JLife Leeds April 2025

IN THISISSUE CONTENTS: APR / MAY2025

Passover Celebration

Passover is a time for families to gather and celebrate; the seder is filled with rich traditions, symbolism, and incredible food. Starts page 10.

Spring Homestyle

Give your home a makeover with some inspo for garage renovation, a look at patio design, a run-down of current trends, and bring the outside in with some nature décor. Starts page 52.

Oakwood

We clock in on Oakwood for all the latest news and a look at the high street’s star businesses. Page 70.

Big Days

Clear your calendar for this year’s events commemorating the Yoms, taking place throughout April. Page 76.

YOUR REGULARFEATURES

JLife Meets…

Freelance Journalist and activist, Nicole Lampert, tells us about her career journey and work to combat antisemitism. Page 9.

Pro-peace activist Loay Alshareef during his stay at a private breakfast event. Page 18.

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, sits down to discuss the progress and future of the Leeds Business Improvement District (BID). Page 80.

Ditch the Diet

With two anti-diet days coming up in May, we take a look at Intuitive Eating, and how it might lead to a healthier relationship with food. Page 29.

Reality Check

We catch up with the speakers at The Reality of Reality TV event, which benefited UJIA and UKIB, including Leeds-born business extraordinaire and The Apprentice star, Linda Plant. Page 30.

Cracking Time

Keep the little ones entertained this Easter holidays with our round-up of the best family-friendly activities for the period. Page 34.

Fashion

Spring is finally here! Check out our round up of some of the best pieces to add to your wardrobe this season. Page 40.

Bella Bella

Sun, sea, and natural beauty; the Amalfi Coast has it all! Plan your next trip to one of Italy’s most memorable destinations. Page 42.

Off the Record

Vinyl is back! It’s Record Store Day on 12th April, so get ready to explore the best vinyl cafés and shops to celebrate in. Page 46.

Speaking Up

Legal scholar and international women’s rights advocate Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari spoke to guests of British Israel Chamber of Commerce (BICC) and UJIA. Page 84.

Win Win Win!

Win a pair of stylish Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses from James Daly Opticians. Page 26. Bag a three-month gym membership worth up to £300 courtesy of Nuffield Health. Page 33. Pup and Kit are giving away a PupPillow bed worth £89 for the best pet picture you send us for National Pet Month. Page 88.

PUBLISHER

Elliot Landy

Richard Shawcross

FEATURES EDITOR

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Ellie Tyson

DIGITAL MARKETING Tracey Cleminson

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

April is a busy month with Passover and the Easter Holidays, but our main focus is Spring Homestyle, celebrating spring with some brilliant indoor and outdoor home ideas. I’ve been privileged to hear some amazing people at events recently, including Loay Alsharif, a Muslim peace advocate speaking out against antisemitism, and we caught up with Linda Plant on her recent appearance back in North Leeds.

An emotional time coming into the Yoms

later in the month, and we continue to pray for the remaining hostages. Eli Sharabi’s speech to the UN Security Council was so inspirational –catch it if you can – and give your family a hug.

Our business interview is Andrew Cooper, CEO of Leeds Bid, and he tells us all about what Leeds is doing to attract businesses and visitors. It’s also our regular time for a catch up in Oakwood, we explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast, discover the latest new car launches, and with three great competitions to enter, keep your JLife where everyone can see it!

CONTRIBUTORS

Adam Brown

Andrew Cooper

Barbara Santini

Dan

Debbie

Gary

Iva Kubiliute

James

Jay Prosser

Jo Deakin

Juliet Shenderey

Justine Sellman

Nicole Lampert

Prof. Ruth HalperinKaddari

Rabbi Doniel Stern

Rabbi Eli Pink

Winson Solicitors

Yana Smahlo

Zack Cohen

NEWS IN BRIEF

Work Begins on New Housing

Construction has begun on a major affordable housing project that will deliver 28 new homes on the Queenshill estate in Moortown and is due to be completed in spring 2026.

It’s the second phase on a two-part Leeds Jewish Housing Association’s (LJHA) initiative to replace old properties with modern accommodation, including additional supported housing for older members of the community and more family homes. The Island site will comprise of 14 two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom homes, together with a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom apartment.

Jonathan Shaw, Chair of LJHA’s board, said: “It was a proud moment for the board to formally give the development the green light. I want to place on record our thanks to Leeds City Council and Homes England for the support and guidance throughout the process thus far, as well as a number of local community members who have provided direct charitable funding to us to help make this scheme a reality. Most importantly, I pay tribute to our residents. All previous occupants of the flats who wanted to be rehoused by LJHA have been settled into new LJHA homes. Equally, I must commend the other residents on the estate who appreciate our vision of a bright new future which is one final stage from completion as building work gets underway.”

JWA Chief Meets Leeds Volunteers

Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) CEO, Sam Clifford, paid a visit to Leeds to meet volunteers from organisations such as Leeds Jewish Welfare Board, Leeds Jewish Rep Council, Leeds Jewish Free School, and The Zone. She also met with the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire and West Yorkshire police lead on VAWG, Alison Lowe MBE.

Sam said: “I was reminded just how vital our volunteers are to Jewish Women’s Aid. JWA is incredibly lucky to have such diverse talents and brilliant women – and it was lovely to spend quality time with them in Leeds. I was also grateful for the opportunity to meet with Tracy Brabin and Alison Lowe to discuss the importance of tackling violence against women and girls in the community.

“Throughout my visit, I had the privilege of connecting with key community organisations and partners. It was inspiring to see the dedication to supporting local Jewish women, young people, and families, and I look forward to strengthening these partnerships to ensure that those experiencing domestic abuse or sexual violence know they are not alone and can access the help they need.”

Rep Council CEO Joins Leaders Course

CEO of Leeds Jewish Representative Council (LJRC), Susie Gordon, has been selected as one of 18 senior communal leaders in the Dangoor Senior Leadership Programme, which is run by Lead – the leadership development division of the Jewish Leadership Council.

The 15 month-long programme is designed to benefit participants in a number of ways, including offering new perspectives, new skills, and greater confidence to face opportunities and challenges, creating an expanded leadership network based on shared values, and more!

Susie said: “This course will give me the space and tools to lead so that we don’t just react to the present, but we also work towards an ambitious vision for the future, where Jewish life in Leeds is meaningful, fulfilling, and connected.”

Iconic Artwork Sale

A selection of original artworks by the celebrated Jewish costume and fashion illustrator and artist Dorte Clara Dodo Burgner, known as Dodo (1907 to 1998), was offered in a special celebratory auction of the centenary of the Art Deco movement in March.

This Art Deco period – which spanned from the 1920s to the 1940s – was known for its bold geometric shapes, sleek lines, and luxurious use of materials, all of which influenced various artistic mediums including fashion, art, and illustration. Renowned for her unique approach to fashion illustration, where she combined art, design, and storytelling in her works, Dodo epitomised this era by her portrayals of elegance, opulence, and modernism.

Like many Jewish people at the time, Dodo and her family fled Nazi Germany, arriving in London in 1939, where she remained until her death in 1998. Her arrival in England led to a further expansion of her illustration work and she undertook book illustration, as well as the painting of still lives and landscapes, alongside her continued fashion commissions.

Among the works that were on offer at auction was an original artwork titled Palast From 1929 detailing her usage of vibrant colours and simple shapes. A similar work titled Maria Fein, which features the repeating face motif of Austrian actress Maria Fein – a star of German theatre and film –contrasts dark shades against a crimson splash across the canvas.

CTeens Get Busy

Teenagers that are taking part in the Impact Care Awards – organised by Rabbi Reuven Cohen and Chabad Lubavitch – have started to take part in their community care projects with the scheme.

Groups of teenage boys and girls (CTeens) both took to the streets with homeless charity, Homeless Street Angels and Reuven to help with the charity’s Sunday lunch outreach to deliver hot meals and provisions to the homeless across the city and learn about kindness and giving.

Some of the teens chatted to Dana Simons and made jigsaws with other residents of Leeds Jewish Housing Association at Stonegate Way. They also lent a hand at Leeds Jewish Welfare Board’s pay as you feel café, helping to serve food and even helped with the washing up! The café’s customers really enjoyed the company and the LJWB appreciated their help.

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK

Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism engaged in meaningful conversations and received strong support in the city centre.

Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism held another successful event in Leeds city centre recently, where its table of literature sparked a variety of meaningful and heartfelt conversations. One of the most touching moments came from a woman who proudly displayed the group’s leaflets in her front window for her neighbours to read and learn from.

A Pentecostal woman approached one of the volunteers, expressing how all of her friends supported the cause and stating that she couldn’t understand how anyone could argue with the fact that Israel originally belonged to the Jewish people. She concluded the

conversation with two big hugs, demonstrating her strong support.

A gentleman shared that he had recently challenged some local women about their belief that the conflict began in 1948. Although he didn’t agree with all the viewpoints, especially claims about Israel, he made it clear that he confronts anti-Israel comments, especially from his son.

One of the more bizarre interactions came from a History Professor who confidently stated that after the Jews left Egypt, they entered the land of Palestine – a surprising and incorrect statement from someone in the academic field. Additionally, a lady who regularly walks

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

by reminded the group that she prays for them every week, reinforcing the community’s support.

Overall, the afternoon was a great success, sparking enlightening conversations and making a tangible impact in the wider community.

GO FOR GOLD

Olympic champion

Tessa Sanderson CBE inspired GSAL pupils ahead of International Women’s Day.

Pupils at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) were treated to an inspiring visit from Olympic gold medalist Tessa Sanderson CBE on 5th March, as the former javelin thrower shared her journey to sporting success ahead of International Women’s Day.

Tessa, who made history as the first black British woman to win an Olympic gold medal when she triumphed in the javelin at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, spoke to both senior and primary pupils during a special assembly. She captivated the audience with stories of her dreams and the challenges she overcame in her career, inspiring the next generation to pursue their ambitions with determination.

Following the assembly, Tessa delivered a session for GCSE and A-level PE students, offering valuable insights into elite-level sport and the mindset required to compete at the highest level.

Reflecting on her visit, Tessa said: “It’s been wonderful to meet so many bright and enthusiastic young people at GSAL. Sport has the power to teach resilience, discipline and confidence, and I hope my story encourages students to remember their dreams, set their own goals and work hard to achieve them.”

Sue Woodroofe, Principal of GSAL, expressed her appreciation for Tessa’s visit,

saying: “We were honoured to welcome Tessa Sanderson CBE to GSAL and hear first-hand about her incredible sporting journey. As we approached International Women’s Day, her story of perseverance and achievement serves as an inspiration to all our students, encouraging them to aim high and believe in their potential.”

IT WAS SMILES ALL ROUND AS SHE CELEBRATED WITH LOVED ONES AT A PINK AND GOLD THEMED PARTY.

AVA GOULD’S BAT MITZVAH WAS HELD IN MARCH AT UHC SYNAGOGUE.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PARENTS ALICIA AND ADAM, AND BIG BROTHER NOAH ALSO JOINED THE FESTIVITIES.

PHOTO: LUCY HENZELL

PHOTO: LUCY HENZELL

PHOTO: LUCY HENZELL

ROSIE COHEN AND JAKE SORKIN RECENTLY TIED THE KNOT.

THE SPECIAL DAY WAS HELD AT MIDDLETON LODGE ESTATE.

PARENTS, JOHANNA AND HENRY COHEN AND GAYNOR AND JEREMY SORKIN, WERE BEAMING WITH PRIDE!

Speaking Out

Fresh off the back of hosting the ‘A Conversation with Our Allies’ event with LLAA and UJIA, Freelance Journalist and activist, Nicole Lampert, tells us about her career journey and work to combat antisemitism.

Nicole Lampert knew she wanted to be a journalist from the age of nine. After studying at University of Leeds, her first job was at her local newspaper, the Hendon and Finchley Times. From there, Nicole got a job at The Sun as a showbiz reporter, speaking fondly of the role that gave her incredible opportunities such as going to the Cannes Film Festival and being flown to Hawaii.

After being headhunted by the Daily Mail and becoming Business Editor for four years, Nicole went freelance and has been featured in huge publications such as The New York Post, Glamour, and The Spectator. More recently, she has turned her hand to writing about politics, antisemitism, and women’s rights for the Jewish Chronicle, Haaretz, and The Critic – to name just a few!

With a long and well-established career in entertainment journalism under her belt, Nicole decided to turn some of her work to activism and fighting antisemitism around seven years ago: “I first got involved because I just felt that I had to do something after going to the Enough is Enough demonstration in 2018 and thinking to myself ‘what is going on?’”

“Because I’m a journalist, a lot of other journalists follow me on social media, which gives me an influential voice and I feel a responsibility to represent our community through my work,” Nicole reflects on the perks of being freelance. “I can be more agile when it comes to my stories because if one publication doesn’t want to publish it because of my views, I can take it somewhere else.”

The activism side of Nicole’s work does come with its pitfalls as well: “I spend a lot of time arguing with people online and I get lots of hate

messages, but I try to not let it get me down. A lot of people have come to me after reading my work and said that it helped them to feel less alone, so it feels special and humbling to know I’m making a difference.”

Nicole believes that going forward, a change needs to be made in the mainstream media: “There are certain TV stations or news outlets that only allow certain voices to be heard which is contributing to an antisemitic view of our community.”

After the October 7th attack on Israel, Nicole quickly sprung into action to offer a helping hand where she could: “I spoke to the Israeli embassy press office when I first heard about the attack, and they asked me to help man the phones and speak to people that were in safe rooms. It was a privilege to do but was also traumatising; when you speak to people that were living it firsthand and crying on the phone, you can’t not cry with them. But there’s a war going on, we have to talk about it to help understand the pain of it.”

Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism (LLAA), in conjunction with UJIA, held an event in March which saw Nicole host Loay Alshareef, Reverend Hayley Ace, and Andrew Fox in a discussion about the importance of ally voices and teaching others to unlearn hate through their own personal journeys to peace.

Speaking about the event, Nicole said: “The Jewish community feels very low at the minute and we’re all quite terrified. Although we’re right to be frightened – the horrendous bullying in schools and what’s happening in the NHS is awful – but we have to lift our heads up. Events like this prove that we do have lots of allies that will speak up for us and with us. I think the audience felt very buoyed by it because the three speakers came from very different places but they each stated how they were with us, and they understood what we’re going through which is really important to remember.”

One of the speakers at the event, Loay Alshareef, was raised with a hatred towards Jews instilled into him and has now realised how wrong this was after spending time with a French Jewish family. Loay now fights misinformation and is a huge ally for the community.

“It was amazing to hear from Loay as he has experience of being in the army,” Nicole praises on Loay’s contributions to the evening. “He said that yes, the IDF is doing everything that it can –in really difficult terrain.”

“He also spoke about his time visiting Manchester Grammar School recently where a lot of the pupils are Muslim; most of them had never heard another Muslim speaking as a Zionist and he gave them a completely different point of view. It’s stories like this one that show the importance of ally voices like Loay’s.”

My Inheritance

Rabbi Doniel Stern reflects on inheritance and the power of storytelling during Passover.

I was spending time with our seven-year-old before he went to sleep. As we were chatting, he paused, looked up and asked: “Daddy, when you die, can I have all of your money?” My first thought was: “Oy, he doesn’t realise that teaching isn’t the most lucrative profession.” As it was within two months of my father’s passing, the pain of the loss was still raw, and losing his grandfather had obviously been playing on his mind. Over the ensuing few days, I found myself contemplating what I would want to leave for my children, which led onto my pondering over what Daddy had left for me.

In terms of monetary assets, Daddy wasn’t wealthy. (There were times that people in need would knock on for a donation. My parents would invite them in, serve them refreshments, and take a genuine interest in them. Daddy would then proceed to give them a charity voucher. At times when business was rough, Mummy would ask him: “Doll, can we afford this?” His response was always the same: “Just because I’m struggling, why should they?”

However I was acutely aware that even though I wasn’t left millions, Daddy left me with so much more; a relationship that was deep, genuine and loving, and a lifetime of personal example of the values he held dear.

I find that there are two ways that I continue to feel this closeness. Occasionally, memories of the past swim through my mind. Whether it is the holidays, the family smachot, the incredible things I noticed him do on the quiet; I am filled with an inner warmth, a deep sense of connection.

However, what I find much more powerful and therapeutic is both hearing and telling over stories of Daddy’s life; his love and devotion

to the family, his Torah learning, kindness, and how he faced challenges with dignity, faith and courage. I don’t understand why, but this second approach goes so much deeper. There is a certain feeling of intense emotion that washes over me, often bringing me to tears. These aren’t tears of sadness. They come from an overwhelming sense of a continuing relationship with my father, an ambition to inculcate his values, direction and standards into my own life, and a powerful desire to continue his magnificent legacy. Daddy and I live on.

It hits me that this is precisely our job on Seder night. Jews from across the globe sit with family and friends, going through the motions; singing the songs, munching the matzah. Nestled somewhere between the banter and the booze is the main mitzvah of the evening – we verbally tell over the story, allowing the feelings and emotions to wash over ourselves. When done genuinely, the outcome we aim for should be magnificent – an overwhelming feeling of a continuing relationship with our Father above, an ambition to inculcate His values, direction and standards into our lives, and a powerful desire to continue our People’s magnificent legacy. G-d and His people live on.

As I finish this piece, our seven-year-old is curled up in bed, sleeping peacefully. It is tempting to go and stand by his bed, gently wake him up and remind him in a whisper of his request. I want to tell him while gazing into his sweet innocent face that although I don’t know if I will leave him millions, my desire is to invest my life into leaving him with something so much more than money. I aim to build a relationship of love, closeness and personal

example that will allow him to feel cherished, valued and empowered to continue the magnificent legacy that Daddy left for me.

On second thoughts, I can imagine what his response will be. He will probably look up bleary eyed and say: “Daddy, can I come downstairs and have some chocolate.” I guess our conversation can wait for a while.

May this piece be a source of merit to elevate the soul of R’ Yaakov Yisroel ben Ahron Shmuel, my father, my teacher.

Happy Passover

Recipe Successfor

Tuck into some tasty treats to help you celebrate Passover in style.

Passover is a time for families to gather and celebrate; the seder is filled with rich traditions, symbolism, and, of course, incredible food. Here are some recipes to whet the appetite.

Matzo ball soup

Matzo ball soup is a Passover classic and a favourite starter for the seder. The matzo balls are light, fluffy, and perfectly complemented by a rich chicken broth.

Ingredients:

• 250g matzo meal

• 4 large eggs

• 50ml vegetable oil or chicken fat

• 50ml water or chicken broth

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• Fresh dill, chopped (optional)

• 2 litres chicken broth

• 1 carrot, sliced thin

• 2 celery stalks, sliced thin

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the matzo meal, eggs, oil, water, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill (if using). Stir until fully combined and let sit for 30 minutes in the fridge.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

3. Wet your hands and form the matzo meal mixture into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

4. Carefully drop the matzo balls into the boiling water. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the matzo balls float to the top and are fully cooked.

5. In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the sliced carrots and celery and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes.

6. Add the matzo balls to the broth and simmer for an additional five minutes.

7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Herb-crusted roast chicken

Roast chicken is a traditional dish, and this herb-crusted version adds a burst of flavour that will have all your guests raving

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken

• 60ml olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tbsp garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 lemon, halved

• 1 onion, quartered

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C.

2. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub the herb mixture all over the skin, making sure to get some under the skin as well.

4. Stuff the chicken with the halved lemon and quartered onion for extra flavour.

5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1.5 to two hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C and the skin is golden brown and crispy.

6. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with roasted vegetables or matzo farfel.

Flourless chocolate cake

For dessert, a flourless chocolate cake is the perfect end to the meal. Rich, dense, and decadent, this cake is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to round off the evening.

Ingredients:

• 250g bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped

• 115g unsalted butter

• 200g sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 25g cocoa powder

• Icing sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C. Grease and line an 20cm round cake pan with parchment paper.

2. In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated.

4. Sift in the cocoa powder and mix until the batter is smooth.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

8. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pack It Up

With Passover around the corner, many of us will be packing our lunches up; we find some great new containers to consider.

ProCook stainless steel lunch box – blue band | £15

This lunchbox is the perfect companion for enjoying snacks and meals on the go during Passover. Made from durable stainless steel and featuring a stylish bamboo lid, it combines practicality with a modern look. The silicone band ensures the lid stays securely in place, keeping your food fresh throughout the day. Not only is it an excellent choice for taking lunch to work, but it’s also ecofriendly. With 10% of each sale going to the Life’s a Beach Charity, which helps support the fight against single-use plastic and contributes to cleaner beaches and waterways. Plus, it comes with a 10-year guarantee for many years ahead.

Procook.co.uk

Bento box two compartment lunchbox | £34.99

This beautiful, hand-painted two-compartment ‘bento’ lunch box is a charming and practical choice for taking your meals to work during Passover. Available in a range of vintage colours, this rectangular lunch tin features two compartments separated by a tray that doubles as a handy matzah rest. The delicate vintage floral design adds a touch of elegance, making it perfect for both work and play. Inspired by the timeless bento boxes used across East Asia for centuries, its practical design is still ideal for modern-day needs. The small, easy-to-use catches on each side securely hold the compartments in place, ensuring your food stays organised and fresh.

Prettytiffin.co.uk

Periodic Table lunch box with tray | £6.95

Make learning fun and lunchtime exciting with this Periodic Table lunch box, perfect for school lunches. Featuring a removable tray and a hinged lid, it’s designed to keep food fresh and neatly separated, making it an ideal choice for school or work during Passover. The engaging periodic table design adds a touch of education to mealtime, sparking curiosity while offering practical storage. Its compact, sturdy design ensures that kids can easily open and close the box while keeping their lunch organised. With this lunch box, you're also making learning part of their day.

Rexlondon.com

Three tier Thai tiffin tin | £35.99

In a pyramid shape inspired by the traditional tiffin tins of Asia, this tin is an excellent option for those with heartier appetites or more components to their lunches. It features three different compartments, all painted in a timeless floral design that will delight lovers of romantic floral prints and vibrant vintage style, perfect for a packed lunch in style.

Prettytiffin.co.uk

Five glass food storage containers | £27.99

For those trying to get away from plastic, these glass food storage containers are the perfect choice. The airtight, leakproof design ensures your meals stay secure, preventing spills and odours from invading your bag. The durable borosilicate glass is built to withstand temperature changes, allowing you to easily reheat your food in the microwave or oven without transferring it to another container. With a sleek and practical design, these containers are lightweight yet sturdy, making them easy to carry. Plus, the BPA-free, chemical-resistant materials offer peace of mind with a safe, non-toxic environment. Vonhaus.com

CST Pesach Advert - JLife

Up and Coming

Up and Coming

There are plenty of great new openings in and around the city to check out over the next few months.

UYARE | City Centre |Open now

Tharavadu, Leeds’ award-winning restaurant renowned for its authentic South Indian cuisine, has opened a brand-new rooftop restaurant venture, UYARE, in the city centre. Taking over the previous Issho site at Victoria Gate, the new restaurant concept builds on Tharavadu’s success by offering an elevated dining experience within a space that’s inspired by the flavours and spirits of Kerala. The menu features an array of traditional Keralan dishes, cooked with time-honoured techniques to deliver the bold flavours that Tharavadu has been celebrated for over the last 10 years. The premium bar, Agni, offers a curated selection of fine wines, champagnes, crafted cocktails, and local craft beers, and there are plans to host exclusive themed nights that bring an added touch of excitement to Leeds nightlife.

On Instagram @uyare.leeds

The Glee | City Centre | 4th April

The Glee is opening its sixth UK comedy venue in Leeds this spring. The premises on Albion Street becomes the city’s only purpose-built comedy club, with gigs throughout the week. Stand-up fans can also expect non-stop laughs every Friday and Saturday night, with up to four comics on the bill each week. Features will include comfortable reserved theatre-style seating with great stage views, along with excellent lighting and acoustics to create a fantastic atmosphere and entertainment experience. As well as providing side-splitting laughs the venue will also boast an extensive food and drink offer including bar classics such as burgers, nachos, and sourdough pizzas, which can all be washed down with cocktail pitchers, beer buckets, and a selection of wines. Glee.co.uk

Cheesy Living Co. | Pudsey | Spring

Already well established in Oakwood and the Corn Exchange, Cheesy Living Co. is opening a third site in Pudsey. A deli by day and bistro by night, The Cheesy Living Co. prides itself on working with small, independent British farms and businesses to showcase the best produce that the country has to offer. We’re looking forward to enjoying even more from the business that offers a huge variety of amazing cheeses, fondue and raclette, small plates, pastries, coffee, and sustainable wine and spirits.

Thecheesylivingco.co.uk

North Studio | Roundhay | Open now

Winner of last year’s The Apprentice, Rachel Woodford, has opened her first joint venture with Lord Alan Sugar in the form of an expansion on her original health and wellness space, North Studio. The expansion is a new studio that’s dedicated to the latest fitness trend, reformer Pilates. The new space offers an extra 120 classes a month to North Studio members, delivering high quality, small group, personalised Pilates sessions for beginners and pros alike.

Northstudioleeds.co.uk

Cinnamon Kitchen | Queens Hotel | May 2025

Cinnamon Kitchen is bringing its bold flavours and energy to the heart of the city in the beloved Queens Hotel, introducing chef Vivek Singh’s signature modern Indian cuisine – where traditional flavours meet contemporary innovation. Inspired by the grandeur of India’s historic railway first-class waiting rooms, the space will transport you on a culinary journey like no other. From the Himsagar Express-inspired menu to spice-infused craft cocktails, expect an unforgettable dining experience infused with creativity and heritage.

Cinnamon-kitchen.com

A recent UJIA and Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism event hosted by Nicola Lampert welcomed Reverend Hayley Ace, Andrew Fox, and Muslim pro-peace activist Loay Alshareef. We caught up with Loay during his stay at a private breakfast event hosted by Mandy and Martin Port.

Time for Peace

Loay Alshareef was raised in a deeply religious household in Saudi Arabia; the pro-peace activist had memorised the entire Qu’ran by the age of 18. Alongside his pious spiritual beliefs, however, came radical views of Jews and Israel, and that all Jews are evil. Then, when posted to Paris to study he was placed with a family with whom he would live and practise his language skills. When he entered, he saw a Magen David he was shocked – and desperate to leave. Learning of the family’s religion immediately emailed the organisers of his programme to request that he be moved.

“I couldn’t stay with the family. It wasn’t comfortable to me, at first I just needed to leave,” he said. But they convinced him to stay; the family were very knowledgeable and open to discussions which Loay joined. He discovered his host family were good people as he jokes: “It was two Shabbat dinners did it!” recalling his introduction to Jewish culture and Hebrew. “In the Middle East we learned from antisemitic professors. This is wrong and must stop. In France, I found a great connection between French Muslims and Jews which opened my eyes.”

He learned Hebrew and became an expert in the bible, and on returning to his home, his mother gave him two months to go back to his “Salafi ways,” but he found that the change in his mindset was more permanent, announcing: “Well it’s now 15 years and counting!” As Loay recounted his friends and family’s attitude to his new perspectives, he explains his family became very supportive: “My mother said that she could see I’d thought it through and supported my beliefs.” Loay’s close family mostly accepted he had differing views, but “some friends were not so happy!”

Loay started teaching and advocating for peace in 2017 and was inspired to create an educational project by Tikkun Olam – the Jewish concept that we are obliged to improve the world. Now, he broadcasts the value of peace between Muslims and Jews to over 100,000 followers on Instagram and 200,000 on X: “I hated Jews, but when you learn and appreciate the religion and beliefs, things can change. I believe that those who love Israel will be blessed. I have zero regrets about my work, and I would pay the price for my beliefs. I still

care about my fellow Muslims, but of course it’s hard to convince everyone of my mindset.”

Loay only visited Israel for the first time in 2024 and has strong views of the current situation: “Israel’s war against Hamas has made the prospect of reconciliation more remote. No one wants to see the deaths, Hamas must back down and release the hostages. Politics aside, everyone knows that these people should not rule Gaza after the war and they do not represent the aspirations of most Palestinian people.”

“Zionism is the right of Jews to have selfdetermination in their ancestral homeland. We read in the bible, Israel has been around for thousands of years, some people think it started in 1948. I tell my fellow Muslims, even those who are moderate Muslims, follow the Abraham Accords, we are destined to live together in the Middle East in peace. However, those radicalised will not listen. Israel is an amazing place. Look at what it produces commercially, by the way Waze is the number one navigation app in Saudi Arabia. And on Dizengoff I tasted the best hummus ever!”

Loay now lives in Abu Dabi but has concerns for the UK: “Here in UK, you need to change regulations on immigration like other countries. A visa should be a privilege, and it should be monitored, and withdrawn should an individual support terrorist organisation. In many Muslim communities here, anyone showing support to Israel or Jewish people risk being alienated.”

Follow instagram.com/lalshareef

At the Nova Festival on October 7 she witnessed her two friends being murdered and was injured herself. Her WIZO social worker immediately put in place a programme of trauma therapy. Please help WIZO provide specialist practical and emotional trauma support to the thousands who depend on us more than ever as the impact of October 7 and subsequent events escalates.

Thank you. Please donate now at wizouk.org or call 020 7319 9169

• In person consultation at the venue at no additional cost

• Personalised mood board and hand drawn sketches

• Free bridal bouquet while booking venue flower styling

07857 967609 | www.uniqdecorflorist.com uniq.decor.florist@gmail.com

Miriam

COMMUNITY SPIRIT

LJWB celebrated Purim with its extravaganza while the CTeens raised vital funds for the organisation.

Leeds Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB) was recently thrilled to welcome back the incredible CTeens, a group of enthusiastic young volunteers who have been making a real impact at the Pay As You Feel Café. Their contributions have been invaluable, from serving food and engaging with customers to even tackling the washing up with boundless energy. These dedicated teens truly embody the spirit of giving and community service.

Their legendary car wash event was another resounding success, with 25 cars cleaned and over £140 raised towards important community

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

projects at LJWB, helping to ensure that these services can continue.

In addition to the success of the CTeens, LJWB recently hosted a spectacular Purim party at the MAZCC, which was a true celebration of joy and togetherness. Over 90 guests attended the event, dressed in a fantastic array of costumes, from rockstars to film icons, creating an electric atmosphere of fun and laughter, with live music and a hamantaschen tea.

A special mention goes to Rabbi Sufrin for his insightful and entertaining reflections on the meaning of Purim, which added depth to the celebration.

For those interested in learning more about upcoming events and activities, be sure to visit the LJWB website, where you can find a full timetable of events. If you’d like to get involved and volunteer for LJWB, there are flexible volunteer roles available for anyone aged 16 and over. Just two hours a week can make a significant difference in someone’s life. For

more information, email volunteer@ljwb.co.uk or call 0113 268 4211. Join the LJWB family and be part of something special!

Ljwb.co.uk

A POIGNANT TRIP

WIZO UK leaders met President Herzog, the father of a hostage, and beneficiaries of its many welfare projects during a week in Israel.

During a week-long trip to Israel, WIZO UK leaders met with President Herzog, the father of a hostage, and individuals benefiting from its various welfare projects.

The group – which included Leeds-born UK Interim Chair Danielle Shane and Chief Operations Officer Nicky Miller – visited sites including WIZO’s rocket-proof day care centre in Sderot, less than a mile from Gaza. If the rocket sirens sound, the children can continue playing safely.

Almost everyone they encountered had a connection to a victim of the Hamas attacks, a hostage or an IDF soldier killed in action. The need for trauma counselling has risen dramatically and WIZO has responded to the crisis by training over 1,500 professionals “to treat personal and collective trauma in the family unit.”

The group’s visit was part of the international organisation’s Meeting of Representatives, the first global gathering of WIZO leaders in Israel since the October 7th attacks.

As the “mother federation” of WIZO, the UK chair traditionally delivers the closing remarks. And addressing delegates from the 20 federations in attendance, Danielle recounted many moving moments during the week, such as visiting the site of the Nova music festival, where so many young people were killed or abducted.

She concluded that participants were returning to their countries with “determination, greater awareness of the increased needs and optimism for a better and brighter future.”

Hannah Myerson is a Leeds-born artist who also works in the charity sector and has recently created her business, eyeroll. which sells ‘sincerely sassy cards’ that are perfect for any occasion. Designed and created by Hannah, each card is equipped with a pun and hand finished with googly eyes to brighten your loved ones’ day and give a sprinkling of joy to their life events, however small or significant.

“I grew up in Leeds and I’m so proud to be from there, I think that’s where my sense of humour originally came from,” Hannah explains, speaking fondly of her childhood memories here. “The matriarch of our family in Leeds is my grandma Shirley who’s 97 now! She was always known in the community for telling dirty jokes; she’d go around the kiddush and shul every week with a new joke for everyone – which they loved – and seeing everyone’s reactions made it clear that it brought them joy.”

Hannah has been making cards for years and decided to turn it into a business after a happy accident: “I’ve always loved crafty things and I’m very sentimental, so creating cards is my favourite way to show people that I love that I’m thinking about them. Two of my friends got engaged last year and the design I thought of needed googly eyes, so I ordered some, and didn’t realise I’d accidentally ordered about 600; suddenly, I needed to find a use for hundreds of the things!”

“I’ve bought so many cards over the years for different occasions and they’re always very beautiful but, as a community, we’re so good at humour and I wasn’t seeing any of that on the cards I was buying. It was last November when I had a random burst of inspiration that I could create Jewish related puns to represent our humour – it’s the good, clean fun that we want. I also think that googly eyes are universally fabulous; they just bring so much fun and life to everything they’re on!”

“There was something about the timing as well,” Hannah reflects on life within the community since October 7th. “We’ve gone through such a huge shift both internally and externally, it has left many with a real feeling of isolation and loneliness and a lot of people have chosen to turn inwards, regardless of how religious or connected they felt before. It was the perfect time to create eyeroll., so people are reminded that they’re part of something bigger. There’s also something lovely about seeing a joke and knowing the other 99% of the population won’t get it.”

“Personally, I was struggling to translate all my feelings into something positive, and this felt like a good way to bring that Jewish joy to life. It can feel heavy to be Jewish right now but we’re good at using humour after traumatic events; it may be a weird coping mechanism but it’s that warm fun that I wanted to remind people about.”

Currently there are 17 cards available at eyeroll. as part of three collections – the kosher edit, the simchas edit, and the festive edit –covering everything from a new baby to thanks, good luck, and Chanukah cards, and Hannah hopes that they’ll continue to span generations: “I have a card that’s a play on Jewish guilt, which is unsurprisingly a hit with older audiences. I also have another that has a Destiny’s Child reference that a younger demographic love. The cards aren’t exclusive to how religious or involved in a community you are, and they don’t have to be dependent on how much you know about Judaism – they’re just a nice way to bring us all together.”

Funny Girl

Leeds-born Hannah Myerson tells us why she chose to combine classic Jewish humour with handcrafted cards for her new business venture, eyeroll.

Hannah’s cards are available to buy directly from her website or there are a handful of designs available to buy in-person at Headrow Gallery – with more hopefully being added soon! Eyeroll.co.uk | @eyerollcards

Use code JLIFE25 at checkout for 25% off your order (limited to one order per person/account)

SUNNY OUTLOOK

Councillor for Alwoodley (and soon to be Lord Mayor of Leeds) Dan Cohen checks out ice hockey, issues a warning about speeding, and looks forward to the many festivals set to take place in April.

I’m writing this piece on the first really sunny and warm day of the year – hopefully a sign of things to come… but this is Leeds, so this might be a triumph of hope over experience.

As those of you who follow me on social media (and for those that don’t, do join me for all sorts of local news, commentary and updates) I’ve recently been attending Leeds Knights Ice Hockey games, at their stadium on Elland Road (next door to the other one).

The Knights have just won the National Ice Hockey League for a record three times in a row, yet many people don’t yet know about this fantastic team.

If you haven’t yet managed to get along to a match I really cannot recommend them highly enough. It’s fast, furious and enormous fun (all in a very friendly atmosphere). There are only

Qualifications & Experience

a few games left in this season – so don’t delay, book today.

As many will know, one of the projects Neil, Lyn, and I have invested in is a project with our local policing team for additional traffic enforcement within the ward. I know that no Alwoodley residents would ever dream of speeding, but if I may be so bold, please take extra, extra, care over the next 12 weeks (you have been warned).

Could I add in a plea and this applies especially outside our schools, that parents and carers please turn off their engines when they are parked. This not only saves your fuel, but it will really help our local air quality (which is not as good as we would want (you can check out details of our local air quality on Alwoodley 2030’s website by searching “air quality”).

April sees a cornucopia of religious festivals, as the month of Ramadan comes to an end our Muslim community will celebrate Eid Al Fitr, on 13th April, the Jewish community celebrates Pesach (Passover), on 14th April our Sikh and Hindu communities both have their Vaisakhi celebrations and on 20th April when our Christian community will celebrate Easter.

So to all who are celebrating may I take this opportunity to wish you an Eid Mubarak, a Pesach Kasher ve Sameach, a Happy Vaisakhi and a truly blessed and joyous Easter.

Do remember for any and all local issues Lyn, Neil and I are always here to help in any way we can – feel free to get in touch.

Reputation & Reviews

Ensure the provider is certified, accredited, DBS-checked, and fully insured Staff should be experienced and highly trained to deliver quality care.

Range of

Services

Check they offer the support you need, from daily assistance to medical care. Additional services like transport, social activities, and emotional support are valuable extras

Personalised Care

Care should be tailored to individual needs with personalised care plans A provider that respects your preferences and cultural background ensures better support

Read online reviews and seek recommendations from others Speaking with current clients or families provides insight into service quality and reliability

Cost

& Funding Options

Understand all costs, including any hidden fees Ask if they accept Local Authority funding

Any Questions?

CULTURAL EXCHANGE

Etz

Chaim Synagogue recently welcomed visitors from Yeadon and Headingley Catholic Care Friendship Groups.

On 11th March, over 40 members of the Yeadon and Headingley Catholic Care Friendship Groups visited the Etz Chaim Synagogue in Leeds. The trip was organised by Louise Fineberg, a member of the Leeds Jewish community and a Catholic Care worker.

Malcolm Taylor and his wife Gail gave a guided tour of the synagogue, sharing insights into Jewish customs, traditions, and festivals. The visitors were warmly welcomed and enjoyed a truly enlightening and informative morning.

The group had the opportunity to see how a tallis is worn, view the Sefer Torah, and explore the Ark and the Bimah. The visit concluded with a question-and-answer session followed by tea and coffee, leaving everyone with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Jewish faith and culture.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

SHOW AND TELL

Leeds Jewish Living History held a special show and tell event in March.

12th March saw the Leeds Jewish Living History (LJLH) Roadshow come the MAZCC. The aim of the event: to present the work and findings of the project so far and garner further community participation. The result: a joyous show of community spirit and pride.

LJLH delves into Leeds’ Jewish past and present, piecing together the rich history of Leeds Jewry aiming for the creation of a permanent archive. They are gathering oral histories, documents and objects. Thus far, all involved are passionate volunteers, bar project lead Dr Louisa

Parker Phd, a specialist in life story work. Louisa addressed the packed room. and introduced four volunteers to present their work.

Carol Gold’s talk about gathering oral histories was interactive. Reflecting the way stories are gathered by way of informal, recorded interviews. She said: “A community is a whole group of different experiences. Everyone has a story”. A barrier faced is people thinking they’re not interesting enough to include their stories. Yet during interview, participants realise the opposite; that life is more than what we think worth documenting. To the audience’s amusement, we heard a clip of soon to be Lord Mayor, Dan Cohen, speaking about how digging for “prehistoric poo” while initially studying archaeology at university made him swiftly realise it was not the career for him.

Bob Jacoby presented his archiving work. Discoveries like a special order of service to say kaddish for a non-Jewish WWII Major General provide global historical context for understanding historic community activity.

Helen Frais’s interest in a Chapeltown hostel for teenage Kindertransport boys sheds light on the community’s dedication to child welfare. As

well as how a single question about a building can unearth world of knowledge. While Simon Phillips’s work on the Leeds Jewish Housing Association showed past and present align in the recent naming of Cherry Tree House. All because of one person’s story.

LJLH is supported by Milim but thus far hasn’t received any public funding. However, they are now in a position to apply for it through organisations such as the National Archive. This has only been possible due to the dedication of passionate volunteers and the growing engagement of the wider community through events such as this. It’s clear that the Jews of Leeds are keen to tell their stories, sift through their lofts, and enthusiastically support the work of LJLH.

To get involved contact louisa@milimcic.com

info@jewishbrca.org | jewishbrca.org

Coming Up

Our recommendations for some of the best upcoming films, TV shows, and books for you to sink your teeth into this spring.

Death of a Unicorn In cinemas from 4th April

A man and his teenage daughter accidentally crash into a unicorn while en route to a crisis management summit with his boss, Dell Leopold, and Leopold’s family. The Leopolds seize the unicorn, and their scientists discover that the creature is endowed with supernaturally curative properties, which the Leopolds seek to exploit. However, as they delve deeper into their research, they discover the deadly consequences of their actions. This wacky horror comedy film has a star-studded cast comprising of Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega, Richard E. Grant, and more!

The Knight and the Moth Rachel Gillig | 20th May

From TikTok sensation and NYT bestselling author, Rachel Gillig, comes the next big romantasy phenomenon: a gothic, mist-cloaked tale of a prophetess who is forced beyond the safety of her cloister on an impossible quest to defeat the gods with the one knight whose future is beyond her sight. Just as Sybil and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. When Sybil’s fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. Only the gods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she’d rather avoid Rodrick, only a heretic can defeat a god.

Your Friends and Neighbours Apple TV | 11th April

After being fired in disgrace, a hedge fund manager still grappling with his recent divorce –played by John Hamm – resorts to stealing from his neighbours’ homes in the exceedingly affluent Westmont Village, only to discover that the secrets and affairs hidden behind those wealthy facades might be more dangerous than he ever imagined. Created by Johnathan Tropper, the series explores the consequences of desperation and deception as it follows a man willing to cross ethical and legal lines to preserve his lifestyle.

The Last of Us | NOW and Sky Atlantic 14th April

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsay are back as Joel and Ellie for the second season of the series that’s based on the acclaimed video game franchise. The first season took place 20 years after modern civilisation was destroyed when Joel was hired to smuggle Ellie out of a quarantine zone. What started as a small job soon became a brutal and heartbreaking journey as they traversed across the country and depended on each other for survival. Season two picks five years after season one, and Joel and Ellie’s collective past catches up to them, drawing them into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.

Lilo & Stitch | In cinemas from 23rd May

A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch, is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family. Stitch will be voiced by the same actor who brought Stitch to life in 2002, Chris Sanders. The original story follows a young Hawaiian girl, Lilo, who is being raised by her older sister Nani following the death of their parents. Lilo goes to animal shelter and adopts a Stitch, who she thinks is a dog but later learns he’s actually an alien science experiment gone wrong.

Point of View

Win a pair of stylish Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses from James Daly Opticians.

It’s remarkable to think that James Daly Opticians has been serving the Moortown community for over 17 years!

Led by James and supported by skilled Dispensing Opticians 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 who extend a warm welcome to every visitor, whether they’re coming in for an eye examination, urgent eyecare, or assistance with choosing eyewear.

The clinic employs cutting-edge OCT and visual fields 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 choose the latest frames from renowned brands such as Tom Davies, Chopard, 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.

Jamesdalyopticians.co.uk

James is offering our readers a chance to win a pair of stylish Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses. To enter, please answer the following question…

How many years ago did James Daly Opticians’ Moortown branch open?

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: 16th May 2025.

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 James Daly Opticians databases to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will not be saved. Publisher’s decision is final.

With James Daly, Founder of James Daly Opticians

OPTICAL

Eyelid Lumps and Bumps

The most common eyelid lumps and bumps are listed below.

Hordeolum (‘stye’)

An acute infection of an oil gland on the edge of the eyelid, which is often red, painful and tender to the touch. Styes can be external (where the glands on the edge of the lid are infected) or internal (where the glands deeper inside the lid are infected). Most styes will get better on their own within a few days. You can help to relieve the pain and swelling by applying a warm compress to the affected area several times a day. Your optometrist may recommend an antibiotic ointment or eye drops.

Chalazion

A chronically blocked oil gland in the eyelid. Chalazions are usually painless and may develop following a stye. If the swelling is large, it can affect your vision. Most chalazions will get better within six months with a regular hot compress, but some people may need a steroid injection or surgery to remove them.

Xanthelasma

Flat, yellow, cholesterol deposits on the eyelids. Xanthelasma are more common in people with high cholesterol or other lipid disorders. They are not harmful but can be removed for cosmetic reasons with surgery or laser treatment.

Papilloma

Small, skin-coloured growths on the eyelids, which are often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Papilloma usually do not require treatment, but can be surgically removed if they are large, unsightly or uncomfortable.

Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs that can form on the eyelids. They are usually painless, but they can be unsightly. Cysts that are small and painless may not require treatment, but larger or uncomfortable cysts need to be removed surgically.

When do I need to get further advice?

You should contact your optometrist or GP for advice if you notice:

• A change in the size, shape or colour of the lump or bump

• Discharge from the lump or bump

• Pain, itchiness or swelling around the eye

• No improvement after simple treatments (such as using a hot compress for a chalazion).

Preventing eyelid lumps and bumps

There is no sure way to prevent eyelid lumps and bumps. However, following the advice below can help to reduce your risk.

• Keep your eyelids clean

• Wash your hands often

• Avoid touching your eyes

• Use clean make-up, don’t share make-up with friends, and replace items regularly.

If you have any questions or concerns about a lump or bump on your eyelid, speak to your optometrist.

Jamesdalyopticians.co.uk

Splash Out!

It’s time to really treat yourself as we round up some of the best beauty products that are worth spending a little extra on.

Olaplex | starts at £28

Since 2014, Olaplex has become a household name for those looking to transform their hair and helped to make salon worthy treatments available at home. Although more expensive than your average haircare brand, its patented technology is continuously changing what is possible for hair. Known as the ‘invention’, the Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate ingredient doesn’t just make hair healthier; it helps it to take on a completely different quality – blondes are brighter, brunettes more radiant, and redheads more vibrant. There are many different bundles on offer from the brand – covering everything from a pre-wash treatment to bonding oil – and it has a whole range of individual products available no matter what your hair type.

Hair Skin

Uk.olaplex.com

Retinol+ emulsion 0.3 | iS Clinical | £115

Generally, skincare experts agree that the one skincare product worth splurging on is retinol due to its many positive benefits; it improves the thickness and elasticity of your skin, slows the production of melanin, reduces inflammation, and prevents clogged pores. This serum from iS Clinical combines retinol of botanical origin with powerful botanical boosters, antioxidants, and Extremozymes to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep wrinkles while evening skin tone and texture for a smooth, radiant complexion.

Isclinical.co.uk

Sun Protection

Mineral UV shield SPF 30 | Omorovicza | £86

If you’re using retinol, it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. And even though we don’t get a lot of it in the UK, sun damage is one of the biggest contributions to skin aging. Help to combat this by investing in a high-quality, effective SPF such as this one from Omorovicza. With an ingredients list that reads more like a face serum, this sunscreen is sure to impress any skincare fanatic. Classified as a mineral sunscreen, key ingredients used to protect against the rays include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as vitamin C to help heal and brighten. Also included is Omorovicza’s patented healing concentrate, which works to reduce signs of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots.

Omorovicza.co.uk

Ultra-shine lip colour| Tom Ford | £50

A lipstick is the perfect accompaniment to any make up look, whether you’re in full glam or looking to elevate a more natural look. This specially developed lip formula from Tom Ford delivers all-day, superior shine and glides onto lips with super conditioning ingredients. Glossy and addictive, it lavishes lips in a creamy and delicate tint. The lip colour combines the easy application of lipstick, the shining gleam of lip gloss and the rich emollient of lip balm and even the packaging looks and feels luxurious – definitely worth splashing out!

Sephora.co.uk

Lips Foundation

Luminous Silk foundation | Giorgio Armani | £47

Once you’ve prepped your skin using luxury skincare, it would be a shame to cover it up with a cheap and unflattering foundation! Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk foundation is a lightweight and silky formula that blends beautifully for a natural ‘second skin’ finish. A fan favourite for many years, it’s the perfect option for makeup minimalists that want a flawless application without any cakey-ness. There are over 40 shade options available, and the formula is a winner for most skin types, whether you're dry or oily, it applies beautifully leaving skin looking perfected but not overdone.

Sephora.co.uk

Ditch the Diet

With two anti-diet days coming up in May, we take a look at Intuitive Eating, and how it might lead to a healthier relationship with food.

No Diet Day, celebrated on 6th May, encourages individuals to embrace body positivity, reject harmful dieting trends, and appreciate the importance of health at any size. A second similar day, Eat What You Want Day, which falls on 11th May, is a day for indulging in your favourite foods without guilt or shame. Both of these days promote the idea that food should be enjoyed without restriction, aligning perfectly with the principles of intuitive eating.

In a world dominated by fad diets and restrictive eating plans, Intuitive Eating offers a refreshing approach to nourishment that focuses on listening to your body’s natural cues rather than following external rules. As we approach No Diet Day and Eat What You Want Day, it’s the perfect time to explore the concept of intuitive eating and understand why it might be a beneficial alternative to traditional dieting methods.

What is Intuitive Eating?

Intuitive eating is a philosophy and practice that encourages individuals to tune into their body’s internal signals regarding hunger and fullness, while rejecting the dieting mentality. It was developed by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, two registered dietitians, who authored the book Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works.

Rather than focusing on what or how much you should eat, intuitive eating emphasises the importance of:

• Honouring your hunger – Eating when you’re hungry, without judgement.

• Respecting your fullness – Stopping when you’re comfortably full.

• Making peace with food – Letting go of guilt or shame surrounding food choices.

• Rejecting the diet mentality – Moving away from calorie-counting, food restrictions, and weight loss goals.

• Listening to your body’s signals – Trusting your internal cues about what you need, when you need it, and how much.

It’s about re-establishing a positive relationship with food, one that’s based on self-trust and mindfulness, instead of control or external rules.

Why is Intuitive Eating beneficial?

1. It encourages individuals to break free from the perpetual cycle of dieting. For many, dieting is an exhausting and often ineffective pursuit of thinness, which can lead to unhealthy relationships with food. By rejecting restrictive diets, intuitive eating offers freedom from obsession over calories, portions, or “good” and “bad” foods.

2. With intuitive eating, the focus is on creating peace with food. It eliminates the guilt and shame often associated with eating certain foods, allowing you to enjoy food without emotional baggage. By honouring your body’s hunger and fullness cues, you can create a healthier relationship with food that doesn’t involve fear or restriction.

3. The stress and anxiety caused by restrictive dieting can negatively impact mental health. Intuitive eating shifts the focus from external pressures to internal listening, which can promote a sense of wellbeing, reduce food anxiety, and foster a more positive body image. It’s not about looking a certain way, but about feeling good and nourishing yourself appropriately.

4. It encourages eating a wide variety of foods, which can provide the body with balanced, wholesome nutrition. By following internal cues, individuals are more likely to make choices that suit their physical and emotional needs, rather than adhering to a prescribed set of rules. This can contribute to better overall health and a sustainable, balanced lifestyle.

5. Unlike many diets that are temporary and often lead to yo-yo dieting (losing weight and then regaining it), intuitive eating is a sustainable approach. Since it doesn’t rely on restrictive eating patterns or extreme rules, it’s a practice that can be maintained for life. Instead of focusing on weight loss, intuitive eating prioritises overall health, wellbeing, and body acceptance.

For more information, visit Intuitiveeating.org

With Kostas Iliadis, Pharmacist and Branch Manager at Pharmacy+Health Alwoodley

Obesity affects around one in every four adults in the UK. It occurs when extra calories, particularly from foods high in fat and sugar, are stored in the body as fat. Obesity is a complex disease with genetic, behavioural, metabolic and hormonal influences and isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It’s a medical problem that increases the risk of many other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and depression.

Managing a complex issue like obesity can be hard. Losing weight takes time and commitment. Our healthcare professionals at Pharmacy Plus Health can provide encouragement and advice about how to manage your weight, build healthy lifestyle habits and maintain your weight loss.

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

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a medical term for the sensation of hearing sound in your ears or head when no external sound is present. Tinnitus is an audiological and neurological condition that can be mild and intermittent, severe and persistent, or anywhere in between.

What causes it?

The exact causes of tinnitus are not fully understood but have been linked to the following: noise exposure (from shooting or exposure to loud occupational and recreational noises), aging, head injuries, side effects from medication. Tinnitus can occur at any age and may begin suddenly or progress gradually. Tinnitus can be different for everyone therefore treatments and products are tailored

Weight Management HEALTH MATTERS

It is important to remember that losing just a small amount of weight and maintaining this for life can significantly reduce your risk of developing medical complications. If you’re living with obesity and lifestyle and behavioural changes alone are not helping, then medical treatments are available.

Weight loss injections can be used if you meet certain criteria involving your medical history and body mass index (BMI). An injectable pen, which is administered once a week, works by reducing your appetite, lowering your blood sugar levels and delaying the emptying of your stomach. Helping you feel fuller for longer. The weight loss injections follow a dosage schedule, increasing every four weeks until you reach a maintenance dose.

At Pharmacy Plus Health we can offer faceto-face appointments to guide you through every

step of your weight loss journey, supporting you to make healthier choices and sustainable lifestyle changes whilst using the weight loss injections.

The effects of these medications can be significant with people losing up to 22.5% of their starting body weight after 72 weeks compared to 2.4% with diet and exercise alone. Thereby enabling many people who have previously struggled with their weight to see some real changes and substantial improvements to their quality of life.

Pharmacyplushealth.co.uk

Sound of Life BETTER HEARING

specifically for each individual to address their needs.

Is there a connection between hearing loss and tinnitus?

Yes, but not always, while tinnitus can be attributed to numerous health conditions, people with tinnitus often also have hearing loss.

Is there a cure?

Sadly, there is no proven cure for tinnitus, but the British Tinnitus Association acknowledges that treatment options that provide tinnitus relief do exist. Hearing aid technology solutions cover two of those treatment options — hearing aids and sound therapy — and are clinically proven to soothe the irritating sounds of tinnitus and provide relief.

What should I do if I think I may have it?

If your tinnitus is getting worse or is bothering you, it’s affecting your sleep or concentration, or is making you feel anxious and depressed the first step in managing tinnitus is to schedule an appointment with your doctor or a hearing professional who can discuss possible relief options for your tinnitus.

What are the treatments for?

If the cause of your tinnitus is unknown or cannot be treated, your GP or specialist may refer you for

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – to change the way you think about your tinnitus and reduce anxiety.

• Tinnitus Counselling – to help you learn about your tinnitus and find ways of coping with it.

• Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) – using sound therapy to retrain your brain to tune out and be less aware of the tinnitus.

• Hearing aids can help with tinnitus. Amplification with hearing aids can bring relief to people experiencing tinnitus, as they may boost ambient sounds that can help take the focus from tinnitus.

At Simply Hearing we specialise in tinnitus assessments and management using Sound Therapy and TRT programs. Modern hearing aids have special tinnitus programmes that are designed to provide relief and utilise in TRT. Simply-hearing.com

Free NHS Services

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Affordable private services

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Common Conditions

We offer a range of convenient clinical services at Pharmacy+Health - Alwoodley in private rooms to assess and treat health conditions

Scan QR to book an appointment at your local Pharmacy: Alwoodley Medical Centre, Saxon Mount, Alwoodley Leeds, LS17 5DT

Knee Support

Owen Wall, Consultant Knee Surgeon at Spire Leeds and Harrogate, and NuffeldLeeds, helps us prevent knee injuries while enjoying the summer months.

After a long winter has turned to a wet spring, the hope for a classic British summer is on everyone’s mind. Who doesn’t yearn for long summer days filled with plenty of sunshine and bright dry weather? As we all know, the “classic” British summer is often used as a euphemism for generally sunny but showery weather, but without those showers we wouldn’t be able to enjoy such fantastic Yorkshire countryside. As the days grow longer and evenings lighter, there is once again the opportunity to re-engage with those quintessential summer pastimes that are so ever popular in our region.

The re-assuring sound of leather on willow, the rhythmic sounds of baseline returns and serve-and-volleys, the quiet hush before a sharp rush and “ping” of club against ball, the rustle of leaves and bird-song on those walks over the Dales Cricket, tennis, golf, walking. Popular sports and pastimes for summer activity and a very healthy way of enjoying the great outdoors with friends and family. These activities are enjoyed by thousands of people every year and can be enjoyed at all levels. Facilities are easier than ever to access and many of us are keen to embrace the exercise and outdoors.

If you enjoy walking, are keen enough to start playing golf, or having a regular game of tennis with friends, or indeed joining your local cricket club, how can you maximise your enjoyment without incurring injury or problems to your knees? Well, the classic advice of doing some gentle stretching and warm-up exercises pre-activity is always a good start. Stretch and activate those muscles which you’ll use most frequently in order to provide them with maximum protection. Quad/ thigh stretching, calf-muscle stretching and some rotatory torso warm-ups to activate your core will ready your body for the challenges ahead. Tennis, golf and cricket all provide

plenty of opportunity for rotation of bodyweight about the knee so it’s also important to try to anticipate these movements which will help minimise the risk of injury. Should you be unfortunate enough to develop problems, first apply the RICE principles (rest, ice, compression and elevation). Perhaps try a graduated, gentle re-introduction into your activities to gauge whether the issue has resolved, and if so, slowly increase your demand whilst keeping a careful eye on how your knee responds. If however you find that after a short period of time this does not improve the situation then you may need professional help.

Sports knee injuries are a particular specialist interest of my professional expertise, I help all patients from keen sporting enthusiasts through to elite world class athletes. I am also able to help treat people with arthritis of their knee, with both non-operative and operative options. Providing you with an expert opinion and diagnosis can go a long way to helping you understand why you may have developed the issues and what methods you can undertake to correct the underlying causes and help treat the current problems. Access to rapid diagnostic imaging, along with the help and assistance of expert physiotherapy teams, will give you options regarding such treatment. Working closely with the two leading independent sector hospitals in the Leeds area (Spire Hospital Leeds/Harrogate and Nuffield Hospital Leeds) will also give you fantastic access to surgical treatment facilities should you need it.

If you would like to seek expert advice concerning your knees, please make contact with me via my website Leedskneeclinic.com using the contact webform, or alternatively, call my secretary, Elaine Ingham on 0113 388 2009 where you can discuss your requirements for an out-patient appointment.

Cracking Time

Eureka! | Halifax | 5th to 21st April

Eureka! is a fun-filled museum that boasts hundreds of interactive exhibits for children aged 0 to 11. With six unique zones to explore, young visitors can engage their imaginations and discover more about themselves and the world around them by the magic of learning through play. The museum is packed full of interactive events activities designed to captivate young minds. Throughout the Easter holidays from 5th to 21st April, explore the wonders of nature with storytelling, music, and puppetry from The Magic Lantern – a curious travelling contraption that brings laughter and magic wherever it goes!

Eureka.org.uk

Easter holidays at Harewood House | until 14th April

There’s plenty of fun-filled activities going on at Harewood House this Easter holidays! One of the highlights will be the rainbow rabbit Easter trail around the Lakeside Path where you can hunt out all the colourful eggs, complete the activities, and collect a prize. There’s also an Easter treasure hunt where you are invited to explore Harewood House and find the Easter characters hiding among the furniture.

Harewood.org

LHT Unwrapped | City Varieties | 14th to 17th April

This April, nine- to 11-year-olds can have their time to shine in Play in a Week – a chance to create their very own variety show and perform on the legendary stage of City Varieties Music Hall. Kick things off with a backstage tour of our historic Victorian theatre, before starting rehearsals with Leeds Heritage Theatre’s drama facilitators. Together, creative minds will think it, create it, and bring the show to life before stepping into the spotlight for a grand performance! Whether your little one is a born performer or simply curious, all are welcome to take to the stage and tread the boards like a true star.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

The Smartest Giant | Leeds Playhouse | 16th to 19th April

The Smartest Giant is a Little Angel Theatre and Fierylight co-production, based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So, when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town, until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes! This heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure.

Carriageworkstheatre.co.uk

Skelton Grange Easter Trail | 18th April

With help from The Friends of Skelton Grange, this annual Easter event is a glorious outdoor trail wandering through the woods and gardens at Skelton Grange. Complete a treasure hunt along the way and trade in your trove for a chocolatey Easter surprise at the end! The event is a fundraiser for the centre and a great chance for families to enjoy Easter fun! The Skelton Café will be open to buy hot drinks and sweet treats at the end and there will also be crafts/activities along the trail to be announced.

Leedsinspired.co.uk

Keep the little ones entertained this Easter holidays with our roundup of the best familyfriendly activities for the holiday period.

PHOTO: ELLIE KURTTZ

Happy Passover.

Pesach Kasher Vesameach.

The UKIB & UJIA event, “The Reality of Reality TV,” hosted by Linda Plant, was a fantastic success, bringing together a lively crowd at The MAZC Centre. Attendees had the chance to hear from some of the most memorable contestants from popular shows such as The Traitors, MAFS, Big Brother, Dragons’ Den, Junior Bake Off, and The Apprentice. Linda Plant, the renowned BBC The Apprentice interviewer and CEO of the Linda Plant Academy, led the engaging discussions, offering unique insights into the world of reality television. With everyone enjoying the lively atmosphere and thoughtprovoking conversations, the packed room left with a greater understanding of what it’s really like behind the scenes in the reality TV world.

Linda Plant is one of Britain’s most recognisable businesswomen. Born and raised in Leeds, she progressed from selling fashion on her parent’s stall at Dewsbury Market to launching international knitwear brand, Honeysuckle, becoming one of the first women to take a business from a market stall to the London Stock Market. A pioneering female leader, she has worked in various executive roles across property, interior design, fashion, and electronics. Readers may also recognise her as the so-called ‘queen of mean’ from the interview phase of The Apprentice.

“My family first took on a market stall just to make ends meet,” Linda explains her humble business beginnings. “That was the first time

Reality Check

We catch up with the speakers at The Reality of Reality TV event, which benefited UJIA and UKIB, including Leeds-born business extraordinaire and The Apprentice star, Linda Plant.

I realised I love buying and selling and knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. I left school at 15 and worked on the stall, and from there they grew across Yorkshire as part of a wholesale business. I ended up launching Honeysuckle and that’s what catapulted me to another level; it became one of the biggest knitwear importers in the country.”

Linda speaks fondly of her childhood in Leeds: “I had a very happy childhood; I was an only child, and we had a lodger that lived and worked with us who became part of the family – he worked for us until he died. I was born in Chapeltown, moved to Street Lane, and then to Alwoodley when I got married. I never thought I’d leave Leeds; I still have such a fondness in my heart for it. It’s true what they say, you can take the girl out Leeds!”

Reality TV is so popular these days, there are so many shows out there.

Readers may be aware of Linda’s mum, Regina Waldman, who is well known for her remarkable fundraising: “My mother worked for Donisthorpe Hall for 42 years as a fundraiser and then as a treasurer. She was awarded an MBE from the Queen for her work for charity – she’s an inspiration.”

No stranger to reality TV, Linda has been a guest interviewer on The Apprentice for almost 11 years: “Reality TV is so popular these days, there are so many shows out there, but The Apprentice seems to have stood the test of

time – in June we’ll be filming season 20! The general audience is ages 16 to 40, its format has been perfected and meant that younger people love it and have stuck with it all this time. Although we film months ahead, nothing ever gets out and there are never any spoilers, we’re very close knit and keep things tight,”

Of the process, Linda says: “What surprises people most about the filming of the show is that none of the interviews are done in separate takes. Obviously, it’s edited – reality TV is always TV first – as it’s important to give the audience suspense, surprise, and the thrills that they tune in for because nobody wants to watch something boring. But it is all genuinely filmed in one take. When the show gets down to the final five, every candidate has something special to offer because they’ve just survived through what is a gruelling process but there has to be some sort of sensation to make good TV.”

Linda laughs as she recalls one of the more memorable interviews she conducted: “It definitely doesn’t lack drama, I once had a candidate say they wanted to hit me!”

Looking for some business advice but scared to approach the so-called queen of mean in the street? Linda doesn’t want that to put people off: “The nickname has meant I do get recognised quite a lot, but I’m not actually mean! The show has catapulted me into a whole different world as I’m now able to advise people and give advice and guidance whenever I’m out and about which I enjoy doing.”

“My mantra is ‘yes you can’ and I really believe age is no barrier to success, don’t say no to an opportunity that might come your way just because you think you’re too old; resilience and persistence are key in business.”

The Panel

Matt Jameson | Married at First Sight UK

Most recognisable from his time on ‘Married at First Sight UK’, Matt was one half of the first same sex couple to be married on the hit E4 show. A trained actor, since appearing on MAFS UK, Matt has continued to work in broadcasting, as well as being an event host and brand ambassador.

Matt has established himself as a prominent LGBTQ+ campaigner and commentator. As Chief Operating Officer for the LGBTQ+ charity; Out Together, which supports older LGBTQ+ people facing social isolation.

Filming Married at First Sight UK was a three month process for Matt, and eventually, being on camera became par for the course: “It was kind of easy to forget you were being filmed. I think you kind of get used to it. Initially I was wary of the filming at the wedding, but after filming for three months, it becomes second nature.”

Justine Sellman | Big Brother

Justine Sellman was a Big Brother housemate back in 2003, the 5th housemate to walk in and the 2nd to be evicted after a few weeks. Up to 110,000 people applied and she was one of the lucky 11 housemates to live in the mad house! She was also the first Leeds and first Jewish housemate to ever go on the show. She was voted out by Jon Tickle for eating too much ketchup... his words, not ours!

The secretive nature of Big Brother’s format meant the lead up to filming felt very cloak-and-dagger for Justine: “We were taken into hiding two weeks before. It was all very surreal. We were isolated in a hotel room and observed to see how we managed being away from the world. It was all very exciting and still very much an experiment, when I was on it years ago. I think now it’s a bit more rehearsed and a lot more aware. People know what to expect.”

Nathan Khider | The Traitors

Nathan Khider story is one of resilience and determination. Once homeless, he found refuge and support at the YMCA, where he began rebuilding his life. Through sheer hard work and unwavering drive, Nathan transformed his circumstances and overcame homelessness. Today, he stands tall as a successful business owner, a testament to his unwavering spirit and perseverance. Recently, Nathan’s journey caught the attention of many when he appeared on the hit show The Traitors, showcasing his inspiring story of triumph over adversity. Nathan’s transformation serves as a beacon of hope and strength to all who face challenges, proving that with dedication and perseverance, one can overcome any obstacle.

Filming the show was an intense experience for Nathan, particularly being cut off from the outside world: “It’s a closed shop, there’s no communication with the outside world. You’re involved in the game 24/7 for as long as you’re there. It’s all you can think about because you haven’t got access to your phone. It took me a week after filming was done to catch up on all my notifications!”

Zack Cohen | Junior Bake Off

Zack Cohen filmed the 2021 series of Junior Bake Off during the peak of the pandemic, in August of 2020, at just 13 years old. The constant COVID tests, isolation, and ‘bubbles’ meant that all cast and crew grew very close during the filming. The JBO experience was the perfect thing to keep him going during the prolonged period of lockdown – and meant he had ample time to spend practicing. Since the show he’s had opportunities for podcasts, radio, and newspapers as well as doing social media to a larger audience, while still in the middle of doing his A Levels!

For Zack, talking through his bakes on camera was an extension of his already established baking process: “We all had dedicated camera men or women for the specific day, and then research and development and the producers were there asking us questions and letting us talk through the recipes. But to be honest, when I’m baking anyway, I pretend like I’m on a mini-TV programme!”

Yana Smahlo | Dragons Den

Yana Smahlo, Founder of NENYA Fashion, is a Ukrainian entrepreneur and refugee who relocated to the UK following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Before the war, she successfully managed multiple fashion brands with partnerships across 35 stores in Ukraine. After losing both a thriving business and her home to the conflict, Yana channelled resilience into rebuilding.

Two years ago, she founded NENYA, a distribution company dedicated to supporting Ukrainian manufacturers by helping them retain jobs and integrate into European and US markets. With a portfolio of five high-quality Ukrainian fashion brands – ranging from women’s clothing to footwear – NENYA has already established partnerships with over 120 wholesale clients across three continents.

Yana appeared on Dragon’s Den, on Jan 24th 2025 where she impressed the investors and received four offers from the five Dragons. Securing £80,000 from Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett.

Yana’s time appearing on Dragon’s Den was her first time pitching her business: “I had never pitched an investment in my life before, so it was a new and interesting experience. It’s really useful for any entrepreneur to speak with people who are experienced and to present them your project. During the two hours of intense conversation with the potential investors, I didn’t notice the camera.”

BRODETSKY PRIMARY AND NURSERY CELEBRATED SHAKESPEARE WEEK WITH A VARIETY OF EXCITING ACTIVITIES THAT BROUGHT LITERATURE TO LIFE. WORLD BOOK DAY WAS MARKED IN TRUE SHAKESPEAREAN STYLE.

CAMP ACHLAH WAS HELD AT BRODETSKY DURING HALF TERM FOR NURSERY AND YEARS 1 TO 4. EACH DAY HAD A SPECIFIC THEME FROM BAKING, ARTS, CRAFTS, AND SPORTS.

THE NURSERY BEES HAVE BEEN BUZZING WITH EXCITEMENT THIS TERM, DIVING INTO HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES LIKE PLANTING SEEDS AND DISCOVERING THE WONDERS OF NATURE.

THE SCHOOL ALSO CELEBRATED PURIM IN STYLE, WITH CHILDREN AND STAFF ENJOYING EXCITING ACTIVITIES, A LIVELY FASHION SHOW, AND A MEGILLAH READING.

FROM MAKING DELICIOUS STIR-FRY AND LEARNING TO USE CHOPSTICKS TO CRAFTING BEAUTIFUL LANTERNS, IT WAS A FUN-FILLED AND EDUCATIONAL DAY CELEBRATING CHINESE NEW YEAR FOR NURSERY AND YEAR 1.

MEANWHILE, THE CURIOUS NURSERY BUTTERFLIES HAVE BEEN FLUTTERING THROUGH A WORLD OF LIGHT AND COLOUR EXPERIMENTING WITH SHADOWS AND ENGAGING IN CREATIVE ACTIVITIES THAT BRING OUT THEIR INNER ARTISTS AND SCIENTISTS.

THE RECEPTION CLASS HAS BEEN PLANTING SEEDS OF THEIR OWN, EXPLORING THE GROWTH PROCESS OF VARIOUS FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, AND LEARNING ALL ABOUT HOW THE FOOD WE EAT COMES TO LIFE FROM THE SOIL.

STANDING OVATION

Jewish Women’s Aid held an event to mark International Women’s Day and to launch its new Ripple Effect campaign.

MP Alex Davies-Jones, the Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, received a standing ovation from Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) supporters at an event in March, as she condemned Hamas “war crimes” and criticised women’s groups for failing to condemn sexual violence against Israelis on October 7th.

The Labour MP for Pontypridd made the comments at a JWA event held to mark International Women’s Day and launch the charity’s Ripple Effect campaign, highlighting the far-reaching impact of domestic abuse. At the event, she praised JWA’s work, as the only specialist service for Jewish women and children affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Alex – who wore a yellow ribbon pin at the event, in support of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza – also called out antisemitism. She praised JWA for supporting UK Jewish women affected by domestic abuse and antisemitism across the country – and also commended the charity for raising awareness of sexual violence carried out by the Hamas terror group in October 2023.

Addressing a JWA fundraising event, she said: “These were acts of exceptional brutality,” she said, adding: “These were war crimes carried out in a systemic and pre-emptive manner. But these were atrocities which the world – including those supposedly committed to human rights and the safety of women and girls – has decided to downplay and ignored. Here in the UK, Jewish Women’s Aid stands virtually alone among charities dedicated to combating violence against women and girls in speaking out against Hamas’ brutality.”

She added: “It is difficult to escape the conclusion that the denial, disinformation and disbelief surrounding Hamas’ atrocities stems directly from the nationality of the victims. This is, of course, devastating to the community, and will have, and has had repercussions for the Jewish victims here in the UK. I want you to know that I believe you, and I will always believe you. I will stand up for the victims and survivors of any race, religion or culture.”

At the event, the Labour MP also revealed that her maternal grandmother moved to south Wales from London – where she had changed her surname from “Mordechai” to “Mort” – to avoid antisemitism.

Addressing anti-Jewish hatred and its impact on the community, MP Alex Davies-Jones said: “I always have been and always will be a strong ally to the Jewish community and to Jewish Women’s Aid. This organisation brings together two of the most devastating issues that urgently need tackling in our society today, antisemitism and violence against women and girls both have an endemic impact on survivors up and down the country and around the world.”

She added: “Jewish women face unique barriers, cultural stigma, community pressures, and recently, sadly, rising antisemitism, I have proudly seen first-hand the incredible work that JWA does.”

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

JWA CEO Sam Clifford led an interactive demonstration on the ‘Ripple Effect’ of domestic abuse. Using a ribbon to connect participants, she said: “Domestic abuse spreads through families, friendships, workplaces, schools, synagogues, and communities. It impacts people in ways they may not even realise. When a woman comes to JWA she receives our comprehensive package of support and we see before our very eyes that when intervention happens, the ripples change.”

Former Emmerdale actress Louisa Clein shared Nicole’s (name changed for privacy) story of meeting her husband at a J-Soc event and later facing domestic abuse. JWA continues to support the mother through post-separation abuse and Family Court proceedings: “JWA helped my children heal. We are all beginning to heal,” she shared.

Speaking for the first time as the new JWA chair, Joanne Black said: “This museum is a powerful reminder of the importance of care and community. It was created to protect vulnerable children, values that align perfectly with JWA’s mission.”

JWA’s latest figures show a 24% increase in clients, a 9% rise in children supported, and a 64% surge in sexual violence cases.

Jwa.org.uk

ALL PHOTOS: LIZ ISLES PHOTOGRAPHY

MP ALEX DAVIS-JONES.

LOUISA CLEIN.

BLOOMING CHIC

Spring is finally here! Check out our round up of some of the best pieces to add to your wardrobe this season.

Pink floral print tie front top | Roman | £32

Nothing says spring quite like a floral print! This blouse from Roman is designed with a stylish tie front neckline and long flared sleeves at cuffs and is crafted from a comfortable woven fabric featuring a delicate floral print and cape detail. Perfect for adding a splash of colour to any outfit, whether it’s under a blazer to brighten up your work wardrobe or paired with jeans and trainers for a more casual, everyday look. Roman.co.uk

Lilly wool shawl wrap | So Cosy | £114

The ideal transitional piece for those days that aren’t quite as warm as you’d like, this So Cosy shawl will add a burst of colour to your wardrobe as well as plenty of comfort. It's crafted using soft Peruvian baby alpaca wool and will take the edge off during the cooler days. Silky soft to the touch and generously sized for optimum versatility, this signature shawl is made for everyday use. It also adds a flourish to occasion wear to keep you snug and stylish wherever you go. There are plenty of colours to choose from too, including evergreen, raspberry sorbet, light rose, and many more! Socosy.co.uk

Puff shoulder tailored blazer | Femponiq | £450

Constructed from a cotton blend, this stand-out piece makes all the power moves for you with its puffed sleeves and fine tailoring. Its bold apple green shade makes it an excellent addition to your spring wardrobe. The single-breasted blazer has a silhouette-enhancing fitted waistline and features peak-lapels, padded shoulders, two front flap pockets, a single button, and a rear vent for a fabulous investment piece with timeless style. Femponiq.com

Garnock stripe regular fit shirt | Barbour | £79.95

The men's Barbour Garnock stripe shirt is a guaranteed wardrobe staple for formal and casual spring and summer activities, presented in an interest vertical stripe design that is both classic and contemporary. This short sleeve shirt is cut with a regular summer fit for ease of movement, while the beautifully soft cotton and linen blend creates a lighter weight to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the warmer weather.

Barbour.com

Brushed lambswool vest | Sims Wear | £185

A stylish and practical alternative to a knitted jumper in the warmer weather, this vest is a statement piece encapsulates timeless craftsmanship with modern style. Sims Wear has combined super fine wool with a traditional Scottish brushing method, using dried highland thistle heads, to create a beautifully soft garment with a unique brushed texture. Knitted in Aberdeenshire with a hand linked V-neck collar this red brushed lambswool vest is both an ode to the company’s heritage and a nod to its forward-thinking commitment to modern design.

Simswear.com

Lightweight chino trousers | Cotton Traders | £32

The lightweight chino trousers available from Cotton Traders perfectly blend smart with casual for a look you’ll reach for time and time again. This light blue shade will inject a pop of personality into even the most basic of outfits. The pure cotton peached fabric delivers unbeatable comfort all day long while the fixed waistband, side slant pockets, and mock horn buttons keep the detailing as classic as possible.

Cottontraders.com

For

Together

Registered Charity No. 1078956

Bella Bella

A 50-kilometre stretch of coastline in the south of Italy that looks like it’s straight from a postcard, the Amalfi Coast is blessed with clifftumbling towns, turquoise waters, and pebbly beaches which have earned it a spot on the UNESCO Word Heritage list, and rightly so! It’s a perfect example of a Mediterranean landscape with a scenery of unrivalled cultural and natural value with internationally famous locations such as Amalfi and Positano, but also small, hidden gems in the form of villages like Minori and Cetara that boast a traditional and authentic Italian atmosphere.

You can reach the Amalfi Coast by flying to Naples Capodichino International Airport and travelling by taxi, private transfer, or direct buses (between April and October). Another alternative may be to reach Naples train station, take a train to Salerno, and then a ferry or bus to Amalfi. Although there are no direct flights to Naples from Leeds Bradford Airport, flights leave daily from Manchester. And the best part? It’s only a three-hour flight and there’ll be no jet lag!

Let’s take a look at some of the Amalfi Coast’s must-visit locations…

Positano

The first town you’ll come across on the Amalfi Coast and perhaps the most famous, Positano is set in an impressive vertical panorama of colours; the green of the Monti Lattari mountains, the white, pink, and yellow of the iconic houses, and the silvery grey of its pebble beaches, all against the contrast of the stunning turquoise waters.

There are plenty of beaches to explore here. Spiaggia Grande is the heart of its waterfront; spanning 300 metres, this beach is one of the largest on the Amalfi Coast, as well as one of the most glamorous, attracting a fashionable crowd of artists, actors, and celebrities. Those looking for a more peaceful spot in which to bask in the sun will love Positano’s Fornillo beach, which can be reached via a footpath that sets off from Spiaggia Grande.

History buffs will also love Positano; discover the ancient history of the town by visiting the local Museo Archeologico Romano which was recently inaugurated on the site where an ancient Roman villa once stood. Visitors can admire fragments of the original architecture and decorations to learn about Positano’s Roman history.

Amalfi

Quintessentially Mediterranean, Amalfi’s townscape is comprised of a cluster of little white houses combined with narrow alleyways and shady porticoes. The entire coast is named after this seaside jewel, land of maritime traditions, and tourism which is another of the coasts most popular spots. Italy’s oldest maritime republic, Amalfi continues to enchant visitors just as it did

Sun, sea, and natural beauty; the Amalfi Coast has it all! Plan your next trip to one of Italy’s most memorable destinations.

in the days of the Grand Tour. Just over threesquare kilometres of beautiful scenery at the mouth of the Valle dei Mulini, Amalfi is a town that opens like a fan towards the sea, sheltered from behind by the steep slopes of the Monti Lattari.

The town’s main landmark is the Duomo (cathedral). Work began on this landmark in the 9th century and altered over time with ArabNorman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, the church is preceded by a flight of 62 steps and towers over Amalfi’s main piazza.

No visit to Amalfi will be complete without having enjoyed a stroll through the town’s labyrinth of little lanes and alleyways, as well as a trip to the Paper Museum at Via delle Cartiere 24. The production of hand-crafted paper, known as bambagina, is one of the oldest of Amalfi’s traditions and today remains part of the town’s culture and identity.

Minori

Less well-known but equally incredible as Amalfi and Positano, Minori is a village with a wealth of craft traditions, characteristic architecture, and a small, quaint beach. Its convenient location makes it the ideal base for exploring the entire coastline and Sorrento Peninsula, while its relaxed atmosphere and wide range of services from restaurants to beach clubs invite visitors to settle in and stay awhile.

The most captivating experience in Minori is simply strolling the lanes of the historic centre to soak in the fishing village atmosphere that has remained despite the influx of tourists over the years. Minori’s cathedral, dedicated Santa Trofimena, was restored in the 19th century and has three light-filled aisles and art works such as a 17th-century marble pulpit.

One of the highlights of the area is the famed sentiero dei limoni (path of lemons), an ancient footpath that runs between Maiori and Minori with breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast –which is famed for its lemons! Lemon trees have blanketed this stretch of coastline since the 1600s and you will still come across locals working in their lemon grove in the summer, or even mules loaded with heavy cases of fruit being led along the trail.

Visitamalfi.info/en

Labour Never Puts Leeds Residents First

In February Leeds held its annual Budget Council Meeting. This annual meeting is where the Labour Administration sets out its funding decisions for the years ahead… these are Labour’s political choices on how our city will be run.

As part of that meeting the leader of the Opposition on Council, Cllr Alan Lamb, proposed amendments to Labour’s budget. To be allowed - every proposal must be signed off by the council’s own finance officers. These officers confirm that the proposal is deliverable and that the council would still meet its obligation to deliver a balanced budget.

At the budget meeting Labour voted every single one of these proposals down. They did this, despite these being sensible, strong proposals to benefit the city, just because they were proposed by the Conservative Group. Here are some of the proposals that, if in control, Conservatives will implement:

• Reversing Labour’s Parking Charges across our city’s public parks.

• A new Tenants’ Charter - a guarantee that council tenants will have urgent repairs carried our within 48 hours and a legal commitment to vastly improved maintenance of our council tenants’ homes.

• A major £5 million investment to improve our roads.

• Funding for an extra dedicated PCSO for every ward.

• Funding for a Civil Enforcement Officer for every ward to tackle parking and fly tipping enforcement - drastically overlooked at the moment.

• Giving every young person the best start by ensuring Children & Family Directorate vastly improve the delivery of services (e.g. Educational Health Care Plans - what used to be called, Special Needs Statements).

• A major increase in funding for the organisations like Maecare, who provide such a valuable service for our elderly population, at a fraction of what it would cost the City to provide.

Labour voted every single proposal down - purely because of politics. Labour never puts Leeds residents first. In May 2026, it’s vital residents remember this.

All 3 of us live in Alwoodley and have called Alwoodley home for many years - we think local councillors, living in the ward and focussing on LOCAL issues is hugely important. We are here working for you ALL

ROUND (not just when an election is approaching). We are proud to call you our neighbours and thankful you allow us to represent you. Cllr Neil Buckley 07534 805 089 Neil.Buckley@leeds.gov.uk Cllr Lyn Buckley 07707 319257 Lyn.Buckley@leeds.gov.uk Cllr Dan Cohen 07711 647 849 Dan.Cohen@leeds.gov.uk

Happening in Alwoodley

King Lane Update

Following the end of works at Headingley Golf Course, residents will be aware that Dan, Lyn and Neil are pressing Highways about the resurfacing of the road, and the restoration of the footpath.

In February, there was an urgent closure of King Lane needed between Eccup Lane and Alwoodley Lane, to make the road surface safer. This has been completed but we know a proper resurfacing project is needed and now.

They also continue to press highways on the commitment given to introduce a weight limit, both to this section of King Lane … and while dealing with that, to ensure the weight limit is introduced at Roundhay Park Lane too. Highways have flagged some legal challenges in moving ahead with this, but are undertaking a full traffic survey to determine exactly what vehicles are using these roads.

Dan, Lyn and Neil are unequivocal that weight restrictions are needed here and they will continue to push highways to deliver this so the road is both safer and being used by appropriate vehicles.

More news in due course…

See the difference… (soon, we hope)

Those of us who use the entry roadway into Sainsbury’s and the Moor Allerton Centre will be aware of its rutted and potholed condition.

We have also been aware of the state of it, and mentioned this to the management at Sainsbury’s. They told us they would put it right.

This was nearly a year ago. We have recently been told that they are consulting with the bus company. Well, we don’t mind who you speak to – it’s your road when all’s said and done – but can we just have it repaired. Please.

STOP PRESS - We’re assured this is being repaired in March, so hopefully when you are reading this work will be completed.

GSAL Parking

Following long discussions with Dan, Neil & Lyn, the Grammar School At Leeds have finally agreed to introduce limited onsite parking for 20 GSAL 6th Formers, from late April.

This, welcome development, will hopefully reduce the number of cars parking in the High Ashes and Sandmoors. We are grateful that GSAL has accommodated this (though we would all liked to have seen more, this is a move in the right direction).

Coupled with new yellow lines, soon to be introduced, it is hoped this will assist in the issues residents have faced.

Tree Planting

We mentioned in the last In Touch that the final tree planting scheme was going ahead in Alwoodley. This has now been done by the Leeds Parks & Countryside team, plus a lot of volunteers, to whom we owe our thanks.

This is the area opposite the entrance to Sainsbury’s off King Lane. Apparently, the main pests are rabbits, who love chewing the small plants. The site is fenced temporarily to guard against any human pests who might fancy uprooting them.

The species are English Oak, Sycamore, Silver Birch, Rowan, Hazel and Alder.

Incidentally, the Conservative Group proposed a budget amendment which would have provided another £900k to enhance the level of community tree works. This would have helped greatly with the garden shading problem which we have . Labour voted it down.

MICE Money – Ask for it

This is the Members’ Improvements in the Community and the Environment fund – MICE for short.

The Conservative Group tabled an amendment to the budget proposals which would have beefed up this fund by £250k across the city. It was voted down by Labour.

Nevertheless, these small grants (usually up to £500) are available to organisations, community groups and the like for, as it says, improvements to the community in some form or other. If you think you might qualify, do ask us and we will look into it for you.

Treetops Community Centre is an important community asset, built with money contributed from local building developments. In 2024 the building was closed due to fears that it had become unsafe - later investigations showed that damage is not as bad as initially thought.

We are now actively working with a local group to bring this asset back into community use, as soon as possible. We hope to have positive news in the coming months and will of course update on the Alwoodley Ward Facebook Group, which is the very best place to get updates on all Alwoodley Ward news.

Off the Record

Vinyl is back! It’s Record Store Day on 12th April, so get ready to explore the best vinyl cafés and shops to celebrate in.

Leeds is home to a vibrant music scene, and what better way to celebrate Record Store Day than by exploring the city’s best record shops and vinyl cafes? From house plants and electronic beats to intimate coffee spots and indie classics, Leeds has something for every vinyl lover. Here’s a guide to some of the top spots to visit and enjoy Record Store Day this year.

Plant & Deck

Located in the city centre, Plant & Deck is a unique gem that combines the worlds of house plants and vinyl. Situated within The Imaginarium, just a few minutes’ walk from the iconic Corn Exchange, this shop offers a warm, welcoming, and inclusively friendly atmosphere.

As Leeds’ only house plant and record shop, Plant & Deck caters to a diverse crowd – from house plant enthusiasts to bedroom DJs and professional tourers. Specialising in a wide range of house plants and left-field leaning electronic music, the shop provides a sensory experience like no other. Whether you’re into tropical plants or techno, alocasias or ambient, the team is on hand to help transform your space. Plus, it’s the perfect spot to browse records while sipping on a coffee or simply enjoying a chat with the friendly staff.

Plantanddeck.co.uk

The Vinyl Whistle

Located in Headingley, The Vinyl Whistle offers much more than just records. This fantastic record shop, café, bar, and venue was originally opened by a former Premier League football referee and has become a cornerstone of Leeds’ alternative music scene. Offering a curated selection of vinyl, coffee, draught beer, spirits, and wine, it’s a great place to relax while browsing through records or enjoying live music. With a friendly, inclusive atmosphere, The Vinyl Whistle is a must-visit for music lovers of all types.

Vinylwhistle.co.uk

Crash Records

A long-time fixture in Leeds’ music scene, Crash Records has been serving vinyl lovers since 1985. Located on The Headrow, Crash is a treasure trove for anyone looking to explore indie, alternative, rock, punk, and metal music. Known for its broad selection of CDs and vinyl, including rare 7”/12” singles and LPs, Crash Records is a favourite among record collectors and casual music fans alike.

Not only does Crash offer an extensive range of records, but it also hosts a variety of local stock and official merchandise, making it a one-stop shop for all your musical needs. As an official ticket agent for Leeds Festival and other major events, you can also grab tickets for gigs and festivals directly in-store.

Crashrecords.co.uk

Holding Patterns

For a unique twist on the vinyl experience, Holding Patterns is a bar and café that combines high-quality coffee and cocktails with a toptier hi-fi sound system. Sitting underneath Renaissance Hair Studio, Holding Patterns provides the perfect environment for music lovers to enjoy expertly curated DJ sets and intimate listening experiences. With its relaxed social space, vibrant community, and stellar sound system, Holding Patterns is a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy the best of our city’s music scene. Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail or sipping on coffee, you’ll be surrounded by good vibes and incredible soundtracks. Regular DJ nights and an emphasis on culture make this the ideal place to relax and celebrate Record Store Day in style.

Holdingpatternslds.co.uk

Jay Prosser’s book Loving Strangers: A Camphorwood Chest, a Legacy, a Son Returns is a deeply personal and culturally rich exploration of his family’s history, weaving together themes of identity, survival, and connection across divides in a family memoir. Jay, a Professor of Humanities in the School of English and Centre for Jewish Studies at the University of Leeds, draws on his own familial journey, tracing roots that extend from ancient Babylon to modern-day England, with significant stops in India and Singapore. At the heart of his narrative lies the Jewish aspect of his heritage, which serves as both a lens and a bridge between cultures, religions, and histories.

For Jay, the book is not just a family memoir but a reflection on the broader cultural and spiritual dimensions of identity: “It’s a family history, but not only that, it’s a cultural story,” he explains. “It’s about people from very different cultures, religions, and geographies, who come together because of their differences.”

The title, Loving Strangers, encapsulates this central theme of connection through difference, as Jay delves into his Jewish heritage and its intersection with other cultures, particularly through marriage, migration, and religious conversion.

One of the key aspects of the book is Jay’s engagement with his family’s Jewish identity. His ancestors, originally from Iraq, have lived through centuries of migration, moving from Babylon to India, then to Singapore, and finally to England. Through these migrations, Jay traces the persistence of Jewish identity, even in the face of cultural assimilation and intermarriage: “My great-grandfather left for India to become a spice trader,” Jay notes, highlighting the fluidity of their identity. “My mother then came to England, and there are generations of loving strangers in the family.”

This narrative of movement and adaptation is significant not only for Jay

Loving Life

Jay

Prosser chats with us about his book Loving Strangers, which explores his family’s Jewish heritage, cultural migrations, and personal journey, highlighting love and connection across diverse divides.

but for Jewish communities at large. As he points out, the family’s experiences contradict the common stereotype of Jews as isolated or insular: “Jewish identity and Judaism were the point is kept going, but I’m also trying to speak beyond the Jewish community,” he says, adding that the book showcases Jews “in relationship with others,” bridging divides and engaging with other communities in ways that are often overlooked in media portrayals. In this sense, Loving Strangers is both a personal and a cultural statement, seeking to redefine Jewish identity beyond the limiting narratives often found in contemporary

discourse.

However, the journey depicted in the book is not only cultural but deeply personal. The writing process, which spanned 25 years, had a profound emotional and spiritual impact on Jay. Initially a Buddhist, he was not particularly interested in the Jewish aspect of his

heritage: “When I started the book, I was a Buddhist, and I was not that interested in the Jewish aspect of my family.” Yet, as he delved deeper into the history of his family and their Jewish identity, something shifted: “Learning about the maintenance of Jewish identity over so many generations, in so many different geographies, was moving. I thought, why am I not connected to this part of my family’s story?”

This intellectual and emotional journey also mirrored his personal transition from Buddhism to Judaism: “Buddhism wasn’t something that had been kept going in my family,” Jay reflects. “I realised that I needed to learn about Judaism and its practice.” In exploring his heritage, he found that the debates, the intellectual vigour, and the complexity of Jewish life resonated with him far more than the simplicity he had sought in Buddhism: “I was so serious about Buddhism, I was on the verge of becoming a monk,” he shares. “But Judaism spoke more to who I am.”

A particularly striking section of Loving Strangers involves his mother’s dramatic escape from Singapore during World War II. At the age of three, she and her family managed to board the last ship out of the island before the Japanese invasion. The harrowing journey across the seas to India is an extraordinary moment in the family’s history, and Jay captures the tension and bravery of the time with vivid imagery: “The ship was bombed nine times as it was loading up with refugees,” he recounts. “Some of the women on the ship said they could see the faces of the Japanese bombers, they flew so close.”

Ultimately, Jay’s book is a celebration of resilience, connection, and the enduring power of love to bridge divides. It’s a story about the intertwining of cultures, identities, and histories, and a call to remember that, as Jay puts it: “Love across divides can be a name for both parties learning about each other.”

To

To

Warning Signs

Recognising patterns that could lead to future challenges is essential for maintaining mental wellbeing; this Mental Health Awareness Week (12th to 18th May), we explore key indicators to watch out for with two leading Psychologists.

Just like physical health, mental health can be quick to decline, often without crystal clear or immediate symptoms. The challenges that come with identifying early signs of mental health decline can be daunting and, in many cases, people may not even realise they’re struggling until the symptoms become more severe. Recognising the warning signs of declining mental health in ourselves and others is crucial for early intervention and addressing these signs in their early stages can lead to prevention or more effective treatment.

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘community’. We thrive when we have strong connections with other people and supportive communities that remind us, we are not alone. Communities can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and give us a sense of purpose.

“Identifying the warning signs of deteriorating mental health requires more than recognising sadness or stress,” says Ieva Kubiliute, emphasising the importance of getting to the root of the problem. “It demands a nuanced understanding of how subtle changes manifest before they escalate into crises. I have seen how early intervention can prevent irreversible

consequences, yet most people overlook the signs until they become severe.”

Ieva believes that the most dangerous sign is emotional detachment, the moment you stop caring about things that once mattered to you: “When it comes to yourself, apathy is more insidious than sadness because it numbs self-awareness and makes it much harder to seek help. I also advise that you watch for patterns such as disrupted sleep, a decline in personal standards, or a shift from reflection to selfcriticism. A mind in distress creates narratives of worthlessness long before those around you start to notice.

“When observing others, look beyond their words. Many who struggle won’t explicitly express their distress. Instead, they withdraw subtly in ways like missing commitments, avoiding eye contact, or using humour to deflect serious conversations. I also find that sudden generosity, reckless decisions, or uncharacteristic outbursts often signal internal turmoil. The most concerning change I perceive is when someone stops struggling entirely, appearing calm after a period of distress. This could indicate resignation to suicidal thoughts.”

Barbara Santini believes that a lot of the factors for declining mental health are often overlooked: “From my perspective, quite a lot of the discourse on mental health warning signs often misses the crucial relationship between societal pressures and individual vulnerabilities. We tend to isolate symptoms, overlooking the systemic contributors. For instance, the withdrawal often cited is not merely isolation, but a strategic retreat from environments that perpetuate distress, whether it’s toxic workplaces, digitally saturated social spheres, or any other surroundings.”

“I also find that the emphasis on observable changes often ignores the internal silent battles. I’ve found that subtle shifts in cognitive processing, a growing rigidity in thought patterns,

and an increased reliance on black-and-white thinking, are far more indicative of a growing decline than explicit behavioural changes. These cognitive shifts, often masked by a mark of normalcy, are the silent precursors to more visible distress.”

Identifying the signs of deteriorating mental health requires a combination of caution, understanding, and most importantly, empathy. It’s important to approach mental health issues with compassion, both for ourselves and others, and to raise open conversations that break down the stigma around seeking help.

Mentalhealth.org.uk/mental-health-

IEVA KUBILIUTE

BARBARA SANTINI

Next Level Care

The

Manor House Roundhay care home offers luxurious and compassionate care for

the local community.

The Manor House Roundhay stands as a beacon of luxury and compassionate care. Our beautiful care home offers first-class residential and dementia care, setting new standards in care for older people within the North Leeds community. Nestled in the picturesque suburb close to the park, our residents enjoy stunning views and easy access to natural beauty. Our home’s location also benefits from being in close proximity to local amenities, including shops and eateries in Oakwood, ensuring that our residents and their loved ones have everything they need within easy reach.

Since opening, The Manor House has quickly established itself as a cherished part of the local community. Our team are very proud to have achieved a 10 out of 10 score from independently verified reviews on the carehome. co.uk website. Reviewers have praised our home, with one of our residents’ loved ones confirming: “The home is like a hotel, has a lovely feel and outdoor areas and gardens. The staff are caring, engaging and helpful and I would recommend anyone to go visit. Thank you!”

The Manor House is meticulously designed to provide an ultra-comfortable and elegant environment for residents, whilst incorporating the latest supportive care technology. Our home provides 65 spacious bedroom suites, each thoughtfully appointed with private en-suite wet rooms to ensure privacy and convenience. Our communal areas are equally impressive, featuring beautifully appointed spaces perfect for socialising, relaxing, and engaging in daily activities. Large windows allow natural light to

flood the interior, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that truly feels like home.

Understanding the importance of holistic wellbeing, the home offers a range of impressive facilities designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of its residents. These include a hairdressing and beauty salon, a café bar, and private dining room for special occasions. The landscaped gardens provide a serene outdoor space for leisurely walks and relaxation. Our Activities Co-ordinator supports an engaging activities programme, which ensures residents have ample opportunities to participate in social

events, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

Mealtimes are a pleasurable and social occasion, with the in-house Chef Manager and catering team preparing a variety of nutritious and delicious meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. Menus are carefully planned to cater to dietary preferences and needs, ensuring that all residents will enjoy healthy and appetising food. The catering team aims to speak to the people they cook for every day, finding out about personal preferences and dishes that they particularly enjoy.

At the heart of The Manor House is our dedicated team, committed to providing personalised care that respects the dignity and individuality of each resident. The home offers both permanent residential care and respite stays, with tailored support for residents living with dementia. Our team are proud to deliver compassionate care, ensuring that residents feel supported and valued in their daily lives.

Our friendly team knows that moving into care is not always an easy decision and it strives to make this process as smooth and reassuring as possible, on hand to answer any questions and provide support every step of the way ensuring new residents and their loved ones feel welcomed and comfortable.

Simply call 0113 537 3344, visit ManorHouseRoundhay.org.uk or come in and see us. The Manor House Roundhay is located at 6/6A Park Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds LS8 2JH. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/ anchor.the.manor.house.roundhay

We are proud to announce our brand new, purpose-built luxurious residential care home, The Manor House Roundhay. Our home offers a wide range of impressive five-star accommodation and provides exceptional compassionate residential and residential dementia care. If you are considering care for yourself or a loved one, we’re happy to discuss our care and any questions you may have.

Spring Homestyle

Trends

Nature-Based Decor

Accessibility

Garage Renovations

Outdoor Investments

And More...

Futureproofing for Life

Whether you’re starting a family, preparing for an empty nest, or planning for retirement, our homes should evolve with life’s changes. Thoughtful design that prioritises flexibility and longevity is a sustainable approach that can save time, effort, and money down the line.

As an interior designer with a background in nursing, I create environments that not only look beautiful but also support health, comfort, independence, and wellbeing. I approach design with a deep understanding of how our surroundings affect us, and a passion for accessibility and inclusion.

Here’s my top tips for creating a home that can adapt and change through all of life’s phases:

Designing for a growing family

For young families, flexibility is key. As children grow, their needs change rapidly, so having adaptable spaces is essential.

• Consider open plan living that allows for easy supervision of young children and scope for furniture rearrangement as your needs change.

• Reserve at least one living space, which can be closed off from the rest of the house, for added flexibility, noise control, and privacy.

• Incorporate built-in cupboards and shelves, hidden compartments, and storage ottomans, beds and sofas to help keep clutter at bay and maximise space.

• Playrooms can evolve to become study spaces, teenage hangouts, or a second sitting room for parents to relax.

• Creating an outdoor living area can provide additional space for the family to spread into during the summer months.

Futureproofing for aging in place

Aging-in-place design ensures that your home remains comfortable and accessible

Kim Heslip, Owner of Nest and Flourish Interiors, offers her tips for designing a home that grows with you.

• Opt for a built-in oven at a comfortable height.

• If your house has more than one storey, where possible, incorporate a downstairs shower room and a room on the ground floor that could serve as a bedroom if required.

• If you are reconfiguring doorways and hallways, making them wide enough to allow for mobility aids or assistance in later years can help to ensure you will be able to move around your house independently for as long as possible.

• Non-slip flooring such as hardwood, textured tiles, and low-pile carpet helps with accessibility and fall prevention.

• Smart home technology that controls lighting, thermostats, blinds, entertainment systems and appliances enhances accessibility and ease of use.

Designing with longevity in mind

Thinking about accessibility helps to future proof our homes and protect our bodies from strain so we can remain fit and healthy for longer. Consider how you move in your home and where possible reduce the need for stooping, bending and reaching.

• Choose drawers, or cabinets with pull-out storage, as opposed to deep cupboards.

• Add a storage drawer underneath your washing machine to raise it off the floor and make loading and unloading easier.

Investing in timeless design

When planning for long-term living avoid trends and focus on timeless, high-quality materials that will stand the test of time.

• Neutral colours never go out of fashion and can be livened up with coloured accessories that are easily replaced should you want to refresh the scheme.

• Think about “cost per use” when budgeting for furniture. A good quality sofa or mattress may seem expensive, but when you consider how much time you will spend sitting or laying on them it may be worth the investment.

By planning ahead and incorporating thoughtful design elements, you can create a home that meets your needs today and continues to support you in the future. If you’re ready to design a home that prioritises accessibility, longevity, and wellbeing, Nest and Flourish Interiors offers services from colour scheming to full bespoke interior design and project coordination. Contact me at Nestandflourish.co.uk to arrange a free, no-obligation discovery call and explore how we can create a home tailored to your needs now and for years to come.

throughout your life, it applies to all people of all ages but is of particular importance as we get older.

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 hub of quality and excellence in North Leeds. Established 33 years ago and now under Joanne’s ownership for over a decade, Elite Curtains prides itself on providing exceptional quality curtains and blinds.

Joanne’s journey into the curtain 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 over the existing 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 one imbued with quality and attention to detail.”

Customers consistently praise Joanne and her team for their exemplary customer service, competitive pricing, and attention to detail, making it the go-to destination for bespoke curtain and blind solutions. Free lining with every made-to-measure curtain order is just one

of the ways Elite Curtains ensures customers receive the best value.

Customisation is key. Whether it’s long drops, uniquely shaped windows, or intricate designs, the made-to-measure 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 a full measuring and fitting service, along with a range of poles and tracks. If a blind works better for your needs, there’s a full selection of wooden, perfect-fit, Venetian, and Roman blinds.

Additionally, the store offers motorised

blinds for the gadget lovers, these also come with timers giving security benefits, and blind screen blackout blinds for superior light-blocking solutions.

Keeping up with the latest trends in home decor, the shop provides cutting-edge contemporary or traditional designs, all using the finest fabrics and materials. With a free, no-obligation quote for every customer, Joanne ensures that you receive the best service and the most beautiful, finished products.

Incorporating the prestige of brands like Ashley Wilde including William Morris, Laura Ashley and Somfy motors, Elite Curtains is the ultimate destination for discerning homeowners and businesses seeking exquisite, bespoke curtains and blinds that elevate any space.

Pop into the shop today to discover your home’s new look!

Elite Curtains 226 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton 0113 237 0447

Elite-curtains.co.uk

Spring Homestyle Trends En Vogue

Find out what trends will be finding their way into our homes this spring from our interior experts.

Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to shake off the winter blues and give your home a fresh new vibe! Say goodbye to heavy blankets and dark colours – the magic of spring is all about light and airy spaces, playful patterns, and nature-inspired touches. Our design experts explore the hottest spring homestyle trends and help you sprinkle a few cheerful updates into your home.

Handmade delights

The design team at Denby Pottery expect to see a renewed appreciation for heritage in 2025: “As we move away from mass-produced products, traditional crafting methods like woodwork, pottery, and fibre arts are all set for a comeback.

“Evolving from the cottagecore aesthetic that dominated the early 2020s, this trend is partly driven by a growing awareness of sustainability, as well as a desire to revert back to tradition in today’s chaotic world. Handcrafted pieces will be sought after, from hand-carved wooden furniture to handwoven textiles and handmade pottery, as we increasingly value the artistry behind these timeless techniques. Heritage and artisan brands will be favoured as more shoppers opt to support local economies rather than buying internationally.”

Denbypottery.com

Perfect pastels

Incorporating pastel colours into your interiors is ideal for this time of year as they create a cheerful feeling of spring renewal, Adam Brown, Director of The Painted Furniture Company, tells us how you can do this: “From soft green to gentle yellow, pastel colours tone well with many other colours in the home and are a great way to refresh a tired room.

“Selecting furniture in these colours may seem like a bold statement however, the results can be stunning and a simple dresser, for example, painted in a pastel shade looks beautiful when set off against a crisp white wall. If preferred, the colour could be toned down with the addition of a wooden top for a homely feel. I think it’s important to have fun with your interiors and adding a pop of pastel pink in something small like a coffee table, or bedside tables can be just enough to make you smile as you enter the room. Try experimenting with cushions or bedding with touches of the same shade to complete the look.”

Paintedfurnitureco.co.uk

Little touches

Soft furnishings have a huge impact on the look and feel of a space; infusing a room with the vibrant hues of spring doesn’t always require a paintbrush! Design Manager at ILIV, Debbie Leigh, explains how the subtle artistry of fabrics will allow you to update any room: “Breathe new life into your décor with the simple addition of scatter cushions, throws, and window dressings. In the springtime opt for lively patterns, pastel tones, or floral motifs.

“Layer plains and patterns carefully; when using bold patterns on upholstery it is best to keep the cushions plain or go for a plain fabric for the upholstery and experiment with a mixture of colours and patterns on scatter cushions. When combining coordinating fabrics, it is best to work with three fabrics and the key is to vary the scale of the patterns. For example, if you pick a large-scale pattern as your main one, the second should be half the scale or size of the first, such as a large floral paired with a plaid or geometric pattern. The third can then be similar to the first two but using matching colours. When mixing two or three patterns it’s a good idea to also break them up with the clever use of plains either as plain cushions, trims, or borders.”

Iliv.co.uk

Dopamine dining

This trend is all about boosting your mood through your tableware colour choices, adopting for bright and cheerful colourways and patterns. The idea is that certain colours trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness.

Jo Deakin is an ex interior designer who has her own tableware brand and believes that spring is the perfect time to include beautiful and energising colours into your tableware décor: “Nothing says spring to me more than colour. As we emerge out of the brown and green palette of winter, I get so much pleasure and joy from seeing the long-awaited arrival of colour back in our lives! Whether that be the sky clearing, the white snow drops, the anticipation of paper white daffodils raising their trumpet heads, or – dare I say – even the pink blossom against a yellow sun!”

Jodeakin.co.uk

Let Spring In

Add a touch of the outdoors to your décor with our selection of nature-themed home interiors.

Ceramic flower bowl | £8.95

This ceramic flower bowl is a unique and striking addition to any spring-inspired interior, effortlessly bringing a touch of nature indoors. Its textured petal design and vibrant green glossy finish evoke the fresh beauty of blooming flowers, making it an eye-catching centrepiece for any room. Perfect for serving light snacks and nibbles at dinner parties or gatherings, it also doubles as a practical storage solution for jewellery, keys, or small accessories. Whether placed on a dining table, mantelpiece, or sideboard, this versatile bowl adds both style and functionality to your home, embracing the season’s vibrant spirit.

Rexlondon.com

Aubrey collection hand embroidered floral cushion | £34.99

Handmade in India, the Aubrey cushion is a stunning piece that brings warmth and elegance to any spring-inspired interior. Its terracotta orange hue, complemented by a beautifully intricate floral design, adds a vibrant pop of colour to your décor. The cushion is meticulously crafted with detailed zig-zag stitching, French knots, and satin stitch embroidery, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. The cotton slub base offers a natural texture that enhances its overall appeal, while the plain cotton duck reverse and removable, hand-washable cover ensure both practicality and style. This cushion is the perfect blend of artistry and functionality, ideal for adding a touch of nature and sophistication to your home this season. Daals.co.uk

Butterfly and blossom lamp | £165

This beautiful jar lamp is a charming addition to any home, featuring a delicate cream glaze adorned with intricate flower blossoms and fluttering butterflies. The base, set on a sleek wooden stand, adds a touch of natural elegance to the design. Complete with a luxurious silk shade, this lamp effortlessly combines beauty and functionality, making it a perfect accent for spring-inspired interiors. With a 60W max B22 bulb, it provides a warm and inviting glow, creating a soft, ambient light that enhances the natural beauty of your space. Shimu.com

Gold tree of life coat hook | £9.99

Add a touch of timeless charm to your hallway or entrance with this decorative gold tree of life coat hook. Crafted from solid metal, this traditional-style wall-mounted hook features a beautifully intricate tree of life design, finished in an antique gold shade. Ideal for adding style to retro, shabby chic, or vintage-inspired interiors, this functional yet elegant piece combines practicality with artistic flair. Easy to install with secure wall mounting, the hook makes a practical addition to any home while being a daily-use accessory. Homescapesonline.com

Nedin light green printed leaves curtains | £25

Bring a fresh, natural touch to your home with the Nedin light green printed leaves lined eyelet curtains. This elegant pair of curtains features a beautiful leaf print in soft green tones, perfect for adding a touch of nature to any room. The curtains come with a handy hemming kit, allowing for easy height adjustments using the iron-on hemming tape, offering a practical solution for a custom fit. Made from a durable blend of 52% polyester and 48% cotton, these curtains are resistant to rust, ensuring long-lasting use. The lined design enhances the vibrancy of the fabric, improves the drape, and adds a refined finish to your space. Diy.com

Garden Glow Up

Don’t overlook your garden when upgrading your home for spring! Check out some of the top investments to enhance your outdoor space and make entertaining more enjoyable than ever.

Paola 6 Burner outdoor kitchen with bar | £3,999

Cook and entertain in style with this contemporary style outdoor kitchen; part of the Paola Outdoor Kitchen range, it features wood-effect cabinets, a six-burner barbeque with hybrid cooking system, a steak shelf ceramic side burner, circular gastro griddle, and gas bottle storage. If you’re serious about cooking outdoors, the Paola outdoor kitchen will give you everything you need! The slatted aluminium worktop is super-practical – you can leave it outside all year round, and it’s maintenance-free. You can cook choose charcoal or gas each time, depending on the occasion. And with six burners there’s plenty of cooking space to create a barbecue feast for friends and family!

Atkinandthyme.co.uk

Astreea igloo plus garden dome with sliding door | from £2,799

Astreea’s modern garden dome has a 360-degree view which allows you an uninterrupted view while keeping cosy on colder summer evenings. The Astreea igloo max comes in four sizes and is made from Aerospace 6063 aluminium with a polycarbonate cover and sliding door panel and a locking system so you can create an outdoor living space that you can enjoy all year round. Whether you use it as a garden dining room, a summer house, or a playhouse for the kids, it’s sure to become a cherished part of your home.

Limelace.co.uk

Edda barrel sauna | from £2,449

What could be more luxurious than your own personal spa? Edda is a pleasant sauna barrel with smooth rounded shapes. Through the attractive glass door, a beautiful view of the surrounding nature opens up. The other walls are windowless, creating an intimate and serene feeling in the sauna and includes custom-fitted aspen benches with seating for three to four people. Not just for use in the colder months, a sauna offers the ideal refuge for the perfect way to relax and relieve stress and the appealing barrel design will mean it will look pride of place in any outdoor space.

Pollhus.co.uk

Dominic outdoor dining table | £11,809

This outdoor dining table effortlessly bridges indoor and outdoor living with its bold, oversized design. Constructed from durable engineered marine-grade hardwood, it features a premium solid teak veneer in a sophisticated willow finish. The split top showcases intricate joinery that creates a captivating puzzle-like effect, adding visual intrigue to its robust silhouette. An aged bronze stainless steel brace strikingly pierces each double leg, delivering a dramatic accent that enhances its modern appeal.

Sweetpeaandwillow.com

Sonos outdoor set | £1,598

You can’t entertain guests without music! Set your outdoor space up with a weatherproof sound system powered by Amp that includes two outdoor speakers and an amplifier, and enjoy full, detailed sound all year round. Stream from all your favourite services, and enjoy simple control with the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and more. Don’t let weather get in the way of the music! These speakers are engineered for humidity, water, salt spray, heat, UV rays, and freezing temperatures. You can also easily expand your system any time when you add Sonos products to rooms around your home and enjoy seamless indoor/outdoor listening. Sonos.com

Take the Floor

Spring has finally sprung and it’s a perfect time to start thinking about improving your home starting with 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 5 stars in Google Reviews and boasts over 700 reviews online.

Visitors can browse through the huge range of carpets and vinyl flooring on display across

samples for you to choose from in the comfort of your home 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

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 a free Choose at Home service where one of the team will measure and bring hundreds of carpet

selection of colours, patterns and materials, the popularity of greys and neutrals remain as high as ever. 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 style from its hundreds of samples, including beiges, greys and on taupes 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

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

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.

Spring Homestyle

Love Your Lock-Up

Transform your underused garage into a functional and stylish space with these innovative renovation ideas.

Garages are often underused spaces, and with a little imagination and effort, a garage can be transformed into a functional and stylish area that adds value to your home. Whether you want to create extra living space, a workspace, or simply refresh the look of your garage, there are several creative ways to renovate the space. Here are some out-of-the-box ideas for turning your garage into a place of purpose and aesthetic appeal.

Ultimate home office

In the age of remote working, many homeowners are looking for ways to establish a quiet, professional environment away from noisy kids or pets. Renovating your garage into a home office or creative studio could be the perfect solution.

By adding proper insulation and soundproofing, you can create a space that’s comfortable year-round. Installing large windows or a glass garage door can bring in natural light, making the space feel airy and open. If you need more privacy, consider incorporating movable partitions or custom shelving to divide the space.

For creatives, a studio space could be a painter’s haven, a pottery workshop, or even a photography studio with the addition of proper lighting and storage for materials. Use minimalistic furnishings, a sturdy workbench, and adjustable lighting to create an inspiring and efficient workspace.

Work out in style

Transforming a garage into a home gym is a popular renovation idea, but why not elevate it further? Think outside the conventional with a gym designed not just for weights and cardio but also for wellness. You could incorporate a

yoga or meditation area with soft flooring, mood lighting, and calming decor. For a more unique approach, consider adding a sauna or steam room as part of your gym setup, which could help create a luxurious retreat right in your own home.

You could even introduce a rock-climbing wall if you’re feeling adventurous and want to get fit in a fun way (and be the envy of your neighbours). This idea combines fitness with adventure, encouraging you to exercise in a dynamic and exciting manner.

Retro entertainment haven

For a truly distinctive garage transformation, turn it into a nostalgic entertainment space. Create a retro-inspired games room with a mix of vintage arcade games, a pinball machine, and old-school consoles for gaming. To enhance the vibe, use bold colours and quirky furniture, such as bean bags, neon signs, and retro floor tiles.

Alternatively, set up a home cinema in your garage. By installing a projector, blackout curtains, and comfortable seating, you can design a cinema-quality experience right at home. Add a popcorn machine and a mini bar to make the space feel like a real cinema, providing an entertainment hub for family movie nights or casual gatherings with friends.

Indoor garden retreat

For those who love the idea of bringing the outdoors in, an eco-friendly garden retreat could be an ideal use for your garage space. With the rise in sustainability and eco-conscious living, this renovation idea offers a creative way to blend nature with functionality.

You could install vertical gardens along the walls to grow herbs, vegetables, or climbing

plants. Consider incorporating natural materials like reclaimed wood for furniture and flooring, and use energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, to reduce your carbon footprint. To really bring the outdoors in, create a living green wall or a skylight to let in natural light and fresh air. Add comfy seating and a small fountain to bring tranquillity to the space.

Wine haven

Creating a wine cellar or tasting room can elevate your home and provide a unique space for wine lovers. Start with proper insulation to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels for wine storage. You can install custom shelving or wine racks to hold your collection, alongside a wine fridge for optimal preservation.

Design the space to resemble an old-world cellar with exposed brick, dim lighting, and rustic wood finishes. Add a tasting table, stools, and even a wine bar area for a more interactive experience. This space could be perfect for entertaining guests, hosting wine-tasting events or simply unwinding with a glass of wine at the end of the day.

DIY dream

For those with a love for building, crafting, or restoring, turning your garage into a fullyequipped workshop can be a dream come true. Installing heavy-duty workbenches, pegboards for tools, and storage solutions can help create an organised and efficient space for DIY projects.

You could also consider adding an industrial touch with polished concrete floors, steel shelves, and an overhead lighting system for precision tasks. To make the space even more unique, incorporate upcycled materials to build furniture or decor items, giving the workshop a personal and sustainable flair.

Spring into Spring

Bring the light of spring into your home this season with our picks of some of the best luxurious home accessories to blow those winter blues away!

White rose and dahlia spring wreath | Dibor | £75

A decorative wreath is the perfect addition to any décor, inside or out – any time of year! Dibor has a range of stunning spring wreaths, but we particularly love this white rose and dahlia one because of its neutral colour palette that will fit in with any home’s style. Pure white dahlias and roses all rest on a bed of lush green leaves and subtle sprigs of gypsophilia and ferns form this gorgeous decorative display. Its soft white colours can make any space feel light and airy, adding a touch of elegance to the front door or the dining room table when used as a centrepiece. The recycled materials of plastic and polyester make this wreath a permanent, eco-friendly display that can be used year after year.

Dibor.co.uk

Striped merino and cashmere throw | The Stripes Company | £125

It might be spring, but that doesn’t mean that the weather is going to be on our side; this is the UK after all! For those colder nights, a brightly coloured throw is the perfect spring addition to your home as it will bring a pop of colour to your space while also being functional. This throw from The Stripes Company is as luxurious as it gets, exceptional quality made in Ireland with eye-catching tactile pastel stripes of pale blue, pinks, greens, and lavender edged with beautiful woven coloured fringed tassels on both ends.

Thestripescompany.com

Jakarta plant stands | Escapology | £115

One of the best ways to incorporate the season into your home is to bring the outside in; plants are an effortless way to transform a space without needing to redecorate and with so many varieties available, you can let your creativity go wild – literally! These plant stands by Escapology are the perfect way to display your plants in style. Skilfully made of high-quality wicker, each stand features a sturdy three-legged base and a spacious top, making them perfect for holding a wide variety of plants. The classic design means they’ll add a touch of elegance to any room. Escapologyhome.co.uk

Tall

yellow hand-blown vase |

Casa by JJ | £181

Another way to bring in the spring is through flowers, and what better way to display them than in this vibrant vase that will bring a burst of sunshine into your space. Ready to brighten up any room, the cheerful yellow hue is like a ray of light and adds a pop of spring positivity to your décor. If flowers aren’t your thing, it won’t look out of place as a standalone statement piece. The glass vase is hand-blown and crafted with care by Casa by JJ’s skilled artisan partners and is made to last with its high-quality materials and is designed with durability in mind.

Casabyjj.com

Signature linen blend bundle | Piglet in Bed | from £189

When you’re saying farewell to winter by ditching your warm duvet for something a little lighter, switching up your bed linen to cotton or linen is also ideal for this time of year as they’re naturally temperature regulating. The signature linen blend bundle from Piglet in Bed is available to be customised to whatever your style and can include a duvet cover, pillowcases, sheets, and extras! Stay classic with a crisp white set that will brighten up your bedroom or inject a bit of colour to your space with the pastel gingham shades that are available. Made from the highest-quality fibres, the breathable fabric combines the effortless look of linen with the softness of cotton and is free from harmful chemicals and dyes.

Pigletinbed.com

With Gary Don,

your antiques expert and Auctioneer

On the whole I like the internet and it is more of an advantage to me than the frustrating things that drive me mad! Every day people point out to me the value of their items. They are convinced they are worth a certain price as they have seen them advertised on popular websites. I explain that if they were priced correctly someone would already have bought them, and the internet is full of hopeful sellers asking overexaggerated prices

On the other hand, I couldn’t live without the internet as it enables me to be on the same playing field as every other auction room in the world. I can sell a

With Mark Manning, Managing Director of Manning Stainton

The beginning of 2025 has seen a lot of activity in the property market, as buyers and sellers rushed to close deals before the Stamp Duty deadline. Now that this rush is behind us, it’s a good moment to pause and reflect on what’s happened so far and what we might expect in the coming months.

At the start of the year, marginally fewer properties were being listed on the market compared to this time last year. Despite this, the number of properties sold was up roughly 10%, demonstrating the increased appetite of buyers. Buyers have had to act quickly to secure property given the competitive market.

With more buyers than available homes,

The Internet and My Business ANTIQUES

Rembrandt painting in Leeds for as much as it would sell in New York or anywhere else, as due to the worldwide web I am able to reach over two million collectors in 110 countries. We now sell large tea and dinner services to the Philippines and South Korea, jewellery to Australia and New Zealand, oriental items to China and collectables all over the world!

Another thing the internet has done recently is to set up sites where people can trace their families, especially wartime experiences. All World War I medals are named with the recipient and their regiments and now their activities can be traced through these websites. The result

has been that our militaria and wartime collectables auctions are a very popular section of our business. Unfortunately there has been a recent announcement that Royal Mail, couriers, and transport companies will no longer be carrying any bladed weapons so this may affect the value of antique swords and bayonets.

The internet has now become part of our lives and we have learned to live with it. In many cases it is difficult to live without it!

Garydon.co.uk

Pause to Reflect

prices naturally have started to rise. There was a notable increase in asking prices, particularly in the mid-to-upper segments of the market. This rise was driven in large part by buyers who had been waiting on the sidelines for the right moment to jump in. These buyers are now more active, and this has helped fuel the overall price growth. Different sources report varying figures, but the general trend is clear: house prices have been on the up. Now that the Stamp Duty deadline has passed and the initial rush has subsided, we might see the market slow down slightly. However, with fewer homes available and many buyers still on the lookout for their next property, it’s likely

prices will continue to rise, though perhaps at a slower pace.

Looking ahead, the market will likely stay competitive, but how quickly prices rise could depend on how many homes are listed and whether buyer demand remains strong. For now, we can expect prices to keep edging upward as the year progresses.

Manningstainton.co.uk

Dream Big

Dream Doors

Harrogate is your one stop shop for kitchen and appliances.

Since being founded in 1999, Dream Doors has been a leading name in kitchen transformations, helping homeowners with inspirational kitchen makeovers that create both stylish and functional spaces. Over the years, the company has kept pace with the evolving trends in kitchen design and offers the latest high-quality doors, drawers, worktops, and appliances. As most homeowners only replace their kitchens a handful of times in their lives, Dream Doors understands the importance of delivering long-lasting, tailored solutions that suit you. Its continued success and growth are a testament to its commitment to

excellence and customer satisfaction.

The company has earned an award-winning reputation for providing top-notch service at every stage – from design to delivery. Its kitchen fitters are employed by the Harrogate showroom, and it works exclusively with trusted contractors who have been part of the Dream Doors Harrogate team since the beginning. This ensures a seamless and professional kitchen installation process, with the highest standard of craftsmanship guaranteed. Dream Doors Harrogate proudly serves all North Leeds and

LS17, meaning your dream kitchen is only a step away, with expert advice and support available at every point of the process.

Whether you favour a traditional, timeless kitchen with soft creams and natural wood elements, or a sleek, modern look with bold

monochrome tones, the business offers an extensive range of fitted kitchens that will suit every taste. The bespoke, made-to-measure service ensures your kitchen is unique to you, perfectly customised to fit your space and reflect your personal style. Dream Doors understands that the kitchen is the heart of the home – a place to cook, entertain, and make lasting memories. With the team’s help, you can transform your kitchen into the ideal space where you and your loved ones can enjoy both functionality and beauty.

For those who don’t need a full renovation but still want a fresh new look, a cost-effective solution is available. You can update your kitchen by replacing cupboard doors, worktops, and appliances at a fraction of the cost of a full kitchen remodel. This option provides the perfect balance of quality, convenience, and

savings and can be completed in a matter of days. Working with top of the range brands such as Neff, Bosch, and Samsung, Dream Doors ensures your kitchen refresh includes durable, high-performance appliances that will complement any style, whether contemporary or classic.

In addition to the immediate benefits of a kitchen refresh, the business also offers reduced waste and shorter installation times compared to a full remodel. The team’s focus on efficiency and sustainability ensures that your new kitchen is both environmentally friendly and budget

friendly. Whether you’re renovating entirely or just upgrading specific elements, Dream Doors Harrogate guarantees that your kitchen will be a place you love to spend time in for years to come.

If you want to create a brand-new space or simply just breathe some new life into your existing one, get in touch with Dream Doors Harrogate today to find your perfect kitchen solution. Dreamdoors.co.uk | 01423 881 177

We check in with Naomi Cohen and Catherine Taylor, members of Alwoodley 2023, to find out about “Climate Fatigue” and their personal strategies for staying motivated in the face of overwhelming environmental challenges.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, yet for many, it is also one of the most overwhelming. The enormity of the problem, compounded by the slow pace of governmental action, has led to a phenomenon known as “climate fatigue.” This term describes the emotional and mental exhaustion many feel when faced with the constant barrage of alarming news, the complexity of solutions, and the perceived lack of progress. To explore this, we spoke to Naomi Cohen and Catherine Taylor, two passionate members of Alwoodley 2030, a local environmental group. Their experiences and perspectives offer valuable insights into how individuals can manage climate fatigue while remaining actively engaged in positive change.

Naomi defines climate fatigue as “getting overwhelmed, saddened, confused, and despondent with how we can make a difference to the bigger picture of climate change.” She acknowledges how easy it is to feel disheartened by the overwhelming scale of the issue, making it difficult to see how individual efforts can contribute meaningfully.

It can also lead to a “general lethargy or exhaustion with the topic,” resulting in burnout, lack of action, or even outright dismissal of the issue;” adds Catherine. She is particularly frustrated by the lack of genuine action from governments: “The climate

fatigue I see and feel... is with the councils and governments, nationally and internationally, who constantly dismiss it or suggest they’re doing something, but in reality, they’re doing nothing, basically greenwashing as it’s known.”

Naomi believes climate fatigue is not limited to any particular age group, although she has been “surprised at how little Gen Z care about climate change.” The sheer scale of the crisis makes it difficult for younger people to take action, despite being the generation most affected by its consequences.

For Catherine, she sees climate fatigue most acutely among “children and students and those active people who are very aware of it and are probably doing something positive to protect their climate.” She also observes that “a lot of the groups I am part of are predominantly white, middle-class people who can afford to give time to this issue,” noting that eco-friendly living often requires resources and time, which can create barriers for those from different backgrounds.

Naomi believes that being part of a group has helped to fight the feeling of climate fatigue, and by concentrating on smaller, tangible actions, she has found a way to stay connected without feeling overwhelmed. “Being involved with Alwoodley 2030 has helped me feel I’m doing my bit, however small it is. Instead of feeling responsible for too many aspects of climate change, I’ve just decided to concentrate on doing little steps that I want to do, is within my capacity and that I feel happy doing. There are other people who are better at dealing with the bigger picture. This way I’m involved and content.”

Catherine, however, is more candid about her struggles: “Sometimes it’s hard to make

the right choices,” she admits, mentioning the challenges of choosing more sustainable options in her everyday life, such as supporting local businesses or avoiding flying. She finds solace in spending time outdoors: “Just being outside makes me happy,” she says. Whether it’s working on her allotment or walking in local woods like Adel Woods, nature provides her with a sense of peace and relief from the fatigue. Additionally, she remains actively involved in community projects through Alwoodley 2030, finding energy in the positive change these efforts create: “We’ve got tree planting, local apple juicing, and a whole host of initiatives that help to keep the momentum going.”

Both Naomi and Catherine’s experiences reflect the importance of community, small actions, and focusing on what is within one’s control as key strategies for tackling climate fatigue. Their stories also highlight the ongoing need for governments to take meaningful, immediate action to address the climate crisis, as well as the value of local environmental groups in helping individuals stay motivated and optimistic about the future. As Catherine puts it: “I just keep doing what I’m doing... I like to feel I’ve had a good try!”

Alwoodley2030.org

NAOMI COHEN AND HER DAUGHTER LEANNA MANNING THE ALWOODLEY 2030 STALL AT THE ACA ON THE AVENUE.

CATHERINE TAYLOR ATTENDING TO COP 26 AS AN ACTIVIST.

Tool Tips

DUA200

18V LXT brushless pole saw | £195

The DUA200 18V LXT Brushless Pole Saw from Makita is the perfect tool to tackle your spring garden work with ease. With a 200mm cutting width, a reach of up to 2.5 metres, and a lightweight design, it provides effortless access and precision for pruning high branches and trimming foliage.

The pole saw delivers a chain speed of 6.7m/s, ensuring smooth and efficient cutting through a variety of garden materials. Extending from 1.6 metres to 2.5 metres when fully assembled, the tool allows you to comfortably reach even the tallest branches, while the lightweight head and Torque Boost Mode provide extra power to cut through thicker branches with ease. This makes it an ideal companion for springtime gardening tasks like trimming overgrown trees and maintaining hedges.

Tools4trade.co.uk

Cordless multi tool with carry case | £39.99

Looking for a versatile rotary tool that can cut, sand, grind, polish, and even engrave? This powerful cordless multi-tool is all you need for your home DIY projects. With five speed settings ranging from 5,000 to 25,000 RPM, this rotary multi-tool gives you complete control. Slow it down for polishing or engraving delicate surfaces, or ramp it up to full speed for cutting, grinding, and sanding tougher materials. This multi-tool comes with a wide range of attachments for all your needs, including HSS cutters, sanding bands, grinding wheels, and more. Whether you’re using it as a mini drill, mini sander, or mini polisher, you’ll always have the right accessory for the job. Switching accessories is a breeze with the spindle lock button, and everything can be neatly stored in the included blowmoulded carry case.

Vonhaus.com

Titan electric circular saw 240v | £39.99

This robust 165mm circular saw delivers precise and powerful cuts, making it an excellent choice for all your DIY home projects. Featuring a laser cutting guide, it ensures added accuracy for each cut. The 24-tooth blade is dipped in tungsten carbide, providing durability and longevity, while the rubber-coated grip ensures comfortable use, even during extended jobs. With a 1200W motor, this saw offers ample power for tough cuts, and a maximum cut depth of 55mm, making it versatile enough for a wide range of materials. The 24-tooth TCT blade is included, ideal for delivering clean, sharp cuts, while the trigger switch and spindle lock make the saw easy to use and ensure safe blade changes. A parallel fence allows for precise, straight cuts every time, and the hard start feature ensures smooth, controlled start-up, reducing strain on the motor. This circular saw is designed to be a reliable, powerful tool for your home improvement projects, delivering both accuracy and comfort. Screwfix.com

Bosch corded angle grinder UniversalGrind 750-115 | £44

The angle grinder is a highly manageable tool, perfect for making quick progress on DIY jobs. It is designed for grinding, cutting, and brushing tasks on a variety of materials, including metal, stone, concrete blocks, and tiles. With a robust 750W motor, it is well-suited for handling medium-sized DIY projects. The ergonomic design, slim housing, and low vibration ensure comfortable use, even during extended periods of work. Additionally, the quick-adjust guard helps to control sparks during operation, making it safer and more efficient to use.

Diy.com

Jobsite radio GPB 18VH-6 SRC | £536.26

Turning up the tunes is essential for any project! The GPB 18VH-6 SRC radio from Bosch is not just ideal for the jobsite, but also a great companion for DIY enthusiasts working on home projects. For added convenience, the battery packs can be charged while the radio is running using the supplied power cable, and the new battery exchange mechanism simplifies switching out packs. The robust protective frame ensures the radio can withstand tough conditions, whether you’re in the garden, garage, or any DIY workspace. Plus, it can be stacked with an L-Boxx coupling latch and carried alongside other tools, making it easier to transport. And, there’s even a bottle opener on the back, perfect for relaxing after a hard day’s work.

Bosch-professional.com

Become a DIY master with our guide to the top tools on the market, and get those long-delayed projects off your to-do list.

Clocking On

Establishing itself as a lively and vibrant neighbourhood over the years, Oakwood is an exciting part of Leeds that offers a host of food, drink, and services.

Home to an impressive selection of cafes, restaurants, services, and independent shops, Oakwood is a fantastic place for residents and visitors alike and has become a sought-after location, particularly for families looking for a welcoming place to live.

The Oakwood Clock, the ticking heart of the community, was built in 1904, and was originally intended to stand in Kirkgate Market. The clock was designed and built by the well-known clockmaker Pots of Leeds as Leeds had been granted city status in 1893, and the new city council were anxious to ensure that the market was up to scratch. Changes to the market’s design meant the clock no longer fit the architectural style so in 1912 it was moved to its new home where it’s stood proudly ever since.

Oakwood Farmers’ Market+ is a particular highlight of the area’s calendar, running on the third Saturday morning of the month from 9am to 12.30pm at the Oakwood Clock. Operated by Roundhay Environmental Action Project (REAP), the market is run entirely by volunteers and gives visitors the chance to sample produce from award-winning farmers and producers from the local area. The + in the name signifies the market’s focus on sustainability – it’s a plastic bag free zone and the food and produce has mostly travelled less than 30 miles.

Never ones to shy away from the upkeep of the fantastic community, REAP is also restoring

a half-acre apple orchard on Elmete Lane that was left overgrown and hidden by bramble for many years. Local volunteers are involved in restorative pruning, blossom days, keeping weeds and bramble at bay, and harvesting and juicing the lovely apples in the autumn. The orchard will be open to visitors for Roundhay Open Gardens in the afternoon of 22nd June.

Friends of Roundhay Park (FoRP) are another community group coming together

to maintain the area. FoRP holds general gardening activities within Roundhay Park and meet on the second Saturday and fourth Thursday of every month throughout the year. All you need is a sturdy pair of shoes; FoRP provides gloves and all the appropriate equipment for that day’s task. There’s also monthly litter picking sessions held on the first Monday of the month. Little ones don’t need to miss out either, FoRP runs weekly forest school sessions on Thursday mornings.

Whether it’s a coffee and a cake, a night out, a treatment or even advice for your next house move or holiday, your time in Oakwood will be well spent.

Stay 7 nights from £4,995 per person in a Beach Pool Villa at Alila Kothaifaru, Maldives on a complimentary half board basis including roundtrip transfers and return flights from Manchester with Etihad Airways.

Save up to 25% on the room rates, complimentary half board, cake, bed decoration, a bottle of sparkling wine and complimentary upgrade to next category subject to availability on arrival.

The price is based on double occupancy and applicable for booking confirmed by when booking 60 days prior to arrival for stays between 26 April – 25 December 2025.

Keep Localit

Oakwood Solicitors

Established in 2001, Oakwood Solicitors has evolved from a local firm specialising in personal injury claims to a well-respected multi-service law firm in North Leeds. Based in the vibrant Oakwood community, the firm is proud to serve clients both locally and nationwide. Oakwood Solicitors is known for its client-first approach, delivering personalised legal services across a range of areas. The team is led by Solicitor and Managing Director Abbie Keech and features a supportive, female-led environment, fostering a family-like atmosphere. The firm’s commitment to client care has made it the solicitor of choice in Leeds.

Now an award-winning law firm, offering comprehensive legal services for both personal and business matters, its dedicated team provides tailored solutions, ensuring clients receive the best possible legal support.

Oakwoodsolicitors.co.uk

Ottimo Pizza

Known for its authentic Italian flavours, premium Yorkshire ingredients and a dedication to quality, Oakwood’s favourite pizzeria celebrates its second year in business and has already become a local staple.

Co-founded by Paul Bolster and Nick Julian in March 2024, Ottimo has gained a loyal following and widespread acclaim, praised by both customers and the press for their commitment to local and their finely tuned preparation process. 48-hour fermented dough, made from a premium blend of British and Italian flours, is cooked to perfection in a state-of-the-art Gozney oven using sustainably sourced Yorkshire wood.

The menu showcases classic pizzas and Ottimo’s own distinctive selection, as well as a choice of 15 contemporary Yorkshire/Italian starters, sides, and salads. Theres a wide choice of vegan and vegetarian options to choose from as well as a carefully curated drinks menu featuring award-winning wines and gins.

“It’s been a fantastic first year and we’ve been overwhelmed by the community’s support,” says Ottimo Pizza co-founder Nick Julian. “Our goal has always been to bring people together over great food and it’s been incredible to see Ottimo become such a key part of Oakwood” added Paul Bolster.

The restaurant is doggy-friendly and hosts the Ottimo Bottomless Brunch every Saturday.

Find out more here: Ottimo.pizza

Tasty Kitchen & Coffee: A Local Favourite in Oakwood

For over 14 years, Tasty Kitchen & Coffee has been a cherished part of Oakwood’s food scene. Owned and run by husband-and-wife team Paul and Rebecca Bolster, this independent café is built on a simple philosophy – if it’s on the menu, it has to taste great.

From hearty breakfasts to satisfying brunch and lunch options, there’s something for everyone. Their delicious cakes and pastries are a must-try, alongside a diverse selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes to suit all tastes.

Enjoy a cup of their signature house-blend coffee, a refreshing homemade milkshake, or a nourishing smoothie. With a menu that’s constantly evolving with exciting new additions, there’s always something fresh to discover.

Planning a special occasion or business event? Tasty also offers bespoke catering to make every gathering extra special.

Find out more at Tastyleeds.com.

0113 345 6319

Bengal Brasserie

Bengal Brasserie in Oakwood offers a delightful selection of authentic Indian dishes, bringing the best of Bengal’s culinary traditions to your table. The restaurant prides itself on quality ingredients and exceptional flavours, making it a favourite among local food lovers. For JLife readers, Bengal Brasserie has an exclusive offer: just quote JLApril and receive 15% off food and drink Sunday to Thursday, valid un 31st May 2025. Whether you’re craving a flavourful curry and a memorable culinary experience, Bengal Brasserie guarantees a satisfying and delicious dining experience.

Bengalbrasserieoakwood.co.uk

OAKWOOD GONE BY – BY STEVEN VERB

ALL PHOTOS: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

OSCAR POPPLEWELL CELEBRATED HIS BAR MITZVAH IN FEBRUARY AT BHH SYNAGOGUE FOLLOWED BY A PARTY AT THE ENGINE SHED IN WETHERBY.

THE FESTIVITIES.

PARTY WAS A FUN-FILLED EVENING WITH A LEEDS UNITED THEME AND PERFORMANCES FROM DANCE

PARENTS CARLY AND MARK, AND LITTLE SISTER LOIS JOINED IN

THE

MOB AND MAGICIAN OLIVER PARKER!

MARTHA WILCOCK HAD HER BAT MITZVAH AT UHC SYNAGOGUE IN MARCH FOLLOWED BY A PARTY AT HOME.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY WERE TREATED TO A GREAT NIGHT OF SINGING, DANCING, AND MUSIC.

THERE WAS EVEN A SET ON THE SAXOPHONE BY MARTHA’S DAD STEPHEN!

TeaTime

In honour of National Tea Day we take a look at how the nation’s favourite beverage came to the UK, and find out what creates a superior brew.

Every year on 21st April, tea lovers across the UK come together to celebrate National Tea Day, a special occasion dedicated to the nation’s favourite drink. While the significance of this day extends beyond just a cup of tea, it is a chance to appreciate the ritual, history, and impact that tea has had on British culture. Whether you prefer your tea with milk, a slice of lemon, or just a simple brew, National Tea Day provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy and share the humble, yet beloved, cup of tea.

The history of National Tea Day National Tea Day was first established in 2016, but tea’s history in Britain stretches back much further. Tea was first introduced to the UK

A Proper Brew!

1. Use fresh water: The quality of the water used can greatly affect the taste of your tea. Always use fresh, cold water and avoid using water that has been sitting in the kettle for too long.

2. Right temperature: Different types of tea require different brewing temperatures. For black tea, aim for water that has reached a rolling boil (100°C). For green tea, a slightly cooler temperature of around 75 to 85°C is

in the 17th century, with the first recorded instance of tea being served in England taking place in 1657. However, it was not until the 18th century that tea became a common beverage in British households. Initially, it was enjoyed by the elite, but by the early 19th century, tea was firmly entrenched in the everyday lives of the British people.

The British East India Company played a significant role in popularising tea in the UK (and opium in China, among other dark deeds). The company was responsible for importing vast quantities of tea from China and India, and by the 19th century, it had become a staple in British homes.

As time passed, tea became an essential part

best, as boiling water can result in a bitter taste.

3. Steep for the right time: Over-steeping tea can lead to bitterness. A general rule of thumb is three to four minutes for black tea and two to three minutes for green tea. For herbal teas, steep for about five minutes or longer, depending on your taste preference.

4. Proper teapot or mug: If you’re brewing loose-leaf tea, using a teapot ensures the leaves have enough room to unfurl, resulting in a more flavourful cup. For tea bags, a mug will do just fine, but pre-warming it ensures the tea stays at the ideal temperature while it steeps.

5. Don’t squeeze: While it’s tempting to squeeze a tea bag against the mug to avoid dripping, doing this actually releases tannic acid into your brew, creating a more bitter and acidic flavour.

Leeds boasts a thriving independent tea shop scene. Local tea specialists offer a wide range of loose-leaf teas, from classic English Breakfast blends to more exotic infusions. These businesses are helping to foster a greater

of British life, transcending social classes. Today, it is ingrained in our culture, with many people enjoying a cup of tea at various times of the day – whether it’s a morning wake-up brew or a comforting evening ritual.

National Tea Day serves as a reminder of tea’s significant place in British society and culture, and of course, here in Yorkshire we love a good brew. The day encourages people to reflect on the origins of their favourite tea blends and to consider the many ways tea has influenced everything from social gatherings to trade and colonial history.

appreciation for the diverse world of tea, offering consumers an opportunity to explore different blends and find their perfect cup. Check out Bird & Blend, Whittards, or Teapot – Tea or Coffee, if you’re looking to expand your tea selection.

Whether you’re making the perfect brew at home or enjoying a traditional afternoon tea in Leeds, National Tea Day provides the perfect occasion to savour the flavours, history, and ritual of tea. So, put the kettle on, take a moment to reflect on the tradition, and raise your cup to celebrate the humble tea.

Cheers to That

Tom Collins

It’s

World Cocktail Day on 13th May; find out origin stories of some of the world’s most well-loved drinks as well as fun recipe twists on the classics! !

There are a couple of different stories surrounding the origin and popularity surge of the Tom Collins; the first one being that it was created by a man named John Collins – head waiter at Limmer’s Old House in Mayfair – who is credited with the creation of his namesake drink as early as the 1860s. However, we love the so-called Tom Collins hoax of 1874 for its spike in popularity. People in New York would convince others that a mysterious, non-existent ‘Tom Collins’ was talking about them behind their back, causing them to head off to find the mysterious man. It’s said that a bartender caught on to this hoax and named after the imaginary character so that if anyone came rushing into his bar seeking revenge and asking for Tom Collins, would unknowingly have ordered a gin drink instead.

Ingredients

• 50ml gin

• 25ml lemon juice

• 25ml simple syrup

• Sparkling top of your choice

• Lemon for garnish

Method

1. In a shaker, add the gin, lemon juice, and syrup.

2. Fill with cubed ice and seal.

3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.

4. Strain into a Collins glass filled with cubed ice.

5. Top with soda water and garnish with lemon wedge or twist.

The twist: Rhubarb and custard Collins

In the shaker, along with your gin and lemon, add 20ml of vanilla syrup. Top with rhubarb cider or flavoured sparkling water for a tasty, nostalgia-filled rhubarb and custard themed Tom Collins.

Mojito

Legend has it that we have English explorer and privateer, Sir Francis Drake, to thank for the invention of the mojito; when an epidemic of scurvy broke out aboard his ship, he found a cure in Cuba. The recipe that staved off the illness was very similar to what we know today as the mojito. It’s widely believed to have originated during the 16th century and its earliest form was known as El Draque, supposedly named after Francis Drake himself.

Ingredients

• 5 mint leaves, more for garnish

• 60ml white rum

• 30ml fresh lime juice

• 15ml simple syrup

• Sparkling water

• Lime slices, for garnish

The twist: blueberry mojito

Method

1. Lightly muddle the mint in the bottom of a cocktail shaker until aromatic.

2. Add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, a handful of ice and shake.

3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.

4. Top with a splash of sparkling water and garnish with lime slices and more mint.

Add a handful of blueberries to your minty muddle mixture and incorporate 15ml of blueberry liqueur to the shaker to create a subtle, sweet, and delicately delicious twist on this classic.

Shirley Temple

Perhaps one of the most famous mocktails in history, the Shirley Temple was created at Chasen’s restaurant in Beverley Hills in the 1930s. When famous child actor Shirley Temple was celebrating her birthday at Chasen’s with her parents and friends, she wanted a fancy drink like the ones the adults were enjoying. Upon seeing this, the head bartender concocted a non-alcoholic creation: a sweet combination of ginger ale and grenadine, adorned with the all-important maraschino cherry. The actress was served this drink frequently throughout her life, regardless of her personal dislike for it; it’s said that she found the drink overly sweet and labelled it as a “saccharine sweet, icky drink”.

Ingredients

• 150ml ginger ale

• 25ml lime juice

• 15ml grenadine

• 1 maraschino cherry for garnish

The twist: Tropical Shirley

Method

1. Lightly muddle the mint in the bottom of a cocktail shaker until aromatic.

2. Add the rum, lime juice, simple syrup, a handful of ice and shake.

3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.

4. Top with a splash of sparkling water and garnish with lime slices and more mint.

Transport yourself to a sunny beach with this tropical variation; substitute ginger ale with pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut cream. Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

Big Days

Our community will host a series of significant events to mark important dates in the Jewish calendar in April, Yom Ha’atzmaut, Yom HaShoah, and Yom HaZikaron. Each event provides an opportunity for the local community to come together with different emotions, mourning the fallen, reflecting on history, and celebrating Israel. Here’s a rundown of the key dates and events:

Yom HaShoah

Commemoration | 23rd April, 7pm | North Leeds

On the evening of 23rd April, the community will gather in North Leeds to observe Yom HaShoah, a solemn occasion dedicated to the remembrance of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. The event will provide an opportunity for reflection, and we encourage attendees to join in this important moment of remembrance.

Pre-Yom HaZikaron Event | Sunday 27th April, 7pm | North Leeds

This special event will be hosted on 27th April in North Leeds, as we welcome a guest speaker from Kibbutz Be’eri in Israel. The event will delve into the significance of Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, and will provide a personal connection to the Israeli community.

UJIA is hosting this event on the 27th to welcome the speaker from Israel. Memorial candles will be provided for guests to light on the evening of 29th April.

LJOY Yom Ha’atzmaut Event| 4th May | Location and Time TBC

A fun and engaging event aimed at high schoolers, this Yom Ha’atzmaut event promises to be a fun and wacky gathering with plenty of food, conversation, and celebration. The event will include a Q&A session with former IDF personnel, offering a unique perspective on Israel’s history and the challenges faced by its military.

The details and exact location are still to be confirmed, so keep an eye out for further information at Bhhs.co.uk/bhh-youth/ljoy

Yom HaZikaron Service & Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration | 30th April | North Leeds

On the evening of 30th April, UJIA will host a combined service for Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. The Yom HaZikaron service will take place at 6pm, providing a poignant moment of remembrance for Israel’s fallen soldiers. This will be followed by a joyful Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration at 7pm, where the community will come together to celebrate Israel’s independence and its many achievements.

For more details and to stay up to date with event information, please contact Alexa Harris at alexa.harris@ujia.org or Susie Gordon at susie@ljrc.org.

Clear your calendar for this year’s events commemorating the Yoms, taking place throughout April.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS

The Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) hosted its Celebrating Volunteering Awards, recognising two Leeds winners.

The Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) recently hosted its largest-ever Celebrating Volunteering Awards. With 350 guests, 105 award submissions, and representation from 53 charities, this year’s event was a record-breaking celebration – an 18% rise in nominations and a 50% increase in participating charities compared to 2023.

The awards also marked 18 years since JVN’s founding. In Hebrew, the number 18 symbolises ‘Chai,’ meaning life – a fitting tribute to JVN’s work in bringing volunteering to life for individuals and communities. This theme, ‘Volunteering Brought to Life,’ was beautifully captured in a new film by BBC director David Coleman, premiered during the event.

Distinguished speakers included JVN Chairman Daniel Levy, who shared a personal letters from the King’s private secretary and President of Israel Isaac Herzog, alongside JLC Chair Keith Black and JVN co-founder Susan Winton. Community compère Nigel Rothband ensured the afternoon flowed smoothly, blending moments of inspiration with celebration.

The awards recognised exceptional contributions across four categories: Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Young

Adult Volunteer of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Each category showcased the extraordinary dedication and talent within the volunteering community, honouring individuals and teams who make a lasting impact.

Nicky Goldman, JVN’s Chief Executive, commented: “It was heartwarming and inspiring to celebrate the incredible contributions of volunteers at the JVN Awards. As we mark JVN’s 18th year, it’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve come since Judy Citron z”l and Susan Wint on first envisioned JVN around Judy’s kitchen table.

“The event brought together winners and charities from across the Jewish community and beyond, showcasing the power of volunteering to transform lives. With 47% of Jewish adults more likely to volunteer monthly, far above the national average of 33%, our community is leading the way in giving back.

“We encouraged everyone to inspire one friend or family member to try volunteering in 2025 and help grow this remarkable movement. Thank you to the charities and volunteers who make this all possible – your dedication to volunteering is the true heart of JVN.

“We were also proud to welcome charities and volunteers from across the country.”

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Rebecca Mickler from JVN Manchester: “It was lovely to see more than ever charities outside of London joining our Volunteering Awards to shine a spotlight on the amazing work their volunteers bring to their organisations. Nominations were made by Jewish Care Scotland, Northern Holocaust Education Group, Magen David Adom, Keren Girls, All Aboard Prestwich Shop and Leeds Jewish Welfare Board. Congratulations to all of the volunteer winners and thank you for the dedicated work you do across our regions here in the North.”

Winners from outside of London included:

• Leeds Jewish Welfare Board – Roselyn Manning – for Lifetime Achievement Award

• Magen David Adom UK – Alex Ullmann from Leeds – for Volunteer of the Year

An independent judging panel, headed by Dame Mary Marsh, studied each nomination submission individually and chose the outstanding winners from each category.

With its record-breaking achievements and inspiring stories, the 2024 JVN Celebrating Volunteering Awards underscored the enduring power of volunteering and its ability to bring communities together.

If anyone would like to find a volunteering role in 2025, visit Jvn.org.uk or contact Rebecca at manchester@jvn.org.uk

EVENTS Save the Date

It’s all going on in Leeds! Take a look at our picks around the city in April and May.

Leeds Indie Market | The Tetley | 6th April

Leeds Indie Market returns to the iconic Tetley bar and kitchen this spring! The pop-up market community celebrates local artisans, bakers, hand-makers, creators, independent businesses. Alongside mouthwatering treats, exciting trinkets, and captivating live music, expect a range of tasty beers on offer from the hosts. Completely family and dog friendly, bring everyone down to The Tetley to support some of the city’s best independent businesses.

Linktr.ee/leedsindiemarket

Les Misérables: Let the People Sing | Leeds Grand Theatre | 3rd to 12th April

In a unique collaboration between four local societies, the critically acclaimed Leeds Amateur Operatic Society returns to The Grand, with one of the UK amateur premieres of Les Misérables. You do not want to miss this spectacular fullstage production! Presented by arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh and Music Theatre International, the Let the People Sing project, celebrating the 40th anniversary of this worldwide phenomenon, will see 11 productions of the show being mounted in cities across the UK throughout 2025. Leedsheritagetheatres.com

The Picture Library Collection Weekend

Leeds Art Gallery | 1st to 4th May

Get involved with this selection weekend to choose from hundreds of new original artworks to take away and hang up at home. Choose from hundreds of new original artworks as well as your old favourites to take with you and hang up at home for up to a year. There’s plenty to choose from whether you’re into landscapes or abstracts, historic or contemporary art, crazy about Matisse or passionate about Moore, there’s a whole variety of art for everyone to enjoy at home.

Museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

Live at Leeds in the Park | Temple Newsam 24th May

Returning to Temple Newsam Park for an almighty one-day festival, Live at Leeds in the Park is a great way to kick off your bank holiday weekend. Headline performances will come from Bloc Party, Manic Street Preachers, Swedish pop sensation, Sigrid, and local Leeds legends, Yard Act. There’s plenty of other things going on at the festival, including comedy from Maisie Adams, Angelos Epithemiou, and more, musical bingo, silent discos, and pub quizzes to enjoy alongside a whole host of live music performances from a range of genres.

Liveatleeds.com

Spirit of the Blitz | City Varieties Music Hall | 4th May

To mark this special 80th anniversary of VE Day, take a step back into the 1940s songbook for a tribute to the legendary stars who kept the country smiling through its darkest days. Spirit of the Blitz recaptures the tenacious optimism of war-torn Britain. Starring Andy Eastwood, Maggie O’Hara, and Steve Barclay, this uplifting variety show recreates all your forties favourites, including Vera Lynn, George Formby, Max Miller, Bing Crosby, Anne Shelton, and Gracie Field. A truly heart-warming afternoon of live music and laughter, accompanied by the Matthew Bason Band. Leedsheritagetheatres.com

Expert Event Planner, Juliet Shenderey, offers some thoughts on where to turn for advice when planning a big bash.

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, 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 an experienced events organiser 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.

With years of experience at Shenderey Events, we’ve worked with a wealth of suppliers and venues. Therefore, 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.

For impartial advice, dedicated support and experience you can trust, turn to the professionals to plan your next event.

Shendereyevents.co.uk

Bid for Success

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID, sits down to discuss the progress and future of the Leeds Business Improvement District (BID).

LeedsBID, which is a business-led, not-for-profit organisation, serves as a catalyst for improvement within the city, focusing on key sectors such as retail, professional services, leisure, and the nighttime economy. It’s the second largest Business Improvement District in the country, with London taking the top spot.

The BID is responsible for enhancing the urban environment, fostering collaboration, and addressing the needs of businesses. As of the latest developments, the BID has expanded its boundaries in the city following a successful ballot last September. With an overwhelming 98% of voters in favour of the proposal, the BID now has more resources to enhance Leeds further.

“We’ve expanded to accommodate more businesses, which means we have a little bit more money to work with,” Andrew explained. “This expanded scope allows LeedsBID to push forward with initiatives that will enhance the city’s appeal, safety, and overall functionality, and essentially drive more visitors and improve the economy.”

LeedsBID funded through fees levied on businesses within the district’s boundaries. These fees are typically calculated based on the size, type, or value of the property owned or leased by each business. It’s important to note that businesses within the district’s boundaries that are under the threshold, will not have to pay a levy, but are still able to vote on the BID’s activities. The revenue generated is used to support various initiatives aimed at improving the district, such as enhanced cleaning and security services, marketing and events, infrastructure upgrades, and other local development projects that benefit the business community.

One of the core goals for LeedsBID is to create a welcoming city, something that is

increasingly important for both businesses and visitors. Andrew believes that the organisation has worked to ensure the city is clean, safe, and friendly and it employs a team of rangers who go beyond what the local authority does to keep the city pristine: “We clean the inner ring road eight times a year, just in LS1,” he noted. “Additionally, the BID has established a daily hot spots program to deal with any cleanliness issues that arise.”

Safety is also a top priority, with LeedsBID collaborating with the police and other statutory organisations to tackle issues like anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. Through partnerships and information-sharing systems, the BID aims to create a safer environment for both businesses and their customers. Andrew mentioned that the BID is investing £4 million into improving safety in the city centre, a move that has received strong support from the business community.

In terms of fostering a friendly atmosphere, LeedsBID also places a strong emphasis on hospitality and providing a warm welcome to those visiting the city. While Leeds is not traditionally known as a tourist destination, events such as the UKRE Hotel Events and seasonal activities offer a chance for the city to shine.

LeedsBID’s efforts to make the city more inspirational are seen through events that attract footfall and put Leeds on the map. A standout example from recent years was the Monopoly takeover of the city, which celebrated the history of the iconic board game’s connection to Leeds. “We had the Monopoly money down Briggate, and 38,000 people played Take a Chance in Victoria Gate,” Andrew said, detailing the success of the event. This event not only drew a significant crowd but also contributed to an increase in local spending, with £9 generated for every £1 spent on it.

As Andrew says: “We want to turn the friendly welcome up when there are events happening in the city centre. There are plans to build on this momentum, an Alice in Wonderland takeover will be the highlight of the summer holidays, encouraging visitors to explore the city while enjoying themed activities, while the annual Leeds International Festival of Ideas is planned once again for October.”

The third focus area for LeedsBID is to foster ambition within the city. Andrew stressed

that one of the roles of the BID is to support businesses in achieving their goals while working together to drive the city forward. The ambition is to move beyond just maintaining the city to making it an even more vibrant and dynamic place for everyone: “We want to get businesses to contribute to the city beyond their Levy payments, using their environmental and social governance programmes to help Leeds thrive.”

The Business Improvement District also works to support businesses in practical ways, such as offering training and facilitating community involvement. Andrew cited the example of the Pippa Hale statue in Quarry Hill, which commemorates women and serves as an example of a community-driven initiative supported by the BID: “It’s about getting different organisations to contribute, pooling resources to make something happen.”

Looking ahead to the next five years, Andrew’s vision for LeedsBID is to see even more ambitious projects come to life. The aim is for businesses across the city to work collectively to continue improving Leeds and keeping up with the growth our city is currently experiencing, emphasising that collaboration will be the key to making the city an even greater place.

Find out how you can get involved at Leedsbid.co.uk

BUSINESS NEWS

Yorkshire Entrepreneurs Come Together

Two prominent Yorkshire entrepreneurs have come together to look after the best interests of entrepreneurial, business, and private clients. NXD Family Office is a bespoke group of expert advisors spanning a wide range of private client, luxury lifestyle, and business services.

Chris McDonald and Alex Goldstein have run their own businesses for a combined 63 years. Chris has been involved in building up and selling several businesses including Call Credit and Reep Automotive and Alex, of his synonymous property consultancy company, has been in the property sector for over 23 years. During this time the duo have regularly seen clients and connections taken advantage of by supposed trusted advisors. NXD Family Office handpicks and privately invites partners who are the best in class in their sector.

One side of NXD Family Office will help entrepreneurial clients scaleup their businesses, alongside the experienced guidance of Chris. Once clients have increased their wealth or sell their business, Alex will ensure that their needs are continued to be met on a personal level. They aim to work alongside clients from the early stages of their business careers, all the way through to when they have a liquidity event and beyond.

Alex said: “I recently had a household name sports personality looking to buy a home. When I asked for their proof of mortgage from a wellknown bank, I could immediately see that what they were being charged was excessive. I rang the bank and asked what they were doing. Their open response was that they knew the client had an excellent salary, but they felt this would be short lived. They hope to get all their money out now and then move the client on.”

Petach Tikva-based Isotopia announced a groundbreaking partnership with LIVEKIDNEY.BIO, a clinical-stage biotech innovator, to support the development of a critical component for its revolutionary lupus nephritis therapy. This collaboration offers the potential to improve the lives of lupus patients by providing a more effective treatment solution than what currently exists.

“This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to transform lupus nephritis treatment,” said Dr. Alon Yaar, CEO of LIVEKIDNEY.BIO. “By joining forces with Isotopia, we are confident we can provide a much-needed, high-quality solution to improve the lives of millions of lupus patients around the world.”

“At Isotopia, we are proud to support innovative solutions that can make a meaningful impact on patient care,” said Tzachi Levy, GM of the company’s Aseptic Plant. “Our advanced aseptic manufacturing capabilities and commitment to excellence ensure that the necessary components for this cutting-edge therapy will be produced to the highest standards. Our expertise supports the process whether a small start-up, a CRO provider, or a well-established pharma company.”

Winston’s New Solicitor

Winston Solicitors has announced that Emily Spencer has successfully qualified as a solicitor in the firm’s Private Client department. Having completed her training with Winston Solicitors, Emily has shown outstanding dedication, professionalism, and legal expertise, making her a valuable addition to the firm’s well-regarded Private Client team.

Emily has gained extensive experience assisting clients with wills, trusts, probate, and lasting powers of attorney, helping individuals and families plan for the future with clarity and confidence. Throughout her training, she has demonstrated a meticulous approach to legal work and a strong commitment to client care, ensuring that every client receives tailored, compassionate advice.

Jonathan Winston, Managing Partner at Winston Solicitors, commented: “Emily has worked incredibly hard throughout her training, consistently demonstrating the skills, knowledge, and dedication required to excel in private client law. Her ability to provide clear, empathetic, and practical advice has already made a positive impact on both our clients and our team. We are thrilled to see her qualify as a solicitor and have no doubt that she will continue to be a fantastic asset to the firm as she progresses in her career.”

Work Begins on Paediatric Emergency Centre

Funded by the Ted Arison Family Foundation (TAFF) in collaboration with Save a Child’s Heart, the Arison Paediatric Emergency Medicine Center is expected to open in 2026 and will be the most modern facility of its kind in Israel.

The centre will provide emergency medical services to children in the centre of Israel, including the cities of Holon, Bat Yam, southern Tel Aviv, and Rishon LeZion. Holon, within Wolfson Medical Centre’s jurisdiction, is known as Israel’s city of children as 25% of its population are aged 0 to 18.

The new centre’s location – adjacent to the children’s department in the new children’s hospital, established by Save a Child’s Heart in 2021 –will ensure rapid and comprehensive treatment for children facing various medical emergencies. Wolfson’s current paediatric emergency department handles approximately 25,000 paediatric patients annually, a number expected to rise with the region’s growing population.

Jason Arison, Chairman of the TAFF, said: “The TAFF considers the establishment of the Arison Paediatric Emergency Medicine Center to be of great importance, as it will serve a large population of children in the region. As part of our foundation’s vision to drive positive change in Israel and worldwide, we place the highest priority on improving the quality of life for broad communities while listening to the needs of the local population.”

Kramer Named 2025 Most Innovative Tech Startup Leader

Co-founder and CEO of Tel Aviv founded Cato Networks – a network security company that develops secure access service edge technology –Shlomo Kramer has been named Most Innovative Tech Startup Leader in SiliconANGLE Media’s 2025 Tech Innovation CUBEd Awards.

The category honours three exceptional individuals from a B2B tech company who have significantly advanced the industry through groundbreaking ideas, leadership, and execution. This award recognises a visionary executive who has driven meaningful change, set new standards for innovation, and inspired others with their forward-thinking contributions.

Shlomo said: “While I am deeply honoured to be recognised by SiliconANGLE, this award belongs to the 1,300+ Cato employees who are dedicated to fixing a broken IT security market. Recognition like this inspires us at Cato to continue striving for excellence and innovation on behalf of our 3,000+ customers around the world.”

Israeli Business Collabs to Tackle Lupus

ALEX GOLDSTEIN, CHRIS MCDONALD, AND JAMES CORR.

LORD’S LEGACY

Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung, was the guest speaker at March’s UKIB Breakfast meeting where she reflected on her career, passions, and challenges in the role.

The latest UK Israel Business breakfast meeting was themed around women in business and politics off the back of International Women’s Month and was a particularly special one due to its location at the First Direct Arena and guest speaker, Lord Mayor Abigail Marshall Katung. The meeting began with word from Director, Jane Clynes, who noted the importance of strong, independent women who are leaders in their field, including Sandy Domingos-Shipley, Founder of The Systems Link, who was introduced as sponsors the meeting.

Abigail’s passion for championing women was clear from the second she took to the stage, beginning her speech by asking all the men to stand up celebrate the women in the room: “We are all who we are today as women, because we have also got men in our lives. I’m very proud to be a woman, a wife, and a mother and it’s so fantastic to have a month where we’re celebrating women.”

Abigail reflected on the issues that underpinned her tenure, which comes to an end in May when Dan Cohen will step in to the role: “My journey has been shaped by years of learning, resilience, and service and being the 130th Lord Mayor and the first African to hold this prestigious role, I stand before you as a testament to the evolving inclusivity and diversity of this great city.”

“My father was an academic who also worked for the United Nations so I grew up in many different parts of the world; it showed me that you can live happily and beautifully with people that don’t look like you and it taught me how to tolerate and learn other people’s culture. I arrived in England from

Nigeria to the cold weather and bland food, that was one of the greatest shocks for me!”

Abigail calls Leeds her second home; settling in the city after studying a master’s degree in development studies and later starting her family and growing a business here: “My journey in politics was driven by a desire to contribute to my community, break barriers, and advocate for those whose voices needed amplification. I have held several leadership roles; from leading hate crime strategies in the city to championing faith and belief initiatives and supporting food security efforts.”

Abigail recognised the hard work of the organisations present at the meeting: “Looking at the list of sponsors and the amazing kindness that every one of you have shown is the Leeds that I know. You’re all making a difference in our city and championing causes that matter, especially for those who are not as privileged as ourselves.”

Not only is she a Lord Mayor, Abigail coaches under 15s in 100 and 200 metre

sprinting, she was a sub 12 second 100 metre runner in the past, she serves as a governor for Leeds City College: “My life’s work has been about service and making sure that children who are not in education or employment are able to find a place, their voice, and themselves.”

Becoming Lord Mayor was not an easy or expected path: “Being the first to break barriers often comes with challenges like questions about belonging, moments of doubt, and the responsibility of paving the way for others. As an African woman, I have had to navigate spaces where I was sometimes the only one who looked like me in a room. Representation matters but it also comes with the weight of expectation. However, every challenge I faced only strengthened my resolve. I have learned that leadership is not about having an easy path; it’s about resilience, courage, standing firm in your values, and ensuring that your presence creates opportunities for others. Without courage,

I wouldn’t be able to do what I do, and I’m deeply committed to making the most of this opportunity, not just as a figurehead, but as a champion for representation, community cohesion, and empowering women and those who don’t feel like they belong.”

Abigail rounded off her speech by looking to the future: “Let’s continue to be committed to strengthening relationship between different communities, fostering dialog, and promoting inclusivity. Whether it’s through cultural celebrations, interfaith engagements, or social initiatives, I want to see Leeds thrive as a city where everyone feels that they belong. As my work as Lord Mayor comes to an end, I hope that we will leave a lasting impact, one that makes leads a fairer, stronger, and more inclusive city for generations to come.”

ALL PHOTOS: DAVID COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

LORD MAYOR ABIGAIL WITH UKIB PARTNERS AND BREAKFAST SPONSOR, SANDY DOMINGOS-SHIPLEY, THE SYSTEMS LINK (2ND LEFT)

ABIGAIL AND UK ISRAEL CHAIRMAN, COLIN GLASS.

PARTNERS IN FOCUS

Some

of

this year’s UKIB partners in focus.

Equals One

Since 2001 Equals One has been supporting clients with their recruitment needs by advertising their vacancies across all the leading, national job boards for one low-cost fixed fee. All clients pay the same fee regardless of the role, location, or salary. We support clients across all industries, both nationally and internationally. Equals One works in collaboration with clients, understanding their recruitment needs and providing an unrivalled service which provides staff without paying a recruitment fee on successful hire.

To find out more contact Equalsone.co.uk or call 0800 046 3411

Chef Works & Bragard

Chef Works and Bragard lead the way in the hospitality sector as two international prestigious uniform brands. Designing, manufacturing and distributing to over 80 countries across the globe. Dressing leading hotels, restaurants, stadiums, cafes and bars with innovative, award-winning uniforms at competitive pricing, you will spot leading chefs, baristas and servers wearing Chef Works and Bragard designs in the UK and across the world from Tel Aviv to Tokyo.

Chefworks.co.uk

Bragard.co.uk

Manning Stainton

Manning Stainton has been successfully helping people move for over 20 years and is part of the growing Northern Estate Agencies Group, which incorporates the brands of Ryder & Dutton and Mortimers. Operating from over 40 branches across the north of England. The network also includes the Fine & Country and Auction House brands, together with specialist departments including Mortgages, Conveyancing, New Homes, and Surveys, all ready to help its customers move.

Manningstainton.co.uk

Blacks Solicitors LLP

Blacks Solicitors is a 32-partner law firm with over 230 employees. The firm provides a wide range of legal services to both commercial and private clients across the UK and continues to go from strength to strength.

Operating from its head office at City Point in Leeds, Blacks is committed to delivering a first-class service to all its clients while providing expert advice at realistic rates. To achieve this, the firm takes time to get to know and understand its clients, building long-term relationships to deliver the best possible results.

Blacks regularly provides advice to owner-managed businesses and high-net-worth individuals on Corporate & Commercial Law, Intellectual Property, Data Protection, Employment Law, Real Estate, Leasehold Enfranchisement, Planning Law, Real Estate Litigation, Residential and Buyto-Let/Conveyancing, Commercial & Civil Dispute Resolution/Litigation, Private Wealth & Succession, and Family Law across a range of niche sectors, including Banking, Healthcare, Energy, Telecoms, Education, Leisure & Hospitality (including Holiday & Home Parks and Hotels), Sport, and Music Law.

Lawblacks.com

The One Solution

Winner of Telecommunications Specialist of the Year, 2022/23!, The One Solution provides bespoke telecoms and IoT solutions to businesses across the UK and beyond, working with clients and partners as far afield as Canada and Israel. The company is known for its outstanding customer service, flexible business packages and innovative approach. With more than 27 years in the industry, its MD, Marshall Frieze, is known as an expert in the field and continues to grow the business while fostering both established and new relationships throughout the UK. The One Solution is the first choice for telecoms and IoT that truly help businesses to thrive, with the highest client retention rates in the industry at over 98.5%.

Theonesolution.co.uk

Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari has spent her career focussing on women’s rights, and since October 7th has campaigned for justice for victims of gender-based and sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas. A founder of the Dinah Project at the Rackman Centre at Bar Ilan University, an organisation seeking recognition and justice for victims of sexual violence in conflict, Prof. Ruth is pushing for accountability and the prosecution of the Hamas perpetrators, blacklisting Hamas as a terrorist organisation using sexual violence at war.

Prof. Ruth has been in the UK, meeting with Labour Friends of Israel and Lord Mendelsohn’s inter parliamentary committee before a flying visit to the northwest to speak at a recent breakfast. Prof. Ruth explained: “While getting evidence is a massive challenge, 13 eyewitnesses that have come forward, including Amit Soussana. We can’t imagine what they went through let alone the victims. We must recognise these atrocities as war crimes, crime

Time For Action

Legal scholar and international women’s rights advocate Prof. Ruth Halperin-Kaddari spoke to guests of British Israel Chamber of Commerce (BICC) and UJIA at a business breakfast in February.

against humanity. Sadly, we are fighting denialism, even the UN Women has largely ignored everything that happened, even social accounts since October 7th have mentioned the war in Gaza just three times out of 69 posts. It took the group eight weeks to state the words “sexual violence”. People are denying that sexual assaults were made, and as most victims were killed, taken as hostage, or cannot even begin to speak, we don’t have the real evidence we need. Photographs were taken of civilians in morgues showing only identifiable marks, but the deceased from the military do have more detailed images.”

Prof. Ruth discussed a report published by United Nations Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, who visited Israel and the occupied West Bank to “gather, analyse and verify allegations of conflict-related sexual violence reportedly committed during the brutal, Hamas-led terror attacks.” The report said it found “reasonable grounds” to believe that Israeli women were subjected to sexual violence, including rape, gang rape and “sexualized torture,” across “several locations” on October 7th during the attack by Hamas in southern Israel. The sexual abuse occurred in “at least” three locations, the report noted, describing two detailed incidents in one area, based on “credible information,” and a third “verified” instance.

The report also noted that the number of survivors and victims of sexual violence is unknown and that the “true prevalence” of such atrocities “may take months or years to emerge and may never be fully known."

Pramila said that the government had talked about hundreds, if not thousands of cases of “brutal sexual violence perpetrated against men, women and children,” but she added: “I have not found anything like that.”

“This report has become a threshold for any discussion around the world and a historical record. But we have testimonies, from these eyewitnesses, from returned hostages talking about what they saw and heard from other hostages. We have accounts from responders. Of course, I understand what lawyers will say about hear say, but this is our argument, we cannot employ just the traditional forms of evidence when it comes to sexual violence,” continued Prof. Ruth.

Prof. Ruth was keen to point out that Israel has allies that it can build on and this gives hope for the fight that goes on: “It’s wrong to perceive everyone as antisemitic or hostile. We have allies in the Muslim world, including two of our members in Dinah Project. We now have a second wave of denialism, people are saying that because the violence was not planned, premeditated or systematic, sexual violence cannot be a weapon of war, but we must prove otherwise.” The Dinah Project is compiling a report of the evidence from its findings to bring the Hamas perpetrators of sexual violence to justice, and you can support the project and on Conflict Related Sexual Violence generally.

For more details on how you can help, visit Thedinahproject.org

All Change FINANCE

P11Ds

A P11D is a HMRC document used by employers to annually report certain expenses and benefits paid to company directors and employees. It is designed to provide HMRC with details of specific taxable benefits in kind (“BIK”) which hasn’t been included in the payroll and is subject to PAYE and class 1A NIC deductions during a year.

Changes to P11Ds – from 2026/Q2

As we welcome the spring sunshine, we also anticipate the start of the new tax year drawing ever closer. This is a good time to highlight some tax changes on the horizon. As mentioned in previous articles, you will be no doubt aware that from this April, employers in the UK will face changes in National Insurance Contributions (NICs). That has been well covered already.

So, with that “out of the way”, let’s look at income tax changes that could impact you which take effect a little further down the line…

1) Changes to Benefits in Kind

2) MTD Basis Period Reform

Coming into effect from 6th April 2026, all employers will stop reporting car benefits and private healthcare insurance on P11Ds. Instead, they will be required to tax these types of benefits in real time through the payroll. However, the completion of P11D(b)s will still be mandatory. Please note, beneficial loan interest on directors’ loans and accommodation will remain on P11Ds.

Making Tax Digital (MTD) Basis Period Reform

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is HMRC’s plan to digitise the tax system for Self-Assessment for businesses and landlords. MTD aims to make tax returns quarterly and more efficient for everyone.

HMRC’s MTD’s programme is being phased in over a number of years.

How MTD will impact you…

HMRC plan to introduce Making Tax Digital (MTD) for income tax from next April 2026, which involves having to prepare and submit quarterly tax returns and a final 5th return in January. This affects sole traders and landlords (not limited companies) with income over £50,000 (and over £30,000 from 2027).

The introduction of quarterly tax returns…

Some people will be looking to submit their own quarterly returns using software. To take the pressure off from our clients and enable us to provide an efficient bespoke service, we as professional and personable accountants are designing a solution as we speak.

For further information regarding the above or to obtain a non-obligatory quote for our services, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Leon and Company Accountants; “From Numbers to Solutions, We’ve Got You Covered.”

Leonandcompany.co.uk

Planet Leeds

This year’s Earth Day (22nd April) theme is Our Power, Our Planet we find out what that means and discover some Leeds-based projects that are contributing to a greener future.

Earth Day started in America 55 years ago in 1970 and today is the largest global civil event, with over 190 countries taking part. This year’s theme of Our Power, Our Planet invites everyone around the world to unite behind renewable energy and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030.

Renewable energy and clean electricity have emerged as critical solutions to reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future for all. Using natural resources such as wind, solar, and hydropower is helping to shift away from the use of damaging fossil fuels and embrace energy sources that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable.

Leeds is a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can drive change in sustainability, with schemes and projects that are committed to renewable energy in the city.

Leeds Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF)

RERF is managed and operated by Veolia – which is working closely with Leeds City Council – and it reduces the amount of material going to landfill since 99% of non-recyclable household waste is converted into green energy. It also aims to boost the city’s recycling rates as the mechanical pre-treatment process is designed to remove further recycled material before the combustion process takes place.

Benefits of the RERF includes at least 2% of black bin waste is extracted for recycling, environmental and biodiversity is increased

with the living wall, rainwater is also harvested and used on site, it saves the council over £7 million each year (compared with landfill) and helps to reduce Leeds’ carbon footprint.

Cross Green Energy Centre

PARKdesigned Architects has recently completed Cross Green energy centre in Leeds. The energy centre is part of the Leeds PIPES Network, delivered by Vital Energi in partnership with Leeds City Council, which will help improve the air quality in Leeds and reduce the city’s carbon emissions. It will also provide Leeds City Council tenants with more reliable and lower cost heating. The Leeds PIPES Network harnesses steam from the RERF and distributing it through a 16.5km district heating network to supply heat and hot water to 26 apartment blocks and businesses.

Leeds City Council has invested £35 million into connecting 1,983 properties and numerous businesses to the efficient district heating network which will reduce carbon emissions by 22,000 tonnes per year and reduce fuel bills by between 10-25%.

GeoGrid

GeoGrid is a project to explore the benefits and applications of geothermal energy for decarbonisation in the UK and was awarded £480,000 of funding in January. Geosolutions Leeds will collaborate with Northern Powergrid, LCP Delta, E.ON Next, Leeds City Council, and Star Refrigeration on the project.

GeoGrid will use the University of Leeds’

geothermal campus living lab to understand how long-term thermal energy storage can improve the energy system’s efficiency and sustainability as well as understanding how it can be implemented on a bigger scale as a solution to rising electricity demands, rising costs, and inefficiencies in renewable energy conversion.

H21 Leeds City Gate

Led by Northern Gas Networks – the gas distributer for the North of England – the H21 Leeds City Gate feasibility study was launched in 2016. Using Leeds as a blueprint, the study found it is technically possible and economically viable to decarbonise large parts of the UK gas grid at minimal cost to customers. This will be undertaken via an incremental conversion of the UK’s major cities’ natural gas supply to 100% hydrogen. Once implemented this would represent the single most significant contribution to UK decarbonisation.

When burned, hydrogen produces no carbon – only heat and water. A nationwide gas mains replacement programme is currently underway on the UK gas network to replace old metal mains with new, more durable plastic pipes. These replacement pipes can transport green gases such as hydrogen, futureproofing the network for the next 100 years.

Find out more about these initiatives as well as other sustainability projects at Leedsclimate.org.uk

Animals have always played an important part in human life throughout history but haven’t always been by our sides as pets – even though it may feel like they’ve been there forever! The history of pets is connected to the domestication of animals, though the exact time and location of the first domestication remain a mystery.

The first animal to be domesticated was man’s best friend, the dog. In 2016, a study

WIN A PET PRIZE!

by the University of Oxford published evidence that dogs were domesticated twice – once in Europe 16,000 years ago and again in Asia 14,000 years ago – from two separate wolf lineages. A 2017 study suggested that early dog-like wolves were genetically predisposed to be friendly, which likely paved the way for the first relationships between humans and dogs, where people provided food or shelter in exchange for the dogs’ service as guards or hunting companions.

Cats, on the other hand, have a more complicated history. Unlike animals that were domesticated for their milk, meat, wool, or labour, cats didn’t offer much to human survival except pest control. Archaeological evidence suggests that cats were drawn to human settlements to take advantage of mice and food scraps. It is believed that the ancient Egyptians were the first to domesticate cats as pets in the 16th century – after already taming lions, monkeys, and hyenas!

But when did domesticated animals become pets? It wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that the concept of pethood (as we know it today) in Europe came into existence. At this time, they were seen as symbols of connection to the natural world and human control over nature.

Fast forward to the present day, and the human obsession with keeping animals has gone above and beyond just our furry friends. While pets like dogs, cats, and guinea pigs are familiar companions, some people have always sought after something a little more unusual, such as exotic pets. An exotic pet is an animal not native to

the country in which it’s kept and is often considered a wild species rather than a domesticated one, such as birds, reptiles, fish, insects, and more.

Throughout history, it was typically wealthy people that kept exotic animals as a status symbol, with many members of the royal family keeping collections of wild animals on their estates at Richmond and Kew in the 18th century.

The 20th century is when the demand for unique creatures exploded, and millions started being traded across the globe. Much of this can be attributed to the popularity of social media, which has provided a way for people to easily advertise, sell, and show off live animals. For example, a flurry of videos posted to YouTube in 2015 of slow lorises eating rice balls in captivity went viral and led to poaching of the wide-eyed primates for the pet trade.

The relationship between humans and animals has evolved significantly over thousands of years, from early domestication for practical purposes to the modern-day phenomenon of exotic pets. While domesticated animals have integrated seamlessly into human lives, the increasing popularity of exotic pets raises important ethical and environmental concerns. The demand for unique creatures has led to the exploitation of wild species and the disruption of ecosystems. As we continue to have pets into our homes, we must consider the impact of pet ownership on both animals and the planet, ensuring that the bond between us and them remains mutually beneficial and respectful.

Furry, scaly, or slimy? We want to see them all! Send in your pet pictures by 30th April 2025, we’ll be sharing them on socials and in our next edition. The best one will win a medium PupPillow in slate grey courtesy of Pup and Kit, worth £89!

Gastrotourism has become a captivating way for travellers to explore the world through its flavours, dishes, and food traditions and it highlights the powerful link between food and cultural identify. As more people seek immersive travel experiences, gastrotourism has risen in popularity, combining the joy of discovery with the pleasure of eating.

British Airways’ 2025 travel trends report found that 69% of UK travellers agree that food is an important factor in choosing their holiday destination. But this has evolved in recent years, with holidaymakers now crafting entire itineraries around specific dishes and local specialities. So, where are the best destinations to satisfy your foodie fantasies? Let’s find out…

Tokyo, Japan

If you’re a fan of the finer things in life, Tokyo is the perfect place for you as it boasts the most Michelin-starred restaurants of any city in the world. This world-renowned hub for gastrotourism not only has an impressive array of high-end restaurants but has a vibrant street food culture that’s rich with traditions.

Diners can savour sushi at world-class establishments such as Sukiyabashi Jiro – the first ever sushi restaurant to receive three stars from the Michelin Guide – or enjoy comforting bowls of ramen in humble, hole-in-the-wall shops that you might stumble upon by accident; the city caters to every palate. Keen foodies can also immerse themselves in the sensory delight that is Tsukiji Fish Market, where fresh seafood is transformed into delicate sashimi.

Destination Foodie

From Michelin marvels to street food staples, gastrotourism is the latest trend pulling in curious travellers to all four corners of the world.

Naples, Italy

Known as the birthplace of pizza, Naples is a must-visit destination for any fan of the Italian cuisine. Although Naples is famed for the invention of culinary masterpieces including the margherita pizza, Neapolitan ragu, and sweet sfogliatella – a flaky pastry filled with ricotta – it’s often overshadowed by other Italian cities, unfairly so!

What could be more exciting than visiting the birthplace of the margherita pizza and one of Naples’ oldest pizzerias, Pizzeria Brandi? Find out the history of the iconic dish and sample the mouthwatering delights of some of the best pizza in the world at Pizzeria Brandi, where it uses the finest San Marzano tomatoes, cheese from the Amalfi Coast, basil from Vesuvian villages, and the some of the best olive oil in the world from Campania.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is dubbed by many as the street food capital of the world, known for its eclectic and vibrant stalls that sell everything from fresh fruits and juices to traditional, hearty Thai dishes. Most will be cooked in front of you in

a matter of minutes, with dishes like pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and – for the adventurous –spicy dishes like spicy som tam and fiery tom yum on offer in bustling markets including Yaowarat and Chatuchak.

Once you’ve sampled local delicacies for a low cost at street food markets, Bangkok also has a thriving rooftop dining scene where visitors can enjoy your meal overlooking panoramic city views.

Lima, Peru

Hailed as the culinary capital of South America, Lima’s diverse food scene blends traditions with Spanish, African, and Asian influences, resulting in a rich and unique culinary identity. There’s no better place to enjoy anticuchos –chicken, beef liver or tenderloin that’s skewered and grilled – or ceviche, cold marinated fish which has been a source of national pride for Peruvians since its creation over 2,000 years ago!

Lima offers a variety of traditional dishes served in diverse venues that include five-star hotels, restaurants, ceviche joints, chicken shops, markets, huariques (informal restaurants), and chifas (Chinese restaurants). Considered the centre of regional cuisine, it also hosts the most important food fair in Latin America: Mistura.

Stress Less

Stress Awareness Month has taken place every April since 1992, dedicated to increasing public awareness about the causes and effective solutions for managing stress. In our lives, where we juggle demanding careers, family obligations, and the constant flow of often bad news, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday life.

Both the mental and physical toll of stress is undeniable, and many of us are constantly seeking ways to alleviate it. Over the years, one approach that has gained significant attention is the use of natural remedies. From supplements to herbal teas, these methods promise relief, but are they actually any good? Superintendent Pharmacist, Carolina Goncalves, helps us to understand the science and efficacy behind some popular natural solutions.

“As a medical professional, I have to emphasise that clinical opinion is of paramount importance to me,” Caroline says, noting the importance of scientific backing. “Unless products undergo clinical trials, it is difficult for healthcare professionals to publicly support them and lend them credibility. This being said, some studies do prove certain products credibility.”

A common remedy that is often marketed as helping to combat stress is the taking of supplements: “It depends on the scientific evidence regarding the

We find out if natural remedies can help to combat stress with Carolina Goncalves, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmica.

ingredients in the supplement to whether or not it helps to combat stress. An example of an ingredient that is scientifically proven to contribute to relieving stress is ashwagandha, a small shrub native to India and the Middle East. Clinical studies suggest that ashwagandha helps decrease cortisol levels in tested individuals, leading to improvements in stress management.

Unless products undergo clinical trials, it is difficult for healthcare professionals to publicly support them and lend them credibility.

“Vitamin D3 has also been studied for its role in stress reduction, with positive outcomes. A randomised controlled trial in 2020 investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation during winter on stress resilience and found that it probably has an influence on the duration of stress responses to stimuli. However, studies are often unable to establish a direct causal relationship between stress levels and vitamin D supplementation, because lifestyle factors also play significant roles here.”

Cannabidiol, known as CBD, has gained popularity as a stress reliever in recent years: “CBD influences stress

levels by activating serotonin receptors in the body, and bring down levels of stress hormones like cortisol. It has been shown to have potential for alleviating stress-related disorders like anxiety, such as in a study from 2022 in Communications Medicine.”

Introducing herbal teas into your diet may also help if you’re feeling a little stressed: “A systematic review of past studies in 2023 found that herbal teas such as green, oolong, and chamomile tea are scientifically proven to impact stress levels, because they regulate cortisol and interact with gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter which promotes relaxation.”

Despite these natural remedies having scientific backing behind their effectiveness, Carolina believes that simple, traditional methods are most likely to get you the best results: “Dietary changes are likely to have a significant impact while being less expensive than, for example, buying a high-street CBD supplement. Certain foods such as eggs, oats, seeds, and yoghurt are high in an amino acid called tryptophan, which has been proven to lead to higher serotonin levels in the body and help reduce stress.”

“Exercise has also been shown to have a positive effect on stress levels, so I would advise looking into viable ways of getting more physical activity into your daily routine if concerned about this. Working out stimulates the release of endorphins, creating feelings of euphoria and happiness which positively contribute to wellbeing.”

Pharmica.co.uk

A timing belt, also known as a cambelt, is an essential part of your vehicle’s engine. In this article, we’ll discuss what a timing belt is, what it does, what to do if it breaks and when you should replace it.

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt, or cambelt, keeps essential components of your car engine (the camshaft and crankshaft) working in-sync. The reason the timing belt is so crucial is because any slight disruption to the synchronicity of these components can be disastrous for your car.

Your engine’s camshaft lets fuel and air in and out of your engine, while the crankshaft moves the pistons up and down simultaneously. It’s vital that they work together in perfect harmony. The cambelt ensures the two are always

aligned. It’s crucial that you have your cambelt replaced at the manufacturer recommended interval.

What’s the difference between a cambelt and a cam chain?

Some vehicles are fitted with a timing chain or cam chain instead of a belt. Cambelts are made from rubber composites, whereas cam chains are made of steel and drive sprockets, not dissimilar to those on a bicycle. Cam chains generally last longer due to their strength and lubrication. If you’re unsure, check your vehicle handbook.

When to change a cambelt?

Timing belts are always replaced dependant upon the interval, whether that be mileage, age or both, as determined by the vehicle manufacturer. These timings are also subject to change if a manufacturer updates the intervals based on technical recalls.

What to do if the cambelt breaks?

If your cambelt belt does break, the engine will stop which may mean that systems that rely on

it could feel different. For example, the power steering may become heavier, and after a couple of applications, your brake pedal could become harder resulting in a greater pressure being required to slow down. Should this happen, try and pull over to a safe place and call your breakdown service immediately.

Look out for..

Engine noise – Listen out for any odd noises coming from the engine. If a cambelt is about to fall, there will be a rubbing sound coming from the engine area. If you hear this sound, turn off the engine and get it looked at by a professional as soon as possible.

Not starting – There are a few reasons why your car may not start but one of them could be an issue with the cambelt. If your car doesn’t start and you suspect this could be the case, call your breakdown service.

Esgarageleeds.co.uk

Fuelled Up

Audi A6 Avant

This year is huge for quality marque new releases; we look at a few luxury models that will definitely be worth the wait.

Audi is ushering in a new era for estate vehicles with the Audi A6 Avant, a car that epitomises the brand’s new dynamic design philosophy – human centric, digital stage, material-driven design, and visual clarity. The model is more spacious than previous versions, offers updated aerodynamics and efficiency, and it features partially electric mild hybrid technology, making this car ideal for both every day and long-distance driving.

New and updated aerodynamics not only influence performance but also contribute to the overall comfort inside. Sound insulation in the vehicle has also been improved by up to 30% compared to the previous model, and audio enjoyment is enhanced with the optional premium sound system from Bang & Olufsen.

The new A6 Avant will be available with two different engines in the UK: a 2.0 TFSI petrol and a 2.0 TDI diesel. The diesel unit features mild hybrid technology and is therefore partially electrified. The MHEV plus system supports the combustion engine, enhances performance and ride quality, and reduces CO2 emissions.

Stats

Available: June 2025

Price: Starts at £52,000

Top speed: 149 mph

Acceleration (0 to 62mph): 7 seconds

Range Rover EV

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé

Back for is second generation, the Gran Coupé has had mechanical revisions similar to those in the updated 1 series, including a more rigid body structure and chassis connections, giving more precise steering and enhance agility.

The UK gets two powertrains for the BMW 2 series. Diesel has left the UK range and left behind a new mild hybrid petrol; the 220 and the more powerful M235.

The new generation four-door BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé stands out with its streamlined headlights, iconic BMW kidney grille design, and elegant roofline that flows into the rear. The driver benefits from a minimalist interior design, with clean lines defining the modern interior. The focus is on technical innovation and sportiness – which can be seen at first glance and felt from the first drive.

Stats

Available: April 2025

Price: Starts at £44,435

Top speed: 155 mph

Acceleration (0 to 62mph): 4.9 seconds

This will be the first all-electric offering from Range Rover and although Land Rover hasn’t released the exact release date, we know it will be available to buy at some point this year. It will look almost identical to the diesel-powered Range Rover SUV, but the electric variant will be powered by multiple electric motors and will at least match the performance of the V-8 model – meaning over 520 horsepower.

It will be based on the long-wheelbase diesel-powered Range Rover, but with a unique multilink suspension setup that reduces the space needed for wheel articulation leading to extra room to house the EV’s battery and rear-wheel steering system. Land Rover has also promised the car will have the same ‘go-anywhere’ capability as other versions of Range Rover, including the ability to wade through up to 850mm of water. Land Rover has subjected the new model to rigorous testing in the deserts of United Arab Emirates and following this has anticipated it to be the most capable electric luxury SUV on the market.

No official price has been released by Land Rover but it is expected to start at £120,000 and go up to £180,000, depending on the trim and modification options.

Stats Available: 2025

Price: Starts at £120,000 (estimated)

Top speed: 132 mph

Acceleration (0 to 62mph): 4.5 to 6.6 seconds

JEMIMA HOWARD HAD HER BAT MITZVAH IN FEBRUARY AT SINAI SYNAGOGUE.

WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

MAZEL TOV TO ELAYNE PETER WHO RECENTLY CELEBRATED HER 80TH BIRTHDAY!

ELAYNE, WHO SPENT YEARS VOLUNTEERING FOR LJWB AND DONISTHORPE HALL, ENJOYED THE DAY SURROUNDED BY LOVED ONES.

PURIM CELEBRATIONS WERE IN FULL SWING AT SINAI SYNAGOGUE!

JOYOUS FUTURE

LJOY is back! Kayla and Moshe Merel, the duo at the helm, tell us what this new beginning means for the community.

Leeds Jewish Orthodox Youth (LJOY) has been brought back to life by Kayla and Moshe Merel who saw a gap for what the initiative used to offer and have poured their passion and vision into this revitalised programme.

“Following a groundswell of demand from the community, LJOY kicked off on Purim with a fantastic event that has set the stage for many more to come. People were craving more opportunities to come together, have fun, and create lasting memories. We saw a real need for a space where everyone on the youth scene could connect, relax, and enjoy each other’s company. With the support of local synagogues and community groups, we were able to make it happen, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how the first event turned out.”

Moshe talks us through the highlights from the Purim event: “It was a celebration to remember, with something for everyone – a captivating hypnotist show by the talented David Bolton, mouth-watering food, a lively disco bouncy castle, and a whole lot of fun. We incorporated education about the Purim story through a quiz and a talk or dare game based around Jewish life.”

“Though it took a little time to warm up, the crowd soon found themselves caught up in the energy, especially when a group of brave participants – under the influence of Bolton’s hypnosis – were seen letting loose and acting in the most hilarious and whimsical ways. The sight of this brought the crowd to their feet, eagerly cheering on the antics that unfolded

before their eyes.”

The Purim event was a grand success, with the community coming together in full force: “From the local synagogues to The Zone, Leeds Maccabi FC, and beyond, the support was overwhelming. Despite the timing being less than ideal for some, the masses (around girls and guys between ages 12 and 19) turned up to celebrate this new chapter of LJOY – a much-needed, exciting initiative that promises to bring joy and energy to Leeds. Next time though, we’ll order less food. I always thought Jews love their food; turns out they do but not on the magnitude we imagined!”

Feeback is important to LJOY; following its Purim event, Moshe said: “The feedback was great with many of them asking for more stuff

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

and a repeat of this more often as they have not had these opportunities before. Community parents and activists have also been delighted.”

There’s plenty on the horizon at LJOY, with big plans on the way: “There’s the LJOY adventure outing, Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration event, Shining Shabbat Sisters Squad – where girls in groups will be helping community families bake challah for shabbat, and Shabbaton – an exciting Shabbos away for different groups.”

Keep up to date with what’s happening at LJOY via its socials @Ljoyleeds

DAVID BOLTON AND HIS HYPNOTISM SUBJECTS!

With Mark Grandfield, Chief Executive at Leeds Jewish Housing Association

Work begins now on our land off Queenshill Approach to demolish 40 one and two bedroom flats and replace them with 28 two and three bedroom family homes. This will completely reinvigorate the area as the existing homes are some of our oldest, and if we’re honest most tired looking homes. This is also a great opportunity to invest in the future, to bring forward a new generation of homes for local Jewish families to improve their housing conditions and lay roots in the community.

These homes won’t start to become ready until spring 2026 so there is quite some time to go yet but we are now calling for those families struggling with their current housing situation to contact us.

We do not allocate properties on a first come first served basis, there is a formal, and

With James Urquhart-Burton, Head of Continuing Healthcare Claims at Winston Solicitors

Continuing Healthcare began to emerge in the late 1980s, following concerns that patients with complex needs receiving their care outside of hospital had to pay for their medicine, care and accommodation, while those in hospital did not.

Fast forward 40 years or so and the number of people with long-term care needs is rising. Support is available from social services with funding on a means-tested basis, and from the NHS for people with health needs. Today, the NHS must follow nationally established law and guidance to ensure that any adult receiving care for complex needs outside of hospital gets an assessment of their eligibility, known as Continuing Healthcare Funding.

Home Sweet Home COMMUNITY HOUSING

discrete process to determine which families are most in need of social housing not those who most want it. This could be linked to the adequacy of your current housing situation, is this temporary, too small for you, in poor condition or unaffordable, are there reasons of health and mobility, or are there specific reasons why you need to stay, or move to the Jewish community in North Leeds. All applicants will have to register with us, and also with Leeds City Council to have their application independently assessed.

Moving to a new home, having permanency to plan for the future for your family’s needs and with a landlord that is on your side can be life-changing, contact Sophie.roberts@ljha.co.uk or call on 01904 471066 to discuss more.

Helping you navigate NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding CONTINUING HEALTHCARE

What is NHS Continuing Healthcare aka CHC?

CHC is the name given to an NHS funded programme which supports individuals with long-term healthcare needs, who aren’t being cared for in hospital. This funding should be available to people with complex or severe health conditions who need ongoing care due to chronic illness, disability, or their age. The full cost of care is given for eligible patients who receive care in their home, a residential care or nursing home.

Why is CHC so important?

CHC relieves the significant financial burden of long-term care ensuring that those who are eligible do not need to sell their homes or deplete their assets.

The funding ensures that people receive the right care, regardless of their ability to pay,

because the NHS is legally responsible for the care package.

Where does a solicitor come into it?

Families suddenly find they must navigate complex eligibility assessments and appeals processes. Our experienced elderly client team could help you maximise your chance of obtaining the right support for a person with complex health needs. We are adept at recovering incorrectly paid care fees and could help you and your loved ones, through providing effective advocacy with potentially life-changing results.

For a preliminary assessment of a viable claim, use the Winston Solicitors online CHC calculator.

Winstonsolicitors.co.uk

NEWS IN BRIEF

Join LJWB for a Memorable Pesach

Celebrate the Second Seder with LJWB on 13th April at 7.15pm where you can experience a traditional Seder service followed by a delicious four-course classic Seder meal.

You can also enjoy a tasty three-course kosher for Pesach dinner on 16th April; let LJWB do the cooking and enjoy a night off!

All are welcome. Call to book now! 0113 218 5833 | 0113 268 4211

Special Needs Sessions at Zone

The Zone is offering the perfect place for 18 to 40-year-olds with special needs to socialise, enjoy activities, and build lasting friendships in a supportive and inclusive environment.

Participants can expect fun games and activities, social events and gatherings, a safe and friendly space to be yourself, and the chance to meet people and make great friends with no pressure attached. The club meets once a month on a Wednesday at 6:30pm and is welcoming new members.

For more details, contact Tracey Frazer 07946 543 039 or email naomi.goldman@ljfs. org or raina@thezoneleeds.org

WIZO Auction Experience Success

Leeds Aviva WIZO held a very successful ‘auctioneer’s experience’ presented by local auctioneer, Gary Don.

Guests bid for a variety of articles seen on screen and it was a great opportunity to gain an insight into the life of an auctioneer while raising vital funds for the WIZO Emergency Appeal.

It was lively and some – who seemed to be seasoned bidders – were very close to the amount which the items had gone for at recent auctions! The event’s openers were Sue and Russell Graham and guests of honour Rosalind and Paul Peters.

Cantor Weston Leaving Sinai Synagogue

Sinai Synagogue Executive has announced that Cantor Rachel Weston will be leaving her role following Pesach.

A statement by Sinai Synagogue said: “During her tenure, Cantor Weston infused our community with vibrancy and spirit, particularly through her musical leadership and a commitment to nurturing our spiritual growth. She provided steadfast support during a period of challenge, and her presence will be deeply missed. As we bid farewell to Cantor Weston, we are grateful for the time she has spent with us and the lasting influence she will have on our community, and we wish her well in her future endeavours.”

There will be a special celebratory Kiddush on 26th April to allow the community to mark Rachel’s time with Sinai.

LJFS Recognised

Leeds Jewish Free School (LJFS) was delighted to announce its place in the list of the top 10 secondary schools in Leeds.

The School Report, created by Online Marketing Surgery and Ratcliffe Cleaning Contractors, analysed government performance data from the last academic year to determine the highest-achieving secondary schools in Leeds.

Coming in at number 10, LJFS said: “We offer so much more than just great GCSE results (though we do regularly top the city’s table here). We also focus on ensuring that all our young people get the best possible opportunities to be well rounded, polished, and confident – our focus on these soft skills is just part of what makes the LJFS difference.”

Holocaust Online Events

Barnet Libraries is hosting two free online events at the end of April which will take place on 22nd and 23rd from 7pm to 8pm via Microsoft Teams for everyone to enjoy.

The first on 22nd April is with Historian, Lucy Adlington, who will be discussing her new book, Four Red Sweaters. Join Lucy as she recounts powerful true stories of friendship, survival, and resilience during the Holocaust, from a Kindertransport refugee to a daring armed revolt, all centring on knitting skills and an intriguing selection of humble woollens.

The book follows the story of four Jewish girls who resisted, sacrificed, or survived the Holocaust. Each girl’s story highlights a fascinating and moving aspect of Holocaust history, from the journey on the Kindertransport, to revolt and resistance at a death camp. They show how Jewish lives unravelled under the Nazi regime, contrasted with quiet heroism from so-called ordinary people.

On 23rd April, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Bergen-Belsen liberation, join John Wood – son of Leonard Berney – as he presents Leonard’s personal account of the liberation of the concentration camp with video testimony by both him and Belsen survivors. John will also share historical and personal photographs.

Rabbi Ozer Bushey-Bound

Rabbi Ozer Moszkowski and his wife Leah are leaving Etz Chaim Synagogue to join Bushey United Synagogue. They will join as the community rabbinic couple in August after being headhunted by the Hertfordshire-based synagogue.

Rabbi Moszkowski said: “We have loved our time at Etz Chaim and will forever cherish the dear friends we’ve made. The Leeds Jewish community has been a warm and welcoming home for our family and, while we are sad to leave it, we are also looking forward to our next chapter at Bushey United Synagogue.”

Born to Jewish parents in London in 1920, Leonard Berney joined the army immediately after school and was appointed an officer aged 18. Several years later he was one of the first of the allied troops through the gates of the disease-ridden, overcrowded Bergen-Belsen concentration camp where he remained there for 14 weeks, helping save as many lives as possible, and becoming the Commander of the Belsen Displaced Persons Camp.

Tickets are available at Barnet-libraries.played.co

Save the Dates!

LJWB has announced its ‘Month of Mental Health’ that will see a range of activities and events held to get people talking about mental health.

Kicking off the events on the evening of 5th June is Unlock Your Mental Health, a panel event with a handful of special guests hosted by Richard Abrahams.

On the morning of 15th June, there are 40 places available on an eight-mile walk or half marathon Run for Your Mental Health event around Harewood and Eccup.

The main event of the month will be held on the evening of 6th July; Laugh for Your Mental Health will be a fun-filled night of comedy and live music.

Contact Shelley or Katie on 0113 203 4919 fundraising@ljwb.co.uk for more information.

FOND MEMORIES

Rabbi Eli Pink of Chabad Lubavitch reflects on memories around the festivals, and how experience changes through generations.

What is your favourite Pesach food? Some people like matza, some prefer the charoset, I even know one person who likes maror sandwiches.

Pesach is the time of year that conjures up strong memories and everyone will have a story that they remember or a recipe that takes them back to their youth. Our generation is just one layer though – memories are passed on and create new generations of stories and experiences. The Jewish people have thousands of years of memories and we every Shabbat meal and Festival we create more memories.

CLASSIFIEDS

I sometimes reflect on whether life was simpler or more challenging for past generations. Sure, now we can wash our clothes at the push of a button, and we don’t need to chop the firewood to heat the house, yet we seem to have less free time that ever. The lead-up to Pesach is one of the busiest times of year and it is easy to lose focus on the family and get caught up in all the preparations. This year, a quirk of the calendar means that Seder Night is on Saturday Night so all preparations for Pesach must be completed before Shabbat. We get to spend the twenty-four hours before the Seder with

our families, without the rushing around and have the opportunity to create new memories.

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 know anyone in need of Shemura Matza or a place for a Pesach 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