South Leeds Life 125 December 2025 by South Leeds Life

Your FREE community newspaper Issue 125 | December 2025

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

KING HONOURS KIDZ KLUB LEEDS

Children’s charity granted King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Kidz

Klub Leeds, a faith based, grassroots children’s charity dedicated to transforming lives in inner-city Leeds through the love of God, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service –the highest accolade a UK voluntary group can receive.

This national honour recognises the outstanding commitment of Kidz Klub’s volunteers, who work tirelessly to support over 1,000 children across Leeds through; weekly clubs, home visits, mentoring, trips out, play streets, developing young leaders, schools work, family support work and advocacy.

The award celebrates the charity’s 25-year legacy of empowering children and families across 16 inner city Leeds communities.

Known as the MBE for voluntary groups, The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King. 2025 marks the third year of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Kidz Klub Leeds are one of only 231 national charities, social enterprises and

voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.

“We are deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award,” said Laura France Hodgkinson and Sarah Turner, Charity Co Leaders of Kidz Klub Leeds.

“This is a tribute to our incredible volunteers, staff, and supporters who believe in the potential of every child. It’s a moment of pride for Leeds and a powerful reminder of

what community-led change can achieve.”

The King’s Award shines a spotlight on Kidz Klub’s innovative model of relational, long-term support – building trust with families and walking alongside children from early years through to adolescence.

Over 25 years the charity has worked with 28,000 children across 2 generations and have carried out 707,000 home

visits alongside their dedicated clubs and extensive frontline services. The charity’s work has been praised for its impact on wellbeing, resilience, and for improving lifelong outcomes for children growing up in inner city communities.

Representatives of Kidz Klub Leeds will receive the award crystal and certificate from HM Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson CBE, in

the coming months. In addition, two volunteers will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

To celebrate this milestone, Kidz Klub Leeds is inviting supporters, partners, and the public to learn more, get involved and help spread the word. Visit: www.kidzklubleeds .org.uk

Turn to page 3 for reaction to the award

Kidz Klub works with children throughout South Leeds and beyond

About us

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

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Microsoft submits planning application for Stourton data centre

by Jeremy Morton

Aplanning

application has been submitted by Microsoft to build a data centre on the site of the former Skelton Grange power station in Stourton.

Data Centres house ranks of servers (computers) providing computer power and storage for ‘the cloud’ and for artificial intelligence operations. They require large quantities of electricity to run the servers and produce large quantities of heat which requires ventilation and cooling systems.

The plans show three buildings housing data halls, with offices and infrastructure including back up generators. In addition there will be an electricity substation and ancillary buildings on the site.

This is a hybrid planning application, seeking full permission for the data

centre and outline permission for a warehouse and distribution centre on an adjacent piece of land. Whilst the site is strategically placed to link into the national grid for electricity and there are large water mains nearby, the detailed

papers indicate that connection for the volumes the data centre will require may not be delivered quickly.

Northern Power Grid will upgrade the electricity supply in stages, but only be able to supply the final power requirement in 2030-33.

Yorkshire Water have indicated that they will not be able supply the 100 litres per second requested for another two years and that in a drought situation the data centre would have a lower priority than residential properties.

A pre-application to the

Environment Agency for abstraction of water from the River Aire has been submitted as a backup, but the council’s nature team have requested confirmation that:

“any water required for the operation of the data centre will not be extracted from the River Aire, and that any water used for cooling the data centre is not discharged into the River Aire.”

Due to the scale of the development the application will go to a Plans Panel of councillors in due course.

PLATFORM_ and HGP celebrate topping out at Sweetfields, Holbeck

PLATFORM_,

in partnership with the Lloyds-backed equity investor Housing Growth Partnership (HGP), has marked the topping out of its landmark 451home Build to Rent (BTR) development at Sweetfields, on Sweet Street in Holbeck.

Constructed by main contractor Winvic Construction Ltd, the scheme is set to deliver a collection of studios, one-, two- and threebedroom apartments designed specifically for renters, offering residents high levels of amenity, energy efficiency, and professional

management.

This first phase is a part of the larger Sweetfields neighbourhood which will include the reinstatement of The Commercial Inn, the launch of a new Asda Express, and a new central square amongst extensive landscaping.

“The topping out of our first building at Sweetfields marks a major step forward in our ambition to deliver high-quality, sustainable rental homes alongside thoughtful amenities like a convenience store, a pub and new fully landscaped public spaces to create a new

neighbourhood” said Jean–Marc Vandevivere, Chief Executive at PLATFORM_. “We’re proud to be working alongside our partners at HGP and Winvic to bring this transformative scheme to life and support the wider regeneration of South Bank in Leeds.”

The apartments will incorporate renewable energy sources, energyefficient heating and lighting, and smart in-home technologies.

With Phase 1 now structurally complete, the project moves into internal fit-out and façade works ahead of practical completion in

early 2027. PLATFORM_, HGP, and Winvic will continue to collaborate closely to ensure the scheme delivers on its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community impact.

Following the fantastic progress made on the first phase, PLATFORM_ will shortly be submitting Reserved Matters planning applications for Phase 2 of Sweetfields. Phase 2 will deliver a further 540 new Build to Rent homes split across two buildings varying in height from 8 to 23 storeys.

PLATFORM_ hopes to secure planning permission from Leeds City Council early next year with works scheduled to set to start on-site in early 2027.

The proposed data centre with the enﬁnium energy from waste plant (grey) behind and the warehouse distribution centre (black) in the foreground

White Rose and Kidz Klub deliver festive cheer to Leeds families

White Rose Shopping Centre has opened its annual gift donation campaign in support of Leeds based charity Kidz Klub, helping spread the festive spirit in the lead-up to Christmas.

Guests are invited to donate toys and gifts suitable for children aged zero to 16 years old, with the 4+ age range most in need, at the Christmas Appeal donation station near the Grotto in the centre, which will be accepting contributions until Sunday 21 December.

Donated gifts will be wrapped and shared with children and their families

across Leeds by Kidz Klub, providing festive joy to children who might otherwise go without.

Celebrating 25 years of supporting local communities, Kidz Klub has worked with families across Leeds through a range of initiatives, from community outreach and home visits to events and activities, bringing joy, safety, and hope to children living in poverty and isolation.

Since its inception, the Kidz Klub team have visited more than 700,000 homes across Leeds, and 74% of children say Kidz Klub helps them believe in

themselves and feel more confident.

Ashleigh Kellett, Deputy Centre Director at White Rose Shopping Centre, said:

“Our guests are always incredibly generous, and we know this year will be no different.

“The Christmas Appeal is special to all of us at White Rose and we’re proud to support a charity which spreads Christmas magic across the city; something that all children deserve.”

Sarah Turner, Charity CoLeader of Kidz Klub Leeds, added:

“We are incredibly grateful to the shoppers and the amazing team at the White Rose for their generous support of our Christmas Toy Appeal.

“Thanks to your kindness and community spirit, hundreds of inner-city children across Leeds will receive a special gift this Christmas — a reminder that they are seen, valued, and loved. Your support truly makes a difference.”

To find out more about all things festive at White Rose, including the magical ice rink and White Rose Express grotto, join PLUS+ for free at www.white-rose.co.uk Holbeck communal living scheme refused permission

Plans

to turn a historic building into a 22bedroom shared house have been blocked by the council.

Permission was refused for the conversion of grade II-listed Matthew Murray House on Water Lane in Holbeck.

The project would have seen en suite rooms with shared dining rooms and a communal kitchen created in the first and second floors of the 19th century building. Part of the ground floor of the site, a former foundry workshop, would have been turned into a sandwich shop.

A planning officer’s report said people living in the House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) would have no say over who

they were sharing with. It said:

“The initial 22 occupants and any future occupants will all be strangers to each other on separate letting agreements.”

The report said disputes between tenants would be

likely in such a large HMO. It said:

“The communal rooms on the first and second floors are proposed to serve as combined living spaces to relax in. The 22 tenants will no doubt be from

Reaction to Kidz Klub Leeds receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

"We are thrilled to see the brilliant Kidz Klub team recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service for their remarkable contribution to our community in South Leeds. They make a profound difference to the lives of local children and their families and ﬁll our Warehouse in Holbeck each week with hope, joy and laughter. This award is so well deserved.”

Joanna Resnick, Chief Executive, Slung Low

"Kidz Klub do a great job loving children here in Beeston and Holbeck, whether that is organising play streets, for example on Crosby Avenue, or the litter picks I've joined them on for their community impact days. I'm delighted they have received this award and hope it spurs them on to make an even greater impact!"

Cllr Andrew Scopes (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck)

“We’re incredibly proud of Kidz Klub and the team’s recent King’s Award honour is a true testament of the great work the organisation does within our community. We’ve partnered with Kidz Klub many times over the years, including our annual Christmas Appeal, which is always hugely successful and helps ensure families across Leeds can share the joy of the season. This recognition couldn’t be more deserved.”

Samantha Knight, White Rose Shopping Centre

"Kidz Klub exemplify the value of faithful, long-term community work. It's been brilliant working with them over the past 20+ years, seeing them evolve, watching relationships and projects grow, and seeing the impact they've had in our communities."

Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside)

dissimilar backgrounds who have various work patterns and lifestyles. Therefore it is likely the 22 tenants will be carrying out different household activities at varying times of the day and night.”

Leeds City Council said 15 objection letters were received from people living nearby.

One said: “HMOs tend to have a high turnover of tenants, and the development would lead to more noise, rubbish and general disruption for those living nearby.”

The report said an application for change-of-use planning permission for the site, park of Holbeck Conservation Area, was formally refused.

Dom Mort is the Local Democracy Reporter.

“Kidz Klub are a valued partner of Beeston Festival. Working with others, they ensure there are always plenty of free, fun and stimulating activities for children at the festival. Congratulations on receiving this well deserved award.”

Hon Ald Angela Gabriel, Chair, Beeston Festival

“I’m thrilled that the amazing work of Kidz Klub has been awarded this prestigious award. Their commitment to the wellbeing and development of children in our area, over many decades, is both inspiring and heartwarming. This is a truly well-deserved award. May they have many more decades ahead of them, helping a new generation with the love and care they have over the previous decades."

Cllr Paul Wray (Labour, Hunslet & Riverside)

Matthew Murray House, Water Lane. Photo: Google

Andy Johnson of Kidz Klub Leeds and Samantha Knight of White Rose Shopping Centre

by Dom Mort

Football project founders honoured at police awards Digital consultation system ‘transforms’ GP access

Anewdigital consultation system developed by local GPs is helping patients in Leeds to access GP services without hassle and delay, while saving the equivalent of 285 appointments every week.

Many patients experience frustration having to join the so called “8am queue” and take up a valuable face-to-face slot with their GP when there’s no other option.

SMARTconsult, developed by GP-founded Fuller & Forbes Healthcare Group which operates Middleton Park Surgery, Cottingley GP Surgery and Bramley Village Health and Wellbeing Centre, is tackling this, by allowing patients to log their symptoms online in just minutes. Many receive sameday advice or treatment either in-person with their GP or through expert advice online or via a local pharmacy.

One patient described it as:

“Much quicker than waiting on the phone at 8am. I booked a call about a bladder infection and got antibiotics from my local chemist the same day.”

can be booked straight into a local pharmacy for assessment and treatment, bypassing the GP surgery or a line at the pharmacy completely.

Practices using the tool have already seen a saving of 71 hours of GP time per week –the equivalent of 285 GP appointments every week.

If the tool were used across all of the 88 GP surgeries in Leeds, this would create the equivalent saving of 25,000 GP appointments in the city per week – transforming how local people access GP and primary care services.

Adam Bolton, a Practice Manager in Leeds, said:

“Since implementing SMARTconsult, we have seen a remarkable transformation in the way we deliver care to our patients. The system is now a vital part of our daily workflow, enabling us to manage and expand our patient contact capacity by over 250 additional interactions every single week. The tool has not only streamlined how patients access care, but it has also

Patients in the region already face challenges accessing a GP, with the most recent GP patient survey showing just 51% of patients in West Yorkshire describe trying to contact their GP by phone as ‘easy’.

But now SMARTconsult is helping practices in Leeds to safely manage a large number of straightforward cases by directing them to the most appropriate source of expertise – including GPs, nurse practitioners, or local pharmacies. This avoids patients competing for limited GP appointments and ensures that those who most need to see a GP face-to-face are able to do so smoothly.

Unlike other systems, SMARTconsult links directly to the NHS’s Pharmacy First service. Patients with common conditions such as sore throats

Officers,

staff and members of the public who have gone above and beyond to keep our communities in Leeds safe were celebrated at an event on 20 November.

The Leeds District Awards were held at Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium and recognised exemplary police

officers, staff members, special constables and volunteers alongside partner agencies and members of the public who provide invaluable support to the police.

Among those honoured were Sam and Craig Gilmore from Hunslet Moor. Chief Superintendent Steve Dodds

said:

“It is not just our own officers, staff, special constables and volunteers who were recognised. A number of members of the public and representatives from partner agencies were also commended. The work we do in policing is not done in

Public invited to help design the future of bus travel

Peoplein West Yorkshire are being invited to have their say to help design the inside of the region’s Weaver Network buses.

significantly improved clinical efficiency and triage accuracy.”

Practices already using SMARTconsult are each saving up to £300,000 a year in GP time, while giving patients more choice and quicker access to care.

Dr Mark Fuller, Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Fuller & Forbes, commented:

“People deserve to be able to access appropriate healthcare treatment smoothly and without additional stress. Every unnecessary GP appointment that is avoided is time given back to the NHS, freeing up doctors to focus on patients who really need them.

“At a time when general practice is under more pressure than ever, these results show digital consultation tools can make a meaningful difference to patients and GPs.”

West Yorkshire’s integrated Weaver Network will incorporate a new publiclyowned and run bus system, when franchised services are introduced in 2027 and 2028.

A consultation has been launched giving people in West Yorkshire the opportunity to choose their preferences around comfort, accessibility and staying connected on the move. It will run until mid December giving people several weeks to share their views.

A series of proposed bus seating layouts will be presented, with respondents encouraged to give feedback on wheelchair space, pram space and preferential seating.

Passengers will also get a chance to share their thoughts on other possible bus features, including WiFi and USB charging, on-board temperature and audio-visual announcements.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said:

“Buses are a vital part of our public transport network, and we need to ensure they are accessible to as many people as possible.

“Having the most comfortable and enjoyable

passenger experience will encourage more people to get out of their cars and on to our Weaver Network.

“This shows we are well on our journey to creating a transport system that is easier to use, and a greener, betterconnected region that works

isolation these individuals have played an invaluable role in improving our communities and keeping people safe.”

Sam Gilmore and Craig Gilmore from Champions Football received the Contribution to Community Award. The citation read:

‘In recognition of your exceptional dedication and voluntary service as the founders of ‘Champions Football’, you have made a profound impact on the lives of young people in the community of Leeds. By creating a safe, inspiring and inclusive environment for children aged 5 to 18, providing them with a social outlet, skills and qualifications contributing towards positive futures.’

Sam told South Leeds Life:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award. Our project isn’t about the accolades, however the recognition is incredible.

“Inspector Lund and the Neighbourhood Policing Team are incredibly supportive of Champions and the community engagement they provide is immense.”

for all.”

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority will be touring key bus stations across the region, including Halifax, Bradford, Pontefract, Huddersfield and Leeds, giving bus passengers the chance to share their ideas directly to the team. The consultation runs until midnight on Sunday 21 December 2025.

Share your ideas and find events at On Board Buses at www.yourvoice.westyorksca.gov.uk/OnBoardBuses

L-R: Craig Gilmore, Insp Mark Lund, Sam Gilmore

Middleton Health Centre. Photo: Google

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Pure Gym collects presents to support Cottingley families

PureGym Hunslet and Cottingley Community Centre are joining forces again this year to ease the burden of Christmas for families.

Last year they helped over 100 families with donations of just over 500 toys, blankets, hot water bottles and food vouchers.

Centre Manager Christine said: “I hear many times over how people are worried about

not having anything to give their children and families. And as temperatures plummet the worry of making sure there is heat and food during the two weeks the children have off from school.

“Working families especially worry how to pay all the bills and the extra costs that come with Christmas.”

Christine’s husband manages the Pure Gym in

Hunslet and is also on the committee for the volunteer team.

Paul said “Every year as a family we contribute to a good cause, but the rising need was beyond our budget so we put our heads together and decided to team up and make it happen from the Gym.

“The Personal Trainers were more than happy to put together displays and

encourage donations. We are in an industry that looks after people’s wellbeing, and we see this an extension of that.

“No one should go without at Christmas, and our customers made sure it didn’t happen for over 100 households.”

To donate toys and gifts just pop into the gym or donate money online at:

www.justgiving.com/crowdfun ding/leedshunslet-puregym

Wade’s Charity wins Partner of the Year Award 2025

Trustees of Wade’s Charity were delighted to come away with Leeds City Council’s prestigious Partner of the Year Award 2025 in recognition of the work the charity does with helping managing some of the most important green spaces in Leeds, as well as providing grant funding to many Leeds based community groups each year.

Leeds City Council said of Wade’s Charity, “We could not wish for a better partner to work with in delivering positive outcomes for the people of Leeds.”

As Leeds oldest charity, founded in 1530 during the reign of Henry VIII, Wade’s has been providing and maintaining open spaces for the benefit of recreation and health for the city of Leeds for almost 500 years.

Wade’s Charity owns over 526 acres of parkland such as Middleton Park, Gott’s Park, Kirkstall Abbey Park and Gledhow Valley Woods as well as many other community green spaces now managed by Leeds City Council.

Tim Barber, Wades Charity Trustee commented:

“We are very proud to be recognised by Leeds City Council as their Partner of the Year for 2025. The bond between the Wade’s Charity and Leeds City Council is as strong as ever and our collaboration in the maintaining of green spaces across Leeds benefits everyone across the city”.

Positive impact of ABCD programme showcased in review

Anewreview detailing the impact of a pioneering asset-based community development programme in Leeds over a six-year period, has been published this month.

Featuring in the ‘A review of ABCD in Leeds pathfinder sites (2019 -2025) A six-year journey from seeds to trees’, are the experiences of key stakeholders at six ‘Pathfinder’ sites across Leeds – three based in South Leeds – who have worked with the community to develop an ABCD approach.

The review also includes details of the positive impacts experienced by residents who have been part of the approach, and the positive ripple effect which ABCD projects have provided for the communities in which they live.

The six Pathfinder sites featured included: Better Action for Families (BAFF); St Luke’s CARES; and Touchstone; as well as: LS14 Trust; and Older People’s Action in the Locality (OPAL).

Since 2013, the ABCD in Leeds programme has played an important role in working with local people to lead on and make the changes they wish to see in the communities where they live.

The ABCD model is based on focusing on what is strong in an area, working with people, building on social connections, and unlocking potential. People feel empowered to share their skills, knowledge, gifts, and ideas with each other, which in turn has encouraged different types of social-led action.

The review included case studies showcasing the positive impacts of working in this way, are also detailed.

Wade’s Charity funds a Wade’s Ranger at both Gotts Park and most recently, Middleton Park to help with community engagement, environmental stewardship and public events. The charity is also heavily involved with the project to regenerate the Penny Pocket Park area of Leeds city centre.

Wade’s Charity is one of Leeds best kept secrets, an organisation that works tirelessly behind the scenes to benefit the people of Leeds. To find more about Wade’s Charity’s history or to find out about their community grants criteria, visit www.wades charity.org

the review found that for every £1 invested in ABCD, it returned £36.90 in social value within the local communities served by the Pathfinder sites.

The key findings of the review were as follows:

The ABCD Pathfinder • sites have proved a catalyst to improving the health and wellbeing of people living there, strengthening social action, and the unlocking ‘assets’ of those areas.

Connections between • diverse communities have become deeply embedded through ABCD work – helping to build true meaningful friendships, and a sense of pride, fulfilment, and ownership of where they live.

ABCD initiatives have led • to positive ripple effects in communities. Groups and residents involved in ABCD work have been inspired to, for example, take over community assets, promote skills-based learning and create Community Interest Companies and intergenerational projects.

The six Pathfinder sites • offered a SROI return of £36.90 for every £1 invested through ABCD. The revised SROI study suggests funding the ABCD model is a very costeffective investment to support prevention, build sustainable community infrastructure and support the social wide determinates of health.

To find out more about ABCD in Leeds, please see: www.abcdinleeds.com

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture, said:

One case study highlighted the journey of Samina, who joined the Friends of Trentham Park group to help reinvigorate a neglected green space in Beeston Hill. Over time she took more of a leadership role, which went beyond just organising things.

She built strong relationships with other community members, Council staff and local organisations. Her involvement opened doors to new experiences, like family outings, art projects and local events which benefitted both her and her children.

An assessment of the ‘Social Return on Investment’ (SROI) study conducted by Leeds Beckett University as part of

“I very much welcome the publication of our ABCD Pathfinder Review 2025, which provides a detailed and interesting analysis of how ABCD in Leeds projects were delivered in our communities and what they achieved over a six-year cycle from 2019 to summer 2025.

“The findings of the review are extremely interesting and really do highlight the difference asset-based approaches can have on the lives of residents and communities.

“Everything we have learned will help inform and shape how we deliver ABCD in Leeds in the future, and on a final note, I would like to offer a huge thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and contributed to the review.”

Staff at Pure Gym Hunslet with donations received so far this year

Leeds Dock gets bar and events licence

by Dom Mort

Permissionhas been granted to run a bar and outdoor events in a dockside community in the city.

The council has granted a permanent licence for alcohol sales at a venue in Leeds Dock. It will see a cafe-bar allowed to open and gives permission for outdoor events on up to ten days each year.

Leeds Dock Ltd made an application to the council which drew five letters of objection, including from ward councillor Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside). A licensing hearing was told the concerns included noise and litter at the site, where around 1,800 people live.

Rebecca Lowe, representing the applicant, said one-off events held at Leeds Dock under temporary licences did not draw any noise complaints. She told councillors: “The proposal is to be a really pleasant and vibrant place.”

Pre-application discussions were held with Leeds Dock residents and measures would be place to avoid noise

nuisance and littering. Ms Lowe said:

“Those who attended the pre-application consultation were happy with the proposals made.”

Coun Carlisle said he could see the benefits of the proposal, but asked for reduced hours for an outside drinking space. He said:

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The site previously had a time-limited licence which expired in September 2024. The new licence will allow the bar to open until 11pm.

The outside space can open until 9pm, Sunday to Wednesday, 10pm on Thursdays and 11pm at weekends.

Dom Mort is the Local Democracy Reporter

“There have been events at the dock that definitely had negative impacts on residents and there is considerable upset.”

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Leeds Dock. Photo: Google

Westward Care announces investment in specialist dementia support at Pennington Court

Pennington Court Care

Home in Beeston is entering an exciting new chapter as Westward Care announces significant investment in the development and expansion of its specialist dementia services.

At the heart of this investment is the creation of a new 25-bed specialist Dementia unit, designed using expert clinical insight to provide a calming, therapeutic and secure environment for residents living with dementia.

The new unit will feature spacious interiors, a private sensory-friendly garden, and design approaches rooted in the latest research and best practice.

The development builds on Westward Care’s longstanding commitment to delivering highquality, person-centred care for older people across Leeds. The enhancements at Pennington Court highlight the organisation’s ambition to continually improve and adapt

Volunteers sought to deliver Christmas dinners in Beeston

TheMHA Communities South Leeds team will be preparing Christmas dinners for isolated older people on Christmas Day, but they need some help.

Based at St Andrew’s Community Centre, off Old Lane in Beeston, they are looking for volunteer drivers who can take the meals out to their clients from 11:45am on 25 December.

Communities Manager, Joanne Walsh, said:

“Christmas is a lovely time of

year, but it can be very lonely if you are on your own. We can provide a Christmas dinner, but we need help getting them out to those that need them.

“If you are a driver and can spare some time on Christmas morning, we would love to hear from you.

“And if you know anyone who would benefit from a delivered Christmas meal on Christmas Day, please let us know” she added.

Contact MHA Communities South Leeds on 0113 271

6201 or email SouthLeeds @mha.org.uk

The team will be delivering a limited service over the festive period, but there will be drop-in sessions at St Andrew’s Community Centre from 10am12pm on Christmas Eve and Monday 29, Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 December.

The scheme will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. The normal programme of activities will start again on Monday 5 January 2026.

services to meet the needs of the local community.

Westward Care Managing Director Peter Hodkinson said:

“We are committed to continuous improvement across all Westward Care services, and Pennington Court is no exception. This significant investment in our new Dementia Unit reflects our determination to deliver consistently high standards of care for our residents and our community."

"With people living longer, more and more families are affected by dementia and in turn the demand for highquality, specialist support continues to grow.

“Our developments at Pennington Court are an important step in ensuring we can meet these needs with compassion, expertise and evidence-based practice that enables people to live well for longer.”

The new Dementia Unit is being been informed by Westward Care’s ongoing

partnership with the University of Leeds, incorporating insights from the LOADS project (Layout, Orientation, Ambience, Décor and Sensory stimulation) to create a supportive and calming living environment.

Alongside its enhanced dementia provision, Pennington Court continues to offer high-quality residential care and modern extra care apartments, supporting older people to live safely and independently with flexible care available as needed.

Residents also enjoy a vibrant and creative activities programme—ranging from indoor bowls and visiting musicians to intergenerational art projects with local pupils from Greenmount Primary School, and even the occasional visit from friendly llamas!

Pennington Court is now accepting referrals for its new Dementia Unit and welcomes enquiries from families and professionals.

For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact the General Manager Laura Clark on 0113 228 4040 ; or email: pennington@westward care.co.uk

Craft activities at Pennington Court

Money matters

with Leeds Credit Union

Avoiding Black Friday Scams

Taking place on Friday, November 28th, Black Friday is fast approaching, bringing with it the promise of early deals for budgetconscious shoppers gearing up for the festive season.

However, as the popularity of online shopping continues to rise, so does the risk of falling victim to internet scams.

Here, Greg Potter, Head of Member Experience at Leeds Credit Union, presents his guide to safeguarding yourself and your finances during this busy shopping period.

Don't fall for false tracking codes

A prevalent scam involves receiving false tracking codes via email, purportedly from a delivery company. Clicking on the link provided can lead to a fake website seeking personal and banking details or infecting your computer with malware.

How to avoid

Use only the official app or tracking website provided by the retailer or delivery company.

Be cautious of emails with alarming subject lines urging you to click on links for supposed delivery updates.

Beware 'Wrong Bank Details' emails

Another common scam involves receiving an email from someone posing as an online retailer, claiming there's an issue with a recent transaction and urging you to

update your bank account details. These deceptive emails often contain links to fraudulent websites designed to capture your card and bank information.

To protect yourself, always verify the legitimacy of such emails by contacting the retailer directly, avoiding assumptions even if the email displays the company logo.

How to avoid

Exercise caution if a retailer urgently requests changes to your bank details, especially if it claims a risk of losing an order. When in doubt, contact the retailer directly.

Verify discount codes and offers

Fraudsters may send fake discount codes or sales offers through text or email during the Black Friday frenzy. Shoppers, excited by the prospect of a bargain, might forget to verify the authenticity of the provided link.

How to avoid

Always confirm the legitimacy of an offer or discount directly on the retailer's official website.

Beware of purchase scams

During Black Friday, scammers often advertise tech products at unbelievably low prices to attract buyers. Once the buyer makes a bank transfer, the criminals vanish without delivering the promised goods.

How to avoid

Exercise caution with offers that seem too good to be true. Verify the legitimacy of the seller by checking customer reviews before making any payments.

Guard against brute force attacks

Retailers frequently experience surges in 'brute force attacks', where scammers attempt to break into customer accounts by guessing login details. If a company notifies you of a password change that you didn't initiate, contact them immediately to prevent potential unauthorised access. If your debit or credit card is linked to the compromised account, consider placing a temporary freeze on the card through your bank.

How to avoid Stay vigilant for unexpected password change notifications and promptly notify the company if it wasn't initiated by you.

Potential scams aside, most retailers take part in Black Friday (and Cyber Monday!) these days, so the next couple of weeks should offer lots of opportunities for shoppers to get a headstart on their Christmas shopping while also saving a significant amount of money.

Leeds Credit Union provides affordable financial services to people in Leeds, Wakefield, Harrogate and Craven.

Leeds Credit Union and FinTech North partner to drive financial inclusion

Financialservices provider

Leeds Credit Union has partnered with financial technology specialists FinTech North, forming a collaboration that reflects the companies’ shared commitment to promoting financial inclusion and supporting purpose-driven FinTech in the region.

Leeds Credit Union is a member-owned financial organisation providing simple savings products and affordable loans to the financially excluded and vulnerable, predominantly in Leeds and Wakefield, and also to anyone nationally who is employed by one of over 45 payroll partners or is a tenant of one of their housing association partners.

It provides these products to its members and community as part of its commitment to tackling financial inclusion, ensuring that everyone –regardless of income, background, or circumstances – has access to affordable, useful, and appropriate financial products and services that meet their needs and help them participate fully in the economy.

Leeds Credit Union also offers financial information, help and guidance with the aim of developing people’s financial understanding and helping them to build financial resilience.

With more than 27,000 members, Leeds Credit Union delivers its service online, via a mobile app, on the phone or through a network of branches and community-based drop-in centres.

FinTech North is passionate about supporting and connecting the FinTech and wider financial services sectors across northern England and is proud to represent a region where purpose-driven innovation is a real priority.

As part of the partnership, Leeds Credit Union will play a prominent role in shaping the agenda for FinTech North’s Leeds Conference 2026, with financial inclusion expected to be a key theme. Together, the organisations will explore how technology, community and collaboration can create a fairer, more accessible financial ecosystem.

Joe Roche, General Manager at FinTech North said:

“We’re really excited to partner with Leeds Credit Union – an organisation that shares our belief in FinTech as a force for good. Financial inclusion is all about inclusivity, a core value of ours, and ensuring no one is left behind, and that’s something our community cares deeply about. Purpose-driven FinTech is particularly strong here in the North, and we know our community will find real value in the insights and examples we’ll share through this collaboration.

“We’re delighted to be working with an organisation that’s making such a positive difference.”

James A. Brown, CEO, Leeds Credit Union added:

“By joining forces with FinTech North, Leeds Credit Union is combining innovation with purpose – ensuring that technology serves people and communities first. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to share ideas, collaborate with likeminded organisations, and develop new ways to support financial wellbeing and inclusion across the region.”

Leeds Credit Union’s ofﬁces in the city centre

Art of resistance

Alongside a screening as part of the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival, young people in Beeston have created a mural at the St Luke’s CARES shop.

The striking artwork, designed and painted by local children, has transformed the venue's interior into a permanent testament to creative resistance and solidarity. In a poignant moment during the workshop, the mural received its ﬁnal touches from the community’s youngest members; two babies who literally left their handprints on the wall, symbolising the involvement of a new generation.

Deadline for postal votes looms

Postal voters in Leeds are being asked to urgently renew their details if they have not yet done so as the deadline nears.

All registered postal voters in the city who applied to vote by that method before 30 January 2024 need to renew their details by the end of January 2026 in order to avoid having their postal vote option cancelled.

Leeds City Council has contacted postal voters in the city twice already this year asking them to complete the renewal, which is a requirement of the government's Elections Act 2022 needing postal voters to renew their postal vote application every three years, with an identity check now included as part of the process.

Despite receiving the information, approximately 60,000 postal voters in Leeds have still not responded, and the council is now urgently calling on those voters to do so as quickly as possible.

Electoral Registration Officer and chief executive of Leeds City Council Ed Whiting said: “It is very important postal

voters in Leeds who have not yet renewed their details do so as quickly as possible, or they run the risk of having their postal vote option cancelled.

The deadline of 31 January is getting ever closer and we want everyone who wants to vote to be able to do so by their preferred method.

“Leeds has the highest number of registered postal voters of any comparable city in the country, and we thank the more than 90,000 voters who have already responded, but with such a large number still outstanding we really do need people to act on this now.”

The quickest and easiest way to complete the process is online via Apply for a postal vote - GOV.UK.

As part of the changes introduced by the government,

all postal vote applications must contain the applicant's name, address, date of birth, national insurance number and a clear image of their signature.

Their identity will be verified against records held by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). If this check fails, the applicant must provide further evidence of their identity.

If anyone is unable to complete the application online, paper copies of the application form have been sent by post, but can also be downloaded via Apply for a postal vote - paper formGOV.UK.

Anyone who no longer requires a postal vote should contact the Electoral Registration Officer immediately. More information can be found at www.leeds.gov.uk/yourcouncil/elections/ postal-voting

After a fallow year for local elections in Leeds this year, the next scheduled local government elections in Leeds will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026.

Mayor seeks help from South Leeds young people

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, has launched a free programme to help young people develop ideas to benefit their community.

The Mayor’s big ideas challenge is offering 16-25 year olds who live, work or study in West Yorkshire the chance to win prizes worth up to £625, if they can come up with an idea to make our region healthier and happier.

The Mayor is inviting individuals and teams of young people to share their initial ideas in writing, video or audio on a dedicated website here by Sunday 30 November.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire said:

“Our region is the home of innovation, and every idea here began with a spark from a young, bold mind.

“I want to empower young people as the architects of a healthier, happier future for West Yorkshire.

“I urge all aspiring innovators to stay curious, challenge the world, and to have confidence in your ideas – you never know where they might lead.”

The ideas don’t need to be fully developed at this stage. The Mayor is looking for entries that show a creative mindset and motivation to tackle challenges faced by young people.

Once the ideas have been reviewed, 54 teams or individuals will be selected as finalists and take part in a programme of mentoring, training and support from business leaders to help turn their idea into a reality.

Every finalist who takes part will receive:

A minimum of £100

• guaranteed for completing the programme

Up to £625 in prizes for • standout ideas

A hands-on, creative • learning journey to develop

Court action highlights council’s tough stance on tenancy fraud

LeedsCity Council has hailed a series of successful court cases as a “clear signal” of its determination to combat housing fraud.

The council has brought separate civil proceedings against four of its tenants in recent months after checks revealed they were subletting their homes.

Proceedings were also brought against a fifth tenant over a number of tenancy breaches, including a form of fraud known as nonoccupation.

their ideas

Mentoring from business • and social enterprise leaders

The chance to make a • real difference in their community

Exclusive networking and • skill-building opportunities

The big ideas challenge offers young people the chance to make a real difference in their community, while building the skills, confidence and connections to help them on their journey to work or higher education. Through the scheme, young people will learn to:

Identify problems they • care about

• to develop creative solutions

Use research and design

Pitch their ideas • confidently

Build their CVs with new • skills and experiences

The deadline for applications is Sunday 30 November 2025.

Finalists will be selected by Friday 19 December.

The programme of mentoring and training will run from January to March 2026 based in venues around West Yorkshire.

To make sure all young people feel welcome, they can: bring a trusted person for • support

opt-out of any activity

• go to the quiet spaces at • in-person sessions if they are overwhelmed

The programme is free to attend.

Enter here: www.wybusinessskills.com/MayorsBigIdeasCh allengeForYoungPeople

Full challenge prospectus containing information for parents, teachers, youth workers and other trusted adults is available here: www.wybusiness-skills.com/ media/h5dgrt4k/challengeprospectus.pdf

For more information, email: BigIdeasChallenge@tpximpact .com

Each case ended with the granting of a possession order at court, which allowed the council to take back the homes involved so they can be re-let to people on its housing register.

In addition to the loss of their properties, the various defendants were between them ordered to pay more than £12,000 in court costs.

The cases, which went to court between February and June this year, involved two homes in Bramley and three others in Beeston, Middleton and Morley.

In a further case, heard at the County Court in Leeds last month, a former tenant was made the subject of an unlawful profit order, which –under the terms of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 – requires them to hand over to the

council around £4,000 in rent that they illegally accrued by subletting their home in Middleton. The defendant surrendered the property voluntarily in late 2023 after their fraudulent activities came to light.

Councillor Jess Lennox, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing, said:

“We treat tenancy fraud as an extremely serious matter and always aim to take timely and effective action when we identify wrongdoing of this kind.

“The recent cases are a clear signal of our ongoing determination to ensure that

council housing in Leeds serves the needs of genuine tenants, rather than those who seek to exploit the system and line their own pockets.”

Subletting, which is one of the most common types of council tenancy fraud, occurs when a tenant moves out of their home and illegally rents it to someone else.

Other types include Right to Buy fraud – when a person attempts to acquire a councilowned property despite not living there – and housing application fraud, when someone submits false information in an attempt to secure a home. Non-

occupation, meanwhile, occurs when a person who has been granted a tenancy does not use the property as their primary residence.

Investigations into these issues, and others like them, are carried out in Leeds by a specialist council team of tenancy fraud officers.

People with information about suspected tenancy fraud can alert the council by emailing tenancyfraud@leeds .gov.uk. They can also call 0800 188 4000 or 0113 376 0410 between 9am and 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays or 10am to 5pm on Wednesdays.

Broomfield School expansion plans drawn up

by Dom Mort

Theexpansion of a special needs school with 100 extra places could be given formal approval by council planners.

A planning application setting out proposals for the rebuilding of Broomfield South school in Belle Isle has been submitted. The project would see part of the Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) demolished and replaced with a three-storey school building.

Leeds City Council hopes to secure permission for the scheme, which would cost up to £25m and provide extra school places in 2027.

A design report said the new building would contain a sports hall and therapy spaces for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It said:

“Leeds has an ever-growing need for special educational

needs places, and the shortfall of places is especially present in the south of the city.”

Pupil places at the school would be expanded to 280, requiring more teachers, therapists and support workers. The number of staff at the school would increase from the equivalent of 166 full-time roles to 210.

The project includes specialist teaching space, new play areas, mini-bus access and measures to tackle traffic congestion around the school. The report said:

“We want the project to give Broomfield South SILC a renewed life, where the education of its complex needs learners and the wellbeing of its staff are designed for and prioritised.

“A key aspiration for

the project is to see the reorganisation of the site as an opportunity to improve the congestion issues that currently plague the site and its surrounding community.”

Broomfield was already providing more school places than intended in buildings which were too small and not up to modern SEND standards,

the report said. It said:

“This on an undersized campus which was not designed for the complex needs of their current cohort.”

A satellite post-16 learning centre has already opened at White Rose Park to boost SEND places.

Dom Mort is the Local Democracy Reporter.

Council housing in Cottingley

Cockburn Remembered

Students and staff across Cockburn School, Cockburn John Charles Academy and Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy showed their respect on Remembrance Day.

Young people and school staff came together across the Cockburn Multi-academy Trust schools to commemorate Remembrance Day with heartfelt ceremonies to honour those who have served and protected our nation. The school communities came together in poignant displays of respect and gratitude.

Some students at the secondary schools that are involved in military training outside of school attended school in full uniform, showcasing their commitment to service.

At Cockburn School, everyone stood and observed a two-minute silence at 11am on Armistice Day before The Last Post was played across the speaker systems.

Wreathes were laid at the school’s war memorial by cadets, Student Ambassadors, Head Girl and Head Boy and members of the Senior Leadership Team. The school was honoured to welcome Deputy Lieutenant Nick Lane Fox who laid a wreath on behalf of King Charles. We also welcomed Rev Olasupo Ogunyinka from St Cross Church, Middleton, who spoke of remembrance before a poem was read by the Head Girl and Head Boy.

At Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, the whole school went outside and lined

Going with the swing

Cockburn Reach Academy would like to thank St John’s Masonic Lodge of Liversedge. All of the pupils and staff were delighted with the cheque for £2,506 presented to staff and pupils by John Hudson. The school council met and discussed and debated various ideas. Their ﬁnal decision was to use the money to purchase a big swing for outside! They felt this would help them to regulate when they were feeling anxious or cross and also be a fun item to play on during friendship time.

up before observing a twominute silence. The Last Post was played on the trumpet by a student in Year 11. Students were reminded about the history of Sergeant Laurence Calvert and those that had fought in wars past and present.

Executive Headteacher of the Cockburn MAT, David Gurney, expressed the significance of the commemoration, stating, "Remembrance Day holds a significant place in our hearts across the community. It is important to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of those who have served their country. The participation of our students, especially those in uniform, is a testament to the respect and gratitude we feel for our servicemen and women."

Laying wreathes at Cockburn School

The two-minute silence at Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy

The newly elected Cockburn John Charles Student Council has officially begun its work, following a successful round of elections where students from every year group voted for their representatives.

The council, made up of dedicated and enthusiastic pupils, embodies the school’s

commitment to student leadership, teamwork, and active participation in shaping school life.

Earlier this month, representatives from each year group met with the Headteacher and Assistant Headteacher to present their ideas and plans for the year ahead.

The discussion focused on upcoming events, ways to enhance the school community, and initiatives that promote student wellbeing and school pride.

The council members demonstrated a wide range of important skills during the meeting, including

John Charles Student Council provides voice and leadership Governors wanted for Cockburn MAT

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:

“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

Lane End pupils at Remembrance

Children from Lane End Primary School took part in this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony at the Leeds War Memorial on Sunday 9 November proudly representing schools from across the city.

Lane End was given the honour of laying the official poppy wreath on behalf of all Leeds schools, a moment that Headteacher Mrs J Hopwood described as “a privilege and a proud occasion for our community.”

A group of pupils attended the ceremony accompanied by staff and family members. The children stood alongside veterans, civic leaders, and members of the public in a moving service to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

A photograph of the participating pupils—captured moments after the ceremony—has been shared with families to mark the significance of the day.

Mrs Hopwood extended her thanks to all the families who came along to support the children during the service.

“Taking part in such an important event helps our pupils understand the value of remembrance, respect, and community,” she said.

Lane End Primary School continues to play an active role in city-wide events, fostering a strong sense of civic pride and responsibility among its students.

A bear-y warm w

Childrenat Cockburn Ingram Road Academy in Holbeck celebrated Children in Need on Friday 14 November.

The day kicked off with a surprise visit from the big yellow bear himself.

Children were encouraged to come dressed to school in something spotty to raise money for charity. During the day, children took part in craft activities and learned about the purpose of the charity. Overall, the children raised £147.55 towards the great cause.

Mrs Blasket, Deputy

In session: the Student Council at Cockburn John Charles Academy

Pudsey bear visited Cockburn Ingram Road Academy

Headteacher Mrs Hopwood with

Website:

e

Day ceremony

welcome represent Leeds schools

Headteacher, acknowledged the children’s fundraising efforts:

“We are very pleased with our children’s fundraising efforts. One of our school’s values is responsibility, and our children certainly demonstrated this today in their efforts to raise money for others.”

Middleton Primary School marks AntiBullying Week with ‘Power for Good’

Middleton Primary School was bursting with creativity, kindness, and community spirit last week as pupils and staff came together to celebrate Anti-Bullying Week.

This year’s national theme, ‘Power for Good’, inspired a range of exciting activities aimed at helping children recognise the positive impact their words and actions can have on others.

Across the entire school — from Reception to Year 6 — children took part in thoughtful discussions and hands-on learning about what it means to use their personal ‘power’ to make their school a safe, supportive place for everyone.

Teachers reported enthusiastic engagement, with pupils sharing real-life examples of kindness, teamwork, and bravery.

One of the artistic highlights of the week was the creation of superhero collages. Each class designed vibrant characters equipped with special abilities that symbolised qualities such as empathy, courage, and fairness.

These colourful heroes now

line the school corridors, reminding everyone that small actions can make a big difference. In literacy sessions, pupils enjoyed story-making workshops, in which they crafted imaginative tales about characters who use their powers for good. Many stories focused on standing up for others, solving problems peacefully, and spreading positivity. Teachers praised the children’s creativity and the thoughtful messages woven into their writing.

The week concluded with a heart-warming activity: nominating classmates and staff members who have shown their own ‘powers for good’. Whether it was helping a friend, offering a kind word, or setting a strong example, pupils were eager to celebrate the everyday heroes within their school.

Middleton Primary’s celebration of Anti-Bullying Week has not only filled the school with creativity and colour but has also strengthened its ongoing commitment to kindness, respect, and looking out for one another.

Linking together at Middleton Primary School

h puils from Lane End Primary at the Remembrance Day ceremony in Leeds

In our view

Invest in our future

There’s a bit of a young persons theme to this issue of South Leeds Life. Whether that’s celebrating their achievements in and out of school, or honouring those who work hard to provide opportunities for them to shine, or ensure that none go without at Christmas. Young people often get a bad rap, but let’s remember that the vast majority are good kids and worth investing in.

Stay safe, stay warm

We’ve had the ﬁrst cold snap of the winter and there will be more to come. We know lots of people will struggle to keep their homes warm, but there are warm places to go. If you’re older check with your neighbourhood network organisation (Holbeck Together, Middleton Elderly Aid, etc) as well as warmth you’ll ﬁnd friendship and activities to join in if you wish. If you’ve got children why to not take them to the library for an hour after school? And check in with your neighbours to see if you can help them with anything.

Another year over ...

It’s been another busy year for South Leeds with achievements, new developments and a few problems. We are looking forward to bringing you the news in 2026 and in the meantime would like to wish all our readers, subscribers and sponsors a very Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year.

The January issue of South Leeds Life will be out on Friday 2 January

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday 24 December

Your letters and comments

Digital doctors

Our GP surgery has a version of this (Digital consultation system ‘transforms’ GP access, page 4). I have used it a few times for minor/routine things. Always had a call from a GP when requested or a face to face appointment if needed. It’s a great system - especially if you are unable to ring for/attend an appointment whilst at work. Frees up face to face appointments for those really need them.

Louise Buchanan

This could be good for some people, but not everyone can go online. I know a lot of people say you go online with Facebook or Instagram so they assume you have access to online services which is not always the case. So for the older people they will find it very hard to access a service like this. What is the point of having a doctors surgery when you can’t have a face to face consultation? A misdiagnosis can easy be made. The doctors don’t seem to be as good as they were 30 years ago and most of them are just out of medical school and haven't worked in the field.

Ann Houghton

Seeing a doctor face to face is crucial. People who don't turn up for appointments should be removed from the database.

You need to remember, surgeries are businesses, so profit is the most important thing to the owners, and not patients.

John Proton

Lane End Remembrance

There’s my beautiful daughter standing proud as ever (Lane End pupils represent Leeds schools at Remembrance Day ceremony, page 12). Well done to all the pupils who attended you did lane end proud

Sarah Jane

Awhh I love Mrs Hopwood. I worked with her in a previous role and she is just a fabulous lady who is very child centric!

Angela Oldroyd

Just look at how HMO properties affect communities (Holbeck communal living scheme refused permission, page 3). Increased noise, rubbish, drink and drugs. This building deserves more. Something more in line with its surroundings. It's grade II listed. HMO tenants wouldn't respect that.

Cheznie Dippy Johnson-Hartlebury

The building will now be abandoned and continue to rot, in kind with the other planning permission refusal triumphs in the area.

Bob Jamieson

I agree with the decision for the reasons given.The thought of living in close proximity and sharing communal facilities with 21 other people sounds like a nightmare. I wonder if it would be possible to convert the building into a few self contained flats thus providing much needed housing, even though for fewer people, whilst also conserving the building?

Elaine Bower

Another building going to rot HMOs are better than the building going to rot what are the council thinking off at least

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

It’s interesting that in Holbeck Urban Village this was denied. And yet in Residential Holbeck it’s full of HMOs and beds sits.

John Leckenby

Atkinson Grimshaw

The remains of Knostrop Hall (or Knowsthorp Hall both spellings acceptable) are indeed now in Cross Green as Michael Gaffney points out (Letters, November 2025). But in Grimshaw’s day the Hall was in Hunslet and the River Aire was not a boundary. Boundaries change when development of one kind or another takes place. I have an old Ordnance Survey Map which clearly shows the Hall almost adjacent to LNER’s “Hunslet Goods Station” on the northeast side of the river. And there was no industrial estate there then.

I try to write articles which do have a connection with South Leeds. And I hope that the city centre is thought to be relevant when there are links to South Leeds as my November article on the Leeds City Market shows. After all, South Leeds residents shop in the city centre, go into the centre for entertainment and many work there. I think that we are fortunate that we have such a good local newspaper such as South Leeds Life which keeps residents informed of what is going on in their communities and is relevant to them.

Elizabeth Nash

Bus consultation

Clean and on time please.

Sharron Walker

My Grandma lived next door to Vera Mann (Local History, November 2025) and inherited a set of Brandy glasses after her death. I still have one of these glasses and treasure it.

Ann Brining

Thank you for taking the time and care to research this tragic situation about the young women who were killed in the Second World War. My mum served in the Wrens during the Second World War and was very proud of her time in the Wrens.

Mike

I remember Vera Mann well - our next door neighbours, they were good friends of my mum and dad.

Margaret Thomas

This lady was a family friend and neighbour. RIP Vera.

Gary Thomas

Broomfield SILC

This is a major refurbishment, long overdue (Broomfield School expansion plans drawn up, page 10). A fantastic school. Worth every penny. Mick Smith

Join

the debate

Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 28 Back Burton Grove, Leeds, LS11 5JH.

Letters may be edited for publication.

building

Pat Ollive

Can digital services replace face to face consultations?

MP’s notebook

with Hilary Benn MP

In my column a couple of months ago, I wrote about the impact of the Troubles on Northern Ireland and the legislation that I have been working on to try and find a way forward. Earlier this week, that Bill took a major step forward in the House of Commons. It’s provoked some controversy, however, so what is it all about?

On 11 June 1966, a 28-yearold storeman, John Patrick Scullion, was shot dead on the doorstep of his home in west Belfast by the Ulster Volunteer Force - regarded by many as the first sectarian killing of the Troubles. By 10 April 1998 and the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, the death toll from this horrific period of violence in our country had risen to over 3,500, including almost 2,000 civilians and over 1,000 people who were killed while bravely serving the state. 90% of those who lost their lives were murdered by paramilitaries.

Some of the incidentsWarrenpoint, Bloody Sunday, the Kingsmill massacre, the

Miami Showband killings, the M62 coach bombing and the Birmingham pub bombingsare, sadly, all too well known.

Many others less so, although for each family, their grief, privately borne, has been just as strong and just as painful.

Fathers and brothers, mothers and daughters, children, people from all walks of lifeand each one a tragic and needless loss of a loved one because there was always an alternative to violence. An alternative made real when the Good Friday peace agreement was signed.

Northern Ireland is now a largely peaceful place, but many people still live with the effects of those decades of violence. Far too many have, all these years later, been unable to find an answer to the simplest of questions: what happened and how did my loved one die?

So, what is this Bill aiming to do and why is it needed?

It is trying to put in place a way of dealing with this issue that can actually command

broad public support in Northern Ireland and help those families to find answers. It is needed because the previous Government’s legislation, whatever its intentions, didn’t work. It was legally flawed, and it failed to gain any support in Northern Ireland among victims and survivors, or the political parties. That was no basis for progress or reconciliation.

One of the principal reasons for that lack of support was the Act’s attempt to offer immunity from prosecution to soldiers but also to terrorists who had committed the most appalling murders. The problem was that it was undeliverable. It was never implemented and the courts found against it.

Families who had endured unimaginable suffering through paramilitary violence were simply not prepared to see those responsible getting away with it. There was also anger from many of those who served in Northern Ireland, who saw immunity as an affront to the rule of law that they had sought

to protect, because it implied some sort of moral equivalence between those who served in our armed forces and terrorists. There is no such moral equivalence, and we owe our veterans who served in Northern Ireland an enormous debt of gratitude. And that is precisely why we are putting in the legislation new measures that are designed specifically for veterans.

Veterans will be protected against repeat investigations. If a veteran is asked to give evidence in public, they will not be forced to travel to Northern Ireland. They will be able to do so remotely, and they will also be able to seek anonymity. The health and wellbeing of elderly witnesses, and whether it would be appropriate for them to give evidence at all, will also have to be considered.

Decisions about prosecutions are made independently - that is the absolute foundation of our legal system - based on the evidence, so those who claim that this legislation will somehow lead to a huge increase in prosecutions of veterans, or that it is only veterans who have been prosecuted in recent years, have got it wrong.

If one looks at the facts, in the 27 and a half years since the Good Friday Agreement,

Development at what price?

by Jeremy Morton

Microsoft’s plans to build a data centre at Stourton will no doubt be good for the local economy creating both construction and operating jobs.

We all use the internet everyday and we need to infrastructure that allows us to do that. But … I do have my reservations.

The massive increase in data centres is being driven by the rise in Artificial Intelligence (AI). You know, Chat GPT and the first item when you search on Google.

AI, or more properly Machine Learning – it isn’t intelligent, clearly has it’s uses. AI can scan medical tests results faster and more accurately than humans, but it’s far from infallible. A barrister was struck off recently for citing legal cases that didn’t exist when they used AI to write their client’s defence.

But it’s the new big thing and the IT giants – Google, Meta and of course Microsoft – are jumping over each other to expand their capacity by building data centres like the one at Stourton right across the world.

Another word of warning. Expert IT watchers like John Naughton (emeritus professor of the public understanding of technology at the British Open University no less) are clear that this a bubble and that it will burst, just as previous IT booms have come to a swift end. Remember all the start ups that attracted multi-million investment as Web 2.0 took off? Most of them never turned

a profit and the investors were left to count the cost.

So what is a data centre? It very simply a building filled with servers – computers. The servers consume a lot of electricity and generate a lot of heat, so they need cooling, which usually means air conditioning which uses more electricity and water.

Data centres are not environmentally friendly. Even

if all the electricity they use is coming from renewable sources, they contribute to global warming but putting heat into the atmosphere. They also need water which we have learned this year, is not an unlimited source, even in Yorkshire.

There is a way to mitigate some of this impact. Leeds operates a rather good scheme called PIPES. This takes heat

just one veteran has been convicted for a Troubles-related offence, and with the passage of time the chances of any more prosecutions get slimmer and slimmer. The majority of those who have been convicted, and indeed of those currently facing prosecution, are in fact paramilitaries.

Mary Moreland, who was widowed when her husband John, a reservist in the Ulster Defence Regiment, was killed by the IRA nine days before Christmas in 1988, says:

“As a veteran and war widow I strongly believe in accountability and the rule of law for all and take pride in the fact that the British Armed Forces are the finest in the world. Like many others I have always been opposed to the Legacy Act [the last Government’s legislation]. It was legislation that was fundamentally flawed. I tentatively welcome the process of repealing and replacing the Legacy Act, [but] the new legislation must be balanced, fair, rights-based and capable of delivering meaningful outcomes for victims and survivors.”

For many families in Northern Ireland, time is running out. With every year that passes, memories fade, witnesses are lost, and crucial evidence grows weaker. That is

from the Waste to Power plant (incinerator) in Cross Green, which deals with all our black bin waste, and takes it across the city to heat homes and public buildings.

By the way, district heating systems like PIPES are not new.

I went to school in Pimlico in London. Next to the school was a council estate called Churchill Gardens, which was built after the second world war.

The estate was heated by warm air pumped under the Thames from Battersea power

why as a government we have to fix the mess that we inherited.

I believe that this legislation represents our best and possibly final chance to fulfil the unrealised ambition of the Good Friday agreement by helping families to find answers. Nobody will like everything contained in the Bill - that’s inevitable given the differing views held by many –and if fixing legacy was easy, we would not be discussing it 27 years later. But above all, I hope that all who seek a fair and effective way forward will recognise that the Bill represents a fundamental reform of current arrangements, and that it should be given a chance to succeed.

And with that, may I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

station. Why the technology wasn’t more widely adopted until the climate crisis struck I don’t know.

Any way PIPES hasn’t crossed the river yet, so we are not benefitting directly yet, but there are plans to develop the network in South Leeds by taking heat from the Verallia Glass Works, Lax & Shaw as was, in Hunslet.

You are possibly ahead of me here, but why don’t we insist that the Microsoft data centre also provides heat for the PIPES network?

Pathways for positivity

with Shannon Humphrey Santa’s back might break, but yours doesn’t have to

For many, times are hard and money’s scarce. And on the surface we know that digging a financial hole to celebrate Christmas isn’t a great idea, yet getting swept along with the festivities is surprisingly easy to do. There's payday loans, Klarna, and other “interest-free” temptations around every corner, the pressure to buy now, worry later is real. Believe me, I know, I made the mistake of getting a couple of store credit cards in my early twenties and spent, spent, spent! It was all going so well, until I maxed them out and had to actually pay for the clothes and the interest that built up quicker than you could say, ‘that’s sooo last season’. It was a harsh lesson and a costly one, but I swiftly realised that the latest must have fashion item that I was so excited to charge to my store credit card, didn’t fill me with quite as much joy as I thought

Whatby Pat McGeever

a loss to the community and her family! The wonderful Lynn Bailey, who has died after a short illness, has left a lasting legacy to the people of Beeston and in particular the learning-disabled community for which she fought for justice for so many years.

One legacy is Beeston Village Community Centre which now hosts 18 groups and enables over 500 people each week to receive practical help and support. Lynn and her charity BAFF, now Better Action for Families but originally Beeston Action for Families) was a key driver to save the original building, an old library which was earmarked for demolition.

Along with Beeston Community Forum, we at Health for All, supported by local councillors, secured a lease and the funding to transform the space into a much loved, well used community centre. When the original building neared the end of its useful life, we worked

it would, and by the time I’d eventually paid it off with an eyewatering amount of interest on top of the original price, it’d be in a heap in the bottom of my wardrobe or carted off to the charity shop with a load of other stuff I’d simply had to have at the time.

And I think that happens a lot at Christmas. I completely understand the urge to spoil the people we love at Christmas, especially children. It’s natural to want to treat them. But the level of consumerism we’re pushed toward, by social media, adverts, and of course the “Joneses” who are buying little Johnny the latest iPhone and anything else he points at, has reached ridiculous heights.

Santa seems to have gone from quietly shimmying down the chimney and leaving a little something nice, to delivering an Everest sized mountain of gifts, sometimes a hundred or more per person. It’s

overwhelming. Honestly, I’m amazed Santa hasn’t put his back out, and that the reindeer haven’t contacted their union representative by now.

And I’m not saying you shouldn’t do lovely things for the people you care about. If showering people with presents brings you joy, and brings them joy too, then absolutely go for it. Truly.

What I am saying is that this isn’t the norm for many families. And if you find yourself looking at those overthe-top displays and measuring your own Christmas against theirs, thinking that more money you spend equals more love, or that children will adore you more because you bought the priciest gadgets… then it’s time to pause and take a reality check. By the time the snow has melted, many of those gifts won’t be looked at, or used ever again, especially the stocking filler type ones that we’ve all bought to ‘pad out’ a

gift.

Every year, my parents and I say the same thing: This year, no gifts. And every year, predictably, we cave in. A lastminute dash down to the White Rose. But honestly… Do we need to? Or are we doing it out of habit, or guilt, or fear that a Christmas without stuff will somehow be less?

The older I get, the more I

realise the most meaningful Christmas memories I have don’t involve expensive wrapping paper. They were times spent with my beloved grandparents and family, moments, words, gestures, having a spat over who gets the hat in “Monopoly”, telling the jokes from the crackers. Simple, happy times.

Going into debt for Christmas isn’t a badge of honour; it’s a burden that lingers long into the new year. If you want to exchange gifts, make it a good one, meaningful, heartfelt, chosen with care, set yourself a manageable budget and stick to it. One truly thoughtful present has far more impact than a pile of filler gifts that

exist only to be torn open and posted on social media. The truth is, the things we treasure most aren’t the pricey gadgets or the trendy toys. Yes, we all like shiny new things, it’s human nature, but they never last. What lasts is the memory of being together, the traditions we build, the laughter, the kindness, the way a moment made you feel. That’s the part that stays with you. Not what you unwrapped. And that is priceless.

Wishing you a happy healthy christmas and see you in 2026 Shannon Humphrey is a First Aid for Mental Health Instructor. Find out more about her work at www. pathwaysforpositivity.com

together to secure over a million pounds in grants for the new build, two storey facility, opened in 2019. The BAFF charity is based in the Centre, running life and health enhancing groups for learning disabled adults, families and their carers.

Lynn reminded me last time I visited her that our friendship had spanned 26 years, from when she first joined Health for All as a Trainee and volunteer.

She then secured a post with the HFA Bridge Learning disabilities service when in 2015, the Council transferred day services from large, council run Training Centres into smaller, welcoming, accessible spaces within local communities. It was Lynn who first alerted me to the opportunity for HFA to host a day service in south Leeds, leading to our current facilities in Holbeck Community centre and subsequently Watsonia Café In Cross Flatts Park.

Lynn then went on to found her own charity, BAFF, with first a small grant then more substantial funding to support parents and carers of learning disabled adults, using her own lived experience of caring for

her daughter Leanne, much loved sister of Philippa and Stephan.

Lynn and her team of volunteers have improved the lives and wellbeing of many people both in Beeston and across the city. She was a strong advocate for learning disabled people to be respected and have their many skills and talents recognised. She was a key voice in the Carers Reference Group, again advocating for increased support and resources for her beneficiaries, organising training and wellbeing residentials for carers and running regular support and wellbeing groups for learning disabled children, adults, families. She was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of so many of us, inspiring, educating and ensuring we joined her on her campaign for justice for people most in need – a journey we will most definitely continue in her memory.

Lynn’s funeral will be held at Cottingley Crematorium on Thursday 4 December at 10:45am and afterwards at Beeston Village Community Centre.

Photo: Shutterstock

Lynn Bailey

Famed Leeds artist’s moon-lit works set to shine at gallery Children’s books for Christmas

Acaptivating exhibition will shed new light on the life and work of renowned Leeds artist John Atkinson Grimshaw.

Grimshaw’s ‘moonlights’, as the artist called them, including depictions of Boar Lane and Park Row, will feature in Don’t Let’s Ask For the Moon: Nocturnes and Atkinson Grimshaw, which opens at Leeds Art Gallery this November.

The exhibition shows Grimshaw to be an artist of striking and unexpected modernity. His nocturnes, or works inspired by the night, such as ‘Nightfall down the Thames’ (1880) and ‘Reflections on the Aire: On Strike’ (1879) – acquired by the Gallery 125 years apart –are among the 17 paintings, watercolours and drawings from the Leeds Art Gallery collection to be on display.

They reveal Grimshaw’s deep understanding of urban and city settings that, through the depiction of new types of artificial lighting together with moonlight, impacted on a poetic imagination. His work led American avant-garde painter James McNeill Whistler to declare: “I thought I had invented the Nocturne until I saw Grimmy’s moonlights”.

These celebrated 19th century nocturne works will be displayed alongside those of four contemporary painters –Elizabeth Magill, Selma Makela, Judith Tucker and Joanna Whittle – as well as neon and photographic works by Roger Palmer – to help reposition Grimshaw as a painter of modernity against the hold of Victorian nostalgia.

Born in a back-to-back on Park Street in 1836, Grimshaw was, remarkably, a largely selftaught artist, inspired initially by the Pre-Raphaelites, but who used an interest in photography to realise his own worldview of the effects of light and shadow.

Turning his back on a steady job at Great Northern Railway to pursue painting, commercial success saw Grimshaw move to Headingley. He went on to

become one of the most renowned artists of the Victorian era and within a few short years moved to a rambling, baronial old hall at Knostrop.

A small, jewel-like painting, ‘Knostrop Cut, Leeds, Sunday Night’ from 1893, the final year of the artist’s life, brings an elegiac note to this show that celebrates the achievements of one of the city’s greatest artists.

Don’t Let’s Ask For the Moon has also inspired two community-focussed projects –We Bathe in Starlight: The Arts and Minds Poetry Project, and Pyramid View On…John Atkinson Grimshaw – which will both be on display for the duration of the main exhibition.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:

“John Atkinson Grimshaw’s works are recognised around the world for both their beauty and the unique style and ingenuity of their creator and it’s wonderful to see a Leedsborn artist celebrated in this exciting exhibition.

“The collection at Leeds Art Gallery is truly world class and having street scenes of Leeds on display alongside work by so many prestigious artists past and present also brings home what an important cultural destination Leeds is.”

Jane Bhoyroo, Principal Keeper at Leeds Art Gallery, added:

“The exhibition also serves to honour our former colleague Alex Roberston, who was largely responsible for revitalising the reputation of Atkinson Grimshaw from the late 1970s.

“He sadly passed away just less than a year ago, and we hope the exhibition will be a fitting tribute to his long endeavour.”

‘Don’t Let’s Ask For the Moon: Nocturnes and Atkinson Grimshaw is at Leeds Art Gallery until 19 April 2026. Leeds Art Gallery is a Give What You Can gallery.

by Victoria Bonner

Booksmake great giftseasy to tidy up, no wasteful packaging and they don’t take up loads of room. Whilst initially they may not generate the excitement of a huge plastic toy - they will most likely outlive it, and continue being enjoyed long after the festive season.

For the very young, board books are a great optionsturdy enough to be dropped, chewed and sat on. We love Nee Naw - full of exciting vehicles toddlers are obsessed with - and you get to make all the noises together.

Children’s picture story books come in so many stylespick one you like as it will probably be read over and over again! Our favourite book is Bear - it’s all about sharing but as our bear discovers, sometimes we just don’t want to.

Once children can read a little by themselves it’s onto

chapter books - longer stories read a bit at a time over a few days, still with lots of pictures to keep their interest. We love the cheeky humour of Gordon, the meanest goose on earth. Each book takes him on another wacky adventure.

More confident readers might enjoy The Floating Witch Mystery - black cat on a boatwhat’s not to like!

Reluctant readers might enjoy a book based on something they already likewe love the Wallace And Grommit Vengeance Most Fowl which fans of the film will appreciate.

Older children might enjoy a much loved classic - our favourites are Charlotte’s Web, The Chronicles of Narnia.

For fantasy fans try the Impossible Creatures books by Katherine Rundell - an imaginative story that adults will enjoy too.

There’s also a huge selection of more picture based books like Dog Man and Bunny vs

Leeds Art Gallery exhibition showcases artists with learning disabilities and autism

LeedsArt Gallery and Pyramid, a Holbeck-based arts organisation, are proud to announce a new collaborative show that responds to the work of John Atkinson Grimshaw and features artwork by artists with learning disabilities and autism.

Titled Pyramid View On … John Atkinson Grimshaw, the artistic response opens on Friday 14 November 2025 in the Artspace at Leeds Art Gallery and runs until 19 April 2026. It features artwork created and curated by Pyramid member artists, inspired by the distinctive nocturnal scenes of 19thcentury Leeds-born artist John Atkinson Grimshaw.

The project celebrates the atmospheric transition from dusk to night-time, a recurring theme in Grimshaw’s work.

Pyramid member artists will also be running workshops in Artspace to support exhibition visitors to create their own Grimshaw-inspired artwork.

Nicky Lines, Development Manager at Pyramid, said:

“We’re delighted to partner with Leeds Art Gallery on this special artistic response, which celebrates both Grimshaw’s iconic style and the incredible talent of our member artists. It’s vital that artists with learning disabilities and autism have their work seen and valued. This collaboration is a

brilliant opportunity to share their creativity with a wider audience.

“Pyramid is committed to breaking down the barriers that artists with learning disabilities and autism often face. Working with an established art institution like Leeds Art Gallery helps our artists gain the visibility, recognition, and celebration they deserve.”

Jane Bhoyroo, Principal Keeper at Leeds Art Gallery, said:

“It is a real pleasure to be working with Pyramid on this project as we celebrate John Atkinson Grimshaw this season at the Gallery. It’s wonderful to see so many deeply creative responses to the work of this celebrated Leeds artist, by Leeds artists, and we are hopeful our collaboration with Pyramid will help champion these talented learning disabled and autistic artists in our city.”

Pyramid’s artistic response

will run alongside Don’t

… : Nocturnes

the

nocturnal themes in Grimshaw’s work and contemporary responses. For more information and access details about Pyramid View On … John Atkinson Grimshaw exhibition, please visit: pyramid.org.uk/pyramidview-on-john-atkinsongrimshaw

Let’s Ask For The Moon

and Atkinson Grimshaw,

major exhibition in

main gallery exploring

Monkey which are great for reading alone.

We also really like The Village

Beyond The Mist - it’s the story that inspired the film Spirited

Away. Victoria Bonner runs the Hold Fast Bookshop, onboard Marjorie R, moored at Leeds Dock.

Creating art inspired by Atkinson Grimshaw

Knostrop Cut, Leeds, Sunday Night by John Atkinson Grimshaw

Books on display: Nee Naw - Emma Garcia; Gordon - Alex Latimer; BearNatalia Shaloshvili; The Floating Witch - Nicki Thornton; Wallace and Gromit - Aardmam; Narnia - C S Lewis; Impossible Creatures - Katherine Rundell; Charlotte’s Web - E B White

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Email: info@southleedslife.com

A light in the darkness: Beeston Lantern Festival returns

by Alex Fleming

Beeston’s beloved Lantern Festival is back to brighten up the winter nights. On Friday 12 December, locations around Beeston will sparkle with thousands of twinkling lights — and everyone is invited.

This year’s festival promises something for all ages, including: festive music and drama, a new creative competition, community awards, free hot food, real farm animals and of course the sparkle of fairy lights.

The event begins at 4:15pm with three local gatherings at:

St Luke’s Church on • Malvern Road, LS11 8PD

St Mary’s Church on Town • Street, LS11 8PN

Rowland Road Social • Club, LS11 6ED

Join us at these venues for christmas activities, live music, light refreshments, and real donkeys.

At 5pm, the community will come together for a light parade from all three starting points, led by donkeys, heading to Cross Flatts Park for the

main event.

Cross Flatts Park will be transformed into a bright and sparkling wonderland, with free hot food for everyone and a gift for every child.

The event will include a dramatic retelling of the Christmas story, a children’s choir, a community gospel choir and a short Carol Service with a Salvation Army Band. We'll be celebrating stars of the south Leeds community with community awards. Farm animals, illuminated den

building and a creative play area will keep people of all ages entertained. The festivities will conclude at 6:30pm, leaving hearts full and spirits bright.

This year introduces a special lantern-making competition. Individuals, families, schools, and community groups are invited to create their own lanterns and bring them to Cross Flatts Park by 5:30pm on 12 December.

The first prize is a £50

Insight mental health group moves from one fundraiser to the next

Last year Insight, the mental health peer support group, staged a flagship fundraising event.

Unfortunately the weather decided to put a spanner in the works. However, they still managed to raise a few pounds.

Join Insight for their Christmas Festival on Saturday 20 December from 12-3pm at Involve Community Centre, 10 Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet,

LS10 2QE.

Over the year the group has done lots of things to support the mental health of our members. These have included hosting guest speakers, making associations with other mental health charities, creating fundraising activities and adding additional groups.

Insight have bigger and better plans for this year. A poster making competition to publicise our event was judged

by the Lord Mayor. Vanessa, their events coordinator has recruited volunteers to help her with the workload.

Stalls are fully booked, with craft stalls, cake stalls, sweet stalls, bric a brac stalls, lucky dips and a bottle raffle. On top of that, Opera North will be performing and of course there will be a visit from the big man.

On Tuesday 2 December at 2pm, the group will be outside Morrisons in Hunslet along with Santa. They will be raising funds to go towards the big fundraiser on 20 December.

Insight has some amazing plans for the year ahead. Having had one member trained as a walk leader they will be starting regular walks. They also have many guest speakers lined up to join them at their monthly meetings next year.

Group lead Stewart Walton commented:

“We at Insight are all very excited for this year's event. We have all worked extremely hard to organise this. This year has been exceptional for the group, we had guest speakers in, lots of activities and i have been proud to welcome some new participants. I look forward to the year ahead and a successful event will make that easier.”

shopping voucher, with a runner up prize of £20 voucher.

Please note: The lantern should not have a naked flame.

Now in its 12th year, the Lantern Festival continues to grow, bringing joy and unity to Beeston. We’d love to see people from every corner of our community come together to celebrate Christmas and share light in the darkness.

Spread the word — invite your family, friends, and neighbours.

For more details, visit Fb.com/LanternFestivalLS11

Bundles of balloons at last year’s Lantern Festival

Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Dan Cohen, picks the winning poster design with Cllr Paul Wray (right)

What’s On

our guide to events and activities across South Leeds in December

Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 20 December - 4 January

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

Every Monday

Money Buddies

9am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Tea and Toast

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

9am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Parents & Tots Group

9:30-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Let’s Play! (under 5s)

9:30am12:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, LS11 6RD Women’s only Exercise

9:30-10:15am Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St

Trinity Network Tea and Toast

9:30-3pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

MEA Crafts Group

9:30-10:45am Middleton Elderly

Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Crochet & Knitting Group

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

MHA Craft Club

10-11:30am St Andrew’s

Community Centre, Old Lane Sew 2gether

10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH Mums and Tots

10:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Monday Breakfast Club

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

10am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3DU Story & Rhyme (under 5s)

10:30-11:30am Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Lychee Red Chinese Seniors Lunch Club

10:30am-1:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Digital 121 support drop in

11am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Coffee Morning

11am-12pm Aspiring Communities, 49 Barkly Road, Beeston, LS11 7EN

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

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

Lunchtime meditation

12:30-1pm Jamyang Buddhist

Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck

Walking Group

1-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3DU 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 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

Youth Group Multisports

4:30-5:30pm Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St

Community Sports Session

4:30-5:30pm Clapgate Primary School, Cranmore Drive LS10 4AW Boxercise

7-8pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, LS10 4AW ANDYSMANCLUB

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

7-9pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet, LS10 2QE

Every Tuesday

Tots Group

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

Digital Hub and Cafe

9am-12:30am St Matthew’s

Community Centre, Holbeck 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

Grandparents Kinship Support Group

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

Breastfeeding Support Group

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

Woodwork

10am Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, Belle Isle

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, LS10 2NS

Chair Based Exercise

10:45-11:30am St Matthew’s

Community Centre, Holbeck Bingo and Hoy

11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road

MHA Lunch and Social

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

Hong Kongers Lunch Club

11:30am-1:30pm Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St

MHA Walkie Talkies

11:30am-2:30pm Hunslet Nelson

Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston

Salvation Army Lunch Club

11:30am-1:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6QB

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, LS10 3DU

Trinity Network Lunch Club

12:30-1:30pm United Reformed

Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

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

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 Football 9-13 years

3:15-4:15pm Grove Road, Hunslet

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

4:30-5:30pm 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, LS11 0HJ

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

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 NK9 Dog Obedience drop in 6:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, LS10 2HR NK9 Dog Training Workshop

7:45pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, LS10 2HR 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 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

Connected Hearts those with family caring responsibilities

10:30am-12pm Middleton Family Centre 256-262 Sissons Road LS10 4JG

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

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 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

12-1:15pm Ingram Gardens

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

Ladies Group

1:30-3pm Middleton Family Centre 256-262 Sissons Road LS10 4JG

Walking Group

1-2:30pm meet at Asha, 43 Stratford Street, LS11 6JG

Holbeck Together Craft Afternoon

1:15-2:45pm Ingram Gardens

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

2-3pm 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

4:30-7pm 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

Board Games Night

5-6:30pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX

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 51st Leeds (Hunslet) Rainbows, Brownies & Guides

6-7pm Rainbows; 6:15-7:30pm Brownies; 7:15-8:30pm Guides Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet, LS10 2QE

Women & Girls Cricket

6pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston, LS11 5TT 3rd Middleton Rainbows, Brownies, Guides & Rangers

6:15-7:30pm Rainbows & Brownies; 7:45-9pm Guides & Rangers St Mary's Parochial Hall,

North Lingwell Road, LS10 3SR

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 Camera Club

8pm St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton, LS10 4UZ photoleeds.com

Every Thursday

Tots Group

9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle, LS10 3RR Music & Movement

9am-1pm Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston Parents & Tots Group

9-11am Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Digital Hub and Cafe 9am-1pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck 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 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 Gardening groups

10am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3DU Mindful Makes / Woodwork 10-11:45am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre 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 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 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 Trinity Network Lunch Club

12:30-1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Women Only Swimming 1-2pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston, LS11 6JG Warm Space & Computer support 1-5pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH

Website: www.southleedslife.com

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

Be Yourself Men’s Group

1-2:30pm Middleton Family Centre 256-262 Sissons Road LS10 4JG

Conversation Club for asylum seekers and refugees

1:30-3:30pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn Walking Group

1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Social Group and Bingo

1:30-3:30pm 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 Fat Burn and HIIT

7-8pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, 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, Old Lane, Beeston MHA Breakfast

9-11:30am Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Digital Hub and Cafe

9am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, LS11 9NR Menspace drop in

9-10:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 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.

Hunslet RLFC Breakfast Club

10am-12pm Phoenix Suite, South Leeds Stadium, LS11 5DJ

Email: info@southleedslife.com

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

Bacon Butty Drop-in

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 & Raylands 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 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 Group and Bingo

1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3DU Chair-based Exercise

1:45-2:45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Councillor surgery

2:30-3:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston LS11 6RD Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs)

3:30-5:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Elland Road 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, Coopers Field, 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 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)

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

Coffee Morning

10am-12pm Aspiring

Communities, 49 Barkly Road, Beeston, LS11 7EN

Adult Cycle Training

10am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston

Book: bit.ly/CycleNorth

Rowland Road Play Patch

11am-2pm Rowland Road WMC, Beeston, LS11 6ED

Ultimate Dance Academy

10am-12:20pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre ParkPlay

10:30am-12:30pm Brickfield

Park, Lady Pit Lane, Beeston

Champions Soccer Saturday

10:30-11:30am Hunslet Moor

3rd Middleton Scouts

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

Every Sunday

Junior parkrun (4-14 yrs)

9am Top of Cross Flatts Park

Healthy Minds Cycling Skills

10-11am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park

16 Guidelines To Life

10:30-11:30am Jamyang

Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck, LS11 9RQ Play For All (7-13 yrs)

11am-1pm Cross Flatts Park

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

Live Music Concert

12:30pm Penny Hill Shopping Centre (Church Street entrance) LS10 2AR

Beeston Christmas Lights 6pm outside St Mary’s Church, Town Street, LS11 8PN

The Leeds Irish Choir

6pm Fearns, The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, LS10 1PZ

Friday 28 November

Paint and Sip

3-5pm Fearns, The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, LS10 1PZ

Councillors’ Surgeries

4pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street, Beeston

5pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

6pm Cottingley Community Centre

A Proper Merry Christmess

7pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ

Saturday 29 November

Holbeck Christmas Market

12-4pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

FBI Majorettes Christmas Fair

12-5pm The Whistlestop pub, Town Street, Beeston, LS11 8DG

Christmas Fayre

1-3pm St Peter’s Church, Petersfield Avenue, Belle Isle

A Town Called Christmas

2pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ

Brave Words: Mutton

2:30pm Rowland Road WMC, Beeston, LS11 6ED

Leeds Knights v Romford Raiders

6:30pm Planet Ice, Elland Road

A Proper Merry Christmess

7pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ

Sunday 30 November

Leeds Dock Artisan Market

11am-4pm Fearns, The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, LS10 1PZ

December

Monday 1 December

Outer South Community Committee

4pm Leeds Civic Hall, LS1 1UR

Middleton Community Group

6pm Middleton Elderly Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4LF Garnet and Oakley TARA

6:30pm St Luke’s CARES Shop, 246 Dewsbury Road, LS11 6JQ

Tuesday 2 December Buy, Sell, Swap

10-11:30am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub and Library, off Church Street

Stronger Together (parents and carers of disabled children) 11am-1pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH

Wednesday 3 December

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Ingram Gardens

Community Centre, Holbeck

Leeds United v Chelsea

8:15pm Elland Road, LS11 0ES

Thursday 4 December

Friday 5 December

MEA Legal advice drop-in

9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4JQ

Saturday 6 December

Leeds Dads Free Soft Play

10am-12pm Little Angels, Sugar Mill, Oakhurst Avenue, LS11 7HL

Holbeck Jumble Sale

10am-1pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, LS11 9RQ

Hunslet Cemetery Volunteers 10am-1pm Middleton Road

Coffee morning

10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road, Hunslet

Christmas Fair

11-3pm St Joseph’s Primary School, Joseph Street, LS10 2AD

Christmas Market

12-5pm Rowland Road WMC, Beeston, LS11 6ED

Beeston Repair Café

1-4pm St Luke’s CARES Shop, 246 Dewsbury Road, LS11 6JQ

Hunslet Rogues: Wicked of Oz

5:30pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, LS10 1BP

Leeds United v Liverpool

5:30pm Elland Road, LS11 0ES

Sunday 7 December

Litter Pick

1pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre

Leeds Knights v Solway Sharks

4:15pm Planet Ice, Elland Road

Hunslet Rogues: Wicked of Oz

5:30pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, LS10 1BP

Tuesday 9 December

Christmas Tree Festival

2:30-4pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston LS11 8PN

Blue Christmas service

5:30pm The Attic, 3 Sheaf Street, Hunslet, LS10 1HD

Christmas Memorial Concert

6pm Hunslet Carr Sports & Social Club, Moor Road, LS10 2JJ

Wednesday 10 December

MHA Kurling

10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston

Welbeing Breakfast Morning 10-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

Christmas Tree Festival

10:30am-12pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston LS11 8PN

MHA Singing Sensations

1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston

Thursday 11 December

Councillor surgery

9-10am Gascoigne House, Middleton, LS10 4YA

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston

Christmas Tree Festival

2:30-4pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston LS11 8PN

Friday 12 December

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Cottingley

Community Centre, LS11 0HJ

Christmas Tree Festival

2-4:30pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston LS11 8PN

Christmas Lantern Festival

4:15pm St Mary’s Church, LS11 8PN; St Luke’s Church, LS11 8PD; Rowland Road WMC, LS11 6ED

5:15pm Cross Flatts Park

Leeds Dock Artisan Market

11am-4pm Fearns, The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, LS10 1PZ

Slung Low Christmas Fayre

12-4pm The Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ

Sunday 14 December

Leeds Dock Artisan Market

11am-4pm Fearns, The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, LS10 1PZ

Leeds Knights v Swindon Wildcat

4:15pm Planet Ice, Elland Road

South Leeds Community Kitchen

4-5:45pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street, LS11 8PN

Monday 15 December

Winter Wonderland Art & Craft

3:30-5pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library, LS11

Tuesday 16 December

A Winter’s Trail

4-7pm Skelton Grange

Environment Centre, LS10 1RS

Wednesday 17 December

Christmas Tree Festival

10:30am-12pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston LS11 8PN MEA Film Club:

1:30-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4JQ

MHA Connie Crafters

3-4:30pm South Leeds

Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston, LS11 7JH

A Winter’s Trail

4-7pm Skelton Grange

Environment Centre, LS10 1RS

Thursday 18 December

SEN-tastic

9:15-10:30am St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, LS11 8PD

Leeds Baby Bank

10am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Opera North Christmas Singalong

12-1pm Penny Hill Shopping Centre, Church Street, LS10 2AR

Christmas Tree Festival

2:30-4pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston LS11 8PN

A Winter’s Trail

4-7pm Skelton Grange

Environment Centre, LS10 1RS

Friday 19 December

Leeds Knights v Hull Seahawks

7:30pm Planet Ice, Elland Road

Saturday 20 December

Insight Fundraiser

12-3pm Involve Community Centre, Whitfield Ave, LS10 2QE Belle Isle Repair Café

1-4pm BITMO’s Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle, LS10 3QH Councillor surgery

2:30pm BITMO’s Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle, LS10 3QH

Leeds United v Crystal Palace

8pm Elland Road, LS11 0ES

Tuesday 23 December

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub and Library, off Church Street

Saturday 27 December

Leeds Knights v Sheffield

Steeldogs

6:30pm Planet Ice, Elland Road

Saturday 3 January

Hunslet Cemetery Volunteers

10am-1pm Middleton Road

Coffee morning

10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road, Hunslet Beeston Repair Café

November

Thursday 27 November

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston

Hunslet Remembered

10-11:30am Hunslet Community

6:15-7:45pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston

Hub & Library, off Church Street, LS10 2NS

Salvation Army Friendship Lunch

11am-1pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6QB

MEA Hearing Aid Clinic

10am-12:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4JQ

Police Contact Point

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

Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc

6:30pm Woodhouse Hill

Community Centre, LS10 2EF

Beeston Community Forum

7pm Beeston Village Community Centre, LS11 8DQ

Hunslet Tenants & Residents Ass 6pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, LS10 2QE Saturday 13 December

Middleton Makers Market 10am-2pm Middleton Park Circus

Christmas Tree Festival

10am-12pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston LS11 8PN

Community/Reflections Cafe

10am-12pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

1-4pm St Luke’s CARES Shop, 246 Dewsbury Road, LS11 6JQ

Sunday 4 January

Leeds United v Manchester United

12:30pm Elland Road, LS11 0ES

Litter Pick

1pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre

Leeds Knights v Basingstoke

4:15pm Planet Ice, Elland Road

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

Opera North in the community

Join Opera North for festive music and merriment, with free hot chocolate and mince pies, and sing Christmas songs together. Don’t worry if you don’t know the words, song sheets will be provided. Join in or just come and listen on Thursday 18 December, 12-1pm at the Penny Hill Centre, Church Street, Hunslet, LS10 2AR.

Beeston Christmas Tree Festival

Beeston in Bloom has teamed up with St Mary’s Church in Beeston to host another Christmas Tree Festival. A range of local organisations, including South Leeds Life, will be exhibiting a specially decorated tree at the church. The festival is open to the public on Tuesday 9th 2:30-4pm; Wednesday 10th 10:30am12pm; Thursday 11th 2:30-4pm; Friday 12th 2-4:30pm; Saturday 13th 10am-12pm; Wednesday 17th 10:30am-12pm; and Thursday 18th 2:30-4pm. Everyone is welcome.

A Winter’s Trail at Skelton Grange

Skelton Grange Environment Centre’s annual winter fundraising event is a magical celebration of light in our darkest month. Wander along a candlelit trail in the woods and gardens at Skelton Grange and catch a glimpse into the secret worlds of the little folk who reside there... Tuesday 16 - Thursday 18 December 4-7pm.

Skelton Grange Environment Centre is on Skelton Grange Road (over the bridge) LS10 1RS. Find full information and tickets at: www.tcv.org.uk/skeltongrange/courses-events

Slung Low presents ... a Christmas Fayre

Join Slung Low for their annual festive celebration on Saturday 13 December, 12-4pm at The Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ. Expect market stalls full of gifts and tasty treats; a live brass band leading the carolling; a hog roast and vegan alternative; hot chocolate and other refreshments.

Carden’s Christmas Memorial Concert

Carden & Son Funeral Directors are holding their annual Christmas Memorial Concert on Tuesday 9 December, 6pm, at Hunslet Carr Sports & Social Club, moor Road, LS10 2JJ. This is an opportunity to keep the memory of loved ones alive. The community event is open to everyone.

Hunslet Rogues present ... The Wicked of Oz

The young people’s theatre company based at The Hunslet Club have created a mashup by combining the best bits of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked. With dazzling performances, fantastic music, and plenty of surprises, The Wicked of Oz is set to be an unforgettable journey down the yellow brick road. They are performing two shows on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December at 5:30pm. Tickets from www.hunsletclub.org.uk/event/thewicked-of-oz STOP PRESS: Saturday’s show has already sold out.

The Beeston Hill Christmas Market is back

by Sarah Hutchinson

Following last year’s first successful Christmas Market at Rowland Road WMC, the Beeston Hill Community Association (BHCA) are getting ready to host the event again, alongside many local craft traders.

The Christmas Market will take place on Saturday 6 December 12-5pm at Rowland Road WMC, Beeston, LS11 6ED. This will be a great opportunity to get you in the festive mood and bring people from across the community together.

There will be lots of free activities for children and adults alike – from insects to owls and Santa’s grotto. The Play Patch will be open with special Christmas activities and, for those of you at our summer fair, Dax will be back with his brilliant obstacle course. There will be a free gift from Santa for every child at the fair! (subject to availability). There will be over 25 stalls, most of which are local sellers to support trade and talent

within our community. There will be visitors there from Leeds University who are promoting their ‘Life Long Learning’ scheme which seeks to help people from all backgrounds access further education.

Event organiser and BHCA Committee member Shaz says: “Come along to our Christmas Market and meet Santa - Mrs Claus will be about too with some cheeky elves! They’ll be lots of local traders from food to handmade Christmas gifts to a carboot bargain. They’ll be something for everyone. Enjoy our specially made hot chocolate and our amazing raffle with a signed Leeds United shirt!”

There will be a raffle with lots of FANTASTIC prizes such a signed Leeds United 2025/26 Squad shirt, 2 Leeds United Match tickets, as well as a meal for 2 from ‘Sugar & Spice’, £20 Ocean Fisheries voucher, a foot spa treatment, Henna, to name a few. Many of these have been donated by local sponsors or individuals. All money raised through the raffle will go back into

community projects. You can buy tickets directly from Shaz or James by contacting 07568 544584 or contacting BHCA through the Facebook page. Tickets will also be available to buy on the day. Maybe you’ll be one of the lucky winners?

This event has been supported by Leeds

Community Foundation as well as money raised from previous BHCA events, such as the Iftar back in March. Numerous local people and businesses have also donated their money, time or talent to enable this event to happen. Working together and partnering with others is a brilliant way to showcase all the positive things about our area! Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, no matter what your faith, colour or culture, you are welcome. We hope you will join with us and have a great day of festive fun.

Finding peace in the season: Leeds Sanctuary to host “Blue Christmas” service

Asthe city prepares to celebrate Christmas with lights, trees and festive cheer, Leeds Sanctuary is preparing a quieter kind of Christmas gathering — one that recognises that the season isn’t always easy for everyone.

They will be hosting a Blue Christmas service on Tuesday 9 December at 5:30pm at The Attic on Sheaf Street, LS10, creating a space for quiet reflection, compassion, and community.

While Christmas is often celebrated as a time of joy and togetherness, many people experience mixed emotions at this time of year; for those coping with grief, loss, loneliness, anxiety or change, this can be an isolating time, even when diaries are busy and loved ones surround us.

Leeds Sanctuary’s Blue Christmas service provides an alternative space — one where people can acknowledge their true feelings and find comfort among others who are also experiencing this tension.

The service will include calming music, readings, moments of reflection, and prayer. There will be no

expectation to sing, smile or celebrate — only an invitation to pause and be present.

The atmosphere is intended to be peaceful and inclusive, and while the service will be rooted in Leeds Sanctuary’s Methodist heritage, it is open to people of all faiths and none.

Deacon Judith Marshall, City Centre Minister at Leeds

Sanctuary, explains:

“We know that the Christmas season can stir up a lot of emotions. For some, it’s a time of joy; for others, it’s a time of pain or reflection. Blue Christmas is about acknowledging the full range of human experience — recognising that sadness and hope can sit side by side. We

want people to know that however they’re feeling, they are welcome and they are not alone.”

This event forms part of Leeds Sanctuary’s commitment to a Flourishing city – our deep desire is for people to grow and develop in themselves and their lives. Leeds Sanctuary is an independent charity which hosts communities and events, and creates campaigns and resources, so that belonging, flourishing and transformation can take place within and around the people of Leeds. Through the development of sanctuary spaces for those on the margins, they enable supportive relationships to develop and bring about change in people’s circumstances and society. Find out more about them at www.leedssanctuary.org.uk

The Blue Christmas service is free to attend, though booking is encouraged to help with planning as refreshments will be available after the service. Register your interest at www.leedssanctuary.org.uk /blue-christmas

Santa’s grotto

Boy boxers bound for Bangkok by way of Bishop Auckland

by James Bovington

Two local teenage Thai

boxers hope that recent intensive training will allow them to add further wins to their fight record when they compete on Yodphet Fight Night Three in Bishop Auckland on 29 November.

Jack Marshall, 16, and Fabian Monit, 15, have been training for eighteen months at Beeston’s MSA Academy under Rafal Wrzeszcz known as Kru Rafal.

“This’ll be my sixth bout,” said Fabian, “I’ve won three and lost two. My recent win just saw me become a British and Irish junior champion at my weight on SANDEE promotions show at Barnsley Metrodome. Losing is learning and you usually start out against more experienced opponents anyway.” Jack was “pleased to get a stoppage win in one of my bouts but unfortunately lost the other so this bout’s my third.”

Both boys “dream of success in Thai boxing” according to 57kg fighter Fabian who “loves being at the gym up to five times a week. I love the thrill of being in a fight, all those people cheering you on to see you prove how skilful and tough you are. Getting involved in this amazing sport of Muay Thai has boosted my confidence.

I’d love to compete in the ONE championship at Lumpini Stadium Bangkok. It’s the pinnacle. Leeds fighter Fergus Smith recently achieved a knockout there. Jack and I both want to be pros and later I’d like my own gym. Maybe combat sports aren’t for everyone but I’d urge anyone my age boy or girl to give it a go. See what you’re made of.”

Jack usually fights at 63kg but is dropping to 61kg for his next bout. He’s also optimistic, enthusiastic and confident. “It takes courage and heart to

achieve your dream. Thai boxing is absolutely my focus now although I might consider MMA for later. I’m 16 so out of juniors so full head contact is allowed. I’m keen to show everyone just what I can do, that I’ve got the physical skill and resilient mentality of a

fighter and can prove myself stronger and fitter than my opponent. It’s violent yes of course it is.

“Fabian and I enjoy making this controlled violence look beautiful. It gives us freedom. Just watch us.”

For these lads from

Middleton the road to Thailand apparently goes via Bishop Auckland. If able to offer sponsorship or interested in training at MSA e-mail raf86msa@gmail.com or call 07963 599436. The gym is in Sugar Mills Business Park, LS11 7HL.

Hunslet are looking for a step change in 2026

Continued from page 23 and Oldham respectively) come in to shore up the midfield, both players come with good reputations and should seal up Hunslet’s leaky defence.

Whittel has over 100 career appearances, whilst Aldridge (a former Rhinos youth player) received Oldham’s Fans Player of the Season in 2024.

The overseas quota is filled again this year with the addition of Australians Darcy and Elijah Simpson. The brothers who are from Cairns, Queensland played at Rochdale last year and are fast running back rowers.

Liam Carr is back for another season after working his way back into the team after an early season injury set him back, and Zach McSwiney has committed after impressing late in the season, scoring a try at Widnes.

Young half-back Jack Ward comes on board as does Lewis Hagan the former Oulton Raiders man and great nephew of Hunslet legend Alan Preece. Hagan was voted Bradford Bulls reserve player of the year for 2025 and is touted as one of the ‘players to watch’ for 2026.

Whilst training started in the cold depths of a November,

things look sunny for The Parksiders as Trout and his team have put together a mixture of experience and youthful talent, with hopefully a mobile but defensive minded pack and flying try scoring backs.

There may be more signings to come, but for now this squad needs to develop as the task of competing in a tough Championship looms on the horizon.

Off the field Hunslet look to find more sponsorship, and sell their vision to the fans. An established Hunslet in the Championship should attract fans back to the South Leeds Stadium as other distractions have lured them away. With big fixtures coming, hopefully the hospitality and bar areas will be filled and some vibrancy and a bit of hostility in the stands may make the South Leeds Stadium a tough place for visiting teams to endure and pleasant for the home fans as the cry of ‘So we shall again’ rings out.

Early bird season tickets are now on sale at £180, £120 concessions and with a new 16-21 ticket at just £100; and the 2026 replica shirts are available to order at hunsletrlfc.com

Keith Senior joins Hunslet as Director of Rugby

Jack Marshall and Fabian Monit at the MSA gym in Beeston. Photo: James Bovington

Hunslet are looking for a step change in 2026

by Ian Pickles

After a tricky 2025 in the Rugby League Championship Hunslet RLFC are looking to establish themselves as the RFL merge the Championship and League 1 together for 2026.

Promotion in 2024 through the back door of the play-off’s meant it was always going to be tricky for Hunslet to bring together a team with enough quality to challenge in the Championship. Starting late and not having the funds of bigger rivals was always going to be a problem bridging the gap between competitions.

Although Hunslet had only 2 wins all year there were some highlights especially on the road. Wins at Batley and Sheffield for the first time in over 10 years, and pushing Featherstone and Widnes close were highlights. Whilst good periods against Bradford and Halifax were good learning for some of the younger squad members.

Unfortunately poor home form cost Head Coach Dean Muir his job, the role quickly filled by assistant Coach Kyle Trout. Muir was unlucky with loan players and players

wanting away, but back to back heavy defeats cost him dearly.

To some extent the Board at Hunslet knew of the RFL’s plan to merge the Championship and League 1 and so kept ‘their powder dry’ as it were, ready for a reassessment in 2026.

And so the task falls to Kyle Trout and Assistant Coach Michael Knowles to get the Parksiders ready for 2026.

A massive appointment as Director of Rugby was filled by exGreat Britain international Keith Senior (coming in for the departing Darren Higgins), which should help attract budding talent to South Leeds.

Some core players were retained. Club legend Jimmy Watson again signed for his 13th season at the club, and popular forward Harvey Hallas for his 7th. Ethan O’Hanlon and Harrison Gilmore will bring youthful go-forward again in the pack, whilst

Belle Isle’s McHugh triumphant at Elland Road bare knuckle show

by James Bovington

President of the BareKnuckle Boxing Hall of Fame, Scott Burt, travelled from upstate New York to Leeds to see fighters from Yorkshire and pugilists from Spain and North America compete in front of approaching two thousand spectators on the now annual Yorkshire bare knuckle show staged at Elland Road’s Planet Ice Arena by Anglo-American promotion BKB and themed as Leeds Brawl 2.

Yorkshire fighters included experienced bare knuckle boxer Scott McHugh who grew up in Belle Isle. He now trains at Al Osta’s Farsley gym and was joined in the trigon, the sport’s ‘triangular ring,’ by Patryk Fornalski from MSA gym in Beeston who faced Furqan Cheema from Morley’s AVT gym.

“I’m proud of Scott for winning his three bare knuckle bouts this year,” stated Osta. “We’re particularly pleased that he’s defeated the formidable Northern Irish

fighter Joe Fitzpatrick with a second-round stoppage. Scott has worked intensely through multiple back-to-back training

camps. He entered the trigon with the highest level of

pace on the flanks is retained in the forms of Mackenzie Turner and Coby Nichol.

Experience on the wing is boosted by the addition of Mo Agoro returning for his second spell at the club. At only 32 years old Mo has had experience in recent years at Keighley and Oldham and is a Jamaican International.

With 214 career tries this local lad will be a big part of the 2026 Parksiders.

Last year’s Player of the Season awards was a clean sweep for Billy Jowitt, who celebrated by committing himself to Hunslet again, with a full season under his belt Jowitt really is one to watch this season possibly from the fullback berth.

Half back was a problem for Hunslet last season, with the very talented and experienced Lee Gaskell having to create without a regular partner.

Retaining Gaskell for 2026 will make Hunslet

conditioning and readiness possible. His determination to win came from confidence and self-belief built up in training.”

fans smile, but the addition of Dan Abram at his side should make them overjoyed. Abram, a Cumbrian with experience at Swinton and Oldham has 24 tries and 81 appearances and also kicks goals.

The Centre position is likely to be filled by Myles Harrop (signed from Rochdale) who comes with a try every 2 game ratio, and Matty Dawson-Jones from Sheffield who earlier in his career made 75 appearances in Super League including 6 Tries in 19 Appearances during St Helens 2014 Super League winning season, who should bring valuable experience.

2024 Coaches player of the Season Cam Berry re-signs after a frustrating injury filled 2025, whilst Mason Corbett hopes to show what he can do after impressing last time out. Eddie Battye comes in as a big signing in the pack. A former Super League player with experience at Wakefield, London and Sheffield chalking up over 300 career appearances, Battye could be one of the most astute signings of the Season.

Emmerson Whittel and Bailey Aldridge (from Rochdale

Continued on page 23

Those attending all agreed that McHugh’s super welterweight bout was, as one pundit described, “an exhilarating intense brawl in an electrically charged atmosphere where you wonder how anyone could withstand the barrage of punches.” McHugh had Fitzpatrick against the ropes in the opening seconds before himself going down briefly as round one ended. The hyper vigilant referee stopped the contest after Fitzpatrick faced his second count allowing McHugh to take his fifteenth win in the 21 fights of his seven years as a bare-knuckle professional.

Despite making an aggressive, attacking start in the first round, Beeston’s Fornalski was overcome by AVT’s Furqan Cheema who won the fight on points after five action-packed three-minute rounds.

“I was proud here in South Leeds to present the Police Gazette Championship belt to the overall event winner American former professional boxer Paulie Malignaggi who defeated England’s Tyler Goodjohn. I also awarded high quality numbered event-unique medals to the winning fighters,” explained Burt. “First presented in 1882 the belt is pure quality made of real silk, real sterling and with real diamonds and real history.” A belt that the boy from Belle Isle McHugh would love to win.

Scott McHugh in action. Photo: Nick Ledger

Matty Dawson-Jones brings Super League experience. Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

South Leeds Life 125 December 2025

Your FREE community newspaper Issue 125 | December 2025

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

KING HONOURS KIDZ KLUB LEEDS

Children’s charity granted King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Kidz

About us

Our aims

Contact us

Complaints

Microsoft submits planning application for Stourton data centre

Aplanning

PLATFORM_ and HGP celebrate topping out at Sweetfields, Holbeck

PLATFORM_,

White Rose and Kidz Klub deliver festive cheer to Leeds families

Plans

Reaction to Kidz Klub Leeds receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Football project founders honoured at police awards Digital consultation system ‘transforms’ GP access

Officers,

Public invited to help design the future of bus travel

Pure Gym collects presents to support Cottingley families

Wade’s Charity wins Partner of the Year Award 2025

Positive impact of ABCD programme showcased in review

Leeds Dock gets bar and events licence

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Westward Care announces investment in specialist dementia support at Pennington Court

Pennington Court Care

Volunteers sought to deliver Christmas dinners in Beeston

Money matters

with Leeds Credit Union

Avoiding Black Friday Scams

Leeds Credit Union and FinTech North partner to drive financial inclusion

Deadline for postal votes looms

Mayor seeks help from South Leeds young people

Court action highlights council’s tough stance on tenancy fraud

Broomfield School expansion plans drawn up

Cockburn Remembered

Going with the swing

Sponsored Content

John Charles Student Council provides voice and leadership Governors wanted for Cockburn MAT

Lane End pupils at Remembrance

A bear-y warm w

e

Day ceremony

welcome represent Leeds schools

Middleton Primary School marks AntiBullying Week with ‘Power for Good’

In our view

Your letters and comments

Digital doctors

Your Leeds City Councillors

Bus consultation

Broomfield SILC

the debate

MP’s notebook

with Hilary Benn MP

Development at what price?

Pathways for positivity

with Shannon Humphrey Santa’s back might break, but yours doesn’t have to

Famed Leeds artist’s moon-lit works set to shine at gallery Children’s books for Christmas

Leeds Art Gallery exhibition showcases artists with learning disabilities and autism

A light in the darkness: Beeston Lantern Festival returns

Insight mental health group moves from one fundraiser to the next

What’s On

our guide to events and activities across South Leeds in December

December

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

The Beeston Hill Christmas Market is back

Finding peace in the season: Leeds Sanctuary to host “Blue Christmas” service

Boy boxers bound for Bangkok by way of Bishop Auckland

Hunslet are looking for a step change in 2026

Hunslet are looking for a step change in 2026

Belle Isle’s McHugh triumphant at Elland Road bare knuckle show