South leeds life 14 jan16

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Issue 14 | January 2016

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

Hunslet’s flood scare

In this issue:

Food Bank fights hunger

page 3

Parnaby wins Pub of the Year

page 4

by Jeremy Morton

Hunslet came within inches of serious flooding on Boxing Day evening.

Anxious residents and businesses watched the river level rise all night. The gauge at Crown Point rose from its normal level of 1m to finally peak at 2.96m at 4am on 27 December.

Roads and footpaths close to river were inundated, but luckily few properties were affected. Residents from the H2010 estate had to move cars from Goodman Street and Yarn Street as the waters rose, but their homes stayed dry.

On Friday 27 December council workmen were out early to start the clean up, joined by residents.

Commenting on Facebook DC Duggan said “There were lots of people out helping last night and there's been residents out clearing Yarn Street all morning - big thank you to everyone.”

Some riverside student flats at Liberty Dock next to the Royal Armouries were not so lucky. Neither was the nearby Assisted Living Leeds HQ. Businesses on Dock Street and on the Haigh Industrial Park in Stourton were left clearing up and counting the cost.

Of course other parts of Leeds, notably Kirkstall, suffered much worse damage than South Leeds.

Hairspray show at Cockburn

page 6

St Andrew’s Panto Preview

page 9

The River Aire near the Royal armouries, Boxing Day evening. Photo: Jeremy Morton

South Leeds Life has reported on the flood alleviation scheme currently under construction in Leeds. It seems that although the work is not yet finished the partial removal of the island at Knostrop Cut helped stop the river level rising even further.

The Environment Agency’s map, issued at 3:30pm on Boxing Day showed the

possible extent of flooding in Hunslet could have included all the land between Hunslet Road / Low Road and the river, as well as the Rochfords and Hemmingways.Water Lane and Tower Works in Holbeck were also threatened.

Watch our video reports at: www.youtube.com/southlee dslife

NEWS

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ARTS

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FEEDBACK

WHAT’S!ON

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SPORT!

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LOCAL!LIVES River level at Crown Point, Leeds

via www.gaugemap.co.uk

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

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South Leeds Life | January 2016

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

The blog and newspaper are produced by the South Leeds Life Group, a constituted community group with elected officers.

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

South Leeds Life started as a blog in November 2010 and still posts news every day at: www.southleedslife.com

Contact us Email: info@southleedslife.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ southleedslife Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife Phone: 07894 583966 We would love to hear from you!

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Reflections on the Leeds city centre Boxing Day floods

by Hilary Benn MP The first indication was the automated flood warning phone call from the Environment Agency.

There wasn't much I could do about it as I was away at the time enjoying Boxing Day with the family and my two grandsons, but I spent the evening watching the River Aire rise alarmingly, courtesy of Twitter and some intrepid reporting by South Leeds Life, including photographs of water where we have never seen it before.

Once the previous record level was passed, everyone knew that the city centre was in for a hard time, and as I learned later, at about 11pm the police came round to ask my neighbours in the block to move out because of the risk from the rising waters. I was on the phone to the Chief Executive of the Council, the head of Northern PowerGrid and the Yorkshire manager of the Environment Agency to get their best assessment of what was happening.

When I got to Leeds the

following morning, the River Aire was still a turbulent torrent, even though the water levels had dropped from their peak in the early hours, and the flood had left behind a lot of silt and mud.

I peered into the flooded basement car park of our block but could not see my car. I then went for a walk around the area to talk to the residents and businesses affected.

They showed me cellars full of muddy water, premises with no electricity, stock hurriedly rescued, tankers pumping water out, and an abandoned flat where the furniture was floating around the living room. The reactions ranged

from purposeful stoicism to weariness and despair (especially for those with no insurance). I learned from having dealt with the floods in 2007 as the Environment Secretary that people respond in different ways, but the truth is that nature is much more powerful than us human beings.

Four days later, I went back to some of the same businesses to see how they were faring. Power had been restored to most and people were just getting on with it, displaying that extraordinary resilience that human beings show in the face of adversity.

As ever, our public services - Council and

Pumping out Cellars in Dock Street Photo: Hilary Benn

Environment Agency staff, the emergency services, the Army, contractors and maintenance companies, claims assessors and insurance companies - all worked incredibly hard to help those affected and restore services. And, as always happens, the public showed great kindness to neighbours in distress.

As the clean-up continues, what have we learned? It was certainly bad for those affected in the city centre, but elsewhere across the north, it was even worse for some who found people themselves flooded out for the third time in as many months.

There is no doubt at all that our climate is changing and the world faces a future of too much water in some places and not enough water in others. So we have to protect ourselves as best we can and learn to adapt.

And of course we need a big increase in investment in flood defences, including in Leeds. A major flood defence scheme was prepared in 2011, but when we went to see the government about it they

Hilary Benn MP

made it clear that they weren't going to fund it. So the Council and the Environment Agency broke it down into three phases and got some funding for phase 1 which is currently being built. But given what happened on Boxing Day, as the city centre's MP I am clear that ministers must now fund phases 2 and 3.

No ifs, no buts.

It's New Year's Eve as I write this so can I wish you all a Happy New Year and thank South Leeds Life for being such a wonderful voice for our community.

And my car? Well I managed to rescue a few CDs and tools from the dank muddy interior once the waters had subsided, but let's just say that it won't be passing its next MOT....

Hope fades as addiction charity closes byEd Carlisle

Beeston charity New Hope has sadly closed its doors after 16 years service to the local community.

The small organisation, based at the Nazarene Church on Hunslet Hall Road, has since 1999 provided wide-ranging support for people battling drug and alcohol addiction – but has now called it a day.

Originally formed in response to the deaths of two local residents who were struggling with addiction, at a time when there were much fewer drug and alcohol projects in the city, it very quickly ballooned – within weeks of starting, dozens of people were attending their weekly Sunday lunch drop-ins.

A charity was formed, under the slogan ‘Compassion enabling freedom from addiction’ – and their work expanded to become a weekround programme. This has over the years included: allotmenting,

Working on the New Hope allotment

sports (including some top-quality pool-playing!), food, volunteering (especially at their dedicated charity shop, open since 2009 round the back of the Beeston Coop store), computing, and – underpinning it all – a lot of mentoring and love from the team.

Over the 16 years, 2000 people have passed through the project, most from south Leeds – each one battling issues such as

homelessness, unemployment, poverty, sexual exploitation, mental health issues, and more. But times have changed, and the past year has seen numbers tail off – partly it seems due to the emergence of other agencies, and changes in government policy.

So the charity’s trustees and team earlier this year decided to wind down the organisation, and last Sunday (20th December 2015) held

a final session – attended by dozens of people who had been part of the project, past and present. And current project participants are now being supported to find alternative provision.

Alistair Park, who with his wife Yvette, has led New Hope since its formation said: “The past 16 years have been a privilege. It’s been both testing and rewarding, a mix of highs and lows.

But the joy is having met so many damaged people, and seeing them turn their lives around. Many thanks to all who’ve supported us on this amazing journey.”

Although New Hope has closed, help is still available: Forward Leeds is the new alcohol and drug service in Leeds for adults, young people and families. They offer a range of services from 9am-5pm, Mondays and Fridays and 9am7pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, call 0113 887 2477; fax: 0113 263 9810; or email: info@forwardleeds.co.uk

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January 2016 | South Leeds Life

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Fighting hunger with the Middleton’s miniroundabouts to go Food Bank volunteers

by Jeremy Morton

There is a perception that Food Banks are just about handing out food parcels to benefit ‘scroungers’ who have had their benefits stopped. Nothing could be further from the truth explained Wendy Doyle, Operations Manager at Leeds South & East Food Bank.

“Every case is different, one woman came to us for help when her husband died unexpectedly. He was just 39 and they had been married for less than a year so she had no access to his pension. She was trying to feed three children with just her part time wage.”

“Another woman turned up to work one morning to find the firm had closed down. She had no job, no pay, no redundancy. This is what’s happening in Britain today.”

The Food Bank is based on an industrial estate in Beeston and operates from 12 centres stretching from Drighlington to Seacroft. In South Leeds these are: St Andrew’s Church in Beeston, St Cross Church in Middleton, Belle Isle Family Centre and Hunslet Methodist Church.

Wendy, like all the staff at the Food Bank is a volunteer.

Volunteers receive training and several have recently found paid work as a result of their volunteering experience.

The team also get help from volunteers at local firms. In the last month

teams from Lloyds Bank, DTP, Asda HQ and National Powergrid have all helped out.

As well as food parcels the Food Bank helps tackle hunger in other ways. It supports school breakfast clubs, supplying cereal to children who would otherwise be trying to study on an empty stomach. It supports drop in sessions such as the Hunslet Methodist Breakfast Club on a

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Can you spare 3 hours a week? The Food Bank needs more volunteers to meet clients and distribute food.

Training is provided.

Donate food, especially Tinned Fruit, Tinned Vegetables, Tinned and Powdered Potatoes, Nappies, Juice, and Pasta Sauce. Please make sure all goods are non-perishable and in date. Bring them to Unit 16 Ashbrooke Business Park, Parkside Lane, LEEDS, LS11 5SF. The warehouse is open Mon-Thur 8:30am-4pm, Fri: 8:30am-12:30pm.

To make a financial donation visit: mydonate.bt.com/charities/leedsfoodbank.

Middleton Park Avenue

A planned scheme to improve road safety will see the removal of three mini-roundabouts on Middleton Park Avenue.

A report published on the Leeds City Council website proposes replacing the three mini roundabouts with raised junction plateaux. The road has seen 15 personal injury accidents in the last five years and is ranked 14th on the Council’s list of ‘Lengths (of road) for Concern.’

Two thirds of the accidents have been caused by drivers failing to give way. The new scheme will revert to side roads giving way to Middleton Leeds South & East Food Bank volunteers: Jason White, Wendy Doyle, Amie Thompson, Steve Vincent & Denise Comer

Thursday and BITMO’s GATE Tasty Tuesdays in Belle Isle. It also works with St George’s Crypt and Holbeck Food Bank.

“I just was to give a big, massive Thank You to everyone who donates and supports our work” said Wendy.

You can contact the Leeds South & East Food Bank on 0113 271 5866 or email: info@leedssouthandeast.fo odbank.uk

The Salvation Army band lead the carol singing in Beeston

IF YOU NEED HELP You can be referred by any professional: GP, teacher, community worker, health visitor, social worker, etc.

As well as an emergency food parcel you will be signposted to agencies who can help you with financial, health and other issues.

Park Avenue, but the raised junctions will encourage all vehicles to slow down at the junctions.

The affected junctions are between Middleton Park Avenue and: Middleton Park Mount; Middleton Park Grove and Acre Road. The junction with Throstle Lane will remain a mini-roundabout.The works are projected to cost £97,000 and would be completed by April 2016.

The plan will now go to public consultation.

Read the community reaction to these proposals on our Letters page.

Beeston lights up for Christmas

Over 500 local people gathered in Cross Flatts Park on Friday 11 December to enjoy another packed-out Christmas Lantern Festival together.

The event – now in its third year – featured: performances from the South Leeds Academy steel pan band, the St Luke’s Primary School choir, and a Salvation Army brass band leading carol singing for all; storytelling; farm animals to meet and pet (to recreate the stable experience!); festive refreshments; and hundreds of lanterns and lights, bringing the park to life.

Local resident Mark Hodgkinson of the Salvation Army was one of those who helped coordinate the event: “It’s great to see the event go from strength to strength, mainly down to the amazing involvement of the dozens of local volunteers who help pull it off: massive thanks to them.We also got very lucky with the weather, again. And it’s just good to get the local community together, to share a bit of life and inspiration at this gloomy time of year – it seems like a fitting way to mark the birth of Jesus…”

Earlier in the month over two hundred residents, old and young, turned out to sing carols and see the Beeston Christmas lights switched on.

The Salvation Army band led the singing of three carols before Cllr Angela Gabriel officially switched on the lights outside the Co-op. As well as the lights on the Christmas tree and other trees, four light motifs have been mounted on lampposts along Beeston Road. It is hoped to increase the number of motifs each year with the support of local businesses.

Earlier in the week it was reported that the Christmas tree had been vandalised, but Cllr Gabriel explained that she had spoken to the manager at the Co-op who saw the tree blow down in the strong winds on Sunday afternoon. The important thing was that the tree had been replaced and the event went ahead as planned.

As the light rain got heavier, everyone crossed over the road to the Beeston Parish Centre where burgers, hotdogs and drinks were served. A collection was held for the local Salvation Army’s work at Christmas which raised over £100.

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South Leeds Life | January 2016

4 News

News in brief Lawyers go back to school Lawyers from law firm Bevan Brittan swapped their desks for the classroom as they spent the day at Middleton St Mary’s primary school – as part of Leeds Legal Education Week in November. Lyndon Campbell said “It was great fun and really rewarding. We explained what lawyers do and tried to inspire them to want to become one!”

White Rose boosts cycling

Cyclists were able to have their bicycles recorded and registered free of charge by West Yorkshire Police at an event to encourage people to cycle to White Rose Shopping Centre. They were also given a free D-lock as an added incentive.

White Rose has cycle stations located around the site and employees who ride to work are able to use showers situated in the toilets at the north end of the centre.

Hawks aid Trust

Hunslet Hawks joined forces with the Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust (CBFT) to help make this year's Christmas a little more enjoyable for some of the more isolated members of our community.

The Hawks’ minibus ferried guests to the Vale Circles café in Beeston where they enjoyed a hearty Christmas dinner and some festive cheer. Over 35 volunteers served 100 dinners on Christmas Day.

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Giving our children Parnaby Tavern: the Best Start in life Pub of the Year

by Ken Ingram

by Lucy Potter As part of its ongoing community engagement, the Inner South Community Committee hosted their latest public meeting on the evening of Wednesday 9 December.

The committee comprises of the three council wards in south Leeds: Middleton Park, City & Hunslet, and Beeston & Holbeck.This was their busiest such meeting yet, packed out with dozens of different representatives, volunteers, and regular members of the public gathering with the ward councillors, local police and others – first for a workshop on a key local issues, then a formal meeting for the councillors to present to the public their community expenditure and discuss pressing local issues.

The evening’s workshop theme was ‘Health & Wellbeing: Helping Children and Families have the Best Start’.

Health Improvement Manager for Children and Families, Janice Burberry presented a new policy the Best Start Plan.

The programme is based on early identification and targeted support for vulnerable families early in the child’s life.

Janice explained how providing healthy nutrition

Residents, officers and Councillors discuss the issues

early on for a child can reduce physical health conditions later in life.We also watched a short animated film on how positive brain development formed by a nurturing environment can help equip a child for life, whilst neglect can have a negative impact on a child’s development.

The committee had also invited a group of young dads from the Caring Dads Project, who each briefly told some of their stories. One by one they articulated how – for them – being more involved with their children had helped them develop stronger bonds with them. One of them said: “I had no idea of the support that was available, and now it’s so much easier for me!”

And another one of the dads commented: “It wasn’t until social care got involved that I

began to use the services; I wish I had known before, but now I feel it’s too late down the line”.

These were powerful testimonies – and especially highlighted the difficulty many dads face, when so much of the information and services are directed at the mums.

The formal meeting – chaired by Cllr Angela Gabriel – which followed wrapped it all up nicely, with the ward councillors allocating funding for the following services to continue their community work.

These included: Hunslet Warriors RLFC, the Hunslet Methodist Drop-In, the Salvation Army for their Christmas Lantern Festival, and dozens of new public bins in Holbeck & Beeston and Middleton.

Hilary Benn challenged over Syria bombing Fifty protesters greeted Hilary Benn MP at his surgery on Saturday 5 December 2015, angry that he had supported the bombing of Syria in Parliament that week.

The protesters were angry but respectful and were supported by passing motorists and a Fire Engine tooting their horns. In speeches, Mr Benn was criticised for the deaths of innocent people as a result of the bombing and of not breaking ties with Turkey and Saudi Arabia who both tacitly support ISIS. Mr Benn eventually came out came out to speak to the protesters and a twenty minute discussion followed.

Hilary Benn MP debates the issue with protesters

Ejaz Ahmed from Beeston asked if he would now apologise for the Iraq war, but Mr Benn said he was pleased Saddam Hussein had been removed and that the rise of ISIS was not a result the Iraq war. He said Britain should accept more refugees and commended the community on welcoming refugees over

the years.

He said he supported the Kurds and claimed they welcomed allied air support in their fight against ISIS, but he wouldn’t be drawn on Britain’s relationship to Turkey (who are bombing the Kurds) saying they were a sovereign country who must make their own policy decisions.

I interviewed Mark, the landlord of the Parnaby Tavern in Hunslet Carr, who along with his wife, Linda, has been awarded YEP Best Pub of the Year.

Q: Congratulations on your award. What does it mean to you and Linda to be given this amazing accolade?

A: I’m over the moon, it just goes to show how well liked the Parnaby is with the amount of people that voted for us, and it’s overwhelming we have been voted number one this year.

whether they have a partner or not, come in and start chatting, having a conversation and a laugh between themselves.

You see these people belly laughing, and it’s so warming to see I take great pride in being able to open up for these sessions.

Q: When you and Linda do get away from running the Parnaby Tavern for few hours, which is your favourite restaurant and type of foods you both enjoy most, and of course what are your tipples?

A: When we do get the chance to get away, our favourite restaurant in Leeds is called the Blackhouse, just off

Landlord Mark and Miles man the pumps at the Parnaby Tavern

Q: Tavernier commented in the YEP that he thought the Parnaby was a community pub.

A: We serve the local people in the local area. As you know we run a social group on a Wednesday afternoon, which is Dementia Friendly.

We run a Mums and Tots group on a Wednesday morning.

The Parnaby fundraises and has special events, anything local we try and get on to, and make sure things go well, and try just to serve the community best we can.

Q: It’s just over a year ago that a Dementia Friendly group was formed at the Tavern on a Wednesday afternoon. What made you and Linda decide to form this group?

A: Ken you’re a regular and you mentioned the group at Rothwell and the possibilities of expanding to other groups, With the pub not open until 4pm generally during the week, I find it quite a waste and I thought it would be very nice to extend a welcome to a Dementia Friendly group.

It’s absolutely blossomed, it is absolutely marvellous to see people who would normally just look at their 4 walls all week, whether the TV is on

City Square. It’s a bit of a steak house, but serves some nice lobster which Linda is partial to.

I like my Steak, Linda likes sparkling wines, Champaigne, Cocktails, Brandy. I’m partial to a bit of Rum. So that’s where we love to go to and relax and have a pleasant evening.

Q: Where in the world would you and Linda like to go for a holiday where you’ve never been before and why?

A: Somewhere we’ve never been, would have to be in the Summer, Seychelles, why because it’s a total escape from everything, total relaxed Holiday.

For all we run the pub together, Linda is a full time Nurse, so when we get the chance to have a week away we do like to worship the sun a little bit, just relax a little bit, do nothing and enjoy the warm weather.

Q: Anything else you would like to add?

A: Well me and Linda would like to thank every customer that comes in for supporting us over the years. And would like to give special thanks to those who voted for us in the YEP Best Pub of the Year and voted us number one pub in Leeds.

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January 2016 | South Leeds Life

News 5

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People Matters marks another successful year People Matters, the Holbeckbased social enterprise that supports adults with learning difficulties, held its AGM recently at Leeds City College’s Technology Campus.

Over 50 of the members got together to talk about what the organisation has been doing, how they have been involved as well as look at the new annual report.

The most popular group recently has been ‘Exploring Animals’ where visitors have included a large python, a meerkat and a skunk.

Paul Jackson was given a presentation for all his many years of volunteering as member director and Jonathan Cravitz was appointed as his replacement. One

member George Stephenson told Now I pay for everything myself. Adam everyone about the difference the and Josh are there but I understand support he gets from the organisation everything. In the future I want to move makes to him.

“People Matters helped me get my first flat, they helped me do my first clothes wash ever, I cooked my first meal outside a classroom with support and set up all my bills.

Before then clean clothes just appeared, dinner was ready when I got it and bills didn’t exist.

“Now that might sound good, but I’m used to managing Paul Jackson receives long service presentation money now, before it was like pocket money I’d spend it all in one go. again, infiltrate the mainstream world,

Saturday breakfast at Vale Circles

Double church closure hits South Leeds

by Niki Woods

A new weekly community cafe was recently launched at Vale Circles on Tunstall Road in Beeston. The cafe is open to all and runs every Saturday 8:30-11am.

Run by The Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust (CBFT), the cafe hopes to encourage and support local residents from all social groups to come together and form bonds. The cafe has both tables and sofas and serves tea, coffee, and other breakfast items, such as a full English for £2.50, for eating in or taking away.

CBFT was founded in 2010 memory of Ciaran Bingham, a young man who sadly died aged only 19. It aims to support and deliver projects to help young, elderly, and vulnerable people in the South Leeds community fight isolation and identify ways for all groups in society to come together, focusing primarily on weekends and bank holidays.

The Trust also runs Saturday breakfast sessions at Holbeck Feast Cafe and Westerton Court Cafe in Tingley, and Sunday lunch clubs at BITMO, Westerton Court, and Maltings Court in Beeston. More information on these and other services offered by the Trust is available on 0113 270 6903.

travel, go on holidays and I think a lot of that has come from me feeling more independent, confident in myself which People Matters has helped me achieve.”

Future plans include starting a new subsidiary that will offer the opportunity to gain training, work experience and employment opportunities. Two small new grants have been gained for pilot work in order to develop and market a range of healthy snacks.

Anyone with a learning or other disability such as being on the Autistic spectrum who wants to be involved in any People Matters activity should contact the office in Holbeck on (0113) 234 6896.

by Ed Carlisle Two prominentlylocated Church of England congregations in south Leeds have formally disbanded in the past month: St David’s on Dewsbury Road in Beeston, and St Mary’s in the heart of Hunslet.

St David’s – the distinctive modern church building near the Tommy Wass junction – first opened in 1961, following a local ‘faith revival’ at that time, and many years of fundraising. Unfortunately though, the congregation had nowadays shrunk to just a dozen regulars – and they’ve decided to call time on running the church.

The closure was marked with a service on Sunday 22 November, led by local vicars Rev Lindsey Pearson and Rev James Turner, followed by a procession to St Mary’s Beeston – the sister church, which the St David’s members are now likely to join. Plans for the building are as yet unconfirmed, partly because – due to some complicated land deeds – the CofE don’t in fact own the site; but it is

St David’s, Beeston Photo: Betty Longbottom via Wikimedia Commons

St Mary’s church, Hunslet Photo: Jeremy Morton

News in brief Holbeck donates Xmas presents

Businesses in Holbeck Urban Village have donated over 100 presents to women and children fleeing domestic violence this Christmas. Lisa Ellen Riley who works in the reception at Marshall’s Mill organised the collection and Businesses responded to the call creating a huge pile of presents around the Christmas tree in the building’s entrance.

Free bikes for Middleton kids

Kids from Middleton Primary School in South Leeds were left ‘wheeling for joy’ after receiving 20 free bikes and helmets. The bikes were donated by Halfords to help encourage more children – who may not necessarily have access to bikes – to cycle.

understood that that the site and buildings will in time be sold.

Meanwhile, the iconic St Mary’s in the centre of Hunslet (not to be confused with St Mary’s Beeston, which is still going strong!) has also closed, with services on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 December.

A church was first built on the site in the 1860s – and its listed clocktower (previously featured in South Leeds Life) remains to this day.

The main building was demolished and rebuilt in the 1970s

– but has been plagued with growing subsidence problems ever since.

Facing bills of £10,000s to fix these, and again with a small congregation of only a dozen or so regulars, this church also decided to call it quits. It is understood that the 1970s church building will have to be demolished, although the clocktower will remain up – and there is talk of a local consultation of new uses and maybe even new buildings for the site.

Rev Lindsey Pearson, vicar for the two Beeston churches (St David’s and St Mary’s) insists that the closures were not a negative

move: “It’s important to recognise that the way people worship and the buildings we have don’t always work for current needs. Sometimes, energy is going into buildings, but that’s not what church is for.

We’re trying to free people up to be more involved in their communities, more outwards-looking.

We mustn’t be wed to buildings.

Having said that, we have no plans at all to close St Mary’s Beeston, which will remain a church where people are welcomed for baptisms, weddings and funerals, and of course to worship.”

HUB hamper

Happy Holbeck residents won a Christmas hamper afteer visiting the Mobile HUB which has been parked in the Recreations each Wednesday for the last few months. Residents were able to get help with benefits, Council Tax, jobs, housing, Police and Fire issues.

South Leeds Life | January 2016

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6 Young People

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Hairspray holds the audience spellbound at Cockburn

by Jeremy Morton In December the stage at Cockburn High School was transformed into 1962 Baltimore as the school put on a sell out production of the musical Hairspray.

After the show I talked to Ethan Aldwinkle, Georgia Kerrigan and Ewan Whitaker from Beeston; and Cameron Dunn from Middleton, all in Years 10 and 11. Between them they play four of the leading characters in the musical.

The show is a tour de force of singing and dancing, but it is also relevant to school. As Georgia explains: “The show has a really good message. It puts across a really big message about segregation, whilst entertaining people. People come to watch that and they realise we can have fun as well as showing the big

moral of the story.”

Ethan plays Edna Turnblad, but it’s not his first acting experience, he tells me he took the roles of Captain Tempest in Return To The Forbidden Planet and Johnny Casino in Grease.

The cast have been rehearsing all term “We’ve been rehearsing since September after school” says Cameron.“It’s all part of the show, the show must go on and it has to be at a good standard” “Some nights you get nervous,” admits Georgia “but near the end of the run you get used to it and it’s a really good buzz before you go on.”

And the show involves children across the school, not just the actors “Some kids do the lighting and sound” adds Ewan “Others do costume, props and front of house too.”

As to their future careers, Andrew is keen to stay involved with music and drama; Georgia

involved in theatre. We wish them all the best in their future careers.

Young People 7

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Low Road children spread joy with Christmas artwork

Ethan Aldwinkle, Georgia Kerrigan, Ewan Whitaker & Cameron Dunn

is interested in becoming a drama teacher; Ewan is aiming for the West End; whilst Cameron just wants to stay

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You can see excerpts from the show plus this interview in full at: www.youtube.com/ southleedslife

Children from Low Road Primary School were chosen to bring Season’s Greetings messages to the public across digital screens in Leeds this Christmas.

Artwork by 12 budding artists was displayed across digital screens in Leeds Station and at Trinity Leeds shopping mall from 1- 25 December.

Their artwork was also be displayed in rail stations and shopping malls nationwide.

Janet Guest, Editorial Director of JCDecaux said, “Virgin Trains East Coast kindly put us in touch with Low Road Primary School in Hunslet and the children's artwork is stunning. It’s heartwarming and sweet and will definitely put a smile on the face of people travelling, shopping and socialising in Leeds this December."

Cath Storey, Support Officer at Low Road said, “Virgin East Coast Trains sponsor our Breakfast Club at Low Road and asked if our children would be interested in producing this artwork. The children couldn’t wait to get started even though it did seem a little early as it was only November.We

Children from Low Road show off their festive artwork

are delighted to be bringing season’s greetings to people out shopping and travelling in Leeds and other cities nationwide.”

Scouting returns to St Luke’s

A new Scout Group will be opening its doors on 11 January 2016.

The 11th South Leeds (St Luke's) Scout group has been re formed and will be meeting at St Luke's Church, Malvern Road, Holbeck during term time.

The Beaver Scout Section is opening for girls and boys aged 6 to 8 years on Monday 11 January and will meet Mondays from 5:45pm to 7pm The Cub Scout Section, for girls and boys aged 8 to 10 years, will be opening in April and meet on Mondays from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. A Scout Troop for children aged 10 to 14 is planned for September.

The Group Executive Committee Chairman, Neville Jackson said, "It's fantastic to see Scouting return to the area, like a Phoenix rising from the

by Ed Carlisle

Winners: Chloe Whitaker, Faith & Chrissie; J Beats & Triple M

A host of talented students took to the stage at The South Leeds Academy’s first Talent Night on 10 December.

An excited and enthusiastic audience watched acts including Little Remix, Shauna & Kayleigh, Katie & Kim, Mary, My Name Is Jeff, Ollie Barker sing in every style from Adele to Death Metal, whilst Togetherness performed a thrilling dance routine.

Staff acts PC Tracey & Vicky Dowling and Rosanna Schofield were joined by one of the judges, Testament, who

demonstrated great skills with beatboxing and vocal loops.

Eventually master of ceremonies Jaz Sagoo, announced the winners.

Third placed Faith & Chrissie had performed a number from the musical Jekyll & Hyde.

In second place were rappers J Beats & Triple M, who are still only in Year 8!

The winner was Chloe Whitaker who gave a spine tingling rendition of Jesse J’s song Flashlight.

Speaking after the show, guest

judge Testament said: “It’s been a truly joyful experience, South Leeds are coming out on top!

“I was blown away. I ran some music workshops here in 2012 and Chloe was sitting quietly in the corner back then, today she sang better than Adele.”

Second placed rappers J Beats & Triple M will join winner Chloe Whittaker to represent The South Leeds Academy in the Leeds Has Got Talent competition next year.

Watch a video report at: www.youtube/southleedslife.

Nominations recently closed for young people wishing to represent the city in the UK Youth Parliament. Before they closed I spoke to Shamim Miah from Beeston – one of the current Leeds Members of the Youth Parliament (MYP) – to find out what it’s all about.

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: My name is Shamim Miah, I am a law student living in South Leeds, and I’m a Member of the Youth Parliament for Leeds. I was elected as a Member of the Youth Parliament in February 2014, to represent the 180,000 young people living in Leeds. This position allows me to speak on behalf of young people, and address issues most important to them.

Q: What is the Youth Parliament, and what have you done?

A: The UK Youth Parliament is an organisation to which 1118 year olds across the UK

democratically elect their representatives annually.

Members ensure that the voices of younger people – nationally, regionally and locally – are heard. The Youth Parliament has annual debates in the House of Commons where the most important issues to the youth of the United Kingdom are established and discussed. This year, I had the honour of being elected as the lead speaker on behalf of Yorkshire and Humber, to put the motion forward for a campaign to Tackle Racism and Religious Discrimination in the UK. Elected MYPs supported my enthusiasm and passion for this issue, and prioritised it to become one of their UK-wide campaigns.

Q: Why did you first apply to be an MYP, and what have you learnt?

A: I first heard about UKYP when an ex-MYP for Yorkshire and Humber shared her experience at my college during an assembly. I was inspired by her motivation for there to be national change on issues that affected the

youth, including me, and also by the opportunities she had enjoyed that could not be found elsewhere.

Additionally, my family has played a prominent role in influencing me to

becoming a Member of the Youth Parliament?

A: The UKYP is a platform that allows young people to put forward their opinions, views and interests on anything

Mayor to assembly

by Lucy Potter

On Friday 4 December Hunslet Moor Primary school in Beeston prepared for an assembly unlike any other.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Judith Chapman was visiting to mark the success of one of its pupils on becoming the new Children’s Lord Mayor of Leeds – Hannah Begum.

That day the children were wearing decorated bobble hats to raise money for NSPCC. Bobbled heads turned as they watched Cllr Judith Chapman follow Hannah as she weaved in and out of little legs in her Shamin Miah speaking in the House of Commons ceremonial red coat, hat produce a positive change they’re passionate about. and gloves. They both in the community of This is what makes applying settled together on the stage and Hannah read out Beeston. I’ve grown to so worthwhile. learn that gender, age, You will be giving yourself her manifesto once more.

“If I was Children’s Lord ethnicity and other the chance to be a part of differences matter very a forum that takes pride in Mayor of Leeds, I would little when everyone shares listening to voices that love to set up ‘Global a common motivation for would otherwise be Families of Leeds Project’ change. Making a difference ignored on issues that Her manifesto is very to just one person’s life at really matter to you and simple – bringing children the start is always a good your constituency. I say: go and young people of Leeds have more place to begin! for it, because you have to Q: What would you say nothing to lose – and good opportunities to interact with each other. to others applying to luck!

ashes, after the group folded over 10 years ago" The Group Scout Leader, John McKee, said: "The team have worked really hard to get an exciting program ready for each Section's first term.

Scouts are driven by the youngsters that attend and we are all looking forward to working with our young people to help them develop their group."

Scouting is open to boys and girls and people from all faiths or none. It is based on an ethos of learning by doing, making choices and taking responsibility; and undertaking new and challenging activities.

All enquiries should be made by email to Group Scout Leader, Mr John McKee at: 11thsouthleedsscouts @gmail.com

Promoting Scouting at Breeze last summer

Keep up to date with the latest news at www.southleedslife.com

Academy’s got talent! Meet Shamim Miah - Member Hannah brings Lord of (UK Youth)!Parliament

January 2016 | South Leeds Life

Two Lord Mayors at school assembly

“My community is very transient with many new families coming from all over the world. My project would give the perfect platform for children and young people to feel safe, ask questions, and learn about respecting other cultures, religions and beliefs in a safe environment.”

Cllr Judith Chapham congratulated Hannah on her new position and said how impressed she was on the clarity of her manifesto and emphasised the importance of having the

opportunity to make a difference.

Once the children were settled in their classes Hannah took Cllr Judith Chapman for a tour of the school. After which we went into the family room for juice and a cup of tea.

Hannah and Cllr Judith Chapman looked at home chatting about hobbies and interests. We learnt that Hannah loves cooking and has promised to make her a lemon drizzle cake!

Hannah’s public engagements will begin this month.

South Leeds Life | January 2016

www.southleedslife.com

www.southleedslife.com

6 Young People

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Hairspray holds the audience spellbound at Cockburn

by Jeremy Morton In December the stage at Cockburn High School was transformed into 1962 Baltimore as the school put on a sell out production of the musical Hairspray.

After the show I talked to Ethan Aldwinkle, Georgia Kerrigan and Ewan Whitaker from Beeston; and Cameron Dunn from Middleton, all in Years 10 and 11. Between them they play four of the leading characters in the musical.

The show is a tour de force of singing and dancing, but it is also relevant to school. As Georgia explains: “The show has a really good message. It puts across a really big message about segregation, whilst entertaining people. People come to watch that and they realise we can have fun as well as showing the big

moral of the story.”

Ethan plays Edna Turnblad, but it’s not his first acting experience, he tells me he took the roles of Captain Tempest in Return To The Forbidden Planet and Johnny Casino in Grease.

The cast have been rehearsing all term “We’ve been rehearsing since September after school” says Cameron.“It’s all part of the show, the show must go on and it has to be at a good standard” “Some nights you get nervous,” admits Georgia “but near the end of the run you get used to it and it’s a really good buzz before you go on.”

And the show involves children across the school, not just the actors “Some kids do the lighting and sound” adds Ewan “Others do costume, props and front of house too.”

As to their future careers, Andrew is keen to stay involved with music and drama; Georgia

involved in theatre. We wish them all the best in their future careers.

Young People 7

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Low Road children spread joy with Christmas artwork

Ethan Aldwinkle, Georgia Kerrigan, Ewan Whitaker & Cameron Dunn

is interested in becoming a drama teacher; Ewan is aiming for the West End; whilst Cameron just wants to stay

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

You can see excerpts from the show plus this interview in full at: www.youtube.com/ southleedslife

Children from Low Road Primary School were chosen to bring Season’s Greetings messages to the public across digital screens in Leeds this Christmas.

Artwork by 12 budding artists was displayed across digital screens in Leeds Station and at Trinity Leeds shopping mall from 1- 25 December.

Their artwork was also be displayed in rail stations and shopping malls nationwide.

Janet Guest, Editorial Director of JCDecaux said, “Virgin Trains East Coast kindly put us in touch with Low Road Primary School in Hunslet and the children's artwork is stunning. It’s heartwarming and sweet and will definitely put a smile on the face of people travelling, shopping and socialising in Leeds this December."

Cath Storey, Support Officer at Low Road said, “Virgin East Coast Trains sponsor our Breakfast Club at Low Road and asked if our children would be interested in producing this artwork. The children couldn’t wait to get started even though it did seem a little early as it was only November.We

Children from Low Road show off their festive artwork

are delighted to be bringing season’s greetings to people out shopping and travelling in Leeds and other cities nationwide.”

Scouting returns to St Luke’s

A new Scout Group will be opening its doors on 11 January 2016.

The 11th South Leeds (St Luke's) Scout group has been re formed and will be meeting at St Luke's Church, Malvern Road, Holbeck during term time.

The Beaver Scout Section is opening for girls and boys aged 6 to 8 years on Monday 11 January and will meet Mondays from 5:45pm to 7pm The Cub Scout Section, for girls and boys aged 8 to 10 years, will be opening in April and meet on Mondays from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. A Scout Troop for children aged 10 to 14 is planned for September.

The Group Executive Committee Chairman, Neville Jackson said, "It's fantastic to see Scouting return to the area, like a Phoenix rising from the

by Ed Carlisle

Winners: Chloe Whitaker, Faith & Chrissie; J Beats & Triple M

A host of talented students took to the stage at The South Leeds Academy’s first Talent Night on 10 December.

An excited and enthusiastic audience watched acts including Little Remix, Shauna & Kayleigh, Katie & Kim, Mary, My Name Is Jeff, Ollie Barker sing in every style from Adele to Death Metal, whilst Togetherness performed a thrilling dance routine.

Staff acts PC Tracey & Vicky Dowling and Rosanna Schofield were joined by one of the judges, Testament, who

demonstrated great skills with beatboxing and vocal loops.

Eventually master of ceremonies Jaz Sagoo, announced the winners.

Third placed Faith & Chrissie had performed a number from the musical Jekyll & Hyde.

In second place were rappers J Beats & Triple M, who are still only in Year 8!

The winner was Chloe Whitaker who gave a spine tingling rendition of Jesse J’s song Flashlight.

Speaking after the show, guest

judge Testament said: “It’s been a truly joyful experience, South Leeds are coming out on top!

“I was blown away. I ran some music workshops here in 2012 and Chloe was sitting quietly in the corner back then, today she sang better than Adele.”

Second placed rappers J Beats & Triple M will join winner Chloe Whittaker to represent The South Leeds Academy in the Leeds Has Got Talent competition next year.

Watch a video report at: www.youtube/southleedslife.

Nominations recently closed for young people wishing to represent the city in the UK Youth Parliament. Before they closed I spoke to Shamim Miah from Beeston – one of the current Leeds Members of the Youth Parliament (MYP) – to find out what it’s all about.

Q: Tell us about yourself.

A: My name is Shamim Miah, I am a law student living in South Leeds, and I’m a Member of the Youth Parliament for Leeds. I was elected as a Member of the Youth Parliament in February 2014, to represent the 180,000 young people living in Leeds. This position allows me to speak on behalf of young people, and address issues most important to them.

Q: What is the Youth Parliament, and what have you done?

A: The UK Youth Parliament is an organisation to which 1118 year olds across the UK

democratically elect their representatives annually.

Members ensure that the voices of younger people – nationally, regionally and locally – are heard. The Youth Parliament has annual debates in the House of Commons where the most important issues to the youth of the United Kingdom are established and discussed. This year, I had the honour of being elected as the lead speaker on behalf of Yorkshire and Humber, to put the motion forward for a campaign to Tackle Racism and Religious Discrimination in the UK. Elected MYPs supported my enthusiasm and passion for this issue, and prioritised it to become one of their UK-wide campaigns.

Q: Why did you first apply to be an MYP, and what have you learnt?

A: I first heard about UKYP when an ex-MYP for Yorkshire and Humber shared her experience at my college during an assembly. I was inspired by her motivation for there to be national change on issues that affected the

youth, including me, and also by the opportunities she had enjoyed that could not be found elsewhere.

Additionally, my family has played a prominent role in influencing me to

becoming a Member of the Youth Parliament?

A: The UKYP is a platform that allows young people to put forward their opinions, views and interests on anything

Mayor to assembly

by Lucy Potter

On Friday 4 December Hunslet Moor Primary school in Beeston prepared for an assembly unlike any other.

The Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Judith Chapman was visiting to mark the success of one of its pupils on becoming the new Children’s Lord Mayor of Leeds – Hannah Begum.

That day the children were wearing decorated bobble hats to raise money for NSPCC. Bobbled heads turned as they watched Cllr Judith Chapman follow Hannah as she weaved in and out of little legs in her Shamin Miah speaking in the House of Commons ceremonial red coat, hat produce a positive change they’re passionate about. and gloves. They both in the community of This is what makes applying settled together on the stage and Hannah read out Beeston. I’ve grown to so worthwhile. learn that gender, age, You will be giving yourself her manifesto once more.

“If I was Children’s Lord ethnicity and other the chance to be a part of differences matter very a forum that takes pride in Mayor of Leeds, I would little when everyone shares listening to voices that love to set up ‘Global a common motivation for would otherwise be Families of Leeds Project’ change. Making a difference ignored on issues that Her manifesto is very to just one person’s life at really matter to you and simple – bringing children the start is always a good your constituency. I say: go and young people of Leeds have more place to begin! for it, because you have to Q: What would you say nothing to lose – and good opportunities to interact with each other. to others applying to luck!

ashes, after the group folded over 10 years ago" The Group Scout Leader, John McKee, said: "The team have worked really hard to get an exciting program ready for each Section's first term.

Scouts are driven by the youngsters that attend and we are all looking forward to working with our young people to help them develop their group."

Scouting is open to boys and girls and people from all faiths or none. It is based on an ethos of learning by doing, making choices and taking responsibility; and undertaking new and challenging activities.

All enquiries should be made by email to Group Scout Leader, Mr John McKee at: 11thsouthleedsscouts @gmail.com

Promoting Scouting at Breeze last summer

Keep up to date with the latest news at www.southleedslife.com

Academy’s got talent! Meet Shamim Miah - Member Hannah brings Lord of (UK Youth)!Parliament

January 2016 | South Leeds Life

Two Lord Mayors at school assembly

“My community is very transient with many new families coming from all over the world. My project would give the perfect platform for children and young people to feel safe, ask questions, and learn about respecting other cultures, religions and beliefs in a safe environment.”

Cllr Judith Chapham congratulated Hannah on her new position and said how impressed she was on the clarity of her manifesto and emphasised the importance of having the

opportunity to make a difference.

Once the children were settled in their classes Hannah took Cllr Judith Chapman for a tour of the school. After which we went into the family room for juice and a cup of tea.

Hannah and Cllr Judith Chapman looked at home chatting about hobbies and interests. We learnt that Hannah loves cooking and has promised to make her a lemon drizzle cake!

Hannah’s public engagements will begin this month.

South Leeds Life | January 2016

www.southleedslife.com

8 Opinion

In our view

Floods

‘There, but for the grace of God...’ A little bit more rain would have seen swathes of South Leeds under water and much more destruction in the city centre. Leeds has a flood plan, it’s time the Government funded it properly.

The flooding showed us two more things: the climate has changed and contines to change with unpreduictable consequences; and communities show terrific spirit in the face of adversity.

Young people

We hear a lot of moaning about children spending their time stuck in front of their screens. So let’s celebrate the talent of the youngsters who performed so magnificently at our local two high schools in December.

Whether individually or collectively, there can be no doubt that South Leeds has talent.

Behind you!

And speaking of performances, what an inspiration the St Andrew’s Pantomine Group are.

They have put on a traditional pantomime every year since 1970. They offer the chance for people to express themselves on stage and provide affordable entertainment which is certainly appreciated by families, schools, Cubs and Brownies groups.

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

Your letters and comments

Top Tweets

Mini Roundabouts

This is the best news for ages. No-one ever seems to know who has right of way, I`m surprised there weren`t more accidents. I`ll look forward to driving down the Avenue again with no mini roundabouts.

Kath Burdett Thank the Lord for that! No-one ever seems to know who has right of way.

Jill Blanchard What a waste of money in the first place and how much to put it back to what it was before someone decided to put the roundabouts there. Also what other country throws cars into oncoming traffic?

Stewart McCulloch I was taught you give way to the driver on the right, mini or normal roundabout.

Something else needs installing to stop the speeders, please no more uneven speed bumps.... Cameras ??

Jane Knighton

Floods

Great job of reporting this stuff, it seems the BBC reporter clocked off at 6.00pm.

The biggest flood in Leeds’ history and the State run BBC can’t get reporters there.

Flooding terrible but climate change, privatisation, building on flood plains (isn’t there a brand new estate by Hunslet Mills?) and cuts in public funding - the ducks are coming home to roost.

Steve Johnston

@cllrjudithblake Great Middleton lights switchon Lots of kids carols+chocolate! @groves_kim CllrPaulTruswell Goodman Street, Hunslet on Boxing Day. Photo: Jeremy Morton

down again regarding flood defences.

We’ve had more floods in the last few years in the same areas and still no action taken. Leeds Ring Road at Wortley flooded, Hunslet flooded. I bet is spent down there now because one of the housing head offices is there. Leeds town centre - how many times has the River Aire burst its banks there? Now it’s affected Royal Armouries I bet a giant wall goes up around it. All this to the tax payer because Leeds City Council and local government can’t get it right.

Andrew Child

The Boxing Day floods in Leeds and other cities should act as a wake-up call to Leeds City Council, MPs and local those who minimise the consequences of Councillors have let the Leeds public climate change. Whilst international and national action is vital to improve flood defences and to prevent further climate damage, there are also actions we can take at local Beeston & Holbeck ward and individual levels.

Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Water companies and Holbeck. The three councillors are: environmental activists have been David Congreve 0113 277 7389 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk warning for some years now that Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk removing lawns, trees and shrubs Adam Ogilvie 0113 247 4578 adam.ogilvie@leeds.gov.uk to pave over front gardens in urban areas is contributing to the increased frequency of flooding.

City & Hunslet ward Instead of being held in the soil Includes the city centre, Holbeck Urban Village, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The and plants and released slowly, three councillors are: rain water streams off the Patrick Davey 0113 261 0465 patrick.davey@leeds.gov.uk concrete into drains and Mohammed Iqbal 0113 294 1049 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk watercourses which are Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk overwhelmed and overflow. This is a significant problem in

Your Councillors and MP

Middleton Park ward

Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:

Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell

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

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

Here are some of our favourite recent tweets:

0113 395 1735 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 247 4472 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk

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

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

London, and it can become so in South Leeds if the number of concreted surfaces continues to increase.

It would be relatively easy for Leeds City Council to pass a by-law that requires any new hard-standing – for homes, factories or offices - to be permeable. It’s a small thing, but anything that helps to prevent the misery of flooding must be worth a try?

Susan Talbot

South Bank or Holbeck?

As a longtime Holbeck man I would like to know, along with alot of other longtime Holbeck residents, where the new name of South Bank came from. I cannot find it on any Leeds map as far as I’m aware Holbeck starts at the old Elland Road (now the M621) and finishes at the canal basin behind the old Crabtrees site on Water Lane.Its only since the big hitters moved in, ie Burberrys, that the council and the developers decided to go up market. If Holbeck was good enough for industrialists like Mr Marshall and Mr Crabtree and all of the other great people who made Holbeck famous why the change? Methinks they are planning to change the postcode to LS1 and cut Holbeck in two, say at Sweet Street.

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

Corrections and clarifications Temple Works Leeds

In our December edition we referred to Susan Williamson ‘from Temple Works’. Her organisation is in fact Temple Works Leeds, a cultural regeneration company specialising in heritage, education and film. Although the infrastructure is challenging, they have run many successful public events and go from strength to strength.

Mark Wilson

In our December edition we described Mark as suffering from Motor Neurone Disease. In fact Mark has Charcot Marie Tooth disease. We also said that Rob Delaney had appeared at a show last March, we meant Gary Delaney.

@shine_leeds Just had a nice chat with HRH Prince Charles @BITC AGM about @theshinenailbar putting Beeston on the map! @_HelenRobinson Love this by @BeestonJeremy on seeking birds, trees and inspiration in the urban jungle... A great read! We are lucky to have so much green space nearby. @andybanjobrown Surprised Leeds former shadow Environment Secretary @hilarybennmp didn't engage in #fracking vote @hilarybennmp @andybanjobrown I was abroad in my capacity as Shadow Foreign Secretary. @StuartClarkeUK Interesting to watch old media such as @LeedsNews left behind by hyperlocals like @WLDispatch and @SouthLeedsLife during floods in #Leeds @johncbaron Proud of #hyperlocal #leedsfloods coverage on @WLDispatch westleedsdispatch.com (fab job by @SouthLeedsLife too! southleedslife.com) @LufcColin Fear not. There'll be hose pipe bans next week. @AdamBlackburn00 Middleton Park Tough Mud run - no better place in Leeds to run. youtu.be/ark8WkmgRrk

www.southleedslife.com

Website: www.southleedslife.com

January 2016 | South Leeds Life

Arts 9

Email: info@southleedslife.com

It’s the St Andrew’s Panto - oh yes it is!

A cast of 60 amateur performers will take to the stage once again this year as the St Andrew’s Pantomime Group prepares to perform its latest production – Sleeping Beauty.

For those of you not familiar with the Sleeping Beauty story here’s a quick recap: King Stephen and Queen Leah are celebrating the Christening of their baby daughter, the Princess

Aurora has twelve fairy godmothers who are good and kind and a whole host of friends who will stop at nothing to ensure that everyone lives happily ever after.

The action is set in the

Bill Taylor, who plays the Dame ‘Cookie’ and Ian Noble, her son ‘Robert’, in reheasal

The Beeston group, which started in 1970, will be doing 13 shows from 16-30 January at St Andrew’s church hall on Old Lane.

Aurora. All is well until Maleficent, a particularly nasty fairy, turns up uninvited and casts a spell that could spell disaster. Thankfully

magical world of Mentopiam and has plenty of interesting characters and questions.

Will Dick and Liddy foil Maleficent’s evil plans? Will

Cookie accept the help of celebrity cooks Mary Cherry and Paul Jollygood? Will Max and the Moshers finally get their big break and a chance to sing by royal appointment?

Of course, there’s only one way to find out, you’ll have to see the show.

Simon Forster from the group said: "This is the fifth time that the Group has produced Sleeping Beauty and so it definitely falls under the header of Traditional Pantomime.

However, whatever show we produce the Group means so much to everyone involved be they on stage cast, back stage crew, front of house or production team.

“It is not just about the fun, although there is plenty of that to be had, or even about the Charity Donations it is about ‘Keeping Pantomime in The Community’ - and at affordable prices too!"

For the first time this year the performance on Thursday 28 January will include a signer for people with impaired hearing.

“In 2103 we were awarded the Duke of York’s Award for contribution to the Local Community in recognition of the work we have done since our establishment in 1970” explains Simon “One of the aspects of our Group that we have been working on over the past few years is outreach.We already contribute significant funds to Leeds based charities and in recent years the Group has established a Summer Children’s Theatre Group called Starlight, through which we have started to take our rehearsal performances out to allow children in places such as Hollybank Trust to experience some of our theatre first hand.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to put on a special performance during the run for the Hearing Impaired.

This will be supported by a fully qualified BSL signer with a vast experience of signing in theatre environments.”

Tickets for the hearing impaired and their guests are at a special reduced price of £3.

PERFORMANCES:

Saturday 16 January 2pm & 7pm Sunday 17 January 2pm Wednesday 20 January 7pm Friday 22 January 7pm Saturday 23 January 2pm & 7pm Sunday 24 January 2pm Tuesday 26 January 7pm Thursday 28 January 7pm ** Friday 29 January 7pm Saturday 30 January 2pm & 7pm ** BSL signed performance

TICKETS:

£5 Adults; £3 Children Call: 07443 571868 Email: standrewspantogroup@hotmail.com

South Leeds Life | January 2016

www.southleedslife.com

10 What’s On

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

What’s On

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in January Every Monday Swimming 9:45am Holbeck Elderly Aid Happy Chinese Families Group 9:30am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre General fitness for the over 55's 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Beeston.

Walk and Talk 1:30-2:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Keep Fit 4:15-5pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Beginners Phoenix Bar, John Charles Centre Zumba 7pm Middleton Parochial Hall Every Tuesday Keep Fit 9:30am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room Knit & Natter 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston Chair based mobility session 11.30am-1pm Cottingley Community Centre Lunch Club 12:15-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Skate Light 6-8pm Middleton Community Centre

South Leeds Lakers running group 7pm from Beeston Co-op Every Wednesday Chair mobility 10-10:45am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd Computer Club 10am-12pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Balm Walk Shopping Trip 10am-1pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Balm Walk Pop Up Council Hub 10am-3pm The Recreations, Holbeck CAP Job Club 10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Community Craft Cafe 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road Walk and Talk 12-1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Knit and Crochet Group 3-5pm Costa Coffee, Crown Point Retail Park Aerobics and Dance 3:30-4:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy General fitness (suitable for beginners) 6-7pm Belle Isle Family Cntre Zumba

For up to date event information make sure you go online to

www.southleedslife.com and check the What’s On Calendar

6:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, Town Street Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 7.15pm Improvers Phoenix Bar, John Charles Centre Every Thursday Tea & Toast 8:30-9:30am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Heart Cafe 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Middleton Park Estate Volunteers 10am-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm Brew Coffee Shop, Beeston Road Chair based mobility group and games group 11:15am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Line Dancing 1pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Craft Group 1:30-3:30pm Cleveleys Court, Holbeck Mashed up fitness session aerobic dance 1:45-2:45pm Beeston Village Community Centre Game Time 4:30-6pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Intermediates Phoenix Bar, John Charles Centre for Sport General fitness (suitable for beginners) 6-7pm Beeston Parish Centre Indoor Bowls 7-10pm The Holbeck (WMC), Jenkinson Lawn Clubbercise 7:15pm-8pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Zumba 7:15pm Middleton Parochial Hall Every Friday Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Under 5s Storytime 10-11am Dewsbury Road Library Ladies Singing Group 10:30am-12:30pm Tenant Hall, Acre Close, Middleton In Harmony Community Choir 12:15-1pm Windmill Primary School, Belle Isle Fish & Chip Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Krok Po Kroku (Polish Group) 12:30-2:30pm Beeston Village

Community Centre Games Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre Friday Night Drop In 6:30-8:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Every Saturday Breakfast Club 8:30-11am Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Run or walk 5km Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Zumba 10am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Every Sunday Boxercise 4:15-5pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Clubbercise 5-5:45pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

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Publicise your event with South Leeds Life Send full details of your event to: info@southleedslife.com, or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Wednesday 13 January Cottingley Hall TRAC 7pm Cottingley Community Centre Saturday 16 January Leeds Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Sleeping Beauty 2pm & 7pm St Andrew’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Sunday 17 January Sunday Lunch 1-3pm Holbeck Community Centre, Elland Road Sleeping Beauty 2pm St Andrew’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Monday 18 January St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern

2pm & 7pm St Andrew’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Saturday 23 January Sleeping Beauty 2pm & 7pm St Andrew’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Sunday 24 January Sleeping Beauty 2pm St Andrew’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Tuesday 26 January Sleeping Beauty 2pm & 7pm St Andrew’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Wednesday 27 January Hunslet Moor Residents Meeting 6:30pm St Peter’s Court, Dewsbury Road Thursday 28 January Sleeping Beauty 2pm & 7pm St Andrew’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Saturday 30 January Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Sleeping Beauty

Get fitter, have fun and make new friends - join Julie for one of her exercise clases Tuesday 5 January Mostly Men 10am-12pm Northcotes Community Centre Friends of Stank Hall Barn 7:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road Wednesday 6 January Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Thursday 7 January Hunslet Carr Residents Ass

Road, Beeston Tuesday 19 January White Rose Residents Assoc 6pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Wednesday 20 January Sleeping Beauty 7pm St Andrew’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Thursday 21 January Comics Club!

3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library Friday 22 January Sleeping Beauty

2pm & 7pm St Andrew’s church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Sunday 31 January BITMO Lunch Club 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Maltings Lunch Club 1-3pm Maltings Court, Maltings Road, Beeston Community Meal 5-6:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Locus Amoenus (Play) 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck

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January 2016 | South Leeds Life

Community 11

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Centre at heart of Middleton community

by Christine Jenkinson and Val Higgins Last month we told you how a residents first got the community centre built. This month we bring the story up to 2015 ...

The new building was still run by the three ministers.

Councillors Daisy Priscott, Linda Middleton, Jack Dunn, Robert Finnegan, John Hardy and several social workers and local residents formed the committee and named the hall the Middleton Neighbourhood and Family Advice Centre.

We were given a grant by Leeds City Council for a worker to manage the hall. We were told we didn’t have to pay any gas and electric bills for our section, as the building was owned by Leeds City Council and their offices were part of it. The committee charged the groups low rents as the residents who hired the hall had little extra money for these groups, but they were vital to keep up our community spirit.

As time went by we had the extension built at a cost of £90,000 in 1989. Our hall was

made bigger and we now had our own door on the inside and a reception area from the main door with new toilets.

A whole new team of officers came in, social workers, welfare officers, home care staff, neighbourhood workers came into the extension. We still had all our groups in our hall plus a solicitor’s hour for the residents, Citizens Advice Bureau for all other problems.

In 1990 Cllr Linda Middleton unveiled a plaque to re-open the building and commemorate the occasion.

The Community Committee is a voluntary body elected annually. We use Voluntary Action Leeds to administer the worker’s wages.

The committee use the rest of the grant wisely. After paying out insurance, licences and other items, we also purchase goods for the centre, such as tables, chairs, cutlery, crockery, etc.

We also purchased a rubber surface for the children’s outdoor play area and bought some benches, toys and playboards for the younger children. At the front of the building we have re-grassed the play area and had a disabled

ramp put in from the fire exit door for wheelchair and pushchair users. In 2014 we replaced the Perspex windows around our building to make them presentable as they were looking very old and cracked.

We bought new signs to smarten the building up. We have decorated the hall, painting it several times in its long life, and hung up some old pictures of Leeds and our groups on the walls.

In 2015 we had thirteen groups in the hall at various times from Messy Play Church groups on Sundays, Monday Breakfast Club and Over 55s Luncheon Club on Thursday run by our worker Ian Kirkland and volunteers, and lots more.

On Saturdays we had a dancing school in the morning and parties for children and adults in the afternoon, which were very popular.

We have had the Army Careers Office running sessions and our hall has been used as a polling station for elections. In our one off programmes the committee has taken 50 residents to the pantomime each year. We have had Christmas parties and Christmas lunches for the

elderly and Santa Claus for the young ones, a gala in the summer with Middleton Primary School and a music festival in Middleton park near the new café and bandstand, thanks to the Labour

walk along the promenade and play on the beach making sandcastles.

Officers from the Social Services team came to review our centre on two occasions and we were told we had

Middleton Community Centre

councillors.

For several years we have subsidised a trip to the seaside, priced at £5 per person for all residents. We have been to Scarborough, Bridlington and Skegness taking up to 400 local residents. For some of the children it is their only outing to the seaside. It’s good to see the children from a deprived area smiling as they enjoy a

passed with flying colours.They were pleased with the way we ran our hall and how well we were using the funds. At one point we had a problem with one of our workers but everyone rallied round, got together and sorted things out.

We got on our feet again, formed a new committee and made things work out.

We have seen committee

members come and go during our time at the centre, but everyone was and is committed to doing their best for the community of Middleton. We have tried to make Middleton a better place to live in. When our newest worker came in 2003 we changed our name to Middleton Community Centre, as the advice people were not there any more.

In 2014 we changed our status to become a registered Charity, as we had to find new funding for our hall to continue as it is. We knew we had to secure funding after 1 April 2015 for Middleton Community Centre, as we were worried that the councillors would not be able to find the money to keep our hall going with the government cuts to their budget.

The closure of our hall would be a great loss to the residents and committee alike.

We would like to think that ‘our hall’, for the people of Middleton, would be here for generations to come, for young and old in the years ahead.

Next month find out what happened in the summer of 2015.

My Life in South Leeds: John the guitar man I was about 8 years old when I was introduced to the guitar, watching a film of the Singing Cowboy Tex Ritter or was it Gene Autry? I requested a guitar and a horse for Christmas, I’m still waiting for the Horse. I was a slow learner and therefore it wasn’t till skiffle came along that I found anyone to show me how to play.

When I was 15 a troubadour called Brian Peel (‘Fruit’) showed me how to play the basic chords. I’m still sorry that I didn’t thank him for all his efforts.

My early influences were Duane Eddy and Hank Marvin of the Shadows and many of the early blues players. I always wanted to be a singer although people have never been overwhelmed with my vocal efforts and so I have followed the guise as guitarist, singer and backing singer.

I was at the top of my game for about 6 months as I copied Chuck Berry, but everyone else caught up with me and became as good or better than me as Chuck Berry impersonators. I then sank back to be the same as everyone else.

I have played in a number of rock’n’roll groups as follows; The Pontiacs, The Dyaks, Gleneagles, Mamas Little Children and Take 4. I played the saxophone in The Chain soul band for a while but I have to admit this wasn’t my finest work. I

John practising at BITMOs GATE centre

played with The Crux, and many more bands that elude me at present.

Potentially the best group I played with was The Cheetahs.We all sang in harmony and were better than most, until Colin our bass guitarist got an offer he couldn’t refuse.

During my time with various groups I went to Kitchen’s music school where Len Lewis, a dance band guitarist, taught. Len thought I was a

good player, but I wasn’t really reading music. Copying his fingers and playing by ear mostly.

I eventually became a part time perpetual evening student at Leeds College of Music along with many of my musical friends. I was privileged to be taught by two of the best professional guitarists that this country has ever produced.

Unfortunately I didn’t practice enough

as I was working full time as an industrial Radiologist at the time.

Eric Kershaw was one of the best Swing guitarists of his time and is present on many records produced in the 40s, 50s and beyond. Eric Hill is one of the best classical guitarists I’ve ever heard and I possess all his early long playing records.

I have always been influenced by many of the early blues men and have been lucky enough to see Sun House and Muddy Waters, live. They were driven by great self-will and were selftaught. As soon as I heard Eric Hill play the classical guitar I was hooked.

I didn’t have the courage or the self determination to be a classical soloist and I eventually teamed up with a friend John Bradley to play classical duets. We used to go to guitar Summer Schools where the guitar is king for a week each year. I could be a hero for a couple of minutes when I got other guitarists to play my compositions. Unfortunately John Bradley died at the age of 53 and I stopped playing the guitar for a number of years.

After being made redundant in 1999 I went to the College of Music full time and was offered a part time job as guitar tutor at Park Lane College (as it was then). I worked for Park Lane for 9 years until it merged with Thomas Danby and Leeds

Technical College.

I then teamed up with Thuja Phillips classical guitarist and singer and we formed “Guitar in the Community”.

Our aim is to teach all who wish to learn how to play the guitar and read music for free. We initially obtained some funding and provided music and guitars, but most of our funding was swallowed up by rent.

At a chance meeting in Leeds Market with Cllr Kim Groves, Kim suggested that we may be able to use BITMOs GATE in Belle Isle a venue.

I spoke to Carla of The GATE, and Carla readily agreed to our request to teach on a Wednesday night at The GATE, which we still do.

The classes are at 6.30pm for beginners and 7.30pm for improvers.

Classes are free to all who are prepared to spend an hour or two a week practicing.

Advertise with South Leeds Life and reach 15,000 residents in LS10 and LS11 This space costs just £50 Ring 07894 583966

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South Leeds Life | January 2016

12 Sport

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Hunslet Hawks to take on treble winning Rhinos

Hunslet Hawks are preparing for the 2016 season with warm up matches against Leeds Rhinos, Featherstone Rovers and Keighley Cougars.

Hunslet are the only team to win four rugby league trophies in one season, but even the most die-hard fan would accept that it happened a few years ago. On Friday 8 January the Hawks will meet a team that have completed the modern equivalent, the treblewinning Leeds Rhinos, as they contest the Leeds Brewery Lazenby Cup at South Leeds Stadium.

The match kicks off at 8pm and will feature the first outing for the Hawks new strip, designed by South Leeds Academy student Lukas Vasiliauskas. Fellow student Alisha Bell designed thgis season’s away strip.The designs are part of a new partnereship between the supportersowned club and their neighbouring high school.

Dual Registration Following the successful DR arrangement with Leeds Rhinos last season, the Hawks will enter a new agreement with Featherstone Rovers for 2016.

Chairman Neil Hampshire said: "The DR arrangement with Leeds has proved very successful in recent years, not least in helping us secure players such as Liam Hood, Jimmy Watson, Luke Briscoe and James Duckworth on permanent contracts following successful stints on DR. We also managed to get Andy Yates a move back in to Super

League and have contributed to the development of Brad Singleton, Jimmy Keinhorst, Rob Mulhern, Robbie Ward, Jordan Lilley and Josh Walters, who of course scored the winning try in last years SL Grand Final so it's not all been one way traffic. Following our relegation into League 1 we had discussions with Leeds and both clubs agreed it would be in our mutual interests to end that part of our Partnership operation. Instead, both clubs will now DR with Featherstone, with Leeds supplying their players on DR to them and Featherstone, in turn, supplying their players on DR to us.”

I Am Hunslet The club has announced the details of their ‘I am Hunslet’ memberships for 2016. The packages once again offer an exciting way to support the club whilst receiving a varied range of benefits in return.The packages range from £15 p/a through to £50 p/m which we are hopeful will again mean there is something for all supporters, regardless of circumstances.

“We would urge all supporters to consider becoming a member in 2016 as we look for an immediate return back to the Championship. As a supporter owned club your support and continued loyalty is more important to us than ever.”

Season tickets are priced at £120 for adults, £80 concessions and £30 for juniors.

Ring 0113 271 2730 or visit: www.hunslethawks.co.uk

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Middleton Xmas 10k hailed as the best yet

Runners prepare with Cllr Kim Groves and Harry The Hawk

by Niki Woods

Lewis Reed, George Flanagan, Liam Mackay & Brooke Broughton with designers Lukas Vasiliauskas & Alisha Bell

HUNSLET HAWKS PRE SEASON: 8 Jan 8pm Leeds Rhinos 24 Jan 3pm Featherstone Rovers 14 Feb 3pm Keighley Cougars

Home Away Away

Sunday 13 December saw over 350 runners brave the arctic weather, much mud, and (thanks to torrential rain the day before) a lastminute obstacle of a large fallen tree to complete the Leeds Xmas 10k Challenge in Middleton Park.

Now in its fourth year, the multi-terrain race organised by FairPlay Events was this year also supported and hosted by South Leeds’ own Hunslet Hawks. Both local RunLeeds running groups, South Leeds Lakers and South Leeds Sisters, were well represented, and there were also participants from many running clubs in the Leeds and Yorkshire area as well as from further afield. Many runners had got into the Christmas spirit with the addition of a bit of seasonal fancy dress, and all were cheered around the course by many volunteers and spectators.

The race started with a lap of South Leeds Stadium before heading out along the side of the Middleton Light Railway track, up ‘Scrooge Hill’, and into Middleton Woods. Runners

completed 3 laps of a route which took us along the tramway, a 50m climb up the Ice Road, and downhill along the Wagon Way, including a diversion past the huge tree that had fallen across the track during the night. We then headed back down Scrooge Hill, back along the railway track, and into the Stadium for one last loop, before the weary, cold, and very muddy runners received a high-five from Harry the Hawk as they finished and a well-earned post-race mince pie.

The race was won by Ben Douglas in an amazing time of 34 minutes 27 seconds.

Especially impressive given the conditions and the fact that the course involved a total climb and descent of over 200m/700 ft! After the race the 1st-3rd placed male and female runners in open, V40, V50, V60 and V70 categories were presented with their trophies

by Hunslet Hawks club directors Kim Groves and Peter Jarvis in the South Leeds Sports Centre’s Phoenix Bar, before everyone dispersed for a much-needed bath!

Thanks to everyone who helped organise and support the event….see you next year!

Let’s get active! Ain’t no party like a Parkrun party!

Do you want to get fitter in 2016, but not sure where to start?

Leeds Let’s Get Active supports people to become more active through free access to leisure centres and community sports and activities. With support and a warm welcome, it is open to all.

The programme includes walks in family activities in local parks. There is something for everyone.

For more information call 0113 395 0001 or visit: www.leedsletsgetactive.co.uk

by Phil Hodgson

The running community of South Leeds turned out in force on Saturday 19 December for their annual Christmas Party and Awards Night.

This is the third year the event has been held, and over 80 runners swapped their trainers for dancing shoes as a great night was had by all.

Running in South Leeds has gone from strength to strength since the introduction of Cross Flatts Parkrun in 2013.The South Leeds Sisters continue to provide a social and safe women’s group, running out of the John Charles stadium every Monday evening, whilst 2015 saw the formation of the South Leeds Lakers who meet 7pm

every Tuesday evening at the Beeston Coop.

However, the real success story is the friendships and pride in the community that have developed.

South Leeds Sisters in their gladrags!

The evening started with Cross Flatts Parkrun founder Mark Hodgkinson hosting his now legendary Play Your Cards

Right. This was followed by the award presentations for the Sisters, Lakers and Parkrun. It’s not quite Sports Personality of the Year, but is nevertheless nice to acknowledge the achievements of those individuals who have quite literally gone the extra mile.

The blue ribbon award is the Volunteer of the Year. This year’s winner – Alan Swithenbank – epitomises what all three groups are about: Alan doesn’t even run, but selflessly turns up every Saturday morning in all kinds of weather to timekeep at Parkrun.

So, if you’re looking to get fit in 2016, don’t be shy, and get along to one of the groups. We can’t promise everyone an award, but we can promise a friendly welcome.