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Issue 21 | September 2016

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

Frustration over Holbeck Moor Traveller camp

In this issue:

100 not out for Kitty Hall

page 3

It’s Hanif OBE!

page 5

Family reunited

with WW1 medals

page 9

Caravans camped on Holbeck Moor. Photo: Jeremy Morton

by Ed Carlisle Local residents in Holbeck and Beeston have expressed growing anger around an encampment of Irish Travellers which remains on Holbeck Moor as we go to press. The group arrived on Tuesday 16 August and established a camp with about 20 caravans and mobile homes. They stated they intended to stay just a few days, and insisted they would cause no trouble. Many local residents have been complaining bitterly online – particularly on the ‘Save Our Beeston’ Facebook

group – about the behaviour of the Travellers, and the perceived inaction of the Council and Police. Allegations from local residents include: anti-social behaviour, such as intimidation and late-night noise nuisance; some damage to the grass, flowerbeds, and the nearby skatepark; harassment from members of the encampment doing door-to-door sales; failure to control dogs; and littering. Dennis Kitchen, chair of Holbeck Neighbourhood Forum told South Leeds Life: “We’re trying to improve Holbeck, but keep getting knocked back because of antisocial behviour in particular.

This encampment should be treated as such by the police. We don’t have a problem with people travelling here to trade, as they are doing, but why should we accept anti-social behaviour? Millions have been spent on those new houses just across the road, and now this. It’s stupid.” There is evidence that waste from the camp has been somewhat cleared up at points during the stay, especially when skips have been provided – but there have been piles of rubbish on site for most the time. A further source of anger is that some of the waste is trade waste and should be treated as such. There were suggestions that

the encampment would voluntarily move on after the ancient Lee Gap Horse Fair in West Ardsley – but most of the caravans remain on site. Meanwhile, local councillors and Council officers have insisted that they are working to resolve the current situation, and seek longer-term solutions for the site. Notices appeared on site on Thursday 25 August pointing towards a court date on Thursday 1 September, at which the Council will apply for permission to evict the encampment. Cllr Adam Ogilvie (Beeston and Holbeck) commented: “We understand residents’ concerns about the time it’s

taking to move the encampment, which is down to getting a court date. In the meantime, we strongly urge that if people witness any antisocial behaviour issues, these need to reported to the police – who do have the power to take action, but only if they are getting these calls. We will do our best to find the funds to fence off this area to prevent the issue re-occurring.” Beyond the life of this encampment, the Council is understood to be costing up bollards and fencing for the site – likely to be £20,000. Others locally are requesting that the Council might instead look to enact a by-law covering the site, to save money.

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Barmines rock Leeds Festival

page 12

NEWS

SCHOOLS

FEEDBACK ARTS

p2-6 p8-9 p10

p12-13

WHAT’S!ON p14-15 SPORT!

p16

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South Leeds Life | September 2016

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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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Holiday reflections by Hilary Benn MP

First of all, many congratulations to the Leeds and Yorkshire Olympians – and by the time you read this I hope Para-Olympians - on their tremendous medal successes in Rio. Having spent part of my summer holiday glued to the television in the small hours, like many people, it’s a reminder of what skill, professionalism, dedication and sheer hard work can achieve. Talking of holidays, we went to Scotland and found ourselves on the island of Islay. It is a beautiful place with sweeping beaches and whitewashed cottages, and home it seems to more whisky distilleries than any other place on earth. According to the Island’s website ”it is believed that the Irish monks first introduced the art of distillation to Islay during the early fourteenth century. Due to the fact that Islay was a fertile island for growing barley, called bere in the old days,

with excellent pure water sources and plenty of peat, the island had everything in favour to distill whisky.” Being a teetotaller, my interest in the history doesn’t quite extend to sampling the product, but I am assured by those who do that it is very good! One of the other essentials for an MP on holiday is searching for a wifi connection to keep up with emails and in touch with what’s happening in the world. Discovering a superfast connection on the very north coast of rural Scotland really does bring home that some of my constituents still have to contend with a miserably slow broadband service, a point forcefully made by a number of emails I got while I was away. Sometimes they come from people who have just moved into the area and are shocked by the glacial pace of their connection; on other occasions it’s a sign that the patience of someone working from home has finally been exhausted. Let’s face it, a good Internet connection is now as important to

where we live as a supply of gas, electricity or a telephone is. Overall, the UK is doing pretty well with more and more homes and businesses having access to superfast broadband, but there are still pockets of unacceptably poor service in south Leeds. What’s needed is investment to upgrade telephone cabinets and install fibre optic cables, but as I have learned while dealing with a number of complaints, it seems to be all down to the companies to decide whether they think it is commercially viable to do this or not. In one case I worked on with the local residents - in New Forest Village BT Openreach had decided that there wouldn’t be a big enough take-up to justify the investment. But when they did eventually upgrade one of the cabinets they were overwhelmed with people wanting to buy faster broadband which suggested that their estimate of demand was way off. Ofcom – the regulator – recently looked at the performance of BT

Openreach and has set out a number of new conditions for it to meet, but the truth is very simple. We all need superfast broadband, whether it’s for our homework, online shopping, running our businesses or keeping in touch while we are away. It is now time we got it right across the city to ensure that Leeds remains a prosperous and vibrant place. So would all the suppliers out there please note!

3 month consultation begins on ‘South Bank’ redevelopment plan

An online public consultation on ambitious proposals to regenerate the ‘South Bank’ area of Hunslet and Holbeck and effectively double the size of the city centre has started. The consultation, which will run for three months until 15 November, asks for views on proposals to form a framework for future development of South Bank Leeds. The area is of great importance to the city and regional economy as one of the largest regeneration schemes of its type in Europe. Background information on the South Bank Leeds proposals can now be seen at southbankleeds.co.uk, along with a questionnaire survey asking for views and priorities, comments and ideas which will help shape future development decisions on the scheme. The questionnaire leads on a series of general questions about the proposals, followed by an additional section for those keen to engage in a more detailed way.

Alongside the online consultation a series of drop-in sessions will take place in the coming weeks, along with special workshops on specific aspects of the proposals to be held in September and

October. Details of these sessions are being finalised and will be available shortly on the website, with those keen to attend encouraged to email: southbank@leeds.gov.uk to register their interest .

The information and questionnaire can be accessed using the public computers at any Leeds City Council-managed library or one-stop shop. Views can also be expressed to the email address southbank@leeds.gov.uk, and should groups or organisations wish to host their own event as part of the consultation the council would be keen to help support such activities taking place. Covering an area the size of 250 football pitches, the ambition for South Bank Leeds is to provide more than 35,000 jobs and over 4,000 homes and for it to become a leading European destination for living, working and leisure. It will also be home to a new educational hub accessed by over 10,000 students as well as featuring community facilities and leisure attractions to further strengthen connections with surrounding areas and the wider city as a whole. Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith

Blake said: “We are very pleased to be launching this public consultation as the next phase in the development of South Bank Leeds. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to transform an area of our city not only into a fantastic economic driver of jobs and growth but also an attractive place for people to live, learn, work and visit. “It will also greatly enhance and expand the city centre so a major challenge is how to integrate developments in the South Bank with the surrounding communities and the wider city. We also need to make the most of high speed rail and the tremendous opportunities provided by the redevelopment of Leeds Station. “So I would encourage everyone to get involved and tell us what they think as in many ways South Bank is going to be a huge influence on the future direction of our city and the lives of thousands of people in Leeds and beyond.”

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September 2016 | South Leeds Life

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Keepmoat and HEA spruce up St Matt’s centre by Jeremy Morton

St Matthew’s Community Centre in Holbeck has had a bit of a makeover, with housing contractors Keepmoat providing labour and materials to smarten up the entrance lobby. The project was officially concluded and celebrated when Keepmoat staff joined Holbeck Elderly Aid (HEA) members and volunteers, and local councillors, for breakfast. The Centre is one the main bases for HEA, which provides a range of services and activities to older members of the Holbeck community. The building was converted from a church many years ago and the décor was looking tired to say the least. “We wanted to make it feel more welcoming to our members,” explained Elissa Newman, HEA’s CEO. “We want our members to feel valued and give them the best we can.” HEA had been in discussion with Keepmoat, the main contractor on the new council housing in

Kitty’s 100 not out

On Saturday 27 August Kitty Hall was joined by family and friends to celebrate her 100th birthday. Beeston Parish Centre was packed with five generations of her family along with many friends. Kitty Hall was born Catherine Nettleton in Durham in 1916, during the First World War.

She moved with her husband to new prefab housing in Cottingley in 1948, just after the Second World War. When new houses were built at Beeston Park Terrace, she was again amongst the first tenants to move in. Whilst there, she helped with the fundraising for the very Parish Centre . In later years she lived at

Cardinal Court and is currently a resident at Sunnyview House, on Beeston Road. Although she has mobility issues, Kitty’s mind is still as sharp as a pin. “I was so surprised to see everyone” she said. “I’m lucky to have such a lovely family and good friends in Beeston and at St Mary’s church.”

Spruced up St Matt’s Holbeck, for two years. The building presented difficulties, and a full refurbishment was impossible in the current financial climate.The kitchen is due to be refitted in the future, but requires specialist catering equipment. It was decided at this stage to work on the entrance lobby. A team of apprentices – including some of the 52 apprentices who have worked on the housing regeneration scheme in Holbeck and Beeston Hill over the last three years – took on the job, gaining further skills, experience and qualifications. Stuart Downes from Keepmoat

said: “We were keen to give something back to the community, but with all the housing in Holbeck completed, we were running out of time. Our thought was that if we get the entrance right, the rest of the building can follow on.” As well as the painting, new planters have been donated by Urban Planters, and new flooring and blinds are on their way. The entrance has been completed with framed photos of old Holbeck by HEA volunteer Steve Hall. “It’s important for our members to keep the connection with old Holbeck at a time of great change in the area,” said Elissa Newman.

Pictured working on the redecoration, left to right: Jonathan Bingham, Chris Baxter, Paul Stockdale, Sam Mooney, Christine Mills, Elissa Newman (HEA), Jed Beanland (on the ladder), Juliet Bennett, Danny Cunnane & Ryan Cavanagh.

Kitty Hall celebrates her 100th birthday with five generations of her family

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Middleton & Belle Isle commemorate WW1

Two memorial benches have been unveiled to remember the fallen of World War One at two key landmarks in the community. Middleton Park Councillors were delighted to unveil the two benches this week at Belle Isle Circus and Middleton Park Circus and were joined by residents from the community. To commemorate World War One, the councillors financed the benches from their MICE funds. The benches are

decorated with images of soldiers from the Great War and adorned with red poppies. Councillor Kim Groves (Middleton Park) said: “Over the years, many of our residents have served their country and we will never forget the sacrifice they made. These benches are a lovely way to remember them.” Councillor Paul Truswell (Middleton Park) said: “I cannot stress enough how important these benches are to the community,

reminding us all of the immense sacrifice made by service men and women during times of conflict.” Councillor Judith Blake (Middleton Park) said: “These benches represent our appreciation for the dedication and commitment from all the men and women who served our country during the First World War. It is great to see a place for residents to reflect and remember our servicemen and women.”

Holbeck hails binyard improvements

Work is now complete in the Recreations area of Holbeck to redevelop the binyards. The improvements will help take bins off the street, secure the bin yards against fly-tipping and introduce communal recycling. Thanks to the active involvement from Beeston and Holbeck Councillors, the new communal bins are now in place and ready to use on Recreation Grove and Recreation Mount. This new, easy to use service provides residents with large communal bins ensuring all houses have access to waste and recycling collections. The service does not require residents to put bins out for collection or return them after emptying. The bins are locked into secure frames within easy reach of the properties and have special lids to prevent large items and wrong recycling items being placed in them. Cllr Angela Gabriel said:

“This is a great example of the partnership between the council, landlords and residents. Over the last few months we have worked to deliver these improvements, and I am pleased that the communal bins are now in place and ready to use.” Cllr David Congreve said: “I am delighted that residents who live on the Recreations finally have access to secure and improved bins that will keep our streets free from bins and clean from fly-tipping. I hope that we can use this site as an example to show landlords what is possible, and to promote investment in binyards in other parts of the Recreations.” Cllr Adam Ogilvie said: “These communal bins will reduce fly-tipping, encourage recycling and resolve the issue of bins on the streets which are all key to keeping Leeds clean and dealing effectively with the city’s waste.”

Cllr Kim Groves (seated) & Cllr Paul Truswell (centre) with residents at Belle Isle Circus

Beeston celebrates Hanif Malik’s OBE by Jeremy Morton

The Hamara Centre on Tempest Road, Beeston was the venue for a celebration event as Hamara’s ‘family’ – partners, staff and the wider community – gathered to celebrate Hanif Malik’s recent award of the OBE. In a series of speeches the qualities that led to the award were expressed by various partner organisation, but as Hanif put it himself: “The OBE is not about me, it is for the whole Beeston community.” Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council talked about Hanif’s ability to put time into understanding people’s differing perspectives and pointing out how much we can achieve if we put our differences aside and work together. She also reminded the gathering of the difficult time in the aftermath of the 7/7 bombings in 2005 and said that it was important that Hanif was at the centre of the community. “It put Leeds on the map as a city of solidarity, a city of sanctuary” she said. Mohammed Farouk, Chair of Hamara, spoke about how important is that Hanif’s tireless work has been

Cllr Judith Blake with Hanif Malik OBE recognised by the Queen. Alan Schofield from Leeds United Foundation talked about their joint work on

“I hope it’s an inspiration to others” the Sporting Chance project helping young men who had been in trouble. “Everyone who Hanif links with feels special” he said. Aamer Naeem from the Penny Appeal described Hanif as a “grassroots connected person who also sees the big picture.” Sally

Anne Greenfield, CEO at Leeds Community Foundation, commented: “His interest in people’s lives is more than just a job, it’s part of his DNA.” Dean Stratton from the White Rose Centre said “You get a lot of calls to action, but when it comes from Hanif you know you have to listen.” James Bailey from Hammerson was pleased to say that the first apprentice appointed at the Victoria Gate development had come through Hamara. In response Hanif

repeated that the OBE was not about him: “It makes no difference to me personally, but I hope it makes a difference to Beeston, to my colleagues here at Hamara and to my beloved city of Leeds. “I hope it’s an inspiration to other third sector organisations and I hope it’s an inspiration for young people to rise up and make a change in their lives and their communities.” Hanif Malik will receive his OBE from the Queen later in the year.

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September 2016 | South Leeds Life

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Charity Challenge roundup by Amanda Binns, Steve Firth and Donna Deacon It’s been a busy summer for charity fundraising in South Leeds. Here are three examples of the area’s amazing community spirit. Tour de Northside Sixteen of my colleagues from Northside Truck and Van Ltd completed a 20 mile cycle ride in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and in memory of our colleague Don Bowen.

years of loyal service to Northside Don was responsible for developing and sharing this knowledge, experience and wisdom with many other successful Technicians that work in our Business today. Don developed cancer in January 2015 and sadly lost his battle with the disease on 4th May 2016. He leaves many friends and a massive hole in all our lives, his loyal friends want to do something to give something back in his name. We undertook a massive challenge in the “Tour De Northside”

Northside staff charity riders They cycled around all our depots in Yorkshire and Humberside taking the route Sheffield, Doncaster, Scunthorpe ,Immingham, Hull, York, Bradford and Leeds. Don Bowen, from Beeston, started working for Northside Truck and Van in January 1990. During this time Don Progressed to the Diagnostic level of HGV Technician being responsible for a high level of technical repairs. During his 26

Cycle event visiting all 8 Northside Depots over 3 days covering almost 200 miles! We have beaten our original target of £3,000, but can you help us raise even more for for Macmillan Cancer Support? If you would like to donate, please visit: justgiving.com/ fundraising/tourdenorthside Hawks family pulls together I have supported Hunslet all my life and have always felt that

there is a strong community feel amongst the supporters. It was this community that pulled together to support the Setting off from The Garden Gate family of a long-term supporter following ground, and continued until his sudden death. Mark Smith they had completed a full was a loyal supporter of marathon distance. Lagging well behind were the Hunslet and a few of his friends three cyclists: myself, Ian arranged a sponsored walk to raise money to help his family. Pickles and Phil Hodgson. We The walk was arranged for had a lovely lie-in before the day of the game against meeting at 10am. After a Keighley – away at Keighley, a couple of comfort stops mere 21 miles along the canal. (otherwise known as pubs), we The walkers were also joined arrived with about 20 minutes by a matching pair of runners to spare before kick-off. To add to the craziness, the and a trio of cyclists. Almost 30 supporters three of us also cycled home – gathered at the famous Garden bringing our mileage up to Gate pub at the unearthly hour around 45 miles. It hurt, a lot! of 5.30am for bacon And to add to the torment, I sandwiches and cups of tea, was during the return journey which were provided free. knocked off my bike by a dog. They then set of to walk the 21+ miles along the canal to Keighley.The walkers arrived at around 1pm, plenty of time for a well-deserved pint before the kick-off. Along the way they were overtaken by the Johnstone twins, Colin and Keith. These crazy boys decided to take the challenge up a notch and run the distance. But this wasn’t enough and they passed the

Hunslet properties by Pat Jackson

The former Hunslet Gate Centre – a former school on Sussex Gardens – is due to be sold by Leeds City Council, at auction on 15th September. It is expected to fetch £225,000+. Until recently a school, it has been empty for some time, and become a derelict eyesore in the heart of the local community. So residents will no doubt be glad to see something happening at last on the half-acre site – whether as offices, housing or something else. On the same stretch of road, the postbox which was in front of the former Thwaite Gate Post Office has now been removed.The shop itself is now occupied by The Pow Wow cafe and caterers, who do a great range of sandwiches,

The former Hunslet Gate Centre food, and drinks – well worth a visit. Also on the subject of Post Offices, the Church Street Post Office is proposing to move 50m along the road – to the larger shop on the end of row at the front of the Penny Hill Centre, formerly occupied by the St Luke’s Cares charity shop.This should make for less queuing outside in the cold of winter!

Across the road from there, the St Mary’s Primary School extension is well underway. As previously reported, the school is expanding to take in 45 children per year, up from 30. This will hopefully ease the overcrowding which has come from the rise in Hunslet’s young population, whilst continuing its tradition of providing good education.

(But it was a slow gentle fall, so I didn’t get anything more than a dirty knee.) The kind people at Keighley allowed us to take buckets amongst the crowd, and this raised over £500 to add to the £2,000 already collected.We’re hoping to top £5,000 for our final total, and the supporters are planning to present the cheque to Mark’s family at the game against Toulouse on 3rd September, at South Leeds Stadium. Macmillan youngsters

and table top stall to raise money for charity. Jadine Thornton and Keira Coop, both 10, spent the full sun-scorched day on the Grovehalls near Old Lane running the stall, serving passers-by with ice-cold drinks (for a bargain 20p!), and selling donated goods. They raised £45 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Jadine commented: “We did it because some of my family have been helped by Macmillan, and I feel that I’m helping others as well as Macmillan. We are planning to do it again, bigger and better!”

The familiar summer refrain: “I’m bored, there’s nothing to do” was ignored two Beeston primary school girls turned their holidays to great use, organising a street-side refreshments Jadine Thornton and Keira Coop

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News in brief Unity’s Holbeck homes opening

Hilary Benn MP was on hand to officially open Unity Homes’ £4.5m development on Brown Lane Easrt in Holbeck. The 18 twobedroom flats and 24 three and four-bedroom houses have all been let or sold.

Casino job opportunities The new Victoria Gate casino is to open in Leeds city centre this autumn and the Council’s Jobs and Skills service is offering help to secure employment there. Jobs will include gaming staff, catering, management and security roles. The roadshow will be at Dewsbury Road One Stop Centre on Monday 5 September at 2pm and 3:15pm. To book a place please call 0113 247 5862 or 07891 276055.

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Middleton gets into gear with new bike library Middleton residents can now jump on a bike for free, thanks to a new ‘bike library’ at the local community hub. Leeds City Council launched the third of its Yorkshire Bank Bike Libraries at the St George’s Centre Community Hub on 1 August.The new bike library will give local families the opportunity to borrow bikes for free using their current library membership card. There will also be the option to reserve and collect online through the existing library website. Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “Bike libraries are a fantastic way to encourage people to take up cycling

without having to purchase a bike first. I am sure the people of Middleton will take full advantage of this great opportunity. “This partnership with Yorkshire Bank and Welcome to Yorkshire is another example of how communities are benefiting from the great legacy the Tour de France has provided for the people of Leeds. “That legacy is most important in communities like Middleton and Belle Isle, we want more young people to be able to use bikes safely. Part of that aspiration will be met through dedicated cycling facilities being developed in Middleton Park.”

Councillors Truswell, Blake, Groves and Coupar launch the bike library Members of the public are also encouraged to donate their old bikes at the Middleton Park Bike Hub in the old golf house on

Middleton Ring Road, or at 2 Great George Street in Leeds city centre. The donated bikes will then be reconditioned and be made available to borrow at

the city’s bike library venues. There is more information about donation stations at: bikelibraries.yorkshire.com/ donation-stations

Not too many cooks A Lab to dabble in bigger kitchen in digital skills Hunslet Methodist Church have opened their brand-spanking new kitchen. The volunteer team at the church host a range of local projects and events including weekly breakfast clubs, coffee mornings, seasonal fairs, and more, as

Retirement Studio Flats to Let St Peters Court ‐ Leeds £275 PCM

Two lovely "irst "loor self contained studio "lats available to the over 55’s. The "lats are neutrally decorated throughout with a lounge and sleeping area and also a kitchen and wet room.

well as providing a base for the local foodbank – and hope the new resource will enable them and the building to be of even greater service to the community. Volunteer Enid Harding commented: “The new kitchen gives us so much more space, opening up possibilities, and meaning we can do more locally, and be more responsive to the needs of community. As well as our programme, we’re very much wanting to make it available to local people and organisations to hire – just get in touch!” At 40m2+, the new kitchen is twice as big as before, and fully kitted out for all needs. It complements the main hall, which sits 80 people.To find

out more or book the venue, call Jill on 0113 277 7139. Middleton Park councillor Kim Groves, representing the Inner South Community Committee – who partfunded the refurb work – commented: “What a fantastic community kitchen. It’s a great addition to a large community space that will benefit the residents in Hunslet.” Other funders and supporters for the project include: the Leeds Methodist District Advance Fund, Leeds City Council’s Housing Advisory Panel, Leeds South and Central Methodist Methodist Circuit, Symphony Kitchens, J & C Smith Builders, and Blackburn Wigglesworth Associates Ltd.

Close to local amenities with easy access to bus routes going to the White Rose Centre and Leeds City Centre.

(Please note additional charges apply which include; heating, hot water and water rates, support charge and service charges).

Call Sue to book a viewing!! 0113 277 1180

Hunslet Methodist Church’s new kitchen Photo: Lucy Potter

Are you one of those people who have little or no knowledge who enjoys all things digital, but who want to learn in an would like to take things a bit environment which is based on further? Did you grow up modern technology, supported by programming your BBC organisations and professionals. computer? Or perhaps you The Lab will provide facilities for fancy working on a new people from all parts of the community; those who just want Raspberry Pi? Well Beeston-based GTT:LAB to improve their knowledge, those might be just the place for you.The who want to learn and gain skills not for profit organisation dedicated to all things digital is running a range of projects and activities. There will be the chance to develop your own ‘app’, or find The Raspberry Pi out about Photo: Clive Darra via Creative Commons Linux and other free operating systems. Would you like to help find work, those who need to get into the detail of what an activity, make friends with likeWindows offers? Or are you a minded ideas, have creative designs metal basher? Could you help to and ideas, but have no facility to restore redundant computers. implement them. There will even be the chance to GTT:LAB is open to everyone: explore 3-D printing and the experienced coders, school teachers and lab technicians, those opportunities it creates. Across the South Leeds there looking for a new hobby and are numbers of enthusiasts who everyone who is just a little ‘dabble’ in the Computer Sciences, curious about this new digital age. For more information, call 07754 e.g., coding, building. This project is to bring out those enthusiasts, 391498 or email: info@gtt.org.uk bring them together with others GTT is also on Facebook

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Morrisons makes it for BAFF

Linda Felton presents Lynn Bailey with a cheque from Morrisons, watched by Morrisons staff and the BAFF Family Fun Group Beeston-based charity Better Action For Families (BAFF) are almost £10,000 better off after the Morrisons supermarket in Morley decided to back their work supporting children with learning disabilities and their families. Jackie Hartley, who has worked at the store for fourteen years nominated

BAFF where she is a trustee, having got involved with the group five years ago. “The strength of this group” she said “is that they support each other. The parents support each other and the children do too. It’s too easy to get isolated when things get tough, but at BAFF you can share your troubles with friends.” Lynn Bailey who runs BAFF

explained that the grant would help them to keep their various weekly groups and activities running at their base at Beeston Village Community Centre. BAFF run a social group, family fun, chair based activity, dancercise and walking group. “It really is a lifeline and we are very grateful to Morrisons and especially the staff at Morley.”

Walk & Talk is now dementia-friendly by Ken Ingram

I have been working hard to get more people to join the BITMO’s GATE Walk and Talk walking group. I have managed to get grants and get the Dementia Friendly accreditation. This is thanks to Sarah Goodyear, of the Dementia Alliance and Carla Yeomans of BITMO’s GATE. I already fulfill most of the criteria, but until now couldn’t advertise the group as dementia friendly. Here’s the list: 1.) Keep the walk on the same day and time each week to make it easier to get into a routine. 2.) You could offer a ‘reminder service’ in the morning of the walk, where you ring or email in the morning to remind people the walk is on 3.) Keep the walk fairly short; 30 minutes to 1 hour would be ideal 4.) Finish with a cup of tea at a local café, so people have

chance to chat to each other 5.) Lastly, you could plan a sponsored walk to raise awareness of the walking group. 6.) Make flyers for your group including the dementia friendly symbol so people knew they can attend and be supported. 7.) Bring a mobile phone on every walk and encourage people with dementia to come with a contact number on them, just in case of emergencies. The only one I will struggle with is number 5. The sponsored walk. If you want to organise this, and collect sponsor money please contact me. I have managed to secure for the group, by the way of funding and grants some walking group packs. The packs consist of various

Ken Ingram promotional items including a pedometer, water bottle, key ring/ torch, foot spray and pen. Also a number of go:walking tshirts. It is a limited offer open to the 1st 10, who have done 4 or more walks with the group. Good luck and keep walking. Walk & Talk meets every Wednesday at 12 noon at BITMO’s GATE centre, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle.

South Leeds Life | September 2016

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8 Schools roundup

September 2016 | South Leeds Life

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“Make Cockburn Luqman designs the train of the future your first choice” School’s call for creative primary pupils Cockburn School (Specialist Status in Performing Arts) offers unique opportunities in the Performing Arts for 2017 admissions. Cockburn School are delivering a new specialist programme for pupils who display a talent within the Performing Arts. The training supports a vast and varied curriculum with over 7 hours of additional coaching in Drama, Dance and Music. Pupils who are in search of a secondary school for September 2017 are invited to audition for this exciting new programme, essential for those eager to pursue a career in the Arts. Auditions take place on Saturday 19th November 2016, 9:00am-12:00pm. Dance teacher Rachael Dutton, who leads on the programme explained how the audition process works: “The audition process depends on the young person’s area of specialism. For Drama they will take part in a creative workshop learning new skills and devising a performance piece. Within the Dance specialism audition they will learn new professional repertoire and our award winning Rock Challenge performance piece. If they have a talent in Music they will have the opportunity to prepare a performance on their chosen instrument or demonstrate vocal ability. The audition day is a lot of

fun and it is great to see how much talent and enthusiasm the kids in South Leeds have for the arts”. Cockburn have been leaders in the Performing Arts for many years with stunning performances of late including Hairspray, their annual production in 2015 which amazed audiences. This was followed by performances at Cockburn and the Crucible Theatre Sheffield of Eclipse by Yorkshire poet and playwright Simon Armitage as part of the National Theatre Connections festival. Many Cockburn bands competing in the AMP awards, one of which, Sounds Like a Storm made their way through to the finals at the O2 Academy in Leeds. To finish off their amazing year, Cockburn’s dance group became winners of the Rock Challenge event in Rotherham and gained a spot in the National Final. Many of these events were featured in the South Leeds Life. One new member of staff at Cockburn stated that she has “never seen such a close, friendly and dedicated group of staff and students. They have worked for many hours in rehearsal to make this performance happen and are a credit to the school”. Cockburn School is celebrating outstanding GCSE results in their Arts qualifications this year as well as continuing to be recognised by the Department for Education as one of the most successful schools

nationally for pupil progress from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 across all subjects including English and Maths. The additional performance opportunities and events have grown year on year. There are over 8 specialist performing arts companies who perform at local, regional and national events on a regular basis. These are supported by the performing arts staff and a large creative team responsible for costume and set design which includes parents/carers and members of the local community. The Performing Arts team develop well rounded, confident and skilled performers in all areas of the arts. Past pupils have gone on to success in full time education at Post 16 and university and are now in professional companies including the world renowned Rambert Contemporary Dance Company. One ex-pupil said “The facilities in the Performing Arts at Cockburn are amazing! We were taught to work as professionals”. If you would like to be part of this specialist secondary education then please visit the Cockburn School website www.cockburnschool.org for more information. Any further questions or completed application forms can be sent to info@cockburnschool.org or delivered to Cockburn at Cockburn School, Parkside, Gipsy Lane, Leeds LS11 5TT.

Luqman Hussain has won a nationwide competition with Virgin Trains after designing a futuristic train. Luqman, a 13-year-old student at The South Leeds Academy, entered the competition in June, along with the rest of Year 7 and 8. He designed a train for the future with his design chosen as one of three winners. The design, which included a crazy golf pitch, gym and Jacuzzi all on board, helped bag him four first class return train tickets, courtesy of Virgin Trains. Congratulations to Luqman!

Luqman Hussain with his winning entry

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Schools roundup 9

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Hat’s off to Cockburn’s Year 11 graduates Cockburn School said goodbye to its Year 11 students in style at a memorable graduation ceremony. Awards were made to students for a range of attributes that the school values highly: independence, resilience, respectfulness, responsibility and aspiration. The school’s most prestigious award is named in honour of Kyle Asquith, the Year 10 student who died suddenly from a brain haemorrhage in 2013, but whose organs went on to save five other people’s lives. Kyle’s mother and father, Tracey and Alex, were present to make the award to Maroof Latif. Maroof spoke movingly to the assembled students about his time at Cockburn.

“I’ll never forget being on that stage for Hairspray, or getting better results each time in my Maths mocks, or splitting my trousers in History trying to get a laptop. “Time in this building with my family and supportive staff have changed my life, completely. And your lives have probably changed too. “I wouldn’t be anything I am today, none of us would be, if it wasn’t for the time people have used to be in the moment with us, helping us to choose the right path and helping us to see things that not a lot of people can see and appreciate even the smaller things in life, because they sometimes make the biggest difference.” The ceremony finished with a stirring performance of the song ‘My Way’ by

Cockburn Year 11 award winners student Ethan Aldwinkle. The students returned on 25 August to collect their excellent GCSE results. We’ll have more details of those next month.

Old and young partner to document dementia Lost WW1 medal reunited with family

Older people living with dementia in Belle Isle will share what life is like with the start of a £10,000 crossgenerational journal project. Over the next 12 months residents in their 80s and 90s at Nesfield Lodge Care Home in Belle Isle, will partner with pupils from Sharp Lane Primary School to create an interactive diary.

successful with the award. Residents are really excited about the project getting started. “The Year 2 class has already been visiting for sessions and each week residents look forward to working with them and sharing their ideas. It has really provided the home with links to the community and it’s

and over eight Orchard Care Homes. The innovative project combines hen-keeping and creativity to help reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing among older people. Nicola Pemberton, who leads the HenPower project in Leeds for Equal Arts, said: “It has been fantastic to see

Kyle Asquith Award winner Maroof Latif with Kyle’s parents Alex and Tracey Asquith and Headteacher D Gurney

Calling sporty pupils Tim Jones watches Conrad Buckley hand over the medal to Allan & Lisa Wright

by Jeremy Morton

Cockburn pupils in performance

Known as the ‘Friends of Nes’T’field’, the group of residents and relatives at the Orchard Care-run setting are celebrating after securing £10,000 from the Big Lottery’s Awards for All fund. With daily accounts from the older and younger generations, the project will provide insights into how different people within their communities live, their interests and thoughts. Dani Bird, Activity Coordinator at Nesfield Lodge, said: “Everyone was delighted to find out the group had been

great to see.” Supported by creative ageing charity Equal Arts, residents and school children will take part in a range of artist-led activities together to help share their stories. The journal will include written text, drawings, photos and keepsakes from those taking part. Residents first partnered with local schools when the home joined Equal Arts’ HenPower project back in September 2015. The project is now in more than 40 care settings across the UK,

the relationships developing between residents and pupils. Many residents will talk about the children visiting as it has left them with a good feeling, and emotion they can retain longer than a memory. “They get so much from learning alongside each other and the interactive diary will help shed more light on how their lives differ and where they are similar. “It also highlights to young people and the wider community how people can live well with dementia.”

A medal from the First World War has been found and returned to its rightful owners, all thanks to Middleton Primary School. 11 year old Conrad Buckley found the medal on a Heritage Day event, organised by the Friends of Middleton Park, which he attended with the school last month. Whilst walking in the woods, he stepped on something sharp and when he bent down to take a closer look discovered the medal. Conrad’s teacher, Tim Jones, made some investigations and found it was a First World War service medal, awarded to all British soldiers who fought in the conflict.The medal was awarded to Private Walter Wright of the West Yorkshire Regiment. He realised this might be the same Wright family who’s son Noddy was in Year 5 at Middleton Primary and this was confirmed by more information

from the Imperial War Museum. Allan Wright, Walter’s grandson takes up the story:“My granddad fought in both World Wars and had half a dozen medals which were stolen in the early 1970s. I was only a kid then and he talked about the war in a joking way – he said it was his tour of Europe. “This means a lot to me and the family. It’s not the value, it’s that it was my granddad’s. It’s a piece of history and to think of what he went through to get it.” The medal will now take pride of place in Allan’s disabled son’s bedroom. “Spike never knew his great granddad, but now he’s got this link. I really want to say a big thank you Conrad and Mr Jones from the whole family.” Conrad handed over the medal during the Leavers assembly at Middleton Primary School in July. He commented: “It’s amazing that I found this and during the anniversary of the war. It’s a pleasure to return it to the family.”

Sporty primary-school pupils in South Leeds, who will be going into Year 6 this month, are being invited to try out for a place at The Rodillian Academy, a secondary school near Lofthouse. Pupils who finished Year 5 in July can register to participate in a sports trial with a view to securing a Year 7 place at The Rodillian Academy in 2017. The trials will take place on the morning of Saturday 24 September 2016, when pupils will be able to meet the head teacher and the sports team, see the excellent sports facilities, and participate in netball and rugby coaching and tournaments. The trials offer a novel route for accessing a place at The Rodillian Academy, where competition is normally stiff

thanks to the school’s excellent academic performance and its track record of raising aspirations, confidence and resilience among its pupils. Andy Percival, Deputy Head teacher explains: “By focusing on rugby and netball, we’re providing opportunities for our pupils to experience superb coaching, excellent facilities and highly competitive situations. We’ve built very strong relationships with sports clubs, and we work closely with the local England Rugby development team and Yorkshire Carnegie. Participating in this sports development programme will help pupils to build a huge range of soft skills as well – including confidence, competition,

dealing appropriately with losing and winning, personal responsibility, and social skills.” Further information about the trials is available at www.rodillianacademy.co.uk/spo rts-trials/ or by emailing the school at contact@rodillianacademy.co.uk

South Leeds Life | September 2016

www.southleedslife.com

8 Schools roundup

September 2016 | South Leeds Life

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Luqman Hussain with his winning entry

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Schools roundup 9

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Cockburn Year 11 award winners student Ethan Aldwinkle. The students returned on 25 August to collect their excellent GCSE results. We’ll have more details of those next month.

Old and young partner to document dementia Lost WW1 medal reunited with family

Kyle Asquith Award winner Maroof Latif with Kyle’s parents Alex and Tracey Asquith and Headteacher D Gurney

Calling sporty pupils Tim Jones watches Conrad Buckley hand over the medal to Allan & Lisa Wright

by Jeremy Morton

Cockburn pupils in performance

www.southleedslife.com

South Leeds Life | September 2016

10 News

In our view

Traveller encampments

Traveller encampments on public green spaces can never be right, especially if they are accompanied by anti-social behaviour from some of the Traveller community. But you cannot prosecute people out of a centuries old way of life. In the long run, the only way to solve this problem is to create more official sites for the community to use.

Beeston OBE

Hanif Malik is a very worthy recipient of an OBE, awarded in the Queen’s birthday honours list. More importantly it is recognition for the whole community of Beeston that despite its pockets of deprivation has an amazing network of community organisations. That network, of course, includes The Hamara Centre that Hanif runs so successfully.

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Your letters and comments

Top Tweets

Travellers

The problem is the police don’t do anything about anti-social behaviour caused by the Travellers on Holbeck Moor. I know of three incidents in less than a week which have been reported and nothing has been done. One where a child got their scooter broken and sprayed in the eyes. Another where a dog got kicked and the police weren’t interested. Then two nights ago my dog was getting stuff thrown at him and I was getting abused and they didn’t want to know again. While ever the police let them get away with it they will continue. I don’t agree it is all the camp, but a large number of them are acting in inappropriate ways. Becky Leave them to it - it's how they roll. Gaz Lilley Has anybody else noticed there’s never any mention of problems with gypsy sites in the north of the city? No, because it would be dealt with straight away. If anybody wants to dump or set up an Irish

tinker site bring them to south Leeds it’s no wonder Holbeck is the most depressing area in Yorkshire. And I was brought up and lived there for most of my life. Isn’t it funny just a stones throw away at Sweet Street in the new developement area it’s now known as the South Bank Area the name of Holbeck isn’t good enough anymore. Terence Nichols Caravans are better looking than the red brick back to backs Mikael Jenssen

‘South Bank’

‘South Bank’ – really? Who coined this term? The legalised prostitution zone will be a massive hit with the likes of Burberry et al. Until the area gets a skate park, a Sunday book fair and some decent art galleries, let’s just call it Holbeck. Peter Blake

Back to school

September means the start of the school year. Once again we have been able to bring you a spread of great stories from our local schools. The students deserve tremendous credit and give the lie to the idea that young people today are selfish troublemakers. But let’s also spare a thought for the hardworking staff who inspire and encourage our young people to excel.

Travellers on Holbeck Moor

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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Your Councillors and MP Beeston & Holbeck ward

Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck. The three councillors are:

David Congreve 0113 257 1679 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Adam Ogilvie 07969 680 024 adam.ogilvie@leeds.gov.uk

City & Hunslet ward Includes the city centre, Holbeck Urban Village, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:

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Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:

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@Gatsbyspants A lady in our area is making poke balls and hiding them for people to find! #Beeston is brilliant!

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Leeds Central MP – Rt Hon Hilary Benn

Your address (for newspaper delivery):

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.

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@Hillside_Leeds We have joined forces with @TheEntFound to continue to support our tenants and the local community. bit.ly/2bCN82f @Leeds_Highways We’re looking at the future of transport in Leeds. Why not have your say at bit.ly/TransportLeeds #Leedstransport @groves_kim Congratulations @Hunsletoldboys on winning the league outstanding achievement #rugbyleague @WestYorksOPCC Grant round 9 of the Safer Communities Fund Opens for applications on 30 August Crime prevention theme £140,000 for good causes @WYP_RPU Seized in Beeston. Policy cancelled in April for non payment. Driver inside first 2 years of driving #back2squareone @LeedsSouthBank We want to start twitter conversations with you! What topics do you think need to be discussed around regenerating #southbankleeds @bitcsouthleeds A couple of weeks left of my secondment to BITC in #southleeds and starting to gather my thoughts. linkedin.com/pulse/thanksmemories-malcolm-hall @LCC_employment Whatever your exam results check out leedspathways.org.uk/work for what to do next! #leedsnextsteps

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South Leeds Life | September 2016

12 Arts

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Brexit, Barry Norman and a Common Culture What if the recent EU inout referendum could be forgotten and then rewritten as a screenplay for national cinema release, would you go and see it? Would you wait for its release on Netflix? Or would you ignore it completely?

I anticipate movie critics would reject the Brexit narrative as being farfetched, the central characters as one dimensional and the ending as being confusing with no clear conclusion. I imagine Mark Kermode would dismiss the extensive levels of high street racism as naive (unseen in Britain since the 1980’s) and Barry Norman would come out of retirement to scorn the confusion it portrays. Sadly, this is not the case. Our post-Brexit predicament is not a summer blockbuster, and the reality of these actions cannot be quickly forgotten.

But what do these dramatic events tell us about the picture of contemporary British Society? Opinions have been diverse. The Daily Mail urged the nation to take a bow, The Guardian, declared that the poor had turned on an elite

that had ignored them and Plan C compared Brexit to a national form of ‘self-harm’. Within days of the result all of the central figures, Cameron, Farage, Boris & Gove, either resigned or ran away from the car crash scenario they had created. These architects immediately denied the ‘facts’ they had printed on buses a few weeks earlier then they disappeared. Should Britain take a bow? Was Brexit an example of the poor turning on an elite? And, if so, at what point do the elite overlap into the non-white working class that have

experienced the increase in racial attacks? Immigration was a central issue throughout the campaign, but whilst the current government are tearing up the welfare state and implementing discriminative cuts against the most vulnerable I’m scratching my head as to what we expect to gain from the re-emergence racial abuse. Abuse, of any kind, might be an attractive option for immediate gratification when under stress. But more frequently it is misplaced and can multiply the misery; just ask any playground bully between now and the beginning of time. All of us have challenging moments in our lives, many may overcome them and many may not. Sharing an experience with others, over a bag of chips or a cup of tea, cultivates a better understanding beyond first impressions and cultural differences. Here in south Leeds we have a diverse spectrum of cultural identities, we may be aware of the differences but where is the common ground, the common culture? South Leeds Life and Beeston based artists Toby Lloyd and Andrew Wilson invite you to The Holbeck WMC for a Broadcast Bartender event on Thursday 29th September. A guest bartender will host a conversation around a constructed bar with 5 invited drinkers. The starting point for discussion will ask: Is there a visible common culture within South Leeds? What is the picture of a post-Brexit society? Where are we now and where will we end up? This is not to be missed, here is your invitation:

Broadcast Bartender Event

Thursday 29 September | The Holbeck WMC, Leeds, LS11 9QX | 7pm - 10pm Is there a visible common culture within South Leeds? What is the picture of a post-Brexit society? Where are we now and where will we end up? South Leeds Life and Beeston based artists Toby Lloyd and Andrew Wilson invite you to this unique discussion event at The Holbeck. Taking place from an installed ‘flat-pack’ bar and in front of a live audience five guest drinkers will be provoked by one guest bartender who will also be serving drinks. Unlike the Question Time or panel show format, the architecture of the bar creates an environment which discourages well-rehearsed speeches and sound-bites in favour of convivial and improvised conversation.

Free entry | Limited capacity, so please arrive early.

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The Barmines rock LeedsFest The Barmines in action

by Ed Carlisle South Leeds indie rock band The Barmines continue their upward surge into the music world, with the hotlyanticipated release of their latest single – ‘Reliance’ – in early September. I met up with singer and guitarist Rob Burton, on the eve of their performance at Leeds Festival, to find out what all the fuss is about. First things first, Rob assures me I’m not the first person to ask about the name: “Everyone asks!” Hunslet lads Rob (27) and his brother Leam (guitar, 23) first started playing with Liam Lockey (22, from Middleton) whilst they were all at South Leeds High School (now Academy), and they properly formed the band back in 2009. They played with others under different names including ‘The Reign’ until 2011 – at which point Rob says they stood back, and decided to really go for it. And whilst they then just picked the name ‘The Barmines’ from a random photo featuring the two words ‘bar’ and ‘mine’, they later discovered there’s an anti-tank mine of the same name.Which, says Rob, is perfect: “Over and over again, and above all else, people have described us and our music as ‘explosive’ – so

the name fits, it was meant to be.” “We’re certainly proud to call ourselves a working class band. Those are our roots – but more than that, we’re all working our arses off with other jobs (driving buses, doing bar work, and more) to make this work. We often gig on an evening, get in late, then have to be in work early the next day; we have to fix our tour dates around work shifts; and so on.” But he’s also keen to point out that they’ve received considerable support from the local community. For example, they’ve never been able to pay out for rehearsal space, but south Leeds venues including the Hunslet Club, the Middleton Arms, the New Middleton, the Omnibus, and Old Chapel Studios have all given them time and space for free at different times. And now they’re perhaps just starting to fly, with the past 18 months seeing them getting growing profile and opportunities. They’ve toured in London and Manchester, and more touring due this autumn. Radio coverage has featured a slot on Radio X. Although they remain unsigned, they now have a management team behind them, and have been doing recording with and getting mentored by Mike Heaton –

formerly of Embrace. Finally, recent gigs have included a 300 ticket sell-out at the Belgrave Music Hall in May, a set at the Isle of Wight Festival in June, and now the invitation to perform at Leeds Festival – where they closed the Jack Rocks This Feeling stage on Saturday 27 August. This, says Rob, is a big deal: “It’s our hometown festival, our biggest gig so far, the promoter’s asked us to come because they believe in us, and we’re honoured to have been invited to close the stage there. Can’t wait!” “We’re going in the right direction, but there’s no point putting records out yet: we’re not ready. We just want to keep getting out on the road, putting the graft in, playing to as many people as possible, building the fan base… and then maybe we’ll be ready to get signed.” “We’re so grateful to all those getting behind us. We want to put this area – South Leeds – on the map. We’re not just doing it for ourselves, but for everyone.” To find out more about The Barmines, visit their website, www.thebarmines.com – or find them on Facebook, or Twitter. You can watch videos of their singles ‘These Days and Nights’ (2015), ‘Sky’s the Limit’ (2016), and ‘Reliance’ on YouTube.

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September 2016 | South Leeds Life

Arts 13

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Slung Low - Holbeck’s own theatre Slung Low are an award-winning theatre company based in Holbeck who specialise in making ambitious and original adventures for audiences in unusual places. It might therefore come as no surprise that they've based themselves in an equally unusual place – the Holbeck Underground Ballroom (HUB) – five railway arches on Bath Road, just off Water Lane. You might have walked or driven past and spied the black shipping containers (their offices) adorned with their logo in the yard, or the shimmering aluminum airstream caravan outside among the vast array of bath-tubs growing fruit and vegetables. They've been in Holbeck for over five years now but surprisingly some people are still stumbling across them and paying the venue a visit for the very first time. As well as being where the company work from day to day, it is also a rehearsal space made available to those making performance in the region. The HUB is an 80 seat theatre venue that presents exciting new shows by other companies from across the UK and Europe generally on Sundays at 5pm with additional activities at other times. “It’s fantastic that there’s a place like this for the locals and the varying talent on offer makes this a fun,

The sessions begin by sharing food cooked in the HUB and catching up before the singing begins.The choir is completely free and you don’t need to have any previous singing experience to join, just a desire to do so. Another highlight of their calendar is the regular “How To... Festival”, a day filled with performances, food, live entertainment and activities for everyone. The next How To… Festival (5) is titled “Bride of The Fun Palace of Fear” and will bring Halloween early to Holbeck on October 2nd. It promises to hold a deliciously fearsome flavour with workshops on The HUB - Slung Low’s base on Bath Road. Photo: Simon Allen cooking, shadow puppetry and gruesome stage make-up. friendly and uber-cool venue to poster site outside the venue on Bath It’s also worth mentioning their experience some fantastic live talent Road. in. “ Leeds-List Over the past year Slung Low have Christmas Fayre, an annual event with Everyone - regardless of their also formed a choir and delivered free a great selection of stalls selling circumstances – is assured a warm writing and directing workshops that homemade goodies, handmade crafts, welcome. The tea and coffee is free, are open to everyone. These events hot food, warming drinks and of drinks at the bar are just £1, and all of have gone down really well at the course a selection of festive the shows presented are “pay what HUB. With a specific focus on their entertainment. If you fancy signing up to host a free you decide”- you give the amount of immediate communities in Holbeck money you think is right after you see and South Leeds, the company are stall, or if you’d like to join the choir the show. committed to providing opportunities or find out any more about what's Upcoming events can be seen on for local residents as often as they can. going on at the Hub and how you can part then check out the companies website The choir will be starting up again in take www.slunglow.org and also on the September; meeting every Tuesday. www.slunglow.org.

What they said: “Special thanks to Slung Low for their welcoming hospitality, making it feel more like a friend’s house than a theatre” “Can’t think of many better ways to spend Sunday than down at the HUB…” “Just had a terrific and different Sunday afternoon sat under railway arches in Leeds, escaping into different worlds…..The surroundings are unique, the price is right and the event was wondrous. Everyone should seek out SlungLow or Google the Holbeck Underground Ballroom…” “Slung Low ‘s Hub is looking beautiful & welcoming, the most unique Yorkshire theatre space...” “Love that after 8 years of going to events in Leeds it’s still possible to happen upon places like Holbeck Underground Ballroom” “What a welcoming & generous vibe the HUB has”

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South Leeds Life | September 2016

14 What’s On

What’s On

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in September 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. Table Tennis 12-1pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre 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 This Girl Can Run 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 for over 55’s 9:30am Trinity Network, Belle Isle, Nesfield church hall General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm Brew Coffee Shop, Beeston Road 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 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides 4:30-9:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Skate Light 6-8pm Middleton Community Centre South Leeds Lakers running 7pm from Beeston Co-op Every Wednesday Parents and Toddlers 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, 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 Beginners Yoga 1:30-2:15 Building Blocks, Tempest Road, Beeston Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network,

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Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Knit and Crochet Group 3-5pm Costa Coffee, Crown Point Retail Park Aerobics and Dance 3:30-4:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy DAZL Dance class 5-6pm Cottingley Community Centre Handball 6-7pm Middleton Park Basic Bike Maintenance Class 6-8pm Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road 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 Martial Arts 7-9pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square South Leeds Sisters running 7.15pm Improvers Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm St John & St Barnabus Church Hall, Belle Isle Camera Club 8pm upstairs at St George’s Centre, Middleton Every Thursday Charity Shop 9:30am-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 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 Free Tennis 2-3pm Middleton Park Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Intermediates Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Rounders 6-7pm Middleton Park 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 9am 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) Urban Dance 4pm Cockburn School Holbeck Skate Park 5-6:30pm Holbeck Moor Martial Arts 6-7pm Beeston Parish Centre 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 Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Every Sunday Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Thursday 1 September Fun on the Farm 11am-1:30pm Belle Isle Family Centre Hunslet Carr Residents Ass

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6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Saturday 3 September Church in LS11 Big Breakfast 9:30-11am Slate Cafe, Hillside Sunday 4 September Indoor Car Boot Sale 9am-1pm Middleton Leisure Centre, Ring Road Middleton Caspar & The Fleas 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street You, Me & Everything Else 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Tuesday 6 September Mostly Men 10am-12pm Northcotes Community Centre Back to School Pamper Day 10am-3pm Cottingley Community Centre Friends of Stank Hall Barn 7:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road Wednesday 7 September Asha Open Day 10am-3pm 43 Stratford Street Free Dog Microchipping 11am-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Women’s Cycling 6-7pm Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Inner South Community Committee 6:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church, off Balm Road Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Thursday 8 September Holbeck Heritage Trail 11am Holbeck Cemetery Mountain Trikes 11am-3pm Middleton Park Club House, Ring Road Saturday 10 September Heritage Open Day 11am-4pm Hunslet Baptist Church, Low Road Sunday 11 September Police Open Day 11am-3pm Elland Road Police HQ Sunday Lunch 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Middleton Park Show 1-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 13 September Social Run Group 10-11am Middleton Park Visitor Centre White Rose Residents Assoc 6pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Sq, Beeston Beeston Festival AGM

6pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Wednesday 14 September Cottingley Hall TRAC 7pm Cottingley Comm. Centre Thursday 15 September Comics Club! 3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library Scalarama - Waxworks 7:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Saturday 17 September Ramblers 9am Beeston St Mary’s church Leeds Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Macmillan coffee morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Table Top Sale 11am-2pm Cottingley Community Centre Charlies Angel Centre Charity Ball 6:30pm South Leeds Golf Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Sunday 18 September Messy Mile Race 11am Hunslet Club, Hillidge Rd Autumnal Walk 1-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Monday 19 September St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston The Middle Tones singing group open evening 7-9pm Belle Isle Family Centre Saturday 24 September Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck BAFF Pamper Day 3-6pm Beeston Village Community Centre Ceilidh 7:30pm Beeston Parish Centre Sunday 25 September BITMO Lunch Club 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Maltings Lunch Club 1-3pm Maltings Court, Maltings Road, Beeston The Friendly Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Where Do All The Dead Pigeons Go 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Wednesday 28 September Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police HQ Thursday 29 September Free Will Writing session 3-7pm SLATE Cafe, Hillside Friday 30 September Macmillan Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Cottingley Community Centre

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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What’s on 15

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Middleton Park Show is back The Great Middleton Park Show returns for its seventh year. Organisers of The Great Middleton Park Show are urging local residents to showcase their crafts and produce as the annual show returns for its seventh year on Sunday 11 September from 1– 4pm. Set to be the biggest event yet, categories include veg, fruit, home produce, and arts and crafts with a junior section available in each. The annual show is a popular event in the Middleton Park calendar and this year is welcoming a special guest, with a live outside broadcast by BBC Radio Leeds’ Aaron Hickman. Aaron will be judging on the day alongside broadcasting live on the Sunday Gardening Programme. Frances Jones, one of the volunteers at The Friends of Middleton Park, helping to orgainise the event said: “We are

delighted that Aaron has agreed to join us to help judge on the day and we are all incredibly excited about the event. To have Radio Leeds joining us live One of last year’s entries showing the rest of Leeds all the fantastic the Show, including a full list of please visit things the park does is amazing and categories, just shows how much this event www.fomp.co.uk. All entries has grown in the last seven years.” need to be brought to the Park The Great Middleton Park Show between 8.30 and 11am on the day is a fun day out for the whole of the Show, Sunday 11 September. For further information, please family, the event will also feature stalls and refreshments as well as contact: Frances Jones on 01924 824488. activities and entertainment. For further information about

Discuss your Sing safety concerns with with Councillors Middle Tones

Leeds City Councillors are inviting residents to a workshop to discuss how we make our communities safer in South Leeds.

hand to explain their work. Refreshments will be served from 6:30pm and then presentations, question and answer sessions and discussion will start at 7pm.

The Inner South Community Committee, made up of the ward councillors from Beeston & Holbeck, City & Hunslet and Middleton Park wards meet regularly in the area and hold workshops with residents on various issues such as traffic or the environment. At their meeting on Wednesday 7 September, Councillors are inviting you discuss your safety concerns. Members of the Police and the anti-social behaviour team along with Stop Hate UK will be on

The workshop will finish at 8:30pm and be followed by the formal business of the Committee, which is open to the public. Drawing activities will be available for children for those residents with childcare needs. The meeting is being held at Hunslet Methodist Church on Telford Terrace, Balm Road, LS10 2HR. For more information contact the South East Area Support Team on 0113 378 5808 or email: southeast.ast@leeds.gov.uk

September 2016 | South Leeds Life

A new Lottery-funded singing group is starting up on Monday evenings in South Leeds. The Middle Tones will meet regularly at Tenants Hall in Middleton, but to kick off they are holding an Open Evening at Belle Isle Family Centre (by St John & St Barnabus church on Belle Isle Road). The Open Evening takes place on Monday 19 September between 7 and 9pm. Anyone who enjoys singing is welcome to come along and find out more about the group. There are no auditions and you don’t have to be able to read music. So if you enjoy a good sing song, why not come along? For more information contact : allan.garden@hotmail.co.uk or www.facebook.com/groups/ themiddletones

In brief Barn dance for Guides funds A community barn dance has been organised to help raise funds for Hunslet, Middleton & Belle Isle Guides trip to Switzerland in 2017. The dance, with live music, supper and bar, takes place on Saturday 1 October at the Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road, Middleton from 7pm. Contact Pamela for tickets on 0113 294 7270.

Forgotten Hunslet Hunslet Baptist Church will again be opening its doors for Hertigage Open Day this year. The historic church on Low Road will be open from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 10 September. As well as the chance to look round the building, at 2pm there will be talk by Ken Biggins on “The Forgotten Folk of Hunslet” - the popular book of the same name by Marjory Biggins. Copies of the book will be available at a special discounted price of £10.

Free will writing session Leeds Community Foundation supports the thousands of charites and voluntary groups across the city who work tirelessly to address inequalities and help their communities. They rely on the generosity of businesses and individuals who care about their city; who want to ‘give something back’. Leeds Community Foundation has teamed up with Ison Harrison Solicitors to offer free will writing sessions to give you the opportunity to leave a gift to Leeds, help local people and address local needs. Will sessions need to be booked in advance and will last around 20 minutes. Call 0113 242 2426 or email info@leedscf.org.uk Thursday 29 September 3-7pm SLATE Feel Good Cafe, Hillside, Beeston Road, Leeds, LS11 8ND

South Leeds Life | September 2016

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Push for the playoffs With two games to play in the Super 8’s Hunslet Hawks still have the chance to reach the promotion playoffs. Hunslet finished the regular season with a win against North Wales Crusaders to confirm their top 8 finish in the Kingstone Press League 1. The first half started with North Wales totally on top, three early tries giving them a good lead. But some great attack meant that Hunslet ended the half in front 22-18. Hunslet continued the dominance they showed late in the first half into the second, scoring two tries and a drop goal fairly early on, putting them into a 35-18 lead. Two Crusaders tries towards the end of the game made for an anxious finish, Hunslet edging it out deserved winners. The Hawks continued their winning run against London Skolars. Hunslet sped into a 100 lead early on only for London to score two of their own. The

first half ended with two well taken tries from Hunslet in the last ten minutes. Hunslet scored just one try and a penalty kick in the second half, but the points were crucial, the South Leeds side winning by just 4 points: 30-26. An injury hit side travelled to Cougar Photo: Steve Gaunt / Touchlinepics.com Park a week later for a close fought West Yorkshire within the first 20 minutes. from York wasn’t enough to derby. Solid defence and Hunslet fought back fitfully mount a proper comeback, effective game management, throughout the rest of the Hunslet scoring nine points to especially in the second half, game, but were unable catch take away the all-important victory. saw Hunslet Hawks win 8-18 to the Raiders, losing 44-26. Hunslet got back to winning The Hawks next two games keep their season alive. August opened with a visit ways with a good win away at are at home against promoted from Doncaster. In a good game York. Hunslet dominated the Toulouse on Saturday 3 of attacking rugby, three first half, after York City Knights September and away to unanswered Doncaster tries in opened the scoring. Hunslet hit Rochdale Hornets on 11 and scored four September. Hunslet must win at sixteen minutes of the first half back established a decisive lead, unanswered tries in the first least one of these games and which Hunslet couldn’t pull period,York’s defence not being hope other results go their way back despite the fantastic vocal able to cope with Jake to carry the season on into the Normington and Mufaru playoffs. support of the home crowd. A long trip to in-form Barrow Mvududu on the left side. Full match reports The second half was a Raiders followed. Perhaps are published online motivated by the chance to different ball game, Hunslet after each game at: secure their playoff spot, seeing out the game in a www.southleedslife.com Barrow went out to a 20-0 lead controlled fashion. Two tries

We were saddened to hear the news that Harry Jepson OBE has died at the age of 96, as we went to press. Born and bred in Hunslet, Harry Jepson was a legend in the Rugby League world and closely involved with both the Hunslet and Leeds clubs. He also had a successful teaching career including a spell at Cottingley Junior Mixed School and 14 years as Deputy Head at Clapgate School in Belle Isle. We will carry a full obituary in our October issue and we would like to include your memories of Harry. Please email to: info@southleedslife.com or post to 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW

As previously reported in South Leeds Life, last month saw Tom ‘The Viking’ Crosby from Middleton travel out to Las Vegas in the USA to compete in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA, commonly known as cage fighting) amateur world championships. Tom, 28, had previously travelled to international tournaments in Tom (centre) in Vegas. Photo: UKMMAF Germany, France, Croatia, and Canada – medal). Like I always say, you win or you but this was his first time in the Tom told us: “Vegas was learn. I now know stuff to work US, representing the UK at one packed full of fight fans, and to on in my own game – and more of the most prestigious amateur be part of something that big than that, the whole trip just events in the sport. was incredible. We (the UK gave me a lot more life The competition was part of team) all got on really well – but experience, and confidence.” the major Ultimate Fighting I also met and trained with Next up,Tom is aiming for the Championship (UFC) in Vegas, loads of other fighters, veterans, World Fight Sports and Martial and Tom told South Leeds it was and coaches from all around Arts world championships in “a great experience, the trip of world, and learnt a lot from Manchester in October, then – a lifetime” – but medals eluded them. And people might be if he retains his place in the UK him this time. He won first and surprised, but – amongst those squad – the MMA European second round matches against of us fighting – it was really championships in Prague in Romanian and Czech gentlemanlike. November. And whilst he still competitors – but came up “So, with the quarter final, I’m hopes to go professional at short in the quarter final, losing not afraid to shy away from the some point, he plans to hold off on points against American fact that I lost. He was better for at least another year – fighter Dallas Jennings (who than me, I’ve no excuses, and I enabling him to return to Vegas went on to win the silver took a lot of positives from it. again next summer.

by Nathan Kirk and Jeremy Morton

Harry Viking learns in Vegas Jepson RIP

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Max is bowled away by cricket success by Ed Carlisle

Max Chappell, 16, is celebrating a remarkable year as an increasingly talked-about rising star of the cricket world. South Leeds Life got in touch with him to find out more. Surprisingly perhaps, Max isn’t from a cricketing family: he’s the first to have taken up the sport. A friend of the family spotted his potential, and – when he was just seven – encouraged him to get down to Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club. (Which is, despite the name, up near Cockburn High School at the top end of Beeston.) He fell in love with the game, and has been hooked ever since. He’s worked his way up through the youth ranks there, and has over the years especially honed his skills as a slow, left-arm spin-bowler. He joined the club’s first team (that is, grown adults..!) last year at the age of just 15, and has been playing with them in the regional leagues since. He’s also since the age of 10 been playing for Yorkshire’s youth teams. Understated to a tee, Max insists he “didn’t have the best season” last year, as he was just getting used to the adult game – but this year admits he’s “done quite well”, with a considerable haul of 28 wickets for the club so far this summer. But he’s also really been catching the eye on a bigger scale. Last year saw him playing for the North of England under 15s as part of the famed Bunbury Cricket festival, when he took four wickets in a single match against SouthWest England. Then just last month, Max spent a full week with the Yorkshire under 19s. Soft-selling himself again, he insists he didn’t expect to play much – but they actually had him in matches every day. And – in

what was probably his career highpoint so far – he took a massive five wickets against a touring MCC team featuring good club players from around the country, and duly earnt himself an invitation to Lord’s Cricket Ground in London next year. Much of his success, especially as someone from a non-cricketing family, is perhaps down to Hunslet Nelson. Max – at his most animated now – says: “It’s a great club, they’ve really looked after me; I wouldn’t be what I am without them.” But also, by good fortune, he’s been playing football in the winter months with the Hunslet Club. (Although he insists that cricket is more sociable, because you’ve got more time!) And they put in touch with the Hunslet Trust, a group supporting local youngsters to achieve their potential through sports, the arts, and more. In the past year, they’ve bought Max new bats, gloves and pads, and paid for personal coaching. Max seems well aware that he’s got a long road ahead to achieve his greatest goals, but he’s off to Leeds City College this autumn to study Sports Excellence, and hopes simply to “keep playing well, make a good cricketer, then perhaps get signed and go professional”. Watch this space. To find out more about getting into cricket with Hunslet Nelson go to: http://www.pitchero.com/ clubs/hunsletnelsoncricket club.

Max in action Photo: Vic Chappell