South Leeds Life 93 January 2023

by Jeremy Morton

(residents association) meeting, we invite them constantly but they never turn up.”

Using the Open Forum section of the meeting, Christine Smart asked the Councillors:

“This week the binmen told our residents that they were not collecting bags. That causes an issue because some of the estate are on bag collections only due to the steps, so they can’t have a wheelie bin.

“The issues with the bins, as Cllr Almass I’m sure will back me up, has been ongoing since before the pandemic and they don’t seem to be getting any better. Our Councillors do speak to managers and come back and tell us the reasons why the problems are there, but there is never any solution to actually fix the issues.

“It makes the estate look scruffy. I feel the residents then get blamed for fly-tipping when it’s not always us that do it. It affects everybody’s mood and how people see us. I’d like Refuse to come to a TRAC

The Cottingley Hall estate was designed to segregate cars and other traffic from pedestrians. This means many properties are some distance from a road and being built on a hill, many pathways involve steps.

Cllr Andrew Scopes (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) told the meeting that he had been trying to resolve the issues for years, even joining a bin round in 2019 to see the issues for himself. He reported that he had met with a senior officer on site and discussed where more properties could be given a wheelie bin and creating a list of all the properties on bag collection for the crews to use. However there doesn’t seem to have been any progress on the issue.

The problems are so intrenched that TRAC have a delegated member who collected details of all the missed collection each week to report back to the Council.

Christine continued:

“I do accept that the estate’s layout is very complicated, but it’s existed for fifty years and there hasn’t always been an

issue with bin collections. It seems to be a new problem, it didn’t seem to be a problem six or seven years ago, so I think there’s been some serious breakdown in communication or instructions somewhere that the residents just don’t understand. And in the meantime we have rats and rodents running round, the estate looks bad, people treat the estate badly.

“It seems Refuse constantly have excuses to not collect our rubbish rather than offering

any solutions. We want a solution because it’s an issue that doesn’t need to be there.”

In a written comment to South Leeds Life, Cllr Scopes said:

“My Colleagues, Annie Maloney and Gohar Almass, and I are deeply frustrated with the number of missed bins on Cottingley which needs to get better! We’ve asked the Executive member and Chief Officer for Refuse Collection to come to our next Inner South Community Committee to set

out plans to improve the service.

“We have met with senior officers and walked around some of the challenging areas and so do understand that Cottingley bin collections can be difficult to navigate, but strongly believe that with the right processes in place the collections for Cottingley can, and must be, improved for residents.”

Leeds City Council have been approached for a comment on the situation.

Cottingley residents vented their frustrations about the long running poor refuse collection service on the estate at a recent meeting of the Inner South Community Committee.

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Council budget cuts of £70 million planned for 2023

keep finding significant savings year on year to deliver a balanced budget while continuing to provide vital services especially to support our most vulnerable residents.

“Despite recent initial moves towards devolving funding and decision-making from Whitehall to regions, our national economy remains one of the most centralised in the world. Government funding for councils is worked out using outdated formulas rather than considering need, across all areas including health funding, housing, council tax, business rates, education and social care.

are having to look at steps to keep the council budget balanced that we have not taken already over this period. We will review a number of the council’s Little Owls nurseries and also increase the number of parks and attractions where we charge for car parking.

“As our communities and city are still recovering from the impact of the pandemic and are now also dealing with the impact of a cost of living crisis too, we know people are really struggling. Despite needing to make more incredibly difficult decisions next year, we remain fully committed to doing everything we can to continue to help people, and especially to care for the most vulnerable members of our communities in the challenging year ahead.”

The Leader of Leeds City Council has called for “fundamental changes” as to how councils are funded after announcing budget proposals which require the delivery of £69.8million savings in the next financial year.

Council Leader Councillor James Lewis made the comments as the details of the proposed budget for 2023/24 were published.

The proposals include increasing general council tax by 2.99%, with an additional 2% earmarked for tackling adult social care costs as put forward by the government in its Autumn Statement.

Separately, in respect of council housing, the proposals include a seven per cent increase in housing rents, and £3.14 per tenant per week increase in service charges specifically for tenants in multi-

storey flats and low/medium-rise flats where they receive additional services such as cleaning of communal areas, lift maintenance, staircase heating and lighting, and CCTV. This increase mainly reflects rising energy costs.

Rising energy costs, high levels of inflation and increasing costs and demand for services especially in children’s services and for adult social care, along with a nationallyagreed pay increase for staff have contributed to a shortfall of £69.8million, needing savings by the council to balance its budget next year.

Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor James Lewis, said:

“The system of how councils are funded needs a fundamental change as it is simply not realistic or sustainable for councils like ours to

“The current business rates system is a good example of not being fit for purpose, as Leeds is the only northern core city which has to send tax resources back to the Treasury.

“A Fair Funding Review was announced by the government back in 2016, and we need an update as to when its findings will be implemented to move to more of a needs-based system. Such a change would much more fairly reflect and support the needs of a modern, diverse city and culture such as we have here in Leeds.

“We have seen core government funding for Leeds reduced by approximately £263million for each year between 2011 and 2023 yet the need for services remains high. Twelve years into the national government’s austerity agenda we

City Square enters next phase of construction

Major changes are taking place to vehicle movement in the city centre, as King Street and Thirsk Row are becoming two-way, starting on Sunday 8 January.

These form part of Leeds City Council plans to make City Square people-first by removing general through-traffic away from the area. This next phase will facilitate works to the area in front of the Queens Hotel.

There will also be no longer vehicle access to Wellington Street. Buses and taxis will need to travel via Infirmary Street and Kings Street to access Wellington Street.

From 6am Sunday 8 January, the following city centre road layout changes will occur:

The current one-way direction • of travel running from Thirsk Row via Wellington Street and King Street (up to Infirmary Street) will no longer be in place.

King Street and Thirsk Row will • become two-way.

Thirsk Row will become two- •

way for all traffic.

King Street will have a new • southbound 24-hour bus gate.

Works by other parties such as utilities companies and private building developers will also have an impact on the road network.

The council does everything it can to co-ordinate works with these stakeholders. The timing of these phase of works has been planned to coincide with lower traffic levels, after the Christmas peak.

From 4–22 January development utility works are planned along Whitehall Road, from the Globe Road junction towards Springwell Road junction. Yorkshire Water plan to follow these with works on Whitehall Road and Globe Road, from 23 January until 31 March, affecting the Holbeck area.

They will operate under manual traffic signals 7am-7pm to minimise disruption and seven days a week to shorten the duration of works.

From 8 January, there will also be changes to bus routes affected by

these new layouts and people will need to check with West Yorkshire Metro (www.wymetro.com/buses) ahead of travel. Services affected include 55, 55c, 60, 65 and 75.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead when travelling into the city centre to avoid becoming caught in congestion because of the works, go to: www.leeds.gov.uk/planahead

Using the city’s Park and Ride sites including those at Stourton

Cuts have already been agreed to the Little Owls nurseries service which runs at a loss. This has resulted in the closure of nurseries at Dewsbury Road and Middleton Children’s Centre. Children have been moved to nearby nurserries and staff redployed across the city.

An online consultation survey is now live at surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/ Y6R12N/ and will run until the end of Wednesday 11 January. Views and feedback will also be received from a range of stakeholders including councillors, trades unions, business representatives and third sector groups.

Staff in council-managed community hubs and libraries are available to support people to fill in the survey if needed.

The final budget proposals will then be presented to the executive board on 8 February 2023 before being debated and voted on at the full council meeting on 22 February.

and Elland Road are cheaper than city centre parking with electric buses running every 10-15 minutes, direct into the centre. Adult return fares are £3 before 1pm, £2 1-3pm and only £1 after 3pm with up to three children travelling free with every fare paying adult.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “I know that no one likes road works and that they cause disruption, but they are necessary to improve our road network and keep Leeds moving. We’re working as fast as we can to make these improvements and I want to thank everyone in advance for their patience.”

Leeds Civic Hall

Community collaboration raises £800 for Getting Clean

Aday of collaboration between two Leeds’ organisations on Friday 16 December saw over £800 raised for Getting Clean CIC –a project which supports and guides recovering addicts who want to give back to the community.

St Lukes’s CARES charity shop, on Dewsbury Road, Beeston invited Getting Clean founder, Chris Sylvester, to take over the outlet for the day. Nine Getting Clean volunteers attended throughout the day, helping to staff the shop, serve customers and gain an insight into what the working day looks like for staff at the charity’s retail shop.

The shop sells low-cost furniture, electricals and white goods – recycling and refurbishing items which are then sold to raise funds to

support projects for young people.

St Luke’s CARES manager, Sally Thums, said:

“Working with Getting Clean has been such an inspirational experience. Hearing how volunteers are dealing with their addictions whilst supporting each other and the community is something which truly warms the heart. We hope to collaborate on future projects. It’s a truly amazing organisation”.

Lucy Potter, Corrina Noble, Linette Blake, Niel Myers and Tyvin Hague from St Luke’s

CARES also attended on the day to support the team of volunteers.

Getting Clean founder, Chris Sylvester, said:

“What a brilliant day! The generosity of all at St Luke’s CARES is something to marvel at – our volunteers felt like part of the team and this experience for them is invaluable in their continued recovery.

“To have received £800 from this amazing charity is overwhelming. It will help us significantly with our plans for growth in 2023”.

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, including a grant from Councillors of the Inner South Community Committee.

However our print costs have risen againup 83% in a year - to over £1,000. On top of that we pay our full time Editor for 55 hours a month, taking our monthly costs to nearly £2,000.

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.

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Getting Clean volunteers took over the St Luke’s CARES shop for a day

This edition of South Leeds Life has been paid for by your Councillors of the Inner South Community Committee: Beeston & Holbeck

On the beat

Iwould like to start this month’s column with a few updates on some recently shared news.

I am glad to announce that PCSO Nick Smith was successful at the Leeds District Awards as PCSO of the year.

Nick was joined by a colleague from Leeds Anti-Social Behaviour Team who was awarded in the Partner of the Year category for his work in targeting dangerous offenders in the Holbeck area. I am also able to confirm that the OnStreet Sex Working Team were winners of the ‘Admired Ally’ category at the Safer/Stronger Community Awards. The citation read:

“The on-street sex worker policing team were nominated for their continued hard work and dedication in managing, supporting and protecting one of the most vulnerable cohorts in the city.

“The team work tirelessly to be a presence on the streets,

building relationships with those who at times are desperately in need, supporting them with mental health, addiction and as victims of crime and facilitating them access to specialised services.

“As a whole the team go above and beyond to protect and serve the women sex working on our streets and ensure that they get the most from the partnerships available to them.

“The partnership together as a whole have some massively life changing results and for that they deserve the recognition.”

Members of your local Neighbourhood Policing Team collated the donations for the Friends of Hunslet Moor Santa Toy appeal and enjoyed delivering them to the group. The gifts were prepared by the Friends of Hunslet Moor for gifting at their Christmas Grotto on 19 December.

My primary message this month is around drinking and driving. The New Year period is a time for celebration and enjoyment. If you plan to drink alcohol, please think about your journey home and remember that you could still be over the legal limit the next morning. Being convicted of drink or drug driving can lead to a substantial fine, losing your licence, New Year in a cell or worst of all, living in the knowledge that you have seriously injured or killed someone.

Last year West Yorkshire Police arrested 221 people for drink driving and 95 people for drug driving.

Throughout the New Year period, there will be increased enforcement in support of a national drive to reduce these offences at this time of year. I wish you and your communities a very merry Christmas, and a happy new year.

Tackling parcel thefts at Leeds Dock flats

Councillor

Paul Wray and Mohammed Iqbal (Labour, Hunslet and Riverside) are increasing the pressure of building managers and development owners across Leeds Riverside to tackle the huge increase in parcel thefts on their sites.

Developments, such as Leeds Dock and Victoria Riverside, have seen a significant increase in this type crime – causing misery and inconvenience for hundreds of residents.

West Yorkshire Police do regularly arrest offenders, but they normally only receive a small sentence from the courts.

Cllr Paul Wray said “This is not a new issue for our riverside communities – the surge in the take up of home deliveries following the start of the pandemic has created a situation where most apartments are now getting a weekly or in some cases, daily, home delivery. Many of these developments were never designed with this in mind and criminals are now taking advantage of this. Residents rightly want us to make this a priority in their area.”

Cllr Wray continued that he

has been working with West Yorkshire Police, building mangers and development owners at both Victoria Riverside and Leeds Dock to identify simple steps to reduce the risk to residents. These have included agreements by building managers to add frosted film to glassed lobby areas to obscure mailboxes zone, and some developers agreeing to replace their access doors from those which use codes to fobs – to reduce tailgating.

He added “One area we’re lobbying the development is to install delivery lockers on their sites. These can’t possibly cover all delivery providers, but

most deliveries are taking place via two or three companies. That is a lot of deliveries that can be covered with ease. Having a secure delivery option near home would be a big win for many residents for whom having to go to a shop isn’t to collect their item isn’t always and option.”

Work to address the issue building by impacted building will continue in the new year following a detailed set of crime prevention recommendations following visits by their crime prevention officer. These will, if implement, harden buildings in question against this type of crime.

Fencing ordered to stop anti-social drivers

Work to reduce the impact

of nuisance vehicle movements over footpaths near Hunslet Carr Primary School has been approved following a request by residents made to Cllrs Paul Wray and Mohammed Iqbal (Labour, Hunslet and Riverside).

Residents had raised the alarm that cars, vans and quad bikes were using the paved areas in between Hunslet Carr Primary School and Sandon Mount to access Woodhouse Hill Road via Sandon Mount. This follows on from similar issues taking place on the footpath in between the school and Leasowe Avenue, which was also being used as a shortcut – putting children and older residents at risk.

Both sites will now have fencing ordered to close off these access points, with bollards or setback chicanes installed to stop larger vehicles passing through and to force

quad and motor bike user to dismount to pass. However, these will not stop the passage of mobility scooters, wheelchair users and prams from passing though.

Cllr Paul Wray said “It is disappointing we are needing to spend this money to stop the poor behaviour of a few, but the safety of residents comes first.

But these simple steps will significantly increase the safety of residents around the school. This was a priority of residents and parents, and so it is a priority for us to prevent these issues.”

The works to install the fencing should take place within 6-12 weeks, subject to supplier delays.

Glass walled entrance lobbies at Leeds Dock flats

Cars, vans and quad bikes have taken a short cut. Photo: Google

Warm Spaces in South Leeds Leeds responds to the cost-of-living crisis

Leeds City Council has been working with partners in the third sector to provide frontline respite for residents suffering during the current cost-of-living crisis.

One element of the response is to promote public locations such as community hubs and libraries as warm spaces, where people can be warm through the winter and reduce their home energy costs.

All Council Community Hubs & Libraries offer a ‘warm welcome’, with free hot refreshments and activities for children and families in addition to the existing services of free access to books, computers and wi-fi.

Further support and free financial guidance is also available in all councilmanaged community hubs on housing, council tax and benefits.

A host of community organisations have also opened up their buildings in various ways. At a minimum they offer a Warm Space and free hot drink. Many also offer free wi-fi, a chance to charge your phone or other device (see chart).

Leeds City Council executive member for communities Councillor Mary Harland said:

“We know people across Leeds are really struggling due to the cost of living crisis, and the council is committed to doing everything it can to work together with our partners and stakeholders to help.

“Especially during the cold winter months ahead, we would encourage people to make use of the warm places around the city to help keep their home costs down and to make use of all free support and guidance available.

“By working together and looking out for each other we

can help especially the most vulnerable people in Leeds to get through this challenging time.”

Currently 22% (174,000 people) of the Leeds population is living in relative poverty after housing costs are deducted from income, while there are now over 71,000 Universal Credit claimants in the city compared to 33,000 in February 2020.

Almost one in four (24% –36,496) children in Leeds is currently living in poverty and the council is seeing a significant rise in the number of children and families accessing help.

The support available in Leeds can also be seen online at the council’s dedicated webpage at www.leeds.gov.uk /costofliving

This includes help across key areas such as food services, health, housing, water and jobs. Low-cost or free events and activities especially those for children and families can be seen via Leeds Inspired at www. leedsinspired.co.uk

Winter coat appeal

Big-hearted people in Leeds have donated more than 3,500 coats to an appeal helping those in need wrap up warm this winter.

The winter coat appeal, a partnership between Zero Waste Leeds and Leeds City Council to help families struggling with the current cost of living crisis, has seen people from across the city dropping second-hand coats in at community hubs and designated warm spaces around Leeds.

Donated coats are then distributed for free to those who need them, saving them vital money while also helping to reduce waste.

Since its launch just two

months ago, organisers believe the appeal has already saved hard-pressed local families an estimated £70,000. Donation points included leisure centres and local businesses, which carried out donation drives with staff and helped with volunteers.

And having smashed their original target of 2,000 donations, this week project bosses announced a fresh appeal for more coats along with much-needed fleeces and hoodies.

Gill Coupland, from Zero Waste Leeds, said:

“The people of Leeds have shown astonishing generosity so far, donating thousands of coats to help so many families who are struggling financially and it’s a wonderful thing to be part of.

“The money those families have saved on buying new coats can stay in their budget for other essentials and that’s a bit of extra support that’s needed now more than ever.

“So far, this appeal is already making a genuine, tangible difference and we’d love for people to continue dropping in their second-hand coats along with fleeces and hoodies.

“Leeds has an incredible culture of sharing, and we want to encourage that as much as possible, cutting down the need for new and creating a more sustainable city.”

To find out more about the winter coat appeal, including where to donate or where and how to get a coat, please visit: www.zerowasteleeds.org.uk /projects/leeds-winter-coatappeal

Support and advice for organisations wanting to set up a Warm Space is available from Voluntary Action Leeds via www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/ warm-spaces

BEESTON

Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street, LS11 8PN

Monday-Saturday times vary; hot drinks,wi-fi, computer access, charge devices

Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town Street, LS11 8DQ

Monday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm; hot drinks, wi-fi, computer access, charge devices

St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road / Old Lane LS11 8AG

Wednesday 9:30am-2pm; breakfast and lunch, games

Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, LS11 7NA

Monday-Sunday 9am-2:30pm wi-fi, charge devices; Tuesday and Friday 1-3pm hot drink, soup and snack; Thursday 12:30-2:30pm free prize bingo

Christ Embassy Church, Unit 10 Ashbrooke Park Parkside Lane

Monday 10am-1pm hot drinks charge devices

Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library, 190 Dewsbury Road, LS11 6PF

Monday-Saturday times vary; hot drinks, wi-fi, computer access, charge devices

South Bank Sanctuary, Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6TT

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10am-1pm; pay as you feel café and foodbank shop, wi-fi St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, LS11 8PD

Sunday 12:30-3:30pm; light lunch, hot drinks, games, activities, wi-fi

BELLE ISLE

BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, off Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH

Monday-Friday times vary; hot drinks, wi-fi, computer access, charge devices; Tuesday 3:30-5pm free hot meal; Friday 9:30-11:30am pay what you can hot breakfast

Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, LS10 3LG

Monday-Friday 10am-12pm; hot drinks, wifi Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Cranmore Drive, LS10 4AW

Monday- Friday times vary; hot drinks, wifi, groups, activities; Fridays 9-10:30am low cost breakfast

COTTINGLEY

Cottingley Community Centre, Cottingley Approach, LS11 0HJ

Friday 9:30am-12:30pm hot drinks

HOLBECK

Holbeck Together, St Matthew’s Community Centre, LS11 9NR

Monday, Wednesday 1:30-3:30pm; hot drinks, wi-fi, charge devices

Your Space, St Matthew’s Community Centre, LS11 9NR

Tuesday 4:30-6:30pm free toastie, hot drinks, activities, wellbeing advice

Booking essential, send your name via text, WhatsApp or email to 07867 268 934 or bellas@touchstonesupport.org.uk

Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, LS11 9RQ

Friday, Saturday 10am-2pm; pay what you feel hot drinks, wi-fi

HUNSLET

Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street, LS10 2NS

Monday-Saturday times vary; hot drinks,wi-fi, computer access, charge devices

Royal Armouries Museum, Armouries Drive, LS10 1LT

Thursday 11am-2pm; hot drink, chat, children’s activity corner

MIDDLETON

St George’s Community Hub & Library, St George’s Road, LS10 4UZ

Monday-Saturday times vary; hot drinks,wi-fi, computer access, charge devices

Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road, LS10 4LF

Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm hot drinks, wi-fi, charge devices, books, games

Laurel Bank Complex Needs Centre, 100 Middleton Park Avenue, LS10 4HY

Friday 8:30-4pm Hot drinks, wi-fi; Dementia friendly coffee afternoon 1-3pm.

Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road, LS10 4JG

Monday-Friday 10am-3pm; hot drinks, wi-fi

Local Kurds call for justice in their land

Local members of the Kurdish House community association – most well-known for their valiant litter-picking around South Leeds – recently co-led a demonstration shining a light on injustices their people are facing in the Middle East, and calling for change.

The protest focused partly on the recent death of Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini, who was in police custody in Iran for failing to wear a headscarf correctly. Her death has sparked outcry across Iran, which in turn led to government violence against protesters, and dozens more deaths – and around the world.

The Leeds demonstration also shone a light on the oppression of the Kurdish minority within Turkey and Syria, who are facing military action on a daily basis from the Turkish armed forces, with hundreds killed and thousands arrested in the past weeks.

Rebwar Sharazure, who lives in Hunslet Moor and co-leads Kurdish House, commented: “What’s happening is so sad and upsetting, but it’s nothing new: our people have been attacked and oppressed repeatedly over the past century. We really appreciate

the safety and solidarity we’ve found here in Britain, and want people to know what’s going on there, and for the UK government to do all they can to stop the suffering.”

Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet and Riverside) also joined the event, and added: “It’s an honour to stand with my Kurdish friends today, but heart-breaking to see the violence and oppression they’re facing in their homeland. We’re lucky to have them here in Leeds, they’re making such an impact in our city, and we need to stand with them calling for justice and freedom for their people globally.”

The Kurdish are an ancient Middle Eastern people whose territories are split between Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria. They have faced and continue to face considerable harassment or oppression as a minority in those countries, through the centuries – but in recent years won considerable plaudits for tackling ISIS (Daesh) in the Syrian war, and have been granted some autonomy in Iraq and Syria. There are an estimated 40 million Kurds worldwide, with about 50,000 in the UK.

Recycle your living Christmas tree at new Hunslet project

Councillors

Paul Wray and Mohammed Iqbal (Labour, Hunslet and Riverside) have welcomed the offer of a community group to adopt the large and unloved planter on Leasowe Close, in Hunslet Carr, to develop a real Christmas Tree recycling project.

The project will involve live Christmas Trees being donated to the project at the end of the festive season, so they can then be planted in the planter and kept alive. These in turn will then be donated the following year to the local community for free by the project.

Cllr Paul Wray said “We were approached by Craig Hope who asked for consent to use the long planter on Leasowe Close

for this community project. Removing the planter would be extremely expensive for the Council and so finding a useful future for the site has long been needed.

“This project is most timely in this regard and offers an ongoing management structure to keep the planter clean and tidy, with a worthwhile community objective, at little to no cost the Council. I can’t wait to see the trees grow and then be donated to the community.”

As the trees will be removed annually, Housing Leeds have approved the planters use as there is no risk

of overgrowth, although the trees will be potted before being put into the planter to limit their growth potential and to also restrict access to animals which may wish to

nest in the root system. The project will also be on license – allowing the Council to reserve the right to remove the trees if they are not maintained.

Donated living trees will be planted and resold next year

Demonstrating against repressive regimes in Iran and Turkey

Alone on the ice

Reader Bob Peters captured this shot of a seagull standing on a frozen Leeds Dock in the recent cold weather.

Community heroes celebrated at White Rose

White Rose Shopping Centre honoured heroes from South Leeds and beyond at its Community Awards on 19 December, the tenth annual celebration of its kind.

The awards celebrate those working hard to benefit their local community, and this year’s worthy winners include:

The team at Child Friendly • Leeds, which works towards its goal of making Leeds the best

city for children and young people to grow up in. Child Friendly Leeds recently celebrated its 10th birthday with a celebration at White Rose, attended by none other than King Charles III during his visit to Leeds

The Re-Think Food • Academy at White Rose, which is committed to revolutionising food education. The academy helps build independence,

resilience, and food security for children across Leeds through its physical learning space, information, and events, while also overseeing distribution of surplus foods to local households in need

Baroness Judith Blake • CBE, who has been a driving force behind many improvements to our city. Despite her busy role as leader of Leeds City Council from

2015 – 2021, Judith has always shown a keen interest in White Rose’s initiatives to improve the South Leeds community, such as the installation of its solar panels and the hives of bees on its roof

The team at White Rose’s • NHS covid vaccination pop-up clinic, working quickly and efficiently to ensure a safe, local clinic for the community

Dan and the team at • Greggs on White Rose’s North Mall, who have been working with Gaitskell Primary School to donate bread to their breakfast club, as well as donating all the store’s leftover food on an evening to The Re-Think Food Academy

White Rose Primark store • manager Adam Smith, who champions his store team to support each other, promoting inclusivity and diversity, and has led initiatives including free breakfasts for the team and becoming a Mental Health First Aider

Tom Kent of local • superhero group The Cosmaniacs, a ‘group of misfit cosplayers’ who not only put

smiles on faces through their appearances, but also fundraise for a variety of causes

The Tetley art gallery in • Hunslet for their outreach work in the community

Each winner receives a handcrafted glass trophy, created by students at Cockburn School and created by its Glass Room. The theme of the 2022 trophies is Renewable Energy, which asked students to think about different forms of energy and

how they affect the world. Steven Foster, Centre Director at White Rose Shopping Centre, said:

“Our Community Awards are always a calendar highlight here at White Rose. It’s important to recognise the great work going on to benefit our community both within the centre and across Leeds as a whole. We’d like to applaud this year’s winners, and look forward to seeing the amazing work they continue to do in 2023 and beyond.”

Team Beeston celebrates footpaths campaign progress

by Ian Waterhouse

Team Beeston, which is the local face of the larger community organisers Leeds Citizens, are pleased to be able to report some success in our project concerning the repair of some of the footpaths in Beeston.

After meeting with Cllr Helen Hayden (Executive Member for Infrastructure and Climate) and Cllr Andrew Scopes, the Team have gained agreement to

resurface the paths from Cardinal Road to King Field and Hugh Gaitskell Primary School.

Speaking after the meeting one of the team members Elizabeth Smith (St Andrew’s Church) spoke of her satisfaction that key paths linking schools, shops etc would be fully accessible using suitable paths. Cllr Scopes welcomed the involvement of local schools in the campaign and looked forward to work planned with them in the new

year. Rev Lindsey Pearson (St Mary’s Church) felt that people would be able to better move around Beeston without using footpaths on main roads and submitting themselves to potentially harmful air pollution.

The community organising work undertaken by Team Beeston was eased by the earlier work of local councillors, particularly Cllr Scopes, in getting Leeds City Council to “adopt” the footpaths.

L-R: Ian Waterhouse, Elizabeth Smith, Cllr Helen Hayden, Cllr Andrew Scopes, Rev Lindsey Pearson

The handcrafted trophies were created by students at Cockburn School

Baroness Judith Blake receives her award from Steven Foster

Money matters

Making the most of the January Sales

New lease of life for Cottingley Community Centre

by

In

a flash Christmas is over and the January sales are underway. Here, Jodie Lockwood, Branch Coordinator at Leeds Credit Union, shares our tips for picking up a bargain to welcome in 2023.

We all know how expensive Christmas can be, so it's no wonder the ever-increasing number of festive sales are so popular.

However, the January sales usually take a back seat to the likes of Black Friday but with plenty of discounts on offer on a wide range of products, braving them can actually be an extremely worthwhile move.

With many retailers' sales beginning on 30 December, it's a good idea to start preparing now to give yourself the best chance of picking up a bargain. Here's our advice on getting ready.

Shop online

January's best deals are often only available in very limited quantities and are likely to be snapped up by hardcore shoppers who are prepared to start queuing outside in the middle of the night.

To increase your chances of

getting your hands on the best deals and reduce your chances of making costly impulse buys you later regret, do your shopping online.

Read retailers' newsletters

The best way to keep abreast of the best online offers is to sign up to your favourite retailers' newsletters. This will enable you to get a better handle on what discounts are being offered and which specific items are going cheap.

Knowing exactly what's available, when, at what price and from which vendors before the sales officially launch will give you an advantage over other shoppers and help you get the things you want in your basket before they sell out.

Forget about the discount tag.

A common mistake when shopping the sales is buying something you don't need just because it's got 70% off.

Unless it's a product you actually need at a price within your budget, walk away.

Remember, an item reduced to £300 still costs £300, so the golden rule is: look at the price, not the reduction!

Make a budget

Yes, shopping is supposed to be fun but making a budget before you start is the most effective way of ensuring you don't overspend and find yourself going into your overdraft or maxing out your credit cards.

Once you've established how much you're willing to spend and are able to afford, it's important to be strict with yourself and stick to your budget. Making one then ignoring it isn't going to help anybody except the retailer.

Be prepared

As well as adhering to the points above, make a list of things you want and don't stray from it - this will stop you browsing other shops and websites and being tempted by products you don't actually need.

And remember: exercising self-control is critical if you're going to make a success of your January sales shopping.

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

Anexciting partnership has been launched between Cottingley Community Project and Health For All, a wellestablished local charity created to meet the needs of people in South Leeds.

Cottingley Community Project, was created in 1982 by local churches and the community working together with Leeds City Council and is now delighted to have teamed up with wellbeing experts Health For All (H4A).

Rev Samantha Sheehan, Chair of Cottingley Community Project (CCP), said: “We’ve welcomed the support and experience of H4A in helping us find a way to enable the Centre to flourish –we’re excited about working with them and seeing what develops.”

CCP is managed by a Board of Trustees from the Methodist, United Reformed and Anglican Churches, and Centre Manager, Christine Smart, was employed in 2015 to welcome local people to get involved. The Churches were delighted to see local

New detailing and car wash business launched in Holbeck

Abrand-new concept in car cosmetics has opened in Holbeck offering high level hand car washing, vehicle valeting and detailing.

Located on Domestic Street in Holbeck on the site of a former fuel station, The Super Soapbox Pitstop has transformed the premises with a brand identity shared with its sister company, The Super Soapbox Challenge, an events company that organises soapbox racing in towns and cities throughout the UK.

The forecourt is dedicated to hand car washing and mini valets while the former workshops have been developed into ‘studios’ with sophisticated lighting systems and other equipment where

people get more involved, helping out with keeping the Centre clean and busy.

Health for All are employing Christine to continue her amazing work at the Centre, involving the local people who are at the heart of the Centre.

She has developed a team of volunteers, Friends of Cottingley Community Centre, and they are looking forward to this new way of working.

Christine said:

“The Centre wouldn’t have been built without local people getting behind it and raising funds. This will help us to be

part of the Centre’s future.”

CEO Pat McGeever said: “The local people are the heart of Cottingley and the Centre and we’ve been working with them and the Trustees to ensure the Centre is there for the people of Cottingley.”

Close to the ring road, the Centre hosts activities put on by the churches and other groups in the community, family celebrations, and worship. The GP surgery on the bottom floor provides vital local services for the community, but plans to move to new purpose built premises.

cars and other vehicles can enjoy half and full day car spas along with a comprehensive range of other specialist services.

Wayne Pettifor, Manager and Principal Valeter, who has worked as a valeter for twenty-eight years, has assembled a crack team which also includes Tony Proudfoot, a veteran valeter with over thirtyone years of working on high quality marques.

The finest Autosmart International products are employed for best results and Wayne is accredited to apply Autosmart Matrix Black Ceramic Coating, the ultimate in paint protection which is guaranteed for eight years. This application makes the surface hydrophobic, therefore repelling water and

enabling dirt to literally run off the vehicle when it encounters rain or water.

For all valeting and detailing services, The Super Soapbox Pitstop offers a pick-up and drop-off service and a lounge where customers can enjoy a free coffee if they want to wait for their vehicle.

The Super Soapbox Pitstop offers a full trade service of car preparation for sale or end-oflease and finance returns which includes SMART repairs and alloy wheel refurbishment

In fact, The Super Soapbox Pitstop is a one-stop-shop to keep cars, motorbikes and all other types of vehicles in ‘better than when it left the factory’ condition.

As Wayne says, “We’ve invested a lot in the site, our equipment, the consumables and the team to enable us to offer the best service in town. We look forward to welcoming discerning customers who want to get the very best from their vehicles.”

Cottingley Community Centre. Photo: Google

with Leeds Credit Union

Rev Lindsey Pearson

New ambitious community group STP Leeds had a busy end to 2022

by Dasha Pluto

Sao Tome and Principe community group have been one busy bee in the South Leeds community lately.

This new group has been set up by individuals from Sao Tome and Principe, an island nation in Africa’s Gulf of Guinea, and other residents who speak Portuguese. Their aim is to improve wellbeing and health of their members and promote community cohesion via good deeds and multicultural events.

One of the ways they are trying to break the cultural barrier in improving physical wellbeing is by taking more of an unconventional route. Litter picking, for example, has now become a regular activity this group participates in.

They have been successful in applying for some funding to buy litter picking equipment of

their own. So not only they are keeping our streets clean but squeezing in some steps too. It’s a family affair with kids of all ages coming along.

STP also has family football sessions every Saturday at John Charles playing fields, another great way for the whole family to get fit and make friends. I found them to be

such fun yet down to earth people and to promote community cohesion they are making their cultural celebrations as inclusive as possible.

In the summer they held an Independence Day event where hundreds of people from different nationalities attended. Food was shared,

family sports were played, cultures and traditions were celebrated. A true example of communities coming together.

Thanks to Better Action for Families this group has been able to get a Small Sparks grant to help regular meet ups within the group and subsidise travel costs for those most vulnerable.

In October STP community group took its members out to Yorkshire Dales for a hike up Pen-y-ghent, another of their clever ways to entice people into more physical exercise. Many of the individuals had never been to the Yorkshire Dales, let alone a hike. It was such a great, fun day out with singing and dancing on the way that the group are now meeting with the organisation People and the DALES in January to work together and plan a couple more trips out to Yorkshire Dales.

All the members of this group are so welcoming and passionate, their zest for community improvement is just contagious. They support their members by offering advice and help around the subjects of debt, housing, energy issues, health, wellbeing and many more.

To finish off a busy year STP members really wanted to do something nice for those less fortunate, so on the evening of 17 December they went out to feed the homeless in South Leeds and the City Centre.

Again, the younger ones

joined in, helping where they could, which is an incredible way to promote kindness and gratitude within families. It was a cold and dark evening, but many people were reached and benefited from this.

Overall, this group is looking at a successful and ambitious start to the 2023, with many more activities, events, and trips out! Happy New Year to all!

If you would like to become a member or would like more information, please contact Lusamira on 07774 519085 or Project development worker Dasha via email daria.pluto@leeds.gov.uk

Celebrating Sao Tome & Principe Independance Day

At the top of Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales

Investigative work carried out by Sustrans and other stakeholders has now resulted in a consensus on a preferred option to create a safe and usable level crossing over the river for cyclists near Skelton Grange Road in Stourton.

The current bridge has a narrow, steep set of steps that pedestrians and cyclists must use. It is impossible for wheelchair users and difficult for cyclists and parents with buggies. Plus at busy times queues build up.

We have reported on Leeds Cycling Campaign’s long running campaign to resolve the situation on this busy cycle route and footpath along the Aire & Calder Navigation.

A range of possible solutions was discussed amongst stakeholders, which resulted in Option B5 (and its variant) - the creation of a new bridge over the canal with access ramps on each bank - being selected as the preferred option.

Sustrans will now set up a Project Development Working Group with Leeds City Council

and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to develop plans for the preferred option (and variant) and progress to the next stage of development.

Cllr Paul Wray (Labour, Hunslet & Riverside) said: “There is still a long way to go but this is an important moment as there is now a joint vision forward on how to resolve the accessibility issues across the waterway at this point – not just for cyclists, but pedestrians as well. Everyone can now pull in the same direction to make our wonderful waterways open to all.”

Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) commented: “Many thanks to all those – the diverse partners, and people across the political spectrum – who’ve kept on at this.

“It’s a good story of tenacity, and cooperative problemsolving. We’ve still got a way to go, but this is another good step towards enabling active low-carbon travel in our city and communities.”

Team’s sponsored walk supports Harley’s fight against leukaemia

The Under 16s football team at The Hunslet Club has organised a sponsored walk which was due to take place on Thursday 29 December as we went to press.

A group of about 20 people, including three coaches and players from the team, will be walking from Hunslet Club to Kirkstall Abbey along the River Aire and Leeds Liverpool Canal, returning back down Kirkstall Road to the club, a distance of approximately 10 miles.

This walk is being held for a fifteen years old boy Harley Telford, a former team member who is currently battling for his life, dealing with Leukaemia - a form of cancer that affects the blood cells.

Coach William Gill at the Hunslet Club told this newspaper that they’re trying to gather funds and donations through this walk and by reaching out to notable personalities so that they can help Harley win his battle against the disease,which also took away his dad Shane’s life just three years ago.

They wish to assist him in whatever way possible, through moral support, kind greeting cards and heartfelt messages or through raising funds for Harley who’s shown great determination so far.

Coach William says, “It is just about standing in solidarity for their former teammate, out of selfless humanity and genuine compassion, to make his condition better even as no help has been requested by Harley’s family.”

The Oulton Academy schoolboy Harley had been experiencing horrible

symptoms like developing lumps and swellings all over his body, feeling unreasonably ill and fatigued all the while but the matter didn’t come to light until he began appearing “white as a sheet” and was eventually diagnosed by the same disease that orphaned him.

He is currently under

treatment in a ward in Leeds General Infirmary, being taken good care by mother Joanne Marie (41), brother Kieran, 19, and sister Darcy, 17.

If you would like to support the fundraising effort, go to www.gofundme.com/f/harleytelfords-fight-againstleukaemia or call into the club on Hillidge Road.

co-owner Omar Mushtaq

existing bridge

Harley was recently visited on the ward by Leeds United player Adam Forshaw

by Gulnaar Khan

A busy Christmastime for MHA South Leeds

by Gemma Broughton

December was a busy month for MHA Communities South Leeds, which provides services to older people across Beeston, Cottingley and Hunslet.

On Wednesday 7 December 2022 we had a very special guest at our Social Group at South Leeds Conservative Club bringing gifts for all those who attended as well as festive afternoon tea boxes, bingo, a quiz and a band playing.

We had a Christmas lunch for our members on Friday 9 December at Beeston Parish Centre. There was great food, company and entertainment provided for our members in partnership with DePuy Synthes who also helped by volunteering on the day.

The lunch was attended by Cllr Andrew Scopes (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) who commented:

“It was a pleasure to attend one of the MHA Live At Home Christmas meals, such warmth

from staff and volunteers and joy from the older people attending. Great that on top of the meal, there was singing and dancing!

“I’d like to put on record my admiration for Joanne Walsh who does such a fantastic job throughout South Leeds all year round!”

Then on Thursday 15 December our members were invited for Christmas Lunch at DePuy Synthes where they provided a fabulous lunch and local school children from Hugh

South Leeds charity features in national Christmas appeal

promoting

projects across Britain.

The short film, part of a series called ‘Anywhere but Westminster’ sees columnist John Harris visiting “the people holding Britain together” through the cost-of-living crisis. After visiting a London foodbank Harris travels north to Leeds and meets people at the Bridge Café in Cross Flatts Park and at Beeston Village Community Centre.

You can watch the full film at bit.ly/HFAappeal, the section on Leeds starts at 3:30 minutes in.

Pat McGeever, Chief Executive of Health For All said:

Campaign aims to boost the ‘sharing economy’

Do you want to make money hiring out your household items to other local people, or save money by renting items off others?

Local campaigners are encouraging south Leeds people to sign up to a website that enables regular people to rent out items to others in their community - so that we can all get fuller use of our goods, save money (by sharing items, instead of all buying them - at rates lower than commercial hire operators), and earn money as we go.

Last year saw the launch of a new 'Save Money and Save the Planet' campaign, featuring local charity St Luke's CARES, local councillor Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside), the LS-TEN skatepark, and a range of local people and

organisations. The campaign aims to inspire and support action across LS10 and LS11 which develops local cooperation and reduces waste - as a means for us all to save money, and to create a more planet-friendly community.

For 2023, the campaign will - amongst other things - be locally pushing the 'Fat Llama' peer-to-peer rental website (fatllama.com). Users there can list as many items as they wish, hire them out or not whenever suits them, and set the fees as they see fit. Items might include: DIY or gardening tools, sports equipment, specialist clothing, gear for events or holidays, electrical or transport items, kids or baby goods, musical instruments, and more. All users are verified, and all rentals are insured for

up to £25,000 in case of problems.

Cllr Ed Carlisle commented: "This is such a win for everyone. We don't all need to own everything, stuff takes up space, and it's costly for us and

Gaitskell Primary School came to sing for us all.

At our activities throughout the month we have had Christmas themed quizzes and festive fun and we have had our own Elf “Elfie” join us in

“It’s such an honour for Health for All to be part of The Guardian’s national Christmas Appeal. We were delighted to invite the journalists of such a prestigious national newspaper to visit our centres in South Leeds to see first hand the vital, practical help we and many other charities are offering to help local people survive the cost of living crisis.

“The film clearly shows the importance of local community and self help groups and the resilience, friendships, skills and valuable volunteering opportunities they provide. The film also highlights the crucial role played by local community centres, providing accessible, welcoming spaces for groups providing support, advice, food, warmth.

“We were also delighted to showcase South Leeds, its

the planet: it makes so much more sense for us all to share items instead. And although doing so for free is lovely, the Fat Llama site offers loads of safeguards (especially insurance) - and it's fair for people to make some cash on their stuff. Could we actually start to rethink ownership, and build a more circular economy and cooperative future?"

To sign up, in just 2-3 minutes visit: fatllama.com Spread the word: the more

scheme. We have been showing her antics on our Facebook page each day, she’s had a great time causing mischief and making guest appearances at some activities and events!

wonderful people and amazing work, particularly welcoming the film’s positive emphasis on the resilience of local people and their passionate desire to help others facing hardship. Our hope is that not only will the film encourage support for this wonderful Appeal but also secure future support and investment in local community organisations and centres, acknowledging their crucial role in helping communities through the Covid-19 pandemic and are now in the forefront of supporting people through the cost of living crisis.”

All funds raised by The Guardian Christmas Appeal will go to Citizens Advice and Locality, the national membership network supporting local community organisations.

signed up, the better for everyone. Fat Llama is a commercial operation, taking a % on all rental transactions; there are not-for-profit alternatives, like streetbank.com, but none are able to offer the same safeguards or usability. Ultimately, the campaigners are looking to set up a local 'Library of Things': get in touch to find out more or to get involved, email: sally@ stlukescares.org.uk

Inland Port on hold

Work on the planned inland port to be built on the Aire & Calder Navigation at Stourton has been suspended for at least a year. West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has paused £270m of transport projects as construction costs spiral. The Canal & River Trust secured planning permission in 2019 and WYCA had agreed the £3.17m cost. Once built the port was due to take half a million tonnes of freight traffic of the roads each year.

Sheaf Street cafe goes into ‘hibernation’

The Sheaf Street cafe, part of Duke Studios in Hunslet has closed to the public for day to day service. The cafe will continue to serve tenant businesses and host one off public events. The Cafe Bar blamed work on Aire Park and roadworks to Crown Point Road saying “Our footfall is through the floor and has been for the majority of 2022.”

Holbeck brewery’s charity donations

Northern Monk Brewery has donated £5,000 each to men’s mental health charity ANDYSMANCLUB and Yorkshire Wildlife Trust as part of their Faith in Futures charitable campaign. Lucas Whitehead said: “ANDYSMANCLUB are hugely grateful for the donation. It is rewarding to know that this has been given to us following a public vote! Without such generosity, we wouldn’t be able to continue our work to try and reduce the rate of male suicide and smash the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.”

Middleton-based charity

Health For All features in The Guardian’s latest film

its Christmas Appeal which is raising funds for support community anchor

The Guardian columnist visited the Bridge Cafe in Cross Flatts Park

A busy MHA party at the ‘Con Club’

Opera North’s In Harmony programme marks ten years in South Leeds schools Rock Of Ages at C

Opera North’s award-winning music education programme, In Harmony Opera North, marked its tenth anniversary on 7 December with a special celebration in the Howard Opera Centre.

The day featured music and drama workshops for the youngest pupils, a composition session for the older children, and an opportunity for the aspiring young instrumentalists to play side-by-side with musicians from the Orchestra of Opera North.

The event culminated in an inspirational concert featuring the vocal talents of the In Harmony choir, on stage together for the first time, and a performance from young string and brass players keen to showcase their skills.

Over the past decade, the programme has opened up

him to study Music at GCSE, something he would never previously have considered.

Zinzile began her musical journey with Opera North when she started as a pupil at New Bewerley Community Primary School in Beeston where she is currently in Year 6. Being part of the programme meant she got the chance to audition for the part of Carmen’s daughter in Edward Dick’s production of Bizet’s opera ‘Carmen’ in Opera North’s 2021 Autumn and 2022 Winter Season. Having been given the role, she subsequently performed on the stage at Leeds Grand Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Royal, Nottingham Theatre Royal, and The Lowry, Salford Quays. She says of the experience:

“It was really fun, I got to meet a lot of people and I made a lot of new friends, who I’m still in

4, the students are given the choice to carry on with strings or to switch to a brass instrument instead. Years 3 and 4 also sing in a choir during the school day, with the opportunity to join the In Harmony Choir after school when they reach Year 5. Regular opportunities are provided for all In Harmony students to perform in Leeds and further afield, and they are given the chance to learn from, and perform with, the musicians of the Chorus and Orchestra of Opera North.

Andy Gamble, Executive Headteacher at Music Federation (Windmill and Low Road primary schools) told the audience:

“A decade ago, Opera North opened the door to an exciting world for the children of Belle Isle and the surrounding communities, the world of music education. And for ten years

It changes how we think about ourselves and I hope it will change of these young people here how they think about themselves and their part in the future.”

Juli Aldwinkle, Headteacher at New Bewerley Community School told South Leeds Life:

“To enter the grandeur of the Howard Assembly rooms; to see a full orchestra dressed in their finest black and then to see the primary pupils of South Leeds sat confidently amongst them, playing competently alongside them, will stay with me as one of the proudest moments of my first term in Headship.

“New Bewerley were represented in the In Harmony choir by a fantastic group of children who have spent their time, after school, developing their talents. Everything about the evening showed that the

The

I started by asking about the show and how they would sell it to someone who was thinking about coming to see it. They explained that it’s a ‘juke box musical’, the songs are old hits that everyone knows rather than new songs written for the show, in this case 1980s rock classics. They also told me it’s very funny, although it has some serious messages too:

“Life is complicated, things don’t always turn out as you

place in July, with an round of auditions for the new Year 7 in September. Rehearsals started in earnest in September and have got more intense with evening and weekend sessions as performances got closer.

There are 100 students in the cast with more working in tech, front of house, etc. They range from Year 7 up to Year 11.

Aleisha Kelly said:

“You have to manage your school work and your rehearsals. Some of us have GCSEs coming up so we have to take that

singing and instrumental playing to children who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to engage with music in this way. Joseph was a pupil at Windmill Primary School in Belle Isle when he was first introduced to music and performance through the In Harmony programme. Having sung in front of the Orchestra of Opera North, he was invited to join the Opera North Children’s Chorus before progressing to Opera North Young Voices.

Joseph’s musical talent was subsequently recognised by Yorkshire Young Musicians where he successfully auditioned as a violin player. These achievements inspired

Zinzile also plays violin and was recently accepted to join Yorkshire Young Musicians.

Originally launched in December 2012, In Harmony Opera North is a long-term residency in six primary schools across Leeds and Halifax and one secondary school in Leeds. The programme sees the company’s Education team delivering weekly structured small-group music sessions within curriculum time for every child in the primary schools.

Early Years and KS1 enjoy musicianship classes each week, while all children in Year 3 and Year 4 receive a weekly strings lesson. At the end of Year

in order that as many children from the South Leeds communities can have the opportunity, an opportunity that would never have been offered through any other avenue. Thank you, Opera North, for creating community cohesion and bringing pride to the South Leeds community.”

Richard Mantle, General Director of Opera North, commented:

“What an amazing show we’ve had here tonight. It only reinforces everything that those of us who work for Opera North belive that music, the way we think about it and the way we share it, changes people’s lives.

Opera North and New Bewerley is a perfect recipe for enabling children to see and be the best they can be. To perform in such a setting with professionals is invaluable as it shows our children their worth and capability.

“The skill and discipline and commitment that the children grow each week, when working with the artists in school is incredible. The impact of our partnership was shared across our school community in our Christmas concerts - trombones, French horns, cellos violas, violins, voices, tinsel and happy children who know that they can work hard and achieve.”

Ihad the privilege of sitting in on the dress rehearsal of Cockburn School’s production of Rock Of Ages and spoke to some of the leading actors afterwards.

plan. But that’s OK, you can change and adapt.”

show is on for three days this week (the public shows are sold out), but work started last summer. Auditions and casting took

In Harmony Opera North at Windmill Primary School. Photo: Tom Arber

Don’t stop: the finale of Rock Of Ages

Cast members L-R: Abiss Jahateh-Sambou, Poppy Gawthorpe, Mason Booth, Ale

by Jeremy Morton

Local business support for CJCA students Cockburn School

whole cohort of year 10 students engaging in this process, and we thank our friends and colleagues in local business for their time and advice in supporting our students.”

In the run up to the end of term pupils in all year groups at CJCA have been competing to win prizes to reward excellent attendance and hard work in lessons.

Over the ’10 Days Of Christmas’ pupils were recognised for achievement in different categories, with a range of desirable prizes up for grabs, including Amazon Fire tablets, Fire sticks and Echo dots. The initiative culminated in a final prize of a laptop computer to support students with home learning and coursework.

seriously, but rehearsals can be a useful break.”

All but one of the leads I spoke to want to pursue a career in the theatre. Both Abiss and Lachlan spoke about how they would like to become drama teachers, saying they have been inspired by the staff at Cockburn and the standard of the shows the school puts on.

Aleisha said: “Some of us have been in these shows for five years. It’s become a big part of autumn and the run up to Christmas, really something to look forward to. And moving from a part in the chorus in Year 7 to a lead role in Year 11 has been a fantastic experience.”

This is a first taste of acting for Mason who said he wanted to

pursue an academic career: “I’ve enjoyed this and might do more acting, but only as an extra curricular activity.”

Abiss added: “This show is like a big family, it’s so supportive. The cast, crew and teachers care about each other. You continually see people helping each other with their lines, learning their cues, checking they’ve got the right props.”

Rock of Ages was performed 30 November – 2 December.

With matinee performances for local primary schools and Year 7 of Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, the cast performed to over 1,000 people over three days.

As they say at the end of the finale “Don’t stop!”

On Wednesday 30 November

over 200 students in year 10 at Cockburn John Charles Academy (CJCA) engaged in a mock interview with representatives from local businesses.

Conducted virtually, the interviews gave the students a taste of what to expect when they start to engage with the world of work.

They were questioned on their aspirations and their predicted qualifications, being given some important feedback to help them

prepare for exams in year 11 and to give a focus for deciding their future pathways into employment.

One year 10 student said: “I was really nervous before I went into my interview, but once I met with the businessperson I could see they were really interested in my plans and gave me lots of useful tips of how to be successful in the future.”

Head of School, Siobhan Roberts, said: “At CJCA we invest time and effort in embedding our key

values and expectations, including being independent, aspirational and prepared.

“It was wonderful to see our

Head of School, Siobhan Roberts, said: “The autumn term is always a challenging time with dark nights and mornings, along side seasonal bugs and illness. Our pupils have really impressed us with their resilience during this time, and we were keen to reward pupils who consistently embody our Values and Expectations.”

Students wow audience with Grease Junior

Leeds Morley is part of the biggest network of extracurricular performing arts schools in the UK. The classes are divided across Early Stages (ages 4-6), Main Stages (ages 615) covering singing, dancing and acting.

Students

from Stagecoach Leeds Morley stepped into the spotlight last month when they got the chance to perform a junior version of the hit show Grease at Cockburn School in Beeston.

Stagecoach Performing Arts Leeds Morley Principal, Mark Heslop says:

“The children have been rehearsing this show weekly since September and have worked so very hard. Their performance was amazing and included pupils across a wide variety of ages who bonded so well as a team. The shows were directed by the Stagecoach Teaching Team and included many of the shows favourite hit songs and dances.”

Stagecoach Leeds Morley operates from Cockburn School on a Saturday morning and Sharp Lane Primary School on a Thursday evening. Here students work with Stagecoach teaching professionals to learn skills in musical theatre. Mark goes on

the say:

“At Stagecoach we are not only teaching pupils to sing, dance and act but helping them develop their creative courage. Our programme is built around

Stagecoach Performing Arts

For more information about Stagecoach Leeds Morley please visit their website at www.stagecoach.co.uk/ Leedsmorley or call Mark Heslop on 07497 278487

the Stagecoach Educational Framework which includes teaching valuable life skills for students to use both on and off stage”.

Local children on stage at Cockburn School

eisha Kelly, Sam Lawrence and Lachlan Foston

Rewards for excellent attendance and hard work

Virtual interviews with local employers

In our view

Rubbish service

There will always be missed bin collections on any round, but the people of Cottingley suffer missed collections on a weekly basis. It is a complicated estate to navigate if you don’t know it and bin crews change to accommodate sickness and holidays ... BUT ... collecting the rubbish is one of the Council’s most fundamental services. As the residents point out, the estate’s been there for fifty years so the Council’s had plenty of time to work out how to collect its rubbish. And let’s not gorget they built it in the first place! It needs sorting out pronto.

Rounded young people

Of course we want our young people to have the best academic opportunities and outcomes, but there’s more to life than that. In this issue we celebrate a range of projects and individuals that have enriched young people’s lives in South Leeds. Whether it’s Opera North embedding music into three of our primary schools, musical theatre productions at Cockburn School, sporting excellence through the Hunslet Rugby Foundation and Hunslet Club and not forgetting the contribution made by Colin Cooper, or the approach to sport shown by Holbeck Moor JFC. All of these activities teach team skills, resilience and open doors into lifelong enjoyment and fulfilment.

Helping each other

No one needs reminding that we are in the grip of a cost-of-living crisis. It’s heartening to see the many responses from individuals and organisations. Even if you don’t need the help on offer, please help spread the word to friends and neighbours that help is available in all our communities. Why not cut out the list of Warm Spaces and put it on your fridge so the information is handy?

Your letters and comments

Beeston’s poor air quality

I have read your front-page article (December 2022) and I am bound to say it worries me. Whilst it might well be true that air quality in Beeston-Holbeck- West Hunslet area is poorer than in other parts of the city, it is nevertheless true that the air in the UK in my lifetime and my parents life time has never been cleaner. Air quality records demonstrate this conclusively.

What is also clear is that the incidence of asthma has been increasing in the UK, whilst the air quality has been improving. Therefore, it is highly improbable that air pollution causes asthma.

In 1995 a Department of Health Study concluded “There is no correlation between levels of vehicle emissions and asthma incidence.”

During my 19 years as a lecture and researcher at the university of Leeds and in my time before that working for the National Coal Board, I have frequently used statistical analysis to determine trends. What is clear to me is that the scientific data does not show a positive correlation between air quality and asthma. So what is going on? Why is this myth being propagated when the scientific data shows no positive correlation and hence no likelihood of causality?

Bill Birch

I don’t have kids but I live in Beeston and have COPD. The area I live in is a smoke free zone and there are several households close to me using log burners illegally burning wood, paper etc. One guy in the next street to me is a self employed joiner who is obviously bringing wood offcuts and some old bits of wood home and some is old stuff with old lead paint on it which has a distinctive smell. I have reported two of them to the environmental health who said they would write to them asking if they were burning other than smokeless fuel but I never heard back from them and they are still doing it especially in winter and the smoke hangs low in the air and I can’t have a window or door open for a bit of fresh air because it affects my breathing dramatically.

David Bingham

Colin Cooper

In memory of Colin who will be sadly

missed, we would like to thank him and Una for their devotion to junior rugby league in Hunslet and Yorkshire. We will not see the likes of Colin again. Having spent many years with Colin, we were fortunate to share his dry and witty sense of humour along the way. It would be lovely to have something put in place in Hunslet in the memory of Colin. RIP Colin and condolences to all your family at this sad time.

Debbie and Steve Featherstone

I loved this man. I have so many happy memories at Hunslet Parkside with my twin boys and oldest son. RIP Colin.

Joanne Walker

Colin was such a gentleman, he will be so sadly missed by the Happy Homecare Family. It was such a pleasure to care for Colin and he will be so so sadly missed. RIP Colin, in our hearts forever xxx

Jacky Jordan

Raw deal for South Leeds?

accept shoddy treatment and, I think, this can happen on a community level too.

I'd like to add another example and one which I assume our Councillors could have more of an influence. From time to time we hear of both individuals and groups being consistently ignored by some departments of Leeds City Council the most recent example I can think of being The Friends of Stank Hall Barn a group which has worked hard at preserving a local treasure only to be treated with such discourtesy by a City Council department. Just one example but it seems some council departments are laws unto themselves. Are they actually accountable to anyone and is this something our Councillors could take on board please?

Top Tweets

Keep up to date, up to the minute, by following South Leeds

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

@KidzKlubLeeds

Fire making & pop corn cooking time! A winter day

@SkeltonGrange #magical

@LCHNHSTrust

Simple precautions such as regular hand washing and coughing into a tissue or your bent elbow can really help to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID and flu this winter and keep everyone as safe as possible.

@ClapgateArt How do I look?

Annie

Andrew

Ed

Mohammed

Paul

Middleton

I am responding to Cllr Ed Carlisle's comment "Is South Leeds Getting A Raw Deal" (December 2022). Reading it was a breath of fresh air to me and I believe taking on board his suggestion that we question and hold folk to account would be hugely beneficial to our area. However it sometimes feels like banging your head on a brick wall and you eventually give up which is probably what is intended to happen. Cllr Carlisle mentions democracy. Sometimes if folk are ignored and treated less favourably they can think what's the point and disengage from the democratic process.

Respect should obviously be reciprocal and I know some council departments provide an excellent service with many individuals going out their way to help people. My own favourites are Libraries, Cleansing services and whoever looks after our beautiful parks, gardens and green spaces yet not once have I ever written to compliment them. I too would also like to thank the Womblers , Kurdish House and all the individuals who work so hard to keep our streets clean.

Elaine Bower

Organ donation

More than 6,800 people in the UK are spending the festive season/start of 2023 waiting for an organ transplant – and over 220 of these patients are children.

At a time of giving/resolutions to do good, let people know you want to save lives. Signing up to be an organ donor is quick and easy and makes it easier for families if they know what you want.

Join the NHS Organ Donor Register at www.organdonation.nhs.uk. Please tell your family about your decision so that they know what you want.

Finishing the term with these Tudor inspired self portraits. Love the character and expression in their faces.

@LeedsRecycles

Aluminium is infinitely recyclable, but only if it goes in your green bin!

@Northernpowergrid

Sharon Burke (Labour) 0113 378 8814 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

The examples Cllr Carlisle gives of South Leeds receiving second rate service owing to negative perceptions boil down to lack of respect for our area. When folk are constantly dismissed it can effect self esteem to the extent that you begin to

Anthony Clarkson Director of

Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation NHS Blood and Transplant

Join the debate

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

Letters may be edited for publication.

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@leedslibraries

Libraries are heated, safe and friendly places where you can comfortably spend time reading, studying or chatting with others.

We offer hot drinks, activities, and free Wi-Fi.

Car exhausts are adding to poor air quality

with Hilary Benn MP

First things first. Happy New Year and let us hope it is a better one than 2022 - mind you that wouldn’t be too difficult!

So what about New Year resolutions?

One that would make a real difference would be free school meals for all children of primary age, and that’s why I am backing a Bill in Parliament that would do just that.

At the moment, all children get a free school lunch until the end of Year 2 but after that pupils only qualify if their family gets certain benefits. And that means that around 800,000 children living in households on low incomes - including in Leeds - miss out.

You only have to hear the stories of children coming to school having had no breakfast or listen to headteachers worried about under-nourished pupils to see how important it is that every child should get at least one decent hot meal a day. No-one should be going hungry.

And on the subject of education, the world should be putting all the pressure it can on the Taliban to reverse their shocking decision to prevent girls and women in Afghanistan from attending secondary

school and now university. The sight of women studying to be doctors and engineers crying as they heard this devastating news was difficult to watch.

It is utterly shameful, and it has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with the old story of men trying to tell girls and women what they can and cannot do. No-one should be denied the chance of an education, wherever they live.

A few weeks ago, a number of buses were parked up along the Embankment by the House of Commons. The first one was an electric single decker made just outside Leeds. The other two were buses manufactured in Scotland and Northern Ireland and both run on hydrogen which is converted by a fuel cell into electricity to power the wheels.

We all know that we have to move on from petrol and diesel vehicles, so decarbonising our bus fleet will be a really important part of doing that. One of the hydrogen buses has a picture of a tap on the back of the bus and it’s there to remind us that the only byproduct of burning hydrogen is water. That’s why it is a really clean technology as long as the hydrogen itself is made by

electrolysis using renewable electricity – so-called green hydrogen.

There are other types of hydrogen - including grey (made from natural gas) and blue (also made from natural gas, but where they try to capture the carbon dioxide so it doesn’t enter the atmosphere) - but green is what we should be aiming for.

It’s really exciting when you see the future before your eyes, and these were all great examples of mainly British manufacturing (we just need to start making vehicle batteriesand soon).

There’s a lot of industrial action going on at the moment as workers try to protect their living standards against the ravages of inflation. I recently visited the CWU postal workers picket line at the Holbeck delivery office and striking nurses outside the LGI. In the case of the nurses, who are members of the RCN, this is the first time in their history that they have ever been on strike. And that’s why society should pause and think about what has driven them to do this.

In both cases, the conversations I had told me that it’s not just about pay. It is

also about working conditions. In the case of Royal Mail, how the management want to undermine the workers’ terms and conditions in future and in the case of the nurses, it’s the problems the NHS faces in filling vacancies and how this adds to the pressures they have to deal with on the wards. It is the task of the Government to sort this out. After all, the workers simply want a just and fair settlement so they can get back to the jobs they are proud to do.

It’s not often that you find a charity shop in Victoria Arcade next to John Lewis in the city centre but for a week before Christmas Holbeck Together took over a shop unit there with help from the Leeds Building Society, Sook and, of course, Victoria Gate. As the proud Patron of the charity, I popped in to take a look.

There was really impressive range of clothes, handmade Christmas decorations and other items on sale and trade was brisk. Reloved - as the

shop concept is called - was established by Holbeck Together during the pandemic to raise funds for this local charity which is always trying out new ideas to help the people it serves so effectively. Congratulations to everyone involved.

And finally, a thank you for a life well lived.

Just before Christmas we all heard the sad news that Colin Cooper, who played for Hunslet in the 1950s and subsequently became the face of the Hunslet Parkside youth and

Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament.

junior club, had passed away.

Colin was a lovely man and his dedication to rugby league and to supporting the next generation was evident to all who had the privilege of meeting him. As the new club Hunslet ARLFC - formed last year through a merger of Hunslet Club Parkside and Hunslet Warriors - said of Colin:

“As well as producing hundreds of professionals, he introduced thousands of kids to the amateur game, with many still involved.”

All our thoughts are with his family.

He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Middleton, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Burmantofts, Richmond Hill and Osmondthorpe

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

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

don’t feed the birds!

by Jeremy Morton

Ishould clarify, as a paid up member of the RSPB I am not against feeding birds and have several feeders in my garden.

What I’m talking about is leaving bread in the park “for the birds.”

I have two dogs and regularly walk them in various greenspaces across South Leeds. Although Cross Flatts Park is my nearest I now try to avoid it. My dogs are well trained with good recall and I like to let them off the lead so they can run around and get the exercise they need.

Unfortunately, that means that sooner or later they will find some human food. Dogs are scavengers by nature so it’s not their fault that they search it out and scoff it down before I can intervene.

My dogs have found all sorts in Cross Flatts Park and it seems to be getting worse. Children dropping sweets and ice cream is understandable.

Loaves of sliced bread and piles of chapatis are not uncommon, even breakfast cereal. A couple of months ago, in a possible sign that Beeston is going up in the world I came across a pile of croissants!

Bones, presumably left over from a barbecue, half eaten fish, chips and burgers - this is just littering – please use one of the many bins in the park.

I once challenged a guy who had just thrown half his burger out of his car window, over the fence into the park. I don’t like to be too confrontational so I opened with “Excuse me, I think you’ve dropped something …” His reply was, you’ve guessed it, he was leaving it for the birds.

But it’s the bread and chapatis that I want to concentrate on. Much of this is deliberately put out “for the birds” – so with good intentions. But birds don’t need bread, especially the highly processed white sliced variety, in fact it stops them getting the food they need.

The bread fills their stomachs but doesn’t give them the nutrition they need. Birds should be eating seeds, bugs and worms.

So who does eat the bread that gets put out? My money is on dogs, I know, I see it

happening. Dog owners spend a lot of money on dog food to ensure their pets are getting a balanced and nutritional diet. We don’t want that topped up with stale bread or last night’s fish supper thank you. OK, it probably won’t cause actual

harm to the animal, but it won’t do them any good.

Then there are the rats. We all know there is a problem in rats in the area, like most inner cities. Rats carry and spread diseases so are a health hazard. If you want to encourage rats, carry on leaving food out for them, personally I would prefer to see fewer rats in South Leeds.

So, if you do want to feed the birds – and we all should, many once common species are under threat and need all the help they can get – please buy them proper bird food. Scattering it on the ground is OK, but hanging it in a proper bird feeder is even better. That will ensure the right creatures are getting it and that you are actually … feeding the birds.

Supporting free school meals for all in Parliament

Local history

with Ken Burton

Henry Rowland Marsden

Henry Rowland Marsden

was born on 20 July 1823 in Edwin Street, Holbeck and was the son of John and Maria Marsden (nee Halton).

His father had left the Army some two years before, after serving for ten years in the 90th Foot Regiment. However soldiers’ pay was poor and when Napoleon was in prison on St Helena there were many wives eager to welcome their breadwinners back, although Maria was a very hard working women who took in washing to help with the family finances.

There were two boys in the family which seems to have been run on military lines. The boys had no regular schooling apart from attending the Sweet Street Wesleyan Methodist Sunday School, and in Henry Rowland’s case this was kept up to maturity and he eventually became a teacher here. At the age of twelve he started to read, his taste in books were towards travel and science and in later life he expressed gratitude towards “Cassell’s Popular Educator” which he thought had been an enormous help to him.

When he was aged seven he started to earn money, his first job being with an old woman in Marshall Street for which he was paid 1s. 6d (7½p), he was dismissed for “prying inquisitiveness” after twelve months. He immediately started work at Russell’s Pottery on Meadow Road, but this too only lasted a year before he moved on. At the age of 15 he was apprenticed to William King Wesley who, it seems was a good master with an inventive mind. Henry had already made a lathe costing

2s.0d (10p) on which he made snuff boxes, probably to help the family finances. Towards the end of his apprenticeship Henry invented a Sliver Roving Machine, doubtless at the suggestion of Mr Wesley; he was put out at not receiving a penny, although the patent was jointly sold to Lawson Brothers and Ives & Atkinson for a very large amount.

At the end of his time Henry was earning 9s.0d (45p) a week and he thought this inadequate because he wanted to get married but Mr Wesley was obstinate about granting an increase so they parted company. Henry did marry on 1 May 1845 to Sarah Hawling, daughter of Bryard Ashton

Hawling at Holbeck. It was only a few months later that Mr Wesley invited Marsden back on his own terms, he stayed with the firm until Mr Wesley retired, he then spent ten months as a foreman in a large engineering works.

Trade was bad in England so in April 1848 when Marsden was aged 24 he decided to try his luck in America taking with him his wife and very young daughter (she later became Mrs C Denison Heaps of Claremont Drive, Headingley). In New York he found work straight away and over the next two years he became the Patentee of several inventions designed to improve steam engines, lathes, and planing

machines. In 1850 he moved to New Haven, Connecticut where he became associated with Blake Brothers where he quickly made a reputation as an engineering inventor as well as being on the road to making a fortune. Henry visited Leeds in 1854 where he promoted Blake Brothers machines and after a short stay he returned to New Haven. It was towards the end of the year that his invention the “Stone Crusher” came on to the market and its success went world-wide.

A fire in 1858 left him and his family losing everything but he worked at his business again and constantly improving his position until 1862 when he decided to return to England. In that year he showed his latest invention at the South Kensington Exhibition, this was a “New Patent Cubing Jaw” which broke road metal in size and shape, this particular invention was also used in mines and helped to cut out female labour there. He was awarded 45 First Class Gold and Silver Medals at various exhibitions by the Royal Agricultural Society and others throughout the world for his patented improvements to stone breaking and ore crushing machines.

When, in 1862, Marsden decided to return to England he had no thought of civic service but in 1866 he was elected to the Leeds Council by the Holbeck Ward by a huge majority. In 1872 he was appointed to the Aldermanic Bench and from 1873 when aged 51 to 1875 he was Lord Mayor and Chief Magistrate. By the time Marsden became Mayor he was a very wealthy man but, he used his wealth in a charitable fashion and even before he became Mayor he gave £2,000 a year to the poor, it would be nigh impossible to list all those who received his generosity, he is also credited with founding the Leeds Music Festival in 1874.

He donated two-octaves of silver bells to Leeds Town Hall as well as presenting it with a portrait of Edward Baines he also held a huge Tea Party in

the Town Hall on 4 March 1873 to celebrate the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh arriving back in England from Russia. One thousand people were freely entertained with hundreds turned away. Everyone went home with a gift of either tea or tobacco.

He also introduced serving refreshments, at his own expense, to members of the Council after their meetings. He lost a very valuable ring in the streets of Leeds, this was found by a Wakefield girl and on its return he rewarded her with 10 Gold Sovereigns. It is said that at his Company HR Marsden Limited, Soho Engineering Works in Sweet Street there was an office at the side of the stockyard gates where Henry would sit every day handing out bread and shoes to the poor.

In 1871 he and his wife Sarah with their three children were living at 15 De Grey Terrace having moved there from Wortley Grange before the family eventually moved to Avenue House, a mansion in Woodhouse Lane, where on 19 January 1876 Henry Rowland Marsden died.

His funeral travelled from the deceased’s residence to the sound of bells being tolled at the Town Hall and churches, flags were flown at half-mast and workshops of all kinds were at a standstill as the Cortege passed on to Holbeck Cemetery where he was laid to rest in the family Vault which is on the Unconsecrated side of the Cemetery. The Vault is still there but is in a very rundown condition.

About 2 March 1878 a statue was erected to him, it is said that 30,000 engineers contributed towards this, his wife performed he unveiling ceremony, the statue was by the Leeds Sculptor John Throp. Unfortunately, the chosen site was poorly located being at the junction of Woodhouse Lane, Merrion Street and Albion Street but here it stayed for 72 years before being stripped down and stored for some two years. In June 1952 it was reerected on Woodhouse Moor where it still stands only about 200 yards from a house in which he lived in at some time in his career. This house still exists and is still lived in.

Henry Rowland Marsden

The Marsden family vault in Holbeck Cemetery

The lost houses of Hunslet

smelting, engineering (primarily steam engines), glass works, potteries and breweries. At the same time, developers were building poor quality houses on the rural land for the new workforce in backto-back terraces – not the back-to-back houses we know today in blocks of eight with toilet yards in between, but long streets with toilets at the end.

The noise of manufacture and the pollution from coalfired furnaces to drive machinery together with the hundreds of domestic coal fires was intolerable to previous mansion owners who moved to the more salubrious parts of north Leeds. Their mansions were either converted into manufacturing establishments like Sundial House or fell into dilapidation or ruin.

For workers and their families life was hell. Their houses were one up one down types, with no sanitation. If they did not die from the processes of manufacture and air pollution, disease was rife with overcrowding and close proximity to neighbours.

by Hon Ald Elizabeth Nash

On the last day of November 2022 I attended a brilliant history lecture given by Steven Burt at the Leeds City Museum on the lost houses and heritage of Hunslet.

It was brilliant because of the amount of his research producing so many photographs of mansion houses, portraits of their owners and wives, and maps and plans of their estates.

In the Sixteenth Century Hunslet was the most desirable place for the very rich to live. It was then entirely rural with plenty of open land for their country parks with an unpolluted river for recreation.

Most Hunslet people will have heard of Hunslet Hall the first of its mansions, but none apart from the very elderly will have seen it. It was situated where the Salvation Army is now on what is now called Hunslet Hall Road.

It was demolished by Leeds Corporation in 1933. There are no drawings or photographs of it. Peter Brears, a friend of Steven, provided a drawing of a typical Tudor house of the time with a central door with double mullioned windows each side. A remarkable feature was a Prospect Room - a large turret with windows to enable the family and guests to survey and admire the surrounding park and countryside.

Hunslet Hall was occupied by the Neville Family (related to the Middleham and Raby

generation when John Neville in 1569 joined the “Rising of the North”, a movement to overthrow Protestant Elizabeth I and replace her with Catholic Mary Queen of Scots. His wife Lady Neville begged and pleaded with him not to do so but headstrong John would not listen. The coup failed and Elizabeth’s retribution was swift and terrible. Eight hundred were arrested and executed and their lands and property confiscated.

John escaped firstly to Scotland and then to the Continent. Lady Neville and her ten children were turned out of Hunslet Hall and were homeless and destitute. Lady Neville eventually joined her husband in Flanders. Hunslet Hall was sold and most of its land was divided into thirty plots initially for tenant farming.

Eventually, there were twenty-four mansions in Hunslet mostly owned by mill owners and cloth manufacturers in the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries.

The navigable River Aire which flows into the Humber with its many tributaries, allowed export to other parts of the Country and to the Continent with cloth made from wool, then cotton and then flax making their owners very wealthy. We were shown photographs of nearly all of the mansions with plans of their surrounding parks and portraits of their owners and family members.

which stood out for me because of anecdotes associated with them. Firstly, Sundial House on Hunslet Lane of which we were shown drawings by Peter Brears based on photographs before its demolition in the 1950s. For many years it was the home of the Goodman family who were so wealthy that they built a ballroom extension!

Secondly, Leathley Lodge at the end of Leathley Lane with its extensive grounds. The Tsar of Russia stayed there in 1816.

Thirdly, Brookfield House on

Ingham family. Benjamin Ingham travelled to Sicily in 1806 where he discovered Marsala wine and he went into the production and exporting of it which made him extremely wealthy.

He paid for half of the cost of building St Mary the Virgin Church of which its iconic and much-loved spire, the highest in Leeds, remains.

In the latter half of the Nineteenth Century, the resident cloth mill owners were replaced by the owners of foundries, coal mines,

Neville Chamberlain, who was the Chairman of the Government’s Unhealthy Areas Committee, wrote in 1921:

“The City of Leeds is, perhaps confronted with the most difficult problem to be found in any of the provincial towns owing to the enormous number of back-to-back houses. There are 72,000 of which 33,000 are the oldest and worst …”

Clearance of slum houses was difficult and slow, mainly due to lack of alternative accommodation, but also as Leeds landlords objected to it. In 1930 wholesale demolition

of unfit housing along Hunslet Road and Low Road did take place but this was due to road widening.

Of course, World War II held up slum clearance and it was not until the 1950s that the worst of Hunslet’s houses were cleared.

If there happened to be a dilapidated mansion house in the middle of the area that was cleared too. Out of the 24 mansion houses in Hunslet there is just one left – Burton House on Burton Road, a splendid early Georgian House owned by the Busk family.

As a former councillor I always argued that to preserve historic buildings they must have another use or they deteriorate further and can be a target for vandals. Burton House is a prime example of another use. In 1919 the Leeds Corporation bought Burton House to extend the adjacent Cockburn School and we were shown a slide of children in the playground there. In 1981 it was acquired by Bellway Homes and converted into residential flats. It is good to know that Burton House once more has people living in it.

Much more information can be obtained from “The Remarkable Story of Hunslet” a beautifully illustrated book written by Steven Burt and edited by Kevin Grady and is well worth a read.

Is Hunslet today a desirable place to live? Steven Burt asked Hunslet residents if this were the case and was given a resounding “Yes”.

Steven Burt thanked the Leeds Philosophical & Literary Society for financial help with the book’s publication. Without that grant the book would not have been published.

A drawing of what Hunslet Hall may have looked like

Still standing: Burton House has been converted into

Pathways for positivity

with Shannon Humphrey

Beyond the January Blues

The Christmas decorations have been taken down, the parties are over, eating what you want without guilt because ‘it’s Christmas’ and having a mince pie for breakfast being ‘perfectly acceptable behaviour’ has come to an end.

You’re significantly lighter in the pocket, the weather’s bleak, you can’t seem to get warm or motivated to exercise. Rolling out of bed on a morning is taking way more effort than it should and the very thought of going to work, taking the kids to school, walking the dog, cleaning, tidying or doing the ‘big shop’ is enough to make you want to pull the covers over your head and hang up a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign until the spring!

If any of this sounds familiar, you might be suffering with

January Blues. The January Blues kick in after the Christmas holidays are over and the new year starts. Not to be confused with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SADs) which is related to lack of natural sunlight and diminished vitamin D levels. The JB’s hit differently.

Human beings are creatures of habit, we like routine, stability and knowing what to expect. For many, the Christmas holidays are a prolonged period of essentially being able to do what you like with little or no boundaries.

Eat more, drink more, party more, stay up later, do nothing if you choose, binge on chocolate and treats, watch movie marathons, spend quality time with friends and family. It’s wonderful and slightly exhausting while it’s

happening, but when the party’s over, you might come crashing back down to ground with a bit of a thud.

Although depression, isn’t dictated by the date on a calendar, the big run up to Christmas, the hectic festivities, followed by the quiet lull after, can be a determining factor for general mood and wellbeing challenges when January rolls around.

That said, fluctuations in mood and being able to recalibrate yourself after a dip is a sign of resilient mental health, meaning your postholiday blues ought to pass without too much misery or worry when you get back into your usual routine, the days become lighter and brighter, and you feel spring is on the way.

However, if you can’t shake

the feeling that things aren’t quite right, maybe they haven’t been for a while. You’re experiencing continual

unhappiness, the inability to find pleasure in things you used to enjoy, you feel tearful, a sense of hopelessness and lack motivation. Then I’d urge you to book an appointment with your GP.

Depression is one of the most recognised mental health disorders, affecting around 1 in 6 adults in the UK. It is also associated with other mental health issues, such as anxiety, stress and loneliness.

Research shows that women are twice as likely to experience depression than men.

Depression can last weeks, months and even years.

Physical signs include, constantly feeling tired, poor sleep patterns - this could be too much sleep or not enough, change in appetite, diminished libido, aches and pains.

Depression can vary from mild severe, and neither should be ignored.

Shannon Humphrey is a First Aid for Mental Health Instructor and Wellbeing Advocate. Find out more about her work at: www.pathwaysforpositivity. com

Free* tickets as South Leeds goes to the Playhouse

As part of South Leeds Life’s ongoing partnership with Leeds Playhouse we are able to offer a free* pair of tickets to a range of shows coming up over the next six months.

*Of course there’s no such thing as a free lunch, so although the tickets are free we do ask for something in return. We rely on our readers to review the plays they see. You can write the review yourself and send it us for publication, or if you’re not confident to

write it yourself, you can chat to one of our reporters who will write up your thoughts into a review.

Introducing the Spring/Summer programme a spokesperson for Leeds Playhouse said: “Come and join us for a new year and an exciting season of incredible stories at the Playhouse. We have a variety of theatrical delights on offer including remodelled versions of classics from William Golding’s Lord of the Flies to

Shakespeare’s Henry V and John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men.

“We feel honoured to be staging Kay Mellor’s A Passionate Woman, which premiered in our Courtyard theatre 30 years ago. 1001 Stories, by our associate company The Performance Ensemble, celebrates the creativity of our city as part of LEEDS 2023 and foregrounds the lived experiences of the generation which brought you punk. Plus, we stage the world

premiere of new musical In Dreams, featuring the music of legendary singer/songwriter Roy Orbison.

“Our aim is to welcome everyone to the Playhousewhether that be to enjoy a piece of theatre or a piece of cake, to share a creative idea or partake in a creative opportunity. So, what you waiting for? Come and join us!”

Coming up:

Blow Down is a funny and poignant play which marks the recent demolition of the iconic cooling towers at Ferrybridge Power Station, in the words of those who lived and worked beneath them.

‘The game’s afoot’ in a new production of Henry V by the Playhouse, Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong. Civil unrest, trouble with Europe, the death of a monarch… Experience Shakespeare’s unnervingly relevant Henry V in a production that offers a different perspective on England’s hero.

Spoken word meets dance, live music meets clowning in I’m Muslamic Don’t Panic. An intimate spectacle of identity, where being British, Iranian, and a hip-hop head collide.

Better Days is a one-man show that takes the audience on a musical journey from 1990 to 1993, combining poetic storytelling with some of the best music from the time.

Danny is a 19-year-old who stands at the crossroads of football violence and house music.

In the midst of a raging war, a group of British school children are left stranded after surviving a devastating plane crash in Lord Of The Flies Ralph is voted the leader over outcast Piggy and rule-breaking Jack. As tensions rise and the hunger for power grows, the group divide and become wildly out of control.

Left to fend for themselves, the children are tested to their limits as they struggle for survival in their new and mysterious surroundings.

Directed by Amy Leach (Macbeth, Oliver Twist, Hamlet,

Romeo & Juliet), this must-see production will be a modern staging of William Golding’s menacing 20th Century classic with creatively integrated audio description available at every performance.

Based on the Sunday Times bestseller which inspired one of this century’s most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life.

If you would like to see any of these shows please get touch. We have two free* tickets for the press night to give away to people who live or work in LS10 or LS11 in return for a review of the show that we can publish.

Email: info@southleedslife .com telling us which show you would like to see and why you would like to see it.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Photo:Johan Persson

Henry V

Photo: Ryan Melaugh via Creative Commons

New community groups at

by Dasha Pluto

It has been busy few months for our Inner South Project Development team. As we wound down for Christmas holidays it was nice to reminisce about some of the amazing groups we have running from our Community Hubs and Libraries.

I have worked closely with some established and new groups in South Leeds. Our Craft and Chat group in Middleton has grown from strength to strength and now has a larger space at St George’s Community Hub on the first floor.

Members of this group have said that they love meeting different people and learning new skills. This group has been a great opportunity for residents to get out of their house and participate more in

the community spirit.

So as 2023 starts and you might want to take that first step in coming out into the community, why not join us at St Georges Community Hub every Tuesday 12:30-2pm. We are a friendly and chatty casual group, plenty of refreshments provided too.

Another group that had fantastic feedback is our DASSI Ethnically diverse mums with SEN kids group. This is a monthly peer support group who meet once a month at Dewsbury Road Community Hub to share experiences, learn more about our unique, beautiful children and receive support from relevant organisations.

We had two great sessions and looking for more members to join us in the new year. We have some wonderful speakers booked and we are looking to

plan some family trips when it gets warmer. The group runs on first Wednesday of the month from 1:302:30/3pm.

New Year brings new opportunities and ideas. I am looking to run another peer support parents with SEN kids group from Middleton in February, so please keep an eye on our Project Development Team Facebook page for updates or if you have a spare hour to volunteer please contact me directly.

On the topic of new opportunities, a wellbeing course by CECOS college has successfully been completed by local community members at St Georges Community Hub and Library in Middleton. CECOS college is working in partnership with our team to bring useful knowledge and free qualifications to South Leeds.

Their next course on Mental Health Awareness will be starting in January at the same venue. Not only you can learn how to improve your own mental health, make friends but you get a free qualification along the way! The courses are taught in a relaxed, casual non classroom setting where your

experiences shape the learning. To sign up please contact Roxy 07305 058780 or at roxy@cecos.ac.uk

And to start the new year on a high, a new community group is holding their welcome event at Dewsbury Road Community Hub and Library on Saturday 28 January 1-3pm.

Light up Black and African Heritage Calderdale are expanding into Leeds! Their aim is to support black and ethnically diverse residents of Leeds via projects, activities and events.

It is community led so come on the 28th to find out more and have your say.

Happy New Year from the Project Development Team!

For more info on any groups or how to start one please contact Dasha on 07891 279161 or email daria.pluto@leeds.gov.uk

New Year, new sessions

by

Alot has happened in 2022 at The Hunslet Club. We introduced new sessions, hosted giant events for the South Leeds Community and did what we did best, help young people.

In 2023 we will continue to serve the community and help bridge the gap to ensure young people have more opportunities to succeed.

We are constantly looking for ways to help our community, including adding new sessions to our timetable that are in demand. We are happy to announce that we are adding three new sessions in January already!

We have a new class called, Boxteq, which is an adults-only (18+) class that will focus on footwork, bag work, defence work and boxing technique. This new session will run on Mondays, from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm, and will cost £3.50 per session. The first session is on Monday 9 January.

Due to popular demand, we

are also starting a TikTok dance class in January, where ages 8+ can learn new TikTok dances while staying active and having fun. This new session will run on Thursdays at 4:45pm and will cost £1.50 per session.

Another addition to our timetable is a new senior youth club session on a Sunday. This new session starts on 8 January, from 2:30-6pm. Year 8 upwards welcome. We have a games room, pool table, gym and more that our senior youth club can use. Our youth clubs are free.

No booking is required for our sessions; you simply turn up on the day, sign in at reception and go to the session.

We cannot wait to add more to our timetable throughout 2023 to serve the South Leeds Community. In 2023 we will continue to help young people in South Leeds and beyond reach their full potential.

From everyone here at The Hunslet Club, we want to wish you the best for 2023.

Thecast and crew at St Andrew’s Pantomime group have been working hard to make sure they are ready for curtain up on first night, Saturday 21 January.

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

The group introduced the story thus:

“Cinderella lives and works at Callous Castle, where she is at the beck and call of Kendall

and Kylie and their monther Kris. Thankfully Cinders has many friends at the castle who try to make her life a little easier.

“Buttons and Boots are her besties, and they do all they can to protect Cinders from the constant nastiness. When noone else is around Mouse and Bird are there to keep Cinderella company, and make her laugh with their thoughts and sarcastic comments about the Callous family.

“Elsewhere Prince Rupert is facing very different challenges as he returns from his European travels alone. The King and Queen were hoping they would be able to announce their son’s upcoming marriage but he has no fiancée and no intention of settling down.

“In a last ditch attempt to find his son a bride, the King

announces a royal ball and invites every lady in the land.

“Excitement builds in Callous Castle as Kendall and Kylie are desperate to look their best for the occasion.

“Poor Cinderella has been forbidden from attending, but as we might have guessed, her Fairy Godmother has other ideas. Will Cinderella finally get to meet the man of her dreams?

“Will Kylie woo the Prince? Will Kendall’s head be turned by a dashing pop star? Join us as the story unfolds to find the answers to these and other questions.”

This is always a seasonal highlight in Beeston so make sure you book your seat.

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

More Youth Club sessions for 2023

Lisa Benfield

What’s On

What’s On

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in January

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

Parents & Tots Group

9:30-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck 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

Joints In Motion (Nuffield Health)

10-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck 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

Toastie Tuesdays

4:30-6:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Book: 07867 268934

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

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

9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Bacon Butty morning / News Cafe / Pop Up Shop / Textile & Painting / Bereavement Group 9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck 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 Yoga

5:45-6.45pm Hillside Enterprise Centre, Beeston Book: oneworldyoga.eventbrite.co.uk

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

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 Friday 6 January

Legal Advice Drop-In 9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Saturday 7 January

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 Women’s Football Fun Day 11am-1pm Football World, Cross Green, LS9 0RA Book: elizabeth.cotter@leeds.gov.uk Monday 9 January

Middleton Community Group 6-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Greenmounts & Surrounding area Tenants & Residents Assoc

6:30pm United Free Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill Tuesday 10 January

Hearing Aid Clinic

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

Wednesday 11 January

MHA Kurling

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

1:30-3:30pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre MHA Singing Sensations

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

7pm Jury’s Inn hotel, Brewery Wharf

Saturday 14 January

Saturday Family Film Club 11am-1pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Scouts taster session

12:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, LS10 3RR

Wednesday 18 January

Leeds Irish Health Group 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

Thursday 19 January

Meet your PCSOs

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

Leeds Baby Bank

10am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Saturday 21 January

Coffee morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street

Panto: Cinderella 2pm & 7pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

Sunday 22 January

Panto: Cinderella

2pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

Wednesday 25 January

Panto: Cinderella

7pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

Thursday 26 January

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

Friday 27 January

Panto: Cinderella

7pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

Saturday 28 January

Panto: Cinderella

2pm & 7pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

Sunday 29 January

Panto: Cinderella

2pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

Monday 30 January

Beeston Hill Community Forum 6pm Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue

Tuesday 31 January

Panto: Cinderella

7pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

Thursday 2 February

Panto: Cinderella

7pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

Friday 3 February

Panto: Cinderella

7pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

Saturday 4 February

Panto: Cinderella

2pm & 7pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07988 349985

IN BRIEF

New Scout Troop for Middleton

3rd Middleton Scouts are opening a brand new group for all 10-14 year old's in January 2023. If you are looking for a new adventure for your child, then come along to our taster session and find out more. Saturday 14 January from 12:30pm at Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, LS10 3RR. Email: helen.thomas @scouts.org.uk for more information.

LEEDS 2023: looking ahead to a Year of Culture in the city

Leeds is set to be the beating heart of UK culture in 2023, as highlights from Part One of LEEDS 2023's epic programme are revealed, inviting us all to experience the city like never before.

Leeds will be a furnace of creativity next year, as the whole city lets culture loose and shows off its artistic strength in a programme that features major new commissions with worldrenowned artists alongside celebrations of everyday creativity.

From dance to design, art to architecture, poetry to pop, sculpture to sport, grassroots community theatre to performances in the city’s varied venues, Leeds is set to be centre stage of the UK's cultural scene.

Beeston Hill Community Forum

After a very positive first meeting in November, another meeting of the new forum is being organised for Monday 30 January, 6pm, Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue. It is open to anyone living in the red brick terraced housing around Tempest Road, the Woodviews, Stratfords down to the Rowlands and Lindens.

New opening times at BITMO’s GATE

Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation (BITMO), which manages council housing in Belle Isle, has changed the opening hours of its GATE Centre. The new opening times are:

Mondays 9am–1pm

Tuesdays 1pm–7pm

Wednesdays 9am–1pm

Thursdays 1–7pm

Fridays 9am–1pm

A spokesperson said: “When you come to the GATE, if we can help you in up to 10 minutes, we will continue to do so. However, if you need more help we will probably book you an appointment to make sure we can help you properly. You could also ring us to book an appointment directly. If you are not a BITMO tenant, we will probably refer you somewhere else for help, such as to a Community Hub. In this way we can give the very best support and advice to BITMO tenants and provide good basic advice and referrals to our neighbours.”

BITMOs GATE is located at Aberfield Gate, off Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH. For more information call (0113) 378 2190 or email gate@belleisletmo.co.uk

‘Awakening’ is the programme theme for Part One of Leeds’ Year of Culture, running from January to April 2023. Inspired by the artist in all of us and the hidden stories of the city, Leeds itself will be both muse and backdrop to an original and surprising programme that invites the world to experience the city afresh. Through commissions and exciting national and international partnerships, residents and visitors alike will have the opportunity to discover the wealth and diversity of the city’s culture.

‘The Awakening’ is the Year of Culture’s opening event at Headingley Stadium on Saturday 7 January. Codirected by LEEDS 2023 Creative Director Kully Thiarai and Alan Lane (Slung Low), ‘The Awakening’ will celebrate Leeds’ past, present and future in a collision of Leeds’ best and brightest talent including Corinne Bailey-Rae, Simon Armitage, Kadeena Cox OBE Inder Goldfinger and Graft. Thousands of people have received free tickets in exchange for creating a piece of art and submitting it to a ticket ballot.

Please get in touch if you’ve got tickets for the show, we would love hear your feedback. Email us at: info @southleedslife.com

Those artworks will be displayed all over the city in a pop-up citizen art exhibition, ‘Waking the Artist’, that shines a light and celebrates the artistic talents and creativity of the people of Leeds from January to April.

Two more original commissions are ‘Making A

Stand’, March 2023 to January 2024. A bold new public artwork in central Leeds by world renowned artist Michael Pinsky and environmental architects Studio Bark; and ‘WOW - The Barn’, from 30 April. 300 women and nonbinary people will raise a new temporary structure as part of the first WOW - Women of the World Festival in Leeds.

Other highlights this spring include the premiere of ‘The Magician’ a film made by James Phillips, Slung Low and Leeds People’s Theatre.

“Set in a near-future Britain where riots threaten to overturn an authoritarian government, a young man embarks on an epic odyssey through the Yorkshire countryside to hunt down the only person who could save the day – a magician who just might have the power to heal the nation.”

The film includes South Leeds locations and features a cast including local people and pupils from Ingram Road Primary School. The film will premiere at Slung Low’s new venue, The Warehouse In Holbeck on 3 & 4 March. Book tickets: slunglow.org/shows

Another highlight will be ‘1,001 stories’ when the lives

and creativity of Leeds’ over 60s are celebrated in a twoweek takeover of Leeds Playhouse, includes a new production, ‘Sinfonia’.

Throughout the year, artists and organisations will be collaborating with communities to shine a light on the creativity found across Leeds and produce new events with the people who live across the city.

‘My World, My City, My Neighbourhood’ will feature coproductions as varied as the areas they are inspired by. Part One will include weekly workshops produced by Stand and Be Counted for people seeking sanctuary, and the cocreation of events that will take place later in the year.

The ’Hidden Stories’ of Leeds - a city dating back hundreds of years and with a population of around 800,000 - are being uncovered in collaboration with heritage organisations.

Harewood House, Royal Armouries and Thackray Museum of Medicine are among those collaborating with artists, researchers and communities to uncover and share hidden stories which will feature during the year.

Part One will see the introduction of a new creative learning programme for

schools, including resources, workshops and a city-wide inter-school slam poetry competition, to encourage and inspire pupils to write, perform, analyse, create and challenge different arts forms including film, poetry and visual arts.

The full Part One programme of more than 100 events and participatory activities, many of them free, can be found at www.leeds2023.co.uk

Part Two (May to August) is focused on the theme of ‘Playing’, and ‘Dreaming’ will be a forward-looking end to the year (September to December).

Kully Thiarai, LEEDS 2023’s Creative Director and CEO said:

“With the kind support and the true Yorkshire grit of the whole city, along with the help of partners, colleagues and peers, from the very local to the global, we have together dreamed up a year of creativity that we hope will provide much needed joy, delight and extraordinary experiences for everyone.

“Our Year of Culture is designed to wake up our senses and reveal our city in brand new and surprising ways; in ways perhaps that you never expected or noticed previously. We know that when this city speaks it has a proper story to tell. And it is our ambition to be the spotlight and foghorn for all the glorious creativity that is behind every door, in every home: broadcasting the brilliance of Leeds beyond the region and to all of us who live and work in the city.

“The year will be a three-part epic act of storytelling for, in and with the city and Part One – Awakening – starts now. Come experience Leeds like never before and together let’s make it a year to remember!”

LEEDS 2023 includes a creative learning programme for schools

Kully Thiarai, Creative Director and CEO with Gabby Logan, Chair of LEEDS 2023. Photo: JMA Photography

Holbeck Moor Junior Football Club was created 6 months ago. We wanted to create a grassroots club for children that removed the hurdles that sometimes stop children from playing.

We wanted to offer a low cost club that allowed children to play no matter what the family’s financial background was.

We wanted to create a club that was built for the community that involved the community and worked with the community.

We have created a foodbank drop off point and recently made a large donation of items to Holbeck Together. We have also donated some Christmas Shoeboxes to the local primary school for some of the children. Hopefully next year we can reach out to more children as we grow the club.

Most recently we took left over selection boxes from our Christmas party to the Children’s Ward at LGI.

We also work with the local primary school and are reaching out to others and local people about how we can

support each other. We want Holbeck to have something to be proud of so that kids of the future have somewhere to turn to whenever they feel like they need to or want to.

Club Secretary Chris Gamble had this to say:

“During my 14 years as a coach I’ve always wanted to strive for more. Through my many years of fundraising and community work, I felt that I wanted to run a club that shared the same ethos and values as myself. I wanted a club that did more than just ‘play football.’

“I wanted to make a club that people can be proud of, a club that will help others who need it most, a club that has the community at the heart of everything we do and give the children a safe haven to come, have fun and enjoy the game we all love. A club that is inclusive for all.

“I believe we are already achieving so many of the goals we set out back in May, with plenty more to come.

“We’re Holbeck Moor JFC and we’re going to change the game #StrongerTogether.”

Continued from page 24

The race is unique in that it starts and finishes on the running track at South Leeds Stadium, but then includes a one loop course on mud and hills around Middleton Woods. Featuring such challenges as Scrooge Hill, Tiny Tim and the long trek up the famous Tramway, it makes for a challenging but enjoyable course.

Back at the Stadium 206 competitors set off on the main race; followed shortly afterwards by a Children’s Fun run - two laps of the track.

A one lap race of course has its challenges to marshal, but over 60 intrepid marshals guided runners around the route with the help of tape and flags, but also enhanced the festive mood with bells, music and Christmas costume.

The winner in the end was Richard Herrington of St Theresa’s AC who pipped Leeds City’s Louis Neale in the final straight, Michael Vargas of Hyde Park Harriers picked up 3rd whilst his club showed up in numbers having Bah Humbug as their monthly race.

Hyde Park also had the first woman in Amy Ramsden-Young whilst both Mark Hodgkinson (in 5th) and Emma Chadwick showed well for the host club South Leeds Lakers.

Hopefully now the Bah Humbug is back in people’s diaries the race will be able to attract more runners next year.

The event of course would not be the Bah Humbug without the famous raffle taking place afterwards in Hunslet RLFC’s Phoenix Bar. Plenty of winners shared the prizes with Bramley Breezers again making a good show.

Thanks go to Martin Lee, Phil Hodgson, Paul Whitehurst, Claire Burgess, Richard Harrison, Mark Bowman and Jason Duggan who were all instrumental in making the

race happen.

South Leeds Lakers are a free running club for 15+ and meet on a Tuesday, 6.50pm at Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club. The Junior Section (8-14) meet on a Friday at the South Leeds Stadium, see Facebook or Runtogether for full details.

Festive fancy dress is encouraged, as worn by our Editor, Jeremy Morton. Photo: Apertunes

Handing over foodbank items to Holbeck Together

Hunslet Foundation’s five-a-side competition

primary school in Garforth.

Mikey continued:

Hunslet Rugby Foundation

ran a five-a-side football tournament for a group of primary schools they have been working with this year on Wednesday 30 November.

The event was hosted by Cockburn John Charles Academy and featured squads of Year 6 pupils from local primary schools Clapgate, Low Road, Middleton St Mary’s, Windmill and Strawberry Fields

The games were fast and furious with some great skills on display and a huge effort and enthusiasm shown by all the children.

Mikey Nuttall, General Manager of the Foundation explained:

“The idea behind it is to reward these kids that we work with in school, within the curriculum or after school lessons. They’ve worked hard, now come and enjoy and

participate in a competition outside school.

“Many of these children will be coming here (to Cockburn John Charles Academy) next year, so it’s a good opportunity for them to see the environment of high school.”

The Foundation are running six of these competitions across the academic year. The indoor ones through the winter will feature football or dodgeball, the outside events will be rugby competitions.

“Today’s been great. We’ve been working with these schools for five or six years, so to have them here is brilliant. One of the schools, Windmill, was my primary school, so to see them doing well, winning every game was quite good, but no it’s been brilliant.

“You can tell from the smiles on everybody’s faces – that’s what it’s about.

“As cliched as it sounds, it’s creating better people through sport. That’s exactly what we’ve done today, everybody’s going to leave here with smiles on their faces and happier than when they arrived after a day in school. They’ve come and had a competition, it’s been fantastic.”

Obituary: Colin Cooper Bah Humbug 10k’s return is a success

by Jeremy Morton by Ian Pickles

After a two year break the South Leeds Bah Humbug 10k returned to Middleton Woods on 11 December.

The race made its debut in 2018 when three local clubsSouth Leeds Lakers, Morley Running Club and South Leeds Sisters - teamed up with the Hunslet Rugby Foundation to bring a Christmas themed race to South Leeds after the demise of the popular Christmas Challenge.

With the South Leeds Sisters now defunct and Morley Running Club concentrating on their own Morley 10k the South Leeds Lakers took on the running of the race for themselves.

Covid had caused a two year break and with the cost of living crisis hitting running events across the board it would be a challenge to attract punters to the festive event.

Former Hunslet player Colin Cooper, who was subsequently a driving force behind the crack Hunslet Parkside youth and junior club in addition to making his mark as a leading local referee, has passed away.

Cooper, who impressed at prop for Hunslet in the 1950s, is understood to have died on Saturday 17 December 2022 after a long illness.

In addition to tirelessly running Hunslet Parkside with the unstinting help of his wife Una and a number of other committed volunteers, he was heavily involved in several youth and junior leagues, where his firmly held views, borne of long experience, were invariably invaluable.

He was made President of Hunslet Club Parkside following the merger, a decade ago, of Hunslet Parkside with the Hunslet Old Boys open age club.

Hunslet ARLFC (the club recently formed through the merger of Hunslet Club Parkside and Hunslet Warriors) posted on their website:

“It’s with great sadness we learn of the death of club president and lifelong Hunslet legend Colin Cooper. Colin and Una formed Hunslet Parkside and kept hundreds of children in the south Leeds area off the streets and on the straight and narrow. As well as producing hundreds of professionals, he introduced thousands of kids to the amateur game, with many still involved. RIP Colin.”

Betfred League 1 club Hunslet RLFC’s press officer Phil Hodgson stated:

“This is a very sad loss for Rugby League in south Leeds and beyond, for Hunslet ARLFC, for the local community, and also for the professional club, for whom Colin played with typical commitment for several seasons.

“I have many

fond memories of him refereeing me at amateur level – he was very much a players’ referee. And, as a journalist, I always found him extremely well-informed, and an absolute pleasure to deal with. He will be badly missed by all who knew him.

“Everyone at Hunslet RLFC extends their condolences to Una and to the rest of Colin’s family.”

Mark Hodgkinson on his way to a 5th place finish

Photo: Phoenix Photography

Colin Cooper in Hunslet colours

Soccer skills: a Middleton St Mary’s player shoots

Pupils from Clapgate, Low Road, Middleton St Mary’s, Windmill and Strawberry Fields primary schools took part in the competition