South Leeds Life 55 October 2019

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Issue 55 | October 2019

What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton

UNITED TO MOVE INTO HOLBECK?

In this issue:

Blue Plaque for Holbeck Club

page 6

Cottingley’s new building opened

page 10

Leeds United given the green light to puchase former high school site

L

by Jeremy Morton

ocal people have been reacting to the news that Leeds City Council has given Leeds United first option on the site of the former Matthew Murray High School in Holbeck at a meeting on 18 September.

The plan is to move Leeds United’s training facilities currently at Thorpe Arch, Wetherby, to the site close to the club’s Elland Road ground.

The 6.7 hectare (16.5 acre) site, which is located at the bottom of Brown Lane East and bounded by the M621 and Ingram Distributor dual carriageway, has stood empty since the school closed and was subsequently demolished in 2006. Adjacent land, currently used by Ingram Road Primary School as playing fields is also to be included.

The prospect of redeveloping of a large derelict site has been welcomed by many, but others have raised a note of caution in terms of its impact on Holbeck.

Wayne Dixon, Secretary of Middleton Park FC who also scouts for Leeds United, told South Leeds Life: “I’m pleased to see the Leeds United Academy move to South Leeds. I know lots of talented youngsters round here get invited to attend the Academy, but their families can’t afford the cost or the time

The Leeds United Academy could be on its way to Holbeck of taking them to Wetherby. If earmarked for housing and this goes ahead it will open up public open space in the plan. opportunities for local people.”

“We are not opposed to LUFC Others are not so sure. The having the site” he told us, “but Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan want to ensure above all, that was developed by local whatever is planned and residents over a five year approved, is for the benefit of period and endorsed by a the Holbeck community with public vote of Holbeck access and input into the residents in 2018. activities on the site.”

The plan is a legal document There are concerns that, and forms part of the city’s despite its legal status, the planning policy. Dennis Kitchen Neighbourhood Forum is being is Chair of its Forum and he told treated as any other member of South Leeds Life how the the public and given a chance Matthew Murray site had been to comment on a planning

application, rather than be meaningfully consulted at an early stage over a key site in their area.

As well as the £25m elite Academy and first team training facilities on the Holbeck site, Leeds United is proposing development of community sports facilities next to the Elland Road stadium.

The plan is to create a sporting hub comprising two artificial all-weather pitches, changing facilities, community café and parking at Fullerton

Park, on land which is currently used for match day parking.

Funding for the £8m project would come from the Football Foundation’s Parklife programme and Leeds City Council. These plans have also been approved by LCC’s Executive Board.

Beeston & Holbeck Councillor Andrew Scopes told us: “The Matthew Murray site has been unused for a long time and would benefit from development.

“However, any development needs to take account of the Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan, which has a democratic mandate. In my view, any alternative ideas for the site, such as any proposal from Leeds United, would need to be properly consulted on and supported by Holbeck residents.

“In my view, in order to do this, the proposal would need to bring significant and lasting community benefit to Holbeck and protect the (Ingram Road Primary) School’s interests in the playing field.”

Cllr Scopes also stressed that Leeds United’s plans are at a very early stage.

The Executive Board decision gives the club 12 months to survey the site and decide if it wants to buy it. There will then be the normal planning process and a chance to comment on or oppose the detailed plans.

Play explores mental health

page 14

Hunslet RLFC’s season in review

page 20

NEWS SCHOOLS

2-9 10-11

FEEDBACK

12

LOCAL LIVES

13

ARTS

14

WHAT’S ON

15-18

SPORT

19-20

Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily

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South Leeds Life | October 2019

2 News

About us South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live, work and play in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds.

The website and newspaper are produced by South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House, No 9998695.

South Leeds Life is a member of the Independent Community News Network.

Our aims To inform people of events, activities, issues and opportunities taking place in the South Leeds community; To encourage the involvement of the wider community in communicating their experiences; To foster community spirit and involvement; and To provide a platform for local people to contribute and respond to community life more fully.

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MP’s notebook T

by Hilary Benn MP

he latest recipient of a Leeds Civic trust blue plaque is The Holbeck. Known by most people as the Holbeck Working Men’s Club, it is the oldest such club in the country.

It began life in 1871 as a community organisation with less than a hundred members. Into the 20th century, it grew and grew although it wasn’t until 1959 that “lady members” were admitted. It was a social centre where people gathered to talk, relax, quench their thirst, play sports and be entertained. One of its claims to fame is that an act turned up one day and did their stuff, but the committee was not impressed and decided not to book them again.

Their names were Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise!

Then, unfortunately, began a slow decline, along with working men’s clubs up and down the country for a variety of social and other reasons.

A few years ago, the club was at very serious risk of closing altogether, until the community stepped in.

Thanks to the dedicated hard work of Dennis, Ian and a team of unpaid volunteers, the club stayed open.

And earlier this year Slung Low - our

local theatre company – agreed to move into the club and secure its financial future. It’s a partnership – thanks Alan - from which everyone will gain.

So, one Thursday evening recently, we gathered outside the club to witness the unveiling of the plaque, listen to songs from the Commoners Choir, hear a special commemorative poem written by Ian McMillan and toast an extraordinary story of living history.

Rising obesity among children is a national problem. Carried into adulthood, obesity can lead to a number of medical problems including diabetes. Leeds decided to do something about this by trying to work with reception-age children and their families, and the latest figures show that the city is having some success. The percentage of four and five-year-olds in Leeds who are obese has fallen from 9.4% to 8.8% while remaining unchanged in similar cities.

And how has this happened? By running a healthy families group programme focusing on diet, physical activity and setting goals.

This includes one-to-one work, developing parent champions and using volunteers. The Public Health

Team of the city council has now trained over 1,400 people to deliver these programmes. And because Leeds has kept all its 57 children centres open, staff are also promoting this initiative by working together with health visitors and the Leeds Community Healthcare trust.

The new concourse at Leeds station is really coming along.

After months of unsightly scaffolding and disruption, the new translucent roof is a thing of beauty to behold. It floods the station with light and has given the whole place a Hilary Benn MP much-needed lift. For the last three about change for the better. It’s weeks, the front has been off the rather too easy to decry the state of station while they construct the new things and suggest that no one in entrance. The project will also see responsibility really cares. It’s just the ticket gates moved to improve not true. In my job, every day, I meet passenger flow and reduce people who care passionately about congestion during peak times. A big what they do and are determined to thank you to Network Rail, Leeds play their part in improving things for City Council and the West Yorkshire others. So, here’s a chance for all of Combined Authority, but it’s only a us to say to all of those behind these three stories “Thank you and well start. Wait until HS2 arrives!

So here are three different stories done.”

Young and old to share new eco building L

eading sustainable developer Citu has unveiled the first images and plans of its groundbreaking low carbon ‘intergenerational’ building.

Located in phase three of its pioneering £250m Climate Innovation District in Hunslet, which spans both sides of the River Aire in the South Bank regeneration scheme, the building will offer a sustainable solution to education, the growing needs of an ageing population and a loneliness epidemic which is sweeping across UK cities.

Thought to be one of the first developments in the world to house a primary school, care home and residential apartments under one roof, the proposed purpose-built fourstorey, 120,000 sq. ft building will include a ground floor nursery; a twoform entry primary school for 420 pupils; a 70-room care home; 72 one and twobedroom apartments and a community café, focused around a central shared central courtyard garden.

In the UK, 28% of all households are now occupied by a single person, meaning there are an

increasing number of people across all age groups who live isolated lives without meaningful day-to-day contact with others.

To combat this, every element of the proposed building and surrounding public realm has been carefully designed to encourage interaction between the generations and the wider community.

The care home’s communal areas, living spaces and the residential apartments will overlook the central courtyard which will be used as play and teaching areas by the school in term time weekdays, and opened to the wider neighbourhood during evenings, weekends and school holidays.

It is hoped that residents of the care home and students at the school will meet through joint daily activities which have shown proven benefits for the social skills of children and the mental and physical well-being of older people.

The primary school will provide a much-needed educational facility for those living in the Climate Innovation District and beyond in the areas of

The building will host a primary school and a care home Hunslet, Beeston, Cross community here. Usually Green and Richmond Hill, as when a school is built in an well as more than 10,000 existing neighbourhood, it’s new homes planned within a fenced off from the people mile radius of the site. who live and work in the Jonathan Wilson, area which is a real waste of Development Director at both facilities and Citu, commented: recreational space and ruins “It has always been part of the urban grain. our long-term plan for a car“Primary schools should free neighbourhood to build be healthy, bright, colourful, infrastructure and amenities welcoming spaces and we within walking or cycling see the school and the wider distance of our homes. development, including the However, we want to do so café, at the heart of the much more than that in whole neighbourhood; for terms of making those everyone to use, not only for facilities part of the growing teachers, children and their

parents. ” In addition to the shared central courtyard, the plans also feature ample green landscaping including a public boulevard leading to the new Citu pedestrian bridge, due to open this October, which will provide a vital link across the river from the city centre to the South Bank.

If the current planning application is approved, construction will begin next year with the school and wider facilities open for the September 2022 term.

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October 2019 | South Leeds Life

News 3

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Roadworks on Hunslet and Low Road and M621 start this month

Junction 7 of the M621 at Stourton will be improved to serve the Park & Ride scheme

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wo major road schemes in South Leeds are set to get underway in October.

Connecting Leeds will improve the way buses operate along the Hunslet Road and Low Road A61 corridor. The changes are set to give buses priority along key routes which will make journeys quicker,

easier and more appealing, helping to tackle congestion, air quality and health issues.

The scheme, which is set to be completed in spring 2021, will allow buses to bypass general traffic through the implementation of bus lanes.

Segregated cycle lanes and enhanced pedestrian facilities

and crossings will also be included in the improvement works as well as new traffic lights and changes to the central reservation.

A number of bus stops will be moved temporarily, and some will be permanently relocated nearby.

Construction hours are

Monday to Friday, 7:30am-6pm, and 7:30am-3pm on Saturdays.

To minimise disruption to flow of traffic, work on the carriageway will be limited to: • 9:30am-6pm on the inbound carriageway (Thwaite Gate to Leeds city centre) • 7:30am-3:30pm on the outbound carriageway (Leeds city centre to Thwaite Gate).

Meanwhile, the M621 motorway will see further night time disruption in the coming months as preparatory work is carried out ahead of a raft of improvement works.

Highways England say that the major investment will support economic growth and improve journey times for drivers and the lives of people living near the road by tacking noise issues.

This autumn work will start to widen the road at junction 7 in Stourton which is the first phase of the major improvement – creating an extra lane by widening the slip road which takes vehicles travelling eastbound onto the roundabout.

Highways England will also widen the northern part of the roundabout – increasing the

TCV celebrates wildlife in the city

number of lanes from two to four improving capacity along the route.

Work will start later this month as teams investigate the ground conditions between junction 1 and junction 6 to help plan for the second phase of the major project. Teams will work during the day and night to gather information about the road surface and locate underground pipes and cables.

Next year (2020) Highways England will also be installing a new noise and vehicle restraint barriers around junctions 6 and 7 where the motorway crosses Belle Isle Road and passes

close to the Parnabys in Hunslet Carr.

Highways England will be holding an information event for the public to come along and find out more about what is being done to improve and maintain the route. The event takes place at West Grange Church on West Grange Garth in Leeds on Wednesday 30 October from 2-7pm.

The initial work will be carried out overnight – requiring closures on the M621 and will be signposted in advance.

Further details about each improvement will be provided closer to work starting on site.

Works to give buses priority on Hunslet Road start in October

The Big Green Weekend at Skelton Grange Environment Centre in Stourton saw hundreds of visitors enjoying nature at the former power station site.

The event was part of TCV’s 60th anniversary celebrations supported by The People’s Postcode Lottery. Visitors enjoyed bushcraft, beekeeping, natural crafts, walk and trails around the woodlands, fruit and vegetable gardens, fun and games for all the family, as well as homemade cakes and a wood-fired dragon pizza over at the café.

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South Leeds Life | October 2019

4 News

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On the beat

by Insp Lucy Leadbeater

I

am writing this article with the rain pouring down outside and it is already dark it seems as though all the engagement and community events that we attended during the summer are now just a distant memory!

With the change in weather I feel it is important to discuss some crime prevention advice in line with our darker nights campaign. The South Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team are working hard along with colleagues from our District Crime Team and wider partners to reduce burglaries across the area.

Whilst we have seen a reduction in burglaries across the South Leeds area, we understand the significant impact this offence can have on the resident.

Unfortunately, as the nights get darker earlier we have historically seen an increase in burglary offences and we want to work together to prevent residents from becoming a victim by providing the crime prevention advice below.

If you would like any further advice or information you are able to speak to your local Crime Prevention Officer and this can be arranged by emailing innersouth@westyorkshire.pnn .police.uk.

We are also fast approaching bonfire night and have recently had a very productive partnership meeting where we have discussed how we can keep people safe during this period and reduce ASB that we occasionally witness in the communities.

This year we will be focusing on prevention and youth diversion. Partners from the Youth Service and third sector organisations will be increasing youth provisions during this period and we would encourage young people to get involved in this.

Officers from police and fire will be attending schools across the area to deliver educational inputs and raise awareness of the dangers involved. There are

a number of steps that you can take yourselves to ensure that you have a great bonfire night.

Remember: • An organised display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks. There are bonfires organised by Leeds City Council in the South Leeds area including both Rothwell and Middleton Park – these will take place on Monday 5th November.

• It is an offence for anyone under the age of 18 to buy fireworks. You can be fined or imprisoned for buying or using fireworks illegally.

• Even at home, it is an offence to let fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except on 5 November, when the cut off is midnight.

• It is an offence to set off fireworks in a public place, which includes the street, parks and open land.

• Where the police believe it is necessary, a direction to leave a locality may be given under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. This may be done to reduce the likelihood of harassment, alarm or distress, or to deal with crime and disorder.

In relation to the issues that residents and businesses were experiencing on Lowfields Roads that I mentioned last month, I am pleased

to update you that police and partners attended court and have now obtained a closure order on the road.

This is the first of its kind across the UK and now makes it an offence for anyone to attend the location and participate in car cruising or ‘car meet’ events on Low Fields Road. We are continuing to proactively police this area, however this partnership approach has proved successful.

I really value the opportunity to be able to provide advice and updates to the readers of South Leeds Life about the work that the Inner South Neighbourhood Policing Team are doing in your area to keep residents and businesses safe and we will continue to tackle the priorities and issues that are affecting the community.

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Call to save Hunslet’s landmark spire H

unslet residents are spire to make it secure, a good credible and sustainable plan rallying to preserve the deal of uncertainty hangs over for its use. iconic St Mary’s church spire in its future. It is understood that Cath Bennett – one of the the heart of their community. the prime land around the spire local residents pushing for a A public meeting will be held will be included in any sale, and positive new plan for the site – later this month, for commented: others to find out more “People of Hunslet: and get involved. let’s join forces to The local Victorian save our iconic landmark – on Church landmark. It’s a big Street opposite the challenge, but we Penny Hill Centre – was believe we could built in the 1860s as make something part of St Mary’s amazing happen on Church. Although the that site, for the main church building whole community, if was rebuilt in 1975, we work together. the original spire Don’t let Hunslet remained. become hollowed But then the church out, like Stourton – – which was join us for our structurally unsound – meeting this month, was closed in 2015, or get in touch and the main building anytime.” demolished earlier this The ‘Save Our year. The Church of Spire’ public meeting England are now is on Thursday 24 Hunslet’s iconic clocktower and spire are under threat looking to find a future October, at 6pm for a for the spire, and the land in fact the Church of England 6.30pm start, at the next-door around it. are understood to be open to St Mary’s Primary School; or With an estimated £100,000 effectively gifting the whole site find the group online at needing to be spent on the to any organisation with a facebook.com/Hunslet.SOS.

Holbeck brewery launches foundation ‘For The North’ N

orthern Monk, based at Marshall’s Mill in Holbeck, has honed its craft with the North at its heart.

Now, as part of its fifth birthday celebrations, the brewery has turned its attention to helping others do the same.

Independent brewery, Northern Monk, is looking to spark a Northern revolution by launching it’s For the North Foundation, a scheme that will see the company offer £5,000 grants for burgeoning community projects and environmental causes in the brewery’s heartland.

Northern Monk evolved after owner Russell Bisset received £5,000 from his grandma.

Now, after five very successful years of trading direct from the brewery and through their Refectory sites in Leeds and Manchester, as well as via a large international following, ’The Monks’ are looking to give back to the communities that mean so much to them.

Between 2014 and 2016, an average of 1,177 more men aged between 25 and 44 died in the North than in the South each year. Of the ten cities in England with the lowest

The Northern Monk Brewery and Refectory in Holbeck employment rates, eight of them are in the North. The For the North Foundation grants will be offered to help initiatives and projects ‘that are created to provide a genuine benefit to communities and the people within them’ across the North of the UK. Capital for the For the North Foundation will be driven solely through limited edition product launches and events, no external finances will be used to fund the scheme. The first round of fundraising is set to take place in November.

Northern Monk have already contributed to a host of community projects. Last year’s Humans of Holbeck calendar

gave the brewery’s local community a voice.

Founder Russell Bisset said: “I was lucky to receive financial help from my family, and thankfully, as well as turning that into a successful business, Northern Monk has allowed us many opportunities to support our own local area of Holbeck, Leeds. The heart of the For the North Foundation, the reason why we’re doing this, is to see the North and its people thrive.”

To find out more about the For the North Foundation or to apply for one of the £5,000 grants, head to: northernmonk.com/for-thenorth-foundation

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October 2019 | South Leeds Life

News 5

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The Great Middleton Park Show Charity firewalk at Con Club T

by Alannah Marsden

he sun was shining, the sky was blue, and it was time for the return of everyone’s favourite event – The Great Middleton Park Show on Sunday 8 September.

It was an amazing afternoon of fun for all the family, and the day’s great turnout just goes to show that this event is growing more popular every passing year.

The art and produce competition was, as always, a highlight of the day. From wonky fruits and veg to junior art pieces, the tent was filled with entries from people of all ages. There were many smiling faces emerging victorious in their categories, such as Dorothy Britten who won first prize in the Textile category, and Jim Jackson won best in show and first prize for his apples, for the second year running!

Throughout the day there was a wonderful display of local talent from a range of different people and groups, which could be enjoyed by onlookers both at the bandstand and around the marquee. The incredible local DJ Danny was first to perform

at the bandstand and draw in the crowds, which he did very well as always! Leeds Baton Rouge Majorettes were next to put on a very enjoyable show, followed by the very talented Banghra dancers and the fabulous guitar player and vocalist Molly Smith.

throughout the day, and DJ Danny summarized this perfectly by commenting that “It is a great event for the community of South Leeds.”

Aside from the performances happening throughout, there were plenty of stalls for people to browse, most of which were

Sunflowers form part of the floral entries at the Middleton Show Then it was time for the tug of war, which attracted crowds of all ages. In other areas of the park, visitors enjoyed music from the Yorkshire Imperial Band, and could watch Ferret Races and Birds of Prey flying displays. These were brought to you by SMJ Falconry. Guests were definitely kept entertained

interactive.

Stalls were available from the likes of Health For All, Leeds Cooperative Photographic Society, Guide Dogs UK, Barlow Bees Local Honey and many more. Local activist Wayne Dixon was collecting signatures for a campaign to get a swimming pool in Middleton,

an idea which was warmly received by many. Aspire gave people the chance to make their own healthy smoothies using a bicycle! Treeside alpacas were also present, allowing guests to walk the alpacas around the pen themselves. There was also a bike course, inflatables and games.

All in all, the day was a great success which was enjoyed by many members of the local community. The Friends of Middleton Park (FoMP) committee worked tirelessly to make this amazing event happen, and it was clear that these volunteers had devoted hours of their spare time to this year’s show. A member of FoMP, Alan, said: “I hope everyone enjoyed today – a great day with lots of events and activities going on, it was fantastic to see that everyone has come out.”

It was wonderful to see a community coming together to appreciate local talent and produce, and it was a great way to see out the summer!

Royal visit for Beeston bedmaker Harrison Spinks

Simon Spinks and Peter Spinks recieve the Queen’s Award for Enterprise from the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson

F

ifth-generation family bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has welcomed the Queen’s representative in West Yorkshire to its Beeston Headquarters to receive the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: Sustainable Development.

Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, visited the 179-year old bed manufacturer on Thursday (5 September 2019). Presenting the award to chairman, Peter Spinks

and Managing Director, Simon Spinks at the firm’s brand new £2.5 million Innovation Centre in the former Leeds City College building on Westland Road.

The prize for Sustainable Development was granted in April in recognition of a number of ecofriendly and sustainable innovations within the company’s process of mattress manufacturing and within the mattress products themselves.

This includes growing hemp and

using natural fibres to replace synthetics, reusing waste from the production process, designing truly recyclable products and reducing CO2 emissions. The company believes it is the only furniture maker to have won five Queen’s Awards and the only specialist bedmaker to win the Sustainable Development award twice.

Simon Spinks, Managing Director for Harrison Spinks said: “We are delighted and humbled to have welcomed Mr Ed Anderson to our Harrison Spinks headquarters to receive our third current Queen’s award.

“Having seen the factory, he was blown away by the amount we do here on site.

“In recent years we have invested significantly in areas that have made our business more sustainable and vertically integrated – including weaving and wire drawing – and are proud to be leading the way and setting the standard in the furniture making industry.”

age.

Members of the Club were asked to donate to the cause, for the privilege of walking on the red hot embers, measured at one point to be five times the heat of a boiling kettle!!

The Club not only held the Firewalk, but had raffles, sold food from the “barbie”, all to raise money for such a good cause.

Tom Metcalf firewalking in memory of his father Praise goes to Ambrose Farrell,

by John Adamson who has been working tirelessly ‘Firewalk” was organised in asking people to donate to at the South Leeds the Firewalk, raffle prizes etc., Conservative Club to raise and did a remarkable job in money for The Sue Ryder doing so.

Pictured finishing the Wheatfields Hospice, in remembrance of John Metcalf, Firewalk is Tom Metcalf, the who tragically died at a young son of John.

A

Places still available!

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South Leeds Life | October 2019

6 News NEWS IN BRIEF £2K raised for BHF White Rose Shopping Centre and the NG Bailey combined forces to raise more than £2,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

The fundraising event took place in the shopping centre’s Central Atrium, which White Rose volunteered free-ofcharge, and included activities such as face-painting, a raffle and tombola, physical activity games to get hearts racing, CPR demonstrations, and The Big Heart Hunt – a balloon treasure hunt around White Rose.

Morrisons cafe open for meetings Hunslet Morrisons is launching a new service offering free meeting spaces to local groups such as new parents, charities, book clubs, craft groups and gaming communities.

Groups can book tables, for up to 20 people, 9-11am and 2pm-closing, through the Morrisons Hunslet’s Community Champion.

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Holbeck Club gets a blue plaque T

hursday 12 September saw the Leeds Civic Trust unveiling a blue plaque to celebrate the Holbeck Working Men’s Club. The unveiling featured a specially commissioned poem by Ian McMillan (see below), as well as a performance by the Commoners Choir.

The plaque reads: “Holbeck Working Men’s Club “Originally established in 1871, these purpose-built premises officially opened on Easter Monday 1878.

“Built at a cost of £1,172 the club included rooms for refreshment, billiards and bagatelle and a lecture hall for 300 people.

“No other working men’s club has been in continuous operation for so long.”

The club was originally formed to help to educate working men through classes in addition to social and community activities. Bars

were introduced as a way of making money to plough back into their educational activities.

The club recently found a new lease of life when Slung Low theatre and community college made it their home – thus bringing education back as one of its key uses.

Martin Hamilton, Director of Leeds Civic Trust said: “People often complain that blue plaques are given to ‘worthies’ at the top of their profession but the workers who put in the hours to give them that status are often forgotten. This plaque is Hilary Benn MP, Terry Nichols Club President, Cllr Eileen Taylor Lord Mayor of Leeds, an opportunity to correct Ian Pickup Holbeck In Bloom and Jane Taylor Leeds Civic Trust Chair that.” working class culture to be Back in 2014 South Leeds Alan Lane, Artistic Director of honoured in this way and this Life reported on how members Slung Low said: “The Blue plaque is a clear tribute to the had taken over the running of Plaque is a massive moment collective effort that the whole the club as volunteers to save for the community. It’s rare for community. it from bankruptcy. Then last

Community: easy as ABCD Y

ou will see Lynn Bailry and Alia Nessa out and about in Beeston as they map the many community resources that already exist in the neighbourhood.

Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) is an approach that starts with people and asks what skills do you have and what are your ideas to improve the community.

As the project develops Lynn and Alia will be able to help you put your ideas into action starting new groups and projects.

Contact: Lynn Bailey 07515 851631 email: baff2007@hotmail.co.uk; Alia Nessa 07514 781215 email: baffalia@hotmail.com Lynn and Alia: Talking to Beeston residents

Hunslet’s railings The Council's Highways department have removed a considerable number of roadside railings in locations around Hunslet, including Church Street. This is part of a national campaign towards 'decluttering' roads - based on considerable research that suggests, contrary to expectations, that reducing street furniture (especially railings) improves road safety.

Drivers in particular are found to drive more slowly and carefully in the absence of roadside railings, and there's typically a 50% drop in accidents for pedestrians and cyclists.

year, as part of Slung Low’s move to The Holbeck, they cleared the club’s historic debt and took over the day to day running of the club.

Holbeck’s Never Ending Story

by Ian McMillan We all need a palace when we come in from a shift We all need a big room that can give our hearts a lift We all need a spot to meet our mates and have a laugh And talk about the old times and say ‘Here’s a photograph Of the club in 1946 and there’s your mam and dad Sitting in the same seats that the buggers always had; Their parents came in here and their mams and dads and all You can see the smoky shape of grandad’s Brylcreme on the wall.

We can all remember how they queued on New Year’s Eve For hours in the freezing cold and folks might not believe That we had waiters serving drinks; the concert room was full Of people laughing, dancing, life was never ever dull And workers wiped the dirt off, put on their frocks and ties And laughed away the weekend with ale and tunes and pies And the idea of a club is that people get together Help each other through the sunshine and the heavy weather We all need a palace but this palace almost fell This building and its history could have been an empty shell But six people rolled their sleeves up to save the Holbeck club And it was hard and it was mucky it was lift and clean and scrub It was order beer and pay for beer and make the windows gleam And all these different people made themselves into a team Now glory days are glory days but the past has been and gone And the waiters fade, the big turns end, but Holbeck carries on

Community Campers

A lot of fun was had at this year's South Leeds Community Camp in Middleton Park. It was the busiest and sunniest for years. Families camped overnight on 14-15 September, enjoying games, sports, shared meals, crafts and a guided night walk. The camp was coordinated by Middleton Park FC (Wayne Dixon), Ed Carlisle, and other local volunteers. Thanks to Leeds City Council (Parks and Countryside) and Friends of Middleton Park for their support.

The oldest club in England, the doors still open wide A matter of survival? Yes, but here’s the thing: it’s pride Makes Holbeck what it is and a willingness to say The future’s where we’re aiming from the springboard of today We’ll see you in a hundred years when we’ll all still be here The future’s dancefloor shining and the future’s glass so clear.

And let’s march on together: we are Holbeck, we are strong I’ll tell you what: If we could sing we’d make this poem a song!

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October 2019 | South Leeds Life

News 7

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Hua Liu is on the Happy List L

A glimpse of the future?

A section of Tempest Road in Beeston turned into a play street for a few hours on Sunday 22 September to celebrate International Car Free Day. As well as children’s play, there was a craft market and entertainments.

New book brings Middleton’s history to life A

by Jeremy Morton

new book tracing the intertwined development of coal mining, railways and the community of Middleton has been published by the Middleton Railway Trust.

Colliery, Community, Railway,

by Charles Milner, was launched at an event at the railway on 17 September. It forms the final piece of Last Coals To Leeds, their commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the closure of Broom Pit, which ended a centuries long history of coal mining in South Leeds.

All six councillors from Hunslet & Riverside and Middleton Park wards were present to receive copies of

the book, which was funded by the Inner South Community Committee.

Cllr Judith Blake said: “We are pleased to be able to support this project through the Love Where You Live initiative. The earlier booklet went into all the primary schools in the area and seeing the children’s faces and listening to their stories and the fact that it had stimulated them to talk to their parents and families to find out more about the pit and the community was fantastic.

“I think as a city we have got a lot more to do to put on the international stage that this is the first commercial railway to use steam … in the world!”

She went on to pay tribute to

Cllrs Mohammed Iqbal and Judith Blake with author Charles Milner

the volunteers who run Middleton Railway and have kept its history alive.

The book is described as a memoir, rather than a history and Charles Milner has sewn together a collage of material that tells the story of a railway and a coal mine and the community that worked on both and was in turn shaped by both.

The book contains fascinating history of coal mining in Middleton; the birth of the railway, first as a horsedrawn wagonway and then the first steam engines; and growth of Middleton from a small village to life on the council estate or “the buildings” as it was called.

The book really comes to life when it quotes people’s experiences, and there is a fascinating chapter on everyday life in Middleton in the first half of the 20th century, largely drawn from the reminiscences of the Hebden family.

Colliery, Community, Railway is on sale at Middleton Railway’s Moor Road station.

At £10.50 it’s a bargain and would make a great Christmas present for the history buff in your family.

ast month The Independent Thanks to Hua, more than 100 newspaper published it’s people marginalised people are 11th ‘Happy List‘ which now supported each week. One features Hua Liu from Beeston. person who nominated her The Happy List celebrates said: “She is truly amazing and “50 of the most inspirational makes so many people truly people whose kindness, happy!” ingenuity and bravery have made Britain a better place to live.”

Hua has featured many times in South Leeds Life as we have covered the many events and celebrations organised by Lychee Red, the Chinese elders group.

The citation in the Independent reads: “Four years ago mum of three Hua from Beeston, Leeds, began volunteering to help isolated elderly people in her community at local charity Health For All. “She now runs a thriving Chinese elders group, called Lychee Red, an older mens group, Happy Panda, and a young Chinese families group Happy Chinese Families – which all meeting weekly. Hua Liu set up Lychee Red

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South Leeds Life | October 2019

8 News NEWS IN BRIEF Sign up for cheap food As reported last month, Food Revival are distributing boxes of good quality food that would otherwise go to waste.

Sign up for a weekly box for just £12 and collect it from Rowland Road Club in Beeston. Email boxes@foodrevival.co.uk and say you want to sign up to the South Leeds Scheme.

Elland Road Ice Rink Planet Ice, the new ice rink opening at Elland Road in Beeston is due to open in November, will be available for skating lessons and training, as well hosting the Leeds Chiefs Ice Hockey team who have already started their first season in the National Ice Hockey League.

Cheering for Christmas

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Get Set Leeds aims to make city more active A

by Helen Robinson

citywide conversation about how the city can help people move more and increase levels of physical activity is taking off, as Leeds City Council and health partners build a body of evidence, ideas and opinion to inform future plans to help make Leeds the most active city.

Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, Chair of Leeds Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Get Set Leeds is a chance for us all to chat about what being active means to us and what might get us moving more. We know being active is good for individual health, for communities and for the city as a whole.”

Consultation and engagement events will be held around a range of locations in Leeds in coming months and local residents are being asked to fill in a survey on what would help them be more active.

Dean Smith is a mental health champion for his running club, the South Leeds Lakers. He said: “Running has been so good for my selfesteem and self-worth. Having

lived with mental illness for so long I’m really lacking in those areas. Running gives me a sense of achievement I’ve struggled to find anywhere else.

“One thing I didn’t expect was to make so many friends through running. It’s not just about the exercise, being in a club is really social. It’s a real community – we meet up and go out together outside of running as well. I really feel like I’m part of something.”

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Executive Member for Environment and Active Lifestyles, said: “We want people to continue to make good use of our excellent parks and leisure facilities. We also know we can always learn more about what can make things easier and better for people who don’t make as much use of facilities as they might.

“I really encourage people to complete the survey and attend the meetings being held. The better understanding we can get about what people want and what they find as barriers, the better we can try to help deliver solutions for the future.”

To join the conversation to get the city moving more, go to www.getsetleeds.co.uk

Dean’s story S

outh Leeds Lakers is a friendly, sociable running club that meets once (officially) a week in Beeston.

The club caters for all abilities and has 29 fully qualified run leaders and a mental health ambassador who ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable running experience.

Mental health ambassador Dean Smith has been running with the club since January 2018.

Two weeks ago he completed the Great North Run. He will run in the Yorkshire Marathon in three weeks, having completed his first ever marathon at this event last year, followed by the London Marathon in April 2019.

Dean is a vocal advocate on the benefits of running for fitness, friendship and mental health. But his mental health journey hasn’t been an easy one.

On 14 November, Dean will be 13 years sober. As a recovering alcoholic, he

Cheerleaders from the Reetwirlers group were on hand to provide entertainment at a packed Christmas Fair at Sharp Lane Community Centre in Middleton. The Fair raised important funds for the centre’s Christmas 2019 events.

knows what it’s like to hit rock bottom. Prior to recovery, Dean was a homeless alcoholic with double incontinence. Weighing just seven stone, he had attempted suicide three times.

The road to recovery began for Dean when he decided he’d had enough couldn’t live life like that any longer. “I needed to make a change, so I started the 12 Steps programme on 19 November 2006.”

With support in place, Dean began building his strength and fitness. He started hill walking and fell walking, and completed the Coast to Coast walk five years ago.

Dean was training with friends, regularly doing a bootcamp at Temple Newsam.

As he explains though, “I wasn’t fit, I only stopped smoking 8 years ago.” But it was the social aspect of training as much as the fitness that he enjoyed.

The turning point came when he was running the TNT (Temple Newsam 10 mile race). Dean saw some runners in South Leeds Lakers shirts. Looking to move his training up a gear, Dean later emailed the club, only to find the reply came from his old school friend Ian Pickles, whom he’d not seen for over 30 years.

“I couldn’t believe it was Ian who got back in touch!

Running had brought me back together with my old school friends Ian, and former chairman at the club, Martin Lee, who now coaches the Juniors.”

The Lakers meet round the corner from where Dean lived, so it was easy for him to join in and he quickly became a popular member of the club.

“It was good to get there and know people already. But I’ve also made loads of new friends too, some are really good friends now.”

But as anyone who has suffered mental ill health or addiction problems will know, the path is never a linear one.

There are always bumps in the road.

When I spoke with Dean in September, he hadn’t been training for a while. It had

Dean Smith been a rough few weeks, he told me, and a few months ago he had had a breakdown.

“I was doing too much and pushed myself too far. I’d not been going to meetings and had dropped off communications with my sponsor.”

Everything had got on top of him and in August this year, Dean found himself down the canal in a dark place again, mentally.

“The thing with addiction and mental health, you know it’s never going to be easy.

You’ve always got to be working at it. But you do get better at recognising when you need help, and knowing you can get through it if you put the right plans in place.”

Dean talked about how throughout his recent tough times, his friends at The Lakers had been in regular contact to see how he was getting on.

“Right now, I’m going to 12 Step meetings every day again. And I start a new job tomorrow! (Monday 30 Sept).

I’m back on the tools and in the workshop where I’m happiest.”

Dean is upbeat but pragmatic. Maintaining good mental health is something he says he will always need to work at, and it won’t always be easy.

“It’s about getting the balance right,” he explains.

“For me that is running, eating properly, and keeping a good work life balance.”

“If I hadn’t have met the Lakers last January, I don’t know if I’d have carried on.

The support and friendship I’ve received through them has got me through.”

South Leeds Lakers meet on Tuesdays at 7pm at Beeston Co-op, Town Street, LS11 8PN (for ages 14+).

Participation is free of charge.

Contact through their website or Facebook page @SouthLeedsLakers.

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October 2019 | South Leeds Life

News 9

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Slimmers celebrate 50 years of success M

Sponsored Content

embers of South Leeds Slimming World groups have been painting the town gold as they celebrate Slimming World’s 50th birthday this month.

Members were proud to celebrate their amazing weight loss achievements and also created a delicious feast for “golden 60s themed party.

Slimmers each brought along a Slimming World-friendly dish packed with ‘Free Food’, which members can enjoy freely on the healthy eating plan to satisfy their appetite. Free Foods include pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fruit and veg, fish, eggs and more – so members can enjoy dishes like curries, meatballs, kebabs, scotch eggs, frittata and more.

The parties aim to celebrate Slimming World’s 50 years of success in helping people to achieve their dream weight.

They’ve been held in all 19,000 Slimming World groups up and down the UK and Ireland throughout September.

“Slimming World has

completely changed my life and celebrating with my fellow members at our golden party felt like the cherry on top of my journey.

Says one member having lost 6 and a half stone.

“When I joined, I couldn’t believe how much food I could eat and still lose weight. It was so different from what I’d expected because I always thought losing weight meant not eating very much or cutting out all your favourite meals. I was so wrong! Thanks to the plan and picking up ideas shared by other members in group, I’ve learned loads about food and cooking, and I can still enjoy burgers and chips, roast dinners and curries. I’ve honestly never once felt hungry since joining Slimming World.”

She says getting encouragement to become more active – including taking up Pilates – and receiving

support from the group.

This proud member says “I don’t think I could have achieved everything I have without the group. Life’s

completely different for me now and I’m so grateful to Slimming World for that – and proud of myself too. I used to shy away from the limelight and now I

feel like partying all the time.”

All south Leeds Slimming World Consultants have lost weight as members and have loved throwing our golden parties in Hunslet, Beeston, Middleton and Beeston Hill – celebrating success together, motivating each other, giving support and sharing inspiration is what Slimming World is all about. It was so good to see members enjoying the event with a new sense of confidence in themselves – and feel the amazing sense of camaraderie between them as real life-long friends – it’s so rewarding to see my members all so happy and having such a good time!

“When our members lose weight – We see more than just a physical transformation. Above all, We see their confidence bloom.

Many go from being nervous and shy new members who are very uncomfortable with the way they look, to confident, healthy and happy individuals with a new lease of life and a twinkle in their eye. They learn to stop feeling guilty around food, and instead feel empowered by all the Free Food they can enjoy on Slimming World’s healthy eating plan, Food Optimising. Through Food Optimising, they change the way they think about food by making small changes to the way they shop, cook and eat, and the weight soon falls off without them ever feeling like they are on a ‘diet’.

“Many of them have so much energy thanks to losing weight, they get more active too – walking, swimming, dancing… it shows how much they’re loving life!”

In 2019 Slimming World is hosting a summer full of golden festivities to celebrate 50 years of helping members achieve their dream weight. To find out more about the Golden Summer of Celebration visit: slimmingworld.uk.uk/golden

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South Leeds Life | October 2019

10 School Life

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Cockburn schools make positive start to year A

fter very pleasing summer results for the Cockburn MAT secondary schools, they are now underway with the new school years.

Cockburn John Charles Academy has welcomed a record breaking Year 7 intake of 270 students leading to the school being oversubscribed, bearing testament to the increasing confidence and profile of the Cockburn Multi Academy Trust in the local community.

Executive Headteacher of the Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust, David Gurney said: “The Cockburn brand has developed a reputation in the south Leeds area for high quality education and outcomes for all students, regardless of their starting points, and this reputation has enabled us to implement rapid improvements at Cockburn John Charles Academy through our focus of Transformation to Excellence.’

Head of School, Siobhan Roberts added: “This is a fantastic achievement for the academy of which the staff are justly proud. In the first two years

Cockburn School in Beeston said: “The students and staff at our school consistently demonstrate excellence in all aspects of school life. This is a fantastic place to learn and work with excellent facilities and experiences across the curriculum. Our designation as a National Support School and our most recent Ofsted report is well deserved recognition of all our work and achievements.”

The Cockburn MAT also includes Middleton Primary and most recently Cockburn Haigh Road Academy (formerly Rothwell Haigh Road Primary School).

School success after a decade in difficulty A

Leeds school that spent almost a decade in special measures is celebrating after being rated ‘Good’ in its latest Ofsted report.

Springwell Leeds Academy has undertaken an extraordinary journey under the stewardship of Wellspring Academy Trust since 2016, when it replaced its predecessor Elmete BSD Special School.

Wellspring Academy Trust, working together with Leeds City Council, has completely transformed education provision for some of the most vulnerable pupils in the city. Specialising in supporting children with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs, Springwell Leeds Academy now has three state-of-

Community celebr new Cottingley Pr O

since opening as Cockburn John Charles Academy, the support of the local community has been incredible and the uptake of places for September confirms this.”

Cockburn School has again maintained significantly high student numbers as it continues to be one of the most oversubscribed schools in Leeds.

Designated by the Department for Education as a National Support School, Cockburn School has reputation of excellence both locally and nationally.

Head of School, Rob Dixon

the-art buildings in three separate locations across the city, supporting almost 300 pupils.

The South site is located in Belle Isle on the site of the former Merlyn Rees High School, off Belle Isle Road.

Elmete BSD was inspected numerous times before it was taken over by the trust and was deemed to be in special measures for 10 years, bar a single nine-month period. As well as taking on Elmete BSD, Wellspring Aacdemy Trust also merged four other schools offering SEMH in Leeds to create one central school over three sites specialising in SEMH. Executive Principal Scott Jacques explains: “The provision

Scott Jacques, Executive Principal, outside Springwell Leeds Acdemy South

in Leeds for children with additional needs was far from adequate, but the council had the foresight and ambition to rectify this. With the council’s willingness to invest £45m in new buildings, and our expertise in both turning around struggling schools and supporting pupils with SEMH, we have achieved something truly exceptional.

“Going from Special Measures to Good has taken hard work, dedication and lots of enthusiasm from the team. We recruited some amazing staff who are committed to the trust’s values of compassion and understanding, and we have supported them through extensive training. Now the children are reaping the rewards.”

The Ofsted report scores the school as ‘Good’ in all areas and highlights the school’s leaders as having ‘established a strong vision to promote pupils wellbeing and achievement’ and ‘demonstrated they can bring about improvement.’ The report also states that ‘pupils develop effective personal and social skills and achieve well’ and ‘they are prepared well for the next steps in their education.’

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

by Jeremy Morton

ver 500 members of the local community explored the extended Cottingley Primary Academy on the eve of its official opening on 19 September.

Cottingley Primary has expanded from 1½ to 2 form entry and also has places for 2 year olds in its nursery. As South Leeds Life reported, the school achieved its first ever ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted in March this year.

The school held the open day with visitors following a treasure hunt to show off its new facilities and celebrate the opening with inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting and more.

Amongst the activities visitors were invited to try out ‘green screen’ filming and effects in the IT room, read with their children in the new library and try out freshly cooked school dinners in the dining room.

The afternoon was a huge success with a host of comments including: “Brilliant.

Love the improvements.”

“I was happy with the library and sensory room. The nursery is changing, I love it.”

“I enjoy the school. A very nice classroom and playground and very friendly teachers.”

“Enjoyed crafts room; cake was nice; flag making was fun!”

Then this morning, representatives from organisations that helped with the school building project including architects, contractors, Leeds City Council Children’s Services and ward Councillor Gohar Almass were present for the official opening.

Julian Drinkall, Group CEO of the Academies Enterprise Trust, which runs Cottingley Primary Academy, spoke about the hard work put in by

Headteacher Kelly Bentley, her staff as well as pupils and parents on improving the performance of the school.

“Kelly’s led a fantastic resurgence here at Cottingley and for the first time, in February, the school got its Ofsted ‘Good’ rating which is fantastic.”

The ribbon was cut by David Bradley, Technical Engineering Manager at the White Rose Shopping Centre, in his role as Chair of the school’s Parent & Community Advisory Board.

David said: “It’s a great honour to be at Cottingley Primary Academy this morning. I’ve been involved with the school for 4 years now. It’s a great school, remarkable and we’ve got these fantastic new facilities as well now. These are really exciting times moving ahead.”

Pupils in Pear Class (Year 6) performed this poem which the composed as a David Bradley cuts the ribbon on the new buildin class group:

Below: Families enjoy a range of activities at Cot

What is remarkable?

Creating new and special ideas Facing up to all your fears Travelling to a faraway land Playing in a musical band That is remarkable Developing our imagination Learning the rules of the nation Standing in spotlight on the stage Finding joy in every page That is remarkable Expanding all our hopes and dreams Finding our place in a team Caring for animals and for birds Discovering the power of our words That is remarkable That is Cottingley

October 2019 | South Leeds Life

Website: www.southleedslife.com

rate remarkable rimary School

ng with Julian Drinkall and Headteacher Kelly Bentley ttingley Primary Academy open day

School Life 11

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Hugh Gaitskell footballers team up with Leeds United L

eeds United players Eddie Nketiah and Barry Douglas dropped in to Hugh Gaitskell Primary School last Tuesday to lend their support to a new after school football club.

Under the banner ‘Football the common language’ Hugh Gaitskell has launched its club last month.

The Lottery funded project will see Leeds United Foundation staff delivering weekly sessions teaching both football and life skills.

Matt Everett from the Foundation told South Leeds Life “Everyone has the perception that football training is just about a bag of balls, but actually that’s a tiny part of what we do.

We look at life skills: communication, self esteem, even Maths and English.

“We also work with the

Leeds United players Eddie Nketiah and Barry Douglas visit Hugh Gaitskell Primary School in Beeston teachers to give them skills they can use in PE lessons.”

As well as time on the field, each weekly session will have a classroom element. There will also be a competition with other schools.

In a session led by Kick It Out, English football’s equality and inclusion organisation, the children

discussed different forms of discrimination and roleplayed what to do it about it.

Hugh Gaitskell’s Headteacher Mrs McNulty said: "We're a diverse school and very unique within the city with representation from almost every country in the world. We want to celebrate our diversity

and it's important for us to teach the students about tolerance and respect throughout the school.

"We've had Leeds United players in today and it's been important for the children to see that Leeds United are supporting the Kick It Out campaign, it really makes what we're teaching them in school come to life."

Children’s author launches Year of Reading at HGPS

by Helen Robinson

C

hildren’s author Jason Beresford spent the day with students at Hugh Gaitskell Primary School to celebrate the launch of the Leeds Year of Reading in September.

The visit commenced with a whole school assembly, which saw Jason play ukulele and perform a role-play with students who transformed into superheroes. Every class in the school then participated in interactive workshops led by the author, which were based around the superhero theme and involved reading, writing, singing and drama.

“I was invited to Hugh Gaitskell School as part of the school’s focus on promoting reading and making reading fun,” explained Jason.

“The kids have been fantastic.

They really engaged with it all, and even asked for an encore, shouting “We want more!” as they left.”

Jason Beresford was formerly a primary teacher who taught at Highfield School in Leeds for five years. He then went on to work in television, first as a presenter and then as a director for Emmerdale and Coronation Street. He’s famously quoted as saying his TV career “was never as much fun as telling stories to kids”.

Speaking about the workshops,

year five student Mackenzie (pictured) said: “It was really good and funny. My favourite part was when we sang the songs” The event was coordinated by assistant head teacher and English lead, Lucy Fox, who explained that: “Reading is a key focus for us at the school. All the children practice “ERIC” (everyone reading in class) every day.

“As well as investing in a new library bus, we have been improving reading corners and have just launched a new electronic system that enables children to take interactive comprehension quizzes after reading books. Our reading programmes and activities are designed to engage children from all backgrounds and cultures.”

The Year of Reading, announced

by Leeds City Council and the UK’s largest children’s reading charity BookStart, aims to activate the whole city around reading and the love of reading.

Currently there is a large gap in achievement between secondary school students who read books for pleasure and those who do not, and the strongest predictor of reading growth from age 10 to age 16 is whether a child reads for pleasure.

A BookTrust review in 2016 found that a love of reading leads to a love of learning and this helps to underpin achievement in all subjects at both primary and secondary schools. BookTrust will be providing over £1million in books and resources for children and families in Leeds over the next three years.

Children's author Jason Beresford pictured outside the school's new library bus with assistant head Lucy Fox and students from year 5

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South Leeds Life | October 2019

12 Opinion

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

In our view Short term pain, long term gain?

Save the Number 1 bus

Residents across South Leeds are facing a lot of disruption over the coming months. Night time motorway closures will push traffic onto our roads which are having their own roadwork resistrictions.

Bus services have been re-routed or, in the case of the number 1, chopped in half. Once all the work is complete we should have a quieter motorway thanks to acoustic screening and better junctions. And we should have a much better city centre for bus users and pedestrians. Here’s hoping the short term pain is worth the long term gain.

Mental Health

Your letters and comments

Thursday 10 October is World Mental Health Day. in britain today we face an epidemic of male suicides, teenage self harm, stress, anxiety and more serious mental ill-health. There are two big things people can do to help themselves.

Talking about how you feel, to someone: a friend, a partner or a therapist is vital, but is particularly difficult for men. If you’re worried about someone don’t ask them “Are you OK?� (they will say yes). Instead ask “What have been up to today?� that will open up a conversation.

The second thing you can do is be more active. Both South Leeds Lakers and Run Talk Run are open to discussing mental health, but if you don’t fancy running, take a walk in the park. It will help.

Since the beginning of September Beeston based bus users have had a very different journey into the centre of Leeds and beyond. Following the start of the Connecting Leeds work on The Headrow the number 1 bus route which has served this community for decades has been split in half.

The service from Beeston is now the 10 and it terminates at Infirmary Street with passengers needing to then get to Albion Street to pick up the 1. Huge concerns have been raised following a reply to a Tweet sent days after the route changes began from First West Yorkshire who when asked if the number 1 route would be returning to normal after the works replied "at present we are unable to confirm this".

Angry local residents have set up a campaign to be ready to defend this bus service if the decision is made to make this long term disruption permanent. The Defend the Leeds Number 1 Bus Route campaign have called a meeting on Saturday 5 October, 2pm at Beeston Parish Centre (St Mary’s) opposite the Co-op.

Defend the Leeds number 1 bus route campaign

Matthew Murray school site I don’t agree with any primary school losing their green spaces. Too many primary schools no longer have playing fields or even any grass at all. Children need both concrete and grass to play/exercise on.

Jason Waddington

Will the number 1 bus service return to Beeston after the city centre roadworks are complete?

The Parklife programme sounds grand, but if it is sited at Fullerton Park those hoped for fitness benefits will be off-set by the health implications of increased traffic congestion and pollution around our homes on match days.

Harry The opportunities for primary schools in the area to use world class facilities out of school outweighs any argument here.

Kevin Walters

My son attends Ingram Road Primary and I believe losing the field for a short period will not affect them, but they will gain so much in the long run from the new playing fields and opportunities.

Something needs to be done with it for the Given the parking problems in our community rather than housing. We have residential streets on match days what such a bad reputation in Holbeck with the possible justification can there be for red light district and anti social behaviour further reduction of car park provision near so I think putting something that people the football ground? can use and may give the kids growing up something to do and aim towards if they can interact with Leeds United and reduce ASBOs. Beeston & Holbeck ward Kim Grimstead Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck.

The three councillors are:

Your Councillors and MP

Gohar Almass 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Andrew Scopes 07860 400 645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk

Hunslet & Riverside ward Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:

Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk Paul Wray 07528 512 649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk

Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:

Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell

0113 378 9000 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 378 8811 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk

Leeds Central MP – Rt Hon Hilary Benn Hilary Benn is our MP. He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Middleton, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Burmantofts, Richmond Hill and Osmondthorpe.

Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Suite 7, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097

Hunslet Library

It was interesting to read of the refurbishment of Hunslet Library as a Community Hub. As a child I lived in Anchor Street, Hunslet and attended Hunslet National School until I passed my Scholarship. We walked to the library one lesson a week to choose a book.

The Assistants were very particular about any noise and we could be banned for a session if we talked while choosing a book.

The library always smelt strongly of polish and sometimes you were relieved to get out into the open air and return to school.

Janet Poulter (nee Ward)

Let’s talk about death As the director of Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice I am writing to you to in a bid to encourage your readers to talk about death.

Sue Ryder has found that when the people of Leeds were asked about the more light hearted aspects of how they would like to

spend their last days on earth, they had very clear ideas. Yet when they were questioned about the real practicalities, very few of them had put plans in place or even begun to think about them.

Despite 88.9% of people in Leeds knowing where they would like to spend their last day on earth and 84.3% being able to name what their last meal would be, with fish ‘n’ chips the clear favourite, only 4.6% have made an advance care plan, which is a statement of preferences for end of life care.

Death is inevitable for each and every one of us. The period of time following the diagnosis of a terminal illness can be short, as well as incredibly emotional; we want to encourage people in (insert city) not to leave it until then to start planning.

By taking the time to think about whether we would like to die in a hospice or at home, writing a Will, setting up a lasting power of attorney or making an advance care plan; it is possible to plan for a better death.

If we let our loved ones know about our final wishes, being able to support us in fulfilling them can bring great comfort to friends and family towards the end of life and beyond.

Sue Ryder is calling on the people of Leeds to remove the stigma around the ‘Dword’ today, by starting a conversation with those close to them about how they would like their death to be.

Talking about and planning for death can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

Sue Ryder has created a free guide called ‘A Better Death’, which covers some of the questions that you and your loved ones may have, some things you might want to think about and how you can plan for the death you want.

To download our guide, visit sueryder.org/thedword Let’s plan for a better death together.

Lizzie Proctor

Join the debate Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW. Letters may be edited for publication.

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Top Tweets Keep up to date, up to the minute, by following South Leeds Life’s Twitter feed: @SouthLeedsLife.

Twitter is the 140 character ‘micro blogging’ site. It’s free and you can sign up at twitter.com. It’s a great place to find the very latest news.

Here are some of our favourite recent tweets: @PamCrosby1 Many thanks to @hunsletwarrior1 coach @jayschofield66 and assistant coach @gary1mc for all your hard work . You came, saw, spotted potential and delivered promotion. Brilliant!

@HunsletHub @HunsletHub would like to hear your opinion on your new Community Hub and Library.

Come and join us Thursday 24th October 2-3pm and give us your thoughts over a cuppa @HealthforAllLds Celebrating 5 years of the Care Leavers Group! Proud of EVERYONE who attends, thank you for your support & commitment! Special thanks to Libby T for her dedication to the group! @ElementsSchool Congratulations to David in Year 1. He completed and won this year’s summer reading challenge organised by Leeds City Libraries. Well done to all those who took part! #wemakeadifference @LeedsCC_CEAQ Some great photos of our #WorldCarFreeDay celebrations in Beeston earlier. Great to see the local community getting involved. #CleanAirLeeds #LeedsClimate

@CituUK We're so proud that the #ClimateInnovationDistrict was named 'Best Sustainable Development' in the UK at the Sunday Times British Homes Awards. @WestwardCare It’s #macmillancoffeemorning at Pennington Court. Cakes and fundraising... two of our favourite things! đ&#x;¤Š

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1

7 September marked two years since I moved to Acre Court, in Middleton. So I thought I would have a catchup, what’s happened over that time.

I came back to live in Middleton after living in Belle Isle for four years, in sheltered housing, run on behalf of the council by Belle Isle TMO. Prior to that lived on Middleton Town Street.

I moved back to Middleton as it looked at the time like I would lose my driving licence due to my dementia.

The move would mean I would be near the shops, doctor, dentist and Middleton Park, so I would not need my car, if the licence was taken away from me.

As it turned out Dr Lance Middleton (my Psychiatrist) contacted the DVLA and told then I was still OK to drive. So that is fantastic news, as I need car to help in my volunteer work. My licence is renewed every year on the OK of Dr Middleton.

Acre Court, where I now live is a centre of around 40 flats of different sizes for people aged over 60. The flats can accommodate single people or couples. The landlords are Housing 21, and the Manager is Alison.

The centre has its own launderette, communal lounge,

and afternoon teas are provided by the Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust volunteers at the Court. I have not made use of the meals, but you never know, maybe one day.

I’m more likely though to have lunches at Middleton Elderly Aid across the road from me, as they have lunches four days a week, pie and peas once a fortnight and breakfast on a Saturday, followed by Bingo and Hoy. Speaking of Middleton Elderly Aid (MEA), shortly after moving I made myself known to Samantha, the Manager at the Centre) and asked to be a member. The centre is for the over 60s and their carers. It is run by staff and volunteers, of which I’m one. It must be the biggest and best centre of its type in Leeds, due to the amount activities going on there.

Please check more details at: middletonelderlyaid.org.uk I’ve mentioned lunches, add to that monthly trips out and holidays once a year. In 2018 we went to Llandudno and in 2019 we went to Weymouth.

When I made myself known to Samantha, she asked me a few things about my hobbies and what I do in my spare time.

I told her I do quite a lot of volunteer work mainly at Belle Isle TMO, and write blogs and news arcticles for South Leeds Life. I went on to tell Sam that I

Ken outside his new home where bingo is played three nights a week. We have a hairdresser, who also does men’s hair, and we have a lovely garden overlooked by the lounge.

Since the move I have met some lovely people at the Court, and will often bob into the lounge to speak to some of them after a night out.

Sometimes lunches, breakfasts, Sunday dinners

South Leeds Lives 13

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Diary of a Middleton blogger

by Kenneth Ingram

October 2019 | South Leeds Life

started a walking group at BITMO, on Mondays. It’s now into its fifth year.

Now in my 70th year, I have taken a backward step from BITMO’s walking group, and now BITMO only contact me if they need a group leader.

Sam asked if I would start a walking group with them, similar to the one in Belle Isle, I said yes of course. After taking a First Aid course, and showing

Alf ‘Ginger’ Burnell

by Phil Hodgson

A

hero for Hunslet on the rugby league pitch and as a submariner during the Second World War, Alf ‘Ginger’ Burnell has died, aged 95.

Remembered as one of the sport’s most talented halfbacks in the immediate post-war period, Burnell was a member of Hunslet’s hall of fame.

He agreed terms with the south Leeds club shortly before the outbreak of hostilities and, though his career was interrupted by the war, went on to play 351 times for Hunslet until his retirement in 1958.

At representative level he made five appearances for Yorkshire, helping them to the County Championship title in 1946 and was capped four times by England – twice each against Wales and France.

He also played in three Tests, all on the winning side, for Great Britain against New

Zealand, twice in the 1951 home series – including the first rugby league match to be televised – and at Carlaw Park three years later.

After hanging up his boots he ran three pubs in Leeds, the Red House, the Drysalters and

the Spotted Cow and also became known as a gifted artist.

Once allegedly told “You’re no Leonardo da Vinci, are you?” by an armchair arts critic, he famously replied: “Happen not, but I was a

Sam my DBS Police check, everything was put in place and the group meets and walks every Wednesday at 11am for members and their carers.

The group has around 12 members, and at any one time we can have up to 10 of us out on a walk. Our favourite walks are into Middleton Park. The walking group has now been running two and a half years. I applied for a grant to buy things for the group, we now have some lovely t-shirts and water bottles for the group.

Samantha has put plans in place to buy watches and mobile phones for the group, where they can tot up how many miles they’ve walked and how many calories they’ve burnt.

The walking group, called Arm In Arm, has Dementia Friendly status, which was approved when I had the walking group at BITMO’s GATE. I also told Sam about a memory cafe I set up at the Parnaby Tavern for people who like me have Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or just have memory issues. Sadly I no longer run this cafe, but still in place once a week. Sam asked if I could start one at MEA, of course again I said yes.

The memory cafe is on the last Wednesday in the month at the centre. We have people from different organisations come to talk to us and there are drinks and cakes. I think this is the best Memory Cafe in the city. There are many, but I’m biased.

During the year I changed the

News Cafe I run for South Leeds Life from BITMO to Middleton Elderly Aid. This is held every Wednesday from 9am at the centre, for two hours. It made sense as it would be easier for me if the News Cafe was close to home.

If you’ve got a news story, pop in and tell me about it.

Over the last two years have still had health issues. In December whilst on holiday in Blackpool I had a serous internal bleed and ended up in Blackpool Hospital for four days.

I was discharged from the hospital in Blackpool and put in the care of the LGI, where I had an operation to sort me out. It turned out to be a cancer scare, but I’m now OK. That’s the second scare in two years.

I’m determined to go on holiday every 6 weeks. Since December I have been to Blackpool three times, to Weymouth and on day trips with Middleton Elderly Aid. I have a Physiotherapist who comes to visit me in my flat once a month and gives me exercises to get my knee in better condition. It certainly saves me going to the St George’s Centre.

Well that’s about it, I’m enjoying life with my new friends at Acre Court and Middleton Elderly Aid, where Samantha has given me her support when I was a bit down.

Thanks also to Walter, Mavis, Christine and anyone may have forgotten at MEA. I still, of course, keep in touch with my old friends at BITMO’s GATE.

Counting rainbows

Scrum Half Alf “Ginger” Burnell in action for Hunslet

by Barbara Cavell

I

am in competition with my daughter’s partner in regard to sighting rainbows. He lives on the edge of the Peak District, I live off Dewsbury Road. I am losing three – nil at present.

So where are my rainbows?

Well I recently popped into Building Blocks nursery. Whilst there I got into conversation with a group of 3 and 4 year olds. I was asking their names and saying things like I think your name is Freddie or Mary.

No, no they said, I’m Hanif, I’m Blessing, I’m Tokumbo. So then I asked what they thought my name was. With one accord they said “Grandma!”

“Out of the mouths of babes.”

Every Thursday morning I wander up Tempest Road and when I reach the junction with Maud Avenue I meet a selection of hijabs, grey curly perms and Romanian head scarves. We are limping and struggling to make our way to

sight better bloody scrum-half than he was.”

Burnell attended the annual ex-Parkside players’ reunion two months ago when he presented heritage certificates to Allan Bancroft, Phil Evans, Dave Marshall and Bill Ramsey.

various ‘keep well’ classes. We have a catch up on hips, knees headaches and other older people’s afflictions, but are glad of the rest before we press on to our various survival strategies.

“Old age is a manyspleandoured thing.”

Every Friday I do a pop up craft table at Beeston Hill charity shop. The first half is for children, the latter for adults. I have been working with 4 year old Sophia (Iranian? Polish?

Hungarian? – I don’t know and it doesn’t matter).

Every Friday she runs in, jumps in front of me and presents me with a dandelion.

She presents it, and I receive it, as if it is the fairest flower ever grown. “It’s for you!” she says. I hold back a tear and we make a windmill.

“Love, joy, creativity all free in excess.”

So Steve, these are my rainbows and guess what? I wouldn’t swap Beeston – not even for that gorgeous view of Kinder Scout and its rainbows!

Photo by notjake via Creative Commons

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South Leeds Life | October 2019

14 Arts

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Light Night will illuminate new park T

he annual Light Night festival features art installations around The Tetley and The Royal Armouries in Hunslet; and the ‘Temple Quarter’ around Temple Works and Water Lane in Holbeck.

More than 60 incredible artistic creations are set to wow expected crowds of up to 80,000 at this year’s festival, which will take over some of the city’s best-known locations and buildings for the 15th year in a row.

Featuring work by artists from across the world, the incredible event, which this year is supported by headline sponsor Vastint UK, will explore the themes of theme of Mind, Body and Spirit.

Other highlights will include a magnificent parade through the city centre which will bring dreams to life on the streets of Leeds on October 10 at 7.30pm.

Parade spectators should look out for Vastint UK’s illuminated walking Dream

‘Pleasance’ installation that can be explored at the Tetley Brewery site, which will be transformed into a multisensory immersive, family experience throughout the twoday event.

The visuals and sounds of Pleasance are inspired by the hundreds of new trees, acres of green space, new homes, offices, restaurants and cafes that Aire Park will bring to the South Bank.

Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Light Night exemplifies the very best of culture in our city and we’re incredibly proud that Leeds is home to such a world class celebration of creativity and imagination.

“Year after year, Light Night also brings together tens of thousands of people and families, giving them the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable spectacle and see both modern and historic Leeds from a completely different perspective.”

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Catch this powerful play about men’s mental health W

by Jeremy Morton

ith men’s mental health finally getting on to the agenda, a new play, The Parting Glass from Red Ladder Theatre Company, is a welcome addition to the debate.

Leeds writer Chris O’Connor has developed his prize winning play The Life And Soul from a one man show into a two hander that also shows the effect to mental health problems on those close to the sufferer.

We hear from Jim who worries about the cloud of depression that is never far away from him. He pushes it away in the pub where he is the life and soul of the party. And like many men the only place he really expresses his emotions on the kop at Elland Road watching his beloved Leeds United.

The counterpoint is provided

by Sara who he finally gets together with following a hilarious scene where he first asks her a date. Each recall the incident at a market food stall

unfold from their, very different, perspectives.

Sara is very good for Jim and yet after a while he feels that cloud returning …

O’Connor absolutely nails depression. It’s not about feeling sad, it’s about feeling empty and numb; feeling alone amongst friends; not meant for this world.

The play has little interactive dialogue, it is mostly a series of monologues taken in turn which the two young actors: Tom Swift as Jim and Alyce Liburd as Sara, carry off very well. The small scale, nontraditional setting intensifies the action. You do feel you are there in the pub with Jim and Sara.

Each performance is followed by a Q&A discussion with Chris O’Connor and mental health professionals. On the night I saw it in Belle Isle we discussed possible interventions in the story, Mental Health First Aid, Rugby League’s State Of Mind programme and more besides.

The Parting Glass comes back to South Leeds on Friday 18 October, 7.30pm at Hunslet

Tom Swift as Jim in The Parting Glass RLFC, South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, Leeds, LS11 5DJ.

Photo: Anthony Robling I urge you to go and see what is a very important play about a very important issue.

Middleton Park’s Writer In Residence M Peter Harbour / Hull Daily Mail Trees in celebration of Aire Park, the new multi-purpose district soon to transform the South Bank. Dream Trees will also be found walking the streets of Leeds throughout the event, introducing the immersive, multi-sensory

Light Night Leeds takes place on October 10 and 11 from 6pm until 11pm.

For more details about the programme and installations visit www.lightnightleeds.co.uk or follow @lightnightleeds on Twitter and Instagram.

by Abbie Randall

iddleton Park are now the proud hosts of their very own writer in residence.

Richard Smyth is an awardwinning nature writer and journalist who’s credentials include writing for the Guardian, The Times Literary Supplement and setting questions for BBC’s Mastermind.

Richard’s original works include five non-fiction books which include titles such as ‘English History, Strange but True,’ and ‘Bloody British History - Leeds.’ He is a self-

confessed freelance ‘writer for hire’ and his portfolio of essays, articles and features is both impressive and thoroughly enjoyable to read.

Richard will use his time wisely in Middleton Park and explore both the park and it’s rich historical and cultural heritage while creating new work centred around his time in residence. He will also be sharing his knowledge and skills by hosting a number of writing workshops including a creative writing session and a guided walk around the park whereby participants can learn more about the history of

Middleton Park.

The writer in residence project and the associated workshops Richard will be hosting are part of the Northern Short Story Festival which has events happening across Leeds throughout October starting with Richard’s workshops on 19 October 2019. This is a privilege for the people of Leeds to host such a well-respected local writer but also for us to be able to engage with and discover more about our local area and roots.

The workshops are free and all Richard asks is that you wear suitable sturdy footwear

and clothing and that you bring a pen and paper with you. It’s being held at Middleton Park, October 19 1pm-3.30pm. You can also learn more about Richard and his work at www.richarddsmyth.com

Richard Smyth

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October 2019 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 15

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Hunslet Hub activities Time to celebrate

T

he newly refurbished Hunslet Community Hub and Library is building up its programme of regular events and activities.

Storytime for the under 5s takes place every Tuesday 10:30-11:30am.

This is a fun session of sharing stories in a relaxed friendly atmosphere and a great way to meet other parents and carers.

Another weekly activity on Tuesday morning is the Tai Chi session. This is a gentle form of exercise suitable for everyone.

PCSOs from the Neighbourhood Policing team will available for a chat over a cup of tea every third Tuesday between 10am and midday. Hunslet Tenants & Residents Association will

Waiting to welcome you to Hunslet Community Hub also be attending these session, on 8 and 29 October.

Code Club is an exciting activity for 7-13 year olds.

They will discover our easy to follow projects which will help them to learn a variety of computer coding languages by making games, robots, animations and websites.

The fortnightly sessions start

on Monday 28 October, 3:30-4:30pm.

Are you struggling to get to grips with computers and the online world?

Learn My way is a free course to help you develop basic skills how to use a mouse and keyboard, sign up for email, manage money and shop online, search for jobs and access public services online,

including Universal Credit.

Come along to a drop in session to get started. On the second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 12:30-1:30pm.

The popular Hunslet Remembered session run with South leeds Live At Home returns to the Library on the last Thursday of the month, 10am-12pm.

Two more clubs will get under way in November.

The Writers’ Club, on the first Monday of each month and a Photography Club suitable for people aged 9+.

The Hub would like to hear your opinion on your new Community Hub and Library. You are invited to give us your thoughts over a cuppa on Thursday 24 October 2-3pm.

How to jump over the moon W

by Sally Proctor

ith our fourth College term about to begin, we’ve all been working hard at Slung Low HQ and are very much looking forward to seeing you here at the club, for a pint, a soda, a college course, a play or even an alien adventure!

On Saturday 19 October we will be hosting our bi-annual How To Festival, How To Jump Over The Moon! A fun filled day for all the family here at The Holbeck, a community club that welcomes everyone.

We’ll start the day at 11am with a fab & friendly music workshop for 3– 7 year olds and their families.

Hosted by The Neptunes, a trio of local musicians who we spotted earlier this year at The Holbeck Gala.

As well as being an awesome band, Gina, Livvy and Kez love to

create a nurturing music experience with children and young people.

During this workshop they will guide you through singing in harmony and getting some beats going with some basic percussion.

At 1pm Goblin, acclaimed theatre company who make shows for young people and families will be here with their unmissable musical delight; Hey Diddle Diddle. A hilarious adventure filled with music and puppetry, for ages 3+.

Ever wondered how a cow jumped over the moon? Or why the dish ran away with the spoon? With original songs played live on stage, brilliant puppetry and lots of laughter, this new show is a wild and musical celebration about the importance of imagination.

Shortly after that at 2.15pm you’re invited to go on an adventure with Manic Chord in their new 80’s inspired extra-terrestrial experience: The Unknown.

Amber, a tech savvy teen and her rather more traditional grandmother Dawn, are onto something supernatural. With fellow members of the Society for Speculation, can the daring duo get to the bottom of these gravitational goings on?

After journeying through The Unknown you are invited to join Manic Chord for some Alien Antics where you’ll be given the tools you need to create your own alien adventure.

In this workshop you will play games, create characters and tell stories that are totally out of this world. Alien Antics begins

at 4pm and is aimed at children who are 7+ and their families.

We’d love you to come down and take part in one or more of these activities, or even better stay for the whole day! We’ll put on some sandwiches for lunch at 12noon and at 5pm we’ll all come together for a big family friendly pop concert by The Neptunes! Everything is You Pay What You Decide after you take part.

There are many brilliant events coming up soon from a wild Cabaret to a Boxing Day quiz and joining our mailing list is the best way to find out about them first. But here’s one for our South Leeds Life readers, drum roll please….

We will be making our first Leeds People’s Theatre short film in January. James Phillips has written a short film called The Good Book. It’s set in Holbeck and filmed entirely in Leeds. It’s set in the near future when the country has been divided by political extremism and is bubbling on the edge of civil war. The cast is going to be made up of over 100 people from Leeds and a handful of invited performers from elsewhere. We’d love you to be a part of it. Sign up online here: www.slunglow.org/shortfilm And finally, we will be hosting our annual Christmas Fayre on Saturday 14 December so please save the date and get in touch if you would like to host a stall for free.

Please visit our website www.slunglow.org to book onto any of the activities for our How To Festival, sign up to our short film, join our mailing list or to book a stall at our Christmas Fayre.

We are based at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Leeds, LS11 9QX and you can call us on (0113) 226 0808.

Older People S

outh Leeds has so many events lined up for the International Day of Older People that they’ve spread them over a week.

The events listed, based on this year’s theme: Age Friendly Leeds, are all open to the general public, as well as older people.

Middleton Memories is an exhibition (and calendar) running at Middleton Elderly Aid’s Social Centre on Acre Road until Monday 7 October.

Leeds Irish Health and Homes are staging ‘Ceol agus Craic’ (Music and Fun) at Beeston Parish Centre on Town Street.

The event will have a wide programme of events demonstrating the wealth of talents and skills of Leeds Irish Health and Homes’ (LIHH) older service users. It takes

Middleton Memories at Middleton Elderly Aid place from 11am-2pm on Wednesday 2 October.

Then on Monday 7 October its Holbeck Elderly Aid’s turn as Skippco Arts show an exhibition of photos taken in and around Holbeck by participants of a recent inter-generational project

called ‘A Shared Space’.

Participants will also be able to have their photo taken in a photo booth holding a photograph, object or words that are important to them. The event runs from 1-3pm at Ingram Gardens Community Centre.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | October 2019

16 What’s On

What’s On Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in October Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 28 October - 1 November Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events Every Monday GTT: Digital Access Holbeck 9am-12pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill Women & Girls’ Drop In 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project 43 Stratford Street, Beeston Hobbies2gether craft group 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre Middleton Lychee Red – Chinese Elders Gp 10am-12pm Parocial Hall, North Lingwell Road, Middleton Julie’s Ancestry Group 10am & 1pm BITMO’s GATE Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Crafts 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Avenue Breastfeeding Support 10:30am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston SLLAH Drop In Coffee morning 10:30am-12pm Assissi Place, Belinda Street, Hunslet Walk and Talk 11am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle SLLAH Mixed Exercise 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Bumps & Buggy Fit 11:30am-12:30pm Skate Park, Holbeck Moor MEA Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave SLLAH Lunch Club 11:45am-1pm Cottingley Community Centre Luncheon Club 12:30pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Bowling 12:30-4pm Cross Flatts Park Women’s Wellbeing Group 1-3pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road Learning Disability Advice 1-3pm Connect In The North, Office 42, Sugar Mill Business Park, Oakhurst Road, Beeston Dance 2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Avenue Men’s Boxercise 2:15-3:15pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Triathlon Training 4:15-5:45pm Middleton Cycle Hub Blossom Kinship Group 4-5:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road Connected 4-5:30pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road DAZL Cheerdance Team (6-12yrs) 4:30-6pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton DAZL Urban Cheer (13-16yrs) 4:30-6pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton DAZL Contemporary (7-12yrs) 6-7pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton DAZL Youth Company (13-19yrs) 6-8pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Kickboxing 6-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

Hunslet Warriors Juniors 6-7pm Warrior Park, The Oval South Leeds Spartans Girls Rugby 6-7pm Corinthians RUFC, Ring Road Middleton, by Leisure Centre DAZL DanceFit (women 16+) 6-7pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road South Leeds Sisters running 6.15pm South Leeds Stadium Coffee & Craft Middleton 6.15-8:30pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton St Matthew’s Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Beginners Meditation Class 6:30pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Girls Group 7-9pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle DanceFit 7pm Middleton Parochial Hall Middle Tones Singing Group 7-9pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Adult Jazz & Tap Dance 7-8pm Cottingley Community Centre Zumba 7-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Yoga 6:30-7:30pm; 7:30-8:30pm St Anthony’s Church Hall, Old Lane, Beeston

Every Tuesday Mums & Tots 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Tots, Tea and Toast 9:30-11:15am St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Heart to Heart Breakfast 9:30am Asha Neighbourhood Project, 43 Stratford Street SLLAH Breakfast Buddies 9:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Gentle Exercise 9:45am Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle HEA’s Tea & Toast breakfast 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Muslim Pensioners Group 10am-12pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Baking 10-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Breastfeeding Support 10am-12pm Middleton Family Centre, 252-262 Sissons Road Women’s Friendship Group 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd SLLAH Mixed Exercise 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Community Coffee Morning 10-11:30am Beeston Library Knit & Natter 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Storytime 10:30-11:30am Hunslet Community Hub, Waterloo Street Tai Chi (gentle exercise) 11:30am-12:30pm Hunslet

Community Hub, Waterloo Street SLLAH Chair Based Exercise 11.30am-12:30pm Cottingley Community Centre MEA Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave SLLAH Lunch Club 12pm Arthington Court, Hunslet HEA’s Community Lunch 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Luncheon Club 12:30pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Bowling 12:30-4pm Cross Flatts Park Beginners Meditation Class 12:30-1pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Bumps & Buggy Fit 1:30-2:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Stay & Play 1:30-3pm Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue, Beeston Craft Group 1:30pm Trinity Network, Oakley View, Beeston SLLAH Line Dancing 1:30-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston SLLAH Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm Arthington Ct, Hunslet HEA Afternoon Social 1:45-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Line Dancing 2-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Teen Spirit Boys Group 4-6pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road Kidz Klub Beeston 4-7:30pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road Rainbows, Brownies, Guides 4:30-9:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Girls Group 4:30-6:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston DAZL Streetdance (6+yrs) 4:30-5:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Your Space Journaling Group 5-7pm The Happy Yak Café at Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck DAZL Streetdance (Learning Disability 13+yrs) 5-6:30pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road, Middleton Inside Out wellbeing group 6-8pm Middleton Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road Women’s Fitness Boot Camp 6-7pm Leeds Urban Bike Park, Ring Road, Middleton, LS10 3TN Hunslet Rainbows, Brownies and Guides 6:15-8:45pm Hunslet St Mary’s Primary School, Church Street Coffee and Craft Middleton 6:15-8:30pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team 6:30pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston DAZL DanceFit (women 16+)

6:30-7:30pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road Craft & Social Evening 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Carr Tara Puja 6:30-7pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Free Football Sessions 6:30-7:30pm 8-12 year olds 7:30-8:30pm 13-16 year olds Holbeck Community Centre, Elland Road, LS11 0AB Fitness Boot Camp 6:45-7:45 Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street South Leeds Lakers running 7pm from Beeston Co-op Qi Gong - Introductory Course 7:15-8:15pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck

Every Wednesday Bacon Butty Breakfast and Wednesday Weigh In 9-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Welfare Rights Advice Surgery 9am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Messy Time 9:15-11am Middleton Play & Learning Centre, Throstle Lane Parents and Toddlers 9:15-11:15am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Get Fit Where You Sit 9:15-10:15 Lane End Primary School, Beeston Road City Tots 9:30-11am City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road Pop Up Council Services 9:30am-12:30pm Cottingley Towers HEA Tea & Toast Morning 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Chair mobility 10-10:45am Trinity Network, Belle Isle, Nesfield church hall Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace Rags to Riches Sewing Group 10am-12pm Tenants Hall Ent. Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Women’s Walking Group 10-11am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle HEA’s Shopping Trip to Morrisons 10am-1pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Domestic Street HEA Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Ingram Court, Holbeck Money Advice 10:15am-3pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Dancing In Time 10:30am-12pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road Walk &Talk Walking Group 11am-1pm MEA Social Centre, Middleton Park Avenue Free Zumba 12-12:45pm Middleton Leisure Centre HEA’s 2 course Community Lunch 12:15-3pm Ingram Court, Holbeck Grandparents’ Support Group 12:30-2:30pm Tenants Hall Ent.

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Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Luncheon Club 12:30pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Hatha Yoga 12:30-1:15pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Ladies Group 1-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck At Home In Holbeck 2-3pm Ingram Road Primary School Parnaby Pals Memory Cafe 2-4pm Parnaby Tavern, Middleton Road, Hunslet Carr Walk and Talk 2-3pm meet outside Greggs, Middleton Park Circus Knit and Crochet Group 3-5pm Costa Coffee, Crown Point Retail Park Aerobics and Dance 3:30-4:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy DAZL Dance class (6-12yrs) 4:45-5:45pm Watsonian Pavilion Cross Flatts Park, Beeston DAZL Dance class 5-6pm Cottingley Community Centre 1st Beeston Beaver Scouts 6-7:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Hunslet Warriors Juniors 6-7pm Warrior Park, The Oval South Leeds Spartans Girls Rugby 6-7pm Corinthians RUFC, Ring Road Middleton, by Leisure Centre City Kids (R-Y6) 6-7:15pm City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road HITT Training Class 6-7pm Belle Isle Family Centre Cottingley Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm Cottingley Community Centre DanceFit 6:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, Town Street Mindful Self Compassion 6:30-9pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Zumba 7-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Middleton Mavericks running 7pm South Leeds Stadium Free Walking Football 7-8pm Middleton Leisure Centre Youth Group 7-9pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle Martial Arts 7-9pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm St John & St Barnabas Church Hall, Belle Isle Camera Club 8pm upstairs at St George’s Centre, Middleton

Old Lane, Beeston Charity Shop 9:30am-3pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Table Tennis 9:45-11:15am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck HEA’s Community Cafe 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Ping Pong 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Little Explorers Baby Group 10-11:30am Middleton Play & Learning Centre, Throstle Lane Community Craft Cafe 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road Middleton Park Estate Volunteers 10am-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre New Lives Group 10-11:30am Cottingley Children’s Centre Storytime (under 5s) 10:15-10:45am St George’s Community Hub, Middleton SLLAH Yoga 10:15-11:15am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Craft Group 10:30am Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Storytime (under 5s) 11-11:30am Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Dru Yoga 11am-12pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck HEA Line Dancing 11:30am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MEA Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave SLLAH Lunch Club 12-1:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Luncheon Club 12:30pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Beginners Meditation Class 12:30-1pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Bumps & Buggy Fit 1-2pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston New Lives Group 1-2:30pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square Muslim Ladies Group 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Green Gym 1-4pm Lady Pit Lane Allotments, Linden Avenue, Beeston Digital Image Online Photography 1:15-3:15pm Beeston Skills Hub, Gipsy Lane Breathe Easy gentle exercise 1:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church Telford Terrace, off Balm Road BAFF Dancercize 1:30-2:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street SLLAH Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston

Every Thursday Mums & Tots 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Stay & Play 9-11am St Anthony’s Church Hall,

Full details of every event including map and contact details are available at www.southleedslife.com/events

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Fun and Games afternoon 1:30-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave HEA Craft Group 1:30-3:30pm Cleveleys Court, Holbeck Vale Circles Autism Hub 2-7pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Men’s Circuit Training 2:15-3:15pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Kidz Klub Middleton 4-7:30pm Middleton Primary School, Middleton Park Avenue Kidz Klub Holbeck 4-7:30pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn DAZL Hip-Hop (6-12yrs) 4:30-6pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle Footbal sessions 5-8pm Old Cockburn Sports Hall, Primrose Lane, Beeston Community Choir 5pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane Mini & Junior Rugby 6-7pm Leeds Corinthians, Ring Road, Middleton South Leeds Lakers Juniors running club (8-14) 6-7pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston DAZL Hip-Hop (13+yrs) 6-8pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle General Fitness 6-7pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team 6:30pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Discovering Buddhism 6.30-8pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Ballet Burn 7-8pm South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston Bingo 7pm St matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Indoor Bowls 7-10pm The Holbeck (WMC), Jenkinson Lawn Youth Group 7-8:30pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road Yoga class 7:30-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

Dancing In Time 10:30am-12pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road Breathe Easy gentle exercise 11:30 Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road, Middleton MEA Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave SLLAH Luncheon Club 12-1:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street HEA’s 2 course Community unch 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Luncheon Club 12:30pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Bowling 12:30-4pm Cross Flatts Park Krok Po Kroku (Polish Group) 12:30-2:30pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton SLLAH Ballroom Dancing 1-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston The GATE Men’s Group 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road HEA’s Walking Football 1:30-3pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Domestic Street HEA’s Afternoon Social 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Gentle Chair Exercise Class 1.45-2.45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Rhymetime 2pm Beeston Library, Town St Family Boxercise (from 11 Oct) 5-6pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Girls Football 6-7pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square Church Lads’ & Girls Brigade 6-8pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre 5th Middleton Brownies 6-7:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle 1st Beeston Cub Scouts 6:15-7:45pm St Andrews Community Centre, Cardinal Road Youth Group 7-9pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle 5th Middleton Guides 7:30-9pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle 1st Beeston Scouts 8-9:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston

Every Friday Tea & Toast 9am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road Welfare Rights Advice Surgery 9am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Toast and Games morning 9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Breastfeeding Support Group 9:45-11:15am Mothercare cafe, Crown Point Retail Park SLLAH Stretch and Tone 9:45-10:30 St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Under 5s Storytime 10-11am Dewsbury Road Library HEA’s Tea & Toast Breakfast 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck HEA’s Shopping Trip to Morrisons 10am-1pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Domestic Street Cuppa, Toast and Online help 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Middleton Minstrels Women’s Choir 10:30am-12:30pm Tenant Hall, Acre Close, Middleton

Every Saturday Breakfast Club 8:30-11am Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Cross Flatts parkrun 9am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Middleton Woods parkrun 9am Leeds Urban Bike Park, Ring Road, Middleton Breakfast Club 9-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton DAZL Urban Cheer (7-13yrs) 9:30-11am South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle DAZL Tinies (3-5yrs) 9:30-11am South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle Zumba 10-11am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team 10am Hunslet Nelson Cricket

October 2019 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 17 Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Kidz ‘n’ Co 10:30am-12:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Yoga 11:30am-12:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town street Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Bingo Afternoon 12:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Tennis For Free 2-3:30pm Cross Flatts Park

Every Sunday Cross Flatts junior parkrun 9am top of Cross Flatts Park Street Cricket 10am-1pm Cross Flatts Park Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Tuesday 1 October Friends of Stank Hall 7:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Wednesday 2 October Photography Advisory Class 9-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Ceol agus Craic (Music and Fun) 11-2pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet Rugby Memories 12-2pm The Prospect pub, Moor Road, Hunslet Pot-a-Tea Dementia Café 1:30-3:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Open Evening 5-7:30pm Cockburn John Charles Academy, Old Run Road Pie & Peas Evening 5-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Drink & Draw 6-8pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Thursday 3 October Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm St Anthony’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Saturday 5 October Volunteer Rangers 10am-12pm Holbeck Cemetery, Beeston Road Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Defend the Leeds No 1 Bus Route 2pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Lady Members 7-10pm Slung Low at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck Sunday 6 October SLLAH Tea Dance & Buffet Lunch 1-3:30pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Monday 7 October Mostly Men 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Nature visits for Families and Childminders 10am-1pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton HEA Carers Group 12:30-2:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck A Snapshot of Holbeck 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Tuesday 8 October Police Drop In 10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub, Waterloo Street Hearing Aid Clinic

10am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Learn My Way – computer skills 12:30-1:30pm Hunslet Community Hub, Waterloo Street Leeds Aphasia Cafe 1-3pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Camera Club 3-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Beeston Local History Group 8pm Beeston Parish Centre (small hall), Town Street Wednesday 9 October SLLAH Kurling 10:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston SLLAH Generation 55 12-2:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Bereavement Support Group 1-2pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Lego Club 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Library, Town Street Code Club 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Thursday 10 October Litterpick & Clean up 10am Church Street, Hunslet Toy Library 11:15am-12:15pm St George’s Centre Community Hub, Middleton HEA Food & Film Night 3-6pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Light Night 6-11pm Various venues Holbeck Residents Meeting 7pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck True North calendar launch 6-8pm Northen Monk Refectory, Marshall Street, Holbeck Friday 11 October Light Night 6-11pm Various venues Saturday 12 October Open Day 10am-1:30pm The Ruth Gorse Academy, Black Bull St, Hunslet South Leeds Community Orchestra 10am-12pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton Heritage Diesel Day 11am-4pm Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet Sunday 13 October Sunday Lunch Club 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston The Honeybirds and The Tom Sharp Jazz Orchestra 1-2:45pm Slung Low at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck Monday 14 October HEA Morley Shop or Swim 9am-12pm Transport frm Holbeck Tea, Cake and Conversation 12:30-2:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Space LGBTQ+ Social 5-6:30pm The Support Hub, 5 Recreation View, Holbeck Tuesday 15 October The Writers Club 1-2:30pm Beeston Library, Town Street Wednesday 16 October Tea Dance 2-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Pie & Peas Evening 5-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Thursday 17 October Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road, Middleton St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Primary School,

Beeston Road Leeds Film Club 6pm Cineworld, White Rose Shopping Centre Friday 18 October The Parting Glass 7:30pm Hunslet RLFC, South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Saturday 19 October South Leeds Hikers Yorks Dales 7am Transport provided Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Star Rails Comic-Con event 11am-4pm Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet How To ... Jump Over The Moon 11am-6pm Slung Low at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck Apple Day 12-2pm Cottingley Community Centre Creative Writing Workshop 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Sunday 20 October Star Rails Comic-Con event 11am-4pm Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet Sunday Lunch Club 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Apple Day 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Leeds Dads meetup 2-4pm The Holbeck WMC, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck Monday 21 October SLLAH Generation 55 12:30-2:30pm Whistlestop pub, Town Street, Beeston Tuesday 22 October Learn My Way – computer skills 12:30-1:30pm Hunslet Community Hub, Waterloo Street Five Summers - Memories of a Leeds Tram Conductor in the 50s 3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Wednesday 23 October Tiny Tetley 10:30am & 11:45am The Tetley, Hunslet Road Memory Lane Variety Show 12-3:30pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Customer Focus Group 2-3pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, Waterloo Street Code Club 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Thursday 24 October Toy Library 11:15am-12:15pm St George’s Centre Community Hub, Middleton Friday 25 October Free Legal Advice 2:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Saturday 26 October South Leeds Community Orchestra 10am-12pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton Spooktacular Family Concert 4-5pm Slung Low at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck

Sunday 27 October Sunday Lunch 12-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Sunday Lunch Club 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Car Park King 5pm Slung Low at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck Monday 28 October Wellness Space Afternoon 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Code Club 3:30-4:30pm Hunslet Community Hub, Waterloo Street Your Space LGBTQ+ Social 5-6:30pm The Support Hub, 5 Recreation View, Holbeck Middleton Community Group 7pm St Cross Church, Acre Road Tuesday 29 October LCC Housing Advice Surgery 9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Police Drop In 10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub, Waterloo Street Bushcraft Day 10am-4pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 30 October Free Legal Advice 9-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Volunteer Rangers 10am-12pm Hunslet Cemetery Middleton Road SLLAH Kurling 10:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Middleton Railway - Kids 4 a Quid 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police Station Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Arm-in-Arm Memory Cafe & PCSO Surgery 1:30-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave M621 Roadworks Information 2-7pm West Grange Church, West Grange Garth, Belle Isle Pie & Peas Evening 5-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Thursday 31 October Hunslet Remembered 10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub, Waterloo Street Halloween Party 4-6pm Cottingley Community Centre Friday 1 November Halloween Party 6pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Rd Saturday 2 November Volunteer Rangers 10am-12pm Holbeck Cemetery, Beeston Road Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

Publicise your event with South Leeds Life’s free listings Send full details of your event to: info@southleedslife.com 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW Ring/text: 07894 583966

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South Leeds Life | October 2019

18 What’s On IN BRIEF Music Centre moves to Cockburn The South Leeds Music Centre has returned to Beeston after a number of years in Morley. The Centre, run by the Council’s ArtForms service, takes place at Cockburn School on Gipsy Lane in Beeston. It operates on Saturday mornings in term time, offering musical tuition for all ages in a range of styles from classical to jazz and pop.

Contact via Facebook at www.facebook.com/ southleedsmusiccentre.

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Family friendly roundup

by Helen Robinson

H

ere’s your roundup of family friendly activities for October.

I’m Helen Robinson and I run local parents’ website and community, South Leeds Mumbler: southleeds.mumbler.co.uk; or @SouthLeedsMumbler on Facebook.

Developments at LS-TEN The acclaimed LS-Ten skate and scooter park in Hunslet (formerly known as the Works) are holding an open meeting on Sunday 13th October, at 2.30pm, for members of the public to get updates and share their thoughts on the organisation's development. In particular, work is afoot to redesign the interior park - as well as plans to also create an innovative exterior park.

CEO Carl Harrison comments: "We've come a long way since reopening the park in January, and we're really keen to involve the community in the future of LS-TEN as we go forward. This forum will give people an opportunity to get an insight into the work of the charity, ask questions, and provide feedback." For more info, or to provide input if you're unable to attend on the 13th, visit their website ls-ten.org, email hello@ls-ten.org, or call (0113) 532 5357.

Remembering Leeds’ Trams ‘Five Summers - Memories of a Leeds Tram Conductor in the 1950s’ is the title of a talk being given by Beeston resident Eric Smith at St Andrew’s Community Centre on Tuesday 22 October at 3pm. The talk will be followed by a cream tea.

LGBTQ+ Social Group A new social group offering games, arts and crafts and the chance to meet new people has started in Holbeck. Part of the Your Space initiative the group meets fortnighly on Mondays (next session 14 October) from 5-6:30pm at the Support Hub, 5 Recreation View, LS11 0AP. Contact Chaitan on 07787 390536 for more information.

South Leeds Hiking Group South Leeds Hiking Group have had big news recently as they secured a National Lottery Community Fund grant to develop the group and further their reach into the community. their next excursion is to High Seat in the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday 19 October.

Transport is provided, if you would like to join the walk contact the group via www.facebook.com/ SouthLeedsHiking/.

Toy Library in Middleton St George’s Centre Community Hub will be hosting a Toy Library, fortnightly, starting on Thursday 10 October, 11:15am-12:15pm.

Play with a variety of fun and exciting toys and then take them away on your library ticket. A chance to meet other parents and carers and share ideas with creative play. This is a free session, no need to book.

Litter Pick and clear up Join the Friends of Hunslet Community Gardening Group and other residents for an Action Day including a mass litter pick and general clear up on Thursday 10 October, meeting on Church Street at 10am. For more information email smwalton16@googlemail.com or find the group on Facebook.

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

Students from Cottingley and Beeston are among those benefitting from new school libraries this academic year. In September, Cottingley Primary Academy launched it newly extended school premises, which include a new library and IT room.

And Hugh Gaitskell Academy will launch its newly fitted out library bus later this term.

Leeds City Council has declared a ‘Year of Reading’ across the city to promote and encourage a love of reading among children and their families. The council is partnering with children's reading charity BookTrust, which will contribute over £1million in books and resources for children and families in Leeds over the next three years.

October families round-up including October half term free and low cost events: The Royal Armouries is free entry and open 10am-5pm. The half term programme focuses on Movie Monsters, with a ghost hunters

tour, masterclass on how monsters are created on the big screen and workshop on preparing for the zombie apolocalypse. royalarmouries.org (0113) 220 1999 (LS10 1LT).

Leeds Museums & Galleries offer a range of fangtastic family Halloween events across nine unique attractions.

Discover the real stories behind Halloween at Leeds Industrial Museum. Family craft sessions include willow wand making, crafting dreamcatchers, jack-o’lanterns and making oat milk bath bombs from the autumn harvest of the colour garden. There’s also daily Mystery Matinees in the 1920s Palace Picture House, screening vintage classics and family favourites from 2pm.

Leeds Discovery Centre is local hidden gem. There’s a free Beastly Beasts workshop and Spooky Tour on Wednesday 30 October (10am & 1pm). Bring your battery-powered candles for the pre-Halloween spook-fest. Investigate the weird world of museum monsters.

Dressing-up optional. Call (0113) 378 2100 to book. (LS10 1LB) There’s ghoulish goings on at Abbey House Museum with creepy crafts in the Victorian Streets and silly science with gory goo, ghosts, bugs and bubbles!

Head to Kirkstall Abbey for free family friendly activities including the Tuesday under-5s session and a not so scary scarecrow trail through the ruins of the abbey between 29 October – 3 November.

There’s more outdoor fun at Thwaite Watermill. Grab a nature pack from reception and hit the eco trail along the canal. There’s creepy crafts on Tuesday and ghoulish goings on at Experimental Thursday in Thwaite House too!

If you fancy something a little

Family fun at the Tiny Tetley session less spooky then head to Leeds City Museum and celebrate the return of their pilot whale! Have a whale of a time with underwater themed crafts, making your own junk jellyfish to take home and join the family.

Leeds Art Gallery will be joined by artist in residence Lou Samray who will be guiding arts and crafts sessions inspired by the current exhibitions. All materials are provided and it’s totally free too!

Head to museumsandgalleries .leeds.gov.uk for more details.

Join Friends of Middleton Park for Apple Day on Sunday 20 October, 1-3pm. Apple pressing (bring your own and a bottle, or help others crush theirs). Carve an apple head, bob for apples and lots more with Wild Apple Play. Free children’s play activities 1-3pm on Tuesday 29 & Wednesday 30 October. Plus the Middleton Park bonfire (7pm) and fireworks (7.30pm) on Tuesday 5 November.

For holiday childcare, check out the popular camps run by The

Photo: Nick Singleton Hunslet Club, Asha Neighbourhood Project and LS-TEN skatepark.

The Hunslet Club provides daily activities for hundreds of children across a range of sports and performing arts. Full timetable at hunsletclub.org.uk/the-hunsletclub/timetables. Their annual Halloween party takes place on Friday 1 November (LS10 1BP).

LS-TEN also runs mini riders sessions every week for under-8s (4-5pm Mondays & Wednesdays, 9am Sundays, £4) as well as open skate park sessions and other events. Visit the website ls-ten.org for listings or call (0113) 532 5357 (LS10 1NT).

The monthly Tiny Tetley creative and messy play session for under5s at The Tetley takes place on Wednesday 3 October. £3. Booking required, call (0113) 320 2323 (LS10 1JQ).

And look out for Leeds Baby Week (4-10 November) events, including free workshops and giveaways for expectant and new parents.

Tots, Tea and Toast is on the move S

by Abbie Randall

t Luke’s Church is going through a lot of changes with work to extend the building ongoing, this extension will mean a bigger space for the community to use when it’s finished in 2020.

St Luke’s Tots, Tea and Toast is a term time toddler group which is usually held in the church, but has had to go on tour recently due to the building work. It is now running at the United Free Church on Malvern Road.

Tots Tea and Toast meets every Tuesday at the usual time of 9.30am offering an assortment of age appropriate toys for the children and free

refreshments for the grownups, finishing around 11.15 after song time. Tots Tea and Toast is for everyone with young children or who is pregnant including childminders, fathers and grandparents. Please do try it out and take a friend who you think might enjoy it!

Every other week the Leeds Cloth Nappy Library meets at the group and offers instruction and loan on cloth nappies, reusable wipes and an assortment of reusable eco friendly items.

You need to pre book via their Facebook page and they will be happy to help you with any questions.

The group also offers holiday activities, through the summer the group met

at a variety of locations including the local park and the Donkey Sanctuary Hope Pastures where the children enjoyed a sunny day out with a picnic meeting the residents and eventually adopting Lily on behalf of the group.

If you’re unsure or nervous about attending or just want more information about where they are

meeting get in touch via the Tots Tea & Toast Facebook page and the team will get back to you.

Below is a list of where and when other St Luke’s services and groups will be meeting during the building works. Please get in touch with the church through their Facebook page if you would like further information about the

groups or any support while the building work is ongoing.

Normal Sunday Service including communion and all age worship will meet at St Luke’s Primary School, Beeston Hill at 10:30am.

Early Kids Praise, a service aimed specifically at under 5s will run the first Sunday of every month at St Luke’s School at 9am.

Early morning communion will take place at St Luke’s School at 9am the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

11th South Leeds St Luke’s Beavers colony will meet at St Luke’s School at 5pm on Mondays with Cubs and Scouts following them at 7pm.

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Website: www.southleedslife.com

October 2019 | South Leeds Life

Sport 19

Email: info@southleedslife.com

My running journey: from fear to belonging

by Holly Button

I

started the Couch to 5K with the, all female, South Leeds Sisters running club in January 2019. I found everyone friendly on arrival.

We did an easy warm up before starting the first session. I was pleasantly surprised what a gentle start that first week was.

Unfortunately I was poorly for two of the weeks and was tempted to give up. I decided to keep going, but of course

couldn’t keep up with the others. One woman ran with me that week. She encouraged me and told me her story which was not unlike mine. I didn’t feel judged or that I wasn’t trying hard enough.

I have now joined the South Leeds Sisters where we are all at different levels and abilities.

I still consider myself to be a beginner, but I do feel I belong.

I now also venture out on my own in the evenings.

Something I often wanted to do in the past but wasn’t brave

enough.

Doing the Couch to 5K was a good way to start my running journey. The next Couch to 5K course starts on Monday 7 October 2019 at 6.15pm, it’s pay as you feel.

We’ll be following the NHS C25K app and will also be meeting on Wednesdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 9am.

All sessions start at South Leeds Stadium at John Charles Centre for Sport, either in the reception or the Phoenix Bar. We would love you to join us.

South Leeds Sisters on the trail in Middleton Woods

All Stars Cricket Running towards wellbeing A

new programme of indoor cricket training is starting for younger children aged 5-8.

The All Stars Cricket sessions will run (and bat and bowl!) at the Hamara Centre on Tempest Road in Beeston on Saturday afternnons, 2-3pm from 12 October.

To book a place please call Sadhia on 07824 320681.

Support South Leeds Life with a pound-a-week subscription Go to: steadyhq.com/en/southleedslife

Run Talk Run, out along the River Aire

R

un Talk Run is a weekly 5km gentle jog along the beautiful South Bank.

The group in Leeds began in

Hunslet RLFC’s season in review

Continued from page 20 So far, so good. The Parksiders had won some tough games on the road but there were worrying signs when on the 28 April when London Skolars came to South Leeds and convincingly turned the hosts over 26-42.

Hunslet now faced two games against Cumbrians Workington Town, the 1895 cup game at home was lost, but perhaps the away League game was more important.

Despite having plenty of possession and for long periods being the better side, Workington came out winners 16-4.

It’s no shame losing in Cumbria and Hunslet bounced back beautifully with an 18-32 win at much fancied Newcastle Thunder before then belting Keighley Cougars at home on a rainy Good Friday evening 34-0.

If Hunslet could up their home form they seemed certain to be in with a chance of automatic promotion. But losses at home to Doncaster 20-22 and Newcastle 12-26

frustrated the Parksiders’ fans.

Routine wins over West Wales and Coventry kept Hunslet in the hunt, but another home loss 12-19 against the League leaders Whitehaven meant it was now bound to be through the play-offs if Hunslet were to gain promotion.

Hunslet’s discipline had started to slide in recent weeks, and decisions against them meant players were regularly missing through suspension, but of course also injury. This upset the flow of the team, but again on the road they showed their mettle.

An exciting last second victory at London Skolars 3034 and a fiery win at Keighley Cougars 10-32, meant they were still a force to be reckoned with, and with home games against Workington and Oldham to come Hunslet could still hope to finish in 3rd place.

Had the South Leeds Stadium been a fortress this year Hunslet would have surely gained promotion, instead it seemed to be an obstacle to them. So often playing well in

the first half and then dropping away in the second.

Both Workington and Oldham won at the South Leeds Stadium, leaving Hunslet in 5th place with a knock-out home tie against Workington.

Many would have preferred to have been away, and many would have preferred it not to have been Workington, as the Cumbrians had already won 3 times against Hunslet this term.

The game was a tight one, with Hunslet falling away again in the second half to lose 2432. So, that was that. Season over and no promotion again.

Coach Gary Thornton will have to build again for next year as many players are retiring, but at least there were entertaining victories on the road this year for the travelling faithful.

You feel if Hunslet can keep a similar travelling attitude and turn their home form round they will be a force again next season, with many changes at the club it will be interesting to see what happens.

May earlier this year. The route begins and ends at Bridgewater Place and is a 5km loop along the canal. We meet at 5.45pm

outside Fitness First and then run/walk depending on how we're feeling and the conversations we are having.

“Run Talk Run exists to make both running and mental health support less intimidating, and more accessible” explains Nia Williams, one of the organisers.

“A person may have an urge to talk, but don’t necessarily want to go to a GP or a therapist. We think that peer support and community can help, and running does a rather lovely job at facilitating those

Girls Got Goals!

S

outh Leeds women are invited to join a popular new fitness and wellbeing programme at the Hamara Centre in Beeston called Girls Got Goals.

The programme is funded by Leeds City Council via the language hub for one year and has so far attracted dozens of women from all backgrounds.

Girl Power at the Hamara Centre

Regular weekly sessions take place on Mondays 10am12pm, Wednesdays 6.30pm and Thursdays 6pm, featuring dance-fitness, gym, and yoga.

The sessions are free for registered women, and childcare is available by arrangement.

The 'Girls Got Goals' workshops are for participants

conversations for us. There are so many reasons why running makes it easier to open up.

“Personally, I strongly believe that there should be an array of options available to the people of Leeds to seek support. This is certainly not an option that everyone may wish to take up, but I think it should be one people can try.”

Lisa Riley, one of the group commented: “It’s a fabulous supportive group and without it, I wouldn't of had the confidence to run the Leeds 10k. It is the absolutely highlight of my week and aids my health and wellbeing massively.”

The group is open to anyone regardless of fitness level and no one should feel intimidated to come along.

and newcomers to meet, socialise, share tips on nutrition and well-being, set goals, and more. The aim is to get women conversing, communicating in an active environment and increasing volunteering within groups. For more info, contact Hamara at admin @hamara.co.uk, or call (0113) 277 3330.

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South Leeds Life | October 2019

20 Sport

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Hunslet RLFC’s season in review

by Ian Pickles and Jeremy Morton

H

unslet RLFC’s 2019 Season started with so much promise and renewed vigour after a disappointing 2018, a raft of new and experienced players joined already existing club favourites into what looked like a very capable team.

Victory over Leeds Rhinos in the Pre-season Harry Jepson Cup, a victory over Bradford in a friendly and a close defeat to Halifax in the Yorkshire cup were very promising.

The League 1 season started with a trip to much fancied Doncaster, but it was Hunslet that took the points with a late flurry, and with victories over both the Welsh sides and Coventry Bears, Hunslet were

unbeaten going into a Challenge Cup tie at home to Championship side Halifax.

Losing marquee signing Richard Moore early on had been a blow (Moore had to retire from Rugby after an injury), and it may have been an early forewarning of the bad luck to come.

Hunslet had Halifax on the ropes, but ill discipline and lack of game management meant the Shaymen took the game late on 24-28 and Hunslet’s Wembley dreams were over.

A trip to Whitehaven the week after saw a controversial disallowed try which cost Hunslet the match. Frustrating, but on a hot afternoon a fortnight later Hunslet turned over a very good Oldham side in the last quarter to take an important two points.

Continued on page 19

Change of ownership?

L

ong standing Chairman, Neil Hampshire has announced he’s stepping down from Hunslet RLFC‘s board and signalled that the club, currently owned by its supporters, could return to private hands.

Neil Hampshire said in a statement: “After much consideration and serving almost 8 years as Chairman, I have decided to step down from the Board of Directors. It’s been a huge privilege to serve as Chairman of a Club I’ve loved and supported all of my life.

“The Board and I believe that my departure provides the ideal opportunity for us to consider whether Hunslet should remain as a supporter owned club or move back into private ownership to try and attract additional investment and new talent to the Board, hopefully making us more competitive on all fronts.

Chairman Neil Hampshire “I have agreed to support the Board through this process and as such my departure will be delayed until a new Board have been appointed.”

An open meeting has been arranged for Monday 4 November at 7.30pm in the Phoenix Bar at South Leeds Stadium for all

Michael Haley on the charge in his last game for Hunslet, against Workington Town.

interested fans and stakeholders.

Hampshire cited a range of issues facing the club including: • The breakaway of Super League • Geographic expansion in Championship and League 1 • “Return on Investment” modelling for RFL central distribution • The need for a greater understanding and pro-active use of social media and streaming platforms to drive commercial marketing opportunities “It’s important to understand that whether we stay supporter owned or move back into private ownership the club needs more members and additional investment to allow it to (move the club forward).” he added.

The Club is currently run through the Hunslet Independent Supporters Trust (HIST) under the umbrella of Supporters Direct as a “not for profit” organisation. A private individual or company taking over the club would not be required to pay a purchase price, but rather invest funds into the Club to focus on its continued growth both on and off the field.

They would also have to undertake to maintain Hunslet RLFC as a Semi–Pro / Pro Rugby League team in the South Leeds Area and retain a seat for a fans representative on the Board.

The club also announced that Peter Jarvis and Paul Taylor would be leaving the Board.

You can read Neil Hampshire’s full statement on the hunsletrlfc.com website.

Photo: Paul Johnson Phoenix Photography

The view from the dugout S

outh Leeds Life spoke to coach Gary Thornton to get his views on the key issues of the season.

Q: The playoff performance against Workington Town seemed to sum up Hunslet's season. Very good in patches but falling away in the second half - is that a fair summary?

It’s difficult to argue with that summary. It’s been very frustrating, and a really disappointing second half of the season, exacerbated by an excellent start to the season which saw us win 7 out of 10, including some tough away wins at Doncaster, Oldham and Newcastle, and a narrow Challenge Cup defeat to Halifax.

I have encouraged the boys to play an entertaining brand of attacking rugby, and we have played some great stuff at times, scoring some quality tries, just not consistently enough. At times our goal line defence has been excellent too, but again inconsistencies in this area has cost us some cheap tries, and ultimately some vital wins.

The second half of the season should have, on paper, been an easier run in with 6 home games, but as it panned out, our home form was really poor and that let us down. At the outset of the season it was always our target to make the top 5 and the play-offs, which we achieved, but also one of our goals was to make South Leeds Stadium a fortress. The

reason we slipped to 5th from work around losing Duane 2nd place, was down to losing Straugheir, Ben Heaton, too many home games from Gareth Potts, and Jack Lee for winning positions, and we large parts of the season. Big must learn from that to ensure players to replace, especially that doesn’t happen next when they are out at the same season. If we are to be a time, and it’s been costly. success we must win our In our last playoff game, we home games, and if we had were hit particularly hard by done this year, we would have injuries. First losing Straff and been in strong position to having to move Vila to cover in finish higher up the table. the back row, and then losing Q: What do you put the high penalty count against Hunslet down to?

Some very inconsistent refereeing, some poor discipline from some of our players. I wouldn’t say we were ill-disciplined as a team – don’t get me wrong I want my team to be aggressive in attack and defence, but it must be within the laws of the Hunslet Coach Gary Thornton game.

Wrighty, meant we had no I have reviewed so many of recognised hooker. We lost our games where the penalty any threat we had out of count was massively against dummy half, and lost one of us with the referees our attacking organisers in a assessors, and they have pivotal position. That has a agreed that some inconsistent knock on effect having to play refereeing has hurt us at players out of position to cover crucial times in crucial games. the losses, and losing their Q: How much did injuries effectiveness in the positions affect the campaign? they normally play.

Massively – we have been Q: Michael Haley got a without some very key terrific send off at his last influential players, who were game, how much will he be major signings for us for large missed? portions of the season. Going I was really pleased for back to the very first game of Mickey that he got the sendthe season where we lost off he did. He has been a Richie Moore, we have had to fantastic servant to Hunslet

and in a day and age when loyalty is a rare commodity with players moving around chasing the best deals they can get, he has been here for the last 6 years of his career.

In my opinion, he has had his best season since I arrived here, and he is a hugely popular figure amongst his teammates, so yes, he will be missed, but he is leaving for the right reasons so he can spend time with his young family, so no-one can argue with that. He has had a great career and we all wish him all the best in the future.

Q: What can you tell us about preparations for next season?

On-going at a pace. We have 9 players staying from this squad, and working hard on targeting players we need to bring in, within the budget constraints that we have to work to.

Some players are retiring – Mickey, Robbo, Emmett, Pottsy – who will be big losses to us, and others have moved onto other clubs already.

Reece Dean has moved into Rugby Union, so it’s fair to say we have a few gaps to plug.

But we have made some great signings already which will be announced in coming weeks, and we will continue to try build a competitive squad for 2020, which will hopefully be challenging for promotion, in a league that is improving massively year on year, in both quality and competition.