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Issue 9 | July-August 2015
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
Holbeck wins the Lottery!
In this issue:
Dome is where the heart is
page 2
New skate park for Middleton
page 3
Focus on Belle Isle
page 6-7
Users, staff and partners are entertained by pupils from Oulton Primary School
by Jeremy Morton Holbeck Elderly Aid, the charity that supports older people to stay active in their community, has secured almost half a million pounds from the National Lottery. The Better Living Matters programme secured a grant of £475,000 from the Big Lottery Fund and marked the occasion with a celebration event at St Matthew’s Community Centre on Tuesday 16 June. The funding will help them to continue delivering a range of services from advice to shopping trips and from
lunches to gardening. Some of the money is earmarked for a replacement minibus as the current vehicle is showing its age. New services will be shaped by the charity’s users, but will build on work they are doing with local GPs in developing ‘wellness’ sessions. It is hoped to establish a café that can act as a drop in Speaking to MADE in Leeds community TV, John England, Chair of Holbeck Elderly Aid (HEA) said: “It’s important that older people have access to our services because the statutory services that people used to depend on are now fewer because of funding cuts by central government.
There are more older people in the community than there has been at any time in the past and those older people need increasing levels of support because of the continued level of deprivation in this part of the city.” Elissa Newman, Chief Executive at HEA told South Leeds Life that all their services are driven by users: “Age is but a number. People get older and their needs change, but age doesn’t have to be a restriction. We help people make informed choices so that they can continue to live independent and fulfilling lives. She is passionate about “stamping out social isolation” in Holbeck. She tells
me about one lady who was living in a cold house, her phone had been cut off and she rarely had a hot meal. After partners put her in touch with Holbeck Elderly Aid, they were able to help her sort out her finances, she has become a regular at the lunch club and regained the confidence to see her doctor. Elissa has a small staff team and depends on the 25 volunteers that regularly help deliver services. If you would like to volunteer, or you want any information about their services please ring Holbeck Elderly Aid on (0113) 245 5553.
Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily
Headteacher retires
page 9
NEWS
FEEDBACK
EDUCATION
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p9
WHAT’S!ON
p10
SPORT!
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ART
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South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
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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
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
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Tolerance and solidarity will defeat terrorism by Hilary Benn MP The recent brutal and cowardly murder of British and other tourists on a beach in Sousse, Tunisia has shocked us all. Families and friends who travelled there to relax and enjoy the sun were murdered by a man with a violent ideology and an automatic weapon. It is the biggest loss of British life in a terrorist attack since 52 people were blown up on a July morning in 2005, and as we have learned now these attacks can happen anywhere at any time.
As we know, three of the four 7/7 bombers lived or worked in South Leeds and yet what they did had nothing to do with our community; at the time there was incredulity and shock at the crime they had committed. What I remember most about the days that followed was the way in which, as a came community, we together in unity in the face of evil. There were peace marches and a coach that travelled to London full of people from Leeds who wanted to lay flowers at the temporary memorial at Kings Cross. Fighting a battle against an
army is one thing - and we are providing support to the Iraqi Government as they seek to defeat ISIL there - but fighting an idea is something else. This violent Islamist ideology sees others, including Shia Muslims, as unbelievers to be killed in the most brutal way possible, oppresses women and has complete contempt for our democracy and way of life. It does not represent the great faith of Islam, but it has hijacked it for political ends. The way ultimately to defeat this view of the world is to be resolute in living our lives as we choose
to. Our community has welcomed people from all over the world. We are proud of who we are and where we come from – I happen to be a quarter English, a quarter Scots and half American – and each day we show how human beings can and do live alongside one another and get on. Anyone who doubts that should just reflect on this summer’s festivals and galas across South Leeds where this spirit is there for all to see. It is this that these people cannot stand, and so they try to divide us. And by asserting our fundamental humanity and showing that our way of
Hilary Benn MP
doing things respects the faith and the dignity of all, this is the best way in which we can stand together against the Tunisian gunman in solidarity with those people whose lives he took. It is this determination to be ourselves that will enable us ultimately to win.
New primary school on sports centre site will be ready for September
There has been a considerable amount of interest over the last few months in the new Lane End Primary School, currently being built in Beeston on the site of the old South Leeds Sports Centre, and which will be part of The Learning Trust (South Leeds) group of schools. The school will be ready to open its doors in mid-September this year, with provision for nursery age children as well as reception and year one pupils, in the first instance, and will be full by 2021. At present the school is in temporary accommodation at Cockburn School, and staff and pupils are looking forward to moving into their brand new school. The school which has now been roofed in and glazed looks a little severe from the entrance side, but is deliberately designed so that most of the windows are on the side of the building facing away from the motorway – this side of the building has large windows, flooding the classrooms with light. By building the school in this way, noise from the motorway is kept to a minimum, and the playgrounds are on this side of the building as well. The site includes a multi-use games area, which will be floodlit for winter use, and it is anticipated that there will be a popular demand for community use of this. As well as classrooms, the school includes a large multi-purpose hall, ITC suite and a large self-contained
area equipped for cookery classes. The school will also contain state of the art ICT equipment. There will be a nature area on site and, when completed, the grounds will be fully landscaped. As part of the contract to build the school, new changing room facilities will be built just outside the school boundary, for teams using the adjoining playing fields. It is expected that the school will soon become an important part of the community, and a number of its facilities will be available for use by local community groups. The Learning Trust (South Leeds) is a partnership of seven local primary schools and one high school, and is responsible for educating a large number of the children in inner south Leeds. The Trust successfully bid for the new school against bids from other organisations which had little or no knowledge of the south Leeds area. Newly appointed Headteacher Asa Britton said: “The Reception age children and small team of staff that currently make up Lane End Primary School
The new Lane End Primary School nearing completion
are very excited about our move into the new building. We are a happy little group of learners, along with very supportive families, who have enjoyed our time at the temporary site at Cockburn, but are looking forward to the new and exciting learning experiences that we will continue to have in our amazing new school. “We are keen to become a focal and permanent part of the local community, and can’t wait to open our doors to our families, friends and neighbours near Lane End Primary School. It will be so lovely to invite new children and families
into our school – to let them see how fabulous our existing pupils are, what great learning is going on each and every day, what wonderful new learning resources we will have, and how happy and safe we all feel at Lane End. “We are also excited at being able to offer 3 year old Nursery places every morning and afternoon. If you have any questions about possible places for September 2015, in Year One, Reception or Nursery – please don’t hesitate to ring us on (0113) 385 7910. We are very much looking forward to meeting you all.”
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South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
News 3
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Middleton gets its skates on Young people's dreams of having a skate park in Middleton to practice their skating, scooter and BMX skills are soon to be realised, thanks to the support of a partnership of Councillors and local community organisations. Weather permitting, the new skate park on land at Acre Road is due to be completed in early July. Councillor Paul Truswell, who chairs the Middleton Youth Partnership that co-ordinated the project and raised the funding, said that young people had been involved in the project from start to finish. He was joined at the site to check progress by four of the young people who have helped to plan the skate park and design signage for it, together with Advanced Youth Worker Allison Dixon, who has supported them through the process. Kyle, Jack, TJ, and Kirsty said: “We can't wait to be able to use the skate park. This is something that we’ve really been wanting for a long time in this area, rather than having to travel to other places. “It's great that we've been involved
Councillor Truswell with (left to right), Jack, TJ, Kyle, Allison Dixon, and Kirsty at the construction site of the new Middleton skate park.
in the design and the final decision and that so much of what we asked for has been included.” Councillor Truswell continued: "The
whole project started about two years ago with initial surveys and consultations with young people through Middleton Community
Group and the Council’s Youth Services Team. Those involved told us that a skate park was one of their top priorities. “In this very tough financial climate raising the funds was a big ask. To meet the challenge I and my Ward colleagues, Councillor Judith Blake and Councillor Kim Groves, set up the Middleton Youth Partnership. “The Partnership involves local community groups, schools, key organisations such as Health for All and Hunslet Club, the police, and Council officers from Parks and Countryside, Children’s and Youth Services. That gave us a really strong and credible base from which to bid for funds – but involving young people at every stage was the key ingredient when we were competing for funding. “Once we'd raised the money, young people were involved in drawing up the design brief. When the tenders came in they had presentations from the contractors and made a recommendation to the Partnership about which design should be chosen. We followed their advice and because we were able to
raise a little more than was initially assumed, we were able to incorporate even more of the features that the young people had requested. “We are really grateful for the funding we’ve received from six different sources, and to the Council’s Parks and Countryside Department that is managing the project for us. “We are hoping the skate park will be finished in time for the school holidays, but the laying of the specialised concrete surfacing can be affected by heavy rain, so we have to pray for some decent weather!” Almost half of the funding for the project - £50,000 - came from Mondegreen, the organisation responsible for allocating money to local communities from Landfill Tax Credits. The project also received £25,000 from the Council’s Housing Leeds Environment Fund, £10,000 from the Inner South Housing Advisory Panel, £5,000 each from Jimbo's Fund and Green Leeds, and £10,000 from Section 106 funding arising from the Asda development in Middleton.
Islamic Celebration Calls for Peace and Love New
Nursery opening 21st September
One of the banners carried through Beeston Photo: Ed Carlisle
by Ed Carlisle South Leeds charity Aspiring Communities this last weekend (Sunday 7 June) organised their annual gathering to mark the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad. Now in its fourth year, the event attracted 600+ people from across the city and the north of England. It featured a long, colourful procession through the community, leading to a gathering for speeches, poetry and more at the John Charles Centre for Sport – opened by Lord Mayor Cllr Judith Chapman, and featuring
representatives from both other local faith communities and different branches of Islam. In particular, one of the headline speakers was acclaimed Leeds-based scholar Imam Qari Asim, who gave a powerful testimony emphasising the contradiction of extremist bodies like ISIS, the Taliban, and Boko Haram with the religion of Islam – and the need to work collaboratively to ensure vulnerable people don’t become tempted to join or support them. Ash Mahmood from the organising committee commented: “There are a lot of challenges and misunderstandings in the
world, but our aim (through this annual event, and in general) is simply to promote the message of love, peace and harmony as taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the true message of Islam. In partnership with people of other faiths and none, we want to help build strong trusting communities, and also show that extremism is not a true reflection of our faith. This annual event is a challenging task, but we’ve learnt a lot over the years, work closely with the police and other partners, everything ran smoothly, and we were really well-received by a wide range of local people.”
* Brand new building * Places for 3 year olds * Mornings or afternoons * Beeston Road LS11 6AA
Call 0113 385 7910 for more details or email: laneendprimary@gmail.com
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South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
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News Festival season kicks off in Beeston in brief £3 summer offer at The Works Skate Park Young people can spend the day skate boarding or BMXing at the Works Skate Board Park for just £3 per day during the summer holidays. The Works Skatepark is located at Kitson Road in Hunslet. For more information call (0113) 244 6015 email: info @theworksskatepark.com, or visit: www.theworks skatepark.com.
Foundation powers ahead Northern Powergrid funding is set to help a new apprentice ‘try’ a new career with Hunslet Rugby Foundation and help spread vital messages about safety and electricity to local school children. “This is a fantastic initiative providing an exciting apprenticeship for a young person, whilst at the same time educating children about the dangers of electricity.” said manager Martyn Flynn.
Small Grants from the Skipton The Skipton Building Society’s Grassroots Giving gives small community groups, clubs and organisations from across Leeds the opportunity to apply for a £500 donation. This year they are giving away £81,000 to support even more small groups. Last year’s winners included a number of local South Leeds groups including Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club. The scheme is now officially open for entries at: www.skiptongrg.co.uk. The closing date is 31 July 2015.
Thousands flocked to Cross Flatts Park on Saturday 6 June for the 21st Beeston Festival. Crowds were entained with live music provided by the Leeds Music Trust. There were plenty of sports to try with
Yorkshire Cricket, Hunslet Hawks, Lawn Tennis Association and Leeds United Foundation. And of course there was the fun fair. Art was the theme of the day as Leeds prepares for the British Art Show. Activities
were organised by The Tetley gallery and East St Arts’ whilst a grafitti mural was painted and Basement Arts showed short films made by local residents. Asian and Caribbean food was on on offer alongside burgers and cream teas.
Belly dancers were amongst the entertainment at Beeston Festival
Bungee fun at the fair Photos: Paul Bullivant
Crunch time for Hunslet Gypsy planning appeal by Ed Carlisle A four year planning battle to create a small Gypsy/Traveller site at Sandon Mount in Hunslet Carr is coming to a head. Residents have opposed plans by land-owner Mr Michael Maloney to build a site for four caravans on former allotments. Last month a Planning Inspector heard the case during a fullday government-led appeal hearing, in the Civic Hall and on the site. A final decision will be announced later this month. The planning application is for a Gypsy/Traveller encampment – made up of one static and three touring caravans plus amenities, in a 150m² space – on part of a derelict allotment site between Sandon Mount and the M621, just up from Hunslet Carr Primary School. The application was originally submitted in 2012, by Mr Michael Maloney – an established member of the Leeds Gypsy community – for himself, his wife and children, and his father. But following considerable delays within the Council planning process, and in the face of growing resistance from the local community, the application was rejected in 2014. The rejection by the Council was based on a complex mix of issues, which in turn were the focus of this week’s appeal hearing. They include: * the tension between the city-wide strategy for provision of green space versus the need to support or provide encampment sites for the Gypsy and Traveller communities (both of which
will be covered in a land allocation plan due to be adopted by the Council later this year), and whether this site can be counted as green space; * whether the proposed development would inhibit the use of the surrounding green space by other local residents; * the suitability of the site for a residential encampment, with particular reference to noise (being immediately next to the M621); * concerns that the site wasn’t large enough for the proposed scheme, especially if Mr Maloney was also to run a business off the site (a suggestion he rejected); * the capacity of Leeds City Council to dictate use of private land, or not; * and the details of how Mr Maloney might create access routes onto the site. To further complicate matters, the site itself has a long, chequered past: it was originally part of the Woodhouse Hill allotment site, but lapsed into disuse and fell into private hands courtesy of a legal loophole known as ‘adverse possession’. In turn, Mr Maloney bought the site in late 2008 – and the site was also briefly occupied with a non-permitted encampment (not connected with Mr Maloney), during which time there was considerable anti-social behaviour on and around the site. Last month’s hearing – on Tuesday 9 June – was chaired by independent inspector Bern Hellier. Other attendees included: Mr Michael Maloney, his legal representative Mrs Alison Heine from Heine Planning Consultancy, and Leeds GATE (Gypsy And Traveller Exchange);
The hearing visits Sandon Mount
representatives for Leeds City Council, including planning and environmental health officers; Councillor Elizabeth Nash; 25+ members of Hunslet Carr Residents Association, who have stated their opposition to the scheme with a 200+ strong petition; and their representative, Clive Brook of Johnson Brook Planning and Development Consultants. Despite the high stakes and high emotions, Mr Hellier said he hoped the day would take the form of ‘a constructive conversation’ – and sure enough, it was a largely good-natured process, that offered glimmers of hope that the different stakeholders might find ways to work together. In particular, Mr Maloney welcomed the proposal that the Council might consider simply swapping the site for another less contentious one; and on
site in the afternoon, members of the Hunslet Carr Residents Association and Mr Maloney were to able to meet and talk face-to-face for the first time. Ben Chastney of Leeds GATE, told South Leeds Life: “We are pleased that Michael has persevered with his application to secure a home for his family, despite how difficult the process has been. It has been frustrating to see how long a decision took to be made and that the reasons for refusal were poorly justified. We hope that the Inspector recognised this during the hearing, and agrees that Michael’s application represents a fair and reasonable solution to finding his family a home.” The decision now lies with the Inspector, Mr Hellier – with the result likely to be announced by the end of the month.
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South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
News 5
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Committee hears dangers of ‘legal highs’
On Wednesday 10 June the Inner South Community Committee met and heard of the dangers of so-called ‘legal highs’. ‘Legal highs’ or New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) as they are properly called, exploit a loophole in the law and are designed to mimic illegal drugs such as Ecstasy, Cocaine and Cannabis. They are only legal in the sense that they are not (yet) illegal, but they are not safe or regulated by the government. Inspector Nick Berry from the Safer Leeds Partnership explained that they are often sold as plant food, bath salts, or research chemicals. He said 113 deaths had been linked to use of NPS in 2013 and their use has increased markedly in recent years. The drugs are sold from ‘Head Shops’ and over the internet. Safer Leeds have
been working with West Yorkshire Trading Standards to encourage shops in Leeds to stop selling NPS and to stop their sale outside clubs. A new bill is being debated in parliament to try and close the loophole by outlawing all psychoactive substances unless expressly exempted (eg caffeine, alcohol and medical drugs). The workshop was attended by about 30 residents and in the discussion it was suggested that decriminalisation was the way to combat drug abuse and that users were ‘self-medicating’ to deal with larger social issues. In reply Insp Berry said he had to work with the law as it is today and his concern was that young people don’t know what they’re taking when they buy ‘legal highs’. The meeting went on to hear about spending on the Wellbeing Budget. The
Peace concert Beeston charities Faith Together in Leeds 11 and The Hamara Centre are presenting a free concert by The Berakah Players starting at 6pm on Tuesday 7 July at the Watsonia Pavilion in Cross Flatts Park, Beeston. The event is part of music charity The Berakah Players’ 10th Anniversary Tour of England. The Players are musicians of Jewish, Christian and Muslim faith heritage.Their unique sound fuses jazz, classical and Middle Eastern elements and this tour, supported by the Arts Council of England, celebrates 10 years of making music for peace, with new material specially written for the event featuring a new string section. A review in The Times said:“It is music to make you close your eyes and dance in your head.” Water and chairs are provided and everyone is welcome. Concerts so far have been packed out. All the events are organised with local community organisations. In Leeds, these are Faith Together in Leeds 11, a grass roots partnership of local faith and community
organisations which runs the popular Building Blocks nursery, and the Hamara Centre, which provides services and events for the local community and aims to bring people together. Organisers said: “We invite the whole community to come together in a spirit of peace and co-operation.” At 6pm the concert will be introduced by Archdeacon Paul Hooper, the Rev Jacqueline Owen and Qari Asim MBE. Helen Bishop, Centre Manager at Faith Together in Leeds 11, said: “This is a great opportunity for all the community to come together to enjoy music which promotes mutual respect, unity and peace.” Hanif Malik, CEO of the Hamara Centre, said: “We are delighted to be involved with the Berakah Project and are confident that the event on 7 July will help contribute to the great community spirit we have here in Beeston. The diversity of the musicians reflects the multiculturalism and broad range of communities that live in our area and music and the arts are always a great vehicle for further enhancing harmony within our society.”
News in brief Volunteers celebrated at Civic Hall
Flavia Docherty from Getaway Girls receives a cheque from Councillors Iqbal, Groves, Gabriel, Truswell, Blake & Davey
councillors approved a grant to Getaway Girls to expand their Safe Space project to South Leeds. The project aims to protect girls and young women from sexual exploitation, particularly in hot spots such as parks. Another project that was funded was initiated by the new St Luke’s Tenants
and Residents Group. It will see a new fence constructed on a grassed area on Bismarck Street to stop people driving across the area. Funding was also approved for an Older Person’s Event to be held at the Civic Hall and for additional Christmas Lights in Belle Isle, Middleton, Beeston and Holbeck.
Hitting the Welsh heights (again)
Volunteers from community groups across South Leeds were celebrated at a special event at the Civic Hall on 24 June. The event was organised by the Inner South Community Committee to say thank you for the thousands of hours of voluntary work put in by ordinary people who want to make their community a better place.
Asda sponsor St Anthony’s The new Asda store on Old Lane has come to the aid of St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School in Beeston. It has made a donation of £500 to purchase a brand new football kit for the next school year. Lisa Leonard, Headteacher, said “We’d like to say a huge thank you to Asda for their kind donation. The children love their new kit and are looking forward to showing it off.” South Leeds residents prepare to climb Snowdon in 2013
South Leeds residents are invited to strap on their hiking boots again this summer, and join an intrepid community trip to Mount Snowdon in north Wales. The full-day trip, on Saturday 25 July, follows two similar and very popular trips in 2013 (also to Snowdon) and 2014 (to the Yorkshire Three Peaks). This year's trip will give participants the opportunity to return to Mount Snowdon and this year climb it via a new route - the famously beautiful Miners Path. Snowdon, or Yr Wyddfa in Welsh, is the highest peak in England and Wales at 1,085m or 3,560 ft above sea level. On a clear day it is possible to see all four countries of the UK from
the summit. Participants will leave south Leeds at 7am in minibuses, arrive at Snowdon by mid morning, hike up the mountain (and hopefully down again!), then return to Leeds for around 9pm. Places cost £5 per person (with family discounts available). Event organiser Ed Carlisle comments: "It was amazing how enthusiastic people were about the previous trips - especially Snowdon, in 2013 - so we couldn't not do another. It's a great opportunity to get out of the city into beautiful countryside, meet new people, burn some calories, and have a laugh. And whilst it is a bit of a challenge, a wide range of people came last year and in 2013, so
give it a go!" For full booking info, visit the South Leeds Life website, search for 'South Leeds Returns to Mount Snowdon' on Facebook, or call Mel on 07715 894 543 or Ed on 07738 921 277. Note that places are limited, so please book your places as soon as possible. The trip is coordinated by the Salvation Army South Leeds Initiative, in association with Hunslet Hawks, the Kashmir Muslim Welfare Association, Aspiring Communities, the Hunslet Club, and the Beeston Space youth groups. If other groups want to get involved and support they are encouraged to get in touch... especially if they have access to a minibus!
Help for blind & partially sighted Rachel, your Independant Living Co-ordinator can help you if you are visually impaired. She can offer advice and assist you with practical issues such as filling in forms, applying for concessions, and discussing daily living products. She can support you to overcome difficulties you may have in your day to day life, meet new people, access interests and hobbies, and to get around safely both inside your home and outdoors. Call her on (0113) 386 2888.
July-August 2015 | South Leeds Life
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Dome is where the heart is
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tenants have been invloved in managing their homes in Belle Isle for thirty years. As residents as well as managers, the Board members at BITMO had the foresight to create the GATE centre, which goes from strength to strength.
As Belle Isle evolves so does BITMO and the GATE. The African Women’s group is just the latest project to find support here. Perhaps it’s this spirit of self reliance that has spawned so many community groups. Groups like Belle Isle Family Centre, Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid,
The dome is winched over the rooftops
The long-awaited dome for the new Abu Huraira mosque (also known as the Hardy Street mosque) – under construction on Catherine Grove in Beeston Hill since 2013 – was assembled and dramatically winched onto the building this last month. South Leeds Life is pleased to present exclusive photos, including great views over the roofs of the community. The huge, 6m-diameter steel structure was pieced together on site over 24 hours, then lifted
onto the building by crane the following day. Local resident Morteza Fatahi was on hand to capture it all by photo and on film. A full photographic slideshow and video of the operation is available to view at: southleedslife.com/ the-dome-is-where-the-heart-is/ The £2.5 million building will include a library, conference room, kitchen and dining facilities as well as prayer halls. The members of the mosque community are continuing to
fundraise, to complete the interior of the building – which they hope to formally open in 2016 or 2017.
Abu Huraira mosque, Beeston
Charlies Angel Centre: help for bereaved parents
Charlies Angel is a family run, Middleton-based charity born out of family tragedy. Sam Key’s daughter Carrie gave birth in 2012 to baby Charlie, but he had a rare and untreatable condition called Potters Syndrome. Unfortanately she died just days later. What shocked the Key family was the lack of support that Carrie was offered. Giving birth to a healthy baby is enough of an emotional rollercoaster, but then losing that child is devastating. Having been discharged from hospital, Carrie was referred for counselling by her GP. Like anyone else seeking help she was assessed within six weeks and then put on an eighteen month waiting list. Understanding that parents facing these circumstances need immediate help, the Key’s set up the Charlies Angel charity. They now field calls and emails from across the UK and across the globe. Remembering how isolated they felt, they answer
every request for help, signposting to local services where they can, offering an empathetic ear to everyone. Their long term aim is to see a centre built in Leeds where bereaved parents can call in at any time day or night. In the short term their next challenge is to raise £1,500 to fund a ‘Cuddle Cot’. When you only have hours to share with your baby, every minute is precious. A baby with Potter’s Syndrome will overheat in her mother’s
arms, but the cuddle cot will keep baby cool and allow the parents to hold their child. Charlies Angel are holding a family fun day to raise funds for the cuddle cot on Saturday 1 August at the New Middleton club. The day promises to be great fun with great raffle prizes as well as raising valuable funds for a great cause. Please support it if you can. For more information please www.charlies-angelvisit: centre.org.uk.
Focus on Belle Isle 7
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Ooh, Ah, Just a little BIT-MO Everyone in Belle Isle knows what BITMO is. For the uninitiated it stands for Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation. For the last ten years it has been managing the council houses in Belle Isle. In fact going back to the Estate Management Board in the 1980s,
Windmill children help Belle Isle bloom On a damp but not too cold morning me, Lynne Spirrett of and Chris and Julie Holmes, of Belle Isle and Middleton in Bloom arrived at Belle Isle Parade to plant some bedding plants outside the shops. Pedestrians and shop keepers had a look to see what we were up to. On this occasion the children and Mrs Smith did all the hard work, and we all just watched them planting the Flowers, giving a helping hand where needed
and taking photographs. Mrs Smith (Teacher, Windmill Primary School) with the 6 children from Windmill Primary School Year 5, planted the annual bedding plants in two containers. Marigolds, Geraniums, Lobelia and more. Some were already in flower, others yet to bloom and in bud, which means there will be always flowers to look at over a period of time. I’m sure the Children, preferred planting flowers
rather than boring Maths lessons! I understood the bedding plants were annuals, so I’m sure the children will be back again next year and do more planting. Many plants were left over, so we gave these to the Belle Isle Winter Aid (New 2 You) Charity Shop, who had been watching us. Hopefully they will sell these and add to their funds. Mrs Smith took some back to the school, I’m sure they will be put to good use.
Pupils from Windmill Primary help Belle Isle & Middleton in Bloom
Belle Isle & Middleton In Bloom and The Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust. There are many strong community services to help people at difficult times in their lives. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved in shaping those serevices.
South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
Fo
cus on: Belle Isle
Activities in July at BITMOs GATE
Each month we have a range of activities, events and courses available for free at BITMOs GATE, the resource centre next to Belle Isle TMO's housing office on Belle Isle Road.
Computers Our computers are available to use for free between 9am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays. We also have Wi-Fi if you’d prefer to bring your own laptop, tablet or smart phone. Computer Classes Lessons for Beginners- Mondays from 9:30am Over 50's classes - Mondays from 1:30pm Lessons for everyoneWednesdays from 10am Julie’s Ancestry Online Discover your family history and uncover relatives with help from Julie. Mondays 10am to 12pm and 1pm till 3pm Gamers Club If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs in an afternoon, come along to our new Gamers Club to meet like-minded people, have a writing Wayne Levitt was walking through and laugh and play board and card to his local cemetery, and noticed a workshops, games for fun. We've got a wide intimate author headstone of a lady with his surname. variety of games as well as free tea Always interested in family history, but meets, Leeds Libraries and coffee. never having the computer skills to delve have touched many Mondays 3pm to 6pm into the archives, he got in touch with lives. However, out of Health Trainer Leeds Libraries, where he learned basic all of the thousands of THE GATE has appointments computer skills which allowed him to people that use the available with a new Health Trainer. access the resources of the Local and library service. Katie will provide up to 8 Family History library. From this, Wayne Councillor Debra confidential one-to-one sessions to discovered that the lady was his great- Coupar, Leeds City help support and motivate you in grandmother. Sparking his passion for Council's executive achieving small goals to improve family history,Wayne also found out about member for your health; this could be losing his relation Arthur Lewis, the only person communities, said: weight, starting to exercise, from Leeds to win the Victoria Cross for “Our libraries play changing eating habits. Call Katie on his bravery in the Second World War. So a very important part 07736 892101 or email far, he’s traced his family tree back to 1803, in the day-to-day lives Katie.smith@healthforall.org.uk for and his great-great-great-great of people of all ages in an appointment. grandparents. And, he doesn’t plan to stop communities across Talk Cash Wise digging yet. Leeds, and this Talk to Chris, our Financial Wayne Levitt at Leeds Central Library #whatsyourstory aims to raise campaign is a great Inclusion Officer, for help to get awareness of the online and offline way to highlight the flexible and diverse can also be accessed online 24 hours a day your finances in order, whether is materials, activities and events that can be range of services, activities and events that by just the click of a button.” worries or benefit checks. Book an Has your life been changed for the appointment by calling 0113 accessed free of charge to adults in Leeds, we have on offer. by documenting the ways in which the “Whether it is researching your family better as a result of the services available 3782190 or ask GATE staff. services available empower the local tree, learning new IT skills, joining a from Leeds Libraries? If so, we want to Tuesdays 9am to 1pm community. Leeds Libraries positions itself readers group or attending an event there hear from you. Get in touch via social Tasty Tuesday as a ‘21st century library’, with an online really is something for everyone, and that’s media (Twitter: @leedslibraries Facebook: In partnership with South Leeds app facility that allows users to access the before we even mention our 5,000 e- www.facebook.com/leedslibraries) using Foodbank and the Ciaran Bingham library catalogues, and over 5000 e-books, books which are available online to the hashtag #whatsyourstory or email Foundation Trust, BITMOs GATE from the comfort of their own home. download for free. These sit alongside a whatsyourstory@leeds.gov.uk serves a hot lunch- soup and a With services and activities from IT help range of other Leeds Library services that bread roll- every Tuesday… Tasty Tuesdays! Tuesdays 11:30am to 1pm CV Help and Advice Keep up to date with the latest news online at: Let us help you to get on the path to employment! We can assist you to improve your CV by making sure everything is accurate and presented correctly; we can also
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show you how to upload it to job sites and search online for your next employment opportunity. Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm Carers Leeds & Mencap Parents Group Second Tuesday of each month 1pm to 3.30pm Guitar in the Community Free guitar lessons with John at the GATE. He’ll teach you how to read music and play chords for free in a friendly group setting Beginners Wednesdays 6:30pm to 7:30pm Improvers Wednesdays 7:30pm to 8:30pm GATE Work Club Help support and advice to search for jobs online. Thursdays 2pm to 4pm Black African Ladies Group The GATE also has a Black African Ladies Group ‘Aiwa’, which welcomes new members. The group meet at the GATE on Thursday mornings until early afternoon. For more information, email aiwa.leeds@yahoo.co.uk. South Leeds Life- News Cafe Come along and meet volunteers from South Leeds Life. Share your news, ask about writing a blog or get help with Facebook or Twitter. Fridays 10am to 12pm Happy Friday Breakfast Club Meet friends and have a natter over a free breakfast Fridays 9.30am to 11am Help to Stop Smoking Amy will support you to become smoke free. Come along, no appointment needed. Fridays from 1:50pm onwards. Employment for English Employment for English’ course, which will able people to brush up on their English skills whilst doing things like creating cover letters. The course runs for 4 weeks starting on Wednesday 1st July between 10am- 12pm. People can find out more about the course at the sign up session, which will be held on Wednesday 24th June at 10am.
July will also be the first month our new Assistant Community and Tenant Support Manager starts work in the GATE. James will be offering help to people who want to learn how to get online and search for jobs; revamp their CVs and support them to get back into work. For more information about upcoming courses and events, please email GATE@belleisletmo.co.uk,
July-August 2015 | South Leeds Life
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6 News
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Dome is where the heart is
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tenants have been invloved in managing their homes in Belle Isle for thirty years. As residents as well as managers, the Board members at BITMO had the foresight to create the GATE centre, which goes from strength to strength.
As Belle Isle evolves so does BITMO and the GATE. The African Women’s group is just the latest project to find support here. Perhaps it’s this spirit of self reliance that has spawned so many community groups. Groups like Belle Isle Family Centre, Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid,
The dome is winched over the rooftops
The long-awaited dome for the new Abu Huraira mosque (also known as the Hardy Street mosque) – under construction on Catherine Grove in Beeston Hill since 2013 – was assembled and dramatically winched onto the building this last month. South Leeds Life is pleased to present exclusive photos, including great views over the roofs of the community. The huge, 6m-diameter steel structure was pieced together on site over 24 hours, then lifted
onto the building by crane the following day. Local resident Morteza Fatahi was on hand to capture it all by photo and on film. A full photographic slideshow and video of the operation is available to view at: southleedslife.com/ the-dome-is-where-the-heart-is/ The £2.5 million building will include a library, conference room, kitchen and dining facilities as well as prayer halls. The members of the mosque community are continuing to
fundraise, to complete the interior of the building – which they hope to formally open in 2016 or 2017.
Abu Huraira mosque, Beeston
Charlies Angel Centre: help for bereaved parents
Charlies Angel is a family run, Middleton-based charity born out of family tragedy. Sam Key’s daughter Carrie gave birth in 2012 to baby Charlie, but he had a rare and untreatable condition called Potters Syndrome. Unfortanately she died just days later. What shocked the Key family was the lack of support that Carrie was offered. Giving birth to a healthy baby is enough of an emotional rollercoaster, but then losing that child is devastating. Having been discharged from hospital, Carrie was referred for counselling by her GP. Like anyone else seeking help she was assessed within six weeks and then put on an eighteen month waiting list. Understanding that parents facing these circumstances need immediate help, the Key’s set up the Charlies Angel charity. They now field calls and emails from across the UK and across the globe. Remembering how isolated they felt, they answer
every request for help, signposting to local services where they can, offering an empathetic ear to everyone. Their long term aim is to see a centre built in Leeds where bereaved parents can call in at any time day or night. In the short term their next challenge is to raise £1,500 to fund a ‘Cuddle Cot’. When you only have hours to share with your baby, every minute is precious. A baby with Potter’s Syndrome will overheat in her mother’s
arms, but the cuddle cot will keep baby cool and allow the parents to hold their child. Charlies Angel are holding a family fun day to raise funds for the cuddle cot on Saturday 1 August at the New Middleton club. The day promises to be great fun with great raffle prizes as well as raising valuable funds for a great cause. Please support it if you can. For more information please www.charlies-angelvisit: centre.org.uk.
Focus on Belle Isle 7
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Ooh, Ah, Just a little BIT-MO Everyone in Belle Isle knows what BITMO is. For the uninitiated it stands for Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation. For the last ten years it has been managing the council houses in Belle Isle. In fact going back to the Estate Management Board in the 1980s,
Windmill children help Belle Isle bloom On a damp but not too cold morning me, Lynne Spirrett of and Chris and Julie Holmes, of Belle Isle and Middleton in Bloom arrived at Belle Isle Parade to plant some bedding plants outside the shops. Pedestrians and shop keepers had a look to see what we were up to. On this occasion the children and Mrs Smith did all the hard work, and we all just watched them planting the Flowers, giving a helping hand where needed
and taking photographs. Mrs Smith (Teacher, Windmill Primary School) with the 6 children from Windmill Primary School Year 5, planted the annual bedding plants in two containers. Marigolds, Geraniums, Lobelia and more. Some were already in flower, others yet to bloom and in bud, which means there will be always flowers to look at over a period of time. I’m sure the Children, preferred planting flowers
rather than boring Maths lessons! I understood the bedding plants were annuals, so I’m sure the children will be back again next year and do more planting. Many plants were left over, so we gave these to the Belle Isle Winter Aid (New 2 You) Charity Shop, who had been watching us. Hopefully they will sell these and add to their funds. Mrs Smith took some back to the school, I’m sure they will be put to good use.
Pupils from Windmill Primary help Belle Isle & Middleton in Bloom
Belle Isle & Middleton In Bloom and The Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust. There are many strong community services to help people at difficult times in their lives. There are also plenty of opportunities to get involved in shaping those serevices.
South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
Fo
cus on: Belle Isle
Activities in July at BITMOs GATE
Each month we have a range of activities, events and courses available for free at BITMOs GATE, the resource centre next to Belle Isle TMO's housing office on Belle Isle Road.
Computers Our computers are available to use for free between 9am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays. We also have Wi-Fi if you’d prefer to bring your own laptop, tablet or smart phone. Computer Classes Lessons for Beginners- Mondays from 9:30am Over 50's classes - Mondays from 1:30pm Lessons for everyoneWednesdays from 10am Julie’s Ancestry Online Discover your family history and uncover relatives with help from Julie. Mondays 10am to 12pm and 1pm till 3pm Gamers Club If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs in an afternoon, come along to our new Gamers Club to meet like-minded people, have a writing Wayne Levitt was walking through and laugh and play board and card to his local cemetery, and noticed a workshops, games for fun. We've got a wide intimate author headstone of a lady with his surname. variety of games as well as free tea Always interested in family history, but meets, Leeds Libraries and coffee. never having the computer skills to delve have touched many Mondays 3pm to 6pm into the archives, he got in touch with lives. However, out of Health Trainer Leeds Libraries, where he learned basic all of the thousands of THE GATE has appointments computer skills which allowed him to people that use the available with a new Health Trainer. access the resources of the Local and library service. Katie will provide up to 8 Family History library. From this, Wayne Councillor Debra confidential one-to-one sessions to discovered that the lady was his great- Coupar, Leeds City help support and motivate you in grandmother. Sparking his passion for Council's executive achieving small goals to improve family history,Wayne also found out about member for your health; this could be losing his relation Arthur Lewis, the only person communities, said: weight, starting to exercise, from Leeds to win the Victoria Cross for “Our libraries play changing eating habits. Call Katie on his bravery in the Second World War. So a very important part 07736 892101 or email far, he’s traced his family tree back to 1803, in the day-to-day lives Katie.smith@healthforall.org.uk for and his great-great-great-great of people of all ages in an appointment. grandparents. And, he doesn’t plan to stop communities across Talk Cash Wise digging yet. Leeds, and this Talk to Chris, our Financial Wayne Levitt at Leeds Central Library #whatsyourstory aims to raise campaign is a great Inclusion Officer, for help to get awareness of the online and offline way to highlight the flexible and diverse can also be accessed online 24 hours a day your finances in order, whether is materials, activities and events that can be range of services, activities and events that by just the click of a button.” worries or benefit checks. Book an Has your life been changed for the appointment by calling 0113 accessed free of charge to adults in Leeds, we have on offer. by documenting the ways in which the “Whether it is researching your family better as a result of the services available 3782190 or ask GATE staff. services available empower the local tree, learning new IT skills, joining a from Leeds Libraries? If so, we want to Tuesdays 9am to 1pm community. Leeds Libraries positions itself readers group or attending an event there hear from you. Get in touch via social Tasty Tuesday as a ‘21st century library’, with an online really is something for everyone, and that’s media (Twitter: @leedslibraries Facebook: In partnership with South Leeds app facility that allows users to access the before we even mention our 5,000 e- www.facebook.com/leedslibraries) using Foodbank and the Ciaran Bingham library catalogues, and over 5000 e-books, books which are available online to the hashtag #whatsyourstory or email Foundation Trust, BITMOs GATE from the comfort of their own home. download for free. These sit alongside a whatsyourstory@leeds.gov.uk serves a hot lunch- soup and a With services and activities from IT help range of other Leeds Library services that bread roll- every Tuesday… Tasty Tuesdays! Tuesdays 11:30am to 1pm CV Help and Advice Keep up to date with the latest news online at: Let us help you to get on the path to employment! We can assist you to improve your CV by making sure everything is accurate and presented correctly; we can also
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show you how to upload it to job sites and search online for your next employment opportunity. Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm Carers Leeds & Mencap Parents Group Second Tuesday of each month 1pm to 3.30pm Guitar in the Community Free guitar lessons with John at the GATE. He’ll teach you how to read music and play chords for free in a friendly group setting Beginners Wednesdays 6:30pm to 7:30pm Improvers Wednesdays 7:30pm to 8:30pm GATE Work Club Help support and advice to search for jobs online. Thursdays 2pm to 4pm Black African Ladies Group The GATE also has a Black African Ladies Group ‘Aiwa’, which welcomes new members. The group meet at the GATE on Thursday mornings until early afternoon. For more information, email aiwa.leeds@yahoo.co.uk. South Leeds Life- News Cafe Come along and meet volunteers from South Leeds Life. Share your news, ask about writing a blog or get help with Facebook or Twitter. Fridays 10am to 12pm Happy Friday Breakfast Club Meet friends and have a natter over a free breakfast Fridays 9.30am to 11am Help to Stop Smoking Amy will support you to become smoke free. Come along, no appointment needed. Fridays from 1:50pm onwards. Employment for English Employment for English’ course, which will able people to brush up on their English skills whilst doing things like creating cover letters. The course runs for 4 weeks starting on Wednesday 1st July between 10am- 12pm. People can find out more about the course at the sign up session, which will be held on Wednesday 24th June at 10am.
July will also be the first month our new Assistant Community and Tenant Support Manager starts work in the GATE. James will be offering help to people who want to learn how to get online and search for jobs; revamp their CVs and support them to get back into work. For more information about upcoming courses and events, please email GATE@belleisletmo.co.uk,
South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
www.southleedslife.com
8 Opinion
In our view
Education, Education, Education
Inspiring new buildings are being built at Lane End and Ruth Gorse Academy. Reflections on the career of a great Headteacher Sally Sumpner from Windmill and Low Road. But most importantly the impressive work completed by the photography students at The South Leeds Academy.
Festivals and Galas
Summertime means community galas. We have a great tradition in South Leeds of celebrating our communities by coming together to have fun in the park, school or sports field.Whilst you are listening to live music, eating an ice cream ora curry, please remember to thank the volunteers that gave up their time to make the event a success.
Winning the lottery
Holbeck Elderly Aid have proved that there’;s more than one way to win the lottery. The odds on a winning ticket on Saturday night are pretty long, but good causes up and down the country receive grants to keep their work going. Whilst the odds might be shorter, there’s a lot more work in a grant application and you’ve got to show you can deliver on your promises. So congratulations to Holbeck Elderly Aid and lets hope we see more lottery grants coming our way in South Leeds.
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Your letters and comments
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Hunslet Church
Following on from your article about the Hunslet Parish Church Clock. Did you know that there has been a Parish Church in Hunslet since 1629? The present church was rebuilt from the original stone of the previous church which originated back to 1864. The tower, which houses the clock, is a Grade 2 listed building, but the spire needs funding of around £200,000 in order to restore and repair it and make it safe. Unfortunately the church is also in the same state of disrepair, due mainly to poor planning at the last rebuild and will without a doubt be closing it's doors in the not too distant future. CAN WE SAVE OUR PARISH CHURCH IN HUNSLET? There have been talks and meetings and ideas and some suggestions are to demolish the church and redevelop the site with a community hall, some social 'green' housing and possible school expansion and then a smaller place of worship being built onto the tower. These ideas, of course, need funding and a positive buy-in from the Diocese, the Council and/or an interested housing association. With new homes and school places in big demand at the moment in Hunslet, isn't it time to act and do something positive with the Church site and give the people of Hunslet a base, a meeting place, community functions in a brand new community hall and at the same time benefit the school with possible expansion and provide some much needed extra social housing at the same time keeping a place of worship open for the people of Hunslet.
St Mary’s Church, Hunslet
I have been a worshipping member of Hunslet Parish Church for the last 32 years and will be really unhappy to see it closed forever. I am Guider-in-Charge of a thriving Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Senior Section membership and we are well supported by those girls' parents and it is fortunate for us that Mr Ford (Head Teacher) at Hunslet St Mary's school has offered us a home base within the school. Please offer your support for our church on Facebook: Hunslet Parish Church. Pamela Clark
News Cafe
Thanks for your advice. I’m hoping my first Facebook post has worked! Only 7.00am and 6 people already liked it. Yeah - is it really that easy? If so count me as a success of your Brew News Cafe. Linda, Beeston in Bloom
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:
Patrick Davey 0113 261 0465 patrick.davey@leeds.gov.uk Mohammed Iqbal 0113 294 1049 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk
Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:
Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell
0113 395 1735 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 247 4472 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk
Leeds Central MP – Rt Hon Hilary Benn Hilary Benn is our MP. He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Richmond Hill, Osmondthorpe, Halton Moor and New Wortley. Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Suite 7, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097
Workfare
My son, who has never been on benefits, applied for a job where they use workfare and was told that he would have to work without pay for the same period because he wasn’t on benefits. Needless to say he did not take up their kind offer of employment. Paul Osman This is a ridiculous scheme, aimed at appeasing people who think that everyone on welfare is somehow a scrounged intent on
leaching off the state. This essentially gives businesses the ability to boot permanent staff (or rather ‘manage them out’) and have staff paid for by the taxpayer. The government does need to tackle welfare spending, but do it in a real way that isn’t a cheap stunt, doesn’t subject people to humiliation and what not. Start by creating jobs – offer tax breaks to start up businesses and try and boost manufacturing in this country – rather than all those jobs going overseas. Luke Senior
Beeston Festival
A well organised day, with something for everyone, look forward to next year. Mari Walker Beeston Festival was fabulous. Lots of different things to see and do.There was a great atmosphere, very enjoyable. Sarah Oldknow
Hunslet Hawks
Thank you Stephen Clark, your match report of the Halifax game was spot on. Wayne Evans Join the debate.
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: @Leedsgdn Good to see the derelict former Malvern pub in Holbeck being brought back to life as a local store.
@Tim Morton2 @SouthLeedsLife is the dog show called Bark in the Park? @lensatweets Feeling chuffed to discover someone who isn't related to me referred to me as a Beeston based blogger. Thanks @SouthLeedsLife! #amwriting @yorkshireNic Proper good time at our #fundraising fun day yesterday! Over £400 raised for @CR_UK big thank you to everyone @AmandaSeims1 Great to learn about the good work going on at #TheCupboardProject boys club today @HealthforAllLds @RunLeeds What a great day @BeestonFestival Pure energy from the young uns' Check out this top notch running form! #runleeds
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.
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@WYP_RPU Three separate drivers arrested for drink driving in the Beeston area of Leeds throughout the night. All charged and bailed to court #fatal4 @Devon123Martin You know it's summer when you’re helping out @BeestonFestival love the event and the team I work with! To make the event a success.
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Education 9
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New high school reveals plans
The Ruth Gorse Academy, the new high school to be built near the Royal Armouries in Hunslet has revealed plans for its new buildings. As previously reported on South Leeds Life, the school which will provide education for 11-18 year olds will be built on the former Yorkshire Chemicals site on
Black Bull Street in Hunslet. The £23 million building will feature state-of-the-art teaching facilities as well as on-site sports facilities. It is hoped to open the site to use by local residents. The Ruth Gorse Academy opened last September in temporary accommodation at Morley Academy and plans to move to
its new home in time for the 2016/17 school year. Further images of the new buildings, floor plans and a video ‘fly through’ can be found on the school’s website: ruthgorse.leeds.sch.uk/buildings-andfacilities.
South Leeds’ musical headteacher retires by Kenneth Ingram
Sally Sumpner, Executive Headteacher of Windmill and Low Road Music Federation, is retiring at the end of July. I went to interview her: Could you please tell me a little about what subjects you taught in the early years of your career? Yes. In primary school you teach all the subjects, but I did a lot of music teaching. I was very lucky when I was a girl , my mother actually paid for me to have piano lessons, which wasn’t normal. I was very lucky and fortunately used that in my career and still do, and that’s been absolutely fantastic. So I did teach a lot of music and In fact when I first came to Windmill I was teaching every class music, which was quite a challenge. I came to Windmill in 1997. What have you loved most about being head of such a fantastic school? Oh the job is so wide and varied, and there is so much going on, not only in this school but in the community, absolutely lovely things. Also
South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
some challenging things, every day is different and I guess I get involved in so many things it’s not like you go to an office everyday it’s far, far more interesting than that. What do think your biggest achievements have been since being head at this school? We have managed to stay right on the top of the standards agenda which is imposed by government. Rightly or wrongly you have to go with it.We have managed to do that, and all our children achieve exceedingly well. For me personally, two huge events, one was in 2007 taking over Low Road Primary and becoming a federation which was very new at the time, and certainly hasn’t been done in Leeds before. We found our own way through that and brought about very positive changes for both schools, but actually for Low Road in particular. The other which was the highlight, which is when we started the music programme, called In Harmony which was three years ago and we changed our School name to Music Federation. The the whole place is just full of music
and lovely things going on because of that, I’m very proud of both those things. What are you going to do with yourself once you retire, have you any interest or hobbies to catch up on? I plan to do a lot more music because I have the time. I used to be an Art Teacher as well, I have not done any of my own art work for a long time. So that’s something I would like to go back to. I have five grandchildren all aged 5 and under, so I’m going to busy with them. I already see them a lot, but will be looking after them for several days a week so I don’t think I’ve a lot of time to do extra things, that will keep me busy. I think really I would like to say that working in a school like Windmill and Low Road it isn’t just a job, it’s not like coming to work doing the job
TSLA!students show off their photo skills
Students proudly showed off their work to families, staff and other students at an exhibition of GCSE Photography at The South Leeds Academy last month. This was the first year that the school had offered the course and 36 students took it as a one year course. The course has now been added to the permanent curriculum and Year 10 students will start studying the subject in September. “Some of the students were not engaged to start to with, but I’m delighted that all 36 students finished the course and exhibited their work.” said Maria Caines, Assistant Principal who taught the course. The exhibition demonstrated their skills with the camera
experimenting with composition, lighting and shutter speeds to create stunning images. Also exhibited were GCSE Textiles coursework including a stunning Prom dress. Principal Marc Doyle commented: “I’m very proud of the work of these students. It is another example of how the school is changing and our pupils are beginning to shine.” One boy had been struggling to engage a couple of years ago and a girl who recently moved to Britain has struggled with her English. Both have achieved great results on this course. For more news of art projects at The South Leeds Academy follow @mrscaines_tsla or @TslaMrsRobinson on Twitter.
AnnaMaria Trenkova
Phoebe Brown
Headteacher Sally Sumpner
and going home because you’re so involved with children, families and their lives. You are just so much part of everything that’s going on you almost kind of live it with people and we’ve had some lovely moments and sad moment as well. But this community, this very strong community that works very well with the school and it’s that strength that’s been so helpful to me. People make it very clear that they support the school and the things that I’ve done over the last 18 years. So that’s lovely, a job well done.
Sammy Head
Chelsea Dixon
Phoebe Brown
South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
www.southleedslife.com
10 What’s On
What’s On
Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in July & August Every Monday 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. Walk and Talk 1:30-2:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Keep Fit 4:15-5pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Park Life sports fun for 1116s 5:30pm Cross Flatts Park 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 Self Defence for women 6-8pm Old White Hart pub Town Street, Beeston 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
For up to date event information make sure you go online to
www.southleedslife.com and check the What’s On Calendar
Community Centre Every Thursday Tea & Toast* 8:30-9:30am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Middleton Park Estate Volunteers 10am-3pm Middleton Park 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 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 Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Circuit Training 4:30-5:15pm Beeston Parish Centre Clubbercise 5:15-6pm Beeston Parish Ctr Wednesday 1 July Free Computer Course 9:30-11am St Mary’s Primary, Church Street, Hunslet Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Free Computer Course 1:15-2:45pm Cottingley Community Centre Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Play: ‘Rabbitskin’ 6:30pm Phoenix Suite, South Leeds Stadium Thursday 2 July Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Saturday 4 July Jumble / Yard Sale 9:30am-12pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Girls Football Open Day Boys Football Open Day Middleton Park FC 10:30am-12pm Middleton Leisure Centre / Corinthians RUFC Belle Isle Gala 11am-2pm Windmill Primary School Holbeck Gala 12-4pm Holbeck Moor Free Tennis 1-3pm Tennis Centre, John Charles Centre For Sport Sunday 5 July Tingley Brass Band 2:30-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Swing Of Things & Beeston Dog Show 2:30-4:30pm Cross Flatts Park ‘Soledad and Betto’ 5pm Slung Low Theatre, Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 6 July Beeston & Holbeck Neighbourhood Improvement Board 10am-12pm Beeston Village
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Community Centre, St Anthony’s Dive St Luke’s Tenants & Residents Assoc 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Friends of Stank Hall Barn 7:30pm Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road Tuesday 7 July Mostly Men 10am-12pm Northcotes Community Centre The Berakah Players 6pm Cross Flatts Park Oddsocks presents Twelfth Night 7-9pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Wednesday 8 July Cottingley Hall TRAC 6:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy Thursday 9 July Film: Sell Off – The secret plot to sell the NHS 7pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Saturday 11 July Hunslet Club Summer Gala 12-4pm Hillidge Road Sunday 12 July Middleton Park Music Festival 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Alligator Gumbo 2:30-4:30pm Cross Flatts Park Wednesday 15 July Cottingley In Bloom 1:30pm Cottingley Heights Community Room Saturday 18 July Leeds Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Harwood Singers Concert 3-5pm St Andrew’s Church, Old Lane, Beeston Sunday 19 July History Walk 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Dr Reelgood Ceilidh band 2:30-4:30 Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Sunday 26 July Bird of Prey Experience 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Wednesday 29 July Old School Sports Fun Day 1-3:30pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Saturday 1 August Charlies Angel Charity Family Fun Day 1-6pm New Middleton Club, Thorpe Street, Middleton
Sunday 2 August Bradford Metropolitan Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Monday 3 August Friends of Stank Hall Barn 7:30pm Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road Tuesday 4 August Mostly Men 10am-12pm Northcotes Community Centre Wednesday 5 August Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Thursday 6 August Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Saturday 8 August Middleton Community Group 10am Tenants Hall, Acre Close Sunday 9 August Crofton Silver Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Wednesday 12 August Bird Survey 7-9am Middleton Park Visitor Centre Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Breeze On Tour 12-5pm Cross Flatts Park Thursday 13 August Breeze On Tour 12-5pm Cross Flatts Park Sunday 16 August Middleton Park (Fun) Dog Show 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Sunday 23 August Woodland Play 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Wednesday 26 August Middleton Railway 11am-4pm Moor Road, Hunslet Friday 28 August Jacob’s Appeal Fundraiser 7pm Beeston Sports & Social Club, Beeston Road Sunday 30 August West Yorkshire Brass Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre
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Park tram anniversary
An evening walk in the woods is to be held to mark the 90th anniversary of the opening of the tram route which used to run through Middleton woods. Tram enthusiasts from the Leeds Transport Historical Society will meet at the junction of Middleton Ring Road and Bodmin road at 7:15pm on Monday 13 July. The tramway was built in 1925 to connect the new Middleton estate with the city. It used the bed of a light railway that had been used to move materials up to Middleton to build the new houses. The tram connected to the Dewsbury Road route at The Junction pub. At the other end itemerged from the woods near the water tower and continued to the Middleton Arms (now Aldi) at Middleton Circus. The line was extended to Lingwell Avenue in 1929 and the Belle Isle line was extended to meet it and create a loop. Originally the number 16, it became the number 12 in 1929. The last tram ran on Easter Saturday, 28 March 1959. The M621 and open cast coal mining in the 1980s have burried much of the original route, but the trackway is clearly identifiable within Middleton Park. An interpretation board marks the location of a tram stop within the woods. Read the full story at southleedslife.com/ middleton-park-tramway-anniversary-to-bemarked/
South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
News 11
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South Leeds Life | July-August 2015
12 Sport
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Battling Hawks take fight to the big boys
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Local lad hits bullseye at Beeston club competition
The century-old Rowland Road Social Club hosted a major regional darts competition on 6 June – and saw a south Leeds lad scooping the top prize in the final. The competition was a feature event on the regional circuit, organised by Bradford Darts Promotions in conjunction with the Beeston club. It was open to all, and saw 100+ players competing: men and women of all ages from across Yorkshire, including several semi-professionals. At the end of a full day’s arduous and tense competition, south Leeds lad Johnathan Hewitt (from East Ardsley) claimed victory in the final – with a highly impressive 180 (the highest possible score) in five out of the nine legs.
Rowland Road Social Club – in the heart of Beeston Hill, just up from Lady Pit Lane – was originally formed by local people in 1911, as a familyfriendly social and events venue. The members re-built the club in the 1970s, and moved (albeit on the same site) into what is now the current building. And times have changed in other ways, with many social clubs – like pubs – up and down the country having to reinvent themselves to stay afloat. (South Leeds Life regularly reports on The Holbeck – formerly the Holbeck Working Men’s Club – which is another local club doing just that.) So the Rowland Road club now hosts a growing range of events and activities.There is of course the darts – the next
major competition for which is on Saturday 1st August.They’re also home to the all-age Leeds All Stars Taekwondo, who hold open sessions – led by local school caretaker Tom, from Greenmount Primary – three times a week. They’ve some of the best snooker facilities in Leeds, with several full-size tables. There are weekly live entertainment and bingo nights. They have function rooms for hire. They’re the local polling station on election days. And much more. To find out more or maybe join, drop by any evening or weekend afternoon or evening, and speak with the managers (Jo and Steve) or other staff. Membership is just £5 per year, and they’re currently offering 1 month’s free membership for those who are considering joining.
Andy Kain scores against Featherstone. Photo: Steve Gaunt / Touchlinepics.com
by Stephen Clark & Jeremy Morton Life doesn’t get any easier for Hunslet Hawks fans, but after the latest in a run of defeats against the sides at the top of the Kingstone Press Championship, there is no reason to be downhearted. Performances against Halifax and Featherstone Rovers, in particular, should give the supporters real hope that they will be entertaining sides of this calibre again next season. Although June has seen four straight losses, three of them have been against sides pushing for promotion to the Super League. Hunslet Hawks have put up a series of brave displays where they have just fallen short against supposedly much superior opposition. The month started with another long trip to the Cumbrian coast and most disappointing loss of the
month. Whitehaven are struggling in the Championship and this was a real four-pointer. The match appeared to be going to plan as Hunslet took a 12 point lead in at half time. But a second half capitulation saw the home side score 28 unanswered points. Halifax had been given a game to remember at The Shay earlier in the season and on Friday 12 June, Hunslet ran them even closer. A superbly spirited display saw the Hawks lead for much of the game and with five minutes to go the score was still 8-6 in their favour. Halifax then broke Hunslet hearts with a breakaway try from their own 20 metre line to snatch the match. Next was a trip to London to play the Broncos. The game didn’t start well with the Hawks 12 down after 15 minutes, but they dug in and were level by half time. Unfortunately there was another second half collapse as
the Broncos scored 22 unanswered points. The second half hoodoo was put to rest in Hunslet’s last game of the month, a visit from Featherstone Rovers. Despite losing two early scores, the Hawks fought back time and again through the match and were unlucky to lose 34-42, having contributed to a thoroughly entertaining afternoon of rugby. Trout, Kain, Watson, Lee (2) and Finigan scored the tries. July holds the prospect of entertaining the mighty Bradford Bulls and visiting Leigh Centurions, first and second in the division. Hunslet then play the three teams below them, finishing the regular season with a home game against Workington Town. If they focus on their own performance against the top opposition and maintain their momentum they should pick up more points against the relegation strugglers.
Darts at Rowland Road Club
Juniors Family Fun Day
Beeston Juniors Soccer School & Beeston Juniors F.C. are holding a ‘Family Fun Day’ on Saturday 18 July 2015 at The Clubhouse, Cardinal Square, Leeds LS11 8HS 10am till 4pm. Tombola Ice Cream Van Golf Football Cake Stall
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Beeston Juniors FC
Sweet Stall Beat the Goalie Mums v Dads Football Bouncy Castle BBQ Something for everyone! Come along and support your local Junior Football Club on what is going to be a fun family day.