South Leeds Life 48 February 2019

Your FREE community newspaper

Issue 48 | February 2019

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

STOURTON PARK & RIDE APPROVED

In this issue:

A new friendly cafe in a crisis

page 7

On track at New Bewerley

page 8

Controversial scheme given green light by Councillors

C

by Jeremy Morton

ouncillors on the City Plans Panel overwhelmingly backed the controversial Park & Ride Scheme at Stourton at their meeting on 24 January.

The scheme will see parking for 1200 cars on land between Hunslet Cemetery and Junction 7 of the M621. The site will be served by electric buses running into the city centre via Hunslet Road, which will be modified to create a dedicated bus lane.

The planning application had been agreed in principle at a Panel meeting earlier this month, but Councillors had asked for more details and changes to the landscaping and the terminal building.

Councillors heard that the landscape planting will include ‘woodland edge’ dense planting of trees, shrubs and hedging by the boundary with Hunslet Cemetery; combined with ‘woodland buffer’ planting of larger trees between the boundary and the parking area.

The trees would be 2-3m when planted and grow to 20-30m tall over time.

The terminal building will host a Changing Spaces disabled toiled, green walls, a mix of green roof and solar panels to create a ‘saw tooth’ profile – referencing many older industrial buildings in South Leeds.

Artist’s impression of the terminal building with green roof and solar panels Speaking against the plans, back to 1975 after the open local resident Martin cast mine had been back filled.

Fitzsimmons asked for details Recent surveys showed that of parking restrictions on there were various solutions nearby residential streets and and that sound foundations said that ground surveys could be constructed. showed the land wasn’t Highways officers explained suitable for building on. He said that all the junctions around consultation with the public the site including between the had been poor throughout the M621 slip road and the process and asked for the A61/A639; and every junction decision to be adjourned until on the existing gyratory would the revised plans had been have traffic lights to ensure a consulted on. safe flow of traffic.

John Leggett from developers Cllr Cohen expressed WSP said the report Mr concerns about noise so close Fitzsimmons referred to dated to the cemetery, but officers

said that whilst the additional planting would not significantly soften noise from the site, noise from the Park & Ride would be lower than the background noise from traffic on the motorway.

The latest revisions to the plans are subject to further public consultation, but the scheme will only come back to Plans Panel if a new substantive planning objection is raised during that consultation.

Otherwise Councillors voted to “defer and delegate” the decision to

planning officers who will agree the fine detail with the developer.

Leeds City Council’s Executive member for regeneration, transport and planning Cllr Richard Lewis said: “Park and ride is an important part of our Connecting Leeds programme, helping to make our transport network as fast, efficient, reliable, accessible and green as we can.

“Park and ride in Leeds has proven to be an increasingly popular service that people want to use on a daily basis. It reduces traffic congestion and makes the air cleaner for us all, while giving commuters certainty about safe parking and relaxed ride in and out of the city.

“Stourton will be a welcome addition to our park and ride offer that will benefit a large slice of South Leeds.”

Speaking before the meeting, Mary Spencer from the Stop Park And Ride Stourton (SPARS) campaign told South Leeds Life: “We expect these plans to be passed by Councillors, but we are not giving up. We are receiving legal advice and intend to appeal the decision to government ministers. We are also looking at seeking a Judicial Review in the courts.

We are not going away.”

Continues on page 4

All aboard for the community college page 12

Parkside lose out in Hunslet derby

page 16

NEWS

2-7

SCHOOLS

8-9

FEEDBACK

10

ARTS

12

WHAT’S ON SPORT

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

13-15 16

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South Leeds Life | February 2019

2 News

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

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MP’s notebook A

by Hilary Benn MP

journalist asked me the other day how my constituents are feeling about Brexit.

I replied that judging by my inbox they are pretty much split down the middle. On the one hand, people say 'I just want out' while on the other people plead 'Can't you stop Brexit?'

And while some people's views are becoming more polarised, others confess to feeling weary of the whole process.

I sympathise. In Parliament, Brexit has taken up most of MPs' time for the past two and a half years, including mine because I chair the Committee on Exiting the European Union. Our job is to scrutinise the process of leaving the EU and publish reports.

We have met, talked to and taken evidence from, hundreds of people from all over the country who, like the members of the Committee, hold different views. We've been from Aberdeen to Truro, including a visit to Leeds, to talk about manufacturing, scientific research, fishing and agriculture and services industries like finance and broadcasting. We've been to Brussels to see the EU

negotiators. We've travelled to Dublin and Northern Ireland and stood on the border just outside Middletown in Armagh.

Today there's nothing to see; just a road with goods moving and lives being lived back and forth across the border. If we'd stood on the same spot 40 years ago, however, we would have seen a customs post, checkpoints, army bases and watchtowers in an area where people were killed during the Troubles. It was a sobering reminder of both how working with others and showing political courage can transform things, and of why keeping the border as it is today matters so much.

What I have learned from all of this is that something that may appear simple – leaving the European Union – is actually very complicated. The question that people affected by it most frequently ask is “I can tell you how things work today but can you please explain to me how they will work tomorrow after we have left?“ The truth is that we can’t answer that question at the moment and that causes a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. It's particularly true when it comes to

the idea of leaving the European Union without any agreement at all – a so-called no deal Brexit.

The latest report of our Committee has looked at that in detail and we concluded that no responsible Government could pursue such a policy.

Not all the members, however, agreed with that conclusion and Hilary Benn MP all of us are, of course, entitled to our own view. But it does help to explain why Parliament is having such difficulty at the moment in trying to find a way forward.

We have made a suggestion which I think would help. We know what the House of Commons doesn’t support – it’s rejected the Prime Minister‘s deal – but we don’t yet know whether there is an alternative that Parliament might support. So we've proposed that MPs should vote on a series of options for a different way forward.

By the time you read this, we will know whether Parliament has decided to follow our advice. After all, when you have a constituency, a country and a Parliament that are all more or less evenly divided, searching for a compromise in which everyone has to give a bit in order to reach agreement is surely the right thing to do. Because when this is all over, regardless of which way any of us voted in the referendum two and a half years ago, we’re going to have to find a way of bringing the country back together.

Bridging the gap: Hunslet’s new river footbridge lowered into place S

ustainable urban developer Citu has reached a major milestone this month with the installation of a 50-metre pedestrian bridge, providing a vital link across the River Aire from Leeds’ South Bank to the city centre.

The £1.5m eye-catching structure was lowered into place using a 1000-tonne crane and will link Citu’s Phases One and Two of the Climate Innovation District either side of the River Aire, as well as providing crucial connectivity to communities in Cross Green and Hunslet.

Citu received a £1 million loan from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growing Places Fund to help fund the cost of the bridge.

Thanks to the distinctive steel structure, pedestrian routes into the city centre will be halved from 20 down to just 10 minutes, allowing a healthier, safer journey along the River Aire. Cyclists are also catered for, in line with Leeds City Council’s highways policy on new infrastructure.

As well as creating an integral and important link

The new bridge is craned into place. Photo: Myles Fearnley for the city, the 3-metre wide the homes in the £125m bridge has been engineered Climate Innovation District to accommodate Leeds due to the airtightness and City Council’s planned low energy needs of the £40m district heat network, innovative timber-framed over the river, all part of the design, but it will offer both South Bank regeneration existing and future project. developments in the area Citu is committed to the opportunity to benefit investing long term in the from the Council’s flagship wider sustainable district heat network which regeneration of the South will harness heat from the Bank. The district heat Recycling and Energy network isn’t required for Recovery Facility incinerator

at Cross Green.

Citu Managing Director Chris Thompson said: “This is a huge milestone not just for the Climate Innovation District but Leeds South Bank as a whole. The bridge will act as a catalyst for social and economic change at Hunslet Riverside and the wider South Bank by providing a crucial physical link across the river, as well as being a real eye-catching

landmark that local residents can be proud of.

“Citu’s whole ethos is to offer a model of how to build zero carbon neighbourhoods that also provide healthier, smarter and betterconnected cities.

The Climate Innovation District is one of the UK’s leading example of this and the bridge is a central pillar – literally – of this successful philosophy.”

Roger Marsh OBE, Chair of Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: “We’re committed to funding projects which make a real difference to peoples’ lives and this is a fantastic example of how we can strive to be a cleaner, greener city region where investment benefits everyone.”

The bridge will be officially opened later this Spring after the first residents have moved into their homes at the Climate Innovation District. The District will feature more than 520 low carbon Citu Homes including apartments and houses, alongside leisure, offices, public realm and green community spaces.

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February 2019 | South Leeds Life

News 3

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Skatepark resurrected as LS-TEN P

by Ed Carlisle

eople from across Leeds and the region are rallying to rescue the former Works Skatepark in Hunslet, with the centre reopening on Saturday 26 January.

The month started with the grim news that The Works Skatepark had been forced to cease trading and close imediately.

The trustees explained the “summer heatwave, combined with changes in funding across different aspects of the charity have led to a position that is no longer viable.”

In an outpouring of sadness in reaction to the announcement on social media Stephanie Precious wrote: “This is heartbreaking for Leeds, I have spent many an hour at the skate park with my younger brother, who was ‘saved’ a lot of heartache by

the staff after our fathers death, my daughter who loved BMXing and our son who loved scootering – the staff are fantastic, and the people at the top (one in particular) I know has put his heart and soul into trying to do good by the young people of Leeds – I’m so sorry that you have been left without options.”

And Cheryl Dockerty added: “So sad to read this .. my son Connor Dockerty spent many happy days volunteering here and it led to him getting his first job .. it was more than just a ‘skate park ‘ it has helped people like my son make a future for themselves xx” This prompted a remarkable surge of activity amongst the staff and a wide range of supporters, to save the centre.

One week later on Thursday 10 January, they held a packed public event, and unveiled a masterplan to do so – under a

new brandname, LS-TEN. The new organisation will fulfill many of the functions of the previous set-up, including their alternative education programme, external and onsite events, fitness programmes, and the yearround running of the indoor skatepark itself – but within a more robust business model.

Carl Harrison, CEO for LS-TEN (although wholly unpaid for the time being, like all the staff), told us: “There was such an outcry after the closure, we felt we had to give it another go – to put a strong new plan together, and make it a positive community hub again. There’s lots to do, and we need to learn from our mistakes, but we’re getting a lot of support from a lot of people, work is underway, and we’re now about to reopen.

Collaboration will be key if we’re to make this work long-

Flying again: Hunslet skatepark relaunches at LS-TEN term: all help is welcome, now and in the future.”

The centre – on Kitson Road, just off Hunslet Road, near Costco and The Printworks – is reopening its alternative education programme this coming week, and also now taking school bookings; the park will reopen to the public by

the end of January. They are also taking bookings for parties and events again. They’re on FB here – get in touch for all bookings and offers of support.

And if you can contribute towards their ambitious crowdfunder, aiming to raise £115,000, click here.

The Works first opened in

2012, offering a high quality indoor arena for skateboarding, skating, scootering, BMXing, and more. It later combined with AIM Education to offer alternative education programmes. And the charity also led or partnered with many local events, sports programmes, and galas.

Cutting edge lung scanner comes to Middleton 3

additional testing.

Charlotte Banks, Asda Middleton’s Community Champion said: “All staff at Asda Middleton are happy to support such an important trial that will save lives.”

by Jeremy Morton

00 residents of Middleton at high risk of lung cancer will have a scan over two weeks in January at a mobile scanning unit in Asda’s car park thanks to Yorkshire Cancer Research.

The charity has funded the mobile unit which comes in three articulated lorries and contains a full size CT scanner as well as consulting rooms and even a staff kitchen. The focus is on identifying early stage lung cancers that can easily be treated, but other conditions are picked up as well and patients referred for appropriate treatment.

The Leeds Lung Health Check is a multi-million pound initiative developed in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council. Whilst the unit isn’t cheap, by going out to local centres such as Asda, it saves people having to go to St James’s or LGI for the scan and overcomes a major obstacle for people taking part in screening programmes.

Three local GP practices have identified patients who might be at risk of lung cancer. During their appointment at the unit they will undergo a lung function test and their blood will be tested for oxygen and carbon monoxide levels.

Patients who are smokers are also offered smoking cessation advice and free products to help them quit.

The Leeds Lung Health Check mobile unit, provided by leading mobile medical unit provider EMS Healthcare, will be based at Asda Middleton until Saturday 2 February.

It will then move to Costco on Leathley Road in Hunslet.

Help us keep community news free Asda Middleton employees celebrate the arrival of the Leeds Lung Health Check with Dr Mat Callister (fourth from right) and the clinical research team.

Although no blood test exists for lung cancer, samples are being taken for research to see if they can find any correlation between patients with cancer and an indicator in their blood.

Identifying lung cancers early saves lives, as if the cancer develops it becomes incurable.

It also saves the NHS money in the long term as patients don’t require expensive radio- and chemotherapies, hospital beds and end of life care.

The Lung Screening Unit has already visited the White Rose Shopping Centre and Elland Road and will continue to be seen around South Leeds. The

effectiveness of the five year pilot programme will be fully evaluated, but the early results seem to be very positive.

Project lead Dr Mat Callister, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The early signs from the Leeds Lung Health Check programme are really encouraging.

People are responding in large numbers, with over 1,600 contacting our telephone line for the initial part of their health check after receiving an invitation in the post.

“334 people attended for

health checks at the White Rose Centre and Elland Road, and a further 281 are booked in at Asda Middleton – our busiest month yet. The feedback from people attending the mobile units has been fantastic, with many commenting how convenient they found it to attend the community locations.”

So far, 62 patients with possible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 10 patients with possible lung cancer have been referred for further investigations. A further six patients with other possible cancers have been referred for

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South Leeds Life | February 2019

4 News

Consulting on Urgent Treatment P

eople in Leeds are being asked for their views on a proposal from NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to establish five urgent treatment centres in Leeds.

The health facility at St George’s Centre in Middleton has run as an urgent treatment Centre since March 2018 and will continue to do so under the proposals.

The CCG is keen to get your feedback on how St George’s has been working. You can complete a survey online at www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/ UTCSurvey.

A paper format version is also available and there will be a drop in session at the Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston on Friday 22 March 10am12pm and 1:30-3:30pm.

Stourton Park & Ride approved Continued from page 1 Mary Spencer from the Stop Park And Ride Stourton (SPARS) continued: “There’s very little that’s different in the new plans, but we are very concerned that neither the MP nor the three local Councillors for Middleton Park ward have commented on this scheme. Our Councillors have done nothing to mitigate the impact of bringing 1200 cars into a residential area.

Local people won’t forget that.

Referring to the case of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a child in London who died as the result of road air pollution, she said: “We are not going away. We are watching and we will hold them to account.”

Middleton Park ward Councillors Judith Blake, Kim Groves and Paul Truswell commented: “We have met with the Friends of Hunslet Cemetery and the wider community over many months and spent many hours with officers to make sure as many of the community’s concerns are addressed. As a result the plan that has come forward has changed significantly from what was originally proposed.

There will be significant planting to form a barrier between the cemetery and Park and Ride and the Council has committed not to extend the capacity of the Park and Ride in the future.”

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Why I support the Managed Approach to prostitution I

by Cllr Andrew Scopes

am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and let you know about what we’re doing. One of the issues that gets talked about more than any other in our ward, and in particular in Holbeck, is the Managed Approach to prostitution.

The topic is hugely emotive and there is lots of disagreement but, believe it or not, all interested parties have a common goal. All the groups I’ve talked to want the same thing – an end to street prostitution. Everyone from local demonstration groups (who vehemently oppose the current managed approach), right through to Basis Yorkshire (who support the Managed Approach) see this as the ultimate aim, which gives me hope that we might succeed if we work together, something that I am committed to doing.

What is the Managed Approach?: it is the current strategy adopted by Leeds City Council, West Yorkshire Police and their partner agencies to tackle on street prostitution with the primary aims of: 1. keeping street prostitution out of residential areas; 2. increasing the safety of those selling sex; and, 3. providing services that will help those selling sex exit prostitution.

It was introduced because these things were a problem.

Whilst it may not have solved these problems (yet) we know that it is not the cause of the problems because they were present before the managed approach was introduced.

Practically it means that those people soliciting and kerb-crawling within a specific geographic area in a lightindustrial area in Holbeck will not be arrested. Additionally, Basis Yorkshire and the Joanna Project operate in that area,

Cllrs Gohar Almass, Andrew Scopes and Angela Gabriel on walkabout in Holbeck with PCSOs working with those selling sex to help them out of prostitution.

This help includes drug rehabilitation and housing assistance. Note: housing provided by Leeds City Council or its partners must be outside of residential Holbeck.

Why would we accept this, it sounds like giving in?!

Let me make it quite clear: I’m totally against the sale of sex, and would like to see the end of it. So how have we got to where we are? We live in the real world and a dose of pragmatism is very often needed to make effective decisions. There are a number of things that affect our options: 1.

National policing guidance: The guidance provided nationally to the police effectively advises against arrests for soliciting or kerb crawling. Evidence shows that enforcing simply displaces it, rather than eradicating it. This means that we need an approach or we just bury our heads in the sand.

2.

Previous approaches: Before 2014 (when the Managed Approach started), police made arrests for soliciting. They held them overnight and issued a fine which is the maximum penalty.

In their experience, prostitutes quickly returned to work but often with additional thefts

because they had a drug habit to feed and had missed a night of work and needed the money.

Because this resulted in increased crime it was not effective police work.

selling sex is legal.

The most significant challenge, to date, of the Managed Approach is and has been the effective enforcement of the Rules consistently,

The link to drugs:

Drug waste, including condoms which can be used as a tourniquet, is also a serious problem in Holbeck.

Drug use is certainly prevalent amongst prostitutes and, unsurprisingly, some of the factors associated with drug use are similar to those that push people into prostitution.

However, I would like to state that, although drug use has increased, the number of people involved in selling sex on the streets of Holbeck has not.

Additionally, drug taking, both locally and in the city centre, has increased significantly in recent years making drug waste a major issue we face as a city, not exclusively a problem for Holbeck.

3.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) do not support the prosecution of kerb crawlers and so arrests were effectively pointless.

What are our options then? It is absolutely essential that any approach taken to manage the sale of sex on our streets needs to protect residents, in particular children, and ensure that those caught in prostitution can exit. We are also required to work within the current laws which means that

meaning that residents of Holbeck have faced the brunt of the anti-social issues which are associated with prostitution. This is why the council has worked with/petitioned the police to enhance the policing. From 1 December 2018 four new police officers dedicated to tackling the issues around the Managed Approach will work alongside the current Neighbourhood Policing Team.

For some time local

The link to crime:

There has, sadly, always been a link between our more deprived communities and higher levels of crime. An argument against the Managed Approach is that it brings more crime to the residential part of Holbeck. However, the YEP recently published a report showing that Holbeck wasn’t worse than statistical neighbours.

This is particularly interesting as one of the issues for the police is a lack of reporting. Holbeck has groups set up to encourage reporting and I suspect that the overall level of crime versus other areas is actually better than reported. Just to be clear, any crime is too much crime, but statistically the managed approach is not directly linked to higher crime.

A sex worker plys her trade in Holbeck

councillors (including myself, but also my predecessors) have been asking the police to spend some time tackling the issue of kerb crawling in residential Holbeck for obvious reasons. From the 1st of December 2018, the police started a new protocol to try to take action against kerb crawlers – only time will tell if this is working, but I certainly hope it does!

We are committed to working with residents who are ‘at the coal face’ to tackle those who operate outside of the designated area. A group of local representatives meet regularly with Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police to assess what is working and what is not. The police have a dedicated number for residents to report activity quickly – they know that they can’t be everywhere but that residents see most things that go on.

Overall, the reason I currently support the Managed Approach, despite its faults, is that I don’t see a better way of tackling this long-term issue.

However, we are committed to working with residents and local businesses to identify improvements via constructive feedback.

Independent Review Despite all the work and the clear logic in the approach, there has been significant criticism. The council (including myself) voted for an independent review of the Managed Approach. Having a truly independent perspective on how Leeds is trying to deal with on Street Prostitution will be hugely valuable, and we as a council will listen very carefully to the outcome of the review.

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February 2019 | South Leeds Life

News 5

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On air: South Leeds Radio launches T

by Jeremy Morton

he Old White Hart in Beeston was packed for South Leeds Radio’s launch party on Thursday 17 January which mixed live music with a chance to hear from the presenters about what is in store for listeners over the coming months.

South Leeds Radio is a new community radio venture being run by volunteers from Health For All’s Beeston Skills Hub. The station is broadcast over the internet so can be heard via computer, tablet or smartphone, just go to southleedsradio.org.uk and click on ‘Listen Here’.

South Leeds has been without a community radio station since South Leeds Community Radio folded some years ago.

Martin Brennan, the manager of the Skills Hub explained that he had been keen to start “An independent radio station in South Leeds, about South Leeds.

To give our different diverse community opportunities to be heard on a progressive, meaningful and nondiscriminatory platform.”

Martin will also be presenting a weekly Folk and Acoustic Roots show highlighting local musicians as well as players from across the globe. Starting as they mean to go on, the station showcased three local performers who played live during the evening: Freelance Wizard. Cortney T and Paul Brown.

This Is Us is a show about the issues of living with a disability, Freelance Wizard on stage at the launch party

but presenter Kenneth was keen to stress it wasn’t just for disabled people. The first programme looks at some of the aids and gadgets available to help people with everyday life, whilst future shows will look at residents’ experiences in care homes and the issues around loneliness and isolation.

Ken Burton from the Beeston Local History Society has also joined the team to present a local history programme. Ken explained the importance of history: “If you don’t know your history you have no roots. I’m interviewing people from around the area and I’m learning.

Hopefully the listeners will be learning too.”

Station Manager Mick O’Loughlin explained the station’s ethos: “We started with next to nothing and

we are building all the time. Everyone is welcome to come and get involved.

Everyone does what they want, what they can, and we try to take them to a higher level.”

South Leeds Life will be contributing material to a weekly local news programe on the station and local writer Kevin Phillips will be contributing new drama work.

Councillors from all three South Leeds wards supported the launch event and helped to switch on the live feed at 9pm.

Funding for the project has come from the Big Lottery Fund.

You can find out more about South Leeds Radio and how to get involved on their website at southleedsradio.org.uk or look for @southleedsradio on Twitter and Facebook.

Win £1,000 for your community Sign up for flood warnings South Leeds Life has once again teamed up with St Luke’s CARES to give community projects in South Leeds the chance to win up to £1,000 AND get some free publicity.

St Luke’s CARES have committed £2,000 of money raised from their charity shop on Dewsbury Road to be given out in 3 awards to local community groups in South Leeds.

Last year’s winners Streetwise - Love Leeds

The charity is accepting nominations now until the end of February, with a community panel choosing the best 5 in March, which will then be put to the public vote at the charity shop in April 2019.

To enter all you’ll need to do is write an article for South Leeds Life. Keep the article to under 500 words and tell us: • About the project you want to nominate • What work it does in the local community • And how it would spend the cash!

The charity’s manager, Jackson Turner, said: “We are really excited to be running the Community Awards again. Last year we were able to highlight some great projects and we know there are more out there which we need to celebrate.

And the best bit is you can spend the money on what the project wants and needs.”

First place wins £1,000, second place £750 and third place £250.

We wanted to keep the application process simple and make sure everyone is a winner. So all you have to do is write a short article about your group and EVERY application will be published online at southleedslife.com In the next stage we will send a reporter to write an article about the shortlisted projects which will be published in the newspaper.

Last years winners were homeless charity Streetwise Love Leeds.

Reetwirlers majorettes and Beeston In Bloom were runners up.

Finally, customers at St Luke’s CARES’ Dewsbury Road shop will vote for the winners.

St Luke's CARES charity shop relies on donations from the public. If you want to donate furniture, white goods or household items just call 0113 400 1182 or visit stlukescares .org.uk to find out more.

Boxing Day 2015 - don’t get caught out next time

M

by Cllr Paul Wray

any residents of Leeds Riverside will remember the Boxing Day floods of 2015 when the River Aire burst its banks; causing a huge amount of damage to both businesses and residential properties.

Leeds City Council has invested in flood defences and prevention methods ever since, including the moveable weirs at Ferns Island, and heightened walls across the river banks in central Leeds. It is also working with partners in other authorities to create natural flood prevention methods closer to the source of the river.

However, these will only limit

the risk, and will never be able to stop all weather events that could cause an unexpected river level surge. When I recently found out only one in three properties within the flood zone of the Aire in Hunslet and Riverside Ward, are registered for the government’s free flood warning alerts, I was deeply concerned.

This free-of-charge service allows residents and businesses to be alerted if there is a risk of flooding to their property. So, just in case 2015 happens again, don’t be caught out.

Register today at www.gov.uk/sign-up-for-floodwarnings

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South Leeds Life | February 2019

6 News

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New homes for Listening to older people Gypsy and Traveller L families in Hunslet eeds Older People’s Forum (LOPF) is looking for volunteers to help them evaluate their National Lottery funded Time to Shine (TTS) programme, and its effects on reducing loneliness and social isolation in older people.

Over 55s are being offered the chance to train as peer evaluators, and visit groups all over the city throughout 2019.

Time to Shine needs volunteers who would be interested in visiting older people’s projects and talking with participants to find out how well the project has worked for them.

Cllr Debra Coupar cuts the ribbon at Kidacre Park

L

eeds City Council have put an end to a cycle of encampment and eviction for eight Gypsy and Traveller families by providing them with a home at Kidacre Park, Hunslet (near Crown Point Retail Park).

The site was developed with funding from Council Commuted Sums and Homes England and is the first development of Gypsy and Traveller provision in over 20 years.

Kidacre Park, given its name by the families that now call it home, is Leeds’ second dedicated traveller site. The other site is Cottingley Springs in Gildersome which was opened 49 years ago.

The construction of Kidacre Park, which was built on a disused former council depot, began in late 2017, and the residents moved in on 3 December 2018.

Each family plot contains a pre-constructed living pod which consists of a kitchen, bathroom and dining area with one of the living pods being specially adapted for disabled tenants.

The development at Kidacre Park shows the council’s commitment to help meet the needs of

Gypsy and Travellers and reduce road side and unauthorised encampments.

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for communities said: “I recognise it is difficult to come up with a perfect solution that all communities across Leeds agree on, but it is vital we take steps to provide stable housing options for Gypsy and Traveller families. Our work with the Travelling community has been applauded as national best practice and we are dedicated to finding short and long-term practical solutions to meet the needs of our local communities as well as Travellers themselves.

Kidacre Park is a result of this and it will provide a home for eight families and an alternative to unauthorised encampments elsewhere in the city.”

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive board member for regeneration, transport and planning said: “The council assessed a number of sites very carefully before moving forward with this development and I’m

thrilled that the families have now been able to move in. Provision plans for Gypsies and Travellers are part of Leeds City Council’s core strategy, and were developed in partnership with Leeds GATE and in line with government guidance.

Kidacre Park offers an opportunity to provide facilities which best meet the needs of the whole community as well as providing value for money.”

A Leeds GATE spokesperson said: “Leeds GATE members are delighted to be moving on to this new site development, the first in over twenty years. Some of the families have been homeless for many years, trapped in a cycle of unauthorised encampment and eviction.

The difference that having stable accommodation can make to the lives of individuals and families is huge – including access to doctors and education. We are so pleased that Leeds City Council is making provision for its Gypsy and Traveller community members and we have hope for greater provision and inclusion of Travellers as a part of our city for the future.”

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

Hillary Wadsworth, Time to Shine programme manager, said: “We are able to collect facts and figures, but also want to make sure we are not missing the important human aspects of people’s experiences”.

Volunteers must be able to attend one of the training sessions in March, and be able to get to locations across Leeds. We will pay mileage or bus/taxi fares to help with getting to projects.

We hope volunteers may be able to have a couple of these conversations every month which will give them a fascinating insight into the many wonderful projects

Photo: Andrew Withey being run with older people across Leeds.

To express an interest or find out more please get in touch with Jessica on (0113) 244 1697 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday) or email Jessica@opforum.org.uk

Panel backs plans for Holbeck tower

Artist’s impression of the 32 storey tower block at Holbeck’s historic Midland Mills

C

by Jeremy Morton

ouncillors on the City Plans Panel approved a planning application for a controversial 32 storey tower block in Holbeck when they met on 24 January.

The tower is part of scheme that will see the historic Midland Mills refurbished. The mill buildings dating back to the early nineteenth century and the start of the Industrial Revolution are on Silver Street, off Water Lane.

The plans for the mill buildings, which include conversion to residential apartments and some commercial space, have generally been welcomed.

However, Historic England, The Victorian Society and the Council for British Archaeology all objected to the tower block. They argued that

the block is not keeping with its surroundings and the Holbeck Conservation Area, particularly Temple Works, Marshall’s Mill and Tower Works.

Councillors took a more pragmatic approach, endorsing Leeds Civic Trust’s comments and recognising that planning permission has already been granted in the wider area for mid height and tall blocks.

The plans feature no car parking spaces for residents, but secure cycle parking for over 300 bikes.

Beeston & Holbeck ward Councillors had raised concerns about this aspect as they expect home owners to continue owning cars and be forced to park on the already very busy local streets.

The Panel backed developer Nick Brown’s view that car ownership

should not be encouraged so close to the city centre.

The tower will be built on a plinth to mitigate flood risk and feature a green wall of conifer trees to act as a baffle and avoid problems of ground level winds seen at Bridgewater Place.

The mix of one, two, and threebedroom homes amongst the 284 flats in the tower was welcomed by Cllr Al Garthwaite.

The mill buildings are in a poor state of repair and will need reroofing as well as at least one wall taking down and rebuilding.

Nick Brown confirmed that the mill buildings would not be left until the tower was completed.

Cllr Dan Cohen commented: “This developement has to be completed in tandem to retain this important historic building.”

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News 7

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Evening Well Bean cafe for people in mental health crisis

Well Bean cafe manager Karen Marshall outside Touchstone House

T

ouchstone, in partnership with Leeds Survivor Led Crisis Service, is building on the success of the Well-Bean café in Lincoln Green, with the opening of a second café in South Leeds on 29 January.

The Lincoln Green centre, close to St James’ Hospital, has had 4,000 people through its doors since opening in November 2016. Now the two mental health charities are

February 2019 | South Leeds Life

extending the service to a second location at Touchstone House in Beeston.

The new crisis café provides South Leeds residents with a safe space and support if they find themselves with nowhere else to turn to when other mental health services are closed.

Situated just off Dewsbury Road, the WellBean Café offers a safe social space, one-to-one

support, practical advice, a hot drink and warm homemade food for those who are in mental health crisis.

The late-night cafe is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6pm until midnight at Touchstone House, 2-4 Middleton Crescent, Beeston.

Karen Marshall, manager of the Well-Bean café at Touchstone House commented: “I’m excited to be

opening the doors to provide a sanctuary at Touchstone House in South Leeds. Our aim is to reduce isolation and avoid people going to hospital A&E departments who don’t require emergency medical attention.”

Professional Referral Contact: 07760 173 505 Self Referral Contact: 07760 173 476 Phone lines are open from 6pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Elland Road hosts youth summit T

he second Inner South Youth Summit took place on Monday 21 January at the Centenary Pavillion, Leeds United.

This event was funded by the Inner South Community Committee to engage with young people, find out what activities they would like to see in their areas over the next financial year and for them to meet their local ward councillors and learn about democracy in a fun, interactive way.

Inner South Councillors attended the event with Councillor Angela Gabriel (chair of the Inner South Community Committee), Cllr Andrew Scopes (children’ champion), Cllr Judith Blake (leader of Leeds City Council), Cllr Paul Truswell, Cllr Paul Wray and Cllr Gohar Almass all enjoying the event. In addition, 117 pupils attended in total, with 22 secondary and 95 primary taking part.

This included 10 different schools (including 2 secondary) representing all of the 3 Inner South wards: Hunslet & Riverside, Beeston & Holbeck and Middleton Park.

Eleven partner organisations: Youth Service, Breeze Team, Cyclops Pedal Power, Playhouse Youth, DAZL

Young people decide how they would spend the funding Dance, Leeds United Foundation, WhiteWatch (Fire Service), Leeds Urban Bike Park, Active Leeds, The Hunslet Club and ACES, all gave their time for free to allow young people to sample a variety of activities.

Snapbox also came with their Photobooth so young people could have a fun momento of the day and young people were given an official LUFC stationary souvenir by their local councillors.

The children and young people also took part in a Youth Activities Fund consultation, where they chose what activities they would like to see in their local area over the coming year.

This data will feed into the upcoming Youth Activity funding round, where the community committee will invite applications from organisations to provide events for young people over the coming months.

One of the (many) highlights of the day was a chance meet the captain of Leeds United and the children and young people even had chance for a photo opportunity with him!

Feedback from young people was that they really enjoyed trying all the different activities on offer and that they learnt more about what the council does and local democracy in Leeds.

Youth Activity Fund The Inner South Community Committee is looking for partners to run interesting and exciting activities in Beeston and Holbeck, Hunslet and Riverside and Middleton Park which will positively engage children and young people.

For more information please email community committeefunding @leeds.gov.uk or phone (0113) 378 5808.

Clean Air Charging Zone plans approved by government L

eeds City Council have been given final approval and more than £29 million in funding from the government to implement a Clean Air Charging Zone (CAZ) in the city and support businesses affected.

The Clean Air Charging Zone will reduce air pollution in Leeds by encouraging businesses to transition to cleaner, less polluting vehicles that are not subject to charges for driving within the zone boundary.

But as previously reported the zone will not cover South Leeds, despite campaigners calling on the Council to include it. However, vehicles such as buses, taxi and private hire vehicles working in South

Leeds will have to meet the cleaner standard to work throughout the city.

Leeds City Council say their modelling shows that the CAZ proposals will have minimal displacement of vehicles into other areas of the city. They are also working closely with Highways England and council departments responsible for transport in Leeds to further minimise any potential displacement.

Only owners of the worst polluting heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), coaches, buses, taxis and private hire vehicles will be subject to charges. Private cars, vans or motorcycles will not be charged.

To help businesses based within the zone boundary

Rush hour traffic on Dewsbury Road transition to cleaner vehicles and avoid daily charges, the government has confirmed that £23 million of the £29 million total funding will be available to support affected businesses.

Cllr James Lewis, executive member with responsibility for sustainability and the environment said: “Having now received the green light from the

government, our priority is to ensure the successful delivery of the Clean Air Charging Zone as required by Ministerial Direction over the next fifty weeks.

“Businesses that are likely to be affected need to look at the vehicles they operate and begin their final preparations for the introduction of the zone.

“We recognise that this will be a difficult transition for some businesses to make. We have not received the full amount of funding that we asked the government for, however, we are pleased to confirm today that a number of significant financial support packages will be available to assist owners of affected vehicles. We will be working

hard to make sure this money is available swiftly.

“Leeds City Council will not make money from these charges. Charge revenue will only be used to cover the costs of operating the CAZ, to support owners of affected vehicles, and for other schemes to improve air quality in the city.”

The plans come after the government instructed Leeds City Council to tackle air pollution in Leeds as soon as possible after finding that parts of the city would likely fail legal air quality levels by 2020.

Evidence shows that spending time in areas with high levels of air pollution can worsen symptoms of asthma, damage our lungs and reduce our life expectancy.

South Leeds Life | February 2019

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8 School Life

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Active pupils are on track at New Bewerley

Cottingley childre way on social resp B

Headteacher Gary German and PE lead Katie Stamer join pupils in celebrating the opening of the new scooter track at New Bewerley Community School

P

upils at New Bewerley Community School in Beeston have a new outdoor facility with the opening of an all weather sports track.

The all weather track is already a hit with the children who are keen to get on their scooters at any opportunity. The track cost £22,765 to install and has been paid for from the

school’s sports premuim.

Katie Stamer, the lead teacher for physical education at the school said: "This is a great addition to the school. It can be used in curriculum time, at break times and for after school activities. It's mainly used at the moment for scooters, but the future possibilities are endless.

"The children thoroughly enjoy this active, inclusive experience that contributes to the government's additional 30 minutes a day active initiative."

On hand to help with the opening were the Year 6 cheerleading team another of the varied opportunities for physical activity offered by the school.

Community education at Cockburn John Charles T

he start of a new term saw the introduction of a new initiative at Cockburn John Charles Academy which looks to support families in the local community with English as a second language.

The EAL department at the academy is working closely with Path Yorkshire, a not-for-profit organisation who help to develop employability skills in Black, Asian and minority candidates, to deliver English lessons to

parents and carers of children at the academy.

The sessions run weekly and support people with low levels of English to improve their language skills, access services and get more involved in the local community.

Head of School, Siobhan Roberts, said: “It is wonderful to see parents and carers from our local community filling our classrooms and developing their skills. It is a great testament to

the value of life-long learning to act as a tool of empowerment to those who feel their voices are sometimes not heard.”

Any members of the local community who are interested in participating in the sessions are encouraged to contact the academy on (0113) 487 2800.

For further details on additional support that PATH can provide, please contact the organisation directly on (0113) 262 4600.

by Jeremy Morton

efore Christmas Year 6 children at Cottingley Primary Academy wrote to their MP and Councillors to express their concerns about the Cottingley Hall estate.

The pupils raised a range of issues in their well crafted letters: “Residents are embarrassed of where they live because their environment is getting ruined and their own stuff is getting smashed and they believe they cannot have anything nice.”

Wrote Tashaun Thompson “I am writing to you in regards to a serious issue that has been repeatedly occurring over the last few months with teenagers vandalising things at the park and over the estate.” Linden. “(The teenagers) are not setting a good example for younger children. They are playing inappropriate, earpiercing music in the park. They are not only doing this, they are smoking and making people feel uncomfortable. In addition parents, who are meant to be enjoying their time watching their children, are now having to argue with them because they are not sharing the equipment.” Mary Daniel.

The class received a letter on

House of Commons notepaper from Hilary Benn MP just before Christmas and the three ward Councillors: Andrew Scopes, Gohar Almass and Angela Gabriel visited the school last month to talk to the children.

Cllr Gohar Almass told South Leeds Life: “It was a great experience for all three of us local councillors to visit the Cottingley Primary School in response to the letters we received. The pupils were delighted to see us and we were impressed by their knowledge of local issues and how passionate they seemed to help see them resolved.

“We discussed the anti-social behaviour issues, vandalism, litter and fly tipping, dog mess, using correct bins, play area issues, the role of the Police and fire services and how to help keep our environment clean and less polluted.

“We also explained to them how the council operates and I was especially impressed by their attitude towards civic obligations, as well as our rights as citizens of our great city of Leeds.

“Finally, I’d personally like to congratulate the teachers and parents, who should be proud of how their children interacted in such grown up manner.”

Cllr Andrew Scopes debates the issues

The Little Shop Hunslet of Horrors “Good” H

S Students’ parents and carers can get help with English at Cockburn John Charles

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omething sinister is stirring at Cockburn John Charles Academy. the students and staff prepare to invite the community to join them for performances of the hit musical Little Shop Of Horrors.

The performances will take

place on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 February at 7pm.

Tickets are available from the performing arts department at the academy. Please contact reception on (0113) 487 2800 to reserve tickets.

unslet Moor Primary School i Beeston has been judged b Ofsted to be “Good” in all areas.

The inspection took place on 2 and 29 November and the repo was published after Christmas.

In a statement the school said “We are very proud of th achievements that the repo acknowledges and would like t thank parents, carers and familie for all of your support.”

Amongst the inspectors’ finding were: “The personal development an welfare of pupils is a strength of th school.”

“Pupils develop the menta strength and resilience they need t overcome barriers to learning.”

“Pupils make good progress i each phase of the school.”

“The curriculum is a strength o the school.”

“The governors provide a stron strategic direction and oversight.”

February 2019 | South Leeds Life

Website: www.southleedslife.com

School Life 9

Email: info@southleedslife.com

en show the ponsibility

s with pupils at Cottingley Primary Academy

Brownie Amelia collects all 57 badges A

melia Wood, a member of the 5th Middleton Brownies has achieved something very few girls ever manage – she has been awarded all 57 interest badges available to Brownies.

Brownies work towards interest badges in their own time, choosing topics and skills they are interested in and exploring everything from languages to space.

On Amelia’s last night as a Brownie before going up to Guides, the County Commissioner, Jan Ali, and District Commissioner Pamela Clark visited the unit to award Amelia a certificate and gift in recognition of her achievement.

Amelia told South Leeds Life that her favourite badge had been the Rider badge as she got to be with horses. Her 57th and final badge was Entertainer, which she was awarded in December.

Mum, Helen Wood, is a Guide leader and has her own Guiding badges sewn onto a blanket that she takes to camp. The blanket inspired Amelia and she decided to work towards all the badges during her three years in Brownies. They are now all neatly sewn onto her Brownie gillet (by mum). Helen commented: “I’m so unbelievably proud, I never thought she’d do and it’s taken some real determination.”

As she goes up to Guides,

Moor Primary is says Ofsted

in by

28 rt

d: he rt to es

gs

“Leaders have worked relentlessly and have successfully transformed the school since the last inspection.”

“Parents are overwhelmingly happy with the education that their children receive.”

“Staff are very knowledgeable about the community that they serve.”

“Teachers are skilled and have good subject knowledge. Because

nd he

al to

in

of

ng

Hunslet Moor Headteacher Hannah Darley

of the very effective and sensitive systems leaders have put in place, staff know their pupils and their learning needs well.”

“Pupils want to learn. They take real pleasure in learning and rise to the challenge of staff’s generally high expectations.”

“Teaching assistants are well deployed. They have a positive impact on learning and pupils’ wellbeing.”

Amelia said she was most looking forward to going camping and other trips … oh and collecting more badges, of course.

The 5th Middleton group meet at Nesfield URC Church in Belle Isle every Friday evening. They have four sections for different age groups: Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. If you are interested in joining the unit, or any other unit, please visit: www.girlguiding.org.uk

Amelia Wood receives a certificate from County Commissioner Jan Ali

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South Leeds Life | February 2019

10 Opinion

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In our view Riding forward

The Park & Ride scheme for Stourton has proved controversial with a vociforous local campaign against it. However it now looks like it will be going ahead. It is to hoped that the Council is proved right and that it does take some cars off the road that would otherwise drive through South Leeds. It will be important as we go forward that traffic is monitored to understand who is using the facility and air quality is properly measured, as it has been at Elland Road.

A bridge of beauty

It’s not every day we get a new bridge over the river so the footbridge installed by Citu is to be welcomed. What is particularly pleasing is that South Leeds hasn’t been palmed off with a boring utilitarian design. Leeds Civic Trust have described the bridge as “Delicate from a distance, sculptural up close.� We agree and we look forward to using it once it’s open.

Match made in heaven?

What an inspired move by Slung Low Theatre to approach The Holbeck club. And how great that the club members welcomed the approach as an opportunity and didn’t see it as a threat.

At a stroke they have secured the club as a community asset and brought live theatre to closer to the people of South Leeds.

Your letters and comments New port at Stourton

As a boat owner this is welcome news as it means continued investment in canals and rivers. Hopefully it will go some way to improving the sustainability of the network, which has been in a steady decline over recent years. After the closure of the Rix terminal I felt sure that the river would gradually silt up, but now it’s been freshly dredged as far as Crown Point. I understand that the gravel and ballast for HS2 will come up by river into town so I feel it’s welcome news for anyone with an interest or involvement in the Aire and Calder navigation and other parts of the network.

Michael Moorhouse Although I like the idea of using the waterways more, it states that there aren’t any residential properties that will be affected. What about the people/families who live on the canal boats near Thwaite mills? Do they not count when it comes to planning applications?

Liz Gibbons It is all part and parcel of living on the canals as it’s what they were made for. If it’s such an issue ditch the living on water life for living on land, or maybe find somewhere else to moor.

Derek Potter This is a very exciting development. The Navigation opened in 1702 and was improved in stages right up to the most recent enlargement which was in 1977 (600 tonne capacity self propelled barges).

The peak year for coal on the Aire & Calder was 1913 – 3 million tonnes. I think the peak for the A&CN in total was 5 million tonnes for many years including coal. Post World War 2 in addition to the coal to new

Your Councillors and MP

Two wharves are to be built at Stourton as part of a new inland port. power stations, oil and petroleum were important cargoes and in later years effluent (in the opposite direction) and aggregates to Knottingley and Leeds (latterly Whitwood).

David Lowe

Middleton Retail Park I think it’s a great idea to have a mix of discount shops and other retailers to use the site. As it would be a positive move to support those on low incomes, provide local jobs, more choices to consumers in the area and provides an opportunity for businesses to invest in the local community.

Which if rightly managed between new business and the local community could upgrade the status of the area rather than degrade it. The concerns around the traffic congestion has not solely been down to the shops in the area and needs to be addressed by Leeds city Council.

Paul

Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck.

The three councillors are:

Gohar Almass 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Andrew Scopes 07860 400 645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk

Hunslet & Riverside ward Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:

Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk Paul Wray 07528 512 649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk

Middleton Park ward

MP’s notebook I am dismayed that there was no Hilary Benn column last month in South Leeds Life. He is a very intelligent man with a social conscience - the kind of politician we need to run this country properly in this the 21st century.

His column is always socially stirring and educational, and mentally very stimulating.

I do hope this is only a one off, as it is the best part of the paper and I was looking forward to it after xmas, and I miss it very much.

Kieran O'Regan

Photo: Alamy

South Leeds Radio A great night, well done to all those who have worked hard over the past two years to make this happen. If you would like to become involved, either as a presenter, reporter or sound engineer then please get in touch. Previous experience is desirable but not essential.

We would also welcome sponsors or advertisers to help us maintain this new exciting radio service to move forward, if you can please get in touch.

Contact us: 07931 762573 or info@southleedsradio.org.uk.

Steve Thompson

Hunslet church demolition The original church should never have been demolished in the first place.

M Conlon Does this mean Hunslet will not have a church for the fist time in over 200 years?

Shame on the Church of England.

Barrie Twigg Can they? I remember when I was at school there the land next to it had to have the road built round as it’s an ancient graveyard. That’s why it bends round.

Donna

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

Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:

Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell

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

Leeds Central MP – Rt Hon Hilary Benn Hilary Benn is our MP. He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Middleton, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Burmantofts, Richmond Hill and Osmondthorpe.

Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Suite 7, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097

This issue of South Leeds Life has been funded by a Well-Being Fund grant awarded by local Ward Members through the Inner South Community Committee

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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: @artukdotorg William Barns Wollen exhibited this painting at the Royal Academy, and it shows the 1877 Yorkshire Challenge Cup final between Halifax and York at Holbeck Recreation Ground, Leeds.

@hodgko Cross Flatts Junior parkrun has to be the best activity for children and young people in our community. Challenging, inclusive, healthy, outdoors, fun and totally free! Thanks so much @jenithinks and the team of volunteers #parkrun @DewsburyRoadHub Today at our #techmumsClub it was Intro to Social Media week! đ&#x;“˛đ&#x;šşđ&#x;’ť Lots of fun composing their first tweets and learning about privacy settings, the social media platforms their children are using and falling in love with GIFS! đ&#x;˜‚đ&#x;‘? @BeestonJrsFC Looking forward to our annual trip to see @standrewspanto performance of Snow White this evening. The feedback from shows so far have been 1st class. Well done all cast and crew đ&#x;‘?đ&#x;‘? @ElementsSchool And so it begins.... ground work has begun for our permanent build! Excited to see things happening! #dreamsbecomingreality #wemakeadifference

@Hopeyprice2 First Spar Back in Weeksđ&#x;ĽŠ Done everything as Youth, Ready To take over the seniors Number 1đ&#x;Œ?⚥

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February 2019 | South Leeds Life

News 11

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Partying with Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid B

elle Isle Elderly Winter Aid recently celebrated their Annual Party at Belle Isle Working Mens’ Club, with 78 older people attending.

There was an entertainer, food, a grand raffle with many prizes, and of course bingo!

Two dedicated Volunteers – Jean Burton (former Chair and

Trustee) with 27 year’s service, and Ian Campbell-McLean (former Manager and Trustee/ Volunteer Treasurer) with 25 year’s service, both received Lifetime Achievement Awards for Outstanding Service to Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid. The Awards were formerly presented by the Leader of

Leeds City Council – Councillor Judith Blake CBE. The event was enjoyed by all and Project Manager Sonny Garewal said: “It is the least we could have done for two people who have given so selflessly to our charity and over such a long period of time.”

Charity Cheque

Steve Firth, President of Rowland Road WMC hands a cheque to Doug Hession for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Doug’s band, Clandestine Root, played a charity show at the club in November raising £1,920 which was split between three cancer charities. Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos, Heineken and Coors were amongst the many businesses that donated prizes to the raffle.

Jean Burton and Ian Campbell-McLean recieve long service awards from Cllr Judith Blake

Councillor speaks up for social housing

M

iddleton and Belle Isle Councillor Paul Truswell spoke passionately about the need for more social housing at the last Council meeting, and welcomed plans for extra care housing in Middleton for older people.

Cllr Truswell addressing Council He and his colleagues, Judith Blake and Kim Groves, are also pressing for more Council homes for families on sites in Middleton.

“A prime reason why I joined the Labour Party 42 years ago was to fight for social housing,” he told Councillors.

“My dad was a low-paid foundryman, and my mum a part-time launderette attendant.

They and my brother moved into a brand-

new council house in 1949. 70 years later, my brother is still the tenant of that property.

“I cannot imagine what life would have been like for millions like us without the security of a decent, affordable Council house.

“When I was first elected in 1982, the Council had 98,000 properties. Today it is around 56,000. It's left a gaping chasm of housing need.”

He said Leeds had over 23,000 households are on its waiting list; around 4,000 have an A priority and 2,600 a B priority.

Waiting times are escalating.

Councillor Truswell bemoaned how times had changed. He said between 1945 in 1980, successive Tory and Labour governments had built an average of 126,000 Council houses a year. Last year only 6,500 were built.

“I'm proud this Labour Council is currently delivering on its programme of 1,000 new homes. Our new £55 million programme will deliver another 358 by 2022. Crucially, these

will be at social rents; crucial because average rents for Leeds show that social rents are £60 to £170 a week cheaper than affordable rents.

“I'm equally delighted that my Ward is earmarked for one of seven Extra Care schemes for older people. I've visited the first extra care development in Yeadon. The residents clearly love it.

It promotes independence, provides on-site emergency and unplanned care, and is more cost effective than residential care.”

The Middleton scheme is part of plans to build 7 extra care schemes in two phases around the city. Each one has up to 60 self-contained apartments with communal social areas.

Councillor Truswell said despite the Council’s best efforts, it was running simply to stand still. He said that in addition to removing the cap on borrowing to build Council homes, the Government must also remove restrictions on using money raised from to sale of Council houses. Only 30% of this money can be used for new homes. There also needed to be a more generous housing grant regime.

Premier League Kicks stays in Beeston

Y

oung people aged between 8 and 18 in Beeston and Holbeck will be able to continue to take advantage of a project delivered by the Leeds United Foundation and funded by local Councillors Andrew Scopes, Angela Gabriel and Gohar Almass.

The Premier League Kicks project targets young people who traditionally do not participate in sport, with a particular focus on those from more disadvantaged backgrounds, girls and those aged between 14 and 18.

The Councillors are delighted that the project, which uses a range of sports, educational and personal development activities will continue to be available to local young people.

In addition to the sessions themselves, there will also be the opportunity for those aged between 16 and 18 to access structured volunteering, this is also open to those young people who have participated in Premier League Kicks previously.

Councillor Andrew Scopes (Labour, Beeston and Holbeck) said: “My colleagues Angela Gabriel, Gohar Almass and I were absolutely delighted to be able to direct funding to this fantastic project for the young people of Beeston and Holbeck.

“Premier League Kicks has already enjoyed massive success in other areas of the city, as well as our own, and we are grateful to the Leeds United

Foundation for continuing this project.

“Projects such as this are about more than sport, they help to develop the skills and confidence in otherwise marginalised young people to help them reach their full potential and we are sure that it will help make a real difference to the lives of young people in the local area.”

The free sessions for boys and girls run at Holbeck Community Centre, Elland Road every Tuesday at 6:307:30pm for 8-13s and 7:30 -8:30pm for 14-19 year olds.

There are also sessions at Old Cockburn Sports Hall, Primrose Lane every Thursday from 5:30-8pm.

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

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | February 2019

12 News

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Ethiopian cafe opens on Beeston Hill

Ethiopian hospitality at Melkam Cafe & Restaurant

A

by Alaric Hall

n Ethiopian cafe and restaurant has recently opened on the corner of Beeston Road and Malvern Road.

South Leeds Life went round to the Melkam Cafe & Restaurant to try out the food and meet the owner Asagadech Gorfe and her husband Negussie. While Asagadech was busy whipping up our dinner, Negussie answered our questions.

SLL: So what led you to set up an Ethiopian restaurant in Leeds?

Negussie: We’re originally from Ethiopia, but we came to Leeds from Nairobi in late 2012, through the United Nations refugee agency resettlement scheme. We saw that at that time, there was no Ethiopian restaurant in Yorkshire.

SLL: But you’ve only just come to Beeston?

Negussie: Originally we opened on Roundhay Road, to be near the Ethiopian community in Harehills and Lincoln Green. Now we have built up a group of loyal customers who appreciate our superior product. We realised we could have better premises here and keep our old customers while also reaching new ones, and help Ethiopian communities and other communities in Leeds integrate with each other.

Asagadeh brings out the food and we learn more about Ethiopian cuisine.

The signature dish at Melkam is mesto. Mesto is based on the fermented Ethiopian flatbread injera, which is made from teff, a cereal that’s a staple in Ethiopia and Eritrea but hard to come by elsewhere. Along with the bread comes a mutton or beef stew and home-made cottage cheese.

For

vegetarians and vegans, the bread comes with shiro, which is made of chick-peas that have been dried, roasted, crushed, and milled with a special spice mix called berbere. The fermentation of the bread gives it a moreish, sour taste, and the spicing of the stew is lovely.

Negussie: Some places use substitutes for these ingredients, but we import them directly. People come to us because we are making real Ethiopian food. Injera is naturally gluten-free, and we also have many vegan customers. And our meals only cost about £8!

SLL: And why does your sign also say ‘Ethiopian Coffee Centre’?

Negussie: You know that coffee is grown and first founded in Ethiopia? Ethiopian coffee is the best coffee in the world! As Rian Aditia says, “There’s nothing sweeter than a cup of bitter coffee.” From this year, we will be importing green coffee beans, and setting up our own micro-roaster. Our coffee we are sourcing direct from farmers, not from the markets: people will be able to buy our coffee knowing exactly where it has come from. People can also buy berbere and shiro from the cafe too.

SLL: What are your opening hours?

Negussie: At the moment, 11am-6pm, Monday to Saturday. We can open in the evening if people book in advance: we have a lot of bookings this week! People can also order food to take away online or by phone.

We hastily ask Negussie the Amharic for ‘thank you’. It turns out to be ‘amesegenalehu’, which is a bit of a mouthful, but we do our best.

SLL: Amesegenalehu!

Tel: (0113) 277 4698, M: 07844 252049 www.melkammegeb.co.uk

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Slung Low move into The Holbeck club B

by Jeremy Morton

ack in November we reported that Slung Low, Holbeck’s own theatre company, was moving from under the viaduct to The Holbeck club. I caught up with Artistic Director Alan Lane to find out how the move was going.

I arrived to find the power off at the club as workmen removed the last of the asbestos from the building.

“We’ve had to close this week whilst this work is carried out, but the refurbishment is going really well.” Alan tells me.

Before I leave the Slung Low illuminated sign will have been installed above the club’s entrance.

Has Slung Low taken over the club, I ask.

“The day to day to running of the club, yes. But the club is still owned by the members and that’s really important – it’s an important asset owned by the community of Holbeck.”

Alan describes the deal between the club and Slung Low as a win-win.

“We spent six weeks negotiating the deal. Not because it was difficult, barely any details changed from the first discussion, but neither side could believe they were getting such a good deal.”

The Holbeck has had its debts to the brewery cleared and the building’s deeds returned to the members. It has also been indemnified against a financial loss for the five years of the agreement.

Slung Low has got a secure base for five years with a larger performance space in a more accessible location.

Slung Low were able pay down the club’s debts because of income from shows like Flood which they staged in Hull as part of the City Of Culture and was shown on BBC television.

What will Slung Low do at The Holbeck?

“We’ll do what we’ve always done. We will have a programme of touring productions coming in on a Sunday at 5pm and we’ll have the How To … festivals and ceilidhs. And everything we do will still be Pay What You Decide – see the show, join the activity and then decide how much to it’s worth and how much you can afford.

“Just before Christmas we put on the children’s show Tabby McTat here at the club.

The place was rammed, it was fantastic. Tickets should have cost about £18 each, but the company, Freckle Productions, owed us a favour. We plan to leverage our place in the arts

Slung Low’s Artistic Director is ready to welcome you to The Holbeck club

world to bring in more family shows like that.

“We also want to run cabaret evenings. Did you know Morecambe & Wise played here? We want to revive that tradition.”

The club was saved by its members five years ago and since then has been run by volunteers. That’s hard to keep going and Slung Low will be paying staff who work at the club. All the volunteers have been offered the chance to carry on, but many have decided to put their feet up.

“It’s fantastic what the members have achieved over the last five years” says Alan.

“Holbeck nearly lost its club, one of the oldest clubs in Britain and a cornerstone of the community.”

Slung Low has indemnified the club against losses, can they make the club a paying concern?

“I’m pretty confident” Alan tells me. “Audiences coming to our shows like to have a drink whilst they’re here. So each show is like an extra night’s takings on the bar. Everything the club already does will carry on and we will bring in extra people, extra customers.”

And then of course there’s the Community Cultural College. The bus is now parked up outside the club. It’s fitted

out to accommodate classes although many will run inside.

The second term is just getting underway with courses ranging from podcasting to fire eating via green woodworking and the choir. You can find all the details at slunglow.org or call in to the club for a chat.

“The bus is a great asset and once we’ve passed our test it will be out and about in Holbeck.”

The story of its move from the HUB sums up Slung Low and its relationship with the Holbeck community.

“A guy booked the club for the wake after his dad’s funeral. He was very grateful and said to me ‘if there’s anything I can do.’ Well, he happened to be a bus driver so I said ‘As a matter of fact…’ and that’s how we moved the bus.”

In the same way much of the redecoration work has been done by volunteers at “Barn Raising” days. Students from Leeds City College came in to help build a new stage and install sound and lighting equipment; whilst KidzKlubLeeds helped to paint one of the rooms.

The future for both The Holbeck and Slung Low certainly looks bright with someone as enthusiastic as Alan Lane at the helm.

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February 2019 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 13

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Valentine’s Fair returns to Elland Road car parks T

he UK’s largest Valentines Event is back in Leeds for the Half Term holidays as the famous Valentine’s Fun Fair opening Thursday 14 February until Sunday 24 February on the Elland Road Car Parks alongside Leeds United Football Club.

Amongst the array of Roller Coasters, thrill rides, family rides, Dodgems, Twists and Waltzer’s which have always been the staple diet of the Valentine’s Fair, there will be new fantastic thrilling attractions this year in the form of the Top Scan, Superbowl, Take Off a 33 metre observation wheel, 44 metre Sky Swing and for the first time the New York New York SuperBob. These are just some of the rides amongst the 100 attractions on offer that will give thrill seekers and families an amazing experience.

There are plenty of rides for those who enjoy more traditional

New York New York superBob fairground rides, including the everpopular Carousel, Ghost Train and four Fun Houses.

The fair also offers visitors the chance to enjoy many other attractions, such as giant prize games, food, novelty stalls and side shows, including an indoor seating

area.

The fun gets underway on Thursday 14 February with a valentines special at 5pm when with the purchase of a wristband all rides except the Speed Buzz, Devil Rock and Bungees will be just £1.

The fair will then open daily through

until and including Sunday 24 February from 1pm until 10pm (except Fri 15 5-10pm & Sat 23 5.45-10pm).

For the first time over the first weekend there will also be a heated marquee where guests on the afternoon of Saturday 16 can see The Greatest Show with hits and songs from the musical while on Sunday 17 there will be a special sing-a-long with characters.

Organisers are promising that all children’s rides will be operating at just £1.50 at all times with the exception of Roller Coasters, the Pony Express and Bungee Trampolines and over 20 of the large rides will be just £2 midweek until 6pm with visitors encouraged to log on to www.valentinesfair .co.uk for free fun fair vouchers which are valid anytime and will reduce the large rides even further during this time to a bargain busting £1.50 each.

Charlie and the Free taster day Chocolate Factory with Aviator A Cheerleaders fter the success of our first show as the Hunslet Club Rogues ‘Matilda the Musical’ we were very excited to begin our next adventure creating the musical ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’!

With now over 30 members, we knew this show was going to be challenging! But through our sessions and extra rehearsals we are very excited for the show date!

We have a very dedicated, creative, confident and talented group and it is a pleasure to work with them and teach them how to use their skills as performers.

During this term the Rogues members have had a chance to work

with a professional film crew shooting our trailer, got a chance to work with a green screen, understand the backstage aspects of sound and lighting, helped us create our set and of course, enhance their acting, singing and dancing skills!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory show dates are Friday 8 February and Sunday 10 February. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7pm on the Friday, and 1:30pm doors, 2pm show on the Sunday.

Tickets are £3.50. These are now on sale at the club. Hopefully we will see you there!

Where you’ll enter a world of pure imagination...

Kids Coding Club Leeds Library service is starting a new Coding Club for children aged 7-11 at Dewsbury Road Community Hub. The children will discover easy to follow projects which will help them to learn a variety of coding languages by making games, robots, animations and websites in a supportive environment.

The fortnightly sessions will run on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30pm starting on 30 January 2019. The sessions are free, but you need to book at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ leedslibraryevents. Children must be accompanied by an adult at each session.

Coding Club

Best Start in Cottingley If you live near the Cottingley area and care for a child under 2, there is a new course starting in your area on Friday mornings. It's a really supportive place where we look after each other, share ideas, learn how to manage stress better and become more confident. After the course ends, there's the chance to go on to volunteer in your own community if you want to. It's all free including the crèche for the kids.

If you're interested, get in touch with Leeanne Rowinska on (0113) 276 2851.

Hamara fundraising walk Beeston’s Hamara Centre is holding a fundraising walk as part of their efforts to refurbish the Old Cockburn Sports Hall on Primrose Lane, Hunslet Moor. Hamara took over the running of the building from the council two years ago and run a range of activities there.

The walk takes place on Sunday 17 February in Cross Flatts Park. Meet at the Hamara Centre from 10:30am, the walk sets off at 11am.

Bushcraft Day

All star Cheerleading with Aviators Cheer

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at The Hunslet Club

IN BRIEF

viators Cadets is a recreational cheerleading programme for children aged 6 upwards.

Cadets is a great way to get into the amazing sport of all star cheerleading.

Suitable for beginners, these classes will build the foundation cheerleading skills in stunting, jumps, tumble and dance and are a great workout and a lot of fun too.

All their classes are taught by an expert team of fully qualified cheer coaches in Leeds’ premier cheerleading facility, meaning we have the very best

knowledge, experience and equipment to be able to provide the very best cheerleading coaching in the region.

Classes are every Sunday 11:30am-1pm at the Level Up Academy, 4 Lockwood Close, Middleton Grove, Beeston.

Classes usually cost £30 per month, but on Sunday 3 February you can join the class for FREE to see if Cheerleading is for you.

For more information and to register, go to: aviatorscheer .co.uk/cadets email: hello @aviatorscheer.co.uk or search @AviatorsCheer on Facebook.

Come and set up camp and spend your day in the woods. We try to vary the activities as much as possible on each session, so the kids can try out new things with each visit. Past Bushcraft events have included: shelter building, fire lighting, campfire cooking, field games, hammock making, wild food walks, wood work crafts, string making, bows and arrows, stalking and tracking, pyro-carving, and charcoal making.

At Skelton Grange Environment Centre on Thursday 21 February, 10am-4pm booking essential via tcv.org.uk/skeltongrange

Free play activities Once again the Friends of Middleton Park have organised free play activities in the park during the half term holiday. The sessions takle place on Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 February, 13pm at the Visitor Centre by the lake.

Try RUGA at the Hamara Centre RUGA sessions combine both running and yoga to create a unique and balanced way to exercise and meditate. Escape from the chaos of the everyday and challenge yourself with this new workout. These sessions are available at the Hamara Centre on Tempest Road, Beeston every Thursday, 6-7.15pm, £2 a session.

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South Leeds Life | February 2019

14 What’s On

What’s On Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in February Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 15-25 February Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events Every Monday GTT: Digital Access Holbeck 9am-12pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill 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 Breastfeeding Support 10:30am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston 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 SLLAH 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 Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road 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 Yoga 6:30-7:30pm; 7:30-8:30pm St Anthony’s Church Hall, Old Lane, Beeston

Every Tuesday 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 SLLAH Breakfast Club 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 SLLAH General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston Community Coffee Morning 10-11:30am Beeston Library 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 SLLAH 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 SLLAH 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 DAZL DanceFit (women 16+) 6:30-7:30pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road 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 &

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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 New Lives Group 10-11:30am Cottingley Children’s Centre Storytime (under 5s) 10:15-10:45am St George’s Community Hub, Middleton Storytime (under 5s) 11-11:30am Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Bumps & Buggy Fit 11:15am-12:15pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave SLLAH 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 SLLAH 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 HEA 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

Tea & Toast 9am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road Breastfeeding Support Group 9:45-11:15am Mothercare cafe, Crown Point Retail Park SLLAH 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 SLLAH 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 SLLAH 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 5th Middleton Brownies 6-7:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

Every Friday

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 Friday (cont)

12:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Tennis For Free 2-3:30pm Cross Flatts Park

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

Every Sunday Cross Flatts junior parkrun 9am, top of Cross Flatts Park Saturday 2 February Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Yoga at The Tetley 10-11:30am The Tetley, Hunslet Road Sunday 3 January Aviators Cheer free taster session 11:30-1pm Level Up Academy, Unit 4 Lockwood Court, Beeston Men’s Corner 12-2pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Hunslet RLFC v Leeds Rhinos 3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Monday 4 February Nature visits for Families and Childminders 10am-1pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Tuesday 6 February Friends of Stank Hall 7:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Wednesday 6 February Hunslet Rugby Memories 12-2pm The Prospect pub, Moor

February 2019 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 15 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 7 February Hunslet Carr Residents Assc 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Old White Hart, Town St Friday 8 February Charlie & The Chocolate Factory 7pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Saturday 9 February Family Art Workshop 11am-3pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Free Guided Exhibition Tour 2pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Sunday 10 February 5k Run For Skye 11am Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Charlie & The Chocolate Factory 2pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road The Turk 5pm Slung Low at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck Tuesday 12 February 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

Beeston Local History Group 8pm Beeston Parish Centre (small hall), Town Street Wednesday 13 February Code Club 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Saturday 16 February Ramblers Meet 9am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 17 February Fundraising Walk 11am Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Sunday Lunch Club 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Leeds Dads 2-4pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Tuesday 19 February Free Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 20 February Free Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Free Guided Exhibition Tour 6pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Thursday 21 February Jobs Day 9:30am-4pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Bushcraft Day (8-13 yrs) 10am-4pm Skelton Grange

Environment Centre, Stourton St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill Leeds Film Club 6pm Cineworld, White Rose Shopping Centre Sunday 24 February Sunday Lunch Club 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Monday 25 February Middleton Community Group 6:30pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton Wednesday 27 February Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police Station Code Club 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston The Little Shop of Horrors 7pm Cockburn John charles

Academy, Old Run Road, Belle Isle Thursday 28 February Hunslet Remembered 10am-12pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue The Little Shop of Horrors 7pm Cockburn John charles Academy, Old Run Road, Belle Isle Saturday 2 March Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Yoga at The Tetley 10-11:30am The Tetley, Hunslet Road Sunday 3 March Hunslet RLFC v West Wales 3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove

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South Leeds Life | February 2019

16 Sport

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Hunslet RLFC win ‘State of Hunslet’ friendly P

by Phil Goodfield

re-season for our local rugby league sides continued on Sunday 19 January with a friendly between Hunslet RLFC and Hunslet Club Parkside at a decidedly chilly South Leeds Stadium.

This year the fixture was played as part of the Yorkshire Cup, a new competition involving a selection of Yorkshire teams from below Super League level.

It was each side’s third game in the cup. Hunslet lost their first round match 36-0 to Batley Bulldogs. An improved performance against Halifax saw them lose out 32-24.

Hunslet Club Parkside won a famous victory against Featherstone Rovers 10-14.

Now fielding a near full strength squad the League One semi-professionals Hunslet RLFC comfortably beat their amateur National Conference League neighbours 40-12.

Hunslet RLFC scored four tries in the first half through Tom Ashton, Aiden Hema and a brace from Jimmy Watson from well worked set plays. Reece Dean kicked two from four conversions and Hunslet went in at the break with a comfortable 20-0 lead, Parkside’s best chance coming when skipper Jamie Fields was judged to have been held up under the posts from a typically powerful burst close to the line.

The visitors needed to open the scoring in the second period to have a chance to get back into the game, but it was Hunslet RLFC who crossed first through captain Duane Straugheir and a further score from Gareth Potts took the score out to 30-0.

Hunslet Club Parkside finally got on the scoresheet in the

Photo: Paul Butterfield second half through Fields, who forced his way over the whitewash with four would-be tacklers unable to stop him, the referee awarding the try this time. They followed up with a second try to debutant Richard Squires.

Two successful conversions from Fields pulled the score back to 30-12.

The home side put paid to a Parkside revival when Marcus Webb extended their lead with a 30 metre run to score in the corner and Gareth Potts closed out the game out with his second try of the match with Joe Sanderson adding two second half conversions.

Hunslet RLFC head coach

Gary Thornton was deservedly up-beat about the game and his side’s chances of making an impression when the season proper gets underway: “I was really pleased with our performance.

We have improved week by week during these Yorkshire Cup games, and we needed a decent win today.

“Credit Parkside they came to play and tested us a few times and the game was played in the right spirit. They are a good side.

“It was a good hit out for us and we scored some decent tries off set plays and defended well for the majority of the

game. We still had a couple of sloppy spells in each half which fuelled Parkside and they put us under pressure, but pleasingly we reacted well and defended our try line for four back to back sets in the first half.

“We have two weeks now to the Harry Jepson OBE Memorial Trophy game at home to Leeds Rhinos (Sunday 3 February) so back into preseason proper for a couple of weeks, it’s all building towards that first league game away at Doncaster on Sunday 24 February.”

Unsurprisingly Parkside skipper Jamie Fields was not as

happy with his side’s showing: “It wasn’t a great day for us.

We started the game well below the standards that we’ve set ourselves over the last few years and it’s not good enough.

Taking nothing away from Hunslet, they was faster and smarter and thoroughly deserved the win and we can’t take that away from them.

“We were making good

ground up the middle of the field on every set we had which was positive for us us and in the collision we were strong and felt that we could always make inroads – but it just wasn’t to be.

“We had some young lads on show and were playing some new combinations and have used the Yorkshire Cup to see what our new lads bring to the team.

“As a club we are really grateful to have been invited to play in this competition and can’t thank the opposition enough. We have loved it and hopefully will get the chance again next year.

“Everyone at the club is now looking forward to defending our National Conference League Title in the new season coming up”.

Hunslet RLFC: Jimmy Watson, Gareth Potts, Nathan Chappell, Tom Ashton, Dale Bloomfield, Reece Dean, Danny Nicklas, Michael Haley, Jack Lee, Richard Moore, Duane Straugheir, Josh Tonks, Mike Emmett. Interchange: Marcus Webb, Joe Sanderson, Aiden Hema, Dan Hawksworth, Zach Braham, Vila Halafihi.

Hunslet Club Parkside: Craig McShane, Connor Squires, Marcus Elliott, Michael Waite, Dean Bowles, Andy Hullock, Danny Rowse, Adam Biscomb, Jamie Bradley, Wayne Foster, Elliott Morgan, Liam Thompson, Jamie Fields. Interchange: Josh Murphy, Callum Wheeler, Richard Squires, Rob Stanley, Aaron York, Craig Miles, Chris Boyce.

The Harry Jepson OBE Memorial Trophy

Hunslet RLFC v Leeds Rhinos Sunday 3 February, South Leeds Stadium, kick off 3pm £15 / £10 Under 16s FREE

Run, walk, hop or skip for Skye New yoga classes S

unday 10 February sees the fifth annual Run For Skye take place in Middleton Park.

Skye Sutcliffe was the Middleton youngster who tragically died two years ago having battled two rare forms of Leukaemia.

Skye’s grandma Amelia commented: “Help us keep Skye’s memory alive and kicking whilst raising crucial funds for an amazing local charity – Candlelighters.

“Let’s make it bigger and better this year, bring

along a friend or two, have some fun, while you Hop Skip, Walk, or Run!” The race starts next to the Visitor Centre.

Registration is open from 10:30am, there will be a warm up at 11am and the start time is 11:15am.

Entry is £10 and you are encouraged to raise additional sponsorship.

All proceeds will go to Candlelighters - the Leeds children’s cancer charity.

Y

oga4Leeds have started new yoga classes in Beeston and have already added a third class to cope with demand.

Classes are open to anyone

regardless of fitness or experience on Mondays at 6:30pm and 7:30pm at St Anthony’s church hall; and on Saturdays at 11am at Hillside Enterprise Centre.