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Issue 30 | June 2017

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

Love where you live

In this issue:

Brightening up Holbeck

page 2

Leeds Central Candidates

page 4

Project aims to boost community pride in Belle Isle and Middleton

by Jeremy Morton Two years of community clean ups and bulb planting culminated in the launch of a peoples’ survey and website all aimed at helping people in Belle Isle and Middleton to love where they live. The project, led by Cllr Kim Groves, aims to celebrate the many strengths of the area and to get residents on board to identify and tackle problem issues. Speaking at the launch Cllr Groves said: “It’s all about people, it’s all about place. It’s all about what the people of Belle Isle and Middleton want in their community.” With council budgets under pressure, Love Where You Live looks to mobilise resources within the

community and local businesses. For example the refurbishment of Middleton Community Centre has been supported by Mears and Asda. There is a rich and diverse range of community organisations have been invited to pledge what they can contribute to support the initiative. 23,000 residents will be surveyed so they can have a direct input into a Peoples’ Plan for the area. The survey will start in the Raylands, Westwoods, Stourton Grange and East Granges, but if you can’t wait forms are available from St Georges Centre. You can also have your say on a new Love Where You Live website. Tell people about your events, nominate your local community superhero and volunteer to get involved in local activities. Go to lwyl123.wordpress.com

Club’s dancers win in style

page 8-9

Cllr Kim Groves cuts the cake with the project team

Sunflower stars - page 9

GB Underwater Hockey squad

page 16

NEWS

2-7

HUNSLET!CLUB 8-9 FEEDBACK

SCHOOLS CULTURE

Gabby drops in for tea - page 3 Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily

WHAT’S!ON SPORT!

12-13

14-15 16

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South Leeds Life | June 2017

2 News

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About us South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live and work in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds. The blog and newspaper are produced by 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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Brightening the streets

Leeds artist, Ian Kirkpatrick, has unveiled his latest street art on Water Lane, in the heart of South Bank, Holbeck. Titled ‘South Bank Remix’, the colourful murals depict Holbeck’s past, present and future opportunities within the striking former Printworks building. The project led by Leeds City Council and supported by property investment and development company CEG, is part of a scheme to revitalise this area of South Bank. Further works of art, in conjunction with Northern Monk Brew Co will be unveiled over the coming weeks on the CEG South Bank site, providing a vibrant backdrop to proposed events in the area this summer. Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “We are very pleased to have worked with CEG and Ian Kirkpatrick on this colourful and eyecatching new artwork in the South Bank. A key component of the South Bank regeneration is to make the public realm an attractive place for people to see and visit, and Ian’s mural which cleverly tells the story of Holbeck reflecting its industrial past

along with its present and future that perfectly using does imagination and colour.” Artist Ian Kirkpatrick said: “It’s actually designed like a large map. At the left of the designs you’ll see buildings like the upcoming HS2 train station and Bridgewater Place

and at the right Holbeck Moor and the viaduct. In between I’ve depicted a cityscape that merges existing buildings alongside construction projects that have yet to happen. My hope was to bring

to everyone congratulations involved in creating a positive piece of public art.” Jon Kenny, development director at CEG, said: “As our proposals for the redevelopment of this area of South Bank progress, we were keen to invest in some immediate improvements to the area. Ultimately, we will deliver a vibrant place to live work and enjoy with iconic architecture, inspired public realm and improved connectivity between the city and Holbeck and, in the short-term, existing communities will benefit from environmental improvements and interesting artwork depicting the fascinating history and landscape of Leeds.” Ian added: “I was taking the train at the weekend and was surprised by how visible the artwork was from the window. I’m excited to have created a piece of art that is part of the South Bank landscape. Public art can be very Photo: Jeremy Morton powerful because it rather than better. gets seen by so many people – “However, when done right it can including people who otherwise make a huge difference, as we can wouldn’t interact with art. I’m really see in this piece of artwork. I think honoured to be part of the this is a super addition to the area regeneration of this exciting area of and want to send my Leeds.”

Holbeck’s past, present and future together into a piece about cycles of growth, decay and regrowth.” Councillor Elizabeth Nash (City and Hunslet) said: “Public art can often be contentious and, in my view, can at times make a building look worse

Elland Road loses boxing licence

A South Leeds venue where a mass brawl broke out during a ‘white collar’ boxing night has been stopped from hosting similar events following action by police licensing officers. Detectives are still investigating the large fight at the Centenary Pavilion, at Leeds United’s stadium in Elland Road on February 18, which saw about 40 people fighting and throwing chairs. It followed two previous incidents of disorder at other ‘white collar’ boxing events at the venue and an incident at a Halloween event last year where a number of people were taken ill with suspected drugs overdoses. Licensing Officer Cat Sanderson, of Leeds District Licensing Department,

instigated a review of the venue’s premises licence and made representations at the hearing this week before Leeds City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee. She highlighted concerns over the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm. As a result of the concerns raised, the committee added a condition to the premises licence preventing the venue from hosting any future white collar boxing or amateur boxing events. Other conditions were also added ensuring that the management tighten up their operation. Sergeant Dave Shaw, of Leeds District Licensing

Leeds United’s Centenery Pavilion Photo: Jeremy Morton Department, said: “The result we achieved will protect the public, and in particular children who were present at the latest problem event, which was classified as a serious incident of violent disorder

and where an investigation is still ongoing to trace some offenders. “We hope the action we have taken will demonstrate to the public how seriously we treat our responsibility to prevent crime and keep

people safe through the licensing process. “We also hope it will serve as a reminder to licensees of the type of action we can continue to take at venues where problems occur.”

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News 3

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Gabby Logan opens Holbeck dementia cafe

Coinciding with Dementia Awareness Week (14-20 May) a new Dementia Café was opened in Holbeck. It has been set up by Holbeck Elderly Aid (HEA) – a South Leeds charity supporting vulnerable older people in the community. The Dementia Café, which will be held once a month, on the second Monday of each month, was officially opened on Monday 15 May by TV sports presenter, Gabby Logan, alongside her mother, South Leeds-born, Christine Yorath. Honorary Patron of Holbeck Elderly Aid, Rt Hon Hilary Benn was also present. This initiative has been launched in response to an increased demand in the community to provide a café setting that focuses solely on supporting those with Dementia, their carers, family and friends. The cafe, which can be found at the Ingram Gardens Community Centre in Holbeck, Leeds will be supported by a Memory

Mr Ian Marker, the Senior Partner at Marker and Associates, who joined an established Dental Practice on Dewsbury Road has retired. Mr Marker who qualified from Leeds Dental School in 1982 joined Mr. Baggaley as a partner in 1990 at 220 Dewsbury Road, Beeston.. In 1995 he developed the practice into a 3 dentist practice with a hygienist and in 1996 expanded the practice

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each month to your home. And you will know that you are helping to keep the local news independent and accessible to all. Thank you so much to readers Rosalinda Kincaid and Karen Beckford who signed up this month. Thanks also to our lead sponsors:

Gabby Logan shares a joke with Jean Sykes Photo: Simon Hulme. ©Yorkshire Post Newspapers Support worker from the Alzheimer’s Society, HEA staff and dedicated volunteers. It will be a welcoming place where visitors can meet, socialise and take part in themed reminiscence activities to support their condition. Commenting on the launch of the Dementia Cafe, Chief Officer, Elissa Newman said:

“At HEA, we see first hand the devastating effects Dementia can have on an older person’s quality of life. It can be incredibly isolating and a very anxious time for those in the early stage. “We recognised a need to support these people within the community and The Dementia Café seemed the

most relaxed and relevant way to bring people and their carers, friends and family together in a calm and welcoming space. “We would like to thank Gabby and Christine for officially opening the café and we look forward to welcoming all those in need of our services.”

Dentist retires Epic walk raises by Raj Menon

June 2017 | South Leeds Life

into the adjacent building to provide more facilities to patients and staff. Mr Marker became a Vocational Training trainer to newly qualified dentists, who have gone on to achieve further qualifications and many have become specialists in their own right. Mr. Marker was also appointed as a Tutor in the Department of Oral Surgery training undergraduates at the Leeds Dental Hospital, a post he intends to continue. Sadly Beeston has lost an excellent dentist. We wish him a happy Retirement.

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Dean and Karl hand over the cheque to Martin House

The Dental Surgery on Dewsbury Road Photo: Jeremy Morton

Payment by Standing Order

On Saturday 7 May Dean Hall and Karl Blackburn from Hunslet visited Martin House children’s hospice to hand over a cheque for £2,075. As previously reported on South Leeds Life, the two men completed a massive 60 mile charity walk a month previously. Setting off from the hospice at Boston Spa at 8am on 7 April, they reached Scarborough castle just before

8am the following morning. Describing the hike, Dean said: “It was the hardest challenge either of us have taken on. As difficult as the walk was, handing over the cheque made it all worthwhile for such a fantastic cause.” If you would like to donate, their JustGiving page will remain open for the next couple of months. Go to: www.justgiving.com/fundrais ing/Dean-Hall1

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South Leeds Life | June 2017

4 Election

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General Election: Leeds Central Your guide to the candidates The country goes to the polls on Thursday 8 June for one of the most important elections in many years. South Leeds Life does not support any political party, but we feel democracy is very important and voting is part of being an active citizen. So we encourage you to cast your vote on 8 June and we hope that the information we provide will help you choose who to vote for. South Leeds sits within the Leeds Central constituency which has been represented by Rt Hon Hilary Benn for Labour since 1999. His majority at the last election in 2015 was 16,967. Six candidates are standing in this election. South Leeds Life approached them all to make a statement and answer three questions sent in by our readers. Five have responded so far and we print their

statements below. The sixth candidate is Bill Palfreman who is standing for the UK Independence Party (UKIP). Stella Wallace asked: As a registered nurse since 1995 and having left the NHS in 2006 due to burnout because of exhaustion from long-term short staffing, I am now happily working in the private nursing sector – what will you be doing to improve the NHS in order to a) make me consider voting for you, and b) tempt me back to the NHS as a much needed registered nurse? Wayne Dixon asked: In a rapidly growing city, how would you ensure the city is more proactive rather than reactive when it comes to developments and the infrastructure around them. Leeds City Council seems to give the green light to many

Rt Hon Hilary BENN

These are tough times for many people. As your MP I have always worked hard to help everyone and as a community we have campaigned together to save the Children’s Heart Surgery Unit, improve broadband, oppose the bedroom tax and improve flood defences in the city centre. If elected, I will campaign for our NHS, social care and schools to get the funding they need. I will support more social housing and new rights for renters. I will protect the environment. And I will always vote to defend our country and stand up for you. www.hilarybenn.org

developments of housing or retail parks without any or minimal thought to local infrastructure such as roads, schools and health care. Judy Sismey asked: How do you intend to stop the burglaries, unsociable behaviour etc that’s occurring in the Beeston area now? This is affecting people of all ages, race and religion! We don’t have space to print all their answers, but you can them online at find www.southleedslife.com/ general-election-2017 You can also find a report on the hustings meeting that took place at Beeston Parish Centre on Sunday 28 May on our website. If you are registered to vote you should have received a Poll Card with details of which Polling Station to vote at, although you don’t need the card to vote.

Candidates at the Beeston hustings L-R: Hilary Benn, Kyle (rep for CPA), Gareth Davies, Ed Carlisle, Chair Rev Lindsey Pearson, Bill Palfreman and Andy Nash Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm on Thursday 8 June. The deadlines have passed for requesting a Postal Vote or Proxy Vote.

If you haven’t voted before, you can find out more about the process at: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/ how-do-i-vote or just ask the staff at the Polling Station.

Votes will be counted into the early hours of Friday 9 June. South Leeds Life will be at the count and we will bring you the result as soon as it’s declared.

Ed CARLISLE

Alex COETZEE

Gareth DAVIES

Andy NASH

People everywhere are tired of the same-old politics; we need fresh ideas and fresh blood to help shape our communities, our country, our world. That’s why I got into politics. I’ve lived, worked, and volunteered in south and central Leeds for 15+ years: I love this city. And I joined the Greens because, although they’re a small party, they’ve a big heart and big ideas. They have long fought for a different kind of society: healthier, fairer, more community-focused, more sustainable. Let’s pull together, and start creating a different future for ourselves. Full info at www.edleeds.org.

Labour deregulating the banks, contributed significantly to these “tough times”, and then Conservatives’ extreme budget cuts seem to have made things worse. Labour and Conservatives have failed to keep a tight reign on Banks. The CPA would make Banking much more transparent with more democratic control. If elected, I will campaign for housing, job creation, increasing tourism to Leeds, and Yorkshire, and restoring all good public services like schools, policing, Leeds needs lifegiving solutions for the future of the city. cpaparty.net/page32.htm

Born and bred in Leeds, Gareth attended school in the constituency. He then went on to the University of Nottingham and has a Masters degree from Harvard University. A passionate Yorkshireman and proud Leeds boy, he is honoured to be running in his hometown. As MP, Gareth will prioritise working to improve our transport system in Leeds, work with police to get tough on crime and in Parliament he will be a strong supporter of Theresa May in negotiations as we leave the EU after the Brexit vote.

I’d like to offer a brighter future for Leeds Central. Imagine a country where people are decent to each other, where we have good schools and hospitals so that our children have a fair chance in life and our elderly are treated with dignity, with a clean environment and an innovative economy. That’s why we’ll put a penny on income tax to rescue the NHS and social care, and reverse Theresa May’s heartless cuts to schools and welfare. That’s why we’ll give you the chance to change Britain’s future by allowing you to reject a bad Brexit deal. andynash4leeds.org libdems.org.uk/manifesto

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News 5

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SNAPS at Broomfield by Emmie Johnson

Special Needs And Parent Support (SNAPS) opened their second site at Broomfield SILC school on Saturday 13 May. The charity now in its 14th year provides specialist therapies to children with additional needs and much-needed support for their families and this is the first time the charity has expanded beyond its original home at Penny Field school in Meanwood. Boasting a state of the art sensory room and rebound therapy room Broomfield was a perfect choice to host the charity. Opening the day was Leader of Leeds City council Judith Blake and taking a short break from the election campaign, MP Hilary Benn. Mr Benn spent time chatting with the staff, volunteers, children and parents. He enjoyed testing out the interactive sensory equipment but fell short of trying out the trampoline. Mr Benn said how fantastic it was that we had opened at Broomfield,

June 2017 | South Leeds Life

“Looking at the enjoyment on the children’s faces and the range of activities provided by SNAPS shows that it will be a huge hit.” He went on to say, “I would encourage anyone who has not heard of SNAPS and has a child who could benefit from what they have to offer comes down and takes a look as they will find it is something truly special”. Judith Blake cut the ribbon on

the official opening helped by councillor and former governor of Broomfield, Kim Groves. Judith said, “SNAPS is a charity that has grown over the years to provide invaluable support for children with disabilities and their families and it’s fantastic that they’ve now been able to open a site in South Leeds. It was an honour to attend the opening of the

Broomfield site and to share in what was a really special occasion for the charity. It’s great that families from across the area will now be able to benefit from the outstanding support the charity provides for many years to come.” The children on the day had an amazing time and cannot wait until the next session on Saturday 10 June.

Overdose kits will save lives In an innovative new policy Forward Leeds, the drug and alcohol service for Leeds has been distributing potentially lifesaving kits to clients. The kits contain Naloxone an opiate receptor blocker along with instructions for use. Lee Wilson, Area Manager for Forward Leeds said: “Most opioid overdoses are witnessed by friends, partners or family members. There is often someone on hand who could have administered Naloxone

and prevented a death if the kit was there and they knew how to use it. “They are being distributed by our Recovery Coordinators and by staff at harm reduction services across Leeds. We have already had three used packs returned for replacement. Potentially that’s three lives saved. That’s someone’s son or daughter, brother or sister, father or mother who is alive because of the kits we are distributing. They are life savers.”

Lee Wilson & Becky Carroll of Forward Leeds

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South Leeds Life | June 2017

6 News

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ASPIRE Aspire Community Benefit Society, who support adults with Learning Disabilities in Leeds, set up their first community base at Hillside in 2009. The staff-owned company are a spin out from Leeds City Council and have taken a fresh approach to providing their service. Hillside was chosen because it was in the heart of the community and would allow users to access other facilities such as the Feel Good Café.

“It feels more like home than some of the old institutions” said Carol Benson. “When we came here it was very much a pilot, but the people at Hillside really welcomed us.” In return Aspire funded a Changing Places toilet, which has special facilities allowing anyone with a disability to use them. Adults with Learning Disabilities are brought to Hillside each morning, they may do activities at the centre or head out on trips, go swimming for example.

PROFESSIONAL DANCE EXPERIENCE Professional Dance Experience offers ballet dance opportunities to children around Leeds, ranging from introductory beginners classes to advanced master classes. They run a summer programme for 8-19 year olds and deliver workshop days to dance schools. They will also work with schools offering assemblies or practical sessions with the children to give them a taste of ballet. “We like the community feel of Hillside, it’s not a corporate office block and we’ve made good connections with other organisations based here” explains Michael Berkin. “Hillside is our office base, we deliver courses at specialist dance venues, but sometimes when the meeting hall’s not in use we go in and have a dance – it’s such a lovely space.” For more information cal 0113 224 9144.

Inside Hillside

Hillside Enterprise Centre is located near the bottom of Beeston Road in a Grade II listed former school building. Many people know the building, but do you know what goes on behind the impressive façade? South Leeds Life went to talk to some of the business and organisations that call Hillside their home.

FEEL!GOOD!CAFE At the heart of Hillside is the Feel Good Café run by SLATE. As well as an excellent range of meals, snacks and drinks, you’ll find an interesting range of furniture supplied by SLATE’s Feel Good Furniture Shops. In fact if you like the table you’re sat at you can buy it! SLATE provides employment and training opportunities for people with learning difficulties. The Feel Good Café is open 8am-3:30pm Monday to Friday.

INTO!UNIVERSITY

Photo: Martin Bell

GP!STRATEGIES Training company GP Strategies are a national organisation that chose Hillside as their Leeds base. The company arranges apprenticeships and supported work placements for 16-18 year olds. They also deliver functional skills training in English and Maths. Placements are usually free to small businesses. Kay Mellenby says they chose Hillside because it provided a good quality office with a staffed reception and excellent transport links. Call Kay on 07814 608047.

The building closed as a school in 2005 when Hillside Primary and Greenwood Primary merged to create New Bewerley Community School on the Greenwood site. The building was bought by Tiger11, a not-for-profit social enterprise set up by Beeston residents and refurbished to create meeting and office space. For more info call: 0113 387 6300.

The Into University centre runs after school sessions where children can complete their homework, or work on an exercise provided by the teaching staff. Children from primary school attend one session a week, whilst secondary age children attend twice a week. The centre is working with Hunslet Moor, Hugh Gaitskell, New Bewerley and Greenmount primaries, Cockburn high school, The South Leeds Academy and the Elliott Hudson College. As well as the educational

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VERA MEDIA Vera Media is a community education company offering practical courses for adults at Hillside and other community settings. Courses range from English (ESOL) to help people improve speaking and listening skills; through to sewing and computer training. Vera Media also runs special creative media courses for adults with learning difficulties using photography, film and music to “Participants learn to film, interview, sing, play percussion instruments, record each other on audio and more, gaining confidence and enhancing their communication, literacy and numeracy skills while working as a team.” Explains founder Al Garthwaite. Call Al on 07957 152107.

BEANSTALK!NURSERY Beanstalk Nursery is a small family run nursery founded by Helen Birch to provide places under the government funded scheme, which provides 15 hours of free childcare for 2 and 3 year olds. “We wanted to work in this area and Hillside had all the right facilities. It’s lovely to bring childcare back into a building which used to be a school.” Says Helen. Beanstalk, which was recently rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, is currently looking to improve its outdoor play area with the Woodland Trust. It has also linked up with other tenants such as Into University and the JESS schools cluster. Children also visit the Feel Good Café to make smoothies. Call: 07576 736707

The Feel Good Cafe benefits children enjoy the social side and making new friends. It can also be an opportunity for a new start for children who are not getting on well at school. The

centre is neutral ground and children have no reputation to live up to. For more information ring 0113 387 6400.

INTEGRATED!CARE!CLINICS Integrated Care Clinics are one of the largest providers of physiotherapy outside the NHS. They have two senior physiotherapists based at Hillside, one male and one female. The company provides private treatment to individuals, but also offer a wide range of solutions for businesses and work in partnership with the NHS. An initial assessment will cost £40 with follow up sessions at £35. Rob Hardiman explains that they chose Hillside because the facilities, the staffed reception and the opening hours of 8am and 6pm help them to be flexible when offering appointments. Call 0800 032 5543 or go to: www.ticcs.co.uk

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June 2017 | South Leeds Life

News 7

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Better Together by Rachel Vernelle

On Thursday 11 May, three well-known local charities came together to launch a new service delivering community-based health and well-being activities across inner South Leeds. Health for All is the lead partner, working with Asha Neighbourhood Project and Hamara Healthy Living Centre, and the Better Together service is funded by Leeds City Council Public Health. The event, hosted by Hamara, gave residents of inner south Leeds a taste of what will be carried out under the contract; around 100 people showed up to celebrate the launch and find out what health improvement opportunities will be available locally. Speaking at the project launch, Inner South Health Champion Councillor Paul Truswell said: “Better Together means making our communities stronger by working with each other to develop people’s confidence, skills and strengths. Many people in South Leeds face major problems and increasing inequalities. We don’t believe it’s acceptable to walk past on the other side. We believe our fellow citizens’ welfare is our concern. Above all, we believe in community.”

The Better Together logo promotes ‘Healthy Communities, Healthy Lives’ and in inner south this will mean the partners committing

to putting local people, their needs and aspirations, at the heart of everything they do. Health for All, Asha and Hamara are offering confidence building, mental wellbeing, coping with bereavement, English conversation clubs, and cooking budgeting skills, gardening, skills and IT courses. Advocacy and peer support will be available for the most vulnerable. Better Together will also support the development of small volunteer led/self-help groups in the community with applying for and securing small grants, recruiting additional volunteers and providing peer support for group leaders. All this is available across Beeston, Belle Isle, L-R: Pat McGeever (Health for All); Cllr Paul Cottingley, Truswell; Zaheda Khanam (Asha); Farouk Butt Holbeck, Hunslet (Hamara); Scott Williams (Hamara) and Middleton.

BITMO volunteers visit Civic Hall by Ken ingram

Gerry, Stephanie and me were invited to the Civic Hall by the Lord and Lady Mayoress for afternoon tea. This was after they came along to the Cuppa for Dementia day at BITMO’s GATE. The Civic Hall was built and opened in 1933 and took over from Leeds Town Hall for various Council meetings. Arriving by taxi we were a bit early, so we had a drink at another very old building the Victoria Hotel, near to the Civic and Town Hall. We made our way across the road to the Civic Hall where, after booking ourselves in and receiving our visitors badges, we were greeted by Cllr Gerry Harper and Lynne Scholes, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds.

aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal. There is a model of the Ark Royal in the room. Next on our list was the Council Chamber where of course, council meetings are held. If it’s like Prime Ministers Question Time, plenty of shouting too. There is a visitors gallery so you can listen to meetings, but can’t take part. I sat in the Lord Mayor’s chair with Gerry and Steph either side of me. I picked up what I thought was a bell, getting everyone to order, turned out it was a gavel. There is a traffic light system which gives people an indication of how long they can speak: green OK, amber your time is nearly up and red, sit down. We were later shown the Great Mace which was made in 1694. It’s fashioned in Silver-Gilt. I think when the Council is sitting the

Sponsored ride raises funds for older people

Members, staff and volunteers from South Leeds Live At Home scheme turned out at Hunslet Morrisons on Sunday 30 April for a sponsored bike ride. With two exercise bikes loaned by Pure Gym, they set out to ride 100 miles in relay. In fact they doubled that distance and raised just over £1240. The funds will go to provide more activities for older people in Beeston, Cottingley and Hunslet. Ring (0113) 271 6201.

Gerry, Ken and Steph with Lord Mayor Cllr Gerry Harper

Sylvia Emery, Craig Malcolm, Nicola Brady, Laura Malcolm, Susan Brown, Maureen Kidd and Paul Pound

Bands in Cross Flatts Park

The Friends of Cross Flatts Park have announced their programme of Bands in the Park for 2017. The run kicks off on Sunday 11 June with The Caribbeans steel band. Sunday 18 June sees folk musicians Alistair Russell and Chris Parkinson. They are

followed on 25 June by Swing of Things. The concerts finish on 9 July when the Dr Reelgood ceilidh dance band will perform. Each free concert runs from 2:30-4:30pm at the Watsonian Pavilion. The cafe is open for tea and cakes and children’s craft activities are provided.

We made our way to the East wing (Lynne’s room) along the side of the Reception Hall. The west wing is the Lord Mayor’s room, which we visited later. We all sat down to tea, coffee, sandwiches and cake. I saw Mark the driver for Gerry and Lynne, I’ve seen him many times with other Mayors. After our tea, Gerry and Lynne showed me, Gerry and Steph around all the rooms in the Civic Hall. First was the Banqueting Hall, an impressive room measuring 30 by 12 metres. Various panels on the walls show regiments who have been given the freedom of entry into the city. The Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force are also featured. We made our way to the Ark Royal Room. Again another impressive room panelled in Limed Oak. Originally was the Blue Room, but was renamed the Ark Royal Room in May 2011 to honour the close association between the city and the

mace would be in the Council Chamber, up to then is locked away in a cabinet for all to see. Had a look at other rooms and after visiting the West Wing (Lord Mayor’s) room, went back to the East Wing for more tea and cakes. The Lord Mayor had to leave us after an hour to show another party around the Civic Hall, but left us in the capable hands of the Lady Mayoress (Lynne). Lynne then showed us around more rooms, taking hold of my camera to take some photos for me. I think they liked us, as an hour’s tour turned out to be a fantastic two and a quarter hour visit. As we left we where given a Lord Mayor and Mayoress badge, which is different to every Lord Mayer in office and given a brochure of the Civic Hall. Well that was it. Steph, Gerry and me waited in the sunshine for our taxi to take us all home. We all agreed what a lovely day, and how lovely the Lord and Lady Mayoress were.

South Leeds Life | June 2017

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8 The Hunslet Club

Contemporary

Mini Pom

Tiny Pom

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Young People 9

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Emeralds 600 enjoy 3rd Football Gala triumph by Andrea Edwards Sunday 21 May was the day that Cheer-City became Emerald-City when over 60 of our Hunslet Club Emeralds dancers took part in only their second major, national competition at the Leicester Everyone a winner Community Sports Arena. Participating in the Tiny Pom, Mini Pom,Youth Pom duet, Senior Pom, Youth Hip-Hop, Junior HipHop, Senior Hip-Hop, Contemporary solo and Senior Contemporary categories our girls and boys celebrated in style winning 6 first places and 3 second places. Over 95 performances took place and our Senior Hip-Hop won the coveted “Grand Champions” award for the highest scoring overall performance of the day and the senior pom team achieved the second highest score of the competition.

Finlay Pears was crowned division champion with an outstanding solo contemporary routine whilst Marley Freeman and Summer Brown took first place with their cheer-pom duet. Youth Hip-hop were delighted to be presented with their first place trophy by Dhillon Brandt from the CA Wildcats. Parent Amanda Savery commented as follows “Had an amazing weekend at Cheer-city UK. Super proud mum and auntie! “Everyone did absolutely brilliant – am proud to be part of Hunslet Club Emeralds family” The Hunslet Club programme includes cheer-pom, hip-hop, contemporary, ballet and tap dance styles and has classes for children and young people aged 18 months upwards. Classes are only £1.50. For more information visit The Hunslet Club website at www.hunsletclub.org.uk or call the club on 0113 271 6489.

The Hunslet Club held its third annual football gala at Parkside playing fields on Sunday 21st May 2017. The event goes from strength to strength and this year attracted its biggest crowd ever with over 600 boys and girls taking part throughout the day in over 100 matches of 5 and 6 a side football. Craig Gilmore Sports Development Manager at The Hunslet Club commented: “Clubs from all over West Yorkshire took part and the standard of football was great to watch with lots of smiles and skills on show”

June 2017 | South Leeds Life

As per FA rules all the children from Under 6’s to Under 10’s played in a friendly tournament where every child received a medal for taking part and in the Under 11’s, 12’s and Under 13’s played to win in a trophy event. Well done Ossett Town Under11s, Whinmoor Juniors Under 13s and The Hunslet Clubs very own Under 12s for winning the Trophy in their age group categories. The Hunslet Club would like to thank all the teams that took part on the day and the brilliant team of volunteers that made the event such a great success.

Friday Night Project

by Jeremy Morton Middleton Leisure Centre is the place to be on Friday Nights. Youth Services run a whole range of activities for young people including football, tennis, DJ-ing, skipping, art, crafts, dance and nail art. “I really like it” one young person tells me. “I used to play on the streets, but it was boring.

Now I can hang out here with my friends. I can chill if I’m stressed at the end of the week.” “The staff are great, you can talk to them about things. They’re not like teachers, they’re more like friends.” “You meet new people, from other schools. You can talk to anyone, everyone’s really friendly.” There are two sessions each week in term time. The junior session runs from 6-

Girls just want to play football Sunflower fun at Beeston library

35 girls from The South Leeds Academy and Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley took part in a 5-a-side football competition at the John Charles Centre for Sport on Wednesday 3 May. The day was organised by a group of students from Leeds Beckett University working with The Hunslet Club. It was the culmination of their year long

Senior Pom

project to promote opportunities for girls and young women to play sport, especially football. The project has seen 80 young women engaged through a range of activities. Between matches girls enjoyed taster sessions covering various footballing skills and drills. Commenting on the day, organiser

Julie Hogan said: “We’ve really enjoyed today, it’s been a fun celebration. The girls have all had a good time and both schools really represented themselves really well.” The Hunslet Club hosts a turn up and play ladies football session every Tuesday at 7:30pm and a fun football session for girls aged 5-11 on Saturday mornings from 9:30-10:30am.

Marley Freeman, Summer Brown and Finlay Pears

The regular Stay & Play Storytime at Beeston Library took on an extra dimension on Tuesday 9 May as children planted sunflowers. The session included planting sunflowers to take home as well as filling the Beeston in Bloom planter outside. There were also sunflower related crafts and songs, plus lots of duplo and the dressing up box. Stephanie Davis Community Hub Team Leader, who organised the event with librarians Rachel Benn and Rachel Tallant, said: “It’s been a really fun morning. It’s great to see so many children involved and enjoying themselves.” Storytime takes place every Tuesday from 10:45-11:45am at Beeston Library on Town Street.

Junior Hip Hop

Youth Hip Hop

7:30pm for 8-11year olds; the senior session runs from 7:30-9pm for 11-18 year olds. Each session costs just £1.50 or £1 with a Breeze Card. The Friday Night Project is supported by the Inner South Community Committee and Door Step Clubs. Watch out for Breeze On Tour coming to Cross Flatts Park on 2 & 3 August. For more information go to www.breezeleeds.org

Senior Hip Hop

Students from The South Leeds Academy and Prince Henry’s Grammar School with volunteers from Leeds Beckett University and The Hunslet Club. Photo: Jeremy Morton

Children planted sunflower seeds in the planter on Beeston Town Street

South Leeds Life | June 2017

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8 The Hunslet Club

Contemporary

Mini Pom

Tiny Pom

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Young People 9

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June 2017 | South Leeds Life

Friday Night Project

Girls just want to play football Sunflower fun at Beeston library

Senior Pom

Marley Freeman, Summer Brown and Finlay Pears

Junior Hip Hop

Youth Hip Hop

Senior Hip Hop

Students from The South Leeds Academy and Prince Henry’s Grammar School with volunteers from Leeds Beckett University and The Hunslet Club. Photo: Jeremy Morton

Children planted sunflower seeds in the planter on Beeston Town Street

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South Leeds Life | June 2017

10 Opinion

In our view

Love Where You Live

There are problems in all our neighbourhoods, problems that need to be resolved. But there is also much to celebrate. South Leeds has a vibrant network of community organisations working throughout the area. The key to these organisations, and to resolving problem issues is to join in and get active in your community. Thatâ€™s why we are supporting the Love Where You Live initiative.

Use your vote

The country goes to the polls on Thursday 8 June for one of the most important elections in many years. South Leeds Life does not support any political party, but we feel democracy is very important and voting is part of being an active citizen. So we encourage you to cast your vote on 8 June and we hope that the information we provide will help you choose who to vote for.

In praise of live theatre

There is a lot of great drama on the television, but you really canâ€™t beat the interaction between actor and audience in live theatre. If youâ€™ve never experienced that please come with us and join the as South Leeds goes to the Playhouse project.

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Your letters and comments

Top Tweets

Beeston dentist retires

Wow Ian is it that long? I remember your first day, when I worked with you. Enjoy your retirement. Jackie Boyes I'm just so glad he stayed loyal to Beeston as long as he did. All my family attended the practice and we're all gutted by the news, but wish him a very happy retirement. Linda Murray He's been our family dentist since I was a kid. Such a lovely dentist, I wish him all the best in his retirement. Helen Mushtaq Shame they never told his patients he was leaving...absolutely disgusting after been there since he started there been going since I was really young!! I travelled a good way to see him as he was such a good dentist and didn't want to change when I left the area! Would have liked to have wished him well! Instead I received a txt message after he had left! Julia Hinchliffe Can't believe he is retiring had lots of work done under him think it's around 25 years he has been my dentist Liz Robinson

@IngramRoad Elm Class are @YorkshireMuseum today taking part in a workshop as part of their research about #Romans ! #York #RomanBritain

Middleton Kite Festival. Photo: Jeremy Morton ban.We have had many excellent shows at Elland Road for more than 20 years without any trouble, why should amateur and professional boxing be punished for an unlicensed event. Dennis Robbins

There was clearly an issue with the lack of security at the venue. Iâ€™ve attended professional boxing all across the country for around ten years, most of the small hall shows at venues like Boxing shows It seems unfair by Licensing and the Elland Road, have passed off without Police to include amateur boxing in the incident. Sometimes at the larger venues there has been isolated incidents of fighting, mainly caused by alcohol, but nothing that the Beeston & Holbeck ward security havenâ€™t been able to nip in the bud before it got out of Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old hand. Holbeck. The three councillors are: Luke Senior David Congreve 0113 257 1679 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk Happy retirement Mr Marker.Thank you for all your work and patience. Susan Wilson

Your Councillors and MP Angela Gabriel Adam Ogilvie

07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk 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:

Patrick Davey 0113 267 1282 patrick.davey@leeds.gov.uk Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk

Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:

Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell

0113 247 7761 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 247 6922 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk

Leeds Central MP â€“ Rt Hon Hilary Benn Hilary Benn is our MP. He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Middleton, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Burmantofts, Richmond Hill and Osmondthorpe.

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

Keep up to date, up to the minute, by following South Leeds Lifeâ€™s Twitter feed: @SouthLeedsLife. Twitter is the 140 character â€˜micro bloggingâ€™ site. Itâ€™s free and you can sign up at twitter.com. Itâ€™s a great place to find the very latest news. Here are some of our favourite recent tweets:

Little white lies

Re: Frank Reganâ€™s tall tales, my dad did this too, it drove mum crazy. Dad is 92 now and still does it occasionally. I remember him telling us that he was a conscientious objector in the war, when in fact he worked in a protected occupation. I wonder if itâ€™s a Yorkshire thing? Cathy

Kite Festival

We went Kite Festival and the kids loved it. It was the second year for us, but a last minute decision with the changeable weather. Kimberley Jones

I was unexpectedly house bound, but enjoyed the shapes & colours from the window! Hanna Williamson

Safe crossings needed

We asked for a zebra crossing at the bottom of Churwell Hill at Dulverton Green. You literally take your life in your hands trying to get across to or from the bus stop there. And lo and behold a couple of years or more ago we got a crossing about 600 yards up the road. This is as much good to people using the Dulverton Green bus stop as a chocolate fire guard. There is going to be a really nasty accident one day. Why couldnâ€™t it have been put where it was needed most? Iâ€™d like to live to see the day when someone sees sense, but I might well be squashed on the road before then! Susan Whittaker Have you heard any news about a proposed pelican crossing near the Parnaby Tavern on Middleton Road? The road is so busy it needs one badly. To pubgoers and children crossing the road from school, it is a death trap. Kevin Clarke

@missrachelbenn While Dewsbury Road is having its refurb we have the Mobile Library visiting 3 times a week! So plenty of time to pick new books!đ&#x;“–đ&#x;šŒ @UTCLeeds Looking for a 6th Form place in September? Read the story of one of our current students - Harry. utcleeds.com/page.asp?id=36 @Leeds_Highways @slpsleeds are ditching the ride to park & stride with their school mascot in #walktoschool week 15-19 May @Child_Leeds @ModeshiftSTARS @Clean_Leeds #FlyTip in #Hunslet currently being investigated by our enforcement team #CleanLeeds #CrimeNotToCare

Join the debate Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW. Letters may be edited for publication.

Keep up to date with planning issues in LS10 and LS11 We publish a weekly list of all new planning applications online at: www.southleedslife.com

@groves_kim Excellent work @WYP_LeedsInSth Operation targeting off road bikes 4 seized a thanks to Community for info @CEO_HunsletClub Another property brought back to life by the Hunslet Club, happy tenants are now in possession of the keys #hunsletclub

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June 2017 | South Leeds Life

Schools 11

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Police Pioneers Beeston Primary: aiming for Outstanding by Jeremy Morton Staff, pupils and parents at Beeston Primary School are celebrating their latest Ofsted report which graded the school as ‘Good’, the second highest grade. The letter from Brian Stillings, the Ofsted inspector says “Teaching standards are high across the school and pupils thrive on producing their best work.” It goes on: “The personal development, behaviour and welfare of pupils are a strength of the school. Pupils have very positive attitudes to school, which are reflected in their work and all that they do. Pupils’ behaviour makes a strong contribution to their learning.” We spoke to Headteacher Nick Edensor, who has been at the school for the last eighteen months. He was appointed originally on a secondment as a Local Leader in Education, but chose to apply for the permanent position as he had “fallen in love with the school and Beeston.” “The children here are fantastic,” says Nick. “They are able, bright and well behaved. We have great teachers and

Headteacher Nick Edensor with Beeston Primary School Council members: Back Row L-R: Fatiah Ibrahim, Lily-Mae Firth, Lilly Worrell, Jakob Moody, Aleisha Kelly, Noah Mooney. Front Row L-R: Harry Crossland, Maddie Wagstaff, Ethan Hewitt there is a real team approach to raising standards. The Governing Body are exceptional and work closely with the senior leadership team as we continue our journey to becoming an ‘Outstanding’ school.” Last summer’s Year 6 SATS results were the best in the school’s history and they are confident that this year’s will be as good or better. These results are a reflection of improvements at all levels throughout the school. The school has gone through many changes in the last few

years. It has changed from a 2to 3-form entry and is currently one of the largest primary schools in Leeds. That enlargement has meant building work and consequent disruption. Work continues but at a more measured pace with improvements to the school’s reception area and outdoor facilities. Nick also has plans for a new computer suite that will complement the library and create a learning hub at the heart of the school. With teaching and leadership improved Nick is

looking towards the children to help take the school to the next level. “I want our pupils to take responsibility for their learning. We are setting them challenges and they are responding, whether that’s asking more questions or understanding their learning objectives in any given lesson.” The future certainly looks bright for the school. A full copy of the inspection report can be found on the school’s website at www.beestonprimaryschool. co.uk.

Young and old ‘Hengage’ A South Leeds primary school has a flourishing relationships with Nesfield Lodge Care Home, as children join the home for a weekly HenPower session, working on hen-inspired activities with the home, its residents and their hens.

Pupils from Sharp Lane Primary work on their hen collages

The 44-bed home has a long-standing relationship with Sharp Lane Primary School, who have been visiting the residents and taking part in activities since 2015. The relationship was founded with the aim of bringing the local community together and combining generations for the benefit of both the students and the residents. Local photographer Mat Dale has been visiting the home for the past eight weeks, delivering a photography workshop to the residents and Year Two children. The creative sessions are run as part of the home’s weekly HenPower sessions, a project established by the creative aging charity, Equal Arts, which aims to reduce loneliness and promote wellbeing through hen-keeping. Each Tuesday, a group of children from the neighbouring school joins residents to develop their photography skills, taking close-up photographs of the resident hens

and details around the home, with the aim of creating intricate ‘David Hockney-style’ collages. The finished collages will be displayed across the home. For the past two years, pupils from across all age groups have visited the home each week. The residents have also made visits to the school and to events such as the school’s Christmas Nativity and carol service. Danielle Bird, Activity Coordinator, said: “It is so important to welcome the community into the home, it makes the residents feel involved and means there are always exciting events going on. The residents adore the children from the school and you can see them light up when they visit. We have really enjoyed working with Mat and his sessions have been really interesting.” HenPower has been in the home since 2015 and a variety of artists have taken part in delivering a wide range of creative workshops, including candle-making and sensory sessions.

The West Yorkshire Police Pioneers were set up for the county’s young volunteers aged 14 – 16 which is being expanded after a successful first year. PC Sean Statham and Cockburn School recognised there were pupils who wanted to learn more about the Police Service, law, rights, and how it affects them. They believe it is one of the most important age groups where nurturing and learning can be instilled in young people who are struggling to find their place in the community. Sean said in the original proposal for the scheme: “It’s a prime place to start with the education of the young in relation to the law, rights and responsibility.” David Gurney, Headteacher at Cockburn said: “I am very proud of our partnership with the West Yorkshire Police and our pupils really value this opportunity to get out into the community in such a positive way.” The aims of the Pioneers

the future of volunteering at West Yorkshire Police, as some of the children taking part in the West Yorkshire Pioneers may be future Special Constables and Police Support Volunteers. PC Statham said: “The feedback was really positive” after the pilot of the first Pioneers programme finished. It helped turn pre-conceptions of the police around and had an exceptional youth engagement according to Sean. With more activities and trips out to Carr Gate Police training facility, there is a lot for pupils in the new cohort to look forward to, increasing interest in the Police and therefore the likelihood of more young people volunteering, not just for the Police, but for the community in general. Part of the Pioneers Project is to have an element of community engagement and last year they forged links with the Leeds “Love Where You Live” project. The Love Where You Live project is the

PC Sean Statham and the successful first cohort of the Police Pioneers from Cockburn School scheme are: 1. Promote a practical understanding of policing amongst all young people. 2. Encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship. 3. Support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard. Volunteering is the key word here.The scheme develops the skills and understanding of the pupils involved in other ways than classroom teaching as it is not in school time, it’s after school. They had sessions on First Aid, Pocket Notebook rules, the phonetic alphabet and how to use police radios complete with status codes. In one exercise they mocked up a police foot chase in the school grounds and it was great to hear them ‘arrest’ one of their teachers and go “Code 112!” This scheme is important for

brainchild of the local councillors and provides an opportunity for the community to come together to address issues that matter to them. The Police Pioneers supported community events such as bulb planting, tea parties and Christmas parties for the elderly, which Love Where You Live had organised. This five year project aims to build relationships in Belle Isle and Middleton by engaging communities in a variety of ways and develop community pride and cohesion, ensuring the community views will be at the heart of the plan. Councillor Kim Groves (Labour, Middleton Park) said: “The Yorkshire Pioneers Scheme is one of the best schemes I have seen as a Local Councillor. I say this for two reasons, the age group of the young people involved and the fact that they are often the hardest to engage with.”

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South Leeds Life | June 2017

12 Arts & Culture

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On The Buses: A bit of Frank by Frank Regan

It is a family tradition of ours to never knowingly tell the truth to a youngster if there is a chance of getting away with inventing a preposterous lie. I was thinking about this yesterday when I was waiting for the bus with my daughter. It was overdue and I was bored so I started telling her about when I was her age (fifteen), which was in the dim and distant days before the internet. I more or less managed to convince her that if we saw something pleasing back then we would look at it and bellow “LIKE!” at the top of our voices. She initially seemed sceptical but I think I helped my case by shouting “SAD FACE!” at an old and somewhat decrepit stray dog that walked passed the bus stop as we were having the discussion. We were on our way to see my Dad who had been a master of this art when I was growing up. He would never answer a question truthfully if an amusing falsehood sprang to his mind. And thus, I can remember the day I told my primary school teacher that my Dad was bald because the hair had rubbed off his head when he was crawling through tunnels to escape the Nazi prison camp he was being held in.This was no doubt when he had been captured after bailing out from his Spitfire over enemy territory. I can’t remember at what exact age I figured out that he was too young to have fought in the war, let alone have been a fighter ace who had also managed to escape from Colditz, but it didn’t annoy me. It just made me resolve to tell similar stories to my children when I grew up. When I related this story my friend told me how he had convinced someone else’s child that the world was black and white before 1974 and advised them “For proof go and check your Gran’s old photos.” As I chuckled at this I began to see a pattern emerging – it is always men who are doing this. I immediately cast my mind over my own family and realised that it’s me, my Dad and my brother who all do this. And it dawned on me how difficult we have made it to raise a child. If my family is just one example of a wider phenomenon then perhaps all over the country, and possibly the world, women are doing their best to raise children who are equipped to deal with all the challenges that the world may throw at them, while men are seeing what’s the craziest

nonsense they can get the child to believe. It struck me that men are determined to have a laugh at the expense of the gullible wherever possible. As I pondered this fact I realised that it’s not just children who I have lied to over the years. I used to work with a very gullible woman who I would invent spurof-the-moment nonsense to whenever I spoke to. I once told her that Kenny Dalglish’s full name was Kensington Dalglish and when she dropped this nugget of information in a conversation with her husband he nearly had a hernia laughing and yet just two weeks later I persuaded her that Harry Kewell’s full name was Harrington Kewell. She revealed this gem to her husband halfway through a pub quiz to which he responded “You’ve been talking to Regan again, haven’t you?” I used to put more effort into my lying. When my kids were both under the age of seven I would sometimes take them to the pub for pop and crisps on the way back from picking them up at school (yes, I realise this entire column could be shown to Social Services). Once I’d plonked them down with their diet cokes and ready salted I’d text my friend and ask him to ring me in a couple of minutes. This gave me time to put the phone on vibrate but no ringtone and to tell the kids how I could make objects move via the power of my mind. I’d then put the phone facedown on the table and stare at it until my mate rang, at which point it would start shaking and moving around. The children would stare wide-eyed at the phone and then look at me with a mixture of awe, respect and fear. “Don’t worry,” I’d tell them, “I only ever use my powers for good.” It was only as I was typing that that I recalled my older brother doing a similar pre-planned trick on me. He took me in the garden and told me he’d caught a blackbird in a small box. He then fired his air-pistol at the box and “blood” poured out of it. I was so horrified I started screaming and he had to show me that it was only a box with red paint inside. If you’re read this far I hope you are diverting Social Services to my brother’s house and away from mine. Obviously some people take it too far but for the main part there are few things more pleasing than passing off an ridiculous untruth as fact to gullible children. Trust your Uncle Frankincense Regan. Frank Regan is a pseudonym.

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Ghanaian restaurant opens by Aleric Hall

Something you often hear in Beeston is that it’s good for takeways, but a bit short on nice, sit-down restaurants. So I was excited when PJDee’s African Cuisine opened in Greenhouse, the block of eco-flats with windmills on the roof on Beeston Road. I went to meet Janet, the proprietor, to find out more. Q. So where’s the name PJDee’s from? A. My family name is Patrick Janet Daniella, but I just made it PJDee’s! Q. And what inspired you to start running a bar and restaurant? A. Since I was a little girl in Ghana, I’ve always loved cooking. And I kept cooking for family and friends’ parties — I love inviting people over for a meal in my house, and people would say “why aren’t you using this talent to open a restaurant?” I was busy working, and starting a

business is not easy when you’re already working. But I talked about it with my family, and one day I just woke up and said “I’m doing this!” Q. It does feel a bit like I’ve been invited to a party at your house: it’s got a really welcoming vibe. So, why Ghanaian food? A. If you look at Leeds, we don’t have lots African restaurants — we have lots of Chinese or Indian, but you don’t hear much about African ones, and those I’ve come across are all Nigerian.

So I decided, since I’m a Ghanaian, why don’t I get myself a Ghanaian restaurant, with some of the dishes we have back in our country? It’s good to experience other nationalities’ foods. Q. And what brought you to Greenhouse? I mean, you’re tucked away in here and people have to buzz the intercom to get in, so it’s an unusual spot. A. I started a catering business from my house last year, and I wanted to develop it. I was looking for a place in

Beeston. I’m not only targeting the African market, not at all — but Beeston does have a huge African population. And I’ve lived in Beeston and I feel at home here. I was considering a few places, and then I saw this one advertised and I loved it! So that was it: I love taking a risk in life, and when I’m determined to do something, I do it. Q. And tell me more about the food! A. The menu varies from day to day. When you say “West African food”, people often think it’s really unfamiliar, but it’s all familiar ingredients — but cooked in a special way! I’ve got no frozen food here, and I get all my food in fresh. My aim is to promote healthy living, healthy eating! You can find out more about PJDee’s catering services and restaurant at www.pjdeesafricancuisine. co.uk.The restaurant is open to all: just buzz 900 on the intercom.

Free theatre tickets for readers

South Leeds Life has teamed up with West Yorkshire Playhouse to help people who might not otherwise visit to experience the magic of live theatre. Starting this month we are offering readers free tickets to see shows on press night. Of course nothing comes for free, so in return we would like you to help us review the show. We will help you get to the theatre in Leeds city centre if necessary and buy you a interval drink. You can bring a friend or partner with you and you’ll be accompanied by a writer from South Leeds Life. After the show there will be

a chance to meet the actors and crew. If you would like to have a go at writing the review yourself we’ll give you tips, support and advice. If not you can share your thoughts with us and we’ll write it. The next show we are inviting you to is Ode To Leeds on Wednesday 14 June. Spoken word, music and movement are celebrated in Zodwa Nyoni’s powerful new play Ode to Leeds, inspired by the city’s renowned spoken word poetry group, Leeds Young Authors. Five young people find their voices and forge new friendships as they

pursue their dream of reaching America’s “Brave New Voices” slam poetry competition in New York. But their route to success is undermined by personal rivalries and inner demons which threaten the team’s very foundations. Future opportunities will be advertised online at www.southleedslife.com and depending on print schedules in the newspaper. If you would like to attend this or any future shows please email info@southleedslife.com telling us why you would like the chance to go to the Playhouse with us. Please note there are a maximum of two free tickets to each show. Keep up to date with everything that’s happening at West Yorkshire Playhouse at: www.wyp.org.uk

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Arts & Culture 13

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The Grapes of Wrath by Hazel Millichamp I was lucky enough to be offered the opportunity by South Leeds Life to see The Grapes of Wrath performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse. The play is based on the novel by John Steinbeck and focusses on the Joad family who are forced to leave their barren, dusty farm in Oklahoma and head west with thousands of other families chasing the promise of work and a wonderful new life. It is adapted for the stage by Frank Galati and directed by Abbey Wright. When the play opens we are introduced to the ex-preacher Casy and Tom Joad who has just been released from prison and is in happy anticipation of seeing his family again. Unfortunately nothing is the same as Tom left it and his family (with the preacher tagging along) are about to embark on an epic journey in search of work, food and happiness. I felt that the story very much resonates with

June 2017 | South Leeds Life

today and the plight of refugees, forced to leave their homes through no fault of their own. Throughout their journey the family face many trials they do not have the money to bury a family member, they are unable to legally camp by

may bring better times for her beloved family. By the time the interval came around there was a hope that the family would endure, but slightly more than a sneaking suspicion that this was not going to be a story with a happy ending.

roadsides and are forced to pay inflated prices to stay in campsites by unscrupulous landowners, as well as being discriminated against by polite society. I came to feel very invested in the fortunes of the family and Julia Swift gave a marvellous performance as Ma, the matriarch who keeps the family bound together and is ever hopeful that the future

Musical interludes were scattered throughout the performance and showcased the multi-talented actors, who not only played multiple characters, but also sang and performed various instruments. A particularly stand-out piece for me was as the family joined a huge camp for migrants and experienced a brief respite from their tribulations by singing and

dancing with other migrating families. Speaking to a member of the chorus after the show she revealed that the director had visited the migrant camps in Calais and witnessed scenes of singing and dancing that had struck her as a spark of human joy in a camp full of displaced people. The fact that the inspiration for this scene is contemporary is shocking when you bear in mind that the novel was published in 1939. The story is a harrowing one and the final scene is particularly shocking, but completely sums up the ethos of the Joad family which is to give to others even when you have so little to give. Unfortunately society does not treat the family with equal compassion. This was a fantastic production and incredibly thought-provoking - if you get the chance to see it I would thoroughly recommend that you do. The Grapes of Wrath runs at West Yorkshire Playhouse until Saturday 10 June. Tickets: £13.50 - £30.

A community on stage

The professional actors in The Grapes of Wrath were complemented by an amateur ‘chorus’ drawn from the Leeds community. South Leeds Life spoke to Amy Wilson from Hunslet and Kev Phillips from Beeston who both responded to an open audition. Kev is part of a writers group and wanted to improve his writing by spending some time on stage. “I found it challenging particularly the dance, but it’s

been a fantastic experience, I’ve met people I wouldn’t normally come into contact with.” Amy performed in the York Mystery Plays a few years ago and decided to repeat the experience. “Everyone is so enthusiastic and friendly” she said. The 40 strong group spent six weeks in rehearsal and after the run will create a new work with Beeston writer Mark Catley, known for his work on TV’s Casualty.

Amy Wilson and Kev Phillips

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South Leeds Life | June 2017

14 What’s On

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

What’s On

Publicise your event with South Leeds Life

Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in June

Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays. Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events Every Monday Women & Girls’ Drop In 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project 43 Stratford Street, Beeston Swimming 9:45am Holbeck Elderly Aid Happy Chinese Families Gp 9:30am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friendship Group 10am-12pm Belle Isle Family Centre Salsa-cise 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston. Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Men’s games group 1-3pm Belle Isle WMC Triathlon Training 4:15-5:45pm Middleton Park Bike Hub Kickboxing 6-9pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street This Girl Can Run 6.15pm Middleton Bike Hub, Ring Road, Middleton 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 Middle Tones Singing Group 7-9pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Adult Jazz & Tap Dance 7-8pm Cottingley Community Centre Zumba 7-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Every Tuesday Keep Fit for over 55’s 9:30am Trinity Network, Belle Isle, Nesfield church hall

Tots, Tea and Toast 9:30-11:15am St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Heart to Heart Breakfast 9:30am Asha Neighbourhood Project, 43 Stratford Street Coffee Morning 9:30am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Breastfeeding Support 10am-12pm Middleton Family Centre, 252-262 Sissons Road General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm Brew Coffee Shop, 287 Beeston Road Community Coffee Morning 10-11:30am Beeston Library Singing Group 10:30-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Knit & Natter 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Bumps & Buggy Fit 11:30am-12:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town St Gentle Exercise 11.30am-12:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Lunch Club 12:15-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet 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

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9:15am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Get Fit Where You Sit 9:15-10:15 Lane End Primary School, Beeston Road City Tots 9:30-11am City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road 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 Sq Community Craft Cafe 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road Walk and Talk 12-1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Free Zumba 12-12:45pm Middleton Leisure Centre Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network, 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 (6-12yrs) 4:45-5:45pm Watsonian Pavilion Cross Flatts Park, Beeston DAZL Dance class 5-6pm Cottingley Community Centre City Kids (R-Y6) 6-7:15pm City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road Basic Bike Maintenance Class 6-8pm Middleton Bike Hub, Ring Road, Middleton 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 Zumba 7-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Martial Arts 7-9pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square South Leeds Sisters running

7.15pm Improvers Middleton Park Bike Hub, 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 New Lives Group 10-11:30am Cottingley Children’s Centre Chair based mobility group 11:15am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Ctr Lunch Club 12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Line Dancing 1pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle New Lives Group 1-2:30pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Sq Digital Photography Club 1:15-3:15pm Cockburn Skills Hub, Gipsy Lane Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Craft Group 1:30-3:30pm Cleveleys Court, Holbeck Mashed up fitness session aerobic dance 1:45-2:45pm Beeston Village Community Centre Vale Circles Autism Hub 2-7pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Intermediates Middleton Park Bike Hub Women’s Rounders 7pm Middleton Leisure 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 9am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United

Send full details of your event to: info@southleedslife.com or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW Ring/text: 07894 583966 Free Church, Malvern Road South Leeds Life News Cafe 9-11am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Breastfeeding Support Group 9:45-11:15am Mothercare cafe, Crown Point Retail Park 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 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 Ballroom Dancing 1-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Games Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Rhymetime 2pm Beeston Library, Town St Urban Dance 4pm Cockburn School Holbeck Skate Park 5-6:30pm Holbeck Moor Girls Football 6-7pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square 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 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet Kidz ‘n’ Co 10:30am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Every Sunday Cross Flatts junior parkrun 9am, top of Cross Flatts Park Middleton Railway 10am-5pm Moor Road, Hunslet

Thursday 1 June Doodling Workshop 10:30-11:15am The Hunslet

Club, Hillidge Road Story Builders 2:30-3:30pm Hunslet Library Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Saturday 3 June Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Meth Church, Old Lane, Beeston Leeds Parks: Past, Present and Future 10am-4pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Plant Sale 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Sunday 4 June Children’s Fun Day 12-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street The Marked 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 5 June Book Club 1:30-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Tuesday 6 June Leeds Libraries Takeover Day 8:30am-2pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Sq Mostly Men! 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Wednesday 7 June Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Pot-a-Tea Dementia Café 1:30-3:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Lego Club 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Library Frisday 9 June Baby Sensory 10-11am Hunslet Library Baby & Toddler Takeover 11am-2pm Hunslet Library Saturday 10 June Traditional Summer Fair 10am-2pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 11 June Tingley Brass Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Bands In The Park 2:30-4:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Melancholy 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck

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incudes a collection of images of Leeds parks through time. Nathan Booth, one of the organisers said: “Find out why public parks were first created, and how their founders hoped they would transform the city around them. Discover which parks in Leeds are the most popular, how they are used, how they benefit the public and what challenges they currently face. And explore people’s hopes and fears for the future of public parks, in a time of financial cutbacks and growing demand for access to green space.Visitors of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.”

Cross Flatts Park c.1916. Photo: Artemis Artforms Monday 12 June Craft Club 1-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Tuesday 13 June Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck Food For Thought 2-3:30pm City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road, Holbeck Wednesday 14 June Kurling 10:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre Thursday 15 June Funding Fair 10am-1pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Comics Club! 3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library Bereavement Support Group 7-8:30pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Friday 16 June Richard Carpenter’s Close To You ... 7:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Saturday 17 June Ramblers group Meet 9am St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre The Great Get Together 1-4pm Dewsbury Road One Stop Centre, Beeston Sunday 18 June Walk the Viewpoints 1:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Bands In The Park 2:30-4:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Tuesday 20 June The Writers Club 1-2:30pm, Beeston Library

What’s On 15

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Parks exhibition

An exhibition called ‘Leeds Parks: Past, Present and Future’ is to be held at the Watsonian Pavilion in Cross Flatts Park on Saturday 3 June. The exhibition is a chance to see how the city’s parks have changed over time, from their Victorian origins to the present day, and to discover what the future might hold for our public parks. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds are welcome, and the exhibition includes specific displays and activities for children. There will be a walking tour of the history of Cross Flatts Park at 2pm, and the exhibition

June 2017 | South Leeds Life

Thursday 22 June Hunslet Remembered 10am-12pm Hunslet Library Halifax Digital Drop In 10am-12pm Hunslet Library Friday 23 June The Translator 6pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, HolbeckSaturday 24 June Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am Ingram Gardens Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 25 June BITMO Lunch Club 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE Centre, Aberfield Gate, off Belle Isle Rd Maltings Lunch Club 1-3pm Maltings Court, Maltings Road, BeestonMiddleton Park Air Show 2-4pm The Clearings, Middleton Park Leeds Dads 2-4pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Bands In The Park 2:30-4:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park The Translator 5pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 26 June Craft Club 1-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Tuesday 27 June Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck Wednesday 28 May Kurling 10:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Singing Sensations 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, beeston Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police HQ

Invitation to mess about on the river

The annual Leeds Waterfront Festival returns on 24 & 25 June and promises to be the best yet! Bringing 4 miles of the city’s waterways to life, the festival will be brimming with activities and creativity on the water, boats and on dry land alongside an amazing weekend of family-friendly fun activities, music, performance and art! 2017 marks the 10th anniversary of the Leeds Waterfront Festival and this will be a special celebratory weekend covering 11 destinations and the spaces in between. From the heritage of the Leeds and Liverpool canal, starting at Armley Industrial Museum, the festival celebrates key sites along the canal and river including Granary Wharf, a French-themed feast created by Brasserie Blanc at Victoria Wharf, vintage and designer market with Craft Ales and live music at Calls Landing on The Calls, an amazing party atmosphere at Brewery Wharf with the Leeds legends’ Utah Saints headlining at the 212 Café Bar. Then heading to The Heart of the South

Dragon Boat Racing at Leeds Dock. Photo: Raj Passy Photography Bank with The Tetley, the legendary Scheme (FAS)….all this then musical boat Dragon Boat Races and Street Food trips all the way to family-themed fun at Awards Northern Heat at Leeds Dock, fun Thwaite Mills in Stourton! historical story telling at The Royal Leeds Waterfront Festival would not be Armouries and a curious mock weir and possible without the on-going support book launch by the river on Armouries from Canal & River Trust and Leeds City Way hosted by the Flood Alleviation Council.

Hunslet Community Gala Great Get Whether it’s Punch & Judy, giant inflatables, farm animals, or great entertainment your looking for, you’ll find it at Hunslet Community Gala. The annual event takes place on Saturday 24 June on the recreation field at Grove Road and Church Street from 11:30am. Entertainment in the arena will include Keldon School of Dance, Shardonnay and Hunslet Carr Majorettes and the Vocologee Choir.

Together

Hunslet Club dancers at Hunslet Gala in 2016

Dates for your Diary

A busy June is followed by a fun packed July, so we thought we would mark your card for some of the events coming up next month.

Belle Isle Gala

As usual the Gala takes place at Windmill Primary School on Saturday 1 July, 11am-2pm. As well as entertainment and stalls, Hunslet Parkside will be running rugby activities on the playing field. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, representing the Queen, will be the guest of honour.

Holbeck Gala

Holbeck Moor the location for Holbeck’s annual celebration, also taking place on Saturday 1 July.

Romeo & Juliet

Oddsocks Theatre return to

Middleton Park with another riotous and musical rendition of Shakespeare. This year they present Romeo & Juliet on Tuesday 4 July at 7pm. This free event, organised by Friends of Middleton Park, is fun for all the family. Bring a rug and a picnic (and maybe an umbrella).

Beeston Festival

Beeston’s annual celebration of music, food and fun takes over Cross Flatts Park on Saturday 15 July. Running from 12-5pm it features three stages, 100 stalls in the bazaar, children’s activities, sports and a fun fair.

Jo Cox, the MP mudered in Birstall last year, said “We are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us.” In celebration of Jo’s life, over 100,000 Get Together events have been organised across the country, including one in Beeston. The car park at Dewsbury Road One Stop Centre will be transformed with music, games and fun for all the family. Performers include Caution Collective, Silverfinger Singh and the Hunslet Club dancers. Jamie’s Ministry of Food will be competing with bubble machines, badge making, archery, health checks, a fire engine, henna tattoos, outdoor sports and the Jungle Warrior Sound System. 1-4pm, Saturday 17 June.

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South Leeds Life | June 2017

16 Sport

Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife

Topsy-turvey month for Hunslet RLFC by Ian Pickles & Jeremy Morton May was a turbulent month at Hunslet RLFC with Head Coach James Coyle leaving the club after a shock defeat at Oxford. The month started with a home win against North Wales Crusaders on 7 May. With the fans still settling into their seats Hunslet took the lead in the first minute when a Matthew Tebb run set up Danny Ansell who slipped a ball to Jimmy Watson to score. The conversion was unsuccessful but Tebb soon went over himself after Liam Mackay cut open the Crusaders defence. A combination of a North Wales player being sent to the sin-bin and the introduction of George Flanaghan meant Hunslet had the edge leading into the break, and Flanaghan himself extended the Myrtle and Flames lead as he went over from acting half-back. 2416 to Hunslet. The best try of the day though came on 55 minutes when Nyle Flynn split the Crusaders defence and slipped a brilliant pass to Danny Ansell who scored under the posts, Joe Sanderson converted after a difficult day with the boot, judging a strong wind.

Despite Crusaders pressure, Hunslet hung on for 36-26 win. A week later they made the long trip south to Oxford. Although Hunslet scored first, they found themselves 20-12 down at half time.An improved performance in the second half saw them take a 20-22 lead, but Oxford scored again through Brough to beat Hunslet for the first time in their history. The shock result led to a parting of the ways as James Coyle left the club. Rob “Two Bobs” Roberts took over as caretaker coach and prepared for the visit of Workington Town on 21 May. A tough first half saw the visitors leading 6-10 at the break. The half time team talk was clearly inspired as Hunslet came out a more confident team in the second period. Captain George Flanagan leading from the front went over from close range after Hunslet had forced a Town error on 41 minutes. Then fortune struck on 50 minutes when two Workington defenders fielding a kick collided and Cameron Leeming swept up the loose ball to score, Sanderson converting to give Hunslet an 18-10 lead.The best try of the afternoon came on 60 minutes when Nyle Flynn went over after some

Photo: Phoenix Photography fine Hunslet ballwork. Hunslet have not faired well this season in close matches, but on this occasion leading rather than trailing they finished on a high. Lewis Reed sealed the victory with a try from close in, carrying three men over the line with him, Sanderson converting to give Hunslet a 30-22 victory. The club have now

appointed Gary Thornton as Head Coach for the remainder of the 2017 season. Gary has experience from coaching York and Doncaster. His first match in charge of Hunslet will be a trip to Barrow Raiders on Saturday 3 June. You can read full match reports of all Hunslet’s games online at www.southleedslife.com.

Cups runneth over at BSA by John Adamson

On Saturday 13 May, the 2016 West Yorkshire County Cup winners Beeston St Anthony’s, played in the final of the Northern Counties Cup, against Cheshire County Cup holders Ashville. In a very tense and hard fought game, Beeston came through with a magnificent 4-3 win, goals coming from Sean Jeavons, James Allan, Steve Crawford and the fourth from the big powerful centre forward James Allan, scoring his second. Ten days later Beeston St. Anthony’s went on to finish the season in style at Elland Road, playing the Final of the Senior Challenge Cup against Real Moor. Beeston had an early 2-0 lead with goals from Steve Crawford and Matt Moon, but seemed to sit back allowing Real Moor to strike twice making it 2-2 at half time. The second half a more determined Beeston, passing the ball around, making

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Underwater Hockey team surface for run

GB Underwater Hockey U19 Women’s Team Regular runners at the Games are 30 minutes long Cross Flatts parkrun were and the aim is for teams to joined on Saturday 29 April score goals in a gulley at either by members of the GB end of the pool. More information at Underwater Hockey squad. For the last 2 years www.gbuwh.co.uk/ In July this year, 4 teams from Underwater Hockey players from all over Great Britain GB will be travelling to have regularly been attending Tasmania to compete in the Age Groups training weekends at The John World Charles Centre for Sport. As Championships.There are both part of these weekends, on men’s and women’s teams in several occasions, they have the U19 and U23 category.The taken part in the Cross Flatts players have only just received parkrun. This has been a useful confirmation of their selection tool for both team building and and are very excited but also measuring fitness. This have to deal with the financial weekend 18 of the 35 players problems of raising £3,000 who completed the park run each to fund the trip. Local achieved a Personal Best time club, Batley, is holding a race night on Saturday 6 May to (PB). Underwater Hockey, as the help support the 9 players name suggests is played from its club going to Tasmania. underwater. Players wear All these players, and their mask, fins and a snorkel and coaches Richard Adams and hold their breath whilst Joanne Pitchforth, regularly pushing a heavy puck on the train at Leeds making use of bottom of the swimming pool. the 2m deep John Charles Teams consist of 10 players Pool. Joanne Pitchforth, GB U19 with 6 in play at any one time and 4 subs who can swap at Women’s Coach, commented: “On behalf of GB any time. Players usually hold their breath for 15-20 sec at a Underwater Hockey, we would time, go up take one or 2 like to thank the Cross Flatts breaths and then back down parkrun volunteers for making us feel welcome and helping us again. Fitness is key to success. with our training.”

Marathoners Beeston St Anthony’s at Elland Road Photo: John Adamson Real work hard to defend and the deadlock was broken when Richard Vennard hammered a header into the “back of the net” to make it 3-2. Then Real Moor went into free fall. The wizardry of wingers Stevie Crawford and Joe Wood, the strength of James Allan and Sean Jeavons up front, had Real scrambling.

They conceded three penalties, dispatched by Crawford (2) and Jeavons. Result 6-2. A tremendous result for BSA. Congratulations to Beeston, winning their fifth trophy in two seasons, and to Manager Mark Halmshaw, who retires from management duties at the end of the present campaign.

Five Cross Flatts parkrun regulars completed the London Marathon on Sunday 23 April. Pictured left to right: Gavin Shoesmith, Holly Jemson, Rebecca Bradley, Mark Hodgkinson and Daz Hewitt.