Your FREE community newspaper Issue 20 | July-August 2016
In this issue:
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
Dewsbury Road improvements
Summertime fun!
The community festival season is well under way and residents are flocking to their local community events. Beeston Festival kicked off the season on 4 June with its usual mix of live music, dance, food, sports, children’s activities and the fun fair. The show started with an amazing carnival parade around the park with groups including Into University, Hamara and Beeston Broncos entering into the spirit. A feast of music ranged from reggae to gipsy-punk via Bollywood and had the crowd up and dancing. Organisers thought it to be the best yet and it’s been shortlisted for for the Yorkshire Gig Guide Grassroots Awards. The last weekend in June saw both the Hunslet Gala and the Leeds Waterfront Festival which took place at a range of venues along the river including Stourton, Hunslet and Holbeck.
Whilst the Waterfront enjoyed Dragon Boat races, street food, junk boats and river cruises; Hunslet Gala provided traditional family entertainment. As well as the usual inflatables and stalls there were performances from the Vocologee choir and Indian drumming by pupils from St Mary’s school. There was also the chance to meet the animals in Ian’s Mobile Farm. The Arena hosted displays by the Hunslet Hunslet Club youngsters display at Hunsl et Gala Carr and Shardonnay Photo: Steve Bavill Majorette groups; the Keldon School of Dance; Zumba with Hannah and a Hunslet Club showcase. None of our festivals could take place with the work of volunteers and the help of funders. Credit is especially due to the local councillors who give core funding all these events through the Inner South Community Committee.
page 2
A party fit for a queen
page 5
Schools roundup
page 6-7
Taking a chance in Las Vegas
page 12
Don’t miss:
NEWS
Belle Isle Gala Sat 2 July Holbeck Gala Sat 2 July Middleton Music Fest Sun 17 July Details in our What’s On guide on page 10
EDUCATION
vibe to g a reggae Mojah brin l Bullivant Photo: Pau
stival Beeston Fe
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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 South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House. 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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EU Referendum debate
It seems a very long time ago given recent events, but South Leeds Life hosted two lively and good natured events to give people in South Leeds the chance to debate the issues ahead of the EU referendum. A hundred people came along to The Hunslet Club on 1 June and more to Arts@Trinity on 10 June. Gerald Jennings spoke about business’ need for certainty and access to skilled workers from across the world, but Austin Mitchell worried that with unrestricted immigration from the EU Britain was becoming a low skill low wage economy. Luke Senior described the EU as a “customs union in decline” that swallowed tax payers money. Hilary Benn said that Britain already trades globally and it’s not a question either the EU or the rest of the world. Questions submitted by audience members covered the benefits of remaining or leaving; controlling immigration; and
investment in the north of England. The discussion aired the important arguments on both sides and although dominated by the panel, some very pertinent points were made from the audience. A woman, originally from Germany, asked “I am a skilled worker that you all say you want to come to the country, but I wonder if I am welcome here? If you vote to leave the EU should I stay in the UK?” A Labour supporter who was “leaning towards leaving” said the economic arguments of the remain side were all geared towards business and the middle classes. “How does that help people in South Leeds who are worried about schools and the health service?” Speaking after the debate, audience member Becky Dalton said “I really enjoyed the debate. I felt it was helpful in highlighting key issues, particularly those around trade negotiations and immigration.”
Panel members at The Hunslet Club debate: Luke Senior, Graeme Tiffany (standing) Austin Mitchell, Hilary Benn MP, Gerald Jennings and Chair: Peg Alexander
WHAT WE THINK South Leeds Life does not have an opinion on the outcome of the referendum, but just as we were keen to promote debate before the vote, we want to provide a platform where that debate can continue over the coming months. There has been a lot of anger shown by people on both sides since the vote, but we all live in one country and need to get on peacefully with our neighbours no matter how strongly we may disagree over this issue. South Leeds communities are strong communities, friendly communities, let’s make sure that doesn’t change as a result of the EU referendum.
Dewsbury Road improvements get Executive Board go ahead
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Leeds City Council’s Executive Board approved improvement works to a stretch of Dewsbury Road in Beeston at their meeting on 22 June. The £600,000 scheme, between the fire station and Hunslet Hall Road, will see improvements to pavements, a central reservation,
segregated cycle lanes and road closures to Trentham Street and Oakley Grove. This busy stretch, which carries 15,000 vehicles per day, has seen 67 accidents involving injuries over the past five years Combinations of traffic lights, bus stops and poor parking often lead to congestion for motorists. The
scheme will see designated parking bays and the repositioning of one bus stop outside the One Stop Centre into a new bay. A new 20 mph speed limit will operate through this section, which is a busy shopping area used predominantly by pedestrians. The full report can be read here:
http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/do cuments/s147376/Dewsbury%20 Road%20Cover%20Report%20A ppendix%201%20130616.pdf The plans can be viewed here: http://democracy.leeds.gov.uk/do cuments/s147377/Dewsbury%20 Road%20Report%20Plan%20130 616.pdf
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A Supo weekend for St Mary’s church by Lindsey Pearson On Saturday 25 June St Mary's Church folk descended on Leeds Minster in good numbers to witness the ordination to the priesthood of their curate, Revd Supo Ogunyinka. This time last year Supo was ordained as a deacon and began his curacy at St Mary's. A curate is a trainee vicar. Originally from Nigeria, Supo came to Britain to study accountancy. He met his wife Barbara and stayed. Before
ordination he worked in the NHS, but gave that up so he could dedicate more time to Beeston, and over the last year he has learnt to christen and conduct funeral services as well as leading worship. He has introduced drumming to St Mary's which we've all much enjoyed On Sunday 26 June we were back at St Mary's for Supo's first time leading the Communion Service. The service was followed by a barbecue and lunch. If you see Supo walking around Beeston do say hi!
Home-Start Leeds, established in 1987, is part of a national charity (HomeStart UK) that recruits volunteers to support families struggling with a range of difficulties. Founded in Leicester in 1973 the charity has grown and now supports families in communities both in the UK and overseas. Home-Start founder, Margaret Harrison, believed that the best way to help children is to help their parents. In Leeds, Home-Start volunteers support families throughout the city including South Leeds and offer volunteering opportunities for people from all communities. Volunteers, who are usually parents themselves, become friends alongside the family, offering a listening ear, guidance and some practical help. Referrals for the service are usually from other services such as Children Centres or social work. The ‘voluntary’ nature of our service means families are often more willing and open to engagement. Michelle, a volunteer from south Leeds, is 33 years old and has one daughter aged 9 years. Michelle looked for volunteering to gain some work experience in the line of
work she wanted to go into. Home-Start was suggested to her by a previous volunteer that was working as an outreach worker for the local children’s centre. During her six years of volunteering with Home-Start
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Supo Ogunyinka (R) with Rev Lindsey Pearson (L) and his wife Barbara at Leeds Minster
Volunteers help South Leeds families make the best start by Lucy Potter
July-August 2016 | South Leeds Life
with families who need additional help requires enough time for families to build trust, share their problems and start to change patterns. Michelle says: “Volunteering with Home-Start has helped
Michelle says Home-Start offer fantastic support not just in their preparation, training and supporting their volunteers to support families, but also taking an interest in the volunteers’ themselves such as asking how university
a community As newspaper, our finances are somewhat precarious with only enough cash in the bank for one or two more print editions. We get income from grants, from advertising and from groups and individuals who support us by becoming ‘Friends’. We are asking all our readers to consider taking out a supporters subscription. Everyone who takes out a £4 per month bank standing order will be credited on the website and have our newspaper delivered to their door. More importantly you will be enabling us to keep bringing you the news that
matters to you about your neighbourhood. We are trusting ourselves to you, the South Leeds community. Thanks to the following readers who have signed up in the last month: Ed Carlisle Bruce Davies A Giscombe Pat Jackson Lucy Potter Basements Arts Project Connect In The North Cross Flatts Park Bowling Club Sharp Lane Residents Group Slung Low Theatre Please join them!
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Home-Start Leeds’ volunteers Michelle has supported families to overcome many difficulties including “isolation, safeguarding and child protection” issues. She tells us that, often, as you get to know the family, other issues crop up such as bedtime routines, managing children’s behaviour, healthy eating, depression etc and the organisation supports the volunteers, through training and supervision, to increase their skills and confidence to support and guide families. Her experience of supporting three families over six years shows that working
me realise how diverse families are as are their needs and issues. It has given me the ability to look at things from a different point view and I realise how important it is to just listen to what families have to say. “The whole process is so rewarding. From the beginning, when a family lets you into their lives, often when they are feeling the most vulnerable, to building, gaining and keeping their trust and finally at the end where you can see the changes that have been made and the issues they have overcome.”
is going, etc. Michelle is currently waiting for results of an undergraduate degree in Working with Children, Young People and Families, and hoping to use this and her volunteering to gain employment in the near future. Thank you to Michelle for contributing to this article. Interested in volunteering or finding out more about HomeStart Leeds? They would love to hear from you. Contact the office on (0113) 244 2419 or email them: office@home-startleeds .co.uk
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South Leeds Life | July-August 2016
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Young people help themselves to less anxiety
Charlotte, Nadine, Libby and Celine
Improving Holbeck’s housing
An initiative to improve works have been completed housing standards and to half of the 190 properties Work includes target empty properties is seen. being extended in Holbeck. improving fire safety and Having completed works electrics, heating, preventing to around half of the problem falls and beefing up security. properties identified in the Over 50 long term empty first phase of the scheme, the homes have been brought Leeds Neighbourhood back into use. Some had been Approach is now set to stay empty for up to 15 years and in Holbeck for at least needed substantial another two years. improvements to turn them Targeting blocks of around back into homes. 200 to 250 properties at a Bin yards have been time, the council will be improved and communal bins working with landlords, provided for 50 homes as tenants, police and the fire part of a pilot project. The service to make sure housing project’s aim is to remove is of a good standard and that bins off the street and to help rented properties are well stop flytipping in these managed. In addition, the locations. project is continuing to focus The council has also set up on empty properties to bring the Holbeck Landlord them back into use. Forum. This includes all Councillor Debra Coupar, housing providers and allows executive member for landlords and partners to communities, said: Partners door knock in Holbeck “The Leeds Neighbourhood Approach is now a tried and tested method that is making significant improvements to properties and lives. “Our commitment means the changes we’re seeing are being sustained. By getting to the discuss and raise issues they heart of issues on a street- have in the area. by-street basis, we can get Properties being targeted involved in longer term in the extended Holbeck projects and provide the Leeds Neighbourhood support and services that are Approach include homes on needed to create safe and Recreation Street, View, welcoming communities.” Terrace, Place, Row and In the first round of Crescent and Cleveleys property inspections in the Road, Avenue, Mount,Terrace Holbeck area, improvement and Street.
A new group offering ‘peer support’ is being set up by and for young people suffering from mental health issues. Celine Bickerdike approached Middleton-based charity Health For All with the idea after suffering herself. “After I left school, I hoped to work in the political field, but a number of opportunities slipped away from me and my anxiety grew and grew” explained Celine. “One day in
London I found myself sat on a bench crying my eyes out.Then I resolved to do something to help other people who were feeling the same.” With her friends Nadine and Charlotte, Celine is working towards creating a space where young people can come and not feel judged, or isolated. As well as providing support they are keen to campaign against the stigma of mental health problems. “Young people find it difficult
to talk about their anxiety, but we’re under so much pressure to be successful” says Celine, “exams, university, jobs, family …” The group are currently working towards securing funding and a suitable venue and are hoping to launch in July. If you want to get in touch please contact Libby Tinworth at Health for All: libby.tinworth @healthforall.org.uk.
Prerona: inspiration to volunteer by Tahena Ahmed
For the past 2 years the Asha Neighbourhood Project has been supporting Bangladeshi women from Beeston to volunteer in their community. The Prerona Volunteer Project (Prerona means ‘Inspiration’ in Bengali), funded by the Peoples Health Trust, aims to help women feel more confident, less isolated and more able to contribute to wider decision making processes and help others to do the same. In particular the volunteers decided to focus on older and more vulnerable women in their community, aiming to improve their mental and physical well-being. The Prerona Project recently held an event (28 April 2016) to celebrate the past 2 years work with everyone that had taken part; volunteers, beneficiaries and those who have helped support the Project. There was a sea of blue on the day as blue was the dress code for this event!
Volunteers from the Prerona project in Beeston A film, produced by Vera Media, was shown.The film told the volunteers stories, what they had done, what they had enjoyed, how far they had come personally and their experiences of working with the older and vulnerable women. They talked about the wide range of activities they had taken part in such as the weekend residential at Northern College, day trips out to Lotherton Hall, Leeds Art Gallery, the Royal Armouries, and Leeds Museum. Also, exercise sessions and sessions about how to look after your
health and well-being. The volunteers also talked about their training in mentoring and confidence building, sessions about volunteering, safeguarding, ESOL classes, mental health support and first Aid, and how they were also able to complete a Health and Social Care course, gaining a qualification that improved their confidence to apply for jobs in the caring sector and interpreting. One of the volunteers talked about how being involved in Prerona has opened the door to lots of different opportunities for her. There was a surprise group
activity – gentle dance exercise – arranged with the aim of getting all guests out of their seats and moving to the beat. The celebration ended with dinner and a large celebration cake. Prerona is managed by Asha’s volunteer co-ordinator Tahena Ahmed, who is Beeston born and bred and has a long association with Asha Neighbourhood Project. Anybody is interesting in volunteering opportunities at the Asha Neighbourhood Project should contact Tahena at tahena@ashaleeds.org.uk or call (0113) 270 4600.
Learn to use Digital Images Digital Image is a new project from the people behind the Menspace Photo Club which runs in Middleton on Thursday afternoons. “It is not just another Camera Club,” says organiser Steve Thompson. “It is for beginners (with or without cameras) and more experienced alike. “It’s not just limited to cameras, but all things reelated to Digital Imaging: computers, phones, tablets, cameras, still, video, making presentations, modifying and
retouching photos. “Plus it’s about getting members to participate in various activities, like photographing Hunslet Gala for example. Visually documenting their neighbourhood, heritage sites, their locality and local events.” To find out more
and get involved, please ring Steve on 07754 391490, or look for Digital Image South Leeds on Facebook.
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Sharp Lane throws a Consulting on Holbeck’s Plan party fit for a Queen by Lucy Potter
by Ken Ingram I went along to the Sharp Lane Community Group/ Centre on Saturday 11 June to report on the Queen’s Birthday celebrations. As I got to bottom of the street, you did not need directions - you could hear everyone enjoying themselves to the music. I estimate around 100 to 150 people were already there when I turned up. I was greeted by Ian Rodley one of the organisers for the DAZL Dance troupe performing that day. The DAZL dance group has been running for 15 years, and are public health funded and Health for All. I told Ian, often see them at Galas and Festivals. Ian tells me the group are aged 5 years old to 25 years old. I was a bit early to see them performing so I joined the queue for refreshments. The pie and peas smelled lovely, but already eaten so just had a drink. I asked Christine, who was
DAZL dancers entertain in Belle Isle serving the refreshments, and who was one of the organisers of the event, if she would have a moment for me to ask her some questions about the event, and of the daily use of the centre. Christine is the Treasurer of the centre. I told her that was my job for Belle Isle and Middleton in Bloom, which of course the centre is based in
Belle Isle. Christine has been treasurer since January this year. During the week the centre opens for people to play Bingo, Play Your Cards Right, Darts and Dominoes and more activities. I let Christine get back to kitchen duties, and went outside to the marquee to see the DAZL Dance Troupe in
action. I have got to say they are one of the best Dance troupe I have seen, all perfect and in time with the music. Sharp Lane Community Centre is on Cranmore Grove, Belle Isle, LS10 4QU. Keep up to date with their activities by liking their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ sharplanecommunitygroup/
Volunteers from the Holbeck Neighbourhood Forum have begun their formal 6 week consultation on the pre-submission draft Neighbourhood Plan. You may have already seen the HUB van (usually seen around the Recreations promoting local services to the heart of the community) and bright banners promoting the plan and encouraging the public to ‘Get Informed Get Involved’. The 60 page document is the culmination of the last three years, which have been lead by community members for the community through questionnaires and public engagement. To go through the formal process of six week consultation (from May – July 2016) before it then goes to external examiners. You can access the plan and
maps on the Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan website where you can read the document and leave your feedback. Over the six week period every household and business will be getting a flyer posted through their door.There will also be a list of venues where volunteers from the Forum will be there to help break down the plan into relevant pieces of information, which will go towards helping improve Holbeck for future generations. As well as meeting people at Holbeck Gala on 2 July, there are also plans to visit Ingram Road Primary School, Lane End Primary School and Beeston Hill St Luke’s CofE Primary School in last two weeks of term – look out for the times and dates. We look forward to seeing you at one or more the events.
Hunslet Club call up Peter Pan to relaunch pantomime The Hunslet Club has announced that it is to revive an old tradition of hosting a community pantomime in December 2016. For over 75 years The Hunslet Club has been at the heart of the South Leeds community and in its ‘Boys Club’ days pantomime was at the heart of its event calendar. You now have the chance to join a cast of Hunslet Club members, staff and volunteers and experience the magic of Peter Pan, as they take you on a trip to Neverland. Let your imagination take you on a flight with the Darling children and battle pirates with the Lost Boys! You can be part of the action - the club are not just looking for cast members to star in the production, they are looking for members and the wider community to get involved as stage hands, costume makers,
props, wardrobe, make up and front of house. Auditions for the following parts will be held on Monday 18 July, Wednesday 20 July and Saturday 23 July in the dance studio at the club.
• • • • • • • • •
Peter Pan - a boy who refuses to grow up Narrator Tinkerbell - a fairy Wendy Darling - a girl befriended by Peter Pan Michael Darling Wendy’s middle brother John Darling - Wendy’s youngest brother Captain Hook - a pirate! Smee - member of Hook’s crew Mrs Smee - pantomime
dame Great Big Little Chief chief of the Picaninny tribe • Tiger Lily - chief’s daughter • George Darling - Dad • Mary Darling - Mum • Nana - Darlings’ dog • Rufio - leader of the Lost Boys • Lost boys - various roles If you would like to audition please contact club reception or email Andrea Edwards: aedwards@hunsletclub.org. uk The production will be directed by Liam Robbins who has been a member of the club since he was three, progressing through boxing, football and performing arts. He is now finishing his degree in Performance. After performing at West Yorkshire Playhouse he is keen to bring his skills back to the club. Liam said:“This is going to be •
a massive opportunity not only for the club, but for the local community to work together. You don’t need any previous experience, just plenty of enthusiasm for the magical world of theatre.”
Dennis Kitchen with the HUB bus
South Leeds Life | July-August 2016
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News in brief Food for a Monk
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Good for Hugh Gaitskell
Hugh Gaitskell Primary School has been judged as ‘Good’ in the latest Ofsted report dated 27 June 2016. Headteacher Mrs McNulty said she was “extremely delighted” with the judgement. The inspection team recognised the positive ethos of ‘One World, One School’ which underpins all aspects of the “calm and
harmonious” school. Ofsted observed that the “highly skilled teaching staff… ensure that pupils have a love of learning… make good progress and enjoy the challenges they are set.” The school has seen considerable change with a new Headteacher and deputy headteachers,appointed in Summer 2015. The new leadership has driven the school
forward, improving from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’. “Ofsted’s recognition of this achievement through the award of a ‘Good’ judgement is a positive validation of the efforts of staff, governors, parents, and of course, children.” said Mrs McNulty. The full Ofsted report can be viewed on the school website www.hughgaitskell.leeds.sch.uk.
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Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network (LASSN) launched an online directory of services for refugees and asylum seekers in Leeds, as their contribution to Refugee Week, which ran from 20-27 June this year. The website helpinleeds.com is not just for people seeking help, but people who want to offer help as well.
Pupil power as Hunslet Carr gets new playground Members of the School Council show off the new climbing frame at Hunslet Carr Primary School
Promoting British Values at Beeston Primary School by Sue Knowles
What a busy week the children have had at Beeston Primary School. On Thursday 23 June the children took part in their own mock UK Referendum then on Friday 24 June the whole school celebrated Armed Forces Day. For a small donation, children were allowed to come to school wearing patriotic colours of red, white and blue. During the day, children in all year groups learned about our brave men and women past and present who served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force. In June 2014 Michael Gove set out plans for all school children to be taught ‘British values’. The then Education Secretary
announced that from September 2014, England’s 20,000 primary and secondary schools would be required to actively tolerance, promote fairness, respect for other faiths, and the rule of law and democracy. Throughout the day children took part in a ‘March a Mile’ sponsored event in the school grounds. The children marched a mile to raise money to be split between school fund and Help the Heroes Charity; showing our gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces for their outstanding professionalism, courage and commitment to the people of Britain. Also, the children designed flags supporting our armed forces. The flags are currently being displayed in the school hall
and the winners in each class will be announced next week. The Headteacher, Mr Edensor said: “I would like to thank all our parents who have donated or helped their children collect sponsors. The children were amazing today and rose to the challenge.”
The final total raised will be announced shortly. On Saturday 2 July the school will be holding their Summer Fayre 11am to 1pm. There will be lots of stalls, games and prizes to be won and monies raised will be used to purchase outdoor play equipment for the children.
Pupils help Headteacher Mrs McNulty celebrate their achievement
New school planned for former Merlyn Rees site
SLATE’s award in memory of Patrick Artist’s impression of new Wellspring Academy in Belle Isle
SLATE, Hunslet’s Feel Good Furniture Shop, has created an award in memory of long time volunteers and member of staff Patrick Greaux who died last year. Patrick, who had learning disabilities, worked with SLATE from their beginnings at Moor End Day Centre. Congratulations to Lynda Spink, “the warm heart of SLATE since 2011”, who received the first award.
Education 7
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Holbeck welcomed a brand new kitchen at the Northern Monk Refectory on 10 June following the next phase of a huge year for micro-brewery and bar at Marshalls Mill, which has included international beer awards, brewery expansions and numerous new beers in development. It really is exciting times ahead.
New website to help refugees
July-August 2016 | South Leeds Life
A new school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) issues is being planned for the former Merlyn Rees High School site off Belle Isle Road. A planning application is due to be submitted soon for the 100 place school and adjoining community sports facilities. A drop in session was due to be held at South Leeds Youth Hub on Saturday 2 July between 10am 12pm. This will be an opportunity for parents, carers and residents to talk to view the plans for the new building and talk to the design team.
If you are unable to attend the session comments can be made by emailing: cs.builtenvironment @leeds.gov.uk Leeds City Council has agreed plans to transfer the behavioural Special Inclisive Learning Centre (SILC) at Elmete in East Leeds, after it was judged to be ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted last year. The Wellspring Academy chain, who are specialists in this field, has been selected to take over the school. It will extend its offer over three sites to make it more accessable to families across the city. Merlyn Rees High School closed
in 2006 after it merged with Matthew Murray High School to form South Leeds High School (now Academy). The South Leeds Youth Hub was built on part of the site using a Lottery grant, but much of the site has remained vacant. As well as the Wellspring Academy building it is proposed to develope sports facilities on the site which can be used by young people from across the community. It is understtod that the new school will not impact on Broomfield South SILC nearby which caters for children with different needs.
by Jeremy Morton Pupils at Hunslet Carr Primary School were put in charge of the recent upgrade to their playground facilities. Members of the School Council explained to me how they had been charged with choosing new equipment for the school playground. They talked to their classmates about what the children would enjoy and what would be safe. They chose a “really big and expensive” climbing frame as the centrepiece, but also had enough money left in the budget to improve the football area with two new goals; create an outdoor classroom; and a line of ‘pencils’ to segregate the children from parents collecting children from the nursery. “Play time is a lot more fun,
there are more things to play on.” “Children are excited about play time” “It’s good that we had a say in the design, it’s good to know that we helped.” This isn’t the first time the children have been involved in designing spaces. They also worked with a garden designer to plan the new school allotment. Again the School Council discussed ideas with the wider school and then had a meeting and worked through ideas with the designer. The allotment now boasts herbs, lettuce and fruit trees amongst its raised beds. Each class spends time once a fortnight on planting and maintaining the crops. Like the rest of the country, Hunslet Carr is currently gearing up for an important election. On 20 July the school will vote for its new Head
Boy and Head Girl. The candidates are working on their campaigns: writing speeches, designing posters and handing out leaflets and badges. They have been visiting classes to find out pupils’ views and learning a lot about how democracy works. Outgoing Head Boy Joe explained: “It’s about helping to make school better, making people feel welcome and finding new things to do. We want everyone to be involved and feel their voices are heard. “The best thing about being Head Boy was Takeover Day in November when the School Council took over running the school. I became Mr Lumb (the Headteacher), but it was quite boring really – he spends a lot of time in meetings.” Other members worked in the office ordering supplies and answering the phone, whilst Henry from Year 2 taught a Year 6 class!
Candidates to be Head Boy and Head Girl at Hunslet Carr Primary School
Children’s flags on display in the hall at Beeston Primary School
Two schools evacuated after bomb hoaxes Two South Leeds primary schools had to be evacuated after receiving threats that bombs had been planted in their buildings. Beeston Primary School received a threatening phoner call on the morning of Friday 27 May, just days after Middleton Primary School received a similar call. Children at Middleton were evacuated to the school playing field whilst Police undertook a search of the building. Children at Beeston were escorted across the road to Hugh Gaitskell Primary School where parents and carers collected them. Commenting about Beeston on South Leeds Life, Amy Brown said: “Was a terrible experience! But well done to all the staff from Beeston Primary and Hugh Gaitskel – handled very well! Also all parents keeping calm under the awful circumstances.
And well done to all of our very brave sensible children.” The hoax calls were part of a series
News in brief New Leeds Fund launched
Charities and community groups across the city are set to benefit as The Leeds Fund opens its first grant giving programme #GiveLoveLeeds Grants. The Leeds Fund, backed by Leeds-born TV presenter Gabby Logan, got off to a great start at its recent launch with donations from Anchor Partner, John Lewis Leeds, and other local businesses. The Leeds Fund opens its first cash giveaway on 1 July with £50,000. #GiveLoveLeeds Grants will provide financial grants between £500-£2,500 to support locally-based community activity. #GiveLoveLeeds Grants are open for applications until Friday 12 August. For more details on how to apply and how to support The Leeds Fund, visit: www.theleedsfund.org.uk
Police operation in Belle Isle
made to dozens of schools up and down the country. Police investigations continue.
Police search Beeston Primary School
Officers from the Inner South Neighbourhood Policing Team worked with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) & HMRC to conduct vehicle checks to ascertain if any of them where running on red diesel and if they were road worthy. Speed checks were also carried out in the area. From the operation, one vehicle was seized for no insurance and numerous vehicles reported by DVSA for vehicle defects.
South Leeds Life | July-August 2016
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6 Education
News in brief Food for a Monk
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Good for Hugh Gaitskell
Hugh Gaitskell Primary School has been judged as ‘Good’ in the latest Ofsted report dated 27 June 2016. Headteacher Mrs McNulty said she was “extremely delighted” with the judgement. The inspection team recognised the positive ethos of ‘One World, One School’ which underpins all aspects of the “calm and
harmonious” school. Ofsted observed that the “highly skilled teaching staff… ensure that pupils have a love of learning… make good progress and enjoy the challenges they are set.” The school has seen considerable change with a new Headteacher and deputy headteachers,appointed in Summer 2015. The new leadership has driven the school
forward, improving from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’. “Ofsted’s recognition of this achievement through the award of a ‘Good’ judgement is a positive validation of the efforts of staff, governors, parents, and of course, children.” said Mrs McNulty. The full Ofsted report can be viewed on the school website www.hughgaitskell.leeds.sch.uk.
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Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network (LASSN) launched an online directory of services for refugees and asylum seekers in Leeds, as their contribution to Refugee Week, which ran from 20-27 June this year. The website helpinleeds.com is not just for people seeking help, but people who want to offer help as well.
Pupil power as Hunslet Carr gets new playground Members of the School Council show off the new climbing frame at Hunslet Carr Primary School
Promoting British Values at Beeston Primary School by Sue Knowles
What a busy week the children have had at Beeston Primary School. On Thursday 23 June the children took part in their own mock UK Referendum then on Friday 24 June the whole school celebrated Armed Forces Day. For a small donation, children were allowed to come to school wearing patriotic colours of red, white and blue. During the day, children in all year groups learned about our brave men and women past and present who served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force. In June 2014 Michael Gove set out plans for all school children to be taught ‘British values’. The then Education Secretary
announced that from September 2014, England’s 20,000 primary and secondary schools would be required to actively tolerance, promote fairness, respect for other faiths, and the rule of law and democracy. Throughout the day children took part in a ‘March a Mile’ sponsored event in the school grounds. The children marched a mile to raise money to be split between school fund and Help the Heroes Charity; showing our gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces for their outstanding professionalism, courage and commitment to the people of Britain. Also, the children designed flags supporting our armed forces. The flags are currently being displayed in the school hall
and the winners in each class will be announced next week. The Headteacher, Mr Edensor said: “I would like to thank all our parents who have donated or helped their children collect sponsors. The children were amazing today and rose to the challenge.”
The final total raised will be announced shortly. On Saturday 2 July the school will be holding their Summer Fayre 11am to 1pm. There will be lots of stalls, games and prizes to be won and monies raised will be used to purchase outdoor play equipment for the children.
Pupils help Headteacher Mrs McNulty celebrate their achievement
New school planned for former Merlyn Rees site
SLATE’s award in memory of Patrick Artist’s impression of new Wellspring Academy in Belle Isle
SLATE, Hunslet’s Feel Good Furniture Shop, has created an award in memory of long time volunteers and member of staff Patrick Greaux who died last year. Patrick, who had learning disabilities, worked with SLATE from their beginnings at Moor End Day Centre. Congratulations to Lynda Spink, “the warm heart of SLATE since 2011”, who received the first award.
Education 7
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Holbeck welcomed a brand new kitchen at the Northern Monk Refectory on 10 June following the next phase of a huge year for micro-brewery and bar at Marshalls Mill, which has included international beer awards, brewery expansions and numerous new beers in development. It really is exciting times ahead.
New website to help refugees
July-August 2016 | South Leeds Life
A new school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) issues is being planned for the former Merlyn Rees High School site off Belle Isle Road. A planning application is due to be submitted soon for the 100 place school and adjoining community sports facilities. A drop in session was due to be held at South Leeds Youth Hub on Saturday 2 July between 10am 12pm. This will be an opportunity for parents, carers and residents to talk to view the plans for the new building and talk to the design team.
If you are unable to attend the session comments can be made by emailing: cs.builtenvironment @leeds.gov.uk Leeds City Council has agreed plans to transfer the behavioural Special Inclisive Learning Centre (SILC) at Elmete in East Leeds, after it was judged to be ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted last year. The Wellspring Academy chain, who are specialists in this field, has been selected to take over the school. It will extend its offer over three sites to make it more accessable to families across the city. Merlyn Rees High School closed
in 2006 after it merged with Matthew Murray High School to form South Leeds High School (now Academy). The South Leeds Youth Hub was built on part of the site using a Lottery grant, but much of the site has remained vacant. As well as the Wellspring Academy building it is proposed to develope sports facilities on the site which can be used by young people from across the community. It is understtod that the new school will not impact on Broomfield South SILC nearby which caters for children with different needs.
by Jeremy Morton Pupils at Hunslet Carr Primary School were put in charge of the recent upgrade to their playground facilities. Members of the School Council explained to me how they had been charged with choosing new equipment for the school playground. They talked to their classmates about what the children would enjoy and what would be safe. They chose a “really big and expensive” climbing frame as the centrepiece, but also had enough money left in the budget to improve the football area with two new goals; create an outdoor classroom; and a line of ‘pencils’ to segregate the children from parents collecting children from the nursery. “Play time is a lot more fun,
there are more things to play on.” “Children are excited about play time” “It’s good that we had a say in the design, it’s good to know that we helped.” This isn’t the first time the children have been involved in designing spaces. They also worked with a garden designer to plan the new school allotment. Again the School Council discussed ideas with the wider school and then had a meeting and worked through ideas with the designer. The allotment now boasts herbs, lettuce and fruit trees amongst its raised beds. Each class spends time once a fortnight on planting and maintaining the crops. Like the rest of the country, Hunslet Carr is currently gearing up for an important election. On 20 July the school will vote for its new Head
Boy and Head Girl. The candidates are working on their campaigns: writing speeches, designing posters and handing out leaflets and badges. They have been visiting classes to find out pupils’ views and learning a lot about how democracy works. Outgoing Head Boy Joe explained: “It’s about helping to make school better, making people feel welcome and finding new things to do. We want everyone to be involved and feel their voices are heard. “The best thing about being Head Boy was Takeover Day in November when the School Council took over running the school. I became Mr Lumb (the Headteacher), but it was quite boring really – he spends a lot of time in meetings.” Other members worked in the office ordering supplies and answering the phone, whilst Henry from Year 2 taught a Year 6 class!
Candidates to be Head Boy and Head Girl at Hunslet Carr Primary School
Children’s flags on display in the hall at Beeston Primary School
Two schools evacuated after bomb hoaxes Two South Leeds primary schools had to be evacuated after receiving threats that bombs had been planted in their buildings. Beeston Primary School received a threatening phoner call on the morning of Friday 27 May, just days after Middleton Primary School received a similar call. Children at Middleton were evacuated to the school playing field whilst Police undertook a search of the building. Children at Beeston were escorted across the road to Hugh Gaitskell Primary School where parents and carers collected them. Commenting about Beeston on South Leeds Life, Amy Brown said: “Was a terrible experience! But well done to all the staff from Beeston Primary and Hugh Gaitskel – handled very well! Also all parents keeping calm under the awful circumstances.
And well done to all of our very brave sensible children.” The hoax calls were part of a series
News in brief New Leeds Fund launched
Charities and community groups across the city are set to benefit as The Leeds Fund opens its first grant giving programme #GiveLoveLeeds Grants. The Leeds Fund, backed by Leeds-born TV presenter Gabby Logan, got off to a great start at its recent launch with donations from Anchor Partner, John Lewis Leeds, and other local businesses. The Leeds Fund opens its first cash giveaway on 1 July with £50,000. #GiveLoveLeeds Grants will provide financial grants between £500-£2,500 to support locally-based community activity. #GiveLoveLeeds Grants are open for applications until Friday 12 August. For more details on how to apply and how to support The Leeds Fund, visit: www.theleedsfund.org.uk
Police operation in Belle Isle
made to dozens of schools up and down the country. Police investigations continue.
Police search Beeston Primary School
Officers from the Inner South Neighbourhood Policing Team worked with the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) & HMRC to conduct vehicle checks to ascertain if any of them where running on red diesel and if they were road worthy. Speed checks were also carried out in the area. From the operation, one vehicle was seized for no insurance and numerous vehicles reported by DVSA for vehicle defects.
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South Leeds Life | July-August 2016
8 News
In our view
Community Fun
There is nothing quite like a community gala to bring everyone in the neighbourhood together. Stalls, entertainment, food and activities for the children - add in a bit of sunshine and you can’t go wrong. But please, as you enjoy yourself, spare a thought for the volunteers to gave up their time and energy to make the event happen. Without these kind souls our communities would be poorer.
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Your letters and comments
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EU!Referendum
Back in March I wrote a comment in response to Hilary Benn advocating a vote to remain in the European Union in the recent referendum where I suggested our best course would be to vote to leave. As the referendum came closer and closer I became more and more doubtful, and changed my mind on polling day. I have long been concerned by the direction of the EU, however with the misleading campaign from one side and Project Fear from the other I lost sight of that they had, or were in the process of, addressing a number of those concerns. Have we got control of control of immigration? Probably not. The leaders in Europe have said that if we want access to the single market we have to accept freedom of movement of labour. Westminster politicians may bluster but they know as well as anyone else that there is no way the EU is going to be flexible on this - they can't afford to be. This will leave many irate as they have been lead to believe we were taking back control of our borders and the EU would give us whatever we wanted. The Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership has to replace at least part of £338 million of funding it got from the European Union. We won’t be European Capital of Culture, so that’s 10 million visitors and their expenditure gone. We may be okay in the end but there is a rollercoaster of a ride in the interim, and when all is said and done I certainly can't say that it'll be worth it. I got it wrong. I am sorry. Carl Thomas
St Mary’s Cemetery
In reply to Peter Vicker’s letter, in Beeston Cemetery next to St Mary’s Church you will find, just inside the entrance, the Miners Memorial – remembering those killed in a local pit accident. In June a Beeston in Bloom working party was busy weeding and planting, showing care both for those being remembered and for those who will visit. The Council cemetery EU Referendum neighbours the Church Let’s keep talking. The politicians grounds and as both are can play their blame games and closed to new burials the we can have different views on Council has responsibility for what has happened. But let’s upkeep of most of the stick together as a community as grounds. St Mary’s has a we ride the coming rollercoaster. Garden of Remembrance for South Leeds Life would like to ashes which is still open, and play its part by offing itself as a is well-used by those whose forum where all shades of opinion loved ones are remembered can have their say. there. We also try to keep the area at the front of the Panto time already? church looking good (thanks Here at South Leeds Towers to Joy and Brian), and there we’re great fans of the St are seats for people to enjoy Gabby Logan, Patron of The Leeds Fund Andrew’s Christmas Panto. So to the flowers. hear that they face competition Yes some of the gravestones have fallen should have chosen Harry Gration: at least this year from Hunslet Club just over and some are broken. Sometimes this he lives in West Yorkshire! fills us with anticipation. It’s great is due to vandalism but often it may be Peter Blake that this side of the club’s because of age and weathering, and also activities is being revived and Harry Gratian is actually a Bradfordian, the regular checking of stones for safety: if given as much prominance as they are loose they will be laid flat – a although he has long been associated with their fantastic boxing, football and heavy stone toppling over could kill a child Leeds: he did teach history at Rodillian in rugby achievements. Perhaps the Lofthouse before becoming a TV or pet. cry of “Man on” will be replaced It’s a big job looking after the cemetery presenter. by “He’s behind you!” Admittedly, he has been the anchorman and on the whole I think the council does well. But they have limited funds for Look North for so long that he could to spend and have to weigh up actually be from Hunslet hence I understand your confusion. many competing priorities. I’d have gone for the beautiful Leeds So the Council works with Beeston & Holbeck ward others in the community to share warbler Corinne Bailey Rae. the care, and Beeston in Bloom Mark Graydon Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old are one of the groups who do Holbeck. The three councillors are: Beeston’s very own Leigh Francis – the loads of work around the area – David Congreve 0113 257 1679 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk funniest man on the planet! thank you Linda and your band of Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Simon Rigby workers. Adam Ogilvie 07969 680 024 adam.ogilvie@leeds.gov.uk Beeston is always well represented in the Leeds in City & Hunslet ward Bloom awards and makes me Join the debate proud to be in an area where so Includes the city centre, Holbeck Urban Village, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The many care about their Comment online; three councillors are: environment and get stuck into by email: info@southleedslife.com; Patrick Davey 0113 267 1282 patrick.davey@leeds.gov.uk making it better for all of us. Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, If you are concerned about the Leeds, LS11 7BW. Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk state of the cemetery (or other parts of Beeston) why not get Letters may be edited for publication. Middleton Park ward involved with making it better for Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are: all? I know you would be welcomed. Judith Blake 0113 247 7761 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk Rev Lindsey Pearson Kim Groves 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk
Your Councillors and MP
Paul Truswell
0113 247 6922 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk
Leeds Central MP – Rt Hon Hilary Benn Hilary Benn is our MP. He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Richmond Hill, Osmondthorpe, Halton Moor and New Wortley.
Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Suite 7, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097
Patron for Leeds Fund
Gabby Logan or Nell McAndrew any day of the week as patrons! Mike Hunt Scary Spice lives in Los Angeles. Gabby Logan lives in London. Nell McAndrew I am sure no longer lives in Belle Isle! They
Keep up to date with planning issues in LS10 and LS11. We publish a weekly list of all new planning applications online at:
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Keep up to date, up to the minute, by following South Leeds Life’s Twitter feed: @SouthLeedsLife. Twitter is the 140 character ‘micro blogging’ site. It’s free and you can sign up at twitter.com. It’s a great place to find the very latest news. Here are some of our favourite recent tweets: @WYPLisaAtkinson Today Hardy Street Mosque with the WYP Recruitment Campaign - thank you Beeston Community for your support #joinwyp
@samflavin Thank you for the poppy delivery @IngramRoad to #leedscitymuseum for the upcoming Leeds Pals Remembered. @groves_kim Just called into Bots and Tots at Middleton great to see the toddlers playing together &having fun group's like this make a difference @johncbaron Nice film worth a watch:seeking asylum in Belle Isle via @AmplifyLeeds youtu.be/iKcS3I3Wii8 @_WYCAS_ Just a reminder - all our guides and tools are #free from our website wycas.org.uk #charity #volsec #finance @EmerycTsla Looking forward to my Year 10 Rockschool class's mini performance this afternoon! Such talented students here #loveTSLA @LeedsParks Fancy being a gardener? Apprenticeships with us are available now! @CyclingLeeds Sign up for Sky Ride! The free mass-participation bike ride takes place on Sunday 17 July goskyride.com/leedsskyride @emilybasis Brill article! I know a #sexworker in Leeds #managedapproach who stopped a local business being robbed. #stigma @AdamPOgilvie Getting ready to provide Sunday lunch to older people in Holbeck @HEALeeds
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July-August 2016 | South Leeds Life
Arts 9
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South Leeds Life | July-August 2016
10 What’s On
What’s On
Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in July & August Every Monday Swimming 9:45am Holbeck Elderly Aid Happy Chinese Families Gp 9:30am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre General fitness for over 55's 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Beeston. Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Men’s games group 1-3pm Belle Isle WMC Learning Disability Advice 1-3pm Connect In the North, Bridge House, Balm Rd, Hunslet Walk and Talk 1:30-2:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Keep Fit 4:15-5pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Kickboxing 6-9pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street St Matthew’s Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Zumba 7pm Middleton Parochial Hall Prize Bingo 7-9:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Every Tuesday Keep Fit 9:30am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston Singing Group 10:30-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Knit & Natter 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Chair based mobility session
11.30am-1pm Cottingley Community Centre Lunch Club 12:15-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Family Cafe 3:30-5:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Rainbows, Brownies, Guides 4:30-9:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Skate Light 6-8pm Middleton Community Centre South Leeds Lakers 7pm from Beeston Co-op Every Wednesday Mums and Tots 9:15am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Pop Up Council Services 9:30am-2:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Chair mobility 10-10:45am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace Computer Club 10am-12pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Balm Walk Shopping Trip 10am-1pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Balm Walk CAP Job Club 10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Community Craft Cafe 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road Walk and Talk 12-1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle
For up to date event information make sure you go online to
www.southleedslife.com and check the What’s On Calendar
Knit and Crochet Group 3-5pm Costa Coffee, Crown Point Retail Park Aerobics and Dance 3:30-4:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy Basic Bike Maintenance Class 6-8pm Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Knitting Communities Together 6-9pm Dock 29, The Boulevard, Leeds Dock, Hunslet General fitness 6:15-7:15pm Belle Isle Family Centre Cottingley Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Zumba 6:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, Town Street South Leeds Sisters 7.15pm Improvers Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm St John & St Barnabus Church Hall, Belle Isle Every Thursday Charity Shop 9am-3pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Heart Cafe 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Middleton Park Estate Volunteers 10am-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm Brew Coffee Shop, Beeston Road Chair based mobility group 11:15am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Ctr Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Line Dancing 1pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Digital Photography Club 1-3pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Craft Group 1:30-3:30pm Cleveleys Court, Holbeck Mashed up fitness session aerobic dance 1:45-2:45pm Beeston Village Community Centre Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Intermediates Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road General fitness 6-7pm Beeston Parish Centre Indoor Bowls 7-10pm The Holbeck (WMC), Jenkinson Lawn Youth Drop In 7-9pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Zumba 7:15pm Middleton Parochial
Hall Every Friday Tea & Toast 8:30-9:30am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Under 5s Storytime 10-11am Dewsbury Road Library Ladies Singing Group 10:30am-12:30pm Tenant Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Luncheon Club 12-1:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street In Harmony Community Choir 12:15-1pm Windmill Primary School, Belle Isle Fish & Chip Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Krok Po Kroku (Polish Gp) 12:30-2:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Games Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Vintage Teas 2-5pm Gipsy Rose Cafe, South Leeds Golf Club (booking req) Holbeck Skate Park 5-6:30pm Holbeck Moor Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre Every Saturday Breakfast Club 8:30-11am Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Coffee morning 9am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Zumba 10am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Every Sunday Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Saturday 2 July Belle Isle Gala 11am-2pm Windmill Primary School, Windmill Road Holbeck Gala 12-4pm Holbeck Moor Sunday 3 July Indoor Car Boot Sale 9am-1pm Middleton Leisure Centre, Ring Road Middleton Broomfield School Fayre 11am-2pm Broom Place, Belle Isle
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Roots Alive 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Swing of Things 2:30-4:30pm Cross Flatts Park Beeston Dog Show 2:30-4:30pm Cross Flatts Park Preggers 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Tuesday 5 July Mostly Men 10am-12pm Northcotes Community Centre White Rose Residents Assoc 6pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Sq, Beeston Macbeth 7-9pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Friends of Stank Hall Barn 7:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road Wednesday 6 July Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Women’s Cycling 6-7pm Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Thursday 7 July Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friday 8 July Stories To Tell In The Middle Of The Night 7:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck 70s Night 8pm-late South Leeds Golf Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Saturday 9 July Scouts Summer Fayre 10am-2pm St Andrew’s Church, Old Lane, Beeston Sunday 10 July M’ton Railway History Walks 11am, 1pm, 2:40pm Park Halt, Middleton Park Sunday Lunch 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck The Spa Quartet 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street East Steel 2:30-4:30pm Cross Flatts Park The Economy of Ecology 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Wednesday 13 July Cottingley Hall TRAC 7pm Cottingley Comm. Centre Saturday 16 July Leeds Young Archaeologists Club
10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Sunday 17 July Rock & Folk Music Festival 12-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Dr Reelgood Ceilidh Band 2:30-4:30pm Cross Flatts Park Monday 18 July St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Thursday 21 July Comics Club! 3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library Saturday 23 July Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Hunslet Club Summer Gala 2-8pm Hillidge Road Sunday 25 July BITMO Lunch Club 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Maltings Lunch Club 1-3pm Maltings Court, Maltings Road, Beeston History Walk 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 27 July Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police HQ Sunday 31 July Family Fun Day & car Boot 11am-5pm Leeds Corinthians RUFC, Ring Road, Middleton Crofton Silver Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street The Road To Huntsville 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Thursday 4 August Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Sunday 5 August Indoor Car Boot Sale 9am-1pm Middleton Leisure Centre, Ring Road Middleton York Railway Institute Band 2:30-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Sunday 14 August Birds of Prey Experience 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wed 17 & Thur 18 August Breeze On Tour 12-5pm Cross Flatts Park Sunday 21 August M’ton Railway History Walks 11am, 1pm, 2:40pm Park Halt, Middleton Park Middleton Park Dog Show 1-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street
Publicise your event with South Leeds Life Send full details of your event to: info@southleedslife.com or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW
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July-August 2016 | South Leeds Life
Sport / News 11
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St Anthony’s treble win Broncos’ final fight back just falls short by Phil Goodfield
Beeston St Anthony’s FC show off their silverware Congratulartions to Beeston St Anthony’s FC who have completed the treble this season.
They won the West Yorkshire Premier League, the West Riding County Challenge Cup, and the
West Yorkshire League Cup for an amazing season. Well done to all involved.
Women win the Lottery
A partnership of women’s and girls organisations have secured £2,022,528 of funding from the National Lottery for their work across Leeds. Women’s Lives Leeds, which includes Beeston’s Asha Neighbourhood Project and Hunsletbased Women’s Health Matters, launched on 24 May with an event at Leeds Civic Hall, hosted by Jo Jo of Capital FM. Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council introduced the project to the city of Leeds. 200 women and girls attended from across the partnership. Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said:
“I am delighted that women’s services in Leeds have attracted the Big Lottery to invest in these services, benefitting women in our community and helping young girls and women most in need.” Women’s Lives Leeds will place women and girls are at the heart of the successful investment of Big Lottery funding in Leeds, as part of a national programme of investment bringing together services with over 250 years of experience of work with women and girls. 12 organisations are joining together to support and empower women who are most at risk, forming a unique partnership not
only for Leeds, but also nationally. Women’s Lives Leeds (WLL) is a partnership with specialism’s in domestic violence, mental health, sexual health, sex work, trafficking, child sexual exploitation and work with ethnic minority groups. Extensive consultation with women identified a number of challenges women face in accessing services, with one of the first developments being a ‘Virtual Women’s Centre’, providing a Single Point of Information to women affected by very complex situations. The consortium is looking to reach 1657 women and girls at risk in the first
Members from the groups that make up Women’s Lives Leeds
year. The long established services in Leeds are headed up by Leeds Women’s Aid (LWA) and will improve and extend access for at risk women and girls in Leeds to the services and support they want, when and where they choose, meeting the needs of women and girls with complex and multiple needs. Women and girls will also be empowered to support their peers and influence service development, delivery and design across the city. LWA Chief Executive Kate Bratt-Farrar said: “We have worked hard to secure this investment for women and girls in Leeds and as a partnership we’re really looking forward to being able to deliver even better services. We know that women with more complex needs face additional problems in getting the services they need and our consortium will be working with women and girls to address that.”
Beeston Broncos were defeated by Keighley Albion in the Yorkshire Juniors Continuation Cup Final. The match, played on Saturday 25 June at Featherstone Rovers’ Bigfellas Stadium, was the club’s first ever final appearance. Trailing by 20 points to 4 at half time to a powerful Keighley side the Broncos showed great spirit and skills to fight back magnificently in the second half scoring three tries to one, only to lose out by 24 points to 16 at the final whistle. The club, parents and new sponsors LHA Car and Commercial Vehicles of Rothwell are all very proud of the effort put in by the whole team in the club’s first final outing – the boys and coaches coming away with a determination to work hard with the aim of making more cup final appearances in the
future! Other south Leeds sides featured in the Yorkshire Juniors finals last weekend with excellent victories for Hunslet Club Parkside’s u12s and Hunslet Warriors u13s. See below for results: Under 12s Continuation Cup Final: Bradford Dudley Hill 8-16 Hunslet Club Parkside Under 13s Challenge Cup Final: Hunslet Warriors 28-10 Featherstone Lions Under 14s Challenge Cup Final: Kippax 20-10 Hunslet Warriors The Broncos are on the look out for new players in School Years Reception, 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 as they look to the future with a growing enthusiasm. If you have youngsters in those age groups who would like to give rugby a try, why not get in touch with Darrell Robinson on 07447 098068, or Phil Goodfield on 07887 723328 for more information?
The Beeston Broncos squad visited sponsor LHA before the match
Waterfront running by Amanda Binns
The weekend of 25 and 26 June saw the Leeds Waterfront Festival in various locations along the river and canal. This, the festival’s ninth year, was also the 200th anniversary of the completion of the Leeds to Liverpool canal. There were a multitude of different food and drinks stalls and various events on and off the water. One of these events was a run organised by local running group ‘Veggie Runners’. The Art Run was just over 4 miles mostly along the canal with various stops along the way. The stops included looking at points of interest and some surprising facts about the canal and surrounding areas. Who knew that the canal from Leeds to Liverpool took 46 years to build? I
Preparing for a canal-side run
certainly didn't. The route took us along the canal for around 2 miles to a bridge close to Armley park, the path then followed a woodland trail stopping at the bottom of a staircase known as ‘Armley Killer Steps’. They certainly lived up to their name! The group was led by Janey who took us through our paces in the warm up and post run stretches. There were 16 of us in total and the run was well organised and no one was left behind.
As a slower runner, I felt welcome and supported and was never made to feel as if I was holding anyone up. More information about Veggie Runners can be found at www.veggierunners.com or they can be found on Facebook or on Twitter: @VeggieRunnersUK. They have regular sessions on Mondays at 6.30pm, suitable for more experienced runners, as well as other running based events.
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South Leeds Life | July-August 2016
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Hunslet Hawks push for Super 8s by Nathan Kirk and Jeremy Morton Three wins out of four in June saw the Hunslet Hawks solidify their eighth place in League 1, just the right side of the cut for the Super 8s. This season League 1 clubs have each other just once, before the league splits into two to settle promotion and relegation questions. Hunslet must have an ouside chance at best for promotion and their position in the top half of the table isn’t yet secured, but June has been a promising month. Back on 5 June the Hawks had their best win, overcoming higher placed London Skolars at a sun drenched South Leeds Stadium. In the lead 12-0 at half time, the Hawks controlled early stages, strong drives paving the way for two tries. With the Southern-based side playing unimaginative rugby, Hunslet easily diffused their few good attacks.
The second half was a bit of a different story however, a lot more open with both teams dominating at different stages. Hunslet rushed out quickly, taking the scores to 26-6 after 2 tries and a penalty kick at goal. It stayed that way for a while before London shot into action late in the game. That, added to the fact that Hunslet had come off the horse slightly, missing important tackles and being flat in attack, allowed the Skolars to post two late tries – much to the home fans disappointment. York City Knights are riding high in the league and the Hawks travelled to Bootham Crescent on the back off two wins, hoping to avenge their defeat to York in the iPro Cup back in February. After a dominant first half, the Hawks faced a second half charge by the Knights who scored 14 points in six minutes. Three York players were sinbinned and Jake Norminton was sent off for the Hawks as tempers got frayed late in the game. Hunslet were unable to
make the advantage pay and finished 32-24 down at the hooter. Hunslet Hawks got back to winning ways with a convincing victory at home to Coventry Bears on 19 June winning by a 20 point margin. The Bears took an early lead, Hunslet hit back confidently and went in 30-12 up at half time. A less eventful second half saw an exchange of tries and a Simon Brown goal to finish the match 38-18. After the game, coach Matt Bramald expressed his satisfaction with Hunslet’s coping with everything that was thrown at them by the opposition adding that it was as close as they have been all season to an 80 minute performance – a true reflection as they dominated from start to finish. June ended with a trip to the struggling South Wales Scorpions. Hunslet Hawks dominated the first half at Virginia Park, Caerphilly, scoring four tries, as befits a team 6 places above South
Photo: Steve Gaunt / Touchlinepics.com Wales who have only one win this season. However the Scorpions stung back in the second half scoring three unanswered tries themselves before Hunslet secured the match, and two points, with two more tries.
A fighting chance in Vegas by Ed Carlisle
This month sees Middleton man Tom 'The Viking' Crosby, 28, fly out to Las Vegas in the US to compete at the amateur world championships for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – commonly known as cage fighting. Ed Carlisle caught up with him before he left, to find out what it's all about. Back in 2013, Tom was playing rugby league, looking for extra fitness opportunities, joined a local class, and “fell in love with the sport”. He promptly retired from rugby, took up mixed martial arts (a sport made up of multiple disciplines including kickboxing, jiu jitsu, 'grappling', 'grapple and strike', and more) – and has never looked back. It's been an eventful few years. In just the first year, he won the UK's MMA open competition – and has since won a score of national and world titles and medals, at events including the World Martial Arts Games. He explains: “You can get mashed up, but there are rules, and it's not all-out brutal like people perceive it to be. It's not a team sport, so you're not reliant on others: you're locked up in there, and it's just up to you. I love it, but it's nerve-wracking.” Indeed, it's not been all plain sailing, with – perhaps inevitably – injuries taking their toll over the years. As well as the bumps and niggles (“you get them all the time”), we was out for 6
Final score 24-36. The Hawks will finish this first part of the season on Sunday 10 July when they host North Wales Crusaders. If the Crusaders’ beat Coventry Bears in the meantime this match will be a winner takes all
in terms of the Super 8s. In any event Hunslet need a win to maintain their momentum for the rest of the season. Read full match reports every week online at: www.southleedslife.com
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Tom ‘The Viking’ Crosby is off to fight in Las Vegas months with a knee injury, 2 months with one of his wrists, and 4 months with a broken eye socket. His job outside fighting is as a child-minder – but he says the parents don't even bat an eyelid anymore when he turns up at work covered in bruises! An injury forced him to miss the European MMA championships last autumn, but he's back on form now, and was proud to be selected for the 13strong UK team heading to Vegas this week. Over the next fortnight, the competitors will battle it out for a series of titles, in front of thousands of spectators. There's no cash with the prizes, but they are – Tom insists – “the biggest accolades you can achieve as an
amateur.” Looking ahead, Tom hopes to go professional – maybe in the coming year: “That's the ambition, but there's no rush. I'm waiting on my coach to tell me when I'm ready, and I've goals to achieve before then. But goals aside, I just love the sport. We've a phrase in the sport that we often say: you win, or you learn. That sums it up for me.” For more info, including opportunities to sponsor Tom and his team-mates, check out: www.facebook.com/TomThe VikingMMA. To get involved in MMA yourself, visit the AVT gym in Birstall, where there are classes and sessions for all ages.
For more information call 07894 583966 or email: info@southleedslife.com