JLL AUG SEPT 26

Contents AUG / SEPT 2026

IN THIS issue YOUR regular FEATURES

Cover Gal

Street Lane Bakery’s new GM Gal

Shoulder takes up the oven gloves on our cover image. Page 11

Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year

Have a sweet new year with some honey products and delicious recipes, plus greetings, gifts, and a special message from Rabbi Alby. Starts page 15

Days Out

We pay a visit to the scenic and historic Wetherby, Spofforth, and Boston Spa, which together make one of the area’s most inviting corners for a day out this summer. Starts page 46

Education Essentials

Find out what an LJFS student thinks about the upcoming social media ban, tips for learning a new language, and what to pack for those heading to university. Starts page 54

PUBLISHER

Elliot Landy

JLife Meets…

Suzanne Benjamin and Hannah Gerson from Paperweight explain how the charity is providing compassionate support to help people overcome life's toughest challenges. Page 88

Judge Jonathan Rose talks about his recent OBE, the case that shaped his career, and why the law is for everyone. Page 90

Helping Hands

Project Lily is helping the community build resilience through self-care and free wellbeing resources. Page 10

Small But Mighty

Once one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, Curaçao is now rightfully stepping into the spotlight following the recent FIFA World Cup with its postcard -worthy beaches and incredible architecture. Page 36

Med With Love

For a home that feels like a holiday year-round, Mediterranean-inspired décor is the way to go! Page 39

GRAPHIC DESIGN / LAYOUT

Craig Shaw

EDITOR

Ellie Tyson

WRITER

Brendan Campbell

DIGITAL MARKETING

Tracey Cleminson

CONTRIBUTORS

Alan Kinnaird

Alexa Harris

Claire Bartfield

Dan Cohen

Gary Don

Hannah Gerson

Helen Booth

James Daly

Jonathan Rose OBE

Josh Forman

Joshua Wisnia

Kate Sarsfield

Keith Fenton

Kieran Igwe

Kostas Iliadis

Mark Gardner MBE

Mark Grandfield

Mark Manning

Matthew Murphy

Meharban Singh Riyat

Moshe Merel

Nommie Parker

Omri Jakobovitz

Rabbi Alby Chait

Rabbi Eli Pink

Raffaele Saccoccio

Robbi Hicks

Simon Jenkins

Suzanne Benjamin

Teresa Davidson

Beer Beer, Want More Beer

Ahead of Leeds International Beer Festival, we catch up with local beer expert Simon Jenkins and find out about Israel’s buoyant beer scene! Page 42

Turn the Page

For Book Lovers’ Day and International Literacy Day, we check in with Leeds Libraries and its important role in the community. Page 43

Second Wind

Find out what fashion trends from days gone by are making a comeback from some experts as we approach Second-Hand September. Page 69

In Business

Palram’s CEO Omri Jakobovitz shares his journey from accountant to international business leader and his vision for the company’s future. Page 73

Waste Not, Want Not

Zero Waste Week (7th to 11th September) is the perfect moment to rethink what happens to the things we discard. Page 78

Pick up your copy of JLife at:

Headfirst, Tesco Express King Lane, Sainsbury’s Moor Allerton, Sainsbury’s Local Slaid Hill, Sainsbury’s Local Stainburn Parade, The Zone, MAZCC, Street Lane Bakery, Marlows and Gourmet. Or call 0845 052 2911 to subscribe for FREE!

Copyright JLife Leeds. Any reproduction of content whole or part strictly forbidden without written consent by the editor. JLife Leeds is a commercial publication and is not the official voice of the Jewish community. Editorial policies & magazine layouts are purely at the publisher’s discretion & no debate will be entered in to.

For up-to-date Jewish community activities visit Leedsjewishcommunity.com. All Community Diary details are correct at the time of going to press. For full event information, please contact the organisers directly. Printing: PMG Print Management.

PUBLISHER'S note

A honey-licious edition of JLife for Jewish New Year as we approach our 20 years (yes!). Thank you to all our readers and advertisers for their greetings, and hopefully it will be a sweet one. We find ourselves in and around Wetherby, Boston Spa, and Spofforth – a beautiful day out for the family, and so close. As ever in this edition, our spotlight on education gives the local news, open days, and what freshers really need to take to university.

Our community cover features the new ‘Gal’ at Street Lane Bakery, and leaving us will be Rabbi Alby MBE, who gives us his final words. What else? A great competition to enter, we catch up with a local beer expert who has connections to Israel, check out the latest business news and all the recent community events, and find out more about two great charity projects.

We love hearing from you so get in touch via our socials, and we’ll see you next time!

Congratulations to Tony Tolkin who won £100 to spend at Ilkley’s Quinta, Maria Chilvers who won a reborn baby courtesy of Peek A Boo, and Graham Douglas who won a Sunday roastfor four at Sky Lounge in DoubleTree by Hilton Leeds City Centre!

NEWS IN BRIEF

Cool Space Scheme Launched

According to Leeds City Council (LCC), Leeds has become the first city in Yorkshire to offer official spaces to help people cool down on hot weather days.

These are indoor venues that help reduce health risks from heat by offering a place to rest and cool down. A selection of community hubs, libraries, leisure centres, and neighbourhood networks are offering the service until 30th September.

Victoria Eaton, LCC’s Director of Public Health, said: “Some people face greater risk than others in the heat, including people living in densely-populated areas – especially older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with long-term conditions. There is great work being done across the city towards this and we’re pleased to now also provide more cool spaces that people can access during hot weather.”

For a full list of cool space venues, visit Leeds.gov.uk/campaign/welcome-spaces

EU Drive Against Antisemitism

The Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) is to lead a major new European research initiative aimed at improving understanding of antisemitism and strengthening Jewish life across the continent.

The UK organisation has been selected by the European Commission to co-lead the Network for European Research on Jewish Life and Antisemitism (NERON). Working alongside the European University Institute (EUI), JPR will bring together researchers, policymakers, civil society organisations, and Jewish community leaders from across Europe to improve research, close knowledge gaps, and help turn evidence into practical policies.

Dr Jonathan Boyd, Executive Director of JPR, said: “NERON is not just another research project – it’s about building the backbone of how Europe understands Jewish life and tackles antisemitism. For JPR, being selected to help lead this work is a major vote of confidence in the approach we’ve developed over many years. The responsibility now is to work with our partners at EUI to turn that trust into something genuinely useful: better evidence, better analysis, and better policy for the future of Jewish communities across Europe and beyond.”

UKJF Documentary Winners

UK Jewish Film (UKJF) has announced the winners of its Dangoor UKJF Short Doc Fund 2026 – five film projects about British-Jewish life that sparkle with Jewish pride and are sure to entertain, educate, and enthral.

The winners are Oslo Court (directed by Hermionie Oldham) where the beloved Jewish eatery in St John’s Wood opens up its doors to its glorious world of chintz tablecloths and delicious puddings. A rabbi walks into a halal fish and chip shop in Leeds and asks a very daring question in Fish, Chips, and Faith (directed by Miriam Rosenberg and Micaela Blitz). Rambling (directed by Jack Levy) follows group of Jewish Ramblers from Manchester finding solace, friendship, and tranquillity in the spectacular hills around the city. We’re offered unprecedented access to one of the last Jewish-run jewellery businesses in Hatton Garden in The Last Jewel of Hatton Garden (directed by Rob Kaplan). Misha Mansoor directed Mizrahi Mismatch – married for 67 years, this couple, who met as a result of a newspaper advert, are like chalk and cheese.

Winners of the Dangoor UKJF Short Doc Fund will premiere at the UK Jewish Film Festival 2026 in November!

Play Reveals Kindertransport History

The mystery of the ‘back to front’ Kindertransport house in Chapel Allerton was revealed during an immersive play written by Helen Frais. Helen was assisted in her research by Carole Davies, and inspired by Alan Benstock of Milim and local Jewish Historian Nigel Grizzard. Nearly 10,000 Jewish children came to England on the Kindertransport from Germany, Austria, then-Czechoslovakia, and Poland. Of these, 100 Jewish boys were welcomed to the Leeds Hostel on Stainbeck Lane by the Refugee Committee, under the leadership of Mark Labovitch.

The hostel story remained unknown until, through a set of clues revealed during the play reading, those taking part discovered the location of the boy’s hostel.

The play was set as an open-air theatre in the garden of the hostel. Among the audience were first and second generation Kinder, one of whom, Kurt Simon, recalled his time at the hostel: “Last week I spent and afternoon sitting in my old garden in Stainbeck Lane with my family reminiscing about 1940/1941 when my late brother and I were living in this house with 30 to 40 other children who escaped the Nazi persecution. The play was a very moving experience and brought back memories of being separated from our parents.”

Annual Friendship Club Lunch

Despite the exceptionally hot weather, members of The Friendship Club enjoyed a fantastic afternoon in June, with around 200 people attending the annual summertime lunch held in memory of Joan Villiers BEM.

The event was a huge success and brought together friends old and new to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company. Following the lunch, guests were treated to entertainment by the talented Brian and Maxine Warner, whose performance delighted everyone and added to the cheerful atmosphere.

To round off the afternoon, members enjoyed tea and cake, with several birthdays being celebrated – it made the occasion even more special!

LJWB Marathon Runners

Leeds Jewish Welfare Board’s (LJWB) London marathon runners presented the organisation with a cheque for £23,200. Mandy Broch, Ben Ingram, Adam Teeman, and Dion D’Marco handed over the cheque at a thank you afternoon tea to Simon Walton, Chairman of Fundraising at LJWB.

The runners were accompanied by their mentor and training partner Phillip Rakusen. Shelly Frieze, LJWB’s Donor Engagement and Fundraising Manager, said: “We couldn’t be prouder of this year’s team. They raised an incredible amount and their commitment to supporting us through the London Marathon helps ensure we can continue delivering vital services to our community.”

COMMUNITY IN MOTION

Leeds Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB) is as busy as ever…find out what’s been going on and what’s coming up!

LJWB hosted a powerful and uplifting evening as Dominic and Jess Matteo helped launch the charity’s 2026 mental health campaign. Speaking candidly about his 2019 brain tumour diagnosis and recovery, the former Leeds United captain shared a moving account of resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of mental strength, with Jess offering her own heartfelt perspective. Their honesty, humour, and football stories captivated a packed room.

The night marked the beginning of LJWB’s three-day match-funded appeal, Support More Than One Life, which aims to raise £140,000 for its mental health services. Guests enjoyed a classic fish and chip supper from Leeds Kosher Kitchen (LKK).

A new phase of collaboration between LJWB and Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) is set to further strengthen community connections, enhance tenant experiences, and expand opportunities for meaningful volunteer involvement. Building on a long-standing history of partnership, both organisations are proud to deepen their collaboration, reflecting the close relationship already shared across staff, service users, tenants, and volunteers. The next step recognises the value of working more closely together to deliver an even greater impact across the community.

LJHA will benefit from expanded access to LJWB’S expertise, enabling more effective use of volunteers to support tenants and strengthen community life for residents. LJHA currently runs several activities both within its sheltered housing schemes and within the wider resident community but is now looking to expand this further through this initiative.

The initiative aims to deliver several key benefits for tenants, including a more welcoming moving experience, helping those who may need additional help settle into their homes with confidence and care. There’ll also be a light-touch, friendly volunteer support to promote independence and wellbeing, increased social connection to foster a stronger strength of belonging, and inclusive celebration of cultural and seasonal events to bring people together and strengthen community spirit.

The Creative Craft Group was thrilled to be invited to create a collaborative collage for the launch of Jewish Culture Month.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Rebecca, Dan Cohen, and Mel took the artwork to the celebration launch at Leeds Civic Hall which highlighted 400 years of Jewish contribution to Leeds – a milestone the community is honoured to be part of.

The Creative Craft group takes place on Fridays 10.30am to 12pm where a new and exciting project is completed in each session and all are welcome!

And coming up soon… LJWB offers a programme of regular outings, giving people the chance to get out, connect with others, and enjoy a refreshing break from daily routine. All trips are supported by staff and volunteers, includes coach travel, and is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

The next dates are a trip to Harlow Carr Gardens on 25th August, shop ‘til you drop at White Rose Shopping Centre on 6th October, and the green-fingered among us will enjoy a visit to a garden centre on 17th November.

Save the date for an afternoon of the Jewish contribution to Leeds through arts, culture, and community on 18th October from 11am to 3pm. The event will feature an art exhibition showcasing a range of talented artists and unique works, as well as an art sale, auction, arts and craft workshops and stalls, and delicious food by LKK.

To get involved with LJWB, call 0113 268 4211.

KATIE DAVIDSON (LJWB), ELLIOT LANDY (JLIFE), DOMINIC AND JESS MATTEO, LIZ BRADBURY (LJWB), AND SHELLEY FRIEZE (LJWB) AT THE MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGN EVENING.

CLAUDIE INESON (LJWB VOLUNTEER MANAGER), ELAYNE PETER (LJWB AND LJHA VOLUNTEER), AND CHARLOTTE KEMP (LJHA DEPUTY SHELTERED HOUSING MANAGER).

REBECCA, DAN COHEN, AND MEL PROUDLY REPRESENTING THE CREATIVE CRAFT GROUP.

on pages 14, 20/21, 31, 45, 62 and 81.

A REHEARSAL WAS HELD AT UHC…

HARRY DAY WAS RECENTLY CALLED UP FOR HIS BAR MITZVAH. MUM DEBRA, GRANDPA GARY, AND BROTHERS FREDDIE AND ARCHIE WERE BY HIS SIDE.

EVERYONE HAD A BLAST, INCLUDING GRANDPA GARY!

HIS FAMILY ENJOYED THE SIMCHA.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: HARRISON HARDING

PHOTO: HARRISON HARDING

PHOTO: HARRISON HARDING

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

Project Lily is a charity that’s helping the community build resilience through self-care and free wellbeing resources.

Project Lily’s annual August self-care campaign is back again for 2026, offering quick and simple self-care ideas to support wellbeing. The growing national charity exists to ensure that someone is there to give the rapid and effective support needed to stop mental health challenges escalating.

It was first founded by David Coffer and Rabbi Danny Kirsch to meet the needs of the Jewish community because people with an identity shaped by their cultural experiences relate better to those who share these experiences, and this leads to better outcomes in a therapeutic environment.

David wanted to create a welfare project in memory of his mother, Lily, and discussed this with Rabbi Kirsch whose work with the JLE (Jewish Learning Exchange) encountered thousands of young Jewish adults every year. What they both understood was that many people on the outside may seem to be coping, but underneath might be really struggling with challenges that can affect anyone. The charity was founded with the maxim: “Everybody stumbles sometimes; we’re here to stop the fall.”

Starting with the JLE and spreading to more communal partner organisations, Project Lily trained its staff to understand the essentials of mental health and wellbeing so that they could spot and help people who needed rapid and effective support.

This training was delivered in person until the advent of COVID which gave rise to two things that shaped the charity’s future. Firstly, the lockdown meant that all training, liaison, and support had to be done remotely. Secondly, the NHS couldn’t help people manage the stress from the pandemic crisis that was contributing to a huge rise in mental ill health. In response

to this, Project Lily went online and, in addition to its original work with partner organisations, began delivering free training to the wider Jewish community. Just as the team had done with communal organisations’ staff, their aim was to give people the knowledge and skills needed to help look after themselves and others.

Project Lily helps a wide range of challenges: relationship difficulties, financial struggles, parenting problems, antisemitism, physical ill health… it’s a long list. What’s common to all of these is stress, and when not addressed, stress can weaken the immune system, lead to high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and even heart disease. That’s why the charity focuses so heavily on self-care, something that can be so simple yet has a massive impact in countering stress.

Throughout the year, the charity provides free adult wellbeing classes, with sessions presented live on Zoom with a number of CPD-accredited core modules. The team also delivers Lily Wellbeing Webinars, practical online resources, mindfulness and breathing videos, and articles on self-care and wellbeing that can be accessed via the website.

Projectlily.org.uk

Helping Hands

Awesome August Hug

The 31-day self-care campaign explores five key kinds of self-care: behavioural, physical, social, psychological, and spiritual. It also helps to reinforce the idea that you don’t have to make dramatic changes overnight, just a few minutes a day that are repeated consistently can support your wellbeing and move you towards better mental and physical health.

The daily activities are all quick and simple, from taking a short, mindful walk or spending a few minutes practising deep diaphragmatic breathing to reaching out to a friend you haven’t spoken too in a while or taking time to write down three things you’re grateful for. These small daily actions help build resilience, reduce the impact of stress, and support both physical and mental wellbeing.

By taking part in the campaign, Project Lily hopes that people will discover that self-care is an imperative, not selfish, and that looking after their wellbeing doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming.

Download an Awesome August Hug booklet or poster from Project Lily’s website and follow along each day throughout August!

FRESH FACE

Street Lane Bakery has announced a management restructure and the appointment of a new general manager.

Street Lane Bakery has announced the completion of a management restructuring programme designed to strengthen the business and support its continued growth as one of Yorkshire’s most respected bakeries.

As part of this new chapter, the bakery is delighted to introduce its new General Manager, Gal Shoulder, an internationally acclaimed pastry chef with more than 20 years of experience working at some of the world’s finest restaurants, luxury hotels, and culinary institutions.

Gal began her career at Food Art in Tel Aviv before moving to New York where she worked at the prestigious L’Absinthe and the iconic Le Cirque. She subsequently continued her culinary journey in Northern Italy at Sissi, a Michelin-starred restaurant in the Dolomites, and at Vigilius Mountain Resort, the award-winning five-star eco-luxury retreat.

Her passion for excellence then brought her to London where she studied at Le Cordon Bleu before becoming Head Pastry Chef at The Greenhouse in Mayfair, one of London’s most respected two-Michelinstarred restaurants. She later joined the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire as Executive Pastry Chef, overseeing pastry operations at one of the United Kingdom’s leading luxury hotels.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

In recent years, Gal has successfully run her own business, Patisserie Gal, specialising in premium plant-based patisserie and artisan baked goods. Her work combines classical French pastry techniques with modern innovation, earning a reputation for quality, creativity, and craftsmanship.

Commenting on her appointment, Gal said: “Throughout my career I have been fortunate to work in some exceptional kitchens and hospitality businesses around the world. What attracted me to Street Lane Bakery is its outstanding reputation and deep connection to the local community. I look forward to building on that legacy, maintaining the quality our customers know and love, and helping the bakery to grow for future generations.”

The management team at Street Lane Bakery is confident that Gal’s international experience, culinary expertise, and commitment to excellence will help guide the business into an exciting new era, while preserving the values and standards that have earned it a loyal following across Leeds and beyond.

Streetlanebakery.co.uk

The Art of Collecting ANTIQUES

In our field, we come across collectors of all types of items – including some rather unusual ones.

Sometimes collecting can get out of hand and then it becomes hoarding. In some way all of us are collectors but for those who collect a specific item, here are some recommendations.

Buy what you love

If you don’t like it then don’t buy it!

Do your research

Understanding your subject is key and sharing that knowledge is great. There are often collectors’ clubs or societies to join. They can give advice and provide buying and selling opportunities.

Collecting doesn’t have to be expensive

You can start small and grow your collection over time. Do try to buy quality over quantity – the more unusual item, the better the interest. Sometimes collections are so good they end up in museums, or the collector will open a museum themselves.

Most importantly, it’s not about making money

In most cases you won’t earn a profit from your collection. But it is fun, so enjoy it!

Many of you may have heard the names for collectors of particular things, such as a philatelist who collects stamps or a numismatist who collects medals and coins. But who knows what the following enthusiasts collect? Answers on the right of this page!

A. Cumyxaphilist

B. Brolliologist

C. Infulaphilist

D. Digitabulist

E. Gricer

F. Tyrosemiophile

Garydon.co.uk

MOTORING

Check Your Tyres

The condition of your tyres directly affects braking, steering, stability, and fuel economy. Well-maintained tyres shorten stopping distances in the wet, reduce the risk of blowouts, and make every trip smoother.

Start with pressure

Underinflated tyres flex more, overheat, and wear on the shoulders and overinflated tyres wear down the centre and reduce grip. Check pressures at least monthly and before long journeys, using the figures on your driver’s door sticker or in the handbook. Measure when ‘cold’ (before driving) because heat raises readings and can mask a low tyre.

Tread depth is next

Most tyres have wear bars moulded into the grooves; when the tread is level with these, the tyre is done. Even before this, performance in the wet declines, so many drivers replace around 3mm for safety. Inspect the full width of the tread and at multiple points around the tyre. Inner- or outer-edge wear hints at misalignment; patchy wear can suggest imbalance or worn suspension. Addressing the cause early saves new tyres from the same fate.

Check for cracks

As tyres age, the rubber perishes and tread can develop fine lines that deepen over time. These cracks weaken the structure and raise the risk of failure. If you see cracking, treat the tyre as unsafe and replace it.

Age matters

A tyre’s manufacturing date is on the code on the sidewall (the last four digits denote week and year). It’s recommended that tyres are replaced at around six to 10 years, depending on use and storage. Heat, sunlight, and heavy loads accelerate degradation; shaded parking and regular, moderate driving help.

Rotation, balancing, and alignment

Rotating every 5,000 to 8,000km evens wear between front and rear. Balancing prevents vibration that can chop up tread. A professional alignment keeps the wheels pointing straight so the tyre works efficiently.

Drive smoothly and avoid potholes and kerb strikes when you can. Aggressive launches, harsh braking, and fast cornering

scrub off rubber quickly. Before holidays or heavy-load trips, recheck pressure and confirm your tyres’ load and speed ratings are appropriate.

Regular checks take minutes and pay back in safety, comfort, and cost. Treat tyres as safety equipment and they’ll look after you on every journey.

Esgarageleeds.co.uk

With Raffaele Saccoccio from ES Motors Moortown

With Gary Don, your antiques expert and Auctioneer

LJWB RECENTLY HAD ITS 35TH ANNUAL AM-AM GOLF TOURNAMENT, RAISING MORE THAN £22,000!

THE BOARD CELEBRATED VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK WITH AN AFTERNOON TEA ALONGSIDE A MUSICAL PERFORMANCE FROM GSAL A-LEVEL STUDENTS.

LJOY’S BAT CHAYIL GIRLS ENJOYING FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER PREP!

THE BAR MITZVAH BOYS WENT ON A LASER QUEST EXPERIENCE FOLLOWED BY SOME TASTY FISH AND CHIPS FROM MARLOW’S.

£5,500 WAS ALSO RAISED FOR LJWB BY 11 WALKERS WHO SPENT A SUNNY FATHER’S DAY MORNING WALKING EIGHT MILES AROUND THE HAREWOOD ESTATE.

SUSAN DE COSTA WON A REBECCA SIEFF AWARD FROM WIZO AT THE PRIZE LUNCH – AN ANNUAL DINNER THAT ACKNOWLEDGES THOSE THAT DO OUTSTANDING WORK FOR THE ORGANISATION.

New Year, New Chapter

Rabbi Alby Chait delivers his last Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) message before he leaves Leeds for pastures new.

There is something about ‘lasts’ that is never easy. The last service. The last conversation. The last opportunity to put pen to paper and share a message with a community that has shaped so much of your life.

This will be my final Rosh Hashanah message for JLife before I leave the Leeds Jewish community at the end of this calendar year. That makes writing these words more emotional than I expected.

When I arrived here more than 20 years ago, I could never have imagined the journey that lay ahead. I arrived as a teenager knowing very few people and I leave having shared in countless simchas, stood alongside families through heartbreak, celebrated achievements, welcomed new generations into our community, and watched children become adults, couples become parents and grandparents, and seeing many dreams become reality.

Looking back, I genuinely believe that our community has enjoyed one of the most remarkable chapters in its history. Not because of me – but because we (all of us)

worked so beautifully together to create what we have today.

For a provincial Jewish community, Leeds has always achieved far beyond its numbers. There is a vibrancy here that cannot be measured by statistics alone. It is found in the strength of our synagogues, the dedication of our volunteers, the compassion of our welfare organisations, the generosity of our charities, the passion of our educators and, above all, the extraordinary people who care so deeply about one another. That is something truly precious.

Yet Rosh Hashanah is never simply about looking backwards. Judaism teaches us to treasure our memories but never to live in them, and make new ones. The sound of the shofar calls us forwards. Then Yom Kippur asks us not only to reflect on who we have been, but to decide who we still want to become.

My greatest hope is that the years we have shared together will never be remembered as a golden era that belonged to the past. Instead, may they be remembered as the foundation upon which an even brighter future was built.

Every generation is presented with defining moments. The choices we make today shape the community our children will inherit and our grandchildren will one day thank us for. That sometimes requires courage, vision, and the willingness to make significant decisions not simply for today's needs, but for tomorrow's opportunities.

The future of Leeds Jewry will not be secured by standing still. It will be secured by people who are prepared to think boldly, lead wisely, and invest generously in its future. It needs doers, thinkers, people willing to

get their hands dirty to step up, not down, to ensure the longevity, sustainability, and security for its future. One I see full of immense opportunity. I will forever champion this community – it will forever be my team and my home!

And so, as I prepare to begin a new chapter, I do so with enormous gratitude. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this remarkable community. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, and your trust over these past two decades. The memories will remain with me and my family forever.

As we all enter a new year, my prayer is that Hashem grants every one of us good health, happiness, peace, and blessing. May G-d inscribe us all in the Book of Life and may this coming year be one of unity, courage, growth, and success for our community, for the Jewish people, and for Israel.

Shanah Tovah, Alby.

In Deuteronomy, the Torah reads: “G-d will make you the head, not the tail.” Essentially, the meaning behind these words is, if you follow the commands of G-d, you will be at the top, never the bottom. This verse has also inspired one of the symbolic foods traditionally enjoyed on Rosh Hashanah.

The tradition of eating a whole fish with the head included represents the wish that we may always be ‘the head and not the tail’ in the year ahead. It’s a symbol of resilience and renewal as a new year begins. With that spirit in mind, why not bring this meaningful tradition to your new year table by serving up one of these delicious fish recipes?

Sea bass with pomegranate molasses

Ingredients

3

Honour an age-old Rosh Hashanah custom with delicious fish recipes for your festive table.

3. Season generously with salt and black pepper inside and out, from head to tail.

4. Brush the fish with the pomegranate molasses, then sprinkle the ground coriander and cumin evenly over it. Drizzle olive oil on top.

5. Add about two thirds of the chopped coriander and mint on top of the fish.

6. Place the rosemary on and around the fish and squeeze the juice of a whole lemon over it.

7. Scatter the apricots or dates around the fish.

8. Roast for approximately 18 minutes (if your fish weighs up to 700g).

4. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

5. Place the salmon on a lined baking tray and bake for 10 minutes.

6. Remove from the oven, gently brush over any excess marinade, then return to the oven for another 10 minutes.

7. Once cooked through, place your salmon on a serving platter and garnish with fresh pomegranate, mint leaves, and the zest of your lemon. Enjoy!

Apple-citrus stuffed roasted fish

Ingredients

3 2

Adjust the time for larger fish ash needed.

9. Once cooked, sprinkle the remaining coriander and mint over the top and tuck in!

1 2

• 1 sea bass (also works with white sea bream, cod, or other white fish)

• 60ml high-quality pomegranate molasses

• Salt and pepper

• 2tsp ground coriander

• 1tsp ground cumin

• 3tbsp olive oil

25g chopped coriander

• 10g chopped mint

• 2 sprigs rosemary

1 lemon

• 80g apricots or dates

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

2. Place the whole gutted fish in a greased baking tray and using a sharp knife, make three or four cuts on each side of the fish.

Honey and soy glazed salmon

Ingredients

• 1.2 kg of side salmon

• 1tbsp honey

• 2tbsp soy sauce

• 1.5tsp crushed ginger

• 1 lemon

• 50g pomegranate (to serve) Fresh mint leaves (to serve)

Method

1. In a glass jug, heat honey for 20 seconds in the microwave. Add the soy sauce, ginger, and 1tsp of lemon juice and whisk to combine.

2. Remove any bones from the salmon then gently brush over the marinade. Reserve any extra marinade to use during cooking.

3. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you want to prepare ahead).

• 2 whole white fish

1 apple, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 lime, sliced

• 60ml fresh lemon juice

• 2 rosemary sprigs

• Fresh parsley

• 2tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.

1. Score the skin of each fish with diagonal cuts.

2. Rub the inside of the flesh with olive oil and lemon juice and season to taste.

3. Stuff each fish with a rosemary sprig, sliced apple, lemon, and lime.

4. Place the fish on a baking tray and top with the fresh parsley and remaining lemon and lime slices.

5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the fish are cooked through.

Keep it Sweet

Here’s hoping for a sweet new year, and not just on the dinner table!

As well as being a delicious dip for our apples symbolising a sweet new year, honey has many other benefits! The golden ingredient has been used for centuries in beauty, wellness, and home remedies, thanks to its many amazing properties. From nourishing skin and hair to helping create a calming home environment, honey is far more versatile than simply being a staple in the kitchen.

It’s said that the secret to Egyptian queen Cleopatra’s radiant complexion and soft skin was her regular bath in a mixture of milk and honey. Honey is great for your skin due to it being naturally antibacterial, which helps to prevent any unwanted breakouts or skin irritation. It also contains high levels of antioxidants which help to repair your skin and to protect it against oxidative and environmental damage.

Other beauty benefits include helping to attract and retain moisture in the hair and skin, reducing dryness and promoting a healthy glow. Honey is also believed to support collagen production, helping to maintain skin elasticity. Thanks to its natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, it can aid the healing of minor skin wounds and help soothe irritation and infections.

Honey candles are more than just a source of light. Alongside their soft glow and natural scent, they help create a cosy atmosphere while supporting cleaner, healthier air. Made from 100% beeswax, a natural and renewable material produced by bees, they contain fatty acids and long-chain alcohols (esters) that give a cleaner, more even burn and a gentle, naturally sweet aroma. Unlike kerosene-based candles, they are biodegradable and do not release harmful substances into the air.

Their subtle scent is also ideal for relaxation and aromatherapy, helping to calm the mind and reduce stress, making them perfect for meditation or unwinding at the end of the day. Free from artificial fragrances and harsh chemicals, honey candles offer a safe, natural option for regular use.

Beeswax is also an incredible wood polish ingredient as it nourishes, protects, and restores wood by penetrating fibres to lock in moisture and create a durable, waterresistant shelf against spills and scratches while enhancing the natural grain.

Check out some of our honey product recommendations!

1 2 3

1. Honey powder | from £4.40 | Thesoapkitchen.co.uk

Honey powder is natural honey that has been spray dried into a fine powder. Honey is said to be a natural antiseptic due to its tendency to absorb the life-sustaining moisture from bacterial cell walls. Therefore, it’s useful to include in healing salves and to use as a natural wound cover. Honey attracts the dirt from skin pores and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Use honey powder in your creams, lotions, soaps, scrubs, facials, masks, body wraps, bath teas, milk baths, bath salts, and bath bombs.

2. Handmade candle | £9 | Bee-market.co.uk

Celebrate the beauty of nature with this handcrafted beeswax candle featuring an elegant bee design. Made from 100% pure beeswax, it combines natural charm with artisanal craftsmanship, making it a beautiful addition to any home. The candle emits a warm, golden glow and a delicate natural honey aroma while burning cleanly and evenly and would be perfect for lighting this Rosh Hashanah.

3. Beeswax polish | £10.50 | Northumberlandhoney.co.uk

Give tired wooden furniture a new lease of life with this polish. Made from 100% pure beeswax with added lanolin, it helps to nourish and preserve wood while enhancing its natural beauty. Easy to apply, the polish cleans, waterproofs, and buffs surfaces to a lasting shine. Unlike many alternatives, it contains no palm wax or harsh solvents, making it a pet-friendly choice for keeping furniture looking its best.

King

ABLEMAN-RUSSO

Irene and Steve wish all our family, relatives, and friends a happy and healthy New Year and an easy fast from Florida.

BOR

Wishing all our family and friends a very happy and healthy New Year –love from Gabby and Josh.

JEROME

Wishing all our family and friends a happy, healthy New Year and well over the fast. Amanda, Jonny, Louis, and Jacob.

KILLEN

Simone, John, Nathan, and Tyler wish all their family and friends a happy New Year and well over the fast.

ADLER

Happy New Year from Helen, Jonathan, and all the family.

CLYNES

Jane, Graham, and all the family wish everyone

Chag Sameach, and lots of love!

FISHER

Linda, Simon, Sophie, Louie, and Danielle wish family and friends a happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year.

DAVIDSON

Linda and David wish our wonderful parents a happy and healthy New Year. All our love always, Elissa and Sara xx

JACOBS

Debbie, Mark, Oliver, and Josh wish family and friends a happy, healthy New Year.

SAIPE

Jo, Rob, and family wish friends and family a lovely Yom Tov.

LEEDS MACCABI 2025/26

Winners

STEPHEN HIPPS AWARD FOR FOOTBALL EXCELLENCE

– ISAAC HARVEY

HAROLD FELDMAN LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – CHARLIE ROSENBERG

U7s

Aaron Wiggan (Golden Boot), Dion Khodravani (Manager’s Player), Archie Day (Players’ Player), Shivansh Singh (Supporters’ Player), Louie Talbot (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Kaden Selby (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U8s

Jacob Levinson and Sam Woods (Golden Boot), Zack Mosley and Ivy Ullmann (Manager’s Player), Rami Howarth and Louie Abrahams (Players’ Player), Amit Jakobovitz (Supporters’ Player), Zack Silberstein (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Oscar King (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U9s

Benny Punter-Matthews (Golden Boot), Ari Warner (Manager’s Player), Henry Isaacs (Players’ Player), Leo Levine (Supporters’ Player), Joshy Nasserghasri (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Sophie Wiggan (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U10s Blues

Ryan Khosravani (Golden Boot), Freddie Day (Manager’s Player), Hugo Black (Players’ Player), George Rosenberg (Supporters’ Player), Rex Reynolds (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Louie Bartfield (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U10s Whites

Taylor Kennedy (Golden Boot), Kye Harrison (Manager’s Player), Elijah Robinson (Players’ Player), Aiden Parkeh (Supporters’ Player), Milan Mfura (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Julian Brown (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U11s

Seth Mosley and Hugo Goldstone (Golden Boot), Milan Archibald-Barrett and Reece Stone (Manager’s Player), Max Abrahams and Ben Chambers (Players’ Player), Alfie Brazil (Supporters’ Player), Noah Grant (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Declan Curtis (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U12s

Max Glynn (Golden Boot), Noah Skolnick (Manager’s Player), Zackie Wolfryd (Players’ Player), George Goldstone (Supporters’ Player), Freddie Berke (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Eli Herscovitz (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U13s

Asher Abrahams (Golden Boot), Matthew Binion (Manager’s Player), Harry Day (Players’ Player), Nathan Milner (Supporters’ Player), Arthur Harvey (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Willam Grant (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U14s

Will Gravells (Golden Boot), Eddie Bentley (Manager’s Player), Nathan Lou-Davey (Players’ Player), Ethan Tunnard (Supporters’ Player), Hamza Khan (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Wathmira Wickramasinghe (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U15s

Henry Tordoff (Golden Boot), Josiah Graham (Manager’s Player), Jayden Griffin (Players’ Player), Isaac Harvey (Supporters’ Player), Raffi Stone (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Jake Taylor (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U16s

Noah Gould (Golden Boot), Abe Straight (Manager’s Player), James Desilva (Players’ Player), George Tatham (Supporters’ Player), Harry Baum (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Josh Silberstein (Howard Kristall Club Man).

U17s

Joel Nathan (Golden Boot), Joel Nathan (Manager’s Player), Oliver Williams (Players’ Player), Oliver Bates (Supporters’ Player), George Milner (Tony Reynolds Most Improved), Adam Dyson and Samuel Dyson (Howard Kristall Club Man).

Seeing

In recognition of World Photography Day on 19th August, local Photographer Claire Bartfield offers a few tips for taking better pictures.

Photography is about far more than having the latest camera. Some of my favourite images have been taken with very simple equipment because, in the end, it's the person behind the camera who makes the biggest difference.

One of the easiest ways to improve your photographs is to become more aware of what you're seeing before you press the shutter. Take a moment to notice the light, the composition, and what first caught your eye. Of course, that's not always possible. At fastpaced events such as weddings or Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, moments appear and disappear in an instant, so you need to react quickly. The more you practise looking for good light and strong compositions, the more instinctive it becomes. Personally, I often look for opportunities to shoot through other people, framing the main subject in the middle. It creates depth and helps the viewer feel as though they're part of the celebration rather than simply watching it unfold.

the Moment

Light is one of the biggest factors in creating a great photograph. If you're photographing people or landscapes, try shooting during the ‘golden hour’ – the hour after sunrise or before sunset when the light is softer, warmer, and more flattering. Bright midday sunshine can create harsh shadows so look for open shade or experiment with different angles. Understanding how light changes throughout the day will have a bigger impact on your photographs than any piece of equipment.

Don't be afraid to change your viewpoint. Crouch down to photograph children at their eye level or find a higher vantage point for landscapes. A small change in position can completely transform an image. When travelling, try to tell the story of a place rather than simply photographing the famous landmarks.

While it's important to capture the key moments, the photographs people treasure most are often the spontaneous ones, a shared laugh, a proud smile, or a child completely absorbed in the excitement. Those are genuine moments that can't be recreated later.

As for equipment, there's never been more choice. Whether you're using a smartphone, a compact camera, or a professional DSLR or mirrorless camera, the most important thing is learning how to use it well. If you're thinking about investing in more advanced equipment, don't feel you have to buy everything brand new. There’s an excellent second-hand market for photography gear, and many cameras and lenses that are only a few years old can produce outstanding results for a fraction of the original price. It's a great way to build a high-quality kit without spending a fortune.

Photography has the wonderful ability to preserve memories long after the moment has passed. Whether you're documenting a family holiday, exploring somewhere new,

or simply enjoying a walk close to home, the best camera is the one you have with you. Take your time, enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to experiment – you never know which photograph will become your favourite, or the one that tells the story best. Clairebartfieldphotography.co.ukk

I had a clear picture in my mind before I took this photograph. I wanted to combine the bold yellow of an iconic New York taxi with the strong lines of the city's architecture. Rather than shooting the first taxi that passed, I found my composition, waited patiently in a busy street, and watched the traffic until everything came together. Sometimes photography is about reacting in a split second; other times it's about knowing exactly what you want and waiting for the right moment to arrive.

Rosh Hashanah

A family-run bespoke bridal boutique in town, specialising in providing high-end gowns with a first-class service. Outfits for the bride, mums, bridesmaids and flower girls and accessories, including veils and tiaras. Specialist in Jewish bridal requirements.

EVENTS

It’s All Happening!

Don’t miss out on these fantastic events happening in and around the city.

Cloth Cat’s Summer Music Camp | Leeds Central Library | 3rd to 7th August

A series of accessible workshops for ages 11 to 18. Each day offers a different two-hour session led by friendly tutors offering the chance to get creative, experiment, and build new skills in a relaxed, supportive environment. No previous experience is needed, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in!

Clothcatleeds.org.uk

The Temple Newsam Food Festival | Temple Newsam | 15th August

This vibrant food fest is back and bigger and bolder than ever! Expect an expanded offering of food and drink, top chefs, superb musicians on stage, and entertainment for all the family. So, kick back and take in the smells, the sights, and the sounds. Templenewsamfoodfestival.com

Gary Stewart's Graceland Band | Brudenell Social Club | 22nd August

Led by the legendary Leeds-based troubadour Gary Stewart (Gary Stewart Band / Hope and Social) and backed by his incredible sevenpiece band, this spectacular group of musicians comes together to recreate Paul Simon’s landmark Graceland album in all its glory. Brudenellsocialclub.co.uk

High Society | The Grand Theatre | 25th and 29th August

Hot on the heels of Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate, this summer’s most eagerly anticipated production delivers another glorious dose of Golden Age musical theatre escapism. Helen George (Call the Midwife, The King and I) leads the 28-strong cast as glamorous socialite Tracy Lord in this lavish new production where plans for the society wedding of the year descend into chaos as old and new flames vie for attention, and a sharp-eyed tabloid reporter hunts for scandal at the waterfront estate .

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

Black Music Festival | Potternewton Park | 30th August

Formerly known as the Leeds Reggae Concert, this is Europe’s biggest, free open-air festival – honouring the contributions of black artists, featuring legendary and emerging talents performing reggae, dancehall, rap, grime, and R&B. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience of culture, rhythm, and unity in the heart of Chapeltown.

Blackmusicfestival.org

Heathers – The Musical | The Grand Theatre | 1st and 5th September

Based on the 1988 cult hit, which starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, this wickedly funny show has incredible music and lyrics and is produced by the team behind the acclaimed stage adaptation of Carrie. This is one class production you can’t afford to skip!

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

The Surfrajettes | Belgrave Music Hall | 21st September

A four-piece instrumental combo from Toronto, which has charmed audiences with their clever mix of psychedelic rock, reverb-drenched surf music, sky-high beehives, go-go boots, and eyeliner as thick as their guitar strings. When not on tour, the group is busy sewing new miniskirts, debating vintage gear, and daydreaming about performing in a Quentin Tarantino movie.

Belgravemusichall.com

Jane McDonald | first direct bank arena | 26th September

National treasure, singing sensation, and local lass Jane McDonald is coming back to her home county of Yorkshire. Her new album Living the Dream, recorded in Nashville at the famous Blackbird Studios, is Jane’s nod to country music. Expect an evening full of new material and classic hits.

Hot Spots

Make sure you check out these brand-new food and drink venues across Leeds this summer!

Crave Kitchen | Meanwood | Open

Crave Kitchen has recently popped up on Monk Bridge Road and is bringing together the bold flavours of Nigeria and Jamaica under one roof. From jerk chicken and beef suya to jollof rice and afro-fusion favourites, the team are cooking up a storm with all the best flame-grilled goodies from both cultures. You can eat in and enjoy the food under a covered terrace or there’s also takeaway and delivery options to enjoy from the comfort of your own home.

Cravekitchenonline.com

Jasper | City Centre | Open

Tucked away in the beautiful Grand Arcade is Jasper – a Parisian-inspired bistro that specialises in the simple yet delicious dish of steak and chips. The 28-day aged steak comes with 90 minutes of bottomless fries alongside an impressive menu of drinks showcasing

13-plus signature cocktails, over 100 whiskies, and more! If steak isn’t your thing, the bistro also offers plenty of variety and vegetarian options. Jasperleeds.com

M Plus Matcha | Woodhouse | Open

There’s no denying matcha’s hold on the world right now, and M Plus Matcha is the latest brand making its mark on the ever-growing green tea scene. Located on Blenheim Terrace, the store offers not only your classic matcha lattes but also a huge range of freshly churned gelato. It also has four flavour profiles to suit every taste: soft and grassy at 20%, 40% is smooth and creamy, full and velvety takes you to 60%, and for the extreme matcha enthusiasts, deep and bold is 80%. The drinks menu includes iced matcha lattes, hot matcha, matcha lemonades, and loads more! On Instagram @mplusmatcha

Temple Tavern | City Centre | Open

At the beginning of July, Temple Tavern officially opened its doors on the top floor of Society on Swinegate and is bringing a taste of Ireland to the heart of the city. The Irish bar is serving perfectly poured pints of Guinness alongside a wide selection of beers, spirits, and cocktails in a warm, welcoming atmosphere full of authentic Irish charm. With live music from talented performers throughout the week, late-night craic, and live sports shown on the big screens, Temple Tavern has all the ingredients to become one of the city's newest go-to spots for a great night out.

Templebarleeds.co.uk

Edges Pizza | Holbeck | Open

One of Leeds’ most well-known and loved New York-style pizza spots has finally opened up a bricks-and-mortar store after a couple of years of only doing pop-up residencies, markets, and food festivals. All pizzas are pre-order and collection only from the Holbeck site but it’s more than worth a visit. The 18-inch pies are thin, crispy, and entirely reminiscent of a slice you can get in the Big Apple, with plenty of topping variations to tempt your tastebuds.

On Instagram @edgespizza

O Katsu | City Centre | October

There’s just no stopping Chef Fern – the brains behind Fern Modern Sushi and Tori Nori – as she’s due to open her third restaurant in the city centre in October. O Katsu will be an intimate Japanese restaurant with only 15 covers serving premium katsu which is a breaded, deepfried piece of meat, seafood, or vegetables that’s served with steaming hot rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup, and dipping sauces. If the other two venues are anything to go by, O Katsu is sure to be delicious!

On Instagram @okatsuleeds

Edges

Jasper

Special Day

Planning the perfect wedding should be a fun and exciting time for any couple. However, with so many things to consider, it can soon become overwhelming. Help is at hand! Here are five top tips to get your planning off to a great start.

Budget

There’s no denying it, planning a wedding isn’t cheap. Before diving into the details, you need to sit down and decide how much you and your family feel comfortable spending. It’s easy to get carried away looking at other people’s plans and prices. You can have an incredible wedding on any budget, but it may take a little creativity to achieve. So, whatever your plans, make that budget – and stick to it!

Guest list

One of the biggest factors when deciding your budget is the number of guests you’d like to invite. The guest list has a direct impact on many aspects of your big day, including your choice of venue, date, and the cost of catering. It’s a good idea to make this list before putting the rest of your plans in place.

Prioritise

What matters the most to you? The venue or the caterer? Perhaps it’s entertainment or flowers? Or maybe the decorations? Every couple and every wedding day is different. Though each part of your day is important, prioritising what’s essential can help you to focus on the suppliers you’re looking at and your expenditure.

Thinking about DIY?

Seeing a couple, their family, and friends relaxed and enjoying every moment of their big day is so important to us. An event planner removes tension beginning at the planning stage and supporting you all the way to your big day, putting together a clear schedule that helps you to focus on the most important decisions. A planner’s relationships with suppliers will also save you money, keeping you on budget while creatively bringing your ideas to life.

Enjoy yourselves!

You’re in love and you’re getting married. This should be a happy time with minimal stress! Allow yourselves time to plan and prioritise then relax and enjoy the experience. Shenderey-events.com

Better Prepared FINANCE

We’re often asked by clients how they can reduce their administrative burden and paperwork around financial and legal matters, so we’ve prepared some guidance to help readers be prepared.

Create a ‘SALIE’

Before making any records, it’s important that all the undernoted information is recorded in paper form and not on any electronic device as the risk of digital scams is very real and can drastically reduce a person’s net wealth. It’s also important that you do not share this with anyone other than a trusted member of your immediate family, a financial adviser, or family lawyer.

A simple first step is to create a SALIE (statement of assets, liabilities, income, and expenditure) in relation to your own and your partner’s assets. It’s a genuine help to anyone dealing with someone’s financial affairs and quite often can be summarised on as single page of A4.

Record existing protections, pensions, and actions

A simple note of existing accident or sickness cover, together with the names of the policy providers, employers’ names, contact addresses, emails, and telephone numbers, and any monthly amounts paid in the past or on an ongoing basis.

Updating key documents

The two key documents which are often overlooked are the client’s will and any lasting power of attorney (LPA). Clients can often recall that they created a will years ago, but this may need updating – especially if family needs or financial priorities have changed.

A well-written LPA, covering both health and financial matters, is now popular with clients of all ages and shouldn’t be overlooked. This can form a crucial level of support if you or your partner become incapacitated in any way.

Digital records

With so much information held online, you may want to provide access to a trusted person of your key passwords, laptop access password, and especially the access code to your mobile phone. You can also set up a legacy contact for your online data. These types of actions can prove invaluable to the surviving partner or family members, save considerable time, and reduce stress.

Next steps

If you’ve followed the above steps, congratulations! You’re now in a much stronger position and are back on top of the financial administrative burden.

Unexpectedly Resilient PROPERTY

Despite a challenging start to 2026, the Yorkshire property market has shown far greater resilience than many expected. At the beginning of the year, falling mortgage rates and improving affordability led many experts to forecast house price growth of between 5% and 6%. However, global uncertainty, political instability, and rising mortgage rates have created a more cautious market than anticipated.

The good news is that the local picture remains positive. Analysis of Yorkshire and the Humber property data from April to May 2026 shows that new listings and sales agreed were both down by just 2% compared with the same period last year. More encouragingly, average agreed sale prices increased by 3% to just under £270,000.

The biggest shift has been in buyer behaviour. Mortgage rates have risen from around 4.5% to 5.5%, increasing monthly repayments for many purchasers.

While this has affected affordability, it hasn't stopped people moving. Instead, buyers are taking more time, viewing more properties, and negotiating harder before committing.

For sellers, this means pricing and presentation are more important than ever. With buyers having greater choice, homes that are realistically priced and well-presented are far more likely to attract strong interest and achieve the best possible outcome.

Although predicting the remainder of the year remains difficult, there are reasons for optimism. If mortgage rates stabilise and wider economic uncertainty begins to ease, the second half of 2026 could see improved market activity.

If you’re still feeling overburdened by the scope of the administrative workload, or need any help or guidance on financial matters, Alan Kinnaird can help, call 01904 544 307 or email alan.kinnaird@wcgplc.co.uk

With Mark Manning, Managing Director of Manning Stainton

Whatever happens, the Yorkshire property market continues to demonstrate its resilience, underpinned by the fact that people will always need to move

For 12 years, Jnetics has empowered thousands of people through recessive carrier screening for more than 50 Jewish genetic conditions and with the knowledge of their increased BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic risk. Say YES to supporting Jnetics, so that more people can KNOW their genetic makeup, empowering them to make informed decisions for their health and the future of their families.

Donate today to protect the health of future generations.

IN THE GENES

Josh Forman, Head of Science, Education, and Outreach at Jnetics,

on the power of knowledge to shape healthier futures.

As we gather with family over Rosh Hashanah and the Yom Tovim, we naturally reflect on what we pass from one generation to the next. We pass on traditions, recipes, stories, values, our love of learning, our sense of community, and perhaps above all, our willingness to ask questions.

One of the key threads of the story of Jonah is precisely this idea – questioning. Jonah pushes back, questions, probes, and wrestles with Hashem’s instruction. Judaism has never encouraged us simply to accept the world as it is. Instead, it teaches us to ask, seek understanding, and use knowledge to improve the lives of others. This spirit has shaped generations of thinkers, scientists, and innovators whose discoveries have transformed medicine and saved countless lives.

We also pass on our genes which, for Jewish families, may carry an increased risk of certain genetic disorders. For centuries, inherited genetic conditions have affected Jewish families. Previous generations could only wonder why these illnesses occurred. Today, thanks to remarkable advances in genetics, and to scientists who never stopped asking questions, we have answers they never had and opportunities they could scarcely have imagined.

At Jnetics, we believe this is a powerful continuation of our Jewish tradition. By combining education with modern genetic screening, we help individuals and couples make informed decisions that can reduce the risk of severe inherited genetic conditions affecting future generations. Through our work supporting access to BRCA testing, we also help people understand their inherited cancer risk, enabling earlier intervention and, in many cases, preventing cancer before it develops.

A TRANSFORMATIVE YEAR

As

Leeds Jewish Free School (LJFS) ends another academic year, it celebrates the transformative impact of support from

the Yael Foundation.

This year, LJFS was awarded a grant from the Yael Foundation, a global organisation dedicated to strengthening Jewish identity and ensuring that Jewish children around the world have access to high-quality education. The foundation works tirelessly to support schools, educators, and communities, investing not only in educational opportunities but also in the long-term sustainability and growth of Jewish life across the globe.

Through the generous funding the school received, it was able to make significant improvements in three areas. Firstly, ICT provision has been enhanced by securing muchneeded equipment to support

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

As we begin a new year, perhaps the greatest legacy we can leave is not only the traditions we cherish, but the choices we make to protect those who come after us. Our ancestors taught us to ask questions. Those questions became discoveries, and those discoveries have become opportunities to build a future where fewer families experience the suffering previous generations simply had to accept.

This Rosh Hashanah, look to the future with hope by helping protect future generations. Learn more about Jnetics' genetic screening services or consider making a donation to help more families access life-changing support. May the year ahead be one of health, hope, and new beginnings for us all.

Jnetics.org

the teaching of STEM subjects. Secondly, there is guaranteed Hebrew teaching in place for the next 12 months. And finally, there has been investment in developing areas of the school that required improvement, enabling it to take its sports and performing arts provision to the next level.

The team would like to extend their sincere thanks to the Yael Foundation for everything they have done for the school this year. They said that meeting the team, working alongside them, and seeing the commitment to Jewish education first-hand has been nothing short of transformational for the school and wider community.

See more photos on pages 9, 14, 20/21, 45, 62 and 81.

LEAH WARNER HAD HER BAT MITZVAH IN JUNE AT UHC.

LEAH THEN CELEBRATED WITH A PARTY AT NEW CRAVEN HALL.

MAZEL TOV LEAH!

ANOUSHKA PEARLMAN, DAUGHTER OF NATASHA AND LEO AND GRANDDAUGHTER OF JACK FISHER MET PRINCE HARRY AT THE FIFA WORLD CUP!

FRIENDS AND FAMILY GATHERED TO MARK THE SPECIAL OCCASION.

IT WAS A PROUD DAY FOR HER FAMILY NIKKI, ELLA, ARI, RAFAEL, AND ELIYA.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: ROB CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: ROB CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: ROB CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY

Get Checked OPTICAL

Many people assume they only need an eye test if their vision becomes blurry. However, regular examinations are about much more than checking whether you need new glasses. A comprehensive eye examination allows your optometrist to assess the overall health of your eyes and can detect signs of eye conditions long before you notice any symptoms. Diseases such as glaucoma, agerelated macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy often develop gradually and may cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Early detection gives the best chance of preserving sight.

Eye examinations can also reveal signs of wider health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and raised cholesterol. The blood vessels and nerves at the back of the eye provide a unique window into your general health, making routine eye care an important part of preventative healthcare.

For those who spend long hours using digital devices, an eye examination can also help address symptoms such as eyestrain, headaches, and dry eyes.

Simple advice on screen habits, lighting, and appropriate spectacle lenses can make a significant difference to comfort and productivity.

Most adults should have their eyes checked every two years, although some people – including children, those over 70, and individuals with certain medical conditions or a family history of eye disease – may need more frequent reviews.

Looking after your eyes is an investment in your long-term health. Help protect your vision, support your wellbeing, and ensure that any problems are identified and managed as early as possible.

Jamesdalyopticians.co.uk

Festival Essentials BETTER HEARING

Music festivals are exciting events that bring people together to enjoy live performances, great entertainment, and unforgettable experiences. From rock and pop to electronic dance music, festivals offer something for everyone. However, the loud sound levels at these events can pose a risk to hearing if proper precautions aren’t taken.

Prolonged exposure to loud music can cause temporary ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, and in some cases may lead to permanent hearing damage. Since festival speakers often produce sound levels above safe listening limits, protecting your hearing is essential.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your ears is by wearing high quality earplugs. These earplugs reduce the volume at various attenuations while maintaining the quality of the music, allowing you to enjoy the performance without harming your hearing. Taking regular breaks from loud areas and standing further away from speakers can also help reduce noise exposure.

By making ear protection part of your festival essentials, you can enjoy the music safely while preserving your hearing for years to come. A small step today can make a big difference in protecting one of your most valuable senses.

0113 267 0000 | info@simply-hearing.com

SEASON OF CHANGE

This coming autumn and winter season offers an embarrassment of riches for theatregoers, with major stages across the city unveiling ambitious and exciting programming for the months ahead.

A new era begins at Leeds Playhouse with incoming Artistic Director Tom Wright. His tenure opens with August Wilson’s Fences, running in the Courtyard Theatre from 11th to 26th September. An acclaimed examination of the African American experience and inter-generational trauma, this new production, the first major UK revival of Wilson’s landmark drama in over a decade, is directed by Daniel Bailey and stars Ray Fearon as Troy Maxson.

The season continues with a new run of Peanut Butter and Blueberries, an affecting story of young love reckoning with culture and faith. Written by Playhouse Writer-inResidence Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan and directed by Sameena Hussain, it’s playing from 22nd October to 7th November.

Rounding off the year, Tom Wright himself directs the Playhouse’s festive offering How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, based on the Dr Suess classic.

Opera North brings two major new stagings to Leeds Grand Theatre this autumn...

Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin, running from 9th October to 21st November, and Verdi’s Rigoletto from 18th October to 20th November. Audiences after something lighter can look forward to Irvine Welsh’s stage adaptation of Trainspotting receiving its world premiere at the Grand from 7th December, 30 years on from the film that defined a

generation, alongside a run of Northern Ballet’s Cinderella from 15th December offering a more traditional festive treat.

City Varieties Music Hall welcomes legendary punk poet Dr John Cooper Clarke on 30th and 31st October and has its usual full slate of great comedy talent with Bill Bailey, Kevin Bridges, and Dylan Moran all appearing in November. In December, it returns to its much-loved festive tradition with Rapunzel: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto, the latest instalment in a series that has previously included Aladdin, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Red Riding Hood. The show promises a high-energy mix of live music, audience participation, and the kind of cheerfully corny humour that has made City Varieties’ festive extravaganza a much-loved Leeds institution.

Across the city’s stages, this season is defined by the themes of transition and ambition – new creative leadership at the Playhouse, world-class opera and a stage premiere at the Grand, and a beloved local tradition continuing at City Varieties. Whatever your taste, autumn and winter 2026 gives Leeds theatregoers plenty to look forward to.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com Operanorth.co.uk

Leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Small But Mighty

Once one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets, Curaçao is now rightfully stepping into the spotlight following the FIFA World Cup with its postcard-worthy beaches and incredible architecture.

With a population of approximately 160,000 and a land mass smaller than the Isle of Man, Curaçao recently surpassed

plucked from a canal side in Amsterdam and given a tropical lick of paint.

Willemstad became listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and is worth a visit just to admire the buildings alone. The city’s development and architecture originate from the expansion of Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries – great parts of the historic townscape remain intact and recognisable to this day!

Willemstad’s four historic districts – Punda, Otrobanda, Pietermaai, and Scharloo – are bisected by the deepwater channel of St Anna Bay. What strikes most visitors are the pastel-coloured buildings that line the sunny streets. It’s thought that this practice began in the early 19th century after one governor claimed that the bright sunlight reflecting off the previously white lime-washed facades was giving him migraines. Apparently, he ordered the buildings to be painted in different colours, and the tradition continues to this day.

The island is home to a small, closeknit Sephardic and Ashkenazi community descended from Spanish and Portuguese Jews, which today numbers fewer than 350 people. While in Willemstad, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue (also known as the Snoa) is a must-visit! Consecrated in 1732, it’s the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas. The shul is one of the island’s prime historical monuments with its unique architecture, ancient mahogany furniture, magnificent chandeliers, and gleaming silver and brass ornaments.

Also in Willemstad is the Jewish Museum where you can follow the early stories of Curaçao’s Jewish community – from the first arrivals in 1651 to the foundations of religious, social, and economic life. Discover how a small group of settlers shaped the island’s future and left a lasting legacy. Current exhibitions include exploring Jewish migration to the Caribbean and World War II history on the island through personal testimonies, family artefacts, and rare film clips. There’s also an exhibition about George Maduro, born in the capital and remembered as a symbol of courage. Learn how this Curaçaoan Jewish hero fought in the Dutch resistance and gave his life during the Nazi occupation of Europe.

Curaçao is home to over 35 of some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean so it delivers on plenty of options for fans of the sandy stuff. You'll see lots of wildlife along the coast,

the island’s south coast is given special protection as part of the Curaçao Underwater Marine Park. The sea is at its clearest along this cut of coast, making it a hotspot for scuba divers and snorkellers. Top dive spots include the Mushroom Forest, known for its unique coral formations, and Tugboat, a shallow wreck teeming with marine life. Divers can expect to see reef fish, sea turtles, moray eels, and

even eagle rays. May to November is the recommended time to dive here, during the off-peak season, when you’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds. Nevertheless, conditions are good all year round, as unlike many other Caribbean islands, Curaçao lies safely outside the primary Atlantic hurricane belt.

If you needed an excuse to escape the British winter, January to March on the island is a world away from failed new year’s resolutions and cold, miserable weather… it’s carnival! What began in 1947 as a simple parade has grown into an elaborate two-month-long celebration, making it the longest carnival celebration in the Caribbean. At its core is the Tumba Festival, a four-day music competition where around 50 singers compete for the title of King or Queen of Tumba, a genre often referred to as ‘Curaçao blues’, driven by rhythmic drums, bold horn sections, and call-and-response vocals. Lyrical talent and uplifting messages are key to success. Alongside the festival, a series of parades brings the streets to life, with

participants showcasing dazzling, brightly coloured costumes throughout the season.

Foodies will be right at home here as there are a huge range of restaurants ranging from beach shacks selling delicious street food to fine dining establishments that showcase the best of the region’s rich culinary heritage. As it’s located off the coast of Venezuela and was once a Dutch colony, the island offers food that is the result of many years of influence – not only by Dutch colonisation, but from Creole, Spanish, French, Indonesian, and Portuguese settlements, among others.

Whether you come for the cultural heritage or the natural beauty, Curaçao proves it is far more than a small island in the Caribbean. From its pastel-hued capital and layered colonial history to its coral-fringed waters and lively festivals, there’s far more here than its size

For a home that feels like a holiday year-round, Mediterranean-inspired décor is the way to go this summer! 1 2 3 4 5

Med with Love

Inspired by the unhurried rhythm of coastal living, Mediterranean décor draws together sun-bleached blues, soft whites, and warm terracotta shades to create a palette that feels both fresh and effortlessly chic. Paired with bold prints and natural materials, these hues bring warmth and character into the home to create a relaxed, sun-soaked aesthetic even when the British weather has other plans.

1. Claudia wavy footed bowl | £130 | Rebeccaudall.com

Hand-crafted in a family-owned Italian atelier with a longstanding heritage and a reputation for craftsmanship, this bowl is designed with a contemporary yet classic elegance in a lovely terracotta shade. Perfect for use as a fruit bowl, serving bowl – cake, pastries, and nibbles would all look fantastic! – or just as a decorative piece around the home.

2.

Set of three Mediterranean kitchen prints | £147 | Beachhouseart.co.uk

This curated set of kitchen prints brings a fresh, sun-soaked coastal feel to your home. Painted by hand in the company’s studio, each artwork is inspired by traditional Mediterranean tiles and the simple pleasures of seaside living, food, and shared spaces. The soft blue tile backgrounds create cohesion across the set, while the vibrant subjects add warmth, colour, and character without feeling overly decorative. They’re also available to buy separately so you can mix and match as you please!

3. Cushion cover | £15 | Furn.com

Bring a taste of the Med to your garden with this vibrant outdoor cushion. Water-resistant, it’s designed to handle a bit of unpredictable weather, so you don't have to dash outside at the first sign of a drizzle. Packed with delicious illustrations of sardines, olives, and citrus fruits, this cushion adds a splash of flavour and colour to your space.

4. Linen blend bedding | from £119 | Pigletinbed.com

When you’ve ditched your warm duvet for something a little lighter, switching up your bedspread to linen is ideal as it’s 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! 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.

5. Buon Appetito collection | from £12.50 | Oliverbonas.com

Inspired by the colours and patterns of a Mediterranean summer, Oliver Bonas’ new range captures a sense of laidback luxury and playful holiday energy. From the lemon-adorned tableware to a festival of fresh produce and floral features across textiles and glassware, it’s a feast of juicy design details. Colourful embossed fruit and tulip motifs feature on the vases and glassware ranges, including an exclusive design for a cocktail punch jug and matching tumblers. Orange spritz goblets and limoncello shot glasses join the collection ready for standout summer sipping.

The Fifth Room INTERIORS

For a few weeks each summer, something wonderful happens to our homes. The back doors stay open from breakfast until long after supper, and the line between inside and out disappears. The kitchen drifts onto the terrace, children wander through with bare feet, and nobody is quite sure where one room ends and the next begins. As we’re granted so few of these evenings a year, it seems a shame to spend them indoors.

As an interior designer, I think of the garden as the fifth room of the house. Whether you're dreaming of an extension one day or simply enjoying what you already have, here are a few ways to make the most of it this summer.

Decide what the eye lands on. This is the first thing I do in any room. Stand inside, look out through your open doors, and notice where your eye settles. If it's the bins or a coiled hose, that's worth knowing. Move the clutter and put something worth looking at where your gaze falls: a pot, a small tree, a chair angled invitingly. You're composing a view, and you'll see it every day from the kitchen.

Light both spaces, not just one. As the evening draws in, a single lamp indoors turns your open doors into a bright box beside a dark garden. Designers never rely on one overhead light, and the same applies here. Move a lamp towards the doors, add a lantern or a few candles outside, and build the light in low pools rather than one glare. The garden stays part of the room long after the sun has gone.

Then create an echo between the two. Your eye travels straight from the sofa to the lawn, so the spaces should feel related. You needn't match everything: a cushion that picks up a colour from indoors, coloured glasses that catch the light, or a jug of flowers cut from the garden and brought back out.

While the doors are open, notice where your home flows outward easily and where it fights you: the step everyone trips on, the door too narrow for the view behind it, or the corner the light never finds. Keep those notes. When the time comes to extend or renovate, that is where the real design work begins, because

With Nommi Parker, Founder and Head of Design at The Parlour Room

the most beautiful connection between a house and its garden is always planned, never an afterthought.

That's what the fifth room really is. Not a project or an expense, but the most generous space your home already has. A home should never stop at its own back wall. For these few weeks, yours doesn't, so live in every room you have, including the one with the sky for a ceiling.

Theparlourroom.uk |

On Instagram @parlourroominteriors

in recognition of his contribution to the profession.

Headrow Gallery has been part of Yorkshire’s art scene since 1900 – more than 125 years serving collectors and art-lovers across the region. For the last 38 years, it has been owned and run by Maxwell Roberts, who has built its reputation on quality, personal service, and expert advice, while showcasing work by local, national, and international artists.

Maxwell’s career in photography, the art world, and picture framing spans nearly 57 years. This includes three years as both Master and Chairman of the Fine Art Trade Guild, the UK’s trade association for the art and framing industry, during which he was presented with the Guild’s Medal of Honour

This year marks the start of a new chapter. Over the coming months, Maxwell will step into semi-retirement – though this is far from the end of the story. The shop will be

closing but Headrow Gallery will continue trading online, so customers can keep browsing and buying artwork as before. Behind the scenes, plans are being finalised for the future of the picture framing business, along with a new venue where much of the gallery’s artwork will be showcased. The new location promises real benefits for customers across North Leeds, Harewood, and Harrogate, making professional picture framing and original art easier to access than ever.

Full details will follow as soon as everything is confirmed. For now, Maxwell is looking forward to seeing both the gallery and framing business continue to thrive, with a little more time for family and friends after almost six decades in the industry.

Headrowgallery.co.uk

Ale Trail

Ahead of Leeds International Beer Festival, we catch up with local beer expert Simon Jenkins and find out about Israel’s buoyant beer scene!

Leeds International Beer Festival returns to Kirkstall Abbey from 3rd to 6th September and when it comes to the Yorkshire brewing industry, there’s no greater authority than Simon Jenkins, the city’s longest-serving chronicler of the pint.

Simon joined the Yorkshire Evening Post in 1991 and soon took over the paper’s pub column, Taverner. It ran for the best part of three decades, only calling last orders when pubs shut for the first COVID lockdown in 2020. Along the way he’s written two books, The Great Leeds Pub Crawl and The Yorkshire Beer Bible, a near-exhaustive survey of every brewery in the county. Simon also runs regular walking tours around Leeds through dedicated beer website, It’s the Beer Talking, that take in as much local history as local ale.

In 2010 he was named British Beer Writer of the Year, a title that came with an unexpected invitation: “I got to go to Israel to judge the Tel Aviv International Beer Festival. I went there thinking: do Israelis drink beer? Is that even a thing there? Well, obviously it was. I had an amazing time. There were some really brilliant breweries, and after the judging we travelled round and had lots of great food and drink. When I mentioned this to a friend of mine, an elderly Jewish chap from South Africa, he said, ‘they don't drink beer in Israel!’ I said, well based on my experience they definitely do!”

Over the years, Simon has seen Leeds' beer culture transform almost beyond recognition: “When I started doing this, there were very few pubs that specialised in real ale. The only ones that did served mostly Tetley. You'd go into a pub and ask for a real

ale, hand-pulled, and they'd look at you as though you were a bit odd.”

The turning point was the original North Bar on New Briggate, which introduced the city to Belgian and Trappist beers: “It gradually introduced Leeds to different tastes and styles that spread throughout the city.”

That shift created room for local brewers to establish themselves, Kirkstall chief among them; it’s since grown into the dominant player in the city’s brewing scene, and now also produces the old Leeds Brewery beers.

Simon points to consolidation being one of the defining stories of the last decade, with brewers such as North Brewing and Magic Rock bought up by larger groups. But smaller operators are still finding a foothold: “Some breweries that started small have grown a lot. Saltaire Brewery is still relatively independent. Northern Monk started really small, and now it’s massive – that team have done it at the right pace, not overstretched themselves, and built a name everyone knows.”

In terms of beer scene trends, Simon welcomes the returning popularity of traditional styles like milds and genuine IPAs from producers like Saltaire and Ilkley breweries, and the resurgent presence of an old favourite, Timothy Taylor’s Landlord: “If I go in a pub

and see that on the bar, that's it for me. I need look no further.” He also flags the marked improvement of low- and no-alcohol beer: “They taste a lot better than they used to.”

Among Simon’s highlights of this year’s festival lineup is Amity, based at Sunny Bank Mills, and the strong, uncompromising beers of Tartarus: “They're actually really approachable. Do try them, it's good stuff.”

Simon’s walking tours take in the university campus, the old industrial heart of Holbeck, and a route up or down Briggate between North Bar and The Tetley, woven together with fascinating local history. One of his favourite stops is The Grove, the traditional stalwart and renowned music pub operated by the same team who also run the Duck and Drake.

A close second is the Highland Laddie, formerly a journalists’ haunt near the old Evening Post building, now serving what's been called the best Sunday lunch in Britain. He’s also fond of the recently relaunched Victoria, co-run by Kirkstall Brewery and Five Points Brewing.

For beer sceptics, Simon suggests a visit to Leeds International Beer Festival will find them pleasantly surprised and offers some local recommendations: “Try a pale ale from Amity, something dark and challenging from Tartarus, Kirkstall's Dissolution IPA, then Northern Monk's Faith or Heathen. You’ll certainly find something you like.”

Itsthebeertalking.co.uk | Leedsbeer.com

TurnTHE PAGE

For Book Lovers’ Day and International Literacy Day, we check in with Leeds Libraries and its important role in the community.

Get ready to celebrate our relationship to the written word with two upcoming events. National Book Lovers’ Day (9th August) encourages us to engage with the joy of reading – to finish the novel gathering dust on your bedside table or pick up something new and different. It’s a day we can observe in whatever way suits, whether that’s with a battered paperback, an audiobook on the commute, or a picture book shared with a child at bedtime.

A few weeks later, International Literacy Day (8th September) marks its 60th anniversary with the theme ‘literacy for people, the planet, and prosperity’, with UNESCO convening the global celebration in Mexico. The day exists to promote literacy around the globe. At least 739 million adults and young people worldwide still lack basic literacy skills, and millions of children are out of school altogether. Where Book Lovers’ Day celebrates reading as one of life’s pleasures, Literacy Day asserts that it’s also a human right which many of us take for granted.

In light of this, it’s worth remembering and appreciating the vital role of libraries

in our society. Leeds’ library service spans 37 libraries and community hubs, and recent years have seen that network given a new lease of life. The most striking recent addition is a new music library on-site, complete with walk-in recording studios, pianos, and podcasting facilities – a reminder that today’s library is about much more than just books.

Many sites are now co-located with community hubs, offering book loans alongside housing advice, banking, the post office, and local police contact point under one roof. For places without a branch nearby, a fleet of story buses and mobile community hubs brings books, ICT access, and support services directly to the community.

In the first quarter of this year alone, Leeds libraries loaned 310,253 books, gifted 1,202 SIM cards, and ran 53 digital drop-in sessions alongside 304 tablet loans. A programme of 157 cultural and learning events drew 2,549 attendees in the same period, showing that demand for shared reading and learning in Leeds is very much alive and well.

Councillor Asghar Khan, the council’s

executive member for housing and hubs, remarked on the shift: “Our library service has changed with the times, moving away from the idea of libraries as quiet spaces and focusing more on creating places where people of all ages can attend events, access important services, and have fun.” Though services and facilities may have evolved, the heart of the institution still adheres to the fundamentals: “The absolute core principle of our libraries remains the love of reading, storytelling, and exploring the world of imagination and possibilities that books can open up.”

Between Book Lovers’ Day and Literacy Day, there’s a period in late summer that makes a fitting moment to put that principle into practice. Finish the book you’ve neglected, start a new one in a genre you wouldn’t normally try, or take the kids to a local branch and let them choose for themselves. As Councillor Khan puts it: “Libraries are magical places, with a unique power to expand young minds and bring different generations and cultures together.” In Leeds, that magic is just a library card away. Libraries.leeds.gov.uk

Less is More HEALTH & FITNESS

‘I know I should probably be doing more…’ That’s something I hear quite a lot. For many people, exercise starts to feel a bit like a moving target. We’re told to walk more, stretch more, do classes, go to the gym – and somehow fit it into an already busy week. It can feel like if you’re not doing enough, you’re falling behind.

But here’s something worth knowing – when it comes to maintaining muscle strength as we get older, more isn’t always better. In fact, one thing I often see is people doing plenty of activity but not seeing much change in how strong or capable they feel. That’s usually not a lack of effort; it’s often a question of doing the right kind of thing.

Building and maintaining strength doesn’t necessarily require long workouts or multiple sessions each week.

What matters more is that the muscles are properly challenged in a way that’s safe, controlled, and consistent. When that happens, the body responds.

I regularly see people in their 40s, 50s, and beyond getting noticeably stronger with just one or two focused sessions a week. Not exhausted, not worn out. Just gradually stronger and more confident in how they move, which, for most people, is the real goal.

So, if you’ve been feeling like you should be doing more, it might be worth reframing the question; not ‘how much exercise should I be doing?’ but ‘am I doing the kind of exercise that actually helps me stay strong?’ Because when it comes to ageing well, it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters.

fit20moortown.co.uk

You’re not alone — and it doesn’t have to stay that way. At fit20, we help men feel strong, capable, and back in control with just one focused 20-minute session a week.

Here’s how:

• Private, peaceful studio — just you and your trainer

With Kieran Igwe, Owner of fit20 Moortown

See more photos on pages 9, 14, 20/21, 31, 62 and 81.

JLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER CLAIRE BARTFIELD’S SON JACOB WAS CALLED UP AT UHC IN JUNE!

OLIVER PARKER AKA THE FUN PROVIDER ENTERTAINED THE GUESTS.

THE BRODETSKY PRIMARY SCHOOL TALENT SHOW SHOWCASED THE BEST OF THE STUDENT’S ABILITIES!

YEAR 5 MADE THE TRIP TO WEMBLEY FOR THE INTER-SCHOOL QUIZ COMPETITION ETGAR…

HE CELEBRATED WITH LOVED ONES, INCLUDING MUM AND DAD CLAIRE AND CHARLIE AND LITTLE BROTHER LOUIE.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: STEVE MCNIVEN

PHOTO: STEVE MCNIVEN

In the Village

We pay a visit to the scenic and historic Wetherby, Spofforth, and Boston Spa, which together make one of West Yorkshire's most inviting corners for a day out this summer.

The beautiful market town of Wetherby and the surrounding areas have long welcomed travellers passing through. These days, they’re much more than just a stopping-off point – drawing visitors for their history, riverside walks, and a growing number of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Wetherby's story begins on the Old Great North Road, where it became the halfway staging post for travellers journeying between London and Edinburgh and its ancient coaching inns still carry a tradition of centuries of hospitality. The town was granted its Royal Charter in 1240 and has been a crossing point on the River Wharfe since Roman times, with the riverside today offering some of the area's most popular walks and picnic spots. The view from the riverside was even striking enough to catch the eye of JMW Turner, who sketched the bridge in 1816, with the drawing now hanging in the Tate gallery in London. The artist returned to Wetherby many times during his long association with Yorkshire.

At the heart of the town is The Shambles, originally built by the Duke of Devonshire as a row of butcher shops before becoming

a covered market where farmers traded their produce. It now houses specialist craft shops, quaint tearooms, and restaurants, making it a natural spot to while away an afternoon. Wetherby Racecourse is a perennially popular destination hosting regular steeplechases alongside exhibitions and arts, crafts, and antiques fairs throughout the year. For those wanting to explore the town's past in more depth, the Blue Plaque Trail offers a self-guided tour of Wetherby's historical sites. Meanwhile, Doctor Who fans can seek out the Wetherby Tardis, a much-loved blue police box that continues to delight visitors and locals alike.

Boston Spa offers a distinctive but complementary character. The village’s earliest building dates back to 1753, and it expanded steadily through the 18th and 19th centuries into the fine Georgian village it remains today, its architecture offering a glimpse into its heritage along the Wharfe. The village has a busy and vibrant high street lined with shops, restaurants, cafés, and pubs, along with a library, post office, and free car parking. The well-equipped village hall is the hub for much of local life, hosting a variety of activities that keep the community connected.

The spa town also has an unexpected claim to fame as home to a site of the British Library, sitting alongside popular local attractions such as Kanyu Escape for anyone after an afternoon of puzzle-solving.

A short drive away lies the picturesque village of Spofforth, best-known for its 13th-century castle – the ruined medieval residence of William de Percy dating back to 1067. The terms of the Magna Carta were drawn up at Spofforth Castle in 1215 before they were presented to King John at Runnymede. This hidden gem along the banks of the tranquil River Crimple is renowned not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its vibrant sense of community.

Some of Yorkshire's best days out can be found just a few miles down the road from LS17. And with the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors, and the east coast all within easy reach, they make a natural base for exploring further afield too.

Wetherbytowncouncil.gov.uk |

Bostonspapc.org.uk

PHOTO: DAVID COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Brymor Ice Cream!

PHOTO: DAVID COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Nicolla Florist

Established in 1967, Nicolla Florist is one of Wetherby's longest-standing businesses and is renowned for its beautiful, high-quality floral arrangements. Since taking over in 2021, Owner Clair has proudly continued the shop’s trusted reputation while bringing more than 15 years of floristry expertise to the business.

Summer Events

Monthly artisan market | Wetherby Marketplace |

Second Sunday of the month

A diverse, quality shopping experience that celebrates community and independent producers, giving people everyone the chance to meet the artisan makers behind the products.

Disco, Divas, and Icons | Wetherby Town Hall | 8th August

A dazzling, high-energy theatre spectacular that brings together the ultimate celebration of disco anthems and powerhouse vocal legends. Starring the acclaimed West End and international vocalist Sandy Smith, this electrifying show honours the legendary voices who defined generations.

Sandzentertainment.com

The Dragons Lair – Fantasy Con | The Engine Shed | 16th August

Step into a magic-filled adventure as this quirky listed building transforms into a fantasy realm for one day only. Expect stalls, fantasy merch, dragons, magic, immersive sets, live performances, and actors from the Rings of Power, Harry Potter, Never Ending Story, Willow, and more.

Engineshedwetherby.co.uk

70s and Motown night | The Engine Shed | 21st August

A dancefloor-centric night with DJs spinning all the top 70s soul and Motown hits.

Engineshedwetherby.co.uk

Snake Davis Band | Boston Spa Village Hall | 4th September

One of the most in-demand rock, soul, and jazz sax players in the world, Snake Davis has played with artists ranging from James Brown to Tina Turner, Paul McCartney, The Eurythmics, and Amy Winehouse.

Entertainmentinthespa.com

Red Stripe Band | Boston Spa Village Hall | 8th September

Led by eccentric raconteur Red Stripe, this band serves up a high energy mix of classic rock ‘n’ roll, swing, jazz, and boogie woogie alongside their own compositions. Imagine a smaller version of the Jools Holland Orchestra.

Jazzinthespa.co.uk

Every bouquet is created using carefully sourced, premium-quality flowers, selected for their longevity and vibrant appearance. The shop is also kept cool to ensure blooms stay in optimum condition, helping them stay fresher for longer.

Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, new baby, treating someone special, or just love the look of flowers in your home, there’s a bespoke arrangement for every occasion. The team is also offering stunning bouquets for Rosh Hashanah alongside reliable delivery to North Leeds.

As a proudly independent florist, Nicolla Florist is known not only for exceptional flowers but also for its warm, personal service.

Nicollaflorist.co.uk

C’est Chocolat

For more than 25 years, C’est Chocolat has delighted customers in Wetherby with an irresistible selection of Belgian chocolates, handcrafted truffles, luxury gift boxes, traditional sweet-shop favourites, and more.

Whether you're searching for the perfect personal or corporate gift, wedding favours, or just treating yourself, you'll find an abundance of handmade chocolates to tempt every taste. Choose from butter creams, fondants, pralines, indulgent alcoholic and non-alcoholic truffles, and a variety of authentic Belgian specialities.

The shop has also recently introduced Brymor ice cream, with nine delicious flavours to enjoy and vegan-friendly options, refreshing fruit sorbets, and even dog-friendly ice cream so your four-legged friends won’t miss out.

Pop in and say hello – or browse online – and discover the delicious treats waiting for you.

Cestchocolat.co.uk

Wetherby Framing

From cherished photos to timeless paintings, the Wetherby Framing team creates custom frames that bring your art to life. Discover premium materials, perfect finishes, over 500 framing options, and expert craftsmanship all under one roof.

Over the past three decades, the shop has framed fine art, prints, cross stitch and needlework, 3D objects, sports shirts, t-shirts, medals, photos, and even a set of pristine Star Wars figures! It also specialises in repair and restoration of old, damaged framed and artworks by using traditional methods to bring them back to life.

And this August, JLife readers get upgraded to AR70 artglass with your framing – completely free of charge!

Wetherbyframing.co.uk

Treasure Toys

You’ll find Treasure Toys in the beautiful market town of Wetherby. Trading for over 15 years, this independent shop is also part of the Toymaster family.

There’s something for everyone and every budget with pocket money treats to well-loved brands including Djeco, Schleich, Usborne, Barbie, NeeDoh, LEGO, Monster Jam, Bluey, Ty, Speks, and more. The shop offers a variety of items such as wooden toys, bath toys, 3D printed items, balls, games, and much more!

The friendly team stay up to date with the latest toy trends, provide plenty of advice on what to buy, and are always happy to help, with free gift wrapping available year-round.

Families can enjoy the children’s play table, perfect for keeping little ones entertained while shopping. The customer loyalty scheme gives 2% credit back on every purchase. Shoppers can also support local by ordering online, with delivery or click and collect options available too.

Treasuretoys.co.uk

Da Carlo Trattoria

Da Carlo Trattoria is a traditional Italian restaurant in Boston Spa with the motto: se mangi bene vivi a lungo – if you eat well, you live longer. At Da Carlo Trattoria you can do just that, its home cooked South Italian dishes made by Chef Carlo will transport you to Sorrento, where Carlo grew up cooking. His delizioso seafood dishes are especially beloved by guests as well as the restaurants’ friendly staff and buzzing atmosphere, earning the restaurant a five-star rating and a Travellers Choice Award 2022 on TripAdvisor.

Dacarlo.co.uk

THE MARKET PLACE – WETHERBY

King

Tucked into a rocky outcrop above the village of Spofforth, on the doorstep of Wetherby and Boston Spa, sits one of Yorkshire’s most atmospheric ruins. Spofforth Castle was the seat of the Percy family, one of the most powerful dynasties in Northern England, from soon after the Norman Conquest until the late 14th century. William de Percy, a favourite of William the Conqueror, built the first manor house here in the 11th century. According to local legend, it was at Spofforth in 1215 that rebel barons drew up the Magna Carta, the document that would go on to limit the power of the English Crown forever.

The surviving ruins date mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries, after Henry de Percy was granted a licence to fortify the manor in 1308. What remains today is the west range: an undercroft carved directly into the rock, the great hall above it, and a slender turret that wouldn’t look out of place in a fairytale. The castle’s fortunes turned in 1461, when the Percys backed the losing side at the Battle of Towton and victorious Yorkist forces burned Spofforth to the ground. It lay in ruins for nearly a century before a partial restoration in 1559, though by then the family’s main seat had shifted to Alnwick. The castle’s final occupant, steward Sampson Ingleby, died in 1604, and the Civil War finished what Towton had started.

It’s a great day out for families, with the rich history and evocative setting of the site firing the imagination. Children can clamber the steps to the old courtyard, peer down the passage cut through solid rock, and ponder

which fairytale characters would be most at home in that turret. There are no entry barriers, no ticket office, and, importantly, no pressure and no rush. With just a ruin, a hillside, and a good story, it’s an accessible spot for memories to be made.

It’s also worth lingering awhile in Spofforth village itself. Much of it sits within a conservation area, with 13 buildings on the list of Grade I and II listed structures, and the River Crimple, a tributary of the Wharfe, weaves through the green. There is a village shop and post office, two pubs (The Castle Inn and The Railway Inn), and an easy, unhurried pace that makes it a natural stop on a day exploring the area.

Spofforth Castle is on Castle Street, off the A661, HG3 1DA. Free entry and roadside parking in the village. Open 10am to 6pm from April to September. Dogs on leads are welcome.

English-heritage.org.uk Spofforth

When making a family trip to the Wetherby area this summer, Stockeld Park is well worth a visit!

On the grounds of a magnificent Grade I listed Georgian mansion is Stockeld Estate, where you’ll find over 2,000 acres of rolling parkland, extensive farmland, and plenty of fun! Designed in 1763 by the celebrated Architect, James Paine, it was originally built for Sir William Middleton, but family tragedy and a scandalous, costly divorce meant the estate was sold to Robert John Foster (the great grandfather of the present owner) in 1875.

Today’s owners Peter and Susie Grant opened a Christmas tree shop in the park selling their estate-grown trees in 2006 and from this, the Christmas Adventure was born alongside the first illuminated enchanted forest in England. Fast forward a few more years to 2013 and the Summer Adventure came to life – think imaginative themed adventure play areas, a go kart track, large inflatable play, an indoor play area, and more!

There are over 40 acres for the whole family to enjoy with areas such as the Enchanted Forest, where outdoor adventure playgrounds are waiting to be discovered. Surprises await under the ancient woodland canopy, with just under a mile of accessible pathways to explore. Or maybe you’ll venture into the Playhive that’s filled with 20,000 sq. ft of indoor adventure playgrounds.

This year, Stockeld Park is hosting a festival-themed summer until 6th September. Throughout the week, there’ll be talented performers covering everything from tribute acts and magic shows to the venue’s very own Stockeld Stars keeping your little ones entertained.

Fun! Summer

Mondays are reserved for magic where a mind-boggling magician will take to the stage with plenty of tricks up their sleeve to amaze the whole family. On Tribute Tuesdays you can sing and dance to the sound of some of your favourite artists – catch tributes to Sam Fender, George Ezra, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and P!nk throughout August! For every other day of the week, there’ll be a whole host of talented singers to entertain you with their renditions of family-favourite hits.

And the fun doesn’t stop there! Join Scout and the Stockeld Stars at the festival stage for daily games, activities, and outdoor fun in the sunshine. From 11.15am to 4pm, there’s a whole host of activities in store, from a family gameshow and meeting the mascot to a silent disco and giant bubble fun.

With so much ground to cover, one of the best ways to take in the sights is from aboard the Flying Stocksman – departing from the charming Victorian-themed Stockeldbury Station, this train takes families on a magical 10-minute journey through the Enchanted Forest. As the train winds its way along the track, passengers can enjoy views of the park’s outdoor play areas, including the Teepee Encampment and Woodsands Cove, as well as the sparkling lake where young adventurers captain Buccaneer boats.

With so much to see and do, one day might not be enough to experience it all. Extend your

adventure with an overnight stay and make the most of everything the park has to offer. Guests can choose between the charming Spofforth Lodge, a restored gatehouse complete with its own private garden, or embrace the ultimate festival experience by glamping in one of Stockeld’s bell tents.

With previous years’ summer manicure trends defined by extravagant colours and prints, this season is all about softer accents and minimalism.

With the beauty industry increasingly shifting its focus from aesthetics alone to overall health and wellbeing, nailcare is following suit. While previous trends celebrated maximalist 3D embellishments, bright and bold colours, and eccentric nail art, the spotlight is now on nurturing natural nails from the inside out. Strong nails, well-maintained cuticles, and treatments that promote long-term strength are becoming the ultimate beauty statement. The result is a move towards manicures that look effortlessly polished while supporting the health of natural nails, proving that understated elegance can be just as impactful as elaborate designs.

Achieving healthier nails doesn't require an extensive routine, but consistency is key. Keeping them clean and neatly filed helps prevent snags and breakages and treating your nailcare like your skincare is a good rule of thumb. Prioritise hydration by regularly applying cuticle oil and hand cream to keep the surrounding skin hydrated and support healthy nail growth. Experts also recommend applying SPF on the hands daily to prevent discolouration and premature ageing.

Wearing gloves when cleaning or washing up can protect nails from harsh chemicals and excess moisture, both of which can weaken them over time. Also, taking breaks from gel or acrylic manicures gives natural nails a chance to recover, helping them stay strong and ready for whatever trend comes next.

So, what are the minimalist trends taking the industry by storm?

French tips

Nailed It!

The ever-popular French tip is a timeless technique that never goes out of style, making it the epitome of elegant minimalist nails. Loved for its clean lines and understated sophistication, the classic combination of a natural-looking base with crisp white tips complements every outfit and occasion. While the traditional design remains a firm favourite, modern variations featuring pastel-coloured tips or subtle finishes ensure the French manicure continues to evolve while retaining its effortlessly chic appeal.

Soft

glaze

Move over chrome manicures, soft glaze nails are here to stay! Instead of embracing a bold chrome or glitter finish, this trend offers a delicate, pearlescent sheen that catches the light with a refined, almost glass-like glow. The result is a polished, iridescent manicure that feels sophisticated rather than statement-making. Perfect for those who love the shine of chrome nails but prefer a more understated look, soft glaze nails add just the right amount of shimmer.

Butter

yellow

You might be tired of seeing and hearing about the latest colour trend but there's a reason it’s become so popular. This soft, creamy shade strikes the perfect balance between neutral and colourful, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to embrace a touch of colour without opting for anything too bold. Fresh and understated butter yellow adds warmth to any manicure and works beautifully across the seasons, proving that subtle shades can make just as much of a statement as brighter hues.

Consultant Knee Surgeon at Leeds Knee

Clinic, Owen Wall, explains why you shouldn’t delay if experiencing knee pain that may require treatment.

Arthritis of the knee currently affects approximately 8.5 million people in the UK, with one in five adults over 45 years old having symptoms that affect their daily life. These symptoms can range from intermittent discomfort and occasional knee swelling to constant pain with marked joint deformity, stiffness, instability, and resultant falls. So how does one know if the early symptoms of possible knee arthritis need treatment? Is there anything that can be done to prevent or slow down progression of knee arthritis? And what are the latest treatment developments?

Many people will experience knee pain at some time in their lives...

Move Better

...and while most will see things resolved without the need for a diagnosis, a significant number will develop longer term ‘niggles’ that may become bothersome enough to stop activities such as walking, tennis, golf, skiing, and hiking. If you are one of these unfortunate souls who’ve been putting off seeing a specialist, either because of worry about what’s going on, concern that your niggle just isn’t severe enough, or even if you’ve just not had the time to make the appointment, now is the time to get some answers and your knee diagnosis completed.

An expert assessment of your knee combined with some simple x-rays and scans can reveal in great detail the overall health of your knee joint and will also allow a personalised discussion about what treatments are suitable for your needs.

Not all people with knee niggles require interventional or surgical treatment, but if they do, then a number of options can be discussed, from ‘keyhole’ surgery for minor issues up to knee replacement for established arthritis. Most individuals who only have arthritis affecting one of the three knee compartments would be suitable for a partial knee replacement. Hospital stays are typically very short (usually one night) or even day cases. The outcomes of partial knee replacement are excellent – patients often experience a quicker return to normal function and can also participate in most sports and activities when rehabilitation is complete.

If you wish to know more, or have your knee niggles diagnosed, please contact me via my website Leedskneeclinic.com or email me at owenrwall@leedskneeclinic.com

Ear Problems HEALTH MATTERS

Ear problems are common and can affect your hearing, balance, and everyday comfort. Symptoms such as blocked ears, ear pain, itching, dizziness, or reduced hearing can have several different causes, so getting a professional assessment is the safest way to find the right treatment.

Here are some questions people often ask about our Ear Health Service.

What ear problems can I get help with at the pharmacy?

We assess and treat a wide range of common ear conditions, including ear wax build-up, ear infections (otitis externa/otitis media), blocked ears, reduced hearing, tinnitus, ear pain, and irritation. We'll also advise if your symptoms require referral to another healthcare professional.

What happens during my appointment?

Your appointment starts with a discussion about your symptoms, followed by a thorough examination of your ear canal and eardrum using specialist equipment. We’ll identify the cause of your symptoms, explain your treatment options, and recommend the most appropriate next steps.

Do you offer treatments such as wax removal or ear infections?

Yes. If excess ear wax is causing your symptoms, we offer safe ear wax microsuction where appropriate. Removing impacted wax can often provide fast relief from blocked ears, hearing loss, tinnitus, and discomfort. We can also assess common ear infections and provide treatment or advice. If your condition requires further investigation, we’ll refer you to your GP or another healthcare service.

What advice and tips can you offer?

Maintaining good ear care is important. Some common hints and tips include avoiding using cotton swabs/buds or inserting foreign objects, protecting your ears by wearing earplugs in noisy environments, and drying your ears properly after swimming or showering. If you have any concerns about your ears, don’t hesitate to seek advice from the pharmacy and consider scheduling regular check-ups.

Pharmacyplushealth.co.uk

European Day of Languages is a great reminder of the power of communication and the value of language learning.

Speak Easy

Little and often over cramming

Let yourself forget

On 26th September, the Council of Europe and the European Commission will mark European Day of Languages, an initiative launched in 2001 to get people across the continent excited about learning languages at any age. This year’s theme is ‘languages unite!’ and encourages people to see linguistic diversity as one of the richest aspects of Europe’s shared culture.

With English being one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, it’s easy to become lazy when it comes to others, but wouldn’t it be great to brush up for a holiday to open up more conversation? Here are a few top tips for getting started.

Talking beats studying

Real conversation with people helps develop skills much more than poring over textbooks. Vocabulary attached to an interpersonal exchange sticks far better than anything memorised from a list.

Know your why

A concrete reason like a destination wedding, family living abroad, or a holiday home gives you something to return to when motivation dips. Combine it with small, specific targets like ordering confidently in a restaurant or following a film without subtitles, rather than a vague aim to ‘become fluent’.

10 minutes most days beats an occasional three-hour binge followed by weeks of nothing. Short, regular sessions build a habit your brain can latch onto, while long gaps between study mean re-learning what you’ve already covered.

Making mistakes is okay!

Mistakes are part of the process, and native speakers are usually flattered by the effort. As an adult, it can feel strange to be a beginner again, but that discomfort is a sign that you’re stretching, not that you’re getting it wrong.

Find your own hook

A favourite foreign film, song, or football team gives you a personal connection that makes it far more likely to last. Making an association with something you generally enjoy will keep you coming back to your target language, even on days when the textbook stays shut.

Use what you already know

Spanish makes Italian easier, German opens a door to Dutch – existing language knowledge, including English itself, is a useful tool and can help build new language competence more than you might expect.

Build it into everyday life

Label household objects with sticky notes, switch the language settings on your phone, or write tomorrow’s to-do list in your target language – small, repeated exposure outside of formal study time adds up fast.

Losing the odd word or rule isn’t a setback, it’s part of how learning works. Relearning something half-forgotten cements it far better than never letting it slip in the first place.

A newer generation of AI-powered conversation apps offers open-ended chat practice on demand, useful for building confidence before trying the real thing. Here are a few language apps worth knowing:

Duolingo is the most recognisable name, built around bite-sized, gamified lessons and daily streaks – easy to build a habit with.

• Babbel takes a more traditional route through vocabulary and grammar.

• Memrise leans on spaced repetition and real-world video clips of native speakers.

• Busuu pairs structured lessons with a community feature where other users, including native speakers, correct your work.

If you’d rather learn with other people in a room, Language for Fun runs small, examfree group classes across Leeds in French, Spanish, and Italian – a relaxed, sociable way in. There’s also a range of language courses on offer at the UK Language Project. Whether your European Day of Languages means signing up for an evening class, downloading an app, or learning to order coffee in Italian before a trip, the day is an invitation to treat language learning as something for everyone. As the organisers put it: languages don’t just open doors, they open hearts and minds too.

Uklp.com/leeds | Languageforfun.org

Heading off to university this September? According to anecdotal evidence, here’s what freshers most wish they’d packed… and left behind.

Student News

Every September, thousands of new students arrive at university with a car boot full of things they’ll rarely use and an absence of what would actually come in handy.

Start with the practical basics. A four-socket extension lead is the single most recommended item by returning students since most halls rooms have only one plug socket and everyone arrives with a phone, laptop, and desk lamp competing for it. A power bank is just as useful – no one wants to risk a dead phone on a night out in an unfamiliar city. Pack a basic first aid kit with plasters and painkillers, and it’s worth remembering a few clothes hangers as they often aren’t provided.

When it comes to the kitchen, less is more. One good saucepan and a frying pan will cover almost everything; a full set of cookware and crockery is just going to be dead weight when moving in and out of halls twice a year. A set of reusable food containers and a portable cutlery set are well worth it if you plan to bring lunch in from home or batch cook, and a toastie maker or air fryer could become essential once the novelty of dining hall food wears off.

For the bedroom, a handheld steamer solves the problem of creased clothes in a wardrobe too small for an ironing board. A hot water bottle and a proper blanket are worth packing for the colder months.

On the social side, a pack of cards is the cheapest and most effective icebreaker going, and at least one fancy dress outfit will get good use during freshers’ week than you might expect.

As for what to leave behind: ring binders, printers, and bundles of stationery are largely redundant now that almost all coursework and submissions happen online, although it is still worth packing a notebook and pens if you prefer notes by hand. Skip the multiple saucepan sets, the stacks of textbooks, and anything you can comfortably buy once you arrive, including toiletries, bedding basics, and kitchen extras; don’t buy everything in advance. It is far easier, and cheaper, to pick up what you’re missing once you know what your new digs and your flatmates already have between them.

The golden rule is to pack light, keep the essentials simple, and trust that anything lacking is only ever a short trip to the shops away.

Jack & Rose travel steamer | £34.81

This handy steamer heats up quickly, is lightweight, and has a large ceramic heat panel. Built to handle silk, cotton, and everything between.

Jackandrosetravelsteamer.com

Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker | £34.99

Powerful and clear sound from a compact body, the XB100 speaker is durable, has plenty of battery life, and is great for listening at home or when out with friends. Sony.co.uk

Anker Nano power bank | £37.99

Slim, magnetic power bank with high efficiency for mobile charging, quickly powering up an iPhone 16 Pro to 25% in just 42 minutes. This power bank stays below 40°C –eight degrees cooler than the industry standard – for safer and more reliable charging performance. Anker.com

Philips 2000 Series air fryer | £79.99

Effortlessly tasty dishes – crispy outside, tender inside. This appliance saves time and energy without compromising on taste and has 13 different cooking methods at the touch of a button for delicious, healthy side dishes and snacks in under 15 minutes. Home-appliances.philips

GOLD Standard

GSAL has achieved Gold Status in the School Mental Health Award, delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools based at Leeds Beckett University. The award recognises schools that place mental health and wellbeing at the heart of school life, supporting pupils and staff to flourish. The school gained the grading of ‘excelling’ in all eight categories of the award which is the highest grading possible.

GSAL knowing that confidence and resilience are not something you are born with; they are things that grow through experience, effort, and perseverance.”

The report from the award said that across all competencies, the school evidences a culture where mental health and wellbeing are understood as everybody’s responsibility and where emotionally informed practice is embedded across all levels. It also stated that wellbeing is viewed as a central strategic priority which underpins leadership, safeguarding, inclusion, curriculum design, staff development, and organisational culture.

Leanne Sutheran believes true resilience comes from having the skills, support, and confidence to face challenges and recover from setbacks: “At GSAL, we help students develop resilience by giving them opportunities to step outside their comfort zones, reflect on their experiences, and learn from mistakes in a supportive environment. Resilience is embedded in our school values at primary and senior school. Whether through academic challenges, sport, performing arts, leadership opportunities, or outdoor education, students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset and recognise that setbacks are a normal part of learning and life.

“We also teach practical wellbeing skills, helping students understand topics such as stress, emotional regulation, healthy technology use, and self-care. We want pupils to leave

The school believes that young people thrive when the important adults in their lives work together and the team is proud of the strong partnerships they build with families: “Parents can contact their child’s class teacher or head of year directly by email, helping to build strong home-school relationships.

Transition is supported through summer term events for new parents, including Year 7 meetings with staff focused on wellbeing and settling into senior school. Parent information evenings at the start of the academic year further strengthen these relationships, outlining the school’s pastoral approach and wellbeing support pathways."

The school provides a comprehensive, tiered approach to pupil mental health and wellbeing, combining universal, targeted, and specialist support. Universal provision includes a fully embedded personal, social, health, and economic (PSHE) curriculum, mindfulness programmes, emotional literacy, resilience education, and a wide range of whole-school initiatives designed to promote positive mental health and a strong sense of belonging.

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) recently achieved Gold Status in the School Mental Health Award. We speak to Head of Student Health and Wellbeing Leanne Sutheran on the school’s approach to wellbeing.

Targeted support is delivered through the Individual Needs (IN) department, providing 1:1 and small group interventions, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)informed approaches, peer mentoring, and structured support plans. Specialist provision includes access to school-based counselling, student support services, including trained nurses, and specialist agencies such as MindMate.

Pupils can access support through a range of pathways, including self-referral, trusted adults, peer mentors, and dedicated wellbeing spaces such as The Den. These spaces are supported by trained pupil mentors, strong pupil voice initiatives, and clear signposting to both internal and external support resources.

Overall, provision is proactive, evidencebased, and responsive, ensuring pupils receive timely, appropriate support.

“What makes GSAL special is that wellbeing is woven through every aspect of school life. It is not the responsibility of one department or a small team; it’s something that is the responsibilty of our whole community and the award recognises this school wide approach. It reflects the commitment of our pastoral staff, teachers, support staff, school nurses, counsellors, parents and, of course, our students themselves. Pastoral care at GSAL is not about solving problems for young people; it’s about walking alongside them, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and support networks they need to navigate life's challenges."

Gsal.org.uk

Banning social media will not be a cure-all to the problems these platforms have caused. Recently, I saw the Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson discussing the ban. The irony was striking – we all rely on these platforms to share opinions, not just young people. This raises an important question for the platforms themselves: if adults can use social media to express views, what makes it so unsafe for the younger generation?

We’re all aware that social media platforms take advantage of children, but it’s not just algorithms that are the issue. People in power use their platforms to push agendas, while content creators carefully design videos to attract young audiences. With edited faces, strategic camera angles, and artificial voices, they create a false sense of normality, making young people believe these lifestyles are real and relatable, which simply isn’t true.

Gateways School

Social Life

Joshua Wisnia, a student at LJFS, discusses the upcoming social media ban for under-16s and the possible consequences.

Before you hand your child or grandchild your phone to play on, think about where that exposure might lead. The responsibility cannot lie with young people alone to navigate this façade of perfection – parents and grandparents must step up.

Furthermore, social media is a breeding ground for misinformation. I recently heard someone repeat a claim about a global conflict they believed came from an ‘official news report’. In reality, it was a post on X and completely false. Our young people are the future… do you really want them making decisions based on misinformation?

So, if social media is so harmful, why won’t a ban work? Despite its dangers, it offers opportunities to learn, explore cultures, and develop communication. It’s created jobs, communities, and ways of interacting. For many young people, it feels essential and removing it entirely may cause resentment and is unlikely to succeed.

LJFS

Banning social media also wastes its potential as an educational tool. Instead of tackling its risks, we should make it safer and more beneficial. If it’s truly addictive, removing it could leave to withdrawal effects, increasing anxiety for young people suddenly cut off from their social networks.

The government claims the ban will ‘give children back their childhoods’, but this overlooks the psychological impacts. Is it right to isolate young people from their peers behind an electronic barrier?

Ultimately, banning social media is not the solution. It’s too important and widespread to remove effectively. Instead, platforms must be held accountable. We must question why their apps have become unsafe and challenge the design of addictive algorithms.

In the meantime, spend time with each other – no Wi-Fi required!

Gateways is an independent day school for children aged two to 18 renowned for its small class sizes, nurturing environment, family-like atmosphere, and exceptional teaching. With an average class size of between 14 and 18 pupils, each child receives the individual attention they deserve.

There are a wide variety of extra-curricular activities on offer, including dance, music, sports, art, and drama. Children as young as four can take part in dance, tennis, and rugby sessions which are run on-site by external providers. Sixth Formers have access to whole-school facilities, as well as benefiting from their own separate building.

If you would like to visit Gateways, meet the staff, and see what the school has to offer, book a slot at the annual open day on 2nd October 2026. Gatewaysschool.co.uk

GSAL

GSAL (Grammar School at Leeds) is offering many of its ‘Open Doors’ events, providing a fantastic opportunity to see every section of the school on a normal school day. The annual open morning is its showcase open event that takes place in October.

On 18th September 2026 from 8.45am to 12pm, there’s the option to take a tour of both primary and senior schools, see lessons in action, talk to staff and students, and see what goes on day-to-day in school. 10th October 2026 from 9am to 12pm is GSAL’s open morning where you can attend a welcome talk from the principal, take a pupil-led tour, and take part in a range of hands-on activities across the school’s subjects, as well as having the opportunity to chat to teachers and pupils. Gsal.org.uk/visit

Leeds Jewish Free School (LJFS) offers secondary school provision for children aged 11 to 16 that ensures high academic standards, a strong moral ethic, a joy of learning, high aspirations, and an expectation to contribute to the local community. This is underpinned by a strong Jewish ethos and is based in the national curriculum.

LJFS provides a learning environment like no other, first-class secular studies, outstanding Jewish studies provision, and opportunities for sports and performing arts, all in a varied and bespoke curriculum.

Deadline for the 27/28 intake is 31st October 2026. Visit the school’s open evening on 6th October 2026 from 5pm to 7pm to see if LJFS will be the right fit or get in touch to arrange a look around.

Ljfs.org

Allerton High School

Allerton High School is committed to enabling young people to achieve success and to preparing them for the challenges ahead, working in partnership with students, their parents/carers, and the community.

Students consistently achieve well above local and national averages at both GCSE and A Level in terms of the grades they achieve and the progress they make. An Ofsted inspection in 2024 confirmed Allerton High as outstanding, and that ‘pupils achieve astonishingly well at this exceptional school’.

The school’s core purpose is ‘enabling young people to achieve success’ and it encourages students to achieve the best they can, become independent learners, and acquire the skills and qualities they will need to be successful.

A general open evening will be held on 24th September 2026 and a post-16 one on 5th November 2026. Further details to follow on our website. Booking is required!

Allertonhigh.org.uk

Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No. 1078956

The Girls

Riding into a new chapter

Coastal Walks

L'Chaim with Mum

Charlotte in Paris

Leeds Hip & Knee Clinic

Mr Sam Jain is a specialist orthopaedic hip and knee surgeon. He offers modern treatment solutions with a truly personalised approach. He has excellent surgical outcomes and is highly recommended by patients.

Specialist in:

• Hip and knee replacement surgery

• Robotic-assisted hip and knee surgery

• Rapid recovery techniques

• Non-surgical treatments

Insured and self-funding patients. No GP referral required.

Book directly at www.nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/mr-sam-jain#book

Or call 0113 322 7251 to make an appointment

Clinics on Wednesday / Thursday

Leeds Foot & Ankle Clinic

and

Mr Adam Lomax is a specialist orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon. His elective practice is entirely dedicated to treating conditions of the foot and ankle. With extensive training and education Adam is one of the best specialists in his field.

Specialist in:

• Diagnosing / treating foot and ankle pain • Bunion correction surgery • Big toe arthritis “hallux rigidus” • Toe deformity correction

Ankle and foot arthritis

Ankle ligament surgery using keyhole techniques

Achilles tendon problems

Ankle and foot injuries

Consultant Orthopaedic

Surgeon at Leeds Hip and Knee Clinic, Mr Sam Jain, discusses robotic hip and knee replacement surgery.

Personalised Precision

Hip and knee replacement surgery has transformed the lives of millions of people living with arthritis and joint pain. For many, it means returning to walking, travelling, exercising, and enjoying daily life again. In recent years, one of the biggest advances in this area has been the introduction of robotic-assisted surgery.

Despite the name, robots do not currently perform operations independently. Instead, robotic technology gives surgeons more information and greater precision during surgery, helping deliver care that’s tailored to each individual patient.

Robotic surgery combines advanced imaging, computer planning, and specialised instruments to help surgeons place implants with a high level of accuracy. Before surgery, detailed scans are used to create a threedimensional model of the patient’s anatomy which allows the surgeon to plan the operation in advance and make decisions based on each person’s individual anatomy.

During the operation, robotic technology provides real-time feedback and guidance. The surgeon remains fully in control throughout the procedure but the technology acts like a highly detailed navigation system. It’s similar to using satellite navigation in a car – the driver is still responsible for getting to the destination, but better information can make the journey smoother and more precise.

Robotic hip replacement surgery: restoring movement

Hip replacement surgery is commonly performed for arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. During a hip replacement, damaged surfaces of the joint are removed and replaced with implants designed to move smoothly and reduce pain. Robotic assistance helps surgeons tailor the positioning of these implants more accurately according to each patient’s anatomy. This improves joint mechanics and supports more natural movement after

surgery. For patients, the goal remains simple: less pain, improved function, and getting back to the activities that matter most.

Robotic knee replacement surgery: improving balance and alignment

Knee replacement surgery can be challenging because every knee behaves and moves slightly differently. Traditional techniques rely on standard measurements and surgical experience. Robotic technology adds another layer of information by allowing surgeons to assess alignment, ligament balance, and movement during the procedure. This can create a knee replacement that feels more natural and is better matched to the individual patient.

The future of joint replacement in Leeds Technology continues to change how surgery is delivered, but the most important part of treatment remains the relationship between surgeon and patient. At Leeds Hip and Knee Clinic, Sam uses robotic technology to form part of a wider commitment to personalised care, combining modern surgical techniques with careful assessment, clear communication, and a focus on helping patients return to the life they enjoy.

For people living with persistent hip or knee pain, robotic-assisted joint replacement represents an exciting development – not by replacing the surgeon but giving them better tools to deliver precise and patient-centred care.

If hip or knee pain is affecting your daily life, Sam and the team at Leeds Hip and Knee Clinic can help you explore modern treatment options tailored to your needs.

Appointments are available with Mr Sam Jain at Nuffield Health, Leeds Hospital, 2 Leighton Street, LS1 3EB. 0113 322 7251

www.leedshipandkneeclinic.co.uk

FAQs

Is robotic surgery better than manual surgery?

Robotic-assisted surgery is designed to support surgical accuracy, but successful outcomes still depend on many factors, including patients’ general health, surgical assessment, and rehabilitation after surgery.

Is it suitable for everyone?

Not every patient needs robotic assistance. The decision depends on factors such as anatomical differences, the severity of arthritis, and the goals of treatment.

A consultation with an experienced hip and knee specialist helps determine the best approach.

Does it give a quicker recovery?

Recovery depends on many factors, including fitness, overall health, and rehabilitation, but current evidence suggests that more accurate implant positioning may contribute to improved early function and patient satisfaction.

PHOTOS See more photos on pages 9, 14, 20/21, 31, 45 and

MIA GOLDMAN’S BAT MITZVAH WAS HELD AT ETZ CHAIM.

MUM NOMMI WAS BY HER SIDE…

… AS WELL AS OTHER LOVED ONES WHO CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE! PHOEBE GOLDSTONE AND MARTIN BOWMAN RECENTLY TIED THE KNOT.

PHOTO: STEVE BOOTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: STEVE BOOTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: STEVE BOOTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: OLIVER KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: OLIVER KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: OLIVER KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY

Host your dream wedding at the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa.

Set within acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, our grand Victorian hotel provides the perfect backdrop for your special day, with 184 elegantly appointed guest bedrooms, refined dining experiences in the Carters Champagne Bar & Grill and Fredericks Lounge & Bar, 15 stunning event spaces and The Harrogate Spa - complete with thermal experiences and a state-of-the-art gym.

Your Majestic wedding journey starts

Venetian chandeliers, antique fireplaces, ornate

Why might you choose to freeze your eggs?

• Wanting to focus on career, educational, or personal goals

• Not feeling ready to start a family

• Medical reasons, such as treatment that may affect fertility.

• Wanting to reduce future pressure or uncertainty around fertility

How does it work?

Egg freezing starts with an initial consultation with one of our fertility experts, a detailed pelvic scan and a blood test called an AMH, one of the best overall markers of egg reserve.

Once you’re ready to start treatment, you will take daily ovarian stimulation injections for around two weeks. Once your follicles are mature, we will retrieve your eggs under sedation. The mature eggs are frozen using a process called vitrification (fast freezing), then stored in our embryology laboratory.

What are the benefits?

• Your chance of success of having a baby using the frozen eggs are as of the age when frozen, so preserving your fertility for future use.

• Security of knowing you have options for future fertility.

• Reduced pressure in the future for when you are ready to use the eggs.

Dr Mark Sedler, Clinical Lead at CREATE Leeds Fertility explains:

‘We can make a detailed assessment aiming to give more clarity on your current fertility potential, as well as making a personalised plan to preserve your fertility for the future’.

What is the next step?

Book an appointment at CREATE Fertility Leeds for your Initial Consultation, scan and receive a free AMH blood test by using code CREATEJLIFE*.

*Valid until 31st August 2026

DARCY

LANDY

Gillian, Elliot, Oliver, Harry, Alistair, and Lennie lobos wish family and friends a fabulous Yom Tov!

LEWIS

Doreen and Norman Lewis wish their family and friends a happy, healthy New Year and well over the fast xxx

NOYEK

Wishing all our family and friends a very happy and healthy New Year –love from Lisa, Theo, and Adam.

SAFFER

Linda and Sim wish their dear families and friends, near and far, a Shanah Tovah and a meaningful fast. Chag Sameach!

LYONS

Happy New Year from Charlene, Ben, Josh, Sophie, and Archie Lyons.

PINK

Rabbi Eli, Dabrushy, and family wish the Leeds Jewish community a happy and sweet New Year.

SAIPE

Jo, Rob, and family wish friends and family a lovely Yom Tov.

SCOTT

Emma, Anthony, Elana, and Gaby wish all their family and friends a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year.

SHERNE

Wishing our children, family, and friends a happy and healthy New Year. Love Jacky and Antony

SCOTT

Wendy wishes her dear family, relatives, and friends a happy and healthy New Year and well over the fast.

SEFTON

Adele and Charles wish all their family and friends a happy and healthy New Year –Shanah Tovah.

WERTER

Wishing all our family and friends a happy, healthy, and sweet New Year. Love Joy and Geoff.

WINDSOR

Pauline and Brian wish their dear family and friends a happy, healthy New Year and well over the fast.

Poet Keith Fenton on why Leeds’ spoken word scene has become a community lifeline for many.

Poetic Justice

Keith Fenton has become something of a lynchpin of the local poetry and spoken word scene – it’s a role he wears lightly and which he’s settled into mostly through chance. He first became interested in poetry and writing while growing up as a kid in South East London, where admitting to such a hobby would’ve been akin to: “grabbing a loudhailer and inviting people to rain blows on your head.”

As a young adult, Keith drifted through a chaotic decade of carousing while dabbling in travel writing before moving to Leeds 22 years ago and settling into fatherhood and a day job. Poetry took a back seat until, just before the pandemic, a friend encouraged him onto a community radio slot at Chapel FM, a community radio station in East Leeds: “It was good timing because if I hadn’t got in there then and started doing poetry on the radio, it probably wouldn’t have happened once the lockdowns hit.”

Throughout lockdown, the radio show kept going remotely and Keith, self-critical about his own performances, enrolled on an online course about how to read poetry aloud: “Anyone can write a poem, but not everyone can do a good one. And performing it well is a different kind of skill.”

When venues reopened, Keith got out there and went anywhere there was an open mic: Cardigan Arms, The Chemic, and Kirkstall Bridge to name a few. He noticed a fragmentation – nights split by age, style, or scene, closed off from each other: “It’s not that people are excluding anyone. It’s just that their spaces don’t always feel inviting to others. It’s hard to make a space that feels welcoming to everyone, but that’s something I try to do.”

A turning point came in June 2023 at an open mic that was going downhill until a

All I did was open a group. It wasn’t rocket science.

chance late arrival – spoken word performer Danetta Coupland, known as the ‘hip hop granny’ – turned a dying room into what Keith calls ‘a happening’. Determined not to leave things to chance again, he took everyone’s numbers and started a WhatsApp group with 15 members. There are now over 760, spanning poets, musicians, filmmakers, and DJs across the North, and it’s led to numerous collaborations, paid gigs, and entire new nights.

It also spawned Poets Talking Bollocks, the podcast Keith co-hosts, which has interviewed local wordsmiths alongside heavyweights like Ian Duhig and Andrew and Ian McMillan. The podcast’s gigs at The Chemic take place the second Sunday of each month, are free to attend, and have become a thriving showcase of local writing talent.

While arranging gigs, promoting others, and maintaining the incredibly active community WhatsApp groups, Keith prefers not to overstate his own role: "All I did was open a group. It wasn't rocket science."

But he proudly acknowledges what the scene can offer people beyond a stage.

For example, one of the collectives that’s grown out of Poets Talking Bollocks brings together women who have experienced domestic abuse: “One woman left her abusive partner after coming to one of our events and hearing someone else perform work about their experience. That’s genuinely radical action – it can come from a poem or a song – when someone responds by saying ‘that’s my life, and I can do something about it,’ and then does, that’s huge! That collective wouldn’t exist if they hadn’t started taking their poems places, and now they raise money for domestic abuse charities.”

A staunch advocate of nurturing the creative spirit in everyone and encouraging it out into the world, Keith feels he’s part of a much larger, ongoing project: “It’s a whole fabric we’re building, gradually making things a bit better so when we’re not around anymore, others can pick it up and carry on. What matters most is having communities that give people something to believe in. It’s a hard world out there, and we all love making art – playing music, painting, printmaking, poetry, everything. It’s nice if everyone shares it, and that’s much easier if people all know each other."

Keithfenton.co.uk

Chief Executive of the Community Security Trust (CST)

Mark Gardner MBE thanks the community for its support and wishes a happy and safe New Year to all.

Sadly, this last year has shown the importance of security, more so than any other in recent decades. Despite the threats and fears, we have in many ways grown stronger and more resilient. We have done that together, CST and our Jewish communities. We have done that together because we are one and the same.

All our work is driven by the principles of community, security, and trust. It’s all made possible by the volunteers who join CST and the families and friends that encourage them.

So, more than ever before, CST thanks everyone who has helped us and our

WITH THANKS HEALING TOGETHER

A recent JAMH

event

communities to stand strong in the face of some very difficult challenges.

Please keep supporting us in our efforts. Report antisemitism and suspicious behaviour. Cooperate with our security measures and please ask how you can join our local teams.

CST is almost entirely dependent on charitable donations. With your support, we can all keep protecting our families, friends, and communities together.

Wishing everybody a meaningful, safe, and peaceful Yamin Tovim from all of us at CST.

Cst.org.uk

highlighted the lasting impact of trauma, the importance of mental health support, and the strength of faith.

Around 70 people attended a Jewish Action for Mental Health (JAMH) event for an honest and moving conversation about the long-term effects of trauma, recovery, and resilience following the terrorist attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

The conversation was chaired by Dr Sandi Mann, Chair of JAMH and an expert in trauma and antisemitism. Drawing on specialist training from Israeli trauma organisation NATAL, she shared practice strategies for supporting mental wellbeing in the face of ongoing antisemitism and collective trauma.

The discussion featured Rabbi Daniel Walker of the shul and Yoni Finlay, who survived the attack after sustaining serious injuries. Both reflected openly on the emotional challenges they continue to face

and the role that therapy, faith, and community have played in their recovery.

Rabbi Walker shared that the emotional impact of the attack didn’t fully surface until months later: “It wasn’t until around Chanukah, during a visit to Israel, that everything caught up with me. I realised I needed much more intensive support. Therapy has become an important part of my recovery, and it’s still a journey. Some days are easier than others.”

He encouraged others to recognise when they need help and to speak openly about their mental wellbeing: “It took time for me to admit that I wasn’t coping. Looking back, getting professional support was one of the most important decisions I made.”

Finlay spoke candidly about living with the physical and emotional consequences

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

of surviving the attack: “From the outside, I may seem to be doing well, but recovery isn’t straightforward. Every day is different, but I’ve been given another chance at life, and I want to make the most of it.”

He also reflected on the frustration and sadness he feels when antisemitic incidents occur while stressing the importance of speaking out: “We can’t allow antisemitism to become something people simply accept. It happens far too often, but that doesn’t make it normal. We all have a responsibility to challenge it whenever we can.”

Throughout the discussion, Rabbi Walker described how his faith became a practical source of strength in the aftermath of the attack: “Trauma forces you to confront difficult questions. For me, faith became something to rely on every day rather than simply an idea I believed in. It’s helped me navigate grief, uncertainty, and healing.”

He also emphasised that Jewish identity should never be defined by those who seek to spread hatred: “Our community is far more than the prejudice directed towards us. Our faith, traditions, and values are what define us and we must continue to celebrate them with pride.”

The event reinforced the importance of acknowledging the long-term effects of trauma, accessing appropriate mental health support, and fostering resilience through community, faith, and open conversation.

JAMH is currently offering free counselling and therapy for any issues due to antisemitism, available until Yom Kippur 2026. It’s also offering free therapy for children aged nine to 17 and low-cost therapy for adults.

For support, contact admin@jamh.org. uk or call 07510 204 844.

Find out what trends from days gone by are making a comeback from our experts as we approach Second-Hand September.

In a world of overproduction and overconsumption, Second-Hand September is all about challenging yourself to create more sustainable shopping habits for a fairer future without compromising on style. The production of clothes uses so much of our planet’s precious resources; as well as using so much of the planet’s clean water to produce, there’s mass pollution from the production and transportation of clothes and that’s not including all the pieces that end up in landfill. But there is some good news – small habits from all of us stack up and can make real change. By recirculating clothes, you’re giving fashion a longer life and cutting down the demand for new.

Maybe you have a power blazer from the 80s gathering dust at the back of your wardrobe, some flares from the 70s you thought would never come back into fashion, or perhaps you're regretting throwing it all away and want to take a trip down memory lane. Now’s your chance to embrace pre-loved style and rediscover timeless pieces.

Matthew Murphy, Trend Expert at Jack Murphy, believes that consumers are placing a heavy emphasis on nostalgia in 2026 fashion as we’re seeking comfort and familiarity in uncertain times. He also believes:

We’re tired of ‘haul culture’ and fast fashion...

"...consumers aren’t looking for copy and paste fashion now; they’re embracing styles that make them feel comfortable while also being able to express themselves. Previous decades encouraged personality and fun in fashion, and people’s outfits allowed them to express themselves – we’re reverting back to this in 2026.”

Second Wind

It went out of fashion when sharper, more structured, and closer fits took over. Now, it’s back on everyone’s mood board because that same ease and drape in tailoring is how people actually want to dress today.”

Matthew says: “70s fashion wasn’t only the era of rebellion we think of – eclectic pieces like free-spirited bohemian or glamorous disco or punk – but it was all about being individual. This is why heritage materials and tailoring were a heavy focus in the 70s.

“Tailoring was heavily inspired by Jackie Kennedy who was a 1970s style icon and wool coats and tweed skirts are becoming increasingly popular in 2026 reminiscent of that effortlessly chic fashion. To incorporate this into a modern wardrobe, opt for a timeless piece, like a tweed swing coat with a defined collar in an A-line design. Tailored but wearable clothing was immensely popular in the 70s, and A-line designs are back. In 2026, we’re seeing this style with versatile, A-line tweed skirts designed to balance heritage craftsmanship with contemporary femininity.

“Heritage materials are popular this year because they’re timeless. Consumers can emulate the decade without even having a prescribed aesthetic, focusing on heritage materials like corduroy or suede as timeless staples.”

For a 90s look, Matthew says: “We can emulate 90s fashion in a modern wardrobe by focusing on clean silhouettes and oversized outerwear, keeping it minimal and sleek with versatile investment pieces like trench coats, cashmere jumpers, tweed skirts, or trousers. The 90s reminds us that stylish doesn’t have to be complex, which, underpinning the slow fashion movement, is why we’re building capsule wardrobes full of interchangeable pieces and steering away from micro-trends. The 90s is all about effortless chic, so having some good quality basics like a wool coat or wax jacket and tweed skirt is a great start.”

Jackmurphy.ie | Moss.co.uk

• Be patient –

As Robbi Hicks, Head of Creative at Moss, puts it: “Tailoring never really goes away, despite the death of the suit being written about annually for as long as I’ve worked in the industry – it just gets reinterpreted. The current obsession with soft-shouldered, relaxed, heyday Amarni is a good example.

• Shop out of season –If you’re looking for a coat or jumper in winter, everyone else will be too! Tips for shopping

Charity and vintage shops are filled with pieces (not all of them good!) so you need to be willing to dig for gold.

• Be open minded –Don’t be picky with brands you already know, take a chance on something new.

COMING UP

Check out our top picks of the best upcoming releases over the next couple of months!

FILM Sunny Dancer | In cinemas from 14th August

Hanging out with friends and partying might be how most teenage girls spend their last summer before turning 18, but not Ivy. Her lovingly overbearing parents have other plans: four weeks at Children Run Free Camp, a camp for young adults affected by cancer. As if beating cancer wasn’t enough, now she has to go to summer camp. But it turns out to be more inspiring than expected as she meets like-minded misfits who just want to live life to the fullest. This coming-of-age romcom is all about celebrating love, friendship, challenging adversity, and feeling alive while the world has other plans.

Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh team up in this a genrebending, action-packed comedy that flips the spy thriller on its head. When hotshot US Navy Pilot Lieutenant Troy ‘Assassin’ Kelly (Reynolds) is sent on a top-secret mission into Russian territory at the height of the Cold War, the operation implodes, leaving him stranded behind enemy lines. Discovered by Nikolai Ustinov (Branagh), a gruff ex-KGB agent with a penchant for American culture, Troy thinks he’s toast – but could an unlikely alliance between the two lead to Troy’s rescue and a bond neither saw coming?

RADIO & TV BBC Proms | Until 12th September

The BBC Proms returns this month, presenting eight weeks of world-class music from an array of leading orchestras, conductors, and soloists from across the UK and around the world. Every Prom will be broadcast on Radio 3 and BBC Sounds and 24 programmes will be broadcast on BBC television and iPlayer. The season marks a plethora of anniversaries and centenaries, including those of composers John Coltrane, Morton Feldman, Edmund Thornton Jenkins, Betsy Jolas, György Kurtág, and Steve Reich, as well as a concert dedicated to the centenary of jazz icon Miles Davis.

The fourth season of the world-renowned Ted Lasso will hit our screens at the beginning of August. This series marks the return of the well-loved favourites including Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Juno Temple, and Jeremy Swift, alongside plenty of new additions. In series four, Ted returns to Richmond to take on his biggest challenge yet: coaching a second division women’s football team. Throughout the episodes, Ted and the team learn to leap before they look, taking chances they never thought they would.

BOOK A Year of Jewish Joy | Rebekah Lowin | 8th September

Imagine a year of Jewish joy, anchored with welcoming, weekly Shabbat dinners, and punctuated with holidays imbued with depth and beauty all enjoyed with plenty of delicious food. In this book, Rebekah Lowin – affectionately dubbed a ‘Jewish Martha Stewart’ by her readers – gently explains the various traditions, blessings, and rituals for Shabbat and the major holidays, and shares menu ideas, entertaining tips, DIY crafts, and tablescape inspirations, along with more than 75 delicious kosher recipes. From Rosh Hashanah to Tu B’Av, Rebekah takes you on a journey through the Jewish calendar, infusing each holiday with creativity and infectious enthusiasm.

Built in 1889, the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic sits on eight acres of landscaped gardens and combines elegant Victorian charm with modern comforts.

The Harrogate Spa invites you to experience the wellbeing benefits of the town's rich spa heritage. Featuring a heated indoor swimming pool, six luxurious treatment rooms, a variety of thermal experiences, and a tranquil zen garden with an outdoor hot tub, it provides a haven of relaxation.

Spa Days

DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a half-day spa experience for two at The Harrogate Spa worth £115pp.

If you’re lucky enough to win the exclusive prize, you and a loved one will get a refreshing welcome drink, one 50-minute or two 25-minute treatments, the choice of a light lunch or afternoon tea, four hours of access to the modern spa facilities (9am to 1pm or 12pm to 4pm), and a spa bag that includes a robe, towel, and flip flops.

Relax and unwind with the spa's signature ESPA treatments. From rejuvenating facials to soothing massages, every treatment is expertly designed to relax, refresh, and rejuvenate your body and mind – all within the serene surroundings of The Harrogate Spa.

relax@theharrogatespa.com 01423 700 300 (option 5) Experiencethemajestic.com/spa

Competition

For your chance to win a half-day spa experience at DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic worth £115pp, simply answer the following question…

What year was the original hotel built?

Enter online at: Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-manchester or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB.

Please ensure your entry includes your full name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 28th August 2026.

Terms and conditions apply: One entry per person. Prize valid for six months from the date of issue, subject to availability and advanced booking. Guests must be aged 18 or over. Prize is nontransferable and no cash alternative is available. By entering the competition online, you will automatically be entered in JLife Magazine and DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic’s databases to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers. Postal entry data will also be added to the databases. Publisher’s decision is final.

BUSINESS NEWS

in conjunction with

£320 Million Support Package

The Israeli government has unveiled a NIS 1.6 billion (£320 million) support programme aimed at helping the country’s hi-tech and export sectors cope with the rapid appreciation of the shekel.

Announced at the end of June by the Ministry of Finance and the Israel Innovation Authority, the measures include around NIS 1 billion in fast-track funding for early-stage startups and growth-stage technology companies, alongside investment in industrial modernisation, exporter support, workforce training, and expanded tax incentives.

Under the initiative, startups and scale-up businesses will be eligible for matching grants designed to extend their financial runway, support continued growth, and encourage them to maintain and expand their operations in Israel. An inter-ministerial committee will also be established to review the long-term competitiveness of Israel’s hi-tech sector and consider structural reforms ahead of the 2027 State Budget.

Flae Robotics AI Receptionist

Czech technology startup Flae Robotics has announced a new partnership with Weetwood Hall Estate, marking a significant step in its expansion into the UK hospitality market.

BE-A acts as an AI receptionist for modern hotels, communicating with guests via WhatsApp, email, webchat, and phone calls, responding within seconds and operating 24/7. The platform assists with room availability, reservations, wellness bookings, parking, upselling, and common guest enquiries. BE-A is the industry's first AI to book hotel reservations over the phone, offering natural, human-like conversations through BE-A Voice.

"The UK is a strategically important market for us, and partnering with Weetwood Hall represents an important milestone,” says Filip Linek, CEO of Flae Robotics. "Weetwood Hall is a beautiful historic property with a strong conference business and demanding operational requirements. This is exactly the type of environment where BE-A can deliver real value to hotel teams and guest experience.”

Merrion Centre Mini Mall

Israeli Funding Jumps

Israeli technology companies raised $7.6 billion (£5.5 billion) during the first six months of 2026, marking a 52% increase on the same period last year despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

The figures, released in preliminary findings from the latest Israeli Tech Review by research firm IVC and LeumiTech, suggest Israel’s technology sector has returned to fundraising levels last seen during the investment boom of 2020.

Cybersecurity remained the dominant sector, attracting $2.57 billion during the first half of the year, accounting for almost 34% of all capital raised. Defence technology, quantum computing, and space technology also gathered momentum, collectively securing $846 million in funding during the first six months of 2026 – a figure approaching the total raised by those sectors during the whole of 2025.

Greencore Confirms Leeds Site

FTSE 250-listed convenience foods group Greencore has signed a 15-year lease at Broad Gate in the city centre. Overlooking The Headrow and originally home to Lewis’s, Broad Gate is a 300,000 sq. ft flagship mixed-use development, with some of the city’s largest grade A office floorplates. The complex also includes a suite of penthouse offices, together with four prime retail units.

Eamon Fox, Partner and Head of Knight Frank’s Leeds office, said: “Greencore’s decision to open an office in Leeds is a powerful vote of confidence in the city’s energy, ambition, and potential. Leeds is a place where talent thrives, ideas accelerate, and businesses can truly take flight.

“By choosing Leeds, Greencore isn’t just expanding its footprint; it’s becoming part of a vibrant community that’s shaping the future of the UK economy. This move will bring hundreds of highly talented people to work, live, contribute, and enjoy our vibrant city. This level of investment is a genuine catalyst for growth, socially, economically, and culturally.” Other occupiers at Broad Gate include Yorkshire Building Society, Orega, Colliers, Ramboll, Emovis, Hays Recruitment, and Kaplan.

Dream Hits $3 Billion

The Merrion Centre has become the home of an exciting new retail and food destination, as The Mini Mall launched its flagship venue in the heart of Leeds’ Arena Quarter at the end of July.

The 4,885 sq. ft ground-floor space has introduced a fresh, community-led retail concept dedicated entirely to independent Yorkshire brands, artisan producers, and local food creators.

Operating as a premium ‘satellite department store’, The Mini Mall provides established independent businesses with fully staffed, centrally managed retail bays. It complements traditional retail models by offering a managed, flexible platform that allows brands to focus on growth, customer engagement, and product development.

The venue is operated in partnership with the Eventszo team, who manage backend logistics, staffing, and day-to-day operations. However, the concept has been intentionally designed so that the operational structure remains behind the scenes, allowing independent traders to take centre stage.

Shaz Westfield, Founder of Eventszo, said: “The Mini Mall was created to give independent businesses the opportunity to trade in a prime city-centre location without the barriers that often come with traditional retail.

“Yorkshire is home to an incredible community of makers, creators, and food businesses, and our goal is to provide a platform where they can grow, connect with new customers, and thrive. We're delighted to be launching our flagship venue at the Merrion Centre and look forward to building a destination that champions local talent and entrepreneurship.”

Dream, the Israeli-founded cyber and artificial intelligence company co-founded by former Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and Israeli Entrepreneur Shalev Hulio, has raised $260 million at a $3 billion valuation as it expands what it calls ‘sovereign AI’ for governments and critical infrastructure operators.

The funding will be used to accelerate deployment of Dream’s sovereign AI and national cyber-defence platforms across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas, as governments increasingly seek to build and operate artificial intelligence systems under their own control.

Founded in 2023, Dream was built around a belief that governments needed a fundamentally different approach to cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. The company serves governments and critical infrastructure organisations across the world and employs around 350 people across Tel Aviv, Abu Dhabi, and Vienna.

Shalev Hulio said: “Land created empires. Industry created nations. Artificial intelligence will create the next super nations. Every nation has data. Few can protect it. Fewer can use it. Sovereign AI is the key. We built Dream to help governments secure their information, transform it into knowledge, and convert that knowledge into national capability. The future of a nation should never depend on technology it does not control.”

Headquartered in Israel, Palram has been at the forefront of thermoplastic innovation for more than 60 years, with its UK operation established in 1992. The company manufactures a wide range of polycarbonate and PVC solutions, serving diverse applications across numerous industries. By continually pushing the boundaries of thermoplastic technology to address evolving market challenges, Palram’s products are now used in countless applications around the world. CEO Omri Jakobovitz, part of Leeds’ growing Israeli community, explains more: “We operate in a lot of sectors! For residential spaces and DIY enthusiasts, we have sheets and panel systems that enhance the home. Sign and display board materials are supplied to designers, printers, sign makers, and fabricators. There are versatile solutions that enable architects and engineers to solve design challenges in the construction and architecture sectors.

“We also have another business unit that makes what we called finished goods. These are mainly made from polycarbonate – one of our raw materials that’s normally combined with aluminium or another material – to create greenhouses, sheds, verandas, canopies, or other outdoor living products that are sold through a brand called Canopia.”

Built to Grow

CEO Omri Jakobovitz joined the growing Israeli community in Leeds while working for Palram. Following his brief talk at a UK Israel Business breakfast, he shares his journey from accountant to international business leader and his vision for the company’s future.

Born and raised in Israel, Omri originally trained as an accountant before relocating to the UK: “Palram was one of my clients when I worked for a large accounting firm and I was approached to move to the UK to be the CFO of the Europe area seven years ago. After two and a half years as CFO, I was promoted to MD of the UK. We separated it from Europe as we acquired four businesses here and doubled the sales in the UK market.”

You just have to trust yourself and go for it – that’s the only way you’ll learn. You won’t grow from being in a comfortable situation!

18 months ago, Omri was promoted to CEO of Palram’s TradePro business unit. In his current role, he leads the continued development of businesses the group has acquired while also identifying new acquisition opportunities to support ongoing growth: “I knew that finance was going to be my step into managerial roles as I’d always been attracted to the commercial side of things. Since I came to the UK, it’s been my mission to find out even more about myself – no matter how high up you are, there’s always opportunities for learning on the job.”

With the company having built a strong reputation over more than 60 years, Omri was conscious of balancing innovation with respect for the company’s heritage: “When I joined, I was very business development driven. For many years, Palram hadn’t done

much of this or acquisitions, so I – along with the CEO of Europe at the time – started the roots of it. The goal wasn’t to change it, just to create something else and expand to more businesses.”

“You get a lot less time!” expresses Omri on how his leadership style has changed over the years. “You need to be faster on decisions, be more patient, and build a team that you can really rely on. If you don’t give trust to managers to manage their own departments and hand over some of the responsibility, you can’t grow or focus on the more strategic side of things.”

Offering advice to those in business, Omri says: “I had my hesitations when I stepped in, but you just have to trust yourself and go for it – that’s the only way you’ll learn. You won’t grow from being in a comfortable situation!”

The UK is Palram’s biggest base after Israel, and Omri is proud to be at the forefront of it: “On a personal level, continuing my relationship with the community here in the UK means a great deal to me. My connection to this country runs deep: my grandfather, a Holocaust survivor, escaped to Britain, joined the British forces, and fought in some of the toughest battles against the Nazis. Years later, he chose to build a new life in Israel. Returning to the UK now in a senior executive role feels like a meaningful full-circle moment – a statement about the strength of our people and the resilience of our family story. My sons also play for Leeds Maccabi and are incredibly proud to do so. It’s truly our pleasure to be part of this community and to serve as a living bridge between the UK and Israel.”

Palram.com/uk

Personal Tax Challenges FINANCE

Benjamin Franklin famously said that nothing is certain except death and taxes. While we can't do much about the former, we can certainly make the latter less taxing.

These days, tax seems to crop up everywhere. A pay rise that doesn't feel quite as generous as expected, a rental property generating extra income, a successful side hustle, or even interest earned on savings can all create unexpected tax implications. Add frozen tax thresholds and ever-changing legislation into the mix, and it's easy to see why many people feel overwhelmed.

A new job, company car, investment income, or pension withdrawal can all affect your tax position. Without the right advice, it's easy to miss valuable allowances, overpay tax, or receive an unwelcome brown envelope from HMRC.

For the self-employed and business owners, the questions can be even trickier. Can I claim this expense? Should I operate as a sole trader or limited company? How much tax should I set aside?

When bookkeeping, deadlines, and tax returns are added to the day job, it's no

wonder many business owners struggle to keep up.

At Leon and Company Chartered Accountants, we help clients navigate the tax maze, ensuring their affairs are accurate, compliant, and as tax efficient as possible. From personal tax returns and capital gains planning to pension contributions and available reliefs, we help you keep more of your hard-earned money where it belongs. Financial wellbeing extends beyond tax. That's why we work closely with our sister company, Leon and Company Financial Services. While our accountancy team focuses on tax planning and compliance, its independent financial advisers provide expert guidance on pensions, investments, inheritance planning, protection, and retirement strategies.

By combining tax expertise with long-term financial planning, we help ensure every financial decision supports your wider goals. Amid economic uncertainty, trusted advice has never been more valuable, and we can help bring clarity, confidence, and stability to your financial future.

Contact Leon & Company Chartered Accountants at 0113 288 8111 or email contact@leonandcompany.co.uk

For advice on pensions, investments, and long-term financial planning, contact Leon & Company Financial Services at linda@leonandcompany.co.uk

Key to Success

Ison Harrison Solicitors offers expert legal support to guide you from offer to completion.

Buying or selling a property is one of life’s biggest milestones, but it’s rarely as straightforward as it first seems. Behind every successful move is a detailed legal process known as conveyancing, which is designed to protect you at every stage.

At Ison Harrison, we understand that clients don’t just want a process, they want clarity, reassurance, and a smooth path to completion. In fact, we complete more property transactions than any other firm across Yorkshire, giving our clients confidence that they are in experienced hands.

What is conveyancing?

Conveyancing is the legal transfer of property ownership from seller to buyer. From the moment an offer is accepted, a dedicated conveyancer works behind the scenes to ensure everything progresses safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary delay. This includes:

• Carrying out essential legal searches

• Reviewing contracts and property details

• Managing communication between all parties

• Handling funds securely and in accordance with regulatory requirements

While it may seem administrative, every step plays a crucial role in protecting your interests and avoiding unexpected issues further down the line.

Why expertise matters

Property transactions often involve multiple parties, tight deadlines, and complex chains. Delays can happen quickly without the right legal guidance in place. That’s why having an experienced conveyancing team makes all the difference. At Ison Harrison, our approach is proactive and client-focused, and we don’t just respond to issues, we anticipate them. Clear communication, regular updates, and practical advice are central to how we work, ensuring you always feel informed and in control.

Supporting you every step of the way

Whether you’re buying your first home, moving up the ladder, or managing an investment property, the process can feel overwhelming at times. Our role is to simplify it.

From initial instruction through to completion, we guide clients step-by-step, explaining each stage in plain English and handling the detail so you don’t have to. We work closely with agents, lenders, and other parties to keep matters moving and minimise stress wherever possible.

Getting you over the line

Completion day is the moment it all comes together, the keys are handed over, and your move becomes a reality. But achieving that milestone relies on careful preparation and expert handling throughout the process.

At Ison Harrison, our focus is simple: getting you over the line with confidence. By combining technical expertise with a personal, approachable service, we aim to make your property journey as smooth and straightforward as possible.

If you’re planning a move and want expert support you can rely on, call us on 0113 200 7444.

Completion day is the moment it all comes together

Perfect Partners

We highlight some of the partners who have teamed up with UKIB this year.

Leon & Company Chartered Accountants

The most important thing to Leon & Company is the strong relationships the team build with their clients. They’re known for being approachable, enthusiastic, professional (of course!), and above all, very friendly.

Passionate about providing a first-class service, the team works with business owners, entrepreneurs, landlords, and private tax clients, offering expert support tailored to their individual needs. They are happy to work with businesses of all sizes – all they ask is that their clients are as passionate about their business as they are. Jack, Darren, and the team are kept busy providing general business support, helping clients navigate the complexities of HMRC and accounting requirements while always striving to keep tax liabilities as efficient as possible.

From accounts preparation and VAT returns to corporation tax, payroll, personal tax, tax planning, and investment property tax advice, the firm provides a comprehensive range of services designed to support clients and their businesses.

Leonandcompany.co.uk

Astonish

Founded in Yorkshire in 1969, Astonish is a family-owned business that has grown into one of the UK's leading household cleaning and personal care brands, with products now sold in more than 35 countries worldwide. From everyday household cleaning to specialist solutions and personal care, Astonish has built its reputation on delivering quality products at affordable prices. Proudly developed and manufactured in Bradford, the business is also the only vegan-approved household cleaning brand made in the UK.

Alongside Astonish, the business also owns Moss & Adams, its premium yet affordable personal care brand, where modern design, beautiful fragrances, and quality products come together to make everyday moments better.

With over 50 years of innovation behind it, Astonish continues to invest in new product development, British manufacturing, and growing the brand across the UK and international markets. Astonish.co.uk

first direct bank arena

The first direct bank arena is a premier venue renowned for its distinctive fan-shaped design and versatile event-hosting capabilities. Artists such as Sir Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Fleetwood Mac have graced its stage, contributing to its reputation as a leading entertainment venue.

For those seeking the pinnacle of exclusivity, the arena provides a selection of premium hospitality options including private suites for up to 16 guests, a hyper-premium hospitality dining space (The Mixer), an exclusive VIP restaurant, and meeting space breakout area, also available for private hire. Featuring premium seating, all premium guests enjoy fast-tracking VIP entry, evening dining options, and personalised service throughout each event.

Firstdirectbankarena.com

TheBusinessDesk.com

TheBusinessDesk.com is a regional media business that provides free news to millions of users via a website and weekly emails – across its six regions: Yorkshire, North West, West Midlands, East Midlands, South West, and Scotland.

Alongside its news output, it also organises awards and both physical and virtual events that bring together leading figures from across the region to share insight and thought leadership.

Thebusinessdesk.com

WPA Health

The most trusted health insurer for businesses in the UK. Number one in the Fairer Finance Trust in PMI index, topping the Which? Best Private Health Insurance Survey 2025, and continuing an ‘Excellent’ rating on Trustpilot – you’re in safe hands.

Wpa.org.uk

Skopes

In 1948, Skopes’ Founder, Sydney Cope, established the business in Leeds. From the get-go, Sydney sought out fabric from Yorkshire’s finest mills to create bespoke trousers that got people talking. Soon the Skopes name became renowned for its cavalry twills, Hebden Bridge corduroy, and for sourcing the finest worsted yarns from Huddersfield. As the brand’s popularity soared, the ready-to-wear line of men’s clothing was born. Sydney’s son Geoffrey took the reins during much of the 1970s and 80s, and now Sydney’s grandson, Simon Cope, is at the helm. Skopes’ suits are tailored to satisfy the demands of an ever more discerning audience, with a broad collection of dapper looks for any occasion available to try at the White Rose Shopping Centre store, many in sizes and fits not readily available anywhere else on the high street.

Skopes.co.uk

Holding Court

July's UK Israel Business (UKIB) breakfast meeting offered a lively and entertaining conversation between renowned Lawyer and Executive Vice Chairman of Leeds United, Peter McCormick OBE and Edward Ziff OBE DL.

The recent UKIB event at the MAZCC opened with remarks from breakfast sponsor and Director Marshall Frieze, who offered congratulations to Russell Manning, recently awarded an MBE in the king's birthday honours in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Jewish community and charitable causes. Marshall then flagged up the next breakfast on 10th September, when Russell himself will host an in-conversation session with Kevin Hollinrake MP, Shadow Minister and Co-Founder of Hunters Property Group.

Main sponsor Town Centre Securities PLC Chairman and Chief Executive, Edward Ziff, introduced the infamous lawyer, Peter McCormick OBE for a wide-ranging conversation in his second visit as a speaker.

Peter discussed his career and football interests, keeping 100 gests entertained with his wit and humorous stories. Born at Cookridge Nursing Home and raised in Headingley, his family moved to Harrogate due to his childhood asthma, on doctor's advice that the town's clean air would help. He went on to study law at King's College London, where in his third year he wrote to: “the only solicitor I'd ever heard of” – renowned Leeds figure Jack Levi – and landed an articled clerkship after what he called: “a one-minute interview.”

Peter recalled Levi & Co as “a madhouse”, driven by two towering characters: Equity Partner Michael Lawrence and Levi himself, who Peter regards as: “without doubt, the finest orator I've ever encountered.” He described watching Levi defend a bank manager at Morley Magistrates' Court with a courtroom speech borrowed from Shylock that reduced the bench to tears. Peter left the firm in 1983 to start McCormick’s Solicitors.

Peter also spoke of his deep ties to the Jewish community. His mother's maiden name was Saltzman, and her parents fled Latvia at the end of the 19th century, setting out for New York but instead arriving in Hull: “So, I'm one of you,” Peter exclaimed, wryly adding: “And when it suits commercially, one of them too!”

Among his many achievements, Peter is most proud of his charity work. The Yorkshire Achievers Foundation, which he co-founded, has raised around £1.7 million, with running costs of just £134 last year: “No overheads at all, so every penny raised goes to young people who deserve it.” He also chaired the War Memorials Trust for two decades and is a founding trustee of the John Strutt Centre for Parrot Conservation in Cumbria.

Inevitably, the conversation turned to football, Peter’s passion away from the courtroom. A huge fan of Leeds United, Peter joined the club’s board in 1992, the year the club won the title, and now holds the Executive Vice Chairman role. In between his stints he talked

became Wembley's host when board meetings would overrun, entertaining the likes of Prince William, Gianni Infantino, and Tom Cruise.

Taking questions, Peter criticised political meddling in football and agents' cuts of transfer fees, recalling one deal in which an agent would have taken £16 million from a £24 million transfer.

Asked about the perils of buying a football club, Peter warned that fans are the ultimate judges which can create a volatile environment: “As I've discussed regularly with the current owners, you must invest in the team before the stadium and never treat ownership as an ego project. If it goes sour and you need bodyguards, that's not a good situation.”

Organiser Jane Clynes brought the morning to a close, thanking Peter for a wealth of stories and remarking that he’s the only speaker that’s ever been asked back for a second visit. Naturally, Peter had the last word: “I come back every 30 years.”

For more information about UKIB, contact jane.clynes@ukisraelbusiness.co.uk

07703 271 238

EDWARD ZIFF OBE & PETER MCCORMICK OBE

Waste Not, Want Not

Zero Waste Week (7th to 11th September) is the perfect moment to rethink what happens to the things we discard.

Every September, millions of people around the world take part in Zero Waste Week, a campaign founded by Rachelle Strauss in 2008 to help households cut down on landfill waste, save money, and rethink rubbish as a resource rather than a write-off.

Buying only what you genuinely need, rather than stocking up out of habit, is the simplest place to start, whether it’s clothing, toiletries, or anything bought on impulse and barely used. Repairing rather than replacing is also a great wastereduction tactic – clothes with a loose seam or missing button, or an appliance with a minor fault can often be saved from the bin by a simple fix. Reusable alternatives, from shopping bags to water bottles to food containers, are worth investing in to replace single-use versions, and before anything goes in the general waste bin, it is worth asking whether it could be donated, passed on, or recycled instead.

When it comes to kitchen waste, this is where good intentions and good waste

habits tend to get sidelined, especially when cooking for larger groups.

Before shopping, draw up a loose meal plan built around what’s already in the fridge and freezer. This makes it easier to buy only what you need rather than panicking and over-catering. When cooking generates a lot of trimmings, most of them are worth keeping. Vegetable peelings, herb stems, and the woody ends of leeks or fennel can go straight into a freezer bag and become the base of a stock, which is a particularly good use for the offcuts from a big pot of chicken soup.

Leftovers fare best when they’re visible

rather than buried at the back of the fridge. Decanting them into containers and eating them within a day or two avoids them drifting into forgotten, mouldy territory.

For anything genuinely past saving, food waste recycling is worth using properly if your council collects it. Nearly anything edible can go in a food waste caddy, including bones, mouldy food, and eggshells, with only liquids and packaging excluded. Recycled food waste avoids the methane created when it rots in landfill and is instead converted into fertiliser or energy.

If your household doesn’t have a food waste collection, a simple compost heap or bin will take peelings, eggshells, teabags, and coffee grounds, leaving only meat, fish, and bones for the general bin.

The aim isn’t to create a perfect zerowaste household, just to pay a little more attention to where extra food ends up. With a bit of creative thinking, there are often ways to avoid things going straight in the bin.

Zerowasteweek.co.uk

Sukkot Joy

From an unexpected fruit shop find to the deeper meaning of Sukkot, LJOY’s Moshe Merel explores the meanings behind the festival.

I have a friend who is somewhat eccentric (more than me). To illustrate this, we were once shopping in a fruit store in a rather seedy area of the UK at Sukkot time. As we entered, I implored him: “Whatever you do, please be as inconspicuous as possible.” Famous last words.

I stood there gaping like a goldfish (him thinking I was overawed by the find).

So, what are these esrogim all about? What's Sukkot all about? I can't write a six-page article, so for the full story check out Hidabroot/ Sukkot, Aish/Sukkot, or Chabad/Sukkot.

As I was milling around, stroking the pears to ensure they were from this century, I suddenly heard a yell. Swivelling around, I saw my friend lurching towards me through the startled crowd, who quickly split like the Red Sea. He’s holding a crate of fruit, screaming: “Look! I found esrogim!” (Esrogim are special citrus fruits used during Sukkot and are carefully imported for the festival.) Sure enough, esrogim were bouncing out of the wooden crate. Mortified, and hoping the ground would open up like it did for Korach,

Sukkot is a biblical festival known as the time of joy. The sukkah is a simple, temporary dwelling with a natural roof so the sky can be seen. By leaving the comfort of our homes, we are reminded that true security doesn't come from our bricks, Rottweiler, or lock, but from the one who watches over us –something we felt in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, and something we should feel today, even on the Sandmoors.

The sukkah embraces a person – a hug from above. As we spend time with family, we revel in our faith, even when life feels uncertain. We take the arba minim – the four species: a lulav (palm), esrog (citron), hadassim (myrtle), and aravos (willow). Each represents a different type of Jew. Some have Torah and good deeds, like the esrog, which has both taste and fragrance. Others may have one quality but not the other. The Mitzvah is only complete when they are all held together.

Though some feel it's not really ‘them’ to stand in shul holding what looks like a small botanical collection, we wave the four species in all directions, showing Hashem's sovereignty over the world. This also helps dispel negative influences – physical, emotional, and spiritual.

Once, walking back from shul, a passer-by stopped me and asked: “With all Jew respect, why are the Jews carrying palm trees today?” The explanation of ‘our Palm Sunday’ worked but in truth, we hold them proudly as part of the king's parade following the coronation of Rosh Hashanah and the forgiveness of Yom Kippur.

It's a big Mitzvah to build a Sukkah, dwell in it and eat in it, to buy a set of the four species (pricey if mehadrin), and wave them with a blessing. Someone once showed me a photo of themselves holding a lulav on a Caribbean cruise – great, it works there too! Chag Sameach!

FANTASTIC TEENS

The CTeen Impact Care Awards dinner was recently held to honour our community’s young people.

It was a full house at this year’s CTeen Impact Care Awards dinner; 140 people attended including the teens, their parents, grandparents, and many community leaders.

Comperes for the evening, Jamie Sacks and Eitan Aibi, launched the dinner after the reception. Both had taken part in the scheme when they were younger and fondly remembered their involvement so were pleased to MC this year’s celebrations. They introduced a group of participants who spoke about their activities in the scheme, including helping Homeless Street Angels, Cubs and Beavers, the LJWB café, adopt-agrandad, and a charity car wash.

A video greeting from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis was shown in which he said: “The greatest heroes within our communities are those who indeed excel in their selflessness and in all the care, love, and attention that they give to others.”

A letter from Sir Keir Starmer was read out, sharing his warm good wishes: “I commend all those involved in supporting the next generation, and I pay tribute to the teenagers whose commitment to helping others embodies the very best of community spirit.”

Rabbi Mendel Sufrin led a Psalm praying for the safety of the IDF and Jewish people around the world before the second group of participant teens introduced a lively video displaying their community care activities over the recent months.

Guest speaker Daniel Saunders – who has had a career in tech, worked at the Israeli Embassy promoting Anglo-Israel trade, and is now the Chief Executive of L Marks – reflected on his life journey shaped by identity, curiosity, humility, and human connection: “Success is not about status, followers, or achievements, but about

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

relationships and the impact we have on others.” He encouraged young people to embrace their uniqueness, explore opportunities, and learn from others: “In a world influenced by AI, the key lessons are to stay curious, remain humble, and be present in life to maintain the human connection.”

Guests of honour Debbie and Brian Addlestone presented the awards to the participants and at the conclusion, a third group of teens thanked all involved and presented them with gifts.

Rabbi Reuven Cohen rounded up the evening, addressing the late Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ idea of ‘Jewish community’: “I’m in this room, seeing it in front of my eyes. The people and families sat here span three generations. There are grandparents here who, some years back, sent their children to take part in the Care Awards. And those children have now become the parents who have sent their children to take part in this year’s. This is such a positive thing to see in this wonderful community of ours.

“You probably saw a clip going round from some teenagers recently. Since the pending social media ban, what are they going to do? ‘I’ll stare at the wall’ answered one little philosopher. Really? Our Leeds Jewish teenagers will answer you. To quote the rebbe in the video ‘we will be increasing acts of goodness and kindness to turn the world into a wonderful place of peace, prosperity, harmony, and Moshiach’.”

ALL PHOTOS: HOWARD BARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY

See more photos on pages 9, 14, 20/21, 31, 45 and 62.

CONGRATULATIONS TO GEORGIA WINSTON AND TOBY MINTON WHO RECENTLY WED!

GEORGIA’S PARENTS MANDY AND RICHARD WERE BEAMING WITH PRIDE!

THE DAY CONTINUED WITH A RECEPTION IN THE EVENING.

THEIR DAY WAS HELD AT DOUBLE TREE MAJESTIC HARROGATE.

AS WERE TOBY’S PARENTS ELIZABETH AND SIMON.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY CELEBRATED THE HAPPY COUPLE.

Local Connections COMMUNITY

Writing this in the last moments before our copy deadline (much to Publisher Elliot’s ever-growing angst), I had hoped to revel in the glory of an England World Cup win. Alas it wasn’t to be and the ‘60 years of hurt’ will have to continue for at least four more years.

It was fantastic to join hundreds of residents at this year’s Alwoodley Community Picnic, arranged by Alwoodley Parish Council. The sun was out, The Manhattan Sound Big Band was on excellent form, and stalls showcased some of the community groups and local organisations working across Alwoodley and Leeds. I was glad to see that many people walked to the event to avoid the bother of traffic and parking.

We’ve had issues with parking outside and around our local schools this last academic year. I’ve made visits to all our local parking hotspots with local policing officers and the council’s own parking enforcement team. Both have agreed to ensure that schools across the ward receive regular visits from enforcement officers over the next academic year – and

illegally parked cars will be ticketed. Please park lawfully and thoughtfully when we return to school – it’s safer for our young people, more considerate to the schools’ neighbours, and will help avoid parking tickets.

Huge thanks are due to Mrs Cosgrove, formerly of Allerton C of E Primary School, who continues to build on the success of the Intercity School Football Tournament –part of Alwoodley’s My Year of Culture 2023 festival of sport. Mrs Cosgrove has been determined to put the event on every year as a stand-alone tournament. Teams from across the region competed and I know how excited all the participants were to take part. Neil, Lyn, and I are delighted to support this now annual event. Long may it continue.

Finally, many will be aware that on several occasions we’ve had travellers on the field next to Moortown Social Club and the Cranmer Play Area. We’re working with Parks to ensure that the field can be protected from future unwelcome incursions in the future.

Israel's New Pioneers COMMUNITY

The High Holy Days are a time for us to reflect on where we’ve come from, the values we hold dear, and the future we wish to build together. For almost three years, Israel has endured unimaginable challenges. Yet, we have witnessed the remarkable determination of ordinary people to rebuild, innovate, and look forward. These are the new pioneers –the trailblazers who refuse to allow adversity to define Israel's future.

This year's UJIA Kol Nidre Appeal shines a spotlight on those individuals –farmers replanting orchards devastated by war; communities returning to Israel's northern border; young people choosing hope over fear; and educators, social workers, and entrepreneurs rebuilding lives one step at a time. They’re continuing the work of Israel's original pioneers, not by breaking new ground, but by ensuring that communities can once again thrive.

Through our partnership with ReGrow Israel, UJIA is helping agricultural

communities recover from the devastating impact of the war, restoring livelihoods, strengthening resilience, and enabling families to return home. At the same time, our long-standing work continues across Israel, supporting children at risk, creating employment opportunities, reducing inequality, and strengthening communities where the need is greatest. Here in the UK, we continue to inspire thousands of young people through youth movements, Israel experiences, and informal Jewish education, ensuring the next generation develops a meaningful and lasting connection with Israel.

As we gather over the festivals, we have the opportunity not only to reflect on the year that has passed, but also to help shape the year ahead. Every gift to UJIA is an investment in Israel and our community’s future – supporting those rebuilding today while laying the foundations for a stronger, more resilient tomorrow.

As always Neil, Lyn, and I are here to assist with any local issues. Do get in touch with any one of us if you need our help. 07711 647 849 | dan.cohen@leeds.gov.uk

With Alexa Harris, UJIA Head of Community Campaign and Si3

Together, we can ensure that today's trailblazers become tomorrow's success stories. Thank you for continuing to stand with UJIA and with Israel.

To support our work, please visit Ujia.org/donate

With Councillor Dan Cohen

Time to Celebrate COMMUNITY HOUSING

I’m extremely proud to say that Leeds Jewish Housing Association has recently been named ‘Landlord of the Year’ at the Northern Housing Awards 2026. This prize is open to hundreds of housing associations, councils, and landlords across the North of England that do more than simply provide a roof over people’s heads. To come out on top is an amazing achievement for a small, community-focused landlord like us.

For me, this is a celebration for all the right reasons and the award is for every one of our staff who regularly go that extra mile

to make a difference – to say thank you; for our community board members who give their time and energy, to push us to improve, and keep us on the right path.

It means a so much because this award was judged by experts in the housing field who really know what great looks like, and we were up against top competition. But most of all because the award was given due to the outcomes we deliver for residents and the community. It’s a real validation of what we do.

We didn’t win this award through hype publicity or a polished social media marketing campaign. What deeply impressed the judging panel of sector experts was LJHA’s commitment to community, inclusivity, and tenant wellbeing, with the panel remarking: “Their resident-centred approach, innovative support services, and strong partnerships demonstrated a landlord genuinely focused on improving lives and supporting independence across its communities.” Now that I really am prepared to put in print!

ljha.co.uk

Securing Your Future LAW

It often comes as a surprise that a divorce doesn’t automatically bring financial matters to a close. Without a court-approved consent order, financial claims can remain open for years, even where both parties believe everything has been agreed. Informal arrangements, whether spoken or written, won’t offer the protection many expect.

An amicable arrangement?

When couples reach an arrangement themselves, particularly where matters have remained amicable, it can feel unnecessary to involve a solicitor. After all, if both sides are satisfied, why complicate things? However, it’s at this stage that careful legal guidance can be most valuable. An agreement that seems straightforward today may carry unforeseen consequences in the years ahead.

A professionally drafted consent order does more than record what’s been agreed. It ensures that the arrangement is fair, legally sound, and capable of being enforced if needed. The court will only approve orders that meet

these standards, and without that approval, there’s always a risk of future financial claims.

Financial considerations

Many factors are easily overlooked without specialist advice. Pensions, for instance, are often one of the most significant assets in a marriage. Tax implications may arise in ways that are not immediately obvious. Practical matters, such as delays in selling a property or whether maintenance payments remain affordable over time, also need careful consideration. Future inheritance or business interests may require protection too.

By addressing these points at the outset, a solicitor can help prevent disputes later. It is not simply about avoiding legal complications, but about creating clarity and reassurance for both parties.

At Winston Solicitors, the focus is on helping clients move forward with confidence. A well-prepared consent order offers more than legal closure. It provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing your future arrangements are secure.

With Teresa Davidson, Head of Family Law and Kate Sarsfield, Family Solicitor at Winston Solicitors

With Mark Grandfield, Chief Executive at Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA)

As

we celebrated our wonderful county with Yorkshire Day recently, discover some of the best inventions that have hailed from here!

Yorkshire has long been a county of innovation, maybe because us Yorkshire folk have never been ones to sit around waiting for someone else to solve a problem. From inventions that changed the world to everyday essentials you use without giving them a second thought, Yorkshire’s knack for innovation deserves just as much recognition as its tea and puddings!

Let's start right here in Leeds. In the 18th century, Chemist Joseph Priestley from Birstall, who lived next to a brewery in Leeds, was fascinated by the ‘fixed air’ (carbon dioxide) produced during fermentation. The brewery where Priestley conducted his experiments was called the Old Red Lion Brewery, located at the back of a house on Meadow Lane near the River Aire. Through a series of experiments in 1767, he discovered a method to infuse water with carbon dioxide and created the world's first artificially carbonated water. This discovery marked the beginning of a new era in beverages, as carbonated water became a popular and refreshing drink.

In 1811, Engineer Matthew Murray created the very first commercially viable steam locomotive, Salamanca, in Holbeck. With the locomotive industry still in its infancy, Murray would have used his detailed model to explain to investors and fellow designers how his engines would work. Salamanca revolutionised the transport of coal, enabling a small and relatively lightweight locomotive to haul more than 20 times its own weight, powered by steam from a cast iron boiler with a single flue.

If you enjoy a trip to the cinema to catch the latest blockbuster, you have the city to thank for playing a starring role in film history. In 1888, Louis Le Prince used his single-lens camera to capture what is now known as Roundhay Garden Scene – a clip lasting just over two seconds that's widely considered to be the world's first motion picture. Le Prince may have been French, but it was in Leeds that he made cinematic history, giving the city a claim to one of the greatest inventions of modern entertainment.

Moving a bit further afield, a dark, foggy night in 1933 saw Percy Shaw driving down the steep winding road from Queensbury to his home in Boothtown, Halifax. He’d made the journey at night many times before, using the reflection of his car headlights on the tramlines to help navigate his way. On this particular night, the tramlines were removed for maintenance, and the road was

plunged into darkness. It wasn't until he spotted two bright points reflecting back at him – a cat's eyes in the distance – that inspiration struck. Shaw realised the great potential of improving road safety if he could create a reflecting device that could be fitted to road surfaces… and that’s how cat’s eyes were born!

And, off the back of the FIFA World Cup, it’s interesting to know that the beautiful game didn’t start at Wembley or in a boardroom somewhere, it all started in Sheffield in 1857 at the world’s first football club. Not at United or Wednesday, but at Sheffield FC, which holds the FIFA Centennial Order of Merit, awarded in recognition of the club's dedication to football and its unique place at the very origin of football. Founders Sir Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest also drafted the club’s rules of play – including the ball being allowed to be headed, wooden crossbars introduced, free kicks and corners introduced, and the concept of playing under floodlights. This became the Rulebook of 1859, the official printed set of football laws and the foundation of the modern game as we know it today.

Yorkshire's impact stretches far beyond its borders. These impressive inventions are a reminder that the county's greatest export is the ingenuity and creativity of the people who call it home. This Yorkshire Day, there's even more reason to celebrate just how much this proud county has given to the world. Yorkshire.com

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

LEEDS JEWISH

PRIDE

Female Award

SPONSORED BY

Anonymous

Which amazing woman do you know who deserves recognition?

Richard Goldberg Male Award

SPONSORED BY

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

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

LJWB Champion

SPONSORED BY

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

SPONSORED BY Debbie and Adam Cutler

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

A selection of our properties Recently Sold

MARCIA & ANDREW BROWN CHARITABLE TRUST

Outstanding Recognition Award

SPONSORED

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

Employee Of The Year

SPONSORED

Who do you know who works within the community and has gone above and beyond in their role and deserves recognition?

SPONSORED BY

TerrI and Ian Barnett

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

The Lloyd Rakusen Sporting Achievement Award

SPONSORED BY

The Rakusen Family

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

Leader of Youth Award

SPONSORED BY

Amanda and Jonny Jerome

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

A Weight Lifted

Suzanne Benjamin and Hannah Gerson from Paperweight explain how the charity is providing compassionate support to help people

overcome life's toughest challenges.

Paperweight is a UK-wide Jewish charity offering free and practical personalised support to people in crisis. Since 2011, it has helped those overwhelmed by debt, family breakdown, bereavement, redundancy, mental health, homelessness, and many other life-changing challenges.

One of the biggest challenges those that reach out to Paperweight experience is rooted in bureaucracy, as Regional Director of the Manchester branch, Hannah Gerson, explains: “In many of life’s most challenging moments when you’re already extremely stressed, you can be slapped with a 40-page form or have to deal with long and complicated systems. We’re there to bring a little bit of order and calm to help people navigate their way out of that crisis, cut through the red tape, and give them a clear plan.”

“We have different caseworkers with different skill sets – retired GPs, solicitors, accountants, and more – who can help with not just filling out forms but also working out what benefits people might be entitled to. We also have a family law section, not to replace their solicitor, but to give them some support and guidance – we’re kind of like the Jewish Citizens Advice Bureau!” explains Suzanne Benjamin, Leeds Coordinator.

The charity also has a Tap into

Tech project which helps to reduce the significant technology gap that exists in society: “Whether the gap is because of age or lifestyle, particularly in the more religious communities that don’t have tech at their fingertips, Tap into Tech offers in-person sessions where participants will receive one-to-one support and sessions on things like accessing online banking, government Gateway accounts, and shopping safely online,” says Hannah.

Since opening the office in Leeds over two years ago, the charity works closely with the shuls, schools, youth movements, and Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA). Suzanne states: “Due to our LJHA partnership, a lot of our clients are elderly and have no access to online banking. Even managing a telephone bill or applying for a blue badge might be a minefield for some people. As the government makes more and more applications online, we’ve really seen an increase in tech-based requests which is why we ask that all our volunteers are tech-savvy as well as compassionate and supportive.”

Despite the stigma often associated with accepting charity, Suzanne stresses the importance of confidentiality and anonymity at the organisation: “We offer home visits to help people feel comfortable and relaxed. In a small community like the Leeds one, people might be worried that someone they know might find out but everything we do is strictly confidential and it’s really important that people feel they can trust the volunteers helping them along the journey.”

It isn’t just the elderly and vulnerable adults that Paperweight helps. NextGen is a new initiative designed to support students and young adults aged 18 to 25: “This is a three-pronged approach to the student community. The first is promoting our work to students and letting them know they can call out dedicated helpline if they have things going on. Paper Mate is the intergenerational aspect of the

initiative where we train students to be a bit like one of our caseworkers. The third thing is our life-ready courses which focus on three topics designed to help students with problems they weren’t taught in school – financial resilience, housing and tenancy basics, and employment.” The initiative will be rolling out at universities in Leeds and beyond from September!

Whether supporting someone through a benefits application, helping people get on top of debts, providing informal legal guidance, or simply just offering a listening ear at a time of crisis, Paperweight's mission is the same: to ensure no one has to face life's challenges alone. By combining professional expertise with compassion and practical guidance, the charity is empowering people to regain control and move forward with hope. Paperweight.org.uk | 0330 174 4300

SUZANNE BENJAMIN

HANNAH GERSON

NEWS IN BRIEF

Harrogate Synagogue

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful spa town, Harrogate Synagogue offers visitors the opportunity to combine a warm Jewish community experience with all that this elegant destination has to offer. With an abundance of hotels nearby, Harrogate is an ideal place to enjoy a weekend break or a longer stay, whatever the season.

As a Modern Orthodox synagogue, we are proud of our friendly and welcoming community. We continue to thrive, attracting members and visitors of all ages from across the country. Our services are enriched by a diverse range of visiting officiants, each bringing their own unique style and inspiration to make every Shabbat a special and memorable experience.

Whether you’re visiting Harrogate or looking for a synagogue away from home, we’d be delighted to welcome you. Please contact us in advance of your visit so we can make the necessary arrangements. As the safety and security of our community is of paramount importance, advance notification is essential. We look forward to welcoming you.

info@harrogteshul.co.uk | 07496 358 224

New Antisemitism Programme

A government-backed programme to help educators counter antisemitism in schools and across the country has been announced and is to go live from 1st November. The four-part module has been produced by the Tackling Antisemitism in Education initiative which is funded by the Department for Education.

Ranging from the history of Jews in the UK to practical tools to deal with classroom prejudice, the scheme will also include networks for teachers to share best practice and will be available in schools, colleges, and universities across England.

At a launch in the House of Commons in July, Baroness Berger, Vice-Chair of the All Party-Parliamentary Group Against Antisemitism, said: “We can send a very clear message that anti-Jewish hatred has no place in our schools, colleges, and universities or anywhere in our society.

“We know that education is the key to unpicking and challenging those misconceptions and prejudices that have been rooted in our society. We need to ensure that educators have the skills to recognise antisemitism, feel empowered and have the confidence to call it out, and to tackle it when they see it.”

Free Holocaust Education

Holocaust Centre North (HCN) is proud to announce it’s now able to offer its outstanding and unique learning programme completely free for all students in Years 5 and above. This also now makes HCN the only Holocaust education centre in the UK offering a learning programme for free.

This offer of free education for primary and secondary students is available to schools and colleges for the academic year 2026/27 with thanks to the Association of Jewish Refugees and the additional generosity of other individual donors.

Hannah Randall, Head of Learning at HCN, commented: “This is the first time we have been able to make our learning programme fully accessible to all schools and colleges, which means that more students will be able to engage with our unique and proven learning programme. This is a proud moment for me and the centre, as we know the power that good Holocaust education can challenge stereotypes and build students’ sense of citizenship in their communities. By embedding Holocaust education within the local community of the North of England, we can help students create meaningful connections to local history while challenging all forms of prejudice and discrimination.”

Community Safety Boost

The government has announced that police forces across England are set to get a £250 million funding boost to help protect Jewish communities following a rise in antisemitic attacks.

The three-year investment will fund hundreds of new officers and enable forces with a significant Jewish population to provide an increased and noticeable presence to communities which have faced rising hostility. £41 million will go towards national policing coordination, including antisemitism training for all officers in England and Wales, and £59 million to counter-terrorism police.

As well as West Yorkshire, £43 million will be shared between Hertfordshire, Essex, Sussex, Thames Valley, West Midlands, and Northumbria. Higher amounts will be given to police forces in London and Greater Manchester.

Winning Team

(L-R): YONI PHILLIPS, IAN LAND, JONNY LAWRENCE, RAFI KAYE, CHARLIE SANDLE, RAFI SAIPE, CHAD NEWMAN, MICHAEL “CHIEF” KESSLER. FRONT: HOWARD SOMERS.

Moor Allerton Golf Club made it four wins in the last five years at the annual Glancy Tournament this year – the premier golf tournament held by the Association of Jewish Golf Clubs and Societies that pits the best Jewish golfers in the country against each other. This year it was contested at Shirley Golf Club in Birmingham. The team performed fantastically on a very difficult golf course in hot and windy conditions.

Individual honours also went to Yoni Philips and Chad Newman who won the foursomes on the first day and a special mention goes to Rafi Kaye who was one of only four players to score under 80 in the entire field on the second day. Club Captain Howard Somers said: “The team did me proud, this will be a weekend I will remember for a long time.”

Anne Frank Trust Reaches 137k

According to new research by the University of Kent, the Anne Frank Trust UK reached more than 137,000 young people across 272 schools during the last academic year.

The findings were unveiled at a parliamentary reception in the House of Commons where MPs, Holocaust survivors, community leaders, and supporters gathered for the launch of the charity’s latest impact report ‘Challenging Prejudice, Changing Attitudes’.

The independent evaluation – based on responses from more than 4,500 young people – found that 89.9% of participants improved their understanding of antisemitism after taking part in the programmes, while 89.3% reported a better understanding of prejudice. More than four in five increased their confidence to challenge prejudice, and 90.2% developed more positive attitudes towards at least one social group.

His Honour Judge Jonathan Rose has just been awarded an OBE for services to the administration of justice and to the young people of Bradford – recognition for a career that began, he says, with “quite a rocky path”.

The former UHC president (who is still very much involved in the shul), Jonathan was educated at Roundhay School, setting his sights on medicine, but his A-level results didn’t secure a university place to study it. With the encouragement of his father, he found his way instead to Preston Polytechnic, now the University of Lancashire, to study law: “It turned me from someone who had done very poorly at school into someone who did rather well in his final examinations.” He’s been an honorary fellow of the university since 2016.

Called to the bar in 1978, Jonathan completed his pupillage at Bradford Chambers under Sidney Levine, before practising as a criminal barrister in Leeds and Bradford. He became a part-time judge in 1999, sitting in the Crown Court, county courts, and mental health review tribunals, and was appointed a full-time judge at Bradford Crown Court in 2008 – a role in which he still specialises in criminal law.

It was also in 2008 that Jonathan took on the role of judge in charge of education at Bradford Crown Court, a responsibility that began with school visits and came to be a defining aspect of his career. He speaks regularly at universities, including Bradford University’s law department and school of forensic science, drawing on the case of Stefan Kiszko who was wrongly convicted of the 1975 murder of 11-year-old

Judge Jonathan Rose talks about his recent OBE, the case that shaped his career, and why the law is for everyone

Lesley Molseed and exonerated by DNA evidence after 16 years in prison. Jonathan wrote a book about the case, ‘Innocence’ was published in 1998:

It’s the thought that no aspect of the evidence presented in a criminal trial should be manipulated in a way that could result in a wrongful conviction.

In 2015, Jonathan founded Spruce –student pre-university court exposure – a three-day course for Year 12 students considering a legal career. Now held at Bradford City Hall after outgrowing its original courtroom home, Spruce brings in barristers, solicitors, legal executives, and academics, with sessions on diversity and inclusion alongside mock trials and sentencing exercises. He has also introduced a biennial open day at Bradford Crown Court, drawing around 1,500 visitors on each occasion, with mock trials, police and prison service displays, and even birds of prey brought in by HM Prison Leeds.

For Jonathan, the work is rooted in widening access to the profession: “The legal profession prior to 1990 was very much occupied by people following in the footsteps of relations who may have come from privileged backgrounds.

The law is for anyone… you don’t have to be a genius at 18. What you do have to be is committed, determined, and prepared to work extremely hard.” Given Bradford’s multicultural population, he sees representation as essential not for its own sake, but because the profession must reflect the communities it serves.

Jonathan was appointed Resident Judge at Bradford Crown Court in 2023 and Honorary Recorder of Bradford the following year – the city’s senior legal figure, an unpaid civic role that has seen him attend events from the Bradford Council AGM to the annual memorial service for the 1985 Bradford City fire.

Of his OBE in the recent king’s birthday honours, Jonathan regards the honour with an understated humility and laughs off the notion that it might confer any special privileges: “It doesn’t gain you access to Wimbledon tickets, for example.”

The official investiture ceremony will take place later this year.

It’s a significant accomplishment in what has been a remarkable career and, while appreciative of the recognition and the honour, Jonathan is emphatic about sharing the credit: “I get a lot of support from some excellent members of staff, members of the bar, and the solicitors’ profession.” This is particularly the case with Spruce, which depends on professionals giving their time freely: “I am very mindful that, although I’ve been honoured in this way, I’ve also benefitted from the help of some really great people.”

LIGHT-HEARTED

Rabbi Eli Pink of Chabad Lubavitch on the characteristics of light and darkness.

Are you a sunny personality? A bright person? Or are you feeling heavy today, maybe in a dark mood? I wonder about these common adjectives. Why is sunny equated with happiness and a good mood, and dark associated with the opposite? In Biblical Hebrew, the word ‘bari’ or ‘healthy’ is used to describe someone who was very fat. In ancient times, being able to afford to eat was a good thing!

In the UK we usually welcome the sun. It’s like a friend who’s come to visit for a short time and, even though it might be a bit disruptive, we enjoy their company safe in the knowledge that they’ll be on their way before too long.

CLASSIFIEDS

As we’ve been experiencing longer periods of hot weather, the sun’s visits are starting to feel like those of a mother-in-law – rearranging your day, judging your clothing choices, and making everyone slightly irritable.

Light is also used in Kabballah to describe G-d – He is the unlimited light. Yet Judaism doesn’t say that darkness is automatically bad, and Chassidus explains how even darkness can shine. Creation began with darkness and the Jewish day starts with the night before.

That’s why language is so revealing. The words we use for moods and personalities are shaped by experience. Sunshine became a symbol of happiness because it usually brought light and life. Darkness became a symbol of difficulty because it often brought uncertainty. But Judaism is rarely satisfied with the surface meaning of things.

As we move into the Jewish month of Elul, it’s a time of introspection and preparation for the High Holidays. We reflect on our relationship with G-d and how we’ve lived up to our responsibilities over the last year.

Judaismlive.com