2019, says landing the role of Amy was a real thrill: “I’ve kind of taken a step back to have my two boys so this is my return to acting and I’m so excited. I love Kay’s work, it’s so real and there’s such a sense of warm northern humour that I just adore.”

Meanwhile Samantha was looking for a new challenge after recently leaving her hugely successful role as Bernice Blackstock in Emmerdale, where she entertained fans on and off over the last 26 years. Talking about her role as kind-hearted worker Denise, the 52-year-old says: “A lot of people are only used to seeing me as Bernice, who is this glamorous person and Denise is the polar opposite! She’s a bit on the frumpy side, life hasn’t been so good to her, she’s just totally different to Bernice which is so lovely to play. I think Kay’s writing is so good, she’s able to create real stories and wonderful characters that people can relate to and reflect how ordinary people live.”

The Syndicate runs from 18th to 28th April at Leeds Grand Theatre Leedsheritagetheatres. com

LastTheWORD

A quirk of the Jewish and secular calendar this year means that Passover is falling during schooltime instead of during holiday time. It offers an opportunity for the great Exodus from Alwoodley, as those with children in Jewish schools take the opportunity of being able to spend quality time with family and take advantage of the cheaper flights and holidays during termtime.

Passover is the original family holiday.

When the Jewish people were first commanded to observe the festival, they were still in Egypt and were told to sequester themselves in their homes with their families. The pascal lamb that year and every year

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Rabbi Eli Pink of Chabad Lubavitch offers some thoughts on the forthcoming Passover festival.

that we were able to bring it in the Beit Hamikdash had to be eaten with a group of family and/or friends. In the opening statement of the Hagaddah we invite anyone who doesn’t have a place to be for a Passover Seder to come join us.

As I am writing this, there are still tens of hostages who are in Gaza who won’t be joining their family Passover Seder. Hundreds of families will be sitting for their first seder without a family member who is a hostage or who was killed on October 7th or while serving in the IDF since.

After the Holocaust, the Lubavitcher Rebbe was asked to back an initiative to leave an empty seat at the seder table to remember those who had been murdered. The Rebbe’s response was that we should instead invite someone who otherwise not be at a seder table. The Rebbe spoke on many occasions about the fifth son – we have the four sons

CLASSIFIEDS

that the Hagaddah talks about, but the Rebbe says that there is a fifth son – one that doesn’t even come to the Pesach Seder –whom we should try to include.

As we make our Pesach plans, think about who might need a place for a Seder and this year we will turn the darkness of antisemitism and exclusion into light and family.

As usual, Chabad Lubavitch Leeds will be running a Passover Fund for those in need. If you, or anyone you know is in need of support, please reach out to us in confidence. Similarly if you know anyone in need of Shemura Matza or a place at a Seder, please contact us at office@judaismlive.com and we will be happy to assist.

You can support our Pesach Fund at JudaismLive.com/pesachfund and sell your chametz online at JudaismLive.com/sale