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Issue 2 | December 2014
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
Is it time to ban dogs from our parks? Young Alfie was attacked by a dog in Cross Flatts Park in April 2014 on Good Friday. After more confrontations with dogs, he and his brother are now too scared to visit his local park. Alfie’s father John has now raised the question - should dogs be banned from the park?
Ice Pak debate divides Beeston
page 4
Middleton Park golf course memories
page 5
John with Charlie & Alfie
Focus on the Hunslet Club
“It’s impossible to tell who the responsible owners are with well behaved dogs and those who aren't” “Since Easter both of my boys have experienced out of control dogs running at them just about every time we visit and on two occasions I had to physically intervene to stop them being injured. “Recently we've had a similar occurrence and then found the same dog being allowed to run loose inside the children's play area. When I challenged the owner I was subjected to a torrent of abuse. “Frankly I think its time all dogs were banned from Cross Flats Park because its impossible to tell who the responsible owners are with well behaved dogs and those who aren't as they’re running towards you and then it’s too late for our children.” John is a dog owner himself so hasn’t raised this subject lightly, but he feels his children aren’t protected. The dog who attacked Alfie on Good Friday was on a lead, but still inflicted facial injuries. The owner came forward after the event and voluntarily had the dog put down. The problem doesn’t just affect Cross Flatts Park. Friends of Middleton Park have been moved to offer dog training classes to help owners control their dogs and Muhammad Khizer Mahmood was recently attacked by a dog in Brickfield Park, Beeston. We’ve talked to the Police, to dog owners and other park users - find out their views on page 3 and join the debate online at www.southleedslife.com.
In this issue:
pages 6 & 7
Save Spotted Cow’s head!
page 11
Alfie’s injuries at Easter
NEWS
OPINION
INSIDE: The views from: a dog owner; the Police; Park turn to page 3 Friends groups; local children
Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily
CHILDREN
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WHAT’S!ON
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SPORT!
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LOCAL!HISTORYp11
South Leeds Life | December 2014
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2 News
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About us South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live and work in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds. The blog and newspaper are produced by the South Leeds Life Group, a constituted community group with elected officers. Our aims are: 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 started as a blog in November 2010 and still posts news every day at: www.southleedslife.com
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Welcome to your monthly paper able to start production thanks to a grant from the Yorkshire Venture Philanthropy Fund admistered by Leeds Community Foundation. So we extend our thanks to them and to the City & Hunslet Community First panel.
South Leeds Life is delighted to be back on your newsstand. In June we produced a pilot newspaper to test the water and the reaction was fantastic. Now we’re back with the first edition of a monthly newspaper bringing you all the best stories and pictures from our website: www.southleedslife.com. We hope to be financially self sufficent based on advertising income from local companies. We’ve been
New 6th Form College to open A new post-16 academic sixth form college is set to open in South Leeds in September 2015. The Elliott Hudson College will be located close to the White Rose Centre with provision for 500 students per year. Parents and students at an information morning at Cockburn School on Saturday 15 November heard that the exact location will be announced once the ‘building is secured’ in the next few weeks. It is understood that the college will take over and refurbish an existing block on the office park. Elliott Hudson College will focus exclusively on A Levels and not offer vocational courses. Their website offers 36 subjects ranging from Accounting to Spanish. David Holtham, the Principal Designate who takes up his post in January, explained that they had established a unique partnership with Cambridge University
and aimed at academic excellence: “I want to see our young people stepping forward and achieving more than they thought they were capable of.” The college will be run by the Gorse Academies Trust who run Morley and Farnley Academies and have just established the Ruth Gorse Academy which is due to move to purpose built premises on Black Bull Street in Hunslet in September 2016. The college will replace the current sixth form provision at Morley and Farnley and so these students’ applications will get priority. Cockburn is one of three partner schools whose students will be selected next ahead of other students in Leeds. Applications for a place can be made via the college website or via the UCAS Progress website. The closing date is Friday 30 January 2015.
Advertise here and reach 15,000 people! South Leeds Life will be printed every month starting in autumn 2014. With a print run of 5,000 and each copy read by an average of 3 people, advertising with us will be seen by 15,000 people in South Leeds. This advert is Quarter Page and costs just £175, prices range up to £500 for a full page. For more information ring 07894 583966 or email: info@southleedslife.com
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South Leeds Life | December 2014
Debate 3
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Children’s views
The responsible dog owner Sue Talbot has kept Border Collies for over 30 years in Beeston. She has walked them in Cross Flatts Park and Middleton Park throughout that time and has seen many changes. Here are her views: The first thing I want to say is it’s not the dogs’ fault - it’s the owners. It is very easy to own a dog these days, but there is very little control on how you look after your dog. Most owners love their dogs, they look after them and supervise their exercise. No one in Beeston has a large garden so of course we take our dogs to the park.
I do understand that if you are not keen on dogs and one runs towards you it is hard to know if it’s friendly or aggressive. Having said that, dogs should be allowed to run off the lead in the park, but owners must train them so they come back when called. Letting them run on the tennis courts isn’t the answer as people play sports in these. I think children, and adults actually, need to be taught how to behave around dogs too. Screaming and running away just looks like a good game to a dog. It’s much better to be quiet and stand still. Owners need to make sure they
pick up their dog’s poo too. It’s disgusting to leave it for someone else to tread in. I would like to see the Dog Licence brought back and set at a realistic level, say £50 per year. It sounds a lot, but a puppy can cost several hundred pounds and then there are the vets bills. All dogs should be chipped and that data should be linked to the annual licence.The money from the licence fees should then be spent on a proper Dog Warden service that can deal with irresponsible dog owners.
Children from the Bangla Square Youth Project recently produced a special magazine about Cross Flatts Park as part of their Junior Reporters course. Here’s what they thought of the park:
Sue Talbot and Nell
Dogs in parks debate The Police view
What is the law concerning dog owners having their dog on a lead in a park? There is no set legislation in relation to having a dog on a lead in a park. With recent changes to anti-social behaviour legislation, public spaces protection orders will take precedence in places such as parks. These can include restrictions around dogs, such as keeping them on a lead.You can get further information here: http://asbhelp.co.uk/publicspaces-protection-order/
How are the Police promoting responsible dog ownership? What is the Dog Watch scheme? The Dog Watch scheme was launched by neighbourhood policing officers in Pudsey in 2011 but has since been rolled out to other parts of the district. The scheme is mainly about creating a network of members of the public who walk their dogs acting as 'eyes and ears' passing on any information about anything suspicious they see that could assist us in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. The scheme also helps to promote responsible dog ownership and there have been a number of community events run under the scheme at local parks that include free dog chipping and other activities. What should someone do
We asked the Inner South Neighbourhood Policing Team about dog ownership if they are attacked by a dog in a public place? They should make sure they report it to the police. Every situation is different so it’s not really feasible to give any practical advice other than to get to safety. Does it make a difference if you are attacked by a dog whilst it's on a lead? No a dog can still be dangerously out of control whilst on a lead. Inspector Chris Bowen, who heads the Inner South Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "A high proportion of people bitten by dogs are bitten in a domestic situation, often in the home involving family dogs or dogs they know. "Incidents where a person is bitten by an aggressive, unknown dog - if they are
reported to the police - are dealt with robustly and can result in owners appearing in court. "The issue of dangerous dogs still exists, and legislation has recently been revised to allow us to deal with incidents that occur on private property.
Parks Friends’ groups respond Friends of Cross Flatts Park has been campaigning to improve the park for fifteen years. They successfully won funding to improve security with railings around the park and had the old tennis courts refurbished to create Multi Use Games Areas. The Friends run a series of summer concerts every year and a dog show to encourage responsible dog ownership. In the past they have run campaigns to get owners to clean up after their dogs and given out free rolls of plastic bags. Cllr Angela Gabriel, Chair of the Friends said: “It is upsetting to hear that this happened in our park and I hope Alfie has made a full recovery. As
someone who has been very scared of dogs in the past, I’m very sympathetic. It has taken me 60 years to over come this fear. “I could not support banning dogs from the park but would like to encourage responsible dog ownership. The problem is down to a few irresponsible dog owners so I do not feel a ban would be appropriate.” Cllr Gabriel added that the Friends could do more to educate dog owners and work with the police and dog wardens. “The park is for everyone, dog owners and those that are scared of dogs. We need everyone to respect other park users and behave responsibly.” Alan Shaw from Friends of Middleton Park
"It is important to recognise that the number of incidents where someone is bitten by an unknown dog in public are very low and that most dog owners are responsible and care for their pets in a safe and lawful manner."
Nazeen (11): I like Cross Flatts Park. I play football and rounders on there, but I don’t like dogs because they’re ruthless and poo everywhere. Faisal (11): I like everything in the park apart from dogs - there should be dog-free zones. I don’t like them and they put me off from coming. Mamun (10): I like everything! Cross Flatts Park is a place where kids can enjoy themselves. The only thing I don’t like about it are the dogs and the dog poo. Hamza (10): I think dogs should be banned from the park, I don’t like them or their poo! I think a barbecue / food court is a good idea and more rock climbing walls.
Join the debate commented: “Middleton Park, as with many other parks and green spaces around Leeds, suffers sometimes from dogs off the lead that are out of control. Although the Park is safe, we have had our fair share of dog attacks and near misses. This has always concerned the Friends and we have been trying to promote responsible dog ownership through the annual Dog Show. “Now we feel that we want to do something more. We just completed a discounted course of basic dog training for owners and their dogs with the need.We hope to be able to offer it again in the new year for any more owners who want to be able to learn how to control their dogs better.”
We would like to hear what you think about dogs in parks. You can join the debate online at: southleedslife.com or write to us: c/o 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 7BW.
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South Leeds Life | December 2014
4 News
News in brief Belle Isle votes YES to BITMO Council tenants in Belle Isle have voted overwhelmingly for BITMO (the Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation) to carry on managing their homes for a further five years. BITMO, which is run by a board elected by the tenants, won 904 of the 947 votes cast.
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Ice Pak debate divides Beeston Plans for a new community and multifaith centre on the former Ice Pak site on Barkly Road have caused contoversy in Beeston. The original plans were withdrawn by the Aspiring Communities charity following lange number of complaints about the large scale development. New, scaled down, plans are currently in the planning process. A public meeting organised by the group to explain
the plans attracted 150 people to Beeston Parish Centre. There was heated debate with accusations that the building would be a mosque and that opponents were being racist. A new group, the Save Our Beeston Campaign has been formed to oppose this and other developments, which they say have been “rolled out without any thought as to the cumulative impact on the health and well being of those of us who have made Beeston
Village our home.” The open letter from Save our Beeston has attracted over 750 signatures from local residents. South Leeds Life has been covering this story since January 2013 and recent articles have attracted more than 100 comments.We are pleased to have been able to provide a forum for debate and reproduce a selection of the comments here.
modern looking building. The front of the building looks too much like a mosque rather than a community centre, the prayer room is massive in comparison to the actual multi-faith room which is more like a cupboard. If you are wanting to sell it as a multifaith centre for the community why is this? Also if it is multifaith why must we abide by Islamic law inside the centre ieremoving shoes.
City View health champions take on allotment Health Champions from the City View GP practice in Beeston are planting up an allotment with expert help from BBC expert Joe Maiden. “Tending an allotment gives people all sorts of health benefits including gentle exercise, social interaction, improved gardening skills. We will share the produce and encourage healthy eating. We also plan to take cuttings and grow on plants to give to other community groups.”said Linda Hepworth.
Charity to open Nail Bar The Shine Project, which supports girls aged 11-19 in South Leeds, is set to open a nail bar in Beeston. The Shine Nail Bar will operate as a social enterprise offering employment and training to local young people. All profits will be ploughed back into the wider project which supports girls who are vulnerable or at risk, and aims to build self esteem, resilience and empower them to flourish and achieve their goals. More information at: www.theshineproject.org.uk.
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Mrs Ahmed: Some people are angry because they are ignorant and fear integration. The council should pass any plans that will encourage and inspire people to learn about each other and work together to educate.The go ahead of the plans will send out an anti-racist message whilst engaging with a community and provide a local venue to meet the needs of the community. John Adamson: Would it not be better for the Asian Community if they tried to integrate into the local way of life. There are several places in Beeston where integration can be met, i.e. pubs and clubs, where people meet to know each other. This is not the Asian way of life, and so, this project is doomed before it gets off the ground. Also the traffic on “prayer” day will be horrendous on Barkly Road, causing worry for the local parents who have children at the nearby primary
schools. Lets scrap this plan, what about a local cinema? Shaz: How can you judge something will be wrong for you or the community you live in before it has even begun. Practising muslims should not attend pubs and clubs. How can you even ask this, you are asking people to direspect thier beliefs. All of us have young children so we are all concerned regarding our children but that does not mean you can say one area will become more busy and your concern for your children will grow, a unforseen incident can happen on any road at any time we can not presume it. Miss Knowles: I live on Barkly Road. My best friend is Muslim and my partner is mixed race. I am not a racist. My objection to the proposed plans is strictly due
to the volumes of traffic that will be travelling down a highly populated road. A road that the highways department have already placed speed reducing structures and twenty mile per hour signs on. On this road, adjacent to the site is a Primary School which already contributes to increased traffic twice daily, five days per week. As for the claim that the ‘multi faith centre’ will encourage acceptance and integrate the community, I feel if forced on the local residents who have already made their opinions known, will in fact have the opposite effect! Asma: Please try to understand that we are trying build a centre that will be in-use by all. The purpose of the prayer rooms is there to re-educate today’s youth in how to be model citizens, to live life peacefully and to abide by the law of land. The youth have been mis-led and mis-guided by external bodies for far too long in the
ways which are non-Islamic. Love, peace and harmony that’s what Aspiring Communities are trying to create. We need inter-mingling and inter-action of people to understand one another to respect one another. Barriers need to come down, Aspiring Communities are trying to achieve this under the guidance of Pir Arshad Mahmood. Does it matter if its an Islamic Centre? I think not.Youngsters, young men and women need guidance. Let us guide them on the right path. Please come and speak to Aspiring Communities. Let’s share ideas on how we can move forward together. Sara: I am against this proposal have been since the first planning application was submitted. My reasons been noise, traffic, pollution, the design and look of the building as its not in keeping with the surroundings nor is it a
Join the debate at: www.southleedslife.com New articles and comments are uploaded every day
You can read more comments at: http://www.southleedslife.com/ angry-meeting-debates-aspiringcommunities-plans-ice-pak-site/
Planning Aspiring Communities proposals are currently in the planning process. You can view the plans that have been submitted online at: https://publicaccess.leeds.g ov.uk/onlineapplications/and searching for application number 14/06007/FU. Alternatively you can view the plans at The Leonardo Building, Rossington Street, Leeds LS2 8HD. The proposals are open for comment until Thursday 4th December. Following this a report will be prepared by Planning Officers and a decision will be made by Councillors on the South & West Plans Panel, probably at their January meeting. South Leeds Life will report on progress at each stage.
South Leeds Life | December 2014
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Middleton Park golf course memories by Jeremy Morton There was sadness and a dose of gallows humour as members turned out at Middleton Park golf course on the day the course closed (31 October 2014). Back in 1933 former Lord Mayor and Freeman of the City of Leeds, Alderman Sir William opened the Hemingway municipal golf course at Middleton Park. 81 years later his grandson Earnest Gill, who was present at the opening, played the last round using his grandfather’s putter. I talked to Earnest, the Club Captain, about his memories of the course “I have many happy memories. We’ve produced some very good golfers at this club and it’s always been a friendly place. It is so sad that Leeds City Council
Earnest Gill (Captain) & Ian Bertie (Chairman) have in their ‘wisdom’ decided to close the course. It would never have happened if it was north of the river.” Earnest said he would continue playing golf (“My wife says I have to!”) but he isn’t sure where he will play. Another former captain, Mark Cunliffe, was there despite having had knee surgery just
three weeks previously. “I’ll just play a couple of holes, but I had to come” he said. “There’ll be a few tears today.” As previously reported on South Leeds Life, the decision to close the course was taken by the Council’s Executive Board on 17 September in the face of massive budget cuts. Plans are being drawn up to return the
course to parkland with funding available to retain a sporting legacy. Judith Blake is a councillor for the Middleton Park ward and also sits on the Executive Board. She told us: “It is sad to be in a position when we can’t keep open historic facilities, but we are faced by ferocious budget cuts and the course was used by declining numbers that didn’t justify the level of subsidy we were putting in.” However, she went on to explain that she is determined to see sport and leisure activities continue on the site. A sum of £74,000 is available to help transform the land. Middleton Park is owned by Wades Charity and leased to Leeds City Council, so there is no question of the land being sold off for housing or any other use.
Fireworks light up Middleton sky
Over 7,000 people attended the bonfire and firework display in Middleton Park on Wednesday 5 November. Crowds poured into the park from all directions, from Belle Isle, Beeston, Middleton and further afield. An enormous pile of pallets was ignited at 7pm, and then at 7:30 after a countdown from Cllr Judith Blake, the fireworks started. Oohs and ahhs greeted the finale followed by well deserved applause. The display was organised by Leeds City Council and sponsored by the White Rose Shopping Centre. Commenting on Twitter, Cllr Judith Blake (@cllrjudithblake) said: “Thank you @LeedsParks for a great bonfire and firework display in Middleton Park . Over 7k enjoyed fantastic evening.” You can see a video of the display on our website at: www.southleedslife.com/middleton-park-bonfire-fireworks/
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Get involved with your new Inner South community committee
The new Inner South Community Committee is aiming to revolutionise how people can influence the priorities and delivery of important services in the areas where they live. Services such as street cleansing and environmental action, the management of community centres, allocation of funding to local groups and organisations delivering a wide range of important projects have all been and are continuing to be delivered locally. However, in order
to strengthen community involvement and communicate the work that is being delivered the Inner South Community Committee are encouraging local people to help drive forward positive changes in their areas. Residents are encouraged to get involved and to enable this, the Inner South Community committee is building on and improving existing networks with other forums and partners such as tenants and resident groups and the police to ensure that both the aims and ambitions for the local area are more focussed and joined up. The committee hold a minimum of four meetings a year which are open to the public and anyone can attend. Each meeting
has an open forum section where members of the public can raise issues. The meetings are held in places and buildings that are accessible to residents and the agendas at the meetings are tailored to focus on local priorities. The Inner South Community Committee will agree a Community Plan to frame its priorities and guide its work. It manages two funding streams: the Wellbeing Fund and the Youth Activities Fund, this is funding that is spent locally in the area and is accessed by a wide range of partners to provide local services and improve the local community. The committee is really keen to con-
nect with local residents and local groups and keep everyone up to date with their work. Please get in touch if you would like to know more but before you do that, please like and share the committee’s Facebook Page! www.facebook.com/LCCInnerSouth. To find out more information about the community committee and when the next meetings are visit www.leeds.gov.uk/communitycommittee.
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6 Focus on Hunslet
Celebration day for positive projects
South Leeds Life | December 2014
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Hunslet residents fight Trolleybus
Residents of the Whitfield estate in Hunslet mounted a protest in August against the proposed route of the NGT Trolleybus through their estate. The plans, which are currently being scrutinised by a public enquiry, would see a dual track run along the precinct past Hunslet Library, the Job Centre, the Garden Gate pub and through the Whitfield estate. Because this is a two-way route there would be a trolleybus passing the houses every three minutes from 6am until midnight. Deborah Fahey of Hunslet Against The Trolleybus said: “There is a better route that wouldn’t threaten our children’s safety.There is a neglected strip of green space running alongside Low Road. “People are united in opposition to this plan – what you see is the good old fighting spirit of Hunslet.” Hunslet Against The Trolleybus has a Facebook page and can be contacted by email at hunsletagainstthetrolleybus@gmail.com.
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Focus on Hunslet 7
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The Hunslet Club is at the heart of its community If you’ve been to the Hunslet Club in the last ten years you’ll probably know Donna Hall. She exemplifies the passion and enthusiasm that is the hallmark of the club. The morning I met Donna at the Hunslet Club she had just been speaking to a young girl who had come to the club’s alternative education provision for the first time. She was frightened and didn’t want to stay, just wanted to go back to school. Donna had talked her through her options: stay and try some classes and we’ll write to the school, or leave now and close down another option. “That’s what I do,” Donna explains. “I’m a qualified youth worker and I support the young people’s social and emotional well-being whilst they’re here with us. I spend a lot of time sitting and chatting and finding out what they’re thinking, challenging their thought processes, helping them get the best out of their time here.” The Hunslet Club runs vocational training provision for young people who are not engaging with their
by Jeremy Morton
People from across the south Leeds communities of Hunslet and Beeston Hill gathered on 23 November for a vibrant, packed-out event to celebrate the many positive local projects generated and supported through the Community First funding programme in the ‘City and Hunslet’ ward over the past three years. The Hamara Centre was packed with over 160 attendees, enjoying a dazzling array of performances, presentations, food from around the world, and a lot of good ol’ fashioned chit-chat. Performers included: Latvian traditional dance, poetry and song; classical Indian ‘Katthak’ dancing, courtesy of South Asian Arts UK; a mesmerising magician; haunting santoor and tabla music (traditional Indian stringed instruments); a ‘Gatka’ sword performance, by the Khalsa Singh Brothers; and a majestic Chinese Lion Dance with drumming. Event host Gohar Almass Khan, of the South Leeds Community Alliance, summarised by saying: “I’m proud to be a citizen of such a beautiful, diverse and colourful city as Leeds. Let’s celebrate our differences, share our good values and traditions with each other, and live peacefully and harmoniously with unity in our United Kingdom.”
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December 2014 | South Leeds Life
mainstream school. Hair & beauty, catering, construction and motor engineering are all offered alongside functional skills (maths and English). The young people come from all areas of Leeds and have many different backgrounds and circumstances.
“The staff here are so passionate about what they do, it’s like a family.” For many it’s a chance to start again and turn their lves around; a high percentage go on to further education and work. “It’s great to see them when they come back and visit,” says Donna. “One young woman was really hard work, violent because she grew up in a violent family. She is now 23 and came and worked with us on a placement from college and she brought her baby in
when she was born. She wants to come back and work here. I know she’ll make an amazing mum and an amazing worker.” Donna herself came to the youth club as a girl with her older brothers and the Hunslet Club means a lot to her. “The staff here are so passionate about what they do, it’s like a family.” “I left school with nothing and when I first applied for a job here I didn’t get it, so I came and volunteered for seven months.Then I got a job as a general support worker, that was ten years ago. The Club encouraged me to get a qualification so I studied part time for four years to get my degree in Youth & Community Work.” Donna also organises the school holiday activity camps and youth clubs. During the October half term they catered for 370 children over the week. Activity camp is often a family’s first encounter with the club so Donna makes sure parents know what’s going on and are comfortable to leave their children. The Wednesday Youth club has up to 70 children aged 8-12 years and Donna marshals a team of 12 staff, volunteers and students on placement to run the activities.
1 Low Road Hunslet LS10 1QR Open all week Monday-Sunday Volunteers are a central part of the Hunslet Club and another of Donna’s roles is that of volunteer coordinator. She provides support and advice, arranges training and makes sure they are appreciated. “The volunteers are amazing. Without them we just couldn’t do what we do.” Volunteers come from all over. A lot of parents help out with the football teams, sports students come from the universities. As well as giving something back to the community, volunteering can be hugely rewarding. “One woman recently left us start work as a Behaviour Support Worker in school. When she came to us ten months ago, she was working in an office and hated it. Another has been with us eighteen months, she’s always been good with the kids, but now her confidence has grown and I can leave to her run the session.” “I absolutely love this place, everyone who comes in is different, but everyone gets treated the same. And I love my job, it’s very busy but massively rewarding.”
- Quality used furniture,
TVs, electricals - New beds - Bargain prices - Donations of furniture & bric-a-brac welcome - Bring your items to the shop or we can collect
Darren’s Box-Teq proves a hit with partners Jenny’s Christmas card Box-Teq sessions at the Hamara Centre in Beeston are proving very popular. The sessions are run by Darren Rhodes from the Hunslet Club. He explains that although Hamara doesn’t have a boxing gym, the boys sit in a circle to form a ring whilst he teaches boxing skills such as shadow boxing and pad work. The young people enjoy it so much that they often stay on to watch the adult class which follows. “This work is breaking barriers,” says Darren. “Some people may feel
uncomfortable, or just not know about the Club. So taking the sport out to them is a great way of overcoming that and showing that everyone is welcome at The Hunslet Club.” Last week he brought the Hamara class over to experience a session in the club’s purpose-built boxing gym. The young people clearly enjoyed themselves. Box-Teq is just of many activities being delivered across South Leeds.The Hunslet Club has been given £250,000 by Sport England to increase participation levels in the area. The three year programme aims
to engage 2,000 people in sport and has already attracted over 400 people since it started in July 2014. The 14-18 age group is key. Younger children generally play sport in school, adults that are active tend to stay active throughout their lives. But many people stop playing sport in their teenage years and then never start again. The programme aims to bridge this gap by offering different sports in a range of community venues. There’s a free Junior Gym session every Friday from 5-7pm for 13-18 year olds. They are also hoping to start a weights class at The South Leeds Academy. Stephanie Hunter, who co-ordinates the programme, explains that they also offer activities for pre-school age children. Tots football and rugby is run at Health For All’s Tenant Hall building in Middleton and Tots Cricket is due to start soon at Building Blocks in Beeston. “We are really pleased with how this has started,” she says “but we are already looking three years on to make sure we maintain these partnerships and can continue to offer great sporting opportunities for everyone in South Leeds.”
design is a winner!
For more information about all these activities go to www.hunsletclub.org.uk; ring Stephanie on (0113) 271 6489; or email shunter@hunsletclub.org.uk.
The Hunslet Club Hillidge Road, Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 1BP 0113 271 6489 www.hunsletclub.org.uk Facebook: /hunsletclub Twitter: @HunsletClub
Ten year old Jenny Murgatroyd sion Manager has winning ways when it at Team Imcomes to designing a Christ- pression said: “We are demas card. Her picture of Mr and Mrs lighted to be Snowman around a Christmas able to help tree was judged the winner of a The Hunslet competition organised by The Club because Hunslet Club to find a design for of the fantastic their official fund raising card for work that it 2014. does in the Jenny, who found out about the local commucompetition when she attended nity and we an Activity Camp at the Club, was hope that they raise plenty of sure that Jenny’s card will prove one of more than 50 children money from the sale of the popular with our customers.” Jenny, a Year 6 pupil at Thorpe who submitted entries, and her cards.” picture was chosen by a panel of The Hunslet Club is the White Primary School, received an early judges from the Club, White Rose Shopping Centre local char- Christmas present from Team ImRose Shopping Centre and South ity partner for 2014-2015 and pression and a gift card from Leeds Life. Centre Director James Bailey White Rose when she went to The cards are on sale at The added: “We were impressed by Team Impression’s facility to start Hunslet Club, the Customer the standard of entries and feel the printing process. Services desk at White Rose and at the BITMO Housing Office in Belle Isle. They were printed free of charge by Beeston-based printers Team Impression on their newly installed state-of-the-art HP Indigo 10000 digital press – one of only six currently in operation in the UK. Jenny with Jeremy Morton, Donna Hall,Gary Hickey & James Gary Hickey, Greetings Divi- Bailey
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6 Focus on Hunslet
Celebration day for positive projects
South Leeds Life | December 2014
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Hunslet residents fight Trolleybus
Residents of the Whitfield estate in Hunslet mounted a protest in August against the proposed route of the NGT Trolleybus through their estate. The plans, which are currently being scrutinised by a public enquiry, would see a dual track run along the precinct past Hunslet Library, the Job Centre, the Garden Gate pub and through the Whitfield estate. Because this is a two-way route there would be a trolleybus passing the houses every three minutes from 6am until midnight. Deborah Fahey of Hunslet Against The Trolleybus said: “There is a better route that wouldn’t threaten our children’s safety.There is a neglected strip of green space running alongside Low Road. “People are united in opposition to this plan – what you see is the good old fighting spirit of Hunslet.” Hunslet Against The Trolleybus has a Facebook page and can be contacted by email at hunsletagainstthetrolleybus@gmail.com.
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Focus on Hunslet 7
Email: info@southleedslife.com
The Hunslet Club is at the heart of its community If you’ve been to the Hunslet Club in the last ten years you’ll probably know Donna Hall. She exemplifies the passion and enthusiasm that is the hallmark of the club. The morning I met Donna at the Hunslet Club she had just been speaking to a young girl who had come to the club’s alternative education provision for the first time. She was frightened and didn’t want to stay, just wanted to go back to school. Donna had talked her through her options: stay and try some classes and we’ll write to the school, or leave now and close down another option. “That’s what I do,” Donna explains. “I’m a qualified youth worker and I support the young people’s social and emotional well-being whilst they’re here with us. I spend a lot of time sitting and chatting and finding out what they’re thinking, challenging their thought processes, helping them get the best out of their time here.” The Hunslet Club runs vocational training provision for young people who are not engaging with their
by Jeremy Morton
People from across the south Leeds communities of Hunslet and Beeston Hill gathered on 23 November for a vibrant, packed-out event to celebrate the many positive local projects generated and supported through the Community First funding programme in the ‘City and Hunslet’ ward over the past three years. The Hamara Centre was packed with over 160 attendees, enjoying a dazzling array of performances, presentations, food from around the world, and a lot of good ol’ fashioned chit-chat. Performers included: Latvian traditional dance, poetry and song; classical Indian ‘Katthak’ dancing, courtesy of South Asian Arts UK; a mesmerising magician; haunting santoor and tabla music (traditional Indian stringed instruments); a ‘Gatka’ sword performance, by the Khalsa Singh Brothers; and a majestic Chinese Lion Dance with drumming. Event host Gohar Almass Khan, of the South Leeds Community Alliance, summarised by saying: “I’m proud to be a citizen of such a beautiful, diverse and colourful city as Leeds. Let’s celebrate our differences, share our good values and traditions with each other, and live peacefully and harmoniously with unity in our United Kingdom.”
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December 2014 | South Leeds Life
mainstream school. Hair & beauty, catering, construction and motor engineering are all offered alongside functional skills (maths and English). The young people come from all areas of Leeds and have many different backgrounds and circumstances.
“The staff here are so passionate about what they do, it’s like a family.” For many it’s a chance to start again and turn their lves around; a high percentage go on to further education and work. “It’s great to see them when they come back and visit,” says Donna. “One young woman was really hard work, violent because she grew up in a violent family. She is now 23 and came and worked with us on a placement from college and she brought her baby in
when she was born. She wants to come back and work here. I know she’ll make an amazing mum and an amazing worker.” Donna herself came to the youth club as a girl with her older brothers and the Hunslet Club means a lot to her. “The staff here are so passionate about what they do, it’s like a family.” “I left school with nothing and when I first applied for a job here I didn’t get it, so I came and volunteered for seven months.Then I got a job as a general support worker, that was ten years ago. The Club encouraged me to get a qualification so I studied part time for four years to get my degree in Youth & Community Work.” Donna also organises the school holiday activity camps and youth clubs. During the October half term they catered for 370 children over the week. Activity camp is often a family’s first encounter with the club so Donna makes sure parents know what’s going on and are comfortable to leave their children. The Wednesday Youth club has up to 70 children aged 8-12 years and Donna marshals a team of 12 staff, volunteers and students on placement to run the activities.
1 Low Road Hunslet LS10 1QR Open all week Monday-Sunday Volunteers are a central part of the Hunslet Club and another of Donna’s roles is that of volunteer coordinator. She provides support and advice, arranges training and makes sure they are appreciated. “The volunteers are amazing. Without them we just couldn’t do what we do.” Volunteers come from all over. A lot of parents help out with the football teams, sports students come from the universities. As well as giving something back to the community, volunteering can be hugely rewarding. “One woman recently left us start work as a Behaviour Support Worker in school. When she came to us ten months ago, she was working in an office and hated it. Another has been with us eighteen months, she’s always been good with the kids, but now her confidence has grown and I can leave to her run the session.” “I absolutely love this place, everyone who comes in is different, but everyone gets treated the same. And I love my job, it’s very busy but massively rewarding.”
- Quality used furniture,
TVs, electricals - New beds - Bargain prices - Donations of furniture & bric-a-brac welcome - Bring your items to the shop or we can collect
Darren’s Box-Teq proves a hit with partners Jenny’s Christmas card Box-Teq sessions at the Hamara Centre in Beeston are proving very popular. The sessions are run by Darren Rhodes from the Hunslet Club. He explains that although Hamara doesn’t have a boxing gym, the boys sit in a circle to form a ring whilst he teaches boxing skills such as shadow boxing and pad work. The young people enjoy it so much that they often stay on to watch the adult class which follows. “This work is breaking barriers,” says Darren. “Some people may feel
uncomfortable, or just not know about the Club. So taking the sport out to them is a great way of overcoming that and showing that everyone is welcome at The Hunslet Club.” Last week he brought the Hamara class over to experience a session in the club’s purpose-built boxing gym. The young people clearly enjoyed themselves. Box-Teq is just of many activities being delivered across South Leeds.The Hunslet Club has been given £250,000 by Sport England to increase participation levels in the area. The three year programme aims
to engage 2,000 people in sport and has already attracted over 400 people since it started in July 2014. The 14-18 age group is key. Younger children generally play sport in school, adults that are active tend to stay active throughout their lives. But many people stop playing sport in their teenage years and then never start again. The programme aims to bridge this gap by offering different sports in a range of community venues. There’s a free Junior Gym session every Friday from 5-7pm for 13-18 year olds. They are also hoping to start a weights class at The South Leeds Academy. Stephanie Hunter, who co-ordinates the programme, explains that they also offer activities for pre-school age children. Tots football and rugby is run at Health For All’s Tenant Hall building in Middleton and Tots Cricket is due to start soon at Building Blocks in Beeston. “We are really pleased with how this has started,” she says “but we are already looking three years on to make sure we maintain these partnerships and can continue to offer great sporting opportunities for everyone in South Leeds.”
design is a winner!
For more information about all these activities go to www.hunsletclub.org.uk; ring Stephanie on (0113) 271 6489; or email shunter@hunsletclub.org.uk.
The Hunslet Club Hillidge Road, Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 1BP 0113 271 6489 www.hunsletclub.org.uk Facebook: /hunsletclub Twitter: @HunsletClub
Ten year old Jenny Murgatroyd sion Manager has winning ways when it at Team Imcomes to designing a Christ- pression said: “We are demas card. Her picture of Mr and Mrs lighted to be Snowman around a Christmas able to help tree was judged the winner of a The Hunslet competition organised by The Club because Hunslet Club to find a design for of the fantastic their official fund raising card for work that it 2014. does in the Jenny, who found out about the local commucompetition when she attended nity and we an Activity Camp at the Club, was hope that they raise plenty of sure that Jenny’s card will prove one of more than 50 children money from the sale of the popular with our customers.” Jenny, a Year 6 pupil at Thorpe who submitted entries, and her cards.” picture was chosen by a panel of The Hunslet Club is the White Primary School, received an early judges from the Club, White Rose Shopping Centre local char- Christmas present from Team ImRose Shopping Centre and South ity partner for 2014-2015 and pression and a gift card from Leeds Life. Centre Director James Bailey White Rose when she went to The cards are on sale at The added: “We were impressed by Team Impression’s facility to start Hunslet Club, the Customer the standard of entries and feel the printing process. Services desk at White Rose and at the BITMO Housing Office in Belle Isle. They were printed free of charge by Beeston-based printers Team Impression on their newly installed state-of-the-art HP Indigo 10000 digital press – one of only six currently in operation in the UK. Jenny with Jeremy Morton, Donna Hall,Gary Hickey & James Gary Hickey, Greetings Divi- Bailey
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South Leeds Life | December 2014
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8 Opinion
In our view
Dogs in parks
Dogs are very popular pets in this country. They bring companionship to their owners and are even used as therapy with older and disabled people. Parks and open spaces should be welcoming to everyone. So dog owners have got to take responsibility - train your dog, keep it under control and pick up its mess.
Planning disputes
There will always be differences of opinion over new developments - be they conservatories, factories or supermarkets. We have a democratic planning system in this country that gives everyone the chance to have their say. We feel it is the role of South Leeds Life to make our readers aware of issues as they come up and allow them to debate the issues. Whilst the debate over IcePak has been heated at times, it’s important that people can air their views.
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Your letters and comments Feedback
I really enjoyed reading South Leeds Life. It gives people hope that there is an amazing community feel in our area despite negative press around this side of Leeds. Planning applications could add to this paper? Richard Harrison, Beeston
Middleton Bonfire
I went down to the park, I was not going to go but went with the grandkids. To be honest I thought it as a complete waste of money, which could have been better spent. In this day and age with all the cuts the government has made, including closing our Golf Club, it’s not good. Linda Morgan Fantastic to see a Council organised and a Business sponsored event being so well attended by the community.
Congratulations Middleton to another great Bonfire night in a safe and controlled environment! Louise Nichols
then have them open longer. Shut more down if you have to. If you can get to these libraries you can get to Middleton’s. John
Library opening hours
Middleton Park golf course
Never mind closing earlier I think Beeston library should open at 9:00am instead of 10:00am, all the pre school children that walk past the library after dropping older siblings off at Hugh gaitskell and Beeston primary would benefit as you’re not going to wait around an hour for it to open especially in the middle of winter! To get young children into reading is hard enough shame on you Leeds city council!! Richard Seriously, with those timings it becomes very difficult for most workers to use the library. If the council decides libraries are a service they wish to keep supporting
There are other courses so the golfers can still play their game. With the government cuts it is now time to decide what services councils should provide. Social, educational, housing and upkeep of roads and paths are priorities. I’d rather we provide care for the elderly and vulnerable than prop up unviable sporting facilities. Richard
Season’s Greetings
Christmas is a time of giving, of celebration, a time for families. There are many events going in South Leeds this Christmas fairs, carol services, Christmas lights - get along and support them, be part of the community. But also remember those who don’t enjoy Christmas - the isolated and lonely. Why not call on your neighbours and check they’re OK this season. We hope you and yours have a very merry Christmas this year.
I never thought I would see this happen. As the Captain said we are the wrong side of the river, it would never happen in north Leeds.Why not retain the original 9 holes? Where do all those golfers go who can’t manage the hills of the municipal courses left or afford to travel across Leeds? This close was on the cards from 2008 when the council refurbished the club house but never opened in June 2013 as a token gesture which was never going to work as they were never committed to it succeeding Past captain, chairman, secretary and current trustee, Peter Watts
Every post on the website has a space for comments and we actively encourage readers to join the debate. Alternatively, send your letters to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW. Or Email: info@southleedslife.com. Letters may be edited for publication.
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Top Tweets
Keep up to date, up to the minute, by following South Leeds Life’s Twitter feed: @SouthLeedsLife. Twitter is the 140 character ‘micro blogging’ site. It’s free and you can sign up at twitter.com. It’s a great place to find the very latest news. Here are some of our favourite recent tweets. @C4CJ Great example from @SouthLeedsLife on how to recruit a sports journo, offering mentoring & training. @WestYorksOPCC Belle Isle TMO received £1,260 from the Safer Communities Fund Find out about their work @LeedsGetActive Do you know we have a free dance aerobics class on a Tuesday 6-7pm @Middletoncentre @LCC_Employment Visit #jobshopleeds at The Point @whiteroseleeds white-rose.co.uk/thepoint call in today! we can help with your #jobsearch @SouthLeeds_PE We are looking for a local sponsor for a new footy kit for our academy and successful Y10 side... Anyone interested? @MRTTrustLtd @HunsletHawksRL Congratulation to our "trackside" neighbours on their promotion.
Your Councillors and MP Beeston & Holbeck ward
Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck. The three councillors are:
David Congreve 0113 277 7389 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Adam Ogilvie 0113 247 4578 adam.ogilvie@leeds.gov.uk
City & Hunslet ward South Leeds Life is inviting you to share your story about how you live your life in South Leeds. Perhaps if you have lived here forever and have seen places come and go, you could take others on a winding trip down memory lane. You may have just enjoyed a special family occasion that you would like to share. Maybe you have an interest that you know other people in South Leeds enjoy or perhaps, recently, you achieved something you are proud of. Let’s not forget that you could be the one who has experienced a daring pursuit! These are the stories that we can all find interesting. Of course there are a few
considerations. Firstly, South Leeds Life would very much like your story to be accompanied with a photo. Secondly, if you are feeling under-confident about your writing skills, you can submit an unedited version and we can help you with loose ends. It does have to be readable: that means a word limit of 500 words would be great. Of course you can think outside the box: if you don’t fancy using a keyboard you could submit your story in graphic novel form, as photos or even as a video. You can email your story to info@southleedslife.com or post it to 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW.
Includes the city centre, Holbeck Urban Village, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:
Patrick Davey 0113 261 0465 patrick.davey@leeds.gov.uk Mohammed Iqbal 0113 294 1049 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk
Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:
Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell
0113 395 1735 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 247 4472 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk
Leeds Central MP – Rt Hon Hilary Benn Hilary Benn is our MP. He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Richmond Hill, Osmondthorpe, Halton Moor and New Wortley. Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: 2 Blenheim Terrace, Leeds, LS2 9JG; phone: 0113 244 1097; fax: 0113 234 1176
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South Leeds Life | December 2014
Children’s page 9
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My first term at Cockburn High School
My name is Stanley and I’d like to write about my first term at Cockburn High School. Cockburn is a high school in Beeston, Leeds. I found that it was very different than my primary school. Firstly, high school is much more bigger than primary school. Secondly the system is different. Instead of having just one class, you have lots of different classes that you have to get to and from. You have a timetable and planner which
tells you where you need to be. Can you believe it, in my first week I got lost on my way to Geography! The school meals are also different. In comparison, we used to have our lunch served to us on plates, but in high school you can buy your own meals and eat them from takeaway boxes. There is also a thumb scanning machine, which identifies which person’s thumb it is and links to your own account number. We can buy
things this way. I get money added to my account for dinner and a cookie. My favourite teacher has got to be Mr Fong Wah. He teaches History. Mr Fong Wah, is very supportive by giving us advice for homework projects to make them as good as they can be. Because of this I have really enjoyed History so far. However, my favourite subject has got to be Art. Art is more advanced at high school. You get to explore
different materials so you can fun have whilst learning. I have made five new friends. I still have my old friends from primary school too. We have learnt that there are loads of different lunch time activities. Me and my new
friends go to ICT lunch time class. There are lots of after school clubs too which I will hopefully get onto next term.
Festive games, puzzles and jokes
Christmas Wordsearch Christmas Colour me in crackers
ANGELS CHRISTMAS ELVES FRANKINCENSE GOLD JESUS
MAGI MINCE PIE MYRRH NATIVITY PRESENTS REINDEER
SANTA SHEPHERDS SNOWMAN STOCKING TURKEY YULE
What do you get if pour boiling water down a rabbit hole? Hot cross bunnies! Why do elephants paint the soles of their feet yellow? So they can hide upside down in custard! Have you ever seen an elephant hiding upside down in custard? Well, it shows it works! What do you get if you cross a kangeroo with a sheep? Wooly jumpers! What do they sing at a snowman's birthday party? Freeze a jolly good fellow! Why does Santa have three gardens? So he can hoe hoe hoe! What kind of motorbike does Santa ride? A Holly Davidson! What do you get if you cross Santa with a duck? A Christmas Quacker! How did Scrooge win the football game? The ghost of Christmas passed!
South Leeds at your fingertips The very latest news from Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet and Middleton Written for South Leeds residents by South Leeds residents - it’s YOUR blog Comment and debate on every post - PLUS take part in online polls
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South Leeds Life | December 2014
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10 What’s On
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What’s On
Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in December Monday 1 December Women’s Fitness 10-11am KMWA Hardy Street, Beeston Family Fun and Run 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friends of Stank Hall Barn AGM 7:30pm Tommy Wass pub Dewsbury Road Tuesday 2 December South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm Cafe at Hillside Beeston Road Wednesday 3 December CAP Job Club 10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub Hunslet Tenants & Residents Association 6:30pm Church of Nazarene, Grove Road Thursday 4 December Multi Skills 4 Tots 10:15-11am Building Blocks, Tempest Road, Beeston Beeston Christmas Lights Switch On 5:30pm Co-op, Town Street Beeston Community Forum AGM 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friday 5 December South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Winter Craft Course 10am-12pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Middleton Victorian Christmas 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre In Harmony Community Choir 12:15-1:15pm Hunslet Parkside Rugby Club, Belle Isle Road Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre
Saturday 6 December Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Road
Leeds Dock Christmas Market 10am-4pm Leeds Dock, Armouries Way, Hunslet Holbeck Christmas Market 11am-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre BITMO Christmas Fair 12-2pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Slung Low Christmas Fayre 12-4pm HUB, Bath Road, Holbeck Sunday 7 December Leeds Dock Christmas Market 10am-4pm Leeds Dock, Armouries Way, Hunslet Christmas in Middleton Park 12-6pm Middleton park Visitor Centre Holbeck Chrismas Lights Switch On
5:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Monday 8 December Women’s Fitness 10-11am KMWA Hardy Street Belle Isle Christmas Lights Switch On 3pm Belle Isle Circus Family Fun and Run 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Tuesday 9 December South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm Cafe at Hillside Beeston Road Older Persons Christmas Party 10am-12pm Hamara Centre, Te,pest Road, Beeston Middleton Christmas Lights Switch On 3-4:30pm Middleton Circus Wednesday 10 December CAP Job Club 10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Thursday 11 December Multi Skills 4 Tots 10:15-11am Building Blocks, Tempest Road, Beeston Friday 12 December South Leeds Life News Cafe
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Christmas Lights Switch Ons
Festive Christmas Lights are due to bring cheer to our local shopping centres across south Leeds. Here are the details of the Switching On Ceremonies:
Beeston Christmas Lights Thursday 4 December 5:30pm - Beeston Co-op, Town Street The Lights will be switched on by the Lord Mayor with carols and the Salvation Army band. Followed by light refreshments in Beeston Parish Centre.
10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Winter Craft Course 10am-12pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Middleton In Harmony Community Choir 12:15-1:15pm Hunslet Parkside Rugby Club, Belle Isle Road Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre
Christmas Lantern Festival 6:30-7:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Road Saturday 13 December Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Road Monday 15 December Women’s Fitness 10-11am KMWA Hardy Street, Beeston Family Fun and Run 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Tuesday 16 December South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm Cafe at Hillside Beeston Road Wednesday 17 December CAP Job Club
10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Thursday 18 December Multi Skills 4 Tots 10:15-11am Building Blocks, Tempest Road, Beeston Friday 19 December South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Winter Craft Course 10am-12pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Middleton BITMO Christmas Quiz 12-2pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre Saturday 20 December Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Road Leeds Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Monday 22 December Christmas Activity Camp 8:45am-3pm Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Tuesday 23 December Christmas Activity Camp 8:45am-3pm Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Saturday 27 December Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Road Wednesday 31 December New Year’s Party 7pm-1am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street
Publicise your event with South Leeds Life Send full details of your event to: info@southleedslife.com, or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW
Photo: Lucy Potter
Holbeck Christmas Lights Sunday 7 December 5:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Followed by Community carol service and meal organised by Mosaic Church
Belle Isle Christmas Lights Monday 8 December 3-4:30pm Belle Isle Circus Join children from Windmill Primary School and musicians from Opera North for a festive musical treat.
Middleton Christmas Lights Tuesday 9 December 3-4:30pm Middleton Circus Join children from local primary schools to sing carols.
For up to date event information make sure you go online to
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and check the What’s On Calendar
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South Leeds Life | December 2014
Local history 11
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Ancestry group goes back in time by Kenneth Ingram
I think Julie is an inspiration to us all. I can see her health takes its toll by the constant pain she is in, yet is at BITMO GATE every Monday to help a group of us Family Tree Researchers to delve further into our ancestry past. Well done Julie. Think the programme, ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ probably caused an upsurge in people wanting to know their ancestry past. Julie has been discovering family trees for people for many a year and so far traced her husband’s family tree, going back to the 1670s/1680s. The course started on 20 March, the course is on-going and is at BITMOs GATE every Monday 10am till 12pm midday then from 1pm till 3pm. On my first visit, Julie asked me for one of my parent’s names and entered it into www.ancestry.co.uk. Within a few mouse clicks, went back in
time down my mother’s line to 1866. I have now progressed from that, and with Julie’s help gone back to 1700s. Sometimes you get to know things what your ancestors got up to, like at least one of mine ended up in jail, only for a short time as acquitted. While looking
Leeds Library family research division.We will all be going again next year. Julie comments: “Me and Chris have always been interested in Family History and it was Chris that started looking into his history. “Chris used the Genes Reunited site to look for records
Frank, Anita, Alan, Wayne & Phil at the prison records, noticed in some cases male prisoners were whipped. A record of this is in the Prison log book. Not sure why, but shows you the brutality of it all. The group have been twice to
and did find a few for his Grandparents, but had to stop after a while as he started with bad migraines. “I decided to carry on and have been researching for the past few years. The earliest I have got back
to is around the 1670s/1680s which is 8th Great Grandparents. “There have been quite a few interesting finds and it has also put us in contact with Cousins around the world. We have even met up with 3rd Cousins – Sandra and Ian live in Australia and flew out to England to meet us. They did a 6 week tour of England and met up with more family members who they are in contact with. Ancestry can put you in contact with family members you never knew were there. We are in contact with Sandra and Ian all the time, with regular emails and the occasional Skype. It was Chris who asked if would like to do an Ancestry group, I was unsure at first and said I would think about it. “I decided I would give it a go, so had a meeting with Carla at Bitmo Gate and now nearly 7 months later the Group is going really well. “It’s proved to be popular and now runs for 2 sessions mornings and afternoons on a Monday.”
Holbeck residents move to save the Spotted Cow’s head by Lucy Potter
The derelict remains of the Spotted Cow Inn stand slightly off the road on Top Moor Side in Holbeck. Lining a popular thoroughfare into the city, it looks like just another overlooked building in the area. However, this was once a thriving 19th Century public house, serving the community and more recently football supporters. Since its fire in March 2007, the exposed skeletal roof has been left charred, giving shelter to wild growing buddleia and pigeons cooping under the beams. Although the land is privately owned, it has been left unoccupied since before the fire (the present landowners have no plans to renovate). Beneath the peeling paint and broken windows, set above the door frame, is the relief of the head of the spotted cow.This sculptural relic is all that’s left of this crumbling pub. Perhaps the head symbolises some history too? Maybe it can evoke some memories of times gone by? At a recent publicity group meeting for the Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan, local resident Steve Peacock suggested
the idea of saving the head of the Spotted Cow. The idea would be to display it somewhere in the community as a figurehead of Holbeck’s heritage. I decided to do a bit of rooting around with local historians and ‘Holbeck-ites’ and I managed to piece together a ‘s’potted public house history. The Spotted Cow is listed in White’s Directory 1837, landlord Thomas Dobson. It was originally a Melbourne brewery but was then bought by Tetley. Eve Tidswell of Friends of Holbeck Cemetery records that later in 1889, landlady Elizabeth Carr purchased a grave plot in 1889. Local resident Phil Kirby remembers ‘The Spotted Cow was the first pub I got drunk in’. His dad and uncle Tommy left him clinging to a lamp
post outside! Steve Peacock remembers it was a popular pub on the crawl towards Elland Road on match days with football supporters. He also remembers using it as his local when he first moved into the area in the 1980’s. What does the Spotted Cow mean to you? Could the sculpture of the head be an icon of the past but also look forward to a bright future for Holbeck? The pub is now being demolished, but the cow’s head is to be saved.
Young Archaeologists probe the past
A new club for budding Young Archaeologists has been launched for children interested in archaeology, history and exploring the past. During the sessions children aged 8-16 get the opportunity to meet professional archaeologists, learn about techniques to investigate sites, explore objects from different periods in history and undertake experimental archaeology projects. Leeds Young Archaeologist Club (YAC) has been set up following the very successful Middleton Park History Detective Club,. The Club is held on the third Saturday of every month, with the next session on 20 Dectember. The sessions are held at Middleton Park Visitor Centre from 10am-12pm, with the club costing only £6 for the whole year. Children are welcome to come and try their first session for free but there are limited spaces so booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Contact Louise, Megan or Sarah leedsyac@gmail.com. Follow what we are up to on Facebook: Leeds YAC and Twitter: @YAC_Leeds.
Advertising feature
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There never seem to be enough chairs in the house when the family sits down to the Christmas turkey. SLATE, the feel good furniture shop, can help with a affordable solution. The charity, which works with people with learning difficulties, has been given 101 designer dining chairs and is selling them for just £15 each. Or just £12 if you bing this article to the shop before Christmas - that’s 20% off! The chairs have been donated by international furniture company Hillcross Furniture who make bespoke furniture for the hotel and restaurant trade. Richard Barker who runs the family firm said: “We are delighted to donate these items to the SLATE charity shop. Our only other option was to send them to landfill, but these are quality products and deserve to be used again.” SLATE can also help with a great selection of dining and coffee tables sofas, and other furniture. Call into the shop, just along from McDonalds on Low Road, or call them on 0113 270 4005. Visit our website: www.slateleeds.co.uk
www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | December 2014
12 Sport
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Me and my Parkruns by Kenneth Ingram Going back to about February this year I joined the Parkrun team at Cross Flatts Park. Here is my story. Parkruns are all over the country; ones in Leeds are Cross Flatts, Roundhay Park, Temple Newsam Park and
Hyde Park. They all start on Saturday morning at 9am local time. If I’ve not remembered any more in Leeds, my apologies. The parkruns are all organised by volunteers, who marshal and collate information afterwards to give you a placing and time. Someone told me there are also Parkruns in Oz and New Zealand.
The Runs were to help me to lose weight and be fitter than I usually am. My best time is 44 minutes and worst 51 minutes. Quite often will look at my stop watch on final 200 yards or so, and run that to try and keep under a certain time. Sometimes it works, sometimes like last week went over the 50 minutes by 6 seconds when I wanted to be under that. Despite puling a calf muscle, hamstring, going and getting the biggest blister my Podiatrist has ever seen, I continue to do the runs. Well I say do run. I usually run about a mile and walk the remaining 2 miles. I remember my first run, when Nikky walked round with me to show me the route. It took some time to remember, which for others may have been easy, but not me, as I have early onset Dementia. The race is 5k or 3.1 Miles. This is the same for every park run. Twice instead of cutting in to finish, carried on and did nearly 6k (3 laps) instead of 2 and a half, and had to back track.
Once I cut a corner for which I was posted last (which was fair enough) instead of third from last. My friend pointed out the mistake. Today, I still don’t know where I went wrong. Anyway next run, Amanda who on Marshal Duty, walked the last mile with me to make sure I did not go off piste again. Thanks Amanda. The Marshals are now aware I might go off track and look out for me. I’m on I believe, my 29th run this weekend. Looking forward to my 50th run tshirt. If I complete all my runs, should be about March next year. Had some fun with the
runs and not so fun. When a gentleman high on booze decided to run alongside of me as he could not catch up with others. Told him to give me space, whereupon he slung his bag of beer onto my damaged knee. Ouch. He got a few verbals. He waited with his polish mates to confront me on next lap. Walking towards them, I suddenly speeded up and run past them. Ha Ha. Couple of weeks after that same group, high five me at bottom of park and offered me a can of beer. I said no thanks got some water, and ran past them. We also get many runners coming from other groups
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Beeston Wanderers
paying us a visit. I remember Lucy, Nicola and baby Poppy coming from another Parkrun and had a coffee in the café afterwards. Where I took some photos. Going to take photos of all our half and full Marathon winners, to go on slide show at annual Parkrun party and Facebook. So Thanks for all your help, to Amanda, Jeny, Phil, Dianne, Karen, Betty, Christine, Nikky (laf) and many more, too many to go through them all Find out more at www.parkrun.org.uk/crossflatts..
Beeston Wanderers are an open age group of young people aged 14 to 19 years old; who live, train and play football for fun in South Leeds. They are so-named as they do not have their own ground and wander around Beeston playing football on any green space they can find.The team is made up of players whose families come from different corners of the world – Romania, Zimbabwe, Portugal and Pakistan. The lads have now become an integral part of the local community in South Leeds and with their love of the football means they fit right into team.
Their manager Mazhar is now looking for sponsorship, to pay for a club strip and rental for a pitch in Beeston, so they can train and enter the team into a league. For more infomation contact Mazhar on 07821 981582.
Local businesses help community club thrive again
Middleton Park Football Club met last month to celebrate the support of our Sponsors and Local Councillors who all turned up to meet the players despite the freezing wet conditions. Children from aged 18 months to our adult players all turned out to say thank you to all the local businesses that have shown us support over the past year through several hard spells, including our recent break-in where the club lost over £3,000 worth of equipment. The club
now has over 200 members and boasts some of the best pitches in Leeds thanks to the development at Middleton Leisure Centre that was spearheaded by our local Labour councillors, Judith Blake, Kim Groves and Paul Truswell. The photo shows players, coaches and managers with club sponsors and local councillors.The club expressed its thanks to UK Car Parking Services (UKCPS), McDonalds (Hunslet), ASDA Middleton and the Councillors for taking the time
out to visit us on a Saturday. They also thanked sponsors who couldn’t make it: Clear Choice cleaning contracts, Reid Services, Regency Plumbing, George Morgan design & build, BEST Clothing (Trinity Centre) and EDI Solutions. Thanks to all the local businesses that supported the club. Club Secretary, Wayne Dixon said: “We are always looking for businesses to support the club financially as the club has a £50,000 a year expenditure bill.
These businesses have been very generous and hopefully they will continue to support us and encourage more businesses to join them.” The Club is now looking for sponsors and players for several teams. Contact Wayne on 07852 311717 or email info@middletonparkfc.co.uk to get involved.