South Leeds Life 46 December 2018

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Issue 46 | December 2018

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

THE DWP THAT STOLE CHRISTMAS

In this issue:

South Leeds Remembers

page 3

Apple bobbing at Trentham Park

page 9

New Universal Credit claimants won’t be paid until after Christmas

by Jeremy Morton and Ed Carlisle

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he Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) rolled out Universal Credit to Leeds on 10 October. Although it so far only affects new claimants and people whose circumstances have changed, it is already causing problems and Christmas is just part of it.

South Leeds Life has been speaking to people affected by the changes.

Charmaine and Tony live in Beeston Hill with two of Charmaine's daughters - and also support their older children who live independently. They discovered in November that they are being switched to Universal Credit.

"The past week's been a nightmare. We were due a payment - but without warning, after a lot of confusion, were told our first Universal Credit payment would be on 27 December. You can apply for a loan - but you have to pay it back pretty sharply.

“It's put us into a right bleeding mess, and it's degrading. We're now going to food banks, for the first time ever. We're being forced to have an electric (token) meter installed, which will push our bills up. And we've told the kids they can't expect Christmas

This bus is for Broomfield

page 10

Inspirational Tauseef

page 20

Image: The Bevan Trust presents; we can't even get stuff they need for school and college.

“We've got friends who became homeless because the switch to Universal Credit put them into arrears. We spoke with Citizens Advice Bureau, and they're trying to support people, they are overrun. Many people are struggling enough around here, and this is just making things a lot worse. The system stinks."

Universal Credit is supposed to make the benefits system

simpler and fairer by rolling six benefits into one: •Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance •Income-related Employment Support Allowance •Income Support •Working Tax Credit •Child Tax Credit •Housing Benefit Many of these are paid to people in work. This isn’t a story about unemployment, which is officially very low at present. This is a story about

people struggling on low wages, often in zero hours contracts where they don’t know how much work (and pay) they will have from week to week.

Suzanne grew up in Belle Isle and Middleton, and now lives in Beeston with her two young children. She was switched to Universal Credit this month, to supplement her part-time salary.

"Universal Credit affects everything, your whole lifestyle.

They don't tell you anything, like how to do stuff like the journal,

or when your payments are due, or for how much. I've become right emotional and depressed: you don't know if you'll ever get back on track. I felt like not going to work - but thank God, I've stuck in there.

“I'm lucky: I'm organised, and am well in credit with my bills.

But it's stupid: this will drive a lot of people into more and more debt. If they offer you an advance payment, only take the minimum you need."

Continued on page 6

NEWS SCHOOLS

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FEEDBACK

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PLANNING

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ARTS

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PEOPLE

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WHAT’S ON SPORT

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South Leeds Life | December 2018

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MP’s notebook B

by Hilary Benn MP

etween April and September this year, the Trussell Trust – the UK’s largest emergency food provider – gave 658,048 food parcels to people in crisis.

If someone had suggested, say, 40 years ago that so many of our fellow citizens would need to go up to a complete stranger and ask them for food, I doubt they would have been believed; after all, we are the sixth richest country in the world. But this is now a daily reality for people living in our community of South Leeds.

I recently met a group of End Hunger UK campaigners to talk about the number of people in Leeds who are unable to feed themselves and their families. Local research undertaken by Leeds University has found that a growing number of children are going hungry and that this is affecting their concentration at school. There is huge stigma attached to not having enough to eat - children try to hide the truth from each other - and we know that the problem is worse during the school holidays because there isn’t a free school meal every

day to rely on.

Malnutrition in the UK has tripled in a decade and diseases that we used to associate with the Victorian era, like rickets and scurvy, have returned. This is truly shocking.

The causes of this crisis – and I think we should see it as such - are many, but the main reasons why people need this help is because of low incomes, benefit delays, benefit changes and debt. The changeover to universal credit, which has also seen a rise in people seeking help, is another factor.

We should simply not accept that some of our fellow citizens are going hungry in a nation as rich as ours – things need to change - but in the meantime we should all be grateful to the organisations working to provide practical help, including the food banks serving South Leeds and their teams of dedicated volunteers.

If you want to help, or donate food or money then contact: Leeds South and East Foodbank, 7 Lenton Drive, Parkside Industrial Estate, Leeds LS11 5JW. The thorny question of Brexit has absolutely dominated politics in the last week or so since the

announcement that the Government has reached an agreement with the European Union on our withdrawal. I will be voting against the deal because it fails to provide clarity about our future economic relationship with the EU after we have left and that will mean uncertainty for local businesses and workers which is bad for the economy. The truth is that we haven’t faced up to the hard choices confronting the country now it has become Hilary Benn MP clear that the promise we could have time is running out. our cake and eat it while leaving the The Council has now agreed to EU has proven not to be true.

Given the scale of the opposition undertake an independent review of to the deal, it’s very hard to see how the Holbeck managed area once the it will get through the House of latest measures it has put in place Commons. What happens next is have had time to take effect. I think anyone’s guess, but I would like to this is a very sensible step, following reassure those of you who have my call for such a review, and I hope contacted me that the UK will not it begins before too long so that leave the European Union without a everyone can express their view. deal.

While respecting the And finally, may I take this referendum result, Parliament will have to find another way forward opportunity to wish you and your which can command a majority. family a very Merry Christmas and a There is a long way to go on this but Happy New Year.

Campaigners call on council to extend Clean Air Zone to South Leeds A

gainst the backdrop of the shock announcement that central government are set to give Leeds a third less funding than anticipated for the new Clean Air Zone, south Leeds residents have now publicly launched a campaign for their communities to be included back into the plan – and insist that the recent government decision makes their case all the stronger.

Specifically, a group of residents, going under the name Clean Air South Leeds, gave a ‘deputation’ speech before the whole Leeds City Council on Wednesday 14 November. In a five minute speech, they challenged the exclusion of their communities (the whole of LS10 and LS11, including Middleton, Belle Isle, Hunslet, Beeston, and Holbeck) from the proposed Zone.

They insisted that south Leeds needed the scheme more than most places – with already high levels of respiratory illness, issues relating to local deprivation, and lower life expectancy.

They argued against the

Ed Carlisle addresses Councillors decision to prioritise the offering a third less money rights of industrial traffic to the overall scheme than (HGVs etc) over the health of previously anticipated. The local residents – and residents were promised expressed concern that the further meetings, with proposed zone would councillors and council staff, actually increase heavy to look at working together vehicles locally, as firms to make sure that LS11 and relocate out of other parts of LS10 don’t lose out. the city. But recognising the Ed Carlisle, from the need to compromise, they Green Party, and one of requested that LS10 and those leading the campaign, LS11 be included in the commented: “It seems zone after a two-year delay – totally upside-down that our to give businesses the communities, of all places, chance to adapt their fleets. are set to be excluded from Following the speech, the the zone. So it was good to campaigners met with make a stand at the Council councillors – themselves – and we’re glad that some reeling from the news that of the local councillors, who central government are previously argued for the

exclusion, seem to have had a change of heart. We also wonder if the recent news government might actually help us: it states a concern that the zone, as previously proposed, is not being targeted to the least well off – which is exactly our concern. We hope we can work with the Council, to turn this around.”

And another member, Katrine Madsen, added: “We’re told that our exclusion from the zone will only make a marginal difference to the air quality in south Leeds. However, when it comes to our health, we don’t have any margins

to give.”

The proposed Clean Air Zone is a key element of the City Council’s response to a government directive to reduce air pollution in Leeds – which has some of the highest levels of air pollution in the UK. It will see many commercial diesel vehicles charged to enter a zone, and is due to launch in early 2020. Initial proposals included south Leeds – but mainly due to pressure from industry, LS10 and LS11 were excluded from the final version, which was signed off by the Council’s executive board last month.

Following the deputation speech the Council agreed to refer the matter to the Director of Resources and Housing for consideration, in consultation with the relevant Executive Board member.

Cllr Paul Wray (Hunslet & Riverside) commented on Twitter: “ The government is not doing our communities or city justice on clean air and as a council we’ll keep the pressure on the government up. Residents have our backing. Let us work together.”

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December 2018 | South Leeds Life

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South Leeds Remembers

Sunday 11 November marked one hundred years since the Armistice brought the First World

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by Andrew Price

hree acts of Remembrance took place on Remembrance Sunday in Hunslet, the first taking place at the Hunslet Carr wheel.

There used to be a memorial board in Hunslet Carr Primary School which named 57 ex pupils who lost their lives in WW1 but over the years when the school was refurbished it went missing, fortunately we were able to locate a photograph which was copied and attached to the ‘Welcome to Hunslet Carr’ Wheel.

At a moving recognition of the bravery of the 57 men a wreath was placed on the wheel and as each name was being read out, the assembled people were asked to take a hand made poppy and tie them to either the wheel or benches.

A permanent memorial stone

Poppy Appeal

War on the Western Front to an end.

Across South Leeds Acts of Remembrance were

held to mark the occasion and to remember the men and women who died fighting for their country

funded by Hunslet Carr Residents Association is to be added by the wheel later this year.

The second took place at Hunslet parish church where the war memorial that had been cordoned off due to unsafe masonry for quite some time had been repaired by the council in time for the service of Poppies represent the dead from Hunslet Carr he was awarded a VC for most remembrance.

Later at Hunslet Cemetery conspicuous bravery during the third service of WW1. He survived the war and remembrance was held. Here is remembered with a stone in William Butler is remembered, front of the Cross.

We would like to thank Halifax British Legion who supplied 14 large rare lamp post poppies which were placed on lamp posts on Balm Road and Moor Road on the approach to the Welcome to Hunslet Carr sign. We would also like to thank our councillors for attending and supporting each act of remembrance.

Carole Bloom and Alys Marsh, both Hunslet residents, ran the stall outside Morrisons at Penny Hill. Over 13 days from 8am to 4pm. They raised an amazing £7,905 (up by £1,500 on last year). They say they're very pleased. Alys also laid a wreath at the city memorial in Victoria Gardens, on behalf of the WRAF (with which she served).

in that war, and in the wars that have followed.

The poppy became a symbol after they bloomed

on the battlefields of Flanders as the land was churched up by artillery shells.

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he Act of remembrance at Holbeck Cemetery was led by Rev Alistair Kaye, the Vicar of St Luke’s, Holbeck.

Residents of many faiths turned out reminding us that people from right across the British Empire fought in both World Wars.

The ceremony was brought up to date with painted rocks.

Each rock was decorated with a poppy and the name of a soldier buried in the cemetery. Those names were read out after the two minutes silence by local historian Ken Burton.

Cllr Angela Gabriel, who helped organise the event, said she it would be held again next year on The Act of Remembrance at Holbeck Cemetery was led by Rev Alistair Kaye Remembrance Sunday.

Belle Isle florists’ random acts of Remembrance T

wo women from Belle Isle decided to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War in an unusual way – leaving small bouquets of flowers across Middleton, Belle Isle and Hunslet in the early hours of Saturday 10 November.

Nicci McCulloch and Kirsty Oxley run a venue styling company and are about to open a florist shop. Having a quantity of unused flowers on their hands they decided to make them up into small bouquets and leave them around the area for members of the public to find.

Ten bouquets were left at the ten memorial benches around the area, each to represent a Nicci McCulloch and Kirsty Oxley placed bouquets on memorial benches decade since the First World brighten someone else’s day.” emotional thinking of the War ended.

Each bouquet had a sacrifice those amazing heroes “We thought leaving little message with it explaining that made for all of us, and your bouquets around would the flowers were to remember heartfelt gesture to remember brighten up the finder’s day the fallen. Many of those that them and also brighten and help people remember the found them said they had given someone’s day (which it did sacrifice of the fallen” an extra donation to the Poppy massively). Thank you.” explained Nicci.

Appeal as a result.

When the shop opens, all the “We had no idea of the good One finder, Jamie McEwan, bouquet finders will be invited vibes and feedback that this wrote on Facebook: for a prize draw where one of would create! We had our first “Hi I found one of your them will win a full sized message at 6:10 am from an bouquets this morning opposite bouquet as a thank you for ex-soldier, who found the first Morrisons. What an amazing being involved in Nicci and bouquet on his way to work. He gesture. After just finishing a Kirsty’s adventure, spreading a loved our gesture and left the 12 hour night shift, tired and little joy whilst respecting the bouquet to be found again to with a cold, I felt quite fallen.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

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December 2018 | South Leeds Life

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Managed Approach to be independently reviewed Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Board member for communities, moved the Labour amendment.

“We did not create the red light zone” she said.

“Rather we have invested money and resources to better manage the problem of street prostitution.”

She went on to said that the Council’s commitment to an independent review Cllr Amanda Carter addresses full Council was not new and ith Holbeck residents that they would work with the and sex work support reference group (which agencies outside the Civic Hall includes Save Our Eyes) in and then joining the public shaping that review. But she gallery, Councillors debated warned that withdrawing the how to tackle the issue of the Managed Approach would only ‘Managed Approach’ to street make matters worse. sex work in Holbeck during a Both Andrew Scopes and meeting of the full Council at Angela Gabriel (Beeston & Leeds Civic Hall last month.

Holbeck ward Councillors) A ‘white paper’ motion was spoke in the debate. In what brought by the Conservative was Cllr Scopes maiden (first) group who had worked with speech to Council he reminded campaigners from the Save Our the meeting that: Eyes group to get the issue “The women who work in the debated. zone are one of the most Cllr Amanda Carter (Calverly vulnerable and marginialised & Farsley) opened the debate sections of society.” by acknowledging that the He pointed to the success in problem of prostitution in raising the numbers of Holbeck predated the reported crimes against them introduction of the Managed and of individuals that had Approach. She said that the been supported out of situation was “beyond prostitution by charities such as acceptable” as pledges had not Basis Yorkshire. He also said been lived up to. the Police were due to roll out a “Residents and businesses new approach to “punters” – should not have to put up with men looking to buy sex – in the this current situation – it’s next month. absolutely appalling.” She said.

Cllr Dan Cohen (Alwoodly)

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commented that “The “But we are now at a point Managed Approach has where it (the Managed become unmanageable.”

Approach) is working” said Cllr There was an impassioned Gabriel. “Now is the wrong time speech from Cllr Sarah Field to say let’s stop it because if (Garforth & Swillington): anyone’s got a Plan B please let “Buying and selling women us know.” and children for sex is At the end of the debate unacceptable and we need Labour’s amendment was criminal sanctions to stop men from doing it.”

She argued against the use of the term sex worker saying that it normalised work that could never be made safe.

“The inside of a woman’s body should never be viewed as a workplace” she said.

Cllr Angela Gabriel went back over the history starting in 2004 when boundary changes brought Holbeck into her ward. Cllr Angela Gabriel (Beeston & Holbeck) She was appalled to discover 127 women working carried. It acknowledged the on the streets of Holbeck at importance of working with that time. Whilst she and both sex workers and the colleagues supported the community. It went on to approach, she described the commit to an independent introduction of the Managed review: Approach “with no extra “Council notes the resources” being carried out by commitment by Leeds City Safer Leeds without ward Council, West Yorkshire Police councillors knowledge. and Safer Leeds to undertake She reminded Councillors an Independent Review of the that a door-to-door consultation Managed Approach once the of Holbeck residents found enhanced activity has been 30% in favour of the approach, given time to take effect.”

30% against and 30% had no You can watch a video of the opinion. She said that West full debate at: leeds.publicYorkshire Police had failed to i.tv/core/portal/webcast_inter live up to early promises as active/384955 as part of the Community Inspectors for the webcast of the whole full area had come and gone, Council meeting. The debate is priorities had changed and item 13 and starts at 4:09:00 resources diminished. into the video.

Compassionate Theatre Congratulations to Slung Low, Holbeck’s own theatre, who were highly commended at the Compassionate City Awards this month for their Cultural College project

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Beeston landlord fined for unsafe property A

rogue landlord has been fined for failing to correctly licence and maintain a property on Cemetery Road in Beeston – and is now nearly £8,000 out of pocket.

Earlier this year the council undertook visits to potentially unlicensed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) on Cemetery Road, Beeston. One of the unlicensed properties visited was owned by Mary Conlon of Sefton Avenue, Leeds 11. A licence had been issued in November 2012 but had expired in July 2017.

A property must be licensed if it is three storeys or more and

has five or more tenants sharing facilities.

The visit to Conlan’s property revealed a three storey house which was being occupied by seven tenants sharing facilities, meaning that it was operating unlawfully without a licence.

The visit also revealed levels of management neglect including a filthy bathroom, defective electrics, and dangerous old floor coverings to steps, obstructed routes of escape, and a lack of cleaning and maintenance to the yards.

In addition, the house’s electrical systems had not been tested in over 10 years and was

only done so as a result of the intervention by the council’s ‘Rogue Landlord Unit’, part of the Private Sector Housing Team.

Mary Conlon pleaded guilty on Thursday 15 November 2018, for failing to licence her HMO and maintain a property on Cemetery Road.

She was ordered to review all 17 of her properties and ensure they are in a satisfactory condition.

She was fined £6,554 and ordered to pay costs of £1,155 to the council and a victim surcharge of £120.

The magistrates set a

collection order and the sum was agreed to be paid in 28 days.

Leeds City Council publish a list of live HMO licences and details of when they expire.

Landlords and agents can check this list at www.leeds.gov.uk/business/pr ivately-rentedproperty/register-of-hmo-licen ces to make sure they are complying with the law.

Councillor Debra Coupar, executive member for communities said: “Not only was this property unlicensed, but the landlord has consistently failed to act

proactively in her management of the property and in her duty to protect her tenants from harm. There is a wide range of help and support available for landlords to ensure they fully Exposed wiring understand the rules and regulations that keep them and their tenants safe.

We refuse to stand by when standards fall below the

expected and required level and we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and welfare of all tenants in Leeds.”

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Young hero Olivia honoured O

Sign of the times?

The Illegal Money Lending Team, including Sid The Shark, have given £5,000 to the LCC Communities team who are working with Money Buddies to produce The Money Buddies Story - a book aimed at children to understand money safety. The grant, from the Proceeds of Crime fund will pay for illustrations and production costs.

The DWP that stole Christmas Continued from page 1 Universal Credit is paid monthly in arrears, new claimants have to wait six weeks for their first payment after they make a claim. A report last month by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation found that nearly 40% of people living in the poorer parts of Leeds had less than £100 savings to fall back on in a crisis.

Other changes include paying housing benefit as part of the single monthly payment, rather than directly to the landlord.

Families struggling to feed themselves and heat the house are falling into rent arrears as there isn’t enough cash to cover everything.

Research for the BBC found Council tenants claiming universal credit have more than double the rent arrears as those who have not yet been moved onto the new benefit.

Dylan grew up in Hunslet, and lived there for many years, but has more recently been living in Dewsbury - one of the national pilot towns for Universal Credit.

"I've not known hardship like this since my 20s. I struggle with COPD and asthma, and was made redundant when I was 40. Then I was switched to Universal Credit earlier this year - and my income was slashed by three quarters.

“It's thrown me into severe financial difficulties: debts are mounting up, and I've defaulted on my mortgage for the first time in 20 years. I'm now having to auction the house off.

“I also had to send my dog to

the rescue shelter, to meet their criteria and qualify for help.

“Luckily, I worked most my life, so I'll get some equity out of the house sale - but then of course, I'll not be entitled to any benefits at all.

“It's a ridiculous situation.

This kind of thing is happening to thousands of others, many of whom won't have the luxury of having any equity behind them - as I do. It's really punitive against those unable to work. I don't know how we can justify it."

Universal Credit has to be claimed online and you have to send regular information, again online only. Clearly this causes difficulty if, like many people in South Leeds, you don’t have a computer.

We asked the DWP about claimants having to cancel Christmas, a spokesperson said: “There’s no reason for people to be without money over Christmas because advance payments are widely available. Anyone applying for Universal Credit can get an advance of up to 100% upfront,

payable on the same day if someone is in urgent need.”

Cllr Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, told South Leeds Life: “This is the devastating impact that Universal Credit is already having on our communities and we are not even two months into the full roll out. Some of our city’s most vulnerable citizens are being put under further stress and it is simply not acceptable when they need all of the support and protection they can get.

The Universal Credit system needs to be addressed by our government immediately.”

If you are experiencing problems with Universal Credit you can get help and advice from libraries and Community Hubs (Dewsbury Road, Beeston and St Georges Centre, Middleton).

If you are currently claiming benefits that Universal Credit will replace you will carry on receiving these benefits as normal. You will not be moved onto Universal Credit yet as long as there is no change in your circumstances.

by Ed Carlisle

livia Sanderson-Shone, 11, from Beeston, is celebrating raising thousands of pounds for charity - and picking up a major community award for her efforts.

Olivia's been doing community fundraising for over 2 years, but earlier this year following encouragement from members of the Save Our Beeston, Cottingley and Holbeck committee - set herself the challenge of raising £2,000

by Christmas for local good causes. (She raised over £1,000 last year.)

Since then she has held a stall at the Beeston Co-op whenever Leeds United are playing at home, sometimes for as long as five hours at a time.

To honour her efforts, local residents nominated her for Radio Aire's Young Hero awards, for the Charity Fundraiser - which she attended last month, and won by a landslide.

Olivia - who attends St Anthony's Primary - told South Leeds Life: "I do this just because there are people less fortunate than us, and I really want to help.

Many thanks to everyone who's donated so far: people are so generous, and surprised! I'm

Sign of the times?

Olivia with her Radio Aire Young Hero Award keeping going, so come support us if you can."

Mum Lynsey added: "She does it because she wants to: it's her who reminds me when there are matches on! There aren't many kids her age who'd do it, but she likes to help people, and loves doing it although I'm not allowed to stand with her! And the Radio Aire awards were humbling:

they were apparently overwhelmed with nominations for her."

The Save Our Beeston, Cottingley and Holbeck committee fundraise yearround, also running a regular Bonus Ball raffle, and events including a forthcoming charity swim. They use donations to support local schools, families in need, and more.

Residents of Hunslet have - together with Ed Carlisle from the local Green Party - launched a campaign for a 'Welcome to Hunslet' on Church Street. Ed commented: “Hunslet has a long proud history, and this is a great idea - from local people - to build community pride. We'll now be working with a wide range of residents to shape and design it - and of course the Council and other bodies, who might hopefully fund it.”

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Cottingley completes Middleton Railway ‘Highly its community orchard Commended’ at awards F

by Vikki Blake

or the past three years Cottingley In Bloom has been working to create an orchard the whole estate can benefit from. They have planted fruit and nut trees around the estate.

It has been a long journey, but on 19 November the last tree was planted, making a total of 120! It was an apple tree, one of many whose fruits have been used in the popular annual Apple Festival. It is believe that Cottingley Hall now has the largest community orchard in the United Kingdom, something that the group are very proud of.

The group has made a huge effort to improve the environment around Cottingley Hall, digging and planting, in particular they braved the rain to plant the last 29 trees in the orchard.

Cottingley In Bloom have

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Neil Whiting, Secretary of Cottingley In Bloom, plants the last tree also been busy with other work. Despite the hot summer, they have been out tending the orchard and their many other projects all around the Cottingley Hall estate, including eight raised beds, a Christmas tree, a

community herb bed and the ongoing project to create a remembrance garden.

They are a small team with a big personality, and would always welcome new community members to join them!

by Ian Smith

he Middleton Railway is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a “Highly Commended” certificate for “Small Attraction of the Year” category in the Welcome To Yorkshire White Rose Awards for 2018.

The judges commented: “The building in which the Trust is housed is modern, light and welcoming, ideally suited for its purpose. We were greeted by a very friendly volunteer who took time to explain all that was on offer and ensured we knew when the next train departures were taking place.”

“It was evident that there was plenty of opportunity for younger visitors to interact such as brass rubbings of engine plates, train jigsaws and visual interpretations.”

“We were made to feel very much at ease at this attraction and clearly younger guests loved it.”

The judges also commented favourably upon the railway’s website, middletonrailway.org.uk The Middleton Railway is pleased that we have been recognised by the judges in this way – the comments are a tribute to the dedication of our hard working volunteers, without

whom this would not have been possible.

This award firmly places the Middleton Railway in the tourism “to do” list for the area and we look forward to entering the Awards competition in future years when we hope to take away the top prize.

Members of Middleton Railway Trust’s board receive their award from Sir Gary Verity, CEO of Welcome To Yorkshire

Community decides on grants S

Cycle Stars

Congratulations to all those who organised or joined the Hunslet to Castleford fundraising bike ride in October, who raised over £800 for mental health charity Leeds Mind. Plans are now afoot for further fundraising activities next year.

t Luke’s Church was packed on Saturday 24 November as local people came along to find out about new local projects and vote on which ones should get a grant.

The U Choose event was organised by local mental health charity Touchstone’s Migrant Access Project Plus (MAP+).

160 people attend, of which 106 were U Choose: casting their votes given five votes (stickers) to award to enormously from cooking and the projects they liked. The craft groups for children, to people behind each project trips to Parliament to promote were on hand to explain their civic responsibility, or to plans and answer questions. Scarborough to promote Projects ranged social cohesion over fish &

chips on the beach.

One of the winning projects will see Kevin Phillips, a local writer being mentored by Leeds Playhouse, living and working with different

communities within Beeston to create new work.

After the votes were counted, the winners were: The School of Language and Happiness; Rawson Terrace Street Life Gardening Group; Happy Life Care Home Support; Space Christmas Celebration; Beeston Youth Music; Theatre of the People; Kingdom Light Group; Yanks Trip to Houses of Parliament.

Nick Lalvani from MAP+ said “We were really pleased to get 17 applications, many from people new to the country who want to help make their community a better place. It was great to see so many people turning up to vote today.”

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December 2018 | South Leeds Life

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Elderly Aid getting 100% Digital M

Park Life

The pocket park at Trentham Street in Beeston is really starting to come to life. This autumn has seen apple bobbing and scarecrow making.

There is another action day on Saturday 1 December from 11am-2pm.

by Samantha Ely

iddleton Elderly Aid and 100% Digital Leeds have teamed up to help members improve their digital skills.

Middleton Elderly Aid is a charity promoting independence amongst the over-60s living in Middleton.

They do fantastic work and provide a huge range of services and activities for local older people such as lunch clubs, coffee mornings, day trips, exercise classes, holidays, games, bingo, hearing aid

clinics and more.

Being in one of the most digitally excluded areas in Leeds and working with some of the most excluded groups of people, it was a natural fit for them to join the 100% Digital Leeds movement.

From the start it was clear that 100% Digital Leeds and Middleton Elderly Aid had shared goals including improving health and wellbeing for residents, reducing social isolation and promoting independence.

We first met in June and discussed the work that we were both doing. From this we identified that Middleton Elderly Aid could benefit from joining the Online Centres Network.

They had a Beginners ICT class being run by Age UK but this was coming to an end and there was interest for more digital skills

Paul from 100% Digital Leeds with Sam from MEA

Mavis and Jean get to grips with their tablets training from the members.

Becoming an Online Centre gave them access to the online learning platform Learn My Way as well as other benefits such as support from Good Things Foundation and access to funding opportunities.

In September, in order to facilitate further digital skills learning at the centre, they submitted a tablet lending application form. We were delighted to add them to our tablet lending scheme and they borrowed four iPads for use in

their classes.

The classes covered a wide variety of learning, members brought in their own tablets or devices if they had them, and those who did not have their own equipment were able to use one of our iPads.

Subjects covered included the controls of a tablet, details around settings and accessibility, how to take photos and send them to family and friends, and how to use apps to make their lives easier.

South Leeds Life | December 2018

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10 School Life

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Cockburn School remembers M

Pupils read poetry written by Wilfred Owen, Rupert Graves and other war poets

Laying a wreath on behalf of the Cadets

Pupils in historic uniforms welcome guests to school

(L-R) Peter Nuttall, Chair of Governors; Lady Mayoress of Leeds Cllr Pat Latty; David Gurney, Executive Headteacher; and Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Graham Latty at the War Memorial in Cockburn School.

by Jeremy Morton

onday 12 November saw Cockburn School marking two anniversaries as they remembered former staff and pupils who died in the First World War and other conflicts since then.

As well as being the 100th anniversary of the armistice, it is also the 100th anniversary of Cockburn old boy Laurence Calvert being awarded the Victoria Cross.

Guests, including the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire (representing The Queen); The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds and the Venerable Paul Ayres, Archdeacon of Leeds were welcomed by an honour guard made up of pupils from the cadet corps together with members of The Rifles regiment, The Royal British Legion and Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) Association.

A very moving ceremony included war poetry readings from pupils and addresses by Executive Headteacher David Gurney and Laurence Calvert’s grandson.

We were reminded of the scale of the conflict which is said to have left no street in Leeds without a grieving family.

We were asked to remember the 63 staff and pupils listed on the school’s

war memorial.

The Lord Mayor spoke for everyone when he said “We will never forget.”

A memorial stone commemorating Sgt Calvert’s exploits was unveiled. The stone will be permenantly installed at the new secondary school to be built by the Cockburn Trust and named in his honour.

We then moved to the school’s war memorial which was orginally installed in the old Cockburn High School which stood on the site now occupied by Hunslet Moor Primary School, just off Dewsbury Road.

Wreaths were laid by guests, the Head Boy and Girl and the cadets. Prayers were said and a bugler played The Last Post.

Sergeant Laurence Calvert served in France with KOYLI, now part of The Rifles. In September 1918 jis unit were attacking the Hindenburn Line near Havrincourt when a German machine gun opened up.

Realising the lethal threat this posed to his unit, Sgt Calvert rushed the machine gun single-handedly, killing seven German soldiers Laurence Calvert was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions, the highest honour for members of the military. He is one of 12 Leeds residents to win the VC during the First World War.

T

sacrifice made by the participants in the Great War, in an inclusive way that reflected our values and expectations. Seeing the work of our students assembled in the academy is a poignant way to pay our respects together.'

Themed assemblies were also delivered during the week to all year groups and several students spoke movingly of their own relatives' involvement in the conflict.

Singing fo T

he Music Federation Schools (Windmill in Belle Isle and Low Road, Hunslet) have supplied many of the vocal performances for the new Sainbury’s Christmas advert now being broadcast to TVs across the nation.

The schools have for some time been renowned for their unique curriculum, incredibly high aspirations, and glowing Ofsted reports. The schools’ relationship with Opera North is nationally

Children from the Music Federation record

All aboar

Guests are greeted by the guard of honour

Collaberative remembrance installation o mark the centenary commemorations of the end of the First World War, students in all year groups at Cockburn John Charles academy worked collaboratively to design poppies to be displayed as part of a remembrance installation in the academy's main entrance.

Head of school Siobhan Roberts said 'We felt it was very important as an academy that we recognise the contribution and

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School staff and children, BITMO board m

O

by Charlotte Gray-Sharp

n Friday 9 November 2018 a new facility was opened at Broomfield South Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (SILC) in Belle Isle. Here staff member Charlotte Gray-Sharp who led the project, tells the story of Broomfield Bus. Back at the start of 2017 the idea was hatched to have a unique learning zone for pupils and create some additional teaching space. A build would cost too much money,

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or Sainsbury’s seasonal ad

acclaimed and goes from strength to strength as they celebrate the fifth birthday of In Harmony in 2018. However, it is the partnership with Danny Gough’s Class Dynamix which has provided the latest musical opportunity.

Executive Headteacher, Andy Gamble explains: “I first met Danny when I was at University.

We were both doing our music degrees at Leeds. When our paths crossed again 10 years ago we

decided to start collaborating, delivering social and culturally important messages to children through the incredible songs and music which Danny writes and delivers.

“We became Danny’s first Gold Partnership schools and he has become an extended member of our team. Danny works with many schools across Leeds but felt it was fitting to invite the first Gold Partnership School to provide the

d the choir parts for the Sainsbury’s Christmas advert

children to work with him and the studio team on this ‘secret project’ for a major supermarket. But it had to be recorded in secret – even the children didn’t know what their vocal performances would be used for.

“Following some rehearsals at school and a day in a recording studio laying down tracks, the production team were satisfied that they had the quality they needed for such an important project. As a Headteacher, I know that we have been able to give our children an opportunity beyond their wildest dreams – something very few people get to experience.

It makes me proud to know we made that happen – thanks to Danny at Class Dynamix.”

Danny Gough added: “The children were incredible – 7 girls, 7 boys – all singing with passion whilst listening so well to all the instructions they were given. To see the finished advert – directed

by Michael Gracey of The Greatest Showman – and to know these young voices are now being heard by millions on TV and online is mind-blowing. The feedback from the various production teams involved has been so positive. This whole project is not just amazing for the kids and their families.”

rd the Broomfield bus

members and Cllrs Blake and Truswell cut the ribbon on the new bus

portakabins didn’t seem to have the ‘wow’ we wanted and so the ‘Broomfield Bus’ idea was born.

With support from First Bus, Wooden Spoon, The Foyle Foundation, Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO), Asda Middleton and QCE as well as fundraising by pupils, parents and staff the idea gradually became a reality.

We found a company who specialised in bus conversions and asked staff and pupils the type of design we wanted. We

settled on a Woodland theme downstairs and a Space theme upstairs to cater for our 2-19 age range. The woodland theme would have soft play as the focus, whilst the upstairs would have a library and sensory space.

Sparrow (organised by First Bus) delivered the bus up and down the motorway to Shrewsbury – can you imagine what passing motorists must have thought? Especially with a slide on the side!

After an 8 hour Saturday getting the bus into the school grounds,

with a fair few near misses, it found its home in the playground.

Upstairs we have our space theme, equipped with plenty of books and soft play. There are enough seats for a whole class and even a quiet zone so students can have some peace or with our sensory resources they can experience travelling through space.

Through the soft play they find a space tunnel that will take them sliding down to the jungle area where more fun awaits.

Downstairs we have a jungle that needs exploring. There is a soft play area with many obstacles and even a ball pit.

Throughout the bus there is soft play, sensory resources, a library upstairs, a small sensory room, iPads and interactive computers.

It’s wheelchair accessible as we would never leave anyone out. On board we have a variety of books, games, emotional and social resources.

This new space will be used as a library space, 1:1, soft play, for ICT lessons, rewards or for general lessons.

Secondary and Post 16 students transformed the outside space with Graffiti stars putting their own mark on the bus and brand new play equipment installed meaning pupils can use role play to buy a ticket to get on the bus from the new bus station.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | December 2018

12 Opinion

In our view Please give generously this Christmas It’s not just winter that’s starting to bite, families are really feeling the pinch with low wages, zero hours contracts and, as we highlight on our front page, the roll out of Universal Credit.

We also highlight the many collections going on in South Leeds to support families who are struggling.

Whether it’s South Leeds Lakers Running Club collecting clothing for homeless people at St George’s Crypt; the Radio Aire Mission Christmas children’s gift collection at Hillside Enterprise Centre; the Giving Tree at White Rose Shopping Centre; or the collection at Marshall’s Mill for Leeds Women’s Aid, the south Leeds community is responding as it always does and showing its famous spirit of solidarity.

As Hilary Benn MP highlights, our foodbanks are under enormous strain trying to support the growing numbers that have no where else to turn.

Whether you prefer to donate a gift to a child that might not get one otherwise, or some food items to prevent a family going hungry please, please, please add a few extra items to your Christmas shopping expedition, or make a financial donation.

Let’s make sure everyone in South Leeds can have the best possible Christmas this year.

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Your letters and comments Mananged Approach

The Labour councillors should never have opened a Red Light so close to a residential area, they should have known it would spread to the residential streets.

All the Red Light so called rules are broken 24/7. They are not allowed to solicit outside the zone, they do; they can’t take drugs, they do; they have not to be abusive, they are; they also walk around the local shops and streets half dressed, which children see. We are forced to live like this because Labour councillors have made our lives horrendous. They probably go home and not have to think about it like we do, wondering who is going to be around the next corner.

I think they are liars, disgusting, immoral and have no conscience about what they have done to Holbeck. I hope any parents who read this will understand what we are protesting about, our main concern are the children, but the councillors think differentl. Shame on them.

Joyce Adamson Plan B – Lock people up who brake the law.

Paulie Fenners It was good to engage with local residents (outside the Council debate).

What struck me more than anything tonight when talking with residents was just how much common ground we have. Basis Sex Work have been working with residents and will continue to do so. Women's safety and that of community are two sides of the same coin.

We must address poverty as an issue for women selling sex on street. Only last week we had a woman released from prison: 5 weeks without Universal Credit.

Gemma Scire

Debate on the Managed Approach to street sex work in Holbeck continues

Respect on social media

Rogue landlords

Well said, Andrew. I’m a leedsface admin and we face constant abuse from people who have been banned from the group, or even just had a post removed!

The world has gone mad!

Paula Brown

All houses should be checked before they can rent them out, some places in LS11 are disgusting, and they ask ridiculous rents.

Leoni Mcgowan

I suspect harsh comments are coming from people who feel frustrated, disappointed and that their views are not listened to.

Unpleasant, but not unexpected when large groups of people feel let down and ignored.

Rich Bell

Beeston Methodist Church

The company building the flats and coomunity room is a private contactor, ie the owner of the building. He in turn is selling the flats when built and renting the community room to the Angels of the Church for a peppercorn rent of £1 per week.

Beeston & Holbeck ward Angels of the Church appears to Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck. have no website, more interesting The three councillors are: is that the Angels of the Church Gohar Almass 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk accounts show one director, registered in 2016, it is listed has Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk a dormant company, registered Andrew Scopes 07860 400 645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk adress London with a Leeds post code, and zero funds shown in the Hunslet & Riverside ward accounts submitted to companies Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are: house. It maybe a new buisness Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk venture on the part of the director.

Angels of the church Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk association are a residents Paul Wray 07528 512 649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk housing association, their aim appears to be helping low income Middleton Park ward and vulnerable people. I for one support this planning application Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are: as it will rejuvenate a local Judith Blake 0113 378 9000 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk eyesore.

Kim Groves 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk Ray Stone Paul Truswell 0113 378 8811 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk

Your Councillors and MP

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

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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: @SouthLeedsLaH Great Wild West Night on Saturday at #Beeston Parish Centre. Everyone had fun & we raised £400 for our work with older people in South Leeds! Thanks for supporting us! #olderpeople #southleeds #keepingfitandhealthy #havingfun

There are plenty of landlords should be nicked!

Maurice Oldridge I’m pleased to see that “She was ordered to review all 17 of her properties and ensure they are in a satisfactory condition” and I hope the Council will continue to take further enforcement action on unscrupulous and profiteering landlords.

Sue Talbot

Second hand market I went to the second hand market at the Hamara Centre and loved it. I got some nice things on a very limited budget. I hope this is going to be a regular event Catherine Brummitt

Christmas Lights There are no Christmas lights down near Hunslet Morrisons, or a nice tree. Isn’t this one of the main areas people drive through?

Richard Clarke

Join the debate

@BabyWeekLeeds Great engagement with families this morning at Beeston library @leedslibraries with Rogan Mills Storytelling! And i chance to introduce and sign up families and their babies to Ready Steady Read program Result! @MarcDoyleENLUTC Proud of South Leeds children.

Loved changing ives when I was a head in this amazing part of the world @SouthLeedsLife @MiddletonStMary Our fantastic choir sang brilliantly this afternoon at St Cross! Mrs Ferraby & Miss Wood are very proud of you! In case you missed them, they will be singing again @ St Mary's Church Christmas Fair on 1st December #Christmas2018

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

@WeBinHere We took all of this rubbish out of the hedges and it made a #littertrail, this path leads from Elliot Hudson College to @whiteroseleeds and the trail consisted mainly of Greggs and cigarettes, what a combo! @Clean_Leeds #litterheroes

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Planning & Development 13

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Church conversion to flats and help centre

The former Beeston Methodist Church

A

by Jeremy Morton

planning application to convert the former Methodist Church at the top of Wesley Street in Beeston has been submitted to Leeds City Council.

If approved the building would be split with the main

church space being turned into eight flats with access from the steps on Town Street; and the lower ground floor (the former hall) converted into a “community support centre” accessed from the car park at the rear.

Beeston Methodist Church dates from 1866 and

Image: Google Streetview although not a listed building, the developer intends to preserve its historic character externally, recognising that it is a local landmark.

The building has stood empty for over ten years and ownership has changed hands serveral times in that time.

The new owner, Mr R Willis confirmed to South Leeds Life that the one and two bedroom flats, which he described as “Luxury” would be for sale.

The community support centre is to be let, on a peppercorn rent of £1 per week, to a charity called Angels of the Church Housing Association.

They aim to offer one-toone practical support to people on low incomes or with disabilities. They plan to offer benefits, health and money advice as well as serving hot food and providing a social space and access to computers.

The site will include 10 unallocated parking spaces.

The full plans can be viewed online via the Council’s planning portal.

Search for reference 18/06729/FU. Comments, either supporting or objecting, should be made by Friday 7 December.

New homes in Help agreed the Newhalls for Temple

the construction industry on visits to the site and Lovell used apprentices from the local area.

The homes are part of Leeds Federated’s Affordable Homes Programme 2015– 18 which is partly funded by Social Leeds Fed have built 33 homes in Belle Isle Housing Grant from Homes England. eeds Federated Housing The properties have been Association have marked the 33 much needed designed to fit in with the affordable new homes for rent existing homes in the area.

Stephen Ellis, Head of which they have recently built Development at Leeds in Belle Isle. said: “We’re There was a tour of people’s Federated homes and they met residents delighted to have completed who talked about the the build of more quality homes difference their new homes for people in Belle Isle. Leeds Federated have invested in the have made to them.

The 3-bedroom and 2- area for many years and this our continued bedroom homes were built on shows land which is owned by Leeds commitment to help meet the City Council between Newhall need for affordable homes in Gate and Winrose Drive by the local community. The Lovell Construction. To ensure homes at Belle Isle are part of the local community benefited our plans to build 1500 from the investment, pupils affordable homes over ten from a nearby secondary years across the Leeds City school got a taste of careers in region.”

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December 2018 | South Leeds Life

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eeds City Council has agreed to fund emergency repairs to make the historic Temple Works in Holbeck weatherproof this winter.

The Grade I listed former flax mill, built in the style of Egypt’s Temple of Edfu was been bought by developer CEG, the day before its owners were due to auction the building with a reserve price of just £1.

CEG own several sites in Holbeck and have planning permission to build flats, shops and offices on Globe

Care Home set to replace Omnibus A

nursing home for older people is set to be built on the site of the former Omnibus pub on Throstle Road North in Middleton.

Parkhomes UK Ltd have confirmed to South Leeds Life that they intend to submit a full planning application to Leeds City Council “within the next 8 weeks.”

Richard Todd from Parkhomes said: “I can confirm that it is our intention to build a nursing home for the local community of South Leeds, which will hopefully provide valuable employment and a fabulous environment for elderly

people.”

The Omnibus pub closed in February 2016 and was bought by a developer who submitted plans to convert it into 15 bedsits for single working age men. The planning application was rejected by officers and a revised plan for 9 bedsits was rejected by Councillors at Plans Panel in July 2017. The developer, PCC (Yorkshire) Ltd, then submitted a new outline plan to demolish the pub and build 14 houses on the site. This was approved in October 2017, but not acted on.

The former Omnibus pub in Middleton

Extra Care flats for Beeston

Road, Water Lane and a tower block at Midland Mills next to the disused viaduct.

The deal to buy Temple Works, includes access to adjacent sites which can be used to cross subsidise the expensive long term renovation of the iconic building.

The Council’s executive board approved a grant of £100,000 for urgent repairs and earmarked £560,000 od Section 106 funding for future public realm works on Marshall Street.

Artist’s impression of the proposed flats on Hunslet Hall Road

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Holbeck’s Temple Works in need of repair

lans to build 60 flats for people with care needs in an ‘assisted living scheme’ have been unveiled with a consultation event due to take place as we went to press.

Westward Care who run Pennington Court care home on Hunslet Hall Road in Beeston have bought the land next door which includes the derelict shopping centre and car park.

As we reported here Pennington Court was recently rated as

‘Outstanding’ after an inspection by the Care Quality Commission, it was the first home in Leeds to be graded Outstanding. The flats are designed for older people and people with disabilities who need care, but want to live independently.

The plans are for 36 1-bed flats, 22 2-bed flats, a guest flat and a staff flat. The accommodation will be arranged in two blocks over four storeys. The shop currently on site will be retained.

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South Leeds Life | December 2018

14 Arts

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A Christmas Carol

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Measures Of Us:

Testing the mood of the city F Robert Pickavance as Scrooge

S

by Christine Brathwaite

prouts.

Cards.

Unbridled spending. An unexplained increased in rush hour traffic. All the hallmarks of Christmas but nothing screams yuletide more than A Christmas Carol.

Now it's not a plot that needs spelling out but as a quick recap: Scrooge - the local bah humbug-er goes about his daily business bah humbugging. Bah humbug-er meets his dead ex-fellow bah humbug-ger plus three other ghosts which finally puts an end to his bah humbugging.

You literally enter the world of Ebeneezer through the entrance named Scrooge and Marley's to the fitting atmospheric set. The dual level stage is crafted into the exterior of the street where Scrooge and Marley's is located. The epitome of Dickensian dinginess makes use of lighting of all descriptions from enough candles to stock a Yankee Candle outlet store to a solo ye olde street lamp and a dash of uplighting from the grates in the stage floor.

Opening with creepy singing by the cast, they start as they mean to go on and work as a virtually perfect unit. From toying with Scrooge as mischievous entities as a prelude to entrance of the first ghost to doubling up as the stage hands shifting the minimal additional props around.

Writer Deborah McAndrew is faithful to the novella and although not a particularly original take on the play, it is a very worthwhile production of it.

Robert Pickavance gives us everything you would expect from a Scrooge. Cape - check, top hat check, high pitched screeching crescendo of emotional misery - big check. His (and others) use of the local accent was a nice touch.

What Tiny Tim lacked in the way

Photo: Andrew Billington of a stick, he made up for with his nasty bout of tuberculosis. The illuminated doll life appearance of the Ghost of Christmas Past (Tessa Parr) is worth a mention.

Though the stand out star for me was Joe Alessi who rattled out an utterly anguished Marley (in all his chains and smoking glory), a Mad Hatter-ish Fezziwig and a variety of other characters.

Returning after the interval, act two almost felt like a different play.

Rudolph, Dancer (the most off the wall pair of reindeer you'll ever see) and Santa introduce the Ghost of Christmas Present. This larger than life ghost is always a character that can be played with and play with it they did.

Channelling a sexy Christmas tree, Elexi Walker gave a delightful one part stand up routine, three parts pantomime performance satisfying those after a bit of audience participation.

Even though there are some musical numbers, it never feels like a musical due to the singing and dancing blending in with the action and working to move the play along. This production certainly felt bigger than its intimate interim home and is worth a watch to celebrate the festive season.

A Christmas Carol runs at Leeds Playhouse's pop up space until 19 January 2019. Tickets cost £14£36 and are selling fast. Call the box office on (0113) 213 7700 or online at: leedsplayhouse.org.uk/ events/a-christmas-carol The play is suitable for adults and children aged 7+.

If you would like two free* tickets to see a show at Leeds Playhouse please email us at info@southleedslife.com telling us why you would like to see the show.

In return we ask you to write a review of the show, or speak to one of our journalists who can write up your comments.

Joe Alessi as the Ghost of Christmas Present

Photo: Andrew Billington

by Jeremy Morton

or a week in November, people in Holbeck and Beeston, as well as four other communities across Leeds, were invited to answer a question a day about how they were feeling.

Voting boxes were located in chip shops, community centres, pubs and clubs and results were posted each day on giant roadside boards. On Saturday 24 November, all six boards were brought together in City Square.

This wasn’t a scientific survey, but rather arts project. As Rob Hewitt, one of the artists behind the project, explained: “Measures Of Us is like a litmus test for the mood of

the city, it turns feelings into colours.

“Art is here to challenge and to question. It should disrupt everyday life, in a good way. This project has started hundreds if not thousands of conversations which we don’t see on the boards.

“Behind the numbers and the ratios there are a lot of stories. For example many people who said they laugh everyday said that if they didn’t laugh they would cry.

“Everyone who’s voted, everyone whose just walked past and had a think has been part of it. It’s great to see people supporting something like this, it might seem random, it might seem strange, it might seem odd,

People’s responses in Beeston

but they all said ‘Yeah, we’re up for it’ so that’s been brilliant.”

Rob gave examples of some of the conversations behind the answers: In answer to the question “I feel I belong here” one woman was really angry. She was from Leeds but was being persecuted by a neighbour and felt she didn’t belong.

Another, Asian, lady said she didn’t feel she belonged not in the wider local community, but in her own community.

Orit Azaz, another artist, added: “We have recorded over 6,000 votes across the project. That is 6,000 moments when people have

stopped and thought about how they are feeling.

“I want to reassure you that the data that was collected here will not be used to inform Council policy or anything else, it’s used to inspire conversation.”

Measures Of Us was part of the Compass Festival, a city wide festival of live interactive art projects.

People taking part voted Agree, Neutral, or Disagree to these five questions: Monday: I laugh every day.

Tuesday: I feel I belong here.

Wednesday: There are people who really understand me.

Thursday: I feel in control of my life.

Friday: Do you feel hopeful about the future.

People’s responses in Holbeck

Alchemy in the Basement D

esire & Alchemy is the latest show at Basements Arts Project Alchemy is the ancient proto-science that attempted to understand matter and transform base metals into gold.

BasementArtsProject could be viewed in the same way; a utilitarian object, a domestic dwelling providing a home for a family of five, but also simultaneously engaging with the local and art communities in order to provide a hub for artistic activity. In the process of doing so the fabric of the building changes. The walls of the basement acquire new layers, marks left behind by past artists: a gold leaf circle here, a polka dot pattern there or remnants of glitter in the cobwebs of forgotten corners.

Desire and Alchemy can be viewed by appointment until Monday 28th January. To book an appointment contact Bruce Davies on basementartsproject@gmail.com or call / text on 0750 672 1504 Alternatively you can call anytime between 1:30 and 5:30pm on Sunday 2 December as part of the Beeston Christmas Trail 2018.

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December 2018 | South Leeds Life

People 15

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50:50 representation Would you like W

by Lucy Potter

ednesday 21 November 2018 marked 100 years since the Qualification of Women Act enabled women to stand for parliament. As part of the #50:50 Ask Her To Stand campaign I was nominated by a friend to attend and stand for elected office along with 200 other women.

I’ve not been political in the past, but my passion for issues on early years, accomplishments within the community and favouring the left leaves me wondering what is the next step careerwise?

Starting with registration at Church House in the leafy Dean’s Yard behind Westminster Abbey, I collected my 50:50 cloth bag and circled the political party stalls. Buying some badges and signing up to join women equality mailing lists I make my way over to the first venue of the day at the modern Portcullis House.

Taking a quick selfie in front of the Millicent Fawcett statue I take a deep breath. I look into the bright autumnal sun and mentally prepare for the day. The idea is that women will get collected by their MP mine being Hilary Benn and shadow them for a day in Westminster. We also have a choice of an event and a workshop. I choose Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) at 11.30am, a photo call at

Commended

12.30pm and a workshop at realised the big decisions that 3.30pm on ‘How to get would be need to being Elected’. Hilary Benn is formalised. already busy in his duties I look at the time it’s 11.15 chairing a committee meeting and I had to get to PMQs for on Exiting The European 11.30 over at the Palace of Union.

Westminster and this meant I experienced my first accounting for the queues.

Westminster queue and I spent most of the day in waited for a good 20 minutes, queues, but this was were I slowly inching forward with had most of my everyone else, eventually conversations. I met a young getting to the revolving door and meeting airport style security.

The meeting, the Exiting The European Union Select Committee, saw MPs and lawyers asking questions to three European experts (An Academic, a former judge and a researcher). I push the giant wooden panel door into the Boothroyd Room meeting Lucy under the statue of Millicent Fawcett room to sit in at the back with other members Cheshire Councillor, a lady of the public. who had just cycled around The experts were asked the world from the Scottish questions about Brexit, Conservative Party and a lady backstops on Northern from Suffolk. Each woman Ireland and fish. I didn’t really was at their own stage of their have a clue what they were political journey. Some were saying but it seemed an already councillors some important meeting on the were just trying to making up practically of definitions and I their minds if it was for them.

Corporal Yanks Sawo, from Beeston, recieved an official commendation for his 19 years service in the RAF. Cllr Mohammed Iqbal (pictured, left) attended the ceremony at RAF Leeming near Northallerton.

We spent 40 minutes in the queue and missed PMQs, we couldn’t even get into any of the committee rooms which stem off from the central lobby. Meeting more women I got more advice on ‘Just do it – stand for elected office it’s the best thing ever!’ Entering the great hall was like walking into a huge cathedral so I decided to stay for the photo call - at least I made that.

I only got to the first half hour of the booked workshop as there was a room change – which meant yes, more queues. My toes had just warmed up and I didn’t want to stand around anymore, so I went for a pint with a lady from Hartlepool to reflect on the day before catching the train back up north.

I am not sure whether I got a clear understanding of politics from my experience from my day, but I did get a good idea on the atmosphere and the drama. We only get to see a small bit of the happenings on TV and in the newspapers. I certainly did get the feeling of solidarity among women from all parties, just by being there on the day illustrated that sense of importance that there need to be more women in Parliament. Just by the fact if we can change that representation could start to turn the tide on issues.

As I left that evening on the train I inspected my phone and googled ‘How to get Elected’ …

it if someone said that to you?

S

by Cllr Andrew Scopes

ocial media has revolutionised communication and interaction with friends and public figures. It has become the primary way in which many people read local and national news and engage with elected representatives.

This opens politics up in an exciting way to people who have previously not chosen to be involved and whose voices would otherwise not be heard.

It can be likened to the Trade Union Movement which changed the making of public policy from something done by those in power who often had a wealthy background to a ‘power to the people’ situation where strength of feeling from the masses could be demonstrated.

Social media enables grass roots petitions to gather thousands of signatures, forcing parliamentary debate, it allows powerful poetry inspired by social injustice to ’go viral’ like Hollie McNish’s statement about breastfeeding, and it prevents the silencing of Iceland/Greenpeace’s Christmas ad which was banned from TV but has been watched by millions on YouTube.

However, it doesn’t come without a cost. We all know a ‘keyboard warrior’ or two, who are rude and abusive from the safety of their lounge in a way that they would never speak to anyone face to face.

We also know personally how easy it is to share a meme or funny photo without thinking first of how embarrassed or ashamed the person who is the subject of that photo might be. For me, there are politicians who lend themselves so easily to that type of ‘share’ but I try to remember that it’s their policies that I want to critique and I don’t need to stoop to playground insults to highlight what I disagree with.

In fact, often the advice that I give to my children is the very same advice that I need to follow on social media: “don’t call people names”, “show respect even if you disagree with someone”, “think before you speak”, and, crucially, “would you like it if someone said that to you?”

As the councillor for Beeston, Holbeck and Cottingley Hall I want the opportunity to hear from all the people that I represent. I want to make sure that I represent everyone, not just those who think like me. In an attempt to do this I have been part of all the local

groups that I am aware of and have been invited to join on social media. All three of the councillors for this area participate in regular online ‘surgeries’ on Facebook groups that are open to all residents – scheduling a regular time (every other Wednesday evening) when we will be available to answer questions from anyone on anything that matters to you.

Occasionally these tackle topics that are contentious, where feelings run high due to opposing interests eg landlord licensing – some residents want higher standards to be enforced to protect tenants living in appalling conditions, others fear that high costs will affect their income from their properties which is their livelihood. These different stances can be discussed with real depth of feeling but retain a respectful tone.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When comments move from discussion of the topic and even our handling of it (which is of course fair game for discussion) and turn into simple abuse alongside untruthful statements about the work that we do, where we live and whether we care, the value of the discussion is nullified and nothing fruitful can be achieved. So much time, energy and emotion can be wasted in these places that can be much better used in engaging with other people or even, in my experience, the same people face-to-face.

For this reason, there will now be discussion spaces that I opt out of but I will still be available online or in person to anyone in this ward.

Additionally, whilst I am fairly thick-skinned and am able to choose to keep working with people and for people despite the abuse, this is not a precedent that I am prepared to accept.

Politicians, journalists and other public figures should always be open-minded but should not be silenced by bullying tactics.

Online abuse of public figures, private individuals and groups or children is no better than face-toface abuse and it is not the way that we should interact.

If there is anything to be learnt from the ‘British Values’ that are being promoted in schools and elsewhere, it is that our best can be achieved when we behave with dignity and respect for each other, especially when we disagree.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | December 2018

16 What’s On

What’s On Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in December Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 21 December - 7 January Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events Every Monday

Every Tuesday

GTT: Digital Access Holbeck 9am-12pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill Women & Girls’ Drop In 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project 43 Stratford Street, Beeston Hobbies2gether craft group 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre Middleton 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 Girls Group 7-9pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle 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

Mums & Tots 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle 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 Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team 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 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 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 Free Food for the Homeless 5-8pm Christine’s Cafe, 71 Domestic Street, Holbeck 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 Youth Group 7-9pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle 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 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 Little Explorers Baby Group 10-11:30am Middleton Play & Learning Centre, Throstle Lane Community Craft Cafe 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road Middleton Park Estate Volunteers 10am-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre

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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 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 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 Footbal sessions 5-8pm Old Cockburn Sports Hall, Primrose Lane, Beeston 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 Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team 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 Group 7-8:30pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road Yoga class 7:30-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

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 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 Youth Group 7-9pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle 5th Middleton Guides 7:30-9pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle 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 Breastfeeding Support Group

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

www.southleedslife.com

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Every Saturday

Middleton Railway Santa Specials 10am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet

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 Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team 10am Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Middleton Railway Santa Specials 10am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Kidz ‘n’ Co 10:30am-12:30pm Cottingley Community Centre 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

Saturday 1 December Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Holbeck Christmas Market 11am-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Activity Day 11am-2pm Trentham Park, Beeston Hill Discover Arts Award Meetup 11am-12pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Christmas Fayre 10am-2pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road BITMO Christmas Party 12:30-3:30pm Belle Isle WMC Hunslet Beer Festival 5-11pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Klondyke Cocktails 7-11pm Cross Flatts Recreation Club, Theodore Street, Beeston The Bootleg Jersey Boys 7:30-11pm South Leeds Golf Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Sunday 2 December Holbeck Christmas Lights 5:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Moor

What’s On 17 Tuesday 4 December Mostly Men! 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Wednesday 5 December 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 Thursday 6 December Hunslet Carr Residents Assc 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Old White Hart, Town St Saturday 8 December Ramblers Meet 9am St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston HUB Christmas Fayre 12-4pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Tabby McTat 3:30-5pm The Holbeck Club, Jenkinson Lawn Tuesday 11 December

Lantern Festival returns to Beeston

Attendees are invited to come (through the Beeston Road entrance) from 5.45pm, for a 6.30pm start – the event centres around the Watsonia Pavilion at the top end of the park. Bring a lantern or light if possible, and wrap up warm! The event will finish by 7.30pm at the latest.

Two new features this year will see a labyrinth in the Millennium Garden where you will get the chance to meet characters from the Christmas story. There will also be a Lightbox Trail for children to see if they can piece together the message in the sentence.

The organisers are also looking for more volunteers, anytime between 10am-9pm on the day – please get in touch if possible, or just turn up.

The event is hosted by the Church in LS11, and supported by the Salvation Army and Leeds City Council’s Inner South Community Committee.

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 December Christmas Tree Festival 10:30am-12:30pm; 5-7pm St Mary’s Church, Town St, Beeston Thursday 13 December Children’s Memorial Service 7-8:30pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton Friday 14 December Christmas Tree Festival 10am-2pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Christmas Lantern Festival 5:30-7pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Re:establish Christmas Party 7:30pm Dewsbury Road Social Club, Beeston Saturday 15 December Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street

Family Art Workshop 11am-3pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Christmas Tree Festival 10am-4pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Members Children’s Party 4-6pm The Holbeck Club, Jenkinson Lawn Christmas Concert 7-9pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Sunday 16 December Carol Service 10:30am Middleton Baptist Church, Middleton Park Avenue Christmas Tree Festival 12-4pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Leeds Dads 2-4pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road

Thursday 20 December Jobs Day 9:30am-4pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Saturday 22 December Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 23 December Carols by Candlelight 6:30pm Middleton Baptist Church, Middleton Park Avenue Monday 24 December Crib Service 5pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Saturday 29 December Family Art Workshop 11am-3pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd

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

Get-to-know-you pop-up portrait studio A

The popular annual Cross Flatts Park Lantern Festival returns for the to Beeston this Christmas – on the evening of Friday 14 December.

Now in its sixth year, the free, familyfriendly event will once again feature carol singing (led by the local Salvation Army brass band), live animals to meet and pet, refreshments (this year including roast chestnuts), arts and craft activities – and hundreds of lanterns lighting up the park!

Local resident Mark Hodgkinson of the Salvation Army is one of those coordinating the event, and commented: “It’s been great to see this event develop over the past few years, with loads of different local people getting involved – and it’s always good to see Beeston ‘on the map’ for the right reasons. We had hundreds join us last year, and this year’s promises to be even bigger. See you all then.”

December 2018 | South Leeds Life

rtist House 45 is a project run by East Street Arts who invite artists to come and live in the Beeston community and make art with them.

Some readers might remember past tenants Andrew Wilson and Toby Lloyd who contributed a series called The Trajectory Of The Everyday to South Leeds Life.

John Devlin is the new ‘writer in residence’ and he invites you to come and have your portrait taken for free!

John explains: “We’re getting to know the people of Beeston and building up a portrait of the area as part of an exciting art project.

“As part of this, we’re hosting a pop-up portrait studio at Artist House 45 on Garnet Terrace. If you live, work or have a connection to Beeston, you’re invited to come along and have your photograph taken with your most treasured possession.

“The studio is absolutely free and you’ll also get a free digital print of yourself which could even make a nice Christmas present for someone too. It’s all in the name of art and community, there is no catch!

“Share your experiences of Beeston with resident writer, John Devlin and have your photograph taken by professional photographer, Lizzie Coombes.

“Remember to bring your most cherished possession, whether that’s a plant, a toy or even a dog!”

The pop up portrait studio will be open: Friday 30 November and Saturday 1 December 2018, 12–4pm; Friday 7 and Saturday 8 December 2018, 12 – 4pm.

Collect your FREE print on Saturday 15 December, 12 – 4pm.

Artist House 45 is located at 45 Garnet Terrace, Beeston, LS11 5JX.

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | December 2018

18 What’s On

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Walking in a winter wonderland

Final Christmas Fayre at Holbeck’s HUB There will be stalls serving food, drinks, jewellery and a multitude of crafty items and vintage goods, it is perfect for those looking to get ahead with the Christmas shopping!

On the food front there’s a roast hog, delicious vegan food, mulled wine, hot chocolate and all the usual cakes and treats available.

There will also be live music, a chance to sing your favourite Christmas carols, festive storytelling and a whole load of yuletide activities.

This year we have an extra special treat to round off the festive celebrations!

At 3.30pm Freckle

Nidderdale in the Yorkshire Dales

W

by Peter Todd

e can’t promise snow, but South Leeds Walkers offer two chances to come on a winter ramble in Nidderdale during December.

The walks start in Pateley Bridge, going up the side of the Nidd valley until we reach Brimham Rocks, then down to the River Nidd and back along the riverside to Pateley Bridge.

It is only an hour's drive from South Leeds, the walk is not strenuous - although it is a bit tricky underfoot in places - and takes only 4 or 5 hours, so daylight is not a problem.

The weather in Nidderdale along with the rest of the UK! is unpredictable, and so warm and waterproof clothing, including sturdy shoes, is essential.

The walks take place on Saturday 8 December and Sunday 16 December. transport will leave south Leeds around 9am, returning by 6pm.

Walks are free, but donations are welcomed. For more information please email: southleedswalkers @gmail.com South Leeds Walkers undertook two trips last month.

The first was to Scotland to climb Ben Nevis (1,345m); the

party all reached the summit successfully, and returned safely! Special thanks to Gifting Leeds who gave financial support for the overnight accommodation at the Glen Nevis Hostel.

The second outing was to the Lake District, where everyone reached the summit of High Street (828m), and also the peaks of Mardale Ill Bell (760m) and Kidsty Pike (780m) along the way. The walk was in glorious sunshine, but with an icy wind blowing from the Arctic. The cold weather did not though dampen the enthusiasm of the group, and plans are already afoot for further adventures in 2019.

If you are interested in affordable outdoor experiences, and are reasonably fit, please contact southleedswalkers@gmail.com, or look for 'South Leeds Hiking Group' on Facebook.

The South Leeds Walkers was initially set up by Ed Carlisle and the Salvation Army South Leeds Initiative, and is currently coordinated by the Hunslet Rugby Foundation, the community-conscious charity arm of Hunslet RLFC (based at the John Charles Centre for Sport).

South Leeds Walkers at the summit of High Street in the Lake District

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Productions present Tabby McTat from the book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler over at The Holbeck.

Interwoven with original songs, Tabby McTat is the heart-warming tale of friendship and loyalty for children and families of all ages. The company made and rehearsed the show in The Holbeck back in September and they return with a special one-off performance. You pay what you decide and all funds will be donated to the Leedsbased homeless charity Simon on the Streets.

Go to slunglow.org to find out how to reserve a ticket.

Seasonal gifts at the HUB Christmas Fayre

A

s we reported last month Slung Low, Holbeck’s own threate, are to leave their base under the railway viaduct and move into The Holbeck (formerly Holbeck Working Men’s Club) Slung Low christened their home under the arches the Holbeck Underground Ballroom (HUB). It’s seen many travelling

shows over the years, hosted choirs, How To... festivals and more recently courses at the Cultural College.

A highlight of the calendar has been the Christmas Fayre, so it is fitting that the last ever event at the HUB will be this year’s Fayre, which takes place on Saturday 8 December from 12pm.

Give a gift at the White Rose W

hite Rose Shopping Centre is encouraging visitors to donate a gift for deserving children this Christmas at their Giving Tree.

The annual charitable drive, in association with Heart Yorkshire, asks shoppers to donate gifts of all shapes and sizes or monetary contributions to benefit local charities Kidz Klub, which provides fun and safe activities that help children discover positive aspirations for themselves and their communities; St Luke’s CARES, which is committed to harnessing the skills of local people in order to reach their potential; and national children’s charity Barnardo’s, which helps transform the lives of the most vulnerable young people in the UK. Gifts donated will be distributed to children who deserve an extra touch of Christmas magic this festive season. From toys and games to clothing and accessories, shoppers are encouraged to donate gifts of any kind as all will find a deserving home.

Physical gifts will be delivered via Kidz Klub and Barnardo’s, and monetary donations will go towards St Luke’s CARES.

Nikki Appleton, Marketing alongside really struggle at Manager of White Rose Christmas. Support from White Shopping Centre, said: Rose’s Giving Tree is invaluable “We’re so pleased to and means that Kidz Klub can welcome the Giving Tree back ensure that children living in to White Rose this year. We’ve poverty across the city can seen first-hand the joy that receive a Christmas gift. these gifts provide, such a “We want to see long-term, simple gesture can go an lasting transformation of incredible way in lighting up the children, families and Christmas of a deserving child. communities in the most “We’re proud to be deprived areas of Leeds. With supporting such fantastic local the support of individual charities, and we know our customers and the local community will be as generous as ever this festive season.”

One such charity is Leeds based Kidz Klub, which offers fun, supportive activities aimed to empower and inspire children across Leeds.

Sarah Turner, charity co-leader of Kidz Klub, Jackson Turner (St. Luke’s Cares), Nikki Appleton said: “So many of (White Rose Marketing Manager), Chris Langdale the families that (Kidz Klub), Katy Alty (St. Luke’s Cares) and Helen we work Evans (Barnardos) at the Giving Tree

supporters and businesses like the White Rose, our aim becomes increasingly possible.”

Barnardo’s Director for Yorkshire and the Humber, Steve Oversby, added: “Barnardo’s works to transform the lives of vulnerable children, and every year helps thousands of families to build a better future.

We do this through more than 1,000 services across the UK, including in Leeds where we work with over 1,200 young people and families – from care leavers to young carers.

“I’m always amazed at people’s generosity and I’d like to say a huge thank you to White Rose Shopping Centre for their support at Christmas, when so many young people and families struggle.”

All gifts can be dropped off at Heart Yorkshire’s Donation Station within White Rose Shopping Centre any time during the extended Christmas opening hours (9am–10pm Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm Saturdays, 11am–5pm Sundays). Gifts will be delivered to the charities a week before Christmas, ready for the big day.

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December 2018 | South Leeds Life

News 19

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Beeston’s Christmas trail: can you crack the code?

T

his Advent (the lead-up to Christmas), the Cross Flatts Park Lantern Festival team are organising a fortnight-long 'treasure trail' challenge across Beeston.

Can you crack the clues, follow the trail, and win a prize?

Each day between Saturday 1 December and Friday 14 December (the day of the Lantern Festival), a giant letter of the alphabet will appear somewhere in Beeston. Daily clues as to where to find the letters will be available online at southleedslife.com or on FB (look for 'Beeston Christmas Trail 2018'), or hard copies will

be available at the Community Hub and Beeston Library.

The letters will together spell out a Christmas-themed phrase - although it will be jumbled up like an anagram, to make it harder to guess.

Participants are invited to get out and find the letters, take photos and post them online, and try to work out the jumbled phrase. There will also be small events at the locations of the letters on some days. The final letter will be unveiled at the Lantern Festival, in Cross Flatts Park on the evening of Friday 14 December.

Prizes will be awarded to the

first person who correctly guesses the 14-letter message - and furthermore, anyone who submits photos of all the letters to us will be entered into a prize draw. Full info will be available via the website, on the FB page, or at the hard copy locations (see above).

Ed Carlisle, one of those coordinating the Trail, commented: "This is a bit of a experiment, but hopefully it'll work! We just want to create a fun opportunity for local people to get out and explore their community, meet new people, discover new places, and get into the Christmas spirit."

children aged 3-12 and £7.75 for children under 3, whilst babes in arms not requiring a present travel free. Tickets bought on the day are £1 dearer. All trains on Christmas Eve have already been booked.

Christmas Tree Festival St Mary’s Church in Beeston (opposite the Coop) is hosting a Christmas Tree festival. Jointly organised with Beeston In Bloom, local organisations have decorated trees to represent their activities. The festival is open to the public on: Wednesday 12 December 10:30am12:30pm and 5-7pm; Friday 14 December 10am-2pm; Saturday 15 December 10am-4pm; and Sunday 16 December 12-4pm.

Lights and Little People Introducing a magical winter trail for younger children and families, wandering through the candle lit woods and gardens this year at Skelton Grange Environment Centre. Catch glimpses into the secret worlds of the little folk who reside here and find your way to the campfire for a warming drink and gingerbread. Tickets are £7 for a timed slot and are needed for all adults and children attending the event. Babies are welcome free of charge.

St Francis School Fair

Steam’s up for Santa Specials What could be more exciting for children at this time of year than a ride on a steam train and a present from Santa?

Middleton Railway is preparing to launch its ever popular Santa Specials on Saturday 1 December.

Trains run each Saturday and Sunday through to Sunday 23 December. The first train of the day leaves Moor Road at 10am, the last at 3:45pm.

Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes before the train on which you will be travelling is due to depart: if you arrive later than 10 minutes before its departure time you may not be able to travel.

Every child under 12 will receive a present from Santa during the journey, adults will get a warm drink and a mince pie at Moor Road station.

Prices, if booked in advance are £8.75 for adults, £11.75 for

IN BRIEF

The Santa Trains are very popular and so you are strongly advised to book in advance, Please note that Santa Special trains are NOT normal service trains, in that each ticket is valid

only for one round trip on the specified train. Hence you must return from Park Halt on the same train: the option of getting off at Park Halt and returning on a later train is not available, as there may not be any seats on later trains.Full terms and conditions are set out on the Middleton Railway website: www.middletonrailway.org.uk Steam trains have been running on the historic Middleton Railway for over 200 years. It was the first railway in the world to use steam locomotives commercially and was designed to bring coal from pits in Middleton to Leeds to power the industrial revolution.

The museum in the engine house also reveals the history of Hunslet as the centre of the locomotive manufacture for the world.The railway has been run by the volunteers of the Middleton Railway Trust since 1960.

A Shared Place

A

Shared Place is a new year long intergenerational photography project in Holbeck, facilitated by Skippko Arts Team, in partnership with Holbeck Elderly Aid. Artists will work alongside participants with a focus on learning how to use a digital and 35mm camera as well as sharing ideas and stories and exploring the creative side of photography. The project will involve hands on camera work, including access to a dark room, as well as trips out and visits to photography exhibitions.

Anyone who is interested in the project can come along to an information session on Friday 14 December from 10–12 at St Matthew’s Community Centre in Holbeck.

No previous experience is needed and the project will start in January 2019.

St Francis of Assisi Primary School in Beeston Hill are setting their sights on a new improved playground and outdoor space – with the children, parents, staff and other local supporters aiming to raise £10,000 over the course of this school year.

The fundraising campaign is being led by the voluntary Parents Teacher Association (PTA), and their next event is a ‘Holly Bazaar’ Christmas Fair on Thursday 20 December, 3.15pm-5pm.

Fundraising party South Leeds youth charity re:establish are holding a fundraising party for their latest trip to Sierra Leone in west Africa. The event is on Friday 14 December from 7pm at Dewsbury Road Social Club, and will feature music, open mic, food, games, and more; tickets start at £1.

Next year's trip will see a group of local young people heading out to Sierra Leone to volunteer with charities there.

Christmas in Holbeck On Saturday 1 December there is the annual Holbeck Christmas Market run by the Holbeck Gala Committee. It’s from 11am–3pm at St Matthew’s Community Centre and it’s always a great event for the whole family. There will be lots of stalls selling crafts and good little Christmas presents, a café with home made soup, hot dogs, tea, coffee and cake and Santa’s Grotto for the kids. Make sure you pop down to support this fab event!

Then on Sunday 2 December it’s the Holbeck Carol Services and Christmas lights switch on.

This year you have a choice of two carols services to come along to both organised by Mosaic Church Holbeck. At 4pm we have the Family Carol Service at St Matthews Community Centre with games, songs and a kids party tea.

After that come outside and join us for the Holbeck Lights Switch On at 5:30pm, organised by the local councillors.

Straight after the lights switch on we have the second carol service Carols by Candlelight (5:45pm) Sing your favourite carols, listen to a short message and then share a free meal together afterwards.

Belle Isle Children’s Party Belle Isle Tenant Management Organsation (BITMO) will be holding its annual party for children on the estate on Saturday 1 December at Belle Isle Working Men’s Club on Town Street.

Food, fun, dancing and, of course, a visit from Santa are promised, 12:30-3:30pm.

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Hunslet prepare for a new era A

by Ian Pickles

fter a disappointing end to last season, Hunslet RLFC have rung the changes for the up and coming 2019 campaign.

With many clubs in League 1 struggling and fixtures still not finalised the South Leeds outfit have really hit their straps with New Sponsors, a new kit supplier, Kappa, and a host of new faces at the South Leeds Stadium.

As with the end of any season we had to reluctantly say goodbye to some popular players. Lewis Reed, Liam Mackay, Jack Walton, Gavin Duffy, Jack Coventry, Matt Nicholson, Danny Halmshaw, Will Cooke and Daley Williams all moving on, Brad Foster going to Doncaster, Winger David Foggin-Johnston to

Bradford and promising winger Niall Walker to Batley.

There will however be some familiar faces with fans favourite Jimmy Watson, star hooker Jack Lee, goal kicker Joe Sanderson along with Michael Haley, Aidan Hema, Cain Southernwood, Ryan Wright and Niall Flynn all signing on for another season.

What’s different this year though is the quality of player signed on for next term.

Former Leeds Rhino’s and 2014 Grand Final star Richard Moore heads up the big lads.

His experience and power should prove crucial to Hunslet’s hopes. Moore is joined by Dan Hawksworth and Adam Robinson from York City Knights, who after last season must come with a winning mentality.

Promising former Doncaster

Coup: Vila Halafihi joins Hunslet RLFC from Bradford Bulls man Zac Braham has also signed up along with Keighley’s Mike Emmett to add more power to Hunslet’s forwards.

The loss of George

Flanaghan last year was a blow to Hunslet so early in the season, but coach Gary Thornton has pulled off a coup this year bringing talented

hooker Vila Halafihi in from Bradford Bulls.

The backs are strengthened also with free-scoring wingers Gareth Potts and Dale

Bloomfield joining from Dewsbury and North Wales Crusaders respectively.

At Half Back there will be competition for places this year with Danny Nicklas joining the ranks and former Toronto and Hull utility back Reece Dean coming very highly rated.

Eyebrows were raised in the Rugby League world though when former Halifax Centre Ben Heaton signed on, it was felt especially by ‘Fax supporters that he would be a loss for them and a great gain for Hunslet.

These players joining up with last years stars such as Duane Straugheir and Josh Tonks should bolster competiton for places and set Hunslet up for a great season.

Here’s to hoping – And so we shall again!

Tauseef’s shows there’s It’s time to get off no excuse not to exercise that couch and run the steps and built up to a full one kilometre iewers of BBC’s Look North circuit of the park. Now have been introduced to the the rest of the group inspirational story of Tauseef have become his Akram, but to many residents of cheerleaders as he Beeston he is a familiar sight completes his walk. walking around the area.

Tauseef started What’s so inspirational about working with personal Tauseef? Well the thirty two year trainer Kim Tomlin from old has cerebral palsy and spends The Movement Hub four most of his life in a wheelchair. But years ago. he hasn’t let that limit him or “He’s shown great define him. Tauseef exercises commitment” regularly, both with a walking commented Kim. “He’s frame and in the gym. developed his strength Tauseef’s mum Naseem was and stamina and his also looking for some exercise and overall fitness. As well joined a class in Armley Park that as walking we work on run or walk up and down the 162 upper body strength in “killer” steps there every Sunday. the gym and we make She took Tauseef along, where he sure it’s fun, finding new took up the role of cheerleader, challenges to keep sitting at the top of the steps things interesting.” encouraging everyone with shouts There are clearly and high fives. many benefits to Tauseef Akram rounds another obstacle He moved on to doing some Tauseef’s exercise wheelchair by himself and get walking exercise (on the flat) regime. Anyone who takes himself back in the chair if he has whilst others went up and down exercise knows how it can help a fall. control For Naseem it’s also about weight, which Tauseef being included in the is especially world around him. important for “People engage more him as wheelchair he’s walking around Beeston, one users. The man who had seen them pass his extra house regularly came out and strength gave Tauseef and Kim oranges to means that keep them going. It’s important Tauseef can that he is part of the group in help his mum Armley Park, I think he inspires the and other others and they inspire him. I’m carers after really grateful to Antony Newby him. He can who runs the class – he was keen get in and out to include Tauseef in the group of his from day one.”

Tauseef with personal trainer Kim in the gym

V

by Jeremy Morton

I

f you are looking to get more active in the new year, you could join a gym.

Or you could join the growing numbers of people from South Leeds who are taking up running.

Couch to 5k (C25K) is a nine-week training plan, involving three sessions of exercise per week, led by England Athletics qualified

Run Leaders (one session as a group, and a further two sessions either in your own time or at extra sessions as arranged by the Run Leaders). The aim is to get people who do little or no exercise to a position where they can run for 5km (3 miles).

The plan starts with walking and light jogging

and over time will reduce the amount of walking and increase the amount of jogging. It is suitable for people who have done little or no exercise for many years.

South Leeds Lakers are starting their next C25K group on Tuesday 8 January at 5:45pm from Beeston Coop

Graduates of the summer C25K programme celebrate completing their first 5k parkrun

Advertise with South Leeds Life This spot will cost you just £50 and will be seen by 15,000 people in South Leeds across LS10 and LS11 For more information ring 07894 583966 or email info@southleedslife.com