South leeds Life 88 July-August 2022

Your FREE community newspaper

Issue 88 | July-August 2022

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

CELEBRATING THE SUMMER Beeston Festival kicks off a summer of fun

In this issue:

Bloomers mark 25 years with new sign

page 5

Ellis’s mountain charity challenge

page 6

Windmill earns Blue Peter badge

page 10

by Kushmina Begum

I

t felt great to be back at the annual Beeston Festival on Saturday 25 June.

It was a glorious day with blue skies, smiling faces and grateful community vibes.

The festival has grown so much from the first one over twenty years ago and the live entertainment on offer and vast range of experiences made it feel like you could have been experiencing the Great Yorkshire show.

It was great to see so many different ages groups and types of socialising going on and so many smiling faces.

The atmosphere was really calm and so many proactive volunteers.

I enjoyed talking to stall holders although I found the range of food options lacking and unoriginal for a festival.

It was really nice seeing all the animals walking around and movie characters interacting with the children.

Don’t miss:

Celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee

page 12-13

St Anthony’s win the league

page 24

NEWS Smiling faces: enjoying the community vibe at Beeston Festival. Photo: Paul Bullivant

Holbeck Gala

Hunslet Gala

Saturday 2 July | 12-4pm Holbeck Moor

Saturday 2 July | 11:30am-4pm Recreation Ground, Church Street

2-9

SCHOOL LIFE

10-11

JUBILEE

12-13

COMMENT

14-15

LIVES WHAT’S ON

16-17

18-21

SPORTING LIFE

22-24

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

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South Leeds Life | July-August 2022

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2 News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Contact us South Leeds Life CIC 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW Email: info@southleedslife.com Facebook & Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife Phone: 07894 583966

Complaints South Leeds Life is regulated by IMPRESS and adheres to its standards code.

However, if you feel we have breached the code in any way and wish to make a complaint, please submit your complaint, in writing to the editor.

A copy of our complaints policy is available via our website at southleedslife.com/complaintsprocedure, or on request.

Council chiefs back new tribute to David Oluwale C

ouncil chiefs in Leeds have given their backing to the creation of a major new public artwork paying tribute to the life and legacy of David Oluwale.

Members of the council’s executive board supported the significant new piece by internationally-renowned artist Yinka Shonibare CBE RA, which is due to be unveiled at Aire Park next year as part of the LEEDS 2023 cultural celebration.

The striking, 10m high artwork will be the first of its kind in the UK by the artist, and will commemorate the life of David Oluwale, who travelled from Nigeria to Leeds and was sadly harassed because of his race, homelessness and mental health.

He tragically drowned in the River Aire in 1969 in an incident which had a profound social and cultural impact on the city and inspired a series of moving books and plays.

The funding package which will allow the Leeds Culture Trust to begin work on bringing the new artwork to life.

The council will cover project costs while fundraising by partners is ongoing, enabling the artwork to progress within its required timescales. Costs to the council are expected to be recouped through

fundraising.

The sculpture will be subject to a planning application which will be submitted later this summer, with a series of community engagement sessions being prepared. People in Leeds will also have the opportunity to support fundraising.

The nationally significant new artwork is being proposed as part of a partnership between the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) and LEEDS 2023 and is part of ongoing work to commemorate David’s life.

When completed, it will be placed in Meadow Lane, part of Aire Park, which is taking shape on the former Tetley brewery site in Hunslet, and close to the David Oluwale bridge, a further tribute which is currently under construction.

As we reported last month, a blue plaque installed on Leeds Bridge by Leeds Civic Trust was sadly vandalised, provoking a public outcry across Leeds and beyond, and sparking a remarkable fundraising effort and response.

Work is now ongoing to install a replacement.

Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “David Oluwale’s story is one

which should be remembered and commemorated because it reminds us of both the tragic price of intolerance and the progress we

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have made as a city.

“As recent events have shown, the people of Leeds will not stand for racism and we will unite in spectacular fashion against the actions of any mindless individuals who would seek to divide us.

“This important artwork will stand as a lasting monument to David’s life and legacy and as a symbol of the modern, diverse and inclusive city Leeds is today.”

The sculpture will be a thing of beauty and joy, shifting the Oluwale narrative

Struggling households set to benefit from Household Support Fund T

housands of households in Leeds struggling to meet the rising cost of living are set to benefit from a £7.1million grant being distributed by Leeds City Council.

The funding, received earlier this year from the Department for Work and Pensions Household Support Fund (HSF), is to be spent by September 2022 and will help hardpressed local people meet the costs of food, keeping their home warm, paying essential utility bills and

other essential living costs.

The bulk of the funding will be used to support people in receipt of Council Tax Support (CTS), meaning households on the lowest incomes will receive support directly and without the requirement for an application process.

Instead of applying, eligible households will be informed directly through the relevant council services, with around 63,000 low income households in receipt of CTS

Eligible households will receive vouchers worth up to £100

set to receive a voucher of up to £100 before the end of July 2022.

Similar funding was received last year, but government criteria means the money will be distributed more evenly and will support more groups but will mean that some families who might have received money last year, may not receive the same amount this year.

Further support for eligible families struggling during the summer holiday period is available through the Healthy Holidays initiative which is run by schools, community hubs and voluntary groups to provide a range of fun and engaging activities and a healthy nutritious meal throughout the holidays, for free.

Anyone who needs urgent help with food and household bills can call the local welfare support scheme on (0113) 376 0330. More information is available here.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, said: “We remain firmly committed to helping our most vulnerable residents and families during this incredibly financially difficult time.

“While this funding is extremely valuable, it will work out at no more than £9 per person in Leeds. We are making every effort to distribute it carefully and fairly, but we do recognise that the way in which the government has stipulated it to be allocated, will mean that some families will miss out on substantial support. We would like to remind eligible families that support is still available through other channels such as the Healthy Holiday’s initiative and if you need urgent help we are urging people to please get in touch via the local welfare support scheme.

“The funding will be allocated to more groups this year, including more funding made available to pensioners and to people without children who are in receipt of Council Tax Support. We will also be allocating a certain amount of funding to charities who have a particular focus on supporting families who are struggling. We hope that by allocating the funding in this way, we are able to help as many people who need it as much as we can while also following government guidance.”

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News 3

Big turnaround as Ofsted rates Cockburn John Charles Academy ‘Good’

we made a commitment to the community in south Leeds and despite the new rigorous inspection framework where judgements are harder to achieve, combined with the ongoing demands of the

C

ockburn John Charles Academy’s ‘transformation to excellence’ journey continues at great pace: rated good overall and outstanding in two areas by Ofsted The children of Cockburn John Charles Academy (formally The South Leeds Academy) had not, historically, received the education they deserve, and the community rightfully felt let down.

Rated as inadequate by Ofsted before joining Cockburn Multi-academy Trust, they have now demonstrated that they have transformed the academy into the exceptional school that its community deserves.

Cockburn John Charles Academy in Belle Isle, Leeds was inspected by Ofsted in April 2022. During the inspection, inspectors judged the quality of education along with behaviour and attitudes as good. Both personal development, and leadership and management were judged to be outstanding, leading to an overall effectiveness judgement of good.

During their visit, inspectors met with leaders, staff, trustees and governors. They talked to pupils about their work and visited lessons, observed extracurricular activities and form time sessions. They also spoke to curriculum leaders and teachers and looked in depth at areas of the curriculum, including English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, Dance and PE. The report begins by recognising the incredible achievement that has been made over the last five years at Cockburn John Charles Academy: “The school has improved hugely since leaders took over.

Leaders have raised standards, leaders and staff ensure all pupils are valued. The school continues to improve. Leaders and staff encourage pupils to have pride in their local community.”

Throughout the inspection, inspectors noted that the quality of education provided by the academy has much to be proud of.

“The curriculum offer overall is strong. Support for learners with EAL and SEND is strong.

Leaders have developed an exemplary personal, social and health education (PSHE) curriculum. It is meticulously

Students and staff celebrate the transformation planned and sequenced so that all pupils have the knowledge they need to stay safe, including online. Staff are extremely knowledgeable about pupils’ individual needs.

They provide highly personalised support. Staff are ambitious for pupils to do well.”

The inspection team were impressed with the school’s curriculum and the quality of the teaching: “In each subject, the curriculum is designed to help pupils learn and remember. Assessment is well planned. Staff use a range of strategies to identify pupils’ misconceptions quickly. Staff provide pupils with opportunities to improve their work, which helps them to learn.”

The inspectors noted the “highly effective support” that pupils are given to develop their reading: “Leaders insist that all pupils read regularly. Pupils read challenging texts within subjects. As a result of leaders’ actions, pupils develop confidence and fluency when reading. This increases pupils’ enjoyment of reading.”

The report also highlights how the academy provides outstanding opportunities for personal development: “Staff help pupils to explore career opportunities locally and further afield. Leaders provide pupils with an exciting range of extra-curricular experiences, including over fifty extracurricular clubs. Leaders’ approach to developing pupils’

character is excellent. Leaders take every opportunity to reinforce their values and high expectations. Leaders create further opportunities for pupils to develop responsibility. For example, members of the school council take pride in representing their peers.

Leaders have listened to the council and implemented changes. For example, they have updated the school PE kit.”

The inspectors highlighted the huge impact that leaders at all levels across the school have made: “Leaders are tenacious in taking every opportunity to support staff to become even more effective in their role.”

Throughout the inspection, inspectors saw the excellent behaviour and attitude of pupils that reflected the normal day to day life of the school: “Staff have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour. Pupils behave well in lessons. Staff manage pupils’ behaviour effectively.”

Executive Headteacher, David Gurney, said: “Our vision of ‘Transformation to Excellence’ focuses on a relentless drive to continue to improve and excel in all areas.

“This report recognises this drive that leads to excellent academic outcomes, while developing the pupil’s character as part of a supportive and caring community.

“I would like to thank all

pupils, staff, parents/carers, trustees and governors for their ongoing hard work, support and dedication. Five years ago,

pandemic, this report recognises an excellent achievement. Our inspiring team of staff and pupils at the

academy work tirelessly together to provide an excellent education.”

Head of School, Siobhan Roberts, added: “The Cockburn John Charles Academy community is extremely proud of the feedback provided by Ofsted.

This result reflects a significant, whole team effort to improve the education of each and every one of our pupils.

“All of our staff, families and young people have played a central role in ensuring that the academy continues to provide an excellent education that prepares students for an ambitious future of learning and career, regardless of difference and challenge.”

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Peter Nuttall, said: “This inspection demonstrates that with the right mindset, and a willingness to take on a school rated ‘Inadequate’ by Ofsted in 2012, 2013 and 2016 with the intention of turning it around, remarkable results can be achieved. The staff at Cockburn John Charles Academy are to be congratulated on their excellent work.

“The academy now joins another Cockburn MAT school, Cockburn School, in providing the young people of south Leeds with the opportunity of a first-rate education.”

Meet your new Councillors Wayne Dixon: Middleton Park ward

Cllr Wayne Dixon at the election count

I

stood for election because I realised that after decades of Labour running our area, little was changing in terms of the basics getting done.

I believe that Labour are no longer the party of the working classes as they once were and that we need to step forward if we want change for the better.

I would like to achieve cleaner neighbourhoods, better play equipment for local children and develop more opportunities for young people, but mainly get the basics

sorted out. I would like to a see Middleton and Belle Isle become a place people want to stay and live rather than a place people want to move away from.

The reality is that my influence is limited at this stage, but so is my Labour colleagues due to the cabinet structure of the council. Our councillors are told how to vote – I am not!

I have two Labour councillors in my ward that can simply out vote me on how money is spent

for the ward, I am hoping that my ideas are judged by them on their merit rather than my party colours.

The SDP is growing and with more SDP councillors on the council will come more influence – I am confident more SDP councillors will emerge soon enough.

My family and I have lived in Middleton and Belle Isle all our lives, I live here with my wife and two boys. Only one of my grandparents, my Nana Dixon, was brought up here.

My grandad Dixon moved here from Castleford in the 1950’s/60’s to work down the pits, he met my Nana soon after and my Dad was brought up in the same street as my Nana – Thorpe Square.

My other grandparents were mainly brought up in Holbeck, but my Nana travelled about as her family is Romany Gypsy (I guess that makes me 1/8th Romany?), she met my Grandad in Holbeck (I think) – they settled in Middleton where my Mam was brought up on Sissons Road.

We included Cllr Annie Maloney (Beeston & Holbeck) and Cllr Ed Carlisle (Hunslet & Riverside) comments in last month’s issue, all three are available to read online.

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4 News

Roger Manns painting class in Middleton

by Roger Manns

I

n September 2021 my wife and I visited Middleton Elderly Aid just out of curiosity, to see what was happening there.

I was very impressed by the variety of activities and facilities there were for the local over-60s, everything from bacon butties to full week’s

holidays, live entertainment, film showings, local walks, and many activity groups – but (being a bit of a watercolour painting enthusiast) I noticed there wasn’t an Art group.

I commented on this, and was immediately asked if I’d like to run one! So, before I knew it, I was booked for the next Wednesday, and at 9:30 I started my first class with two

Roger at work with his watercolours

ladies, with paper and paints provided by the centre.

Now, 8 months later, the group has six regular members, who all believed they ‘couldn’t draw’ when they started, but we have drawn and painted flowers, fruit, birds, penguins, dolphins and lots more, and some of their work is quite amazing – the local Baptist Church even gave us a wall to display some of their pictures at a recent Art Café event they held.

Most of the group have even gone out and bought their own paints and brushes etc., and once a fortnight we all enjoy our ninety minutes of creativity, a chance to get away from our daily concerns, at least for a short while.

Wilma Armstrong said: “Watercolour is a fantastic way to paint. Roger is a great artist and tutor.

“Come and learn from him, every second Wednesday at Middleton Elderly Aid Centre.”

Julie shares the Ayruvedic Yoga massage message

by Lucy Potter

H

ave you ever heard of Ayurvedic Yoga Massage (AYM) and that this treatment is available in South Leeds?

AYM mainly comes from India and works with the needs and energy of the clients, helping to massage and release tension to help improve breathing with some stretching involved too.

Julie Gill or as some people know her as ‘Keep Fit Julie’ is based in Middleton and has been delivering community based exercise classes in South Leeds for over 30 years.

Having had massages for my lower back pain over the years, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I need look no further than my own bus route to find someone fully experienced and specialised in the AYM practice.

Having not experienced this before, I thought I would give it a try.

After a long and slow recovery from Covid in 2020 I was looking for somewhere that was good but not expensive to help with my shortness of breath and chest pain. I picked up Julie's leaflet at Health for All (Tenants Hall) one day when I was at work and my eyes dived into the leaflet

and soaked up the glowing recommendations: “I woke up this morning and I haven't got any pain.”

“I can highly recommend AYM with Julie - she has cured many of the issues I’m having after reaching retirement age.”

Julie qualified in AYM in 2019

Julie Gill AKA ‘Keep Fit Julie’

and recently qualified in AYM for pregnancy too. With many years of experience she also trained as a complementary therapist offering Swedish massage, reflexology and aromatherapy.

I wasted no time in booking an appointment and before I

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Slung Low reveal their new home A

s we reported in May, Slung Low, Holbeck’s own theatre company, are set to move out their current home at The Holbeck club. It has now been revealed that they will be moving into a former cardboard warehouse on Ingram Road on the other side of Holbeck.

The warehouse is part of Clyde Works, which is also home to Jamyang Buddhist Centre and around the corner from Ingram Road Primary School with whom they work closely. In a letter distributed to

residents in the area Slung Low said: “In the new space we would be supporting artists to rehearse their plays, making our own theatre shows and sharing shows with you, our neighbours, on a regular basis.

Everything we do here is Pay What You Decide.

“We work closely with children from Ingram Road Primary and a group of residents to make sure that what we put on is often of interest to those that live in Holbeck. And will be asking for

your ideas in time.

“We don’t think you’ll see many changes from the amount of activity that currently happens in the space, but obviously it will be a different type of activity – we don’t drive fork lifts very often for example!”

The move is subject to a change of use planning application. Slung Low plan to move in this autumn and open to the public in January 2023.

For more information about Slung Low, visit their website at: www.slunglow.org

Slung Low will share the building with Jamyang Buddhist Centre knew it I was invited into a tranquil ambience of her working space in her back garden.

Julie is super professional putting me at ease, offering a warm and friendly welcome she carried out a basic health assessment listening to make sure she understood where my areas of needs and check a few health questions. The 60 minute massage really concentrated on my problem areas and left me feeling rejuvenated and full of energy which is something that I haven’t had in a while.

After I learnt that Julie wants to reach more people and share the positive benefits these treatments have to offer.

Julie was inspired to bring the idea of free retreats to her community: “The mini retreat idea came after I attended a retreat in Portugal which I loved so much I wanted to give people in my own community the opportunity to try. Retreats are very expensive usually so I wanted to organise and run my own free retreats using local therapists and tutors.”

Julie and her colleague Karen Marshall (who specialises and delivers mental health first aid training and is a shiatsu massage therapist) and has recently become self employed, are excited to be

planning a social enterprise to enable them to tap into funding so they can develop these mini retreats for people who would not usually be able afford this experience.

The idea is to introduce the local community to an array of modalities to help improve one’s general health and wellbeing. The retreats include an introduction to yoga, drumming circles, relaxation and meditation and a range of complementary therapies with a hope to introduce residential retreats too.

They are also offering health and wellbeing workshops for organisations and businesses across the Leeds area.

Julie says: “We want the workshops and retreats to be holistic and as organic and natural as possible.”

Julie has been collecting carboot sale items and doing carboot sales to raise the funds. She

has also received MICE money to cover the costs of two of the retreats: one in Beeston and one in Belle Isle. The next mini retreat with be either in Holbeck or Hunslet.

If you would like to book in for a massage her prices are affordable at £35 for a 60 minute treatment or £60 for a full body. She also offers mobile appointments for an extra charge to cover fuel costs.

It’s worth every penny!

To book and discuss treatments please text 07783 786776 or email keepfitjulie @yahoo.co.uk

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July-August 2022 | South Leeds Life

News 5

Your Climate Change pledges

Bloomin’ ‘eck, Beeston sign marks 25 years of gardening group Linda Stanley, Secretary of Beeston in Bloom writes: I may have mentioned more than once this year that Beeston in Bloom is celebrating its 25th birthday. But I think it’s an achievement worth repeating. We agreed that we should have a permanent record of our work and what better place to display it than on Beeston Road. It’s near the park and added to the art work we’ve already commissioned along the road. A successful bid for funds from the Housing Advisory Panel paid for the artist, materials, manufacture and installation of the sign. I’m sure you’ll see from the photos on display that whatever we are doing – gardening, selling plants or picking litter – we do it with a smile.

We hope it will be around for at least another 25 years, when we’ll have more projects and smiley faces to add to it. Enjoy.

Linda Miekle (Beeston): “I started my experimental pledge about two months ago. To wash everything at 20 degrees instead of the 40 or 60 degree cycle that I have used for the last 40 years. I use a non-bio liquid for use at lower temperatures. The wash does not take as long and there is less ironing.

Black stops black; colours stop vibrant; whites stop white with no accidental colour bleed from anything that accidentally sneaks in with them; and there is absolutely no difference in stain removal. Best of all your clothes last longer and no chance of going mis-shaped or accidentally shinking.”

What is Climate Action?

by Beth Bingley

E

very edition of South Leeds Life features stories of local climate action … people working to create greener, cleaner, fairer communities.

Past editions have also included features on energy saving, food hubs, and retrofitting poorly insulated homes.

Planting trees, growing your own food, creating urban planting and green spaces, setting up food clubs, bike fix projects, repair cafes, sharing groups, second-hand sales,

recycling, learning how to save energy at home, walking, or cycling more, using public transport … these are all examples of climate action.

Five ways to get involved in climate action this summer: 1.

Like the Our Future Beeston Facebook Page: fb.com/ourfuturebeeston Tips on energy saving, recycling and more local action, events, drop ins … ask questions, join discussions. You don’t have to live in Beeston to join!

2.

Make a climate pledge …

Talking about Climate Action at Beeston Festival

South Leeds Life launched the South Leeds Climate Pledge in partnership with Our Future Beeston in January 2022. There are lots of pledge ideas posted on the Our Future Beeston Facebook page and on the 52 Climate Actions website www.52climateactions.com/ action-themes If you want to make a pledge contact ourfuturebeeston@gmail.com or via Facebook.

3.

Join our South Leeds Facebook recycling and sharing community …

We were looking back over the posts on the LS10 and

LS11 CRAP (Conserving Resources Associating People) Facebook group this week and it is truly amazing!

The group has over 3,600 members now with around 600 posts each month. Members are not just posting their unwanted items, they are borrowing things from each other, sharing tasty, cooked food, homegrown fruit and vegetables, tips, and information.

4.

Come to a Climate Hub and energy saving drop in – every week at Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library from 5:30 to 7pm. Run by our Energy Saving Trust trained hub worker James, it is family friendly with games for children. You can also book to host a climate hub and/or energy saving drop in by emailing James at ourfuturebeeston@gmail.com 5.

Join our summer activities programme.

We launched our summer programme of family activities and pop-up hubs at Beeston Festival. Summer activities will be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, like our Facebook page and/or join mailing list by emailing ourfuturebeeston @gmail.com to get the latest news.

Jeremy Morton, Editor of South Leeds Life: “I often need a top-up shop midweek and would often drive to the shop because it was quicker. It’s less than a mile to the shop and these are the car journeys that do most damage. The engine doesn’t have time to warm up, so it uses more fuel and produces more pollution. I now walk, I’ve timed it and it only takes 7 minutes each way . That’s not long, I get a bit of gentle exercise and the air on my local streets stays a bit cleaner”

Brenda Barlow, chair of Friends of Hunslet Moor: “My pledge is to reduce plastic in my life, and recycle and reuse as much as possible. I do a lot of arts and craft, so commit to using recycled card and paper, and other items, instead of new. For our Hunslet Moor community events, like Santa’s Grotto and Halloween, we’ll use all recycled items for the decorations and so on.”

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6 News

Ellis’s charity mountain challenge

Money matters with Leeds Credit Union

How to eat more healthily for less W

e're all aware of the benefits of healthy eating but the misconception that doing so is prohibitively expensive is stopping many households from giving it a go.

Here, Jodie Lockwood, Branch Coordinator at Leeds Credit Union, serves up some tasty tips on ways to eat healthier without spending a fortune.

With the ongoing cost of living crisis putting more pressure than usual on the nation's wallets, convincing people to splash out on healthy food is easier said than done.

But what many people don't realise is that healthy food doesn't actually have to be expensive; there are plenty of ways to eat healthily without breaking the bank. Here are some of them.

Be aware of the season Fruit and vegetables are always going to be the starting point when it comes to healthy eating. To ensure you don't overspend on them, only buy seasonal produce next time you're in the supermarket when they're in season, they're more readily available and therefore cheaper. Strawberries

are a great, healthy option in summer; likewise parsnips in winter.

Keep it loose As well as being better for the environment due to the absence of plastic packaging, 'loose' products - ie those that aren't bagged and can be purchased individually - tend to be cheaper too.

Look for special offers Items with long shelf lives are often worth buying when they're on sale. Tinned beans and pulses, tinned tomatoes and healthy, high-fibre cereals are all worth keeping in stock for their healthy properties; even more so if they're available at a reduced price.

And don't forget that milk and cheese can be frozen, so don't be afraid to buy more than you need when it's on sale - you can store it in the freezer until you need it.

Buy cheaper cuts of meat We love chicken breasts in the UK but thighs and drumsticks are every bit as tasty and significantly less expensive. They may take longer to cook but, when served as part of a healthy

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meal, it's a small price to pay.

Shop around Fresh vegetables and fruit can often be picked up cheaper in local markets than in the supermarket so shop around as much as possible before making a purchase.

Use your leftovers If you've got some fruit that needs using up, don't bin it, puree it all together and make healthy and delicious breakfast smoothies.

If you have leftover veg, use it instead of meat in your evening meal to make your dishes go further and cost less while still filling you up.

Buy own brands When it comes to healthy items like yoghurt, own brand versions are often much cheaper despite tasting almost exactly the same as any branded equivalent. Don't waste money for the name on the packaging.

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

For more information go to: www.leedscreditunion.co.uk

C

limbing England’s highest peak - Scafell Pike in the Lake District - is a challenge at the best of times, but Ellis Robinson from Belle Isle is taking it to a new level.

Ellis has set himself the challenge of climbing it as many times as possible in 24 hours.

He will be tackling the 978m (3,209 ft) peak starting from Wasdale Head car park at 12noon on Friday 22 July. On reaching the summit cairn, he’ll turn around and head back down, then back up and so on until 12noon on Saturday 23 July.

Explaining his motivation for the fundraising he said: “I’ve decided to raise money for The Candlelighters charity which is for children with cancer. The reason I have

Ellis Robinson in training for his challenge chosen this charity is because I have seen what this can do to families first hand and couldn’t imagine this happening to myself.

“This charity is massively important in helping families who have a child suffering with

the dreaded C.” If you would like to support Ellis go to his Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/ellis-rbr For more information about Candlelighters go to: www.candlelighters.org.uk

BITMO provides free half term meals

Volunteers with BITMO CEO Deborah Kelly

by Carla Yeomans

I

Photo: Shutterstock

n support of our tenants dealing with rising food and fuel costs, Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation offered every BITMO managed home in Belle Isle the opportunity to access free meals during half term.

From Monday 30 May to Wednesday 1 June 2022, BITMO provided 182 individuals and families with free meals.

With the help of our volunteers (pictured with BITMO CEO Deborah Kelly), we

were able to serve a variety of meals each day from our community resource centre, the GATE. Alongside the meals, we offered further help and support, such as access to our school uniform exchange, foodbank vouchers and promoted the services BITMO offers, such as employment support sessions and digital help.

34 meal packs were also distributed to households in need. As photographed, each food pack contained long life foods and versatile ingredients,

along with recipe cards with ideas for family and freezerfriendly meals.

BITMO’s Board were delighted to be able to offer this service across our neighbourhood at a time when households need help. Our CEO Deborah Kelly commented, “It was wonderful to see our volunteers and colleagues spring into action to support the community. Being able to act quickly and responsively to meet real need is part of what makes working in housing so rewarding.”

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July-August 2022 | South Leeds Life

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News 7

Nishkam is a new nursery for Beeston Hill

by Jeremy Morton

A

new nursery has opened next to the Lady Pit Lane Gudwara (Sikh Temple) in the heart of Beeston Hill.

The Nishkam Nursery is based in new, purpose built premises, offering light and airy spaces for the various age groups from babies, toddlers and pre-school, taking children from 6 weeks to 5 years old.

All the rooms are light and airy

The nursery has been established by a Sikh-based charity, but welcomes children from all faiths and cultures. The experienced staff team are led

by Harpreet Kaur who showed me round the building.

As well as rooms for the various age groups the building includes its own kitchen where food is prepared from fresh ingredients, including herbs grown in the nursery’s garden.

There is also a room available for groups to hire, ideal for groups of parents with young children.

Outside there is a large outdoor play space, which can be hired for events. As well as the garden and mud kitchen, there is a construction area, a very popular water wall, a mark making area, physical activity area and a reading area.

Harpreet explained how these different play activities are important first steps in a child’s education. She went on: “We believe parental involvement is very important and so invite parents into nursery where they can read a book to the children.

“We offer 2 settling in sessions which helps the keyperson get to know the child and their family. This helps children to settle quickly and feel safe and secure in the environment.

“We have an open door policy, staff are always

The nursery has a large outdoor play space available to discuss any concerns/needs. We have daily communication between staff and parents at pickup/drop off time. We use an online app to give parents daily updates and share information about what their child is doing and learning in nursery.

“We focus strongly on

supporting children’s communication and language, including children who speak English as an additional language. For example, when reading stories or teaching nursery rhymes, we use a lot of actions and props. We have also introduced Makaton and luckily have bilingual staff, if we

are not fluent in a language we ask parents for key words.”

Festivals and important days of every religion are all celebrated in the nursery, which gives it an inclusive feel.

To find out more, contact Nishkam Nursery on (0113) 345 1447, or email leeds@ nishkamnursery.org.uk

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South Leeds Life | July-August 2022

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8 News

Art, Drugs, Murder, Memory: A Day in the Life of BasementArtsProject

by Bruce Davies

A

s the sun passes over the yardarm of the year and the longest day is behind us, we at BasementArtsProject prepare to set sail onto the high seas of summer.

In a few weeks time we will be opening a new exhibition by Sharon McDonagh who creates work based on decaying interior architecture. The end result is an incredibly nostalgic look back at the things we would learn if only walls could speak.

On what was surely the hottest and sunniest day of the year so far, Thursday 23 June, BasementArtsProject, together with artist Keith Ackerman and sculptor / technician John Barber, convened on a patch of grassland adjacent to Basement for the final stage in phase II of a project that we began in 2019, pre-c***d-19 lockdowns.

As the rush hour traffic dissipated, we were met by an enormous crane at the busstop on Tunstall Road. On the back of the truck was a concrete plinth generously donated by the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield.

The project on this day was to install an 8ft, 7tonne sculpture on the land, which Keith Ackerman has been working on since March 2019.

From the moment work began, we had an ever changing crowd of curious onlookers stood at the edge of the land, watching as we started the heavy lifting process. As I am standing at the edge of the road chatting about the project with passersby, a slow shambling figure approaches, emerging silently from my peripheral vision. I recognise this person from the back of the buses into town, and also a regular on this corner of Tunstall and Dewsbury Road. It would be with an element of certainty that one could assume from appearance that this person has a serious drug habit. On the buses he creates an air of discomfort and unpredictability amongst other passengers, with his constant loud conversations with himself, continual filling up on masses of chocolate and sweets whilst remaining extremely thin, and his unkempt appearance.

It is wise to be cautious but it must always be without judgement or bias.

He stops next me.

Him: ‘Alright’ Me: ‘Hi there’ Him: ‘It’s lovely green this is’ Me: ‘It is’ Him: ‘I sleep on here . . . I don’t make a mess though’ Me: ‘That’s good to hear’ (whilst suspecting that the

Ladder’ is brought up from its year long resting place, on its back by the fence at the edge of the road, up, onto the back of the truck. All seven tonnes.

The wagon moves from Tunstall Road into the narrow cul-de-sac that is Burton Terrace, and

bedded in, we have ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ in the air, slowly making its way between the Rowan’s and onto the grass.

The job now is to get it upright without upsetting the pins in the base. This is the longest and most intense part of the

resets itself ready to lift the work upright and into place.

The sun is at its highest point and is beating down us as the crane operators lift the foundation block into place.

Two tonnes of concrete swinging between the Rowan trees and being lowered carefully into the correct position. Earlier on in the week, Keith, John and myself had spent the day backstage at Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield, drilling holes in the base that is now being lowered to the ground.

The drilled holes, correspond exactly to the three pins that we embedded in the base of the sculpture late last week.

When upright ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ will be lowered onto the plinth so that the pins engage with the holes in the base. A nearby neighbour has come over and is currently sat on one of the newly installed stone benches.

An Asian man has been stood at the bus stop watching since early morning.

A couple of men come stumbling across the land, apparently oblivious to the goings on. They take up residence under what I now understand to be the drugs tree. They are there for quite some time, huddled behind the tree where the lands dips down. Eventually they leave.

I’m sure I will find more needles there later.

Finally, with the plinth

operation; the slings around the body of the work have to be reconfigured so as to be able to suspend it upright, and move it at the same time. Everything has to be done extremely slowly and in such a controlled manner, so that the moment it is vertical it does not tip beyond the point of balance. There is one tense moment where a sling catches and snaps leaving the sculpture hanging at a jaunty angle. After it is lowered for the second time into place and concrete has been applied at the base around the rods it is correct.

The worries that the risers of the steps might not be vertical, or the treads less than horizontal to the base do not come true.

Keith’s measurements are spot on, and the slight rock that was present on the first drop is now gone after the concrete has been applied. There is a point at which there is an imposing clunk as the work slots into place for the final time, a round of cheers and applause go up from the assembled onlookers.

It is late in the evening by the time all of this has been finished and the light and heat of the day is gradually dissipating. Keith, John and myself sit under the foliage canopy of a Sycamore tree on one of the bench stones. The work is imposing and monumental atop its slight hillock, any fears that it would

Lifting the sculpture into position discarded needles, blood encrusted cardboard and sheet that has been used for bedding, accompanied by a pile of human faeces currently drying in the sun, is quite likely his) Him: ‘The grass is really nice to lie on’ Me: ‘I Imagine it is’ Him: ‘What are you doing on here?’

Me: ‘We’re putting up a sculpture in your bedroom’ Him: ‘What’s it made of?’

Me: ‘Tadcaster Limestone’ *pauses watching the crane lowering towards the first of the two bench stones* Him: ‘How heavy is it?’

Me: ‘About 7 tonnes’ Him: ‘Wow’ * longer pause, still watching the activity* Him: ‘That’s gonna look really good there isn’t it’ Me: ‘I’m hoping so’ Looks down at his arms and starts picking at some suppurating wounds and scabs Him: ‘they say it’s to do with the drugs I use ... but it’s not, they just appeared overnight’ Me: ‘Oh’ Him (looking at ‘Jacob’s Ladder’): ‘I like that’ And in the same manner as he arrived, he shuffles off silently in the other direction.

The day progresses, people come, people go. Bench stone number one is moved into place. Bench stone number two next, and then ‘Jacob’s

not feel big enough are unfounded. The next job, is to start filling in around the plinth so that we can turf right up to the edge of the square upon which it is set. There will also be some sessions with the community in the near future in which they can experience some of the processes and techniques of direct carving. A man rushes past us, speaking in what I take to be Polish, down to the corner of the land and urinates. He rushes back past us offering his apologies.

It is going to take some time to make this land what it was before the shops moved in around it: a place for picnics, sunbathing, resting, taking time out from whatever else is going on around about. I hope we succeed. This is a project that is as much about the reorientation of social attitudes as it is about art. It just so happens that, what I reckon might be Leeds’ biggest stone sculpture stands at the heart of it.

After everyone has gone home and it has gone dark, I go to pick up some food from Aldi which stands next door to the land. There is a group of people including some police standing in the trolley park, gathered around an emaciated figure lying beneath the trollies. As I reach the door there is the usual gathering of characters begging for change, and the street outside has been closed off to traffic and pedestrians.

There are a number of police cars and a crime scene forensics tent has been set up outside a house.

Rumours abound inside the supermarket, a body has been found, a murder, it was chopped up, it has been there for days, all grim speculation.

As I come out an ambulance

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife has arrived to deal with the individual prone beneath the trollies. What are the stories our surroundings would tell if only walls could talk.

There are many stories from the last year, stories such as the one related in my last article about this project, working at the side of the road with Keith and John; many of which are positive and others that are absolutely tragic, and I’m sure that I will tell them all at some point. But for now, suffice it to say, I love living in Beeston; for all of the sense of tragedy that surround aspects of life here, it does still feel hopeful. Art is my thing and it is my mission to make sure that, no matter what we are going through in the present, there is still a beautiful world out there.

Without hope there is no future, it is up to us now to keep that hope alive for those that will come after.

In religious texts ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ represents the connection between earth and the heavens, a connection with god. The ladder also has a secular reading; as a metaphor for aspiration, steps to improvement. And this is what I hope this sculpture represents; the rebirth of a place of tranquil beauty in a tightly populated area typified in the present by chaos and mayhem.

There will be a series of events on this land centred on the ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ project in the coming months, starting in July. I shall post on here details as I confirm them.

The next exhibition at BasementArtsProject - less than one minute from this sculpture - is ‘Resonate’ by Sharon McDonagh. Once a Police Forensic Artist now working as an independent artist presents a look at the stories to be gained from studying our surroundings. Like all of our events it will be free and an open invite to anyone who wants to come. Opens Thursday 14 July 5:30-8:30pm, free, all welcome.

Jacob’s Ladder in place, off Tunstall Road, Beeston

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News 9

The walk for Gary Speed

by Michael Burton

O

n 26-29 May, 100 people walked 92 miles across the Pennines in memory of Gary Speed, raising over £80,000 to fight male suicide.

Organised by Leeds United fanzine ‘The Square Ball’, the walk started in North Wales from the playing field where Gary Speed first started playing football. The walk then headed via Warrington, Oldham and Huddersfield to Leeds. 92 miles in total to match the year Leeds won the league.

Growing up in the shadow of Elland Road on the Heaths, my affinity with the club started at an early age, and Gary Speed was part of the team that piqued my interest in football as a six year old. Gary's passing is something we all struggle to come to terms with, so when the 10th anniversary came around in November, we decided it was an occasion we shouldn't leave unmarked. The end of this season seemed a perfect time to celebrate his life as it coincided with the 30 year anniversary of the title win Gary contributed so much to.

Whether in his usual midfield role, filling in at left-back or up front in place of Lee Chapman, Gary was brilliant at all of it. He was talented, handsome and loved by thousands. If mental health can be an issue for someone as brilliant as that then it's an issue for all of us.

I was asked a few times before I did the walk, “why are you doing this?” and at first it was simply a personal challenge. Previously I had taken part in a 35 mile walk with the same group of people and the sense of achievement that gave me meant I could not turn down the opportunity to do something on a larger scale so when I was asked if I wanted to do a walk again, with no details of distance or where to, I said yes. Looking back, I am delighted that I took part in such an amazing journey, but the reason evolved as the walk progressed from a personal challenge to being part of something greater, to knowing we were supporting two amazing causes that make a huge difference to people’s lives. It wasn’t just about the money raised we were also

creating awareness of Andy’s Man Club from what we were doing. By making people aware it exists and getting people through the doors that need that help, and as a consequence hopefully reducing the amount of men that tragically take their own lives.

The two chosen charities were Andy’s Man Club and the Samaritans. A lot of people will be aware of the amazing work the Samaritans do, but maybe won’t have heard about Andy’s Man Club.

Andy’s Man Club was formed out of the tragic suicide of Andy Roberts who was loving and doting father, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Sadly and tragically without any warning Andrew, at 23 years old, was taken away from all his family and friends by suicide. On average one man every 2 hours takes his life in the UK. It’s often said a factor is that men don’t talk.

That is why the club was born to break down these stigmas, support men struggling with Mental Health issues and lend a hand to suicide prevention. At

Makeover for Holbeck Moor MUGA

Andy’s Man Club you don’t have to be suicidal.

The camaraderie and bonds that formed from trudging up the Pennines, down A roads and a strange affinity for the Status Quo song Rockin All Over the World were great personal positives to take from taking part. But the longer the walk went on and as the amount donated grew, the personal messages from

Andy’s Man Club letting us know how much of a difference that money can make to them was extremely humbling and really hit home to me how much of a positive impact that could have for others.

A near constant throughout the walk was the chat about the condition of people’s feet.

The WhatsApp group that was formed to organise the general locations, timings etc soon became jam packed with the deteriorating feet of those taking part, with many blisters, little toes that resembled

Journey’s end: the walkers arrive back at Elland Road. Photo: Ray Barber

Hanging Baskets at Trentham Park

by Tania Carlisle

T

he 'Friends of Trentham Park' were glad to host a hanging basket giveaway again this year on 11 June.

As part of their belated Jubilee celebrations, the community group lead by local residents applied for some funding through Asda community fund and were able to purchase in bedding plants, pots and hanging baskets.

Residents near the park were encouraged to design their own planter and then were able to take them home, sharing the colour and celebration with streets surrounding the park.

'Friends of Trentham Park' is a voluntary group that aims to work in partnership with Leeds City Council to make Trentham Park in Beeston Hill a nice place to be. They maintain the planters, host events, do litter picks and build networks between park users. Over the summer the group intend to host further family friendly events (watch this space).

One of the long term intentions of the group has been to paint a mural on some of the high walls overlooking the park, the process for this has started but permission and funding still necessary. Would you like to join this group ? We

Councillors Almass, Scopes and Maloney at the refurbished MUGA

R

esidents in Holbeck can enjoy the newly made-over sports courts, or multi-use games area (MUGA) on Holbeck Moor this summer, thanks to funding secured by councillors, Andrew Scopes, Gohar Almass and Annie Maloney.

The three Beeston & Holbeck ward members have funded lighting and surface improvements at a total cost of around £25,000, in order to

encourage use of the facility by a wide cross section of local residents.

Councillor Andrew Scopes, (Labour, Beeston and Holbeck) said: “My ward colleagues and I know just how valuable outdoor leisure facilities like this are to local residents, so we’re delighted to have been able to fund this excellent project to improve and brighten the Holbeck MUGA.

something more akin to a horror film and feet bandaged to the point of reminding one of a comedic mummy. The endurance and determination of those that carried those injuries through 92 miles of walking were a sight to behold with some people on their feet and walking for 12 hours a day.

But I speak on behalf of everyone when I say the most important thing everyone wants to see from completing the walk, is getting the message out there, it’s okay to talk.

“We want residents to benefit from this facility all year round – and the lights will mean that it can be used until 10pm, even in the darker winter months.

“It’s fantastic that we’re able to invest in this wonderful facility at the heart of our community and help make it an attractive asset that can be enjoyed by people across our area.”

Helping residents make hanging baskets in Trentham Park, Beeston

currently meet in the nearby Ibrahim Mosque every few months.

The group were saddened to hear about the recent stabbing incident in the park and understand that incidents like this make people more reticent and fearful to venture out.

However it makes groups like 'Friends of Trentham Park' all the more necessary and important in order to make parks like Trentham Park as positive a community space as possible, used by a wide range of people so please do get involved.

For further information contact fotpneedu@gmail.com

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10 School Life

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Greenmount’s chalk mural sends clean air message G

reenmount Primary School in Beeston Hill teamed up with Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet and Riverside) to create a giant chalk mural on Coupland Street – to mark Clean Air Day on Thursday 16 June.

Clean Air Day is an annual UK-wide event to raise awareness and develop action in communities around air pollution. Greenmount is one of several local schools working with their pupils and families to tackle the issue – with a special focus on trying to reduce the number of people driving to school, but walking or cycling instead.

Ed (who also co-runs the South Leeds Alliance for Clean

Air campaign) commented: “Air pollution is such a blight on our communities, and yet – because it’s pretty much invisible – is often overlooked.

But it’s great to see the work Greenmount are doing on it, and we had lots of fun creating the mural together. We can all play our part improving local air quality, and we’ll all benefit – let’s do it”.

Lisa Dixon, Headteacher at Greenmount Primary School, added: “Some of our Eco councillors and year 3 and 4 pupils were keen to promote Clean Air Day and loved having the opportunity to create an art mural with Ed Carlisle.

“Our Eco Council have been

working hard all week to find out which class has made the most changes for walking to school. Pupils are keen to find out which class has won the competition.

Our Eco councillors helped me outside school Cllr Carlisle with Lisa Dixon and pupils from Greenmount Primary School in Beeston “We would really like to see a the environment but also help on Thursday morning to carry out a traffic survey and speak reduction in the amount of cars to keep our pupils safe.”

According to Public Health to parents about how they on Greenmount Street at travel to school and safe places school drop off and pick up England, air pollution is a key times. This will not only help contributing factor to between to park.

28,000-35,000 premature deaths in the UK every year. For more info on air pollution, and steps we can take, visit: www.actionforcleanair.org.uk.

Windmill Primary pupils awarded Blue Peter’s green badge

by Stewart Walton

I

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must start by thanking the music Federation for welcoming me into their schools and congratulate them on the continuous great work especially on the climate and the eco leaders.

I went to Belle Isle to visit Windmill Primary School on Thursday 23 June to congratulate them on their Climate Hero program and being awarded to Blue Peter‘s green badge for completing the climate challenge.

Led by Miss Millie Fraser, teacher and school council lead. Class 3F were invited to save the planet and become a climate hero. They were set a challenge to complete a series of planting pledges.

Once the people pupils receive their badges, they also receive some initiatives and some bonuses of being awarded the badges.

The pupils are encouraged to apply for a card which invites them to take up at least 200 attractions. The school also rewarded the pupils with a disco.

One pupil commented: “I would do this challenge again because planting one tree can make a difference in the world.”

Another said: “We helped the planet by planting flowers to give the Earth more oxygen.

“My favourite part of the Blue Peter challenge was reminding Miss Fraser to turn off the lights.

“We helped the planet by planting new plants to expand the colourful nature around us.”

Windmill pupils show off their Climate Heroes certificate My favourite of all was from this charming little lady: “I would do this challenge again because it’s kind and nice to help the world by picking up rubbish!”

Miss Fraser said: “It would be great if we were used as an example for other schools to do the same. we aim to link the community together. The pupils are certainly more conscious of the environment and the space around.”

I was very impressed by the environment in the school, the buzz of the children and the commitment to the children by the teachers. We often say that the commitment of any

initiative comes from the top and the teachers are definitely setting a good example for their children.

I was intrigued to hear more about the school council and Miss Fraser was keen to tell me about it.

All pupils, years 3 to 6 are involved. Leading up to the school council Miss Fraser sends out questionnaires to all the class teachers who then spend time with the pupils and ask the questions on the questionnaires.

Questions like, what is litter? why do people drop litter? why do we have places to put litter in school? are there any

suggestions from your class? how can we keep our school clean and free from litter?

It is very clear that the aim is to get the children involved, after all is it not their environment and we need to be educating our children of today about respecting the environment around them. I was so inspired by the enthusiasm of not just Miss Fraser but of her colleagues.

I bumped into deputy head, Caroline Harvison while I was there, who was also very keen on impressing how proud of Windmill Primary she is and echoed the aim of getting the community involved.

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School Life 11

Film Week at Low Road Primary School

by Stewart Walton

W

hilst most children enjoyed an ordinary day on Friday 10 June class 5D of Low Road Primary School were visited by Into Film Sky Arts. As well as the team from Sky Arts, Hillary Benn MP joined the session.

It was clear from the reactions of the class that they understood the magnitude of this.

“I feel grateful that someone so busy and important took the time to visit our classroom” Poppy N The aim of the session was not to introduce them to Hillary Benn, but to make arts more accessible to everyone.

Organisers explained to the class, “It was found that teachers felt there was no time in schools to teach arts and often the teachers don’t have much confidence to teach arts.” Consequently, Sky Arts are delivering free sessions for schools visiting Low Road and four other primary schools in Leeds during this promotional week.

We soon realised that time travel was possible as pupils were shown black-and-white films from as early as 1878.

The children were very enthusiastic and were asked to compare the old film to what we have on our streets today – quite an interactive icebreaker!

Billy from the class reported: “I loved looking at all the old archive footage from 1895 the best and comparing it to modern day Leeds. it was fascinating!”

Fascinating lessons are lesson which will be remembered forever.

Hilary Benn MP told the children of the blue plaque situated on Leeds Bridge for

Pupils in Class 5D at Low Road Primary were joined by Hilary Benn MP for a session run by Sky Arts Louis Le Prince, 1888. Louis Le Prince is known for his single lens camera which he filmed Leeds Bridge from the waterways building and it is thought to be the first moving image … we left that debate without concluding.

The Sky Arts lead reminded pupils and adults to check out the Britain on film website, www.bfi.org.uk from which 5D, Mr Doherty and Miss Allan were shown images of film. A particular interest was archive film from Boar Lane in Leeds then shown the first timeline created by Edward Bluebridge in 1878 and the first ever moving images created by the Lumiere brothers in 1895. At this stage I don’t know who was more interested myself or the pupils.

Moving onto the desired outcome – a time capsule that will not be opened until 2122!

The pupils were given a storyboard and asked to act out three roles of filmmaking the interviewer, interviewee and they were encouraged to think of a question.

Finally the children were asked to create their time

Hilary Benn MP discussing a point with the pupils

capsule recording. They were asked questions like: What is the best film of 2022? What do you like best about your school? (the thought of potential answers did cause some laughter) and, Who is the most famous person in 2022?

There was some very interesting answers to say the least and all were noted for the time capsule.

“Mr Benn sat at my table and we shared lots of ideas about our film. He’s kind and friendly.” Kasjan J

Hilary Benn MP commented: “What a great project. we were all captivated by the old film of people, traffic, horses, carts, carriages and electric trams on boar Lane over 100 years ago. I’m sure the pupils will be the filmmakers of the

future.”

These happy children were eager to share their thoughts with me: “I am proud that the local MP chose to come to our magnificent classroom I hope he enjoyed his time in our classroom as much as we enjoyed having him here. I enjoyed planning on filming our time capsule to help people from the future learn about our times.” Alex J “I felt special that the wonderful people from Into film sky Arts let us be a part of the workshop they taught us lots of new skills. I had a lot of fun.”

Ishanika “I enjoyed working hard on my archive footage and then watching myself on the big screen I had an amazing, fun learning experience.” Freya D I would like to take this opportunity to thank Low Road Primary School, Music Federation for inviting me into their school and I look forward to working with them closely in the future.

Cockburn’s class of 2022 celebrate their achievements

Some of the award winners with Head of School Rob Dixon

T

he last few years have brought many challenges for the Year 11 students at Cockburn School.

They have worked tremendously hard and this was recognised as they played their part in the school securing the Ofsted ‘Outstanding in all areas’ judgement in February 2022.

This year has seen exams going (nearly) back to normal.

The Year 11 exam period ran from 16th May through to 23rd June – 5 weeks including six science exams, three maths exams and four English exams.

Students attended many afterschool and holiday revision sessions put on by the staff at Cockburn School and now look forward to their results day on 25th August 2022. Aspirations are high – their results should see them moving on to study A-

Levels/Post 16 qualifications at a range of providers such as Elliott Hudson College, Notre Dame or Leeds City College. For some, their results will lead them into a wide range of apprenticeships and employment.

The last day of their journey of ‘Transformation to Excellence’ at Cockburn School included a Leavers Assembly during which awards were presented for a range of honours. Awards were made to students in recognition of their qualities and success focused on the Values and Expectations of the school such as resilience, respect, responsibility, independence and aspiration. Staff at the school were asked to nominate students who were worthy of these awards. Winners of awards were: Gabriel

Routledge-Day, Anna Stefaniak, Jake Roberts, Poppy Martin, Adam Platts, Iona George, Katie Ledgard, Sam Nixon, Grace Short, Asma Hussain, UJ Raza, Darcy Hammill, Ricky Ashton, Sana Aziz, Joel McCourt, Josh Morris, Joshua Wainwright, Millie Bagnall, Caitlin Hughes, Ana Da Silva, Daisy Cunningham, Zaaim Hamid and Byron Dowling.

The school's most prestigious award is named in honour of Kyle Asquith and it was presented to Maria Rocas who has shown great resilience, strength and pride throughout Year 11. Presented by the Kyle Asquith Foundation, in memory of former student Kyle who sadly lost his life in 2013, but whose organs saved the lives of five other people. Kyle’s parents were not able to attend but sent the following message

to the winner and to all of the Year 11 students at Cockburn School: “Congratulations! We hope the future is very kind to you. Don’t take anything for granted because we have to work for what we have. Life will throw obstacles but you just need to keep your head up and face them head on. Life is for living – enjoy it. Never give up.”

Head girl, Tian Cai, who has also been elected to the National Youth Parliament, made a triumphant speech that paid tribute to her fellow students and the staff at Cockburn School for their hard work and industry throughout their time at the school. Tian was also awarded the Head of School award from Mr Dixon.

The final celebration, the Year 11 Prom, at the Village Hotel in Tingley will take place later in July 2022.

South Leeds Life | July-August 2022

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12 Jubilee Celebrations

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South Leeds celebrates the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Every age group was represented at Ho

Low Road Primary School held a special assembly

Burlington Road in Beeston Hill threw a

Holbeck got Together at St Matthew’s Community Centre The Friends of Hunslet Moor brought residents together for a barbecue at the bowling hut

The Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust brought isolated people from across South Leeds togerther for their celebration

Middleton Railway badge working diesel for the spe

Slung Low invited groups from five local organisations to a sit down meal and cabaret at The Holbeck club

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Jubilee Celebrations 13

Spirits weren’t dampened by the rain at the Friends of Middleton Park’s Jubilee Extravaganza, although shelter had to be sought at times for the Balbir Singh dance, picnic, Queen’s Speech and the Corpus Christi Band

olbeck Together (left) and MHA South Leeds in Beeston (right)

street party in the sunshine

Hunslet TARA braved Sunday’s rain with giant games at their picnic (left) Belle Isle Working Men’s Club celebrated in style with fancy dress and important fundraising for Yorkshire Air Ambulance

d their hard ecial weekend

Red, white and blue were the colours for the flower display at St Luke’s Church

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14 Comment

In our view Festivals and Galas

Your letters and comments

If you weren’t in Cross Flatts Park on 25 June, you missed a treat. It’s not just the many entertainments and activities that makes Beeston Festival, it’s the atmosphere. People from the many different communities that make up the wider Beeston community come together to enjoy the day, which as the tagline says “Celebrates the life and diversity within our community.”

And if you did miss the event there are are a host of other community events coming up over the summer starting with Holbeck Gala and Hunslet Gala. Get along and soak up the atmosphere.

Our future Eco-warriors This month we feature several reports about school children taking action on the environment. It is noticable that young people care passionately about what is happening to our planet. As the climate crisis escalates year on year, we need to follow their lead and take action, to ensure they have a safe and habitable planet to live on after we’ve gone.

Beeston Festival What a great event, thank you so much for all the hours the organisers have put in to make it such a success.

Cllr Andrew Scopes I really enjoyed the festival. Thank you to all the organisers and volunteers.

Susan Murray Thank you ... to all the people who worked so hard to make Beeston Festival such a success. It seems to get better every year. Especially the unsung heros of the litter brigade and all the others still clearing up at eight o’clock.

Linda Meikle My children had an unexpectedly fantastic time, so much to do and see.

Many thanks.

Marie Ingledew

Dewsbury Road cycle lane I live on Allenby Road and am terrified of running cyclists over on the 2 way cycle

lane on Dewsbury Road every time I leave or enter my own road by car. It's particularly bad swinging back into the Allenbys. I've explained the situation to my local Councillor local councillor, asking for signs to be put up to alert drivers that it's a TWOway cycle lane and to alert cyclists to just slow down a bit and be careful of vehicles turning in & out of the Allenbys. However, nothing has changed and even though I may be the 'voice', I know that others in our neighbourhood have the same issues.

Sarah Preater

Cockburn John Charles Academy Fantastic news. Well deserved for the children of South Leeds. The school is now a school of choice for the local families. I always knew when the leadership of Cockburn got involved, especially with Mrs Roberts as Head of School, the school would go from strength to strength.

Geoff

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

07445 878 333 07554 969236 07860 400645

gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk annie.maloney@leeds.gov.uk andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk

Hunslet & Riverside ward Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet.

The three councillors are:

Ed Carlisle (Green) 07738 921277 ed.carlisle@leeds.gov.uk Mohammed Iqbal (Labour) 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Paul Wray (Labour) 07528 512649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk

Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are: Sharon Burke (Labour) Wayne Dixon (SDP) Paul Truswell (Labour)

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:

Beeston Festival was a great success. Photo: Paul Bullivant

Your Leeds City Councillors Gohar Almass (Labour) Annie Maloney (Labour) Andrew Scopes (Labour)

Top Tweets

@NewBewerleySch Our partnership with @Opera_North inspires and allows access to amazing opportunities. Zinzile, one of the many success stories, has been touring the country performing as Carmen's daughter in Opera North's Carmen.

Transformation Another month, another glowing Ofsted report for the Cockburn Multi-academy Trust. Their tagline is ‘Transformation to Excellence’ and they have certainly made a difference at Cockburn John Charles Academy. As South Leeds Academy the school struggled for many years in a cycle of demotivated staff and students. The difference Cockburn has made seems to be its rootedness in the community. Unlike previous management, it cares whether the children succeed or not. They would not accept that local children could get a completly different experience depending whther they turned left or right out of the house each morning. They deserve much credit for that.

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0113 378 8814 sharon.burke@leeds.gov.uk 07852 311717 wayne.dixon@leeds.gov.uk 0113 378 8811 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk

David Oluwale Sculpture

Beeston In Bloom Great work, Beeston has never been looking so good all thanks to you guys and girls.

Ian Pickup Lovely to see the flower displays! Thank you for everyone who does this work.

Jan

Cllr Wayne Dixon My husband and myself have been voting for Wayne for several years and were so happy that the good people of South Leeds decided to vote in his favour and give a local lad the chance to put over his views and ideas which will hopefully be listened to by Labour councillors. Well done residents and congratulations Wayne.

M Hollingworth Wayne hasn’t been our councillor for long, but so far I have been really impressed. It was the first time ever I haven’t voted Labour, but so glad others in the area took a chance at change with me.

Ann Chinery

Art life south of the river

This is a great idea.

Many thanks to the DOMA for their tenancy and enormous achievement in keeping alive the remembrance of David Oluwole.

Dr Valentine Obasuyi

Hope comes in all different forms. We all need to look at things in our own individual ways. What we see there and how it makes us feel belongs to us and makes us who we are and who we become.

Thank goodness that we have the opportunity to have groups like Basement Arts and Slung Low in our more ordinary and needy communities.

Eve Tidswell

David Oluwale’s story should be remembered and learned from but a 10m high artwork?

Isn’t that a bit OTT? Vivienne Bate

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.

@LeedsRecycles We know that not everyone in Leeds can drive down to a household waste recycling centre or shift heavy stuff.

We've got a variety of other options for getting rid of large items in Leeds. For a full list of options head over to orlo.uk/1hkbZ @recoveryrunner7 Have no fear if you ain't got the gear. We can help with that.

@LASBTSouth Following two full premises closure orders in the Beeston area where there was significant criminality and ASB. Both occupants have handed their tenancies back without further court action. #jobdone @LeedsDads If your kids love soft play, we’ve got you covered! Come to our FREE session for dads and preschool kids at Little Angels Playzone. We'll play, chat and grab coffee/tea and toast. The next one is on Saturday 11 June. Book via leedsdads.org/events/

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Comment 15

MP’s notebook with Hilary Benn MP

I

recently attended a service at Leeds Minster to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War. Many of us remember it only too well. The shock of the Argentine invasion.

The departure of the British Task Force. The sinking of the Sheffield. Brian Hanrahan’s famous report on the Harriers that took off from HMS Hermes; “I counted them all out and I counted them all back”. The fighting during the landings at San Carlos Water.

The fire on the RFA Sir Galahad.

The ferocious battles at Goose Green and Mount Tumbledown.

And the Union Jack being raised once again over Port Stanley.

Retaking the Falklands had to be done because we could not allow the Argentinian dictatorship to invade our territory and take it over against the wishes of its British inhabitants. And we all owe our brave forces a huge debt of gratitude for their courage and sacrifice .

The army chaplain Nicholas Mercer who gave the sermon

talked about the effects of the war on the mental health of our service personnel, and very sadly some of those who served have since taken their own lives. It’s a sobering reminder of the huge strain that we put on the young shoulders of those whom we ask to fight on behalf of our country.

But he also talked about humanity in the midst of injury and death. There was a British army surgeon called Rick Jolly whose job it was to treat all the casualties as they arrived at the field hospital, British and Argentinian alike.

One day he looked down at a very scared and wounded young Argentinian conscript and said to him “There’s no need to worry. You’re among friends now.” Surgeon-Captain Jolly was the only serviceman in the war to be honoured by both the British and Argentinian sides.

Reconciliation after such terrible loss and suffering is very hard, but time passes. And whenever the relatives of the British and Argentinian dead come to pay their respects, they

are welcomed by the Falkland Islanders.

It was an extremely moving occasion.

The crisis in NHS dentistry in Leeds and across the country is getting worse. I'm getting an increasing number of emails from constituents who can't find an NHS dentist, even in an emergency. We recently had a debate in the House of Commons about this and I asked the Health Secretary Sajid Javid about the case of my constituent who contacted me recently.

After developing a terrible toothache, he rang 40 dentists to ask whether they would see him but none of them would because they weren't taking on any more NHS patients. He then rang 111 and was told that he did not qualify to see an emergency dentist. Eventually, he had to agree to pay for private treatment, even though he could scarcely afford it.

Lots of MPs could tell exactly the same story, and one shared in the debate was the hairraising tale of a man who was in so much pain that he even

tried to extract his own tooth with a pair of pliers but they kept slipping. We all winced when we heard that. The simple fact is that dentists are leaving the profession and the dental contract isn't working to provide the care that we need.

Ministers need to do something about this urgently.

I much enjoyed my recent visit to Low Road Primary School to see a project they are doing with Sky Arts on promoting various aspects of the arts. The class I was in was looking at film and after we watched a wonderful bit of footage taken in Boar Lane at the end of the 19th century, the pupils discussed the differences between then and now. There were horse-drawn carts, Hansom cabs, electric trams – the height of modernity

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at the time - women in long formal dresses and men in top hats and caps. And a single policeman doing his best to control the traffic with no lines on the roads anywhere and no traffic lights.

The idea was to inspire each of the groups to then go and make their own film which will be stored in a virtual time capsule. What a great idea. It was such an inspiring session that I've no doubt that there will be film makers of the future amongst the pupils I met and chatted to.

And finally, one of the delights of knocking on doors, which I do rather a lot, is getting the chance to admire other people’s gardens. It’s a point of connection and conversation when the door opens, and I particularly enjoy a finely cut

lawn or a well-trimmed privet hedge (mainly because my own efforts compare rather poorly), never mind lots of beautiful plants and flowers. My wife is the expert at identifying plants, while I am hopeless. However, I recently discovered an app that does the job. You simply take a picture of the plant and the app tells you what you are looking at, how big it grows, what conditions it needs to prosper, etc.

It is very clever, but there are a couple of downsides. One is explaining to people why a strange man who claims to be their local MP is leaning down and photographing their prize plants, and the other is that it makes me even slower at door knocking than I was already.

But then I do like a good chat as well as admiring lovely gardens.

Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament.

He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Middleton, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Burmantofts, Richmond Hill and Osmondthorpe Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; Tel: 0113 244 1097

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July-August 2022 | South Leeds Life

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16 South Leeds Lives

Here and There with Peter Haughton

E

njoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realise they were the big things.” Kurt Vonnegut Yes, I’m a Leeds Loiner who can slip into broad Yorkshire but not always. Once I was supply teaching in Allerton Bywater, only a few miles from Wakefield when a pupil said, “Thas not from round ‘ere, ista?” In standard English this means, ‘You’re not from round here, are you?’ When I said I wasn’t he asked, ”Ista from Wakefield?”

It can make for a funny story but … I’ve worked in South Leeds schools where seaside trips confirm that many children had never seen the sea before. And Janine, my wife, tells me that some of the Year 1 pupils she supervised on such trips, before she retired, were visibly frightened by it.

We’re lucky that we can holiday by the sea (It wasn’t just luck though. It did involve a lot of hard graft.)

One retirement project I did was a campervan conversion.

We’d drive hundreds of miles to enjoy parts of the UK. But since the travel restrictions we’ve holidayed closer to home. We

noticed though that these holidays were as enjoyable as those we’d previously gone further away for. Right now, we’re not using the van because son Ry and his wife Shell are in the process of moving gear with it to a narrowboat they’ve just bought.

The important thing is to have a break and there may be residents in South Leeds who can’t afford to have any holiday, what with Covid, the rising cost of living, the need to keep working.

But because I’ve been taking short train rides to get out and about I’ve been reminded just how much there is to enjoy close to home.

The Apperley Bridge Station to Rodley canal walk (3.5 miles) A single, full price adult train ticket to Apperley Bridge from Leeds City Station costs £4.80, concessionary £2.35. For children to age 15 it’s half the full price, £2.40. It’s important to make sure you have the right ticket for your journey: it’s checked on the train, and you could be fined if it isn’t. The train ride from Leeds to Apperley Bridge rail station takes about 15 minutes.

The first thing that strikes me as I leave the station is just how green and spacious everything is. It’s a walk to the A658 Apperley Lane/Harrogate Road and I use the pelican crossing because traffic’s moving fast.

I’m now walking down past the Woodhouse Grove School grounds. The second, smaller bridge is the canal bridge.

Once down the steps I turn left to follow what would take me, on the towpath, all the way to Leeds. But not today. Sun’s out, and it’s so quiet and peaceful. There’s a bench I use to watch horses and two foals grazing. Further on there’s a grey heron.

A pair of swans with two cygnets glide towards me to take a closer look and I remember that swans can be dangerous with wings powerful enough to break an arm.

Cyclists share the towpath, but some like to speed despite signs saying they should give way to pedestrians. So keep an eye out. And on no account, if there’s a heatwave, use the canal or canal locks to swim in.

There are weeds you can get rtapped in, and the locks are deep with water cold enough to paralyse. People have drowned.

Once at Rodley, you have a café, pubs, an ice cream van.

You can catch the 86 bus from there, bringing you all the way back to The Middleton Centre in South Leeds.

“John” (name changed) At Rodley I’m privileged to meet John. He’s on a bench, alongside his bike, enjoying his packed lunch, a sudden shower forcing him to join me sheltering under a bridge.

He must be 90 if he’s a day, retired now for 20+ years and out for a day’s cycling. He’d worked as an engineer at a tank factory, supervising two production lines. Already, this year, he and his wife have

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cycled 1,500 miles - on a tandem. He still has a workshop where he modifies mobility scooters to meet specific needs, for a charity.

I tell him that, given a day, I could clean up his bike, how he’d see the difference once all the grime was removed from chain and crankset. He laughs when I say I’m trying to lose weight but still like my beer, the laugh of someone master to the perils of liking alcohol a tad too much. An example to us all.

I’ll pass this canal story, when printed, on to my friend Chernor living opposite. He and his wife are from Sierra Leone.

He’s an HGV driver, so is

probably too busy to be aware of such local attractions.

Perhaps you know of someone in similar circumstances in our community, and may want to do likewise.

Oh, and guess what… Sam Crane, a Leeds busker and friend… she’d only applied and got a grant which she’s used to fund her first album celebrating all things Leeds. I get into town a lot, so wondered why I’d not seen her busking. And now she's got her own website www.samcrane.com if you fancy a listen. It just goes to show how things can change, sometimes for the better, in the blink of an eye.

The canal towpath between Apperley Bridge and Rodley

Pathways for positivity with Shannon Humphrey

20 simple, summer ideas to keep mind and body together

Increase your intake of water in hot weather. Try adding frozen lemons, limes, or berries to liven it up.

Summer is a perfect time to make a picnic. Meet friends at a local park for fun, games and food.

Remember to take your litter home with you.

Connect with nature on a mindful walk.

What can you see, hear, smell, taste and touch on your walk?

It’s not too late to sow vegetables.

Try carrots, radishes, lettuce or French Beans.

Make use of your local library.

Choose a juicy summer read to while away the hours.

Summer is the perfect time to freshen up your wardrobe.

Drop unwanted items off at the local charity shop. Or consider selling them online, raise funds and splash out on something new.

Treat your skin with a simple homemade cucumber facemask.

The soothing effect reduces redness and hydrates the skin. Simply pulp the cucumber in a dish, apply to the face for 10 minutes before rinsing off.

It’s festival season, lots of local outdoor events.

Volunteering as a marshal is free way to enjoy the event and give something back to the community.

Dig out your tennis racket and take advantage of one of the free tennis courts available in the Leeds area.

Remember to take plenty of water and sunscreen with you.

Sleep better in hot sticky weather by changing bedding for lighter cotton covers.

Make sure the room is well ventilated and kept cool by keeping the curtains drawn.

There's an abundance of wild blackberries in summer.

Go foraging and make something delicious with the fruit.

Remember even when it isn’t super sunny, harmful rays can still damage the skin.

Be sure to put plenty of sun protector on when you’re out and about.

When was the last time you had a water fight? Don’t leave all the fun stuff to the kids.

Check in with your inner child and do something that makes you laugh.

Instead of slumping in front of the telly, take an evening stroll to appreciate the cooler temperatures.

It’s better for dog walking too, that or early morning before the sun reaches its peak.

Too much alcohol consumed in hot weather can severely dehydrate the system, leaving you with a pounding headache the next day.

Try and make every other boozy drink, a glass of water.

Making shapes out of clouds isn’t just for children, it’s fun for adults too. Gaze up at the clouds and get lost in your imagination.

Take your bike out for a spin, if you’re feeling particularly fit you can cycle along the canal all the way to Liverpool from Leeds!

Get creative in the kitchen with seasonal produce!

Lots of lovely salads and fresh fruits available at this time of year.

Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Ensure they’re keeping hydrated and cool in the hot weather. Ice pops will help keep them cool, if they don’t like drinking too much water.

Street parties help bring communities together.

Keep it simple, nothing that requires too much planning or organisation, it’s meant to be fun, not stressful!

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South Leeds Lives 17

Local history with Ken Burton

and Norwich. Among many of his innovations were pumps worked by waterwheels of a self-levelling type which rose and fell in accordance with the level of the stream. It was towards the end of the 17th century and with the increase in population that Leeds decided to follow the other towns in engaging the services of Engineer George Sorocold along with a consultant Surveyor, Henry Gilbert of

Apothecary in the town, at All Saints, Derby and he and Mary had thirteen children, eight of who survived. George also obtained a degree at Cambridge University.

Between 1685 and 1687 he was involved in the water supply to Macclesfield and in 1687 he was given the job of rehanging the bells at All Saints Church where he was married, this is now Derby Cathedral. In 1692 he constructed Derby’s first waterworks, using a waterwheel to pump water through some four miles of pipework made of elm trunks.

Leicester, to create a water supply for Leeds.

George Sorocold (16681738) could be considered to be Britain’s first Civilian Engineer, being the first nonmilitary person to be styled ‘Engineer’. He was the son of James and Elizabeth Sorocold (nee Barrow) it seems uncertain whether he was born in Lancashire in 1666 or in Derby to where his parents had moved to in 1668. On 7 December 1684 he married Mary Franceys the daughter of one Henry Franceys, an

For these he developed a boring machine which he later patented. This waterworks lasted nearly 100 years.

Sorocold constructed some ten waterworks around the country, including our own in Leeds which brings us to our story.

On 3 March 1693/94 the Leeds Corporation approved a similar design of waterworks by George Sorocold to be installed in Leeds. They also gave £40 encouragement to Henry Gillert, Surveyor of Leicestershire, for an engine to pump water from the River Aire

Water For Leeds W

alk down Lower Briggate, cross Call Lane at the traffic lights then turn left and walk east for a few paces and there on your right is a nondescript back street going down to the River Aire.

This is Pitfall Street, at the bottom of the street but clear of the river had stood Pit/Pitfall Mill, this had originally been two fulling mills then a rape mill before housing a water engine in 1694.

London Bridge twin water wheel Water is a priceless and undervalued commodity but it was not popular with our forebears before the second half of the 19th century. People drank little of it and bathed in it even less as water could only be obtained from a river, stream or beck, or wells. All of these sources varied in quality.

London was where Sorocold had built Marchants Water Works, rebuilt London Bridge Water Works and carried out improvements to the New River.

He also built waterworks at Bristol, Newcastle-upon-Tyne

July-August 2022 | South Leeds Life

through the streets to all the houses in Leeds who would like to purchase this water and they would be exempted from any taxes.

We saw earlier that Pitfall Mill stood back from the river on what became known later as Warehouse Hill.

The goit or mill race ran in a channel from the Kings Mill on the west side of Leeds Bridge running parallel with Pitfall Street looking down to the River Aire Swinegate through pipes to the houses in the town, a town of some 7,000 people the tenter grounds and was but because supplies of water and by the early 19th century crossed by half a dozen small became inadequate the Leeds Water Company was bridges until it came to the improvements were made in supplying around 2,000 north side of Leeds Bridge.

1754 and again in 1795 when houses with water but most The waterwheel was an a new Cistern or reservoir was continued to use the other undershot type, this means made at the top of Briggate sources shown earlier. that the water flow strikes the almost in Harrison Street, just By 1830 pollution from floats on or near the bottom of below the Grand Theatre. industry and waste water had the wheel which was of twin At the time the Rev William made the River Aire completely self-levelling format similar to Sheepshank was Incumbent at unsafe as a source of drinking the London Bridge wheel but St John’s Church and he lived water. smaller, this along with the in the Parsonage House in New With the expansion and rise pumps that were mounted at Street a very narrow street of the Leeds population the the outside of the wheel was which led from Briggate. number of water connections housed under cover in the mill; Although Leeds was among rose from 3,000 in 1842 to the ‘wear waste’ or used water one of the first towns in Britain 22,732 in 1852 when the was discharged back into the to have a piped water supply to Company was municipalised river from under the mill at the individual houses it only served after being bought by Leeds corner of The Calls. the wealthy part of Leeds then Corporation for £250,000.

There were five main delivery pipes from the engine house at Pitfall Mill to the Cisterns, the first three covered the length of Briggate. The total length being some half a mile and side by side with this would be laid the chief distribution pipe. The reservoirs or Cisterns were situated on the Town Cliff (Tower Hill) in Lydgate which was behind St John’s Church and the Harrison Almshouses for the higher Cistern; and there was a lower Cistern roughly at the junction of Albion Place and Albion Street about the site of the YMCA building.

The water at these was initially left to settle and clear. All can be seen on the 1815 Town Plan.

Water was fed down lead Site of Pitfall Mill today, Pifall Street shown between the two buildings

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18 What’s On IN BRIEF Breeze In The Park is back Breeze will be hosting free play events for children and young people as follows: Friday 5 August: Cross Flatts Park (please note: there will be relaxed entry for children with SEN or a disability between 11am12pm) Wednesday 24 August: Middleton Park Wednesday 31 August: Parkside field, Belle Isle Road

Bands In The Park The Friends of Cross Flatts Park are hosting another series of free concerts in the park, around the Watsoinia Pavilion. The season runs on the four Sundays in July from 2:30-4:30pm. As well as the music there will be children’s craft activities and refreshments. A community dog show will take place on 17 July.

Full details at www.facebook.com/friendsofcrossflattspark

Hunslet Nelson Music Festival Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club will be holding another Music Festival at their ground on Gipsy Lane, Beeston on Saturday 27 August from 1-8pm. It’s a free, family friendly, outdoor event with rides and attractions and superb live music including: Barracuda, Chequered Past, The Eight Track Heros, Tytania, Craig Dinnewell, Abstract and Those 2.

Basketball Festival The South Leeds Valkyries women’s basketball club are celebrating their first anniversary with a free event at Cross Flatts Park on Saturday 16 July from 1pm. There will be matches, competitions and a picnic. Join them on the basketball court, all levels welcome.

Anchorites in Beeston “Anchorites in Beeston: Traditions of Faith and Wellness from the Medieval to the Modern" is the title of a talk being given by Victoria Yuskaitis who has researched Anchorites in England.

Anchorites were a type of religious hermit who would often be walled up in cells attached to churches.

The talk is on Saturday 2 July at 3pm and will be followed by Tea and Cakes in the Parish Centre at 4pm.

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Hamlet The Comedy F

riends of Middleton Park are delighted to welcome back Oddsocks Theatre Company for a night of Shakespeare in the park.

If you think that sounds a bit heavy for a Saturday night, you clearly haven’t seen Oddsocks before. The company perform Shakespeare with a twist of pantomime and it’s always a gloriously funny, family-friendly show.

“Hamlet The Comedy” finds the eponymous royal student returning home for the summer holidays to find something rotten in the state of Denmark and it’s more than just the bag of dirty washing! Mum’s married Uncle Claudius and Dad’s dishing the dirt from his grave – it’s enough to make a teenager mad! Things will never be the same again in the Hamlet household...

Shakespeare’s famous tragedy is performed as you’ve

A previous Oddsocks performance in Middleton Park never seen before with lots of laughs, music and memorable moments.

The Stage gave a 4 star review saying: “Oddsocks excels in an entertaining show which succeeds as both farce

and a perfect introduction to Shakespeare."

The show is on Saturday 2 July at the Bandstand next to the Visitor Centre in Middleton Park. The performance, which is suitable for all ages from 7-

107, starts at 7pm.

Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit out on. An umbrella might be useful as the show will go ahead rain or shine. Refreshments will be served in the visitor centre.

Keeping Holbeck Together over the summer months H

olbeck Together have got a jam-packed itinerary for events and activities planned for the summer.

From day trips such as Llandudno in July, Scarborough in August and Blackpool in September through to weekly groups and coffee mornings.

Pop along to see them at the Holbeck Gala on Saturday 2 July (they are running he BBQ!) to find out more about what’s on offer.

In the meantime, here is a round up of some new groups and activities starting soon.

Holbeck Ramblers Do you enjoy getting out and about for a walk? The Holbeck Ramblers group are looking for new walkers to join them on a schedule of walks planned for the summer months. The walk take place every Thursday starting on 28 July, 1:30-3pm leaving from a variety of local locations. Tea and coffee will be served at St Matthew’s at the end of the walk.

The first walk will take place around Holbeck Moor which is graded as easy access, being easily accessible for wheelchairs and walking aids.

Comfortable shoes and trainers can be worn and the route is relatively flat.

Evidence shows that walking can improve your mood and sleep and reduce anxiety and social isolation. So, get your walking shoes on and come

and join us!

Once the group has started they’d love to get your ideas about other locations you’d like to explore.

To find out more and book onto the next walk contact Krystal on (0113) 245 5553 krystal@holbecktogether.org Wellbeing Breakfast Mornings – making a return Start the morning the right way with a lovely FREE breakfast at Holbeck Together’s Wellbeing morning.

Everyone is welcome and Holbeck Together will also be inviting other support groups and organisations in working in the area to come along and tell you about what they offer in the way of health and wellbeing support. Pop it in your diary you might discover a new hobby, a new friend – or just have a lovely morning out.

On the last Thursday of every month, starting: Thursday 28 July 9:30am – 11:30am, at St Matthew’s.

Carers Group If you’re a Carer in Holbeck, join Krystal for a friendly and informal gathering at Ingram Gardens. It’s a time to give yourself a break from caring, come together with other people who also have caring responsibilities, have a chat and a cuppa and enjoy some relaxing activities.

The next session is on Wednesday 13 July (1:30-

Krystal Veira 3.30pm) and then on the 2nd Wednesday of the month after that. To reserve your free slot, just call us on (0113) 245 5553.

All these groups are run by Krystal Veira – who works for Holbeck Together.

Krystal’s role at Holbeck

Together is about providing health and wellbeing support, reducing social isolation and supporting physical and social activities.

Make a note of the dates for your diary, call Krystal to get booked on and enjoy the activities!

Please note that we will be returning to our pre-Covid practice of not be publishing a South Leeds Life newspaper in August.

Our September newspaper will be available from Monday 5 September

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Website: www.southleedslife.com

July-August 2022 | South Leeds Life

Email: info@southleedslife.com

What’s On 19

Tetley 200th anniversary Summer at Hamara pub quiz and beer tasting Healthy Living Centre F

rom humble beginnings in 1822, Joshua Tetley & Son steadily grew as a brewery and survived many takeovers until it dominated the drinking scene in Leeds during the second half of the 20th Century.

To commemorate this milestone Leeds CAMRA will be hosting not just a light hearted quiz but will also be running a guided tasting of three different beers.

The venue is The Tetley which today is an art gallery, bar and kitchen, and events space (see below). However, before then it housed the former offices of the brewery.

The quiz is going to be held on Sunday 17 July from 2pm, with prizes including a bar tab for The Tetley, and a brewery tour at Nomadic Beers.

Event organiser David Dixon said “It will be an absolute

H

honour to host this quiz and beer tasting as Tetley Bitter was the first real ale which truly resonated with me. I am really looking forward to asking questions about Tetley’s, beer and Leeds in general - so get your thinking caps and drinking boots on!”

Tickets can be purchased in

advance at bit.ly/3ynkRET. Tickets cost £5 per person for the quiz, with an additional £5 to join the guided beer tasting.

Everyone is welcome to join the quiz; however, it is over 18’s only for the guided beer tasting.

Tickets will also be available to purchase in person on the day.

Summer at The Tetley V

isit The Tetley, Hunslet’s own art gallery, this summer for exciting contemporary art exhibitions, a free under 5s play space, plus a whole host of exciting workshops, classes and events – from free yoga on Wednesday mornings to a five week oil painting course.

The Witches’ Institution (W.I.) is an exhibition by artist Emily Hesse, imagined and developed in collaboration with organiser and writer Andrea Phillips.

The exhibition is envisioned as an exercise in world building, aiming to imagine what a cultural institution run by witches could be.

Hesse sees her sculptural practice as an expanded shaping of thoughts, histories and alternative futures. She uses the concept of magical materialism to produce objects, installations, diagrams and stories.

Artist Bubu Ogisi presents a new exhibition, I am not myself, exploring the spirituality of masquerading.

Drawing on the ritual use of adornments in various sacred African institutions, including the Nwantantay of Burkina Faso, the Bedu of Ivory Coast and the Ogbodo Enyi of Nigeria, Ogisi’s works respond to complex symbolism represented by these practices.

Expanding out from the Shirley Cooper Gallery and Gallery 9, Ogisi’s exhibition includes a large scale,

handmade tapestry, hung adjacent to the Atrium, and is completed by four original flags, commissioned for The Tetley’s roof.

‘See Me, Hear Me’ is a collaboration between The Tetley and resident organisation Women’s Health Matters (WHM), a Leeds based charity founded in 1987 that champions the right for disadvantaged women and girls to have a fair chance at a better life.

With support from the Let’s Create Jubilee Fund, women working with WHM have collaborated to create backdrops for their own photographic portraits. The backdrops and accompanying audio on display are evidence of their presence and stories, inviting you to consider the differing visibility of women in public life. Until 21 August.

Yoga class Every Wednesday 8:30–9:20am, Free, booking required.

The Tetley’s free yoga classes are a relaxed introduction to yoga, suitable for all.

Syncing our breathing with varying postures and flowing to the music, each class is sequenced to cultivate energy, build strength and tune into our bodies.

Head to the Bar & Kitchen afterwards for breakfast and coffee.

Tetley Lates: An evening of poetry on Wednesday 20 July, 6:30–10pm £7 | £3 unwaged Join local poets Lucy Rose

Cunningham, Nivetha Tilakkumar and Say It With Your Chest Arts Collective for an intimate evening of poetry and performance.

The second half of the evening will be open to all, sign up on the night for a chance to read your work.

The Tetley Makers’ Market Saturday 20 August 10am5pm & Sunday 21 August, 10am–4pm. Free entry Join us for a weekend of art, food, activities and more at our sustainable summer edition of The Tetley Makers’ Market!

We’ll have a range of fantastic independent, local artists and makers to shop from, family activities and great food and drink.

Plus, enjoy a range of workshops promoting sustainability, from upcycling crafts to reducing food waste.

Tiny Tetley Studio Wednesdays – Sundays, 10am–5pm, Free entry Discover Tiny Tetley Studio, an artist-designed play space for children under 5.

Artist and early years specialist Stephanie Jefferies invites you to get creative and spend time together in this immersive environment, where you can touch, climb and slide!

Sign up for a free Family Pass for access to the space. Once you’ve signed up, you don’t need to book to visit, and you can visit Tiny Tetley Studio as often as you like!

amara Healthy Living Centre (HLC) in Beeston is working in partnership with Active Leeds.

Active Leeds commissioned

by Public Health to offer a free falls prevention programme, which aims to build confidence, strength and balance for older and frail adults, who have fallen or are at risk of falls.

Once an older person has completed the programme they then support them to continue participating in strength and balance exercise activities within their community, with a quality assurance scheme.

This scheme means they can observe physical activity classes and ensure quality with ‘make it fall proof’ certification, but also support these to be set up, to ensure suitable exit routes.

Active Leeds are starting assessment sessions on 14 July 10am-12pm for 20 weeks, venue Hamara HLC. Free First Aid awareness training for the community delivered by Yorkshire Ambulance Services NHS Trust.

The course taking place on the 21st of June 10am and will covers various topics: The course covers the following topics: • How to recognise a

suspected heart attack.

• How, when and why to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

• A demonstration with an automated external defibrillator (AED) training machine.

• How to perform handsonly (chest compressions) CPR. • How, when and why to place an unconscious breathing person into the recovery position.

• How to recognise and deal with a choking situation.

• How to deal with a suspected stroke (FAST).

• How to deal with lifethreatening or serious bleeding.

(Adult – child – baby protocols will also be shown) Digital Health Hub. Digital Health Hubs are local community spaces with friendly people ready to help people build digital skills and confidence, get online, and use the tools that can make it easier for them to manage their health and wellbeing and engage with the NHS in the way that works best for them.

Hamara HLC offer Wi-Fi on site, 4g data gifting, tablets for use on site, to loan for use at home, one to one by appointment, IT group session.

Hamara HLC in partnership with Leeds College of Building offers Essential Digital Skills course which helps learners to use technology found in their home and work life. This course builds on knowledge in how to use computers, tablets and other digital devises.

Learners will gain confidence in developing IT skills and use technology with ease.

English, Maths and IT classes. Hamara HLC in partnership with Leeds College of Building is currently offering free courses. The courses are fully funded and FREE to anyone who is over age 19, living in West Yorkshire and not previously having a Level 2 qualification. Courses range from functional skills in English, Maths and Essential Digital Skills. For further details contact Nizamud.din@hamara .co.uk Dementia café. Join our group every Thursday from 10am. For further detail contact Hamara HLC Upcoming Trips. We are taking our members to Whitby please contact Hamara centre to confirm the date and time.

Yorkshire Cricket stadium and Leeds United Football stadium tours please call to confirm (0113) 277 3330

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South Leeds Life | July-August 2022

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20 What’s On

What’s On

Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife

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

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in July-August Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 27 July - 2 September Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events

Every Monday Mums & Tots, Tea & Toast 9-10:30am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Community Play Group 9-11:30am Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston ESOL Beginners class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Crafts Group 9:30-10:45am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Over 65s Group @ Hunslet RLFC 9:45-11:45am Phoennix Bar, South Leeds Stadium Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre 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 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 Book: 0113 270 4600 Baking Together (online) 1:30-2:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Book: 07305 167629 Beeston Hillers’ Book Club 1:30-2:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Beeston Digital Inclusion Classes 1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Reiki 1:45pm &3:30pm Cranmore &

Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Book: 07305 167629 Dance On 2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Multi Sports for kids 5pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Gateway 2 Sport 5-7pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Yoga with Amelia 6-7pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Illuminate Dance 6 & 7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Kickboxing 6:30-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Youth Community Cafe 6:30-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Be Creative 7-8:30pm over Zoom.

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

Every Tuesday Tots Group 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: 07794 577586 Community Play Group 9-11:30am Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston MHA Breakfast Buddies 9-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Advice & Advocacy 9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Active Tots 9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle ESOL Entry 1 class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Computer class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Holbeck Together shopping trip 9:30am-12:30pm Book: 0113 245 5553 Coffee and Connect 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Holbeck Together Charity Shop 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck 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 Hunslet TARA Litterpicking 10am meet Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Gardening Group 10:30am-12:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Affordable Breakfast 10:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Belle Isle and Middleton Craft & Chat 10:30am-12:30pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Zumba / Pilates 11am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Job Search Club 11am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Quiz Time (online) 11am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Book: 07305 167629 MEA Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Holbeck Together Lunch Club 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MHA Lunch and Social 12-2:30pm Arthington Court, Balm Road, Hunslet Lunch Club and Social 12-3pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Bingo 12pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing ESOL class 12:30-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 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 Games Afternoon / Singing Group 2-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Line Dancing 2-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Yoga 2-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Free Kids Sports 3:30-4:30pm Grove Field, off Church Street, Hunslet

Digital Skills Workshop 4-5pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Book: 07435 914350 Illuminate Dance 4:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Rainbows and Brownies 4:30-7:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Cockburn Community Choir 5-6pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Free Kids Sports 5-6pm West Grange Courts, between the corner of West Grange Road-Winrose Crescent and Jenkinson Place, Belle Isle DAZL Dance 5:30-6:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Dance Fitness (14+) 6-7pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road Book: 07519 018675 Outdoor Yoga 6pm Top of Cross Flatts Park Book: 07576 113269 Inside Out exercise class 6-7pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton 51st Leeds (Hunslet) Guides 6:15-7:15pm Rainbows; 6:157:30pm Brownies; 7:15-8:30pm Guides St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, Church Street, Hunslet Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 6:30-8:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Old Elland Road. Book: richard.foye@leedsunited.com NK9 Dog Training 6:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace Book: 07856 229909 South Leeds Lakers Running Club 6:55pm Beeston Village Community Centre. Book: bit.ly/LakersRunning Yoga 7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Hunslet Nelson Women’s Rounders 7-8pm Middleton Leisure Centre

Every Wednesday One You Weight Management 8:30am-12:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Everyday Life coffee morning 9-11am Beeston Village Community Centre, Beeston Park Place, off Town Street Advice & Advocacy 9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Open doors 9:30-10:30am St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Old Lane, Beeston ESOL Enty 1 class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Mums & Tots 9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Bacon Butty morning / News Cafe / Pop Up Shop / Textile &

Painting / Bereavement Group 9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck Holbeck Together Charity Shop 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Woodwork 10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Remember Together Group Young Dementia Leeds Hub, Cottingley Book: 07983 215865 email mcst@ageukleeds.org.uk Beeston In Bloom Gardening Group 10am-12pm Millennium Garden, Cross Flatts Park Confidence Building course 10:30am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Singing 11am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Holbeck Together Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck Community Cafe 12:30-2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Peer Support Group 1-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Parents & Tots 1:30-2:30pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck Parents & Tots Social 1:30-2:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Walk and Talk 2-3pm meet at Middleton Park main gates on Town Street Tai Chi 2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Slimming World 2-9pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street.

Book: 07841 488658 Family Cooking 4pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Women’s Wellbeing Group 4:30-6pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 5-7pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Belle Isle. Book: richard.foye@leedsunited.com Bat & Chat Table Tennis 5-7pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Yoga 5-6pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom

Book: 0113 270 4600 Climate Hub and Energy Saving drop in 5:30-7pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library 1st SLAM Beavers (6-8 yrs) 6-7:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Illuminate Dance 6 & 8pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Holbeck Chat & Chill 6-7:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Touch & Pass Rugby for over 40s 6:30-7:30pm Hunslet Warriors Holbeck Moor FC: Inclusive adult football training 6:30pm Holbeck Moor Line Dancing 6:45-9pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Yoga 7-8pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Book: 07576 113269 SO! Choir 7:30-9:30pm The Tetley art gallery, Hunslet Road

Every Thursday Tots Group 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: 07794 577586 Music & Movement 9am-1pm Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston Advice & Advocacy 9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Computer class / ESOL 2/3 class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Affordable Breakfast 9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Holbeck Together shopping trip 9:30am-12:30pm Book: 0113 245 5553 Ping Pong 9:30-10:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Library Story Bus 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Walk in Cross Flatts Park Meet 10am Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Woodwork / Knit & Natter / Beauty Treatments 10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Holbeck Together Community Cafe / Community Supermarket 10:30am-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Craft Group / Digital Inclusion 10:30am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus

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Email: info@southleedslife.com

Inclusive dance 11am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Walking Football 11am-12pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Hunslet TARA Estate Walkabout 11am meet Best One shop, Rocheford Walk CV Writing 11am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Line Dancing 11:30am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road MHA Lunch Club & Social 12-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Tea Dance 1pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Draw with Celia 1-3pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Be Friends Group 1-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Online help class 1:30-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Conversation Club for asylum seekers and refugees 1:30-3:30pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn Table Tennis 1-2:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Walking Group 1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Digital Inclusion / Social Group 1:30-3pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Camera Club 1:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 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 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

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 Hunslet TARA Gardening 10am meet Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Green Team Volunteers 10am-3pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Digital Hub IT Support 10-12pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Arts & Crafts 11am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road MHA Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Fish & Chip Lunch Club 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Ballroom & Sequence Dancing 1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Little Legs Rugby 1-3pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Line Dancing 1:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Bingo Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Friday Social Club 1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Chair-based Exercise 1:45-2:45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

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

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,

July-August 2022 | South Leeds Life

What’s On 21 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 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 Park Roll rollerskating 10am-12pm Sports Courts, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Book: ls-ten.org Family Lego Club 10-11am The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn Middleton Railway 10am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet ParkPlay 10:30am Brickfield Park, Lady Pit Lane, Beeston Yoga 12-1pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Book: 07576 113269 Bingo 12-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Youth Club 7-9pm LS-TEN Skatepark, Kitson Road, Hunslet

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

Book: 07783 786776 Saturday 2 July 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 Yak Street Jumble Sale 10am-2pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Saturday Family Film Club

11am-1pm St George’s Middleton Community Hub & Library Get Involved In Growing 11am-1pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Hunslet Gala 11:30am-4pm Recreation Ground, Church Street Holbeck Gala 12-4pm Holbeck Moor A Tale of Orpheus & Eurydice 3pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Sunday 3 July Middleton Park Tree Walk 1:30-3pm meet Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Bands In The Park 2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Monday 4 July Middleton Community Group 6-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Wednesday 6 July MHA Walking Group Book: (0113) 271 6201 Leeds Irish Health Group 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Miscarriage Support Group 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Thursday 7 July Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc 6:30-8pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre Community Support Group 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Beeston Community Forum 7:30-9pm Beeston Village Community Centre, Beeston Park Place, off Town Street Saturday 9 July Kids Cabaret 5pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Sunday 10 July Community Party 1-3pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill Bands In The Park 2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Hunslet RLFC v West Wales 3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Tuesday 12 July Hearing Aid Clinic 10am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050 Hunslet TARA Coffee & PCSOs 10am Hunslet Community Hub and Library, Church Street Wednesday 13 July MHA Kurling 10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Meet your PCSOs 10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub and Library Film: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang 12:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road MHA Singing Sensations 1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston MEA Pie & Peas evening 5-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road White Rose Speakers 7pm Jury’s Inn hotel, Brewery Wharf Saturday 16 July Table Top Sale 9am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston MEA Summer Fair 10am-2pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road

Coffee morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Coffee Morning 10am Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Road Hunslet TARA Information Desk 11am Church Street Free Crochet Group 10am-1pm Bridge Cafe, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston School Uniform Swap Shop 11am-1pm Bridge Cafe, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Basketball Festival 1pm Basketball Courts, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Board Games Evening 7-11pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Sunday 17 July Middleton Park Summer Music Festival 1-5pm meet Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Bands In The Park & Dog Show 2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Hunslet RLFC v London Skolars 3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Wednesday 20 July Leeds Irish Health Group 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Thursday 21 July Leeds Baby Bank 10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Saturday 23 July Hunslet Club Summer Gala 12-6pm Hillidge Road Sunday 24 July ‘Fun’ Dog Show 1-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Leeds Dads meet up 2-4pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Bands In The Park 2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Friday 29 July Beeston & Holbeck Councillors’ Surgeries 4pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street, Beeston 5pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck 6pm Cottingley Community Centre Hunslet RLFC v Midland Hurricanes 7:45pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Saturday 30 July Hunslet & Riverside Councillors’ Surgeries 10am Hunslet Hub & Library 11:30am Dewsbury Road Hub & Library; 1-1:30pm Facebook Live: fb.com/PaulWrayUK Opal Fruits 7:30pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson

Lawn Book: slunglow.org Sunday 31 July Holbeck Together Sunday Lunch 12-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Book: 0113 245 5553 Grange Moor Brass Band 2:30-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 2 August Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 3 August Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Friday 5 August Breeze In The Park 12-4pm Cross Flatts Park Tuesday 9 August Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 10 August Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 16 August Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 17 August Film Club: Funny Girl 12:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050 Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 23 August Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 24 August Breeze In The Park 12-4pm Middleton Park Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Friday 26 August Hunslet RLFC v Doncaster 7:45pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Saturday 27 August Hunslet Nelson Music Festival 1-8pm Gipsy Lane, Beeston Sunday 28 August Holbeck Together Sunday Lunch 12-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Book: 0113 245 5553 Tuesday 30 August Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 31 August Breeze In The Park 12-4pm Parkside Field, Belle Isle Free Children’s Play Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Stree

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22 Sporting Life

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Interest mounts in Lakers host Yorkshire Hunslet rugby festival Veterans athletics race

by Phil Hodgson

T

wenty-one clubs from across the north of England have already confirmed that they will be attending a giant ‘Community Club Summer Festival’ in Hunslet at the end of the month – and more are poised to follow.

The event, which is being organised by Hunslet Foundation’s Manager Michael Nuttall and his colleagues Tyler Finister and Lee Robinson in conjunction with Luke Gale’s ever-growing ‘Kicking for Grassroots’ initiative, will be hosted by leading local amateur outfit Hunslet Warriors and will take place on Sunday 31 July. The Warriors have more pitches available than Betfred League 1 club Hunslet RLFC are able to provide at

their South Leeds Stadium base.

The festival will involve teams at Under 9s and Under 7s, who will play in the morning, and (in the afternoon) Under 10s and Under 8s sides.

Clubs - many of whom will fetch teams at more than one age group - inked in for participation are Birkenshaw, Bronte Barbarians, East Hull, Elland, Farnley Falcons, Garforth Tigers, Goole Vikings, Hull Dockers, Hunslet Club Parkside, Hunslet Warriors, Illingworth, Keighley Albion, King Cross Park, Oulton Raiders, Rochdale Mayfield, Rylands Sharks, Skirlaugh, Stanningley, Wetherby Bulldogs, Whinmoor Warriors and Wigan St Judes.

Nuttall said: “Everything is now in place for what should be

a great day.

“We host regular fixtures throughout the season at the South Leeds Stadium - often as curtain-raisers to our home games in Betfred League 1 and we thought why not put a festival on ourselves and make it as big as we can.

“Being realistic, we appreciate that this is our first festival, so we’re not going too overboard with it. But we have managed to get some great sponsors on board, with a few more to be announced at a later date.

“The Hunslet Foundation and the Luke Gale Academy can’t wait for the day to arrive and we’re looking forward to bringing community clubs together that may not have had the chance to play one another without this opportunity.”

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

Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence Gavin Beardshall trading as 40Seven Ltd of HAPCO House, Cross Green Way, Leeds, LS9 0SE is applying for a licence to use Hapco House, Cross Green Way, Leeds, LS9 0SE as an operating centre for 2 goods vehicles and 2 trailers.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF within 21 days of this notice. Representors at the same time must send a copy of their representaions to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Lakers members ready to marshall the race

by Ian Pickles

Y

orkshire Veterans Athletics Association staged their Grand Prix (Race 3) in Middleton Woods on 22 June hosted by local running club South Leeds Lakers.

The Yorkshire Vets, as they are known, promote athletic events for Over 35’s in Track and Field, Road, Multi-terrain, Cross Country and Fell.

South Leeds Lakers are now veterans themselves at hosting these events. Formed in 2015 they have now hosted 3 West Yorkshire Winter League, 3 Yorkshire Veterans Grand Prix and 2 of their own Cross Country race ‘The Bah Humbug 10k’ (which makes a return this December).

The Running Club now has a base at Beeston Village Community Centre and has fledgling walking and cycling sections along with our established Junior Section based at the South Leeds Stadium.

Since the lockdowns numbers have dropped, but are

back up to a steady 50-60 on Tuesday club night.

To say it was a warm evening would be an understatement!

35 Marshals set out on the course to guide the runners along with helpful black and yellow tape and the race day equipment borrowed from nearby Middleton Woods parkrun.

South Leeds Lakers work hard with Middleton Park staff to ensure there is little impact on the park and all users can enjoy the space. South Leeds is lucky to have such a beautiful woodlands and we do like to show it off.

Races 1 and 2 had been at Honley and Kirkstall respectively, and from the 230 entrants we had runners from Leeds clubs such as Rothwell, Kirkstall, Roundhay and Pudsey, but also from further flung places such as Stainland, Holmfirth, Idle and Queensbury.

After a lap of the Clearings the runners headed off to do two laps of the woods before finishing on a slight uphill, back

on the Clearings. The council’s part-mow policy meant there were clear lanes to mark out the start and finish points.

With the help of Alan and Viv Swithenbank from Cross Flatts parkrun and Leeds City stalwart Brian Hilton the results were compiled and Gavin Mulholland of Stainland Lions was declared winner.

Honourable mentions go to Patrick Nesden of Kirkstall and Anastasia Lincoln of Idle who are both still competing at 65+ years.

The after run awards in Hunslet RLFC’s Phoenix Bar was well attended and everyone enjoyed the free cakes and tea provided.

If you are interested in athletics races, are affiliated and are over 35 see www.yvaa.org If you live in South Leeds and are interested in Running, Junior Athletics, Cycling or Walking see South Leeds Lakers Members on Facebook or for Tuesday Running Club Night see groups.runtogether .co.uk/SouthLeedsLakers

Holbeck Moor FC’s first birthday

by Jean Hollings

O

n a warm Wednesday evening on Holbeck Moor who would have guessed that this inner city park would be so busy with families spending time in the park; friends sitting and chatting plus football practice.

Celebrating their first anniversary were Holbeck Moor FC. They started with financial support from The National Lottery, Square Ball and Hey Neighbour.

The teams meet weekly offering free football training to help break down barriers to enable access to sport for the local community.

Claire, Ewan & Mark are

volunteer football coaches ensuring everyone achieve their goals whilst having fun at this grassroots level.

Over 50% of the women’s team had never having kicked a ball before starting. Mums, single women be they local, asylum seekers and refugees unite to play football.

At the start the women expressed concerns about their mental health issues now with regular participation they feel supported and have gained new friendships.

Wednesday night training includes warm up, football skills training and cool down.

One inspirational lady, Wan, encourages ladies to come and give it a go. As an Asylum

seeker awaiting for her right to remain, she is making new memories. Every day is a struggle on the Home Office allowance by taking part in the event she has one hour for herself. She is being supported with her passion for maternal mental health having the opportunity to present at a midwifery conference regarding the effects of sport on maternal mental health.

Ladies if you fancy having a go please turn up Wednesday 6.30pm on Holbeck Moor.

The mens team (18 and over) speak the universal language of football. Many who train have English has their second language. Like with the women’s team some men are

seeking asylum or refugees.

The community (team) spirit was easy to see during their practice session.

Everyone is welcome no matter on ability. Turn up and have some fun.

Men if you want to give it a go turn up 6.30pm Holbeck Moor.

If you feel you would like to chat before the next training session please contact holbeckmoorfc@slunglow.org Or phone Matt: 07305 155698 The club has been so successful that they have now started sessions for Juniors from 4-16 years at Ingram Road Primary School. Joining the club free Watch out for more news about the Juniors coming soon.

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Sporting Life 23

Get active this summer Enjoy Cricket Week at Hunslet Nelson G

by Karen Peck

et Set Leeds Local have loved seeing some projects we have supported in various ways celebrating their first birthdays, all developing from residents’ ideas.

It’s hard now to imagine Beeston and Holbeck without some of them now. We’d like to say happy birthday to Holbeck Moor Football Club, developed

by Slung Low. It now has a junior section to add to the men’s and women’s teams.

The friendly no subs, turn up and play ethos continues.

Happy Birthday to South Leeds Valkyries, supported weekly by Let’s Do More.

Currently playing at Lane End Primary, welcoming any woman along for a fun filled session.

Finally to Saturday ParkRoll, supported by LS-TEN which has been the latest of our “social shorts” celebrating this inclusive to all ages and abilities rollerskating session.

Check out the videos on our YouTube channel (which sits on the Active Leeds page).

There are many more projects that develop and have their own achievements to celebrate, from Ping Pong to Cycling, walking to self-defence.

It’s exciting to see the funding from Get Set Leeds Local and other funding sources, giving chance for South Leeds residents to develop those seeds of ideas into something which is sometimes small, but often magical. Contact us at getsetleedslocal@leeds.gov.uk if you have a seed of a good idea about something that will

by Anthony Ryder

H

Cross Flatts Cycling Festival returns on 17 August support others to move more, which is in need of some support to enable it to happen.

Summer is a great opportunity to “keep moving”.

Lots of our community partners have lots going on. On 17 August 1–4pm, the Cross Flatts Cycling Festival will return for our second year.

This fantastic community event will have opportunities for children of all ages to try out their skills, along with led rides, information stalls, bike fixing and a chance to bring your bike to be registered with the police.

Free and open for the local community to attend.

80% of adults rarely cycle, if ever. This figure can be much higher for women and some communities. Learn to Ride and confidence building cycling sessions for adults continue weekly at Cross Flatts Park and are free for anyone to book on to. No bike is needed, just you and a little bit of courage.

Funding and training is also

available for groups wanting to develop their own led ride activities, just like South Leeds Lakers did setting up the cycling section of their club.

Get in touch if you’d like to set up a regular community bike ride. Support available through Cycle UK and British Cycling. Groups with insurance and training can access our hub bikes, so that everyone can join in whether they have access to a bike or not.

There are are resources available to help explore the local green spaces this summer. Love Exploring is a digital App which can be downloaded for free, includes walking trails and augmented games at Holbeck Moor, Brickfield Park, Cross Flatts Park and Middleton Park.

Xplorer is a pack of resources groups can borrow to set up a short orienteering course within our parks. We’ve had parks mapped out, and can do a short training session to enable you to run your own Xplorer activity. It’s a fun activity for kids and families.

We’ve recently mapped out Hunslet Moor, which adds to Cross Flatts Park, Holbeck Moor and Brickfield Park.

We’ve recently finished conducting some research into children’s play, with over 50 hours spent listening to children about their play experiences, as well as hearing from carers and front line workers on their perceptions on play. What we found out was that play and playing out really mattered to kids. They’ll seek it out where ever they can, but sometimes a range of stuff gets in the way.

We’re doing lots more work on this to see how we can influence changes which make it easier for children to play.

Whether it’s attending a ParkPlay session, playing tig with friends, discovering a new greenspace or making up their own mini adventures we wish all children (and grown ups) a playful summer.

unslet Nelson Cricket Club have team up with The Yorkshire Cricket Foundation to bring Yorkshire Enjoy Cricket, aimed at providing boys and girls, aged six to fifteen, with differing abilities, the opportunity to participate in playing cricket and numerous themed games.

HunsletNelson gives children the opportunity to spend between one and three days in

the company of other budding cricketers, working on a range of skills and having a fantastic time in the process.

The course runs between Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 August, each day costs £9 per child. 9:30am registration for a 10am start, finishing daily at 3pm. Refreshments and food available each day.

Together, the Hunslet Nelson team have years of experience working with children in a coaching environment, running

courses with up to 50 participants a week. The coaching staff have an excellent rapport with the children, and courses are designed to be both challenging and fun. All of our coaches are CRB checked and are qualified to ECB Level 2 or above.

Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club is on Gipsy Lane, Beeston, opposite Cockburn School.

Book: bit.ly/3HSBCe6 FB event: bit.ly/3u3cprW

Enjoy Cricket at Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club

Hunslet not firing on all cylinders Continued from page 24 Ethan O’Hanlon (today playing at Loose Forward) set off on a barnstorming run. Joe Sanderson helped the attack along before Harvey Hallas went over with only a minute played.

Disaster though for the Parksiders as Joe Sanderson picked up a shoulder injury and had to leave the field, throwing all the pre-match plans into chaos. Jordan Syme filled in for Sanderson at stand off and with the boot, but Hunslet led 6-0.

Doyle scored his first try and and Syme kicked a penalty, but Hunslet trailed 12-16 at the break.

On the hour mark Doyle stretched over for his second to even the scores. On 68 minutes Jordan Syme put the slightest of kicks in for Josh Jordan– Roberts to scoop up and score.

Syme converting. 22-16 Jordan Paga was always busy and a thorn in the Crusaders side. On 72 minutes Paga’s kick was spilt and Wayne Reittie proved too strong for the North Wales defence. The match was sealed on 78

minutes by Jacob Doyle crossing for his hattrick try after great passing. The try was a great team try and took the game beyond North Wales.

A consolation try in injury time meant a final score of 3022.

Hunslet’s second half fightback against a strong Rochdale Hornets side was commendable on 25 June at the South Leeds Stadium, but they will be disappointed they let the Lancastrians get into a 16 point lead in a one-sided first quarter.

From 6-28 down on the hour mark Hunslet fought back to 24-32 on the final hooter, but Rochdale coming out of the blocks the livelier gave them the edge in a thrilling contest.

Having players on loan Hunslet took time to gel, and losing Kieran Moran on Thursday evening and Cole Oakley early in the match wouldn’t have helped.

After slumbering early on Hunslet now awoke and deserved a try before half time when Jimmy Watson followed up a Jake Sweeting kick to score after Jordan Syme had

won a penalty for ripping.

Sweeting converted and it was 6-16 going into the break, but in added time Hunslet faced another blow when influential forward Ethan O’Hanlon had to be carried from the field.

Bringing in 4 loan players for this match due to injury was always going to unbalance the home side. Patrick Walker who has been out of the game for 2 years and Jake Sweeting who also hasn’t played in a while were rusty at first but started to come into their own in the last quarter leading the Hunslet fightback.

But Rochdale had that earlier cushion to fall back on and at the hooter were deserved winners with Rangi Chase and Lewis Sheridan outstanding.

Hunslet cannot be too disappointed after such a slow start and with Jimmy Watson, Wayne Reittie and Harvey Hallas all having fine games they will fancy picking up wins in the next 3 games against Cornwall, West Wales and London Skolars.

Read full match reports each week at southleedslife.com

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24 Sporting Life

Beeston St Anthony’s race to win the league title

Over 800 at Hunslet Club football gala

by Samantha Bailey

T

The victorious Beeston St Anthony’s team with the League trophy

by John Adamson

B

eeston St Anthony’s FC have won the West Yorkshire League, Alliance Division One 2021-22.

With an amazing number of games to complete their fixtures, Beeston were well behind the front runners Boroughbridge, but a win

against the leaders, 3-2, gave the squad impetus to carry on for the Championship.

The club faced 17 games in 44 days, including two Cup fixtures. They lost one on a penalty shoot out to Field, the other was a victory over Rothwell 3-2.

Now came the run in for the League, a tough run by any

stretch of the imagination.

Manager David Houghton had to rotate the squad due to work and holiday commitments, but the lads stayed together and kept winning games. The last match was a must win affair, as a loss or draw would give Boroughbridge the title.

The fixture was an away game at Horbury, the team who

had also been above Beeston, but a solitary goal from Jack O’Malley was enough to make Beeston the Champions for an incredible 8th time. An amazing achievement from the lads and brilliant tactical awareness from the Management, Dave Houghton and David Smith. Here’s to next season.

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his year’s Hunslet Club Football Gala took place on Sunday 12 June.

The day began at 9am when the young grassroots teams from all over West Yorkshire came together to compete against others in several 8 minute matches.

In addition to the tournament taking place across 9 different pitches, a range of family fun activities were made available around the club and car park.

Here, there was a barbecue, inflatables, games, stalls, bouncy castles, music and a stand to celebrate and receive medals/trophies.

It was great to see the young footballers demonstrate such brilliant sportsmanship. With every game came a relationship with a new team, and lots of the attendees even made new friends on the sidelines.

Our coaches and volunteers ensured the day ran smoothly ensuring every player got to perform to the best of their ability. Hundreds of parents,

supporters, friends and family cheered from the sidelines as they watched each action packed game commence.

Our coaches, volunteers, staff and teams went above and beyond to make the day so special. The football gala is a so important to all of the young people who attend.

Every year we prioritise making memories, creating opportunities and building new relationships.

Moreover, all proceeds go towards providing 35 affordable football sessions for young people in our community each week.

A huge thank you to all teams who came along: Millifields Green, Garforth Rangers, Hunslet FC, Millfields White, Chapeltown, Howden Clough Leeds West FC, Yorkshire Amateurs, North East Leeds, Tingley Athletic, Methley United, Rothwell Girls, Churwell Lions, Wortley, LS27, Rothwell Juniors, Horsforth, Rothwell Town Reds, Whitkirk, Swillington, Leeds Jrs, Morley Glenn, Selby Town and Normanton Town.

Hunslet not firing on all cylinders

Fun at the football gala. Photo: Samantha Bailey

Jack Render reaches out to score against Rochdale Hornets. Photo: Paul Butterfield

by Ian Pickles

I

nconsistent would be the word to sum up Hunslet RLFC’s June, as the club has struggled with injuries.

Hunslet missed a chance to jump above their Betfred League 1 rivals Doncaster on 5 June at the Keepmoat Stadium turning in a lacklustre

performance where they never really got out of first gear.

After a big win and a long journey to West Wales, Coach Alan Killshaw gave the squad a week off for the Challenge Cup final. a decision he later said he regretted.

Still missing Captain Duane Straugheir and centre Jason Mossop, influential winger

Wayne Reittie was also missing meaning Hunslet had to take loan players therefore losing some of the cohesiveness of recent weeks and went down to a 36-6 defeat.

A Jacob Doyle hattrick helped Hunslet overcome second placed North Wales Crusaders at the South Leeds Stadium a week later.

The Parksiders were on it from the word go, and with Doyle (on-loan from Featherstone Rovers) and strong running winger Wayne Reittie back in the fold things look a lot healthier for the South Leeds club.

From the kick-off Hunslet looked sharp, retrieving the ball Continued on page 23

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