South Leeds Life 86 May 2022

Your FREE community newspaper

Issue 86 | May 2022

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

COCKBURN IS OUTSTANDING Ofsted report judges Cockburn School to be Outsanding in all areas

In this issue:

Delivering in Ukraine

page 3

Walking challenge at Assisi Place

page 4

Gold Award Guides jump for joy

page 11

A world of music at The Holbeck

page 13

Cup winners Middleton FC

page 23

Members of the School Council, Student Ambassadors, Head Boy and Head Girl with Executive Head David Gurney and Head of School Rod Dixon

C

ockburn School in Beeston has been judged to be 'Outstanding' in all areas by Ofsted who inspected the school in February 2022.

During the inspection, inspectors judged the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management all to be outstanding, leading to an overall effectiveness

judgement of outstanding. This latest recognition again puts the school in a position amongst the UK’s elite of ‘outstanding’ education providers.

During their visit, inspectors met with leaders, staff, trustees and governors. They also talked to pupils about their work and visited lessons, observed extra-curricular activities and form time

sessions, spoke to curriculum leaders and teachers and looked in depth at areas of the curriculum, including English, Mathematics, History, ICT and Spanish.

The report begins by recognising what it is like to attend Cockburn School stating: “Cockburn School is at the heart of the community.

Leaders’ ambition and support

for the pupils who attend it are exceptional. Staff and leaders share one vision: a ‘transformation to excellence’.

Pupils treat each other with respect and dignity. The school site is very calm and incredibly purposeful.”

The inspection team were impressed with the school’s curriculum and the quality of the teaching, reporting: “Pupils are enormously interested in

lessons because curriculum planning is detailed. Pupils are admirably independent” and added “The clarity in curriculum planning means pupils, including those with SEND, produce work of outstanding quality.”

“Pupils’ creativity is nurtured and developed through an arts curriculum which is rare in its scope and ambition.

Continued on page 3

NEWS

2-11

SCHOOL LIFE

12-13

COMMENT

14-15

LIVES

16-17 18

ART LIFE WHAT’S ON

19-22

SPORTING LIFE

23-24

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2 News

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

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

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

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

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.

Gateway to Aire Park revealed P

lans for Vastint UK’s landmark Leeds development, Aire Park, on the site of the former Tetley’s brewery, have taken a significant step as planning consent has been granted for the next phase of the scheme.

Leeds City Council has approved plans for a new seven-storey building, which will provide 75,000 sqft of office space and almost 7,000 sqft of flexible ground floor space for local retail, restaurant and amenity businesses.

The new building is located on the corner of Waterloo Street and Hunslet Road, neighbouring the iconic, Tetley building, and will mark the gateway to Aire Park on the approach from Leeds train station and city centre. Work on the building is set to begin later this year.

The building has been designed by architects Cartwright Pickard, with sustainable construction and occupant wellbeing in mind.

Manufacturing elements of the structure and façade offsite will help to make the building more environmentally friendly by maximising its thermal performance and reducing waste. The building will target BREEAM Excellent.

Reflecting changes in the world of

The new building will be on the corner of Waterloo Street and Hunslet Road work due to Covid-19, the ground floor has been designed for a flexible co-working space. Cycle storage and changing facilities promote healthy commuting and active lifestyles and, unlike a sealed air-conditioned office building, opening windows will give tenants control over levels of fresh air.

Floor-to-ceiling windows on all

sides of the building will also give office workers 360-degree views across Leeds, providing high levels of natural light and a strong visual connection to the greenery of Aire Park. The building also has a large roof terrace with views across the park and Leeds’ skyline.

Plans have already been approved for additional commercial

Stunning David Oluwale tribute bridges the gap

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The footbridge joins Sovereign Square and the new Aire Park

A

striking new bridge dedicated to the memory of a man who died after being racially harassed has been lowered into place across the River Aire in Leeds.

Engineers working on the David Oluwale bridge completed one of the project’s major milestones over the weekend of 26-27 March, with cranes carefully placing the 40 tonne structure over the river where it will connect Sovereign Street to Water Lane (Bridge End).

Fabricated locally in Yorkshire, less than 20 miles from the site, contractors BAM Nuttall used huge specialist equipment to transport the 30m long bridge to the riverside before carefully installing it with a crane.

The bridge is being named after David Oluwale, who travelled to the UK from Nigeria and was tragically targeted because of his mental health, homelessness and race. He died in the river in 1969 in a racially-

motivated incident which left a lasting imprint on the city.

Partnership work between Leeds City Council, the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) and key stakeholders will see the bridge both commemorate his death and demonstrate a lasting commitment to equality and inclusion in Leeds.

Max Farrar, secretary of the Remember Oluwale charity, said: “Right from the start, Leeds City Council has backed our mission to

space, the restoration and expansion of the former Crown Hotel, and the detailed design of the park. The park will be the largest new city centre green space in the UK, providing over six acres of public park and outdoor space in the first phase of the masterplan.

For further information about Aire Park, visit airepark.co.uk. remind Leeds of its tragic past and to support everyone working for a more welcoming, diverse and equal city.

“This bridge, the imminent Blue Plaque for David Oluwale, and the 2023 memory garden featuring a joyful sculpture by Yinka Shonibare CBE, RA show that David’s story will never be forgotten. They combine to demonstrate that we are making real progress.”

Gareth Farrier, BAM Nuttall’s North England regional director added: “We feel privileged to work with our long-standing partner, Leeds City Council and the David Oluwale Memorial Association, strengthening community connections, installing this footbridge.

“Our team has been impressed and inspired by the Association’s commitment and work to address racism, homelessness and support mental health. We’re proud to play our part in creating this symbol of David’s life, and an enduring reminder for us all to treat everyone with respect and compassion and celebrate diversity.”

Expected to be open to the public later this summer once associated work has been completed, the bridge will be used by pedestrians and cyclists and will be one of the newest key elements of the ambitious South Bank regeneration programme.

It will also fulfil one of the project’s long-standing priorities to ensure better pedestrian and cycling connection between the city centre, the train station, Aire Park and other green spaces around the city centre.

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News 3

Slung Low set to move on from The Holbeck club S

lung Low have announced that they will be moving from The Holbeck club to new premises in the area in the next 12 months.

The theatre group, which formed an innovative partnership with the oldest continuously open working men’s club in Britain, made the announcement at the club’s Annual General Meeting on3 April.

Slung Low have released the following statement: “In the years we’ve been in residency in the oldest working men’s club in Britain we’ve hosted hundreds of shows, hundreds of community events and thousands of rehearsals for the city’s artists, professionalised the bar and paid off the club’s substantial historic debt.

“We’ve launched a community football club, delivered 15,202 food parcels, and secured tens of thousands of pounds in funding for the club. And made so many new friends. And we’ve poured our hearts and soul into this place: we love The Holbeck.

“And, thanks to the support of you, made the only public performance space in Holbeck physically accessible to all.

“The only public performance space in Holbeck? The only event room in Holbeck? That can’t be right.

“A place like Holbeck, as brilliant as Holbeck, surely has more than one palace of fun?

No? “Well hold your horses.

“Slung Low will be creating a new creative cultural space in Holbeck: a fun palace. A place designed to welcome all our communities to exciting,

engaging, thrilling events. The biggest we’ve ever run, capable of more creativity, more usefulness, more adventures.

“And The Holbeck? The Holbeck remains a brilliant wonderful space that we are sure to return to over and over.

It remains the oldest working men’s club that is so important for so many. It remains accessible. It remains owned by its members. And it is debt free, recent grants safe in the bank, ready to embrace its next 150 years. And with the recently minted committee it has a group of leaders vocal and certain in a new direction.

“This morning the members approved Slung Low’s motion at the AGM for management control of the club to return to the Committee at their most advantageous time before 31

December 2022. Over the next few months we will work together with the club’s committee to create a timetable to see us withdraw from the club in a manner ensuring it can continue to thrive without us and we can continue to meet our responsibilities to all our communities.

“This is a story of confidence and expansion. Holbeck, a place that should have more than one event space. More than one stage. So that the families, the artists, all the residents, all the communities of the area can have the best cultural life possible. It is a story of a community bold and growing.

Slung Low’s commitment to that story, to Holbeck, is absolute.

“And the new Slung Low

venue? Well the details are coming soon. And then we’ll have to have you down. All welcome. Wherever we are, all welcome. Always.”

Slung Low previously occupied five railway arches on Bath Road, which they dubbed the Holbeck Underground Ballroom or HUB. As a theatre company they specialise in large outdoor performances, often working with members of the community.

More recently they opened a Cultural Community College and launched Leeds People’s Theatre with whom they’ve just finished filming their second film. They also established Holbeck Moor FC, an open access community football club last year.

Artistic Director Alan Lane published a book last month about Slung Low’s experiences during 2020-21. ‘The Club On The Edge Of Town - A Pandemic Memoir’ is published by Salamanda Street and is getting rave reviews.

Where’s the next stop in Holbeck for Slung Low?

Cockburn is Outstanding Continued from page 1 “The extra-curricular offer has a clear strategic purpose. It is precisely connected to the school curriculum to help pupils remember what they learn during the school day.

Pupils with SEND access the full extra-curricular offer.”

Executive Headteacher, David Gurney, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted have agreed with our own assessment of Cockburn School. The report recognises the hard work and high expectations that lead to excellent academic outcomes, alongside the importance of developing the character or our

May 2022 | South Leeds Life

pupils in our caring and supportive community where the wellbeing of both pupils and staff are key.

“I would like to thank all pupils, staff, parents/carers, trustees and governors for their ongoing hard work, support and dedication. Considering the new inspection framework is much more rigorous and judgements are harder to achieve, combined with the ongoing demands of the pandemic, it makes us even more proud that inspectors did not identify any areas for development.

“We have an inspiring team of staff and pupils at the school

who work tirelessly together to provide outstanding education to the children of South Leeds.”

Head of School, Rob Dixon, added: “‘The entire Cockburn School community is overwhelmingly proud of the feedback provided by Ofsted.

“This result reflects a significant, whole team effort and strong partnership working. Each member of staff, family and young person has played a central role in ensuring that Cockburn School continues to provide an outstanding education which emphasises real-world, futurefocused learning and career opportunities, irrespective of

difference and challenge.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees and a governor at Cockburn School, Peter Nuttall, said: “This result is a tremendous feather in the cap of the school.

It has taken a vast amount of work by staff, pupils, trustee and governors over a number of years of steadily rising achievement, to gain an outstanding result, which is unusual for an inner-city high school, putting Cockburn School within the top schools in “the country. Part of the Ofsted judgement noted how the school is at the beating heart of the local community, and this is reflected in the waiting list for Year 7 places.

We now expect this to get longer!”

Delivering solidarity to Ukraine

Phil Marshall (right) with new friends in Ukraine

by Rebecca Townesend

W

e spoke to South Leeds resident Phil Marshall who was just back from the Ukrainian-Romanian border.

Phil is Catholic and is involved with lots of charities and churches in Leeds. One of these is SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society) which is a worldwide church organisation and they have groups in Romania, Poland and Ukraine.

When the war in Ukraine started, he “wanted to do something” and to do something more than just give money. He got in touch with the leadership of the SVP in the United Kingdom and he was linked with a group in Oradea, in north western Romania.

They have been going into Ukraine every weekend since the war begun to offer support to a small town of 10,000 people whose population has swelled with internal refugees fleeing from the war in the east of Ukraine.

They have been taking donations over the border and for a week Phil helped them.

Phil hadn’t expected to cross the border into Ukraine itself and when he did, he saw the signs of the war such as lots of soldiers on the border rather than border guards and described how surreal it was to

be in a war zone and to see the soldiers and military mobilisation in the countryside and towns he went to.

Phil had a week of annual leave already booked and postponed the holiday plans he was making, feeling that he couldn’t spend a week on a beach with the backdrop of the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and used the time to fly to Romania in early April.

Phil has lived in Holbeck for 13 years and works in support roles with adults with Learning Disabilities in Leeds and for a housing charity in Bradford. His voluntary work is motivated by his Christian faith and “looking after your neighbour”.

He gets real satisfaction and inspiration from helping people and seeing “smiles and happy faces.”

As for the refugee crisis that the war in Ukraine has caused Phil reflects that we have got to “open our houses and ourselves to help people …and to increase our resources … and try and integrate people into society”.

On the back of his trip £40,000 has been raised. Phil is still in touch with the people he met and looking forward he would like to co-ordinate people in Leeds to support the solidarity being offered in Romania.

Advertise with South Leeds Life and reach 15,000 people in LS10 and LS11 This space is 1/16 page and costs just £50 or £120 for 3 inserts Ring: 07894 583966 Email: info@southleedslife.com

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4 News

Hunslet home residents virtually walk to Assisi

On the beat with Insp Tom Perry

I

would like to focus this month’s column by discussing diversity.

In the Leeds South community, we are fortunate to benefit from broad cultural diversity, as highlighted by a number of recent religious celebrations.

Whilst many of us may have marked the Christian celebration of Easter, others will have celebrated the Jewish Passover and the Sikh and Hindu festival Vaisakhi.

Elsewhere in our communities, for many people it is theIslamic holy month of Ramadan, soon to be followed by Eid. There are also many other religious celebrations throughout the calendar, and your Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue to provide support and reassurance to community and religious celebrations where appropriate.

Staff from the team have been patrolling local Mosques in support of Ramadan, and I was fortunate enough to visit some of our the Mosques,

where I discussed crime prevention, hate crime and Police recruitment. MAMA (Measuring Anti-Muslim Attacks) is an organisation providing excellent safety advice for Muslims participating in Ramadan and Eid. Their website: www.tellmamauk.org contains further information and advice, as well as confidential support services relating to hate crime.

In terms of crime prevention, I would advise anyone attending prayer times to be mindful of suspicious people or vehicles, and to report anything of concern to the Police. Leave your homes locked and secure when attending prayers. My officers have been conducting patrols in relevant areas to minimise the risk of burglary and similar crime during prayer times.

With reference to hate crime, West Yorkshire Police remain committed to dealing with such reports effectively. Hate crime, regardless of the nature and extent, is something that is exceptionally damaging to the

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victim, their family and the wider community. Hate crime remains under-reported and I would encourage anyone victim of it to report it to the police.

Regardless of which community you belong to, if you are a victim of hate crime, the police are here to listen to you, help you, and to take appropriate action. Further information on the force campaign, entitled ‘Hate Hurts’ is available online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/ hatecrime and the below poster has further details of how to make reports to the police.

West Yorkshire Police remains under-represented by women and people from Ethnic Minority backgrounds. In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, West Yorkshire Police offers those from underrepresented groups the opportunity to apply to become a Police Officer at any time.

Assuming the application meets the eligibility requirements, it will be progressed through an initial recruitment stage, but then held until general Police Officer recruitment is open to everyone.

Policing is a profession open to all, and to make our Police Service truly representative of our diverse community, I would encourage people of all backgrounds to consider a career in Policing.

Anyone interested in applying can find more information online at www. westyorkshire .police.uk/jobsvolunteer.

Whatever your background, community or belief, I hope that you, your families and loved ones continue to happily and safely celebrate any events of meaning to you.

Staff and residents at Assisi Place who took part in the virtual walk

S

taff and residents at a Hunslet retirement development are celebrating after they walked more than four million steps in a virtual walk challenge.

Staff members were joined by residents to help complete the mammoth virtual walk from MHA Assisi Place to Assisi in Italy, where the development is named after.

The challenge helped MHA Assisi Place raise more than £480 which will be used towards the activities fund.

The development is made up of 45 modern apartments for rent, creating a diverse and vibrant community of residents

aged 60 and over.

The total journey was more than 1,300 miles and to mark the wonderful occasion a party was organised, with pizzas, cupcakes and prosecco going down a treat Julie Ratcliffe, activity coordinator said: “It’s a wonderful achievement by everyone who got involved.

“All the residents who took part were delighted with their efforts and kept track of their steps which was a very proud moment for each of them.

“You could see the interest grow as the days got on, the amount of steps they were doing towards the end

compared to when they started were a lot higher and I am very proud of all of them.

“I do feel this challenge has given most of them a reason to go outside and I am definitely going to incorporate walking into some of the activities I do going forward.

“The amount generated is brilliant, the support shown to what we are doing has been immense and I am already looking forward to another challenge like this.

“The funds will help us to organise plenty more activities for the residents and I am very happy with the support shown towards MHA Assisi Place.”

Bloomers keep on trucking Linda Stanley writes: Beeston in Bloom is always looking to improve the area and develop our local heritage.

This year we wanted to make it extra special as we are celebrating our 25th birthday. We looked at the company who manufacture the splendid metal benches that are dotted around Beeston and found they make custom built coal carts. It was agreed that it would make a great feature on Beeston Road and add to the work we already do in Beeston Cemetery around the Miners Memorial and information board. We intended to fund the project from the profits from last years plant sales, but were delighted to receive a donation from a relative of one of our bloomers. Helen Mylan does not live in the area, but she is so impressed by the work we do and was happy to help. Thanks Helen.

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News 5

Involving young people in planting an edible garden

by Claire Whiteley

I

nvolve Leeds based off Whitfield Avenue, next to the Library and Hub in Hunslet have been looking to improve the area around the building to make a greener space but also a space which supported the community as well as the young people who access the centre.

We have been lucky to work with Caroline Scott from Abundant Edible Gardens who has donated us planters (recycled) and has delivered

May 2022 | South Leeds Life

some sessions with our young people on growing food - a variety of salad leaves, kale and herbs in the planters and some sessions on the food our young people may like and use in cooking sessions in the centre.

We have now planted carrots, peas, 30 raspberry canes, 4 blackberry bushes and an apple and a pear tree. The young people, most of whom had not done any gardening before had worries about mud, bugs and worms, but all engaged in the sessions and

enjoyed learning new skills as well as understanding more about food.

Even those who claim to not like veggies have promised to taste the ones they grow themselves.

They are very excited to see what does grow - we did drop some seed pots - to turn our plants into food. This month we will be planting onions and potatoes.

We will be growing more that we can use so we hope local residents will come and pick salad from the planters and

fruit from the bushes and trees when they are ready.

Local people are also welcome to harvest peas, carrots, potatoes and potentially tomatoes if we get enough sun to grow them.

Looking to green the area is our green pledge but we also hope that if we are successful and actually produce edibles that these will be use by the young people who attend the centre but also local people.

We hope this will be the start of a bigger local edible growing project.

Wade’s Charity offers Covid recovery grants to community groups

W

Young people help with the planting at Involve Leeds’ centre in Hunslet

Growing activities at the Watsonia

by Beth Bingley

O

ur Future Beeston launched a new programme of ‘Get Involved in Growing’ activities at the Watsonian Pavilion in Cross Flatts Park over Easter.

In addition to sunflower planting in recycled coffee cups, participants learned how to divide chives and grow mint from root cuttings.

A regular Get Involved in Growing session will take place on the first Saturday of the month from 11am to 1pm, it is free and family friendly.

If you don’t have green fingers then way not join our crochet class, run by experienced crafter Ellie Wadsworth. Ellie said: “I have been knitting and crocheting for around seven years now, teaching many people along the way. This includes people with a range of abilities. I am also a history teacher, so any history facts are appreciated!

“The crochet club will welcome anyone who wants to join, if you have access to crochet hooks, please bring

ade’s Charity has been enhancing the quality of life for the residents of inner city Leeds for nearly 500 years providing grants to locally based charities and volunteerled community groups.

Supported activities include youth groups, play schemes, elderly welfare and social groups, arts including participation and performance, social groups for those with disabilities, sports clubs, improvements to local public open space and many more worthy causes.

With Covid-19 having had a dramatic effect on fund raising opportunities, many charities and small groups across Leeds are struggling to continue to provide the services and support the local community relies upon.

To help small groups and charities kick start their services now that Covid-19 restrictions are starting to be lifted, Wade’s Charity are offering such organisations the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £500 towards costs

associated with re-starting activities post lockdown.

There are a few restrictions, for example Wade’s are unable to support CICs or organisations primarily focused on health or education. In addition, as these grants are targeted towards smaller organisations, applicants must have had income of less than £20,000 in the last year.

All applicants must be working in the pre-1974 boundary of Leeds (roughly LS1-LS17).

As well as providing community grants, Wade’s Charity also owns huge swathes of parkland, open spaces and sports grounds across Leeds such as Middleton Park and Gotts Park, which are let to Leeds City Council.

If you are a small group, voluntary organisation or charity and feel you would benefit from a grant of up to £500 to re-start your activities, visit the Grants section on the Wade’s Charity website at: www.wadescharity.org

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Planting sunflowers at the Watsonian Pavilion in Cross Flatts Park them along but if not we will provide them, we will also provide the wool. The lessons will take place on the first Saturday of the month in May, June and July between 10am1pm. The classes are beginner friendly but a range of abilities are welcome.”

Also back, by popular demand, is the table top sale.

The first sale in March was so successful the team have decided to make it a regular event, held every second Saturday of the month, with the first sale on 14 May. To book a table contact Gloria on 07983 005745.

The Our Future Beeston activities group are busy working on the summer

programme, so keep an eye out for updates in South Leeds Life and on local Facebook forums.

For information about Our Future Beeston activities, including dates for forthcoming Energy Saving Drop In sessions e-mail ourfuturebeeston @gmail.com or check out our Facebook page at: fb.com/ourfuturebeeston

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New Youth Work Beeston bedmaker becomes partnership UK’s largest hemp grower F launches

Chilling at LS-TEN

by Francesca Morris

L

S-TEN have recently launched a new youth service project in South Leeds, working with organisations from across the city to form the Leeds Youth Alliance.

Our partners in the south are Barca, Re:establish, The Youth Association, DAZL, Hamara and The Getaway Girls. In the North East and West, Barca are the lead organisation with a variety of partners.

As part of the project, we are running a variety of outreach and detached sessions across Leeds as well as organising some youth group hubs that will run on a weekly basis. The first hub is based in LS-TEN and offers a social space for young people to spend Wednesday evenings doing a variety of activities including board games, pool and of course, skating. We are offering a safe space for young people to ask questions and engage in meaningful discussions with youth workers and peers.

Hamara are offering an opportunity to learn some valuable skills in the form of running a community café.

Young people can learn to cook and sell food and dive into the world of business. This is a fun

way to learn and eat some tasty food at the same time!

We’re teaming up with DAZL to put on weekly dance lessons in Middleton. Expressing ourselves through movement and having fun while exercising is what we’re all about. These sessions will be great for building confidence and exploring the way our bodies move. With a skatepark just outside the community centre, there’ll be lots of variety when the weather lets us play outside.

Look out for our pop up sessions across Holbeck, Beeston, Cottingley, Middleton and Halton. These will range from skate sessions to educational and developmental workshops.

All activities are completely free, with details available on www.leedsyouthalliance.com or on our Facebook Page and Instagram.

Contact lyasouth@ls-ten.org for enquiries.

LS-TEN Youth Club Kitson Road, Hunslet (near Costco) Wednesdays, 7-9pm.

Hamara Community Cafe Tempest Road, Beeston, Mondays 6:30-8pm DAZL Youth Club Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road, Fridays 57pm

ifth-generation family, Beeston-based bedmaker Harrison Spinks has confirmed its expansion into new North Yorkshire farmland to support the business’s growth and sustainability plans, which will increase the company’s hemp production.

The new Ryther-based farmland spans 80 acres and will be used to increase the company’s production of industrial hemp. The increase in hemp production will see the company producing in excess of 1,000 tonnes of hemp straw annually, making Harrison Spinks the largest grower of industrial hemp in the UK. Hemp fibre, a key component of the company’s mattresses, is one of the strongest natural fibres – it is used in Harrison Spinks’ luxurious fillings and known for its fresh and extremely absorbent properties.

Antimicrobial hemp fibre is a superior mattress filling.

Known to have

The hemp harvest on Harrison Spinks’ farm environmental benefits, hemp absorbs more CO2 per hectare in its growth cycle than any other forest or commercial crop.

Richard Essery, Director of Sustainability and Innovation at Harrison Spinks said:

“Acquiring the new farmland will be an incredible asset to the business and will allow us to continue producing luxury mattresses in the most environmentally responsible way possible.

“In addition to furthering our

hemp production, we are conducting a biodiversity survey across all our farmland to assess the best environmental use of our land.

As our business grows, we look forward to furthering our ongoing sustainable efforts.”

Stepping out in solidarity with Ukraine

Getting moving at DAZL

On Saturday 9 April 2022 members of the MHA South Leeds joined up again with other line dancers from across Leeds for a demo in the White Rose Shopping Centre. The performance raised a total of £1,353 towards help for displaced citizens from Ukraine. Much needed funds for a very worthwhile cause. The event was organized by J A Clarkson of The Original Cowboys Group whom herself has connections with the Fund Raising/Distribution.

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News 7

Your local election candidates L

ocal elections are taking place on Thursday 5 May 2022. Leeds City Council is holding elections with one Councillor in each of the city’s 33 wards up for election.

South Leeds is guaranteed to see some new faces amongst our representatives even if Labour hold on to all three seats.

Cllr Elizabeth Nash will be contesting her seat in Hunslet & Riverside ward, whilst new Councillors will be elected in Beeston & Holbeck and Middleton Park wards following the deselection of Angela Gabriel and retirement of Kim Groves.

Below you can find full details of the candidates

standing in the three South Leeds wards.

We have written to all the candidates inviting them to tell you why they are standing and what their policies are. You can find their responses on our website at: southleedslife.com /elections-2022 We also held online hustings meetings for each ward

allowing readers to put their questions to the candidates.

The meetings were recorded and you can view them at youtube.com/southleedslife For those wishing to vote in person at polling stations, all necessary Covid-19 precaution measures will be taken to ensure it can be done so safely.

South Leeds Life does not

support any political party, but we urge all our readers to use their vote on 6 May. Votes will be counted on Friday 6 May and we will bring you the results online as soon as they are announced and

report them in next month’s newspaper.

There is more information on the Leeds City Council website about these elections here: www.leeds.gov.uk/yourcouncil/elections

Beeston and Holbeck ward

Hunslet and Riverside ward

Middleton Park ward

Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring Road, Cottingley Hall estate, Holbeck including the Normantons / St Luke’s / Bartons and Holbeck Urban Village

Includes Hunslet up to the River Aire as far as Asda House, some parts of the city centre close to the river, Hunslet and Hunslet Carr up to the M621, Hunslet Moor and Beeston Hill, and Stourton

Includes Belle Isle from the M621, Middleton as far as Throstle Terrace, including New Forest Village and the Westwood estate

Peter Richard ANDREWS

Samson Roberts ADEYEMI

Taiwo Funmilayo ADEYEMI

Liberal Democrats 2 Whingate Avenue, Armley, Leeds, LS12 3RE

The Conservative Party Candidate Address in Leeds*

The Conservative Party Candidate Address in Leeds*

Ed CARLISLE

Jude Patrick ARBUCKLE

Green Party 153 Beeston Road, Leeds, LS11 6AW

Liberal Democrats 209 Hall Lane, Horsforth, LS18 5EG

Natalia ARMITAGE The Conservative Party Candidate Address in Leeds*

Annie MALONEY

Kay-Lee Anne ASQUITH

Labour Party Address in Leeds*

Green Party Address in Leeds*

Nick COTTLE Freedom Alliance. Truth, Equality and Health.

Address in Leeds*

Nigel PERRY

Peter Chambers

Social Democratic Party 9 Ingram Crescent, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 0BU

Labour Party 22 Throstle Avenue, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 4JJ

Thomas Peter FOSTER Social Democratic Party 37 West Grange Gardens, Leeds, LS10 3AT

Mariana POLUCCIU Green Party 89 Cross Flatts Avenue, Leeds, LS11 7BH

Emily Louise REANEY Northern Independence Party – Nationalise Energy Companies Address in Leeds*

Elizabeth Anne NASH Labour Party Address in Leeds*

Benedict Luke TURNER-CHASTNEY Liberal Democrats 20 Alnwick View, Leeds, LS16 5RP

Wayne Alan DIXON Social Democratic Party 39 Shelldrake Drive, Middleton, Leeds, LS10 3NB

In England, if a candidate has requested not to make their home address public, the relevant electoral area in which their home address (or country if their address is outside the UK) will be provided.

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South Leeds Life | May 2022

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8 News

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NEWS IN BRIEF MHA South Leeds MHA’s Big Easter Raffle was drawn on 15 April.

Congratulations to all the winners of some amazing prizes donated by local businesses. Thank you to all who supported by donations and purchasing tickets! All monies raised goes directly back into the scheme for us to continuing supporting people to live later life well!

Next up MHA are hosting a Jubilee Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 1 June, 1–3pm, Book at southleeds@mha.org .uk or (0113) 271 6201

Beeston author’s book in Waterstones Yvonne Ugarte’s book of verse for children, ‘My Aunt Jean’s a Dinosaur’, which was published last year is now available on the shelves at Waterstones. Yvonne said: “I have raised £900 already from sales and donations and it's all gone to Martin House Children's Hospice. I am feeling very proud.”

The book, illustrated by pupils at Beeston Primary School, can also be ordered from www.runciblespoonpress .co.uk

£150 council tax rebate Most households in council tax bands A to D are eligible for a £150 rebate payment to help with rising fuel bills and the cost of living. If you pay your council tax by direct debit, you don’t need to do anything; Leeds City Council will pay £150 into your bank account. If you pay by any other method, you will need to complete an online claim at: bit.ly/LeedsCTrebate

Horsing around in Cottingley Cottingley Community Project organised an children’s Easter craft day at the community centre on 13 April. The Easter horse followed the Easter bunny and brough much amusement to children and adults alike. “It was so much fun for us and nice to have kids back in the building running around and making a mess ... We've missed you all!” commented Centre Manager Christine Smart.

Easter 'Egg-citement' in Hunslet

by Ben Hutchinson

W

It has been a busy time over recent weeks across Hunslet as a range of community groups have hosted brilliant Easter activities for our community.

The school holidays kicked off with a Holiday Club at the Involve Centre. Involve has been delivering alternative education for high school aged students for over 10 years but over recent times is developing in to a centre for the community – firstly delivering food parcels and support during the original lockdown and now hosting a range of community activities and groups throughout the week.

The Holiday Camp including arts & crafts, sports, gardening and cooking with a mix of Involve students and local young people taking part together and having a great time.

On Sunday 10 April Hunslet Gathering led a donkey parade through the streets of Hunslet as part of their Palm Sunday celebrations.

Hunslet Gathering are a new Anglican church with a vision to serve Hunslet and share the good news of Jesus. They currently run a range of meetings, services and activities throughout the community.

The Palm Sunday Parade began next to the Spire before journeying through the Hemingways towards Pepper Lane then stopping for a service at Assissi Place Care home. Over 70 people took part in the parade, some decorated with flags and palm crosses and accompanied by music. The parade finished with refreshments and donkey rides back at the Spire. It was a fun event supported well by the community and blessed with

glorious weather. There was lots of talk over refreshments about making it an annual tradition – watch this space!

On Good Friday Hunslet Tenants and Residents Association (TARA) organised a family Easter Egg Hunt on ‘Hunslet Common’ (the green space between Belinda Street and the Midlands). Again the weather was fantastic and the event was well attended by eager children ready for hunting! As well as the

chocolate there were arts & crafts, sports activities and free bike fixing.

Hunslet TARA are an active community group with a weekly programme of litter picks, gardening and Odd Job Friday.

They also arrange monthly meetings and are seeking to develop year round programme of seasonal events. Stewart Walton from Hunslet TARA commented: “Hunslet TARA were very proud to co-host this event and

we are delighted with the turnout. We will continue to create events for the community of Hunslet whilst being their voice. Please visit the Hunslet TARA Social media groups for information, fb.com/HunsletTARA or email hunslettara@yahoo.com.”

All in all it has been a busy but positive time in Hunslet. It is fantastic the community groups have put on these events and where possible explored ways to work together to make them as best as possible for the good of the community. It has also been great to see the people of Hunslet coming together and building community spirit. It has been a tough few years where community life has been limited.

Thanks to everyone who has taken part and lets look forward to more of the same in the future.

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Website: www.southleedslife.com

May 2022 | South Leeds Life

Email: info@southleedslife.com

News 9

Reports from Middleton Hunslet’s Monday Club Elderly Aid’s News Cafe is a lifeline of friendship

by Jeremy Morton

by Ken Ingram

I

M

egan is a student from Middleton, currently volunteering at Middleton Elderly Aid. She told me: “I originally chose my placement at Middleton Elderly Aid because of my Grandad, Philip.

“In 2021 my Grandad, Philip, was bedbound, on palliative care, and the team at Middleton Elderly Aid brought a smile to his face through weekly phone calls to check up on him and daily meals, which he devoured, even when he felt at his lowest the team at Middleton Elderly Aid made him smile.

“When I told him about a placement, he told me to try to volunteer at MEA to help other people smile and I’m glad I did.

Sadly my Grandad died in October 2021.

“I currently study Forensic Psychology at Leeds Trinity University. The course lasts for 4 years. As part of my course I choose to do a volunteering placement at Middleton Elderly Aid, and started my 13 week placement 4 weeks ago and

Megan is on placement at Middleton Elderly Aid have received nothing but warm welcomes from all staff and members.

“I volunteer 3 days a week, at the Centre and have taken on various tasks ranging from making tea and coffee to playing Bingo and helping serving lunches, which the centre put on 3 days a week as well as breakfast on Saturdays.

“I also set up activities and talk to members.

“The staff go above and beyond in the Elderly Aid centre which is reflected in the smiling faces everyday.

“I look forward to spending

Bereavement Counselling

C

arol is another member and volunteer at Middleton Elderly Aid, she said: “Having attended the training for Bereavement Counselling, the group was slow to have the uptake. But this seems to taken off with one to one sessions from monthly to fortnightly sessions.

“The feedback from participants is excellent. They feel it’s worthwhile and helps them come to terms with their

loss. Having someone to talk to other than relatives, means not everyone getting upset. To follow on from this.

“I’ve volunteered at MEA at the Crafts Group for a couple of years. Then Samantha (CEO at the centre) asked me if I would like to attend some Bereavement training with Tracey the Outreach Worker.

It would be useful for Tracey for her outreach work, but also for Sam as she wanted to set

my next 8 weeks at Middleton Elderly Aid.” I loved speaking to and been served by Megan who is a well loved volunteer member of MEA. I know everyone wishes her well when back at Leeds Trinity University and look forward to her further stories at some time in the future.

Megan says she received a warm welcome in her time at MEA, and I can say the same, all the staff and Volunteers at the Centre made me most welcome over the last 4 years at the centre. up a Bereavement Group.

“Sam was not sure how much interest there would be, but wanted to offer this to members after the Pandemic, as a lot of people lost loved ones.

“I thought this was a great idea, and attended the training through Zoom.”

I lost my parents within months of each other in 2004.

I did receive counselling then, but waited months before I was seen, so it’s good that MEA are now offering this.

called into the Monday Club at Hunslet RLFC last month and enjoyed games of table tennis and dominoes with some of the regulars.

The club is run by the Hunslet Rugby Foundation, but you don’t have to support the club, or even enjoy rugby to attend.

It’s aim to provide a safe space for older folk in the community to socialise.

The table tennis table is always out, board games are supplied and the kettle’s on, but it’s the conversation that matters.

Over several games of dominoes and a cup of tea, Mandy, Christine and Christine told me why they enjoy the club.

It was a first visit for one of the Christines. She told me that she had hardly been out of her house since the pandemic started, except to go to the

usiness expansions are helping to drive renewed demand for Leeds’ Marshall’s Mill and Round Foundry estate in Holbeck Urban Village, with two new tenants signing up so far in 2022.

Construction industry quantity surveyors and project managers, EDGE is expanding its national network of offices to include to Leeds, moving into the First Floor South at Marshall’s Court, taking approximately 1,020 sq. ft of office space on a three-year lease.

The second letting for Q1 this year was to business coaching and advisory providers The Alternative Board Ltd which has taken 1,743 sq ft of space in Marshall’s Mill first floor on a five-year lease.

Elizabeth Ridler, Knight Frank, one of the joint agents for the scheme along with Creative Space Management, said: “Marshall’s Mill estate continues to be a huge draw for businesses looking to enjoy all the benefits of a modern office space in an established, buzzing yet relaxed

neighbourhood within easy walking distance to the city centre.

“Leeds office market is bouncing back and we are seeing more relocations as a result. Choosing a base on the south side of the city centre gives great value for highquality offices that help to attract and retain staff. This is even more important in a postpandemic era where office environments have to offer and deliver more for staff who are moving away from WfH or opting for hybrid working.

help. We’ve set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch and encourage members to use a new app on their phone. We send a daily message to keep everyone in touch.”

The Monday Club meets every Monday from 9:4511:45am in the Phoenix Bar at South Leeds Stadium, part of the John Charles Centre For Sport, LS11 5DJ. The Foundation also runs a Friday Breakfast Club from 10am. There’s usually some explayers around to discuss the finer points of rugby league over a bacon buttie, but again everyone is welcome and you don’t have to have an interest in rugby to come along.

If you are into rugby, Michael also runs a Touch and Pass session for the over 40s at Hunslet Warriors every Wednesday 6:30-7:30pm. It’s free and open to anyone of any ability.

Mandy, Christine and Christine enjoy a chat over a game of dominoes

Double bill of tenants arrive at Marshall’s Mill and Round Foundry B

shops.

“I think a lot of people are scared to come out because of Covid, but it’s so important to meet people and talk and try and get back to normal” said Mandy.

“I’ve just lost my husband” explains the other Christine. “At first I didn’t know what to do, but I resolved to get out as much as podsible and I’m volunteering left, right and centre.”

The Christines are neighbours in Belle Isle and got a lift down to Phoenix Bar at South Leeds Stadium. Free lifts are available for anyone from Belle Isle who wants to attend.

Michael Nuttall who manages the Foundation and runs the Monday Club tells me that as well as chat and activities, he’s helping preople with technology.

“If they’re struggling with a smart phone or tablet, we can

People love working in Holbeck Urban Village.”

Dale Rodgers, Director for EDGE, said: “With existing offices in Nottingham, Sheffield, Birmingham and London, we chose Leeds as our next strategic move to better serve our clients in the North of England and beyond. The decision to take an office in Marshall’s Mill was an easy one for us. Marshall’s Mill is situated in an area that is enjoying a huge amount of investment and development,

is in a great location in terms of transport links and has an industrial style that reflects our existing office spaces.”

EDGE was established in 2015 to offer expertise in the core disciplines of cost management, project management and building surveying.

Marshall’s Mill Leeds is the fifth office in its growing portfolio and it serves a national client base across

Marshall Court

13 sectors including retail, residential, education, health and manufacturing.

There are only limited office spaces available across The Round Foundry and Marshall’s Mill estates, which offers a range of contemporary spaces set in heritage buildings which benefit from great transport links, a lively social aspect, outdoor space and Leeds train station just a short walk away.

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South Leeds Life | May 2022

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

10 News

Money matters with Leeds Credit Union

Improving your financial wellbeing C

harlie, Member Service Advisor at Leeds Credit Union's Middleton Branch, takes a look at the importance of financial wellbeing and advises on how to improve yours.

Getting to grips with your financial wellbeing delivers a range of benefits.

Unfortunately, many people don't know what financial wellbeing actually is.

Financial wellbeing isn't about your ability to earn or save lots of money, it's about the control you have over your finances and your ability to strike the right balance between having enough money to pay the bills and enough to spend on things you enjoy, both now and in the future. And, with the ongoing cost of living crisis, taking control of your finances has never been more important.

Aside from purely financial reasons, financial wellbeing is also important for your mental health. People with poor financial wellbeing often suffer from stress and anxiety and are at risk of becoming isolated.

When it comes to work, employees with financial concerns are also more than twice as likely to suffer from reduced productivity and/or absenteeism than those with positive financial wellbeing.

On the other hand, people with good financial wellbeing

are less stressed about money, which has a positive effect on their overall health and can help improve their relationships.

So while establishing good financial habits is obviously a good idea, doing so is easier said than done. Luckily, these tips are here to help you on your way.

Make a budget From essentials like utility bills to treats like holidays, learning to budget will improve your financial wellbeing by allowing you to take control of where you're spending your money, as well as making it harder to spend more than you earn.

Try to make time each time you get paid to draw up a budget that includes all your incomings and outgoings for the coming weeks. If you need a hand, give this budget planner from Money Saving Expert a try.

Monitor your spending Once you've created a budget, you need to stick to it.

Regularly monitoring your spending will help keep it under control and let you identify any areas where you could reduce your outgoings.

Save whatever you can With household bills continuing to rise, the idea of saving money might be the furthest thing from your mind.

However, saving is the ultimate act of self-care, so when your financial priority is taking care of you and your family, getting into the habit of regularly saving even a small amount is a great idea for both the short and long-term.

The trick is to focus on what you can do, not what you can't, so try to save whatever you can afford as often as possible, even if it's only a few pounds each month - saving less than £10 per month could still add up to a £100 saving over the course of the year.

Leeds Credit Union provides straightforward and affordable financial services to people in Leeds, Wakefield, Harrogate and Craven.

Photo: Shutterstock

Rob Docherty Massage • Sports Massage for rehabilitation • Swedish and Indian Head Massage for relaxation • Pregnancy Massage also available • Visit our treatment room or let us come to you at home

Call 07710 790379 or visit RobDochertyMassage.com

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Researching family histories with Julie’s Ancestry Group

by Ken Ingram

I

spoke to Julie Holmes about the family history group she runs in Belle Isle: I have been running my Ancestry group for a few years at BITMO’s GATE. I actually started there within a few months of the GATE opening.

The group originally ran for an hour a week, but an hour wasn’t really long enough and soon enough that hour turned into a full day with two sessions.

The Group has now 15 Members, and counting.

All members have a family tree, whether it’s their own personal one or one that I have helped set up. I help people search for records of their ancestors.

They can also see their ancestor’s own hand writing on the 1911 census. They could also maybe get to see if anybody served in WW1 (if the record survived as the building they were held in was bombed in WW2). If the record can’t be found, there are still the medal cards which showed the medals that were awarded to their ancestor. There are also other records available.

Then Covid came along and like everything else the group had to stop. It seemed very strange not meeting up once a week.

With lockdowns over and now everything has opened up again, we are back.

We started again at the end of November last year and I now run the group from one of the Community rooms on Belle Isle Circus. Everyone is glad to be back and we also have some new members.

The group has gone from strength to strength and quite a few members have been with me for several years. But it’s not just an ordinary group where you just turn up, find what you want and go. You have cups of tea or coffee and talk about allsorts, though family history is also a topic.

People make friends, which is always a good thing.

Researching family history is not always easy but it’s very interesting and can be quite addictive. It’s amazing what can be found as I also do my own tree and my husband’s. It can also put you in contact with new family members, that’s if you want to do that side of it.

I never promise that I will find the information you want, as nobody should say they can and will find it. I always say that I will try, yes I usually do find them, but that’s only if the records are there to be found.

I also say that if I do find something that you don’t like, for example a prison record, it’s not my fault. I can only tell you what the records say. To be

feed their families, times were bad back then. I noticed the ones stealing food were let off by the Judge after spending time on remand.

Another ancestor was sentenced to be hanged for murder. He got a reprieve and what I could not understand was that he did not serve jail time. With Julie’s help, I now have 1,120 people in my tree.

Julie researching family trees honest that’s only ever happened once in all the years I’ve been doing this.

I visited Radio Leeds with Wayne, a member of the Ancestry group.

His ancestor is Arthur Louis Aaron who was awarded the Victoria Cross. I think Wayne already knew about Arthur, but he found out more while he was at Ancestry Group.

Here’s what some of the group members have to say, starting with my own experience: I joined Julie’s Ancestry Group, almost by accident, right at the beginning about 8 years ago when I had interviewed Carla Yeomans, the Manager of the just opened BITMO’s GATE centre.

Carla asked me if I would like to interview Julie and her Ancestry Group, for the paper and blog, and of course I jumped at the chance.

Anyway I thought I would give it a try myself and became a founder member of the group.

Julie asked me my parents’ names and grandparents’ names and started my tree and I joined ancestry.co.uk, where you pay an amount each month to keep building your tree.

As Julie says, you can come up with some surprising results. For example, I found out that two of my Great Uncles were killed during the First World War in Flanders.

A few other ancestors popped up who had been put in Debtors Prison and some others jailed for stealing food to

Val says: “Julie removes the brick walls found along the way when researching your family tree, helping to pull your family picture together.

“She’s always patient and knowledgeable, nothing is ever too much.

“When finding family details, including any skeletons in the cupboard, which in some aspects its quite a shock and sometimes quite funny, but makes the family real and in some ways allows you to understand why certain things happened along the way.

“Julie makes it enjoyable, fun and addictive. The overall experience is just like meeting up with a group of friends, it’s great.”

Margaret says: “Julie’s Ancestry Group has been very enlightening. Julie is a very helpful person and I have so enjoyed my time there.”

Sue says: “I only joined the group a few months ago, but everyone is really friendly and makes you feel very welcome. Julie is really helpful and gets the information you need when you’ve hit a brick wall. I have learned lots of things about both sides of my family which I didn’t know and I have more understanding about where I come from.”

Ancestry runs at 26 Belle Isle Circus, every Friday (term time only) 10am-12pm and 12:45pm.

New members welcome.

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Website: www.southleedslife.com

May 2022 | South Leeds Life

Email: info@southleedslife.com

News 11

Middleton Guides’ Gold Awards Asha hosts eye

health workshop

F

our more Guides from the 5th Middleton group have achieved their Gold Awards, despite the restrictions of the pandemic.

The Gold Award, the highest award in Guiding, was awarded to Emily Butterworth (14), Sophie Hinton (14), Rosie Leary (14) and Amelia Wood (13) last month.

We asked the girls about the work they had put in to gain the award: Rosie said “My most challenging part was pushing myself out of my comfort zone, especially caving. I like being patrol leader and helping the younger girls.”

Sophie said: “The most enjoyable part was getting to do all the badges and activities with my guiding friends and sisters. My final challenge was the Three Peaks and even horrible British weather could stop me! Thank you to all guide leaders and more for helping me get where I am today!”

Emily commented: “The most exciting part was learning how to paddleboard. The biggest

by Tahena Ahmed

A

sha Neighbourhood Project in Beeston hosted a workshop by the Association Blind Asians (ABA) on 28 March.

The eye health care awareness session’s aim was to reach the communities providing information on prevention of sight loss. The

activity with Sim specs provided an insight into various visual impairments.

ABA is based in Harehills and provides various groups and advocacy to their visually impaired service users across Leeds.

Please feel free to call on (0113) 210 3347 or contact them on info@abaleeds.org.uk for more information.

Gold Award achievers: Rosie Leary, Sophie Hinton, Emily Butterworth and Amelia Wood challenge was completing the badges I needed to.”

Amelia added: I really enjoyed my final challenge where I did an A-Z of outdoor challenges which included everything from Go Ape to a zip wire. Some of the interest badges were difficult to do, but

I really learnt a lot.”

Some readers may remember Amelia from 2019 when we reported on her achievement of gaining all 57 interest badges as a Brownie.

The 5th Middleton group meet at South Leeds URC Church, Nesfield Road, Belle

Isle every Friday evening.

They have four sections for different age groups: Rainbows (4-7 years), Brownies (7-10), Guides (10-14) and Rangers (14-18). If you are interested in joining the unit, or any other unit, please visit: bit.ly/GuidesSL

Celebrating a year of the biggest youth club in Leeds

by Samantha Bailey

T

he Hunslet Senior Youth Club came up on its one year anniversary in mid April.

This began as a small youth group where around 10 young people would meet on average per night in April 2021.

After two months, numbers increased massively, as word got around about all of the free resources, activities and facilities we have on offer. Now, this club is an extremely important youth hub and safe place where teens and young adults are able to access any support they need, as well as serving as a space where they can socialise and call their own.

Today, hundreds of young people come together after school every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to take part in a wide range of activities, workshops, hobbies, interventions and more.

In the last year, we conducted 276 youth interventions to support young people who maybe struggling with mental health, problems in school, at home, or seeking support as they move into the workplace.

All young people who attend are also welcome to use our gym, football courts and sports

hall. Moreover, each week we supply 14+ workshops. In this last year we have had over 7,000 attendees and during that time we provided those attendees over 7,500 free meals.

This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community and local

businesses. We want to thank everyone who contributes and donates to this programme and we hope that we can continue to receive this support in order to keep improving and expanding, in order to help more young people in Leeds.

On Tuesday 17 May, we will be celebrating with a social

mixer celebration and open night. All young people are welcome to attend this event, as long as they are in year 7 or above. At the event, we will have a live DJ set, food, drinks, games and activities.

Everything is completely free, so feel free to come along as we are welcoming newcomers!

Sim Specs demonstrate different forms of sight loss

Changing your furniture?

Donate it to support people with Learning Disabilities

Call us to arrange a free pickup

0113 270 4005 South Leeds AlternativeTrading Enterprises Ltd Registed Company no 6394383 | Registered Charity 1149293

Cooking skills and healthy eating are amongst the activities at The Hunslet Club’s open access youth club

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | May 2022

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

12 School Life

Education centre celebrates its fifth anniversary

Back row (l-r): Ester, Louise Banahene, Geraldine Musajjakawa, Rachel Carr, Julia.

Front row l-r): Naomi, Delina, Ayaan, Sem, Nayel. Photo: Victor de Jesus

A

learning centre set up to help young people living in one of the UK’s most deprived neighbourhoods access further education, training and employment is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

IntoUniversity Leeds South, a partnership between the University of Leeds and national charity IntoUniversity, works with children, teenagers and young adults in Beeston and Holbeck, where poor educational outcomes mean that only 12% of young people go on to university.

IntoUniversity centres offer a welcoming home-from-home for young people: a safe space to learn, explore and succeed.

Each local centre offers an innovative programme that supports young people aged seven and up to realise their ambitions, achieve their academic potential, develop vital skills and gain experience of the world of work.

With the support of The Asda Foundation and University of Leeds alumni, IntoUniversity Leeds South opened in 2015, with the aim of providing thousands more young people in Leeds with access to new opportunities and vital long-term support at an early age. Since it was opened, the centre has had a noticeable impact on young people in the area: over 3,900 young people aged seven to 18 have been supported there.

It was the second

collaboration between the University of Leeds and IntoUniversity, after the success of IntoUniversity Leeds East, which opened in Harehills in 2014.

And in 2018, IntoUniversity Leeds Extension opened, which added capacity to both centres in Leeds, effectively creating the provision of a third IntoUniversity centre in the city.

As part of the partnership with the University of Leeds, over 5,000 IntoUniversity students have been on trips to the University to find out more about university life and learning. Over 300 mentoring pairs have met through the partnership, with University of Leeds students providing over 3,000 hours of support to IntoUniversity students.

A former IntoUniversity Leeds South student said: “Without the opportunities IntoUniversity offered me, I wouldn’t have been able to get into medical school. The support that IntoUniversity gave me with applications and personal statements was incredible. I was able to get one-to-one help and I don’t know how I would have done it all by myself.

IntoUniversity introduced me to so many different contacts and volunteers and I can honestly say that I’m no longer worried about applying to anything any more. It might be called IntoUniversity but it is not just about getting you to university;

IntoUniversity has helped me develop skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”

An event to celebrate the belated five-year anniversary, delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was held this month with students and families, community supporters and supporters from the University.

Louise Banahene, Director of Educational Engagement at the University of Leeds, said: “Our partnership with IntoUniversity is integral to our institutional strategic commitments to widening access and contributing to our local communities.

“It is a privilege to support our IntoUniversity centres including volunteering from our staff and students and to learn with the young people and families in Harehills and Beeston.”

Dr Rachel Carr, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of IntoUniversity, said: “IntoUniversity is delighted to be celebrating the belated fiveyear anniversary of IntoUniversity Leeds South. From our local learning centres based at the heart of the communities we serve, we have worked with thousands of talented young people across the city of Leeds, supporting them to realise their ambitions and achieve their educational potential. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with the University of Leeds in the years to come.”

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Manchester Collective x

by Aminah Yasmin

L

ast month the incredibly talented Manchester Collective and Abel Selaocoe came to Slung Low at The Holbeck to perform a concert featuring classical futuristic and African music.

The doors opened at 1pm with activities, including making lanterns, and food for the guests, with every flavour of Fanta!

Manchester Collective were invited by the Imaginative Intelligence Warriors (IIW), the children who organised the event. The IIW are a group of creative pupils from Ingram Road Primary School in Holbeck who for the past year have used their imaginations to work with Slung Low to create family events.

As the chair of the IIW, I lead the monthly meetings which are held in the library at school.

Slung Low makes the agenda based on agreed targets from past events/meetings and I go through the points with the rest of the group. One of our favourite jobs is handing out badges for creativity to adults and pupils who we feel are deserving of them.

At the concert I helped Slung Low set up the decorations and we got to meet the orchestra who were really nice and worked well together as a team to create different atmospheres within the room.

During the show the audience joined in with some of the songs and towards the end people stood up and danced to the music, joined by some of the musicians. We gave badges to the whole orchestra for their creativity, specifically for the freestyling during their first song.

Families in the audience said, “We really loved it. I want them to come back again.”

“It was so cool … I didn’t think we’d hear something like that in Holbeck.”

“I thought it was amazing. I think everyone did amazingly.

And I can’t think of any other adjective than amazing.”

I greatly look forward to the future IIW events planned for both the school and the community which include a kindness festival and something special for the Year Six leavers in the summer. We are excited for welcoming people to our events and hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoy making them.

Middleton Primary’s busy Easter M

iddleton Primary School had an excellent two week Easter school with over 150 pupils attending.

Children took part in a variety of activities – a zoom meeting from an animal sanctuary, active maths, active literacy, gardening, cooking, orienteering, lots of sports and plenty of other fun

activities.

They also had an MAD day (military active day) which the pupils really loved - they all thought they were in the army!

Pupils also visited Middleton Park Baptist church - where they recently contributed to their art exhibition - visiting the church to take part in Easter activities!

The children enjoyed ‘military active day’

The Manchester Collective performing

Leeds Fa birthday

by Hannah Langdan

L

eeds has been a Fairtrade City 18 years this year, and child across the city have been celebrat by designing birthday cards to give Councillors and MPs. Leeds Fairtrade group, w organised the birthday c competition, were impressed by quality of entries from Ireland Wo Primary School, 3rd Rothw Rainbows and Brownies, Kirkstal Stephens, Coop Academy Oakwo Beechwood Primary and Greenmo Primary School.

Five entries were given Hig Commended status and Ima Hussain’s entry (Year 4 pupil Greenmount Primary) was chosen the Winning design, for it’s colou and engaging style.

Being a Fairtrade City means t Leeds City Council passes a resolut to support Fairtrade and scho shops and businesses educate ab Fairtrade and stock Fairtra products.

Over 600 communities across UK have achieved Fairtrade sta since Garstang became the f

May 2022 | South Leeds Life

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School Life 13

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Imaginative Intelligence Warriors Exciting after

school life at Laurence Calvert O

n 30 March, there was a first for South Leeds.

Students from the new Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy in Middleton came to Cockburn School Theatre to perform their variety performance featuring song, dance and drama scenes from Matilda.

Victoria Smith, Head of School said “Our students have worked incredibly hard to prepare for this performance and they were excellent. It was a wonderful evening for everyone involved –

g at The Holbeck. Photos: Gaelle Beri

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who card the ood well l St ood, ount

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Fairtrade Town in the world in 2001.

Mrs Metcalfe, Year 4 teacher at Greenmount Primary said: “It's important for children to learn where their food comes from, to understand the challenges that producers in developing countries face and how Fairtrade helps them to lead better lives.”

Winner Imaan Hussain said “When I found out I'd won I was shocked and excited. You should definitely buy more Fairtrade products to help farmers around the world.”

When you see the Fairtrade mark on any product, you can be sure that the farmers who produced it are guaranteed a fair price for their crop which covers production costs. They also receive a premium that they can invest in projects to benefit their communities, such as education and health care. The farmers earn enough to look after their families properly and plan for the future. The Fairtrade mark can now be found on over 3000 products from more than 200 companies.

To find out more about the work of Fairtrade Leeds and get involved go to www.fairtradeleeds.org.uk Winner Imaan Hussain with the Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Asghar Khan

especially the audience. The future of performing arts is in very good hands and we cannot wait to start work on the next show!”.

Extra-curricular provision at Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy continues to grow from strength to strength with an exciting chess tournament, cooking club, eco club and many more. As well as school run football teams, boys and girls rugby is run by professional coaches to get students match ready for fixtures.

A magical performance at CJCA T

he audience in attendance at Cockburn John Charles Academy were left spellbound and enchanted by a performance of ‘Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic’ that had its premiere on 28 April.

The cast included students from Y7 to Y9 and continues the high quality programme of performances this academic year that has included ‘In The Heights’ and ‘CJCA Shakespeare Festival’.

Mrs Roberts, Head of School, said: “Our students have once again surpassed expectations in delivering a performance that ran the full range of emotions from suspense, comedy and more sensitive and expressive characterisation. We have wealth of talent and creativity at the academy and I am proud to share with our supportive community the outcomes of the high quality extra-curricular provision that is available to all students, in all year groups.”

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14 Comment

In our view Education, education, education Times are tough for young people today. Too many are going to school hungry, cold and tired as we’ve reported over the years. If you believe that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, then schhols are a vital part of that village. So it’s fantastic news that Cockburn School has been graded as Outstanding in its recent Ofsted inspection. That puts it in the top 2% of secondary schools in the country. And it’s not in a leafy suburb, it serves Beeston and Middleton: vibrant, diverse communities, but not without their share of inner city problems.

Cockburn’s achievement is something the whole of South Leeds can be proud of.

Your letters and comments Hunslet Moor School I work at the current Hunslet Moor Primary School and am researching the history of the school. Thanks to the amazing power of social media I have already discovered quite a bit but would love to know more. Did you or any member of your family attend the school, either at it's current site or at Burton Ave? There were a number of local men who served or were killed during the World Wars, are you related to any of these men?

Did any of them attend Hunslet Moor?

Can you help create a timeline of head teachers or tell me anything about the staff you can remember?

The photo is of a piece of stained glass, I believe from the original school on Burton Ave. Do you remember where in the school it was? I know it is the school badge but what is the story behind the glass? Who made it?

History should never be a just a list of dates and events but rather it should be living, breathing memories of real people who lived and experienced life and all its ups and downs. Any information you have, however trivial it might seem to you, will help me paint a picture for our children of living history in Hunslet.

Maria Read

Lane will not be affected.

Surely the conversion of approximately 1.5 hectares (out of a park of over 200 hectares) of a previously exclusive golf course, is a small price to pay when increasing the well-being of local children, who are after all the future of this country.

Peter Nuttall (Chair of Trustees, Cockburn School)

Let’s get walking!

During the pandemic, many of us rediscovered the simple act of walking – the oldest, cheapest and greenest transport there is. Walking kept us connected to ourselves and to others and helped us to stay healthy and happy.

Walking is good for our minds, our bodies, and our cities, towns and villages.

Aire Park But lots of us still struggle with narrow, cluttered, uneven Many of our readers will be pavements; crossings that ambivalent at best about the new Stained glass window from Hunslet Moor Primary School prioritise cars rather than Aire Park taking shape on the ‘South people; and growing numbers of playing field and tennis courts on a part of Bank.’ With heavy industry gone speeding vehicles. the old, private South Leeds Golf Course. from this part of Hunslet, It doesn’t have to be like this. That’s why Some objectors claim that the school redevelopment has been sweeping I support the demands Living Streets has should make greater use of its present through the area for several years. facilities and that if the school had not built made ahead of this year's elections, calling Hunslet memories It’s led by the private sector and they have to sell what they build.

Ernest, this is brilliant stuff: keep it over its original tennis courts, it would not on candidates to pledge to improve our need new ones. Many people are streets for all, cut air pollution and make coming!

Proximity to the city centre is a easier and safer.

Visit doubtless unaware that according to DfE walking selling point, so the marketers focus Charles Nevin guidelines on the size of area per pupil that livingstreets.org.uk/may22 for more info. on that. We don’t need to get Candidates must commit to set Vision As usual Ernest a great read, a true is appropriate to a school site, Cockburn caught up in the names, this Zero targets of significant reductions in school is 65% undersized, and that leads Hunslet Historian. makeover is improving the area and people killed and injured on our roads. We to pressure on space.

Keith Lawrence bringing new folks south of the In the last three years the school has call for commitments on default 20mph river. Aire Park is not the only thing limits in built-up areas, been asked by Leeds City Council to take speed I was born and bred in Hunslet, at 10 being developed on the Tetley on more and more pupils, over and above improvements to our crossings and Larchfield Street, off Hunslet Road.

The brewery site, but it is an important Prince Albert Pub was at the top of the the school’s PAN – that is the official junctions and an increase in the number of piece of green space - it is indeed a street. There were no toilets in the terrace school’s Pupil Admissions Number – to the low traffic neighbourhoods. One person ‘Hunslet Stray.’ houses. You had to go to the Midden Yard number of an extra 60 pupils per annum in killed on our roads is one too many.

It is time we redesigned our streets to the toilet shared by half the street. You each year 7. To accommodate this growth Please use your vote around people, not cars. That way we can in numbers, new classrooms have been kept a pot under your bed overnight. Woe all enjoy the benefits of walking and build There is a lot of cynicism around needed and were indeed built on the betide you if you did more than a pee. politicians these days. But original site of the tennis courts, no other healthier, happier communities.

Ken Ingram site being available. This, not at the behest William Chivers Councillors perform an important of the school, but to help ease pressure on role in our city, making important Cockburn sports pitches numbers in south Leeds and at the request Cranbrook House decisions that affect our lives. We I am writing with reference to Cockburn don’t support any political party, but School's recent planning application (made of the council.

How fascinating to hear about other The site of the playing fields and tennis people’s lives in this area. It adds an extra we do encourage all our readers to on behalf of the school by Leeds City courts does not, and cannot, impact on the dimension to the history of the house next use their vote on 5 May. Council) regarding the building of a new publics’ use of Middleton Park – in fact to Cross Flatts Park. Also interesting to since the closure of hear how railway workers had to live in the golf course and certain ares. its addition to the Eve Tidswell park, public access to Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring the area has been Bowel cancer screening increased. None of Road, Cottingley and Holbeck. The three councillors are: Why are we not being screened after 76 the ancient woodland Gohar Almass 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk years old? Don’t we matter after that? in the park is Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Juliet Hiden affected.

Andrew Scopes 07860 400 645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk The ancient (open We’ve checked and been advised as to question that) path follows: ‘After the age of 74, residents are Hunslet & Riverside ward Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. running along the able to self-refer for a screening. The side of the school is The three councillors are: number to call is: 0800 707 6060.’ very little used, Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Jeremy Morton (Editor) except by the Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk occasional dog Paul Wray 07528 512 649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk walker, so it would be Join the debate interesting to see all Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are: those people who Comment online; object to the path by email: info@southleedslife.com; Sharon Burke 0113 378 8814 sharon.burke@leeds.gov.uk being diverted, or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Kim Groves 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk actually using it. Leeds, LS11 7BW. Paul Truswell 0113 378 8811 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk Access along Gipsy

Your Leeds City Councillors

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@nhsleeds Children aged 5 to 11 are now eligible for the #COVID19 vaccine.

Visit nhs.uk/covidvaccine for more information or to book an appointment. @HunsletRugby Team 1 vs team 2 this morning on the field whilst team 3 and 4 are inside doing their work on healthy eating

@middletonparkfc Well done to our neighbours @HunsletFootball u7’s who won the league cup today, our boys were gutted to be 3rd, but stayed to clap the finalists which made us proud. @FirstWestYorks Did you know you can catch any of our buses for just £1 after 7pm? Wherever you're going in West Yorkshire, get there with our £1 Evening Fare! Find out how: bit.ly/2XOjP5l @HolbeckMoorFC Check this: Honduran goal scorer was magnificent, Italian keeper played a blinder, Portuguese right back did his ankle, Pakistani midfielder was amazing despite having fasted all day! We could go on, but you get the picture #worldeleven #DIVERSE @marshallsmill We’ve had a brilliant amount of donations so far but if you’d like to add an egg to our pile of goodies heading to @LeedsWomensAid, do drop something off

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Comment 15

MP’s notebook with Hilary Benn MP

F

or several years now, the number of people contacting me about housing has been getting bigger and bigger.

They are either desperate to get a council house, are in a private let but can no longer afford the rent, are overcrowded or have been waiting for ages to move.

House prices are high - in parts of the country they are completely unaffordable - and they’ve risen by about 5% in the city compared to a year ago while real wages for many people are falling.

The cost of mortgages is rising as are private rents, and for millions of people society is helping to pay their rent through housing benefit because they simply don’t earn enough to cover it and their other bills. The truth is, we have a serious housing crisis both nationally and in Leeds.

Here’s why we have such a shortage of council houses. In the 1980s Leeds City Council had around 94,000 council properties. Today it is just 54,000. What’s happened?

There has been a big fall in the

number of council houses being built and the sale of council houses means that homes are currently disappearing from the Leeds’ housing stock at the rate of around 600 a year.

Then there’s the fall in turnover. It used to be about 4,000 to 5,000 homes a year properties that became vacant which can then be re-let - but now it has almost halved.

People are finding it harder to move and in uncertain times there’s a lot to be said for the security and reasonable rent that comes with living in a council house.

And finally, there is everrising demand. There are currently 26,500 people on the housing register in Leeds, of whom 6,500 have the highest priority - Band A - which means they urgently need a move.

Since the Council is only building about 200 new properties a year, plus buying some (ironically often former council houses which had been sold on by those who originally bought them), these figures show very clearly why it’s a losing battle.

To put it simply, there is a growing number of people chasing a diminishing number of properties. It is a perfect storm. When some newly built council houses were advertised recently for rent in east Leeds, over 1000 people applied under the choice-based lettings system for just one of them.

Inevitably, people bidding every week are disappointed and they’re having to wait a lot longer to get a move.

Of course, new private houses are being built in the city along with flats to rent many more people are now renting privately - but in the main these have been one- and two-bedroom flats whereas the greatest demand in Leeds is for threeand four-bedroom houses.

So for those who can’t afford either of these options - and that’s becoming even harder with the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills - it is to the Council that they look for help.

What do we need to do about all this? Well the answer is pretty obvious.

First, we need dramatically to increase the number of new

council houses being built. For that to happen, councils need land and sufficient funding from Government.

Second, what should we do about the right to buy? This is a really difficult question of how we balance competing interests as a society. Being able to buy a council house has allowed hundreds of thousands of people to get a foot on the property ladder when otherwise they wouldn’t have had any hope of doing so. That’s why council house sales have been so popular.

But we also have to face the fact that these sales have dramatically reduced the number of council properties available to let to other people who need housing. And quite a few of these properties, having originally been bought by the tenants, have now been sold on to private landlords who are charging higher rents for what

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Council housing in Holbeck were previously council flats and houses. Does this really make sense?

One suggestion is that local councils should be able to decide whether to suspend or restrict in some way council house sales in the light of local circumstances. There was a time when Government said that for each council property sold, another one had to be built - which would at least maintain the stock at its

current level – but it’s never happened.

And thirdly, we need to do something about unaffordable rents and insecurity in the private rented sector.

Home is from where we venture out into the world at the start of the day and return at night. It is the place where we should feel most secure.

And that’s why we need urgently to do something about this crisis.

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

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May 2022 | South Leeds Life

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16 South Leeds Lives

Pathways for positivity with Shannon Humphrey

Spring in your step I

hate to harp on about the lockdown, but do you remember when everyone seemed determined to take their few minutes of fresh air and exercise every-single-day, because the freedoms they’d been used to were gone?

And taking the dog for a walk or going for a run added a bit of normality. People looked forward to the routine and the opportunity to see something other than their four walls, escape home, the kids, the

pressures of working and living at home. For many it became the highlight of the day, a chance to see other people, even if stopping to speak to them would’ve been frowned upon.

Thankfully, out of lockdown, with the worst of it in the rearview mirror. I wonder how many of those people kept up with their daily exercise routine. The reason I ponder, is that my pandemic ‘paunch’ is still with me, the excess weight I gained-

despite my daily walks during lockdown serves as a reminder of long lazy days, laid on the sofa streaming TV series with one hand rummaging around at the bottom of a grab bag of crisps, a glass of something sweet and fizzy in the other.

As I attempt to wriggle into a cute spring dress, without much success, it’s of little comfort to know it’s my own doing, once the lockdown was over, so were my daily walks, my time taken up with work

Photo: Shutterstock

Memories of Hunslet and its Feast

by Earnest Lundy

L

istening to a family member tribute programme on Radio Leeds, a man phoned in about his late wife who was a female wrestler with the surname Farrell.

She wrestled for most of their married life, and it seems she was a wonderful woman, as no doubt she was. But in revealing information about her the name Cyril Knowles came up, as a man who encouraged her to keep wrestling even in her later life.

Now I once knew a man with the same name. He used to be a regular at well known exrugby player, the late Ken Traill’s Prospect (Prossie) pub in Hunslet, where on occasions

actor Richard Harris, Graham Luty, wrestler and of ‘Love Thy Neighbour‘ fame, David Storey, author of ‘This Sporting Life’, Peter O’Toole, actor, Willis Hall and Keith Waterhouse, writers and playwrights, and a host of other notables would indulge in out of hours drinking and socialising.

Now and again, although never a drinking man, I would get an invite from Ken despite having no connection with such celebrities, other than being an old schoolmate of Ken and having won the odd bowling competition in a game he, myself and other old schoolmates began to play in pre-war years on the Hunslet Lake greens across the road.

The Knowles I knew was a small dapper but muscular

kind of man who played cards for high stakes with the rest of those worthies and smoked cigars with the same flamboyant nonchalance of film star Jimmie Cagney. I also knew he was a member of a transport company based in Methley near Leeds.

But was he also a wrestler and the same man who persuaded the lady named Farrell to continue with her wrestling? This might seem to be a load of uninteresting hogwash, but I for one would like to know if there was a family connection.

But before departing to make a bacon sarnie, I have to say that being reminded of boxing and wrestling, takes me back to the time when Hunslet and Holbeck Feasts were

and other things that felt more important than exercise. It seems I’m not alone in carrying excess ‘lockdown luggage’. A nationwide study in 2021 found 40% of adults in the UK had gained weight, half of those more than one stone, with an average of 7lbs.

I overheard a woman joking with friends how she’d gained two stone during lockdown and was struggling to shift it, she was doing her bit by ‘avoiding mirrors’ and wearing leggings … They all laughed and moved onto another topic. I don’t usually eavesdrop, maybe my ears pricked up, probably because it’s a topic close to my stomach, but either way, I could tell by her tone of voice she wasn’t happy.

Chatting with an assistant at one of the big outlets, he got on to the topic of weight and exercise, having gained three and a half stone over lockdown he’d managed to lose two of those by altering his eating habits and changing jobs to something less sedentary. His mood, outlook, and general demeanour had improved, he was much happier and feeling positive about the changes. He was beaming actually; his enthusiasm and passion was inspiring.

There’s a strong link between what we eat, how we move our body and how we feel internally as well as the way we occasions of note, with rides, stalls and sideshows that sprung up like magic on the two moors; after the magnificent Fowler steam tractors with exotic names, arrived pulling their heavy loads.

Like the rest of the youngsters I was always fascinated by the booth of Professor Boscoe, and often stood in the crowd outside, while his wrestlers and boxers on the stage flexed their muscles, as he invited all comers to last a round or two for 10/-. Of course few did.

But one of his methods leading to the offer was to ask for any youngster to go on stage, hold out a hand on which he placed a potato, before he brought down a sword and sliced through it to the amazement of those watching. One day he had no takers, but after being offered free entry to the show the offer proved too good to resist, and up I went swallowing my reservations and martyred

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look externally.

Eating certain foods (and avoiding others) has been shown to slow brain aging by 71⁄2 years and lessen the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease and type 2 Diabetes. A nutrient rich diet is better for brain function, cognition, and concentration. It leads to less fluctuation in mood and energy levels.

Exercise improves mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and low mood. It improves self-esteem and cognitive function.

There are significant reasons to take charge of what we eat, and the amounts of it. But what if you’ve let things slide? You’re not exercising, and food has become more of a convenience than a nutrient rich meal?

It can be a vicious cycle, you want to improve your diet and fitness levels, but you don’t feel as though you have the mental energy to start…

Here are some super simple ideas to get back on track 1 Prepare a shopping list of meals for the week ahead. It will be cheaper to buy in bulk and there’s generally less waste if you batch cook and freeze the surplus meals. The bonus is that you will have a healthy meal in the freezer waiting if you don’t want to cook 2 Bulk meals with more leafy greens, vegetables, and fruit. To keep the cost down, try tinned and frozen foods which are full of nutrients.

3 Put a date and time in the diary for exercise. Make it feel as important to you, as if it were a real appointment 4 Connect with a friend who might enjoy meeting up with

you to go for a walk, bike ride, game of tennis. It’s a good free way to spend time together 5 Drink more water- if you don’t like the taste add a sugar free cordial. Water is good for mind and body. Keeping hydrated is vital for cognitive and physical function 6 Download the free NHS Weight Loss Plan to help you start healthier eating habits, be more active, and start feeling better. Even if the goal isn’t to lose weight, the app has a selection of recipes and easy to follow health tips 7 Be kind to yourself, take things at your own pace.

Making slight changes to your diet and exercise routine will soon add up 8 8. Take a photograph of yourself once a week in the same outfit to track changes in your physical appearance 9 Keep a diary to track how you feel, hopefully you will notice an increase in your mood and self-esteem as you begin to get fitter and healthier which will motivate you to keep going 10 Visit your GP if you feel worried or concerned about significant weight gain or weight loss We’re lucky enough to have wonderful parks, woodlands, tennis courts and exercise equipment in South Leeds that we can enjoy for free, now the longer brighter evenings are here I’m going to make the most of them and put that spring back in my step, hope you are too.

Shannon Humphrey is a First Aid for Mental Health Instructor Youth and Adult, for more information visit www. pathwaysforpositivity.com

myself to the cause. For the duration of the feast I became a regular part of the show, and even mildly famous for my bravery in so doing. Of course there was no risk; although how he did it still remains a mystery.

The Professor’s Booths were never so busy as at weekend evenings, when pubs and clubs began to empty, and those in beer thought to take on

wrestlers such as Mario Majisti, Reg Clay (who was also a bowls player at Burley park), Battling Stanley and others with intimidating names for the ten shilling prize, a fair sum in those days. Rugby player Pete Anson, a hard man, once tried and lost.

But you see what a casual mention of a name can do to revive memories of the old days?

Hunslet Feast in 1905 © Leeds Library & Information Service via leodis.net

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South Leeds Lives 17

Local history with Ken Burton

The First Baron Airedale of Gledhow

James Kitson Junior, Baron Airedale

F

ollowing last month’s article Model of Self-Help on the start of Kitson & Company I thought I would follow up with the younger James Kitson.

James Kitson (Junior) was born on 22 September 1835.

He was the second son of James Kitson and his wife Ann (nee Newton) and was christened at St Peter's Church.

James (Junior) was educated at Wakefield Preparatory School and at University College, London, where he studied chemistry and natural science until he was 19 years old.

In 1854 his father had purchased the Monkbridge Ironworks to supply the Airedale Foundry, Hunslet, and other engineering works with sound Yorkshire iron. He placed his eldest son, Frederick William in charge and James (Junior) as his second. in 1877 when his brother died James assumed full charge of the Ironworks as well as assisting his father at the Hunslet works.

In 1861 James was living at 1 Hanover Square and newly married. James and Emily had been married about six months

by License at a Unitarian

May 2022 | South Leeds Life

Ceremony on 20 September 1860 at Mill Hill Chapel. James was 24 and like his father an ironmaster living at home in Little Woodhouse, Leeds.

Emily Christiana was 23 and from Western Flatts, Wortley, the daughter of Joseph Cliff, Fire Brick Maker and Magistrate.

Within ten years of their marriage James, Emily, and their family of three had moved from Hanover Square to Spring Bank House, 22 Otley Road, Headingley. While living here Emily gave birth to another two children.

However, tragedy struck, for on 6 October 1873 Emily died aged 36 at Spring Bank House and in what had almost become a family custom Grovsner Talbot of Southfield, Burley was in attendance. The funeral took place on 9 October at the Kitson family church, St John's, Roundhay. A plaque was placed on the wall of the church and recorded as W26 a large imposing monument commemorates Emily together with her husband.

In 1881 James was still a widower living at 49 Headingley Lane but like his father he married again, and by License.

He married his second wife, Mary Laura Smith, in her home town of Dudley in the Parish Church on 1 June 1881.

Mary was 20 years his junior.

She was the daughter of Edward Fisher Smith, Gentleman. Mary was born about 1857 to Edward and Mary Smith (nee Roberts) and lived at the Priory, 90 Trindle

Road, Dudley. The year 1871 saw Mary at a girls boarding school at 26 & 27 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham run by a Miss Eliza J Parkinson.

Just before her marriage she visited a banker’s house at Homesleigh, Rotten Row, Lewes. James and Mary had two children, a boy and a girl in their marriage. The family moved once again, this time to Gledhow Hall, Chapel Allerton, a move which confirmed Kitson's status as one of the leading families of Leeds.

Being a successful Ironmaster, James quickly attained eminence in the world of industry, he was an original member of the Iron & Steel Institute becoming its President in 1889-91 and was awarded the Bessemer Gold Medal in May 1903.

In 1859 he became a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in December 1876 serving on its Council from 1899 to 1901, he was also the President of the Iron Trade Association.

Other business interests included chairmanships of the Yorkshire Banking Company, the London and Northern Steamship Company, and the Baku Russian Petroleum

Gledhow Hall

Company, and directorships of the London City and Midland Bank and the North Eastern Railway Company.

Kitson had been a member of the Mill Hill Unitarian Chapel since childhood, and was devoted to the Unitarians for the rest of his life. A memorial window to him was unveiled there in 1916.

His interests included social and educational work, and at an early age he became prominent in the mechanics' institute movement, helping to establish a branch in Holbeck of which he became a Trustee, and acted as secretary of the Yorkshire Union of Mechanics' Institutes for seven years. He was also connected and acted as Secretary to the Leeds Branch with the National Education League.

A warm supporter of the Liberal Party, he first became prominent as a politician at the time of the 1870 Education Act. After unsuccessfully contesting Central Leeds in 1886, the same year he became a Baronet, he represented the Colne Valley division of the West Riding from 1892 to 1907. He was made a Privy Councillor on 30 June 1906 and created Baron Airedale of Gledhow on 17 July 1907.

Kitson was involved in

launching a self-help model dwelling scheme in 1862, designed to enable working men to buy houses on easy terms, though run as a business rather than a charity.

He was also a governor of the Leeds General Infirmary and contributed to organisations involved in treating tuberculosis and in training nurses.

He supported the Yorkshire College, later the University of Leeds, from its inception in the 1870s. He was active in promoting Old Age Pensions and was elected President of the National Old Age Pensions League at its inauguration on 24 October 1894.

All this good work ceased on 16 March 1911 when James Kitson, Baron Airedale of Gledhow died after suffering a heart attack in Paris at his hotel, he was returning home by train from the South of France. It is recorded that on hearing the news in Leeds the Town Hall bell was tolled. His funeral service was held at Mill Hill Chapel on 22 March before his body was taken to Roundhay Church for burial.

Whether he had outlived his wife Mary is not known. His Baronetcy didn't end until 1996 when the last surviving Kitson died without heirs because he never married.

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18 What’s On IN BRIEF Tetley’s Heritage Weekend and Makers Market Join The Tetley, Hunslet’s own art gallery, for a weekend of art, food, live music and history as they celebrate 200 years of Tetley. There will be a range of fantastic independent artists and makers to shop from, family activities and great food and drink.

They will also be celebrating the building’s anniversary with a range of events across the weekend commemorating their Leeds heritage, from brewery to gallery.

You can also get hands-on with old Tetley Brewery artefacts and hear stories from Victorian-era local newspaper articles about the brewery, all whilst enjoying a flight of Tetley’s beer or a pint of cask ale you will be able to pull yourself with Leeds Beer Tours.

It all takes place on Saturday 30 April, 10am-5pm and Sunday 1 May, 10am-4pm. Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ

Remember Together Age UK Leeds Remember Together group sessions are designed to help with memory, mental activity and socialising for people aged 50 and over with mild to moderate memory problems or dementia.

The sessions involve a range of fun and interactive activities such as games, music, art, cooking and exercise classes.

The groups take place every Wednesday morning at the Young Dementia Leeds Hub in Cottingley.

To sign up, make a referral or find out more, please contact 07983 215865 or email mcst@ageukleeds.org.uk

Resonance Multicultural Concert Middleton Park Baptist Church are hosting a concert of music and songs from all over the world. The Resonance Multicultural Concert takes place on Sunday 29 May at 6pm. The church is located on Middleton Park Avenue, opposite Middleton Primary School, LS10 4HT.

Fridays breakfasts are back at BITMO Back with a banger! Breakfasts and hot sandwiches are back at BITMOs GATE in Belle Isle every Friday. Food is served 10am – 11.30am, cooked by our food safety trained volunteers. There’s no charge but please donate what you can.

The centre is now open Monday to Friday offering computer classes; access to computers and a Digital Dilema drop in to help you get the most from your phone, tablet or laptop. There are also advice sessions; knit and natter; guitar lessons; walking group; and a monthly Cinema Club for families starting on 20 May. Find all the deatails at: fb.com/belleisletmo

Holbeck Together invite you to their right royal garden party H

olbeck Together have a packed programme of weekly and one-off events coming up over May and June.

Save the date for a very special Platinum Jubilee Tea at St Matthew’s on 1 June from 1pm-3pm. Booking essential so contact the office on (0113) 245 5553 if you would like to attend this free event.

Alongside this their programme of weekly activities continues with shopping trips, parent and tots afternoons and various lunch clubs taking place. From River Cruises to digital workshops, table tennis to line dancing there is

something happening every day at St Matthew’s. Drop into their office to pick up a newsletter with a list of activities or follow them on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) for updates and news about activities.

Also don’t forget you can pop down to the Mobile Community Hub advice bus every Tuesday or Thursday if you have anything Council related you want to discuss. The wonderful Story Bus is parked up every Thursday morning from 1011.30am as well for you to pop by with your little ones for free fun activities and storytime.

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What’s On 19

Explore, learn Friends of Middleton Park announce Summer Programme and create at T Be Curious 2022 he Friends of Middleton Park (FOMP) are back with a packed programme of events and activities for summer 2022.

Summer in the park kicks off with the fantastic display of bluebells in Middleton Woods.

The Friends are teaming up again with Middleton Railway to organise walks from the top station, Park Halt, over the May Day bank holiday weekend.

Guides will meet the 11:20am; 12:40pm; and 2:20pm trains on both Sunday 2 and Monday 3 May. Enjoy a guided stroll to the Park Visitor Centre and Cafe, through the splendour that is the carpet of Bluebells in Middleton woods.

The walk will take aproximately 40 mins, and is up and down hill and could be on unsurfaced paths.

On Sunday 22 May a guided walk will explore the park’s mining history. In the 18th Century Middleton Colliery was the main supplier of coal to Leeds, and Middleton Railway was built to supply that coal.

The walk will take in some of the remains of the mining from that era in the park. 1:303:30pm from the Visitor Centre The first bandstand concert of the summer takes place on Oak Apple Day, Sunday 29 May, 2-4pm when you can enjoy the Hands Across Ceildh Band.

B

Enjoy a guided walk to see the Bluebells in Middleton Woods Free children’s play sessions take place in half term on Tuesday 31 May and Wednesday 1 June, 1-3pm.

June will also see a celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Sunday 5 June, 12-4:30pm. Bring your picnic and teddy bear, or enjoy food from the Cafe.

Games, crafts, face painting, plus dance from the Balbar Singh Dance Company, performing and encouraging us

to join in.

Followed at 2:30 p.m. by the Corpus Christi Brass Band band sponsored local Cllrs Sharon Blake and Paul Truswell.

July brings what is the highlight for many residents Shakespeare in the park.

Oddsocks Theatre bring a free performance of ‘Hamlet - the Comedy’ on Saturday 2 July from 7pm.

Oddsocks are a regular

What’s going on at your local library?

I

t’s not just books! There is a network of integrated Community Hubs & Libraries offering a huge range of Council services in South Leeds.

Hubs are located at Town Street and Dewsbury Road in Beeston, Church Street, Hunslet, St George’s Centre in Middleton and the mobile Hub

visits Holbeck (outside St Matthew’s community centre) twice a week.

All the Hubs offer: • Library services • Free computer, internet and wi-fi • Free digital support • Employment support • Help and advice with all Council services including

Beeston Community Hub has recently been refurbished

feature of the summer programme, delivering the Bard’s great works in a familyfriendly pantomime style, while staying true to the play.

Walks, concerts and other activities continue through the summer culminating in the Great Middleton Park Show on Sunday 11 September from 14pm. There will be music, food, animals, stalls and of course the flower and produce competition. working and looking for more hours or another job; on a zero hours contract; claiming benefits; or not claiming any benefits.

If you are thinking of starting your own business a new course is starting on Tuesday 3 May at Dewsbury Road. Run by the library’s Business and Intellectual Property Centre, the six workshops are for people who have a pre-start up or fledgling business under 3 years. You can find booking details via social media.

Dewsbury Road is also now hosting advice sessions run by Citizens Advice Bureau every Friday morning.

Dewsbury Road, Hunslet and St George’s Community Hubs and Libraries provided a

e Curious, the University of Leeds’s annual research event, is back on campus for the first time since going virtual in 2020.

On Saturday 7 May, 10am4pm, the University will be open to the public for a day of free, fun family-friendly activities.

From crafting a community blanket to taking part in a chocolate trail, there will be over 35 interactive stalls and activities to get involved in.

New for 2022 is the Be Curious Tinker Space, which encourages families to spend time getting back to all things hands-on.

This year, Be Curious is excited to welcome Opera North, the Thackray Museum of Medicine and Unlimited Theatre for a series of exciting performances, workshops and tours, along with the M&S Archive which will be open for additional family fun all day.

In addition to the live events, explore two minute wow demonstrations, experiments, demos and explainer videos via

the Be Curious website.

Dr Alexa Ruppertsberg, Head of Public Engagement with Research, said: “We have loved bringing Be Curious into everyone’s homes over the past two years, but we can’t wait to bring everyone together on campus again with Be Curious 2022.

“With 35 activities to choose from, this is a great opportunity to get hands-on and find out more about what really goes on inside a university. You might even get to meet a real-life robot!”

The programme is split into six themes: • Caring for health • Enabling sustainable lives • Inspired innovation and discovery • Supporting society • Tinker Space • Performance, workshops, tours and more There is no need to book and all activities are free. The full line-up of events can be found on the Be Curious website at: www.leeds.ac.uk/becurious

Council Tax, Housing Leeds, Leeds Benefit Services, The University’s research event is for all the family Welfare Rights, Money Advice, Hate Crime reporting, hire a community space, Registrars Healthy Holidays scheme over healthy warm meal at Of course you can still borrow the Easter Holidays. Many lunchtime. Plans are underway books from the library too. If Children from the South area of for the long summer scheme. you’re online it’s as easy to Leeds attended and enjoyed a There are many other order that new book you want number of fun activities such activities taking place at the to read from the library as it is as Planet Ice, Multi Sports, Hubs: family film shows, to buy it – and it’s free.

Drawing Workshops, Story women’s groups, crafting, table Leeds Credit Union also has Trails and Gardening. tennis, book clubs and many branches at Middleton St They enjoyed an energy more. Keep up to date by George’s and Dewsbury Road boosting start to the day with following them on Facebook Hubs. fruit, yoghurt and juice, and a and Twitter.

If you are looking for work Community Hub & Library opening times there are Jobshop teams at Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Dewsbury Road, 9am-5pm 10am-5pm 9am-7pm 9am-5pm 9am-5pm 10am-4pm Hunslet and St Beeston George’s Hubs.

Dewsbury Road 9am-7pm 10am-7pm 9am-7pm 9am-7pm 9am-4pm 10am-4pm They can support anyone looking Holbeck 10am-3:30pm 9am-3:30pm for work whether 9am-5pm 10am-5pm 9am-7pm 9am-5pm 9am-5pm 10am-4pm you are Hunslet unemployed; St George's 9am-5pm 10am-5pm 9am-7pm 9am-5pm 9am-5pm 10am-4pm

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South Leeds Life | May 2022

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20 What’s On

What’s On

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

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 May 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, 30 May - 3 June 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 Over 65s Group @ Hunslet RLFC 9:45-11:45am Phoennix Bar, South Leeds Stadium 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 MHA Soup & a Sandwich and Digital Health Hub 11:30am-1pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston 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 Gentle Exercise 12:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 Reiki 1:45pm &3:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Book: 07305 167629 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 & 7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Kickboxing 6:30-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Youth Community Cafe 6:30-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Be Creative 7-8:30pm over Zoom.

Book: fb.com/YourSpaceLeeds Mediatation for Beginners 7-8pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing

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 Active Tots 9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 Grandparents Kinship Support Group 10am-12pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Bosom Buddies breastfeeding support 10am-12pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Book: (0113) 270 6903 Woodwork 10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle MHA Exercise Class 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 Affordable Breakfast 10:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Belle Isle and Middleton Craft & Chat 10:30am-12:30pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Zumba / Pilates 11am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Job Search Club 11am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston 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 Arthington Court, Balm Road, Hunslet Lunch Club and Social 12-3pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Bingo 12pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 1:30-3pm 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 Free Kids Sports 3:30-4:30pm Grove Field, off Church Street, Hunslet 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 Cockburn Community Choir 5-6pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Free Kids Sports 5-6pm West Grange Courts, between the corner of West Grange Road-Winrose Crescent and Jenkinson Place, Belle Isle DAZL Dance 5:30-6:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Dance Fitness (14+) 6-7pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road Book: 07519 018675 Outdoor Yoga 6pm Top of Cross Flatts Park Book: 07576 113269 Inside Out exercise class 6-7pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton 51st Leeds (Hunslet) Guides 6:15-7:15pm Rainbows; 6:157:30pm Brownies; 7:15-8:30pm Guides St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, Church Street, Hunslet Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 6:30-8:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Old Elland Road. Book: richard.foye@leedsunited.com NK9 Dog Training 6:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace Book: 07856 229909 South Leeds Lakers Running Club 6:55pm Beeston Village Community Centre. Book: bit.ly/LakersRunning Yoga 7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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, Belle Isle 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, Belle Isle Remember Together Group Young Dementia Leeds Hub, Cottingley Book: 07983 215865 email mcst@ageukleeds.org.uk Beeston In Bloom Gardening Group 10am-12pm Millennium Garden, Cross Flatts Park Confidence Building course 10:30am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Singing 11am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 Parents & Tots Social 1:30-2:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Walk and Talk 2-3pm meet at Middleton Park main gates on Town Street Tai Chi 2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 Family Cooking 4pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Women’s Wellbeing Group 4:30-6pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library 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, Belle Isle Holbeck Chat & Chill 6-7:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Touch & Pass Rugby for over 40s 6:30-7:30pm Hunslet Warriors Holbeck Moor FC: Inclusive adult football training 6:30pm Holbeck Moor Line Dancing 6:45-9pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Yoga 7-8pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Book: 07576 113269 SO! Choir 7:30-9:30pm The Tetley art gallery, Hunslet Road

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 Computer class / ESOL 2/3 class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Affordable Breakfast 9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 Library Story Bus 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Walk in Cross Flatts Park Meet 10am Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Woodwork / Knit & Natter / Beauty Treatments 10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Holbeck Together Community Cafe / Community Supermarket 10:30am-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Craft Group / Digital Inclusion 10:30am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus

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Inclusive dance 11am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Walking Football 11am-12pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Hunslet TARA Estate Walkabout 11am meet Best One shop, Rocheford Walk CV Writing 11am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Line Dancing 11:30am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road 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 Tea Dance 1pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Draw with Celia 1-3pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Be Friends Group 1-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Online help class 1:30-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Conversation Club for asylum seekers and refugees 1:30-3:30pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn 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 1:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Illuminate Dance 4pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Elevate Women’s Wellbeing Group 4-5:30pm over Zoom.

Book: fb.com/YourSpaceLeeds Women’s Chat & Chill Evening 4:30-6pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle 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 6:30pm St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07512 393228

Road, Belle Isle Affordable Breakfast 9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle ESOL 2/3 class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Toast & Games, Knit & Natter 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 Julie’s Ancestry Group 10am-12pm and 1-2:45pm 26 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 Green Team Volunteers 10am-3pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Digital Hub IT Support 10-12pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Arts & Crafts 11am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road MHA Lunch Club 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 1:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 Table Tennis 4:45-5:25pm (7-11yrs) 5:306:15pm (12-15yrs) St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck DAZL Youth Club 5-7pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road Illuminate Dance 5pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle South Leeds Lakers Juniors (Athletics) 6-7pm South Leeds Stadium Book: fb.com/juniorlakersleeds

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 Food Bank 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall

May 2022 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 21 1st SLAM Cubs (8-10½ yrs) 6:15-7:45pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston 5th Middleton Guides & Rangers 7:30-9pm South Leeds URC Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle 1st SLAM Scouts (10½-14 yrs) 8-9:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston

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 Saturday Breakfast 9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Park Roll rollerskating 10am-12pm Sports Courts, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Book: ls-ten.org Middleton Railway 10am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet ParkPlay 10:30am Brickfield Park, Lady Pit Lane, Beeston Yoga 12-1pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Book: 07576 113269 Bingo 12-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Youth Club 7-9pm LS-TEN Skatepark, Kitson Road, Hunslet

Every Sunday Junior parkrun (4-14 yrs) 9am Top of Cross Flatts Park Recovery Runners 10am The Glass Box, Leeds Dock Indoor Children’s Exercise 10am-12pm Hillside, Beeston Rd Healthy Minds Cycling Skills 10-11am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Middleton Railway 10am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Hunslet TARA Litterpick 12pm meet Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Big Bike Fix drop in workshop 12-4pm Harlech Avenue, Beeston Toning & Stretching with Julie 6:30-7:30pm DAZL HQ, Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road.

Book: 07783 786776 Saturday 30 April Cross Flatts Craft Market 9:30am-2pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Tetley Makers Market 10am-5pm The Tetley art gallery, Hunslet Road Family Lego Club 10-11am The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn School Uniform Swap Shop 11am-1pm Bridge Cafe, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Energy Saving Advice 11am-1pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street Sunday 1 May Tetley Makers Market 10am-4pm The Tetley art gallery, Hunslet Road Bluebell Walks 11:20am; 12:40pm; 2:20pm from Park Halt station, Middleton Park Monday 2 May Bluebell Walks 11:20am; 12:40pm; 2:20pm from Park Halt station, Middleton Park Wednesday 4 May MHA Walking Group Book: (0113) 271 6201

Leeds Irish Health Group 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street MHA Pot of Tea Dementia Cafe 1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston 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 5 May 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 Friday 6 May Gong Healing Sound Bath 7pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Saturday 7 May 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 Saturday Family Film Club 11am-1pm St George’s Middleton Community Hub & Library Hunslet TARA Information Desk 11am Church Street Get Involved In Growing 11am-1pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Sunday 8 May Leeds Dads Soft Play 10am-12pm Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Refinery, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Book: leedsdads.org/events Mindfulness Mini Retreat 2-5pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Hunslet RLFC v Cornwall 3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Monday 9 May Middleton Community Group 6-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Drumming Circle 7:30-9pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Tuesday 10 May Hunslet TARA Litterpick 10am meet Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Hunslet TARA Coffee & PCSOs 10am Hunslet Community Hub and Library, Church Street Hearing Aid Clinic 10am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050 Wednesday 11 May Meet your PCSOs 10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub and Library MHA Kurling 10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston MEA Film Club - Viva Las Vegas 1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road MHA Singing Sensations 1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston MEA Pie & Peas evening 5-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road White Rose Speakers 7pm Jury’s Inn hotel, Brewery Wharf

Saturday 14 May Table Top Sale 9am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston School Uniform Swap Shop 11am-1pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Jeremiah 7:30pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Sunday 15 May Hunslet RLFC v Swinton 3:00pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove The Honeybirds 3:00pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Tuesday 17 May Youth Club Open Evening 6-9pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Wednesday 18 May Leeds Irish Health Group 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Police Contact Point Holbeck 10:30am-12pm Top Moor Side Thursday 19 May Leeds Baby Bank 10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Potatohead 7:30pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Friday 20 May Family Cinema Club 4:30pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Saturday 21 May Coffee morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet TARA Information Desk 11am Church Street Sunday 22 May Holbeck Together Sunday Lunch 12-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Book: 0113 245 5553 Middleton Park Mining Walk 1:30-3pm meet Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Leeds Dads meet up 2-4pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: leedsdads.org/events Tuesday 24 May Hunslet TARA Litterpick 10am meet Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Wednesday 25 May MHA Kurling 10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston MEA Pie & Peas evening 5-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Drink & Draw 6:30-8pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Book: thetetley.org/whats-on Friday 27 May Beeston & Holbeck Councillors’ Surgeries 4pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street, Beeston 5pm St Matthew’s Community

Centre, Holbeck 6pm Cottingley Community Centre Saturday 28 May School Uniform Swap Shop 11am-1pm Bridge Cafe, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Hunslet & Riverside Councillors’ Surgeries 10am Hunslet Hub & Library 11am Dewsbury Rd Hub & Library 12pm The Hunslet Club 1pm Hamara Centre 2pm Lock Keeper’s House 3pm Middleton Railway 4pm Woodhouse Hill Com Centre 6pm Facebook Live: fb.com/PaulWrayUK Sunday 29 May Oak Apple Day with Ceilidh band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Resonance Multicultural Concert 6pm Middleton Park Baptist Church, Middleton Park Avenue Monday 30 May Men’s Corner 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Tuesday 31 May Mostly Men 9:30am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Hunslet TARA Coffee & PCSOs 10am Hunslet Community Hub and Library, Church Street Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 1 June Middleton Railway 10am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Julbilee Afternoon Tea 1-3pm MHA South Leeds, St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Book: (0113) 271 6201 Jubilee Party Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050 Saturday 4 June 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 Saturday Family Film Club 11am-1pm St George’s Middleton Community Hub & Library Hunslet TARA Information Desk 11am Church Street Sunday 5 June Platinum Jubilee Extravaganza 12-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street

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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22 Sporting Life

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Under 7s shine at camp and in the stadium H

unslet Rugby Foundation’s development team, which added Tyler Finister to its roster at the beginning of the month, has now recruited Lee Robinson to increasingly active group headed by manager Mikey Nuttall.

Robinson, who coaches Hunslet Warriors Under 7s and Under 11s, is taking the lead at junior festival curtain-raisers to Hunslet Rugby League club's Betfred League 1 fixtures at the South Leeds Stadium this year - an initiative which was launched successfully at the Parksiders’ Good Friday game with Keighley Cougars, when Under 7s teams from Drighlington, Hunslet Warriors, Sharlston Rovers and Whinmoor Warriors took part.

The players formed a guard of honour as Hunslet and Keighley emerged from the changing rooms, and several

acted as ball-boys during the match itself, which was graced, after a six-year hiatus, by the legendary mascot Harry the Hawk.

Nuttall is overseeing the administration of each event.

The Hunslet Foundation, meanwhile, operated an Easter Camp at Beeston Broncos, which was funded by the Luke Gale ‘Kicking for Grassroots’ project. Much of the focus of the camp was healthy eating, in addition to physical activity, and 30 children – the maximum allowed – attended, all of whom were given medals and t-shirts.

Similar camps will take place during the summer holidays and at Christmas.

Meanwhile, Nuttall and Finister were at Hunslet Warriors last Tuesday, helping coach the under 7s and, once again, handing out tops.

Junior players line up with Elle Anderson, Mikey Nuttall, Tyler Finister and Luke Gale at his Kicking for Grassroots event

Under 7s teams parade in front of the Geoff Gunney stand on Good Friday

John Charles gym facilities set for upgrade

Photo: Google Streetview

£

117,198.41 has been approved to refurbish the gym area and buy new gym equipment at South Leeds Stadium, within the John Charles Centre for Sport.

The gym will have a new layout with new flooring, decorations and branding throughout to “improve the offer and experience for customers” according to a report published this week.

Active Leeds aim to attract an additional 200 members a year

to the gym.

The current equipment is 12 years old and “does not fit with current trends in the industry”.

Leeds City Council has been replacing gym equipment at its centres across the city and John Charles is one of the last gyms to be upgraded.

Active Leeds lost 20% of members during the pandemic and although members are coming back, it remains 10% below pre-pandemic levels. The report states that the

refurbishment is necessary to support membership growth.

Consultation will be undertaken with existing members about the equipment to be purchased and the layout.

The work is set to start this month and take 3-4 weeks to complete. Members will be encouraged to use the gym facilities at Middleton Leisure Centre, which opened in September 2020, during the works.

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Sporting Life 23

Middleton win the cup Hunslet Club U14s win league ‘For Imran’

by Samantha Bailey

T

he Hunslet Club’s Under 14s Football team have definitely been putting in the work this season, and it has paid off massively.

On Sunday 10 April, they won the league in their final game of the season against Chapeltown. Their motivation was like never before, as they wanted to work as hard as possible to make this season the most memorable yet in honour of their coach, Imran Huq who sadly passed away in

November last year.

Imran, was a great role model and incredibly important member of The Hunslet Club.

He made a great and positive impact on the lives of the young people he coached, evident in how they have responded to matches and training this season; with the upmost of effort. They went through this season with one main motive, stating: “We want to win this for Imran” Their current coach, Matt, took the team on at the end of

last year to ensure they could reach their full potential and make their supporters proud after a difficult start to the season. He stated: “I’d like to thank them for accepting me into the group and thanks to the parents for their support throughout.”

The lads were able to pull together and achieve their goals despite the hardships of the season and they showed great strength putting in the extra effort to ensure they were always playing to the best of their ability.

Leeds & District Senior Challenge Cup winners Middleton FC

by Alan Jenkins

M

iddleton were crowned champions of the Leeds & District Senior Challenge Cup after beating local rivals Hunslet Club 2-1 on Wednesday 20 April at Farsley Celtic’s Citadel Stadium.

The mouth watering final was set up after Middleton defeated Wortley 3-1 and Hunslet beat Beeston St Anthony’s 2-0 in the semi finals.

A decent crowd saw Middleton take the lead from

the penalty spot after a handball in the box. James Law calmly slotted home to see his side 1-0 up. Chances for both sides could of added to the score, but neither side were able to take them and Middleton led 1-0 at half time.

A minute into the second half Hunslet found the equaliser through a Middleton own goal.

Scrappy defending from a Hunslet corner found the ball being bundled into the back of the net to even the tie up.

It was end to end for the

majority of the half and both sides had some brilliant chances to get themselves in front if it wasn’t for some heroic Goalkeeping from both teams.

The game seemed to be heading to penalties but a late attack for Middleton in the 89th minute saw Richard Collier dribble through the Hunslet defence to get the ball away to Callum Harrison who fired the winner home from close range much to the delight of Middleton.

Excitement and disappointment at Hunslet Continued from page 24 Playing a lot of the game without a full complement of players (two sin-bins and a sending off) was always going to be tough against a team containing players of the calibre of Rangi Chase and Fuifui Moimoi.

Still missing Captain Duane Straugheir, out for a month after a hernia operation, and influential half-back David Gibbons, the Parksiders started quite well. A Sanderson penalty and a try from Harvey Hallas put them 0-8 up after 12 minutes.

The game was a see-saw match with both teams looking good in attack, but poor at line defence. Then with the score at 16-14 Ethan O’Hanlon was sinbinned 9 minutes before the break.

Rochadale took advantage scoring twice and going in 26-14 at the break.

With things going against them in the second half Jimmy Watson was sin-binned and then Kiedan Hartley sent off with the score at 36-14.

The truth was Rochdale were faster and stronger round the ruck and Hunslet were on the

back foot from the quarter mark on. This was partly due to them playing large parts of the game with 12 men. Final score: 44-20.

And then on Good Friday Hunslet came within 13 seconds of beating joint League 1 favourites and big spenders Keighley Cougars in a thrilling encounter at the South Leeds Stadium under the floodlights.

Trailing 16-14 in added time Keighley gave the ball some flight and threw caution to the wind to try and find a last gasp winner. A few Hail Mary passes got them free down the left hand side but Hunslet had it covered. They then shipped it quickly to the right, but it took a questionable ball to former Hunslet man Mo Agoro who sprinted under the posts virtually as the hooter sounded.

It was tough on Hunslet who, because of injury, had taken on four loan players and were trying a new halfback partnership in Sanderson and Paga. The Parksiders looked dejected at the end to not get something from a game in which they deserved much

more.

The game started with the visitors on the front foot, but Hunslet’s line defence was much better than the last outing at Rochdale and gradually Hunslet’s forwards started to win the arm wrestle.

Joe Sanderson edged Hunslet in front after Keighley were ruled offside, before on 15 minutes the impressive

League winners: The Hunslet Club Under 14s football team Harvey Hallas powered over after Keighley had spilt a Jordan Paga bomb. Sanderson converted and Hunslet led 8-0.

The Cougars have spent big this season in the hope of a promotion push and were always going to hit back. Sure enough Bradley Ho stretched over followed by Charlie Graham. A Joe Sanderson penalty in added time squared things up making it 10-10 at the interval.

Battling against Oldham. Photo: Stephen Gaunt Touchlinepics.com

The second period started with Keighley going for the kill, but it wasn’t until the hour mark that the deadlock was broken. Jack Miller spun out of a tackle to touch down and give the visitors a 10-14 lead, but missing his conversion it was still all to play for.

Ten minutes later and Hunslet loaded the right hand side. Jordan Paga put in a neat little kick that looked to be going dead before Man of the

Match Wayne Reittie pounced to score. Unfortunately Joe Sanderson’s conversion missed and we were level again at 14-14.

It was now drop-goal territory and both teams had chances, but when Ethan O’Hanlon had the ball ripped in a tackle Joe Sanderson gladly took the 2 points to give Hunslet a 16-14 lead on the 80th minute.

Although Keighley regained the ball from the kick off it looked like Hunslet’s day as a chip and chase kick went too far and rolled dead. But the added minutes just gave enough time for Keighley to add a crazy ending to a fantastic match.

Hunslet will be disappointed to take only 1 point from the last 3 matches against their promotion rivals, but in truth they could easily have taken 4 points. Fine margins that as this team gels and finds it’s feet should be reversed as the season progresses.

Next, Hunslet visit Midlands Hurricanes on 1 May before hosting new club Cornwall at South Leeds Stadium on 8 May and Swinton Lions on 15 May. You can read full match reports at southleedslife.com

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Excitement and disappointment at Hunslet

Wayne Rettie grounds a Jordan Paga grubber kick, but but it’s not enough to beat Keighley. Photo: Paul Mayes

by Ian Pickles

E

xcitement has not been in short supply at South Leeds Stadium this April, but results have not gone Hunslet’s way.

On 3 April, the Parksiders entertained Oldham. It’s hard

to say whether Hunslet’s fans will be happy or sad after they saw their team come back from 4-22 down to 22-22 and with enough time to still win the game.

The club were celebrating the opening of the new ‘Geoff Gunney Stand’ named in

tribute to the Hunslet legend who made 579 appearances for the club and took them from closure at Parkside out of the ashes to form the New Hunslet club.

Hunslet made the better start, but chances were not taken and on 18 minutes a

Hunslet Club Parkside enjoy a winning April

by Phil Goodfield

H

unslet Club Parkside have had a successful April so far with three wins out of three.

Round 5 of the National Conference League Premier Division saw Hunslet Club Parkside on the road again, this time just over the Pennines with Rochdale Mayfield making up the opposition.

Expectations were high for a successful trip and so it turned out with Parkside building up a half time lead of 16-6 and eventually coming out on top with a 22-18 scoreline.

Ultimate success only came however after the home side had taken an 18-16 lead at the half way stage of the second 40.

Elliott Morgan (2), Ben Shulver and Connor Squires got the tries, Jamie Fields kicked three goals.

Commenting after the game skipper Ben Shulver said: “We’re definitely doing things tough recently but, as the saying goes, you don’t become

a bad team overnight. I do think we are one good win away from everything clicking.

“We’ll be looking to fix up the parts of our game where we know we’re going wrong on the training paddock.”

Parkside broke their win / lose / win / lose / win sequence and week later with a convincing 38–12 victory over Pilkington Recs at Station Moor.

Hunslet got off to a good start going 6-0 up through Omar Alrawi. Will Cohen and Danny Rowse scored late in the half and Parkside went in 16-6 up at the half.

In a dominant second half the Old Boys crossed for four good tries through Dewi Bellingham, Ben Shulver, Omar Alrawi and Craig McShane.

With Rowse kicking five goals, the final score was 38-12.

Skipper Ben Shulver was delighted with the performance and the win: “That was a great win, not only that a good 80 minutes performance is what we were looking for and that’s what we

got. I’m confident now we can kick on from this and start putting in more clinical performances. It was massive having Jamie Bradley back playing for us and directing us around the park.”

Parkside travelled to Acorn ARL Sports and Social Club home of York Acorn on 23 April in breezy sunshine.

In a game that was for the most part a scrappy affair, with high error counts on both sides, it was Hunslet Club Parkside who ultimately came away with a 26-12 victory. The home side were very much in the contest for three quarters of the game, but this defeat sees them still searching for their first win of the 2022 season.

Hunslet’s tries were scored

by Jake Dearden (24’), Craig McShane (27’), Keiran Webster (55’), Jack McShane (78’).

Danny Rowse kicked five goals.

Stand out for the Old Boys was 2021 NCL Premier Division Player of the Season full back Craig McShane who added to his ever-growing tally

large Oldham kick down field seemed to catch Hunslet on the wrong foot, Owen Restall won a three man race to the ball for Oldham but was held short, however hooker Bradley Jinks nipped over close in and suddenly against the run of play Oldham had the lead 0-4. of Player of the Match displays with another accomplished performance in both attack and defence.

McShane brought the ball out of defense with power and skill a number of times, a task in which he was ably assisted by wing Will Cohen who showed smart footwork and agility to gain important metres and so easing the pressure at crucial moments.

After the game South Leeds Life spoke to Parkside Head Coach Sam Thorpe who praised the defensive efforts shown by his side: “One of our better performances today considering we had a fair few players out. We could have been a bit sharper on attack but our defense was really good.

“We’ll be working hard in training this week to build up our enthusiasm going into the next round and we’re hoping to have a few bodies back on board for next Saturday’s big game against West Hull”.

Captain Ben Shulver was also pleased with the defensive side of Parkside’s performance: “We were maybe a bit scrappy on attack today but it’s hard to get combinations going with lots of changes week by week.

Hunslet’s luck didn’t improve when influential halfback David Gibbons was taken to hospital with a shoulder injury. Whilst Hunslet were re-organising Oldham scored again in the left corner through Owen Restall, this time Ridyard converting. 010 With only 5 minutes to the break the Parksiders hit back when a superb ball from Jimmy Watson sent Kiedan Hartley over in the corner. 4-10 That would have been a fair turn around for the home side who had also lost Joe Summers to a shoulder injury, but Oldham snatched a halftime try. 4-16 at the break and a mountain to climb.

There was a further blow early in the second half when former Hunslet man Liam Copland followed up a kick to score an unlikely try in the corner. 4-22 and surely it was Oldham’s game to lose.

But Hunslet suddenly woke up and the pressure they had created earlier on was now turned into points. Dom Horn was strong and went over from close on 49 minutes with Jack Mallinson converting to reduce the score to 10-22.

Moments later Jack Mallinson was rushed into a kick by the oncoming Oldham

defenders. But it turned into a neat chip kick and Harvey Hallas recovered the ball and made a break. Oldham were on the back foot and a smart Cam Berry cut-out ball sent Jack Render diving in the corner. 1422 With still a quarter of the game to play the momentum was firmly with the home side, and having to defend Oldham looked tired. Jimmy Watson fielded a loose pass and as so often from broken play caused havoc. Quick passing saw Wayne Rettie force his way over in the corner and now Hunslet only trailed by 4 points. 18-22 Again the right side was fruitful for Hunslet as Jack Render fed Rettie again for another score in the corner. A difficult kick was missed and the scores were locked at 2222. Drop goal attempts by both sides in the last 12 minutes were missed and so the points were shared.

A week later Hunslet crossed the Pennines to face Rochdale Hornets.

Hunslet’s young side learned some harsh lessons at the Crown Oil Arena as they finished up 44-20 losers to an experienced and mobile Rochdale Hornets side.

Continued on page 23

“The big emphasis on today’s game was our defense and apart from the 10 minutes either side of half time I think we fronted up well.”

A good crowd is anticipated for the next home fixture on Saturday 30 April, when the

visitors will be current NCL Premier Division leaders West Hull. Kick-off is 2.30pm and admission is just £3, so why not get down to Station Moor, Beza Street, opposite the Gardeners Arms to show your support?

Hunslet Club Parkside in action against Rochdale Mayfield Photo: Aidan Gleeson