Your FREE community newspaper
Issue 102 | November 2023
Covering Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Riverside & Stourton
LET’S GET OUR BUSES BACK! Consultation is next step to bringing public transport under public control by Jeremy Morton
B
us services in England, apart from London, have been privatised since 1986. The result has been steep fare rises, unreliability and the cutting of unprofitable routes. We now have a chance to take bus services back into public control through a system called franchising. Manchester has already introduced franchising with its Bee Line network. Liverpool is not far behind and West Yorkshire could follow in the spring. West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin, has called the government’s process as “tortuous”, but we have now got to the public consultation stage. It’s now our turn to have our say on how our buses should be run. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority consultation runs until 7 January, with people able to have their say at numerous drop-in sessions, online, or by post. Currently, bus routes, timetables, and fares, are mainly set by private bus operators, which has led to inconsistent standards across the region. A Combined Authority assessment, which has been
reviewed by an independent auditor, looked at the options for bus reform and concluded that Franchising would offer “clear strategic benefits”. Bus Franchising would give the Combined Authority control over the routes, frequency, fares and overall standards of the region’s buses, and it would then contract bus operators to run these on its behalf. The assessment also looked at the benefits of new partnerships with local bus operators, known as ‘enhanced partnership plus’. A wide range of people — including bus operators, organisations representing passengers and members of the public — are being asked for their views on the way buses should be run in West Yorkshire. Simon Warburton, Executive Director of Transport at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, said: “We are currently at a crossroads on our journey towards better buses in West Yorkshire. “We are keen to tell everyone about our plans, and this consultation is the final stage before a decision is made on how to create a betterconnected region. “No decision has been made
In this issue:
Influential Young Leader (with mum)
page 3
Eddie Gray unveils his mural
page 4
Academy award hosts
page 12
Obituary: Raymond Harley
page 17
Community Lions call up
page 24
Bus services could be franchised next year yet – and that’s why we want as many people as possible to have their say.” Following the consultation, the results will be published, and a final decision is expected to be made on the future of West Yorkshire’s buses in Spring 2024. You can find the online survey at www.yourvoice.west yorks-ca.gov.uk/busreform A face to face consultation event will take place on Thursday 2 November, 10am-
1pm at the Hamara Healthy Living Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston, LS11 8RD. Team Beeston, part of Leeds Citizens, are also holding a meeting, asking ‘Are you fed up of the buses?’ and inviting you to come and have your say at St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Old Lane, LS11 8AG on Tuesday 14 November at 7pm. Existing bus operators have joined forces to promote the ‘enhanced partnership plus’ model of reform.
‘The Best for West Yorkshire’ campaign sets out the case for the ‘Enhanced Partnership Plus’ (EP+), which operators are confident will deliver benefits for customers including accelerating public control without the burden and financial risk of a franchise model. A spokesperson for the operators said: “We recognise there needs to be reform and firmly believe we can go faster to bring about change.”
NEWS
2-10
SCHOOL LIFE
11-13
COMMENT
14-15
LIVES
16-17 18
ART LIFE WHAT’S ON
19-22
SPORTING LIFE
23-24
Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily
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South Leeds Life | November 2023
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About us South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live, work and play in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds. The website and newspaper are produced by South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House, No 9998695. South Leeds Life is a member of the Independent Community News Network.
Planning submitted for new offices at White Rose Park
Our aims To inform people of events, activities, issues and opportunities taking place in the South Leeds community; To encourage the involvement of the wider community in communicating their experiences; To foster community spirit and involvement; and To provide a platform for local people to contribute and respond to community life more fully. South Leeds Life is pleased to publish views from across the political spectrum, provided they comply with our editorial guidelines. We remain a neutral publication with a diverse readership, as such we do not endorse any particular political party.
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CGI of new offices opposite the new White Rose station
D
evelopment and investment group Munroe K has submitted a planning application for the new Station Plaza office development at White Rose Park. Planning has been submitted to Leeds City Council for a 145,000 sq ft new build office development directly fronting the new White Rose Railway Station, which is scheduled to open in Spring 2024. The
masterplan for Station Plaza incorporates three buildings, two totalling 100,000 sq ft over two wings and interconnected with a shared atrium and the third is a separate 45,000 sq ft building. In addition to the targeted BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5 star accreditation, Munroe K is aiming for the development to be carbon neutral in operation. This
aspiration follows the developer’s ambition to make White Rose Park carbon neutral by 2030, through implementing further sustainable features and throughout the new development. The wider White Rose Park comprises just over 550,000 sq ft of offices across nine buildings which are almost fully occupied by a host of blue-chip businesses with only
King’s Enterprise awards for Beeston bedmaker F
ifth-generation family bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, to its Leeds headquarters in Beeston to formally receive its two prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation and International Trade.
The King’s representative visited the 183-year-old bed manufacturer’s Innovation Centre in Beeston to present its two King’s Awards to the company, which is headed by Group Chairman, Simon Spinks. The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s
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Harrison Spinks workforce celebrating their King's Award
Awards for Enterprise, is the highest official UK award for British businesses – Harrison Spinks’ latest two awards add to the five it has previously received. The King’s Award for Innovation was granted in recognition of the company’s significant work as an industry leader in innovation and
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12,000 sq ft remaining available, with interest in the space. There are some 5,000 employees across the Park’s fifteen occupiers and the onsite Elliott Hudson College, which is one of the City’s best performing colleges with Ofsted Outstanding, has circa 1,200 students. The talent pool on site from the college and within the locality will be hugely boosted by the new train station which will give the park and its occupiers access to over 7m new people in a 45 minute travel time, with connectivity opened up to Manchester as well as a journey of just 4 minutes to Leeds City Centre. White Rose Park is an established, successful environment with strong ESG credentials from its host of facilities including an on site creche, a 2G sports arena, outdoor gym, hospitality facilities and all the amenities at the neighbouring White Rose Shopping Centre which includes an Imax cinema. David Aspin, Founder and CEO, Munroe K said: “We’ve always been successful in attracting and retaining occupiers and the opening of the new train station in Spring 2024 giving access to a new 7 million strong talent pool, has acted as a catalyst for this new development. Alongside our ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030, this new sustainable office scheme makes for exciting times at the campus.” design, including its design and manufacture of revolutionary glueless fine-wire pocket springs. Harrison Spinks also secured the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade thanks to its continued focus on manufacturing premium, responsibly sourced, handmade beds and spring components in international markets. Simon Spinks, Group Chairman for Harrison Spinks, said: “We’re all feeling extremely proud and humbled to have welcomed Mr Ed Anderson to our headquarters to receive our two King’s Awards. He met with colleagues across various areas of the business, acknowledging the group effort that has made these award wins possible. “These awards are especially important to us as a British business – we are a company that champions homemade and homegrown materials and supports other manufacturing businesses both in the UK and overseas – they are a reflection of the hard work the team has delivered, ensuring we are constantly championing innovation and high-quality design while keeping the planet in mind.” The Beeston-based company was awarded a Queen’s Award for Innovation and one for International Trade in the 2018 awards, as well as Sustainable Development in 2019. It previously received Queen’s Awards for Innovation and Sustainable Development in 2013, bringing the total number awarded to the company to seven.
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November 2023 | South Leeds Life
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News 3
Beeston’s Got the WOW Factor Beeston Councillor to W step down at May election by Lucy Kitching
ednesday 11 October 2023 marked International Day of the Girl Child. Initiated by the United Nations in 2012, the International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated annually. Its aim is to highlight and address the needs and challenges which girls face throughout the globe. The Women of the World Foundation (WOW) has chosen this year to launch it’s very first WOW Girl’s Festival: “The WOW Girls Festival will
be a force for change across society in how it sees girls, their potential and the opportunities it offers for their future, both in the UK and overseas.” And it just so happens that our very own Beeston Girl, Tian Liu has been recognised by the WOW Foundation as an Influential Young Leader. Interviewed on BBC Radio Leeds by Gayle Lofthouse, Tian describes her journey into youth leadership all the way from her childhood in Beeston to being an elected member of the Youth Parliament for Leeds. Now elected to her second
Tian (right) with her mother at BBC Radio Leeds
term representing the young people of Leeds, Tian explained that she first applied to the Leeds Youth Council and was shortlisted from 30 candidates, making it to the last 6 – she then embarked on a campaign to be elected by producing posters and leaflets and giving speeches in schools to try to get as many young people as possible to vote– resulting in a massive 2,000 votes. Tian didn’t know much about WOW until she received an email saying her work as Leader of the Youth Parliament had seen her nominated by Leeds City of Culture 2023 – of course Tian was delighted to be part of a network of young people from all over the world. What does Tian plan to do with this recognition? She plans to use this greater platform to reach even more young people so that their voices may be amplified – she wants her leadership to be a force for good and hopes to encourage other young people to speak up about the issues that matter to them. Tian’s passion? Definitely politics, she says. As with economics, politics can be applied to real life outcomes – if you feel you haven’t been paid enough, look to issues like the minimum wage and how your age affects how much you earn. Politics is about people – and Tian is grateful, in her own words to be in a country where we “value democracy and
amplifying voices.” Tian has been named ‘the busiest girl in school’ as not only is she hard at work campaigning – she is also studying for her A-levels. Speaking to BBC Leeds host Gayle Lofthouse, Tian explained that she is studying Politics, Economics and Business and is also completing an EPQ – an Extended Project Qualification – in which the student may produce a piece of work on any subject they want – Tian is writing an essay on anticapitalism vs anti-racism. Where does she get her positive attitude and confidence from? “I’ve inherited my confidence from my mum, Huazhu – she works for an organisation called Health for All which has been such a huge part of our lives, providing so many opportunities to get involved in the local community; for example, being part of a youth climate action group.” “I love Beeston” – Tian says of her home and background and it is the support of her community, friends and teachers from primary and high school who have inspired her and given her the confidence to try to make a difference. Tian’s advice? Check out the WOW website and social media profiles to find out what you can do to get involved. thewowfoundation.com/latest /international-day-of-the-girlat-wows-around-the-world
New super-span gantries to be installed on M621 this month T
wo new overhead gantries will be set in place above the M621 in South Leeds during the next phase of work on major improvements to the motorway. National Highways is installing the super-span gantries – named as they span the road in both directions instead of just one – over the carriageways. They will be installed this month at junction 2 near Elland Road, and between junction 2 and junction 3, adjacent to the junction 2a slip road. The structures are part of the major improvements to the M621 between junctions 1 and 7, which will include new safety cameras and improved signage as well as free flow links connecting the A643 at junction 2 and extra lane capacity at junctions 2 and 7.
Once the M621 upgrade is • Between Monday 13 and the structures is carried out. complete, traffic will move Friday 17 November, closures This work will all be carried much more smoothly and will be in place while all out overnight once the M621 safely, especially during peak necessary completion work to has been closed to traffic, times. During the installation, the M621 will be closed between junction 1 and junction 3 eastbound, and junction 4 and junction 2 westbound, on the following dates: • On Saturday 4 November, the gantry is being installed at junction 2a. • On Saturday 11 November, the new structure is being installed at The M621 at junction 2 (Elland Road Interchange), junction 2. near where a new super-span gantry will be installed
Cllr Almass promoting the Mobile Community Hub earlier this year
ouncillor Gohar Almass (Labour, Beeston & Holbeck) has announced that he is to step down at the next election in May 2024. Cllr Amass was facing a deselection battle within the Beeston & Holbeck Labour Party Branch, but announced he wouldn’t be seeking reselection hours before the branch meeting on 17 October citing his poor health. He will continue to serve as a
Councillor until May. Cllr Almass was first elected to Leeds City Council in 2018 and was re-elected in 2021. Cllr Almass declined to give South Leeds Life a statement. The Labour Party was due to choose a new candidate to fight the election at a meeting as we went to press. South Leeds Life understands that many in the branch blamed Cllr Almass for the surprise deselection of Angela Gabriel in December 2021.
between 8pm and 8am at weekends, and 8pm and 6am on weekdays. National Highways Project Manager Sal Hopkinson said: “This type of work can only be done overnight while the road is closed, to keep our workforce and the travelling public safe. We do appreciate that overnight working can be disruptive for those living closest to the motorway and apologise in advance for this. “Once again, we want to thank drivers and residents for their cooperation and patience while we deliver this important part of the project.” For those trying to access the M621 during the closures, fullysignposted diversions will be in place. All work is weather
dependent. Should conditions such as strong winds prevent any of the work going ahead, it will be rescheduled to 18 November. Further information is available through the National Highways website at bit.ly/M621works. Since August 2022, works have included the installation of new power supplies to support the new average speed cameras and motorway technology, carriageway widening and capacity improvements around junction 2. In June, the exit slip at Junction 2a was permanently closed to allow the creation of a new junction and crossing between Cemetery Road and Elland Road. Improvements continue at this busy junction with the creation of signalised crossings, making it safer for pedestrians and traffic. Anyone with any questions or who would like to discuss any aspects of the scheme, please email: m621j1to7@national highways.co.uk or call 0300 123 5000.
by Jeremy Morton
C
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Crown Point Bridge model Leeds United legend Eddie Gray unveils mural features in new exhibition I
Eddie Gray with the mural on Elland Road
by John Adamson
E
ddie Gray, a member of the legendary Don Revie era team of the 1960s and 70s,
revisited Elland Road on Friday 6 October for the unveiling of his long overdue mural on the side of the house opposite the Elland Road ticket office.
The mercurial Gray signed for Leeds United at the age of 16 and went on to represent Scotland. There was a good turnout to see Eddie, plenty of photos and handshakes from people who watched him in his heyday, especially remembering the moment when he scored against Burnley in 1970. The Peacock pub, opposite the ground, was full of well-wishers from young and old alike, and I am sure Eddie loved every moment of the day. A special mention must go to a few people from the Texas Leeds Supporters Group, who made the journey, just to be with Eddie on the day. It was a memorable day for all.
t’s a model example of engineering excellence which Leeds once put on show in a bid to impress some of the world’s brightest minds. Now a remarkably detailed recreation of the city’s historic Crown Point Bridge is among the fantastic feats set to be celebrated in a carefully constructed new exhibition at Leeds Industrial Museum. The incredibly precise model was originally displayed at the inaugural Great Exhibition, held in London in 1851 with the purpose of reaffirming Britain’s place as a global industrial leader. The prestigious event saw famed engineers, scientists, intellectuals and inventors from around the globe attend, marvelling at one another’s accomplishments alongside honoured guests including Charles Darwin, Michael Faraday, Charlotte Bronte and Charles Dickens. The Crown Point Bridge model demonstrated what at the time were cutting edge techniques used to construct not only one of the city’s key access points, but a particularly elaborate and aesthetically pleasing piece of civil engineering. The much vaunted bridge itself had been built in 1842 and was designed by engineer father and son George and John Wignall Leather, who both played a huge part in the development of the Leeds area at the time. The Grade II-listed bridge opened to the public in July 1842, and was made of more than 400 tonnes of cast iron, which was wrought in a
Sheffield ironworks. The recreation of the bridge is set to feature in Engineery, a new exhibition at Leeds Industrial Museum which coincides with the upcoming 300th anniversary of Leeds’s own John Smeaton, dubbed the Father of Civil Engineering, who was born in 1724. As well as exploring Smeaton’s life and legacy, the exhibition will include objects central to his journey including a lathe he crafted as a young engineer at his home in Austhorpe, Leeds and a medal he was awarded 1787 by the Royal Society of Arts. They will be on show alongside more modern examples of engineering including the cylinder head from a Land Rover and a breathing aid designed and manufactured during the COVID-19 pandemic and used in more than 130 NHS hospitals. Also on display will be a vintage theodolite, used for measuring and surveying and an antique surveyor’s compass, also known as the circumferentor, used to measure horizontal angles. John McGoldrick, Leeds Museums and Galleries curator of industrial history said: “The Crown Point Bridge model is a fantastic example of how engineering has not only left its mark on history as a whole, but has also been a huge source of civic pride and local identity. “John Smeaton was the very first person to describe himself as a civil engineer, and since he coined that phrase, his successors have followed in his
The model is on show at Leeds Industrial Museum
illustrious footsteps, designing and constructing countless projects which have shaped and defined the town and cities we live in. “Engineering impacts almost every aspect of our lives, from the roads and buildings we use every day, to machines which help us in industry, production, transport and healthcare. “This exhibition will chart the journey which began with John Smeaton, and which has continued through the centuries thanks to the many innovators who came after him.” Engineery is held in partnership with Leeds 2023 and forms part of the Smeaton300 programme taking place across the city to celebrate Smeaton’s life and legacy. It will be held in conjunction with an accompanying exhibition by the Young Smeatonians and will also run alongside a programme of events and activities. Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “Leeds has a unique and historic legacy in the field of civil engineering, and is the birthplace of John Smeaton, a true pioneer in the field. “His legacy changed the face of our city and many others and has created a fascinating and historic story which we’re proud to be celebrating three centuries later.” Engineery will be at Leeds Industrial Museum from 27 October 2023. For more details visit: bit.ly/egineery (sic)
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Can YOU help Hunslet Gala?
Last year’s Gala
A
utumn may only have just arrived but the Hunslet Gala organisers are already preparing for sunnier and warmer times by getting the wheels in motion for our summer event. Hunslet Gala is an annual event taking place in June on the field off Church Street in Hunslet. It is a fantastic celebration of the community and features an array of attractions including dance and musical performances in our arena, mobile farm, skateboarding, crafts,
tombolas, fair rides, inflatables and more. 2024 is likely to be an exciting year as after 20 years outstanding service chairman Steve Thompson has stepped down from the helm. Read more here. Thankfully he is still involved but we have a new and emerging organising committee who are looking to bring fresh energy and ideas. We are keen to get more local people involved in organising future events. Do YOU have any time, skills
News 5 or ideas that could help make good things happen for this wonderful community? There is a range of roles and opportunities to get involved with to match whatever time you have available. You will work as part of supportive team – it also a great way to do your part in helping the Hunslet community. You will also have plenty of fun along the way! Newly appointed Committee Chair Ben Hutchinson says: “I’ve attended Hunslet Gala for over a decade and helped set up on the morning of Gala day for many of those years. I love this community and love this event – it is a great celebration of all the talent and qualities Hunslet holds. “Steve, Ian, Joyce, Pam and others have done a fantastic job over many years organising the Gala each summer. When I was invited to step up and play a part in sustaining and developing the Gala in to the future I jumped at the chance. There are great foundations here and the potential to evolve the Gala over the upcoming years is massive. “I’m sure there are other individuals or local organisations out there who are excited by this opportunity. If this is you please, please, please get in touch! It would be great to hear from you!” To find out more please contact Ben Hutchinson on 07419 366058 or email: ben@hunsletfestival.org.uk.
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November 2023 | South Leeds Life
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White Rose ice Bike charity gets new workshop thanks to enfinium funding rink returns D
ue to popular demand, White Rose Shopping Centre’s magical Christmas ice rink, which debuted last year, is returning this month and tickets are on sale. The family-friendly attraction, which was a huge hit with guests last Christmas returns to The Village, near Cineworld, on Tuesday 21 November and will stay open until Sunday 7 January 2024. White Rose’s magical ice rink is made of real ice, brought to life using special rapid-freeze technology, and is fully covered to ensure bad weather won’t affect the festive fun. The rink is suitable for skaters of all ages and is accessible for all, with bookable Parent & Toddler or Quiet Sessions, and even exclusive Disco Nights every Friday. Ice skates will be available to hire, and penguin & seal skating aids are available for the little ones – or those wanting an extra hand with their balance. As well as the ice rink, the centre will host a wonderous new grotto, where visitors can
Everyone can enjoy the ice
meet Santa in his vintage train carriage en route to the North Pole. The grotto will open daily from Friday 10 November, with little ones able to share their Christmas wishes right up until Christmas Eve on Sunday 24 December. Steven Foster, Centre Director at White Rose Shopping Centre, said: “Christmas is truly one of the most magical times of the year here at White Rose, and we’re so excited to unveil our brand new Christmas decorations. “Guests will also be pleased to see the return of our outdoor, weather-proof ice rink this year. Thankfully skate aids are on-hand for those of us that need them, and our restaurants in The Village will be serving refreshments to warm up chilly skaters. “Our new grotto is also sure to get visitors in the Christmas spirit and, alongside hundreds of shops and restaurants, plus free thousands of free parking spaces, White Rose is the perfect festive family day out.” Visit www.white-rose.co.uk to book tickets.
T
he Big Bike Fix in Leeds – a charity which gives used bikes a new lease of life before gifting them to those who need them most – has renovated its workshop, thanks to a grant from enfinium. The funding was awarded to the charity by enfinium’s nearby Skelton Grange energy from waste facility, which is currently under construction. Since launching in June 2020, the Big Bike Fix has refurbished over 1,300 bicycles and donated them back to the local community, as well as repairing another 1,000 bikes. The scheme enables people in low-income households and communities to access active travel for free, in turn contributing towards improved wellbeing and better air quality in the area. As well as funding the renovation of the Big Bike Fix Workshop in Beeston Hill, the grant from enfinium will enable more volunteers to be trained and become more experienced bicycle mechanics. This helps grow skills within the community as well as passing on know-how that boosts employability, where needed. Beneficiaries of the bikes are also encouraged to get involved in the fixing and maintenance of their own bicycles. Councillor Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside), from the Big Bike Fix, said: “Huge thanks to enfinium for supporting our bike project with this grant. Our workshop and teaching space is so much better than before, which our
Big Bike Fixers outside their refurbished workshop volunteer team have really appreciated. It’s meant we’ve been able to make an even bigger difference in our community: enabling people to travel for free (which can especially help with work and education opportunities), and also positively impacting people’s health, wellbeing and confidence.” He went on to thank supporting partners, including SLATE, LS-TEN, St Luke’s CARES, and the Boston Spa Big Bike Fix; and to thank Councillors on the Inner South Community Committee who also funded the project this year. Clara, a bike recipient from the Big Bike Fix, said: “We’ve managed to get bikes for our whole family of five from the Bike Fix project and they’re brilliant. When we’ve had issues with them we have simply visited the workshop
and got them fixed, plus gained the skills to sort the minor things ourselves. The bike has made a huge difference to my mental health but also allows us to enjoy family time – every weekend we head off on a bike ride together. I’m very environmentally conscious of how much we consume as a family, so knowing that we are making full use of bikes, rather than driving somewhere, and fixing instead of buying new, is great.” Mike Maudsley, Chief Executive Officer at enfinium, said: “We are already creating jobs and generating supply chain opportunities for local businesses – but we know that our commitment to Leeds goes further than this. We will always be a good neighbour to the communities in which we operate and are delighted to be supporting the great work that
the Big Bike Fix do in getting people together and engaged in active travel. We look forward to seeing how this grant – and the other grants we will be making over the coming months and years – makes a real difference.” enfinium’s £50,000 Community Benefit Fund has been made available to community groups and organisations in Leeds via enfinium Skelton Grange, which is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2025. Applications to enfinium’s Community Benefit Fund are still open and will be accepted from projects or organisations that will directly benefit the communities neighbouring the facility’s site. Find out more at: www.enfinium.co.uk/facilities /skelton-grange. Contact the Big Bike Fix Leeds at bit.ly/BikeFixLeeds
Kidz Klub host a Happy Tea for their supporters O
n Tuesday 24 October the children of Kidz Klub Leeds held a special ‘Happy Tea’ event at Beeston Hill United Free Church to thank everyone who supports their activities throughout the year. Ward Councillors Andrew Scopes, Annie Maloney and Paul Wray were among those who attended and added their thanks to all those who make it possible for children to enjoy the engaging activities that make Kidz Klub so positive for the community. The long running Leeds charity, who were nominated in last month’s BBC Make a Difference awards, receive funding from a range of sources, including local
councillors and the Inner South excited to welcome our entertainment and of course Community Committee. wonderful local councillors, the as promised happiness! The Kidz Klub activities include Lord Mayor and other guests Kidz Klub children are amazing residential trips and days out, for an evening of treats, and spend a huge amount of such as last week’s trip to Bradford’s Big Swing Adventure Playground, with transport funded by Beeston & Holbeck councillors. This summer, 34 children from the area were funded go to Marrick Priory Outdoor Education and Residential Centre in North Yorkshire, with an award of £5,700 from Inner South Community Committee. Laura Hodgkinson, Kidz Klub Leeds Co Charity Councillors’ Andrew Scopes, Annie Maloney and Paul Wray, with Lord Mayor Cllr Garthwaite, Mayor Consorts, Alderwoman Leader said: “The children were very Angela Gabriel and Leeds Beckett student, Winnie Cooper.
time dreaming up ways that they can be Community Changers and Nation Shakers where they live. “It’s wonderful and inspiring to see the difference they are making.” Chair of the Inner South Community Committee, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal, (Labour, Hunslet and Riverside), said: “Kidz Klub Leeds are an inspirational charity and for over 20 years they have made a significant and lasting contribution to the welfare of children from inner city Leeds. “I’m delighted that, through the Inner South
Community Committee, local councillors are able to play our part in supporting their fantastic work in our communities.” Councillor Andrew Scopes, (Labour, Beeston and Holbeck) said: “My colleagues and I know that many local children and families are facing difficult times, and we are grateful for the support that Kidz Klub offer, which can be transformational for children. “It was great to be a part of the event that the fantastic Kids Klub children held to thank those who make this happen. We very much look forward to working with them in the years ahead.”
November 2023 | South Leeds Life
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What is a TMO? by Peter Sutton
I
f you live in Belle Isle you will have heard of BITMO - they manage the council housing in the area - but do you know what BITMO stands for? BITMO stands for Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation. A tenant management organisation (TMO) is an independent legal body that is owned and run by tenants to carry out the management of their council owned housing. TMOs have a tenant led board.
decisions, not politicians from all over Leeds or managers in a central office. The money we get stays in Belle Isle. If we don’t spend it, it goes into a surplus that we can spend on improvements to the estate, support for families in the school holidays or grants to tenants in need. We fund the BITMO’s GATE community centre and have a housing counter where you can walk in and talk to a member of our team – while most landlords have shut their public offices and ask you to phone a call
BITMO has its own caretaking team, while many landlords use contractors TMOs normally manage their housing better than their landlord and help to improve community spirit, quality of life and tenant satisfaction and bring major improvements to their neighbourhoods. BITMO is able to respond quickly to what tenants want, and to provide a local and high quality service to the people who live in Belle Isle. One example is the work we did to fence off Belle Isle Circus. Residents told us it was a problem and we solved it. BITMO gets the same money that the Council would have spent if they were managing Belle Isle. We think we spend the money better because our tenants make the key
centre. Satisfaction among BITMO tenants is higher than for the Leeds Council tenants as a whole. In particular BITMO tenants feel that we listen to them and act on what they think, and that we make a positive difference to the neighbourhood. We have a very good repairs service provided by Mears, and Sayes. We have worked with both companies for years and we are improving our service all the time. As well as this, we also have a team of caretakers who do minor repairs, maintain green areas, and remove flytipping. Many landlords have got rid of the caretaking service and replaced it with private
contractors, who don’t have the same pride in the estates that they work on. Because we are community based and tenant led, we work right in the heart of the estate, and our office is open five days a week, and the BITMO’s GATE community centre is open until 7pm on Tuesday and Thursday and some Saturdays. We are run by a tenant-led Board and accountable to the residents of Belle Isle, and we are committed to improving services and the community for the people who live here. We have an active community programme that provides highly valued services and activities to tenants, that run in BITMO’s GATE and across the estate. This ranges from English and Maths tutoring for primary school children to a community garden, consultation on improving Belle Isle’s green spaces to a large programme run jointly with volunteers – cooking breakfasts, growing fruit and vegetables, researching family trees and fixing broken household goods. If you are a BITMO tenant, please think about becoming a shareholder so you can play a part in the decisions made in BITMO – by voting at the Annual General Meeting or joining the BITMO Board. If you live in Belle Isle please contact us to talk about how you could volunteer with BITMO, another Belle Isle community centre or link up with your neighbours to improve community spirit on your street. All these benefits for Belle Isle only happen because we are a TMO. There are a lot of TMOs in other parts of the country, but BITMO is the only one in Yorkshire. All council tenants have the right to form a tenant management organisation or to join an existing one. If you would like to find out more about tenant management, get in touch with me, Peter Sutton, I am BITMO’s Community Development Manager and you can contact me on 07891 274237 or Peter .Sutton@belleisletmo.co.uk
Many people living with hip or knee osteoarthritis have problems with pain, mobility or loneliness. If you too are living with hip or knee osteoarthritis, you could support others to manage their condition better by becoming a peer mentor.
University of Leeds researchers are carrying out a study to explore whether volunteer peer mentors can help other people living with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA) by providing weekly remote (online or telephone) support sessions. We’d love to hear from you if you want to become a peer mentor and if • you are living with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee • you feel that you are disadvantaged because of your finances, education or social circumstances • you can spare 12 hours a week for 6 weeks to support others. If you volunteer you will receive: • training in OA selfmanagement • training in mentoring skills • £20 thank you payment for each support session you deliver • additional support with WiFi and other enabling costs
This 2day training and your lived experience will help you deliver 6 remote support sessions to other people who need help to manage their OA. Contact: Liz Lavender (StudyCoordinator) or Amrit DaffuO’Reilly by 30th November 2023 to be involved. Email: mskprism@leeds.ac.uk or Phone: 07745 210126 Belle Isle residents play a key role as Board Members
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Money matters with Leeds Credit Union
The impact of the Cost of Living Crisis
Photo: Shutterstock
H
ow have people in the local area's finances fared over the last year and do they expect their financial circumstances to change over the coming 12 months? Greg Potter, Head of Member Experience at Leeds Credit Union (LCU), takes a look. As the cost of living crisis continues to increase the financial pressure on many households in our region, we recently got in touch with our members to encourage them to take part in a survey about their current financial situation and their expectations for the coming months. This is something we do regularly to allow us to better understand local residents' economic situations. Here are the most recent results. LCU member survey results October 2023
Out of 765 replies, 67% said the rising cost of living had affected their household 'greatly' or 'extremely'. Just 1% reported the crisis as having had no effect at all. 50% of respondents said their finances were in worse shape than at this time last year. Fewer than 10% said their finances were in better shape compared to 2022. Nearly two thirds of respondents (63%) had turned to Leeds Credit Union for a loan to help them navigate the cost of living crisis, with 17% using the money to pay for day-to-day expenses like food and 10% needing it to pay their rent/mortgage. Suffice to say that when such a significant number of people in the region are having to rely on loans to make ends meet or to afford necessities like food,
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this paints an overwhelmingly negative image. What would our members have done without LCU? Even more alarming were respondents' replies to the question: what would you have done if you hadn't borrowed from a credit union? • 29% reported that they would have had to cut back on essentials like food or heating. • 22% said they would have had to go into arrears on bills or rent. • 16% said they would have turned to a payday lender. Of all the results, the final one is perhaps the most upsetting, with the high interest rates typically charged by payday lenders likely to result in more financial problems for the person taking out the loan, making the situation worse than it already was. Furthermore, predatory loan sharks have been known to masquerade as payday lenders to offer short-term loans for small sums of money before charging exorbitant interest rates that can make it extremely difficult to repay the debt. How credit unions can help While there is no quick fix for the financial problems many households currently face, people should take solace in the fact that many reputable financial organisations exist and are available to help them when they need them most. Under no circumstances should anyone suffering financial difficulties be tempted to turn to loan sharks or high-interest lenders to help them through the cost of living crisis. Instead, anyone in need of help should contact their local credit union as soon as possible. Leeds Credit Union provides straightforward and affordable financial services to people in Leeds.
Ready to Remember Members of the crochet group at Beeston Community Hub have installed a poppy display right along the railings of Sunnyview House. The group has worked all year to make poppies with residents the care home. They thanked everyone in the community who've crocheted/knitted poppies, provided wool and funds to purchase wool. Displays will shortly be installed at Holbeck Cemetery , at the No 1 bus terminus on Town Street and on post boxes around Beeston.
St Andrew’s panto group set sail for Treasure Island S
t Andrew’s Pantomime Group in Beeston have announced that this year’s show will be a re-telling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. The show, another brand new script written and produced by Rachel George, will run from Saturday 20 January through to Saturday 3 February 2024 at St Andrew’s Community Centre on Cardinal Road, LS11 8AG. This is always a seasonal highlight in Beeston and
bookings are now being taken. The group introduced the story: “The story begins in the Mermaid Inn. Here the landlady, Hilary Hawkins, and her son Jim, off board and lodgings to local sailors. One day young Jim finds a treasure map and decides he must go to sea in search of adventure and the long lost treasure. “Meanwhile the evil Long John Silver and his pirate crew plot to steal the map from Jim. They are determined to head to
Treasure Island and take the treasure for themselves, and they don’t care who they hurt along the way. “Will Jim reach the island before the pirates? Will goodness triumph over evil? “There’s only one way to find out, so get ready to set sail as we head out on an adventure to Treasure Island.” Tickets £6 adult, £4 children from the box office. Call 07988 349985 or email: standrewspantogroup @hotmail.com
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November 2023 | South Leeds Life
News 9
Feed Me Online Launches 20% off takeaway deals every Wednesday with Midweek Munchies Sponsored content
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akeaway lovers and midweek multi-taskers are getting fantastic news this week. The food delivery platform, Feed Me Online, is launching its biggest weekday promotion to date. Beginning November 1st, the platform will offer a 20% off discount on participating takeaways every Wednesday. You don’t need a special code to receive your discount either. All participating takeaways can be found under the “Midweek Munchies” tag on the Feed Me Online platform. Whether you’re bored at work, recovering from a night out, are too busy to cook, or simply fancy a treat, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy a
takeaway during the week. With Feed Me Online’s new Midweek Munchies offer, Wednesday takeaways are now guilt-free and, local businesses can also enjoy the extra midweek boost. Have you got the Midweek Munchies? Scan the QR code to get your discount.
Power lift Last month rail infrastructure specialist Spencer Group installed two new link bridges from the main station buildings to platform level at the new White Rose station, which is being built on the main trans-Pennine route. The two link bridges were installed overnight over the course of two weekends. A 1,200-tonne crane – about 200 times the weight of an elephant – was built on site. It had to be transported in sections and took a week to assemble with more than 25 lorry deliveries of components. The east link bridge, which had to be built in two halves and welded together on-site, is 40m long and weighed 84 tonnes. The west link bridge is 20m long and weighs 46 tonnes. The works follow the installation of platform canopy sections earlier this year.
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Northern Dreaming: a book for all Leeds babies N
orthern Dreaming, a special book of new children’s stories created by LEEDS 2023 and the British Library, will be gifted to babies born in Leeds this year. Eighteen original poems and short stories, one for each year of childhood, have been brought together in a specially commissioned book, entitled ‘Northern Dreaming’, and will be given to children born in the city during the Year of Culture. LEEDS 2023 and the British Library created the book with early career and published writers, including the current Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho; poet, playwright and broadcaster Lemn Sissay OBE; BBC Young Writers’ Award winner Elena Barham and upand-coming poet – and newly qualified doctor – Safia Khan, to share their unique imaginations for the next generation of dreamers to enjoy. 13,000 copies of ‘Northern Dreaming’ are now freely
eeds Mental Wellbeing Service (LMWS) is taking an important step towards achieving its vision to make sure its services are more accessible and improving the mental health outcomes for the people of Leeds. LMWS is a partnership which brings together some of Leeds’ most prominent mental health providers to offer a wide range of support options to those feeling stressed, anxious, depressed or worried. The service has launched an Action
“Stories are the most precious gift of all and we, at the British Library, are lucky to care for over 3000 years’ of stories from all around the world. “The Library’s mission is to make our collection accessible to everyone, and we hope Northern Dreaming empowers the next generation of storytellers and readers. “This year we are celebrating 50 years of operation as the UK’s national library and we are thrilled to be strengthening our partnership with LEEDS 2023 as we work towards establishing a new, permanent site in the city centre of Leeds.” Stories from ‘Northern Dreaming’ will also be brought to life in ‘The Gifting’, an original new show this December from the imaginations of Kully Thiarai and Alan Lane and the unmissable final chapter of LEEDS 2023. Tickets are now on sale at: leeds2023.co.uk /whats-on/the-gifting.
belong to. “At Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service, we are working to ensure that nobody who needs to access our services, is negatively impacted for any of these reasons. This plan outlines how we will do that.” The Action Plan focuses on four areas: Leadership and Accountability, Workforce, Service Delivery, Population Health. It sets out practical steps which will be taken to make sure underrepresented groups have a voice in the
development of services and can access the best possible quality of care available to them, and vital support when they need it most. The plan provides a commitment to developing a workforce which is well trained in equality, diversity and inclusion and is a fair reflection of the Leeds community. The Action Plan builds on wider work already being undertaken by LMWS. It has been developed with input from staff and service users
from across Leeds. Nick added: “Co-creating this plan with a diverse range of input has been vital so that the right decisions can be made to support those who may have been disproportionately affected by mental health conditions, or through a lack of service support that is tailored to their needs.” You can find out more about the plan by visiting the Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service website at bit.ly/LdsMWS
Photo: JMA Photography available for parents and carers with children born in 2023 to collect from Libraries and Children’s Centres across the city. Copies of the book will be supplied to all 309 primary and secondary schools in Leeds and made available in
school libraries for all children to enjoy. Storytelling performances of the first part of the book, aimed at 0-7 year olds, are touring to Early Years settings and schools, as well as community settings such as
Improving access to mental health services L
libraries, community centres, social clubs and parent and toddler groups across Leeds. Kully Thiarai, Creative Director and CEO of LEEDS 2023 said: “In this, our final chapter of our Year of Culture, I am
delighted to be able to share my love of books with the young people of the city through this gift specially created for the children of Leeds. “Books have opened up the world to me in so many ways; the stories and adventures offering fuel for my own imagination and acting as a compass bearing throughout my life. “In giving a copy to children born this year, I hope that it will be something that they and their families treasure as they grow up and feel proud that in the year they were born, Leeds prioritised and celebrated culture and the power of storytelling.” Writing by Lemn Sissay bookends ‘Northern Dreaming’ with ‘The Story of You’, a creative prompt encouraging young readers to develop their own writing. Jamie Andrews, Director of Public Engagement at the British Library, said:
Plan setting out important steps LMWS will take to make services accessible to all of the diverse communities of Leeds. It sets out a long-term ambition for Leeds to be a healthy and caring city for all, where people who are the poorest improve their health the fastest. Nick Burdett, Strategic Equalities Lead, said: “Our plan which we are proud to launch, is an important step forward for LMWS. “Health inequalities are
avoidable, unfair and systemic differences in health between different groups of people. “These can often be linked to people’s socio-economic status, where they live, their background, lived experience or communities that they
Celebration Day Nick Burdett
Innocent Igiehon with dancers in traditional Edo dress at the recent celebration marking Nigerian Independance Day on 1 October.
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School Life 11
Leeds’ MP meets Elements’ ‘World Changers’ S
taff and students at a Middleton primary school warmly welcomed Leeds Central MP Hilary Benn into their classrooms earlier this month, and shared their thoughts on how to improve Leeds. Elements Primary School pupils, known as ‘world changers’ within their school community, were incredibly excited to meet their special visitor and show them around their recently rated ‘Good’ school. Mr Benn met with every year group and enjoyed participating in phonics and maths lessons. It was Year 3 that really stole the spotlight though when they took the opportunity to read in person the letters they had been writing to him as part of their persuasive writing work. Requests for more parks and museums all featured heavily! Carrie Green, Executive Principal at Elements Primary School, CEO at Wellspring Academy Trust, said: “We are tremendously proud of our school, and staff and pupils alike were thrilled to be able to show Mr Benn around for the first time since we were inspected by Ofsted. Since opening in 2018, Elements has
ll Year 8 students from Cockburn School and Cockburn John Charles Academy learned CPR for Restart a Heart Day on 16 October. Yorkshire Ambulance Service marked the 10-year anniversary of Restart a Heart Day with events designed to improve cardiac arrest survival rates - including providing CPR training sessions to secondary schools. Tens of thousands of students across 166 schools
Future Horizons “pleased” with first Ofsted report F
Hilary Benn MP met pupils at Elements Primary School gone from strength to strength and our young people demonstrated that beautifully. They certainly impressed Mr Benn with their carefully considered and confidently read letters. I’m sure he’s gone back to Westminster with plenty of ideas to think about from our ‘world changers!’” Hilary Benn MP, added: “I much enjoyed visiting Elements Primary and was greatly impressed by the
careful thought that the Year 3 pupils had put into their letters to me. They obviously care a lot about their community and they expressed themselves very well. Congratulations to all of them!” Elements Primary School is part of Wellspring Academy Trust. Established in 2012, Wellspring is a community of 31 mainstream primary and secondary schools, and SEND and Alternative Provision
Restart a Heart Day A
November 2023 | South Leeds Life
took part. Over the last 10 years there have been over 202,000 students taught CPR. Each year in the UK, approximately 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests happen. Sadly, the chances of survival and recovery are less than 10 per cent. If CPR is performed by bystanders, the person’s chance of survival can be more than doubled. Learning this simple, yet vital skill ensures patients have as
Ambulance staff taught students how to carry out CPR
much oxygen in the brain as possible for when emergency services arrive. This can help save lives. Since the Restart a Heart campaign was launched in 2014, bystander CPR rates in Yorkshire have increased from 39.9% (2014) to 75.7% (2022). Hundreds of off-duty ambulance staff and volunteers visited secondary schools across the region to provide vital CPR training to tens of thousands of students. One of the ambulance staff at Cockburn spent his day off leading the sessions and then left to do a full shift in his ambulance. The ambulance staff are committed to making sure that pupils have the skills to save
settings operating across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Wellspring’s mantra is ‘We Make A Difference’ and it is committed to providing the best possible education and improving life chances for all its students. By sharing best practice, resources, and expertise, the Trust supports schools to deliver exceptional education and serve the communities in which its academies operate. a life if they ever come across someone in cardiac arrest. His Majesty King Charles III was represented by The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Major Stan Hardy who visited both schools during the morning. He came to commend the Yorkshire Ambulance staff who spent the day teaching CPR to all students in Year 8. He also talked to the pupils about a boy from another school who had taken part in the training last year and who had saved the life of a retired army officer on Remembrance Day when he went into cardiac arrest. The Deputy Lieutenant praised the pupils saying how focused and respectful they were. David Gurney, Executive Headteacher of Cockburn Multi-academy Trust said: “Ensuring that our young people know about their responsibilities as part of the wider community is very important. I am delighted that our outstanding PSHCE curriculum included this event again this year. I am extremely proud of how our pupils showed great resilience and determination to learn to perform CPR”.
uture Horizons Leeds have said they are “really pleased with the positive feedback” after their first Ofsted inspection, which judged that the college ‘Requires Improvement’ overall. Future Horizons Leeds, an independent specialist college and charity based in Beeston and Kirkstall provides education and adult social care to young adults who are 19-25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). CEO, Beckie Loosemore, commented: “We are really pleased with the positive feedback we have received from ofsted during our recent inspection, who judged our students personal development and behaviour and attitudes to be good. Inspectors commented that students benefit from staff who know them very well and understand their support needs. “They also found that students benefit from the caring and respectful culture that staff have created.”
and areas for development in the provision. They have identified a number of measures that they need to implement to improve the quality of the provision. The Inspectors went on to identify areas for improvement which included more detailed target setting and monitoring of students progress, accessing more high quality work placements and ensuring all students had access to therapeutic services and advice on transition opportunities other than employment. Beckie Loosemore continued: “We are excited about the journey we continue to take to support our students in their life long learning and prepare them for life beyond college. We have recently recruited a further two experienced specialist tutors who will begin working at the college in the very near future and are in the process of recruiting instructors to strengthen our provision further. “We pride ourselves on our
Future Horizons educate young people with disabilities The report identifies that: • Leaders and managers work closely with the local authority and have responded positively to a request from the authority to provide more opportunities in the region for students with high needs, particularly those with more complex needs. This has given students, and their parents and carers, a greater choice in making decisions about their education. • Trustees and the newly appointed senior leadership team have an accurate understanding of the strengths
vision and ethos to enable, empower and include.” Ofsted grades education providers on a four point scale from Outsanding, to Good, Requires Improvement and Inadequate. Future Horizons Leeds was graded across five categories: The quality of education Behaviour and attitudes Personal development Leadership and management Provision for learners with high needs You can read the full report at: bit.ly/FutHor.
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New Bewerley Community CJCA at the Leeds Book A School marked down by Ofsted S O
fsted has said that New Bewerley Community School in Beeston ‘Requires Improvement’, despite ‘Good’ judgements in four out of five areas. The school was inspected on 20 and 21 September and the report has been published today (17 October 2023). The inspectors praised many aspects of the school describing it as: “… more than a school to those who attend here. This school is a caring welcoming hub within the community. A place which values everyone.” And: “The school’s strength lies within its coherent and collaborative approach to developing all adults as leaders.” Of the pupils, they say: “Pupils in the school are curious and polite. They want to learn and are eager to do well. Pupils attend here with a diverse range of special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). These needs are met well. Pupils behave well.” The report is critical of aspects of the quality of education, specifically maths and ensuring that children’s knowledge is embedded. However, it recognises that work is ongoing to improve this situation, stating: “The school has taken clear and purposeful action to develop the curriculum. This work is still at an early stage in some
The Beeston school was judged ‘Good’ on 4 out of 5 criteria subjects. Leaders are determined to continue to develop the learning offer in all subjects, for all pupils. The local authority is supporting the school with this work. “In some subjects, such as early reading and art, these improvements have been implemented well. In other areas what pupils need to learn and how teachers deliver this knowledge is less well developed. For example, in mathematics pupils struggle to explain what they have been learning about. The school’s approach to checking pupils’ understanding of what they are learning is weak.” New Bewerley’s Headteacher, Juli Aldwinkle, told South Leeds Life: “We are pleased that the inspection report recognised our strengths, citing curious and polite pupils, and committed staff who have taken clear and
purposeful action to develop the learning offer. We are proud that our school has been recognised as ‘a caring welcoming hub…a place which values everyone’; where ‘leaders have the highest expectations’; pupils behave well and a diverse range of SEND needs are met well. “We are delighted to serve a diverse and vibrant community and the new leadership team are excited to drive a clear and rapid path for improvement in academic outcomes for all.” Ofsted grades schools on a four point scale from Outsanding, to Good, Requires Improvement and Inadequate. Primary Schools are graded across five categories: The quality of education Behaviour and attitudes Personal development Leadership and management Early years provision You can read the full report at: bit.ly/NewBew
Cockburn Laurence Calvert is thriving
large number of enrichment opportunities: • Open Evening saw over 750 people come to see the new facilities and find out about school life • The staff to some sweet treats on World Teachers’ Day • The History department led assemblies and lessons about Black History Month • Students in Years 7, 8 & 9 had assemblies about mental health and wellbeing • Record numbers are engaging with sport and fitness after school, with very successful sports teams in all years in football, rugby and netball. • The school production ‘Oliver’ has a cast and crew of over 75 students who are preparing to perform in the brand new theatre space that is opening after half term. Vicky Smith, Head of School, said: “It is fantastic to see students thriving in their new classrooms and producing exceptional work. We are so lucky to have such a wonderful building for students to continue their secondary education in.”
T
his half term has been a real success at Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy (CLCA) with the school moving into its brand new building. The students have settled in really well and have made an excellent start with their learning in the state-of-the-art
New state-of-the-art classroom at CLCA
classrooms and studio spaces. David Gurney, Executive Headteacher said: “It is fantastic to see students enjoying the new academy building and making an excellent start to the term.” There have been some excellent events this term and students have engaged in a
tudents from Cockburn John Charles Academy (CJCA) presented the KS4 category nominations and award on stage at the Leeds Book Awards at a glittering ceremony at Elland Road last month. Harvey, Helena, Sam, Evelin, Heloysa and Olivia were selected as the students who had the honour of announcing the winning KS4 author on the grand stage, with esteemed authors and fellow schools as their audience. Their selection stemmed from a previous book awards excursion during which they diligently recorded excerpts from the shortlisted books. These recordings were featured at the awards ceremony, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The Leeds Book Awards, a collaborative endeavor between Leeds Libraries and Leeds 2023, serves as a grand celebration of the world of literature and aims to foster a love for reading. Every participating school receives a thoughtful selection of books to engage their students in reading, discussions, and voting for their favorite title. The culmination of this literary journey occurs with the tallying of votes from all participating
CJCA student on stage to present the award schools, resulting in the announcement of the winner at an elegant awards ceremony hosted at Elland Road. The school’s dedication to the cause is underscored by the privilege of having CJCA students present the KS4 category nominations on stage and bestow the award upon the winning author. Following on from the Awards,
the school participated in the Marketplace event at Leeds Central Library the following day. This event offered our students an opportunity to immerse themselves in workshops centered around the featured books and interact with the authors and illustrators. Siobhan Roberts, Head of School, expressed her immense pride and said:
Marching on for Andy
On 6 October Middleton Primary School welcomed Andy’s Man Club to their Key Stage 2 assembly to collect a cheque f a sponsored walk. Children took home sponsor forms and then had to complete laps around the playing area. School C would be split between new active equipment for the children at school and Andy’s Man Club. The school is very proud works to prevent male suicide by providing safe space for men to talk about their problems.
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Awards Best results ever for the Class of 2023 C
ockburn School and Cockburn John Charles Academy are celebrating the results of their Year 11 leavers who have achieved at the highest level categorised by the Department for Education as 'Well Above Average'. Students at both schools achieved over half a grade higher in each qualification on average, compared to similar students across the country. Both schools are in the country's top 16% of schools for progress and in the top 8% of schools in the Yorkshire and Humber region. This was all achieved during a
Cockburn School, said “We are exceptionally proud of all our students who worked very hard to achieve another great set of results. “They achieved our highest ever results for the proportion of students securing Grade 5+ in English and mathematics with almost half of the year group achieving this strong pass. “These results are testament to their hard work and the superb support from staff across school who have invested time and effort in equipping students with the skills and knowledge they needed to succeed!
“I could not be prouder of Harvey, Helena, Sam, Evelin, Heloysa and Olivia. Their dedication to the Leeds Book Awards and their selection to announce the winning KS4 author is a testament to their hard work and passion for literature. It's a momentous occasion for our school, and they represented us with grace and distinction.”
for £860. Back in July, the school held Council decided that the funds raised d to be supporting this charity which
Students celebrate on resuls day challenging national picture with results dropping significantly across the country. These results are testament to the tenacity and diligence of the students, along with the worldclass teaching and learning provided by teachers and support staff in every single lesson, ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge, understanding and resilience to achieve beyond their expected progress. Siobhan Roberts, Head of School at Cockburn John Charles Academy, said: “It makes me immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of all students, teachers and support staff that we can celebrate such an outstanding set of results, which is the result of 5 years of hard work and preparation. “These results will enable our leavers to move onto their preferred post-16 destination equipped with the confidence instilled by the Cockburn MAT Values and Expectations.” Rob Dixon, Head of School at
“The results demonstrate again, the high quality of education that we provide to our students, and we are very grateful to our team who support this each day.” David Gurney, Cockburn MAT Executive Headteacher, said: “The results that our young people from south Leeds have achieved are tremendous. They are a proof of the importance of our vision to create a group of exceptional schools that radically improve students’ life chances. “The hard work and determination of the students and the staff’s commitment to raise attainment and provide exceptional teaching and learning for all our students through high expectations of academic success and behaviour, has led to these results. “There is something unique about the schools in our MAT. I am fortunate to work alongside such dedicated teams that are relentless in their determination to secure the very best outcomes for the young people. Congratulations again to the Class of 2023!”
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South Leeds Life | November 2023
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In our view Catch the bus The clue’s in the title. It’s public transport and it should be in public control. In 1986 we were told privatisation would bring competition and lower costs, but smaller operators were soon swallowed up leaving just three big companies running the vast majority of services. A private company’s first duty is to its shareholders, it must maximise profits and pay dividends. That’s why we’ve seen unprofitable services cut, fares rise and pay and conditions worsen for staff. Under public control the people running the service are answerable, via the politicians, to us the electorate. They can ensure that buses run when and where they are needed. Places like Cottingley. Times like early morning so people can get to work or school. And the money paid out to shareholders can be spent on better services instead. It’s interesting that the bus companies are suddenly keen to deepen their partnership with local authorities. We are sure this has nothing to do with the prospect of losing their depots and bus fleets. There is now political will from the Mayor to take back control of our buses through franchising. We can play our part by responding to the consultation to back her up.
The December issue of South Leeds Life will be out on Wednesday 29 November. The deadline for submissions is Thursday 23 November.
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Recycling Really good to see the spotlight on recycling – At St. Lukes Cares we have been working to raise awareness about recycling. We understand that there will be some changes to recycling over the next few months, hopefully increasing the times green bins are collected in some areas (from monthly to twice monthly – details tbc) However in the light of this its really important that people know what to put in green bins. At St. Lukes Cares we have made a recycling display showing exactly what to put in a green bin – please come to the shop and check this out. This display will also be on show at our ‘Upcycling Competition’ in the Watsonia Cafe in Cross Flatts Park, during half term, culminating in a days upcycling workshop on 3rd November. Tania Carlisle If Leeds Council are that fond of recycling could they ever empty many of the green bins in Beeston more than about twice a year? All complaints are acknowledged and ignored ongoing. Frances
Councillor Gohar Almass I attended the meeting as a member it was Labour Party’s shortlisting meeting not a deselection meeting where Councillor Gohar’s statement was read out to the members why he was not seeking reselection. I have known Gohar for a long time He has always worked hard for our area, and has always tried to unite communities, he was in hospital only a few weeks back, As friends and neighbours We’re all concerned about his health and wish him a speedy recovery. Anjum Mir Jeremy Morton states: Cllr Almass was “facing a deselection battle.” This is factually wrong. It was simply a meeting to shortlist candidates for an upcoming selection meeting. Regarding the deselection of Angela Gabriel: I know Almass had nothing to do with her deselection. I was present when the vote was taken which she lost by a clear majority and according to many members it was mainly due to the issue of controversial road closures in Beeston.
Upcycled plastic bottles. Photo: Shutterstock David Hewlett I’m afraid I was not factually wrong to describe the meeting as a deselection battle. Cllr Almass had to win a vote at the meeting to avoid facing a selection meeting. I spoke to several members who attended the meeting in order to vote against Cllr Almass, who also believed, rightly or wrongly, that he was behind Cllr Gabriel’s deselection. Jeremy Morton
Cockburn’s new gates Once again Cockburn School has ridden roughshod over its neighbours with their new electric gates. The traffic situation has just got worse than ever. Now the caring parents can't deliver their children to the school doors and there's nowhere to turn around at the top of Gipsy Lane. The traffic queues back to the Asda on Old Lane now. The car park for the extra school activities (football, running etc) is now Gipsy Lane and Southleigh Drive while the school sits there with its gates locked amongst its empty car parks. It could be time for permit parking only on the Southliegh estate. Dave Parkes
Help to write your will
Making a will is one of those things that many people put off. Sometimes it’s because they haven’t had time, or haven’t got Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring they round to booking an Road, Cottingley and Holbeck. The three councillors are: appointment. Other Gohar Almass (Labour) 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk people simply don’t Annie Maloney (Labour) 07554 969236 annie.maloney@leeds.gov.uk like thinking about Andrew Scopes (Labour) 07860 400645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk death. But the result of this is that the Hunslet & Riverside ward Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. majority of UK adults The three councillors are: (59%), according to
a recent poll by Will Aid, still do not have this vital document in place that could alleviate confusion and financial problems for their loved ones. It also means their wishes may not necessarily be met after their death and their estate may not be shared in the way they would like. This year we have witnessed the tragic passing of a number of famous faces including Michael Gambon, Sinead O’Connor, Glenda Jackson and Tina Turner, a reminder to us all of the fragility of life and the sadness we leave behind. And thanks to Will Aid, there is a very simple way for people to get their affairs in order – and support nine of the UK’s bestloved charities in the process. Will Aid is an annual scheme taking place every November and sees participating solicitors volunteer their time and expertise to write basic wills, waiving fees and instead inviting clients to make an upfront donation to the campaign. Donations go to the campaign’s nine partner charities, ActionAid, Age UK, British Red Cross, Christian Aid, NSPCC, Save the Children, Sightsavers, SCIAF (Scotland) and Trocaire (Northern Ireland). Solicitors across the UK are taking part in this year’s campaign, with many offering virtual appointments. To find a solicitor, visit www.willaid.org.uk. Peter de Vena Franks
Your Leeds City Councillors
Ed Carlisle (Green) 07738 921277 ed.carlisle@leeds.gov.uk Mohammed Iqbal (Labour) 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Paul Wray (Labour) 07528 512649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk
Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are: Sharon Burke (Labour) 0113 378 8814 Wayne Dixon (SDP) 07852 311717 Emma Pogson-Golden (SDP) 07794 577586
sharon.burke@leeds.gov.uk wayne.dixon@leeds.gov.uk emma.pogson-golden@leeds.gov.uk
@SlungLow Over 40 stallholders have already booked for this year’s Christmas Fayre! We have free stalls available for all you makers and bakers who would like to get involved. More details here: tinyurl.com /yc4fa6ap. We think it’ll be the biggest one yet! Saturday 9 December 12-4pm @gorse_ruth We're still completely thrilled and delighted to have won Secondary Provision of the Year at the Nasen awards. SEND and Inclusion is the beating heart at TRGA.
@UTCLeeds Y12 T Level students got up close and personal with a realworld manufacturing process on a visit to HWL Windows this week!
@HolbeckMoorWFC Great day, we were at the #abcdinleeds celebration today @SlungLow Warehouse, then training, in't Holbeck ace!
Join the debate Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW. Letters may be edited for publication.
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@laneendprimary What a way to end a fabulous half term at Lane End! Thank you for joining our cultural carnival. It was wonderful to see our pupils dressed up in their finest clothes.
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Comment 15 why political leaders in Israel and the Palestinian territories need to recognise that violence must give way to negotiation and compromise. But for that to happen requires courageous political leadership.
MP’s notebook with Hilary Benn MP
T
he crisis in Gaza and Israel is awful and deeply distressing and a lot of constituents have contacted me about it. On 7 October, Hamas deliberately murdered 1,400 Israelis, including young people enjoying a music festival, and men, women, children and babies in their homes. They took hostages and fired thousands of rockets at innocent Israeli civilians. For Israel, it was the largest loss of life since the Holocaust which claimed 6 million Jewish lives. It was these shocking acts by Hamas which precipitated the current crisis and, having suffered such an appalling attack, Israel had to defend its citizens - as any state would in such circumstances - but it must do so proportionally and within the boundaries of international law. The horrific scenes we are witnessing in Gaza, and in particular the images of dead and wounded children, are
November 2023 | South Leeds Life
heart-breaking too. Gaza is facing a humanitarian emergency and innocent civilians are terrified for their lives. This is desperately urgent, and the people of Gaza need to know that the world is not simply watching but is acting to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. It is absolutely essential that sufficient food, water, electricity, fuel and medicine are brought in for the people of Gaza. There must also be safe humanitarian corridors for those fleeing the shelling in Gaza and a humanitarian pause to allow aid in. On a ceasefire, we all want the conflict to stop and the killing to end and there will, in all likelihood, eventually be a ceasefire (as there has been in previous rounds of fighting in Gaza). But sadly, these calls are not likely to have any effect at the time of writing when Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel and Israel is in the middle of an operation to
defend itself against these missiles and to rescue their hostages. Above all, we must never forget that at the heart of this tragedy are millions of innocent lives: Palestinians and Israelis, men, women and children. People who want no part in this destruction, who want nothing more than security for their families, and whose greatest desire is the prospect of a future that is not dictated by hatred and war. We need to have their safety, their protection and their lives at the forefront of everything we do. It may seem such a long way away in the current awful circumstances, but having seen for myself the conditions in which people live in Gaza (as well as in the West Bank), I hold to the belief that a safe and secure Israel alongside a safe, secure and independent Palestinian state is the only way forward. Until this happens, this cycle of violence will be seen again and again, and that is
Which brings me on to Northern Ireland. In my new role as Shadow Secretary of State, the most difficult conversations I have had have been with victims and survivors of the Troubles. Their stories are painful, shocking and at times very difficult to listen to. Even after all these years, they want nothing more than the truth and justice for their loved ones. And yet amid all this collective trauma, Northern Ireland should give us hope. Twenty five years ago this year the Good Friday Agreement was signed. It was an extraordinary moment when that which for so long had seemed impossible was made possible. It brought an end to 30 years of hatred and killing and put Northern Ireland on a path to peace. And what made it happen? Courageous political leadership. If it could be done in Northern Ireland, there there is no reason why it could not yet be done in the Middle East.
The Housing Secretary Michael Gove recently came to Leeds - having promised me he would - to meet leaseholders who are still affected by the awful cladding crisis. The Secretary of State heard that less than five per cent of the affected apartment buildings in Leeds have been fully remediated whilst the rest still have safety problems. And to make matters worse, leaseholders are being asked to pay thousands of pounds for interim safety measures and sky-high insurance costs. A growing number of leasehold flat owners have been tipped into bankruptcy and others into penury while being effectively trapped in blighted homes. Action must be taken to protect these leaseholders so that their
homes are made safe, and they can get on with their lives. I hope that Mr Gove not only listened to what he was told, which in fairness he did, but does something about this continuing injustice. And finally, on to happier matters. I greatly enjoyed my recent visit to Elements Primary School in Middleton. The children in Year 3 had been busy writing letters to me about how to improve the local area and our city. They were beautifully written and well argued, and I had the pleasure of hearing a number of them read out their letters and ideas to me. Who knows? Might there be some future elected representatives in that class? I hope so.
Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers South Leeds as well as other parts of the city Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS7 1AB; Tel: 0113 244 1097
Palestine and Israel: the heartbreak and the howl by Cllr Ed Carlisle
W
e are all surely heartbroken by the nightmarish cycle of violence and violation in Palestine and Israel. Events there echo deeply around the world, and through our communities, like no other. Many of us are joining demonstrations and vigils; some of us have spent time there, or have friends and family there. Social media is awash with competing content, and I have friends with very different views on the situation. But all of us hunger for an end to the pain, the violence, the injustice. So is there anything useful we here in Leeds can do? Yes. Now more than at any time in history, our lives are bound up with the rest of global humanity: socially, culturally, politically, economically, environmentally. Together, our lives, actions, and our words shape the world and the future – for better, or for worse. Politics – a world of words – is not the whole answer. But right now, we need to stretch every political muscle towards two words: CEASEFIRE NOW. Israel suffered a horrific trauma on 7 October, but is
now submitting Gaza to unthinkable violence and terror. And there is also the less-reported upsurge in violence in the West Bank. The bombardment and siege – the collective punishment – of Gaza can achieve nothing good. We all have a right to selfdefence – but terror cannot be ‘destroyed’ with violence. It merely sows seeds of fear and fury into the future – and undermines any chance of a safe future for both Israelis and Palestinians. Words can also challenge power, inspire, share wisdom, help us reach beyond ourselves. Like the families of the Israeli hostages, demanding that their government “do not use our pain to bring death.” Or the tear-stained testimonies of Palestinian spokespeople like Mira Awad and Wael AlDahdouh. Or an Israeli woman I saw who – reflecting on the occupation of Palestine – asked: “If you lived in Gaza, can you imagine not becoming a militant?” But words are dangerous. The past weeks have seen a fierce and tangled battle of words and truths. Words can generate or justify blindness, violence, hatred, fear. They can drive us into herds, so we lose
sight of the humanity of others – and a fair future for all is pushed further away. So, everyone: step outside your ‘echo chamber’. Seek out different views, and stretch to understand views that challenge you. To understand others is not to justify their actions – especially not the actions of their leaders. Nor is it a betrayal of one community to recognise the humanity and suffering of another heartbroken people. Understanding does not undermine the pain of your allies. Nor does it insist that all have suffered equally. It simply recognises our shared humanity, as the core principle upon which to build a future. There is also a time for no words. There is something unspeakable about the pain in Gaza. There’s a clip of a Palestinian doctor, who learns his wife and children have been killed in a bombing raid; his howl of grief haunts me. And the current pain and fear experienced by Israeli and Jewish people – including friends of mine – undoubtedly brings back the unspeakable trauma of the Holocaust and the oppression they have faced through history. The past forever walks among us, shaping and leading us.
Indeed, this is not just about the current carnage, but the pain of history: the Holocaust, the Nakba (the Palestinians’ loss of their homeland in the 1948 war), the grinding 50year military occupation of Palestine, and every act of humiliation and violence, stretching back through time. Meanwhile, we’re the lucky ones, removed from the devastation, the grief, the fear. But I believe we need to try to understand, and to empathise.
Photo: Hosny Salah, from Pixabay
Do whatever it takes to drink in the depth of suffering: look hard at the photos and footage of the dead, wounded, and bereaved; listen to the howls of grief; choose silence, and fasting; wear black, and mourn. It’s hard – nearly impossible – to be optimistic in the face of all this violence and violation. But maybe, just maybe, we can build understanding and empathy. Can we – the Palestinian and Israeli peoples, enveloped by the global
community – find a better path? First, we need to demand a ceasefire now. Then can we dissolve the polarised battle lines, and undermine those with power fuelling the violence and injustice? Can we build deep dialogue and cooperation? Can we truly tackle injustice and division? Then undertake the long and hard work that transforms people and politics for good? Can we at least try?
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16 South Leeds Lives
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Local history with Ken Burton
The Murder of the Beecroft Girls, Holbeck, 1900 T
he Beecroft girls, Ada aged 6 years and Annie aged 4 years, were the illegitimate daughters of Thomas Mellor. Their mother Ada Beecroft, had been committed to the Menston Asylum at Guiseley where she died in November 1899. Some time before Ada's
death Mellor had moved in with another woman named Priscilla Redshaw, but the entire family were evicted from their lodgings at No.6 Fourth Court (this Court was off Bridge Road near the rear of the Holbeck Engine Sheds in the Czar Street area, a working class area at this time) on 4 May 1900.
On 5 May Mellor went to visit his brother, Arthur. Thomas, Priscilla and the two girls were by now living in very squalid conditions and he wanted to ask Arthur if he would allow him and the others to move into his home, but Arthur replied that there was simply not enough room for the two families.
Leeds & Liverpook canal. Shallow for bringing horse from the water
Arthur's wife was concerned about what would happen now and asked Thomas what he would do with the children, especially as he had been unsuccessful in getting them admitted to the workhouse. Thomas was heard to reply, "The water is big enough to hold them and me and all." At about 9:30pm on the evening of 11 May 1900, Thomas Mellor took his daughters out, telling Priscilla that they would be back at about 10am the following morning. The three were later seen by two women who spoke briefly to Mellor, and would later report that he didn't know what he was going to do with his children. That same night, a man was seen around 11pm walking along the pathway of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal near Globe Road, and he had with him two small children, both girls. Later still, at about 11:30pm, the same man was seen in a local restaurant where he spent the night. He no longer had the children with him, and he would later be identified as Thomas Mellor. The bodies of the two girls
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Map showing Fourth Court and the Czar Street area were found early on the morning of 12 May, by a man named William Wilson. Mellor was soon arrested and confessed to putting the girls in the canal, and he went on to claim that he had no intention of drowning them. His defence was that he was about to get onto the canal towpath, when he passed two men and thought that if he put the girls into a shallow part of the canal, this was probably the ramp at the side of the path used to get horses out of the canal (see photo), their cries would attract the attention of these two men who would be forced to offer assistance and thereby the girls would be taken into care. But the Judge, quite rightly, pointed out that if indeed this was Mellor's intention to do this, it would surely have made more sense for him to simply have abandoned the girls in the street where they would have eventually been found by a constable where they would
have been taken into care. The jury returned a verdict of guilty, but with a strong recommendation to mercy on the rather astonishing grounds of the prisoner's kindness to his children. Mercy was not shown and he was part of the first double hanging of the century along with Charles Backhouse of Rotherham who had shot Police Constable John William Kew at Swinton. Mellor who was 29 years old at the time and Charles Backhouse were hanged by James Billington at Armley Jail, Leeds, on 16 August 1900. Although Thomas Mellor did indeed kill both his daughters, he was found not guilty of the murder of Annie Beecroft, but only because no evidence was offered on that charge after he had been found guilty of the murder of Ada. The circumstances of the case were such that the person who murdered Ada, must have also killed Annie.
Santa Trains run each weekend in December
1st session free Online and in-person coaching Mobile: 07886 997630 Email: info@markconwaycoaching.com
Book online at: www.middletonrailway.org.uk Book by phone: 07373 744 799
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South Leeds Lives 17
Pathways for positivity with Shannon Humphrey
All I want for Christmas is ... A
s the holiday season approaches, we’ll soon be overwhelmed with Mariah Carey’s annual belter, social media hype, festive films, and high-profile department store commercials, all depicting the most idyllic time of the year. Brimming with cheerful celebrations, cherished moments with loved ones, and the timeless tradition of giftgiving. However, not everyone looks forward to a magical Christmas. For some, this season is ruined by increased stress levels. Emotional turmoil, grief, financial challenges, painful memories, loneliness, or strained relationships, any of which can cast a shadow of doom over the idea of a joyful Christmas. Just getting through these difficulties unscathed, may feel
November 2023 | South Leeds Life
like an accomplishment. Regardless of your sentiments toward the festivities, I encourage you to think about the importance of establishing firm boundaries, to craft an experience that genuinely satisfies you and supports your wellbeing. Here are some boundaries to consider implementing, they are applicable year-round but particularly relevant during Christmas: Prioritise Self-Care: Dedicate time for self-care, even during the busiest holiday periods. This is when you need to care for yourself the most. Whether it involves a few minutes of meditation, a soothing bath, a quiet moment with a good book, or a stroll on a crisp winter day, prioritise activities that recharge your mental and emotional well-being.
Be Selective with Social Commitments: It's common to receive numerous invitations and requests during the festive season. Be discerning about the events and gatherings you choose to attend. You don't have to say yes to every invitation; it's perfectly OK to decline or prioritise those that hold the most significance for you. Establish Financial Boundaries: Create a budget for your holiday spending and stick to it. Overspending can lead to financial stress, which in turn can negatively impact your mental health. Be open with yourself and your loved ones about what you can comfortably afford. True loved ones would not want you to go into debt to buy them a gift. Clear Communication: Maintain open and honest
communication with friends and family. Let them know if you need some alone time or if certain conversation topics are off-limits. Establishing these boundaries can help prevent conflicts, uncomfortable moments, and emotional distress. Set Screen Time Limits: Reduce your screen time, including social media, during the festive season. Excessive screen use can lead to feelings of inadequacy and FOMO (fear of missing out), which can negatively affect your mental health as you compare your life to seemingly flawless online images. Consider setting specific times for checking social media or powering down devices during family time. Dietary Guidelines: Maintain healthy eating habits and set boundaries around food and
alcohol consumption, especially if this is an area of struggle for you. Overindulgence can lead to physical discomfort and adversely impact your mood and energy levels long term. Enjoy special treats in moderation but be mindful of your choices. Unplugged Moments: Allocate periods of time to unplug from technology and other distractions. Spend quality time with loved ones, engage in board games, engage in conversations, crafts, take walks or bike rides, have a day out, and participate in activities that bring you joy
and create lasting memories. By establishing your own boundaries and respecting those of others, you can truly savor a fulfilling Christmas while taking care of your mental health. In this special season, remember that the most precious gift you can give yourself is a happy and healthy you. Shannon Humphrey is a First Aid for Mental Health Instructor working within the education sector, businesses and private clients. Visit www. pathwaysforpositivity.com for more information or to enquire about a booking.
Photo: Shutterstock
Obituary: Raymond Harley (1940-2023) by Jeremy Morton
R
aymond Harley, who died last month from myeloma and kidney failure, was known to many families in South Leeds through his service as a Scout Leader for over 50 years. Raymond was born in
Holbeck and joined the cubs at St Matthew’s Church in 1947. He returned in 1960 with his own son and as a parent with scouting experience he was asked to help out, which he did. Then when the Cubs leader left, he was asked to step up and lead the pack as ‘Akela.’
He remained a leader moving to Wesley Street Methodist Church and then St Andrew’s in Beeston where he was still helping out into his 80s. He was honoured with a Silver Acorn award for “over 20 years distinguished service” and a special award for 50 years’ service to scouting at
the annual South Leeds and Morley (SLAM) District carol concert in December 2019. The District described Raymond, who also served as Assistant District Commissioner (Scouts) for 26 years, as “a steadfast, dedicated and inspiring Scouter to generations of
young people. countless Scouters have benefited from the skills, wisdom and values Raymond instilled.” Apart from scouting, Raymond ran Holbeck Football Club reaching an Elland Road cup final. He helped run Holbeck Boys Club, and every year he took a coachload full of lads abroad on a camping holiday. He was also a churchwarden at St Mary’s church in Beeston. Raymond spent his whole working life with Royal Mail, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather (as his son followed him). He started as a Messenger and eventually
retired from the Parcelforce depot at Stourton. Raymond was married to Diane, who sadly passed away in July, and they had three children, Andrew, Jane and Sarah. His daughter Sarah commented how “fabulous” he was: “He was involved in so many things – he had a really full life, which gives me comfort. He had the best life and we all had the best upbringing. Everywhere you went everybody knew him. He was just an amazing man.” He is survived by his three children, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
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Raymond Harley with fellow Scout Leaders and his wife Diane receiving his special award for 50 years service
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18 Art Life
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Hunslet Rogues Mutton: Pay-what-you-can theatre will take to the performance coming to Beeston T stage and rewrite the stars T
he Hunslet Rogues Theatre Company are a Drama Group at The Hunslet Club in South Leeds. This Theatre Company is well-known for its stand-out performances, such as Matilda the Musical (2018) and SIX: The Musical (2022). They are now returning to the stage this December with another showstopper – The Greatest Showman. The Greatest Showman by the Hunslet Rogues is a glorious celebration of individuality, acceptance, and creativity. With magic, dancing,
The Hunslet Rogues in rehearsal
singing, and acting all coming together for a spectacular performance, this is a show not to be missed this December. The Greatest Showman show dates are Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 December 2023. Doors at 5pm on both days. Standard tickets are £5 and £15 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). These are now on sale on The Hunslet Club website. www.hunsletclub.org .uk/events Support these young performers today and grab your ticket from The Hunslet Club website.
he Yorkshire Witch is coming! It’s 1809 and Mary Bateman is about to be hanged for witchcraft and murder. Her career of crime has included fake identities, poisoned pudding, a holy hen, drunk watchmen and – of course – a freshly-shaved leg of Mutton. But who is she? Why did she do it? And why should we care today? Brave Words explore the answers in their new theatre production, ‘Mutton’. “When I found out about Mary I was immediately fascinated. This outrageous woman, selling her husband’s furniture, pretending her hen was prophesying the end of the world … all in the city where I grew up! I couldn’t help but read more, and Mutton began.” Chris Singleton, Playwright ‘Mutton’ is a dark comedy exploring the life and times of the Yorkshire Witch. How the desperation of ordinary folk in the early 1800s is paralleled today; the dangers we face by grasping a little more control over our lives; and why we should take patriarchal history and shove it up a chicken’s arse. “I’m delighted to be directing Mutton, a rare chance to lead a stellar female-led cast and creative team. Chris has written a cracking, anarchic show which I cannot wait to get started on. And what a perfect
Mutton comes to St Andrew’s Methodist Church time to explore Mary Bateman and her legendary hustle.” Rachael Halliwell, Director Mutton will be performed across some of the most disadvantaged Leeds communities where Brave Words work as part of a company-wide policy of accessible, local, professional theatre. Supported by Harrogate Theatre, it will
explore untold working class stories across Leeds and North Yorkshire. “In 1809, Leeds was growing fast, new industry was changing the world, people were struggling to survive under poverty and inequality. Mary’s cons thrived because her victims were desperate for any hope that life might get easier. There are so many
BIG UP FEST 23 comes to The Tetley I
n the wilds and winding streets of West Yorkshire, a diverse ecology of community arts and social change is thriving and flourishing, creating and instigating. This work can sometimes be overlooked, which is where BIG UP steps in and plugs in the amp. By building networks between creatives, social change-makers and audiences, the aim is to make the voices of change too loud to ignore. BIG UP festival isn’t a place for passive audiences but a call for action! BIG UP festival takes place on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November at The Tetley, Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ. The event is part of The Tetley’s Community Takeover programme, unfolding across November and December
2023. • Big Up Album Showcase w/Henny Hurtz • Transparency solo theatre show about growing up northern, working class and trans.
Rewilding at BIG UP
• Hell Bus immersive installation • Geraldine Connor Foundation Youth Rewilding Project • Pyramid of Arts Exhibition • Brighten Our Streets: Art
parallels today.” Chris Singleton To witness the prophesies of the one and only prophet hen of Leeds, and the rise and fall of Mary Bateman, catch ‘Mutton’ this November. Coming to St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Beeston, on Thursday 23 November at 7:30pm. Tickets: bravewords.co.uk/mutton Activism for all with Sarah Priestly • Freedom for Girls Workshop • Radical Reading Room & Author Talks [Pluto Press] • BFD Working Class Creative Takeover w/Kirsty Taylor • DJ School UK DJ Sets • Hello Hip Hop Breakin' and Graffiti Workshop • Vandal Factory: Live Podcast on Arts and Activism • Leeds Community Music Collective The Tetley’s exhibitions programme ended on 22 October, and the building will now open for a joyous programme of performances, events and gallery takeovers that celebrates the principles, partnerships and connections that The Tetley has fostered through its participation programme over the last ten years. BIG UP FEST 23 has been gifted by Together For Peace there will be free cash giveaway for attendees of the festival.
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News 19
Exhibition tells story of Irish in Britain A
n oral history exhibition celebrating 50 years of Irish In Britain, the national membership organisation for the Irish community in Britain, is visiting Holbeck this month. The stories within the exhibition are as inspirational as they are heart-breaking, and most importantly, will never be
forgotten. From the construction worker who stepped onto English soil speaking only Irish, to the daughter of one of the falsely accused Birmingham Six fighting to free her father; to the woman who had no choice but to leave the institutional Ireland she grew up with, and
another who helped organise lesbian and gay ceilidhs when she moved to Britain. The exhibition also features contributions from notable Irish cultural figures, actors Siobhán McSweeney, Adrian Dunbar and Aisling Bea, broadcaster Terry Christian, musician Jah Wobble and Moth Poetry Prize Winner Laurie Bolger, who has composed a bespoke poem. Irish in Britain has trained volunteers from the Irish community in heritage skills so it can record its own history, capturing atrisk testimonies from the last half century
Middleton Railway’s Santa Specials are booking now B
November 2023 | South Leeds Life
ookings are open, and recent years. selling fast, for the ever The 10am train on 2, 3, 9 & popular Santa Specials at 10 December will be Quiet Middleton Railway, which has Trains with more space on the also published a calendar this coaches for people with year. disabilities, or who wish to be The railway will be closed spaced out so as to enjoy a during November as it prepares quiet atmosphere. for Santa’s arrival. Full details at The Santa Special Trains www.middletonrailway.org.uk/ start running on Saturday 2 santa-2023 December 2023. Each child Middleton Railway has aged up to 12 years inclusive published a 2024 calendar. for whom a fare has been paid The A4 sized calendar has a will be given a present by Santa page per month allowing visits whilst travelling on the train. and events to be planned in Once the train has arrived back advance. Each page is adorned at Moor Road adults (including with an image from Middleton children 13 or over) will receive Railway’s collection of a hot drink and a mince pie. For children there will be juice and biscuits Trains run from 10am3:45pm and tickets booked in advance cost £13 (adults and children 16+), £7.50 (young people 11-15), £16 (children 3-10), £11 (children under 3). Babes in arms, with no seat and no present, travel free. Tickets are £1 dearer if not booked in advance and on Christmas Eve. Advance booking is strongly recommended and mandatory for Christmas Eve. Trains have fully sold out in Santa and his elves are waiting to greet you
locomotives, with both steam and diesel represented and costs just £8. Order your calendar at www.middletonrailway.org.uk/ product/2024-railwaycalendar The Middleton Railway was built in 1758 and is the first railway authorised by an Act of Parliament, the first to have commercially successful steam locomotives, in June 1812 and also the first standard gauge preserved railway, opening in June 1960. It has operated trains every year since opening in 1758. Entry to the museum is free.
which speak of the sacrifice, joy, challenges, and crucial role the Irish have played in modern Britain. Irish in Britain’s CEO Brian Dalton: “There has never been a more important time to celebrate our unique history. With the invaluable help of countless volunteers and our member organisations, we have faithfully captured the stories and individual histories that have shaped the last 50 years of the Irish in Britain, creating a research and educational legacy for generations to come.” Look Back to Look Forward’s Project Manager, Dr Susan Cahill: “This project is a testament to the passion and real hunger within the Irish community to share and preserve stories that will resonate within all migrant communities.” Look Back to Look Forward: 50 Years of the Irish in Britain will be at Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 November, 11am-6pm (Wed, Fri, Sat) 11am-7pm (Thur), 11am-5pm (Sun).
IN BRIEF Support get together for Stoma group Do you have a Stoma, Ileostomy, Urostomy? Are you waiting for surgery? Would you like to meet people who are going through the same? Are you a partner or carer for someone with a Colostomy? You are invited to an informal Get Together on Wednesday 22 November at East Room, Leeds Civiv Hall, 6:30-8pm. Come along and chat to other Ostomates, share tips, speak to a Stoma Nurse. Tea and coffee will be available. Contact leeds.wy.stomasuppgrp23@gmail.com
Family show at Slung Low Dragon is a visual stunning, fantasy genre puppetry show for families and children aged 7+, taking audiences on an exhilarating 70 min adventure, mixing cutting edge projection and digital animation with beautiful live puppetry, performed by a cast of 3 to a soaring original score. This thought provoking and wordless show is perfect for adults and children aged 7+ and audiences with limited English or English as a second language. Dragonis at Slung Low’s The Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ on Sunday 12 November at 5pm. Pay what you decide, book: www.slunglow.org/shows
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South Leeds Life | November 2023
20 What’s On
What’s On Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in November Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 30 October - 3 November Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/evens
Every Monday Tea & Toast Drop In 9-10am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Community Play Group 9-11:30am Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston Money Buddies 9am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Parents & Tots Group 9:30-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Trinity Network Tea, Coffee, Toast 9:30-11am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Women Only Exercise (HFA) 9:30-10:15am Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St MEA Crafts Group 9:30-10:45am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Over 65s Group @ Hunslet RLFC 9:45-11:45am Phoenix Bar, South Leeds Stadium Holbeck Together coffee shop 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Crochet & Knitting Group 10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street MHA Craft Club 10-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane Mums and Tots 10:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Creative Communities Workshop 10:30am-2:30pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street, LS10 2NS. Book: penny.lewis@swarthmore.org.uk. tel 07483 666342 Chair Based Exercise 10:30am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Story & Rhyme (under 5s) 10:30-11:30am Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Lychee Red Chinese Seniors Lunch Club 11am-1pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Digital 121 support drop in 11am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library MEA Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Trinity Network Indoor Curling 11:30am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle MHA Soup & Sandwich 11:30am-1pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane Cottingley Warm Space 11:30am-2:30pm Cottingley Community Centre, LS11 0HJ Dinner Jackets (baked potato) 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MEA Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Trinity Network Lunch Club, Bingo 12:30-2:15pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Drop In Technology Support 1-3pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill
Women’s Wellbeing (HFA) 1-3pm Middleton Family Centre, Sissons Road, LS10 4JG 50+ Women’s Friendship Group 1-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Beeston Bookwormers Book Club 1:30-2:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Beeston Digital Inclusion Classes 1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Dancercise 1:30-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road MHA Meditation & Movement 1:45-2:45pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane Children’s Gardening Group 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Ultimate Dance Academy 4:30-7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, LS10 4AW Gateway 2 Sport 5-7pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Kickboxing 6:30-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Youth Community Cafe 6:30-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Legs, Bums & Tums 7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, LS10 4AW ANDYSMANCLUB 7-9pm Leeds College of Building, Cudbear Street, Hunslet LS10 1EF ANDYSMANCLUB 7-9pm Vale Circles, Tunstall Road, Dewsbury Rd, Beeston LS11 5JF
Every Tuesday Tots Group 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: 07794 577586 Community Play Group 9-11:30am Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston Holbeck Together Boxercise 9-9:45am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MHA Breakfast Buddies 9:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane Advice & Advocacy 9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Trinity Network Indoor Exercise 9:45am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Mobile Hub & Library 10am-3:30pm near St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Chair Based Exercise 10-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Coffee and Connect 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Grandparents Kinship Support Group 10am-12pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Woodwork 10am Cranmore & Raylands
Community Centre, Belle Isle MHA Exercise Class 10-11am South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston, LS11 7JH Craft & Chat 10:30am-12:30pm St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton Creative Communities Workshop 10:30am-2:30pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road, LS10 4JG. Book: penny.lewis@swarthmore.org.uk. tel 07483 666342 Story & Rhyme (under 5s) 10:30-11:30am Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town St Story & Rhyme (under 5s) 10:30-11:30am Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Job Search Club 11am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road MHA Lunch and Social 11am-2pm Arthington Court, Balm Road, Hunslet MEA Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Holbeck Together Lunch Club 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club and Social 12-3pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Trinity Network Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road Holbeck Women Only Swimming 1-2pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston MHA Line Dancing 1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston MEA Walking Group 1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Learn Digital Skills Together 1:30-4pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Movie Afternoon 1:30-3:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MEA Line Dancing 2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Free Kids Sports 3:30-4:30pm Grove Field, off Church Street, Hunslet Hot Meal (free to BITMO tenants) 3:30-5:30pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Mental Health Peer Support Group 4-6pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston, LS11 6QB Women’s Make & Do Group 4:30-6pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Book: 07848 515528 Rainbows and Brownies 4:30-7:15pm Beeston Parish
Centre, Town Street Cockburn Community Choir 5-6pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Free Kids Sports 4:45pm West Grange Courts, West Grange Road-Winrose Crescent, Belle Isle, LS10 3AP DAZL Dance 5:30-6:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Girls-only Football 5:30pm Yrs 2-4; 6:30pm Yrs 5-7 The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, LS10 1BP Dance Fitness (14+) 6-7pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road Book: 07519 018675 Outdoor Yoga 6pm Top of Cross Flatts Park Book: 07576 113269 Inside Out exercise class (HFA) 6-7pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX 51st Leeds (Hunslet) Guides 6:15-7:15pm Rainbows; 6:157:30pm Brownies; 7:15-8:30pm Guides St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, Church Street, Hunslet Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 6:30-8:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Old Elland Road NK9 Dog Training 6:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace Book: 07856 229909 Hunslet Nelson Women’s Rounders 6:30-7:30pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Yoga (HFA) 6:40pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle South Leeds Lakers Running Club 6:50pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston. Book: bit.ly/LakersRunning MINT Men’s Support Group 7-9pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Middletones singing group (HFA) 7-9pm Laurel Bank Day Centre, Middleton Park Avenue, LS10 4HY
Every Wednesday One You Weight Management 8:30am-12:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Everyday Lives coffee morning 9-11am Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Active Communities 9-11am Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3DN Happy Global Families (HFA) 9:15-10:45am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street, LS11 8PN Open doors 9:30-10:30am St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Old Lane, Beeston Bacon Butty morning 9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Advice & Advocacy 9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston
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Book: 0113 270 4600 Brave Hearts peer support group for women whose children no longer live with them 10am-12pm Middleton Family Centre 256-262 Sissons Road LS10 4JG Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck Trinity Network Keep Fit with Julie 10am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Anti-social Behaviour surgery 10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Woodwork 10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Remember Together Group Young Dementia Leeds Hub, Cottingley Book: 07983 215865 email mcst@ageukleeds.org.uk Beeston In Bloom Gardening Gp 10am-12pm Millennium Garden, Cross Flatts Park Scrabble Club 10am-12pm St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton Rags To Riches Sewing Group 10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX Beeston Remembered 10:30-11:30am Beeston Community Hub & Library,Town St Raising Vibes 11am-2pm Holbeck Moor Skatepark Hunslet Litterpicking Group 11-12:30pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, LS10 2QE Holbeck Together Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck MHA Cottingley Lunch Club 12-2pm Cottingley Community Centre, 115 Cottingley Approach Trinity Network Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Sew It Seams Sewing Group 1-3pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX Online Self Care Group 1-2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Book: amy.hallam@healthforall.org.uk Holbeck Together Craft Afternoon 1:30-3:30pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck Parents & Tots Social 1:30-2:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Walk and Talk (HFA) 2-3pm meet at Middleton Park main gates on Town Street Tai Chi 2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Hamara Healthy Living Stall 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Brave Words Drama Group (4-17) 4-7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Book: 07775 926166 Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 4:30-6:30pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Belle Isle. Book: richard.foye@leedsunited.com Ultimate Dance Academy 4:20-6pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, LS10 4AW Bat & Chat Table Tennis 5-7pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Climate Hub and Energy Saving drop in 5:30-7pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library 1st SLAM Beavers (6-8 yrs) 6-7:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Yin Yoga with Amy
6-7pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Illuminate Dance 6pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Holbeck Moor FC: Inclusive adult football training 6:30pm Holbeck Moor Line Dancing 6:45-9pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Leeds Co-operative Photographic Society 8pm St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton
Every Thursday
Tots Group 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: 07794 577586 Music & Movement 9am-1pm Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston Parents & Tots Group 9-11am Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Mobile Hub & Library 9:30am-3:30pm near St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Advice & Advocacy 9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Holbeck Together shopping trip 9:30am-12:30pm Book: 0113 245 5553 Holbeck Community Shop 9:30am-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Ping Pong 9:30-10:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Holbeck Together Coffee Shop 9:45-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Library Story Bus 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Trinity Network Craft 10am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Walk in Cross Flatts Park Meet 10am Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Kushy Nana (HFA Elder Bangladeshi Women’s Group) 10am-12pm Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue, LS11 7DD Women’s Friendship Group 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd Craft and Chat 10-11:45am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Woodwork 10am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Craft Group / Digital Inclusion 10:30am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Story & Rhyme (under 5s) 10:30-11:30am St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton Inclusive dance 11am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Walking Football 11am-12pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Leeds Dock Community Drop In 11am-2pm Royal Armouries Museum Cafe, Leeds Dock Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road CV Writing 11am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Warm Space 11:30am-2pm Cottingley Community Centre
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Line Dancing 11:30am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MEA Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Crooked Clock Lunch Club 12pm Sussex Avenue, Hunslet Book: 07470 167243 Free Soup and a Roll 12-2pm Church of the Nazarene, Lupton Street, Hunslet Holbeck Women’s Group (HFA) 12-2pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, LS11 9SA LGBTQ+ Peer Support Group 12-2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle MHA Lunch Club & Social 12-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane Trinity Network Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Bingo 12:30-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Women Only Swimming 1-2pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Kushy Dil (Bangladeshi Women’s Group) 1-3pm Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue, LS11 7DD Digital 121 support drop in 1-2pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Online Computer class 1-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Conversation Club for asylum seekers and refugees 1:30-3:30pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn Table Tennis 1-2:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Walking Group 1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Digital Inclusion / Social Group 1:30-3pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Guitar Class 2-3pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road After School Games Club 3-4:30pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Community Basketball 5-6pm 14+ women & girls Cockburn John Charles Academy, Old Run Road, Belle Isle Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 5-8pm Hunslet Moor. Middleton Scout Group 5:30-7:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Book: scoutsmiddleton@gmail.com Yoga 6:30pm St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Cardinal Road, Beeston Book: 07512 393228 Hunslet Nelson Women’s Rounders 6:30-7:30pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Boxercise 7-8pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle
Affordable Breakfast 9-10:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Menspace drop in 9:30am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Women only Exercise (HFA) 9:30-10:15am Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St IT & Computer Skills 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Toast & Games, Knit & Natter 9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Breakfast Club 9:30-11:30am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Hunslet RLFC Breakfast Club 10am-12pm Phoenix Suite, South Leeds Stadium Holbeck Together Coffee Shop 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Holbeck Together Dance On 10-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Hobbies Together (HFA) 10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX A Choir’d Taste (Women’s Choir) 10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX Gardening Group 10am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Julie’s Ancestry Group 10am-12pm and 1-3pm 26 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3AE MHA Stretch & Tone 10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston Green Team Volunteers 10am-3pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Beety Din Older Women’s Group 10:30am-1pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Bingo and Hoy 11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Fish & Chip Lunch 11:30am-1pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MHA St Mary’s Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street, LS11 8PN MEA Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road Holbeck Ballroom & Sequence Dancing 1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston 50+ Gup Shup Group 1-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Prize Bingo Afternoon 1-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Friday Social Club 1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus Trinity Network Bingo 1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Chair-based Exercise 1:45-2:45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 3:30-5:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Elland Road Active Communities 4-6pm Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3DN Table Tennis 4:45-5:25pm (7-11yrs) 5:306:15pm (12-15yrs) St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck DAZL Youth Club 5-7pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road
Every Friday Charity Shop 8:30-11:30am United Free Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Stay & Play 9-11am St Anthony’s Church Hall, Old Lane, Beeston Stay & Play 9am-6pm Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston Food Bank 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle
November 2023 | South Leeds Life
What’s On 21 Illuminate Dance 5-7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle South Leeds Lakers Juniors (Athletics) 6-7pm South Leeds Stadium Book: fb.com/juniorlakersleeds Suzaku Martial Arts Children’s gp 6-9pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town Street 1st SLAM Cubs (8-10½ yrs) 6:15-7:45pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Ultimate Dance Academy 7-8m Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 5th Middleton Guides & Rangers 7:30-9pm South Leeds URC Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle 1st SLAM Scouts (10½-14 yrs) 8-9:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston
Every Saturday Cross Flatts parkrun 9am Top of Cross Flatts Park, Beeston, LS11 7NA Middleton Woods parkrun 9am Leeds Urban Bike Park Ring Road, Middleton, LS10 3TN Community Basketball 9-10:30am 8-12 years, mixed 10:30am-12pm Yr6-9 Girls 3:30-5pm U16/U14 Boys Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Debbie Heart Theatre School 9am-1pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Holbeck Moor FC Juniors (4-6yrs) 9am Ingram Road Primary School, Holbeck Saturday Breakfast 9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Adult Cycle Training 10am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Book: bit.ly/CycleNorth Ultimate Dance Academy 10:15am-1:40pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre ParkPlay 10:30am Brickfield Park, Lady Pit Lane, Beeston Champions Soccer Saturday 10:30-11:30am Hunslet Moor Arts & Crafts Lunch 11am-12:45pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Bingo 12-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Youth Club 7-9pm LS-TEN Skatepark, Kitson Road, Hunslet
Every Sunday Junior parkrun (4-14 yrs) 9am Top of Cross Flatts Park Recovery Runners 10am Lock House, Leeds Dock Indoor Children’s Exercise 10am-12pm Hillside, Beeston Rd Healthy Minds Cycling Skills 10-11am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Hunslet Community Litterpick 11am-12:30pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, LS10 2QE Big Bike Fix drop in workshop 12-4pm Harlech Avenue, Beeston Toning & Stretching with Julie 6:30-7:30pm DAZL HQ, Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road. Book: 07783 786776 Zumba 7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle
November Wednesday 1 November Temple Ghost Stories 6:30pm Slung Low at Temple, Bath Road, Holbeck, LS11 9UD Book: www.slunglow.org/shows Thursday 2 November Bus Consultation event 10am-1pm Hamara Healthy Living Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston, LS11 8RD Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc 6:30-8pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre Beeston Community Forum 7:30-9pm Beeston Village Community Centre, Beeston Park Place, off Town Street Friday 3 November Legal Advice drop in 9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Craft and UPcycling Activity Day 9:30am-1:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Beeston Hunslet Club Fireworks Display Gates: 6pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road, LS10 1BP Saturday 4 November BIG UP Festival 11am-10:30pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ Handmade and Homemade Craft and Food Market 11:30am-2:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town St (opposite Nisa) Coffee morning 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road, Hunslet Bangla Square Youth Group 1:15-6pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Fireworks Display 8pm The Spinning Wheel, Admiral Street, Beeston, LS11 5NG Sunday 5 November Dads and Kids Walk 10:45am Middleton Park Book: leedsdads.org/events BIG UP Festival 11am-10:30pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road, LS10 1JQ Monday 6 November Middleton community Group 6-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Greenmounts & Surrounding Area Tenants & Residents Assoc 6:30pm Rowland Road Club, Beeston, LS11 6ED Tuesday 7 November Meet your PCSOs 10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub and Library, off Church Street Online Shopping Workshop 1-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck, LS11 9NR Wednesday 8 November Trinity Network Local History 9:45m United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Mobile Community Hub & Library 10am-12pm opposite Cottingley Towers and shops Meet Your PCSOs 10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library MHA Kurling 10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston, LS11 8AG Holbeck Together Carers Group 1:30-3:30pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre MHA Singing Sensations 1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston, LS11 8AG Hunslet Tenants & Residents Ass 6:30pm Church of the Nazarene, Lupton Street, Hunslet, LS10 2QR White Rose Speakers 7pm Jury’s Inn hotel, Brewery Wharf
Thursday 9 November Meet your PCSOs 10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub and Library, Town Street Over 60s Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston, LS11 8PD Saturday 11 November Middleton Makers Market 10am-2pm Middleton Park Circus Leeds Dads Soft Play 10am-12pm Little Angels, Beeston, LS11 7HL Book: leedsdads.org/events Community Reflections Cafe 10am-12pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Cottingley Christmas Fair 11am Cottingley Community Centre, LS11 0HJ Sunday 12 November Dragon 5pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ Book: slunglow.org/shows Tuesday 14 November Team Beeston Bus consultation 7pm St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Old Lane, LS11 8AG Wednesday 15 November Leeds Irish Health Group 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Film Club 12:30-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050 Pie & Peas 5-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050 Thursday 16 November Leeds Baby Bank 10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Library Social 12:30-2pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6:30pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston, LS11 8PD Saturday 18 November Open Day 10am-1pm Leeds College of Building, Cudbear St, LS10 1EF Coffee morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Christmas Fair 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd Christmas Fair 11am-2pm St Cross Church, Middleton Park Avenue, LS10 4HX Sunday 19 November Guided Autumn Walk 1-3pm meet Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 21 November Friends of Middleton Park AGM 7pm Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road, LS10 3SP Wednesday 22 November Mobile Community Hub & Library 10am-12pm opposite Cottingley Towers and shops Songs From The Shows 1:30-3:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston, LS11 8AG Thursday 23 November Christmas Lights Switch On 5pm Outside Bay Horse pub, Balm Road, Hunslet Carr, LS10 2DN Christmas Lights Switch On 6pm Outside Nisa, Town Street, Beeston, LS11 8PN ‘Mutton’ (Brave Words Theatre) 7:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston, LS11 8AG Friday 24 November MHA Breakfast Bites 9-10:30am Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Carr
Coffee Morning 10-11:30am Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Beeston & Holbeck Councillors’ Surgeries 4pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street, Beeston 5pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck 6pm Cottingley Community Centre Saturday 25 November Christmas Fayre 10am-2pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Handmade and Homemade Craft and Food Christmas Market 11:30am-2:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town St (opposite Nisa) Holbeck Christmas Market 12-4pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck, LS11 9NR Christmas Fayre 1-3pm St Peter’s Church, Petersfield Avenue, LS10 3PF Repair Cafe 1-4pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn, LS11 9QX Christmas Lights Switch On 5pm Holbeck Moor Christmas Lights Switch On 6pm Church Street, Hunslet Sunday 26 November Leeds Dads Soft Play 10am-12pm Little Angels, Beeston, LS11 7HL Book: leedsdads.org/events Old Chapel Music Studio Tours 11:30am & 2pm Czar Street, Holbeck Book: oldchapelleeds.org Tuesday 28 November Meet your PCSOs 10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub and Library, off Church Street Adventures in Reading Book Club 3:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Wednesday 29 November Councillor Surgery 9:30-10:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Meet Your PCSOs 10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library MHA Kurling 10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston, LS11 8AG Holbeck & Beeston Cemetery Volunteers 10am-1pm Meet centre of Holbeck Cemetery, Beeston Road Memory Cafe 1:30-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Pie & Peas 5-7pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Book: (0113) 272 1050 Songwriters & Songborrowers 7:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd Thursday 30 November Hunslet Remembered 10-11:30am Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Meet your PCSOs 10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub and Library, Town Street Hamara Heritage Hub Launch 4-6pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston, LS11 6RD
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South Leeds Life | November 2023
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Christmas Lights switch ons in South Leeds A
t the end of the month Christmas Lights will be switched on across South Leeds and we get ready for the festive season. The first communities to illuminate will be Hunslet Carr and Beeston on Thursday 23 November. Hunslet Carr Residents Association have organised their swich on with children from Hunslet Carr Primary School singing carols outside the Bay Horse pub at 5pm followed by the switch on at
5:30pm. The Salvation Army Band will be present outside Nisa on Town Street in Beeston to lead the carol singing from 6pm. Once the lights are lit, free hot food will be served over the road in the Beeston Parish Centre. The event is co-hosted by St Mary’s Church, Beeston Festival and Beeston in Bloom. Hunslet and Holbeck follow on Saturday 25 November. Holbeck Together are leading the organisers to start the festivities with a chance to buy
My name is Shangar Ali Mahmoud I would like to politely inform the general public of Leeds that I have lost my passport. This was my original Iraqi passport. I lost it in the Middleton / Belle Isle area. The passport number is A10962821. The Date of issue was 21/02/2017. If anyone finds it please contact me on 07379 342411
gifts and decorations at the Holbeck Christmas Market in St Matthew’s Community Centre from 12-4pm. Then it’s outside onto the Moor for the lights switch on at 5pm. Hunslet Tenants & Residents Association have organised the switch on at Church Street at 6pm. Lights in Belle Isle will be lit on Wednesday 22 November; and in Middleton on Thursday 30 November, but as we went to press no events had been organised for these switch ons.
The Salvation Army band will lead the carols at Beeston
Mini Riders and Northern Roll at Hunslet’s LS-TEN skatepark M
ini Riders takes place from 9-9:50am every Saturday and Sunday at Hunslet’s LS-TEN skatepark. It’s the perfect place to start for children who are new to wheeled sports, or haven’t visited a skatepark before. Mini Riders sessions are
friendly and relaxed family sessions suitable for toddlers to 8 year olds. A coach is available in session to offer support, encouragement and will even show you a few tricks as inspiration for our mini riders. Riders are welcome to bring their own equipment, or if you’d like to try something new and borrow a helmet, board, bike or scooter for the session you can do this free of charge. If you’ve never visited the skatepark before don’t forget to complete an online registration before your visit. Northern Roll The first edition of Northern Roll brought us the biggest rollerskate event in the North of England. Northern Roll 2023 brought the first of its kind UK led Roller Skate Festival including all Skate Specialities and different communities together. LS-TEN is now getting ready for Northern Roll 2024 and is are hoping to bring you a varied and exciting
programme. Northern Roll is about bringing a high quality festival of Rollerskating to the North of England curated for, by and with the skate community. Expect something for everyone, Roller Discos, Skate Park, Roller Derby, Roller Dance, Street Skate and Workshops. The best part? All the profits
will go back into the charity and into the Skate Scholarship, a scheme that gives free skates and coaching to disadvantaged young people and their families, ensuring the legacy and longevity of Roller Skating and families wellbeing. LS-TEN is located on Kitson Road, Hunslet, LS10 1NT. Find out more at ls-ten.org
Northern Roll 2023
Events at Leeds Dock L
eeds Sanctuary, the Methodist Church in the city centre, is organising regular social events in and around Leeds Dock. A monthly lunchtime Wellbeing Walk is achance to get some fresh air and stretch you legs in good company. You’re invited to come solo or in your team, bring your lunch and meet at Armouries Square at 12:30pm for an hour’s walk. Walks take place on Thursday 9 and 23 November and will go ahead come rain or shine, so dress for the weather. The Saturday Sanctuary provides a relaxed space to start your weekend. You’ll find
newspapers and board games, coffee and pastries. It’s a great place to meet your neighbours. The next event takes place on Saturday 25 November, 10am12pm at The Glass Box on Leeds Dock, LS10 1PZ. If you faciy a faith filled
discussion whilst enjoying a drink, get along to Views on the Dock. It’s a chance to share and be heard and join the big conversations. Monday 13 November, 7:30pm in The Canary, The Dockside, LS10 1EG.
Saturday Sanctuary takes place at The Glass Box
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Sporting Life 23
Dance, play, cycle ... move!
Hunslet rebuild for 2024 season by Ian Pickles
H
by Karen Peck
G
et Set Leeds Local is a Sport England funded project, facilitated by Active Leeds (part of Leeds City Council) exploring collectively with residents and local partners how we can enable more people from Beeston and Holbeck, and Hunslet and Riverside to move more or be active in some way. We’re always keen to hear resident ideas on what would enable you to be more active? We know small changes can have big impact on both physical and mental wellbeing (for all ages). We’ve been talking Inner South residents who have been doing a variety of things which we’ve enjoyed being part of the journey to make happen. This month we feature youth led dance sessions, fun in the rain and learning how to ride a bike. All are great ways to be active. Get Set Leeds Local has a Community Chest Pot (up to £300) which can support community good ideas, which supports places to move more in some way. Any group or resident can apply. If its just an idea, bring it to us and we can
Cycling fun in Cross Flatts Park
Tian’s dance group see how we can work together to make it happen. Earlier this year we were connected to Tian, a young person from the Inner South who instantly inspired us. Tian recognised that when transitioning from school to sixth form, opportunities for young people to be active rapidly reduced. Tian formed her own self-taught dance group, which have recently performed at the Leeds Yorkshire Dance Festival. We’ve proudly featured Tian in our latest Get Set Leeds Local social short video, which we hope will inspire others to get together with friends and enjoy an activity together. If
you’ve not seen it on social media, then do pop along to our You Tube channel and take a look. Performer Paige said “It was a great day of talented dancers from all backgrounds and ages. As some of the oldest there, we hope we inspired some of the younger generations that attended. We had a chance to participate in hip hop workshops and watch some of the fantastic interpretation of ‘dreaming’ dance”. “It’s the best part of my week” – a review from one of the young people attending the weekly ParkPlay sessions, which continue every Saturday at Brickfield Park (delivered locally by Hunslet Rugby Foundation), creating family friendly sessions for all ages in Beeston Hill. Sessions continue whatever the weather, children and families have been committed, even turning up in the rain for some splashing fun. Anyone of any age is welcome to attend any week to these free multi activity park sessions. Pop along any Saturday at 10.30am (Lady Pitt Lane) – www.parkplay.com/parks/brickfield After the success of the summer drop in “come and try” sessions for children’s cycling at Cross Flatts Parks, weekly
sessions have continued every Wednesday evening 3.30pm5pm facilitated by our British Cycling Activator Andy. Over 50 children have attended since sessions began, with familiar faces returning for weekly cycle fun. It’s been great watching the very young (and some a bit older) learn how to ride a bike, and develop their bike skills confidences. Sessions will continue for as long as possible until dark nights stop them, and then restart in the new year as soon as light allows. If you’ve an interest in getting involved supporting the kids bike sessions alongside Andy then get in touch. We can support with upskilling, and would love to see these children’s bikes sessions continue to develop. There are a range of cycling activities which will continue over winter at Cross Flatts Park, including the adult learn to ride sessions and cycle for health. If there are other activities that you’d like to see developed just let us know. If you want to get in touch with ideas, questions or for more information then you can do so via getsetleedslocal @leeds.gov.uk or via social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
unslet RLFC’s new coach Dean Muir has moved to make some exciting new signings as well as securing the services of existing ‘enforcers’. Former Keighley Cougars wing man Keenan Dyer-Dixon has been signed for the 2024 season. The 20 year old has featured for the Cougars over the last two seasons prior to which he turned out for the Leeds Academy. Dyer-Dixon will bring pace to the flanks and being previously at Keighley Cougars will be well known to new head Coach Dean Muir. Keenan received the nickname ‘Tik Tok’ at Cougar Park and will hope to become a firm favourite with the Hunslet faithful also. Hunslet have also snapped up West Bowling ARLFC halfback star Harry Williams. The 24 year old is highly rated by Muir who worked with him previously at West Bowling. “I tried to sign Harry for Keighley, he is a half-back with a great kicking game and a threat with ball in hand. He is someone who understands our systems and after talking to him he bought into what we are trying to achieve” said Muir. After a few years in the amateur game Harry has stepped up another level into League 1 with Hunslet and is looking forward to the challenge of showing his skills at this level.
Another former Cougar, forward Aidan Scully, has also signed. The former Dudley Hill, Shaw Cross and Stanningley man is a utility forward and is described as a “Strike edge player. He is someone who carries hard, and tackles hard. A tough player with subtle skill” by his new Coach. Scully will add power to the Hunslet pack and should be a good character to have around the changing room. Hunslet have retained the services of three of last season’s most impressive performers in the shape of Harvey Hallas, Josh JordanRoberts and Lewis Wray. Hallas (a former supporters Player of the Season) signs on for his fifth season whilst JordanRoberts (who played in every game last season) re-signs for a fourth season in his second spell at the club. Lewis Wray, who was influential off the interchange bench suffered an injury late in the season and was missed in the Play-off eliminator. All three players will be key to Coach Dean Muir’s side. Having previously coached Hallas at Keighley Muir will know the forwards strengths whilst Jordan-Roberts and Wray’s reputations go before them. The players stressed they would like to ‘right the wrongs’ of last season, where having finished in the best position the club has finished in over ten years the play-off campaign ended in disappointment.
New signings: Dyer-Dixon, Scully and Williams
South Leeds Life | November 2023
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Aleks brings back Silver A
leksander Smith from Middleton has brough back a Silver medal from the WKC World Kickboxing Championships where he was representing his country. Having beaten American and Scottish fighters, Aleks narrowly missed out on Gold in the final on 27 October. His mum Dorota Smith said: “Aleksander fought an excellent final. I honestly believed he might have done
just enough to get the decision but lost the final by split decision to take silver medal for England. “What a great fight it was too and it was such a fine margin. We are super proud of his effort and this was easily the best fight I've ever seen from Aleks. “I would love to say thank you to BMMA Morley and Leeds, Steve Frost, Charlotte Craighill and all the BMMA gang who
have trained Aleks over the last two years. “A special mention to Si Dixon who sat in his corner this week, learned how Aleks fights and gave him the advice and direction to beat the American favourite 20kgs heavier than him, to beat the semi finalist and give a very special account of himself against the very lanky more experienced Scottish fighter in the final. “It was wonderful to watch.”
Community Lions roar Four members of the NCL Premier Champions Hunslet ARLFC team were called up to play for England Community Lions (amateurs) and duly beat Wales 28-8 on 14 October. Moris Kamano was named man of the match. L-R: Jack Briggs, Tyler Dargan, Harry Dodd, Moris Kamano
10 year old Aleks on the podium in Orlando, Florida
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