Your FREE community newspaper
Issue 6 | April 2015
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
Middleton Park:
In this issue:
BITMO up for housing awards
page 2
Your say on its future
Hard graft on the Garnets
page 4
Focus on Cottingley
page 6-7
South Leeds residents can have their say over the future development of Middleton Park. Following the recent investment of £2 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund the park has undergone a significant amount of change and development in recent years. Last year the decision was taken to close the Leeds City Council managed golf course and integrate the land within the park. The Council, in partnership with the Friends of Middleton Park, is now looking to consult widely with the local community on how this land can be enhanced for the benefit of all and it’s hoped that the consultation will bring forward a wide range of views and ideas. A programme of public consultation events will be held throughout the community from Monday 30 March to 15 May with the aim of capturing the views of the community on how this site can be developed and enhanced as
a space for use by all. A permanent display will be in place at Middleton Park Visitor Centre along with further detail on a programme of public consultations in the community. Alan Shaw, chair of trustees for the Friends of Middleton Park, said: “The closure of Middleton Park Golf Course was disappointing, especially after the considerable local effort to try and save the course, but we now have an opportunity to enhance the park and make it something that the local community can all use. “This consultation exercise provides an opportunity to hear the local community’s views and ideas and hopefully establish a plan of what can be delivered over time, building on the legacy of the Heritage Lottery Fund investment.” The initial proposals, developed with the Friends of Middleton Park, cover four principle themes for development; * The enhancement of green
infrastructure including new paths, areas of woodland planting, new bins, benches and interpretation. * The development of areas of natural habitat for example wetland, natural grassland and wild flower areas. * The development of opportunities for physical activity including marked running and walking routes. * Establishing Middleton Park and a hub for cycling including the possibility of developing a mountain biking course, a BMX course, an area for children to learn to ride a bike and a more general leisure cycling route. Middleton park councillor Judith Blake mooted the possibility of more cycling opportunities, following last year’s successful Tour de France Grand Depart in Leeds. She said: “Following on from the closure of the golf course many people have expressed a desire for more dedicated activities for young people in the Park, one of these ideas is to develop more
cycling opportunities. “The experience of the Tour de France last year and the imminent Tour de Yorkshire has generated a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm about this prospect. “I’m really looking forward to getting out and about and hearing people’s views about this exciting opportunity to create something special that people of all ages can benefit from and which builds on the extended opening hours of the café to include Saturdays and Sundays.” The visitor centre now operates as a café opening from 10.15am to 2.15pm, Monday-Friday; and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Those wishing to share their views are welcome to consider the outline design proposals plan and supporting information on the council consultation website www.leeds.gov.uk/consultations.
Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily
Cross Flatts parkrun at 100
page 9
NEWS
OPINION
YOUR!STORY
p2-4 p8
p9
WHAT’S!ON
p10
SPORT!
p12
LOCAL!HISTORYp11
www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | April 2015
2 News
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
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
Contact us Email: info@southleedslife.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ southleedslife Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife Phone: 07894 583966 We would love to hear from you! Tell us your news Tell us what you’d like us to report on Tell us about your local events
Keep up to date with the latest news everyday online at: www. southleedslife .com
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
And the winner is ... Belle Isle! by Kenneth Ingram Belle Isle TMO is celebrating after being shortlisted in two of the most prestigious housingsector awards. Belle Isle TMO is the largest estate based tenant management organisation in the country, managing almost 2,000 homes on behalf of Leeds City Council since 2004. In October 2013, they officially opened the doors to a new public resource centre, which has been converted from a former library building, into the GATE; somewhere to ‘Get Advice, Training and Employment’. The Tenant Participation Advisory Service, which is a national organisation that encourages and celebrates landlords and tenants
working together, have shortlisted Belle Isle TMO in two categories for their northern region awards. Julie Holmes, who volunteers at the GATE, has been shortlisted in the ‘Tenant of the Year’ category, in recognision of her commitment and dedication to improving local services, as well as running the GATE’s popular Ancestry Group. Julie said “When Carla told me I had been nominated I was surprised and had tears in my eyes, then she told me I had been shortlisted in the Tenant Of The Year category, I cried. It’s an absolute honour to be nominated but to be shortlisted is unbelievable and I’m still on a high.” Belle Isle TMO will face tough competition in the ‘Excellence in Digital
Engagement’ category, which they have been nominated in recognition of the new opportunities the GATE has provided for its users to embrace new technologies. Since the GATE was opened, the centre has delivered over 650 sessions and activities to support local people back into work, offering free support and help to use the computers at the centre, as well as CV workshops and job clubs. The icing on the cake for Belle Isle TMO came last week when it was officially announced that the GATE had been shortlisted as a
national finalist in the UK Housing Awards in the ‘Empowering Communities’ category. Chris Simpson, Chief Executive of Belle Isle TMO said, “This is an incredible achievement for everyone who has contributed to the GATE over the last 16 months, in particular; our Board members who took the bold step to develop local services for local people; our partners, without whom we would not be in a position to offer such a varied programme of activities; and our staff and volunteers, whose passion and dedication for the
centre is already, in our opinion, award winning!”. Since moving to Belle Isle TMO sheltered accommodation 3 years ago I have been happy to volunteer for many groups hosted by The GATE, such as the Ancestry group, Belle Isle and Middleton in Bloom, Belle Isle Gala and the BITMO walking group. Whether Belle Isle TMO win or not, residents of the estate are the real winners for having such a responsive organisation managing its housing and providing services on the estate.
Sunnyview House & Leeds City College fundraisers support Wheatfields A group of intrepid fundraisers has presented a cheque for £700 to support care at the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Leeds. Seven of the fundraisers are staff at Sunnyview House care home who were sponsored on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge in July. Each attempted to complete the 24.5 mile (39.4km) route in under 12 hours across the Pennine peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Then in November four students at Leeds City College who are related to staff at Sunnyview House were sponsored on a 22km bike ride around Leeds, starting and finishing at the care home, as part of their BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness) course. Debbie Fawthrop, lifestyle coordinator at Sunnyview House said: “Together we decided to donate all the money raised to Wheatfields as they do amazing work. “The hospice has a community outreach clinic at Sunnyview House each Friday.This provides a range of specialist palliative care services for local patients and carers including
Fundraisers and Wheatfields Hospice staff celebrate at Sunnyview House with Councillor Angela Gabriel and granddaughter.
appointments with medical and nursing staff, complimentary therapies and a drop-in facility for support and advice.” Ryan Grant, sports lecturer and football coach at Leeds City College said: “The students, with the aid of Sunnyview House, were able to successfully combine a unit of their educational programme which involves organising sports events with supporting an established charity helping local people. “On the day of the event the weather conditions were tough but the students stuck together and
completed their bike ride, showcasing the positive relationships built between themselves and supporting the local community.” Charlene Holdsworth is a healthcare assistant on the Day Therapy Unit at Wheatfields and runs the drop-in sessions at Sunnyview House. Charlene said: “We really appreciate the support of everyone who took on the challenges and everyone who has sponsored them, it’s a fantastic total, thank you. “To put it in context £700 could
cover the cost of a nurse for a week caring for people in the local community with incurable illnesses.” Wheatfields Hospice was established over 35 years ago and provides holistic and personalised end of life care as well as offering people and their families emotional and psychological support during what can be an extremely difficult time. Sunnyview House provides residential, nursing and dementia care in Leeds and is part of Hadrian Healthcare Group.
www.southleedslife.com
Website: www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | April 2015
News 3
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Beeston pupils mark Commonwealth Day
On Monday 9 March the Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr David Congreve was joined at the official raising of the Commonwealth Flag at Leeds Civic Hall by children from Hugh Gaitskell Primary School in Beeston after reading out a special Commonwealth message from Her Majesty The Queen. The Lord Mayor said:“I would also like to offer a big thank you to the youngsters from Hugh Gaitskell Primary School who joined us on the day at the official raising of the flag at the civic hall, which was a really lovely way for our city to both recognise and celebrate the values that bind Commonwealth countries together.”
Community Committee Meetings
Pupils making excellent progress at Cockburn
Cockburn High School in Beeston has received national recognition for the value it adds to students’ achievements at GCSE. SSAT, the Schools, Students and Teachers Network, recently undertook its annual in-depth analysis of official Department for Education data on all state-funded schools in England and identified Cockburn’s success. The school has qualified for an SSAT Educational Outcomes Award by being in the top 10% of schools nationally for progress made by pupils between their key stage 2 results at primary school and their GCSE results at age 16. The school has been invited to receive their award at a
regional celebration ceremony hosted by SSAT at Dixons Allerton Academy in Bradford on 11 May. Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT said: “Cockburn should be
congratulated for their exceptional achievement. They have proved themselves to be leading the field in improving GCSE outcomes for their students. There is so much good practice that this school
Local election coverage The elections on 7 May are shaping up to be the most unpredictable and perhaps most important for many years. Here in South Leeds we will be electing an MP - as part of the Leeds Central constituency, as well as councillors in each of our wards: Beeston & Holbeck; City & Hunslet and Middleton Park. South Leeds Life does not support any political party, but we do think it’s important that residents vote. After all, how can you complain about them if you didn’t help choose them? We will be bringing you details of all of the
News in brief
candidates and asking them questions sent in by our readers, to help you choose where to put your cross on the ballot paper. You can find full details on our website at www.southleedslife.com and we will print a summary in the May edition of this newspaper.
could share, and I hope they will join us at the celebration evening for the chance to network and share strategies with award-winning schools. “These results are testament to the commitment and hard
work of the students, teachers and leadership team at Cockburn, and show what can be achieved when skilled teachers have high expectations and ambition for every young person. I am proud that this school is a member of the SSAT network.” David Gurney, Executive Headteacher of Cockburn School said: “We are immensely proud to be recognised once again by SSAT for our outstanding progress to be in the top 10% of all school's nationally. This is a testament of the outstanding work of all the staff at Cockburn to make sure all children have excellent outcomes.”
The Inner South Community Committee held two very successful community workshops in March. Over 100 residents turned up to discuss environmental issues including litter and refuse collection with Councillors and officers at Beeston Village Community Centre. This was followed by a discussion of isolation and mental health problems at Middleton Leisure Centre. Full reports are available at www.southleedslife.com.
Housing regeneration milestones
Progress on the council’s major housing project is being celebrated as the number of properties refurbished hits 500 and the fiftieth new build home is completed. A year and a half after the project started, the council’s partner sc4L have now revamped more than a third of council houses in the scheme in Holbeck and Beeston Hill. A total of 388 houses will be built as part of the project, 275 in South Leeds, and fifty properties have now been completed.
www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | April 2015
4 News
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
Hard graft on the Garnets green space by Ed Carlisle Residents of the Garnets in Beeston Hill pulled together on the weekend of 14-15 March – with the help of supporters including Beeston in Bloom – to tidy up the green patch at the heart of their neighbourhood. As reported previously in South Leeds Life, the empty space there – originally the site of homes demolished in 2012 – has been earmarked for a new housing development. However, a locally-led campaign has emerged in the past year, calling for a green communal area to be included in the new development. The community action event this past weekend saw the volunteer team litterpick the area, clear it of bricks, hoover up dog excrement (courtesy of a ‘poover’ lent by Armley Common Rights Trust!), and begin weeding and strimming it. The event also gave residents the opportunity to discuss the proposed scheme, drink a lot of tea together, dump large waste in a skip provided by the Council, and enjoy a shared bonfire on the Saturday night. Local resident Angela Perry said: “I’ve wanted to tidy up the space for a
Club supports grieving parents
long time, but you’d feel foolish doing it alone – so it was great to work with others on it. There’s nothing like people rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty together. Of course, the land might well get built on later in the year – but we can at least enjoy it as a nice community space this summer, and maybe longer.” Short term plans for the space include
children’s events, barbecues and bonfires, and the installation of some raised beds – made from the salvaged bricks. And the residents insist that they’ll continue to state their case for a shared green space to be included in the proposed development. (The latest info suggests that the scheme will go to planning panel in May, with work unlikely to start until the autumn at the earliest.)
The tragic news of the death of Rhys Baker left Holbeck Working Men’s Club cold last week. Rhys was the son of one of the members, Mark Baker. I interviewed Mark only last year when he had just won the Arla Lorry Driver of the year award 2014. Looking back now the feel good news story stands in contrast to the recent sad news. Mark was so proud of his family and the first thing he said to me was that his kids were proud of their dad. Spokesperson Dennis Kitchen has paid tribute to 13 year old Rhys saying he was a great kid who was loved by all
at the club. He was always cheerful, and regularly helping to stack shelves and playing the adults at pool. Dennis said that “Mark is very appreciative of the community support being given to the family by members of the club and neighbours.” The funeral took place on Friday 20 March 2015 at St Luke’s Church followed by a wake at the Club Mark and some members of the family visited the site of the accident ahead of the funeral. It was evening and a lone bright star was shining in the heavens. They said it was Rhys looking down on them.
www.southleedslife.com
Website: www.southleedslife.com
News 5
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Charity reports a clean bill of health
130+ people from all walks of life across south Leeds last week gathered for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of local charity Health for All, and to hear about their wide-ranging work over the past year. The charity – now in its 24th year – started life being run out of a spare bedroom in Beeston Hill, but is now headquartered in the multimillion-pound Tenants Hall Centre in Middleton, has an annual turn-over of £2m+, and coordinates dozens of programmes, events, and community centres across the city. Following speeches from local MP Hilary Benn – who amongst other things, urged listeners to ‘roll up their sleeves and get stuck in (the life of their communities)’ – and Middleton councillor Judith Blake, participants from different projects shared their stories. One woman, Linda, spoke movingly about the support she and her family received from the Family
Park upgrade £54,000 upgrade pledge for popular Hunslet Moor Park. The first phase of the project will see a new pathway being built to improve access to the children’s play area. There will also be new fencing to improve the park’s safety, and twelve new trees. The second phase will see the addition of a gym area comprising of modern outdoor fitness equipment to the park. A brand new play area, including swings, slides, a roundabout and a zip wire, will be installed, alongside new benches and new litter bins. Cllr Patrick Davey said: “The plans for a revamp at Hunslet Moor Park look marvellous.We want people of all ages and abilities to get the most from our green spaces through recreation, exercise and relaxation and these improvements will help us achieve this. I’m really looking forward to seeing the park bustling with people and activities.”
Gardening at Belle Isle Family Centre. Photo: Health For All
Intervention Service, enabling them to ride out of the storm of Social Services becoming involved in their lives: ‘The system can be so hard, but the friendly, non-judgmental support we got from FIS was invaluable’. Members of the Rags to Riches group also took to the stage, and Middleton woman Angela spoke of her transformative experience on the project – a community scheme sharing skills around needlework and the creation of rag-rugs, soft furnishings, and more: ‘I like a challenge, and I now just feel really proud and confident.The group was really friendly, the teacher enthusiastic, and we eat lots of cake!’ Finally, members of the
South Leeds Life | April 2015
Health for All team looked ahead to the coming year. A major new programme is the new Young Dad’s project – featuring DIY, gardening, play, barbecues, mentoring, and hopefully the setting up of an employment scheme doing fencing work. A community taxi scheme is in the pipeline; the charity is further developing its links with the businesses world; a new community choir is taking shape; and much more. For more info on Health for All and its programmes, click here – or drop in at one of their bases: Tenants Hall Centre in Middleton, Beeston Village Community Centre, the Holbeck Youth Centre, Belle Isle Family Centre, or Middleton Family Centre.
New approach to Holbeck landlords The Leeds Neighbourhood Approach (LNA) is being brought to Holbeck to make improvements to the housing stock. This scheme, which has already been successfully rolled out in Armley and Harehills, will target areas that are already identified in need of improvement in Holbeck, in particular empty houses in the Recreations.The idea is that the representatives of LNA will contact the landlords with a time frame to improve the houses and bring them up to the regulated standards. This includes working with the landlords and offering support to improve their houses. If no work has been completed by the private landlords the Neighbourhood Team have the right to take over improvements themselves.
Local councillors were challenged at a public meeting on 4 March with frank questions from landlords with regards to the current situation and how Holbeck has been overlooked generally in terms of tracking neglectful private landlords. Questions were raised over the bin yards which seemed to be an ongoing bugbear with regards to fly tipping. Cllr Angela Gabriel said she shared the concerns, but was hopeful that with a local landlord forum they could work together and get the support they need. Still it was very positive to see so many landlords attending not only with a vested interest but a shared passion for their community and the people living in it. The meeting was followed up with a day of action on 24 March as officers from the council, Police, Fire Service and other agencies carried out a door knock in the area. As well as arranging building surveys, agencies were talking to residents about a host of other issues including antisocial behaviour, debt problems, employment and empty homes. The council will undertake a skills audit and offer targeted assistance to help people get into work or training. Innovative social enterprise Leeds Empties are bringing their skills to bear on the many empty properties in the wider area. They can offer help to owners to either bring the property back into use or to sell it.
www.southleedslife.com
6 Focus on Cottingley
Cottingley community is right on TRAC The estate, properly called Cottingley Hall, comprises mostly 1970s council houses and is dominated by the two tower blocks, reputedly the tallest in Leeds. I met up with Christine Robinson-Perkins and Vikki Blake to find out about community life in Cottingley. Between them they are involved in most of the organisations active on the estate, notably Cottingley Hall TRAC (Tenants & Residents Association of Cottingley) and Cottingley In Bloom. They stress that nothing happens without a lot of other people. “I just keep digging out volunteers” Christine says. Both women appear to be do-ers.When they first got involved the breakfast club at Dulverton Court sheltered housing was folding due to lack of funds. Refusing to accept that was a problem, Christine went to the shop bought some coffee milk and biscuits with her own money and carried on. Seven years later the club is still going and in fact runs itself with residents paying a small amount each week. TRAC bought the group a bingo machine and organises
occasional fish and chip lunches as well as the hot breakfasts and coffee mornings. I ask them what they think their greatest achievement has been. There’s pause and I prod them that sorting out the square with planters after the old Cottingley Arms pub was
meetings - work, childcare, mobility all get in the way.To get round this TRAC started a Facebook Group. It now has 530 members and plenty of lively discussions. “If people can’t get to the meeting they can ask their question on Facebook” explains Christine, “we can ask it for them and then post the answer so they, and everyone else gets an answer.” Bin collections and flytipping have been long standing problems on the estate, but Facebook has opened up another channel for reporting problems and Council officers generally respond quickly. The relationship with the Police is trickier, but Vikki and Christine put Vikki and Christine this down to underreporting of crimes on the demolished is quite impressive. estate which leads to less Police “Yes, but really the best thing activity on the estate. has been getting to know lots of Christine is just starting a new people and helping to sort out role running the community the day to day issues. centre. She wants to add to the “We have built up a good current activities and is looking relationship with Councillors into starting a women’s self and agencies, so we can usually defence class, but first on the get things sorted, or at least get agenda is the Easter Fair on a straight answer.” Tuesday 14 April, which is being Like many groups TRAC organised jointly by TRAC, the doesn’t get a lot of people Homework Club and coming to their two monthly Groundwork.
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
South Leeds Life | April 2015
April 2015 | South Leeds Life
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
Website: www.southleedslife.com
Cottingley Community Centre Tuesday 14 March from 2-4pm Egg Hunt - Easter Bonnet Competition Nail Bar - Bouncy Castle Sumo Suits - Stalls - Refreshments Everyone welcome!
News 7
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Men in Sheds need YOUR support
In Bloom group brightens estate
Over the last three years Cottingley in Bloom has worked with residents and partners to bring green-fingered colour to the estate. Events have included planting up the beds in the square with flowers and vegetables; bulb planting; estate clean ups and installing the Cottingley Christmas Tree. Their next big project is to rejuvinate the community garden at the Community Centre This year the group have decided to enter the Yorkshire In Bloom competition.
The group’s Chair, Cllr Angela Gabriel said: “It’s all about brightening up Cottingley. “We raise money buy plants and create new beds. Everyone mucks in and we’re grateful to the help from Groundwork and Mears. We also had staff from McDonalds helping us last year. “We’re always looking for new people to get involved. You don’t need to know anything about gardening, we can show you what to do. You’ll meet new friends, it’s a chance to enjoy the environment and make a difference.”
Get involved! Cottingley in Bloom: 13 April, 1:30pm Cottingley Heights Community Room
www.facebook.com/groups/419769031403382/
Next TRAC meeting: 13 May, 6:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy
www.facebook.com/groups/136693353012193/
Homework Group / SPACE
Contact Pam on 07516 747718 deacpam@gmail.com
EASTER FAIR
www.southleedslife.com
Cottingley’s newest business
Hair Designs is a new hair, tanning and botox salon, which opened in March after an £8,000 refit. Manager Paul Howley said they had made a positive start and taken lots of bookings. Contact the salon on (0113) 225 5897 or 07982 658507, or call in.
A Centre for all the Community Cottingley’s Community Centreis located in a building it shares with the church and the doctor’s surgery. The physical arrangement mirrors the sense of collaboration as everyone seems to be pulling together.
last year. The Trust also funds the SPACE project which runs on Tuesday afternoons from 5:15pm. SPACE is a church run youth club with Christian adult volunteers present. The time begins with some energetic games, followed by various activities, such as craft, table games etc. The session concludes with a shared meal before the young people leave. Tired of hearing footballs being kicked against the wall whilst they were trying to do their homework, the young people have successfully lobbied for a new Multi Use Games Area to be built on the estate. They surveyed residents to gauge support and identify an acceptable site. Now the hard work of fundraising starts. As well as the weekly sessions SPACE runs an Impact Week every Easter.The young people get involved in litter picks and tidying older people’s gardens and then enjoy a celebration event. This year the event has been joined by TRAC and others to make an Easter Fair. On Tuesday 14 April hundreds of residents of all ages will descend on the community centre to enjoy an egg hunt, easter bonnet competition, stalls, nail bar, bouncy
A range of organisations run regular events at the centre. Tuesday mornings see a chair exercise class for people aged 55 and over. Sitting down enables all abilities to take part. The sessions, from 11:15am to 12:15pm, are run by South Leeds Live at Home Scheme. The class is followed by tea and a chat. Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 3pm you’ll find young people getting stuck into their homework. The Homework Club is run for pupils in Years 7 and 8 to help make sure they get the best start at high school. The club has access to computers, adults on hand to help and time for a few games. Sharon D'Ambrosio, Project Leader said: “This is a very practical project; helping young people with their homework and school studies. But much more than this, it is also a very relational project.The relationships that have been formed with the young people and the leaders and volunteers have enriched the lives of A selfie with the Archbishop these young people who attend. Not only do they find help castle and much more.The fun takes with their homework, but they also place from 2-4pm. encounter friendship, a sense of On Wednesday mornings at 9am belonging, a listening ear, sound there’s the Cottingley Community advice and fun” HUB coffee morning. Watch out for The club receives funding from news as new activities and classes Archbishop of York Youth Trust and are being planned. You will find Archbishop John Sentamu visited detailsin our What’s On section.
Groundwork need YOUR help to support Holbeck sheds project. An environmental charity is appealing for help having just launched its first ever crowdfunding appeal. Groundwork Leeds is aiming to raise £10,000 for their Men In Sheds project, which supports older men across the city who are at risk of social isolation.The appeal will enable the project to carry out its vital work five days a week instead of the four it currently operates.
individuals and local businesses to support the project. Will added: “We have decided to appeal via crowdfunding as we wanted to publicise the amazing work we do but also give something back to those who support us. The men are producing bespoke hand crafted objects for those kind enough to support us making anything from a chopping board to a money box. “To the men, the Shed is more than just a workshop, it’s a space to socialise, share skills and
The Leeds shed, based in Holbeck, supports older men to try their hand at carpentry, carving and whittling. It is completely free to attend, all equipment and materials are provided, and no previous experience is necessary. Manager of the project Will Gore commented, “Since we opened our doors we have been inundated and the shed is really thriving. This is a really valuable project supporting men to build up selfesteem, engage in physical activity and receive the support of like-minded individuals.” The Leeds-based charity has until 5 May to reach its target of £10,000 and is using the reward model of crowdfunding. This means that those who pledge receive a gift in return and the project will only be funded if at least £10,000 is raised. Those who pledge to back the appeal can receive anything from a unique homemade gift to the opportunity to experience the shed first hand by joining the men for a session. Groundwork Leeds is appealing to
knowledge, or just have a cup of tea and a biscuit. “This project is aimed mainly at men over 55, although we do have younger men coming here. We would love to be able to open five days a week and carry on supporting the men in sheds.” To make a pledge towards the project please visit the campaign: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/menin-sheds The project funded by Leeds City Council and managed by charity Groundwork Leeds has been running since September 2012. It brings men together to share skills and experiences, make new friends and making anything from a chessboard to a bird box.
www.southleedslife.com
6 Focus on Cottingley
Cottingley community is right on TRAC The estate, properly called Cottingley Hall, comprises mostly 1970s council houses and is dominated by the two tower blocks, reputedly the tallest in Leeds. I met up with Christine Robinson-Perkins and Vikki Blake to find out about community life in Cottingley. Between them they are involved in most of the organisations active on the estate, notably Cottingley Hall TRAC (Tenants & Residents Association of Cottingley) and Cottingley In Bloom. They stress that nothing happens without a lot of other people. “I just keep digging out volunteers” Christine says. Both women appear to be do-ers.When they first got involved the breakfast club at Dulverton Court sheltered housing was folding due to lack of funds. Refusing to accept that was a problem, Christine went to the shop bought some coffee milk and biscuits with her own money and carried on. Seven years later the club is still going and in fact runs itself with residents paying a small amount each week. TRAC bought the group a bingo machine and organises
occasional fish and chip lunches as well as the hot breakfasts and coffee mornings. I ask them what they think their greatest achievement has been. There’s pause and I prod them that sorting out the square with planters after the old Cottingley Arms pub was
meetings - work, childcare, mobility all get in the way.To get round this TRAC started a Facebook Group. It now has 530 members and plenty of lively discussions. “If people can’t get to the meeting they can ask their question on Facebook” explains Christine, “we can ask it for them and then post the answer so they, and everyone else gets an answer.” Bin collections and flytipping have been long standing problems on the estate, but Facebook has opened up another channel for reporting problems and Council officers generally respond quickly. The relationship with the Police is trickier, but Vikki and Christine put Vikki and Christine this down to underreporting of crimes on the demolished is quite impressive. estate which leads to less Police “Yes, but really the best thing activity on the estate. has been getting to know lots of Christine is just starting a new people and helping to sort out role running the community the day to day issues. centre. She wants to add to the “We have built up a good current activities and is looking relationship with Councillors into starting a women’s self and agencies, so we can usually defence class, but first on the get things sorted, or at least get agenda is the Easter Fair on a straight answer.” Tuesday 14 April, which is being Like many groups TRAC organised jointly by TRAC, the doesn’t get a lot of people Homework Club and coming to their two monthly Groundwork.
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
South Leeds Life | April 2015
April 2015 | South Leeds Life
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
Website: www.southleedslife.com
Cottingley Community Centre Tuesday 14 March from 2-4pm Egg Hunt - Easter Bonnet Competition Nail Bar - Bouncy Castle Sumo Suits - Stalls - Refreshments Everyone welcome!
News 7
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Men in Sheds need YOUR support
In Bloom group brightens estate
Over the last three years Cottingley in Bloom has worked with residents and partners to bring green-fingered colour to the estate. Events have included planting up the beds in the square with flowers and vegetables; bulb planting; estate clean ups and installing the Cottingley Christmas Tree. Their next big project is to rejuvinate the community garden at the Community Centre This year the group have decided to enter the Yorkshire In Bloom competition.
The group’s Chair, Cllr Angela Gabriel said: “It’s all about brightening up Cottingley. “We raise money buy plants and create new beds. Everyone mucks in and we’re grateful to the help from Groundwork and Mears. We also had staff from McDonalds helping us last year. “We’re always looking for new people to get involved. You don’t need to know anything about gardening, we can show you what to do. You’ll meet new friends, it’s a chance to enjoy the environment and make a difference.”
Get involved! Cottingley in Bloom: 13 April, 1:30pm Cottingley Heights Community Room
www.facebook.com/groups/419769031403382/
Next TRAC meeting: 13 May, 6:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy
www.facebook.com/groups/136693353012193/
Homework Group / SPACE
Contact Pam on 07516 747718 deacpam@gmail.com
EASTER FAIR
www.southleedslife.com
Cottingley’s newest business
Hair Designs is a new hair, tanning and botox salon, which opened in March after an £8,000 refit. Manager Paul Howley said they had made a positive start and taken lots of bookings. Contact the salon on (0113) 225 5897 or 07982 658507, or call in.
A Centre for all the Community Cottingley’s Community Centreis located in a building it shares with the church and the doctor’s surgery. The physical arrangement mirrors the sense of collaboration as everyone seems to be pulling together.
last year. The Trust also funds the SPACE project which runs on Tuesday afternoons from 5:15pm. SPACE is a church run youth club with Christian adult volunteers present. The time begins with some energetic games, followed by various activities, such as craft, table games etc. The session concludes with a shared meal before the young people leave. Tired of hearing footballs being kicked against the wall whilst they were trying to do their homework, the young people have successfully lobbied for a new Multi Use Games Area to be built on the estate. They surveyed residents to gauge support and identify an acceptable site. Now the hard work of fundraising starts. As well as the weekly sessions SPACE runs an Impact Week every Easter.The young people get involved in litter picks and tidying older people’s gardens and then enjoy a celebration event. This year the event has been joined by TRAC and others to make an Easter Fair. On Tuesday 14 April hundreds of residents of all ages will descend on the community centre to enjoy an egg hunt, easter bonnet competition, stalls, nail bar, bouncy
A range of organisations run regular events at the centre. Tuesday mornings see a chair exercise class for people aged 55 and over. Sitting down enables all abilities to take part. The sessions, from 11:15am to 12:15pm, are run by South Leeds Live at Home Scheme. The class is followed by tea and a chat. Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 3pm you’ll find young people getting stuck into their homework. The Homework Club is run for pupils in Years 7 and 8 to help make sure they get the best start at high school. The club has access to computers, adults on hand to help and time for a few games. Sharon D'Ambrosio, Project Leader said: “This is a very practical project; helping young people with their homework and school studies. But much more than this, it is also a very relational project.The relationships that have been formed with the young people and the leaders and volunteers have enriched the lives of A selfie with the Archbishop these young people who attend. Not only do they find help castle and much more.The fun takes with their homework, but they also place from 2-4pm. encounter friendship, a sense of On Wednesday mornings at 9am belonging, a listening ear, sound there’s the Cottingley Community advice and fun” HUB coffee morning. Watch out for The club receives funding from news as new activities and classes Archbishop of York Youth Trust and are being planned. You will find Archbishop John Sentamu visited detailsin our What’s On section.
Groundwork need YOUR help to support Holbeck sheds project. An environmental charity is appealing for help having just launched its first ever crowdfunding appeal. Groundwork Leeds is aiming to raise £10,000 for their Men In Sheds project, which supports older men across the city who are at risk of social isolation.The appeal will enable the project to carry out its vital work five days a week instead of the four it currently operates.
individuals and local businesses to support the project. Will added: “We have decided to appeal via crowdfunding as we wanted to publicise the amazing work we do but also give something back to those who support us. The men are producing bespoke hand crafted objects for those kind enough to support us making anything from a chopping board to a money box. “To the men, the Shed is more than just a workshop, it’s a space to socialise, share skills and
The Leeds shed, based in Holbeck, supports older men to try their hand at carpentry, carving and whittling. It is completely free to attend, all equipment and materials are provided, and no previous experience is necessary. Manager of the project Will Gore commented, “Since we opened our doors we have been inundated and the shed is really thriving. This is a really valuable project supporting men to build up selfesteem, engage in physical activity and receive the support of like-minded individuals.” The Leeds-based charity has until 5 May to reach its target of £10,000 and is using the reward model of crowdfunding. This means that those who pledge receive a gift in return and the project will only be funded if at least £10,000 is raised. Those who pledge to back the appeal can receive anything from a unique homemade gift to the opportunity to experience the shed first hand by joining the men for a session. Groundwork Leeds is appealing to
knowledge, or just have a cup of tea and a biscuit. “This project is aimed mainly at men over 55, although we do have younger men coming here. We would love to be able to open five days a week and carry on supporting the men in sheds.” To make a pledge towards the project please visit the campaign: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/menin-sheds The project funded by Leeds City Council and managed by charity Groundwork Leeds has been running since September 2012. It brings men together to share skills and experiences, make new friends and making anything from a chessboard to a bird box.
South Leeds Life | April 2015
www.southleedslife.com
8 Opinion
In our view
Park Opportunities
We don’t know know anyone who wanted to see Middleton Park golf course close, but we are where we are. There are now opportunities to bring new facilities to the green jewel of South Leeds. Do you want to see more cycling in the park? A BMX or mounyain bike track? Please take some time to look at the plans and take part in the consultation.
Grassroots
If Parkrun proves one thing, it shows a small investment can go a long way. It’s a simple idea: a weekly, free, measured, timed, 5k run or walk. You take part, you measure your progress. The enthusiasm and foresight of the organisers is to be congratulated as they pass their second anniversary with ober 100 runners taking part each week.
Come on you Hawks!
Supporting a sports team can be a frustrating occupation. Hunslet Hawks have shown what they can do this season, but so far they lack consistency. They have the potential to stay in Rugby League’s second tier. Please don’t put ius through the anguish of a relegatuon fight. The whole of South Leeds is behind you so come boys, show a bit of consistency and do yourselves justice. #WeAreHunslet
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
Your letters and comments
Top Tweets
Garnets Greenspace
I think Toby and Andrew are doing a fantastic job and the proposal looks good - having a green space in front of your house where you can see your kids playing. I think Garnets does need green space. Looking at the plans, what you’re proposing is a good idea. There is nothing like the community spirit from having an outdoor space in a between really built up area. Noor Zaman Tidying up land before the council build on it? It’s a waste of time. And shouldn’t the council be doing this? Brian Findlay This is an extremely difficult one to make a judgment call on as to what’s best; green space vs family homes. On the one hand there is the chronic lack of green space for locals who have to travel an inconvenient distance to get some. On the other hand there is also massive lack of family housing that’s affordable. From the council’s point of view I’d see why they have opted for the homes. The waiting list for housing is massive and getting bigger as the city grows and the process of bring back into use the empty properties across the area and city is slow, as either owners don’t want to do so themselves or where the council is starting to buy these properties back they are having to do so slowly due to their market value. Green space is of course hugely positive in terms of wellbeing and I know there is growing calls for the area being used as a
@Hunslet Rugby @edleeds @AdamPOgilvie @hilarybennmp join in the fun at this morning's Parkrun pickup #teamwork #community car park next to The Tetley near Leeds Dock to be used as a mix of a small urban park and family homes for the same reason. My heart is with the locals on the need of green space but I have to side with the council on this. Not having a home has a greater mental and physical impact on someone’s health than not having green space and those 25 homes are dearly needed. It’s a shame but it’s in my view, the right call. Paul Wray
Matthew Murray
I really liked and enjoyed reading your post about Matthew Murray. To be honest with you I didn’t know anything about this person and what you were doing that day painting the raillings. Untill now, I did a little bit of research about Matthew Murray on the Wikipedia website. I didn’t know he was an engineer. I love engineering and I am so appreciative of what these people Beeston & Holbeck ward did for us in the past. We owe Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old them for the technology we have Holbeck. The three councillors are: now. David Congreve 0113 277 7389 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk Morteza
Your Councillors and MP Angela Gabriel Adam Ogilvie
07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk 0113 247 4578 adam.ogilvie@leeds.gov.uk
City & Hunslet ward 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
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:
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: Suite 7, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097
Holbeck Winter Magic
Not being a native of Leeds, and indeed not Familiar with the city at all, I am drawn to visit In the hopes of experiencing some of the beauty that is so ably pictured other words of the writer. It may be that we can retrace the route describe on our next visit, and see what you have seen. Thank you, a very evocative piece! Brian
Hunslet Moor Park
Could I ask Councillor Davey who the local residents were he consulted with regarding these
plans to improve Hunslet Moor? I live extremely close to this park and neither myself nor any neighbours knew anything about the plans until workmen turned up to start work on the new path. Whilst anything to improve the area must be welcomed, can I ask the following: Will it stop the end of Moor Road being used as a rubbish tip? Will it stop people throwing rubbish out of their cars or the footballers who use the field throwing down their plastic bottles etc? Will it stop the drinkers throwing down their empty cans or breaking bottles on the paths and road? Will it encourage people exercising their dogs to pick up after them? I doubt if the new facilities will prevent any of this, in fact probably make it worse if it brings more people to the area. At the moment, the new path and trees are in place but the bollards have not been re-instated at the Moor Road end to prevent unwanted vehicles being driven onto the fields. Judy Sismey
@BasementArts southleedslife.com/videogroundwo… This project is looking for support.Visit the @SouthLeedsLife and check out their video. @GatsbysPants @WestYorksPolice @SouthLeedsLife Any idea why the copper chopper is practically sitting on my roof?? @SouthLeedsLife @Gatsbyspants @WestYorksPolice It’s worth following the helicopter’s twitter feed: @NPAS_CarrGate @Kenn_Taylor Banner project with schoolchildren from around Dewsbury Road
Beeston Plan
I can not make it to any of the meetings for Beeston Forum, however, I would like the panel to consider placing a community noticeboard near the Co-op. It could be used to display events and community information. Letting residents know what’s happening in Beeston on a monthly basis. I have asked other people if they like the idea of a community noticeboard and the majority of people said it was a great idea. Julie Gill
Join the debate. Comment online, email your letter to info@southleedslife.com, or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW. Letters may be edited for publication.
Keep up to date with the latest comments and debate at: www.southleedslife.com
@LeedsEmpties Had a wander around Holbeck today as part of the council's Neighbourhood Approach. Saw around 20 empty homes - probably missed a few more. @TheWorksLeeds Free Coaching Tuesdays - Skateboard coaching Wednesdays - Scooter Coaching Thursdays - BMX Coaching @LeedsDads Do you finger paint with your children? See our recipe and enjoy the colour!
www.southleedslife.com
Website: www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | February 2015
My Life in South Leeds 9
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Parkrun marks two years and 100 runs Trumpeter Emil Andrews played the theme tune from BBC’s athletics coverage as 103 runners set off on the 100th Parkrun event in Cross Flatts Park, Beeston on Saturday 14 March. Cross Flatts Parkrun is a weekly free, measured, timed 5km run or walk, held every Saturday at 9am. It is run by volunteers and over two years has built its numbers to a regular 80 or 90. For the centenary a few extra people made the effort and 27 runners broke their PB – personal best time. At the end of the run, people retired to the Feel Good Café at Hillside to share tea and cake. We asked a range of regular runners for their views about Parkrun. Here’s what they said:
Sally Cieslik: Ninety four Cross Flatts Parkruns ago I did my first one – I had started running when a friend sent me a link to a ‘Couch to 5K’ programme on the internet and trudged my way around the park doing just that (not that I had ever spent that much time on a couch to be honest!). That was way before Parkrun started and I thought I liked running on my own really – I wasn’t fussed about anyone I knew seeing me (in fact as my garden backs on to the park I didn’t even need to go outside the front door). I envisaged that these sort of events were not really for people like me who were not super fit, not under 21, not in prerequisite amount of lycra, didn’t own a fancy stopwatch, water bottle
Phil Hodgson: For me it’s the simplicity of it that makes Parkrun special and the fact it asks nothing in return. Other than the initial registration there is no red tape. There is no cost involved which means it is inclusive and welcomes everyone. I have also enjoyed seeing people “grow” over time. Not just in terms of running ability but by the way they interact with others and take on new tasks as volunteers that initially they were unsure of. The fact people are always willing to volunteer shows that people are willing to put something back. I think it’s the social element that brings people back every week. I can go for a run any day of the week but Saturday is a chance to meet and make new friends. I feel Cross Flatts is really special in this respect. South Leeds had no established running groups but Parkrun has brought like minded people together and out of that has come two new running groups: South Leeds Sisters and more recently the South Leeds Lakers. Also it’s not just about the running – we’ve held two Christmas parties and supported each other in other community events such as The Carols in the Park and a great turn out to watch Hunslet in the Grand Final.
or earphones and weren’t training for at least the Great North Run or the London Marathon! When I heard we were getting a Parkrun I thought I’d give it a go but had already decided it probably wasn’t for me. Despite that I did (after missing the first 5 get around to going (it seemed churlish not to – after all not every park has a Parkrun) and surprise surprise it wasn’t a bit like that. I came back several times and then someone handed me a card about a local women’s running group, the South Leeds Sisters, suggesting that it was fun and also would help with technique. I wasn’t fussed about technique either but after a while I gave that a go too and suddenly found people who enjoyed running, training and talking simultaneously – what more could a girl want! Now as I head up to the park on a Saturday morning I look forward to catching up with friends and know that I will run 5K, it might be a slow day or a fast day but whichever it is I’ll feel great when I’ve done it (well not immediately after I’ve done it!) … and then to cap it all – Parkrun keeps a note of my time and so I can see how I’m doing simply by scanning a barcode.
So as 100 of us ran the 100th Parkrun I find I’m 100% more up for running, I’ve met loads of new friends, I feel fitter and healthier (and pretty smug on Saturdays) – what’s more I get all this for free and on my back doorstep. Here’s to the next 100 Parkruns and the next 100 South Leeds residents that get bitten by the Parkrun bug – see you at Parkrun #200!
Bruce Davies: In years gone by I have always enjoyed the feeling to be had from putting on the running shoes and the personal stereo and taking a run around the coastline of the Wirral, the place in which I was born. Beaches with lighthouses, country paths, farm fields and the sun setting behind the Welsh hills on the other side of the River Dee. Swimming, Badminton and sweat drenched sessions in the gym in a personal world of Nirvana, Neil Young, Ministry, Public Enemy, Pop Will Eat Itself, Air, Jesus Jones etcetera . . . . Waking up twenty five years later in a different body, that of a 42 year old diabetic, mild end of the spectrum, with two jobs, three children and the cumulative aches and pains of a decade long sedentary job I realise that true hope lies in such organisations as Parkrun. The opportunity for the picturesque solitude of running through the rural countryside is now a distant memory as I navigate instead the clogged arteries of long days in the city. Instead what I have discovered through Parkrun is the companionship, inspiration and determination of people with aims and aspirations. Each Saturday as I rack up the miles on the physical clock I feel time slowing down and the psychological effects of the ageing process become less of an issue. Parkrun represents not just the potential for a reversal of the effects of ill health but also a relief, a break from routine and an opportunity to mix with people whose nature is one of encouragement and enthusiasm. I have to admit that I have my wife Debs, known in some circles as Roseytints, to thank for introducing me to this, but I have Parkrun to thank for rekindling a love of running that I had believed to be lost a long time ago.Vive Le Parkrun! Ewan Mitchell: I’ll be honest, when I first heard of Parkrun coming to Cross Flatts Park, it wasn’t for me. I was relativity new to running and there were a couple of things in the way of me joining in.
Firstly, if I ran at the weekend it was on a Sunday not a Saturday. Secondly, the idea of starting a run at 9am felt daft. I had already become used to getting up early, going for a run and being back home ready to start the day before Parkrun had even started. Thirdly, I training for my first 10k and then my first half marathon and 5k, the allotted Parkrun distance just didn’t feel far enough to fit into my plans. Finally, I ran alone. Groups were for race days, not runs around the park. Parkrun was not for me. I’m not sure if I could have been any more wrong. I insist that I did the right thing by sticking to my training schedule, but I was wrong about 5k being too short a distance for training. I was wrong about giving myself time to have breakfast before running, and I was wrong about group running. Parkrun is not just about running around a park, sure that’s part of it, and there is the illusive PB to achieve, but the community aspect of Parkrun is the reason I keep going back. The camaraderie between runners of all abilities is more addictive than running itself. Comparing first hand notes on technique and nutrition is much better than researching on the internet and being cheered on by strangers who want you to do well is intoxicating. I’ve only been to 25 of the 100 Cross Flatts Parkruns, 8 of those as a volunteer, but I really feel like part of the Parkrun family and can’t wait for the 200th anniversary to come around. Ed Carlisle: Park Run is a little local miracle. When the three of us met with the national coordinator to learn about setting it up, it seemed a bit like a shot in the dark – we had very little sense how or if it would take in the local area. But in just two years, it’s become this vibrant, friendly, and highly cooperative venture with a beautiful sense of community. Loads of regular people who’ve never been into running have found it welcoming and positive. And there are scores of enthusiastic volunteers involved; so nowadays, I’m rarely needed to help out – which is great, except it means I don’t have an excuse for not running
anymore! Mark Hodgkinson: The Cross Flatts Parkrun was for me a step into the unknown. When it began, I felt unsure about many things: I was already very busy and had 2 very young children and was concerned about how much I would have to commit to make it work; would people come; would we have enough volunteers; would I have to be in the park every Saturday morning at 9am. Despite the concerns we pressed on and I can honestly say that Parkrun has been one of the best things I have ever been involved in. The statistics speak for themselves – over 1240 different runners, 100 events etc – but as ever the numbers and the stats don’t come anywhere near to telling the story. For me Parkrun is all about the people. Occasionally I run – and through Parkrun I have undoubtedly become fitter and faster and it certainly feeds my competitive tendencies to beat myself every time I run – but far more often I arrive at the park with my family to volunteer and to see people who have become very dear to me and my family – special friends who if it hadn’t been for Parkrun I would never had met. And the great thing is I don’t think this is just true for me. I’m not that interested in Cross Flatts Parkrun growing in numbers. I would much rather see friendships grow and Parkrun continuing to be a place where people are welcomed into what is becoming a very special extended family.
South Leeds Life | April 2015
www.southleedslife.com
10 What’s On
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
What’s On
Fitness Classes
Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in April Wednesday 1 April Arts & Crafts Course 10am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd CAP Job Club 10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub Hunslet Tenants & Residents Association 6:30-8pm Church of Nazarene, Grove Road Thursday 2 April Tea & Toast 8:30-9:30am Beeston Parish Centre Hunslet Carr Residents Association 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friday 3 April (Good Friday) Easter Family Fun 7:30-11pm Cross Flatts Recreation club, Theodore St Saturday 4 April Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Easter Bunny Hunt 11am-4pm Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet Sunday 5 April Easter Fun Day 10am-12pm Hunslet Club Easter Bunny Hunt 11am-4pm Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet Spring Festival
11am-4pm Thwaite Mills Watermill, stourton Monday 6 April (Bank Hol) Easter Bunny Hunt 11am-4pm Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet Tuesday 7 April Friends of Stank Hall Barn 7:30pm Tommy Wass pub, Dewsbury Road Wednesday 8 April Bird Survey 7-9am Middleton Park Visitor Centre Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd Spring Animals 10am-12pm Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, Hunslet Arts & Crafts Course
For up to date event information make sure you go online to
www.southleedslife.com and check the What’s On Calendar
10am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friday 10 April South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Saturday 11 April Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Heritage Deisel Service 11am-4pm Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet Sunday 12 April Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Waiting For Stanley 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 13 April Cottingley In Bloom 1:30pm Cottingley Heights Community Room Beeston Local History Society 8pm Beeston Parish Centre Wednesday 15 April Ancient Egypt 10am-12pm Leeds Discovery Centre, Carlisle Road, Hunslet Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd Arts & Crafts Course 10am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre Thursday 16 April Make a Nature Notebook 11am-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Friday 17 April South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Saturday 18 April Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton
Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Leeds Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Sunday 19 April Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Tuesday 21 April Fun at Family Tea 3:30-5pm Belle Isle Family Centre, Belle Isle Road Music At The Hub 4-6pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle Wednesday 22 April Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd Arts & Crafts Course 10am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre CAP Job Club 10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Thursday 23 April Tea & Toast 8:30-9:30am Beeston Parish Centre Friday 24 April South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle In Harmony Community Choir 12:30-1:15pm Windmill Primary School, Belle Isle Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre Saturday 25 April Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Sunday 26 April Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Penelope Retold 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, Bath Road, Holbeck Tuesday 28 April Fun at Family Tea 3:30-5pm Belle Isle Family Centre, Belle Isle Road Music At The Hub 4-6pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle Wednesday 29 April Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd CAP Job Club 10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Thursday 30 April Tea & Toast 8:30-9:30am Beeston Parish Centre
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
Mondays: General fitness for the over 55's 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Beeston. Keep Fit 4:15-5pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Beginners Phoenix Bar, John Charles Centre Tuesdays: Keep Fit 9:30am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston Chair based mobility session 11.30am - 1pm tea and chat after session Cottingley Community Centre Social Running with South Leeds Lakers 7pm from Beeston Co-op Wednesdays: Chair mobility 10-10:45am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room Male only Sports Sessions 4-5pm Old Cockburn Sports Hall General fitness 6-7pm Belle Isle Family Centre Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 7.15pm Improvers Phoenix Bar, John Charles Centre Clubbercise 7:15-8pm Dance and get fit in the dark with disco lights and glow sticks Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Thursdays: Chair based mobility group and games group 11:15am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Line Dancing 1pm Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room Mashed up fitness session aerobic dance 1:45-2:45pm Beeston Village Community Centre Cheer Fit 5:30-6:30pm South Leeds Youth Hub Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Intermediates Phoenix Bar, John Charles Centre for Sport General fitness 6-7pm Beeston Parish Centre Clubbercise 7:15pm-8pm Beeston Parish Centre Saturdays: Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Run or walk 5km Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Sundays: Circuit Training 4:30-5:15pm Beeston Parish Centre Clubbercise 5:15-6pm Beeston Parish Centre
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
www.southleedslife.com
Website: www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | April 2015
Local history 11
Email: info@southleedslife.com
A lick of paint for Matthew Murray Monument by Lucy Potter
The Matthew Murray memorial railings in Holbeck were given a new lick of paint on Saturday 14 March. John Cummins from Groundwork led the team which included active residents: Lauren Butler, partner Conor Sheader and myself. This restorative project comes from the City Connect initiative Groundwork is involved in, which aims to get more people out and about in the community. Public street audits with Holbeck in Bloom helped to identify things that were hindrances to people walking to the city centre. These
railings will help lift this part of the walkway. Matthew Murray was the pioneering Victorian engineer who did much to develop steam engines from his Round Foundry factory in Holbeck. His memorial, appropriatly made of cast iron, stands in St Matthew’s churchyard. The rain held off but the cold weather kept us on our toes as Lauren and I squeezed through the gap in the railings to paint from inside the monument. Our fetching onesies were surprisingly warm, but it didn’t keep passers by from coming over and having a look what we were doing. One resident was interested and thought at first we were on
Rev John Kendall Amongst the graves in Holbeck Cemetery you will find that of Rev John Hutton Fisher Kendall. Ken Burton has been finding out about this Vicar of Holbeck who led the first burial service at the cemetery. Three month old Ruth Mathers was the first person to be buried at Holbeck Cemetery on 2 July 1857 following a service at St Matthew’s church. Rev John Kendall had been appointed Vicar of Holbeck two years earlier and he would serve the parish for 23 years taking great interest in welfare and politics as well as ministering to his parishioners. John Hutton Fisher Kendall was born at Bridlington on 22 September 1815. His father was Rev W Kendall, Rector of Marske in North Yorkshire and his mother, Mary, was the daughter of Rev J Fisher of Thrimby Hall, Westmoreland (Cumbria). After education at St Bees Theological College he was ordained a Deacon in 1839. Kendall was passionate about education. In a time when most working people had no education, he promoted the need for ‘Elementary’ education. He worked with John Marshall, the mill owner and MP who built Temple Mill and Marshall Mill, providing a Day School for his workers’ children. In 1870 the first Education Act was passed, introducing universal elementary education. School Boards were elected in every district and John Kendall was elected to the first Leeds School Board. His skills as an able administrator must have been valued as there was a large scale programme to build schools throughout the city. Hunslet Carr Primary School, Hillside on Beeston Road and Adams Court on
Whitehall Road all date from this time. Leeds was seen to be at the forefront of education and Kendall established the Attendance Committee to ensure children were receiving an education. Under Kendall’s leadership attendance in Leeds rose from 22,000 to 50,000 in the first six years, with far few families prosecuted for not sending their children to school (rather than out to work) than cities such as Birmingham and Manchester.
Lucy Potter and Lauren Butler. Photo: Morteza Fatahi
community service. I think he was surprised when we said we doing it
out of the sheer pleasure of improving the area. I didn’t forget to
plug the Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan forum on 25 April 2015 at St Matthew’s Community Centre. Painting the railings was fulfilling once they were done. But what was more enjoyable was being together for that short period of time doing something different. We had a laugh just chatting and sharing our stories within the area. Holbeck in Bloom, through the City Connect project, are planning to put up finger posts to show the route(s) to the city centre from Holbeck. The monument is a key point on the route. I’m looking forward to walking past when the sun shines and glistens off the new paintwork on my way into town.
Gladys the golfers’ friend Brian Hetherington grew up in Middleton, but now lives in Essex. He got in touch after seeing our coverage of the closure of Middleton Park golf course: “I was sad to read about the closure of the golf club. My mother was the pro’s assistant and also sold the tickets for 22 years without a day off. When she started Phil Day was the pro till he left and took over the Middleton Arms. The new pro was Ted Dockery (pictured right, with Gladys) till his death. His son was a pro in Germany. My mother took me to work in my pram. I remember a school mate won a golfing scholarship, his name was John Mayhew. I lost touch when I joined up and came down south. My mum will be turning in her grave at the closure of the course. “ The cutting from the Yorkshire Evening Post reveals that during her 22 years at the course Gladys Hetherington never ‘raised a club in anger’. Clearly their photographer coaxed her onto the putting green.
We would love to to hear your stories about South Leeds in years gone by. Your memories, family stories, or a bit of history that you’ve discovered. Email: info@southleedslife.com or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Gove, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 7BW
Kendall first stood for election to the School Board as an Independent, but later stood for the Church of England Party and later the Conservative Party. He wrote several books on conservative politics and was a regular public speaker. He also founded and was President of the Holbeck Pitt Conservative Club at the corner of Domestic Street and Shafton Lane. The Club was named after William Pitt the Younger who was Prime Minister between 1783 and 1806. John Hutton Fisher Kendall died on 8 February 1879 after five years of ill health. He is buried in Holbeck Cemetery.
Readers’ replies
Thank you for publishing my story last month, but there a few points I want to clarify. Firstly, I want to make it clear that although we got free rail tickets because my father worked on the railway, the holidays weren’t free – my Mum worked damn hard to make sure we could have a holiday each year! Secondly, whilst we called the women who lived on our street ‘Auntie’, they weren’t of course real aunties – we weren’t all related. Your article about the workhouse has a couple of errors.There is nothing but the perimeter wall left of the Holbeck Union Workhouse on Lane End Place. St Luke’s school is now on
the site in completely new buildings and it is an outstanding school.You also say that the Thackray Museum at St James’ was a workhouse, but it was a old person’s hospital, I remember visiting my grandmother there. Mrs Lillian Turner
Fountain
What did Lillian have to say about the Holbeck Moor drinking fountain? Can she describe it? Does she a have a photo of it? Does she have any idea what happened to it or when it was removed? I’d love to hear from her (or anybody else who remembers it). Steve Peacock
Workhouse
When I first came to work as a teacher in Leeds, I taught at the old St Luke’s Primary school on St Luke’s Road where the new houses are being built. I was in the Infants’ department and my old ‘blue’ register became so full of names because of children coming and going from South Lodge, as the women’s section of the workhouse was called then. The children were very poor and often turned up without shoes, but we kept a supply of old ‘black pumps’ to give them. Beeston St Luke’s Primary is now on the site of the old workhouse. EveTidswell
www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | April 2015
12 Sport
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
Mixed March for stuttering Hawks by Stephen Clark, Tom Leak & Jeremy Morton Hunslet Hawks have suffered mixed fortunes during March as their first campaign in the Kingstone Press Championship has progressed. Defeats to Bradford Bulls and Sheffield Eagles have been balanced by home wins against Dewsbury Rams and Doncaster see the Hawks lying ninth in the table at the end of the month, with four points from five matches. March started with an impressive 18-6 victory over Dewsbury. A hard fought first half in wet conditions saw Hunslet kick three penalties and finished with a late try for George Flanagan. The second half started with another try, this time Vinny Finigan found the gap. Dewsbury scored on 67 minutes and the Hawks dug in, giving a good defensive display to see the match out. The trip to Odsall was always going to be difficult and so it proved. Bradford Bulls will surely be going back to the Super League at the end
of the season and showed little difficulty putting 56 points on the board as they scored almost at will throughout the match. The Hawks travelling support kept their spirits and finally had something to cheer when Luke Briscoe scored a late consolation try. Back at South Leeds Stadium to entertain Doncaster, Hunslet made a dream start with an early breakaway try from Andy Kain. But the rest of the first half was a catalogue of errors that had Coach Barry Eaton apoplectic on the sidelines. Somehow the Hawks went in at half time 12-10 ahead. However the Hawks took control in the second half and Andy Kain completed his hat-trick as they ran out 32-12 winners. The league was put to one side as Hunslet travelled to Gloucester in the Challenge Cup. There was no upset as Mo Agoro’s second half hattrick helped the Hawks see off the All Golds 10-28. They progress to the fifth round where they will meet the Dewsbury Rams. The final match of the month was a trip to Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium to meet Sheffield Eagles. Hunslet entered the game in great
spirits following two good results, but an injury to Jimmy Keinhorst just moments into the game signalled what would be a difficult game for the Hawks.At half time they were 122 down and had lost 3 players to injury, whilst Sheffield had Taulapapa sent off.The second half started with yet another Hunslet injury, but also a try for Brad Brennan saw the score move to 18-8 after 47 minutes. But there was no way back and a battered Hawks team finished the game 28-14 down. There has been a lot to praise about the Hawks play this season. They have been skilful in attack and dogged in defence. Frustratingly, this good play has only appeared in patches and at times they have lost concentration and momentum. If they can gather some constancy they should do well this season. April won’t prove any easier than March as Hunslet start the month by entertaining league leaders Leigh Centurions on Good Friday at South Leeds Stadium. They will have the chance to progress in the Challenge Cup as they face Dewsbury Rams in another home fixture on 19th.
Photo: Stephen Gaunt / Touchlinepics.com
Keep up to date with Hawks’ news. Full match reports are posted the same day at www.southleedslife.com April fixtures: Fri 3 (H) v Leigh Centurions 2pm Mon 6 (A) v Halifax 3pm Sun 12 (H) v Whitehaven 3pm Sun 19 (H)!v Dewsbury Rams 3pm (Challenge Cup) Sun 26 (A)!v Workington Town 3pm
Meet Middleton’s golfing prodigy by Lucy Potter
The shutters roll upwards at the PGA Academy at Oulton Hall. Suddenly, an expanse of green land dotted with small white golf balls opens up before me. I am here to meet 14 year old Middleton golfer and Cockburn High School pupil, Jennifer Conlon. She is warming up for her training session with enthusiastic Phillip Akers – golf trainer at the academy. They greet each other and Phillip asks Jen if she’s brought her worksheets in from last week’s session. Jen mumbles something about subject surgery at school that day and that she didn’t have enough time to complete them. However, Phillip doesn’t waste any time on the training and Jennifer takes her position and prepares a shot. Her swing is strong and confident, and doesn’t miss to send the ball flying at least 219 yards down the driving range. I try and follow the small white ball disappearing into the distance. She is intimidatingly good. Jennifer has only been playing golf for four years. Craig, her dad a local bus driver says she was 10 years old when she first picked up a club. The family who live near Middleton Golf Course (now closed due to council cuts) used to walk their dog and watch golfers play. Craig said “As soon as she whacked the ball that was it” – they’ve not looked back. Both Jennifer and Dad realised this wasn’t beginners luck, that there was real talent here. She
Jen Conlon with Dad Craig and trophy
started to enter local competitions. At 12 years old Jennifer won the Yorkshire Qualifier for ‘Wee Wonders’ a golf competition for under 12’s. The finals were at St. Andrews, and she was the only Yorkshire girl to represent the region. After coming in 15th place she was then invited to the European Junior competition in Gullane coming in at an exceptional 24th place. This helped springboard Jen into the international golfing arena by being invited to South Africa Golf Junior Africa Challenge last September. Jen proudly holds the trophy with first place engraved into it. Craig says “Well you can’t stand in the way of that, can you?” As well as seeing some stunning parts of the world already Jen has made lots of friends too. There’s a lot of peer support from a shared passion of the sport. Jennifer is now preparing for Scotland again, then the States for the American teen world champions, and onto Italy in August for the Italian Open. She then returns to South Africa in September again. Luckily Jen won’t miss much
school as these all take place in the school holidays, but ouch – also the most expensive time to travel too. Craig is working all the overtime he can get to help save and fund for the trips. He explains it’s £250 to enter each competition then with upkeep of the equipment and expenses you’ve already spent £1,000 before she’s even hit the ball! Jennifer attends Cockburn High School in Beeston and is at a crucial point in choosing her options, but she is staying focused on both school and golfing which is her life. She has a close group of friends that understand her passion for the game and support her. Her family are a great support too. Craig has committed most of his spare time to helping and travelling with Jen.They both admit though, at times they do argue over which clubs to use. Phillip is now monitoring Jen’s ability and skill. Apparently Jen hits more to the right, however, understanding the types of clubs determines the direction the ball will travel. Jen also has a fitness coach who is helping her learn fitness techniques in the gym. Phillip stresses the point that talent at this stage has to be nurtured and they have a holistic approach to the sport. Phillip says “Athlete first, golfer second.” If you would like to help support Jen take the next step towards her golfing dream there is a link www.gofundme.com/nciuz8 where you can make a donation. You can keep up to date with the her progress via the Twitter feeds south Leeds life will be posting.You have one more follower – we’ll be rooting for you Jen!
University of Leeds: Invitation to participate in a phone interview about financial difficulties after age 65.
Have you experienced financial difficulties since turning 65? Researchers at the University of Leeds are doing confidential phone interviews to learn about financial difficulties of people aged 65 and over.
Please give us a call at 0113-343-4597 (C Loibl). We pay £25 for each phone interview (cash cheque).