South Leeds Life 19 Jun16

Your FREE community newspaper

Issue 19 | June 2016

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

Carers get the royal treatment

by Ken Ingram Princess Anne was the guest of honour when Carers Leeds celebrated their 20th anniversary at Leeds Civic Hall last month.

Maureen Temperly, a young carer from Belle Isle, presented her with a gift to mark the occasion.

Carers Leeds works to support unpaid carers, often looking after family members, across the city. Over the last 20 years they have supported some 10,000 of the estimated 72,000 carers in Leeds.

Princess Ann is President of the Carer’s Trust and opened Carers Leeds first office centre in Leeds in 1996.

I’ve met Maureen on many occasions, she can often be seen at BITMO’s GATE Resource Centre in Belle Isle, during the week along with her mum, June.

Maureen and June join in the many activities going on at The GATE. Maureen recently went on the Walk a Mile for Sports Relief, to raise money for this worthwhile charity.

I was a carer myself for my parents for quite a few years, so I know sometimes these things go unnoticed.

Maureen spoke to the audience at the anniversary event about her experiences: My name is Maureen. I am 22 years old and I have been a carer for my mum since I was 5 years old. My mum suffers from mental health issues. I often have to take

In this issue:

Dreaming with BAFF

page 3

EU Referendum debate

page 5

Schools roundup

page 6-7

Young carer Maureen presents Princess Anne with a cake at the Leeds Carers 20th Anniversary celebration her shopping and make sure I’m there to support her through her day-to-day activities.

I’ve been involved with Carers Leeds for four years. They have helped me get things for my flat and have a break from caring.

I’ve been on lots of activities with the Young Adult Carers Project.

Some of the trips I’ve been on with the Young Adult Carers group include going to the ITV studios and seeing the Emmerdale set; going to the theatre at Christmas; doing outdoor activities like abseiling and climbing at Marrick

Priory and swinging through the trees at Go Ape! I’ve also appeared on MADE in Leeds.

Carers Leeds has also helped me get into work, as they’ve helped to boost my confidence. I still care for my mum and now I also work at Tesco’s three days a week. I even won employee of the month in January.

I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support I’ve received from Carers Leeds.

Val Hewison, CEO of Carers Leeds said: "Our work within

communities is developing and growing all the time. We are very proud of the local services Carers Leeds offer; especially our Carer Support Groups, our expanding work within local businesses supporting working carers, and our partnerships with GP surgeries and hospitals so we can be there when you need us. It has been a phenomenal journey that we hope will continue!

“Maureen is an inspiration to all young adults with caring

responsibilities and Carers Leeds was honoured to welcome Maureen to the stage to speak about her experiences as a carer. We felt very proud of Maureen and cannot thank her enough for agreeing to be part of what was a very special day for Carers Leeds."

For more information please contact Carers Leeds on 0113 246 8338; visit their website at: www.carersleeds.org.uk; or drop into their centre at 68 The Headrow, LS1 6PT.

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Boxing clever at The Hunslet Club

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NEWS

FEEDBACK FESTIVALS

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WHAT’S!ON

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SPORT!

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ARTS

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South Leeds Life | June 2016

2 News

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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 South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House.

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.

Council elections - no change in South Leeds It’s no change in South Leeds as Labour held all three wards in our area with Angela Gabriel, Elizabeth Nash and Paul Truswell all being reelected to Leeds City Council.

The results followed the same pattern as the rest of the city where there has been no change to the make up of the council. Labour still holds 63 of the 99 seats on the council.

Turnout was predictably low, much lower than last year when the council elections were held on the same day as the general election, but similar to 2011 which was a similar point in the electoral cycle. Middleton Park ward had the second lowest turnout in the city followed by City & Hunslet (3rd) and Beeston & Holbeck (7th).

City & Hunslet and Middleton Park wards had been tipped as the most likely

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

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to produce an upset in Leeds. In City & Hunslet Ed Carlisle (Green) raised his percentage of the vote from 23% to 28%, but Elizabeth Nash (Labour) still polled over a thousand more votes. In Middleton Park, Craig Sweaton (UKIP) lost share of the vote compared with last year.

South Leeds residents contesting seats in other parts of the city had mixed results. Al Garthwaite was elected for Labour in Headingley ward, but John Hardy in Farnley & Wortley and Andrew Scopes Morley South, both also standing for Labour, were beaten.

In the West Yorkshire Police & Crime Commissioner election, also held on 5 May, Mark Burns-Williamson (Labour) was re-elected.

Here are the detailed results, ward by ward:

Counting the votes

Beeston & Holbeck ward Angela Gabriel Labour Party 2,547 Luke Senior UKIP 833 Robert Winfield Conservative Party 429 Adam Dent Green Party 232 Kathryn Gagen Liberal Democrats 84 Kevin Pattison Trade Unionist and Socialist Coali26 Electorate: 14,815 Turnout: 28.28% Elizabeth Nash Ed Carlisle Amy Green Brian Weatherill Jahangir Aziz Mary Finch Electorate: 19,688

City & Hunslet ward Labour Party 2,483 Green Party 1,397 Conservative Party 443 UKIP 425 Liberal Democrats 252 Trade Unionist and Socialist Coali54 Turnout: 25.89%

Paul Truswell Craig Sweaton Wayne Dixon Hugh Findlay Fiona Love Sadie Fisher Electorate: 18,640

Middleton Park ward Labour Party UKIP Independent Conservative Party Green Party Liberal Democrats Turnout: 25.25%

2,885 1,278 605 300 104 99

Residents fined for piles of waste

Recent prosecutions have highlighted the responsibilities of home owners to keep bin yards and properties in South Leeds clear of waste.

In three separate cases in Beeston and Belle Isle, environmental action officers issued warnings before serving community protection notices on six individuals to compel them to take action and clean up waste accumulating in their bin yards and yard.

Community protection notices direct people to stop causing a problem that is having a detrimental impact on the quality of life of people in their neighbourhood.

In all cases, the property owners and tenant ignored the community protection notices so were issued fixed penalty notices.

As these remained unpaid and with rubbish still in place, all six were called but failed to appear before Leeds magistrates on Monday 9 May and were found guilty in their absence.

Bhupinder and Manmeet Chana and Nicholas and Aicha Levachoff, of Marley Terrace, Beeston, all have a responsibility for their shared bin yard.

Environmental action officers were called to investigate accumulations of bags of rubbish, cardboard boxes and a sofa in the bin yard in May 2015.

Ignoring the community protection orders resulted in all four individuals receiving a £220 fine and being ordered to pay £193 in costs each and a £22 victim surcharge each.

Also in May 2015, environmental officers received complaints about household waste, beds and mattresses left in another bin yard on Marley Terrace.

Owner Darren Turnor, was fined £220, must pay a victim surcharge of £22 and pay costs of £386 as he too failed to take action as required by the community protection order.

All five will receive another bill once the council has cleared the bin yards.

Natasha Ellis of Belle Isle Road, Middleton, was warned by environmental action officers to remove waste piling up in her yard.

Breaching the community protection order compelling her to take action resulted in a £220 fine with magistrates ordering Ellis to also pay a £22 victim surcharge and £493 costs.

Councillor Mark Dobson,

executive member for environmental protection and community safety, said: “As a home owner or tenant you have a duty to keep your property and bin yard clear of accumulated rubbish.

“The sad and frustrating reality is that the council will continually have to deal with cases like these until people take responsibility for managing their own

property and waste properly.

“You can’t ignore rubbish piling up in your yard in the hope that someone else will deal with it. We have services in place that allow people to dispose of rubbish properly and with a little common sense and elbow grease these fines could have been easily avoided.”

Marley Terrace, Beeston

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News 3

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BAFF’s!busy year making dreams come true

by Lynn Bailey

Eighty people attended Better Action For Families’ second AGM at Beeston Village Community Centre on Tuesday 10 May. Beeston-based Better Action

June 2016 | South Leeds Life

For Families (BAFF) provides services to people with learning disabilities. Regular sessions include social and exercise groups, a walking group, family fun. The charity also has an allotment.

Although BAFF has been running since 2002, we were

Lynn and her BAFF volunteers

celebrating BAFF’s second year since becoming an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

Pat McGeever, CEO of Health For All and one of our Trustees, stepped in to chair the meeting at the last minute as Sam Samociuk was unable to attend due to an illness.

We showed a video that Sam had made BAFF’s achievements and everyone enjoyed this.

The theme for the day was ‘If you can dream’ – we aim to make dreams come true.

The Ginger Cat Theatre Company performed a brilliant play called ‘Dreams’.

The Skyfallers band played over lunch and everyone joined in with a dance. Even Elvis made an appearance!

Sandwiches and wraps were provided by the Brew café and there was also curry and rice.

A goody bag was handed out with the Annual Report, a BAFF teddy bear and a copy of a poem written by Yvonne Ugarte.

We have a BAFF bear who has had a journey from group to group and even attended the Trustee meeting. People had a chance to vote for the name of the BAFF bear and we will reveal the winning name in the near future.

For more information please contact me, Lynn Bailey on 07515 851631 or email: baff2007@hotmail.co.uk; or visit our website: www.betteractionforfamilies .org.uk.

Dancing your way to health and happiness Trinity Network run two line dancing sessions for active older people at their base in Belle Isle.

Linda, the volunteer who leads the sessions says she’s danced all her life. A trained instructor, she took over running the group 12 years ago as a stopgap, but is still doing it to this day.

Sheila Shaw is a regular at the group. “It keeps me fit and my brain active” she said.

“The great thing about line dancing is it’s something I can do on my own, I don’t need a fella!”

Line dancing is a gentle form of exercise involving synchronised steps and turns to music. It’s also a great way to meet new people and enjoy friendly company.

The sessions run every Wednesday at 1:45pm and Thursdays at 1pm at the URC Church on Nesfield Road.

Lynda Williamson, CEO at Trinity Network is keen to get more people up

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South Leeds Life, as read by Hilary Benn MP

As a community newspaper, our finances are somewhat precarious with only enough cash in the bank for one or two more print editions.

We get income from grants, from advertising and from groups and individuals who support us by becoming ‘Friends’.

We are asking all our readers to consider taking out a supporters subscription. Everyone who takes out a £4 per month bank standing order will be credited on the website and have our newspaper delivered to their door.

More importantly you will be enabling us to keep bringing you the news that matters to you about your neighbourhood.

We are trusting ourselves to you, the South Leeds community.

Thanks to the following readers who have signed up in the last month: Rachel Darton Mark Day Angela Gabriel Alan Shaw Peter Wood Brew Coffee Shop Join them!

Payment by Standing Order To: The Manager,

Your bank: ________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________ ____________________________ Postcode: ____________________ Please pay a monthly payment of £4 (four pounds) until further notice starting on 1st July 2016 to:

and dancing so she’s organised a special free taster session.

After the dancing there will be tea and scones and a chance to find out about the many other activities and services

provided both at Nesfield Road and at their Dewsbury Road centre in Beeston.

Thrinity Network supports older people in the south leeds community to stay active. It provides daily hot lunches as well as many activities, advice and support.

For more information ring 0113 270 3935 or visit: trinitynetwork.org.uk.

Free taster session

Line Dancing followed by tea & scones

Best foot forward. Line dancing at Trinity Network

Thursday 23 June, 1pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

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South Leeds Life | June 2016

4 News

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Lifeline for people with poor mental health

A local church has told how it is helping people with anxiety, depression and other psychological conditions to find new hope.

The congregation of City Evangelical Church runs a debt centre in partnership with the charity Christians Against Poverty.

They find that poor mental health often runs hand-in-hand with financial difficulties and the centre is highlighting that debt help and

friendship are available locally.

South Leeds CAP Debt Centre Manager Julia Johnson said: “If you’ve no money but you’re getting constant demands, threatening letters and phone calls, it’s very stressful. There’s the fear of losing your home, the worry of not being a good parent, relationships feeling the pressure. It’s not surprising that a quarter of our clients describe themselves as having poor mental

health.

“However, it also goes the other way. Debt can also be a by-product of an ongoing condition. It’s much harder to be working and earning if you’re suffering from a mental health issue and therefore, you’re more likely to be struggling with day-to-day costs.”

The free service from CAP has won several national awards and the charity is regarded as an industry leader for helping the most vulnerable

people with a uniquely in-depth service.

“The point is,” said Julia, “if you’re feeling low and financial problems are part of that, we want to hear from you. CAP’s system is great for people who are struggling because we come to see you in your home, CAP’s staff at the headquarters in Bradford negotiate with all your creditors and we organise all the paperwork. It’s also absolutely free and for everyone,

whatever their age, gender, faith or background.

If you need help with debt problems see capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006.

Book your place for July’s community hike

by Rachel Clark-Williams

Following successful trips to Mt Snowdon, Ben Nevis and the 3 Peaks we are pleased to announce another community hiking trip.

This year’s hike will be in the beautiful Lake District. We will be walking England’s tallest mountain; Scafell Pike (978m), on Saturday 16 July followed by Hellvellyn (950m) on Sunday 17 July.

The trip is open to those living in LS10 or LS11. You will need a

reasonable level of fitness and a good pair of shoes to take part.

You do not need to be ‘super-fit’.

Participants can come along for a day trip on either the Saturday or the Sunday.

Alternatively they can make a weekend of it and camp over.We will be leaving Leeds at 7.15am by minibus and hope to return to Leeds by 8pm.

The cost is £7 for transport.

Camping will cost a further £10 if you wish to join us for the weekend. There are discounts available for children and those sharing a tent. If you would like

to come but feel finance may be an issue please get in touch.

The trip is made possible by Hunslet Hawks, The Salvation Army and Aspiring Communities. If other groups want to get involved and support, get in touch…especially if they have access to a minibus.

For further information South Leeds search Community Hike on Facebook; call 07960 142546; or email: elftown@hotmail.co.uk.

Places are limited, so don’t delay!

Hikers make their way up Snowdon

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EU Referendum 5

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Europe: Should we stay or should we go?

The EU referendum – widely as the most described important political decision the UK has faced in a generation – is looming large, on Thursday 23 June 2016.

On this and other hot topics, South Leeds Life – above all else – aims to enable local people to explore and discuss the issues, listen to the different angles, and arrive at the most informed conclusion possible.

Here are some thoughts and insights from us, from other local people, and from further afield – as well as links to do more research if you wish. If you're not yet registered to vote, we encourage you to do so by the deadline on Tuesday 7 June. And please consider joining us at our public debates on Wednesday 1 and Friday 10 June.

by Ed Carlisle I'm deliberately undecided about the referendum. Why? Because it's big, it's complex, and I feel it deserves proper research and reflection – from all of us. I don't believe anyone who argues – either way – that it's black and white. So it's good to see the debate heating up, with media coverage, leaflets, and plenty on social media. It seems to uniquely cut across political lines, ethnicity, gender, age, and everything else.

Personally, I have at last started to properly look into it all – and whilst it's complex, it's not impossible. Here's a mash-up of my jumbled thoughts...

We definitely need to scrutinise the way different campaigners are using statistics and figures. For instance, the Remainers point to 3m jobs and half our exports being linked to the EU – but would those really all vanish post-Brexit? No. Then the Leavers point to the UK's alleged £350m per week payment to the EU. But once you deduct direct cash benefits we get back, that shrinks to £160m per week, ie £128 per person per year. Still a hell of a lot of money (!) - but then non-EU members Norway pay £108 per person per year, and Switzerland £53, just to maintain trade relations with the EU. We'd have to pay likewise. So maybe we'd make a small saving – but sorry, nothing near the £350m headline figure.

Also, does the EU dictate UK

Photo: Eric Fischer via Creative Commons laws, or not? Farage said the EU makes 75% of our laws; Nick Clegg said 7%; the truth is probably somewhere in-between.

Research suggests that 24% of UK law since 1993 (and actually, 40% since 2011) has some EU link. That's a lot – but then there are big laws, and tiny laws; and sometimes the EU element will be just a single clause in a 100page document.

More generally, it's right to question the zeal of government – like the EU – to be forever making laws. But then I also sense the EU deserves some credit for pushing certain strands of legislation: around health and safety legislation (eg the numbers of deaths in the building trade has plummeted in the past generation); the environment (eg cleaner beaches); and workers rights (eg maternity leave).

Indeed, I'm suspicious of those leaders of industry who want to cut all this pesky 'red tape'. Also, would we wriggle out from the shackles of bureaucracy postBrexit? I doubt it: we live in a bureaucratic world.

Those are just two themes – and don't take my word for it: on these and other issues, do your own research! There's a wealth of material online, from every angle – or join our public debates on 1st and 10th June. But then maybe, if you're anything like me, you'll be left with more questions than answers...

Whilst full 'sovereignty' is an illusion in our inter-connected world, what's an appropriate level

June 2016 | South Leeds Life

of independence? Indeed, the onwards rush to a globalised market and political system isn't working great. There's growing inequality. A rigged and out-ofcontrol financial system.

Incredible environmental destruction. Growing levels of migration. On that, I'm someone with many friends who are new to the UK, who believes in maximising free movement, but I still wonder: is there a limit?

Migration undoubtedly creates challenges, be it through pressure on infrastructure, or pushing down the wages of working people. The rise of divisive and authoritarian politicians is a logical response to all this.

To tackle these issues, of course we need to cooperate.

But is a singular multinational government like the EU the best or only way to achieve that? If a vote to Remain 'keeps the show on the road', is it a good show?

Or do we need to try to put the brakes on? Would Brexit be a fruitful way to make that point – or make us even more vulnerable? Also, a vote to Leave is certainly more of a gamble than to Remain – but is gambling always bad? I'm an optimist, but the world's in a mess, so do we need to gamble?

I remain undecided, for now.

But I'm enjoying this uniquely huge public debate, so let's keep talking, questioning, and – whatever happens on the 23rd – working for the local good. That much we can all do.

Other voices

Hilary Benn MP: The EU has given us jobs, investment and economic growth. We are part of the world’s largest single market and as a result a great deal of investment has come into the UK, our region and Leeds. And because the EU has negotiated free trade deals with around 50 other countries around the world, that gives local businesses a better chance of selling their goods there too. This is what we have now, but the Leave campaign cannot tell us what trade relationships would replace them if we left. I think that’s a big risk.

Carl Thomas: On the subject of free movement, Stuart Rose, head of Britain Stronger in Europe admitted that without free movement the wages of lower skilled workers would probably rise. He also went on to say that this is not necessarily a good thing, however I suspect those who wouldn’t have to rely on tax credits and housing benefit, but instead are paid a fairer salary, would disagree.

Luke Senior: The key decision makers within the institutions of the European Union are not elected, and are invulnerable to the opinions of people across the continent. Surely, as the country that developed the principle of Parliamentary democracy, we are better than to endorse this by voting to remain in the European Union?

Paul Thomas: The decision makers in the EU are NOT elected, and can’t be removed by the people of Europe. In fact, I’d say that the whole structure of EU decision-making is designed to insulate the EU elite from public pressure.

Voting

To vote in the EU referendum, you must be registered on the electoral roll by midnight on Tuesday 7 June.

The easiest way to do so is online, at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. It only takes 3-4 minutes. Having your National Insurance number to hand helps, but isn't essential. Or you can contact Leeds Electoral Services at the Town Hall on The Headrow, LS1 3AD; or call them on 0113 222 4411.

Contrary to some rumours going about, you DON'T need to re-register specially for this vote. If you were registered to vote for the recent local elections, and haven't moved or changed your details since then, you are automatically registered to vote in the referendum.

To vote in the referendum, you need to be 18 or over on the 23rd June, and essentially you need to be a British citizen, or an Irish citizen living in the UK, or a Commonwealth citizen living permanently in the UK.

Debates

South Leeds Life are hosting two public debates on the EU referendum:

Wednesday 1 June, 7.30pm (doors open at 6.30pm) at The Hunslet Club Hillidge Road, LS10 Friday 10 June, 7.30pm (doors open at 6.30pm) at Arts@Trinity Boar Lane, LS1 These will each take the form of a panel discussion, with speakers including committed Remainers including Hilary Benn MP, Leavers including UKIP's Leeds Central candidate Luke Senior, as well as independent representatives from business, charities, culture and the arts, and more.

Both events are FREE – but we expect them to be busy, so arrive early to get a seat. Drinks and snacks will be available. We expect the formal debates will end by 9pm, but the discussions might well continue informally afterwards!

QUESTIONS AND INPUT from audience members will be a core part of the events. If you wish to submit a question beforehand, please email us (info@southleedslife.com) with your question (no more than 50 words), your name and phone number, tell us which debate you’ll be attending, and if you’re willing to read out the question yourself. Or bring the question to the venue for 6.30pm. Thank you, we look forward to seeing you then.

South Leeds Life | June 2016

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6 Education

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New centre encourages pupils to get Into University Hillside in Beeston Hill, is a partnership between the charity Into University and the University of Leeds. Before cutting the ribbon, university Vice Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands spoke about the importance of aspirations: “We want all the children here to go to university. But actually that doesn’t matter as long as they achieve their potential.”

Children were working on a news story about the centre before the opening ceremony.

This is what Amika Kazi wrote: Into University is a learning support centre where people are inspired to go to university. The Into University staff are Ellie, George, Laura and Emma and a volunteer called Naimiah. Into University Leeds South opened in September 2015.

Everyone here is wonderful and they are all unique and have different thoughts about university.

“When we come in on an afternoon, we start off with a weekly University of Leeds Vice Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands cuts the ribbon challenge and every

A new education centre, which is helping to raise aspirations amongst South Leeds children, held its official opening on Wednesday 27 April.

The Into University centre runs after school sessions where children can complete their homework, or work on an exercise provided by the teaching staff. This term’s theme is palaeontology, the study of fossils, and exercises will include using English and Maths to explore the subject.

Children from primary school attend one session a week,

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whilst secondary age children attend twice a week. The centre is working with Hunslet Moor, Hugh Gaitskell, New Bewerley and Greenmount primaries, Cockburn high school, The South Leeds Academy and the Elliott Hudson College.

As well as the educational benefits children enjoy the social side and making new friends. It can also be an opportunity for a new start for children who are not getting on well at school.

The centre is neutral ground and children have no reputation to live up to.

Into University, based at

Cockburn dances into the final

term we have different subjects that we learn.

Aleemah says, “I like having a mentor to help me if I am struggling.”

I asked everyone and they happily told me it is a fun and content way to learn things about university.

This place has great people with great diversity that mixes to make a great combination of brilliant ideas. The subjects that we learn are interesting to help fill our brains with knowledge to help understand life.

The centre, one of 21 across Britain, has been funded by the Asda Foundation and The Queen’s Trust.

For more information contact the centre on (0113) 387 6400.

Show off Growing roots in the your talent community The annual Breeze has Talent competition is back showcasing young performers across the city.

It all starts with auditions on Saturday 18 June at Leeds City Market. The heats will take place at the Breeze on Tour days in August, including at Cross Flatts Park in Beeston on 17 and 18 August.

Last year’s heat in Cross Flatts Park

Cockburn students perform ‘Gatsby’ on stage at Magma Cockburn School students and staff are undergoing preparations for the Rock Challenge Northern Open Final which will be held at Grimsby Auditorium on Friday 1 July.

They were delighted to be awarded the top spot in their recent heat at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, and are now working hard with their sights on the final.

Year 10 student Charley Thornton, one of the dancers, described the day in Rotherham as “exciting – it was great to see all of the other performances from other schools and to meet lots of other students.”

Rock Challenge UK is a series of performing arts events which promotes healthy life choices.

Thousands of young people participate in their local events each

year, with the hope of qualifying for the Scottish, Northern or Southern Grand Finals.

A school team decides on a theme, reflecting the personalities, concerns, hopes, dreams and interests of those who create it.

They then create the choreography for their eight minute dance-drama performance, select and record the medley of music for their soundtrack, and design and make their sets and costumes.

The challenge is for the students and their teachers to create and be involved in their own production from conceptualisation through to the live performance. The challenge is also to be the best that they can without the use of nicotine, alcohol or other drugs.

Cockburn’s performance ‘Gatsby’ is a rendition of the well-known F Scott Fitzgerald novel and captures

the drama and excitement of love, money and losing everything.

Isabella Addo in Year 10 says “There are many different dance styles in our piece and it has been challenging to learn how to dance in so many ways.”

The high energy choreography is set to an 8-minute soundtrack which is influenced by music both old and new, and is performed by a team involving over 50 students from all years of the school.

The students from Year 7 to Year 11 have become a tight knit team and have put in hours to rehearsals in their own time, after school and on weekends.

The students are extremely proud of their work. Rio Gerald in Year 10 says “It’s like a family – everyone gets to know each other during rehearsals. We work hard and have lots of fun.”

A panel of experts will be judging acts on originality, stage presence and technique.

The final takes place at Northern Ballet Theatre in October and the winner will perform at the switching on of the Leeds Christmas Lights.

To enter the auditions you need to download a couple of forms from the Breeze website at www.breezeleeds.org.

Hurry, audition spots are strictly limited!

Academy garden gathers pace

Matthew, John-Paul, Roolhullah and Katie from The South Leeds Academy the Academy and Chair of Beeston In Bloom said: “This is a fantastic project. The students have learned new skills, helped the community and improved the quality of life for the residents as they recover.”

She added that Beeston In Bloom will

work with staff and residents at the centre to maintain the garden.

South Leeds Independence Centre is run jointly by the Leeds Community NHS Trust and Leeds City Council Adult Social Care.

The 40 bed unit is located on Atha Street in the former Harry Booth House.

Accountants from Price Waterhouse Cooper put down their spreadsheets and picked up shovels as they helped clear a garden area at The South Leeds Academy.

The project to transform the school’s garden area started when students worked with architect Tom Bellfield to prepare a new design. Clearing grass and weeds was a crucial job to allow new planters and paths to be set out.

Emily Potter from Price Waterhouse Cooper’s Leeds office explained that the company partners with

schools up and down the country and that they had been working with The South Leeds Academy on various projects.

“It’s been very hard work, but a very good day” she said.

“It’s great to get out of the office and work with the team on a different kind of project.

It’s been a real bonding experience and good to give something back to the community.”

We will follow the development of the garden with interest as different groups of students work on bringing it to fruition.

Education 7

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Amika Kazi

Construction students build planters for community garden

The South Leeds Independence Centre in Beeston has new planters for their garden thanks to students from The South Leeds Academy.

The Centre helps older people coming out of hospital to regain their independence and live at home again. South Leeds Academy has built a partnership with the centre through the Kissing It Better charity which has seen students visiting people in the centre regularly and making decorations, bunting and picture frames to make residents at the centre feel a bit more at home.

When the centre wanted to brighten up its garden, the Academy’s Year 11 construction students stepped in.With £150 worth of materials donated by Jewson, the students built three raised planters and a bird box in their own time after school.They then held a cake sale to raise money for flowers and compost. Academy staff joined in donating more plants.

Resident Kathleen said: “It’s very nice. It will be lovely to have some interest and colour to look out at.”

Cllr Angela Gabriel, who is a Governor at

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

June 2016 | South Leeds Life

Staff from Price Waterhouse Coopers worked with students to clear the garden

from The Bridge, we are replacing old wood, digging out weeds, bringing in top soil, potting seeds and getting the place ready for more customers in the future.”

Chris Hill who attends The Bridge says “I love coming to the Cockburn Skills Hub, plenty of fresh air and it’s great getting stuck in and getting my hands dirty!

“I have learned many things already about how to grow vegetables. I have planted beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and cauliflowers.”

Every Friday, socially isolated men from the area are helping to develop the allotment and orchard area and have already made significant progress.

Tom from Middleton says “This has really given me a purpose and has improved my skills, and helped my confidence. I can’t wait to see how the place looks later in the Summer.”

Pat McGeever, CEO of Health For All is keen for the project to progress, stating “This is a really exciting partnership between Health For All and Cockburn School that will benefit so many local people in the future.”

The Skills Hub is a great space with super facilities and potential for nurturing entrepreneurial skills as well as health and wellbeing. Watch Menspace members in the polytunnel at Cockburn School this space!

Cockburn School and Middleton-based charity Health For All have joined forces to create a work skills area.

Cockburn’s extensive facilities offer a polytunnel, raised beds, allotments, orchard, work shed and a thriving pond all in one accessible area and form the focal points of this newly formed skills hub.

The project’s target is to work with adults with learning disabilities and socially isolated men.

Martin Brennan from Menspace who is helping to develop the hub says “We are currently working on the polytunnel.

“It has not been used for a while so every Tuesday, alongside adults with learning disabilities

Passports to University Pupils at New Bewerley Community School in Beeston have joined the Children’s University in a partnership with Leeds Trinity University.

Phil Hardy from Trinity visited the school on 23 May to give out passports to the first 21 children who have signed up for the scheme.

Children use the passport to collect stamps. They get a stamp for each hour of Children’s University learning they complete. This might be

attending an after school club or visiting a museum.

Phil explained to the children that as they gain stamps they will be entitled to a certificate.These are awarded at a ‘graduation’ ceremony at the University, complete with caps and gowns and a handshake from University Chancellor, the footballer James Milner.

“We celebrate awarding certificates because we want you to feel proud of your achievements” he said.

Leeds Trinity University also

New Bewerley pupils show off their passports with

run Super Saturdays on campus as part of the programme.

Children from New Bewerley have already attend one session where they were able to take part in art, dance and photography activities. They are currently looking forward to a day’s sailing at Yeadon Tarn.

The scheme is one of a number of initiatives to raise families’ aspirations. It may encourage them to consider studying at university after high school, but certainly to value learning.

South Leeds Life | June 2016

www.southleedslife.com

6 Education

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

New centre encourages pupils to get Into University Hillside in Beeston Hill, is a partnership between the charity Into University and the University of Leeds. Before cutting the ribbon, university Vice Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands spoke about the importance of aspirations: “We want all the children here to go to university. But actually that doesn’t matter as long as they achieve their potential.”

Children were working on a news story about the centre before the opening ceremony.

This is what Amika Kazi wrote: Into University is a learning support centre where people are inspired to go to university. The Into University staff are Ellie, George, Laura and Emma and a volunteer called Naimiah. Into University Leeds South opened in September 2015.

Everyone here is wonderful and they are all unique and have different thoughts about university.

“When we come in on an afternoon, we start off with a weekly University of Leeds Vice Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands cuts the ribbon challenge and every

A new education centre, which is helping to raise aspirations amongst South Leeds children, held its official opening on Wednesday 27 April.

The Into University centre runs after school sessions where children can complete their homework, or work on an exercise provided by the teaching staff. This term’s theme is palaeontology, the study of fossils, and exercises will include using English and Maths to explore the subject.

Children from primary school attend one session a week,

www.southleedslife.com

whilst secondary age children attend twice a week. The centre is working with Hunslet Moor, Hugh Gaitskell, New Bewerley and Greenmount primaries, Cockburn high school, The South Leeds Academy and the Elliott Hudson College.

As well as the educational benefits children enjoy the social side and making new friends. It can also be an opportunity for a new start for children who are not getting on well at school.

The centre is neutral ground and children have no reputation to live up to.

Into University, based at

Cockburn dances into the final

term we have different subjects that we learn.

Aleemah says, “I like having a mentor to help me if I am struggling.”

I asked everyone and they happily told me it is a fun and content way to learn things about university.

This place has great people with great diversity that mixes to make a great combination of brilliant ideas. The subjects that we learn are interesting to help fill our brains with knowledge to help understand life.

The centre, one of 21 across Britain, has been funded by the Asda Foundation and The Queen’s Trust.

For more information contact the centre on (0113) 387 6400.

Show off Growing roots in the your talent community The annual Breeze has Talent competition is back showcasing young performers across the city.

It all starts with auditions on Saturday 18 June at Leeds City Market. The heats will take place at the Breeze on Tour days in August, including at Cross Flatts Park in Beeston on 17 and 18 August.

Last year’s heat in Cross Flatts Park

Cockburn students perform ‘Gatsby’ on stage at Magma Cockburn School students and staff are undergoing preparations for the Rock Challenge Northern Open Final which will be held at Grimsby Auditorium on Friday 1 July.

They were delighted to be awarded the top spot in their recent heat at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, and are now working hard with their sights on the final.

Year 10 student Charley Thornton, one of the dancers, described the day in Rotherham as “exciting – it was great to see all of the other performances from other schools and to meet lots of other students.”

Rock Challenge UK is a series of performing arts events which promotes healthy life choices.

Thousands of young people participate in their local events each

year, with the hope of qualifying for the Scottish, Northern or Southern Grand Finals.

A school team decides on a theme, reflecting the personalities, concerns, hopes, dreams and interests of those who create it.

They then create the choreography for their eight minute dance-drama performance, select and record the medley of music for their soundtrack, and design and make their sets and costumes.

The challenge is for the students and their teachers to create and be involved in their own production from conceptualisation through to the live performance. The challenge is also to be the best that they can without the use of nicotine, alcohol or other drugs.

Cockburn’s performance ‘Gatsby’ is a rendition of the well-known F Scott Fitzgerald novel and captures

the drama and excitement of love, money and losing everything.

Isabella Addo in Year 10 says “There are many different dance styles in our piece and it has been challenging to learn how to dance in so many ways.”

The high energy choreography is set to an 8-minute soundtrack which is influenced by music both old and new, and is performed by a team involving over 50 students from all years of the school.

The students from Year 7 to Year 11 have become a tight knit team and have put in hours to rehearsals in their own time, after school and on weekends.

The students are extremely proud of their work. Rio Gerald in Year 10 says “It’s like a family – everyone gets to know each other during rehearsals. We work hard and have lots of fun.”

A panel of experts will be judging acts on originality, stage presence and technique.

The final takes place at Northern Ballet Theatre in October and the winner will perform at the switching on of the Leeds Christmas Lights.

To enter the auditions you need to download a couple of forms from the Breeze website at www.breezeleeds.org.

Hurry, audition spots are strictly limited!

Academy garden gathers pace

Matthew, John-Paul, Roolhullah and Katie from The South Leeds Academy the Academy and Chair of Beeston In Bloom said: “This is a fantastic project. The students have learned new skills, helped the community and improved the quality of life for the residents as they recover.”

She added that Beeston In Bloom will

work with staff and residents at the centre to maintain the garden.

South Leeds Independence Centre is run jointly by the Leeds Community NHS Trust and Leeds City Council Adult Social Care.

The 40 bed unit is located on Atha Street in the former Harry Booth House.

Accountants from Price Waterhouse Cooper put down their spreadsheets and picked up shovels as they helped clear a garden area at The South Leeds Academy.

The project to transform the school’s garden area started when students worked with architect Tom Bellfield to prepare a new design. Clearing grass and weeds was a crucial job to allow new planters and paths to be set out.

Emily Potter from Price Waterhouse Cooper’s Leeds office explained that the company partners with

schools up and down the country and that they had been working with The South Leeds Academy on various projects.

“It’s been very hard work, but a very good day” she said.

“It’s great to get out of the office and work with the team on a different kind of project.

It’s been a real bonding experience and good to give something back to the community.”

We will follow the development of the garden with interest as different groups of students work on bringing it to fruition.

Education 7

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Amika Kazi

Construction students build planters for community garden

The South Leeds Independence Centre in Beeston has new planters for their garden thanks to students from The South Leeds Academy.

The Centre helps older people coming out of hospital to regain their independence and live at home again. South Leeds Academy has built a partnership with the centre through the Kissing It Better charity which has seen students visiting people in the centre regularly and making decorations, bunting and picture frames to make residents at the centre feel a bit more at home.

When the centre wanted to brighten up its garden, the Academy’s Year 11 construction students stepped in.With £150 worth of materials donated by Jewson, the students built three raised planters and a bird box in their own time after school.They then held a cake sale to raise money for flowers and compost. Academy staff joined in donating more plants.

Resident Kathleen said: “It’s very nice. It will be lovely to have some interest and colour to look out at.”

Cllr Angela Gabriel, who is a Governor at

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

June 2016 | South Leeds Life

Staff from Price Waterhouse Coopers worked with students to clear the garden

from The Bridge, we are replacing old wood, digging out weeds, bringing in top soil, potting seeds and getting the place ready for more customers in the future.”

Chris Hill who attends The Bridge says “I love coming to the Cockburn Skills Hub, plenty of fresh air and it’s great getting stuck in and getting my hands dirty!

“I have learned many things already about how to grow vegetables. I have planted beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and cauliflowers.”

Every Friday, socially isolated men from the area are helping to develop the allotment and orchard area and have already made significant progress.

Tom from Middleton says “This has really given me a purpose and has improved my skills, and helped my confidence. I can’t wait to see how the place looks later in the Summer.”

Pat McGeever, CEO of Health For All is keen for the project to progress, stating “This is a really exciting partnership between Health For All and Cockburn School that will benefit so many local people in the future.”

The Skills Hub is a great space with super facilities and potential for nurturing entrepreneurial skills as well as health and wellbeing. Watch Menspace members in the polytunnel at Cockburn School this space!

Cockburn School and Middleton-based charity Health For All have joined forces to create a work skills area.

Cockburn’s extensive facilities offer a polytunnel, raised beds, allotments, orchard, work shed and a thriving pond all in one accessible area and form the focal points of this newly formed skills hub.

The project’s target is to work with adults with learning disabilities and socially isolated men.

Martin Brennan from Menspace who is helping to develop the hub says “We are currently working on the polytunnel.

“It has not been used for a while so every Tuesday, alongside adults with learning disabilities

Passports to University Pupils at New Bewerley Community School in Beeston have joined the Children’s University in a partnership with Leeds Trinity University.

Phil Hardy from Trinity visited the school on 23 May to give out passports to the first 21 children who have signed up for the scheme.

Children use the passport to collect stamps. They get a stamp for each hour of Children’s University learning they complete. This might be

attending an after school club or visiting a museum.

Phil explained to the children that as they gain stamps they will be entitled to a certificate.These are awarded at a ‘graduation’ ceremony at the University, complete with caps and gowns and a handshake from University Chancellor, the footballer James Milner.

“We celebrate awarding certificates because we want you to feel proud of your achievements” he said.

Leeds Trinity University also

New Bewerley pupils show off their passports with

run Super Saturdays on campus as part of the programme.

Children from New Bewerley have already attend one session where they were able to take part in art, dance and photography activities. They are currently looking forward to a day’s sailing at Yeadon Tarn.

The scheme is one of a number of initiatives to raise families’ aspirations. It may encourage them to consider studying at university after high school, but certainly to value learning.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | June 2016

8 News

In our view

Caring for the carers

Many of us have been involved in caring for relatives, often our parents. It’s never easy, but Maureen’s story of caring for her mum is truly inspiring. As is the work of Carers Leeds in supporting the thousands of unpaid carers. Although they save us, the taxpayer, a small fortune, they are too often overlooked. It’s good to see their work recognised and championed

by Princess Anne.

EU Referendum

It is the most important question for a generation.It’s also complicated with many factor to consider. Each of us must make up our own minds and cast our vote accordingly. We have tried to honestly provide a forum where the issues can be debated.

We hope you have found it useful and that you will come and continue the discussion at the debates we have organised.

So we shall again

Come on Hunslet! Last season the Hawks were unlucky to be relagated from the Championship. Here at South Leeds Towers we were confident the club would bounce straight back, but it hasn’t been easy this season. There’s no shame in losing to clubs with bigger resources, but we must put away the smaller clubs.

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

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Your letters and comments

Top Tweets

Trolleybus scheme axed

As a Hunslet dweller who works in Headingly the Trolleybus scheme initially seemed to be ideal for me, not only would it occasionally (I usually cycle) enable me a quick commute but would have added value to our house and enabled my kids to get to schools across the city and it would be nice for Leeds itself to have a shiny new greener method of transport.

But the more and more I read about the scheme it just seemed like it wouldn’t solve any issues and would just create more for people and commuters along the route as well as problems for cyclists like myself so I’m hoping something more creative is done with the money instead.

Stephen Roe We’re obviously delighted that this daft scheme has been stopped – it would have wrecked our neighbourhood. And we’d like to give a special thanks to Deborah Fahey, for all the work that she – with her husband Jeff – put it to stop it.

Jacqui Sykes (Whitfields Action Group) The Trolleybus scheme was far from perfect, but as a city we desparately need a rapid transit system. It’s 20 years since the ‘Supertram’ was first put forward and we have made absolutely no progress.

The Council gets a lot of flak, but I blame successive governments - Labour and Tory. London just seems to click its fingers and billions of pounds are thrown at Crossrail. Well Leeds is an important city and we need an underground system too.

We have to get cars off the streets and

Trolleybuses won’t be coming up Belle Isle Road

to do that there has to the offer of fast, affordable and reliable public trasport.

Otherwise the clogged streets are just going to grind to a halt.

Ken Bracher This is great news. Literally nobody I’ve ever spoken to or read letters from in the papers thought it was a good idea.

It was awfully expensive, and would serve only a small part of the city.

Leeds does need better transport links but we could start with making the outer ring road a dual carriageway in both directions and expanding park and ride facilities in areas like Morley, Pudsey, Cross Gates and Armley.

The cycle super highway will prove to be another complete waste of money too.

Luke Senior

Your Councillors and MP Beeston & Holbeck ward

Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck. The three councillors are:

David Congreve 0113 257 1679 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Adam Ogilvie 07969 680 024 adam.ogilvie@leeds.gov.uk

City & Hunslet ward Includes the city centre, Holbeck Urban Village, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:

Patrick Davey 0113 267 1282 patrick.davey@leeds.gov.uk Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk

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

Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell

0113 247 7761 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 247 6922 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

State of the cemetery

Does anyone know why the Cemetary next to St Mary’s church is in such a bad state of repair? Most if not all graves are broken, it looks like they have been vandalised or something.

How can such a special place be left to rot? Have the council or church got any responsibility to take care of our dead? Is it down to the public?

I’m very upset to see it in such a bad state.

Peter Vickers

One Piece of Rubbish

It really annoys me when people drop litter or throw things out of the car. Other countries are far cleaner for some reason. Why can’t we be the same?

Barbara Burdett It will make such a difference because it is only the unsightly litter that is spoiling the great surroundings of South Leeds.

Joy Clarke

Election Results

No surprises in the local

election results. I feel bad for Ed Carlisle in City & Hunslet as he really works hard for the local community and gives up his free time doing so with no financial reward.

Unfortunately, what the Green Party fails to realise, is that these wards are truly working class with the exception of a minority of university educated residents who established themselves south of the river because housing was cheap. Blue collar people see Labour as a solution to their wards’ problems, not ‘idealists’ who are preoccupied with litter picking and building community spirit. It really is a shame.

The mere fact that only 1/4 of the electorate turned out at the ballot box says it all: people really aren’t interested in politics and their local politicians: in south Leeds there are more burning issues to deal with such as putting food on the table, paying bills and raising kids…

Peter Blake

Debt & mental health

I really appreciate articles like this as it provides, not only information for people with mental health problems, but also for family and workers supporting people with mental health problems.

Sue

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: @EmptyHomesDoc If you own an empty home or know someone who does here's info on how our free support service can help: emptyhomesdoctor.org.uk @HEALeeds HEA has a New Website Check it out! heaservices.org.uk We hope you will like it, its welcoming, Informative and User Friendly too. @Leeds_LEAF Using #trigonometry to work out #tree heights at Middleton Schools Heritage Day @hcpsleeds Our children can't wait to start planting #outdoorlearning

@Opera_North_Ed It might be a Friday afternoon but Opera costume designers never stop #InHarmonyON #shhwearebusy #hubopera

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

Keep up to date with planning issues in LS10 and LS11.

We publish a weekly list of all new planning applications online at:

www.southleedslife.com

@LeedsCC_Help Local democracy in action yesterday's annual full council meeting is available to view online. goo.gl/vmJ0Xa @tesconews Calling all community groups in Leeds! We’re giving away funds for outdoor projects.

Apply now: tesco.com/carrierbags/ @BeestonJrsFC All our players had a great time at Hunslet gala. Especially our U6s playing their first ever games. Thanks all @hunsletfootball for hosting

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Website: www.southleedslife.com

Festivals preview 9

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Carnival vibe comes to Cross Flatts Park Beeston Festival returns to Cross Flatts Park on Saturday 4 June and, taking the Rio Olympics as its inspiration, the organisers have given it a Carnival flavour.

Ahead of the official opening a parade will snake around the park. There aren’t many samba bands in Beeston, so instead this procession will be led by Dohl drummers.

The organisers have worked with two local music charities, Leeds Music Trust and Cloth Cat, to bring two stages offering live music from around the world.

Headlining the main stage will be The Ukrainians - Britain’s top Cossack folkpunk ensemble! The line up will also take in Cuban Salsa, feel-good reggae, Hindi classics and Bollywood scorchers plus the ever popular Caribbean steel pans.

The Cloth Cat stage offerings will be just as diverse with Eastern European and Gipsy Roma folk music, African drumming and New Orleans swing from headliners The Big Easy.

The Arena will showcase local dance and martial arts groups as well as giving festival

Pepperjam on stage last year

goers to join in with Zumba or try a bit of belly dancing.

There’s lots for young people to do. As well as the climbing wall and inflatables, there will Zorb balls for those who always wanted to be a human billiard ball!

There will be plenty of sport to enjoy and the fun fair.

Older festival goers might prefer to browse the hundred stalls that make up the Bazaar. There you will find food, gifts, cloths, jewellery, plants as well as Festival’s own cafe, barbecue, cake, jams and book stalls.

This year’s festival is sponsored by Unity Homes & Enterprise.Their Chief Executive

Ali Akbor commented: “Beeston Festival has become a highlight in the Leeds summer calendar and, alongside local residents, attracts many people from outside the area to celebrate what is best about Beeston.

“Unity is strongly committed to Beeston and, through our support for the Festival, want to play the fullest possible part to promote the many cultural and community attractions it has to offer.”

The festival has also received funding from The National Lottery, Inner South Community Committee, Sport Relief Community Cash, Beeston & Holbeck and City & Hunslet Councillors.

Canal birthday marked on the Waterfront Leeds Waterfront Festival 2016 is back for its 9th Year! Date confirmed: Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 June 2016 Leeds Waterfront Festival brings the city’s waterways alive each year by hosting a fantastic eclectic mix of Dragonboat racing. Photo: Raj Passy music, performance, arts and fun for all the family. The finishing up at the fabulous festival will be jam- packed Granary Wharf, the start of the with activities and creativity on Leeds Liverpool.

This year we are very the water, boats and on dryland, stretching across 4 pleased to have The Tetley joining the festival line up too, miles of Leeds waterfront.

2016 is the 200th hosting two days of live on anniversary of the completion performances, hands of the Leeds Liverpool canal workshops and artists talks and this year’s festival promises over the festival weekend.

We are delighted to a special celebratory weekend of Arts, Entertainment, Music, announce that the festival will Food, Drink and family fun running a series of creative right across Leeds Waterfront workshops funded by Leeds from the heritage of Armley Inspired, on the run up to and Industrial Museum and Thwaite over the festival weekend.

Mills to the family-friendly These workshops are designed activities, music and street food to inspire local people to get at Leeds Dock and Royal involved in the festival Armouries; the party is always creatively and explore all that buzzing at Brewery Wharf and is wonderful about Leeds with an The Calls and a taste of French waterfront, opportunity to exhibit and culture hosted by Brasserie Blanc at Victoria Wharf… perform over festival weekend!

June 2016 | South Leeds Life

There’ll be an incredible barge ‘yarn-bomb’, creative writing workshops and spoken-word events, photography and film making opportunities, Graffiti masterclasses and live street art, junk boat building, art-runs, heritage trails & guided walks and even ‘splash-mob’ performances!

For more information about how to get involved in any of these activities, check out our facebook page.

There’s lots of ways to get involved in this year’s festival from getting creative in one of our workshops, joining community clean ups, performing or volunteering on the day to joining our events management team! If you’d like to get involved, we would love to hear from you!

Make a date with the Show

drumming workshops, pony rides, face painting, cycling, a miniature railway.There will be a tombola, a plant stall, people in Medieval dress and food from different cultures.

Crofton Silver Band will be there to entertain the crowds.

The Friends are inviting people to get involved as volunteers, so if you would like to help organise the event, or want to help on the day, please get in touch via www.fomp.co.uk or ring Frances on 01924 824488.

Pitches for stalls are still available.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy this free event – please put the date in your diary Painted faces at last year’s show now!

The Friends of Middleton Park are holding their 8th annual Show on Sunday 11 September 2016.

The anticipated display of fruit, veg, flowers, home produce and art & crafts will show off the skills and talents of local people, and there will be lots of entertainment, food & drink and stalls. All set against the stunning backdrop of the lake and woodland of Middleton Park.

There will be lots to do –

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | June 2016

10 What’s On

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What’s On

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

Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Men’s games group 1-3pm Belle Isle WMC Learning Disability Advice 1-3pm Connect In the North, Bridge House, Balm Rd, Hunslet 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 Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Kickboxing 6-9pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street St Matthew’s Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Zumba 7pm Middleton Parochial Hall Prize Bingo 7-9:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Every Tuesday Keep Fit 9:30am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston Singing Group 10:30-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Knit & Natter 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Chair based mobility session 11.30am-1pm Cottingley

Community Centre Lunch Club 12:15-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Family Cafe 3:30-5:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Rainbows, Brownies, Guides 4:30-9:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Skate Light 6-8pm Middleton Community Centre South Leeds Lakers 7pm from Beeston Co-op Every Wednesday Mums and Tots 9:15am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Pop Up Council Services 9:30am-2:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Chair mobility 10-10:45am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace Computer Club 10am-12pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Balm Walk Shopping Trip 10am-1pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Balm Walk 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 Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Knit and Crochet Group

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

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

3-5pm Costa Coffee, Crown Point Retail Park Aerobics and Dance 3:30-4:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy Basic Bike Maintenance Class 6-8pm Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Knitting Communities Together 6-9pm Dock 29, The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, Hunslet General fitness 6:15-7:15pm Belle Isle Family Centre Cottingley Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Zumba 6:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, Town Street South Leeds Sisters 7.15pm Improvers Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm St John & St Barnabus Church Hall, Belle Isle Every Thursday Charity Shop 9am-3pm 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 11:15am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Ctr Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Line Dancing 1pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Digital Photography Club 1-3pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Craft Group 1:30-3:30pm Cleveleys Court, Holbeck Mashed up fitness session aerobic dance 1:45-2:45pm Beeston Village Community Centre Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Intermediates Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road General fitness 6-7pm Beeston Parish Centre Indoor Bowls 7-10pm The Holbeck (WMC), Jenkinson Lawn Youth Drop In 7-9pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Zumba 7:15pm Middleton Parochial Hall

Every Friday Tea & Toast 8:30-9:30am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street 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 Luncheon Club 12-1:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street 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 Gp) 12:30-2:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Games Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Vintage Teas 2-5pm Gipsy Rose Cafe, South Leeds Golf Club (booking req) Holbeck Skate Park 5-6:30pm Holbeck Moor Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre Every Saturday Breakfast Club 8:30-11am Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Coffee morning 9am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Zumba 10am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Every Sunday Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Boxercise 4:15-5pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Clubbercise 5-5:45pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Wednesday 1 June Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Play Activities

English Civil War Day in Middleton Park 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Women’s Cycling 6-7pm Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road EU Referendum Debate 7:30pm The Hunslet Club Thursday 2 June We’re Going on a Bear Hunt 10am-12 Belle Isle Family Ctr Give It A Go Pop Up Sports 12-4pm Cross Flatts Park Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Saturday 4 June How To ... Festival 11am-5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Beeston Festival 12-5pm Cross Flatts Park Sunday 5 June Indoor Car Boot Sale 9am-1pm Middleton Leisure Centre, Ring Road Middleton Children’s Magic & Mayhem 12-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Hair Peace 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Tuesday 7 June Mostly Men 10am-12pm Northcotes Community Centre Friends of Stank Hall Barn 7:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road Friday 10 June EU Referendum Debate 7:30pm Arts@Trinity, Boar Ln Saturday 11 June Queen’s Birthday Strawberry Tea 2-4pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

Sunday 12 June Sunday Lunch 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck English Civil War Day 12-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre The Economy of Ecology 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Thursday 16 June Comics Club!

3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library Saturday 18 June Leeds Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Sunday 19 June Bradford Met Concert Band 2:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street A Machine They’re Secretly Building 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 20 June St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Saturday 25 June Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Hunslet Gala 12-5pm by Hunslet St Mary’s Primary School, Church Street Sunday 26 June M’ton Railway History Walks 11am, 1pm, 2:40pm Park Halt, Middleton Park BITMO Lunch Club 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Maltings Lunch Club 1-3pm Maltings Court, Maltings Road, Beeston Middleton Park Air Show 2-4pm The Clearings Petrification 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck

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Email: info@southleedslife.com

June 2016 | South Leeds Life

Arts 11

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | June 2016

12 Sport

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Hawks still not soaring

The month of May has been a microcosm of Hunslet Hawks’ season so far.

Two far from convincing against lesser wins oppoosition and two losses to big clubs sees the Hawks lying mid-table in the Kingstone Press League 1, with 8 points from 9 games.

Doncaster visited the South Leeds Stadium on May Day. Having beaten them in the Challenge Cup, the Hawks lost a close match 22-30.

Hunslet made up for a poor first half, dominating the third quarter and taking the lead through tries from Watson and Normington.

But Doncaster regrouped and scored twice to seal the win.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the match, Hunslet Coach Matt Bramald said he was pleased with the second half performance and his job was to make sure the team could play like that for 80 minutes.

Hemel Stags were the visitors the following Sunday in a game Hunslet were expected to win.The Hawks eventually won the match 44-28, but the score line flattered the home team.

The Stags kept within a score of winning up until the last few minutes of the match. Hawks Coach Matt

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This girl can ride!

To my surprise, I have discovered that running is not the only fun sport around.

There is also cycling.

Through Facebook, I found out that Dani from Leeds Girls Can was running a cycling group. It runs from various locations around Leeds and there was one going from Middleton. So, I decided to give it a go.

I set off in gale force winds and hail to meet at Middleton Park golf club. Unfortunately for me, that meant cycling the whole way up Dewsbury Road. In reality, I pushed my bike more than I rode it.

I finally arrived at the golf club as the hailstorm started, but never mind. I was there and I was going to enjoy this ride if it killed me.

I found Dani in the golf club and received a very warm welcome, she introduced me to the other ladies, but I can’t remember all of their names so am not even going to try. I had the standard check of my bike to make sure it was fit to ride. When everyone was ready, we set off through Middleton Park along a route that I have run many times before, but never cycled. Luckily for me, it was all downhill.

We stopped a few times to regroup and have a chat . We rode along the side of Middleton Railway and up to The South Leeds Academy, I was over halfway home so decided to leave the group at that point. I had already done the uphill bit after all.

Dani runs the cycling group in Middleton on the first Wednesday of the month at 6pm meeting at the old golf club. The next session is on Wednesday 5 May. She also has other groups at varying times during the day in other parts of Leeds.

This girl can ride!

by Amanda Binns

Taking on the Toulouse defence. Photo: Steve Gaunt / Touchlinepics.com Bramald described the performance as “scratchy” to the Yorkshire Evening Post and added that without the first five minutes and last five minutes the Hawks could have been turned over.

The Hawks third home game of the month saw Toulouse make the long trip from the south of France to the ‘Stade de Leeds Sud’ on 15 May. Three tries by the full time, big money club at the start of each half proved too much for Hunslet to

compete with. The Hawks showed good effort and battled throughout the game, but were unable to stop the French side when it mattered.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds after the match Hunslet Coach Matt Bramald said he was happy with the effort his team had shown. He identified the key difference as the quality of Toulouse’s halfbacks and their decision making.

On 22 May Hunslet journeyed south to Gloucester to play the All

Golds.

Whilst the Hawks led for most of the match they weren’t able to finish off the opposition until the last five minutes when Jack Lee went over to create a three score advantage. The match finished 18-26 to Hunslet.

They now sit 9th in League 1 with 4 wins in 9 matches.

Hunslet Hawks will play London Skolars (H), York City Knights (A), Coventry Bears (H) and South Wales Scorpions (A) in June, before finishing the regular

season at home to North Wales Crusaders. Then, in July the Super 8s start.

Hunslet will need to be in the top 8 of League 1 to have any chance of promotion this season.

In the Super 8s the top eight play each other again adding to their regular season points. The top five clubs will then compete in the play offs for the two promotion spots.

You can read full match reports each week online at www.southleedslife.com

Boxing clever at The Hunslet Club Beeston boxer in final

by Dennis Robbins

Boxing goes from strength to strength at the Hunslet Club as was shown when eleven club boxers competed at their recent Boxing Night on Friday 13 May. The hall was packed and everybody was entertained with some thrilling action.

The club offers boxing in its dedicated boxing gym for everyone from the age of 5 years to senior level. We also work with other organisations such as the Hamara Centre in Beeston to share our skills through Box-Teq sessions, teaching techniques such as shadow boxing and pad work.

We also run a Ladies boxing class on Monday evenings and the popular Boxercise fitness classes.

The Hunslet Club boxing team are travelling to Dublin on 1 July to compete in the Monkstown Cup.

Boxing Night at The Hunslet Club This is an international event for under 19s.

Earlier this season Douglas Pattison travelled to Russia with the England team and competed in an

International competition. On 19 June Hope Price, the Junior England Champion, travels to Hungary to box for England in the European Juniors.

Why not come down to the club and find out more?

For more information or a timetable, ring 0113 271 6489; or visit: www.hunsletclub.org.uk.

South Leeds fighter Ismail Khan finished runner up in England Boxing’s national championships.

The Beeston boxer made it through to the finals of the England Boxing Elite National Championships in Liverpool at the weekend before being beaten by William Cawley of Oldham.

Flyweight Khan, who represents the KBW club in Dewsbury and is a student on the elite boxing programme at Bradford College, progressed to Sunday’s final with unanimous victories over Ryan Briscoe in the quarterfinal and Niall Farrell in the semi-final before losing the 52kg title decider.

Khan had headed to the event at the Echo Arena as third seed in his division having taken the England Youth Championship title earlier this year in Rotherham.