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Issue 32 | September 2017
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
CELEBRATING SUMMER
In this issue:
Road closures in Holbeck?
page 3
Parkour patients new exercises
page 4
South Leeds Life has been out and about at community events across the area this summer
The sun might not have shone every day during the summer of 2017, but that disn’t stop people getting out and enjoying themselves across South Leeds. Picking just four from hundreds of events and activities that ranged from den building and brass bands to rugby camps and dog shows. The Young Archaeologists Club discovered the entrance to Middleton Lodge’s Ice House when they organised a dig in the woods. Before fridges the big house needed a supply of ice to keep foods fresh. Beeston Festival was enlivened by a magical parade that both local people and performers including these Italian clowns, who didn’t always do what they were told! They added to to the music, food, stalls and sports and entertained the crowds. Playbox - literally a shipping container full of toys - made a splash at Holbeck Gala. Children of all ages enjoyed bubbles, dressing up, colouring and making music. Playbox returned to Trentham pocket park in Beeston Hill later in the summer for more fun. Breeze On Tour is always popular with its mix of activities, sports, information and of course inflatables. These youngsters were having great fun in a bouncy castle.
Omnibus HMO plans rejected
page 6
The Young Archaeologists Club excavated an Ice House in Middleton Park Photo: Leeds YAC
Beeston Festival was visited by Italian ‘Commedia dell’Arte’ mischevous clowns Photo: Paul Bullivant
Dancing to fitness with DAZL
page 13
NEWS SCHOOLS Blowing giant bubbles with help from Playbox at Holbeck Gala Photo: Jeremy Morton Children enjoy a bouncy castle when Breeze On Tour visited Cross Flatts Park Photo: Jeremy Morton
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ARTS
13
FEEDBACK
14
PEOPLE
15
WHAT’S ON SPORT
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About us South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live, work and play in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds. The website and newspaper are produced by South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House, No 9998695. South Leeds Life is a member of the Independent Community News Network. 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.
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MP’s notebook by Hilary Benn MP Once again, food banks are in the news. Research by the Trussell Trust, which runs a network of food banks across the UK, including in Leeds, has found that more than one third of food distributed goes to needy children. School-age children up to the age of 11 are most likely to require emergency food parcels, especially during the summer holidays. We know that demand in Leeds is up as well, and this shows just how desperate a position some people are finding themselves in. Something is terribly wrong in a society where people have no alternative but to ask someone they have never met for help just so they can feed their family. It's now time the Government acknowledged this appalling crisis and started to do something about the causes, many of which it is responsible for. In the wake of the
election result, we did at least force ministers to abandon their idea of getting rid of free school meals for infant age primary all schoolchildren, but as the Trussell Trust rightly says "the next step must be to help families during the holidays." In the meantime, let's thank all those people and organisations in our community who are providing practical help to those in need. Given that I had only missed the Beeston Festival once, I think, in 18 years, I was confidently expecting to extend my attendance record when a rather nasty fall on the July morning in question resulted in me ending up in A&E rather than Cross Flatts Park. I have visited the LGI and St James's on many occasions over the years as the local MP but this was my first time as a patient. The care that all of us received, both in A&E and on the ward where I spent a few days as the result of the
consequences of several broken ribs, was excellent and a reminder of the and dedication professionalism of everyone in the NHS, from the cleaners to the consultants. But even though I was a patient, I could not entirely escape my day job. In A&E, once I felt the benefits of Hilary Benn MP much-needed pain relief, I that I did as good a job for them at found myself discussing with the the time as they did for me while I consultant the challenges of a busy was in their care! Who knows, if I department and how they had had been in any longer, I could have managed to cope with this year's started running advice surgeries. winter pressures. So, to all the staff I met - a big The flow of patients is endless, thank you. And my spell in hospital although I had had the good fortune did at least provide me with a good - so to speak - to injure myself first line to wish friends well for the thing on a Saturday morning before summer. "I do hope you get a break the sports injuries and weekend DIY but preferably not of any of your accidents start to arrive. ribs." I also learned the hard way And then on the ward, I met two that in my delicate condition staff who had sought my help in the laughing was definitely not a good past as constituents. I can only hope idea!
White Rose Centre goes green Landsec, the owners of the White Rose the environment.” Shopping Centre, has unveiled the White Rose Shopping Centre continued installation of the biggest solar by celebrating National Honey Bee Day – photovoltaic (PV) system at a retail site and its very own rooftop hive of bees – in the UK. The installation, situated on with flower-based acts of kindness on the roof of the centre in South Leeds, will Saturday 19 August. generate 680,000 kWh of power a year, The White Rose team has been enough electricity to power over 200 UK spreading joy by giving out thousands of homes for 12 months. The PV will supply bee-friendly seeds for planting to centre 39% of the daytime electricity used in visitors, as well as bouquets of flowers to randomly-chosen guests to spread a little the mall areas of the centre. In its first year, the system will reduce bit of cheer and sunshine. A few even received jars carbon of awardemissions at winning honey, White Rose by produced by 250 tonnes; the bees that the equivalent live at White of over half a Rose million miles White of passenger Rose’s hive of car emissions. more than one It consists of million honey 2,902 bees are individual Solar panels at White Rose Shopping Centre housed on the panels, each centre’s roof, bolstering the local bee of which measures 1.6 m². The PV will maximise on-site renewable population and also helping to pollinate energy generation, reduce electricity agricultural crops – it’s estimated that a consumption from the grid and deliver third of the food we eat can be attributed significant financial benefits to retailers to bee pollination. Steven Foster, General Manager of based at White Rose. It forms a key part of the ongoing sustainability strategy at White Rose Shopping Centre, said: “We’re the centre, which includes a proud of our eco-credentials here at comprehensive bio-diversity programme White Rose, and of our environmental alongside energy efficiency measures work that benefits South Leeds and beyond. We’re also very pleased that our and a focus on reducing food waste. Scott Parsons, Managing Director, Honey Bee Activity has put a smile on the Retail, Landsec, said: “We are extremely faces of our visitors.” To find out more about White Rose’s proud to have set a UK-wide benchmark for renewable electricity. Landsec is environmentally-aware activities including committed to setting and achieving re-using rainwater, installing the UK’s ambitious sustainability targets and this largest shopping center solar panel is a fantastic example of how innovative system, and more, visit white-rose.co.uk/ thinking can benefit both retailers and environment
Join us for Race Night and more We are inviting readers to join us for a social evening at the home of Hunslet RLFC. South Leeds Life is holding a Race Night event with eight races. You can sponsor a race for £10 and ‘own’ a horse for £5 and of course you will be able to bet on the races on the night. Before the main event we will be telling a little more about South Leeds Life. South Leeds Life CIC does
not hold an Annual General Meeting, but we do want to share information about how the paper has been run over the last year and present our financial accounts. The Editor and Members of the Board will be around all evening to answer your questions. The bar will be open from 6:30-11pm and we will lay on a light buffet. We do hope you can join us.
Photo: Jessica Cross via Creative Commons
Friday 22 September Bar 6:30-11pm Light Buffet Annual Report 7pm Race Night: 7:30pm
Phoenix Suite South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove, LS115DJ
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Road changes ahead for Holbeck? by Jeremy Morton
Highways England have announced a consultation on improvements to the M621 motorway in South Leeds including the closure of the off slip road at Junction 2A (Cemetery Road, Holbeck). The proposals aim to improve traffic flows and include giving greater priority to traffic moving westwards between Junction 3 and 2. Changes are also planned for the roundabout at Junction 2 (Elland Road) including ‘free flowing’ connections onto and off the Ingram Distributor, which links to the Armley Gyratory, and an extra lane on the roundabout. The consultation period runs from 4 September to 15 October and includes events at Hillside and St Matthew’s Community Centre (see box). A consultation brochure explaining the proposed changes has been produced and can be downloaded from the Highways England website. If the plans are approved work is likely to carried out between 2020-22. Further plans have been approved to widen the slip road and roundabout at Junction 7 at Stourton - where a new Park & Ride facility is to be built. Subject to funding, this work will be carried out 2018/19. The M621 consultation comes as Domestic Street remains closed to through
Junction 2a of the M621 looking up Cemetery Road Photo courtesy of Highways England traffic due to gas mains works and the formal submission of the Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan, which calls for better traffic management on Domestic Street. The street closure led one reader to suggest a permanent closure (see below), which has led to some interesting debate. A spokesman for Leeds City Council said: “Domestic Street
Domestic Street Delight by Steve Peacock Walking along Domestic Street in Holbeck for the last couple of weeks took me back to the days when I was a kid living in the Tilbury’s (1950s/1960s). Very regularly, I used to go to the swimming baths on Holbeck Lane, across Domestic Street and down ‘Stink Bomb Alley’. I spent many enjoyable hours in the two swimming pools having learnt to swim there. In those days, Domestic Street was a busy focal point for many people living in the district. There was a shop on every street corner and you could do most of your shopping there, a long time before supermarkets were ever thought of. There was some traffic that used the road (horse and
September 2017 | South Leeds Life
carts, trams, buses, motor vehicles) but it was far, far less than we see today. The thing that struck me was how much more peaceful it was on Domestic Street since the temporary road closure: no more road congestion; much less pollution; ease of crossing the road; better access to the local businesses; improved road transport for residents. It occurred to me that having seen the impact of the closure on the environment it could be worthwhile closing off the road permanently in some way. I believe it would especially benefit the local residents and would help in the regeneration of the area. Perhaps our council and councillors would like to consider if this is feasible. What do you think?
is an important local distributor road used by residents, for business access and also by regular bus services. There are controlled pedestrian crossings in place at the street’s main crossing points. “Leeds City Council has no current plans to make any fundamental changes to the road layout. However, we are open to suggestions for any improvements that can benefit the local community.” However Beeston & Holbeck ward member Cllr Adam Ogilvie commented: “We received quite a lot of concern from Holbeck residents when they heard that Domestic Street was going to be temporarily closed off while improvement work is carried out. However, as Steve Peacock's article says other people in the area have noticed
how quiet it has been without the usual throughput of traffic each day. “There have been a number of ideas around changing the way traffic moves around Holbeck as part of the Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan process led by local residents. Pollution and noise from vehicles is certainly a problem for Holbeck. Making the streets more friendly for people, especially children, families and older residents would be a good thing. “At the same time though ensuring Holbeck is accessible for local people will remain important as will linking the area up to better bus services. There are discussions about closing City Square in the city centre to traffic and reconfiguring traffic flows in the south of the city, so it is perhaps timely to feed ideas for Domestic Street into that process." The Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan suggests a scheme which reduces Domestic Street to a single lane with a one way system. Traffic heading from Top Moor Side would use Domestic Street, whilst traffic heading from the viaduct to Holbeck Moor would use Pleasant Street and St Matthew’s Street. As Cllr Ogilvie points out, these discussions feed into a wider debate about the road layout in South Leeds. The need for Leeds to meet clean air targets is a major pressure on the city to reduce car usage. Redevolpment of the ‘South Bank’ area, including the new HS2 (high speed rail) station offers opportunities to create a more pedestrian friendly environment. Plans are already being drawn up to narrow streets such as Meadow Lane, between Leeds Bridge and Great Wilson Street.
M621 consultation Hillside Enterprise Centre Beeston Road, Leeds, LS11 8ND Friday 8 September | 1-8pm Saturday 9 September | 10am-4pm St Matthew’s Community Centre St Matthew’s Street, Holbeck, Leeds, LS11 9NR Saturday 16 September | 10am-4pm More information is available at: roads.highways.gov.uk/projects/m621-junctions-1-to-7/ Phone: 0300 123 5000 Email: M621J1to7@highwaysengland.co.uk
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OneSubSea closes for good by Ed Carlisle The troubled OneSubsea and engineering manufacturing plant in Stourton, which employed 900 staff as recently as April of this year, looks set for full closure and demolition in the coming months. As we reported in May, 620 staff were laid off earlier this year, out of a total of 900 – due to the oil and gas industry (in which OneSubsea is a global leader) experiencing a prolonged downturn. Previous rounds of redundancies (notably in 1999 and 2004) have been fairly short-lived, with the plant bouncing back each time. However, OneSubsea have now – via a company called Indigo Planning – applied for permission to demolish the site.
Sun sets on Stourton plant South Leeds Life understand that some teams still remain on site, as they complete various assembly projects – but that that work will be complete by mid autumn. The last staff will then leave the site, opening the way for demolition – and potential redevelopment. Outline planning permission is already being sought to build commercial units on the former car parks. OneSubsea and their parent company Schlumberger have repeatedly declined to comment.
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Beeston SpongeBob protest SpongeBob SquarePants was on hand to help Leeds Greenpeace when they protested at BP’s Dewsbury Road petrol station last month. BP are planning to drill for oil near the Amazon Reef, but activists are concerned an oil spill could destroy this unique habitat. Jayne Harnett, a Greenpeace
volunteer said: “Scientists have only explored 5% of this unique reef, which may be home to animals and plants new to science. But before the reef can even be fully explored and documented, BP want to drill for oil nearby. If BP want to keep their customers in Leeds they need to respect their wishes and stop endangering the
environment.” presented a Greenpeace petition based on these messages to the manager of Dewsbury Road BP Garage in Beeston, making clear that the Leeds community does not support this British company’s plans to endanger one of the world’s most untouched places.
SpongeBob fighting for endangered sponges
Parkour helps patients live well and stay independent by Jeremy Morton If you’ve heard of parkour, or freerunning, it probably conjures images of young people jumping from building to building at vertigo-inducing heights. But in Beeston older people with chronic health conditions are using the techniques of parkour to improve their everyday mobility. As South Leeds Life has previously reported, Beeston hosts the Level Up Academy, a
converted warehouse that houses a parkour training facility. The name translates from the French for obstacle course and that’s how everyday life can seem like when you are living with a long term health condition. “As a sport, parkour is about getting from A to B in the most efficient way” explains Level Up’s Jim Key. “The exercises this group do will help them get in and out of bed, or a car; they will help with balance and mobility.”
Obstacle course mimics real life situations
Jacci from Stourton suffers from ischemic heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). “This is my second week and I was so excited to about coming this morning” she says. “It’s challenging, but that’s good, you’ve got to push yourself, but also when to stop and have a rest.” Mohammed Fazal from Beeston suffered a number of industrial injuries during his working life. Now he’s retired they are starting to cause him problems. “This group is a godsend. I was sitting at home not getting any exercise. It’s a lovely group, the teachers are very good and patient. The exercise is definitely beneficial.” Physiotherapist Mary Tyrrell Place commented: “We are really pleased with how it is going. Never mind from session to session, we are seeing people’s mobility and confidence improve during each session.” Gill Power is another member of the Live Well Leeds team at Leeds Community Health NHS
Jacci works on the balance beam Trust. The team’s role is to help people to manage their long term health conditions, live well and stay independent. Exercise groups not only help with strength and mobility, but bring people together, breaking down social isolation and boosting self esteem and confidence. The project came about when Gill Power from the Live Well Leeds team heard that a group in East London were using parkour as an exercise regime. “We are always looking for new and different ways of introducing activity and exercise. I thought if it’s good
enough for London, why not Leeds?” Gill contacted the Leeds Let’s Get Active team who have funded the pilot programme and Level Up Academy who were pleased to get involved. Patients with a number of long term health problems were invited to join and help to design the programme at a taster session. “This pilot project has been more successful than we could have imagined” said Gill. “Now we need proper funding to take it forward, expand it and open it up so more people can benefit.”
Temple Works abandoned by Burberry Receptionist award
Burberry have pulled out of a deal that would have seen them refurbishing the Grade I listed Temple Works as part of their new manufacturing base in Holbeck. Back in December 2015 we reported on Burberry’s plans for a £50m stateof-the-art manufacturing plant employing 1,000 workers to make their iconic Gabardine trench coat. Leeds City Council quickly approved plans to help Burberry acquire the sites in Holbeck including the Reality (Kays) site Holbeck’s Temple Works. Photo: Jeremy Morton and adjacent plots, offering to use one of the top priorities on the Council’s compulsory purchase powers if necessary. heritage buildings at risk register. Burberry’s whole Holbeck project has The Council also approved in principle a been on hold since the Brexit vote. They grant to help restore Temple Works itself. But on 12 July Burberry announced they have told the Yorkshire Evening Post that had let their “option” on Temple Works their decision on Temple Works does not “lapse”. In other words they do not want to affect the overall plan which they are still take on the responsibility and cost of “taking a moment to think through.” Temple Works is an amazing building. restoring the building, which is currently
Built as a flax mill in the 1840s, the main weaving shed was the largest room in the world at the time. Externally it was styled to resemble the ancient Egyptian temple at Edfu. The building used new technology for the time, but is in need of urgent attention to protect it. Council Leader and Middleton Park Councillor Judith Blake is quoted in the Yorkshire Evening Post saying: “Clearly it is disappointing that they are no longer pursuing the option of developing Temple Works, but we have been actively working on securing a sustainable and appropriate future use for what is one of the largest and most magnificent Grade I listed buildings in the North of England.” In the meantime Leeds is at serious risk of losing a key part of its industrial heritage.
Lisa Riley, who works at Marshalls Mill in Holbeck, has been named runner up in the Receptionist of the Year awards. Lisa was nominated by Paul Taylor of Creative Space Management who advised “Lisa acts as receptionist for all the businesses based in the building, which is quite a responsibility. She is incredibly diligent, often staying late, always arrives early and is never ill. She is very creative and co-ordinates a number of profile raising activities for the building and great social events to get all the business involved with one another. She has also arranged several charitable events for LeedsWomen’s Aid.”
Marshalls Mill is home to a range of creative and tech companies. The Grade II* listed building was built as a flax mill by John Marshall in 1815 and refurbished to create modern office space in the 1990s.
Lisa Riley with her award
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News 5
Beeston community rallies round to make Annie’s garden wheelchair friendly by Jeremy Morton When a friend’s daughter lost her leg, Helen Hemmingway knew what to do and went into full on fundraising mode to make her garden accessible. Annie was diagnosed two years ago with an aggressive form of cancer (osteosarcoma) in the bones and muscles of her leg. Her treatment has included seven operations including amputation of her leg, including her hip. She has a prosthetic leg, but can only use
it for a short time and relies on her wheelchair. Always an outdoorsy, action girl (she’s just been sailing in Scotland with the Ellen MacArthur Trust) Annie loved the family garden, but couldn’t get around it in her wheelchair. Helen started planning the project and called in Mark Sutherland from M & P Concrete Products and Fencing to price the job. When Mark Sunderland from M & P heard Annie’s story he offered to do the job for just the cost of materials, giving his own time
Helen Wright, Kelly Hutchinson and Jennie Baldwin-Baker
Before: hard at work
After: easy access to Annie’s summer house
Jennie and Helen for free. “Payment will be to see Annie happy in her garden” he said. Helen’s Ladies Day at Hillside in Beeston (where she runs the Feel Good Café) featured pampering, cocktails, hunky waiters, disco and a prize raffle raised £3,600 towards the project. Annie’s mum Diane commented: “The biggest thing was seeing how many people care. “The garden is finished and it’s made a huge, huge difference for Annie’s quality of
life. I can’t thank people enough.” Helen is quick to thank the many people who got involved and helped including Clive Walker Timber who gave them a discount, Patrick Haugh, John Clark and Dave Sunderland who worked on the garden and Jennie Baldwin-Baker who helped at Hillside. Radio Aire’s Cash4Kids also stepped in and paid for the summer house. “It’s been great fun” said Helen, “And I would rather fundraise for a specific person than for a national charity.”
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Five-year-old Cottingley boy commended by Police for taking missing toddler to safety
A five-year-old boy who took a missing toddler to safety after spotting him alone in the street has been commended by police for his quick-thinking actions. Diego Grabowski was playing on his scooter near to his home in Cottingley, when he noticed the two-year-old boy wandering about on his own. The child had managed to get out of the back garden of his home further up the road by unwinding a bike lock that was securing the gate and
squeezing through the gap while his mother was momentarily distracted seeing to her baby. Minutes later when she realised her son wasn’t in the house, she immediately called police and the boy’s father began a frantic search of the area. Meanwhile, a short distance away, Diego had realised the boy should not have been out alone and led him to the nearest adult, which was a man working in a garden nearby.
Holbeck viaduct: ‘We could do this’
Photo: Martin Stevenson via Creative Commons On Friday 21 July the Holbeck Viaduct Project Team launched their pre-feasibility report at an event, attended by a enthusiastic group of local residents, businesses and decision makers. The Holbeck Viaduct Project seeks to reopen the mile-long viaduct, as a green public space for travel, events, growing, and much more. The viaduct was built in the second half of the 19th Century and has been unused since 1988. It starts in the City Centre near Granary Wharf and the train station, goes through Holbeck and eventually ends at open space near the Farnley ring road. The Holbeck Viaduct project is inspired by the acclaimed New York Highline, and other projects like it around the world. This volunteer-led scheme has elicited a considerable amount of enthusiasm and goodwill. It’s not to be confused with the ‘Monkbridge’ viaduct just north of Whitehall Road, which features in a recently approved developer led scheme. Over the past year, a group of volunteers involving local Leeds residents from all walks of life have worked on the report. The high level report concluded that the scheme could work and
that is worth exploring further, not least in discussions with Leeds City Council and Network Rail who own the structure. The meeting also heard from Richard Crabtree from the developers CEG Southbank and from Cllr Richard Lewis (Exec Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning) who expressed his praise for the project and a willingness from the Council to work with the project team going forward. John Paddington, a local resident and one of the team currently leading the project, commented: “It’s really great to see the huge interest the viaduct project generates and this is shown by the support we get and the people willing to volunteer their time to develop the project. We believe our report shows that this scheme is very much feasible but there is a lot of work to do. “We’re really grateful to everyone involved. We’re now looking forward to discussions with Network Rail (who own the viaduct) about working in partnership to deliver a full feasibility report in the next year or so.” The report is available to read online at: holbeckviaduct.org.uk
They then came across the boy’s father out looking for him and he was reunited. PC Mark Rodgers, a response officer based at Morley Police Station, went to the call and saw how Diego’s actions had helped to keep the younger boy safe and brought the incident to a successful conclusion. He put him forward for official recognition which saw Diego given the VIP treatment at Leeds District Headquarters in Elland Road, where he was presented with a certificate and
given a tour of the station. Superintendent Derek Hughes, who made the presentation, said: “It’s truly heart-warming that someone as young as Diego was able to recognise the risks to the missing boy and take him to safety. “It showed great presence of mind and he is a credit to his family and fully deserves to be praised for his actions. “He is probably the youngest person we have ever PC Mark Rogers presents Diego Grabowski with his award commended.”
Councillors reject Omnibus HMO plans
A meeting of the South and West Plans Panel on Thursday 6 July rejected revised plans from PCC (Yorkshire) Ltd to convert the former Omnibus pub into a House In Multiple Occupation (HMO). An application to create 15 flats on the site was rejected last year and the decision was upheld by a Planning Inspector on appeal. The revised plans were to create 9 larger en suite bedrooms with shared kitchen facilities on the premises. Planning officers recommended that approval should be given to the new plans. Beverley Schofield, speaking as a local resident and on behalf of the Sharp Lane Primary School community and
other residents, argued that planning permission shouldn’t be approved. She described the owner as “unscrupulous” citing the
which is next to Sharp Lane Primary School. She said it wasn’t credible that young professionals would choose to live there as suggested and
The former Omnibus pub in Middleton disposal of building debris by burning on bonfire night and his refusal to attend any meetings with residents. They didn’t trust him to properly vet tenants to the development
wanted to see positive development of houses on the site. Councillors David Congreve (Beeston & Holbeck), Patrick Davey (City & Hunslet) and
Robert Finnegan (Morley North) all argued against the scheme saying it was too intensive, it was not sustainable and would adversely affect local residents. Officers raised concerns that if there was an appeal, it would have a good chance of success and that the Council could have to pay costs. However members voted overwhelmingly to reject the application and encouraged PCC (Yorkshire) Ltd to reconsider building houses on the whole site. On 9 August PCC (Yorkshire) Ltd submitted a new ouline planning application to build 14 2 and 3 bedroomed houses on the site. The application is open to comments until Friday 29 September.
Appeal launched for 9 year old’s funeral Serial fundraiser, Mark Wilson from Beeston, has set to work to help a family with funeral costs after their daughter died just days before her 9th birthday. Ellie-Mae was born on 20 August 2008 and was joined by her twin sister Leah. Unfortunately not long after her birth Ellie-Mae was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, however this didn’t stop her. Despite the fact Ellie-Mae was unable to do things her sister could, she always had a big smile on her face. Ellie-Mae loved to make everyone laugh with her cheeky, mischievous, bubbly character and had made great progress throughout her short life, battling against the
disease. Doctors said Ellie-Mae would never walk, but she proved the doctors wrong when she met the Duchess of Cornwall. No matter what EllieMae did, it was accompanied with a huge smile, nothing ever seemed too much trouble for her. She recently participated in the Special Olympics in Sheffield and received a medal for doing so. Sadly on 16 August, EllieMae died unexpectedly, just four days before what would have been her 9th birthday. Nobody ever plans their own child’s funeral, and it will be a massive help for her parents without them having to worry about the expense. No matter how big or small a donation, every penny will help
Ellie-Mae in giving Ellie-Mae a beautiful send off. Mark has set up a Just Giving page, which has already raised over £1,500. He commented: “Ellie-Mae has touched the hearts of so many people during her short life and I set up the appeal to to give her the send off she deserves. “Ellie-Mae made a huge
impact on so many people’s lives and will be loved and missed by all her family, friends, teachers and everyone who knew her. “Gone but never forgotten, sleep tight Princess xxx” You can make a donation at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfun ding/ellie-mae8
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News 7
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New homes in South Leeds bring property director back to childhood neighbourhood 43 year old Martin Smith has been taking a trip down memory lane having become a director of a property firm building new homes, near the street he grew up in as a child. Maple Homes has laid the first foundations for their new development in South Leeds. They has also acquired extra land from the Council, which will enable them to build 5 additional 3 bed houses on the Pepper Road site in Hunslet. The team is looking to place more control into homeowners’ hands with a different philosophy towards buying a new build, as customers can input into the design process for their Pepper Road home. Director, and ‘Project Man’ Tom Robinson, said: “With our new approach we are offering people the chance to design elements of their home alongside our team – and we’re talking much more than just choosing the tiles. We will work with off-plan buyers to help construct their home to suit their lifestyle, so if they don’t
like where a wall is on the plan, we’ll move it. If they’d prefer open plan living we’ll create it that way, if they want to add eco elements to the build we’ll incorporate that. We’re giving them a flexibility they wouldn’t get with the big house builders as we know how hard people work to get on the property ladder, and want to give them a bit of a break.” As well as creativity, community is the other value that’s core to Maple Homes, and with their foundations based firmly in Leeds, they are already making an impact within the local community. They recently announced a sponsorship deal with Hunslet Warriors ARFLC, the Rugby League club where Director Martin Smith played during his twenties. Martin said: “Building in Hunslet we are aware that there is a very tight knit community and from day one we wanted to show our support for this. Sport is a passion for all of the team, and with my
connections to the club this made a lot of sense as I can now give back to a club that supported me”. Damian Mawson, coach Hunslet Warriors ARLFC said: “We are a busy club, with hundreds of passionate kids – but we can’t function alone and need community support to thrive. We are all self funded and have to find ways to raise money through sponsorship or fundraising. This support from Maple is huge blessing for us and takes some of the pressure off so we can get down to providing the best training for the kids.” Maple has also recently agreed to support Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club too. Brian Farrell from Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club said: “Sponsorship enables us to concentrate some of our time and effort on coaching and organising cricket, as opposed to spending all of our time fundraising to maintain and grow our facilities. With regards to the work Maple is doing I’m
Martin Smith Director of Maple Homes right behind it. New homes are go in and out. Who in their right very welcome in the area. Their mind puts it in the middle of a presence will make a very s-bend on a blind spot? We pleasant change from have fought and fought to get motorways, an incinerator and something done on this rail links, all appearing in dangerous bend then this Hunslet and surrounding area.” happens.” Concerns aboout access to But Tom Robinson the site have been raised with responded: "The access to our Paul Waite from Hunslet Carr Pepper Road development is Residents Association (HCRA) perfectly safe - we use the commenting: entrance daily for our wagons “I dont agree with where the at the moment and have never opening is going for the cars to had an issue. Obviously it has
gone through planning and Leeds Highways has passed it, so it has been deemed as not an issue by the official channels and in fact with a speed limit of 20 miles an hour it is one of the slowest roads in the neighbourhood." Tom will be attending HCRA’s next meeting on Thursday 7 September, 6:30pm at Woodhouse Hill Community Centre (behind the Bay Horse) to answer questions.
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South Leeds Life | September 2017
8 Schools
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Hugh Gaitskell boys excel at reading
Twelve boys from Hugh collaborative work (in pairs and store with Assistant Gaitskell Primary School in groups). Boys were allowed the Headteacher Mrs Kirsty Roter, Beeston who have have freedom to choose different where they were given a tour of improved their reading skills writing topics, styles, content the shop by the manager, this year were rewarded with a and what they would like to before choosing their books. Importantly they Headteacher, Mrs K McNulty, trip to Waterstone’s bookshop. read. said: “I am Some boys find delighted by the reading a difficult success of our habit to adopt, so boys’ reading the school group this year. worked with the have They group using a excelled in range of developing and techniques embedding an including effective reading carefully selected culture. texts to use as a “Some boys stimulus for may be reluctant writing. but our boys are Texts that self-motivated to follow the boys Boys from Hugh Gaitskell Primary at Waterstone’s own interests such as non- developed the boys’ pride in pick up a book especially with current focus on fiction texts about Usain Bolt writing and the importance of the technology. However, our pupils and Super cars, stories that reading. The boys then wrote a letter are now avid readers and were involve adventure and heroic characters, stories that have each to their Headteacher thrilled to visit Waterstones to children as characters so that about their love of reading. She choose their new book reward. “Continuing on our journey children can relate to these was so impressed that she (The Jungle Book, The Secret decided to buy them each a towards excellence, we are book of their choice at currently developing plans for Garden, Dragonkeeper). an outstanding new library for They also rehearsed writing Waterstones. The group visited the Leeds the next academic year.” through drama, role play and
Harry Jepson Foundation rewards Cottingley poets
Rugby legend Harry Jepson OBE’s grandson Phil was on hand at Cottingley Primary Academy on Friday 21 July to hand out prizes on behalf of the Harry Jepson Foundation. Harry, who died last year aged 96, taught at the school between 1954 and 1963. Pupils in year 6 were invited to enter a poetry competition to mark the launch of the Foundation. The four winners attended the official launch at Headingley Stadium ahead of the Rhino’s match against Catalan Dragons on 10 March this year.
L-R: Phil Jepson, Mia Tester, Erica Miranda, Ros Caplan, Angel Armstrong and Georgia Phillips On Friday they received books and book tokens from Phil Jepson and fellow Foundation trustee Ros Caplan, from Philip Howard Books in Roundhay.
“Harry had a great love of books as well as rugby, which he passed on to the children he taught. I’m sure he would have approved of these poems” said Ros.
Help with the big move up Over 500 Year 6 pupils in 11 primary schools in South Leeds have been given a boost as they get ready for secondary education in local high schools this month. They have all received a 64page booklet entitled “It’s Your Move” which contains a variety of advice, hints and tips, stories and experiences from former pupils and which hopes to show that they will find their new schools both exciting and
rewarding, if a little daunting in prospect. The booklets (published by Scripture Union) have been donated by churches in South Leeds who have raised over £650 for this purpose. The organiser of the scheme, Revd. Barry Parker from Beeston Hill, said: “We know of the very good work done by schools and their staff in preparing their students for this new experience and we
hope that this booklet adds to this.” This is now the 12th year of the scheme operating in South Leeds, covering Beeston, Cottingley, and Holbeck. If other schools in the area would like to be considered for inclusion please ask for a copy of the booklet from Barry Parker on (0113) 276 1797 or by email to annebarryprkr@btinternet.com
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Lane End’s new library & garden by Asa Britton The children at Lane End Primary LOVE to read – they have taken part in Extreme Reading Challenges, enjoy family ‘Book at Bedtime’ events, raised money for the Readathon charity, have shared stories in 10 different languages for World Book Day …. And now comes their latest and most exciting reading experience…..an ENCHANTED FOREST LIBRARY! The families have been busy raising money to redevelop the library area into a space that it is both magical and irresistible - a space that the children can’t wait to spend time in and enjoy books. The library has an enchanted forest theme, complete with tree shaped bookcases, huge tree houses to climbing in to, and swinging hammock pods to curl up and read in! The area will continue to ‘grow’ and develop – as the school community continue to fundraise for more books for the children to enjoy in the reading forest. If there are any local businesses that would like to support these fundraising efforts, please don’t hesitate to contact the school on laneendprimary@gmail.com
The Enchanted Forest Library at Lane End Primary School and we would love to invite you The team at ‘The along to a ‘thank you’ picnic Conservation Volunteers’, from with the children in our the Hollybush Conservation Enchanted Forest Library. Centre in Leeds, got busy with the final plans, and after When they are not reading, working hard, by late Spring the the children have been busy garden was ready for the planting and watering a children to use. Whatever the selection of vegetables and weather, and with the help of flowers in their newly created Beeston in Bloom committee, wildlife garden. The garden was the weekly after-school possible thanks to an amazing Gardening Club have worked Awards for All Big lottery fund hard to sow lots of seeds, water grant of £10,000. Pupils and look after the seedlings as helped the staff create a plan they began to grow. As the of what they would like in the months got warmer, the garden – and ideas included children began to see the raised planters for each year results of their efforts. group to be able to plant and All the children in the school grow lots of fresh vegetables, a love visiting their wildlife potting shed, a greenhouse, garden, looking after and willown tunnels, a minibeast learning about the plants as ‘hotel’, a chicken coop and lots well as hunting for mini beasts of seating to have a rest after as part of their science work. gardening duties were They are now looking forward to completed. harvesting the food they have grown, and will use this fresh produce to make a selection of healthy meals and snacks in the school food technology classroom. The children, staff and families at Lane End would like to say a huge thank you for the Lottery Fund grant, which have made this area possible, and have planned to call one of the chickens ‘Lottie’ in tribute to this award. Lane End’s new wildlife garden
Beeston’s Race For Life
On Friday 30 June during the school day, 677 children took part in Beeston Primary School‘s very own ‘Race for Life’ sponsored event and nonuniform day. The amount raised was an amazing £4,553.21. Throughout the school day, children took part in a 1Km sponsored run, jog or walk around the school playground, with all monies raised being split between Cancer Research UK and School Fund. On completion of the course, all children received an official Race for Life medal.
Pupils at Beeston Primary show off their medals
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Cockburn’s call for creative primary pupils Cockburn School (Specialist Status in Performing Arts) offers unique opportunities in the Performing Arts for 2017 admissions. Cockburn School are encouraging children with creative talents to make it their number one choice as they apply for secondary school places. Cockburn School are delivering a new specialist programme for pupils who display a talent within the Performing Arts. The training supports a vast and varied curriculum with over 7 hours of additional coaching in Drama, Dance and Music. Pupils who are in search of a secondary school for September 2018 are invited to audition for this exciting new programme, essential for those eager to pursue a career in the Arts. Auditions take place on Saturday 11 November 2017, 9:00am-12:00pm. Dance teacher Rachael Dutton, who leads on the programme explained how the audition process works: “The audition process depends on the young person’s area of specialism. For Drama they will take part in a creative workshop learning new skills and devising a performance piece. “Within the Dance specialism audition they will learn new professional repertoire and our award winning Rock Challenge performance piece. If they have a talent in Music they will have the opportunity to prepare a performance on their chosen instrument or demonstrate vocal ability. “The audition day is a lot of fun and it is great to see how much talent and enthusiasm the kids in South Leeds have for the arts”. Cockburn School has been a leader in the Performing Arts for many years with stunning performances of late including
Billy Elliott, their annual production in December 2016 which amazed audiences. This was followed by a host of performances in the state of the art Cockburn School theatre as well as a host of regional and national venues including the Leeds Arena and Manchester Velodrome. We have featured many of these events in South Leeds Life.
“The facilities in the Performing Arts at Cockburn are amazing! We were taught to work as professionals.” One new member of staff at Cockburn stated that she has “never seen such a close, friendly and dedicated group of staff and students. They work for many hours in rehearsal to make performances happen and are a credit to the school. I can't wait to get started!”. Cockburn School is celebrating outstanding exam results in their Arts qualifications this year with Dance and Drama results way above national averages. The school continues to be recognised by the Department
Cockburn students in performance
for Education as one of the most successful schools nationally for pupil progress from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4 across all subjects including English and Maths. The additional performance opportunities and events have grown year on year. There are over 8 specialist performing arts companies who perform at local, regional and national events on a regular basis. These are supported by the performing arts staff and a large creative team responsible for costume and set design which includes parents/carers and members of the local community. The Performing Arts team develop well rounded, confident and skilled performers in all areas of the arts. Past pupils have gone on to success in full time education at Post 16 and university and are now in professional companies including the world renowned Rambert Contemporary Dance Company. This year, former student John-William Watson reached the grand final of the BBC Yound Dancer of the Year award. One ex-pupil said “The facilities in the Performing Arts at Cockburn are amazing! We were taught to work as professionals”. If you would like to be part of this specialist secondary education then please visit the Cockburn School website www.cockburnschool.org for more information. Any further questions or completed application forms can be sent to info@cockburnschool.org or delivered to Cockburn at Cockburn School, Parkside, Gipsy Lane, Leeds LS11 5TT.
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South Leeds Life | September 2017
12 Schools
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Rodillian is recruiting sporty students The Rodillian Academy opens up places to pupils who want to excel in netball or rugby
Sporty primary-school pupils in South Leeds, who will be going into Year 6 this September, are being invited to try out for a place at The Rodillian Academy, a secondary school in Wakefield. Pupils who finished Year 5 in July can register to participate in a sports trial with a view to securing a Year 7 place at The Rodillian Academy in 2018. The trials will take place on the morning of Saturday 23 September 2017, when pupils will be able to meet members of the Senior Leadership Team and the Physical Education and Sports Department, see the excellent sports facilities, and participate in netball and rugby coaching sessions and tournaments. The trials offer a novel route for accessing a place at The Rodillian Academy, where competition is normally stiff thanks to the school’s excellent academic performance and its track record of raising
aspirations, confidence and resilience among its pupils. Andy Percival, Deputy Head teacher at The Rodillian Academy, explains why the school is taking this unusual step: “We prepare all of our students to compete with the best of the rest – in every aspect of life. When they leave us at 16 or 18, to go into further study or employment, we’ll have equipped them to feel confident and empowered in any setting and among any group of peers. Sport is just one way to do this, but it’s an important one because it brings with it so many related skills”. Phil Gostling, Director of Rugby and Netball at The Rodillian Academy goes further, stating that “by focusing on rugby and netball within our sports programmes, we are providing opportunities for our pupils to experience superb coaching, excellent facilities and highly challenging situations within a very competitive fixture list. We’ve built very strong relationships with sports clubs, and we work closely with the Rugby Football Union, England Netball, Sandal RUFC and Morley RUFC, Yorkshire Carnegie and Rothwell Juniors Netball Club. Participating in this long term sports development programme will help pupils to build a huge range of
skills – including confidence, dealing appropriately with losing and winning, personal responsibility, and social skills.” Pupils who win places based on their sporting talent and enthusiasm will also benefit from an allround education. “Our students do really well in their GCSEs, thanks to excellent teachers who make their subjects interesting and who care about each pupil’s progress,” says Andy Percival. “66% of our students achieve 5 GCSEs (including English and Maths) at grades A* to C, which is significantly above the national average of 57%.” In its January 2016 report, Ofsted said of The Rodillian Academy: “The curriculum is inspiring… [it] provides pupils with fantastic experiences and prepares them for their future in modern Britain. The academy’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding. Pupils are proud of their academy and have a real thirst for learning.” Further information about the trials is available at www.rodillianacademy.co. uk/sports-trials/ or by emailing the school at contact@rodillianacademy. co.uk
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Cockburn graduates make the grade Cockburn’s Class of ‘17 with Sergejs Mezeckis flanked by Tracey & Alex Asquith
Cockburn School marked the beginning of the next stage of the lives of an excellent Year 11 group with a memorable graduation ceremony in July. Guests were welcomed with a Art and Design exibition featuring some of the best work from the Year 11 students. Awards were made to students in recognition of their qualities and success focused on the Values and Expectations of the school such as resilience, respectfulness, responsibility and aspiration. The school's most prestigious award is named in honour of Kyle Asquith, the former Year 10 student who died suddenly in 2013, but whose organs saved the lives of five others. The award was presented by Kyle's parents, Tracey and Alex to a proud Sergejs Mezeckis.
Headboy and Headgirl, George Monaghan and Jessica Davies, made a triumphant speech that paid tribute to their fellow students and the staff at Cockburn for the hard work and industry throughout their time at the school. The ceremony included stiring performances by Ewan Whitaker and Lily Baldanza of "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Last Night of the World". Thereafter, students went home to get dressed up for their Prom at the Village Hotel, Tingley (see below). The students returned on 24 August to receive their GCSE results. We'll have more details of these next month. Special mention should go to Year 11 student Naeem Choudhury who has secured a fully funded place at Pocklington
Boarding School for his Post 16 studies. This opportunity became available through Cockburn's partnetrship with Into University and the charity SpringBoard Bursary Foundation. Into University aims to encourage students from inner city areas to attend University. Into University and SpringBoard offered a fully funded place at Pocklington Boarding school for a student who showed the drive and determination to succeed. Executive Headteacher, David Gurney said: "Naeem worked extremely hard to earn this opportunity and we wish him the very best of luck with his studies at Pocklington. Like many students at Cockburn he has ambitious aspirations for his future".
Low Road & Windmill schools support Cash for Kids by Cath Storey
Children from Low Road Primary School tour the Radio Aire studios
Low Road and Windmill Primary Schools are very much involved with Radio Aire‘s Cash for Kids. Since November 2016 we have raised funds for Mission Christmas and 500 Faces and also taken part in their Superhero Day. The children at Low Road and Windmill have been very fortunate in receiving Christmas Gifts and Easter Eggs from Cash for Kids and felt that they wanted to give something back to children across Leeds and West Yorkshire who are
not as privileged as they are. The staff at Low Road held a raffle selling tickets for £5 each, with a prize for the winner, which was donated by the Executive Headteacher, Andy Gamble. On Tuesday 18 July 2017 myself Cath Storey at Low Road and Lisa Lockey at Windmill took a group of children to Radio Aire where we presented a £100 cheque for 500 Faces from Low Road. We also had a tour of the studio and met three of the morning show presenters: Caroline, Ant and Michael.
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September 2017 | South Leeds Life
Arts 13
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DAZL-ing dance is breaking barriers by Jeremy Morton
DAZL has been getting children in South Leeds off the sofa and onto the dance floor for 17 years. I went along to meet Ian Rodley, DAZL’s enthusiastic Director to find out more. We meet at South Leeds Youth Hub in Belle Isle where a summer activity programme is
come to us” he says. “We go to the community, we ask them what they want and start from there. We don’t say you have to do Contemporary Dance, if you want to do Street Dance, that’s fine by us.” “It works, take our Cottingley group for example, we now have fifty children coming every week to the class.” Partnerships are crucial to
successful at getting boys dancing. It started with a group of boys who asked if they could have a go a cheer dance. That group then featured in a video, shot in Belle Isle, for a track by Tiësto & Mark Knight called Beautiful World. The song was a massive hit and the video has been seen by 2.2 million people on YouTube alone. “That broke down a lot of barriers and made it cool for boys to dance. We haven’t in full swing. Ian grew up in the area and has been involved with DAZL since it started, helping founder Jan Burkhardt shape what was originally called the Dance Action Zone Leeds. There’s no great secret to DAZL’s success – they work with 900 young people every week here in South Leeds – but Ian explains they do have a style of working. DAZL’s remit is encourage
DAZL, the Cottingley group has been supported by Cottingley Primary Academy and got off the ground with the volunteer group at Cottingley Community Centre. DAZL also partner with other dance companies in Leeds such as Phoenix and RJC and with the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Chapeltown. “Our partners are able to open doors and offer our young people opportunities they looked back since.” DAZL is clearly a nurturing organisation. They help young people develop through their Dance Leader programme. They receive training at Level 1 and 2 and work in dance classes to support the teacher. “All of our first eleven Dance Leaders has gone on to college or university to study dance” Ian proudly tells me. Like a family, there’s no escaping DAZL. A number of
children and young people to take more exercise through dance. They are funded by Public Health and alongside the dance they bring in subjects such as healthy eating, mental health and smoking cessation. Of the 4,500 young people they worked with last year 2,800 were previously inactive, ie not doing any structured exercise. Ian is also very grateful to local Councillors on the Inner South Community Committee who have been very supportive in funding programmes in the area. “We don’t expect people to
teachers have developed with DAZL, gone on to other things: university, professional dance companies, but they come back again and again to help at DAZL. Ian and other teachers have worked with young people to create dance pieces that look at issues such as mental health, HIV and LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans-sexual). What’s next? “We’re starting the first competition Hip Hop
wouldn’t otherwise get.” Aspiration is a very important word for DAZL. “I don’t want it to be so comfortable that they don’t want to go out a try new things – there’s a bigger world out there.” Ian recently took a group of young people to perform at a festival in Malmo, Sweden. Nine of the ten young people had never been abroad before and didn’t have passports. “They learned so much on the trip. It’s not just about dance, it’s about self confidence, it’s about skills for life.” DAZL has been particularly
Crew for children with disabilities.” It seems there’s no barrier DAZL can’t cross.
“It’s not just dancing for fun … but it starts there.”
Free theatre tickets
South Leeds Life’s partnership with the West Yorkshire Playhouse continues as the theatre’s autumn season kicks off. The deal is very straightforward: you get two free tickets for the show’s press night and in return you help us to write a review of the performance. The Playhouse autumn season has something for everybody: The Kite Runner Tuesday 19 September: Direct from the West End, this haunting tale of friendship, set in Afghanistan, follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption.
For Love or Money Tuesday 26 September: It’s the 1920s. In a small Yorkshire town, the wily-widow, Rose, entertains the advances of two dubious suitors. Northern Broadsides bring a new adaptation of Lesage’s witty comedy Turcaret by Blake Morrison. (the fall of) The Master Builder Tuesday Saturday 30 September: Halvard Solness has arrived at the pinnacle of his career. He has just been awarded the prestigious Master Builder award, his beautiful wife still loves him, his beautiful secretary still flirts with him and Prince Charles is coming to open his new building tomorrow. Then a knock at the door propels Solness’ past into everyone’s future. The only way is down. These shows are followed by: Reasons To Be Cheerful, The Tin Drum, Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday, Pink Sari Revolution, Crumble’s Search for Christmas and West Yorkshire Playhouse’s big Christmas show: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe. If you would like to attend any of these shows, please email: info@southleedslife.com telling us why you should get the free tickets.
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South Leeds Life | September 2017
14 Opinion
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In our view Fun in the sun Teenagers are notorious for saying “there’s nothing to do.” Well even the grouchiest teenager would struggle to make their case this summer. Volunteers and organisations have laid on a myriad of activities to keep all ages entertained. We are lucky in South Leeds to have so many events organised by so many skilled and motivated teams.
Closing roads In the long term the future must surely involve fewer cars. The trick is getting from where we are to where we want to be. Closing a motorawy slip road or a rat run might solve one problem, but will it create another, unintended consequence? Our traffic is so complex that those responsible must plan changes very carefully. And they must put the interests of those that live in the area at the top of their agenda.
Who will look after our heritage?
This month we celebrate Heritage Open Days, but one building we won’t be able to look inside is Temple Works in Holbeck. The magnificent Grade 1 listed mill is arguably the most important in the city’s illustrious industrial history. And yet it is left to rot. As a city we must find a way to save the building and put it to good use for future generations.
Your letters and comments Domestic Street
Thank you for this article. When in use, Domestic Street is way too over used for an area that people have homes in. It’s little more than a motorway feeder road to road users. To those who live locally, its their home. Frances Domestic Street is not wide for the amount of traffic that passes through, the pollution and the speed they go is an accident waiting to happen. It is a nightmare for the local homes on Domestic Street. Holbeck needs a good clean up, so get your fingers out Leeds City Council. Kevin They could start by enforcing the vehicle weight limit. It’s always being used by HGV wagons. Mark-Jack Durkin Close it. Permanently. John Turton
Bin Collections
I must live in a different Middleton from the disgruntled resident of Middleton who can wait up to a week for his bin to be emptied. Mine are emptied on time every week usually very early morning I get a rude awaking but do not mind as I can put the empty bin away before going out. I give a huge thank you to these refuse collectors, I have had the same service for years. I have noticed on occasions that certain neighbours put the wrong colour bin out and because it is not emptied, they just leave it there for the week after. Sometimes the refuse collectors leave a bin unemptied because it has got quite obviously the wrong contents in the bin.
Domestic Street, before the cars came Recently a brown bin was left hanging around with large pieces of wood in. That would never have been emptied and wasn't until my husband took a look at the contents and thought he could use it.Two days later the bin was taken away presumably by the person who put it there thinking “took the bin men along time to empty that.” B Cotton, Middleton
Fines for messy gardens I agree with these fines. Why should people have to put up with dirty stinky gardens. It’s time the council clamped down on dirty gardens. It used to be the rule that council housing was inspected and if the garden or home was a mess they were told to clean it up or leave. It’s time to bring it back. Leoni McGowan
The council don't take your rubbish away by lowering the number of times they pick up your rubbish. Then they come along and fine you, but they don't lower your council tax. Beeston & Holbeck ward Even Dick Turpin wore a mask! Fred Hirst Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck. The three councillors are: I think it’s out of order that David Congreve 0113 257 1679 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk you’ve named her with out Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk consent! It’s disgraceful and I Adam Ogilvie 07969 680 024 adam.ogilvie@leeds.gov.uk hope you loose your job! Sarah Louise
Your Councillors and MP
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 – 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
Thanks for your comment Sarah, but both individuals in this article were found guilty of offences and fined in open court. Their names are a matter of public record. Jeremy Morton (Editor)
OneSubSea closure I met my husband there in 1974. It was a good place to work although redundancies every 6 months played on your mind. Jean Adams
Why demolish a perfectly good building? Nigel Johnson-Hartlebury
South Bank or Holbeck? Why oh why do they call it South Bank? It’s Holbeck. Ian Pickup You can’t tell Leeds City planners owt. They probably don’t know were HOLBECK is anyway! Terrence Nichols Correct Ian, it’s HOLBECK. That’s how it is on the maps, stop trying to change things Leeds City Council. Alan Wrathall
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Top Tweets Keep up to date, up to the minute, by following South Leeds Life’s Twitter feed: @SouthLeedsLife. Twitter is the 140 character ‘micro blogging’ site. It’s free and you can sign up at twitter.com. It’s a great place to find the very latest news. Here are some of our favourite recent tweets: @WYP_RPU Vehicle seized in Hunslet for no insurance after driver purchased his breakfast #We'reLovingIt @nalsa Multiple outside trips to see Perseids. None. Light pollution here is a nightmare. OTOH we did see an owl fly overhead, so that'll do. @SlungLow Don't worry if you missed tonight's show - Flood: To The Sea is now available on iPlayer goo.gl/RjEbZZ @carolJhedges Going supermarket shopping today? Please buy 1 item for the FOODBANK collection box. Kids are going hungry this summer. #feedachild @PlayfulLeeds Fun in the sun @Playbox01 at Trentham Park, Beeston Hill. Lovely kids here
That bit of South Bank (where Temple Works is) is Holbeck, but not all of South Bank is. It stretches through Hunslet to the Royal Armouries. Ewan Mitchell
Holbeck Viaduct It will be interesting to see what assessment they've made on the long term viability, not just the feasibility. You would assume the prospects are better due to the amount of development along some of the viaduct. Paul Wray Network Rail have already stated that they are looking at options to re-open and use the viaduct to ease congestion at the west end of Leeds station. Mike Oxlong
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.
Corrections & clarifications
Queen’s honour for Middleton Councillor In our July/August edition we reported that Cllr Judith Blake had been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list. Unfortunately, due to some over-zealous editing we omitted to mention the honour she was granted. We take this opportunity to congratulate Cllr Judith Blake CBE once again.
@RugbyLeeds Another outstanding day of Rugby League today. Well done to our co-hosts @Hunsletoldboys and @HWJuniors for providing the facilities today @LeedsWasteDocs Not many people know that we can put empty aerosol cans in our green bin! Did you? #Recycle4Leeds @SharpLaneCom Day trip today at Millstones from support of @cllrjudithblake @groves_kim #MiddletonPark councillors @BasementArtsPro Beeston Collage #1 (2017) Materials: Fourteen day old dead bird, energy drink can, grit, tyre marks
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Diary of a blogger by Ken Ingram
September 2017 | South Leeds Life
and Lady Mayoress) led the dance as Julie sang Is This The Way To Amarillo. Everyone (well nearly) got up for the dance, better than the Peter Kaye version. Me and others brought along prizes for the raffle. Top prize being a lovely hamper donated by Chris and Julie Holmes. Joint first prize was an invite to The Leeds Civic Hall for Tea and cakes with the Lord and Lady Mayoress. One of the BITMO board members won the tea for 2 at the Civic Hall and gave the invite to me for all my volunteer work. Peter Smith (BEM) of Memory Café Fame and many others came alone to give their support on this very memorable day raising £100 for Dementia charities. Thanks to Carla and Chris Simpson, for paying for the singer and the cakes for the day. The Cuppa for Dementia day will be held again in 2018 is going to be bigger, watch this space. Just have to arrange this with Carla.
Where do I start? Firstly, last year was not a good one as far as my health concerned. But yet it had a happy ending I had an operation and they took biopsies to see if I had cancer, no they turned out benign. Also had another hospital procedure, again took biopsies, and ruled out cancer. Quickly onto 2017. In September of this year I will have completed 2 years of being walk leader of the BITMO’s GATE Walk and Talk walking group. Thanks to all who come on the walk. I’m sure we will organise a little party on its second birthday. Nothing big just tea and cakes. Thanks to Carla, for getting me on the Walk group leader course way back in September 2015. The course is been held again in September in Chapel Allerton. In April of this year I went to Manchester went along with Carla to the TPAS award ceremony where I was short-listed for The Northern Region Tenant of the Year. I was put forward for this award by Carla in recognition for all my volunteer work at the Ken with the Lord Mayor GATE. I was one of 12 people In March I took Gerry short-listed up for this and Steph (volunteers at award. I did not come in BITMO’s GATE Breakfast the first three, but got a Club) to visit the Civic Hall. lovely certificate which What a lovely day we hangs in my flat with pride, had, started off in the there’s also a copy hung Lady Mayoress’ room and up at BITMO’s GATE, my had tea and cakes. Then second home. had a look round all the Thanks to Carla and various rooms in the civic Chris Simpson for hall. I loved the Ark Royal nominating me for this room. award. It was supposed to last In March this Year along an hour, before Gerry with Carla I held a Cuppa (Lord Mayor) went onto for Dementia day at another group, but Lynne BITMO’s GATE, about 50 showed us round the rest people turned up. of the Civic Hall. About 2 I booked a singer for the and half hours later we Cuppa for Dementia made our way home to event, Julie, who kept us end a lovely day. entertained with her Later in the year I singing for an hour. covered the Belle Isle Gala I invited the lovely Lord for South Leeds Life and and Lady Mayoress along BITMO’s GATE. to open the event. I was My health apart from very surprised to get them Dementia is OK this year. I to come, as they were see Dr Lance Middleton near the end of their year (Psychiatrist) of Aire Court as Lord and Lady Mayor, every 2 or 3 months. Peter and thought would be Smith comes along, just in busy. I just wanted to see case don’t understand their jag arrive, anything. registration U1. Dr Lance has allowed Gerry and Lynne (Lord me to continue driving for
another year, my driving licence has to be renewed every year depending how Lance thinks my Dementia progresses. I continue to visit Memory Cafés in the South Leeds Area. I set up one myself at the Parnaby Tavern along with Peter Smith (BEM). Due to other commitments I no longer go to this one, but I enjoy the one held at the Black Bull, Rothwell and The Cop Shop on Elland Road when I can. I’m also involved in the steering group at my local doctors surgery. From time to time I do things with Dementia UK West Yorkshire and Playhouse, such as when I went to see the play Beryl (about famous lady cyclist Beryl Burton) and advised them how they could make it Dementia friendly. Also involved with volunteer work at Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid. Finally, my memory continues to get worse, so I have made the decision to move home and go back to Middleton, hopefully Acre Court after going on their waiting list. I have decided to do this move so I can be in control of the move, rather than wait and not be in control of things. I have to thank again Peter and Liz Smith for all their help, over the last few years. Also Chris and Julie Holmes without their help, I would not be here now. Thanks must go to Terry and Chris who went along with me and Sue to see for the last time the village of Harrold (in Bedfordshire) where my Mum was brought up and lived as a child before moving with my Dad to Leeds. Alex Caine (my Mental Health Care Social Worker) who has over the last year helped me a lot mentally and got things done when I needed it, so thank you Alex. Thanks to Anne, from engage.org.uk for helping with housing forms along with Carla of BITMO’s GATE, again for all her help. When I move to Middleton I will, as long as I’m able, continue my volunteer work such as BITMO’s GATE Walking group and blogs for BITMO and South Leeds Life Newspaper.
Hunslet’s WW1 hero Pte Butler honoured
A unique tribute was unveiled on Monday 7 August to a First World War soldier from Hunslet who was awarded a Victoria Cross (VC) for his outstanding courage under fire. As part of a special service, family members of Private William Boynton Butler were joined by city representatives including the Lord Mayor Cllr Jane Dowson and members of the public, to see a paving stone bearing his name revealed at Hunslet War Memorial. Poignantly, Hunslet War Memorial is 10 metres away from where Private Butler is buried in Hunslet Cemetery. Private Butler received his VC for ‘conspicuous bravery’ in the east of Lempire in France whilst serving in the 17th Battalion of the West Yorkshire Regiment. The citation below provides more details of his deeds: “For most conspicuous bravery (East of Lempire, France) when in charge of a Stokes gun in trenches which were being heavily shelled. Suddenly one of the fly-off levers of
Pte William Butler VC
The Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Jane Dowson, Father Chris Buckley, Priest in Charge, Parish of St John and St Barnabas and Moya Franklin-Stokes, Private Butler’s granddaughter at the unveiling. a Stokes shell came off and fired the shell in the emplacement. Private Butler picked up the shell and jumped to the entrance of the emplacement, which at that moment a party of infantry were passing. He shouted to them to hurry past as the shell was going off, and turning round, placed himself between the party of men and the live shell and so held it till they were out of danger. He then threw the shell on to the parados, and took cover in the bottom the trench. The shell exploded almost on leaving his hand, greatly damaging the trench. By extreme good luck Private Butler was contused only. “Undoubtedly his great presence of mind and disregard of his own life saved the lives of the officer men in the emplacement and the party which was passing at the time.” Private Butler survived the First World War and died in Leeds in 1972. The establishment of a
commemorative paving stone to honour Victoria Cross (VC) recipients in England from the First World War was introduced by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) in 2013. Working with local councils, these paving stones are placed in appropriate locations linked to the recipient’s birth place. The Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Jane Dowson said: “It was an extremely proud moment for me as Lord Mayor to be present at the unveiling of a paving stone at Hunslet War Memorial in honour of Private Butler and the Victoria Cross which he received for his unbelievable bravery during the First World War. “To see family members of Private Butler in attendance at the service was extremely moving, and it is very poignant and fitting that the paving stone is in place just yards from where he is buried in Hunslet Cemetery.”
Fined for garden mess Complaints about waste piling up in two South Leeds gardens has resulted in two local residents being fined this week. Council officers had to step in when fedup local people reported waste that had been accumulating in their gardens. Charlotte Dolphin, of Royal Close, Hunslet, failed to appear before Leeds magistrates, but was found guilty in her absence and fined a total of £945.00. Dolphin failed to clear the build-up of waste in her garden, despite numerous complaints from local residents and requests by environmental officers. Masker Amin, of Otley Road, North West Leeds,
Charlotte Dolphin’s Hunslet garden was found guilty at Leeds warnings to take action magistrates on 23 August and remove waste from and given fines totalling the property, residents £1250.00. Amin ended up complained that dog in court after he ignored excrement continued to requests from council be left for weeks. Although environment action he wasn’t personally officers to ensure large occupying the property at accumulations of dog Burlington Road, Beeston, mess was cleared from as the landlord he had a the property, of which he legal responsibility for his was the landlord. Although tenants and is required to Amid was given clear meet council regulations.
Both cases were prosecuted under Section 48 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which makes it an offence for a person to fail to comply with the terms of a Community Protection Notice. Community protection notices direct people to stop unreasonable behaviour, which is having a negative impact on the local neighbourhood’s quality of life. Councillor Lucinda Yeadon said: “Both tenants and landlords have a responsibility to take care of their gardens, keeping them clean and tidy and ensuring all waste is dealt with appropriately.”
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South Leeds Life | September 2017
16 What’s On
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Police Open Day
There’s a whole host of family activities on offer when West Yorkshire Police open up their Elland Road Leeds HQ for charity on Sunday 10 September. Amongst the activities there will be face painting, fun fair rides, police mascots, mini policing uniforms, wanted posters, a mock crime scene and fingerprinting. Not to mention the chance to meet Percy the Police Car
and inspect emergency vehicles and a Formular 1 car. The free event runs from 11am to 3pm and free parking is available at the Park & Ride, just across Elland Road. So go along and enjoy the day with your family and friends and help raise money for a fantastic cause with all proceeds going to St Gemma’s Hospice.
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Sing out with Belle Isle choir
join us for a free taster session of Opera North Community Chorus! There’s no need to be able to read music, and singers of all abilities are welcome, whether you’ve been singing for years, or have never sung a note before. For more information contact Hayley at Opera North at Hayley.McColl@operanorth.co.uk or call the GATE on 0113 378 2190.
A new group is starting in Belle Isle for anyone who likes to sing. Led by Opera North staff working at Windmill Primary School, the group is open to everyone. The free group will be meeting at BITMO’s GATE centre, Aberfield Gate, off Belle Isle Road every Monday at 121pm starting on 4 September. If you love to sing, or have always fancied having a go, come along and
It’s show time in Middleton Park
Leeds Police HQ, Elland Road, Beeston
Join the Hunslet Rainbows
Hunslet Rainbows have spaces available from this September for girls aged 5 and over. Rainbows are the youngest members of the Guide Association and do all sorts of fun activities, make friends, play games and gives girls a space to just be girls! For more information on Rainbows and to register for a place at the Hunslet Unit go to www.girlguiding.org.uk, complete the joining form and select 51st Leeds Rainbows. Younger girls can be registered to join a waiting list for a place once they turn 5. There is also a brownie unit for girls aged 7-10 and guides for girls aged 10-
14. We also need more volunteers to help run our units (rainbows, brownies and guides) if you are interested in volunteering then you also need to register on the website. Volunteering can be as little as an hour a week and there are a variety of roles available, from helping to run the sessions, doing administration,
helping prepare activities, to doing leadership training to be a qualified group leader, all ages and abilities are welcome to volunteer (Subject to DBS and reference checks). To get more information about the Hunslet units meeting times/location and cost contact Hayley on 07729 619150.
The Great Middleton Park Show takes place on Sunday 10 September and this year looks set to be bigger and better than ever. The comprtition marquee will be filled to bursting with flowers, vegetables, cakes, jams and works of art. But there’s plenty more to do with everything from ferret racing and alpaccas, to giant inflatables and sparring with the Hunslet Club boxers. In fact there is so much going on that organisers, Friends of Middleton Park have created a whole new website to contain all the information: thegreatmiddletonparkshow .myfreesites.net The fun runs from 1-4pm, with entries accepted between 8:30-11am.
Community Committee
Your advert here Advertise with South Leeds Life and reach 15,000 people in LS10 and LS11 This space is 1/8 page and costs just £75, or £200 for three inserts Full page display ad: £300 Contact: 07894 583966
The Community Committee funds a range of projects Do you live,work and play in Beeston, Beeston Hill, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet or Middleton? You are invited to your next community committee meeting on Wednesday 6 September 2017 at 7.00 pm. The meeting is taking place at Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road, LS10 4JQ. Light refreshments will be provided.
The Inner South Community Committee is made up of our nine local councillors representing the Beeston & Holbeck, City & Hunslet and Middleton Park wards. It has delegated powers to control services such as street cleaning and youth services within the area, it also awards grants through its Wellbeing Fund.
The meeting will start with an Open Forum where any resident can raise an issue or question on any matter of concern or interest. Projects under discussion include Irish arts and culture, Friends of Middleton Park and the Leeds United Foundation. You can find the full agenda on the Leeds City Council website.
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Baby Week to launch new Community Hub In Brief
Baby Week is hosting its second annual event and the new South Leeds community hub is supporting this on Thursday and Friday 14 & 15 September. The event will be timed to celebrate Leeds City Council’s newly re-opened Community Hub (formerly One Stop Centre) on Dewsbury Road in Beeston. Baby Week is adapted from the original Brazil Semana do Bebe (UNICEF 2010) helping to raise awareness in the
Quinn Dombrowski Creative Commons critical growth stages of a baby’s life. Originally inspired by a research visit to
Brazil in 2014 by South Leeds Life community reporter Lucy Potter, the idea was brought over to Leeds in order to help promote the new policy ‘The Best Start Plan’. This early years initiative, now rolled out to various zones around the city was launched here in South Leeds, as South Leeds Life reported in March 2017. The event has been put together through a partnership between the public and third sector services for
families to receive information on local services. There will be free taster sessions in some wonderful baby and toddler activities including: Baby massage and yoga Exercise for expecting and new mums Stories and rhymes Play activities For more information and to book your please see place www.ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibrary events
Explore your heritage
Every September thousands of buildings open their doors to let you explore their hidden history as part of Heritage Open Days. This year there are a number of events taking place in South Leeds. On Thursday 7 September there will be a guided walk following the Holbeck Heritage Trail from Holbeck Cemetery to the Leeds-Liverpool canal and exploring the history of the area. 11am-4pm Call: 07830 665016 to book your place. On Saturday 8 September there’s a chance to see inside Beeston’s own 15th century barn and find out the history of Leeds’ oldest house - Stank
Stank Hall Barn off Dewsbury Road, Beeston Hall. 12-4pm. Tours of the former Tetley The Friends of Stank Hall will be opening the barn, which brewery HQ in Hunslet, now an lies off Dewsbury Road, near art gallery, will take place at the White Rose Centre, from 11:30am and 2:30pm on both
Saturday and Sunday 8 & 9 September. There’s also a chance to see behind the scenes at the Royal Armouries museum, also in Hunslet. Tours take place at 11am, 1pm & 3pm on Saturday 8 September. Thwaite Mills is a preserved water powered mill, located on an island in the River Aire at Stourton. Guided tours of the museum will run from 1-5pm on both Saturday and Sunday 8 & 9 September. Hundreds of other events will be running across the city including a chance to visit the Town Hall clock tower. For full details go to: heritageopendays.org.uk
Arts & Crafts Market
Dewsbury Road Community Hub will be hosting an Arts & Crafts Market on Saturday 9 September 11am-3pm. The market will feature hand made products which make perfect gifts. There will be live music, refreshments and children’s activities and a chance to look round the Council’s new Community Hub (formerly the One Stop Centre) at 190 Dewsbury Road.
Veteran blues man Swarm down to Stourton to visit Baptists
Former Manfred Mann and Blues Band frontman Paul Jones and his wife Fiona will be speaking about their faith at Middleton Baptist Church.
Mark Kent, Creative Commons Middleton Park Baptist Church are holding an "Evening
with Paul and Fiona Jones", Paul is the lead singer of Manfred Man and the Blues Band. Fiona is an actor with a number theatre appearances and winner of a number of awards. They are going to share how faith in God has changed their lives. The event is on Sunday 8 October at 4.30pm. The event is free, however, admission is by ticket only, of which this is a restricted number available, to order your ticket ring 07464 848150 or e-mail: secretary_mpbc@sky.com
A popular community and environmental education centre in South Leeds is celebrating its 25th birthday this year by inviting everyone to come and see Swarm at Skelton Grange this summer! Laney Birkhead’s inspirational Swarm installation will be at the heart of the exhibition, and visitors will be able to walk inside a ‘hive’ of 50,000 hand printed bees. This magical experience was explored and enjoyed by so many people at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley last year, and we are delighted to be able to bring this opportunity back to Leeds. A documentary film produced by Paul Harris will also be screened, which tells the story of how
hundreds of people from all over Yorkshire helped print the 50,000 bees, and turn them into an art installation… This event is extra special as it will also feature new permanent willow, wood, ceramic and beeswax artworks made for Skelton Grange with support from Leeds Inspired and Grow Wild. These new artworks have been made by Leeds schools and community groups, and will include a ceramic wildflower meadow inspired by the Tower of London poppies, carved spoons made of wood harvested from the Skelton Grange nature area, and a record of the site’s wildflowers through the seasons preserved in natural beeswax.
Memories of Hunslet and Stourton by Wendy Breakwell
This project started off 18 months ago as selfish indulgence on my part as I have had at least 4 generations, including my mum and dad, who were born and brought up in Hunslet and Stourton and I wanted to find out a bit more about the area. I found lots of geographical history of the area but I realised soon on that I wanted the human history and stories. My uncle, who sadly passed away two months ago, provided me with a lot of
information and then I was introduced to the Hunslet Remembered Group at Hunslet Library just over a year ago and the project was born. They had the most wonderful stories and memories to share, some of which they had not done with anyone else before. We have had lots of laughs along the way and some sad stories, but it gave me that window into the rich lives of the strong community of the area, the community which for the most part, still exists today. The camaraderie that existed is hard to find nowadays as
people’s lives have become busier and more fragmented. I feel humbled to have been part of their lives for the past year recording the memories for future generations and helping to bring Thwaite Mill to life. I encourage you to talk to your families about growing up and letting them in to your past. I would also encourage you to visit the exhibition at Thwaite Mill which runs until 3 September (excl Mondays), however, it is advisable to ring before your visit in case there is a wedding
taking place.
Dandy Row & Stourton power station
Community meetings in Belle Isle The Rosedales Patch Group meeting will be held on Monday 18 September, from 7pm at West Grange Church. The Brooms & Nesfields Forum meeting will be held on Thursday 21 September 2017, from 6.15pm at BITMOs GATE. Your local community group meetings are a great way of finding out what’s happening locally; specifically in your neighbourhood. Your local councillors go along, as well as representatives from housing and the police, so you can ask questions or tell them about any concerns you may have. Beeston Festival AGM Planning starts now for next year’s Beeston Festival. Join the organising committee for breakfast to discuss how this years event went and ideas for 2018. In the Millennium Garden in Cross Flatts Park at 10am on Saturday 16 September. Creative Writing Group Do you think you have a play in you or a poem or a story, which could do with some encouragement to come out into the open? Come to the FREE creative writing group where you can share your work and get advice on how to develop it or get support for starting something you’ve never done before. This ten week course starts on Monday 11 September at BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, off Belle Isle Road. Beeston Library also runs a drop in group: The Writers Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month, 1-2:30pm. MacMillan Coffee Mornings With the slogan ‘Have Your Cake and Eat It’ many organisations will be hosting coffee mornings or afternoon teas in support of Macmillan, the cancer support charity. Events taking place include: Hillside, Beeston Road from 9am on Friday 15 September and BITMO’s GATE 11am on Friday 29 September. Watch out for details of other events in the area on our website. Social & Craft Evenings Hunslet Carr Residents Association hold a craft night every Tuesday from 6:30pm at Woodhouse Hill Community Centre (behind the Bay Horse pub). It’s a chance to make new friends and learn new crafts such as knitting, crochet, and make items to sell at HCRA’s fundraising events.
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South Leeds Life | September 2017
18 What’s On
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What’s On
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Full details of every event including map and contact details are available at www.southleedslife.com /events
Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in September 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 Julie’s Ancestry Group 10am & 1pm BITMO’s GATE Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Crafts 10am-12pm Middleton Community Centre Salsa-cise 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston. Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm Middleton Community Centre Men’s games group 1-3pm Belle Isle WMC Dance 2-3pm Middleton Community Centre Kickboxing 6-9pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street South Leeds Sisters running 6.15pm South Leeds Stadium 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 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 12pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Lunch Club 12:15-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm Middleton Community Centre Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Line Dancing 2-3:30pm Middleton Community Centre Rainbows, Brownies, Guides 4:30-9:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Craft & Social Evening 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Carr South Leeds Lakers running 7pm from Beeston Co-op Every Wednesday Parents and Toddlers 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 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 Middleton Mavericks running 7pm South Leeds Stadium Martial Arts 7-9pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square 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 Ping Pong / Model Making 10-11:30am Middleton Community Centre 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 Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm Middleton Community Centre Line Dancing 1pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle New Lives Group 1-2:30pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square 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’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 Free Church, Malvern Road 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 Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm Middleton Community Centre Krok Po Kroku (Polish Group) 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 Friday 1 September The Detective Doodle Box 11am-12pm Beeston Library, Town Street Saturday 2 September Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Meth Church, Old Lane, Beeston Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 3 September
Altofts & Normanton Band 2:30-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Film: Resilience 6:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Tuesday 5 September Mostly Men! 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck Wednesday 6 September 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 Inner South Community Committee 7pm Middleton Community Centre, Middleton Park Avenue Thursday 7 September Holbeck Heritage Trail 11am-4pm from Holbeck Cemetery, Fairfax Road, Beeston Film: Resilience 6:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Hunslet Carr Residents Assoc 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Old White Hart, Town St Friday 8 September Film: Brown Willy 7:30pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Saturday 9 September Art & Craft Market 11am-2pm LCC Community Hub, 190 Dewsbury Road, Beeston Behind The Scenes Tours 11am, 1pm, 3pm Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds Dock The Tetley building tour 11:30am, 2:30pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Stank Hall Barn Open Day 12-4pm off Dewsbury Road, near White Rose Centre Thwaite Mills guided tours 1-5pm Thwaite Mills, Thwaite Lane, Stourton Sunday 10 September Leeds Police HQ Open Day 11am-3pm Elland Road Police Stn The Tetley building tour 11:30am, 2:30pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Sunday Lunch 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Thwaite Mills guided tours 1-5pm Thwaite Mills, Thwaite Lane, Stourton Great Middleton Park Show 2:30-4:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Tuesday 12 September Food For Thought 2-3:30pm City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road, Holbeck Thursday 14 September Baby Week events
11am-3:30pm LCC Community Hub, 190 Dewsbury Road Friday 15 September Baby Week events 11am-3:30pm LCC Community Hub, 190 Dewsbury Road Saturday 16 September Ramblers group Meet 9am St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Beeston Festival AGM 10am Millennium Garden, cross Flatts Park Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 17 September Middleton Church & The Brandlings 1:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Leeds Dads 2-4pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Royal Vauxhall 5 & 8pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Monday 18 September Rosedales Community Meeting 7pm West Grange Church, West Grange Garth, Belle Isle Tuesday 19 September Pop Up Council HUB 10am-3pm Crosby Road, Holbeck The Writers Club 1-2:30pm, Beeston Library Thursday 21 September Comics Club! 3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Brooms & Nesfields Community Meeting 6:15pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Bereavement Support Group 7-8:30pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Saturday 23 September Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Sunday 24 September BITMO Lunch Club 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE Centre, Aberfield Gate, off Belle Isle Rd Maltings Lunch Club 1-3pm Maltings Court, Maltings Road, Beeston The Friendly Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Wednesday 27 September Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police HQ Thursday 28 September Hunslet Remembered 10am-12pm Hunslet Library Cockburn School Open Evening 6-8pm Gipsy Lane, Beeston Saturday 30 September Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston
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South Leeds Life | September 2017
20 Sport
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Hunslet push for League 1 Shield
Sanderson in action against Gloucester. Photo: Phoenix Photography Hunslet finished a disappointing regular season in League 1 in tenth place despite a thrilling last minute win against Newcastle Thunder on 16 July. The match swung back and forth but neither side were ever more than one score ahead throughout the game. With time running out Hardcastle kicked a drop goal for Newcastle taking the score to 24-25, and seemed to have won the match. But Hunslet kept pressing and were rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts. The hooter went as Joe Sanderson prepared his
kick, which was successful, giving Hunslet the win by 2526. Losing away at London Skolars the week before ensured they wouldn’t finish in the top eight and so ended the faint hope of promotion this season. Hunslet face London again in the last league match of the season on 17 September. If results go as predicted the two clubs will meet again to contest the League 1 Shield final. Hunslet have played some good rugby this season, but they have lacked consistency. New boy Joe Sanderson has
been one of the brighter stories of the season. His kicking game has been excellent and he has scored 5 tries and kicked 63 goals so far this season. Sanderson has joined Jimmy Watson, George Flanagan and Jack Lee in signing a contact for the 2018 season.
Hunslet RLFC fixtures
H v South Wales Ironmen Sunday 3 September 3pm A v Hemel Stags Sunday 10 September 2pm H v London Skolars Sunday 17 September 3pm
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Hunslet Club Parkside reach national final by Phil Goodfield
Milford Marlins 0 Hunslet Club Parkside 26 National Conference League Challenge Trophy Semi Final, Saturday 19 August Hunslet Club Parkside enjoyed an ultimately convincing and satisfying victory on Saturday afternoon to reach the Challenge Trophy Final for the second year running. In nilling north Leeds and National Conference League Division One rivals Milford Marlins for the second time this season, the Old Boys earned a second consecutive final appearance where they will meet Wigan St Patricks at The Fox’s Biscuit Stadium, Batley on Saturday 23 September. The team will be looking to go one better this time, following last years final defeat at the hands of Rochdale Mayfield, and bring the Challenge Trophy back to South Leeds. Playing on Milford’s artificial pitch they share with Leeds Rhinos training facility at Kirkstall, Hunslet dominated proceedings from start to finish. They opened the scoring just three minutes into the game with a try from stand off Andy Hullock following a great kick from full back Craig McShane and raced into a 200 half time lead which they had
no intention of giving up. Hullock’s try was converted by Jamie Fields and was followed up on 15 minutes with a try to Craig Miles, and another conversion from the skipper. A Hullock penalty and a try just before the interval to centre Dale Harris, converted by Hullock brought the first half to a conclusion with the visitors well in control. It didn’t take long for The Old Boys to extend their lead in the second half with centre Jack Kirmond crossing and Hullock converting to take the score out to 26-0. This try was remarkable in that it came with Parkside down to 11 players with two players having been yellow carded. The Marlins also had two players sin binned during a game in which the intense cross city rivalry was clear throughout to a decent crowd with a sizable contingent who had crossed the river to witness their team’s victory. Speaking after the game Captain Jamie Fields couldn’t hold back his pride in the performance: “We knew we would be in for a game as they were not happy with us keeping them scoreless at our place and we all know how hard it is to take being held pointless. Going in at half time 20-0 up we knew that we were in the driving seat and all we had to do is maintain our game
management out there. “In the second half we maybe took our foot of the pedal and our defence had to shine which it did with flying colours! We managed to get over the line in the second half to put the game to bed but all in all a tough semi final, even though the score line doesn’t necessarily show that. I’m proud of the boys and the club reaching back to back finals and promotions is massive reward for the hard work everyone down at the club puts in!” Man of the Match: Full back Craig McShane showing assured defense throughout and pace and skill in attack. Teams: Hunslet Club Parkside: Craig McShane, Omar Alrawi, Dale Harris, Jack Kirmond, Danny Harrison, Andy Hullock, Ryan Gaunt, Luke Pettman, Jamie Bradley, Jamie Fields, Ben Shulver, Ryan Campbell, Craig Miles. Subs: Rocky Price, Carl Briggs, George Clark, Adam Biscomb. Milford Marlins: Ryan Oxtoby, Matt Brocksom, Tom Wilson, Steve Bacon, Elliot Watmough, Zak Snellgrove, Josh Parle, Eddie Wilson, Andy Barker, Richard Hulme, John Elkington, Dave Warren, James Barker. Subs: Macauley Barron, Louis Morrison, Paul Tharme, Connor Parr.
Middleton gets the running bug
The Middleton Mavericks are the latest running group to start activities in South Leeds. The group meet every Wednesday evening at 7pm at the South Leeds Stadium reception at the John Charles Centre for Sport. Sessions are free, open to men and women and suitable for complete beginners upwards. Run Leader John Fielding said: “Our sessions will always
be fun and enjoyable and are open to anyone 14 years or older. We host different running activities and rarely do more than a steady 2 miler.” Meanwhile Middleton Park is set to start its own weekly parkrun. parkruns are organised up and down the country and internationally. They are a weekly, free, measured, timed 5km run or walk, starting each Saturday morning at 9am.
Cross Flatts parkrun has been very successful over the last four years and regularly attracts 150 runners of all ages and abilities. No start date has been announced for the Middleton Woods parkrun, but South Leeds Life understands that it will start and finish at the Bike Hub and involve two laps of a course around the top of Middleton Park.
With three matches to go, Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club’s First IX are second in the Bradford Premier League’s Championship 2 and pushing for promotion. Their next home match is on Saturday 9 September, at their Gipsy Lane ground in Beeston.
Oldest & youngest in Leeds 10k run?
Albert Jones (75) from Cottingley and his grandson Harrison Jones (16) completed the Leeds 10K Run For All on Sunday 9 July and were amongst the oldest and youngest competitors in the event. Albert lives in the Dulverton Court sheltered housing scheme in Cottingley and started walking four years ago to help him lose weight. This was the third time Albert has completed the Leeds 10K, although he is keen to stress he walks the course rather than running it. He has lost three stone
since he started and has persevered despite a heart attack in January 2016. Harrison is very keen on sport, but as a 16 year old this was the first year he could enter the race. He completed the course in 49 minutes, compared with his grandfather’s 1 hour 34 minutes. Albert raised £439 for Down syndrome Leeds Network, in previous years he has supported St Gemma’s Hospice and Sunshine & Smiles. Albert commented: “Our Family was there to cheer
us on and we both enjoyed it very much.”
Albert and Harrison Jones