South Leeds Life 26 Feb17

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Issue 26 | February 2017

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

Hunslet’s on the mainline

In this issue:

Litter summit

page 4

New offices for Holbeck charity

page 5

How will high speed rail route affect residents?

by Jeremy Morton Whilst trains may not be running for another sixteen years, plans for the High Speed Rail (HS2) route are well advanced and a consultation event was held last month for residents affected by the new line.

The route from London will enter Leeds through Woodlesford where a tunnel will take the line under the town. It will then use the existing rail corridor from Woodlesford to Hunslet.

This is currently used by trains between Leeds and Castleford and also contains the Hunslet freight depot at Midland Road. The route will be widened where necessary to accommodate both lines.

Through Hunslet the line is currently crossed by bridges

on Pepper Road, Balm Road and Beza Street. The existing line then goes under the motorway slip roads at junction 3 of the M621 and swings around through Holbeck to reach the station.

The new HS2 line will rise on a new embankment starting close to the Council gritting depot at Pottery Fields around the junction of Dewsbury Road, Jack Lane and Leathley Road.

The embankment will probably require the removal of the gas holders and traveller site on Kidacre Street.

It will then head on a viaduct over Meadow Lane and Great Wilson Street, with five new platforms reaching across the River Aire to join the existing station.

The route through Hunslet is largely contained in cuttings and most of the adjoining

Artist’s impression of the new station. Image: HS2 Ltd

Bosom buddies here to help

page 9

Parkside earn bragging rights properties are industrial or commercial.

The main residential area that is likely to be affected is Hunslet Carr, especially the Telfords, Leasowes and Claytons.

HS2 Ltd have published two factsheets; one covering the route between Altofts and Leeds and one about the new Leeds station.

Paul Waite, who lives on the

Leasowes, commented: "If you didn't live near a train track, you'd say: bang it in. But we live near the trainline in Hunslet Carr, and it's already a nightmare at night. The freight trains make loads of noise, and it especially wakes the kids up.

“Surely it'll be even worse with HS2 there too. The only way I could see it working would be if they gave triple

glazing to everyone along the route, or something like that."

Jackie Parker from Moor Crescent said: "I called the HS2 after we got letters about it, but the lady was really rude.

We shouldn't expect any compensation or even compassion from them. But it will have a lot of negative impacts - health, pollution, disruption, and more.”

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

NEWS

SCHOOLS

FEEDBACK

page 16

p2-7

p8-9 p10

LOCAL!HISTORY p12 ARTS

p13

SPORT!

p16

WHAT’S!ON p14-15

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South Leeds Life | February 2017

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.

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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Health cuts, safe standing and a neighbourhood plan

by Hilary Benn MP

elderly people end up in A&E when they have a fall or are ill, but then have to stay in hospital beds when there is no longer any medical need for them to be there because there is nowhere to discharge them to with the right kind of care and support.

It is obvious that we are not going to be able to relieve the pressure on our hospitals until we tackle this issue of social care. It's the greatest social challenge we face as a society and it needs politicians from all parties to come together to find the answer.

The problems facing the health service are being keenly felt in Leeds.

We recently read about operations, including cancer operations, being cancelled in the city, and the pressures on the LGI and St James's accident and emergency departments - staff and patients - as well as on GPs are enormous. Saying that there have only been a ‘small number of incidents’ nationally or trying to blame staff and councils is wrong and ignores the truth about what is happening. I am also very concerned about the Sustainability and Transformation Plans which will involve further cuts that we simply can’t afford, locally or nationally.

The blunt truth is that our NHS needs more resources and more staff, and the Government cannot go on cutting funding for social care and closing care homes (Leeds has lost 316 care home beds) when we have a rising elderly population. One of the consequences of this is that

The Leeds United Supporters’ Trust is campaigning for a pilot scheme to show whether safe standing at Elland Road can be made to work.

One of the consequences of the terrible Hillsborough tragedy was the recommendation that football stadiums should become all-seating for safety reasons. My view is that safety must be the principal consideration, but in recent years trials have taken place elsewhere with safe standing areas comprising

Throughout 2016, Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) which manages Council housing in Belle Isle, raised a total of £600 for the two charities of the year, SLATE Feel Good Furniture Store and the Leeds South & East Foodbank.

Raised mainly through raffles held at the Belle Isle Gala, Christmas

Party and Christmas Fair, the money was split between the two charities.

Just before Christmas, Wendy Doyle and Amie Thompson from the South & East Leeds Foodbank came to BITMOs Gate to be presented with the cheque by Board members Bev Walker and Julie Liptrot. Project Manager Wendy thanked BITMO for the donation and said that the money

flip-up seats with a barrier along the front of the row so that if fans choose to stand there is no risk of them falling forwards onto supporters in front of them. I’ve told the Trust that I will support a pilot study to see if this can work safely in practice.

Finally, many congratulations to the Holbeck Neighbourhood Forum for producing their draft Neighbourhood Plan.

It's been put together following a lot of hard work by members of the Forum, led by its Chair Dennis Kitchen, and a number of local consultation events. As the Forum's website says "Holbeck has gone through many changes in its history.

From its origins as a small village built around the ancient Holbeck Moor, it grew massively to become a booming industrial area. However, in the 20th Century industry went into sharp decline and ever since, Holbeck has struggled with a legacy of complex environmental, social and economic problems. Since 2012 local residents have been working hard on the Holbeck

Hilary Benn MP Neighbourhood Plan, which aims to tackle these issues...."

The draft plan sets out a vision for the area with the aim of creating a thriving local centre, improving community facilities, providing housing and jobs, and enhancing local green space while respecting the essential heritage and character of Holbeck. The plan, which shows just what can be achieved locally if we put our minds to it, will now go to be examined before being put to a local referendum later in the year.

BITMO!presents charity cheques

Tell us what you’d like us to report on Tell us about your local events L-R: Wendy Doyle & Amie Thompson from Leeds S&E Foodbank accept cheques from BITMO Board members Bev walker & Julie Liptrot

This issue has been funded by a grant from

Leeds City Council

Inner South Housing Advisory Panel Find out more on page 11

Lynne Spirrett with Board members Jean Burton and Margaret Brown present the cheque to SLATE volunteer Eddie Martin.

will be used to continue to provide emergency food and meet the needs for people in crisis. An additional £100 was donated by the Board to help people in crisis during the Christmas period.

SLATE volunteer Eddie Martin was ready with his camera to capture Board members Jean Burton and Margaret Brown, also Lynne Spirrett from BITMO, who presented the cheque for £300 at the store on Hunslet Road. Eddie travels every day from Horsforth where he lives, to volunteer for

SLATE and also at the St Vincents store on York Road. Other volunteers were ready with a warm welcome and a tour of the store.

Volunteer team leader Ann Wilson was delighted with the donation, which will help to pay for a summer seaside trip for the 40 volunteers.

Thanks go to all the companies and individuals who kindly donated raffle prizes, to BITMO Board members for helping to raise the money and to all those in the local community who donated and bought raffle tickets

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News 3

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12 bus route extended to White Rose Centre

by Jeremy Morton From Sunday 19 February 2017 the No. 12 bus route will be extended to serve the White Rose Shopping Centre. This will enable residents from Hunslet, Belle Isle, and Middleton to access the centre by a frequent direct bus service.

This will be a great benefit to the community, enabling residents from areas with low car ownership to access employment opportunities at the White Rose Shopping Centre and the White Rose Office Park, as well as access to shopping and new leisure developments underway.

Cllr Kim Groves (Belle Isle & Middleton) welcomed the news: “We are delighted that the number 12 bus route is going to be extended to White Rose

February 2017 | South Leeds Life

Centre. There are going to be over 300 new jobs created this spring and transport to work is crucial for local people. I want to thank Stephanie Hunter from Land Securities for all her hard work on the transport plan.

“I am pleased that South Leeds residents will be able to go to the new 11-screen cinema by bus.We lost cinemas like the Rex, Crescent, Malvern and the famous Tivoli all based in South Leeds. Young people will not remember these, so I am really pleased for them that film is returning to South Leeds.

“A bus to the five new restaurants, cinema and children’s playground will make this a popular choice for many residents.”

Stephanie Hunter, Travel Planning Co-Ordinator at White Rose Shopping Centre, said:

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Many thanks all our sponsors, but especially to The Hunslet Club which has stepped up as a Platinum sponsor.

The 12 bus will now go to the White Rose Centre “We’re absolutely delighted about the extension of the service 12 route. We’ve worked tirelessly to impress the importance of good access to White Rose for those in the South Leeds area, and this is a huge achievement for all involved.

“We’ve campaigned for this issue to be pushed to the top of the West Yorkshire

Combined Authority’s agenda, and we’re thrilled to see so much positive feedback from the local community.

“The updated route – available from 19 February – will offer access to shopping, leisure, and employment at White Rose that may have been more difficult for those without cars to reach in the past.”

Hollywood comes to Holbeck Stars Maxine Peake, Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves) and John Bishop were at The Holbeck on Friday 27 January as the club became a film set for the day.

With the car park full of trucks and a lighting rig by the front door, the club was used by the makers of a new British film called ‘Funny Cow’. The film has been written by

Sheffield-born Tony Pitts, a former stand up comedian who co-stars in the film.

Maxine Peake spoke briefly to South Leeds Life explaining that Funny Cow is “a ‘hardhitting’ film about a female comic trying to make it on the 1970s northern club circuit.”

The concert room upstairs was ‘dressed’ to look as it would have done in the 1970s

– ruched stage curtains, Phoenix Tower labels on the beer pumps, Double Diamond ashtrays and all. The film is due to be released in cinemas later this year.

The club will receive a fee for the filming and the producers have also made a donation towards the costs of removing asbestos in the cellars, which the club is currently undertaking.

The historic venue, one of the oldest surviving Working Men’s Clubs in the country, was saved from closure by volunteers in 2013.

In November last year we reported that asbestos had been found on the premises and the cost of removal had once again put the club’s future in doubt.

Local asbestos specialists Bardon Environmental Ltd stepped forward and offered to do the work at cost.

That still left £10,000 to find, but members set about fundraising and the work has been carried out.

Secretary Ian Pickup said: “We are so grateful to Bardon Environmental for throwing us a lifeline. Our members have shown their determination too.

“The next step is to replace the fire alarm and emergency lighting system, but we have the funds to carry out that work.”

“The club is getting used more and more. Bookings like today’s filming are great. They bring a bit of glamour as well as much needed cash.”

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Lighting rig outside the club

Back to the 1970s behind the bar

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South Leeds Life | February 2017

4 News

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Clean Leeds Community Action Thursday 23 Februay 10am-2pm at Pudsey Civic Centre We all want to keep Leeds clean.

That means less litter, fly tipping, graffiti, dog fouling and general waste where it shouldn’t be.

We can all do so much to help achieve that by behaving responsibly, by acting when we see others not doing that and by joining in with cleanup activities across our city.

Working together and all doing our bit, we can achieve a Clean Leeds.

There are great examples of communities, businesses and individuals who are already doing just that. By all sharing what we know and seeing how we can support each other means, we can do more and make a real difference.

On 23 February, we will host an event where people across the city can come together to share ideas, seek mutual support and plan activities rooted in communities and neighbourhoods. Whether you’re already active, have an interest or have some great ideas, we want to meet up!

Register online at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/clean-leedscommunity-action-tickets-30255653474 or call 0113 378 7888

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Celebrate and learn at litter summit

by Jeremy Morton Ahead of Leeds’ first community gathering to discuss how we can tackle litter, I interviewed Cllr Lucinda Yeadon, Executive Member for Environment & Sustainability, for South Leeds Life.

I started by asking about why the event was being organised.

“From my own ward, Kirkstall, I know how much fantastic community activism there is around clean ups. This was shown in the aftermath of the floods last year, but before that too. I thought if this is what’s happening on my patch, what’s happening in other parts of the city? How do we celebrate that activity and how do we share that information and knowledge?

“So that’s where the idea of having a big communityfocussed event around Clean Leeds and cleaning up the city came from.”

Different things work in different areas and Cllr Yeadon does not want to force one solution, but prefers to work with groups to help them develop strategies that work for them. Although its not just about community clean ups, she is obviously very enthusiastic about such events.

“This isn’t just about how do we get the streets clean, it’s about how do we have that

Cllr Yeadon sorts the recycling in her Civic Hall Office pride in our community.

“I’ve been involved in clean ups for years and to be honest it’s loads of fun! It’s not just about cleaning up its about strengthening the spirit of community, it’s a chance to meet people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, it’s very sociable.”

Some people argue that it’s not their responsibility to pick up other people’s litter.

“Every pound less we have to pay as a council to clean up things is a pound less we have to raise through council tax” she replies. “So everything we

can do to make the city cleaner means it is better for everyone” She also supports campaigns like ‘One Piece of Rubbish’, which South Leeds Life highlighted back in May 2016.

The idea is that if we all picked up one piece of litter, the problem would be solved. By recording it on social media it can build up a head of steam, changing attitudes and encouraging more and more people to do likewise.

“Social media is a very powerful tool. Sometimes things take a while to find

traction, but its always helpful to find a new, maybe quirky, angle to highlight the issue.”

In terms of enforcement Cllr Yeadon prefers carrot to stick, but “it’s important for people to know there are consequences to their actions.”

Cllr Yeadon tells me about the letters she gets from school children and some pilot work done with primary schools campaigning about dog fouling.

“Children and young people do care about the environment and it can be useful to get to them to put pressure on their parents and other adults to not litter, or to pick up after their dog.”

“It’s not acceptable to smoke indoors, its not acceptable not to wear a seatbelt, we have get that peer pressure working around litter.”

She’s aware that many people won’t be able to get to daytime meeting, but promises that this is just the first and future events will be held in the evening.

The event is being held in the run up to Keep Britain Tidy’s March GB Spring Clean campaign to get half a million people out and about cleaning up their local communities.

South Leeds Life will be attending the meeting on 23 February and we will report back any fresh ideas for groups to try here.

Inclusive loos for White Rose Moor clearing

White Rose Shopping Centre, working with Leeds City Council, unveiled its newly refurbished South West toilet and family changing facilities on 17 January.

Leeds City Councillor Jane Dowson, Deputy Executive Board Member for Children and Families, cut the ribbon at the opening.

The new facilities have been developed alongside Child Friendly Leeds with children and families in mind, and include a baby change area, showers, and a Changing Places space. Changing Places toilets meet the needs of those with profound and multiple learning or physical disabilities,

Cllr Dowson and Steven Foster cut the ribbon providing the right equipment, enough space, and a safe, clean environment.

Cllr Dowson said: “White Rose Shopping Centre’s ongoing commitment to families and child services is really refreshing, and these new facilities are a great example of

their support for the city’s child friendly ambitions.”

Steven Foster, General Manager at White Rose Shopping Centre, said: “We’re delighted to unveil our new South West toilet facilities.

What may seem like a small change for some can make a

shopping trip so much more pleasant for others, such as families with young children and those with disabilities, and we’re proud to make White Rose an inclusive place for everyone.”

The upgrade is part of ongoing investment from White Rose. A new extension will introduce six new restaurants, alongside an 11screen, state-of-the-art IMAX Cineworld cinema, an event space, as well as a bespoke children’s play area.

The revamp follows that of the centre’s North East toilets, which were honoured with the ‘Loo of the Year’ title in the national Loo of the Year Awards 2015.

by Nick Carter

Here in LS11 we have a new small group emerging, the Hunslett Moor Residents Association. They aren’t rabid green activists (well actually one is but we don’t to mention him), Left wing loonies (well actually one is but we don’t like to mention him), Women’s Institute Battleaxes (well actually one is but we don’t like to mention her).

They are just people who want to live in a safe, clean and pleasant area. One area they have found that needs attention is Hunslet Moor Park, this is a decaying ornamental park and bowling

green, hidden behind the purple flats at the bottom of Dewsbury Road.

In its heyday the park was beautifully maintained, unfortunately cutbacks have led to its decay into its present unkempt state. So these local people have spent a few days in the last year helping to maintain it. On Saturday 14 January they held an activity day: litter picking; branch lopping; tea drinking; enjoying a nice few hours outside.

These folk want to improve their community, they will be having another day out on Saturday 4 March so come and join them, and find out what else YOU can do to help yourself and your community.

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News 5

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New housing plans for jam factory site

Planning permission is being sought to build new homes on a former jam factory site on Old Lane in Beeston.

Developers, Barmston, presented their proposals to Beeston Community Forum last month where they were greeted favourably. A total of 58 houses are planned including two and three bedroom semi-detached and mews-style houses.

Road access will not be directly onto Old Lane, but via Moorhouse Avenue. All houses will have private gardens and off-street parking.

At this stage it is proposed that all the homes would be sold on the open market, but South Leeds Life understands that it is likely that planners will require a small number of the homes to be affordable.

An application for outline planning permission has been submitted.

The application is open for comments until 10 February

February 2017 | South Leeds Life

What exactly do Foodbanks do?

by John Newbould

2017. You can view the full application via the Council’s planning portal.

The Moorhouses factory was employing 590 people when it closed in 1972. The original factory building

burned down in 1976 and a Wickes DIY store was on the site during the 1980s.

The site was bought by Tesco, but they failed to get planning permission for a store in 2013.

Old Box Office open for new HEA offices

At a recent supermarket collection (where foodbank volunteers ask members of the public to make a food donation) I was approached by a lady who asked “Why should I donate food for people who are too lazy to work and provide for themselves?” It’s a fair question and it deserves a fair and honest answer. So, what exactly do foodbanks do?

The Leeds South and East Foodbank will provide a 3 day emergency food parcel for those people in crisis. No individual or family is allowed to use a foodbank more than 3 times in any 6 month period; we are there to help people in a crisis, not to create dependency.

What does “in crisis” mean?

Most of those who use foodbanks are people facing benefit delays (mainly in-work benefits) or benefit changes (from one benefit to another), low income (often due to zero hours contracts), benefit sanctions, homelessness, debt, domestic violence and a range of other issues.

So can anyone just turn up to a foodbank and get food? No! People have to be referred to a foodbank. The referral agency can be an organisations like Citizens Advice, Leeds City Council One-Stop Centres, some GPs, a number of children’s organisations and women’s refuges, etc.

The referral agency provides the person or family with a voucher which they take to a foodbank (there are eleven foodbank distribution sites in south and east Leeds) to be redeemed. There, the persons

The building was originally a cinema and HEA have used that theme in their new signage. Later it was a branch of the then L-R: Elissa Newman (HEA), Cllr Adam Ogilvie, Hilary Benn MP, Leeds & Holbeck Building Richard Fearon (Leeds Building Society), Cllr Angela Gabriel, John England (HEA) Society, now the Leeds Building Society (LBS). LBS Street in Holbeck.

by Jeremy Morton HEA’s Chief Executive Elissa has made the building available to HEA on a five year, rent free lease.

Newman commented: As they were in the middle of a A former cinema has reopened “This a real win-win for Holbeck. its doors as the new offices for Not only has a landmark building branch refurbishment programme, HEA - the charity fighting isolation been brought back into use, but it has they asked their contractors to help amongst older people in Holbeck. given HEA a high street presence.We with fitting out the office to meet Hilary Benn MP cut the ribbon on only moved in yesterday and already HEA’s needs. The work was turned Friday 20 January as HEA opened two people have come in to ask about round in just two weeks in what Elissa their new office in the former Leeds our services and two people have Newman described as “our very own Building Society branch on Domestic volunteered to help us.”

DIY SOS.”

details are checked, the nature of the crisis established and the person or family is provided with food. Another aspect of the foodbank’s role to signpost the person to organisations who can help resolve their long term issues. We are glad to say that most people only use a foodbank once.

“Why should I donate food for people who are too lazy to work and provide for themselves?”

One of the people who used a foodbank prior to Christmas returned a few weeks later with a food donation. With the donation he left a note saying “Thank you it was much appreciated. I just wanted to return the favour and the support at that time and if it is required again in the future. Kind regards.”

The foodbank is supported by a network of volunteers. Some donate a few hours of volunteering while others provide a day-or-two. No-one

gets paid.

So, where does the foodbank get its food from? The food comes from a variety of sources.

Food donations are made by individuals, community groups businesses and churches.

Supermarkets help by allowing the volunteers to organise food collection days. The same people and organisations also help the foodbank financially. Although there are no salaries to pay, the foodbank needs to finance an office, warehouse, a vehicle to move the food around the city.

Also it needs access to telephone and internet services. The cost is around £1,500 - £1,800 per month.

So to that lady who approached me or any other member of the public I say: foodbanks are not there to help the lazy. They are there to help people with genuine needs who for a period of their lives are struggling.

In a fast changing world people can be doing well one year and a year later be struggling. Who knows who will be using a foodbank this time next year; it might be that lady, it might be me.

Volunteers at the Foodbank warehouse in Beeston

Speaking at the opening LBS’ Chief Financial Officer Richard Fearon said: “Our core purpose is to help people save and have the home that they want. I’m delighted that we’re able to help by donating this branch rent free to HEA for five years and help HEA have the home that they want.”

Hilary Benn MP talked about mutuality - everyone helping each other - as a core principle of both the building society and HEA. “We have a challenge of an aging population” he said “mutuality is how we will look after one another.That is what HEA does every day.

“What today demonstrates is that if you put your mind to it you can

achieve extraordinary things.”

Regular activities at HEA include lunch clubs every Tuesday and Friday; the Heart Cafe on Thursdays - a cup of tea and some free health advice; a craft group on Thursdays; singing and exercise classes; supermarket shopping trips on Wednesdays and Fridays; plus cinema, bowling and pub lunch trips.

HEA can provide transport with their specially adapted minibus to get you from home to the activity of your choice.

For more information call 0113 245 5553, visit the website: www.hea-services.org.uk or find HEA Leeds on Facebook.

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New guide to Low Road’s new classrooms care & support in Leeds

A new, updated Leeds Care Homes and Housing Options Directory has been published today in association with Leeds City Council. It gives readers crucial information on how to access, and pay for, care services throughout Leeds.

With Government plans to cap the costs of social care now postponed, it’s never been more important to have impartial information to guide you through choosing and paying for care and support. The guide helps readers to understand their options, highlights where to go for advice and gives information on how the paying for care system works.

With no cap on care costs at present, this independent information is invaluable to help navigate the system.

The new edition of Leeds Care Homes and Housing Options Directory and accompanying website give information on all aspects of arranging care and support in Leeds.

It includes how to stay independent for as long as possible, the different care and support options available and what to look for when choosing a care provider. It also offers guidance on important issues such as paying for care and what financial assistance may be available from the local authority.

There are comprehensive listings of all registered care services throughout Leeds, plus checklists to help you ask the right questions when visiting

services.

For a free copy of Leeds Care Homes and Housing Options Directory contact Adult Social Care on (0113) 378 3967. It is also available throughout the region from outlets including carers’ centres, hospitals, GP surgeries, Age UK and the

Alzheimer’s Society. It can be downloaded from www.carechoices.co.uk and is available in spoken word.

Further help and information can be accessed via the [directory’s/guide’s] free telephone helpline on 0800 389 2077.

Robert Chamberlain, Managing Director of the guide’s publisher, Care Choices, commented: “This is an invaluable source of information for anyone considering short or long term care in Leeds, and contains vital information to help people decide what type of care and support is best for them.

“With no cap on the cost of care, finding a care service for yourself or a loved one that meets their needs and is affordable can be a daunting and unfamiliar task.

This new Leeds Care Homes and Housing Options Directory has been compiled to help people understand the process and offer them reassurance at every step of their journey.”

Care Choices is the UK’s largest independent publisher for social care and adults with additional needs. It is also the largest publisher of care directories for local authorities in England.

Leeds Children’s Services have applied for planning permission to build a new

classroom and music room at Low Road Primary School in Hunslet.

The school, which is part of the Music Federation with Windmill Primary, is to

expand to one form entry.

You can find details on the Council’s Planning portal.

Valentine’s Fair returns to Elland Rd

It’s the UK’s largest Valentines Event, and back in Leeds for the Half Term holidays will be the famous Valentines Fun Fair opening Thursday 9th February until Sunday 19th of February on the Elland Road Car Parks alongside Leeds United Football Club.

Each year the event seems to bring together bigger and better rides from across Europe and whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day of rides and amusements or a thrilling night out, there is always plenty to enjoy at what was Europe’s first and is still the largest Valentine fair, which having initially been held in the City Centre from 1992 until 2000 is still going strong at its current home on the car parks at Elland Road adjoining Leeds United FC! Amongst the array of Roller Coasters, thrill rides, family rides, Dodgems, Twists and Waltzer’s which have always been the staple diet of the Valentines Fair, there will be a fantastic new attractions this year in the form of the Top Scan, Superstar and a 33 metre

observation wheel. Direct from a theme park will be the Crazy Mouse Roller Coaster which spins its cars along its winding and twisting track, one of three coasters which includes a the Big Apple Coaster and Go Gator. These rides amongst the 100 attractions on offer will

give thrill seekers and families an amazing experience including one World first prototype ride which should be arriving in the UK just before the fair.

The fun gets underway on Thursday 9

February at 5pm, Friday 10 February from 5pm, Saturday 11 from 5.45pm and will then open daily through until and including Sunday 21 February from 1pm until 10.30pm with the exception of Tuesday 14 February when, due to a football match, the fair will be open from 12 noon until 4pm.

This year’s chosen charity which the fair will be supporting is Martin House Hospice which cares for Children and Young People with progressive life limiting illnesses, and provides support to their families in a purpose built hospice in Boston Spa, Wetherby.

Organisers are promising that all children’s rides will be operating at just £1.50 at all times with the exception of Roller Coasters, the Pony Express and Bungee Trampolines and 26 of the large rides will be just £2 midweek until 6pm with visitors encouraged to log on to www.valentinesfair.co.uk for free fun fair vouchers which are valid anytime and will reduce the large rides even further during this time to a bargain busting £1.50 each.

Anger as exercise classes cut

by Sue Talbot

Customers of the lunchtime circuit training sessions at the John Charles Centre for Sport are up in arms at the scrapping of Friday lunchtime circuit sessions, leaving only two sessions each week, down from five a year ago.

Many former customers think that John Charles’ management are much more interested in the promotion of elite swimming and diving than in fitness provision for the general public.

They are especially angry

that the running down of general provision at John Charles follows the closure of South Leeds Sports Centre.

This was a vibrant centre with well-attended classes, squash, badminton and netball courts. Campaigners against its closure argued that it was systematically neglected and run down following the opening of John Charles and the Aquatics Centre.

“When they closed SLSC we were assured that there was a commitment to the continuation of non-elite sports/exercise provision in South Leeds.This looks like an increasingly hollow promise”,

said a former campaigner.

Dr Raj Menon, a wellrespected retired GP, who practiced at the Arthington Medical Centre for 37 years and who is another regular attendee at the lunchtime circuit classes, said: “Inner South Leeds has relatively higher rates of poverty and deprivation than much of the rest of Leeds, with associated poor health outcomes. It’s very shortsighted to cut classes in this area”.

He points out that the axed classes were attended by people who work on the neighbouring industrial

estates, retired people, parttime workers, unemployed, people on low incomes, and shift workers: all groups known to be at risk of poor physical and mental health.

Customers are due to meet with the Head of Leisure Services to discuss the issue.

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February 2017 | South Leeds Life

News 7

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Nourishing the snacking business

by Tina Turnbull Over the last 18 months a small group of members at People Matters have worked together to develop and pilot a new community business making and selling wholesome snacks from mixtures of dried fruit, nuts and seeds etc.

Now they have just successfully gained a new grant to move forward from the pilot stage to roll out the new venture.

Called Nourishing People the group have had really good feedback about the quality of their products and are hoping to continue to sell in workplaces with an honesty box system and next want to expand into local cafes, pubs and clubs across Leeds.

The people already involved have been learning about food hygiene, customer service, production and stock control

plus much more whilst getting ready to move beyond the pilot.

Those contributing want to have the chance to be entrepreneurs, get a new business going and are looking for more local people to get involved.

difficulty in finding work such as because they have a disability or health condition.

We don’t expect people to offer more time than they are able but by getting involved you could help the initiative to grow and offer South Leeds people a different way forward

Nourishing People is a new Community Social Enterprise start up They now have someone to support them and lead the business as well as premises organised in Holbeck. David Green the Enterprise Lead at People Matters said that ‘we want to build a social business that offers local people a pathway into employment’.

Nourishing People will be a Community Interest Company specifically for those who have experienced particular

instead of CV and job search sessions.

Learning together makes it more enjoyable and a community business is more practical than going on a course.

People Matters are hosting the new enterprise to make sure that it meets its financial and legal obligations as well as discussing what is happening with DWP.

Hunslet Girls Club

It’s a while since The Hunslet Club was called Hunslet Boys Club, but ask many people what they associate with great institution and they will say rugby, football and boxing.

The club has long catered for girls activities too and not just gymnastics and street dance. Did you know that it also runs ballet and tap dancing programmes to the same standard as any dance school?

Amber Ellis teaches IDTA ballet classes from Begginners up to Grade 5 and also takes a Pointe class.

You can see the results at the next Ballet and Tap Show at the club on Saturday 11 February.

Anna Luehmann & Jess Lodge

Teacher Amber Ellis with the Beginners class

People Matters members visit a supplier

They have said that if the venture gets to the point of trading profitably they will seek to offer short employment contracts, then support for moving into more permanent work elsewhere and/or for other activities for the community.

Have you never worked or been out of a job for a good while and want to get involved in learning new skills as well as building your work experience to put on your CV? There is lots to do and the chance to get involved at the start means this could be a real opportunity to build something great locally in South Leeds.

More information is available on the Nourishing People Facebook page or via Twitter.

Alternatively find out more through the People Matters office on 0113 234 6896.

People Matters is based at Barkston House, Domestic Street, Holbeck, LS11 9RT.

South Leeds Life | February 2017

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8 School Life

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February 2017 | South Leeds Life

Children 9

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Cockburn learns how Graduation day for Radio Aire on mission Bosom buddies here to to tweet and post New Bewerley pupils to Low Road Primary help with breastfeeding

Cockburn School has launched itself into the world of social media in its latest drive to share all of the exciting and successful news and events that happen in and around the school community.

Readers can search for @cockburnschool to follow the school on Facebook and Twitter.

Cockburn recently worked with media company First Frame Productions to produce an amazing film that shows students at the school in their lessons and extra-curricular activities.

The film tells the story of the school through the eyes of the students who describe their school as 'Creative, competitive, family and excellent'.

Launched to students on the first day of term in January, the

film was used to launch the new Facebook and Twitter pages. In the first week the film had more than 35,000 views and the Facebook page had a reach of nearly 200,000 people! Go to @cockburnschool to watch it for yourself.

A lot of ex-students have commented on it saying how much things have changed and how they wish that they could come back to school! The film even uses the latest technology of drone footage which shows the school and local area from the air.

So far the school pages have been liked by ex-student and Leeds Rhinos up and coming player Jordan Baldwinson and Olympic medal winner Nile Wilson along with many other parents, carers and visitors to the school.

News has included sporting achievements, visiting artists, a Leeds Arena performance, award winning presentations as well as 'Shout Out To Macbeth', sung by English teacher Miss Hall to help Year 11 students revise Shakespeare quotes for their upcoming exams.

Headteacher David Gurney says: "It was time for Cockburn to join the world of social media as we know that this is the quickest and most effective way of sharing messages with our parents and carers.

“It also puts Cockburn on the map to a wider audience of future students and teachers.We are so proud of our students and the amazing things that they do day in day out and we can now share this with the local community and beyond."

Christmas 2016 at Low Road was very special as the school was lucky enough to be accepted as part of Radio Aire‘s Mission Christmas.

This meant that every single child in school was given a Christmas gift to take home

with them on the last day of school in December. The looks on their faces was lovely to see as they chose a special gift to take home.

Feeling extremely lucky to have been a part of this, the school decided to give

something back by holding a disco on the last day of term and charging the children to attend.

All monies raised from the disco was split between Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids and Save the Children.

New mums trained to give breastfeeding peer support

Headteacher Gary German with New Bewerley pupils Children from New Bewerley Community School in Beeston attended Leeds Trinity University for a graduation ceremony last month.

The children graduated from Leeds Children’s University, having taken part in 30 hours plus of extra curricular learning, and have attended after school clubs such as knitting, chess, sports, drama and film club.

They have also attended Super Saturday activities with

staff Miss Cunningham, Mrs Goodman and Mrs Milligan; taking part in events at the Art College, and Trinity University (activities such as art workshops, graffiti art, Charleston dance and film workshops).

The Graduation ceremony involved the Leeds Child Lord Mayor, and other schools from Leeds.

The children were presented certificates from Headteacher of New Bewerley, Gary German.

Ruth Gorse students visit Parliament

A group of 30 year 7 and 8 pupils from the Ruth Gorse Academy in Hunslet had the opportunity to go to London to visit the Houses of Parliament.

During the day, they had a tour of the building, which was full of fascinating facts and history. They were also able to visit both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and watch debates taking place.

The students then took part in a debating workshop, and were lucky enough to be visited by the local MP for our school, Hilary Benn, and to have the opportunity to ask him questions.

All in all, it was a great day.

The enthusiasm, behaviour, and insightful questions from the students were exemplary.

Ruth Gorse students ask Hilary Benn MP questions during their visit to Parliament

Parents were also invited to attend.

Based at Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Children’s University aims to encourage children to take part in extra curricular learning at school, and out of school hours. It is aimed at 7-14 year olds.

Its ambition is to raise aspirations, boost achievement and foster a love of learning, so that young people can make the most of their abilities and interests.

Low Road pupils and Cath Storey presenting the cheque to Lisa Williams from Radio Aire

Last year, seven ladies attended training to become breastfeeding peer supporters, known as Bosom Buddies.

The training lasted 10 weeks and was organised through Health for All, assisted by Two Willows and New Bewerley Children’s Centres, and NHS maternity support.

They and other peer supporters are now helping mums at the following breastfeeding support

groups: Middleton Family Centre, 252 262 Sissons Road, LS10 4JG Tuesdays 10am-12pm; Cottingley Children’s Centre, Cottingley Dr, Leeds LS11 0JP Thursdays 10–11.30am New Lives Group Two Willows Early Years Centre, Cardinal Square, Leeds LS11 8HS Thursdays 1–2.30pm New Lives Group

Mothercare at Crown Point in the café Fridays 9.45–11.15am.

One mum said “I didn’t realise there was so much to know about breastfeeding. It will help me to continue breastfeeding my baby, and to pass my knowledge on to others”.

If anyone is interested in further courses please contact Cath Stone at Health For All on 07843 339574.

Touchstone offers new Park View children help load refugee aid parents the Best Start

by Hamza & Zainul

Children from Park View Primary help load aid for refugees

On Wednesday 25 January, four students from Year 6 in Park View Primary Academy helped refugees of Iraq by sending Clothes, Bed, sheets, shoes nappies and other items that will keep them warm.

The Vice Principal, Mrs Annable, took the four children to the Holy Spirit Church, Beeston Hill to load all of the items that the refugees urgently need into a lorry.

It was a great team effort as they all were put in a line and passed on the boxes and bags to the next person so that it could be loaded on the lorry.

Along with the other volunteers, the children managed to carry 550

boxes and 150 bags. The children have really worked hard today. At the end the hall the things were half gone!

Mrs Annable, Vice Principal at Park View said: “I am incredibly proud of how our pupils gave up their own time to support this charity.”

Ed Carlisle adds: For the third year running, and for the second time this winter, local people here in South Leeds have worked together to run a Samara's Aid appeal (formerly Leeds2Iraq), sending lorry-loads of donations to people in mountainous refugee camps in northern Iraq.

Last month saw the latest load go, and some of the pupils at Park View Primary Academy came to help out.

A new service to enable pregnant women together with parents and carers of babies aged 0-2 to support each other is being launched in South Leeds.

The three year project will develop a training programme to help ‘Peer Supporters’ – parents who can support other parents.

Working alongside parents and carers, the project will develop a course to get across key health and wellbeing messages and also enable new parents and carers to support each other, reducing isolation. From this it is hoped to recruit a host of volunteer Peer Supporters and pay some Peer Mentors to work with other parents and carers in the community.

The new project is being run by Beestonbased mental health charity Touchstone in partnership with Hunsletbased Women’s Health Matters and Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust’s Early Start Service.

Coordinating the service will be Karen Marshall, who has a background in mental

health and wellbeing, youth and community work, will be.

The Best Start peer support service will develop links and connect with the Health Visiting services, build on Women’s Health Matters excellence in supporting the most vulnerable women and on Touchstone’s growing volunteering and peer

Photo: Joe Shlabotnik via Creative Commons

support work.

The programme is funded by the NHS South and East CCG and commissioned by Leeds City Council’s Public Health. It will contribute to the achievement of the city’s Best Start strategy.

For more information contact Karen on (0113) 271 8277; or email: karenm@touchstonesu pport.org.uk.

South Leeds Life | February 2017

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8 School Life

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February 2017 | South Leeds Life

Children 9

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Cockburn learns how Graduation day for Radio Aire on mission Bosom buddies here to to tweet and post New Bewerley pupils to Low Road Primary help with breastfeeding

Cockburn School has launched itself into the world of social media in its latest drive to share all of the exciting and successful news and events that happen in and around the school community.

Readers can search for @cockburnschool to follow the school on Facebook and Twitter.

Cockburn recently worked with media company First Frame Productions to produce an amazing film that shows students at the school in their lessons and extra-curricular activities.

The film tells the story of the school through the eyes of the students who describe their school as 'Creative, competitive, family and excellent'.

Launched to students on the first day of term in January, the

film was used to launch the new Facebook and Twitter pages. In the first week the film had more than 35,000 views and the Facebook page had a reach of nearly 200,000 people! Go to @cockburnschool to watch it for yourself.

A lot of ex-students have commented on it saying how much things have changed and how they wish that they could come back to school! The film even uses the latest technology of drone footage which shows the school and local area from the air.

So far the school pages have been liked by ex-student and Leeds Rhinos up and coming player Jordan Baldwinson and Olympic medal winner Nile Wilson along with many other parents, carers and visitors to the school.

News has included sporting achievements, visiting artists, a Leeds Arena performance, award winning presentations as well as 'Shout Out To Macbeth', sung by English teacher Miss Hall to help Year 11 students revise Shakespeare quotes for their upcoming exams.

Headteacher David Gurney says: "It was time for Cockburn to join the world of social media as we know that this is the quickest and most effective way of sharing messages with our parents and carers.

“It also puts Cockburn on the map to a wider audience of future students and teachers.We are so proud of our students and the amazing things that they do day in day out and we can now share this with the local community and beyond."

Christmas 2016 at Low Road was very special as the school was lucky enough to be accepted as part of Radio Aire‘s Mission Christmas.

This meant that every single child in school was given a Christmas gift to take home

with them on the last day of school in December. The looks on their faces was lovely to see as they chose a special gift to take home.

Feeling extremely lucky to have been a part of this, the school decided to give

something back by holding a disco on the last day of term and charging the children to attend.

All monies raised from the disco was split between Radio Aire’s Cash for Kids and Save the Children.

New mums trained to give breastfeeding peer support

Headteacher Gary German with New Bewerley pupils Children from New Bewerley Community School in Beeston attended Leeds Trinity University for a graduation ceremony last month.

The children graduated from Leeds Children’s University, having taken part in 30 hours plus of extra curricular learning, and have attended after school clubs such as knitting, chess, sports, drama and film club.

They have also attended Super Saturday activities with

staff Miss Cunningham, Mrs Goodman and Mrs Milligan; taking part in events at the Art College, and Trinity University (activities such as art workshops, graffiti art, Charleston dance and film workshops).

The Graduation ceremony involved the Leeds Child Lord Mayor, and other schools from Leeds.

The children were presented certificates from Headteacher of New Bewerley, Gary German.

Ruth Gorse students visit Parliament

A group of 30 year 7 and 8 pupils from the Ruth Gorse Academy in Hunslet had the opportunity to go to London to visit the Houses of Parliament.

During the day, they had a tour of the building, which was full of fascinating facts and history. They were also able to visit both the House of Commons and the House of Lords and watch debates taking place.

The students then took part in a debating workshop, and were lucky enough to be visited by the local MP for our school, Hilary Benn, and to have the opportunity to ask him questions.

All in all, it was a great day.

The enthusiasm, behaviour, and insightful questions from the students were exemplary.

Ruth Gorse students ask Hilary Benn MP questions during their visit to Parliament

Parents were also invited to attend.

Based at Leeds Trinity University, Leeds Children’s University aims to encourage children to take part in extra curricular learning at school, and out of school hours. It is aimed at 7-14 year olds.

Its ambition is to raise aspirations, boost achievement and foster a love of learning, so that young people can make the most of their abilities and interests.

Low Road pupils and Cath Storey presenting the cheque to Lisa Williams from Radio Aire

Last year, seven ladies attended training to become breastfeeding peer supporters, known as Bosom Buddies.

The training lasted 10 weeks and was organised through Health for All, assisted by Two Willows and New Bewerley Children’s Centres, and NHS maternity support.

They and other peer supporters are now helping mums at the following breastfeeding support

groups: Middleton Family Centre, 252 262 Sissons Road, LS10 4JG Tuesdays 10am-12pm; Cottingley Children’s Centre, Cottingley Dr, Leeds LS11 0JP Thursdays 10–11.30am New Lives Group Two Willows Early Years Centre, Cardinal Square, Leeds LS11 8HS Thursdays 1–2.30pm New Lives Group

Mothercare at Crown Point in the café Fridays 9.45–11.15am.

One mum said “I didn’t realise there was so much to know about breastfeeding. It will help me to continue breastfeeding my baby, and to pass my knowledge on to others”.

If anyone is interested in further courses please contact Cath Stone at Health For All on 07843 339574.

Touchstone offers new Park View children help load refugee aid parents the Best Start

by Hamza & Zainul

Children from Park View Primary help load aid for refugees

On Wednesday 25 January, four students from Year 6 in Park View Primary Academy helped refugees of Iraq by sending Clothes, Bed, sheets, shoes nappies and other items that will keep them warm.

The Vice Principal, Mrs Annable, took the four children to the Holy Spirit Church, Beeston Hill to load all of the items that the refugees urgently need into a lorry.

It was a great team effort as they all were put in a line and passed on the boxes and bags to the next person so that it could be loaded on the lorry.

Along with the other volunteers, the children managed to carry 550

boxes and 150 bags. The children have really worked hard today. At the end the hall the things were half gone!

Mrs Annable, Vice Principal at Park View said: “I am incredibly proud of how our pupils gave up their own time to support this charity.”

Ed Carlisle adds: For the third year running, and for the second time this winter, local people here in South Leeds have worked together to run a Samara's Aid appeal (formerly Leeds2Iraq), sending lorry-loads of donations to people in mountainous refugee camps in northern Iraq.

Last month saw the latest load go, and some of the pupils at Park View Primary Academy came to help out.

A new service to enable pregnant women together with parents and carers of babies aged 0-2 to support each other is being launched in South Leeds.

The three year project will develop a training programme to help ‘Peer Supporters’ – parents who can support other parents.

Working alongside parents and carers, the project will develop a course to get across key health and wellbeing messages and also enable new parents and carers to support each other, reducing isolation. From this it is hoped to recruit a host of volunteer Peer Supporters and pay some Peer Mentors to work with other parents and carers in the community.

The new project is being run by Beestonbased mental health charity Touchstone in partnership with Hunsletbased Women’s Health Matters and Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust’s Early Start Service.

Coordinating the service will be Karen Marshall, who has a background in mental

health and wellbeing, youth and community work, will be.

The Best Start peer support service will develop links and connect with the Health Visiting services, build on Women’s Health Matters excellence in supporting the most vulnerable women and on Touchstone’s growing volunteering and peer

Photo: Joe Shlabotnik via Creative Commons

support work.

The programme is funded by the NHS South and East CCG and commissioned by Leeds City Council’s Public Health. It will contribute to the achievement of the city’s Best Start strategy.

For more information contact Karen on (0113) 271 8277; or email: karenm@touchstonesu pport.org.uk.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | February 2017

10 Opinion

In our view

High Speed Rail

High Speed Rail, HS2, is on its way to Leeds. It will bring problems, especially for people living near the line, but also opportunities. The new station will help reshape the South Bank area of Holbeck and Hunslet. It won’t be laid over the existing road layout. This is an opportunity to make the roads work for residents rather than commuters.

Litter

Litter is both a problem and a sympton. People who drop litter have no pride in their community.

So the Council’s Clean Leeds community initative must be a step in the right direction towards tackling the problem. We have to create buy-in so that people won’t want to drop litter, either through pride or shame. South Leeds Life will continue to promote activities that tackle the problem such as community clean ups, or the One Piece of Rubbish campaign.

Remembering Skye

The Middleton community acted magnificently supporting the Sutcliffe family through little Skye’s illness. There have been two great sponsored runs in her name and the third is coming up on Sunday 12 February.

Let’s do her proud again and raise important funds for the Candlelighters charity.

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Your letters and comments

Top Tweets

Enough is enough

I’ve lived in Hunslet for a large chunk of my life leaving for a while as I child as motorway link roads caused the demolition of home and roads running through vibrant communities. I lived in Leek Street Flats in the 80s which were a catastrophic build full of asbestos built in the 70s. My point concentrates on the fact that Hunslet has always been a pawn of the various planning Overlords in Leeds City Council.

South Leeds has a particular issue with an increase in primary age children somewhat connected to the strategic housing policies for South/East Leeds and this has led to a crisis in a lack of school places. This has led to a need to increase school numbers by 50%, this in a huge increase which has dramatic consequences for the local community and its environment. I did a car count on 5th Jan where 49 cars had arrived to pick children up from school this is fact not the 25 cars that the planning officials had calculated from a questionnaire.

So why should we as a local community be concern by this alarming increase in the potential of another 40+ cars on a small no access road that leads into 2 cul-desacs; • Access to Church Street is a nightmare between 8-9 and 3-4pm • Increase in pollution through car fumes • Traffic dangers for older people and pets (there is an extra care housing project on Belinda street) • Increase in chance of Dementia with more access to traffic fumes • On street parking unavailable to

Low Road Primary School residents • Emergency access-an ambulance could not get access at the above times • This is an access road which cannot cope with this much traffic so damaging the surface • Building work with exacerbate all of the above I am not a NIMBY and have no issue with the increase in numbers and have a simple solution which is to extend the access road into from low road into the school ground. This is the original access road into the school and will be much more convenient for parents and much less congested and safer for children.

There should be a public meeting on this matter not a trickle of people over an evening in an attempt to stop people listening to other residents’ views. The silence from local councillors is deafeningplease don’t wait for this to be bulldozed through before questioning.

Mary Spencer

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, Middleton, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Burmantofts, Richmond Hill and Osmondthorpe.

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

Praise panto

for

Aladdin

This is the second year running we've been to see St Andrew's Pantomime - it was fantastic again. A great afternoon was had by all. And great value too.

Sally King I went with my grandaughter yesterday afternoon. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. Brilliant performance and well done to all concerned.

Brenda Draper They always put on a fantastic panto. Well done.

Lorraine Letley

Communal Holbeck

bins

in

Communal bins have always made way more sense for houses that lack gardens. Having lots of individual bins makes the place look untidy, obstructs pavements and presents a fire risk.

We might even be able to have alternate weekly recycling collections (I was told that unlike

the rest of the city, participation rates were too low in this postcode, even though I and most of my neighbours diligently present our green bins for collection).

Even better would be a collection point every couple of streets or so for bulky waste (fridges, settees etc). I suspect it would have a huge effect on fly tipping, which is endemic in the part of Beeston Hill where I live.

Richard Edwards

New housing in Beeston

I wonder what they will call the new streets?

I think they should name them after the old Moorhouses mascot – Sonny Sunglow.

Sunglow Grove, Sunglow Lane etc..

Rich Bell It would be a good option to look at bungalows also, instead of packing them in like sardines. I know my mum said she would snap one up straight away. The location is ideal for the elderly as it’s close to everything.

Tracy Carr I know we need new houses, but how much more traffic can Old Lane take?

Dawn Linley

Lunchtime exercise

It's a shame that John Charles have cancelled the exercise class, but some good news is that Belle Isle Family Centre and Community Kitchen has a free lunch time Zumba class on Fridays 12.30-1.30 and even has a free crèche too( call 0113 277 4819 to book a crèche place in advance) so feel free to pop along.

Amy Clelland

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, 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: @BumpsandBabes Free active mums classes for pregnant and new mums Tuesdays 11.45 Tenants Hall Middleton đ&#x;˜€All Welcome

@WYP_LeedsInSth #Beeston - Drugs and Car Seized today You told us. Ward Officers had a look.

Located Maud Ave 3 males 1 car Occupants dealt with. @LCC_employment Come and learn #skills to work in retail, book a place on Get Ready for Retail running at the Point @whiteroseleeds #Leeds #support #skills @shine_leeds Great to meet with @gorse_ruth this afternoon.

What a lovely school. Looking forward to starting work there soon! #southleeds @MiddletonRailwa Don't forget that the Railway is closed for the annual winter maintenance until Saturday 25th March.

Unfortunately the whole site is closed

@Yorkshire_Rams BREAKING NEWS The Rams have agreed a deal to move to John Charles Centre for Sport full time @charlie29122012 Another tough episode on #corrie tonight support is always available at #CharliesAngelCentre @cockburnschool Great 3-0 win for the year 7 boys in their football match vs Bruntcliffe Academy. They showed resilience and pride.

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February 2017 | South Leeds Life

News 11

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Funding for the community Leeds City Council’s Housing Advisory Panels target money to community groups that can make a difference to Council tenants.

The panels are made up of local tenants and Councillors who know the area. You don’t have to be a tenant to apply, and the project doesn’t have to just benefit Council tenants. South Leeds Life was awarded a grant to produce the January and February editions of this newspaper.

Here we report on some of the other projects funded by the Inner South Housing Advisory Panel in the last year

Stairlift to sustainability Ministry of De Fence

Like many amateur sports clubs Leeds Corinthians RUFC struggle to remain financially viable.

They have a clubhouse at their base next to Middleton Leisure Centre, but with a first floor and a kitchen that had seen better days, it wasn’t the asset it might be.

A grant of £2,268 enabled the club to install a stair life and

with the help of Mears (the Council’s maintenance contractor) put in a new kitchen.

Committee member David Blong said: “Wheelchair users can now fully access our club and the new kitchen has allowed to host more events and gain more income from room hire.”

Corinthians’ new kitchen

The stairlift makes the clubhouse accessable

Tenants living in a Middleton cul-de-sac had their delapidated fences replaced thanks to a grant of £3,400.

Although Mears oversaw the work, the funding was stretched by involving the Health For All Young Dads project.

The Young Dads gave their labour voluntarily in returm for training and experience. The new skills together with a boost in self confidence will help them find employment.

Meanwhile the tenants benefited from the new fences. As one said: “The street looks so much better and there is no more litter in my garden.”

Replacing jumpers Holbeck with goalposts history

The St Luke’s Tenants and Residents Association received a grant to put up junior goalposts on a field behind Malvern Road.

A grant of £800 was suffieicent to keep the kids away from their X-Boxes.

Local tenant Terence Downing commented: “Fantastic! What a great boosts for the kids. They love ‘em.”

St Luke’s TARA covers the area around Malvern Road including the Normantons, Bismarcks,

Northcotes and surrounding streets.

The group meets on the third Thursday of alternate

months. Their next meeting is on Thursday 19 March at 6pm at St Luke’s Church.

FUNDING FOR YOUR PROJECT

When Holbeck Towers were knocked down to make way for new low rise housing two plaques were recovered from the buildings.

The plaques honoured two men who had played a big role in Holbeck’s housing history.The Rev Charles Jenkinson, the ‘Red Vicar of Holbeck’, was chair of the Council’s housing committee in the 1930s and 40s overseeing slum clearance programmes and the building of estates such as Belle Isle.

The second plaque comemorated Hugh Gaitskell MP who represented the area and was Leader of the Labour Party until his untimely death in 1963.

The men are also remebered in the names of local streets and a school. The plaques were supplemented with boards telling the wider history of the area.

HAP member and local resident Ian Pickup said “I’m thrilled we are keeping a link with the past through this project.”

Young Dads work with Mears staff

Fencing smartens the street

WANTED

Non-runners. MOT Failures. Damaged cars. Vans, 4x4s. All old vehicles wanted for parts. All scrap vehicles and metal wanted. Same day collection at your convenience.

All V5 sent to DVLA same day.

Fast friendly service.

07748 711189 Email: toms90@aol.com FREE UP YOUR DRIVE CALL, TEXT, EMAIL TODAY with your end of life vehicles

For information about how community groups can apply for funding from the HAP contact Peter Greenwood, Tenant & Community Involvement Officer on 07712 216417 or email: peter.greenwood@leeds.gov.uk or download an application form and guidance notes from: www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/HSG-Join-Area-Panels.aspx Historical plaques in Holbeck

WANTED

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South Leeds Life | February 2017

12 Local history

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Join South Leeds’ own ‘Time Team’

If you’ve been inspired by television programmes like Time Team, or Meet The Ancestors, you will be interested in the work of the South Leeds Archaeology (SLA) group.

Formed fourteen years ago the group of volunteers have worked a number of ‘digs’ in the area including a mining survey in Middleton Park and the discovery of the ‘Ice House’ attached to Middleton Lodge, which South Leeds Life reported on in 2013 Although there used to be several similar groups in Leeds, SLA is only remaining group in the city and they are looking for new members. The group meets monthly at their new base at Rothwell Community Hub (the old library) and is planning a programme of talks open to the public. The programme will include prominent regional professional

speakers together with talks from our own and other community volunteer archaeologists.

They will also be repeating their ‘Introduction to Community Based Archaeology’ – a series of five evening sessions during April and May and are about to take bookings for what should prove to be a popular course.

Members of SLA will also have opportunities to take part in various archaeological investigations both within SLA and with other regional volunteer groups.

For further information and to discuss the above please contact: Helena Jenks on 07981 024088 or helenaj_770@fsmail.net; Mike Turpin southleedsarchaeology@turpsoft.co.u k 07711 002102; or visit the SLA website at: southleedsarchaeology.wordpress.com for the latest information about SLA.

SLA discover the Ice House in Middleton Woods

Hunslet loco comes home

‘Picton’ in its new shelter at Middleton Railway Fifteen years after arriving back in Hunslet, ‘Picton’ finally has a proper home where it can be conserved.

It may not look much more than a heap of rusted metal just now, but this an important part of Hunslet’s industrial heritage.

‘Picton’ was built by Hunslet’s in 1927, and spent its working life in the Caribbean. Like many of the thousands of locomotives built in Hunslet, Picton was designed for industrial rather than passenger use.

In this case the exotic location was a sugar plantation in Trinidad. It was in service there until 1957 after which it was left to rot.

Former Chair of the Trust David

Holbeck from another angle

A new walking group, the Walking Around Research Group (WARG), has recently been awarded funding through the go:walking initiative to conduct some experimental walks in Holbeck.

The group aim to develop a unique route in time for the forthcoming international Jane's Walk Festival in May this year.

The group has been put together by Dr Simon Bradley and Anzir Boodoo to explore some of the less familiar aspects of neighbourhoods including soundscape, memoryscape and touchscape.

Walking plays a positive and creative role in how we shape our future communities, and WARG will be introducing innovative ways in which we can do this.

At all stages in this exciting

project, local groups and individuals will be invited to participate. So far, WARG has teamed up with Friends of Holbeck Cemetery and the creators of the Matthew Murray Trail.

The idea is to complement and extend current walking possibilities and work towards regular walking events in the vicinity. Following the Jane's Walk Festival, WARG is planning to conduct another Displacement Activities event for Leeds Light Night in the Autumn.

An introductory meeting will be held on Saturday 25 February from 2pm at Holbeck Working Mens Club, Jenkinson Lawn, Leeds LS11 9QX. All are welcome, and refreshments will be provided.

After an initial presentation, there will be an open discussion of the possible

directions the project should take.

WARG will be organising two follow-up meetings/walks on Friday 10 March and

Monckton spotted it and brought it back to Middleton Railway in 2002.

It is too wide to run on normal tracks so the Trust has laid a special section of track and have built a shed around the engine. Now under cover, work can commence to conserve the loco , starting with shot blasting the rust and waxing the metal to prevent further deterioration.

Middleton Railway Trust secured a grant from the Lottery Heritage Fund, which will pay for the building and restoration work. Before that could start the loco had to be moved within the site. That involved a 200 ton crane generously sponsored by Anscough Crane Hire and BAM Nuttall.

Sunday 19 March.

Contact WARG directly via email: warg@transcience.co.uk

The Matthew Murray monument

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Save St Mary’s clock!

Local group Save Our Beeston has offered its help to get the clock at St Mary’s church back in working order.

The church will be holding a sponsored walk on Sunday 12 March and the 5,000 strong Facebook group is calling on its members to back the event.

The walk will follow a route around the parish boundary, about 4 miles in total, starting and finishing at the Beeston Parish Centre on Town Street.

The walk will start at 11:30am.

The clock has not worked for a number of years and requires several thousand pounds worth of work to bring it back into full working order.

It was built by William Potts & Sons, the famous Leeds clockmaker and installed when the present building was erected in the 1870s.

As well as walkers and sponsors, the church is looking for volunteers to prepare a soup and sandwich lunch for the returning walkers.

Sponsor forms are available from the church and offers of help can be made to the vicar, Rev Lindsey Pearson on 07961 016052 or (0113) 272 3337; or by email to: revlcp@btinternet.com.

Irish memories The Leeds-based Irish Arts Foundation is launching a Reminiscence and Cultural Activities Men’s Group starting in mid-February.

Jim Mulhern from the Irish Arts Foundation said: “The positive contribution of the many Irishmen who arrived in the city from the west of Ireland between 1955 and 1980 has sometimes been overlooked or forgotten.

“Since the demise of the often lesser known informal Irish venues in the city, a significant number of the Irishmen living in these areas have had little opportunity to socialise or reconnect with activities such as traditional Irish music and song, a game of ‘fives and threes’ or meet up and recall fond memories of arriving in the city as young men.”

“The group will meet

fortnightly at The Reginald Centre on Chapeltown Road … on a direct bus route from South Leeds!

“The project has been funded

by Awards for All Big Lottery Fund and the People’s Health Trust Active Communities Fund.

“We would also like to thank Leeds City Council for their in kind support for the new project.”

For further information contact Irish Arts Foundation email info@irisharts.org.uk telephone 0113 278 7442.

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Arts 13

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Aladdin is a triumph St Andrew’s Pantomime Group

by Lindsey Pearson I’ve been meaning to see the St Andrew’s Pantomime since I moved to Beeston but I’ve always left it too late.

I’d heard it was good but my previous experience of amateur dramatics has been mixed. And I have memories of taking part in Cinderella when a vicar in Seacroft – we enjoyed doing it but I’m not sure about the audience…

So last Saturday night (21 January 2017) I walked down

February 2017 | South Leeds Life

to St Andrew’s not sure what I’d find. Bumping into a neighbour in the Co-op I told her where I was off to. Her eyes lit up – she’d been that afternoon and praised the performance: wonderful costumes, she added. Good start, I thought.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

The costumes were amazing, but they weren’t the only great thing about this excellent production. A cast of nearly 40, from tinies to significantly older actors, gave us a massively enjoyable evening.

The participation and

applause showed how much everyone, including the cast, was enjoying themselves, and the audience had an even greater age range. It’s good to see younger ones involved, and there is great potential for future leading actors.

There were too many good performances to mention them all, though I particularly enjoyed the delightful genie, and the policemen added to the laughter.

I commend the choreographer – the dancing was excellent. I’d like to thank the whole back stage team,

musicians, and front of house folk; a production like this is a huge team effort. Your hard work showed in the professionalism of the production.

If I was to be nitpicking I could mention that some voices were a little hard to hear, but this in no way took away from the enjoyment. The action was fast paced and visual which kept our interest, and the story was easy to follow.

So my verdict? When does booking open for next year – I’ll definitely want tickets!

Acting classes at GATE in Belle Isle

Belle Isle TMO is working with renowned theatre makers Red Ladder to deliver acting classes from the GATE centre in Belle Isle.

Running for 7 weeks from Tuesday 28 February the course is funded by the Inner South Community Committee.

The course will be delivered

by Red Ladder Artistic Director Rod Dixon who will share the Red Ladder approach to actor training, from character to relationships to ensemble. Participants can range from professional actors to total beginners.

Red Ladder are the company

behind recents productions of The Damned United at West Yorkshire Playhouse and Leeds Lads starring Leeds Rhinos’ own Jamie JonesBuchanan at the Carriageworks Theatre.

The free classes will take place in the evenings between 6pm and 8.30pm.

They are a great opportunity for people looking to hone their acting skills, or to try something new; and could be the first step towards being part of Red Ladders upcoming community productions.

To book onto the course contact James Major at the GATE on 0113 378 2190.

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South Leeds Life | Febuary 2017

14 What’s On

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

What’s On

Inner South Community Committee

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in February Every Monday Swimming 9:45am Holbeck Elderly Aid Happy Chinese Families Gp 9:30am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friendship Group 10am-12pm Belle Isle Family 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 Triathlon Training 4:15-5:45pm Middleton Park Bike Hub Kickboxing 6-9pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street This Girl Can Run 6.15pm Middleton Bike Hub, Ring Road, Middleton 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 Middle Tones Singing Group 7-9pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Every Tuesday Keep Fit for over 55’s 9:30am Trinity Network, Belle Isle, Nesfield church hall Tots, Tea and Toast 9:30-11:15am St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Breastfeeding Support 10am-12pm Middleton Family Centre, 252-262 Sissons Road General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm Brew Coffee Shop, Beeston Road 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 Active mums, bumps & babes 11:45am-12:45pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Lunch Club 12:15-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Rainbows, Brownies, Guides 4:30-9:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Skate Light 6-8pm Middleton Community Centre South Leeds Lakers running 7pm from Beeston Co-op Every Wednesday Parents and Toddlers 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, 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 Free Zumba 12-12:45pm Middleton Leisure

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

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

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Centre Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston 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 DAZL Dance class (6-12yrs) 4:45-5:45pm Watsonian Pavilion Cross Flatts Park, Beeston DAZL Dance class 5-6pm Cottingley Community Centre Basic Bike Maintenance Class 6-8pm Middleton Bike Hub, Ring Road, Middleton 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 Martial Arts 7-9pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square South Leeds Sisters running 7.15pm Improvers Middleton Park Bike Hub, Ring Road Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm St John & St Barnabus Church Hall, Belle Isle Camera Club 8pm upstairs at St George’s Centre, Middleton Every Thursday Charity Shop 9:30am-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 New Lives Group 10-11:30am Cottingley Children’s Centre 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 New Lives Group 1-2:30pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Sq 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 Bike Hub Women’s Rounders 7pm Middleton Leisure 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 9am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road South Leeds Life News Cafe 9-11am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Breastfeeding Support Group 9:45-11:15am Mothercare cafe, Crown Point Retail Park 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 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 Urban Dance 4pm Cockburn School 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 Kidz ‘n’ Co 10:30am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Every Sunday Cross Flatts junior parkrun 9am, top of Cross Flatts Park

Health workshop 5:30pm Wednesday 15 February John Charles Centre for Sport Light buffet available from 5pm Meet your councillors from Beeston & Holbeck, City & Hunslet and Middleton Park wards Wednesday 1 February Lego Club 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Library Thursday 2 February Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Sunday 5 February Joan, Babs and Shelagh Too 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Tuesday 7 February Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck Mostly Men! 10am-12pm Northcote Community Centre, Beeston Wednesday 8 February Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Code | Craft | Connect 3:30-4:30pm Middleton Library, St George’s Centre Friday 10 February Orgreave Truth & Justice 7pm The Spinning Wheel, Dewsbury Road Sunday 12 February Run For Skye 11am Middleton Park Sunday Lunch 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Tuesday 14 February Free Family Film Show 6pm The Holbeck Club, Jenkinson Lawn Wednesday 15 February Love Bug Boogie 1-2:30pm Belle Isle Family Centre, Belle Isle Road Inner South Community Committee 5:30pm John Charles Centre for Sport, Middleton Grove Thursday 16 February Comics Club!

3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library Bereavement Support Group 7-8:30pm St George’s Centre,

Middleton Saturday 18 February Leeds Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Police Cops 7:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 6771 Bath Road, Holbeck Sunday 19 Febuary Leeds Dads 2-4pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Getting Better Slowly 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Tuesday 21 February Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck Wednesday 22 February Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police HQ Code | Craft | Connect 3:30-4:30pm Middleton Library, St George’s Centre Saturday 25 February Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am Ingram Gardens Walking Around Research Group (WARG) 2pm The Holbeck Club, Jenkinson Lawn Sunday 26 February BITMO Lunch Club 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE Centre, Aberfield Gate, off Belle Isle Rd Maltings Lunch Club 1-3pm Maltings Court, Maltings Road, Beeston Safe House 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Wednesday 1 March Lego Club 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Library Thursday 2 March Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Saturday 4 March Irish Music & Song 2-5pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet

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 Ring/text: 07894 583966

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February 2017 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 15

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It’s Time for a Cuppa Time to join a Green Gym says Dementia UK

by Ken Ingram The cakes are baked and the kettle’s bubbling because it’s Time for a Cuppa at BITMOs GATE on Wednesday 1 March 1pm.

Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle, Leeds LS10.

Immediately after the (Dementia Friendly) Walk and Talk group, myself and Carla Yeomans are throwing a Time for a Cuppa tea party.

There are few things better than tea and cake with family and friends, old and new. We’re holding a Time for a Cuppa tea party so we can raise awareness and funds for Dementia UK, the only UK charity offering specialist one-to-one support and advice to people living with dementia and their families.

Admiral Nurses are specialists providing practical, clinical and emotional support directly to families living with dementia, so they don’t have to face it alone.

Everyone who knows me knows that I have Dementia and it’s getting worse. I’m in the lucky position that I have friends who are helping me with this, Carla at BITMO’s Gate.

Chris and Julie Holmes, from various volunteer groups. Peter Smith BEM and Amanda Binns.

There are too many to mention by name, but you know who you are.

Dr. Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK said: “We know that living with dementia can be a hard and lonely experience. Admiral Nurses work together with families to come up with the

Photo: Olivia Chan practical solutions they need to live more positively with dementia each and every day.

Time for a Cuppa tea parties

Things to do this half term

Hunslet Club As usual The Hunslet Club will be running an activity camp through half term week.

Lots of activities for girls and boys in Key Stage 1 and above.

Pre-booked places cost £8 per day. Call (0113) 271 6489.

Asha Neighbourhood Project Asha, in Beeston, has afternoon activities on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (1416 February) including arts and crafts and trips. Book early as there are limited places: 0113 270 4600.

John Charles Centre for Sport There are two half day tennis camps on Monday 13 February at the JCCS Tennis Centre. 10am-12pm for 4-7 year olds followed at 1-3pm for 8-15 year olds.

On Tuesday there is a Triathlon Camp for 8-16 year olds running from 9:30am to 1:30pm.

The JCCS Aquatics Centre will be running a Diving camp on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (14-16 February) 9:45am-3pm.

More details of all these activities are available via the Leeds City Council website at www.leeds.gov.uk.

Middleton Park Free children’s play sessions take place on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 February 13pm, organised by the Friends of Middleton Park.

Rock School UK Taking place over in Armley, Rock School is a week long course for girls and boys aged 9-16 years old. Any instrument, any ability. www.rockschool.uk.com for all booking info, or call 07539 670093.

DAZL, Belle Isle DAZL – Dance Action Zone Leeds – present their Active 4 Life Creative Camp. Running Monday to Friday (13-17 February) at the South Leeds Youth Hub in Belle Isle, this is for boys and girls aged 5-12 and will include sport, arts and crafts as well as dance. The cost is £5 per day or £20 for the week. Call (0113) 270 6903 ext 164 or 07519 018675; email community@dazl.org.uk The Tetley, Hunslet Family art workshops for families with children aged 511 years take place at The Tetley art gallery in Hunslet on Saturday 11 and Tuesday 14 February, 11am-3pm.

Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Tuesday 14 February is Bushcraft day at Skelton Grange. Shelter building, fire lighting, outdoor cooking and lots of fun for children aged 813 years old.The day runs from 10am-4pm and costs £30. For more information and booking click look online at www.tcv.org.uk/skeltongrange

Leeds Discovery Centre, Hunslet Find out about historical gadgets and then create your own at a family workshop on Wednesday 15 February from 10am-12pm. Booking required, email discovery.centre@leeds.gov.uk or call (0113) 378 2100 for more information.

Thwaite Mills Watermill, Stourton They are exploring Wonderfully Wild Weather at the Thwaite Mills Museum with free activities Tuesday to Friday (14-17 February). On Creative Tuesday, the museum is hosting a free Wind Chime workshop from 1-3pm. Then for Experimental Thursday you can explore whether wind is the best way to make electricity: 13pm.

help us raise the essential funds to create more Admiral Nurses and we’re very grateful to everyone who holds one.”

If you’re not a fan of lycra, but want to do something practical whilst you get fit why not join a Green Gym? There is a new site starting up in Beeston at the Old Lane Allotments.We have teamed up with The South Leeds Live At Home Scheme and have a full sized plot to work on each Tuesday.

The aim of the project is to set up and tend to the allotment to grow fruit and vegetables for the luncheon clubs they run and for the elderly to take home.

We need volunteers to help us do this - no specific skills are required just enthusiasm.

The existing Green Gym sessions funded by NHS

Leeds South & East CCG are now well established at Skelton Grange in Stourton and in Health for All‘s base at Cockburn High School in Beeston.

As gardening gathers pace into the spring there will be space for new members and also those wishing to share their skills supporting the Project Officer.

Contact Sharon Bottomley on 07767 133 137; or email: s.bottomley@tcv.org.uk to get involved.

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South Leeds Life | February 2017

16 Sport

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Hunslet Club Parkside earn South Leeds bragging rights

by Phil Goodfield On the same afternoon that Sutton United were creating their own history with the round ball in the FA Cup with victory against Leeds United, Hunslet Club Parkside of National Conference League Division 1 outfought their semi professional neighbours Hunslet RLFC in an entertaining game at a cold South Leeds Stadium on Sunday, with powerful performances from their big pack of forwards paving the way to a famous victory.

Hunslet Club Parkside – formerly Hunslet Old Boys – were never behind on the scoreboard in an entertaining game played in front of an enthusiastic crowd coming home winners by 19-18. The score if anything flattering the home side, playing in their third pre-season outing, who crossed in the final minute to close the gap to the one point.

Parkside opened the scoring with a well worked early try on 9 minutes. Following strong surges from their props, neat handling saw the ball move out wide for wing Danny Harrison to cross in the corner.

Harrison’s effort was brilliantly converted from the touch line

by Jamie Fields.

Half way through the first half Hunslet had a great opportunity to level the scores but the final pass went to ground. Both sides were making errors at crucial times but it was Parkside who lengthened their lead to 10-0 on 29 minutes when a pin point cross field kick was acrobatically caught by Craig McShane out wide on the right to score. There was no conversion this time.

On 35 minutes Hunslet RLFC finally made it onto the scoreboard when right wing Marcus Webb crossed out wide, Joe Sanderson adding the extras from the touchline for 10-6 which was how the scoring stayed to half time.

The second half opened much like the first with the amateurs from Hillidge Road extending their lead on 46 minutes when Jamie Fields’ powerful run took him over under the posts. Fields converted his own score to take Parkside into a 16-6 lead.

The next score went to Hunslet when Jimmy Watson went over just to the right of the posts following three penalties in quick succession.

Sanderson converted to close the gap to just four points at 16-12.

On 71 minutes Danny Harrison was sin-binned for dissent but this didn’t prevent Parkside extending their lead to 18-12 through a Danny Rowse penalty from the 20 metres out. This was soon followed by a drop goal on 78 minutes from the same player for 19-12 to secure the victory.

George Flanagan’s trade mark scoot over the line on 80 minutes, converted by Sanderson ensured an exciting finish to the game but was too

Photo: Paul Butterfield little too late for the home side.

This scribe’s man of the match was Jamie Fields. A tower of strength for the victors in attack and defense.

Hunslet RLFC: Watson, Webb, Norfolk, Mvududu, Alwari, Gibson, Sanderson, Reed, Flanagan, Coventry,

McKay, Wilson, Walton. Subs: Thomas, Broughton, Flynn, Carbutt, Blakeston,Whitehead.

Hunslet Club Parkside: McShane, Corney, Harris, Waite, Harrison, Hullock, Rowse, Foster, Murphy, Pettman, Murphy, Shulver, Fields. Subs: Stubley, Grant, Tomlinson, Healy, Biscomb,

Price. Referee: N Bennett Hunslet RLFC’s next match: Sunday 19 February, 3pm Newcastle Thunder (home) League 1 Cup

Follow Hunslet RLFC through the 2017 season with match reports every week at www.southleedslife.com

Run (or walk or hop) for Skye Club’s Coopa charity match

by Ben Fraser

On Sunday 12 February 2017 Running for Skye will return to Middleton Park for the third year in a row.

The fun run began in 2015 on Valentine’s Day in support of youngster Skye Sutcliffe after she suffered a shock diagnosis 10 months earlier at the age of just 20 weeks old. After initial fears of meningitis the young tot was found to have acute lymphoblastic and myeloid leukaemia; two rare forms of blood cancer.

Organised by Amelia, Skye’s Nana the 5k fun run was a positive reaction to a terrible situation. Family, friends, runners and non-runners alike are urged to hop, skip, walk or run around the 2 lap course.

Amelia commented:“Help us keep Skye’s memory alive and kicking whilst raising crucial funds for an amazing local charity – Candlelighters. Let’s make it bigger and better this year, bring along a friend or two, have some fun, while you hop Skip, Walk, or Run!” In the first two years the event has seen over 500 people complete the challenge, while raising over £5,500 for two cancer charities: Candlelighters, the Leeds based charity that supported the family, and Delete Blood Cancer. This year all proceeds from the event will go to

Candlelighters. again show their support for the family Chloe Marsh, Community Fundraiser at and Candlelighters Charity. Skye made us Candlelighters said: “Here at all feel humble through her bravery and Candlelighters we would like to say a her unforgettable smile. And her family are massive thank you to everyone involved creating a legacy by helping others at their with the Running for Skye event. In 2016 time of need.” alone over 120 children in Yorkshire were Come down to Middleton Park on the diagnosed with cancer, a diagnosis which morning of Sunday 12 February and run turns family life upside down. In 2017 we for Skye to keep the flame of her legacy want to continue supporting our families, burning bright. including those we have yet to meet. We Event info on Running for Skye 2017 can couldn’t do this without the support of be found here: runleeds.co.uk/runningevents like Running for Skye.” events/running-for-skye-2017/ Grab your £8 tickets online now: Last year the event included a balloon release and unveiling of a memorial bench runleeds.co.uk/runningforskye/ in memory of Skye Runners await the start of last year’s Run For Skye after the family fundraised £1,000 to make it possible after Skye sadly passed away on 1 December 2015.

Kim Groves, Middleton Park Ward councillor urges as many folk to take part: “I am delighted that Running for Skye is taking place again. I am sure the South Leeds community and beyond will once

The Hunslet Club has got behind a charity appeal for local girl Coopa Ellis-Adams whose parents are trying to raise £34,000 to fund an operation to allow her to walk unaided.

Coopa was born prematurely and suffers from Cerebral Palsy. It mainly affects her legs and she has to use a walking frame. She has been offered an operation at LGI, but unfortunately it is not funded by the NHS. The fundraising day, on Saturday 25 February will kick off at 2pm with a match between Hunslet Club Parkside, fresh from their

win against Hunslet RLFC, and Hunslet Old Boys Legends.

The Legends team will be made up mainly of the players from the original Open Age team of 1999 onwards.

During the game there will be bouncey castles for the kids, food and refreshments. A Super League Referee will be officiating the game.

After the game the fun will move indoors where there will be a presentation in the club followed by raffles, magicians, auctions, food and drink and a local live band: 0113.

Going into the night DJ Stan will keep everyone dancing until late.