Your FREEcommunitynewspaper Issue 112 | October 2024
LEEDS UNITED TO EXPAND STADIUM
Lhaveeeds United Football Club announced next steps in the plan to re-imagine and enhance Elland Road Stadium, home of the Whites since 1919.
Earlier this year, the ownership of the stadium was transferred back to Leeds United, giving the club full control of the ground for the first time since 2004, with plans now in the works for its long-term future.
The existing stadium has a capacity of 37,645 seats, with regeneration set to increase that to circa 53,000, with greatly improved general admission and hospitality facilities.
Leeds United is a one-club city, a rarity in European football and demand for tickets consistently outpaces the currently available supply. Elland Road in its current form has sold out for every match over the last six years and there are 26,000 supporters on the waiting list for season tickets.
The revitalisation will focus on increasing capacity to the North and West Stands and will be delivered in phases to maintain as much seating as possible during construction.
The club, along with owners 49ers Enterprises, have brought in specialist acoustic consultants to ensure Elland Road’s unique atmosphere is retained. A local transport
Club plan to increase stadium capacity to 53,000
consultant has been commissioned to help plan access routes and manage traffic flows during construction.
Critically, the club and the professional team will also be looking closely at matchday travel plans to ensure an improvement in the experience for both residents and supporters arriving at the ground.
Paraag Marathe, Chairman of Leeds United Football Club and President of 49ers Enterprises, said:
“We recognise how important Elland Road is to the Leeds United fans and the wider community. The opportunity to refresh a century-old stadium, coupled with the legacy of Leeds United, is unprecedented. Our plans reinforce our commitment to the long-term success of the club and I am excited that we are going to be able to welcome thousands more supporters to every game, in a stadium that retains the unique atmosphere of Elland Road. We look forward to sharing our plans with supporters and the local community for their input.”
Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:
“As council leader and a lifelong Leeds United fan I very much welcome this news for what it could mean for the club,
its supporters, the local community and the city. Leeds United inspires real passion in fans and Elland Road itself allows them to demonstrate that fervent support to great effect.
“Expanding and enhancing the existing ground will allow many more fans access to games while protecting the unique Elland Road atmosphere.
“This investment can also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans of South Leeds, which represents an opportunity of national
significance. Getting there will be easier with work to improve Leeds Station and the introduction of a White Rose rail station, along with the potential of a proposed mass transit route from the city centre close to the ground. We’ve had some very positive initial meetings with their team and look forward to working with them on this important vision, to ensure this project moves forward and unlocks significant benefits to the city and its communities.”
Cllr Andrew Scopes (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) added:
“The proposed plans are exciting and have the potential to be good for our local community. However, there is no hiding from the fact that match day parking issues affect our community and I’ll be pushing for this to be fully considered and mitigated as much as possible. My understanding is that the club has committed to engaging with the local community and then they will have to go through a planning process which will give residents another chance to give feedback.”
Elland Road stadium. Photo: Jeremy Morton
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Former school building to become conference and banqueting centre
An application for planning permission has been submitted to convert a Victorian school building on Hunslet Hall Road in
beeston into ‘conference and banqueting facilities’.
The building, known as Hunslet Hall, has most recently been used by Leeds City Council as an area office for Adults and Children’s
Services. The developers, IQW Developments Ltd, propose stripping out the modern internal walls and suspended ceiling to return the main central hall to it’s Victorian scale. Adjacent rooms will
M621 major improvement scheme enters final stages
Motorists
in South Leeds will soon see better journeys on a city motorway as a two-year programme of major improvements approaches completion.
National Highways has been carrying out important upgrades on the M621 between junctions 1 (Beeston) and 7 (Stourton). The scheme aims to ease congestion at key locations along the M621, providing a better, safer, experience for motorists and more reliable journeys.
To protect drivers and the workforce, traffic management measures have been in place since work began in summer 2022 – but National Highways has now lifted all lane restrictions and temporary speed limits on the M621.
In May 2023, the junction 2a exit slip (Cemetery Road) was permanently closed, reducing the amount of commuter traffic using local roads in Hunslet and Beeston. Once the measures have been removed, drivers on the M621 will also notice:
Additional lanes at junction 3 • (Holbeck)
More free-flowing traffic • between junction 1 and junction 3
New technology including • overhead electronic signs, roadside signals, emergency phones and CCTV
Installation of average speed • enforcement cameras to enforce the 50mph speed limit, reduce risk of collisions and ensure safety along this route.
The average speed cameras continuously capture images of vehicles as they pass using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). When the same vehicle is recorded by another camera connected to the system, the average speed of the vehicle is calculated between the cameras.
While National Highways oversees the network, West Yorkshire Police are responsible for the speed limit enforcements.
As with any complex major roads project, some overnight lane closures may still be required in the coming weeks to fix any minor defects identified in inspections to ensure that everything is working as designed.
Work will also continue on the junction 2 (Elland Road) roundabout near Leeds United’s football stadium, where additional lanes have been added. National Highways is installing new traffic signals in this area and at Elland Road and Cemetery Road. Both of these junctions will be handed over to Leeds City Council.
National Highways Project Manager Christopher Ward said: “For two years we have been
house a catering kitchen, staff rooms, toilets, etc.
The former playground can accommodate at least 80 cars and the applications states they plan for the building to be open 11am11:30pm, but that it would be a ‘non-alcoholic venue’.
The change of use follows a trend locally which has seen the Beeston Hill and Dewsbury Road Social Clubs become banqueting suites, perhaps reflecting the lack of suitable venues to host large weddings locally.
The building, which is not listed, was originally built to accommodate Infants at the nearby Bewerley Street School at the end of the nineteenth century. It was later known as Hunslet Hall Road School, before being merged with Arthur Greenwood Middle School to form Greenwood Primary School. New Bewerley Community School now sits on that site.
As we reported, two years ago Kurdish House Leeds led a fundraising campaign to buy the building in order to create a community centre. However, Leeds City Council sold the building at auction.
You can read the full application at bit.ly/HHplanning. Comments on the planning application must be submitted by Friday 11 October 2024.
and the surrounding area.”
“While the M621 mainline carriageway works are complete, our contractors will remain on site until the new year to undertake minor remedial works and include working on the surrounding Leeds City Council road network.
working with our partners and communities to make journeys in and through Leeds safer and reduce congestion on this route, and we’re delighted that the M621 works are now almost complete. We expect the remaining works to be completed and ready for operation by Leeds City Council in the next few weeks.
“Drivers, residents and businesses in Leeds have been very patient and we’re grateful to them for their support. We believe these improvements will not only be good news for drivers but also the local and regional economy as we’ve improved the way people and businesses access Leeds city centre
“Motorists will also be aware of other schemes in the area, including a central barrier upgrade on the M1 between junctions 43 and 47 and Leeds City Council’s improvements to Armley Gyratory. We continue to work with our partners to finish our works as soon as we can, providing a safer and smoother route for West Yorkshire.”
Further updates on the scheme and a set of Frequently Asked Questions are available on the National Highways dedicated M621 junctions 1-7 web page. Updates are also shared on the @HighwaysYORKS X (Twitter) feed and the National Highways: Yorkshire Facebook page.
Photo: Google by Jeremy Morton
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Wade’s Charity donate “Bernie” to equestrian centre in memory of Bernard Atha
Bernie, a handsome piebald, had his first trot round his Leeds home on 17 September after being officially named after the arts, sports and civic legend Bernard Atha, who sadly passed away in 2022.
Bernie, a 15–hand, 12 yearold, was bought by Middleton Park Equestrian Centre with a grant from Leeds’ oldest charity Wade’s. A versatile horse, he had been specially trained to work with riders with a variety of disabilities.
One of Bernard’s key charitable achievements was helping set up Middleton Park Equestrian Centre back in the early 1990s, which provides riding opportunities for the disabled and disadvantaged people in Leeds. The connection to the Centre continued after Bernard’s
death with his family nominating the charity to receive donations in Bernard’s memory.
At a special event today, the Centre hosted members of Bernard’s family, along with representatives of Wade’s charity, to meet Bernie and unveil a plaque to mark his official naming. To celebrate the occasion Bernie got a special grooming before being taken into the centre’s arena for a trot with one of his favourite riders, Rachel Parker, a wheelchair user.
His niece Liz Carter explained:
“The Middleton Park Equestrian Centre and Riding for the Disabled, were very dear to Bernard. He knew how beneficial and therapeutic it is for youngsters and people with disabilities, or disadvantaged
in some way, to learn to ride and develop a trusting relationship with the horses. It literally changes lives for the better for both young and old.
“Bernie is fabulous horse, very handsome! He is a great tribute to Bernard’s memory. He would love the idea that his namesake will make people happy. Our thanks go to Wade’s Charity for sponsoring the purchase of Bernie and for naming him in Bernard’s honour.”
Mark Pullan, Wade’s Chairman said:
“Bernard was a naturally gregarious and generous person, who gave his time freely to Wade’s and to the equestrian centre. He was never lost for words, chosen with care, and had an indomitable sense of humour. By donating Bernie to
Middleton Park Equestrian Centre we are helping Bernard’s legacy live on.”
Bernard Atha served a record 57 years as a councillor in Leeds, was deeply involved with Northern Ballet, West Yorkshire Playhouse, paralympic sports and numerous health and arts bodies. He received an OBE and later CBE. He also had a sideline in acting, playing a careers officer in the iconic film ‘Kes’.
Bernard was also a Trustee of Wade’s Charity – Leeds oldest charity – which owns many green spaces in Leeds which are now managed by Leeds city council. The Trustees also manage monies left in trust and the income helps to provide grants to Leeds based charities and community groups.
Beeston to lose the number 1 bus ... again
FirstBus has announced service changes to come into effect on Sunday 27
October, including the removal of the 1 and 1B, to be replaced by a new 24 service.
The 24 will run from Beeston through the city centre and Headingley to Holt Park, the route of the old 1 service before it was changed to the 10 in September 2019.
Following a campaign by local people, the service was restored a year later, but the new number 1 terminated short of Lawnswood Cemetery.
The frequency of the service has been cut from 8 buses an hour to 4 since then.
In its announcement of service changes on its website
First Bus says: “These services have been renumbered to improve coordination with other services along the Headingley Line.”
But local residents are not happy, pointing out that the number 1 has served Beeston going right back to the days of trams. They also point out that Headingley will get a much better service than Beeston with buses running to the city centre every 3-4 minutes Monday to Friday and operate 24 hours a day.
Buses to Beeston will run every 15 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime, every 20 minutes Sunday daytime and every 30 minutes in the evenings.
Commenting on Facebook Beck General said:
“I was one of the activists involved in the defend the one campaign in 2019 and I am so upset to read about this. It shows such disdain for bus users that they will be so casual and private about such updates. Why are we never asked?”
And Richard Edwards said:
“Re-establishing the direct link to Lawnswood / Holt Park that we lost in 2019 is welcome, but renumbering it to No. 24 (which has no relevance to Beeston whereas it's always been the No.1 for as long as I've lived here) will confuse a lot of people, also it's a pity to lose that iconic link with our past - I believe the No. 1 route dates back to the days of the trams. Should Worst Bus be allowed to just scrap that on a whim with no consultation? Needs to go back to every 10 mins too - if one knocks, or is full, half an hour is a very long time to wait in the cold and wet.”
The West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, is in the process of taking control over bus services through a process called franchising. In future the West Yorkshire Combined Authority will set routes, frequency and fares, but for now the bus companies still make their own decisions, with no democratic accountability. First Bus has been approached for comment.
Bernie, Wade’s Trustees, family and MPEC staff and disabled rider Rachel Harker
The South Bank area of Holbeck and Hunslet is to enjoy more affordable and lower carbon heating after £24.5m funding was secured to further expand the Leeds PIPES district heating network.
The expansion is planned to include up to 28 buildings, with up to 8,000 residents and mixed-use customers benefitting from connections, making it the most significant single investment into the project since its inception.
Households benefitting from the expansion will enjoy more reliable, more affordable, lower carbon heating.
By using heat recovered from the city’s non-recyclable domestic waste to provide warmth and hot water to buildings in the city, the Leeds PIPES district heating project is helping businesses and residents to move away from costly fossil-fuel powered heating systems.
been completed at Leeds Conservatoire and the former Technology Campus Student Residential development and both sites are now receiving heat from the network.
Over the summer, agreements have also been signed with the new Railway Street affordable homes scheme, 24-28 Great George Street, which is to become student apartments with the Victoria Hotel pub reopening on the ground floor, Leeds College of Building’s North Street Campus and the Co-op Academy Brierley SEND School in Cross Green.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space and Councillor Jessica Lennox, executive member for housing, said:
“We are both pleased that many more residents will soon be paying significantly less to heat their homes thanks to this latest expansion of the Leeds PIPES network.
LeedsCity Council’s Licensing Committee have approved plans, subject to public consultation, to control the sale of alcohol in parts of Beeston due to concerns about street drinking and anti-social behaviour.
A Cumulative Impact Area (CIA) across Beeston Hill (see map) will not prevent premises from obtaining an alcohol sale
license, but it does mean that they must show that they would be exemplary premises, and therefore it sets the bar significantly higher to obtain a licence.
This will allow authorities to better manage the proliferation of outlets selling alcohol in the area and will be a vital tool to help reduce issues related to alcohol abuse by limiting the
Low carbon heat network set to expand to the South Bank Council consults on Middleton car park charges Councillors welcome curb on alcohol sales in Beeston
number of future venues selling alcohol.
There are currently 29 licensed premises on Dewsbury Road and another 15 on Tempest Road and Beeston Road.
Cllr Mohammed Iqbal and Cllr Paul Wray (Labour, Hunslet and Riverside) welcomed the approval. Cllr Paul Wray said:
“Mohammad and I have long
campaigned for this and the scope of the proposed area is beyond our original ambitions. This is very good news.
“Thank you to the Licensing Committee who have approved the principle of a CIA for not just Dewsbury Road, as we lobbied for, but also all of Beeston Hill, all of the Garnets and most of the Longroyds.”
And Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet and Riverside) told the Yorkshire Evening Post:
“I think a CIA is really welcome. In the last few years we have seen a real upsurge in anti-social behaviour.”
The proposed CIA will now go to public consultation and assuming there are no significant issues identified, it will then be ratified at a future Council meeting.
Areas of Beeston village and Cross Flatts were also considered as they too have a large number of licenced premises.
However, they do not suffer the same levels of crime and ant-social behaviour, but they will be monitored and the CIA could be expanded in the future if necessary.
The continued expansion of the district heating network is supporting efforts to end the city’s contribution to climate change by transitioning to lower carbon heating systems.
Last year, 5,945 tonnes of carbon were saved through the network.
The original project connected over 1,900 homes and non-domestic buildings to the energy-from-waste scheme.
Earlier this year, over two hundred and fifty council properties in Little London were set up to receive heat from the network.
This year, connections have
“UK’s homes are some of the least efficient and most reliant on costly fossil fuel gas in Europe, and too many families in our city struggle to pay their energy bills. We are committed to helping households by making our homes greener and fit for the future.
“Leeds is working towards becoming the first net zero city in the UK, and connecting more homes to affordable low carbon heating like Leeds PIPES is a step in the right direction.”
LeedsCity Council intends to bring in car parking charges at Leeds Urban Bike Park (LUBP) on Ring Road Beeston Park in Middleton and is conducting a formal public consultation.
The local authority is facing unprecedented pressure on its finances and attempted to bring in the charges two years ago, but decided to withdraw the plan following negative feedback.
The council plans to charge vehicles £1 for up to two hours; £2.50 for up to four hours and £4 for up to twelve hours. Season tickets will be available at £10 per month or £80 for a year.
Disabled drivers displaying Blue Badges will not be charged.
The Friends of Middleton Park (FoMP) have responded to the consultation with Chair Alan Shaw saying:
“I can understand the need to ensure the council has sufficient funds to meet its statutory and non-statutory requirements, but in this case, I think that charging for parking will cause more hardship than the council realises – and will cause the council additional headaches further down the line.”
FoMP notes that the charges will impact on LUBP’s business
which has already had to struggle to get established and get through Covid. It will also impact other users including the Experience Community helps disabled people access the outdoors and Middleton Woods parkrun.
FoMP are also concerned about the impact on the car park near Middleton Park Visitor Centre, saying: “… but with there now being a two-tier parking infrastructure for the park, I would suggest that it will become even fuller and congested. On busy sunny days cars are parked all over the place in that area – including on verges, double parked, up
the drive to the main gates (on the double yellow lines). This can only get worse if parking charges are introduced at the LUBP car park.”
Councillor Wayne Dixon (SDP, Middleton Park) commenting on behalf of his ward colleagues said:
“We think these parking charges will cause more problems than they will solve. The charges on the bike park will surely mean people will simply park elsewhere to avoid paying.
“Our streets are highly likely to be impacted, not to mention our tiny car park near the visitor centre which thankfully has been reprieved from these
pointless charges.
“We feel for Jeremy and the team at the Urban Bike Park who have worked hard to build the bike park up only to be hit by this.
“Let’s not forget that getting people active is massively important, currently obesity costs the UK economy around £58 billion. The cost of the installation of the infrastructure and administration of the scheme will make this yet another short-sighted policy from our Labour administration that solves nothing.”
Comments about the planned charges can be posted to Climate, Energy and Green Spaces, Leeds City Council, Farnley Hall, Hall Lane, Leeds, LS12 5HA; or emailed to middleton.parking@leeds.gov. uk. The closing date for comments is Thursday 10 October.
The area centres on Dewsbury Road
‘Battle of Holbeck Moor’ commemmorated with Blue Plaque
AnewLeeds Civic Trust Blue Plaque has been unveiled to record the events of 1936 when 30,000 Leeds residents rallied against the British Union of Fascists on Holbeck Moor.
On 27 September 1936 Sir Oswald Mosley and 1,000 Blackshirts of the British Union of Fascists marched from the city centre, through Beeston to Holbeck Moor to hold an open air rally. Their intention was to stir up antisemitic racism in the city.
They had been stopped from marching through the Leylands district around North Street where much of the Leeds Jewish community lived.
Many of the Jews in Leeds had fled persecution and pogroms in Russia and Eastern Europe. Now they faced Fascism and soon their families would face the Holocaust.
Mosley was met on Holbeck Moor by 30,000 Leeds residents who repeatedly sang The Red Flag to drown out his speech. The fascists withdrew under a hail of stones, there were just three arrests.
The plaque has been nominated by Leeds Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) who organised a Crowdfunder to meet the costs. It has been supported by many local trade union branches and community organisations including Holbeck Moor FC, Holbeck Together, The Holbeck club, Holbeck Gala, Beeston Festival and Beeston Hill Community Association.
Leeds Civic Trust Director, Martin Hamilton said;
“Most of our plaques commemorate individuals or buildings but this one is different. It tells the story of how the people of Leeds rose up to oppose the rise of
fascism in the United Kingdom. This event made national news at the time and was an important statement of defiance as World War 2 approached. It is a story that deserves to be better known and I am delighted that we are able to support this blue plaque.”
Sam Kirk, Stand up to Racism said;
“We are delighted to be sponsoring this plaque to commemorate Leeds' biggest anti fascist event. It was one of many rallies, most of which aren't yet recognised. One week before The Battle of Cable Street it set an example.
“Recently, we have seen the far right, attacking hotels where those seeking asylum are staying. But like Holbeck we have also seen people
turning out against them sending a strong message that they are not welcome.
“We must continue to campaign against those like Tommy Robinson that want to encourage division. Thousands will repeat these huge rallies in London on 26 October this year. Four words link the three plaques across the country that commemorate some of these events: They Shall Not Pass.”
Councillor Andrew Scopes (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) said; “I’m delighted that The Battle of Holbeck Moor is being recognised as a significant moment in the history of our area. It feels like a really relevant moment for this Blue Plaque to be unveiled and to celebrate how Leeds united against fascism.”
As part of the project SUTR have traced family members of some of the 30,000, something that has never been done before.
Janice Heptonstall’s mother Muriel Lucas was on the Moor in 1936. Janice said:
"Standing at the back of the crowd, she was a young witness to the event rather than an active participant, so for her its importance was the impact it had on her developing understanding of the reality of Fascism – an understanding that would of course be deepened over the following nine years.
“For the rest of her life she remembered the hate written all over the faces of the young Blackshirts. However Mosley, she said, had not reckoned on ‘the men of Leeds’: a huge crowd had gathered on Holbeck Moor and was waiting, armed with stones which they threw, injuring some of the marchers and Mosley too.
“She would for ever remain proud that Leeds had turned back Mosley.”
Jeremy Wallis’s mother Sylvia Wallis was the daughter of a Communist Party organiser and was also at the rally, aged 13 or 14.
“During the conflict she hid under parked vehicles as mounted police charged around, an experience that left her with a lifelong fear of horses” he said.
Like Muriel Lucas, Sylvia is thought to have worked at the Avro aircraft factory in Yeadon during the war.
Mick Fitzpatrick’s grandfather walked from Batley with a group of miners from
engineering plants still operated. Like many others they picked up stones and half bricks (easier to lob) and aimed them at the Fascists.
“Mosley famously sported a visible injury the following week at Cable Street in London. I'm told that all the participants claimed it was their missile which hit him” explained Mick.
The unveiling ceremony on Sunday 29 September was attended by about 200 people.
Hilary Benn MP (Leeds South) was joined by colleagues Fabian Hamilton MP (Leeds North West) who unveiled the plaque and Richard Burgon MP (Leeds East whose grandfather protested on the Moor in 1936.
Gomersall Birstall and Howley Park mines.
“The miners group grew in numbers walking through Hunslet where many
Other speakers included Martin Hamilton from Leeds Civic Trust; Jeremy Wallis and Janice Heptonstall, from families connected to the event; Jane Aitchison, President of Leeds Trades Council; and Sam Kirk from Leeds Stand Up To Racism. Lewis Pugh performied his song ‘The Battle of Holbeck Moor’ whilst 200 cup cakes were distributed. The event closed with Gary Kaye leading the singing of ‘No Pasaran’.
Belle Isle says ‘Yes’ to tenant control
Belle Isle will be run by its tenant management organisation for another five years.
Belle Isle tenants have voted by a huge majority for Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) to continue.
This was announced at BITMO’s Annual General Meeting on 26 September by the Chair, Leon Kirkham. The meeting also elected five new tenant Board members. Jean Burton, Julie Rhodes and Tracy Morris return to the Board while Trevor Brown and Gerry Roberts are new members.
Twelve Belle Isle tenants make up a majority of the Board along with two Middleton Park councillors and up to four cooptees, who can also be Belle Isle residents.
BITMO’s Chief Executive Deborah Kelly commented “This was a good day for Belle Isle. We had a successful AGM, new tenant Board members were elected and we are delighted to have got the backing of Belle Isle tenants with 93% voting for BITMO to continue. For the next five years, BITMO’s tenant-led Board and our locally-based staff will keep working to make a stronger, safer, greener Belle Isle for everyone”.
BITMO has clearly brought benefits to Belle Isle. They have a local caretaking team, have a housing counter where you can walk in and see staff who know where your street is. They have local control. Is it time for tenants on other South Leeds estates to think about tenant management?
Families of some of the 30,000 protesters hold up photos of their relatives with the Blue Plaque. Photo: Dave Goodfield
Leeds MPs Hilary Benn, Richard Burgon and Fabian Hamilton. Photo: Dave Goodfield
Eric Kendall of MINT (Men in Need Together) addressing the BITMO AGM
Revive officially opens its Hunslet reuse shop
TheRevive re-use shop in Hunslet was officially opened today (25 September 2024) by the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung.
Also in attendance were Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, Councillor Mohammed Rafique; ward Councillors Ed Carlisle and Paul Wray; Elizabeth Palmer, CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP); Ali Ward, Board member at SLATE as well as staff and volunteers.
The shop builds on the success of shops at the Seacroft and Kirkstall household waste sites, where reusable items are diverted from the incinerator or landfill. The items are then sold at affordable prices to benefit residents and two Leeds charities: SLATE and SVP who jointly set up the social enterprise.
Andrew Zbos Operations Director at Revive explained that since opening the first shop in Seacroft 12 years ago, Revive has grown its turnover from £100,000 to about £2 million this year.
“Leeds needed a third shop” he continued “and having trialled having a shop away
from the household waste sites in Kirklees, we can expand even further in Leeds. This shop’s working fabulously and with 5,000 sq ft selling space it’s more than twice the size of Seacroft.”
As well as avoiding waste the shops help the local community by providing items at affordable prices. Most things on sale at Hunslet cost just £2.
As well as paid staff, the shop is staffed by volunteers. If you are interested in joining the team you can apply through the Revive website, or pick up a form in the shop. Volunteering is a great way to gain experience, a track record and reference. Volunteers have gone on to gain paid employment within Revive and with other companies.
Cllr Mohammed Rafique commented:
“As a Council we’re delighted to work with Revive and see this third shop opened. This will benefit everyone, from those who want to recycle or reuse their items that they no longer require to people who do require the items and can buy them at very reasonable prices.
So it’s a win-win situation for everyone and I’m really delighted that Revive have opened a third shop building
on their very successful shops in Seacroft and Kirkstall.”
Cllr Paul Wray (Labour, Hunslet & Riverside) said:
“The arrival of Revive in Hunslet is great news for the area and the wider city, helping to deliver quality second hand items at great value and helping to reduce Leeds’ carbon footprint. This is a winwin for everyone involved and I have every confidence the store will see significant footfall and revenue growth, which will help fund their members charities, SLATE and St Vincent De Paul.”
And Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) and a member of the Board at SLATE, added:
“Revive is a brilliant example of community innovation: saving us all money, helping to reduce waste and save the planet, and supporting local charities. As well as the Leeds stores, we’re also now putting down roots in Kirklees, and are looking to develop across the region. Thanks to the hardworking team driving it, and all those supporting us by shopping here, or donating.”
Revive’s Reuse Shop is
The Lord Mayor cuts the ribbon to officially open the resuse shop
Email: info@southleedslife.com Website:
End of an era in Hunslet Carr Customers came down to Lally’s Newsagents in Hunslet Carr on 28 September to say goodbye and thank you as Pam and Laky Lally closed up for the last time. The Lallys have run the shop for 36 years, but have now retired. Pam said “It’s been fantastic running the shop here, we’ve loved to be here, it’s such a community, all the customers have been wonderful. I wasn’t expecting people to come down today, it’s so nice of them.” Laky added “It’s been more like family, we’ve seen kids grow up. One day they’re doing the paper round, the next they’ve got kids of their own.” Andrew Price from Hunslet Carr Residents Association commented: “Mr & Mrs Lally and their family have given excellent service to our community for 36 years. Well liked and respected, they and their staff have provided a friendly environment in which to shop and were always willing to have a chat with their many customers. We would like to say ‘Thank You’ and wish them a very happy retirement.”
Volunteer Audrey scoops Hunslet RLFC Award
The
Hunslet players were not the only winners at the club’s recent Awards Night.
Lifelong supporter Audrey Groves, who celebrated her 90th birthday on 9 September, was presented with the prestigious Geoff Gunney Award as well as being made a Vice President of the Club.
Audrey started going to watch Hunslet as a 4 year old with her Dad in 1938, she was obviously a lucky charm as they
went on to beat Leeds 8-2 in the All Leeds Championship Final at Elland Road.
As a teenager, Audrey decided to watch the Hunslet Supporters team with a friend from school. This was where she met her husband, the late John Groves, who went on to coach the Hunslet Juniors.
Audrey then started volunteering at the Club and became a regular at matches with their two young children.
Audrey has never lost her love of rugby and all things Hunslet. As well as the club, Audrey has also supported Hunslet Junction, Hunslet Old Boys, Hunslet Warriors and now the newly formed Hunslet Amateur Rugby League Club.
Chairman Kenny Sykes commented:
“Audrey, and her whole family, have given tremendous service and support to rugby league in Hunslet for decades.
“She richly deserves all the plaudits that come her way. She still does a great job in hospitality serving teas and coffees on a match day and shows no sign of slowing down.
“We are delighted to recognise her in this way.”
Audrey said:
“I never thought one day I would be a Vice President of Hunslet and am overwhelmed to receive these honours.”
Show apartment now open at Hunslet Moor House
Development
of Hunslet Moor House on Hunslet Hall Road continues apace and a Show Apartment is now available for people to visit and see what the Extra Care Apartments will look like.
The new affordable housing is available to rent and will consist of 51 one-bedroom apartments and 12 twobedroom apartments.
It is designed as a housing option for residents who are over 55 and can live independently but need some elements of personal care. The scheme will be managed on a 24-hour basis with care available to residents as required. There will be generous community space to support residents’ social activities as well as a community café, open to the public.
If you would like to have a look around or invite Preferred Homes to come and chat to your community group about what's on offer you can contact Diane Emmison by email: diane@preferredhomes.co.uk or call: 07833 992401
An apartment at the new development in Beeston
Audrey is presented the ‘Geoff Gunney Award’ assisted by her son Richard and Hunslet star Jimmy Watson. Photo: Craig Irvine
Money matters
with Leeds Credit Union
Pension Credit Factsheet
Many people will no doubt have seen that changes have been made to Winter Fuel Payments, with anyone wanting to claim the Winter Fuel Payment now needing to access pension credits.
But what exactly are they and how do they work? Greg Potter, Head of Member Experience at Leeds Credit Union, takes a look.
What Is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension and you can get Pension Credit
even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
How much could I get?
Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 a year.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled or responsible for a child or young person.
You can use the Pension Credit calculator to find out if you’re eligible for Pension Credit and how much you could get: www.gov.uk/pensioncredit-calculator
If you claim Pension Credit, you could also get other help, such as a council tax discount or housing benefit.
Am I eligible?
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
When you apply for Pension Credit, your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.
Pension Credit tops up:
•Your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single
•Your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
How do I apply?
To find out more or to apply, please visit: gov.uk/pensioncredit or ring 0800 99 1234
Leeds Credit Union provides straightforward and affordable financial services to people in Leeds.
Leeds Credit Union empowers city’s workforce
Leeds Credit Union (LCU) has helped workers in and around Leeds save more than £1.1 million in high-interest loan repayments on £1.5 million of lending in the past year, it has announced.
A community-focused financial institution, LCU has made a significant impact on workers in Leeds by enabling them to avoid the high costs associated with unethical doorstep lenders and loan sharks, saving them £1,130,616 in interest repayments (based on the typical interest rates charged by high-interest lenders) over the last 12 months through its payroll loans service.
A simple way of increasing financial resilience among workers in the local area, LCU’s payroll loans enable employees of selected employers to access affordable and responsible loans with competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, with repayments taken directly from the borrower’s salary.
Recognising that financial stress can greatly affect individual happiness and wellbeing, LCU’s achievement highlights its commitment to fostering financial well-being and empowering individuals across Leeds. By partnering with LCU, employers can facilitate this process, making it easy for employees to reduce the stress associated with unexpected expenses, giving them peace of mind and
allowing them to focus better on their job responsibilities.
Mark Fleet, CEO at Leeds Credit Union, said:
“With the cost of living crisis still ongoing, we understand that times are tough for many right now, and we’re proud to support people across the city – including employees of organisations including the NHS and Leeds City Council –by providing access to our lowinterest loans through payroll partnerships.
“As well as stopping them overpaying on interest for store cards, overdrafts, credit cards and high-interest loans, we’re also helping them stay in control of their finances. And, with research showing that financial worries can have a negative impact on workers’ wellbeing and work/life balance, all of which can contribute to anxiety, poor work performance and absenteeism, we’re thrilled to be able to do so.
“Life is full of unexpected challenges, and sometimes
employees may require financial assistance to overcome them. In such cases, offering access to responsible loans can be a game-changer; when employees know they have a reliable source of affordable credit, they are less likely to turn to high-interest payday loans or accumulate debt on high-interest credit cards.”
Leeds Credit Union’s efforts not only benefit individual members but also reinforce its broader commitment to enhancing the economic wellbeing of the community. By promoting financial resilience and empowering members to make informed financial choices, the credit union plays a key role in supporting long-term financial stability and happiness within the region.
For more information, please visit one of Leeds Credit Union’s high street branches or the company’s website at: www.leedscreditunion.co.uk/ payroll-services
Riverside residents’ cuckoo warning
Councillors Paul Wray and Mohammed Iqbal (Labour, Hunslet & Riverside) are asking riverside residents to be vigilant about the growing problem of cuckooing within their communities, with issues reported at developments such as Leeds Dock, Victoria Riverside, and beyond.
Cllr Paul Wray said: “We typically assume cuckooing only takes place in the innercity communities but this type of crime is a growing problem in apartment blocks. Mohammed and I are seeing increasing reports of such activity and are working with residents to ensure this is reported to West Yorkshire Police and the Leeds Antisocial Behaviour Team.”
Cuckooing is the process of organised crime groups or perpetrators taking over properties for criminal or sexual activity. Properties are
used for pop-up brothels, storing, and preparing drugs or weapons, or for throwing parties, among other activities.
Leeds Anti-social Behaviour and West Yorkshire Police are leading the charge to tackle this issue on a national as well as a local level, pushing for changes to the law.
Cllr Paul Wray continued:
“Not only is the direct criminal activity an issue in itself, but the weakening of building security is making parcel thefts far easier, and the
creation of anti-social noise is ruining the wellbeing of residents trying to live peaceful lives, all of which is exacerbating the on-going issues created by unapproved short-term holiday lets.”
Councillors are asking residents to report issues or unusual behaviour to the authorities and not assume someone else has.
Contact West Yorkshire Police on 101, online Live Chat or via www.westyorkshire .police.uk/report-it
Photo: Shutterstock
Leeds Dock. Photo: Tim Green via Creative Commons
Leeds Credit Union’s city centre branch
Website: www.southleedslife.com
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Weight loss mother wants to support women to empower each other
Amother
from Middleton who lost 17 stone in weight over two years has set up a support group for women who want to improve their lives.
Sarah Clarke weighed 31 stone, 6 pounds in January 2022 when she plucked up courage and walked into a Slimming World meeting.
She was suffering from life altering health issues and had to use a walking stick. She describes this step as the “beginning of my transformative journey”.
That journey involved support from Jane Mansfield at Slimming World, personal trainer Jake Leatham and an operation to fit a gastric sleeve, but crucially it depended on Sarah’s mental strength.
“It was important that I maintained unwavering belief in the possibility of achieving my goals. I needed to rediscover my self-confidence and shed my former self” she explained.
“It was like gazing into a rearview mirror. As my weight loss progressed, the image of my past self receded into a distant memory. I directed my focus and determination towards the
pursuit of my health, my daughter, and my overall wellbeing.
“However, the impetus for change had to start within me. I recognised the importance of embodying the transformation I wanted and needed. The process has been the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do, and it’s been such a rollercoaster of emotions, but I’m super grateful.”
The Restoring Hope
Women’s Group aims to “break down the barriers of isolation by creating a safe space for women as they are, and journey with like-minded women, empowering women.”
The group meets at St George’s Centre in Middleton on Mondays, if you would like to find out more please email Sarah at restoringhopewomens group@gmail.com
Meanwhile, Sarah’s health
problems are not over. A side effect of losing so much weight so quickly is a problem with excessive skin which causes significant discomfort. Sarah needs an operation to remove the skin, but the NHS has refused to carry it out. So Sarah has set up a Go Fund Me page to raise money to pay for the operation privately. If you would like to support her please visit: gofund.me/695a82e7
Hamara secures Football Foundation grant for new Beeston sports centre
People
living in South Leeds are set to benefit from fresh investment into local grassroots sports facilities thanks to a £600,000 grant from the Football Foundation.
This investment will enable the Hamara Healthy Living Centre to build a new leisure and wellbeing facility and create a new 3G Multi sports pitch.
These improved facilities will represent a significant improvement on the existing Old Cockburn Sports Hall, near Hunslet Moor, which is dated and a local carbuncle.
The site will be used by partner clubs, organisations, local schools and other users of the site.
This project has also been supported by an additional
£2.6m from partner organisations including Hamara, Leeds City Council, Social Investment Business and Power to Change to name a few.
Cllr Mohammed Iqbal (Labour, Hunslet & Riverside), Chair of Hamara:
“We are proud of our Senior Management Team and Trustees vision to deliver a new
Manorfield Hall: at the heart of the
Belle Isle community
Activitiesat Manorfield Hall
Community Centre in Belle Isle are going from strength to strength. Middleton-based dance charity; Dance Action Zone Leeds (DAZL) took over management of the centre last year.
The DAZL and Manorfield Hall Board of Trustees, led by DAZL Director Ian Rodley and Manorfield Chair Christine Webb, have a vision for bringing the hall into the future and back into the heart of the community.
As well as bringing the building up to scratch with new modernisations, they have increased usage from local community groups.
It's great to have DAZL Empire run various dance classes on Mondays and Tuesdays including the NCDTA Street Dance Syllabus. The Debbie Hart Theatre School has a fantastic programme including their outstanding IDTA examinations, which meet on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The ever-popular; South Leeds and Morley Beavers on Thursdays and Scouts on Saturdays. Great community organisations provide evening youth activities alongside letting the hall to many others.
Manorfield’s Hall's core activities provide something for everyone and welcome all members of the community.
centre that will enhance the experience for our increasing number of beneficiaries. We’re grateful too to all funders, colleagues and partners working to design, build, and provide, what will be a highly renowned centre in South Leeds.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:
“The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.
“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.
“This grant award to Hamara towards developing The Cockburn Centre is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.”
On Wednesdays, Manorfield Hall runs a Lunch Club from 11:30 am-1:30 pm including bingo for just a £1 donation. It’s a great excuse to get out of the house and meet new people over a hot meal.
Get your dancing shoes on for Wednesday night Line dancing, 6.30-9 pm. Let your hair down in a fun and friendly environment. On Thursdays see the ever-popular Tots group with fun and games for preschool children and their parents.
Start your Fridays with a drop-in Breakfast Club from 9:30-11 am. Tea and toast are free and it’s only £3 for a cooked breakfast.
If you need it, the Food Bank is open from 10-11:30 am, a donation of £2 is suggested, or whatever you can afford.
The new Creative Communities project is currently running arts and crafts workshops on Tuesday mornings. Childcare isn't an issue as they have a creche facility.
The hall also hosts parties and is available for other private bookings. To book call/ text 07403 806275 or email manorfieldhall94@gmail.com Manorfield Hall is located on Newhall Road, LS10 3RR. Check out the Manorfield Hall Website for full details of all the latest goings on: www.manorfieldhall.com
Sarah Clarke before and after her “transformative journey”
Consultation begins on extending licensing scheme for private landlords
People in Leeds are being encouraged to have their say on the possible introduction of a new regulatory licensing scheme for private sector rented housing.
Leeds City Council began operating a system known as ‘selective licensing’ in Beeston Hill in 2020 with the aim of driving up the standard of privately-rented homes and boosting wider efforts to tackle social and health inequalities in the two communities.
Positive results have been achieved but – under the terms of the Housing Act 2004 –selective licensing schemes in England can only run for a period of five years.
The council is therefore now considering plans for a new and expanded scheme that would again include much of Beeston and Harehills but would also take in parts of Holbeck, as well as Armley, Cross Green and East End Park.
All private landlords – with certain limited exceptions –would be required by law to obtain a licence for any residential property they are seeking to let in the designated area.
The licence conditions would include ensuring the safe working of gas or electric appliances, providing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and keeping the property in a decent state of repair, both inside and out.
A public consultation on the proposed scheme was launched on 23 September, with the council keen to gather a wide cross-section of views before it decides whether to press ahead with its plans.
And interested parties across the city – including landlords, tenants and other stakeholders – are being urged to take the
opportunity to share their thoughts between now and the end of the consultation period on 13 December.
Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said:
“Privately rented properties are a key source of housing in Leeds and it’s vitally important that they are safe, warm and well managed places to live.
“We want to explore options for protecting and improving the quality of every type of home in our city, with the newly-launched consultation on selective licensing forming part of that work.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to let us know their views.”
More than 4,500 inspections and other visits have been conducted at properties in Beeston and Harehills under their existing schemes, which both come to an end next year.
Landlords have had to carry out improvement work on more than 1,500 homes where issues were identified during these checks.
The visits have also given council officers increased opportunities to identify situations where tenants are facing non-housing related problems, with more than 1,700 referrals being made to partner agencies for support with health, financial and other challenges.
A decision on whether to bring in the new Selective Licensing in East, South and West Leeds scheme is expected in the first half of 2025.
To learn more about the consultation and how to submit feedback, click here. Further information can also be obtained by e-mailing ESWselective.licensing@leeds. gov.uk or ringing 0113 378 2899
South Leeds gardeners strike gold at Yorkshire In Bloom awards
BothMiddleton Railway and Beeston in Bloom won Gold Medals at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom Awards.
The Middleton Railway, entering for the fifth time, wonl in the Tourist Attractions, Stately Homes and Pay on Entry Gardens Category.
On top of that, they were the joint winner in this category sharing the award with Mount Grace Priory.
This is a great achievement as this was a large category containing many much larger and better resourced organisations than the railway.
The success is a tribute to all the hard work of the railway’s Gardener, Mick Jackson and his team who have continued to develop and enhance our floral displays as well as keeping the grounds and entrance to Moor Road Station looking clean, well managed and welcoming.
It is also a just reward for the work that Commercial Manager Janet Auckland and Vice President Ian Smith put into the creation of the booklet which must accompany all entries into Yorkshire in Bloom
and for looking after the judges when they visited the railway.
Middleton Railway Trust
Chairman Charles Milner said:
“The work Mick, and the team have done has not just won the Railway a prestigious award; it has made the experience of our visitors that much more enjoyable and hopefully will lead to more return visits and to more people saying good
things about the Railway, encouraging friends and family to visit.”
Judges praised Beeston in Blooms entry saying: “What stood out was the infectious desire to achieve a lot without the usual requisite of having ample resources, Landsec, DePuy & Morley Glass just a few of the funders who have assisted the entry along with
numerous individuals & local businesses to enhance & sustain in bloom projects. This approach is well thought out to achieve manageable successes & to keep standards high.”
Elsewhere White Rose Shopping Centre won Silver while neighbours White Rose Office Park won Silver Gilt, both in the Large Business category.
Parents fight to keep Beeston Primary School crossing warden
Parentsof children at Beeston Primary School are up in arms after Leeds City Council has deemed their crossing patrol to be unnecessary now that a zebra crossing has been installed. There was some confusion and mis-communication on the first day of term with parents thinking Deborah Chapman had been sacked. This is not the case.
A spokesperson for the council explained:
“After a recent audit of our school crossing patrol provision it became apparent that the crossing for (Beeston Primary) school doesn’t meet the criteria to keep the crossing warden due to the fact that there is a Zebra crossing, this means that the crossing is at risk of being disbanded. The school and the council are looking at other options to see if there could be funding to continue with a decision likely to be made in early 2025 on the future of the crossing.”
Sasha Watson, a parent governor at the school, said:
“There is no doubt that the
road outside Beeston Primary is unsafe. During drop off and pick up times the road is packed not only with cars shuttling children to school but also people travelling to work in a hurry.
Deborah has recently taken to carrying a camera to capture a picture of those who try to sneak past her or who shout and swear at her as she stands to protect over three hundred children. Nonetheless, she is always there with a smile, ready to greet children as they head towards the school gates. As Parent Governor I cannot overstate the value she brings to our community not only by keeping our children safe, which is of utmost importance, but also by providing a familiar and friendly face to children who might not otherwise feel quite so
enthusiastic at the start of a school day.”
Cllr Andrew Scopes (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) and Chair of Governors at the school commented:
“Getting to school safely is of upmost importance, especially as we continue to encourage children to walk to school.
Debra, the lollipop lady, has for many years helped keep our children safe crossing the road to Beeston Primary School.
Unfortunately, the communications with parents hasn’t been clear or helpful. I will work with the School and Council to see if it is possible to continue to fund this role, but we do need to recognise that both the School and the Council have saving requirements that need to be met.”
An online petition to save the crossing patrol is at bit.ly/BeestonCrossing
Deborah Chapman in action at Beeston Primary School. Photo: Sasha Watson
A floral display on the platform at Middleton Railway
Website: www.southleedslife.com
Email: info@southleedslife.com
New headteacher at Middleton Primary School A Marvelous signing for Huddersfield Town AFC
Middleton
Primary School (MPS) has welcomed its new headteacher, Sarah Tissiman, following the retirement of Samantha Williams.
With 12 years of experience at Middleton Primary, Mrs Tissiman has demonstrated a commitment to both the children and the wider community.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Mrs Tissiman stated, "I am excited at the prospect of continuing the journey to make Middleton Primary the best educational experience for our children." Her vision is to build upon the school's legacy while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.
David Gurney, Executive Headteacher of the Cockburn Multi-academy Trust, of which MPS is a proud member, said “I am excited to see Mrs Tissiman becoming the new Headteacher at MPS and am sure that her drive and
determination will benefit the pupils in Middleton”.
As part of this fresh chapter, Middleton Primary is also unveiling an updated uniform, which has already received positive feedback from both pupils and parents. The children look exceptionally smart in their new attire,
exemplifying the school’s commitment to continual improvement.
Moreover, the school's new website, accessible at www.middletonprimary.org, has been designed to enhance communication and provide a comprehensive resource for parents and the community.
Ina momentous achievement for our community, Marvel, a standout student at the academy, has officially signed with Huddersfield Town AFC.
The talented young footballer’s hard work and passion for the game have propelled him to this incredible milestone, one that is being celebrated by his peers, teachers, and coaches alike.
Marvel has been a shining example of dedication both on and off the field. His commitment to his studies, combined with his relentless training and determination to improve his game, has earned him this well-deserved opportunity with "The Terriers," as Huddersfield Town is affectionately known.
The Head of School, Mrs Roberts, expressed her pride in Marvel’s success:
“Marvel is an exemplary student in every sense of the word. His determination, discipline, and humility have always set him apart. We’ve watched him grow not only as a player but as a person, and we have no doubt he will continue to achieve great things on and off the pitch. This is a proud moment for all of us at the academy.”
Cockburn alumna captains England women’s rugby league team
Former Cockburn School student, Grace Short, is celebrating captaining England against France in France.
Grace graduated from
Cockburn School in 2022.
Having represented the school for girls rugby league, she currently plays for the Leeds Rhinos under-19 side who have won 7 of their last 8 games in 2024.
Her journey to playing in France and representing her country began in 2022 when she was selected for the Yorkshire talent hubs.
From there, she was chosen to be part of the DISE England program (Diploma in Sporting Excellence), where her and her team mates trained for two years in preparation for the match against France.
Grace said “Playing in an international game has always been a childhood dream of mine, and the experience was truly surreal.
“Leading the team as a captain in France and scoring two tries during the game was incredibly exciting. Even though we didn't
come out on top against a strong Catalan women's side, the experience and opportunity was amazing.”
She added, “This is an unforgettable experience, shared with an amazing group of women from all over England, and it will stay with me forever. I'm grateful and happy to have lived this moment with such fantastic people.
“Cockburn School taught me to be resilient and aspirational and I have carried these strong and important values into my adult life and career.”
The head coach of the academy scouted her from the Cockburn School team and saw her talent back then. She excelled in the Cockburn School rugby team during her time there.
Mr Dixon, Head of School said “We are extremely proud of Grace’s latest sporting achievement. She is a role model to the students at the school now and I hope that she inspires many of them to believe that they can achieve their dreams.”
Grace has donated her signed match shirt from the England game to the school which will now be framed and displayed.
the future holds for him. Here's to a bright career and amazing seasons ahead!
Day of Languages at Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy
Calvert Academy got language learning off to a flying start this academic year as they celebrated European Day of Languages on 26 September. Students have been engaging in the Spanish curriculum, celebrating the range and diversity of languages spoken throughout Europe and spoken in school.
Year 10 student Gracie said, “Learning a language is a life skill that not only allows
students to talk with people from other countries in their own language, but also gives us an introduction to different cultures, different ideas and opens up a world of opportunities.”
Mrs Smith, Head of School said “This has been an excellent opportunity to celebrate culture and diversity and I am very proud of how our students have been so positive and resilient in their Spanish lessons.”
The whole school community is rallying behind Marvel as he embarks on this new chapter with Huddersfield Town, and everyone is eager to see what
Students enjoy learning Spanish at CLCA
Marvel has signed for The Terriers
Sarah Tissiman takes over from Sam Williams
Head of Cockburn School Rod Dixon with Grace Short and Assistant Head Miss Nelson
Cockburn Laurence
Ofsted: Clapgate is ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ in two areas
Clapgate Primary School in Belle Isle was inspected by Ofsted in July and in a report published on 23 September Inspectors rate the school as ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding’ in Early Years Provision and ‘Outstanding’ in Personal Development.
Inspectors report that children value the adults in school:
“In the words of one pupil, reflecting the view of many, ‘Adults help me with my learning. I love it when they do this and I learn lots.’”
Commenting on what the school does well, inspectors praise the way the school introduces reading and builds relationships with families. They say:
“Children make a flying start to their education in the early years.”
Looking at personal development the report says:
“Pupils talk confidently to familiar and unfamiliar adults about their school. Older pupils relish the roles and responsibilities they can undertake. Members of the school council talk maturely about how much pupils’
behaviour has improved. The arts councillors are proud of their role in writing and editing a termly magazine. They also curate the annual art exhibition in school.”
“The school has successfully created a culture of care, compassion and high expectations.”
In a statement, Clapgate’s headteacher Natasha Singleton said:
“Ofsted arrived at Clapgate just before we broke up for the summer holiday. The inspection went very well and we are delighted with our report. The inspectors made so many lovely
comments about our school. They talked about what it is like to be a pupil at our school:
“Everyone is welcome and made to feel special at Clapgate Primary School” and they talked about our high expectations:
“Adults have the highest ambition for every pupil”.
“Ofsted graded the school as ‘outstanding’ in personal development and early years provision and ‘good’ in other aspects. This is a fantastic achievement for the school. I am so proud of all our amazing staff and children!”
You can read the full report at bit.ly/ClapgateOfsted
Middleton celebrates Music Teacher of the Year award
After months of voting, a judging panel and a public vote stage, Jane Hurst, teacher at Middleton Primary School, has been awarded a 2024 Classic FM Music Teacher of the Year Award.
Announced on Classic FM Breakfast by Dan Walker, Jane is one of five exceptional music teachers, who are inspiring young minds and opening up access to music education across the nation. These five teachers will all receive £3,000 of musical instruments.
The judges said: “Jane Hurst was a stand-out nominee for us as she has single-handedly turned around the music provision in her primary school.
All children now have access to learn an instrument for free and an instrument to take home to practise on, as well as free extra-curricular instrumental lessons.
“Jane spends her own time outside her busy job as a class teacher to source funding for this provision, and she also arranges music for the many after-school and lunchtime clubs she runs, including a string group, a string orchestra and a recorder group.”
Construction students cement success at annual BIG Awards
Incredible student winners from across construction specialisms took centre stage at the annual Leeds College of Building BIG (Building Industry Greats) Awards.
Host and TV and radio broadcaster Rich Williams announced 49 awardwinners at the poignant ceremony held at Leeds United FC Centenary Pavilion, Elland Road, showcasing students and apprentices from the 2023/2024 academic year.
CEO & Principal Nikki Davis welcomed guests to the drinks reception and dinner before students were recognised for their outstanding achievements. Awards were given for accomplishments such as academic attainment, perseverance, determination, or success at national trade competitions.
More accolades than ever before were handed out, including 40 trophies and nine Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) QUEST Technician Scholarships of up to £1,000 each. One of the top titles of the night was the new ‘Principal’s Award,’ introduced for the first time this year.
The inaugural trophy went to Khiara Anderson who moved to Leeds College of Building after facing challenges in education. During her time, Khiara achieved an impressive 94% attendance and earned
distinctions in all her units, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround in her behaviour.
Khiara’s nominating tutor said she is excelling in the trade areas and even earned a week of work experience with Bagnalls. She made such a positive impression that they offered her a painting and decorating
apprenticeship, which she happily accepted. Khiara said,
“I wasn’t expecting to receive the Principal’s Award but I’m extremely happy. I’m proud of my achievements, especially my apprenticeship [with Bagnalls], and now I’m working towards my Level 3 and beyond!”
Adult apprentice Grant Dewhurst
Jane will collect her award at the Royal Albert Hall later this month at the Classic FM Live concert.
Mrs Tissiman, Headteacher, said “This is a wonderful acheivement for Mrs Hurst and it could not have happened without the incredible work and enthusiasm that our talented music pupils have shown over recent years. They have rehearsed with dedication and pride and are a credit to the school.”
won the Governors’ Award, sponsored by Marlborough Brickwork Ltd. Grant is retraining as a gas engineer after choosing a career change, sacrificing his salary to complete a two-year apprenticeship. He uses public transport to get to work and College, and despite living a considerable distance away is always on time with an excellent attitude towards learning. Grant’s nominating tutor said,
“I assessed him on site, and his positive attitude is replicated on site with his employer. He has not been issued a works vehicle, so is again
reliant on public transport to get to and from work but is always on time and he is progressing really well. His portfolio is up to date and of a high quality.”
In total, 12 organisations supported the evening, including gold headline sponsor Marlborough Brickwork Ltd. Awards included Roof Slating & Tiling Apprentice of the Year, Plumbing Study Programme Student of the Year, and Level 3 Apprentice of the Year.
Nikki Davis, CEO & Principal of Leeds College of Building, said:
“Congratulations to all students and apprentices receiving awards. It’s wonderful to celebrate these incredible achievements, and I wish all winners every success going forward. Thanks also to our amazing staff who go above and beyond in nurturing the next generation of construction and built environment talent.
“I would also like to thank our sponsors and emphasise how grateful we are for this unwavering support. These excellent links with the industry are vital for our students who benefit from bespoke training materials, specialist tools, and critical hands-on work experience opportunities provided by our partner employers.”
Find out more about construction and built environment courses at the next Leeds College of Building Open Event:
Wednesday 16 October, 4–7.30pm Register to attend: www.lcb.ac.uk/ events/open-event-october-2024
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Students at the Leeds College of Building Big Awards 2024 with inaugural Principal’s Award winner, painting and decorating apprentice Khiara Anderson (second left)
Clapgate pupils in the school allotment
Jane Hirst scooped the Classic FM award
Website: www.southleedslife.com
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Broomfield South SILC set for expansion
Senior Councillors have taken the next step in expanding and modernising Broomfield South SILC (Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre) in Belle Isle at the Executive board meeting on 18 September.
The plans would see the main building, which dates from the 1970s, replaced and an extra 100 places created. The report to councillors stated that:
“This would address the longstanding and ongoing poor condition and suitability issues of the main building and support the growing need for specialist places for children with Education Health and Care Plans.”
Plans are at an early stage but involve the new building being built on adjacent green space land off Nesfield View, so the current building can continue to be used during the works. The cost of the project is estimated at £26 million.
Plans to move over 16s provision to a satellite building at White Rose Park are further advanced. The planning application for the change of use of the building at White Rose Park has been approved and it is planned to open in September 2025. Student numbers are expected to increase to 80 over
three years.
The background to the redevelopment is a rising demand for places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particular in the south of Leeds.
The plans are supported by the Broomfield’s governors and leadership team and local ward councillors. A consultation amongst parents and other stakeholders was overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals with 81 of 91 responses backing the plans.
As well as statutory consultation the plans will be subject to planning approval in the normal way.
ernors wanted for Cockburn MAT
sion of Cockburn academy Trust is hild deserves an al education’.
sion is to create a exceptional schools adically improve life chances. They widen their students’ ns; to reach ons that are and fulfilling. They aise attainment and xceptional teaching ning for all their through high ons of academic nd behaviour.
Trustees and are the largest group in the country
Sharp Lane open afternoons
Sharp Lane Primary School in Middleton is holding two open afternoons for parents looking for a Reception place for next September.
of which are valued by employers and can assist their own career development. ‘Soft skills’ are also important – the ability to be able to build relationships with a range of people, to be able to work as part of a team, to be able to question, and to make connections between different types of information.
What our governors say:
Governors already in place at the schools say that the benefits of being a governor are immense.
Being a governor develops professional skills and experience such as strategic planning, chairing, financial planning, and team working, all
rawn from all walks of life. You do not need to be an expert in the field of education. What you do need is an interest in the schools and in the welfare of the students, together with the time (less than you probably think) and willingness to get involved. What governors share is a passionate belief that all children deserve to have access to effective schools.
“As a Governor it’s true to say that you get out of it what you put in and I get a lot out of it.”
“I find it extremely interesting, rewarding and satisfying too.”
For further information, please visit www.cockburnmat .org/work-with-us/become-agovernor-or-trustee
The school has an innovative curriculum including workshops, trips and music with In Harmony Opera North. There are a variety of after school clubs and wraparound care is available.
Assistant Headteacher Rachel Lambert commented:
"At Sharp Lane Primary School, we take pride in crafting an enriching environment where all children embark on a journey of discovery and growth. Our dedicated Early Years team is committed to providing every child with the best possible start in their educational journey, within a warm, welcoming, Hygge style setting.
“This includes forest school style activities in our extensive outdoor learning spaces. Children have the opportunity to explore, discover and learn through hands-on experiences. Our highly skilled, caring and
nurturing staff are dedicated to empowering every child to become confident and resilient learners. Through personalised attention and encouragement, we support each child in developing the skills and mindset needed to thrive, ensuring
they are fully prepared for school life and the wider world."
You can look around the school and speak to staff in the Early Years Foundation Stage on Thursday 3 October and 21 November between 46pm.
An enriching environment at Sharp Lane Primary
Photo: Google
In our view
Stadium expansion
The fact that Leeds United feel they need to expand the Elland Road stadium is very positive. Every match over the last six years has been sold out despite only being in the Premier League for three of them. Some will say they should build a new stadium elsewhere as was mooted some years ago, but that neglects the fans attachment to Elland Road, the walk down Wesley Street and the pint in the Peacock. However, something must be done about parking. Currently the streets of Beeston, Holbeck and Cottingley are jammed on match days. Fans must be encouraged to leave their cars at home and use public transport. There are already good services from the city centre and Stourton Park & Ride.
Save the number 1 bus
Speaking of tradition, First Bus plan to renumber Beeston’s bus service. At first glance this doesn’t appear to be very serious. The new 24 service will run the same number of buses as at present and they will once again go all the way through to Holt Park - important if you need to visit Lawnswood Cemetery. But it’s been the number 1 since the days of the trams. First Bus didn’t consult and they have already lost the confidence of many Beestonians after cutting the service in two in 2019. Thank heavens First Bus won’t be taking the decisions once franchising finally brings bus back under democratic control.
The November issue of South Leeds Life will be out on Wednesday 30 October.
The deadline for submissions is Thursday 24 October.
Your letters and comments
Elland Road expansion
I live near the stadium and I wouldn’t welcome this at all. Match days are a nightmare. Even though it’s permit parking only on my street, people still park there. And you cannot leave your house at all while people are arriving or leaving. So that limits what you can do on that day. My husband once had to go to Asda and what should have taken him 5 mins to drive there took him nearly an hour and a half to get there and back.
The amount of people in the area also affects our phone signal and internet usuage. We are unable to accept or make calls until the area is clear of all people. This causes an inconvenience as it affects what we can watch on the telly or call someone if needed.
We do not need this headache in our area.
Kat Wilkinson
More congestion for the streets of Beeston - can we have match day parking permits?
Joan Wilson
I would support this as long as parking is included in the plans, on street parking is at its limit.
Muriel Rogers
I'm definitely all for this, I hope Leeds United get all their plans approved. It needs to be absolutely huge, make it like Wembley Stadium. If people don't like it don't live near it. It’s so simple to just sell up and move to somewhere else.
Blazing Mediic
Great. Even more traffic chaos to enjoy when trying to get home from work when a midweek evening match is on. The best thing that can happen is the removal of the two car parks at the bottom of Wesley Street. More often than not, it is cars trying to get into them that blocks the whole road off and backs up traffic all the way back to the Armley Gyratory and beyond. They should have moved the stadium to Stourton years ago.
Ted Willis
Hunslet Hall Banquetting
It’s better for the building to be used than be left to become dilapidated and potentially used for anti-social behaviour, which is of no benefit to any community whatsoever.
I don’t see the issue with having another banqueting centre either, they are obviously successful in the area and I say good luck to the new owners. Anything that preserves the building and puts it back into use is a positive thing.
Adelle Sharp
At least it'll be a non-alcoholic venue so might be less rowdy. It'd be good if it had no fireworks permitted too. It's right next to an old folks' home.
Sarke Ailuros
So many of these council buildings are being sold off and staff being sandwiched into unsuitable places. The buildings that have been closed mainly housed social workers and they are being crammed into buildings with not enough desks and not near the area of
Your Leeds City Councillors
Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring Road, Cottingley and Holbeck. The three councillors are:
Shaf Ali (Labour) (0113) 378 8810 sharafat.ali@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:
Rob Chesterfield (SDP) (0113) 378 0900 rob.chesterfield@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
the city they cover. It’s having a huge impact.
Stefanee Clif
Get ready for the late night fireworks and revving of car engines.
Zaid Mushtaq
Sounds good. We need to turn these empty buildings into some use. Got to say I'd prefer a Wetherspoons though!
John Chapman Smith
You report that there are already two banqueting suits in the area, actually there's four. Don't forget the new one over Jack Lane area and the one on New Craven Gate that plays music untill sometimes five in the morning. Then there's the fireworks problem. Only last night they were setting them off at midnight for 20 minutes. It's a residential area.
Steve Telford
This was the first school I went to, I loved it, now it's going it’s such a shame. Then I went on to Bewerley Street, which I loved every day. Then I had to go to Mathew Murray which I hated with a vengeance. I could not wait to leave, I ran out of the gate, I was 15 when I escaped, straight to work the following Monday.
Valerie Harris
Middleton car park charges
It is absolutely ridiculous to charge for car parking at Leeds Urban Bike Park when people are there to use the bike park or participate in the parkrun.
As a result of this charge, users of the
bike park may resort to parking through Middleton Park’s main gates and riding through to the bike park. This poses a significant danger to walkers in the park, as some cyclists already ride at excessive speeds. This new policy is likely to increase the risk of accidents and hazards for everyone.
Middleton Park is the only pleasant outdoor space in the area, and by implementing this charge, you are essentially pricing out locals from enjoying it during a time of high cost of living pressures. I am extremely disappointed and frustrated by this decision.
Victoria Bowen
Drugs on our doorstep
A better solution to what is seen as ‘the drugs problem’ would be to legalise and tax drugs. Treat drug use as a medical and social issue not a criminal one so the police and prisons are not overburdened. Use the money saved and tax revenue to help addicts and at the same time make sure the drugs are safe to use and not adulterated. We do this with alcohol, tobacco and foodstuffs so why not heroin, cocaine and ecstasy etc?
Stefan Jakusz
Join the debate
Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW.
Letters may be edited for publication.
The East Stand at Elland Road stadium
MP’s notebook
with Hilary Benn MP
When I studied history at school, the Battle of Holbeck Moor didn’t feature on the curriculum, unlike other very famous battles like Waterloo, the Somme and El Alamein.
But what happened on the Moor that day was a very significant event in the history of South Leeds. So, what was it all about?
In the 1930s Oswald Mosley was the leader of the British Union of Fascists. An admirer of Adolf Hitler, who was guest of honour at his second wedding, he was openly antisemitic.
In 1936, Mosley decided that he would come to Leeds to try and stir things up and gain support. His plan was to march from the Leylands – an area near Sheepscar where many Jews who had come to Leeds to escape the pogroms of Eastern Europe had settled. Fearing violence, the Leeds City Watch Committee banned this. However, on the night before the march, swastikas were
daubed on Jewish houses and Jewish people were attacked on the streets.
The following day, the fascists - about 1,000 strongmarched through the city to Holbeck Moor to hold a rally. There they were met by some 30,000 anti-fascist demonstrators. Mosley had thought he would find fertile ground for his brand of politics in working class Holbeck, but the Labour, trade union and Communist movements from all over Leeds had other ideas. So occurred - on 27 September 1936 - the Battle of Holbeck Moor. Shielded by the police, Mosley tried to address his supporters using a megaphone. He was drowned out by boos, cries of protest and the singing of the Ref Flag. Before long things turned violent as stones were thrown and fights broke out. Mosley and his Blackshirts were forced to flee and the battle was over.
The police only arrested three people out of the very large
crowd and the sentences that were handed down were very light.
The Leeds Mercury newspaper reported the event as follows:
Oswald Mosley Hit on the Head with a Stone
There were violent scenes at a Fascist demonstration addressed by Sir Oswald Mosley on Holbeck Moor, Leeds, yesterday afternoon.
Fourteen people were injured and had treatment at Leeds Infirmary and the Dispensary, and one of the injured was detained in the Infirmary suffering from serious abdominal injuries.
Scores of people, chiefly Fascists, sustained minor injuries, most of them caused, it is stated, by stones with which the Fascists were freely pelted both during the meeting and at the beginning of their return march to the city. Sir Oswald Mosley was among those struck by stones.
About a fortnight later, the much better-known Battle of Cable Street took place in East London where Mosley was once again prevented by a huge crowd from marching. A large mural depicting what happened was painted on the side of St George's Town Hall, and a red plaque in Dock Street also commemorates the events of that day (now to be joined by a blue plaque in Holbeck).
Because of the increasing violence, the Public Order Act was passed. It banned political uniforms and this had a big impact on the British Union of Fascists whose supporters were known as Blackshirts after the uniforms they wore. Mosley never really recovered from all this. Following the outbreak of World War Two he was imprisoned, and his party was outlawed. Although he was freed three years later in 1943, Mosley ceased to be a political force.
Last Sunday, I was part of a large crowd that gathered on Holbeck Moor to mark the 88th anniversary of that day and to unveil a Leeds Civic Trust blue plaque, which will be affixed to the side of St Matthews Church that overlooks the Moor. We heard all about what happened, and what was so special about the occasion was
Grenfell and the cladding scandal
by Rachael Loftus
Therelease of the Grenfell Inquiry report on 4th September demonstrated in forensic detail how a culture of “systemic dishonesty” led to the disaster that cost 72 people their lives, seriously injured around 70 more and robbed 600 people of their homes and all their possessions.
Importantly, the Inquiry concluded that every single death was avoidable.
The Grenfell disaster was the biggest loss of life in a residential fire in decades, but it was not the only one. A fire in Lankal House in 2009, killed 6 people. The inquest reported that it was the cladding panels burning through in less than five minutes that allowed the fire to spread and make escape impossible. Combustible cladding and a lack of fire breaks were noted in at least 4 other lethal fires and a number more narrow escapes. All had investigations, all had recommendations that were never followed though. For the bereaved families and the Grenfell community, from the beginning they have asked for two things. One, that those responsible are held to account. This has not
happened yet and their wait for the Inquiry findings, and now the further wait for criminal prosecutions to begin has been unbearable.
Secondly, they asked for reassurance that a tragedy like Grenfell could not happen again. They have had to watch on as the clear promises of “never again” in the immediate aftermath of the fire, have faded into bureaucratic mumbles as the full extent of the problems in high rise construction have become known.
Since Grenfell, in Leeds
alone, around 70 residential buildings have been found to have potentially fatal fire defects – these include flammable cladding or insulation and substandard fire breaks. Despite numerous directives by government and the fire service, to date, less than half of these have been made safe. For the other half: many have been trapped in legal wranglings over who is responsible for the work, others have bounced between funding schemes, others plagued by false starts and finding further defects and yet
others completely ignored by their absentee freeholders, frequently held in offshore accounts.
For those of us who live and own leases in these buildings, the ongoing wait for safety has been tough. From the initial shock at finding out that our homes are not safe, to being passed on bills in the thousands of pounds for interim measures, and living for years with the threat that the eventual remediation bill in the hundreds of thousands could be legally charged back to us.
that it was attended by some of the descendants of those who were there on the day. Inside St Matthews there was a display about those forebears and their lives and why they were so determined to be there and cry “They shall not pass.”
The importance of remembering our history, of course, is that it is by learning where we have come from that we can move forward. Or to put it another way, those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it. In the recent violence in August, people were attacked simply because of who they are. And that is why we should remember what happened on that September day 88 years ago on Holbeck Moor.
Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament He represents the Leeds South constituency. 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
In April 2022 the Building Safety Act clarified that it was developers and freeholders in the first instance, who should pay to put their buildings right. And whilst this felt like a victory at the time, by and large this clarification has only resulted in an even slower pace of remediation as corporate owners have demonstrated a reluctance to free up the funding, preferring to put their organisational capacity into continue putting up new buildings, rather than putting right past mistakes.
Thousands of leaseholders in Leeds are still living in a state of limbo: flats inside unsafe buildings cannot be sold or remortgaged, service charges are increasing exponentially and the cost of insurance is rocketing – all without an end date in sight. As this situation has now rolled into years with all the life changes that can happen in that time, many leaseholders have been forced to become reluctant landlords and others have had to leave their flats empty due to the uncertainty of when work may or may not begin. Moreover, thousands of us go to bed every night, knowing that our homes are fundamentally unsafe, and yet powerless to change that.
One reading of the Inquiry findings might be that the root causes of the Grenfell fire can be summarised as greed –
knowingly selling unsafe products and cutting corners for the sake of profit; incompetence – unqualified and inexperienced people making decisions outside of their expertise; arrogance –that the rules and regulations didn’t need to be followed; and indifference – for the lives of the people who lived in the building.
Unfortunately, despite the Inquiry findings, despite an Act of Parliament and despite many fine words that “safety is a priority”, those core factors of greed, incompetence, arrogance and indifference remain the barriers to building safety now, as much as they did on the night before the Grenfell fire.
Sir Martin More-Bick, chair of the Grenfell Inquiry describes the previous failure to learn as the “path to disaster”. He hopes that Grenfell can be landmark case, that his recommendations can lead to fundamental shifts in how homes are planned, designed, constructed and regulated.
In the words of Grenfell United, “We are fighting for everyone to be safe in their homes and for justice for our loved ones.” Seven years on, we still seem a long way from either.
Rachael Loftus is a member of Leeds Cladding Scandal, part of the End Our Cladding Scandal campaign
Cladding works at Leeds Dock
The Leeds Mercury report
Local history
with Ken Burton
Crown Point Bridge
In the normal order of things after the Victoria Bridge in Neville Street we would cover Leeds Bridge but having done an extended article on this bridge, in December 2021 and January 2022, we can now go across to Bridge End and down Dock Street and on towards Crown Point Bridge, number four in our articles.
The origins of Crown Point Bridge go back to October 1836 when Charles Fowler, the indefatigable Engineer and Surveyor of Leeds, acting on his own initiative, prepared a scheme for a bridge and was supported by others along with the Leeds Mercury which was
totally behind Fowler. In November 1837 there was a Notice of Intended Application to Parliament but details of the promoter were absent and it was stated that it would be a toll bridge, but no further action seems to have been taken.
The purpose of the bridge was to connect north-eastern and southern parts of Leeds and the projected stations of the North Midland, the Manchester & Leeds, and the York & North Midland Railways in Hunslet Lane. This would take most of the goods traffic from London and also the coal traffic from Rothwell Haigh to the north.
The project was once again revived in 1839 and on 30 October the Mayor presided over a public meeting and the engineer for the bridge was to be George Leather & Son and the surveyor was SD Martin. Fowler was completely ignored, a new application was made to Parliament and it was hoped that the bridge would be free from tolls. Included were the approach roads from Hunslet Road to Marsh Lane, these were later to be known as Crown Point Road and Black Bull Street.
On 14 April 1840 the Royal Assent to the Act of Parliament was received and on the 23rd
the first meeting of the Trustees was held to discuss the building of the bridge and the Engineer, Surveyor, and Treasurer, John Smith, were formerly appointed.
March 1841 saw the start of the construction of the 120 foot span bridge with a width between the parapets of 45 feet. The ironwork was made by Booth & Company of the Park Ironworks of Sheffield and the stonework was erected by James Bray of Leeds while the design of the approach roads was undertaken by Henry Teal.
The area of land between Marsh Lane and Hunslet Lane was quite literally a marsh and was known locally as ‘Frogland’, the construction work involved forming deep drains below the approach roads that caused severe difficulties and delays. The bridge was built a short distance from the Nether Mills
Weir.
On the south bank, part of Chadwick’s Dye House which in 1824 had a 24hp engine in use was partly demolished to accommodate the new bridge but the Company flourished until 1860. On the north side stood Smedley’s Oil Mill.
At some point in time the eastern aspect of the bridge was spoiled by the attachment of a pipe bridge for a water main, this led to damage to the ironwork and to the masonry abutments and further damage was done when the water main was removed in 1979.
It was decided that the bridge needed to be widened, upgraded and strengthened to take 40 tonne vehicles and at the same time take the opportunity to restore the appearance of the eastern (or downstream) face.
This impressive project was undertaken in 1994-95. The outermost pair of cast iron arches was retained, while steel arch ribs were installed to the main structure. The treatment at the eastern end was particularly impressive because of the necessity to accommodate the gradual widening of the river. This
involved progressively increasing the span of the last three steel ribs and retaining the outer pair of cast iron arch ribs at the eastern end, whilst increasing their span. Here the span was increased to 136 feet and requiring new abutments (41.6m) increased by (5m). In order to increase the span of the two segmental cast iron arch ribs on the downstream side, a 7.5m section was removed at the crown and replaced by a 12.5m section assembled from three castings. This approach was possible because, as designed, the ribs were assembled from segments connected together with abutting flanges and the radius of the new segments were specified to give a smooth curve.
The main contractor was Birse Construction, the steelwork contractor was Fairfield-Mabev and the ironwork was subcontracted to Marsh Brothers of Bakewell, Derbyshire, who subcontracted production of the rib segment castings to Lloyds (Burton). Leeds City Council’s Chief Engineer was Richard Kay MICE and the Resident Engineer was Stuart Rothwell MICE.
Changingfurniture?your
Crown Point Bridge (1949) © Leeds Libraries via Leodis.net
Stourton: the village that vanished
by Andrew Price
Atthe start of September, it was sad to see the demolition of the Queens Hotel in Stourton taking place.
Although it had been left unoccupied for some time, the Queens was a landmark in Stourton and was the last residential building left standing in this once thriving village which in the past had its own racecourse and a railway station.
The Queens Pub had an interesting history, when it was first built around 1900 on Wakefield Road, it was reputed to have been used as a mortuary as well, but this proved to be bad for business!
However, its main claim to fame was with older drinkers as it was outside Leeds Corporation authority and had pub closing time a half an hour later. This would involve drinkers from other nearby pubs in Thwaite Gate and Hunslet making a dash to the Queens on Wakefield Road or the Stourton Hotel on Pontefract Road to obtain extra pints.
This was because Stourton always came under Rothwell Urban District Council before being taken over by Leeds City Council in the 1970’s.
The Queens became the subject of the ‘fun’ or ‘themed’ pub craze that prevailed around the 1970’s and 80’s and became ‘Colonel Mustards’ in acknowledgement to the Waddington’s factory opposite who were the makers of ‘Cludeo’. This involved turning the tap room, lounge, and snug into the Library, the Dining Room, and the Kitchen, embellishing them with large cards of the Cluedo suspects and with replicas of their weapons dangling from the ceiling. The novelty eventually wore off and it reverted back to being known as the Queens.
Latterly unused, the building began to look derelict having the upstairs windows removed and finally a fire earlier this year badly damaged the roof
leaving it looking in a very sorry state. Planning permission has now been granted to build a drive through coffee shop.
When the image of the Queens demolition was shared on Facebook, it attracted over 100 comments. These are just a few:
“It’s gone, Stourton has finally sunk beneath the waves.”
“The last remaining thing from my Stourton childhood, sad times”
“Oh, that’s caught in my throat a bit I’ve watched it decline and half hoped it would somehow be saved. That’s the last visible memory of my childhood about to take its last breath”
“A sad end to the last bastion of Stourton wiped from the face of the earth. A great little community destroyed”
“They can destroy our buildings but not our memories.”
“They have wiped Stourton off the map haven’t they. Incredible this was allowed to happen.”
“Probably the last building belonging to the proud old village of Stourton. This pub has a long history being the venue for many local groups
along with the Buffs Lodge of old and the source of good times and memories for so many”
It is hard today with so many industrial buildings in the area to imagine there were rows of streets, shops and even a park. So, what was it about the village of Stourton that evokes so many happy memories of a community which gradually grew and thrived over many years but disappeared over 40 years ago.
Stourton began to grow as a community as far back as the Industrial Revolution until it had grown into a village that boasted over 3,000 house proud and hardworking residents by the 1920s. The village had a church, St Andrew’s; two chapels, Wakefield Road Methodist and Mayflower Street Methodist; two schools an infant and junior; a police station; a park; a library; a brass band; two pubs; and two clubs, Stourton Working Men’s Liberal Club on Pontefract Road and later Bateson Street Working Men’s Club.
There was plenty of opportunity for employment in Stourton and you could always walk to work. There was everything you needed there. Employment on your doorstep, all the shops you needed as there were shops at every street end, social clubs, pubs and good friends and neighbours. A definite plus in today’s carbon footprint era.
Stourton was a very tight knit community, people stayed together, and family and relatives all lived nearby.
Margaret Harper, formally Harvey, who lived in Ida View said, “We all helped each other, the children had cousins to play with and the adults
Yorkshire Copper Works and John Waddington’s.
Yorkshire Copper Works had a 20-acre site off Pontefract Road. It had a workforce of approximately 2,000 and at one time had its own bus terminus to bring the workers in from outside Stourton.
It encouraged athletic competition between its workforces. It had its own cricket and football teams and sports days known as the annual ‘field day’.
John Waddington’s had established its headquarters on Wakefield Road in 1922. The company grew rapidly from 1931 producing posters, cartons and playing cards. In 1933 Jigsaws and Lexicon were produced and in 1935 Monopoly was printed.
Stourton was beginning to change in the early 60s. When a big storm damaged housing in Teal Street in 1962, the houses were not repaired, and the street was demolished.”
There had been little further residential development since the 1950s the last houses being built in 1952, mainly because the village was complete, although companies were starting to realise the advantages the area could offer.
helped with babysitting duties when the children came home from school if their parents were on shift work. Neighbours also helped if anyone was ill, doing shopping or making meals. We all looked out for each other”
Most families in Stourton had a member or knew someone who worked there producing millions of packs of playing cards and games. Like the Copper Works they had cricket and football teams and always had social events, dances, and annual sports days, having their own playing field and canteen. The crowning of the Gala Queen was always looked forward to by the young Stourton girls.
offered many places to play, and they generally made their own amusement. Boys built dams in the stream at the bottom of the Goslem, played football and cricket in the street drawing goal posts or wickets on the toilet yard doors or slid down the railway embankment on cardboard or corrugated sheets. Girls put on concerts in their backyards or played games together such as skipping.
Stourton had a lovely park, and it was beautifully kept with flower beds and a bowling green. Playing in the park was great fun, on the swings, the long boat, see saw and teapot lid.
The rhubarb fields were at the bottom of the Ida’s and when there was no money to be had for sweets there was always plenty of sticks of ‘tusky’.
For the adults, the two oldest and probably largest employers at the time in Stourton were
and played hard, always with a sense of fun and community spirit. There were three wellknown community activities in the 1950s.
The annual Whit walk, the walking and drinking race, and the Stourton wheelbarrow race.
Margaret said “We were very happy during this time, and we didn’t really have any idea of what was going to happen but slowly Stourton began to change. Looking back,
Land was developed for industry at the back of Queen Street and along Pontefract Road and more industries were being brought into Stourton. Whilst it was good for employment it was beginning to sit side by side with residential areas. Some residential demolitions took place in 1966 and by 1969 work had started on the M1 motorway providing an excellent means of moving goods quickly to outlying areas. In 1966 everything except Teal Street was still standing, but by 1971 streets were ripped in half with industry taking over the land along the track of the railway, cutting through Stourton. As quickly as a house was vacated it seemed to disappear.
Scaffolding (GB) took the space between the Ida’s and the Infants school, and Cameron Iron Works took the land behind Queen Street. Also, there was Bidgood’s steel works, Arnold Lavers and Bisons. Even the rhubarb fields were given over to industry.
Margaret said “The residents all signed a petition which was sent to Rothwell Urban District Council asking them to do something so we could return to how things used to be. RUDC came back and said Stourton was in the process of being changed from a residential to an industrial centre.”
“This was the first we had heard of this, so it seemed like the whole population of Stourton was crammed into the school hall for a meeting. They told us the council’s plans for clearing the area, as Stourton was designated an industrial zone. At last, after years of rumours and speculation the Continued on page 18
The recent demolition of the Queen’s Hotel
Shops in Stourton
Stourton
Stourton: the village that vanished
Continued from page 17 Council had revealed their hand.” Apparently, this had been planned since 1948.
Margaret recalls, “At first everyone agreed that they wanted to fight and stay, our houses were lovely. We formed the Stourton Community Association, and I was the secretary. I went to a lot of meetings and complained about the problems of derelict buildings and the mess in the
area. We wanted the area cleaning and keeping tidy like it used to be. Rothwell Urban District Council was taken over by Leeds City Council and we all received compulsory purchase orders in 1976 which said Stourton was part of the ‘slum clearance’ project. What an insult, our houses were not slums, the owner occupiers kept their houses beautiful and were very proud of their houses.”
“I attended meeting after meeting to see what could be done but things got worse and the council did nothing, so people started saying they would be better off in a new house away from Stourton. We used to get everything we wanted at the local shops but slowly they all closed.”
The continuing demise of Stourton, once a tight knit community, was leading to a split between residents. Those who wanted to stay and those who wanted to move.
“We had been able to get a public inquiry into the compulsory purchase and demolition orders which meant nothing could be done until this had been heard.”
“We refused to accept the council’s ruling that our homes were unfit for human habitation. We went to the press, and I gave an interview on local radio. I told them, we’ve worked hard to make our homes nice and comfortable. We’re not going to sit back and let people call them slums. I told them I can understand people wanting to leave but I can remember a different Stourton, so we will fight on. We formed The Stourton Resident’s Association.”
At the public inquiry, Cyril Richardson, chairman of the Stourton Resident’s
Pathways for positivity with
Shannon Humphrey
Friendships: Why they matter and how to nurture them
Amuch-loved family friend passed away this summer, leaving us all heartbroken. Her loss has led me to reflect on how precious our friendships are. They say friends are the family we choose, and that was certainly true of her. There’s something magical about spending time with someone who just gets you. She was like family to all of us, easy to be around, we could talk for hours over a coffee about nothing in particular. She was quick to laugh and radiated kindness of spirit. She could be relied upon to encourage when life felt difficult and despite having her share of ill health, she’d always extend her friendship and a warm hug to others. Her absence has left a huge hole for many, but it’s also a reminder of how important it is to cherish the people in your
life while they’re still here and let them know just how much they’re loved, thankfully, this she knew for sure.
True friendship is one of life’s greatest joys, yet it’s so easy to take it for granted. As we get caught up in work, family, and the grind of life, it can be tempting to assume that our friends will always be there when we need them. But, like any relationship, friendships need nurturing with time, effort, and care to stay strong. To have great friends, you need to be a great friend.
One of the best ways to enrich your life is by surrounding yourself with a diverse group of friends. Having a mix of ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and religious beliefs brings new perspectives, deeper conversations, and a richer experience all around.
Association opened his fight to save the area with an excellent speech which was reported in the paper under the headline “Rape of Stourton”. I also spoke at the public inquiry and put my opinions forward as strongly as I could. Unfortunately, the inquiry ruled in favour of the council.
I moved in January 1980 after a long campaign to save the village of Stourton. As I said in one newspaper report, “It used to be a smashing little place.”
Even now there is still a spirit of Stourton at work and this spirit refuses to die with the continued interest of its exresidents.
Today with the demolition of the Queens, the only visible reminder of Stourton is the war memorial situated on Wakefield Road near the First Direct Building. This was originally sited near the entrance gates to St Andrew’s Church on Pontefract Road.
After the church was demolished, it was moved to this piece of land donated by Waddington’s who had been one of the area’s largest employers. This memorial contains the names of the men of Stourton who gave their lives in two World Wars, so that Stourton could be free.
They could beat the enemy
the years—those memories will remain even though they’re no longer here.
Different life stories, music, food and viewpoints challenge us to grow, learn, and see the world in ways we might not have considered. I encourage you to actively strike up a conversation with someone you wouldn’t usually gravitate towards, just for a few minutes you might be pleasantly surprised!
Not every friendship lasts forever, and sometimes that’s okay. Life pulls people in different directions, and as a result friendships naturally fade. It’s important to appreciate the time you had together and recognise that not every relationship is meant to last a lifetime. The memories you’ve made together still hold value. Of course, losing a friend is never easy—especially when someone passes away. Their laughter, moments shared, the support they offered through
abroad, but not the enemy within, ie the town planners.
The wall war memorials that were originally in Stourton Working Men’s Liberal Club and Bateson Street WMC are now both on display in the Hunslet Hub and Library.
If anyone is interested in reading more about the history of Stourton or recollections of
life in Stourton, The Little Book Club in conjunction with Hunslet Carr Residents Association have produced four little books which are available to buy.
Enquire by email to thelbc2022@gmail.com or telephone 07919 550294 or see Facebook at Hunslet and Stourton Little Book Club.
While it’s essential to honour and cherish past friendships, it’s equally important to keep creating new memories with people here now. Life gets busy, but taking the time to plan a catch-up, send a thoughtful message, remembering important dates will keep those bonds strong. Friendships thrive on shared experiences, so don’t wait— make time to enjoy each other’s company and deepen those connections, even if it’s just a five-minute face-time chat.
Deep friendships not only make life more fun, but they’re also good for your health. Studies show that having a strong social circle can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and even lead to a longer life. This isn’t just a perk for women— men benefit just as much from close friendships. The ability to share openly with a trusted friend can do wonders for mental health, reducing
feelings of anxiety and depression.
I can’t talk about friendship without giving a nod to my cat, Gordon. Yes, I know, any excuse! But honestly, sometimes pets are the best companions we could ever ask for, offering love and loyalty without needing words. Whether it’s the sheer joy of a dog’s greeting or the quiet peace I feel when Gordon curls up next to me, pets provide a comfort and friendship that’s simple, unconditional, and truly healing. The positive impact they have on our mental health and wellbeing is undeniable. friendships—whether with old friends, new ones, or even four legged ones are a gift.
They make life richer and more meaningful. Life’s better when you have people to share it with—through the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
in memory of our lovely friend Jacky. If you’re struggling with loneliness or you’d like to extend your friendship to others, check out these websites: letsbfriend.org.uk friendship-project.co.uk peoplemattersleeds.co.uk/ social-groups
Shannon Humphrey is a freelance First Aid for Mental Health Instructor and wellbeing advisor. Find out more about her work at www.pathways forpositivity.com
Stourton War Memorial on Wakefield Road
Margaret outside 9 Ida View with the compulsory purchase order
Photo: Shutterstock
Email: info@southleedslife.com Website: www.southleedslife.com
Pyramid’s ‘Take A Seat’ exhibition Artist residency starts in Hunslet
by Penny Lewis
Creative Communities are excited to announce that our Community Artist Residency at the Involve Centre in Hunslet, has started.
The artist, Rozi Fuller is based at Involve until mid December, collaborating with residents of Hunslet to create a lasting piece of artwork.
The artwork will focus on the theme of Pride and Place, using the ideas, stories and contributions of all interested members of the community.
Rozi is facilitating art sessions on Tuesdays 2-4pm at Involve, where the Heritage Cafe is also taking place. Everyone is welcome to drop in to join in with the art or come and share their stories about South Leeds and people can participate for as long as they’d like to. Rozi will also be out and about visiting groups and other centres over the course of the residency.
Rozi’s background covers many areas of art and
animation. She works in many different mediums, including photography, mark-making, collage and animation and creates artworks for a variety of
contexts, such as for TV and stage, as well as in participatory projects with community groups.
If you’d like to find out about
other ways you can get involved in the work Rozi’s doing, please contact creative.communities @swarthmore.org.uk or phone
Penny on 07438 666342
Light Night returns this month
Marking its 20th edition
this year, Light Night Leeds will feature large-scale projections, live street theatre and interactive installations that will incorporate some of city’s most recognisable locations.
As well as the city centre, there are six installations south of the river this year in the South Bank Zone which is
sponsored by Aire Park.
Projected onto a mist of water, Monad unites the elements of life: fire, air, water and earth and presents a circle as a symbol of time, the perpetual motion of life. At Leeds Dock, LS10 1EG.
A 5-metre fire-breathing dragon has landed at Leeds Dock. Inspired by carnival from Trinidad and Tobago, and
accompanied by high energy percussion and special fire effects, you won’t want to miss this magical performance. Dragon Heart Beats is in Armouries Square, LS10 1LT. Relive Leeds’ rich history with SLIDESHOW, a stunning array of vintage photographs from the 1970s to the 1990s. At Department Leeds Dock, 4 The Boulevard, LS10 1PZ.
Holbeck-based
arts organisation Pyramid and Seagulls Paint, which has recently relocated to Water Lane, have partnered on a new project transforming unwanted furniture into unique works of art.
This creative initiative has been undertaken by Next Step Pyramid, a group of artists who meet weekly at Pyramid, in Holbeck, and will be shared in a new exhibition, opening at Seagulls on 11 October.
The project began when Greenhead College in Huddersfield donated some traditional wooden school stools to Pyramid. Each member of Next Step chose a personal theme that resonated with them, ranging from gardening and the Leeds Rhinos to underwater worlds and outer space. Working with support from local artists Nicky Lines and Alice Burford, the group sanded and painted the stools, turning them each into vibrant and original artworks. The creative process involved experimenting with various techniques, including collage,
The Canal and River Trust bring their wildlife themed family activities and games to Leeds Dock. Experience a glow in the dark bat cave which highlights the important conservation work protecting our fantastic creatures of the night. There’ll be plenty of games too, with glow in the dark bowling and giant noughts and crosses.
Homelessness charity Simon on The Streets have programmed the lights on the David Olewale Bridge (LS1 4BJ) to reflect on the continuing plight of homeless people in Leeds.
Thousands of multi-coloured laser beams pulse and flicker overhead to a mesmerising electronic soundscape. Parallels is an unmissable immersive installation inspired by dynamic movement and tones from the natural environment. Moving imagery is stretched out into endless abstractions, alternating between moments of serenity to eruptions of chaos. At The Tetley, Aire Park, LS10 1JQ.
To date, Light Night Leeds has attracted more than 1.1 million visitors to the city, with last year’s event alone seeing a record 200,000 people attending and generating an estimated £3.5m for the local economy.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture,
papier mâché, and decorating pieces of wood, before the final painting began. The group sourced the paint from Seagulls, who rescue paint from landfill and reprocess it for resale.
Pyramid artist Nicky Lines said,
“As an arts charity who try to source good quality materials on a budget, we are thrilled to have Seagulls as our South Leeds neighbours! We are incredibly excited to have an exhibition in such a fantastic new space and look forward to welcoming new audiences to see our work”
The transformed stools will be showcased in a public exhibition at Seagulls’ new premises from 11-17 October 2024. Next Step will be hosting an evening opening and exhibition launch from 6:30–8:30pm on Thursday 10 October, all are welcome and refreshments will be provided. Seagulls is located at 129 Water Lane, Holbeck, LS11 9UD. Limited car parking is available. Seagulls is ground floor, level access.
said:
“Light Night is always an incredible spectacle, which transforms the city and brings thousands of people together to experience something truly special.
"It is also an occasion which forges important relationships and partnerships between our local businesses and cultural institutions, and we’re particularly thrilled to be working with the British Library and Markel on this year’s event and highlighting the important
role they will have in Leeds for many years to come.”
Light Night Leeds 2024 takes place across the city from 6-10pm on Thursday 24 October and Friday 25 October. The festival is supported by Leeds City Council, Arts Council England and many generous sponsors.
More details for the programme are available at: lightnightleeds.co.uk and follow Light Night Leeds on social media for more information.
Parallels will be at The Tetley in Aire Park
Hannah shows off her seat
Multimedia artwork created by Creative Communities participants in Rozi’s workshop
What’s On
Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in October
Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 28 October - 1 November
Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/evens
Every Monday
Money Buddies
9am-12pm Dewsbury Road
Community Hub & Library
Tea and Toast
9am-12pm BITMO’s Gate, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH
Parents & Tots Group
9:30-11am St Matthew’s
Community Centre, Holbeck Trinity Network Tea and Toast
9:30-3pm 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 Beeston Village
Community Centre, off Town Street, LS11 8DQ
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
A Piece Of Me play for under 5s
12-3pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, LS11 6RD Holbeck Together Lunch Club
12-1pm 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, LS11 6JG
MHA Meditation & Movement
1:15-2:15pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane
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
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
Community Sports Session
4:30-5:30pm Clapgate Primary School, Cranmore Drive 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 Windmill Children’s Centre, Windmill Road LS10 3HQ 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
Creative Communities Workshop
10am-2pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, LS10 3RR Book: 07483 666342
Grandparents Kinship Support Group
10am-12pm St George’s Centre, Middleton
Bosom Buddies Breastfeeding
Peer Support Group
10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX
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
Bingo and Hoy
11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid
Social Centre, Acre Road
MHA Lunch and Social
11am-2pm Arthington Court, Balm Road, Hunslet
MHA Walkie Talkies
11:30am-3:30pm Hunslet Nelson
Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston
MEA Lunch Club
12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid
Social Centre, Acre Road
Holbeck Together Lunch Club
12-1:15pm 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. Healthy Hearts Advice
1:30-4pm BITMOs Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH
Creative Communities Art
Workshop and Heritage Cafe
2-4pm Involve Community Centre, Whitfield Avenue, LS10 2QE
MEA Line Dancing
2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.
Help with Computers
3-7pm BITMOs Gate, Aberfield
Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH
Hot Meal (free to BITMO tenants)
4-5:30pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road
Free Kids Sports
3:30pm Low Grange View, Belle Isle, LS10 3DT
Insight 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 Free Kids Sports
4:45pm West Grange Road MUGA, Belle Isle, LS10 3AW Cockburn Community Choir
5-6pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston 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
Seniors Breakfast Club
9am-12pm Belle Isle Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, LS10 3DN
Everyday Lives coffee morning 9-11am Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Open doors
9:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Old Lane, Beeston
Holbeck Together shopping trip
9:30am-12:30pm 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
Creative Communities Workshop
10am-2pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, LS10 2NS
Book: 07483 666342
Adult Maths Support
10am-1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH
Mobile Council 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 10am-2pm Involve Leeds, Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet, LS10 2QE 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
Little Lighthouse Playgroup
10:30am-12:30pm South Bank Sanctuary, 2 Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6TT
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
The Lunch Club
11:30am-1:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR 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
Holbeck Together Craft Afternoon
1:15-3:15pm 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
DAZL Dance (5-11 yrs)
4:30-5:15pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle
Bat & Chat Table Tennis
5-7pm Dewsbury Road
Community Hub & Library
DAZL Adult Dance Fit
5:15-6pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle 3rd Middleton Scouts
5:30-7:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR
1st SLAM Beavers (6-8 yrs)
6-7:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Women & Girls Cricket
6pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston, LS11 5TT Illuminate Dance
6pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Food Cycle free hot meal 630pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston LS11 8PD Holbeck Moor FC: Inclusive adult football training
6:30pm Holbeck Moor Line Dancing
6:30-9pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR 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, LS10 3RR 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 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 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 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
Website: www.southleedslife.com
Holbeck Together Line Dancing
11:30am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck
MEA Lunch Club
12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road
Crooked Clock Lunch Club
12pm Sussex Avenue, Hunslet Book: 07470 167243
Free Soup and a Roll
12-2pm Church of the Nazarene, Lupton Street, Hunslet
Holbeck Women’s Group (HFA)
12-2pm Ingram Gardens
Community Centre, LS11 9SA
LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group
12-2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle
MHA Lunch Club & Social
12-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane Trinity Network Lunch Club
12:30-1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Bingo
12:30-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Women Only Swimming
1-2pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston
Warm Space & Computer support
1-5pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH Kushy Dil (Bangladeshi Women’s Group)
1-3pm Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue, LS11 7DD
Online Computer class
1-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid
Social Centre, Acre Road Conversation Club for asylum seekers and refugees
1:30-3:30pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn Craft Workshop
1-2:30pm Cranmore & Raylans Community Centre, Cranmore Drive, LS10 4AW Walking Group
1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Digital Inclusion / Social Group
1:30-3pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus After School Games Club
3-4:30pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Youth Club
4:30-6:30pm Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3DN Community Basketball
5-6pm 14+ women & girls
Cockburn John Charles Academy, Old Run Road, Belle Isle Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs)
5-8pm Hunslet Moor. Middleton Scout Group
5:30-7:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: scoutsmiddleton@gmail.com Sanctuary Youth (Year 7+)
6-8pm South Bank Sanctuary, 2 Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6TT Boys and Girls Rugby
6:30-8pm Leeds Corinthians, Nutty Slack, Middleton, LS10 4AX Yoga
6:30pm St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07512 393228 Hunslet Nelson Women’s Rounders
6:30-7:30pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Boxercise
7-8pm Cranmore & Raylands
Community Centre, Belle Isle
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Old Lane, Beeston
Breakfast Club
9:15-11:15am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road
Breakfast Club and Food Bank
9:30-11:30am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR
Affordable Breakfast
9:30am Cranmore & Raylands
Community Centre, Belle Isle Menspace drop in
9:30am Cranmore & Raylands
Community Centre, Belle Isle
Women only Exercise (HFA)
9:30-10:15am Beeston Village
Community Centre, off Town St IT & Computer Skills
9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Toast & Games, Knit & Natter
9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.
MHA Breakfast
9:30-11:30am Hunslet Nelson
Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Hunslet RLFC Breakfast Club
10am-12pm Phoenix Suite, South Leeds Stadium
Holbeck Together Coffee Shop
10am-12pm St Matthew’s
Community Centre
Holbeck Together Dance On 10-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Hobbies Together (HFA)
10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre
Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX
A Choir’d Taste (Women’s Choir)
10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre
Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX
Gardening Group
10am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus
Julie’s Ancestry Group
10am-12pm and 1-3pm 26 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3AE
MHA Stretch & Tone
10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Green Team Volunteers
10am-3pm Skelton Grange
Environment Centre, Stourton
Beety Din Older Women’s Group
10:30am-1pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Knit & Natter
11am-12:30pm Cranmore & Raylans Community Centre, Cranmore Drive, LS10 4AW Bingo and Hoy
11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road
Fish & Chip Lunch
11:30am-1pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MHA St Mary’s Lunch Club
12-1:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street, LS11 8PN MEA Lunch Club
12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Trinity Network Lunch Club
12:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Lunchtime meditation
12:30-1pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road Holbeck Ballroom & Sequence Dancing
1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston 50+ Gup Shup Group
1-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston
Prize Bingo Afternoon
1:15-2:15pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck
Friday Social Club
1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Chair-based Exercise
Active Communities
4-6pm Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3DN
Middleton Skaters
4pm (under 8s); 5pm (under 13s)
Parkside Hub, Colin Cooper Fields, Belle Isle, LS10 3HF
Table Tennis
4:45-5:25pm (7-11yrs) 5:306:15pm (12-15yrs) St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck
DAZL Youth Club
5-7pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road
Illuminate Dance
5-7pm Cranmore & Raylands
Community Centre, Belle Isle
South Leeds Lakers Juniors (Athletics)
6-7pm South Leeds Stadium Book: fb.com/juniorlakersleeds
Youth Club
6-8pm The Gambia Welfare Society, Oak House, Balm Walk, Holbeck, LS11 9PG
Suzaku Martial Arts Children’s gp
6-9pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town Street
1st SLAM Cubs (8-10½ yrs)
6:15-7:45pm St Andrew’s
Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston
Ultimate Dance Academy
7-8m Cranmore & Raylands
Community Centre, Belle Isle
5th Middleton Guides & Rangers
7:30-9pm South Leeds URC
Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle
1st SLAM Scouts (10½-14 yrs)
8-9:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston
Every Saturday
Debbie Heart Theatre School
8am-12:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle
Cross Flatts parkrun
9am Top of Cross Flatts Park, Beeston, LS11 7NA
Middleton Woods parkrun
9am Leeds Urban Bike Park
Ring Road, Middleton, LS10 3TN
Community Basketball
9-10:30am 8-12 years, mixed
10:30am-12pm Yr6-9 Girls
3:30-5pm U16/U14 Boys
Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston
Holbeck Moor FC Juniors (4-6yrs)
9am Ingram Road Primary School, Holbeck
Saturday Breakfast
9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid
Social Centre, Acre Road
Adult Cycle Training
10am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston
Book: bit.ly/CycleNorth
Ultimate Dance Academy
10:15am-1:40pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre
Middleton Railway
10:30am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet, LS10 2JQ
ParkPlay
10:30am-12:30pm Brickfield Park, Lady Pit Lane, Beeston
Champions Soccer Saturday
10:30-11:30am Hunslet Moor
Arts & Crafts Lunch
11am-12:45pm Hunslet
Community Hub & Library, off Church Street
Bingo
12-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid
Social Centre, Acre Road
3rd Middleton Scouts
Youth Club
7-9pm LS-TEN Skatepark, Kitson Road, Hunslet
Every Sunday Junior parkrun (4-14 yrs)
9am Top of Cross Flatts Park
Indoor Children’s Exercise
10am-12pm Hillside, Beeston Rd
Healthy Minds Cycling Skills
10-11am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park
Middleton Railway
10:30am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet, LS10 2JQ
Play For All (7-13 yrs)
11am-1pm Cross Flatts Park Hunslet Community Litterpick 11am-12:30pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, LS10 2QE
Big Bike Fix drop in workshop
12-4pm Harlech Avenue, Beeston Toning & Stretching with Julie
6:30-7:30pm DAZL HQ, Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road. Book: 07783 786776 Zumba
7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle
October
Thursday 3 October
Opern Afternoon
4-6pm Sharp Lane Primary School, Middleton, LS10 4QE
Open Evening
5-7pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston LS11 5TT
Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc
6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, LS10 2EF
Beeston Community Forum
7:30-9pm Beeston Village Community Centre, Beeston Park Place, off Town Street
Friday 4 October
Legal Advice drop in 9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road
Saturday 5 October
Hunslet Cemetery Volunteers 10am-1pm Middleton Road
Coffee morning
10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road, Hunslet Macmillan Coffee Afternoon
2:30-4:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston, LS11 8AL Bangla Square Youth Group
1:15-6pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St The Lions of Rotherham 7pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn, LS11 9QX
Tuesday 8 October
Police Contact Point
10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub and Library, off Church Street
Police Contact Point
10am-12pm White Rose Shopping Centre, LS11 8LU
Library Story Bus
10:30am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road
Wednesday 9 October
Middleton Life History Group
10am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle
MHA Kurling
10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston
Police Contact Point
10am-12pm Dewsbury Road
Community Hub & Library
Police Contact Point
Community Centre, Holbeck, LS11
Police Contact Point
10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub and Library, Town Street
Holbeck Together Memories Cafe
2-3:30pm St Matthew’s
Community Centre, Holbeck
Take A Seat exhibition opening
6:30-8:30pm Seagulls, 129 Water Lane, Holbeck, LS11 9UD
Friday 11 October
MHA Race Night
7-10pm South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston
Saturday 12 October
Leeds Dads Soft Play
10am-12pm Little Angels, Beeston, LS11 7HL
Middleton Makers Market
10am-2pm Middleton Park Circus
Community/Reflections Cafe
10-12pm United Reformed
Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle
Leeds Brick Festival
10am-4pm New Dock Hall, Armouries Drive, LS10 1LT
Spooktacular with YWO
3pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ
Book: www.slunglow.org/shows
Sunday 13 October
Sunday Breakfast
9am St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, LS11 8PD
Farmers’ Market
10am-4pm Armouries Square, Leeds Dock, LS10 1LT
Tuesday 15 October
Library Story Bus
1-3pm Parkfield Avenue, Beeston, LS11 7LX
Wednesday 16 October
MHA Connie Crafters
3-4:30pm South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston, LS11 7JH
Open Evening
4-7:30pm Leeds College of Building, Cudbear Street, Crown Point, LS10 1EF
Thursday 17 October
SEN-tastic
9:15-10:30am St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, LS11 8PD
Leeds Baby Bank
10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library
Friday 18 October
Police Contact Point 10am-12pm Cottingley Community Centre, LS11 0HJ
Saturday 19 October
Repair Cafe
1-4pm BITMO’s Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle, LS10 3QH Alas! Poor Yorick
7:30pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ Book: www.slunglow.org/shows
Tuesday 22 October
Library Story Bus
10:30am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road
Stronger Together (neurodivergent)
11am-1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH
Thursday 24 October
Holbeck Together Memories Cafe
2-3:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck
Light Night Leeds
6-10pm various venues
Friday 25 October
Table Top Sale
2-4pm Involve Leeds, Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet, LS10 2QE
Beeston & Holbeck Councillors’ Surgeries
4pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street, Beeston 5pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck
6pm Cottingley Community Centre Light Night Leeds
6-10pm various venues
Helios
7:30pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ Book: www.slunglow.org/shows
Saturday 26 October
Jumble Sale
1-3pm St Peter’s Church Hall, Petersfield Avenue, Belle Isle Let Your Light Shine
4-6pm South Bank Sanctuary, 2 Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6TT MHA Line Dancing Evening
7-10pm South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston
Sunday 27 October
Holbeck Together Sunday Lunch
12-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, LS11 9NR Book (0113) 245 5553
Tuesday 29 October
Wild Play Session (8-12 yrs)
10am-4pm Skelton Grange
Environment Centre, LS10 1RS Book: tcv.org.uk/skeltongrange
Police Contact Point
10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub and Library, off Church Street
Police Contact Point
10am-12pm White Rose Shopping Centre, LS11 8LU
Wednesday 30 October
MHA Winter Wellbeing Event
10am-2pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston
Police Contact Point 10am-12pm Dewsbury Road
Community Hub & Library
Police Contact Point
10:30am-12pm Holbeck Moor Road, ouside St Matthew’s MHA Coffee Morming 10am-12pm Cardinal Court, Beeston, LS11 8HP
MHA Kurling
10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Holbeck Cemetery Volunteers 10am-1pm Fairfax Avenue Memory Cafe
1:30-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Rd, LS10 4JQ Thursday 31 October Hunslet Remembered
10-11:30am Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Police Contact Point 10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub and Library, Town Street Trinity Network Halloween Party and Disco
12-3pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle
Every Friday
Charity Shop and Warm Space
8:30-11:30am United Free Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Stay & Play
9-11am St Anthony’s Church Hall,
1:45-2:45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.
Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs)
3:30-5:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Elland Road
12:45-2:15pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR
Youth Club
6-8pm The Gambia Welfare Society, Oak House, Balm Walk, Holbeck, LS11 9PG
10:30am-12pm Holbeck Moor Road, ouside St Matthew’s MHA Singing Sensations
1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston
Thursday 10 October
Holbeck Community Roadshow
9:30am-12pm St Matthew’s
New 2024/25 Hunslet Club activity timetable IN BRIEF
New activities at South Bank Sanctuary
South Bank Sanctuary (formerly the Church of the Nazarene) on Hunslet Hall Road in Beeston have set up two new regular activities. Little Lighthouse is a pre-school playgroup with toys, songs, stories, snacks and hot drinks, every Wednesday 10:30am-12:30pm. Then on Thursdays from 6-8pm there’s Sanctuary Youth - a space for young people in secondary school to play table tennis, pool and video games.
On Saturday 26 October, 4-6pm, the church is hosting Let Your Light Shine, a ‘trunk and treats’ event with crafts, hot dogs and fancy dress.
Slung Low presents ...
Slung Low are hosting three events this month. Spooktacular is an informal, family-friendly concert by the Yorkshire Wind Orchestra. They will be playing familiar spooky classics on Saturday 12 October at 3pm, fancy dress is encouraged. Alas! Poor Yorick is described as “If the Two Ronnies were cast as the Gravediggers in Shakespeare’s Hamlet re-written by Samuel Beckett.” Ridiculusmus are on stage at 7:30pm on Saturday 19 October. Rounding off the month, Helios is on friday 25 October at 7:30pm. Fourthwall transplant the Ancient Greek tale into a modern-day myth wound round the winding roads of rural England - and into the everyday living of a towering city. All shows are Pay-what-you-decide. Book at www.slunglow.org /shows. Slung Low’s Warehouse In Holbeck is on Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ.
Wild Play at Skelton Grange
Spend a day playing outdoors at Skelton grange Environment Centre in Stourton on Tuesday 29 October. Activities may include open fire cooking, crafts, and/or wide games. For children aged 8-13 years. For more information and booking go to: tcv.org.uk/skeltongrange
Leeds Brick Festival
Leeds Brick Festival is a great day for families, collectors, adult builders and every other kind of LEGO fan. With lots to see and do including speed building competitions, large scale displays, activities, traders selling loose bricks, new LEGO sets, retired LEGO sets, minifigures & accessories plus a dedicated building area. It all takes place at New Dock Hall, Armouries Drive, LS10 1LT on Saturday 12 October from 10am-4pm. Information and tickets at: brickfestivalevents.com/event/leeds-brick-festival-4
Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence
DRCA Group LTD
trading as DRCA Group LTD
of Bungalow, Silverdale Farm, Thorpe Lane, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 4EP
is applying for a licence to use
Bungalow, Silverdale Farm, Thorpe Lane, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 4EP as an operating centre for 4 goods vehicles and 4 trailers
Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centres) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner, Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UA, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.
by Zoe Creasser
TheHunslet Club is excited to launch its new 2024/25 activity timetable featuring a wide range of fun and engaging sessions for young people aged 18months – 18 years.
From sports like football, netball, and boxing to dance, drama, and arts, there’s something for everyone down at The Club. Please check out our additional classes for
2024/25 including Netball.
With sessions costing just £1.50-£2 and no booking required, it couldn’t be easier to start a new activity.
We continue our commitment to providing a safe space for young people in South Leeds and beyond five nights a week with our free open-access Youth Club.
We welcome juniors ages 812 on Mondays and Thursdays and Seniors aged Year 8+ on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
We have a wide range of activities and events for all attendees to take part in as they please. The activities on offer help young people learn new skills, relax and build confidence and resilience for the future.
It’s a great way to get involved in the club and form a fun social group outside of school.
If you’re curious about our activities or just want to get a
feel for our building, you can always come along to Youth Club and check it out with no membership or booking needed.
Don’t forget to check out the Rugby at The Oval; Majorettes at South Leeds Youth Hub and Parkside; plus the Hunslet Club Gym and adult fitness classes. For more information and to view the full timetable, visit our website at hunsletclub.org.uk or contact The Hunslet Club directly on 0113 271 6489
Website: www.southleedslife.com
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Young rowers take endurance challenge to raise funds
Agroup of Yorkshire teenagers from Leeds Rowing Club will row over 1,000km on Saturday 5 October, without even leaving Leeds.
Last year the youngsters raised over £6,000 for the club by rowing marathons, in pairs, on erg rowing machines in the car park of the Stourton Boathouse.
This year they are upping the ante, with each duo aiming to row 1km for every GB rower who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics – that’s 52km per pair!
The challenge was the idea of the young rowers who want to raise much needed funds for buying new, and repairing existing, equipment to help them compete in the upcoming race season. Leeds Rowing Club is a registered charity.
Junior Club Captain Olivia Marks, aged 16, explains:
“Leeds Rowing Juniors all worked hard in training with our coaches last season and that got us some amazing results in regattas all over the country.
“We won a gold medal at the Junior Inter Regional Regatta in Nottingham and bronze at the National Schools Regatta in Windsor. Leeds Rowing Club Juniors, Seniors and Masters also managed to win the Victor Ludorum in Peterborough at the last regatta of the season.
“We’re hoping to do even better in the upcoming season, but to do this, we need to replace outdated and broken equipment. A set of blades (oars) are about £450, and the cost of a new boat is in the thousands.
“We also need a bigger trailer to take our growing team to races and this will be expensive. Our aim is to raise as much as possible from this event and we’re very thankful to family and friends who have
already sponsored us.”
Formed in 2006, Leeds Rowing Club is home to members of all age ranges and levels of experience. The Junior Programme was relaunched after the Covid pandemic and has grown to around 80 children, aged between 13 and 18, now taking part from all over the region.
Head Coach for the Junior squad at Leeds, Rob MacKenzie, added:
“Our Juniors have continued to train hard and build on their past successes. They competed in some big events last season, we took two junior boats to Henley Women’s and Henley Qualifiers and are striving to go further in both events this coming year. The excellent results at regional regattas and national competitions have been testament to their commitment to training and their enthusiasm for everything
rowing!
“We’ve got an amazing bunch of kids here whose talents we want to nurture. But that can’t be done without financial help.
“Rowing is an expensive sport and has always been seen as quite elitist. At Leeds Rowing Club we want to show that no matter what your background is, and even if you’re part of a smaller club, you can do well.
“For the children to choose to make this year’s fundraiser even harder than the last one is a credit to them and to the sport.”
Anyone wishing to support the Junior Academy’s Marathon Challenge can do so via a Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/crowdfun ding/LRC-Junior-Academy Alternatively, you can contact Leeds Rowing Club directly by emailing rowingatleeds @gmail.com
Hunslet head for promotion playoff grand final
Continued from page 24 square up 6-6.
Hunslet were now getting on top, but against the run of play the home side struck when Luke Forber rounded Flanagan and scored a good try to give Hornets the lead 12-6
A tackle on Jack Render in the air gave Hunslet a chance to get straight back in the match and Hunslet took it well. On 28 minutes after another penalty Cam Berry shot over from acting half-back and with Beharrell’s conversion it was tied up again at 12-12.
Although Hunslet had their chances, it looked like Rochdale would go into the sheds leading at the break as former Hunslet man Jordan Andrade spun in the tackle to score on 37 minutes. But Rochdale flung a pass out to the left only for Mackenzie Turner to intercept and run 60 yards to score. Matty Beharrell converting on the hooter leaving us 18-18 at the break with nothing in it.
The most important 40 minutes of Hunslet’s season were upon us and the team saved their best ’til now. Forcing a drop out early on with Michael Knowles putting in a pinpoint kick and Jordan Syme a crunching tackle, the Parksiders shipped the ball out left. Matty Beharrell turned the ball inside to Jack Render who caught the Hornets on the wrong foot to score under the sticks. 18-24 on 42 minutes.
Render struck again 5 minutes later with a trademark
try. Quick hands to the left sent Render on a run ending in a superb dive to score. 18-28 Rochdale were shell-shocked and after another drop out quick hands sent Jude Ferreira into space. The speedy centre found enough of a gap to score. Beharrell converted 18-34 Ethan Wood rana good angle to score next. 18-40 and game surely over.
Rochdale retrieving the ball from a short kick-off and Misi Taulapapa finished off a move to the right and we were at 2240.
Surely there was too much to do for the home side, but on 68 minutes they gave themselves hope when Luke Forber finished off a move in the corner. No conversion left it 2640 still three scores away.
Rochdale were certainly on a roll and could play with openness knowing they had nothing to lose. A kick on the last tackle took a lucky bounce and Rochdale were bound to score until Ethan Wood pulled off a superb try saving tackle. That probably settled the game, but Hunslet finished in style on 77 minutes when Ethan O’Hanlon burst through the middle and fed George Flanagan who dived under the posts to the travelling army’s delight. 26-46
On the hooter the Hunslet players and fans celebrated a famous victory. Coach Dean Muir had said it was all about hitting their best form come the play-offs and that was certainly the case here.
Hunslet players celebrate a famous win at Rochdale
Young rowers at Stourton’s Leeds Rowing Club
Hunslet head for promotion playoff grand final
by Ian Pickles
Hunslet RLFC will face Keighley Cougars on 6 October after beating Rochdale Hornets at the second attempt on Sunday 29 September.
Having finished fourth in League, Hunslet started their playoff campaign away at Rochdale on 15 September where lost out in a lively and entertaining Qualifying play-off at The Crown Oil Arena.
The Parksiders will point out they lost three important players to injury (Cam Berry, Josh Jordan-Roberts and Jimmy Watson) and finished the game with only fourteen fit players, but having dominated the opening exchanges Hunslet will be disappointed they didn’t put Hornets to the sword in the first quarter.
Hunslet went 6-14 up with tries from Ferreira, Goddard and Render, but went in 16-14 down at the half, having lost Cam Berry and Josh JordanRoberts to injury.
corner in the 79th minute.
And so Hunslet returned to Rochdale for a rematch after Hornets lost at Keighley.
The two sides were locked 18-18 at the break, but the Parksiders delivered a season’s best 40 minutes to edge them another step nearer to the Championship.
The travelling army of supporters made their presence felt from the off, but it was Rochdale that dominated the early exchanges. Jack Darbyshire broke through to give the hosts the lead on only 3 minutes. It wasn’t until the 6th minute that Hunslet got their hands on the ball. A kick-out on the full allowed Hunslet to attack.
George Flanagan made a break but the ball came loose at the crucial moment.
The second half went Hornets’ way and Rochdale ran out 30-18, winning a trip to Keighley.
September.
Hunslet still had another bite iof the cherry and faced Midlands Hurricanes at South Leeds Stadium on 22
There was nothing between the teams, but a late Jack Render try kept Hunslet’s playoff hopes alive as the Parksiders lived to fight another day.
The three previous victories over the Hurricanes meant nothing as a re-shuffled Hunslet won their first play-off game since 2014.
After 55 minutes Midlands were 12-14 ahead with Flanagan in the sin bin. But the Parksiders stopped the Hurricanes making anything of their advantage and went close several times before George Flanagan found a gap and fed Jack Render to dive over in the
Beeston boxing promoter delighted at recent show success
by James Bovington
Beeston
boxing promoter
Tristan Haynes expressed delight that the main event on his show at Leeds Anglers Club on Saturday 14 September was “exciting and enthralling” as Leeds lad Kalem Pickles defeated Castleford’s Alex Evans for the Haynes Promotion’s light heavyweight 80 kg title belt.
“It was everything a fight should be,” said Haynes. “Two young, courageous boxers proving what they’re made of in an aggressive punch-up with both keen to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned in training, but also show just how physically and mentally fit and tough they are. Everyone enjoyed it.”
“I’m proud to have won the title and been the main event,” said Pickles, 19.
“Boxing on Tristan’s shows gives us the chance to gain valuable experience against tough, experienced opponents like Alex.
“I was six when my dad first took me to a boxing club, and I instantly fell in love with the sport. There’s nothing that I dislike as boxing teaches discipline and improves selfconfidence. Next year I plan to begin my journey through
England Boxing’s amateurs and aim to become a professional boxer when I’m twenty-one.”
At twenty-four Evans is five years older than Pickles.
“I’ve been training and competing for about four years. It’s a hobby. It keeps me fit and I’ve developed lots of friends at the gym and on the circuit. I prepared well for the fight getting my weight down and
then knowing everyone enjoyed the show. Boxing totally clears my head and it’s great in every way. I put up strong opposition and congratulate Kalem on winning.”
The show also offered fifteen-year-old South Leeds lad Josh Barker the opportunity of a ‘skills bout’ in which novice boxers gain experience without the pressure to get a win.
“Joshua lives with autism
and ADHD,” explained his mother, Nicole. “He’s loved training twice a week at MSA these past nine months and the boxing is benefitting him not just physically, but is also helping his social and emotional development. He loves that the Haynes team are all like a family and always supportive.”
Haynes, 31, began his shows in 2021 “to give West Yorkshire boxers a good platform to showcase developing skills in the three or four events we have each year.
“Some boxers are going through their own struggles as they develop their boxing career” he continued. “Participation helps them focus and gain confidence. I want to thank the medical team and the outstanding referee we have in the highly experienced Joe Ford whose care for the fighters and ability to make split second decisions are second to none.”
Haynes is proud that “we’re a team and all those fighting help organise and run up to four annual shows. The shows are boxing entertainment at its best and we are looking forward to welcoming back fighters and friends to the final show of the year on 14 December.”
On 10 minutes though the Parksiders struck. Flanagan sent Mackenzie Turner through who combined with Alfie Goddard to return the ball to Flanagan who dived over to score. Beharrell converting to
Continued on page 23
Successful start to the season for Leeds Knights
by Michael Ullah
Leeds
Knights have made a brilliant start to the new Ice Hockey season.
The season, which started on 14 September 2024, has seen the Knights win their first four matches of the campaign. It all began win an 8-5 win away to Solway Sharks.
The puck has hit the back of the net plenty of times with Knights scoring 28 goals in
these 4 opening matches.
Hopefully the great entertainment will continue as the season rolls on. Hull Seahawks remain top of the league with Leeds Knights currently in second place. Leeds Knights will face top of the table Hull Seahawks, at Planet Ice on Elland Road, on Saturday 12 October. More information and tickets are available from leedsknights.com
Jack Render scores one of his trademark ties in the corner against Rochdale Hornets. Photo: Craig Irvine
Leeds Knights play at Planet Ice in Beeston
Alex Evans and Kalem Pickles. Photo: Julian Hudson