South leeds life 14 jan16

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Issue 14 | January 2016

What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton

Hunslet’s flood scare

In this issue:

Food Bank fights hunger

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Parnaby wins Pub of the Year

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by Jeremy Morton

Hunslet came within inches of serious flooding on Boxing Day evening. Anxious residents and businesses watched the river level rise all night. The gauge at Crown Point rose from its normal level of 1m to finally peak at 2.96m at 4am on 27 December. Roads and footpaths close to river were inundated, but luckily few properties were affected. Residents from the H2010 estate had to move cars from Goodman Street and Yarn Street as the waters rose, but their homes stayed dry. On Friday 27 December council workmen were out early to start the clean up, joined by residents. Commenting on Facebook DC Duggan said “There were lots of people out helping last night and there's been residents out clearing Yarn Street all morning - big thank you to everyone.” Some riverside student flats at Liberty Dock next to the Royal Armouries were not so lucky. Neither was the nearby Assisted Living Leeds HQ. Businesses on Dock Street and on the Haigh Industrial Park in Stourton were left clearing up and counting the cost. Of course other parts of Leeds, notably Kirkstall, suffered much worse damage than South Leeds.

Hairspray show at Cockburn

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St Andrew’s Panto Preview

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The River Aire near the Royal armouries, Boxing Day evening. Photo: Jeremy Morton

South Leeds Life has reported on the flood alleviation scheme currently under construction in Leeds. It seems that although the work is not yet finished the partial removal of the island at Knostrop Cut helped stop the river level rising even further. The Environment Agency’s map, issued at 3:30pm on Boxing Day showed the

possible extent of flooding in Hunslet could have included all the land between Hunslet Road / Low Road and the river, as well as the Rochfords and Hemmingways.Water Lane and Tower Works in Holbeck were also threatened. Watch our video reports at: www.youtube.com/southlee dslife

NEWS

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ARTS

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WHAT’S!ON

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LOCAL!LIVES River level at Crown Point, Leeds

via www.gaugemap.co.uk

Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily

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South Leeds Life | January 2016

2 News

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About us South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live and work in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds. The blog and newspaper are produced by the South Leeds Life Group, a constituted community group with elected officers. Our aims are: To inform people of events, activities, issues and opportunities taking place in the South Leeds community; To encourage the involvement of the wider community in communicating their experiences; To foster community spirit and involvement; and To provide a platform for local people to contribute and respond to community life more fully. South Leeds Life started as a blog in November 2010 and still posts news every day at: www.southleedslife.com

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Reflections on the Leeds city centre Boxing Day floods by Hilary Benn MP The first indication was the automated flood warning phone call from the Environment Agency. There wasn't much I could do about it as I was away at the time enjoying Boxing Day with the family and my two grandsons, but I spent the evening watching the River Aire rise alarmingly, courtesy of Twitter and some intrepid reporting by South Leeds Life, including photographs of water where we have never seen it before. Once the previous record level was passed, everyone knew that the city centre was in for a hard time, and as I learned later, at about 11pm the police came round to ask my neighbours in the block to move out because of the risk from the rising waters. I was on the phone to the Chief Executive of the Council, the head of Northern PowerGrid and the Yorkshire manager of the Environment Agency to get their best assessment of what was happening. When I got to Leeds the

following morning, the River Aire was still a turbulent torrent, even though the water levels had dropped from their peak in the early hours, and the flood had left behind a lot of silt and mud. I peered into the flooded basement car park of our block but could not see my car. I then went for a walk around the area to talk to the residents and businesses affected. They showed me cellars full of muddy water, premises with no electricity, stock hurriedly rescued, tankers pumping water out, and an abandoned flat where the furniture was floating around the living room. The reactions ranged

from purposeful stoicism to weariness and despair (especially for those with no insurance). I learned from having dealt with the floods in 2007 as the Environment Secretary that people respond in different ways, but the truth is that nature is much more powerful than us human beings. Four days later, I went back to some of the same businesses to see how they were faring. Power had been restored to most and people were just getting on with it, displaying that extraordinary resilience that human beings show in the face of adversity. As ever, our public services - Council and

Pumping out Cellars in Dock Street Photo: Hilary Benn

Environment Agency staff, the emergency services, the Army, contractors and maintenance companies, claims assessors and insurance companies - all worked incredibly hard to help those affected and restore services. And, as always happens, the public showed great kindness to neighbours in distress. As the clean-up continues, what have we learned? It was certainly bad for those affected in the city centre, but elsewhere across the north, it was even worse for some who found people themselves flooded out for the third time in as many months. There is no doubt at all that our climate is changing and the world faces a future of too much water in some places and not enough water in others. So we have to protect ourselves as best we can and learn to adapt. And of course we need a big increase in investment in flood defences, including in Leeds. A major flood defence scheme was prepared in 2011, but when we went to see the government about it they

Hilary Benn MP

made it clear that they weren't going to fund it. So the Council and the Environment Agency broke it down into three phases and got some funding for phase 1 which is currently being built. But given what happened on Boxing Day, as the city centre's MP I am clear that ministers must now fund phases 2 and 3. No ifs, no buts. It's New Year's Eve as I write this so can I wish you all a Happy New Year and thank South Leeds Life for being such a wonderful voice for our community. And my car? Well I managed to rescue a few CDs and tools from the dank muddy interior once the waters had subsided, but let's just say that it won't be passing its next MOT....

Hope fades as addiction charity closes byEd Carlisle

Beeston charity New Hope has sadly closed its doors after 16 years service to the local community. The small organisation, based at the Nazarene Church on Hunslet Hall Road, has since 1999 provided wide-ranging support for people battling drug and alcohol addiction – but has now called it a day. Originally formed in response to the deaths of two local residents who were struggling with addiction, at a time when there were much fewer drug and alcohol projects in the city, it very quickly ballooned – within weeks of starting, dozens of people were attending their weekly Sunday lunch drop-ins. A charity was formed, under the slogan ‘Compassion enabling freedom from addiction’ – and their work expanded to become a weekround programme. This has over the years included: allotmenting,

Working on the New Hope allotment

sports (including some top-quality pool-playing!), food, volunteering (especially at their dedicated charity shop, open since 2009 round the back of the Beeston Coop store), computing, and – underpinning it all – a lot of mentoring and love from the team. Over the 16 years, 2000 people have passed through the project, most from south Leeds – each one battling issues such as

homelessness, unemployment, poverty, sexual exploitation, mental health issues, and more. But times have changed, and the past year has seen numbers tail off – partly it seems due to the emergence of other agencies, and changes in government policy. So the charity’s trustees and team earlier this year decided to wind down the organisation, and last Sunday (20th December 2015) held

a final session – attended by dozens of people who had been part of the project, past and present. And current project participants are now being supported to find alternative provision. Alistair Park, who with his wife Yvette, has led New Hope since its formation said: “The past 16 years have been a privilege. It’s been both testing and rewarding, a mix of highs and lows. But the joy is having met so many damaged people, and seeing them turn their lives around. Many thanks to all who’ve supported us on this amazing journey.” Although New Hope has closed, help is still available: Forward Leeds is the new alcohol and drug service in Leeds for adults, young people and families. They offer a range of services from 9am-5pm, Mondays and Fridays and 9am7pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, call 0113 887 2477; fax: 0113 263 9810; or email: info@forwardleeds.co.uk

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January 2016 | South Leeds Life

News 3

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Fighting hunger with the Middleton’s miniroundabouts to go Food Bank volunteers by Jeremy Morton

There is a perception that Food Banks are just about handing out food parcels to benefit ‘scroungers’ who have had their benefits stopped. Nothing could be further from the truth explained Wendy Doyle, Operations Manager at Leeds South & East Food Bank. “Every case is different, one woman came to us for help when her husband died unexpectedly. He was just 39 and they had been married for less than a year so she had no access to his pension. She was trying to feed three children with just her part time wage.” “Another woman turned up to work one morning to find the firm had closed down. She had no job, no pay, no redundancy. This is what’s happening in Britain today.” The Food Bank is based on an industrial estate in Beeston and operates from 12 centres stretching from Drighlington to Seacroft. In South Leeds these are: St Andrew’s Church in Beeston, St Cross Church in Middleton, Belle Isle Family Centre and Hunslet Methodist Church. Wendy, like all the staff at the Food Bank is a volunteer. Volunteers receive training and several have recently found paid work as a result of their volunteering experience. The team also get help from volunteers at local firms. In the last month

teams from Lloyds Bank, DTP, Asda HQ and National Powergrid have all helped out. As well as food parcels the Food Bank helps tackle hunger in other ways. It supports school breakfast clubs, supplying cereal to children who would otherwise be trying to study on an empty stomach. It supports drop in sessions such as the Hunslet Methodist Breakfast Club on a

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Can you spare 3 hours a week? The Food Bank needs more volunteers to meet clients and distribute food. Training is provided. Donate food, especially Tinned Fruit, Tinned Vegetables, Tinned and Powdered Potatoes, Nappies, Juice, and Pasta Sauce. Please make sure all goods are non-perishable and in date. Bring them to Unit 16 Ashbrooke Business Park, Parkside Lane, LEEDS, LS11 5SF. The warehouse is open Mon-Thur 8:30am-4pm, Fri: 8:30am-12:30pm. To make a financial donation visit: mydonate.bt.com/charities/leedsfoodbank.

Middleton Park Avenue

A planned scheme to improve road safety will see the removal of three mini-roundabouts on Middleton Park Avenue. A report published on the Leeds City Council website proposes replacing the three mini roundabouts with raised junction plateaux. The road has seen 15 personal injury accidents in the last five years and is ranked 14th on the Council’s list of ‘Lengths (of road) for Concern.’ Two thirds of the accidents have been caused by drivers failing to give way. The new scheme will revert to side roads giving way to Middleton Leeds South & East Food Bank volunteers: Jason White, Wendy Doyle, Amie Thompson, Steve Vincent & Denise Comer

Thursday and BITMO’s GATE Tasty Tuesdays in Belle Isle. It also works with St George’s Crypt and Holbeck Food Bank. “I just was to give a big, massive Thank You to everyone who donates and supports our work” said Wendy. You can contact the Leeds South & East Food Bank on 0113 271 5866 or email: info@leedssouthandeast.fo odbank.uk

The Salvation Army band lead the carol singing in Beeston

IF YOU NEED HELP You can be referred by any professional: GP, teacher, community worker, health visitor, social worker, etc. As well as an emergency food parcel you will be signposted to agencies who can help you with financial, health and other issues.

Park Avenue, but the raised junctions will encourage all vehicles to slow down at the junctions. The affected junctions are between Middleton Park Avenue and: Middleton Park Mount; Middleton Park Grove and Acre Road. The junction with Throstle Lane will remain a mini-roundabout.The works are projected to cost £97,000 and would be completed by April 2016. The plan will now go to public consultation. Read the community reaction to these proposals on our Letters page.

Beeston lights up for Christmas

Over 500 local people gathered in Cross Flatts Park on Friday 11 December to enjoy another packed-out Christmas Lantern Festival together. The event – now in its third year – featured: performances from the South Leeds Academy steel pan band, the St Luke’s Primary School choir, and a Salvation Army brass band leading carol singing for all; storytelling; farm animals to meet and pet (to recreate the stable experience!); festive refreshments; and hundreds of lanterns and lights, bringing the park to life. Local resident Mark Hodgkinson of the Salvation Army was one of those who helped coordinate the event: “It’s great to see the event go from strength to strength, mainly down to the amazing involvement of the dozens of local volunteers who help pull it off: massive thanks to them.We also got very lucky with the weather, again. And it’s just good to get the local community together, to share a bit of life and inspiration at this gloomy time of year – it seems like a fitting way to mark the birth of Jesus…”

Earlier in the month over two hundred residents, old and young, turned out to sing carols and see the Beeston Christmas lights switched on. The Salvation Army band led the singing of three carols before Cllr Angela Gabriel officially switched on the lights outside the Co-op. As well as the lights on the Christmas tree and other trees, four light motifs have been mounted on lampposts along Beeston Road. It is hoped to increase the number of motifs each year with the support of local businesses. Earlier in the week it was reported that the Christmas tree had been vandalised, but Cllr Gabriel explained that she had spoken to the manager at the Co-op who saw the tree blow down in the strong winds on Sunday afternoon. The important thing was that the tree had been replaced and the event went ahead as planned. As the light rain got heavier, everyone crossed over the road to the Beeston Parish Centre where burgers, hotdogs and drinks were served. A collection was held for the local Salvation Army’s work at Christmas which raised over £100.

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South Leeds Life | January 2016

4 News

News in brief Lawyers go back to school Lawyers from law firm Bevan Brittan swapped their desks for the classroom as they spent the day at Middleton St Mary’s primary school – as part of Leeds Legal Education Week in November. Lyndon Campbell said “It was great fun and really rewarding. We explained what lawyers do and tried to inspire them to want to become one!”

White Rose boosts cycling

Cyclists were able to have their bicycles recorded and registered free of charge by West Yorkshire Police at an event to encourage people to cycle to White Rose Shopping Centre. They were also given a free D-lock as an added incentive. White Rose has cycle stations located around the site and employees who ride to work are able to use showers situated in the toilets at the north end of the centre.

Hawks aid Trust

Hunslet Hawks joined forces with the Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust (CBFT) to help make this year's Christmas a little more enjoyable for some of the more isolated members of our community. The Hawks’ minibus ferried guests to the Vale Circles café in Beeston where they enjoyed a hearty Christmas dinner and some festive cheer. Over 35 volunteers served 100 dinners on Christmas Day.

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Giving our children Parnaby Tavern: the Best Start in life Pub of the Year by Ken Ingram

by Lucy Potter As part of its ongoing community engagement, the Inner South Community Committee hosted their latest public meeting on the evening of Wednesday 9 December. The committee comprises of the three council wards in south Leeds: Middleton Park, City & Hunslet, and Beeston & Holbeck.This was their busiest such meeting yet, packed out with dozens of different representatives, volunteers, and regular members of the public gathering with the ward councillors, local police and others – first for a workshop on a key local issues, then a formal meeting for the councillors to present to the public their community expenditure and discuss pressing local issues. The evening’s workshop theme was ‘Health & Wellbeing: Helping Children and Families have the Best Start’. Health Improvement Manager for Children and Families, Janice Burberry presented a new policy the Best Start Plan. The programme is based on early identification and targeted support for vulnerable families early in the child’s life. Janice explained how providing healthy nutrition

Residents, officers and Councillors discuss the issues

early on for a child can reduce physical health conditions later in life.We also watched a short animated film on how positive brain development formed by a nurturing environment can help equip a child for life, whilst neglect can have a negative impact on a child’s development. The committee had also invited a group of young dads from the Caring Dads Project, who each briefly told some of their stories. One by one they articulated how – for them – being more involved with their children had helped them develop stronger bonds with them. One of them said: “I had no idea of the support that was available, and now it’s so much easier for me!” And another one of the dads commented: “It wasn’t until social care got involved that I

began to use the services; I wish I had known before, but now I feel it’s too late down the line”. These were powerful testimonies – and especially highlighted the difficulty many dads face, when so much of the information and services are directed at the mums. The formal meeting – chaired by Cllr Angela Gabriel – which followed wrapped it all up nicely, with the ward councillors allocating funding for the following services to continue their community work. These included: Hunslet Warriors RLFC, the Hunslet Methodist Drop-In, the Salvation Army for their Christmas Lantern Festival, and dozens of new public bins in Holbeck & Beeston and Middleton.

Hilary Benn challenged over Syria bombing Fifty protesters greeted Hilary Benn MP at his surgery on Saturday 5 December 2015, angry that he had supported the bombing of Syria in Parliament that week. The protesters were angry but respectful and were supported by passing motorists and a Fire Engine tooting their horns. In speeches, Mr Benn was criticised for the deaths of innocent people as a result of the bombing and of not breaking ties with Turkey and Saudi Arabia who both tacitly support ISIS. Mr Benn eventually came out came out to speak to the protesters and a twenty minute discussion followed.

Hilary Benn MP debates the issue with protesters

Ejaz Ahmed from Beeston asked if he would now apologise for the Iraq war, but Mr Benn said he was pleased Saddam Hussein had been removed and that the rise of ISIS was not a result the Iraq war. He said Britain should accept more refugees and commended the community on welcoming refugees over

the years. He said he supported the Kurds and claimed they welcomed allied air support in their fight against ISIS, but he wouldn’t be drawn on Britain’s relationship to Turkey (who are bombing the Kurds) saying they were a sovereign country who must make their own policy decisions.

I interviewed Mark, the landlord of the Parnaby Tavern in Hunslet Carr, who along with his wife, Linda, has been awarded YEP Best Pub of the Year. Q: Congratulations on your award. What does it mean to you and Linda to be given this amazing accolade? A: I’m over the moon, it just goes to show how well liked the Parnaby is with the amount of people that voted for us, and it’s overwhelming we have been voted number one this year.

whether they have a partner or not, come in and start chatting, having a conversation and a laugh between themselves. You see these people belly laughing, and it’s so warming to see I take great pride in being able to open up for these sessions. Q: When you and Linda do get away from running the Parnaby Tavern for few hours, which is your favourite restaurant and type of foods you both enjoy most, and of course what are your tipples? A: When we do get the chance to get away, our favourite restaurant in Leeds is called the Blackhouse, just off

Landlord Mark and Miles man the pumps at the Parnaby Tavern

Q: Tavernier commented in the YEP that he thought the Parnaby was a community pub. A: We serve the local people in the local area. As you know we run a social group on a Wednesday afternoon, which is Dementia Friendly. We run a Mums and Tots group on a Wednesday morning. The Parnaby fundraises and has special events, anything local we try and get on to, and make sure things go well, and try just to serve the community best we can. Q: It’s just over a year ago that a Dementia Friendly group was formed at the Tavern on a Wednesday afternoon. What made you and Linda decide to form this group? A: Ken you’re a regular and you mentioned the group at Rothwell and the possibilities of expanding to other groups, With the pub not open until 4pm generally during the week, I find it quite a waste and I thought it would be very nice to extend a welcome to a Dementia Friendly group. It’s absolutely blossomed, it is absolutely marvellous to see people who would normally just look at their 4 walls all week, whether the TV is on

City Square. It’s a bit of a steak house, but serves some nice lobster which Linda is partial to. I like my Steak, Linda likes sparkling wines, Champaigne, Cocktails, Brandy. I’m partial to a bit of Rum. So that’s where we love to go to and relax and have a pleasant evening. Q: Where in the world would you and Linda like to go for a holiday where you’ve never been before and why? A: Somewhere we’ve never been, would have to be in the Summer, Seychelles, why because it’s a total escape from everything, total relaxed Holiday. For all we run the pub together, Linda is a full time Nurse, so when we get the chance to have a week away we do like to worship the sun a little bit, just relax a little bit, do nothing and enjoy the warm weather. Q: Anything else you would like to add? A: Well me and Linda would like to thank every customer that comes in for supporting us over the years. And would like to give special thanks to those who voted for us in the YEP Best Pub of the Year and voted us number one pub in Leeds.

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January 2016 | South Leeds Life

News 5

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People Matters marks another successful year People Matters, the Holbeckbased social enterprise that supports adults with learning difficulties, held its AGM recently at Leeds City College’s Technology Campus. Over 50 of the members got together to talk about what the organisation has been doing, how they have been involved as well as look at the new annual report. The most popular group recently has been ‘Exploring Animals’ where visitors have included a large python, a meerkat and a skunk. Paul Jackson was given a presentation for all his many years of volunteering as member director and Jonathan Cravitz was appointed as his replacement. One

member George Stephenson told Now I pay for everything myself. Adam everyone about the difference the and Josh are there but I understand support he gets from the organisation everything. In the future I want to move makes to him. “People Matters helped me get my first flat, they helped me do my first clothes wash ever, I cooked my first meal outside a classroom with support and set up all my bills. Before then clean clothes just appeared, dinner was ready when I got it and bills didn’t exist. “Now that might sound good, but I’m used to managing Paul Jackson receives long service presentation money now, before it was like pocket money I’d spend it all in one go. again, infiltrate the mainstream world,

Saturday breakfast at Vale Circles

Double church closure hits South Leeds

by Niki Woods

A new weekly community cafe was recently launched at Vale Circles on Tunstall Road in Beeston. The cafe is open to all and runs every Saturday 8:30-11am. Run by The Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust (CBFT), the cafe hopes to encourage and support local residents from all social groups to come together and form bonds. The cafe has both tables and sofas and serves tea, coffee, and other breakfast items, such as a full English for £2.50, for eating in or taking away.

CBFT was founded in 2010 memory of Ciaran Bingham, a young man who sadly died aged only 19. It aims to support and deliver projects to help young, elderly, and vulnerable people in the South Leeds community fight isolation and identify ways for all groups in society to come together, focusing primarily on weekends and bank holidays. The Trust also runs Saturday breakfast sessions at Holbeck Feast Cafe and Westerton Court Cafe in Tingley, and Sunday lunch clubs at BITMO, Westerton Court, and Maltings Court in Beeston. More information on these and other services offered by the Trust is available on 0113 270 6903.

travel, go on holidays and I think a lot of that has come from me feeling more independent, confident in myself which People Matters has helped me achieve.” Future plans include starting a new subsidiary that will offer the opportunity to gain training, work experience and employment opportunities. Two small new grants have been gained for pilot work in order to develop and market a range of healthy snacks. Anyone with a learning or other disability such as being on the Autistic spectrum who wants to be involved in any People Matters activity should contact the office in Holbeck on (0113) 234 6896.

by Ed Carlisle Two prominentlylocated Church of England congregations in south Leeds have formally disbanded in the past month: St David’s on Dewsbury Road in Beeston, and St Mary’s in the heart of Hunslet. St David’s – the distinctive modern church building near the Tommy Wass junction – first opened in 1961, following a local ‘faith revival’ at that time, and many years of fundraising. Unfortunately though, the congregation had nowadays shrunk to just a dozen regulars – and they’ve decided to call time on running the church. The closure was marked with a service on Sunday 22 November, led by local vicars Rev Lindsey Pearson and Rev James Turner, followed by a procession to St Mary’s Beeston – the sister church, which the St David’s members are now likely to join. Plans for the building are as yet unconfirmed, partly because – due to some complicated land deeds – the CofE don’t in fact own the site; but it is

St David’s, Beeston Photo: Betty Longbottom via Wikimedia Commons

St Mary’s church, Hunslet Photo: Jeremy Morton

News in brief Holbeck donates Xmas presents

Businesses in Holbeck Urban Village have donated over 100 presents to women and children fleeing domestic violence this Christmas. Lisa Ellen Riley who works in the reception at Marshall’s Mill organised the collection and Businesses responded to the call creating a huge pile of presents around the Christmas tree in the building’s entrance.

Free bikes for Middleton kids

Kids from Middleton Primary School in South Leeds were left ‘wheeling for joy’ after receiving 20 free bikes and helmets. The bikes were donated by Halfords to help encourage more children – who may not necessarily have access to bikes – to cycle.

understood that that the site and buildings will in time be sold. Meanwhile, the iconic St Mary’s in the centre of Hunslet (not to be confused with St Mary’s Beeston, which is still going strong!) has also closed, with services on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 December. A church was first built on the site in the 1860s – and its listed clocktower (previously featured in South Leeds Life) remains to this day. The main building was demolished and rebuilt in the 1970s

– but has been plagued with growing subsidence problems ever since. Facing bills of £10,000s to fix these, and again with a small congregation of only a dozen or so regulars, this church also decided to call it quits. It is understood that the 1970s church building will have to be demolished, although the clocktower will remain up – and there is talk of a local consultation of new uses and maybe even new buildings for the site. Rev Lindsey Pearson, vicar for the two Beeston churches (St David’s and St Mary’s) insists that the closures were not a negative

move: “It’s important to recognise that the way people worship and the buildings we have don’t always work for current needs. Sometimes, energy is going into buildings, but that’s not what church is for. We’re trying to free people up to be more involved in their communities, more outwards-looking. We mustn’t be wed to buildings. Having said that, we have no plans at all to close St Mary’s Beeston, which will remain a church where people are welcomed for baptisms, weddings and funerals, and of course to worship.”

HUB hamper

Happy Holbeck residents won a Christmas hamper afteer visiting the Mobile HUB which has been parked in the Recreations each Wednesday for the last few months. Residents were able to get help with benefits, Council Tax, jobs, housing, Police and Fire issues.

South Leeds Life | January 2016

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6 Young People

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Hairspray holds the audience spellbound at Cockburn by Jeremy Morton In December the stage at Cockburn High School was transformed into 1962 Baltimore as the school put on a sell out production of the musical Hairspray. After the show I talked to Ethan Aldwinkle, Georgia Kerrigan and Ewan Whitaker from Beeston; and Cameron Dunn from Middleton, all in Years 10 and 11. Between them they play four of the leading characters in the musical. The show is a tour de force of singing and dancing, but it is also relevant to school. As Georgia explains: “The show has a really good message. It puts across a really big message about segregation, whilst entertaining people. People come to watch that and they realise we can have fun as well as showing the big

moral of the story.” Ethan plays Edna Turnblad, but it’s not his first acting experience, he tells me he took the roles of Captain Tempest in Return To The Forbidden Planet and Johnny Casino in Grease. The cast have been rehearsing all term “We’ve been rehearsing since September after school” says Cameron.“It’s all part of the show, the show must go on and it has to be at a good standard” “Some nights you get nervous,” admits Georgia “but near the end of the run you get used to it and it’s a really good buzz before you go on.” And the show involves children across the school, not just the actors “Some kids do the lighting and sound” adds Ewan “Others do costume, props and front of house too.” As to their future careers, Andrew is keen to stay involved with music and drama; Georgia

involved in theatre. We wish them all the best in their future careers.

Young People 7

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Low Road children spread joy with Christmas artwork

Ethan Aldwinkle, Georgia Kerrigan, Ewan Whitaker & Cameron Dunn

is interested in becoming a drama teacher; Ewan is aiming for the West End; whilst Cameron just wants to stay

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Children from Low Road Primary School were chosen to bring Season’s Greetings messages to the public across digital screens in Leeds this Christmas. Artwork by 12 budding artists was displayed across digital screens in Leeds Station and at Trinity Leeds shopping mall from 1- 25 December. Their artwork was also be displayed in rail stations and shopping malls nationwide. Janet Guest, Editorial Director of JCDecaux said, “Virgin Trains East Coast kindly put us in touch with Low Road Primary School in Hunslet and the children's artwork is stunning. It’s heartwarming and sweet and will definitely put a smile on the face of people travelling, shopping and socialising in Leeds this December." Cath Storey, Support Officer at Low Road said, “Virgin East Coast Trains sponsor our Breakfast Club at Low Road and asked if our children would be interested in producing this artwork. The children couldn’t wait to get started even though it did seem a little early as it was only November.We

Children from Low Road show off their festive artwork

are delighted to be bringing season’s greetings to people out shopping and travelling in Leeds and other cities nationwide.”

Scouting returns to St Luke’s

A new Scout Group will be opening its doors on 11 January 2016. The 11th South Leeds (St Luke's) Scout group has been re formed and will be meeting at St Luke's Church, Malvern Road, Holbeck during term time. The Beaver Scout Section is opening for girls and boys aged 6 to 8 years on Monday 11 January and will meet Mondays from 5:45pm to 7pm The Cub Scout Section, for girls and boys aged 8 to 10 years, will be opening in April and meet on Mondays from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. A Scout Troop for children aged 10 to 14 is planned for September. The Group Executive Committee Chairman, Neville Jackson said, "It's fantastic to see Scouting return to the area, like a Phoenix rising from the

by Ed Carlisle

Winners: Chloe Whitaker, Faith & Chrissie; J Beats & Triple M

A host of talented students took to the stage at The South Leeds Academy’s first Talent Night on 10 December. An excited and enthusiastic audience watched acts including Little Remix, Shauna & Kayleigh, Katie & Kim, Mary, My Name Is Jeff, Ollie Barker sing in every style from Adele to Death Metal, whilst Togetherness performed a thrilling dance routine. Staff acts PC Tracey & Vicky Dowling and Rosanna Schofield were joined by one of the judges, Testament, who

demonstrated great skills with beatboxing and vocal loops. Eventually master of ceremonies Jaz Sagoo, announced the winners. Third placed Faith & Chrissie had performed a number from the musical Jekyll & Hyde. In second place were rappers J Beats & Triple M, who are still only in Year 8! The winner was Chloe Whitaker who gave a spine tingling rendition of Jesse J’s song Flashlight. Speaking after the show, guest

judge Testament said: “It’s been a truly joyful experience, South Leeds are coming out on top! “I was blown away. I ran some music workshops here in 2012 and Chloe was sitting quietly in the corner back then, today she sang better than Adele.” Second placed rappers J Beats & Triple M will join winner Chloe Whittaker to represent The South Leeds Academy in the Leeds Has Got Talent competition next year. Watch a video report at: www.youtube/southleedslife.

Nominations recently closed for young people wishing to represent the city in the UK Youth Parliament. Before they closed I spoke to Shamim Miah from Beeston – one of the current Leeds Members of the Youth Parliament (MYP) – to find out what it’s all about. Q: Tell us about yourself. A: My name is Shamim Miah, I am a law student living in South Leeds, and I’m a Member of the Youth Parliament for Leeds. I was elected as a Member of the Youth Parliament in February 2014, to represent the 180,000 young people living in Leeds. This position allows me to speak on behalf of young people, and address issues most important to them. Q: What is the Youth Parliament, and what have you done? A: The UK Youth Parliament is an organisation to which 1118 year olds across the UK

democratically elect their representatives annually. Members ensure that the voices of younger people – nationally, regionally and locally – are heard. The Youth Parliament has annual debates in the House of Commons where the most important issues to the youth of the United Kingdom are established and discussed. This year, I had the honour of being elected as the lead speaker on behalf of Yorkshire and Humber, to put the motion forward for a campaign to Tackle Racism and Religious Discrimination in the UK. Elected MYPs supported my enthusiasm and passion for this issue, and prioritised it to become one of their UK-wide campaigns. Q: Why did you first apply to be an MYP, and what have you learnt? A: I first heard about UKYP when an ex-MYP for Yorkshire and Humber shared her experience at my college during an assembly. I was inspired by her motivation for there to be national change on issues that affected the

youth, including me, and also by the opportunities she had enjoyed that could not be found elsewhere. Additionally, my family has played a prominent role in influencing me to

becoming a Member of the Youth Parliament? A: The UKYP is a platform that allows young people to put forward their opinions, views and interests on anything

Mayor to assembly by Lucy Potter

On Friday 4 December Hunslet Moor Primary school in Beeston prepared for an assembly unlike any other. The Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Judith Chapman was visiting to mark the success of one of its pupils on becoming the new Children’s Lord Mayor of Leeds – Hannah Begum. That day the children were wearing decorated bobble hats to raise money for NSPCC. Bobbled heads turned as they watched Cllr Judith Chapman follow Hannah as she weaved in and out of little legs in her Shamin Miah speaking in the House of Commons ceremonial red coat, hat produce a positive change they’re passionate about. and gloves. They both in the community of This is what makes applying settled together on the stage and Hannah read out Beeston. I’ve grown to so worthwhile. learn that gender, age, You will be giving yourself her manifesto once more. “If I was Children’s Lord ethnicity and other the chance to be a part of differences matter very a forum that takes pride in Mayor of Leeds, I would little when everyone shares listening to voices that love to set up ‘Global a common motivation for would otherwise be Families of Leeds Project’ change. Making a difference ignored on issues that Her manifesto is very to just one person’s life at really matter to you and simple – bringing children the start is always a good your constituency. I say: go and young people of Leeds have more place to begin! for it, because you have to Q: What would you say nothing to lose – and good opportunities to interact with each other. to others applying to luck!

ashes, after the group folded over 10 years ago" The Group Scout Leader, John McKee, said: "The team have worked really hard to get an exciting program ready for each Section's first term. Scouts are driven by the youngsters that attend and we are all looking forward to working with our young people to help them develop their group." Scouting is open to boys and girls and people from all faiths or none. It is based on an ethos of learning by doing, making choices and taking responsibility; and undertaking new and challenging activities. All enquiries should be made by email to Group Scout Leader, Mr John McKee at: 11thsouthleedsscouts @gmail.com

Promoting Scouting at Breeze last summer

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Academy’s got talent! Meet Shamim Miah - Member Hannah brings Lord of (UK Youth)!Parliament

January 2016 | South Leeds Life

Two Lord Mayors at school assembly

“My community is very transient with many new families coming from all over the world. My project would give the perfect platform for children and young people to feel safe, ask questions, and learn about respecting other cultures, religions and beliefs in a safe environment.” Cllr Judith Chapham congratulated Hannah on her new position and said how impressed she was on the clarity of her manifesto and emphasised the importance of having the

opportunity to make a difference. Once the children were settled in their classes Hannah took Cllr Judith Chapman for a tour of the school. After which we went into the family room for juice and a cup of tea. Hannah and Cllr Judith Chapman looked at home chatting about hobbies and interests. We learnt that Hannah loves cooking and has promised to make her a lemon drizzle cake! Hannah’s public engagements will begin this month.