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Wedding Special Unconventional Nuptials, Unique Gifts and Advice Happening Harrogate It’s Lord Dan!

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Where There’s Hope Education Essentials Leeds’ Urban Artist MDA UK CEO Daniel Berger Valentine’s Gifts and Dates

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CONTENTS: FEB / MAR 2025

IN THISISSUE YOURREGULARFEATURES Wedding Special

On the Frontline

Euro Star

Happening Harrogate

Urban Art

Where There’s Hope

Get an insider’s look into the world of wedding photography, discover the most unconventional wedding ideas, and find the perfect unique gift for the happy couple! Starts page 50.

Find out what’s new and happening just up the A61 in Harrogate this year, and Matthew Chapman, Chief Executive of Harrogate BID, talks us through how the organisation is turning the town into an enviable visitor destination. Starts page 16.

Education Essentials

Chief Executive of Magen David Adom, Daniel Burger, explains the charity’s work and his connections to the organisation.

Page 9.

Local artist David Questa chats about his inspiration behind his urban landscape art. Page 14.

Fashion

Sustainable fashion choices that won’t cost the earth, and a wardrobe inspired by Pantone’s colour of the year. Starts page 15.

A look at how schools and parents can work together to tackle absenteeism, Mother’s Day how to encourage more reading, and Why not treat mum to a top tips for applying for university. cosy night in instead of taking her Starts page 10. out? We have all the essentials for you right here… Page 31.

Valentine’s Day

It’s the season of love! We round up the best gift and date ideas.

Starts page 60.

PUBLISHER Elliot Landy

GRAPHIC DESIGN Richard Shawcross

FEATURES EDITOR Emily Stone

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Ellie Tyson

DIGITAL MARKETING Tracey Cleminson

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Claire Bartfield Photography David Cole Photography Johan Persson Rob Clayton Photography Ruthless Images Tristram Kenton Tony Malkin

Founder and CEO of mental health first aid training charity, HelloHope, Ellie MacDonald, tells us about her suicide prevention mission. Page 45.

In celebration of World Book Day on 6th March, we round up some of the hotly anticipated book releases that are coming up.

Page 73.

Meat Free

LJHA Manning Stainton Matan Safran Matthew Chapman Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Rabbi Ozer and Leah Moszkowski Roundhay Aesthetics Simply Hearing Skopes UJIA Winston Solicitors

PUBLISHED BY: JLIFE LTD. UNIT 7, GEMINI PARK, SHEEPSCAR WAY, LEEDS LS7 3JB. TEL: 0845 052 2911 EMAIL: JLIFE@NUTSFORPRINT.CO.UK WEBSITE: WWW.JLIFEMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Looking for a tipple to blur the lines between good and evil?

We round up some of the best cocktail recipes as well as spirit recommendations for Purim on 13th March. Page 79.

Competitions

Win a suit worth up to £300 and personal shopping experience courtesy of Skopes Menswear at its flagship store at White Rose Shopping Centre. Page 57.

By the Book

Roving Chef at V for Life, Alex Connell, debunks some popular myths about vegetarian diets for Veggie Month this March. Page 75.

Roundhay Aesthetics are offering a Sculpt and Glow facial package with worth £235. Page 58

And the winner is…

Congrats to Brian Windsor who won a £100 voucher for Hesco Lounge, Suchi Agarwal and Alison Goodhand who won vouches for a full body massage and steam bath at Ayur Mantra Ayurvedic Spa, and Rosemary Booth who won an afternoon tea for two at Pudding Lab.

by Iron Dome, surreal for us but sadly PUBLISHER'SNOTE terminated business as usual. Seeing the ceasefire and the Welcome to the first edition of 2025, filled with love for Weddings and Valentine’s.

All the latest community news, views and events including Manor Solomon’s Chanukah appearance and a catch up with Alwoodley 2030 and charity HelloHope. We take a look at 2025’s European Capitals of Culture, meet local urban artist David Questa, and visit up the A61 to see what’s happening up in Harrogate.

Recently we caught up with Daniel Berger, CEO of MDA UK; a fascinating read. Having been to Tel Aviv for a flying visit in December, I witnessed first-hand the amazing Israeli resilience and carry-on attitude; and on every corner the thoughts and prayers for the hostages as a reminder.

Sirens sounded at 2.30am as another threat was

CONTRIBUTORS

Alex Connell Carmel Berke Claire Bartfield Photography Dan Cohen David Questa Ellie MacDonald ES Motors Gabriel Geller Gary Don Hub X James Daly LJFS

What a Megillah!

Plan a trip across mainland Europe to see why this year’s European Capitals of Culture promise something special for every traveller. Page 34.

release of some of the hostages fills us with hope as we pray for the safe and healthy return of the remainder.

Two great competitions courtesy of Skopes for a suit and personal shopping experience, and treatments from Roundhay Aesthetics, so get entering, and see what you could win!

Finally on behalf of the team at JLife and no doubt most of the community, congrats to Councillor Dan and Elayna Cohen on Dan’s upcoming honour of becoming Leeds’ Lord Mayor.

Dan does so much for the Alwoodley ward, and whatever political persuasion, no one will doubt he has earned this honour. I’m sure he may mention it in this edition’s column! @JLifeMagazine

/JLifeMagazine

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

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

Printing: PMG Print Management

Feb / Mar 2025

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NEWS IN BRIEF HCN Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Centre North (HCN) commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day on 28th January, honouring the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust and the victims of subsequent genocides across the world.

The evening featured a variety of artists, performers, and speakers, including Jen Kagan, Chair of Trustees at the Centre and a Friend of Holocaust Centre North. Jen played a key role in curating the ‘Through Our Eyes’ exhibition in 2018, which tells the remarkable story of her mother, Margaret Kagan. Professor Caroline Sturdy Colls, a leading expert in Holocaust Archaeology and Genocide Investigation at the University of Huddersfield, shared her research on the interdisciplinary approaches used to study Holocaust landscapes. Caroline also spoke about the significance of Holocaust education, remembrance, and the impact of her work in the North of England. Cantor Rachel Weston, who was inaugurated in 2024 on the 80th anniversary of Sinai Synagogue in Leeds, also spoke. The event also highlighted 6 Million+, a creative arts project that works with refugees and local communities in Kirklees to create temporary art installations each year to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day. The centre’s permanent exhibition, ‘Through Our Eyes’, was kept open after the evenings proceedings for attendees to explore the testimonies of the 16 Holocaust survivors and refugees who made their new lives in the North of England.

Holocaustcentrenorth.org.uk

LJHA Updates Cost of Living Guide Leeds Jewish Housing Association has updated its ‘Helping You to Save Money and Stay Warm’ guide in light of current challenges facing its residents. The guide includes information on a range of topics to help people to save money on energy, manage their budget, and get help and advice.

In a video accompanying the release of the updated document, Simon Phillips, LJHA’s Community Engagement Officer, said: “This is a document we created a few years ago, and we’ve updated it at various points. It has advice on a range of topics like: what the government are doing, cost of living, energy schemes support and advice, energy and water saving tips, money and budgeting advice, broadband and internet advice, and much more.”

The association has also recently been awarded a grant from the Household Support Fund to allow it to issue fuel vouchers to its residents. It will evaluate applications for this based on an income and expenditure assessment.

Pay As You Feel Cafe is Back!

Leeds Jewish Welfare Board’s Pay As You Feel Café is back for its 3rd year. The ever-popular, monthly evening café is run with the purpose of providing a hot vegetarian meal to those that may struggle to access a home-cooked, hot meal, as well as reducing social isolation. The ‘Pay As You Feel’ café continues to be run by a team of dedicated volunteers, with support from LJWB staff and sixth form students from Allerton High School. Join LJWB for a delicious meal and just… Pay As You Feel!

Call 0113 268 4211 to book Future Dates: 18th March and 8th April, 5pm to 6pm

6

Keep on Running

The London Marathon will take place on 27th April and once again LJWB has put together an incredible team. Laura BenMayor, Rachel Gould, Scott Harris, Jonny Sillers, and Melanie Howell will make up LJWB’s ‘Lloyd Rakusen London 2025’ team.

Rigorous training regimes have begun, and team mentor Philip Rakusen, son of the late Lloyd Rakusen – who ran numerous marathons in support of LJWB – is keeping everyone on track.

You can support the team as they tackle their winter training through freezing, frosty mornings and damp, dark evenings. Your support encourages them to keep going. The huge commitment and dedication of the team will ensure vital funds are raised to keep LJWB’s wide range of services running and meet ever-increasing demand.

You can donate at: 2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/leedsjewishwelfareboard/profile

Chai Announces New CEO

Chai Cancer Care has announced that Victoria Portnoi has been appointed as the organisation’s new CEO. Victoria will assume the position this month and will succeed Chai’s outgoing Chief Executive, Lisa Steele, who announced her plans to retire in the summer.

The decision to appoint Victoria comes at the end of a thorough recruitment process, that saw numerous applicants for this hugely important communal role.

Victoria brings a strategic approach and creative thinking to the role, together with extensive experience of managing both professional and volunteer-led teams. This will be essential as she takes the helm at an organisation with over 250 staff and volunteers, providing 70 services from 11 centres across the country.

Victoria, originally from Manchester, will work closely with Chai’s Chairman, Louise Hager, to develop and expand the organisation’s services and reach. She said: “It is an enormous privilege and honour to be joining Chai as CEO at this important period in its development. We all know someone whose life has been affected by cancer and I look forward to working with the team across the UK to help ensure that Chai provides the very best support and care that is the hallmark of the organisation.”

JWA Stats Released

New figures released by Jewish Women’s Aid (JWA) show a significant rise in the number of women and children seeking support over the past year, highlighting the growing need for services combating domestic abuse in the UK Jewish community.

The figures show a 24% increase in the number of women receiving support, a 9% increase in the number of children affected by abuse, a 26% rise in the number of counselling sessions delivered – as well as a staggering 64% increase in the number of clients seeking help after experiencing sexual violence.

Meanwhile, Children’s Therapy counselling sessions rose by 63% this year, with 671 sessions delivered compared to 410 the previous year. JWA provided assistance to 445 children over the past year, a 9% increase from the 409 before.

JWA offers sensitive support to those affected by abuse, including therapy and help from Independent Sexual Violence Advisers, who work with survivors of rape and sexual assault.

Sam Clifford, Chief Executive of Jewish Women’s Aid, comments: “These figures are a stark reminder of the growing impact of domestic abuse and sexual violence within our community. We are seeing more women and children reach out for support, but we know there are still many who are suffering in silence. We encourage anyone affected by abuse or violence to get in touch with us. Jewish Women’s Aid is here to support all across the Jewish community, regardless of their social background or religious denomination.”

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

See more photos on page 26, 36, 48, 66 and 80

PHOTOS

ALL PHOTOS: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

ALEX SHENDEREY CELEBRATED HIS BAR MITZVAH IN DECEMBER AT SINAI SYNAGOGUE.

HIS PARENTS, SUZANNE AND RICHARD, AND SIBLINGS, ELEANOR AND BEN, WERE BY HIS SIDE FOR THE BIG DAY.

ALEX WAS SURROUNDED BY FAMILY AND LOVED ONES.

CELEBRATIONS CONTINUED WITH A PARTY AT HOME ORGANISED

BY EVENT PLANNER, HIS AUNTY, AND JLIFE’S EVENTS GURU, JULIET SHENDEREY.

JESSICA-LILY ROSENBERG HAD HER BAT MITZVAH AT BHH SYNAGOGUE.

THE WHOLE FAMILY CAME TOGETHER, INCLUDING PARENTS, MELISSA AND JAMES, AND SIBLINGS, JOEY AND TALI.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY GATHERED TO HONOUR THE SPECIAL DAY – WITH GUESTS COMING FROM AS FAR AS ISRAEL!

Feb / Mar 2025

JESSICA PARTIED THE NIGHT AWAY AT ETZ CHAIM’S REUBEN VINCENT HALL.

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INTERVIEW

On the Frontline PHOTO: DAVID COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Magen David Adom (MDA) – which translates to the red Star of David – is Israel's national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance, and blood bank service which has been running for over 70 years. MDA UK was established primarily to assist MDA in Israel. However, the UK sector also gives aid to other equivalent organisations around the world, providing urgent medical care to civilians irrespective of their nationality, religion, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Chief Executive of MDA UK, Daniel Burger, lived in Leeds as a student in the 90s and has been in the role for 13 years: “I began my career in retail which was the first time in my life that I’d experienced antisemitism. It was clear to me that because I was Jewish, I wasn’t going to progress.

“I then moved my way into the non-profit world. I’d been involved through friends and was on committees but at first, I didn’t want to get into it as a career. I went from Norwood – a children and families service charity – and then moved to Jewish Child’s Day. From there I was asked to come to MDA. “Coincidentally, I was going to Israel for my cousin’s wedding at the time when I was asked. I didn’t know much about MDA so I thought it’d be a good opportunity to spend some time on the ground with the crews and meet people so I can form a decision of whether it’s for me or not; and it was!”

Daniel spoke of his family’s connections to Leeds and how his affiliation to the charity runs deeper than most: “We were going through our archives in a recent office move and I was looking at some photos from the 1960s. I turned the page and staring at me was a man that looked just like my grandfather! Sure enough, it was a man called Henry Burger who was my great uncle and the picture was of him and his wife who

Feb / Mar 2025

Chief Executive of Magen David Adom (UK), Daniel Burger, explains the charity’s work and his connections to the organisation.

DANIEL'S GREAT UNCLE, HENRY BURGER, AND HIS WIFE.

had dedicated an ambulance in memory of their son, Gerald, who was killed in a car accident.”

MDA is a multi-faceted charity, with many different roles: “Firstly, MDA is the national medical emergency service in Israel, the ambulances are the first responders and they’re the government mandated emergency service. There are also its blood services.

MDA is responsible for 98% of Israel’s blood supplies and 100% of the IDF’s blood supplies.”

“And thirdly, since 2006, MDA has been a member of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). This is particularly significant because for decades, MDA wanted to be part of the IFRC as it has been on the world stage saving lives for many years. The reason it didn’t join is partly because of itself, it didn’t want to accept the label of the inverted red cross flag, it wanted the red Star of David to be another protected emblem. Chair of the governing body of the Red Cross, Dr Mohammed Al-Hadid, adopted the red Star of David to be a protected emblem that’s

recognised under international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.”

MDA’s blood work in Israel has been more important than ever since October 7th 2023: “We’ve just been involved in building a new $120 million underground blood centre, it’s the worlds most protected blood centre and the core of the building can withstand direct hits from ballistic missiles. Ironically, it opened and became fully functioning on 9th October. It’s been about 20 years in conversation and about five years in building.

The opening date had been in the diary for two years, and after the massacre there were questions about whether it should still be opened. Professor Shinar, Director of MDA’s Blood Services Division, said that if ever there was a time to move from an above ground, unprotected blood centre, to a below ground, protected centre, it’s now!”

“We’ve lost 36 of our own medics since the conflict began, some of which were brutally murdered on October 7th. That was a very difficult day for MDA, hearing that three of our own had been murdered in their ambulances going to save lives was incredibly tough. What we weren’t prepared for was the outpouring of financial support that we received after October 7th, that’s what’s been so remarkable. It’s testament to the amazing, life-saving work of those in the field. Hearing about the love and support for MDA and Israel really is not something that we take for granted.”

Donating money to MDA isn’t the only way to help the charity: “The types of blood in that part of the world are incredibly rare.

Since January 2023, Israeli’s are now able to accept British blood under the World Health Organisation, so when people ask how they can help, we always say to give blood.”

Mdauk.org

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Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) offers some advice for young people undertaking the challenging process of applying to university.

Navigating the university application process can feel overwhelming for many students.

Whether you are aiming for a top university like Oxford, Cambridge, or looking to pursue vocational qualifications, the journey requires thoughtful preparation and the right support.

Many schools have an on-site Careers Team dedicated to helping students make informed decisions about their futures and who assist with UCAS applications, personal statements, and interviews.

UCAS support and mentorship

Applying to university involves multiple steps, from completing the UCAS application form to writing a compelling personal statement. It can be difficult to know where to begin, but with the help of mentors and advisors, this process becomes far more manageable. At Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, our Careers Team works closely with students from Key Stages Two to Five to prepare them for the future.

Whether it’s applying to university or choosing a career pathway, our QE Futures support programme begins early, and it is never too late for students to begin their research.

At QE, we offer an Early Applicant Programme for students interested in Oxbridge or in pursuing courses like Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, and Maths.

This programme starts in Year 12, allowing students to undergo work experience, attend specialist seminars, work with advisors on interview preparation (especially for MMI interviews) and study and practice for entrance examinations such as UCAT, BMAT and STEP. Our students begin researching exams and subscribing to online testing platforms like ‘Medify’ from the summer of Year 11 and also seek useful placements for the holidays which supplement the work experience they can do through the school. It is never too early to

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in and do talks on the application process, what they did to make their application stand out, and how they are finding the course. We would recommend building relationships with students in the years above to facilitate support later on.

BTECs vs. A Levels: debunking the myths begin any preparation for the more competitive courses and universities.

For those who are unsure of what career path to take, there are plenty of free online resources to help students narrow their options. These include ideal job vision boards, worksheets on ‘Career Exploration’ and ‘Career Planning’, and mini assessments and self-reflection tasks on skill sets, interests, natural strengths, preferences, and career ‘deal breakers’.

Make your application stand out

Ensure you have a well-rounded application.

If you have a member of clubs, have a job, volunteer, are training or undertaking any extra learning – these are invaluable experiences to discuss in your personal statements and interviews. Many students will have the grades and portfolio so make sure you stand out with other qualities. It doesn’t always have to be sports, music, dance and drama. You could learn a language, become a scout leader, become a lifeguard, start an Etsy shop, host a charitable event – the options are endless!

Networking is fantastic for applications.

Tap into contacts you have or be proactive in making new ones in order to experience, learn, and seek advice from school alumni, family friends, and local businesses. At QE, we have alumni who are studying courses come

One myth that often circulates in university applications is the belief that BTECs are less favourable than A Levels when it comes to securing a place at university. This is far from the truth. In fact, BTECs are designed to offer students practical, work-related learning that can be directly applied in the real world. At QE, we offer vocational qualifications in a variety of subjects, including Music, Performing Arts, Criminology, Art and Design, Fashion, Science, Business Studies, Computing, and Physical Education. Many of these courses are offered as Diplomas or Extended Diplomas, which are equivalent to two or three A Levels. BTECs provide in-depth, project-based learning that fosters skills like teamwork, creative thinking, research, and evaluation, which are highly valued by both universities and employers.

These qualifications not only prepare students for university but also help them develop a strong work ethic and organisational skills and allow students who prefer coursework to examinations to thrive in their learning.

For more ideas and inspiration, visit Qe.org/careers

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

EDUCATION ESSENTIALS

Full Class Tracy Smith, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Student Manager at Leeds Jewish Free School (LJFS), tells us how schools and parents can work together to reduce absenteeism.

Recent UK government figures show a decline in general school absence, which is encouraging. However, the rate of severe absence – defined as students missing more than half of their school time – is on the rise, with 158,000 pupils who were severely absent in autumn and spring 2023/24, increased from 139,000 the previous year. Tracy Smith, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Student Manager at LJFS, explains the complex reasons behind this concerning trend and offers advice on how schools and parents can work together to tackle it.

Tracy highlights that severe absence is often driven by a range of factors that vary from one student to another: "There's no one-size-fits-all, many students have unique and complex backgrounds that contribute to their absences.”

In particular, Tracy points out that many young people today struggle with resilience and life skills: "It’s often easier for parents to keep children at home if they’re struggling with school. Some students may find it easier to avoid school than to face challenges, especially if they’ve experienced difficult situations in the past."

The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has had lingering effects: "Students who were accustomed to online learning during the pandemic may find it difficult to return to a structured school routine," she adds. "For some, staying home and engaging in less demanding activities like gaming or watching TV may seem like a more comfortable option."

Despite these challenges, Tracy stresses that schools play a crucial role in encouraging regular attendance. At LJFS, Tracy’s team works hard to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel safe and motivated to attend: "We spend

Feb / Mar 2025

a lot of time talking to students about the importance of school attendance, not just for academic success, but also for personal growth.”

LJFS has implemented various initiatives to promote attendance, such as attendance awards and regular conversations with students about how good attendance correlates with higher achievement and better future prospects. The school also focuses on addressing punctuality, which can be another barrier to consistent attendance. Tracy’s team has had success with personalised strategies

We spend a lot of time talking to students about the importance of school attendance. for students, particularly given that LJFS is a smaller school with more flexibility to tailor interventions: "We know that every case is different, so we aim to understand the individual circumstances of each student.”

Parents also have a key role to play in supporting school attendance and fostering a positive attitude towards school: "Parents should try to be supportive of the school, even if their children complain about aspects of it. It’s about encouraging children to face challenges and reinforcing that school is part of life, much like work is for adults."

Tracy also suggests that parents help children understand the long-term benefits of attending school: "We need to frame school as something that provides life skills, much like a job would. If you don’t go to work, you don’t get paid, and in the same way, if you

don’t attend school, you miss out on valuable learning and opportunities.

"Furthermore, school is a place where students learn how to interact with others, solve problems, and handle challenges. If they miss out on these experiences, they miss crucial skills that will serve them in adult life."

In addition, absent students risk falling behind in their studies, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety and disengagement. To break this cycle, Tracy’s team works closely with students and their families to create reintegration plans and provide additional support when needed: "When students miss school, they can become anxious about catching up, which then prevents them from returning to school, making the problem worse. We try to make it clear that school is a safe space where they can learn, grow, and feel supported.”

The government has also taken steps to address the issue of poor attendance, with new legislation aimed at tackling persistent absence. Since September, a rolling system has been introduced, with penalties for parents who take their children on holiday during term time without permission. If this happens repeatedly, families could face fines, or even a court appearance.

However, the school’s first approach is always to work with families to understand the underlying reasons for absence: "We’re not about punishing families. We want to help students get back into school and access the support they need. Fines are a last resort."

Tackling rising rates of severe absence requires a collaborative approach between schools and parents: "It’s about working together to support children and ensuring they don’t miss out on the opportunities that school provides."

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EDUCATION ESSENTIALS

Hit the Books Deputy Headteacher of LJFS (Leeds Jewish Free School), Sam Lawson, advises parents on how to inject the fun back into reading.

National Literacy Trust has published its annual report about children and young people’s reading in 2024. Based on over 76,000 responses to the annual literacy survey from children aged five to 18, it found that the percentage of children and young people who enjoy reading was at its lowest since the survey began in 2005. Just 34.6% of those asked said that they enjoy reading in their spare time, a figure that has decreased by 8.8% in the past year alone.

With only 20.5% of children saying that they read something daily in their free time, it’s clear that reading enjoyment is on the decline. But it isn’t all doom and gloom, there are plenty of ways to encourage children to read more, as Sam Lawson tells us…

“Every survey on literacy highlights the links between low literacy and disadvantage and less life opportunity. Many schools, including LJFS, have an extensive drive to improve literacy and promote a love of reading. These include initiatives that are popular with students such as reading passports in return for awards. Increasingly, schools have embraced opportunities to read to students as this is shown to have a considerable impact on literacy levels. LJFS chooses age-appropriate books that appeal to a broad range of students such as Percy Jackson, The Hunger Games, and modern classics such as Beetle Boy and The Highland Falcon Thief.”

In Sam’s role, she frequently hears parents bemoaning their children’s lack of interest in reading, especially as students get older.

Sam believes that the act of reading aloud

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can often spark interest in even the most recalcitrant crowd of teenage boys.

“If your children don’t see you reading but you expect them to, it can be a struggle as it gives the message that reading isn’t worth the time. It’s no coincidence that younger children are often read to and love reading but as they stop sharing this time with others, they read less. Parents often declare in annual surveys that they want their children to read more, to achieve good grades in English and humanities, and have accurate and sophisticated writing skills. Those same surveys reveal that very few students use a library outside of school, haven’t bought a book for months, and can’t remember the last time they read a book. How children are expected to read books if they don’t have any is an enigma – make reading accessible and you’re part of the way there. Of course, there are students that have to overcome considerable barriers when reading; audio books will do just as well!”

According to Sam, LJFS challenges the attitude that literacy is just the responsibility of English teachers; there are benefits in understanding vocabulary across the curriculum: “Literacy isn’t just reading and reading isn’t just for learning. Keen readers exhibit not just greater academic progress but greater empathy, a sense of adventure, and a deeper connection with others. Books allow children to escape to other worlds, discover interesting facts, and develop a sense of what they are interested in. Why would any child not want to go on this great adventure?”

Sam’s Simple steps to encourage reading • Use libraries or bookshops • Read with or alongside your child • Select books linking to their interests or a TV series • Get books local to you or where you holiday • Find books that connect with your child and what they may be experiencing • Get books, read books, and talk about books. And repeat!

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Be Inspired SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021 NORTH INDEPENDENT SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE DECADE

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ARTS INTERVIEW

Urban Artistry Leeds-based artist, David Questa, talks us through his artistic process, inspirations, and how his work captures the spirit of the city.

Originally from York, artist David Questa has lived in Leeds for 13 years. His work mostly focuses on urban landscapes depicting where he has lived or visited. A concept he learnt during his time studying an illustration degree at Anglia Ruskin University, the importance of drawing from direct observation has remained central to his practice.

David’s art is inspired by his surroundings, whether that be where he’s living, working, or where he’s travelled to: “Before I moved to Leeds I moved around and travelled quite a lot, I’ve lived in London, Melbourne, Bradford, Nottingham, and Cambridge! I always take photographs and sketch books with me whenever I travel because I think there’s something about drawing from real life that gives you a stronger connection to a place.”

Throughout his career, David has taken inspiration from other artists: “I always enjoyed drawing as a child and York artist, Jake Attree, was an early influence on me. He came to do a workshop when I was at school, and I really

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liked his heavily textured paintings of urban scenes. Today, one of my main influences is Madrid-based Antonio Lόpez, who creates similar urban landscapes. Obviously, he’s pretty much consistently got sunshine, and the light is usually in the same place – working on-site in the UK is a bit more challenging!”

Despite the temperamental Leeds weather, working outside is David’s preferred approach whenever possible: “It’s sometimes difficult to get the same spontaneity and freshness when working from a studio or at home that you get when on-site. Most of my current work is based on being present and even though it’s not all done on location, I always start with some quick sketches and photographs at the place and then take it to the studio.

“I like to make a few visits over time as sometimes it’s about trying to find the best angle or lighting. You can get a very different viewpoint at different times of the day, especially when looking at buildings and the way the light catches them.”

Leeds is an ever-evolving, dynamic city and capturing its essence is central to David’s art: “In the 10 years that I’ve been drawing Leeds, there’s been a lot of development; it’s been good to see that change in my work overtime.

“A lot of people comment on the sense of movement that I include in pieces which happens as I progress with the drawing. I start by mapping out everything that’s static and permanent to establish a scaffold on which the moving elements can be added; layers of people, cars, bikes, and buses, carefully observed or seen in fleeting moments and sketched in quickly.

The piece becomes an accumulation of layers to create the sense of transience and busyness in the city.”

Confidence and spontaneity are key in art for David: “I like to leave a lot of things to chance; while I have a pretty clear idea about what I want to include, I always leave myself room for it to develop and change over time. I work with a lot of charcoal, pencil, and watercolour which aren’t very forgiving – you can’t just rub them out! The key is not overthinking too much.”

David is pursuing his full-time love for art sharing his knowledge with budding artists as Head of Art and Photography at Horsforth School while displaying and selling his works at two North Leeds galleries: “Headrow Gallery in Alwoodley and Smart Gallery in Chapel Allerton have my work on display, with options to buy original work or prints from both. I’m currently developing a series of paintings based on more rural landscapes and I’m keen to get into the Yorkshire Dales to look at drawing some more natural landscapes. I also do commissions, and I’d love to do more!”

Questa.jimdo.com | @Dquestaartist Questa79@hotmail.com

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Brownie Points

FASHION

Pantone Moch a Mousse

Brown isn’t going anywhere this year. At least not according to Pantone as it announced mocha mousse as its 2025 colour of the year. We round up some of the best pieces for your wardrobe inspired by the shade.

Mela cosy turtleneck sweater | Eclat-Emporium | £44.99

Mocha mousse is a perfect layering shade and this jumper from EclatEmporium is excellent for the job. Ideal for the cold British winter, the Mela jumper offers ultimate comfort. Slightly more refined than a typical turtleneck jumper, the black detailing along the seams adds a touch of sophistication, making the jumper look more luxurious.

The three-dimensional striped pullover boasts a casual yet slim design that’s perfect for cosy, lazy days.

Eclat-emporium.com

Abigail wide leg elasticated trousers | Reiss | £150

For maximum impact, opt for sleek trousers like this pair from Reiss, featuring a standout hue that effortlessly transitions from day to night. Made from a relaxed, loose-fitting fabric, they boast a flattering wide-leg silhouette, making them a versatile staple for both laidback and busy days. Designed to suit all body types, the elasticated waistband ensures a secure, comfortable fit and the three available length options offer a perfect match for every frame.

Reiss.com

Large waxed canvas shopper tote | Scaramanga | £77

If mocha mousse isn’t your clothing style but you still want to incorporate the shade into your wardrobe, accessories are a great way to do this. This canvas and leather shopper tote is a stylish yet sustainable alternative to plastic bags; carry it as your main bag or fold inside your handbag to transport all your purchases home. Made from durable water resistant waxed canvas with leather handles, this canvas tote is seriously tough.

Scaramangashop.com

Vertical panel knitted polo shirt | Very | £22

Mocha mousse doesn’t need to steal the spotlight – adding subtle pops of the shade is a stylish way to incorporate it into your outfit.

This polo shirt from Very combines retro charm with modern comfort, making it an ideal choice for a smart-casual look that can be easily dressed up or down. The bold brown and navy stripes bring a touch of personality without being overpowering and can be effortlessly paired with a variety of pieces already in your wardrobe.

Very.co.uk

Jack & Jones wool blend tailored coat | Next | £70

A structured coat in this shade is the perfect addition to any wardrobe, as it’s neutral qualities compliment virtually every colour.

This Jack & Jones coat that’s available at Next effortlessly elevates your outfit while maintaining practicality. The wool-blend fabric not only keeps you warm in chilly weather but also ensures comfort in warmer temperatures by regulating body hear and wicking away moisture.

Next.co.uk

New Balance 480 | Foot Asylum | £90

Simple and classic, the 480 silhouette from New Balance is inspired by the original shoe that was game-worn by basketball players.

Comfort is a priority with these trainers with their secure lace fastening, cushioned ankle collar, perforated toe box, and sturdy heel counter for optimal stability. Comfy, casual, and a perfect mocha mousse inspired addition to any outfit.

Footasylum.com

Feb / Mar 2025

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Its Happening In...

Harrogate

Visit Harrogate Find out what’s new in Harrogate, a delightful town perfect for a day out.

A charming spa town turned thriving day-trip destination; Harrogate has plenty of attractions to delight visitors of all ages.

The town was voted as the happiest place to live in the UK for three consecutive years in polls by Rightmove, and in 2024 it was given the accolade once again in a poll by Furniturebox.

So just what is it that makes this town so special?

Historically, visitors have flocked to Harrogate to reap the health benefits of its famous water. In 1571, William Slingsby realised that the natural waters on the boggy land near High Harrogate had similar health properties to the waters of the Belgium town, Spa, which lends its name to places of rest and relaxation still to this day. By the late 19th century, Harrogate had developed into an elegant spa town, drawing people from all over the world to ‘take the waters’. Of course Slingsby Gin is now a favourite tipple around the world, while the town’s reputation as a spa town is beautifully preserved at the Turkish Baths, an opulent haven of relaxation. With its intricate Moorish design, soothing treatments, and thermal experiences, the baths offer a rejuvenating escape.

Harrogate’s Victorian charm is palpable the moment you arrive. The Royal Pump Room, with its ornate façade, stands as another testament to the town’s storied past as a premier spa retreat. This iconic landmark is a window into the era when visitors flocked to Harrogate for its reputedly healing mineral waters.

A leisurely stroll through the Montpellier Quarter reveals beautifully preserved Victorian arcades and cobblestone streets lined with boutique shops, galleries, and cafés. The area’s old-world ambiance offers a delightful shopping and sightseeing experience.

It’s no surprise that visitors of Harrogate are well-contented, with the fabulous food and GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOW

drink scene. The town has drawn in several new establishments which will delight visitors, not least of which is the new bar The Wicked Wolf, which recently set up in the unit formerly occupied by the Potting Shed, Rift & Co, and Revolution. Complete with a karaoke room and open until 3am on the weekends, this spot definitely lives up to its name. Katie O’Brien’s, high off its Leeds city centre success, opened a Harrogate branch in early December, bringing a taste of Ireland to the town. If its afternoon tea you are after, and let’s face it, you are in the right town, Pudding Lab’s new Harrogate branch is well worth a visit, an exquisite patisserie.

There’s plenty to look forward to in the future, with a couple of new bars and eateries soon to open. Ange Pitta Star will be serving up traditional Greek street food to take away, while The Mayfair Pub & Kitchen is set to delight in the unit formerly taken by Jamie’s Italian.

It’s not just food and drink that evolves, Spire Healthcare have just opened a new branch on Hornbeam Park Avenue, after a £13.5 million investment. The surgery with provide 1,500 surgical procedures every year and has created 30 new jobs in the community.

There are also some fabulous businesses around that have stood the test of time, Morgan Clare, a ladies boutique is celebrating 27 years in the town, and continues to excite its loyal customer base with the latest trends.

The Pavilions of Harrogate and the Yorkshire Event Centre have merged to become the Great Yorkshire Events Centre up at the Great Yorkshire Showground, and the Harrogate Convention Centre and Harrogate Theatre continue to provide high profile shows.

Harrogate is renowned for its magnificent gardens, each offering a unique experience: RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a horticultural

PLAQUE COMMEMORATING LOUIS COPÉ.

masterpiece features meticulously landscaped grounds, themed gardens, and ever-changing seasonal displays. A visit here is a feast for the senses, from vibrant blooms to tranquil water features. The Valley Gardens are favourite among nature enthusiasts; its well-maintained flower beds, wooded areas, and peaceful atmosphere make it an idyllic retreat.

The town has it’s share of Jewish history to explore as well. The community first established a synagogue in 1918, in rooms above an antique shop in the Montpellier Quarter. It wasn’t until 1925 that the congregation, named Harrogate Hebrew Congregation, made the move to its current site on St Mary’s Walk, in what used to be a church school building, with the synagogue – which is still operational to this day – being built in 1968. There is also a plaque outside Rhodes Wood Tailors on Parliament Street to commemorate the renowned Jewish Tailor Louis Copé, whose shop used to operate from the site.

Harrogate effortlessly blends historic charm, natural beauty, and modern indulgence. From its architectural treasures to its serene gardens and luxurious spas, this town offers something for everyone.

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ir Fusion Art Fa h rg u B e D s Chri ower Show Harrogate Fl Omid Djalili ire Show Great Yorksh uck Jimmy Tarb Ian Botham

Feb / Mar 2025

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HAPPENING HARROGATE

Harrogate Heros We shine a spotlight on some of the amazing businesses that make Harrogate special.

Bespoke Eyewear Sitting in a beautiful Grade II listed building which originated as an Edwardian Chemist shop on Royal Parade, Bespoke Eyewear offers boutique eyewear with exceptional personised service.

Established in 2010 by Jonathan Nixon, the boutique delivers a curated selection of designer frames from international brands such as Blake Kuwahara, Nathalie Blanc, and Thom Browne, ensuring that clients have access to eyewear that reflects their individuality and style. It’s no wonder that Bespoke Eyewear has become the optician to the stars, including former Footballer and TV Personality Ian Wright.

In addition to its impressive eyewear collection, Bespoke Eyewear provides comprehensive eye examinations and style consultations, delivering a five-star service from eye tests to the dispensing of the perfect pair of glasses. This includes employing the latest technology, such as the KUDOS VR headset, which tracks the patients gaze and how they look at the world around them to produce accurate prescriptions. The practice’s commitment to exceptional care and exclusive products has earned it a reputation for excellence in the eyewear industry.

Bespokeeyewear.co.uk Harrogate Shul The jewel in the crown, Harrogate Synagogue sits within close proximity to the beautiful Harrogate town centre. With an eclectic mix of officiants each week, its services are fresh and enjoyable. However, its copious kiddushim remain the same warm and friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy meeting new and old friends. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed.

Visit at Harrogateshul.co.uk or email info@harrogateshul.co.uk Pudding Lab Pudding Lab owners Ashley Close and Kian Lian, known for their stint on Channel 4’s Bake-Off: The Professionals, recently opened a second location of their beloved patisserie in Harrogate. Located on Cold Bath Road, the new café sits among trendy boutiques and independent businesses. Since 2021, Pudding Lab has delighted with artisan treats, and the Harrogate location brings familiar favourites along with new creations. The larger space accommodates 32 guests, ensuring a more relaxed experience. For a limited time, expect special Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day tea options, perfect for celebrating these occasions with a sweet touch.

On Instagram @puddinglab_bostonspa St. Aidan’s and St John The Associated Sixth Form of St. Aidan’s and St John Fisher in Harrogate, set up in 1973 works by pooling the resources, staff expertise and experience of two excellent schools for the benefit of all Sixth Form students. The sites are close together and in some subjects, teaching is shared between the schools. Students can meet in lessons, common rooms, dining areas, assemblies and combined sporting and social activities. All students undertake a broad programme of non-qualification studies including religious studies, economic developments and personal development. Both schools provide vital research facilities with a full range of books and periodicals and Internet access aimed particularly at Sixth Form courses. An additional state-of-the-art Study Centre is available at both schools, exclusively for Sixth Form students to facilitate independent work.

Students enter not only from St. Aidan’s and St John Fisher, but also from more than 30 other schools in any one year. We believe that such a wide and varied intake helps to enrich the life of all students. It certainly provides all entrants with a challenge and the impetus of a fresh start. The evidence suggests that this experience is of great benefit when students make the transition from school to university.

Destination Venus Calling all comic book fans! Destination Venus is an independent shop located inside the Everyman Cinema, run by passionate comic lovers with decades of experience. The team takes great pride in offering a carefully curated selection of comics, from indie gems to iconic superhero titles. With a deep appreciation for the diverse world of comics, they strive to share both well-known and lesser-known works with their customers. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, Destination Venus provides a welcoming space for all comic enthusiasts, offering expert recommendations and a unique, personal touch to every visit.

Destinationvenus.co.uk

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Your local, friendly synagogue

Nestled in the heart of Harrogate, we welcome locals and those further afield to join our congregation.

Our weekly Shabbat services and festival celebrations are led by different ministers and our traditional services are always warm and enjoyable.

Please let us know beforehand if you’re interested in attending.

For more information on what we have to offer visit

www.harrogateshul.co.uk or email

info@harrogateshul.co.uk Come for the kiddush Stay for the friends!

Year 11 students thinking about options for Sixth Form, we warmly invite you to consider applying to St. Aidan’s and St John Fisher Associated Sixth Form, Harrogate.

Deadline for applications is Friday 14th February 2025 For further details, please visit www.associatedsixthform.co.uk/

Bespoke Eyewear is an ever-growing emporium of some of the very best eyewear from around the world.

Pop in today, you never know who you may bump in to.

4 Royal Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 2SZ reception@bespokeeyewear.co.uk

01423 520 330

www.bespokeeyewear.co.uk

Eye Examinations

Eyevan – Portrait – Faceaface – Nathalie Blanc – Res Rei and many more Feb / Mar 2025

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PROMOTION

Dive Into Adventure Discover the thrill of scuba diving with Harrogate based Diveshack UK.

If you are thinking about trying something new and exhilarating that takes you to some of the world’s most beautiful places, then meet Diveshack UK, a Harrogate based company bringing the thrilling world of scuba diving to both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. Diveshack goes deeper than just supplying the equipment you need, it strives to take you on an unforgettable underwater adventure.

It equips you with the knowledge and confidence to explore the wonders beneath the surface while inviting you to join a passionate and welcoming community of diving enthusiasts.

Expert training

Offering an array of courses certified by leading agencies such as RAID and PADI, the business prides itself on a rich heritage of global diving instruction. With 30 years of experience spanning the majestic Great Barrier Reef, the thrilling waters of South Africa, and diverse UK sites, the team brings unparalleled expertise and passion to your diving adventure.

Diveshack UK offers a curated selection of beginner courses that are designed for those new to the underwater world. These provide a comprehensive introduction by blending essential theory with practical dive experiences under the guidance of certified instructors.

Taster experiences

Looking to try something new and exciting? Look no further! If you’re curious about the underwater world, try one of Diveshack UK’s diving experiences. Perfect for beginners who want a taste of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment without committing to a full course, under the supervision of professional instructors and discover the magic of weightlessness while breathing underwater.

Basic certification

The open water courses are the ticket for adventure world-wide. Taking this step into the underwater world enables you to dive anywhere in the world having already mastered the essential skills necessary to dive confidently and safely.

Specialised courses

their skills, covering advanced techniques for activities such as wreck diving, underwater photography, and mastering buoyancy helping you to help you unleash your full underwater potential.

Tec diving

For those ready to push the limits even further, the technical diving training delves into the complexities of managing multiple cylinders, executing decompression dives, and confidently exploring greater depths.

Whether you’re seeking new challenges or advanced adventures, expert instructors are there to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you’re equipped for safe yet exhilarating experiences.

Equipment

Diveshack UK has a huge range of highquality scuba equipment with a wide selection of the latest gear from trusted brands. From wetsuits and fins to dive computers and accessories, everything you’ll need is available.

Servicing and cylinder testing

Diveshack UK is the only service centre in the area and can recondition all major brands making sure your equipment is ready for the upcoming holiday season as well as providing essential cylinder testing for both SCUBA and shooting applications.

Events

Having an active membership of over 100 divers, you are never short of a buddy.

Whether it is to jump in the pool to practice some skills or dive the German WW1 battleships in Orkney, we have trips and events throughout the calendar.

Regular UK coastal trips are booked along with Malta, Egypt, and South Africa so we have plenty of opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful underwater sites.

Of course, there’s also the social side too where we organise talks from a variety of fields including specialists in photography and British Divers Marine Life Rescue Organisation talking about the amazing work they do and how to get involved.

Get in touch at Diveshack.uk.com 07779 605863 tim@diveshack.uk.com

The specialist scuba training courses are tailored for certified divers eager to expand

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Looking for something exhilarating and different?

Discover The Thrill of Scuba Diving!

Harrogate’s Diveshack UK is dedicated to bringing the exhilarating world of scuba diving to enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

• Advice • Equipment • Training • Events • Servicing

Call Tim on 07779 605863 tim@diveshack.uk.com diveshack.uk.com

Fancy some Comic Relief?

Founded in 2005, Destination Venus is an independent comic store and Sci-Fi/Fantasy bookshop located inside Harrogate’s Everyman Cinema.

We have all kinds of comics, from Superheroes to crime, to science fiction, from fantasy to romance. We also have non-fiction comics including biography, science, history and even recipe books!

So explore our online presence and then come and see us in person we have whole new worlds for you to discover!

Ground Floor, Everyman Cinema, Station Parade, Harrogate

07399 703891 | info@destinationvenus.co.uk Destinationvenus.co.uk

Creatively Different As seen on Bake Off The Professionals..

Creatively Different

NOW OPEN IN HARROGATE Booking now for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day Teas!

Gluten Free Available Gift boxes and vouchers available

Treat yourself to a savoury croissant or croque monseur for lunch, or a delectable afternoon tea including a wide range of savoury and sweet treats.

puddinglab_bostonspa

Cold Bath Road Harrogate 01423 652379 Feb / Mar 2025

High Street Boston Spa 01937 339837 21

Scan here

PROMOTION

Knees-up for New Year!

Arthritis of the knee currently affects approximately 8.5 million people in the UK, with one in five adults over 45 years old having symptoms that affect their daily life.

These symptoms can range from intermittent discomfort and occasional knee swelling at lower intensities, to constant pain with marked joint deformity, stiffness, instability, and resultant falls at higher intensities. So how does one know if the early symptoms of possible knee arthritis need treatment? Is there anything that can be done to prevent or slow down progression of knee arthritis? What are the latest treatment developments?

Mr Owen Wall is a nationally recognised Consultant Knee Surgeon with 25 years of experience. His NHS practice is in Leeds and he also offers private services locally and nationally. He offers complete solutions for arthritis of the knee such as total and partial knee replacement and has excellent long-term results with many happy, satisfied patients. His NHS practice allows him to be part of groundbreaking clinical research with cutting edge technology, which studies the results of stem-cell manipulation via keyhole surgery in treating early arthritis of the knee. He specialises in treating patients with both simple and more complex knee problems. His focus is to provide each patient with an accurate diagnosis and a tailored, individualised treatment plan centered around their goals and expectations.

On the development of treatments available for knee arthritis over the next decade, Owen says: “Over the past 15 to 20 years, multi-million-pound investments from

Feb / Mar 2025

national charities and private companies have been made with the singular goal of trying to prevent or treat early arthritis in the hope of avoiding knee replacement surgery.

However, the results of total knee replacement and partial knee replacement for established arthritis of the knee remain excellent and the technology developed to replace the damaged compartments of the knee while preserving the undamaged compartments (along with the stabilising ligaments) leads to outcomes which allow patients to return to full and normal activities in a pain free and trouble-free manner. I’m in no doubt that the next decade will see these techniques evolve to give even greater satisfaction for patients with arthritis of the knee, helping to bridge the gap to achieve 100% satisfaction for all patients. Every patient has unique and personal expectations, therefore it’s imperative for me to provide a complete consultation with access to cutting-edge diagnostics that can help formulate a bespoke solution.”

For greater convenience for LS17 readers, Mr Wall is now able to offer clinic consultations, along with diagnostic imaging, at the brand-new Spire Harrogate, which complements his existing clinic consultations at Spire Leeds and Nuffield Leeds.

To book an appointment with Mr Wall, please get in touch on: Leedskneeclinic.com T: 0113 388 2009 or 07943 938 811 E: owenrwall@leedskneeclinic.com

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HAPPENING HARROGATE

Bid for Success Matthew Chapman, Chief Executive of Harrogate BID, talks us through how the organisation is turning Harrogate into an enviable destination

Harrogate is renowned for its picturesque beauty, vibrant atmosphere, and bustling business scene. At the forefront of this success is Harrogate BID (Business Improvement District), a key organisation dedicated to enhancing the town for businesses, residents, and its many visitors alike.

Its Chief Executive, Matthew Chapman, tells us more: “The BID stands for Business Improvement District, and our main aim is to support and improve the town centre for the businesses who are part of our membership.

We currently have 496 businesses involved, each of whom pays a small levy on top of their business rates. This money funds a wide range of services and projects that we develop in collaboration with local businesses. Every five years, we consult with our members to ensure we’re meeting their needs. If they’re satisfied with the work we’ve done, they vote for another five-year term. We’re now one year into our second term, after a strong vote of confidence in the project.”

The BID’s work is structured around three key objectives, as Matthew explains: “Our first objective is ‘Pride in Our Town,’ which focuses on the appearance, safety, and feel of Harrogate. We have a team of street rangers who work daily to clean the town centre – jet washing pavements, picking up litter, removing graffiti, and maintaining a tidy environment.

Harrogate is known for its beautiful flowers, and we go above and beyond to contribute to that. In addition to what the council provides, we fund extra hanging baskets, planters, and barrier baskets, ensuring the town always looks

24

welcoming and vibrant. We also ensure safety with our Town Centre Support Officer, who helps prevent antisocial behaviour and works alongside the police and other security teams.”

The second objective – ‘A Vibrant Town’ – focuses on the BID’s efforts to keep Harrogate’s atmosphere lively and engaging: “One of our most significant financial commitments here is the Christmas lights. Harrogate’s town centre sparkles with over 100,000 LED lights every year, and we cover the full cost. This year, we’ve introduced more flexibility with the lights, allowing them to change colour to mark specific causes or events. For instance, we’ve lit them up pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We also bring other attractions to Harrogate, such as an ice rink, a big wheel, and a road train during the Christmas period.

But we’re not just focused on the festive season. Throughout the year, we organise events like the Harrogate Dog Show, a Celebration of Fashion, and the Lego Trail. The Lego Trail was a big success last year, attracting over 50,000 people, which had a tremendous impact on local businesses.”

To ensure that people are aware of these events, the BID invests heavily in marketing.

Matthew explained: “We work on digital campaigns, place ads in national locations like train stations, and attend events such as the Great Yorkshire Show. Our goal is to raise awareness of what Harrogate has to offer and to encourage repeat visits.”

The final objective of Harrogate BID is ‘Voice and Vision,’ which Matthew described as essential for representing local businesses and planning for the future: “It’s about ensuring that businesses in Harrogate have a voice in decisions that affect them. For example, recently, there were concerns regarding gritting in the town during extreme weather, and we lobbied the council on behalf of our members to make sure their voices were heard. We’re also thinking long term. It’s important to have a vision for the future of Harrogate – looking ahead 10, 15, or even 20 years – and we don’t want to be the

generation that didn’t plan for it.”

Supporting businesses is a key part of the BID’s work, and Matthew explained how they assist with both practical and promotional efforts: “We’ve created the Harrogate Gift Card, which functions like an Amazon gift card but can only be spent in local businesses. So far, over £170,000 has been spent in the town through the card. We also provide small – scale funding for projects based on the immediate needs of businesses, such as issues with car parking or recruitment.”

With so much going on, Matthew is naturally excited for the future: “We’re always looking for new ways to improve and expand.

For example, we’re working on expanding events like the Harrogate Dog Show to include a pet-themed market. We also plan to grow the Celebration of Fashion event and introduce a networking element focused on the future of fashion. And of course, we will continue working to keep Harrogate vibrant and welcoming. Right now we are working on Valentine’s Day where we’ll be setting up an Instagram-worthy display for people to take selfies with, with a competition for the best one. Last year, the prize was a stay in the Majestic Hotel and an experience in the Turkish baths and Betty’s, with a helicopter ride over Harrogate which took off and landed in Rudding Park. So it probably won’t be too dissimilar to that this year.”

It is clear that Harrogate BID plays a crucial role in shaping the town’s future. With a strong focus on both the present and the long term, the BID’s work ensures that Harrogate remains a dynamic, attractive place for both residents and visitors from North Leeds and beyond.

Harrogatebid.co.uk

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PROMOTION

Personal Touch

A Harrogate staple for nearly three decades, Morgan Clare is a designer clothing shop specialising in chic brands and an intimate approach to the shopper experience.

Nestled in the heart of Harrogate’s Montpellier Quarter, Morgan Clare is far more than just a designer retail store – it’s an institution.

For over 28 years, this independent fashion boutique has been a local leader in style and innovation, catering to discerning shoppers who value good quality clothes, and a personalised shopping experience. This isn’t about fast-fashion, it’s about timeless, wearable luxury, brought to life by an impressive and eclectic brand mix that includes the likes of Agolde, Joseph, Ulla Johnson, and many more.

One of the shop’s defining characteristics is its long-standing team of formidable women who bring the business to life every day. From the boutique’s owner to its dedicated stylists, this all-female team exudes expertise, warmth, and creativity. In the words of their Head Buyer Emma Tucknott, Morgan Clare: “completely embraces the capabilities of talented women.”

Trusted advisors are ready to offer styling tips, wardrobe solutions, and individually tailored advice for all their customers, with no

Feb / Mar 2025

pressure of purchase or minimum spend. Enjoy the luxury experience of a denim fit guide, collection walk-through, personal styling and even bespoke tailoring.

The team’s shared love of fashion is evident in all that the business stands for, and is at the heart of its success, creating an atmosphere that is both professional and approachable.

Customers receive departmental shopping experience, with the store covering everything from core denim styles to vacation-ready swimwear. Shopping at Morgan Clare is about finding pieces that make you feel like the best version of yourself and guiding you every step of the way.

The launch of the website has meant that Morgan Clare is able to expand its online services to match the quality of its in-person offering. With personal shopping available virtually, customers can benefit from unlimited access to the team from the comfort of their home; a hassle-free way to indulge in some retail therapy from any location, and having

developed a following both nationally and internationally, sustainably packaged deliveries now ship worldwide.

Much like the fashion industry itself, Morgan Clare is constantly updating the store with dreamy collections and introducing innovative new brands, which for many of these labels like Arma, DÔEN, and Gigi Hadid’s cashmere brand, Guest in Residence, Morgan Clare is one of a select few stockists in the North of England. Thanks to the team’s authenticity and attention to detail, the business continues to thrive, and its longevity is testament to the power of true personal connection.

Follow the team on Instagram @morgan. clare to keep up-to-date with all the latest trends and styling advice.

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PHOTOS

See more photos on page 7, 36, 48, 66 and 80

YARA NUUMAN’S BAT MITZVAH WAS HELD AT ETZ CHAIM SYNAGOGUE IN DECEMBER.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

IT WAS A PROUD DAY FOR YARA’S PARENTS, DENA AND SINAN, AND SISTER, LIZA.

LEEDS UNITED’S JEWISH SUPPORTERS GROUP HELD ITS FIRST EVENT CELEBRATING CHANUKAH IN THE BREMNER SUITE AT ELLAND ROAD.

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO: CLAIRE BARTFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY

LEEDS UNITED PLAYER, MANOR SOLOMON, AND RABBI ALBY CHAIT LIT THE MENORAH ON THE PITCH AT ELLAND ROAD. THE VIDEO MADE ISRAEL’S NATIONAL NEWS!

CHILDREN ENJOYED FACE PAINTING, MAGIC AND DOUGHNUTS PROVIDED BY STREET LANE BAKERY.

THE EVENT INCLUDED A Q&A WITH LEEDS UNITED LEGENDS, EDDIE GRAY, SIMON GRAYSON, MANOR SOLOMON, AND BRIAN DEANE (PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT).

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GREEN SHOOTS

We check out the recent progress Alwoodley 2030 has made, and look forward to its 2025 plan for creating a greener community.

Alwoodley 2030: Climate Action Hub has made significant strides in its second year, positioning itself for sustained impact and growth as it heads toward the final year of its National Lottery-funded Climate Action Leeds programme. The organisation has successfully increased its visibility, membership, and collaborations, while building local capacity to address climate and nature issues in Alwoodley.

One of the key achievements in 2024 was the increase in membership by 375%, driven by visible campaigns like the Ward-Wide Walk to School Week, regular community outreach at local farmer’s markets, and participation in regional green fairs. These efforts have fostered deeper community engagement, with local groups growing by 118% from five to fourteen.

These groups now span across nature, food, transport, homes, and energy, fostering diverse climate actions within Alwoodley.

Notably, Alwoodley 2030 has strengthened relationships with key local and regional organisations, including the Yorkshire Wildlife

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Trust, The Climate Ambassadors Programme, Cycle North, The Leeds Cycle Campaign, Sustainable Transport Team and Woodland Creation Teams, WRAPT, Living Streets, the Alwoodley Based Friends-of Groups, and Leeds City Council’s Climate Emergency Advisory Committee. Alwoodley 2030 has also begun work on creating the Alwoodley Nature Network, laying the groundwork for more strategic nature recovery efforts in 2025.

Alwoodley 2030 supports local people to come together and find their own ways of helping the environment. By supporting people with their ideas, so much has happened! The first two years of Alwoodley 2030 included a successful Ward Wide Walk to School Week, establishing of neighbourhood community compost sites, catalysing Alwoodley Incredible Edible to form, incubating the newly registered Alwoodley Community Energy (ACE), successfully enrolling 100 households in the Nature Friendly Gardens Club, establishing a Low Carbon Homes club – supporting

members to save energy through their homes, orchard care and tree planting events, two community wassails, many plant and seed swaps, and more!

Alwoodley 2030 was set up as one of climate action hubs under the umbrella of Climate Action Leeds (CAL). The group is in its third and final year of CAL funding. Under the leadership of the group’s new Chair, Louise Jennings, and Steering Group members, Hiba Khurshid, Cath Taylor, Nicola Kelly, Liz Watson, Sarann Dean, Lornne West, the group is working on registering as a CIO to ensure that its work of helping the people of Alwoodley thrive by working together to improve the environment continues.

If you have an idea, please contact the Hub Worker, Jennifer Roberts, at Info@alwoodley2030.org.

WE ARE ONE

Bestselling author Noa Tishby starred at the latest UJIA Northern Dinner.

Two-time New York Times bestselling author and Israel’s former Special Envoy for Combating Antisemitism and Delegitimisation, Noa Tishby, earned two standing ovations from over 500 guests at the UJIA Northern Dinner in November.

At one of the largest UJIA events in Manchester for many years, Tishby spoke about how she “unfortunately was not surprised by what happened on 7th October.”

On her book ‘Israel: A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth’ she said: “Many people are shocked that it was written before 7/10, as it discussed many of the things we are all talking about now: Hamas, social media, campuses.”

The highlight of the evening was when Daniel Berke, who was interviewing Tishby, invited 13-year-old Mancunian Josh Glynne on stage to join him in questioning the star. Josh, who has gained plaudits from across the Jewish community for fearlessly taking on anti-Israel protestors in debates on the streets of the North West, quizzed Tishby for tips on how to effectively talk about Israel with those who

Feb / Mar 2025

are hostile, and how to manage being a Jewish student on campus when he gets to university in a few years.

The dinner, the theme of which was We Are One, raised £871,000 for UJIA’s projects in the UK and Israel. In Israel, UJIA has launched its Rebuild campaign, to help the residents of two kibbutzim attacked on October 7th – Be’eri and Mefalsim – as well as those residents who have been evacuated from Israel’s northern border communities, to return to their homes and to receive the trauma support that they need.

UJIA Leeds Chair, Martin Harris, said: “The Joint Manchester and Leeds UJIA

Northern Dinner was very well-attended and was enjoyed by a capacity crowd.

“The well-known Noa Tishby spoke passionately about her social media efforts in support of Israel but the highlight was when 13 year old Joshua Glynne came on stage and asked her questions and discussed his own interviewing of pro-Palestinian marchers.

“UJIA’s message of building and reinforcing meaningful connections between our youth in the diaspora and those in Israel, helping the disadvantaged, our work with the social impact fund Si3 and obviously since October 7th helping the tens of thousands evacuated from their homes in the south recover and rebuild – as well as trauma support – was explained to a receptive audience.”

Ujia.org

We guide you through the best techniques for achieving flawless gel manicures at home, along with top tips for maintaining strong, healthy nails — whether you prefer salon treatments or DIY.

Failure to prepare

Who says you need to visit a salon to enjoy the look and feel of professional gel nails? With the right tools and techniques (and a bit of patience!) you can achieve flawless, long-lasting results from the comfort of your own home with our must-know tips and tricks.

If an at home manicure isn’t your bag and the salon is your happy place, take a look at our aftercare guide. Beautiful nails aren’t just about aesthetics, they also need to be strong and healthy; we’ll be sharing advice for maintaining nail health so you can keep your glossy, sleek manicure long after your appointment has ended.

As arguably the most important step of your at home manicure, your prep time should take up at least a third of your whole nail session.

Start by pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher and scrape the dead cuticle off the nail plate.

The second step is to buff the nail with a buffer so that the polish will last longer by ensuring it has something to stick to. Applying gel to a rough surface that has been buffed will reduce the likelihood of chipping or peeling.

Finally, and most importantly, you need to remove all the dust and debris that’s been created during the first two prep steps. Soak a cotton pad in acetone and apply it to the nail to dehydrate it and achieve dry, oil-free base ready for painting.

We recommend...

Manicure tool kit | Sephora £19.99

Sephora Collection’s manicure kit has all you need for the perfect prep routine. It contains a nail clipper, nail file, cuticle pusher, and cuticle nipper all made from stainless steel to ensure they’re part of your kit for a long time.

Sephora.co.uk

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BEAUTY

Less is more

You’ll need to apply a layer of gel base coat before getting to the gel polish, otherwise it won’t adhere to your nail bed. It’s important to keep this as a thin layer as if it’s too thick, it will struggle to cure under the UV/LED lamp.

Once the prep and base coat are complete, the fun can begin! Remember to keep the polish layers thin, and don’t worry if it goes wrong; the beauty of using gel polish is that if you mess up and apply too much, you can simply remove the whole layer and start again.

Work out what technique works best for you, whether it’s to paint the entire hand before curing it under a lamp, or painting and curing each nail individually. Regardless of when you choose to cure your nails, you should cure based on the amount of time specified by your lamp. 30 to 60 seconds is usually the recommended amount of time.

Once your base coat and colour are applied and cured, apply a thin layer of gel top coat and carefully seal the tips. This helps to protect your manicure and ensures the edges are covered to prevent lifting and chipping.

We recommend...

Discovery kit | Manucurist £106

This kit by Manucurist contains everything you need for a beginner manicure at home.

It contains a LED lamp, base and top coat, as well as one colour polish that you can pick from over 100 colours. You’ll also get some handy nail clips and nail polish remover thrown in.

Uk.manucurist.com

Feb / Mar 2025

Whether you’ve done your own nails or are just back from the salon, aftercare is for anyone and everyone – it’s almost as important as the manicure process itself!

Hydration is key; apply a cuticle oil and hand cream as least twice a day to get back the moisture lost from using acetone and alcohol, to stimulate growth, and prevent lifting.

Hot water, detergent, and chemicals are a recipe for disaster when it comes to longlasting manicures due to their harshness that can dry out and weaken the nail. Make sure to wear gloves when doing the washing up, cleaning, or gardening to ensure your nails are protected.

Your nails are not designed to be a substitute for tools, especially not your freshly painted set. Everyday objects like paperclips or coins can be used to open cans and bottles with ease or try using elastic bands for gripping instead of your nails.

And last – but certainly not least – don’t pick off your manicure! It can be tempting once you see signs of chipping but picking at gel polish can take off layers of your actual nail with it, leaving them weak and frayed at the tip. When removing gel properly, it should just crumble off, you shouldn’t need to forcefully scrape it off; do this safely and carefully with a gel polish remover or acetone.

We recommend...

Shea Butter hand and cuticle duo L’Occitane | £38

L’Occitane’s iconic shea butter hand cream is enriched with pure shea butter and natural oils that absorbs quickly without greasy residue and the cuticle oil is formulated with a blend of vitamin-rich oils to prevent dryness and cracking – the perfect pairing!

Uk.loccitane.com

Nailed It!

Post-mani maintenance

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ADVICE

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

As the lead clinical pharmacist at the Alwoodley branch of Pharmacy+Health, I have witnessed first-hand the widespread occurrence of winter virus’ impacting our community. It seems to have been a particularly tough year with COVID, influenza, chest infections, and the less wellknown respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all being very prevalent.

We are not talking about mild common colds here, these viral infections can make the normally fit and healthy, feel significantly unwell, as well as being a major health risk for the vulnerable, such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms range from fever, chills, head and muscle aches, fatigue, loss of appetite to shortness of breath and even in some cases a 100-day cough. You can do your bit to reduce

Reducing the Spread of Winter Illnesses

transmission by following good practice: • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze • Wash or wipe down toys and clean surfaces regularly • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth if your hands are not clean • Use disposable tissues and throw them away The knock-on effect that seasonal viruses can have on the wider NHS is very significant with GPs and hospitals soon becoming overwhelmed.

Anything that can be done to release pressure on them is of benefit and is why the NHS introduced the Pharmacy First Service last year.

If you haven’t seen a healthcare professional about your sore throat for example, you can use the NHS Pharmacy First Service and see a community pharmacist quickly and conveniently.

Pharmacy First also covers urinary tract

Free NHS Services NHS Pharmacy First NHS Blood Pressure NHS Contraception NHS Prescriptions NHS Flu & COVID

infections, impetigo, shingles, earache, infected insect bites, and sinusitis.

Sore throats are a very common symptom of the seasonal viruses we are seeing such a lot of this winter and where it is appropriate, Pharmacy First may allow you to receive free, prescriptiononly treatment, without having to visit a GP. If you’re feeling below the weather, think Pharmacy First, and book an appointment on our website Pharmacyplushealth.co.uk

We offer a range of convenient clinical services at Pharmacy+Health - Alwoodley in private rooms to assess and treat health conditions Scan QR to book an appointment at your local Pharmacy: Alwoodley Medical Centre, Saxon Mount, Alwoodley Leeds, LS17 5DT pharmacyplushealth.co.uk

Affordable private services Travel Health (coming soon) Weight Management Ear Wax Removal Private Flu & COVID Common Conditions

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MOTHER’S DAY

Mother’s Day In While taking your mum out for Mother’s Day is lovely, the reality can mean busy crowds and scrambling for a nice table. Why not treat mum to a cosy night in instead? We have all the essentials for you right here…

A little treat

Start the evening off with an indulgent treat, something that really makes mum feel special.

Chocolates, patisserie, or cake all make fantastic options, or if your mum doesn’t happen to have a sweet tooth, luxury cheeses or charcuterie could be an excellent alternative. We recommend handmade biscuits from Ingenious Gifts, beautifully finished off in a pretty floral design and declaring ‘Mum you’re blooming lovely’, they are sure to be a hit.

Mum you’re blooming lovely biscuits | £22.50 | Ingeniousgifts.co.uk Rest and relax

Mums do a lot! So what better way to let her take a break than a relaxing bath? Bath salts, bubble bath, or bath bombs are an excellent way to turn a simple bath into a luxurious experience, but if you’re looking for something a little more special, consider a bath light. A completely water safe orb such as this one from Dobbies Garden Centre can create a vibe unlike any other, switching between six different relaxing colours.

Stress less bath light | £10.99 | Dobbies.com Perfect pampering

There are few better feelings than getting out of a relaxing bath and trying out some brandnew skincare products, so finding a luxurious moisturiser or serum for an extra special gift is a must. This antioxidant and CBD moisturiser by Mission C contains aloe vera, shea butter, and lavender, as well as its main component of high strength CBD. This powerful combination will sooth aches and leave mum eased and comfortable.

Day antioxidant CBD moisturiser | £40 | Missionc.com Bundle up

You can’t have a cosy night in without being wrapped up in some way, whether that’s in some super-soft pyjamas, a fuzzy blanket, or a toasty dressing down. The ivory heart print jacquard dressing gown from Roman makes an excellent Mother’s Day gift, with its adorable yet understated heart design and soft material. It also has a hood in case we’re in for a particularly cold March.

Ivory heart print jacquard dressing gown | £35 | Roman.co.uk Bring on the bubbles

No special day is complete without a glass of fizz, and Mother’s Day is no exception! If your mum is tee-total, consider sparkling apple juice, or a non-alcoholic prosecco as an alternative. For mums who are fond of a tipple however, you can’t go wrong with a glass or two of champagne.

We particularly recommend the Moët & Chandon Brut Imperial Champagne. Who could say no to a producer which used to be the sole champagne provider for the court of Louis XV, way back in the eighteenth century?

Moët & Chandon brut imperial champagne | £44 | Sainsburys.co.uk Feb / Mar 2025

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ADVICE

BETTER HEARING A Whole New World of Hearing With Meharban Singh Riyat, Clinical Audiologist and Director of Simply Hearing High-quality hearing aids with state-of-the-art technology are a life changing for people with hearing loss. However, in noisy environments where it’s challenging to hear clearly, hearing aid users can find background noise levels as loud as the voice they want to hear.

Exploring the world of hearing aid accessories can significantly enhance listening experience. Accessories designed to further improve hearing in certain situations. For example, Remote Microphones can be a gamechanger. These accessories transmit sound directly to your hearing aid, improving speech clarity and reducing background noise for better communication.

Hearing aid accessories are powered with wireless connectivity to help users fully engage with the world around them. By incorporating these accessories into your daily routine, you can enjoy clearer, more comfortable, and personalised sound quality with your hearing aids. These wireless accessories are compatible with Starkey hearing aids. Other makes of hearing aid accessories are also available.

To explore how hearing aids with wireless connectivity could improve your hearing, visit Simply-hearing.com

ENJOY ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATIONS IN NOISY ENVIRONMENTS WITH THE SMALL, EASY-TO-USE MINI REMOTE MICROPHONE. CLIP IT ONTO THE CLOTHING OF THE PERSON YOU’RE TALKING TO OR USE IT AS A TV STREAMER BY PLACING IT NEAR THE SOUND SOURCE.

OPTICAL Eyelid Lumps and Bumps With James Daly, Founder of James Daly Opticians There is no sure way to prevent eyelid lumps and bumps. However, following the advice below can help to reduce your risk. You should contact your optometrist or GP for advice if you notice: • A change in the size, shape or colour of the lump or bump • Discharge from the lump or bump • Pain, itchiness or swelling around the eye • No improvement after simple treatments (such as using a hot compress for a chalazion) The most common eyelid lumps and bumps are listed below.

Hordeolum (‘stye’) An acute infection of an oil gland on the edge of the eyelid, which is often red, painful and tender to the touch. Styes can be external

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(where the glands on the edge of the lid are infected) or internal (where the glands deeper inside the lid are infected). Most styes will get better on their own within a few days. You can help to relieve the pain and swelling by applying a warm compress to the affected area several times a day. Your optometrist may recommend an antibiotic ointment or eye drops.

Chalazion A chronically blocked oil gland in the eyelid.

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

Xanthelasma Flat, yellow, cholesterol deposits on the eyelids.

Xanthelasma are more common in people with high cholesterol or other lipid disorders.

They are not harmful but can be removed for cosmetic reasons with surgery or laser treatment.

Papilloma Small, skin-coloured growths on the eyelids,

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

Cysts Fluid-filled sacs that can form on the eyelids.

They are usually painless, but they can be unsightly. Cysts that are small and painless may not require treatment, but larger or uncomfortable cysts need to be removed surgically.

Prevent eyelid lumps and bumps by: • Keeping your eyelids clean • Washing your hands often • Avoiding touching your eyes Always use clean make-up, don’t share make-up with friends, and replace items regularly.

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

Jamesdalyopticians.co.uk

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YOUR LOCAL OPTICIAN 398 Harrogate Road, Moortown, Leeds LS17 6PY Tel: 0113 288 8820 EYE TESTS | FRAMES | CONTACT LENSES | SUNGLASSES

Feb / Mar 2025

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Plan a trip across mainland Europe to see why this year’s European Capitals of Culture promise something special for every traveller.

In 2025, the spotlight will shine on three vibrant European cities as they take on the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture. But this year, there’s an exciting twist – Chemnitz in Germany will be the European Capital of Culture, while Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy will share the honour as the firstever borderless Capitals of Culture, transcending national borders to showcase a united, yet diverse cultural experience.

For tourists, this presents a unique opportunity to explore two fascinating cities with rich histories, dynamic cultural scenes, and a deep sense of heritage.

Euro Stars History reimagined

Chemnitz has long been a city with a story to tell, and in 2025, it’s set to tell that story in new and exciting ways. The city’s Industrial Heritage Trail is a fascinating journey through Chemnitz’s past as a centre of manufacturing and engineering.

Discover the history of the city’s textile industry, which was one of the driving forces behind its rapid growth in the 19th century, and learn about the region’s pivotal role in the development of the German economy.

While exploring Chemnitz’s historical landmarks, a stop at the Karl Marx Monument is essential. The towering statue of the philosopher, who was born in the city, serves as a reminder CHEMNITZ of Chemnitz’s role in the socialist movement.

Once known as Karl-Marx-Stadt – despite the However, the city’s cultural transformation is just famous philosopher never having been to the city as important, and this monument has become – Chemnitz in eastern Germany has undergone an intriguing juxtaposition of the past and a remarkable transformation in recent years. present, symbolising the evolving identity of the Traditionally known for its industrial heritage, city. the city is now a thriving hub of modern culture, offering visitors a vibrant mix of art, history, and Bold new vision innovation. As the 2025 European Capital of Chemnitz’s cultural scene in 2025 will showcase Culture, Chemnitz will open its doors to visitors an exciting array of contemporary art and from across Europe and beyond, offering a innovation. The Chemnitz Art Collections wealth of attractions that blend its fascinating (Kunstsammlungen Chemnitz) will host a past with a bold, contemporary spirit.

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number of dynamic exhibitions, presenting works from international and local artists that explore themes of identity, technology, and urban life. The city will also play host to a series of creative festivals celebrating everything from theatre to digital art, with street performances and pop-up art installations bringing the entire city to life.

One standout event will be the Chemnitz Biennale, a contemporary art festival that will celebrate the city’s emerging status as an arts destination. Expect an eclectic mix of exhibitions, workshops, and performances, engaging both established and new voices from the art world. The Opernhaus Chemnitz will also be offering a full calendar of performances, including opera, ballet, and classical concerts, ensuring that Chemnitz maintains its reputation as a city of artistic excellence.

Out and about

For those seeking respite from the city’s bustling cultural scene, Chemnitz’s expansive parks and green spaces provide the perfect escape. The Schlossteich (Castle Pond) is a serene spot for a leisurely walk or a relaxing boat ride, while the Rabenstein Castle and its surrounding nature reserve offer stunning views of the Chemnitz valley.

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TRAVEL to present their shared culture, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a fascinating fusion of Italian and Slovenian traditions.

Beyond borders

The idea of the borderless Capital of Culture is what sets Nova Gorica and Gorizia apart.

Cultural events will be organised on both sides of the border, inviting visitors to explore the seamless blending of two distinct cultural worlds.

On the Italian side, Gorizia will feature a wide range of classical music, theatre performances, and art exhibitions, while Nova Gorica will host a lively mix of contemporary art, music, and innovative theatre productions.

The Gorizia-Nova Gorica Bridge, which connects the two cities across the Isonzo River, will serve as a symbolic link between Italy and Slovenia, hosting art installations, cultural performances, and public art projects throughout the year. This cross-border collaboration will offer a rich and diverse programme, featuring performers from both sides of the border.

Nature’s bounty Additionally, the city is committed to sustainability, and you can expect to see many eco-friendly initiatives during your visit. As part of the 2025 programme, Chemnitz will introduce new green spaces, urban gardens, and community-driven sustainability projects that will enhance the city’s environmental credentials and make it an even more attractive destination for nature lovers.

Traditional bites

Like any good German city, Chemnitz boasts a mouth-watering array of food and drink. The city’s culinary scene is a blend of traditional Saxon fare and contemporary international influences. Be sure to try sauerbraten (a marinated pot roast) or schnitzel, accompanied by a pint of locally brewed beer. For a modern twist, check out the city’s growing food scene, where young chefs are taking traditional dishes and adding their own creative spin.

A visit to the Chemnitz Market Square will give you a chance to taste local produce, from fresh cheeses and smoked meats to delicious baked goods. It’s also the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, relaxing while you soak in the city’s unique atmosphere.

Feb / Mar 2025

NOVA GORICA-GORIZIA

Spanning two countries, Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy are an inspiring example of cross-border unity. In 2025, these two cities will join forces as the first ever borderless European Capitals of Culture, symbolising cooperation, diversity, and shared cultural heritage. For tourists, this provides an extraordinary chance to experience the best of both Slovenia and Italy in one seamless journey.

A journey through history

At the heart of the region’s experienced experience is the fascinating history of the region. These two cities have lived in the shadow of the Iron Curtain, and their intertwined histories offer a unique perspective on the postwar European experience. Take a stroll through Gorizia’s historic centre, with its beautiful Piazza della Vittoria and medieval Gorizia Castle, and reflect on the city’s past as a border town, once divided by political and ideological lines.

Meanwhile, Nova Gorica, founded after World War II as a new settlement to counterbalance the border divisions, has grown into a thriving, cosmopolitan city with a strong sense of identity. As the two cities work together

One of the true delights of the region is its stunning natural beauty. From the rolling vineyards of the Collio wine region to the lush green hills of Brda, the area offers some of the best wine-tasting experiences in Europe. Explore the vineyard trails, where you can sample worldclass wines and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Italian and Slovenian landscapes.

For nature lovers, the region’s Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a mustvisit. These stunning underground limestone formations are among the largest and most beautiful in Europe, offering visitors a chance to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re hiking through the Soča Valley or cycling along the Isonzo River, the region’s natural wonders are sure to captivate.

Fusion cuisine

Gorizia and Nova Gorica both offer excellent culinary traditions, combining the best of Italian and Slovenian food cultures. In Gorizia, you can enjoy classic Italian dishes like risotto, pasta, and truffle-infused delights, paired with the exceptional wines from the Collio region.

Meanwhile, Nova Gorica’s more rustic Slovenian cuisine offers hearty stews, wild game, and the delicious potica (a traditional nut roll).

Whether you’re sipping an aperitif in a Gorizia piazza or enjoying a glass of Slovenian wine on the terrace of a Nova Gorica vineyard, the region’s culinary offerings are sure to delight your taste buds.

2025 promises to be a year of unforgettable experiences.

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See more photos on page 7, 26, 48, 66 and 80

PHOTOS

ALEX GREENSTONE WAS RECENTLY CALLED UP FOR HIS BAR MITZVAH AT SINAI SYNAGOGUE.

IT WAS A PROUD DAY FOR HIS PARENTS, SARA AND LEON.

ALEX AND LEON MARCHING ON TOGETHER IN FRONT OF HIS LEEDS UNITED INSPIRED BAR MITZVAH LOGO.

GLASSES AND GLOWSTICKS AT THE READY WITH SARA!

ETZ CHAIM SYNAGOGUE HELD A VERY SUCCESSFUL MALEVA MALKA AND DAVID SHIFFER MEMORIAL LECTURE THAT SAW MEMBERS COME TOGETHER TO ENJOY A DELICIOUS DINNER AND INTERESTING EVENING.

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ALEX’S FRIENDS AND FAMILY JOINED TOGETHER AT THE BARROWS IN HARROGATE FOR AN APRÈS-SKI THEMED PARTY.

A JOYFUL TIME WAS HAD!

THE EVENT’S GUEST SPEAKER WAS DR RICHARD VAUTREY, PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF GPS.

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SUPPORTIVE FUTURE

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

The Manny Cussins Foundation has been instrumental in funding The Zone to create a resilient youth support network.

In the 1970s, visionary philanthropist Manny Cussins identified a critical need within the Leeds Jewish community: who was looking out for the vulnerable children at risk of being removed from their homes and the community?

His answer was The Manny Cussins House – a children’s home from home dedicated to giving young lives a chance to thrive within their own community.

The 2004 amendments to The Children Act reshaped social care in the UK. As a result, many children’s homes, including Manny Cussins House had to close. This reflected a move away from institutional care, in favour of supporting children within their families. It was crucial that this was not the end of Manny’s legacy, and the vision continued through the Manny Cussins Family Project (MCFP) at Leeds

Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB), where welfare services continue to this day.

The Manny Cussins Foundation – a charitable trust set up by Manny’s family – also ensured that Manny’s legacy remains steadfast through its ongoing partnership with The Zone, which supports young people and their families. The MCFP is now transitioning fully to The Zone, creating a dynamic synergy that ensures comprehensive, communitybased support for young people across Leeds, Yorkshire, and beyond.

New projects will include a buddying initiative that will connect mentors and young people who are lonely, living in social isolation, or might be child carers. This will give them the chance to enjoy experiences such as going for a game of bowling, to the cinema, to the

seaside, or on a holiday trip. There’ll also be more respite options for families to bring their children to The Zone who require one-on-one supervision. While parents have some muchneeded time to re-energise, children will be engaged and supported socially, as well as have access to other Zone related opportunities.

Chair of The Zone, Paul Shafar, and CEO, Raina Sheaf, said: “We are honoured to be continuing Manny Cussins’ legacy and to see this essential project become part of The Zone’s wider efforts to support young people throughout their journey from child to young adult. This transition marks a new chapter in our commitment to creating a welcoming and empowering space for the next generation.”

Thezoneleeds.org

A FITTING MEMORIAL Advertisers on photo pages have not necessarily been involved with events shown.

Leeds Jewish Housing Association recently unveiled its design for the 80 Candles for 80 Years initiative, commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Students from Leeds Jewish Free School have teamed up with the Leeds Jewish Housing Association to create a special candle-holder that commemorates the stories of survivors from the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. This initiative is part of the Holocaust Memorial Trust’s “80 Candles for 80 Years” project, launched to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The project invited 80 communities and organisations from across the country to design a unique candle-holder, each one representing the memories and experiences of Holocaust survivors.

The Leeds Jewish Housing Association was selected as one of the communities to participate in this significant project. To unveil the design, a special assembly was held at Leeds Jewish Free School, where the candle-holder was revealed. The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall-Katung, and featured readings, prayers, and reflections. This collaboration not only highlights the importance of remembering the past but also serves as a powerful way to honour those whose lives were affected by the atrocities of Auschwitz.

Feb / Mar 2025

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NUTRITION

h

W &

Healt

Carmel gives us her six tips for creating healthy, well-balanced eating habits…

Eat Better, Live Better Israel born Clinical Nutritionist Carmel Berke shares her top tips for building sustainable, healthy eating habits for optimum wellbeing.

January is a time that many use for reflection on how to live a healthier and more vibrant life. Eating well is essential for maintaining good health, boosting energy, and improving overall wellbeing. A balanced diet that’s rich in nutrients helps our bodies function at their best, supports immune health, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. The food choices we make directly impact our physical and mental health, influencing everything from mood to concentration.

Clinical Nutritionist Carmel Berke was born in Israel and grew up in Finland: “I suppose my love for food and nutrition came from the stark contrast between the two countries and what was on offer from a food point of view. I went from a Mediterranean country to a Scandinavian one, where they didn't have the same kind of fruit, vegetables, and exotic food that I was used to.

“This went further when I went back to Israel at 19 and joined the army; there you’re really pushed to the limits with sometimes

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quite poor nutrition. We relied on box meals and tinned food that were very high calorie but lacked in fresh ingredients and certain vitamins and minerals. I’d say that’s where my obsession with clinical nutrition began as I started to get an idea of exactly what the body needs for optimum functioning.”

After finishing her stint in the army, Carmel moved to the UK, completed a Human Nutrition degree, and began to work with Age UK Salford: “I became responsible for a new programme that raises awareness of older people's malnutrition risk and to bust some of the myths like older people are supposed to be thinner, more frail, and smaller – that isn’t the case!”

A subject that Carmel is particularly passionate about is debunking myths: “I’ve really taken it upon myself to call out ridiculous myths that are all over social media about quick fixes and fad diets. I break down the science behind them to get a better understanding, and they simply don’t work.”

1. Eat regularly

“Eating regularly helps your body use carbohydrates, fat, and protein to fuel your body more efficiently.”

2. Include all food groups

“Different food groups contribute differently to the body. You have carbohydrates which come with a lot of vitamins that are really important for the body such as vitamin C and B. Protein keeps us strong and our muscles working properly, and all of our organs are made of protein so it’s needed. And finally, fats, many people are scared of fats but they hold a lot of fat soluble vitamins and if we don’t have enough in our diet, a lot of what we eat will not get absorbed in the same way.”

3. Drink more water

“Many people simply don’t drink enough! A lot of times when people think they’re hungry, they’re actually just thirsty. If you know you’ve eaten enough and still feel hungry, try drinking water and some of that hunger will most likely disappear.”

4. Eat consciously

“Understand what the purpose is of your eating habits. Are you eating because you’re hungry or for another reason? Maybe because you’re bored or feeling sad. People associate certain emotions with food and my advice is to just take yourself away from the situation.”

5. Avoid quick fixes

“I’d definitely avoid any fad diets or anything that’s advertised as a diet. I don’t like the term diet as it tends to have a beginning and an end; what you actually want to end up with is a really sound eating plan that lasts.”

6. Be mindful about supplements “Unless you’ve got a health condition that requires you to take supplements, a lot of them aren’t necessarily going to give you what you want them to give. There’s very little scientific backing to any of them! The only recommendation that the Department of Health has made in terms of supplements is that everyone living in the UK should take vitamin D, due to the lack of sunlight.

Everything else should come from the food you eat.”

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

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NEW OPENINGS

Something New Discover the newest and best hotspots popping up across the city.

Beyond the Red Door | Horsforth | TBC

A new family-owned bar, eatery, and social space will soon land in Horsforth. Inside you’ll find two bars that cater to a variety of tastes; one dedicated to draught local craft beers and the other to feature a curated selection of canned and bottled beverages alongside freshly made cocktails. The venue will also double up as a bottle and refill shop where customers will be able to purchase gin, whisky, and refills by sister business, The Little Red Berry Co. There will always be something new to enjoy at the bar as in the evening it transforms into a more vibrant spot featuring regular live music, showcasing local talent with everything from laid-back acoustic vibes to something more upbeat.

On Instagram and Facebook @Beyondthereddoorhorsforth

Green Room | City Centre | February

Three years after opening its original site, Green Room will have doubled in size by opening an extension of the venue in the building next door. The new addition to the bar and social space includes live music, bottomless brunches, and all-round party vibes down in the basement – a completely new feature of Green Room. The main bar will be a third bigger than the original site so you can enjoy its wide range of cocktails and local beers faster than ever!

Green-room.com

BAKE | Granary Wharf | Open now

BAKE is a new concept-style bakery and café created by the brains behind the much-loved Doh’hut and Things in Bread. The bakery aims to give the British bakery a renaissance, with an emphasis on freshly baked goods, high-quality locally sourced ingredients, and unbeatable coffee. Selling delicious sweet and savoury pastries, breads, sandwiches, and more, BAKE combines the precision and artistry of French patisserie with renowned British classics to offer a more elevated taste of the baked treats that we all know and love.

On Instagram @bake_leeds

The Swine Bistro | Headingley | February Hotel Indigo | City Centre | Spring 2025

The former Cosmopolitan Hotel at the corner of Lower Briggate and Swinegate is due to open as Hotel Indigo after undergoing major renovations. There’ll also be a new restaurant within the hotel – Banksia – which will aim to integrate the hotel with the local neighbourhood. Guests can enjoy delicious, locally sourced cuisine and stand out cocktails at Banksia, which fuses Mediterranean and Asian flavours and will be a welcoming space ideal for drinks, networking, or a lively evening of wine, dine, and dance.

Ihg.com/hotelindigo

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Chef couple Jo and Stu Myers have announced the next phase of The Swine Bistro’s evolution as it moves to a bigger venue on Otley Road in Headingley. The old venue only had an 18-cover capacity and a tiny kitchen that could only accommodate two chefs, but the new venue will almost double its covers to 30 as well as including a private dining room with an additional 15 covers.

Staying true to its roots, the restaurant will continue to offer a seasonal menu of bistro dishes using local produce with pairings of wines sourced from Latitude Wines, tasty puddings, and the occasional hearty pie.

Swinethatdines.co.uk

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY

Wine and Dine Kosher wine expert, Gabriel Geller, shines a light on the best French wines available at Kedem Europe this National Drink Wine Day (18th February).

Though we know that ancient wine production originated in regions like Israel and Georgia, the contemporary form of this craft was largely developed in France, alongside neighbouring countries such as Italy and Spain. This craft was refined in the medieval era by monks who mastered vine cultivation and winemaking, primarily for religious purposes. These practices later transitioned into a scientific approach, with the French setting many cultural and scientific standards that now define global winemaking.

French winemaking is a reflection of the unique cultures and traditions of its diverse regions, from Bordeaux to Burgundy to the Rhône Valley. Each region contributes distinct methods and flavours, rooted in local terroir and heritage, making wine a key aspect of French culture.

Santé – which translates to health in French – is equivalent to ‘cheers’ or ‘l'chaim’.

This expression is a wish for good health and happiness, epitomising the French appreciation for good wine, fine food, and pleasant company. As far as wine is concerned, there is clearly a consensus between French and Jewish culture! This term also aptly describes the daily consumption of wine in France, traditionally viewed as part of a healthy lifestyle. While opinions in the scientific and healthcare communities may vary, Gabriel believes that life's pleasures, like wine, should be enjoyed in moderation, with a focus on quality. Here he prescribes some of the best Kosher choices for this year’s National Drink Wine Day. Santé, l’chaim!

Champagne Barons de Rothschild | Rosé Brut | Non-vintage

This Champagne producer is a joint venture of the three branches of the Rothschild family from the famed Châteaux Lafite, Clarke, and Mouton-Rothschild. This beautiful, elegant Champagne exemplifies the kind of wine that results from combining so much knowledge, passion, and uncompromising standards. With notes of freshly picked strawberries, sour cherries, vanilla, and a hint of freshly baked sourdough bread, this luxurious sparkling wine will elevate any meal or joyous occasion.

Koenig | Gewürztraminer | 2022

From the Alsace region – which focuses mostly on white varieties – this is a wine that represents the viticulture of the area quite well, and the pricing is also quite attractive.

This aromatic white wine features intense notes of lychee, rose petals, and spices. The palate is medium-bodied, with generous notes of tropical fruits and ginger, balanced by a refreshing acidity which makes it ideal for spicy Chinese or Mexican dishes.

Domaine Raymond Usseglio | Châteauneuf-du-Pape | 2022

From one of the greatest wineries of the Rhône Valley, this is a rich, complex blend crafted from grapes grown on old vines. The nose shows ripe dark fruits like blackberry and plum, with hints of allspice, black pepper, leather, and herbal undertones. The palate is full-bodied, fruity, with a velvety texture and a long finish. This wine pairs excellently with hearty dishes; think big roasts, beef stews, or lamb chili.

Château Dauzac | Margaux | 2021

This first-time kosher offering from a prestigious Bordeaux château has pulled off one of the best wines from the challenging 2021 vintage. The nose features ripe cassis, violets, and a hint of oak. On the medium to full-bodied palate, it presents layers of cassis, black cherry, cigar tobacco, and earthy notes, balanced by medium-plus acidity.

J. de Villebois | Sancerre, Silex | 2023

This crisp white is made from Sauvignon Blanc, showcasing vibrant acidity and purity of fruit. It shows aromas of grapefruit and green apple, complemented by a subtle smokiness and hints of fresh herbs. On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied yet intense, with flavours of lime, underripe pear, and a sharp, refreshing finish. This is a wine that genuinely highlights the mineral-driven character of Sancerre!

With thanks to Kedemeurope.com

Feb / Mar 2025

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BEFORE

AFTER

Keeping Up Appearances The Temple Practice in Moortown offers exceptional and professional dental and aesthetics treatments to enhance your natural beauty, boost your confidence, and freshen up your look. We spoke to Owner Sophia Bow, and Practice Manager, Chloe Whincup, to find out what makes this clinic so special.

Whether it’s enhancing your appearance for a special occasion or simply looking to improve your look, people are increasingly turning to aesthetic treatments to boost their natural beauty. In LS17, one practice stands out for its exceptional, personalised services – The Temple Practice. From facials to advanced cosmetic procedures, Temple Practice offers a comprehensive range of treatments designed to help you feel confident and radiant.

Sophia’s deep connection to the Leeds area plays a significant role in the success of Temple Practice. Having grown up and schooled in Alwoodley, even working her first Saturday job aged 14 at Michael Kent’s hair salon (Sophia says that she still holds Frances Kent very dear to her heart), understands the community’s changing needs and has made it her mission to offer high-quality treatments tailored to every individual: “When I bought the practice in Moortown, I felt like I was coming home,” says Sophia. “I know the area, the people, and their expectations. It just felt right.”

Temple Practice is renowned for its aesthetic treatments, which range from facials and teeth whitening to lip fillers and nonsurgical nose jobs. These services are especially popular with patients looking to enhance their appearance in a safe, non-invasive manner:

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Communication is key.

We’ve built a reputation for being honest with our patients, even if that means telling them that their expectations might be unrealistic.

“We offer a holistic approach to beauty,” says Sophia. “It’s not just about enhancing someone’s features but about boosting their confidence. We’ve seen a huge rise in treatments like non-surgical facelifts, skin rejuvenation, and full smile makeovers.”

Chloe is a key member of the team and is also extensively trained in aesthetic procedures: “We were looking for a practice manager when Chloe came in,” says Sophia.

“She was about to start training in aesthetics, and it was great for me because I knew I could mentor Chloe using my 22 years’ experience,

and incrementally hand over responsibilities to her. She’s like my little Jedi.” Chloe has been a valuable asset to the practice, and patients have become very attached to her: “Now, patients are asking for Chloe by name,” Sophia says with pride. “You know how it is when someone has been with you for years and they’re a bit reluctant to try someone new, but Chloe’s proven herself.”

Chloe’s training in aesthetics and dentistry makes her a well-rounded practitioner: “I love that I can talk to patients about all aspects of their needs,” Chloe explains. “If a patient comes in and says they want lip fillers or teeth work, I can discuss both.”

Facial treatments are highly sought after, with Temple Practice offering a variety of noninvasive skin rejuvenation options, such as the latest cutting edge skin boosters designed to restore the skin’s youthful radiance, regardless of age. The clinic’s advanced technology and experienced practitioners ensure that each client receives a personalised treatment plan based on their concerns and ultimate goals.

Additionally, for those considering more transformative treatments, the team offers a full and comprehensive range of dermal fillers, wrinkle reduction, jawline refinement and augmentation, forehead lifting, and non-surgical

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

PROMOTION

SOPHIA BOW, OWNER

nose jobs, including scar reduction from previous surgical rhinoplasties or nasal trauma.

The high standards at the clinic aren’t just evident in the results the practice delivers; the dedication to continuous learning and training is also a key factor in its success. In fact, Temple Practice was recently awarded an apprenticeship award for excellence in training, coming out as number one in healthcare in the whole of the country, which is a testament to its commitment to providing exceptional care and ongoing development for the team.

In addition to offering top-notch treatments, the financial aspect of personal care is an important consideration, especially for younger patients. That’s why the clinic now offers monthly ‘smile’ payment plans, allowing patients to cover the cost of keeping up tooth whitening and lip filler for as little as £25 per month. Sophia says: “This way, the cost of treatments can be spread over several months, making it more manageable. This will be excellent for Gen Z patients in particular.”

Temple Practice’s commitment to growth and stability is further reflected in its recent investment in the building it operates from.

A bold move, ensuring that Temple Practice remains a permanent fixture in the Leeds community: “Owning the building allows us to invest in the future,” says Sophia. “It’s a big step for us, but it’s a way of showing our commitment to the practice and the patients who have supported us along the way.” This investment will allow Sophie and the team to further improve the environment for the clinic, and to invest in making the building more sustainable.

The clinic takes a cautious and thoughtful approach with every patient, even turning away those for whom the treatment may not be the right fit: “We tend to shy away from treating really young patients, like teenagers, because we know that often, they’re not trying to be themselves – they want to be someone else. We’re happy to treat someone if it’s for a medical reason or if they’re older than 16 and have parental consent, especially for things like a nose reconstruction. For patients 18 to 20, we always look for a legitimate reason and

Feb / Mar 2025

approval from their GP.” “We always listen to our patients and make sure they feel heard,” says Chloe. “Sometimes, patients come in with specific expectations, and it’s our job to ensure that we’re realistic about what can be achieved. We don’t promise miracles; we promise transformative results alongside quality and safety.”

Sophia adds: “Communication is key.

We’ve built a reputation for being honest with our patients, even if that means telling them that their expectations might sometimes be unrealistic. It’s all about helping them look and feel their best while giving the appearance of a true natural beauty.”

The clinic values its staff as much as its patients, and has a strict policy that it won’t tolerate unpleasant behaviour, as Sophia explains: “We occasionally have had people who come into the practice and are aggressive/ inappropriate towards our staff. We have a very strict rule that if there’s any aggression towards our staff in any way, even if they may be wanting £35,000 worth of dental implants, we won’t see or treat that patient.”

The treatment process itself is very patient-

It’s not just about enhancing someone’s features but about boosting their confidence. centred and often takes an incremental process, says Chloe: “It’s about taking the time to really understand what the patient wants and making sure they’re comfortable with the treatment plan,” she says. “It’s not just about filling areas – it’s about achieving an overall look that makes them feel confident.

Sometimes it’s about going slow, especially with big cases like facelifts. We take it step by step.”

“It’s not about being cautious for no reason,” Sophia explains. “We know that if you put too much filler in one go, it can actually be less effective because the body breaks it down faster. Filler needs time to settle, and layering it gradually is the best way to ensure long-lasting, natural results.”

This same strategy is used even in areas once considered too risky, like the chin and zygomatic regions. “You can inject in these areas safely as long as you take your time and avoid overloading the area with product.”

The practice also avoids topical anaesthesia, opting instead for techniques that minimise discomfort and the risk of infection.

Chloe also emphasises the importance of making patients feel comfortable during their visits, as many have a fear of attending the dentist, or of needles: “We take the time to talk with them, reassure them, and make sure

CHLOE WHINCUP, PRACTICE MANAGER

they know exactly what’s happening every step of the way, so they fully trust us.”

When asked what sets the practice apart, Chloe credits the team: “I think it’s our team – everyone plays a vital role, and we all know it,” she says. “From Sophia, the dentist, to the receptionist, every person is crucial to our success.” The team atmosphere is something that the patients also pick up on. “You can feel it when you walk in – the warmth and friendliness of the staff.”

The practice also prides itself on serving a diverse clientele, including an increase in male patients: “We definitely see more men seeking aesthetic treatments now,” says Sophia. “Botox and jawline augmentation are popular with male patients. We don’t discriminate – if someone wants to improve their appearance, we’re happy to help.”

With a strong community presence, flexible payment plans, a commitment to high standards, and a team of skilled professionals, Temple Practice is an excellent choice for anyone looking to look and feel their best.

As Sophia concludes: “Our goal is to make every patient feel as special as they deserve to be. We’re here to help them feel confident and beautiful every day.”

Templepractice.com

BEFORE

AFTER

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EVENTS

Main Events

Don’t miss out with our round-up of some of the best events coming up around the city.

Leeds Storytelling Festival | Various locations | 15th February to 8th March

The magic of storytelling unites cultures and generations; and this month, it illuminates the city. From award-winning family theatre and acclaimed author readings to costume-making workshops and a city-wide trail – this truly is a festival for everyone! There are events spread across three weeks in venues in and around the city from Chapel Allerton Library to Leeds City Museum. The festival officially launches on 15th February with a fact-packed event from Kate Pankhurst – bestselling creator of the Fantastically Great Women series.

Leedsinspired.co.uk

Hansel and Gretel | The Stanley and Audrey Burton Theatre | 15th to 22nd February

PHOTO: TRISTRAM KENTON

The Magic Flute | Leeds Grand Theatre 12th to 22nd February

Prince Tamino is on a quest to find love and happiness. With the bird-catcher Papageno at his side and armed with a magic flute, he must battle trials, tribulations, and an evil sorcerer to rescue the imprisoned Pamina. The Magic Flute is the ideal introduction to opera for everyone as it’s packed with fantasy, romance, and daring characters. James Brining’s production, Colin Richmond’s shape-shifting design, and Mozart’s musical fireworks make for a dizzying, magical ride through a world where nothing is quite as it first appears.

Operanorth.co.uk

Change and Adaptation at Temple Newsam 7th to 11th March

Temple Newsam farm is celebrating change and adaptation as part of British Science Week 2025, which takes place from 7th to 16th March. There’ll be a variety of events and activities for all the family to enjoy as you discover how the farm has changed over the years, what seasonal changes happen on the farm and estate, and what adaptations can be seen in the farmyard animals and wildlife around the estate.

Museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/temple-newsam

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Northern Ballet’s newest children’s ballet has reimagined the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel for February half term. The ballet follows the pair was they take a walk through the woods, unaware of the damage they’re leaving behind. When they get lost, they meet a host of spirited friends who teach them how we can better look after the planet – and have some fun along the way! Experience the wonder of ballet together with your little one through the art of bold sets, inventive storytelling, and brilliant live music and dance.

Northernballet.com

PHOTO: JOHAN PERSSON

Only Fools and Horses: The Musical | Leeds Grand Theatre | 24th Februar y to 1st March

Based on John Sullivan’s legendary television show, this critically acclaimed home-grown musical features cherished material from one of Britain’s most-loved TV shows. The show features a script and original score written by John’s son, Jim Sullivan, and comedy giant Paul Whitehouse will be starring as Grandad.

Prepare to get reacquainted with Britain’s most lovable rogues and experience the classic comedy brought to life on stage through an ingenious script and a whole host of hilarious songs.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

FEATURE

Beacon of Hope Founder and CEO of mental health first aid training charity, HelloHope, Ellie MacDonald, tells us about her suicide prevention mission.

HelloHope is on a mission to improve the lives of people struggling with poor mental health and thoughts of suicide by delivering life-saving mental health and suicide prevention training.

The team of experienced and qualified mental health and suicide prevention trainers can deliver simple yet lifesaving training to businesses, schools, community groups, and the general public across the UK. Ellie MacDonald founded HelloHope in 2024 after experiencing her own mental health struggles and realising there needed to be a change in the space: “I lost my dad to suicide when I was just four years old, so suicide has always been something that resonated with me. This combined with me really struggling with anxiety and depression a couple of years ago are what created HelloHope. I’ve been running my own PR business for 10 years and I was getting more involved with charities and mental health campaigns. I wanted to be at the forefront of these campaigns as I saw a real need in the market; there’s a lot of crisis services but not so much in the prevention space. I spent a couple of years researching and retraining, and I’m now qualified as a mental health first aid instructor and a suicide first aid tutor trainer.”

HelloHope is focused around empowering and equipping ordinary people with vital yet simple life saving skills, confidence, and tools to be able to teach people the signs of symptoms that somebody may be struggling, as Ellie explains: “I really wanted it to come from a place of positivity and hope – which is why I called it HelloHope – and I think it stands out from a lot of different organisations in the sector; we’re very much focused on that prevention bit rather than being a crisis service.

We don’t deal directly with people that are struggling, we’re the bit before that where we try empowering communities and ordinary people

Feb / Mar 2025

to be able to look out for everyone. I want to create a kind of society where we’re all looking out for each other, whether it’s loved ones, colleagues, or even just a stranger in the street!

We all have the capacity to be able to help those who may be struggling. I’d love to get people like taxi drivers and bus drivers trained so they can identify the signs of someone struggling.

There are a lot of kind people out there, but we often lack the confidence to be able to approach them; our mission is to make people feel confident to step in when someone needs it.”

Ellie’s career in PR and marketing has helped her massively in the HelloHope journey: “PR is one of the best ways to grow a business, so I’ve used my expertise to help increase awareness and reduce the stigma through our PR campaigns through delivering talks to schools, universities, business, and as many people as I can possibly reach!”

Not only does HelloHope provide training, but it also holds events connected to wellbeing and positive mental health. The charity has recently paired up with Harrogate’s reigning Miss Yorkshire and personal trainer, Chloe McEwen, to host a mindfulness retreat in Malta in May: “Not only are the retreats that we do a chance to recharge, they’re also about understanding your own mental health and how to help others too. I think if people look after themselves, they’re in a much better place to be able to look after others.”

Watch this space for an exciting project HelloHope is launching in the spring: “I can’t say too much about it but we’re currently developing a world first suicide prevention platform. We’ve been successful in getting some grant funding from Huddersfield University so it’s all in development at the moment, but it’s going to be something really quite groundbreaking!”

Hellohope.uk | @Hellohopeuk

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NEWS IN BRIEF BRCA Event to Raise Awareness

An event to raise awareness about the BRCA gene fault is set to take place in LS17 on 16th March. One in 40 people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry carry a BRCA gene fault, which leads to a significantly increased lifetime risk of developing certain types of cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Both men and women with a BRCA gene fault have a 50% chance of passing it on to each of their children.

The event’s aim is to raise awareness about the gene fault and the screening process, as well as answering common questions about the support available, how the screening process works, and why it is important for both men and women.

Eventbrite.co.uk

Leeds-born Israelis Meet

LLAA Holds 2025’s First Advocacy Session

LJRC Pays Tribute

CST Northern Director Receives MBE

More than 50 Leeds-born Israelis got together for a meet up in Netanya on 5th January. This is a yearly tradition of mostly seniors coming together from towns, moshavim, and kibbutzim.

The event contained readings from Meet Me at Cantor, a play which explores the lives of Leeds’ Jewish teenagers in 1950s Chapeltown, and which invoked fond memories for many of the attendees.

The Leeds Jewish Representative Council has paid tribute to David Gidron, Director of Community Resilience and Refugee Support for JCD, the leading global Jewish humanitarian organisation, who passed away after a sudden illness.

The tribute said: “I want to tell you all about someone you may not have known who made a huge impact on our community and who has sadly passed away after a short and shocking illness.

“David lived in Israel and worked for the JDC, a global Jewish humanitarian organisation.

He was an expert in crisis management, and we first met in 2016 when the JDC selected Leeds as a pilot community for their resilience initiative.

From that moment, we worked closely together.

He wasn’t someone who sought the spotlight – which is probably why you may not have heard of him – but he had a quiet, guiding presence that was invaluable.

“David had an incredible combination of kindness, wisdom, and generosity. He taught me so much about leadership: how to lead with compassion, how to listen deeply, and how to focus on what truly matters.

“Because of David, the LJRC was able to step up in ways we never had before – coordinating our community’s response to the COVID pandemic and leading after the horrific events of October 7th.

“David loved Leeds and often said it had a ‘Goldilocks quality’ – not too big, not too small, but just right, with people who truly care.

“I’ll miss him more than words can express, but I know his legacy will live on in all of us.”

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Leeds Leads Against Antisemitism’s volunteers jumped right into action as 2025 began, taking to the streets of Leeds in freezing temperatures for the year’s first advocacy session.

The group took up a new spot on Lands Lane, allowing them to reach more people. Per the group’s Facebook post after the day, a lady told one of the volunteers that she was only interested in Britain initially, but after a lovely chat, said that she had learnt a lot and was completely supportive.

One of the most interesting conversations of the day took place with a Pakistani man who had never met a Jewish person before. He told the volunteer he spoke with how he had been taught to despise Israel and not like Jews or Christians, but he never understood why, and that he wants everyone to like each other and live in peace.

Amanda Bomsztyk, the Northern Director of the Community Security Trust, was recently awarded an MBE for her services to the Jewish community. An MBE is given to a person for achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.

Speaking about the honour, Amanda said: “What an absolute privilege to have been recognised for the many years of hard work and dedication both for myself and the incredible organisation I have the honour to work for. This is especially the case given the level of antisemitism across the UK since October 7th. The strength of CST, the incredible team in the north and the national organisation that works tirelessly to keep our community safe, make my otherwise stressful role, manageable. Coupled with the incredible working partnership with the police, government, and our community it continues to give me hope for a safe and secure future ahead for all communities.”

CST, which aims to safeguard Jewish people living in the UK and work against antisemitism, has seen an uptick in incidents since the renewed conflict in the Middle East, making Amanda’s work even more challenging.

The Zone Hosts Interfaith Session

On 14th January, The Zone organised for Streetwise GB to deliver an informal education workshop focusing on Interfaith Dialogue and Antisemitism.

Streetwise works nationally with Jewish schools and community organisations, enhancing the personal safety and personal development of young people to support their physical and emotional wellbeing.

The interfaith session explored the difficulties that minority groups face in the UK today, focusing on the current spikes in antisemitism and Islamophobia. Using case studies and a proposed framework for healthy interfaith dialogue, attendees collaborated on ideas to bring these communities together rather than divide.

Passover by the Sea

Following the huge success of its inaugural Passover Programme last year, BNJC (Brighton & Hove Jewish Community Hub) is delighted to announce its 2025 dates and schedule. From guided community Seder nights, an on-site synagogue and mikvah, fully kosher (KLBD) restaurant and deli, to a bespoke programme of activities including Sussex excursions – there is something for everybody to ensure that Pesach by the Sea 2025 will not only be memorable but stress-free.

Every part of the Passover preparations will be taken care of in advance for guests across all levels of observance – from additional cleaning to meal prep and Rabbinic led services to shopping. With the added reassurance of 24/7 security and a private underground car park – BNJC is the perfect place to enjoy family time without the added pressures of planning, prepping, cooking or constant cleaning.

Rabbi Matt Marks, Head of Community Engagement at BNJC comments: “Pesach is a time when the kibbutz-like communal spirit of the BNJC reaches new heights. With the comfort and support of an organised programme but the intimate, warm feel of a community-centred festival complete with opportunities for arts and cultural indulgences. All our guests can stay calm in the knowledge that they are never more than 15 minutes away from rolling green hills, crisp ocean waves, a home-style fully kosher cooked meal, or the next minyan.”

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

ADVICE

COMMUNITY HOUSING Looking after our community’s housing needs.

With Mark Grandfield, Chief Executive at Leeds Jewish Housing Association On any day there are literally hundreds of households in our City of Leeds without a permanent home, most of which by no fault of their own. We simply have too few homes for the number of households and we need to build more. Becoming homeless is a traumatic experience and generally not something that is quickly resolved; families can be provided state funded temporary accommodation while a permanent solution appears but the disruption to lives is huge and shouldn’t be underestimated. Hopefully most of us will never experience this but it is a real challenge in society at present.

At LJHA we will soon be demolishing some old flats to make way for new family homes, our residents have moved from those flats to different LJHA ones. The easiest thing

would have been to board up the empty flats for a few months until works commence.

Every day at LJHA we see the value a permanent home brings to the lives of our residents and as such boarding up homes, however old, and letting them sit empty goes against our principles as a not-for-profit housing provider. We’ve just finished a great partnership with Leeds City Council and an organisation called Turning Lives Around to use around 30 of our empty homes over 12 months, to provide much needed temporary sanctuary for 83 different homeless families from within our city. Families that might well have found themselves offered a single hostel or bed and breakfast room – sharing kitchens and a bathroom with multiple other families – have been able to call our properties home in their most vulnerable of times. This type of outcome only happens with organisations that see property as a potential home and not simply as a source of income or profit.

Ljha.co.uk

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See more photos on page 7, 26, 36 , 66 and 80

PHOTOS

ALMOST 700 PEOPLE HELPED TO DELIVER GIFTS TO STAFF WORKING ON CHRISTMAS DAY AT HOSPITALS, EMERGENCY SERVICES AND CARE HOMES IN UHC’S A TIME TO SAY THANK YOU INITIATIVE.

VOLUNTEERS LAUREN, OLIVER, AND DAN WILDER VISITED THE STAFF AT ST JAMES’ HOSPITAL.

CHARITY EVENT STRICTLY THE MASKED SINGER WAS A HUGE SUCCESS, WITH ADAM LEVINE – WHO WAS DRESSED AS PANDA – TAKING THE 2024 CROWN!

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ORGANISED BY RABBI ALBY CHAIT AND REBBETZIN GILA, THE INITIATIVE NOW INCLUDES COMMUNITIES IN MANCHESTER, LONDON, AND AUSTRALIA.

WHILE KAREN AND CARL EVANS AND JUDITH SULLIVAN ALSO VOLUNTEERED TAKING GIFTS TO HARROGATE HOSPITAL.

BANANA WAS ANOTHER CONTESTANT THAT TOOK TO THE STAGE, LATER REVEALED AS ELMHURST’S RICHARD ABRAHAMS.

NICK MOSS GOT INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT AT THE ENGINE SHED WITH HIS COSTUME!

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BIG IMPACT

Impact Care Awards 2025 is set receive support from Leeds Jewish Welfare Board.

Leeds Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB) has been chosen as one of the charities working with local teenagers, supported by Rabbi Reuven Cohen, culminating in the Impact Care Awards dinner, which will take place in July.

Claudie and Victoria from LJWB attended the launch of the Impact Care Awards 2025, alongside other local organisations. They

presented to the group, explaining who LJWB is, the vital work it does in the community and the benefits of volunteering.

The Impact Care Awards, by Chabad Lubavitch, encourages young volunteers (known as CTeens) to undertake volunteer projects in the local community to build up volunteer hours. The 2025 CTeen group will

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

car wash, raising funds for LJWB, lend a hand in the LJWB charity shop, serve meals at their Pay As You Feel Café, and lend a hand at the children’s inclusive after school activity club.

For further details about this project and volunteering with LJWB, call 0113 268 4211

SPREADING THE LIGHT

Over 100 people attended the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board Chanukah party.

PHILIP RAKUSEN AND HIS SON SEBASTIAN LIT THE MENORAH CANDLES.

Over 100 people came together for Leeds Jewish Welfare Board’s communal Chanukah party, sponsored by Graham Shiers and the Business Catalyst Club. The giant menorah was lit, accompanied by Rabbi Sufrin, delicious latkes and doughnuts were eaten, and the room was filled with live music and laughter.

Feb / Mar 2025

At LJWB, spreading light isn’t just about the menorah candles — it’s the heart of everything the charity does. Through specialist support for people with challenges such as mental health struggles, dementia, learning disabilities, and sensory impairment, LJWB lights up people’s lives.

Bringing people together, reducing social

isolation, and sparking moments of happiness helps to improve the quality of life for so many.

Ljwb.co.uk

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Wedding Special

Planning Top Tips Event Planner Juliet Shenderey, Owner of Shenderey Events, offers some tips for turning the wedding planning process from a dreaded necessity to a dream.

Planning the perfect wedding should be a fun and exciting time for any couple. However, with so many options and ideas to consider, it can soon become overwhelming.

Knowing where to start can be daunting, but don’t let that put you off planning your special day. At Shenderey Events, we are here to support you, with five top tips to get your planning off to a great start.

Budget

There’s no denying it: planning a wedding, no matter what size, isn’t cheap. Before you dive into the details, you need to sit down and decide how much you and your family feel comfortable spending. It’s so easy to get carried away looking at other people’s plans and prices.

You can have an incredible wedding on any budget, but it may just take a little creativity to achieve. So, whatever your plans, make that budget – and stick to it!

Guest list

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

Prioritise

What matters the most to you? It might be the venue, or the caterer? Perhaps it’s entertainment, or flowers? Or maybe it’s the decorations? Every couple, and every wedding day, is different.

Though each individual part of your day is important in its own right, prioritising to decide what’s essential for you can help you to focus on the suppliers you’re looking at, and at your expenditure.

Do you want to plan it yourselves?

For us, seeing a couple, their family, and their friends relaxed and enjoying every moment of their big day is so important. After all, your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, so it’s vital to keep stress to a minimum. An event planner takes the tension away by beginning at the planning process and leading you all the way to your big day, putting together a clear and logical schedule that helps you to focus on the most important decisions for the day. They’re there to support you, assisting with suppliers, keeping you on budget, and creatively bringing those ideas to life. What’s more, a planner’s excellent relationships with suppliers will save you money!

Enjoy yourselves!

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

Shenderey-events.com

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Jlifemagazine.co.uk

Something Special If you’re faced with a wedding without a gift registry, why not give something truly special and unique that the happy couple will cherish? Ditch the boring Dutch oven and cutlery set and check out some irreplaceable gift ideas.

Red wedding box | £125

Why not emulate an old tradition? These lovely little boxes are reproductions of old pieces that were given to newlyweds as gift boxes. Finished in a red lacquer and with paintings of flowers in blues, greens, and creams, each one has a simple clasp on the front. They make thoughtful gifts today and are useful for storing jewellery or other personal effects.

Shimu.co.uk

Hand-painted wedding bouquet portrait | £198

These gorgeous paintings of the wedding bouquet make a special memento of the big day.

The bridal bouquet is delicately hand-painted in watercolours to create a unique artwork to treasure. The artist, Katie Hipwell, will use photos provided by you to capture the bridal bouquet in a detailed watercolour painting creating a gift to treasure for the future. The artwork can be personalised with hand-painted text of the couple’s names and wedding date, and can be purchased either unframed or framed, with options including black, white, or natural wood frames.

Katiehipwell.co.uk/printbouquet.asp

Resting stag wine cooler | £239.95

This wine cooler/punch bowl resting on a stag’s antlers is certainly worth a buck or two and will have the newly-weds fawning over it. (Sorry, we’ll steer clear of the deer puns from now on!) The stag itself is crafted from nickel-plated aluminium, sturdy enough to hold a stainless-steel bowl in its impressive antlers. Beautifully crafted with intricate detail, the bowl will comfortably hold up to five standard size wine or champagne bottles or can be used as a serving bowl and striking centrepiece for whenever the happy couple entertains.

Annabeljames.co.uk

Chasseur fondue set | £110

Kitchen appliances are a classic wedding gift, but rather than choosing something mainstream and running the risk of accidentally doubling up with another guest, opt for an out of the ordinary appliance. This gorgeous fondue set is an excellent choice. Built with exceptional quality, this enamel coated, cast iron set from is hand-forged in the Champagne Ardennes region of France and is crafted from premium quality French cast iron, with a double enamelled finish for extra durability and easy cleaning.

Dexam.co.uk

Rijksmuseum Delft blue and white candle holders | £48

These beautifully intricate candlesticks make a present that can be cherished for decades to come. Inspired by the Delft pottery on display in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (and actually licenced by the museum), these candlesticks invoke classic chinoiserie, bringing a blend of Western craftsmanship and Eastern inspiration, resulting in timeless pieces that works in all kinds of homes.

Casabyjj.com

Feb / Mar 2025

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Wedding Special

Picture Perfect

Photographer Claire Bartfield gives us an insider look into wedding photography and offers some valuable tips for couples ahead of their big day.

PHOTO: TONY MALKIN

With over seven years of experience as a photographer specialising in events and portraits, Claire Bartfield knows the ins and outs of the meticulous planning and unique challenges that come with wedding photography more than most. A familiar name to JLife readers (you’ll spot her work in most editions!), Claire shares her expert insights into capturing the magic of the big day and offers valuable tips to help couples get the most out of their wedding photos.

Ensuring a couple’s vision for their wedding photos is met is crucial for Claire: “It all starts with listening! Before I became a photographer, I worked as a solicitor, and the skills I developed in that role – like clear communication and understanding client needs – still play a big part in my work today. During consultations, I ask about my clients’ preferences, the styling, or planned decor and I always request a group shot list or specific details they want captured. On the day, I follow the schedule carefully but remain flexible to capture spontaneous and meaningful moments as they unfold.”

To secure the couple’s vision every time, Claire takes both candid and posed images to deliver a well-rounded and beautiful collection for her clients: “For candid shots I focus on staying in the background and capturing raw, emotional moments like a parent’s tear during the ceremony or a laugh during the speeches.

I often use my favourite long lens to capture these moments from a distance, ensuring I don’t disturb the emotion or intimacy of what’s happening. For posed shots, I aim to make the families feel comfortable, creating classic portraits that reflect their personalities. I’m an introverted extrovert so I love capturing both!”

Weddings can be unpredictable, so it’s important for backup plans to be in place wherever possible, as Claire explains: “Umbrellas for outdoor shots, portable lighting for low-light venues, and a flexible mindset to adapt to changes as fast as possible are just a few of my backup plans. Communication is also key – staying in touch with the couple and the planner helps me pivot smoothly when needed. My goal is to remain calm and solution-focused so the couple can enjoy their day stress-free.”

How to feel comfortable in front of the camera • Build a connection with your photographer by chatting or meeting before the big day to create a sense of trust. Engagement shoots are also a fantastic way to practice, so you’ll feel like a pro by the time your wedding arrives.

• Forget about the camera and simply enjoy your time together,

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focusing on each other. Talk, laugh, or share a private moment – these interactions bring out the most natural expressions.

• You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do, your photographer should create an environment where you can relax and just be yourselves. Trust the process!

• Relax and have fun! The more you let go of perfection and enjoy the day, the more authentic and joyful your photos will feel.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not looking closely at your venue and ensuring it matches your vision: Outdoor areas are always great for stunning photos, but with unpredictable British weather, it’s important to have a solid indoor backup plan.

• Skipping the timeline review: A rushed schedule can create stress and limit photo opportunities.

• Not communicating priorities: Sharing your top moments or must-have shots will guarantee nothing gets missed. If there are any special details, tell your photographer in advance.

• Stressing over perfection: Authentic moments are more valuable than overly staged ones – let the day unfold naturally.

Things all couples should know before the wedding

• Your wedding is about you: It’s easy to get caught up in pleasing everyone, but your happiness and connection are what truly matter.

• Embrace imperfection: Some of the most beautiful photos come from unplanned moments. A gust of wind, a happy tear – these make your day uniquely yours.

• Trust the professionals: We’re here to make your day seamless and special. The more you trust us, the more you can relax and enjoy your day!

Clairebartfieldphotography.co.uk Clairebartfieldphotography@gmail.com

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Wishing the community a Happy Passover

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www.shenderey-events.com 07946 629309 53

Your skin, reimagined.

Aesthetics doesn’t have to be daunting.

Join us for a consultation to find your path to healthier, radiant skin.

Whether you want to focus on skincare, our stimulating skin treatments or medical injectables... or a combination of all three, we’ll create a bespoke plan to address your skin concerns and make you proud to be in your skin.

MEDICAL-LED CLINIC EXPERIENCED & FRIENDLY BESPOKE TREATMENTS FOCUS ON NATURAL-LOOKING RESULTS

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Adventurous Love

WEDDING SPECIAL

Perfect for couples who want to infuse a new level of excitement into their big day, we take a look at the most unique and unconventional wedding ideas.

Weddings are a time for celebrating love but for some couples, the traditional ceremony just doesn’t cut it. Instead, some are opting for adventurous, alternative experiences that push the boundaries of what we’d usually associate with tying the knot. Whether it’s exchanging vows underwater or soaring above the world in a hot air balloon, bold couples are rewriting the rulebook for days that are less about the typical wedding and more about thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime memories that will last forever.

Leap of faith

Believe it or not, skydiving can be incorporated into your special day in a number of ways. It could be a pre-wedding event or a unique post-ceremony celebration that will take your love to new heights – literally!

Imagine a breathtakingly unconventional way to exchange vows; leaping from a plane at thousands of feet as you create an adrenaline-packed start to your married life. Combining the excitement of an extreme sport with the emotion of the moment will perfectly symbolise the plunge you’re taking together.

If you want to go one step further than having skydiving as just an activity on your wedding day, take a trip across the pond! The Skydiving Company in Texas and Skydive Carolina in North Carolina work to make your dreams a reality and allows for nuptials to be made on the plane before the skydive, giving you a ceremony to remember.

Love is in the air

If you love the idea of soaring through the sky but find skydiving a daunting prospect, a hot air balloon offers the perfect alternative. You’ll still enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, but from the comfort of a sturdy basket being gently carried along by a (hopefully) serene, calming breeze.

Although you can’t legally get married in the air in the UK, travel to Cappadocia in Turkey where you can share your vows on a hot air balloon over the region with the breathtaking views of fairy chimneys and the amazing landscape.

Sea-rious commitment

There won’t be a dry eye in the house both figuratively and literally if you choose to hold your ceremony underwater. Whether you’re a trained diver, swimmer, or just a water baby at heart, there are many stunning destinations around the world where you can say “I do” in style.

Surrounded by vibrant coral reefs in the Maldives at luxury resort Anantara Kihavah or the tranquil blues of an idyllic clear lagoon at Te Ana Ipo underwater wedding chapel in Bora Bora; getting married in the silence and serenity of the ocean will transport you to a world like no other. With specialist underwater wedding planners readily available, you’ll be in safe hands as you swap your wedding attire for scuba gear and your witnesses for marine life.

Rock solid

Not only can your wedding be brought to the skies, but you can also venture beneath the surface with a more than memorable cave ceremony. The echoes of your vows reverberating through the cavern will add an almost mystical quality to your wedding that would be difficult to recreate anywhere else.

The flicker of soft, romantic lighting casting shadows on the stone walls combined with awe-inspiring natural rock formations will offer an intimate atmosphere that’s filled with ancient charm for a private yet extraordinary vow exchange.

There are many destinations around the world for remarkable cave weddings, but don’t forget about the natural beauty of the UK! Kents Cavern in Torquay has five different marriage chambers that offer everything from a stalagmite chandelier formation to stone waterfalls that will ensure your day is filled with awe-inspiring elements in an enchanting and timeless atmosphere.

Wedding Special Feb / Mar 2025

Snow in love

A perfect location for slope seekers and frost fanatics, the heart of the mountains will provide a dreamy winter wonderland backdrop for an exceptional start to your married journey. Whether you choose a resort in Europe or further afield, the combination of snow-capped peaks, sparkling glaciers, and crisp mountain air is ideal for anyone who feels right at home in the mountains.

An alpine wedding in Val d’Isère in the French Alps is the perfect choice for couples who are passionate about winter sports and snow-capped landscapes. Le Chardon offers an array of luxurious chalets, or you can exchange vows in a charming, snow-frosted chapel for a magical atmosphere.

For an unforgettable touch, you can even opt to be whisked away on a thrilling dog sled ride through the picturesque wintery terrain.

Make sure your wedding ensemble has plenty of room for movement if you’re planning on hitting the slopes during your wedding, and don’t forget some layers!

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PROMOTION

Blown Away Owner of Love Always Balloons and Gifts in Moortown, Ree Williams, tells us about the business’ journey and what you can expect from the party décor shop and Post Office.

Whatever the occasion, bring your vision to life with a touch of elegance and joy. At Love Always Balloons and Gifts, you’ll find an extensive selection of helium balloons, unique gifts, party supplies, stationery, and so much more. Whether you’re planning a small celebration or a grand event, no balloon order is too small! In addition to the vibrant retail shop, Love Always specialises in creating stunning balloon arrangements and décor packages tailored for a wide range of occasions, including birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and other memorable celebrations. The dedicated team – lead by Ree Williams – is passionate about making your special moments even more extraordinary with beautiful and personalised balloon designs and décor.

Moortown-based businesswoman Ree Williams’ business was born when she began creating gifts and hampers from home: “I began selling through Facebook and it did really well, so much so that the house was getting really crowded so I had to find a base. That was almost seven and a half years ago! I started in the shop just continuing my gift and hamper work but, by default, went into balloons. What started off as a side business has ended up becoming my main one!”

Unlike a lot of businesses, COVID helped the business go from strength to strength: “As all the high street shops were closed, I was able to offer a click and collect service as people were looking for ways to make lockdown celebrations such as birthdays as special as possible because we had to keep celebrations at home.”

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Not only can you get all your party décor needs at the shop, but it’s also home to Moortown’s Post Office, which is celebrating its second birthday in March: “The Co-op was going through a lot of changes and the Post Office was going to close down; it would’ve been a massive gap in the community. I basically seized the opportunity to bring it into the shop and I’m so glad I did – it’s now one of the main parts of it. Over the festive period last year, we saw double the number of customers that came through the door compared to the first year!”

Love Always is your ultimate one-stop shop for an incredible selection of balloons, thoughtful gifts, luxurious hampers, and so much more, offering services for businesses and local people across Leeds and surrounding areas. With Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day just around the corner, there’s bound to be something to delight that special someone in your life. Whether you’re looking for a heartfelt balloon bouquet, a beautifully curated hamper, or a unique gift that shows just how much you care, Love Always has everything you need to make these occasions truly memorable.

Lovealwaysballoons.co.uk | 0113 450 8555 Lovealwaysballoons@gmail.com

Customer Testimonials “My balloon display looked amazing, exactly what I’d asked for. It was already set up for me when I arrived and everyone loved it. I’d highly recommend!

Thank you!”

Stephanie Pashley “We loved our display for launch night! Super quick set up and Ree was lovely to chat to. Everyone loved the display, and it looked amazing in photos! Thanks so much for being so accommodating and doing such a lovely job.

Highly recommend! We’ll definitely be coming to her again next time.”

BOUNCE Horsforth “Thank you for making our business’ 90th birthday party look so spectacular.

The colour of the balloons was perfect for our branding, and the light up numbers really added to the dancefloor.

Highly recommended.”

Levi Solicitors

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COMPETITION

Go ‘n’ Glow!

COMPETITION

Win the Sculpt and Glow facial package from Roundhay Aesthetics worth £235.

Roundhay Aesthetics is renowned for offering skin treatments and medical injectables that deliver natural, transformative results. The clinic is committed to providing a unique experience that combines results with relaxation. One of its standout treatments is the Sculpt and Glow Facial, a beautifully relaxing session that leaves your skin firm, glowing, and smooth.

The Sculpt and Glow Facial combines several advanced techniques to enhance the appearance and health of your skin. This one-hour and 15-minute treatment begins with dermaplaning, a process that gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells and peach fuzz to instantly smooth the skin. It is followed by a lifting and sculpting facial massage with lymphatic drainage, which works to contour the face and reduce puffiness. To nourish the skin, a potent Vitamin C and Growth Factor serum is applied to brighten and rejuvenation the skin. The session is completed with Dermalux LED Phototherapy, a cutting-edge treatment that boosts collagen production, leaving the skin looking radiant and revitalised.

Suitable for all skin types and ages, the Sculpt and Glow Facial is the perfect pick-me-up before a wedding or special occasion, offering immediate results and long-term skin benefits. To enhance the results, the ALLSKIN | MED Brightening Serum, used during the treatment can be used at home for the following month to provide an intense boost of Vitamin C, brightening the complexion in just two weeks and helping to smooth lines and wrinkles.

Roundhay Aesthetics is offering you a chance to win this incredible facial treatment. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the ultimate in skin rejuvenation.

Roundhayaesthetics.co.uk

We specialise in balloons and event decor for all your special occasion needs and work with you to plan your decor package. No order too small! We also work with corporate organisations across Yorkshire.

To be in a chance of winning the Sculpt and Glow facial package from Roundhay Aesthetics worth £235, simply answer the following question…

How long does the Sculpt and Glow Facial last?

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-5 or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 21st March 2025.

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

In store we stock gifts, cards, partyware, stationery and helium balloons. We are also Moortown Post Office.

391 Harrogate Road, Leeds, LS17 6DJ 0113 450 8555 / 07473 814948 lovealwaysballoons.co.uk

Follow us Feb / Mar 2025

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COMPETITION

Suited and Booted!

One lucky reader is in with the chance to win a suit worth up to £300 and a personal shopping experience courtesy of Skopes Menswear at its flagship store at White Rose Shopping Centre.

Following a landmark year for leading UK brand, Skopes, one JLife reader has the chance to kick off 2025 in style. September 2024 brought a homecoming for the 77-year-old, Leeds-based heritage brand through the opening of its new 3,800 sq. ft store which sees Skopes back in the city where it was born and bred. Customers can now browse the latest collection of suits, outerwear, footwear, shirts, and accessories all in one premium location, with easy access and plentiful (and free!) parking.

With the 2025 wedding season now in full swing, there is the option to shop online or in store for an unbeatable variety of clothes and colours to get you looking dapper for any upcoming occasion, with suits and jackets coming in chest sizes 34 to 62 inches.

And the best bit? Grooms can go free, with Skopes’ famous promotion of five suits for the price of four! (T&Cs apply) In-store, a team of dedicated style experts offer a personalised experience, helping you to craft the perfect outfit for the big day. With a Trustpilot rating of 4.9 stars, this is a service you can count on! Unable to get there in person, or can’t get your wedding party into store? No problem! You’ll find the curated wedding attire

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COMPETITION collection available online, just go to the website and shop on the go, or from the comfort of your own home!

Further cementing its links with the city that flows through its roots, Skopes is proud to announce its partnership with Leeds Rhinos for the 2025 Super League season. As official tailoring partners, the brand will be getting the entire squad, the directors, and backroom staff looking razor sharp for the new campaign.

With charity always close to the brand’s heart, Skopes continues to support a range of worthwhile causes, including collaborations over the past year such as Kevin Sinfield’s herculean ‘Running Home for Christmas’ fundraising efforts. Skopes continues to support Leeds-based charity Homeless Street Angels and is headline sponsor for the St Gemma’s Hospice’s iconic Winter Ball for the past two years.

In addition to having the chance to win a suit, Skopes is also offering all JLife readers 10% off all orders made through the website until 21st March. Simply use code JL10 at checkout to redeem the discount.

Be sure to visit Skopes.co.uk and follow Skopes on social media @Officialskopes to keep up to date on the latest offers and competitions!

To be in a chance of winning a suit worth up to £300 and a personal shopping experience at White Rose Shopping Centre, simply answer the following question…

In which city was Skopes founded 77 years ago?

Enter online at Jlifemagazine.co.uk/ competitions-5 or by post to JLife Ltd, Unit 7, Gemini Business Park, Sheepscar Way, Leeds, LS7 3JB. Please ensure your entry includes your name, address, daytime telephone number, and email address. The winners will be randomly selected on the closing date: 21st March 2025 Terms and conditions apply: Prize value of one suit (up to the value of £300) and personal shopping experience.

One entry per person. Prize must be booked with owner. When entering the competition online you have the option to not be entered in JLife Magazine and Skopes’ databases to be contacted about news, promotions, and special offers.

Postal entry data will not be saved.

Publisher’s decision is final.

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

FASHION

We explore the best techniques to create a sustainable wardrobe for fashion choices that won’t cost the earth.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the fashion industry is responsible for up to 8% of global carbon emissions. If it continues this current trajectory, the share of the carbon budget could jump to 26% by 2050. One of the most powerful ways consumers can contribute to a greener future is through the choices they make when it comes to clothing. Embracing recycling, upcycling, and opting for more sustainable pieces are just some of the ways you can contribute to a more responsible and environmentally friendly future.

By buying high quality timeless pieces, caring for the clothes that you own, and wearing your entire wardrobe rather than just a portion of it, you will have already made massive progress towards building your sustainable wardrobe.

Shop your wardrobe

Wearing your wardrobe sounds simple, but we all have clothes at the bottom of our cupboards that never see the light of day.

According to Lauren Bravo – author of How to Break up with Fast Fashion – only around 10 to 20% of our wardrobe is worn regularly.

So instead of heading to the high street, try digging around to see what you find at home first.

Start by examining the items you don’t wear regularly and determine if they’re just unworn because you don’t know how to style them or if they need to be removed from your wardrobe completely (sites like Vinted and Depop are great to make a bit of extra cash from any unwanted items).

Once you have some of your favourite items and some things you love but don’t

Feb / Mar 2025

know how to wear, it’s the perfect time for a styling session. A DIY way to do this is to find content inspiration and build a style reference deck for yourself. Make a Pinterest board or bookmark style tips and outfits on Instagram and TikTok. If you’re stuck in a style rut, hire a personal stylist for a helping hand, like Leeds-based Anna Mewes, who is committed to helping people take a more sustainable approach to buying less and stopping wasting money on clothes they only wear once.

Get creative

Upcycling your clothes is a creative and sustainable way to give new life to garments that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Instead of discarding old or worn-out pieces, upcycling involves repurposing them into something fresh

and functional by altering their design, adding embellishments, or combining them with other fabrics.

There are plenty of easy-to-follow tutorials online for an introduction to upcycling that will help you with everything from transforming an oversized shirt into a crop top to turning a pair of jeans into a bag. Upcycling encourages a mindset of creativity and sustainability, promoting a circular fashion system where clothing is valued and reused rather than disposed of.

Not confident in your upcycling ability? Don’t worry! Stitched Up in Ancoats runs a public programme of sewing, mending, and upcycling workshops to people of all ages and abilities. It also welcomes textile donations, giving you the chance to pass on your old clothes so someone else can enjoy and transform them.

Fashion Re-Cycle Take care

Extend your clothes lifespan and reduce your environmental impact by taking extra care when washing and drying them. Washing garments in cold water helps preserve the fabric, preventing shrinkage and fading while saving energy. By washing clothes at 30 degrees rather than 40, you can reduce lots of energy.

Air drying, rather than using a tumble dryer, not only helps maintain the integrity of the fabric but also reduces your carbon footprint.

Paying attention to garment care labels also ensures you're following the manufacturer's instructions, which can help prevent unnecessary wear and tear. By taking the time to care for your clothing, you’ll reduce the need for replacements, keep your wardrobe looking fresh, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion cycle.

Shop second hand

After selling, recycling, or donating items from your wardrobe, you may realise there's still a few things missing. This is when you can consider adding new pieces. Shopping at second hand shops not only gives pre-loved items a second life but also offers a much more enjoyable and unique experience than traditional high street shopping.

Leeds is full of fantastic vintage and charity shops, perfect for uncovering hidden treasures and timeless pieces, whether it’s Glass Onion in the Trinity Centre or Blue Rinse on Call Lane, you’re never far from a spot where you might find your next wardrobe essential.

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Make your partner feel special by going beyond the traditional chocolate, flowers, and romantic dinner this Valentine’s Day.

Luxe mixed cookie box | £21.95

This cookie selection box is the perfect Valentine's Day gift, offering pure indulgence and a touch of luxury that will make anyone feel special. These aren't your average cookies – each one is a thick, chunky masterpiece, bursting with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. When surprising a loved one or sharing the love with friends, this is a delicious way to say "I care" in the sweetest way possible.

Cutterandsquidge.com

Valentine's Day heart satin short PJ set | £35

The Accessorize Valentine's pyjama set is the perfect gift, combining comfort, style, and romance. Made from soft satin, it offers a luxurious feel against the skin, making it ideal for a cosy night in or a relaxed morning. The playful heart pattern adds a fun and flirty touch, while the rich red colour evokes warmth and affection, making it an excellent choice to celebrate love.

Accessorize.com

Pink love vouchers | £14.50

Go personal with love vouchers, a delightful and thoughtful gift that will add a special spark to your Valentine's Day. With 15 unique vouchers to scratch off and reveal a surprise, this gift allows you to create personal, memorable experiences tailored to your relationship. Each voucher features a creative love idea, thoughtfully filled in by you, waiting to be unveiled beneath a scratch-off sticker. From surprise date nights to intimate gestures, these vouchers are a fun way to keep the romance alive and add an element of excitement to your relationship.

Presented in a premium grey gift box with matching red envelopes, the gift sets the perfect tone of anticipation.

Makingmeadows.co.uk

24k golden rose | £49

The problem with traditional flowers is that eventually they will die. For a flower that will never fade, look no further than this stunning 24k gold dipped rose! It’s a real rose, expertly dipped in pure gold. This meticulous process takes days to complete by skilled artisans, ensuring each rose is perfectly preserved, making it a lasting symbol of love and beauty. Presented in a luxurious black gift box with a certificate of authenticity, this golden rose is a perfect gift for that special someone.

Menkind.co.uk

Love map | £29.95

This heart-shaped city map print is the perfect way to commemorate a special place and make your space uniquely yours. Featuring a striking black and white map in the shape of a heart on a light grey background, it’s an elegant and meaningful piece of art that can be fully personalised.

Whether you choose to add names, dates, or a special message, this customisable print makes for a thoughtful gift or a personal touch to your own home. Printed to order with a clean white border, it's a unique and stylish keepsake that celebrates love, memories, and special moments.

Desenio.com

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Jlifemagazine.co.uk

VALENTINE’S DAY

Looking for a unique and memorable way to spend Valentine’s Day in Leeds? If you’re keen to try something a little different than the usual dinner-and-cinema routine, here are some creative date ideas to make your day extra special.

Candlelight Concert at Leeds City Museum

Immerse yourself in a magical evening of music and romance with Candlelight Concerts at the stunning Leeds City Museum. Imagine being surrounded by the soft glow of flickering candlelight as live musicians serenade you with some of the most iconic love songs of all time. You and your partner can sway to the timeless sounds of “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, the heartwarming “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from The Lion King, and the unforgettable “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion, made famous by Titanic. The setlist also includes beautiful pieces like “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri and “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles, ensuring the night is filled with moments of pure romance.

Feverup.com

Tick Tock Unlock

Looking for a date activity that gets your hearts racing? Tick Tock Unlock is one of the best escape room experiences in the city, offering a variety of immersive rooms that test your relationship’s co-operation and problem-solving skills. Choose from intriguing scenarios like solving a murder mystery or escaping a pirate ship. It’s an opportunity to bond under pressure and share plenty of laughs along the way. Best of all, you’ll create unforgettable memories as you work together to solve puzzles and unlock the next clue.

Ticktockunlock.com

Cookery Class at The Cookery School

What better way to spend quality time together than by cooking a delicious meal from scratch? The Cookery School in Leeds offers a range of fun and hands-on classes where you and your partner can learn new skills and make everything from fresh pasta to perfect sushi. You’ll bond over the joy of creating something tasty, and at the end of the session, you’ll sit down to enjoy your culinary creations together. It’s an interactive and satisfying date that brings out your inner chefs and allows you to indulge in a little romance.

Leedscookeryschool.org.uk

Leeds Art Gallery

For those who appreciate art and culture, Leeds Art Gallery provides an inspiring and free date idea. The gallery boasts an impressive collection of British art from the 19th century to contemporary works, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely, thoughtful day out. Stroll through the galleries with your loved one, taking in the beauty of the paintings and sculptures, or even planning your own mini art tour. Don’t miss some of the romantic highlights, such as “The Embrace” by Henry Moore or “The Lovers”

by Stanley Spencer.

Leedsartgallery.org

Vintage Shopping

Trawling Leeds’ selection of vintage shops makes for an incredibly fun and quirky date idea. Take your partner on a city-wide treasure hunt, exploring some of the best vintage shops and independent boutiques scattered across Leeds. From Vintage Heaven on Briggate to the quirky stalls at Leeds Kirkgate Market, and the eclectic finds at Rummage, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Wander hand-in-hand, discovering everything from retro jackets and 80s band tees to antique accessories and one-ofa-kind statement pieces. There’s something inherently romantic about hunting for unique gifts and exploring the hidden gems of the city together – plus, it’s a great way to get to know each other’s tastes and styles.

Feb / Mar 2025

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SAVE A LIFE

Rochelle Gold discusses the importance of attending an information session about BRCA screening.

‘Whosoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved the entire world’ and on 16th March, the Leeds Jewish community has an opportunity to do just that.

If you have at least one Jewish grandparent, you could be one of the one in 40 people with Jewish heritage that has a BRCA genetic fault.

Fran Batty was one of those people and her life could have been saved if she had access to this information sooner.

In memory of Fran, this BRCA awareness and testing event will give people the opportunity to find out more about BRCA, how to get tested and empower them with knowledge that could save their lives and those of their children and grandchildren.

The event, supported by Jnetics and Chai Cancer Care and coordinated by the Leeds Jewish Representative Council, brings together a community determined to make a difference.

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Rochelle Gold, Co-Founder of BRCA Journey – which is also supporting the event – said: “My family has been impacted by BRCA in many ways. We not only lost my mum but also Fran. This event is about giving people the information and choices that they did not have and empowering people with knowledge.

Because of Fran and my mum, I am someone that has been fortunate enough to have that knowledge. I am living proof that knowledge saves lives. Fran was determined to use her story to help others, and this event is a way to honour her memory and help her live on through a life saving legacy.”

To learn more and help with Fran’s legacy, join the community at the event on 16th March at 6pm.

LORD DAN

Councillor for Alwoodley, Dan Cohen, has been announced as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds.

At a full meeting of Leeds City Council on 15th January 2025, it was announced that Cllr Dan Cohen, Councillor for the Alwoodley Ward and JLife columnist, will be proposed as the next Lord Mayor of Leeds, at the Council’s Annual General Meeting on 22nd May, for the year May 2025 – May 2026.

He will be joined in the Mayoral year by his wife Mrs Elayna Cohen who will be the Lady Mayoress for the year.

Born and bred in Alwoodley and elected as its Leeds City Councillor for Alwoodley in May 2011, Cllr Dan Cohen attended Deborah Taylor Nursery, Richmond House School, and Leeds Grammar School before going on to read Law at Northumbria University, graduating in 1992; followed by a training contract with a then leading Leeds law firm.

A solicitor by profession, Dan spent most of his working career as the Managing Director and Head of In-House Legal at Madison Hosiery, a leading Leeds SME, importing and distributing hosiery to the country’s major retailers, a family

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business started by his father Henry in the 1960s.

On the council, Dan is honoured to chair the Children and Families Scrutiny Board. Over 14 years he has built a reputation as a highly effective and dynamic ward councillor, where his Facebook group he updates regularly on local matters now has nearly 10,000 members.

Alongside his role on council, Dan is currently the Head of In-House Legal at The Cohen Foundation, he is the Chair of Governors at Leeds Jewish Free School (a school he helped to found in 2013) and a Governor at Brodetsky Primary School, Highfield Primary School and Allerton High School.

On the announcement Dan said: “I am honoured and hugely humbled to have been proposed as the 131st Lord Mayor of Leeds, as a Leeds boy born and bred, it literally means the world to be able to service my city in this way – now we just need Leeds United to be promoted and all will be on the way to being perfect.

“Leeds is an amazing, vibrant, diverse, and dynamic City and its citizens reflect all of those

qualities in bucketfuls. For Elayna and I to have the opportunity to work for all of our city’s residents means the world.”

Dan is a passionate supporter of education and the right of every young person, particularly those who are vulnerable learners, to receive the best, most rounded education possible and to ensure every young person has the chance to grow into the very best version of themselves.

This will certainly be a key theme of Elayna and Dan’s planned Mayoral year.

The current Lord Mayor of Leeds is Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung, Councillor for Little London and Woodhouse Ward, who will continue her tenure until Leeds City Council’s AGM on 22nd May.

HOMESTYLE

More is More!

Maximalism is set to make a big return to the interior design world this year; take a look at some bold, vibrant pieces that will make a statement and turn your space into a visual feast.

The concept of maximalism offers a refreshing and exciting departure from the minimalist aesthetics that have taken over the interior design space in recent years. Maximalism invites you to indulge in colour, texture, and personality – transforming your living space into a vibrant, layered environment that reflects exactly who you are. Celebrate the beauty of contrast with mixed patterns, embrace bold hues, and curate a space that feels rich with creativity and individuality. Ready to step away from pared-down neutrals?

Explore the world of maximalist interiors and embrace the philosophy of ‘bold is beautiful’…

Burford hand tufted rug | Cult Furniture | £149

Retro styles and maximalism go hand in hand! This rug is hand tufted in India for a perfectly even and soft finish and features a symmetrical design that’s 70s-inspired with hues of bold, bright colours. Not only does it add a pop of colour to your interior, but it’s also made from 100% recycled PET yarns so it’s kind to the environment as well as looking fabulous!

Cultfurniture.com

Bossa Nova by MINDTHEGAP | Lime Lace £219

Although not to everyone’s taste, prints and patterns are fundamental in achieving an eclectic, radiant interior. Bossa Nova wallpaper by MINDTHEGAP is a stunning addition to any home – whether it’s as an accent wall or the whole room! The flamboyant interplay of geometric forms and the vibrant range of colours creates a pattern that couldn’t get any more maximalist if it tried.

Limelace.co.uk

Gilded wavy candlesticks | Webb & Grey | £130

If you’re hesitant about fully committing to a maximalist interior, incorporate it gradually using fun and quirky accessories. This collection of candlesticks is available in a whole range of colours to suit whatever your personality or personal preference may be.

Handmade from reclaimed antique and vintage table legs and gilded with silver leaf, these candlesticks will also bring an element of luxury into your home.

Webbandgray.com

Jade cushion rectangle | The Braided Rug | £47.50

Small soft furnishings are another great way to subtly incorporate maximalism into your home, as they can be swapped and changed easier than some other décor elements. Available in five different bright colourways, this jute cushion by The Braided Rug with handmade coloured tassels in each corner adds a pop of colour and personality to your home without being too overwhelming.

Braided-rug.co.uk

Stirling sofa | Darlings of Chelsea | £2,821

Colours and patterns aren’t the only way to experiment with this eclectic style, layering different fabrics and textures in your décor creates a cosy, inviting feel. The velvet fabric of the Stirling sofa will take centre stage in any room, personifying style and sophistication.

Layer this stunning jewel-toned emerald colour with a plush blanket and satin cushions for the ultimate maximalist feel.

Darlingsofchelsea.co.uk

Feb / Mar 2025

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A selection of our Recen Recenttly Sold properties

Auctioneers for Auctioneers for Auctioneers for We’re looking for Specialist Collections: Toys, Military, Coins, Stamps, Comics, Clocks, Watches, Books, We’re for Specialist Collections: Oriental, Vinyl, looking Jewellery, Silver and all sorts of unusual collectibles.

Toys, Military, Coins, Stamps, and Comics, Clocks, Books, Downsizing, clearing cupboards attics, need Watches, a house clearance?

Oriental, Vinyl, Jewellery, Silver and all sorts of unusual collectibles.

We’re looking for Specialist Collections: Don’t throw anything away until you’ve Downsizing, clearing cupboards and attics, need a house clearance?

Toys, Military, Coins, Stamps, Comics, Clocks, Watches, Books, spoken to us!

Fashions are constantly changing.

Oriental, Vinyl,throw Jewellery, Silver and all sorts throughout of unusual collectibles.

Don’t anything away until you’ve Regular auctions with live internet bidding the world.

Downsizing, clearing cupboards and attics, need a house clearance? spoken to us! Fashions are constantly changing.

Probate and insurance valuations, house clearances and removals.

Regular auctions with live internet bidding throughout the world.

Don’t throw anything away until you’ve Probate and insurance valuations, house clearances and removals.

spoken to us! Fashions are constantly changing.

Regular auctions with live internet bidding throughout the world.

Probate and insurance valuations, house clearances and removals.

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

Call 07723 319730 contact@garydon.co.uk Call 07723 www.garydon.co.uk 319730 contact@garydon.co.uk www.garydon.co.uk Call 07723 319730 contact@garydon.co.uk

Book Your FREE Valuation Moortown: 0113 2370211

www.garydon.co.uk

Oakwood: 0113 2351361

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ADVICE

ANTIQUES Review of the Year With Gary Don, your antiques expert and Auctioneer At this time of year we always look at some new price records for items sold throughout 2024 which quite often can dictate what will become desirable this year.

January: A ‘Petition’ crown from 1663 set a new English silver coin record of £631,000.

February: A baseball poster from an Australian tour in 1888 sold for a staggering £180,000.

March: African, Tribal and Oceanic art continue to do well with a Fang reliquary head selling for £10.8 million.

April: A gold watch belonging to the richest passenger onboard the Titanic sold for £900,000. A 1938 Action Comics No.

1 which introduced Superman set a new world record of £3.9 million.

for £15.3 million making it the world’s most valuable sports collectable.

May: Sadly the last ever Millers Price Guide was published. Judith Miller died in 2023 publishing over 100 books. A Leonora Carrington (1917 to 2011) Surrealist painting set a record for a female artist at £19.3 million.

September: Microsoft Cray-1 Supercomputer sold for a record £618,000.

June: The oldest known book owned by a member of the public and one of the earliest books in existence ‘The CrosbySchoyen Codex’ sold for a record £2.5 million. A Thomas Tompion clock fetched £3.5 million.

July: A cobalt blue Codd bottle set an English bottle record of £33,000. The most censored record in British history, God Save The Queen by the Sex Pistols sold for £20,000

October: World record for a toy Scalextric Bugatti car fetching £7,750.

November: A 14th century Egyptian lamp sold for £4.2 million. A gold watch belonging to the captain of the Titanic sold for £1.3 million. A pair of Ming Dynasty Wucai fish jars and covers sold at £8.3 million.

December: Barbara Hepworth sculpture sold £2.9 million.

What a year!

Garydon.co.uk

August: Babe Ruth’s ‘called shot’ jersey sells

PROPERTY It’s Bright Ahead With Mark Manning, Managing Director of Manning Stainton

Barring any unforeseen surprises, 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for the property market – and there are a few compelling reasons to feel optimistic.

Firstly, we’re likely to see mortgage rates continue their downward trend as lenders compete for business. That’s good news for buyers – especially first-timers and those planning to upsize – as borrowing could become more accessible and affordable.

That said, we’re not expecting dramatic

Feb / Mar 2025

cuts to the Bank of England’s base rate.

Based on the latest budget – along with factors like wage growth and inflation – it seems unlikely rates will dip below 4%.

Interestingly, this stability might encourage more market activity later in the year, as buyers and sellers stop waiting for “the perfect moment” and decide to make their move.

Property prices are forecasted to rise faster than they did in 2024, with an average increase of around 6%. A combination of lower borrowing costs, higher wages, and limited housing stock is driving this growth.

Certain areas could see even steeper gains.

This creates a great opportunity for sellers and investors, though buyers will need to be prepared for a competitive market.

In the short term, we expect a noticeable increase in transactions between now and

March, as buyers look to complete purchases ahead of the upcoming Stamp Duty changes. It remains to be seen how much this surge will impact the broader market, but it’s certainly worth keeping an eye on.

While there are still a few uncertainties — both domestically and on the global stage — the overall picture for 2025 is promising. After the challenges of 2023 and the recovery we saw in 2024, the year ahead looks set to deliver healthy levels of activity and some fantastic opportunities across the board. As always, success in the property market will require careful planning and smart decision-making, but there are plenty of reasons to feel confident about what’s to come.

Manningstainton.co.uk

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ADVICE

SKIN All About Micro-needling With Roundhay Aesthetics Micro-needling is a minimally invasive skin treatment to improve lines and wrinkles, luminosity, pigmentation and acne scarring.

It delivers fantastic, natural-looking results because it stimulates your skin’s own processes.

It’s a popular treatment here at Roundhay Aesthetics, but how exactly does it work?

Dermal micro-needling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy) creates thousands of micro-punctures in the skin to stimulate the natural healing response, leading to the production of new collagen and elastin. These new proteins help to rebuild the structure of your skin.

Your skin is numbed before the treatment which will be tailored to your skin depending on how it responds and what

you’re looking to achieve. At Roundhay it’s your natural skin responses that we’re Aesthetics we include additional treatments stimulating, so it takes time. If you’re immediately post-procedure to help speed planning for a big event we’d recommend up your recovery, and a home-use skincare starting treatment at least six months ahead plan to enhance your results. of time to give your skin time to transform.

After the treatment your skin is likely to Fear not though – if your big day is fast be red – a little like sunburn – for 24 to 48 approaching there are other options such hours. You’ll be able to go about your day as medical injectables that can give quicker as normal. For the results you’ll see, a little results, and of course skincare to help redness is a small price to pay! improve skin quality.

Courses of treatments are four to six Book in for a free consultation with us at treatments four weeks apart – this is worth Roundhay Aesthetics for bespoke advice. considering if you’re planning for a special Roundhayaesthetics.co.uk occasion like a wedding. While you’ll see improvements throughout your treatment course, optimal results will be seen three months after your final treatment. That’s LJOY’S BAR because it takes up to three months forMITZVAH PROGRAMME HAS KICKED OFF WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM! RUN BY DOVID KAUFMAN AND MOSHE MEREL, THE new collagen to mature – remember that TOGETHER FOR A SESSION WHERE THEY ENGAGE WITH GROUP COMES A DIFFERENT TOPIC IN JUDAISM, COMPLEMENTED BY A VARIETY OF FUN ACTIVITIES.

CLAUDIE INESON, LJWB; VICTORIA SANDLER, LJWB; STUART DIAMOND, MITZVAH DAY; AND SIMON PHILLIPS, LJHA CAME TOGETHER TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR EVERYONE.

WITH OF FUN

OND, OMOTE

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LJHA HELD A MITZVAH DAY EVENT WITH MOORTOWN BAPTIST CHURCH. THE THEME WAS ‘STRONGER TOGETHER’ WHICH ALLOWED THE JEWISH COMMUNITY TO COME TOGETHER WITH OTHER FAITHS WITH THE JOINT AIM OF BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS AND FOCUSING ON SHARED VALUES.

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Jlifemagazine.co.uk

LJOY’S BAR MITZVAH PROGRAMME HAS KICKED OFF WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASM! RUN BY DOVID KAUFMAN AND MOSHE MEREL, THE GROUP COMES TOGETHER FOR A SESSION WHERE THEY ENGAGE WITH A DIFFERENT TOPIC IN JUDAISM, COMPLEMENTED BY A VARIETY OF FUN ACTIVITIES.

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

LJHA H THEME TO CO FRIEND

The Year Ahead EVENTS It’s shaping up to be another busy year of great events in Leeds! Check out our selection of what’s going on in the city in 2025.

Titanic Exhibition | Royal Armouries | 30th March to 20th April

Experience the story of the Titanic as you’ve never seen it before. Trace its journey from the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, through its fateful voyage and sinking, to its rediscovery at the bottom of the Atlantic. Using large imagery and audio, you’ll learn about life onboard, see a small number of items brought up from the wreck site, and discover the story of the survivors and those who lost their lives. This is your chance to see genuine artefacts from the Titanic including playing cards and a handkerchief owned by first class passenger Elsie Bowerman, chinaware and silverware used by first class passengers and much more.

Titanicleeds.com

Through It All Together | Leeds Playhouse | 23rd June to 19th July

North Leeds Food Festival | Roundhay Park 10th and 11th May

Take a walk through the lush green fields of Roundhay Park and enjoy the many aromas tempting you into street food tastes from the UK and around the world at the North Leeds Food Festival this May. Expect international street food, independent bars for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic tipples, live chef demos from the experts at Yorkshire Food Guide, artisan markets selling unique produce and crafts, live music and entertainment, and much more!

Northleedsfoodfestival.co.uk

Through It All Together is a heartwarming play that showcases a story of resilience, stubborn independence, and glorious failure that’s also a love letter to Marcelo Bielsa, football, and the bond that unites families and fans. It follows Howard and Sue – an ordinary Yorkshire couple with an extraordinary passion for Leeds United – as they navigate life with dementia. Despite the ups and downs of following their beloved team, they’re determined to find the misplaced teabags, write down Howard’s famous chilli recipe, and witness their team return to the promised land of the Premier League after 16 long years.

Leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Sounds of the City | Millenium Square throughout July

Returning for another year in 2025, there’s something for everyone on this year’s Sounds of the City lineup. The open-air celebration of music will host pop sensation, MIKA; American rock duo, The Black Keys; iconic Britpop band, Shed Seven; indie chart toppers, The Lathums; Welsh rock legends, Funeral for a Friend; and the infectiously catchy orchestra arrangement of 80s Classical – fronted by Kim Wilde.

Millsqleeds.com

Leeds International Film Festival | venues across Leeds | 6th to 23rd November

Established in 1987, Leeds International Film Festival screens some of the best new films from around the world across 17 days of cinema, taking place every November. 2025’s celebration of film will see a fortnight of big-name films, independent releases, and the best cult films across a wide range of genres being screened throughout the city. One of the biggest festivals of its kind in the UK, the film festival has attracted over 40,000 people to 300 events in recent years. Keep an eye out for the upcoming line up!

Leedsfilm.com

Feb / Mar 2025

War Horse | Leeds Grand Theatre | 19th August to 6th September

The National Theatre’s global phenomenon, War Horse, is coming to Leeds as a stop on its all-new UK tour. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on a journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of France in the First World War. The drama is moving and imaginative, with life-sized horses controlled by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company at its heart which brings breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on stage.

Leedsheritagetheatres.com

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BUSINESS

Time for Business Matan Safran, the new Minister for Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Israel in London, outlines some of the opportunities for Leeds businesses looking to expand their reach.

The Embassy of Israel in London plays a key role in fostering stronger economic ties between the UK and Israel, with a particular focus on expanding trade, investments, and collaborations in various sectors. The department responsible for economic and trade relations is dedicated to supporting Israeli businesses in navigating the UK market, while also identifying opportunities for British businesses to invest in Israel’s thriving economy.

One of the main objectives of this department is to promote the export of Israeli products and technologies, as well as facilitate investment from the UK into Israel. The scope of its work is extensive, ranging from supporting startups to collaborating with large, established companies like Teva and Checkpoint Therapeutics. Every year, around 250 Israeli companies reach out to the office for assistance, seeking help with everything from finding distributors to securing investors. These enquiries present a fantastic opportunity for Leeds businesses looking to expand their reach.

The department’s approach is twofold: it works passively by responding to requests for support, but also actively identifies opportunities where Israeli businesses can engage with UK partners. The team assists across a variety of sectors, including cyber security, medical devices, food tech, and AI. While their focus is largely on high-tech industries, they are also heavily involved in helping businesses across other industries such as construction, property, and energy.

In 2024, the Israeli economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience.

Despite the ongoing geopolitical challenges, investment levels in Israel have already surpassed those of 2020, showing that investor confidence remains strong. Israeli companies have become more modest in their valuations, making opportunities more attractive for potential investors. This shift has made Israeli startups, which are typically seen as highly valued, more accessible to those looking for investment opportunities, so this is an excellent time to act if you’re interested in working with Israeli businesses.

The department’s work is made even more relevant in the current climate, with a focus on

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identifying promising sectors such as artificial intelligence, bio convergence, and deep-tech solutions, particularly in relation to climate change. These sectors are seen as pivotal for Israel’s economic future and its role as a leader in global technological innovation. One of the standout developments in recent years has been Israel’s work in the area of alternative proteins, including lab-grown meat and eggs, plant-based proteins, and dairy alternatives.

The country is already a leading player in this field, and the government is keen to expand its influence further.

Looking ahead, the department’s strategy includes focusing on a select number of key sectors such as cyber security, fintech, and alternative proteins. It aims to create targeted events that connect businesses in the UK with Israeli firms, with the goal of fostering trade agreements and collaborations. These events are designed to be focused and sector-specific, ensuring they deliver maximum value to participants.

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East has undoubtedly had an impact on business relations, but optimism remains high. The ceasefire in the North, with the first stage of the ceasefire in the South, creates an optimistic prospect for the future of the region.

A cornerstone of the embassy’s work is that it is a neutral facilitator in all deals, offering its services without taking commissions or fees from either side. The primary objective is to ensure that Israeli businesses can access the right opportunities in the UK, and vice versa.

This impartial stance is particularly important, as it reassures both Israeli companies and UK investors that they are working with a trusted and objective partner.

The team at the Israeli Embassy is set to continue its efforts to drive business success and innovation in the UK-Israel economic relationship, with a full calendar of events focused on individual sectors.

Itrade.gov.il/uk

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

BUSINESS

in conjunction with

ACCIDENTAL ENTREPRENEUR London based Karen Harris, Founder and CEO of StoriBoard, spoke at December’s UKIB breakfast about her childhood, and impressive career in marketing, digital media, and technology.

December’s UK Israel Business breakfast began with word from Jane Clynes, who reflected on UKIB’s 2024 and spoke about its plans for 2025, including a proposed mission to Israel and working more closely with Matan Safran – the new Minister for Economic Affairs, Economic and Trade Mission at the Embassy of Israel in London.

The meeting’s main speaker was businesswoman and entrepreneur, Karen Harris. Born in Sheffield, Karen and her family moved to Leeds when she was nine due to the dwindling community in Sheffield.

Her childhood and upbringing had a huge impact on her professional life: “My parents, Ivan and the late Marlene Green were a massive influence, without trying to be. All they did was work, I just absorbed everything and saw firsthand how hard they worked. I’d been in their factory since I was a little girl, so I must’ve subconsciously taken in all the talk of business, and I always knew that’s what I wanted to do. I got a graduate job in marketing and went up through the ranks at several companies, I never thought that I wanted to be an entrepreneur – my dream was just to have four children and a people carrier!”

Karen has been an innovator in business for over 30 years, being one of the first people to explore the concept of working from home: ALL PHOTOS: DAVID COLE PHOTOGRAPHY

KAREN HARRIS AND MARSHALL FRIEZE

“I’d been in marketing agencies for around six years when my boss told me he was leaving the company and taking his clients with him, and he asked me to join. Very naively, I said I didn’t want any equity.

Instead, I told him I was getting married and that I wanted to work from home. This was a crazy ask because at the time; it wasn’t a thing, but I ended up being more profitable than I’d ever been!

“My side of the business grew to be bigger than the main agency as I was dealing with huge consumer campaigns for the government.

My boss wanted to go 50/50 but luckily, I was less naïve by then, and married to a corporate lawyer; he ended up with 15% from selling. I’d become an accidental entrepreneur because I wanted to work from home while looking after my kids, it just happened to grow!”

Karen, who describes herself as an entrepreneur, investor, mentor and advisor, gave valuable advice for those in business: “I just work

Feb / Mar 2025

JAREN WITH UK ISRAEL CHAIRMAN COLIN GLASS (SEATED), AND PARTNERS OF UKIB

really hard and surround myself with people that are better than me, I think that’s the key – you should never fear people. Have confidence in your ability but also know what you’re not so good at, then surround yourself with people that fill those gaps.

“In all my businesses, I’ve created an environment where it’s ok to fail and failure is seen as a good thing. This empowers people and allows them to say that we’re all human and we all make mistakes sometimes.”

StoriBoard – a website that’s designed to help people step away from the screen and into real-world friendships – was founded by Karen in 2021: “The idea behind it was to make it easy to find others going through the same life experiences. Social anxiety is at the highest it’s ever been, so I wanted to recreate a sense of community in a digital way. We created an app, built a community of around 30,000 people, and saw that there’s an incredible amount of loneliness out there and discovered how hard adults find it to make friends. It became apparent that people wanted to meet in real life as opposed to virtually.

“From these findings, we created a short personality quiz that matches you with five other people who are of a similar age with similar hobbies and interests. Users then arrange a dinner together on a Tuesday at 7pm with one of StoriBoard’s trusted venues.”

StoriBoard’s mission is about more than just socialising: “It isn’t just about curing loneliness; people have lost human skills. We want to help to teach people to communicate and connect again so before each dinner we’ll send users a WhatsApp message with an individual mission to help as an icebreaker it’s a huge success every time!”

Karen believes that people are craving real, human connections more than ever: “There’s a real counterculture happening in the world at the minute; tech companies are so fixated on AI that they’re missing out on what’s going on in real life – we’re ahead of that at StoriBoard.”

Find out more about StoriBoard at Storiboardclub.com

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BUSINESS NEWS

in conjunction with

Ritz-Carlton Herzliya Welcomes New GM

Breast Cancer Treatment Goes Global

Roy Avidor has been announced as the new General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya. A representative of the hotel said: “We are delighted to welcome Roy Avidor as the new General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya!

“Roy brings over a decade of leadership in the international hospitality industry, with a proven track record of operational excellence.”

“Most recently, Roy served as Director of Operations at the Sheraton Grand Tel Aviv, where he oversaw daily operations across multiple departments, always ensuring the highest standards of service.

Prior to that, he held management positions at Celebrity Cruise Line and Isrotel Hotel Chain.

“Roy’s extensive background in luxury hospitality, combined with his passion for service, makes him the perfect addition to our team and to his newest position as General Manager.”

IceCure Medical, a Caesarea developer of minimally-invasive cryoablation technology that destroys tumors by freezing as an alternative to surgical tumor removal, announced that data from its ICE3 trial of ProSense treatment in early-stage breast cancer were presented at the Radiological Society of North America’s 2024 Annual Meeting on 5th December in Chicago.

Dr. Kenneth Tomkovich, Co-Principal Investigator of the ICE3 trial, said: “The significance of the ICE3 results in the field of radiology, especially among breast radiologists, cannot be overstated.

As the largest study of its kind, ICE3 provides crucial data that can support the shift towards the de-escalation of breast cancer care with cryoablation as a less invasive procedure, enabling the cohort of patients included in ICE3 to have a safe and effective option to surgical lumpectomy.”

New Hire Expands Winston’s Legal Offering

The findings presented included: • The overall five-year recurrence rate of 3.7% in combination with adjuvant endocrine therapy and 4.3% in the eligible ICE3 trial population is similar to reported recurrence rates for the current standard of care, surgical lumpectomy.

• Substantial benefits, as compared to surgery, include performance in an outpatient setting using local anaesthesia, the only reported adverse events being minor in severity, and 100% patient satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes.

• Results of the ICE3 trial suggest that cryoablation for small lowrisk breast cancers is a safe and effective primary treatment option alternative to surgical lumpectomy.

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy is likely not required in this cohort of patients.

Leeds law firm Winston Solicitors has once again set out to deliver and expand on its legal services.

James Urquhart-Burton has joined the firm as Head of Continuing Healthcare Claims, as he sets up a new department in the firm.

As a highly experienced specialist in this complex field, he brings with him passion and knowledge to help clients face the legal challenges of Continuing Healthcare Funding. This is a new area for Winston Solicitors, which has a strong Private Law team consisting of Family; Residential Property; and Wills, Trust and Probate, who all work together to ensure they can provide a seamless legal service.

James and the Continuing Healthcare Claims Department will work alongside the Private Law Team.

Jonathan Winston, Managing Partner, said: “We’ve entered 2025 from a position of strength. Last year saw the firm take on several new hires, and with James joining the firm, we continue in our business growth and to provide legal solutions to our clients. James brings specialist legal knowledge along with genuine care to support people, provide effective advocacy, and secure lifechanging results for his clients.”

Winstonsolicitors.co.uk

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

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

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

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Royal Armouries Awarded Funding The Royal Armouries Museum has been awarded an incredible £100,000 from the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund – delivered by the Museums Association to accelerate the implementation of the museum’s participation strategy. The Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund is run by Museums Association, funding projects that develop collections to achieve social impact. Since its launch in 2011, it has awarded 178 grants totalling over £12.9 million.

The grant will enable the Royal Armouries to work collaboratively to build stronger relationships, amplify marginalised voices, and drive social impact through the power of its collection.

In a LinkedIn post announcing the news, the museum gave a heartfelt thanks to the Esmée Fairbairn Collections Fund and the Museums Association for its invaluable support and belief in the museum’s vision.

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

Merrion Centre Celebrated Lunar New Year The Merrion Centre is held its biggest Chinese New Year celebration yet, taking place across two weekends. Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, visitors were invited to enjoy a vibrant programme of free cultural activities, performances and workshops, celebrating the Year of the Snake.

In partnership with the Business Confucius Institute at the University of Leeds, this year’s event promises to bring even more energy, creativity and tradition to the heart of Leeds, with the first event having taken place on 25th January and the final one on 1st February.

A cultural celebration for all, The Merrion Centre continued to position itself as a hub for community engagement, offering visitors of all ages an opportunity to experience the beauty and vibrancy of Chinese New Year. The family-friendly celebrations, spread over two weekends, promises afternoons of cultural discovery, including traditional dances, music, and hands-on activities that bring Chinese heritage to life.

Visitors saw captivating live performances, traditional Chinese arts, cultural workshops and interactive experiences for all ages. From the iconic Qi Lin Dance and Tai Chi demonstrations to enchanting musical performances and a stunning showcase of traditional Hanfu and Qipao fashion, the event promises something for everyone to enjoy.

The celebrations also reflect the Merrion Centre’s growing connection with its Asian tenant-base, which includes the awardwinning Blue Sakura and Blue Pavillion restaurants, popular Taiwanese dessert specialist MeetFresh, and the well-established Gordon’s Hair Salon which has recently expanded into larger premises.

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New UK-Israel Trade Head Matan Safran recently replaced Ofer Fohrer as the Minister for Economic Affairs, Head of the Economic & Trade Mission to the UK. Speaking at Mind the Tech: London 2024 shortly after his appointment, Matan said: “The Israel-UK economic relationship is stronger than it seems on the outside, reflecting both nations’ commitment to growth and innovation. In 2023, bilateral trade between Israel and the United Kingdom reached approximately £8.1 billion, a figure that we aspire to grow yet again. The UK was, that year, before the war, Israel’s third-largest export market, with exports to the UK covering sectors such as pharmaceuticals, technology, defence, and food products.”

Catch up with more from Matan on pg 68.

COMING UP IN YOUR NEXT JLIFE Spring Homestyle

Se�ng up a business for the first �me?

Are you a business owner and want to boost your bo�om line whilst saving tax?

Jack, Darren and the team are on hand to help you. Drop in for a coffee, in the heart of the community, for help with your tax queries and accountancy support. Our door is always open.

· Accounts · Taxa�on · Audit · VAT

· Payroll · Bookkeeping · Business advisory service

“A refreshingly different approach from leading Yorkshire accountants”

Spring Fashion & Beauty Oakwood

Passover 12th April

OUT APRIL 2025

Feb / Mar 2025

t: 0113 288 8111 e: contact@leonandcompany.co.uk www.leonandcompany.co.uk 100 High Ash Drive, Leeds LS17 8RE 71

in conjunction with

BUSINESS

NEW FACES

UK Israel Business welcomes two new directors and several new partners in 2025.

A message from Colin Glass OBE, Chairman, UK Israel Business (North East)

As we enter 2025, I am most grateful to our main Sponsors, and our new and current Partners, for kindly agreeing to support UK Israel Business (North East) for a further year.

Following discussions between my Director, Jane Clynes, and myself, we believe it is opportune, given our plans for the future, to introduce additional members to our team. As a start, we are delighted to announce two new Directors whom we believe have the same ethos as ourselves in developing trading relationships between Israeli companies and organisations and their counterparts in our region. We have invited Marshall Frieze of The One Solution and Philippa Goldstone of Equals One, both existing Partners of our organisation, to join our Board and we are pleased that they both accepted our invitation without hesitation.

In each edition we will focus on a few of our partners.

The Skye Group

The Skye Group can review everything you procure as a business and ascertain whether you are paying a good market rate. In circumstances where we think you can reduce cost we will provide like for like comparisons (with the same or improved service levels) and we will manage any transition to gain those savings.

We cover: energy renewals and energy cost reduction, telecoms and connectivity, merchant services, business insurance, waste (food/non-food), and water.

Most importantly, we do not charge our clients for the service; we are paid by the suppliers we recommend for the introduction.

For more information contact Mark Rothwell – 07843 246 876 – mrothwell@skye-communications.com – Skyecommunications.com – Skye-utilities.com

First Direct Arena

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

For those seeking the pinnacle of exclusivity, the arena provides a selection of premium hospitality options including private suites for up to 16 guests, a hyper-premium hospitality dining space (The Mixer) and an exclusive VIP restaurant and meeting space breakout area, also available for private hire.

Firstdirectarena.com

Shackletons

Shackletons has designed and manufactured traditional and contemporary furniture for healthcare and senior living since 1959. Our mission is to elevate the quality of senior living spaces with design-led pieces of furniture crafted with care in mind. Working closely with our clients and interior designers, 72

we create practical and stylish environments for both new build and refurbishment projects. Each piece of Shackletons’ furniture is handmade in England by our talented craftspeople using time-honoured skills and techniques.

Visit our website at Shackletonsltd.co.uk

Skopes

In 1948, Skopes’ founder, Sydney Cope, established the business in Leeds. From the get-go, Sydney sought out fabric from Yorkshire’s finest mills to create bespoke trousers that got people talking. Soon the Skopes name became renowned for its cavalry twills, Hebden Bridge corduroy, and for sourcing the finest worsted yarns from Huddersfield.

As the brand’s popularity soared, so our ready-to-wear line of men’s clothing was born. Sydney’s son, Geoffrey, took the reins during much of the 1970s and 80s, and now Sydney’s grandson, Simon Cope, is at the helm.

The company’s roots are still steadfastly in Yorkshire, emphasised with its new store at White Rose… some things will never change!

Skopes.co.uk

Astonish

The London Oil Refining Company Ltd manufacture ranges of both Astonish Household Cleaning Products / Health & Beauty Products in the heart of West Yorkshire. Founded in 1971 by Alan Moss, the second-generation family business is now owned by Howard Moss.

Business Development Director Daniel Gray has supported Howard over the last 20 years in helping to grow both the UK and global sales.

Astonish is a pioneer of manufacturing animal friendly cleaning products and remains the only vegan approved brand within the UK, and 2025 will be another year of significant sales growth as it enters its 3rd year of national TV advertising.

Astonish.co.uk Jlifemagazine.co.uk

by the book

Media Preview

In celebration of World Book Day on 6th March, we round up some of the hotly anticipated book releases that are coming up.

Last Twilight in Paris | Pam Jenoff 4th February In postwar London, Louise is still adjusting to her role as a housewife when she discovers a necklace at a second-hand shop.

The box is marked with the name of a department store in Paris, and she is certain she has seen the necklace before, when she worked with the Red Cross in Nazioccupied Europe – and that it holds the key to the mysterious death of her friend Franny during the war. The necklace leads her to discover the dark history of Lévitan – a once-glamorous department store that served as a Nazi prison. Inspired by the true story of Lévitan, Last Twilight in Paris is a gripping mystery and an unforgettable story about sacrifice, resistance, and the power of love to transcend in even the darkest hours.

The Dream Hotel | Laila Lalami | 4th March Sara has just landed at LAX when agents from the Risk Assessment Administration (RAA) pull her aside and inform her that she will soon commit a crime. Using data from her dreams, the RAA’s algorithm has determined that she is at imminent risk of harming her husband and for she must be kept under observation for 21 days. Sara is transferred to a retention centre, where she is held with other dreamers who are all women trying to prove their innocence. One day, when a new resident arrives, Sara is lead on a collision course with the companies that have deprived her of her freedom. Eerie and urgent, The Dream Hotel explores the seductiveness of technology and how it puts us in shackles even as it makes our lives easier.

The Talent | Daniel D’Addario | 25th February In this debut novel from Variety’s Chief Correspondent, Daniel D’Addario, Hollywood prepares for its most glamorous evening as five actresses – the grande dame, the ingénue, the great thespian, the long shot, and the former child star – compete to see who will claim the top prize. With humour, wit, and an insider’s insight, The Talent peels back the layers of women who are in the business of being perceived. And while they work to push their careers forward and maintain the public’s goodwill, all five are forced to confront truths about themselves that they would rather ignore to discover what women in the spotlight owe each other, and themselves.

Sunrise on the Reaping Suzanne Collins | 18th March The fifth instalment of the everpopular Hunger Games series is being released in March. As the day dawns on the 50th annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances; all he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves. When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break as he’s torn from his loved ones and shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes. As the games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight, and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.

Death at the White Hart | Chris Chibnall | 27th March Chris Chibnall, one of the creators and writers of the hit ITV drama, Broadchurch, is making his authorial debut with Death at the White Hart, a crime fiction novel. When Nicola Bridge moves back to Dorset after years as a CID detective in the big city, the last thing she expects is for the picturesque and idyllic village of Fleetcombe to become a grisly crime scene. Jim Tiernan – landlord of the White Hart pub – has been found dead on an isolated country road. As soon as she starts asking questions, Nicola quickly realises that everyone in the village has something to hide as she has to battle against whispers, rumours, and lies to discover a killer that’s hiding in plain sight.

Feb / Mar 2025

73

COMMUNITY

MOVING ON UP

Councillor for Alwoodley and soon to be Lord Mayor of Leeds, Dan Cohen, celebrates his upcoming role.

Though it feels odd to say this in the February edition of a magazine, as this is my first column of the year, I wanted to wish each and every one of our JLife readers, a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2025.

There was so much challenge and turmoil right across the globe, I know it is the dearest wish of us all, that 2025 sees a dramatic pulling back from the brink and a peaceful settlement to so many disputes (we can but hope and pray).

In my JLife column in December, I promised that I would have some big news to announce in my next JLife column, and indeed I do. At the January full meeting of Leeds City Council, the Lord Mayor, Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung, announced that the next Lord Mayor of our amazing city, starting from our councils Annual General Meeting on 22nd May 2025, would be ...me.

It really is the hugest honour, both for me and for Elayna, who has, kindly, agreed to

be my Lady Mayoress for the year, to be able to serve the city and its residents as the Lord Mayor. As someone born and bred in Leeds, I truly feel there is no greater privilege and Elayna and I are truly humbled and hope to do justice to the faith that is being placed in us, to undertake this office.

There is less than no doubt that being Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress is going to make us busier than ever. I do though want to reassure my amazing Alwoodley Ward residents that I’m not going anywhere and absolutely remain your local Alwoodley Councillor, here for you when you need me.

Equally, I am conscious that there will be times when I will very much need the assistance of my amazing ward colleagues Cllrs Lyn and Neil Buckley (not least when something requires a ‘political’ response, as while I am in my Lord Mayor capacity, I am required to be politically neutral). Can I also

take the opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been in touch, since the news broke a couple of weeks ago. I promise we will do everything we can to repay the trust shown in us and make sure the city has an amazing year.

Finally for this month, my friendly reminder to all, that with Valentine’s Day (14th February) and Mother’s Day (30th March), time is ticking to plan the perfect afternoon or evening out. Of course, this month’s JLife has lots of inspiration for both big days – and if your Valentine’s Day has gone really well – thank goodness we have a wedding feature too.

Do remember, for any and all local issues Lyn, Neil and I are always here to help and never more than an email or phone call away.

SHIFTING FOCUS

Alexa Harris, Head of Community Campaign for UJIA, contemplates how the organisation’s work with Israel has changed during her tenure.

Times have changed within the charity sector, and I have witnessed a significant transformation in UJIA’s work since I first joined in March 2016.

Reflecting on this journey, I feel immense pride in what I have accomplished – personally and professionally. These two aspects of my life are deeply intertwined.

UJIA has decades of experience in sending young Jews in the UK to Israel on rite of passage programmes, such as Israel Tour, Gap Years, Birthright Israel, and Internship programmes.

These Israel experiences offer firsthand encounters, peer connections, and educational settings that are instrumental in strengthening a relationship with Israel – and I can honestly say the impact on my children has been incredible, not only experiencing Israel Tour but also a two-month internship programme through Masa Onward. Should you wish for further information about these programmes, confidential advice about financial assistance or bursaries available please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Since October 2023 UJIA’s day-to-day work in Israel radically changed, even as we continued with our existing work. Our team in Israel immediately addressed the urgent financial needs of survivors and then began supporting thousands of evacuated families with food and hygiene supplies.

UJIA worked with local partners to establish temporary daycare facilities, pop-up schools, and playrooms for thousands of evacuees. All of this is in addition to the thousands of hours of trauma therapy our support has made possible for those who experienced the atrocities of October 7th.

Now our work has shifted to helping communities in the South recover and rebuild, and helping the tens of thousands of men, women and children from Israel’s northern border who are still evacuated from their homes.

This work is all on top of our regular, ongoing commitments with partners across Israel that are supporting Israel’s most vulnerable every day.

The strength of a community is reflected in

the compassion and support of its people, and it is essential that we continue to stand with Israel in her time of need.

As Israel’s emergency requirements are becoming long term it would be hugely appreciated if you would consider supporting UJIA by visiting Ujia.org/donate alexa.harris@ujia.org

Jlifemagazine.co.uk

VEGGIE MONTH

Myth Busting!

Roving Chef at V for Life, Alex Connell, debunks some popular myths about vegetarian diets for Veggie Month this March.

Eating a balanced diet is essential for everyone, and a vegetarian diet can provide all the essential vitamins, minerals, and protein needed to support a healthy lifestyle. If you’re considering the transition to vegetarianism, you may have some concerns about meeting your nutritional requirements.

V for Life is a Manchester-based charity that supports older people following a plant-based diet, providing useful information and tasty recipes. Part of Alex Connell’s role involves running meat-free cookery demonstrations and training professional chefs which makes him the ideal person to dispel common misconceptions and offer expert advice on eating and maintaining a well-balanced diet – veggie style!

Not enough protein?

Perhaps one of the most common vegetarian myths is that those following a plant-based diet don’t get enough protein, Alex tells us why this is not the case: “This concern may stem from older ideas about ‘first-class’ and ‘second-class’ protein. The basic idea was that meat contains all the essential amino acids, while plant sources of protein do not. However, by eating a variety of plant-based foods over the course of the day, you can obtain all the essential amino acids your body needs.”

There are plenty of ways to get your protein fix while following a vegetarian diet: “Beans, soya products, Quorn, pulses, seeds, nuts, quinoa, tofu, seitan, and tempeh are all excellent sources – even rice and wheat contain some protein. Depending on factors such as sex, age, and body size, adults typically require between 46g and 56g of protein per day. Even the humble beans on toast – using half a can

Feb / Mar 2025

of baked beans – contains approximately 12g of protein, making it a simple and effective option.”

No iron?

Lack of iron is another common plant-based misconception as iron is often associated with meat, but there are plenty of other ways to meet your daily requirements: “Green vegetables (yes, listen to your mum and eat your greens!), beans, tempeh, pumpkin seeds, wholewheat pasta or bread, quinoa, and tahini are just a few great iron sources. To improve the absorption of non-haem iron from plant sources, it helps to consume vitamin C-rich foods or drinks at the same time. For example, adding tomatoes or peppers to a meal, or having a glass of orange juice can significantly enhance iron absorption.

Additionally, many foods are fortified with iron, including breakfast cereals, bread, margarine, and soya milk, which can make it easier to meet your daily needs.”

Increased tiredness?

Fatigue can often be associated with vegetarianism, but Alex advises periodically reviewing your diet to ensure you are getting all the necessary nutrients for a healthy and active lifestyle: “If a person following a vegetarian diet feels tired or fatigued, it may be due to various factors unrelated to diet, such as stress, lack of sleep, or an underlying health issue. However, a lack of iron or protein in the diet could be a contributing factor. Many top athletes follow plant-based diets, including Lewis Hamilton, Novak Djokovic, Venus and Serena Williams, Alex Morgan, and Carl Lewis. Their success demonstrates that a well-planned plant-based diet can support peak physical performance.”

Not healthier?

Sceptics might be right about this one! Alex believes that a vegetarian diet isn’t automatically healthier than one that includes meat: “A balanced vegetarian diet can provide everything needed for good health, and studies have shown that those following this may have improved cardiovascular health, reduced rates of obesity, and lower risks of certain types of cancer. However, adopting a plant-based diet is not a cure-all; it’s important to remember that other lifestyle factors also play a significant role in overall health. Also, the increasing availability of processed meat-free foods, while convenient and often tasty, means that it’s still important to focus on whole foods and limit consumption of highly processed items that may be high in fat, salt, and sugar.”

Alex urges people to give vegetarianism a go and emphasises the importance of doing your own research before listening to the common, negative (and often wrong) theories about the lifestyle: “The process can be both beneficial and enjoyable, potentially reigniting your interest in cooking and food. Supermarkets are well-stocked with plant-based products ranging from convenience foods like veggie burgers, pies, pizzas, and ready meals to a wide array of healthy whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, pulses, nuts, pasta, rice, and bread. Next time you’re in the supermarket, take a moment to explore the fresh fruit and vegetable section, there’s more variety than ever before! And if you’re looking for inspiration on what to cook, the internet offers a wealth of recipe suggestions to suit every taste and budget.”

Vforlife.org.uk | 0161 257 0887

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ADVICE

MOTORING Pothole Problems With Raffaele Saccoccio from ES Motors Moortown This is the time of year when potholes start to appear, or existing ones become worse. There are at least 2.39 million potholes in this country’s road network according to research by Money Supermarket.

Cold temperatures are one of the leading causes of potholes. Water gets into gaps beneath the road surfaces and expands when it freezes, damaging the road. So how can this affect your car?

Tyre and wheel damage Your car’s tyres are susceptible to damage from potholes, with issues like tread separation, sidewall bulges, or punctures. The hard edge of a pothole can press against your tyre, slicing the rubber or breaking the belts that hold a tyre together.

Low, sporty cars are particularly prone to pothole damage. Properly inflated tyres will help you to avoid problems. Potholes can cause scrapes to wheel rims, and sometimes the impact can force a wheel to bend or become distorted.

Misaligned suspension The sudden jolt of hitting a pothole can cause damage to your suspension, including misalignment. If your suspension is bent out of shape, you may notice your car veers off centre.

It will need to be fixed by a mechanic, otherwise your steering wheel will pull off in one direction, the handling of your car may feel loose, and your tires will wear unevenly.

Body and exhaust scrapes If your car sits low to the ground, potholes can damage low-hanging bumpers or side skirts.

Usually it’s just a scrape, but occasionally it can cause a more serious problem to your bodywork.

Another issue is the exhaust pipe running under your car. A deep pothole may cause

you to scrape your undercarriage. A serious impact could end up denting the exhaust pipe or producing a hole. If your exhaust has been damaged, you may hear an unusual noise or experience a loss of power.

Its best to check your vehicle’s tyres are correctly inflated and your suspension properly aligned. Hopefully, your car will roll over any potholes without them inflicting any damage.

The main way to prevent any damage from being done by potholes is to reduce your speed when driving over them. At a slower speed, you are less likely to cause any damage to your vehicle, and you’ll have more control over the car. A slower driving speed will also help prevent any pothole punctures.

Would your car benefit from an inspection for damage? Always have your car checked over by a professional if you believe you have hit a pothole to hard or you can hear noise after driving over them.

Esgarageleeds.co.uk

PRIVATE LAW Building a Life Together

With Laura Moore, Conveyancing Executive and Monika Volsing, Head of Private Client, at Winston Solicitors.

Marriage is a significant milestone, symbolising love and partnership. For many couples, buying a home together is the next step, a cornerstone of your shared life and future plus a significant financial investment as a couple.

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Understanding homeownership types Once you’ve found your perfect home it’s vital to understand the types of homeownerships available.

• Joint Tenants: Both parties own the entire property together, if one partner passes away, the other automatically inherits their share, known as the “right of survivorship”.

• Tenants in common: Each person owns a specific share of the property which can be equal or unequal. This offers flexibility as each party can pass on their share to a beneficiary in their Will.

Often one party invests more financially in the property than the other. In such circumstances we advise clients to draw up a Declaration of Trust. The document outlines the beneficial interest in a property where shares are unequal or when one person has contributed more to the purchase price.

Protecting your assets As experienced solicitors we stress the importance of creating a Will when you get married or buy a home to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are respected.

Your home is most likely to be your most significant asset and as such it needs clear inheritance instructions to avoid disputes.

Did you know that marriage alters your financial and legal responsibilities? If you have an existing Will, be aware that it will be revoked upon marriage unless it was made “in contemplation of marriage” to your spouse. Therefore, you must ensure that your Will reflects your current marital status and property ownership. A valid Will ensures your loved ones are cared for according to your intentions.

Speak to our Private Law team and make sure you start married life with the right foundations in place.

Winstonsolicitors.co.uk

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In the Spirit

Rabbi Ozer and Leah Moszkowski ponder the spirit of Purim and how the festival encourages us to experience joy.

Purim. Like a glorified Otley Run with kids in tow, drinking ourselves stupid, feasting like medieval kings, all while dressed as our favourite superheroes.

How does this pleasure fest align with existential dread, Jewish guilt, and the threat of annihilation, the holy trinity (dare I use the term), of the Jewish psyche, especially as we stand today?

So here’s Purim’s cheeky little secret: Contrary to wide held belief, we are actually divinely encouraged to tuck in to the physical pleasures all around us. We are supposed to enjoy our double (vegan) cheeseburgers, our vintage convertibles, the sun-soaked coasts of exotic world corners and spa days with our favourite humans. Otherwise, why do you think G-D filled the world with double cheeseburgers, vintage convertibles, and sun-soaked coasts?

And don’t tell me it’s just to tempt us but we’re supposed to be the bigger wo(man)? That’s cruel. The G-D I know is not cruel. Yes of course everything should be enjoyed with moderation, too many double burgers with vegan cheese will send us to a hospital ward, and if our life’s goals are only centred around spa days and exotic coastlines, that doesn’t speak to an expansive life of meaning, but nevertheless, we are supposed to enjoy ourselves! We are supposed to enrich our earthly existence with the sun, sugar, and beauty, of this wild home called Earth.

I truly believe G-D is happy that we discovered what happens when we leave grapes and grains in dark places, just like G-D smiles benevolently at the little humans enjoying M&M’s on deck chairs overlooking exotic coastlines.

And now for the whimsy philosophical bit! Not only was the human experience curated with the faculties necessary to enjoy physical pleasure, so that we could have a great time on our sojourn through the Milky Way, we do not actually get extra points for being miserable. In fact, self-induced depression, (and I’m treading carefully here, because this does not, I repeat, does not, include clinical depression, which is beyond our control. I refer only to feelings of melancholy in an emotionally/ mentally/ hormonally balanced brain, which has sunk into the grasps of apathy, through constant exposure to the pits of humanity and the choice to keep misery company,) is actually forbidden.

This is not a paid advertisement for toxic positivity, nor is it sanctioning ignoring the horrible realities we live with; it is a reminder of the deep wells of courage, and strength each one of us has.

The uncomfortable truth is, that despair is the easy way out. It takes hard work to find the strength and courage to keep your head far enough out of the water that you can still smile at the sun.

As a nation, we have so much to despair about, seriously; the situation in Israel, global rising antisemitism, illness, heartache and loss, but living in a state of despair means we’ve lost the most crucial war of all, the war of morale, hope, the fight for joy.

On this day when we are commanded to be joyful, and to indulge in the physical pleasures of this world, we are dusting off our strongest defences, our most powerful weapon – the Jewish spirit. This is a day where we carouse the streets in silly wigs and clown shoes, laughing drunkenly, singing snatches of nonsense, being carefree. Free of the oppressive burden of despair, free of the shackles of apathy, hatred, and depression.

We don’t drink to forget, we drink to forge ahead with passion and with grace, to hold our heads up high to the haters ancient and present, Persian, and P… I won’t go there… with a booming message, we will always find joy, because that is what the Jewish spirit is made of.

“When my dad told me he had prostate cancer, the first thing I did was call Chai.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by a cancer diagnosis, call Chai on 0808 808 4567 or visit chaicancercare.org Chai Lifeline Cancer Care Registered Charity No. 1078956

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What a Megillah!

Not-so-old-fashioned

Ingredients • 1 dried apricot dipped in sugar • 45ml bourbon • 15ml apricot liqueur • 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of simple syrup • 4 to 5 dashes bitters

Looking for a tipple to blur the lines between good and evil? We round up some of the best cocktail recipes as well as spirit recommendations for Purim on 13th March.

Pomegranate martini

Ingredients • 60ml pomegranate juice • 45ml citrus vodka (preferably orange or mandarin) • 15ml orange liqueur • 7ml freshly squeezed lime juice • 1 tablespoon pomegranate seeds Method 1) Place all ingredients together except for the pomegranate seeds into a cocktail shaker.

2) Add ice cubes.

3) Cover and shake vigorously for a few seconds until well chilled.

4) Add the pomegranate seeds to the bottom of a martini glass.

5) Strain cocktail into the glass and enjoy!

Top pick

Absolut mandarin Master of Malt | £21.99

Although some flavoured vodkas aren’t kosher, this delicious option from Absolut will be the perfect kosher-friendly addition to your martini that will complement the pomegranate perfectly. Sweet, crisp, and balanced, enjoy a fresh and fruity finish that will keep you going back for more.

Mastersofmalt.com

Feb / Mar 2025

Method 1) Place one large ice cube (or a few small) into a cocktail glass.

2) Cut a slit in the dried apricot and place it on the rim of the glass.

3) Create a simple syrup using a 1:1 ratio of sugar to water and heating it gently until the mixture is slightly thickened.

4) Taste your apricot liqueur to see how sweet it is and add the simple syrup to sweeten it to your tastes.

5) Combine all other ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake 10 to 15 times.

6) Pour into the glass and serve.

Top Basil Hayden bourbon pick The Grapevine | £43.99

This spicy and peppery bourbon whisky is known for its dry, clean finish that will balance the sweetness of the apricot excellently in your not-so-old-fashioned. A twist on a classic with a delicious kosher whisky, what could be better?

Kosherwine.co.uk

PURIM

Limonana inspired cocktail Ingredients • 45ml rum • 30ml fresh lemon juice • 30ml sweet and sour mix • 2 tablespoons lemonade concentrate (frozen) • 1.5 teaspoons chopped fresh mint • Soda water • Mint leaves for garnish

Method 1) Feeling creative? Make your own sweet and sour mix by combining simple syrup with one part lime juice and one part lemon juice. If not, just buy it premade!

2) In a blender, blend the rum, fresh lemon juice, sweet and sour mix, lemonade concentrate, chopped fresh mint, and a handful of ice cubes until the ice is fully crushed.

3) Pour into a highball glass and top off with soda water.

4) Garnish with fresh mint leaves and dish up.

Top Angostura white reserva pick rum | The Whisky Exchange | £24.95

A spirit that’s generally kosher, so you’re usually good to go with most white rums. Sip on Angostura’s offering as you’re transported to the shores of the Mediterranean with this cocktail inspired by Israel’s unofficial national drink, limonana.

Thewhiskyexchange.com

Tequila berry bliss

Ingredients • 45ml silver tequila • 30ml blueberry juice • 30ml pomegranate juice • 45ml lime syrup • Flax or chia seeds for garnish • 2 apple slices for garnish Method 1) Make a lime syrup by adding the juice of one lime to 30ml of simple syrup.

2) Combine the tequila, lime syrup, and blueberry and pomegranate juices with some ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and shake.

3) Pour everything – including the ice – into a glass.

4) Garnish with two apple slices held together with a toothpick or a small skewer, sprinkle the seeds on top, and enjoy.

Top Patron silver tequila pick Premium Tequila | £35

A brilliantly smooth and crisp spirit, Patron’s silver tequila is perfect for pretty much any tequila cocktail recipe! Carefully crafted with blue Weber agave, it’s made in small batches to ensure the quality remains exceptional every time. Expect tropical fruits and citrus aromas accompanied by a flavourful dash of pepper aftertaste that will be right at home in your Purim tipples.

Premium-tequila.co.uk

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See more photos on page 7, 26, 36, 48, and 66

PHOTOS PHOTO: RUTHLESS IMAGES

PHOTO: RUTHLESS IMAGES

PHOTO: ROB CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY

DARCIE AND LEXIE LEE HAD THEIR B’NOT MITZVAH AT UHC SYNAGOGUE.

PARENTS, ANDREA AND DANIEL, STOOD PROUDLY WITH THEIR DAUGHTERS ON THE SPECIAL DAY.

SACHA AND GABRIEL, THE GIRLS’ BROTHERS, ALSO JOINED THE CELEBRATIONS.

PHOTO: ROB CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPHY

FESTIVITIES CONTINUED INTO THE NIGHT WITH A FUN-FILLED PARTY!

BRODETSKY PRIMARY SCHOOL’S HOUSE BOWLING COMPETITION SAW AN IMPRESSIVE VICTORY BY DEBORAH TAYLOR HOUSE.

THE SPRING TERM STARTED OFF FULL OF MOTIVATION AND CREATIVITY, WITH THE CHILDREN TAKING PART IN A SPECIAL THEME WEEK INSPIRED BY MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S ICONIC “I HAVE A DREAM” SPEECH.

THE SCHOOL’S NURSERY CLASS WAS EXCITED TO CELEBRATE CHANUKAH WITH THEIR PARENTS AT A SPECIAL FUN MORNING.

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THE CREATIVITY NEVER STOPS IN ART CLASS; BRODETSKY PUPILS USED RECYCLING MATERIALS TO CREATE AMAZING ARTWORK!

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FUN-DRAISING SUCCESS

An evening full of 1920s glitz and glamour helped to raise an incredible amount of money for St Gemma’s Hospice at the annual Winter Ball.

In November, St Gemma’s Hospice held its annual ball and raised an impressive £80,000 for end-of-life care in Leeds. Hosted by Matt Jameson in its new home at the Royal Armouries New Dock Hall, the evening was a chance for local people and businesses to celebrate and raise vital funds for the hospice.

With a statue of liberty, dancers welcoming everyone to the evening, and a sparking tinsel taxi that provided the perfect photo opportunity, guests were transported back to the world of 1920s New York City.

The evening was sponsored by Skopes for the second year, which is continuing to support the hospice to make the event better and better each year.

Head of Fundraising at St Gemma’s

IN THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

Hospice, Stewart Graham, said: “It was a fantastic evening, and so lovely to see people coming together to support St Gemma’s Hospice. There was lots of dancing, fundraising, and everyone having a wonderful time for their local hospice.”

During the evening, one of the hospice nurses and a patient’s relative shared through a video the importance of the work that St Gemma’s delivers in Leeds 24/7, 365 days a year. The hospice’s inpatient unit is there to help patients to be as comfortable possible through the night as well as supporting family members at their bedside. It costs £1,044 for a night of care for just one patient, so the Winter Ball fundraising money has made a huge difference to those in Leeds that are facing one of the most difficult times of their lives.

St Gemma’s Winter Ball will be retuning for another spectacular evening this year on 29th November at New Dock Hall. Set within the glamourous city of Paris, the evening will include a three-course meal, chances to win great prizes, and a live band to dance the night away. Tickets are £100 each and are now on sale!

St-gemma.co.uk/events/winter-ball

BANK ON US

Leeds café and bar brand, Residence, has announced plans to expand with a new outlet in Moortown.

Residence is to open a new venue in Moortown in spring which will be the third location for the popular eatery that already operates in Headingley and Cookridge.

Residence Moortown will focus on a new day-to-night concept by aiming to blend the comfort of a coffee shop with the sophistication of an evening cocktail bar. Customers can expect the same great tasting food and commitment to quality that Residence is loved for, including ethically sourced coffees, home baked goods, and mouth-watering breakfasts and brunch dishes.

Alongside this, its new concept will create an atmosphere that takes the bar from relaxed daytime vibes to a lively evening venue with freshly made pizzas and expertly crafted cocktails.

Located in the former Barclays Bank building on Harrogate Road, the venue will offer seating for 100 diners and boast contemporary interiors

Feb / Mar 2025

with a blend of cosy and chic design elements.

The old bank vault has been creatively repurposed into a traditional-style private dining room offering an intimate and unique dining experience. There will also be an outdoor dining area perfect for lazy al fresco brunches, and its great news for gluten free customers too, as the brand readily accommodates all allergies.

Residence General Manager, Nate Smith, said: “We are always looking to improve and evolve our offer, and we are really excited to bring something a bit different to customers with this new dual-purpose venue. Moortown is an energetic and vibrant neighbourhood which makes it the ideal location for our expansion and new concept, and we are very much looking forward to revealing all to our customers.”

Residencecafebar.co.uk | @Residenceleeds

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Last he WORD

HIT THE BOOKS

Rabbi Eli Pink of Chabad Lubavitch discusses the history of the Talmud and an exciting new opportunity to study it.

In 1240, King Louis IX put the Talmud on trial in Paris, ordered France’s rabbis to defend it against an antisemitic provocateur, and burned thousands of volumes. Antisemites still misconstrue the Talmud today and there are countless memes misquoting it.

In 2011, South Korea’s ambassador went on Israeli TV with a book named Talmud: “Every Korean family has at least one copy,” he said. “Mothers want to know how so many Jews became geniuses.” It turns out the Talmud has gone through seventy printings in Japan.

Where did the Talmud come from? When the Holy Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed over two thousand years ago, the Jewish people’s teachings and traditions were nearly lost forever. To survive, our ancestors wrote

the Talmud, a sixty-volume book that became the source code of Judaism. It records the sages’ painstaking effort to piece together every aspect of Jewish law, lore, practice, and ethics. Thousands of sages recalled, debated, and recorded their learning for fourteen generations before the Talmud was completed.

The conversation has never stopped. In every generation, scholars, and laypeople studied, commented on, and lived with this book’s timeless teachings. If you are Jewish, chances are, your ancestors refreshed after long, hard days by opening a treasured volume of the Talmud.

Across the world, there are tens if not hundreds of thousands of men who spend eight hours a day or more, every day, studying the Talmud. There is a popular learning cycle

C L A S S IF IE D S

for the layman to finish the entire Talmud, learning one double page a day – it takes eight and a half years! Yet to many, the Talmud is still a mystery. It’s written in unpunctuated Aramaic, held together by intricate logic, and composed in a cryptic style.

I’m delighted to be leading a new course from JLI called Decoding the Talmud. It’s the crash course in Talmud withan insider’s view of what the Talmud really is, what purpose it serves, and why it matters, and you’ll taste Talmud study for yourself.

JudaismLive.com/Talmud2025

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