South Leeds Life 81 December 2021

Your FREE community newspaper

Issue 81 | December 2021

Covering Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Riverside & Stourton

HS2 RAIL LINE CANCELLED What does the rail plan announcement mean for South Leeds?

by Jeremy Morton

T

he announcement that the HS2 high speed rail line will not be built to Leeds has big implications, good and bad, for South Leeds.

The latest version of the HS2 plans had the new railway entering the city through Stourton and Hunslet on a viaduct and arriving at a new station on the south bank of the River Aire stretching from Asda House to Crown Point Retail Park. These plans will not now go ahead.

Andrew Price from Hunslet Carr Residents Association told South Leeds Life: “The majority of those attending Hunslet Carr Residents Association feel that the cancellation of HS2 to Leeds is welcome as it will prevent a massive viaduct cutting through the heart of Hunslet as did the motorway 50 years earlier.

“It was felt that the money would be better spent on upgrading the existing infrastructure and re-opening local stations for example Hunslet station that closed in in the early 60s. This far outways a few minutes shorter travel time for a trip to London.”

But Martin Hamilton,

Director of Leeds Civic Trust was disappointed: “For us, the benefits are not about speed but about building rail capacity and creating opportunities for investment in the city – most particularly in the South Bank area.

“Quite apart from the many jobs that would have been created for local residents around the construction of the new line and new railway station which have now been lost, the city will need to rethink its “offer” for incoming investors now that this crucial connection to the south (not to mention a much better connection to Sheffield) will now not be in place.”

“Thankfully, the investment we are seeing in the South Bank appears to have a head of steam. It is even more important that the benefits of these investments are felt by residents south of the M621.”

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We recognise that the government’s decision to carry out a further study into how to bring high-speed rail to Leeds will create uncertainty for residents, businesses and investors. We are calling for an urgent review of the safeguarded land set aside by the government for potential

In this issue:

Beeston youngsters discover the Dales

page 6

Club’s first female President

page 8

Sister Act at Cockburn School

page 12

Clare Brooke overcoming tragedy

page 19

Junior Lakers are on the right track

Not coming to Leeds: HS2 high speed rail transport projects across the city, to bring certainty for those affected.

“Confidence in Leeds remains high and we continue to attract a wealth of investment into our city, having developed a plan to accommodate HS2’s arrival so the city could continue to grow around it. Alongside exciting plans to bring the British Library to Temple Works, recent key developments along the South Bank either completed or progressing include Mustard Wharf, Iron Works, Tower

Works, Globe Road, and Aire Park.”

Hunslet and Riverside Ward Councillors Elizabeth Nash, Mohammed Iqbal and Paul Wray commented: "We are concerned that while the government say they are not going ahead with the section of HS2 to Leeds - they are still keeping in place the safeguarding of land for the proposed route through Hunslet and Stourton just in case they change their mind later.

“We know the uncertainty is

really upsetting for residents and businesses in our the nearby communities specifically, but also across Leeds as a whole.

“We are working with senior officers and fellow councillors to get this resolved swiftly as we cannot go on for years with no ultimate decision being taken and the lives of local peoples being affected by this indecisive and unsympathetic government.

Acknowledging that Leeds has missed out on major Continues on page 3

page 24

NEWS

2-10

SCHOOL LIFE

11-13

COMMENT

14-15

ART LIFE

LIVES WHAT’S ON SPORTING LIFE

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

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20-23 24

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

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

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

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

South Leeds Life is pleased to publish views from across the political spectrum, provided they comply with our editorial guidelines.

We remain a neutral publication with a diverse readership, as such we do not endorse any particular political party.

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Have your say on two South Leeds road schemes S

outh Leeds residents are being invited to comment on two new road improvement schemes.

The first scheme, known as M2D2L is part of a wider West Yorkshire Scheme to improve the transport corridor from Mirfield, through Dewsbury to Leeds.

It involves extending the new cycle route on Dewsbury Road in Beeston from the Tommy Wass junction down to the White Rose Shopping Centre and office park; and creating an outbound bus lane between Hunslet Fire Station and the Tommy Wass junction.

The plans, which have been developed in partnership between Leeds City Council and Kirklees Council, with the support of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, include new road layouts and updates which will improve both congestion and sustainable transport opportunities, with improvements for buses, cyclists and pedestrians.

In 2020, the first consultation on this project received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the public.

However, concerns were raised about new cycling guidance which was not fully established at the time.

Updated plans have now been made with this new guidance taken into consideration, largely thanks to residents who gave feedback on the project last year.

The consultation is open until Tuesday 7 December 2021.

Anyone affected by updates to the M2D2L can view the plans and have their say on the new and improved plans at bit.ly/m2d2l, by calling Metroline on (0113) 245 7676 or by emailing yourvoice@westyorkshireca.gov.uk The cost for the scheme will be met by funding from the West Yorkshire plus Transport Fund and developer contributions. Works are planned to begin in late 2022.

A second consultation is running on plans to deliver improvements on the A6110 Outer Ring Road in South Leeds between the White Rose Shopping Centre, A643 Elland Road

M2D2L will extend the Dewsbury Road cycle route to White Rose and A58 Whitehall Road.

The A6110 outer ring road is a key The ambitious plans include arterial route which experiences improvements on the A6110 outer congestion during peak periods ring road that will reduce congestion causing delays to general traffic, and make it safer for people to walk reducing bus journey time reliability, and cycle.

The proposed and increasing localised pollution improvements will also make bus and CO2 emissions. services quicker and more reliable The A6110 is also a key route for to provide a more attractive several express buses, many of alternative to the private vehicle which serve the White Rose bus when travelling this route. station. Therefore the addition of The enhancements are expected dedicated bus priority lanes along to be delivered in four phases taking the corridor is a key element of the a junction-by-junction approach. proposed improvements of the Phase one of the scheme will be at A6110 outer ring road scheme. the A643/A6110 south junction Councillor Kim Groves, West where the Churwell branch of Elland Yorkshire Transport Committee Lead Road meets the ring road. This Member for Public Transport, said: phase is proposed to be delivered by “People living and working along 2024. The remaining phases will be the A6110 outer ring road are well delivered when funding becomes aware of the issues caused by available. congestion and poor air quality.

The consultation is seeking “This scheme will not only tackle feedback on new cycle tracks, bus priority measures including bus lanes with junction upgrades, highway space adjustments and new pedestrian crossings with footway improvements.

The scheme aims to reduce delays along this busy route improving the journeys of residents and commuters for all modes of transport.

The busy A643/A6110 south junction will be in Phase 1

HS2 rail line cancelled Continued from page 1 transport infrastructure yet again, the Government has said it will fund a West Yorkshire Mass Transit System. It has committed £200 million to plan and start work on the scheme which could include trams or light rail. Early plans indicated lines running from the city centre through Beeston and through Hunslet–Belle Isle –Middleton to Tingley.

Commenting on this part of the Plan, Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:"Of the £200m we've been offered, £100m is going to be spent on a Government

investigation into how to make Leeds-Sheffield journey times quicker. I am absolutely astonished that we could potentially spend £100m and come to the same conclusion that we need HS2 from Leeds to Sheffield."

Both Leeds City Council and Transport For The North were very disappointed by the announcement.

Council Leader Cllr James Lewis said: “After more than 10 years of effort, investment and planning based on the government’s clear proposal to bring HS2 to Leeds, we have been left extremely

disappointed and frustrated by today’s announcement which only offers more studies, reviews and uncertainty for high-speed connections to our city – but, sadly, we are not surprised.”

He went on to say that the existing station is coping with record numbers of passengers; that there is no scope for extra services to run on the existing lines running into Leeds from the west and called for an overhaul of national transport decision making. He concluded: “We remain determined to make sure that this is the last time a major project benefiting Leeds is cancelled.”

Cllr Louise Gittens, Interim Chair

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those issues head on, it will also make travelling by bus more attractive.

“We know that reliability can often be a barrier to people using the bus but by providing priority bus lanes, we will be able to make a real difference to journey times.”

The ring road suffers from a lack of pedestrian and cycling provision which discourages the uptake of more sustainable travel choices for residents and others that use this route on their daily commute.

Have your say in the consultation, which closes 5 December 2021, and read more about the plans here: a6110.commonplace.is.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds city council’s executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, said: “Now, more than ever, it’s important we reduce our collective carbon emissions. In Leeds, part of our commitment to this is an ambition to be a city where you don’t need a car. That means making public transport easier to use and promoting decarbonised travel.

“We know that people are willing to make small gradual changes from switching to electric vehicles to making more use of public transport and reducing their reliance on private cars.

“Our commitment is to be a net zero city by 2030 and infrastructure improvement schemes like this one will help our goal, to give people real travel choices by making bus services quicker and more reliable, whilst also making local journeys on foot and by bike safer, more convenient and attractive.

“I would urge everyone to get involved with these consolations and make their views known.“

of Transport for the North commented “Today’s announcement is woefully inadequate. After decades of underfunding, the rail network in the North is not fit for purpose. It is largely twin-track Victorian infrastructure trying to cope with the demands of a 21st Century economy. Leaders from across the North and from across the party political divide came together to ask for a network that would upgrade the North for this century and in line with the rest of the country. Our statutory advice asked for an over £40 billion network but the Government has decided to provide even less than half of that.”

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News 3

Counting down to cutting the St Luke’s ribbon Hilary Benn MP lead a cross section of church members, partner organisations and local people in cutting the ribbon (after a suitable countdown) to open the new community hub extension to St Luke’s Church in Beeston Hill on Saturday 13 November. Hilary Benn praised the project and commented that it had made the building even more beautiful and thanked all those who made it possible. “Buildings are wonderful” he said “but it’s the people inside the buildings that make them fantastic.”

No relief for Mafekings

by Ed Carlisle

R

esidents in Beeston this month celebrated the refusal of planning permission on two contentious rental properties in their neighbourhood – but now say they’re ‘deflated and heartbroken’, as the businesses continue to operate as if nothing has changed.

As reported here last month, the two properties – on Mafeking Grove and Avenue, just off Dewsbury Road – have been rented out on a shortterm (often daily) basisover the past 8 months, by a company called Aphrodite Suites, via websites including Airbnb and booking.com. The newlyrefurbished houses featuring jacuzzis, smart TVs, and other luxury fittings and furniture – and fetch up to £230 per night.

Residents allege that their previously quiet and neighbourly cul-de-sacs have been ‘ruined’ by the anti-social behaviour associated with the Aphrodite Suite lettings: regular late-night parties (with up to 25 attendees), sex work and ‘hookups’, prolific drug and alcohol use, and even aggression and intimidation. Residents – who have documented evidence, including photos and video footage – say it’s been ‘devastating’, ‘a misery’, ‘a nightmare’.

A bitter planning battle unfolded, with the business owners requesting back-dated licences for the properties, but dozens of objections were submitted. The properties have also been subject to a ‘partial closure notice’ via a court

order, due to the anti-social behaviour. This month (10 November) saw the Council’s planning team turn down both planning applications – citing many of the concerns and issues raised by the residents.

However, the business owners claim that the residents are exaggerating the situation, and running a ‘hate campaign’ against them – so are appealing the decision.

Ozman Hussein, for Aphrodite Suites, told us: “I was out of work, so started letting these properties as superluxury serviced accommodation. I would not allow any of the things the neighbours have claimed such as prostitution and parties: I spent a lot on fixtures and

fittings, which I took loans out for – so I can’t allow it to be destroyed in such circumstances.”

Indeed, the lettings continue as before, with bookings throughout the week, and parties running as late as 2am – and the properties are still listed online, for bookings throughout the festive period and into next year.

The case has been passed to the enforcement arm of the Council’s planning team – but they insist they cannot take action unless there is proof of ‘harm’, so are appealing for residents to continue gathering evidence of the planning decision being violated.

Furthermore, although fines of up to £20,000 can be levied

Another party in the Mafekings despite the closure notice

for breaching planning enforcement notices, these can also be appealed against.

Local mum Emily told us: “It’s ridiculous: the planning system is so out-dated. They’ve been trading for 8 months without planning permission, and continue now, but aren’t facing any consequences: the recent decision seems to mean nothing. We – the local residents – meanwhile have really struggled to get clear answers and support.

“It’s extremely stressful and upsetting: we were happy it was denied, but I’m now feeling deflated and heartbroken, because we’re no better off.”

Cllr Angela Gabriel (Beeston and Holbeck) added: “Andrew, Gohar and I have been supporting the residents of Mafeking Avenue and Grove with this – but unfortunately planning is a very slow process and at times very frustrating.

The applicant can now appeal to an independent inspector, and we all await their decision.”

The homestay ‘gig economy’ – characterised by companies like Airbnb – is booming: a multi-billion pound global industry, featuring millions of hosts globally. However, it is also facing considerable criticism for its unregulated approach – especially with situations like this.

Homestays taking place in someone’s own home (for instance, in their spare room) do not typically require planning permission; however, where the host isn’t resident, they normally do. If readers have concerns relating to shortterm lets, report to the police and Council, and also direct to the lettings companies – for instance, at: airbnb.co.uk/ neighbours.

Beeston Cemetery memorial works

Grave memorials laid flat in Beeston Cemetery

by Rebecca Townesend

L

eeds City Council have erected signs in Beeston Cemetery at the start of an ongoing programme to ensure the stability of graves memorials.

Memorials will be tested and if they are unsafe they will be immediately laid down.

A Leeds City Council spokesperson told us: “The Council has a legal duty to act quickly where the condition of graves and headstones could present a safety risk to the public, and headstones that are at risk of toppling over will be sensitively laid down to ensure that our

cemeteries are safe.”

If you are a grave owner and your headstone or memorial is laid down you have the option to contact a qualified registered monumental mason to have the memorial re-erected using an approved fixing system. In addition, if you wish to have your memorial independently tested you can contact a monumental mason of your choice to test the memorial, and then supply the cemetery office with a copy of your report.

Local residents who have any questions or need further information can call Leeds City Council Bereavement Services on (0113) 378 6002.

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Ask For Angela Council helps create green safety campaign jobs in South Leeds T launched

T

he ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign was launched across Leeds on 11 November.

The scheme was originally developed by Lincolnshire County Council and is now being adopted as a localised initiative in Leeds to help keep people safe while out in the city. The campaign aims to help prevent and reduce violence and harassment, particularly in hospitality settings.

It is inclusive so that anybody visiting venues such as bars and clubs can ask for ‘Angela’ to discreetly signal to staff that they feel unsafe or uncomfortable and require assistance. Staff can then offer to help out without too much fuss, for example by calling a taxi or providing a safe space.

Leeds City Council has been working closely with partners such as Safer Leeds, Women Friendly Leeds and West Yorkshire Police, as well as with Bobbi Rae (@bearcubs), a local artist who has designed the colourful campaign artwork.

Currently, over 500 venues across the city, including many pubs in South Leeds, have signed up to participate in the scheme. View the venues on a map here and look out for posters and stickers while you are out in Leeds.

Ask for Angela is part of Leeds City Council’s wider ambition to promote night-time safety and address violence against women and girls. As well as engaging in ongoing work to tackle these issues, other upcoming campaigns this month include ‘16 Days of Action’ against domestic violence and the White Ribbon campaign.

Councillor Debra Coupar,

Leeds City Council Executive Member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, said: “I am very pleased to see the Ask for Angela scheme being embraced by so many venues across Leeds, helping to make our vibrant city as safe as possible. It is important that everybody can enjoy the hospitality of Leeds without feeling unsafe or uncomfortable.

“I strongly encourage anybody who may find themselves in an unsafe situation while out in Leeds to reach out and Ask for Angela.”

Emily Turner, Women’s Lives Leeds VOICES Co-ordinator, said: “Women and girls’ safety is an issue for us all, with initiatives like Ask for Angela being welcomed by women across Leeds, giving them the confidence that they will be listened to, supported, and will feel safer.

“We are delighted that so many venues have committed their support, demonstrating that all partners in Leeds are taking women and girls’ safety seriously. By working together, we will achieve our ambitions for Leeds to be the best and a Women Friendly City.

Remember, if something doesn’t feel right on a night out, please Ask for Angela.”

For more information about the Ask for Angela campaign, visit womenfriendlyleeds.org /ask-for-angela If your venue is interested in signing up for the scheme, please email AskForAngela Leeds@leeds.gov.uk for more information and all the campaign materials needed to help you get started.

wenty-six skilled jobs have been created locally in a key green industry as a result of Leeds City Council’s investment in low carbon upgrades earlier this year.

Energy and water services company Cenergist has recruited thirteen full-time employees and moved thirteen existing staff to a newly opened office in Millshaw, Beeston to work on two major council decarbonisation programmes.

Labourers, project managers, quantity surveyors and tenant liaison officers have all been hired by the company to help ensure the successful installation of low carbon heat pumps in multi-storey council housing, leisure centres, schools and homes for older people across the city.

Heat pumps use electricity to provide greener, cleaner and more reliable warmth and hot water. They are expected to become much more common and cheaper to install as the UK replaces fossil-fuel powered boilers with low carbon heating.

Around half of Leeds’ carbon emissions are estimated to come from the energy used to power and heat our homes and commercial buildings.

Council Leader James Lewis meets green workers at council partner Cenergist's new Beeston base Leader of Leeds City Council, Cllr James Lewis, visited the company’s new Beeston office yesterday to meet some of the new workers. He said: “Taking bold steps to cut our emissions is not only the best thing we can do to protect ourselves and others from a changing climate but it is also the best strategy for Leeds to prosper from the economic opportunities of a greener world.

“When we invest in local low carbon projects, we help

businesses like Cenergist to invest in and upskill local workers. It was great to meet some of the new Leeds team at their Beeston office and hear what their roles mean to them.”

Alex Brown, Operations Director at Cenergist said: ”We have created new roles in the green economy including engineers, project managers and construction professionals.

We are utilising local trades and merchants to create further jobs and

apprenticeships wherever possible in the city. In addition, we envisage the creation of further labouring jobs which will be pro-actively promoted to the local community. We ensure that all suppliers and subcontractors pay at least the real living wage for their staff.

The opening of our office demonstrates our commitment to working with Leeds City Council to support it in delivering its ambitious decarbonisation plans for the city.”

On Your Bikes!

The latest section of the Dewsbury Road cycle route was officially opened on Wednesday 27 October. The 1.5km section of new route between Garnet Road and Beeston Ring Road extends the existing segregated cycle lane on Dewsbury Road and will help connect more people with job, training, education and leisure opportunities. Residents celebrated by taking part in a series of free family activities at Cross Flatts Park, ranging from a cycling obstacle course to bike checks and minor repairs. From route information to free adult cycle training and support for businesses, find out how CityConnect can help you cycle and walk more at cyclecityconnect.co.uk.

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News 5

Remembrance event for 57 expupils of Hunslet Carr School

by Jeremy Morton

D

avid Dinmore, the Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Hilary Benn MP and Hunslet & Riverside Councillors joined about 60 local residents for a Remembrance event organised by Hunslet Carr Residents Association on 13 November.

The event was organised to remember the 57 ex-pupils of Hunslet Carr School who died in the First World War and are listed on the Roll of Honour.

The service included two poems, ‘Remember Me’ and ‘Poppies’, written by Stuart Bailey another ex-pupil of Hunslet Carr School. An interpretation board about the 57 ex-pupils was unveiled by members of the Britton family who lost three brothers in the war.

A two-minute silence was observed, sandwiched between the Last Post and Reveille bugle calls played by a member of the Salvation Army band. The Deputy Lieutenant laid a wreath and Councillors Iqbal, Nash and Wray laid a display of 57 poppies. Kenny Saunders, Chair of the Residents

Observing the two minute silence at Hunslet Carr Association read out the names of the 57 men.

The original Roll of Honour was lost during the refurbishment of the school in the 1970s, but a new one was created and is displayed at Hunslet Methodist Church.

Hunslet Carr Residents Association have researched

the 57 men and produced a booklet with details which bring the names to life.

Amongst them are three brothers: Clifford, Leonard and James William Britton and members of the family helped with the research and were present at the event. Speaking to them after the event they

Town Team aim to improve shopping area T

his month sees the official public launch of the Dewsbury Road Town Team, a partnership of retailers in Beeston working together to serve the wider community, and to make their shopping district the best it can be.

The group - one of several 'Town Teams' across Leeds - covers the bottom end of Dewsbury Road, between Hunslet fire station and Hunslet Hall Road. The district features over 70 independent businesses, including food stores and delis, a bakery, restaurants and takeaways, electrical and motoring retailers, greengrocers, chemists, barbers and beauticians, a furniture store, and more.

The team have been active behind the scenes for several years, but are now going public with a logo (designed for free by local graphic designer Alex Fleming), to build the profile of

December 2021 | South Leeds Life

the business community there, and all that it has to offer.

Roy Walker chairs the group, and comments: "We're now looking to restart our work postCovid, for a better Dewsbury Road. We work closely with the Council and other agencies, to

tackle issues including antisocial behaviour, litter, highways problems, and more.

And despite those challenges, we have a thriving and popular high street - so would encourage even more local

people to come see what we have to offer, and to work with us to keep making things better for our community."

The launch coincides with Small Business Saturday on 4 December, when shoppers everywhere are encouraged to support local independent shops.

High streets everywhere are struggling but independent businesses are hardest hit, making up about 90% of shop closures nationally.

Meanwhile, campaigners argue that independent retailers beat corporate retailers on all counts: generating more employment, better local accountability and democracy, and stronger community economies, with a typically smaller environmental impact.

For more info on the Dewsbury Road Town Team, including sharing your ideas, and how to get involved, email: drtownteam@gmail.com.

told me that there were five brothers in the family. The eldest had poor eyesight and couldn’t join up.

The youngest was too young at the start of the war and when he tried to enlist when he

was old enough he was not accepted because the family had already lost three sons.

Their mother, I was told, wore black in mourning for the rest of her life.

Seven of the 57 died on the same day, 1 July 1916 – the first day of the Battle of the Somme. Of the 750 men of the ‘Leeds Pals’ who went over the top at 7:30am that day, 209 were killed and 24 died later from their wounds.

Two bothers from Hunslet Carr, Harold and John Lowes, aged 19 and 18 were killed by the same shell. Willie Place was another who died that day, he lived at 1 Belle Isle Road where it was decided this year to place a ‘Tommy’ light.

Martin Lumb, the Headteacher at Hunslet Carr Primary School, explained to me that the children had visited the Interpretation Board on Thursday (11 November). Some of the children even had the same surname as those on the Roll of Honour and had been very moved to hear that they sit in the same hall that those 57 men sat in as children. “It really made history come alive”

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Beeston youngsters experience the Yorkshire Dales

by Jeremy Morton

T

he last thing you might expect to find as you approached the beautiful Goredale Scar near Malham in the Yorkshire Dales would be a group of teenage boys from Beeston mending the path.

But that’s exactly what visitors experienced one weekend last month. This was just one project to come out of partnership between local youth work charity Good Deeds and the Yorkshire Dales National Park called Generation Green.

The group of ten 14-16 year old boys (the charity is short of female leaders at present) had met with a National Park Ranger in Beeston and then attended a three day residential where they learned some basic outdoor skills including map reading, compass use, knots and rope work plus cooking on an open fire.

They returned a few weeks later to carry out some work on the path leading to Goredale Scar a spectacular ravine with waterfalls. The path had been improved to allow people with mobility issues – wheelchairs, frames, or pushchairs – to access the bottom of the gorge.

Young People with Good Deeds leaders and National Park Ranger at the foot of Goredale Scar However, wear and tear, plus erosion of the scree slopes, meant the path was uneven again.

The team worked to remove loose stones and relay four tonnes of limestone aggregate to fill the gaps and create a smooth surface. The young people were delighted with the reactions from walkers who

thanked them for their hard work.

An impressed ranger, Simon Ashmore, commented: “It was the most rewarding and enjoyable day and I hope the young men and adults from Beeston realise what a great asset they are to their community and to those who will enjoy the Yorkshire Dales

for many miles on footpaths that these volunteers have repaired.”

The final leg of the programme saw them spend a day planting trees and building wooden fences at a site near Richmond.

Mahbub Nazir from Good Deeds said: “I think it was a bit of a shock

to the system for the young people. It’s a different world.

They’re used to modern life, phones and computers and there was no network up there!

But this initiative has allowed them to visit, engage and stay (in beautiful countryside) It’s made a huge impact on them, they want to go back and it’s inspirational to see that

impact.”

Comments from the group included: “Enjoyed everything, including the walking.” “It was perfect.” “Could have stayed for longer.” “It was different to Beeston.” “The waterfalls were beautiful.” “The knowledge gained about history and the landscape was interesting.” “It was fun, active and enjoyable.”

History project to preserve Sponsor a tree in the Stourton memories People’s Woodland H

unslet and Riverside Ward Councillors have announced their plans to commission historical lecterns to remember the residential past of Stourton – ensuring a physical reminder is in the area for future generations.

Cllr Elizabeth Nash said of the project: “Many former residents of Stourton – many who moved to the Hunslet – have long commented about their sadness at the loss of

Stourton as a residential area in the 1970s but also that there is no physical record of its history in the area itself. Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, Cllr Paul Wray and I know how proud local people are of their history and therefore we have decided to commission this work to ensure there is a physical reminder of this areas past.”

Initial proposals, subject to the landowner’s approval, are to have a series of lecterns

The Stourton War Memorial at Thwaite Gate

(examples of which can be seen at the Bile Beans sign on Balm Road/Belle Isle Road) placed around the area of the Stourton War Memorial at Thwaite Gate.

Once the location for the lecterns are confirmed, Councillors will commission a historian to capture the memories of former residents and other details from various sources – which will then feed into the design of the lecterns.

T

here are exciting plans underway to develop a new woodland area in Middleton, South Leeds, which will open to the public in spring 2022.

The People’s Woodland will see over 9,000 trees planted to create a new green space is led

by Leeds Hospitals Charity in collaboration with Leeds City Council.

People from our local communities can choose to sponsor a tree in the woodland through a one-off donation or by fundraising together with friends and family.

All funds raised through this project will help the charity fund initiatives across our NHS hospitals in Leeds to support our NHS heroes, patients and families.

Individuals can choose their own special reason to sponsor a tree, whether it’s in tribute to a loved one, to thank our NHS heroes, celebrate a special occasion or to help create a healthier city.

Once established, The People’s Woodland will include

a wetland, an orchard and a wildflower meadow. It will provide a space for visitors to exercise, rest, and enjoy the natural world, not only to improve physical health, but also mental wellbeing.

The woodland will also have a positive environmental impact, helping to increase the biodiversity of the area and provide the variety of habitats needed for native wildlife.

Esther Wakeman, Chief Executive of Leeds Hospitals Charity said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Leeds City Council on this wonderful initiative. ‘The People’s Woodland’ will create a new space where our local communities can come together to enjoy the outdoors and also feel-good knowing that they’ve supported their local NHS hospitals by sponsoring a tree.”

Councillor Salma Arif, executive member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles at Leeds City Council said:

“We hope that this woodland will create a space for people, whether it’s to pay their respects to those that sadly lost their lives during the pandemic, reflect and appreciate the key workers that worked tirelessly during this time or another special reason.

This green space can become a real asset to the local community and Leeds alike. So we welcome any means of supporting its development.”

By sponsoring a tree in The People’s Woodland, you can not only make a difference across our NHS hospitals in Leeds but also help create a new green space in our amazing city.

Find out more and sponsor a tree at www.leedshospitals charity.org.uk/woodland The woodland is being created on land next to Ring Road Beeston Park, near the Park Woods estate. The land formed part of the former South Leeds Golf Club and was absorbed in Middleton Park after the golf club closed.

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News 7

Riverside residents fight back against river fly tipping

by Rebecca Townesend

S

ince summer 2020 residents in the Riverside area have been reporting repeated dumping of rubbish in the River Aire adjacent to where they are living.

A local resident who didn’t wish to be named told South Leeds Life: “Since August 2020, a business has been dumping numerous bin liners in the River Aire on a regular basis. In August 2020 they fly tipped at least 42 bags in a day, and again in May 2021 15 more bags. Now they are still throwing in at least 3 or 4 bags a day. We know from the contents of the bags that the business is a takeaway or restaurant.

There are disposable Shisha pipe tips, half oranges, takeaway containers, plastic bottles, but no evidence of alcohol.”

The Canal and River Trust are the responsible authority and they told us: “We’re already in touch with Leeds Council to determine details and together with other landowners in the area we’re working to stop this from happening as quickly as possible.”

Leeds City Council added: "We take waste crime extremely seriously and will always take enforcement action where sufficient evidence is available that we know will stand up in court. We are still investigating the aforementioned case and will contact the complainant once we have concluded our

December 2021 | South Leeds Life

Rubbish bags in the lock by the Royal Armouries investigation".

The ongoing dumping of rubbish is causing a great deal of upset. The local resident who spoke anonymously to us explained: “These events are very distressful for our community; the culprits have been acting without consequence for more than a year, they are polluting the river and endangering wildlife.”

The Canal and River Trust echo the distress these actions cause and explained in more detail the impact such rubbish has on the local environment: “Our charity is appalled that

people are behaving in this way and dumping rubbish into the river. Our local canals and rivers are invaluable, providing vital habitats for some of our best-loved species and providing a space we can enjoy, relax and get away from life’s stresses, which so many of us have needed over the last 18 months.

“Selfish dumping of rubbish not only spoils people’s enjoyment of spending time by the water but it’s also really harmful to the wildlife that live on and by the water”.

The local councillors are aware of the situation and

support the investigations and the efforts of the local community to protect their environment. Cllr Paul Wray, (Hunslet and Riverside) told us: “Cllr Nash, Iqbal and I are aware of dumping of waste in the River Aire. Although Canal and River Trust (CRT) are the responsible authority in this case – council officers are supporting CRT to try and identify where the waste is entering the water system and who is doing this. We sincerely hope they face the consequence of their actions soon.

“We’d like to pay tribute to the volunteer residents and others who’ve removed some of this waste from the water system via their own initiative and thus helped to protect our local environment – indeed, we were very glad to have recently provided a MICE grant to the Friends of the Aire to support these efforts. If any residents have any information to help CRT identify the perpetrators – please contact them.”

If you live by the river and see any rubbish that has been dumped you can take photos and report it to the Canal and River Trust and they will fully support you: “Thankfully, there are still many people that are helping us to protect and look after our canals and rivers by reporting incidents like this … We would love to hear from any members of the public keen to help look after their local waterway, please visit www.canalriver trust.org.uk for details of opportunities local to you.”

Save money and the planet with insulation C

limate change has been in the spotlight this month, with the COP26 gathering in Scotland - and insulation even more so, due to Insulate Britain's controversial protests.

And the good news is: we can act, here and now.

Climate Action Leeds climateactionleeds.org.uk is a major new city-wide programme aiming to help the city do all it can to become planet-friendly.

It features community programmes including the Our Future Beeston project, and also a dedicated team looking to support and inspire people across Leeds to get serious about insulating their homes.

Insulation is arguably one of the most effective steps any of

us can take to reduce our carbon footprint - and also saves us a load of money in heating bills. Although it is often rolled out via big community-wide programmes, it is also something individuals can undertake themselves.

For more info and advice on insulation, contact Lucy at People Powered Homes peoplepoweredhomes.org.uk, one of the key Climate Action Leeds partners.

As well as supporting individuals, Lucy and her colleagues are also looking at working at a neighbourhood level - for instance, they are looking to tackle a particular stretch of poorly insulated homes in Hunslet.

Lucy from Climate Action Leeds, with Ed Carlisle and Yemane Selomun, who are currently working together to fully insulate an old terraced house in Beeston Hill.

Street improvement scheme for Recreations A

street improvement scheme is setting the scene for residents in a Leeds neighbourhood to live healthier, happier and better connected lives.

Leeds City Council’s Streets for People scheme will see £900,000 being spent on transformational changes to the built environment in the Recreations area of Holbeck.

Plans include widened footpaths, enhanced green space, tree planting and segregated cycle facilities as well as traffic calming measures and junction closures.

It is hoped the changes will mean a reduction in both car usage and air pollution, encouraging people living in the

Recreations – which is one of the most deprived parts of Leeds – to lead more active lifestyles by getting out and about on foot or by bike.

The scheme is also designed to strengthen the area’s sense of community – and help break its pattern of short-term tenancies – by making the local streets safer and more attractive places for children to play and residents to spend time with each other.

In addition, it aims to give people in the Recreations easier access to employment and education opportunities in the city centre by linking in with two major infrastructure projects – the recentlycompleted Elland Road cycle superhighway and the Ingram

Distributor cycling and walking route, which is currently under construction.

The project also complements a programme of repairs and upgrades to hundreds of homes in the neighbourhood over the last five years, with more than £7m

being spent on measures such as the provision of new windows, roofs and doors and improved external wall insulation.

The new plans were given the go-ahead at a meeting of the council’s executive board on 17 November. Work is now due to

Scheme promises more greenery for the streets of Holbeck

get under way in January, with a view to completion in the spring.

The area earmarked for the changes covers a number of streets near Ingram Road Primary School, including Brown Lane East, Cleveleys Avenue and Crosby Road as well as the Recreations themselves.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “The residents in the Recreations will hopefully love the changes that are coming their way, with more greenery on their doorsteps and attractive new spaces where they can meet and interact with their neighbours. We want to

give people of all ages an environment where they feel relaxed and happy about doing things – like walking and cycling – that will help their health and wellbeing.

Funding for the project was allocated to the council under the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Healthy Streets programme.

The plans have been further informed by the results of a wide-ranging consultation that highlighted concerns among local residents regarding issues such as narrow footpaths, speeding traffic and a lack of green space. Engagement with residents’ groups, community organisations and businesses will continue throughout the delivery of the scheme.

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fantastic…there will be some people that perhaps don’t agree with it…but… having the first women president shows the club is moving on”.

Alan Lane, the Artistic

Director of Slung Low based at The Holbeck said “As managers of the club, Slung Low takes great pride that the members still have a real sense of ownership and with Carol’s presidency that is clearly demonstrated for all to see. Our hope for her presidency is that the club continues to welcome all through the doors in whatever way they can find joy here whilst still honouring those who have been members for many years”.

Caroline was clear new members are always welcome whilst never forgetting former ones, saying; “You lose members but you can also gain new ones and still remember the older ones”.

Membership forms can be collected from behind the bar at The Holbeck and you can find out the latest news on their Facebook page ‘The Holbeck Holbeck WMC’

The Holbeck club’s first female President

by Rebecca Townesend

I

spent a great Sunday evening at The Holbeck meeting Caroline Turner, the first female president of the club in its over 140-year history and hearing from staff and club members about this historic moment.

As Vice President Caroline became President after the former President, Ian Pickup, stood down in September. She will be in post until February 2022 when the next AGM is held and she already plans to stand for another year’s term.

Caroline has had a long relationship with The Holbeck

having previously worked behind the bar fifteen years ago.

She is still working through her full plans for the club and getting used to the role but one of her first aims is to get more members in during the evenings. She wants to be there for members and help them if they need things sorting out in the club. She is going to work hard for them; “you have got to be there for members, you’ve got to fight for them”.

As to how it feels to be the first women president, Caroline says it feels “strange… especially because it is the oldest club as well…it has

always been a man…but I will get used to it. There are things I want to do to it”. She thinks the culture has changed and would tell other women locally who want to be involved “to go for it” and has found members and staff have been happy for her.

Another former club President, Terry Nichols, is offering his full support and he thinks she will be a good President for the club. He told me “I will be there as a shoulder to lean on if she needs me.”

Members and staff were also positive about her election; “I think it’s great…it’s

Terry Nichols and Caroline Turner fantastic to see the times are changing”. “I am all for women in power! ...I always see her, she always comes in”, “She represents the club really well… ”. “I think it is absolutely

Leeds For All celebrates ‘Don’t pave it, save it!’ campaign to cut flooding risk disabled people

by Christine Smart

I

nternational Day of Disabled People is about celebrating disabled people while highlighting issues we face and having people join in conversations who can affect change.

This year’s event by Leeds For All ticks every one of those boxes. Leeds For All is a working group comprised of representatives from organisations including Leeds City Council, Forum Central, The William Merritt Centre and Advonet.

The group plan and run events to celebrate the International Day of Disabled People on 3 December each year.

Thgis year’s events started on 29 November with accessible events on zoom and in person.

The events showcase talented disabled people while the events through the week offer support group, Autistic question time, sensory Tai Chi, comedy with Luke Poulton and much more. Check out the full programme at: forumcentral .org.uk/idodp21 (accessible versions available) The theme for this year is “Leeds for All – Recovery from Covid-19”; to acknowledge and highlight people with disabilities and how we can champion those rights to create a city friendly for those with disabilities. It will be a space for celebration, reflection, connection, acceptance, and challenge.

A theme that is always relevant for disabled people will have a focus on listening and including us in conversations around accessibility for those with

physical and learning disabilities and neurodivergence.

There will be a quieter hour 10am to 11am at the City Museum event on Friday 3 November for those with sensory issues with noise.

Everyone is welcome to the weeklong event and information about finding support will be available at the Leeds For All marketplace.

Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council said: "I am delighted to see such a wide variety of events taking place across Leeds in celebration of the International Day of Disabled People. It’s fantastic to see the collaboration between Forum Central, The William Merritt Centre, the Council and the voluntary and community organisations involved in creating this week of accessible events.”

L

eeds City Council has published its ‘Don’t Pave it, Save it’ guidance, which encourages residents to consider the environment and their impact on flood risk when renovating their front garden or driveway.

The hard surfacing of front gardens for parking and reduced maintenance is increasingly popular, with over a quarter of front gardens now completely paved, however, such changes are often made without considering the impact on the environment and flood risk to surrounding areas.

Front gardens of all sizes affect how attractive our roads and streets look, where rainwater drains to, and can protect and support local wildlife. They can help tackle climate change by capturing carbon and helping to deal with hotter and wetter weather. They can also enhance our quality of life by creating a more attractive environment.

That’s why Leeds City Council have published a web page with information on the benefits of a green front garden, as well as a range of ideas for how to create a space that allows off street parking and a space for charging electric vehicles, but is also environmentally friendly, aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance, whilst reducing flood risk.

Ideas include using permeable or porous materials, like asphalt or gravel, planting hardy low-growing plants between wheel tracks on driveways, using hedges

Keep your front garden green instead of fences or installing raised planters.

The front garden design guidance can be found on the Leeds City Council Website at bit.ly/DontPave.

Cllr Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s Executive member for Infrastructure and Climate, said: “Over the last twelve days, COP26 has showcased just how important it is to take action against climate change.

Domestic gardens play a huge role in our urban green spaces and are a simple but important way that individuals can play a part in Leeds becoming a net zero carbon city by 2030.

“Green spaces act as natural sponges, soaking up water and helping to keep it from entering our homes. The creation of more natural flood management will assist our

efforts to reduce flood risk across Leeds.

“As you only need planning permission to pave over your front garden in specific circumstances, ultimately the choice is with homeowners, and we understand that people need a place to park and charge electric vehicles, and some would prefer not to maintain a demanding garden, but we hope that our guide can help to encourage everyone to make a green choice that still meets their needs.

“As with many actions that we take to prevent damaging Climate Change, the actions of the individual might not seem important, but gardens make up about half of our urban greenspaces so if everyone does their bit then it can add up to huge results for everyone in Leeds.”

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News 9

Junk food project closes

T

he acclaimed Real Junk Food Project (TRJFP, www.trjfp.com) have wound down their ‘Kindness Warehouse’ in Stourton – but will continue their work across the region, and aim to reopen further local venues soon.

TRJFP first started in Leeds in 2013, led by Hunslet lad Adam Smith. With the mantra ‘Feed Bellies, Not Bins’, they set out to help tackle the huge issue of food waste, by diverting good quality but unwanted food into communities.

They work on a ‘Pay As You Feel’ basis, with ‘customers’ typically paying whatever they felt was reasonable.

Last year (2020) saw them take on a 12,000 square foot warehouse at the former Copperworks site in Stourton, which became dubbed the

Lord Mayor’s Tea Party Members and staff from MHA Communities South Leeds enjoyed afternoon tea with the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Asghar Khan, at the Civic Hall last month. After a guided tour of the Civic Hall chambers, they enjoyed refreshments and conversation with the Mayor for over an hour. They also received a Certificate of Recognition to commemorate the visit and for all the outstanding hard work of our members, volunteers and staff in the community.

New game will help teenagers make better choices about alcohol D ecide the Night, a new, immersive game designed to encourage young people in Leeds to make safer choices around alcohol, is now available to play online.

The game was co-created with young people by Leeds City Council, NHS Leeds CCG and Forward Leeds, the city’s alcohol and drug service, and launched ahead of Alcohol Awareness week last month.

Designed with young people, for young people, Decide the Night invites the user to take part in five different drinking scenarios, with the aim of enjoying a full night out with their friends. Each scenario is story-based and focuses on a different drink and situation that was suggested by Leedsbased 14-15 year-olds.

Manager of the Young People’s Team at Forward Leeds, Damien Frain said: “Decide the Night is a fun way to run-through the kind of decisions you might make on a big night out, before you ever go on one.

“The game uses authentic situations, recognisable to many teenagers in Leeds, so they can make smarter choices and have a good time whether they choose to drink or not. The game doesn’t say ‘don’t ever drink’ or suggest that alcohol is evil, it’s about being informed enough to make adult decisions.”

After selecting a drink, players go on a virtual night out with their friends. Unwise choices lead to their night being cut short, and they are

out of the game.

Councillor Arif, Executive Member for Public Health & Active Lifestyles said: “Local data shows that the numbers of young people who drink alcohol fell steeply from 2008-2018, with around 50 per cent of secondary school pupils in Leeds now reporting they have never drunk alcohol.

However, some young people do still use alcohol in ways that could be harmful to their health.

“This interactive digital tool is an engaging way to reach teenagers who are making choices about how best to live their lives. As well as offering educational content about the risks associated with drinking, Decide the Night encourages positive behaviour change.”

The game is designed to be fun and engaging, while also educating players by providing them with a range of health and educational facts, as well as persona-based endings.

It can be used for targeted drugs and alcohol education in school, youth work and youth justice settings as well as for young people to discover and use independently. To view the game, visit www.decidethenight.com

Kindness Warehouse – and was the centre of their busy regional operation running through much of the Covid-19 pandemic. They turned around about 100 tonnes of surplus food per month, with the support of scores of volunteers.

In a statement they said: “We’ve had 15 incredible months at the #Kindness warehouse in Stourton, through some of the most challenging times of our lives. We took a space that was derelict and forgotten – and with the hard work of the dedicated staff and volunteers, we showed the place some love and kindness, and placed it on the map! This isn’t the end, but now is the time to recoup, build a new identity in a new space and prepare to continue radically changing the face of food waste!”

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10 News

New trees for Hunslet ward H

unslet and Riverside Ward Councillors have announced the Council’s Woodland Creation Team have secured funding for 64 new standard (semi-mature) trees to be planted between Brickfield, Pepper Road and Hunslet Lake Parks - plus thousands of new whips (saplings) for sites across the ward.

Cllr Mohammed Iqbal welcomed the funding saying: “Each of the standard trees cost between £500-600. This covers the cost of their initial growth, planting, and maintenance until they fully

Cllr Wray at Pepper Road

established.

“This represents a minimum £32,000 investments in improving tree coverage in the ward with all the benefits they bring, and this isn’t including the several thousand pounds of investment in whip planting planned this planting season as well.

“Cllr Elizabeth Nash, Cllr Paul Wray and I are committed to raising the tree canopy cover in the ward from its current 13% to 33% in line with the Council’s targets. We will continue to lobby for more money to achieve this as quickly as we can and where we can, we will focus on obtaining as many standard trees as possible.”

The final positions of each tree in the parks will be formalised over the next few weeks and the planting work itself will take place between the end of November and February – subject to staff and volunteer numbers.

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Career opportunities in care Sponsored content

O

They are on a recruitment drive to encourage local people looking for a job and a new career opportunity to contact them. They are looking for caring people who are willing to learn and interested in being

Westward Care’s Managing Director and Trustee for Leeds Care Association, Peter Hodkinson, said: “During the pandemic, so many of us were thankful for the dedication, compassion

n 3 November, the government launched the Adult Social Care Recruitment Campaign, where people across the country will be encouraged to explore a rewarding career in the care sector.

The campaign follows the announcement of £5.4 billion of additional funding to reform social care over the next three years, including £500 million to support training and career development for the workforce.

A growing sector, there are expected to be 500,000 extra job opportunities in adult social care expected over the next fifteen years.

Pennington Court is a care home based in Beeston providing residential, nursing and Helping residents with activities such as baking respite care as well as Extra part of an outstanding team and resilience of those in the Care support in independent caring for older residents at care profession. I would encourage anyone who was apartments for older people. Pennington Court.

Whatever your background inspired to peruse that passion Part of the Westward Care group it is one of their three and experience they are and join our growing sector. interested to hear from you.

“Not only does the care locations based in Leeds.

profession offer rewarding roles in personal care, but there are opportunities for those who want to explore careers in activities, outreach and administration.

“At Westward Care, we also ensure that our staff have plenty of opportunities to progress how they want to – as well as access continuous professional development.”

Current roles at Pennington Court include Registered Nurses, Care Assistants and Catering / Waiting staff.

All staff must be doubly vaccinated, be prepared to take Covid tests three times a week and wear masks and PPE whilst in work.

For details of specific vacancies and details of how to apply visit Westward Care’s website at: bit.ly/WestwardCare Alternatively, you can email recruitment@westwardcare .co.uk outlining your experience, availability and type of role you are interested in, and they will be in touch.

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December 2021 | South Leeds Life

School Life 11

CJCA students hit the heights

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Donate it to support people with Learning Disabilities

The cast of ‘In The Heights’ at Cockburn John Charles Academy

T

he performing arts department at Cockburn John Charles Academy (CJCA) proudly presented the academy production of LinManuel Miranda’s ‘In The Heights’ on 17 and 18

November.

The cast performed to sold out audiences for each performance and also welcomed students from Year 5 at Park View, New Bewerley and Greenmount primary schools.

Mrs Roberts, Head of School, said: “I am immensely proud of the talent and dedication of the students and staff at CJCA, and the team have yet again raised the bar with a breath-taking

Developing Rugby League at Cockburn C

ockburn School has been awarded a grant of £4,329.48 from the CreatedBy RLWC2021 Capital Grants Legacy Programme.

The grant, which has been awarded to help more people play rugby league at grassroots level in Leeds, will fund the school’s new playing kit and equipment.

Delivered in partnership between RLWC2021, The National Lottery, the Rugby Football League, Sport England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, the CreatedBy programme is a funding pot made available by

the government and The National Lottery to support the legacy of the Rugby League World Cup by growing participation in the sport.

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive, RLWC2021, said: “The CreatedBy RLWC2021 Capital Grants Programme is focused on ensuring the next generation of rugby league players have the best possible experience and barriers to participate are removed.

“We are delighted to award this grant to Cockburn School and look forward to seeing the results of this investment that aims to deliver real change in

their community. Our thanks go to the government and The National Lottery, and its players, for supporting the CreatedBy programme.”

Rob Dixon, Head of School, said: “We are extremely grateful for this funding that will support our young sports players in developing a vast range of skills that will benefit them both now and in the future.”

The Rugby League World Cup (RLWC2021) will be staged in England through October and November next year, having been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cockburn School’s Y11 team who were runners up in the Leeds and Hunslet Schools Plate last month

performance.

“The show was a perfect representation of our dynamic and diverse community, and students, staff and parents should be rightly proud of their achievements.”

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12 School Life

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Hugh Gaitskell Primary Cockburn’s sisterly solid rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted

Pupils at Hugh Gaitskell Primary School celebrate the result

H

ugh Gaitskell Primary School in Beeston has been rated ‘Good’ in all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection published this week.

Ofsted grades schools on a four point scale from ‘Outsanding’ to ‘Good’, ‘Requires Improvement’ and ‘Inadequate’.

Primary Schools are graded across five categories: • The quality of education • Behaviour and attitudes • Personal development • Leadership and management • Early years provision Five Ofsted Inspectors spent two days at the school just before the October half term. In their report they recognised that: • Hugh Gaitskell is a caring and friendly school and there is a strong sense of community; • Governors and school leaders provide strong leadership and have established

a welcoming and inclusive learning environment; • Bullying in any form is not tolerated. Pupils understand that any kind of discrimination is wrong; • Pupils who have any worries get support from the school’s counsellors; • Pupils make a strong start to the school in the early years; • Teachers prioritise the development of children’s reading, communication and language skills; • Children learn with curiosity, energy and enthusiasm; • Teachers use a wide range of resources that help children to remember what they are being taught; • Pupils with SEND receive effective support from skilled adults. The SENCo creates detailed support plans; • Pupils behave well.

Classrooms are calm and orderly; • The arrangements for safeguarding are effective Headteacher Mrs K McNulty commented: “It is a reflection of the time and support given by the staff, pupils, parents, governors and our business partner DePuy Synthes.

“We have all worked extremely hard over the past few years and the journey has been an extremely rewarding one.

“Ofsted’s recognition of this achievement through a good judgement is a positive validation of all our efforts.

“We have high-expectations and are now well on our way to fulfilling our ambition to be an ‘Outstanding’ learning community.”

You can read the full report at: bit.ly/HGPSofsted

Hands of Remembrance Every child at Clapgate Primary School from nursery to year 6 created a hand of remembrance to combine to create a giant poppy which went on display just in time for Remembrance Day 2021. The children shared stories, had time for reflection and used drawings and words to create their own ‘hand of remembrance’. They learned about the significance of the 11th month, of the 11th day and the 11th hour.

Cast members from Sister Act at Cockburn School

by Jeremy Morton

I

met five engaged and engaging stars from this year’s Cockburn School production of Sister Act in a break from rehearsals.

Poppy Thompson-Clark (Sister Mary Patrick), Katie Jordan (Mother Superior), Evie Lindsay (Sister Mary Robert), Ana Da Silva (Deloris Van Cartier) and Eesaa Nadeem (Curtis Shank) range from Year 9 to Year 11.

They told me they were glad to be back on stage after last year’s show had to be cancelled because the Covid pandemic. “It was such a gap, you’d usually be in rehearsals from September to December and I didn’t know what to do with myself.”

Usually pupils progress through productions moving from smaller to larger roles over several years, but this year they’ve all had to make a big step up. Not only are the parts bigger, but they have a greater responsibility with younger students looking to them for advice. It’s a role they seem to take on with confidence.

They are also enjoying mixing with students from different year groups after a year in ‘bubbles’.

Last year they didn’t see, let alone talk to, other year groups.

They started and finished school at different times and even moved around school at different times.

“We’re able to mix with people of different ages, different cultures, different backgrounds,

whatever they have going at home” says Ana. “You start the production and don’t know any of these people, but at this point, we’re all one big dysfunctional family.”

The group are clear that being in the show will help them in other aspects of there life.

“It’s a life skill, it gives you confidence for job interviews and other things like college and university applications” says Eesaa.

Katie explains “I want to go on to bigger things in the drama world, so I think productions here will help me in the future and maybe I’ll be able to come back and teach here.”

Poppy doesn’t want to pursue a career in performing arts, but sees it more as a hobby but thinks it will help her in whatever job she does go into.

Cockburn’s approach and ethos is to treat its shows as professional productions. The students talk about auditioning; building relationships on and off stage with staff and students; having to work through difficulties; the whole “rollercoaster” of putting on a show. It’s clear that whilst they might be hard task masters, the staff are also very supportive to cast and backstage crew.

The show has been well picked for this year as Poppy explains: “It’s all about how the nuns love each other. This sisterhood and togetherness is not only what has brought the whole cast

together, but we’re hoping will bring the whole audience together. All I want is for other people to find watching me as enjoyable as I enjoy acting it.”

As well as three evening performances, there will be two matinees. One is for local primary schools and one is for the students at Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy in Middleton which isn’t able to stage a show this year.

In total over a thousand people are set to see Sister Act and from what I’ve seen they are all sure to leave feeling uplifted, with a smile on their face. And surely that’s what everyone needs at the moment.

Cody’s ca defibrilla

by Khya Gott

M

iddleton Primary School were given a defibrillator on Friday 19 November to help the school and the community.

The primary school had a Friday morning ‘Thank You’ assembly like no other last week, as they were surprised by special guest Cody Hartley, who presented the school with a defibrillator.

Since the age of 11, Cody has been raising money to purchase defibrillators for the local community and now, eight years

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darity is no act

ampaign donates ator to Middleton Primary later, continues to fundraise whilst also working as an ambulance dispatcher.

After headteacher Sam Williams approached her to see if she could donate one to the school, the campaigner got to work to ensure the school in South Leeds received a defib for themselves and people in the surrounding area.

Miss Williams began the assembly introducing Cody and asking the children if anyone knew what a defibrillator was, and after a few guesses, a correct guess was made, and

the assembly continued.

The primary school were honoured to receive this, and after the assembly had finished, Miss Williams said: “We are very pleased to have the defibrillator in school because if someone does have a heart attack, we can save a life, hopefully we never have to use it, but if we do, we have one here, so we are very grateful to Cody.”

Despite some popular misconceptions, defibrillators are helpful and can save the lives of anyone, and Cody highlighted this after the

ceremony. Users are instructed at every step and its impossible to hurt someone with one.

“I aim to put defibs in schools because you don’t know who is going to need one, it’s not always adults, it’s not just the elderly, it can be children as well.”

This important piece of machinery has never been as important as it is now, especially after Christian Eriksen’s collapse at the Euros last summer on such a big stage.

Find out more about Cody’s campaign on her Facebook page at: fb.com/codysdefibcampaign

Cody Hartley presents Middleton Primary Headteacher Sam Williams with a defibrillator

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In our view HS2 Cancellation Not many people in South Leeds will be mourning the cancellation of the HS2 high speed rail line to Leeds. The prospect of a viaduct running through Hunslet was not appealing, and yet we love to see Victorian railway viaducts, so maybe given time ...?

However the cancellation does throw into doubt the centrepiece of the redevelopment of the South Bank area of Hunslet and Holbeck.

That will affect jobs, not only in construction, but in the businesses that would attracted to locate by the new station.

The lack of a dedicated line also means no new local services. HS2 was (mis)sold on speed, but its real benefit was always increasing capacity by removing the fast trains from the current network.

Christmas shopping There’s no getting away from it. It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Budgets are tight, but most of us will be out buying gifts for our nearest and dearest.

Can we make a plea, as we did last year, to buy local when you can. Our local shops continue to take a hammering from the likes of Amazon and other online stores, but they are the lifeblood of our communities. Make a start by supporting Small Business Saturday on 4 December.

Christmas greetings This is the last issue of South Leeds Life for 2021. It’s been a tumultuous year and we have tried to keep you informed about what has been going on in your neighbourhood., where to get help, new activities to join, or issues of concern. We couldn’t do it without your support, so the whole team here at South Leeds Towers would like to wish you and your friends and families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Your letters and comments HS2 and other rail plans As I said from day one when it was first announced - it would never get here. And I am pleased, it was such a waste of money.

Alan Wrathall The announcement was the worst kept secret as usual, already leaked. I guess that’s why it started being built in the south, rather than the north, wouldn't want to upset the southern voters ... levelling up?

John Patterson Unfortunately there's still areas of ancient forest about to be destroyed on the first phase. Impossible to replace that I know, but at least some places will now be spared.

Mike Hodgson What “great” progress. We are potentially promised tramlines from Leeds City Centre to Beeston and Middleton. Correct me if I am mistaken, but I remember travelling by tram from Beeston to the city centre in the early 1950s. My late mother was a tram conductress during World War 2 but hey, scrap the trams, bring in buses and now what a great plan, let’s have trams. The moral should be: “Don’t fix it if it’s not broken in the first place.”

Round and round we go …

June Moore I hope a new White Rose station can be accommodated, given the line is going to be electrified and will be the fastest link between Leeds and Manchester. If it is to be successful, it needs a regular service (every 15 mins) which I doubt can be a pathed onto a route carrying express trains.

Paul Rothwell

Dewsbury Road cycle route The Dewsbury Road footway/cycle track runs from the Tommy Wass Junction right down to the bottom of Dewsbury Road where it passes the entrance to Clarkesfield Allotments.

There is a major health and safety issue here, even though the council have dropped the kerb to allow access into the allotments its my understanding that you cannot legally drive on a cycle track. Unlike

Problems for allotment holders and cyclists on Dewsbury Road the rest of the locations that require access across the cycle track the highways department have not laid green tarmac here which I assume is to warn cyclist /drivers to approach with caution as this is a vehicle crossing point. Because of this there have been a number of near misses at the entrance.

Also for plot holders to gain access to the site they have to pull on to the footway/cycle track, leave their vehicle and unlock the gates before getting back in and driving on to the site. We have all types of vehicles such as vans, tractors that need access to the site, these not only block the footway and cycle track but can also block half a lane of a ‘live’ carriageway causing a backlog of traffic way back to Middleton Grove.

I understand the allotments committee recently met with the council’s allotments officer to raise their safety concerns and she will be contacting the highways department to try and remedy this situation before a serious accident happens. Having spoken to the Chairman of Clarkesfield Allotments apparently no consultation had taken place prior to the commencement of the works he said, if it had this situation could easily have been avoided.

The only options to alleviate this problem and make things safer is either a new entrance off Middleton Grove or a reconfiguration of the current entrance.

Lets hope the highways department act with urgency to get this sorted.

Malcolm Simpson

Your Leeds City Councillors Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring Road, Cottingley and Holbeck. The three councillors are:

Gohar Almass Angela Gabriel Andrew Scopes

07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk 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 Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are: Sharon Burke Kim Groves Paul Truswell

0113 378 8814 sharon.burke@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 378 8811 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk

Stourton history lecterns This is an excellent idea. Many of the younger generation cannot visualise the fact that there was a community at Stourton as there is no evidence of streets of houses. All they see are industrial units.

Eve Tidswell At long last, the forgotten people of Stourton will be remembered.

The War Memorial on Wakefield Road has

been hidden away for a long time. I think First Direct Bank keep it tidy. They lay a remembrance wreath too. It has been many years since any official remembrance service was held there. Why would you put the cross at the side of a main road? The rest of Stourton is just a mish mash of warehouses, even Cameron Ironworks is just a shell of its former glories. They served the oil industry with distinction.

Anyway it`s a good idea to pass on the memories to the young. I await the results.

Kevin Clarke

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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: @GennoeHendrie On This Day (19/11): In 1995, I attended the opening game at #SouthLeedsStadium, the new home of @HunsletRLFC, who beat @TheRFL Div Two rivals @LeighCenturions 37-10 (17-10 at half-time). Adm: £6.50. Prog: £1.20 (32pp).

Att: 2,350. #groundhopping #rugbyleague #SouthLeeds #Leeds

Hunslet Carr remembers An absolutely day to remember and so well represented by the community. A pleasure to be have been included on this day of rememberence.

Barbara Eskriett

Elections Bill Whatever the benefits of the government's plan to spend £1.2 million per year on demanding ID at polling stations might be (I can't think of any), the list of forms of ID that are allowed must be as broad as possible. Ministers recently revealed the unfairness of their plans older people's railcards will be accepted, but younger people's railcards won't be.

Even Veterans' ID cards will be accepted but University ID cards won't be.

When it comes to who can vote and who can’t, we must not have a system where the list of acceptable ID cards looks based on how the government thinks the holders of those cards might vote.

The discrimination here is blatant.

The Electoral Reform Society has been calling for the government to pause and rethink this bill. I can’t help but agree with them.

Sarah Cockburn

Stourton Park & Ride We used the Park & Ride at Stourton for Leeds United’s game against Leicester at Elland Road. It was brilliant, however at £11 per car including booking fee it’s a bit pricey.

Marie Griffiths

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

@BasementArtsPro “What are you doing? Are you making a sculpture? It’s good that, this area’s shit and the world has gone tits up it’ll be good to have some art here.”

Paraphrasing from a #conversationonthecorner with #jacobsladder

@LeedsPlay Calling all parents & carers to complete our parents survey around your children's opportunities to play!help us protect and improve children’s time and space for play surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/ QGY738/ @JCPinWestYorks An #Apprenticeship is not just for young people. Provided you are over 16 and live in England and not in full time education you are eligible.

Some info here from @theapp_guide on Adult Apprenticeships and more: ow.ly/ahrC30s1pVe.

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News 15

MP’s notebook with Hilary Benn MP

T

here is real anger at the decision to scrap the eastern leg of HS2 which would have brought high-speed rail to Leeds.

We were repeatedly promised that both HS2 East and Northern Powerhouse Rail - a new high speed route connecting Manchester and Leeds via Bradford - would be delivered in full, but that promise has now broken. Leeds and the North have been very badly let down.

I have written before about the huge difference in transport investment in London and the South East compared to Leeds and the North. We get much less and if levelling up was supposed to be about changing that then judging by

the HS2 and NPR decision it doesn't look like this is going to happen.

HS2 has had its critics who say that it’s only about a quicker way of getting to London. I disagree, although I don't think the initial case made for the project helped. It focused too much on speed which is actually a marginal benefit. The real argument for high speed rail is about capacity and connectivity.

When people say that because it wouldn't stop near them there's no benefit, in fact by taking some trains off the existing lines you free up space for new services which benefit everybody along those routes.

And secondly, looking at HS2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and

a mass transit system for Leeds all together you can see how connectivity would be greatly improved. That would be good for the economy, for people getting to work and moving to new jobs and for encouraging new businesses to come to Leeds and Yorkshire and the North.

This was meant to be an investment for the next 100 years or more, and as I said in the House of Commons, I think the great Victorian railway engineers would be scratching their heads in disbelief that a high speed line is going to be built as far as East Midlands Parkway only then to leave a great big hole between there and Leeds. And what's more, the proposed Northern

Powerhouse Rail line which would have linked up Bradford isn’t happening either and there is now uncertainty about the expansion of Leeds station, which is already operating at almost full capacity. All we are getting is yet another study.

Leeds is the largest city in Europe without a rapid transit system. Ministers have talked about allocating £200m to develop proposals and start work on one - which is a start that I welcome - but it seems that the total cost for the initial network will be £2 billion and at the moment we have no idea where the rest of the money is going to come from.

Anyway, not withstanding the disappointment, I will continue to campaign for Leeds and Yorkshire to get its fair share of transport investment so that we can develop a modern rail transport system fit for the 21st-century.

I recently visited a Co-op store in the city centre to support the shopworkers’ union USDAW’s campaign

Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament. 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: Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; Tel: 0113 244 1097

South Leeds Life’s Annual Report 2020-21 D

id you know that South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise?

South Leeds Life CIC (Community Interest Company) is registered with Companies House, company number 9998695, and files an annual report and full accounts each year.

They are not the most rivetting read, so we thought we would produce this summary with the key facts, and a few more details about who is reading our news, how they are they reading it and what they most popular stories are.

December 2021 | South Leeds Life

The financial report covers the period 1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021.

As you can see our income comes from grants, advertising, sponsorship and readers’ subscriptions. It is important to us that we keep a balanced approach so that we do not become dependant on any one source or organisation.

We are very grateful to the Councillors on the Inner South Community Committee who awarded us another grant during 2020-21.

You will see that our whole operation comes in at under £20,000 a year, which we think

is pretty good. We manage this by not have any offices or equipment - all contributors work on their own computers in their own homes, including the Editor.

We’ve brought the other statistics a bit more up to date, they cover 1 January - 30 November 2021. We hope you find them interesting and informative.

Our volunteer Board members oversee South Leeds Life CIC - the newspaper, website, finances and policies.

The current Board members are: Christine Smart (Chair), Bruce Davies (Secretary), Rocio Torres (Treasurer), Kushmina Begum, Ed Carlisle and Linda Meikle. Our thanks to Wayne Dixon, Patricia Jackson and Lauran Warren who stood down this year.

Thanks to all our sponsors, especially our Gold Sponsors: City Fibre, Leeds Urban Bike Park and Slung Low. Thanks also to all our 65 individual subscibers who pay at least £4 per month and are proud pocessors of a South Leeds Life mug! If you would like to join them you can sign up at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe

against violence directed at shop workers. The Co-op has seen a 650% rise in violence towards staff between 2016 and 2020, and it is shocking that the attacks staff face can involve weapons like knives and syringes and, during the pandemic, being spat at. The staff told me that the vast majority of customers are of course great, but some of their experiences were quite frightening.

USDAW is campaigning for the creation of a specific offence of violence directed towards people working in shops. I am supporting this idea for a change in the law, as is the Co-op. Shop staff serve the public and they deserve to be able to do their job free from the fear of abuse, intimidation and violence.

This is the time of year when we remember all those who laid down their lives in conflict on behalf of our country.

Recently I had the great privilege of attending a remembrance event to unveil a plaque to the 57 young men, all of whom had attended Hunslet Carr Primary School, who were killed in World War One. There were relatives of some of those who died there and the service was extremely moving. I'd like

to express my thanks to the Hunslet Carr Residents Association for all their hard work in making it possible, and there's now a lovely permanent memorial right next to the Welcome to Hunslet Carr wheel which tells the story of those 57 brave men.

It just so happens that later on that day I went to St Luke’s Church in Beeston to help open the new community hub. The extension to the building looks beautiful and is wholly in keeping with the features of the original church, but what took my breath away was the huge crowd of people inside, including lots of different community organisations. I made the point in my remarks that beautiful buildings are great but even more wonderful are the people inside them.

People who extend a welcome and a hand of friendship to those who walk through the doors. I want to thank the Reverend Alistair Kaye and all of those who helped make the extension possible and the event so memorable.

And finally, as this is my last column of 2021, can I take this opportunity to wish you, your family and your friends a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Top ten articles Here are the most popular articles read online during 2021 so far. The figures are the number of Page Views for each article (source: Google Analytics).

1 The Story of a family and a Singer sewing machine (12/07/20) 2 Man found dead at Middleton Park lake (19/07/21) 3 Historic Holbeck pub damaged by fire (03/01/21) 4 Extra caution urged as new Covid variant detected in Leeds (15/01/21) 5 Alistair Brownlee back Stourton bridge campaign (14/02/21) 6 Asda loses court bid to stop new Middleton shops (27/01/21) 7 Beeston Co-op to become Nisa store (19/08/21) 8 Man arrested after stabbing in Middleton (20/03/21) 9 New pharmacy vaccination centre opens in Middleton (04/06/21) 10 The best Fish and Chip shop in South Leeds (04/06/21)

9,421 4,905 4,590 4,144 4,051 3,862 3,787 3,754 3,382 2,868

The year in numbers Newspapers distributed per month Newspaper pick up points Online page views per month Referrals to website from Facebook Page Likes on Facebook Followers on Twitter People who wrote artricles for us

5,000 200 42,821 25% 5,058 5,692 173

Money matters 1 April 2020 - 31 March 2021 Income Grants Sponsors & Subscibers Advertising Total

£ 2,900 £ 7,397 £ 9,215 £19,512

Expenditure Printing Editorial fees Other Total

£ 7,071.00 £ 6,104.26 £ 3,066.22 £16,241.48

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | December 2021

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

16 Art Life

Review: My Old Man

by Hazel Millichamp

I

went along to see the play “My Old Man” by imagine if Theatre Company – it is part theatre production and part film which was an interesting mix.

As we walked into the theatre space at Prime Studios there was the traditional audience seating but also some tables with tablecloths, doilies, dominoes and Polish snacks.

As we waited for the performance to begin we were serenaded by a singer beautifully performing old song book classics such as Dream A Little Dream.

As Michal, one of the main characters is an old, blind, domino-loving Polish man this was a really nice touch. On each table there were also framed childhood photographs of his granddaughter, Tasha (played by Chesca Cholewa, also the writer of the play and Artistic Director and CEO of imagine if). This made you feel close to the family, before the production even began.

Audience members were also asked to try on glasses that replicate the blindness that different conditions can cause and then to try and continue playing dominoes.

Needless to say this was almost impossible. It did make you think about the nature of blindness and so you had those thoughts in our mind before you encountered blind Michal.

My Old Man is a spin-off of

the 2019 production Jadek, which toured prisons, theatres and community venues including The Holbeck club. In this production, Tasha has moved out of her grandfather, Michal Piwowarski’s home.

Tasha’s writing career is going well and she has a lawyer boyfriend.

Michal meanwhile, has a great relationship with his neighbour Cathy (played brilliantly by Lorraine Bruce) who drops by, cleans for him, chats away to him and generally makes sure that he is ok. Things begin to go awry when Michal’s friend and next door neighbour Mark moves

out, and a new, much less friendly person moves in.

When the new neighbour upsets Lorraine, Michal takes the matter into his own hands.

There were some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments in this play that tackles themes of community and Polish identity.

There were also many very touching and sobering moments.

As the writer Chesca explains on their website: “I’m thirty and I’ve never in my life seen a Polish person on stage or TV, who is not an immigrant, cleaner or drug dealer. These are dangerously bad stereotypes. Poles are the

largest group of foreign nationals, and Polish is England’s second language, but you wouldn’t know that from our programming…There is scant representation of Poles in mainstream British entertainment.”

With this production imagine if hope to engage new audiences, focusing on those with Polish heritage and first time theatre goers.

The mix of theatre and film production will help with the latter as to have a bit of both is a helpful transition from wholly film to some on stage live drama.

I enjoyed this production and as I had seen and very much enjoyed Jadek previously, I was pleased to have the opportunity to catch up with Tasha and Michal.

As Liam Fox (you may know him as Dan Spencer from Emmerdale) who plays the nasty neighbour, Steve, perfectly sums it up: “The story of My Old Man is so apt for what we’ve been experiencing over the last couple of years – with the rising hate crimes, Brexit and Trump and the mistrust which people have towards each other. But it’s also about how most people are good people – but we can just be swayed by events or what we see on the news.

“I think it’s really important that My Old Man brings the story of a normal working-class family, who have Polish heritage, and who are dealing with the fall-out from events over the past few years to stage and screen – and I hope it makes people think.”

Eating out locally: Tikeira

by Lauran Warren

Y

our mission, should you choose to accept, is to review a local restaurant.

As someone who lives to eat, when presented with an opportunity like that, it's a nobrainer. The difficulty arose when trying to decide where to eat.

Although my ‘local’ stretch of Dewsbury Road is awash with takeaways, there is a shortage of restaurants. Undeterred, I took several strolls and spent a questionably long time searching Google. Why so long, you ask?

Because I have menu anxiety. I love food so much that I want (no, need) to see the menu in advance. The thought of having to make a rash choice in order to prevent waiting staff becoming exasperated by my indecision brings me out in a cold sweat.

However, of the few sit-down

restaurants in the target area, only two had menus online or on Facebook. By coincidence, one of the two was recently visited by a friend who assured me he'd had a good meal.

This was important, as I would have otherwise been put off by first impressions. The restaurant in question is Tikeira (Formerly Duvaas), based at 246 Dewsbury Road, near Tunstall Road and serving largely Portuguese food.

The reason I was initially hesitant was because due to decals on the windows, you can’t see inside. However, given the somewhat less-thanscenic view of Dewsbury Road, this turned out to be a blessing.

Being disorganised, I didn’t book a table. However, my companion and I were greeted warmly and seated where we wished, as there was only a small table of customers already there when we arrived at 7:30pm.

We did promptly move tables when we realised we were sitting right next to the speakers. The music here is loud. But the barman/waiter did notice, and duly turned down the music without us having to ask.

Surroundings were clean and bright and we were provided with a menu straight away. Our waiter (the only member of staff I saw, although I presume there was a chef ‘in the back’) was kind enough to point out a couple of dishes that were

Portuguese cuisine at Tikeria restaurant on Dewsbury Road

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Local community band is recruiting new members

by Lesley Mais

T

he James Farrell Concert Band is currently recruiting new players in all sections of the band.

We are a wind band, woodwind, brass and percussion. we especially need a new drummer, we own our own kit.

We meet at Dewsbury Road Social Club LS11 5RL on Tuesday evenings 7:45-10pm.

Subs are £8 a month or £96 per annum, uniform supplied.

We play all around Leeds, but would consider further afield within reasonable travelling distance. We played at Lotherton Hall this summer. We play a wide variety of music. We play for the community in parks, fairs, for charity, local/family events.

Would you like us to play? for more information see our website jfconcertband.com or call (0113) 293 1779 and leave a message on my answerphone, please speak slowly.

Join the band: the James Farrell Concert Band unavailable, thus saving me more menu anxiety. This restaurant buys fresh ingredients, and as a result, the fish of the day was absent.

No matter. I decided on the Camarao, described as shrimp but which, happily for this seafood lover, turned out to be huge shell-on prawns in a zingy citrus sauce. Finger bowl included, which again was

good, because I made a right royal mess. My friend had the Bifana, a thin and tender pork steak sandwich flavoured with garlic sauce and paprika.

Mains were Bife com cogumelos (Beef steak) in a creamy mushroom and onion sauce for my friend, once again flattened and tender. My choice was the Feijoada, a rich stew of mutton, chorizo, tomato sauce, black beans and paprika. The waiter informed me this is originally a Brazilian dish.

With sides of rice and fries, we weren’t going to need a late-night snack. Thankfully, our waiter kept us topped up with delicious cocktails throughout.

Both myself and my friend agreed the food was very good indeed, and good value. Our waiter was polite, attentive and friendly, something often missing in these modern times.

We might be spoilt for choice living so close to City Centre restaurants, but for those who wish to support local, I'd encourage a visit to Tikeira.

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South Leeds Lives 17

Local history with Ken Burton

Old Leeds Bridge I

t could be said that the history of Leeds Bridge is the history of Leeds itself.

From the foundations of the Old Bridge were gathered details of the age in which it was founded. How our early ancestors crossed the River Aire here is not really known, but we do know that the Romans had a ford across the river just to the east of where our bridge now stands. This was found when a new Corporation Dock was being built off Dock Street.

It is thought that in Saxon times a wooden bridge was built to ease the crossing of man and animals. The year 1327 saw the first notice of a bridge across the River Aire with a Chantry or Chapel dedicated to St Mary but no mention of materials used in its construction.

In all probability, there was no stone bridge at Leeds prior to the 15th century, a direct piece of evidence for this can be found in the Register of William Booth, Archbishop of York, whose pontificate extended from 1452 to 1464, which “states that an Indulgence was granted to all who should contribute to the building a bridge of stone in Leeds”.

However we do know from a survey carried out in the reign of James 1 (1566-1625) there was a ferry where the bridge now stands, the profits of which formed part of the Jointure of his Consort, Anne of Denmark who died in 1619. The ferry house was where the Golden Lion was later built.

When the new stone bridge was built it was also endowed with a Chantry or Chapel to St Mary – this was unkindly described by some as an Ecclesiastical Toll Bar! In 1540 the Chantry was disestablished and disendowed and after this the history of the bridge becomes somewhat chequered and varied – a Grammar School, which seems to have lasted until 1728, a warehouse which lasted until 1760 when the chapel was demolished during the second bridge

December 2021 | South Leeds Life

widening, then a market.

The bridge was used as a cloth market with cloth being laid on the battlements and benches. The clothiers came early every Tuesday and Saturday morning with their cloth where it was set up in local inns and public houses (the Leopard in Briggate bring popular with Farsley clothiers).

At 7am it was deemed that all were present and the market bell was rung. Very quickly the

plain ashlar and presented no special features; but the first or central bridge which had been preserved by the two later additions for over a century deserves more than a passing mention.

The underside of the bridge was some 9 or 10 feet in width but the road above must have been less than this because of the space the battlements occupied. Of the five arches, the first near Briggate spanned

market filled with people and in little more than an hour all business had been completed and by 8:30am the market bell rang again and the buyers disappeared taking with them any unsold cloth to the inns.

All this lasted until the 14th June 1648 when for greater convenience the market was removed to Broad Street (Briggate), but Its success as a market became so great that a flight of stairs was built from the north-west corner into the ‘tenures’ or tenter fields, where the open air processes of cloth manufacture were carried out; to build the steps stone from Kirkstall Abbey was used.

The Old Stone Bridge, when viewed by the people using it, was to all intents and purposes one solid structure whereas in fact it was really three separate bridges built side by side. The middle section was the original bridge; the one on the right hand side when crossing from Briggate was an addition in 1730 when the bridge was enlarged to have a double carriageway, two men being killed on this operation, while that on the left was a 1760 addition.

The two later additions were made of plain stone built of

the tail goit of a mill which ran between a Master Green’s house and the Schoolhouse; the next was and had been for some time passed dry; the three remaining arches spanned the river.

The first, or goit arch, was a more ancient construction than the other arches and when the Chapel adjoining it was pulled down to make way for the 1760 additions the foundation stones appeared to be incorporated in the bridge itself, this seems to indicate they must have been built at the same time.

The Chapel, which was dedicated to Our Lady, St Mary, is mentioned in a deed dated as early as 1327, but no details seem to have been preserved as to the period it ought to be referred to, so the Chapel and arch could not be dated accurately. Its construction appears to be mediaeval although the bridge arch was not pointed.

There does not seem any doubt that this bridge is the same structure that existed in Thoresby’s time and which he described as “strong and robust, made of large squared stones and in the number of pillars and arches it maybe

equalled by many and outdone by some.”

West Riding records of the 17th century show that the bridge was frequently repaired, sometimes at considerable expense. The earliest shows that in May 1641 £13.3s.8d (£13.18½p) to finish repairs to the bridge was passed to one Robert Benson an Alderman of Leeds.

During the years following this as much as £40 or £50 were often spent on repairs.

There were very large sums of money in those days when a skilled Freemason‘s wages did not exceed one shilling (5p) a day.

In 1678 £55 was estimated to be required for repairs, but this sum was totally inadequate because in April 1679 it is recorded that the Surveyors of Leeds Bridge provided their accounts in court, subscribed

by William Lowther, Walter Calverley, William Ellis, and Thomas Fairfax which showed they were out of pocket (over an above the £55 already granted) by the sum of £84 for the bridge repairs to the foundations, defects in several jowells not being discovered in an earlier survey; this led to extra money being paid to Alderman Hutchison and Mr. John Thoresby.

In 1796 the bridge was once again widened and repaired, this state of affairs seems to have carried on until 3 March 1871 when the Spring Quarter Sessions were held at Wakefield and the sum of £2,000 was granted towards the reconstruction of Leeds Bridge on the condition that the Corporation relieved the Riding of liability in respect of the bridge.

Up to 1818 when Wellington Bridge was built Leeds Bridge was the only dry crossing of the River Aire and in 1869 it was estimated that on each Saturday 4,000 vehicles and 55,000 foot passengers crossed Leeds Bridge in to Leeds.

The Committee of the Council which had charge of the reconstruction arrangements met on 11 April 1871 and recommended that the Council accept the Tender of Mr David Nichols to execute the work for £15,319.6s.0d (£15,319.30p).

By May of that year all the old buildings had been removed and preliminary work for the construction of a new Leeds Bridge commenced.

I’ll tell you about the new Leeds Bridge next month.

Christmas memories of Hunslet Engine Company

by Cllr Elizabeth Nash

F

or many years my Father worked at Hunslet Engine Company on Jack Lane which built small steam engines for industrial use.

“Shunting engines” my Dad called them, as they were used to move heavy loads and equipment around work sites.

The company were producing two engines per week which not only were used in the UK, but also were exported all over the world. Hunslet Engine Company successfully traded until 1995 but became a victim of its own success as sadly it resulted in a buy-out.

Hunslet Engine Company had Christmas parties for the children of its 550 workforce held in its canteen. How the company managed to provide all the delightful food treats during post-war rationing and post-rationing food shortages is a mystery to me except that it must have had a very canny canteen manager! There were

engineering firms, Hunslet Engine Company had a works cat. Father came home and said to my mother that he was concerned that there would be no one to feed the cat. Mother said that we could take him in for the Christmas break. Dad brought him home in a sack on the tram. There were no fancy cat-carriers then! He took to us straightaway and after a few sessions of stroking he was purring his head off.

My younger sister and I adored him and after Christmas we would not let him go back to Hunslet Engine Company.

The men played Hamlet asking, “Where is our cat?” The cat loved human company and the men were used to him jumping up on to their benches or on top of the engines they were building watching what they were doing.

At home, if the family were out with the cat in our back garden and moved around to the front, it was not long before the cat poked his head around the

The Hunslet Engine Company on Jack Lane Photo: Hon Alderman Donald Townsley cakes and jellies, and tinned salmon sandwiches which we children only saw once a week on Sundays if we were lucky!

We played games and usually had a film show – again a treat in pre-television days.

In those days in England workers had only two days holiday – Christmas Day and Boxing Day (in Scotland Christmas Day and New Year`s Day) unless Christmas Day or Boxing Day fell on either a Tuesday or a Thursday when an extra holiday was added to incorporate the weekend, (unpaid I may say!).

I remember a particular Christmas when this “extended” holiday occurred.

In common with many

corner to see what we were doing and to join us.

We had the cat Fuska (a good Yorkshire cat name) for ten years before he died and I am still sad although have fond memories when I remember him now.

During our wretched Covid pandemic, many people have come to rely on the company of pets, particularly dogs and cats.

They have a calming influence when one is anxious.

I doubt that there are many companies now which allow animals to be brought into the workplace, or even have their own cat, but I wonder if they are not missing a trick in that a happy and relaxed workforce is more productive and loyal?

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South Leeds Life | December 2021

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

18 South Leeds Lives

Obituary: Imran Haq

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Pathways for positivity with Shannon Humphrey

Mental health and money M

Imran Huq

O

n Saturday 6 November, the Hunslet Club community received devastating news, informing us of the passing of our wonderful coach Imran Haq. A loving and talented father, husband, son, role model and coach who touched the lives of so many around him.

Imran, 42, was a brilliant and bubbly personality, who always knew how to put a smile on the faces of whoever was around him. Working full-time as a self-employed taxi driver, he was a friendly and familiar face in the South Leeds community. Fellow football coach, Miller Davies, explained that he “always wanted the best for others and helped in whatever situation he could.”

He created unforgettable memories for the young people he coached which they will be able to carry with them forever.

He began coaching at The Hunslet Club during the 2013/2014 football season, following his son joining the team. Imran identified that many children were missing out on football due to the junior teams becoming full. Because of this, he started to help create a new team so more young people would have opportunities to get into sport.

His colleague, Matt, said “He was always one of the first to put his hand up to help out with coaching if anyone was struggling and even ended up helping out at his son’s school.

Imran would pick players up, drop them off, not just for games but training as well and would also go as far as buying kids football boots and kits.”

It is clear that his passion for helping young people knew no limits. It was his top priority to ensure they could reach their full potential no matter what.

As well as giving so much of

his time to our club, he also became a League secretary for ‘Garforth Junior League’ after noticing other teams in Leeds needed support. With his coaching expertise, he was able to eradicate problems that these they were facing such as, the lack of organisation and communication which was resulting in some teams missing out on games.

He only wanted the best for these young people, and his main objective was to guarantee opportunity for children enjoy the games just as he had, as a young man.

Garforth League Chairman, Russ Mellor, said this: “Imran was a good man, someone who gave up so much of his spare time to volunteer and help make sure hundreds of kids could play grassroots football not just at Hunslet Club but helping the Garforth Junior Football League. He was a loving family man and loved his football especially LUFC and Hunslet. We on the committee will miss Imran very much. Not only was he a colleague, but he was a friend to us all as well.”

On 7 November, a range of grassroots football teams from in and around Yorkshire came together for a minute’s silence and a clap to celebrate Imran’s life and achievements. So many teams came together to show their respect truly illustrating the influence he had in grassroots football.

Losing such an amazing person has had a big impact on everyone at our club. We never forget what an brilliantly unique person he was and we will share memories of him for years and years to come. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his wife Nadine and his two children who were there to support him every step of the way.

oney doesn’t buy happiness; I hear that a lot. And to an extent, I’d agree.

I do believe that a large part of happiness comes from within. But money does buy food, heating, clothing, and lighting. It gives us freedom of choice and it’s essential to our existence in the modern western world. Without a regular income, life can become very difficult to manage, which can lead to serious mental health worries.

People with an existing mental health condition might find it more difficult to manage their finances. This can happen for all kinds of reasons, becoming addicted to the high or rush of spending large amounts of cash, buying items that they don’t really need to make themselves feel better.

Gambling or feeling pressured into giving money to other people who ask for it. Maxing out credit cards or taking loans that are difficult to repay.

Excessive spending on nights out, or recreational drugs and alcohol to fill a void all contribute to financial pressure and worry.

Then there’s general mismanagement of finances, overspending, wanting to appear solvent to other people, while secretly getting further into debt which is often the reality for many, mental health condition or not.

I remember years ago, my grandma having a tin with labelled segments, and in each section she’d put aside money for the gas, electric, water rates, TV licence, food and insurance. She was a good example of how to make sure that everything was paid and if she didn’t have any money left over at the end of the month, she wouldn’t take credit to buy

it, she’d wait until the following month to buy whatever it was. I wonder if anyone does that kind of thing anymore?

I didn’t learn money management in school, which would have been helpful, it may have prevented me running up a £500 store card bill when I was 18, at the time it felt like I had a credit card that was loaded with free money that I could spend on dresses and bags and never have to pay back. I thought of it as Monopoly money. It was only when the interest exceeded the small amount, I’d set aside to

working hours and most recently, cuts in financial support and benefits. That means less income into the home, but with the same number of outgoings each month. Being able to support yourself and your family does require money. So, what can you do if you find that your outgoings are exceeding your incomings and you’re struggling to manage?

1. Get a physical copy of your latest bank statement 2. Make a list of every single incoming and outgoing payment down to the last

Photo: Sean MacEntee via Creative Commons repay the principal each month that I realised I’d bitten off more than I could chew. I set up a debt repayment scheme with the lender and eventually managed to pay it all back. This became a salutary lesson in how credit cards work, and I soon realised why my grandma had never had one!

Nowadays we live in a society where we want what we want, and we want it now. That often means, using credit to keep up with the latest tech, fashions, cars, and houses.

Since the pandemic hit there’s been an increase in zero hours contracts, reduced

penny - work out how much money you need to break even.

3. Do you pay for things that you no longer need or use?

4. Use a price comparison website to see if you are receiving the most competitive rate for your utility bills, and mobile phone, switch providers if you can get the same service cheaper elsewhere. I did this recently and made major savings on my gas, electric and phone bills 5. If you have debts that need repaying, speak to the lender. They will have a policy that can help you, avoiding them won’t make it go away.

It’s better to be honest and tell them exactly what’s going on, they want to help you 6. If you have several debts, see if you can consolidate them and pay one reduced amount each month.

7. Call Citizens Advice, they will be able to give you free impartial advice about what to do in your circumstances 8. Can you increase your income by picking up extra shifts at work, or selling items that you no longer need or want at a car boot sale, or an online marketplace?

9. If you have a child at school, make sure that they are receiving free meals and any other support that they are entitled to. Lots of families have found themselves in financial hardship, through no fault of their own, the school will understand and act with discretion if you explain your situation to them 10. Food banks operate locally, get in touch with them to find out how you can apply, a free food parcel might be enough to free up some money to pay another bill 11. If possible, avoid pay day loans, they’ll just increase the debt.

Money doesn’t buy happiness, but not having enough of it can make you feel really, unhappy, worried, and scared about the future. Easier said than done but try not to panic, there is help available for you.

Shannon Humphrey is a Youth and Adult First Aid for Mental Health Instructor, find out more about her work at www.pathwaysforpositivity .com The Samaritans 116 123 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/d ebt-and-money/help-withdebt/

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

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December 2021 | South Leeds Life

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South Leeds Lives 19

Diary of a fat girl

by Ken Ingram

I

spoke to local singer and entertainer Clare Brooke who told me her story: My mum gave me life but she has saved my life many times.

I lost my uncle to suicide when I was 21. We had argued before his passing, I never got to say sorry or chat, this is

he died from stillbirth the day after my baby shower.

Empty nursery all set up, surrounded by baby shower, gifts broken and hurting. He was born on my dad’s 60th birthday.

The NHS looked after me.

I thought it couldn’t get any worse, but I was informed I had bad cells on my smear on the

the point any more.

I was massively misunderstood and mental health wasn’t even a thing that we could talk about.

My mum held my hand even when I was so broken I couldn’t let her even hold me through fear of breaking in her arms and not getting back up again.

Two children later plus my

Clare Brooke with her daughter where my anxiety started.

I had my first panic attack a year later and became scared of lifts, motorways and flying.

This is all because I had a panic attack. I needed fresh air and in those circumstances I couldn’t get it.

People didn’t understand that I had sky dived at 15,000 feet out of a plane, but now I couldn’t go in a lift.

We struggled to conceive for five years and when we eventually got our boy, Owen,

same day I received the post mortem results.

Jayde Goody was dying very publicly at this time. I was terrified I was not going to live.

The NHS saved me with a Colposcopy.

I was burgled that year and my Laptop with my stillborn baby’s photos were on it.

My husband’s long wheelbase car was stolen from outside our house.

By the time my 30th birthday rolled round, I felt like what was

beautiful step daughter and I had my worst delayed breakdown of my life and couldn’t leave the house for two weeks. Medication, three stone weight gain and a Bipolar Diagnosis was the final chapter.

We all have anxiety, depression and phobias through loss, trauma, grief and hurt.

I will forever stand up for anyone struggling with mental health.

You just don’t know what is

going on in people’s lives.

Be kind, listen and empathise. Keep fighting stigma.

The woman I am today is because of my history. I’m beautiful inside and out and I live for the day and love with my whole heart.

Thank you to my family for carrying me when I couldn’t carry myself.

Now some better news in an update: My life has improved massively since I took Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and had some Counselling.

I had support of Leeds City Council, Stacey Booth my GMB union, Tom Riordan and others.

The NHS was amazing with me.

I’m now a mother of four.

Courtney my step daughter is 24, pregnant with her second baby. Jacob was born the year after Owen and is 13 on 2 December, Summer is 9.

I’m a spiritualist, singer, blogger, been on Couples Come Dine With Me and sang live on Channel 4. I’m an events organiser, Zumba instructor, Lifeguard Trainer and assessor, and now an acting Deputy Manager at Middleton Leisure Centre.

I never hold back in life as Owen didn’t get one breath in this life and everyday I have breath in me I help others and uplift people whilst making my dreams reality.

You can find me these days at Middleton Leisure Centre or on Facebook on my Blog Diary of a Fat Girl on Facebook.

Listening to Clare I thought what a heart-breaking story, but I’m so glad it had a happy ending.

Clare entertained everyone at Middleton Elderly Aid recently. Many said she was best act to appear there.

I was in hospital when Clare came to the centre, but I will see her next March and maybe sooner if she’s performing in the area.

Advertise with South Leeds Life and reach 15,000 people in LS10 and LS11 This space costs just £100 Ring: 07894 583966 | Email: info@southleedslife.com

Let’s talk about Ableism

by Christine Smart

A

s December is disability awareness month it is a good time to think about Ableism.

Ableism - discrimination in favour of able-bodied people - to use disability as a slur Ableism itself feels like a relatively new thing but has been around forever. It will take time to undo those phrases so ingrained in our language that we don’t realise that we’re doing it.

Ever commented to someone who appears to not be listening that “they must be deaf”?

That someone struggling to find something “is blind”?

That someone acting in a way we don’t approve of is “a psycho”?

Have you laughed at someone’s perceived intelligence “they’re stupid”?

We do automatically attach a behaviour to a diagnosis sometimes and usually it is done as a criticism, that’s what makes it ableist.

Some may say it’s very snowflake to be bothered by these things and if it isn’t meant badly then we shouldn’t take it as so, but does that make it any better really? Not meant to be ableist is still ableist after all.

With social media offering space for disabled people to

speak on their experiences and be able to tell us what is hurtful and how they are treated differently all we must do is listen. We have a habit nowadays where we just listen to respond, but we must get better at listening to act.

One very worldwide example that we saw recently is Karine Elharrar unable to attend the COP26 conference in Glasgow because the building wasn’t wheelchair accessible. A limp apology followed, but the fact is that she couldn’t do her job or partake in that very important discussion. Exclusion is an act of ableism.

You’d be surprised how many buildings are not accessible if you need a mobility aid and complaining usually results in an apology, but not much else.

How do we improve these things? Ask most disabled people what could make things better on mass is for everyone to speak on disability issues, not just disabled people.

Platform your disabled friends and colleagues, support their causes for change to happen not just fundraisers and lastly be aware of our language. I also have to think about times I have been ableist and not meant it that way, so I’m not a shiny example of never been, but we can at least make it less usual and slowly change will come around.

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South Leeds Life | December 2021

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20 What’s On

What’s On

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

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in December All events listed here have been planned around current Covid-19 restrictions and booking is often required, please contact the organisers to make sure the events are going ahead as the situation changes Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 20 December - 4 January Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events

Every Monday Mums & Tots, Tea & Toast 9-10:30am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Community Play Group 9-11:30am Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston ESOL Beginners class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Crafts Group 9:30-10:45am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Mindfulmess (online) 10:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Book: 07305 167629 Chair Based Exercise 10:30am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Hunslet TARA Walking Group 11am outside Hunslet Community Hub & Library, Church Street Dinner Jackets (baked potato) 12-1pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road MHA Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Dance class 12:30-1:30pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Drop In Technology Support 1-3pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill 50+ Women’s Group 1-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Baking Together (online) 1:30-2:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Book: 07305 167629 Beeston Hillers’ Book Club 1:30-2:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Beeston Digital Inclusion Classes 1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Dance On 2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Multi Sports for kids 5pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Gateway 2 Sport 5-7pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Yoga with Amelia 6-7pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Illuminate Dance 6:30 & 7:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre

Kickboxing 6:30-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Be Creative 7-8:30pm over Zoom.

Book: fb.com/YourSpaceLeeds Drop In Mediatation for Beginners 7-8pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck

Every Tuesday Tots Group 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: 07794 577586 Community Play Group 9-11:30am Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston MHA Breakfast Buddies 9-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Advice & Advocacy 9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Mums & Tots 9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre ESOL Entry 1 class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Computer class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Holbeck Together shopping trip 9:30am-12:30pm Book: 0113 245 5553 Coffee and Connect 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Holbeck Together Charity Shop 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Woodwork 10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre MHA Exercise 10-11am Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Hunslet TARA Litterpicking 10am meet Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Gardening Group 10:30am-12:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Zumba / Pilates 11am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Quiz Time (online) 11am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Book: 07305 167629 MEA Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Holbeck Together Lunch Club 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MHA Lunch and Social

12-2:30pm Parnaby Tavern, Middleton Road, Hunslet Lunch Club and Social 12-3pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing ESOL class 12:30-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Line Dancing 1-3pm St Anthony’s Church Hall, Old Lane, Beeston Line Dancing 1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Walking Group 1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Women’s Peer Support Group 1:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Games Afternoon / Singing Group 2-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Line Dancing 2-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Yoga 2-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Digital Skills Workshop 4-5pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Book: 07435 914350 Illuminate Dance 4:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Rainbows and Brownies 4:30-7:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street DAZL Dance 5:30-6:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Outdoor Yoga 6pm Top of Cross Flatts Park Book: 07576 113269 Inside Out exercise class 6-7pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 6:30-8:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Old Elland Road. Book: richard.foye@leedsunited.com South Leeds Lakers Running Club 6:55pm Beeston Village Community Centre. Book: bit.ly/LakersRunning Yoga 7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Hunslet Nelson Women’s Rounders 7-8pm Middleton Leisure Centre

Every Wednesday One You Weight Management 8:30am-12:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Everyday Life coffee morning 9-11am Beeston Village Community Centre, Beeston Park Place, off Town Street

Advice & Advocacy 9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Open doors 9:30-10:30am St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Old Lane, Beeston ESOL Enty 1 class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Mums & Tots 9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Bacon Butty morning / News Cafe / Pop Up Shop / Textile & Painting / Bereavement Group 9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck Holbeck Together Charity Shop 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Woodwork 10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Beeston In Bloom Gardening Group 10am-12pm Millennium Garden, Cross Flatts Park Confidence Building course 10:30am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Hunslet TARA Estate Walkabout 11am meet Best One shop, Rocheford Walk Singing 11am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Holbeck Together Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck Community Cafe 12:30-2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Peer Support Group 1-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Parents & Tots 1:30-2:30pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck Walk and Talk 2-3pm meet at Middleton Park main gates on Town Street Tai Chi 2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Slimming World 2-9pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street. Book: 07841 488658 Skate Mates 3:30-5pm LS-TEN, Kitson Road Book: ls-ten.org/skatemates Healthy Cooking 4pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 5-7pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Belle Isle. Book:

richard.foye@leedsunited.com Bat & Chat Table Tennis 5-7pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Yoga 5-6pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 1st SLAM Beavers (6-8 yrs) 6-7:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Illuminate Dance 6 & 8pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Holbeck Chat & Chill 6-7:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Holbeck Moor FC: Inclusive adult football training 6:30pm Holbeck Moor Line Dancing 6:45-9pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Dru Yoga 7-8:15pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck

Every Thursday Tots Group 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: 07794 577586 Music & Movement 9am-1pm Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston Advice & Advocacy 9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Computer class / ESOL 2/3 class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Holbeck Together shopping trip 9:30am-12:30pm Book: 0113 245 5553 Ping Pong 9:30-10:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Holbeck Community Shop 10am-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Walk in Cross Flatts Park Meet 10am Hamara Centre,

Tempest Road, Beeston Woodwork / Gentle Exercise / Beauty Treatments 10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Holbeck Together Community Cafe / Community Shop 10:30am-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Craft Group / Digital Inclusion 10:30am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Inclusive dance 11am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Line Dancing 11:30am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Cafe & Tea Dance 12pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre MHA Lunch Club & Social 12-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Draw with Celia 1-3pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Be Friends Group 1-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Online classes 1-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Table Tennis 1-2:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Walking Group 1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Digital Inclusion / Social Group 1:30-3pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Camera Club / Reiki 2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre

Publicise your event with South Leeds Life’s FREE listings Call/text: 07894 583966 Email: info@southleedslife.com Post: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW

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Illuminate Dance 4pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Elevate Women’s Wellbeing Group 4-5:30pm over Zoom.

Book: fb.com/YourSpaceLeeds Middleton Scout Group 5:30-7:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: scoutsmiddleton@gmail.com Zumba / Pilates 6-7pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Yoga 7-8pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street.

Book: 07512 393228

12-1:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Fish & Chip Lunch Club 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Ballroom & Sequence Dancing 1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Little Legs Rugby 1-3pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Line Dancing / Computer Club 1:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Bingo Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Friday Social Club 1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Chair-based Exercise 1:45-2:45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Book: 0113 272 1050 Poetry (online) 3pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Book: 07305 167629 Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 4-5:30pm Holbeck Moor. Book: richard.foye@leedsunited.com Illuminate Dance 5pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre South Leeds Lakers Juniors (Athletics) 6-7pm South Leeds Stadium Book: fb.com/juniorlakersleeds 1st SLAM Cubs (8-10½ yrs) 6:15-7:45pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston 1st SLAM Scouts (10½-14 yrs) 8-9:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston

Every Friday Charity Shop 8:30-11:30am United Free Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Happy Global Families 9-10:30am Beeston Village Community Centre, Beeston Park Place, off Town Street Stay & Play 9-11am St Anthony’s Church Hall, Old Lane, Beeston Stay & Play 9am-6pm Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston Tea & Toast 9am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Food Bank 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle ESOL 2/3 class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Toast, Cuppa & Games 9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Hunslet RLFC Breakfast Club 10am-12pm Phoenix Suite, South Leeds Stadium Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Holbeck Together Dance On 10-11am Holbeck Moor Gardening Group 10am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus MHA Stretch & Tone 10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Hunslet TARA Gardening 10am meet Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Drop In Technology Support 10-12pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Arts & Crafts 11am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road MHA Lunch Club

Every Saturday Cross Flatts parkrun 9am Top of Cross Flatts Park Middleton Woods parkrun 9am Leeds Urban Bike Park Debbie Heart Theatre School 9am-1pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle DAZL Tinys (Age 3-5) DAZL Xplode (Age 6-9; 10+) DAZL HQ, Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road. Book: fb.com/danceactionzoneleeds Saturday Breakfast 9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Middleton Railway Santa Specials 10am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Book: bit.ly/MiddRailSanta Park Roll rollerskating 10am-12pm Sports Courts, Cross

December 2021 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 21 Flatts Park, Beeston Book: ls-ten.org ParkPlay 10:30am Brickfield Park, Lady Pit Lane, Beeston Outdoor Yoga 10:30am Top of Cross Flatts Park Book: 07576 113269 School Uniform Swap Shop 11am-1pm Bridge Cafe, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston

Every Sunday Junior parkrun (4-14 yrs) 9am Top of Cross Flatts Park Knitting Group 10am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Indoor Children’s Exercise 10am-12pm Hillside, Beeston Rd Healthy Minds Cycling Skills 10-11am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Middleton Railway Santa Specials 10am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Book: bit.ly/MiddRailSanta Toning & Stretching with Julie 6:30-7:30pm DAZL HQ, Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road.

Book: 07783 786776 Wednesday 1 December MHA Rambling Group Book: (0113) 271 6201 MHA Kurling 10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Leeds Irish Health Group 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Christmas Crafting for adults 12-2pm St George’s Community Hub & Library, Middleton MHA Pot of Tea Dementia Cafe 1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Children’s Christmas Crafts 3-4:30pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, Church Street Low Road Primary Children’s Choir 4pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, Church Street Your Space Christmas Crafting 5-6:30pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, Church Street Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Miscarriage Support Group 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Thursday 2 December Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc 6:30-8pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre Community Support Group 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Beeston Community Forum 7:30-9pm Beeston Village Community Centre, Beeston Park

Place, off Town Street Saturday 4 December Holbeck & Beeston Cemetery Volunteers 10am-1pm Meet centre of Holbeck Cemetery, Beeston Road Coffee morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Coffee morning 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road, Hunslet Balance Bikes for Toddlers 11am-12:30pm outside Hunslet Community Hub & Library Saturday Family Film Club 11am-1pm St George’s Middleton Community Hub & Library Women’s Walking Group 11am-1pm Book: 07435 914350 Slung Low Christmas Fayre 12-4pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Board Games Night 7:30pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Sunday 5 December Leeds Dads and Kids Walk 10-11am meet Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Christmas Lights Switch On 5:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck An Evening to Remember Gary Speed 8-10pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Monday 6 December Men’s Corner 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Tuesday 7 December Hearing Aid Clinic 10am-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Grandparents Social Circle 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Wednesday 8 December MHA Kurling 10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Christmas Crafting for adults 12-2pm St George’s Community Hub & Library, Middleton Children’s Christmas Crafts 3-4:30pm St George’s Community Hub & Library, Middleton Your Space Christmas Crafting 5-6:30pm St George’s Community Hub & Library, Middleton Thursday 9 December Christmas Storytime & Rhyme 10:30-11:30am St George’s Community Hub & Library, Middleton Saturday 11 December Your Space Craft & Cafe 10am-12pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Leeds Dads Soft Play Session 10am-12pm Little Angels Playzone, Sugar Refinery, Beeston Hunslet Club Christmas Market

Christmas Greetings to all our readers from the team at South Leeds Life Thank you for your support in 2021 see you in the New Year 2-6:30pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Sunday 12 December Wreath making workshop 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Leeds Dads Christmas Party 2-4pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: leedsdads.org/events Christmas Lantern Festival 3:30pm The Holbeck club 4pm Nisa car park, Beeston 4:45pm Rowland Road WMC 5:30pm St Luke’s Church 6pm Cross Flatts Park Monday 13 December Christmas Storytime & Rhyme 10:30-11:30am Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Beeston Tuesday 14 December Hunslet TARA Coffee & PCSOs 10am Hunslet Community Hub and Library, Church Street Wednesday 15 November Leeds Irish Health Group 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Christmas Crafting for adults 12-2pm St George’s Community Hub & Library, Middleton Middleton Elderly Aid Christmas Party 12-4pm Middleton Conservative Club Book: (0113) 272 1050 Children’s Christmas Crafts 3-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Beeston Your Space Christmas Crafting 5-6:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Beeston Thursday 16 November Flax to Towpaths history walk 10:30am from Temple Works, Holbeck Book: bit.ly/FlaxWalk Christmas Concert 6:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Cranmore Dr Friday 17 December The Big Holbeck Festive Get Together 10am-6:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Saturday 18 December Coffee morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish

Centre, Town Street Women’s Walking Group 11am-1pm Book: 07435 914350 Sunday 19 December Recovery Runners 5k Dock Dash 9am The Glass Box, Leeds Dock West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra Christmas Concert 3pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Charity Comedy Night 7pm Tommy Wass pub, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Monday 20 December Craft Club 1:30-4pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Wednesday 22 November Christmas Crafting for families 12-2pm St George’s Community Hub & Library, Middleton Your Space Christmas Crafting 5-6:30pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street Friday 24 December Tinsel by Wrongsemble 10:30am Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Beeston Beeston Nightriders cycle ride 7-9pm Meet Chaii Shack, Kashmir supermarket car park, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Saturday 25 December Holbeck Together Christmas Lunch 12-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Book: 0113 245 5553 Monday 27 December Epic Quiz & Exotic Cheeseboard 8pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Wednesday 29 December Tinsel by Wrongsemble 12pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Karaoke with Lasers 8pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Friday 31 December You Can Bet We Made It To The End Of The Year 8pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org

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South Leeds Life | December 2021

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22 What’s On

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

Christmas Tree Lantern Festival goes on tour Festival T

by Mark Hodgkinson

by Linda Stanley

S

t Mary’s Church and Beeston in Bloom, together with Councillor Angela Gabriel have organised another Christmas tree festival this year.

St Mary’s church can be found on Town Street, LS11 8PN, and will be decorated by church, community groups and businesses (including South Leeds Life) who have been invited to display a Christmas tree that is decorated in a style to convey the work of their group or business.

The church will be open on the following dates:Wednesday 8 December, 10:30am–12:30 and 5–7pm; Friday 10 December, 10am– 2pm; Saturday 11 December, 10am–4pm; and Sunday 12 December, 12– 4pm.

Tea and coffee will be available to buy and proceeds and donations will all go to South Leeds Food Bank.

We hope you can support this event and look forward to seeing you at this special time of year.

Licensing Act 2003 Notice is hereby given that I Farhad Rahman Ismaiel have made an application under Section 34 of the Licensing Act 2003 to vary the Premises Licence held in respect of premises known as: European Foods, Dewsbury Road, Leeds, LS11 5HN I intend to conduct on or from the premises the following licensable activities: Sale by retail of alcohol I propose to vary the terms of the existing license as follows: To increase the hours for sale by retail of alcohol to 24 hours.

Responsible authorities or any other person may make written respresentations to Leeds City Council about this application until 28th December 2021 which should be sent to Entertainment Licensing, Leeds City Council, Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR,

he Christmas Lantern Festival is returning on Sunday 12 December and is taking to the streets of Beeston and Holbeck bringing light and joy across the community.

Rather than drawing everyone together in Cross Flatts Park, this year the Lantern Festival is once again going 'On Tour', with an open top bus, covered in lights and carrying a Salvation Army Band winding its way through the streets.

The theme for this year is 'Following the Star' and on the route there will be several stops where people can gather together for refreshments, live performances, activities for all ages, including an interactive piece of artwork, and the chance to sing some favourite carols led by the Salvation Army band.

The full route, starting at The Holbeck and stopping at St Mary's Church, Rowland Road WMC, St Luke’s Church and Cross Flatts Park, can be found in the graphic and further details and timings can be found on social media at fb.com/LanternFestivalLS11.

We would love you to come and join us at one of the stops have a cup of tea and a mince pie, a good sing and hopefully lots of fun.

If that is not possible for you, then come and see the bus as it meanders through the streets - wave and shout, catch some of the goodies as they’re thrown from the bus and sing along to the music.

And, if you can't make it outside, or you're not on the route, then don't worry, you can watch the whole event as it is livestreamed on Facebook at fb.com/LanternFestivalLS11 with your feet up in front of the fire.

And, if all that wasn’t enough, there are exciting opportunities to get involved in the event, before the day: Community Superstars Do you know of someone who is a Community Superstar?

Someone who

always goes the extra mile, who loves endlessly and gives freely of themselves for others in the community.

This is your chance to nominate that person for one of our Superstar Christmas Hampers.

To nominate someone email us at Beestonlanternfestival@gmail. com saying who you would like to nominate and why you think they should receive a hamper.

We’ll then choose the winners and deliver the hampers on the day of the festival.

Stars of Hope in the run up to the day of the

Support community journalism

For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact Entertainment Licensing on 0113 378 5029 or email entertainment.licensing@leeds.gov.uk

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It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on conviction for this offence is an unlimited fine.

Go to bit.ly/SLLsubscribe or ring 07894 583966

festival, we will be sending out thousands of small wooden stars to schools, places of worship, community groups and to families across the community.

We’d love you to decorate your star and then to write on the back your hopes and dreams – for our community, for your family and for yourself.

Then, you have a choice: you can either bring the star down to one of our bus stops where we will add them to a larger piece of artwork which will be displayed following the festival;

or you can keep your star and use it to decorate your own home.

We will be making a print of the artwork following the festival and will gladly give a copy of the print to anyone who would like it. If you would like stars either for yourself or for a group, simply head to the Facebook page and request them there or email Beeston lanternfestival@gmail.com.

We hope you can join us in this exciting celebration of Christmas across our community.

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What’s On 23

Slung Low have your Christmas (and New Year) covered T

he Holbeck club is the place to be this Christmas and New Year as Slung Low host a fantastic range of events.

It all starts on Saturday 4 December with the Slung Low Christmas Fayre from 12-4pm.

There will be stalls, food and entertainment both inside and out in the car park including: crafts, bakes, toys, gifts and creative wares. Music will come from Backstage Brass and the Slung Low choir will lead the carol singing. Then there’s the traditional Pay What You Decide hog roast and food for veggies too; plus let’s not forget the mulled wine.

Sunday 11 December sees an afternoon concert of Christmas favourites performed by the West Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra.

Once you’ve digested your

Christmas Dinner, you’ll be ready for the Epic Quiz and Exotic Cheese Board on Monday 27 December at 8pm.

new seasonal play by Wrongsemble. It’s at 12noon on Wednesday 29th. The show is followed by a craft session.

Stalls and music at last year’s Christmas Fayre Bring your team or join one on the night.

The kids will enjoy ‘Tinsel’ a

The grown ups can strut their stuff as the glitter ball comes out later on 29th for Karaoke

With Lasers. Choose your favourite song and sing like no one's watching, from 8pm.

Surely the only way to see out this year is with the return of the silliest show in South Leeds, the show that got us through lockdown, it’s ‘You Can Bet We Made It To The End Of The Year.’

With live music from Lucy Rafton & The Holbeck House Band and plenty of chances for the audience to take part and win prizes. Then local DJ Woody will play nto the night until 1am.

Friday 31 December, doors 7pm, show 8-10pm.

Apart from the Christmas Fayre all shows are ticketed.

Slung Low shows are always Pat What You Decide, so you pay after you’ve seen the show, but you must book a ticket first at www.slunglow.org/shows

There’s lots on in the Libraries O

ur local Community Hubs have a range of new activities and festive workshops lined up this month.

Community Hubs and Libraries at Beeston, Dewsbury Road, Hunslet and St George’s Centre now have extended opening hours, check full details at www.leeds.gov.uk

December 2021 | South Leeds Life

/libraries.

Bring your toddlers for a session with Balance Bikes on Saturday 4 December on ‘the slab’ outside Hunslet Community Hub & Library from 11am–12:30pm. The event is taking place thanks to a local resident Nicole. Bikes and Helmets will be provided.

An free adult crafting group

Christmas crafts for kids and so much more on offer

will be running each Wednesday lunchtime 12-2pm at St George’s Hub in Middleton. Led by a local resident, the workshops will cover card making, soap making, vase decorating and glass painting. The fourth session on 22 December will be a family craft session.

There will be more adult craft sessions, led by Arlie from Your Space each Wednesday 56:30pm at Hunslet (1st), St George’s (8th), Dewsbury Road (15th) and Beeston (22nd).

Pre-school children will enjoy a Christmassy Story Time & Rhyme, plus a visit from Santa.

The sessions run 10:3011:30am at St George’s on Thursday 9; and at Dewsbury Road on Monday 13 December.

Dewsbury Road have started two more regular groups. Drop in for Bat & Chat, Wednesdays 5-7pm, which is being run by local Beeston Hill resident

Abbey who loves Table Tennis and wants to help others to play. The group is a social drop in for those who would like something different to do in the evenings. It is not a club and not a competitive environment.

Abbey is keen to help people learn to play and meet new people.

Then on Monday afternoons it’s the Beeston Hillers’ Book Club from 1:30-2:30pm. Join them for the love of reading and to meet other local people.

The first book they are currently reading is ‘How to Stop Time’ by Matt Haig.

Finally there are two ticketed events. It’s Saturday Family Film Club at St George’s on 4 December. Then on Christmas Eve Dewsbury Road hosts a performance of Tinsel by Wrongsemble theatre. For full details and to book free tickets go to ticketsource.co.uk /leedslibraryevents

IN BRIEF Cranmore & Raylands Christmas Concert On Wednesday 16 December at 6:30pm groups from Cranmore and Raylands Community Centre are coming together to entertain the community with music, art, costume, dance and much more. Tickets are free but capacity is limited to 50, so don’t delay. The Community Centre is at the end of Cranmore Drive in Belle Isle. This is also the final evening for donating gifts for local children. Local struggling families can collect wrapped gifts on Thursday 17 December. For more information contact amy.hallam@healthforall.org.uk

Hunslet Club Christmas Market The Hunslet Club Christmas Market will take place on Saturday 11 December from 2-6:30pm. There will be both outdoor and indoor attractions at our club on Hillidge Road, LS10 1BP. This is a family event where everyone is welcome, there is something for everyone to enjoy, no matter what your age or ability is. The entry to our market is completely free and open to the public, so bring your family, friends, kids and colleagues.

Beeston Comedy Night Leeds Laughter Lounge present an evening of comedy at the Tommy Wass pub on Dewsbury Road, Beeston on Sunday 19 December from 7pm. Tickets are £5 or £7.50 for two, all proceeds will go to Parkinson’s UK.

Crafts in the park The Friends of Middleton Park are hosting a free Christmas Crafts afternoon on Sunday 12 December from 1pm in the Visitor Centre. The park ranger will be showing you how to use natural materials to make wreaths and table decorations. Don’t forget to buy your Middleton Park calendar full of pictures taken in the Park by local people, a bargain at just £5.

Christmas is underway at White Rose Christmas has truly arrived at White Rose Shopping Centre with a brand-new Christmas Selfie Trail, a fun and free family activity running from Friday 26 November until 2 January 2022.

The trail includes ten giant selfie spots – from Christmas puddings to nutcrackers. Visitors are invited to pick up a free trail map from Customer Services, and if they’re able to hunt down all ten – plus the extra-special Gingerbread Man – they’ll receive a cookie cutter and recipe card prize. The White Rose team will also be handing out gingerbread biscuits to lucky visitors each Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors are invited to get into the giving spirit and donate to The Christmas Appeal, located next to Customer Services.

Donated gifts for children from age 0-16 and will be distributed by two local charities, Child Friendly Leeds and Kidz Klub.

White Rose is also launching its Christmas hours from Monday 6 December. The centre will be open from 9am–9pm Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm Saturdays, and 11am–5pm Sundays, with even longer hours in the final run-up to Christmas: 9am–10pm from the 20 to 23 December.

Last-minute shoppers will be pleased to know that White Rose will remain open from 8am-5pm on Christmas Eve. Boxing Day sale shoppers can browse bargains from 10am–4pm on 26 December.

The Big Holbeck Festive Get Together

by Daisy Morgan

T

he Holbeck community is invited to join The Big Holbeck Festive Get Together - a day of festive fun for all ages at St Matthew’s Community Centre.

Pop in from 10am-6:30pm on Friday 17 December to kick off the festive season in style. We will be treated to festive entertainment

throughout the day including performances from the Ruth Gorse Academy Choir, St Luke’s Primary School and the Yellow Birds, and Yorkshire Dance’s Dance On group.

There will also be the chance to: • Meet Santa from 36pm • Enjoy mulled wine, tea, mince pies and other festive canapes

• Take part in Christmas crafting • Pick up last minute gifts at our Charity Shop • And lots more!

To find out more, drop into the Holbeck Together office (opposite St Matthews), call (0113) 245 5553, or let us know you’re coming on Facebook @HolbeckTogether.

There are lots of other chances to join Holbeck

Together for celebrations over the festive period including a Christmas Day lunch on Saturday 25 December at St Matthew’s.

The Holbeck Together office will be closed from Saturday 25 December and reopen on Wednesday 29 December. The team wishes the Holbeck community a happy and safe festive season ahead and a healthy 2022.

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South Leeds Life | December 2021

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

24 Sporting Life

Walking groups and children’s play Twitter.

We’ve loved spending time in November with Year 5 children from Greenmount Primary over 3 workshops. They shared some great insights into where they play, and what makes

by Karen Peck those spaces good to play in 021 has still had and ideas for what could challenges, but Get Set improve their places for play.

Leeds Local has had the Children received a certificate pleasure in being part of the for their contributions and their development of some insight into what play in fantastic community ideas Beeston Hill is like from a which have been supported child’s perspective. into things which are enabling We’re excited to announce a people from Holbeck and new play opportunity for Beeston Hill (and beyond) to Beeston Hill.

ParkPlay is move a little, have fun and launching the first Leeds meet others.

ParkPlay at Brickfield Park on Each month we will celebrate Saturday 4 December from stories from some of these 10.30am. ParkPlay is a weekly initiatives that GSLL has event where family’s supported, with information #MeetMovePlay together with about how you can get others in the local community. involved.

Everyone is welcome – ParkPlay is a completely free event. It’s fun and varied and offers a range of games and activities, like dodgeball, frisbee, scavenger hunts, quick cricket and many more.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

To find out South Leeds Lakers Walk Leaders including Linda (right) and Colette (second right) more and Linda is the secretary for So GSLL has funded a register go to park-play.com South Leeds Lakers Walk to partnership with play experts 2021 has been an amazing Fitness section.

She was Ludicology to guide us through year for new seeds of ideas trained as a walk leader by the research understanding what becoming weekly activities GSLL team in October 2020 time, space and permissions benefiting so many people in along with Colette, their walk children get to play within our Holbeck and Beeston Hill, activity coordinator, in communities. being supported in some way readiness to start their new We’re talking to children by Get Set Leeds Local. We’ve walking venture. The start was aged 9-10 years old, young loved being a part of each and delayed due to the pandemic people in year 9, but want to every one of them. and the need for more walk understand from parents and Get Set Leeds Local is a leaders, who were trained in carers what their perceptions Sport England funded project Spring 2021; finally launching of play are for their children. for Beeston Hill and Holbeck on 25 July 2021.

There are two ways parents led by Active Leeds (part of “We had a good number of and carers can be part of the Leeds City Council). If you have people for the launch event conversation. If anyone looks a good idea for something that and maintained steady after children of any age, could support people to move numbers throughout summer. please help us by completing more, then please get in touch.

Walks couldn't have gone our 5 minute online survey We may be able to help make ahead without the support surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/QGY73 it happen. We also have a from GSLL. 8/.

Community Chest Pot to “We have regular members We’re also looking for people support small good ideas, with who have benefitted from to be part of a parent/carer funding up to £300 available. walking both socially and focus group to talk to us about We’re also keen to hear your physically and I feel confident what play is like in Beeston Hill insight and ideas on what the in delivering what is needed to and Holbeck for their kids. challenges to being active are. lead safe and enjoyable walks Please contact me at karen Collectively we can develop a for all within the local .peck@leeds.gov.uk if you’d be place where being active is an community. We'd love to see happy to chat to us about play. easier choice for more people. more people joining us and Follow the research findings by E-mail getsetleedslocal@leeds benefitting from this joint following @LeedsPlay on .gov.uk

2

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Junior Lakers move is right on track

initiative.”

The South Leeds Lakers walks are on your doorstep and free to all.

Over winter (December to February) the walks will be fortnightly on Sundays with new people welcomed to join them on any walk meeting outside the café in Cross Flatts Park. Walks may also take place on other days at different start times and locations in the South Leeds and surrounding areas.

For more information visit the @southleedslakersWtF Facebook page Talk to any adult, and nearly all will have a story and be able to reminisce about what play was like when they were a child. We felt we needed greater insight into what play looks like for children in our communities now, especially after the impact of Covid-19.

Photos: Ray Barber

by Richard Harrison

O

n 5 November while people we’re lighting bonfires and setting off their fireworks, the South Leeds Lakers Junior Athletics Club were having a celebration of their own.

The junior club, which is open to 8-14 year olds, are now in their fourth year and have made a winter move to the South Leeds stadium at John Charles Centre for Sport on Friday nights 6-7pm to use the unique facilities on offer.

The children are improving their skills in long jump, triple jump, javelin, shot put and running, as well as other disciplines and are now able to use the sand pit, throwing

circle and the brilliant running track to hone their already impressive skills. The brilliant aspect of all this is the club’s founding ethos of making it entirely free!

Some of this is made possible by the adult section of the South Leeds Lakers giving up their free time to volunteer to be marshalls for certain events, whether it being their own annual Bah Humbug race or helping with other local groups to put on races. This provides funding to help pay for the facilities.

Ben Turton, 8, who has been with the Lakers for over a year says “I feel lucky to use a proper running track, but I particularly love the long jump.

I’m learning different skills I

haven't had the opportunity to try before”.

Joel, Jonah & Esther Scopes also love using the sandpit to do their long jump. Before the move to the stadium they used a school playing field to do the jumps, but now love using more professional facilities.

Juniors coach, Martin Lee, one of the people responsible for the move to the stadium said: “To get the use of the facilities at John Charles is a great coup for the South Leeds Lakers and will really push the kids on. If any children want to come and join in please find our South Leeds Lakers Juniors Facebook page and send us a message for how to book on to the sessions.”

Hunslet RLFC Full 2022 season preview in next month’s South Leeds Life