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Issue 49 | March 2019
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
LOVE YOUR LOCAL What’s the future for independent shops in south Leeds? Small traders speak out
In this issue:
Posties winning in Holbeck
page 3
Kurds find a home in South Leeds
page 6
Hunslet kicking for the win
page 16
by Ed Carlisle “I love running this shop – it’s so much more than just a business. It’s not just a conveyor belt of transactions, it’s about looking out for the local community. But it’s a battle too: small businesses are vulnerable, competing against the Big Boys” (Zab, a shopkeeper in Beeston). “I talk with a lot of local business owners, most of us have seen a steady decline over the past five years, and several have closed in just the past few months. But it would be such a loss to our communities if all the independent stores disappear” (Steve, a shopkeeper in Hunslet). South Leeds Life has this month been out talking with local independent shops and businesses, and their customers, about their contribution to our
communities, and – in many cases – about their battles for survival. The UK high street is undoubtedly struggling. Of a total 275,000 shops nationally, about 40,000 shops close annually, and only 35,000 open – making a net loss of 5,000 each year. And whilst the woes of the big chains are well documented in the national press, independent businesses are hardest hit: of those 40,000 annual closures, an estimated 35,000 are independents. Yorkshire is one of the worst-hit regions, with a net annual loss of 460 independent stores in 2017. Uday, whose family have run a newsagent in Beeston Hill for over 30 years, grimly told us: “Like many traditional shops, our days are numbered. The supermarkets play lots of games, and the system’s unfairly loaded against us – so
we’re snookered, stuck in a vicious circle.” Other traders spoke of factors like online shopping, rising costs (which some partly attributed to Brexit), and the wider community having less and less money to spend. And some named particular issues: Ejaz in Beeston criticised the legal loophole that allows unregulated ‘truck traders’ to drive into the community every day and sell fresh produce from the back of lorries – and undercut local shops. Some we spoke with weren’t downbeat, insisting that business was “steady”. But what they all agreed on, and what we heard from dozens of customers, was the invaluable role many of these stores play in the life of the local area. “Our local cafe offers such a lifeline to isolated people, including the elderly, and a local homeless lady” (Brenda in Hunslet Moor).
“There’s a personal touch here, and long-term relationships, that you don’t get in big stores” (Roy in Beeston). “I like meeting different people, and there’s such a variety of foods” (Maria in Beeston). “Our shop’s not just a shop, it’s a community hub. Loads of new people come in asking for help: we’re like the Holbeck Tourist Board!” (Laura in Holbeck). Not only that, the national New Economics Foundation (NEF) have long argued the hard benefits of independent retail. These include: more jobs (each supermarket on average generates 270+ job losses); a typically smaller environmental impact; better local accountability and democracy; and stronger local economies. It’s estimated that money spent at a local store puts up to twice as much into the local
economy as money spent at a chain store: except for expenses like wages, chain stores rarely invest in local supply chains, and their profits disappear away to distant shareholders. Groups like the NEF are campaigning for government – local and national – to take supportive action. And local traders are pulling together and working hard to adapt and cooperate – with new initiatives including the Dewsbury Road Town Team. But to quote Steve in Hunslet: “We’re trying to offer different stuff, coming up with different ideas – but we really need support. If everyone spent just a few pounds in their local store each week, it’d make such a difference.” And Zab in Beeston concluded: “Many of our customers depend on us – but we’re totally dependent on them too.”
Plus: Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan Supplement
Middle pages
NEWS
2-7
SCHOOLS
8-9
FEEDBACK
10
ARTS
12
WHAT’S ON SPORT
Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily
13-15 16
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South Leeds Life | March 2019
2 News
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 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 F
by Hilary Benn MP
irst of all, some good news. Royal Mail has dropped its proposal to close the Holbeck delivery office. I was delighted, if to tell the truth a little surprised, when I heard the news, but this has been a wonderful victory for local residents and Royal Mail staff. They ran such a brilliant and effective campaign, and it shows what we together can do when we put our minds to it, including changing other people’s minds! I recently helped to host an event at the House of Commons to promote the city’s plans for big improvements to Leeds station. Over 400,000 people work in the city of Leeds every day, and many of them arrive through what is already the busiest rail station in the North of England. When you realise that 31 million passengers use it every year, you can see how important it is to the lifeblood of our city. Studies by Network Rail suggest that peak usage will increase by almost 50% in just five years from now, and beyond that we will
eventually see the arrival of the new platforms bringing HS2 into Leeds. And there are also big plans for HS3 – Crossrail for the North - the proposal to improve connectivity from Hull to Liverpool via Leeds and Manchester. I hope that as well as giving us a much improved station, all these big changes will also help spur better public transport across the city, including in South Leeds. We already know how congested our roads have become and what a big problem we have with poor air quality which is harming our health. We really do have to do something about this which is why park-andride schemes and action to take the most polluting vehicles off our roads are so important. Car manufacturers are now waking up to the fact that they will have to turn the cars they make into electric vehicles. This will be an important part of making progress towards cleaner and better connected cities but I remain of the view that a supertram system – carriages on rails – is what we need for Leeds. If you look around other comparable cities in Britain and Europe they already have something
like this and we need to think big as a city to make sure we get the same. While we’re on the subject of transport, I suspect we were all delighted to see that the RMT has been able to suspend its strike action on Northern Rail following the company’s decision to offer the guarantee of a Hilary Benn MP conductor on all trains, including the new fleet, for the duration of the current franchise. I was well aware, as were the staff, of the effect the prolonged strike action had on passengers, but in the end a safe railway needs to have two people on each train to deal with emergencies and help us as travellers. That’s why I backed the rail workers in their campaign and I’m glad that Northern has seen sense. Finally, I was delighted to see that Leeds City Council recently held a
Civic Reception in honour of the Hunslet Club and its members. It really is an inspirational place which offers opportunities to the young people of South Leeds and their families every day of the week. Each time I go into the Club, you can feel the great atmosphere and the sense of purpose. Dennis Robbins and his dedicated team deserve enormous appreciation from all of us for what they have achieved. The Club represents the best of South Leeds and long may their great work continue.
Knostrop bridge wins architects’ award T
he new footbridge over the River Aire at Knostrop has has been Commended in this year’s McEwen Awards organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). The bridge is a very elegant solution to a civil engineering problem. It sits above the moveable weirs that are part of Flood Alleviation Scheme built following the Boxing Day floods in 2015. The weirs can be lowered in future flood events to allow the water to move more quickly downstream. The shared foot and cycle bridge forms part of the Trans-Pennine Trail and includes spaces to stop and watch the river and its wildlife. The whole scheme was designed with fish, otters and eels - all of which have returned to this stretch of the river in recent years - in mind, as well as humans. The award recognises architecture ‘for the common good’. Writing in the RIBA Journal Hugh Pearman said: “All the judges liked the fact that an engineering-led project of this kind should consider the amenity and convenience of the public and be part of an overall
The footbridge over the moveable weir on the River Aire at Knostrop. Photo: Paul White landscape improvement of this alternative route into and out of the city, ‘taking people to places they might not have gone’ as Kathy MacEwen put it. “For me, it displays a clear intelligence and Ring 07894 583966 commitment to the old idea Email: info@southleedslife.com that public works are a matter of civic pride.”
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Posties win fight to keep Holbeck delivery office open R
oyal Mail have officially announced on 6 February that they have scrapped plans to merge Holbeck Delivery Office and the Leeds City Delivery Office. The announcement follows an eighteen month campaign by members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and the local community. As we reported back in October 2017, the merger would have forced residents to travel to an industrial estate off Wellington Bridge near the Armley Gyratory. Chris Allen from the CWU said in a statement: “This is to inform all residents of the Leeds 11 postcode area that because of the efforts of the local CWU (Communication Workers Union) in Holbeck and City Delivery Office and on a CWU Branch, Area and Divisional level, Royal Mail have
Workers and residents protest 17 February 2018 today officially announced that they have called off their plans to close Holbeck Delivery Office to merge it’s operations into City Delivery Office. “This is a massive victory for all
staff affected and for the Leeds 11 local community who will not have this important service taken out of the community. “Your local Leeds 11 posties are appreciative of the support you
have given them to keep the office local in Leeds 11, and will be happy to continue to provide you with a reliable, efficient and professional service from their local delivery office in Holbeck.”
Security issues at Beeston Park Casey suffered a broken nose with a deep laceration that needed internal and external stitches. Casey’s mother Mrs Kellett said was “in shock and very shook up.” Casey is a very keen footballer, playing for Halifax Town under 13s, his school team Morley Academy and Howden Clough under 13s. A police spokeswoman said: “Police are investigating following a reported assault on a 13year-old boy in Cross Flatts Park at around 6pm on Casey needed stitches after being hit in the face Thursday, 14 February. Enquiries are ongoing by Jeremy Morton to establish the circumstances wo violent incidents within of this incident.” a week have raised Then on Monday 18 February questions about security in at approximately 3:50pm a Beeston’s Cross Flatts Park. young man on a motorbike hit On Thursday 14 February a dog close to the depot in the 2019 13 year old Casey Dennis park. Bystanders helped owner, Murthick was returning home Chris Lightowler, lift the dog after a game of football in the “Bessie” who was taken to a park when he was hit in the vet. Unfortunately the bike had face by a girl with what he broken both of Bessie’s back described as a log. legs and fractured her spine
and she had to be put down. Cllr Angela Gabriel (Beeston & Holbeck) and Chair of Friends of Cross Flatts Park commented: “These are disturbing incidents. All three ward Councillors send our best wishes for a speedy recovery to Casey and our condolences to Mr Lightowler. We call on anyone with information to come forward to the Police, but I would stress that these are isolated incidents. “In recent years the park has become more and more popular with hundreds of people using it every day. The best way to keep the park safe is to keep using it, a busy park is a safe park.
“So whether it’s a visit to the children’s playground, walking the dog, a game of tennis or a cup of tea in the cafe; don’t let a couple of isolated incidents keep you away from our lovely greenspace.” Cllr Gabriel went on to say making the park 100% safe was difficult. For example, restricting access to motorbikes would cause further problems for wheelchair users and parent with buggies. She pointed out that the Council had spent £35,000 installing two CCTV cameras within the park and urged park users to watch out for one another and to be careful especially after dark.
T
Bessie was known to many dog walkers in Cross Flatts Park
Community noticeboards by Cllr Paul Wray
O
ver the next few months, residents in Hunslet, Hunslet Carr, Hunslet Moor and on Beeston Hill, will see the installation of new community noticeboards in their public green spaces. These community noticeboards are one element of the work we’ve been doing locally as Councillors, based on community feedback, to provide access to information about the local area, ongoing consultations and Council services, without needing to visit a public building or going online. We’ve identified 15 rough locations, spread out across the communities in question, to make sure
these are accessible to as many people as possible. The Inner South Communities Team will update the noticeboards at least once a month, to make sure the information is relevant and up to date. Where there are local Friends of Groups, such as for Trentham Park, or residents’ group such as the Hunslet Carr Residents Association, we will also provide them with access to the noticeboards as well. I know residents find it frustrating if they can’t find the contact information they need. These new community noticeboards are a simple but powerful tool to help resolve some of these frustrations. I look forward to seeing them installed soon.
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South Leeds Life | March 2019
4 News NEWS IN BRIEF Middleton shops Plans to build a new retail park on the former Co-op site near Asda in Middleton have been given the go ahead by Councillors sitting on the South & West Plans panel. As reported previously, the application was first submitted in 2016 and will see new Lidl and B&M stores as well as a number of smaller shops.
Hospitality Jobs An event at The Point Jobshop in the White Rose Shopping Centre will give people the chance to find out more about the Hospitality industry, listen to a presentation including information about job roles and help with CV support, applying for roles and interview skills supported by local employers. The session runs on Tuesday 5 March from 10am-12pm.
Church takes over club Leeds Eritrean Orthodox Church have taken over the former West Hunslet Conservative Club on Dewsbury Road. They hold bilingual (Tigrinya / English) services on Sunday mornings, and plan to start holding activities including homework clubs and cultural events soon. For more information contact them: fb.com/Slasye.
Youth activities survey Leeds City Council asking young people what activities they would to see in their neighbourhood. The online survey is open all 8-17 year olds living in Leeds and will be used to help shape the programme delivered by Youth Services and their partner organisations. You can find the questionnaire, which should take no more than five minutes to complete, here: surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/C5CO Z. The deadline to complete the survey is Monday 4 March.
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End the Managed Approach A resident’s response to Cllr Andrew Scopes M
by Laura Walton
any thanks for giving me the opportunity to respond to the recent article justifying the establishment and continued support for the ‘Managed Approach’ in Holbeck. I live in Holbeck and have a small corner shop there so I see the problems every day. Unlike Councillor Andrew Scopes and the Labour Party I am totally and utterly opposed to this disgraceful project and intend to continue to campaign until this disgusting project is abandoned and the rule of law re-established in Holbeck. While I accept that this was implemented with the best possible motives, unfortunately it is a true saying that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” The very essence of my opposition is that it can not be morally right to create an area where criminal men (pimps and drug pushers) are encouraged and kept safe from arrest while they sell drug addicted women to other criminal men (kerb crawlers). What has been created is nothing less than some kind of ‘slave market’ where prostituted women parade up and down in areas of Holbeck and perform acts of gross indecency on the residential streets of Holbeck to line the pockets of drug dealers and pimps. The rules of the ‘managed approach’ are a farce: 1 No offences will be tollerated at anytime within residential areas 2 No offences will be tolerated between 6am and 8pm 3 No offences will be tolerated outside businesses which are operating 4 Drug use, trafficking, organised crime and coercion will at no time be tolerated 5 Crime, public order and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated 6 Indecency will not be tolerated at any time Unfortunately every one of these rules is being consistently and regularly broken. If anything they demonstrate how out of touch Safer Leeds actually is. These rules might have half a chance of working if they were seeking to moderate the behaviour of the characters in the film Pretty Women. However, it is evident from the amount of sex and
drug litter that none of the women or their clients are using the zone as a ‘meet and greet’ area and then going for dinner in a nice hotel before settling the fee at breakfast the next day. One key area of failure is the non enforcement of rules 4 and 5. It is the persistent acceptance of all the associated crime that drags the name of Holbeck through the mud.
on them to restrain or modify their behavior. It provides a ready market for drugs The link between drugs and street prostitution is evident in the litter that has been regularly collected by the Leeds City Council’s Cleansing team. In the 9 month period (6 January – 5 October 2018) 6,504 pieces of sex litter (used condoms, bloodied tissues and latex gloves) together with 516
This is a total myth that has been exposed as such by the Ipswich Police force. The Ipswich crime and disorder reduction partnership was established which had the aim of removing street prostitution in Ipswich. It did this by: • Identifying the problem. Continual monitoring and evaluation of street prostitution and those involved in the activity enabling appropriate responses to the problems as
A prostitute plies her trade on a residential street in Holbeck Of equal importance are what is not specified in the rules. The rules do not speak of People Trafficking or Modern Slavery, yet it is clear that women are being brought into Holbeck from other cities in the UK and from Eastern Europe. The very fact that these women are being brought into the area and transported out again on a daily basis is by definition people trafficking and yet this is allowed to continue. The project seeks to manage the unmanageable The project is unworkable and doomed to failure because it seeks to manage people who are unmanageable. Numerous interviews with drug addicted prostituted women have all had the same content. Never has one of them said I enjoy this lifestyle. Indeed when in their ‘right mind’ they have expressed a wish not to do it anymore. However, once in the grip of addiction these women loose control of themselves. Nothing matters more than their next fix. In such a state there are no sanctions that can be places
used needles were collected within the managed zone. Also within the residential area 1,995 pieces of sex litter and 159 used needles were collected. Rule number 1 is being consistently and regularly broken. Also the fact that Safer Leeds have had access to this data removes them from the defence of plausible deniability. There is no doubt in the minds of law abiding residents of Holbeck that drug dealing and street prostitution are inextricably linked. Street prostitution has always existed and cannot be eradicated
Another used condom litters Holbeck
and when they arrive. • Developing routes out, offering individual multi-agency case conferences for each individual involved in street prostitution. • Tackling demand, responding to community concerns by deterring those who create the demand and removing the opportunity for street prostitution to take place • Prevention, awareness raising and early intervention measures to stop individuals, particularly children and young people becoming involved in prostitution. • Community Intelligence,
Photo: Claire Bentley-Smith
understanding the key issues, the extent of the problem and the impact in the local community. Ipswich used the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003, which provides local partnerships with civil measures to address both the street prostitutes and kerb crawler activities using ASB tools such as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and Anti Social Behaviour Orders for those persistently causing a nuisance to the local community. Criminal justice related interventions for prostitutes and kerb crawlers as set out in ‘prostitution and kerb crawling‘ (www.renewal.net) are: • Arrest- referral schemes for drug dependent prostitutes • Prosecuting those abusing children through prostitution under the Sexual Offence act 2003 • Giving kerb crawlers the opportunity of retaining their anonymity in exchange for going on a re-education programme. • Driver disqualification for persistent kerb crawlers • Using planning enforcement orders against owners of premises used for prostitution. They also used criminal justice interventions as laid out in the Sexual Offences Act 1959 as well as the full range of sexual offences as per the 2003 act alongside the Anti Social Behavior legislation available. There is no alternative to the current strategy Yet another myth, Sweden and Norway have introduced legislation that sets in place what has become know as the Nordic Model. This legislation decriminalses prostituted individuals and provides high quality services to help them exit the trade, but makes buying sex a criminal offence with the key aims of changing social norms and reducing the demand for prostitution that drives sex trafficking. This approach also cracks down on profiteers (pimps, brothel keepers, sex procurers and drug dealers). I remain optimistic that in the end those who have tried so hard to maintain this disgusting project will come to see that no matter how it is viewed, it is unmanageable and is to no one’s interest except for the pimps, drug dealers and kerb crawlers.
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March 2019 | South Leeds Life
News 5
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Come and see local democracy in action T
by Jeremy Morton
he Inner South Community Committee will be holding its next meeting on Wednesday 6 March at Leeds Civic Hall, starting at 5:30pm. The committee is made up of the nine Councillors who represent our three wards: Beeston & Holbeck, Hunslet & Riverside and Middleton Park. The meetings are not only open to the public, but include an Open Forum where you can raise issues of concern, or put a question to the Councillors.
lead on a particular topic, such as health, employment, or community safety and the meeting will hear reports of action being taken on these matters in the area. The Committee also oversees a Well Being Fund, a Capital Fund and a Youth Activities Fund totalling nearly £400,000 which allocates money to fund projects in South Leeds. The fund is used for things such as Christmas Lights, community galas and extra litter bins. Funding is also available for community groups
Join the Hunslet litter heroes
The Friends of Hunslet Moor hold a monthly litter pick on the last Saturday of the month from 12-1pm. Samantha and Brenda, Chair and Secretary of the group said: “We’re so lucky to have this green space on our doorsteps. It deserves some TLC to be the best it can be. With the community pulling together, giving up just an hour of their time once a month, this is totally achievable. It’s our space and we need nurture it.”
Million pound gym for Middleton C Councillors celebrate awarding funds to the Getaway Girls project The meetings are chaired by Cllr Angela Gabriel who has always been keen to include residents as much as possible. As well as the Open Forum, residents can also contribute to the debate on other issues under discussion, although as it is a formal Council meeting the Councillors get to go first. The Committee is directly responsible for delivering a range of Council services within the area, such as street cleaning and youth services. This means they can be much more responsive and tailor services to meet local needs. Each Councillor takes the
in the area. Small grants of up to £500 and large grants, over £1,000 can be applied for. Recently grants have been awarded to The Hunslet Club for vocational training, Friends of Holbeck Moor’s wildflower meadow and to Rags To Riches accessable sewing project. South Leeds Life also recieved a grant to pay for the January and February editions of this newspaper. Finally the committee also hears presentations from officers or partner organisation about topics of interest such as transport, fostering and adoption, or policing.
llr Paul Truswell (Middleton Park) has welcomed proposals for a new gym extension at Middleton Leisure Centre. Leeds City Council’s Executive Board approved plans in February to spend £1.146m to deliver the new 75 station gym and a re-modelled entrance for the Leisure Centre. The Centre, which is easily accessible to the majority of the Middleton Park ward, will give local people the opportunity to access affordable new equipment. The new gym extension and entrance will be modelled to be a welcoming and user friendly space, full of natural light and new
opportunity for informal interaction between staff and gym goers. The gym is expected to be completed by April 2020. Middleton Leisure Centre will remain open and operational throughout the work, with alternative entrances to be provided whilst the new entrance is developed. Councillor Paul Truswell said: “As a result of local people’s requests, we have been pressing for a gym since the previous major refurbishment of the Leisure Centre and surrounding pitches. It will be a tremendous addition to the facilities and will help the Leisure Centre to maximise its full potential by
encouraging even more people to use it to improve their health. “As Community Health Champion, I’m delighted that it has been possible to make a sustainable case for providing the gym, which will exceed Sport England standards. It shows a real commitment to local people. “It’s obviously going to take a little time to complete and open the gym, but it’s great that the Leisure Centre will remain open while the work is carried out. As this process unfolds, we will ensure people who use the Leisure Centre and the local community are updated on building works and any other exciting developments.”
Cllr Paul Truswell
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6 News
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Work starts on Hunslet’s Community Hub
Photo: Michael Taylor via Wikimedia Commons
H
by Cllr Paul Wray
unslet will soon have its Community Hub, as 12-16 weeks of building work to convert Hunslet Library started last month. The creation of the Hub is a substantial investment into the communities of Hunslet, Hunslet Carr, and the newer Riverside estates. Our communities have told me they understand the Council’s drive to get more residents to access Council services online, but many residents who aren’t internet literate or just prefer to speak to a person felt excluded. The Hub will give our communities access to Council staff, face-to-face. They will be able to support residents with most of the basic queries about Council services and support others to access the internet via the up-to-date computer suite.
The Hub will also continue to offer a quality library and Jobshop, as well as providing rooms for community use. Finally, there will be improved disability access to the building and modernised toilet facilities. During the building work, a Library Bus will be onsite while the library is closed, and Jobshop sessions will be available at the St George’s Centre in Middleton and at the Dewsbury Road Community Hub in the Beeston Hill / Hunslet Moor area. The Council will reimburse regular Hunslet Jobshop users their bus travel costs to these alternative sites during the period of building work. The creation of the Hub is one of several local investments being made in the area, but in my opinion, it is by far one of the most important. I look forward to seeing it open and being used by local people.
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People Matters wins social enterprise award F
ollowing two years of development since becoming a charity, Holbeckbased People Matters are now celebrating as their hard work has been recognised at a star studded award ceremony in Bradford. People Matters collected the prestigious ‘Social Enterprise Award 2018’ at the awards hosted by Social Enterprise Yorkshire and Humber. The ceremony hosted social entrepreneurs from across the whole region from Scarborough to Rotherham. Consisting of organisations from charities to co-operatives who can also be a social enterprise having the key principles that they should largely trade in a sustainable manner and reinvest any surplus into extending the impact of their support in to their community. People Matters CEO, Tina Turnbull said: “This is a fantastic recognition of all the
The team at People Matters celebrate their award work that the whole team of 50+ people have done.” Judges said they were particularly impressed with their new employment service which is supporting people who are disabled and/or long term
unemployed to make themselves employable and find the work that suits them best. A message of congratulations was received from Alex Sobel MP. To find out more about what
People Matters do and how to get involved. Ring (0113) 234 6896; visit peoplemattersleeds.co.uk; or follow People Matters West Yorkshire on Facebook or @PeopleMatterLds on Twitter.
Funding for employment projects T
he south Leeds arm of the Community Led Local Development programme, South Leeds Together and has up to £1.1 million of European Structural and Investment Fund monies to support economic development in the area through employment, skills and enterprise.
Following the release of the first and second calls in October and November the third call will be an open call running throughout 2019 and will be launched on the 25 February closing on the 17 December. The programme will invite applications for the delivery of
Rev Lindsey Pearson launches the strategy
Full house for Kurdish group
Saturday 23 February saw the Old Cockburn Centre in Hunslet Moor packed out for a major community event hosted by new local group, Kurdish House (KHL). KHL runs cultural programmes for the Kurdish community, and is also working with diverse partners on community litterpicks, local events, and more. Old Cockburn - now run by Hamara - is due to fully reopen for community use in the coming weeks.
innovative projects in south Leeds to support people into employment and training, and to help create new businesses and support existing ones. Rev Lindsey Pearson, Chair of the South Leeds Local Action Group, said: “Local residents and volunteers from the third, private, and public sectors are working together on the Local Action Group and using their local knowledge to make a lasting difference in south Leeds. “We’re excited to receive applications for innovative project ideas that will provide the support towards employment, training or selfemployment that people really
need and work with businesses to improve opportunities for local people.” The fund will be supported by up to £1.1 million of funding from the England European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Growth Programme. To find out more about the funding please look at the CLLD website: www.leedsCLLD.co.uk. Or contact the CLLD Programme Team: CLLD.Programme.Team@Leed s.gov.uk You can also hear about updates to the CLLD Programme through our Twitter Account @LeedsSouthCLLD
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March 2019 | South Leeds Life
News 7
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Club’s Civic Reception From waste wood
to chopping boards L
Jamie Fields, Hope Price, Dennis Robins and Jason Robinson at Leeds Civic Hall
T
he Hunslet Club was honoured at a Civic Reception on 18 February in the Banquetting Suite of the Civic Hall, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Graham Latty. The citation read: “Celebrating the work and achievements of The Hunslet Club, helping young people to achieve their
potential for over 75 years. “To recognise the unrivalled success of Hunslet Club Parkside completing the 2018 season as undefeated National Conference Premier Division Champions “Paying tribute to Hope Price, 2018 European Youth Gold Medal, World Youth Silver Medal and Olympic Gold
Medal” Commenting on Twitter, Cllr Kim Groves said: “It was really fitting that the Hunslet Club Parkside Invincibles NCL Champions, Olympic Youth Gold Medal Winner Hope Price, and CEO Dennis Robins were recognised at Civic Reception with Eugby legend and old boy Jason Robinson.”
by Charlotte Stanley
help run our shop, go out on collections, drive and process and sort the wood. Full training is provided. Please get in touch if you want to get involved, or if your business would like to support us. Phone 07595 646501 or www.leedswoodrecycling.co.uk
eeds Wood Recycling are a social enterprise that sprung up in Croydon Street, Holbeck in October last year. We work as a waste collection service, going into local businesses and building sites and collecting wood waste in a similar (but cheaper) way to a skip hire company. We then take the wood to our depot to de-nail and make good the wood for re-sale to the public for their DIY projects. We offer opportunities for people to learn new skills through volunteering. This year we launched woodwork classes funded by Leeds Community Foundation to help combat isolation and loneliness in Leeds. The courses have been a great success and we now have a team making planters, chopping boards and much more for our shop. We are currently recruiting for the next course which starts in May. It’s an inter-generational, any experience project. Plus we are looking for volunteers to Making planters at Leeds Wood Recycling
South Leeds Life | March 2019
www.southleedslife.com
8 School Life
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
School on the road to ‘Outstanding’
Cockburn School in Beeston is on its jouney of “Transformation to excellence”
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n Wednesday 30 January 2019 Cockburn School received a Section 8 ‘one day inspection’ by Ofsted. The purpose of the inspection was to determine if the school is continuing to provide a ‘Good’ education. There were three inspectors in school on this day and they were so pleased with the education the school provides that they confirmed the ‘Good’ judgment but also recommended that inspectors return to complete a t wo day (Section 5) inspection. This is because inspectors found significant evidence that Cockburn School may be judged ‘Outstanding’ if it received a Section 5 inspection
now. The school was informed that its next inspection will be a Section 5 inspection, which will typically take place within one to two years. The school was last inspected in September 2014 when it was judged to be Good with Outstanding features. Inspectors noted while they were here that the school is an integral part of the local community it serves. The leadership of the school has strong vision in place that makes decisions that are right for the students and meets their needs. Student behaviour and conduct was exemplary and over time they make substantial and sustained progress in their learning.
We are delighted with this response and it confirms all the hard work that our students, staff, parents and governors put in to making Cockburn School such a great school for the local area. We look forward to our pending inspection, which is likely to take place within the next two years, and to potentially achieving ‘Outstanding’ status. Cockburn School continues to work hard to ensure the quality of education we provide is of the highest standard and the full report from Ofsted, which you can find on our website at cockburnschool.org /ofsted-dfe-exam-results, is recognition of our progress so far.
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Reflecting excellence M
egan Stockdale, from Cockburn John Charles Academy (CJCA) beat off competition from 80 students at six schools to win the Wakefield College schools photography competition. James Pennington from the college visited the academy recently to award the prize, a framed photograph, certificate and £50 voucher for photographic equipment, as well as certificates to Megan’s classmates who also entered the competition. James commented: “We were absolutely blown away by the quality of entries and particularly the quality from this school.” Photography teacher, Jessica Crawford, said: “The competition entry from Megan was based on the brief of 'Reflections' and she used refraction of light in a wine glass to capture her image of the academy. All of this hard work is done in camera too, with no manipulation using Photoshop. It is a fantastic achievement for both Megan and the academy.” Head of School, Siobhan Roberts, added: “This is a great result for Megan and a clear recognition of the creative abilities of our students whose talents are nurtured and developed by our expert teachers throughout their time at the academy.” Megan Stockdale winning photograph on the theme of “Reflection”
Breakfast bagels for al Primary and Cockburn
A Big Deal in New York S
tudents from Cockburn School visited New York in February 2019 as part of their prize for winning The Big Deal 2019 – an enterprise competition run by York University. The team consisting of Bradley Blackburn, Amadou Dibba, Samit Miah and Jamie Myers took their winning product to pitch to executives from Google and Gartner. The team shared ideas and enterprising conversations with a range of colleagues from both businesses. The visit also allowed the students to visit the tourist attractions of New York including Times Square, Broadway, Rockefeller Centre, Central Park, 5th Avenue and Wall Street – the main hub of the New York financial
Cockburn’s winning team visited New York as part of their prize district. After the visit the students reflected on their time in New York. Speaking after the visit Samit said “The trip to New York was amazing! The highlight was having the chance to interact with executives from large global businesses.” Bradley Blackburn also commented “the trip
to New York was amazing. I loved cycling around central park and experiencing the sights, sounds and energy of Times Square.” Clearly the future is bright for Cockburn’s budding entrepreneurs and the trip to New York will help to develop a growth mindset for success in the future.
Beeston Primary pupils enjoy a bagel in the playground before school
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ast month Beeston Primary School joined the government’s National School Breakfast Programme (NSBP), which is being delivered by the charities Family Action and Magic Breakfast. The programme is designed to ensure all children have access to a
healthy school breakfast enabling them be settled and ready to learn at the start of the school day. Free cereal and wholemeal bagels are served each morning. Warm buttered bagels are cooked on site and are available to all children in the playground before school.
Headteach explained: National Scho school. This worthwhile week the ch advantage o that children
Holbeck Herald News about the Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan and other local issues It’s a year since Holbeck residents voted 79.64% “yes” in a referendum to accept the Neighbourhood Plan and subsequently Leeds City Council accepted and gave their approval. The Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan covers the period to 2028 and aims to enhance the best in the area and improve its shortcomings. It allows the community of Holbeck to shape the development and growth of the local area through a shared vision for the neighbourhood.
March 2019
In this issue of the Holbeck Herald we will cover a range of local issues from the “Managed Approach” to planning applications, footpath closures and heritage at risk. We also feature agencies that can offer help and support to us here in the Holbeck community. The full neighbourhood plan is available to read online at: www. holbeckneighbourhoodplan.org.uk
Listening Well to move the Managed Approach debate forward T he Neighbourhood Plan and the members of our Forum want to see a future where local people are involved in decision making. We are pleased to be part of the “Listening Well” campaign. This will consist of consultation events, co-commissioning of an external researcher producing a report and public meetings hosted by the residents group “Voice of Holbeck.” We have aligned ourselves with the reference group known as the “Voice of Holbeck” sharing their aspirations to end street prostitution in Holbeck/Leeds with the immediate aim of reducing its impact on residents, prostituted people and businesses. We are of the opinion that the Managed Approach adopted in October 2014 by concerned and well-meaning people and agencies is not working to either protect the women involved in prostitution, or the residents and businesses. In the words of a senior representative from Safer Leeds, the Managed Approach has to date “fallen short of expectations”. A forest of charities and women’s groups, the English Collective of Prostitutes, academics and others have
A prostitute at work in Holbeck dominated the conversations and have led the debate on prostitution. We locals are not professionally qualified, but have a first-hand experience of the hardships and heartbreaks that the women suffer day to day. Despite opinions to the contrary these street sex workers are not safe and can never be made safe. Working towards a Managed Approach that provides a ‘safe place’ is a misnomer. Anything less than ending street prostitution and working actively to achieve this is a deceit and a dereliction of care for these women. Street
Prostitution must be given the same priority as that with Rough Sleepers with the setting up of a dedicated support team that will work with street prostitutes on a daily basis to offer intensive support with the intention of finding an alternative way of living. Over the past four years residents and businesses have borne the brunt of anti-social behaviour that has flowed from the establishment of the Managed Approach or the Managed Zone as it was called. • Families and businesses moving out of Holbeck • Individuals ashamed of stating that they live in Holbeck • Incidents of indecency
witnessed by children • Violence on our streets and other anti-social behaviours • Kerb Crawling and associated intimidation All these can be directly attributed to the introduction of the Managed Approach. The Police, despite being reinforced recently, are hard pressed to be everywhere at the time when incidents are reported. The Cleansing team assigned to Holbeck have been helpful and responded directly to the reported sighting of sex and drug associated litter. Official statistics reveal that sex litter collected outside the managed zone (used condoms, surgical gloves and blooded wipes) is now greater than the amount of sex litter collected within the zone. In response to all the difficulties encountered through the introduction of the Managed Approach the “Voice of Holbeck” group has over the past months sought to confront the Strategic Leeds Group (Cllr Debra Coupa, Steve Cotter, Paul Money, James Rogers) as well as our Ward Councillors with the concerns of the community seeking to gain their respect into taking our concerns and issues seriously.
As a result of the “Listening Well” campaign we can, hopefully through listening, influence and steer the future, changing the direction and make a difference. The first “Listening Well” public meeting was held on 28 February and subsequent meetings and interactive events are planned. The involvement of all members of the community is needed to affect change. Please engage in this meaningful dialogue moving forward to a realistic effective position, where the community is safe and prostituted persons are freed from their chaotic lifestyles. The “Listening Well” campaign is organised by the Voice of Holbeck email Voiceholbeck @gmail.com If you are having issues with the managed approach the Police have provided a dedicated number 07534 309568. However important to note that if indecency or other criminal behaviours are ongoing please dial 999 If you aren’t having issues but would like to engage with the “Save our Eyes” group contact facebook.com/SaveOur EyesLeeds if you are not on Facebook find them here www.saveoureyes.co.uk
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Holbeck Herald | March 2019
Local issues Connectivity blocked
Retrospective Planning Application
n February, Leeds Magistrates ruled that a local footpath on Sutton Street existing since the 1800’s is to be made redundant. The footpath linked a railway underpass with Whitehall Road, a route that was a useful link from Wortley and Armley into Holbeck and the City. Caddicks who are managing development on the old Petty’s site, that suffered a fire in 2016, paid the costs for LCC to bring the case for closure to court. The Neighbourhood Plan made representation
plot of land known as Springwell View in Holbeck has been purchased privately. The new owners have fenced the site and are using the fencing to enclose a car park from which they gain remuneration. The fencing has been erected and apparently has encroached on public land. In building the fence an historic stone wall denoting the underground course of the Hol-beck has been
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believing that this walking route, despite being neglected, could have been retained and upgraded. The ruling went against us and now the developers have a blank canvas to build without the hindrance of a public pathway through the site.
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Pollution and Awaiting clarity disruption
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iffa have leased a site from Network Rail off Springwell Road for use as a Refuse Transfer Station. This, despite objections from Leeds Civic Trust and ourselves The Neighbourhood Plan. It appears that street type refuse will be transferred at this location onto rail transport. However transfer will require lorries to bring the waste onto the site
requiring 40 road journeys in daylight hours. Roads within the area are already congested and the suggested routes to the site seem vague. Dust and some contamination will clearly be evident from this process, this in a proposed clean air zone. Leeds City Council have given approval, with some benefit to themselves, as they are planning to use this site for their own refuse disposal.
No Right of Way - tunnel at Petty’s now blocked
Council elections
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lections to Leeds City Council will be held on Thursday 2 May 2019. One Councillor in Beeston & Holbeck ward will be elected.
In order to vote you must be on the electoral register and you must register by Friday 12 April. To register for your vote go to: www.gov.uk/ register-to-vote
The Burberry site off Sweet Street (Formerly Kay’s / Reality)
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he Neighbourhood Plan are waiting to be contacted both by Leeds City Council and Leeds United FC about their proposals for a football training facility on the Matthew Murray site at Brown Lane East. Our plan, supported by the community, proposed that the site should be used for a mix of housing and public green space.
Biffa’s waste transfer station
Burberry site: Marshall Street/ Sweet Street The company announced that the site would house a factory but due to changes in their fortunes have shelved this development. In a recent announcement they intimated that the site could be mothballed for 10 years. The Neighbourhood Plan believes this to be unacceptable, a large brown field swathe of land, undeveloped for a decade.
Problem solving walkabouts
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he next date for the quarterly multiagency walkabout in Holbeck is Wednesday 17th
April. These walkabouts cover the Recreations, Crosbys, Rydalls and Colensos area of Holbeck and are attended by the Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team, Police, ASB and Communities Team.
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demolished. The Neighbourhood Plan have responded to the retrospective planning application objecting on the grounds of encroachment of Car park at Springwell View the boundary, the overbearing height that the car parking arrangement has and type of the fencing and on the fact not been approved by the Council.
We also have representation from all the main housing providers in the area including, Housing Leeds, Unity Housing, Leeds Federated Housing, Canopy and a good number of the private landlords. Since 2015 these walkabouts have helped resolve over 1100 issues relating to road conditions, unsightly properties, fly tipped waste, etc.
across 50 streets and covering 1,200 properties. Residents living in this area of Holbeck are encouraged to come out and meet the partners during these walkabouts to discuss and raise any issues that are affecting them. Partners will meet at 9:45am at St.Matthew’s Church prior to going out on the walkabout.
The Holbeck Herald is published by Holbeck Neighbourhood Forum. Cont
Holbeck Herald | March 2019
Welcome to our new neighbours
K
erry Prest, Director of the new Buddist Centre in Holbeck popped into our last Forum meeting to introduce himself and to inform us of the new Buddist centre that was being set up in Holbeck. Jamyang Buddhist Centre has just bought a 33,000 sq ft office/warehouse space on Ingram Road, Holbeck, and is turning it into a community centre to include meditation, yoga, cafe, bookshop, charity shop, library, hall to rent and office spaces to rent. The centre will run regular classes for relaxation and stress reduction, calming the mind, mindfulness, as well as linking up with other local charities such as Connect for Health. Jamyang has been
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Bloomin’ marvellous
Help on hand at the Hub
T Buddist monks survey their new community centre
providing meditation and buddhist study since 1996 in Leeds but this is the first time they have owned a building. The community is looking for another £20,000 to complete the renovations, and will open to the public last weekend of April this year. All are welcome, and classes are all offered for free with a suggested
donation. Patron David Lascelles, Earl of Harewood says, "I’m absolutely delighted to hear that Jamyang Leeds has acquired a property in Holbeck...It’s good for Jamyang, good for Holbeck and good for the people of Leeds, Buddhist and nonBuddhist alike." Find out more at their website: www.jamyangleeds.co.uk
Building at risk t a recent meeting the Neighbourhood Plan was informed, alongside an invited audience in Holbeck, that the Historic Grade 1 listed Temple Works on Marshall Street is in an extremely dangerous condition. CEG stepped in to buy the iconic building last year. This highly complex building with a fascinating
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story to tell has a challenging future ahead. To date the development company CEG with an undeniable affinity to Holbeck have spent in the region of £1 million in survey and engineering costs. As a keenness to be transparent about the issues raised by surveyors they are inviting anyone interested to these drop in events. Wednesday 20th March:
Holbeck Moor
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his year Holbeck in Bloom are working in partnership with the Friends of Holbeck Moor Group and LCC Parks and Countryside and focusing on the Moor. Laurels are being planted alongside the motorway fence to give screening and greenery. A wildflower
meadow is to be planted on the corner triangle near the motorway underpass and picnic tables are being placed near the children’s playground. We are always seeking volunteers and any help is welcome please contact Ian ian.pickup@yahoo.co.uk
he Support Hub@Holbeck at 5 Recreation View has now been open for 6 months and has been helping residents in Holbeck with a multitude of issues. The hub is located in the heart of your community and is open 9:30am – 4pm Tuesday to Thursday and the team can offer advice on: !Finding work, applying for training or writing a CV. !Reporting issues that are affecting you such as; antisocial behaviour, fly tipping, dog fouling, etc. !Personal or housing debt from our Money Buddies Service. !Housings issues and empty homes. !What is going on in the local area.
10.30-12.00 at “The Holbeck” Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck , LS11 9QX 15.30-19.30 at “Northern Monk” The Old Flax Store, Marshalls Mill, Marshall St, LS11 9YJ CEG have stated, that detailed engagement with Leeds City Council and Historic England will continue and we will endeavour to keep the community informed as work progresses.
Get involved, get informed! Holbeck Neighbourhood Forum Meeting Saturday 30th March 2019 Refreshments 12noon Meeting starts at 12.30pm at “ The Holbeck” Jenkinson Lawn Holbeck LS11 9QX All welcome Amelia Wood receives a certificate from County Commissioner Jan Ali
tact: 07505 157259 or Email: hello@holbeckneighbourhoodplan.org.uk
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Holbeck Herald | March 2019
Aid for the whole community
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ur Charity has been based in Holbeck for years serving the elderly and more recently working more widely in the community. We believe in Holbeck and love the people we serve. Our services are numerous and our office on Domestic Street is more accessible than ever. Our community Café is a good place to meet and whatever your age can we assure you of a warm friendly welcome. St. Matthew’s Community Café
Every Thursday 10am12pm. Our Chef Julie prepares a freshly cooked, healthy breakfast and
you’ll be served by our fantastic team of volunteers. You’ll have access to great discounts
at our pay-as-you-feel food shop, where a range of fresh produce is supplied by our food partnership with Fareshare. And whether you want a beginners lesson or you’re ready to battle the masters, our Ping Pong guru Pete will help you get in some light exercise and a bit of fun! Whatever your preference, there’s something for everyone, and opportunities to meet new people who live locally.
New chapter for Holbeck club
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or the past six years volunteers have managed and run “The Holbeck” saving it for certain closure. Members and friends have given good support and this year’s annual accounts recorded a profitable balance. The
were looking for a new home and the club was faced with diminishing support from volunteers making planning for the future uncertain. Working together seemed to be the answer to both our prayers and in January Slung Low took on a lease on the building and
club, probably the oldest Woking Men’s Club in the country, celebrated 140 years in 2018. In September the club agreed to enter into partnership with Slung Low an established theatre company in Holbeck. They
took on the management of the club. Together we are able to work towards a joint vision whereby the club building becomes a permanent and vibrant part of the community and we are looking forward to the
Holbeck Gala Saturday 6 July on Holbeck Moor The Gala committee have already started planning but it’s not too late to join. Contact: altykate@gmail.com
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next milestone in ten years’ time. “The Holbeck” is now realising its full potential under the professional team at Slung Low, club events, theatrical extravaganzas, training, taster sessions and lots more are now a possibility and not a dream. Joanna Resnick from Slung Low adds: Coming up soon at The Holbeck we have two exciting and original performances as part of the programme of touring theatre shows hosted by Slung Low. The first is Drip (Sunday 10th March at 5pm), a heart-warming one-man musical comedy about swimming against the tide by award-winning duo Tom Wells and Matthew Robins. The following show t’Other (Sunday 28th April, 5pm), created and performed by The Beggars Belief Collective, is a riotous contemporary folk
story aimed at anyone who wants an entertaining and thought provoking evening. In an exciting collaboration between The Beggars Belief Collective and Slung Low's Cultural Community College, t’Other will feature a performance from our very own Holbeck Choir as part of the show. The Holbeck Choir is always welcoming of new members. We come together on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm for a home-cooked meal at The Holbeck, followed by singing 7-8.30pm. All of our activities here are Pay What You Decide, which means you decide how much to pay after taking part. For more details on both the shows and the Cultural Community College, and to reserve your free ticket, visit www.slunglow.org. We look forward to welcoming you here soon.
Holbeck Foodbank
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olbeck Food Bank is my passion and has been since 2012 when our church, Holbeck Christian Fellowship, perceived a growing need in Leeds 11 for people needing food. At the same time we were approached by Mosaic Church who had a similar vision and thus Holbeck Food Bank was formed. These two churches held a strong belief that when people need food they should have it as soon as possible and not have to wait for a local centre to be open so an undertaking was made to deliver food to people in their own homes within 24/48 hours. We still believe this is the right thing to do but finding volunteers to do this can prove difficult. Many people believe that food banks receive government funding but this is not the case, our own small food bank does not have any paid workers and is run purely by volunteers who do not even take expenses for fuel and often put little extras in the parcels at their own expense. Our parcels are made up of non-perishable items together with fresh milk, bread, cheese and a buttery spread. De Puy Synthes, a company based in South Leeds, give us a great deal of help by doing a monthly shop for us and by having a small team who have committed to doing deliveries in their lunch breaks or on their
way home from work. We also have food donated by individuals, by other local churches and by Fare Share then we have to buy everything else we need. We have received other funding from Red Nose Day, Leeds Rag, our local councillors and from individuals who from time to time organise small fund raising events and we have a small number of people who make a regular monthly contribution by standing order. Without all the aforementioned Holbeck Food Bank would not be able to fulfil its obligation to those in need in our area. In 2012 we perceived a need and now in 2019 that need is even greater. We currently have 5 regular volunteers who deliver on average to about 14 individuals / families per week. In 2018 we delivered 583 parcels in total. Do you have a car and a bit of free time? Do you believe that this is a worthwhile thing to do? If so, contact David on 07710 467587 for more details and you could become a volunteer and help this growing need in our area.
Fun, family, community church in Holbeck
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osaic Church meets in St. Matthew’s community centre in Holbeck on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 4pm. Services are informal, open to all ages, and always followed by food. Everyone is welcome. Whether you’ve lived in
Holbeck your whole life or moved here recently, this is a church for the whole community. If you’ve never been to church before, or haven’t for a while, why not give it a try? We believe in a God of love who brings hope, freedom and joy. Natalie, a local mum, said
when she first got invited she thought she wouldn’t like it and wouldn’t go again, but after going a few times she now says she loves going to church, ‘I’ve made loads of friends and I feel like praying has really helped me a lot.’ Mosaic has also been running an ‘Alpha’ course on Wednesday evenings, which is
an introduction to Christianity. If you are interested in Alpha or would like more information about Mosaic Church please contact Hannah at hannah.pearson@mosaicchurch.org.uk, search Mosaic Church Holbeck on Facebook, or just pop along on a Sundaywe’d love to see you there!
The Holbeck Herald is published by Holbeck Neighbourhood Forum. Contact: 07505 157259 or Email: hello@holbeckneighbourhoodplan.org.uk
March 2019 | South Leeds Life
Website: www.southleedslife.com
School Life 9
Email: info@southleedslife.com
in photography March of the robots at UTC U
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ll at Beeston schools
her Nick Edensor ”We are proud to be a ool Breakfast Programme is an exciting and really opportunity which this hildren have taken full of. Our aim is to ensure are as ready as possible
for their daily learning.” The programme has been received positively by parents. Parent Shazna Waqas commented on the school’s Facebook page: ”This is a fantastic initiative. I am sure this programme will help parents if they are running late and feel reassured that their children will have some sustenance to get them through to lunch.” Cockburn School has also joined the Programme. As a NSBP school they are pleased to offer a healthy school breakfast, available to all, and enjoy the benefits that brings, with students settled and ready to learn at the start of the school day. They are welcoming all children to join them for a great start to the day. From 8am, they will offer toasted bagels that are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals free of charge to all students. They are hoping that parents and carers will encourage their children to attend the breakfast provision and take advantage of the offer of free toasted bagels, which are available in the Atrium between 8-8:25am Monday to Friday. The programme is initially funded until March 2020.
TC Leeds students in Hunslet are putting their engineering and programming skills to the test in an innovative robotics programme led by the University of Leeds. PhD student Orla Gibson, from the University of Leeds, is working with UTC students to develop their maths skills through applied learning as part of the Discover Robo Maths programme. Year 10 students are designing their own robotic buggies with the ability to perform set tasks. This involves learning the mathematical equations that calculate speed, velocity, distance, time and acceleration as part of the process. The students have been developing their science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills during weekly sessions this term, and have been invited to visit the University to test their robotic buggies. The project is also developing students’ employability skills including communication, teamworking and problem solving. Robotics is a branch of engineering and science that includes mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering and computer science. Student Summer Khurshid, aged 15, wants a career in
aerospace engineering. She said: “I chose UTC Leeds because I’ve got a big interest in engineering and I can specialise in that subject here as well as taking GCSEs. I really like this project because it’s practical and fun.” Student Ammor Masud, aged 14, wants a career in computer hardware engineering. He added: “I’m really happy here. I’ve learnt a lot in just a few months. I’m really enjoying this project because it’s relevant to the career that I want to work in.” Alex Burnham, Principal of UTC Leeds, said: “What sets us apart from traditional schools is that our students work on real life technical challenges and develop the skills that engineering employers need. “Our fantastic partnership with the University of Leeds also gives our students a competitive edge when they are applying for apprenticeships, jobs and university places.” Steve Gleadall, STEM Outreach Manager at the University of Leeds, said: “Discover Robo Maths is a great opportunity for us to introduce UTC students to some of the methods of learning and skills needed when studying engineering at university such as researching, problem solving, and presenting results. It has allowed the students to apply their
UTC students take part in the University of Leeds' Robo Maths programme mathematical knowledge to a real-world challenge and it will enrich their understanding of maths in an engineering context.” UTC Leeds, on Sayner Road in Hunslet, is a technical school that specialises in advanced engineering and manufacturing and is sponsored by leading employers and the University of Leeds and Leeds Chamber of Commerce. Students complete academic and technical qualifications and learn in industry standard facilities with areas designated for scientific research, advanced design, computer aided design, manufacturing and robotics.
Students can join the UTC in Year 10 aged 14 or in Year 12 aged 16. The first cohort that graduated last summer has gone onto some top universities and apprenticeships with leading employers. They include AECOM, Airedale Air Conditioning, Dyson Institute of Engineering and Schneider Electric as well as the Universities of Birmingham, Huddersfield, Keele and Leeds. For more information about UTC Leeds and the next open evening on Wednesday 13 March 2019, from 6-8pm, visit www.utcleeds.co.uk or call (0113) 353 0140.
Building work gets underway at Elements Primary in Middleton G
round works for the permanent building at Elements Primary School in Middleton have got underway with arrival of heavy earth moving equipment on site. The first phase of work, due to last ten weeks, will see topsoil across the site removed, sifted and reinstated. This is necessary to check for contaminants, which may remain from the former council houses which stood on the site. The next phase will see foundations dug and laid ahead of the building arriving in modules for assembling on site. The entire building: classrooms, offices, toilets, etc is being built in a factory in Ireland, by modular building specialists McAvoy Group. The units will arrive onsite complete with electrics, plumbing and lighting already fitted; internal decoration and external brick effect cladding. This modern method of construction is faster than traditional methods and will ensure that the building is ready
to open in September 2019 for the new school year. Elements Primary School opened its Reception class in September 2018 in a temporary building on Acre Mount in
Middleton. The new building will accommodate a two form entry (420 pupils) school in a two storey building. Principal Sarah Horsbrough
commented: “We are very excited to see the ground works happening. It means our new building is even closer to being a reality.”
Earth moving equipment moves onto site at the new Elements Primary School in Middleton
www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | March 2019
10 Opinion
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
In our view Support your local shopkeeper
Your letters and comments The Managed Approach
“You don’t know what you’ve got till its gone� sang Joni Mitchell. Whether it’s the natural world or the local economy we need to act now to save it. Think twice about that supermarket shop, could you buy it locally?
Hunslet Club keeps winning
A well deserved Civic Reception for that jewel of South Leeds - The Hunslet Club. Over 75 years of believing in young people and helping them achieve in life. Long may it continue.
Power to the Posties
When postal workers at Holbeck Delivery Office told they would fight the closure of their workplace South Leeds Life had no hesitation in backing the workers as did many of our readers. By standing together, workers, residents Mp and Councillors, we have all made Royal Mail think again.
Defend our Greenspaces
Bad things happen sometimes in greenspaces. Bad things happen sometimes in any place. So much has been done in recent years to reclaim our parks by filling with them with activity. The worst thing we could do now is to keep away from them. Walk the dog, play in the playground, enjoy the birdsong, but crucially stay on the grass.
A very good article regarding the farce known as the managed zone. Holbeck should be and is about regeneration which will shortly be starting in the Bath Road and Water Lane area that is in the middle of this managed zone. Will it still exist when millions are spent on building offices, apartments and the restoration of Marshall’s Mill or are the wonderful councillors going to move the zone and if so no doubt it will be in South Leeds. Do any of these Councillors or Spokespeople for the managed zone actually live in Holbeck or do they occasionally visit for photo opportunities and the odd meeting at St Matthew’s, where they come out with the same excuses and carefully thought out responses to residents’ complaints . The whole thing is a disgrace created by these councillors amongst others who don’t seem to have a clue about real life. Steve Steve puts his finger on a real puzzle: how does council support for the unmanaged zone sit with efforts to regenerate Holbeck? What can the council possibly say to businesses that will make them invest in an area made toxic by prostitution, drug dealing and people trafficking? Are developers being told don’t worry, we’ll kick the problem up the hill to Beeston? Perhaps Cllr Scopes could be invited to enlighten us. Graham Barker Well said Laura. It is about time the local residents were heard. I’ve said it many times before Leeds City Council are no better than the pimps and dealers by justifying and allowing something that is
Your Councillors and MP
It’snot all doom and gloom in Beeston, crocuses in Cross Flatts Park illegal in the area. Every child has a right to grow up safe both at home and in the environment were they live. If a parent allowed their children to be at risk of these dangers then Social Services would be knocking on their door – so why are Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police allowing it to happen? The only thing LCC are managing to do is put the lives of not just the prostitutes involved, but everyone who lives and works in Holbeck. Well done LCC and all involved for constantly making themselves look ridiculous, whilst wasting yet more money! Lina Jones An excellent article, clearly stating the problems for residents and offering clear alternatives that have been tried successfully in other places. It really is time for this to be looked at properly by the council and especially the Labour party. We expect our local councillors to support our community. Eve Tidswell
Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck. The three councillors are:
Gohar Almass 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Andrew Scopes 07860 400 645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk
Hunslet & Riverside ward Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:
Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk Paul Wray 07528 512 649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk
Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:
Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell
0113 378 9000 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 378 8811 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
Greater Beeston I live on Dewsbury Road near the Shell garage and that is in Hunslet so don’t start annexing us. Hunslet’s boundary goes along Hunslet Hall Road up Lady Pit Lane and down Colwyn Road. I’ve lived here for 43 years and the people have changed greatly, we’ve gone from a community that knew everyone to a community that is devided by language but not by spirit. Making friends when we don’t all speak the same language is hard but the universal language of the smile wins through. I believe that a community looks after it’s own and that criminal activity decreases when we have “nosey neighbours and curtain twitchers� so for me the
better the community the less the crime. Really sorry for what happened but so long as you and the family are OK that’s just another piece of life’s sh***. Steve Topp
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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: @MethodistHomes It's a big Happy 106th Birthday to Assisi Place resident Monica Budge! Monica is MHA's oldest retirement living resident, still living an incredibly independent life in her own home. Here she is being interviewed by @BBCLeeds
A good piece on the statistics, it makes sense. I’m happy you got such a response from neighbours and co. I am happy to see that even though you’ve experienced this that you still continue to be positive and celebrate the area. Dan
Middleton Gym I tried to get a gym up there when I was manager between 2000 and 2003. Senior management were not interested. It was only when they realised that money was available from outside sources for the redevelopment of the surrounding pitches and upgrade of changing rooms that they changed thier minds about full closure. Andy Phillips Just a shame we can’t get the pool reopened as John Charles is quite awkward to get to as a non-driver. Plus I wouldn’t feel safe walking there on my own at certain times of day or night. Jolie Loveley Please can it have a decent selection of exercise classes on weekday evenings too, like Rothwell & Morley do? Like spin, metafit, synergy, circuits Sarah Scales
Join the debate Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW. Letters may be edited for publication.
Keep up to date with planning issues in LS10 and LS11 We publish a weekly list of all new planning applications online at: www.southleedslife.com
@slunglowalan Yesterday as I was driving thro Holbeck what looked like a whole primary school on a long run around the Moor. It was most joyful thing I’ve seen, teachers flanking in hivis and at the front of this maybe 120 kid train- one girl legs stretching and the look on her face pure grit @groves_kim @Clean_Leeds This week Belle Isle and Middleton Environment Team cleared tons of rubbish from Westwoods, Manor Farms and Back of Acre Crescent. Please keep reporting as valuable information recovered leads to enforcement. @RiverStewards Lots of volunteers came out to Care for the Aire at Thwaites Mill. We removed litter, built a dead hedge, planted 2000 bulbs and went on a boat ride with Canal Connections @CEO_HunsletClub Had LouisTomlinson from 1 Direction down at the club today filming for a new song, a great lad #hunsletclub đ&#x;’šđ&#x;’›
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March 2019 | South Leeds Life
Comment 11
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Is Beeston really so bad? L
by Ed Carlisle
ast month, my family and I had an unfortunate experience: three lads drove up outside our house in Beeston Hill, in broad daylight, with crowbars, jacked up our car, sawed off the exhaust and catalytic converter, and drove off. It wasn’t a terrible thing (noone got hurt, the car got fixed, and we did need a new exhaust), but it was annoying and a bit shocking: the sense of powerlessness; the brazenness; the insurance claim fee. As well as reporting it to the cops, I shared it on social media, so others might perhaps be wise to what was going on – but inevitably, that contributed to the pervasive sense that Beeston is a place where bad things happen. Sadly, south Leeds does generally have a bad press. Of course, Holbeck has a particular profile, in the light of the Managed Zone. But when I talk to people outside of south Leeds, and if you read the YEP, and spend much time on social media, you constantly come across Beeston’s particularly negative reputation: murders and attacks, drug raids, theft, terrorism even, and more. That reputation is not groundless: there are plenty of distasteful things happening in Beeston. This article's definitely not trying to pretend otherwise, or to insist people should just put up with it: quite the opposite, we need to fight for a better community. However, after 17 years here (so yes, I'm still an incomer...), I love this community, despite the problems – and I see plenty of evidence of others who feel the same. So I’ve found myself wondering: is Beeston really
Is this the boundary of Beeston now?
substantially worse than (say) Gipton, Seacroft, Belle Isle, Bramley, East End Park, or similar communities? I’m not sure we are. Beeston’s problem is its size: I reckon it’s the biggest singular community (ie widely known by a single name) amongst the inner city communities of Leeds – where crime and other issues are unfortunately likely to be higher. I’ve pored over maps and statistics, and reckon the populations of different Leeds communities are roughly as follows. It’s impossible to exactly work out numbers of residents for different areas – because there are grey areas around where communities begin and end, around historical versus current naming, around overlapping names, and so on. But here are my best estimates: Osmondthorpe: up to 5,000 Halton Moor: up to 7,000 Burley: up to 3,000. Hyde Park: up to 10,000 Woodhouse: up to 5,000 Little London: up to 8,000 Hunslet (not including historic Hunslet, eg Leeds Dock and surrounding developments in the city centre): up to 7,000 Gipton: up to 12,000 Harehills: up to 20,000 Chapeltown: up to 10,000 Armley: up to 16,000 Bramley: up to 21,000 Cross Green: up to 3,000 East End Park: up to 8,000 Burmantofts: up to 6,000 Lincoln Green: up to 6,000 Holbeck: up to 5,000 Cottingley: up to 3,000 Middleton: up to 20,000 Belle Isle: up to 11,000 Beeston wasn’t always massive: it was once a village hemmed in between Hunslet (once seen as running all the way to Cross Flatts Park), Holbeck (once seen as running
all the way to the top of Beeston Road), and Millshaw (as highlighted in our 2017 April Fools article). But history (especially the M621) and new developments have meant Beeston – let’s call it Greater Beeston – is now widely seen as stretching all the way to the M621 by Holbeck and Hunslet Moor, encompassing everything along Dewsbury Road up to Middleton Park, and everything around Millshaw and Elland Road (see map). Sincere apologies to those who still recognise the historical boundaries, but this is based on widespread current perceptions. I estimate that makes for well over 30,000 people. By the sheer laws of probability, it’s entirely logical that Beeston experiences more reported crime than any other city community within Leeds – and suffers the poor reputation that follows. There are more of us here than in any other community in inner Leeds, so more crime, and more victims of crime. If for example, 1 in 5 of us suffer crime in a year, that's over 6,000 of us. If in the same year, 1 in 5 Chapeltown residents suffer a crime, that’s only 2,000 victims. Again, this isn't for a moment to dismiss the very real issues we face in this community, and others like it: crime is a reality here, sometimes brutally so. There are many reasons for that, and we do right to battle to make things better. But I’m simply not convinced that Beeston suffers higher rates of crime per person than similar communities (we could and perhaps should do further research) – it’s just that our sheer size creates the impression that we do. Finally, I was really struck and humbled by the local response
Another Beeston crime scene - is the area’s reputation justified? to our (far from terrible) event last month: people generously gave us donations to help cover the insurance fee; no fewer than three neighbours offered to lend us their cars; and we got a lot of solidarity from a very wide range of people. And whilst discussing this and other woes of Beeston, another local resident was fiercely arguing
that Beeston has far more active groups and projects than similar communities (which again, statistically, you’d expect): there’s much to be proud of in our area. Wherever you live, a community isn’t (or at least, needn’t be) defined by its struggles and problems, but by the way it responds to them.
For sure, we face our fair share of battles – but I don’t think Beeston’s all that bad. PS: For the record, the police told us – based on their traffic camera records – that the thieves seemed to come in from near Wakefield. Just saying. Sources: Leeds Observatory, Office of National Statistics.
Holbeck Community Transport
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12 Arts
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Wrestling Glory comes Review: Dinner 18:55 to the Belle Isle stage T by Hazel Millichamp
Writer Nick Ahad with Jamie Smelt & Josh Hart
S
et in a decrepit gym in the north of England, it sees faded star Jim ‘Glorious’ Glory and amateur wrestlers Dan, Ben and Sami confronting their demons and each other, as their lives collide - inside and outside the wrestling ring. As British wrestling experiences a resurgence across the UK, Glory will immerse audiences into the larger-than-life world of the sport. The unique world that British wrestling inhabits provides a
Photo: David Lindsay
backdrop to Nick Ahad’s stateof-the-nation play, as it grapples with race, identity and what it means to be British today. Playwright Nick Ahad says, “I used to watch wrestling when I was a little boy. I still remember the excitement of seeing Giant Haystacks fight Big Daddy at Victoria Hall in Keighley in the 1980s. But I thought British wrestling was a relic of the past. I couldn't have been more wrong. Wrestling is alive, well and as entertaining as ever.
With larger than life characters and a perfect combination of sport, performance, blood and sweat, it is pure theatre. It is also the perfect arena to explore the Britain we all share today. I can't think of a better place for drama to play out than the inside of a wrestling ring.” The play has just started its national tour in Lancaster and will run at the Albion electric Warehouse in Hunslet from 1-6 April. Before that you can catch Glory at Belle Isle Working Men’s Club on Tuesday 12 March. Glory is a co-production by The Dukes Theatre and Red Ladder Theatre Company in association with Tamasha, marking the first collaborative partnership between the three organisations. Directed by Red Ladder’s artistic director Rod Dixon (The Damned United/ Mother Courage and Her Children), it is performed by Josh Hart (Dan), Jamie Smelt (Jim Glory), Ali Azhar (Sami) and Joshua Lyster (Ben).
Basement Art
Between Gas Canisters and Personal Identity Lanyards is the new exhibition at BasementArtsProject, Beeston’s own art gallery. Opening on Sunday 3 March, 2-5:30pm. Contact Bruce Davies on 07506 721504.
he Creative Engagement department at the Playhouse set two generations of Leeds citizens the task of getting to know each other through weekly meet ups for a period of six months The play Dinner 18:55 is the outcome of their opening up to each other and learning about significant events that happened to each of them, around the family dinner table. The Creative Engagement department use theatre to open possibilities for people of all ages and backgrounds. The life experiences were told in various ways through monologue, dance, music and mime. A lovely touch was the handing out of a recipe to the audience. The recipe was one of the actor’s favourites but noone in his family shared his enthusiasm for the meal. Some of the stories were funny and heart-warming and others were heart-wrenching and emotional. My personal favourite was the story of a Christmas in Chapeltown – the results of which were absolutely hilarious! All of the actors played the eleven siblings and ran around portraying the bizarre Christmas family ritual and the chaos of the unfolding event had the entire audience laughing. A young man related his very
sad story of his rejection by his family at the dinner table – he gave a very passionate speech and it was clear that this project had helped him to process some very complicated feelings about his family and his relations with them – it was very moving and very powerful. The segments where characters related their dinner story were neatly broken up with dinner items being used as percussive instruments. At these points all of the actors came together as a family unit around clear cases which were joined together and stood in for a dinner table. It was during these sections that the audience could see the genuine warmth that existed between all of the actors and they really did come across as a close family. There was a lovely section where the ensemble teamed up in pairs and mirrored each
Slung Low bring cabaret to The Holbeck
Irish History Month D
by Des Hurley
id you know that throughout the month of March every year, Irish History Month takes place? An initiative brought about by the Irish Arts Foundation, first celebrated in Leeds in 2007, it is now in its thirteenth year. Irish History Month exists to promote the many positive contributions that Irish people have made in Leeds and also to introduce new audiences to the vibrancy of Irish arts, heritage, culture and history. Particular highlights this year include two talks that will focus on the experiences of the Irish men and women who left Ireland during the 1950’s and 1960’s; the journey and their
memories of arriving in inner city industrial Leeds: ‘The Sheepscar Triangle’ at Leeds Central Library on Wednesday 13th and ‘They Came, They Sewed, They Stayed’ at Kirkstall Abbey Visitor Centre on Friday 22nd A session of traditional Irish music hosted by local musicians takes place on the Kirkstall Flyboat at Granary Wharf mid- afternoon of Sunday 31st March. The previous morning on Saturday 30th the Leeds based Triskele Academy of Irish Dance will be performing at the monthly Kirkstall Abbey deli and street food market Throughout the month a recreation of the legendary Leeds public house, The(Old)
Roscoe -demolished in 1982 to make way for the Sheepscar interchange project -will remain on display in the community corridor in Leeds City Museum and an educational and cultural exhibition ‘Timeline’ at the Community Hub on Dewsbury Road in Beeston. In advance of Irish History Month, during February, a team of tutors from the Irish Arts Foundation has been working in a number of schools across Leeds to deliver workshops on Irish arts and culture. The twentieth Leeds St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place in Leeds City Centre on Sunday 17th March, leaving Millennium Square at 11am
other’s actions and to me this perfectly captured the spirit of the whole play. The set was very minimal but the use of clear cases on casters containing various dinner time paraphernalia was used very cleverly. It was clear that the ensemble had all bonded through this process and felt genuine affection for each other and for their stories. The project had succeeded in bringing the two generations together. It was a fantastic performance and very emotive.
Red Sarah Fire School
S
lung Low, Holbeck’s own theatree company, invite you to join them in their new performance space, The Concert Room at The Holbeck. To mark their arrival at The Holbeck they have gathered some of their most talented friends to create an evening showbiz splendour on Saturday 2 March. Poets, a magician, musicians, comedians and a fire eater: starting at 7pm and
going long into the night. With a supper served in the interval. What more could you ask for? Featuring an exciting line up of live acts including… Live music from Jamie Fletcher and her band, featuring drag queen Divina de Campo. “Fearsomely able improvisers” School of Night, who have been stunning and bewildering audiences all over the world with their high-wire
improvised verse adventures. Writer and performance poet Kirsty Taylor tells stories and performs poetry inspired by her beloved city of Bradford. Nick Ahad - Stand up ''Perfectly judged set, scary, but very clever.” “Be puzzled and amazed by Michael Wolf, a magician extrordinaire” Léonie Higgins from Eggs Collective, playing some cello and singing some songs. 'Red Sarah, Mother of Dragons and headmistress of the fire school, with over 20 years experience of fire performance worldwide. The Holbeck is Slung Low’s new home at Jenkinson Lawn in Holbeck, LS11 9QX The performance is “Pay What You Decide” - you decide how much to pay after your have seen the performance. Please note that the venue is cash only.
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Local History 13
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Riding the last tram through Miggy Woods I
by Eric Smith
t’s sixty years since the UK’s finest first-generation tram route closed. Elsewhere in the city few knew that it existed. In South Leeds in the ‘thirties, ‘forties and ‘fifties everybody knew it was there. They had nearly all been for a ride on it in one of the special trams, which everyone called “Bluebirds.” Even today in Nottingham, Sheffield and Manchester youngsters are bitten by the tram bug. This happened to me in Leeds before I was three. Born in 1937 and growing up in Beeston, I was soon acquainted with the Middleton route. From Cross Flatts Park you could easily see the trams crossing Farmer Ward’s fields and disappearing into Middleton Woods. After dusk they became strange-looking moving patches of light. On 28 March 1959, from a bedroom window, Mam made a point of watching some of the last ones coming and going. As your correspondent John Leeming wrote in last September’s South Leeds Life, there was something magical about a walk in the woods with trams passing through the trees. Plenty of them, too. In the peak time, in the 1956-59 period there was a tram passing every three minutes in each direction, on it’s way between Middleton and Cross Gates. Some older readers (70+) may remember George and Mabel Rowbotham who lived in the gardeners cottage to Middleton Lodge, which them became the golf house and
March 2019 | South Leeds Life
WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF Amateur Boxing The Hunslet Club are presenting a night of amateur boxing on Friday 22 March. Ringside seats cost £15, ordinary seats £10, or £12 on the door. Doors open at 7pm for what should be a fantastic night.
Fairtrade Fortnight The annual event celebrates buying goods directly from producers in the third world. This year two events have been organised in South Leeds. Join an Afternoon Tea at Beeston Hill United Free Church on Malvern Road on Saturday 2 March. The Big Brew runs from 2-4pm. There will be a free FairTrade afternoon tea of drinks, cakes and biscuits as well as a stall selling FairTrade goods. Then on Saturday 16 March there’s Community Cafe/Coffee Morning featuring hot breakfasts, tea, coffee and toast. The evevent runs from 10:30am-12:30pm at the URC in South Leeds, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle.
The last tram prepares to leave Lingwell Road on 28 March 1959 now the cycle hub. They were my courtesy aunt and uncle. We went there throughout the year, especially during the summer to buy the vegetables and fruit which they produced. In the evening dark you needed a torch to see your way down the steps to the tram stop at the sub station, from which the electrical equipment emitted eerie noises. From age 11 I was allowed to travel unaccompanied. Sometimes an owl called out of the trees, and I hope that the light above the “Tramway Fare Stage” sign would let the driver see that I was waiting there. Then, for three summers – 1955-58 – I was frequently on the Cross Gates – Middleton – Halton route, as I spent my university holidays working for Leeds City Transport as a conductor. I have vivid memories of the morning peak when collecting fares in a very full tram with from seventy to
The first 12 Circular tram prepares to leave Lingwell Road in 1949
eighty five people on board, depending on the type of vehicle. It cost 5d to travel to town in 1956 and nearly everybody had the correct fare as we swayed at speed past the water tower and downhill through the woods. As a nineteen year old I was apprehensive about the other side of the circular route in the evenings. I had heard alarming tales about the behaviour of people returning to Belle Isle after spending the evening at their old pubs in Hunslet. The “Anchor” crowd were said to be the worst as they took the 26 circular home after “chucking out time” at 10pm. I need not have worried, a bit of cheerful banter did the trick. I have a lovely memory that I’ve collected all the fares and we’re roaring up Belle Isle Road on a “London Car”. Fish and chips are being kept warm on the cupboard hiding the electrical resistances and, on the big front platform, behind the drivers cab, someone is playing the accordion. Ten or so minutes later we’re dashing down through the woods and past the spoil heaps (you can smell them!) en route for Swinegate depot. It was supposed to take 22 minutes from Lingwell Road, but I remember one motorman (driver, to you!) who did it in twelve. Were the trams noisy? Compared with modern trams in Nottingham and most European cities even half the size of Leeds, yes. Electric motors could emit a humming noise, which I loved. On the express tracks the wheels clicked over the joints in the rails like they did on the
railways – “click, click” on the four wheeled “Showboats” and “click, click – click, click” from the bogies under the “Bluebirds” and “London Cars”. The motion was more of a gentle sway. This has always suited me fine. I’ve never got used to the way buses bounce, swerve and stop in a series of jolts. The tracks to Middleton were in good condition, although in some parts of the city worn and corrugated rails could give a rough, noisy ride. The No 12 route via Parkside was indeed very special. First time users were often amazed. Having travelled, aged 12, on the first No 12 Circular on 28 August 1949, I was determined to ride on the last. I made sure of my favourite seat by boarding at the Cross Gates terminus at 11pm. As we travelled along Meadow Lane and onwards and upwards in the dark it was hard to believe that it was for the very last time. In Brussels there’s a tram route (no 44 Montgomery to Trevuren) along an avenue ten kilometres (six miles) long, opened by King Leopold II, complete with electric tramway, in 1897. It starts with posh houses and gradually reaches the countryside. There are trees alongside all the way and at one point it runs for a mile through some ancient woodland, the Sonion Forest, which is just as old as our Middleton Woods. This year, on 28 March, I intend to ride to Trevuren on a tram that’s been running smoothly and quietly for forty five years. I’ll look out the window and imagine that the Forêt de Soignes is Miggy Woods.
Friends of Trentham Park Following successful events by OPlaybox and Touchstone, a Friends group has been set up for pocket park on Trentham Street in Beeston. The group will be meeting on Saturday 2 March at 1pm at Rowland Road Club to discuss forthcoming events to celebrate the instalation of new play equipment.
St Francis school fair The parents group at St Francis of Assisi Primary School in Beeston are holding an after school fair on Monday 11 March at 3:15pm. Funds will go towards their plans for outdoor play at the school.
Calling all Dads Leeds Dads runs regular meet ups for Dads and their preschool age children. It’s a great opportunity to play together, share tips and play ideas and get some social support from other dads. The group meet at the The Tetley, Hunslet’s own art gallery, on the third Sunday of the month from 2-4pm. The next meet up is on Sunday 17 March.
Hunslet Clean Up Call Out A new group called the Friends of Hunslet Community Gardening Group has plans to smarten up the area starting in the Rochefords. They are holding a litter pick on Saturday 16 March at 12pm before moving on to planting up the flower beds at a later date. For more information contact Stewart on 07771 497127 or email: smwalton16@googlemail.com.
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South Leeds Life | March 2019
14 What’s On
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What’s On
Camera Club 8pm upstairs at St George’s Centre, Middleton
Every Thursday
Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in March Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events Every Monday GTT: Digital Access Holbeck 9am-12pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill Women & Girls’ Drop In 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project 43 Stratford Street, Beeston Hobbies2gether craft group 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre Middleton Computers with Digital Angels 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Lychee Red – Chinese Elders Gp 10am-12pm Parocial Hall, North Lingwell Road, Middleton SLLAH Drop In Coffee morning 10-11am Assissi Place, Belinda Street, Hunslet Julie’s Ancestry Group 10am & 1pm BITMO’s GATE Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road Crafts 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Avenue Breastfeeding Support 10:30am-12pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Walk and Talk 11am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle SLLAH Mixed Exercise 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston. MEA Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave SLLAH Lunch Club 12-1:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Bowling 12:30-4pm Cross Flatts Park Women’s Wellbeing Group 1-3pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road Learning Disability Advice 1-3pm Connect In The North, Office 42, Sugar Mill Business Park, Oakhurst Road, Beeston Dance 2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Avenue Triathlon Training 4:15-5:45pm Middleton Cycle Hub Blossom Kinship Group 4-5:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road Connected 4-5:30pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road Kickboxing 6-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet Warriors Juniors 6-7pm Warrior Park, The Oval South Leeds Spartans Girls Rugby 6-7pm Corinthians RUFC, Ring Road Middleton, by Leisure Centre DAZL DanceFit (women 16+) 6-7pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road South Leeds Sisters running 6.15pm South Leeds Stadium St Matthew’s Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Girls Group 7-9pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle DanceFit 7pm Middleton Parochial Hall
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 Yoga 6:30-7:30pm; 7:30-8:30pm St Anthony’s Church Hall, Old Lane, Beeston
Every Tuesday Mums & Tots 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle 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 SLLAH Breakfast Buddies 9:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston HEA’s Tea & Toast breakfast 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Muslim Pensioners Group 10am-12pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Baking 10-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Breastfeeding Support 10am-12pm Middleton Family Centre, 252-262 Sissons Road Women’s Friendship Group 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd SLLAH Mixed Exercise 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Old Lane, Beeston Community Coffee Morning 10-11:30am Beeston Library Knit & Natter 10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre SLLAH Chair Based Exercise 11.30am-12:30pm Cottingley Community Centre MEA Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave SLLAH Lunch Club 12pm Arthington Court, Hunslet HEA’s Community Lunch 12-1:30pm Afternoon Social 1:45-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Bowling 12:30-4pm Cross Flatts Park Stay & Play 1:30-3pm Building Blocks Nursery, Maud Avenue, Beeston SLLAH Line Dancing 1:30-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston SLLAH Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm Arthington Ct, Hunslet HEA Afternoon Social 1:45-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Line Dancing
2-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Teen Spirit Boys Group 4-6pm Middleton Family Centre, 256-262 Sissons Road Rainbows, Brownies, Guides 4:30-9:15pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Girls Group 4:30-6:30pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Inside Out wellbeing group 6-8pm Middleton Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road Women’s Fitness Boot Camp 6-7pm Leeds Urban Bike Park, Ring Road, Middleton, LS10 3TN Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team 6:30pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston DAZL DanceFit (women 16+) 6:30-7:30pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road Craft & Social Evening 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Hunslet Carr Free Football Sessions 6:30-7:30pm 8-12 year olds 7:30-8:30pm 13-16 year olds Holbeck Community Centre, Elland Road, LS11 0AB Fitness Boot Camp 6:45-7:45 Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street South Leeds Lakers running 7pm from Beeston Co-op
Every Wednesday Bacon Butty Breakfast and Wednesday Weigh In 9-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Welfare Rights Advice Surgery 9am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Messy Time 9:15-11am Middleton Play & Learning Centre, Throstle Lane Parents and Toddlers 9:15-11:15am 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-12:30pm Cottingley Towers HEA Tea & Toast Morning 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Chair mobility 10-10:45am Trinity Network, Belle Isle, Nesfield church hall Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace Rags to Riches Sewing Group 10am-12pm Tenants Hall Ent. Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Women’s Walking Group 10-11am BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle HEA’s Shopping Trip to Morrisons 10am-1pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Domestic Street HEA Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Ingram Court, Holbeck CAP Job Club
10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Sq Money Advice 10:15am-3pm St George’s Centre, Middleton Dancing In Time 10:30am-12pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road Walk &Talk Walking Group 11am-1pm MEA Social Centre, Middleton Park Avenue Free Zumba 12-12:45pm Middleton Leisure Centre HEA’s 2 course Community Lunch 12:15-3pm Ingram Court, Holbeck Grandparents’ Group 12:30-2:30pm Tenants Hall Ent. Centre, Acre Close, Middleton Bumps & Buggy Fit 1-2pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Ladies Group 1-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle At Home In Holbeck 2-3pm Ingram Road Primary School Walk and Talk 2-3pm meet outside Greggs, Middleton Park Circus 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 Free Food for the Homeless 5-8pm Christine’s Cafe, 71 Domestic Street, Holbeck DAZL Dance class 5-6pm Cottingley Community Centre 1st Beeston Beaver Scouts 6-7:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Hunslet Warriors Juniors 6-7pm Warrior Park, The Oval South Leeds Spartans Girls Rugby 6-7pm Corinthians RUFC, Ring Road Middleton, by Leisure Centre City Kids (R-Y6) 6-7:15pm City Evangelical Church, Cemetery Road HITT Training Class 6-7pm Belle Isle Family Centre Cottingley Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm Cottingley Community Centre DanceFit 6:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, Town Street Zumba 7-8pm Hamara Centre, Tempest Road, Beeston Middleton Mavericks running 7pm South Leeds Stadium Youth Group 7-9pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle Martial Arts 7-9pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm St John & St Barnabas Church Hall, Belle Isle
Mums & Tots 9-11am Manorfield Hall, Newhall Road, Belle Isle Stay & Play 9-11am St Anthony’s Church Hall, Old Lane, Beeston Charity Shop 9:30am-3pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Table Tennis 9:45-11:15am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck HEA’s Community Cafe 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Ping Pong / Model Making 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Little Explorers Baby Group 10-11:30am Middleton Play & Learning Centre, Throstle Lane Community Craft Cafe 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road Middleton Park Estate Volunteers 10am-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre New Lives Group 10-11:30am Cottingley Children’s Centre Storytime (under 5s) 10:15-10:45am St George’s Community Hub, Middleton SLLAH Yoga 10:15-11:15am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Storytime (under 5s) 11-11:30am Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Bumps & Buggy Fit 11:15am-12:15pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre HEA Line Dancing 11:30am-12:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck MEA Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave SLLAH Lunch Club 12-1:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Line Dancing 1pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle New Lives Group 1-2:30pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square Muslim Ladies Group 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Digital Image Online Photography 1:15-3:15pm Cockburn Skills Hub, Gipsy Lane Breathe Easy gentle exercise 1:30pm Hunslet Methodist Church Telford Terrace, off Balm Road BAFF Dancercize 1:30-2:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street SLLAH Social Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Activites with Rocky 1:30-2:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife HEA Craft Group 1:30-3:30pm Cleveleys Court, Holbeck Vale Circles Autism Hub 2-7pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Footbal sessions 5-8pm Old Cockburn Sports Hall, Primrose Lane, Beeston Community Choir 5pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane Kidz Klub Middleton 5:05-6:15pm Middleton Primary School, Middleton Park Avenue Mini & Junior Rugby 6-7pm Leeds Corinthians, Ring Road, Middleton General Fitness 6-7pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team 6:30pm Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Ballet Burn 7-8pm South Leeds Conservative Club, Wooler Street, Beeston Indoor Bowls 7-10pm The Holbeck (WMC), Jenkinson Lawn Youth Group 7-8:30pm Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road Yoga class 7:30-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street
Every Friday Tea & Toast 9am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road Welfare Rights Advice Surgery 9am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Breastfeeding Support Group 9:45-11:15am Mothercare cafe, Crown Point Retail Park SLLAH Stretch and Tone 9:45-10:30 St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Under 5s Storytime 10-11am Dewsbury Road Library HEA’s Tea & Toast Breakfast 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck HEA’s Shopping Trip to Morrisons 10am-1pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Domestic Street Cuppa, Toast and Games 10am-12pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Computers with Digital Angels 10-11:30am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Middleton Minstrels Women’s Choir 10:30am-12:30pm Tenant Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Dancing In Time 10:30am-12pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road Breathe Easy gentle exercise 11:30 Parochial Hall, North Lingwell Road, Middleton MEA Lunch Club 11:30am-1pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave
Full details of every event including map and contact details are available at www.southleedslife.com/events
www.southleedslife.com
Website: www.southleedslife.com
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Every Friday (cont)
Tunstall Road, Beeston Cross Flatts parkrun 9am Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Middleton Woods parkrun 9am Leeds Urban Bike Park, Ring Road, Middleton Breakfast Club 9-11am Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Zumba 10-11am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Hunslet Nelson Rounders Team 10am Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Kidz ‘n’ Co 10:30am-12:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Yoga 11am-12pm Hillside Enterprise Centre, Beeston Road Bingo Afternoon 12:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Tennis For Free 2-3:30pm Cross Flatts Park
SLLAH Luncheon Club 12-1:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street HEA’s 2 course Community unch 12-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Bowling 12:30-4pm Cross Flatts Park Krok Po Kroku (Polish Group) 12:30-2:30pm Tenants Hall Enterprise Centre, Acre Close, Middleton SLLAH Ballroom Dancing 1-2:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston The GATE Men’s Group 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road HEA’s Walking Football 1:30-3pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Domestic Street HEA’s Afternoon Social 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Gentle Chair Exercise Class 1.45-2.45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Midd. Park Ave Rhymetime 2pm Beeston Library, Town St Girls Football 6-7pm Beeston Juniors, Cardinal Square Church Lads’ & Girls Brigade 6-8pm St John & St Barnabas Church, Belle Isle Road Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre 5th Middleton Brownies 6-7:30pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle 1st Beeston Cub Scouts 6:15-7:45pm St Andrews Community Centre, Cardinal Road Youth Group 7-9pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Middleton Road, Belle Isle 5th Middleton Guides 7:30-9pm United Reformed Church, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle 1st Beeston Scouts 8-9:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston
Every Saturday Breakfast Club 8:30-11am Vale Circles Centre,
Every Sunday Cross Flatts junior parkrun 9am, top of Cross Flatts Park Saturday 2 March Coffee Morning 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre South Leeds Community Orchestra 10am-12pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton Friends of Trentham Park 1pm Rowland Road Club, Beeston Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Free Fairtrade Afternoon Tea 2-4pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road Sunday 3 March Men’s Corner 12-2pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street
What’s On 15 Between Gas Canisters and Personal Identity Lanyards 2-5:30pm BasementArtsProject, Back Burton Terrace, Beeston Hunslet RLFC v West Wales 3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Monday 4 March Nature visits for Families and Childminders 10am-1pm Skelton Grange Environment Centre, Stourton Mostly Men 10am-12pm St Andrew’s community centre, Beeston Tuesday 5 March Hospitality Works 10am-12pm The Point Jobshop, White Rose Shopping Centre Friends of Stank Hall 7:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Wednesday 6 March Hunslet Rugby Memories 12-2pm The Prospect pub, Moor Road, Hunslet Pot-a-Tea Dementia Café 1:30-3:30pm St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Lego Club 3:30-4:30pm Beeston Library, Town Street Inner South Community Committee 5:30pm Leeds Civic Hall Thursday 7 March Hunslet Carr Residents Assc 6:30pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Old White Hart, Town St Saturday 9 March Family Art Workshop 11am-3pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Hunslet RLFC v West Bowling 3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Sunday 10 March Sunday Lunch Club 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Drip 5pm Slung Low at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck Monday 11 March School Fair 3:15pm St Francis Primary School, Lady Pit Lane, Beeston
Tuesday 12 March Leeds Aphasia Cafe 1-3pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Camera Club 3-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Beeston Local History Group 8pm Beeston Parish Centre (small hall), Town Street Wednesday 13 March Kurling 10:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Generation 55 12-2:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road, Beeston Code Club 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Open Evening 6-8pm UTC Leeds, Sayner Road, Hunslet Thursday 14 March Creative Writing Workshop (4-14) 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Saturday 16 March Ramblers Meet 9am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Coffee Morning 10am-12pm Beeston Parish Centre Young Archaeologists Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre, off Town Street Yoga at The Tetley 10-11:30am The Tetley, Hunslet Road South Leeds Community Orchestra 10am-12pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton Community Cafe 10:30am-12:30pm Belle Isle URC, Nesfield Road Disabled Access Day 11am-3pm John Charles Centre For Sport, Middleton Grove Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Sunday 17 March Sunday Lunch Club 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Leeds Dads
Exciting new theatre company opening in Middleton C
by Kushmina Begum
hris Singleton is a spoken word and theatre artist, 30, who has just opened a social enterprise company called Brave Words. It is a local youth theatre company based in Tenants Hall, Middleton. Chris is the Artistic Director and wants everybody to be able to access and enjoy theatre regardless of age, social class, learning disabilities, gender, culture or financial health. He has set up the theatre company in Middleton where he currently lives but has ambitions to set up theatre companies in East, West and North Leeds within the next 3 years. As a child he studied drama but was always “scared of
learning scripts” and “mental blocks stopped me from acting”. He now hopes to use his own experiences to help build confidence in youngsters across South Leeds. The South Leeds Youth Theatre is accessible to everyone aged 5-18 years living in South Leeds and Chris has limited bursary places for those who want to act but have financial barriers or a low income. The South Leeds Youth Theatre starts on Tuesday 23rd April 2019 at Tenants Hall. Sessions are £4 a week or £40 for a term of 12 sessions. •4:30–5:15pm 5-7 year olds •5:30–6:30pm 8-11 yr olds •6.45–8pm 12 years plus For more information visit: www.bravewords.co.uk
March 2019 | South Leeds Life
@singletonpoet on Twitter, or search for the South Leeds
Chris Singleton
Youth Theatre Facebook page.
Photo: Tim Smith
2-4pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Monday 18 March HEA Morley Shop or Swim 9am-12pm Holbeck Elderly Aid Generation 55 12:30-2:30pm Whistlestop pub, Town Street, Beeston Tuesday 19 March The Writers Club 1-2:30pm Beeston Library, Town Street Wednesday 20 March Temple Works info drop-ins 10:30am-12pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn 3:30-7:30pm, Northen Monk Brewery, Marshall’s Mill, Holbeck Thursday 21 March Jobs Day 9:30am-4pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Road St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Hill Leeds Film Club 6pm Cineworld, White Rose Shopping Centre Friday 22 March Young Dementia Open Day 1-3pm Young Dementia Leeds Hub, Cottingley Drive Amateur Boxing Night 7pm The Hunslet Club, Hillidge Road Tony Kay (Gary Barlow tribute) 7:30pm South Leeds Golf Club, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Saturday 23 March Family Art Workshop 11am-3pm The Tetley, Hunslet Rd Darts Competition 12-11pm Rowland Road Club, Beeston Wild West Night 7:30-10:30pm Beeston Parish
Centre, Town Street Sunday 24 March Sunday Lunch 12-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Sunday Lunch Club 1-3pm Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Hunslet RLFC v Coventry Bears 3pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove Monday 25 March HEA Wellness Space Afternoon 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Tuesday 26 March Middleton Community Group 7pm St Cross Church, Acre Road Wednesday 27 March Singing Sensations 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Comm Centre, Cardinal Road, Beeston Kurling 10:30-11:30am St Andrew’s Community Centre, Beeston Cop Shop Memory Cafe 1-3pm Elland Road Police Station Code Club 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub, Beeston Drink and Draw 6-8pm The Tetley, Hunslet Road Thursday 28 March Hunslet Remembered 10am-12pm Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Saturday 30 March South Leeds Community Orchestra 10am-12pm St Cross Church, Acre Road, Middleton Teens Club 1-5pm Vale Circles centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston
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Reading, writing & coding at the library T hursday 7 March is World Book Day. Visit your local library and borrow a book after school, lots of new books have arrived recently. Celebrate books and reading for pleasure and choose a new one today! Then on Thursday 14 March Dewsbury Road Community Hub is hosting a creative writing workshop. Explore Learning have an exciting national competition for children aged 4-14 years old - Explore Learning Writers’ Awards. This free workshop will give a chance to plan a story based on “A chance to change the world” Will you be this year’s winner? The event is free but booking is essential. Go to www. ticketsource.co.uk/leedslibrar yevents.
Code Club continues every fortnight, also at Dewsbury Road Community Hub. Aimed at 7-11 year olds it features easy to follow projects, which help you learn a variety of coding languages by making games, robots, animations and websites in a supportive environment. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Code Club runs on Wednesday 13 and Wednesday 27 March, 3:30-4:30pm.
www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | March 2019
16 Sport
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
Hunslet start season with a win R
by Jeremy Morton
eece Dean kicked two late penalties to secure a win for Hunslet RLFC as they beat Doncaster in their first League One match of the season. Hunslet headed to South Yorkshire following a positive pre-season, with wins against a young Leeds Rhinos side and a Bradford Bulls reserve team earlier in the month. Doncaster went 12 points up within 12 minutes, but Hunslet pulled back with two scores just befor half time with Ben Heaton and then Gareth Potts scoring to make it 12-10 at the break. The Dons scored again early in the second half and then on the hour first Josh Tonks and then Danny Nicklas were sin binned giving Doncaster a two man advantage. But it was Hunslet who scored through Adam Robinson. Reece Dean converted to set up a grandstand finish, score 18-16. Reece Dean then kicked two penalties in two minutes, the second from just inside the Doncaster half, to seal a great win for Hunslet. We spoke to coach Gary Thornton about the performance:
Hunslet on the charge at Doncaster “First of all I have to say I was very proud of the players coming through the adversity of going down to 11 men and pulling through for a fantastic win. Doncaster is never an easy place to go and win, and I’m delighted we got off to such a good start at the home of one of our biggest rivals. Their win at Newcastle last week showed they are going to be a tough side to beat, and a team challenging at the top end of
Photo: Paul Johnson Phoenix Photography the table. “I think we struggled with the early pace of the game and Doncaster got on top, possibly due to the fact we were a week behind the rest of League 1 having no league fixture last week. Preseason games have a different intensity to league games, with the added pressure of playing for 2 competition points. “It took us 20-25 minutes to adapt, but once we got a
foothold on the game I thought we competed well and deserved the win, especially going down to 11 men and riding the storm. It certainly tested the character and the mental toughness of our players, and to come out on top during that 10 minute period helped us go on and kill the game off. “We have seen a gradual improvement in performances over the pre-season games,
which is what we wanted, and they have bonded really well as a group. I think that shone through yesterday, when we were under the pump and fell behind early in the game, they all pulled together, worked hard for each other, which made the win even sweeter. “We have some strong characters in our group this year, who are still hungry for success, and they are bringing on the younger guys too. So I’m pleased at where we are at the moment, but we can’t get complacent - this is a tough competition and we need to be at our best every week and build some momentum if we are to be successful. But to say we have brought in so many new faces I am really pleased at the way they have gelled. We have some good players but they are good blokes too, which is important. Asked about competition for position of Centre Gary replied: “I don’t see it as a dilemma – we always wanted to sign 3 centres to give us competition for places and cover for injuries, and in Tom Ashton, Nathan Chappell and Ben Heaton we certainly have some quality experienced players in there, each with their own
strengths. “Nathan was injured for yesterday’s game, so Ben and Tom played, but we also have cover for other positions with them. Ben can cover back row and Tom can play wing, so they will all play their part in the season. “I agree, when they are all fit we may face some tough decisions on selection, but those are the dilemmas you want as a coach, with everyone having to be at their best to get in the side. We have similar dilemmas across the team, at pivot, hooker and the middle unit, but I’m a firm believer that squads win leagues and titles not teams. They are all really good players and popular members of the group, and they will be very influential for us this season.” In March Hunslet face some of the weaker teams in the league entertaining West Wales Raiders and Coventry Bears; and travelling to North Wales Crusaders. They also face the amateurs from West Bowling ARLFC, who will be looking to create an upset in the Challenge Cup. You can read match reports of all Hunslet RLFC’s game online at southleedslife.com.
Step up to the oche at Rowland Road Club
T
he next Bradford Darts Promotions event to be held at Rowland Road WMC will be on Saturday 23 March. The event is open to anyone and they run a mens, ladies and youth competition. Registrations start at 11.30am and the games commence at 12.45pm.
Entry fee is £6. The bar is open all day 11.00am to 11.00pm and food is available from the mobile catering van up to around 5.00pm. Don’t play darts? Then come along and see local darts players and maybe players from the PDC and BDO circuit.