South Leeds Life 92 December 2022

The South Leeds Alliance for Clean Air is appealing to families living in LS11 with children suffering with respiratory illnesses to share their stories.

The call follows last month’s front page article in South Leeds Life showing the dangerously high air pollution in South Leeds.

According to official government data Beeston and Holbeck featured many of the areas with the worst air pollution in Leeds, and the highest ‘particulate’ pollution was in the two communities each side of Cross Flatts Park.

Air pollution negatively affects the most vulnerable members of our community: our children, the elderly, and particularly those with preexisting health conditions. It’s estimated to cause up to 36,000 early deaths in the UK every year.

The campaign wants to hear from families about the challenges that respiratory

conditions present, and how it affects their quality of life. How it feels to live in the area with the worst air pollution in Leeds, and what practical changes they would like to see to address this.

The Alliance will gather these stories into a report, which will be used to highlight issues around air pollution, and to make the case for decisive local action.

Charlie Nicholls, a Beeston resident and one of the coordinators for the Clean Air Alliance, commented:

“This is a scandal, a public health crisis, and we need to take every opportunity to raise it as an issue, to stir up public discussion, and seek proper action to create a healthy and safe place for us all to live.

“We look forward to hearing from local families as their stories will enable us to put a human face to this huge challenge we face together.”

Families are invited to get in touch to find out more, and to

participate, by emailing southleedscleanair@gmail .com or through the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ southleedscleanair

Families are asked to make contact with the group by the end of this month and have meetings or phone interviews

scheduled for January.

Participants will be invited to share photos of themselves if they can – but will also be welcome to remain anonymous if they wish.

The Alliance was formed to raise awareness and push for action on air pollution across

LS10 and LS11.

The local volunteer team are always looking for new people interested in helping out, and new partnerships – they are especially interested in working with schools to develop their campaign in 2023. Contact them to get onboard.

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

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

South Leeds groups scoop funding to boost cycling and walking

Thirteen organisations across the region, including three working in South Leeds, are to receive a total of more than £640,000 to support more people in their communities to walk and cycle, thanks to funding from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, announced the funding recipients at a community celebration event yesterday (Thursday 24 November 2022).

Each group will receive up to £50,000 to become a community walking and cycling hub.

These hubs will be “one-stopshops” for people to access everything they need to walk and cycle, including advice and support on routes, equipment, training and group activities.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“Making it easier to walk and cycle is part of the solution to so many challenges we face – from saving people money, tackling congestion and the climate challenge, to improving our health and wellbeing.

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.

“I’m delighted to support these important organisations to take their services to the next level so that more people can reap the benefits of walking and cycling.”

Experience Community is a notfor-profit organisation that helps disabled people access cycling. It will receive grant funding to start a new mobile hub, as well as developing its base in Leeds.

Their work will mean people across West Yorkshire will have better access to specialist equipment and expert advice.

Craig Grimes, Managing Director of Experience Community CIC, said:

“Accessing public transport and active travel options for disabled people can be difficult, which means that many people opt to use their own private vehicles instead.

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“This funding will enable us to provide short-term home loans of equipment so that people can decide which equipment is most useful for them in their day to day

lives.

“Combining these services with ways of providing 0% interest financing and a long-term hire scheme will ensure that more of this equipment is affordable for more people, making West Yorkshire a more inclusive place to live and work for all.”

Jeremy Hayes, founder of Cycle Pathways CIC which runs Leeds Urban Bike Park in Middleton, said:

“Cycle Pathway CIC are delighted to confirm that we have been successful in gaining funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority to create a ‘Community Active Travel Hub’ at our Leeds Urban Bike Park site.

“This will enable us to support more people within the community to use alternative forms of transport for either active travel or health. We hope this will strengthen our continual efforts to make travel by bike or walking easier in traffic free environments.

“We also look forward to working closely with the other funded organisations within Leeds to

bolster up the active travel network. In particular we will continue to work closely with Experienced Community in their delivery of off-road disability sessions from Leeds Urban Bike Park with their unique and very specialised equipment.”

Tosh Wilson, Cheif Operating Officer at LS-TEN skateboard park in Hunslet added:

“LS-TEN are proud to announce that we have been successful in securing funding through West Leeds Combined Authority to help boost cycling and walking in Leeds.

“We will be working closely with New Wortley Community Centre, LS14 Trust and Leeds Urban Bike Park to enable more people to get active through cycling and walking.

“LS-TEN will host a cycle hub with new bike workshop which will run as a pay as you feel donation to help people keep the wheels rolling. Along with this we will be running beginners cycle sessions in the newly developed outside space at LS-TEN which will be perfect before you take your cycle skills to the road.

“We dont just encourage cycling,

we encourage walking and running too and so over the next coming months you will see us creating a number of walking and running clubs in South Leeds.

“Working closing with New Wortley Community Centre, LS14 Trust and Leeds Urban Bike park we know that we will have a huge positive impact across the whole of Leeds and as well as South Leeds.

“We would like to thank West Yorkshire Combined authority for this fantastic opportunity on helping increase cycling and walking activities in Leeds.”

Since 2017, the Combined Authority has awarded more than £500,000 to organisations across West Yorkshire to deliver grassroots initiatives aimed at helping people overcome barriers to walking and cycling. Organisations will be invited to bid for further community grant funding in early 2023.

From route information to free adult cycle training and support for businesses, find out how the Combined Authority can help you at cyclecityconnect.co.uk

Imagine your Beeston street without cars

Free Leeds and Climate

Action Leeds are organising two workshops for Beeston residents to co-create a vision for a car-free society in their area.

Within the workshops the participants will be thinking about climate and social justice, and how we move around our city.

They will be re-imagining a residential road and a high street (or key junction). The group will pick a location where there are obvious rat-runs in the neighbourhood,

maybe near some arterial roads. Or perhaps near a school where roads are taken over by cars during pickup and drop-off time.

Then an architectural visualiser will bring the creations to life so that the reimaginings can be showcased to the wider community.

Organiser Hannah Kettle explained:

"Everyone has the right to move around our city in an accessible and affordable way, which is why we want you to come and help us

create an inspirational, climatefriendly, fair, and safe vision of what our streets could look like.

"You will receive £150 for your full participation in both our workshops: Saturday 3 December, 10am- • 4pm Thursday 8 December, 4pm- • 7pm

Refreshments and breaks are included

"We are looking for anyone aged 18+ who lives and/or works in Beeston, or visits the area regularly.

We really want to hear from a diverse range of people.

“No prior knowledge necessary, just enthusiasm to take climate action.

"We have a limited number of childcare or travel bursaries to support people to attend where care responsibilities or finance may be a barrier."

To find out more and apply to take part go to: bit.ly/3GUK1iO

Alternatively, contact Hannah on hannah.kettle@wearepossible.org

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, is pictured with representatives from the organisations benefitting from funding

Holbeck Together celebrates its 30th anniversary in style

by Jeremy Morton

Holbeck Together

celebrated their 30th Anniversary on Friday 11 November with a well attended event at St Matthew’s Community Centre.

Formerly Holbeck Elderly Aid, the organisation has been

serving the people of Holbeck since 1992. Today Holbeck Together provides a range of services for people of all ages including: Hot meals

activities

A charity shop • A social supermarket •

They have built strong partnerships with businesses such as Leeds Building Society and Leeds United as well as other local charities and schools.

Speaking at the event CEO Elissa Newman said:

“We are celebrating 30 years as a charity in the heart of Holbeck. What a community! We couldn’t operate and do what we do without everybody that lives in Holbeck, our volunteers and our wonderful staff team.”

“We face a lot of challenges in Holbeck. We faced the pandemic, we kept our doors open and supplied 13,000 meals into the community. We are now facing the cost-of-living challenges – should we have food or should we have our

heating on? What’s really important for us is that there are safe, warm spaces such as St Matthew’s.”

Patron, Hilary Benn MP added:

“To think of from whence you have come, to where you are today and what you’re going to do in the future there’s a huge amount to celebrate.

“The thing I remember more than anything else is that every single time I come into St Matthew’s, and I’ve been coming into St Matthew’s for 23 years, is the warmth. Not just the warmth (the heat) but the warmth of the welcome and that’s what I associate above all else with Holbeck Together.

“People come in here in all sorts of frames of mind: happy, sad, worried, troubled and what you do is provide support

and laughter and tears sometimes, a shoulder to cry, on a helping hand. And whatever the troubles we may have come in with, we feel better when we leave.

“Given the cost-of-living crisis, the work that you do is even more important now than

it has ever been. Because when times are even tougher, the support and friendship and warm welcome you receive when you walk in here really, really matters.

“That’s why I’m so proud to be the Patron of Holbeck Together.”

We launched our funding appeal in September in the face of a huge rise in printing costs and we have been humbled by your response.

We have received generous donations from a number of individual readers and organisations.

As we go to press we are waiting to hear if our grant application from the Inner South Community Committee has been approved.

However our projections still show us running out of cash to print the paper next autumn unless we increase our regular income.

We know the whole country is suffering from the cost of living crisis and we know many of our readers are facing stark choices about heating and food.

We will never charge you to read the news, it’s very important to us that everyone in our community can access local community news.

But if you are able to spare a few pounds, we need your help.

We need to build up our supporting subscribers and would be delighted if you would become a regular subscriber at £3, £4, or £5 per month, but if you cannot make that commitment could you

make a one off donation?

Please make your • donation by bank transfer to South Leeds Life Group; sort code 0892-99; a/c 65591910.

Or send a cheque • to us at 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Beeston, LS11 7BW.

Or look for the • donate button on our website at southleedslife.com to pay via PayPal.

If you can afford to, • please take out a monthly subscription. Our regular subscription income helps us plan ahead. You’ll get the paper delivered to your door and free South Leeds Life mug. Simply sign up online at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe

Why not give the • gift of news this Christmas? Your subscription can now be gifted to another person and you have the option to pay monthly or annually. Just follow the link to bit.ly/SLLsubscribe to sign up.

Are you part of an • organisation that could become a sponsor? You will benefit from coverage and advertising. Call 07894 583966 for more details. Many thanks to W Kaye & Son Funeral Directors who became Silver Sponsors this month.

Funding appeal

for South Leeds Life

CEO Elissa Newman and Patron, Hilary Benn MP

Leeds United players Kris Moore and Max Dean with Trustees Peter Hodkinson and John England and CEO Elissa Newman

On the beat

As we move into the Christmas period, I would like to update you all on some of the excellent work of your local Neighbourhood Policing Teams in supporting charitable causes.

BBC Radio Leeds recently conducted the Big Baton Challenge for Children in Need. I was pleased to be able to welcome the BBC team as they travelled into the South of Leeds. My teams, alongside the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service supported one part of the leg as they travelled from Morley towards the City Centre.

My teams and I are also happy to support the Friends of Hunslet Moor Santa Toy appeal. The appeal seeks to receive toy donations for local children to receive a gift from Santa. Donations of toys, games, stationary, books, craft items, puzzles and selection boxes are welcomed. If you would like to make a donation, Elland Road Police Station has a donation point, operated by the Inner South Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Some ward areas in South

Leeds are amongst the most deprived neighbourhoods nationally. In a time of high prices, rising inflation and a general surge in the cost of living, it is extremely important to support the efforts of others to support those most in need.

Later this month I will be attending the Leeds City Council Safer/Stronger Communities Awards. I am pleased to say that the dedicated On-Street Sex Working Team have been nominated for Team of the Year. The team work in a really challenging area of policing and operate with compassion, empathy and a real desire to support and protect the community. Policing often finds itself in challenging positions where it is not possible to give everybody their desired outcomes.

I am proud of the teams work, which is characterised by increased levels of support for vulnerable women, lower levels of reported sex working and a relentless pursuit of dangerous offenders who pose a risk to the community as a whole.

For those of you venturing

into the city to celebrate the festive period and city nightlife, please be reassured that the District and Neighbourhood teams operate a well-staffed and well drilled night time economy operation to maximise your enjoyment of the city, and to keep you safe.

The Ask for Angela campaign is also in operation across licensed venues in the city. If you feel uncomfortable, threatened or unsafe, you can approach staff and ‘Ask for Angela’. The use of this coded phrase will prompt help and support from staff and from the Police, and links in with West Yorkshire Police’s strategy to reduce violence against women and girls.

As a force, district and Neighbourhood Policing Team we remain committed to creating safer spaces and targeting dangerous offenders, with the intention of providing an environment where there is confidence in having a safe night out in our city.

Whatever your festive period looks like, I wish you a very merry Christmas, and a happy new year.

Public Space Protection Order planned for Dewsbury Road area

Councillors

in the Hunslet and Riverside ward have welcomed the news the Leeds Antisocial Behaviour Team (LASBT) have begun the process to build the case for a Public Space Protection Order (PSBO) to cover the majority of Dewsbury Road (within Hunslet & Riverside Ward) and the surrounding residential streets shown below.

The area has seen a significant increase in issues related to on street drinking, substance abuse, persistent begging, and Trap Houses (Drug Dens) since the pandemic ended.

Traditional methods of dealing with the issues have had limited impact or are being constrained by the lengthy legal processes needed to handle them.

Cllr Paul Wray (Labour) said: “It is good news that LASBT and partners in West Yorkshire

Police (WYP) are now looking at the evidence to create the case for a PSPO. Many of the powers they currently have are very reactive, meaning they can only become involved once a problem has developed. The PSPO will allow for a more proactive approach by providing agencies with more enhanced powers. It is very much needed.”

Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green) added: “This is good news for the local community, who have had to face a load of antisocial and criminal activity. However, as well as traditional policing methods, we have to pursue more pro-active work – or we’re just papering over the cracks. I’m therefore working with partners and residents to develop an outreach project, to connect with people using drugs in this particular area, and perhaps support them to exit their drug use – this will

complement the policing work.”

It will take LASBT around six months to complete the review and build the needed evidence case for the PSPO – assuming it is then approved by the courts. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to keep reporting issues to WYP and LABST

If you see anything criminal taking place, please keeping calling 101 or use 101 Live Chat via westyorkshire.police .uk/101LiveChat. You should always call 999 if there is an imminent risk of harm to you or other members of the public.

If you wish to pass on information to the police anonymously, you can also call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111 . If the behaviour is antisocial, rather than criminal, please call (0113) 222 4402 or email lasbt.triage @leeds.gov.uk

Dewsbury Road, Beeston

Open for Sanctuary

Youth activities with ‘Team Cottingley’

Cottingley Hall as an estate has historically had a serious lack of provision when it comes to young people and this has resulted in a lot of anti-social behaviour.

As an estate there was a desire to add to the current youth provision by offering an extra session per week. A desire strongly called for by volunteer residents who approached the community centre, passionate about local young people and the area.

Christine the Community Development Manager for Cottingley explained:

“Parents approached me and asked what they could do

to give the young people some focus and how to go about it and at almost the same time Re:establish approached me prepared to offer local people the skills and training that helped to create their successful youth provision in Beeston and Holbeck.”

The holistic approach and offer of collaboration was too good an opportunity to pass up and ‘Team Cottingley’ was born through the Friends of Cottingley Community Centre.

Just 6 short months has made such an impact on the young people, seeing a marked and noted improvement in antisocial behaviour. It has been a

great example of how team work and working with the local community can enable the beginning of exciting opportunity.

Jo the Founder and Development manager for Re:establish said:

“As part of The Leeds Youth Work Alliance South (enhanced youth work contract) we agreed to look at how we could help expand provision for young people in Cottingley and I believe that grassroots, longterm provision is the most sustainable way to create opportunity, build healthy relationships and advocate for change.

“Working with Christine and her team is foundationally essential. You have to have people who are passionate about their area if you are ever going too see longterm transformative change. I am excited to see how the team and provison develop over the next couple of years.”

The young people attending have said that the presence of the youth team has made them feel safer playing out and that they are happy that they have other trusted adults they can go to if they ever need support.

South Bank Sanctuary (formerly known as the Church of the Nazarene) on Hunslet Hall Road in Beeston this month launched their new ‘warm space’ drop-in, and everyone’s invited!

They’re open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, between 10am-1pm, with a food pantry (£3 for 15 items), hot food and drinks, games and activities. Full information at www.southbanksanctuary.net or on Facebook at fb.com/SouthBankSanctuary.

The Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival comes to South Leeds

Supporters Trust unveils new Leeds United mural in Beeston

Leeds United Supporters’ Trust have commissioned their 13th Leeds United themed mural that’s emblazed on the side of Laburnum Cottage, based in the Whistlestop Pub Car Park in Beeston created and painted by Leeds based artist Phil Harris.

operation Dom underwent six weeks of radiotherapy at St James’ University Hospital and eventually rang the bell to mark the end of treatment in February 2020.

to face many challenges under such circumstances and are sometimes lucky enough to get the chance at a future.

12 stunning tributes around the city.

by Kushmina Begum

Iattended the Great Yorkshire Vegan Festival on Sunday 6 November at South Leeds Stadium where it was hosted for the first time.

It was a great day out as the weather was dry and over 1200 visitors flocked in to sample the delights of the organic and vegan market. There were over 80 stalls with stallholders from all over the UK, some having set off at 4:30am to arrive in Beeston … on a Sunday!

The atmosphere was eye opening as the crowds were so varied, as one of the organisers said to me:

“We don’t have a typical vegan customer or what one looks like. As you can see it is very family friendly”

There were talks on every hour with one speaker sharing his journey of how he lost over five stone just on a vegan diet after being diagnosed with a chronic illness. The audience was packed as he shared his tips and enlightenment on his health journey.

Two of my favourite stalls were the Omni Vegan food supplements stall where they

were selling clean organic supplements. No nasties in. At this time of year he was very popular and I ended up winning some supplements so that was a nice surprise!

I met a very kind and therapeutic lady called Ruby who is a qualified massage lady and sells organic self care oils called ‘Devaiya Oils’.

We chatted as she gave me a neck and shoulder massage and she told me how she started her business after suffering whiplash and could not find the right oils for her body to heal.

Finding halal or vegan sweets can be tricky so image my delight when I came across ‘Cherry Sweets’ where for once I did not have to check the ingredients list. The most sour and fizziest sweets I have ever tasted and you could not tell the difference between halal, vegan or vegetarian.

Finally I met a lovely mother and daughter duo who started their own essential oils home business after the mother took early retirement.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the festival and I hope they come back to Beeston next year.

The mural, now in situ, celebrates that famous moment in Milan that’s still chanted amongst the terraces by Leeds United fans today, the ‘Dom Matteo San Siro Goal’. It’s painted on the side of

Dom said: “I’m really proud that Leeds United Supporters’ Trust have dedicated a mural to this special moment. It’s always a talking point when I’m around Elland Road chatting to fans and I know the game holds a special place in their hearts – I’m so glad I’m part of that. However, when I had my brain tumour diagnosis our

“It is with this in mind the artwork, with Dom’s influence, encourages thought to live for the moment and make today a day for making memories. My wish is the mural can impact onlookers to make decisions that will bring greater wellbeing.”

Julian Brown and the team at Pinheiros Corporation Limited have funded this Mural in honour of their close friend and

An interactive website has been created with all the locations of the murals and its own route map www.murals.lufctrust.com Many fans have already taken the tour and local groups have even done charity walks and cycle tours to raise funds.

Clair Hufton, Board Member at the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust said:

“Being in the San Siro that night myself, I know first-hand the legacy that game left with

Laburnum cottage facing the Whistlestop pub in Beeston and is owned by The Real Housing Foundation Ltd which provides supported living for people with learning disabilities.

Dom has worked hand in hand with artist Phil Harris to create the impactful design and he wanted to make sure the mural screamed out that life is all about sharing memories and to live for the moment. The mural carries the huge strapline – “A Day To Make Memories Is Today”

The mural is sentimental to many who are involved in bringing it to life, Dom was diagnosed with a brain tumour in November 2019 and had 10 hours’ brain surgery. He was in hospital for three weeks and biopsy and test results revealed he had a large, very rare grade 3 (cancerous) brain tumour. Following the

families’ lives were turned upside down overnight. One day, I was on TV, the next I was fighting for my life.

“I feel blessed to still be here and now I don’t take anything for granted, a close brush with death makes you realise how precious life is and wanted that to come across in the mural and encourage everyone to live for the moment.”

When artist Phil Harris was asked to design and paint the mural, he jumped at the chance to be involved as he lost his brother to a brain tumour. Phil said:

“I lost my brother Mark Harris back in 2015. I could not turn down the opportunity to create this artwork and add it to the growing list already commissioned by the Trust. It is a very poignant piece for me for the common life changing challenges faced by my brother and Dom. Families are forced

Leeds fan, Mark Harrison, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Julian said,

“We were looking for a fitting tribute to Mark and we think this is perfect, as one of our many great memories of him is of enjoying the Champions League game in Milan together, especially when Dom scored this infamous goal. We have been impressed with the work that Leeds United Supporters’ Trust has put into the Murals around Leeds, so we jumped at the opportunity to support them. The Murals are a fantastic focal point for fans and the wider community in Leeds.”

The mural is the 13th to be commissioned by LUST following on from the 1992 midfield mural on Lowfields Road and was the first LUFC mural to kick start the mural trend back in 2017. Since then, the Trust have added another

many supporters – so it’s great to see it etched in mural form. It’s been an honour to have Dom directly involved in the development of the mural –seeing his passion for the club shine through, but also the challenges he’s had to face over the last few years following his diagnosis – he’s a true legend and a fighter – I’m sure I speak on behalf of all Leeds fans when we say that we’re really proud of him.”

The residents of Laburnum cottage said:

“All of us at Laburnum cottage are extremely excited and proud to have the mural on our home. We are huge Leeds fans and we’ve spent many years supporting Leeds United and now it’s like we are part of the team! It is an honour and privilege to have the mural as a staple amongst our community and spread joy for many years to come.”

Delicious Vegan cakes

Artist Phil Harris and Dom Matteo with the mural

Mineral Wagon is Middleton Railway’s latest acquisition

The 16 ton Mineral Wagon was once one of the most numerous wagons operated by British Railways. Over a quarter of a million were built to carry coal, minerals and scrap metal.

They were a common site on the Middleton Railway carrying coal from Broom Pit and scrap metal from Robinson & Birdsell Ltd’s Yard to the British Railways interchange at Balm Road. Many of the Trust’s older

volunteers will have worked trains of these wagons to and from Robbies Yard in the 1960s and early 1970s.

The Trust has acquired an example of one of these wagons for its collection

because they help tell a very important part of the story of the Middleton Railway.

This particular example was built in 1954 and is one of the 15,190 wagons to Diagram 108 made by Teeside Bridge Engineering Ltd. At some stage whilst still in British Railways ownership it was re-bodied and lost the upper flap doors –some times referred to as ‘London Traders Doors’ –which were a characteristic feature of the design. It was sold to Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland before finally being preserved by the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry.

Now surplus to requirements, this wagon, along with others, was offered to Accredited Museums via the railway press and Middleton Railway Trust wrote to them asking to be considered. A visit

Shine Babies group marks its first birthday

by Lucy Potter

Born in Beeston a year ago this week Shine Babies is a young mums group, run by Shine and Better Together (Health for All).

Shine Babies runs every Wednesday morning at the Beeston Hill United Free church. They provide creative sessions for our beautiful babies so Mums can have a nice relaxing hot drink.

One of the original organisers Hayley says:

“A year ago, when we started the group we have two mums and their little boys, getting mums to come was our biggest challenge but through word of

mouth the group has continued to grow.

“The wonderful mums and babies that come to our group provide each other with friendship, support and love, which is beautiful to step back and watch.

“Lyndsey and I have the wonderful job of watching these relationships blossom and see their beautiful babies grow.”

Here’s what the mum’s have to say;

“Very friendly atmosphere.”

“Lyndsey and Hayley are very supportive and hands on with the children.”

“I have made some mummy friends since joining the

group.”

“I like coming to the group because it has helped me come out of my shell and had helped boost both my sons confidence.”

Over the year they have invited professionals including students Charlotte and Izzy from Leeds University. Other visitors have included infant mental health, employment support, Father Christmas and Leeds Bosom Buddies which have been part of a consultation on infant feeding choices.

If you would like to get in touch with Shine Babies please contact Lynsey at: lyndsey@stlukescares.org.uk

to site showed that B154977 was in the best overall condition and the staff at MOSI kindly allocated it to the Trust.

Middleton Railway Trust Vice President, Ian Smith, said:

“We are very grateful to the staff at Manchester Museum for donating the wagon to us. We can now tell the story of the early preservation years when, as the only all-volunteer freight operating railway, we ran trains of these vehicles almost daily for many years.”

Hopefully this wagon will

soon be seen in use on demonstration freight trains.

The Middleton Railway was built in 1758 and is the first railway authorised by an Act of Parliament, the first to have commercially successful steam locomotives, in June 1812 and also the first standard gauge preserved railway, opening in June 1960. It has operated trains every year since opening in 1758.

Please note that all tickets for Middleton Railway’s popular Santa Specials have sold out.

Mineral wagons were a mainstay of Middleton Railway in the early days of the Trust

The wagon was transported from Manchester on a low loader

Money matters

Get your finances in shape for 2023

With the cost of living crisis causing many households to reevaluate their finances, Jodie Lockwood, Branch Coordinator at Leeds Credit Union, provides some hints and tips on how to take control of your money in the new year.

1. Make a budget

Having a budget written down enables you to keep an eye on your income and outgoings which, in turn, makes it easier to notice things like missed payments.

Free budget planners are available to download from the Money Saving Expert website and this is a foolproof way to get help managing your money. There are also plenty of budgeting apps to choose from but a simple spreadsheet that keeps track of your income and bills will usually suffice.

2. Make sure you know where your money is going Forgetting to cancel a gym membership or to downgrade your TV subscription package is incredibly common so go through your bank statements and make sure you're only paying for what you need and

use. Make sure you go back a full calendar year in case you've missed any annual subscription payments.

3. Check your tax code

Nobody wants to receive a letter informing them that they owe the taxman hundreds of pounds because they're on the wrong tax code.

Arm yourself with a payslip, P60 or pension advice slip and visit the government website to make sure you're on the correct code and not over or underpaying. If you are, notify HMRC asap.

4. Make sure you're not missing out on any benefits

A lot of benefits aren't widely advertised so have a look on the website of Entitledto www.entitledto.co.uk to find out if you're entitled to something you weren't even aware of, like money back on your energy bill if you wash essential work clothes at home or the government's marriage allowance.

5. Keep an eye on your mobile phone bill

If you're prone to using more data than you pay for each month, the excess charges

quickly build up. Adjusting your contract is usually as straightforward as simply contacting your supplier and adding extra data to your tariff could save you hundreds of pounds per year.

6. Minimise your exposure to adverts

The fewer ads you see, the fewer items you're likely to buy, so go to the inbox of your email account and unsubscribe yourself from every retailer's email list. They may have offered you a discount on your first purchase but now they're just trying to turn you into a repeat customer.

7. Use unspent gift cards

Many people get gift cards at Christmas and for birthdays and a good percentage never get fully spent. If you have any stuffed away in your wallet, either use them to buy items you genuinely need or sell them on ebay or a local online marketplace for a quick cash injection.

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

Beeston Hill community association is taking off

Dozens of Beeston Hill residents braved the storms on 21 November to attend a packed-out meeting to form a community association for their area –and they want to hear from others interested in getting involved.

Residents associations are organisations led by local people, to build community solidarity and voice, enable better dialogue with bodies like the Council and Police, to develop campaigns and projects for a local area, and more.

Beeston Hill – the large redbrick neighbourhoods around Tempest Road, the Woodviews, the Stratfords, and down to the Rowlands and Lindens – was

formerly (until the 2000s) covered by the Cross Flatts Community Forum, but this folded, and various Council-led forums have since failed to take off. But that is perhaps about to change.

Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) convened the recent meeting, in conjunction with community activist Omar Mushtaq. Ed commented:

“Huge thanks and credit to all those who joined us this month, and all those already doing so much for our community here. It was amazing seeing so many diverse residents come out, and hearing their shared passion for working together to make a difference locally. We

face many challenges in our community, but this could make such an impact.”

Attendees are now meeting with Council officers, and aim to form and launch the association in the coming 2-3 months. It will be strictly nonpolitical, led by unaffiliated local people, working with councillors and others from all backgrounds: Cllrs Iqbal and Wray also attended this month’s meeting.

It's not too late to get involved: get in touch to find out more, or to get onboard, via the ‘Leeds Inner South Community Committee’ on FB, by emailing communitycommitteefunding @leeds.gov.uk, or by calling (0113) 378 5787

Free weekly social meals from Food Cycle

eat at a table with company and drinks.

Last month I was invited to Hamara Centre by Mathew who is the Regional Director for Yorkshire Humberside and Teeside of Food Cycle, a food charity that cooks on site using food that would otherwise go to waste and feeds the community for free.

Mathew says “The best thing about food cycle is that there is not a single criteria, anyone can walk through the door and have a free three course meal and be served like they would at a restaurant.”

I saw many wonderful examples of teamwork and community spirit and was really impressed by the extra warm and welcoming atmosphere the volunteers gave everyone. Even though volunteers give up their evening on a cold night the customer service was better than a paid restaurant service!

Mathew says this is the second intention of food cycle – to reduce social isolation and give customers a good experience they won’t forget. It is table service, silver cutlery and you are served by your assigned ‘host’ for the evening. The lovely ambience means lots of people go just to meet someone new or have a chat with a stranger.

Cynthia boasted “The people make it, talking to people, the escapism, I would pay for this meal because the food and service is that good!”

There was one couple who had been married 50 years and came here every week for their date night, other people popped in after work on their way home and others just enjoyed someone serving them something warm and fresh to

Food Cycle are open on a Wednesday 6-8pm at Hamara and Mathew is encouraging more people from Beeston and South Leeds to come and eat a vegetarian, hot, nutritionally balanced meal for free. The day I visited they served for starters leek and potato soup followed by stuffed peppers with pesto rice and asparagus for mains. The desert was homemade hot apple crumble and custard.

The most impressive element of the evening was watching the cooks decide what to make in 30 minutes like Ready, Steady, Cook! There are no cook books or secret ingredients behind the counter; the volunteers literally have to decide on the spot what to cook after the surplus ingredients have been delivered.

No time is wasted and everyone has to use their imagination, creativity and past cooking experiences to come

up with something in less than an hour. I was amazed by their can-do attitude!

Jade, who was in charge, created a fantastic culinary atmosphere in the kitchen even though she is a banker by day! It was crystal clear to see that the happy kitchen atmosphere descended into the dining room experience that Mathew and the team of volunteers work so hard to create.

All the ingredients were fresh and in date and guests even got given boxes of food for the next day and vegatables and extras to take home.

If you are a small business or individual who would like to donate or work with this amazing charity then please contact Mathew on 07485 325810 or email mathew @foodcycle.org.uk

If you fancy a free hot meal and the chance to meet new people call in to the Hamara Centre on Tempest Road, LS11 6RD on a Wednesday, 6-8pm.

The Food Cycle team in the Hamara kitchen

Stuffed peppers with pesto rice and asparagus

with Leeds Credit Union by Kushmina Begum

Community works together to 'Love Leeds 11'

by Ben Hutchinson

The afternoon of Saturday 19 November saw over 60 people defying the weather to make a difference in various ways across Beeston Hill.

The 'Love Leeds 11' event was a collaboration between Space youth group, Kidz Klub, St Luke’s church, Mosaic church and the Shine Project and aimed at giving the children and young people an opportunity to be 'light in the darkness'.

As you will know have noticed there has been plenty of bad news at the moment

reinforced by the darker days and miserable weather of winter. The children and young people were a breath of fresh air as they set about doing something good for their community. We were extremely grateful for the support of the adult helpers from the various projects and other local residents who made the event possible.

After gathering a St Luke’s church the group split in to five teams then wrapping up warm and heading out to their projects.

A team linked up with the newly formed Greenmounts

Tenants & Residents Association (TARA) to transform a flower bed on Greenmount Court – filling it with winter plants and spring bulbs to brighten up the streets. Young people also prepared and delivered plant pots to the neighbours along with handmade cards.

Local resident and TARA member Lisa commented:

“I’ve had a great afternoon, loved all the involvement of our youth communities, I am truly grateful and can’t wait for all the plants to grow, thank you.”

Just down the road on Greenmount Terrace Kidz Klub led a fantastic 'Play Street' event for local children and families. Activities included giant bubbles, skipping, football and a chalk mural.

Another group focussed on litter picking near New Bewerley Community School with one of the teenage participants so inspired by the experience he is keen to get a group to litter pick near his school.

Mosaic church lead a small

Volunteers deliver facelift for Beeston-based charity

team giving away free chocolate as they declared blessings through the streets of Beeston and offered prayers of healing to the people they met.

Meanwhile a team stayed at St Luke’s church making (64!) delicious pizzas for their peers to enjoy on their return, whilst

also providing a takeaway service to local residents.

All in all it was an action packed afternoon bursting with positivity – a refreshing and uplifting contrast to the doom and gloom that seems to be surrounding us. The children and young people were the stars of the show as they got

stuck in 'shining light in the darkness.'

A big thank you to everyone who was involved in any way. The next 'Love Leeds 11' event is pencilled in for Spring 2023 – if you would like to get involved or support in anyway please get in touch on 07419 366 058

Yorkshire homelessness charity

Turning Lives

Around has received a facelift to their central offices in Beeston courtesy of volunteers from financial specialists Evelyn Partners.

Some 12 volunteers from the financial services company spent a day painting Turning Lives Around’s (TLA) meeting room, kitchen and toilets calming colours of lemon and green with a corkboard wall plus gold framed chalk and projector walls as valued added features.

TLA Senior Manager Mia Cameron said she was overjoyed with what the volunteers had achieved.

“They were incredible and worked so hard on our vision with passion and energy,” she praised.

TLA works mainly in Leeds and Wakefield to prevent

homelessness amongst some of the most vulnerable people in society, empowering them to live full and independent lives within sustainable communities.

A key focus for the charity is being a trauma informed service, recognising and appreciating the impact that past trauma can have on those who’ve experienced it, and working in a way to avoid retriggering it.

“It is fantastic to now have a psychological informed environment in our head office. When our teams come into the meeting room to train, learn, network, team build or reflect, they will feel instant calm and joy. It’s a wonderful therapeutic space that is multi-functional and fun and will allow our teams to grow,” said Mia.

“When we have a happy refreshed and reinvigorated

team who feel valued, the results will be seen in our clients in terms of new skills and ways of working.”

“As soon as it went up the corkboard wall was put into use with a display of black heroes to celebrate Black History Month. It sparked instant debate as people added to it.”

The facelift was brought about through community interest company Employee Volunteering CIC, a not-forprofit organisation that links major corporations keen to progress their Corporate Social Responsibility with charities and community trusts.

“We bring hands to a site enabling the charity to get something done which otherwise they would not have the manpower, time or money to achieve. We make all the arrangements and bring all the materials and resources,” explained Employee Volunteering’s Lead Facilitator Penny Netherwood.

“The volunteers are from companies that are keen to support and do good things in the community, but these occasions also make great team building events. The team from Evelyn Partners all said they had a great day and loved the chance to make a difference.”

Planting spring bulbs

Play Street

The volunteers swapped spreadsheets for paint brushes

Stourton Rolls of Honour find new home at Hunslet Library

by Jeremy Morton

Rolls of Honour from two former clubs in Stourton have been relocated and put on display in Hunslet Community Hub and Library. The Rolls, which contain the names of club members who served and in some cases died during the two World Wars,

were rescued from storage by members of Hunslet Carr Residents Association, who organised an unveiling ceremony on Saturday 12 November.

The packed ceremony was attended by the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Hilary Benn MP, Councillors and standard bearers from the

British Legion.

The ceremony included hymns, readings and an address by Rev Mike Hewison, who blessed the plaques before wreaths were laid and a two minute silence was observed.

I spoke to Denis Gill whose father, also called Denis, and his uncle is listed on the Roll Of Honour from Stourton Liberal Men’s Liberal Club.

Having grown up in care after his father died, Denis senior joined the army in 1932. He moved to the reserves in 1940 and took a job in engineering, but returned to active service the following year. He won the first of two Military Medals in Turkey in March 1943, when he led a bayonetted charge

Awards for The Holbeck

by Rebecca Townesend

Congratulations from South Leeds Life to The Holbeck who are now an award-winning club in south Leeds.

Club Mirror are an organisation that champion and support licensed clubs across the country and they organise The Club Awards.

At their award ceremony on 16 November at the Athena in Leicester, The Holbeck jointly won Community Club of the Year along with the Village Club RAOB and Innovative Club of the Year. Additionally, The Holbeck Moor FC won Diversity Club of the Year (from the North).

As The Holbeck enters a new era Caroline Turner, president of the club told us: “All of the committee and all of our members are proud of

our club. Thank you to Slung Low for the last four years and we wish them luck with their new home.”

Alan Lane from Slung Low is delighted with the recognition from The Club Awards as they finalise their move to new premises;

“We were so all so pleased to see that the activity of the club – all the brilliant stuff that happens in The Holbeck – was recognised at the highest level in clubland. It’s been a real privilege for Slung Low to manage the club for the last four years. And a really great sense of achievement not only to leave it debt-free, physically accessible and profitable but also now double award winning! A wonderful recognition of all that is great about the club over the last year.”

showing “dash and personal example … with tommy gun blazing (he) drove the Germans before him in headlong retreat” according to the citation.

Denis died on 5 January 1944 at Rocca in Italy, having won a second Military Medal and having been promoted to Company Quartermaster Sergeant. He is buried at the Cassino War Cemetery.

Denis junior was only 2 when his father died and doesn’t remember him, but is very proud that his sacrifice is remembered on the Roll of Honour.

“I was born and grew up in Stourton” Denis told me. “It’s all gone now, they knocked down the housing and the clubs. I’m pleased that Hunslet Carr Resident Association have found the Roll of Honour and that Hunslet Library have put it on public display. I found the unveiling ceremony very moving.”

Hunslet greenspaces set for improvements

CllrsPaul Wray and Mohammed Iqbal (Labour, Hunslet and Riverside) have announced plans to improve two greenspaces in Hunslet: the area of parkland opposite Middleton Railway; and a small area of parkland in between The Oval and Jack Lane.

Following feedback from residents and Middleton Railway, the following proposals have been developed for the Moor Road site:

Replacement of the two • broken wooden benches with modern metal benches. One bench will be a standard Council model and the other will be designed and built by students from the University Technical Collage and will be based on a railway theme.

Installation of one • standard Council picnic table.

Allocation of space for a • metal railway themed sculpture – provided by Middleton Railway at a later date.

Installation of standard • park welcome signs at each entry point.

Installation of at least • four educational signs for use by Middleton Railway to depict local history.

Installation at least two •

standard large park bins.

Allocation of space for • new tree and bush planting.

Allocation of space for • boundary bushes to be planted to better define the park from the railway line.

Cllr Paul Wray said of the plans:

“This has been an unloved area of parkland for many years and it is long overdue to have improvements made to it. These investments will make the parkland useable and inviting for local people and provide our partners at Middleton Railway more space

to tell the amazing story of the area's industrial heritage.”

Quotes for the work covered by the Council will now be obtained and if reasonable, the work will be commissioned as quickly as possible.

Following feedback from residents who live on the Granges, Hillidge Road and Square, Elmtree Lane, and Jack Lane, Councillors have also given initial approval for the installation of a Goal Module, activity trail and thermoplastic ground play markings on the small area of parkland in between The Oval

and Jack Lane in Hunslet.

Cllr Paul Wray said:

“Children have been playing on this grass space for a very long time now and there have been some issues of balls hitting properties and vehicles.

“The Goal Module is designed to stop this from happening by providing a target which deflects the ball back. The addition of an activity trail and thermoplastic play markings will also enhance local play.”

Once the funding has received formal ratification at the Inner South Community Committee, it will be ordered by the Council’s Parks and Countryside service and then installed. This should take around six weeks and therefore mean the equipment is installed by the middle on January 2023.

Denis Gill with the Roll of Honour bearing his father’s name

Kenny Saunders read the names of the men that died in the two World Wars

Club Awards night in Leicester

Parkland on Moor Road, opposite Middleton Railway

Cockburn Remembered Kyle Asquith Foundation supports local child bereavement centre

In 2013, Cockburn School student Kyle Asquith waved goodbye to his mother on his way to school and, a day later, he passed away following a fatal brain haemorrhage.

His organs were donated and they saved the lives of five people. Students, teachers and Kyle’s family set up the Kyle Asquith Foundation to raise funds to support local charities and the children of South Leeds. Since then, the charity has raised well over £40,000 and the school continues to raise funds and the awareness of organ donation.

When The Charlies Angel Centre opened new premises in Beeston in 2019, the Kyle Asquith Foundation donated £1,000 to support ‘Kyle’s Room’. Each of the rooms was named after a child who had sadly passed away and the rooms are private spaces for counselling sessions to take

place or for families to come in and find support.

Now the Kyle Asquith Foundation has donated a further £5,000 to enable the important work of this local charity to continue.

Beeston based The Charlies Angel Centre Foundation offers many different kinds of support for bereaved parents and families. They provide free services for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age (ranging from miscarriage to adult children) and for any reason, including stillbirth, termination, accidental, violent or suicidal death and death following acute or chronic illness, they also help families that are facing a prenatal diagnosis of foetal anomaly.

Charlies-Angel bereavement centre is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week and provides relevant information, bereavement counsellors and

support, so bereaved parents and families can access the bereavement support they need, when they need it.

If you would like to know more about Charlies Angel Centre, or if you would like to fundraise or donate, go to:

www.charlies-angel-centre .org.uk

If you would like to know more about The Kyle Asquith Foundation, or if you would like to fundraise or donate, go to: www.cockburnschool.org/ about-us/charity-work

Poems

Students and staff at Cockburn School showed their respect on Remembrance Day – a long standing tradition at the school.

Across the school, everyone stood and observed a twominute silence at 11am on Armistice Day, 11 November, before The Last Post was

played across the speaker systems.

Wreathes were laid at the school’s war memorial by student cadets, ambassadors and the Head Girl and Head Boy. Rev Lindsey Pearson, vicar at St Mary’s church Beeston spoke of remembrance before poems were read by her and the Head Girl and Head Boy.

were read at the school’s war memorial

Tracy and Alex Asquith presenting the cheque to Clive Key, co-founder of The Charlies Angel charity

Cockburn students meet the King Clapgate Primary Queen Elizabeth

King Charles III admired the amazing art work and poetry of students from Cockburn School as part of The World Reimagined project.

The King’s visit to the Leeds Art Gallery showcased their work and one student gave King Charles a signed copy of the poetry anthology featuring the poems written by the pupils.

As part of a spectacular cultural education project, pupils from 13 schools around the city, including Cockburn School and Cockburn John Charles Academy, designed and created their own beautiful artworks which were on show at Leeds Train Station.

The project has seen pupils explore the history and impact of

the Transatlantic Slave Trade and then put their learning into practice, working together to create a unique globe sculpture with its own compelling message.

Focusing on themes including compassion, courage and connection, the learning programme has also encouraged pupils to think

about the actions we can each take to make racial justice a reality in our society.

The project was inspired by The World Reimagined, an exciting and thought-provoking arts initiative which has seen Leeds join cities around the UK in hosting a trail of large scale, colourful globes created by renowned international artists.

Inner South Youth Summit 2022

The Inner South Community Committee held their Youth Summit on 8 November at the Civic Hall Banqueting Suite.

They welcomed young people aged 8-17 from across the Inner South wards of Beeston & Holbeck, Hunslet & Riverside and Middleton Park.

This was the first Youth Summit since the pandemic and the Children & Families Champion Councillor Gohar Almass was proud to welcome over 120 people from 11 schools across the Inner South Wards.

The young people in

attendance took part in multiple activities including a democracy workshop, a Q&A session with local Councillors, an interactive Youth Activity Funding game and a visit to the Chamber to see where local democracy took place.

Also in attendance were Child Friendly Leeds, Leeds 2023, Leeds Youth Service, Royal Air Force, West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Services who engaged with the young people, let them try on their uniforms and advised what activities were available in their ward.

Throughout the day the young people were able to interact with a wide range of stakeholders, peers and local Councillors in a fun environment whilst learning the importance of democracy and what that means at a national and local level.

The event ended in the Chamber with an award ceremony.

Everyone who attended was given a certificate and goody bag with items from notebooks to pens, water bottles and much more!

Children & Families Champion, Councillor Gohar

Almass (Labour, Beeston and Holbeck) said:

“I was delighted to see so many young people attend representing different schools from the Inner South of the city having a great time while learning about democracy, local Government and how it all functions. The feedback was very positive during and after the interactive workshops.

“I’m also very grateful to the LCC Communities Team, Voice of Influence & Change Team, my fellow councillors and all the organisations who participated in making the summit a great success.”

Community Committee Chair, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal (Labour, Hunslet and Riverside) added:

“This generation of young people will be making decisions for the city in the years ahead, so it was tremendous to welcome them to the Civic Hall, the Leeds home of local democracy, and to hear what they had to say about their priorities for the Youth Activity Fund.

“I’m glad that we were able to create this opportunity through the Inner South Community Committee to support young people to listen and share ideas – it’s a really practical and engaging way to learn about how they can have their say.

“A huge thank you to all involved in making this a success.”

All

6

Open Day at Lan

As I toured Lane End Primary School in Beeston on their recent Open Day, the word that kept coming up was ‘family.’

Following the restrictions of Covid, the idea was to throw open the doors to the whole school community, to show off everything they do.

I was met at the gates by Ansh and Skyler from Year 6. Skyler explained that he’d only joined the school at Easter, but said “Everyone was so welcoming. The teachers are really helpful if you’re struggling and the subjects are really fun.”

I found Parent Governor Faye Kenny running the Wheel of Fortune stall. She told me: “Lane End is a wonderful hub of people from all over the world. It’s beautiful to see so many children getting along from different places. There’s a nice family feel about the place. I’m

Clapgate Primary School Arts Council wanted to mark the passing of Queen Elizabeth II by asking all children to create an individual stamp.

children from EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) to Year

took part. The stamps were combined collectively to create a whole school project of remembrance and thanks. The stamps are a celebration of the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. All the children at

Pupils attended the Summit in the Banquetting Suite of Leeds Civic Hall

King Charles chatted to students about their artwork

A whole school project of remembrance and thanks

by Jeremy Morton

Remembering Verona McShane y School create II stamps

Fitness Suite opens at CJCA

Clapgate had time to reflect, talk and share stories of our late Queen.

The children used many of the main elements of art including colour, line, pattern, texture and value.

The commemorative stamps are on display in the main school hall. The Arts council are very proud of how the project has come together and think that the final display is a fitting tribute to our late Queen Elizabeth II.

Cockburn

John Charles Academy held a week-long celebration in memory of teacher, friend and colleague Verona McShane who passed away on 25 November 2020.

The student council, alongside Verona's family have been instrumental in establishing a charity, The Verona McShane Foundation, to support families in the Leeds area who may be facing hardship or poverty.

The week was marked by students and staff wearing a green ribbon as a symbol of the foundation, alongside whole school assemblies and a range of fundraising activities, including a dance-athon, bake sale, name the teddy bear and a prize tombola.

Siobhan Roberts, Head of School, said: “Our student

council were very keen in wanting to establish a yearly celebration to remember Ms McShane, and Friday 25 November will forever be ‘Verona Day.’

“It is a testament to the impact our very much missed colleague and friend had on the South Leeds community that our students were determined to establish the charitable foundation to continue her legacy of supporting all students.

“On Friday 25 November, we held an event officially opening our recently extended dining area, 'Café Verona' where Cockburn John Charles students performed a selection of songs and poetry readings. This fantastic space now enables all students to dine and socialise together at the same.”

The PE department at Cockburn John Charles Academy (CJCA) continues to go from strength to strength, posting notable successes in sporting fixtures and excellent academic results for all students.

In order to provide additional opportunities for all students the department’s facilities have been further enhanced with the opening of a state-of-the-art fitness suite, featuring new fitness equipment in a purposebuilt environment.

Ben Clark, Head of PE department, said “We are always looking for the next potential development to allow our students to excel in their chosen areas, and we focus a lot of our teaching around the importance of physical conditioning in sporting excellence.

“This new facility will allow all

e End Primary School

excited about our new Headteacher, Jane Hopwood, I think she’s bringing a new energy to the school.”

I was impressed by all the teachers I spoke to from structured writing in Year 6 to hands on science experiments and especially the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) where children in nursery and Reception are encouraged to learn through play.

Whilst phonics and maths are taught, much of the day is self directed with the children able to move between different activities both inside and outside. As a teacher explained to me, the children respond really well and make their own connections such as the child that made an item on the woodwork bench outside and then took it inside to decorate at a different station.

You can find out more at www.laneendprimary.org.uk

Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy wins

students to have access to professional equipment which will help them enhance their skills and fitness to enable us to truly compete with the very best in the local area and beyond.”

CJCA has successfully gained a place in this year's Junior NBA competition. The Jr NBA League was created for 11-13-year-olds (Years 7 and 8) boys and girls in secondary schools to participate in basketball and represent one of the 30 NBA teams.

The academy is excited to be playing as the Dallas Mavericks. The league aims to promote NBA values such as sportsmanship, teamwork, attitude, respect, and healthy living through league games and other activities and events. The school will play eight regular season games in four triangular fixtures against schools within the division. together at the same.”

Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy entered a team of Year 7 students for the Secondary 10-Pin School Games event on November 22nd which is part of the Leeds Schools South Sport Partnership. The Cockburn Laurence Calvert students competed against 13 other secondary schools and won the 2022 Panathalon Challenge, special congratulations to Year 7 student Cameron won the top score of the competition. Winning the Panathalon Challenge trophy is extra special as it is the first sporting trophy that the new academy has won this academic year. Mr Nebard, Teacher of PE said “the students showed excellent team work and they were all determined to achieve high scores in the bowling competition.”

Working out in the new fitness suite

Students performing in the new Cafe Verona

In our view

Clean Air

Following our report last month that Beeston suffers some of the worst air quality in the UK outside London, we are pleased to see grassroots initiatives coming forward to try and change things. As a society we have to wean ourselves off cars. They have been sold to us as a route to freedom, but instead they clog our roads and clog our lungs.

What we desparately need is a fast, frequent, clean and cheap mass tansport system. What a pity we were persuaded to throw away just such a system - the trams. But then the car and oil lobby has always been powerful.

We are particularly keen to see how local residents reimagine our streets without cars. The dossier of children’s breathing problems will be interesting too, but a much harder read.

Let young people shine

Young people come in for a lot of stick because of the actions of a few. It’s been good to report in this issue about positive impact young people can have if they are given a chance, whether that’s with Team Cottingley, Love Leeds 11, or The Hunslet Club. We have lots of great examples of allowing young people to shine, long may it continue.

A merger made in Hunslet

Hunslet has a proud rugby league heritage, as shown by the work of Bill Crann who has been commemorated with a bench in Middleton Park. The merger of Hunslet Club Parkside and Hunslet Warriors will mean that the new club, Hunslet ARLFC, will be able to run squads at all age groups. Young people will be able to progress through without having to change clubs. We hope to see some of those emerging into the professional game with neighbours Hunslet RLFC.

Your letters and comments

Stank Hall demolition

It would appear that Leeds City Council is only interested in preserving our old buildings if a commercial organisation takes them on. They are not interested in any plan that the ‘Friends if Stank Hall Barn’ put forward no matter how good or feasable as they are not a commercial enterprise.

This vandalism perpetrated at Stank Hall by LCC could so very easily been avoided if LCC had bothered to put in place the necessary protection 20 plus years ago. Instead they have neglected these buildings, as usual, and allowed them to deteriorate to this level where the only course of action they could do was demolish one of the buildings. How long before they decide that the remaining ones have to be demolished?

Unfortunately we are going to be left in Leeds with only historic buildings that are occupied by commercial enterprises with little or no access to them by the public. LCC are woefully neglecting their legal duties in protecting these listed buildings and depriving them of much needed restoration funds and instead wasting millions of pounds on little used cycle lanes and other vanity schemes!

Stephen Clayforth

This building was where our family grew up, it had been in our family for over 150 years or longer. It is a very sad time in my life to see this building come to an end like this. Why has Leeds City Council let this happen?

Janet Saville

Sadly LCC have a history of neglect and destruction of, eg the cottages and cafe in Middleton Park and the Park Lodge. All these buildings could have been utilised as commercial businesses for the benefit of the community and retained the history of Middleton Park. LCC also wanted to demolish South Leeds Golf Club House after the club closed, it was only saved as the demolition team were about to start. I am left to conclude that LCC are not fit for purpose.

Isobel Boyes

As a member of the Beeston Village Forum it is deeply depressing to see the destruction of history in our area. .This act

of vandalism was preventable and therefore avoidable. Action should have been taken after the fire to restore it but was sadly neglected and putting up scaffolding and then leaving it a further ten years was ridiculous. Showing willing initially and then putting it on the back burner to rot was not the answer and now it’s gone forever!

Colin Hendrick Ward

Beeston’s poor air quality

I discussed this article with my daughter’who has ‘Beeston Lung’ (I think the medical professionals refer to it as ‘asthma’) and these were our thoughts: – it was good to hear Ed Carlisle reference specific local actions he was supporting to try and improve things. There is only so much local groups can do though. It ultimately needs council and government action.

than get the No.1 and pay ££s – how stupid is that?! If Labour are going to take responsibility and they have a plan we’d love to hear it!

John Cockburn

Mineral Wagon

That takes me back to my teenage years as a volunteer on the Middleton Railway in the mid-late 1960s. It’s an excellent addition to the railway’s stock.

David Spencer

Love Leeds 11

Great to see the young folk setting such a good example doing positive work in the community. Big thank you to all involved!

Elaine Bower

I was brought one of the plants they did that day by them, it made my day.

Emily

Andrew

– the Labour response left us feeling dismayed. Labour have run the Council for most of the last 42 years (we looked it up). But we’re supposed to just ‘blame the Tories’? They say the issue is all about transport but they have made no significant improvements to transport networks through Beeston in all these years. The traffic gets progressively worse, with long queues twice a day during rush hour, and mayhem near many of the local schools (except Hugh Gaitskell with their traffic-free zone), as well as on match days. There is the virtuallyunused cycle path, but that doesn’t run along Town Street anyway. It’s often cheaper to drive into town than get the bus … although if we do bus it into town, it’s actually cheaper to drive down to the Elland Road Park & Ride where kids travel free, rather

Bill Crann

Bill, apart from refereeing me as a school and as a junior, introduced me to the joys of the Leeds Referees Society. He made a huge impression on me and many others.

John Normington

True gentleman was Mr Crann total respect for him as had many people who met him.

George Ballantyne

Bill was a teacher at my school, Middleton secondary. It’s nice to see all his hard work recognised.

John Collett

Join the debate

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Life’s Twitter feed: @SouthLeedsLife Twitter is the 140 character ‘micro blogging’ site. It’s free and you can sign up at twitter.com. It’s a great place to find the very latest news. Here are some of our favourite recent tweets:

@SharpLaneLeeds

What an exciting day! Some of our Year 6 children met King Charles III in Leeds and shook his hand!

@HunsletClub

There are a lot of laughs and singing coming from our beginner's dance session tonight! It is lovely to see young people having fun, making friends, and potentially discovering a new passion for dance.

@BasementArtsPro

Since the beginning of September sculptors Keith Ackerman and John Barber have been involving the #southleeds #community in the creation of carved stone benches that echo the qualities of the sculpture Jacob’s Ladder.

@laneendprimary

A fantastic afternoon learning about pneumatics @UTCLeeds with @RoyalNavy experts. Thank you so much! #STEM

@iParkandRide

sharon.burke@leeds.gov.uk

Wayne Dixon (SDP) 07852 311717 wayne.dixon@leeds.gov.uk

Paul Truswell (Labour) 0113 378 8811 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk

From Thursday 8 December, we are pleased to announce we will be operating extra services on Thursday and Friday evenings at Elland Road and Stourton. Find out more iparkandride.com

The ‘New Hall’ was deolished by Leeds City Council last month

with Hilary Benn MP

The BBC is planning to make cuts to local radio which will mean that we lose distinctive Leeds content for significant parts of the day.

Although BBC Radio Leeds will continue to have its own dedicated local programmes from 6am to 2pm on weekdays, after that time programmes will be shared with Sheffield, York, Lincoln and Humberside. I expressed my opposition to this in the House of Commons, as did many other MPs, and we hope that the BBC will listen. Local radio is really important to our communities and people want local news, stories and content.

Changes to parliamentary boundaries are naturally of huge interest to MPs but are probably only generally noticed when people discover that they've lost their former MP and acquired a new one (depending on the outcome of the election). The Boundary Commission recently published

its revised proposals and they have altered their original plans for Leeds Central. Little London and Woodhouse ward will now move into a new Headingley constituency, and a part of Temple Newsam ward will come into Leeds Central, including Halton Moor which I used to represent.

The truth is that MPs don't like boundary changes (unless they make their seats much safer!) because they disrupt relationships that have been built up over time with people and voluntary organisations in an area.

I am lucky, however, that most of Leeds Central will be staying the same, but one of the other lessons you learn in politics is never to take anything for granted. As ever, the outcome of the next election will be in the hands of the good voters including readers of South Leeds Life!

I recently held a debate in Parliament on Huntington's

Disease. My interest is because I know someone who is suffering from this terrible disease. Huntington’s is a rare, genetic neuro-degenerative disorder which over time stops the brain from working properly. It affects around 8,000 people in the UK, but around 32,000 people are living at risk of developing it for the simple but deadly reason that Huntington’s can be passed from generation to generation.

What this means is that a diagnosis of Huntington’s doesn’t just affect the person who has it, but also their children who have a one in two chance of carrying it. For all these reasons, it is a devastating diagnosis. There is no cure and only limited palliative treatment.

Huntington's affects people both physically and mentally. Families have to watch their loved one change and decline. In many ways this is probably the most difficult thing to cope with because you are losing the

person you love not just physically but emotionally as well. This horrible disease makes them no longer the person they once were and there is nothing you can do about it. It is hard fully to convey what this all means but this is how one Huntington’s family member put it to me: “Huntington’s is a thief that slowly steals your body, energy, health, family, friends and the person you used to be.”

We need better help for families, backed up by new guidelines to improve provision in parts of the country where it’s patchy, and above all more research to find a cure. It cannot come soon enough.

I visited Leeds Citizens Advice recently to hear about the increase in the number of

people coming to them for help because of the cost of living crisis and the huge rise in energy bills. Such are the difficulties that some people are facing, that Citizens Advice is having to give out emergency energy and supermarket vouchers. In other cases, they hear how energy companies are putting up monthly direct debit payments by more than the cost of energy being consumed, or are putting customers onto prepayment, meters, which results in families having to disconnect themselves because they simply don’t have enough money to put in the meter.

The staff and volunteers at Citizens Advice work really hard to offer help and assistance, but the big increase in the number of cases they are

having to deal with is a sign of the hard times in which we are living. If you ever need their assistance, you can contact them on 0808 278 7878

And finally I much enjoyed attending the Holbeck Together 30th anniversary event at St Matthew’s in Holbeck. This community organisation has done so much over the years in providing a helping hand, advice and support and as well as their brilliant staff they have a team of dedicated volunteers. They all want to make a difference for the local community. There was a huge turnout and much seasonal festivity. On which subject, may I take this opportunity to wish you and all your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com

Constituency

Is South Leeds getting a raw deal?

by Cllr Ed Carlisle

I'm an optimist, so believe that everyone is, essentially, brilliant.

But I’m also forced to admit that quite a lot of people try to get away with what they can, when they can. Because of this, our communities here in south Leeds sometimes (or often?) get a raw deal.

Several times recently, local people have reported similar stories to me – that together demonstrate how our communities are seen from outside, and therefore how we’re tret.

I don’t mean to do anyone down by relaying these stories: there are good people, working hard within the following agencies. But they’re insightful, and – I believe – need to be shared publicly. (I’m also discussing these privately with relevant managers.)

Police officers attended a 1 crime scene in Beeston, and were asked why they weren’t doing more to resolve the ongoing issues in that neighbourhood. The officer said: “This is Beeston, what do you expect?”

Highways contractors 2 were at work in Holbeck, but it became apparent that they’d cut corners and made

mistakes, and the finished product was defective. But instead of making it right, residents overheard them saying: "Nevermind, it's only Holbeck, just leave it, no-one will care."

Contractors for a 3 broadband provider dug up paving slabs in Hunslet, and left one untrained apprentice to relay them. He did an uneven bodge job, but – when challenged – insisted it was good enough. Council officers have since agreed that it’s legally not good enough, but enough time has passed to mean the original company are no longer liable, so it’s unclear whether it will get fixed.

National Highways 4 contractors have recently undertaken major works along the M621 near Hunslet Moor, and cut down a lot of valuable tree-cover. Furthermore, this was very noisy work, done very late at night. Whilst there are reasons for the work and the timings, residents stress that dialogue with the agencies was non-existent, and they had no opportunity to question or shape events. (We’re meeting with the agencies to discuss all this – but the damage has been done.)

Unfortunately, there are too many local stories like these.

(Another sector is dodgy landlordism, but we could write books about that.) The reasons aren’t simple. It’s partly to do with cost-cutting: everyone everywhere is under pressure to deliver work as cheaply as possible, and staff are stretched. There are also sometimes bureaucratic constraints, like the onus on highways contractors to work at night.

But I can’t help but feel that our reputation in south Leeds precedes us. As many of us have asked over time: do wealthy communities in north Leeds get the same service and experiences?

Contractors and agencies everywhere will be under pressure to deliver their work on budget and on time – but I also sense that many of them, maybe not intentionally, will cut more corners where they think they’ll get away with it, and fewer where they won’t.

So, what can we do? If we want better outcomes for our area, we just need to hold everyone to account at every stage. I previously wrote a South Leeds Life piece about the crucial importance of local ‘amateur’ input to shape plans for our communities, to counterbalance the ‘expert’ perspectives of professionals.

Please everyone: take note of projects and planning applications happening locally, talk to others, speak up, question, challenge – and politely harangue your political representatives, to get us onboard.

But also, talk with contractors and other agency workers, offer them cups of tea, thank them for their work, and make it absolutely clear that you’re watching them! If they do shoddy work, report it (again, get us councillors involved), and fight to get the problems

resolved.

And all the while, keep building power in our communities, through one-off campaigns, or forming or joining ongoing community organisations; it’s far harder for agencies to ignore residents when we’re working collectively.

It’s not unreasonable to expect outside agencies to do a good job in and for our communities. Democracy is warped and limited, but it also affords us ample opportunities to hold systems to account, and to demand better.

Finally, huge credit to all those locally doing their bit to make our neighbourhoods looks visibly cared-for, and to build community pride. The wonderful actions of the Japanese football supporters and players, to litterpick after themselves and others in Qatar, was widely reported and praised. We have our own local equivalents, like the Womblers and Kurdish House – amongst many others.

We can all everyday help to create a community that looks nicer – and this simple act will change the way that we and others see south Leeds, and therefore the way our communities are tret.

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

office: Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; Tel: 0113 244 1097

Community pride: Litterpicking with the Beeston Womblers and Kurdish House Leeds

Local history

with Ken Burton

Leeds School Board

Education for working class children was definitely not a priority, they were expected to contribute to the family income by working, begging, or stealing.

Factory owners sometimes provided facilities to educating the children working for them and these children became known as half-timers – half a day working and half a day in the classroom.

Sunday Schools were another source of education for children, but a lot of them were more interested in the religious teachings. But all this was to change in 1870 when WE Forster’s famous "Elementary Education Act" was passed by Parliament to take place in England, this authorised the setting up of School Boards.

Leeds was an early starter with the Leeds School Board coming into being on 28 November 1870 with fifteen elected members under the Chairmanship of Sir Andrew Fairbairn, Woodsley House and its Vice-Chairman was John Jowitt a Wool Merchant of Harehills with Mr Wesley Lee as the Clerk, a position he held until 1889 when he retired.

Two women candidates had decided to stand for election, a spinster, Miss Lucy Wilson of Hilary Place, Woodhouse Lane and Mrs Catherine Buckton of Moorland Terrace, Clarendon Road both unfortunately being unsuccessful.

Of course churches were anxious to have seats on the Board, this led to five Church of England candidates being elected along with two Roman Catholic and two Nonconformists, but the Reverend John Hutton Fisher Kendall of

St Matthew’s Church, Holbeck, was the only practising Clergyman to win a seat on the Board.

In 1871 the first task of the School Board was to find out the extent of the existing School provision and the number of children who would need elementary education so a Juvenile Census was undertaken, this revealed that 48,787 places were required but places for only 37,329 were available.

Temporary premises were needed while new schools were being built and in the January of 1872 thirteen temporary

appointed.

South Leeds seems to have been lucky in that the first two purpose-built Board Schools were built here as was the last one, Cockburn. The first purpose-built School Board School to open was Bewerley Street Infants School, Hunslet, this was designed by George Corson, he also designed the School Board Offices near the Town Hall, and it opened its doors on 8 August 1873.

There were 1,948 boys, girls, and infants under three Head Teachers, JW Kirk BA, GP Shaw, and EA Kaye. By the 1950s the School was for Juniors only

again in our area, was Beeston on the 1 June 1874 for 606 pupils with the Mixed Class under R Watterson and the Infants under J Holland.

Prior to the Board School opening education in Beeston was quite limited. In 1822 schooling was under L Eyre, a Curate and Schoolmaster while an Ann Aliward ran a private school here for young ladies in 1830. Prior to 1874 the village children were half-timers, their education being dependent on

Bellhouse and Daniel Webster while an alternative education could be had under a Mr Tidyman who lived in Back Lane and later in Silver Street for 3d (1p) he was also the Village Scribe writing letters for the villagers at 2d (1p) a letter for this service, he had taken this task over from Joe Rhodes.

While the new Board School was being built for all the children eligible for State Education it was found that the ‘Town School’ was too small to accommodate the 139 village children and the Wesleyan Chapel in Chapel Fold was hired to take the overspill under a Miss Petts.

The first Headmaster of the new Board School situated at the top of Crow Nest Lane and Town Street junction was William Teal and his opening remarks in the School Log Book read “In this District education has been deplorably neglected and consequently many of the children have had little or no education.”

walls.

This old Beeston School was demolished like so much of Old Beeston and replaced by today’s Beeston Primary School, standing in the same grounds.

The last and the eleventh School Board was elected on 22 November 1900 under the Chairmanship of George J Cockburn with Mr John Robinson as Vice-Chair. Mr Rowland H Barran had to resign after being elected as a member of Leeds City Council and MP for North Leeds, his place being taken by Charles JF Atkinson.

Leeds School Board built new Schools across the city. The first Higher Grade School was initially in temporary premises, but this was later to become the Central Higher Grade School which in its premises in Woodhouse Lane was to earn a national reputation.

schools were opened, a scheme of education was adopted, and ten School Attendance Officers had been

aged 7 to 11 years, the Infants having moved to a new school on Hunslet Hall Road. The next Board School to open, once

work they had to do and the prosperity of their parents.

The ‘Town School’ in the early 1870s was run by one Samuel

Initially there were many problems with absentees being off sick with the many childhood illnesses of the time. One of which was the dreaded disease Scarlet Fever which killed six pupils and caused the school to close for a fortnight while it was disinfected. The 1884 miners strike, and the frequent visits of the Beeston Feast also contributed to absenteeism. However, this soon altered as the school became part of village life when it had the Library and the Yorkshire Penny Bank within its

The last school to be built was initially named the Southern High Grade School and opening on 17 July 1902 and built at a cost of £50,000 taking over the role previously filled by Bewerley Street School. The School changed its name later in honour of George J Cockburn, a Board member who had served nearly 21 years of the 32 years of the School Board’s existence.

The 1902 Education Act did away with the School Board system making the City Council the responsible authority for education in Leeds and at the end of June 1903 the Leeds School Board ceased to exist.

The first Board School Bewerley Street

Leeds School Board offices in Calverley Street

Pathways for positivity

with Shannon Humphrey

Don’t compare your Christmas with anyone else’s. Focus on you, your family, your wellbeing, and your happiness.

Make your own Christmas decorations. Check out Pinterest for easy low-cost ideas

It’s tempting to stay in when it’s cold, wrap up warm and go for a walk. Get some fresh air and enjoy the change in seasons.

Refuse to be a slave to the oven this Christmas Day. Do as much preparation as you can beforehand and don’t stress!

Boost your mood with a Christmas themed kitchen disco!

It's OK to ask for help. Learn the subtle art of delegation. You cooked the dinner? Suggest someone else washes up.

25 Wellbeing thoughts leading up to the big day

If you’ve got unwanted gifts or items, consider donating them to the charity shop so someone else can enjoy them.

If you’re thinking of physically supporting a charity this Christmas, by serving hot meals, helping the homeless etc. Please get in touch now, as they receive lots of offers.

Christmas can be a sad and challenging time for many. Be aware that some people might find it hard. Offer a listening ear.

Don’t buy loads of extra gifts for the sake of it. Most kids don’t play with the ‘stocking fillers.’ They usually focus on the main item they asked for.

If you’re cooking for a big group, try to tidy as you go, so it’s not such a big clean up operation afterwards.

Made too much for dinner? Could you drop some off for an elderly neighbour. Better yet could you invite them round for an hour?

Avoid tricky situations!

If you have guests over the festive period, find out if they have any dietary requirements beforehand, it’s better to know and plan.

Have a cosy night in with your favourite Christmas film and a hot chocolate. Or maybe a cheeky mulled wine to keep the cold out.

Wrap a box of chocolates and keep it out of the way. If someone turns up with an unexpected gift for you, you’ll have one waiting for them. And if nobody claims it, well you get to each the choccies!

December can be a crazily busy time, with lots of activity. Take some time to be mindful! Grab a jigsaw at your local charity shop and unwind with a 1,000-piece puzzle!

Not everyone celebrates Christmas, be respectful of other people’s views and opinions.

Everything seems to be done online these days, even Christmas cards! Why not buy some actual cards and handwrite them. You could even drop some of them off in person.

Take some time for yourself over the festive break. Long hot bubble bath, corny film, curl up with a book, sleep in, long walk. Literally, whatever flies your sleigh.

With all the extra nibbles on offer, try to maintain your normal exercise routine. Otherwise, it will feel extra hard in the new year.

Take a wander down memory lane, find photographs of relatives and friends who might not be with us anymore. Choose a favourite and put it on display when you have your festive lunch.

Loneliness affects 45% of adults in the UK. If you know someone who might be lonely, give them a call and arrange to meet up with them if you can.

It's the season of giving and a great reason to have a clear out. Donate any unwanted (in date) food items to a local food bank.

Disability not inability

Have fun with the kids, make silly Christmas themed TikTok videos even if you don’t post them online. They’ll be something to remember in years to come.

International Day of Disabled People 2022: Accessibility

In the 29th year of noting Disabled People Worldwide, this year we focus on access and in this article, it will particularly focus on community.

When you think about disabled people and access your mind might immediately go to, ramps and lifts, but it covers so much more.

I have the advantage of being around and having many conversations with disabled people, as well as being a disabled woman and having disabled children, it is frustrating to know how easy it would be to have my community in all spaces.

As most of my paid job is

engagement, I wonder why we talk about needs in the community, but don’t ask the disabled community enough?

Why do we try and create separate spaces specifically rather than make sure we are also included in the other activities on offer? Why is it disability issues always need a separate meeting rather than be put on existing agendas?

How can we learn to be better if we aren’t included in conversations with disabled people? I can say with the whole of my chest, we aren’t doing enough. It seems to be OK that the attendance of disabled people in community meetings is low or it never

seems to be noted.

From my own perspective we don’t adapt meetings to make them welcome. Using captions on virtual meetings is important, using plain text and less flowery language for those who may not be able to process a lot of information or use a screen reader is important on invitations.

If there are face to face meetings, let us know if there is a suitable toilet, if the lifts work, if the room is easy to manoeuvre around and always consider these things when booking a space. I know if I don’t know these things, I am not going to be confident enough to show up in the first

place.

Parents this year were very vocal about how out of all the summer holiday events put on, there was a very small percentage for disabled children.

Across all the Breeze events in Leeds there were four and they weren’t in every quarter of Leeds.

Is this acceptable considering the jump in diagnosis in children for various disabilities?

It sends a message, whether intentional or not that their play and

The true meaning of Christmas isn’t money, gifts and flashy things. The real value is found in the memories you make with the people you love.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023

holiday activities matter less.

I don’t know if it is fear of doing something wrong, or that it seems like an extra job to make sure things are accessible (the phrase additional needs doesn’t help that) or if it is a concern that it will cost a bunch of money, sometimes those things may be true, but if we don’t try to include all the community can we really claim that we are representing/doing our best by the community?

If 1 in 4 people have a

disability and you don’t see many disabled people engaging your service, you aren’t doing enough.

The best way to improve this, is to simply ask. To make sure at everything you do there is more than one disabled person involved. Call out for those in the community to come and tell you how you could improve and what barriers they face accessing services. Asking one disabled person or someone with one type of disability isn’t enough, even if it ticks the box.

with Christine Smart

Here and There with

Peter Haughton

A personal history of time

Not too long now and it’ll be Christmas and New Year.

Like me, you may be looking back on 2022. Time to reflect. And to hope that 2023 may be better.

I sincerely wish that it is. For you. For all of us.

Anyway the story of time measuring devices makes for fascinating study. A superb introduction to how much impact they’ve had on our lives can be found in Dava Sobel’s book, ‘Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of his Time’. It’s the story of John Harrison, clock and watchmaker extraordinaire, who won a prize for making a chronometer (basically a timepiece for measuring longitude at sea) which revolutionised navigation, helping to save tens of thousands of lives by being able to accurately measure when a ship was approaching land. He was a Yorkshireman, tha knos. Great book.

From shadow clocks sand clocks candle clocks foliot

clocks to pendulum clocks balance wheel clocks and with that to pocket watches then wristwatches to electric clocks electronic clocks and watches quartz clocks and watches to atomic clocks capable of measuring time with almost incomprehensible degrees of accuracy over thousands of

Leeds forests

by Hon Ald Elizabeth Nash

One of my most proud moments during my time as a councillor, was when I chaired the Leisure Services Committee from 1981-1988.

At that time Leeds had a Parks Department with a Forestry Section which was, without doubt, the best in the Country. It won top awards at both regional and national horticultural shows.

Even then, Leeds had more trees per head of population of any UK city. The Council owned, and still does own, a number of woods and forests. But during my time associated with the Department, we bought even more woodland at Micklefield and additional land to extend Otley Chevin to give public access.

When York Minster caught fire in July 1984, the huge wooden carved bosses in the South Transept were destroyed. The Minster appealed for donations of oak to replace them and Leeds City Council was able to supply four seasoned mature oaks without

depleting or damaging our stock.

In the Autumn of 1987, a devastating storm hit the southern counties of England. Thousands of trees were brought down not only in the countryside and but also in towns and cities which were proud of their tree-lined streets. Someone in the Council of Brentwood in Essex recalled Leeds winning top forestry awards and Brentwood telephoned Leeds for help.

We sent down one of our forestry teams with the lifting gear to Brentwood and it was reported to me that they were welcomed “like the liberating armies in France”! At the time, the Council’s vehicles were bright red and emblazoned across their side was “Leeds City Council” - a real eye-opener for those true-blue southerners who thought of Leeds as solely industrial.

It was also reported to me that Brentwood residents were running out of their houses asking for help to clear the road outside their house drives and a typical mysterious

years and now, of course, our mobile phones - which also tell the time with pinpoint accuracy anyway. Oh, and it’s also worth mentioning Einstein’s spacetime theory, a scientifically proven phenomenon, where time can be stretched

But we know that anyway otherwise how, on bus times

response was, “Ay up Love, hold on while we clear yon ginnel!”

The team were in Brentwood for a few weeks. Brentwood paid for their wages and accommodation costs MondayFriday. I am sorry and sad to say that now our Forestry Department has all but gone. If such a storm, or indeed any lesser storm were to hit Leeds now, we would not be able to look after ourselves.

However, looking on the bright side, Leeds does have a legacy of wonderful forest parks. May I recommend a Christmas walk in one of them? South Leeds has Middleton Park woods on its doorstep.

updates, can you explain that one due in two minutes becomes four minutes, ten minutes, back to eight minutes, then again to ten minutes, sometimes being lost in space/time completely, the bus not appearing at all?

When all you want to do is get home.

Time to confess. I didn’t fit in well at school, so I left at fifteen without a clue about what I was going to do, and after a stint at window dressing, then factoryline work spray-painting Plaster-of-Paris budgies … I got missen a trade.

Which presented a different connection with time because, back then, I became a horologist. There may be those of us who don’t know what a horologist is because you rarely hear it bandied about these days. It’s someone who makes, or repairs, watches and clocks. Me? I used to be a watch and clock repairer, apprenticed at H Fagelman’s Jewellers, Hyde Park repairing clocks, then moving to TS and H Davis in Leeds City Centre repairing watches.

The jeweller’s shop was up one of those ginnels running off Briggate. But that was some time ago, 1970. It’s now The Angel pub. And that’s about the only thing that we can be really certain of… (no, not the chance to drink a pint, that ain’t going to change any time soon) … drum roll

Everything changes.

The stability of a trade

To explore Otley Chevin you can catch the express bus service X84 from Leeds bus station to Otley.

I should warn readers though that it is a very steep climb from Otley town centre up to the top of the Chevin. But it is

coupled with day release at Bradford Technical College increased my self-confidence no end and, on retaking my final grade exam in Horological Theory I got 90%, becoming the top student in the country and being awarded an engraved Omega watch prize, and being able to apply for, and to become, a Fellow of The British Horological Institute. Say that with a posh accent and it can sound very impressive.

Peter Richard Haughton, FBHI! Woah! And, I’d had some laughs . Like the time I was carrying a Vienna Regulator wall clock under my arm and a passerby asked, “’Ave you got ’time on you, pal?” And I don’t think he mean it as a joke because, after checking my wristwatch he just said, “Ta”.

But it was time to move on, and here’s why - the advent of quartz watches in the seventies meant you could buy a watch at a garage for a couple of quid. And I began to realise that I was being paid the same as an unqualified shop assistant gets.

That’s when I trained to become a teacher - causing everyone in my family to laugh their socks off bearing in mind my own school experience.

And, with the passage of time I find myself now chatting to a student the other day on the bus passing Leeds University about when I was on a course there in the nighties, on my way home from the very bus stop she’d got on at but looking

worth the climb. On a clear day from the top of the Chevin above the tree-line there are views up Wharfedale and across the Vale of York to the North Yorkshire Moors where the White Horse of Kilburn in its new white coat can be seen.

down to notice that the trueteacher-Clarks-Cornish-pasty shoes I’d been wearing all day didn’t match

You know, that old joke about the pupil saying, “Sir, you’ve got odd socks on!” the teacher replying with,“Hmmm, that’s strange! I have another pair at home, just like these”. She was doing an MSc in something IT I couldn’t even pronounce. And I’ve been to college. From this wrinkly-gnarled old timer’s perspective she looked like a young kid of seventeen. But she couldn’t have been, because she’d have already done three years at uni to be on a MSc course. So get ready to move over, Jeff Bezos.

The time’s come, though, when we’ll be moving from South Leeds to live by the coast. Our new home’s on a terrace which was built for ironstone miners 150 years ago. So, the clock I’m waiting on from E-Bay and which I’m going to do up (left, a Smiths Enfield Bakelite 8 day circa 20’s/40’s mantle striking clock) should look the beesknees there. Measuring the passage of time - but in an older way, the sound of the hours being struck being … so sonorous

But, in terms of submitting more stories to South Leeds Life … unfortunately, it’s time to call ‘time’.

Wishing you all a great Christmas, whatever your faith or non-faith. All the best for the New Year.

There are also Chevin Forest carparks giving a more level walk and a carpark on the top of the Chevin on York Gate adjacent to The Royalty public house.

I wish readers a very Happy Festive Season out walking.

Smiths Enfield Bakelite 8 day circa 20’s/40’s mantle striking clock

Middleton Park woods (snow isn’t guaranteed)

Lantern Festival set to light up Beeston again

The 2022 Lantern Festival returns on Friday 9 December and this year takes place at four locations across Beeston.

The event will start with three smaller local gatherings at St Luke's Church, St Mary's Church and Rowland Road Social Club. The theme for the whole event will be the 'Journey to Bethlehem' with each of these locations being the starting point of a journey for characters - Mary and Joseph, The Shepherds and the Wise men.

From 4:15pm each venue will host live music, serve light refreshments (mince pies, biscuits, tea/coffee) a Lantern making craft activity, lights and animals – including donkeys, goats and alpacas (we couldn't get camels!). There will also be

part of the Nativity story being told/performed.

From 5pm everyone is invited to join a parade as we walk together, led by the characters and their animals, to a larger event at Cross Flatts Park. In the park there will be lots of lights, food, performances of the Christmas story, a children’s choir and a Carol Service with the Salvation Army

Band. The event will finish at 6:30pm.

As ever we would love people from all corners of our community to come together to celebrate Christmas in this way. Please join us and share with your family, friends and neighbours.

You can find more information on Facebook at fb.com/LanternFestivalLS11

Everyone loves a Christmas tree …

And this year there will be twenty of them to see in St Mary’s Beeston from the 7-12 December.

Beeston in Bloom and St Mary’s have joined forces and invited local schools and other groups to decorate a tree in a way which represents them.

We can’t wait to see what the Beeston Crochet group will come up with, and the Christian Police Association tree was beautiful last year.

It’s free entry, and there will be a cuppa and mince pie on offer. And on the Friday we’ll be joined by Mary and Joseph and a donkey (yes – a real one!) to start a procession down to the Lantern Festival in Cross Flatts Park.

A special tree will be the Blue Christmas tree – for those who

Entries in last year’s Christmas Tree Festival

find Christmas-time difficult. You can write the name of someone you’re missing on a card, or express a thought or prayer.

Opening times: Weds 7: 10.30am-12.30pm,

Thurs 8: 5pm-7pm, Fri 9: 10am-12noon, and 3pm-5pm Sat 10: 10am-2pm, Sun 12: 12noon-2pm.

St Mary’s church is located on Town Street, LS11 8PN.

St Andrew’s Pantomime Group in Beeston have announced that this year’s show will be a re-telling of the Cinderella story.

The show, another brand new script written and produced by Rachel George, will run from Saturday 21 January through to Saturday 4 February at St Andrew’s Community Centre on Cardinal Road, LS11 8AG.

This is always a seasonal highlight in Beeston and bookings are now being taken.

Show dates and times: Saturday 21 January 2pm and

7pm; Sunday 22 January 2pm; Wednesday 25 January 7pm; Friday 27 January 7pm; Saturday 28 January 2pm and 7pm; Sunday 29 January 2pm; Tuesday 31 January 7pm; Thursday 2 February 7pm; Friday 3 February 7pm;

Saturday 4 February 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets cost £6 adult, £4 children from the box office on 07988 349985 or email: standrewspantogroup @hotmail.com

by Lisa Benfield

Getready, South Leeds, as The Hunslet Club has a lot of festive cheer planned for this Christmas!

The Hunslet Club has a jampacked month of Christmas festivities, focusing on community, having fun, and ensuring every young person has a memorable Christmas holiday!

The Hunslet Club is starting the festive season off with their annual Children’s Christmas Party, which starts at 2pm on Sunday 4 December. A special guest will make a jolly appearance, accompanied by some little helpers. This familyfriendly event is free to attend, as The Hunslet Club wants every family to feel welcome and a part of the community. Plus, each child will receive a free gift!

However, Christmas is not all about gift giving, as some young people from The Hunslet Club are gifting their time on Friday 9 December. The Hunslet Club have organised a social action project for our young people, where they will be providing a Christmas dinner to local care home residents, giving them a chance to interact with residents. A

fun-filled evening follows the food, with bingo, festive music and more planned for the residents.

The festivities don’t stop there, as The Hunslet Club Rogues are putting on a Disney-Sing-a-long showcase on Saturday 10 December and Sunday 11 December. This fantastic Christmas fundraiser is a fantastic event for the whole family; tickets are on sale now.

You can’t have Christmas without the Hunslet Club Christmas December Activity Camp, which starts on Monday

19 December. This ticketed event aims to bring the young people of South Leeds together, to have fun doing different activities such as indoor football, baking and more, all while having some festive fun.

The Hunslet Club aims to bring the community together this festive season to ensure everyone has the chance to make memories. For more information and to purchase tickets to our activity camp or Disney Showcase, you can visit The Hunslet Club website at: www.hunsletclub.org.uk

festive welcome

by Ben Hutchinson

What’s On

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in December

Every Monday

Tea & Toast Drop In

9-10am 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 Phoenix Bar, South Leeds Stadium

Holbeck Together coffee morning

10am-12pm St Matthew’s

Community Centre Walking Group

10am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road

Crochet & Knitting Group

10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street

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 Story & Rhyme (under 5s)

10:30-11:30am Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library 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

One You Stop Smoking Support

1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road

50+ Women’s Group

1-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Baking Together (online)

1:30-2:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Holbeck Together Parents & Tots Coffee Afternoon

1:30-2:30pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre 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 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 REACH support for 16-24s

10am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road

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 Gardening Group 10:30am-12:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600

Story & Rhyme (under 5s) 10:30-11:30am Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town St Affordable Breakfast

10:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 Craft & Chat

12:30-2pm St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton ESOL class

12:30-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600

Digital Support

1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road 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 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

Men’s Chess & Board Games

4:30-6pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library 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

7pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston. 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

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

/ 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 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 Scrabble Club 10am-12pm St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton Beeston Remembered 10:30-11:30am Beeston

Community Hub & Library,Town St 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

Holbeck Together Craft Afternoon 1:30-3:30pm 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

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

Climate Hub and Energy Saving drop in

5:30-7pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library 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 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

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

Inclusive dance

11am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park

Walking Football

11am-12pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road

Leeds Dock Community Drop In 11am-2pm Royal Armouries Museum Cafe, Leeds Dock Bingo and Hoy

11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road

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 Bingo

12:30-2:30pm 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 Employment and Training drop in 4pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road

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 Community Basketball 5-6pm 14+ women & girls

Cockburn John Charles Academy, Old Run Road, 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

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 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 Breakfast Club

10-11:30am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road 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 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. Knit and Natter

2-3pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road 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

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 Community Basketball 9-10:30am 8-12 years, mixed 10:30am-12pm Yr6-9 Girls 3:30-5pm U16/U14 Boys Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston

Debbie Heart Theatre School 9am-1pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Holbeck Moor FC Juniors (4-6yrs)

9am Ingram Road Primary School, Holbeck Saturday Breakfast

9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road

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

Family Lego Club 10-11am The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn ParkPlay

10:30am Brickfield Park, Lady Pit Lane, Beeston

Free Exercise Class

12-1pm Middleton Leisure Centre, Ring Road Middleton Bingo

12-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road

Family Rollerskating

1:30-2:30pm Old Cockburn Sports Hall, Primrose Lane, Beeston Book: ls-ten.org

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 Lock House, Leeds Dock Indoor Children’s Exercise 10am-12pm Hillside, Beeston Rd

Middleton Railway Santa Special 10am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Healthy Minds Cycling Skills 10-11am Watsonian Pavilion,

Cross Flatts Park

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

Thursday 1 December

Library Social 12:30-2pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street 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 AGM 7:30-9pm Beeston Village Community Centre, Beeston Park Place, off Town Street

Friday 2 December

Legal Advice Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Saturday 3 December Holbeck & Beeston Cemetery Volunteers 10am-1pm Meet centre of Holbeck Cemetery, Beeston Road Coffee morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Coffee morning 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road, Hunslet Slung Low Christmas Fayre 12-4pm, The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn

Sunday 4 December

Charity Dog Show 11am-4pm Middleton Park Equestrian Centre, Middleton Grove, LS11 5TZ

Memorial Service (W Kaye & Son) 1pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton Children’s Christmas Party 2pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Rd Monday 5 December

Middleton Community Group 6-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road

Tuesday 6 December

Meet your PCSOs

10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub and Library, off Church Street Story & Rhyme Festive Special 10:30-11:30am Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town St Wednesday 7 December

Meet your PCSOs

10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub and Library Christmas Tree Festival

10:30am-12:30pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Film Club: Elf 12:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050

Memorial Service (W Kaye & Son) 6:30pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Thursday 8 December

Meet your PCSOs

10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub and Library, Town Street

Christmas Tree Festival 5-7pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston

Friday 9 December

Christmas Tree Festival

10am-12pm and 3-5pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Christmas Lantern Festival

4:15pm St Mary’s church Beeston 4:15 St Luke’s Church 4:15 Rowland Road WMC 5:30pm Cross Flatts Park

Occupational Hazard

7:30pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org

Saturday 10 December

Christmas Tree Festival

10am-2pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston

Saturday Family Film Club

11am-1pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street

Manchester Coillective: Places We Know

6pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org

Disney Sing-a-long Showcase

5:30pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, LS10 1BP

Sunday 11 December

Rudolph River Run with Recovery Runners

10am Lock Keepers House, Armouries Drive, LS10 1LE

Christmas Tree Festival

12-2pm St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston

West Yorkshire Symphony

Orchestra: Christmas Concert

3pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org

Disney Sing-a-long Showcase

4pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Rd

Monday 12 December

Story & Rhyme Festive Special

10:30-11:30am Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Greenmounts & Surrounding area

Tenants & Residents Assoc

6:30pm United Free Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill

Tuesday 13 December

Hearing Aid Clinic

10am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050

A Winter’s Trail

4-6:30pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Book: www.tcv.org.uk/ skeltongrange

Wednesday 14 December

MHA Kurling

10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Holbeck Together Carers Group

1:30-3:30pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre

Live Entertainment: Clare Brooke

1:30-3:pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050

MHA Singing Sensations

1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston

A Winter’s Trail

4-6:30pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Book: www.tcv.org.uk/ skeltongrange

Welcoming Christmas

6pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street

Hunslet Tenants & Residents Ass

6:30pm Church of the Nazarene, Lupton Street White Rose Speakers

7pm Jury’s Inn hotel, Brewery Wharf

Thursday 15 December

Leeds Baby Bank

10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library

A Winter’s Trail

4-6:30pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Book: www.tcv.org.uk/ skeltongrange Friday 16 December

Christmas Market

12-4pm outside Hunslet Hub & Library, Church Street

Saturday 17 December

Coffee morning

10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Christmas Market

11am-6pm outside Hunslet Hub & Library, Church Street

Kids Christmas Party

1pm Hunslet RLFC, Phoenix Bar, South Leeds Stadium

Sunday 18 December

Christmas Grotto

11am-4pm Old Bowling Hut, Hunslet Moor

Christmas Parade

2pm St Mary’s Spire, Church Street, Hunslet

Monday 19 December

Christmas Rugby Programme 9am-2pm Beeston Broncos, Lane End, Beeston, LS11 8BB

Tuesday 20 December

Christmas Rugby Programme 9am-2pm Beeston Broncos, Lane End, Beeston, LS11 8BB

Wednesday 21 December

Christmas Rugby Programme 9am-2pm Beeston Broncos, Lane End, Beeston, LS11 8BB

Leeds Irish Health Group

10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

Film Club: Scrooge

12:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050

Pantomime: Annie 4pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050

Thursday 22 December

Christmas Rugby Programme 9am-2pm Beeston Broncos, Lane End, Beeston, LS11 8BB

Hunslet Remembered

10-11:30am Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street

Wednesday 4 January

Film Club: Fisherman’s Friends 12:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050

Thursday 5 January Library Social 12:30-2pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc 6:30-8pm Woodhouse Hill

Community Centre

Community Support Group

7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF

Beeston Community Forum 7:30-9pm Beeston Village Community Centre, Beeston Park Place, off Town Street

Saturday 7 January

Women’s Football Fun Day 11am-1pm Football World, Cross Green, LS9 0RA Book: elizabeth.cotter@leeds.gov.uk

IN BRIEF

Hunslet’s wandering Nativity

Toastie Tuesdays

Your Space are hosting weekly Toastie Tuesdays at St Matthew’s Community Centre in Holbeck from 4:30-6:30pm. Come and enjoy free hot and cold drinks, free toastie and a friendly welcome. All welcome, booking essential, call or message 07867 268934

Santa’s Grotto at Hunslet Moor

The Friends of Hunslet Moor are running a toy appeal to ensure no local child misses out this Christmas. They are looking for unwrapped toys, games, stationary, books, craft and colouring items, puzzles and selection boxes suitable for 0-13 years. Santa’s Grotto will be at the Old Bowling Hut, behind Crescent Towers, LS11 5NR on Sunday 18 December, 11am4pm. Contact davbrejts@hotmail.com 07754 346912

Charity Dog Show

Middleton Park Equestrian Centre are holding a Chairity Dog Show on Sunday 4 December, 11am-4pm. The event promises pet portraits with Santa, agility and young handler classes, stalls, food and music. There’s something for everyone and it will raise money for Leeds Children’s Hospital, Charlies Angel Centre and the Equestrian Centre.

Old Chapel Music Tours

Old Chapel Music Studios have seen many great Leeds bands use their facilities over the years, most famously The Kaiser Chiefs. Now you can join an Interactive Historical Music Tour of the studios. Tours take place on the last Sunday of the month, although December’s is on 18th for obvious reasons. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance at bit.ly/3OpQmod

Our Future Beeston

Do you have an idea for a community climate action project? Would you like to get involved in helping the local environment? Come along to Our Future Beeston’s consultation evening to find out what’s already happening in Beeston and give your feedback and suggestions of what you would like to see in the coming year. Thursday 8 December, 6:30-8pm at Beeston Village Community Centre. Buffet and refreshments available.

Warm Watsonia

The Watsonia Pavilion in Cross Flatts Park is open as a free warm space every Tuesday and Friday 1-3pm. Free tea, coffee, soup, charge your phone, read a book, play a board game.

IMPORTANT MEETING

THURS 15 DECEMBER, 7:30 PM in the clubhouse

NOTICE OF SPECIAL

On Sunday 18 December two donkeys will journey through the streets of Hunslet as part of Christmas Celebration with a difference and you have chance to be part of it!

The event has been arranged by Hunslet Gathering - a new Anglican church in Hunslet. Throughout the journey we will retell the Nativity story of Jesus being born in a stable in Bethlehem.

The Parade will begin on Church Street at 2pm next to St Mary’s Spire, travel between the Hemingway flats, through the common/green space then stopping at the shop on Pepper Lane.

The return leg meanders through Rocheford Close, Balmoral Chase and Belinda Street with a stop off at Assisi Place. The celebration concludes with hot drinks & refreshments (venue to be confirmed) between 3-4pm.

Each stop will include a Christmas Carol and a Bible reading relating to the

Last year’s Nativity procession

Christmas story retold by an allstar cast of local children and adults. Music will also be played throughout the walks between the stops. We invite anyone joining the parade to dress in Nativity costumes (optional) and bring a light or lantern.

This is the third donkey event we have hosted following the 2021 Wandering Nativity and the Palm Sunday Parade this Spring. Both events were great fun!

It has been wonderful to

share the true meaning of Christmas and Easter on the streets of this amazing community. A particular highlight was the stops at Asissi Place residential home where the donkeys were a big hit! Thanks to everyone else who joined in and made these events possible.

We would love you and your loved ones to be part of the fun the Christmastime by either joining in all or part of the journey or meeting us at one (or more) of the stops!

There will also be opportunities to stroke and feed the donkeys

Further details on the event including the route can be found on the Hunslet Gathering Facebook pagefb.com/hunsletgathering Alternatively contact Ben Hutchinson on 07419 366 058

Also all are warmly invited to our Messy Church Christmas Party on Monday 5 December 3:30-5pm at Involve Centre Whitfield Avenue, LS10 2QE (next to the Library Hub building and St Joseph’s club). The event will celebrate the good news of Christmas through arts & crafts and stories from the Bible. We will also share a (free) meal together.

The Hunslet Gathering is an emerging Anglican Church seeking new ways to serve Hunslet and share the good news of Jesus. New members are welcome anytime whatever age, background or church/faith experience.

Cockburn Community Choir

by

Did you know that Cockburn School run a Community Choir? I recently joined and can highly recommend it.

The choir is led by Sophie Thiruchelvam, a professional singing teacher who works at the school and is open to anyone who would like to sing. The group sing a range of styles from pop to musical theatre and classical. At the moment we are working on some carols to sing at a local care home.

a good sing song, don’t they?”

“I suffer from anxiety and I come out of here and I feel great and I’m singing all the way home. It’s ace, I’ve been coming for a year now and I absolutely love it.”

“Sophie’s lovely and the whole group’s really friendly.”

TO DISSOLVE THE COMMITTEE OF HUNSLET GREEN TO BE REPLACED BY A NEWLY CONSTITUTED COMMITTEE, name yet to be finalised.

MEETING

As Hunslet Green is to merge with the rugby section of The Hunslet Club, the present Hunslet Green constitution and committee must be dissolved by agreement with the members. See below the relevant section of the Constitution.

16. DISSOLUTION

If the Committee by a simple majority decides at any time that on the grounds of expense or otherwise it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the Association it shall call a meeting of all members of the Association who have power to vote giving not less than 21days notice (stating the terms of the resolution to be proposed thereat). Such notice to be posted in a conspicuous place or places in the area of benefit and advertised in a newspaper circulating in the area of benefit and given writing to Leeds City Council. If such decision shall be confirmed by a simple majority of those present and voting at such meetings any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debts and liabilities shall be applied towards such charitable purpose for the benefits of the benefit of the inhabitants of the area of benefit as the Committee may decide such decision to be approved in writing by the Leeds City Council provided that any lease of the property from which the Association shall be operating immediately prior to dissolution shall revert to the Landlord.

We invite all interested members to attend on 15th December 2022, at 7:30pm to decide this important proposal.

You don’t need any prior experience, you don’t need to read sheet music and there are no auditions. The choir is free and runs every Tuesday in term time at 5pm for an hour.

The choir has been going for years, but had to stop during the pandemic and numbers have been slow to pick up since it restarted, so they are keen for new members to join.

Joining a choir, or any group, can feel a bit daunting, but Sophie puts everyone at ease. She’s clear that we are here to enjoy ourselves, so while we attempt some tricky three-part harmonies there’s no pressure if we get it wrong or sing the main tune instead of our part.

I spoke to some of the other choir members about what brought them back each week

“It’s something for me. It’s an hour out of your life for yourself and I enjoy it, everybody enjoys

“If you’re feeling a bit fed up you just come and it’s just refreshing.”

“Sometimes you think ‘Oh do I have to go?’ But then you go and when you come out it’s so good.”

“It helps you switch off because you can’t think about anything else while you’re concentrating on the music.”

“When you come out you feel like you’ve grown a bit, you feel quite tall.”

I would certainly agree with all those comments. The science that says that singing uses a different part of your brain and I certainly come away from choir feeling my brain has had a workout, but in a good way.

I always get a bit anxious learning a new song, or especially a harmony part to a song I do know. How will I ever remember it next week? But somehow your brain does remember and out it comes. That’s why music is so important for people suffering from dementia, they may struggle with names and faces, but they can still sing an old

song.

If, like me, you’ve been told in the past that you can’t sing, or you can’t hold a tune, don’t believe it. Everyone can sing, singing is good for you, so come and join us.

Email: communitychoir@cockburnsch ool.org or just come to the main entrance at 5pm on a Tuesday.

The choir sang carols outside Pennington Court care home last year

Jeremy Morton

Get set to run, swim, play and more

Continued from page 24

As we all look ahead to the impacts of the rising costs of living, within Get Set Leeds Local we’ve been keen to explore how through these challenging times some of the potential barriers to being active which support mental and physical activity are broken down.

We anticipate many different approaches to be explored, whether it’s kit libraries, adding movement to a warm space or other innovative plan - we’d would love to hear your creative ideas, and collectively we may be able to potentially develop some of them further with funding or support.

New female only swims at John Charles Centre for Sport continue on both a Tuesday and a Thursday 1-2pm. At hand will be a Leeds Girls Can ambassador to offer support at each session. Sessions don’t guarantee a female lifeguard (which can’t be offered currently).

However, community focus groups with BAME women have shared that they were largely comfortable with a male lifeguard if they could take through to the curtained off diving area dressing gowns or towels before entering the water discreetly. The diving pool will be raised to be shallow depth.

Please do help share with women across the Inner South as it is something that has been asked for by local women over a long time. The cheapest way to access is via a Leeds Card Extra (for those on benefits) LeedsCard What’s different?

Leeds Girls Can • Ambassador Naz (qualified swim teacher) will be present on poolside to answer any questions or concerns in

relation to the session.

The pool and viewing area • will be curtained off/closed for privacy.

Please feel free to bring • along your robes/towels to wear to the poolside.

During the holidays you • can bring your children.

Collectively with partners we’re excited to be developing a new event at Cross Flatts Park for May 2023. If you run are involved in any group, activity or club which helps the community move more and could be a part of the event by showcasing your activity through a demonstration, taster or information stall then get in touch via karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk We’ll share more details in the New Year.

As the weather takes a wintery turn, we’d like to remind everyone that ParkPlay at Brickfield Park in Beeston Hill (Lady Pitt Lane) continues every Saturday at 10:30am whatever the weather, free for everyone to turn up and join in.

On Saturday 7 January Leeds Girls Can, Leeds United Foundation and Get Set Leeds local are teaming up to host a fun women’s football event. A morning full of fun, social, inclusive games with the aim to bring women together to try something new. Whether you are a complete beginner or have a passion for the game we would love to invite you to Football World in Cross Green 11am-1pm. It’s five-a-side but our team can help make up the numbers if you are short. If you would like to get involved email elizabeth.cotter@leeds.gov.uk

From Get Set Leeds Local we’d like to thank all our partners and residents who we’ve worked with over 2022. We look forward to what 2023 brings. Happy Holidays to all.

Bench dedicated to giant of schools’ rugby league Bill Crann

by Jeremy Morton

Family, friends and former pupils gathered in Middleton Park on Wednesday 9 November for the dedication of a bench to Bill Crann, who sadly died last year aged 88.

Bill was a local teacher who coached many rugby league players who went on to turn professional for Hunslet and other clubs.

He has been described as “a true giant of schools’ rugby league south of the river” at a time when the area’s teams were amongst the best in the county.

Bill was born and bred in Middleton and lived here his whole life bringing up his own family in the area. He started his teaching career at Middleton Secondary Modern Boys’ School in the 1950s and later taught at Belle Isle Secondary Modern.

After several moves he returned to Middleton as Deputy Headteacher and remained in that role when the school became John Blenkinsop Middle School in 1972.

Outside of rugby, Bill was active at St Mary’s church and in the local Labour Party as well as keeping bees.

The plaque on the bench, which is by the edge of the lake where Bill used to enjoy sitting in later life, reads:

“In memory of Bill Crann, who was a great asset to rugby league, local schools and the community as a whole. Providing a good pathway for the Hunslet Rugby Foundation.”

The ceremony was led by Peter Jarvis and Kim Groves, Directors of the Hunslet Rugby Foundation, who donated the bench.

Three generations of Bill’s family were present, with daughters Jane and Michelle and his son Neil with his daughter Hayley and Bill’s youngest great grandchild Cole (in the pram). Ex-players present included Alan Charlton, Jimmy Crampton, Billy Adams, Keith Mason and of course Peter Jarvis.

Commenting, Bill’s son Neil Crann said “I think my dad would be overwhelmed, thank you all so much.”

For more information about Bill’s achievements in the field of schools’ rugby league go to hunsletrlfc.com/southofthe river/bill-crann-a-legend-ofschools-rugby-league

Bill’s family were joined by friends and ex-players

Merger aims to create the best amatuer rugby league club in the country

Two of the amateur game’s greatest clubs have shocked the rugby league world with the merger of Hunslet Club Parkside and the Hunslet Warriors who from the 2023 season will become Hunslet ARLFC.

Hunslet Club Parkside the reigning NCL Premier Division Grand Final Champions and their neighbours Hunslet Warriors will start the new season with a total of 18 teams – including two girls’ sides –ranging from Under 6s through to the Open Age 1st team, with the ambition to become the largest amateur Club in the country.

Dav Mawson, Senior and Junior Chair Hunslet ARLFC said:

“This merger has secured amateur rugby league in South Leeds for the foreseeable future. We realised The Warriors and Hunslet Club Parkside were losing players to other clubs due to our not having the correct age groups for them to play in and no Hunslet player should be forced to play out of their area.

“It’s my ambition to create

the best amateur rugby club in the country and with the terrific facilities at the Warriors and the unrivalled expertise of the Hunslet Club I’m confident this will happen.”

For many years there has been an intense rivalry between these two proud South Leeds clubs who have produced some of the greatest amateur and professional players to grace the game –Jason Robinson, Garry Schofield, Dave Creaser, Chev Walker, Paul McShane, Carl Ablett, Liam Sutcliffe and Mikolaj Oledzki to name but a few.

Paul Thorpe, Senior and Open Age Secretary Hunslet ARLFC commented:

“We now have the chance to build the two merged clubs and move forward with top class facilities and coaching expertise ensuring amateur rugby league in South Leeds flourishes and continues to produce players not only to keep amateur rugby at the forefront of our great game, but also to continue the long production line through to the professional game. At the end

Get Set Leeds Local is a Sport England funded project delivered by Active Leeds, to work in a coproductive way to support more people to move more within Holbeck, Beeston Hill, New Wortley and Seacroft.

We have community chest funding (up to £300) available to help seed fund an idea, along with funding for larger coproduced projects and funding to upskill people within these communities which helps contribute to creating sustainable physical activity opportunities.

We’re always looking for local insight into the things that are getting in the way of people being active, then working collaboratively to see how we can enable more people to move more whether that’s

through amendments to the environment, creating social opportunities, working with “champions” to develop new community activities, or creating a social buzz around being active. We’re here to listen, support and enable lots of good stuff to happen.

One such initiative has been the inspiring Recovery Runners, set up by Dean and Jamie who developed the idea to use running as a way to support people who were recovering from alcohol addiction. Fast forward 18 months and the group has grown to welcome anyone who uses the benefits of running to recover from, or manage challenging life events or addictive behaviours through weekly activities from Leeds Dock.

This Christmas (11 December) they have a fun 5K run/walk/jog Recovery Runners Rudolph River Run raising money to help

people with addiction. Whether you’re taking part (email recoveryrunners21@gmail .com for entry or donations), or want to pop along to cheer everyone along there will be a festive warm welcome for you. On the day they’ll be collecting food bank donations. Follow them on twitter @recoveryrunners7 for latest details.

Continued on page 23

of the day this merger is all about giving our kids the very best opportunities.”

Andrew Beadnall, Hunslet Club Chair added:

“Creating a new amateur rugby league club is an expensive operation –producing new playing kits for 18 teams alone – and we hope that local businesses in Leeds and the huge number of our former players who started playing at our two clubs will help us find the sponsorship we need to make this the country’s premier amateur club.

“We have many sponsorship packages – from main club sponsor of Hunslet ARLFC to pitchside hoarding and programme advertising, match day sponsors and individual player sponsorship.”

For details of our junior and girls section contact ainsleywarriors@yahoo.com and the senior section p.thorpe@hotmail.co.uk

For sponsorship packages, contact Andrew Beadnall andrew.beadnall@beadnall copley.co.uk

There will be a meeting for members of Hunslet Green (Warriors) to approve dissolution on Thursday 15 December at 7:30pm in the clubhouse. All interested members are encouraged to attend, please see notice on page 22.

Pre-season games confirmed by Hunslet

Hunslet

RLFC have lined up three friendlies – all at their South Leeds Stadium base – ahead of the 2023 Betfred League 1 Rugby League season, which gets underway on Sunday 19 February with a trip to Doncaster.

The Parksiders, whose Head Coach Alan Kilshaw has significantly strengthened his squad in recent weeks, will host Halifax, Batley Bulldogs and Leeds Rhinos in an appetising precursor to what promises to be an exciting campaign.

Halifax will travel to Hunslet on Sunday 22 January and Batley will follow suit on Sunday 29 January. And Hunslet will entertain Leeds in the traditional Harry Jepson OBE Trophy clash on Sunday 12 February.

All three games will kick off at 3.00pm and admission for each is £10 (£5 concessions, under 16s free). Hunslet are offering a £15 package for supporters who purchase tickets for the Batley and

Halifax fixtures in advance.

Kilshaw said:

“We are thankful to Halifax and Batley for allowing us to host them – and their fantastic followings – at the South Leeds Stadium. I’m sure that with our own supporters also anticipating the new season there will be a good crowd at both games.”

“The Leeds match, as we know, isn’t a typical friendly,

with a prestigious trophy up for grabs. And given Leeds’ current strength in depth I’m sure they will be sending a very strong side.

“The games will present different challenges and will allow us to give all our squad, and some trialists, an opportunity to have some game-time ahead of our opening round one league fixture at Doncaster.”

Recovery Runners

Coach Alan Kilshaw Photo: Stephen Gaunt Touchlinepics.com

by Karen Peck

Wearing their famous Club colours for the last time representatives from Hunslet Warriors and Hunslet Club Parkside juniors, girls and open age sections holding the NCL Premier Division Grand Final Trophy 2022.