South Leeds Life 43 September 2018

Your FREE community newspaper

Issue 43 | September 2018

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

After another car crash involving young men, residents ask:

“HOW LONG ’TIL SOMEONE DIES?”

In this issue:

Protesters fight Park & Ride

page 9

Colourful Sports Day at Cottingley

page 12

Storm play Leeds Festival

pages 16

Wrecked: Three cars were written off in this smash, luckily no one was seriously injured The driver of a Skoda "The Council need to

by Jeremy Morton Roomster was injured as his implement immediate changes esidents were left reeling car collided with a VW Golf at to further encourage speed as a crashed car lay across the junction of Stratford Street reduction of cars which access the entrance to Mohammed and Bude Road. A third, parked Stratford Street and Bude Hanif’s shop on Stratford car was also hit and written off. Road. Give ways should also be Street.

It appears the driver of the placed on Bude Road."

His daughter Sunjeeda Hanif Skoda had failed to give way at "It's not the first accident at arrived on the scene shortly the junction and that both cars this place and could end in after the smash at 6pm on were being driven too fast, fatalities next time."

Thursday 23 August. She told exceeding the 20 mph speed "The local community need to South Leeds Life: limit. The driver and passenger remind drivers of the recent "I was so scared seeing the of the Golf fled the scene Bradford tradegy. We are all car smashed right on the shop towards Rowland Road. responsible to encourage safer step. This could have ended "This is a residential area driving, in particular in busy tragically for our family where local children play out” residential streets." members, local pedestrians, continued Sunjeeda, “luckily The driver of the Skoda was customers and the drivers that day kids were not playing taken to Leeds General involved." out at the time of the crash."

Infirmary by ambulance with

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shoulder and rib injuries.

Commenting on the incident Cllr Paul Wray said: “We understand the worry this is causing the communities on Beeston Hill. This dangerous speeding needs to stop. Police enforcement on its own won’t work.

“It will take the combined efforts of the local communities and council to help educate these drivers, predominantly young men, to change their behaviour. Working together, we can send out a strong message that this is unacceptable.”

West Yorkshire Police said

Photos: Sunjeeda Hanif their enquiries into the crash were ongoing and appealed for members of the public to come forward with any information.

You can call on 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We all know this wasn’t an isolated incident. The same week saw a Range Rover overturn in a crash on Middleton Road and the bend by the nearby Parnaby Tavern has witnessed countless crashes. Meanwhile Middleton and Belle Isle have been plagued by illegally riden Quad Bikes over the last year.

Called up for England

page 24

NEWS SCHOOLS FEEDBACK ARTS

2-10 11-13 14 16-17

LOCAL HISTORY 18 WHAT’S ON SPORT

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

19-23 24

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South Leeds Life | September 2018

2 News

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

The website and newspaper are produced by South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House, No 9998695.

South Leeds Life is a member of the Independent Community News Network.

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

Contact us South Leeds Life CIC 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW Email: info@southleedslife.com Facebook & Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife Phone: 07894 583966

Complaints South Leeds Life is committed to working within and adhering strictly to the Editors Code of Practice.

However, if you feel we have breached the code in any way and wish to make a complaint, please submit your complaint, in writing to the editor.

A copy of our complaints procedure is available via our website or on request.

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MP’s notebook W

by Hilary Benn MP

e are told that unemployment is at a 40 year low and yet demand for food banks in South Leeds has never been higher.

How can this be? There are lots of reasons, so let's look at each of them in turn.

First, it's the result of benefit cuts, sanctions and family crises. People suddenly find themselves without any money. And it’s an even bigger problem in the school holidays when children aren't getting a daily free school meal.

Secondly, look at what’s happened to wages in the last decade. According to the Resolution Foundation millions of ‘just about managing’ families are no better off today than those in 2003. Incomes at the lower end of the pay scale have stagnated.

Some people are having to take on more than one job to manage and if you're on a zero hours contract then you can never be sure from week to week how many hours you will work and therefore how much you will get paid.

Meanwhile, those at the very top

end of the pay scale have seen their incomes rise significantly. The latest report from the High Pay Centre found that the average pay packet for the chief executives of the biggest companies in the UK is now £3.9 million a year, up 11% from last year.

And if that wasn't bad enough, only 34 of those companies pay a living wage to all their staff.

And then there’s the cost of living.

Prices have gone up, largely as a result of the fall in the value of the pound since the Brexit referendum.

This makes imports more expensive and that feeds its way into the weekly shopping basket.

And when it comes to finding somewhere to live, rents are up too.

The housing charity Shelter say that rents across England have risen 60% faster than wages since 2011, and in Leeds, rents have risen 13% since then while wages have only increased by 11%.

When you look at all these figures, what they mean for many people is pretty clear. Their incomes are simply not keeping pace with costs and that’s why there is a problem.

Our food banks do a vital job in

helping people and families in need, but this will carry on until we tackle the underlying problems of low wages and the way the benefit system works.

One idea is to set a maximum pay ratio in companies, for example, that are bidding for public contracts. If you did that, then as the pay of the boss went up so would everyone else's.

Most of all, however, we need an economy that is growing, encouraging investment and creating Hilary Benn MP jobs. And at the moment, the biggest risk to that is the free trade with our largest, nearest and most important market - the uncertainty created by Brexit.

There's been a lot of talk recently other countries of the EU - to about leaving the EU – which we will continue and which protects our do at the end of March next year – service industries, which make up with No Deal. But the evidence from 80% of our economy.

So instead of planning for the the papers that the Government has recently published is that this would worst outcome, the Government would be very damaging for the UK should be trying to get the best for our country, but that will mean economy.

So what should we be doing? We putting the national interest above need a deal that will enable friction- anything else.

Council plan to license private landlords B

by Jeremy Morton

ack in March South Leeds Life highlighted the prosecution of a private landlord.

The judge described the state of his properties in Beeston as “a disgrace” and Jack Collins was fined £14,000.

Now Leeds City Council is consulting on bringing in a mandatory licensing scheme for all private landlords in Beeston Hill to help improve the management of private rented homes and to help ensure tenants benefit from living in a safe, comfortable and secure home.

If the scheme is adopted landlords will be required to apply for a licence for each property they own in the area. Properties will be inspected and have to meet basic safety standards including gas safety certificate, safe electrical appliances and furniture and working fire detection.

Landlords could be refused a licence for not being a ‘fit and proper’ person or for unsatisfactory management arrangements.

The proposed area for Beeston is bounded by the M621 motorway, Cross Flatts Park and Holbeck Cemetery. The Council has chosen the area because it

To Let: private rented housing in Beeston Hill is one of the most densely Whilst some tenants have populated areas in the welcomed the plans, others country; there has been a have expressed fears that rise in private renting in the this cost will just be passed area with private landlords on to them through higher now being the main provider rents. of homes in the area.

Mark Ireland, the council’s Residents in the area are service manager for private amongst the bottom 1% in sector housing, said: the country for health “Selective licensing outcomes, educational schemes can also help attainment and life create communities and expectancy. The area also places where people want to has high levels of crime and live, play, work and stay. The environmental problems. council is consulting on the The cost of the licence will proposal for selective be a one off fee £825 per licensing in parts of Beeston property. Landlords who are and Harehills. Everyone with part of the voluntary Leeds an interest in the areas: Rental Standard scheme will residents, landlords, receive a £150 discount. businesses and partners will

be provided with information regarding the proposal.”

Cllr Debra Coupar, Leeds

City Council’s executive member for communities, said: “A priority for the council is to improve the quality of housing across the city and make sure private rented homes are well managed by landlords. This is why we’re considering introducing selective licensing in parts of Beeston and Harehills.

“We really want to hear your views on these selective licensing proposals and want as many people as possible to have their say.”

Three drop in sessions have been organised (see box) and you can find more information on selective licensing, including how to have your say, at the following link: www.leeds. gov.uk/selectivelicensing

Find out more An opportunity for residents, tenants, landlords, letting agents and other stakeholders to speak to council staff about the Selective Licensing proposals Wednesday 19 September 3pm – 8pm Hamara Healthy Living Centre, Tempest Road, LS11 6RD Thursday 27 September 3pm – 7:30pm Hillside, Beeston Road, LS11 8ND Monday 1 October 3pm – 8pm Vale Circles, 12 Tunstall Road, LS11 5JF

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September 2018 | South Leeds Life

News 3

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Holbeck sex zone in the spotlight again T

by Ed Carlisle

he Holbeck 'Managed Approach' (also known as the 'Managed Zone') has faced renewed pressure and attention this summer - from local campaigners and the national press.

And whilst the scheme seems secure for the time being, the Council insist that it's under constant review, and that different options might possibly be considered.

Local campaign group Save our Eyes - who are pushing for an end to the Managed Approach (also known as the Managed Zone), the on-street sex work tolerance zone in Holbeck - in July published the harrowing stories of two women who were abducted and raped in the area, but whose attackers in both cases escaped justice by claiming that they thought the women were sex workers.

comments: "Holbeck is the only area in Leeds where men can abduct and rape local women and get away with it, by simply claiming 'I thought she was a prostitute!' After the trial, Sally completely lost her way in life, and she's lost touch with us. I'm still so angry."

The second story is Alice's. A previous victim of domestic abuse, Alice moved into a hostel in Holbeck, where she was repeatedly approached by kerb crawlers. Then in May this year, a gang of men manhandled her into a car, refused to believe she wasn't a sex worker, and took her to a nearby house, where one of the men raped her. With DNA evidence, the attacker was quickly arrested, but again (supported by the testimonies of his friends) argued for mistaken identity, and was not even prosecuted.

Alice writes: "The 'Managed Approach' is supposed to make

prosecution. The Police gave us a limited official response on Alice's case - that "all the available evidence was reviewed, and it was determined that no further action would be taken" leading local campaigners to speculate that the failure to prosecute Sally's attacker has created a precedent that similar cases are also seen as likely to collapse, so not even progressed by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Save our Eyes told South Leeds Life: "Sally and Alice's experiences, and those of many other local people, show how grossly distorted things have become in Holbeck.

What's more, all our research tells us that the women who are actually prostitutes are vulnerable, being preyed upon, trapped in a criminal racket, and being treated like slaves."

Against the backdrop of these stories (available to read

Save Our Eyes protesters on Holbeck Moor One of the stories is Sally's, as told by her aunt. In 2015, Sally - a young women with learning disabilities, then aged 17 - was approached at a bus stop in Beeston on a weekday afternoon, bundled into a car, and raped in a nearby home.

With DNA evidence, the attacker was quickly arrested, and prosecuted in court.

However, during a gruelling court case which saw Sally forced into a crossexamination, the defence lawyer argued that his client had simply mistaken Sally for a sex worker, and he walked free.

The writer, Sally's aunt,

women safer, but in reality it puts women at risk because perverts and rapists are drawn to the area and made much bolder by the policy. I’m left not even 30 years old with a broken heart and a broken life. I have to live with the consequences of the failure of the 'Managed Approach', and I want people to understand what is really going on."

West Yorkshire Police declined to comment on Sally's case, but local people involved in the case told us that officers at that time seemed as shocked as anyone else that it hadn't led to a successful

at www.saveoureyes.co.uk), and the ongoing events and impact of the scheme, local campaigners and residents have held two on-street protests, and are planning more for the autumn. All this has led to a surge of interest on social media - with heated opinions for and against the scheme. And the mainstream media, local and national including the Sun, the Daily Telegraph, the Independent, the YEP, and Leeds Live - have also all recently run major stories.

A spokesperson for Safer Leeds - a partnership between

A sex worker in Holbeck Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police, overseeing the scheme - responded as follows: "The Managed Approach was introduced to find a long-term solution to the complexities of street based sex work in Holbeck, where it has remained a prominent issue for many years. As part of our ongoing commitment to listen to the community, and to reduce local impact, aspects of the Managed Approach have evolved over time. But there is still a lot that needs to be done.

We will continue our dialogue with local representatives - and the work on the Managed Approach is under continuous review, to ensure it's meeting our aims as far as possible. If this is not the case, further steps will be taken, and further options considered."

And Gemma Scire, the CEO for Basis Yorkshire - a local charity supporting vulnerable women, including sex workers has also spoken out, insisting that women everywhere need protection - and that Basis works to that end, not simply for the Managed Approach itself. She also provided us with a lengthy response to Sally and Alice's stories, which we have reproduced in its entirety (see right). In it, Gemma stresses that rates of sexual violence nationally are increasing whilst services for women are being drastically cut; and that both Alice and Sally's stories, in which the perpetrators felt justified - and were indeed legally vindicated - to attack the women, indicate the particular stigma and vulnerabilities faced by women who are selling sex. She stresses the total importance of believing survivors of sexual violence, giving them the support they need, and having a criminal justice system that responds compassionately and justly to them."

The Holbeck Managed Approach was conceived in 2014, initially as a pilot, and later extended. It permits onstreet sex work in a light industrial area between residential Holbeck and the city centre, with the Council and Police putting in extra resource to manage it.

Supporters argue that it is enabling better long-term work with the sex workers, which will improve the situation for everyone. But residents argue that it's spiralling out of control, and that it is having an unbearable impact on the local community.

For more information on Safer Leeds, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/safterleeds.

For urgent issues relating to the scheme, call the dedicated police hotline on 07534 309568; for non-urgent issues, phone 101 or email InnerSouth@westyorkshire.pnn .police.uk. For waste and litter issues, contact the Council street cleansing team on (0113) 222 4406, or email sseaction@leeds.gov.uk.

For more information on Basis Yorkshire, visit: basisyorkshire.org.uk. And for more info on Save our Eyes, visit saveoureyes.org.uk.

Comment from Gemma Scire, CEO Basis Yorkshire: Basis have worked with women and girls experiencing sexual violence for nearly 30 years. The fact that rape and sexual violence are still issues for us as a society now in much the same way as 30 years ago is appalling. In fact, the rates of sexual violence nationally have increased at the same time as services for women have been cut drastically. 1 in 3 of us women have experienced sexual violence or abuse at some point in our lives.

The fact that dangerous offenders will target women with additional vulnerabilities is sickening, and as we know all too well in Leeds and Yorkshire, women selling sex on street have been targeted disproportionately, with perpetrators largely acting with impunity in the past. We know that Peter Sutcliffe targeted women from all walks of life, but particularly sex workers as he (and other perpetrators) have known that far from being protected, sex workers have been treated as offenders themselves. As the statistics from 2013 show, 93% of crimes experienced by women on street would not have been reported to the Police, leaving offenders at large and charities like ours supporting women to deal

with the aftermath. The fact that 3 violent offenders were brought to justice in 2015/6 shows that people described as 'predatory' by the judge on the case is testament not just to the Police's improved relationship with women, but the bravery of the victims themselves.

Something not achieved in Leeds before.

That the perpetrators in this case felt additionally justified in targeting a woman because they thought she was a sex worker is a real indicator of the additional stigma that women selling sex face.

It's this stigma that silences women, stops them coming forward and prevents the Police from bringing those perpetrators to justice, protecting both them and the wider community.

What we know from our work with survivors of sexual violence is that being believed and having access to justice is part of the healing process. It continues to be absolutely imperative that we recognise the experience of women who have been victims of sexual violence, they get the specialist support they need, the criminal justice system responds compassionately to victims and justice is served.

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South Leeds Life | September 2018

4 News NEWS IN BRIEF 100th empty home re-let

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eeds City Council has bought back 129 empty properties to let as Council Houses.

Sara Xavier and Valnick Gaviao (pictured with Cllr Debra Coupar and Gerard Tinsdale) moved into their new home on Northcote Drive, Beeston, the 100th property to be completed, in March.

Water refills at White Rose

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efill Me is the latest green initiative to be unveiled by the White Rose Shopping Centre.

Customers are being urged to refill their wayer bottle rather than throw it away, in order to reduce plastic waste. You can fill up with tap water with no obligation to purchase any item at Costa Coffee, Lush, Pizza Hut, Bagel Nash, Juice, and many more.

Unity Housing up for awards

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ME-led housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise has been shortlisted for three prestigious 24housing Awards.

Unity, which has its headquarters in Chapeltown, but also manages properties in Beeston, Holbeck and Hunslet, has been singled-out in the ‘Community Achievement’ and ‘Customer Services Provider of the Year’ categories. Ali Akbor (pictured) who has led the organisation since 1999, is also in the final running for ‘Chief Executive of the Year.’

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New all day bus ticket for young people M

yDay, a new all-day, £2.60 county-wide bus ticket for West Yorkshire’s young people was launched on Monday 9 July 2018.

Devised in consultation with young people from West Yorkshire, MyDay will be available to anyone aged under 19. The introductory £2.60 price will be fixed until the end of the year.

Leeds Youth Council organised young people’s focus groups to ensure MyDay is the product under-19s want. They worked with representatives of bus operators from the Bus18 initiative – Arriva, First and

Transdev – along with the West Yorkshire Ticketing Company Ltd and West Yorkshire Combined Authority to develop the MyDay brand and the money-saving introductory price. Wakefield Youth Council and Honley School in Huddersfield also fed into the MyDay brand look and feel.

MyDay will be a paper ticket bought on the bus and is valid all day, on any bus, anywhere in West Yorkshire for anyone aged under 19. Although under16s will no longer have to show their proof of age photocard, 17 and 18 yearolds may be asked to show their blue 16-18

PhotoCard.

Arqam Al Hadeed, Member of UK Youth Parliament Leeds said: “As a youth MP who represents young people, I believe that MyDay ticket is a huge step towards resolving a longstanding issue amongst the young people of West Yorkshire.

MyDay ticket provides the young people with affordable bus fare to travel to their schools, colleges and jobs. It is brilliant to see a great improvement in public transport in West Yorkshire for young people.

I am excited to use better, tidy and affordable public transport.”

A new mural has appeared in Cross Flatts Park on the wall of the Watsonian Pavillion. The work was commissioned by Beeston Festival and features the work of many festival goers who made their mark with aerosols on the day. Now local artist Claire Bentley-Smith has completed the work by blocking out some of the graffiti to leave the message ‘Stronger Together’

Urgent appeal from Foodbank “in crisis” S

by John Newbould

ince 2013 the Leeds South and East Foodbank has been a charity helping people in crisis.

It has provided food to help people in the short term and signposted them to organisations who can help them solve the long term issues which require them to use a foodbank; benefit delays, benefit changes, low income, domestic abuse, etc.

The demand for food has grown year-on-year: May 2013 to March 2014 we fed 1,216 people April 2016 to March 2017 we fed 7,843 people April 2017 to March 2018 we fed 9,018 people.

Since April of this year (just over 2 months) we have fed 2,258.

The demand for food is rising dramatically, hence our crisis.

Demand is outstripping supply and we need help.

The Leeds South and East Foodbank will provide a 3 day emergency food parcel for those people in crisis. No individual or family is allowed to use a foodbank more than 3 times in

Cllr Judith Blake speaks to Leeds South & East Foodbank volunteers last year any 6 month period; we are there to help people in a crisis, not to create dependency.

What does “in crisis” mean?

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

Although the foodbank’s staff are all volunteers, we still need £1,500 per month to cover our expenses; rent, telephone, van hire, etc. We need your help.

Any financial donation to the foodbank will be gratefully received.

We are making this appeal to everyone; individuals, churches, community organisations, corporations – anyone who can help.

We urgently need: Food and financial donations.

You can donate in the name ‘Leeds Foodbank’ using the ‘My Donate’ website or at www.leedssouthandeast. foodbank.org.uk.

Food (or financial) donations can be dropped off Monday to Wednesday (9am-2pm) at Unit 16, Ashbrooke Business Park, Parkside Lane, Beeston, LS11 5SF. All donations (big or small) will be gratefully received. Our thanks in anticipation of your help.

Trinity Network’s holiday at home

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nowing many of their Margaret explained: “I’m bad members can’t get away with my mobility, I can’t go for a holiday, Trinity Network away - this is my holiday.” created a holiday at home Trinity Network provide hot over three days in Belle Isle. meals, activities, advice and On day one members were support to older people in treated to a day at the South Leeds from their two seaside including fish and bases at Nesfield Road in chips, sandcastles, a wurlitzer, ice creams and if not donkey rides, at least donkey patting.

Day two started with games and bowling followed by a trip to cinema in the afternoon.

Cabaret was the theme of the third day.

There was a Mocktail Bar, games, an entertainer and waitress service at lunch. Prizes were Doodles the donkey on the ‘beach’ awarded for the best dressed Belle Isle and the URC Church member.

Hall on Oakley View, off Everyone had a lot of fun, Dewsbury Road in Beeston. but there was a serious point For more information call behind it as a member called (0113) 270 3935.

URGENTLY NEEDED: • • • • • • • •

Tinned Tomatoes Pasta Sauce Tinned Rice Pudding Tinned Custard Tinned Fish Coffee UHT Milk Juice

The Wurlitzer played tradition seaside tunes

South Leeds Life | September 2018

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Help shape Middleton at community meetings T

Havoc on the streets of Beeston

A scene of destruction unfolded on Saturday 18 August, as a recovery truck careered dangerously through residential streets, trashing cars as it went. The truck had a loose hydraulic arm that swung wildly causing most of the damage. The incident started on Cross Flatts Drive and continued until the truck came to a halt on the cul-de-sac of Grovehall Avenue. The driver then fled across Barkly Road and through the ginnel towards Wooler Avenue.

Georgie lives on Cross Flatts Drive and came out of her house after she heard the commotion: “It was mayhem, but it could have been a lot worse. The street is normally full of kids, playing and cycling about, so I guess we were lucky.”

his summer has seen the launch of the new regular Middleton Community Meetings – and organisers are calling for residents to come forward to get involved, and to help shape the work of the group going forward.

The next meeting will be on Monday 3 September, at 7pm, at the St Cross Church on Acre Road/Middleton Park Avenue in Middleton (LS10 4JQ). It’s an open meeting, with all attendees getting opportunities to share concerns and ideas for the local area, find out what’s going on, and get involved in projects and campaigns.

Based on the previous meeting last month, current priorities for the group include: anti-social behaviour (especially quad bikes and motorbikes), street cleansing, parking and speeding, and getting a location for the forthcoming Little Library.

The group is looking to work with stakeholders from across the area, including the councillors and Council, local businesses and charities – and of course a wide range of residents, including those in New Forest Village.

As well as looking for volunteers to get involved in hands-on work, the group is also looking to elect a committee at the September meeting. For more info,

comment here or via the SLL social media, to get directed towards the group organisers.

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September 2018 | South Leeds Life

News 7

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Young and old pull together at Middleton Railway L

by Ed Carlisle

ocal volunteers, young and old, are pulling together at Middleton Railway – to restore historic rail wagons damaged by last month’s fire at the neighbouring Jewson builders yard, and also to run this iconic local organisation year-round.

South Leeds Life caught up with some of their younger volunteers this month, to find out what’s going on.

Young volunteers: Kenny and Ellen Middleton Railway is the oldest working railway in the world, having opened in 1758

to bring coal from Middleton Colliery into Leeds. In 1812, it became the first commercially successful railway to use steam locomotives. Since 1960, it’s been run by the volunteer-led Middleton Railway Trust. There are over 60 regular volunteers at the moment – and two of the youngest are Ellen Sayles (16) and Kenny Burgess-Hall (15), pictured.

When we met them they were both covered in grime from head to toe: they had been grafting away all day sanding down and repairing a vintage ‘Dogfish’ rail wagon, of those one damaged in last month’s fire at Jewson.

Kenny is down at the yard most weeks throughout the year, and spends most of his time doing handson restoration and maintenance work: “I love engineering, it’s in my family: previous generations helped build engines at the Hunslet rail plants, and I hope to become a

mechanical engineer in the future. Helping here gives me amazing opportunities to build up knowledge and experience, as we work together to strip down and rebuild the engines, and fire them up and drive them. We’re all different ages who help here, but have a real laugh together.”

Ellen also has family members who previously worked at the local engineering plants, but herself does a range of roles at Middleton Railway: “I first started here when I was just eight, helping as an elf for the Christmas events. I now help to run the Christmas events, and train the younger elves like my sister. I also help with hands-on work with the engines, decorating, helping behind the desk, and more.

“It’s a great way to meet new people, and gain skills – and we have a lot of fun together.

Anyone can help, just come down, there’s something for everyone.”

Volunteers – most of whom are local – come from a range of ages and backgrounds; more are always welcome, to carry out a wide variety of roles; drop in or get in touch with them anytime to find out more.

Running Shed opened S

by Steve Thompson

aturday 21 July saw the official opening of Middleton Railway’s new running shed, by local ward member and Leader of Leeds City Council, Cllr Judith Blake.

The shed has taken a number of years to complete and was funded in part byu the Friends of Middleton Railway’s Buy a Brick campaign.

The Running Shed will enable the locomotives to be kept inside, reducing the negative impact of adverse weather and

meaning that the work undertaken by volunteers will last longer.

Cllr Judith Blake told South Leeds Life: “I’m delighted to be here today and I really want to start by paying tribute to the incredible number of volunteers who come along day after day, through all sorts of weather and conditions and just make it possible for Middleton Railway to continue.

“It’s the oldest working railway in the world and today is a real opportunity to celebrate the industrial heritage of Leeds.

Cllr Judith Blake opened the new Running Shed at Middleton Railway Photo: Steve Thompson

Braime’s, the incredible engineering firm in Hunslet, now the site of the University Technical College, has provided the wooden flooring which came from their sheet pressings factory which was built in 1913 so a lot of heritage to celebrate today.

“But as a local ward member I just want to pay tribute to everyone who has made it possible to have the opening of the shed today. We know the railway has been subject to some mindless vandalism and it’s the spirit of everyone who is involved to just get beyond incidents like that and make sure that we have the opening and so many people coming along today to really celebrate this incredible achievement.”

Cllr Kim Groves added: “You can see from the volume of people here today just how popular Middleton Railway is right across the city and to all age groups.

“I’m delighted to be here with the Friends of Middleton Railway who play such a valuable part in our community, not only for the history but also on the educational front for our children.”

Raging inferno: over 100 firefighters tackled a blaze at Jewson timber yard in Hunslet on Sunday 15 July.

“It was like bombs going off – then when you went into the street, it was raging like an inferno, burning your face. But we ran up and down the street, banging on everyone’s doors.”

Rachel Johnson, Lake Terrace, Hunslet Photo: WYFRS

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September 2018 | South Leeds Life

News 9

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Passions run high at public Park and Ride meeting R

by Ed Carlisle

esidents from across LS10 gathered on Thursday 23 August for a heated public meeting about the controversial Park and Ride scheme proposed for Stourton.

The project is a flagship element of the Council's push to reduce congestion and improve air quality in the city but a vigorous local campaign has emerged this year, challenging the scheme on many points (see box).

At the packed-out, all-age meeting in Hunslet Carr, attendees heard that the campaigners had already won several amendments and concessions - but that they would keep fighting until the scheme was wholly scrapped.

A recurring complaint was the limited local consultation.

Campaigners reported from their door-to-door outreach that most people knew almost nothing if anything about the plans - and both councillors and Council officers have admitted that their official consultation programme was lacking.

One resident (Mark) insisted: "It screams of the Council trying to avoid scrutiny by local people". And one of the guest speakers - Frank Dignan (a lawyer, and former Middleton councillor) - stressed that local government are legally obliged to consult with local communities, and follow rigorous planning procedures; and that if these had been flaunted, a judicial review might easily overturn the plans.

Another guest speaker was environmental consultant John Moorhouse, who insisted that an Environmental Impact

Assessment was urgently needed - and urged residents "not to let the Council get away with basic reports and generalisations", but scrutinise the details, as the scheme might well cause illegally high emissions locally.

The campaign team also reported that they had met "disdain" and uncooperation from elected councillors.

Despite invitations, only Cllr Paul Wray (Hunslet and Riverside) attended.

In the midst of intense questioning, he repeatedly stressed he was there to listen and would pass on feedback, that the scheme was far from signed-off, and that - if it did go ahead - it would make a significant and positive impact in the city, if not for everyone.

Challenge after challenge, passionately yet clearly articulated, flowed from the floor. "I've seen the Council vandalising the city over decades, and this is just more of the same" (Brian).

"I get that the scheme is to make things better for Leeds, but it definitely won't make things better for us" (Carla).

The debate also touched upon the recent decision to exclude south Leeds from the Clean Air Zone: "You (the Council) are sacrificing people in south Leeds" (Rob).

And another concern was the fear that the scheme - once built - would be expanded, as has happened at Elland Road.

Martin, a Labour member, relayed that he'd attended a party meeting at which there was talk of later extending the carpark to take 3000 cars.

Following the meeting, Mary Spencer - for the Stop the Park and Ride at Stourton (SPARS)

Stop Stourton campaigners take their protest to the Civic Hall campaign group - told us: Stop the Park & Ride at Stourton campaign’s 10 points: "We're delighted.

This meeting really invigorated us to 1 South Leeds doesn’t need another Park and Ride: there’s already one carry the campaign forward, nearby at Elland Road. and we always welcome more 2 If Park and Rides are necessary for the city, why aren’t there any help. We'll be happy to take up substantial plans to tackle the real areas of congestion in west and north Councillor Wray's invitation to Leeds? South Leeds is once again being asked to take a hit on behalf of involve us in consultation, and the city. to speak at the planning panel 3 Valuable local green space – the only car-free zone in an area heavily meeting. We're concerned that polluted from nearby motorways and busy roads – will be turned into a other elected councillors didn't giant carpark. We want to see the site reforested, to actually improve think it was important enough local air quality. to attend - and hope they aren't 4 The greenfield site currently offers many residents their only pleasant so absorbed in making this a view locally; this will be lost, potentially contributing to depression and must-win that they forget local mental health issues. people."

5 The scheme’s giant carpark will be situated insensitively next to Cllr Paul Wray commented: “ Hunslet cemetery, which of course many local people have strong Thank you to the residents who connections with. provided feedback, which I've 6 New pathways down to the carpark from Middleton Road will provide passed on. Previous comments easy access into the cemetery and community, for those wanting to create have resulted in alterations to social disorder – especially off-road bikers. the original plans - we do listen.

7 There’s no road access from Belle Isle / Hunslet, to the site; nor will In the end, it will be for the the buses stop locally. This Park and Ride is not for local people, but will planning panel to consider the offer subsidised transport for Wakefield residents. arguments and make a 8 Park and Rides can be great, like the one at Temple Green in east judgment when it sees the Leeds – but having such a large one, so close to a residential area, isn’t proposed plan in full.” right.

For official information on the 9 Park and Rides are not the long-term answer to make our cities scheme, visit www.wymetro greener: they are still car-based schemes. Groups include Friends of the .com.

Earth and Healthy Air Leeds support us.

For more on the SPARS 10 Changes to the A61 and A639 roads through Stourton and Hunslet, campaign, search without any thought to local roads, will produce dangerous rat-runs @stopstourton on Facebook through Belle Isle and Middleton, and drive up local air pollution. and Twitter.

Turn your care into a career with CASA C

ASA, the main domiciliary homecare provider in South Leeds is looking for caring people who would like to embark on a fulfilling career in home care.

CASA was established in 2004 with a vision of becoming the UK’s leading employeeowned provider of domiciliary health and social care support services.

We want to help the people in our communities live the best life they can.

There’s something different about CASA carers. As coowners all our carers have a

say in our business, so they put time and effort into making it work. And because they’re committed to providing high quality care, they’re valued by their clients, their managers and their co-owners. All our coowners share in the success of the business.

As employees, CASA’s coowners are the most important asset we have. All our new employees undertake a full induction training programme to enable them to not only deliver high quality care, but also to understand what’s different about working for

CASA. It’s a big reason why our employees enjoy working here.

Your success as an employee is our success. So we’ll make sure you get all the support you

need in your role and we’ll help you to improve your skills. Care can be a highly rewarding profession, and if you want to progress, our training and

development opportunities will help you advance your career within the company.

So whatever role you’re interested in, you can feel confident that we’re investing in your future. Because we’ll expect you to invest in ours.

Along with the other primary providers of home care in Leeds, CASA is holding a joint recruitment open day on Saturday 22 September at 10am-2pm in the indoor market hall at Leeds Markets.

We would love to meet you to tell you first hand how a career in care could be just for you.

NEWS IN BRIEF New homes for Middleton

Y

orkshire Housing has applied for planning permission to build 32 affordable homes on the site of a former Children’s Home at the junction of Bodmin Road and Ring Road in Middleton.

9 properties will be let at an affordable rent and the remaining 23 will be sold on a shared ownership basis.

Sunnyview summer fair

S

unnyview House care home in Beeston held its first ever Summer Fair on Saturday 21 July.

Along with stalls, the local Reetwirlers Majorettes group performed and there was a bouncy castle for youngsters.

Organisers Chantel, Jodie and Valerie explained: “We’ve organised the fair to bring the community to the residents, get residents involved in the community and have fun with them. Plus it’s a chance to raise some funds to use for more residents’ activities.”

Masterplan for South Bank

L

eeds City Council has now formally adopted the masterplan guiding all key developments in the South Bank area which covers the former industrial parts of north Holbeck and Hunslet.

The area will include the remodelled station and new city park. The area is expected to see 8,000 new homes built and 35,000 jobs created. More at: southbankleeds.co.uk

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | September 2018

10 News

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

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Hunslet Morrisons brings Rhinos legend Sinfield’s success tips for Cockburn in ‘Quieter Hour’ M School students

orrisons supermarket in Hunslet has introduced a quieter hour for customers who would benefit from a calmer shopping trip.

Designed to help customers who currently struggle with music and the other noise associated with supermarket shopping, it will take place every Saturday in the Church Street store from 9-10am.

The Quieter Hour initiative has been created with the support of the National Autistic Society. Many people who are autistic or those with autistic children can find shopping in a supermarket an anxious experience.

So Morrisons carried out a trial earlier in the year in three of its stores to find out what improvements can be made and to find a convenient time each week for the ‘Quieter Hour’ to take place.

Photo: M Taylor via Creative Commons Listening to customers they found one in five had a friend or family member with autism and many appreciated the option to shop at that time on a Saturday.

During Quieter Hours the store will: • Dim the lights • Turn music and radio off • Avoid making tannoy announcements • Reduce movement of trolleys and baskets • Turn checkout beeps and

other electrical noises down Place a poster outside to tell customers it’s Quieter Hour.

Morrisons will also work to improve awareness amongst colleagues of the issues autistic customers face in store.

Daniel Cadey, from the National Autistic Society said: “Morrisons ‘Quieter Hour’ is a step in the right direction for autistic people who find supermarket shopping a real struggle.”

Kevin Sinfield shares his wisdom with Cockburn School students evin Sinfield MBE, visited services to rugby league. He Cockburn School on two also became the first rugby separate days in July to speak league player to be nominated to students about success and for the BBC Sports Personality how to achieve it. of the Year Award, finishing in Sinfield played his entire second place behind Andy professional career with Leeds Murray in 2015.

Rhinos and is one of the most Kevin told the students that successful players in Super “To become a champion, you League history, having have to be a champion at home captained the team to seven first”. Here are some highlights Super League championships of an inspirational and ‘noand two Challenge Cup nonsence’ presentation: successes. He also earned •Career Highlights – Winning many individual accolades. the treble and captaining After his playing career England ended he joined the Rugby •Best mate in the Rhinos – Football League as rugby Jamie Jones-Buchanan director before recently being •Toughest player in the confirmed as the new Leeds Rhinos – Jamie Peacock Rhinos Director of Rugby.

•Alternative career choice – Sinfield was appointed PE teacher Member of the Order of the •Inspriation – Rugby League British Empire (MBE) in the legend Ellery Hanley and 2014 Birthday Honours for Sinfield’s younger brother

K

Viaduct vision

The Holbeck Viaduct project continues, with local volunteers and businesses working together to one day have it opened for public use. Full info at holbeckviaduct.org.uk, or they will be speaking at this month's Holbeck Forum (7pm on Tuesday 11 September).

Image by Urban Wilderness, imagining what the viaduct could become in the future.

Kevin Sinfield with Cockburn School students

growing up and learning from his mistakes!

The Cockburn students had the chance to pose a host of questions to Kevin after listening to his presentation.

When asked about the future of former Cockburn School student Jordan Baldwinson, who captained England Under 18s and left the Rhinos for Wakefield, Kevin said that Jordan had a bright future ahead of him thanks to his oustanding perseverence.

We spoke to some of the students and this is what they had to say: “I admire Kevin Sinfield’s perseverance and courage”; “I have learnt to always keep going even at your lowest points”; “if your attitude is right you will achieve” and “always try that little bit harder to achieve something greater.”

www.southleedslife.com

Website: www.southleedslife.com

September 2018 | South Leeds Life

School Life 11

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Good progress at Cockburn John Charles Academy

CJCA students took part in the Schools Yorkshire Cycling Tour ockburn John Charles Roberts.

Academy has had a very The pupils are enjoying exciting first term since its learning a new curriculum official opening April 2018. which has resulted in rapid The Academy has undergone improvements: a rapid transformation since it •Pupils say that lessons joined Cockburn Multi Academy have become more challenging Trust and opened as Cockburn and that they are enjoying this John Charles Academy, under •More pupils than ever have the leadership of the Executive applied for college or Headteacher David Gurney and apprenticeships Head of School Siobhan •Attendance has increased

C

Greenmount’s summer fayre

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reenmount Primary School in Beeston marked its 30th anniversary with a summer fayre on Saturday 30 June.

A major part of the fair was the Greenmount Bake Off which encouraged children to bake and decorate a cake, with or without help from parents, for a competition. All the cakes were then sold for school funds.

Congratulations to the Majeed family. Ayaan Majeed won the Key Stage 1 competition with a cake beautifully decorated with ‘Greenmount Bake Off’ and strawberries dipped in chocolate.

Older brother Mohammed Majeed worked with Hafsa Kauser to produce a cake called ‘Fun In the Sun’, which again was beautifully

decorated and very imaginative.

Headteacher Caroline Carr said: “The summer fayre was a great success raising £1,869.93 towards a scooter and bike store and a mini library for school.

“There was an amazing turnout from members of the community fully supported by our pupils, parents, staff and Governors, without which we wouldn’t be able to achieve all we do. It is through effective partnerships between home, school and the community that makes Greenmount successful.

“It truly is an honour to be the Headteacher of Greenmount in its 30th anniversary year and I am priviledged to work in such a fantastic place. A big thank you to everyone concerned.”

Bake Off: cake sale at Greenmount Primary’s summer fayre

by 2% •Frequent absence has reduced by 12% •Exclusions have drastically reduced by 80%.

As a result of these improvements the academy is expecting the achievement of all of their pupils to rapidly improve year on year and are looking forward to receiving their GCSE results.

Pupils, parents and carers and staff now look forward to the new academic year as the academy continues on its journey of ‘Transformation to

Excellence’. From September 2018: •They have a full staffing complement with specialised highly qualified teachers in all subject areas •They have recruited additional staff to provide support with learning •For the first time since an academy opened on Old Run Road they will be full in Year 7 •They will continue to provide an excellent education for the local community.

Head of School Siobhan Roberts said “We are very

proud of the students and staff at Cockburn John Charles Academy.

“We have seen our first Year 11 cohort take their GCSEs, graduate at a prestigious ceremony and attend their prom held at the Elland Road Banqueting Suite.”

During last term they have produced several very successful arts events including the first musical ‘Bugsy’ and the amazing creativeness at ‘MaddFest’ including music, art, dance and drama.

There will be more fabulous events to follow in the new academic year which they welcome our community to be part off.

Executive Headteacher David Gurney said: “We are looking forward to working in partnership with all of our parents, carers, students and the local community in the new academic year.

“The firm commitment of the Cockburn MAT to ensure that all young people in south Leeds are provided with an excellent education will continue.”

South Leeds Life | September 2018

www.southleedslife.com

12 School Life

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

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Democracy in action at Class of 2018 celebrate Hunslet Carr Primary graduation at Cockburn C

ockburn School marked new beginnings for the next stage of the lives of an excellent Year 11 group with a memorable graduation ceremony.

Guests were welcomed with an Art and Design exibition featuring some of the best work from the Year 11 students.

Awards were made to students in recognition of their qualities and success focused on the Values and Expectations of the school such as resilience, respect, responsibility,

Leah Megan Sargent, Sienna Henry, Haruna Sonko, Bradley Thornton, Jack Levitt and Nay Ibrahim with Hilary Benn MP the result from their MP things you want, the things you

by Jeremy Morton hear Hilary Benn. Seven of them were aspire to, the things you work he first week in July was in the hall with one on the end of hard for – if you don’t get it the first time, never, ever give up.” been all about democracy at a video call.

First the two boys and girls He then announced the Head Hunslet Carr Primary School as the pupils and staff have elected with the highest votes were Girl for 2018-19 was Leah their new Head Boy and Head revealed. Then as the excited Megan Sargent with Sienna children beat their hands on the Henry as Deputy Head Girl and Girl for the coming year.

On Monday the four floor for a drum roll, Hilary Benn the Head Boy was Haruna Sonko candidates for each position sped forward to open the with Jamie Crowther as Deputy read a speech to the school envelope and announce the Head Boy. Leah-Megan and Haruna then assembly explaining what they winners.

Before he did that, he spoke to re-read their election speeches. would bring to the role and changes they would like to see in the unsuccessful candidates The new Head Boy and Head Girl saying: “The first time I stood for received certificates and the the school before voting began.

Then on Friday morning they election I lost. And what I would prized enamel badge that they waited nervously in assembly to say to you is: try again. In life the now proudly wear in school.

independence and aspiration.

The school's most prestigious award is named in honour of Kyle Asquith, the former Year 10 student who died suddenly in 2013, but whose organs saved the lives of five other people.

The award was presented by Kyle's parents, Tracey and Alex to a proud Alan Routledge-Day. Headgirl and Headboy, Caitlin Deacon and Paddy Rodgers, made a triumphant speech that paid tribute to their fellow students and the staff at

Cockburn for the hard industry throughout thei school. The ceremony a stiring performances music students.

Thereafter, students w get dressed up for their Village Hotel, Tingley. Th and the dance floor f excellent night.

The students return August to receive their G We'll have more details o month.

T

Prizewinning pupils at Cockburn School’s graduation ceremony in July

Cottingley’s colour run Tree planting marks C Hunslet St Mary’s extensi

ottingley Primary Academy spiced up their Sports Day on 19 July with a Colour Run. Parents and staff through

powder paints over the children as they ran past. The sponsored event raised £896 for school funds.

Afterwards the children asked if there could be a parents race next year.

Watch this space.

H

by Steve Thompson

ilary Benn our local Member of Parliament was at St Mary’s Primary School in Hunslet for the official opening of the new school building extension on Friday 13 July.

Mr Benn was grilled with questions

at a session with years 5 and 6, followed by the planting of a magnolia tree and a visit around the school chatting to pupils, staff and governors.

Mr Benn was accompanied by Mr Ford (the Headteacher), Mrs Joyce Horsbrough (Chair of Governors), Mrs

Pamela Clark, Mrs Wildridge, Fr Chris & Fr the local Parish of Belle Is , who performed a shor the new tree, the new sch the pupils and staff and a worked so hard for the b young people of Hunslet

Website: www.southleedslife.com

d work and r time at the also included

by Year 11

went home to Prom at the e sun shone filled for an

ned on 23 GCSE results. of these next

ion

s

Suzanne Martin from sle & Hunslet t blessing of hool building, all those who benefit of the .

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Cockburn’s call for creative primary pupils

C

ockburn School are encouraging children with creative talents to make it their number one choice as they apply for secondary school places.

Cockburn School are delivering a new specialist programme for pupils who display a talent within the Performing Arts. The training supports a vast and varied curriculum with over 7 hours per week of additional coaching in Drama, Dance and Music. Pupils who are in search of a secondary school for September 2018 are invited to audition for this exciting new programme, essential for those eager to pursue a career in the Arts.

Auditions take place on Saturday 10th November 2018, 9:00am-12:00pm.

Sarah Kilner, Subject Leader of Drama, who leads on the programme explained how the audition process works: “The audition process depends on the young person’s area of specialism.

For Drama they will take part in a creative workshop learning new skills and devising a performance piece. Within the Dance specialism audition they will learn new professional repertoire and our award winning Rock Challenge performance piece. If they have a talent in Music they will have the opportunity to prepare a performance on their chosen instrument or to demonstrate vocal ability.

The audition day is a lot of fun and it is great to see how much talent and enthusiasm the young people in South Leeds have for the arts”.

Cockburn School has been

a leader in the Performing Arts for many years with stunning performances of late including School of Rock, their annual production in December 2017 which

amazed audiences. This was followed by a host of performances in the state of the art Cockburn School theatre as well as a host of regional and national venues including the Leeds Arena and Manchester Velodrome.

Many of these events were featured in the South Leeds Life.

One new member of staff at Cockburn stated that she has “never seen such a close, friendly and dedicated group of staff and students.

They work for many hours in rehearsal to make performances happen and are a credit to the school. I can't wait to get started!”.

Cockburn School is celebrating outstanding exam results in their Arts qualifications this year with Music, Dance and Drama results way above national averages.

The school continues to be recognised by the Department for Education as one of the most

successful schools nationally for pupil progress from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 across all subjects including English and Maths. The additional performance opportunities and events have grown year on year.

There are over 8 specialist performing arts companies who perform at local, regional and national events on a regular basis. These are supported by the performing arts staff and a large creative team responsible for costume and set design which includes parents/carers and members of the local community.

The Performing Arts team develop well rounded, confident and skilled performers in all areas of the arts. Past pupils have gone on to success in full time education at Post 16 and university and are now in professional companies including the world renowned Rambert Contemporary Dance Company.

Last year, former student John-William Watson reached the grand final of the BBC Young Dancer of the Year award. One ex-pupil said “The facilities in the Performing Arts at Cockburn are amazing! We were taught to work as professionals”.

If you would like to be part of this specialist secondary education then please visit the Cockburn School website www.cockburnschool.org for more information.

Any further questions or completed application forms can be sent to info@cockburnschool.org or delivered to Cockburn at Cockburn School, Parkside, Gipsy Lane, Leeds LS11 5TT.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | September 2018

14 Opinion

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

In our view Calm down It’s not just a South Leeds problem and it’s not just young men at fault, but we do have a serious problem with ‘boy racers.’ Sitting behind the wheel of a powerful machine is exciting. But that excitement comes with responsibility - you are in charge of a ton of metal that has the power to kill people.

As a community we need to have a serious discussion with our young men, before they or others are killed.

Calling time on landlords The private rented sector is an important part of the housing market, but it is largely unregulated. Whilst there are many good landlords, too many tenants are paying high rents for poor quality, dangerous accommodation.

It’s time for licensing, rent controls and proper tenants’ rights.

Dig deep for Danielle South Leeds Life first reported on the Leeds Dynamite cheerleading group and its leader Danielle Watkins back in 2013. She told us that she set the group up to teach dance at affordable prices, so that it was accessable to all.

Danielle is as tireless a fundraiser as she is a dancer, ensuring dancers can compete in expensive competitions no matter what their family circumstances are. Now it’s our turn to support Danielle as her talent is recognised on the international stage.

Your letters and comments Landlord Licensing

Standards should be the same for all rented property, not just in some areas.

The council should be able to step in wherever high standards aren’t achieved.

Forcing landlords to sign up to standards and pay high fees achieve nothing unless the council inspects each property and enforces the standards required. How are they going to use licensing money?

Louise Lindsay I agree that landlords should be held accountable. A neighbour complained to the estate agents about damp in the house to be advised that the landlord refuses to spend any money on repairs so live with it or move.

I think licensing should be brought in and also a contact telephone number or department online for people to report bad landlords to, as long as it is governed and policed regularly as it will be useless otherwise.

June Lally Not all landlords are bad, I only have to ring mine with a problem and he is there. I think they should look into the houses where they are rented out to two people and end up with 6, 7, 8, or maybe more living in them. Most of them are managed by estate agents who are not bothered as long as they are getting their money Anne Williamson

Arson Attacks in Beeston In the light of your above article regarding terrorism, I thought I’d send you a poem for your edition: Stronger than hate There was never a God in our civilised world Who instructed our races to kill

Artists impression of a new White Rose rail station Never a reason, a doctrine or law Never has been and isn’t one still We will not surrender We’re standing together You will not determine our fate Our country’s United We won’t be divided Because love is much stronger than hate Yvonne Ugarte

White Rose rail station Will it actually happen though? This has been kicking about since 1990 when BT Mobile was enticed to Leeds at the then Arlington Centre next door. It was then promoted in 1997 when the White Rose Shopping Centre opened. Now 21 years later they raise the idea again, maybe I’m being pessimistic but I still won’t believe it until it’s built.

Heather Phillips

Facilities for Cottingley

Would be nice if at Cottingley we could get some sort of decent playground as we have NOTHING other than a skateboard park near the A643 to Morley.

Councillors/MP’s should try dragging a buggy with child in it (and all the extra stuff that’s involved (nappies, wipes, Beeston & Holbeck ward disposable bags, food, drink etc) Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck. up to Churwell Park or Crossflats The three councillors are: Park to realise that giving younger Gohar Almass 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk children a safe and stimulating outdoor environment to play in Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk currently takes an awful lot of Andrew Scopes 07860 400 645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk effort.

Should I really have to take a Hunslet & Riverside ward bus to Middleton, Morley, Pudsey, Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are: Roundhay etc with the cost Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk involved given that the Cottingley estate must have a substantial Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk amount of residents on lower Paul Wray 07528 512 649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk incomes.

Mac Hawk

Your Councillors and MP

Middleton Park ward

Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:

Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell

0113 378 9000 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 378 8811 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

Wanting to encourage more people to use the bus? I would be happy to do this if we had a decent service on the Cottingley

estate, the sevice provided by First Bus is atrocious. We have two buses an hour to Leeds and two buses an hour to Morley, that is if they turn up.

We have no bus running up to Beeston and no buses going down Dewsbury Road.

One bus an hour to The White Rose Centre, no evening buses to Leeds and Morley. I could go on and on about this First Bus who quite simply the worst outfit to run buses in Leeds. The council are also to blame for letting First Bus run a service like this. To add to all this the local Aldi has closed so we have no supermarket to get food except going to Morley. So this socalled consultation should concentrate on getting a decent bus service, never mind park and ride.

Ray Curry

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

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

Here are some of our favourite recent tweets: @LCCStGeorges1 Ever wondered what it would be like try Tai Chi? Here is your opportunity! We have twp FREE sessions so come along and give it a go! Sessions are Monday 3rd & 10th September 10 - 11 am. @thomascoyle_ On the final leg of our fundraising walk now, taking the Leeds #RiverTaxi to @LeedsDock and as we raise awareness for @BeestoninBloom and inspire community pride as part of our @NCS Social Action Project. #TeamPerham #NCSYes

Trams I first became aware of this tram route in 1948 when I was six years old, during a visit to my grandfather who lived at 611 Dewsbury Road. The unexpected sight of a tram apparently appearing from nowhere during a walk in the woods was sheer magic to me. I was hooked, and I couldn’t wait to ride a tram on that route. I still think of that route as my favourite tram journey anywhere, ever.

John Leeming

Georgia Georgia’s sudden unexpected death has touched many people. Georgia will never be forgotten and what you are doing Ellie is amazing. You are such a truly wonderful friend to Georgia and like me and everyone else who knows you, we are so proud off you. Love you to infinity xx Tracey

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

@salhors Exciting to finally see our new school from the inside today!

Almost there...... #excitingtimes #uniqueinnovativecreative @ElementsSchool @EastStreetArts There's still time to apply to become our writer in residence at Artist House 45.

Be part of creating a portrait of Beeston. @ChrisNickson2 For a couple of centuries, Beeston had an anchoress.

Don't know what that is? Read on... @BigBookend @bettyvirago Some of the goodies we’ll learn to make at the quilting and patchwork workshops at @Hobbycraft_LDS starting September 13th, there’s a few places left! #quilting #leeds

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September 2018 | South Leeds Life

News 15

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Blokes in South Leeds urged to ‘slim like a man’ A

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Slimming World and the Men’s Health Forum are calling for men to get support to lose weight.

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Robert before joining Slimming World

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group bring an enormous amount to the rest of us too.

They’re fun and friendly and help ensure that our group is always full of laughter. We’d love to welcome more blokes to group and so my message to men who are worried about their weight is to come along and give Slimming World a try – it really does work and there are more men doing it than you think!”

Robert, from Stourton Grange who has lost 3½st with the group since February 2017 and dropped 4 inches from his waist from a size 38” to 34”, says: “Joining Slimming World has been one of the best things I’ve ever done. Before, I thought slimming groups were just for women and not my cup of tea at all – but after some encouragement from my wife I decided I had nothing to lose by giving it a try. Now I am a lot healthier, look a lot better and feel a lot better” He continued: “I am a diabetic and have had the disease for about 25 years. For the past 5 years I have been controlling my blood sugar levels through the use of 5

insulin injections per day which caused me to steadily put on weight. I realised that I was getting too large and heavy and it was also impacting on other areas of my health. I knew that something needed to be done before it was too late” “I was pretty nervous on my first visit, but from the moment I walked into the group everyone made me feel really welcome. There were two other men there too which helped put me at ease. Now those strangers have become a whole set of new really good friends, willing me on to do well each week. We have a good laugh in group, as well as share challenges, our plans for overcoming them, ideas for getting fit and active and plenty of recipes.

“I used to eat a lot of bread and meals that were fried with lots of olive oil or had creamy sauces and ate very few However, by vegetables. making a few small changes to the way my favourite meals are cooked, I can ensure they’re still filling and full of flavour, and also good for my waistline.

I have always eaten a healthy

wholegrain breakfast but now I serve up a hearty “Full English” for a treat. For example, by grilling instead of frying, swapping white bread for wholemeal and going easy on the butter, I can have a tasty weekend breakfast with a

Robert today plateful of eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans and toast - and still lose weight,” adds Robert.

“I’m more active now too, which makes my Job as an IT Training officer so much easier.

I now love to take long walks instead of sitting at home working at the computer or reading. Thanks to the great

support from Tace and the Belle Isle group, and my newly formed habits, I know that this fitter, healthier me is here to stay. If anything, I’d say to other men just to give it a go! You have nothing to lose other than the weight you’ve always wanted to shed! It might just change your life like it has mine.”

Robert comments that being a member of Slimming World has had a massive impact on his health. He adds: “I still have diabetes but as the weight came off I found that I needed far less insulin. I still take 5 doses per day but these have become small doses now, in fact I am using less than half of the insulin I was before”.

“When I see the Consultants at the Hospital I am told how it is excellent that I have lost all that weight, I am back to a normal BMI and it is really helping me to manage my health”.

Anyone who’d like to lose weight and join Slimming World is welcome at any group, which meets every day Monday to Saturday in South Leeds. To find out more visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | September 2018

16 Arts Art Life: South of the River

Life’s A Beach (Keep it Real) I

by Bruce Davies

n September 2017 I was invited to take part in an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) group with St Luke’s Church in Beeston South Leeds; my role within the group was to organise the children in some kind of art based activity.

The group itself was made up of refugee families from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraqi Kurdistan, and the ages of the children ranged from three to eight, or thereabouts.

Over the course of the last twelve months, I have spent two hours every Thursday afterschool during term time with these children, listening as they tell stories of their homelands and their adoptive land as refugees.

These sessions were as instructive for me as they were for the children, as I listened to them sadly recount stories of having to leave their homes, forced to flee to even less certain futures on foreign shores. Some of the smaller children spoke about looking forward to a time when they could return to their homes, whilst some of the older children talked, in a surprisingly sanguine manner about how the war had destroyed all that they once had and there could be no going back.

Reflecting upon their condition as both children and refugees in a post-Brexit landscape, fraught with opposition to incomers; whether white European, African or of Middle Eastern extraction, it is difficult to imagine how life must be for people who have already lost so much.

South Leeds is an area of high density population, economically in the lowest 1%

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of the country and currently undergoing a major increase in social housing. The perception, rightly or wrongly, is that much of this is being given over to refugees, which has led to an increase in the frequency with which you hear complaints about ‘them’ getting preferential treatment over ‘us’, by which I assume the commenters mean people who have been here for a long time, already on waiting lists for housing, renovation and such like.

Over the last decade we have seen much change in the world particularly as a result of conflicts in the middle east and this has, without doubt, impacted on political decisions made at a local level. The problems of the world are undoubtedly the problems of local communities too, the real challenge is correctly identifying and challenging the source of those problems. The polarisation of opinion, and seemingly behaviour in societal terms, at a local level seems to have stemmed from a number of seismic events in global politics, resulting in an ‘us’ and ‘them’ attitude being pushed further forward in people’s consciousness.

To take this viewpoint though, I believe, misses the point and allows the people behind the problem off the hook, that is to say the politicians and big businesses that actively pursue endless wars in favour of the national economy, which strangely seems to bear little relation to local economy, but that is another line of enquiry. To this end it is important that people work together to strengthen the community against the shockwaves caused by the larger picture. At a local level we are all ‘them’.

Producing artworks with the children of ESOL South Leeds

Smithy Is: a South Leeds novel A

new novel – called ‘Smithy Is’ – is hitting the shelves in bookshops across the country, depicting the gritty reality of growing up in south Leeds in the 1960s.

This “insightful and hard hitting” book follows the path of teenage Smithy as he grows into adulthood, experiencing and witnessing the full range of life as

he goes. Challenges and battles include struggles with mental health, sexual abuse, bullying, racism, and all the normal travails of adolescence. It is especially written to resonate with the younger readers of today, to perhaps help them navigate their own journeys into adulthood.

Author John Swain lived in

Beeston as a teenager and young adult through the 1960s and into the 1970s, and attended Cockburn High School. He is now an established writer, with several published books to his name.

‘Smithy Is’ is available in print or online; all royalties are being donated to Child Helpline International.

South Leeds Storm blows through Leeds Festival

Sounds Like A Storm, on the Radio 1 Stage at Leeds Festival together. feel momentum building:

by Ed Carlisle Three of them (minus Joe at “This is everything we’ve he bank holiday weekend that point) started out together worked for these past years. saw ‘Sounds Like A Storm’ in their mid teens at Cockburn We’re grateful, but we’re not school, entering surprised. We’ve put in the – a young indie band, with high their roots very firmly in south competitions and gigging hours, the graft. We’re not Leeds – going up a gear, where they could. Their first going to stop – then who knows performing to thousands at the break-through was winning the what the next ten years is going major Leeds and Reading Leeds AMP Awards, featuring a to do?” performance at the O2 Earlier this month, they won Festival.

South Leeds Life caught up Academy, in 2016. Joe joined a Futuresound competition for with them at Old Chapel them at that point, and – I’m emerging artists – and with it slots on the Radio 1 stage at Studios in Holbeck, to find out told – “put fuel on the fire”.

The past year has seen them Leeds and Reading Festivals, what’s going on.

Sounds Like A Storm are, in touring across the country, held on August Bank Holiday case I didn’t mention it, young. performing in front of 200-300 weekend.

Then what does the future In their review of the band, crowds, sometimes headlining, Indie Music Central described and plugging away with local hold? They all chip in together, them as ‘the youngsters events including the ‘Live at a weave of overlapping redefining the rules on age’. Leeds’ festival. Sennen – the comments – and whilst they They are: Cormac Connolly (18, classic talkative frontman – seem keen to playfully talk lead guitar, from Beeston), says it’s been great to see and themselves down, they clearly Sennen Ludman (18, vocals and rhythm guitar, from Hunslet), Connor ‘Cornish’ Passey (18, bass, from Middleton), and Joe Schofield (the ripe old age of 19, drums, from Farnley).

Young they might be – but so too they come across as confident, engaging, characterful. There’s plenty of laughter and banter, and a shared passion for both the music and the music scene itself. And also – I sense – a clear-eyed focus on the goal, a tough-minded determination to break through and go places Sounds Like A Storm, on the Radio 1 Stage at Leeds Festival

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have a plan and vision: “We’re just a bunch of estate lads, doing this full-time, no jobs, all skint, just in it together… At the moment, we’ve got nothing: we’re not signed, we’ve no albums, nothing… It’s just us, off our own backs… But you don’t know what the future holds, and we’ll just keep going…

We’re giving it everything, we’ll slowly build up, and let’s see where we get to…”

Also, for all their youthful bravado, they’re clearly very conscious of those around them – who have helped propel them this far. They give special mention to family, friends (“some people have really stuck by us”), Cockburn school (“some of the teachers still come and watch us perform”), and Old Chapel Studios (“we’d be nothing without them”).

And I ask them finally what they’d want to say to other local people. Sennan – without hesitation – comments: “Whatever you want to do or be, there’s a better life out there. Start young. Dare to dream. Don’t be scared.”

In their 18 or 19 years, these four young lads have dreamt, and dared, and are making a life for themselves. It remains to be seen if they hit the bigtime – but if there are prizes for grit and passion, they’re surely in the running.

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Website: www.southleedslife.com

September 2018 | South Leeds Life

Arts 17

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Stargazing, CPR and shelves on the Slung Low syllabus W

by Jeremy Morton

ould you like to learn how to put up a shelf? Or cook Indian food? Perhaps you’d like to try stargazing or decorative blacksmithing?

How about life saving CPR? All these subjects and more are on the syllabus at a new college starting in a converted double decker bus in Holbeck.

Slung Low, Holbeck’s own theatre company, are embarking on a new venture.

The Cultural Community College will bring back learning for learning sake, something that’s rapidly leaving mainstream education.

“To learn how to read the stars, to stare at the universe and understand your place in it is profound … and now that we have GPS, utterly useless” explains Alan Lane, the Slung Low’s Artistic Director.

You may think this has nothing to do with theatre, but Slung Low has previous, as anyone who has been to one of their How To … festivals, or joined the HUB Choir will tell you.

There are two drivers behind the College plan. Firstly the company’s own experience of learning new skills needed to put on shows.

“Last year we produced a water-based play called Flood as part of Hull’s City of Culture.

We had to learn how to use a boat safely, how to abseil, how

to fill in the right form for a licence.

The extraordinary thing was the more we learned the more confident we got, but not just about the thing we learned.”

Their second reason for starting is the college is Slung Low’s mission to be ‘useful’ in the Holbeck community.

“Being useful is the most important thing to us, even before being good.”

With traditional evening classes disappearing Slung Low aim to fill a gap.

Commercial cookery classes are £100 a day and more, but their vegetarian Indian food course, like all the courses will

be ‘pay what you decide.’

What’s more it will be taught by award winning Manjit (of Manjit’s Kitchen).

The pay what you decide is an important principle for all activities at Slung Low’s HUB, under the viaduct arches on Bath Road. You book your place for free, go to the course or see the show and then decide on your way out what the experience was worth to you.

Slung Low leafleted every door in Holbeck a week ahead of the full launch to make sure residents could get the first choice on courses. Bookings are now open to everyone and you can find full details on the Slung Low website at: www.slunglow.org/holbeck To celebrate the start of term, Slung Low invite you to a barn dance on Saturday 8 September from 7-10:30pm.

Greensleeves Ceilidh Band will provide the music and call the dances so everyone can join in, plus there will be a £1 bar and food.

Slung Low is located under the viaduct at 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck, LS11 9UA.

Gospel choir concert

Celebration Gospel Choir

M

iddleton Park Baptist Church are hosting a Night of Celebration with Colin Williams and the Celebration Gospel Choir.

The concert takes place on Saturday 6 October at the Baptist Church on Middleton Park Avenue.

The Celebration Choir is a large gospel choir based in the North of England founded by accomplished gospel singer and director, Colin Williams.

This is a free event; however, admission is by ticket only, of which there is only a restricted number available. To order your ticket(s) ring 07464848150 or secretary_mpbc e-mail @sky.com

Next generation cinema Hunslet Rogues present to launch in South Leeds Matilda The Musical

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ineworld has announced that a revolutionary new immersive cinema technology called ScreenX will arrive at Cineworld Leeds White Rose this month.

ScreenX is the world’s first multi-projection cinema technology expanding the traditional cinema screen to the side auditorium walls, creating a 270-degree viewing experience for the audience.

Developed and originally launched in South Korea, Cineworld Leeds will be the third cinema to install the new technology in the UK. The innovative technology uses an array of projectors and with proprietary ScreenX software, blends multiple images into one seamless image extending from the central screen out. ScreenX walls are installed with a fabric to ensure brightness and colour closely match the content on the main screen and extend the length of the auditorium. Strategically placed audio systems and speakers ensure that sound does not

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Cineworld at the White Rose Shopping Centre compromise the immersive experience next month. We are viewing experience. driven by innovation and this “We know cinema is all about fully immersive experience will the experience and for this transform the way our reason our technology is customers experience film. designed to connect With a great line-up of films cinemagoers more closely with such as The Meg and The Nun, the action”, said Byung-Hwan ScreenX will truly transport Choi, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX. movie fans into the on-screen “ScreenX mimics how the action.” human eye interprets a visual Customers at Cineworld by appealing to both our front Leeds will pay £13.20 for their and peripheral vision. It meets immersive ScreenX experience. our aim to break cinematic The new cinematic technology boundaries and create builds on the strong offering amazing cinema experiences.” already available at Leeds, Steve Petersen, General including an IMAX screen Manager of Cineworld Leeds showing the latest Hollywood said: “We look forward to releases, a Baskins Robbins ice welcoming cinemagoers in cream counter and a Leeds to the ScreenX Starbucks.

he Hunslet Rogues are a new Drama Club at The Hunslet Club.

It was formed by three drama graduates from the University of Huddersfield and caters for young people aged 7+, special needs, learning disabilities and aspiring actors!

"After volunteering at the Christmas Pantomime, and meeting the kids, we decided we would love to work at the Hunslet Club starting a new club called ‘The Hunslet Rogues.’ We are excited to be part of such a great community with so much passion for activities and opportunities for young people.

"We are pleased to say our numbers steadily went up and we now have a cast of around 30 talented members who we are working with to create our first show 'Matilda the Musical!'"

Offering acting, dancing and singing, The Hunslet Rogues work with their cast to improve confidence, creativity and teach them Matilda The Musical at The Hunslet Club new skills. "We love to see our kids improving and enjoying themselves during the classes."

Matilda the Musical show dates are Friday 14 September and Friday 28 September.

Doors open at 7pm and the show begins at 7:30. Tickets are £5 for individuals and £15 for a family ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children).

These are now on sale at the club.

"We are very excited to put on our first show as The Hunslet Rogues and hope as many people will come to see it as they can!"

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | September 2018

18 Local history

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Last coals to Leeds M

ay 1968 was a significant month in the history of the Middleton Railway, as it saw the closure of Middleton Broom Pit. After more than 200 years of transporting coal into the centre of Leeds, the last mine in South Leeds had closed.

To mark the 50th anniversary of this closure, the railway will be running a special event on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 September 2018, but activities surrounding this event will not just run for that one weekend. Rather, it will be the focus of a much larger project, which is aimed at providing a proper commemoration of this change in the industry that had been key to this area of Leeds.

The gala weekend will celebrate the railway’s coal mining heritage. It will be visited by ex-National Coal Board loco 'Wimblebury' courtesy of the Foxfield Railway. Operatimg alongside will be home fleet locos: Slough Estate No3 (masquerading as Blenkinsop 1953, one of the last locos to work at Broom Pit); Manning Wardle 'Matthew Murray'

Middleton Broom Colliery

(as an ex-NCB loco 'Forward'); and Fowler diesel 'Harry' of a similar type to one that operated at the Colliery.

There will be regular passenger trains and a chance to see the newly restored freight wagons in action.

Throughout September you can see a photographic exhibition in the Engine House museum. This draws heavily on available archive photographs and related material, including items from the railway's own archives.

Two booklets have also been produced describe the history of coal mining in the area. One is aimed at primary school pupils, and the other at the wider community. Copies of the school version will be distributed to the pupils at all of the local primary schools.

It is also planned to install a plaque at the railway to honour all those who worked at Middleton Broom Pit from its opening in 1879 to its closure in 1968; and especially those who lost their lives working at the pit.

©Leeds Library & Information Services via leodis.org

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Heritage Open Days in South Leeds S

by Lynda Kitching

outh Leeds is steeped in history. and the upcoming 8 day feast of all things ‘heritage’ is the perfect opportunity to explore it.

Heritage Open Days is a national event, co-ordinated throughout our city by Leeds Civic Trust, and will run from Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 September and Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 September 2018.

Across the city, buildings will be opened and well-researched talks, walks and exhibitions have been prepared by experts – all with FREE entry.

In South Leeds, you can take a long walk along the Aire & Calder Navigation, or shorter walks round ‘The Cradle of Innovation: Holbeck and Hunslet’ or a Waterfront Walk looking at past and future initiatives.

See a film of yesteryear at The Tetley before looking around; or take

a ‘ghost’ tour around the car park and hear about the buildings that used to stand there when it was a brewery.

Visit Thwaite Mills in Stourton to see the huge waterwheel in action and learn about some of the people and activities during WW1.

Start at Holbeck Cemetery for a fascinating walk through Holbeck with Stank Hall Barn, Beeston stories of the people there from hauling steam locomotive ran in paupers to Lord Mayors – you’ll need 1812.

Look out for leaflets in libraries and a packed lunch!

Be amazed as you step into Stank One-Stop centres. They’ll show basic Hall Barn, Beeston with its medieval information of dates, times and beginnings, and hear about the oldest meeting places for walks, but for full details, go to house in Leeds – Stank Hall.

Visit Middleton Railway and take a www.heritageopendays.org.uk then guided tours of the site, where the click on Leeds – there’s something for world’s very first successful, load- everyone!

Cottingley’s war hero dies W

illiam (Bill) Cutler, Cottingley Hall Estate’s longest standing resident has died, aged 99.

After service in the Royal Navy, Bill moved to Cottingley shortly after the end of the Second World War. Amid a housing shortage, pre-fabricated homes were quickly built at Cottingley and Bill was one of the first tenants in

1947.

In the 1970s the pre-fabs, which were only designed to last ten years, were demolished and a new estate was built. Bill reluctantly left his prefab for a new house in 1972, where he lived the rest of his life.

Two years ago Bill was one of 21 veterans from across the north of

Bill Cutler with his Legion d’Honneur (and other medals)

England awarded the Légion d’Honneur - France’s highest honour - for their role on D-Day, the allied invasion of Normandy.

Bill was a Royal Navy sailor on board HMS Largs. This was no ordinary ship, in fact it was a captured French Banana boat that had been converted to be used as the Combined Operations Headquarters.

It served this function at all the major allied sea-borne invasions of the Second World War. Bill Cutler served on HMS Largs through the invasions of North Africa in 1942; Sicily in 1943, France in 1944 and Burma in 1945.

On D-day the ship, with generals and admirals on board, led the invasion force that landed at Sword Beach. Bill was a bridge lookout and helped to avert catastrophe when he spotted a torpedo launched at the ship.

Bill’s war recots was commemorated by the people of Cottingley in April 2016 when they held a special party in his honour.

The event, at Cottingley Community Centre, took the form of a 1940s style tea dance. The centre was decked out in union jack bunting and archive newspapers from the war were on show. Many people had dressed in 1940s style with tea being served by a squad of ‘Land Girls’.

Bill said the party was “Marvellous.

It’s unbelievable how they found old friends to come, I never expected anything like this. All they said was wear your medals!”

Bill was a regular at Remebrance Day events on the estate and visited the primary school to talk about his experiences.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | September 2018

19 What’s on

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Friends plan playground improvements for Miggy

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he Friends of Middleton Park are hoping to make improvements to the children’s play area in the park - but they need your help.

With Council funds stretched to breaking point, the Friends are applying for external grants and they need comments from residents to show funders that there is real demand for the new facilities.

Rachel Darton from the group told South Leeds Life: “We are trying to raise funding to improve the playground area and want to triple the play area in size with loads of new equipment catering for kids of all abilities. But we can’t do it without your help!”

With the funding deadline looming they’d love it if you can get back to them quickly.

Based on the previous consultation responses, the playground improvements that are proposed will encourage age specific play, with a toddler climbing frame and integral slide, junior swings, junior multi-unit climbing frame, cradle and boat swings.

It will also encourage communal play with a multi swing, group springies and spinning dishes. There will also be a see saw and rope swing and inclusive roundabout and 2 inclusive springies, which will be accessible to children of all abilities, including wheelchair

users.

It will encourage more free form and imaginative play, with new earth bunding, stepping stones, carved boulders, art features and water puddle play features. We will make the area an attractive place for all families to visit with trees, wildflowers, seating and picnic benches, suitable for all to enjoy. Rubber surfacing will be installed under the play equipment.

Please look at the plans on their Facebook page and show your support there or email them at info@fomp.co.uk or write to the Friends of Middleton Park, c/o Tenants Hall, Acre Close, LS10 4HX.

Best Start for families

Employment funding launch B O

n Monday 24 September the ‘South Leeds Together’ programme will be holding its launch event at John Charles Centre for Sport.

Organisations that are interested in learning more about this European Structural and Investment Fund scheme are invited to come along and learn about how they might access funding for new employment, skills and enterprise support projects.

As South Leeds Life has previously reported, the area has its own Local Action Group (LAG), which is a made up of residents, private, public, and third sector organisations. A development strategy for the

area has been created and the LAG will be putting out specific funding calls over the next year that will help address the objectives in the document.

Organisations can apply to deliver new and innovative employment and business development opportunities in the local area.

The launch event, which starts at 5:30pm, will consist of interactive discussions, a question and answer session, and an opportunity to learn which areas of South Leeds are covered by the scheme.

Rev Lindsey Pearson, Chair of the South Leeds Local Action Group said: “Our strategy for the South Leeds Together

programme has been developed to provide employment opportunities in some of our most deprived neighbourhoods. We want to work with those that are furthest from the job market and have prioritised three key groups of people; we’d like to see interventions which support workless families, interventions which support people with disabilities into employment, and interventions which support sex workers into alternative employment.

To register for the event, or to find out more, contact Brendan Tannam on brendan.tannam @leeds.gov.uk or visit www.LeedsCLLD.co.uk

by Karen Marshall

ecoming a new parent or carer can be very isolating and confusing. But help is at hand from Touchstone’s Best Start Peer Support Project.

Our focus is on enabling parents to feel happier and healthier, so that they can meet their children’s needs and raise happy healthy children. By bringing together parents/carers in a safe space to talk about stress, positive communication and self-worth, we aim to create new networks of support and friendships.

This, in turn, enables parents/carers to seek help from specialist services if they need them and makes them more open to sharing what they know and what they’ve learned with other parents in their communities. It has also led to some parents/carers becoming more confident in accessing parenting courses (such as HENRY, Incredible Toddlers and Baby Steps) which contain

information pertinent to other parts of the city wide Best Start Agenda.

Best Start Peer Support Project has already delivered two six-week courses in Middleton and one in Beeston.

This has resulted in 21 parents/carers completing our course. We encourage all our participants to take specific action to share the things they have learnt on this course, and from each other, so that they become community assets and sources of further help and support.

From these participants, 9 have also applied to go on to do further volunteer training with us, which has already been completed by 3 of them. These

trained volunteers are able to get involved with specific pieces of work for the Best Start Peer Support Project, or they can get support and guidance in starting their own community ventures.

A further Best Start Peer Support course is planned at the Hamara Centre in Beeston for September 2018 and we are trying to find suitable venues to deliver training in any or all of Holbeck, Belle Isle and Hunslet. If anyone is interested on coming to one of our programmes and meeting new friends please contact Karen Marshall or Leeane Rowinska on (0113) 271 8277 or email: karenm@touchstonesupport. org.uk.

Lot’s on at St George’s A

Local residents worked with Touchstone and the Council on a series of popular and well attended community sessions this summer in Trentham Park in Beeston Hill.

A 'Friends Of' group to help keep the park looking its best and organise activities is now being planned.

Get in touch to get involved, email nick@touchstonesupport.org.uk

s we reported in July, the community hub at St George’s Centre in Middleton has been refurbished creating better spaces for the range of agencies providing services.

Here is a timetable of weekly surgeries at the centre: Monday Registrars (All day appointments) Welfare Rights (All day appointments) Tuesday Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (All day appointments) Money Buddies (AM drop-in) Leeds Housing Options (Same day appointments) Wednesday

Women’s Lives Leeds (All day drop-in) Community Links (All day appointments) Registrars (All day appointments) Welfare Rights (All day appointments) Engage Leeds (AM drop-in) Housing - Benefit Adviser (All day appointments) Thursday Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (All day appointments) Welfare Rights (All day appointments) Remploy (PM drop-in) Friday Registrars (All day appointments)

Saturday Councillor surgery first Saturday of the month (AM drop-in) A new Chess Club has started on Saturdays from 10:30am-12:30pm. Watch out for more events and activities.

St George’s Centre is open 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri and 10am-2pm on Saturdays.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | September 2018

20 What’s On

What’s On Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in September Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events Every Monday GTT: Digital Access Holbeck 9am-12pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill Bridge Cafe 9:30am-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Women & Girls’ Drop In 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project 43 Stratford Street, Beeston Computers with Digital Angels 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Lychee Red – Chinese Elders Gp 10am-12pm Parocial Hall, North Lingwell Road, Middleton Julie’s Ancestry Group 10am & 1pm BITMO’s GATE Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Crafts 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Avenue Walk and Talk 11am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Breathe Easy 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston.

Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Bowling 12:30-4pm Cross Flatts Park Women’s Wellbeing Group 1-3pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road Dance 2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Avenue Triathlon Training 4:15-5:45pm Middleton Cycle Hub Blossom Kinship Group 4-5:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road Connected 4-5:30pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road Kickboxing 6-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet Warriors Juniors 6-7pm Warrior Park, The Oval South Leeds Spartans Girls Rugby 6-7pm Corinthians RUFC, Ring Road Middleton, by Leisure Centre DAZL DanceFit (women 16+) 6-7pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton South Leeds Sisters running 6.15pm South Leeds Stadium St Matthew’s Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck DanceFit 7pm Middleton Parochial Hall 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 Mums & Tots 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle

Bridge Cafe 9:30am-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park 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 HEA’s Tea & Toast breakfast 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Baking 10-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Breastfeeding Support 10am-12pm Middleton Family Centre, 252-262 Sissons Road Women’s Friendship Group 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston Community Coffee Morning 10-11:30am Beeston Library Yoga class 10:30-11:30am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Knit & Natter 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre HEA’s Singing Group 11am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Gentle Exercise 11.30am-12:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Lunch Club 12pm Arthington Court, Hunslet HEA’s Lunch Club 12:15-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Bowling 12:30-4pm Cross Flatts Park Dancing In Time 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Stay & Play 1:30-3pm Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue, Beeston Line Dancing 1:30-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm Arthington Ct, Hunslet Line Dancing 2-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Teen Spirit Boys Group 4-6pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road Rainbows, Brownies, Guides 4:30-9:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Inside Out wellbeing group 6-8pm Middleton Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road Women’s Fitness Boot Camp 6-7pm Leeds Urban Bike Park, Ring Road, Middleton, LS10 3TN Middleton Park All-Rounders

6:30pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Craft & Social Evening 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Carr Free Football Sessions 6:30-7:30pm 8-12 year olds 7:30-8:30pm 13-16 year olds Holbeck Community Centre, Elland Road, LS11 0AB Fitness Boot Camp 6:45-7:45 Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street South Leeds Lakers running 7pm from Beeston Co-op

Every Wednesday Bacon Butty Breakfast and Wednesday Weigh In 9-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Messy Time 9:15-11am Middleton Play & Learning Centre, Throstle Lane Parents and Toddlers 9:15-11:15am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Get Fit Where You Sit 9:15-10:15 Lane End Primary School, Beeston Road Bridge Cafe 9:30am-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park 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 Rags to Riches Sewing Group 10am-12pm Tenants Hall Ent. Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Women’s Walking Group 10-11am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle HEA’s Shopping Trip 10am-1pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Domestic Street CAP Job Club 10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Sq Community Craft Cafe 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road Money Advice 10:15am-3pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Dancing In Time 10:30am-12pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road Walk &Talk Walking Group 11am-1pm MEA Social Centre, Middleton Park Avenue Free Zumba 12-12:45pm Middleton Leisure Centre HEA’s Lunch & Film Afternoon 12-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Grandparents’ Group 12:30-2:30pm Tenants Hall Ent. Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Bumps & Buggy Fit 1-2pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network, Nesfield

Road, Belle Isle At Home In Holbeck 2-3pm Ingram Road Primary School Walk and Talk 2-3pm meet outside Greggs, Middleton Park Circus 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 1st Beeston Beaver Scouts 6-7:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Hunslet Warriors Juniors 6-7pm Warrior Park, The Oval South Leeds Spartans Girls Rugby 6-7pm Corinthians RUFC, Ring Road Middleton, by Leisure Centre City Kids (R-Y6) 6-7:15pm City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road HITT Training Class 6-7pm Belle Isle Family Centre Cottingley Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm Cottingley Community Centre DanceFit 6:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, Town Street Zumba 7-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Middleton Mavericks running 7pm South Leeds Stadium Martial Arts 7-9pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm St John & St Barnabas Church Hall, Belle Isle Camera Club 8pm upstairs at St George’s Centre, Middleton

Every Thursday Mums & Tots 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Stay & Play 9-11am St Anthony’s Church Hall, Old Lane, Beeston Charity Shop 9:30am-3pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Bridge Cafe 9:30am-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park HEA’s Community Cafe 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Ping Pong / Model Making 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Middleton Park Estate Volunteers 10am-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre New Lives Group 10-11:30am Cottingley Children’s Centre Storytime (under 5s) 11-11:30am Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Bumps & Buggy Fit 11:15am-12:15pm Middleton

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Park Visitor Centre Chair based mobility group 11:15am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Ctr Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Lunch Club 12-1:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Line Dancing 1pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Little Explorers Baby Group 1-2:30pm Middleton Play & Learning Centre, Throstle Lane New Lives Group 1-2:30pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square Digital Image Online Photography 1:15-3:15pm Cockburn Skills Hub, Gipsy Lane Breathe Easy gentle exercise 1:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church Telford Terrace, off Balm Road Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Activites with Rocky 1:30-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Craft Group 1:30-3:30pm Cleveleys Court, Holbeck Vale Circles Autism Hub 2-7pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Children’s Summer Sports 4:30-6pm West Grange Courts, Belle Isle Community Choir 5pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane Kidz Klub Middleton 5:05-6:15pm Middleton Primary School, Middleton Park Avenue Mini & Junior Rugby 6-7pm Leeds Corinthians, Ring Road, Middleton General Fitness 6-7pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Middleton Park All-Rounders 6:30pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Ballet Burn 7-8pm South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston Indoor Bowls 7-10pm The Holbeck (WMC), Jenkinson Lawn Youth Drop In 7-9pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Yoga class 7:30-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

Choir 10:30am-12:30pm Tenant Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Dancing In Time 10:30am-12pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road Yoga 10:45-11:35am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Breathe Easy gentle exercise 11:30 Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road, Middleton Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Luncheon Club 12-1:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street HEA’s Fish & Chip Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Bowling 12:30-4pm Cross Flatts Park Krok Po Kroku (Polish Group) 12:30-2:30pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Ballroom Dancing 1-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston The GATE Men’s Group 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Dancing In Time 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck HEA’s Games Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Gentle Chair Exercise Class 1.45-2.45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Rhymetime 2pm Beeston Library, Town St Girls Football 6-7pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square Church Lads’ & Girls Brigade 6-8pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre 1st Beeston Cub Scouts 6:15-7:45pm St Andrews Community Centre, Cardinal Road 1st Beeston Scouts 8-9:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston

Every Friday Tea & Toast 9am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road Bridge Cafe 9:30am-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Breastfeeding Support Group 9:45-11:15am Mothercare cafe, Crown Point Retail Park Stretch and Tone 9:45-10:30 St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Under 5s Storytime 10-11am Dewsbury Road Library HEA’s Tea & Toast Breakfast 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Cuppa, Toast and Games 10am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Computers with Digital Angels 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Middleton Minstrels Women’s

Every Saturday Breakfast Club 8:30-11am Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Cross Flatts parkrun 9am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Middleton Woods parkrun 9am Leeds Urban Bike Park, Ring Road, Middleton Breakfast Club 9-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Middleton Park All-Rounders 10am Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Kidz ‘n’ Co 10:30am-12:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Middleton Railway 11am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet Bingo Afternoon 12:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Tennis For Free 2-3:30pm Cross Flatts Park

Every Sunday Cross Flatts junior parkrun 9am, top of Cross Flatts Park Middleton Railway 11am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet

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September 2018 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 21

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Full details of every event including map and contact details are available at www.southleedslife.com/events

Saturday 1 September Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Ceilidh 7:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Sunday 2 September Middleton Park Air Show 2-4pm The Clearings, Middleton Park Hunslet RLFC v London Skolars 3pm South Leeds Stadium Songlines 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 3 September Tai Chi taster session 10-11am St George’s Centre, Middleton Middleton Community Meeting 7pm St Cross Crurch, Middleton Park Avenue Tuesday 4 September Mostly Men! 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Wednesday 5 September Hunslet Rugby Memories 12-2pm The Prospect pub, Moor Road, Hunslet Pot-a-Tea Dementia Café 1:30-3:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Lego Club 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Library, Town Street Inner South Community Committee 4:30pm Leeds Urban Bike Park, Ring Road Middleton Thursday 6 September Cakes & Crafting for Macmillan 10am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Old White Hart, Town St Saturday 8 September Family Art Workshop 11am-3pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Candlelighters benefit (children) 12-4pm St Joseph’s Catholic Club, Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet Heritage Tour of brewery site 2-3pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Candlelighters benefit (adults 7-11pm St Joseph’s Catholic Club, Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet Sunday 9 September Scouts fundraiser for Dementia 11am-2pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Barn Open Day 12-4pm Stank Hall Barn, Dewsbury Road, Beeston The Great Middleton Park Show 1-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Heritage Tour of brewery site 2-3pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Pigspurt’s Daughter 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Ceilidh

7-10pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 10 September Tai Chi taster session 10-11am St George’s Centre, Middleton HEA Memory Cafe 12:30-2:30pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Tuesday 11 September Senior Strollers 10-11:30am Cross Flatts Park, Parkfield Avenue entrance Leeds Aphasia Cafe 1-3pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Camera Club 3-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Friends of Stank Hall 7:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Wednesday 12 September Asha Neighbourhood Project Open Day 10am-2pm 43 Stratford Street, Beeston Live Coding Workshop 6-8pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Bat Walk 7-9pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Thursday 13 Sepyember Leeds Pub Piano Competition 7pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Friday 14 September Matilda The Musical 7:30pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Saturday 15 September Ramblers Meet 9am St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Barn Open Day 12-4pm Stank Hall Barn, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 16 September Leeds Dads 2-4pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Yorkshire Traction Honley Band 2.30-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Grand Opening & open day 2:30-5:30pm Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira, Catherine Grove, Beeston Hunslet RLFC v Newcastle Thunder 3pm South Leeds Stadium Tuesday 18 September HUB Choir

6:30-8:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Wednesday 19 September Landlord Licensing Consultation 3-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Thursday 20 September Jobs Day 9:30am-4pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Saturday 22 September Car Boot Sale 9am-12pm Sharp Lane Primary School, Middleton Macmillan Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Big Green Weekend Open Day 11am-4pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Family Art Workshop 11am-3pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Sunday 23 September HEA Sunday Lunch 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck BITMO Lunch Club 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Maltings Court Lunch Club 1-3pm Maltings Court, Maltings Road, Beeston Beeston Wood Walk 1:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street The Last Seam 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Tuesday 25 September HUB Choir 6:30-8:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Wednesday 26 September Tiny Tetley 10:30-11:30am; 11:45-12:45 The Tetley, Hunslet Road Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police Station Arm in Arm Memory Cafe 1:30-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Thursday 27 September Hunslet Remembered 10am-12pm Hunslet Library Landlord Licensing Consultation 3-7:30pm Hillside, Beeston Road Friday 28 September Macmillan Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Macmillan Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Matilda The Musical 7:30pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Saturday 29 September No Stress Yoga 10-11:30am The Tetley, Hunslet Road Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 30 September The Friendly Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street

Publicise your event with South Leeds Life Send full details of your event to: info@southleedslife.com 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW Ring/text: 07894 583966

Asha Neighbourhood Project invite you to their open day

T

he Asha Neighbourhood Project which has been working with women and children in Beeston Hill for over 30 years, is opening its doors on Wednesday 12 September.

The Open Day is targetted at women in the area who haven’t been to the centre on Stratford Street before and may not know what Asha has to offer.

Asha run a range of education classes including sewing and English (ESOL); activities including a walking group; Ofsted registered pre-school childcare; health, social and advice sessions.

The open day runs from 10am-2pm and will include refreshments and Asha members at Northern College mendhi.

Inside Out: offering women ‘me time’ I

nside Out is a women’s group that has been meeting for six years in Middleton, offering fun, friendship, food and fitness.

The group has a friendly environment and a focus on health and wellbeing. The activities are decided by the women in the group, but one staple is a 45 minute keep fit exercise session, which kicks off the weekly session at 6pm each Tuesday.

Inevitably the social side and the chance to chat about any issues sometimes takes over, but that often serves a purpose Inside Out sessions start with Julie’s keep fit class and some women bring their waned to try, come along and in itself.

The group recently moved to children with them. With its suggest it to the group.

Forthcoming activities for the Parochial Hall in Middleton informal atmosphere it’s clear and plan to use its kitchen the women see Inside Out as a autumn 2018 will include Vegan and Vegetarian cookery facilities to bring back a relaxation space.

“There are six in the house, as well as taster sessions in monthly healthy cooking Aromatherapy and Essential oil session. Other activities have so this is ‘me time’” says Ada. Inside Out has recently making. included mindfulness The group is organised by meditation, a yoga taster secured funding from the session and even a pampering National Lottery and is able pay Health For All. For more for facilitators, so if there’s information contact Gayle on evening.

There’s a real mix of ages something you’ve always 07852 945286.

Someone to talk to W

omen’s Lives Leeds run a series of drop in sessions for women and girls around south Leeds.

If you need help accessing services that can support you, they can help.

They offer advice, signposting and referral services for women on a whole range of issues including: emergency housing, mental health support, benefits, domestic abuse, healthy relationships, self esteem, volunteering, CV writing, interviews, education and more.

Or just pop in for a cup of tea and chat.

Sessions are free and confidential - just drop in Asha Neighbourhood Project, 43 Stratford Street, Beeston: every Monday 9:30am-12pm.

St George’s Centre, Middleton: every Wednesday 10am-12pm.

BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle: every Thursday 11am-12:30pm.

For more information contact Sabina on 07925 575012 or (0113) 270 4600; email: sabina.wll@ashaleeds.org.uk

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22 What’s On

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New mosque’s Free community camping grand opening Tevent returns – sign up now!

B

eeston’s newest mosque, the Jamia Masjid Abu Huraira, on Catherine Grove, just off Tempest Road, is holding a grand opening event on Sunday 16 September.

The whole community is invited to the open day to look around the building, find out about its facilities and share refreshments. The event runs from 2:30-5:30pm.

he annual South Leeds Community Camp event is back again, overnight on Saturday 15 to Sunday 16 September in Middleton Park – and is open for bookings!

This free family event each year (it’s now in its fifth year) sees dozens of local people from across the south Leeds communities camping together in the majestic Middleton Park.

It also features games and team challenges, shared meals, a torch-lit walk in the woods (perhaps with a ghost story or two thrown in!), crafts, and more.

The event runs between 2pm on the Saturday until midday on the Sunday (1516 September 2018). The camp itself will be an enclosed and stewarded zone, near the playground

The popular (and spooky!) late-night walk in the woods and the visitor centre, off Attendees are encouraged Town Street (LS10 3SH). to bring their own camping And crucially, it features a kit, but the organisers can portaloo! lend out a limited amount of Further information on the tents and other kit. The event is available on the event is free, but numbers Facebook page - search for are limited, and preMiddleton Park Community registration is essential: Camp. click here to do so. Once All ages are welcome, but you’ve registered, you’ll get under 18s must be sent full event info – and if accompanied at all times. you want to help out, let the

organisers know.

Wayne Dixon, one of the local volunteer organisers, commented: “It’s great to have the camp coming round again this year. It’s a pretty simple event, but people love it, and it’s getting bigger every year. It’s amazing to see people from different backgrounds – who ordinarily wouldn’t meet – mixing, having a laugh, learning from one another, and enjoying the amazing park together. We hope to see you all there!”

The event is coordinated

by Middleton Park FC (Wayne Dixon), the south Leeds ‘Space’ youth project (Ed Carlisle), and other local volunteers – with support from Leeds City Council (Parks and Countryside), Friends of Middleton Park, Hunslet Gala, SLATE, and other partners.

Join the Big Green Gentle exercise to help you Weekend at Skelton breathe a little more easily Grange open day B

by Jeremy Morton

Songs and stories in the woods at Skelton Grange Environment Centre

I

f you’ve never visited TCV’s Skelton Grange Environment Centre, here’s the perfect opportunity to explore how they have transformed this former power station site.

The Open day on Saturday 22 September is part of TCV’s national Big Green Weekend.

The popular open day is an opportunity for the

public to come down and enjoy the woodland, ponds and meadows on the site, and to try out games and activities for all the family.

Special guests "The Musical Botanist" with their amazing horticultural orchestra, and Leeds Children's Circus fun and games will be on site, and you can try out 'The Secrets of Gibbon Island'!

Their dragon fired pizza

oven will be hard at work, and the fantastic Skelton Grange café will be open for tea, cake and more.

The event, which runs from 11am-4pm, is free, but there is a suggested donation of £1 per adult.

Skelton Grange Environment Centre is at the end of Skelton Grange Road, off Pontefract Road in Stourton.

reath Easy is a weekly exercise session for people suffering from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

I went along to the Parochial Hall in Middleton and spoke to three regulars: Kathleen, Val and Tony.

“We come to improve our breathing teqniques” explains Tony. “When you’ve got COPD what you tend to do when you’re out of breath is not do anything, but that’s the worst thing you can do. So a bit of exercise tends to improve your breathing.”

As well as the gentle exercise led by Julie Gill, once a month someone comes from the British Lung Foundation to talk to the group about health

Join the Breathe Easy group in Middleton issues. encourage each other” “Because we’re all in a says Val. similar position we don’t “I’ve only been coming a tend to take the mickey few weeks” Kathleen tells out of each other and Julie me. “I went to the nurse is fantastic at encouraging for my breathing test and you keep going, there’s no she gave me a leaflet. I pressure. We all get along live on my own and I do with each other and get fed up. I do see my

grandchildren so I need to get fit for them. Everyone was very welcoming when I came.”

The group meets every Friday at 11:30am. For more information ring Julie Gill on (0113) 270 4947.

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September 2018 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 23

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It’s showtime in Middleton Park S

unday 9 September is the date for the ninth Great Middleton Park Show.

The theme this year is wildlife in our park and gardens and organisers are promising a host of attractions including animal displays, with alpacas and donkeys joined by birds of music and prey; entertainment including the South Leeds Steel band and a tug-of-war; food and drink stalls; games and activities; plus a market street full of stalls to browse.

Meanwhile in the arena local dance and cheerleading groups will be showing off their skills.

But the marquee is the heart of the show. This is where local residents will be

showing off their skills in the fields of horticulture, art, craft and cookery.

There are 42 different classes to enter from ‘Rhubarb – 3 straight sticks’ in the Fruit section to ‘Vegetable Creature’ in the Arts & Crafts section. Each class has adult and junior sections. Full details are available at thegreatmiddletonpark show. myfreesites.net There is still time to enter, just bring your entry to the marquee between 8:3011am on the morning of the show.

The Show itself runs from 1-4pm. It’s always a great day, so do get down and support your local park and the tireless Friends group. Who will win Best In Show this year at The Great Middleton Park Show?

Fundraising in memory of Georgia T

he loss of a friend or relative through suicide is traumatic, so all credit to Middleton teenager Ellie Morgan who has reacted to the loss of her best friend by organising a fundraiser.

Georgia Myers committed suicide earlier in the summer. Ellie said it came out of the blue. Even though they had known each other for years, Georgia hadn’t told her how she was feeling.

The family friendly fundraising day will take place at Leeds Corinthians Rugby Club on Sunday 2 September from 11am to 7pm.

“I want people to come down and

Georgia Myers have fun” said Ellie who has received support and donations from the community to help put the event on.

“There will be a bouncy castle and facepainters; but I’m still looking for donations for the tombola and raffle” she said.

The funds raised will be divided between a memorial bench for Georgia and the charity Papyrus which works to prevent teenage suicides.

Commenting on Ellie’s efforts, Cllr Kim Groves said: “I am sure everyone in the community is saddened by the loss of Georgia at such a young age and tradgic circumstances. Ellie is making sure Georgia is remembered at the same time she is making us all

think about what more we can do to help those in need.

“I would urge the community and all young people to support the event in memory of Georgia and possibly think about what we can do to help others. Ellie needs to raise funds for a sitting bench in Georgia’s memory please support if you can.”

If you are anxious, depressed or have suicidal thoughts it’s important to speak about how you feel. If you can’t talk to friends or family please contact Samaritans on 116 123 or Papyrus on 0800 068 4141.

Camera Club Charity cycle ride for open to new healthier lives L members

T

he Leeds Co-operative Photographic Society – now running for well over 50 years, since 1962 – meets weekly in south Leeds, and is open to new and old members alike.

Their free gatherings are 8pm every Wednesday in the St George’s Centre in Middleton (just opposite Asda) – and offer anyone the opportunity to share and learn about how to take good photos, and how to get the best from their camera. Members come from a wide range of backgrounds and ages, and range from novices to experts.

The club also host regular events and competitions. Full info at their website, or call the club secretary Jane Ellis on (0113) 265 9970.

Image via Creative Commons

ocal people from across south Leeds are undertaking a charity cycle ride on Sunday 23 September from Hunslet to Castleford – and everyone’s welcome!

The ride will set off from Hunslet Library in the morning, follow the canal and River Aire towpaths along to the Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve just outside Castleford, then return to Hunslet in the afternoon.

The route is about 11 miles each way.

All ages are welcome, although under 18s must be accompanied. It’s free to join, but numbers are limited, and pre-registration is essential: click here to do so.

And participants are asked to raise money for mental health charity, Leeds Mind. All donations are gladly received – and can be made online at www.justgiving.com (search

for Leeds to Castleford Cycle for Wellbeing).

Julie Smith lives in Hunslet, and came up with the idea: “Like many people, I’ve been through tough times, when I felt alone, when I self-harmed, when I didn’t want to be here.

And too many people are taking their own lives. As well as raising money for a great charity, I hope that this will

bring different people together, for a fun friendly day.

That will hopefully send out a message that people don’t need to be alone, they don’t have to do it all on their own.

Both on the day, and in the rest of life, we all need to talk, and open up on how we are feeling.”

Further event details on Facebook, or contact event coordinators Julie Smith on 07593 581 886, or Ed Carlisle on 07738 921 277.

The event will be stewarded, and the volunteer event team will offer all the support they can (including bike fixing, and a back-up vehicle) – but participants will remain responsible for themselves, their bikes, and any under 18s in their care throughout the event. To find out more about joining the stewarding team, get in touch.

IN BRIEF Ceilidh in Beeston Beeston Parish Centrehave organised a Ceilidh (barn dance) on Saturday 1 September. Frigga will provide the live music and ‘call’ the dances no experience needed, just follow the instructions!

The bar will be open and a Samosa / Pie & Pea supper will be served. Tickets are £5 or £2.50 for children under 12, under 5s are free.

Beeston Parish Centre is located on town Street, next to St Mary’s Church, opposite the Coop.

Candlelighters Benefit St Joseph’s Catholic Club in Hunslet has organised a day of activities to raise funds for the children’s cancer charity Candlelighters. It all takes place on Saturday 8 September. In the afternoon it’s children’s games, bouncy castle and more from 12-4pm.

Then in the evening from 7pm it’s adults only night with DJ Mark Silverwood. £3 on the door. St Joseph’s Catholic Club is on Whitfield Avenue.

Scouts support Dementia UK 1st SLAM Beeston Scout Group are holding a fundraising event on Sunday 9 September at St Andrew’s Community Centre on Cardinal Road in Beeston from 11:30am.

As well as games, raffle, food and drink you can watch the Scouts take on three challenges including walking on Lego (ouch). All money raised will go to Dementia UK.

Sharp Lane car boot sale Sharp Lane Primary School’s last car boot sale of the year takes place on Saturday 22 September, 9am-12pm.

Cars (£5) and Vans (£10) can get on site from 8am. Ring 07818 615871 to book.

Let’s Ride Leeds City centre streets will be closed to traffic on Sunday 2 September as the Let’s Ride cycling festival returns to Leeds. This free, fun and family-friendly day out will allow people of all ages, abilities and confidence levels to pedal the city’s streets, seeing many of the city’s best loved landmarks and cultural hotspots along the way. Register now for your free place and more information at www.letsride.co.uk/events/leeds.

The GATE Men’s Group BITMO’s GATE centre in Belle Isle has started a Men’s Group. Coffee and chat, information exchange, arts and crafts and external speakers are all on the agenda for the Friday afternoon sessions. Call (0113) 378 2190 for details.

BITMO’s GATE is on Aberfield Gate, off Belle Isle Road.

Inner South Community Committee The Committee is made up of our nine local councillors and manages various devolved budgets and awards grant. There is also an open forum where residents can raise any issue or question.

The Committee’s next meeting takes place on Wednesday 5 September, 4:30pm at Leeds Urban Bike Park, Middleton Ring Road.

Bee friends together in Beeston If you are feeling lonely and fancy a chat come along to The Bridge Cafe in Cross Flatts Park, Thursday’s 1-2:30pm. It’s a friendly place to come along and make new friends or catch up with old friends. All abilities are welcome. For further info contact Anna-Marie Garbutt on 07375 700117.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | September 2018

24 Sport

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Hunslet push for promotion

Michael Haley scores scores the winning try at Keighley Photo: Paul Johnson Phoenix Photography

D

espite inconsistent form over the summer Hunslet remain in the mix for the promotion playoffs in Betfred League 1.

Three losses in July, to Workington Town, Bradford Bulls and Doncaster put a dent in the Parksiders’ season. The performance against Doncaster being particularly poor.

July started controversially with a narrow win away at North Wales Crusaders.

Hunslet’s winning drop goal was seen by most in the ground to fall short of the cross bar, but the referee awarded it and Hunslet took the points.

A visit to Workington finished Hunslet’s winning streak of seven matches.

Hunslet took an early lead and were 4-14 up at half time, but poor discipline saw a sin-binning early in the second half and the Cumbrians scored three tries in quick succession.

The match finished 28-18 to Workington Town.

Bradford Bulls visited South Leeds Stadium on 15 July. Beating the fully professional team was

always going to a big ask, but Hunslet gave it good shot and kept within two points of the visitors into the second half. Bradford capitalised on Hunslet mistakes to pull away to a flattering 16-36 scoreline.

The match saw the first use of the Belle Isle Terrace to accommodate the bumper crowd.

Two losses meant the following week’s home game against Doncaster was a must win game.

Hunslet held a 14-6 lead at half time, but didn’t look convincing. In the second half Hunslet had plenty of possession but did not seem to be able to click into gear. Simple passes went to ground, kicks went out on the full, and communication between players looked absent.

Doncaster forced their way back and took control after the hour mark, winning 1430. Coach Gary Thornton described Hunslet’s performance as “unacceptable.”

The players responded to Thornton’s lecture the following week away at Keighley. Although Hunslet

September fixtures: Sunday 2 Sept Sunday 9 Sept Sunday 16 Sept Sunday 23 Sept

v London Skolars H 3pm v Whitehaven A 3pm v Newcastle Thunder H 3pm v Coventry Bears A 3pm

£15 / £10 / under 16s: FREE

played some good rugby in the first half, they found themselves 16-0 down to the Cougars after 30 minutes. They were also down to 12 men as Lewis Reed was harshly red carded for a high tackle.

Hunslet finally unlocked the Keighley defence in the last ten minutes. With a minute to go and the scores tied, Joe Sanderson kicked the conversion to give Hunslet the edge.

Keighley tried a short kick off, but Hunslet came up with the ball and Michael Haley scored under the posts to seal a 16-24 win.

August started with two straightforward wins against lesser opposition.

The Parksiders notched up a record 86 points away at struggling West Wales Raiders and then beat Hemel Stags 54-6 in the South Leeds sunshine.

Finally they faced arch rivals York City Knights.

York are having a very good season, perhaps due in part to their dual registration deal with Super League Hull KR. Injuries didn’t help Hunslet, but mistakes and poor discipline made this a straightforward win for the in form York. The 48-6 win took York to the top of the table as Bradford were beaten by Workington.

Hunslet now lie sixth in the table and need to win all their remaining matches to make the play offs.

South Leeds Life carries full match reports of every Hunslet RLFC online.

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

Danielle and Kacie-Leigh get the England call up D

anielle Watkins, the coach of Leeds Dynamite Cheerleaders in Middleton has been appointed coach to the England ParaCheer Freestyle Pom team.

For those of you not familiar with the world of cheerleading, this means Danielle will be at the ICU World Championships in the United States next April. This is the sport’s Olympics or World Cup and England will be competing as defending champions.

Danielle won’t be travelling alone as fellow Dynamiter Kacie-Leigh Grimshaw has also been called up to dance as part of the squad.

ParaCheer, as the name suggests, involves teams where at least a quarter of the team have a disability. Danielle will be coaching technique as part of a team of five coaches. She told South Leeds Life: “This means the absolute world to me, it’s a dream come true. I feel absolutely honoured to be representing my country. I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and passing on my knowledge and work with a fantastic group of coaches and athletes.”

Leeds Dynamite put out the following statement: “Leeds Dynamite, are so so proud of our head coach Danielle and our dancer Kacie-Leigh. It means so much to us to have our girls represent us. We couldn’t think of anymore deserving people. They are so committed to this sport. We know they will do us proud.

“Danielle has been teaching and running Leeds Dynamite for 19 years this year and has worked so

hard for it. Kacie started her dance journey with us at age 4. Now 15, she’s a perfect role model to represent Leeds Dynamite and now England as we’ve basically carved her in to the absolutely amazing dancer she is today. But boy has she worked for it!”

Both Danielle and Kacie-Leigh won their places amongst stiff competition at national auditions.

Whilst it is a great honour, it will also be a lot of work and expense.

Squad training takes place twice a month in Coventry, together with the trip to Florida and competition fees, there will be little change from £2,000. Each.

The club are actively looking for financial support and commercial sponsorship, so if you can help these fantastic ambassadors for South Leeds compete on the world stage, please contact the club via social media or email: danielle.watkins@live.co.uk

Kacie-Leigh Grimshaw and Danielle Watkins will represent England

Hunslet Club Parkside close in on a perfect season H

unslet Club Parkside are just two games away from completing their first season in the top flight of amateur rugby league with a 100% winning record.

The club play in the National Conference League Premiership Division, at the top of the community game. They have already won the league and are 12 points clear of their nearest challengers.

On 1 September they travel to Wigan St Patrick’s and the last game of the season is at home to Siddal on Saturday 8 September.

Kick Off is at 2:30pm at their pitch on Beza Street, opposite the Gardeners Arms pub.

Earlier in the season South Leeds Life spoke to Club Captain, Jamie Fields. He told us: “Everyone at the club puts in the

effort week by week to achieve the success we are having. It’s not just the 17 who play every week. There’s a big squad of players who all contribute and as well as the coaching team, there’s all the other people who contribute in the background including physio

Bianca who does a great job keeping the players fit when we all work full time, Glen, Frankie, Paul to name just a few. We’re a family as well as a rugby club.”

The club deserve the biggest crowd to celebrate their amazing achievement this season.

Hunslet Club Parkside in action against Wigan St Pat’s earlier this season