South Leeds Life 31 July Aug17

Your FREE community newspaper Issue 31 | July-August 2017

In this issue:

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

Ice Pak decision and reaction

Privatised South Leeds charity loses Health Trainer contract to multinational corporation

by Jeremy Morton Health For All, the Middleton based charity that has worked with communities across South Leeds for 25 years to improve health and well being, has lost its contract to run the Health Trainers project.

The service was recently retendered as part of a wider ‘One You’ scheme. Health Trainers work one-to-one with patients referred through their GP to help them adopt healthier lifestyles. The project won an award from the Royal Society for Public Health in 2015.

The One You contract was awarded to Reed Momenta a partnership set up by the Reed Group, a London based company that operates around the world and is best known as a recruitment agency. Reed Partnerships describes itself as a “public service provider” and

actively bids for local authority contracts throughout the country.

Tania Carlisle a former team leader with the Health Trainers said: "It's a shame that the health trainer contract has gone to a faceless corporate from outside Leeds, taking money out of our city.

“We have no idea what service we will be getting in the future, if any.”

Arthington Medical Centre “The health trainers based at Health For All are an established and competent team and, even if some of them transfer across, much time, energy and knowledge will be wasted as this brand new outside organisation basically starts again from scratch."

Middleton Park Councillor Paul Truswell commented:

"I understand it's not process. possible to win every contract, South Leeds Life spoke to but as someone who helped to two local GP practices about set HFA up 25 years ago and as the situation. Liz Richardson a current Trustee, I'm obviously from the Church Street disappointed. As Councillors, Surgery in Hunslet said: we do not have any say in the “The health trainer service specification or award of these has been really well received contracts. by patients at our practice, "Despite this setback, I'm with many patients taking on pleased that the Council has board the need to improve recently awarded HFA the their health by making Better Together community health contract together with Hamara and Asha, and that it has extended HFA's contract to provide Family Health Services."Leeds City Council recently signed up to the Leeds Social Value Charter which encourages partners to “invest the Leeds pound in Leeds” and “recognise the added value that community led activity and organisations bring to the city.” It is not clear how these principles were reflected in the tendering Health For All’s Middleton base

improvements to their lifestyle, whether this is increasing their exercise levels, making changes to their diet or getting the support they need to stop smoking. The clinics are always full, and patient demand for the service is increasing, just at the time when we are informed the service will no longer continue in its present form.”

Continues on page 3

Photographers shine - page 8

page 2

A centre for all of Middleton

page 3

Countryside comes to town

page 8

Anyone for cricket?

page 16

NEWS

SCHOOLS

FEEDBACK

HISTORY ARTS

Bloom group’s 20th birthday - page 6 Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily

WHAT’S!ON SPORT!

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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.

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MP’s notebook

by Hilary Benn MP First of all, I would like to thank everyone who voted for me in the recent general election.

It is a great privilege to have been elected as your local Member of Parliament for the sixth time, and I will do my best to repay your trust and confidence.

And whether you voted for me for not, or didn’t vote at all, I am here to represent all of you, so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you think I can be of assistance.You can email me at: bennh@parliament.uk, ring my constituency office on (0113) 244 1097 or come to one of my regular advice surgeries - details available on my website at www.hilarybenn.org/get_help The Grenfell Tower fire was an awful tragedy that shocked us all.

Our first priority must be to ensure that all those affected are given the support they need - now and in the

years ahead. The second is for the Public Inquiry to find out what happened and why. And the third is to implement its recommendations so that nothing like this ever happens again.

Immediately after the fire, I contacted Leeds City Council to ask what checks were being undertaken on the safety of residential tower blocks in the city, including in South Leeds. Following investigations, the Council confirmed that our blocks do not have any Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) type cladding similar to that installed at Grenfell Tower. I’m told that the cladding systems installed across Leeds have used fire retardant materials and meet all building regulations for fire safety.The Council is, however, doing further checks.

Clearly, retrofitting sprinklers in all older blocks – which will require Government funding - will be a major question for the Inquiry.

Leeds is already installing sprinklers

in sheltered residential blocks; five of the eight blocks have now been completed, the sixth is in progress and two more are planned. The Council also, in partnership with West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, delivered a letter and a fire safety leaflet to all residents in high rise properties in Leeds, with meetings for residents to follow.

It’s really important that we take the action needed to keep people safe in their homes.

Lastly, there’s been a lot of comment locally about the Planning Inspector’s decision to overrule the Council's objections to the granting of planning permission for the Ice Pak development. Many of us - local residents, local councillors, me as your MP and the Council's Planning Committee – had rejected it on traffic grounds, and I am saddened that the Inspector decided to allow it to go ahead. His decision is final because that is the way the national planning system works. Once an

Hilary Benn MP Inspector has made a decision, there is no further right of appeal.

The Inspector did however attach a number of conditions and the task now is to make sure that these are fully observed while trying to build a relationship between residents and Aspiring Communities who have admitted that they did not handle the process well.

Let us hope we can do better in future.

Aspiring Communities get green light

by Jeremy Morton

The long running planning dispute over Aspiring Communities’ planned development of the former Ice Pak factory in Beeston is over. The Planning Inspector published his report on Monday 12 June, finding in favour of Aspiring Communities and granting them planning permission.

As South Leeds Life reported in May, a public planning inquiry was held on 28-30 March 2017 at Leeds Civic Hall. Following the hearings the independent, government-appointed inspector reviewed all the written and verbal evidence submitted throughout the planning application before reaching his decision.

Local residents have been reacting to the decision.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, the leader of Save Our Beeston, Sean Sturman said: “We’re very disappointed.

We’ve been fighting this for four years. The main worry is 3,000 people voted against it – local people, the three councillors voted against it, Hilary Benn our MP voted against it and now it takes one man who doesn’t live here, to decide

The former Ice Pak factory on Barkly Road, Beeston the fate of the people. we failed to communicate “It’s caused a lot of that clearly. We’re 100% division to be honest.When open to ideas. we found out yesterday “We acknowledge the there was a massive amount conflict that has previously of ill-feeling. It will probably arisen these past years, and split the community to be the legitimate concerns that honest. We’re going to see have been raised. We regret three years of huge our part in that, and have construction – some of the learnt a lot. houses are one yard away.

“The Aspiring It’s the safety of the kids – Communities vision and in there are three infant particular this community schools in the proximity.We project was and is all about are not happy. All the community cohesion, residents are not happy.” tolerance and respect, we Ash Mahmood, on behalf will continue to work in of Aspiring Communities partnership with the commented: community to break down “We are obviously happy any barriers and to have been granted unfortunate stereotypes. planning permission, but “We look forward to wish to go forward not opening a highly inclusive, alone, but in partnership open access facility, but this with a wide range of local is a two way process. We people and organisations. need and welcome the That was always our involvement feedback and intention, and we’re sorry engagement from all

sections of the community.”

The planning permission is subject to a range of conditions including a maximum occupancy level of 308 people; control the hours of operation; prevent the playing of amplified music or amplified calls to prayer; provide acoustic fencing along the rear boundary of the site; and to ensure that any contamination found at the site is adequately remediated.The submission, agreement and implementation of schemes relating to the following matters: noise insulation and/or attenuation; the method of recording the numbers of people within the building; a community use agreement to secure public access to the building; a car park management plan; and a construction

management plan to control the development during the construction period.”

In his report, which is available in full via the Council’s planning portal, the Inspector states: “Clearly, many residents have expressed opposition to the proposal but, in terms of local and national planning policy, there is no requirement that a facility would be required by all members of the community.

I am satisfied that the needs of the community have been considered … and the proposed community use agreement would ensure that the community and sports facilities are available to all.”

The decision of the planning inspector is binding on both parties, both in terms of the permission and the conditions attached.

MEETING Representatives from Aspiring Communities and their advisory panel will be speaking to Save Our Beeston on Monday 10 July at 7pm at Cross Flatts Recreatuion Club, Theodore Street.

All welcome

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News 3

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A hub for the whole Middleton community A refurbished Middleton Community Centre was reopened on Friday 16 June, providing a new base for Middleton Elderly Aid and space for youth and other activities.

Cllr Kim Groves spoke about the “difficult decisions” that had to be made two years ago when all community centres were reviewed by the Council. With little income being generated to meet the running costs Middleton Community Group who had been running the centre and had campaigned for it in the first place, were asked to leave.

Under the new arrangements Middleton Elderly Aid have taken a lease on half of the building and will run their activity programme, including lunch clubs, exercise classes and social activities in the building. A large activity room is available to hire for any groups in the area. Youth Services will be running activities here and linking it to the next door skatepark and playing field.

Dawn Austwick, Chief Officer at Middleton Elderly Aid said: “Older people in Middleton have got a place of their own at last.We’ve been in for two weeks and it’s already starting to buzz, with new members coming to join us.”

Cllr Kim Groves said:“This is an inter-generational hub for

the Middleton community. We want it to be busy, vibrant and to serve your needs. Tell us what you want to see happening here so we can organise it.”

Funding for the works came in part from a ‘Section 106’ payment from Sanctuary’s new housing on Thorpe Road; Asda

gave a grant to fund kitchen equipment and building firm Mears donated free labour.The balance of the cost was met by Leeds City Council.

To find out more about Middleton Elderly Aid go to www.middletonelderlyaid .org.uk or ring (0113) 272 1050.

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Children from Middleton Primary School help Councillor Kim Groves and partners cut the ribbon

Health Trainers privatised

Continued from page 1 “We are advised the replacement service will be a modified version, and won’t offer the same level of care and advice presently offered, I can only hope for the sake of my patient population that this is not the case. I sincerely hope that patients continue to be empowered to make changes to their health despite the changes that are afoot.”

Elizabeth Scott, Practice Manager at The Arthington Medical Centre, commented: “We are very disappointed that the Health Trainer service is no longer going to be operating from our surgery as our patients were just starting to get engaged with it and we were getting an increase in the number of patients wanting to make use of it. We think it's very important to have a service like this that runs from our surgery as many of our patients prefer familiar surroundings and like to get to know the person they are dealing with as this enables them to feel more comfortable and receptive to the advice

July-August 2017 | South Leeds Life

they are getting.

“We have no idea what service we will be getting in the future, if any, as there has been no communication from the people who have won the contract.”

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “Following the open, transparent procurement process required by law, the best tender to deliver the Leeds Integrated Healthy Living Service was submitted by Reed Momenta.

Organisations delivering work of this type in the city were able to bid for the work and their tenders were evaluated using strict criteria to ensure the best possible quality would be delivered with the new fully integrated lifestyle service.

“The new services are designed to meet individual needs relating to lifestyle rather than simply having to access different services. This way of working was designed in consultation with many stakeholders including service users, potential service users and providers of lifestyle

services.

“The details of how the service will be delivered when it becomes operational are currently being developed and Reed Momenta have made clear they are keen to maintain the skills and experience of employees currently delivering healthy living interventions in the city.

“We understand that people who have worked hard to deliver services until now may feel disappointed that their organisation was not chosen as a service provider.

“Reed Momenta have a wide range of experience delivering work of this type, including LivingWise, an adult weight management service in North Lincolnshire, and City LivingWise - an integrated health service support that enables residents and workers in the City of London to manage their weight, have an NHS Health Check and access physical activity on referral services. Reed Momenta also provides the integrated health contract One You Haringey.

Haringey residents are able to

access adult weight management, alcohol reduction, smoking cessation, NHS Health Checks and physical activity support services.

Their delivery of the Healthier You: the NHS Diabetes Presentation Programme covers Bath, Swindon & Wiltshire, Berkshire, Cumbria, Hertfordshire, Greater Manchester, London North East and South, Lancashire and South Cumbria and West Yorkshire.

“Leeds City Council continues to commission services from a wide range of local charities and other organisations. We actively encourage local organisations to tender for work, but we retain a responsibility to balance achieving the best possible quality services with appropriate value and factors such as local provision.”

South Leeds Life understands that from a team of 16, 8 staff will transfer to Reed Momenta and 8 will be made redundant.

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Election results

by Jeremy Morton & Lauren Evans

On a night of upsets in the general election there was no change in Leeds Central as Hilary Benn held his seat for Labour with an increased majority.

The Leeds Central consituency includes LS10 and LS11 as well as the city centre, Woodhouse, Richmond Hill and Osmanthorpe.

Although the turnout was down slightly on 2015 at 53.2%, a swing to Labour of 6% saw Hilary Benn increase his share of the vote from 55% to 70% and increase his majority to 23,698.

Nationally the votes of 18-25 year olds made a big difference and on the eve of polling we canvassed opinion from this group.

Bryony Fox, 18, Middleton, Student: “I believe that all people 18+, especially those in the 18-24 age bracket need to go out an vote. It needs to be run by someone who wants the best for the majority, not what’s best for the money. People need to vote for parties and policies and not people. Also, don’t complain about the results if you didn’t vote.”

Assistant: “What will be, will be. I believe whoever becomes in charge will have an impossible task.”

Marie Scholey, 18, Leeds, Student: “I think that it’s important that everyone votes, even if they feel they know nothing about politics.We want someone who genuinely cares about the country and its people, not someone who wants to ruin every good thing this country has.”

Amrita Johal, 18, Beeston, Student: “Quite a few people are voting Conservative as it benefits them now due to them being successful, having forgotten where

Tyler Savage,18, Beeston, Student: “If conservatives win, I’ll leave the country. I’m voting Labour because I think Theresa May is a threat to national security. Long live Corbyn.”

Dylan Little,19, Holbeck, Waiter: “I will be supporting Labour.

I feel we have a candidate who finally wants to support the young people in the UK and support them in their studies without drowning them in debt. Although, whether he can deliver on his pledges is questionable but he seems like the first person who is down to earth who could be Prime Minister.”

Oliver Siddle, 20, Hunslet, Retail

they’ve come from and what got them where they are now, not thinking about those less fortunate than them now and the future of young people/ their children therefore not voting Labour.”

Keesha Goodall, 19, Hunslet, Bar staff: “I think it’s incredible that an outstanding amount of young people registered to vote and I think it’s essential that all the people who register actually go out and vote on the 8th especially when it’s our future we’re voting on.”

Though these few opinions aren’t everyone’s, it’s clear who the majority of young people voted for in the election.

Surname Benn Carlisle Coetzee Davies Nash Palfreman

Increased majority: Hilary Benn MP

Description Forename Votes Elected Hilary James 33453ELECTED Labour Party Green Party 1189 Ed Christian Peoples Alliance 157 Alex The Conservative Party 9755 Gareth Mark Liberal Democrats 1063 Andy UK Independence Party 2056 Bill

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Safety improvements for Tempest Road Local residents in Beeston Hill have seen their persistence pay off, with the recent announcement of a new pedestrian crossing for Tempest Road.

The campaign for a crossing on this busy road has been rumbling on for several years, especially after primary school child Hamza Mahmood was knocked down there in November 2015 (although remarkably, walked away unscathed).

South Leeds Life understands that Councillors intervened to move a planned zebra crossing to a more appropriate site on Tempest Road in Beeston close to the Hamara Centre.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal told South Leeds life that he felt officers had got it wrong when they proposed the Hardy Street site.

“Speeding traffic on Tempest Road is a real problem. It is in a 20 mph zone, but the only signs are at the junctions with Dewsbury Road and Beeston Road. These are busy junctions and

Site for zebra: Tempest Road in Beeston many drivers don’t see the 20 mph this busy road.” sign.

“The junction with Maud Avenue is “I have got agreement for more 20 very busy for pedestrians. People are signs to be fitted to lampposts along going to the shops, the Hamara Tempest Road and for 20 mph Centre, Building Blocks nursery; Park roundels to be painted on the road View Primary school is just around the surface to remind drivers of the speed corner and it’s a main route to and limit. from Cross Flatts Park. Officers have “We know these measures won’t agreed to site the zebra crossing at stop those that are determined to this junction.” drive too fast, but they will help bring Work on the crossing is likely to be down the average speed of traffic on completed within 2-3 months.

Shining on the Three Peaks

On top of the world: Girls from The Shine Project reach the summit of Whernside only just recovered!). But kids. We wanted the girls commitment they showed

by Hannah Lewis we also had laughter, we work with to be able to to walk the 24 miles it perseverance, experience a totally takes.

At The Shine Project, we On Saturday 17 June encouragement, and real different culture to South five ambitious teenage team spirit. The girls did so Leeds, and are so excited to work with so many brilliant girls, along with staff from well and we hope they’re all see them take on such a young people, and these The Shine Project and as proud of themselves as huge challenge; being away four are an amazing from family, with limited Wi- example of some of the volunteers (and one we are.

As part of our work at Fi (which apparently is a girls living in our encouraging boyfriend), set off on what turned out The Shine Project, the four BIG deal!), strange bugs, and community. Girls of South to be a 14 hour walk up girls will be heading out to a totally different way of life. Leeds- we’re proud of you!

The girls are doing If you would like to give and down the Yorkshire 3 Zambia at the end of their holidays to amazingly well at taking on to our trip you can sponsor Peaks, all to raise money Summer for a volunteering trip to volunteer at The Vinjeru the challenge of fundraising, us here head to our School Trust, getting stuck in the middle of a busy term Facebook page for more Zambia in August.

The peaks were not the in with things like after of exams. The Yorkshire 3 info. And a massive thank only highs and lows; we had school clubs, and helping Peaks is no easy venture you to everyone who’s sick, tears, shouting, and teach craft and music and we are beyond given time and funds so far, with the we really are very grateful. protests (and my legs have lessons to the primary aged impressed

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News 5

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Queen honours Councillor

Cllr Judith Blake

July-August 2017 | South Leeds Life

Councillor Judith Blake, the first female leader of Leeds City Council and ward member for Belle Isle and Middleton has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours, in recognition of her years of service to local government.

Councillor Jane Dowson, Lord Mayor of Leeds, said: “Councillor Blake has represented the people and city

of Leeds at a local, national and international level for more than 20 years and this award is thoroughly deserved.

“During her time both as a councillor and council leader we have taken massive strides forward in the way we care for children and young people as well as seeing a huge boost in our city’s international profile and a string of major development projects which

have been nothing short of transformative for the city.

“Underpinning all of this has been Cllr Blake’s dedication to balancing the need for a strong, resilient economy with compassion for the many people who are so proud to call Leeds home.”

Cllr Blake will travel to London later this year to formally accept their awards from The Queen.

Beeston community wins the lottery Community groups in Beeston are celebrating the award of a million pounds to charity Health for All for the rebuild of their Beeston Village Community Centre on St Anthony’s Drive.

The grant is towards capital costs and some revenue costs. The new two storey centre will provide state of the art facilities for groups engaging and supporting over 800 local people. The Reaching Communities grant will enable transformation of the existing one storey building, a former library, into a brand new two storey high quality facility. The new Centre will provide flexible, welcoming shared space for people to access vital support, advice and information groups and services that combat social isolation, develop skills and improve health and wellbeing. Its primary aim will be to enable local people with shared needs and interests to run their own groups and strengthen community spirit in this multi cultural area.

The present somewhat delapidated Centre, which dates back to the 1970s, fell into disuse following the relocation of the library nearby and was earmarked for demolition. Local community groups Beeston Community Forum and Better Action For Families, supported by Health for All, called on their local councillors to allow retention of the building for its redevelopment into a much needed, thriving Community centre and secured their wholehearted backing.

Health for All agreed to support the groups by taking on the lease and raising funds to make the changes needed for an accessible multi purpose Centre open to all in the local community. Use of the Centre by local community groups has grown over the past eight years from two to over twelve. The weekly packed programme includes groups and wellbeing activities for carers, children and adults with learning disabilities, family and young parent groups, Bangladeshi young people, Polish families, Chinese elders, people new to the country. Over 400 people currently benefit from the centre each week but its deteriorating physical condition inspired

Artist’s impression of the new centre on St Anthony’s Drive, Beeston Health for All, again supported by the “The centre will generate all of its own community groups and local councillors, income, enabling it to host groups and to lead a four year journey to secure activities for all ages and abilities free or funding from the National Lottery to save very low cost, welcoming all nationalities. this much loved and well used Centre. An While providing modern, flexible extensive Community Consultation community space with first class facilities, involving hundreds of people shaped the it will run using an innovative model where bid and the plans for the new Centre. community groups themselves are in the The Centre’s Steering Group, drawing driving seat and feel ownership of the representatives from all user groups, are Centre – a genuinely community owned looking forward to running the centre, Centre.” with Health for All’s support, and doubling An exciting linked initiative, overseen the number of groups and people using it. and run initially from the Community The existing Centre is due for demolition Centre, is the development of a new Skills in summer 2017 with the new facility Hub at the rear of Cockburn School on opening in early Summer 2018.

Gypsy Lane. That project is also in the Councillor Angela Gabriel, elected process of redeveloping disused facilities, member for Beeson and Holbeck ward, in this case into a Skills Training Centre, said : “It’s with great delight that I welcome Construction Shed and Horticultural area the success of this new Community and community orchard. centre, to which we will be contributing Health for All is a registered charity £30,000 of our Section 106 money. Who working with grassroots community would have thought that when I and my groups, with strong developed links with colleagues listened to the local community the communities it serves. The charity has and were able to save the old library from a 25 year history of delivering successful being sold and demolished, it would result community development, family support in this new Community centre that and holistic health improvement services Beeston has always lacked! in inner-city Leeds with an unrivalled “Well done, Health for All and thank you knowledge of the area and the needs and Big Lottery!” priorities of its residents. Health for All Toshal Bhatia, Health for All Healthy believes in co-production, consultation and Communities manager said: “The groups meaningful community engagement. we support are so excited at the prospect Beeston Village Community Centre is a of this new Community Centre and are prime example of this ethos which really grateful to the Big Lottery and the underpins all of the charity’s activities, Councillors for supporting it. projects and services.

Green haven celebrates 25 years work

TCV’s Skelton Grange Environment Centre celebrated 25 years of environmental education and practical conservation by throwing a huge party for past and present volunteers during National Volunteers’ Week 2017.

Since 1992, staff and volunteers at the much loved centre in South Leeds have used the natural environment to offer a range of education, job skills and recreation opportunities for people of all ages. Skelton Grange receives over 6500 visitors a year, including young people joining environmental education and play activities, and adult trainees and volunteers leading education sessions and conservation and biodiversity projects.

The project aims to widen the experience & aspirations of volunteers, reduce social exclusion and build confidence.

Volunteers are able to develop skills for further training or employment, and partake in positive activities which promote lifelong learning and cohesive communities. Every year thousands of people of all ages engage with their local environment where they make a positive difference to their community.

To celebrate these

achievements and to mark 25 years of sitting happily in a very industrialised area of South Leeds the centre threw a huge party, inviting past volunteers and stakeholders to come and celebrate and reminisce days gone by. There were art workshops, theatrical performances, kids’ play areas, drumming workshops, delicious food and live music and dancing across the 10 acre site.

“It was incredible to see hundreds of past volunteers and friends at the party to hear from many who couldn't make it but sent us lovely messages.

It was a wonderful reminder too of everyone who has given us their time, energy and support over the years. It was a splendid event, and really did celebrate the inspiration and generosity of the hundreds of people who have made it such a special place, touching the lives of over quarter of a million others who have benefited from the project”. said Caroline Crossley, Operations Leader at Skelton Grange Environment Centre The party was made possible due to kind support and funding from the Friends of Skelton Grange, the Big Lotto Celebrate fund, National Grid and The Conservation Volunteers.

Party in the woods at Skelton Grange

Your advert here Advertise with South Leeds Life and reach 15,000 people in LS10 and LS11 Full page display ad: £300 This space 1/16 page just £50 Contact 07894 583966

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Bumps and Blooming babes in Middleton Park

by Lucy Potter

Bumps and Babes are thrilled to be running their ‘Bumps and Buggy Fit’ sessions for the third time at Middleton Park over the Summer.

Sharon Wilkinson and Shelley Madden, Specialist Midwives for Bumps and Babes and Directors of the not-forprofit Natal Health company, say: “We are so pleased to be working in partnership with Leeds Let’s Get Active once again to offer these FREE sessions for pregnant and new mothers with their babies” “We are passionate about keeping women active in pregnancy and following birth and appreciate the challenges and barriers to uptaking appropriate physical activity around this time” Bumps and Buggy sessions are more than just a walk in the park! Sharon and Shelley know the changes and challenges to women’s bodies surrounding childbirth and are champions for safe, effective exercise in the pre and postnatal period, and want to raise awareness of the enormous benefits to not only physical well-being but mental and social too.

They say they are not a buggy boot camp by any means. Their classes are friendly and fun, but offer a SAFE full-body workout which will strengthen core muscles in preparation for birth or recovering in the most safe and effective way after the birth of baby.

Included in the fabulous walk around the park, is the challenging hill (!) getting the heart, lungs and circulation working well. Stopping along the way to perform some mobilising and muscular strengthening exercises to music, then ending off with the

all-important stretches and well-earned fruit back at the finish. Ladies will often head into the park cafe afterwards to continue their chats and have lunch.

The fitness session also gives a chance for mums to socalise and make new friends by sharing experiences as they go around the park circuit together. Sharon and Shelley are fully trained professionals so there’s also opportunities to ask questions regarding any health or parenting issues.

Sarah Lines, mum to Leo, living in Leeds 10 says: “I am so glad I became aware of the Bumps & Babes classes, particularly the walks at Middleton Park. As a new mum last year I really wanted to get active again, but I was wary about rushing into it.

“Sharon and Shelley have got so much expertise in natal health, they quickly put my mind at ease and you can tell that they are passionate about encouraging everyone to exercise safely. Plus you can bring your baby along so there are no childcare worries.

“Middleton Park seems to be a hidden gem in South Leeds too, a lovely setting for such a worthwhile enterprise, which is why I still attend even though my baby is now a toddler!”

If you wish to join Shelley and Sharon for the FREE sessions, they meet at the Visitor’s Centre/Cafe at 11.30am Tuesdays throughout the summer until the end of September.

Gold medal winning community gardening group Beeston in Bloom celebrated its 20th birthday with a tea party in Cross Flatts Park on 21 June.

Members and partners past and present were joined by the Lord Mayor Cllr Jane Dowson in the Watsonian Pavilion to share memories and plan future projects.

Amongst those present were White Rose Shopping Centre, Groundwork, St Mary’s church, Lane End Primary School’s gardening group, Instaplanta and the Councils Parks and Countryside service.

Beeston in Bloom’s Chair Cllr Angela Gabriel recalled the inaugural meeting with just four people present including the Council and Groundwork.

She thanked everyone present who had all helped in various ways over the years.

“Without all of you we would have achieved nothing, it would have been just talk, so

Best chippy Photo: Frederik van Zyl Friday 2 June was National Fish & Chip Day, so we decided to run a poll to find out which chippy our readers rated the best in South Leeds.

The official poll was clearly won by Park Fisheries on Beeston Road, but quite a debate kicked off both on our Facebook page and on the Save Our Beeston Facebook group.

It seems we got it wrong by missing Nichols, on Dewsbury Road near the Tommy Wass, off our polling list. Fans of Nichols put their case forcefully. In all we counted 19 comments in favour of Nichols. However Park had already scored 41 votes so we’re sticking with our result.

The real point is that Beeston and South Leeds have a lot of excellent Fish & Chip shops.

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marvellous!

Lane End pupils Harry Johanssen, Vanessa Zarebska & Lucas Vinter help Lord Mayor Cllr Jane Dowson and Cllr Angela Gabriel celebrate Beeston in Bloom’s 20th birthday thank you.” She said.

Cllr Dowson was particularly pleased to see the Lane End pupils.

She commented: “As a city we have big ambitions to be the best city and to be City of Culture

2023. Gardening is part of our culture as a city and its important that our residents are engaged and are instilling a love of gardening in young people.Volunteers don’t always get the thanks they deserve, so

on behalf of the peoples of Beeston I’m saying thank you.”

Current members of the group presented Cllr Gabriel with a bouquet thanking her for 20 years of leadership and motivation.

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July-August 2017 | South Leeds Life

News 7

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Nourishing Bringing the sharing People economy to South Leeds A new community network been set up for has organisations working in South Leeds. The network brings together businesses, charities and services to share resources and skills for the benefit of South Leeds community.

South Leeds Shares, which has been established by a range of partners including Leeds Beckett University, Hamara, Health for All, Business in the Community, The Tetley and Leeds City Council, is an exchange network supported

by Timebanking UK. South Leeds Shares aims to promote greater levels of joint working between different sectors.

To prepare for the initiative’s official launch, an event will be held on Wednesday 5 July from 2-4pm at Old Cockburn Sports Hall on Primrose Lane, Beeston. The afternoon tea event will be a chance for representatives of organisations to find out more about South Leeds Shares and help shape its future.

The project is being funded through Leeds Fund: Strategic Grants in association with Asda Foundation. South Leeds Shares Timebanking model encourages members to exchange ‘skills’, ‘space’ and ‘stuff’, without exchanging money, enabling all members, whether they be third sector organisations or large companies, to collaborate equally

and contribute to the improved mental health and wellbeing of South Leeds.

For every hour, or equivalent time deposited into the Timebank, the contributor receives a time credit. Credits can then be used to buy support from other members of the bank when needed. For

what we have in more creative ways, recognising the value that anyone can bring “The event on Wednesday 5 July will bring together representatives from organisations across South Leeds to explore how we can make the most of what we’ve got for the benefit of the whole

South Leeds Shares: matching offers and requests example, a solicitor could provide legal advice to a charity and use the credits they have amassed for a staff development session on mental health delivered by another local charity.

Habib Khan, Manager at Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Beeston, explained: “The principle of a ‘mutually beneficial exchange’ means that third sector organisations who are cash-poor but asset-rich can engage in the network at an equal level to large commercial organisations. We have an abundance of wealth in our South Leeds community and we believe that we should be using

community. At Hamara, we look forward to hearing everyone’s ideas, working in partnership to support those in need in South Leeds and establishing a sustainable community-led resource.”

Please visit bit.ly/SouthLeedsShares to register a place on the free afternoon tea event.

Rachel Vernelle, Deputy Manager, Healthy Communities, at Health for All, said: “Health for All is fully supporting South Leeds Shares and the principles of partnership working that lie behind it. We believe that sharing

resources helps to build relationships and trust between organisations. We are excited at the prospect of organisations in South Leeds working together to make our resources go further and we are looking forward to this launch on Wednesday 5 July, which we are sure will be a fun and practical event.”

Malcolm Hall, Trustee of Special Needs and Parent Support Yorkshire (SNAPS) charity, added: “Since September 2015, I have had the privilege of working closely with community organisations and businesses based in South Leeds.

The importance of collaboration, cooperation and particularly connection, have been constant themes throughout my work and have proven to be the key foundation for improvement and change.

“South Leeds Shares is a mechanism to raise awareness of what is already going on within the South Leeds community, to bring organisations together who are already contributing great things and to build on those foundations using a mechanism that makes connections and collaboration much more practical. I am really pleased to be part of the project and am looking forward to witnessing some really progressive results.”

South Leeds Shares will be officially launched at the Beeston Festival on Saturday 15 July.

Centre offers sanctuary after crash

Cottingley Community Centre came to the rescue when residents were evacuated from their homes on the evening of Sunday 4 June.

The incident started at about 8pm when a white Corsa lost control, hitting a taxi before crashing into a house, 7 Fair View, off Cottingley Drive. The crash caused extensive damage to the entrance porch and ruptured a gas pipe. Police have confirmed that the car was stolen and that the driver fled the scene.

As a precaution nearby residents were evacuated and the emergency services asked staff to open the community

centre. Staff from Transco and National Grid attended the incident alongside Police, Fire and

Photo: Tanya Hammill Ambulance services. Some of hours.

40 properties had their gas The community centre and electricity stayed open until midnight disconnected for a number serving tea and biscuits

and giving people time to find alternative accommodation if they needed to.

Vikki Blake commented: “Some people say Cottingley Hall Estate does not have any community spirit. Well I think last night proved this wrong. People pulled together.The lovely people at the community centre kept it open till midnight to help people in need.

People gave other people lifts to relatives.

Community spirit is alive and strong in Cottingley.”

South Leeds Life understands that the tenant of the property is staying with family whilst Housing Leeds surveyors assess the damage caused.

by David Green A social enterprise based in South Leeds has taken a major step forward in giving experience and opportunities to people with learning disabilities who are seeking employment as the first batch of their healthy snack products have hit various outlets in Leeds.

Nourishing People is a new business and employment initiative launched by People Matters a few months ago. People Matters is a voluntary sector organisation based in Holbeck working with people with learning disabilities.

Nourishing People provides employment and business training and experience for people with learning disabilities as part of our project to produce high quality and healthy snacks for sale in the workplace and through retail outlets.

The snacks have been created by course

members and include: Banana Loaf, Spice and Rice, Superstars and Tropical Paradise. Each is a different combination of fruits, nuts or savoury products. They are ideal for a mid-morning snack, part of a packed lunch, or with an evening drink at a pub or bar.

The current selection of four recipes give both sweet and savoury options and the production, marketing and distribution of the snacks has given the trainees an experience of work in a number of different areas of business which will stand them and any future employer in good stead.

A number of major employers have offered to sell Nourishing People products in their offices through an honesty box system and we have also secured the support of some pubs and cafes. We are always looking for more outlets and for firms that would consider offering employment to our trainees.

South Leeds Life | July-August 2017

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www.southleedslife.com

8 School Life

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Country comes to Greenmount With many children in South Leeds not getting the chance to visit the countryside, Greenmount Primary have organised for farm animals to visit Beeston.

‘Farmer Dave’, David Schofield from Bowland Farm near Clitheroe brought hens, sheep, goats, ducks and alpaca.

Children throughout the school got a hands on

experience with the animals and learned about the role farming plays in their lives.

Headteacher Jenny Wilde said: “It’s really important we give the children experiences like this as many will not get the chance to visit the countryside with their families.”

The children enjoyed it eagerly volunteering to hold or feed the animals.

Operation Playground launched The Friends of Beeston Primary PTA have launched Operation Playground with new games markings at the school.

Claire Burgess explained that their ambition is to transform the outdoor space at Beeston Primary over the next three years. They will be launching a £30,000 fundraising drive in September, but were able to make a start before the holidays with generous support from DHL. The PTA discussed their plans with the School Council who took the ideas back to their classes for discussion. Eventually the children settled on two designs they ‘couldn’t live without’ - a Rounders pitch and a dance with

me motif.

These are supplemented with other designs including number grids, an adventure trail and a rocket hopscotch grid.

The designs were laid out and burned onto the playgrounds on Monday 26 June and members of the School Council were on hand to inspect the work and learn more about the process.

Asked what they thought of the improvements, one lad piped up in true Yorkshire style “Not bad.”

Chair of the PTA Zara Hussain commented: “It’s great this work has started now so that the children in Year 6, who have been so involved, see the work before they leave school next month.”

monthly Belle Isle TMO Walkabout on a very windy, but sunny June morning around the Windmill and East Granges areas of Belle Isle.

The Junior Green Team each had the task of recording environment issues such as litter, graffiti, dumping, dog fouling and overgrown areas.

The information they gather is handed over to Belle Isle TMO who deal with it accordingly. One of the most noticeable observations was how little litter there was, even dog fouling was scoring low!

There were some overgrown and untidy gardens, but there were loads of well kept gardens, which the Junior Green Team

Website: www.southleedslife.com

enjoyed pointing out. One thing the team were particularly keen to point out was graffiti, they really don’t like it, but luckily there was not a great deal of this to report on.

The Belle Isle TMO Walkabout was held with Responsive Repairs Manager Simon, and Housing Management Officer Martin, who was joined by Richard from Leeds City Council’s environments department.

They all said how delighted they were to be joined by the Junior Green Team; how much enthusiasm the children showed, and how obvious their passion is for being involved with environment issues in the area in which they live.

Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) manages the council housing in Belle Isle.

School Life 9

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Pupils’ work shines at New name and uniform as Cockburn takes over Academy Academy exhibition

GCSE Photography and Art students exhibited their work at The South leeds Academy on Thursday 22 June.

David Nugent

Using a range of techniques and styles including portraiture, collage, multiple exposure, models and high speed

Natalia Nowinska exposures, they captured some truly memorable images, reflecting life in South Leeds.

The exhibition was attended

Fatima Begum by parents, staff and governors and catered by students serving drinks and cuts from the barbecue.

Becca White, Zara Hussain and Claire Burgess with members of the Beeston Primary School Council

Green Team inspect the estate The Junior Green Team - Year 5 pupils from Windmill Primary School - hit the streets of Belle Isle on another BITMO Walkabout.

The Junior Green Team joined the

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July-August 2017 | South Leeds Life

As reported in May, discussions are progressing for The South Leeds Academy to move from the Delta Academies Trust to the Cockburn Multi Academy Trust.

The school will be known as the Cockburn John Charles Academy and adopt a similar uniform to Cockburn, with a crested navy jumper being given free to all families.

The formal decision by the Department of Education has been delayed by the election, but both parties expect the move to be agreed and plans are in place for the changes to take effect in time for the start of term in

September 2017.

Parents received a letter this week informing them of the changes. In it, outgoing Principal Graham Moffatt said: “Given Cockburn School’s track record of excellent results they have secured for young people in the local community, both Delta CEO, Mr Paul Tarn and Mr Gurney, CEO of Cockburn MAT believe that this is the right solution and will have a positive impact on your child’s education and future potential.

The model clearly works and we want all students in our community to benefit through these successful, tried and tested approaches.”

Governors at Beeston Primary School are formally consulting on plans to leave the South Leeds Learning Trust, which links a number local primary schools with Cockburn School.

In the consultation document, available on the school website, they say: “The aim of the Trust was to help children achieve more, providing the best education possible for all the children and young people in the communities served by the Trust by working together more effectively,as well as promoting community cohesion.

“For Beeston Primary School, being part of the Trust has not resulted in the achievement of all these aims therefore the Governing Body has, after lengthy discussions, considered what impact being a member of a Trust has had on the outcomes for children in our School and consider that these outcomes will improve by leaving the Trust.”

The document goes on to say that the advantages of leaving would be a clearer focus on the needs of pupils in the school, greater control of resources and better use of management time.

Paul Tarn of Delta with David Gurney of Cockburn MAT

Beeston Primary to leave trust?

Responding to the document, Dave Westwell, Chair of Governors of Cockburn School and Trustee of The Learning Trust South Leeds, said “I do not understand why Cockburn’s main feeder primary would want to break up a partnership that is focused on the pupils of our community and their education.The work of this partnership is essential in this ever-changing educational landscape.

“Currently, teachers from primary and secondary work together to share best practice, develop teaching and learning strategies and ensure that our

children make the very best progress across all years of their school life.

“Nearly all of Beeston Primary’s children come to Cockburn and we value our partnership with them as one of our main feeder primaries.

“I hope that the parents and carers of Beeston Primary see the benefits of our partnership for their children and urge their school to remain part of The Learning Trust South Leeds as part of the consultation process.”

The closing date for responses to the consultation is 4pm on Friday 7 July.

Charity show returns for Kyle Jack Cook

Natalia Nowinska with her work Fatoumata Diallo

Kai Cucuk

Art Department staff: left to right, Mrs Zoe Robinson, Miss Jessica Rape, Mrs Marie Caines

After a successful first show in February, that raised over £600 for the Kyle Asquith Foundation charity, the Extremely Comedy team came back for a second performance at Cockburn School.

The performers also worked with groups of Cockburn students in street dance and acrobatics workshops.

Led by funny man Nathan Black, the show is made up of Guinness World record holders, Sky TV Got to Dance and Britain's Got Talent finalists.The show mixes comedy with incredible unicycle skills, street dance, acrobatics and trials bike tricks. This groundbreaking show is warming up in south Leeds before performances in large venues in Skegness, Manchester and the West End of London later in the year. See their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ ExtremelyComedyShow for more information as well as some amazing video clips from the show.

The show was attended by Kyle Asquith's family. Tracy Asquith said "It was absolutely

amazing again. I cannot thank them enough for their support. I wish them good luck with their up and coming shows.

They all deserve to be stars!".

Angus Smith, Assistant Headteacher at Cockburn School said "It was a great show from a brilliant team of people. We are grateful to the The Extremely Comedy team returned performers for for a second show at Cockburn bringing their that supports the NHS Blood and energy to our school again.We look forward Transfusion Trust as well as other deserving to next time!" causes in the local South Leeds community.

These events and a Cockburn School non If anyone would like to raise or donate funds uniform day at the end of the summer term they can go to www.justgiving.com/kylewill likely total over £1500 to the charity asquith

South Leeds Life | July-August 2017

www.southleedslife.com

www.southleedslife.com

8 School Life

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Country comes to Greenmount With many children in South Leeds not getting the chance to visit the countryside, Greenmount Primary have organised for farm animals to visit Beeston.

‘Farmer Dave’, David Schofield from Bowland Farm near Clitheroe brought hens, sheep, goats, ducks and alpaca.

Children throughout the school got a hands on

experience with the animals and learned about the role farming plays in their lives.

Headteacher Jenny Wilde said: “It’s really important we give the children experiences like this as many will not get the chance to visit the countryside with their families.”

The children enjoyed it eagerly volunteering to hold or feed the animals.

Operation Playground launched The Friends of Beeston Primary PTA have launched Operation Playground with new games markings at the school.

Claire Burgess explained that their ambition is to transform the outdoor space at Beeston Primary over the next three years. They will be launching a £30,000 fundraising drive in September, but were able to make a start before the holidays with generous support from DHL. The PTA discussed their plans with the School Council who took the ideas back to their classes for discussion. Eventually the children settled on two designs they ‘couldn’t live without’ - a Rounders pitch and a dance with

me motif.

These are supplemented with other designs including number grids, an adventure trail and a rocket hopscotch grid.

The designs were laid out and burned onto the playgrounds on Monday 26 June and members of the School Council were on hand to inspect the work and learn more about the process.

Asked what they thought of the improvements, one lad piped up in true Yorkshire style “Not bad.”

Chair of the PTA Zara Hussain commented: “It’s great this work has started now so that the children in Year 6, who have been so involved, see the work before they leave school next month.”

monthly Belle Isle TMO Walkabout on a very windy, but sunny June morning around the Windmill and East Granges areas of Belle Isle.

The Junior Green Team each had the task of recording environment issues such as litter, graffiti, dumping, dog fouling and overgrown areas.

The information they gather is handed over to Belle Isle TMO who deal with it accordingly. One of the most noticeable observations was how little litter there was, even dog fouling was scoring low!

There were some overgrown and untidy gardens, but there were loads of well kept gardens, which the Junior Green Team

Website: www.southleedslife.com

enjoyed pointing out. One thing the team were particularly keen to point out was graffiti, they really don’t like it, but luckily there was not a great deal of this to report on.

The Belle Isle TMO Walkabout was held with Responsive Repairs Manager Simon, and Housing Management Officer Martin, who was joined by Richard from Leeds City Council’s environments department.

They all said how delighted they were to be joined by the Junior Green Team; how much enthusiasm the children showed, and how obvious their passion is for being involved with environment issues in the area in which they live.

Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO) manages the council housing in Belle Isle.

School Life 9

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Pupils’ work shines at New name and uniform as Cockburn takes over Academy Academy exhibition

GCSE Photography and Art students exhibited their work at The South leeds Academy on Thursday 22 June.

David Nugent

Using a range of techniques and styles including portraiture, collage, multiple exposure, models and high speed

Natalia Nowinska exposures, they captured some truly memorable images, reflecting life in South Leeds.

The exhibition was attended

Fatima Begum by parents, staff and governors and catered by students serving drinks and cuts from the barbecue.

Becca White, Zara Hussain and Claire Burgess with members of the Beeston Primary School Council

Green Team inspect the estate The Junior Green Team - Year 5 pupils from Windmill Primary School - hit the streets of Belle Isle on another BITMO Walkabout.

The Junior Green Team joined the

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

July-August 2017 | South Leeds Life

As reported in May, discussions are progressing for The South Leeds Academy to move from the Delta Academies Trust to the Cockburn Multi Academy Trust.

The school will be known as the Cockburn John Charles Academy and adopt a similar uniform to Cockburn, with a crested navy jumper being given free to all families.

The formal decision by the Department of Education has been delayed by the election, but both parties expect the move to be agreed and plans are in place for the changes to take effect in time for the start of term in

September 2017.

Parents received a letter this week informing them of the changes. In it, outgoing Principal Graham Moffatt said: “Given Cockburn School’s track record of excellent results they have secured for young people in the local community, both Delta CEO, Mr Paul Tarn and Mr Gurney, CEO of Cockburn MAT believe that this is the right solution and will have a positive impact on your child’s education and future potential.

The model clearly works and we want all students in our community to benefit through these successful, tried and tested approaches.”

Governors at Beeston Primary School are formally consulting on plans to leave the South Leeds Learning Trust, which links a number local primary schools with Cockburn School.

In the consultation document, available on the school website, they say: “The aim of the Trust was to help children achieve more, providing the best education possible for all the children and young people in the communities served by the Trust by working together more effectively,as well as promoting community cohesion.

“For Beeston Primary School, being part of the Trust has not resulted in the achievement of all these aims therefore the Governing Body has, after lengthy discussions, considered what impact being a member of a Trust has had on the outcomes for children in our School and consider that these outcomes will improve by leaving the Trust.”

The document goes on to say that the advantages of leaving would be a clearer focus on the needs of pupils in the school, greater control of resources and better use of management time.

Paul Tarn of Delta with David Gurney of Cockburn MAT

Beeston Primary to leave trust?

Responding to the document, Dave Westwell, Chair of Governors of Cockburn School and Trustee of The Learning Trust South Leeds, said “I do not understand why Cockburn’s main feeder primary would want to break up a partnership that is focused on the pupils of our community and their education.The work of this partnership is essential in this ever-changing educational landscape.

“Currently, teachers from primary and secondary work together to share best practice, develop teaching and learning strategies and ensure that our

children make the very best progress across all years of their school life.

“Nearly all of Beeston Primary’s children come to Cockburn and we value our partnership with them as one of our main feeder primaries.

“I hope that the parents and carers of Beeston Primary see the benefits of our partnership for their children and urge their school to remain part of The Learning Trust South Leeds as part of the consultation process.”

The closing date for responses to the consultation is 4pm on Friday 7 July.

Charity show returns for Kyle Jack Cook

Natalia Nowinska with her work Fatoumata Diallo

Kai Cucuk

Art Department staff: left to right, Mrs Zoe Robinson, Miss Jessica Rape, Mrs Marie Caines

After a successful first show in February, that raised over £600 for the Kyle Asquith Foundation charity, the Extremely Comedy team came back for a second performance at Cockburn School.

The performers also worked with groups of Cockburn students in street dance and acrobatics workshops.

Led by funny man Nathan Black, the show is made up of Guinness World record holders, Sky TV Got to Dance and Britain's Got Talent finalists.The show mixes comedy with incredible unicycle skills, street dance, acrobatics and trials bike tricks. This groundbreaking show is warming up in south Leeds before performances in large venues in Skegness, Manchester and the West End of London later in the year. See their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ ExtremelyComedyShow for more information as well as some amazing video clips from the show.

The show was attended by Kyle Asquith's family. Tracy Asquith said "It was absolutely

amazing again. I cannot thank them enough for their support. I wish them good luck with their up and coming shows.

They all deserve to be stars!".

Angus Smith, Assistant Headteacher at Cockburn School said "It was a great show from a brilliant team of people. We are grateful to the The Extremely Comedy team returned performers for for a second show at Cockburn bringing their that supports the NHS Blood and energy to our school again.We look forward Transfusion Trust as well as other deserving to next time!" causes in the local South Leeds community.

These events and a Cockburn School non If anyone would like to raise or donate funds uniform day at the end of the summer term they can go to www.justgiving.com/kylewill likely total over £1500 to the charity asquith

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | July-August 2017

10 Opinion

In our view

Tender charity

Charities and community groups are increasingly being pushed down the road of tendering for contracts rather than applying for grants to carry out vital work.

Those awarding the contracts must ensure that the playing field is genuinely level otherwise we will more cases like the Health For All Health Trainers and end up with no locally based and accountable services.

Let’s work together

The decision by the Planning Inspector to give Aspiring Communities permission for their community centre and prayer room has caused a great deal of upset in Beeston. But the decision has been made and both sides now need to try and see each other’s perspective for the good of the Beeston community. Aspiring Communities need to communicate their plans clearly and involve residents in planning activities at the centre.

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Your letters and comments

Top Tweets

Ice Pak planning decision

So after almost 3 years of meetings & appeals, a faceless out of town bureaucrat has decided that he knows what is best for the residents of Beeston Village.

Over 3000 LOCAL residents plus councillors & Hilary Benn our member of Parliament voiced their objections to the proposed development of the Ice Pak site.

Over this period of time, Aspiring Communities have been found to be somewhat economical with the truth over their plans. The inspector’s report states that a maximum of 330 people will be allowed on site at any given time. Aspiring Communities state that the development is for the whole community which if for example 50 non Islamic people want to use the gymnasium would 50 Muslims vacate the premises?

Aspiring Communities also state they want to integrate with the local residents which is highly unlikely as the majority of their faith will not be from Beeston Village.

Who is going to monitor the recommendations of the faceless inspector? I somehow can not see Aspiring Communities letting a neutral adjudicator have access to their data.

I could go on but the decision has been made and I just hope it is not going to be something that bites us on the backside in years to come.

Robert Ashworth

@AspireCBS Congratulations @PeopleMatterLds - winners of the #LeedsLDWeek Men's 5-a-side football tournament

The former Ice Pak factory: permission for community centre with prayer room I’m disgusted this has been given the go would benefit from a community facility ahead. with all welcome – who cares if many attenders are of a particular culture or Sharon faith. Not that anyone has said this here on I’m amazed at this decision given the this page. But that has featured during the amount of campaigning against the site arguments. I can’t help but say that all being developed in this manner. around our inner cities and suburbs Thankfully my family and I made the there’s all manner of buildings with car Leather on willow decision to move out of Beeston 2 months parks with stuff going on.We want stuff to In these stressful times can there ago.This did not come easily as I have lived go on don’t we? Personally I would have be anything more relaxing than in Beeston for a little over 40 years, my loved a massive dining hall serving all sorts watching a game of cricket. Our children have schooled in Beeston and I of food and employing lots of people. Or So now it has been approved when are am fiercely patriotic when it comes to my social housing. But they were not on offer. own Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club have a beautiful ground on Gypsy they going to give a statement as to what manor!

I would rather hope that it works out well happens next re this development? When Lane in Beeston. Surely there is However the way things have and for all. As long as no corruption of our will work start and finish? no better way to spend a sunny conitnue to develop in Beeston is not democracy has taken place then let’s live Answer the people of Beeston, stop something I wished to witness any longer. together eh. I only wish St Anthony’s summer afternoon? ignoring us.

Howzat!

Good luck to those who remain, Church would stay open more often as I Beeston will always be in my would often pop in to cross myself with heart!

Holy Water and say a prayer for all of us.

One Love xx Rob Smith Liz Kitching Beeston & Holbeck ward In my experience the addition Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old of a mosque to any community Rubbish collections Holbeck. The three councillors are: has been extremely positive. I I think it's about time the people David Congreve 0113 257 1679 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk work in Beeston everyday and I responsible for the bin collections in Leeds absolutely love how friendly and had a kick up the backside. We all put our Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk welcoming the whole community bins out on collection day and they're still Adam Ogilvie 07969 680 024 adam.ogilvie@leeds.gov.uk has been. I’m shocked by the there a week later. It has been reported negativity I’ve seen on this post, and nothing has happened. I have tried City & Hunslet ward mostly because my impression of contacting them by phone but they keep Includes the city centre, Holbeck Urban Village, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The Beeston over the last 2-3 years you in a queue that is supposed to take 10 three councillors are: has not reflected this hostility and mins (because they are very busy, from Patrick Davey 0113 267 1282 patrick.davey@leeds.gov.uk bad feeling. other residents that haven't had their bins I’m not sure if your objections emptied I assume). This is not Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk are based on reality, or fear.

Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk acceptable....Come on LCC, get your act I hope it works out for you. together.

Sally Disgruntled Resident, Middleton

Your Councillors and MP

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

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

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Here are some of our favourite recent tweets:

Whilst local residents have every right to question such a big decision by “bureaucrats” and quite right too, I do still wonder about opposition. Much of it was based on traffic and related matters. But there was a factory there before. The area surely

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

Keep up to date with planning issues in LS10 and LS11 We publish a weekly list of all new planning applications online at: www.southleedslife.com

@Clean_Leeds Middleton Team cleared remains of fly tip & bonfire Acre Mount #LS10. Work ongoing by #CleanLeeds. Big fine when we catch the fly tippers. @tomriordan All @HousingLeeds households in 116 high rise blocks now recd @WYFRS @LeedsCC_News fire safety leaflet. All cladding is fire retardant. @IngramRoad Thank you to everyone who bought buns & biscuits today at Breaktime and helped Year 6 to raise £97 towards their Prom ! @HousingLeeds Residents @ Northcote Cres say a huge THANKS to the Inner South #HAP & Parks & Countryside for transforming their Community Garden! #Leeds @mariemillward Hol Beck - the latest Leeds flood defence works are a new chapter in the abuse of a watecourse. @civicengineers Great piece of #streetart down by the canal featuring our #leeds home @TowerWorks #graffiti #art @LeedsSouthBank

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Local history 11

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Buildings at risk

A meeting of Leeds City Council’s Joint Plans Panel debated a report on 22 June on the state of heritage buildings at risk from neglect and decay in Leeds.

There are 97 buildings at risk, representing 4% of listed buildings across the city. Priority is being given to the “big five” including Stank Hall Barn, Hunslet Mill and Temple Works all in South Leeds.

As previously reported, survey work at Stank Hall, near the White Rose Centre, has revealed the Halls to be older than previously thought. Leeds City Council own the buildings and are preparing a prospectus to sell the site for a “sustainable new use.” No mention was made of the Friends group or their successful community garden project.

Earlier this year the Council confirmed that consent for work at Hunslet Mill on Goodman Street was still valid. The plans would see the complex developed

for housing, retail and leisure uses, but there has been no indication that work is likely to commence soon.

The report talks about a project team looking at a sustainable new use and commissioning valuation and condition reports. Works are currently underway on site to fulfill conditions of the planning permission.

Temple Works on Marshall

Hunslet Mill Street in Holbeck was due to be purchased and refurbished as part of Burberry’s plans to move their manufacturing operations to Holbeck.

This has been put on hold since the EU referendum and there has been no progress at Temple Works. The report mentions urgent works to the roof to prevent further water penetration.

Mick’s Belle Isle Hotel reunion

supporters and friends who frequented the pub. Two of the coaches included Peter Jarvis and Mick Shoebottom. The 1st and 2nd teams enjoyed much success.

“Many relationships were formed in the pub and I’m glad to say still exist with grown up children. The pub was definitely the hub of the Belle Isle community and surrounding areas.

“August 5 is my 65th The Belle Isle Hotel in 1956 or 1957 Photo: Leodis.net © D McGough birthday and ex-players Pat & Peter Banks are bringing Before it closed in 1988 the former player Mick Hyde has old Belle Isle Hotel was a hub organised a reunion night on their 65th birthday celebrations for the community boasting its Saturday 5 August at St Joseph’s forward a tad.”

The fun starts at 12 noon are Catholic Club on Whitfield Avenue own rugby team. will run through with a buffet and The building on Low Grange in Hunslet.

Crescent is now the Victoria Mick commented: “The event is disco by Dawn Silverwood.

Everyone is welcome.

House Residential Home, but to bring together past players,

Middleton Railway clock

The latest addition to the collection at Middleton Railway is a fine station clock.

The clock originally hung at Llandudno Junction in North Wales, but was made here in Leeds by Potts & Sons. The company installed over 1500 public clocks at locations across Britain.

The clock, with its orginal mechanism, has pride of place at the railway’s Engine House display hall. Entrance to the museum, on Moor Road in Hunslet, is free. The railway is open every weekend.

July-August 2017 | South Leeds Life

Potts clock at Middleton Railway Inset: the mechanism

Holbeck Viaduct The Holbeck viaduct volunteer team are this month releasing a report on their proposed project - and everyone's welcome to come find out more!

The viaduct - which runs from the city railway station, behind Temple Mill and the 'Urban Village', across Domestic Street, then across the A643 dual carriageway and Gelderd Road - is a Victorian engineering masterpiece, but has laid empty since 1987.

People have been talking about reopening it to the public ever since - and the past 4 years in particular have seen a new surge of interest, with a scheme led by local residents to create a footpath cycleway and ‘linear park’ gathering significant interest and profile.

Over the past year, a team of volunteers have together written and

Holbeck Viaduct Photo: James via Creative Commons compiled a rough Ed Carlisle, local resident 'feasibility' report - to suss and one of those leading out if and how they think the project, commented: their proposed scheme "This is slow work, could work. especially persuading the They will be releasing it big institutions that we're at an event on Friday 21 serious, and have a credible July, at Old Chapel Studios project. But this report is a on Czar Street in Holbeck. real milestone - giving us Doors will open from 6pm, valuable clues as to how we for a 7pm formal start. could pull it off.

Free, including snacks and “Huge thanks to all those drinks - but please prebook who've worked so willingly if possible. Search for and enthusiastically on this 'Holbeck Viaduct Project' report, and other aspects of on Facebook, or email the project. Join us on the 21st if you can, and perhaps holbeck.viaduct@gmail get involved!" .com.

Cross Flatts Park blighted by “rowdies” The history of Cross Flatts Park was brought vividly to life at the recent Leeds Parks: Past, Present & Future event.

The park’s roots lie in the nineteenth century social reform movement which campaigned for public parks to promote health and socialising amongst the working classes. By 1890 Leeds had 16 parks and was planning one for the south of the city. Sites at Brown Lane and Beggars Hill were considered but eventually a deal was struck to buy Cross Flatts from the Low Moor Iron and Coal Company.

Cross Flatts was seen as a park for Holbeck. At this point Beeston was a village and housing on Beeston Hill was only just starting to be built. Everyone assumed it would be called Holbeck Park, but Beestonites argued it should be Beeston Park. At the last minute a compromise was struck and it was named Cross Flatts Park.

Crowds joined the procession that marched up from Holbeck, led by Councillors and a brass band, for the grand opening. It is estimated there were 4-5,000 people in the park that day.

Over the coming decades the park,

which had been laid out with paths, flower beds and places to play, was further improved with a bandstand, shelter, tennis courts and conservatory, run by the head gardener, which was open to the public three afternoons a week.

Looking at the period up to the First World War, it has clear echoes of today’s

c.1916. Photo: Artemis Artforms social issues. Letters to the local paper in 1905 complained about young ‘rowdies’ in the park and ‘gangs of youths’ gathering by the bandstand. There were calls for park rangers and for the Police to intervene.

As a result the fencing was extended, but the Council argued that the public needed to be involved and take responsibility for managing behaviour in the park.

It seems there has never been a golden age when everyone behaved well at all times and the same debates about how to deal with the issues return again and again.

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South Leeds Life | July-August 2017

12 News

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Multi faith Big Celebrating volunteers Lunch marks start of Ramadan The Eden Project’s Big Lunch came to Beeston on Monday 29 May as the community celebrated the start of Ramadan eating dinner together on a big table.

People from all major faiths and religions including the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith and people of no faith attended this successful event which showed unity, peace and love in the community. The event was held at the Hamara Centre and began with a minute silence to pay respect and share the community’s grief with the victims of the Manchester attack.

comfort zones and make real friends from other communities if we really want to bring about a positive change in our community.”

Qari Asim MBE spoke about sharing the grief and pain with the families of Manchester victims. “We are all affected by such violent extremist acts regardless of our faiths.We can only respond by being united.”

Gohar Almass Khan from the South Leeds Community Alliance stressed that humanity is above any religion or race.

“Being loyal to our country should be a top

going to start working in America in the near future where she will share her experiences working with the Muslim Community of Leeds. “We worship the same God so why are we divided?” she added.

Muzdalfa Ahmed of the Youth Parliament and Deputy Chief Editor of a Pakistani Urdu daily Ijaz Fazal both spoke about their delight to see people from all faiths, races and age groups sitting together showing solidarity and unity.

People from many communities including Polish, Irish, Kurdish, Albanian, Iraqi, Pakistani

On Friday (2 June 2017) south Leeds charity St Luke’s CARES held a party to celebrate the work of the many volunteers that help run its activities and string of charity shops.

As busker Jonny Walker entertained us with his songs, South Leeds Life spoke to two of the volunteers on the TRY retail skills course. Hannah Wilson, who completed the course in December, said: “I really enjoyed getting an understanding of how a charity shop works. It really opened my eyes and I gained valuable retail experience.”

Hannah has now secured full time employment at a casino, but she hopes to find time to volunteer back with St Luke’s CARES. Maureen Anozie said she found the course very interesting and learnt about how to relate to people. Originally from Nigeria, Maureen lived in Italy for over ten years before coming to Britain six months ago. She has now got a job

Jackson turner and Hilary Benn MP with St Lukes’ volunteers “People ask me what happened at Symmingtons in Beeston.

Jackson Turner, Manager at St to the sense of community we Luke’s CARES commented: “As a used to have.” He said. “I tell them small charity we rely on our it never went away.As an MP I have volunteers to make our activities seen so much work that goes on happen. It’s great to honour and in the area.” thank them today – they make St St Luke’s CARES has recently Luke’s CARES a reality.” published a social impact report As it says behind the counter in which details everything from the the Dewsbury Road shop: “Your 10,826 hours their volunteers money spent here funds positive clocked up last year to the 158 activities for young people in the tonnes of furniture and clothing it local community.” diverted from going to landfill; to Hilary Benn MP spoke to thank the 988 mentoring hours and 22 St Luke’s CARES for all they do in trips out for girls through the the area and especially the Shine Project. volunteers.

Get Together shows we have more in common Amongst those present were team of young men and women are going to walk from Dewsbury to Scotland, covering over 440 miles in 21 days, in memory Member of Parliament Jo Cox on the occasion of the first anniversary of her murder.

Reverend Heston from All Hallows Church said: “There is so much in common amongst all of us here this evening, but we need to get out of our

priority, Muslims are an integral part of British society and need to play a more proactive role. Our common enemy wishes to divide us but commonsense, tolerance, love, peace and unity must and shall prevail. Unity in diversity is the strength of Leeds and I’m a proud citizen of Leeds and Beeston.” He said.

Rabbi Esther Huganholtz representing the Jewish community said she is

and Indian communities and local police officers also attended the event and declared it a great success and enjoyed the Pakistani cuisine.

Ramadan is the holy month in the Muslim calendar and involves day time fasting. Each day the fast is broken at sunset with the Iftar meal. This year Ramadan runs from 26 May to 24 June and has just concluded with the festival of Eid.

Hunslet Gala fun Cheerleaders perform at Hunslet Gala on 24 June Photo: Ken Ingram

The memory of murdered MP Jo Cox was kept alive by the hundreds of people who attended Great Get Together events across South Leeds.

Events took place in Cross Flatts Park, Belle Isle’s GATE centre, Hamara and Parkside Medical Centre as well a large event at the Dewsbury Road One Stop

Centre.

Tea and cakes were supplemented dancing, henna painting, flower pots and book decorating.

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July-August 2017 | South Leeds Life

Arts 13

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Nights at the theatre Edinburgh fringe comes to Holbeck Our South Leeds Goes to the Playhouse project has got off to a flying start with readers seeing three shows at the West Yorkshire Playhouse so far.

First up was The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck’s classic tale of ‘Okies’ forced to leave their farms and travel to California.

Although it’s a harrowing story, it shows that it’s often those with the least in society who are the most generous.

Reader Hazel Millichamp summed up the performance: “This was a fantastic production and incredibly thought provoking.”

Rifco’s play Miss Meena & The Masala Queens dealt with subject of Asian drag queens.

Posing questions about loyalty to family and to your own

identity, the play was ultimately uplifting with a clap along finale.

Ode To Leeds was a show put together based on the ‘poetry slams’ of the Leeds Young Writers group. Rachel Benn reviewed it for us summing it up in three words: “Powerful. Gritty. Local.” The play follows the struggles, emotions and determination of five young people sharing their

Barber Shop Chronicles Photo: Marc Brenner passion for poetry and the spoken word.

“Prepare for emotion, laughter and a fantastic evening, really recommend it!

5/5” she concluded.

The next show is called The Barber Shop Chronicles. It’s a

co-production that is transferring from a run at the National Theatre in London and comes highly recommended.

The intimate conversations that take place in the barber’s chair are celebrated in Inua Ellams' joyous new play Barber Shop Chronicles, inspired in part by a Chapeltown barber.

Following African men from London to Johannesburg, Harare, Kampala, Lagos and Accra, Barber Shop Chronicles addresses identity and masculinity inspired by real conversations with barbers in Africa and the UK. Once again we have two free tickets for readers to attend press night and help us write a review.The performance is on Wednesday 12 July at 7:45pm at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

If you would like to come with us please email: info@southleedslife.com and tell us why you would like to see the show.

Sample the delights of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival without having to leave Holbeck.

Slung Low, based under the viaduct on Bath Road in Hunslet are presenting shows three during July before they head for Edinburgh.

DERAILED Little Soldier are not a theatre company.

They’re a band. They only have one song. And nobody really knows what the words mean.

But they want to play it loud.

They also want to change the world. The only problem is they’re not musicians.

Welcome to the revolution.

It’s gonna get messy.

Little Soldier presents a preposterous theatrical attempt to change everything.

An incomprehensible punk rock protest album. A joyous autobiographical journey

through activism… and a mirror ball helmet. Sunday 2 July at 5pm.

EVERLONG Following his sell out HUB debut earlier this year, Edinburgh Best Newcomer Nominee and English Comedian Of The Year Brennan Reece returns with a “powerfully entertaining” show about the stars (in the sky), memories (in the mind) and his Nanna (in a home). Thursday 13 July, 7:30pm.

A SUPER HAPPY STORY (ABOUT FEELING SUPER SAD) Sally is a happy person. She

doesn’t let little things get her down, she almost never cries, and she’s always the life and soul of any party. But she’s also got an illness – one that makes her feel like she isn’t the person she wants to be…

But she doesn’t want anyone to know about it.

Written by Jon Brittain with music by Matthew Floyd Jones and mixing elements of storytelling, live music and sketch comedy, it’s a fun, silly and sad show for anyone who has a brain that hasn’t always been on their side. Sunday 30 July, 6:30pm.

Performances are “Pay What You Decide” –you decide what the right ticket price is and how much to pay after you have seen the performance.

All monies are then given directly to the performing company.

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South Leeds Life | July-August 2017

14 What’s On

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What’s On

Publicise your event with South Leeds Life

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in July & August Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays.

Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events Every Monday Women & Girls’ Drop In 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project 43 Stratford Street, Beeston 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 Crafts 10am-12pm Middleton Community Centre Salsa-cise 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston.

Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm Middleton Community Centre Men’s games group 1-3pm Belle Isle WMC Dance 2-3pm Middleton Community Centre 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 Adult Jazz & Tap Dance

7-8pm Cottingley Community Centre Zumba 7-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston 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 Heart to Heart Breakfast 9:30am Asha Neighbourhood Project, 43 Stratford Street Coffee Morning 9:30am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, 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, 287 Beeston Road Community Coffee Morning 10-11:30am Beeston Library Singing Group 10:30-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Knit & Natter 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Bumps & Buggy Fit 11:30am-12:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town St Gentle Exercise 11.30am-12:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Lunch Club 12pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Lunch Club 12:15-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm Middleton Community Centre Social Afternoon

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

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1:30-3pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Line Dancing 2-3:30pm Middleton Community Centre 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 Get Fit Where You Sit 9:15-10:15 Lane End Primary School, Beeston Road City Tots 9:30-11am City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road 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 Sq 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 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 City Kids (R-Y6) 6-7:15pm City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road 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 Zumba 7-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston 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 Ping Pong / Model Making 10-11:30am Middleton Community Centre 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 12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm Middleton Community Centre 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 1:15-3:15pm Cockburn Skills Hub, Gipsy Lane Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Craft Group 1:30-3:30pm Cleveleys Court, Holbeck Mashed up fitness session aerobic dance 1:45-2:45pm Beeston Village Community Centre Vale Circles Autism Hub 2-7pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Intermediates

Send full details of your event to: info@southleedslife.com or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW Ring/text: 07894 583966 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 Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm Middleton Community Centre Krok Po Kroku (Polish Gp) 12:30-2:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Ballroom Dancing 1-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Games Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Rhymetime 2pm Beeston Library, Town St Urban Dance 4pm Cockburn School Holbeck Skate Park 5-6:30pm Holbeck Moor Girls Football 6-7pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square 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 Middleton Railway 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet Kidz ‘n’ Co 10:30am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Every Sunday Cross Flatts junior parkrun 9am, top of Cross Flatts Park Middleton Railway 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet Saturday 1 July Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Meth Church, Old Lane, Beeston Billy Shakes Wonder Boy 10:30-11:30am Hunslet Library Belle Isle Gala 11am-2pm Windmill Primary School, Windmill Road Holbeck Gala 12-4pm Holbeck Moor Cardinal Court Summer Fair 1-3pm Cardinal Walk, Beeston Sunday 2 July East Steel band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Mestisa band 2:30-4:30pm Watsonia Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Derailed 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 3 July Digital Drop In 10am-12pm Hunslet Library Tuesday 4 July Mostly Men! 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Oddsocks: Romeo & Juliet 7pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 5 July Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Pot-a-Tea Dementia Café 1:30-3:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Lego Club 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Library Thursday 6 July Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Saturday 8 July Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace

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Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 9 July Sunday Lunch 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck West Yorkshire Brass Band 2:30-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Dr Reelgood Ceilidh Band 2:30-4:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Tuesday 11 July Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck Cottingley Hall TRAC 1-2:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Food For Thought 2-3:30pm City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road, Holbeck Thursday 13 July Brennan Reece 7:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Saturday 15 July Ramblers group Meet 9am St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Beeston Festival 12-5pm Cross Flatts Park Sunday 16 July Walk: Trams, Trains and Coal Waggons 1:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Leeds Dads 2-4pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Tuesday 18 July The Writers Club 1-2:30pm, Beeston Library Thursday 20 July Halifax Digital Drop In 10am-12pm Hunslet Library Comics Club!

3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Bereavement Support Group 7-8:30pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Friday 21 July Holbeck Viaduct Group 7pm Old Chapel studios, Czar Street, Holbeck Saturday 22 July Stank Hall Barn Open Day 12-4pm off Dewsbury Road Hunslet Club Summer Gala 12-5pm Hillidge Road Summer Fair 1-4pm Copper Hill Care Home, Church Street, Hunslet Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Summer Fair 2-4pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace Sunday 23 July Rock & Folk Music Festival 12-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 25 July Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck

Wednesday 26 July Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police HQ Thursday 27 July Hunslet Remembered 10am-12pm Hunslet Library The Memory Store 1-5:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Saturday 29 July Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am Ingram Gardens Sunday 30 July 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 The Friendly Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street A Super Happy Story 6:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Tuesday 1 August Mostly Men! 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Wednesday 2 August Middleton Railway 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Breeze on Tour 12-5pm Cross Flatts Park Pot-a-Tea Dementia Café 1:30-3:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Lego Club 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Library Thursday 3 August Breeze on Tour 12-5pm Cross Flatts Park Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Saturday 5 August Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Meth Church, Old Lane, Beeston Tetley Weekender 10am-8pm The Tetley Gallery, Hunslet Road Charity Fun Day 12pm-late Peggy Tub Club, Woodhouse Hill Road, Hunslet Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Belle Isle Hotel Reunion 12pm-late St Joseph’s Catholic Club, Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet Sunday 6 August Tetley Weekender 10am-8pm The Tetley Gallery, Hunslet Road Birds of Prey Experience 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 8 August Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck Food For Thought 2-3:30pm City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road, Holbeck Wednesday 9 August Middleton Railway 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet

July-August 2017 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 15 Sunday 13 August Stank Hall Barn Open Day 12-4pm off Dewsbury Road Sunday Lunch 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Shepley Band 2:30-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Scarecrow Workshop 3-5pm Sandon Mount Allotments, Hunslet Carr Tuesday 15 August The Writers Club 1-2:30pm, Beeston Library Wednesday 16 August Middleton Railway 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet Thursday 17 August Comics Club!

3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library Bereavement Support Group 7-8:30pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Saturday 19 August Ramblers group Meet 9am St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 20 August Fun Dog Show 1-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 22 August Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck Wednesday 23 August Middleton Railway 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet Thursday 24 August Family Fun Day 11am-3pm Grove Road recreation ground, Hunslet Saturday 26 August Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am Ingram Gardens Sunday 27 August 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 Walk The Park Boundary 1:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Monday 28 August Middleton Railway 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet Wednesday 30 August Middleton Railway 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police HQ Thursday 31 August Hunslet Remembered 10am-12pm Hunslet Library Saturday 2 September Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Meth Church, Old Lane, Beeston Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 3 September Altofts & Normanton Band 2:30-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street

Festival fiesta

Beeston Festival parade 2016 On Saturday 15 July community groups.The parade between 12 PM and 5 PM in will be based around rainbow Cross Flatts Park, Beeston colours, with people from all participating, Festival will be celebrating backgrounds everything that is good in including the very young and the vibrant, diverse the very old!

The Festival continues its community of Beeston.

Now in its 23rd year, the strong tradition of providing Festival will host two musical strong musical entertainment stages; a carnival parade; food for Festivalgoers. Partnering from around the world and a with the Leeds Music Trust, the bazaar of local organisations main stage will welcome Los and sellers; as well as providing Camaradas; Shooting Breaks; sports, games and activities for Pink Peg Slax, with ska and children and young people and reggae band, Natural Rhythm a fairground. headlining. Jas Chattha and The Festival will celebrate dancers will be performing this heritage through running a Bollywood and Bhangra dances carnival parade in the park on throughout the afternoon, the theme of “Unity in being joined at different points Diversity” with around 200 by local people who have been people expected to take part. attending dance workshops in Carnival workshops have the months leading up to the been held in the run-up to the Festival. Also this year, an Festival in local primary and “Emerge” stage will be home secondary schools and with to local, young emerging bands

including the Ormstons, Edgar Duke, Jabbawoki and Sounds like a Storm.

Chair of the organising committee, Cllr Angela Gabriel said that this year the Festival was trying to find ways of enabling people to get involved more: “We want the people of Beeston to feel that this is their Festival as much as possible.That is reflected in the activities we are putting on such as the den making and the pub tug of war amongst other things. We hope that the Festival will give local people something to be proud of!”

This year the Festival has been generously supported by Councillors on the Inner South Community Committee; Big Lottery Fund, Leeds Inspired; White Rose Office Park; Depuy Synthes, Leeds Federated and LHA Car and Commercial Limited.

Saturday 1 July 11am-3pm Belle Isle Gala Windmill Primary 12-4pm Holbeck Gala Holbeck Moor Saturday 15 July 12-5pm Beeston Festival Cross Flatts Park Saturday 22 July 12-5pm Hunslet Club Gala

Events in brief

Scarecrow Workshops Hunslet Carr Residents Association are hosting scarecrow-building workshops for families, at the Sandon Mount allotments off Woodhouse Hill LS10, 2pm4pm on Saturday 5 August and 3pm-5pm on Sunday 13 August.

Free, all welcome - but all children need to be accompanied.

Steampunk Railway “Steampunk Rolling Stock Out” at Middleton Railway on 1 and 2 July featuring clothing stalls, authors, artists, birds of prey, coffe jousting, hot and cold food. Plus ride the footplate with the Driver-forA-Fiver offer. Moor Road, Hunslet.

Classic Buses Middleton Railway will also be participating in the fourth Leeds Classic Bus Runday. It will see vintage Leeds City Transport buses running on

two different routes through the city, and linking up local museums. Sunday 20 August.

Community Camp Once more families will be camping out overnight in Middleton Park.The date is yet to be confirmed, but will probably be a Saturday night in August. If you would like to be involved please email edcleeds@gmail.com.

Darts Rowland Road Social Club are hosting an open darts competition on Saturday 1 July.

Registration from 11am, £6.

Coffee Morning & Fair Hunslet Methodist Church are hosting a charity coffee morning on Saturday 8 July 10am-12pm and a summer fair on Saturday 22 July 2-4pm.The church is on Telford Terrace, off Balm Road.

Breeze On Tour The ever popular Breeze festival comes to Cross Flatts Park in Beeston for two days Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 August. There will be a variety of games, sports, music, inflateables. Entry is free with your Breeze Card, 12-5pm.

Rock & Folk Festival Catch the best local bands as Friends of Middleton Park team up with Leeds Music Trust to put on the annual music festival from the bandstand in Middleton Park.

12-4pm on Sunday 23 July

Children’s Fun Day Hunslet Tenants & Residents Group are hosting a family fun day on Thursday 24 August, 113pm on the recreation ground at Grove Road and Church Street in Hunslet.

Fun Dog Show Find the waggiest tails and the best doggie smiles, help an animal charity, do an agility course, get tips on looking after your dog. Sunday 20 August, 1-4pm Middleton Park.

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Club’s flexible volunteer Ellie

Ellie Taylor has qualified as a Level 2 Gymnastic coach thanks to support from The Hunslet Club.

Ellie, who is taking her A levels has been volunteering at the club since September.

Already a Level 1 coach, they decided to fund her training to reach Level 2. Ellie teaches at a number of sports centres but says the Hunslet Club is special.

“I love it at the club. It’s so fun and enjoyable, everyone’s so friendly. I was amazed to see guys coming out of boxing training and stopping to watch the gymnastics and ask how it was going.”

“I’m very grateful to the Hunslet Club” she went on “I couldn’t have afforded the training whilst studying for my A Levels.”

Ellie hopes to get a place at Leeds Beckett University in September to study PE, but plans to carry on volunteering at the club.

Dennis Robbins, Chief Executive at The Hunslet Club commented: “We rely on volunteer coaches like Ellie across all sports and we are happy to invest in their training.

“It’s a win-win situation: they gain qualifications and we get more skilled coaching.”

Hunslet’s poor June

by Ian Pickles and Jeremy Morton Gary Thornton has had a tough first month in charge of Hunslet RLFC, losing at Barrow Raiders, at home to York City Knights and, in their first foray to North America, losing to Toronto Wolfpack.

Hunslet have now dropped to ninth in the Kingstone Press League 1. Only the top eight clubs have any chance of promotion to the Championship for next season.

June started with a tough visit to Cumbria to face the Barrow Raiders, who are unbeaten this season at home.

The players gave their new coach 100% effort in a close game which saw the lead change hands repeatedly.

Hunslet went into the break 12-18 with tries from Sean Hesketh, Danny Ansell (after an excellent interception and run from Jimmy Watson) and George Flanagan.

With 11 minutes to play in the second half it was still a two point game when Hesketh was sent off. Barrow sealed the game with a try from Ryan Fieldhouse, winning 28-20.

A week later on Sunday 11 June York City Knights visited South Leeds Stadium and thumped a hapless Hunslet 2052.

The first ten minutes were

fairly even, but when Ed Smith went over for York on 11 minutes after good attacking play it flicked a switch on in York’s confidence and in a whirlwind 20 minutes York scored a further three tries to lead 0-24, scoring at a point a minute.

Hunslet looked dismal in attack and could not stem the York tide, Spears and Batchelor going over for the visitors to give them a 0-36 half time lead.

Hunslet were better in the second half, registering their first try on 55 minutes as good passing sent Mackay over to the right.

A period of good Hunslet play followed (or did York relax knowing they had won) as first

Hunslet attack the York line. Photo: Paul Johnson Hesketh barged over and then divisions. Not surprisingly they on loan Michael Hayward have a 100% record in League scored from a deft Jimmy 1.

Hunslet stayed in touch with Watson kick.

Again though Hunslet’s their hosts through the first defence was left wanting as half going in at the break 22-10 Morrison went over to the down, but the Wolfpack right, and although there was ravaged them in the second the obligatory George half scoring 34 unanswered Flanaghan try,York had the final points, romping to an easy 52say when Jubb went over from 10 win.

As ever Hunslet’s supporters close range.

The Parksiders had a week made their presence felt with off before their trip to Canada. up to 150 fans singing their Toronto Wolfpack are a new support throughout the match.

Hunslet desperately need to club with ambitions to play in the Super League and help find some form in their next Rugby League break into the three games, against Coventry North American sports Bears, London Skolars and market.They have a rich backer Newcastle Thunder, if they are and fully professional squad as to salvage anything from this they play their way through the season.

Hunslet Nelson riding high in league

Three wins in June have seen Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club’s First XI up to third place in the Bradford Premier League Championship 2 division after 10 games.

On 3 June they set Buttershaw St Paul’s a target of 240 and bowled them out for 209. Their match at Keighley a week later was abandoned.

On 17 June they defeated Idle. Again batting first they set the visitors a target

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of 196 to win, but Idle were all out for 147. They travelled to Mirfield on 24 June to take on Hopton Mills.The home side were all out for 119, Hunslet Nelson overhauled the target for the loss of four wickets.

Upcoming fixtures at the club’s Gypsy Lane ground in Beeston are as follows: Saturday 8 July: v Altofts Saturday 22 July: v Hartshead Moor Saturday 5 August: v Liversage

Sat 19 August: v Buttershaw St Paul’s Saturday 26 August: v Keighley As well as the First XI, Hunslet Nelson run a number of adult and children’s teams catering for boys and girls aged 5 upwards.

In the summer holidays the club will be running a cricket camp from Monday 14 to Friday 18 August during Enjoy Cricket Week. Boys and girls aged 6-14 can attend the sessions run by qualified

ECB level 2 coaches for £8 per day.

Regular Under 9s training takes place on Tuesday evenings 6-7:30pm and Under 11s on Mondays at the same time. All equipment is provided and the first three sessions are free (£3.50 thereafter).

For more information contact Brian Calverley on 07795 061182 or search for Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club on Facebook.

Patrick Hincliffe batting for Hunslet Nelson against Idle. Photo: Jeremy Morton

Cup win for HCP

by Phil Goodfield

Hunslet Club Parkside won the BARLA National Cup for the first time in their history with an excellent 3710 victory against Pennine League Champions Fryston Warriors in the Post Office Road sunshine on Sunday 28 May. Scoring six tries to two Parkside put in a superbly disciplined performance from 1 to 17 with Craig McShane at the back and skipper Jamie Fields up front outstanding throughout.

The next target for the 2017 season will now surely be a big push to achieve a third successive promotion into the elite National Conference League Premier Division.