South Leeds Life 131 June 2026

Your FREE community newspaper Issue 131 | June 2026

Covering Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Riverside & Stourton

FUNDING FOR REDEVELOPMENT

Chancellor announces funding for South Leeds redevelopment projects

Projects

across the South Bank area of Hunslet and Holbeck will benefit from funding announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves MP, at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) on 20 May.

The UK Government has confirmed its support for the Royal Armouries Waterfront project as the Chancellor delivered the keynote speech at the UK’s largest conference on the built environment and property development.

UKREiiF, which has been held at the museum since 2022, is a fitting backdrop to discuss the expansion that will transform one of the nation’s most significant cultural institutions into a world-class destination for heritage, events and conferencing.

The Royal Armouries Waterfront project has been made possible by the establishment of the Leeds City Fund – a 25-year business rates retention scheme that was announced in the 2025 Autumn Budget. With backing from Department of Culture, Media and Sport, Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority, this project will deliver a new riverside cultural, events and conference venue at the heart of Leeds’ South Bank, which is one of the largest regeneration

opportunities in Europe. The development will create approximately 3,500 m² of flexible, immersive event space and 4,500 m² of new public space, including food and beverage opportunities, alongside more than 3,000 m² of supporting facilities. Plans also include a commercial opportunity to develop a 150key hotel, cementing Leeds’ position as a premier conference and exhibition destination.

The project is projected to

deliver an annual contribution to the economy of £20 million in Gross Value Added, support 445 full-time jobs, and attract over 300,000 new museum visitors and event attendees each year. It is also expected to generate a combined land value uplift of approximately £240 million across Leeds South Bank.

Nat Edwards, Director General and Master of the Armouries said:

“The Leeds City Fund is instrumental for the Royal

Armouries to move forward with our ambitious project. The Waterfront project is a huge growth opportunity for the city, and we’ll be working in partnership with Leeds City Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority as well as the private sector to deliver this state-of-the-art facility for the city.”

The central government funding will also support other regeneration projects in locations across South Leeds such as Meadow Lane and the

Temple district, where plans are in the pipeline to bring the Grade I listed Temple Works building back into use.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“The announcement made by the Chancellor in Leeds today is a real vote of confidence in our city and the opportunities offered by the transformation of its former industrial heartlands.

“The council and its partners

Continued on page 5

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.

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Leeds partnership powers Elland Road transformation forward

One of the most significant development opportunities in the country took another major step forward last month, as key partners unite to deliver a multibillion-pound transformation of the 40-acre site surrounding Elland Road stadium, ensuring real benefits for the city.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has formally joined a strategic partnership alongside Leeds City Council and Leeds United Football Club’s development partner, global private investment company The Lowy Family Group, by signing on to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement reflects a shared commitment to support the delivery of a transformational new district around Elland Road, including 2,500 new homes, workspace, retail, world-class sports facilities and new public spaces.

Most significantly, the partners are committed to working together to realise the delivery of a mass transit system for Leeds, better connecting Elland Road with the city centre and wider region.

Together, the stadium redevelopment, wider Elland Road masterplan and mass transit system represents one of the UK’s largest and most socially and economically important regeneration opportunities anchored around sport, infrastructure and new urban neighbourhoods.

Set to deliver a multi-billion-pound boost to the city’s economy, the plans for the area around Leeds United’s football ground, as well as the Elland Road stadium expansion have taken big leaps forward over the last twelve months. Leeds

United has secured planning permission for the stadium expansion, with early works already underway, and the Council has published updated planning guidance for the area, including the delivery of thousands of new homes and public spaces.

The Strategic Outline Case for Mass Transit will be submitted to Government later this year. A positive decision would trigger the start of pre-development work, a major step forward in supporting the long-term transformation of the

Elland Road area.

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:

“We have come a long way in a very short space of time.

“The progress we’ve made so quickly shows exactly what Leeds can do when we have a clear plan and strong collaboration. At every home game I’m looking forward to watching the regeneration move forward before I go through the turnstiles, as we build a new future for Elland Road that everyone in our city can be proud of.”

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:

“Leeds United are staying up, and our ambitions for the city couldn’t be higher. By working together, we’ll transform Elland Road and the surrounding area into the vibrant, well-connected community that local fans and families need and deserve.”

Peter Lowy, a principal at Lowy Family Group, and a director at Leeds United Football Club said:

“This partnership reflects a shared ambition to deliver long-term transformation for Leeds.

“Mass transit connectivity is fundamental to unlocking that future potential and supporting the continued growth of both the club and the city.”

Meadow Lane flats plan needs wind safety measures

by Don Mort

Safety measures will be needed to prevent high winds swirling around a planned 24-storey city centre flats development.

Councillors were told wind

“baffles” would be used when earlystage designs for the scheme on land at Meadow Lane were presented.

Developer Glenbrook hopes to build 246 flats after an agreement was reached to buy the site from

Leeds City Council.

The councl’s City Plans Panel was shown a slide show of the plans for the site, near the Adelphi pub and part of the South Bank area.

Architect Ian Emmerson told the meeting:

“We are looking to deliver a quality development. Noting the importance of the site, we see it as a key gateway between the city centre core and the emerging South Bank area.”

The development would range from six to 24 storeys and contain mainly one and two-bedroom apartments.

A council planning report said the baffles, designed to deflect strong winds, may be needed on the west

and southern edges of the building.

It said: “Due to the scale and location of the development there is a significant potential for the generation of strong winds around the development.”

Mr Emmerson said the project team was hoping to minimise the use of baffles to limit visual impact on the building. He said:

“We are working through that process. It’s been the biggest challenge to date, I would suggest. There is a viable wind position we can take and make work on the site mitigation.”

The planning report said wind measures would be reviewed by an independent consultant appointed by the council.

Councillors gave informal approval to parts of the project at Thursday’s Civic Hall meeting, ahead of formal plans being drawn up.

Don Mort is the Local Democracy Reporter.

Local elections: Greens and SDP win in South Leeds

As widely predicted, the old two party election battles were truly out of the window in South Leeds as smaller parties won all three seats in last month’s city council elections.

In Hunslet & Riverside ward Cllr Ed Carlisle held on to his seat for the Green Party by a considerable margin of 1,780 votes over the Labour Party.

In closer battles Matt Rogan took Beeston & Holbeck for the Greens, beating Labour by 253 votes, whilst in Middleton Park ward Cllr Wayne Dixon held on to his seat by 267 votes from Reform UK.

Speaking to South Leeds Life, Cllr Ed Carlisle (Green, Hunslet & Riverside) said:

“Many thanks to everyone who voted yesterday, many thanks to all the candidates. The political landscape is changing and I think that’s a good thing for our communities, it’s a good thing

Council’s

by Don Mort

Labour has announced its senior leadership team to run Leeds City Council for the coming year.

The party lost overall control of Leeds City Council after gains were made in the local elections by Reform UK and the Greens.

No party holds more than 50 per cent of council seats, but Labour remains by far the biggest group with 47 of the city’s 99 councillors. As a

for democracy. Now it’s back to the real work of serving our communities. I strongly believe that all the candidates want the best for our communities so we really now the job on to work hard for the good of our communities.

“I think there’s a responsibility on politicians everywhere to be co-operative and to work together. Labour are clearly having a bad election, but we the Greens have already said publicly that we aren’t going to join them in coalition, but we are keen to work with anyone in coincil for the good of our city.”

Cllr Wayne Dixon (SDP, Middleton Park) commented:

“I feel like my community has got my back today. They’ve chosen someone who’s from the community rather than someone who’s promised the world, to change national policy from the council. That has been what was really frustrating thoughout the

campaign – they had no ideas about what they wanted to do and literally just campaigned on national issues, which didn’t affect the people of Middleton and Belle Isle.

“I’m glad people saw through that.”

In his acceptance speech, Cllr Matt Rogan (Green, Beeston & Holbeck) said:

“I genuinely dont have the words … I am in awe of this result. I want to pay tribute to the outgoing councillor, Annie Maloney, and to Al Garthwaite. I know the work that has happened in Beeston & Holbeck over the past few years – that still stands. I understand it’s a difficult day today for the Labour Party, but it’s nothing personal.

“Beeston & Holbeck is my home. I’m proud to live in such a diverse community of neighbours. Thank you for electing me to this position, I am honoured, I am humbled. Many thanks, let’s go!”

minority administration, Labour has now formed a new executive board made up of its own members, along with Conservative opposition leader Alan Lamb.

Arrangements for political control of the city were confirmed at the council’s annual meeting at Leeds Civic Hall yesterday (20 May 2026).

Council leader James Lewis said:

“This is the first meeting of a council that is in no overall control. It is something that

happens in lots of councils in the country, even if it hasn’t happened in Leeds for a while. We are at the start of a journey about how we all work together going forward.”

The Conservatives are the second biggest party in Leeds, with 14 councillors, followed by the Greens with 11 and Reform UK with 10 councillors.

Gipton and Harehills Labour councillor Salma Arif was appointed executive member for the economy and will also serve as the council’s first

Muslim deputy leader. Mary Harland, who represents Kippax and Methley, was also made deputy leader and executive member for communities.

The other executive board appointments were:

Mohammed Rafique, Chapel Allerton ward: executive member for resources

Peter Carlill, Calverley and Farsley: transport and planning

Helen Hayden, Temple Newsam: children and families

Emma Flint, Weetwood: equalities, adults and health

Asghar Khan, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill: housing and hubs

James Gibson, Crossgates and Whinmoor: environment

Labour’s Stephen Holroyd, who represents

Ardsley and Robin Hood, was formerly elected as Lord Mayor, which is a ceremonial and nonpolitical role. He has replaced Alwoodley Conservative member Dan Cohen in the role.

Cllr Holroyd and Simon Mapals will be the first openly gay couple to hold the office of

Lord Mayor and Consort of Leeds. Coun Holroyd said:

“It’s a great privilege to hold this role and I’m looking forward to the year ahead.”

Cllr Holroyd has named MESMAC and St Gemma’s Hospice as his chosen charities for the year.

Call to join Middleton Neighbourhood Board Heart of Holbeck plans are moving forward

The area around Middleton Park Avenue has been allocated up to £20m of government funding for community-led regeneration and a new board to oversee the work looking for members.

Middleton Park Avenue is a small designated geographical area, part of the Middleton Park ward in South Leeds. It consists of approximately 3,241 households with a total population of about 8,205 (see map).

Middleton Park Avenue is one of four areas in Leeds selected to be part of the Pride in Place Programme with up to £20 million available over 10 years to support communityled regeneration.

A Middleton Neighbourhood Plan will set the priorities for the investment, developed in consultation with the community.

A new Neighbourhood Board – led by an independent Chair and made up of local people who live in or are invested in the future of the area – will together with the community, co-create a Pride in Place Neighbourhood Plan, setting out how the £20 million will be spent, supported by Leeds City Council and the local MP, Hilary Benn.

The Chair will commit to being the champion for place and community engagement, and will lead the Neighbourhood Board in decision making, working closely with the MP, Leeds City Council, local ward councillors, and other stakeholders, to ensure the delivery of the programme. The role of the Chair is a voluntary role but will involve significant commitment.

Pat McGeever from Health for All, based in Middleton, has agreed to become the Chair of the Neighbourhood Board and lead on the Pride in Place

Programme in Middleton. She has worked in the area for many years and brings a wealth of experience to the programme.

As well as the Chair, MP and locally elected councillors, up to 15 local board members are required to ensure this programme reflects the aspirations and needs of residents in the community.

The people selected as the Chair and members of the Neighbourhood Board can be local residents, from the business community, grassroots campaigners, workplace representatives, and faith and community leaders. They can also come from a grass roots sporting organisation, arts, cultural or heritage organisation, and public agencies such as a local school or health care provider.

A diverse board where its members all have a deep connection to the area and represent a wide cross-section of the local community will support the programme to be truly community led.

The role of the Chair and Neighbourhood Board members is voluntary, but reasonable expenses may be paid and identified training and other support needs will be considered.

The opportunity to submit an expression of interest to become a member of the Neighbourhood Board for Middleton is now live.

To find out more about Pride in Place in Middleton contact: PrideinPlace.Middleton@Leeds .gov.uk

To find out more information about Pride in Place Middleton and how you can get involved, you can call in to at Tenants Hall on Acre Close (LS10 4AX) on Thursday 18 June either at lunchtime between 12-1:30pm or early evening between 67:30pm to find out more.

Asplans for the Heart of Holbeck project continue to develop, we caught up with Elissa Newman, Chief Officer of Holbeck Together, to talk about what the investment means for the local community, the role of Holbeck Together, and how residents can stay involved as the project moves forward.

Q: Elissa, tell us a bit more about the Heart of Holbeck project…

Elissa: Heart of Holbeck is a major investment in the Holbeck area, bringing together partners including Leeds City Council, Holbeck Together and Leeds Building Society with a shared commitment to improving everyday life locally. The funding comes from central Government and was originally known as the Levelling Up Fund, now referred to as the Regeneration Fund. Its purpose is to invest in local infrastructure, reduce inequalities, boost local pride and support communities that have historically received less investment.

For Holbeck, that means looking at the wider picture — community spaces, housing, highways, green spaces and public areas. From Holbeck Together’s point of view, it is about creating modern, welcoming and accessible spaces for all generations to use and enjoy, particularly through the redevelopment of St Matthew’s Community Centre and the Old Box Office.

Q: Why is this kind of investment important for health and wellbeing in Holbeck?

Elissa: We know that where people live has a big impact on their health and wellbeing. Safe streets, green spaces, welcoming community buildings and opportunities to connect with others all make a real difference.

In Holbeck, health inequalities cannot be tackled by health services alone. By working closely with public health, the NHS and the council, we can help bring services and advice closer to the heart of the community. Through Heart of Holbeck, we have an opportunity to create spaces that help people stay well, feel less isolated and access support earlier.

Q: How did Holbeck Together become involved in the project?

Elissa: Holbeck Together has been part of this journey for a long time. Leeds City Council,

with ourselves as partners, first submitted an application in 2022. Although that first bid was not successful, a huge amount of work had already gone into shaping the ideas, understanding local need and developing proposals that could make a real difference.

As a charity working in Holbeck every day, we were able to bring direct knowledge of the community into those conversations. We had already been exploring practical ideas for how St Matthew’s could be modernised and used more effectively by local people, community groups and services.

At the same time, we were working closely with Leeds Building Society, who were exploring how their building (the Old Box Office and our current office space) could be used more fully for community benefit. That meant the funding opportunity aligned with the council’s ambitions around housing, highways and green spaces, and with our own ambitions as a charity to develop two buildings with even greater potential as community hubs.

When the funding opportunity came around again, partners reviewed and strengthened the proposals. The project has now secured more than £15 million through the Regeneration Fund, which is a huge step forward for Holbeck.

Q: It sounds like a lot has happened before any building work has even started.

Elissa: Absolutely. Projects like this do not happen overnight. There has been a significant amount of time,

city through improving access to greenspaces, community activities, education and employment, and housing standards for everyone who lives, works or travels through Holbeck.

When this project is complete, everyone will be positively impacted in some way by the regeneration across the area to live happier and healthier lives.

They will see the project create modern, flexible spaces at St Matthew’s Community Centre and will also ensure the Old Box Office can continue to meet the needs of the community into the future.

At least 180 of the area’s oldest terraced homes will get major energy efficiency upgrades to make them warmer and greener, helping to reduce energy bills and improve comfort and health for the people who live there.

energy and commitment from all partners to get to this point.

For Holbeck Together, our role has been to help ensure the investment is shaped around real local need. We know the people, groups and services who use these spaces, and we understand how important it is that any development genuinely improves day-to-day life in Holbeck.

Q: What will local people see as a result?

Elissa: From Holbeck Together’s side, the aim is to create a modernised St Matthew’s that supports our services, while also offering wider benefit to other community groups and local residents.

The Old Box Office is another exciting opportunity, as Leeds Building Society supports us in repurposing the building for community use. As a business originally founded in Holbeck as Leeds and Holbeck Building Society, it is fantastic to see this national organisation investing in the area where its story began. We are hopeful that work will begin on the Old Box Office by November.

Through our developing partnerships with Leeds Building Society and Leeds United FC, we are also seeing wider businesses come on this journey with us, which is really positive. It shows that Heart of Holbeck is not one organisation’s project — it is a shared effort to bring lasting benefit to the area.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council: Heart of Holbeck is part of the Leeds Ambition to be a healthy, growing, thriving and resilient

Streets and green areas such as Domestic Street, Top Moor Side and Holbeck Moor will be made cleaner, safer, and easier to move around, with better routes for walking, cycling, and spending time outdoors.

The works are also a key part of wider South Leeds regeneration projects which will link neighborhoods together and provide improved access to the City Centre, new career and training opportunities, better transport links, new affordable homes and long-term investment.

Q: How are residents being involved?

Elissa: We want the people of Holbeck to feel informed, involved and listened to.

Over the past five years, as the project and ideas have developed, we have worked hard to reflect the needs, hopes and ambitions we hear every day from clients, residents and community groups. The briefing and information events at the end of May were an important part of that process, and there will be ongoing consultation and clear opportunities for people to hear updates and share their views over the coming months.

This is about listening, responding and making sure the services, spaces and support we develop genuinely matter to people in Holbeck.

Q: How can local people stay up to date?

Elissa: People can visit the Commonplace website at heartofholbeck.commonplace. is, where updates, plans and opportunities to comment are shared. The site includes information about the proposals for St Matthew’s and the Old Box Office, as well as the wider Heart of Holbeck programme.

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Kidz Klub celebrates ‘Right Royal’ season with King’s Award honours

Kidz Klub Leeds is celebrating a “right royal” season following its recent recognition with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour awarded to

volunteer groups across the UK.

The charity works alongside over 1,000 children and their families across 17 inner city communities, including South

Leeds.

The past month has been marked by a series of special moments at both national and local level, bringing together volunteers, children and

Local dance academy takes Manchester by storm

Asmall community dance academy from the heart of Holbeck and Beeston has made a huge impact on the Manchester competition scene — bringing home an impressive collection of trophies and proving that dedication, heart, and family spirit can achieve extraordinary things.

AJ Collins Dance Academy stunned judges and audiences alike after claiming first place in both the Mini Group and Open Teens categories, alongside a number of solo and duo titles at the prestigious competition in Manchester.

But behind the trophies and applause lies something far more powerful than medals alone.

For the young dancers involved, the academy has become more than just a place to train — it has become a second home, built on love, encouragement, discipline, and unwavering support.

Weeks of preparation, late nights, endless rehearsals, and tireless commitment all came together on stage, where the passion and determination of every performer shone through.

Their energy, teamwork, and resilience captured the attention of everyone in the venue, with many praising the academy not only for their talent, but for the spirit and unity they displayed throughout the event.

One young dancer emotionally shared:

“Without AJ helping me both in dance and outside in my normal life, I would be lost.”

It is a statement that reflects the true impact of the academy and its founder — offering

guidance, confidence, and stability to young people both inside and outside of dance.

Parents, supporters, and members of the local community have spoken proudly of the positive environment created within the academy, where every child is encouraged to believe in themselves, work hard, and support one another like family. Headed up by the diamond AJ.

What makes this achievement even more

supporters to celebrate the impact of the organisation’s work.

Kidz Klub at Buckingham Palace

Kidz Klub was proudly

remarkable is the size of the academy itself. Coming from the Holbeck and Beeston areas, AJ Collins Dance Academy continues to prove that talent, determination, and community spirit can compete with — and overcome — the biggest names on the stage.

Their success in Manchester was not simply about winning trophies; it was about showcasing the strength, heart, and togetherness of a dance family that refuses to be overlooked.

As the celebrations continue, one thing is certain: this is only the beginning for AJ Collins Dance Academy, whose impact on young people’s lives is already leaving a lasting legacy far beyond the dance floor.

represented at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party by Steve Reilly, Chair of Trustees, and Asha Roberts, a dedicated volunteer of over 10 years.

Their attendance recognised the commitment, compassion and service shown by every member of the Kidz Klub team past and present and highlighted the organisation’s contribution to children and communities in Leeds.

You can watch highlights from the day on Instagram at bit.ly/42EFeff

A Visit to Kidz Klub

Kidz Klub also welcomed The Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Deeba Malik, who visited Central Kidz Klub to formally present the award on behalf of His Majesty The King.

Her visit was a joyful and memorable occasion. She personally greeted and shook hands with over 360 children, speaking warmly about the importance and potential of each one.

She shared that His Majesty The King had sent her to thank the volunteers for their dedication and encouraged the children by reminding them that they are important to the King and can grow into leaders of the future. She also promised to pass on greetings from Kidz Klub Leeds to The

King and Queen- something the children were thrilled to hear.

The visit created a powerful and lasting impression, the children were thrilled and the volunteers were thoroughly encouraged by the recognising their dedication of the Kidz Klub team.

“This has been a truly special time for everyone connected with Kidz Klub,” said Laura Hodgkinson Charity Co Leader. “The King’s Award reflects the incredible work of our volunteers and the very special children that we are here to serve. We are honoured to celebrate this together.”

Sarah Turner Charity Co Leader shared;

“Volunteering remains at the heart of everything we do, bringing people together to make a difference for every child we serve. We would love to welcome new volunteers from across the city. If you would love to know more, please do reach out and get in touch!’’

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding contributions from volunteer groups across the UK, and Kidz Klub’s recognition highlights the life-changing work taking place in communities across Leeds.

Funding for redevelopment

Continued from page 1 have achieved great things with a whole range of regeneration projects in recent years, but we know there is still more to do before Leeds’s full potential is unlocked.

“This funding will help us to collectively meet that aim, not least by supporting the delivery of much-needed homes in key strategic locations such as West End Riverside and Meadow Lane as well as the Temple district, where we are already working hard alongside partners to breathe new life into the Temple Works building.

“The funding will also, by facilitating the creation of commercial and leisure space, strengthen even further the

reputation of Leeds as a brilliant place to do business and, crucially, a city with an economy that works for everyone.”

The announcement follows confirmation on Tuesday that Homes England – central government’s housing and regeneration agency – will provide a £16m infrastructure grant to Caddick Group to help deliver Leeds South Village, a new mixed-use neighbourhood in the city’s South Bank area. The long-term funding will allow Caddick Group to progress vital infrastructure works at South Village, off Meadow Road, including roads, utilities and significant green space.

Holbeck ‘Skyline Park’ project wins international award

The Holbeck Viaduct Project has won a prestigious Pineapple Award, often described as the "Oscars of place-making," at the 2026 Festival of Place.

The project, which aims to transform the Victorian railway viaduct into a world-class green space and active travel route, beat out international competition to take home the trophy.

Tim Reid, Chairman of the Holbeck Viaduct Project, said:

"To be recognised on this level is a massive boost. We won against projects from across the globe, which shows that our vision for the viaduct isn't just a local dream—it's world-class design.

“This win will make a real difference as we continue our

conversations with partners and planners to make the park a reality."

The team includes Holbeck Viaduct Project CIC, Urban Wilderness, Edward Architects, Buro Happold, and the team are working with Network Rail, Railway Heritage Trust, Leeds Civic Trust, Leeds City Council and Leeds United FC. www.holbeckviaduct.org.uk

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Money matters

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Hold Fast Bookshop wins Penguin children’s book grant

SouthLeeds’ floating bookshop, Hold Fast Books at Leeds Dock has been awarded a grant as part of Penguin Random House’s Penguin Children’s Bookshop Grant 2026.

Bookshop co-owner Victoria Bonner explained:

“Our grant is to enable us to continue giving books to Leeds children who are in residential or foster care, or receiving support from children’s services at home.

“Reading means the world to us and we want to help children who might not otherwise have access to books. We are very grateful to Penguin for helping us to do this, and can’t wait to get the books out there to children who are living with challenging situations – we know reading can be a comfort and a distraction and it’s great to be able to share that.”

Following this exceptional response, 44 independent bookshops have now been selected to receive grants of between £1,500 – £5,000 to see their proposals through to delivery. The grants will fund a wide range of projects which include: courses to increase the verbal reading confidence of parents and guardians; a book gifting scheme aimed at children in care; a young footballers’ reading club; a scheme empowering pupils to decide which books are in their school libraries; a reading engagement programme centred around graphic novels and manga; and the compilation and publication of a collection of translated stories from local families for whom English is an additional language.

Applications were assessed based on their innovation, impact and reach, inclusivity

recipients will not only have a lasting impact on children, families and communities but also help to spark further innovation and ideas across the country, helping even more young people discover the joy of reading for pleasure. That is our hope and our aim for this grant and we are excited to see the ideas come to life in their communities.”

Elspeth Dougall, Head of Sales: Independents and Wholesalers, Penguin Random House UK, said:

“Independent bookshops are embedded in their communities, so we knew we would get a great response to the grant. But we’ve been blown away by the volume of applications, and the level of creativity and thought reflected in them. It’s a powerful reminder of what these shops are doing every day, and their vital contribution to children’s

Last Christmas Hold Fast asked its customers to donate 206 books to children in care in Leeds. The response was magnificent with 206 volumes passed on to Children’s Services in time for Christmas.

In total, 159 applications were submitted by independent booksellers seeking support for the delivery of initiatives aimed at igniting and fostering a love of reading amongst young people during the National Year of Reading. The quality and ambition of the applications highlighted the unwavering passion and dedication of booksellers to nurturing and driving children’s literacy.

and accessibility, clarity of plan, and value for money.

Francesca Dow, Managing Director of Penguin Random House Children’s, said:

“It has been uplifting and exciting to see the enthusiastic response to the Penguin Children’s Bookshop Grant and we thank every single bookshop that entered. The ingenuity of our independent booksellers and their steadfast commitment to supporting their local communities and the young readers within them is truly inspiring and was evidenced in all the applications submitted.

“I feel sure that the work set to be delivered by the grant

literacy and reading for pleasure across the UK.”

The Penguin Children’s Bookshop Grant was launched in February to support and further extend the reach and impact of the invaluable work that independent bookshops deliver on a daily basis to help young people to develop a positive, lasting relationship with reading. The grant forms part of Penguin Random House UK’s commitment to the National Year of Reading, and its long-term work to ensure that every child is able to access and enjoy books.

For further information about Hold Fast Bookshop, please visit: holdfastleeds.co.uk

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Community action with a smile

Over 50 people joined a community action day on Saturday 16 May around Beeston. The group included children and young people from Kidz Klub and Space. Amongst the range of activities they carried out were serving a free afternoon tea, helping with practical actions at Rowland Road Play Patch, and preparing and giving out hanging baskets.

Cottingley Community Centre to get protected status

Acommunity

by Don Mort

centre

providing vital services for a south Leeds community is to be given protected status by the council.

Cottingley Community Centre will be added to the city’s list of assets of community value (ACVs).

The centre, home to a a GP surgery and free food service, is attended by around 600 people every week. A council report said supporters of the application for ACV status included Labour ward councillor Andrew Scopes and MP Hilary Benn.

Mr Benn said:

“This centre is the only community space in Cottingley and over the years I have seen how it is used for a wide variety of really important events and community activities.

“It is a lifeline for the local residents and I wish the application every success.”

ACV status means the centre, owned by Cottingley Community Project Board of Trustees, could be protected from closure if it was put up for sale. Community groups would be given six months to draw up their own bid to buy the centre on Cottingley Approach.

The council report said services including Cottingley GP Surgery would be left without a base if the centre was to close.

It said: “The free shop and food pantry demand continue to rise with no signs of slowing down over the past three years since they have been open.

“Trips and activities that offer positive childhood experiences have been consistently well attended over the past 10 years, with demand rising.”

Police routinely referred young people to a youth group at the centre to help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

In support of the ACV application, Cllr Scopes wrote:

“Cottingley Community Centre is a spring of life in a hard community that needs significant support.

“I’m extremely concerned about the prospect of the activities in the centre winding down and the impact of children in poverty, hunger in homes and fuel poverty.

“All of which are tackled in practical and real ways by the amazing volunteers in the centre.”

ACV satus was formally approved by Leeds City Council after a successful nomination by community group Cottingley Collective.

Paul Smart from the Cottingley Collective board reacted saying:

“We are happy that the council has recognised the building as an asset to the community after all there couldn’t be another conclusion. We have been speaking to residents since the trustees planned to sell and heard much sadness and distress at losing services. The Cottingley Collective will now push hard to secure the building.”

Don Mort is the Local

Holbeck brewery launches foundation

Holbeck-based

independent brewery Northern Monk have launched the Northern Monk Foundation, dedicated to improving access to the outdoors for marginalised and under-resourced communities and continuing the successful work of its Faith In Futures programme.

Formerly the Faith in Futures Foundation, Northern Monk has supported more than 20 charities and grassroots organisations.

Now relaunched as the Northern Monk Foundation, the brewery brings its brand, mission and impact work together under one unified banner to ensure that the brewery’s charitable and community activity is a core part of everything that they do.

Northern Monk will continue to partner with charitable organisations to fund trips, equipment and opportunities in order to help service users

experience the proven benefits of time spent outdoors.

Russell Bisset, Founder of Northern Monk, said: “It’s been a real privilege to support some amazing charities and grassroots organisations since 2019. The £150,000 we’ve donated to community projects to-date has helped to create meaningful change across the North and beyond, and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s supported our fundraising activity over the years.

“We know the positive impact time spent outside can have on both physical and mental wellbeing. This next chapter is about creating opportunities, supporting the organisations already doing incredible work in this space, and playing our part in improving access to the outdoors, so more people can experience the benefits it can bring.”

Help Jaden and Sonny reach a lifechanging Outward Bound adventure South Leeds girl crowned national junior pageant winner

Atalented

Two young people from South Leeds are hoping to take part in a life-changing Outward Bound residential in Scotland — but they need the support of their local community to make it happen.

Jaden and Sonny, from Holbeck, have been offered the opportunity to attend the programme, which focuses on building confidence, resilience, and teamwork through outdoor challenges. The trip would see them travel to Scotland to take part in activities such as hiking, climbing, and group problemsolving in a completely new environment.

For both boys, this is much more than just a trip away. It’s a chance to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and experience something positive that could shape their futures. They are well-known locally and have shown great potential. Opportunities like this can be a turning point — giving young people the chance to see beyond their current circumstances and believe in what they can achieve.

Outward Bound programmes are widely recognised for helping young people develop key life skills, including communication, leadership, and resilience. Participants often return with a renewed sense of purpose and selfbelief.

However, there is a challenge. The cost of the residential means that without financial support, Jaden and Sonny may not be able to take part.

A GoFundMe page has now been set up to raise the funds needed to get them there. The aim is simple: remove the financial barrier and give these two young people the opportunity they deserve. Every donation — no matter how small — will go directly towards helping Jaden and Sonny take part in this incredible experience.

If you can support, please visit: gofund.me/f3ecdaf3f

With the backing of the South Leeds community, Jaden and Sonny could soon be heading to Scotland for an adventure that has the potential to change their lives for the better.

nine-year-old

from Middleton has been crowned a national pageant winner after an incredible weekend competing at Miss Glamour UK in Dover.

Harper Jean Cook travelled to the prestigious competition this weekend, where she competed in the Junior category for girls aged 9–12.

Despite only being eight years old when entering the competition season, Harper decided to challenge herself by moving up an age group after a hugely successful year as Mini Queen. Last year, Harper won her age group in the Mini section and, encouraged by her progress and dedication, made the bold decision to compete against older contestants this year.

Her hard work paid off in spectacular fashion. After raising £300 for Glamour UK’s chosen charity, Harper went on to win Best in Interview for her age group as well as the Public Vote Award, before ultimately taking home the national junior title.

In an age where many contestants choose glamorous makeup looks, Harper made the confident decision to take to the stage embracing her natural beauty instead.

Harper’s mum said:

“We are so proud of her. She trains three days a week and is always going out doing community appearances. We

wanted to push Harper to see how she would do against the bigger girls because she has worked so hard all year as Mini Queen.”

Outside of pageantry, Harper is passionate about helping her

local community and hopes to continue making a positive impact throughout the year.

Her future plans include taking part in litter-picking events and attending more local community appearances and charity events across Leeds. With determination, confidence and kindness beyond her years, Harper is already proving to be an inspiring young role model in her community.

Celebrating success at Asha Neighbourhood Project

by Tahena Ahmed

Weare delighted to share the successful completion of the first two courses delivered as part of the Survive & Thrive Comic Relief Project at Asha.

Over 25 women took part in empowering workshops covering Personal Finance & Household Budgeting; and CV Writing, Job Search & Interview Skills.

Over the past few months, participants have built valuable skill, from managing household finances and saving on everyday expenses, to creating strong CVs, searching for employment, and preparing confidently for interviews. We were also pleased to welcome guest speakers who provided practical advice on energy saving, avoiding high-risk loans, accessing employment support, and improving interview techniques.

We are incredibly proud of everyone’s dedication, especially the 15 women who regularly attended the CV sessions and the 10 who actively participated in the budgeting workshops.

To mark this achievement, participants came together on Thursday 30 April at Asha Neighbourhood Project for a Celebration & Feedback Event. Dressed in shades of pink to symbolise women supporting women, the group enjoyed an afternoon of reflection, circle activities, and meaningful conversation. A delicious meal of traditional

and

Local charity's generous gift transforms outdoor learning at Cockburn Reach Academy

Pupilsat Cockburn Reach Academy are enjoying a remarkable new outdoor learning space, thanks to a £20,000 donation from

Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby.

The funding has enabled the Leeds primary special school to create a woodland pathway,

install a therapeutic swing, and develop a beautiful sensory garden – transforming how pupils learn and play outdoors.

The new facilities are already

Middleton Primary pupils enjoy Easter School fun

Pupilsat Middleton Primary School have been taking part in a lively and enriching Easter School programme, combining outdoor learning, healthy living and memorable educational experiences.

One of the highlights of the week was a visit to Lotherton Hall, where children had the opportunity to see a variety of animals and learn more about

the natural world in an engaging, hands-on environment. The trip proved popular with pupils, who enjoyed the chance to observe the animals up close and explore the historic grounds.

Back at school, the focus turned to healthy lifestyles and practical skills. Pupils prepared their own healthy breakfasts, developing a better understanding of nutritious

food choices while also building confidence and independence.

The children also spent time gardening and caring for plants around the school grounds, contributing to the upkeep of the outdoor spaces and learning about the importance of looking after the environment. The activities encouraged teamwork, responsibility and a sense of pride in their school community.

Staff said the Easter School had provided pupils with a valuable mix of learning experiences, helping them to stay active and engaged during the holiday period. The programme was described as a real success, with children benefitting from the opportunity to try new activities, spend time outdoors and enjoy a positive, supportive atmosphere.

explore nature, and develop their understanding of the world around them.

The new facilities were officially opened by former Leeds Rhinos, England and Lions Rugby League and Rugby Union star, John Bentley, who is the Yorkshire Honorary President of the Wooden Spoon charity.

He was joined by other members of the charity alongside pupils from the school.

"The sensory garden has become such a valuable space for our pupils," said Ali Quinn, Headteacher at Cockburn Reach Academy.

making a significant difference to the school's pupils. The sensory garden provides a calm, engaging environment where children can read,

"Children can use it for quiet reading time, and we've found it's also an excellent setting for meetings with parents –

creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for important conversations."

The specially designed swing has proven particularly beneficial for pupils' wellbeing and development.

The gentle motion helps children to regulate their emotions and manage their feelings, whilst also providing wonderful opportunities for social interaction and cooperative play.

The new pathway through the woodland area has opened up exciting possibilities for outdoor learning, allowing pupils to safely explore nature and engage with their environment in all weathers.

The school community is incredibly grateful to Wooden Spoon for their generous support.

The £20,000 donation has created lasting resources that will benefit generations of pupils at Cockburn Reach Academy, supporting not only their academic learning but also their physical and emotional development.

These improvements demonstrate the school's commitment to providing diverse, engaging learning environments that meet the needs of all pupils.

Hunslet Carr children spread love, not hate

Children at Hunslet Carr Primary School have been making a powerful statement about kindness and community through art, as part of their spring term learning.

Year 6 pupils explored how street artists use their work to promote messages of love, understanding, and tolerance. The topic culminated in a charity T-shirt auction, where pupils showcased their own designs as we reported last month.

The event proved a success, raising close to £300 for a local homeless charity. Staff praised

the children for their enthusiasm and commitment, noting how the project helped them connect their learning to real-world impact.

To mark the end of the topic, well-known street artist Burley Banksy returned to the school to collaborate with five pupils. Together, they transformed the children’s ideas into vibrant street art near the school.

Burley Banksy said: “It was a pleasure to work with the kids at Hunslet Carr, and it’s great to see a school that really values art in the curriculum. The

pupils produced two lovely pieces of work that promoted a positive message, and they worked carefully to make them look great for passersby, lots of whom smiled and commented on them as we painted. They should be proud of it!”

Local residents have already responded warmly to the artwork, with many stopping to admire the pieces and share words of encouragement. Through their efforts, the children have shown that even small acts can make a big difference.

Cockburn School leading the way in the arts again

Maywas a busy month for performing arts students at Cockburn School. There were evening showcase performances from both the Dance and Drama departments following on from the Music Concert in April.

As well as the performances, Cockburn School is proud to have showcased their excellent arts provision as part of a citywide project led by Leeds33.

Leeds33, formerly known as LeedsCEP, was established in September 2017 as part of a national initiative led by Arts Council England to improve cultural education for children and young people. The organisation brings together schools, arts and cultural groups, local authorities and

community organisations to create more opportunities for young people to engage with arts and culture. Working across Leeds, Leeds33 aims to better connect these partners, share resources and develop a more joined-up, visible cultural offer across the city.

Its growing network includes organisations from the education, cultural and community sectors, ensuring representation from all areas of Leeds. Through this collaborative approach, Leeds33 is helping to ensure that every young person in Leeds has access to high-quality cultural learning experiences.

In May, Leeds33 launched a new resource designed to support teachers: Schools That

Sing: Arts-Rich Learning in Leeds. Developed in partnership with the University of Leeds, these practical case studies draw on real practice from Cockburn School and seven other Leeds schools (also including another Cockburn MAT school, Middleton Primary) to explore what makes arts-rich education work. The resource provides guidance across ten key themes, covering everything from embedding the arts in the curriculum to developing cultural partnerships and inclusive practice.

It also includes a link to the Leeds33 Arts Rich Schools: Reflection and Audit Tool to help schools identify their next steps. Read more: www.leeds33.com/ schools-that-sing

Year 8 students embrace adventure at Newby Wiske Hall

Year8 students from Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy recently returned from an unforgettable three-day residential experience at Newby Wiske Hall, where they pushed their boundaries and discovered new strengths.

The action-packed trip saw students tackling a diverse range of outdoor activities designed to challenge them both physically and mentally. From navigating the waters during canoeing sessions to conquering their fears on the abseiling wall, the young people demonstrated remarkable courage and determination throughout.

The residential offered something for everyone.

Students splashed their way through the inflatable water aquapark, scaled the climbing walls with increasing confidence, and learned essential survival

skills that tested their problemsolving abilities. The laser tag

sessions provided an exciting opportunity for strategic thinking and teamwork in a competitive environment.

What truly stood out during the three days was the

exceptional resilience that the students displayed. Many faced activities that initially seemed daunting, yet with encouragement from peers and staff, they persevered and succeeded. Whether it was a student who had never climbed before reaching the top of the wall, or those who overcame their apprehension about water-based activities, the personal growth was evident.

The residential experience proved to be a powerful lesson in collaboration. Students who might not normally work together in the classroom found themselves relying on one another to

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Mr Smith, Assistant Headteacher at Cockburn School who is also Trustee of Leeds33, said:

“We are extremely proud of our rich arts provision. Our students and staff work incredibly hard, and being part of this project means their work will help to influence others across Leeds. This supports our mission to harness the power of arts and culture, empowering every child and young person to flourish.”

This new work comes in addition to Cockburn School’s provision in the arts previously being awarded Artsmark Platinum status for the second time in recognition of the school’s commitment to, and excellence in, arts education. Artsmark is Arts Council England’s award recognising excellence in cultural education. It celebrates schools’ commitment to embracing arts across the curriculum and bringing creative learning to life for children and young people.

Email: info@southleedslife.com complete challenges.

From belaying partners during climbing to coordinating strategies during survival skills exercises, the importance of communication, trust, and mutual support became abundantly clear.

Beyond the adrenaline and adventure, the residential provided invaluable opportunities for the Year 8 students to develop independence, build lasting friendships, and gain confidence that will serve them well throughout their secondary school journey and beyond.

The staff at Newby Wiske Hall provided expert instruction and maintained a safe, supportive environment that allowed our students to take calculated risks and step outside their comfort zones.

The CLCA accompanying teachers were immensely proud of how every single student embraced the experience with enthusiasm and maturity.

Young historians step back in time at Beamish Museum

Year 8 history students at Cockburn John Charles Academy enjoyed a richly immersive journey into Britain’s past during their recent visit to the Beamish Museum in Durham, exploring what life was like in the 1800s and early 1900s.

The trip offered a full day of hands on historical experiences, from political marches to wartime recruitment and Victorian entertainment.

Students took part in a lively re enactment of the 1910 women’s suffrage march, complete with authentic clothing and passionately delivered speeches. They also staged a counter protest, examining the arguments of those who opposed women gaining the vote. Later, pupils joined a WWI recruitment march, learning how young men were encouraged to enlist and what becoming a soldier involved.

The day continued with a visit to a 1950s classroom, where students experienced the strict routines of mid century schooling. They also explored the museum’s working farm, meeting shire horses, lambs, and the turkeys, which quickly became a source of fascination.

A wander down a recreated

1900s high street, a trip into the coal mine, and a stop at the old fashioned sweet shop added even more colour to the

experience. The visit concluded at the Victorian funfair, where students enjoyed traditional entertainment from the era.

Headteacher Mrs Roberts praised the students’ enthusiasm, saying: “Our Year 8s threw themselves into every activity with curiosity and maturity. Beamish brought history to life for them in a way that simply can’t be replicated in the classroom.”

One student reflected on the day’s impact: “Marching for

women’s rights and then seeing the other side of the argument really made me think. It felt like we were actually living in that time.”

A great day was had by all and the trip has undoubtedly deepened students’ understanding of the people, struggles, and stories that shaped modern Britain.

Four bright and determined Year 5 pupils from Cockburn Ingram Road Academy spent the day at The Grammar School at Leeds, taking part in an inspiring maths challenge event that pushed their thinking to new heights.

From tricky logic problems to team based puzzles, the children were immersed in

activities that demanded creativity, resilience, and sharp mathematical reasoning.

The competition host was full of praise for the group, sharing: “The children were a delight to work with. Their teamwork, enthusiasm, and problem solving skills shone through every challenge.”

The pupils returned to school

buzzing with excitement, proud of how they supported one another and tackled each task with confidence. Their teachers described the day as a wonderful opportunity for the children to stretch themselves and experience the joy of mathematical discovery beyond the classroom.

In our view

Investing in South Leeds

There is a lot of information in this edition about investment in South Leeds. Whilst much of it is going into the ’South Bank’ - the former industrial areas of Holbeck and Hunslet close to the river - there is significant money going to the communities of Holbeck and Middleton. Is £15.9m and £10m respectively enough? No of course it’s not, but it’s a good start. There’s real community involvement with a Neighbourhood Board in Middleton and Holbeck Together taking a leading role and implementing ideas approved by the community in Holbeck’s Neighbourhood Plan. Meanwhile the private investment going into projects such as Elland Road and The Royal Armouries will grow the local economy and create jobs.

Festivals and Galas

A lot of local people are working extremely hard just now to bring you four amazing community events. Our local festivals and galas will soon be upon us and they really are jewels in the crowns of our communities.

Please go along and support them, you won’t regret it - there’s something for everyone. Kids entertainment, amazing food, entertainment the chance to see the best of your community and mix with your neighbours. And remember that they are all run by volunteers - so if you can spare an hour or two please step up and lend a hand.

The July-August issue of South Leeds Life will be out on Wednesday 8 July

The deadline for submissions is Thursday 2 July

Your letters and comments

Walking home

I grew up in Holbeck in the 1950s and 60s, this is a typical walk home from Princess Field School. I hope it might stir a few memories for some old timers.

Walking Home From School 1963

Sunny days warm and bright

Well that’s my memory,

Bell rings for home time at Princess Field School,

Bye to friends Lenny and Stanley, Headmaster Mr Jennings!

Keep out of his way; he likes to use his cane,

Stanley got a few,

I can still hear the crack on his hand, even after all these years,

Poor old Stanley,

Home I go past the urinals on Ninevah Road,

Then on to Marshall Street, Welcome clinic, to my left, where we had our health checks and free milk,

Past Kay’s Catalogue such a huge company

Long forgotten now,

Next the cobbles of Walton Street,

Commercial pub on the corner, On to Sweet Street

Passing

The Liberal Club

The Mechanics Institute

The Gas Board offices

Opposite, the big concertina door of Gillington and Dewhurst,

Where a tradgedy would happen, in the not too distant future,

Then Albert’s shop on the corner,

Fish shop in the middle of the terrace, Did it really cost sixpence for fish and chips, maybe less, I’m not sure

Looking across the road The Laverics where once St John’s Church stood (long ago)

The train sheds

Where many a youngster went train spotting,

Joe’s corner shop at the top of Bath Road, On the left The Westons On the right The Derwents

Past the ginnel, Past Ethel’s shop, where I was often sent by my sister to buy a single Woodbine,

Then the imposing Bath House,

Thompson’s Builders and Bray’s Bakery

The big garages doors on the right Halfway down Bath Road now, not far from home,

Car workshop under the viaduct

Tailors Press workshop on the right, where Mam used to work, Turners the coffin makers,

The gas lamp at the end of the street, Nearly home, Knight and Fosters, Their loading door used many times as goals for our games of football, I’m home, oh no! Not allowed to go in the front door, Off I run round to the back door, Seemed like a long way for an eight year old (but not really) Home for Tea, Then out to play until bedtime. Paul Pearson

Your Leeds City Councillors

Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring Road, Cottingley and Holbeck. The three councillors are:

Shaf Ali (Labour) 0113 378 8810 shaf.ali@leeds.gov.uk

Matt Rogan (Green) 0113 3788266 matt.rogan@leeds.gov.uk

Andrew Scopes (Labour) 07860 400645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk

Hunslet & Riverside ward Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:

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:

Rob Chesterfield (SDP) 07586 951132 rob.chesterfield@leeds.gov.uk

Wayne Dixon (SDP) 07852 311717 wayne.dixon@leeds.gov.uk

Emma Pogson-Golden (SDP) 07794 577586 emma.pogson-golden@leeds.gov.uk

Meadow Lane flats

The council needs to look around the city centre and surrounding areas and see all the empty unaffordable flats and realise we don't want more of the same, what is needed is affordable housing for families.

Pauline Iredale

Good to see it’s echoing the lines of the flat iron building!

Lorrayne Wilkinson

More bloody flats. There are enough already, on Water Lane, Marshall Street, but still no decent facilities. They are turning the whole city into a concrete jungle.

Liz

Another Bridgewater Place

Muriel Rogers

AJ Dance Academy

AJ, you're an amazing teacher and an inspiration to many keep up the great work my friend.

Amanda Jayne

Thank you

I’m very grateful to the readers who

sponsored me to run the Leeds Rob Burrow Marathon (page 22, April 2026).

I’m pleased to say I completed the course in 4 hours 36 minutes and you helped me raise £1,201 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. Thank you.

Jeremy Morton

Hold Fast Bookshop

Hold Fast Bookshop is a wonderful place, I highly recommend a visit.

Angela Gabriel

Junior Miss Glamour UK

Awwww bless her well done Harper Nicole Thirkill

Join the debate

Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 28 Back Burton Grove, Leeds, LS11 5JH.

Letters may be edited for publication.

Keep up to date with planning issues in LS10 and LS11

We publish a weekly list of all new planning applications online at: www.southleedslife.com

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Email: info@southleedslife.com

MP’s notebook

with Hilary Benn MP

Awelcometo those who were successful in the recent local elections in Leeds and commiserations to all those who lost, including hardworking local councillors.

It takes a lot of courage to stand for elected office and to accept the responsibility that comes with serving the public. Being in office is about making choices and taking decisions. Many of them aren’t easy but they have the capacity to change things for the better and, on occasions, to transform lives. We should also remember that the job is now made harder by the abuse that is generated these days by the misuse of social media by malign individuals and amoral algorithms. We may not always share the views of those who represent us, but as Barack Obama once wisely said “We have to learn to disagree with each other agreeably.”

The Middleton Pride in Place

project - funded by the Government - is coming along. I recently met with the Middleton Park councillors to discuss starting the process of recruiting neighbourhood board members to oversee the project. We are looking for people who are committed to the local community and are willing to put in time to help make Middleton a better place to live in. To get more information and an expression of interest form, please email: PrideinPlace.Middleton@leeds. gov.uk

The Pride in Place programme will see up to £5 billion given to nearly 250 areas across the UK. Each area - including Middleton - will receive up to £20 million of funding and support over the next 10 years to make the longterm improvements residents want.

Communities will be able to spend the funding on what matters most to them - from

improvements to pavements and high streets to investing in culture and green spaces and lots else besides. The Pride in Place Programme gives power to local people.

Each of the nearly 250 areas receiving this money will establish a neighbourhood board. These boards will put local people at the heart of deciding their area’s future, bringing together residents, the local MP, councillors, local businesses, grassroots campaigners, workplace representatives, faith leaders and community organisations. By involving their community, the board should generate a vision for the future of their area and set out a plan to deliver it over the course of the 10-year programme (and beyond). This is a really exciting opportunity for the community in Middleton, so let’s grasp it with both hands.

There is a great deal of

Spires and steeples

by Hon Ald Elizabeth Nash

Iwasvery pleased to see that the Hunslet Spire of former St Mary`s Church featured on the front page of South Leeds Life last month.

Its restoration has been quite a saga and it is outrageous that it has not been accessible for so many years now. Before I left the City Council four years’ ago, my colleagues Cllr Iqbal, Cllr Wray and I set aside money for the restoration of the clock for it to be automatically wound up. I hope that money is still there!

This has set me thinking about spires and steeples and the difference between the two.

Apparently, the spire is the pointed bit which stands on a tower. The whole thing, the tower and the spire together is called a steeple and perhaps that is what we should call the structure at St Mary`s?

From Norman times onwards, all churches and cathedrals were built with a tower and a spire on top. But most of the early ones had spires of wood which, over the years deteriorated and disappeared. To stop this happening, some wooden spires were covered in lead but this had its problems. The covered wood could change

shape and twist. The crooked spire at Chesterfield is a famous example of this. Unlike other spires which were removed when this happened, Chesterfield kept theirs and its crooked spire is an eyecatching tourist attraction.

Spires had the religious meaning of stretching upwards towards heaven. They drew the attention of parishioners where their place of worship was situated. Usually, they contained a belltower, as did our St Mary’s, which called them to prayer. They were also used as landmarks for travellers especially in an age before maps of our roads were available.

More recently, they were used in sport eg Steeple Chasing.

The artist LS Lowry, put many spires in his paintings of mill towns. But ironically, they were always in competition with mill chimneys also stretching up to heaven. Which, one may ask, were the winners – God or Mamon? His paintings were full of little “match-stick” people going about life oblivious this.

The tallest spire in the UK is at Salisbury Cathedral at 404 feet high, followed by Norwich Cathedral at 315 feet. But the tallest spire originally was at Lincoln Cathedral which had a

concern about the decision of the church to sell off the Cottingley Community Centre. The Centre is at the heart of the estate and is the only community space in Cottingley. Over the years we have all have seen how it is used for a wide variety of really important events and community activities, including a community pantry and the local GP surgery. I recently met with the Centre Manager Christine Smart to talk about what’s been happening, and I have backed the successful application to list the building as an asset of community value with Leeds City Council. This means that the local community has six months in which to raise the funds to buy the Centre. Working with supporters of the Centre, local councillors and Leeds City Council we intend to do all we can to enable these vital services to continue, because we all know how much needed they are by the people of Cottingley.

Good news for Cockburn High School where Great British Energy - the new publiclyowned energy company set up by the Government - has installed a solar array. The new

something then that person carried it out. I agreed and wrote a letter (pre-email days) to the Editor Lewis Bronze.

spire over 540 feet high but it blew down in a storm in 1540 and was not replaced. But some village churches do have some very tall spires and I came in contact with one at Hemingbrough Minster, in a village 3 miles east of Selby.

At the time I was working for a fund-raising charity as a journalist and public relations person.

Fund-raising is much easier if the project has publicity. I read in the Dalesman magazine that the parishioners of Hemingbrough were struggling to raise money to repair their church spire. The church is medieval and still functioning with a pencil-slim spire 180 feet high which is an enormous height for a small church. I telephoned the vicar and he invited me to a parish committee meeting the following week.

When I arrived at the meeting I found that the repair work to the spire, although still to be paid for, had almost finished and that a new weathervane was to be installed on the top. I suggested that they invite “Blue Peter”, which was on main line television then, to install the steeple-cock. I was told in a rather dismissive way that the Committee had a rule that if anyone suggested

solar panels will help to reduce the school’s energy bills and it’s part of a programme that will see over 250 schools, 260 NHS sites and many military bases increasing their renewable energy generation and saving on their energy bills.

And finally, the recent hot weather, or to be more precise the recent variable weather, has been the source of much debate. By the time you read this, we’ll probably be experiencing unseasonal hail or another bout of cold conditions. Incidentally, the record books show that the last time snow fell in West Yorkshire during June was on the 2nd of June 1975. But returning to the present, while the temperature

in the centre of Leeds reached 33.1°C on 25 May, research from monitoring stations around Leeds showed that the temperature in more rural areas around the city on the same day was 7- 8°C lower. Trees, plants and water can make a big difference, and as the YEP reported “a sensor located near the River Aire in the Climate Innovation District recorded temperatures 1.5°C cooler than the city centre during the late afternoon.” This knowledge has important implications for how we try and keep cool in future heatwaves, which the evidence is telling us are going to become more common. It’s all a matter personal preference, but 33°C is far too hot for me!

Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament

He represents the Leeds South constituency

Email: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk

Website: www.hilarybennmp.com

Constituency office:

Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds, LS7 1AB Tel: 0113

Lewis Bronze telephoned me almost immediately and was delighted to send Blue Peter presenter Caron Keating to climb the scaffolding to the top of the spire to fix the weathervane. He also got the children from the local primary

school involved and word spread like wildfire that Blue Peter was coming to their village. The fund-raising improved enormously and the Committee was then also able to restore some of the mullioned windows which had deteriorated, and to pay for the eradication of the death watch beetle pest.

Regarding St Mary’s spire, of

course, it is not attached now to a functioning church with an active congregation. But getting young children involved with a programme like Blue Peter may galvanize the C of E to get on with the restoration work. And perhaps a steeplecock showing the direction of wind may be as useful as a working clock if not more so?

Pathways for positivity

with Shannon Humphrey

If you need anything …

Whenever something tragic happens, we often say the same thing: “If you need anything, call me.” It’s said with kindness and good intentions, and most people genuinely mean it. But here’s what I've learned, grieving people won’t call. Not because they don’t need support. Not because they choose loneliness. But because grief changes people. It drains them emotionally, mentally, physically and socially. Many begin to feel like a burden. They don’t want to interrupt other people’s lives or weigh others down with their sadness. So instead of reaching out, they withdraw further into themselves.

A dear friend of mine recently suffered a devastating bereavement. I try to stay connected with him in whatever ways I can. We don’t live near each other, so I can’t always be physically present. But I mix up our interaction styles to keep things interesting. It might be a phone conversation. Other times it’s just a funny meme, a photo of the cat or a video that made me think of him.

None of it can solve the pain he’s experiencing. Grief cannot be fixed with a text message. But what these small gestures do say is: “You haven’t been forgotten.” You're my buddy and I’m in your corner. I spoke to him recently, and

he admitted something heartbreaking. He felt as though everyone else had moved on with their lives while he remained trapped in sadness.

And in many ways, life does move on for people. They return to their lives, routines and habits, as he tries to navigate his sudden loss.

In the immediate aftermath of a death, support is everywhere. It can be overwhelming, flowers, sympathy cards, messages, visits, and phone calls. But as weeks turn into months, much of that fades away. Meanwhile, the grief itself remains just as real, if not harder. The silence settles in.

South Leeds Wildlife

with Duncan Wells

My friend told me he’d begun to feel as though some of his friends no longer wanted him around because of his sadness, that he was being quietly avoided, even left out of social gatherings. The thought of that actually enrages me! I

understand grief can make people uncomfortable (it’s far from my favourite topic). I get how hard it is trying to speak with someone whose heart is broken, especially when you’re painfully aware nothing you say can fix what they’re going through.

There are many times when I don’t know what to say but not having the right words will never be a good enough reason to stop showing up for someone you care about during a season of grief.

What matters is consistency.

Presence and inclusion. Reminding people, again and again, that they are loved. And they don’t have to face their darkest moments alone. Friendship during difficult times isn’t about having perfect words or solving someone’s pain. There are no perfect words, there are no magic wands, oh how I wish there was.

Shannon Humphrey is a Youth and Adult Mental Health & Wellbeing Instructor for more information check out www. pathwaysforpositivity.com

Summer solstice, bats and a kestrel nest

June is the time of year I want to hold onto, wishing time would start to slow down just a little.

Flowers are blooming everywhere you look and the nostalgic smell of freshly cut grass takes me back to end of school term and sports day playing fields. The light mornings, the dawn chorus and long evenings add to the enjoyment, all culminating at summer solstice on 21 June.

However, there is a sense that this time feels fleeting, knowing that before long, midsummer will soon take its place with the flowers turning to seed and the grass browning and drying out.

This is the month when many of our local birds will be either sitting on their clutches of eggs, or busy feeding their chicks who have recently hatched. Last month South Leeds Life was contacted by a friendly couple who live in Crescent Grange, located just behind the Spinning Wheel pub off Dewsbury Road. They had been observing a kestrel nest at the top of a conifer tree from their 8th floor flat. We took up their invite to come round to

view the nest and capture some photos. It was a great view of the nest from the kitchen window and rare to get a different sight of the birds from above rather than

observing from the ground. The male was busy flying back and forth whilst the female remained in the nest, presumably incubating her eggs. Typically, kestrels use

disused tree-top nests built by other birds such as crows or rooks and lay once a year between 3-6 eggs per brood. Kestrels are a bird of prey that has been experiencing long

term population decline (50% decline since 1970) so it is amazing to come across a pair making their home right next to the M621 on the fringes of Beeston and the city centre.

I expect the chicks will hatch sometime this month and will remain in the nest for 30-35 days before fledging, during which time, the male kestrel will be under pressure to find enough food which typically comprises of small mammals (voles and mice) small birds and large insects. If you see one hovering over some open grass in and around Beeston in the coming weeks, it could be the Crescent Grange male kestrel hunting for its young family.

Another mammal that is active at this time of year, and also reliant on insects as a food source, are our resident bats. The best time to see bats is around 30 minutes before sunset on a calm and mild evening, even better if you are near some open water.

I had a great view of one flying back and forth over the pond one evening at the White Rose centre recently. Another good spot is along the river Aire near Knowsthorpe. I am a beginner when it comes to bats and they are difficult to identify without a bat detector but you are most likely to see common pipistrelle bats in South Leeds, which is the smallest and most common bat and has a jerky flight pattern.

Despite their size, these small bats can consume up to 3,000 insects (midges,

mosquitos and small moths) in one night so they serve as excellent natural pest control! There are a total of 17 native species of bat in the UK and they can live up to 30 years. After a period of massive population decline in the last century due to habitat loss and use of insecticides, things are starting to turn around for the UK’s bat numbers following efforts from conservation groups and protection from the law, and as a result, several species are now on the increase. I appreciate bats are not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you do want to help contribute to their recovery then you might want to consider putting up a bat box at home and plant some night scented flowers such as honeysuckle and evening primrose in your garden to attract insects that are active in the dark.

So, this month, as we reach the longest day of the year and the brief high point of summer, perhaps this is a reminder for us all to appreciate and make the most of this time of the year, as it soon will pass. Yes, I know it can get a little too hot and sticky too, but 6 months ago, in the depths of winter I was longing for brighter days and warm evenings and now they are here. Savour the colour and scents in parks and gardens in our neighbourhood and take a moment to notice the precious new life emerging all around us, even in unexpected places close to home, both day and night.

Local history with Ken

Burton

Holbeck Anti-Corn Mill Association

Holbeck

Anti-Corn Mill Association was set up by seven workers from Benyon’s Flax Mill.

The mill was owned by two brothers, Thomas and Benjamin Benyon who in 1793 were partners of John Marshall. It was no easy working relationship and Marshall bought the brothers out in 1804. It was about this time that the Benyons built a flax mill in Meadow Lane, Thomas took charge of the mill while Benjamin returned home to Shrewsbury. By 1816 it was one of the largest and more modern factories in Europe with its dressing mill fivestoreys high. Using steam engines purchased from Matthew Murray they produced yarn, linen, canvas and sailcloth. Conditions in the mill were harsh with children working from five in the morning until nine in the evening. It was here that the seven workers started a new movement.

It is recognised that the Cooperative Movement had been launched by the Pioneer Society in Rochdale in 1844 in an attempt to provide the people of the working class with quality food at a price they could afford. In 1847 the seven workers at Benyons flax mill in Holbeck formed the Holbeck Anti-Corn Mill Association in order to erect a mill and provide their own unadulterated flour ‘to preserve ourselves from the invasion of covetous and merciless men in future’. The term Anti-Mill was used to designate opposition to the private millers of the day.

The Association held a meeting in a room behind the

Union Tavern on 1 March 1847 at seven o’clock when each member was asked to contribute the amount of twenty shillings paid in weekly instalments for the purpose of renting a mill until the funds were available to erect a mill of their own which would be the property of the subscribers, their heirs, administrators, or assignees, forever, in order to supply them with flour and that only. The Committee wished to raise 1,000 members to carry out their requirements. The Committee were Robert Wilson Ambler, John Park, Joseph Darley, Robert Ambler, James Jackson, William Ward, and Joseph Nowell.

October 1847 saw the start The Peoples Flour Mill to provide unadulterated flour to members at the lowest possible price, not as with the normal practice of it being diluted with Plaster of Paris, etc. It started with about 1,500 members who paid the sum of one guinea (£1.05p) each. The Society was a freehold mill in

Marshall Street, Holbeck, and was governed by a Board of 20 Directors, 10 of which were chosen half-yearly by ballot.

The mill was Lot No.5 on the Round Foundry sales plan and was next to Lot No.7 and formed three-sides of a square against the erecting shop. The wing by Marshall Street was marked flax mill and it was bought by the Leeds Mill Cooperative in 1848 and was described as ‘a substantial fireproof mill, and previously used by Brown & Company who it is known had a scribbling mill in Holbeck in 1790. The mill being 150 feet by 35 feet and five-storeys high also had two warehouses and a 30hp engine. The cost of the mill and its conversion amounted to over £12,000.

Extra machinery was installed in 1871 and 1874 and a new 40hp engine and boiler was installed in 1876 with more machinery being added the following year. In October 1881 the mill ‘burnt down’ and the Co-operative Insurance

Company paid out £4,000 for the stock and £3,000 for the machinery, this then seems to suggest that the mill was indeed fireproof, especially when it was reopened as a roller mill the following year.

Before the fire the mill had 22 pairs of stones for grinding and there were three boilers in the basement.

The mill is shown on the 1815 map and was used as a flax mill from at least 1820 by Brown & Company and its position on the Benyon Beck suggests that the mill may have been water-powered but since there is reference to Brown having a 12hp engine it would seem more than likely it was chosen because it offered a water supply for flax spinning and the engine boiler. This water was probably from the Bempton Beck which ran through the property and is shown on the sales plan as passing through what later became the entrance and passing under the far block; later its course was diverted when Campfield Mill was built.

In 1854 it changed its remit to not only providing flour but also to supplying provisions and changed its name to the Leeds Co-operative Flour & Provision Society. The organisation flourished and in 1856 it opened it first shop in Briggate, although this proved to be a failure. Nevertheless, the Society continued to expand and was always conscious of its responsibilities to its workers.

By the 1860s it was the

largest Co-operative in the country and in 1866 it was the first Leeds company to offer the workers a half-day holiday each week. The Society’s head offices were opened in Albion Street in 1884 and for the next 50 years it became known as the Leeds Industrial Cooperative Society, LICS, or simply the Co-op.

The Society expanded its provisions business to include meat, milk, clothing, fuel, footwear, and a variety of other services. To achieve all this it owned its own farms, boot factory, brushy works, provision warehouses, joiners’ workshops, builders’ yard, and its own coal wharf. By 1896 it owned 70 local stores and was providing for 33,000 members and, according to the Yorkshire Factory Times, ‘the Leeds Industrial Co-operative Society is the largest on earth’. While not going on to be a full account of the Co-op it is interesting to see how it all started and the reasons behind the formation of the Society but as we know all things whether good or bad alter and today all we are left with is a Blue Plaque at roughly the site of where it all started, on the gatepost on the entrance to Leodis Court (opposite Temple Mill) in Marshall Street.

Hold Fast Bookshop at Leeds Dock is hosting four events as part of Leeds Literary Festival 2026.

‘Arathi Menon: Illegal to be Gay?’ will see the author in conversation with Isabelle Kenyon from Fly On The Wall Press.

Memon’s latest book is set in an Indian metropolis in 2013, 'Da' is a tender story of a boy caught between devotion and fear, chronicling the everyday courage it takes to love someone the world refuses to accept. Monday 8 June, 7-8pm.

The Beginners Guide to Folk Horror on Tuesday 9 June is sold out.

John Ironmonger: Tackling Climate Change via Fiction.

John Ironmonger is a bestselling author with a doctorate in zoology and a great speaker on the environment. In this talk we explore how we can tackle climate change via fiction.

His books 'The Wager and the Bear' and 'Angel of St Piran' are real world stories that help us to imagine the kind of earth we are creating.

John will be in conversation with Victoria Bonner on Wednesday 10 June, 78:30pm.

For full information and booking, go to www. leedslitfest.co.uk/events

Flying High: Creating Flags of Awe & Wonder

Datesfor free workshops have just been announced by Slung Low for Flying High: Creating Flags of Awe & Wonder.

This is a very special flagmaking project for our times, which visually and colourfully captures and celebrates all that is AWE-some and

Review: Perfect Show For Rachel at Leeds Playhouse Leeds Literary Festival comes south of the river

by Claude Gillham

Filled with love, joy, warmth and care, ‘Perfect Show for Rachel’ is a brilliant antidote to all that can seem stuffy and exclusionary about traditional theatre.

Rachel O’Mahony is a funny, cheeky and personable woman who suffers from learning disabilities. Flo O’Mahony is artistic director of theatre

company Zoo Co, but, more importantly for this play, Rachel’s sister. Having noticed one day the relish with which her sister gave her directions whilst she drove, Flo came to reflect that Rachel, who lives in a care home, has too little autonomy in most of her life.

Having a background in improvised theatre, she came to wonder if Rachel’s charisma and desire to regain control of

WONDER-full about our Holbeck & South Leeds communities!

Flying High: Creating Flags of Awe & Wonder was introduced

her destiny could be harnessed on the stage. ‘Perfect Show for Rachel’ is the extraordinary product of her bold idea and the meticulous planning of her and the show’s impressive ensemble cast, which includes Flo, mixed with the wit and admirable impulsivity of its inspiration.

As she makes clear before the show proper begins, Flo’s handing of the reins to her

sister is wholehearted and unashamed. By her own choice, Rachel does not perform on stage, but does have a seat towards its side from which she determines everything that unfolds; her title of director is far from being a merely honorary one.

In order to give Rachel valuable tactile feedback and a clear feeling of control, she is seated at a desk with fifty buttons, each of which correspond to a scene of some kind she can choose to watch which has been designed to suit her fun and varied tastes. These can include scripted elements, physical theatre, music and even audience participation segments. Exactly what Rachel asks for is what is delivered by an empathetic, flexible and supremely skilled ensemble cast. If Rachel wants to stop and pause or even finish the

in last month’s edition of South Leeds Life, and now further workshop dates coming up in June are available to book on Slung Low’s website.

With world leading outdoor arts organisation Kinetika, Slung Low will be inviting participants to bring their collective attention to everyday sources of awe and wonder, and to record the things they find awe-some and wonder-full around them, whether that’s by taking a photograph, writing some words, or a making a drawing, collage or sketch.

Working alongside locallybased artists as well as with Ali Pretty, lead artist and founder of Kinetika, the images and words created by workshop participants will be handpainted onto silk pennant flags, using batik techniques. Don’t worry if you’ve never done anything like this before: no experience necessary! These free creative workshop sessions are open to adults from across South Leeds.

Flag Design Workshops will be held on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 June, 1-3pm and 68pm.

Flag Painting & Batik Skills Workshops will be held at various times from Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 June.

Find out more by visiting www.slunglow.org/flyinghigh

show, then that is what happens. If Rachel wants to repeat the same scene over and over again, then that is what happens too. If Rachel wants to switch scenes every few seconds, then the cast and audience will have to adapt to this.

The result is riotous, chaotic, joyful and utterly life-affirming, but never, ever predictable.

As Flo and the cast would later tell me, even those closest to Rachel cannot fully know what to expect. As the programme notes promise, shows can be anything from 90 minutes of fart jokes to seventeen repeats of a video of Rachel riding her bike to an eclectic mix of styles of scene.

The performance I attended fell into the latter camp, including two audience participation segments, a pub fight (twice!), jokes and a whole range of music from ‘Hallelujah’ to Kylie Minogue performed by an impressively multi-talented cast. What really shines through, though, is Rachel’s infectious personality and the joy she so obviously garners from the audience being invited into, in fact unapologetically forced into, her world.

It is not just Rachel who so obviously has fun. Cast member Becky Barry, also a live BSL interpreter, would later describe how freeing she found the impossibility of predicting the form the show would take and how it forced those involved to live entirely in the moment. The rest of the performers (which, when invited onto the stage by Rachel, include her mother and carer) clearly love the experience, and I have been in few audiences clearly so obviously touched and impressed by what they witness on stage.

Shorn of pretentiousness and facilitating such a direct and mutually beneficial relationship between audience, performers and director, ‘Perfect Show for Rachel’ is theatre in its purest, rawest and most powerful form. Leeds may be the final stop on this excellent show’s tour, but this inclusive, empowering and above all fun model of theatremaking must surely be the future.

Perfect Show for Rachel runs at the Leeds Playhouse until Saturday 6 June 2026. Full details and tickets at: www. leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Community Festivals and Galas

It’s community festival season with free events taking place in Hunslet, Beeston, Holbeck and Belle Isle in the coming weeks.

Hunslet Festival kicks off the season on Saturday 13 June. Held each June on the Church Street/Grove Road field, the festival has become a real highlight of the Hunslet calendar. Families, neighbours and friends come back year after year for the buzzing atmosphere, packed activities and the unmistakable sense of community pride.

What’s new for 2026: Thanks to brilliant feedback from 2025, we’re building on everything people loved — and adding even more. One major upgrade: four huge inflatables from Happy Bouncers, fully staffed and free for all children all day.

Expect a full day of high energy entertainment from professional performers and local groups — dance, live music, choirs and a sports showcase bringing talent centre stage. Children can try out a range of sports, including roller skating, skateboarding, cricket, rugby and more. A vibrant mix of community groups, makers and traders will be dotted across the field, offering something for everyone.

It all runs from 11:30am-

4pm.

Keep up to date with what’s on at fb.com/hunsletfestival

Beeston Festival is next up on Saturday 27 June in Cross Flatts Park.

The festival will have live music and dance across three stages.

On the Main Stage you’ll find Tabla maestro Goldfinger and his son Silverfinger; plus klesma, ska and reggae vibes .

The Emerge Stage presented by Roadblock, in the Food Court, features singers, rappers and spoken word as well as the Ghanaian Supreme Brass Band; whilst you’ll find dance, majorettes and even skateboard skills in the Arena.

There will be a chance to take part in cricket, football, basketball, roller skating and skateboarding activities and there’s plenty more for young people with giant inflatables, a climbing wall and lots of arts and crafts activities.

With over 100 stalls in the Bazaar, there’s plenty to browse including a range of international foods in the Food Court. The Festival cafe and barbecue will keeping their prices low and there’s unlimited free water so bring your bottle or cup.

Donkeys, birds of prey and farmyard animals provide more interest around the site. And of course the fun fair will offer a

large selection of rides.

And as if that wasn’t enough, watch out for roving entertainers mingling with the crowds, celebrating Leeds’ 400th birthday.

It all takes place in Cross Flatts Park between 12-5pm. Full details at beestonfestival.org.uk

There’s not one, but two galas on Saturday 4 July.

Holbeck Gala takes place on Holbeck Moor, 12-4pm and promises music from Old Chapel studios, food, stalls, sports and other children’s activities. Full details at www.holbeckgala.co.uk

Belle Isle Gala returns to Windmill Primary School and Coopers Field, 11am-3pm.

As well as the usual four giant inflatables and the climbing wall, we are bringing back Ian’s Mobile Farm, and introducing two children’s fairground rides—all of this is free. There will even be free facepainters, and appearances by princesses and local rugby mascots Ronnie the Rhino and Kingy the Lion. There will be more stalls than ever, and a good selection of low cost food with free water provided by South Leeds Cars.

There will be a quiet hour on Coopers Field only from 11-12, before the school playground is opened up too, and the Gala is officially opened by the Lord Mayor of Leeds. Other attractions include a dog show, performances from local dance and majorette groups, more stalls than ever, a Caribbeanstyle steel band and the Lofthouse Brass Band.

BITMO Chief Executive Deboarh Kelly said "This year's Gala will be bigger and better than ever. It will be a great, low cost day, with something for everyone."

You can find out the latest on at www.belleisletmo.co.uk or

All these free events are run by volunteers from the local community, so please get along to show them support, have fun and, if you spare an hour or two, give them a helping hand. Help is especially required in the morning during set up and after each event to clear up and pack away.

IN BRIEF

The Big Wild Play Out

Head to Skelton Grange Environment Centre in Stourton for their annual celebration of playing outside on Saturday 6 June from 12-4pm. Explore the meadows, woodland and ponds, and meet some of the creatures that live on their beautiful site. The green oasis beside the River Aire, just 2 miles from Leeds City Centre, is a former industrial site that has been transformed into a haven for wildlife and people. The cafe will be open for homemade cakes and a cuppa - or bring your own picnic! The event is free but donations are much appreciated.

Skelton Grange Environment Centre is on Skelton Grange Road (over the bridge) LS10 1RS.

Inclusive Employment Fair

The Inclusive Employment Fair is designed especially for disabled jobseekers. This is a friendly, supportive space where you can meet employers, get advice, and build your confidence. Take part in practical workshops to build your knowledge and confidence. Have 1-to-1 chats with employers and support organisations. Get advice on your rights at work and how to request adjustments. Friday 26 June, 2-6pm at the Scope Leeds Community Hub, 3 Brewery Wharf, LS10 1JF

Cabaret Mystic

An unforgettable evening of contemporary performance art and live music is promised when Cabaret Mystic takes over the historic Rowland Road Working Mens’ Club. Yorkshire Contemporary are bringing together Leeds based artists exploring alternative traditions, from folklore to the occult. 18 June, 7–11pm at Rowland Road WMC, Beeston, LS11 6ED. All welcome.

Free entry but booking is required at yorkshirecontemporary.org/exhibition/cabaret-mystic

Changingfurniture?your

What’s On

We

Every Monday Money Buddies

9am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library Tea and Toast

9am-12pm BITMO’s Gate, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH Holbeck Together cafe

9am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Parents & Tots Group

9:30-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Let’s Play! (under 5s)

9:30am12:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, LS11 6RD Trinity Network Tea and Toast

9:30-3pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle MEA Crafts Group

9:30-10:45am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Crochet & Knitting Group

10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street Sew 2gether

10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH Mums and Tots

10:30am-12pm Asha

Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Monday Breakfast Club

10:30am-12pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Ave, Hunslet, LS10 2QE Tea and Bacon Buttie

10am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3DU

MHA Dance On

10:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane Story & Rhyme (under 5s)

10:30-11:30am Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library Lychee Red Chinese Seniors Lunch Club

10:30am-1:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Coffee Morning

11am-12pm Aspiring Communities, 49 Barkly Road, Beeston, LS11 7EN Coffee and Crafts

11am-1pm Cottingley Community Centre, LS11 0HJ 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

Holbeck Together Lunch Club

12-1pm 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

Lunchtime meditation

12:30-1pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck

Walking Group

1-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3DU Green Gym

1-3:30pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, LS10 1RS

50+ Women’s Friendship Group

1-3pm Asha Neighbourhood

Project, Beeston, LS11 6JG

MHA Craft Club

1-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane

Beeston Bookwormers Book Club

1:30-2:30pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library Beeston Dancercise

1:30-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road

Children’s Gardening Group

3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs)

4-6pm Blenkinsop Field, Acre Road, Middleton, LS10 4JQ

Ultimate Dance Academy

4:30-7pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, LS10 4AW Youth Group Multisports

4:30-5:30pm Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St

Community Sports Session

4:30-5:30pm Clapgate Primary School, Cranmore Drive LS10 4AW

MHA Yoga

6-7pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane

BAFF Chair-based Exercise

6-7:30pm Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St

ANDYSMANCLUB

7-9pm Leeds College of Building, Cudbear Street, Hunslet LS10 1EF ANDYSMANCLUB

7-9pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet, LS10 2QE

Every Tuesday

Tots Group

9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Digital Hub and Cafe

9am-12:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Stay and Play under 5s

9-10:30am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH MHA Breakfast Buddies

9-11am 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

Grandparents Kinship Support Group

10am-12pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Breastfeeding Support Group

10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX Woodwork

10am Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, Belle Isle

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, LS10 2NS

Chair Based Exercise

10:45-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

Bingo and Hoy

11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road

Cuppa and Company

11am-1pm Middleton Family Centre, Sissons Road, LS10 4JG

MHA Lunch and Social

11am-2pm Arthington Court, Balm Road, Hunslet

Hong Kongers Lunch Club

11:30am-1:30pm Beeston Village

Community Centre, off Town St MHA Walkie Talkies

11:30am-2:30pm Hunslet Nelson

Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston

Salvation Army Lunch Club

11:30am-1:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6QB

MEA Lunch Club

12-1:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road

Holbeck Together Lunch Club

12-1:15pm St Matthew’s

Community Centre, Holbeck

Lunch Club and Social

12-3pm BISA 59 Club,

59 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3DU

Trinity Network Lunch Club

12:30-1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle

MHA Line Dancing

12:30-3pm St Andrew’s

Community Centre, Old Lane

Women Only Swimming

1-2pm Asha Neighbourhood

Project, Beeston

Improve Digital Skills

1:15-3pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH

MEA Walking Group

1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly

Aid Social Centre, Acre Road.

Healthy Hearts Advice

1:30-4pm BITMOs Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH

MEA Line Dancing

2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road.

Help with Computers

3-7pm BITMOs Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH

Hot Meal (free to BITMO tenants)

4-5:30pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road

Free Football 9-13 years

3:15-4:15pm Grove Road, Hunslet Free Kids Sports

4:30-5:30pm West Grange Road

MUGA, Belle Isle, LS10 3AW

Cockburn Community Choir

5-6pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston

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

Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs)

6:30-8:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Old Elland Road

Yoga

6:40-7:40pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, LS10 4AW

Hunslet Nelson Women’s Rounders

7-8pm Middleton Leisure Centre, Ring road Middleton, LS10 4AX

NK9 Dog Obedience drop in

6:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, LS10 2HR

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, LS10 3QH

Middletones singing group (HFA)

7-9pm Laurel Bank Day Centre, Middleton Park Avenue, LS10 4HY NK9 Dog Training Workshop

7:45pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, LS10 2HR

Every Wednesday

Seniors Breakfast Club

9am-12pm Belle Isle Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, LS10 3DN Open doors

9:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Methodist Church, Old Lane, Beeston

Holbeck Together shopping trip

9:30am-12:30pm Bacon Butty morning

9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Advice & Advocacy

9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Adult Maths Support 10am-1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH Mobile Council Hub & Library 10am-12pm outside shops, Cottingley Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm Ingram Court Community Room, Holbeck Social Craft Space

10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH Trinity Network Keep Fit with Julie 10am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle 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, LS10 4UZ

Rags To Riches Sewing Group 10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX Little Lighthouse Playgroup 10:30am-12:30pm South Bank Sanctuary, 2 Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6TT

Beeston Remembered 10:30-11:30am Beeston

Community Hub & Library,Town St Hunslet Litterpicking Group

11-12:30pm Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, LS10 2QE

The Lunch Club

11:30am-1:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR

Holbeck Together Lunch Club

12-1:15pm Ingram Gardens 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

Ladies Group

1:30-3pm Middleton Family Centre 256-262 Sissons Road LS10 4JG

Walking Group 1-2:30pm meet at Asha, 43 Stratford Street, LS11 6JG

Holbeck Together Craft Afternoon

1:15-2:45pm Ingram Gardens

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

Creating Community crafts

2-4pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, LS10 2NS

Tai Chi

2-3pm Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, Belle Isle

Children bike confidence

3:45-4:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, LS11 7NA

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.

DAZL Dance (5-11 yrs)

4:30-5:15pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle

Free Table Tennis

5-7pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Youth Group

5-6pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX

DAZL Adult Dance Fit

5:15-6pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle 3rd Middleton Scouts

5:30-7:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR

1st SLAM Beavers (6-8 yrs)

6-7:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston 51st Leeds (Hunslet) Rainbows, Brownies & Guides

6-7pm Rainbows; 6:15-7:30pm Brownies; 7:15-8:30pm Guides Involve Centre, Whitfield Avenue, Hunslet, LS10 2QE Women & Girls Cricket

6pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston, LS11 5TT Karate

6-7pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle 3rd Middleton Rainbows, Brownies, Guides & Rangers

6:15-7:30pm Rainbows & Brownies; 7:45-9pm Guides & Rangers St Mary's Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road, LS10 3SR Food Cycle free hot meal

6:30pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston LS11 8PD Holbeck Moor FC: Inclusive adult football training

6:30pm Holbeck Moor Line Dancing

6:30-9pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR Veterans In Need Together

7pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Rd, LS10 3DN Leeds Camera Club

8pm St George’s Community Hub and Library, Middleton, LS10 4UZ photoleeds.com

Every Thursday

Tots Group

9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle, LS10 3RR Music & Movement

9am-1pm Little Angels Playzone, The Sugar Mill, Beeston Parents & Tots Group

9-11am Beeston Village Community Centre, off Town St Digital Hub and Cafe

9am-1pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Mobile Hub & Library

9:30am-3:30pm near St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Baby Group (up to 12 months)

9:30-11am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH Advice & Advocacy

9:30am-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 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 Trinity Network Craft

10am United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle 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 Gardening groups

10am-12pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3DU Mindful Makes / Woodwork 10-11:45am Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre 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 Walking Football

11am-12pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Bingo and Hoy

11am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Holbeck Together 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 MHA Lunch Club

12-1:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane 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 Trinity Network Lunch Club

12:30-1:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Women Only Swimming

1-2pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston, LS11 6JG Warm Space & Computer support

1-5pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3QH Kushy Dil (Bangladeshi Women’s Group)

1-3pm Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue, LS11 7DD Online Computer class

1-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Walking Group

1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road Be Yourself Men’s Group

1-2:30pm Middleton Family Centre 256-262 Sissons Road LS10 4JG

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Social Group and Bingo

1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus

After School Games Club

3-4:30pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street Youth Club

4:30-6:30pm Welcome Centre, St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road, LS10 3DN

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

Sanctuary Youth (Year 7+)

6-8pm South Bank Sanctuary, 2 Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6TT Boys and Girls Rugby

6:30-8pm Leeds Corinthians, Nutty Slack, Middleton, LS10 4AX 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

Every Friday

Charity Shop and Warm Space

8:30-11:30am United Free Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Stay & Play

9-11am St Anthony’s Church Hall, Old Lane, Beeston MHA Nellie’s Cafe

9:30-11:30am Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Digital Hub and Cafe

9am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, LS11 9NR Affordable Breakfast

9am Cranmore & Raylands

Community Centre, Belle Isle Breakfast Club

9:15-11:15am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Breakfast Club and Food Bank

9:30-11:30am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR IT & Computer Skills

9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Toast & Games, Knit & Natter

9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Hunslet RLFC Breakfast Club

10am-12pm Phoenix Suite, South Leeds Stadium, LS11 5DJ Breakfast / Coffee Morining

10am-12pm Cottingley

Community Centre, LS11 0HJ Holbeck Together Dance On 10-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Hobbies Together (HFA)

10am-12pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton, LS10 4HX Bacon Butty Drop-in

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

Email: info@southleedslife.com

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

Trinity Network Lunch Club

12:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Insight Mental Health Peer Support Group

12:45-3pm Involve Community Centre, Hunslet, LS10 2QE 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

1:15-2:15pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

Friday Social Group and Bingo

1:30-3:30pm BISA 59 Club, 59 Belle Isle Circus, LS10 3DU Chair-based Exercise

1:45-2:45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Councillor surgery

2:30-3:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston LS11 6RD 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 Middleton Skaters 4pm (under 8s); 5pm (under 13s) Parkside Hub, Coopers Field, Belle Isle, LS10 3HF 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 Open Doors Men’s Group

5-6:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Girls Softball Cricket (8-11 yrs)

6-7pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, LS11 5TT South Leeds Lakers Juniors (Athletics)

6-7pm South Leeds Stadium Book: fb.com/juniorlakersleeds Youth Club

6-8pm The Gambia Welfare Society, Oak House, Balm Walk, Holbeck, LS11 9PG 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

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

Debbie Heart Theatre School

8am-12:30pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle

Cross Flatts parkrun

9am Top of Cross Flatts Park, Beeston, LS11 7NA

Middleton Woods parkrun

Beeston, LS11 5TT

Holbeck Moor FC Juniors (4-6yrs)

9am Ingram Road Primary School, Holbeck

Saturday Breakfast

9:30-11am Middleton Elderly Aid

Social Centre, Acre Road

Middleton Railway

10am-4:30pm Moor Road, Hunslet, LS10 2JG

Coffee Morning

10am-12pm Aspiring Communities, 49 Barkly Road, Beeston, LS11 7EN

Park Roll skating with LS-TEN

10-11am Cross Flatts Park, Beeston (near Maud Avenue)

Adult Cycle Training

10am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Book: bit.ly/CycleNorth

Police Contact Point

10:30am-1:30pm St George’s Centre, Middleton, LS10 4UZ

Rowland Road Play Patch

11am-2pm Rowland Road WMC, Beeston, LS11 6ED

Ultimate Dance Academy

10am-12:20pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre ParkPlay

10:30am-12:30pm Brickfield Park, Lady Pit Lane, Beeston Champions Soccer Saturday

10:30-11:30am Hunslet Moor 3rd Middleton Scouts

12:45-2:15pm Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR

Youth Club

6-8pm The Gambia Welfare Society, Oak House, Balm Walk, Holbeck, LS11 9PG

Every Sunday

Junior parkrun (4-14 yrs)

9am Top of Cross Flatts Park

Middleton Railway

10am-4:30pm Moor Road, Hunslet, LS10 2JG

Healthy Minds Cycling Skills

10-11am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park

16 Guidelines To Life

10:30-11:30am Jamyang

Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck, LS11 9RQ Play For All (7-13 yrs)

11am-1pm Cross Flatts Park

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

June

Friday 5 June

MEA Legal advice drop-in

9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4JQ

Saturday 6 June

Leeds Dads Free Soft Play

10am-12pm Little Angels, Sugar Mill, Oakhurst Avenue, LS11 7HL

Coffee morning

10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road, Hunslet

Beeston Repair Café

1-4pm St Luke’s CARES shop, 246 Dewsbury Road, LS11 6JQ

Leeds Dads Free Soft Play

10am-12pm Little Angels, Sugar Mill, Oakhurst Avenue, LS11 7HL

The Big Wild Play Out

12-4pm Skelton grange

Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ

Sunday 7 June

Still Sunday Yoga Session

10-11am St Matthew’s

Community Centre, LS11 9NR

Litter Pick

1:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre

Monday 8 June

Arathi Menon: Illegal to be Gay?

7-8pm Hold Fast Bookshop, Leeds Dock, LS10 1JB

Tuesday 9 June

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub and Library, off Church Street

Wednesday 10 June

SEN-tastic drop-in

9:15-11:15am St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, LS11 8PD

Police & Anti-social Behaviour

Contact Point

10am-12pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub & Library

MHA Kurling

10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston MHA Singing Sensations

1:30-3:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane

Hunslet Tenants & Residents Ass

4-6pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church St, LS10 2NS

John Ironmonger: Tackling Climate Change via Fiction

7-8:30pm Hold Fast Bookshop, Leeds Dock, LS10 1JB

Thursday 11 June

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub and Library, Town Street

Flag Design Workshops

1-3pm & 6-8pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, LS11 9RQ Friday 12 June

Flag Design Workshops

1-3pm & 6-8pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, LS11 9RQ Saturday 13 June

Middleton Pop Up Market

10am-2pm Middleton Park Circus Community/Reflections Cafe

10am-12pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Hunslet Festival

11:30am-4pm Grove Road

Recreation Ground, off Church St Hunslet Nelson CC v Keighley CC 12pm Gipsy Lane, LS11 5TT

A Northern Tr*nny Hootenanny

7:30pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ

Sunday 14 June

Middleton’s Got Talent! 12-4pm Middleton Park Bandstand, off Town Street, LS10 3SH

Better Beeston Litter Pick 1pm meet Lady Pit Lane

Hunslet RLFC v Salford

3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, LS11 5DJ

South Leeds Community Kitchen

4-5:45pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street, LS11 8PN

Wednesday 17 June

MEA Film Club:

1:30-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4JQ

MHA Connie Crafters

3-5pm South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, LS11 7JH

Thursday 18 June

Middleton Pride in Place drop-in

12-1:30pm & 6-7:30pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, LS10 4AX

SEN-tastic drop-in

12:30-2:30m St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, LS11 8PD Cabaret Mystic

Saturday 20 June

Belle Isle Repair Café

1-4pm BITMO’s Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle, LS10 3QH

Councillor surgery

1:30pm BITMO’s Gate, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle, LS10 3QH

Selene

7:30pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ

Sunday 21 June

Still Sunday Yoga Session

10-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, LS11 9NR Waggonways and Railways Walk

1:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street, LS10 3SH

Better Beeston Litter Pick 3pm meet Maud Avenue

Hunslet RLFC v Widnes Vikings 3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, LS11 5DJ

Wednesday 24 June

Councillor surgery

9:30am Middleton Elderly Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4JQ

MHA Kurling

10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston

Legal Advice drop-in

12-1pm Beeston Community Hub and Library, Town Street

Thursday 25 June

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck

Hunslet Remembered

10-11:30am Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church Street, LS10 2NS

Salvation Army Friendship Lunch 11am-1pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, LS11 6QB

Friday 26 June

Inclusive Employment Fair

2-6pm Scope Leeds Community Hub, 3 Brewery Wharf, LS10 1JF

Councillors’ Surgeries

4pm Beeston Community Hub & Library, Town Street, Beeston 5pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ

6pm Cottingley Community Centre

Saturday 27 June

Beeston Festival

12-5pm Cross Flatts Park

Hunslet ARLFC v Thatto Heath

2:30pm Hunslet Club Sports Village, LS10 2AT

Sunday 28 June

South Leeds Community Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Bandstand, off Town Street, LS10 3SH

Tuesday 30 June

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Hunslet Community Hub and Library, off Church Street Civic Trust Port of Leeds Walk 11am-12:30pm Meet Leeds Bus

Station

Survivor-led Sisterhood

11am-1:20pm St George’s Centre, Middleton, LS10 4UZ

July

Wednesday 1 July

Digital 121 support drop in 10-11am Beeston Community Hub & Library, LS11 8PN

1:30-2:30pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Police & Anti-social Behaviour

Contact Point

10am-12pm Dewsbury Road

Community Hub & Library

Thursday 2 July

Councillor surgery

9-10am Gascoigne House, Middleton, LS10 4YA

Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc

6:30pm Woodhouse Hill

Community Centre, LS10 2EF

Beeston Community Forum

7pm Beeston Village Community Centre, LS11 8DQ

Friday 3 July

MEA Legal advice drop-in

9:30-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4JQ

Saturday 4 July

Coffee morning

10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road, Hunslet Belle Isle Gala

11-3pm Coopers Field & Windmill Primary School, Belle Isle Road Holbeck Gala

12-4pm Holbeck Moor

Beeston Repair Café

1-4pm St Luke’s CARES shop, 246 Dewsbury Road, LS11 6JQ Hunslet ARLFC v Lock Lane

2:30pm Hunslet Club Sports Village, LS10 2AT

Sunday 5 July

Still Sunday Yoga Session

10-11am St Matthew’s Community Centre, LS11 9NR

Middleton Park Litter Pick

1:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street, LS10 3SH Monday 6 July

Middleton Community Group

6pm Middleton Elderly Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4LF Garnet and Oakley TARA

6:30pm St Luke’s CARES Shop, 246 Dewsbury Road, LS11 6JQ Tuesday 7 July

Buy, Sell, Swap 10-11:30am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road Belle Isle LS10 3RR

Tech Tuesday

10am-2pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, LS11 9RN

Stronger Together (parents and carers of disabled children)

11am-1pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, LS10 3QH

Wednesday 8 July

SEN-tastic drop-in

9:15-11:15am St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, LS11 8PD

MHA Kurling

10-11am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane, Beeston MHA Singing Sensations

1:30-3:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Old Lane Hunslet Tenants & Residents Ass

4-6pm Hunslet Community Hub & Library, off Church St, LS10 2NS Oddsocks: Romeo & Juliet 7pm Middleton Park Bandstand, off Town Street, LS10 3SH Thursday 9 July

Civic Trust Leeds and Holbeck

Photography Walk

10am-12pm Meet City Square, under the Black Prince statue Friday 10 July

Police Contact Point 10am-12pm Cottingley Community Centre, LS11 0HJ Surreally Good

7:30pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in Holbeck, Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ Saturday 11 July

Hunslet Nelson CC v Gomersal CC 1pm Gipsy Lane, LS11 5TT

Sunday 12 July

South Leeds Community Kitchen

4-5:45pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street, LS11 8PN

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,

Environment Centre, LS10 1RS

Hunslet ARLFC v Waterhead

Warriors

2:30pm Hunslet Club Sports Village, LS10 2AT

Pickled Republic

7:30pm Slung Low’s Warehouse in

7-11pm Rowland Road WMC, Beeston, LS11 6ED

Friday 19 June

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Cottingley Community Centre, LS11 0HJ

MEA Hearing Aid Clinic

10am-12:30pm Middleton Elderly

Aid, Acre Road, LS10 4JQ

Police Contact Point

10am-12pm Beeston Community Hub and Library, Town Street

Publicise your event with South Leeds

Slung Low presents ... New men’s group set to launch in Hunslet

SlungLow have three touring shows visiting their Warehouse in Holbeck this month.

Pickled Republic | Saturday 6 June at 7:30pm

Welcome to the jar. Here, tragedy floats and the wail of an abandoned tomato cuts through the salty atmosphere.

Come hear the lament of lives not lived, watch the chaotic energy of the search for meaning and find connections between these decaying vegetables and your own existence.

A Northern Tr*nny Hootenanny | Saturday 13 June at 7:30pm

Saddle up for a joy-fuelled, sequin-spattered gender journey of self discovery, as Canal Street Kings founder, trans trailblazer and international cabaret renegade Hunter King presents his debut musical, A Northern Tr*nny

Hootenanny, ‘maid in the wild, wild, north west’.

An award winning, queer parody epic where Disney meets Dolly Parton by way of Manchester’s gay village.

Selene | Saturday 20 June at 7:30pm

A radical explosion of an ancient myth about the moon from the internationally awardwinning company behind Helios, Orpheus and The Gods The Gods The Gods.

A story about the light sides of us, the dark sides of us, and the things we grow up in the orbit of. And about the stuff inside us, all the wild stuff inside us.

All shows at Slung Low are Pay-what-you-decide. Book tickets at www.slunglow.org /shows, then pay after the show.

The Warehouse In Holbeck is on Crosby Street, LS11 9RQ, entrance on Rydall Place.

Anew community wellbeing group is launching at Hunslet Community Hub & Library this month.

The new Men’s Self-Help Group is a structured, men’sonly peer support group

facilitated by Tony Boncordo, Mental Health & Social Care Practitioner, and is aimed at men who live in Leeds aged 18+ who are looking to improve their mental health, confidence and overall wellbeing.

The group combines educational workshops with facilitated peer discussion and will cover themes such as:

Men’s mental health and • wellbeing

Stress management and •

resilience

Confidence and mindset

• Emotional self-regulation

• Life direction, personal • growth and healthier thinking patterns

Sessions will include checkins, workshop discussions and occasional wellbeing activities, all within a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment where men can connect and support one another.

Tony Boncordo commented:

“This feels like a really positive addition to local wellbeing support in Hunslet, particularly given the ongoing conversations around men’s mental health, isolation and the need for spaces where men can talk openly.

“You’re not alone, let’s build strength together.”

Register your interest or find out more by contacting Tony directly on 07852 734126; or email: tonyboncordo @gmail.com

Sessions will run weekly on Wednesdays, 5:15-7pm, starting on 17 June.Hunslet Community Hub & Library is located on Waterloo Place, off Church Street, LS10 2NS

Hunslet Club senior youth club visit Malham Cove

Young people from The Hunslet Club’s Senior Youth Programme enjoyed a successful and memorable trip to Malham Cove at half term, exploring one of the Yorkshire Dales’ most well-known natural landmarks.

In partnership with the Yorkshire Dales team, the group took part in a litterpicking activity along the walking route, supporting efforts to keep the area clean following a busy period of warm weather and high visitor numbers.

The young people collected over a full bag of litter,

contributing positively to the local environment.

The visit also included a scenic walk through the countryside and time spent at the waterfall for lunch.

The day provided an opportunity for young people to experience the outdoors, build confidence, and spend quality time together in a different setting.

The trip was completed with a relaxed and enjoyable journey home, marking the end of a positive day of activity and engagement.

The Hunslet Club continues to provide opportunities for

young people to take part in experiences that support personal development, teamwork, and community responsibility beyond the club setting.

Do you or your child want to get involved in trips like this?

Join The Hunslet Club Free Youth Club by signing up via the website for free www. hunsletclub.org.uk/signup Junior Youth Club: age 8 to Year 7, Mondays and Thursdays 4:30-8pm Senior Youth Club: Year 8 plus, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5-9pm and Fridays 4:30-9pm

Website: www.southleedslife.com

Email: info@southleedslife.com

Leeds United legend visits

The Hunslet Club

The Hunslet Club was delighted to welcome Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe this month, as part of a visit delivered in partnership with the Leeds United Foundation.

Young people from the Youth Club had the opportunity to

meet Lucas, take part in football activities, and enjoy a memorable evening in the club.

The visit included penalty shootouts, informal games, and plenty of interaction with the group, who were excited to meet a true Leeds United icon.

Lucas was an outstanding

sport throughout the evening, engaging fully with the young people and creating a positive and relaxed atmosphere. In a light-hearted moment that quickly became a highlight of the visit, he even joined in with activities including having his nails painted by members of

the group, much to everyone’s amusement.

The session provided a valuable opportunity for young people to connect with a sporting role model in an informal and supportive environment, helping to inspire confidence, enjoyment, and engagement through sport.

The Hunslet Club would like to thank Lucas Radebe and the Leeds United Foundation for their time and support in delivering such a positive experience for members.

South Leeds lad Josh urges get involved in MMA for charity

South Leeds lad Josh Emms had always admired MMA fighters who “have the courage to give it their all in the cage” and decided that he wouldn’t let anything stand in the way of experiencing his own bout.

“I started going over to Morley to train at AVT when I turned 18,” said Josh. “I’d been there for about six months and then found out about Ultra MMA which arranges training and then puts on a show where each novice fights a fellow novice from their training group.

“There’s no charge but you must sell ten tickets for the show and fundraise for a charity of your choice. I raised funds for the British Heart Foundation who do great work combatting the biggest killer in the UK and which affects everyone directly or indirectly.

“Win or lose I wanted to be on that show. Prove to an audience including my family and friends but mainly myself

that I could do this. Perhaps taste just for a day how it might feel to be an MMA star. I enjoyed every step of the process including the oftengruelling training. The atmosphere at the show was exciting and the bouts exhilarating and enthralling. I felt supported having experienced AVT fighters Tom Crosby and Ocean Davies in my corner and I was delighted to get the win against a tough opponent in Tyler Gage.”

“Everyone in the group got on well and it became tight knit. But that didn’t stop us from giving the opponent what for. That’s what we wanted and what the audience expected. That said, don’t expect to see professional MMA. As an example, although we could hit in the face when standing there was no punching to the head of a grounded opponent.”

“The show was just fantastic and a fitting end to

challenging training. You need to make taking part your personal priority for a couple of months but for me at 19 this was an excellent entry to adult life. I’d encourage any young person to get into combat sports whether it’s for fitness or competition as you learn transferable skills while developing confidence. The next Leeds Ultra event is in

November, so volunteers have got the summer to get fit.”

Josh, Tyler and 32 others raised £11,700 for their charities. Ultra MMA returns to the Village Hotel Leeds North on 28 November with training beginning in September. Competitors must be aged 18 or older on the date training starts. Sign up at www.ultramma.co.uk

Hunslet show potential but struggle against tough opposition

Continued from page 24 feed off for the rest of the season.

It looked ominous early on when Luke Smith broke through easily on only the 3rd minute, with James Meadows converting, but Hunslet were dogged in defence holding off a big London pack.

Frustratingly, the next try came as Hunslet tried to play flowing football in their own 20. A hopeful long ball was read by Neil Tchamambe and the big winger strolled over to score. 012 on only 7 minutes.

But Hunslet came into the game. Dan Abram made a break before ,on 16 minutes, Myles Harrop made good yards down the left, Lee Gaskell then put a brilliant kick across field for Mackenzie Turner to pluck out of the air and score. Billy Jowitt converting. 6-12

Tchamambe got his second try on 20 minutes when London showed their class with quick hands to the right, before Sadiq Adebiyi forced a score on the last tackle. 6-24

However, again Hunslet attacked, and although Abram was held short, Jowitt put a kick in for Mackenzie Turner to score his second try. 12-24 on 31 minutes.

Gaskell put a kick through, but pulled up and had to be substituted, meaning without the experienced half Hunslet had to shuffle the pack.

On 56 minutes again with Hunslet attacking well the ball went loose and Morea Morea picked up to sprint 50 yards to score. 18-36 and a cruel blow for The Parkisiders.

Dan Abram was unlucky with a double kick to not create a chance, but on 63 minutes the game was effectively over when Neil Tchamambe completed his hat trick scoring in the corner on the last tackle. 18-42

Hunslet could have now caved in (Myles Harrop having also come off for an Head Injury Assessment) but although Hussey-Hord and Morea added tries for London, Hunslet didn’t stop attacking, with Turner unlucky not to take a difficult kick and Jowitt running well.

In fact on the hooter London had to scramble in defence as Ethan O’Hanlon looked certain to score.

On the hooter it was the Broncos who took the points (with James Meadows kicking 9 from 9) but Hunslet Head Coach Kyle Trout was pleased with his players. The three

Penalties pegged back Hunslet, and on 36 minutes Emely Bitungane found his way over with Meadows converting to make it 12-30.

Ethan O’Hanlon had been doing damage down the middle and Charlie Graham was running well, but it was good hands that saw Jayden Hatton with space in front of him, and the big centre was too strong to stop on the hooter (although unfortunately injuring himself in the process).

18-30 at the break.

London went for the kill in the second period pegging Hunslet in their own 20, but a mixture of mistakes and good defence kept them out.

As Hunslet attacked Lee

injuries either side of half time came at a time when Hunslet were still in the game, but never once did The Parksiders heads drop.

Billy Jowitt won the ‘Tricks of the Trade’ Sponsors player of the match whilst Dan Abram received the Phoenix Bar Supporters Player of the Match. Ethan O’Hanlon, Charlie Graham and Mackenzie Turner also had superb matches.

In June Hunslet play Newcastle Thunder away on 6 June, followed by home ties against Salford (14th) and Widnes (21st), then a trip to Workington on 28 June.

You can read full match reports of every Hunslet game at southleedslife.com

Hunslet show potential but struggle against tough opposition

Hunslet

RLFC have faced tough opponents and a long injury list throughout May.

Hunslet had looked to make it four wins from four in the Betfred Championship at the South Leeds Stadium on 3 May, but The Parksiders lacked the firepower to halt an inspired Workington Town.

Missing Billy Jowitt and Myles Harrop in the backs

Hunslet had taken three young Leeds Rhinos on loan and an early chance had been created by one of the loanees Riley Lumb with a winding run.

On 22 minutes Jake Carter added a penalty to tries from Carter and Donaghy. 0-14 and it was an uphill task for The Parksiders.

The real damage was Workington’s kicking game, they pegged back Hunslet each time in the corners and chased

up well, but The Parksiders kept at it. Jimmy Watson was held short again and after a reshuffle (Lee Gaskell having left the field) Joe Butterfield went close, before Ant Walker hit an inside ball and wrestled his way over to score on 40 minutes.

Dan Abram converting 6-14 at the break.

On 54 minutes Workington killed the game when Alex Donaghy scored his second try in the corner, again on the last

tackle. 6-20

4 minutes later Jake Carter got his second try as he sliced through a tired defence, converting to make it 6-26.

The afternoon could be summed up for Hunslet when they forced a drop-out and then knocked-on from the kick, a frustrating afternoon.

Workington added tries from Oscar Doran and a fine solo try from Zarrin Galea, and Jake Carter ended the afternoon

with 7 kicks from 7 and a personal haul of 22 points. Final score: 6-38.

The fixture list gave Hunslet a couple of weeks off, time to get some players back fit.

Hunslet got off to a slow start at Barrow Raiders on 24 May.

On a boiling hot afternoon the home side got off to a flying start when King and Bishop both scored converted tries in the first 10 minutes, Hunslet helping them along with mistakes. 12-0

Bullock added another for the home side before Lee Gaskell sent Charlie Graham over to reduce the arrears. Dan Abram converting his 500th career goal. 18-6

The game then became a stalemate until just before the break when Tee Ritson finished a move to score. 24-6 at the break to the home side.

Hunslet have played some lovely flowing Rugby this season, and although missing strike players Billy Jowitt and Myles Harrop they fought their way back into the match.

Cam Berry went over from close range, before Lee Gaskell found a way through on the left edge, then Charlie Graham took an interception to score and Hunslet were back in it at 24-22.

Game on! And at this point it was anybody’s game. However King relieved the pressure for Barrow scoring a barge over to stretch the lead to 8 points, before Cresswell made the game safe in the dying moments, Walker finishing with 6 conversion for Barrow and Abram with 3 for Hunslet. Final

score: 36-22.

Coach Kyle Trout commented:

“For 25/30 minutes we looked like a top 4 team, but we need to do that for 80 minutes. We need to learn to feel the game, keep the foot down but not get over emotional.

“Hopefully with some loans and lads returning from fitness we can build up competition for places for the rest of the season, that’s where we’ve struggled, but I feel the fixtures have done us no favours, there are teams above who seem to play former League 1 teams each week whilst we take on Championship sides, however we cannot control that, we think about our performance and what we can do! I want to win!! Not play well for part of the game, and there are some opportunities for that in the remainder of the season.”

Hunslet could be forgiven for thinking the gods were against them when Featherstone Rovers pulled out of this year’s competition and London Broncos were pencilled in as an alternative fixture.

The Londoners have a full time squad and are Super League ready with 12 wins from 12 and have only conceded 124 points so far this Season (with Doncaster the highest scorers against them with 20).

But Hunslet were in determined mood on 31 May despite still not having a large squad to call on through injury and gave themselves plenty to

Continued on page 23

Middleton teenage Thai Boxer wins international honours

by James Bovington

AMiddleton

schoolboy is one of three local Thai boxers who’ve returned as medal winners from an international Muay Thai championship in Bangkok.

Fabian Monit, 16, and veteran fighter Pyotr Janusz, 47, won gold in their respective categories with Kamil Fornalski, 25, taking silver. All three train at Beeston’s Master Sken Academy (MSA) under Rafal Wrzeszcz.

“This was my first time in Thailand,” said Fabian. “I’ve been training at MSA for two years and there I was at an international tournament in the country that that’s the cradle of our sport. As it worked out, we all represented Team England but in my second bout where I won the gold, I was representing Team Poland. My family’s from Poland and I’m bilingual in Polish. I lost my first fight against a French fighter my age but then found myself

in the final at a lower 54kg weight against a Japanese fighter four years my senior. Dropping weight was easy in the Bangkok heat.”

“Although we both wore more body and head protection than I normally do, I was allowed to use my elbows,” explained Oulton Academy student Fabian. “What’s great about Muay Thai compared to regular boxing is you can punch but also kick and use your knees and elbows to defeat your opponent. The full panoply, apparently. Just couldn’t use knees to the head. Using elbows also makes a fight more intense. You must be constantly aware. Muay Thai’s brutal and violent but both all fighters in the ring love it. I was proud of my performance especially when I landed a powerful high head kick which I know hurt him along with a few big knee body shots. I was aggressive throughout. My opponent had good boxing skills. I took a few hard head

shots and got my badge of honour with my first nosebleed. I also enjoyed making friends with fighters from around the world. I met boys from China, India, Kazakhstan, Brazil, Taiwan, and lots from Australia and New Zealand.”

“I’d always wanted to fight. Combat sports were all that interested me. I started at this gym just as I turned 14 early in 2024. I’ve had nine amateur bouts and won six. I’m at the gym for five weekly sessions.

I’m excited at the thrill of being in a fight, all those people cheering you on to see you prove how skilful and tough you are.

“Winning bouts has boosted my confidence. I’d love eventually to compete in the ONE championship at Lumpini Stadium Bangkok. That’s the pinnacle. Leeds fighter Fergus Smith achieved a knockout there. I want to compete as a professional and eventually have my own gym. I’d urge anyone my age to try combat

sports. Prove what you’re made of.”

“This was our second time in Bangkok for the World Muay Thai Federation championships,” said coach Wrzeszcz. “We’re proud and delighted with our fighters’ achievements. Fabian particularly impressed and he’s wanted back for further training in Bangkok.”

Fabian returns to train at Bangkok’s PK Senchai gym over the summer. As a year 11 pupil at Oulton Academy, Fabian is concentrating on imminent GCSEs. In September he starts a college course in PE and sports psychology.

Thai boxing is self-funded. Fabian is presently sponsored just by his dad’s firm. If interested in training at MSA or potentially offering Fabian sponsorship text 07963 599436 or via Instagram @msa_leeds. MSA Leeds is at Sugar Mills Business Park LS11 7HL.