JLL August 2025

IN THISISSUE CONTENTS: AUG / SEPT 2025

Day Out in Ilkley

You’re guaranteed a warm welcome from the charming spa town of Ilkley, with lots of great businesses and events being showcased in our summer day out feature. Starts page 16.

Education Essentials

Get back to school ready as we roundup the best back to school products, explore the advantages of learning outside the classroom, and help you to anticipate challenges to ease the transition back into the classroom. Starts page 26.

Win Win Win!

Bag a £100 voucher for Quinta restaurant in Ilkley. Page 20.

Win a copy of Jayne Wynick’s book, Voice from the Heart: A Year of War. Page 82.

YOUR REGULARFEATURES

JLife Meets…

Yorkshire Children’s Charity Development Manager, Azure Stroud, tells us about the charity’s fight against childhood poverty. Page 9.

Ilkley gallery Owner and Yorkshire Day Official Artist, Claire Baxter, speaks about her work, drawing inspiration from the beauty of Yorkshire, and getting involved with the Ilkley community. Page 18.

Author of Voice from the Heart: A Year of War, Jayne Wynick, talks through her journey of responsibility and hope. Page 82.

Yom Tov

Get your free family announcements booked in for our Yom Tov special! Page 4.

Waxing Lyrical

Moshe Merel of LJOY shares a dvar Torah (learning) inspired by an unexpected source – his escaped turtles. Page 33.

No Place Like Home

Take a look at some of the best décor ideas to help transform student housing into a true home away from home. Page 37.

Travel

Extreme day trippers are redefining what’s possible in 24 hours; we find out some of the best destinations to visit in just one day. Page 48

Stress Less

Incorporating small, manageable techniques into your everyday routine. Page 63.

Flying High

We fly in to Leeds Bradford Airport’s first phase of its new £100 million terminal transformation and find out about new routes being added. Page 67.

Silver Screen

Explore the rich histories and enduring charm of some of the city’s most beloved independent cinemas in the run up to National Cinema Day on 7th September. Page 71.

Man Alive!

It’s Urology Awareness Month in September; we take a look at men’s health and wellbeing. Page 72.

In Business

The latest news and views from the business world and two UK Israel Breakfast meetings. Starts page 74.

PUBLISHER

Elliot Landy

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Richard Shawcross

FEATURES EDITOR

Brendan Campbell

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Ellie Tyson

DIGITAL MARKETING

Tracey Cleminson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Annabel Carington

Chris Chambers

Claire Bartfield

Photography

David Cole

Photography

Guy Farrow

John Hope

Photography

Lee Call Photography

Matt Eachus

CONTRIBUTORS

Azure Stroud

Claire Baxter

CLOtC

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor

Dan Cohen

ES Motors

Gary Don

Harriet Reid

Helen Wood

Ilkley BID

James Daly

Jayne Wynick

Julie Burniston

Juliet Shenderey

Kostas Iliadis

Mark Manning

Matt Wolf

Meharban Riyat

Moshe Merel

Nick Glynne

Rabbi Eli Pink

Simon Phillips

Teresa Davidson

PUBLISHER'S NOTE

Our August edition is here; summer days out in the charming spa town of Ilkley!

Please visit, take the family, or go for an evening – you won’t be disappointed. See Yorkshire Day official artist, Claire Baxter, showing off her Ilkley work on our cover, and you can win a night at Quinta restaurant on page 20.

We’re getting back to school ready with Education Essentials, and meet Yorkshire Children’s Charity Development Manager, Azure Stroud, who tells us about the charity’s

fight against childhood poverty. We have a men’s health feature on Urology Awareness Month, we check out Leeds’ independent cinemas, and the latest What’s On in our beloved city!

Great features, advice, lifestyle, and community content, all in our latest offering. Plus, don’t forget we are coming out early for Yom Tov, so get your FREE family announcements sent in!

Enjoy…

NEWS IN BRIEF

BEM for Richard Manning

Leeds Solicitor, Richard Manning, has been honoured with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the recent King’s Birthday Honours List.

Richard has been involved in the community from an early age, leading the Shabbat youth service at the United Hebrew Congregation at just 10 years old. He continued this involvement throughout his education, leading services at Leeds Grammar School.

After graduating from the University of Leeds, Richard became the first Provincial Chairman of the Younger JNF, overseeing monthly meetings and supporting over 50 young JNF groups nationwide. He later joined the executive of JIA (now UJIA) and played a key role in establishing the Renewal committee, which focused on retaining funds within the UK to support the future of Jewish life locally. Under his guidance, Renewal (now known as Jewish Continuity) raised £120,000 for Leeds.

Richard’s leadership extended further when he joined the LJRC, eventually becoming its youngest president at 41. He was instrumental in raising funds for the construction of the UHC Synagogue on Shadwell Lane, ensuring it opened debt-free, and led fundraising for the current site of The Zone. Despite his many accomplishments, Richard has no plans to retire and remains actively involved, continuing to advise on community matters.

Friendship Club Afternoon Tea

Over 200 people were present in welcoming Lord Mayor Dan Cohen, Lady Mayoress Elayna Cohen, and Chaplain Rabbi Anthony Gilbert to a Friendship Club afternoon tea at Etz Chaim Synagogue.

Dan spoke about his goals for his time in the role of mayor, stating that he’s set himself three priorities for the year. These are supporting the Lord Mayor’s charity – Leeds Mencap, working on interfaith with the aim of reaching out to people of all religions and non, and to say ‘thank you’ to the hundreds of voluntary groups across the city.

He also praised Irene Collins for running the Friendship Club for 15 years and turning it into the success it is now, with more than 150 people attending every two weeks. Elayna also presented Irene with a certificate of thanks from the Lord Mayor.

Sinai Summer Camp

Sinai Synagogue’s summer camp is back from 26th to 28th August; each day will see new specialist leaders and amazing activities – with a different topic each day.

Day one is creativity, arts, and tikkun olam, day two covers music and community, and day three will see SHOUK TLV as guests, celebrating Israeli cooking and tradition.

Sign up at Sinaileeds.uk/summer-camp

Emmy Win for October 7th Documentary

A BBC documentary about the October 7th massacre at the Nova music festival has won one of the most prestigious awards in TV – an Emmy.

We Will Dance Again won the Outstanding Current Affairs Documentary award at the News and Documentary Emmys and has previously received the International Emmys Honour Award for societal impact.

Directed by Yariv Mozer and produced by Leeds’ Sheldon Lazarus, the documentary focuses on events at Nova, with a minute-by-minute account showing how a rave celebrating life turned into a massacre, weaving mobile phone footage recorded by victims with first-hand testimony from survivors.

First aired on BBC Two and now distributed globally, the documentary has drawn praise for its raw depiction of trauma, courage, and humanity in the face of terror and is still currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Four New Tables

Leeds Judean Table Tennis Club has recently sourced four new tables for its members to take advantage of. The club, which is held at Moor Allerton Sports and Social Centre, runs multiple sessions throughout the week where its members can enjoy a game, practice their skills, and play against other members.

Sessions are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7pm to 10pm, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm, and Sundays from 10:15am to 1pm. There are also coaching sessions for kids available that are held from 5:30pm until 7pm.

Membership is £15 a month for adults and is open to everyone!

New JPR Survey

A new survey has been launched by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) to assess the opinions and experiences of British Jews in the aftermath of October 7th.

The 2025 Jews in Uncertain Times Survey is open to anyone in the UK aged 16 or over who identifies as Jewish. It will collect data on views about Israel and Gaza, rising antisemitism in Britain, and the current state of Jewish communal life.

Dr Jonathan Boyd, Executive Director of JPR, said the study was essential to guiding decisionmaking across the community and in government: “If we expect community leaders and politicians to be able to navigate their way through these challenging times, it is essential that they have accurate and reliable data to guide their thinking and planning.”

The data collected provides evidence to support community conversations, helps community leaders and policy makers build better community structures and services, and more broadly supports Jewish life in Britain.

Jpr.org.uk

Lev Tov Virtual Club

Wetherby-based Lev Tov Match, a safe and supportive platform for Jewish adults with learning difficulties or disabilities to connect with each other, has created its first ever Virtual Club.

Each week, the club will host an interactive online workshop, specifically designed for Jewish adults with disabilities, autism, ADHD, and additional needs from all over the world. The sessions focus on building confidence, developing social skills, and creating opportunities to meet new people and make friends globally.

The Virtual Club is free of charge, in line with Lev Tov’s ongoing commitment to reducing isolation and fostering meaningful connections. The session will be held every Monday at 5pm.

Email naomi@levtovmatch.com for the Zoom link!

THE SPECIAL DAY WAS HELD AT THE MIDLAND HOTEL IN MANCHESTER.

THE COUPLE’S LOVED ONES CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE, INCLUDING OLIVER’S MUM GILLIAN, AND BROTHERS, DANIEL AND ADAM.

AFTER THE CEREMONY, EVERYONE HEADED TO THE DANCEFLOOR… … AND THEY DANCED THE NIGHT AWAY. OLIVER WAS PRACTICALLY JUMPING FOR JOY!

MAVEL TOV TO GEORGIE GOLDSTONE AND OLIVER KRISTALL WHO RECENTLY TIED THE KNOT.

Hi Azure! How did you come to be involved with the Yorkshire Children’s Charity?

I’d been in the corporate world for over 25 years and never worked in the charity sector before. It’s an area I have always wanted to work in, so when this great opportunity came up, I jumped at it and I’m so glad I did! It’s just amazing, making a career of helping children.

The charity has been very successful in raising profile and fundraising and had a significant impact in a reasonably short time. To what do you attribute this success?

Our CEO Charlotte Farrington set up Yorkshire Children’s Charity just over three years ago, and we’ve helped over 50,000 children and raised £7.5 million to date. The charity definitely has the feel of a start up, we say yes to everything (and then worry about how we are going to deliver it afterwards), we are incredibly ambitious and Charlotte and Annabel, our Co-Founders, run a tight ship. They’ve also surrounded themselves with really good people and the team just has so much passion for what they do. I also think so much is down to the fact that the charity really is needs-led and our supporters stand behind that. The recent Children’s Commissioner report really laid bare the reality of children in England living in almost Dickensian levels of poverty. Yorkshire is among the worst affected areas, with one in three children living in poverty. There are two sides to the charity: fundraising and programmes. For example,

Despite having only been running for three years, Yorkshire Children’s Charity has made great strides in its fight against childhood poverty. We spoke with Charity Development Manager, Azure Stroud.

today our programmes team have taken 500 children to Lightwater Valley – children who will never have experienced going to a theme park or a day out because families and the schools can’t afford to send them on school trips. Last month we did a sports day for over 200 children, the majority of whom don’t have any green area and have never experienced this. To put it in perspective, there’s one family whose children were having to take turns attending school because they had only one pair of shoes. This is literally happening on our doorstep!

Tackling a problem like child poverty must seem daunting. Tell us about the strategy?

It’s about building relationships with schools and teachers, that’s how we can really understand the needs of our families and how best to help them. Even though we do highprofile events where we talk about the needs of our families, we don’t want it to be “look what Yorkshire Children’s Charity has done” – it’s really important to us that children believe the support has come from those who love and care for them, their teacher or their parents/ carers. We very much see ourselves as a silent partner.

What kind of fundraising events does the charity organise?

Our main fundraising comes from highprofile events like our flagship event ‘A Night Under the Stars’ at Grantley Hall, which in its inaugural year was attended by the Prince of Monaco. Last year Olly Murs performed, and we raised over £1 million. In June, we put up a marquee at Allerton Park for a week of events that included our wellness day, Yorkshire Reset, followed by two amazing days of polo and clay pigeon shooting.

We also have our challenge events like ‘Rampage’ – where we closed off the top five floors of Leeds Victoria car park and had teams cycle racing, live DJs, and food stalls, it was a huge success.

Which have had the greatest impact?

I think one of the largest impacts is our Winter Support Campaign. This will be the third year running it and fourth year providing Christmas presents for under privileged

children. Last year alone, we supported 154 schools and delivered over 10,000 essential winter items and more than 6,000 Christmas gifts for children who would otherwise go without. As a result of this support, 80% of schools have reported a direct improvement in attendance from their most vulnerable pupils.

How do you attract volunteers and promote the charity to someone who is unfamiliar with it?

We have incredible volunteers who dedicate their time to help out in our office or help support us at our children’s days out. I think you get far more back out of volunteering than you put in, just seeing the joy and happiness on children’s faces is priceless. A lot of our volunteers come through family and friends, so it’s word of mouth. We’re always looking for volunteers, especially for our winter essentials campaign, we need people to help pack these parcels. We’re only a team of 10, but what we’re achieving is astounding. I feel so privileged and honoured to be part of the Yorkshire Children’s Charity team because we’re really making a difference to people’s lives – not just children in poverty, but children who have disabilities and any child at a disadvantage. We will always focus on the need and never loose sight of how important our work is.

Yorkshirechildrenscharity.org

A LEGACY OF GIVING

WIZO (Women’s International Zionist Organisation) recently celebrated Rebecca Sieff Day 2025, with the Leeds Aviva WIZO group receiving an award.

Businesswoman Linda Plant, who began her career selling fashion on a Dewsbury market stall, was guest speaker at this year’s annual celebration, held in honour of many of the charity’s most dedicated volunteers: “If you can stand on a stall in Dewsbury market and sell, you can sell anywhere. It won’t work if you want to be a doctor or a lawyer, but if you want to learn how to survive and be a trader, it will teach you everything you need to know.”

Among the winners were volunteers whose families have supported WIZO for generations. The Leeds Aviva WIZO group received the Lady Beryl Award – a regional honour recognising their ongoing contribution to the charity.

Presenting the award, Honorary President, Michele Vogel, said: “Lady Beryl immersed herself in every WIZO group she joined, first in Belfast and then in North Cheshire. The synagogue, dining room, and dormitory in our WIZO UK Youth Village in Nahalal are a testament to the generosity and support of Beryl and her husband, both of whom are very much missed. As a fellow Leodensian, I am delighted to present the award today to Leeds Aviva WIZO.”

Vogel added that the Aviva group was founded 55 years ago by professional young women and

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

has continued to meet regularly for fundraising events. The group became renowned for its regular Sunday coffee mornings with delicious homemade cakes: “Most, if not all, have served as chair at some point, which is why the award goes to the whole group rather than to an individual.”

Sheila Collins collected the award on the group’s behalf and paid tribute to Jackie Bush, “a stalwart member” who recently passed away and had served as treasurer for many years.

WHAT A JOURNEY

Former Chair of the LJRC, Lisa Baker, tells us about her arduous journey home from Israel after the airspace was closed.

After flying to Israel for what was meant to be a joyous celebration for her nephew’s Bar Mitzvah, Lisa Baker and her family’s trip quickly turned into a nightmare.

“We were due to fly back from Israel on 15th June but after Israel attacked Iran on the 13th, the airspace was closed,” Lisa recalls the events that led up to her being stranded in Israel for a week. “Obviously, our flight was cancelled, and I was told by the Foreign Office that the government’s advice was to stay put.

“I spoke to the Foreign Office on the Sunday evening, trying to get some information about repatriation and was told that it wasn’t happening at that stage. They wouldn’t take any of our details, and I was just told to sign up for alerts from their office – that was it.”

Lisa then made an appearance on The Today Show and Sky News, as well as contacting President of the Board of Deputies, Phil Rosenberg, for some help: “When I spoke to Phil, he told me that they were lobbying and

pressuring the government. An hour later, we got a message telling us to (finally) register our presence with the Foreign Office.”

The advice was to travel out of Israel via Oman, but Israelis were telling Lisa and her family that this was not safe: “Not only was it not safe, but you needed six months on your passport to travel, and my daughter only had five months and two weeks.

“The advice from the Foreign Office was then to get a boat, which was not for another week’s time, my thought was just ‘wow, thanks very much(!)’. We put our names down with Air Haifa, as well as many other lists until on the following Sunday morning when the Foreign Office opened up bookings for repatriation –£350 each for the privilege!

“On the Monday morning, I got a phone call saying we could fly at 12. We drove from Haifa to Tel Aviv, flew from there to Larnaca, Larnaca to Athens, Athens to Birmingham, and Birmingham to Luton to pick up my car. Door

to door it took 25 hours!”

Lisa reflects on the ordeal: “We hadn’t been able to join my niece’s Bat Mitzvah, and my family couldn’t join my daughter’s because of COVID so we longed for a family celebration that we only got half of.

“The whole experience was quite terrifying, getting an alert to go into a safe room and just sitting there either hearing loud booms or hearing nothing at all; it was horrible.”

MICHELLE VOGEL AND SHEILA COLLINS.

Wallpaper in 2025 isn’t just about decorating a space – it’s about giving it personality. Whether you love bold patterns or subtle finishes, there’s something to suit every style and mood, writes Julie Burniston.

Wallpaper has shaken off its old-school reputation. It’s back – and it’s beautiful! It’s now one of the easiest ways to turn a plain space into something special. Whether you’re adding interest to a single wall or going all-in, wallpaper is your secret weapon for bringing personality, depth, and style into any room.

So, what’s trending for 2025?

Nature-inspired wallpaper is still big, but with a grown-up twist. Think lush greenery, elegant florals, and rich forest hues with touches of blue or sage. These calming styles are perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, or work-from-home zones.

Canopy wallpaper in navy/green, £100 per roll from Limelace.co.uk

Geometric wallpaper has softened. Curves and flowing patterns add interest without overwhelming a space, and look stunning with minimal furniture and calm, neutral tones.

Polygon Pastel Geometric Wallpaper, from £33 per square metre from Lallsauce.com

Want to make a statement? Mural wallpaper is your go-to. From dreamy landscapes to abstract brushstrokes, these oversized designs turn a wall into a masterpiece.

Safari Wallpaper Mural, £34 per square metre from Lallpapermural.com

Not all wallpaper has to shout. Some of the most luxurious looks come from texture – think grass cloth, brushed suede, and subtle metallics. These finishes bring warmth and depth without needing a pattern.

Lexi Dove Grey Metallic Textured Wallpaper, £29 per roll from Rowenhomes.com

On the colour front, earthy tones are everywhere – warm browns, soft sage, terracotta, dusty ochre, and chic taupe. Cosy, grounding, and endlessly versatile. Soft blues like muted indigo, denim, and dusty teal are perfect for peaceful bedrooms and bathrooms. For something bolder, cinnamon reds, plum, and clay add rich, moody style. Prefer a lighter touch? Buttercream yellow and pale apricot are popping up too – ideal for sunny kitchens.

Elevate every space

Looking to give your rooms a lift? Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to add instant character. In the living room, try a bold mural or elegant botanical print behind the sofa to create a focal point. Add warmth with wooden furniture, soft linen cushions, and a touch of brass for balance. The bathroom is the perfect spot to go bold – florals or metallic patterns above the wainscoting bring style to even the smallest space. Just remember to use vinyl wallpaper in full bathrooms to stand up to moisture.

In the nursery, keep things soft and magical with gentle greens, whimsical motifs, or a wallpapered ceiling featuring stars, clouds, or woodland creatures – all perfect for sparking little imaginations.

For a cosy bedroom, textured wallpaper behind the bed adds subtle drama, or go all in with a soft neutral across all four walls. Layer with plush bedding, natural fabrics, and warm lighting for a space that truly feels like a retreat. Don’t forget the entryway or hallway – ideal spots for a bold first impression. Whether you choose elegant stripes, flowing geometrics, or a showstopping mural, wallpaper helps set the tone for your whole home.

AWARDS DINNER 6TH NOVEMBER 2025

MAIN SPONSORS

MARCIA & ANDREW BROWN CHARITABLE TRUST

OPENERS - JO AND DARREN MORNIN GUESTS OF HONOUR - ANNA AND OLIVER LEE

Richard Goldberg Male Award

SPONSORED BY

SPONSORED BY ANONYMOUS

Which amazing woman do you know who deserves recognition?

Adrienne & Louis Harris Lifetime Achievement Award

SPONSORED BY Linda and Martin Lee

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

Outstanding Recognition Award

SPONSORED BY

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

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

Inspirational Award

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?

Employee Of The Year

SPONSORED BY

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

LJWB Champion

SPONSORED BY

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

Community Achievement Award

SPONSORED BY

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?

Community

Volunteer Award

SPONSORED BY

TerrI and Ian Barnett

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

If you’re thinking of moving, our local teams are here to help you move

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selection of our properties Recently Sold

Face It

Not sure which sunglasses will suit you best? Check out our handy guide for specs to suit your face shape.

While personal taste obviously plays a key role in choosing the right sunglasses for you, establishing which of the four main categories is the closest match to your face shape –either oval, round, square, or heart-shaped – can help you find the right pair for you, often looking better when their form offers a contrast to the shape of your face.

Oval

Oval faces tend to have well-proportioned features, with the forehead and chin somewhat narrower and the cheeks more pronounced. If you have an oval face, you’re in luck, as almost any type of sunglasses will suit you. Square sunglasses ensure more striking contours, while round sunglasses create a gentler impression. Only very narrow frames should be avoided, as they tend to make the face appear longer.

Ombre aviator sunglasses | Marks & Spencer | £15

Aviators particularly complement oval faces, adding depth and contouring due to their tear drop silhouette. Thin metal frames, like this pair from M&S, also adds to the delicate softness of oval face shapes. Marksandspencer.com

Round

Round faces have features that aren’t strongly defined and that make a gentle impression. The forehead and cheeks tend to have a similar width and the chin is round. Square and rectangular sunglasses will lend your face sharper contours and make it appear more stretched. Try oversized styles, especially navigator sunglasses – a modern version of the aviator that are rectangular or square in shape.

Sinclair | IOLLA | £85

This oversized navigator style from IOLLA will add length to your face and accentuate your best features. And the best part about the Sinclair style? You can create a pair that’s specific to you with custom lens tints and options for prescription lenses. Iolla.com

Heart-shaped

Heart-shaped faces typically consist of a wide forehead and cheeks and a narrow, slightly pointed chin so sunglasses that create some balance between the brow area and chin are a smart choice; they should make the chin appear softer without over-emphasising the forehead. Cat eye frames, wayfarer styles, and retro square frames generally work well with heart-shaped faces as they pull focus towards the centre of the face, creating a more balanced look. Medium to thicker frame styles with dark colours also work well with the face shape.

Faux tortoiseshell butterfly cat eye sunglasses | Oliver Bonas | £28

This pair from Oliver Bonas offer dramatic curves and a unique design which will help contour your face and emphasise your features due to them being wider at the top than the bottom.

Oliverbonas.com

Square

Square faces feature a forehead, cheeks, and jaw that are all approximately the same width. The aim should be to soften the facial features of a square shaped face. Round, oval, or aviator sunglasses make the highly structured angles of a square face shape appear more delicate square, or rectangular silhouettes will emphasise the sharpness of your facial features.

Oval frame sunglasses | New Look | £9.99

Oval sunglasses like these ones from New Look will contrast the shape of your face nicely as the curved and circular angles will soften your features. They also come in khaki, black, red, and brown so there’s a pair to suit any style! Newlook.com

Yorkshire’s Finest

Fairies and Hobblings at Mother Shipton’s | Knaresborough until 31st August

Go on an adventure this summer at Mother Shipton’s Cave! Step into a magical realm inspired by hobbit-esque wonder, with enchanting displays and mystical characters waiting to be discovered. As you journey through the ancient woodland, keep an eye out for a whimsical fairy and the curiously courageous Hobbling – guardians of the forest’s secrets who just might share their enchantments with worthy adventurers. Dress as a fairy, hobbit, elf, or wizard and become part of the story as you explore magical photo spots throughout the site. After your adventure, relax and refuel at vintagestyle kiosks offering cool drinks, ice creams, and fairy-approved treats.

Mothershipton.co.uk

Summer Beach Club at Meadowhall | Sheffield | until 31st August

The Summer Beach Club is back and better than ever! Why not get your toes in the sand and soak up the sun on the decked beach or sit back and relax at the Beach Retreat Bar which offers a full menu of refreshing summer cocktails, mocktails, and soft drinks. Plus, enjoy a jam-packed programme of live entertainment! Dive into the fun with the Aquasplash waterpark with three inflatable pools to help cool you down. There’s also a theme park which features a lineup of over 12 rides such as waltzers, dodgems, and the Magic Mouse rollercoaster, plus a selection for the younger audiences including water walkers and bungee trampolines.

Summerbeachclub.co.uk

Eureka! | Halifax | until 1st September

This summer at Eureka! promises six action-packed weeks filled with science, stories, and seriously fun surprises. From 19th July, each week will bring new adventures and exciting sessions. Visitors can experience the explosive experiments of Professor Pumpernickel, get active with KidzFit, and marvel at the incredible bubble artistry of Ray Bubbles. The fun continues with Science Made Simple, where fast-paced, interactive shows make science exciting and accessible. Don’t miss Dr Ken’s spectacular blend of circus and science, juggling, balancing, and spinning through stunts that reveal the physics behind the fun. There’s also the Make Create workshop, a hands-on experience where fairy tales come to life in a magical, woodland-themed space. Plus, hop aboard the Imagination Station for live storytelling adventures and enjoy a curated selection of our favourite in-house science shows.

Discover.eureka.org.uk

The Railway Children | Keighley | until 7th September

Mike Kenny’s enchanting stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic novel has won thousands of admirers since it premiered in 2008. Now, this production is being taken for a ride along the iconic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, familiar to millions from the film adaptation of The Railway Children. The show begins when you board a steam train at Keighley, then travel the full length of this historic railway. When you reach the end of the line at Oxenhope, you’ll find a purpose-built auditorium within the station’s Engine Shed – and a new version of the production, which tells the story of three children forced to move from London to Yorkshire after their father is falsely imprisoned.

Bradford2025.co.uk/event/the-railway-children

Adventure Cinema at Harewood House | Leeds | 29th to 31st August

The UK’s number one outdoor cinema shows are coming to Leeds for a fun-filled few days for the whole family. On 29th August, warm up your vocal cords for The Greatest Showman sing-along, where you can belt out every word to the hit musical. The fun continues on 30th August with a screening of Sing – an animated musical about a theatre-saving singing competition featuring a lovable cast of animal characters. Then, get ready for the Mamma Mia! Outdoor Cinema ExtrABBAganza, where both Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again will be shown back-to-back alongside a disco, street food, and bar. On 31st August, younger audiences can enjoy the double bill of The Gruffalo and Stick Man. Finally, wrap up the weekend with a Grease singalong where you’ll sing and dance your way through the beloved classic.

Adventurecinema.co.uk/venues/harewood-house

Experience all our wonderful county has to offer as we celebrate Yorkshire Day and pick some of the best familyfriendly events that are happening throughout the summer holidays.

Whether you’re visiting the charming spa town of Ilkley for a day’s shopping, to sample its food and drink offerings, or exploring the stunning surrounds with the family, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome.

A picturesque town just a 30-minute drive from North Leeds, Ilkley was recently voted the best place to live in the North by The Sunday Times and remains a favourite for visitors from LS17.

Home to the earliest evidence of life in the area, there are carvings on Ilkley Moor thought to date from the Early Bronze Age, around 1800 BC. Later, the Romans were tempted by Ilkley’s riverside charms and established a small fort on the road from York to Manchester, calling it Olicana. There is little evidence of this settlement today, however a few remains can be discovered close to the Manor House and All Saints Parish Church. Ilkley rose to fame as a spa town in the 19th century when thousands visited for fresh air, good food, and the lively social scene. Grand hydro hotels were developed, and wealthy visitors arrived by coach to ‘take the waters’.

The arrival of the railway in 1865 allowed

the middle classes to visit the town and smaller establishments were opened to cater for their needs. Ilkley boomed in the Victorian era, and the legacy of the age is the wonderful collection of private and municipal architecture.

Ilkley is now home to many independent food and drink establishments; enjoy a delectable cake and cuppa at the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms, modern fine dining with classical roots at The Box Tree, or wet your whistle with a refreshing pint at Ilkley Brewery’s taproom, The Ilkley Tap. You’ll also find offerings of Sri Lankan, Thai, Italian, and much more! There really is something for everyone.

Enjoy a wander around the bustling town centre and treat yourself in one of the many independently owned shops and boutiques.

There’s also no shortage of family-friendly activities to get involved with in Ilkley. Perhaps one of the most famous attractions is the Cow and Calf Rocks, a large rock formation on top of the moors that offers spectacular views of the town and beyond – ideal for nature lovers!

If the weather allows, the family can take a dip in one of the country’s few remaining outdoor pools. Ilkley Pool and Lido opens its outdoor pool and café from May to September, along with tennis courts, a putting green, and bowling facilities for a complete day of leisure. The lido has been running full moon swims throughout summer, where you can celebrate the moon surrounded by beautiful scenery and a welcoming atmosphere. Get involved in the next ones on 9th August and 7th September!

1st to 3rd August

Yorkshire Day weekend, market, and Beer Festival is being held at Ilkley Town Centre and Clarke Foley Community Hub.

Until 31st August 2025

New Solar Gallery exhibition at Ilkley Manor House.

First Sunday of every month

The Real Food Ilkley Market is a celebration of locally produced fine food and drink in the heart of Ilkley.

9th to 10th August 2025

Spot is having a very special birthday party at King’s Hall and Winter Garden with party hats, songs, dancing, and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever!

18th September 2025

Join the multi-award-winning comedian, Babatunde Aleshe, as he guides us through family life, his newfound fame, and the joys of Costco in this hilarious new stand-up show at King’s Hall and Winter Garden.

21st September 2025

BD1 Brass comes to King’s Hall and Winter Garden, presenting a late summer concert featuring all your favourite music from film, TV, and classical as well as a second half featuring all the Proms classics.

Don’t worry if the weather doesn’t cooperate! Ilkley is home to an award-winning independent cinema and two theatres that showcase a range of performances for all the family – Ilkley Playhouse and King’s Hall and Winter Gardens. Ilkley Toy Museum is a spot that is guaranteed to delight both young and old visitors. Opened in 2001, the museum displays toys from the 4th century to present day including dolls, dolls houses, teddies, tinplate toys, games, soldiers and much more. It’s also home to a nationally important collection of early English wooden dolls.

For the bookworms, Ilkley Literature Festival is returning for another year on 3rd to 19th October and is once again bringing

together the best writers of contemporary fiction, non-fiction, and poetry with bookloving audiences. The second oldest literature festival in the UK, it’s been bringing the joy of literature to visitors since 1973! This year’s themes are explored via talks, panel discussions, poetry readings, performances, writing workshops, and interactive experiences across eight venues in the town.

With its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and thriving community spirit, it’s easy to see why Ilkley continues to charm all who visit. So, why not plan your trip and discover for yourself what makes this town so special?

1 Church St, Ilkley LS29 9DR 01943 816671 Timeandtimeagain.co.uk Specialists in men’s formal hire, highland wear, traditional clothing and accessories for almost 30 years.

PHOTO: JOHN HOPE PHOTOGRAPHY

God’s Own Country

Ilkley gallery owner, Claire Baxter, has been selected as the offcialartistforYorkshire Day. We spoke to her

about her work, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the county, and getting involved with the Ilkley community.

Hi Claire. Congratulations on being the official Yorkshire Day artist! Tell us more about that.

Well, I was the official Yorkshire artist for the Tour de Yorkshire in 2020, but that got cancelled due to COVID. So, when we found out that Ilkley was hosting the Yorkshire Day celebrations with Bradford City of Culture, I thought it was great idea that had never been done before – to have an artist for Yorkshire Day.

Talking to Ilkley BID, we decided that the focus should be the bandstand and that a percentage of all the sales will go towards its upkeep. And because the activities for that weekend centred around the Grove and the bandstand – it seemed a natural choice. It’s such as an integral part of the town. It’s been great to be able to work with the community, especially being new to Ilkley.

There seems to be a vibrant art scene and creative community in Ilkley. How are you connecting with it?

I’m now involved in different things in Ilkley, even though I’ve only had a business here for six months, such as sponsoring the flower show, the May carnival, and networking where possible.

When the gallery was officially launched in May, we connected with clubs, societies, and local dignitaries. The list was endless, I’ve never seen anything like it – every club you could imagine. There’s something for everyone and that’s just fantastic for the town.

You have painted some amazing pieces of Yorkshire. What is it about the county that you find so artistically inspiring?

I’m Yorkshire born and bred, from Knaresborough originally. The great thing about Yorkshire is that you’ve got such a diverse and large county. From coast to city to town to country to lowland – we’re so well situated. You’ve got such inspiration in the territory all around, further afield towards Skipton, Malham, and then obviously over into West Yorkshire and then back into North Yorkshire again.

People ask: “Why don’t you paint elsewhere?” I don’t need to! I’ve got everything on my doorstep.

Your work displays a great feel for the landscape, but the way that you incorporate human figures is really effective as well! Can you tell us more about this?

The people kind of set the scene – they stop it from being just a landscape adding an element of storytelling. You never see the characters’ faces. The whole idea is to keep them anonymous so that people might recognise themselves or family members in the picture. If you can identify the location and you’ve got special memories of something there, and if you can imagine you recognise the characters, suddenly you’ve got a very personalised picture.

The three main elements are nostalgia, romance, and humour, because that represents everyday life. There’s nothing pretentious about what I do at all. It’s all about people being able to relate to something that will make them smile.

Your characters George and Daphne have become quite beloved, not to mention collectable! What can you tell us about this pair?

So, George and Daphne started 11 years ago in collaboration with Whitby Galleries. The idea is the relationship between these two characters as they navigate life together. They’re usually portrayed in rural Yorkshire scenes, but last year, for their 10th anniversary, I took them around the world for their world tour, which six different locations: London, Paris, New York, Las Vegas, Sydney, and Italy.

They’ve got a huge following. We get people coming to Ilkley from all over the UK for the gallery collection, because there’s handembellished, signed, limited edition prints that you can only buy from us.

Your calendars have become hugely popular too, haven’t they?

Every single year we do the Yorkshire calendar and have built up a huge collector database. The inquiries start around June and because they are limited, we nearly always run out in December. We send them out all over the world to expats, largely as gifts or for avid collectors, it’s their little reminder of home every month when they turn the page over.

You’ve had lots of recognition and awards. What can you tell us about that?

Thank you! A huge accolade was when I was a finalist for the 2022 UK Most Popular Published Artist with the Fine Art Trade Guild. In 2023, I won Best Rural Business for the Harrogate Business Awards and last year I was up for Best Retail and Best Independent for Harrogate, and I also hosted the Knaresborough Business Awards. It’s really nice to be recognised for my work, and hopefully people enjoy what I do.

Clairebaxterfineart.co.uk

46-50

Road, Ilkley, West

01943 600571 • info@waltonsfinefurnishings.co.uk

LS29 8DS waltonsfinefurnishings.co.uk

Win a Lovely Mediterranean Meal!

One lucky reader can win a £100 voucher to spend at Quinta restaurant in Ilkley.

Visit us on or call 01943 602670

Since opening on Wells Road, Ilkley in 2014, Quinta has become a well-loved local institution, offering homestyle Portuguese cuisine using only the freshest ingredients. Now a firm local favourite, the restaurant has outdoor seating and offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere which is perfect for both family dinners and date nights but can also accommodate parties and private events.

The menu combines Portuguese specialties with traditional mediterranean favourites such as lamb medallions and 10oz ribeye steak, and plenty of delectable fish and vegetarian dishes along with gluten free options.

The daily specials at Quinta are as likely to be inspired by emotion and intuition as by the weather and what ingredients are in season. Central to Quinta’s ethos is a commitment to using local, seasonal produce. Every morning the restaurant kitchen is stocked with daily deliveries of fresh ingredients.

Quinta also regularly hosts special events featuring live music, the next being a special set menu with tunes from acoustic duo, The Gatsbys. Check Quinta’s website to keep up to date with all its happenings.

Quintarestaurant.co.uk

COMPETITION

We’re offering our readers the chance to win a £100 voucher for Quinta. Simply answer the following question and send in your entry.

Which year did Quinta Ilkley open?

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-5, via JLife’s social media, or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winner will be randomly selected on the closing date: 19th September 2025. Voucher prize can only be redeemed Tuesday to Friday.

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

Visit us Tuesday to Thursday for 10% off all food with this advert

Backing Business

Ilkley BID works with three objectives; to attract people to the town, to support its business members, and to keep Ilkley a clean and attractive place. It has around 350 businesses who all pay a small levy into a central pot, allowing the BID to undertake projects that help members and the town – something that wouldn’t happen otherwise.

With challenged council budgets and cost of living pressures, Ilkley BID believes it’s important to look for creative ways to keep Ilkley as a vibrant town and deliver improvements to it. Just some of the improvements that it’s made include securing funding to deliver a feasibility study to improve the train and bus station and it’s currently fundraising towards the delivery of the next phase of the project. It has introduced six new town maps, is providing planting to a central area of the town, and was a major contributor

Ilkley BID (Business Improvement District) is helping to keep the town vibrant, attractive, and thriving by supporting local businesses and funding initiatives that enhance the area.

to the Mill Ghyll Fountain. It also supports businesses by offering PR support, marketing campaigns, runs Ilkley Gift Card (accepted in over 80 businesses), and is currently lobbying against proposed increases in parking charges.

Ilkley BID was the largest – and first –contributor to the campaign by Improving Ilkley to deliver the beautiful new fountain opened in April by Alan Titchmarsh. Thanks to the BID’s efforts, the town has been awarded Coach Friendly Status, as well as the Walkers are Welcome status.

In September, it’s partnering with Ilkley Literature Festival to offer special offers from its businesses to festival goers as well as sponsoring an event with Mary Portas and showcasing the art and culture attractions and opportunities in the town during this month.

The feedback that Ilkley BID receives is

overwhelmingly positive: “I have valued the input of the BID team so far, and they can only build on the great work already done to protect, preserve, and promote our town and ensure it’s safeguarded from current and future council budget cuts,” says one local business. “The BID manager has always been so helpful and inclined to assist as much as possible. I think ideas like the Ilkley Gift Card and BID sponsored business awards are just some of the little extras that make having a business in the area even better.”

This Yorkshire Day and weekend, Ilkley BID has curated a jam-packed weekend of events and activities to celebrate God’s own country, with a procession starting at The Grove on 1st August, followed by proclamation by the Town Crier and a public singalong to On Ilkla Moor Baht’at. Ilkley Manor House has the 160th anniversary of Ilkley Railway exhibition, and from 5pm onwards, Yorkshire Beer Festival is being held at Clarke Foley Community Hub. The Grove will be closed to traffic on 2nd August filled with entertainment! Enjoy a vibrant programme of drama, dance, poetry, and music featuring talented local artists performing throughout the day. From a full big band to a five-piece jazz and funk outfit, there’s a whole range of genres and styles for you to enjoy.

Ilkleybid.co.uk

ALL PHOTOS: STEPHEN GARNETT

Time & Time Again

Established in 1996, Time & Time Again is a small family menswear business offering “good oldfashioned services by people who really care!” so you know you’ll be in safe hands.

Whether you’re looking for smart everyday wear or preparing for a special occasion, Colin and Keeley are ready to help, no appointment needed. Looking to hire suits to kit out your wedding party?

The fifth hire is free!

The shop offers formal hire, quality menswear from trusted brands – such as Peter England, Masotti, and Douglas & Graham – with an impressive range of gifts and accessories from cufflinks to chess sets. In-house alterations are available free on store purchases, and outside garments can be altered at competitive rates.

For expert advice and a personal touch, visit Time & Time Again Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 5pm and Sundays 11am to 4pm.

Timeandtime.co.uk | 01943 816 671

Jeremy Bloomfield

Jeremy Bloomfield has been in the jewellery business since 1993, opening his own contemporary fine jewellers in 2001 on The Grove.

Known for his extensive array of high-quality jewellery, he’s one of the largest stockists of Georg Jenson in the North of England. His carefully curated showroom features exquisite engagement and handmade wedding rings by Charles Green, a family-run UK jeweller with over 190 years of heritage.

There’s also an extensive selection of pearl jewellery by Matt Aminoff London, as well as vibrant gemstone pieces from his brother Sheldon Bloomfield – sourced from around the globe.

Through trusted goldsmiths, it also offers a complete jewellery repair and aftercare service which includes ring re-sizing, re-mounts and re-setting, and more.

At Jeremy Bloomfield, quality craftsmanship and unique design come together to create the perfect gift or a piece to cherish for life. Be sure to make a visit when in Ilkley Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm on The Grove.

Jeremybloomfield.co.uk | 01943 601 420

Fig & Willow

Run by Jules Wood, Fig & Willow is an independent clothing and lifestyle shop that showcases the best in Scandinavian and British brands.

It prides itself on its range of homeware, cards, candles, gifts and sustainable fashion – providing great quality at reasonable prices. Whether you’re on the hunt for a gift or looking to treat yourself, browse everything from beautiful hand poured candles from Cornwall by St. Eval, Kusan hats that are 100% wool with a fleece lining made from recycled plastic bottles, or quirky hand-drawn printed clothes from Danish brand NÜMPH – and much more!

Open 10am to 5pm every day, Fig and Willow is your one stop shop for boutique products that are simple, stylish, and elegant.

Figandwillowilkley.co.uk

Main Womenswear

Based just outside of Ilkley in the beautiful village of Addingham, Main Womenswear is an independent clothing boutique that focuses on women’s clothes and accessories.

Owner, Gill, is on hand most days to offer advice and put together the perfect outfit for all shapes, sizes, and budgets. Main Womenswear is a haven of wearable women’s fashion, full of on-trend styles, and looks you can dress up and down with a focus on quality fabrics and luxurious items by top brands from across Europe and around the world.

The boutique offers a unique and personalised shopping service. Time is spent with each customer to create the perfect look and you’re sure to leave with a bag full of top tips alongside your gorgeous new garments.

Online shopping for home delivery and click and collect is available or just pop over for a browse and a coffee, open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturdays until 4pm.

Mainwomenswear.co.uk | 01943 839 193

J Reserve

Established restaurateur, Julie Mountain, has created J Reserve – a café bistro where you can dine in style in a beautifully designed interior that’s sat in the heart of Ilkley for 15 years.

Julie has created unique dishes that blend quality ingredients with bold, memorable flavours, offering a fresh twist for diners to truly savour. The key is great customer service from the team who have worked to create that ‘let’s go back there’ experience.

Start your day in delicious style with a breakfast menu that celebrates both the classic and the creative or have a light bite at lunch with one of the vibrant salads, wraps, and homemade cakes all in a charming and relaxed environment. There’s also space for small private functions available,

Open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 3pm and Friday and Saturday 9.30am to 3pm. Jreserve.com | 01943 816 989

Walton’s

Established in 1988, Walton’s Fine Furnishings has become a renowned interiors retailer in Yorkshire, offering high quality products along with personal service and value for money.

Walton’s is a one-stop shop for everything you need to redecorate your home. From soft furnishings and upholstery to designer wallpaper and carpets, Walton’s offers a wide range of high-quality home furnishing products in all the latest styles.

Head down to the Ilkley-based showroom to check out the wide range of products or loan the soft furnishing pattern book to take home and see what matches well with your other furnishings.

Now featuring Farrow and Ball’s Little Greene paint, TINTED IN STORE WHILE YOU WAIT!

Waltons.co.uk

Beau Monde

Since its establishment in 1995, Beau Monde has been dedicated to providing the highest standards of beauty therapy. Our commitment to excellence was recognized in 2002 when we achieved Clarins Gold Salon status, a testament to our quality and service.

The team of highly trained staff is passionate about delivering optimum levels of service, ensuring you receive the best possible experience with every acclaimed treatment you choose.

With over 30 years of experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on offering the best quality beauty services available. Beyond renowned treatments, Beau Monde is also the perfect place to find a gift or treat yourself. We offer a curated selection of gifts, bath and body products, and jewellery, ensuring you’ll discover something special. Plus, we provide complimentary gift wrapping to add that perfect finishing touch.

The perfumery stocks all the best in top of the range perfumes, with brands such as Chanel, Hermes, and Marc Jacobs – just to name a few!

Beaumonde-perfumery.co.uk

Interiors of Ilkley

Elevate your home with design-led fitted furniture and interiors by Interiors of Ilkley.

Run by a trusted two-man team – a designer and a maker/installer working side by side for over 15 years – we specialise in handmade, bespoke furniture built to last.

From compact rooms to full home renovations, we take on projects of all sizes. Whether you’re updating your kitchen or bathroom, creating a stylish media wall, redesigning a bedroom, or adding custom shelving to your dining room. Interiors of Ilkley design and fit thoughtful interiors that reflect how you live – beautiful, functional, and made with care.

Get in touch for a quote today!

Interiorsofilkley.co.uk | 07980 264 801

Clayful

Clayful is a newly opened, fully licensed pottery painting studio where you can enjoy painting a wide range of items alongside a fully stocked bar!

The friendly staff are on hand to assist with your creative process, offering guidance and providing shaped sponges and stamps to help bring your vision to life, no matter what your artistic ability – no experience is required, just go in with an open mind and a desire to have fun.

Clayful is the perfect venue for parties of all ages and occasions. From themed birthday parties to baby showers and team building to get your creativity flowing and bring your team closer together, it’s all covered. It also hosts a variety of events such as sip-and-paint nights, art workshops, crafternoons, and more!

Clayful.net

Time to get...

Step into our vibrant space for a pottery painting experience that’s as relaxing as fun. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a first-timer, our studio is designed to inspire and bring out the creative spark in everyone — of all ages and skill levels.

From spontaneous walk-ins to group bookings, we offer a place to craft your next masterpiece while making lasting memories. Paint pots, create your own pottery at a wheel, host a pottery party or join our art workshops.

SEPTEMBER WILL SEE WIZO INITIATIVE, WOMEN LEADING THE WAY

RACHEL AND LEWIS BUSH RECENTLY TIED THE KNOT!

THE SPECIAL DAY WAS HELD AT THE PICTURESQUE HAZELWOOD CASTLE.

THE BRIDAL PARTY WAS MADE UP OF RACHEL AND LEWIS’ NEAREST AND DEAREST.

LOVED ONES CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE HAPPY COUPLE.

(WLTW), CELEBRATING ITS SECOND ANNIVERSARY.

WLTW CONTINUES TO HOLD NETWORKING WORKSHOPS THAT FOCUS ON PERSONAL GROWTH AND SELF-DEVELOPMENT LED BY INSPIRING WOMEN FROM THE COMMUNITY.

PHOTO: CHRIS CHAMBERS

PHOTO: CHRIS CHAMBERS

PHOTO: CHRIS CHAMBERS

PHOTO: CHRIS CHAMBERS

Picture This

In a world dominated by smartphone photography, dedicated cameras are making an unexpected but welcome comeback, so we’ve rounded up some of the best on the market.

Much like the resurgence of vinyl records, dedicated cameras are proving the phrase “what’s old is new again” to be true. This revival isn't just about image quality; it's about the experience as cameras offer a level of control and creativity that smartphones can’t replicate. Whether driven by nostalgia, a desire for better content, or a break from screen fatigue, the return of the humble camera marks a renewed appreciation for slowing down and shooting with purpose.

Afga reusable 35mm | Fred Aldous | £40.82

Film photography is back and bigger than ever! Loved for its nostalgic aesthetic, handson process, and the unique character it brings to every shot, film cameras are growing in popularity thanks to the rustic style of the photos they produce. This Afga Photo model is a simple, reusable analogue camera with built-in flash that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the charm of film photography without the fuss. Just load it with 35mm film, point, and shoot! The fixed 31mm lens and focus-free design make it incredibly easy to use, whether you're a beginner or just want a no-hassle shooting experience. Compatible with colour or black and white film, it gives you flexibility to experiment with different styles. Fredaldous.co.uk

PowerShot SX740 HS Lite | Canon | £429.99

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Lite is the ultimate pocket-sized companion. Boasting 40x optical zoom, 20.3-megapixel resolution, and 4K movie recording, this model is perfect for travellers, budding directors, or those that just want to capture everyday life. The SX740 HS delivers fast, intelligent performance with features like zoom framing assist and hybrid auto, making it easy to point, shoot, and get exceptional results. With 10 frames per second continuous shooting, a responsive shutter, and a flip-up LCD screen with self-portrait mode, you’ll never miss a shot, whether it’s a fleeting family moment or the perfect selfie. You also won’t need to worry about losing precious memories as you can stay connected on the go with built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and auto transfer to quickly share and back up your memories to compatible smart devices or your home PC.

Canon-europe.com

Fujifilm Instax SQ1 | John Lewis | £119.99

Designed to stand out, the Instax SQ1 instant camera blends minimalist style with maximum impact. Its iconic square format gives you more room to capture the fun – more friends, more scenery, more memories in every shot. With a simple twist of the lens, selfie mode activates instantly, paired with a built-in selfie mirror for easy, perfectly framed selfportraits. The automatic exposure control ensures your photos are always well-lit and full of atmosphere, adjusting shutter speed based on your surroundings. Available in Terracotta Orange, Glacier Blue, and Chalk White, the SQ1 combines angular modern design with soft textured grips for comfort and flair. With quick, intuitive controls and a striking design, the Instax SQUARE SQ1 lets your personality shine with the added bonus of giving a physical keepsake instantly.

Johnlewis.com

KODAK Funsaver | Analogue Wonderland | £19

Disposable cameras like this KODAK one a great place to start with dedicated cameras. Hasslefree and ready-to-use, you can capture special moments without the need for technical knowhow or fancy equipment. With 12 extra exposures included in the Funsaver, you get a total of 39 chances to preserve memories, offering great value and convenience in one. This single-use camera is designed for ease and versatility, making it perfect for holidays, parties, weddings, or everyday adventures. It features a fixed focus 35mm lens and comes loaded with film which delivers clear, vibrant photos in a variety of lighting conditions. The built-in flash has a range of one to three metres, ensuring well-lit shots even in low light or indoor settings. Whether you’re snapping pictures under the sun or beneath the stars, the Funsaver helps you capture every unforgettable moment with simplicity and style.

Analoguewonderland.co.uk

Take a look at some cool kit to get the new school year off to a great start.

Kids Activity Book: Rant & Rave, About My School

Sue Ryder | £8

This journal with a twist offers creative prompts to kids, allowing them to gush about the things they love about school and also vent about what drives them up the wall. This unique book will not only boost children’s writing skills but also encourage self-expression and confidence. Plus, it’s perfect for any time of the school year – no rules, no order, just pure fun!

Sueryder.org

Paper ballpoint pens (Set of three) | Rex London | £1.95

These paper ballpoint pens add a touch of style to your writing. Featuring a charming daisy print in green, pink, and blue, they’re great for school or your home desk, this eco-friendly ballpoint pen is made from recycled paper and comes with blue ink.

Rexlondon.com

Eco Scooter | Banwood | £79

Ideal for nipping there and back, Banwood’s luxury bikes, trikes, scooters, and skateboards will get you there in a flash. They come in a range of classic colours and the Eco collection is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, repurposed from discarded bottles, bags, cups, and fishing nets, sourced through certified waste disposal partners.

Banwood.co.uk

Lunch box with tray – TfL Vintage Poster Cup Final

Rex London | £6.95

One for the young footy fans, this unique TfL lunch box has a removable tray with two handy compartments and features a reproduction print of vintage London Underground poster ‘Cup Final Wembley Saturday April 24th’. The poster, commissioned by the Underground Electric Railway Company in 1926, for the final that year, was designed by artist Eric George Fraser.

Rexlondon.com

NeoLAB Neo Smartpen | NeoLAB | £89.99

This hi-tech piece of stationery allows you to save your handwritten notes and transfer them to digital formats. With 2MB of internal storage, the smart pen can save up to three pages of A4 for uploading at a later time. This ingenious gadget could prove particularly useful for students with dyslexia or those who struggle with their handwriting skills.

Thedyslexiashop.co.uk

Beyond the Classroom education

The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom (CLOtC) tells us why meaningful learning away from the extends traditional lessons, homework, and tests.

Learning outside the classroom is a powerful way to make education more meaningful, memorable, and relevant. It helps children connect what they learn in school and the world around them. And research shows that it makes a real difference.

It could be exploring the school grounds, visiting local places like parks, shops, or places of worship, or going further afield to museums, theatres, adventure centres, or residential trips. Sometimes, it takes place in school – through visiting experts, performances, or interactive experiences. Here’s how your child will benefit…

•Stronger academic outcomes: Children learn better when they can see, touch, and experience what they’re being taught; it helps learning ‘stick’.

•Personal growth: Being outside the classroom builds confidence, teamwork, communication skills, and resilience.

•Beter mental health and wellbeing: Time spent outdoors or in new environments reduces stress, encourages physical activity, and boosts happiness.

•A sense of belonging: Exploring the local area and taking part in shared experiences helps children feel more connected to their school and community.

•Increased motivation and enthusiasm: It brings learning to life and sparks curiosity that carries back into the classroom.

The CLOtC is a national charity working to make sure all children and young people have the chance to benefit from life-changing learning experiences beyond the classroom. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a theatre visit, or an interactive workshop at school, it helps to ensure that these experiences are safe, inclusive, and meaningful.

It also supports organisations that provide educational experiences – such as museums, farms, theatre groups, and adventure cinemas – to make sure their offering is both safe and meets learning needs. That’s where the LOtC Quality Badge comes in; the only national award that checks the quality of both educational value and risk management. It’s recognised by Westminster’s Department for Education as a benchmark of quality that both schools and parents can trust. Some schools are embracing the initiatives at different paces, and you can encourage your child’s school to be part of the conversation! The CLOtC National Conference 2025 – held at Royal Armouries on 12th November – is a fantastic opportunity for teachers to discover how learning outside the classroom is evolving, how it connects with communities, and how it can be made more impactful for every child.

There are plenty of LOtC Quality Badge holders in and around our area, be sure to check out one of these when planning your next family day out or suggest one to your child’s school…

Lineham Farm | Eccup

It offers Leeds primary schools an opportunity to visit for a residential stay and explore the 120 acres of beautiful countryside. The educational facility has everything needed to provide seven- to 11-year-olds with fun, adventure, and learning.

Leedschildrenscharity.org.uk

Carnegie Great Outdoors | Headingley

This initiative supports the development of healthy and active lifestyles by offering children opportunities for physical activity, freedom, and movement and promoting a sense of wellbeing as well as opportunities to develop skills and self-confidence.

Leedsbeckett.ac.uk/carnegie-great-outdoors

Royal Armouries | City Centre

The Royal Armouries provides unique learning experiences that are designed to support the national curriculum through interactive storytelling and object handling to bring the museum to life in a fun and engaging way.

Royalarmouries.org.uk

Encourage your child’s school to check out Leeds City Council’s parks and countryside education programme which provides education in the outdoor classroom for thousands of school children and out-of-school clubs every year. It provides sessions themed around all aspects of the local environment, focusing on nature, wildlife, and history – including guided tours and interactive workshops themed around the animal collections available at Tropical World, Temple Newsam, and the Wildlife World at Lotherton.

Find out more at Lotc.org.uk and Leeds.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/parks-and-countrysideeducation-programme

PHOTO: WILDFOWL AND WETLANDS TRUST

Time to Celebrate

Leeds Jewish Free School reflects on a remarkable year of growth, unity, and achievement.

Now the academic year is over, Leeds Jewish Free School (LJFS) is looking back on a truly exceptional year filled with innovation, achievement, and community spirit. From pioneering new educational initiatives to fostering a culture of inclusivity and support, LJFS has made significant strides in ensuring every student thrives both academically and personally.

One of the most impactful developments this year has been the introduction of Faith Weeks – a dynamic initiative designed to deepen students’ understanding of different religions and cultures. These themed weeks have provided immersive experiences that go beyond the classroom, encouraging empathy, respect, and curiosity. Students have explored diverse beliefs and practices, helping to build bridges across communities and broaden their worldviews.

In tandem with this, the school has completed a comprehensive overhaul of its curriculum, ensuring that every student’s learning journey is clearly mapped, thoughtfully sequenced, and focused on key knowledge and skills. This strategic development means that students are not only meeting academic benchmarks and excellent levels of qualification but are also developing a deeper, more connected understanding of their subjects.

Beyond the classroom, LJFS has placed a strong emphasis on cultural capital, offering students a wide range of enriching experiences and adventures. From educational trips to creative workshops, these opportunities have helped students grow in confidence, curiosity, and cultural awareness.

Throughout the year, the LJFS community has demonstrated remarkable unity and resilience. Students have celebrated each

other’s successes, supported one another through challenges, and worked hand-in-hand with staff and the wider community. This strong sense of family has been a cornerstone of the school’s ethos, especially during difficult times.

Recognition of student achievement has also been a highlight, with over 200 students receiving awards at celebration assemblies. These events have not only acknowledged academic excellence but also celebrated kindness, leadership, and perseverance.

LJFS’s commitment to excellence is further reflected in its outstanding attendance record, placing it in the top 20% of schools nationally. This achievement speaks volumes about the school’s positive environment and the dedication of both students and staff.

The School Council has also played a pivotal role in shaping the school’s future. This year, student representatives have led initiatives that have enhanced environmental sustainability and improved student facilities which has demonstrated the power of student voice in driving meaningful change.

Even though it’s the summer holidays, LJFS is already looking ahead with excitement. The school is eager to welcome students back in September, ready to build on this year’s successes and continue its journey of growth and excellence. The potential new intake families for 2026/27 will be welcomed at an open day on 30th September.

In every corner of the school, from classrooms to corridors, the spirit of LJFS shines brightly – one of learning, leadership, and love for community. Here’s to an incredible year gone by, and an even brighter one to come!

Ljfs.org

Centre Stage at GSAL

Following the recent opening of a state-of-the-art performing arts centre, The Cryer, the arts are thriving at The Grammar School at Leeds.

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) has unveiled The Cryer, a landmark investment in the arts named in honour of the late Barry Cryer (OL53) – renowned comedian, writer, and Leeds Grammar School alumnus.

The Cryer serves as a vibrant home for performance at GSAL, designed to support drama, music, and the creative arts. At its heart is a 350-seat auditorium, a studio theatre, classrooms, and cutting-edge sound and lighting technology – all intended to inspire students’ creativity. It serves not only as a hub for school productions, rehearsals, and concerts but also as a learning environment where imagination and expression are encouraged and brought to life.

Throughout the day, The Cryer buzzes with creative energy. From the youngest pupils excitedly learning new performance skills and techniques, to Key Stage 4 and 5 students honing their practical and theoretical prowess in preparation for exams, there’s always a wide range of academic drama being taught. Lunchtimes and after school see both colleagues and students working together on school productions.

The drama department has grown substantially over the years due to increased student interest in both academic and co-curricular drama through mediums such as physical theatre, technical theatre, musical theatre, and dance – to name just a few.

Beyond performance, students also learn lifelong skills which are transferable into any career: the ability to engage and hold an audience through verbal and physical expression; to communicate complex ideas; to collaborate in groups of all sizes; and, perhaps most importantly, develop empathy.

GSAL’s art department is another vibrant hub where creativity and imagination come alive every day. A typical day is busy and inspiring, as students engage in painting, sculpture, printmaking,

and photography, exploring new ideas and techniques in a supportive, energetic environment. The team of specialist teachers brings a wealth of experience, with one member having started teaching in 1997. Their expertise covers everything from textiles and illustration to fine art and digital media, allowing each student to find and develop their own creative voice.

For many students, art is more than just a subject; it’s a place where they feel at home. The department offers a welcoming atmosphere that helps students build confidence and feel a strong sense of belonging. Alongside developing visual skills, students also learn to articulate ideas and critically engage with the work of others – valuable abilities that extend far beyond the studio.

The music department is a close-knit community in its own

right, where pupils form deep bonds that often span year groups and last a lifetime. Students not only build strong musical skills but also experience the joy of shared creative achievement and mutual support.

Music has always been a strength at GSAL – and at its predecessor schools – but it has long lacked a dedicated space to realise its full potential. The Cryer now fills that gap, standing as a bold demonstration of the school’s commitment to the arts.

Around 20 performances are staged by the music department each school year, ranging from large formal concerts to informal lunchtime gigs. Students have performed at prestigious regional venues such as Leeds Town Hall, Seven Arts in Chapel Allerton, and at Leeds Minster, as well as on music tours to destinations including New York City and Venice. Several competitions are held annually, including the popular House Music Competition, which offers sixth form musicians the chance to develop their leadership skills as they arrange, rehearse, and direct their own choirs and bands – encouraging participation from across the school community.

Looking ahead, GSAL is excited to welcome even more creative students, and to continue showcasing their talents through platforms like The Cryer. The school remains proud to help nurture confident, imaginative, and original thinkers who will go on to make a real difference in the world.

To find out more about the arts at GSAL, register for an upcoming open event at Gsal.org.uk

Smart Learning education

From cracking algebra

to exploring space, today’s students can learn almost anything with a tap of a screen, as Julie Burniston reports.

These educational apps can turn mundane revision into games, simplify tricky topics, and support independent learning, helping 11 to 16-year-olds swap confusion for confidence.

Cosmic Watch

Cosmic Watch brings astronomy to life through a stunning 3D simulation of Earth and the surrounding cosmos. Perfect for visual learners, it allows students to explore geocentric and heliocentric models, track celestial movements in real time, and view the night sky from over 23,000 global locations. With tabs for time manipulation, sky mapping, and event notifications (like eclipses and moon phases), learners can interactively explore space and time. The display options are highly customisable, enabling users to add star names, zodiac constellations, or even interstellar gas and dust.

Educationalappstore.com/app/cosmic-watch

Seneca Learning

A hugely popular revision platform, Seneca is used by over eight million students and teachers across the UK. Designed to make studying more efficient and engaging, it uses interactive quizzes, GIFs, and proven memory techniques to help students retain information. Covering all core subjects from Key Stage 3 to A-level, Seneca also features an adaptive algorithm that targets weaker areas for more focused learning. Premium plans unlock advanced features, including mock exams and AI-powered feedback.

Senecalearning.com

GoStudent AI Tutor (Amelia)

This AI-powered platform featuring Amelia is a 24/7 curriculum-trained tutor that helps students with homework, flashcards, and personalised goals. Using cognitive-science principles and an adaptive algorithm, it offers videos, quizzes, and mock exams to speed up learning. Parents also receive weekly reports and access to education advisers.

Gostudent.org/en-gb/learning

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a free online educational platform that offers video lessons, practice exercises, and personalised learning tools across a wide range of subjects, including maths, science, history, and more. The platform helps users learn at their own pace with clear, step-bystep explanations.

Khanacademy.org

Duolingo

A popular free app and website that helps users learn new languages through fun, game-like lessons. It offers courses in over 40 languages, using interactive exercises, speaking practice, and daily challenges to keep learners motivated. Suitable for beginners and advanced users alike, Duolingo makes language learning accessible and enjoyable.

Duolingo.com

Quizlet

Quizlet is an online learning platform that helps students of all ages study and practice various subjects using digital flashcards, quizzes, games, and study sets. It allows users to create their own study materials or use sets shared by others, making it a flexible and interactive tool for learning and revision. Ideal for memorising terms, definitions, and concepts.

Quizlet.com

BBC Bitesize

A free online study resource created by the BBC to support students in the UK with their schoolwork and exam revision, Bitesize offers lessons, videos, quizzes, and interactive content across a wide range of subjects and key stages, making learning more engaging and accessible. Whether you’re preparing for GCSEs or just looking for help with homework, BBC Bitesize is a valuable tool for learners and parents alike.

Bbc.co.uk/bitesize

Waxing Lyrical

Moshe Merel, Manager of Leeds Jewish Orthodox Youth (LJOY), shares a dvar Torah (learning) inspired by an unexpected source – his escaped turtles.

Although my balding head says otherwise, I recently celebrated my 25th birthday. Wanting a Lamborghini for the occasion, it was something to look forward to (I’m already in an unarranged overdraft, so another few hundred grand wouldn’t have made much of a difference!). Turns out, my wife felt otherwise. She surprised me with four cute turtles – two of which have already escaped, sending half of Alwoodley into a panic and triggering an unsuccessful search and rescue mission.

Knowing that the Torah is allencompassing, I had a look at Leviticus chapter 11, which talks about animals. Interestingly, while Modern Hebrew calls a turtle a tzav, the Torah's use of the word tzav most likely refers to a toad. A turtle is not specifically mentioned but is probably included among the creatures that “teem upon the earth,” like lizards, toads, and rodents. This portion of the Torah is fascinating, and I’d like to point out two things that stood out to me.

This Torah portion discusses kosher and non-kosher animals

Just as someone who is constantly exposed to loud music and harsh noise slowly and imperceptibly – but surely – loses the ability to hear fine sounds and detect subtle modulations, so too does the Torah inform us that a Jew’s consumption of non-kosher food deadens their spiritual capacities. It

denies them the full opportunity to reach their potential and renders them incapable of even perceiving what they’ve lost. Divine intelligence knows what obstructs the soul’s spiritual and emotional functioning and what harms the Jewish heart.

The Torah lists all animals with split hooves that chew the cud

The Torah, given to us 3,337 years ago, confidently lists animals that both chew the cud and have split hooves. For example, a hyrax, hare, and rabbit have recently been confirmed to ‘chew the cud’ to a degree (though not as thoroughly as cows and similar animals). A camel also chews the cud, but it doesn’t have split hooves – it has split feet with hoof-like nails.

Now, keep in mind: 3,337 years ago, most of the world had not yet been discovered. Columbus only ‘found’ America just 533 years ago. So, how on earth did the Torah confidently state which animals do and don’t chew the cud and have split hooves? Couldn’t there have been undiscovered species that would contradict this list? Yet even today, while science says that there is potentially still so much of the universe left to uncover, the Torah remains unwavering in its declarations.

This reveals, with remarkable clarity, the divine knowledge embedded in the Torah. Only the One who created the world could know the entire animal kingdom. The Torah is God-given and stands strong in its truth

– even in our era of modern science. It’s a fascinating read. It's the most-read book in the world (though Christianity and Islam have added onto it, they still agree on its divine origin).

Interestingly, a friend of mine recently showed me a picture he took in a bar by London Bridge. On the wall was a large Hebrew inscription of God’s name. He asked if it was an old shul. We looked into it – turns out it’s an 800-year-old church which still carries that Hebrew inscription to this day. It all boils down to one address: the Torah.

In a fast-paced world where we seek answers to everything – from mental health to morality – where do we turn? Unfortunately, to ChatGPT or some other mind-numbing invention (guilty as charged). But the Torah includes everything we want to know. The world is complicated, but we have a manual. Reading the Torah is one of the best things you can do. You might find the answers you’re looking for – or at the very least, some wisdom that TikTok definitely won’t provide.

So, once a week, go for it. Sit down and read the portion of the week. And if you don’t have one, ask your shul, or luckily, I’ve got plenty to spare!

ljoyleeds@gmail.com

I found out I had lymphoma on 9th February 2024. I was in shock. At 35, how could I have cancer? I didn’t know anyone my age who had been through it. Making that first call to Chai was difficult, but everyone there was either in the same boat as me or was there to help people like me.

What an amazing place. Chai truly cares for everyone and helped me get my life back on track

For more information on our extensive range of specialised services and care across the UK, please call our Freephone helpline on 0808 808 4567 or visit www.chaicancercare.org

Chai Lifeline Cancer Care

Smooth Return education

Anticipating challenges can help ease the transition back into the classroom, especially for children with special needs.

Returning to school after the long summer holiday can be a fraught and unwelcome experience for any school age child, but for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) it can be especially challenging.

The stress and anxiety caused by going back to school can be alleviated by good communication and collaboration between school staff and parents and some regular, focused wellbeing check ins.

For children moving to a new school or transitioning from primary to secondary, arranging a school visit and the opportunity to meet school staff before the start of term can help make them feel more comfortable and less anxious when they arrive.

When re-entering the classroom after the holidays, in some cases, schools may be able to arrange a phased return to help students who may become overwhelmed. It’s important that key information is shared between the current and new school as early as possible. This means pupil profiles, past reports, Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP), attendance and behaviour data, mobility and communication needs, and special measures to support learning, supervision, and visual aids. Clear and timely communication of these details will help a young person’s transition into a new school setting run smoothly. Even if it’s just returning to school after the holidays, parents and teachers should review this information to ensure that the new term gets off to the best possible start.

It is also important for children and parents alike to practice self-care. Healthy habits like good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, and a balanced diet should be encouraged as well as ensuring that children make time for activities they enjoy such as participating in sports, reading, or playing an instrument.

Innovations in how learning takes place both inside and outside the classroom can make a real difference to the progress and achievement of SEND/SEMH students. Movement or sensory breaks help students regulate their emotions and reduce stress. Experiential learning interventions can also be particularly helpful.

With one in five school age children likely to experience some form of mental health disorder, teachers and parents need to be alert to factors that could exacerbate such conditions and proactively create a learning environment that helps students thrive.

Leeds SEND Local Offer is a great resource for parents of children with special educational needs. Here you can find

Brodetsky Top Tips

Help children feel excited and ready for the new term:

advice and connect with other parents through one of the many SEND forums throughout the city. In understanding students’ different needs, youth voice contributions are essential. If you’re the parent of a young person with SEND, encourage them to get involved with Leeds SEND Youth Council. This is a group of young people who meet a few times a month to make social connections, work on campaigns and projects, and contribute to improving SEND services in their local area.

More schools now have, or are developing, a dedicated resource provision to support and attend to the needs of children and young people with SEND and a designated coordinator to liaise with staff and parents to ensure that everyone involved can contribute their very best to every student’s learning and growth.

Brodetsky Primary School runs dedicated transition afternoons in the summer term. These sessions give children the opportunity to spend time in their new classroom, meet their future teacher, and begin forming those vital early relationships in a calm environment. Activities are designed to be fun, creative, and connection focused, helping children feel comfortable with their new surroundings and the adults they’ll be working with.

As part of the transition process, parents and carers are invited to collect their child from the new classroom door. This helps familiarise both children and families with what September will look like, to make that first day back feel less daunting.

To further nurture emotional security, the school also run a second transition visit, where children rejoin their new class teacher and key staff for a gentle story time. This enriches children’s imaginations while reinforcing familiarity, trust, and calm.

Five weeks away from school can feel like a long time for a child. When September comes, a gentle but structured approach helps pupils settle back into school life. In those first days, school staff prioritise routines, relationships and re-establishing expectations with kindness, clear boundaries, and positive reinforcements, to help children rebuild their learning habits and feel confident as they ease back into the rhythm of school.

With a little preparation and positivity, every child can feel ready to embrace the year ahead and all the adventures it brings.

Here’s to every child stepping into a new classroom: Good luck, have fun, and remember, even grown-ups get a little nervous on the first day! If you have any questions, concerns or uncertainty about how your child may adjust to returning to school, contact the SENDCO at school.

Try on school uniforms a few days before and take a photo. Tell your child how smart and grown up they look.

Chat together about hopes for the year ahead. Maybe making a new friend, learning something new, or showing kindness.

Ease back into school thinking. Practise times tables, read together, or even write with your child about the things you’ve done over the holidays, a mini journal, or postcards to remember the fun.

Bring back healthy routines such as earlier bedtimes, regular meals, and time off screens can really help.

Talk about lunch choices. Packed lunch or school dinners? Plan healthy lunches together. Visit the school website. Look at photographs or things that might be of interest.

ALLERTON HIGH SCHOOL

Enabling young people to achieve success

General Open Evening: Thurs 28 September

General Open Evening: Thurs 25th September

Post 16 Open Evening: Thurs 9 November

6.00-8.30 pm Booking is essential

Post 16 Open Evening: Thurs 6th November 6.00 - 8.30pm ESSENTIAL IS BOOKING

8 King Lane, Leeds LS17 7AG 0113 203 4770 • info@allertonhigh.org.uk www.allertonhigh.org.uk

King Lane, Leeds LS17 7AG 0113 203 4770 • info@allertonhigh.org.uk www.allertonhigh.org.uk

education

Education News

Gateways School

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 to 18 pupils, each child receives the individual attention they deserve.

There are a wide variety of extra-curricular activities on offer, both at lunchtime and after school, including dance, music, sports, art, and drama. Children as young as age 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. The Sixth Form Centre is adjacent to the school and has its own café, gym, garden, study areas, and social spaces.

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 3rd October 2025.

Gatewaysschool.co.uk

LJFS

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 wide, varied, and bespoke curriculum.

Visit the school’s open evening on 30th September 2025 from 5pm to 7pm to see if LJFS will be the right fit for your child or get in touch to arrange a look around.

Ljfs.org

GSAL

The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) is a leading independent school for now two- to 18-year-olds that inspires confident, versatile young people to rise to every challenge. Proudly named North Independent School of the Year in 2024 by The Sunday Times, GSAL’s facilities cater to a wide range of students.

The school follows a diamond model of education where pupils learn in co-educational classes from age two to 11 and again at Sixth Form. From age 11 to 16, pupils are taught in single-sex academic lessons.

An open morning will be held on 11th October 2025 from 9am to 12pm for you to take a look around the 140-acre campus and explore the facilities.

Gsal.org.uk/visit

St. Aidan’s

St. Aidan’s Church of England High School in Harrogate is an academy that provides education for students aged 11 to 19. It’s deeply committed to accommodating all students, regardless of their faith, abilities, or individual needs, and warmly welcomes the unique talents and requirements that each child brings.

The success of St. Aidan’s is based on the excellent that are evident between the school, the students, and their parents or carers enabling it to provide the very best in educational opportunities to meet the needs of the students as they move either into Higher Education or employment.

On 11th October 2025, there’ll be an open morning for those looking to join the school – check out the website for times.

Staidans.co.uk

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 achieve well above local and national averages at both GCSE and A Level in terms of what they attain, and the school was in the top 3% nationally for GCSE and A Level progress in 2024.

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 25th September 2025 from 6pm to 8pm, and a post-16 one on 6th November 2025 at the same time. Booking is required!

Allertonhigh.org.uk

No Place Like Home

Starting university is an exciting but daunting new chapter and creating a personalised space can make all the difference! We’ve gathered some of the best décor ideas to help transform student housing into a true home away from home.

Icon Kingston cord classic bean bag | £59.99

Creating a cosy space will provide comfort for study sessions, lazy weekends, and everything in between. With its velvety-soft corduroy fabric and classic bean bag silhouette, the Kingston brings a perfect blend of retro charm and modern comfort to any student room. Whether used for reading, relaxing, or catching up with friends, this plush seat invites you to sink in and unwind. Lightweight and easy to move, wherever you need a little extra comfort, Kingston’s got your back – literally.

Beanbagbazaar.co.uk

SAHIHI red check woven storage baskets | from £33

University rooms generally leave a lot to be desired size-wise, so extra storage will be key. But storage doesn’t have to be boring! These bold red checked baskets come in three sizes, perfect for everything from jewellery to laundry – they can even be used as woven planters for houseplants. Each SAHIHI woven basket is handcrafted by skilled women in rural Kenya, who have practiced the art of sisal weaving since childhood. By supporting their work, you’re helping to preserve a rich African tradition and provide vital income during the farming off-season. Practical and makes an impact, what could be better?

Thebasketroom.com

Artwork prints by Zac Rosso | from £9.50

Brighten up the often-dull walls of student accommodation and give the student in your life a meaningful piece of home to make their space feel more personal. Zac Rosso is a Headingley based artist who captures the heart and soul of Leeds through beautifully detailed illustrations. Each print is a little snapshot of Leeds life, perfect for anyone wanting to keep a connection to the places they love while they study, live, and grow in a new environment. Zacrosso.com

Warm white bead fairy lights | £14.99

Student housing lighting is often harsh and uninspiring, making it hard to relax or feel at home. That’s why incorporating warm, ambient lighting can make such a difference; using subtle additions can instantly transform a room into a cosy and inviting retreat. Spanning 1.9 metres of silver wire, these fairy lights are evenly spaced for a balanced glow and the wire is easy to bend and shape, making it ideal for weaving around plants, draping across a headboard, lining shelves, or tucking into a decorative vase. Lightweight and battery-operated, they’re also fuss-free so are perfect for student living, where plug sockets might be limited. Lights4fun.co.uk

SÖSDALA memo board | £12

Another thoughtful way to bring a sense of home into student accommodation is by incorporating a photo display board, like this minimalist option from IKEA. Its clean and versatile design makes it a perfect fit for any student room, no matter their style or colour scheme. More than just decoration, it offers a way to stay connected to home and the people who matter most. Equipped with handy clips, it’s easy to hang little reminders of loved ones and special memories that can offer comfort during moments of homesickness such as cherished photographs, handwritten notes, postcards, or small keepsakes. Ikea.com

With Gary Don, your antiques expert and Auctioneer

Most people have heard of ‘Mouseman’ furniture, especially in our Yorkshire area. The name is synonymous with exceptional quality oak furniture which has never gone out of fashion and is currently fetching great prices at auction.

Robert Thompson’s Craftsmen showroom is based in the village of Kilburn on the southern edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Robert was born in the village in 1876 and joined his father’s trade as the village wheelwright and furniture maker. He soon earned a good reputation for his work in local churches and in the 1920s he received a commission to furnish the nearby Ambleforth

With Mark Manning, Managing Director of Manning Stainton

Recent headlines have suggested that house prices are declining, citing modest reductions of 0.8%, 0.4%, or similar figures. While these changes may appear significant at first glance, a deeper analysis of the local market reveals something quite different. A key factor influencing these figures is timing. Earlier this year, changes to Stamp Duty prompted a surge in transactions as buyers sought to complete purchases before the deadline. This temporary spike in activity was followed by a natural slowdown, which, when compared to the earlier peak, may give the impression of falling prices. In many cases, the market is simply returning to a more typical pace. This is exactly what

Mouse Keeper ANTIQUES

College. Sometime between 1924 and 1928, Robert began to sign his work with the now iconic carved mouse mark.

He wrote later: “I and another carver were carving a huge cornice for a screen, and he happened to say something about being poor as a church mouse. I said, ‘I’ll carve a mouse here’ and did so. Then it struck me – what a lovely trademark!” The trademark was not registered until 1931, and to this day the carvers in Kilburn mark each item of furniture with a carved mouse.

Mouseman furniture is highly influenced by the Gothic style and the Medieval Age with clean simple lines. Robert also grew up in the age of the Arts and Crafts Movement which he adapted to his furniture. Robert died in 1955, but his workshop lives on through his family and apprentices.

Many Yorkshire-based craftsmen that trained with Mouseman established their own workshops and became known as the ‘Yorkshire Critter Carvers’. They used their own ‘critter’ trademarks and include Acornman, Beaverman, Squirrelman, Wrenman, and many others.

We are one of the leading auction rooms in the country for the sale of Mouseman and Yorkshire Critter items and prices are extremely buoyant at the moment. If you have any of these items to sell, please contact us.

Garydon.co.uk

PROPERTY

Staying Positive

we would have expected to see.

It is also important to consider the nature of the data used in many of these reports; it’s often based on transactions completed several months prior. For instance, a sale finalised in June likely reflects a price agreed in January or February, and this is significant because these months are traditionally known to be quieter months in the housing market. As a result, the figures do not accurately represent current pricing trends.

In contrast, more recent data indicates a modest increase in the prices buyers are now willing to pay compared to the same period last year. This suggests a stable market

environment. Demand remains strong, housing supply is limited, and mortgage products have become more competitive than they were six months ago.

So, despite some of the headlines out there at the moment, the apparent decline in house prices is largely attributed to seasonal patterns and short-term fluctuations. When viewed in context, the outlook for property prices throughout the market is far more positive than some would have you believe.

Manningstainton.co.uk

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

A large crowd attended this year’s annual Impact Care Awards dinner; the celebration of a group of teens’ involvement in community care work, arranged by CTeen Chabad Lubavitch.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Teenagers, parents, and community leaders came together to celebrate the CTeen teenagers who have spent several months involved in a variety of community projects – highlights of which were shown in an inspiring video presentation.

Some of these projects included helping the Homeless Street Angels to distribute food and clothing, baking and delivering Purim goodies for elderly LJHA residents, assisting at Beavers, Brownies, and Rainbows, raising over £400 with a sponsored car wash, litter picking, and much more!

During the meal, video greetings were shown from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis and Israeli

Ambassador for the UK, Tzipi

“Every year when I hear about the Impact Care Awards Dinner in Leeds, I feel exceptionally proud and inspired,” said the Chief Rabbi. “I’m inspired to know that there are so many truly wonderful teenagers who know how important it is to engage in selfless acts for sake of others.”

Guests of honour, Margaret and Henry Cohen presented the teens with their awards and Rabbi Sholem Kalmenson, Director of CKids children’s activities, led a prayer for the situation in Israel, the IDF, hostages, and peace.

Many of the participants spoke about their experience, including Jemima Howard: “Helping

and supporting others via the Impact Care Awards enabled me to realise how fortunate, lucky, and blessed I am, and the people I have met while volunteering will always have a place in my heart.”

Rabbi Shmuli Brown – Rabbi at the Liverpool Universities – was one of the guest speakers and his message was about the power of the individual: “You’ve brought kindness to the streets of Leeds, dignity to the homeless, warmth to the lonely. Every one of those actions has a ripple. You may not see it now, but it’s happening. Action speaks volumes!”

SHOOTING STARS

The Leeds Maccabi FC Awards for the season were held to award the efforts of the players.

The Leeds Maccabi FC Season 2024/25 Awards for the junior teams took place at the Etz Chaim’s Rueben Vincent Hall, with players from U7 through to U18 teams receiving accolades.

Wining the Golden Boot were Freddie Gould and Amit Jacobovitz, Benny PunterMatthews and Jacob Levison, George Rosenberg and Luca Johnson, Max Abrahams and Ben Chambers, Max Glynn, Charlie Evans, Harvey, Noah Gould, Joel Nathan, and Aaron Lee. The Managers’ Player award was given to

Max Moss and Ari Warner, Ezra Bradley and Ryan Khosravani, Seth Mosley and Alfie Brazil, Mikey Adamson, Noah Skolnick, Will Gravells, Asher Abrahams, Josiah Graham, George Tatham, Oliver Williams, and Josh Peach.

Players’ Player winners were Louie Abrahams and Rami Howarth, Edward Mason and Cory Amar, Hugo Black and Taylor Kennedy, Zach Gould and Max Daly, Noah Scholnick, Harry Day, Vihaan Rathod, Toby Rose, James Desilva, Elliot Fozard, and Aaron Lee.

The Long-Standing Awards were given to Coaches, Gavin Miller and James Rosenberg and other awards included the Stephen Hipps Football Excellence which went to Richard Wormwell. Medals were also handed out to each year group for the Tony Reynolds Most Improved and the Howard Kristall Clubman players.

GOLDEN BOOT WINNERS.

Hotovely.

MANAGERS’ PLAYER WINNERS. PLAYERS’ PLAYER WINNERS.

COACHES, GAVIN MILLER AND JAMES ROSENBERG.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

22ND NORTH LEEDS SCOUTS AND 61ST LEEDS GUIDES RECENTLY HELD A FIVE-DAY, FUN-PACKED JOINT SUMMER CAMP AT BLACKHILLS SCOUT CAMPSITE.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED COOKING ON FIRES, WHITTLING, AN ISLAND SURVIVAL DAY, ARCHERY, CAMPFIRES, AND PLENTY OF OUTDOOR GAMES IN THE BEAUTIFUL WOODLAND SURROUNDINGS.

THE EVENT WAS A CHANCE FOR PARTICIPANTS AND THEIR FAMILIES TO LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRAMME, WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE A SUPPORTIVE AND ENGAGING EXPERIENCE FOR THE BM BOYS.

CHARLIE WON THE AWARD FOR HAVING THE BEST ATTITUDE! TWIN SISTERS, RACHEL AND EVA ALSO RECEIVED ACCOLADES.

THE LJOY BAR MITZVAH PROGRAMME LAUNCH EVENT RECENTLY TOOK PLACE AT BHH SYNAGOGUE.

As the latest edition of Fiddler on the Roof hits the north, Matt Wolf, London theatre writer for The New York Times – who first saw Fiddler in 1977 on Broadway with the legendary Zero Mostel – reports on the timeless topicality of the iconic show.

You may think you know Fiddler on the Roof, the iconic 1964 musical that spawned the beloved 1971 film, starring Topol as the beleaguered milkmen Tevye, and that gets revived regularly on the London and Broadway stage.

Direct from a completely sold-out season at London’s Barbican Theatre, the production now touring the country stands apart, whether you see the material for the first time or you already recognise the story of a Jewish community seeking refuge from the fearsome pogroms of Czarist Russia in 1905. (The show’s source are various short stories from the Yiddish playwright-author Sholem Aleichem.)

As directed by the expatriate American Jordan Fein, the latest production began at the Open-Air Theatre, Regent’s Park, garnering 13 Olivier nominations in April and winning three, including best musical revival. Told with unusual intensity of feeling and a revelatory attention to detail, the show felt that much deeper and richer when it transferred indoors to the Barbican Centre in London this past summer. That same staging, partially recast, is now touring the UK and Ireland through to 3rd January 2026, much to the delight of its four principal performers, each of whom spoke with great eloquence about the task at hand.

“This feels freshly minted,” Matthew Woodyatt, who has the leading role of Tevye, was saying in one of a sequence of interviews one recent afternoon. What the creatives Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, and Joseph Stein created over 60 years ago endures they’ve created “such a masterpiece,” says Woodyatt. “Everything you need is there – it’s all so strong and clear.” Within its structure is room for the individual to shine, which in Woodyatt’s case has meant bringing his own Welsh accent to the part and not having

to mimic those who came before him, who famously include the vaunted Broadway funnyman, Zero Mostel, who originated the role onstage.

Tevye, says Woodyatt: “Is such a glorious role. He contains multitudes, really – anger and love and wit and silliness.” You note his struggle to hold together a family threatened by fragmentation, alongside his ongoing conversation with God, not to mention such knockout numbers as “If I Were A Rich Man” and the show’s thrilling opening, “Tradition”. “Tevye’s relationship with God is directed outfront to the audience, which gives you a window to his soul. I would say I feel an elated exhaustion by the end” – he had been playing Tevye once a week at the Barbican, while otherwise appearing in the ensemble as the innkeeper Mordcha – “and I find it very energising, even though it’s a huge physical role.” As Mordcha, his job “was to serve the other people around me”; now, as Tevye, it’s to drive the show.

Woodyatt first came across the musical as a child growing up in the Welsh valleys: “One of the first things I went to see when I was nine or 10 years old was Fiddler at our local theatre, and I think the husband of my infant school headmistress was playing Tevye.” He saw the film, of course, and later experienced the show “from the inside, really” as a company member of the 2017 Chichester production, directed by Daniel Evans, in which Woodyatt understudied Omid Djalili as Tevye but never went on in the part.

There may be an advantage, he notes, to the show being performed in Britain well away from the Borscht Belt Jewish humour roots that have always been part of its appeal on Broadway. “That bold-stroke Catskills comedy” – the region of New York state where the Borscht Belt is located – “isn’t as innate and well-known here, so it gives the director

and the cast the freedom to get into the material potentially more.” At the same time, the direct-address nature of Tevye, performed as here in the actor’s own accent, ramps up the intimacy, even in a large auditorium. “You never feel you’re watching a costume drama; there’s an immediacy to these conversations, as if they were happening now.”

The production’s Golde, Tevye’s everpatient wife, is new to the touring cast, though the performer Jodie Jacobs had seen and greatly admired Fein’s staging before signing on to replace Lara Pulver in the role: “When I was younger,” Jacobs says candidly, “I might have felt Fiddler was perhaps a little dull, but I wasn’t as engaged politically then as I am now.” What’s changed? Her awareness, she says, of “the resilience and the power” of the show, alongside a sense that it allows her to inhabit “a space where you can be unashamedly proud of your faith and your community”. Born into a family of Dutch and Russian Jews, Jacobs laughs as she recalls “a case of terrible FOMO in the audition room” that came with a newfound appreciation for the material. “Golde’s very clear-cut, practical, pragmatic: if motherhood were a business, she’d be the CEO.”

Beverley Klein, the production’s Oliviernominated Yente, had worked with Fein, the director, on the ongoing West End revival of Cabaret before taking the decision to join a show she knows so well, having twice previously appeared as Golde: “I do think this is a piece of genius,” she says of Fiddler, in

which her gossipmongering matchmaker gains many of the show’s laughs. “The juxtaposition between serious matter and the musical form is balanced in such an incredible way, and there’s not a wasted line. [Joseph Stein’s] book is as good as it gets.” Early in her career, she played the Innkeeper’s wife in a touring Fiddler, starring Alfred Marks. “I’ve been working for 45 years and seem to have done a different Fiddler once every decade. Now I’ve dwindled into Yente but I don’t feel it’s a dwindling. If you don’t want to work with Jordan Fein, there’s something wrong with you; this feels like bliss.”

Perhaps the staging’s greatest innovation is its use of the fiddler of the title. As reconceived for this production, he’s no longer a decorative

element of the story but, instead, a sort of shadow-self to Tevye. The character here appears regularly throughout, which in turn allowed the Anglo-Israeli violinist Raphael Papo to get his own Olivier nod for the role – a banner achievement for a non-speaking part. The idea this time out, recalls Papo: “wasn’t about, let’s put a violinist onstage and get him to play pretty tunes, but, actually, why am I playing at which moments and what am I trying to say with what I’m playing.”

This fiddler, in Papo’s assessment, is “an extension of Tevye’s emotions, who can sort of reflect things back at Tevye that can’t be put into words. Every time Tevye is talking to God, the fiddler is there listening. In performance, I’m trying to sound like [the musical equivalent of] a human voice, not like some nice violinist.” The result is soul-searingly moving.

What of the onward resonance of the piece? Matthew Woodyatt is sure that “50-60 years from now, Fiddler will remain every bit as topical as it is now”: its themes are at once timeless and universal. Says Raphael Papo: “This is a show about love, it really is – about family and love and a shared humanity. I can’t think of any better way of putting it than that.” Fiddler belongs to the past and the present and, no doubt, the future, too.

Fiddler on the Roof is at Leeds Grand Theatre until 2nd August 2025, but if you miss it, you can catch it in theatres across the north.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

The UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 delivered a thrilling showcase of Europe’s best female talent. However, as expected, the tournament was also marked by renewed concerns on the burden of injuries on players.

For some time now, there has been focus on the differences between both the rate and the burden of injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture and thigh injuries between elite female footballers and their male counterparts. It is widely known that the rate of such injuries in females far exceeds the rate in males, and as a result of these differences, there has justifiably been a lot of focus on the possible reasons for these differences over the past few years.

In 2024, The British Journal of Sports

INJURY TIME

Consultant Knee Surgeon at NuffeldLeedsandSpire Leeds

and

Harrogate,

Owen Wall, explores the complex and multifactorial reasons behind the higher incidence of ACL injuries in elite female footballers.

The paper – UEFA Women’s Elite Club Injury Study: by Hallén A, Tomás R, Ekstrand J, et al – covered 596 players from 15 teams through consecutive seasons starting with 2018/19 through to 2021/22 and found over 1,500 injuries, with a rate of 6.7 injuries per 1,000 hours of play. Injuries were four times more common during match play than training. Thigh muscle injuries were the most frequent, while ACL ruptures caused the most significant time loss, with an average of 292 days out per injury. ACL injuries often required nine to 12 months of recovery, a major setback for both players and clubs.

Key contributing factors to ACL injuries in female elite footballers

• Anatomy and biomechanics: Differences in anatomy – such as wider hips and a different leg angle into the knee – may play a role, but research is ongoing to determine their significance.

• Hormones: Fluctuations in hormones, particularly oestrogen during the menstrual cycle, can affect joint stability and potentially increase the risk of injury.

• Gender disparities: Factors like access to training, sports science support, facilities, and rehabilitation protocols may differ between male and female athletes, influencing injury rates.

• Workload: Increased workload and the demands of modern football, including high-intensity and quick movements, can contribute to the risk.

• Environmental factors: Pitch quality and the type of footwear have also been identified as potential contributing factors.

Addressing the issue

• Research: organisations like FIFA and UEFA are investing in research to understand the specific factors that contribute to ACL injuries in female players.

• Targeted training and rehabilitation: There’s a growing focus on developing training programmes and rehabilitation protocols specifically tailored to the female body and its biometrics.

• Pitch and equipment: Optimising playing surfaces and equipment to better suit the needs and physical characteristics of female players is an area of focus.

• Education and awareness: Increasing awareness among players, coaches, and medical staff about the risks and preventative measures is crucial.

ACL injuries are a serious challenge in women’s football, and addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach that considers anatomical, hormonal, environmental, and training-related factors. Ongoing research and targeted interventions are essential to protect the health and wellbeing of female footballers. There is no clear ‘single cause’ as to why female elite football players have a higher incidence of ACL rupture versus their male counterparts, but it is hopeful that by focusing on proven injury prevention techniques during training, in addition to optimising strength and conditioning rehabilitation following thigh injuries, that the burden of ACL rupture sustained away from match conditions can be reduced into the future.

If you would like to seek expert advice concerning your knees, contact Owen via www.leedskneeclinic.com using the contact webform or call his Secretary, Elaine Ingham, on 0113 388 2009 to discuss your requirements for an out-patient appointment.

Medicine published an open access paper looking at the number and burden of injuries sustained by women elite footballers playing for UEFA clubs.

Stress Less

Stress relief doesn’t have to be hours long meditation sessions or expensive spa days –sometimes, it’s as simple as incorporating small, manageable techniques into your everyday routine.

Most of us could really benefit practical, easy-to-implement stress relief techniques that fit into our busy everyday lives, and the good news is that even small habits can make a big difference. Check out some of the best practices to reduce stress in under five minutes that can be done at your desk, at home, or anywhere!

Micro moments

For many, the idea of meditation sounds both appealing and overwhelming. Being more mindful seems like it could be positive but sitting still for a half hour or more in silence feels daunting. For some, micro meditation –mediation lasting for just a few minutes – can be a way to incorporate meditation into a busy day.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to pay attention to your breathing by focusing on slow, deep breaths for instant relaxation. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Slowly inhale, hold for a moment, and then exhale steadily. Repeat this process a few times to help ease tension and clear your mind.

Be grateful

Take one minute to reflect on things in

your journey that you appreciate. This brief moment of gratitude can help shift your mindset and build resilience as you navigate your day.

Think about or write down three things you’re grateful for today, big or small. It doesn’t matter if it’s appreciation for your morning coffee or a meaningful conversation with a loved one – what matters is that you acknowledge it. Gratitude helps ground you in the present and reminds you that even on tough days, there are still pockets of positivity. Over time, this quick and simple practice can train your brain to focus more on what’s going well, reducing stress and improving your overall outlook.

Handy work

Not only do hand massages help to relieve stress and anxiety, but they can also help to reduce fatigue, increase circulation, and relieve achy muscles due to the pressure increasing blood flow.

The Union Valley pressure point is located on the hand in the webbing between the thumb and index finger. By activating this, you trigger your body’s natural relaxation response. With your index finger and thumb, simply apply firm pressure to this spot for five seconds and breathe deep to feel the pressure melting off.

Another hand massage technique is to hold your left hand up with your palm facing you and your fingers together. Use your right thumb to massage the fleshy spot between your left thumb and index finger for a slow count of 15. Switch hands and repeat to slow your breathing and heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and bring your mind and body back into balance.

Muscle relief

Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that’s used to control stress and anxiety, relieve

insomnia, and reduce symptoms of some types of chronic pain. It’s a simple practice that’s based upon tensing one muscle group at a time followed by a relaxation phase with release of the tension.

While inhaling, contract one muscle group (for example your upper thighs) for five to 10 seconds, then exhale and suddenly release the tension. While doing this, try to focus on the changes you feel when the muscles are relaxed as imagery may be helpful in conjunction with the release as tension, such as imagining that stressful feelings are flowing out of your body as you relax. Take 10 to 20 seconds to relax and then move onto the next muscle group and repeat the process, working your way up the body.

Stress statistics you should know

PREVALENCE OF STRESS

• 79% of UK adults feel stressed at least once a month

• 32% of adults have experienced suicidal thoughts due to stress

• 51% of adults who feel stressed also report feeling depressed

COPING WITH STRESS

• 46% of people eat too much/unhealthily due to stress

• 60% of adults drink alcohol in order to cope with stress

• 88% of people think about work outside of working hours

CAUSES OF STRESS

• 79% of people frequently experience work-related stress

• 73% of employees cite workload as a cause of stress at work

• 60% of people frequently experience monetary stress

5th August

Watch Out!

Check out our picks of some of the best TV, film, and books coming your way soon.

After emigrating to America in the 1960s, Leah maintains her connection to Israel by writing an annual letter on Rosh Hashanah to her old friends from a women’s teaching college. Composed of fifty-one letters penned between 1966 and 2016, the novel documents Leah’s high hopes and deep disappointments, from relationships, marriage, and divorce to raising two children by herself, financial debt, and professional ups and downs. Leah rarely acknowledges the injustices she has had to overcome, but her letters turn increasingly introspective, ultimately exposing the secrets that shaped her trajectory from a naive but driven social climber to an independent woman at peace with herself.

Wednesday | Netflix | 6th August

Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) returns to prowl the Gothic halls of Nevermore Academy, where fresh foes and woes await. This season, Wednesday must navigate family, friends, and old adversaries, propelling her into another year of delightfully dark and kooky mayhem. Armed with her signature razor-sharp wit and deadpan charm, Wednesday is also plunged into a new bonechilling supernatural mystery. Creator/showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar return for the spine-tingling second season of Wednesday, alongside Executive Producer and Director Tim Burton.

Eddington | In cinemas from 22nd August

In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and mayor (Pedro Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbour is pitted against neighbour, following the political and social turmoil in the fictional city of Eddington, New Mexico, caused by the COVID pandemic. The American contemporary Western film is written and directed by Ari Aster, and also stars Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Micheal Ward, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone.

13th

Butterfly is a character-driven spy thriller series that explores complex family dynamics within the treacherous world of global espionage. It’s centred on David Jung (Daniel Dae Kim), an enigmatic, highly unpredictable former US intelligence operative living in South Korea, whose life is blown to pieces when the consequences of an impossible decision from his past come back to haunt him, and he finds himself pursued by Rebecca (Reina Hardesty), a sociopathic young agent assigned to kill him, and Caddis, the sinister spy organisation she works for.

| In

Written and directed by Mike Flanagan, The Life of Chuck is an adaptation of the novella published in the 2020 collection, If It Bleeds, by Stephen King. Tom Hiddleston plays Charles ‘Chuck’ Krantz, and it co-stars Mark Hamill, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, and Jacob Tremblay. The plot is split into three acts which follow the formative moments in the life of Chuck in reversechronological order, from his death coinciding with the end of the universe to his childhood.

Happy New Years | Maya Arad

Butterfly | Prime Video

August

The Life of Chuck

cinemas from 21st August

Sunrise to Sunset

With soaring UK public transport costs and a growing appetite for adventure, a new travel trend is taking off – extreme day trips. Often for less than the price of a train ticket to London, you could be wandering the streets of Kraków or soaking up the sun on Alicante’s beaches all in a single day and still be home in time to sleep in your own bed. The secret? Low budget flights to Europe. Check out our suggestions for the best destinations where you catch the first flight out, the last one back, and pack your day with unforgettable experiences.

Kraków

Kraków averages

Flight time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Flight cost: £73 to £132

Time to explore: 11 hours

Perfect for city break lovers, Kraków is an ideal extreme day trip destination due to its rich history, stunning architecture, and, most importantly, wallet-friendly prices. You can reach the city in just over two hours from Leeds Bradford Airport, and it’s famous for its walkability, making it easy to explore lots of what’s on offer in just one day. Stroll through the medieval Old Town, explore the beauty of Wawel Castle, and make sure you sample the local delicacy of pierogi for lunch.

An unmissable area to visit is Kazimierz – the city’s historic Jewish quarter – where synagogues, street art, and kosher bakeries sit side by side. Walk through centuries of Jewish heritage, visit the Galicia Jewish Museum, and take a look around the Old Synagogue. Another must-see attraction is the moving Ghetto Heroes Square. This commemorates the tragic events and troubled history of the Jewish communities in the city with chairs made from iron and bronze lined up in rows to symbolise the empty seats that residents left behind after Nazi occupants gathered Jewish people before deporting them to nearby concentration camps.

Alicante averages

Flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Flight cost: £57 to £138

Time to explore: 10 hours

Need a hit of sun, sea, and sangria? Alicante serves up the ultimate one-day escape with all the charm and colour of the Mediterranean wrapped into a few perfect hours. Step off the plane and straight into a postcard; golden beaches stretch along the coast, palm-lined promenades invite lazy strolls, and the turquoise sea that sparkles under the Spanish sun. Start your day with a climb to the hilltop Santa Bárbara Castle and explore the weapons courtyard, old dungeons, and soak in sweeping views of the city and coastline. After working up an appetite, head down to the Old Town for tapas in a shaded plaza, then lose yourself in the bustling Central Market which is a true slice of authentic Spain, alive with locals and colourful produce.

Whether you’re sipping a café con leche on a terrace or dipping your toes in the warm sands of Playa del Postiguet, Alicante makes it incredibly easy to forget you’re just on a day trip. With budget-friendly flights and a short hop from the airport to the city centre, it’s the perfect reminder that you don’t need a week off to feel like you’ve had a real holiday – just one adventurous day.

Extreme day trippers are redefining what’s possible in 24 hours; we find out some of the best destinations to visit in just one day.

PARIS

Paris averages

Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Flight cost: £88 to £110

Time to explore: 9 hours

Think Paris is only for long weekends? Think again. With early-morning flights and latenight returns, the city makes for a surprisingly doable – and unforgettable – day trip. Start your adventure with a croissant and coffee near the Eiffel Tower, then stroll along the Seine or dive straight into the art at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. Wander through the cobbled streets of Le Marais, browse the boutiques, and visit the historic Jewish Quarter for falafel and a slice of local culture. A must-see in the Jewish Quarter is the Shoah Memorial – an elegant museum that’s a memorial to the Holocaust from a Parisian perspective.

As the afternoon fades, grab a crêpe from a street vendor or settle into a bistro for people-watching with a glass of vin rouge; Paris can deliver serious magic in a matter of hours. It’s bold, it’s beautiful, and its easy city connections means that it’s never been easier to say oui to a full French escape.

Dublin averages

Flight time: 1 hour

Flight cost: £71 to £125

Time to explore: 12 hours DUBLIN

Looking for a day trip with character, charm, and a perfect pint? Dublin is just the ticket. One of the shortest flights available from Leeds Bradford, land in the morning and you’ll be in the heart of the city in no time –ready to explore its lively streets and Georgian architecture. Start with a stroll down Grafton Street, pop into Trinity College to marvel at the Book of Kells, then lose yourself in the cobbled lanes, not forgetting a quick stop off at Temple Bar for a pint of Guinness. If history is your thing, Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol offer a deep dive into Ireland’s past that’s not only powerful and moving but also all easily doable before lunch.

In the afternoon, grab fish and chips by the Liffey or cosy up in a traditional pub with live music and famously friendly locals. If the weather plays nice, a quick trip out to the coastal suburb of Howth rewards you with cliff walks and sea views that feel a world away from city life.

Got an appetite for extreme day trips? Visit Extremedaytrips.co.uk for more suggestions.

Supercharge your beauty routine with these top tech recommendations.

Charlotte Tilbury virtual try on | Free

As AI progresses, it is becoming ever more incorporated into beauty trends. Now the technology can allow you to try on makeup virtually before you buy, without even entering a shop. The AI technology will use your phone’s front camera to superimpose the makeup onto your own face, letting you check out how it looks from the comfort of your own home. Most major makeup retailers have this option nowadays, but we particularly recommend Charlotte Tilbury’s interface for its ease of use and accuracy.

Charlottetilbury.com

Pro LED Light Therapy Mask | £1,440

This is the LED light therapy mask that started all the rest! Biohacking is growing ever more popular, and LED light therapy has many purported benefits for skin health, including reducing fine lines and inflammation. The Pro mask harnesses the power of four clinically proven wavelengths across six treatment modes to deliver transformative results for all skin types and tones.

Non-invasive, safe, and pain-free, the treatment modes stimulate various natural biological processes within the skin to restore and maintain optimum skin function and health, tackling breakouts, dullness, and uneven skin tone.

Deessepro.com

The Nimble Device | $699

Nail painting is a bit of a faff, it has to be said. From the multiple coats needed, drying time in between, and the need to keep still in the meantime, it’s no wonder so many of us head to the nail salon instead. That can get pricey however! This nifty machine from Nimble is the best of both worlds, allowing you do your nails at home, without you actually having to do a thing.

The machine uses use high-speed, high-res micro cameras that work in conjunction with laser scanning for unparalleled accuracy in applying the nail polish to your nails, and it even dries them as well!

Nimblebeauty.com

ZIIP DOT | £169.99

Use tech to tackle breakouts and acne with the ZIIP DOT. This high-tech spot zapper uses microcurrents for spot treatment, alongside its patented nanocurrent technology, to clear and calm breakouts fast. Microcurrents spot treatment reduce inflammation, swelling, and bacteria that cause blemishes, helping clear breakouts faster, while the nanocurrents mimic your body’s natural electrical currents, sparking skin cell renewal and repair, helping to calm your skin and promote healing.

Ziipbeauty.co.uk

Breakout Analyzer Pro | Free

AI appears yet again, but this time it’s here to offer you skincare advice. Bringing nextgeneration, dermatologist-recommended tech direct to your door, the Breakout Analyzer Pro uses AI skin analysis to deliver a complete personalised experience to support your breakout journey. Get personal advice and solutions to understand your skin, target your breakout type, and help you on your way to clearer-looking skin.

Uk.theinkeylist.com/pages/breakout-analyzer-pro

If you’re considering a care home, call 0113 537 0775 or visit careuk.com/seacroft-grange

If you’re considering a care home, call 0113 537 0775 or visit

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

LJWB recently held a series of events for its Month of Mental Health campaign.

Throughout June Leeds Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB) held some events for its mental health campaign, aiming to raise money and awareness for an important cause.

The month kicked off with a fantastic launch event – Unlock Your Mental Health – which saw an expert panel lead a vital discussion hosted by Richard Abrahams, marking the start of the mission to raise £125,000 to sustain vital mental health services for the year ahead. The panel consisted of LJWB’s Mental Health Team

Leader, Paul Townend; PR entrepreneur and Founder of HelloHope, Ellie MacDonald; Host of the ‘Stressed but Well Dressed’ podcast, Dahlia Stroud; soon to be CEO of Leeds Rhinos, Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE; and mental health consultant, motivational speaker, and trauma education specialist, Miranda Arieh.

The next event saw 29 amazing community members taking on a challenge to support their mental health and help raise funds. 27 walkers covered 13 kilometres, while two runners smashed

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

a half marathon – together raising an incredible £15,000 for the campaign. LJWB hopes to make this event a firm fixture in its fundraising calendar.

The month was rounded off with an evening packed with laughter, music, and community spirit. Comedian, Debra Tammer, had the audience in stiches and The Party Professors kept them dancing –the energy was unforgettable!

To learn more about LJWB’s fundraising campaigns, events, and partnership opportunities, contact the Fundraising Team on 0113 203 4919.

BACK OF THE NET

The 2025 Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield was a runaway success.

Held for the third year running, the Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield – known as Yorkshire’s Soccer Aid – was created to honour Elliot Bransby, son of Donna and David Bransby. This year, the day raised over £7,500 for homelessness charity, Homeless Street Angels.

Organised by David and close friend, Simon Wood, the event was held in July at The John Charles Centre for Sport. David said: “It was a truly unbelievable day that Simon and I will ensure only gets bigger and better in 2026. Planning is already well underway, with another enviable line-up of star guests.”

Celebrities from Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Britain’s Got Talent, ex-pro footballers, and over 1,000 spectators travelled to celebrate the contribution to Leeds United by the Gray footballing dynasty and the life of the Leeds United legend, Jack Charlton.

Over 20 members of the Charlton family enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining

4 – 4 draw, which Team Charlton edged on penalties to lift the Elliot James Bransby Memorial Shield. Team managers were Mick McCarthy, Paul Hart, Howard Wilkinson, and Dom Matteo. Former Premier League referee, Martin Atkinson, was the man in the middle.

UNLOCK YOUR MENTAL HEALTH.

WALKERS AND RUNNERS LISA LEE, ANGELA SHERMAN, JONNY ADLER, JONNY ROSENBERG, AND SIMON AND SAM WALTON.

THE PARTY PROFESSORS BROUGHT THE MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT.

PHOTO: SIMON@ADDICTIVE.MEDIA

LEEDS UNITED LEGEND DOM MATTEO WITH FORMER MANAGER HOWARD WILKINSON, DAVID, AND COMPERE, JED STONE.

THE LORD MAYOR OF LEEDS, COUNCILLOR DAN COHEN AND THE LADY MAYORESS, ELAYNA, MET ORGANISERS DAVID AND DONNA BRANSBY.

MATCH BALL SPONSOR MARSHALL FRIEZE WITH EX LEEDS UNITED STRIKER CLYDE WIJNYARD.

AS PART OF MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK, LEEDS JEWISH WELFARE BOARD (LJWB) STAFF STOOD TOGETHER, WEARING GREEN, TO HIGHLIGHT MENTAL HEALTH.

AND FUNDRAISERS.

ENTERTAINMENT WAS PROVIDED BY SMOOTH BLUES AND JAZZ MUSICIAN, CLEVE FRECKLETON, PICTURED WITH NICOLA AND SHOLA FROM LJWB’S VOLUNTEER TEAM.

LJWB HAD A FANTASTIC AFTERNOON CELEBRATING ITS VOLUNTEERS

BERYL HILMAN, ANGIE SHULMAN, ANGELA SAFFER, JUDITH SULLIVAN, AND SHEILA TOBIAS ALL CELEBRATED.

THERE WAS ALSO A CELEBRATION OF THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF VE DAY WITH 100 GUESTS. THERE WERE SMILES, LAUGHTER, STORIES SHARED, AND A DELICIOUS AFTERNOON TEA –ALL IN HONOUR OF A TRULY SPECIAL DAY.

Something New

Check out one of the many new and exciting food and drink spots popping up around the city this summer!

Homeboy Pizza Co. | Roundhay | Open now

Since opening its first permanent site in Burley last year, Homeboy Pizza Co. has quickly become a firm favourite for pizza lovers in the city. Due to this success, the team have opened a second venue at the former Harpo’s takeaway site on Street Lane. Expect sourdough Neapolitan pizza with plenty of mouthwatering topping combinations with tasty sides to accompany them. Flavours range from new and old-style margheritas to less traditional (but equally mouthwatering) creations such as a jerk chicken-inspired pie.

On Instagram @Homeboypizzaco

Banksia | City Centre | Open now

Bringing small plates and big flavours to the city centre, Banksia is linked to the adjoining recently opened Hotel Indigo Leeds. Diners can expect old-world Mediterranean flavours with a modern, vibrant dining experience. The restaurant will be overseen by Craig Rogan, a prominent member of the city’s food scene for the past six years, earning multiple accolades and recognition for his creative approach to modern cooking. Enjoy all-day dining, signature cocktails, and a lively atmosphere perfect for drinks, private dining, or a relaxed meal.

Banksialeeds.co.uk

Brewery Wharf Tavern | Coming soon

The brains behind Whitelock’s Ale House, Meanwood Tavern, and White Cloth Hall are opening a new venue at Brewery Wharf, situated on the River Aire. Like its sister venues, Brewery Wharf Tavern will operate as an independent free house, showcasing a wide range of independent beers and real ales alongside great cocktails and wines. The food menu will focus on working with some of the best local Yorkshire suppliers and champions quality and sustainability in equal measure. Brewerywharftavern.co.uk

emba | Mustard Wharf | Open now

emba is a new canal side gastro-bar by Elizabeth Cottam that promises lots of big flavours and plenty of fat, fire, and comforting familiarity. There’s something for everyone with its drink offerings; the beer and wine selection is constantly updated to keep things fresh and interesting as well as a menu of classic cocktails alongside some of the bar’s own creations. emba prides itself on cooking the best local fish, meat, and game over a crackling fire and with a menu that changes all the time, there’s plenty of tasty treats waiting to be sampled.

Emba.bar

CrowdedHouse | Trinity | Open now

With panoramic views of the city’s skyline, CrowdedHouse is a stunning venue for post-work drinks, dining, and special occasions that’s made a home for itself in Trinity. The warm ambiance starts from the Boar Lane entrance where the relaxed layout is perfect for those wanting to catch up on work in a luxe setting, leading into the cosy lounge area and main restaurant for dining. Upstairs on the rooftop lies an elegant bar with a drinks menu to match. Both levels benefit from terrace areas for laid-back al fresco hospitality. Expect carefully crafted menus, wine lists, and a regular roster of events.

Thecrowdedhouse.co.uk

Fizz-Tastic!

In the picturesque hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, a charming region tucked away in Northeast Italy’s Veneto, is a a small town near Trieste, which gives its name to the wine and to the castle of the same name, where the wine was first produced. The star of the show is a zesty, green-skinned grape now known as Glera. But that wasn’t always the case; for centuries, both the grape and the wine shared the name prosecco, until 2009, when a surge of international interest prompted Italy to protect its beloved sparkler. The grape was officially renamed Glera, preserving Prosecco as a place-based name, just like the French do with Champagne.

Glera is believed to have originated in Slovenia but has found a permanent home in the village of Prosecco near Trieste. The grape’s legacy stretches back even before the Romans arrived, weaving itself into the fabric of local culture, commerce, and celebration for over a thousand years.

This ancient grape might have also been the source of the legendary Roman wine, Pucino. Legend has it that Emperor Augustus’ wife, Livia, supposedly credited her long life to this magical elixir, claiming: “No other wine is such a potent medicine.” Even further back, Pliny the Elder ranked Pucino among the top wines of Roman nobility in 79AD, stating it would bring health and longevity to those lucky enough to sip it so next time you pop a bottle of prosecco, remember that you’re

Celebrate National Prosecco Day on 13th August by raising a glass and uncovering the story behind prosecco, a true favourite in the world of bubbles.

toasting to a thousand years of history, culture, and a grape that just might be the secret to eternal youth!

Ever wondered how this sparkling marvel comes to life? It all starts in the scenic hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, where the unique landscape and rich soil provide the perfect home for the Glera grape. Glera is a fragile grape with a very thin skin, so the harvest is done with great care and mostly by hand typically in September when they’ve reached ideal ripeness.

Once picked, the grapes are gently pressed to extract the juice, which is then left to settle in cool steel tanks which helps preserve the fresh, fruity qualities of the grape. After that, the juice begins its first fermentation, where natural yeasts turn it into what’s called the ‘base wine’. The wine is then tasted and blended before beginning a second fermentation.

This next stage, known as the sparkling process, gives prosecco its signature bubbles. Using the Charmat method, the base wine is placed in pressurised steel tanks, where selected yeasts help create carbon dioxide naturally. This phase can last anywhere from a month to six months, depending on how long it takes for the sugars to fully transform into alcohol and bubbles.

Finally, the prosecco is bottled around March or April to take advantage of cooler spring temperatures. Before hitting the shelves,

each bottle must pass strict quality checks to earn the DOC or DOCG certification, giving consumers confidence in both its origin and excellence.

The UK is the second biggest consumer of prosecco after Italy so to enjoy a nice, chilled glass as the Italians do, skip the flute or the retro coupe and serve it in a diamondshaped glass with a long stem. Apparently the wider middle lets those fruity aromas bloom beautifully, while the narrow top keeps the bubbles lively. Pour just to the glass’s widest point to preserve the fizz and let the scent shine.

So, enjoy it as an aperitivo with snacks like olives, nuts, or charcuterie or you can create a spritz, a refreshing cocktail made with prosecco, an Italian bitter liqueur (like Aperol or Campari), and a splash of soda water. Buon appetito!

EVENTS What’s On?

Leeds is rounding off the summer in the best way with this amazing line up of events.

West Indian Carnival | 25th August

Another iconic Leeds event is happening over August Bank Holiday weekend. Leeds West Indian Carnival was founded in 1967 by Arthur France and brings phenomenal costumes, rhythmic steel pan, and Soca music together with the arts, crafts, and cuisine of the Caribbean. Europe’s longest running authentically Caribbean carnival, and the biggest outside London will start at Potternewton Park, carnival troupes will do two laps of the procession route, giving spectators more opportunity to take in the parade’s vibrant journey. The first lap allows judges to evaluate the array of stunning displays, and the second lap is for the troupes to enjoy the celebrations ahead of returning to the park and delivering their final performances. Leedscarnival.co.uk

Panto at the Abbey | Kirkstall Abbey | 15th to 26th August

Talegate Theatre are taking to the stage at Kirkstall Abbey with a summer series of lively outdoor pantomimes guaranteed to entertain the whole family! Packed with songs, slapstick, and silliness, these traditional, family-friendly performances are the perfect way to enjoy a summer afternoon. On 15th August, join the Summer Fairy and panto dame Nancy Neapolitan in The Snow Queen, a frosty adventure where Jack Frost and the Snow Queen threaten an endless winter. Then, on 20th August, it’s time for The Frog Prince, a ribbiting tale of a princess, a frog, and a magical mix-up. Finally, on 26th August, experience the enchantment of Beauty and the Beast as Belle finds herself in a mysterious castle with a fearsome beast. Museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

A Particularly Nasty Case | City Varieties

3rd September

Join BAFTA-winning Writer, Comedian, and former Doctor, Adam Kay, for an evening of hilarious and horrifying anecdotes, as well as a unique insight into the British healthcare system as he takes the audience behind the bloodsplattered blue curtain. Adam will be joined in conversation by another famous face who will act as your guide throughout the evening as Adam launches his debut crime novel, A Particularly Nasty Case. Expect tales from the wards, exclusive readings from his highly anticipated and hugely gripping new medical mystery as well as an audience Q&A.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

Leeds Festival | Bramham Park 21st to 24th August

Perhaps the biggest events in the Leeds calendar, Leeds Festival is making its return to Bramham Park for yet another musicfilled weekend. As always, there’s something for everyone on the line-up, with Travis Scott, Hozier, Chappell Roan, Bring Me the Horizon, and Limp Bizkit taking to the stage as this year’s main stage headliners. Across seven other stages, the festival will showcase some of the world’s best and well-loved artists from a whole range of genres for you to enjoy.

Leedsfestival.com

Northern Ballet’s Merlin | Leeds Grand Theatre 13th to 20th September

The man, the myth, and the legend of Merlin are brought to life through spectacular sets and costumes, mind-boggling special effects and Northern Ballet’s signature blend of world-class dance and storytelling. Choreographed by Olivier Award-winning Drew McOnie, leave your expectations at the door as you are swept into Merlin’s world where love blooms, power battles are fought, and good will strive to conquer evil. Northernballet.com

PHOTO: MATT EACHUS

PHOTO: GUY FARROW

There’s an action-packed programme in store this summer at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum. From high-energy circus skills and hands-on robotics to inclusive storytelling and magical science shows, the museum's Summer of Play programme promises something exciting for every child – and plenty for grown-ups to enjoy, too.

Get lost in a f(able)

Leading the line-up is F(able) – a delightful and accessible 30-minute fairytale retelling that places disabled characters at the heart of the story. This interactive production combines animation, captions, and live audience participation, encouraging children to learn British Sign Language (BSL) while exploring the adventures of its inclusive cast. It’s a creative, empowering performance that promotes both communication and compassion – perfect for families seeking meaningful experiences with a magical twist.

Get technical with the robotics lab

Budding engineers will be thrilled to join Adam Hill in Eureka!’s brand-new Robotics Lab, where they can explore the fascinating world of robots. With kits ranging from screen-free beginner bots to more complex programmable builds, this hands-on workshop is tailored to different age groups and abilities. Whether your child is just starting out or already a tech whiz, they’ll enjoy the challenge and creativity of robotic exploration.

The return of Professor Pumpernickel

Back by popular demand, the ever-eccentric Professor Pumpernickel brings his madcap science shows to the Eureka! stage once again. Known for his wild blue hair and wilder experiments, the Professor entertains and educates with explosive demonstrations, fizzing potions, and crackling chemistry. These performances are a must-see for young scientists and curious minds alike.

Circus shenanigans with The Wheelnuts

Roll up, roll up! The unicycling duo, The Wheelnuts, are rolling into town with their ever-popular drop-in circus skills workshop. Children of all ages can learn to juggle, balance, and clown around, gaining confidence while trying out the tricks of the trade. It’s a lively, laughter-filled session perfect for burning off some energy in the summer sun.

Music to your ears

If music is more your child's style, why not pick up a ukulele with Alfie? In this enjoyable workshop, participants can strum their way through simple songs while building musical confidence and rhythm. It's a great introduction to live music for young learners.

In another sonic celebration, families can collaborate with the Orchestra of Objects to build a crazy, colourful sound sculpture. Using an array of quirky, upcycled materials, participants will help assemble a giant musical installation. Afterwards, children can head to Orchestra of Objects' Sound Garden which is ready for imaginative play.

The magic of theatre

For those who prefer tales and theatrics, Strange Twig Theatre Company presents ‘Under the Leaves’, an immersive storytelling experience that follows a caterpillar’s journey through a transforming forest. This vibrant tale of self-discovery, change, and courage is brought to life through colourful staging and interactive performance, creating a deeply engaging world for children to explore.

And of course, no Eureka! summer would be complete without Gacko, the museum’s favourite showman and street performer. With his unique mix of songs, stories, and silliness, Gacko brings joy to every corner of the museum, delighting audiences of all ages with spontaneous performances and plenty of laughs.

Bubbly fun

Prepare to be amazed as Ray Bubbles brings his Ultimate Bubble Show to Eureka! With bubble sculptures, smoke-filled orbs, and dazzling displays of shape and size, this show is a visual treat that leaves both children and adults absolutely enchanted.

Beat the heat

There’s also a range of engaging indoor activities that will keep children entertained and inspired. From classic giant games such as Connect 4, Jenga, and Snakes & Ladders to hands-on STEM challenges, featuring giant marble runs and K'Nex building projects designed to spark creativity and develop problem-solving skills. Children will also be invited to take part in a vibrant, collaborative graffiti wall art activity, offering a chance for self-expression and teamwork as they contribute to a shared masterpiece.

Eureka! is open daily from 10am to 5pm throughout the summer. While many events are included in admission, pre-booking is recommended, especially for workshops and shows. Tickets are £17.95 for adults and children aged three and above, £7.95 for toddlers, and free for babies under one year old.

Play.eureka.org.uk

This summer, Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax is pulling out all the stops to offer an unforgettable experience for families. Discover,

Learn, Play

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

Warm weather and the holiday season are here, and many will go on holidays abroad and swim in pools, the sea, and undertake watersports.

One of the common causes of ear infections is moisture/water affecting the outer ear – also called otitis externa. It’s a painful condition in which the skin of the outer ear, or ear canal, is infected by excessive water in the ears. If you have an ear condition or grommets this can increase the risk. Custom made swim plugs provides a consistently effective barrier against water ingress during swimming and watersports.

Another more common condition caused by excessive water ingress is called swimmer’s ear –also known as surfers ear – which can occur at any age. You don’t have to swim to suffer with it; the common cause is moisture being trapped in the ear canal. This means that baths, showers, humid environments, and washing hair can lead to the

With James Daly, Founder of James Daly Opticians

Dry eye is a common condition affecting one in four people in the UK. The normal tear fluid that lubricates the eyes is made up of three layers – an oily (lipid) layer, a watery (aqueous) layer, and a sticky (mucous) layer – and these normal tears are what prevent our eyes from feeling dry.

What is dry eye?

People with dry eye either don’t make enough normal (lubricating) tears or the ones that they make are of poor quality, causing the tears to dry up too quickly and the front of the eye to become dry and irritated. As a result, dry eye can be uncomfortable and cause the eye to produce the watery type of tears. This only helps for a short time – leaving the eye uncomfortable and gritty.

Stop the Earache BETTER HEARING

condition, which can also be caused by a foreign object getting stuck in the ear.

People who suffer from skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, and those who wear hearing aids, earplugs, or buds are also at greater risk of developing swimmer’s ear.

If left untreated, it may affect your hearing, causing hearing loss. Most of the time, treatment solves any hearing issues caused; healthcare providers treat it with ear drops that eliminate the infection.

Earwax acts as a natural barrier and protects your ear canal from bacteria and fungi. Excessive removal of ear wax may cause irritation in the ear canal and lose waterproof abilities causing infections to occur readily. Your ear canal’s skin is very delicate.

Swimming ear plugs are ideal if you enjoy swimming but have grommets or are susceptible

Dry Spell OPTICAL

If your eyelids are sore and red, you may also have another condition called blepharitis. Blepharitis affects the eyelids, making them sore and inflamed. If the eyelid glands become blocked, you may have a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction; it’s common to have a combination of these.

Risk factors

Dry eye is more common in people over the age of 50. This is often because the glands that make the normal tears, and particularly the oily part of the tears, tend to become less effective as you get older. Also, the tears tend to spread across the eye less well with age.

Some general health conditions can cause dry eye as a side effect, such as autoimmune diseases and hormonal changes.

Air conditioning and central heating, screen exposure, and smoking have also been linked to causing dry eye.

to ear infections. Their ‘full shell’ design provides a consistently effective barrier against water ingress into the ear while swimming. Custom ear plugs are used for children or adults who have grommets, they stop water from getting into the middle ear space. The ear plugs stop pain and infection while swimming, bathing, or showering.

Swim Plugs require impressions of your ears to make them perfect. For further information please call or pop in to see us.

Simply-hearing.com

Symptoms

• A sandy or gritty feeling

• Sore eyes

• Uncomfortable and sometimes painful eyes

• An itching or burning sensation

• Short-term blurred vision

• Watery eyes, as if you are crying

Treatment

Most cases of dry eye tend to be a long-term condition, meaning that you’ll need ongoing treatment. There are lots of different types of drops and gels that can help your eyes feel more comfortable. The best ones don’t have preservatives in them, or if they do they contain very gentle preservatives. They may also contain an ingredient called sodium hyaluronate, known to be very effective in treating the condition. If drops aren’t working or you’re not sure which drops to use, your local optometrist can advise you and offer other treatment options.

Jamesdalyopticians.co.uk

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

In this month’s events column, expert Event Planner, Juliet Shenderey, answers some of our questions about how she helps clients to create their perfect event.

Hi Juliet! What does a typical day look like for you?

It’s varied! Being an event planner isn’t just organising events; it’s different every day. You manage the whole process from the planning stage right through to putting on the event, and even post-event. It’s not a copy and paste job, everybody’s event is bespoke.

There are plenty of planning meetings, you need to get to know what a client’s priorities and tastes are. It’s their day and it doesn’t matter if it’s an event for 50, 500, or 5,000 people.

What’s the most important skill you need? Everything is about planning, logistics, and organisation. Everything must have a contingency plan, and a contingency plan

With Community Engagement Offcer, Simon Phillips, of Leeds Jewish Housing Association

The reasons behind the formation and mission of Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) are as valid today as they were over 70 years ago. While the formation of LJHA was against the background of, for example, sub-standard housing or overcrowding, today the landscape in which we operate is much transformed. However, we feel that for over 70 years, LJHA has provided the Jewish community with affordable homes within easy access of schools, synagogues, Jewish butchers, and bakers (perhaps candlestick-makers less so today!).

Following on from the completion of Cherry Tree House and Hillside in 2023 –phase one of our Queenshill Development – our focus now is on phase two – the construction of 28 much-needed family homes for the Jewish community on the ‘Island’

for the contingency plan. When you’ve been doing this a long time, you get a sort of sixth sense in a way.

It sounds like a busy roll. How do you stay on top of everything?

I’m a great multitasker and have a great team of people who work with me. Everyone at any point should know exactly what is going on. I love the logistical part of that, the behindthe-scenes work and details that have been organised to bring an event to life. The guests wouldn’t believe what has gone on before they sit down at the table!

What’s the best part about your job? You get to work in a world where your imagination can run free, and it’s great

to know you’re turning this tiny idea into something amazing. I love getting to know the client and their style, working with them to create their perfect event, and following it through. Not many people get to work on every single aspect, but I get to see the growth and evolution of the event.

Shenderey-events.com

COMMUNITY HOUSING

Circle of (Family) Life

site. On 28th May, we held a ground-cutting ceremony, attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds, our very own Dan and Elayna Cohen, together with Ward councilors, community representatives, project partners, and LJHA Board members and residents. Councillor Cohen described the new development as “a landmark moment” which will provide “really needed affordable family homes”.

The new properties – made up of 14 two-bed and 12 three-bed homes, a two-bed apartment and a one-bed adapted ground floor apartment – are part-funded by Homes England. Thank you to those community members who contributed to our Family Homes Appeal a few years ago.

Each home will have its own separate lounge and kitchen diners, private gardens,

private parking, and future-proofed heating systems. With our last plot of developable land, we have created as many properties as viable while maintaining good-quality homes with their own private space.

In many ways, we have come full circle, having constructed the Queenshill Estate in 1962, at that time also fulfilling a need for the Jewish community. Queenshill was where it all began, but how we have spread since then with our presence felt in 13 locations around LS17!

Our new family homes will replace some of those properties built in 1962 and rejuvenate the Queenshill estate. The homes are due for completion in spring 2026.

Info@ljha.co.uk | 0113 320 7777

Ljha.co.uk/renting-a-home/apply-for-tenancy

SAM GORDON ALSO RECENTLY CELEBRATED HIS BAR MITZVAH AT ETZ CHAIM SYNAGOGUE.

LOVED ONES CELEBRATED WITH SAM AT A FESTIVAL THEMED PARTY.

SAMFEST WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!

BRODETSKY PRIMARY SCHOOL RECENTLY HELD A TALENT SHOW FOR THE STUDENTS TO SHOWCASE THEIR TALENTS.

THE ROCK BROS, LOUIE BARTFIELD, RONNY FREEMAN, AND LOUIE LEVY STOLE THE SHOW!

SONNY KATZ RECENTLY HAD HIS BAR MITZVAH AT BHH SYNAGOGUE.

PHOTO: STEEVE BOOTLE PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

REDEFINING GIVING

Nick Glynne, CEO of Buy It Direct and a member of the Si3 Investment Committee, tells us how UJIA’s Si3 – Social Impact Investing in Israel – is transforming the way of giving.

For decades, charitable donations to Israel followed a familiar model: heartfelt giving to charities with the money given as grants to worthy causes. But Si3, UJIA’s innovative investment initiative, aims to offer an alternative. It brings together philanthropy and enterprise, deploying donations as investments in social enterprises in Israel that generate both measurable financial returns and social impact.

The idea is simple – social impact businesses who require funding pitch for an interest-bearing loan and equity deals are subjected to a thorough due diligence process. The experienced members of the Si3 Investment Committee evaluate the proposal and then vote on whether to make the loan. Finally, the decision is then ratified by UJIA Trustees, and funds are dispersed ready to make a real difference to lives.

It's a rigorous process matching financial scrutiny with measurements for social good and the goal is to build a more selfsufficient, resilient Israeli society – one where support from the diaspora isn’t just charitable, but empowering. By investing in companies focused on social impact whose aim is to support neglected communities, particularly in Israel's periphery, Si3 offers donors the opportunity to do good and have their funds recycled for future projects.

A great example is She Codes, a thriving social business that trains women from disadvantaged communities to write computer code and then helps find them employment within the tech space. She Codes needs money to train students, but the beauty of the model is that it then charges the successful candidates when they find employment, in a similar manner to UK student finance. To fund this initial cash shortfall, She Codes successfully applied for an interest-bearing loan from Si3. In other investments, the initiative’s funding is used to meet a cash flow gap until the government or private companies pay out to the social enterprise.

This model aligns the values of Zionism with social responsibility and equity, while ensuring transparency and accountability. It appeals to business-minded individuals who are seeking higher levels of efficiency and social impact in their charitable giving. It is such an innovative and successful way of giving that, before the events of October 7th, it had become a key method for UJIA to engage donors and direct funds in Israel.

The brutal Hamas attacks and the war that followed changed everything and awakened a sense of emergency. The need for immediate humanitarian relief – food, shelter, trauma support, and security –

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

suddenly became paramount. Si3 was adapted to ensure support reached where it was most needed in the first few months of the war. However, soon afterwards, as civil society began to achieve a sense of routine in the new ongoing emergency, we saw how nonprofits and other social enterprises began using business models to address social needs of the day. Since the attacks, the initiative has used a specific allocated pool of funds to make emergency related loans, with two in particular relating to loans to funds that are helping keep businesses afloat.

As Israel will hopefully soon transition from war to the rebuilding of the country, Si3's approach will be more critical than ever. The initiative offers a framework not just for rebuilding infrastructure but for restoring dignity, opportunity, and sustainable resilience. UJIA is giving in the short-term to save lives, but in the long-term, it is investing in helping people flourish.

Si3 may have been born in a time of peace, but its vision of using an evergreen fund to build a thriving, inclusive, and selfreliant Israel will prove even more relevant in the aftermath of conflict.

Si3.ujia.org | contact alexa.harris@ujia.org for more information

RECIPIENTS OF A LOAN FROM THE NATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR VICTIMS OF TERROR FOLLOWING OCTOBER 7TH – SUPPORTED BY THE SI3 EMERGENCY CAMPAIGN.

A RECIPIENT OF A MICRO LOAN THROUGH SI3 INVESTMENT IN KIDEF WHICH PROVIDES NONBANK FUNDING LOANS TO ARAB/ISRAELI SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESSES.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Discover inventive ways to repurpose everyday household items, transforming them into functional and decorative pieces that promote sustainability and reduce waste.

In an era where sustainability is paramount, reimagining everyday household items can significantly reduce waste and promote eco-friendly living. By repurposing common objects, we not only conserve resources but also infuse our homes with unique, personalised touches. Here's how you can creatively reuse items around your home.

From storage to style

Glass jars are among the most versatile items in any home. Instead of discarding them, consider transforming them into charming indoor herb gardens. Simply add soil, plant your herbs, and place them on a sunny windowsill. Alternatively, fill jars with wax and a wick to create custom candles, decorating the exterior with paint or twine for a rustic look. For a practical touch, use them to organise office supplies, buttons, or spices. A quick coat of paint can make them aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

Fabric to function

Before tossing out worn-out garments, consider their potential. Cotton T-shirts make excellent reusable cleaning cloths, reducing the need for paper towels. With basic sewing skills, old shirts can be transformed into sturdy tote bags, perfect for shopping. Additionally, cut fabric into strips to create materials for craft projects. This approach not only reduces textile waste but also allows you to create personalised items that add character to your home.

Small item, big impact

Often overlooked, toilet paper rolls can be surprisingly useful. Fill them with soil to start seedlings, which can later be planted directly into the ground. Alternatively, use them to keep cables, cords, or even wrapping paper rolls neatly in place. Their

versatility makes them an excellent resource for various organisational and gardening needs.

Breathe new life into broken items

Instead of discarding broken items, consider visiting a local repair café. Our nearest one is at Meanwood Community Centre on the second Saturday of each month! These community spaces offer tools and expertise to fix everything from clothes to electronics, promoting a culture of repair over replacement. Engaging in such initiatives not only extends the life of your belongings but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility towards sustainability.

Trash to treasure

Tin cans can be cleaned, decorated, and used as planters for herbs or flowers. Wine bottles, once emptied, can be transformed into elegant vases with a bit of paint or decoration. These upcycling projects not only reduce waste but also add a creative flair to your home decor.

Save single socks

Lost socks don't have to be discarded. Fill them with rice, sew them shut, and use them as reusable heating pads. Alternatively, tie them into knots for a simple dog toy. These inventive solutions make use of items that would otherwise contribute to landfill waste.

Reusing household items is a simple yet effective way to contribute to a sustainable future. By thinking creatively and embracing a mindset of repurposing, we can reduce waste, save money, and add a personal touch to our homes. Remember, the key is to see potential in what others might overlook.

NEWS IN BRIEF

LJRC’s Annual Meeting

Leeds Jewish Representative Council (LJRC) recently held its AGM which was honest, energising, and full of food for thought.

Chaired by President, Laurence Saffer, it heard from CEO Susie Gordon, who gave a powerful 400-second summary of where the LJRC is now – and where it needs to be by 2030.

She didn’t shy away from the big issues: the impact of October 7th, rising antisemitism, growing welfare needs, and the hard truth that our community can’t do everything without more support and focus: “We need to be bold enough to ask: what really matters? And are we putting our resources where they’ll make the biggest difference?”

Simon Myerson KC spoke with clarity and conviction about advocacy: “The most important work is often the work we can’t talk about – but it is vital.”

The AGM discussed leadership, education, funding, inclusion, and the reality that good enough isn’t good enough anymore. LJRC thanks everyone who came, asked questions, and offered support. And thank you to everyone who helps build a community we can all be proud of.

If you want to get involved, email info@ljrc.org or visit Ljrc.org

Migdal Ohr Raises £1m

Migdal Ohr, one of Israel’s largest nonprofits, raised more than £1 million in 36 hours towards the building of emergency dormitories and bomb shelters at Zoharim Youth Village in Israel.

The organisation is the country’s largest welfare non-profit educational network, providing services and programmes for disadvantaged and orphaned Jewish children across Israel.

Launched in response to the growing humanitarian crisis, the fundraising campaign was supported by donors, volunteers, and community champions across the world. The new facilities aim to provide safe, secure housing and serve as life-saving shelters intimes of conflict.

Amit Fraser, Chief Executive of Migdal Ohr Europe, said: “Bringing together our communities showcases our strength as one big family, caring for each other in times of need. This campaign is a testament to the deep compassion and unity that define the global Jewish community.”

CAA Fundraising

Leeds-based Claire Baskind is raising money for Campaign Against Antisemitism by using her artistic talents.

Claire is designing key rings with the yellow ribbon calling for hostages to be freed, as well as some with a Yad symbol. There are also acrylic bookmarks with the same prints available. Each item is £3.50, and all profits go to the charity, with over £700 raised so far!

Get yours by emailing claire@baskindfamily.co.uk

Successful Kilimanjaro Climb

In July, Adam Baxter successfully took on the monumental challenge of climbing over 19,000 ft. up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Adam, who is a school governor at Brodetsky Primary School, took on the challenge with his friends, Darrell and Nigel, to raise much-needed funds for the school and The Zone.

Both the school and the Zone aim to foster and develop resilience with their children, and Adam hopes that the resilience that he needed to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro may help to inspire the children they work with.

You can still donate at Goodhub.com/go/Kilimanjaro

HET Wins Big

The Holocaust Educational Trust (HET) was awarded the top prize in the education and training category at this year’s Charity Awards.

HET was recognised for its free digital educational programme, Testimony 360: People and Places of the Holocaust, that combines eyewitness testimony from Holocaust survivors with virtual reality. Testimony 360 aims to change the way that the Holocaust is taught about in schools, allowing students to have a conversation with a Holocaust survivor, long after survivors themselves are no longer with us. By using virtual reality, they will explore historical sites associated with the Holocaust –all without leaving the classroom.

It has taken filmed testimonies of survivors and turned them into a digital interactive programme powered by an Al search engine. Pupils can ask a question, and the Al selects the correct response from the recorded survivor testimony, creating an authentic and immersive conversational experience.

Child Friendly Summer Guide

Child Friendly Leeds has released its 2025 child friendly summer guide, giving you free and low-cost ideas of things to do across the city this summer holidays.

Covering everything from cinema screenings at Hyde Park Picture House to the North Leeds Music Summer Club – and everything in between – there’s plenty on offer throughout the city for those looking to keep little ones entertained.

Find the full guide at Wearechildfriendlyleeds.com

JWA Launches Training

Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) has launched a new CPD-accredited training programme for senior youth movement leaders and professional staff, equipping them with the tools to foster a culture of consent, healthy relationships, and safeguarding ahead of summer camps this summer.

This half-day programme takes a preventative approach, supporting senior leaders in youth movements to reflect on their culture, policies, and practices. It helps them identify how to prevent harmful behaviours on camp and promote healthy relationships and consent, building on what is already working and exploring areas for development.

Programme Co-Author and JWA’s Director of Outreach and Prevention, said: “While we’ve been delivering pre-camp training for madrichim for many years, this reflective approach gives senior leaders the time and tools to look closely at their movement’s culture and make meaningful change. Already, some movements have told us they’ve made practical changes as a result. This training empowers senior leaders to take action and embed a culture of consent across their programmes, while giving youth leaders the tools to support young people.”

FlyingHigh!

The first phase of Leeds Bradford Airport’s new £100 million terminal transformation is complete, and with more routes then ever, there are lots of reasons why North Leeds holiday goers should be travelling from LBA.

The first phase of Leeds Bradford Airport’s new terminal expansion is now complete and ready to greet Yorkshire travellers with its transformed departures area featuring more comfortable seating, a greater variety of retail and food and drink outlets, and two new premium lounges. Improvements have been made to baggage reclaim areas and passport control to streamline the arrivals process and create a smoother, hassle-free experience for travellers. The overall upgrade in terms of passenger experience, comfort, security, and services emphasise LBA’s status as a vital transport hub for Yorkshire and a key factor for regional economic growth.

To further enhance the pre-flight experience, passengers can now enjoy access to two premium lounges, including the brand-new Six Eight One Premium Lounge. Designed with comfort and style in mind, the Six Eight One Lounge offers a relaxing space to unwind before departure, complete with seasonal menus featuring freshly prepared, locally sourced produce.

The new terminal expansion has been developed in line with LBA’s commitment to sustainability and achievement of its net zero goals. All lights in the airport have already been replaced with LEDs and 100% of its electricity comes from renewable energy sources.

“We are delighted to see our new terminal extension open and operational,” said Leeds Bradford Airport CEO, Vincent Hodder. “It has been an incredible journey to get here, and we know our customers are going to get a completely new experience from LBA from today. It’s an exciting time for us too; for our employees, stakeholders, and business partners, the opening of this building is a huge achievement for all involved.”

By the time the LBA:REGEN project completes at the end of 2026, LBA will have:

• 38% more floorspace

• 76% more retail space

• 83% more seating

• 77% increase in luggage reclaim belt capacity

• 50% more security lanes

The airport has also expanded its flight options for 2025, with new routes and increased frequencies. easyJet has new routes to Geneva, Malaga, and Palma, and a new route to Marrakech will be operated by Jet2 as part of over 50 destinations. Ryanair is also increasing to 24 routes.

The £100 million project will continue with phase two, concentrating on improving the airport’s existing facilities. During this time, there may be disruptions to usual passenger flows, particularly for travellers heading to departures. Check the website to keep up to date with the latest developments.

Leedsbradfordairport.co.uk

With Raffaele Saccoccio from ES Motors Moortown

Choosing your first car can be an exciting, as well as daunting, experience. There are so many cheap first cars to choose from that it can be overwhelming finding the right one. It’s not just the purchase cost you have to consider – you also need to factor in the following costs…

• Car insurance

• Breakdown cover

• Running costs

• MOTs

• Road tax

• Repair costs

• Parking permits

• Fees if you live in or drive through an ULEZ

Many of the best first cars for new drivers will be second-hand. It could also be the case that a

First Car MOTORING

new driver will use a car that’s been passed onto them. With used cars, it’s still important to look at how much the insurance will cost. Here are some of the cheapest second-hand cars to insure for new drivers.

Ford Ka

If your budget won’t stretch to a new Ford Ka+, you can pick up a previous generation model for less than £5,000 on the second-hand market, with most in insurance group two or three.

Volkswagen Polo

The 1.2-litre VW Polo from 2002 onwards is in insurance group three – you can get a 2012 model for under £3,000.

SEAT MII, VW UP, Skoda Citigo

This is in the lowest insurance group and it’s affordable to buy. It’s a reliable, strong, and safe car that’s easy to drive – one of my favourites.

A Faster Way FAMILY LAW

that’s changing the way financial disputes are handled.

The Express Financial Remedy Procedure is being piloted in courts across Yorkshire, including Leeds, Harrogate, and York. It’s designed to make financial settlements quicker, simpler, and more affordable for separating couples.

Should I choose a petrol, diesel, or electric first car?

You may be better going for a petrol car over a diesel. As a new driver, chances are you’re going to be looking at a smaller car, of which there are fewer diesel models available – especially as the diesel car becomes less fashionable.

Diesel cars are more economical, but you will need to be travelling long distances for the savings to kick in. Some petrol engines have the option of a stop-start, which can take some getting used to, but will offer some fuel savings.

Electric cars have cheaper fuel costs – but still suffer from limited range compared with more traditionally fuelled vehicles. They also take longer to fill up and there are fewer public charge points to use during a long journey, or while away from home. They tend to cost more to buy and insure – although over the longer term you can make savings.

Esgarageleeds.co.uk

If you thought talking about money was tough during marriage, try doing it with your ex! When you’re going through a divorce, dividing finances can be one of the most stressful, and expensive elements. But now, there’s a new court pilot scheme

This streamlined system is available to parties with assets under £250,000 (excluding pensions) and aims – with a court lead process – to resolve financial disputes within just six months. It’s a significant improvement on the current system for those who cannot agree and end up in a lengthy and costly financial dispute.

For many, this could be a game-changer. If the disagreement is mainly about how to split the assets, rather than what they are worth, this new route offers a clear and structured path to resolution without the emotional and financial toll of drawn-out litigation.

Previously, separated parties may have felt pressured into accepting unfair agreements simply because they couldn’t afford litigation.

The Express Financial Remedy Procedure isn’t a solution that’s right for everyone, particularly those with more complicated assets, and most will still need the intervention of divorce solicitors who are experts in financial matters to guide them through. For parties with assets over the £250k threshold, legal advice is crucial before finalising a financial settlement.

At Winston Solicitors, we understand how overwhelming divorce and financial separation can be. Our knowledgeable and experienced Family Law Team are here to guide you through your options, including whether the express procedure could work for you.

Winstonsolicitors.co.uk

With Teresa Davidson and Harriet Reid, Family Solicitors at Winston Solicitors.

On Yer Bike!

Revolutionise your commute, improve your health, and do your bit for the environment.

With the expansion of cycle to work schemes, a growing number of cycle paths along main roads, and the significant positive changes cycling can make to one’s physical and mental health, not to mention the environmental benefits, these days there are fewer and fewer reasons not to get on your bike.

Cycle to Work Day recently took place on 3rd July and it is the UK’s biggest cycling commute event. Launched by Cyclescheme in 2013, the day is a celebration of how a pedal-powered overhaul of your daily commute can be transformative both in terms of personal wellbeing and in the look and feel of our urban environments.

The introduction of more cycle paths often goes hand in hand with increased pedestrianisation of city centres, improving air quality, and making the roads safer. One thing that may put people off taking up cycling is the idea that investing in a bike and the required accessories will be prohibitively expensive. While, of course, it’s possible to spend a fortune on cycling equipment and gear, there are now many options to get you pedalling affordably.

Initiatives like Bike2Work and Cyclescheme help new riders save up to 47% on new bikes. This is achieved through a ‘salary sacrifice’ whereby, through an agreement with one’s employer, the money paid for the hire of a bike (which the rider will eventually own) comes out of their salary, reducing the amount of taxable income and therefore leading to a tax saving.

The mend-and-make-do sustainability mindset can be seen in the work of organisations and co-operatives like Leeds Bike Mill which breathes new life into discarded or donated bikes and even offers workshops and courses on bike maintenance

for those who wish to become fully selfsufficient cyclists.

For those on means tested benefits who would like to cycle more, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority can provide free bikes to people who attend three or more adult cycle training sessions.

Perhaps the issue of storage space deters some from embracing the two-wheeled way. Well, fortunately, personal bike ownership is no longer essential. By now you’ll surely have noticed an increased numbers of Beryl bike bays cropping up around the city. These pedal and electric bikes are fantastically easy and convenient to use. Simply download the Beryl app, then open it to find your nearest bike, use the app to unlock, and you’re away! There are Beryl bike bays all over North Leeds; on Harrogate Road in Moortown (opposite the North Leeds Medical Centre), on Lidgett Place in Roundhay, the corner of Roundhay Road and Gledhow Lane in Oakwood, and right in the centre of Chapel Allerton by the Starbucks on Harrogate Road to name but a few.

For those who are curious about electric bikes and would like to know more, Talio Bikes in Buslingthorpe Green industrial estate offer bike sales and rental and are happy to help with enquires.

So, if you’d like to do away with your workday being bookended by frustrated seething in rush-hour traffic then options abound! As well as helping you stay in shape and being kinder to the environment, cycling to work can remove high fuel prices from your cost-of-living woes.

For more information on how to start living your best bike-life, check out Beryl.cc, Cyclescheme.co.uk, Bike2workscheme.co.uk, Talioelectricbikes.com

Explore the rich histories and enduring charm of some of the city’s most beloved independent cinemas in the run up to National Cinema Day on 7th September.

Local cinemas have shaped our communities and cultural life throughout the years, serving as gathering places for film lovers. Independent cinemas offer more than just films; they preserve a legacy of storytelling, resilience, and community spirit, and Leeds is so lucky to have a great selection.

Cottage Road Cinema

Leeds’ oldest cinema, Cottage Road has been continuously showing films since 1912. Originally known at Headingley Picture House, it wasn’t purpose built, but an adaptation of a building dating back to 1905 when it began life as a motor garage and motorcycle assembly shop.

In the 1900s, Owen Brooks took over the garage. Brooks was a pioneering film cameraman, having made short news films for showing at the Tivoli Theatre. In 1912, Brooks was joined in partnership with Reginald Smith and the pair converted the building into the Headingley Picture House. Frank Thompson (of Golden Acre Park fame) bought the Headingley Picture House in 1937, but after a year sold out to Associated Tower Cinemas, who changed the name to Cottage Road.

In 2005, staff were issued with redundancy notices and Cottage Road almost had to close for good until a successful last-minute deal which resulted in the cinema becoming part of the Northern Morris Group

Since becoming part of the Northern Morris Group the cinema has introduced a special classic film night every six weeks. Classics at the Cottage has become a tradition where patrons can watch the classics in a fitting environment. Today, it’s the competitive prices and rich history that keeps the traditional cinema experience alive for keen film fanatics.

Cottageroad.co.uk

Hyde Park Picture House

After originally opening as a private club, Hyde Park Picture House (HPPH) became a cinema in 1914. The opening programme largely consisted of patriotic silent black and white films to boost morale during the war, and newsreels to keep people informed.

In 1958, the cinema closed due to rising interest in TV and larger city centre cinemas but reopened after two months. Management efforts to save the cinema included a publicity stunt in 1959, where an elephant paraded outside the cinema to advertise The Big Hunt!

Today’s refurbished lottery funded venue contains reminders of other cinemas which didn’t survive, including an Art Deco clock which came from the Gaumont cinema (now the O2 Academy) and the two Cinemeccanica 35mm projectors were from The Lounge in Headingley after it closed in 2005.

When HPPH was at risk of closure in the 1980s, supporters of the cinema formed the charity Friends of Hyde Park Picture House, an organisation that is still going strong today.

The cinema continues to evolve its programme and building while protecting its heritage features, to secure a long history for (hopefully) at least another century to come!

Hpph.co.uk

Oakwood Cinema

A community run initiative run by volunteers, Oakwood Cinema aims to provide locals with quality independent cinema. Set up in 2015, the initiative brings a much needed, regular community event for the residents of Oakwood and Roundhay.

Don’t be fooled though, it’s not just a small media projector on a tiny screen. One of things Oakwood Cinema decided right from the beginning is that it should be a real cinema, bringing the best of the cinema

experience, new and old. It has a big screen, big projection, and big sound, just like an independent cinema should.

It’s even brought back features that the cinemas used to have; there’s an intermission in the middle of the showing so people can have a break and socialise, and sometimes it will get a special guest to talk about the film at the beginning.

There’s a mix of films to cater for all movie buffs, showing a mix of new films, hidden gems, and classics. The closest cinema to where it all began as the first piece of film ever shot was in Oakwood Grange, Oakwood Cinema is a fitting tribute to the area’s oftenoverlooked place in film history.

Oakwoodcinema.org

Ilkley Cinema

Thinking about taking a trip to Ilkley after reading our feature on page 16? The cinema is a must-see! The venue first opened in 2015 as the smallest 4K Digital cinema in Europe, with just 56 seats. Due to its success, it was able to open a second screen in 2018.

Directors and Co-Founders, John Tate and John Hewitt, had no previous experience of working in the film industry but successfully introduced the first permanent commercial cinema to the town for over 40 years.

Not only does it showcase the best in blockbuster and indie films, it also offers a Baby Club where parents can enjoy films in a more relaxed environment with lower lighting and softer sound, and Silver Screenings – a programme designed for senior citizens which provides a comfortable, affordable, and social event for older people to enjoy films. When the weather allows, the cinema also hosts Outdoor Cinema screenings, allowing guests to enjoy films in an open-air environment.

Ilkleycinema.co.uk

Man Alive!

For Urology Awareness

Month, we look at some helpful tips to reduce risks.

Men’s health can be a complicated issue and a tricky one to talk about. In the past, the constricting aspects of traditional masculinity have meant that men are less likely than women to consult a doctor or seek advice when encountering worrying health signs, choosing instead to ignore symptoms or ‘tough it out’ for fear of social stigma.

Campaigns such as Urology Awareness Month seek to change this damaging trend. Every September, healthcare professionals in the urology community highlight urology issues men may encounter, from cancers to less serious conditions, to promote fact-based knowledge and encourage open communication.

Throughout September, organisations like The Urology Foundation will be

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

If you’re planning a holiday, whether here in the UK or abroad, our pharmacists at Pharmacy+Health in North Leeds can help make sure you are well-prepared. Our Travel Health Service offers expert travel health advice, essential vaccinations, medication services, and important supplies.

Travelling anywhere can provide lots of exciting opportunities but can also expose individuals to health risks. As we explore new destinations, our bodies are exposed to new environments, toxins, and diseases, so it’s vital we take preventative measures to ensure our health and wellbeing.

Our trained healthcare professionals at Pharmacy+Health can help you understand how to reduce the risk of becoming ill while travelling.

sharing resources, holding webinars, hosting health and wellbeing sessions, and running fundraising events as well as connecting patients and their families to medical experts.

The aim is to raise awareness of urology disease risks men face, such as bladder, kidney, prostate, penile, and testicular cancers and other conditions like incontinence, erectile dysfunction, kidney stones, and Urinary Tract Infections.

If you or any of the men in your life have health concerns in this area, help is at hand. Get involved with some of the events occurring through Urology Awareness Month and help men everywhere get talking about such issues without embarrassment and taking their personal health seriously.

Maintaining good general health is important, and to manage the risks of urology diseases there are some simple changes we can make.

• Stay hydrated – regularly flushing out toxins helps reduce the risk of kidney stones. Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake – excessive consumption can put pressure on the bladder and kidneys.

• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet –fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help support healthy bladder and kidney function.

• Keep up an active lifestyle – Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing pressure on organs and lowering the risk of incontinence.

• Get regular screenings – Periodically seeing a urologist can be vital in detecting early signs of urological conditions and cancers.

For more information visit: Theurologyfoundation.org

Travel Safe HEALTH MATTERS

They can inform you of which vaccinations and medications you may want to consider taking depending on:

• The countries and regions you’ll be visiting.

• Different activities you’ll be doing.

• The type of accommodation you’ll be staying in.

• Your age and general health.

They can also discuss general advise for travelling and direct you to useful websites such as NaTHNac Travelhealthpro.org.uk and Gov.uk travel guidance.

It’s important to remember that even after having the recommended treatments and vaccinations you should still get into the habit of:

• Following good food and water hygiene.

• Practising insect bite prevention techniques.

• Using appropriate sun protection.

• Carrying a simple first aid kit.

• Taking care of your personal safety.

It’s also important to plan ahead and book your travel health appointment at one of our pharmacies six to eight weeks before your departure as some travel vaccinations may be needed several weeks before departure. Some vaccinations require multiple doses, so it’s important to book with us beforehand. If you’re short on time before your travels, please reach out as we might still be able to help with getting you the treatment you need when you need it.

Your health should be non-negotiable when going on holiday which is why it is so important to equip yourself with the knowledge and protection necessary for a seamless travel experience. Visit our website to book a free consultation appointment.

Pharmacyplushealth.co.uk

SCALING UP

Serial entrepreneur and CEO of Electron Green, Daniel Green, was the main speaker at June’s UKIB breakfast at the MAZ Community Centre.

A packed June’s UKIB meeting was kicked off by a welcome from Gordon Bateman, Founder of ClimbUK, ahead of the Climb25 business festival held in Leeds at the beginning of July: “We bring people from all over the world to Yorkshire to showcase this amazing region, encourage businesses to move here, and bring some money out of London!

“It’s also about bringing together amazing people. As an investor, I was frustrated that a lot of business is people that look like me – white men in their 50s who are just doing the same thing within their own networks – so I started talking to business owners from different backgrounds, whether that be gender, ethnicity, location, or socioeconomic status, they weren’t getting access to these opportunities. Creating ClimbUK and holding a festival with such a diverse scope of attendees means that people from all walks of life are pulled together to make exciting things happen.”

It was then time for Marshall Frieze to introduce Leeds born entrepreneur Daniel Green, who – much like his sister and speaker at December’s UKIB breakfast, Karen Harris – attributes a lot of his work ethic and attitude to life to his parents: “My father is an only son and a very confident person who has never really been driven by money. My mother was originally born in Egypt and then went to Israel; her family were poor, so she has always worked her fingers to the bone and known the importance of work. The combination of a super strong personality and another that was

always driven to work was super helpful for me and my siblings; we had loads of responsibility before most kids our age.”

Early in his career, Daniel conceived and built two breakthrough retail concepts. First

was the Brand Centre – a departmental store offering designer clothing sold at a discount: “What I learned from this business is that it’s often not who you are or who you know, it’s who people think you are. We rented a flat to use an office in Regents Park in London and invited brands to us to gradually build up our reputation, it was a very long and slow process! “We probably over expanded to the point

where I had no choice but to sell the business. It was Michael Ziff who introduced me to Moss Bros who we ended up selling to and part of the deal was that I was going to be on their board, which was very interesting!”

Daniel’s second business from the early days of his career was YouMeTV, a retail business which advised on TV, phone, and internet packages: “Carphone Warehouse had just floated for £1 billion, so I had the idea to create a Carphone Warehouse for the home. This was an interesting business for me because it was the first time I had external investment. After scaling this up, I sold to Sky and worked with Sky, eventually becoming CEO of Sky Retail. Being at Sky was honestly like going to university for me, it was an incredible experience.”

In 2010, Daniel founded HomeSun, a first of its kind free solar business which sold to Aviva in 2012 as the largest solar portfolio in Europe: “I didn’t know anything about nuclear power stations or wind farms but what I did know about was retail. I met a guy who told me about feed in tariffs – an incentive for residential solar – so we built HomeSun and in 18 months, we had 7,000 installations. Every day at HomeSun was like a year in any other business – it was absolutely bonkers!”

Not only is Daniel a successful businessman, but he also spent time advising the government as the Crown Representative for the Cabinet Office, supporting both Theresa May and Boris Johnson: “The government tried to switch off the feed in tariffs, so HomeSun took them to the High Court. They appealed against it, but we won in the appeal court and then again when it was taken to the Supreme Court – it was over in three months, making it one of the fastest legal battles in British history! It was after this that I was keen to get involved with the government and get some connections and I ended up advising them for nine years.”

As the conversation drew to a close, Daniel reflected: “One of the most important things to me is about making a difference, it’s all well and good becoming a billionaire but in the end, who cares? Thank goodness I’ve been fortunate enough to make a difference by working with and donating to help different charities.”

UKIB PARTNERS WITH GORDON BATEMAN AND DANIEL.

DANIEL GREEN AND MARSHALL FRIEZE IN CONVERSATION.

ALL PHOTOS: DAVID COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

BUSINESS NEWS

Celebrating Hope

In July, Leeds-based suicide prevention organisation, HelloHope, brought together some of the UK’s leading mental health advocates and business leaders for a powerful and uplifting event at Nexus, University of Leeds.

The event spotlighted stories of survival, resilience, and action, featuring talks from lived experience suicide survivors and interveners. Among the headliner speakers were Jonny Benjamin MBE – an award-winning mental health campaigner and a suicide survivor whose viral ‘Find Mike’ campaign has inspired millions worldwide.

Joining Jonny was Neil Laybourn, a globally respected mental health advocate whose life changed forever on Waterloo Bridge in 2008, when Neil intervened to support Jonny against suicide. Since being reunited in 2014, the duo co-founded Beyond charity and have been instrumental in leading mental health campaigns and organisations, featuring on vast media platforms including Good Morning Britain and a Channel 4 Documentary.

HelloHope also launched a world-first suicide prevention platform at the event, as well as featuring a tabletop expo, networking, entertainment, music, food, and drink – all rooted in the belief that hope and suicide prevention is both powerful and possible.

Community Foundation Unlocks £2 Million

Leeds Community Foundation (LCF) announced a new step in its mission to support the city’s most vital community organisations, with the launch of several new funding rounds through its flagship scheme, The Leeds Fund.

The Leeds Fund, launched in 2016, delivers flexible support to groups tackling urgent and long-term challenges such as mental health, loneliness, employability, and organisational resilience. It has provided more than £2.8 million in funding through over 350 grants, benefitting more than 23,000 people.

Community investment grants will be made possible by the release of endowment capital from Jimbo’s Fund, established in 2008 by the late Leeds businessman and philanthropist, Jimi Heselden.

Thanks to the continued partnership with the Heselden family, LCF will release £2 million from Jimbo’s Fund to fund microgrants, multi-year core cost and project grants, and collective impact grants for the city. These new rounds represent not only a financial boost but a strategic shift in how the foundation adapts to the growing need on the ground.

The newly launched grants under The Leeds Fund are open to a range of groups and projects across the city, prioritising those addressing inequality, improving wellbeing, and creating opportunities for people who might otherwise be left behind.

Robot Chef Pioneers Join Forces

SavorEat, an Israeli pioneer at the intersection of AI, robotics, and food, has announced a collaboration with The Moseley Group (TMG).

This partnership supports the American launch of Robot Chef 2.0, SavorEat’s advanced AI-powered robotic cooking platform designed for commercial kitchens and non-traditional foodservice environments such as convenience stores and travel hubs.

CEO of SavorEat, Rachel Vizman, said: “This is more than a strategic move – it’s a shared belief in the power of robotics and AI to redefine foodservice. With TMG, we are not just building a go-to-market plan, we’re assembling a team of visionaries committed to shaping the future. Robot Chef 2.0 represents a new category of intelligent kitchen technologies, and this collaboration accelerates our path to market in America.”

Harry Milloff, CEO of TMG, said: “We believe that automation will play a paramount role in the future of the food industry. SavorEat’s technology delivers an elegant solution to a complex set of problems that our industry faces today – rising costs and declining quality and consistency – their team has an impressive vision, and the talent to execute it.”

AI Adoption Accelerates

Israeli High-Tech Rebounds

Despite the current situation in Israel, the first half of 2025 marked the strongest period for private investment in Israeli high-tech in three years, according to a new report by Start-Up Nation Central (SNC) – a nonprofit that supports Israel’s tech sector and connects local startups with global investors.

The data, drawn from SNC’s Finder business intelligence platform, showed Israeli tech firms raised $9.3 billion in private funding during the first six months of the year – a 54% increase from the second half of 2024.

The leading sector in investment volume was enterprise software, which brought in $3.19 billion across 71 deals. It was followed by cybersecurity with $1.98 billion (56 deals) and fintech with $750 million (29 deals).

Yorkshire Records Rise

It’s recently been announced that Yorkshire and the Humber secured more than 50 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in 2024, and Leeds was ranked the UK’s fifth best-performing city outside of London.

The region secured 25 FDI projects in 2024, representing a significant 53% year-onyear uptick from a total of 34 in 2023. As well as the increase in overall projects, employment created by FDI projects in Yorkshire and the Humber stood at 4,247 jobs in 2024, more than double the 2023 total (1,993).

Tim West, Leeds Office Managing Partner at EY, said: “Yorkshire and the Humber bucked the UK trend in 2024. The region’s strong performance was underpinned by its manufacturing prowess, which continues to shine brightly despite the impact of a range of economic headwinds.

“Our survey highlights that access to a skilled workforce, the availability of partners and suppliers, and the strength of local transport infrastructure are key criteria for global investors when considering locations outside of London. This should be encouraging for our region’s prospects, given its dynamic range of vibrant companies and its talented workforce.”

Government Acquisitions Inc. (GAI), a leading federal IT solutions provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Herzliya-based Dataloop, a cutting-edge provider of an enterprise-grade, full AI cycle platform that enable teams to easily orchestrate their entire AI development pipelines.

Through this partnership, GAI will offer Dataloop’s platform to its government customers, helping agencies to automate the preparation of unstructured, multimodal data, transforming it into structured, AI-ready datasets. This approach streamlines AI development, accelerating the journey from raw data to production-ready models through no-code workflows and an intuitive drag-and-drop simplicity.

Avi Yashar, CEO and Co-Founder at Dataloop, said: “We’re honoured to partner with GAI, a trusted name in public sector IT. This collaboration represents a powerful opportunity to help government agencies harness data-driven intelligence while ensuring compliance, transparency, and mission alignment.”

TOGETHER BETTER

July’s guest speakers Manoj Joshi MBE DL and Richard Stroud MBE weave together history, tradition, integrity, and business success with philanthropy and lifelong commitment to doing good work.

The July UK Israel Business meeting welcomed guest speakers retired pharmacist and well-known philanthropist Manoj Joshi MBE DL and Richard Stroud MBE, Vice Chairman of the Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation, who both have a dedication to interfaith and charity work.

The latest UK Israel breakfast at the MAZ Community Centre began with a few opening remarks from UK Israel Business chairman Colin Glass OBE, who introduced Shira Goldblum of UK Israel Business London.

Shira spoke briefly about her prior experience as a lawyer and her work on political conflict resolution in the Middle East before becoming involved with tech start-ups in Tel Aviv. She mentioned how UK Israel Business could play an important role in building bridges between London and the North as well as with Israel, particularly in growth areas such as health tech.

Senior Trade Officer, Economic & Trade Mission to the UK Embassy of Israel, Nick Davies, briefly outlined the mission of the UK Israel trade alliance, before breakfast sponsor, Mark Harris of Andel, movingly recalled his friendship and business relationship with guest speaker Richard Stroud MBE and his brother Neil. He also highlighted the importance of community and cross-cultural ties, particularly in turbulent times.

The main event was chaired by Jonny Ross in conversation with guest speakers and friends, Manoj Joshi MBE and Richard Stroud MBE. Jonny opened the talk by asking how the long-standing friendship between the two guests came about.

Manoj explained how he came to the UK in 1972 as a refugee from Uganda, settling in Bradford in 1981 and falling in love with the place. He spoke of his good fortune meeting

Richard’s father and grandfather through Rotary Club connections, and how impressed he was by Richard’s family history, particularly how his great grandfather, Joseph Strauss emigrated from Germany and founded the synagogue in Bradford.

Richard remarked that the synagogue remains while the textile industry that once thrived in Bradford has dwindled. He added that his relationship with Manoj began over twenty years ago when the city of Bradford was beset with social and racial turmoil and, as such, was being neglected by the business community.

When asked how his connection to the Jewish community went beyond business and the legacy of his great grandfather, extending into activism and charity, Richard explained that family values and his upbringing always emphasised helping others and so such altruistic work came quite naturally. He and Manoj began attending events which brought together different communities, fostering cross-cultural collaboration. Events such as

curry festivals which, Richard said, underlined what these various diverse groups all held to be highly important: family values and food.

Reflecting on his Indian heritage and how many Jewish people have sought refuge in India, Manoj pointed out how migration is a constant recurring theme in his personal and professional life: “Migration is a common thing,” he said, “which means we have to adapt and live in peace and harmony. I always say we either coexist, or we don’t exist.”

When asked how they’ve managed to tap into faith and culture to enhance their business success, both guests offered insightful reflections.

“I’m not religious,” said Richard, “but I have a faith, having been born Jewish that’s part of my life and part of my culture. But as Manoj said and Mark said earlier, doing good, doing the right thing, and having values is what it’s all about.”

“I’m Hindu by birth,” said Manoj. “Like Richard, I’m not devout but the values live with me. Hinduism is a way of life and one of the tenets is non-violence, do no harm to others – not just physical but also mental, and financial. Another is that the world is one big family, if we live as family; united, and purposefully, then we live harmoniously.”

Taking questions from the audience, the two guests shared their views on the mixed fortunes of Bradford and how it still struggles to fulfil its potential, while remaining optimistic about its future.

Concluding the talk, Richard hoped that those assembled would take away the spirit of openness, honesty, and connection that he feels has been so beneficial in his life and work, while Manoj stressed the importance of humility and perseverance and how we can all continue to build on our strengths.

As Jonny said to wrap up: “From Uganda to Little Germany, from pharmacy to public service, from Leeds United to Lord Mayor appeals, these aren’t just businesspeople, they’re bridge builders, mentors, peacemakers, entrepreneurs, and reformers.”

RICHARD STROUD MBE WITH MANOJ JOSHI MBE DL.

CAPTION: CHAIRMAN COLIN GLASS WELCOMES UK ISRAEL GUEST SPEAKERS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS.

in conjunction with

BEST IN BUSINESS

UKIB continues to work with its 2025 partners, this month we focus on five more.

Andel

Founded in 1992 by Mark Harris, Andel has steadily grown to become one of the global market leaders in the design, development, and application of specialist leak detection, water sustainability, flood defence, and environmental protection systems.

Andel has an impressive customer base which includes the Houses of Parliament, The Pentagon, Hong Kong International Airport, and Google. The business is headquartered in the UK with offices in the Netherlands and Romania. It has a developed strong ESG agenda and is committed to a sustainable future and an ethical business approach.

Andel.co.uk

Leon & Co Chartered Accountants

The most important thing to Leon & Company is its relationships with clients who say that the team are approachable, enthusiastic, professional (of course!), and above all, very friendly. The team is passionate about providing a first-class service to business owners, entrepreneurs, landlords, and private-tax clients. They’re happy to deal with businesses of any size… 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 to clients, including helping them comply with the minefield of HMRC and accounts requirements while always striving to keep tax liabilities as low as possible. Services include accounts, VAT returns, corporation tax, payroll to personal tax, tax-planning, and investment property tax (i.e. buy-to-let properties).

Leonandcompany.co.uk

World Mobile

Introduced by Ian Barnett, World Mobile creates a world where everyone, everywhere is connected. World Mobile is the first mobile network built on blockchain and the sharing economy. Together let’s connect the world!

Worldmobile.io

Yorkshire Asian Business Association

With a vibrant membership of more than 4,500 and backing from over 100 corporate partners, Yorkshire Asian Business Association (YABA) has carved a unique space for dialogue and collaboration between ethnic minority and non-ethnic minority communities.

Founded by Sharon Jandu OBE, whose leadership is anchored in decades of experience across the private and third sectors, the organisation continues to champion entrepreneurship, cultural cohesion, and cross-border trade.

At the helm of YABA’s strategic projects is Project Manager, Satvir Kaur Meen, whose meticulous approach to planning and stakeholder engagement ensures that every initiative from digital transformation proposals to high-impact networking events delivers meaningful outcomes across Yorkshire and beyond.

Yabauk.com

TheBusinessDesk.com

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

The enigmatic Mr Bragshaw has artistic treats in store in new Chapel Allerton gallery.

Mr Bragshaw’s Gallery

For the past few months, Chapel Allerton residents and passersby may have been perplexed by an abandoned storefront promising various re-opening possibilities including, but not limited to, such absurdities as Indoor Car Wash, Healthy Vape Store, Yet Another Nail Bar, and most recently, The Knock-In Shop (for all your door hardware). This last piece of prospective signage was accompanied by the text of a Facebook post by a Chapel Allerton local apparently up in arms about its inappropriateness.

If this all sounds like something of a cheeky, ironic art-provocation, well, meet Mr Bragshaw! The mysterious character behind a new art gallery is based on an old schoolteacher who told gallery creator, Ben Jacobs: “You can’t, you shouldn’t, you won’t!” Jacobs’ response? “We did!”

Inhabiting the zone of alternative, irreverent creativity, Mr. Bragshaw’s gallery will feature works from artists such as Banksy, Mr Brainwash, Damian Hirst, Mr Doodle, David Shrigley, and many others, including exciting local artists given the opportunity to showcase their work.

The aim is to create an art space which offers something different to conventional stuffy and selfserious galleries, creating an inviting and intriguing environment wherein the eccentric, unpredictable Mr Bragshaw hopelessly tries to wrangle his neon pink gorilla.

Expect spray painted apes hanging from the ceiling, a huge statue of a sunglasses-sporting hound, organised chaos, orchestrated madness, frequent art pranks, and cheeky wind-ups. It’s going to be fun!

Mrbragshaws.co.uk

TWO MONTHS IN

Leeds’ Lord Mayor, Councillor Dan Cohen, reflects on his first two months in the role and discusses future plans.

Welcome to the summeriest of all the JLife editions and as I write this, I am still hopeful that we have plenty more sun on the way.

Elayna and I are now two months into our roles of Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress and what a whirlwind it has been. We have travelled the length and breadth of the city attending family fun days, community carnivals, charity events, school assemblies, award ceremonies, business conferences, and so much more.

We have had the chance to thank so many people for all they do for our city – it really has been incredibly humbling. You can follow all of my Lord Mayoral work on Facebook and TikTok as I am documenting my year there.

In just a few weeks we have our first major Lord Mayor’s Charity event, in aid of Leeds Mencap. This is an incredible charity which

supports young people with learning disabilities with the equipment, resources, and support they need to fulfil their potential.

Our first event is a golf day at the Moor Allerton Golf Club on 3rd September, and it would be great to have as many of you on board as possible. Do get in touch with me if you are able to put a team of four together.

Turning to matters closer to home, I was delighted to learn that Alwoodley Parish Council has arranged a Band on the Green event on 17th August. I hope to be there, and it would be great to say hello.

Finally for this month the council has published the ‘Leeds Local Plan: A Planning Framework for Development (2022–2042)’. This document sets out the council’s potential suggestions for future developments across the

Leeds district up to 2042. At this stage, every potential site is included for consideration – it’s important that residents reply and comment to these proposals.

Visit our Facebook group – you can find all the details of where to see the proposals and how to comment. Please be aware – there aren’t planning applications, this is the beginning of a long process of consultation and discussion, but hearing from residents is vital. You can get in touch with me directly to discuss any of the issues related to this process.

Remember that while I am Lord Mayor, I am still one of your Alwoodley Ward councillors and along with my fantastic Ward colleagues Lyn and Neil, am here to help with any local issues.

Dan.Cohen@leeds.gov.uk | 07711 647 849

PHOTO:

LEE CALL

PHOTOGRAPHY

With Tax Specialist

Helen Booth at Leon & Company Chartered Accountants

With summer holidays underway and the costof-living crisis still prevalent, it’s becoming ever more important to be prudent with our finances. One way to do this is to make sure that you’re on the correct tax code.

Tax codes explained

• BR – All income from this job/pension is taxed at the basic rate, it’s usually used if you’ve got a second job/pension.

• D0 – All income from this job/pension is taxed at the higher rate. Again, this is most likely to appear on the payslips of those with a second job.

• D1 – All income from this job/pension is

Crack the Code FINANCE

taxed at the additional rate (if you’ve got a second job/pension pot).

• L – You’re getting the standard income taxfree personal allowance (£12,750).

• M – You’ve received a transfer of 10% of your partner’s personal allowance, as part of the marriage allowance tax break.

• N – Some of your personal allowance has been passed over to your partner as part of the marriage allowance.

• NT – You are not paying any income tax on the money you’re getting (e.g. if all your income comes via capital gains).

• T – Other calculations are included in working out your personal allowance.

• 0T – Your personal allowance has been used up, or your new employer doesn’t have all the details they need to give a proper tax code.

Understanding your tax code is crucial for ensuring you’re paying the correct amount of tax through the PAYE system. An incorrect tax code could potentially lead to overpaying or underpaying tax, highlighting the importance of checking your code regularly.

You can check your tax code by downloading the HMRC app or logging into your personal tax account via the HMRC website. If it’s wrong, contact HMRC by phone or online to update your employment details or tell them about a change in income that may have affected your tax code.

If the above has left you scratching your head, get in touch with Leon and Company Chartered Accountants, where clarity meets confidence, every time.

Leonandcompany.co.uk

DIGITAL

SIMPLY THE BEST

The Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025 were recently held at the Centenary Pavilions, Elland Road, celebrating individuals and organisations making a real difference across the county.

The latest edition of the Yorkshire Choice Awards, organised by a team including local entrepreneur Melanie Malcolm, saw a warm welcome from Lord Mayor, Dan Cohen, who praised the nominees for their incredible contributions to the region.

The event spotlighted individuals, charities, businesses, and groups who reflect the county’s core values – resilience, generosity, and community spirit. Backed by a number of regional sponsors, the evening wasn’t just about applause

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

and accolades – it carried real meaning. This year’s chosen charity, Andy’s Man Club, was firmly in the spotlight, raising vital awareness for men’s mental health.

There were plenty of Leeds businesses and individuals recognised for their achievements such as Sue Hunter, who was awarded Local Fundraiser of the Year. The wife of Leeds United and England legend, Norman, has poured her heart into fundraising in his memory since he passed in 2020. Candlelighters were awarded Charitable

Excellence Award, for the help they provide hundreds of families with emotional, practical, and financial care for those facing childhood cancer.

The Yorkshire Choice Awards is a reminder to keep lifting each other up, to keep showing up for your community, and to never underestimate the difference one person can make.

A MOVING EVENING

A poignant event was held by LLAA in honour of those tragically affected by the October 7th terror attacks.

On 1st July, Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism (LLAA) held an event dedicated to those who were tragically caught up in the October 7th terror attacks. It included a stunning and hardhitting art exhibition by the Israeli street artist, Benzi Brofman, and talks from special guests, Adam Ma’anit, Rob Moss, and Steve Brisley –who all have a connection to the attacks and hostages.

The day began with an exhibition of a series of Benzi’s paintings titled ‘Victims and Hostages’. Benzi’s style of artwork lends itself beautifully to this difficult subject; the emotions clearly visible on the faces of every person painted.

Since October 7th, Benzi has become a portraitist for the bereaved and the families of hostages, drawing the faces of their loved ones who were killed or who haven’t yet returned home. So far, he has painted more than 140 portraits and describes his artwork as a commemoration.

The evening brought together the three speakers, all of whom have direct and personal links to the terrorist attacks, and their experiences

of the unprecedented rise in antisemitism ever since. Chaired by LLAA Co-Founder, Marshall Frieze, an audience of around 100 heard the engaging, insightful, and unique perspectives from the speakers who each had difficult and gripping stories to tell.

Steve’s sister Lianne and his two nieces, Noiya and Yahel, were murdered in their home by

Hamas. Adam is a communications specialist, digital activist, writer, and campaigner whose cousin, Tsachi Idan, and Tsachi’s daughter, Ma’ayan were killed in the attacks. The third speaker, Rob, is an uncle of former hostage, Emily Damari. Each shared their story of that fateful day in October 2023.

Leedsleadsaa.org.uk

SUE HUNTER.

PHOTO: ROBLING PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: ROBLING PHOTOGRAPHY

CANDLELIGHTERS.

PHOTO: ANNABEL CARRINGTON

PRIMARY SCHOOL’S YEAR 5S ENJOYED THEIR ETGAR TRIP TO LONDON WHICH WAS HELD AT WEMBLEY!

RECEPTION PUPILS LOOK AFTER THE SCHOOL ALLOTMENT, GROWING PLANTS AND THEN PICKING WHAT THEY HAVE GROWN TO CUT, COOK, AND EAT.

THE SCHOOL HAS A PLAYGROUND BUDDIES SYSTEM WHERE YEAR 6S VISIT THE EARLY YEARS PLAYGROUND.

YEAR 6 LEARNT HOW TO MAINTAIN AND CHECK THEIR BIKES WHILE LEARNING ROAD SAFETY BY CYCLING AROUND THE LOCAL AREA.

NURSERY BUTTERFLIES HAD A MAGICAL TIME CREATING THEIR OWN BUTTERFLY WINGS, READY TO FLUTTER OFF INTO RECEPTION!

BRODETSKY’S NURSERY CHILDREN HAD A FANTASTIC TIME ON SPORTS DAY, FULL OF ENERGY AND SMILES AS THEY ENJOYED THE FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES!

THE BEES AND BUTTERFLIES CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE KABBALAT SHABBAT, SHARING SONGS, BLESSINGS, AND A SPECIAL MOMENT OF COMMUNITY.

BRODETSKY

From Heartthe

Author of new

book,

Voice

from the Heart: A Year of War, Jayne Wynick, talks through her journey of responsibility and hope, while finding purpose in her words.

Leeds-based Jayne Wynick has always been involved in the community and volunteering and was involved with Leeds Jewish Housing Association (LJHA) for 15 years, five of those spent as Chair. More recently, she was a joint founder of Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism.

Jayne’s new book, Voice from the Heart: A Year of War, is a compilation of her blog posts that she started writing after the October 7th attack in 2023: “After it happened, there was a part of me that thought people needed to see what Israel is dealing with. I think, to this day, the biggest shock is that on 8th October, there were already demonstrations against Israel and very little sympathy; it just felt wrong.

“I started writing on 10th October, and one of the things that prompted me to write was the kidnapping of the two little boys, Ariel and Kfir Bibas. Ariel looked quite a lot like my grandson, so I vowed to not post any pictures of him until the boys returned home.”

People quickly appreciated Jayne’s words, finding solace and comfort in her posts: “It started fairly slowly until around November when people started to get in touch with me and share the posts saying that I was articulating what they were feeling and thanking me for helping them not to feel so alone. It then started to snowball and my husband suggested turning the posts into a book as it’s a historical representation written in real-time, not looking back at the events.”

The book has three recurring themes running throughout it: “It’s obviously about the conflict and the hope for peace, as well

as the hostage situation and not letting that go out of the public eye. But it’s also very much about the rise in antisemitism in this country and the West, how that’s affecting me personally, and how me and other people are dealing with it.”

“I saw myself change as I wrote,” Jayne reflects. “As time went on, I felt everything from hope to despair, anger, resilience, and resignation. Sometimes I found myself literally pleading with my non-Jewish friends and followers to listen to what we’re saying, stand up, and support us.

“One of the hardest things to deal with is the deafening silence from a lot of people outside of the community. Not all of them, some have been amazing! But the common feeling of fighting this alone does come through quite a lot. The book has given me a purpose and a way of dealing with how affected by it I’ve been.”

Jayne is passionate about not preaching hate, something that is reiterated throughout the book: “I preach peace for all, but how we get there, I don’t know right now. My hope has changed a little, but I still try and distinguish between people and an ideology. I don’t think our voices are hateful, just sometimes critical.

“Once you step into learning and speaking about what’s going on, it can quickly become all-encompassing, especially on social media which can be so draining. My husband and children have been good at telling me when I was getting too far in. I write first thing in the morning so that I get it out of the way and get on with my day.”

Jayne is grateful for the opportunity

to turn her words into a book: “It’s a responsibility but also a privilege. I didn’t sit down to write a book, I sat down to be a voice, and the book just happened! If it’s bringing some comfort or anything else to other people, that’s another great privilege. I’m extremely proud; it was both disconcerting and thrilling at the same time to see it in print.”

Jayne is still posting regular blogs on her Facebook page, and you can get a copy of the book at Voicefromtheheartbook.com

COMPETITION

To win a copy of Jayne’s book, Voice from the Heart: A Year of War, simply answer the following question…

How many years did Jayne spend as Chair of LJHA?

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-5, via JLife’s social media, or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winner will be randomly selected on the closing date: 19th September 2025.

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

SUNNY DISPOSITION

Rabbi Eli Pink of Chabad Lubavitch reflects on a summer of introspection.

There’s something about late summer in the UK that brings out the weather optimist in us. You’ll see us squinting at the forecast with hopeful eyes and planning barbeques based on a 30% chance of sunshine. And when it does come – even briefly – we savour it as if it’s a gift from heaven. It’s a uniquely British trait, but it also echoes something deeply Jewish. During the summer months we study Ethics of the Fathers every Shabbat afternoon. One of the ethical teachings is: “Who is rich? He who rejoices in what he has.” Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.

Sometimes, it’s about making the most of what we’ve got, even if that’s a patchy forecast and a half-burnt burger.

As the High Holidays approach, we begin a process of introspection. Teshuvah – often translated as repentance – also means return. It’s not about becoming someone else; it’s about returning to our truest self. Just like we can choose to focus on the sun rather than the clouds, we can choose to focus on our potential rather than our flaws.

At Chabad Lubavitch Leeds, this is what we strive to bring to our community

– opportunities to grow, to connect, and to celebrate who we are, rain or shine. Whether through our holiday services, children’s clubs, or one-to-one learning, there’s always a warm welcome.

So, whether your August is all sandcastles and sunshine, or more puddles and pac-amacs, take a moment to pause, reflect, and embrace the richness already within you.

Wishing you a restful summer and a sweet, meaningful New Year – full of warmth, growth, and good things.

Judaismlive.com

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