Your FREE community newspaper
Issue 61 | April 2020
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
CORONAVIRUS: SOUTH LEEDS RESPONDS
C
oronavirus (also known as Covid-19) is very much upon us - and is having a huge impact on communities across the world, including our own. We are therefore dedicating a large proportion of this month's paper over to related coverage. We are also covering the normal wide range of stories of community life - at least until the lockdown brought everything to a halt. These are unique, and scary times - and we strongly urge all our readers to play their part, by following government guidance which is based on expert medical advice from around the world, to beat this crisis together. There is very clear evidence that this is a particularly easyto-transmit virus, and that there are simple ways to prevent its spread. By doing so, we'll all be helping to ensure the NHS isn't overwhelmed, and lives are not lost unnecessarily. It's also important to recognise - like with any crisis the many inspiring ways in which people are coming
together to support one another, to get through this together. True to form, South Leeds has seen an astounding upsurge in people coming forward to help others in the past few weeks, especially those most isolated and in need. There is much still to do - but much also to celebrate. More on this, including how to volunteer or how to access help, on pages 2-4. And it's also important to note that the lockdown, which looks to stretch at least until June, presents golden opportunities. Opportunities to connect with one another (online or on the phone please!), learn a new skill, catch up with home maintenance and decorating, start growing, vegetables or learning to sew. We have pulled together more on these ideas, a list of online resources, together with important phone numbers for sources of help in a pull out supplement on pages 9-12. None of us know what's
In this issue:
Key information supplement
page 9-12
Police drugs dog Max in action page 4
Sharp Lane’s Super Veg Heroes page 12
Responsible running challenge
page 24
NEWS Staff and volunteers at Holbeck Together are getting meals out to people at home going to happen, and for how long - but undoubtedly many of us have a long stretch of free time ahead of us (likely to be until June at the earliest), so we might as well make the best of it. Quite apart from the opportunites above, this
presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to stop and think, then maybe reset society and economy for the better. And maybe, just maybe, we'll emerge out of the other side with a healthier and cleaner and better-connected set of
local communities. Can we? Finally a note of reassurance that South Leeds Life has followed government guidelines and taken appropriate precations in producing and distributing this newspaper.
2-9
SCHOOL LIFE
8
SUPPLEMENT
9-12
COMMENT
14-15
CULTURAL LIFE
16
SPORTING LIFE 22-4
Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily
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South Leeds Life | April 2020
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. South Leeds Life is pleased to publish views from across the political spectrum, provided they comply with our editorial guidelines. We remain a neutral publication with a diverse readership, as such we do not endorse any particular political party.
Contact us South Leeds Life CIC 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW Email: info@southleedslife.com Facebook & Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife Phone: 07894 583966
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Leeds City Council actions to counter Coronoavirus threat L
eeds City Council has taken a range of measures over the last fortnight to minimise the spread of Coronavirus in the city and support those most in need. Measures have ranged from closing park playgrounds to establishing a helpline for people in need and help for businesses and the self employed. The following information was correct at time of going to press and further changes will be reported online at southleedslife.com The council has had to move to refocus its services, both to meet the changing needs of residents and cope with sickness amongst its workforce. Council buildings have been closed and services moved to phones and online. This includes all libraries and community hubs, sports centres, museums, galleries and attractions. The main contact centre number is (0113) 222 4444. A full list of contact phone numbers for Council services is included on page 9. The Leeds Credit Union branch at Dewsbury Road Community Hub will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9am-3pm, but no other services will be available face to face. Leeds Parks remain open for people to exercise in, please stay safe by keeping 2m or 6 feet apart from
other park users. You must not congregate in groups. Playgrounds and multi-use games areas are closed the stop the spread of the virus from touching equipment. All events in parks including classes, forest schools have been cancelled until at least 30 June. The Leeds Urban Bike Park in Middleton is closed including the bike trails in Middleton Woods. These are not able to be maintained at present and any cyclists getting injured would put unnecessary pressure on the NHS. The main paths in the park remain open to cyclists and pedestrians. Household waste in black (general) and green (recycling) bins are being collected as normal, but brown garden waste bin collections have been suspended. Street and park litter bins will not be emptied, so please take your litter (including dog poo) home with you and place in your bins for collection. Funerals have been curtailed, bookings are not being taken for Chapel Funeral Services. You should consult your funeral director for further advice. Weddings at Council buildings have also been cancelled, until at least 30 April. The Council is working with home care providers to recruit and train extra staff
Leeds Civic Hall to make sure these services can cope in the coming months. For more information contact wecareacademy@leeds.gov .uk Council run car parks and on street parking bays in Leeds are now free to use. Priority should be given to NHS staff, social workers and other key workers. The local elections due to be held on Thursday 7 May have been cancelled and will now be held in May 2021. The three Councillors facing re-election Gohar Almass (Beeston & Holbeck), Mohammed Iqbal (Hunslet & Riverside) and Judith Blake (Middleton Park) will remain in office until next year. All Councillors remain available to help, support
and represent Leeds residents during the COVID19 crisis. You can find their contact details on page 14. Members of the public are being asked to support and respect the officers and contractors currently carrying out essential works across the city after reports of workes being verbally abused as they carried out tasks needed to support vital services across Leeds. Workers are taking all necessary precautions in line with current Government advice, including around social distancing. Leeds City Council is continually reviewing its workplace policies to ensure they reflect Government guidance, already enabling half of its officers to work
from home. Key workers are still being able to travel and work as needed. Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith Blake, said: "We are doing everything we can to keep the public and our staff safe and well during these unprecedented times. I want to extend a huge thank you to all those currently performing essential work in communities across the city to ensure our vital services can keep running. "At this time, we want to urge the public to support and respect these workers as their tireless work is key to keeping our city running." For up-to-date information on council support and services in Leeds, visit www.leed.gov.uk/ coronavirus.
Sign up as Community Care Volunteer A
city wide volunteering scheme has been set up by Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL), working with Leeds City Council, to organise a co-ordinated response to support the vulnerable through the Coronavirus crisis. As well as identying volunteers the scheme will ensure that both recipents of support and volunteers stay safe. VAL are now calling on people who are healthy and low risk to sign up for the scheme. A spokesperson explained: “The programme is designed so that people can sign-up to volunteer in a range of different roles,
depending on availability and preference. Volunteers can sign-up to offer practical support for vulnerable people (such as shopping deliveries, preparing meals, making check-in phone calls) or can sign-up as an informal volunteer to help within their own neighbourhood in more general ways.� Already over 2,500 people have joined the scheme. If you can volunteer please go to doinggoodleeds.org.uk and complete the online form, or calling (0113) 297 7920. Once the form has been completed, you will be contacted to discuss your role and match you with
opportunities to help. Virtual training and guidance will be provided for relevant roles. Leeds City Council has launched a helpline: anyone in need of support should call (0113) 378 1877 to be matched with a ocal volunteer who can help. Requests for help and volunteers are being coordinated ward by ward by local organisations. Read how Slung Low are fulfilling this role for Beeston & Holbeck ward on page 3. VAL is a registered charity, based in Hunslet, working all year round to support a thriving voluntary, community and social enterprise sector across Could you collect shopping for an older neighbour? Leeds.
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April 2020 | South Leeds Life
News 3
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Holbeck Together responds to crisis with virtual kindness campaign S
outh-Leeds, not-for-profit organisation, Holbeck Together has launched a #VirtualKindness campaign to help care for the most vulnerable members of the community and to reach out to volunteers for support to manage the influx of new clients as a result of the current crisis. #VirtualKindness aims to raise awareness of community care and support in times of crisis. Whilst social interaction is limited, Holbeck Together is urging people to check on their neighbours, via a short telephone call, or a simple knock at the window to show they are there. This initiative is to help combat feelings on loneliness in such uncertain times. The focus for Holbeck Together has always been to support local, vulnerable people, but due to government guidelines the charity has had to shift how it delivers care and adapt its approach according to the needs of its service users, whilst adhering to the requirement for social distancing. A daily hot meal service which Holbeck Together usually provides at St Matthews Community Centre, is now a Meals on Wheels service
providing hot, nutritious meals to the older or isolated individuals in Holbeck. Daily shopping led by volunteers is also in operation to ensure anyone who is in complete isolation during the crisis can receive essential items during this challenging time. As opportunities for face-to-face interactions decrease, Holbeck Together has moved its support and advice services to phone delivery, as well as expanding our telephone befriending service. Staff and volunteers from Holbeck Together are in contact with clients on a daily basis working to combat increased isolation and feelings of loneliness. Holbeck Together is also developing new ways to deliver an engaging activities programme remotely, for those who do not have internet access. Activity packs and programmes will provide opportunities for people to engage in a range of activities, from crafting, indoor exercises, quizzes and history pieces to writing and photography exercises. Due to a rise in demand, Holbeck Together is calling on members of the public and local businesses to offer support in any way they can to help
Working together C
by Alistair Kaye
ovid-19 seems to have changed everything in our communities and working together is the only way we can now face this problem in South Leeds. This week 24 local organisations met online to discuss the community’s response to the current Covid crisis. Now with computer and smart phone technology we are able to meet without even leaving the office. In a meeting called by Leeds Citizens, two dozen local Charities, Community Projects, Faith Communities and Council representatives met online and shared together their experiences from the last few days. Building a sense of common purpose and coordination is essential in the early days of this crisis. Everyone is doing something to reach out to isolated or vulnerable in their community. There is already lots of cooperation between the groups and each organisation shared encouraging and inspiring stories. The problems are many and diverse. Many groups have
had to be cancelled due to public health concerns and several faith communities have had to put their acts of worship online. One primary school in reaching out with free school meals has only been able to access 40% of their families. A local charity working with vulnerable women found that many of their clients were not able to self isolate because of homelessness. Leeds City Council (LCC) has launched a hotline for people in need of support or those who are worried about someone: (0113) 378 1877 – once they get the details the person will be matched with a local volunteer who can help. LCC is also working with VAL and local organisations to coordinate volunteers and provide local support to people and local charities Slung Low, Involve and Hamara have become lead organisations. Themes emerging from Leeds Citizens’ listening over
Keeping Holbeck Together: delivering hot meals to your door deliver the vital care needed in the community now. This includes volunteers for shopping, delivering meals, writing a letter, donating useful items, contributing to volunteers’ expenses or financial donations to support extended services. Elissa Newman Chief Officer at Holbeck Together said, “These are unprecedented times and now more than ever those who are most vulnerable in our community need us. Service delivery is a team effort and there’s space for everyone to help out. We are currently exploring how we can facilitate opportunities for
the previous week have been isolation and the impact on mental health and wellbeing. Also access to food and essential items and the impact of job losses/insecure work/zero hours contracts are emerging problems. The potential rise in domestic violence is also a challenge as families have to spend days on end together. Alongside the immediate responses of our organisations, we agreed collective action working together in smaller groups to look at a couple of key challenges that are already emerging. We plan to meet again on Wednesday 8 April, from 23:30pm.
social interactions and activities remotely and we are open to suggestions, so if you have any ideas we’d love to hear about them. “We’ve been amazed by the local support we have received so far from local people and businesses and we would like to thank everyone so much. Every little bit really does make a difference. But requests for our help continue to come in, so if you can contribute in any way, please do get in touch. “It has been a phenomenal team effort already and the outpouring of support from members of the
community, from local organisations and local businesses has been incredible. “When we urgently needed hands on deck to help with deliveries, Slung Low, St Luke’s Church, St. Luke’s Cares, Mosaic Church and CEG all mobilised their staff, volunteers, friends and families to keep the wheels turning and ensure shopping, hot meals and other necessities made it to those who needed them. “When we had an upsurge in vulnerable, isolated people who couldn’t get hold of vital supplies, Leeds United, Engie, Greggs, Morrisons, Park Fisheries and local restaurants all donated food supplies to the community. “Support from those living locally continues to come in and we just want to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to everyone who has helped out in the last couple of weeks – what an incredible community to be a part of and what a privilege it is to play our part.” Holbeck Together is one of a number of Neighbourhood Network organisations supporting vulnerable people in South Leeds. Find details of these and other organisations that can help on page 9.
Virus claims events F
estivals and community galas across South Leeds have had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The annual Beeston Festival, which was due to take place on 27 June 2020 in Cross Flatts Park, has been cancelled. Mark Day, Secretary of the organising committee comented: “Unfortunately, due to the current situation with Covid-19 Beeston Festival 2020 has been cancelled. We will be back
next year on 26 June 2021 for another great festival. Stallholders who have already booked will be contacted shortly to issue refunds.” Hunslet Gala, also due to take place on 27 June, has been cancelled. Next year’s Gala will be on Saturday 12 June 2021. Belle Isle Gala has also been cancelled. Organising these large events has a long lead in time as well taking many volunteer hours and the present
uncertainty makes even postponement to later in the year almost impossible. The Friends of Middleton Park have cancelled their whole summer programme, including the Produce Show and Oddsocks performance. Their popular Bluebell walks will not take place as group events, but they hope to publish guides so that people can follow the trails themselves and enjoy the beauty of the woods safely.
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South Leeds Life | April 2020
4 News
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Anger and anxiety over school places
Parents grill Hilary Benn MP and Cllr Jonathan Pryor
T
he move to ‘Big School’ at the end of Year 6 is usually a time of excitement, but for scores of South Leeds families this year’s allocation process provoked anxiety and anger. With a shortage of secondary school places families were facing the prospect of their 11 year old children making long bus journeys across Leeds to Halton Moor and Seacroft. Parents quickly formed a campaign – Not My School – which lobbied the Council for changes to allocations process and supported parents in their appeals for a closer school place. Leeds City Council responded by working with Cockburn School to help them create an additional 60 places at the school for September. With individual cases still unresolved, parents held a demonstration outside the regular Middleton Park ward Councillors and MP surgery on Saturday 7 March. Cllr Jonathan Pryor (Executive Member for Learning, Skills and Employment) and Hilary Benn MP met the protesters and spent time talking to them and answering questions. Speaking for the Not My School campaign, Wayne Dixon told South Leeds Life: “We still can’t understand how these places couldn’t be found prior to issuing the initial allocation of schools. It does make us wonder if parents hadn’t have stood up and shouted – would local kids be
now having to trample across Leeds in the dark of winter? “Our protest on Saturday showed local people standing side by side in solidarity and it made me proud to be from Middleton, a real community in action.” Middleton Park Ward Councillors: Judith Blake, Kim Groves & Paul Truswell blamed the government for the problems: “The fact is that Government legislation has not only taken away the money from Leeds City Council to build new schools, but the Government has also changed the law to literally ban Councils from opening new schools. “So while the Council remains responsible for finding school places for all children, we have neither the power nor the money to do so as effectively as it could be done. “The Laurence Calvert Free School, was due to open in 2018. The Government delayed the opening until September 2019, then they delayed to September 2020, and is now forecast to open in 2022, leading to unprecedented pressure in the inner South of the city. “The additional 60 places at Cockburn School are a result of further discussions and negotiations between the MAT, local Councillors and council officers and we are again, extremely grateful to Cockburn for agreeing to admit these additional pupils.”
60 extra places have been created at Cockburn School in Beeston
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Holbeck’s repurposed theatre company W
by Jeremy Morton
e have published many articles over the years about what Slung Low are up to, but I never expected to report on a theatre company running a social service. We’ve seen How To … festivals, cabaret nights, Moby Dick at Leeds Dock and that big yellow bus delivering a Community Cultural College. I caught up with Artistic Director Alan Lane to find out how they swapped treading the boards for pounding the streets. Many readers will be aware that Slung Low have been running The Holbeck club for the last year. Obviously the club has had to close in the current situation and all theatrical performances are on hold. So what does a theatre company do when it can’t put on theatre? Guided by their motto to be useful and kind, they asked local organisation such as Holbeck Together how they could help and soon found themselves delivering meals to vulnerable people in the area. Believing in doing the right thing, the company had kept paying its casual bar staff after
The Holbeck’s function room becomes a control room the club closed, even before the Government announced financial support. As a result the bar staff have pitched in and are volunteering alongside the four full time members. The ones that can’t drive help Holbeck Together in the kitchen preparing the food. Now Slung Low have been asked to be one of the lead organisations co-ordinating support as part of the Council’s volunteering operation with Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL). “Basically we get two spreadsheets sent through every morning” explains Alan. “One has requests for
assistance, the other has a list of volunteers and what they can do. Our job is to match them up and make sure help gets delivered.” Alan explains one case of a cancer patient living alone with no food in the house. “Whatever else we did today, we HAD to make sure John got a meal before 5pm.” The Slung Low team are usually to be found in a snug office, but that makes social distancing impossible. Luckily the club has a function room upstairs which has now been repurposed as a very spacious office.
But does a theatre company really have the skills to do this vital job? “We use the same skills. We have resources: people, vehicles. We have deadlines to achieve outputs. It’s not a million miles from putting on shows. But it is a bit more …” he struggles to find the right word “Immediate? Urgent? Our responsibility is to make sure we don’t drop the ball.” Slung Low will be back doing fun things, even while we remain in lockdown. Watch out for an art project coming to a lamppost near you in the near future.
Abbie the online storyteller C
Meet Iron Man, AKA Abbie the children’s worker
ovid-19 is a hot topic at the moment and quite a frightening one for some, with the potential to bring out the worst in people. But what if we told you it’s also bringing out the best? Following one local worker, Abbie, we’ve found an example of some of the goodness to push through the darkness and help lighten the day for many in the community. Abbie works in the community already and is reaching out further than ever before utilising her talent for costuming. Here is an example of one of Abbie’s costumes, Iron Man, which was most recently used to entertain children by performing Baby Shark, while still adhering to lock down procedures and not leaving her garden. Abbie has offered to help children, and adults, who are locked down and feeling isolated or concerned at this time. Using the platforms of Skype and Zoom she is conducting either one to one conversations with children (accompanied at all times by a
grown up) dressed as various fictional characters from Queen Elsa to a Thunderbird. Since the lockdown started Abbie has been posting regular videos which include songs and stories for children to help break the monotony and hopefully spread some joy. She hopes that by being a bit silly in what is a very serious situation, she can help lift some of the pressure and depression people might be feeling at this moment. Her passion for costuming stems from raiding her friends costume boxes as a child, she also feels that acting as characters is a bit of a break from the norm for her as well. She feels that if she can make at least one person smile by singing favourite songs or quoting favourite lines from movies, then her job is done. Abbie is also keeping the St Luke’s Tots, Tea & Toast morning going online now that the group can’t meet up in person. Visit their Facebook page if this is something you feel you’d like to access or if you’d like to check out her storytime videos.
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News 5
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Time For A Cuppa dementia event at BITMO’s GATE I
by Ken Ingram
went along to BITMO’s GATE on Tuesday 3 March for our annual Time For A Cuppa dementia event. The money raised at this event goes to Admiral Nurses, who look after people with Dementia. Who knows, one day I may need them. The event is held nationally every year the first week of March. I arrived early to set the tables up with Darren and Harry for the various local groups who were going to join us on this day. First to arrive was Trinity Network, and they quickly put up their banner on a table. Belle Isle Senior Action, came along and also had a table set out for them. One of the most popular tables was Julies Ancestry Group, the group meets at the centre every Monday from 10am, with a break for lunch and continues on into the afternoon. I noted Julie had some photos of our ancestors from way back when. Julie and her family won the Hunslet Rugby Family Ticket, worth around £50 in the raffle. Well done Julie. Michael came along from Middleton Elderly Aid, to give advice from her table about the centre in Middleton. We had a visit from two local PCSOs from West Yorkshire Police, giving advice on keeping ourselves safe, and to answer any questions people had. Later officers from West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service came along to give advice on
April 2020 | South Leeds Life
On the beat bad driving across the inner Almass (to discuss South and wider Leeds area. In inconsiderate and obstructive order to raise awareness of parking) and also Tempest driver safety our Road area to discuss theft from Neighbourhood Policing Team motor vehicle offences worked with Leeds City Council following a sharp rise. Safer Roads Team and the On 4 March our Hamara Centre to deliver an Neighbourhood Policing Team excellent input to the worked with colleagues from community. Operations Support, CID and Officers have been doing other departments on ‘Street PACTs’ across Inner Operation Momentum. This South, these are operations was a day of action to tackle police will brief on by Insp Lucy Leadbeater where the streets and members hope that everyone is of the community are very keeping well and staying welcome to join us. We safe. I am not going to write work with partners and too much about Covid 19 as Councillors to speak to whatever I write will be out of members of the public date by the time that this is about a specific issue or published! about any concerns they However, I urge people to have. This has been an follow Government guidance excellent method of and most importantly look after engaging with wide one another. What is already numbers of the community clear is that the communities of who might not otherwise South Leeds are strong and have got in touch with us. resilient and I have already We have done this at a seen numerous examples of range of locations this excellent community spirit and month including; Max the drugs dog communities working together. Middleton New Forest (to As I write this we have had to discuss theft from motor and disrupt the supply of drugs reduce a number of vehicle offences), streets in the Inner South area. During the day four warrants were executed at properties in Beeston Hill, Beeston and Middleton. We were helped on the day by Max our police dog! As a result of this day drugs were recovered and investigations are on-going. The warrants were followed up by a partnership operation where a large number of partners from Leeds City Council, local Councillors and third sector organisations joined together to speak to local residents, gather intelligence and identify Street PACT meeting at Elland Road community safety issues so engagement opportunities and around Elland Road football that we can work effectively as whilst this is absolutely stadium in company with Cllr a partnership to tackle these. necessary at this time it is also disappointing as I am a firm Contact the Police believer of the importance of local policing with Report Online at: www.westyorkshire.police.uk/report-it communities. We are having to be more creative as to how we In an emergency dial 999 and non-emergency dial 101. engage with communities and will therefore be using email, Local Crime Tracker keeps the victim updated with the status of twitter, our webpage and other the crime and details of the Officer dealing with the case. social media pages more to www.westyorkshire.police.uk/crimetracker keep people up to date. If you would like more information about crime statistics of what We are very conscious of people feeling isolated and the is going on in your local area then crime map could help you: worries this may bring and so www.police.uk/west-yorkshire/LDT_S/crime/ below are some of the ways you Website: www.westyorkshire.police.uk/my-neighbourhood can get in touch with us. Even /leeds/leeds-south if it is a simple phone call of reassurance I am more than Email: innersouth@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk happy to arrange an officer to call. Twitter: @wyp_LLeadbeater & @WYP_LeedsSouth We have done some Facebook: www.facebook.com/WYPLeedsSouth/ excellent work over the past month in the Inner South area Sign up to Community Alert for information about incidents and which includes: events in your area: www.wypcommunityalert.co.uk/ We often get complaints of
I Danny Gough and the Windmill Primary School children fire safety, and give away free smoke alarms. The Fire Service will come along to your home to fit smoke alarms where needed. Julie said: “At the Time For A Cuppa event, we were joined by Danny Gough and at least 20 Children from the local Windmill Primary School. They go by the name of Class Dynamix which is led by Danny. “Danny wrote all the songs that were performed that afternoon. The songs talk about resilience and anti bullying. “Everyone thought what beautiful singers they were. “Windmill Primary School Executive Headteacher Andy Gamble and Federation Headteacher Rachael Troughton came along with the children. The children went back to school with some goodies and fruit.” I want to thank Julie Holmes for organising this for us. Towards the end of the afternoon we did the raffle and thanks must go to all the people who donated prizes for
the raffle. Also the people who donated baked buns and cakes to sell on the day. The top prize was Afternoon Tea with the Lord Mayor of Leeds and a tour around the Civic Hall for four people. There was also a Family ticket to watch a Hunslet RLFC rugby league match at South Leeds Stadium. There where many more raffle prizes won, and I think the one which caused the most fun was the Singing Dog. We did a count up at the end of the afternoon and in total we raised £170 for Dementia UK and their Admiral Nurses service. Thank you very much to everyone who came along on the day to raise all that money. I keep saying this, but I’m getting more forgetful each year because, as many of you know, I have dementia, but this may have been the last event I’m able to organise along with Carla and Darren. Thank you to all the volunteers and staff on the day, we could not have held this event without you.
Hunslet remembers The Leeds Civic Trust have installed a blue plaque at the Hunslet Community Hub and Library to remember Keith Waterhouse. The writer was born in Hunslet and grew up in Middleton and Cross Gates. The plaque was unveiled on Friday 6 March by Hilary Benn MP. The ceremony was followed by a talk about Keith Waterhouses life and work given by Leeds author Anthony Clavane.
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South Leeds Life | April 2020
6 News
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Leeds Dock’s pop-up bar to become TV studio
C
First shoots of Spring
Crocuses have been brightening up South leeds for some weeks, these were photographed in a children’s play area in Beeston. Photo: Stuart Petch stuart-petch-photography.co.uk
hannel 4 has announced that its new daytime show, The Steph Show, is to be filmed at Leeds Dock in Hunslet. The daily programme, presented by Steph McGovern, will be broadcast live from the former Dock 29 pop-up bar close to the Royal Armouries museum. Allied London, who manage Leeds Dock, are promising to create a new dockside bar for residents and visitors, although no details are available currently. The show will launch this Spring at the heart of Channel 4’s daytime schedule, but due to the Coronovirus pandemic it will start in Steph’s own front room! In due course the show will be filmed in front of a live studio audience and feature a mix of entertainment, lifestyle and light current affairs with a variety of guests from the worlds of showbiz, politics and beyond. Steph McGovern said: “We’ve chosen a brilliant location for our studio in Leeds. We’ve got a lush view over the canal and we’ll be able to have a good nosey at all the people out and about round the Docks. Given it’s a live show who knows what might happen! I’m really chuffed, it’s a cracking spot and I can’t wait to welcome my guests to the studio, not to mention the studio audience and viewers at home. Not long to go now!” Rebecca Papworth, executive producer, added: “Leeds Dock is an amazing location for The Steph Show. It’s an iconic and
stunning waterfront and it’s going to feel incredible to be live from the Dock… get that water taxi ready!” Ben Wicks, executive producer, commented: “As a proud Yorkshireman who had to schlep to London for work, I’m thrilled we’re opening a studio with the best view in Britain for the exclusive use of Channel 4’s The Steph Show. Our view will take in the stunning Leeds Dock, parts of the city’s skyline, the water taxi, and, most impressively of all, the people of mighty Leeds –
Steph Show. It’s a really exciting opportunity for us, as not only will a live Channel 4 show bring more jobs to the area, there will be more footfall, too. We’re an ever-evolving village: we have an independent coffee shop and bakehouse, work spaces for media and tech businesses, yoga studio, gym, hotel, museum and open spaces. The increasing buzz will see us continuing to thrive as we develop new work and events spaces, as well as launching a new dockside bar.”
Leeds Dock in Hunslet will feature daily on Channel 4 Photo: Tim Green via Creative Commons perfect for a show that is for the people and starring the people, inside the studio and out.” Elizabeth Peckett, asset director of Allied London, landlords of Leeds Dock, said: “We’re delighted Leeds Dock is going to be the home of The
The Steph Show is produced by Expectation in partnership with West Yorkshire-based Can Can Productions. The executive producers are Rebecca Papworth for Can Can Productions and Ben Wicks for Expectation.
Kurdish community remembers Halabja massacre M
any Kurds living in South Leeds were amongst those gathered on Monday (16 March 2020) for a sombre inaugural event featuring the planting of a memorial tree in Park Square Leeds – to mark the anniversary of the Halabja massacre in Kurdistan (in north east Iraq) in March 1988. The 1988 massacre saw then Iraqi president Saddam Hussein conduct a major attack (unprecedented in the modern world) featuring chemical and biological weapons, on a civilian population, in an attempt to quash dissent. Over 5,000 people were killed, thousands more suffered lifechanging injuries and medical conditions, and the community and countryside there continue to suffer the ill effects of the attack. The Kurdish people are a Middle Eastern ethnic minority community made up of about 28 million people,
spread between Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Syria (with a diaspora numbering a further 7 million across the world – with an estimated 45,000 in the UK, and 5,000 in Leeds). They remain a stateless – and in many cases, oppressed – community in the Middle East (although they have now been given some political autonomy in Iraq). They won considerable acclaim for leading the front-line fight against ISIL/Daesh during the Syrian civil war. Attendees at Monday’s event included the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Eileen Taylor. She commented in her speech: “We’re lucky to live in a city with so much diversity, a city of many different voices, whose great strength lives in this richness and variety. Today, our thoughts are with the Kurdish community, as we remember this terrible tragedy – and more than ever, it’s important that all the
communities in Leeds live together in peace. When we stand together in unity, we can do anything.” Kashan Kamal, who co-runs Beeston-based Kurdish House Leeds (the community association behind the tree planting, who have also won considerable plaudits for their prolific litter picking and community action in Leeds), commented: “Thanks to all those who have joined us to mark this tragic anniversary, and especially all those who helped us make it happen. And also, many thanks for all the support and solidarity we’ve been shown here in our beautiful new hometown of Leeds. We – Kurdish House Leeds – are keen to do all it takes to play our part in making Leeds the very best it can be, and we look forward to continuing to work with a wide range of people to achieve that.” The tree and plaque are planted at
the southern entrance to Park Square – a ceremonial green space in Leeds City Centre (LS1 2ND). The park hosts a series of memorial trees and
plaques – including one to remember all those killed in world conflict, previously unveiled by the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Dozens gathered to remember Kurds killed at Halabja
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April 2020 | South Leeds Life
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Temple Works to house Council takes over at golf club British Library North? L
eeds City Council has taken over the former South Leeds Golf Club bringing an end to the uncertainty about the future of the green space. The future of the site has been in doubt since the Club went into administration having ceased trading in November last year. The club had suffered from a declining membership and a spate of vandalism to the greens sealed its fate as pay and play customers stayed away. The land is already owned by the council and was let to South Leeds Golf Club on a 75 year lease. The Administrator was set to market the unexpired lease, but offered Leeds City Council first refusal.
I
n response to the Chancellor’s announcement of £25m government funding to support the siting of a British Library North in Leeds, Leeds City Council has revealed that the Grade I listed Temple Works is being explored as its potential home. The funding has been made available as part of the West Yorkshire devolution deal announced today by the Chancellor. It is for a potential new facility that would complement the British Library’s existing home in the city at Boston Spa – itself the subject of a major funding boost in the budget. The agreement in the devolution deal is for the £25m to “support the work of Leeds City Council with the British Library on establishing a potential ‘British Library North”. In advance of the funding being agreed, Leeds City Council has been collaborating with the British Library and the CEG Group, who own Temple Works, on exploring the feasibility of what is one of the country’s most important listed buildings being home to the prospective new development. Leeds City Council Leader Councillor Judith Blake said: “This is an important and very welcome acknowledgement of our collaborative efforts to achieve national recognition of the
A council report recommends spending around £100,000 to buy back the lease and make security improvements to the site. The former clubhouse has already been secured following vandalism and a new security gate fitted at the end of Gipsy Lane. Speaking to South Leeds Life, Councillor Kim Groves (Middleton Park ward) confirmed that the council had no intention of building housing on the site and that it would most likely be re-wilded and incorporated into Middleton Park. The adjacent, council owned, Middleton Park Golf Course closed in 2014 following a similar decline in usage. Much of the land has been taken over by the Leeds Urban Bike Park.
Holbeck’s iconic Temple Works has been thrown a lifeline significance of Temple Works to Leeds, the North and indeed the country. Its historic and modern relevance as one of the main birthplaces of the industrial revolution and an incredibly important Grade I listed building is incalculable. “While this is just the beginning of a long process of guaranteeing this amazing cultural landmark’s future it is very good news that the government has endorsed our initial exploratory discussions with the British Library.
“We’re proud to host what is already a significant iconic national cultural asset here in Leeds in Boston Spa and this would further consolidate the British Library as a major Northern base of a national institution and create much greater community access to their rich archive. “To have the British Library at Temple Works would be a wonderful addition to the evergrowing and flourishing South Bank area of the city and a great boost for the community
of Holbeck. “Its proximity to both the existing rail station and the planned HS2 station would also open it up to the rest of the country and bring many more visitors to our city. “We will continue to work extremely hard with the owners of Temple Works, the CEG Group, and the British Library to both investigate the potential of this incredible building and achieve the extra funding needed for this exciting new scheme to be realised.”
Housing plan for Hunslet spire H
by Jeremy Morton
by Ed Carlisle
otly-anticipated proposals for a new local housing scheme were unveiled on Thursday 5 March at the Hunslet Carr Residents Association meeting – for the iconic St Mary’s spire site, in the heart of the community. The site – on Church Street, opposite the Penny Hill Centre – has been the focus of considerable local interest and concern, since the 1970s church building was demolished last April. The much-loved and much-recognised Victorian spire – which is apparently the tallest steeple in Leeds, and Grade II listed – was left standing. But there has been uncertainty as to whether the spire – which needs refurbishing and maintaining – had a viable future, or would also ultimately also come down. The meeting saw a slew of representatives, including Leeds City Council officers and ward Councillors, local property developer Wilmott Dixon, an architect from Leeds-based Enjoy Design, and the Church of England, presenting
their first draft plans for the project – and one that gave priority to older people, or these were warmly received by local local residents. A community space – that residents. could double as a chapel – will also The partners are working together to potentially be included in the scheme. The draw up a scheme that would see a two- or developers stated they would be happy to three-storey block of incorporate the cenotaph flats, connected to the into the project, or see it spire. Together, they moved; the clock would stressed that their plans be restarted and probably so far are very rough – automated, courtesy of and that any funding from the development would be councillors; and the sensitive to the history smaller chiming bells that of the site, and the local remain in the tower could community now. They potentially be set back to are already working work too. closely with the It was repeatedly neighbouring St Mary’s pointed out that nothing CofE Academy, and was confirmed or there will be major guaranteed, and that Cllr Mohammed Iqbal community consultation ‘there’s a long way to go’, and the iconic Hunslet spire throughout the duration with many hoops to be of any project. jumped through. Light surveying might If the project goes ahead, these will be start on site in the coming months – then Council houses, and might well be subject fuller plans will be available in the late to a Local Lettings Policy – for example, summer or autumn. Watch this space.
Looking down the fairway at the former South Leeds Golf Club
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8 School Life
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Sharp Lane pupils create Beeston bed maker p Super Veg Heroes with Asda trees at Sharp Lane P
Sharp Lane pupils show off their Super Veg Heroes
W
ith 80% of children shown to not eat enough vegetables, Asda stores across the country are supporting the ITV campaign ‘Veg Power – Eat Them to Defeat Them’. The aim of the initiative is to educate kids on the importance of eating more healthily, with Asda colleagues rallying behind the campaign to help inform and enlighten customers and their fellow colleagues on innovative ways to encourage children to eat more vegetables. Asda House innovation and development chefs invited Sharp Lane Primary School into the Leeds based retailers head office to get them hands on in making healthy treats and Veg Hero characters. The school’s close to Asda Middleton and the class was joined by the store’s community champion Rachel Cunningham. The pupils from Sharp Lane Primary School put on their special chef hats and aprons to
cook up some healthy treats and then made some fantastic Veg Heroes. The youngsters were taught how to make roasted vegetable quesadillas by Asda chefs Mark Richmond and Andy Johnston and, while the wraps were being toasted in the ovens, they got to make their own Veg Superheroes and to take part in some fun product testing. Sharp Lane Primary School Teaching assistant Elaine Birch said: “The kids had a great time and were inspired by their visit, they absolutely loved it as you can see by all massive smiles on their faces – they didn’t want to leave. “They really enjoyed making the vegetable quesadillas – and the chefs were great with them. They were so easy and quick to make and, as it was very hands-on. They were so engaged by the whole experience.” Asda are also supporting the campaign with a range of in-store
Head Innovation Chef at Asda, Mark Richmond, works with the pupils
activities, including pop-up ‘Superhero Veg’ stations, with ‘Keep Em Peeled’ activity sheets for little shoppers – as well as veg progress sheet and stickers available for children to take home and document how many different fruits and vegetables they’ve tried and enjoyed. Recipe cards are also on offer to provide some fun and easy recipes to introduce more vegetables into children’s meals and achieve those 5 a-day-goals. Rachel Cunningham, Asda Middleton Community Champion said: “Our workshops and Superhero Veg activities are a great way of getting out the message that veggies are our friends and we hope that the children who came along will not only see that eating veg is a good thing but eat more of it!” Veg Power is on a ten-year mission to turn around vegetable consumption in the UK and get every kid in the UK eating one more portion of veg each day. The campaign comes after research showed that one-third of primary school kids in the UK are overweight or obese, 80% of children don’t eat enough vegetables and 50% of parents say they have given up trying to get their kids to eat 5-a-day. Head Innovation Chef at Asda, Mark Richmond said: “It was great to see the children having a fun time, initiatives like this are really good and it’s getting children to learn about their five-a-day and to eat healthily which is so important, it was nice to see their enthusiasm for cooking. The children have been so creative making their own Veg Heroes and they all look brilliant.”
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David Garbett from Harrison Spinks with Sharp Lane Headteacher Rebecca White, Head Gardener Lois Evans and pupils Tymon, Charlie, Rosie, Ella, Amber, Sophie & Georgia
B
eeston-based luxury bedmaker Harrison Spinks has committed to planting 200 trees at Sharp Lane Primary School in Middleton. One of Great Britain’s most innovative bed manufacturers, Harrison Spinks, has enhanced its sustainability credentials further by planting 90 native British broad leaf trees at Sharp Lane Primary School on 19 March. The company has also committed to planting 110 additional trees later in the year, at the beginning of the new season. The family-run bed manufacturer has always operated with sustainability at its helm and has recently achieved ‘Carbon Neutral +’ status, a new classification
for businesses that go above and beyond full carbon neutrality. This comes shortly after the company offset 3,824 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide in support of the Solar Power Generation Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) project in India. David Garbett, Quality, Health, Safety & Environmental Manager at Harrison Spinks, said: “We started our sustainability journey ten years ago with our farm, where we rear sheep and grow natural fibres to create our mattress fillings and added to this more recently with our 56-acre forest that provides wood for our beds. “We are committed to doing the right thing for a sustainable future so we can
all rest easy at night. La year we launched our fir glue-free, zero-to-landfill co mattress unit, Cortec™, a our company currently hol three Queen’s Awards f Enterprise, including one f Sustainable Developmen summarising o commitment to operating a business in the mo environmentally friendly wa “We’re thrilled to working with Sharp La Primary School on th project. “The aim of the scheme to bolster our ongoi sustainable objectives wh also supporting the loc community by creating habitat for wildlif promoting biodiversi providing social benefits a developing the loc landscape.“
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April 2020 | South Leeds Life
Coronavirus supplement 9
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Useful information We have designed these four pages to help you and your household as we stay at home to stop the spread of the vitus. We have brought together key information about who to contact if you are struggling or need help and support. Over the page we have resources to help you fill your time productively, whether you are on your own or have children at home; and we have a couple of simple, practical projects to help you get started with sewing and gardening if you’ve never tried them. We hope these pages will come in handy over the coming weeks.
Food banks and free school meals Y ou are allowed out of your home to shop for essential food, but if you cannot afford to buy food, help is available from Leeds South & East Food Bank and from Holbeck Food Bank. You should contact a key worker who knows you such as a housing officer, social worker or someone from school or college who will
make a referral. If you cannot contact one of these you can selfrefer by calling (0113) 376 0330, this is a free number. If your child(ren) normally get free school meals, these will be provided as packed lunches or possibly food vouchers. Check with your school for details of how to collect meals.
Staying safe and wellbeing T hese are stressful times and it’s OK to feel worried or anxious, but help is available if you are struggling. Leeds Mind have a wealth of resources on their website at www.leedsmind.org.uk. Mindmate is a great resource to help young people: www.mindmate .org.uk
You can call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time, to talk about anything. Sharing four walls with other people can become very stressful and in extreme cases lead to domestic violence. Leeds Women’s Aid run a 24 hour helpline: (0113) 246 0401. If you are in imediate
Religious Groups W ith services at churches and mosques closed to avoid gatherings, faith groups are moving online St Luke's Holbeck Sunday and Midweek services - have now gone online. Up to 100 people have so far shared together at our online services which are 10-30am on a Sunday Morning and 10am on a Wednesday. Teaching, worship and prayer together with dozens of other people is now possible from your front room. Why not log-in www.facebook.com/
stlukeschurchholbeck and join us? Mass is being recorded and uploaded daily from St Anthony's Roman Catholic Church and is available on the following link: www.stmaximiliankolbeparishleeds .co.uk/media Like many congregations, St Mary’s Beeston are supporting the more vulnerable members and are offering prayers. Vicar Lindsey Peason said: “We want to get the message out that prayer is continuing – and I will pray for everyone on my list every day,
If you're unable to leave the house due to the COVID-19 Virus pandemic and you're worried because you don't have family or friends who can help, please contact Leeds City Council on 0113 378 1877. Anyone who feels they are able, can volunteer for a range of roles dependant on availability and preference, by visiting doinggoodleeds.org.uk, email info@val.org.uk or calling 0113 297 7920. Once signed-up volunteers will receive training be matched with opportunities locally to help.
Neighbourhood Networks T
he Neighbouhood Networks provide vital support services to older and vulnerable people in our community including social activities and hot meals. These groups have closed their social activities and moved to delivering food to members’ homes. They can also help with shopping and keeping in touch with people over the phone. If you know anyone who would benefit from their services, or if you can volunteer to help, please contact: Belle Isle Senior Action Phone: (0113) 277 8208 Email: info@belleisle.org.uk Holbeck Together Phone: (0113) 245 5553 Email: admin@holbecktogether.org Middleton Elderly Aid info@middletonelderlyaid.org.uk
danger ring 999 and if it’s not safe to speak, stay silent and press 55. If you are on your own and feeling isolated call the Council helpline (0113) 378 1877 and they will find you a volunteer who can call you for a chat. By working together we can all stay safe and well.
including those who may not have a faith themselves but might appreciate being thought about.” You can contact Lindsey on (0113) 272 3337. Jamyang Buddhist Centre is holding its events online at jamyangleeds.co.uk or fb.com /jamyangleeds. This includes a daily lunchtime mediation session 12:301pm and guest talks at the weekend. All mosques are closed and Muslims are encouraged to pray at home.
Phone:
(0113)
272
1050
Email:
South Leeds Live at Home Scheme (Beeston, Cottingley and Hunslet) Phone: (0113) 271 6201 Email: southleeds.liveathome@mha.org.uk Trinity Network (Belle Isle and Beeston Hill) Phone: (0113) 270 7458 Email: info@trinitynetwork.org.uk
Leeds City Council services
Service
Phone
Voluntary Action Leeds
0113 279 7920 (for offers to help)
LCC volunteer helpline
0113 378 1877 (for people needing help)
Adult social care
0113 222 4401
Benefits
0113 222 4404
Bins and recycling
0113 222 4406
Births, deaths and marriages
0113 222 4408
Child protection concerns
0113 222 4403
Council housing
0800 188 4000
Council tax
0113 222 4404
Environmental health
0113 222 4406
General enquiries
0113 222 4444
Help for adults being abused or neglected 0113 222 4401 Homelessness and housing advice
0113 222 4412
Schools
0113 222 4414
Parking
0113 378 5000
Pavements, roads and travel
0113 222 4407
Planning
0113 222 4409
Emergencies and out of hours
www.leeds.gov.uk/contact-us
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Lockdown act T
he Coronavirus lockdown undoubtedly presents big challenges – but also opportunities. We’ve gathered here a list of ideas and online resources to help you have a productive time in the coming weeks (and hopefully not go crazy). So, stop reading the news about the virus, and get busy… Getting online We know many of our readers are not experienced computer users, but this might be a good time to improve your skills. If you have a tablet or a smart phone you can use the browser to get onto the internet. There are two good sites to help you get started. Leeds Libraries use Learn My Way www.learnmyway.com, alternatively BT’s Skills For Tomorrow is also a good place to start www.bt.com/ skillsfortomorrow Kids and education There’s a lot of free online learning resources and activities, some of which would normally have to pay for. Just a few of these that come recommended are: BBC Bitesize bbc.co.uk/bitesize, Oxford Owl home.oxfordowl.co.uk, The Maths Factor themathsfactor.com, Twinkl twinkl.co.uk, Phonics Play phonicsplay.co.uk, and Rosetta Stone for learning languages: rosettastone.co.uk. -There are also thousands of free audio books for your kids to listen to, at websites like Audible stories.audible.com – adults can also access audio books there, but you need to pay after a free 30 day trial. You can borrow ebooks and eaudio from Leeds Libraries www.leeds.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/ ebooks-and-eaudio. Also, David Walliams is doing free audio stories daily, at: worldofdavidwalliams.com. There are scores of other online educational websites and resources listed at websites including openculture.com and weareteachers.com. An idea is also circulating whereby grandparents set their grandchildren topics to research it could be anything in the world, when they’re talking on the phone or online. The kids then research the topic online, over a day or more, and report back when they next talk with their grandparents. This also obviously support interaction between the generations, and especially those who might be isolated. Fitness for all ages There’s also plenty online (via YouTube youtube.com, social media, or other online apps) with free live or pre-recorded fitness sessions. For PE lessons for kids, Joe Wicks (the Body Coach TV) comes especially recommended.
Other sites with free fitness regimes include: fitnessblender.com and makeyourbodywork.com and there are dozens more. There are also plenty of free yoga sessions online. Join local Yoga Hero for live daily yoga sessions yogahero.co.uk, or another that comes recommended is ‘Yoga with Adriene’ on YouTube. Search for Active Leeds on YouTube for some basic fitness routines you can do in the home. Our local sports clubs are also putting useful information online, see pages 18-20.
Get growing Now is the perfect time to get into growing fruit and vegetables – in your garden, on your balcony or windowsills, wherever you can. It can save you money, make you healthy, and help you relax! Websites including the Royal Horticultural Society rhs.org.uk and Gardeners World gardenersworld.com have loads of tips for beginners – and experts! Seeds are available online, or in the shops, but please only include it in one of your essential trips out. Cooking Seize the moment to brush up your cooking skills, and try new recipes, and probably save money to boot! Jack Monroe cookingonabootstrap .com has loads of great ideas for cooking on a shoestring, and is releasing loads of online videos on how to do it. Other websites worth looking at include: epicurious.com, foodnetwork.co.uk, and tastemade.com. There are also loads of childfriendly channels on social media and YouTube; one that comes recommended is called Charli’s Crafty Kitchen, on Youtube. Charli is a 10 year old Australian! Fixing and mending You could also spend your time fixing up all those half-broken items you’ve had lying around for your years! I Fixit ifixit.com has loads of free online advice and tutorials, and familyhandyman.com also comes recommended. You could also join the Leeds Repair Café group on Facebook, and post queries in there anytime. For help with fixing up bikes, check out websites like bikeride.com for
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tivities free tutorials and tips. There are also scores of websites and social media channels to skill you up from scratch with sewing, darning, and generally fixing clothes; a couple are sewguide.com, and skillshare.com. This last site is a goldmine of resources for learning a very wide range of skills – not just tailoring. Crafts and games Getting creative is great for our well-being. Again, there are 100s of free sites and channels – just look online for ideas and leads! But a few to get you going are: craftingagreenworld.com, instructables.com, origami-fun.com, and mybluprint.com. - Websites dedicated to familyfriendly crafts include: redtedart.com, thecraftycrow .net, daisyyellow.squarespace .com, and kids.tate.org.uk. Free online chess sites include: chessbase.com and chess24.com. There are free online crosswords at websites including: boatloadpuzzles.com and simplydailypuzzles.com. Other ideas Why not take the chance to delve into your family tree and discover your ancestry? Free online sites include: findmypast.co.uk, familysearch.org, and freeukgenealogy.org.uk. Get lost in amazing photo archives such as those at: leodis.net which has thousands of photos of Leeds
through the ages. yannarthusbertrand2.org is an acclaimed international photographer. Or try Britain From Above britainfromabove.org.uk an astounding collection of vintage aerial photos of the UK. You might also be able to visit your favourite museum or art gallery, here or around the world. Many institutions are putting virtual tours on their website. In Leeds the Discovery Centre, based in Hunslet by the way, is host to a weekly talk from Curator Emily Nelson. She explores the Leeds Museum collections week by week on Mondays via twitter.com/ emilydoodles Please feel free to share more ideas and links with us, and we’ll share them online, and in next month’s paper. Thanks to our friends at South Leeds Mumbler who have produced this list of activities to do in your home or garden ...
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April 2020 | South Leeds Life
Coronavirus supplement 11
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South Leeds Life | April 2020
12 Coronavirus supplement
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DAZL go online to keep everyone dancing
W
ith classes cancelled as we all stay at home, Middleton-based DAZL have moved online to help you stay fit in your own home. The team at Dance Action Zone Leeds have worked hard to put some resources and activities together. Subscribers will receive regular updates and links to new videos, you can sign up to the mailing list at www.dazl.org.uk (scroll to the bottom of the home page). Director Ian Rodley said: “We’ve been helping the South Leeds community stay healthy and active for 20 years and we’re not going to let Coronovirus stop us. “We will be posting to our video channels and keeping you updated via social media.
We’re really excited to share things with you all.” If you currently belong to a DAZL group, find your new Facebook Group – there’s one for every class – so you can keep in touch and follow dance
tasks to keep going. If you haven’t been to DAZL in the flesh you can still join one of the private social media groups: • You must fill out an online consent form
• You must then be able to answer the security question for the group. • Groups are monitored by the DAZL team and and comment or upload has to be agreed by a DAZL Staff/ Team member. • You can only add yourself to the your local session or you can join in on the general open activities to all. DAZL are all over social media: Facebook – @danceactionzoneleeds Twitter – @DAZL_Leeds Instagram – @danceactionzoneleeds Vimeo – (Video Channel) www.vimeo.com/danceactionz oneleeds YouTube – (Video Channel) www.youtube.com/dazldiamo nds
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Gardening for beginners
E
ven if you are short of space you can probably still grow some fresh veg, it’s really not so difficult and can give you some great fresh produce. Let’s start with a really simple project that you can involve your children in.
water, but don’t leave them standing in water for very long because they will drown if you do. By the way that’s a great way to kill your pot plant too! Your plants should be ready in 2-3 weeks. Remember we are not growing these for peas,
Pea Shoots Things you need: • Dried peas These are sold for cooking, so you may have them in your cupboard. Soak your peas for 24 hours. • Something to grow them in. A plastic container that you can put holes in for drainage, or wooden box would work. If you don’t make holes in it your plants will drown ☹. You could do this with a drill, scissors or a screw driver. • Some potting compost or soil. If you use soil make sure it hasn’t had any nasty chemicals on it. Your soil will probably contain weeds so you will need to pull them out. Potting compost from the shop is sterilised so contains no weeds. • Water • Sunshine for photosynthesis (remember that from school)! Seeds are usually planted at a depth of 2 times the width of the seed, so tiny seeds need very little covering, however peas are quite big. A picture to help. Firm down the compost in your pot, but not too much as the roots will need oxygen. The roots take in oxygen and the leaves take in carbon dioxide. Bob in your peas, you can plant them close together, cover with soil; water and put on a sunny windowsill so that it can photosynthesise. Remember to water, put a tray underneath to catch the
but pea sprouts. Pick, eat, enjoy, and maybe sow some more if you like them. If you’ve done any gardening in the past - perhaps made up a trough or hanging basket with bedding plants - you’ve got the skills to grow vegetables. You can buy seeds online, or you may find them at the supermarket whilst you are doing your essential shop. If haven’t got any flower pots you can start the seeds off in any container that has drainage (see above). If you’ve got room other crops that are quite easy to grow are Broad Beans and Runner Beans if you can give them support up to 6 feet, for example by a wigwam of canes. Leeks can be started on the window ledge and then planted out once they are about 4cm tall. Make holes about 15cm apart with a dibber or a broom handle and drop the plants in. The part that gows below ground level will become the white part of the stalk, so the deeper the better! Tomatoes can be grown in tubs. If you don’t have one from a garden centre, try a 15 litre paint tub. Clean it out and make a few drainage holes. Some clear plastic sheeting will do for a makeshift greenhouse and as with all plants, make sure you keep them watered regularly. As they grow, pinch out the side shoots which grow from the joint of the stem and a leaf.
Craft corner: make yourself an eye mask M
by Hanne Talbot
aking an eye mask is a quick and easy project to get stuck into while you’re at home. If you have a sewing machine it’s a really fast project but it can be hand sewn as well so don’t worry if you don’t have one! It doesn’t need a lot of fabric so is a really good way to use up any scraps you do have lying around, or means you don’t need to buy loads to get started. You can either use the same fabric for both sides or switch it up and use two different fabrics. You could get even craftier and embroider or decorate your fabric before you start sewing. I’d recommend using something nice and breathable like cotton that will keep you comfy. You will need: • The pattern
• Scissors • Pins • Needle and thread (or sewing machine) • Your fabric - about 50 x 30cm • Wadding, or something similar to pad the mask - also about 15 x 20cm • Elastic, long enough to fit around your head 1. Cut out the pattern and pin it to your fabric. You’ll need to cut two out of your fabric, and one out of your wadding. Trim your wadding so that it’s just a little bit smaller than the fabric pieces. Make small snips in your fabric where the notches are to help you line everything up. 2. Cut a rectangle of your fabric that’s just a bit longer than your elastic and about 4cm wide. 3. Fold the rectangle in half lengthways with the right sides (the side you want to see when you’re finished) together.
Sew the long sides of the rectangle together, to make a tube. Turn the fabric inside out so that the seams are hidden on the inside. It’s useful to use a knitting needle or similar to help do this. 4. Take your piece of elastic and attach a safety pin to each end. Pin one end to the fabric, and use the other to feed the elastic through the tube, gathering the fabric as you go. 5. Take one of your fabric pieces, and with the right side of the fabric facing up stitch each end of the elastic to the side notch of your fabric piece, making sure the strap isn’t twisted. 6. Now place your wadding on top of the pattern piece and the strap, and place the other fabric piece right side down on top of this. Pin everything together, matching the notches on each fabric piece as you go. Pin carefully,
so that your elastic strap doesn’t get caught between the pins. 7. Sew everything together, leaving a gap between the two notches on the top of the pattern. Stitch carefully about 1cm away from the edge of the fabric. 8. Once stitched, trim your seam allowance to about half (5mm) of what it was. Carefully snip around the curves of the mask, making sure you don’t snip through the line of stitching you just made. 9. Turn the mask inside out through the hold you left between the two notches, and give it a good iron. 10. Close the gap by either hand stitching as invisibly as possible, or machine stitching close to the edge. Well done! You made a sleep mask!
April 2020 | South Leeds Life
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School Life 13
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Cockburn John Charles and Elliott Hudson plants Primary amongst engineering competition winners
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eams from Cockburn John Charles Academy and Elliott Hudson College were amongst the winners at a recent schools engineering competition organised by Rotary Clubs in Leeds. This year’s event, held at the John Charles Centre For Sport in South Leeds hosted a record number of students from 20 schools. Over 200 students participated in building a sustainable energy vehicle from a design brief and were supplied with limited components. It had to travel up a gradient and achieve a set distance. The benefit of this competition is that the children have to work in teams, communicate, and have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and modify
Lois Evans, Gardener and Forest School Lead from Sharp Lane Primary School said: “We are pleased to be working with Harrison Spinks on this project and were delighted when the team approached us about planting 200 whips on our grounds. “We have a large outdoor area which we are currently developing, and these trees will now provide shelter, screening and habitat, while also managing water bogging, enhancing outdoor play and helping our planet. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the team back in October, when we are able to plant the remainder of the trees.” This initiative is supported by Carbon Footprint Ltd.
their original thoughts. Judges are on hand to make suggestions that the students may wish to investigate to improve their design. There are three categories and dependent upon age the task becomes more difficult. The purpose of the competition is to inspire children to see the benefits and rewards of pursuing a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) as there is currently great shortage of engineers in all aspects of design, development and construction within the UK. The Rotary Clubs in Yorkshire have recognised the skills shortages as many of the members have been involved with companies providing the products and services that we all
Cockburn John Charles students test their design
take for granted. Fay Best of WISE (Women in Science & Engineering) one of the judges, gave an inspiring speech where she told the students: “More girls need to engage and consider this as a career option. Whilst Greta Thunberg is highlighting the problems, she is not offering solutions. “The future solutions can be in your hands and women make up only 17% of the engineering workforce so there are some great opportunities to solve problems and make the world a better place.” The comments from the teachers present were encouraging with statements: “I have never seen children so engaged for such a long period of time. It takes us every effort to
engage them for a one hour lesson. Rotary have done a terrific job in engaging them for nearly 5 hours.“ “The present school curriculum does not allow enough time for the practical aspect of STEM.” “Our school has been coming for years and all the students tell us how much they enjoy the day and the challenge.” One of the judge moderators, Derek Davidson observed: “Looking at how the judges are having to help so many students to handle basic tools reminds me of recent TV programmes featuring orphaned primates at rescue centres where the carers have to show basic skills to enable them to survive in the wide world. “There is definitely something
lacking in the skills area of the present curriculum and that need to change.” The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Cllr Eileen Taylor said she was amazed at how each team had built a different style of vehicle and the enthusiasm of the students. She awarded prizes to the following winners: • Foundation: Cockburn John Charles Academy. • Intermediate: Temple Moor High School. • Advanced: Elliott Hudson College. • Innovation: Brigshaw High School. The competition has the support of the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University and the West Riding Architects’ Association, as well as local business and Councillors.
The team from Elliott Hudson College explain their design to the Lord Mayor
World Book Day at Middleton Primary T
by Nichola Stanhope
his year for World Book Day (5 March 2020) we decided that we would take part in the Leeds Big Book Swap. No dressing up, just some good reading for enjoyment was the aim for the children of Middleton Primary School. This has shown to be a great idea and has encouraged all of the children to read at home! Since the start of this week, all of the children at school have read a book at home and really thought about why they enjoyed that book. They then wrote a short review explaining their reasons for why they enjoyed that book and why
other children would also enjoy it. Once this was done, the children brought the books into school, with the review, and received a ticket to attend the Leeds Big Book Swap on World Book Day! World Book Day came and all of the children who brought in books to swap were able to take their ticket and choose a new book, that another child had brought in, to take home. They really considered their choices and read the reviews that had been left in the books before they made their final decision! It has been a great day and I’m sure all of the children will enjoy their new books!
Joining the Leeds Big Book Swap at Middleton Primary School
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South Leeds Life | April 2020
14 Comment
In our view Life under lockdown
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Your letters and comments
We live in extraordinary times. The fight against Coronavirus has changed the way we live and at least for some, the way we think about the world around us. The air is cleaner than it has been for years, perhaps since the start of the industrial revolution. And thousands of people have discovered that it is quite possible to hold productive meetings whilst working from home. Perhaps we have discovered the solution to Leeds’ traffic congestion problems?
Litter bins
Team GB, Team World
We need to remember that the purpose of isolation is to reduce the impact on on our NHS. Waste bins will undoubtedly continue to be used and failing to deal with this will introduce other health risks that may compound demand on the NHS. Paul Dunn
“Unskilled� workers have become “key workers� as we realise that society cannot function without supermarket shelf stackers and check out staff; without refuse collectors and delivery drivers. Our wonderful NHS depends on highly skilled doctors, but cannot operate without nurses, care assistants and cleaners. Life is a team game and we all have a role to play. Let’s hope this lesson is learned when pay policies are reviewed and new immigration rules are set. We like to think that South Leeds people understand that connectivity, that’s why community solidarity has always been so strong. It’s something we need now more than ever.
Local news
South Leeds Life aims to be a community news channel. We do not cover national and international news except when these issues impact us locally. As we move through this crisis our aim is to to provide useful, local information. If you like what we do and find the newspaper useful and worthwhile, and you can afford to, we would love you to become a regular supporter.
I can understand the need to close certain things, but to cease emptying litter bins and closing waste sites is rather silly, this will only cause more fly tipping and we will end up with Leeds being overrun with rats again as when the bin men were on strike. Do you not think opening the waste sites will help prevent a lot of this, no major contact is made anyway at these sites if it is regulated properly, or is this another Labour Council taking steps too far or just not listening to people and the health and safety of their customers. Stephen Rayner
Litter bins should not be overflowing if people are following the Government restrictions of staying at home, and only going out for work, or essential journeys (The restrictions can be found on the Gov website). Most litter comes from food, drink, tissues, tobacco items etc. Due to the Covid 19 situation, people shouldn’t be doing things outside that incur rubbish to be gotten rid of. Their journeys should be as quick as possible. Eating or drinking could be saved until they reach home or arrive at work. The Government is expecting people to be responsible and intelligent enough to only be outside when it falls within one of their essential categories. If a person does find that they have no other option than to have rubbish while they are outside, a good idea would be to hold on to it until they arrive home where they can use their own wheelie bin. Then, of course, wash their hands as directed. If people are still working or their need to be outside is totally necessary, take a bag with you so that you can take your rubbish home to your wheelie bin or deposit it in the bins of the organisation that you work for. Black and Green bins are still being emptied.
Street litterbins are not being emptied, please take your litter home Will all people put some thought into what they are doing? I would like to hope so. The alternative to not using common sense or following Government restrictions will be further, harsher restrictions and putting health and lives at risk. We are all in this together, and together, doing the things that need to be done, more of us can come through this thing in one piece. Paul Hindmarsh
Buses It would be great if the number 10 bus that runs between Beeston and Infirmary Street could do the Cottingley run as well. It would be loads better, especially if people from the estate need to go up to Beeston. Leanne
Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring Road, Cottingley and 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 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
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: @MiddletonRailwa While we are still closed why not take a look at our Youtube channel "Middleton Railway Video Shed" and watch some of our videos such as this one showcasing sweetpea.
Your Leeds City Councillors
Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:
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Hunslet spire It would be excellent to see the tower incorporated into a local housing and community scheme. Diane Taylor So far, so good. Let’s hope that the final design is sympathetic
towards the spire style and utilises conventional building materials with no cladding. David Spencer
Cycling Please also get a bell & ring it when coming up behind pedestrians, in time for them to get out of the way. When walking you can usually hear other walkers coming up behind but you don’t hear bicycles. As well as being dangerous to an unaware pedestrian (especially when you have bad knees which mean you don’t always walk in a straight line) it can also be scary when a bicycle suddenly comes past you within inches. Thanks to all those who do warn me. H Spencer
Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW.
@LeedsDock Want a new way to keep the kids - or yourself - entertained at home? @Royal_Armouries is offering virtual tours of its exhibitions online! collections.royalarmouries.org /#/objects @Clean_Leeds If you're leaving the house for some exercise please bring your litter and dog poo bags home with you. Black and green bins are being emptied as usual so put dog poo bags (double bag it please) and non recyclable litter in your black bin. @leedslibraries Just so you know, we don’t charge fines and won’t be asking you to return library books during this time. All overdue books will be automatically renewed. We’re developing our online content & you’ll be hearing more from us soon! đ&#x;˜€ @WestwardCare Concentration and laughter at our Easter card making session at Pennington Court. Covid wont stop our Easter celebrations!
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
@WestYorksPolice Please do not contact the Police to report businesses who are not complying with the Government closure instructions around #Coronavirus. Please report to Trading Standards: www.gov.uk/findlocal-trading-standards-office
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April 2020 | South Leeds Life
Comment 15
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MP’s notebook W
by Hilary Benn MP
hen I finished writing my column for South Leeds Life at the end of February, I could scarcely have imagined that so much would change so quickly in the following four weeks. As the coronavirus has spread across the globe with no vaccine yet available - although lots of scientists are working on one - we have come to realise the dangers it presents. Although for most it is a disease that can be managed at home and is recovered from, for a small percentage of people it is lifethreatening. Anyone who thought it was a lot of fuss about a flu, has - like us - been shocked by the pictures of overwhelmed hospitals in Italy and the army carrying away coffins in Spain. The battle we are all engaged in is against a virus that we cannot see but whose spread we must contain. The rules we are now living under are there for our protection and the safety of others, in particular the old and the vulnerable, and we must follow them even though the consequences for almost every
aspect of our national life are enormous. I have seen that in the many anxious phone calls and emails I and my team have received from people whose jobs and incomes have suddenly disappeared and have no idea how they will pay the bills, family members stranded across the globe, people worried about catching the virus at work and businesses desperate for help to keep afloat. At a time of crisis it is the job of Government to act decisively. We all welcome the steps that have been taken to provide financial assistance, but it will take time for this to come through and some families will need help until it does. That’s why all the volunteers in local community support networks being set up in south Leeds will be so important. After all, we already know from the growth in the use of local food banks that too many of our fellow citizens face inequality and insecurity each and every day. This crisis has also brought out the best in our society. The many acts of kindness towards others. The selflessness of all those who have stepped forward to deliver food and
care for the lonely and those having to self-isolate across our city. The efforts of council staff, postal and transport workers, cleaners, staff in care homes, and all those who make things and provide services that in times like these we realise just how much we rely on. And the magnificence of our national health service and all the staff who work in it. If we fall ill they will be there for us, doing their job with skill, dedication and the utmost courage. And for each of us, as we deal with our worries about the present and wonder what the future may hold, let us Hilary Benn MP cherish what really matters - the to keep up each others’ morale, health and the love of those dearest including those who will be working to us. It is not until something is long hours to look after us. We will come through this and taken away that we realise just how when we do, I really hope that as a precious it was. The next couple of months will be society we will have learned an very hard, above all for those who important lesson about what it is will lose loved ones. We will need to that we should truly value. Stay safe and if you need my help, hold and comfort the bereaved. We email me at will need to help those whose lives please have been turned upside down by bennh@parliament.uk or ring the economic impact. We will need (0113) 244 1097.
Get involved with South Leeds Life This newspaper is brought to you by people like yourself. Apart from our Editor, everyone is a volunteer. They care about what’s happening in South Leeds and want to help keep other informed. There are lots of jobs needed to keep the news flowing: • Writing articles • Taking photographs • Distributing newspapers • Selling advertising • Managing social media You don’t need to be an expert, we can help get to grips with the job. You just need a bit of time and commitment. Does this sound like you? Get in touch and let’s have a chat about how you can join our team Ring 07894 583966 Email: info@southleedslife.com
Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament. 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: bennh@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Suite 7, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097
Please support us through this crisis and beyond S
outh Leeds Life is coming up to its tenth birthday. Whether you’ve been with us from the start on the website, or this is the first time you’ve picked up the newspaper, we hope you’ll agree that we are producing a useful, interesting product. We don’t have big overheads, our editor and volunteer writers work from home on their own equipment. But we do have outgoings – mainly print costs and a very part time salary for our editor. We rely on our supporters, our advertisers and the occasional grant
for our income and so far we have managed to balance the books. The Coronavirus outbreak has put additional strain on our balance sheet. Several advertisers have withdrawn and two major sponsors have suspended their support as their income has dried up. Can you help us keep going by becoming a supporter? As an individual reader we ask you to make a regular monthly payment of £4 – that’s just £1 a week, less than the price of a coffee. In return you’ll
get the newspaper delivered to your door. We are also working a prize draw for Christmas and more frequent social events for supporters. Signing up is easy and only takes a few minutes. Just go to steadyhq.com/en/southleedslife If you don’t do computers please ring us on 07894 583966. We recognise that many people in our communities can't afford to pay for the news - but if you can, please join us as a supporter to keep the news free for the whole community.
You can get the local gossip on social media, but if you want trustworthy, fact checked journalism it comes with a price tag. We may not have paid staff, but we work to professional standards and are regulated by Impress, the independent press regulator. We also belong to the Independent Community News Network (ICNN) which has rigorous membership standards. Help us keep producing
local news in South Leeds to those standards. Thank you to the nine new supporters who signed up in March. Please join them and become a supporter. Thank you.
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South Leeds Life | April 2020
16 Cultural Life
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Yvonne Ugate Beeston’s writer in residence H
by Abbie Randall
ave you ever found yourself lost for words, maybe you’re penning a letter to family or a card to offer someone your sympathies? Sometimes it can be difficult to find the right words for the occasion, Yvonne Ugarte may have the answer! Yvonne has been a writer for many years, starting at the tender age of 5 when Yvonne herself was lost for words. Starting life in care Yvonne chose to write her feelings down rather than speak about them, something she found easier. Yvonne met Mrs Milner, a teacher in Cockburn High School, who was a great encouragement to Yvonne and nurtured and encouraged her talent and passion for writing, eventually having her first book of poetry published in 1987 entitled Kaleidoscope. As well as poetry Yvonne writes songs, the first of which was penned not far from the school at St Mary’s church when she and her son attended a pram service there back in 1984. Yvonne didn’t stop there; Yvonne has featured on local and national radio stations and she has been published numerous timed in anthologies; including her most recent feature in ‘There is no Planet B’ a publication themed around climate change and the environment. Some of you may have attended the Millennium Square last year
Yvonne Ugarte reading one her poems
when Yvonne performed her most famous poem, Earthsong, to a large gathered crowd of over 200 people. She describes this as ‘a most proud moment’ and rightly so! Yvonne has also performed at the Shipley and Ilkley arts festivals and has plans to attend the Leeds Literary Festival later this year. If you get the chance please go along and support Yvonne, you won’t be disappointed! Well known for her weekly performances Yvonne is now using her talents to help other people. Yvonne is now offering a bespoke service to write poetry, prose and short stories for events such as weddings, funerals and baptisms. If you ever find yourself lost to find the words or unable to due to emotion or grief, reach out to Yvonne who will be able to sensitively and eloquently stitch together the appropriate words for you. Yvonne already helps on a voluntary basis with Charlie’s Angels, BAFF and Lippy People and would like to extend her reach further and help more of the community. Later in the year Yvonne is publishing a book of children’s poetry with the help of a local school, she is involving the school’s children by asking them to produce illustrations for her poetry. If her word sounds of interest to you or you’d like more information about her writing service drop her a line to yvonnebeeston59 @gmail.com.
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Help write our next paper: prizes on offer! W
e are of course anticipating that we'll all be in some form of lockdown for many weeks to come and news (and events, and sport, and a lot of our regular content) will be in short supply. Meanwhile, we'll all be cooped up at home, looking for things to do. So please consider entering the following competition! For our May newspaper, we want to feature a lot of unique new content ... created by YOU. We are looking for different submissions: short stories, photos or pictures, and jokes. The short stories can be true or madeup, and past or present. They can be up to 500 words long, and just need to have a south Leeds connection (LS10 or LS11). Older folks might to tell us what life was like growing up years ago. If you weren’t born in South Leeds what we your first impressions when you arrived here? Can you recall an incident that sums up life in South Leeds? Remember to include the sights and sounds to draw us into your world. Whatever your story, we would love to
hear it. If you have images to accompany the stories, all the better, please include them, but you don't have to. The photos and pictures (drawings, sketches, etc) should simply depict life in South Leeds (LS10 and LS11). We are especially interested in images that capture modern-day life - but we are open to vintage images from the past.
Can you take inspitation from CJCA student Megan Stockdale’s award winning photo?
The pictures can feature people or not. We anticipate some nature-themed submissions. Don’t be put off by the lockdown. Everyday objects can become exotic subjects when viewed from an unusual angle or in close up. Perhaps you could have a go at recreating a famous image using everyday objects? And for the jokes, just send us your favourites. Up to 100 words maximum, please. They don't need to have a south Leeds connection, but we will look kindly on any that do. Remember this is a family newspaper, so please keep them clean! For each section, we will have a category for adults, and one for under 18s. There will be £25 prizes for the best stories (adult and under 18), and the same for the best photos or images. There will be £10 prizes for the best jokes (adult and under 18). We need all submissions in by 9am on Wednesday 22 April. If possible, email them, to: info@southleedslife.com. Or you could send them to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds LS11 7BW. We will print the best in the May newspaper, and on our website.
South Leeds went to the Playhouse ... and we will again T
he theatres are dark at the moment, but they won’t always be. Over the last few years we have teamed up with Leeds Playhouse to give readers free tickets, in return for a review of the show they see. We look forward to renewing this partnership in the future. In the meantime here are our last two reviews for the rime being. Tian Cai and her mother went to see Pride & Prejudice* (*Sort Of). Tian wrote: My review: Firstly, time flies when you’re having a good time because the two hours performance went as quick as a click. The show surprised me as the actresses expressed the romantic classic novel vividly in a modern and funny way. The actresses made smooth transitions from one character to another without hesitation, but as if it was natural. They were all so talented to have the ability to change costume in 20 seconds, play the piano, sing elegantly or drunkenly as well as bringing the story to life.
The story showed how her capability, this is my first different a woman’s life was night out to the Playhouse in in the patriarchal society and the UK, it feels good to go out how Elizabeth (the second with someone loved. oldest daughter) managed to Laura Walton saw Oliver change the perspective of Twist: the rich man Darcy as well as We were very lucky to making him fall in love with receive tickets from South her. The performance had a Leeds Life to attend the great sense of humour and performance of Oliver Twist had a large magnificent film at the Leeds Playhouse set. I also loved the music theatre. It was adapted by and singing which lightened playwright Bryony Lavery and up the performance as well included sign language, as the acting. It will be a audio description and show we won’t forget and captioning. It was a coonce again thank you for the production with Ramps On opportunity to watch this. My mum’s review: I have read the book, watched the movie and now seen the live performance. I enjoyed so much of the show, the young actresses amazingly brought story on the stage with great senses of humour. We laughed a lot tonight and I feel blessed that my daughter always is thoughtful for me. She wanted to give me all her best on Oliver Twist. Photo: Anthony Robling
The Moon who are committed to putting D/deaf and disabled artists at the centre of their work. I really enjoyed the performance and it gave a fresh perspective to the well known story that most of us know and love. There were lots of laughs and great performances by the actors. The performance was very enjoyable and entertaining. It was great to see such an inclusive performance and to see so many talented actors on stage.
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South Leeds Life | April 2020
18 Sporting Life
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Hunslet Nelson’s ‘survival attitude’ ready for coronavirus uncertainty T
On the road to Twickenham
Middleton-based Leeds Corinthians RUFC booked a place in the semi finals of the National Junior Vase competition with a 0-41 win away at Bury on 14 March. They are due to face Leicestershire side Birstall RFC when the competition resumes. Photo: Andrew Cassar
Fun and games at home for sports clubs P
Practising catching against a wall
GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE AP Spencer trading as AP Spencer Haulage, of 23 Silcoates Avenue, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield, WF2 0UP is applying to change an existing licence as follows: to add an operating centre 1 goods vehicle and 1 trailer at Linkway, Skelton Grange Road, Stourton, Leeds LS10 1RZ. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane Leeds LS9 6NF stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address at the top of this notice. A guide to making representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.
eople in South Leeds have been finding imaginative ways to continue playing the sports they love at home amid social distancing measures. Players from Beeston Juniors FC took on the #loorollchallenge to see how many kick-ups they could perform with a roll of toilet paper. One player managed an impressive tally of at least eight keepy uppies, while a young star found the top corner of a miniature indoor net in his living room with two superlative strikes in a row. In a generous gesture, the club donated all remaining stock from its clubhouse tuck shop to the Leeds South & East Foodbank on Wednesday 18 March. Meanwhile members of Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club have been practising fielding and batting drills ahead of their disrupted season. Jack Hebden posted a video on Facebook showing batters how to drive a tennis ball or toilet roll to hone their techniques indoors. Finley Thompson displayed his catching skills against a wall in the back garden after a masterclass from the experienced Glen Thompson. Playing the short ball can be practised indoors or in the garden using a table and a partner to give throwdowns. Balls can be thrown against the wall in lieu of a bowler and suitcases are just one example of makeshift stumps.
by Imran Marashli
he days are getting longer, the weather is warmer and the sun is shining. In normal times, these signs herald the start of the new cricket season. But we are not in normal times. For Hunslet Nelson, the only cricket club in South Leeds, the coronavirus outbreak has dealt a severe blow to pre-season preparations and finances. Yet come what may, the club is ready to weather the storm and will continue to provide cricket for the local community, says treasurer Steven Rose. The club’s annual race night is a key fundraiser but has had to be cancelled. The other main pre-season revenue source, membership fees, has also been hit hard. “Come March, we’ve normally got everyone’s membership in and we’ve got the first fundraiser to give us a good start. We’ve usually got a £5,000 to £6,000 head start,” he explains. “We would have had £4,000£5,000 of membership [fees] in by this point, but we’ve had just short of £300. It’s a lot of money being lost.” And bills still have to be paid. Electric and water bills, rent, banking and waste management expenses contribute to “substantial” outgoings in March and April – all before a ball is bowled. Equipment worth up to £100,000 – machinery, buildings, the electronic scoreboard and sight screens – add a “hefty” insurance cost. But Mr Rose says that the club is in a good position for now, despite batting on a sticky wicket caused by the coronavirus outbreak. Funds intended for Hunslet Nelson’s new clubhouse are now used for day-to-day spending. The club dips into its own resources if need be and not into its members’. “We’re up to date with everything and always are. We’re never behind, everything’s always paid. “Everyone’s looking at their money and don’t want to pay their cricket membership until they know what’s happening. We’ve got very little income at the minute. “We class ourselves as in a deprived area, so we don’t want to chase parents for money when we look at where
these memberships come from. You’ve got to try to support your members as best as you can,” he underlines. “Our saviour has been the funding for the new clubhouse. We’ve had money put away towards our deposit for the works. We’re having to dip into that every month. “If this lasted until after Christmas, all that money will be gone.” The 2020 season was due to start on 18 April but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has postponed first-class cricket until 28 May at the earliest. The Bradford Premier League has stated that, if the season cannot begin before July, fixtures from the first half of the
charge of £50 and the Yorkshire Cricket Board removed its deadline for club affiliation fees. Meanwhile, the club has contacted Veolia, Yorkshire Water, its electricity provider and the council for possible reductions in bills and rent. Chairman Brian Farrell is over 70 and cannot leave home, income is down and events are cancelled for the foreseeable future. To maintain social distancing measures, only one person works on Mondays to maintain the ground. But the club is adapting. Coaches have been uploading videos online to interact with members and keep skills sharp. The club has also started two bonus ball
When will the next ball be bowled? season may be cancelled and only half a season contested. But if the virus peaks in the summer months, the entire season could be cancelled. Where would that leave the club? “We wouldn’t not survive in the next six to eight months if there was no cricket. But after six to eight months, where will be? I’m not quite sure,” the treasurer admits. “If it’s two to three months of lockdown, we’ll survive because the memberships keep coming in. “If it’s 12 months of lockdown and we haven’t got cricket for 12 months and don’t get support, we’ll be struggling.” Help is at hand. In an agreement with Leeds City Council, the club already qualifies for discretionary relief from business rates and is exploring the possibility of being eligible for small business grants. The Bradford Cricket League waived its annual subscription
schemes, which bring in additional revenue. If Hunslet Nelson has proven anything during its 150-year history, it is resilience. “We’ve got members going back 15 years who’ll put money in to keep the club surviving. We’d put money in because of how long it’s been about,” says Mr Rose. “The big jeopardy is that buildings are run-down. We’ve had portacabins for double the time they should have had. We’ve got at the most two years before they’re unusable. “We’ve got a strong group and got our hearts set on making sure Hunslet Nelson survives year after year. “It would have been easy to shut the doors and forget it, because we’re voluntary. We’ve all got problems at home, people self-isolating or out of work. “But they all want Hunslet Nelson to survive. We’ve got people that treat it like our own business. We’ve got a survival attitude.”
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April 2020 | South Leeds Life
Sporting Life 19
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Top of the league
Amateur boxing night at The Hunslet Club F
Jordan Andrade celebrates his Try against North Wales Crusaders.
by Ian Pickles & Jeremy Morton
W
ith Rugby League currently suspended due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Hunslet RLFC sit atop the League One table after two wins against Welsh opposition. However, before the break they were shown what life is like at the top of the Championship should they win promotion, with a heavy defeat at Featherstone in the Challenge Cup. Hunslet RLFC opened their League One season against West Wales Raiders on St David’s Day, 1 March. Raiders opened the scoring early on, but the Parksiders replied quickly through Jimmy Watson to even the scores. Dominic Brambani missed the kick on a windy afternoon that made it difficult for kickers. Kiedan Hartley scored Hunslet’s next two tries, both in the corner, but neither were converted. Raiders got back on the scoreboard with a try near the posts from Dafydd Phillips to make it a two point game at 10-12. Tries from Jordan Andrade who crossed under the sticks. and Nathan Conroy gave Hunslet a 10-24 lead at the break. Kiedan Hartley completed his hat-trick soon after the restart. The Parksiders then took control in the second half as Josh Tonks, Vila Halafihi, Ben Markland and Tom Ashton ran in tries to give Hunslet a 10-50 win. North Wales Crusaders arrived at South Leeds Stadium a week later looking for revenge after Hunslet knocked them out of the Challenge Cup. The Crusaders took the lead on 20 minutes when impressive centre Dante Morley-Samuels put Rob Massam over in the corner. As the half wore on former Championship half-back Dominic Brambani started to show why Hunslet were keen to recruit him this term. A Brambani break had put Hunslet on the front foot and Tom Ashton was held up over the line. The game swung though on 35 minutes when a Simon Brown 40/20 put Hunslet in the ascendancy. From the resulting play
Photo: Paul Johnson Phoenix Photography
Brambani skipped through the Crusaders’ defence to score and converted his own try. Brambani was again involved moments later when he fed Duane Straugheir to score and suddenly Hunslet were on top at 12-6. The Crusaders were now tiring and although Harvey Hallas was held over the line, Jordan Andrade smashed through the defence to score from a Brambani grubber kick and with the conversion Hunslet led 18-6 at the break. A Brambani drop goal on 60 minutes edged Hunslet ahead further at 19-6, and minutes later a fine Tom Ashton break set up Keidan Hartley to dart over from acting Halfback, 23-6. The game now almost won Hunslet could relax and play some flowing Rugby. Brambani and Ashton having the run of the pitch, but only after tireless work by the forwards (the pick of which being Jack Aldous for a tremendous tackling stint). The try of the game came on 80 minutes when a Tom Ashton break set up Keidan Hartley who then fed Dom Brambani, who still with lots to do dummied his way over for a fantastic try and with conversion gave Hunslet a deserved victory at the hooter 29-6. Hunslet RLFC’s perfect start to the season and dreams of a Wembley appearance came to an abrupt end at the LD Nutrition stadium on Friday 13 March against a well drilled and high flying Featherstone Rovers outfit. Featherstone lying third in the Championship were always favourites to win, and with Hunslet missing influential half back Dom Brambani, club favourite Jimmy Watson and season stand out Danny King, the task became even greater. Hunslet gifted Rovers the start they wanted. A powerful tackle shoved a Rovers forward 20 yards back to the pleasure of the travelling Parkside support, only for Hunslet to then switch off and let the acting half back Sweeting slice through their defence and round Keidan Hartley at full back to score. 6-0 after 2 minutes. Five minutes later a simple pass from Hartley to Chrimes went to ground inviting
Featherstone into Hunslet’s 20 metres. Good movement by the hosts and Ottewell scored in the corner. 10-0. Hunslet now started to get into the game and regain some composure. Simon Brown sent a kick up to cause havoc in the Rovers defence, but Chrimes couldn’t take advantage to score, and they were soon punished when Chisholm with electric pace touched down to the left. 14-0 after 20 minutes. Again, Hunslet got close to scoring, as this time Vila Halafihi knocked on with the line in sight. At 14-0 a Hunslet try would have set the game up perfectly, but it was Featherstone who struck twice towards the end of the half as Hardcastle and then Blackmore registered to give the hosts a 26-0 lead at the break. Probably with nothing but pride to play for Hunslet started the second period a different team. Ben Heaton was held just short, whilst moments later the same player made a great break to set up Tom Ashton who knocked on with plenty of defenders in attendance. Featherstone though managed to return down the field and with a bit of juggling Sweeting went over for his second of the evening, 32-0. A pattern started to emerge of constant Hunslet pressure with no result, followed by a lightening quick Featherstone attack and try. With the score at 40-0 and 15 minutes to go it could have been embarrassing for Hunslet. They had been better than the score suggested and finally registered a try on 70 minutes when Ben Heaton went over after good passing and Danny Rowse added the extras. Featherstone had the last say through Conor Carey to make it 46-6 on the hooter and deserved to be in the hat for the next round. They also look a good bet to challenge for the Championship this season, whilst Hunslet will not worry too much about this game. Players were missing and Promotion from League 1 is the absolute priority. We wait to hear if and when the season will continue.
by Imran Marashli
ighters of all sizes and ages put on an entertaining display of boxing at the Hunslet Club’s annual amateur boxing show on Friday 6 March. Spectators were treated to 14 bouts across the schoolboy, schoolgirl, junior, youth, senior and skills categories, with five Hunslet Club boxers enjoying wins under the spotlights. Hunslet Club CEO Dennis Robbins said: “It’s been a good night. All the bouts have been evenly matched. There’s been some quality from the tiny ones right through to the bigger ones. “We’ve got quality kids from the beginner group right through to our advanced team. A lot of the youngsters tonight are beginners and are new to the game, and I think they’re standing up well.” Hunslet’s James Smith and Jorvik’s Blake Patterson began proceedings with a skills bout before Stella Blackley fell to defeat against the rangy jabs and combinations of Marion Zubrzycki. Vonnie Hayley recorded Hunslet’s first win of the evening as her more proactive start and slightly quicker footwork allowed her to gain the judges’ favour in a splitdecision victory over Scunthorpe’s Sophie Wright. In a frantic schoolboy bout, Corey Hutley won via
Kayla Holdsworth wins her bout
unanimous decision after pushing opponent Josh Henson back onto the ropes in the first and second rounds. Ashley Vaughan used his height and reach advantage to good effect to prevail against the spirited Samir Hussain of Sharky’s. A closely contested bout between Thomas Hogg and Mark Judge ended with a barnstorming final round that saw several blows traded, with the judges falling on the side of Hunslet’s Hogg. Hunslet’s run of wins was ended by Brandon’s Harvey Smith as his rangy jabs were ultimately too much for Presten Burgess. Riley Chippendale and Iyran Walker put on an entertaining bout but a stronger final round from Walker saw him take a split-decision victory, before Corben Beecher triumphed against Hunslet’s Michael Haley in the final schoolboy contest. Hunslet then finished on a high note as Kayla Holdsworth produced a stunning performance to defeat Scunthorpe’s highly-rated Paris Smith in their female junior bout. Holdsworth, who was selected to represent England last year, remained on the offensive from the start and forced the referee to stop the contest in the third round after landing a series of heavy blows.
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South Leeds Life | April 2020
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Hopey Price: How Hunslet helped nurture a boxing star by Imran Marashli
I
n December 2019, the eyes of the boxing world turned to Saudi Arabia as British heavyweight Anthony Joshua faced Andy Ruiz Jr. in what was billed as one of the biggest rematches in history. But going about his business quietly and no less professionally that night was a young boxer from Leeds fighting in only his second professional bout: Hopey Price. On the biggest stage he had ever experienced, Price recorded a third-round stoppage victory against Swedi Mohamed and extended his unbeaten record as a pro to 20. Three months later, Price was back where it all began as he attended the Hunslet Club’s annual amateur boxing show. Despite tasting the glory and glamour of the professional boxing scene, he has not forgotten his Hunslet roots. The featherweight boxer is now coached by Dave Coldwell and fights with Matchroom Boxing, a promotion that boasts some of the sport’s biggest names, including Katie Taylor, Josh Warrington and Anthony Joshua. In 2018, he won a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, becoming the first British athlete to achieve the feat and adding more silverware to an already successful amateur career. Two men who accompanied Price on his journey to stardom were the Hunslet Club’s Tony Nixon and Paul Savery, who coached him from the age of 10. “He was always very talented. But he actually lost quite a few bouts to start off with,” recalls Nixon. “It took quite a bit for him to click and get his style. It took us a bit of time to get him to do a little bit more work. His footwork was always brilliant but he never did enough. “He always had potential and a great style. It was just [about] developing that style, not just myself but all the coaches we’ve got here.” However, the early setbacks did not deter Price from forging a path to the top. “He always looked a prospect
Lakers take on the Socially Responsible running challenge F
Hopey Price in Saudi Arabia and a tidy boxer. He progressed, got more confident and started winning a few [bouts],” says Savery. “You could tell that he had it in him to become something. His attitude was just fantastic.” Outside the ring, Price has shattered stereotypes around people of Gypsy background, describing the discrimination Gypsies face as “the last acceptable form of racism” after ‘The Gypsy King’ Tyson Fury defeated Deontay Wilder in their much-anticipated rematch in February. Nixon and Savery were part of a wider coaching network that guided the 20-year-old, including Darren Rhodes, an ex-amateur and professional boxer, and his family. “Eventually kids develop their own styles. He’s got a very unique style which is hard to beat. He’s developed that along the way,” Nixon explains. “His dad has coached predominantly with him in later life. He still works a lot with him, along with his younger brother Ellis, who’s going to be a world star as well. “He’ll come down and do a little bit with his dad and his brother. The whole family are a really nice family and they work really, really hard.” “You get to a certain age when the kids just develop their own techniques,” adds Savery.
“We can show them the basics and a few things here and there, but they develop themselves as they get older. As a team we all chip in.” Price was due to fight again on 24 April 2020 in Doncaster, but the coronavirus outbreak has forced Matchroom Boxing to postpone the event. Although it is unclear when Price might fight next, Nixon and Savery have no doubts about his world-class potential. Could he become a world champion one day? “Without a doubt,” replies Savery. “With the right people, he can go all the way. He’s done a Youth Olympic gold, which no one’s ever done before. “He’s with Eddie Hearn and he’s said he’s going to guide him to where he wants to get him.” “Hopey can go all the way, no doubt about it,” Nixon agrees. “He’s developing all the time and it’s still about his willingness to learn all the time, even though he’s got so far as it is. “That’s the key to it: working really hard. It’s about attitude and the will to win.People have natural talent but it’s about if they can actually work hard to get to the top. “It’s just his time. Over the next couple of years, he’ll win a world title.”
or a weekly running club attracting over 100 members the Coronavirus outbreak was always going to hit South Leeds Lakers at some point. Seeing the devastation around the world we knew the Government would have to ensure measures against the spread of the disease, but how could we do this and keep fit. Back in early March (which seems like years ago) we had announced the exciting news that with the help of Toshal Bhatia and Health For All we had secured a two month trial at the new Beeston Village Community Centre. We were due to meet there on the 17th, but with the Prime Minister’s announcement about not gathering in groups we took the decision to cancel Lakers. It was the right decision, other Leeds running clubs followed and soon parkrun was cancelled and many races postponed. Eventually an England Athletics directive came through that clubs should not meet until at least early June. But we still knew we could run in 2s or 3s at a safe 2m distance apart, so we had to
think outside the box, or rather inside the box with the introduction of South Leeds Laker Isolation Bingo! The idea was to tick off at least 2 boxes on each run with ideas ranging from ‘take an animal selfie’ ‘run up Crow Nest Lane’ and ‘run in the woods’ to challenges such as ‘create some strava art (a running app that maps your run), ‘wear an outlandish costume’ or ‘do a sprint session’. One of our runners Becky Simmonds even ran her own marathon after the Manchester version was cancelled. She did not want to let her sponsors down who had raised money for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of her Grandma. Of course now things have got tougher with the new restrictions (currently one run a day, from home, alone). Luckily it’s lighter on a morning and quiet and many Lakers have taken advantage of this to keep ticking their Bingo cards.
Thomas Hazlehurst’s “Burley Banksy selfie”
But it’s about keeping fit in isolation too, and Rachel Clarke Williams has brought back her popular advent challenge of a set of exercises to complete each day. Also Clinic Therapy’s Nic Mawson who is a friend of the club has been doing online core classes to keep that core in condition.
Strava art! We haven’t got to the point of having to run a marathon on a 7m balcony yet, but as far as I know no one in Britain has had that distinction yet. Of course it’s not just about keeping fit in body, but in mind too, when you are part of a social group and that social aspect has gone. So we are having a weekly Tuesday Quiz and plenty of Facebook tomfoolery to keep the spirits up. Hopefully the one run a day rule is kept, but if we are to be on Lockdown I’m sure we’ll be having a run up the stairs challenge. For now though stay safe, keep fit and hopefully we’ll be back on a Tuesday night soon.