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Issue 7 | May 2015
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
“Save our Circus”
In this issue:
Hunslet clock ticking again
page 2
say Trolleybus protesters
Community elders celebrate
page 4
Focus on Middleton
page 6-7
Residents from Belle Isle and Hunslet held a picnic on Belle Isle Circus on Saturday 25 April to protest about the plans for the Trolleybus. As South Leeds Life has previously reported,West Yorkshire Metro plan to build the ‘New Generation Transport’ Trolleybus on a route from Stourton to Holt Park. The route would go from a Park & Ride facility by junction 7 of the M621 at Stourton, come through Belle Isle, across the Circus, down Belle Isle Road, through Hunslet past the Garden Gate pub and into the city centre. Protestors claim the scheme is financially flawed, will needlessly damage green space and do nothing for local people. The cost of the system has been estimated at £250m. Government will provide £175m and Leeds City Council will have to fund the balance.
After planning permission was given by Leeds City Council, the decision was ‘called in’ and a Government Inspector appointed to rule on the project. His report, following a Public Inquiry is still awaited. Martin Fitzsimons lives in the Rylands and attended 68 of the 72 days of the recent Public Inquiry as well as addressing the full Council meeting last November. He told us: “The scheme is five years late and they say the costs haven’t gone up? I don’t believe them. The First Bus electric bus scheme would be cheaper and cover more of the city.” Michaela Wood was there with her children. “We regularly bring the children onto the circus to play with the dog or have a picnic. I don’t like the Trolleybus and I don’t want to lose any of the Circus.” Ian Liptrot, a tenant board member at
Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation, said: “The Circus is a focal point for the estate and an important piece of green space. “If the scheme goes ahead there will be one way traffic on Winrose Grove and two sets of traffic lights on Belle Isle Circus. It will lead to traffic delays and other streets becoming rat runs. “The bills will just go up and the government won’t increase their grant, so Leeds City Council will end up paying. And this at a time of austerity and cuts? It doesn’t make sense.” The protesters are also concerned that residents in Belle Isle and other parts of the route will pay the price, but not gain any benefit. They say the project is being built to ferry commuters from outside Leeds who can park on the outskirts and travel into the city centre.
As well as reducing the amount of green space on the circus, the route will require the felling of established trees. West Yorkshire Metro, the organisation behind the scheme, say they will plant new trees to replace these and along the entire route. If the project goes ahead, the NGT Trolleybus will run on the roads, often in its own lane, and take a power feed from overhead wires. Metro claim the Trolleybuses will be quieter and cleaner than conventional buses and will cut journey times and reduce traffic congestion. You can find out more about the Trolleybus at www.ngtmetro.com; and more about the campaign against the Trolleybus on their website at www.stopthetrolleybus.com.
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Election roundup NEWS
page 9
LEEDS!DADS
ELECTIONS
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p9
WHAT’S!ON
p10
SPORT!
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ART
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South Leeds Life | May 2015
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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The clock’s ticking in Hunslet again
The Hunslet St Mary’s clock is ticking again! The iconic clocktower lies in the heart of the Hunslet in more ways than one: it’s the most prominent landmark in Hunslet, and also a much-loved reminder of the community’s proud history. But unfortunately, the clock had been stuck at 10.20 for the past year – and where do you find a suitably-qualified technician to fix a clock that’s more than 150 years old..? Indeed, the clock goes back to 1864, when it was built by world-famous Leeds clockmakers William Potts & Sons. Other clocks of theirs include the Oakwood clocktower up in north Leeds, and the huge Newcastle Cathedral clock. (Potts were taken over by Smiths of Derby in 1933, who are still going today – although sadly, the Leeds premises closed in 2000.) Local resident Kenny Saunders (chairperson of the Hunslet Carr Residents Association) has been looking after the clock for the past few years, but was unable to restart it when it broke
last year. But it’s amazing what a bit of determination and some lucky connections can achieve… Last year, Leeds Industrial Museum (in Armley) hosted an exhibition of Potts clocks, and were able to introduce Kenny to someone who used to work for the firm: one Terry Hill, who worked for Potts between 1978-2010, has travelled round the world with his work, and is now with Hill Tower Clocks based in Methley. He volunteered to come over to have a look – and sure enough, with just a bit of oil, a clean, and some fiddling, Terry was able to coax the old clock (and its light and chimes) back into life. Kenny comments: “It’s great that we found Terry, and we really appreciate him giving up his time and his skills for our community. It’s such a prominent landmark for Hunslet, and we’re all delighted it’s back up and running again.”
Inner SouthCommunity Committee debates isolation
Residents, councillors and local community workers gathered at Middleton Leisure Centre for the latest Community Committee workshop and meeting. The opening session saw participants explore and discuss the issues of social isolation, mental health, and ‘social prescribing’ – a major new NHS priority, whereby patients are encouraged by health professionals to get involved in local projects and activities. Themes that came out included the reality that many different types of people experience isolation -from young parents, older people, new migrants, and even some youngsters suffering the addiction of games consoles! People also talked about the power of small acts of neighbourliness, and also the way in which bureaucracy and regulation can ‘kill kindliness’. And one key question that emerged was how we can make the challenge of making our communities more friendly and connected ‘everyone’s business’. Some great stories were shared, of regular people taking action to break isolation and make a difference – often for little or zero money. Like the story of Robin Silverwood and his work getting members of Middleton Elderly Aid into wood whittling (reported previously in South Leeds Life); or the case of new Syrian refugees doing gardening for older members of their neighbourhood, in exchange
for the opportunity to practise their English. Following the workshop, the Community Committee itself – made up of the councillors for the area – met, to report back on their work locally, and to agree and present grants to local groups. Amongst others, grants were allocated: to the community galas; for Christmas Lights in both Belle Isle and Middleton, and Beeston and Holbeck; to Belle Isle and Middleton in Bloom, for hanging baskets and planters; to Hunslet Methodist Church, for their Wednesday morning community drop-ins; to the Cross Flatts Park Bowling Club; and for various environmental schemes in Beeston and Holbeck. Following on, Cllr Kim Groves reported back from the Employment and Skills board, talking about new links made with Jet2,
training opportunities for hospitality work, and enabling trainee builders to access learning on new construction techniques used within shopping centres such as the new Victoria Gate in town. Cllr Angela Gabriel, for the Children and Families group, flagged up the new Directory of Youth Activities booklet – distributed through schools and community venues. Cllr Adam Ogilvie, for the Environmental group, fed back from the recent and very successful community workshop on tackling local issues (reported on our website). Cllr Judith Blake, for the Older People’s group, reported on the packed event at the Civic Hall in early March (also reported on the website), and asked if the board might consider creating a directory of activities for older people. And the Old Cockburn Sports Hall was also mentioned – the Council are currently conducting a public consultation on the building, with one option being that they gift it to a local charity to run. The Community Committee meetings take place at least four times per year, in different locations, and the public are very much encouraged to attend. (Food and drinks are provided!) The next meeting is due in June or July, although dates are still to be confirmed. As ever, keep an eye on South Leeds Life for further updates and news.
Schools need governors
School governors offer vital help to schools and schools in South Leeds are in particular need - could you be one? Governors play an important role, helping the school to improve teaching and learning and ensuring the proper running of the organisation. Training and advice is available from the Governor Support Unit to ensure that all school governors are well informed, well trained and able to meet their statutory duties. There are different categories of governors and you do not need to have a child at school to apply. School governors need to be committed: attending about six meetings a year, about six to ten hours per school term. Do you have the commitment and time to become a school governor? Beeston Primary and New Bewerley Community School are looking for governors right now, but many local schools have vacancies For more information and an application form, please contact the Governor Support Service on (0113) 395 0242 or visit the School Governors page at www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pag es/School-governorsupport.aspx
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best’ price in return for their commitment to build ‘affordable’ homes and to house people from the Council’s housing list. ‘Affordable’ rents are defined as 80% of private market rent levels. Unity has just completed a similar project on Brown Lane East in Holbeck. It is understood that work on the new homes could start as soon as July 2015 and construction is expected to last 12 months.
Easter activities with the Hawks
Tuesday 7 April saw around 30 local children descend on the South Leeds Stadium for the start of the Hunslet Hawks‘ Easter Activity and Dance Camp. The camp ran for three days giving young people from the local community a chance to participate in a range of different sports and activities including football, rounders, cricket and of course some rugby league. We were very lucky with the weather too, with three days of wonderful sunshine. As well as being a great way to keep busy during the school holidays it was also a good way for young people and children to socialise and make new friends as many of them were from different schools and areas of South Leeds but by the end of camp everyone was like old friends. It wasn’t all just
News 3
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New housing for Parkwoods
New affordable housing is to be built by Unity Housing on the Parkwood estate in Beeston. The development of 18 two and three bedroom houses is on the site of maisonettes that were demolished some years ago. The plans work around a sloping site and a mature willow tree by forming a new close off Parkwood Road to the north. Leeds City Council will sell the land to Unity at a ‘less than
South Leeds Life | May 2015
about sport though, we also had a quiz and everyone joined in with some dancing and learnt a routine with some of our dance academy girls which they performed for their parents on the last day. Overall the camp was a massive success and a great time was had by all, including the staff and we can’t wait for the summer to arrive for the next one! Then on Sunday 12 April 2015, after a slight delay due to torrential weather the Hawks Dance Academy were finally able to host their annual pitch side Easter Bonnet parade. All contestants did a wonderful job creating unique Easter themed bonnets. Hawks General Manager Peter Todd judged the contest once again and selected the winner, Poppy, who was excited to receive an array of prizes.
A Nail Bar with a difference
Some of you will have walked up Project in supporting young Hillside Road recently and seen a hive people in the local area to of activity at No.7 as workmen have have opportunities, know their value and succeed in been in and out. Many of you will have heard murmurings life. So you can feel great about a charity opening a new nail bar in about yourself as well! Beeston and we hope all of you will be Thirdly, in time, as the excited to hear that The Shine Nail Bar is business becomes now up and running at 7 Hillside Buildings, established, The Shine Nail Beeston Road, LS11 6AY. Bar will provide many Back in September 2014, here at The opportunities for work experience, Jessica Errington at kuboaa.co.uk for Shine Project (part of the charity St Luke’s volunteering, apprenticeships and work discounting the fabulous wallpaper, Emma Cares) we began talking about the idea of placements for people in the local area Robinson at Only Fingers & Toes who a social enterprise which would provide and we are really looking forward to donated 80 polishes, Gillian Cawthray at opportunities for local people to gain getting this side of the project up and Beauty Partnership for display units, discount on products and brilliant advice experience and employment but also be a running. successful and quality business which As people have heard us talk about the and expertise, Kerry Seymour at Depuy would raise funds to go back into the nail bar and what we hope to achieve for offering support with the launch event, work of the charity. Now in May 2015 it’s through it, we have found that many Jay Ellis for all great joinery work and all becoming a reality as The Shine Nail Bar businesses and individuals have been really Leeds Community Foundation and prepares to open its doors. willing to offer their support so we want Victoria Gate for generous grants which In February we appointed Donna, who to thank them and their generosity; Rose have helped to make all this happen. The Nail Bar is open - we look forward is the nail bar manager. In the recruitment Mountague who designed the brilliant nail process we were aware we were looking varnish pots for our logo, Richard Hamlin to seeing you! For more information get in touch with for a pretty niche candidate; someone who covered the bench and made the who was highly experienced in nails and coffee table, Blinds R Us 1986 Ltd for the Donna on 07518 036215 or email: beauty but also someone who would be discount on blinds and a great service, theshinenailbar@stlukescares.org.uk. able to work well with young people in training, be passionate University of Leeds: about the local area and 10% off any Invitation to participate in a excited about the social treatment at phone interview about financial enterprise side of the business. difficulties after age 65. The Shine Much to our delight, Donna applied, she has worked in Nail Bar Have you experienced financial Harvey Nichols and difficulties since turning 65? Debenhams as a nail technician Simply cut out this voucher and take it with you at the weekend for many years to the Shine Nail Bar, 10% discount will be Researchers at the University of as well as running her own applied to a treatment of your choice. Leeds are doing confidential beauty business on the side. phone interviews to learn about During the week she also financial difficulties of people worked as a Connexions aged 65 and over. worker for a local charity in the south of the city supporting Please give us a call at NEET 16-20 year old people to 0113-343-4597 (C Loibl). overcome multiple barriers to get back into education, Terms and Conditions: We pay £25 for each phone 1. Only one voucher can be redeemed at any time employment or training and she interview (cash cheque). 2. Offer ends Saturday 23rd May 2015 had previously worked at Leeds City College. Ideal! Donna has been working extremely hard over the last few months to change an empty shop (which needed a lot of work) into an extremely chic nail bar. It looks fantastic and we can’t wait to show it off! The idea behind The Shine Nail Bar is that it will firstly, be a great place to get your nails (and spray tans) done. It will be a quality and professional service with competitive prices and a lovely atmosphere. Secondly, when you go to The Shine Nail Bar, not only will you feel great about nails, but all the proceeds of the nail bar will go directly back into the work of St Luke’s Cares and The Shine
10% OFF
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South Leeds Life | May 2015
4 News
Three things that could save your life
In the UK, someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer every 15 minutes. In fact, it is the second biggest cause of cancer death. In South Leeds, unfortunately there are more people with bowel cancer than the UK average, but not enough people are taking up the free screening which detects the disease. The NHS in Leeds is sending everyone aged 60 – 74 their screening kit in the post and is encouraging them to take the test as it can detect the cancer at an early stage, even before symptoms appear. Survival rates for bowel cancer are very closely linked to what stage of development the cancer is at when treatment starts – in other words, if it is picked up early, treatment is far more likely to be effective. You might have seen adverts for the screening test around Leeds: “These three things could save your life.” Taking the test really doesn’t need to feel embarrassing or uncomfortable. It is simple to use, and you can do it in your own home so you don’t need a medical appointment. The pack contains everything you need including instructions and your results will be sent by post within two weeks. People in South Leeds who have already taken the test are encouraging others to do the same, as one 60 year-old woman from the area told us: “I believe in taking any tests offered by the health service as early detection of any illness can save a life. The test was really straight forward … just three days and the test was done and in the post. I was relieved when I received an ‘all clear’ result. Although I did not have any concerns, it was still good to know that everything was OK. I would definitely encourage anyone to take the test… it could actually save your life.”
If you think you might have symptoms, please go to see your doctor, don’t be embarrassed about getting it checked out. Symptoms of bowel cancer to look out for include: • Blood in your poo or looser poo • A pain or lump in your tummy • Feeling more tired than usual for some time • Losing weight for no obvious reason Remember, taking the test is the best way to be clear on bowel cancer – the earlier it is picked up the better it can be treated and if your results are clear it will put your mind at rest.
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Cannabis compost aids In Bloom groups by Jeremy Morton I was just settling down with a glass of red wine to watch some television one Saturday evening (4 April) when the phone rang. It was Cllr Angela Gabriel and she told me there had been a drugs raid in Beeston. I thanked her for the information, but she said no she wasn’t ringing me as reporter, she needed some help. The Police were dismantling a cannabis factory and there were 30 bags of compost that they were happy to give to community groups, but they had to be collected in the next 30 minutes. Angela had had a drink so we went in my car and met Ian Pickup and two helpers from The Holbeck (WMC). A couple of Police vans were
pulled up on Woodlea Mount and there was a skip outside number 3. Lamps, wiring and ventilation gear was being dumped in the skip, whilst a stack of compost bags filled the front garden. PCSO Kirsty Johnson explained that they had been carrying out house to house inquiries relating to the bus stop rape on 6 March, when they happened upon the cannabis growing operation. Cllr Angela Gabriel said: “I’m delighted that the Police have found and dismantled this cannabis factory. It’s a sign of our close partnership that they can get in touch and pass on gardening materials to community groups. The compost will be distributed to Beeston, Holbeck and Cottingley In Bloom groups.”
Community elders celebrate Chippy 30 years of solidarity fined
The Beeston-based ‘Group of Muslim Pensioners’ celebrated their thirtieth anniversary last month as an organisation, with a lunchtime event featuring awards, speeches, great food, and a lot of good cheer. The group was founded in 1985 by the revered community elder Mr Kawaji Mohammed Sharif, and others. The vision was to create regular opportunities for older men in the local Muslim communities to meet up, learn together, get advice, do exercise, and more; it was the first group of its type in Leeds. Mr Sharif sadly passed away not long after the formation of the group, in 1988. But the group has since been coordinated by local lady Tahira Khan – and has flourished over the years. Their current yearround activities include dance workshops, trips, exercise and health schemes, growing fruit and vegetables, arts projects, massage, good food, and a lot of in-depth
conversations! One of the speakers was group member and local resident Abid Hussain, who shared his thoughts with the group as follows: “Family networks used to be so strong, but they’re slowly crumbling away – and many older people are becoming more isolated and vulnerable. So this group has become
for many of us a very important meeting point. It gives us a sense of belonging, it preserves identity, and creates mutuality amongst us. In communities, we have to support one another – or we’ve got nothing.” The group meets between 10am and 12pm every Tuesday at the Vale Centre on Tunstall Road. For more info, drop by at the centre anytime.
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A Beeston fish and chip shop has been fined over £5,000 by magistrates for poor food hygiene. Adnan Malik, owner of Beeston Fisheries on Dewsbury Road, failed to appear in court last month for a string of food safety offences. A routine check by the council’s environmental health officers in August 2013 discovered a number of issues. Officers revisited the chip shop to check action had been taken but found limited improvements. The takeaway was temporarily closed while the standards required for reopening were met. With numerous offences, the council decided to prosecute and after failing to turn up for several court appearances to answer for his grime crimes, magistrates found Malik guilty in his absence.
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6 Focus on Middleton
Keeping people Networked by Jeremy Morton
Trinity Network has been providing opportunities for older people in South Leeds to get together and remain active for thirty years. Originally set up by the South Leeds Team Ministry they now operate from their community centre next to Belle Isle United Reform Church on Nesfield Road and from the hall at Dewsbury Road United Reform
Church. I visited and spoke to Lynda Williamson who manages the Network. “Trinity Network is about friendship, keeping in touch and keeping active as you get older. Life doesn’t have to stop when you reach retirement, in fact it’s the perfect time to explore new avenues. “The Network is a real social lifeline. Too many older people stay in their home, but you don’t have to. Come and have lunch with us and find out what’s on offer.” There’s plenty to do, no matter what your interests. Join the gardening group, or keep fit and active with the chair-based gentle exercise group or try line dancing, salsa or tai chi. The staff are always looking for new activities so tell them what you would like to do. If you are not ready to join an activity, there is
always a cup of tea on the go and someone to chat with. Isolation is a real problem for people as they get older. Lynda told me about one woman who lived alone, her family were not local and she was close to suicide. A social worker brought her along to the Network and now she goes nearly everyday. Although many of the members are at the younger more active end of the age range, perhaps newly retired, as people get older dementia can
be an issue. The staff are trained to deal with people suffering from dementia. They run a regular ‘Reflections Café’, it’s open to all but particular caters for people with dementia and their carers. A hot lunch, cooked in the centre’s kitchen, is provided daily through the week. The meal is followed by the ever popular bingo sessions. Bingo nights are also organised for carers, usually the children of older people who can also feel isolated. The Network also rus trips to the theatre and opera, as well as shopping and seaside trips. With such a range of activities, help and advice, there really is something for everyone. For more information contact Trinity Network on (0113) 270 3935 or 270 7458 if you live in Beeston or Holbeck. www.trinitynetwork.org.uk
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South Leeds Life | May 2015
May 2015 | South Leeds Life
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Middleton Park: past, present & future
Middleton Park is the green jewel at the heart of south Leeds. Comprising 630 acres of woods and parkland, it is a haven of wildlife and has a rich history. The park was bought by Wades Charity in 1920 and leased it to Leeds City Council to manage. Before that it was home to the Brandling family who lived in the lodge near today’s rose garden. The park received a £3m Lottery grant for improvements in 2012 and won the Green Flag mark last year. As well as the new visitor centre, paths and signposts, interpretation boards were put up around the park. Middleton Woods are a fragment of the ancient woodland that covered much of the north of England following the last Ice Age. Although the existing trees are not ancient, the ecosystem is. This means the woods contain many species of plants and fungi that live in harmony with the oak trees. A recent bird survey identified 22 species including the rare Lesser Spotted Woodpeck. The oldest manmade structure in the park is a dyke built to mark the dividing line between Beeston and
Middleton. There had been so much argument and fighting over the boundary that the king ordered the Knights Templar to investigate and create a lasting boundary. There is a rich industrial heritage with coal mining leaving its mark in the form of bell pits and later deep workings such as Wood Pit. The Clearings owe their existence to mining too as the trees were felled to make pit props for nearby Broom Colliery. Coal was moved first by wagon way (the modern tarmacked paths) and then by the world’s first railway – Middleton Railway which still runs from Hunslet to Park Halt. Trams used to run through Middleton Woods, reusing a light railway that was constructed to take building materials up to Middleton to build the estate in the 1920s. If you haven’t explored the park yet, it’s a must this summer. The visitor centre is open seven days a week for refreshments and has information about three trails to follow around the park. Every summer Sunday sees an activity or concert organised by the Friends of Middleton Park, check our What’s On page for details.
It’s busy at the Community Centre
Bluebells in Middleton Woods
everyone.” The meeting also heard from Middleton Park Football Club who would like to move back to the park. They would like to take on the former golf clubhouse as their base, but also to make it available for other community groups to run activities. South Leeds cycling group Rugged and Refined have also expressed an interest in using the clubhouse in a similar way. Tony Stringwell from LCC Parks & Countryside explained that once the consultation closes on 15 May, the council will produce a masterplan for developing the park over the next few years in consultation with ward members, the Friends of Middleton Park and Wades Charity (which owns the majority of the land). The council has ring fenced £74,000 for capital works in the park and this could be used to attract further funds from other sources.
Ian Kirk is the Co-ordinator at Middleton Community Centre and oversees a full programme of weekly activities including breakfast and lunch clubs, dance classes and children’s parties. Ian is keen to promote Monday’s Breakfast Club which runs from 911am and Over 55’s Lunch Club every Thursday from 12pm. Both offer good nourishing food at an affordable price as well as the chance to meet friends old and new. The centre, at the junction of Middleton Park Avenue and Acre Road, will soon boast an outdoor skate park.Work is expected to start on the skate park, next to the old Marauders club house, by the end of this month. The facility will cost £85,000, funding which has been raised from a range of sources. It is
expected to open in early July in time for the summer holidays. Another new project is the Middleton Tool Bank. Once you’ve paid a £10 deposit and shown proof of identity you can borrow gardening tools for just £2. The Tool Bank has lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, rotovators and strimmers as well as hand tools. Now there’s no excuse for an untidy garden! Later in the summer the centre will be heavily involved in Middleton Gala on 11 July at Middleton Primary School and the Middleton Music Festival on 12 July in Middleton Park. They are also organising a family day trip to Bridlington on 13 August. For more information call into the community centre or ring Ian on (0113) 277 0062.
There’s more to Middleton Elderly Aid than their second hand shop on Middleton Park Road. They offer a range of activities and services from lunch clubs and shopping trips to individual advice a help to find the right support services. One very popular activity is the weekly dance class. This takes place every Wednesday at St Cross
Church, Middleton Park Avenue, from 10-11am. Sessions cost £3 and the class is always busy, so call (0113) 272 1050 to book your place now! You can keep up to date with all the services and activities by popping into the shop, or take a look at the photos and videos on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/middleton.eld erlyaid
A lifeline for older folk Middleton Park lake
Art students showcase work
Future consultation A recent meeting of the Friends of Middleton Park discussed plans for the park following the closure of the golf course last year. A consultation is currently being carried out by Leeds City Council – you can take part online here: www.leeds.gov.uk/consultations. Alan Shaw, Chair of the Friends, reported that they had received a lot of ideas already ranging from BMX and cyclo-cross courses, to an outdoor gym or ‘trim trail’, an adventure playground, an arboretum or new wetland habitat. Cllr Judith Blake talked about how important Middleton Park is in the community and encouraged residents to keep on sending their ideas for how they would like the park to develop. She said: “From a difficult decision to close the golf course, we can seize the opportunity to do something special and something that is owned by
Focus on Middleton 7
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Breakfast at the community centre
Dance group at St Cross Church
The WITH project is proud to present its showcase event at Tenants Hall in Middleton on Thursday May 7. The WITH project is a collaboration between Health for All and Leeds College of Art’s BA Visual Communication students. We have been working together to develop a diverse collection of films and art work that will be showcased at an event at Tenants Hall. The event is a celebration of the work produced and there will be a cinema screening the films and some fun activities too. The event will run from 1pm-3pm and also at 4.30pm – 6pm and there will be free food and drink available. Health for All CEO Pat McGeever said: "These talented students from Leeds College of Art have been working with a number of our
projects and members of the local community to come up with a wide variety of different media, ranging from newspapers to videos, murals and lots more. "We can't wait to see the students' final work!" Many of the groups will be coming along to the showcase event. We hope you can join us, all members of the community are welcome.
GET INVOLVED! Middleton Life - local history group Wednesday 13 May 10am at Middleton Community Centre Zumbathon Sunday 24 May 10am-12pm at the Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road Middleton Park FC Football Gala Saturday 6 June Middleton Leisure Centre & Leeds Corinthians Middleton Community Group 10am Saturday 13 June, Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre Middleton Gala Saturday 11 July at Middleton Primary School Middleton Music Festival Sunday 12 July at Middleton Park bandstand Dance and Cheerleading groups DAZL: (0113) 270 6903 Wright Steps: 07725 556382 Leeds Dynamite: 07525 836960
Friends of Middleton Park Sunday 3 May: Bluebell Walks 11am, 1pm, 2:40pm Monday 4 May: Bluebell Walks 11am, 1pm, 2:40pm Sunday 10 May: East Leeds Steel (steel band) 2-4pm Sunday 17 May: English Civil War Day 12-4pm Sunday 24 May: Circus Skills Workshop 2-4pm Tuesday 26 May: Children’s Play activities 1-3pm Wednesday 27 May: Children’s Play activities 1-3pm Sunday 31 May: Wildlife Walk & Photography 2-4pm Dates for your diary: Tuesday 7 July at 7pm Oddsocks Theatre presents Twelfth Night Sunday 12 July Middleton Park Music Festival Sunday 13 September 1-4:30pm Craft, Flower & Produce Show For more information visit www.fomp.co.uk or like them on Facebook
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6 Focus on Middleton
Keeping people Networked by Jeremy Morton
Trinity Network has been providing opportunities for older people in South Leeds to get together and remain active for thirty years. Originally set up by the South Leeds Team Ministry they now operate from their community centre next to Belle Isle United Reform Church on Nesfield Road and from the hall at Dewsbury Road United Reform
Church. I visited and spoke to Lynda Williamson who manages the Network. “Trinity Network is about friendship, keeping in touch and keeping active as you get older. Life doesn’t have to stop when you reach retirement, in fact it’s the perfect time to explore new avenues. “The Network is a real social lifeline. Too many older people stay in their home, but you don’t have to. Come and have lunch with us and find out what’s on offer.” There’s plenty to do, no matter what your interests. Join the gardening group, or keep fit and active with the chair-based gentle exercise group or try line dancing, salsa or tai chi. The staff are always looking for new activities so tell them what you would like to do. If you are not ready to join an activity, there is
always a cup of tea on the go and someone to chat with. Isolation is a real problem for people as they get older. Lynda told me about one woman who lived alone, her family were not local and she was close to suicide. A social worker brought her along to the Network and now she goes nearly everyday. Although many of the members are at the younger more active end of the age range, perhaps newly retired, as people get older dementia can
be an issue. The staff are trained to deal with people suffering from dementia. They run a regular ‘Reflections Café’, it’s open to all but particular caters for people with dementia and their carers. A hot lunch, cooked in the centre’s kitchen, is provided daily through the week. The meal is followed by the ever popular bingo sessions. Bingo nights are also organised for carers, usually the children of older people who can also feel isolated. The Network also rus trips to the theatre and opera, as well as shopping and seaside trips. With such a range of activities, help and advice, there really is something for everyone. For more information contact Trinity Network on (0113) 270 3935 or 270 7458 if you live in Beeston or Holbeck. www.trinitynetwork.org.uk
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South Leeds Life | May 2015
May 2015 | South Leeds Life
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Middleton Park: past, present & future
Middleton Park is the green jewel at the heart of south Leeds. Comprising 630 acres of woods and parkland, it is a haven of wildlife and has a rich history. The park was bought by Wades Charity in 1920 and leased it to Leeds City Council to manage. Before that it was home to the Brandling family who lived in the lodge near today’s rose garden. The park received a £3m Lottery grant for improvements in 2012 and won the Green Flag mark last year. As well as the new visitor centre, paths and signposts, interpretation boards were put up around the park. Middleton Woods are a fragment of the ancient woodland that covered much of the north of England following the last Ice Age. Although the existing trees are not ancient, the ecosystem is. This means the woods contain many species of plants and fungi that live in harmony with the oak trees. A recent bird survey identified 22 species including the rare Lesser Spotted Woodpeck. The oldest manmade structure in the park is a dyke built to mark the dividing line between Beeston and
Middleton. There had been so much argument and fighting over the boundary that the king ordered the Knights Templar to investigate and create a lasting boundary. There is a rich industrial heritage with coal mining leaving its mark in the form of bell pits and later deep workings such as Wood Pit. The Clearings owe their existence to mining too as the trees were felled to make pit props for nearby Broom Colliery. Coal was moved first by wagon way (the modern tarmacked paths) and then by the world’s first railway – Middleton Railway which still runs from Hunslet to Park Halt. Trams used to run through Middleton Woods, reusing a light railway that was constructed to take building materials up to Middleton to build the estate in the 1920s. If you haven’t explored the park yet, it’s a must this summer. The visitor centre is open seven days a week for refreshments and has information about three trails to follow around the park. Every summer Sunday sees an activity or concert organised by the Friends of Middleton Park, check our What’s On page for details.
It’s busy at the Community Centre
Bluebells in Middleton Woods
everyone.” The meeting also heard from Middleton Park Football Club who would like to move back to the park. They would like to take on the former golf clubhouse as their base, but also to make it available for other community groups to run activities. South Leeds cycling group Rugged and Refined have also expressed an interest in using the clubhouse in a similar way. Tony Stringwell from LCC Parks & Countryside explained that once the consultation closes on 15 May, the council will produce a masterplan for developing the park over the next few years in consultation with ward members, the Friends of Middleton Park and Wades Charity (which owns the majority of the land). The council has ring fenced £74,000 for capital works in the park and this could be used to attract further funds from other sources.
Ian Kirk is the Co-ordinator at Middleton Community Centre and oversees a full programme of weekly activities including breakfast and lunch clubs, dance classes and children’s parties. Ian is keen to promote Monday’s Breakfast Club which runs from 911am and Over 55’s Lunch Club every Thursday from 12pm. Both offer good nourishing food at an affordable price as well as the chance to meet friends old and new. The centre, at the junction of Middleton Park Avenue and Acre Road, will soon boast an outdoor skate park.Work is expected to start on the skate park, next to the old Marauders club house, by the end of this month. The facility will cost £85,000, funding which has been raised from a range of sources. It is
expected to open in early July in time for the summer holidays. Another new project is the Middleton Tool Bank. Once you’ve paid a £10 deposit and shown proof of identity you can borrow gardening tools for just £2. The Tool Bank has lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, rotovators and strimmers as well as hand tools. Now there’s no excuse for an untidy garden! Later in the summer the centre will be heavily involved in Middleton Gala on 11 July at Middleton Primary School and the Middleton Music Festival on 12 July in Middleton Park. They are also organising a family day trip to Bridlington on 13 August. For more information call into the community centre or ring Ian on (0113) 277 0062.
There’s more to Middleton Elderly Aid than their second hand shop on Middleton Park Road. They offer a range of activities and services from lunch clubs and shopping trips to individual advice a help to find the right support services. One very popular activity is the weekly dance class. This takes place every Wednesday at St Cross
Church, Middleton Park Avenue, from 10-11am. Sessions cost £3 and the class is always busy, so call (0113) 272 1050 to book your place now! You can keep up to date with all the services and activities by popping into the shop, or take a look at the photos and videos on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/middleton.eld erlyaid
A lifeline for older folk Middleton Park lake
Art students showcase work
Future consultation A recent meeting of the Friends of Middleton Park discussed plans for the park following the closure of the golf course last year. A consultation is currently being carried out by Leeds City Council – you can take part online here: www.leeds.gov.uk/consultations. Alan Shaw, Chair of the Friends, reported that they had received a lot of ideas already ranging from BMX and cyclo-cross courses, to an outdoor gym or ‘trim trail’, an adventure playground, an arboretum or new wetland habitat. Cllr Judith Blake talked about how important Middleton Park is in the community and encouraged residents to keep on sending their ideas for how they would like the park to develop. She said: “From a difficult decision to close the golf course, we can seize the opportunity to do something special and something that is owned by
Focus on Middleton 7
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Breakfast at the community centre
Dance group at St Cross Church
The WITH project is proud to present its showcase event at Tenants Hall in Middleton on Thursday May 7. The WITH project is a collaboration between Health for All and Leeds College of Art’s BA Visual Communication students. We have been working together to develop a diverse collection of films and art work that will be showcased at an event at Tenants Hall. The event is a celebration of the work produced and there will be a cinema screening the films and some fun activities too. The event will run from 1pm-3pm and also at 4.30pm – 6pm and there will be free food and drink available. Health for All CEO Pat McGeever said: "These talented students from Leeds College of Art have been working with a number of our
projects and members of the local community to come up with a wide variety of different media, ranging from newspapers to videos, murals and lots more. "We can't wait to see the students' final work!" Many of the groups will be coming along to the showcase event. We hope you can join us, all members of the community are welcome.
GET INVOLVED! Middleton Life - local history group Wednesday 13 May 10am at Middleton Community Centre Zumbathon Sunday 24 May 10am-12pm at the Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road Middleton Park FC Football Gala Saturday 6 June Middleton Leisure Centre & Leeds Corinthians Middleton Community Group 10am Saturday 13 June, Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre Middleton Gala Saturday 11 July at Middleton Primary School Middleton Music Festival Sunday 12 July at Middleton Park bandstand Dance and Cheerleading groups DAZL: (0113) 270 6903 Wright Steps: 07725 556382 Leeds Dynamite: 07525 836960
Friends of Middleton Park Sunday 3 May: Bluebell Walks 11am, 1pm, 2:40pm Monday 4 May: Bluebell Walks 11am, 1pm, 2:40pm Sunday 10 May: East Leeds Steel (steel band) 2-4pm Sunday 17 May: English Civil War Day 12-4pm Sunday 24 May: Circus Skills Workshop 2-4pm Tuesday 26 May: Children’s Play activities 1-3pm Wednesday 27 May: Children’s Play activities 1-3pm Sunday 31 May: Wildlife Walk & Photography 2-4pm Dates for your diary: Tuesday 7 July at 7pm Oddsocks Theatre presents Twelfth Night Sunday 12 July Middleton Park Music Festival Sunday 13 September 1-4:30pm Craft, Flower & Produce Show For more information visit www.fomp.co.uk or like them on Facebook
South Leeds Life | May 2015
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8 News
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‘Leeds Dads’ meet at The Tetley by Lucy Potter Easter came early for LeedsDads this year. LeedsDads is a thriving male carers group in Leeds and they meet every third Sunday of the month at the Tetley art gallery in LS10. I went to see them on Sunday 22 March 2015, and they were preparing an afternoon of games and activities. One of the activities was an egg hunt, and gathered in the workshop room two floors above the foyer were 10 excited looking preschool children busily colouring in and preparing for it. I gingerly enter the room with my 12 year old and say ‘Hi I know I’m a mum but…’ suddenly feeling singled out. I now know what it feels like for a Dad walking into a room full of mums. I feel like I have to explain myself. But it’s fine, they couldn’t be more welcoming. Errol
Murray greets me, and introduces me to some dads. There are Dads from different areas of Leeds and cultural backgrounds, one Grandad, who has traveled with his son and grandson from Skipton. Errol (multimedia lecturer at University of Leeds and support coach at the BBC) founded LeedsDads almost 3 years ago when his daughter Rayya was 6 months old. He said: “I took my daughter to the park because I didn’t know where else to go. I spoke to another father and said is there any dads groups around? And he just shrugged his shoulders’. After that I really wanted to set something up for Dads, a place where they can meet and talk. Talking is so important.” Between him and some other fathers they were able to gather a small group of dads from North Leeds to meet. First meeting at City Museum, then Kirkstall Abbey and now the spacious
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 Includes the city centre, Holbeck Urban Village, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:
Tetley which they are using as their base. Jem, another dad says: “I think we as Dads we are more open and honest. If we’re tired from lack of sleep we will freely admit it. Whereas I think Mums put more of a brave face on things. We say it how it is and its such a supportive atmosphere, everyone is here to help as we know we’re in same boat.” Jem goes on to say “it’s great because you Errol Murray with his daughter are the only sole responsible person for your child. The groups added during the week. He child has only one person to go to, and chats away whilst effortlessly spinning his little girl upside down five times. that’s the dad.” And there is definitely a strong bond Dads groups have opened up virtually between the children and their male over the last few years too; Dadzclub is carers here.The aim of this group is for just one site which offers to navigate fathers to fully dive into their children’s dads through parenthood, with parental experiences and even out the gender guidance on bonding with their babies, stereotypes. I wonder what other to their own health matters. I speak to the one grandad, he wants things a Dad brings to the group, I to express how much the group has typically say the ‘sport’ word, well it is a helped the family. “I learn so much from Sunday and the rugby is playing. Errol my grandson, it really is wonderful. says “we try not to make it a thing There wasn’t anything like this when he about sport, it is more around the was a father so this is a fantastic chance education of the child, and how the father can contribute to their children’s to do it all over again.” The group follows the same style as learning.” any other group and ends with a singing We then all go outside for the egg and story time. We all sit on the grass hunt. Ruben another Dad who used to in a circle and Errol asks around for any be a teacher has brought fun ideas for the next group which will take educational games too, and the children jump from one mat to another.The egg place on 19 April.They are always based hunt begins and the children at the Tetley but will likely be on the intrepidly disperse in different road during the summer months. Errol also adds at the end, that of directions outside the Tetley. course children are growing and it soon Everyone is so happy and the Dads won’t be a preschool group anymore. are making the most of opportunity They are keen to seek new and equally by chatting away to the other Dads. Duncan, a stay at home dad enthusiastic male carers who may want explains this is his first time and has to join in and keep the group going. If you are interested in joining or really enjoyed it. He has been made finding out more information on to feel really welcome. He has LeedsDads you can check out the recently moved from Edinburgh Facebook page which is home to the popular Dads www.facebook.com/leedsdads or Rock. This is an established Dads group offering groups at the on twitter @LeedsDads weekend, there has also been new
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
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In our view
Trolleybus
It’s clear that Leeds needs improvements to its public transport system. Thousands come into the city centre to work everyday. The Trolleybus does look like a poor man’s tram, so it’s up to Metro and the council to convince the community that it’s a real solution, especially those communities that face disruption. People in Belle Isle and Hunslet are right to ask questions of the project.
Public clocks
It’s great to see the that the clock on St Mary’s Church in Hunslet is ticking again. We may have moved on from needing public clocks to tell us when to go to work. Some of us have even moved on from watches, relying instead on our phones. But it’s still disconcerting to see a public clock telling the wrong time, it smacks of neglect. Well done to everyone who got it moving again.
Nail Bar
Local businesses deserve our support and doubly so when they help give opportunities and support to our young people. Next time you need your nails done, why not give the Shine Nail Bar your business?
Top Tweets
Keep up to date, up to the minute, by following South Leeds Life’s Twitter feed: @SouthLeedsLife. Here are some of our favourite recent tweets:
@renew_leeds A great visit on @sc4l with Year 12/13 joinery students from @T_S_L_A last Friday! @keepmoatgroup
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: Suite 7, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097
Story time (all photos by Lucy Potter)
@SthLeedsLakers Morning folks! Who's still buzzing after the #LondonMarathon? We'll be out from 6:45 for a 7pm run. @ Beeston Co-op. @WYP_RPU Beeston, Leeds - Borrowed his friends Mum's car but no licence or insurance. Seized. Reported.
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South Leeds Life | May 2015
Election roundup 9
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Leeds Central constituency Hilary BENN Labour Party
It is a privilege to represent our community and I am asking for your support once again. Politics works best when we all contribute, and we can see the benefits of this in the great community organisations we are proud to have in South Leeds. But we also need a Government that will stand up for all of us too. I am fighting this election to devolve power, abolish the bedroom tax – which affects 1,900 families in Leeds Central – increase the minimum wage, freeze energy prices, provide proper apprenticeships, build the homes we need and protect our NHS.
Michael HAYTON Green Party
This candidate has not responded yet.
Liz KITCHING
Trade Union & Socialist Alliance I reject the political choice of Austerity, taking resources from the whole of society to give to a tiny minority of unaccountable people: bankers, corporations and landlords. In 2008 we bailed those banks out with public money yet the behaviour of corruption and bonuses continues.We risk losing Social Democracy because of the continued privatisation of publicly owned and managed services from housing to the NHS, education and social care services. I oppose poverty pay and zero-hours contracts. I say scrap Trident and save billions of pounds for improving our society. I oppose all forms of racism and war which breeds death and division for absolutely no good reason.
Election candidates There are two important elections taking place on Thursday 7 May. In the General Election we will choose our MP to represent us in Parliament. We are part of the Leeds Central consituency along with the city centre, Woodhouse, Richmond Hill and Osmanthorpe. In the local elections we will choose a third of our Councillors, one in each ward. LS10 and LS11 fall between three wards: Beeston & Holbeck, City & Hunslet and Middleton Park. Details of your ward and polling station are printed on your Poll Card. If you haven’t recieved a Poll Card you can still vote so long as you are on the register. You can find more details on the Leeds City Council website: www.leeds.gov.uk We invited every candidate standing in
the parliamentary and council elections to tell us about themselves and their policy. We also asked them three questions sent in by our readers. These covered housing, taxation, devolution and planning. You can read the candidates answers in full on the South Leeds Life website: www.southleedslife.com/elections-2015. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 7 May. South Leeds Life will be at both the counts to bring you the results first. The parliamentary count takes place straight after the polls close. The Council count starts at 2pm on Friday 8 May. South Leeds Life doesn’t support any political party, but we believe it is important that everyone uses their vote.
Leeds City Council wards: Beeston & City & Middleton Holbeck Hunslet Park Amy COUSENS
Trade Union & Socialist Alliance
Jahangir AZIZ
Judith BLAKE Labour Party
Liberal Democrat
Luke SENIOR
UK Independence Party (UKIP) As I was born and raised in the constituency, I understand and share the concerns that many people have in their daily lives, and seek your support to help deliver meaningful and lasting change to the area, and to help provide a bright future for our children and grand children. If elected, I would seek to provide much needed assistance to our most vulnerable – to tackle youth unemployment, to provide a high level of care to our elderly, and would be your voice in Parliament to provide a fair deal for the people of Leeds Central, something which is long overdue.
Kathryn GAGEN Liberal Democrat
Ed CARLISLE Green Party
Patrick DAVEY Emma JAYNES
Labour Party
Green Party
Sadie FISHER Liberal Democrats
Nick JONES
Left Unity - Trade Unionists & Socialists
Emma SPRIGGS Liberal Democrats
This candidate has not responded yet.
Nicola WILSON
The Conservative Party Candidate This candidate has not responded yet.
Adam OGILVIE Labour Party
Tony ROBERTS
Khalil KUNGULILO
UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Richard SALT
The Conservative Party Candidate
Zena LOPEZ
The Conservative Party Candidate
Fiona LOVE Green Party
UK Independence Party (UKIP)
Robert WINFIELD
The Conservative Party Candidate
Christopher WORFOLK
The Official Monster Raving Loony Party
Craig SWEATON
UK Independence Party (UKIP)
South Leeds Life | May 2015
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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 May Every Monday (except Bank Holidays) Breakfast Club 9-11am Middleton Community Centre Happy Chinese Families Group 9:30am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre 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 Zumba 7pm Middleton Parochial Hall Every Tuesday Keep Fit 9:30am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room Knit & Natter 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre 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 Beeston Village Singing Group 1-3pm Beeston Village Community Centre South Leeds Lakers running group 7pm from Beeston Co-op Every Wednesday Chair mobility 10-10:45am Trinity Network,
Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room 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 Community Craft Cafe 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room Knit and Crochet Group 3-5pm Costa Coffee, Crown Point Retail Park Aerobics and Dance 3:30-4:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy Male only Sports Sessions 4-5pm Old Cockburn Sports Hall General fitness 6-7pm Belle Isle Family Centre Zumba 6:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall 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 Every Thursday Tea & Toast 8:30-9:30am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Middleton Park Estate Volunteers 10am-3pm Middleton Park
For up to date event information make sure you go online to
www.southleedslife.com and check the What’s On Calendar
Visitor Centre Chair based mobility group and games group 11:15am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Lunch Club (Over 55s) 12pm Middleton 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 Indoor Bowls 7-10pm The Holbeck (WMC), Jenkinson Lawn Clubbercise 7:15pm-8pm Beeston Parish Centre Zumba 7:15pm Middleton Parochial Hall Every Friday Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Tenants Hall Singing Group 10am-12pm Tenant Hall, Acre Close, Middleton In Harmony Community Choir 12:30-1:15pm Windmill Primary School, Belle Isle Krok Po Kroku (Polish Group) 12:30-2:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre Friday Night Drop In 6:30-8:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Every Saturday Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Run or walk 5km Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Zumba 10am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street
Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Every Sunday Circuit Training 4:30-5:15pm Beeston Parish Centre Clubbercise 5:15-6pm Beeston Parish Ctr Sunday 3 May Bluebell Walks 11am-4pm Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet Monday 4 May (Bank Holiday) Bluebell Walks 11am-4pm Middleton Railway, Moor Road, Hunslet Tuesday 5 May Friends of Stank Hall Barn 7:30pm Tommy Wass pub, Dewsbury Road Wednesday 6 May Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Thursday 7 May Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Friday 8 May ‘Roadhouse Museum’ 7:30-9:30pm Basement Arts Project, Beeston Saturday 9 May Clothes Sale 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Table Top Sale 10am-1pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road Make A Polination Station 11am-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre ‘Roadhouse Museum’ 2-4pm Basement Arts Project ‘Take Off That’ (tribute band) 7pm The Holbeck (WMC) Jenkinson Lawn Ceilidh 7pm Slung Low Theatre, Bath Road, Holbeck Sunday 10 May East Leeds Steel 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre ‘Roadhouse Museum’ 2-4pm Basement Arts Project Nothing 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 11 May Cottingley In Bloom 1:30pm Cottingley Heights
Community Room Beeston Local History Society 8pm Beeston Parish Centre Wednesday 13 May Cottingley Hall TRAC 6:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy Thursday 14 May Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friday 15 May Amateur Boxing Show 7pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Saturday 16 May Leeds Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Treasure Island Spring Fair 10am-2pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet Club & BITMO 5km Run or Walk 12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre ‘Roadhouse Museum’ 2-4pm Basement Arts Project Sunday 17 May Middleton Park does the English Civil War 12-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre ‘Roadhouse Museum’ 2-4pm Basement Arts Project ‘Grandad and The Machine’ 5pm Slung Low Theatre, Bath
Road, Holbeck Tuesday 19 May Housing Regeneration Public Meeting 3-6:30pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Saturday 23 May Stongman Push/Pull Event 12-5pm Hunslet Carr Sports & Social Club, Moor Road Sunday 24 May Circus Skills Workshop 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Monday 25 May (Bank Holiday) Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Tuesday 26 May Children’s Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Wednesday 27 May Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Children’s Activities 1-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Saturday 30 May Lucy’s Shoes (live music) 7-11pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Sunday 31 May Summer Wildlife Walk & Photography Afternoon 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor 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
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South Leeds Life | May 2015
Arts 11
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Art Life: south of the river Over the coming months in the pages of ‘South Leeds Life’ we shall be presenting a series of articles by and about artists that seek to shine a light into the artistic community of South Leeds. As with anywhere you can get the measure of a community by the diversity of culture and activity that goes on within it and South Leeds is no exception, the area has a wealth of talent and opportunity to share with its inhabitants that extend far beyond the boundaries of LS10 and LS11. Here we hope to be able to bring to you some of these individuals and organisations striving to put art at the very heart of the community. For some the process of creating work is a solitary endeavor, whilst for others it may be more a socially engaged practice, but whatever the preferred working method we aim to give you a glimpse into the lives of such creative practitioners
in Leeds, South of the River. Whilst art is generally perceived as something that deals with objects and images; sculpture, painting, drawing and such like, art can also be a tool for social engagement utilising less commonly accepted practice such as film, text and performance. In recent weeks in the pages of ‘South Leeds Life’ you may have read the article by Lloyd and Wilson in which they describe
their practice and their lives as socially engaged contemporary artists. Lloyd and Wilson represent a more unorthodox strand of contemporary art practice and as part of the Artist House 45 project run by East Street Arts, they will be residents of the Beeston community for at least the next year. South Leeds welcomes you Lloyd and Wilson. In future editions of this column we hope to bring you articles by other South Leeds organisations such as my own BasmentArtsProject, Eiger Music Studios, PoshFruit Creative,The Tetley and others . . . To begin this series I would like to draw attention to a collaborative film project that has
been in progress for some time now between members of the Beeston and Hunslet community and students and lecturers from BA Hons Fine Art at Leeds Beckett University, facilitated by BasementArtsProject. The project seeks to ‘create an opportunity for students and members of the community to engage in a project that would allow them to experience something of each other’s lives in the process creating an artwork.’ With the subject of ritual at its core, this series of short films based in and about Beeston is being put together with the aim of screening them first here in South Leeds over the summer months. For more information on this project and to follow its development visit http://basementartsproject.com /event/leeds-metropolitanuniversity-basementartsproject -ls10-ls11-collaborative-filmproject/ and on twitter using #southleedsfilm.
Roadside Museum
Located in a terraced family house in Beeston, Basement Arts Project presents its latest exhibition this month. Curators Gordon Culshaw and John O’Hare set out to investigate the effect of time and biological and chemical decay on artworks. Artists elected to have their work buried in a field at a depth of six feet on a farm in Lancashire for 12 months prior to exhibiting.Towards the end of 2014 the site was excavated and the works were exhumed to allow the curators and artists the opportunity to further develop their ideas. The resultant Roadside Museum exhibition takes both the objects and documentation of the excava8on, and looks at the changes brought about through the process of accelerated decay. The show previews on Friday 8 May from 7:30pm and then is open on Saturday,9, Sunday 10, Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 from 2-4pm. For details of how to find the gallery please email basementartsproject@gmail.com
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South Leeds Life | May 2015
12 Sport
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Battling Hawks take points and push big boys close by Jeremy Morton, Stephen Clark and Tom Leak April perhaps showed where the Hunslet Hawks sit in Rugby League’s second tier, the Kingstone Press Championship. The Hawks suffered losses to big clubs Leigh Centurions and Halifax, but scored important wins against more lowly Cumbrian opposition from Whitehaven and Workington. The wins gained Hunslet valuable points and they finish the month lying eighth on 8 points. Leigh Centurions visited the South Leeds Stadium on Good Friday and appeared to underestimate the calibre of their opponents. Hawks put up a magnificent fight until the last twenty minutes when the visitors were able to exploit their superior fitness to maintain their 100% record. The first half was a hard fought arm wrestle. Hunslet had two disallowed tries before Leigh scored just before half time. In the second half Hunslet equalised, but then Leigh took back
the lead on 58 minutes and finally took control of the game, scoring a further six tries to run out 6-42 winners. The scoreline flattered the full time Centurions. Four days later, the Hawks travelled to Halifax for another tough game that went down to the wire. Hunslet were 4-12 up halfway through the first half, but three tries in eight minutes for Halifax reversed the position and they went in at the half 20-18 up. The second half saw more scoring from both teams. With two minutes to go, the score stood at 24-26. Hunslet moved the ball 70 yards towards the Halifax line and a winning score, but a turnover gave Saltonstall the opportunity to run the length of the pitch to score and seal the victory for Halifax, much to the disappointment of the vocal Hawks fans. The following week Hunslet entertained Whitehaven in the first of two ‘four pointer’ games against Cumbrian opposition. The gritty match was fought out in wet and windy conditions. The Hawks took a decisive lead during eight minutes early in the second half when
Mvududu, Briscoe and Flanagan ran in three tries. Hunslet held on for a valuable 26-18 win. Sunday 19 April saw a Challenge Cup match against Dewsbury Rams. Although the Rams are going well in the league, Hunslet had beaten them at the beginning of March. Unfortunately they were not to repeat that feat, going down, and out of the cup, 16-31 with a lacklustre performance. A week later the Hawks took the long journey across to the Zebra Claims Stadium in Workington. Hunslet made the most of the wind advantage in the first half.They played a good tactical kicking game although Brown missed three conversions, but
Photo: Steve Gaunt / Touchlinepics.com
still went in with a 6-15 lead. They extended the lead early in the second half when Jimmy Keinhorst scored his second try. Workington Town fought back, but weren’t able to overhaul Hunslet, the Hawks finishing 16-19. Apart from the cup game, coach Barry Eaton can be pleased with his team’s performances during April.The Hawks won the two matches that
they had to and ran full time opponents close. On this form Hunslet should stay in the Championship at the end of the season.
Read full match reports on our website at www.southleedslife.com
Everyone for Tennis at Indoor Bowling in Holbeck John Charles Centre by Lucy Potter
It’s not just about Wimbledon fortnight, you can play tennis year round at the Indoor Tennis Centre, part of the John Charles Centre for Sport right here in South Leeds. The centre houses six full size tennis pitches, but manager Dwight Brown explains whilst you can just turn up, pay and play, there’s a lot more on offer. The centre offers classes and competitions for players of all ages and standards. “Everyone thinks they know how to play tennis, you can just turn up and play – here or at your local park and that’s fine. But like every other sport you can improve your game with training. “Tennis is harder to play, but twice as rewarding. Unlike team sports it’s all down to you.” The centre is keen to promote tennis and runs a free outreach programme to primary schools. They are
Mollie Parker with her parents Nicola & Matt.
also part of the Breeze Academy offering an alternative curriculum in Sports Leadership to young people in danger of exclusion from mainstream education. To find out more about what’s on offer at the centre, why not go along to their next open day on Saturday (25 April 2015). Part of the Great British Tennis
Weekend, the free session runs from 9:30am-12:30pm and includes adult coaching, family play, mini tennis and free play. Keep up to date with events and activities at the centre on social media by liking them on Facebook: Tennis JCCS Leeds, or following them on Twitter: @JCCStennis.
There’s a new soft mat indoor bowling venue at The Holbeck (the renamed Working’s Men’s Club). I joined the group of players headed by bowling veteran Terry Nichols. Terry, who is in his 80th year and has been coming to the Club since he was a boy, applied for Community First grants from the Beeston & Holbeck and City & Hunslet panels. “This is an opportunity to get more people from the community involved in the sport, for new and more proficient players to meet.” However, it doesn’t come cheap, costing just over £3,000 for two mats, a set of 8 bowls ranging in size from 0 to 2, two spinners (for the middle of the mat). I’m told that like the crown green in exterior bowling, the techniques are totally different. “It’s a game of friendship and we’re all mates together” says Terry. However, it’s a welcoming sport and I’m immediatley given a bowl. Terry delivers strict
instructions on whether I’m going to use a finger or a thumb to determine the bias. (This was not like my ten pin bowling experience on Saturday night). I take a shot and watch my bowl happily roll off the mat. I soon improve like in about 20 minutes as Barrie poses for the camera when my bowl wins, coming closet to the jack and misses the defender! Yeah! The hope is to get more people drawn into bowling when the winter sets in. The funding came through in spring so Terry and his friends are giving this run
through during the more favourable months. Usually at this time of year people are outside bowling, but I learn that it’s a different technique indoors. Everyone was still adjusting to the environment. So if you want to join the friendly bunch, make your way to The Holbeck on Jenkinson Lawn on Thursday evenings at 7pm.You don’t have to be a member of the club and it’s free for the time being. So come along and learn some top tips on indoor bowling, and you can have a pint too!