South Leeds Life 108 May 2024

Covering Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Riverside & Stourton

INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN HONOURED

Women from South Leeds amongst those named on new city sculpture

Nearly 400 inspirational Leeds women, voted for by members of the public and many connected to South Leeds, are being celebrated with a new sculpture in the heart of the city’s cultural quarter.

Created by artist, Pippa Hale, ‘Ribbons’ will be located at the top of the gardens between Leeds City College’s Quarry Hill campus and Leeds Playhouse at the gateway to the SOYO development at Quarry Hill, from July 2024.

Developed by local MP and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, and led by Leeds Arts University in partnership with Leeds City Council and Leeds City College (member of Luminate Education Group), the project aims to celebrate women, past and present, who have contributed to the city.

Among the names are band leader Ivy Benson and the first woman to lead the council, Judith Blake. The sculpture also pays homage to the unsung heroes of the city and those who have dedicated their lives to helping others, such as Lynn Bailey, founder of Better Action for Families, which supports people with learning disabilities and their families; and Carry Franklin, who taught at Clapgate Primary School and founded Leeds Little Libraries.

Pat McGeever, CEO at Health For All commented: “Gosh what a surprise – I

had no idea ! But I am delighted and honoured to be included in this beautiful tribute to the amazing women of Leeds. To be honest, any accolade needs to go to our charity, Health for All, which has given me the opportunity to be of service to others, making often hidden contributions to improving people’s wellbeing and communities.”

Christine Smart, Community Development Manager for Cottingley Community Project, advocate for autism support and Chair of South Leeds Life said:

“I am extremely grateful to be one of the women that will be featured on this sculpture. I don’t like to brag and take credit for nothing, but I’m touched and gobsmacked I’ve been selected.”

Lynn Bailey, founder of Better Action For Families, said:

“I’m so honoured to be chosen to have my name on the sculpture with all the amazing inspirational women. It’s really wonderful to represent South Leeds with other strong committed women like Pat and Christine. This will also lift the spirits for all the people who have supported BAFF and who attend BAFF groups at a time when we all need something to celebrate.”

Wendy Doyle, Manager of Leeds South & West Foodbank said:

“I am amazed to be

nominated for this ribbon but I couldn’t have done any of what I have done, without the support of my family and hard work of all the volunteers past and present who have been with us over the years.”

‘Ribbons’ artist, Pippa Hale, commented:

“I am truly honoured to be making a sculpture that represents the women of Leeds for the very first time.

nominations, I have been humbled by their stories and moved by their incredible journeys: from women who have broken glass ceilings and overcome cultural, social, economic and physical barriers to rise to the top of their professions, to those who fly beneath the radar and whose contribution is neither seen nor recognised publicly. ‘Ribbons’

is a massive thank you to all of them whose love, friendship, commitment, passion and dedication impact our lives every day.”

The sculpture is comprised of five corten steel ribbons each carrying the names of nominated Leeds women. As they rise up out of the ground they become intertwined, tied together over space and time

Continued on page 3

Corton steel ribbons in production. Credit: David Wilson at Fereday Cylinder Co Ltd

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.

Six month countdown to new extra care flats

Preferred

Homes, a registered provider of social housing is delighted to announce that progress on its new £15 million housing scheme on Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston is on track for opening in October 2024.

South Leeds Life is pleased to publish views from across the political spectrum, provided they comply with our editorial guidelines. We remain a neutral publication with a diverse readership, as such we do not endorse any particular political party.

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Hunslet Moor House will comprise of 51 one-bedroom apartments and 12 two-bedroom apartments and is designed as a housing option for residents who are over 55 and can live independently but need some elements of personal care.

The new location in Beeston will include generous community space to support residents’ social activities, whilst providing opportunities for residents, their guests and visitors to meet and enjoy a community café. The scheme will be managed on a 24hour basis with care available to residents as required.

Preferred Homes will also be investing in a new community shop for Lakha Newsagent and General Store – run by Zaab, who has served the surrounding community for

many years.

This is a major investment for the Beeston area, supported by an Affordable Homes Programme grant.

The housing allocation for Hunslet Moor House will be managed in partnership with Leeds City Council and their commissioning team. People interested in finding out if they qualify to apply for the available apartments can register their interest by contacting Harrinder Rai, Housing Manager, (Pinnacle) via email Harrinder.Rai@pinnaclegroup .co.uk or phone: 0333 600 2500

Leeds City Council with Preferred Homes will start to review potential applications from May 2024.

Stephen Sorrell, Founder of Preferred Homes and Social Partnership Director notes:

“We know social housing is increasingly under pressure across the country and we are excited to be able to bring our vision and commitment to addressing this need to Leeds via this development.

"These new homes provide an

exciting option for people in later life in the Beeston area. They offer sustainable and affordable Extra Care apartments with care available on-site. In addition, a number of local job opportunities will be available as the development nears completion.

"We are also delighted to be

working in partnership with Leeds City Council to identify people for whom Extra Care Housing is the perfect option and be able to offer them a new home in a supported environment.

"We look forward to opening our show apartment for viewing in August 2024.”

Liz Conner, Leeds City Council’s Commissioning Manager, Adults and Health, said:

“As a council we are continuing to work very closely with partners through our Extra Care programme to support the introduction of specialist housing for older people aged over 55 in communities across the city.

“We very much welcome therefore this new housing scheme in Beeston which when completed, will provide 63 new self-contained properties for older residents to live in and enjoy.

“Anyone wishing to register an interest in one of the properties can do so now as the scheme is opening later this year.”

Preferred Homes will be planning a number of local community events to share information about Hunslet Moor House and the benefits it can offer for later living. More details will follow.

People can register their interest in the housing availability via Preferred Homes website: preferredhomes.co.uk/leeds-site

More Holbeck back-to-backs to benefit from insulation works

250 back to back houses in Holbeck are set to receive insulation works to reduce householders’ energy bills.

Senior councillors on the executive board approved plans for the Rydalls, Shaftons, Crosbys, Runswicks and Pleasants areas at their meeting on 17 April. A smaller scheme for the Cedars in Armley is also being considered.

The Holbeck scheme follows two earlier phases of work which have seen 299 properties improved since 2018. Properties have been retrofitted with external thermal insulation, roof insulation together

with new doors, windows and heating systems where needed.

Half of the £8.5m for Holbeck is coming from the Heart of Holbeck project, funded by the Department of Levelling Up, Communities and Housing. Additional funding is coming from Energy Company Obligation (ECO) funding, homeowner/landlord contribution and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) funding for council homes.

If approved work could start in Holbeck as soon as June this year with completion of the project expected by February 2026

As well as the financial and health benefits to households, the scheme will reduce carbon emissions and is hoped to improve the supply chain for such retrofitting works, which could benefit tens of thousands of similar solid-walled properties across Leeds and West Yorkshire.

Homes on the Recreations improved in 2018. Photo: Google

CGI of the finished Hunslet Moor House

Hamara Centre to lead £1.7m work discrimination programme

Youth Futures Foundation have announced a £1.7 million grant to tackle workplace discrimination and support employment opportunities for young people from ethnic minority backgrounds in West Yorkshire.

The Beeston-based Hamara Centre has been selected to lead the project targeted at young people with Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage living in Leeds and Bradford. Nearly half of people (45%) in Bradford and one in ten in Leeds under the age of 21 have South Asian heritage.

The funding announcement comes after new research from Youth Futures Foundation found that almost half of young people from an ethnic minority background have experienced prejudice or discrimination when seeking to enter the workplace.

Young Person at Hamara said:

“I’m overjoyed to see young people from ethnic minority backgrounds receiving the platform they rightly deserve. This intervention planned by Youth Futures Foundation and Hamara for the upcoming years fills me with exhilaration. The thought that there is tangible action being taken so that people will no longer have to endure the discrimination and disrespect I once faced brings me a sense of completeness and ease.”

This research is based on the largest survey of young people from ethnic minority backgrounds carried out in the UK, interviewing 3,250 young people.

Raheem

Last year, Youth Futures Foundation worked with 30 organisations including the Hamara Centre to explore systemic barriers facing Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities and identify organisations to pursue potential solutions. As part of this, the Hamara Centre

Women connected to South Leeds on the scupture:

Lynn Bailey, founder of Better Action For Families

Ivy Benson, women’s band leader, born in Holbeck

Judith Blake, former Hunslet and Middleton councillor and leader of Leeds City Council

Jan Burkhardt, founder of DAZL (Dance Action Zone Leeds)

Wendy Doyle, Manager of Leeds South & West Foodbank

Carry Franklin, teacher at Clapgate Primary School and founder of Leeds Little Libraries

Al Garthwaite, women’s rights activist, councillor and current Lord Mayor of Leeds

Emily Harvey, co-founder of Skipko arts organisation based in Holbeck

Pat McGeever, CEO Health For All, based in Middleton Lucy Moore, Project Curator at Leeds Museums and Galleries

Edith Pechey, one of the first female doctors in the UK, established a dispensary for women and children in Mill Street, Holbeck

Pat Regan, campaigner against gun crime after her son was murdered

Christine Smart Community Development Manager for Cottingley Community Project (Centre) and an advocate for autism support … and Chair of South Leeds Life

Tamsin Spain, co-founder of Skipko arts organisation based in Holbeck

Laura Wellington, Designer and co-owner of Duke Studios

Lucy Wheeler Operations Leader at Skelton Grange Environment Centre

Maureen Woods ran the Sunday School at West Grange Church in Belle Isle

A full list of names included on the sculpture is at: bit.ly/RibbonsWomen

engaged with 157 young people as well as family and community members with Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and other British Muslim backgrounds.

Young people shared their experiences and perspectives on employment through activity

sessions, focus groups, interviews, and surveys. This process highlighted a range of barriers facing young people from these communities, which go beyond the usual challenges faced by all young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Mustafa, aged 24 and a

Inspirational women honoured

Continued from page 1 in a celebration of womanhood that is embedded into the fabric of the city. The structure appears to swirl and flutter, creating flowing patterns that dance and contrast with the geometry of the surrounding buildings at Quarry Hill.

A Leeds City Council review of statues in response to Black Lives Matters, carried out by Alison Lowe OBE and published in 2020, highlighted the lack of diversity in public sculpture in Leeds and included ‘Ribbons’ in an action plan to address this issue. ‘Ribbons’ will follow on from Yinka Shonibare’s ‘Hibiscus Rising’ which was unveiled during our Year of Culture, Leeds 2023.

Rachel Reeves MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

“I am so proud to be part of this amazing project. This sculpture is a chance to honour inspiring women from all walks of life, and celebrate the achievements of the many women who have made Leeds the wonderful city it is today. After launching this project several years ago, it’s incredibly exciting to be that much closer to seeing Pippa’s amazing vision come to life.

“It will be wonderful to see

the names of those individual struggles and accomplishments represented in this way, for them to stand as an example of inclusion and progress for future generations.”

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for resource, said:

“This stunning sculpture will be a striking and poignant new addition to the city’s cultural landscape as well as a fitting tribute to some of the remarkable women who have helped shape the city. We’re proud to have worked with our partners at Leeds Arts University and Leeds City College/Luminate to bring this vision to life. The sheer diversity of these women’s stories is testament to the impact women have had on all aspects of life in Leeds, and we hope this beautiful artwork will serve as a lasting monument to their legacies and as an inspiration for women and girls in the future.”

The project is supported by LeedsBID, Caddick Developments, Leeds Civic Trust, the Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation, the Henry Moore Foundation and the Leeds Playhouse.

individuals from local communities across all levels of the system.

Sarah Yong, Director of Policy and Communications at Youth Futures Foundation, said:

“Ambitious young people deserve to have the same opportunities as everyone else and have their voices heard, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

The research revealed instances of discrimination in educational environments, during the hiring process, and in the workplace as well as mainstream employment and support services. Additionally, young people reported that family pressures constrained their educational and employment choices and gender norms influenced decision-making.

The Hamara Centre has developed three key interventions to tackle the challenges encountered by young people in these communities, including working with employers to reform recruitment and management practices, creating new employment pathways by channelling resources into excluded communities, and amplifying the collective voice of

“We’re excited to be working with the Hamara Centre, who have a track record of supporting local communities for over two decades, to unlock the potential of young people and help the regional economy thrive.”

Raheem Mohammad, Director at Hamara, said:

“Ethnic disparity within the workplace has been ongoing for decades, but it feels like only recently it’s become recognised as something employers should be addressing.

“Unfortunately, damage will already have been felt by thousands of young people and their families across the country, but our work can change this for local young people today.

“With this new project, Hamara will be working with other sector colleagues to bring this insight to the surface, and influence system change for the better of our future generations.”

Mohammad and Mustafa

On the beat with Sgt Danny Wilson

Ijoined West Yorkshire Police in May 2004 at the advanced age of 30, initially stationed at Millgarth on the City Neighbourhood policing team.

I transferred to City and Holbeck Division patrol where I spent over half of my career answering calls and proactively policing South Leeds. I moved to be an NPT officer in the Morley area, working with partner agencies to help deal with matters that were of a priority to the local community. It was here that I developed my interest in local policing.

I think the fact that I grew up and lived in the area I policed helped me understand the issues, seeing the problems the community had and understanding their concerns and finding innovative solutions through working with partners when policing alone could not resolve an issue.

I tutored several new officers then moved to be an assessor of new recruits. When I was officially promoted 14 months ago, I moved back to South Leeds as the Lead Sergeant for the Hunslet and Riverside area. The role is challenging and although I am lead for Hunslet, I am operationally responsible for the other areas within Inner South when I am on duty.

Hunslet and Riverside Marking Community Day at Middleton Railway

These are Beeston, Holbeck, Middleton and Belle Isle. My team consists of Police Constables and Police Community Support Officers, all of whom have dedicated areas. They get involved in community meetings, school talks, community and PACT meetings, community events and the PCSOs run contact points regularly in conjunction with our partners at Leeds Antisocial Behaviour Team (LASBT).

PCSOs are the hi-visibility face of the team, whilst Police officers deal with ongoing criminality within the community. The PCs on my team carry a workload and investigate ongoing issues, as well as going to ongoing crimes in areas of concern, as well as working with other policing units to reduce crimes, such as burglary and theft of motor

vehicle. We use all the tools available to gather information about what is important to the local community.

We are increasing staff levels, which will allow us to spend more time in areas of concern and be more proactive in our approach to problem solving. This will allow us to provide a quicker solution to community issues. Simply arresting offenders does not always solve an issue, and our main role is focussed on reducing calls to the police by reducing harm in the community. We do this with the help of a wide range of partner agencies, from support services to enforcement.

My current priorities are to tackle and disrupt the illegal supply of drugs and the linked anti-social behaviour (ASB) which affects those living in the

community. We conduct high visibility patrols in the area and use a number of different tactics to disrupt the drugs supply, including executing warrants where we have intelligence.

It has been mentioned before but we rely on community intelligence for this. If we receive reports, we will work to build an intelligence picture, however those supplying the information will never be told what we are doing due to the sensitive nature of such reports. This often causes a barrier with the community as it can be construed that we are not doing anything or that we are uninterested. This is not the case, and our silence does not mean that there is not any ongoing work. We will always apply for warrants based on the intelligence picture the community provides. The more reports we get, the more likely we will have a warrant application authorised.

We work closely with partners and housing managers to reduce calls for service in the area and target those who are harming the community. Arresting someone and sending them before the court is not the only work we do, and we support the council and other housing agencies in applying for partial and full closure orders to help close down problem addresses.

Another priority is the reduction of begging in the area. We are involved in a multi-agency group that meets monthly using problem solving to address the ongoing issues. This now covers retail crime, drug use and ASB in and around the area, using the

On Saturday 6 April

Middleton Railway celebrated the many community groups in the area at their Community Day.

As well as free train rides up to Middleton Park, visitors at the Moor Road station were able to talk to groups including: Middleton Life History Group; MHA South Leeds; Middleton Elderly Aid; Friends of Middleton Park; Leeds County Girlguiding; Hamara Healthy

skills and support from partners to bring about change and resolutions to these issues.

This isn’t as simple as turning up and moving people on, we need a joined-up approach to look at what other services can offer to reduce ongoing ASB or help those with social issues. We are using community protection notices and civil injunctions in conjunction with LASBT to deal with people who won’t engage and continue in disruptive or criminal behaviour.

We have recently seen an upsurge in ASB and crimes committed by youths in the area, who have been causing serious damage and committing dangerous acts on motorways. We will continue to deal with any offences committed and will use our partners to deter this, using ASB Injunctions and housing cautions. We are working with partners to try and bring youth

provisions into the area to try and divert local youths to more productive activities.

I ask that if anyone has any information they wish to pass on to us, you can contact us via any of the below, or attend any of our contact points where you can speak to representatives from LASBT and the police. If we do not have reports about issues then resources will be more likely deployed to other areas of concern.

You can help us by reporting any information or concerns you have directly to us or by using Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crime stoppers-uk.org

101 for non emergencies

999 if a crime is in progress or life is in danger

Via our live chat service: www.westyorkshire.police.uk/ LiveChat (not 24/7) or via our on line reporting form: www.westyorkshire .police.uk/report-it

Living Centre; West Yorkshire Police; West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue; Leeds Parks & Countryside; Leeds Transport Historical Society; Hunslet Carr Residents’ Association; Cranmore Bowling Club

The Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Al Garthwaite and Hilary Benn MP and local Councillors attended and were shown progress on Hunslet Little Moor, the greenspace across Moor Road from the station.

Middleton Railway has worked closely with the council on the upgrade. Interpretation boards telling the story of locomotive engineering in Hunslet have been installed along with new benches. More work including fencing is to be carried out in the near future.

A ride on the train was next on the agenda before the Lord Mayor spoke with the community groups about their work.

A closure order for a house associated with drug dealing in Hunslet

Lord Mayor, Cllr Al Garthwaite, Ian Smith and Lady Mayoress Alderwoman Angela Gabriel

Councillors join the Lord Mayor, Hilary Benn MP and Middleton Railway volunteers to view the improvements to Hunslet Little Moor

Photo: Shutterstock

Acorn union calls for negotiations over care workers’ conditions

Members of the Acorn community union held a lively picket on 19 April outside the offices of GloriaVD, an agency that the union accuses of not treating her staff fairly, leaving some destitute.

As we reported in March, GloriaVD is one of many agencies recruiting care workers abroad, often in Africa, to work in the UK on a sponsored visa. Acorn members working for Gloria complain that they were charged thousands of pounds for visas that cost a few hundred pounds, and not given enough work to make a living.

Adeola, an Acorn member explained why she joined the protest:

“I’m here to support Acorn in solidarity for people who are being exploited. They came into the country to work, they’ve not

come to be vagabonds, but to contribute. They need to be paid enough to live and to send something back to their families back home.

“People from other countries sold their properties, took loans from the bank in order to come over here to work so they could have a better life and take care of their families back home many people are struggling here. We are just here today to challenge them to tell them that humans need to be treated fairly, they are working and they need their salaries.”

As she’s talking another driver honks their horn in support.

With 165,000 care sector vacancies in the UK, it seems odd that these care workers can’t get enough work. The problem is that their visa only allows them to work for the agency that sponsored them to come to the UK.

Dave Aldwinkle, an organiser with Acorn

“We invited Gloria (Van Dunem, Director of GloriaVD Health Care Ltd) today, we have tried to engage with her. We were promised a negotiation two months ago, but she is refusing to engage with the fact that her workers are underpaid and she needs to pay them.

This has escalated to today’s picket because she is not engaging. We want to see a resolution to this, so I would say to Gloria get in touch, were available whenever you are.

“We have dozens of members employed by GloriaVD, spread across Yorkshire and beyond, they not here today because if they can’t afford not to take a shift. Care workers can be called at a moment’s notice and if they refuse to do the shift they can be sacked. If they’re sacked they can lose their visa. These workers are in a volatile,

vulnerable position. Acorn is a community union, members who work for GloriaVD organised today’s action and it’s being supported by other local members of the union.”

Gloria Van Dunem commented:

“I have been severely harassed, unjustly by Acorn Union in the recent time. I have not refused to engage with them however, it was the case that they did not take my availability into consideration in fixing meeting times.

“I have good responses to all your questions but I am currently taking legal advice and therefore not in a position to say anything about the issues raised. My Solicitors will be in contact with Acorn in due course.

“I can assure you that all the allegations are spurious, with no basis and they will accordingly be properly addressed soon.”

Council at fault over hedgehog habitat at Cockburn pitch site

The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman has found Leeds City Council at fault for not considering their own nature team’s advice on hedgehog protection measures.

On 15 February 2023 Leeds City Council’s and Cockburn School’s contractors mechanically flailed a historic hedgerow that bordered the cobbled path into Middleton Park.

The Nature Team had advised the council in 2020 that the double hedgerow was likely BAP Priority Habitat status and needed to be protected from the school’s proposed development work.

The council explained to the ombudsman investigator that they were not in breach of planning conditions protecting the hedgerow and hedgehogs. This was because the conditions were not legally enforceable until early summer when development work officially began.

They also explained that they were not obliged to follow the Nature Team’s advice regarding the Management Plan.

The investigator found fault and the Council has agreed to take steps to ensure comments from consultees are properly considered in the future.

A spokesperson for Save South Leeds Former Golf Couse said:

“We remain shocked that the hedgerow was decimated in the first place.

“Councillors and residents had been assured by the planning department and the school’s agent that the hedgerow would not be touched and was protected. We were also shocked to learn that none of the planning conditions supposedly put in place to protect habitat and wildlife were legally enforceable before early summer. We feel the Council took advantage of a legal loophole. The planning conditions implied protection when in reality none existed.

“We are grateful to the investigator for exposing improper procedures in the Council.”

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said:

“We have received and accepted the findings of the ombudsman and have made improvements in our processes and practices to ensure comments from consultees are fully considered before the council discharges planning conditions in future. The Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman is satisfied with the remedies put in place.”

Acorn members protest outside the Beeston offices of GloriaVD Health Care Ltd

The flailed hedge. Photo: Graham Spencer

by Jeremy Morton

Lottery winners

Actiuon For Families, the Beeston-based charity that

Hunslet RLFC welcomes

Lucius Banks’ family

Hunslet

Rugby League club had very special guests at Good Friday’s Betfred League 1 top-of-the-table fixture with Keighley Cougars.

The South Leeds Stadium was graced by the presence of Richard Lucius Banks, his wife Annie and sons Adam and Danny, all of whom could be forgiven for spending plenty of time glancing to their left, where the site of the famous old Parkside ground is marked by a line of poplar trees that are all that remains of a famous stadium that was sold in 1973.

The Banks could be forgiven because Parkside was the arena where Richard Lucius’ grandfather Lucius Banks made history by being the first man of colour – and the first American – to play professional Rugby League (then Northern Union).

Lucius Banks was spotted playing American Football by a Hunslet committeeman who was in New York on business. So impressed was he that the Parksiders, who only four years earlier had become the first side to pull off the All Four Cups ‘clean sweep’, signed the

quarterback.

While Hunslet apparently made no mention of the colour of his skin in the club programme, one local newspaper was not so reticent, publishing a negative headline that could lead to a criminal prosecution in the present day. Banks, who was selected in the threequarters – often alongside the legendary Billy Batten – spent a couple of years with his English club before returning to the United States, having scored five tries in thirteen appearances (a remarkable strike-rate for that

Your local election candidates

Elections

for Leeds City Councillors and the West Yorkshire Mayor will take place on Thursday 4 May.

A third of Councillors will be up for election, one in each ward in the city.

era).

The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Al Garthwaite, presented the Banks family with Lucius Banks’ heritage certificate (no. 405) while Bartletts Insurance Brokers – which was founded by former Hunslet director Fred Bartlett – sponsored the event.

A clearly moved Richard Lucius Banks, who is a civil litigation lawyer (his father, also Richard Lucius Banks, was a civil rights lawyer before becoming a judge) said:

“We had limited knowledge of my grandfather’s time. We were aware that he had played at Hunslet of course, but we had no knowledge of the important role he has in the game’s history.

“We learned a great deal about his time in Rugby League from the historian Tony Collins, who was so encouraging and supportive and who produced a podcast celebrating my grandfather’s history.

“When we asked if we could meet Tony on a trip to the United Kingdom – Adam is in Edinburgh, on a horticultural programme – we only had a coffee in mind. But he helped facilitate a wonderful evening at Hunslet Rugby League club, and we are very grateful.”

The Banks family were given a guided tour of the ground, and of the Hunslet area, by club stalwart Pat Benatmane.

More information on Lucius Banks’ remarkable story can be found by visiting Tony Collins’ podcast at: apple.co/3Qmvz7d

Cllrs Mohammed Iqbal and Sharon Burke will be contesting their seats in Hunslet & Riverside and Middleton Park wards respectively, whilst a new Councillor will be elected in Beeston & Holbeck ward after Gohar Almass stood down.

In addition there is an election for the Mayor of West Yorkshire where Mayor Tracy Brabin is bidding for a second term.

You can find full details of the candidates standing in the three South Leeds wards and the Mayoral election opposite.

We have written to all the candidates inviting them to tell you why they are standing and what their policies are. You can find their responses on our website at: southleedslife.com /elections-2024

Candidates without a photo opposite had not responded at time of press.

We also held online hustings meetings for each ward allowing readers to put their questions to the candidates. The meetings were recorded and you can view them at youtube.com/southleedslife

As we reported in April, if you wish to vote in person at a polling station, you will need to produce photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.

South Leeds Life does not support any political party, but we urge all our readers to use their vote on 2 May.

Votes will be counted for the Council election on Friday 3 May; and for the Mayoral election on Saturday 4 May. We will bring you the results online as soon as they are announced and report them in next month’s newspaper.

There is more information on the Leeds City Council website about these elections here: www.leeds.gov.uk/yourcouncil/elections

L-R: Annie Banks, Adam Banks, Danny Banks, Richard Lucius Banks, Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Al Garthwaite, Ken Sykes (Chairman Hunslet RLFC). Credit: Craig Irvine.

Beeston and Holbeck ward

Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring Road, Cottingley Hall estate, Holbeck including the Normantons / St Luke’s / Bartons and Holbeck Urban Village

Shaf ALI

Labour Par ty

49 Allenby Road, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 5RN

Bradley Kenneth CHANDLER

The Conser vative Par ty Candidate Address in Leeds*

Hunslet and Riverside ward

Includes Hunslet up to the River Aire as far as Asda House, some parts of the city centre, Hunslet and Hunslet Carr up to the M621, Hunslet Moor, Beeston Hill and Stourton

Benjamin Thomas Hanley DALE

Liberal Democrats (address in Leeds)

Middleton Park ward

Includes Belle Isle from the M621, Middleton as far as Throstle Terrace, including New Forest Village and the Westwood estate

Samson Roberts ADEYEMI

The Conser vative Par ty Candidate (address in Leeds)

Oisín Conor DUNCAN

Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 4 Victoria House, 8 Victoria Road, LS6 1FE

Louie FULTON

Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 140 Parkwood Road, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 5RA

Matt ROGAN

Green Par ty

Apartment 1006 Calvert House, Ingram Row, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 9EL

George SYKES

Liberal Democrats 707 The Exchange, Whitehall, Leeds, LS12 1BU

Sasha WATSON

Mohammed IQBAL

Labour & Co-operative Par ty (address in Leeds)

TAMAS KOVACS

The Conser vative Par ty Candidate (address in Leeds)

Sharon BURKE

Labour Par ty (address in Leeds)

Rob CHESTERFIELD

Social Democratic Par ty 11 Kensington Way, Belle Isle, Leeds, LS10 4UP

Michael Scott FOLLOWS

Liberal Democrats (address in Leeds)

West Yorkshire Mayor

The Mayor runs the West Yorkshire Combined Authority which comprises Leeds, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield districts

Tracy Lynn BRABIN

Labour & Co-operative Par ty Address in Kirklees*

Bob BUXTON

Yorkshire Par ty Address in Leeds*

Andrew Varah COOPER

Green Par ty

76 Brockholes Lane, Holmfirth, HD9 7EB

Arnold Eric CRAVEN

The Conser vative Par ty Candidate Address in Wakefield*

Omar MUSHTAQ

Green Par ty (address in Leeds)

Daniel Paul WHETSTONE

Social Democratic Par ty 54 Cross Flatts Crescent, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 7JP

Social Democratic Par ty (address in Leeds)

Julie GILL

Green Par ty (address in Leeds)

* In England, if a candidate has requested not to make their home address public, the relevant electoral area in which their home address (or country if their address is outside the UK) will be provided.

Candidates with a blank photo have not responded to South Leeds Life’s request for a statement and photo.

Stewart GOLTEN

Liberal Democrats 5 Farrer Lane, Oulton, Leeds, LS26 8JP

Jonathan Richard TILT Independent Address in Kirklees*

Money matters with

Leeds Credit Union

Tips to make your money go further this Spring

With spring almost in full bloom, it's the perfect time to give your finances a refresh and make your money work harder for you.

Whether you're saving up for a special purchase, planning a holiday or looking to boost your financial safety net, Greg Potter, Head of Member Experience at Leeds Credit Union, presents five tips to help you make the most of your money this season.

Audit your savings account

Take a close look at your current savings account and compare it to what else is out there. Many financial institutions offer competitive interest rates and incentives for new customers, so moving your savings to an account with better rates can help your money grow faster over time, providing you with a stronger financial foundation.

Cut down on unnecessary expenses

Spring is the perfect time to review your monthly expenses and identify areas where you can cut back. Take a close look at your subscriptions, memberships and recurring bills.

Are you paying for anything you no longer use or need?

Could you manage with less data on your mobile phone contract or fewer streaming services?

If the answer is 'yes', cancelling or downsizing these expenses can free up extra

money to put towards your savings goals.

Shop smarter

With the warmer weather comes the temptation to splurge on the likes of new clothes, home decor and outdoor equipment. But before making any purchases, ask yourself if they're really essential and, if they are, take the time to shop around and compare prices. Look for sales, discounts and coupons to stretch your budget further, or consider buying second-hand or pre-loved items to save even more money while also reducing your environmental impact. Explore cashback and rewards programs

Make the most of your everyday spending by signing up for cashback and rewards programs. Many banks, credit cards and shopping platforms offer cashback or rewards points on purchases and, by using them strategically, you can earn money back on your

regular expenses, effectively getting paid to spend.

Become more energy efficient

As the weather warms up, now is the perfect time to invest in energy-efficient upgrades for your home.

Simple changes like installing LED light bulbs, resealing drafty windows and upgrading to a programmable thermostat can help lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.

Better still, some energysaving improvements qualify for government incentives and rebates, making them even more cost-effective in the long run.

By implementing these five tips, households can make their money go further this spring and set themselves up for financial success in the months ahead.

Leeds Credit Union provides straightforward and affordable financial services to people in Leeds.

Transforming a Trentham binyard in Beeston

by Tania Carlisle

Friends of Trentham Park have been working on a binyard project over the last year.

We were planting up some raised beds last month. A year ago this yard was full of old furniture and rubbish attracting rats and anti-social behaviour, and is now transformed into this beautiful space, funded by the Inner South Community Committee. It is hoped that the ‘Friends of ‘ group along with local residents can look after these beds and use the binyard as a good communal space.

Anyone who lives near the park who wants to be involved please do get in touch, by emailing: fotpneedu@ gmail.com

We are also currently planning our summer programme which will include activity days in the park

focussed on environmental activites and recycling information and will include in a hanging basket giveaway in June (watch this space for more details on dates).

We are also partnering with Better Beeston to make this area a resident led ‘Litter Angel zone’ with local residents taking responsibility to keep

the park litter free and then being entered into a cash prize draw as a reward – again please get in touch for more details and if you want to be a ‘Litter Angel’.

Thanks also to Abi the new worker from Our Future Beeston who is supporting us these activities at Trentham Park.

Gascoigne House staff

by Ken Ingram

Ireported in November that I had moved into the Council’s new Gascoigne House extra care apartments in Middleton. This week I’ve been talking to the staff about their experienmce of working here. Here’s what they told me:

“My name is Laura, I’m 42 years old. I have worked for Leeds City Council for the past 4 years.

“I have a background in Childcare. I absolutely love working here at Gascoigne House with the slightly older generation. I have been with my lovely Husband for over 24 years and we have two grown up children, Leah (22) and Brandon (18).

“I love doing creative things and my home is full of all sorts of quirky things. I enjoy doing jigsaws, going to concerts and spending time with family and friends.

“Also enjoy holidays and recently went to Canada for a holiday and family wedding.

“A fun fact about me: I have five tattoos, and I’m apparently 5 ft 3in, although if you ask me I’m defiantly taller. I like to have fun, and often jump out on people, or make a funny joke.

“My job at Gascoigne House is to keep all the residents happy and I love it.”

I cant remember seeing these tattoos, you will have to show me Laura.

“I’m Tracey West, a Senior Care Support Worker at Gascoigne House.

“Before working for Gascoigne House, I worked as a carer in the community. Since applying and getting the job at Gascoigne House, my role has been more rewarding.

“The residents and other staff here are so happy and secure with their surroundings and enjoy the entertainment. The staff and residents enjoy each day.

“It is such a pleasure to be part of Gascoigne House, we are one big happy family now.”

What is Extra Care? Extra Care Housing provided the for individuals or couples who have care, support and a housing need to live in their own home with their own kitchen in a safe and secure environment within a

community setting. It enables people to maintain their independence and receive a range of support and care services that meet their individual needs within their home. Each home is accessible and designed or able to be adapted to support the delivery of personal, social and health care services. The flexibility to meet present and future changing needs allows for a home for life.

I’ve been a resident at Gascoigne House now for nearly seven months. I believe I was the third person to move here.

I love all the staff, health care assistants and residents. They can’t do enough for me or the other residents.

I look forward to hearing more stories from staff and residents soon.

Preparing raised beds in the binyard

Photo: Shutterstock

Aerial view of Gascoigne House in Middleton

fandom celebrates Beeston street

Anew song celebrating the collectivity of being a Leeds United fan, and referencing Beeston’s landmarks, ws released on Good Friday, 29 March.

Wesley Street’ has been written by Dom Grace and Andy Clare, both Beeston born and bred, who perform as Bitter Mass. Dom said of the song:

“I really wanted to discuss becoming class conscious via football but it doesn’t make for a catchy chorus.”

“I wanted to write something that explained how loving a football club is wrapped up in so many more things than deciding to follow your local team. For me my earliest memory is of holding my Dad’s hand and walking among the buzzing throng down Wesley Street and knowing not just that this would be a part of my life from now on and forever but that I had also found my tribe – I belonged to them and they belonged to me.

“And then arriving at the ground and emerging with that first ever sight of the pitch, the green so bright amid this

concrete and steel cathedral. It was the closest thing to actual, real-life, magic that I have ever experienced.

“From that moment, what Eddie, Billy and Sniffer did, they did for me and my tribe. I think as I got older and became more class-conscious my feeling of kinship with the other supporters, and beyond the ground and into South Leeds, only grew. My streets, my tribe, my team. I know who I am and where I’m from and I’m proud of it.

“We wanted to show how supporting a club, in our case Leeds, is so much more than a matter of picking a side and following them. It’s tied up with all the emotions that go with family and community. It’s a very emotional thing.

“Almost like the American concept of Faith, Flag and Family. Belief, pride and community. So, for us singing about Leeds, it’s a bit like a gospel song, talking about a sense of belonging, of finding your tribe, of finding love. More than anything else, this is a love song.”

There’s a lot more to the Foundation than just

rugby Song about football

by Jeremy Morton

Hunslet Rugby Foundation is approaching its 10th anniversary.

Often the clue’s in the title, but Michael Nuttall, the Foundation’s manager, is worried that people don’t realise how much work they do beyond rugby.

On Thursdays and Fridays you will find him and his team at their base in the Belle Isle Welcome Centre. They run two free sessions: 4:30-6:30pm on Thursdays and 4-6pm on Fridays. These are open to families to come down and enjoy some fun and games and a cheap meal, just £1.20 for a child, £1.70 for accompanying adults.

The Welcome Centre is located at St John & St Barnabas Church, set back off Belle Isle Road, LS10 3DN, just above the Circus. It’s a fantastic resource with social space, kitchen, sports hall and safe outdoor space for when the weather improves.

The Youth Club is a chance to get out of the house. It’s a safe space where you can do arts and crafts, different sports: football, table tennis, circuit training, dancing – though they haven’t had a rugby session yet.

“There’s music on and if you just want to come down and you don’t want to do anything, you can just chill and talk to your mates, sit on your phone. That’s why we’re here, providing a safe space for people to be, rather than on a shop corner” says Michael.

On Saturday mornings, 10:30am-12:30pm they’re at Brickfield Park, Lady Pit Lane in Beeston, delivering more free sessions to the community.

“It’s about getting families in

for sports sessions” explains Michael. “Not just rugby, we’ll do rugby if that’s what they want, but all our staff are qualified and can deliver a range of sports.”

Of course, the Foundation does promote rugby too and after the Thursday youth club in Belle Isle they head up the road to Leeds Corinthians groundNutty Slack, next to Middleton Leisure Centre and Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy in Middleton - for boys and girls rugby from 6:30-7:30pm.

“We only launched the sessions in March, but it’s become really popular” says Michael. “We’ve already got a team of girls as well as a team of boys. To be honest it took us a bit by surprise. The idea was to set it up as a training night, get people from the local schools, local streets, community clubs coming together and just enjoying an

hour or two a week. We put social nights on, last week we did some pizzas and we’ll continue to do that.

“We’re delighted that some of the parents have volunteered to help with the sessions too.

“Some of the girls have come from the sessions at the Welcome Centre and have never experienced rugby before, but they love it. And they are socialising with girls from other schools which is good for them.”

The Foundation has really developed since Covid. Its focus remains local on South Leeds, but they also work with schools in Garforth and Morley. Staff live locally, which is a real motivation and they want to make a difference to their community.

The team has grown with Michael now supported by Aiden and James and

Much of the core work is still supporting PE in primary schools and they have run a series of football and rugby tournaments to bring the schools together.

The successful rugby festival, which has attracted community clubs from across the north of England over the last two years, will return in August. This year the expanded event will run over two days and invite boys teams of Under 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, 11s, 12s; plus Under 12s girls to Leeds Corinthians.

Hunslet Rugby Foundation continues to provide opportunities for families, is going from strength to strength.

To find out more follow the Foundation on Facebook at fb .com/hunsletrugbyfoundation or email: michael.nuttall@ hunsletrugbyfoundation.co.uk

Beeston bedmaker’s initiatives to cut environmental impact

Fifth generation, familyowned luxury bed and components manufacturer, Harrison Spinks, has announced a raft of sustainably-focussed initiatives in its new Impact Report.

It covers both the main beds business and its components manufacturing company to further improve the planet whilst enriching the local environment and enhancing colleagues and communities.

The Beeston-based business, which employs around 500 people and is

already one of the largest growers of hemp in the UK, will increase its flax crop from 20 to 120 acres to replace cotton –not only is the crop more suitable for the British climate, there is no requirement for pesticides or irrigation for it to grow.

Meanwhile its Yorkshirebased spring manufacturing business has introduced a patent-pending, pocket coiling machine that reduces energy consumption by 60%, as well as minimising raw materials needed in the process.

Manufacturing production

within the beds division at the 180-year-old company has

moved to a four-day working week with longer production

shift patterns after identifying the benefits of an improved work life balance – which they achieved without a reduction in overall output – and central operations has moved to a 4.5day week, leading to increased productivity and reduced direct and indirect emissions.

Harrison Spinks’ partnership with Scottish luxury accessories manufacturer Alex Begg is now enabling the business to upcycle clean, high-quality cashmere offcuts to replace the virgin cashmere wool in its mattress fillings, also leading to lower transport

emissions.

Simon Spinks, Chairman at Harrison Spinks, said: “From using renewable energy at our Leeds manufacturing site to our partnership with children’s bed charity Zarach, providing them with 20 mattresses every month to give every head a bed, we want to make sure we’re supporting local communities and the environment.”

To read the full Impact Report, please visit: www.harrisonspinks.co.uk/our -story/sustainability

augmented by university students gaining work experience.

Table tennis is one of many activities on offer at the youth club run by Hunslet Rugby Foundation

Harrison Spinks use natural fillings in their mattresses

Success for the classes of 2023

The young people of south Leeds are achieving excellent exam results and attending schools that have been judged by Ofsted to be some of the best in the country.

According to government progress data for the academic year 2022-2023, these secondary schools rank as “above average” for pupils achieving over half a grade higher in each qualification, compared to similar pupils across the country.

The banding is ranked as “well above average” because the score is greater than or equal to 0.5, and the entire confidence interval is above 0.

Compared to some schools

in Leeds, pupils in south Leeds are on average achieving a whole grade higher than pupils from other schools.

David Gurney, Executive Headteacher of Cockburn Multi-academy Trust said “We are extremely proud of the young people across the south of Leeds for their academic achievements. They work hard, have high aspirations and have been incredibly resilient. I applaud the dedication and excellence of the Cockburn MAT staff across our schools who are relentless in their determination to secure the very best outcomes for the young people.”

Cockburn School are delighted that their excellent

outcomes have been recognised by SSAT (The Schools, Students and Teachers Network) in this year’s Educational Outcomes Awards. The award recognises that Cockburn School is among the highest performing secondary schools in the country, based on 2023 performance data and information from Ofsted.

Cockburn School was recognised for being in the top 20% of schools nationally for student progress in the 2023 end of KS4 exams.

The SSAT Educational Outcomes database compares all state-funded schools in England. To be recognised with an Educational Outcomes Award is a significant achievement and a testament to the work of the whole school community.

Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT said:

“Congratulations to Cockburn School on winning an

SSAT Educational Outcomes Award. This success is down to the superb learning and teaching, outstanding support and inspirational leadership of students, staff, parents and governors. You have made a huge difference to the lives of the young people in your school. Thank you.”

School

Progress Data Ofsted

The Ruth Gorse Academy 0.92 – well above average Outstanding in all areas

The Morley Academy 0.83 – well above average Outstanding in all areas

Cockburn John Charles Academy 0.72 – well above average Good with Outstanding features

Bruntcliffe Academy 0.66 – well above average Good with Outstanding features

Cockburn School 0.61 – well above average Outstanding in all areas

Oulton Academy 0.52 – well above average As yet not inspected

Easter extravaganza at Middleton Primary Prison Me? No Way!

In a down-to-earth and straight-talking effort to teach students about the nittygritty of prison life and why it’s crucial to stay on the right track, Cockburn John Charles Academy recently hosted the seriously impactful ‘Prison Me? No Way!’ event.

This idea-packed event gave students a real chance to chat with prison officers, ex-cons, and advisors, aiming to give them some solid life advice and steer them clear of trouble.

The event, which took place at the academy's premises, witnessed enthusiastic participation from students across various age groups. Through interactive workshops, role-playing exercises, and candid discussions, participants gained valuable insights into the consequences of criminal behaviour and the challenges faced by individuals within the prison system. One of the highlights of the event was the chance for

students to engage in open dialogues with prison guards and ex-convicts.

It helped them see behind the bars, break down stereotypes, and understand what it’s like for people who’ve been inside. They even got the chance to step inside a real prison cell, feeling the cramped space and seeing things from a different perspective.

Mr Gardener, who organised the event, expressed his satisfaction, saying, "This event was about opening eyes and minds. By bringing the reality of prison life closer to our students, we hope to empower them to make positive choices. Stepping inside a real cell can be a wake-up call for anyone."

During the day, students got to think about how their actions can have a knock-on effect and what they can do to turn things around. Workshops covered topics such as conflict resolution, peer pressure, and

the importance of education and employability skills in shaping successful lives outside of the criminal justice system.

Head of School, Mrs Roberts said, “It’s important for young people to get a handle on the consequences of their choices. Events like 'Prison Me? No Way!' help them think twice about what they’re doing and make smart decisions that’ll help them and their communities.”

The "Prison Me? No Way!" event at Cockburn John Charles Academy stands as a testament to the power of education and community engagement in shaping the futures of young people. By providing students with the tools and knowledge to make informed choices, the academy is equipping them with the resilience and skills needed to navigate life's challenges and contribute positively to society.

Easter was an extremely busy period at Middleton Primary School.

Every class in school had an afternoon visit to Middleton Baptist Church, where Alison Wain and her team taught the children of the Christian Easter Story through song, games and crafts.

Back in school, they raised lots of money for school funds through their annual Easter raffle, and they had a special visit from the Easter Bunny! Children were able to buy tickets to see the Bunny in their burrow and enjoy some time with them.

They also held an Easter Bonnet competition and had an incredible response! The House Captains were among those that decided on the winners, and it was a difficult decision.

Every entry received a prize for entering and the winning three all received chocolate hampers and a dedicated post on School Story.

Finally, they were absolutely thrilled to welcome the Leeds ice hockey team, the Leeds Knights, into school to present all of the children with an Easter egg!

The Yorkshire Childrens Charity kindly donated an Easter egg to every child in school and the Leeds Knights were lovely enough to come into school and hand them out. It was a wonderful afternoon, and everyone was excited to meet the sportsmen and receive their eggs!

Pupils meet players from Leeds Knights ice hockey team

Easter eggs-travaganza

Students exoperience a prison cell

The Ruth Gorse Academy in Hunslet

When Ingram Road Primary made an opera

Anew short film has been released about the making of the opera ‘Noah’s Flood‘ last July in Holbeck, which featured the children of Ingram Road Primary School.

The production was a collaboration between Slung Low and The Manchester Collective to stage Benjamin Britten’s community opera Noah’s Flood, but the stars of the show were the 180 Key Stage 2 pupils from Ingram Road. The film ‘Crayons & Opera’ follows the children through rehearsals to performances as

part of Leeds 2023 and the Manchester International Festival.

Filmmaker Brett Chapman commented:

“Opera has traditionally been seen as an art form catering to the more affluent and culturally elite segments of society with only around 1-4% of the UK’s population having ever attended a performance.

“Meanwhile in Leeds, a city with its own national opera company, the community of Holbeck faces significant socioeconomic challenges and

inequalities compared to other parts of the city. Holbeck currently ranks as one of the most deprived areas in Yorkshire.

“Nestled in the heart of Holbeck, Ingram Road Primary School has a student body of nearly 350 young people with over 52 languages spoken by its pupils and now, alongside resident artists Slung Low, they’re about to perform in their very own opera.”

Watch the film at bit.ly/ IngramFilm

Orchestral drama at CLCA

Performing Arts students

from Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy (CLCA) are delighted to have participated for the first time in the National Theatre’s Connections Festival. The programme is 30 years old and has a history of championing the talent of young people from across the UK. Each year, the National Theatre commissions ten new plays for

young people to perform, bringing together some of the UK's most exciting writers with the theatre-makers of tomorrow.

Students from CLCA created a performance of Orchestra by Charlie Josephine. They performed this at the Cockburn John Charles Academy theatre in March, to their National Theatre director and mentor.

The play centres around a

Cockburn School names n facility after former pup

Cockburn School officially named its new outdoor sports facility in memory of Kyle Asquith on 24 April.

Kyle was a former student of Cockburn School who passed away in 2013. His organs saved the lives of 5 people and since then, The Kyle Asquith Foundation has gone on to raise thousands of pounds for the NHS Blood and Transplant Trust and to support children from Cockburn School to achieve their aspirations. The school continues to raise funds and the awareness of organ donation.

Kyle’s parents, trustees of the charity, presented representatives from the Leeds NHS Blood and Transplant Trust with a cheque for £1,000 on behalf of the charity before they cut the ribbon to officially open the facility.

youth orchestra practising during half term holidays in preparation for a concert.

Unexpected events cause them all to interrogate their relationship with success. How to protect the joy of the process whilst also wanting to be the best. Asking whether striving for artistic excellence is worth the pressure of losing soul.

On the same night, students from Cockburn John Charles Academy performed Back In The Day by Yasmeen Khan. Their play told the story of a group of classmates who are charged with the responsibility of being their school's wellbeing champions.

In a freak occurrence they are transported back to the 1980s via an impromptu and heavily improvised roller disco. Here they discover they're not the only ones with skeletons in the cupboard, and there was more to the 80s than glitterballs and strange haircuts!

More recently, in April, both productions were performed on the professional stage at York

Leeds Rhinos and Leeds United also played their part, both of whom work with Cockburn School to support the development of rugby and football within the school. The event was attended by Rhinos first team players Sam Lisone and Mickael Goudemond who made time to speak to the students involved and have some group photographs. Leeds United sent a video message from first team player Sam

Theatre Royal. Students had an amazing day rehearsing and performing in this fantastic venue which dates back to 1744.

Vicky Smith, Head of School at Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy said:

“We are extremely proud of how the students performed this very challenging piece, which tackles some difficult themes. The National Theatre director who came to watch their home performance was also very complimentary and positive about their performance.”

Over 250 youth theatre

Byrom, who wished everyone luck for the event.

Students from the school’s netball and rugby teams were training on the new pitch and court as theguests for the event toured the facility.

The new pitch (suitable for football and rugby) and triple tennis court/netball court will play a vital role in the outdoor sport provision for Cockburn School.

They are located to the south of the school site, on a section of the former private South Leeds Golf Club course which closed in November 2019.

The school had a shortage of outdoor sporting facilities at the school (65% below the required provision) associated with the growth in student numbers over recent years. However, the scheme faced opposition from some local residents on environmental grounds. It finally received planning permission in October 2022.

Representatives from Leeds City Council and Moortown Group, who worked together to plan, design, and build the facility also attended the naming ceremony.

Kyle’s mum, Tracey Asquith, said: “We are so grateful to the school for how much they all do in Kyle’s memory. The new

companies from every corner of the UK take part in the Connections Festival each year, providing opportunities for them to perform in professional, partner theatres. One production of each play will be selected to transfer to the NT Festival in London, the National Theatre’s annual, nationwide youth theatre festival.

“Over the years, Cockburn School have been chosen twice to take their play to London. We hope that this year, another Cockburn MAT academy gets to have this honour.

facility provides a lovely legacy for our son who loved his sport.” Kyle’s dad, Alex Asquith added “Kyle would have loved this! He

Students perform as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival

The naming ceremony was attended by students, community representatives and special guests

L-R: Sam Lisone (Leeds Rhinos), Rod D David Gurney (Executive Head Cockbu

Going in two by two. Photo: Tom Arber

Tracy & Alex Asquith hand over a cheq

new sports il

Kyle Asquith

would

Foundation, David Gurney, said:

“Naming this excellent new sports facility after Kyle will ensure that he continues to be remembered. This excellent new sports facility will help to ensure that all of our students continue to learn about being healthy and fit while developing their practical sports skills.”

Head of School, Rob Dixon, said:

“The students playing on the pitch today know about Kyle despite the years moving on. We want to make sure the Foundation is still going strong so that everyone can take ownership of it. We are very proud of the work that our students do to raise funds and keep his memory alive.”

If you wish to contribute to The Kyle Asquith Foundation, please contact the school at info@cockburnschool.org and title the email ‘Kyle Asquith’. They also have a JustGiving page and you can make donations online at www.justgiving.com /kyle-asquith

Ofsted recognises improvements at Beeston’s Nishkam Nursery

The Nishkam Nursery on Lady

Pit Lane in Beeston has been judged ‘Good’ in all areas following an inspection by Ofsted last month.

Last year inspectors judged that the nursery ‘Requires Improvement’, but the current report praises management, reporting that:

“Since the last inspection, the management team has evaluated practice to ensure that the systems for key working

and expectations for children’s learning are shared across the setting.

“New staff have robust vetting and induction to ensure their suitability. Staff are supported with regular supervision sessions and ongoing professional development through training.”

The inspectors were also impressed with how the children were encouraged to develop independence and how the staff

work closely with parents, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The report notes that:

“Parents speak very highly of the setting and are extremely happy with the support they receive.

“Managers and staff work closely with parents and are available to talk to at drop-off and pick-up times. There is a good level of communication

between staff and the parents via online systems, parents’ meetings and newsletters.”

Commenting on the inspection, Nursery Manager Harpreet Kaur said:

“We are extremely pleased with the grade that we have received from Ofsted. Everyone at Nishkam Nursery have worked exceptionally hard to ensure that we are working to the highest standard possible. There has been immense effort put in by all staff.

“Our children are flourishing and our parents are happy with the care that we provide. There isn’t much more we could ask for. It is a step in the right direction.”

have wanted to be out here all the time.”

Executive Headteacher and trustee of the Kyle Asquith

Dixon (Head of Cockburn School), Kyle Asquith’s parent and grandparents, urn MAT), Mickael Goudemond (Leeds Rhinos)

Celebrating success

South Leeds is an unfashionable corner of the city. We have a bad reputation with people who don’t know the area. And some of us talk the area down too. But there is much to celebrate and we shouldn’t hide our light under a bushell. We are proud to highlight inspirational women who make the area a better place on the front page, but there are many other South Leeds success stories in these pages. Whether it’s sporting success on the ice rink, or dancers in Florida; the success that our youngsters are achieving at school; or staging an opera. We should be proud of our achievements and shout them from the rooftops.

Please use your vote

There is a lot of cynicism around politicians these days. But Councillors perform an important role in our city, making important decisions that affect our lives. Just like holidays, safe working conditions and equal pay working people had to fight to get the vote, so the right to vote shouldn’t be taken lightly. And you can’t complain about the representatives we get if you didn’t use your vote.

South Leeds Life does not support any political party, but we do encourage all our readers to use their vote on 2 May. And don’t forget to take your photo ID with you to the polling station.

The June issue of South Leeds Life will be out on Wednesday 29 May.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday 23 May.

Your letters and comments

Cockburn sports pitches

This is brilliant. What an amazing new facility for the South Leeds community. The kids at Cockburn must be so pleased. Such a good thing too to name it after Kyle Asquith.

Debbie Michaels

It is important to clarify that the plastic pitches were opposed on both environmental and human health grounds. The shredded tyre pitches are now banned in the EU and the decision to ban the pitches is based on both reasons.

A decision from Defra is due next Spring with the ban likely to match the EU transition deadline of 2031. The Netherlands is phasing the pitches out earlier such is the concern there. In 2022 Leeds City Council were asked by one of the worlds leading experts in the area, Professor Andrew Watterson, to use a precautionary approach and switch to an alternative infill or natural grass. The council have ignored this advice.

As for Middleton Park and the wildlife, the facility is likely to leave a lasting legacy of plastic and chemical pollution.

Suzy

The residents of south Leeds have a brilliant new facility. Youth sometimes have to head the queue, not just the elderly. The moaners need to realise that the pitch was built according to the recommendations of Sport England.

Henry Wood

I watch pupils have a fantastic time on it. Why would Sports England allow it? Your issue is not the 3G pitch but the outstanding school increasing facilities for children. What a strange world we live in.

Sam Foster

Sport England and the Football Foundation (FF) allow it because without rubber crumb it might be much more expensive for them to achieve the FF’s aim of more than 1,000 new 3G pitches by 2030. The FF cites regulation of rubber crumb as one of the biggest risks to its programme. But why a council that

claims to care about the environment would approve the use of public money to use a material that is known to damage the environment – when FAapproved alternatives are available – is beyond me.

Huw Roberts

Mass Transit Network

When I read the news that the Combined Authority are planning yet another hair-brained tram system I double checked the date - no it wasn't the 1st of April!

They are all living in cloud cuckoo land - maybe there's a good bus service there? Leeds needs a decent, well-run bus network, not the creation of a tram system that goes to the places the buses and trains already go - a tram or train to Leeds Bradford Airport would be welcomed instead.

I agree with Paul - this issue has been debated and shelved for 30+ years wasting millions of pounds of taxpayers money. I worked for Tetleys in the 1990s and there was talk of the Council using some land on the Tetley Dock Street site as overnight parking for tramssurprisingly (or not!) this never happened.

Leeds City Council has destroyed the city centre with cycle lanes, one-way streets and limited access - how will the trams get through, or will they by-pass the city taking away business thereby

Your Leeds City Councillors

Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring Road, Cottingley and Holbeck. The three councillors are:

Gohar Almass (Labour) 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk

Annie Maloney (Labour) 07554 969236 annie.maloney@leeds.gov.uk

Andrew Scopes (Labour) 07860 400645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk

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

Ed Carlisle (Green) 07738 921277 ed.carlisle@leeds.gov.uk

Mohammed Iqbal (Labour) 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk

Paul Wray (Labour) 07528 512649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk

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

Sharon Burke (Labour) 0113 378 8814 sharon.burke@leeds.gov.uk

Wayne Dixon (SDP) 07852 311717 wayne.dixon@leeds.gov.uk

Emma Pogson-Golden (SDP) 07794 577586 emma.pogson-golden@leeds.gov.uk

resulting in more shop closures - we don't need anymore coffee shops and cafés to replace them!

Can the public have a vote on how our money is spent? My vote would be care homes, pothole repairs and more police on the beat.

Sorry Tracy Brabin - you've lost my vote.

Addy B

Speed on the ring road

I wonder if it would be possible to have some speed limit signs on the lamp posts coming down the ring road from Middleton.

There is not one from the Westwoods down to the lights at Tommy Wass and driving down or up I find a procession of cars behind me, or trying to pass me. I think most people have the idea that it is a 40 mph area, whereas in fact it is only 30mph. Signs on any of these posts would be a great help.

Margaret Cook

Binyard improvements

Hopefully this Binyard project can be done in other neglected bin yard places, great to see the old bin yards been improved.

Mike

Policing Belle Isle and Middleton

I know Sunday is a day of rest but not around the top of Middleton Road Belle Isle Road area every Sunday bikes and quad bikes rampaging around. I was also on Hunslet Road on Sunday, there

must have been at least 10 bike and quads doing wheelies opposite the Crooked Clock before turning down towards the canal. What’s up with the off road team? Mmm day off ...

Stuart Fraser

Maybe we should invest in a local motorcross track for people to go and do what they enjoy, it may reduce the issue. It isn’t just the drug dealers on bikes, there’s also cars that race up and down Belle Isle and Middleton. To be honest it’s always going to be the same.

Craig Mosely

Aire Park masterplan

I would like to see careful consideration given to what type of trees are planted and where.

All too often trees are planted far too close together. Unsuitable trees like sycamore and lime are planted. These can secrete sugars and the sycamore seeds can and will grow anywhere.

I would like to recommend pyramidal hornbeam, various pine, Swedish birch and London plane.

Nicholas Clarke

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debate

Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW.

Letters may be edited for publication.

Corrections & clarifications

Dates of the election counts In our April edition ‘Council and mayoral election details announced’ (page 3) we incorrectly gave the dates of the counts as Friday 5 May and Saturday 6 May. They should, of course, be Friday 3 May and Saturday 4 May.

Girls playing rugby on the new pitch at Cockburn School

MP’s notebook with Hilary Benn MP

Imuch enjoyed my visit to the Middleton Railway on the occasion of their recent open day. As ever, the volunteers had put on a wonderful demonstration of the living history that embodies the Trust.

One of the display items that caught my eye was a Potts station clock, complete with Roman numerals and a very delicate winding mechanism. It is a wonderful example of the craft of Potts of Leeds. The founder, William Potts, set up his business in 1833 in Pudsey and later moved the factory to the centre of Leeds.

From there clocks made with care and skill travelled both home and abroad to adorn churches, town halls, schools, cathedrals, engineering works and of course railways.

It is said that there are more than 1600 Potts clocks in existence around England, but there are two stations I'm very familiar with - Leeds and Kings Cross - that don't have a Potts clock. In my view, they should.

If you're hurrying for a train, what's the first thing you do when you enter the station? You look for the time. Nowadays you have to make do with a digital clock and the

ones at Kings Cross, in particular, are wholly inadequate. They are small and very hard to see. So, in the unlikely event that I were ever to be promoted to the position of station manager or even more unlikely put in charge of the railway system, one of the first things I would do would be to make sure that these stations were properly adorned with a wonderful example of Leeds engineering craftsmanship.

As I sit here in the House of Commons writing this column, we are waiting to vote yet again on the Rwanda Bill which aims to send some asylum seekers thousands of miles to Africa to have their claims processed. We all want to see the dangerous boat crossings across the Channel ended, but that doesn't mean that we should not look at this scheme and ask whether it will actually do what is claimed?

Having debated it long and hard over quite a period of time, it's clear to me that it won't. Why? Because it is a scheme that will cost the taxpayer over half a billion pounds for just 300 peoplethat’s an eyewatering £2m per

person – and it will only cover less than 1% of asylum seekers arriving in the UK. So, by definition, it will neither act as a disincentive nor address the issue. And appearing desperate to send off a few symbolic flights is no substitute for a serious policy.

It would make a lot more sense to put that huge amount of money into improving Britain’s border security, including a new cross border police unit to smash the criminal smuggler gangs. We also need a plan to clear the backlog and end inappropriate asylum hotel use, which could save the taxpayer up to £4 billion. Now that sounds to me like a much better plan.

Retailers and shop workers have been saying for far too long that they are facing unacceptable levels of shoplifting and violence, and are being let down. Shoplifting is up by 30% in the last year with, according to the British Retail Consortium, retailers losing £1.8bn - the highest amount on record.

One main reason for this is the decision in 2014 to downgrade the response to shoplifting of goods valued at

Pavement parking

by Jeremy Morton

The issue of inconsiderate parking was discussed at our recent election hustings meetings. Not being a candidate, I wasn’t able to pick up the missed issues, but I feel there are a few.

It’s not illegal to park your car on a pavement. Or rather it’s not illegal once to car is parked, the act of manoeuvring onto the pavement is illegal as I understand it. The current

government have repeatedly said they will close this loophole, but we’re 14 years in and there’s still no sign of action.

It is illegal to cause an obstruction, which seems to be interpreted as not leaving enough room on the pavement for a buggy or wheelchair to get past.

But drivers know they’re unlikely to be caught, except near the football ground on match day, because the

under £200. This has given criminals free rein on our high streets to steal popular consumer goods below this value - like Apple Air Pods, Levi jeans and Premier League football shirts - and not face the full force of the law. To make matters worse, over 90% of crimes are now going unsolved, and this means that criminals are less than half as likely to be caught now compared to 15 years ago.

Shop workers and retailers deserve dignity and respect, and violent incidents against shop workers have soared from an estimated 424 a day in 2018 to a staggering 1,300 incidents each day last year. I have long supported a standalone offence of assault against shop workers - which we are now finally going to see - and we should reverse the downgrading of shoplifting under £200. Shop workers are public servants and they deserve our protection.

And finally, spring seems to have arrived although the

recent spell of rather chilly weather has led some plants to wonder whether it was wise to start blooming after a couple of days of relative warmth. No doubt, by the time this column is published, we will be in the middle of a heat wave and readers will wonder what on earth I'm going on about. I would in my defence, however, point to what happened on 2 June 1975 when a blanket of snow covered the cricket pitch in Buxton where Derbyshire

were playing Lancashire and snow even fell briefly on Lords cricket ground in London. Cold Arctic winds swept across the UK that day with a temperature of -3.3°C recorded in Scotland. If there is one thing we should have learned by now it's this; never, ever, take the weather for granted.

And on that cheery note, in the words of Gardeners Question Time’s Peter Gibbs, “Goodbye, and may the weather be with you.”

Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers South Leeds as well as other parts of the city.

Contact:

Email: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, Website: www.hilarybennmp.com

Constituency office: Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS7 1AB

Tel: 0113 244 1097

Council can’t afford enough staff to police the problem.

The problem is getting worse, in part because cars are getting bigger and wider. The rise of SUVs is a disaster both for the planet and for residential streets. With less road room between parked cars, motorists are more likely to park on the pavement to allow more room for traffic to pass, although I tend to think the bigger driver (pun intended) is ensuring it’s not their car that gets scratched.

And then there’s parking on the pavement because there’s a double yellow line. These drivers seem to think that mounting the pavement lessens the sin of parking on a double yellow. I’m sorry to have to break it to you guys, but it doesn’t halve the problem, it doubles it.

Apparently there’s a war on motorists. That’s not how it feels for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues, or small children. So if you are a motorist, please think carefully as you park your car.

Pathways for positivity with Shannon Humphrey Music and wellbeing

They say time machines are fictional, but I disagree, well to an extent. I was busy working when a song I hadn’t heard in years came on the radio, I was instantly transported back to my high school days.

In that moment, I found myself reliving memories of the clothes I used to wear, the friends I had, unrequited romance, and the countless times I sang along to that very tune.

It's incredible how music has the power to move us. Taking us to different times and places in an instant. It has the ability to spark a whole range of emotions with just a few beats.

sense of community and belonging

Did you know that when you listen to your favorite tunes, it actually triggers the release of dopamine in your brain?

Music is a universal language that brings people from all walks of life together. Whether through sharing playlists, attending concerts, singing in a choir, dancing, or enjoying classical performances, there's a musical avenue for us all. The Internet has significantly enhanced music's diversity and accessibility. It especially helps young people find their tribe, build friendships and create a

I was in the car and a Take That song played. It reminded me of a much missed friend. She’s not here anymore and it made me think of her in a bitter sweet way. Happy to be reminded of her, sad that she’s gone. Music does that sometimes doesn’t it? Grabs you when you least expect it, pulling you along with whatever emotion it stirs within.

Dopamine is often called the "feel-good" hormone because it's responsible for making you feel happy and rewarded. So, when you're singing along to your favorite songs, you're not just enjoying the music—you're also giving your brain a little boost of happiness making you feel more optimistic.

That's why I set my Alexa to wake me up with music rather than the traditional alarm clock. Instead of being jolted awake by a loud beep, starting my day with familiar, uplifting songs sets a positive tone before I even get out of bed!

Epic transatlantic journey to rediscover historic blast from the past

The American descendant of a 19th century railway worker has rediscovered a fascinating family connection to a dramatic explosion on the Middleton Railway with the help of the world’s oldest model locomotive.

Lisa Roger journeyed more than 5,000 miles from her home in Phoenix, Arizona to Leeds Industrial Museum to see the attraction’s remarkably detailed model of Salamanca, made by the city’s famed engineer Matthew Murray.

The model, made in 1811, already has its own place in railway history, being the oldest of its kind anywhere in the world and a replica of Murray’s very first commercially viable steam locomotive. At least two others were made, with one

Music is also effective for relaxation. A slower tempo can quiet your mind and relax your muscles, making you feel soothed while releasing the stress of the day by reducing anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improving sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory. Researchers say that the right choice of music, such as instrumental or ambient music, can help block out distractions, improve concentration, and maintain attention during study sessions and work.

Exploring a music genre outside your usual preferences can enhance mindfulness.

being gifted by Murray to the Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia when he visited Leeds in 1817.

But for Lisa, the model has a special connection to her heritage too, after her research discovered her third great grandfather George Hirst worked as a rope haulage brake operator on the fateful day its full-sized counterpart exploded in Middleton, Leeds more than two centuries ago.

She said:

“I come from a long line of George Hirsts, and I still remember as a child my dad telling me that the Hirst men have been in engineering for a long time, so when I started researching my family history, I thought I might find something with that link.

If, like me, you find yourself playing the old favourites on repeat, consider delving into new artists or diverse cultural sounds. It forces you to pay deeper attention, offering a refreshing escape during times of overwhelm or anxiety. Using earphones intensifies focus, creating an immersive experience ideal for meditation

and instrumental tracks, helping you switch off from whatever's going on in the outside world.

Music isn't just background noise—it's the soundtrack to your life.

Shannon Humphrey is a First Aid for Mental Health Instructor - www.pathwaysfor positivity.com

“But I certainly never expected to discover something so dramatic.”

Detailed records and newspaper reports from the time reveal that on the afternoon of 28 February 1818, Salamanca had been transporting coals on the railway near Middleton.

Witnesses at the scene reported seeing steam issuing from the joints of the engine’s boiler, suggesting higher levels of pressure

than usual. A short time later, the boiler erupted in a huge explosion, which sadly killed the engineer George Hutchinson.

A newspaper article reporting from his inquest the following week said:

“The steam-propelled engine employed to convey coals on the railway of the colliery of J.C Brandling Esq near to this town burst with a most tremendous explosion, and we lament to add that the engineer was blown to pieces.”

Lisa’s research revealed that her ancestor George had been operating the stationary engine brake at the top of a nearby incline that day, and he had corroborated the accounts of other witnesses.

The explosion was so shocking, that a Parliamentary committee was also later convened, where famous railway pioneer George Stephenson suggested the driver may have tampered with the engine’s safety valve.

Up to that point, Salamanca and her sister engines had revolutionised the transport of coal, proving a massive commercial hit, with each engine selling for £350.

Murray would have used the model version to explain to investors how his engines would work and when Lisa found out that the museum was home to such a remarkably detailed recreation, she set out on a transatlantic trip to see it for herself.

She added:

“It’s been incredible to find out more about my family’s connections to Yorkshire and to visit some of the places linked to them.

“But to see this model up close, which is a recreation of a part of my family history, and which was made around the same time my great, great grandfather was here in Leeds, it’s just so epic.”

Once the world’s largest woollen mill, today Leeds Industrial Museum is home to a huge array of models and machinery paying tribute to the city’s industrial heritage and as well as its many brilliant inventors and engineers.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, said:

“The history of Leeds is filled with so many extraordinary stories and inventions which have made a lasting impact on the city.

“It’s always amazing to hear how those stories have also influenced and inspired people across the world and how much Leeds and its unique heritage has a truly global legacy.”

For more information on Leeds Industrial Museum, please visit: museumsand galleries.leeds.gov.uk/leedsindustrial-museum

For more information about Middleton Railway, please visit: www.middletonrailway.org.uk

Image: Shutterstock

Lisa Roger examines the model of the locomotive ‘Salamanca’ at Leeds Industrial Museum

Local history with Ken Burton

Chartists and the Plug Riots

Chartists were followers of a political movement for reform spanning the years 1836 to 1849 taking its name from the 1838 Peoples Charter.

They formulated their demands in a six point Charter: Universal (men’s) suffrage, Annual Parliaments, Vote by (secret) ballot, Abolition of the property qualification for MPs, Payment for MPs, and Equal size electoral districts.

The object was to make the Charter the law of the land by legal constitutional means if possible or by force if necessary or a mixture of both.

The first climax of Chartism came in the winter of 1839 at the height of a trade depression and in 1842 the second peak of Chartist activity was reached with the Plug Riots arising from mass unemployment in the northern towns.

During the year 1842 trade of every kind was very much depressed and among the people there was widespread discontent and unhappiness. By the middle of August it had reached its height. In Carlisle a quarter of the population was dying of famine while in

Stockport half the master spinners had failed and 5,000 workmen were walking the streets in compulsory distress.

In Lancashire the distress was enormous and was further aggravated by a general turn out in several branches of trade.

In the principle towns of the West Riding the working classes had to endure many privations. At Leeds the pauper stone heap amounted to 150,000 tons, and the Board of Guardians offered the paupers 6 shilling (30p) per week for doing nothing, rather than 7 shillings and 6 pence (37½p) per week for breaking stone.

The Poor Rates in Leeds had increased 50% leading the working classes to become turbulent and dissatisfied.

Formidable Chartist riots broke out in Lancashire and Yorkshire and it is said to have commenced first at Bayley’s Cotton Mill in Stalybridge. The power-loom weavers of that town were either unemployed or on strike compelling all other branches of trade in the town or its neighbourhood to follow their example.

Most of the principle towns in Lancashire caught the mood

and in Manchester about 150 cotton mills besides an equal number belonging to other trades that usually employed some 50,000 hands were forced to stop work and the rioters in many cases destroyed valuable machinery.

By the middle of August the trouble had spread to Yorkshire. Holmfirth, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Halifax, Bradford, Leeds, and other towns were scenes of riotous behaviour. On the morning of 17 August great excitement prevailed in Leeds from a report that a huge number of rioters were on the road from Bradford. Leeds was well organised with troops and a large number of Special Constables had been sworn in; perhaps knowing this fact the rioters confined their operations to the villages west of the town. At Stanningley they stopped the mill of Mr John Varley and forced the workpeople to leave the premises. They then proceeded to Bramley and closed all the mills in that village, including the large establishment of Mr John Haley. It was then onto Fulneck where they stopped the mill of Messrs Field and what was worse let off the

and left the premises without having done any serious mischief.

The mob then proceeded to the mill of Titley, Tatham & Walker in Water Lane which they had decided to stop when Prince George with the Lancers came up at full speed and formed a line in Campfield. The Riot Act was read and two or three of the ringleaders were taken prisoner. A party of Lancers, a party of Fusiliers and one or two Troops of Yorkshire Hussars commanded by Colonel Beckett, with a body of Police headed by one or two Magistrates were also stationed on Victoria Bridge.

The crowd, in the presence of the military showed no symptoms of being militant beyond the excitement of a mob. Prince George withdrew his troops to the Court House.

No sooner had the military gone when a considerable mob went in the direction of Meadow Lane where they burst in the boiler plug of Benyon’s Flax Mill and compelled the workpeople to leave the premises before the mob then proceeded to the factory of Maclea & March, machine makers, Dewsbury Road end. A party of Police and Special Constables were soon on the scene and had to use force to prevent the rioters doing damage; showers of stones flew over heads of the police and Mr Read, the Chief Constable showed courage in keeping a number attacking him at bay.

water in the reservoir. The mob then divided into parties and went to the mills at Armley, Wortley, Farnley, etc which they caused to be closed.

In the meantime a large mob had assembled at Hunslet and commenced operations by turning out the hands of Petty’s Potteries at the bottom of Beeston Hill; after which they went along Holbeck Moor to the mills in Holbeck. They forced the boiler plug and summoned the hands out of the mill of E & G Tatham in Holbeck Lane. They did the same thing to several other mills in the area until they arrived at the large establishment of Marshall’s Mill.

The vicinity of the new mill in Marshall Street was completely crammed with an excited mob, many of who were armed with bludgeons, stones, etc. The yard door leading to the boiler room of the new mill was strongly barricaded and defended by Mr JG Marshall and a number of workmen but the mob by repeated efforts forced down the door and rushed into the yard. However, they did not find the plug of the boiler and consequently did not succeed in stopping the mill

the Magistrates. Four prisoners were bound over to keep the peace and fined £5 each; three were bound over to keep the peace and three were discharged while the rest were committed for trial at York also as were 14 others for having been charged with rioting at Churwell, Beeston Royds Mill and other places. A Special Commission sat at York to try the rioters.

The Leeds rioters were tried on 3 September 1842, most of the prisoners were found guilty and sentenced to terms of imprisonment varying from 18 months downwards. The military in Leeds refrained from firing on the mob and so ended the Chartist Riots in Leeds. Several persons received wounds but no lives were lost and considering all the excitement no very serious damage was done to property.

Prince George arrived with his Lancers and other troops restored the peace and shortly after this affray 38 prisoners were marched to the Court House and quickly examined by

Some idea of the preparations made by the authorities in Leeds for the suppression of the disturbance can be gathered from the fact that 30,000 staves had been provided for the Special Constables, the streets were cleared early in the evening and Public Houses were forced to close at eight o’clock while a large number of Police and Special Constables were on duty for the whole night. Two thousand persons suffered imprisonment for being concerned in the riots in the County of York. Mr Feargus O’Connor, Mr Julian Harney and other Chartist leaders were convicted after long and expensive trials of promoting riots, but ultimately in June 1843, succeeded in obtaining an Arrest of Judgement in the Court of the Queens Bench.

The Charter, which called for democratic reforms

Chartist rioters by Alfred Pearse

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On their bikes

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The team from Bikeability visited Reach Primary Learning Centre in Beeston recently to pass on cycling skills to the pupils. Bikeability is a scheme that teaches pupils about bicycle and road safety. They learn how to make safety checks and use the different features on bicycles. Once they are able to confidently do this, they then learn how to navigate their way to different locations on their bike.

Friends unveil summer programme of events in Middleton Park

The Friends of Middleton Park have unveiled their summer programme of events for 2024 and as usual it includes live music, dance, history walks, some Shakespeare and the Great Middleton Park Show.

It starts with Bluebell Walks. FoMP volunteers will meet Middleton Railway passengers at Park Halt at 11:20am, 12:40pm and 2:20pm on Sunday 5 May and Bank Holiday Monday 6 May and escort them through the woods

to the Visitor Centre and back, enjoying the carpet of bluebells along the way.

Live music on the bandstand includes the Phoenix Brass Band (Sunday 2 June, 2:304:30pm), jazz from King & I Band (7 July), folk from Ceilidh band Hands Across (14 July), The North Leeds Jazz Orchestra appear on 1 September and The Friendly Band once again close the season on Sunday 29 September.

Middleton’s Got Talent will

celebrate local bands, singers and dancers on 4 August.

A highlight for many will be Oddsocks Theatre’s return on Tuesday 16 July. This year they present Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, but don’t worry about it being high brow. This is the Bard’s work retold as familyfriendly pantomime. The free show starts at 7pm, and goes on whatever the weather. Bring a picnic, chair or rug and maybe an umbrella just in case.

Guided walks will reveal

various aspects of the park through the summer. Beeston Wood is the destination for the walk on Sunday 19 May. Meet at the Visitor Centre at 1:30pm, please wear suitable footwear and dress for the weather.

That’s followed by a Broom Pit walk (30 June), South Leeds Golf Course which is now incorporated into the park (11 August) and finishing with Religion and the story of St Mary’s (15 September).

This year’s Great Middleton Park Show will be on 8 September. The show includes a craft and produce competion where you can show the flowers, fruit and vegetables from your garden plus your arts, crafts and baking from home or school. There will be lots more with stalls, food, live music and dance and live animal displays.

All of the events take a lot of organising which is all done by volunteers. If you enjoy the events and would like to see them continue why not give up a little of your time to help? There are lots of different roles and you won’t be asked to do anything you are not comfortable with. To find out more contact Friends of Middleton Park by emailing info@fomp.co.uk

Full details of all the events can be found at: fomp.co.uk or on Facebook.

The Bootcamp is back at Brickfield Park

Brickfield Bootcamp has started again and will run every Monday evening 6:307:30pm throughout the summer. It is a free outdoor activity session for anyone over 16 to attend in Brickfield Park, off Lady Pit Lane in Beeston.

Rob Docherty, a fitness instructor, who led the sessions last year will again be putting us through our paces and building up our strength and fitness levels as the summer progresses. We are starting earlier this year so by the time the summer comes – we will all be beach ready!

Last year a core group of local adults enjoyed being part of this Bootcamp and we had fun, played games and definitely got fitter and stronger, and so by popular demand locals have asked for Rob to return this year. Again kindly funded through Get Set Leeds Local and St Lukes CARES.

This class is for all fitness

levels and Rob tailors the class to suit everyone so please do come and join us. To register you can visit his website at robdochertymassage.com or

contact me, Tania Carlisle, Community Builder for St Lukes CARES, on 07917 157830 or tania@stlukescares.org.uk

If you or a group of residents

has a ‘good idea’ something they would like to see happen, that brings people together then do get in touch with me on the above number.

E-Sports Gamers Group

Join our Nintendo Switch eSports group and challenge your friends! Battle it out in Super Smash Bros, or see who's the best Mario Kart racer. All in a friendly manner, of course…

We have space for up to eight gamers with four playing at a time, while the other four provide lively commentary. As you build your team you could even challenge other libraries to a battle to see who is the best eSports team in Leeds!

St George's Centre Community Hub & Library, 3:45 - 4:45pm Wednesdays: 8 May, 12 & 26 June, 10 & 24 July. For ages 1216. To guarantee a place, pre-book at www.ticketsource.co.uk /leedslibraryevents

Book Club: Adventures in Reading

Join us for our junior book club sessions, where each week we'll explore a different theme. There's always lots of great discussion and fun activities to get stuck into! There's no need to read the same book as everybody else - we love to hear about each other's different book choices.

Hunslet Community Hub & Library, 3:45 - 4:45pm, Wednesdays: 1& 15 May, 5 & 19 June, 3 & 17 July. Suitable for 7 - 11 year olds with accompanying adults.

To guarantee a place, pre-book at www.ticketsource.co.uk /leedslibraryevents

New activity groups at Hamara

Two new groups are starting on Wednesdays at the Hamara Healthy Living Centre on Tempest Road in Beeston, LS11 6RD. In the morning there’s gardening and woodwork from 10am, then at 2pm the Artful Minds group will explore different artistic techniques and materials. Both groups are free and open to anyone aged 17+. To book email admin@hamara.co.uk or ring Sarah on (0113) 277 3330. Hamara now also offers benefits, housing, welfare advice and support for older people every Thursday 9am-5pm.

Slung Low presents ...

Slung Low host three shows this month starting with Is This Thing On? on Saturday 4 May at 7:30pm. Meet flatmates Mary and Liz, one a musician and the other a poet, as they battle over integrity, ownership, the spotlight and whose turn it is to buy the f***ing toilet roll.

Slung Low’s famous Cabaret returns on Saturday 18 May. An evening of music, comedy and interactive games. This is a fundraiser on behalf of Women's Counselling & Therapy Service.

I Hate It Here is an interactive devised piece about zero hours contracts and instability on Saturday 25 May.

All these shows are pay-what-you-decide. Book your free ticket at www.slunglow.org /shows and once you’ve seen the show decide how much you want to pay. Slung Low’s Warehouse In Holbeck is on Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ.

Wild Play at Skelton Grange

The Big Wild Play Out on Saturday 25 May, 12-4pm. This is a free day out! Skelton Grange Environment Centre in Stourton, LS10 1RS is inviting families to join them for an afternoon of outdoor play. There will be free play in the woods, games, and the chance to have a go at pond dipping, bug hunting, and to explore an exciting new area of the grounds.

Then on Tuesday 27 May there’s a day of Wild Play for 8-12 year olds. Tickets cost £30 for the day, 10am-4pm. Activities may include wide games, outdoor cooking and wood crafts.

SEN-tastic

SEN-astic is a support group meeting at St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, LS11 8PD. It’s open to anyone who cares for children with special needs, parents, siblings, carers, childminders and grandparents.

The group runs from 9:15-10:30am on the third Thursday of each month. This month’s meeting is on Thursday 16 May. Come along for a coffee, friendship, advice and support.

Leeds Baby Bank

Leeds Baby Bank visits Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library on the third Thursday of every month between 10am12pm. They offer support to parents to access support services, community activity and longer-term support. They also gift families an essential top-up of items like nappies, wipes, formula and toiletries. Their next visit will be on Thursday 16 May.

The Friendly Band will perform on 24 September

by Tania Carlisle Getting

at Brickfield Bootcamp

What’s On

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in May

Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 27-31 May

Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/evens

Every Monday

Money Buddies

9am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Tea and Toast

9am-12pm BITMO’s Gate, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH

Warm Space

9am-1pm Belle Isle Welcome

Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, LS10 3DN

Parents & Tots Group

9:30-11am St Matthew’s

Community Centre, Holbeck

Trinity Network Tea, Coffee, Toast

9:30-11am United Reformed

Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

Women Only Exercise (HFA)

9:30-10:15am Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St

MEA Crafts Group

9:30-10:45am Middleton Elderly

Aid Social Centre, Acre Road

Holbeck Together coffee shop

10am-12pm St Matthew’s

Community Centre, Holbeck

Creative Communities Workshop

10am-2pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, LS11 8PD. From 15 April. Book: 07483 666342

Crochet & Knitting Group

10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street

MHA Craft Club

10-11:30am St Andrew’s

Community Centre, Old Lane

Mums and Tots

10:30am-12pm Asha

Neighbourhood Project, Beeston

Monday Breakfast Club

10:30am-12pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Ave, Hunslet, LS10 2QE

Chair Based Exercise

10:30am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus

Story & Rhyme (under 5s)

10:30-11:30am Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Lychee Red Chinese Seniors

Lunch Club

11am-1pm Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St

Digital 121 support drop in

11am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

MEA Bingo and Hoy

11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road

Trinity Network Indoor Curling

11:30am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

MHA Soup & Sandwich

11:30am-1pm St Andrew’s

Community Centre, Old Lane

Cottingley Warm Space

11:30am-2:30pm Cottingley

Community Centre, LS11 0HJ

Dinner Jackets (baked potato)

12-1:30pm St Matthew’s

Community Centre, Holbeck

MEA Lunch Club

12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road

Trinity Network Lunch Club, Bingo

12:30-2:15pm United Reformed

Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

Women’s Wellbeing (HFA)

1-3pm Middleton Family Centre, Sissons Road, LS10 4JG

Green Gym

1-3:30pm Skelton Grange

Environment Centre, Sourton, LS10 1RS

50+ Women’s Friendship Group

1-3pm Asha Neighbourhood

Project, Beeston

Beeston Bookwormers Book Club

1:30-2:30pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library Beeston

Digital Inclusion Classes

1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus

Dancercise

1:30-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road

MHA Meditation & Movement

1:45-2:45pm St Andrew’s

Community Centre, Old Lane

Children’s Gardening Group

3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs)

4-6pm Blenkinsop Field, Acre Road, Middleton, LS10 4JQ

Ultimate Dance Academy

4:30-7pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, LS10 4AW

Kickboxing

6:30-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

Legs, Bums & Tums

7pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, LS10 4AW

ANDYSMANCLUB

7-9pm Leeds College of Building, Cudbear Street, Hunslet LS10 1EF

ANDYSMANCLUB

7-9pm Vale Circles, Tunstall Road, Dewsbury Rd, Beeston LS11 5JF

Every Tuesday

Tots Group

9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle

Stay and Play under 5s

9-10:30am BITMO’s Gate, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH

Warm Space

9am-1pm Belle Isle Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, LS10 3DN

Holbeck Together Boxercise

9-9:45am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

MHA Breakfast Buddies

9:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane

Advice & Advocacy

9:30am-2:30pm Asha

Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600

Trinity Network Indoor Exercise

9:45am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

Mobile Hub & Library

10am-3:30pm near St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

Chair Based Exercise

10-11am St Matthew’s

Community Centre, Holbeck

Coffee and Connect

10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Grandparents Kinship Support

Group

10am-12pm St George’s Centre, Middleton

Woodwork

10am Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, Belle Isle

MHA Exercise Class

10-11am South Leeds

Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston, LS11 7JH

Craft & Chat

10:30am-12:30pm St George’s

Community Hub and Library, Middleton

Aasra Unpaid Carers Group

10:30am-12:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, LS11 6RD

Story & Rhyme (under 5s)

10:30-11:30am Beeston

Community Hub & Library, Town St Story & Rhyme (under 5s)

10:30-11:30am Hunslet

Community Hub & Library, off Church Street

Stronger Together (SEND parents)

11am-1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH

Bingo and Hoy

11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road

MHA Lunch and Social

11am-2pm Arthington Court, Balm Road, Hunslet

MEA Lunch Club

12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road

Holbeck Together Lunch Club

12-1:30pm St Matthew’s

Community Centre, Holbeck

Lunch Club and Social

12-3pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus

Trinity Network Lunch Club

12:30-1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

Lunchtime meditation

12:30-1pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road Holbeck

Women Only Swimming

1-2pm Asha Neighbourhood

Project, Beeston

MHA Line Dancing

1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston

MEA Walking Group

1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Digital Beginners

1:30-3pm BITMOs Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH

Book: (0113) 378 2190

Healthy Hearts Advice

1:30-4pm BITMOs Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH

Movie Afternoon

1:30-3:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

MEA Line Dancing

2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road.

Hot Meal (free to BITMO tenants)

3:30-5:30pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road

Free Kids Sports

3:30pm Low Grange View, Belle Isle, LS10 3DT

Mental Health Peer Support

Group

3:45-6pm Involve Community Centre, Hunslet, LS10 2QE

Women’s Make & Do Group

4:30-6pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Book: 07848 515528

Cockburn Community Choir

5-6pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston

Free Kids Sports

4:45pm West Grange Road MUGA, Belle Isle, LS10 3AW

DAZL Dance

5:30-6:30pm Cottingley

Community Centre

Girls-only Football

5:30pm Yrs 2-4; 6:30pm Yrs 5-7

The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, LS10 1BP

Dance Fitness (14+)

6-7pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road

Book: 07519 018675

Inside Out exercise class (HFA)

6-7pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX 51st Leeds (Hunslet) Guides

6:15-7:15pm Rainbows; 6:157:30pm Brownies; 7:15-8:30pm Guides St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, Church Street, Hunslet

Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs)

6:30-8:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Old Elland Road

Hunslet Nelson Women’s

Rounders

6:30-7:30pm Hunslet Nelson

Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Yoga (HFA)

6:40pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, Belle Isle South Leeds Lakers Running Club

6:50pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston. Book: bit.ly/LakersRunning

MINT Men’s Support Group

7-9pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH

Middletones singing group (HFA)

7-9pm Laurel Bank Day Centre, Middleton Park Avenue, LS10 4HY

Every Wednesday

One You Weight Management

8:30am-12:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle

Everyday Lives coffee morning

9-11am Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St Warm Space

9am-1pm Belle Isle Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, LS10 3DN

Open doors

9:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Old Lane, Beeston

Bacon Butty morning

9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Advice & Advocacy

9:30am-2:30pm Asha

Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600

Brave Hearts peer support group for women whose children no longer live with them

10am-12pm Middleton Family Centre 256-262 Sissons Road LS10 4JG

Adult Maths Support

10am-1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH

Mobile Hub & Library

10am-12pm outside shops, Cottingley

Holbeck Together coffee morning

10am-12pm Ingram Court

Community Room, Holbeck Trinity Network Keep Fit with Julie 10am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

Anti-social Behaviour surgery

10am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Creative Communities Workshop

9:30am-1:30pm BITMOs Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH. From 17 April

Book: 07483 666342

Woodwork

10am Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, Belle Isle

Remember Together Group

Young Dementia Leeds Hub, Cottingley Book: 07983 215865

email mcst@ageukleeds.org.uk

Beeston In Bloom Gardening Gp

10am-12pm Millennium Garden, Cross Flatts Park

Scrabble Club

10am-12pm St George’s

Community Hub and Library, Middleton

Rags To Riches Sewing Group

10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX

Beeston Remembered

10:30-11:30am Beeston

Community Hub & Library,Town St

Raising Vibes

11am-2pm Holbeck Moor

Skatepark

Hunslet Litterpicking Group

11-12:30pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, LS10 2QE

Holbeck Together Lunch Club

12-1:30pm Ingram Court

Community Room, Holbeck

MHA Cottingley Lunch Club

12-2pm Cottingley Community Centre, 115 Cottingley Approach

Trinity Network Lunch Club

12:30-1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

Sew It Seams Sewing Group

1-3pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX

Warm Space

1-3pm St Luke’s CARES 246

Dewsbury Road, LS11 6JQ

Online Self Care Group

1-2pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre Book: amy.hallam@healthforall.org.uk

Holbeck Together Craft Afternoon

1:30-3:30pm Ingram Court

Community Room, Holbeck

Parents & Tots Social

1:30-2:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston

Walk and Talk (HFA)

2-3pm meet at Middleton Park

main gates on Town Street

Tai Chi

2pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, Belle Isle

Children bike confidence

3:45-4:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, LS11 7NA

Brave Words Drama Group (4-17)

4-7:30pm Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St

Book: 07775 926166

Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs)

4:30-6:30pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Belle Isle.

Ultimate Dance Academy

4:20-6pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, LS10 4AW

Bat & Chat Table Tennis

5-7pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

1st SLAM Beavers (6-8 yrs)

6-7:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston

Yin Yoga with Amy

6-7pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck

Illuminate Dance

6pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, Belle Isle

Holbeck Moor FC: Inclusive adult football training

6:30pm Holbeck Moor

Line Dancing

6:45-9pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle

Leeds Co-operative Photographic Society

8pm St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton

Every Thursday

Tots Group

9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: 07794 577586

Music & Movement

9am-1pm Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston

Parents & Tots Group

9-11am Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Warm Space

9am-1pm Belle Isle Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, LS10 3DN

Mobile Hub & Library

9:30am-3:30pm near St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

Advice & Advocacy

9:30am-2:30pm Asha

Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600

Holbeck Together shopping trip

9:30am-12:30pm Book: 0113 245 5553

Holbeck Community Shop

9:30am-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

Ping Pong

9:30-10:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Holbeck Together Coffee Shop 9:45-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

Library Story Bus

10-11:30am St Matthew’s

Community Centre, Holbeck Splat Mat play for under 5s

10-11am Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, LS11 6RD Trinity Network Craft

10am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

Kushy Nana (HFA Elder

Bangladeshi Women’s Group) 10am-12pm Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue, LS11 7DD Women’s Friendship Group 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd Craft and Chat

10-11:45am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Woodwork

10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Craft Group / Digital Inclusion 10:30am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus

Story & Rhyme (under 5s)

10:30-11:30am St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton Walking Football 11am-12pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road

Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Warm Space 11:30am-2pm Cottingley Community Centre Line Dancing

11:30am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

Changingfurniture?your

Rugby kids meet Legend Sam Burgess

by Zoe Cressar

The Hunslht Club’s Easter school Holiday Rugby Camp included a visit to The Halliwell Jones Stadium to watch the Warrington Wolves first team train ahead of their game against Leeds Rhinos. Our young rugby players got to watch the first team train, run drills and go through their game-plan and afterwards got to meet and greet the players and coach, the rugby league legend Sam Burgess.

Burgess told the young rugby enthusiasts about his Hunslet Parkside roots and his fond memories of playing and coming up in Hunslet. Our young players found this fascinating and were truly inspired by this. There was an ‘If he can, why can’t we’ attitude and this is what our rugby camps are all about. Inspiring our young people through sports.

Burgess was endearing and humble and we can’t thank him, the Warrington Wolves first team and the Warrington Wolves Foundation enough for hosting us and supporting our

charity.

As a charity The Hunslet Club is dedicated to enriching and empowering our young players and giving them the skills and opportunities to thrive and achieve their full potential. Our Rugby camps are accessible and affordable to all young people despite their financial circumstances.

Our next trip will see us take our young players to watch the Leeds Rhinos captains run at Headingley Stadium, we are then heading to The Climbing Lab in Leeds for a bouldering session to challenge our young players to try something new but also have fun!

We are so excited to be able to offer these experiences to all aspiring young rugby players from ages 6-12 from South Leeds and surrounding areas.

To inspire and ignite passion and to have fun and enjoy the sport with likeminded young people.

Our next School Holiday Rugby Activity Camp will run on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 May. Tickets are limited and are first come, first served and will be on sale via our website

from Wednesday 1 May. All funds raised through ticket sales go back into our charity to enable us to continue to help all young people in our area.

The Hunslet Club and Hunslet ARLFC, we run Rugby Camps every school holiday. Our camps provide young players with the opportunity to stay active, develop their skills, and deepen their passion for the sport.

These camps offer structured coaching sessions led by experienced coaches, allowing players to learn new techniques, improve their game, and build confidence in a fun and supportive environment. Our Rugby camps also provide a valuable opportunity for players to make new friends, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and gain a sense of belonging within the rugby community.

By running camps during the school holidays, we ensure that young players have access to high-quality coaching and support year-round, helping them to reach their full potential, both in the sport and in their life.

Sam Burgess talks to young rugby players from The Hunslet Club

Taking the world by storm

Congratulations to Leeds Dynamite’s Bomb Squad who won Silver in the Open Hip Hop small group section of the World Championships in Orlando Florida. Watch out for a full report next month.

Have your say on new sports PlayZones

Leeds City Council is asking residents for their views on improving two Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) in South Leeds and turning them into PlayZones.

Primarily funded by the Football Foundation, PlayZones are high quality facilities offering space for recreational physical activity across sports such as Football, Netball, Rugby, Cricket, Hockey or Basketball.

Cross Flatts Park and Holbeck Community Centre in the heart of Holbeck (a Health for All managed building facing onto the motorway, Elland Road) are two of six MUGAs areas in Leeds which are currently being consulted on to find out community interest in them becoming PlayZones. It

is important community voices and groups (current and potential future users) are feeding into whether they’d like to see a PlayZone in their area and how they’d like to use one if it happened.

The PlayZone Programme is an investment programme aimed at tackling inequalities in physical activity and access to facilities by funding community-led spaces. Its aim is to focus on communities with the greatest need and will deliver new or refurbished safe and accessible mini pitches that will allow priority groups to be more active.

You can give your views by completing the online survey, following the links below. If any groups want to give a collective response, please contact

karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk for a survey which will help you capture your group conversations. Any groups which feel a face to face visit would be of benefit should also contact Karen.

To complete the survey for Cross Flatts Park go to: surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/

FHLWNS

For Holbeck Community Centre go to: surveys.leeds .gov.uk/s/4II4QZ

Or scan the QR codes:

Both surveys close on Friday 17 May.

Let’s Move: South Leeds

Following the success of the first Let’s Move: South Leeds event last year, it will be returning in 2024 on 11 May 12-3pm at Cross Flatts Park.

Get Set Leeds Local are working with community partners to come together celebrating and showcasing some of the many ways residents can ‘move more’ within South Leeds.

Over 20 local groups, sports clubs and activity providers will be there creating opportunities for all ages through taster activities, mini challenges, demonstrations and ‘have a go’ activities for all ages.

There’ll be chances to join in some familiar activities and perhaps have a go at something new and find out more about ways to get involved.

Shoot a hoop, kick, throw, have a tennis rally, join in a dance workshop, join a

treasure hunt, find out more about climbing, try your hand at bowls, learn some martial arts, play, chat and more. There will bike tagging and bike fixing for those that wish to bring their bike, along with bike activities for younger and older children (no bike needed). Come along and take a pit stop with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and share your insight. We’d like to thank the Inner South Community Committee for it’s support, along with Aldi for donations of

May is walking month

by

GetSet Leeds Local is enjoying all things walking this month, as May is National Walking Month.

Walking can be a great way to get up and get out to explore local outdoor spaces. You don’t have to walk for hours. A brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits and counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.

We’d love to hear your tips, favourite walks or what you enjoy about walking. Tag or share with us on social media. Whether it’s getting out litter

it in small chunks and love every little bit of it. Get started and you will love it!”

Walking with kids? Can you walk the rainbow, spotting objects the colours of the rainbow? Explore nature? Let the kids choose the destination? Play floor is lava? Create a scavenger hunt by writing a list of things to spot on your journey.

A different way to explore is to download Love Exploring which is a free App which includes Leeds walking trails and augmented reality games within local parks – hunt for Mini Beasts on your phone at Holbeck Moor or dinosaurs in Cross Flatts Park. There are games in Brickfield Park, Middleton Park as well as places such as Roundhay Park and Temple Newsam.

Active Leeds delivers free

All and Being You Leeds to name just a few of the local groups. Get in touch with them directly to find out days and times.

If you’d like to be a walk leader (or help facilitate any active groups) then get in touch to see if we can support.

Want to walk, jog or run? Parkrun welcomes walkers and joggers, or anyone doing a combination of the two. Parkrun (5km) happens every Saturday 9am at Cross Flatts Park and Middleton Woods. Junior parkrun (2km) happens 9am every Sunday at Cross Flatts Park. Visit www.parkrun .org.uk to register before attending your first one.

If you do want to build up to jogging a 5km, the free NHS App ‘Couch 2 5K’ guides you from beginner and builds you up to jogging over a number of

drinks and snacks. Come along and join in, chat and get to know what’s going on locally. If you run a group/club and would like to be a part of it then get in touch with karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk

picking, walking your children to school, or doing 10 minutes during your lunch break. Walking is one of the easiest ways to improve our wellbeing and stay connected to your community.

Beeston Hill resident Clara shares “I love walking. Walking either alone or in group always bring the best out of me, it helps me feel energized and connected to my surroundings. My favourite places to walk in Leeds are the Liverpool canal or my local park (Cross Flatts Park). I do believe that walking is essential for our physical and mental health.

“I love the seaside, so if I was asked to recommend a walk around Yorkshire it would be The Cleveland Way National Trail. It’s an easy walk and accessible to most. I have done

walk leader training to leaders and volunteers wanting to take a group out on led walks. As a walk leader you get to choose exactly where to walk and share your favourite routes with others.

Many of our Third sector organisations have group walks, or would welcome new walk leader volunteers to set up new ones. Walking in a group is a great way to get to know new people in an easy going way.

I used to lead some walking groups and found it to be something that connected people from all backgrounds, and could guarantee that most weeks someone would discover a new hidden gem. Weekly or monthly walking groups are currently being led by Holbeck Together, Health for

weeks. Local groups such as South Leeds Lakers often have Couch 2 5K groups throughout the year for new starters wanting additional group support.

Lastly wheels instead of walking. Cycle North are beginning some new women only learn to ride sessions throughout May. These will be taking place Thursdays 12:30pm at Cross Flatts Park. Bikes and helmets are provided. Sessions are bookable via Eventbrite. Visit www.cyclenorth.co.uk/adults to find both adult and the women only learn to ride and cycle confidence sessions.

If you have other ideas for things you’d like to see within South Leeds to help you “move” then get in touch via karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk

Illustration of how a PlayZone could look

Cross Flatts Park Holbeck

Karen Peck

May is National Walking Month. Photo: Shutterstock

Hunslet battle to make progress

Hunslet RLFC have had a tough month struggling against superior teams and against clubs they need to beat to fight for promotion.

Hunslet’s unbeaten start to the Betfred League 1 season ended on Good Friday (29 March) at the South Leeds Stadium against a full strength and much fancied Keighley Cougars.

The Parksiders had run the Cougars close back in February in the Challenge Cup, but Keighley were on form and Hunslet missing Billy Gaylor and Toby Everett, with Lewis Wray and Brandan Wilkinson also out long term couldn’t halt

the Keighley attack aided by constant penalties.

The game started well for the hosts who scored straight out of the blocks. Jordan Syme made good ground before Matty Beharrell sent Josh Jordan-Roberts on a barrelling run to the line. More pressure, and Hunslet extended the lead when Matty Beharrell took 2 points after Michael Knowles was tackled late.

But Keighley established themselves in the game scoring four tries before going in 8-20 up at half time.

Hunslet scored again, after a Jimmy Watson break Matty Beharrell sent Alfie Goddard over in the corner. Beharrell converting well.

But a stronger Keighley ran out 14-42 winners.

Hunslet couldn’t match the power and pace of high flyers Oldham at the South Leeds Stadium on 7 April. The Roughyeds are hot favourites for the top spot in League 1 and are even tipped to go unbeaten all year.

The visitors showed their credentials when they crossed for their first try on only the first minute after a kick to the corner was touched down by Cian Tyrer, who went on to score six tries in the game. Finsl score 0-62.

Hunslet came back from 180 down to win 26-30 against a lively Midlands Hurricanes at the Olympic Legacy Park,

Sheffield (their ground being double booked) 14 April.

After their poor start Hunslet finally got some field position after a spear tackle on Jack Render. The resulting play saw Williams and Watson combining to give Alfie Goddard a chance, the big winger took with both hands. Beharrell converting .18-6.

With defences not at their best more tries ensued with Jimmy Watson and Josh Jordan-Roberts scoring for the Parksiders. 26-18 at half time.

The game was end-to-end, but there wasn’t another score until the 70th minute when Cam Berry stole a try from acting half-back after SpencerTonks and Knowles made good

yards.

Another Spencer-Tonks break set Hunslet up, and quick thinking from Matty Beharrell edged the visitors in front as his inch perfect kick was swept up by Jude Ferreira to score. Beharrell converted and Hunslet had a 26-30 victory.

Hunslet’s injury woes down their right edge struck again a week later as on-loan winger Matty Chrimes and centre Alfie Goddard came off injured at a crucial point in the game against Workington Town.

Hunslet have already lost Mac Walsh (to Toulouse) and Will Adams (to injury) in the right centres as the Parksiders lost a tight tussle against the Cumbrians.

The game ebbed and flowed but the visitors got on the front foot as Hunslet had to shuffle their pack midway through the second half.

The visitors went 0-12 up before a Matty Beharrell kick was palmed back by Alfie Goddard and Aaron Levy swept up to score. Beharrell converting 6-12

Now getting on top it was Hunslet who were forcing the drop-outs. Mallinson and Watson carved a gap and with the Workington defence wobbling Cam Berry scooted over. Beharrell converting to make it 12-12.

The half was ending on a high note for the home side.

Harvey Hallas and Ethan O’Hanlon carved a path down the centre for Matty Beharrell to put an inch perfect kick up, Jude Ferreira leaping to score. 18-12 and Hunslet didn’t want the break.

Workington fought their way back into the match, equalising on 59 minutes. Then the game breaker came on 63 minutes.

Workington full-back Jordan Burns fielded a kick and made a break down the left hand side. Hunslet defenders missed tackles and before we knew it a defensive run turned into attack, Ciaran Walker was there inside to finish it off and Town led 18-24.

The shellshock of the turnaround hit Hunslet hard, having to shuffle the pack through injury, JJ Key rolled out of a tackle on 66 minutes and put the game to bed giving the Cumbrians an 18-30 lead, which they held onto.

Hunslet gained revenge for last season’s play-off defeat to North Wales Crusaders with two late tries and jumped above their opponents in the Betfred League 1 table on 28 April. Once again they gave their opponents a head start as North Wales scored twice before the Parkersiders pulled one back before half time.

The game changed on 58 minutes following a 40/20.

Billy Gaylor fed Harvey Hallas who was too strong and scored.

On 76 minutes the home side hit the lead when Jack Render broke down the left. Although the winger was held up quick hands to the right gave Scurr a chance to score.

Jack Render made the game safe finishing a move after Josh Jordan-Roberts intercepted. Hunslet’s next home match is against Cornwall on Sunday 26 May, kick off 1pm.

Get full match reports of every Hunslet RLFC match online at southleedslife.com

Leeds Knights win the League

Leeds Knights are standing tall at the top of the NIHL (National Ice Hockey League) table after winning the division for the second season in a row.

Going into the match against Sheffield Steeldogs on Sunday 24 March the Knights had already won the league, and produced another high class performance. The match ended in a 6-3 win for Leeds in a battling performance.

As the first period of the match unfolded Leeds took control and ended the stronger side. The Ice Hockey club, who formed in 2019 and play at Planet Ice on Elland Road, have won the league twice in two

years. The sport has increased in popularity in the city of Leeds and a successful season has helped gather more support.

The NIHL is the second tier of Ice Hockey in Britain, there is

no promotion or relegation from the league.

Having won the League the Knights went on to win their pool in the play-offs winning 5 out 6 matches and losing one

penalty shoot out. They then beat Swindon Wildcats in the semi final, before narrowly losing the final 4-3 to the Peterborough Phantoms.

Leeds Knights in action against Sheffield Steeldogs. Photo: Michael Ullah

Harvey Hallas scores against North Wales Crusaders. Photo: Craig Irvine

by Michael Ullah

by Ian Pickles