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Issue 62 | May 2020
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
STRUGGLING TO CARE The battle in the care world to keep our most vulnerable residents safe and well
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by Ed Carlisle
s the Coronavirus (Covid19) pandemic and lockdown continue, there has been growing focus upon the struggles facing those working in the health and care sectors, as they strive to keep us all safe and well. And whilst the NHS has received the lion’s share of attention and support, we ask: is the care world the forgotten frontline, a high-risk Coronavirus hotspot in our communities? With thousands of care workers living and working locally – and thousands more supported by them, with the elderly amongst those most at risk – this month we are telling some of their stories and their struggles, at the heart of the battle against Coronavirus. We spoke with a number care workers, and it’s clear that for many their work becomes far more than just a job. Liz
Staff in South Leeds care homes are being offered varying levels of PPE. lives locally, and works in a care home for older people (especially those with dementia) in Belle Isle: “This work is so emotional, especially now. The residents
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.
have gone from being in the lounges, with everyone, and getting visits – to being stuck in their rooms, staring at four walls. Most have dementia, so trying to explain what’s going
Photo: Oleg Elkov, Shutterstock on is very hard. And with no stimulation, most of them are deteriorating in their wellbeing and health.” Jas (not her real name – she didn’t wish to be named) is
another local resident and care worker, who told us: “People don’t realise the impact of what we do: the people we care for become our family. We’re there every day, holding the residents’ hands, especially now the families can’t visit – and comforting family members too, when the residents pass away. “This time has been so traumatic. I respect the NHS, but we don’t get the recognition we deserve, and we all need a pay rise.” As well as the emotional hit (others spoke of fear, anxiety, and finding it hard to cope), Coronavirus has also impacted in very real terms. With testing so limited, it is impossible to know what proportion of workers have had the virus – but those we spoke with estimated that at least a quarter of their teams have had confirmed or suspected bouts of the virus. Continued on page 2
Anyone who feels they are able can volunteer for a range of roles dependant on availability and preference, by visiting doinggoodleeds.org.uk, emailing info@val.org.uk or calling 0113 297 7920. Once signed-up volunteers will receive training be matched with opportunities locally to help.
In this issue:
Celebrating small acts of kindness
page 4
New life during the lockdown page 7
Life’s riot with Slung Low
page 20
Corinthians are Champions
page 24
NEWS
2-9
COMPETITION
10
SUPPLEMENT 11-14 COMMENT
16-17
SCHOOL LIFE
19
CULTURAL LIFE 20-1 LIVES
23
SPORTING LIFE
24
Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily
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South Leeds Life | May 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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Over 5,000 food parcels delivered in emergency food programme M
ore than 5,000 food parcels have been delivered in less than a month to vulnerable people in Leeds as part of an unprecedented emergency food distribution programme in the city. Managed by Leeds City Council working with partners including food and hunger charity FareShare, local businesses and the third sector, the programme is now delivering more than 300 parcels every day to families and individuals to help keep them safe and healthy at home during the coronavirus lockdown. The programme has seen groups come together in a way never seen before in the city to help those in need or who cannot leave their homes in the current crisis. Local schools, colleges, social workers, housing officers, West Yorkshire Police and the NHS are among those working together to identify vulnerable people to receive the parcels, while support is also available for anyone
Ready to go: Emergency food parcels at a Council warehouse. calling the coronavirus helpline in Leeds on (0113) 378 1877. Leeds City Council is overseeing the programme, with parcels being delivered directly to people’s homes by volunteers or being made available for collection from a local hub such as a school, children’s centre or local charity building. Same day delivery is also now available to help those in immediate need of food and basic supplies.
Struggling to care Continued from page 1 One unit reported that 3⁄4 of staff have gone down with it, leading to staff shortages and further pressure. These figures are comparable with rates amongst frontline NHS staff, and considerably higher than estimates for the general population. Local care managers whom we approached felt unable to comment directly – but many gave a strong sense that they were trying to do right by their staff, whilst struggling with the pressure and the changes. In particular, we heard that care homes have come under considerable pressure from NHS trusts to take in new residents – to free up bed spaces in hospitals. But this is where they are also at the greatest risk of contracting the virus, so it inevitably passes the virus risk onto the care homes. Major providers like MHA and HCOne say they have now had confirmed or suspected cases in over half their homes nationally; and emerging European-wide figures suggest that residents of care homes make up nearly half of all Covid-19 deaths. Jas told us one such story: “Our ivory-tower managers forced us to take a new resident – untested – from a particular hospital, where they’d already had dozens of
Photo: Dennis Robbins
Due to the daily demands on the service, local businesses are being asked to offer any support they can through donations of food or money. For more information on how to donate food, please contact Benjamin Feely on 07891 272150 or benjamin.feely@leeds .gov.uk. To donate money, please visit bit.ly/leedsfood2020. Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor Judith
confirmed Covid-19 cases. It was presented as supporting the NHS, but I don’t buy it: it boils down to money. “The resident was with us, became very unwell, went back to hospital, and tested positive for Covid-19. We’d done our utmost, but that put everyone at risk, and several staff including me then went down with Covid-19. It’s horrendous.” And we heard from some who suggested certain care homes simply weren’t up to the challenge. Sam lives locally and has worked in care for many years. She told us that some care companies are “faultless”, but was shocked by recent experiences when she signed up to work in one south Leeds care home. “Covid-19 was already in full swing, but the training was good, and they seemed really well organised. But when I started, so many staff were off sick, and we were massively understaffed. We went straight into long shifts, with no training on the job, and they wanted us to cut corners everywhere. “Managers were giving us advice that contradicted government advice on Covid-19, lying to us, even acting illegally. And there was almost no PPE.”
Blake, said: “This is an incredibly difficult and challenging time for many families and individuals across Leeds. The scale and pace at which coronavirus has changed people’s lives is unparalleled and it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone in the city has access to food and basic supplies throughout this uncertain time. “This is an unprecedented challenge and the first time
Indeed, locally and nationally, the lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has become a key issue. Liz stressed that her managers have been “absolutely brilliant”. She said: “We’re all wearing PPE, masks and gowns; and although we’re getting short, they’re ordering more. We’re now trying to get testing for residents and staff too”. But like Sam, Jas and their colleagues have had a very different experience: “The situation with PPE has been really crap: there’s not been a lot of it around, and we were warned not to talk with the media about it. You’re not going to send a soldier to war without the correct armour, but that’s what’s happening here. We’ve also asked the management for tests, but were told it would cost too much money.” On a positive note, the past month has seen the remarkable emergence of groups and organisations from communities and business, to create PPE including visors, gowns, and face masks, and distribute them to frontline workers – often for free. Local ‘manufacturers’ have included Cockburn School, and Cockburn John Charles and Rodillian academies. Resoundingly, those working on the frontline of care assured us they remained committed to do all they could for those in their charge. As well as the day-to-day care, we
we have ever run a programme like this in the city so thank you to everyone who is working together in an amazing way to make it happen. “This is a perfect example of Leeds pulling together as a city to help our most vulnerable residents and it’s inspiring to see so many different businesses, organisations and services working together to help. “We are however still in need of donations to keep the deliveries going. If any businesses or organisations think they might be able to help, please do get in touch with the service. “Any help would be immensely appreciated and will help us to continue working together to help provide this vital lifeline to residents.” For help and support during the lockdown, please call the coronavirus helpline on (0113) 378 1877. For general information about coronavirus, please visit www.leeds.gov.uk /coronavirus.
heard stories of dancing for residents, of working hard to arrange online video calls between residents and their families, of creative projects to keep residents active and connected, and more. But as Jas said: “We all got into care to take care of people; we didn’t sign up to fight a deadly disease, on a minimum wage, with no danger money. “We’re risking our lives, and those of our families, but we’ve been absolutely let down – by the government, and also here by the company we work for.” And Sam concluded: “We’re small ants in the big anthill, we can’t change much ourselves. But I just hope – after this is all over – that the government and the world will work out that we and other essential workers were the ones that kept everything going. Or will we get forgotten again?” If you’re in the care world, get in touch to share your stories; and if you or your organisations especially need PPE, contact us at South Leeds Life, and we’ll link you with those distributing it into the community. If you are concerned that a care company is acting unlawfully or negligently, contact the Care Quality Commission – who regulate the care world – at: cqc.org.uk. Or if you work for a care company, another option is contacting trade unions like ACORN acorntheunion.org.uk or UNISON unison.org.uk for advice.
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Website: www.southleedslife.com
May 2020 | South Leeds Life
News 3
Email: info@southleedslife.com
These local charities “Your NHS is still here for you when you need us” need your support
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hilst millions of pounds are being raised for NHS charities during the Coronavirus pandemic, much smaller amounts can make a massive difference to charities providing support on the ground in South Leeds. The following groups are all doing an amazing job supporting the local community. A common theme in their appeals is that the demand for their services has risen, whilst their ususal income streams have reduced. Apologies for the long web addresses, if you get lost please check the group’s website or Facebook page to find a link. Cottingley Community Project runs the Community Centre and has taken a massive hit to its income from the loss of room hire income. They continue to help people on the estate, organising food parcels to those in need. www.justgiving.com/crowdf unding/cottingleycommunity
centre Leeds South & East Foodbank has faced rising demand for its services. As well as the crowdfunder you can leave food at collection points in the main supermarkets. www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ help-raise-funds-to-keep-thischarity-going The Real Junk Food Project (TRJFP) has been running for some years helping to divert food near its sell by date from going to landfill. They have stepped up their efforts and are helping hub organisations provide food parcels via the Council helpline. They also sell affordable food boxes via the To Good To Go app. www.paypal.me/TRJFP The Charlies-Angel-Centre Foundation is a charity that helps and supports bereaved parents and families following the loss of a baby or child. The support offered is through their website, email, telephone, social media and bereavement counsellors.
donate.giveasyoulive.com/ charity/charlies-angel-centrefoundation Holbeck Together has teamed up with Leeds United to launch the United Together campaign to support the organisations work with older and vulnerable people. They’ve called on every Leeds United supporter to donate just £1. www.virginmoneygiving.com /fund/United-Together The South Leeds Live At Home Scheme supports 1,000 older people across Beeston Cottingley and Hunslet with food parcels, befriending calls www.justgiving.com/fundrai sing/southleedsliveathome Finally Middleton Park Equestrian Centre - Riding For The Disabled are having to look after their horses during the lockdown. They have a fundraising page linked to their Facebook page. These are the local appeals we are aware of. If you can, please donate to any or all of them.
Hunslet firm’s mass scanning solution
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unslet based CCTV and security distributor, CCTVdirect, has recently released a new Advanced Thermal Mass Screening Solution which has been designed to detect a raised body temperature with an accuracy of 99.7%. The system has been designed and developed to combat the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) by scanning large groups of people for a raised temperature in a matter of milliseconds. The technology used in the camera can detect a raised body temperature in under one second from a safe distance of 3.5m with an accuracy of 99.7%, this makes the solution the fastest, safest and most accurate on the market. The solution has been designed to be deployed at the entrance of areas of large footfall, such as supermarkets, hospitals, offices, schools and airports, monitoring those entering the premises. Using the dedicated tried and tested software, operators can monitor abnormal human body temperatures via the on-screen display which pinpoints human body temperatures. Left
Sales Director Stuart Normington with CCTVdirect’s Advanced Thermal Screening Solution unmanned the system can raise an alarm and record the individual so further checks can be made. Mark Raine, CEO at CCTVdirect commented: “The Advanced Thermal Mass Screening Camera has been designed specifically to help combat the spread of serious viruses, such as COVID19. It can’t stop it, but it can help keep potential carriers from entering a building. The advanced systems can be rented and set up quickly for events or as people return to work, or the systems can be permanently installed in any receptions and entrances.
Within months it will be common practice to be scanned as you enter restaurants, large offices and places like the cinema. “I feel those businesses and organisations that deploy such rapid solutions will instantly create customer confidence from their users and as such should re-establish themselves faster as visitors will ultimately feel safer and more assured that all appropriate measures have been taken. People will not patiently continue to queue to enter a store, these systems will replace than inconvenience allowing for faster, safer footfall.”
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ealth Chiefs in Leeds are keen to stress that if you fell ill you should seek medical help amid growing concern that the coronavirus outbreak is causing people to avoid contacting healthcare services, sometimes resulting in a dangerous life or limbthreatening delay in seeking urgent medical attention. The call comes after recent figures at a national and local level shows that there has been considerably fewer people going to their local accident and emergency departments in comparison to previous years. In addition, medical professionals are concerned by the drop in the number of people seeking advice about possible cancer symptoms through their GP. Parents and carers are similarly being reassured that professional care is always available, they should always continue to seek advice when worried about unwell babies and children and if assessment or treatment is needed this will be in a safe, low risk environment. It is also very important for young children up to 1 year old to have their immunisations to protect them against a range of potentially serious infections and GP practices are still offering booked appointments for these. Dr Wayne Hamer, Emergency Medicine Consultant at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We understand that people will be anxious about attending our emergency departments at the moment and not want to contribute to the current pressures on the NHS, however, we want to remind people we are still here for serious illnesses and injuries and if you think you are experiencing the symptoms of these then you must dial 999 or attend the emergency department.
Contact your GP if your child is sick “When patients attend there may be a few differences to the systems and processes and areas they are treated in. The main ones being that they will need to attend alone as we are not allowing visitors into the hospitals at the moment for infection prevention reasons and our staff will be wearing personal protective equipment such as masks, gloves, aprons or gowns to protect themselves and patients from the virus. The emergency departments have been divided into high and low risk areas and if patients require care, but don’t have Covid-19 symptoms, then they will be seen in the low risk areas where there is little chance of being exposed to the virus.” Dr Helen Haywood, GP and Clinical Lead for Children and Young People at NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Families will be staying at home due to the coronavirus and a lot of parents and carers may worry about taking their children out, especially to a GP practice or hospital (children’s A&E is only at the Leeds General Infirmary), but if you are concerned that a child is seriously unwell you must seek
Dial 999 if you if have a heart attack or a stroke
urgent medical advice. “GPs are available to speak to during their usual opening hours, on the phone in the first instance, when they will sometimes arrange a video consultation or if appropriate a face-to-face appointment in the practice. “Out of hours services and children’s A&E at Leeds General Infirmary are also working and parents must not delay seeking help when worried as this could put their child’s health at a risk. Serious illness, such as a severe asthma attack, pneumonia, appendicitis, meningitis or sepsis need to be picked up and dealt with early to prevent complications which could lead to disability or even, in some tragic cases, death.” When to call 999 If you have any of the following life-threatening emergencies, call 999: • Choking • Chest pain • Blackout • Severe bleeding • A serious injury • If you think you’re having a stroke The main symptoms of stroke can be remembered with the word FAST – you must call 999 if you have the following: Face – face is drooping/fallen on one side, unable to smile, or the mouth or eye have dropped Arms – unable to raise both arms and keep them there Speech – speech is slurred or garbled Time – dial 999 immediately if you see any of these signs or symptoms Visit the NHS website which highlights all the signs and symptoms of cancer www.nhs.uk/conditions/cance r/symptoms
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
4 News
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Celebrate local acts of kindness in Leeds Big Thank You campaign A
Spring is breaking out all over
“Blossoming beauty in an unexpected place - in the Tunstall Road underpass between Middleton Railway and The Range on my daily walk, coming back from Middleton Woods. It took my breath away as I stepped out of the tunnel.” Local photographer Stuart Petch took this on his iPhone. See more of his work at stuart-petch-photography.co.uk
Observing Ramadan safely during the Coronavirus crisis M
uslims in Leeds getting ready to observe the holy month of Ramadan this week have been issued advice to keep them safe from a local imam and GP. The advice comes from NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Leeds City Council’s public health team working closely with Dr Mohammed Sattar from Woodhouse Medical Practice and Qari Asim from Makkah Mosque in Leeds. Dr Sattar said: “The single most important thing we can do to tackle Coronavirus is to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives. “When we limit contact with other people, we limit the spread of the infection so everyone must follow Government advice to stay at home and practice social distancing. You should only leave the house for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home). You also should not meet up with others who don’t live with you, even family and friends, as people can spread the virus even if they don’t have symptoms. All this means that
Dr Mohammed Sattar Ramadan will be very different this year.” Imam Asim explained: “Ramadan is a really special time of the year for Muslims. It is a time of intensive worship, reading the Holy Quran, giving to charity, developing selfrestraint and doing good deeds. During Ramadan, Muslims pray together and break fast with family and friends each day. “This year, with mosques being closed and the
restrictions on gatherings of more than two people being in place, this will impact on the way people observe Ramadan and their daily rituals. We encourage people to consider new ways of experiencing Ramadan such as using some of the free video conferencing tools to stay connected and hold virtual iftars. “This Ramadan Muslims will pray for their loved ones, people who are unwell and people who have died, and will
support everyone in local communities in dealing with this pandemic, whilst following the social distancing measures.” Dr Sattar continued: “We would also like to encourage people with diabetes to fast safely during Ramadan. At this time of year, fasting between sunrise to sunset means that people will not eat or drink for up to 17 hours. This could pose a risk to the health of those who have diabetes and other long-term health conditions. “Most people with diabetes can fast without any issue as long as they ensure they follow a few key pieces of advice. You can find out more in a short video on the CCG’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=0HtZYL6t6BM& “If you have symptoms of Covid-19, it is advisable not to fast. You may also want to seek advice from a religious scholar or local Imam” You can get more advice on #RamadanAtHome at mcb.org .uk/resources/ramadan We would like to wish Ramadan Mubarak to all who are observing this holy month.
by Imran Marashli
new campaign allowing people in Leeds to express their thanks to the city’s key workers and local everyday heroes has been launched. The Leeds Big Thank You campaign is encouraging residents to show their appreciation for key workers like health staff, carers, the emergency services, transport workers and retail staff. But people from all walks of life in South Leeds can also be singled out for praise for their generosity and acts of kindness. Councillor Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This is an incredibly challenging and stressful time for all of us. But at a time when most of us are staying home to stay safe, thousands of staff and volunteers are out in the community, doing absolutely essential work to keep the city running, educate our children, feed us, keep us safe and look after us. “We want to make sure that every single person who is going above and beyond during these extraordinary times knows how much we appreciate and value their work. Or you might just want to say thank you to your neighbours or family members who are there for you when it matters the most. “There has never been a better time to recognise the key workers, carers and volunteers in our communities so I’d urge everyone to say a ‘Big Thank You’ to them – just visit the website www.bigthank youleeds.co.uk or use the hashtag #BigThanksLeeds on social media.” On Easter Sunday, the Hunslet Carr Sports and Social
Club left free Easter eggs outside for passers-by to collect, a gesture of kindness that delighted local children. Theatre company Slung Low has repurposed The Holbeck club and has been delivering meals to people in Holbeck and Beeston. The Real Junk Food Project has been supporting local organisations care for the vulnerable and needy. It delivered 400kg of cheese to Slung Low on 16 April and Artistic Director Alan Lane expressed his thanks on Twitter to the project and volunteers: “400 kg of sliced cheese. Thanks to the @TRJFProject “Consistently our most reliable partner in providing help to the people of Holbeck & Beeston. “Big day on the referrals today. Big day. Big wins. Volunteers were amazing, grafted like troopers.” While the Co-op store in Beeston donated 24 pints of milk to Slung Low’s cause when it began to run low on supplies. The Real Junk Food Project and Morrisons have supported Hunslet Club volunteers as they deliver food to people in need in South Leeds in partnership with Involve Leeds. Holbeck Together, Belle Isle Senior Action, South Leeds Live At Home, Trinity Network and Middleton Elderly Aid’s provision of meals and pastoral care for the elderly and vulnerable has continued thanks to dedicated staff and volunteers. Middleton Elderly Aid delivered over 750 meals by the end of the week ending 17 April, making deliveries on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and contacted over 1,400 members for welfare checks.
Easter egg giveaway at Hunslet Carr Sports & Social Club
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Council launches new campaign against domestic abuse
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eeds City Council has launched a social media campaign offering support to encourage families affected by domestic abuse. The campaign is led by Safer Leeds and encourages people who may be experiencing abuse to continue to seek help during this difficult time. The messaging reassures individuals that they can still access support via helplines, web chat and online information if they are unable to seek help face to face during social distancing measures. It also asks friends, family and neighbours to be vigilant and look out for signs of abuse, make contact with people safely if they think they are at risk and to contact local helplines or the police for advice. The campaign is running alongside a campaign by West Yorkshire Police who are promoting their silent call service. This allows people to
make a 999 emergency call, then dial 55 if they’re unable to speak out loud. The police will understand that the caller is a victim of domestic abuse. Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council executive member for communities, said: “I want people in Leeds to know that anyone experiencing domestic violence and abuse has the right to live their life free from violence. At this time, the risk is likely to be higher as people are asked to remain in their homes. “It is important that people continue to follow the guidance
from Public Health England about isolation and social distancing, but we know that for some people home is not a safe place to be. “The message from Leeds City Council, Safer Leeds and all our partners is to reach out if you’re worried for your own safety or the safety of your family and friends.” For advice on domestic abuse you can visit www.leeds.gov.uk/domestic violence Alternatively, you can call the 24 hour Leeds Domestic Violence helpline on (0113) 246 0401.
Updated arrangements put in place for cemeteries and crematoria services A
series of new measures have been put into place to help keep families and loved ones safe during services at Leeds City Council’s cemeteries and crematoria. As part of ongoing efforts to manage the impact and potential spread of coronavirus, Leeds City Council has announced a number further changes to services, with the aim of ensuring people are able to pay their respects whilst observing important social distancing regulations.
Cottingley crematorium
The updated policy means that all cemeteries and crematoria grounds are open to the general public subject to social distancing guidelines being adhered to. Certain buildings in our crematoria, including the crematoria chapel, book of remembrance and any other ancillary buildings are closed to public access. Direct cremations and burials can still go ahead as planned. Restrictions are in place in terms of the number of mourners that are able to be present. Only the funeral
director and religious officiant mat attend cremations, although up to 10 family members may attend the crematorium grounds. Up to 10 family members may attend a graveside burial. Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “We fully recognise and appreciate that it is heart breaking and deeply upsetting to not be able to console someone at a funeral especially during a time when it is natural for people to come closer together. In these unprecedented times we must however do everything we can to protect the health and wellbeing of people, and that is why we are asking that mourners do not seek to enter the crematoria chapel and also please respect social distancing guidelines at all times.” For full information go to: leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus and follow the links.
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
6 News
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Temporary mortuary to be sited at Stourton L
by Jeremy Morton
eeds City Council are creating a temporary mortuary on an industrial estate in Stourton to cope with an expected increase in deaths due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Council have allocated £800,000 to creating the facility on the Waterside Industrial Park, off Skelton Grange Road in Stourton. A contract has been awarded to Airedale Catering Equipment Ltd to provide and install bespoke chiller/freezer rooms and associated equipment. Fitting out of the mortuary was due to start on 13 April. The decision bypassed the usual decision making
processes of the Council because of its urgency. However Hunslet & Riverside ward councillors were consulted, as were the leaders of the main parties on the Council. Cllr Paul Wray (Hunslet & Riverside) told South Leeds Life: “The creation of this temporary mortuary is a sensible precaution, though one the Council desperately hopes is never needed to be used. The site in Stourton was chosen as it is owned by the Council and is appropriate to be converted to this use. “The health crisis we face is unprecedented in peace time and we all need to follow the goverment’s advice with urgency.”
Local elections cancelled L
ike many local authorities, Leeds City Council was due to hold elections on Thursday 7 May 2020. The Government has cancelled this year’s election due to the Coronavirus crisis and they will now be held in 2021. Leeds is split into 33 wards, each represented by three Councillors. Councillors are normally elected to serve a four year term, one third of the
Council is elected each year with one year in four having no election (a so called ‘fallow year’). In 2018, following boundary changes, we had an all out election with all 99 Councillors elected. In order to get back to electing a third of the Council each year, Councillors were elected for four, two or one year, depending on the number of votes they received. The Councillors due to fight re-election this year were appointed for two years, but will now serve three years before next year’s election. 2021 was due to be a fallow year, but in effect that has been brought forward to this year. The Councillors affected by this decision are: • Cllr Gohar Almass – Beeston & Holbeck ward • Cllr Mohammed Iqbal – Hunslet & Riverside ward • Cllr Judith Blake – Middleton Park ward
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Sharks bite during financial uncertainty L
eeds Credit Union is warning residents across the region about an increase in high interest doorstep lenders capitalising on COVID-19 uncertainty. The credit union, which has more than 37,000 members, has seen a targeted campaign by these lenders in some of the city’s most deprived areas, with interest rates as high as 466% APR. However, there are also concerns that other illegal loan sharks are also capitalising on the situation, where the APR can be unlimited and sometimes repayments enforced by intimidation and threats of violence. During the lockdown, Leeds Credit Union’s Money & Budgeting Service is offering a one-to-one telephone service for those experiencing financial problems or with worries about money. The team will be on hand to talk through any individual’s current situation and will look at what options are available to help steer them through. And whilst a number of the more well-known doorstep lenders have stopped their home visits and collections, there is evidence that they have instead stepped-up their targeting of some of Leeds’ most vulnerable people through postal advertisements and online marketing. Chris Smyth, managing
director of Leeds Credit Union, commented: “Leeds Credit Union already works closely with the Government’s Illegal Money Lending team to stamp out loan sharks in the Leeds region, and our focus has always been on ensuring people across the city have access to flexible, affordable and fair lending. “We are disappointed that some are using the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of those struggling financially but frankly, we aren’t surprised. It further underlines the
importance of credit unions across the UK ensuring those that need it most have access to financial services that can help during this time of uncertainty.” Leeds Credit Union, which was recently named as the region’s best lender, has reinforced its member services provision during lockdown, setting up additional contact numbers for members to get in touch. A new mobile banking app has also been made available ahead of its official launch so members can access their accounts remotely. Should
members still need to visit a branch, the Dewsbury Road, Leeds City, Merrion House and Armley branches are still open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 9am-3pm, with social distancing and sanitation measures in place. Click here for details of how to contact Leeds Credit Union by phone. To access the Money & Budgeting Service call one these numbers: • 07375 125089 • 07507 902762 • 07468 457666 • 07951 679756 • 07375 124909
Free online workshops to help you with your digital skills W
ith the current Coronavirus lockdown it’s never been so important to be confident about using computers and connecting with the online world. If you would like help to brush up your skills, help ids at hand from the Get IT Together (GTT) project. They are currently running FREE online help drop-in sessions every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings for IT, computers, tablets, smartphones and devices. They are also holding online learning sessions on specialist topics on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Sessions planned so far
include: • shopping online,
and
paying
• Internet Browsers and downloading safely, • WORD,
• Password Management, • File Management, • iPADS and iPhones, • Android phones and tablets We are using Zoom as our online system, full instructions will be given on how to access it if you have not done so in the past. To join a session, you need to register at www.GTT.org.uk. Login information will then be sent to you. For General enquiries about these sessions call 07754 391498 These sessions are free to Leeds residents and partly funded by: Leeds City Council – 100% Digital and Housing Leeds.
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May 2020 | South Leeds Life
News 7
Email: info@southleedslife.com
On the beat
by Insp Lucy Leadbeater
S
New life during the lockdown
Local residents taking their daily exercise at Hunslet Moor on 21 April got a welcome sight of new spring life. One of the three temporary equine residents currently grazing away isolation had given birth in the early hours of the morning. A local lady confirmed the owner of the horses had already been to check on the new mum and baby three times that morning and was reportedly thrilled with the little filly. She seemed to have brightened the day of several onlookers in these unusual times.
Park & Ride allocated for travellers during lockdown L
by Jeremy Morton
eeds City Council has suspended its Park & Ride schemes at Elland Road and Temple Gate for the duration of the Coronavirus lockdown measures. A Covid-19 testing facility is being set up at Temple Green, whilst Elland Road has been designated a temporary stopping site for Gipsies and Travellers. Councillor Debra Coupar, Deputy Leader of Leeds City Council and Executive Member for Communities told South Leeds Life: “We are facing unprecedented challenges due to the global Covid-19 pandemic in a fast-moving situation and need to ensure we are supporting our communities in the best way
possible. “Leeds is a compassionate city and we work hard to prioritise our most vulnerable families and individuals. We are fortunate in having a strong partnership way of working which has been developed across communities, voluntary sector organisations and the public sector. This has enabled us to be able to work effectively together in this time of heightened need for the benefit of all. “The Elland Road Park and Ride site was used for a couple of weeks to support a group of travellers who have now relocated to a more suitable location in the city. It may be used as such again during the pandemic or for other purposes as needs require. We will do all it can to minimise the impact
Elland Road Park & Ride is currently closed and empty
on local residents at this time. “Having reached good solutions to enable people to stay put during this health crisis, it is important that others do not travel into Leeds or attempt to join the settlements. We are urging all communities to obey the rules to minimise contact with others through this period.” Helen Jones, Chief Executive of Leeds GATE, commented: “The use of the Elland Road park and ride as a negotiated stopping camp for Traveller and Gypsy families is a temporary measure to ensure safety, security and healthcare during the Covid-19 lockdown. We hope that local people recognise that this is the right decision at this time. Leeds City Council are acting directly according to government instruction to keep all our communities safe. “The policy of negotiated stopping in Leeds has already saved thousands of pounds in public money which can now be used for public good at this extremely difficult time. Having leaders and officers already familiar with negotiating stopping has enabled Leeds to act quickly to keep our communities safe.”
ince the last time I wrote an article South Leeds and policing South Leeds has changed significantly. As I write this we are in the middle of the second period of lockdown and we are all experiencing a number of challenges both personally and professionally. As you will be aware the current government restrictions are in place until Thursday 7 May when they will be reviewed. Whilst these are discussed frequently on the news and through other forums if anyone would like any further information on these restrictions please visit www.gov.uk. Since the restrictions were introduced my Neighbourhood Policing Team and wider policing colleagues have been working hard to ensure that people adhere to these restrictions, ensure that we keep the public safe and protect the NHS. Our officers are deployed on pro-active patrols across the hotspot areas to be visible to the public and I am pleased to say that the vast majority of people are adhering to the guidance and as a result saving lives, so thank you. In line with National Police Guidelines my team have adopted a four phase approach. These ensure that we engage, explain and encourage people to comply with the regulations. Enforcement will be our last
Empty open spaces
approach, and whilst there have been times where we have needed to resort to enforcement across the city the vast majority of cases have been dealt with without this requirement. The community spirit is as alive as ever in South Leeds. I have been so impressed by all the key workers delivering vital services and most importantly the volunteers who are donating their time to look after the vulnerable and those in need. West Yorkshire Police and working hard with partners to keep residents of South Leeds safe and there are lots of volunteers that are playing a massive role in this. Thank you and well done to
being proudly shown at Elland Road Police Station! Thank you Paris. On a positive note, crime in South Leeds has fallen over the past four weeks. Despite all the challenges we are facing, we are working hard, round the clock, to keep you safe. If you are the victim of crime then please ensure that you report this to us using the appropriate reporting method via phone or online. We are continuing to take pro-active action when criminal offences or anti-social behaviour is taking place. Over the past few weeks have had some excellent results where nuisance bikes, that are believed to have been engaged in drug dealing, have been
Paris Gill with her drawing all those involved in this team effort. As a team, we have been overwhelmed by the level of support we have received by members of the public. Recently a local young resident from Middleton, Paris Gill contact us to say that she had drawn us a lovely picture which we have collected and it is
located and seized. I would like to end by saying I hope that each and every one of you and your families are keeping well and you are staying safe. Thank you for helping the NHS and allowing them to continue the outstanding work that they are doing to save lives. I wish you all the best.
Seized motorbike
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
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New council housing Residents trapped behind set for Middleton Parnaby Road ‘prison P
by Jeremy Morton
lans for new Council housing at Throstle Recreation Ground and Middleton Skills Centre have moved forward with two contracts to help bring the scheme forward for planning permission. A feasibility scheme conducted by Wates has indicated that a scheme consisting of 60 Extra Care units for older and vulnerable tenants, together with 98 general needs homes and 16 bungalows could be built on the two sites, off Middleton Park Road. Perfect Circle have been awarded a £200,000 contact to provide technical advisory and quantity surveying services. The Council has also entered into a PreConstruction Services Delivery Agreement (PCDSA) with Wates at no cost (except for necessary surveys). This will allow Wates to develop designs up to and including submitting planning applications. Cllr Paul Truswell, speaking on behalf of his fellow Middleton Park Councillors Judith Blake and Kim Groves, told South Leeds Life: “We are delighted to have secured one of the first major developments of new council housing in Leeds for almost 30 years. “Half of the Throstle Rec site will provide much-needed new council homes. The other half will be greatly improved open space. We are working with the Wades Charity, which owns part of the site, and will be consulting local residents on what they would like to see
on the green space. Together with housing on the redundant former Skills Centre site, 174 new council homes will be provided. “As Councillors, we see every day the desperate plight of people stuck in unsuitable, inadequate or overcrowded housing. Providing growing numbers of people with the homes they desperately need has been increasingly difficult given the sale of council houses, and the fact that these could not be replaced. This new development will have a significant impact on meeting that housing need. “Up to the 1990s, the Throstle Rec site was occupied by flats that were riddled with defects and that no longer provided decent accommodation for tenants. They were beyond economic repair and were demolished. It was always intended that they should be replaced, ideally with Council housing. Unfortunately, successive governments over the last three decades have dramatically restricted the ability of councils to build new homes. So we are delighted that now those restrictions have been relaxed we have been successful in securing one of the first major developments to go ahead in the city. “The 174 new homes will include 60 specialist extra care units for older people. It means older people will get supported housing tailored to their needs, with the added benefit to the community of freeing up existing housing for families. There will be 16 accessible bungalows for working-age people with disabilities, and 98 houses for families.”
Beeston library to become community hub B
eeston is the latest library in South Leeds set to be converted into a community hub, following Dewsbury Road, St George’s Middleton and Hunslet. Council officers have allocated £355,000 to upgrade the building and refit it so that it can provide a range of Council services. The refit will include new carpets, heating system, windows and a reconfigured entrance. New shelving and a new children’s area will upgrade the library service, whilst two new enquiry rooms will be created, space for public access computers and and accessible toilet will also be provided.
A start date for the works has been set, but the library will have to close whilst the works are carried out. Cllr Angela Gabriel (Beeston & Holbeck) told the Yorkshire Evening Post “It will be fabulous. The library in Beeston has always been well-used, but people have always had to go down to the community hub at Dewsbury Road in order to access services. “If you live in Beeston, this will be a really good asset for people to come to and get any services they are able to get from a one stop centre. Once it is open, we will be able to have a good mix of things on in there.”
Beeston Library on Town Street will be refurbished
wall’ amid M621 works
The bright green noise barrier at Parnaby Road in Hunslet. Photo: Richard Clarke
A
by Imran Marashli
new metal sound barrier by the M621 in Hunslet has caused uproar among many local residents, who say it has had a negative impact on their community and likened it to “a prison wall.” Highways England replaced an ageing wooden fence with a new green fence on Parnaby Road, which faces the motorway by junction 7, as part of its improvement works earlier this year. Many residents say the new fence has made no difference to noise levels, with the bright green colour a particular cause for concern, and feel Highways England has not engaged with them properly. Noisy overnight construction work has also been raised as a major concern, especially for families with young children and people whose work involves driving and early shift times. But Highways England has said the effectiveness of the barrier cannot be judged until the entire junction 7 scheme is finished. It added that its planning application – including the colour of the fence – was approved by Leeds City Council with no objections. It also said that some of the overnight noise barrier work was unavoidable to avoid closing several slip roads during the day. A Highways England spokesperson said: “We’re carrying out improvements to the M621 between junctions 6 and 7 to reduce congestion and reduce noise levels for residents living nearby. This work is ongoing, so the effectiveness of the noise barriers can’t be accurately judged until the scheme is finished. “We wrote to residents in February to keep them updated on all this work and also held engagement events before the scheme started. We are doing as much of the work
during the day as possible but need to carry out some of the work overnight, when traffic flows are lowest, to minimise congestion caused by the required lane closures.” However, frustration and disappointment with the project are widespread in the local community. “It’s horrendous, it feels like you’re in a prison,” said Westbury Mount resident Kelly Munro, who is part of the local Neighbourhood Watch team. “The colour is awful and it’s not made any difference to noise whatsoever.” “The noise is still the same and it’s a complete eyesore. It looks like a temporary barrier. It’s not what we were led to believe when we went to the meetings” said a resident on Back Westbury Street. Kerry Leigh Bickerdike suffers from anxiety and says the metal barrier makes her feel “trapped” compared with the “homely” wooden fence that previously existed. Councillor Kim Groves on behalf of Councillors Blake and Truswell (Middleton Park ward) told South Leeds Life: “We were just as shocked as local residents when the fence went up and we completely understand their frustration and upset. “We have spoken to Highways England to see what can be done to resolve the issue and we ask residents to bear with us in what are extremely difficult times. Everyone is working flat out across the local area to try and minimise the impact of Covid-19 and protect our most vulnerable citizens, this does mean that other issues may take longer than usual to be addressed but please be assured that we have picked this up with the relevant authorities and will continue to push for a resolution that local residents are happy with.” Homeowners in the area fear that house prices will fall due to the new
fence and that the bright green colour will inevitably attract graffiti and harm the area’s reputation. “To me it’ll devalue my home. It just looks cheap. It feels like half a job done. There’s been no transparency about it” said Richard Clarke “I’m more bothered about the trees they’ve cut down, I’m fuming about that, with all the pollution around here. The birds have gone” said a Back Westbury Street resident. Changing the barrier’s colour to a less ostentatious, more natural shade of green to allow it to fit in with its surroundings has been suggested as a solution by some residents. However, the new fence has not been met with unanimous disapproval. “I’m not too keen on the colour but it’s better than what it was before – it was just a wooden fence with lots of holes, it was kicked in, it was rotten,” a Parnaby Street resident said. Karine Seorbyan of Parnaby Street praised the work: “The colour is nice, there’s no noise. It’s a very good job – I’m happy.” The installation of a noise and safety barrier is the second part of phase 1 of Highways England’s plan to improve safety and reduce congestion on the M621. An extra lane is being added to the eastbound exit slip road at junction 7 and the number of lanes on the northern part of the roundabout will double from two to four. Highways England has committed to consult with tenants again once the scheme is completed later this year. A spokesperson said that the shade of green, Leaf,“has been used at our previous scheme delivered on the M1 at junction 39 recently and the colour was well received.” He added that colour would fade somewhat over time.
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May 2020 | South Leeds Life
News 9
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Working from home? With full fibre we could all enjoy a more flexible future… O
Sponsored Content
ver these past weeks, many of us will have adopted entirely new ways of doing everyday activities, such as attending meetings, completing coursework, joining exercise classes and catching up with friends and family. Likewise, many of us will have realised that all these activities now have one thing in common: a digital screen. This ‘new normal’ demonstrates exactly what we already suspected – digital technology has transformed our lives. And now, in these unprecedented times, we are utterly dependent on its ability to provide us with a sociallyisolated gateway to normal life – work, the high street and entertainment, as well as the comforts of friendship and family we all need at times like these. However, in reality, the way we work in particular has been changing for a while now. Analysis from Aviva estimates that more than four million UK employees already work from home on a regular basis. That's a staggering one in seven people who have decided to ditch the daily commute to tackle their to-do list from the kitchen table or home study. Those who have just joined the homeworking community will now be realising a host of benefits, from spending less time and money on travel, to enjoying a better work-life balance. According to the TUC, the average commuter spends
58 minutes a day getting to and economic consultancy, set up base and run efficiently. from work. Think of what you Regeneris stating it could add a What’s holding us back? could do with that time - take huge £82m in value over a 15The benefits are clear. But the kids to school, go to the year period. our technology isn’t there yet. A gym, take up a hobby, or even But, the benefits of this new good internet connection is not just spend more time relaxing digital infrastructure go far just a nice to have for with your loved ones. beyond just faster internet and homeworkers – it’s a necessity. There are, of course, increased flexibility. According Unfortunately, home environmental benefits too. If to the same research, having broadband often isn’t fast or more people worked from access to a full fibre network in reliable enough to make home then fewer car journeys Leeds could generate £192m permanent working from home would be made on a daily from increased business anything more than a pipe basis, reducing fossil fuel consumption daily. For businesses, it can also drive higher staff retention rates, encouraging loyalty from those seeking a better balance or increased flexibility. With increased homeworking, businesses could also consider moving to smaller, more flexible premises, reducing their CityFibre is bringing full fibre connectivity to South Leeds streets carbon footprint further. They productivity and innovation. For dream for parts of the country. might also even have access to homeowners, up to £255m CityFibre-backed research an increased talent pool, with could be added to the value of shows that 78 per cent of UK homeworking making it the local property market. consumers felt slowed down possible for people who may This, in turn, could lead to and frustrated by their internet not be able to travel for all sorts further developments and connection. But for of reasons, including disability attract new buyers and homeworkers, that figure or caring responsibilities, to businesses to both cities. increased to 82 per cent. enter the workforce. Indeed, full fibre investment Indeed, almost all At a local level, research has could drive £92m in new start- homeworkers (99%) agreed shown that worker flexibility will up growth in Leeds, with that a better connection would undoubtedly benefit Leeds’ enhanced connectivity making enable them to work from economy, with a report from it easier and less expensive to home more often, with a third
saying that doing so would improve their work-life balance and improve stress. Change is coming The solution has to be full fibre digital connectivity. Unlike the legacy copper networks used by most of the country, full fibre is the fastest – and most reliable – option there is. And with the availability of these services constantly increasing, it’s something consumers should look out for when considering their next broadband package. As key workers, and the nation’s third national infrastructure provider, CityFibre has been asked by the UK Government to continue to expand the nation’s digital capacity. It is investing up to £4bn in bringing full fibre within reach of up to 8 million homes by 2025. In Leeds alone, this represents a £120m investment in a new future proof digital infrastructure that will serve the needs of homes and businesses for decades to come. Ultimately, this investment will help to unlock the workplace – and workforce of the future. Soon, working from
home won’t just be something that only a select few can make the most of. Instead, it will be the reality for millions more employees up and down the country. The build so far Work is now well underway on Leeds’ full fibre network, and once its complete, it will be accessible to almost every home and business in the City. Work has been underway since mid-2019 in Hunslet and Riverside, Middleton Park, Holbeck, Pudsey, Bramley and Stanningley, with residents now able to connect to gigabit speed services via Vodafone. We're continuing to expand our roll-out in these areas and have recently begun works in Morley. The project is expected to be largely completed by 2025. O’Connor Utilities Ltd is delivering the construction programme on CityFibre’s behalf with a workforce that has been recruited locally. The company will use modern build techniques to deploy the network quickly, while working closely with Leeds City Council and local communities to manage disruption and ensure a fast and successful roll-out. All contractors are being urged to follow the social distancing protocols as outlined by Public Health England to ensure our build partner’s safety. To find out more about connecting to full fibre broadband in your area, visit www.cityfibre.com/your-street For more information about our response to the COVID-19 outbreak, visit www.cityfibre .com/COVID-19
Working with the Canal & River Trust at Tower Works
T
he development team behind Tower Works in Holbeck are supporting waterway and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust, the organisation that looks after Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Richardson and Ask are working with the Trust and neighbouring developments, including Mustard Wharf, to improve a 200-metre stretch of the towpath, from the Canal Office to the Railway Bridge to provide a route by the water to and from Leeds train station. Having been in need of repair for some time, the 200 year-old pathway is popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists and anglers. This traffic-free route is a popular spot away from the
hustle and bustle of the city centre. Design work is currently underway which will improve the section of towpath adjacent to the Tower Works site, on the south bank of the canal, in the heart of Leeds and a start on site will be made as soon as the current restrictions allow. Commenting on the works Alan Daines, Infrastructure Services Regional Manager for Canal & River Trust said: “Leeds Southbank area is undergoing a huge transformation presently. Landmark developments close to our canal network, such as Tower Works, are coming to fruition all the time. With our research showing that spending time by water can
help to improve our health, wellbeing and happiness we are working closely with developments to help communities to connect to their local waterway and realise the benefits of being by the water. “Previous custodians of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal have undertaken a variety of approaches to towpath repairs over the years, leaving a disjointed and uneven surface due to the different materials used. Thanks to the support of developers like Richardson and Ask our charity is able to realise more ambitious programmes and extend existing works to provide safe pathways with improved access near to water. We have already begun work at
Mustard Wharf and the new, continuous path of York stone will look superb.” Alison Carroll, development project manager for Ask Real Estate said: “Canal & River Trust is a key stakeholder and we are delighted to be working with them and our neighbours on this important work. “When building work commences on the Tower Works site we will be partnering with the Trust and our construction contractors Sir Robert McAlpine to erect hoardings along the canal path where it borders the site which will ensure we have no impact on the canal during the build programme.
“During the construction phase the towpath will be out of bounds for safety reasons and the path improvement works will take place concurrently to
the building of phase one at Tower Works, so when the development work is completed the canal path will also be ready for use.”
Artist’s impression of the Tower Works development seen from the canal
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
10 Readers’ competition
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Reminiscences of life in the 1940s I
by Vivienne Bate
’ve lived at the same address in Beeston since 1940, but before that my family had lived there since 1916. It was always rented, first by my grandparents, then my parents and eventually by me. I have a rentbook, going back to the 60’s showing the rent was 16/11d a week, and became 85p when we went decimal. Not only that, but a man came to collect it every week! Then in 1978 the landlord wanted to do some improvements which didn’t suit me, so I approached him to sell it to me – he nearly bit my hand off! He said if a tile blew off the roof it would cost a year’s rent to have it replaced. When my parents, sister and I moved in in January 1940, my granddad had recently died. He’d been a painter and decorator, and there was a beautifully sign-written board on the wall proclaiming “G W Smith & Son, Painters and Decorators”. The “& Son” was my uncle Herbert and, for a few months until he was called up into the army for World War II, he continued to run the business from our house, although he himself lived across the Park. He had a folding 2 wheeled hand-cart on which he carried all his tools, materials and ladders. All had to be loaded and
unloaded every day and stored in our cellar. Paint brushes were “worked out” on the stone floor, and then cleaned with turpentine in the cellar sink. It was a terribly cold winter and I recall seeing huge icicles hanging from the gutters. Water was heated in a back boiler behind the kitchen fire; one day there was a burst somewhere in
stirred with a heavy stick as they were coming up to the boil. When ready they were hauled out with large wooden tongs, into a peggy tub (some say dolly tub), possed (I still have the posser), maybe scrubbed on a rubbing board, put through a mangle, then put into another tub of clean water to be rinsed, possed and mangled again. Then the
Two possers, a glass washboard and a dolly tub Photo: Ciacho5 via Creative Commons the pipework and filthy sooty water poured down into the kitchen. Every Monday was washing day, and it was hard work. Whites were boiled in a “copper” – which wasn’t copper but a galvanised metal tub on legs with a massive gas ring underneath. Sheets, towels, table linen and so on were
heavy tubs had to be dragged to the door to be emptied into an outside drain. While mother was doing that in the cellar, Grandma was upstairs in the kitchen making a cooked lunch. I always came home from school, and in later years from work, for lunch. Although I was a skinny little girl I could scoff a dozen Yorkshire puddings with
gravy, followed by meat and two veg, and then walk back down to Rowland Road School – which stood where the pocket park is to-day. One of my favourite lunches was pig’s head. A pig’s head cost 6d (21⁄2 pence). The skin, ear, brains, tongue and upper cheek were made into brawn, to be sliced up and eaten cold. The lower jaw was roasted, with crackling, browned onions, mashed potatoes, carrots and a green vegetable – bliss! Sometimes a steamed suet crust pudding for afters – especially when our own-grown rhubarb was ready for pulling. Another delight was rabbit stew. We’d have the meat one day, then the next day the remaining gravy and vegetables would be served with pancakes. Of course, meat was rationed during the war, but I don’t think pig’s head and rabbit counted. Lunch was always the main meal of the day and a portion was always reheated for father when he came home from work in the evening. The rest of us ate high tea, which would be cold meat, or cheese or tinned fish with bread and butter, maybe some pickles, or celery, with (home-made of course) cake or pastry after. Enough of this foody reminiscing, it’s making me hungry. I’m off to get something to eat.
There’s always a reason to smile S
by Alannah Marsden
un shining, Rose and Henry embarked on their daily walk through Middleton Woods. They’d done the same walk since they retired twenty years ago; it had become a tradition. Their footsteps perfectly in sync, they strolled down the long, winding path. Henry’s voice swept through Rose’s hair, and she smiled contently. Rose always had a smile on her face when Henry was
around. It just so happened that Henry’s favourite saying, which he reminded Rose of every day, was ‘There’s always a reason to smile’. Henry was Rose’s reason to smile. He had been for as long as she could remember. It was a long time ago that Henry had taken Rose on their first date. New leather jacket on, hair gelled to perfection, a strong scent of aftershave surrounding him, he turned up on Rose’s doorstep. He took her hand and they walked for what seemed like
an eternity. Despite Rose’s persistent questions, not once did Henry give in and tell her where they were going. Eventually the pair came to some woods, and Henry excitedly led Rose towards a breathtakingly large oak tree. Rose was unfamiliar with her surroundings (she’d only ever been in Middleton Woods) but the unknown made the experience all the more exciting. They stood under the oak tree, holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes. It was a magical moment which seemed to last forever. After a while, Henry gently let go of Rose’s hand and pointed at the trunk of the oak tree. For the first time, Rose noticed there were carvings in the bark. She took a step closer, and realised it was a heart shape, with their initials wrote inside. Her heart melted as she turned back to look at Henry, smiling from ear to ear. “This means we will be together forever” he whispered, pulling Rose into a tight embrace. Neither of them ever wanted to let go.
Rose began to tire as they walked closer to the bench on the path. Every time the two made this journey, they’d stop at this bench so Rose could have a break before they continued. The patent shoes she was wearing had rubbed her poor feet raw, so she kicked them off and sank into the bench with a sigh of relief. Suddenly, Rose noticed something that she had never seen before - one of the trees next to the bench had carvings in it. She sat bolt upright and peered closer, rubbing her eyes to ensure they weren’t deceiving her. Sure enough, carved into the tree was a heart, and inside the heart were hers and Henry’s initials. Overcome with joy, Rose turned back towards the bench, eyes brimming with tears. She had the biggest smile on her face. “Look Henry, our carving!” she exclaimed, gazing fondly at the gold plate on the bench. The plate read ‘In loving memory of Henry; A Loving Husband’. And underneath, in small letters, it said ‘There’s always a reason to smile’.
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Competiti
Last month we set you a challenge to write a short story or take a photog your entries, here we publish a selection including the winners Hazel Mul and David Spencer for his photograph. They each win £25! Please keep w
All quiet on the motorway front
David Spencer sent us this shot of a quiet motorway, commenting: “Please see lived in Stourton Grange beside the M621 ever since my wife and I returned to the M621 completely devoid of all traffic before. Well done Coronavirus, you'v
The builder in th I
by Hazel Mulroy
t’s 1953. We live in Acre Crescent, a few doors away from my paternal grandma and not far from my maternal grandma and granddad in Thorpe Place. Things are about to change, but I’m too young to know this. My mum Doreen and dad Jack have secured a plot of land on Town Street in the old village. It’s on an elevated position on the banking and opposite the farmyard belonging to Manor Farm. Chosen by my dad because of the fine view over Leeds. My parents decide on a bungalow and my dad designs the layout and hires a local builder who has already built the two semi detached houses next door. The builder owns a goat which he keeps on the allotments in Back Mount Pleasant, but he brings it to work with him and ties it up in our back garden. My older brothers Philip and Garry soon discover that goats will eat practically anything and
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May 2020 | South Leeds Life
Wellbeing 11
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Staying well when It’s still Time to Shine H social distancing T
he Royal College of Occupational Therapists has created some top tips to support those who are undertaking social distancing to get through the next few weeks. The government has now advised that if you have an underlying health condition(s) or if you are aged 70 or older, you should be social distancing for up to 12 weeks. To some people this can seem quite daunting. Not being able to go about your daily routine or undertake the activities you normally do, after a while, could become quite stressful. We know that during this period it’s really important that you look after your mental and emotional wellbeing as well as your physical health. 1 Establish a daily routine. Routines provide structure and purpose. 2 Balance your weekly routine so you have a good mix
of work (activities that have tobe done), rest and leisure. 3 Think about which regular activities that are most important to you. What are the important elements to these? Can you adapt them to carry out in the home? For example, instead of an exercise class, following an online strength and balance routine. 4 Set daily goals to provide purpose and a sense of achievement. This might include working through that list of the things you keep meaning to do but never get round to? 5 Identify the triggers that make you feel low and look for ways to reduce or manage them. 6 Talk with family, friends and neighbours to help them understand how you feel and how they can help. Can they talk you through using apps on your mobile phone, for instance?
7 Take care of yourself. Eat and drink healthily with plenty of fruit, vegetables and water to support your immune function and energy levels. For more information see the BDA website. 8 Avoid staying still for too long. Exercise and regular movement will maintain fitness and strength. If you are working from home, take breaks and eat away from your “desk.” 9 Have a good sleep routine. If you are struggling, try avoiding tea and coffee in the late afternoon and evening, take a bath, using blackout curtains, listening to gentle music or deep breathing exercises. 10 Keep in touch. Arrange to speak to someone most days on the phone, through social media or over the garden fence. Age UK and Silverline have people to speak to, as do our local Neighbourhood Networks
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 Phone: (0113) 272 1050 Email: info@middletonelderlyaid.org.uk 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) info@trinitynetwork.org.uk
Phone: (0113) 270 7458
Email:
Call companions for over-75s
A
s we approach the second month of self-isolation, human connections have never felt so crucial. But thousands of older people across Yorkshire, many of whom were already struggling with loneliness, are now trapped in their homes with little contact or none at all. Re-engage (formerly Contact the Elderly) has been
supporting the over-75s for over 50 years. Now they’ve set up Call Companions, a new telephone befriending service, to provide support and friendship to those at further risk of isolation during the pandemic. As our development officer for Yorkshire, Deb Meynell says, “We know that self-isolation can be extremely challenging
for many older people who live alone. A good chat with your call companion really can make all the difference, lifting your spirits and helping you feel more yourself again. Anyone aged 75+ and feeling alone in these strange times should get in touch.” Like many of us, Mary, 89, is finding the crisis incredibly unsettling. Now widowed, the former nurse feels hugely grateful for her call companion. She says, “Now I only watch the news twice a day, otherwise it’s all you ever think about… It’s a real comfort to have someone to chat to.” If you’re over 75 and would like a call companion or know someone who might benefit, call 0800 716543 or visit www.reengage.org.uk
ealth For All and Time to Shine are working hard to keep our community connected and enagaged with fun, interesting and healthy activities while we are stuck at home. All of the groups are free of charge and friendly. Everybody is welcome to come along and get involved online. We can support with using the technology "Zoom" via the phone numbers below. You just need to send your email so that we can send you an invitation. Mondays starts with Life Spa
Mindfulness at 10am with Kate McIver, followed by Creative Writing at 2pm with Frederick Van Zyl. Tuesdays is a chance to ask Steve Thompson any techy questions to help you use your computer, tablet or smartphone at the IT Workshop, from 10am. Martin Brennan hosts a general knowledge Quiz at 2pm. Amy Hallam runs a Sing & Shine group on Wednesday morning from 11am. You don’t need to be pitch perfect, just be ready to let go and have some fun.
Tai Chi. Photo: Michael Coghlan via Creative Commons
On Wednesday afternoons at 2pm you can join John Mackie for some calming, gentle Tai Chi exercise. Relax, rejuvenate and enjoy a holistic healing therapy with Sue Malcolm as she leads a Reiki group on Thursday mornings at 10am. Steve Thompson is back on Thursday afternoons with Photography for Beginners at 2pm. The week is rounded off by Yvonne Ugate’s Poetry session on Friday afternoons at 3pm. This is a chance to share and discuss poetry and begin writing your own material. We also have a number of opportunities for volunteers who would like to run some groups on subjects they are passiontate and informed about. Please get in touch if you'd like to use these circumstances to share your passions with others and contribute to keeping spirits up. If you want to join any of the groups please contact Amy on 07970 652744 amy.hallam @healthforall.org.uk, or Martin on 07432 702911 martin .brennan@healthforall.org.uk.
Your Space is now online Y
our Space is a project which aims to support communities to support themselves and each other. Your Space Community Development Workers offer groups and creative activities in accessible locations. Providing space to get involved, seek support, connections with others and signposting to other services. Understanding wellbeing, recognising signs and symptoms of mental health issues, learning coping skills and building resilience are essentials in the tool kit of healthy living. Touchstone, Womens Health Matters and Holbeck Together set up Your Space a year ago and it had been running successful drop-in events in South Leeds before the lockdown. But it takes more than Coronavirus to stop the team
and they have moved their activities online. The popular Chocolate, Chat & Chill group, which ususally runs at St Matthew’s Community Centre in Holbeck is now on Zoom every Wednesday 4-5pm with Anne.
A Chocolate, Chat & Chill group for people in LS10 is starting on Thursday 30 April, 4-5pm, also on Zoom. Your Space is also entering the world of quizzes with their own general knowledge Let’s Get Quizzical. The free quiz
offers no prizes but lots of fun and runs on Fridays at 2pm through May. You can enter individually, or as a household but please observe the lockdown rules. Keep up to date with all the activities and find out how you can join in at the Your Space Facebook page: facebook .com/yourspaceleeds/ Your Space has also started a project called Letter Writers Against Loneliness. Simply phone or email annem@ touchstonesupport.org.uk 07920 461253 with the following information: • Would you like to receive letters, write letters, or refer someone else who might want a letter? • What are your interests? • What is your address? • What is your contact phone number? You will then be matched with an appropriate contact.
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
12 Colouring
Posters for the People A
by Helen Robinson
Leeds art project has launched ‘Posters for the People’ to raise funds for NHS and key workers charities with positive art. In Good Company, the Leeds-based curated street art project that has created some of the city’s most striking murals and installations, has launched an ambitious project that aims to harness peoplepower to spread a wave of technicolour positivity across the country and raise funds for charities supporting NHS staff and key workers. The project has taken over 150 poster sites across the city, including this one at Sheaf Street (pictured). In Good Company now aims to decorate homes, gardens, businesses and community spaces across the city and beyond with banners conveying thanks and positivity for NHS and key workers. Inspired by the public outpouring of gratitude and respect for NHS staff and everyone working to keep vital services running, In Good Company has brought together a collective of eight artists to create vibrant posters that people can buy to display wherever they want and a free print-athome download you can colour in yourself (Morag Myerscough’s design is reproduced here with permission for readers of South Leeds Life). The designs – created by Morag Myerscough, Studio Build, Rebecca Strickson Illustration, Anthony Burrill, FYI, Luke Tonge, Craig Black and Risotto Studio - feature messages including ‘You’re all going to deserve medals after this’, ‘Conversations
Sheaf Street Cafeteria in Hunslet
make rainbows’ and ‘Our super-heroes, we love you’. Posters for the People was the brainchild of Laura Wellington, co-founder of Duke Studios and Sheaf Street in Hunslet. She set up In Good Company as a passion project aiming to bring more large-scale art, fun and colour to the city. When projects were put on hold as COVID-19 took hold, Laura wanted to use her skills and connections to amplify the gestures of thanks she saw in the streets around her Leeds home. She says: “I was inspired by the weekly applause and the rainbow artworks popping up on pavements and in windows. We wanted to create masses of fabulous billboards and posters across the UK as we wanted the art to be for everyone across the whole country. “We turned the first one around in just 72 hours, but it quickly became clear that the national billboard process was just too slow, so we decided to give the power to the people.” Banners can be ordered from www.ingood companyuk.com in a range of sizes online and delivered to your door. All profits from the sale of the banners will go to health and care charities chosen by the artists. As this project is a charity fundraiser, South Leeds Life has donated £100. If you can afford to and you want to please join us at: www.gofundme.com/f/ help-them-help-us But most importantly get colouring and let’s see how many we can put up in South Leeds windows to show our appreciation for all our carers!
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
14 Families
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South Leeds Lockdown What we did whilst the Challenge launches schools were “closed” A
group of local community organisations, in partnership with Leeds Citizens, have come together to help entertain the kids of south Leeds by creating the ‘Lockdown Challenge’. The South Leeds Lockdown Challenge consists of the delivery of an Activity and Resource pack to families across LS11. The pack will contain daily challenges over a 14-day period on a variety of themes including exercise, gardening, craft, cooking, creative writing, art and yoga relaxation. The packs will contain a ‘Challenge Sheet’ with details of each challenge, and a box of all the resources and materials needed to complete each challenge. An arts and craft-based pack will be provided with the first delivery, containing basic arts and craft materials. If you want to take part in the challenge, for FREE, let us know by contacting
southleedslockdown@gmail.com or texting 07733 418236. Alternatively, if you are able to financially support the South Leeds Lockdown Challenge, please get in touch.
A
lthough our schools are officially closed, teachers and other staff have been working as hard as ever. They are supporting children (and their parents) at home by providing materials to help with home schooling. They have also been keeping schools open for the children of key workers and to
distribute lunches to families eligible for free school dinners. Staff have also been doing their best keep children’s spirits up sending messages and making videos to tell pupils how much they are missed. And one dedicated teacher at Middleton Primary School has taken it to the next level.
Michelle Park has created an alter-ego Veronica Silver to support the emotional wellbeing of the children. She shares daily messages on Facebook and reads a bedtime story every night. We’ve been taking a look at local schools’ social media feeds to see what the children (and staff) have been up to.
Arts and crafts materials in the first pack
A flock of paper birds brighten up the Courtyard at Cockburn School
Cottingley Primary pupils wrote to local older people in local sheltered housing Making bird feeders at Greenmount Primary A blind tasting session at Cottingley Primary
Erupting volcano experiement at Greenmount
Veronica Silver reads a bedrime story
Ruth Gorse student Joel Rutherford-Doak built a bridge out of spaghetti to hold a 250g bag of sugar!
Rainbow wax resist pictures from Gtrrenmount Primary
Reception staff at Sharp Lane Primary sent a message to pupils which was reciprocated by Fletcher class
May 2020 | South Leeds Life
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Readers’ competition 15
Email: info@southleedslife.com
on corner
raph that sums up an aspect of life in South Leeds. Thank you for all lroy in the adults category; Alannah Marsden in the under 18’s category riting and snapping - we will print more winners next month.
How Beeston In Bloom won a virtual gold medal W
e my photo taken from the footbridge over the M621 today (4 April). I have o south Leeds in 1998 from moving around the country and I have never seen ve done what seemed to be impossible!”
by Linda Stanley
hen Beeston in Bloom held it’s AGM on 2 March (BC – Before Coronavirus) little did we know what was about to happen. Plans were made and working parties arranged in preparation for our spring judging. A newly formed Wednesday garden club had worked hard in Cross Flatts Park in remarkably good weather and the Millennium Garden was well prepared. However, the instruction that we had to stay at home and not gather in groups of more than two people, put paid to all of the best laid plans. Little by little news of cancellations, closures and other restrictions quickly followed and soon everyone was at home with time on their hands. The members already had a Whatsapp group, and this quickly turned into a lifeline of jokes, videos and chat – even for those identified as key workers confined to working at home. Everyone was arranging virtual meetings, parties, and pub quizzes all designed to keeping spirits high. I’d cleaned, painted and done as much gardening at home that I could. I was looking for something to do. I knew how disappointed our group was that their hard work
Worthy of Gold: the Millennium Garden in Cross Flatts Park wasn’t going to be judged, so I came up with the idea of doing a virtual tour. All the evidence is there on Facebook for everyone to see, with commentary, photos and positive comments. I had also put together a Powerpoint presentation for the judges that was a record of all our activities in 2019. Surely that was worthy of some recognition?
Adapting the format that the Yorkshire in Bloom judges use I scored our virtual route. I realise that I am more than slightly biased, but who can blame me for being generous? We normally have to wait weeks for the results, but my way was instant – GOLD MEDAL – and I have the certificate to prove it! I accepted the award at a very simple ceremony – not the usual
he bath and other stories feed it a full packet of Woodbines along with the cigarette packet and silver paper, lolly sticks, toffees still in their wrappers and anything else they can find. On one occasion it eats through it’s rope and chases my mum into the house where she shuts herself in the bedroom until it gets fed up & wanders out again. Our next door neighbour Dolly owns a boxer dog which also torments the goat by barking at it constantly and it eventually gets into our garden and runs circles round the tethered goat, until the goat head butts it into the air and back over the garden fence! Dad is a motor mechanic and works at Wallace Arnold in Hunslet, working night shifts so he is free to work on the new house during the day. He keeps an old brown warehouse coat at the house to use as an overall (like the one that Mr Tallant always wore in his shop at the top of Middleton Park Avenue). There is no sign of the builder
on one of his visits or his brown coat so he goes looking for it and is surprised to see a fire blazing away in one of the hearths. He then hears running water and lots of splashing noises coming from the bathroom. The bathroom door is ajar and dad can just see his missing coat laid out on the floor at the side of the bath. The cheeky builder is having a free bath and using dad’s coat as a bath mat and towel! He quickly reaches in and snatches his work coat and the pile of clothing next to it and quietly leaves chuckling to himself. Nothing was ever mentioned about this episode and funnily enough it never happened again. Mum often goes to help out too. They both walk from Acre Crescent over the tram track, down Lingwell Road into Back Mount Pleasant, then down the red ash ginnel with me in the Silver Cross pram. If it’s very cold and they need hot water they light a fire and I’m wrapped in a big cosy blanket
and put in the airing cupboard for a sleep where it’s lovely and warm. I can remember that sometimes if the fire had been lit all day there would be too much hot water and the boiler would make a loud booming noise. When this happened someone would have to have a bath immediately or turn on the hot tap and run some off until the noise stopped. We move into our new home in the middle of 1954 when I am 18 months old. I am walking now & keen to explore. I have already given mum a fright by crawling up the stairs unaided in Acre Crescent when I was just a few months old. This time it’s the roof! Dad is already up there with the binoculars. I see the step ladder and decide to climb. Luckily, he spots me half way up and hoists me up to join him. Mum is looking everywhere for me & eventually finds us both perched on the ridge tiles enjoying that amazing view.
three course meal at York racecourse – but by raising a glass of wine in my kitchen. We have no idea when things will start to get back to anything like normal, but we will be doing our best to keep our displays going. Yorkshire in Bloom won’t be coming in July but I’ll happily step in with another virtual tour. It may even lead to a real life plaque!
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
16 Comment
In our view Carers on the frontline
Two things stand out from our front page report on life in South Leeds care homes. Firrstly, there is a big variation in the resources staff are given to look after the people in their care. That’s because the system is made up of a patchwork of private companies. Secondly, it is clear just how undervalued the care system is. Many of us stand on our doorsteps and ‘clap for carers’ every Thursday. That’s a great show of support, but it’s not enough. We need the government to properly fund the care of our older people.
Local heroes
There are so many individuals and organisations going above and beyond in the current situation, but let’s give a big shout out to Slung Low. We reported last month how the Holbeck theatre company had repurposed themselves to meet the challenge of getting emergency food parcels out those in need. They are still doing that, but as well they have launched a citizens art gallery and have a new film out. Where do they find the energy?
New Council housing
Away from the “Virus That Must Not Be Named” it’s refreshing to hear of some serious investment in council housing coming to our neck of the woods. Nearly 300 homes are to be built including family homes, bungalows and extra-care housing. Middleton was one of Leeds’ first council estates nearly a hundred years ago and the new homes will replace ones that were no longer satisfactory for 21st century living. With so many people living in substandard and expensive accommodation let’s hope this is just the start of building the homes we need. But let’s also ensure that the homes are served by enough doctors, dentists and school places.
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Your letters and comments New housing in Middleton
Really hope these will be for local people that have waited long enough for homes local to where they have been brought up. Dave O’Connor No doubt there will be some stupid objections. There always is. Sie I’ve not seen any notices anywhere about meetings, etc. Is it a case of tough, it’s happening as per? Will you be using rest of the field in a few years for a doctor’s, dentist and school to accommodate everyone? The traffic on Middleton Park Avenue is horrendous at peak times already. Those that have said will I get a house, well if you’re working and paying full rent and council tax don’t hold your breath, they only offer you Harehills, Burmantofts and Beeston. There’s plenty of green space in Guiseley and Otley, wouldn’t they benefit from some much needed council housing? Judith Tempest We look after the young vulnerable people. We look after the older people. But what about the disabled in the middle? My son is 47 and has a brain injury so he needs assisted living, where there is help on site if he needs it. He’s too young for sheltered housing, we need more independent living for disabled people. Why not concentrate on them and give them the quality of life they need. Where they can mix with other young people and have a quality social life with other young people. He wasn’t born disabled, a car crashed into his and now he has a brain injury. There are a lot of people in similar positions where is the housing for them? Susan Sutcliffe
Dear Year 11 Wow, just wow Allanah! As a retired secondary school teacher and having a daughter who is one of your teachers, I was so pleased she mentioned this article for me to read. I along with many other people will be bowled over by your maturity and community spirit - I now see why you are Head Girl at Cockburn!
Maisonettes on Throstle Road, Middleton in 1932. Since demolished and now due to be replaced by modern Council housing. ©Leeds Library & Information Services via www.leodis.net Your advise to your fellow students is spot on, sensible and uplifting. I cannot say it enough- well done. You should be very proud of yourself and are a credit to your family and teachers. I’m sure you will reach which ever goals you set yourself in the future. Penny McIntyre
Waterhouse, Willis Hall was born in a Hunslet back-to-back. After attending Hunslet Moor school, he went on to Cockburn Grammar School. My husband knew him at school and we followed his career with interest. Barbara Jagger
Demonstrating good leadership skills empathetic, calmly reassuring, sensible. Well done. Rachael Unsworth (via Twitter)
The actions of this gentleman are what put the Great in Great Britain. See him and be proud that you come from a country and a world that can produce such people. Captain Tom Moore finished his 100 laps around his garden, for the NHS, and raised over £13,000,000. But, he is still walking, it's not over yet! His 100th birthday is coming up. Your Majesty, knight this amazing man. Please do not make it a posthumous knighting. Paul Hindmarch
Travellers use Park & Ride While in principle I don’t have a problem but yet again. South Leeds selected. Travellers setting up next to houses is not a sensible action and would be much better in the more isolated temple green. Is there a dumping policy at LCC of anything anti social, troublesome or controversial let’s put it in south Leeds. Local councillors colluding in the desecration of local south Leeds communities. Mary Spencer Surely we are all in it together and the main thing is about supporting each other and not just during this pandemic. Is Mary Spencer’s reply suggesting that Travellers are anti social troublesome and contraversial ? What does this stem from? Ignorance perhaps? Sue Easton
Your Leeds City Councillors 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 Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:
Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk Paul Wray 07528 512 649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk
Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:
Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell
0113 378 9000 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 378 8811 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk
What about Willis Hall? I was disappointed to see no mention of Willis Hall on Keith Waterhouse’s blue plaque at Hunslet Library. Hall collaborated with Waterhouse on many works and wrote the book Billy Liar that the film was based on. Like
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
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: @CEO_HunsletClub I went up to the main distribution hub today and was massively impressed by the energy and set up. Leeds City Council are on top of this and are pulling out all the stops to support the most vulnerable and needy in Leeds. A fantastic team effort from the City & Voluntary sector
Captain Tom Moore
Ivy Benson I had the pleasure of meeting some of Ivy Benson’s band members when the blue plaque on Cemetery Road was unveiled in 2013. What a lively group of women they were - well they are jazz musicians after all. My favourite story about the band was that Field Marshall Montgomery - Monty himself - had Ivy Benson and her band flown out to Germany to entertain the troops after the German surrender in 1945. Jeremy Morton
Join the debate Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW. Letters may be edited for publication.
Keep up to date with planning issues in LS10 and LS11 We publish a weekly list of all new planning applications online at:
www.southleedslife.com
@HolbeckTogether Over 30 Roast Beef Yorkshire Pudding lunches and supper sandwich meals were freshly prepared and delivered hot to the doorsteps of our clients this afternoon. Thank you to all involved. #Holbeck #Teamwork #TogetherStronger #TogetherLeeds
@LeedsCGS Concerned about your #gambling or the gambling of a loved one? Please get in touch. ☎ 0113 388 6466 to speak to a member of the Leeds team today. Free confidential advice. #gamblingsupport #addiction #addictionrecovery #ngts @Brakecharity Speeding is dangerous and never acceptable. Please #StayHome but if you have to drive for an essential journey #takeextracare to always keep well within speed limits. #RoadSafety @QariAsim Thank you @BoardofDeputies for your thoughtful message re #Ramadan. Faith communities are having to experience their holy days very differently this year but we are determined to overcome #Covid19 challenges together.
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May 2020 | South Leeds Life
Comment 17
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MP’s notebook F
by Hilary Benn MP
irstly, a big thank you to all the council staff, voluntary organisations and volunteers who have been doing so much over the last month to help others. The theatre company Slung Low has been delivering meals to people in Holbeck and Beeston supported by the Real Junk Food Project. Holbeck Together, Belle Isle Senior Action, Middleton Elderly Aid, South Leeds Live at Home and Trinity Network have all been providing meals and support for the elderly and vulnerable people with whom they work. Volunteers from the Hunslet Club have been distributing food. And I am sure we all welcome the new campaign to express thanks to all involved – key workers and volunteers alike – called the Leeds Big Thank You. I’d also like to thank South Leeds Life which is an essential source of information about what’s happening in our community. SSL’s website and newspaper are a wonderful example of the importance of independent news organisations, but like everyone else they are struggling. That’s why I have signed a letter to
the Culture Secretary urging him to spend some of the money the Government is putting into coronavirus advertisements with local news outlets like South Leeds Life. They are trusted, widely read and like many other organisations at the moment, they could do with a helping hand. All of this community effort shows how much need there is out there in these really difficult times. The Council has seen an increase in calls from people requesting food parcels, in some cases because they are waiting for universal credit payments to come through. Others are falling through the cracks of the muchneeded income support schemes - a problem I have raised with ministers – and have absolutely no idea how they going to pay their bills. And owners of some businesses don’t know whether they will still be here as and when restrictions start to be lifted. Everyone is now wondering about what will happen next, but getting out of this will not be easy. It’s clear that until a vaccine comes along – and that seems to be a year or more away - there will be no protection against this virus. In the meantime,
trials are taking place to see whether any existing drugs can help reduce the severity of the illness of those being treated in hospital. It is what we have all done to stay at home and socially distance that has started to reduce the rate of infections. At the right time the economy will need to get going again, but what none of us want to see is a second big spike in cases. And so those who are shielding will need to go on doing so. The number of people dying every day – in hospitals and in care homes – is shocking, and in each case there is a family devastated by the loss of a loved one. What makes it even more difficult is that for many of them they were not able to be at the hospital bedside or the care home when the end came. The emotional and mental health consequences of this will be considerable, as it is for hospital staff who are working so hard to save lives but who cannot always succeed because of the nature of this virus. And that’s why we stand on our doorsteps every Thursday to applaud them. We know how hard it is. We know the risks they can run.
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
Hilary Benn MP We know that they would give us the same expert care if we fell ill. And we know that scientists in Britain and across the globe are working round the clock to develop a vaccine. So as we stand there next week looking up and down the street alongside our neighbours clapping and cheering and banging pots, we will be reminded that it is by supporting one another and working together that we will get through this. Stay safe, take care and keep getting in touch if you think I can help.
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.
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.
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
Contact: bennh@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Suite 7, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097
All Together, except independent news organisations T
wo weeks ago (17 April) the government launched a public health campaign that will not reach you. It won’t reach you because the government has not included independently owned community news publishers like South Leeds Life in its campaign. The ‘All in, all together’ campaign is a welcome response from the government to provide essential information at this time. It is also a demonstration of the government’s
support for the press. However, unless you pick up a copy of the Yorkshire Evening Post or a national newspaper, you will not have heard about it. South Leeds Life is a member of the Independent Community News Network (ICNN), which is the official trade body for independent community news publishers. Together, we reach over 5m people online each month, and over half a million in print. This makes us part of the fourth largest news publishing organisation
in the UK. Organisations like ours are frontline key workers in this industry who are keeping our communities afloat with genuine, accurate and important information during this pandemic. Sadly, we are also the ones most at risk from the current crisis. The impact of COVID-19 on organisations like ours could have a catastrophic impact on public health across the UK. Yet the Government has seen fit to exclude us from its public health campaign. And that means they have
excluded you too. Hilary Benn MP commented: “Independent publications like South Leeds Life are vital to local communities like ours, especially at times like this. We need to keep them going through this crisis so that they can carry on serving local people once it’s over. The problem is that advertising revenue has been severely hit, so one way Government could help would be to place public health information advertisements in these newspapers.”
Any public health campaign that does not include publications like ours is insufficient and is a dereliction of the government’s duty to communities at this time. This is why we are calling on your support to demand the Government supports organisations like ours and gives us an equal share of its public health advertising spend. We need this so that we can continue to bring you the valued and trusted news you have come to expect from us and rely on.
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
18 Local history
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My local hero: Mining in Beeston village Ivy Benson W
by Hazel Millichamp
hen we were still allowed in our workspaces, I had a wall of heroes to inspire me at my side whilst I toiled. On that wall were, amongst others, French & Saunders, CJ Walker, Little Simz and Ivy Benson. Ivy has always been extra special to me as she was born in Holbeck and a house in my home town, Beeston, sports a blue plaque with her name. Ivy formed her All Girl Band in 1939 and surpassed male band leaders in many people's minds, because she actually performed as well as she conducted. Ivy’s Dad was an accomplished musician and by the time she was 5 he had taught her to play the piano. At the age of 9 she had held a piano recital on BBC Children’s Hour and was touring working men’s clubs under the stage name Baby Benson. As she grew up, Ivy had no cash to buy any instruments so she went from a job in a shoe department to one in a clothing factory in order to save enough money to buy her first clarinet. Despite all of her hard work she still had to pay it off in installments. At the age of seventeen she was in the factory from 8am until 6pm and performing at dances in the evening from 8pm until 2 or 3 in the morning. She suffered a nervous breakdown and something had to give - luckily for music lovers everywhere it was the factory work that she dropped. It wasn’t an easy time as she explains “At that time, girl musicians were looked upon as something freakish. Something odd. We’d invaded a masculine field.”
Band leader Ivy Benson
Sick of the appalling pay and conditions for female musicians, Ivy decided to do something about it. In her first band she had five female musicians, all older than her and not as talented as she would have liked. In fact, she described her efforts at forming them into a successful band as like getting “a silk purse from a sow’s ear”! Ivy entertained the troops during WW2 from the age of 18. She thoroughly enjoyed the work although she was only paid £10 per performance. Even as late as 1971, Ivy is discussing in an interview how hard it is for female musicians to make their way into the jazz scene and is still being asked the question “Do female musicians sound different to male ones?” The answer of course, is no. 90% of Ivy’s musicians were from the North of England and ranged from age 15 to 26 years old. She often lost a large part of her band as they went off to get married. Over 250 women were recruited to her band over a 40 year period, with one band member calling her “the mother hen looking after her young”. It is rumoured she could be quite strict when the need arose, which I can imagine was often with a band of young, talented women playing to packed theatres night after night. Ivy adapted the style of her music to reflect the changes in popular music from the 1950s onwards. When she had to change the name of her band to “Ivy Benson and Her Show Band” to comply with the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act, it is believed that she often offered male musicians a place in the band on the proviso he could get into a size 10-16 dress. In true style, Ivy’s last gig was in 1982 at The Savoy Hotel in London. She was involved in the work of Help The Aged after her retirement. Ivy put paid to the idea that a female band of musicians could not sound as good as a male one and outlasted most who ever dared to express that opinion. Ivy Benson is my local hero because she was doing girl power before the Spice Girls ever existed. Incidentally, Sporty Spice Melanie Chisholm, has an excellent show about her forebear, Ivy Benson that is available on the BBC Sounds app.
C
by Ken Burton
oal mining began in Beeston prior to 1549, we know this because in that year Ralph Beeston died and in his will left his 'Coyle Mine' to his son Robert. In fact, mining was probably the largest single factor in the fortunes of the Beeston Family, and enabled them to rise from small landowners to be Lords of the Manor. The pits they drew there revenue from were the Beeston Park Pits, these were situated in the fields behind the Southleigh Estate. The Beeston 'Bed' was a multi-purpose coal with an abundance of brickmaking material and fire-clay beneath the seam, above which was a layer of ironstone, the seam laying very close to the surface. This geological structure gave rise to an acid brown soil, and this encouraged the development of the one time largest rhubarb growing area in England. The seam runs south-west and was worked at Middleton for 300 years, later at Rothwell, and if our mines were still open today it would still be worked at Castleford. In its infancy coal mining took the form of a bell, known of course as 'Bell-Pits'. The other method was to dig into the bank at an angle this was known as a drift mine or 'Day Ole'. The art of both these excavations was knowing the moment to get out before it all collapsed as with a bell pit, Beeston was riddled with Bell Pits and Day Oles. The 1840 Survey Map records a fair proportion of these early pits, but does not state which kind they were. In the village itself there were five: the Durban Estate possessed one in Wood's Field; there were two on the allotments at the side of King Field; another was near to St. Anthony's Road and the Bowling Club; and one was close to the present day Hugh Gaitskell School, houses for this pit were built in Ladbro Fold and were of the onebedroom terrace type, an archaeological dig was carried out in the early 21st century on Nos.5 and 7 in this Fold. There was also one at the top of Parsons Field. On the 'Pack Horse' track that still runs along the rear of St. Mary's Graveyard there were two more pits; Beggars Hill possessed one as did Wooley's Brickyard on the left-hand side of Barkly Road, and comparatively it was not a long time ago that a 'Bell Pit' was found on Leeds United's Ground next to the goalposts at
the 'Kop' end and at the Old Tempest are familiar, of course, Peacock across the road from they are all names of streets off there is the site of another pit. Tempest Road! At the corner of A 'Plate Road', which was a Cross Flatts Park the first continuous stretch of iron house you come to walking gutter, made in the same down the hill is called principal as a railway line, and Cranbrook House, Lord laid on the ground ran from Cranbrook was the Chairman of what is now Subway's the Low Moor Company (Grandstand Garage) on Elland The mining rights of the Road up the side of Parson's village were bought by the Low Field and so enabled the coal Moor Company of Bradford in waggon to reach Beeston the 1880s, this meant they Station. The station was built by were effectively Lords of the the Great Northern Railway for Manor. By this time the the coal and ore traffic in the advancement of mining 1800s and was removed under techniques produced proper Dr. Beeching's plan in the shafts and winding gear on the 1960s. The Nosters and Marley Beeston landscape. According terraced houses were another to the McCorquadale Directory feature added to Beeston to of Leeds for 1876 Low Moor assist the growing mining House, Barkly Road, was community. occupied at that time by Ingles Tannery had the Hezekiah Tempest who was entrance to a mine under their shown as Colliery Manager at offices, the pumping station Millshaw Colliery, in 1888 their was in a field opposite. It is said General Manager was Levi that the mine had a 'Pan Shaft' Woodward who in 1876 was a with fires to keep out the damp Colliery Steward living in the and also to get out the gases. Cad Beeston or Beeston Hill possessed twelve pits, the Red Hall and Cardinal Estates had four apiece in their vicinity. There were two in the fields bordering onto Beeston Ring Road these fields became an opencast site in the 1950s. The land near Royds had one and there were three on Stanks Hall land. The White Holling Pit was on the site of the present Parkwood Estate, and the area with Diagram of a Bell Pit the largest concentration of Low Moor Cottages as was pits was the triangle of land another Steward called Charles using Gypsy Lane, Southleigh Thornton. Road, and the boundary of Opposite Low Moor House Middleton Woods, this area was Beeston Colliery, Bye Pit, was called 'Pit Hills' and held looking at the map this seems twenty-one pits. to have been where the later Child labour was Myers Leather Works was commonplace in the pits, and situated and is now the Atha by 1874 Beeston was no Estate. One of the pits under exception. The main colliery at their control was Hall Pit, the Beeston had an explosion of entrance of which was in the 'Fire-Damp' causing the loss of proximity of the Heath Estate. nine lives, four of these being The shaft ran along the base of children under the age of the hill into the present playing fifteen. Children were also fields. It was not very deep, in employed to 'Knap' ironstone at fact it is told that you could a nominal amount a day. actually kneel down and talk to In the 1861 Whites we find A. the miners if you shouted. Hall Harding & Company, Beeston Pit was closed prematurely Manor Coal & Iron works. The when the miners hit a spring, 1870 Whites Directory Hird, the roof caved, in and the mine Dawson, and Hardy are shown flooded but no lives were lost. as Colliery Proprietors but no Also in the 1876 Directory pits are named but surely these William Ingham & Son are names along with Hezekiah listed as Colliery Proprietors
owning the Dragon and Manor Pits in Beeston. It is said that between 1840 and 1870 the hills around Beeston glowed with the fires of many blast furnaces using the coal and ironstone produced from these pits and the village earned itself the nickname of 'Cinder Hills'. The Daltons and Cross Flatts housing estates were built on what were originally pit hills though older people may remember them as the 'Poppy Fields'. Another Plate Road ran down Barkly Road past the Dean Pit located near where St. Anthony's Church and School are now to the Lord of the Manors' coal staiths situated at the bottom of King Field. The Drysalters Pit, located on the opposite side of the road to Crow Nest Lane, is now under the motorway link road, there were five shafts on this site and the nearby Beeston Near Royds houses came into existence as homes for the miners. The slag from the Drysalters Pit was used in the creation of the Ring Road in the 1930s. The Low Moor pit was a continuation of the seam which started in the Beeston Park Pit, this pit was situated behind what is now the Broadway Public House on Dewsbury Road. Before Dewsbury Road was widened in the 1920s there was a plan in place to make where we now have the Allenby Estate a marshalling yard for the pit on a spur from the Great Northern line from Tingley to Hunslet East but nothing came of this. There were two seams according to Mr. A. Robinson, the top one named 'Crow Ole' and the lower one named the 'Black Bed'. The top side was mined under the South Leeds Golf Club House and the lower side was mined under the former Hunslet Rugby League Ground at Parkside. There was an accident here in 1902, James Metcalf, George Elliot, and Benjamin Richardson fell down the pit shaft and lost their lives, as did Tom Basker in 1909. The pit eventually went bankrupt and closed on Good Friday 1928 thus bringing an end to coal mining in Beeston. Various Directories have said that the sinking of these pits spoiled the appearance of the village, but this geological phenomenon helped the village into and through the Industrial Revolution.
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May 2020 | South Leeds Life
School Life 19
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Class Dynamix shows Belle Isle’s Got Talent! P
upils from Music Federation schools in South Leeds (Windmill and Low Road Primaries) became prime time stars when they appeared on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday 25 April. We spoke to Danny Gough, the founder of Class Dynamix to find out how children from Belle Isle and Hunslet ended up on national television. Class Dynamix is a unique venture that is driven by a passion to empower children of all abilities and experience with self-confidence and courage – through powerful original songs. The material is created by myself. Windmill & Low Road Primaries (Music Federation) are our "Gold Partnership Schools" and have truly
championed our work since we launched Class Dynamix back in 2014. They have embraced our project into their diverse curriculum. We have collaborated on many exciting projects together over the past 6 years – with a shared passion to inspire children to grow their characters and live with courage. It is a journey which has taken us from Headingley Stadium, to TV adverts, Leeds Arena and music video's that have been enjoyed across the globe on Youtube. However, to have the "oncein-a-lifetime" opportunity of a surprise audition on Britain's Got Talent – and even a personal visit from Simon Cowell himself - is the most incredible chapter in our story
It’s a Yes from me - Class Dynamix rocking it on Britain’s Got Talent
Advice for Year 11s H
by Alannah Marsden
ere we are, in a position we never expected to find ourselves in. GCSE’s no longer going ahead, no school for the foreseeable future, and restrictions on how you can spend this large amount of free time you suddenly have. These strange times mean you’re probably feeling sad, worried and anxious, or at least you have felt these things over the last month. I know this because I am a year eleven student myself; I’m going through the same things as you and feeling the same emotions as you. I wanted to write this to give you some advice, from one year eleven to another, so you know that you’re not alone in these scary times. I hope you may find it useful. Looking after your mental health is so important, now more than ever. It’s natural that you’ll have bad days as well as good days, so don’t worry if you have days where you just want to stay in your bedroom and watch TV all day. You don’t have to feel on top of the world all the time, because let’s face it, no one is enjoying life as much as usual right now. But what’s crucial is that you talk to people about how you’re feeling. Your parents and carers are of course there to help you through whatever you may be struggling with. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to them, there are so many resources available online such as kooth.com which provides free online counselling. There are also helplines such as Childline which you can ring any time. The most important thing is
No exams this year, but keep focussed that you’re not alone and there’s always someone you can confide in. Your friends are there for you too! If you’re reading this and you haven’t been in touch with a friend for a while, send them a message or give them a call! It could make the world of difference. There’s a lot of questions around what you should actually be spending all this free time doing. While there’s no correct answer to this, here’s some things I think would be beneficial to you to spend your time on. One of the most useful things you could be doing right now is looking into your next steps, whether that be college or an apprenticeship. If you are still unsure what you’d like to do in September, now’s your chance to really look into your options and start to decide which you think would be the best for you. If you already know what subjects or course you’re doing at college, start researching these! This is a great opportunity to gain some prior knowledge which will come in handy later on. Now, I’m not saying you should spend all your time
doing this, just a few hours a week will suffice and keep you busy. Because now is also a great time to do things you enjoy. Why not try a new hobby, like baking or learning an instrument? We’ve all got things we’ve put off because we had more important things to do. Now’s the time to do that thing, write that story, master that dance move, learn that new language. You may never get the chance to do these things again. Don’t waste it. Most importantly, try not to worry. If you’re worried about the grades you’re going to get, I can assure you that your teachers will do everything they can to ensure you get the grades you deserve. If you’re worried about missing out on events like graduation and prom, I know that the majority of schools will have some kind of celebration event for year eleven if and when it is safe to do so. And if you’re worried about the fact that this seems endless, I’ll leave you with a quote that has really helped me over the past few weeks: “Be strong because things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it never rains forever.”
yet. The children had the biggest shock of their lives when he burst into our choir rehearsal – whisking them off to Manchester to show the world what they can do. It was an incredibly emotional moment. It was beyond surreal. It presented us with the perfect challenge to showcase the unique work we have been pioneering for many years and to fly the flag for Leeds before the nation! The kids rose to the challenge so brilliantly by performing our anti-bullying
song with an awesome display of solidarity and courage. The response online since Saturday's show aired has been incredible to say the least. They really did "seize the moment". Bullying is a universal issue that resonates with so many people – and the children produced an inspirational performance. Simon said that in all his years on the show – he had never seen a choir like us! Everyone connected with the schools and the area must be feeling so proud – especially the parents of those kids.
For the children, it has not only given them a memory to cherish forever – but it has taught them that through dedication and belief – dreams can come true. And Simon Cowell can rock up at your school. I'm not sure that'll be happening again anytime soon! The show was filmed in February and with four Yeses, Class Dynamix will progress to the deliberation stage, where the judges decide who makes it through to the live shows. Hopefully these will take place later in the year.
South Leeds schools step up to help NHS staff S
chools in South Leeds have been doing their bit to support the NHS during the current Coronavirus outbreak, making and donating Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Design & Technology staff at both Cockburn School in Beeston and Cockburn John Charles Academy in Belle Isle have made 110 face shields
and donated 50 pairs of protective eyewear. The items were donated to health centres and care homes in Beeston and Middleton areas and a Leeds midwifery team. Middleton Neighbourhood team commented: “I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the visors Cockburn dropped off at Middleton
Protective visors ready for health workers
Health Centre today. The staff are delighted. Thank you again.” Hugh Gaitskell Primary School in Beeston have also donated science goggles, commenting on Twitter: “Our science goggles have been donated to the NHS. It’s not much but we hope it helps. You’re all amazing!”
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
20 Cultural Life
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
Make history at home with Museum window project
Slung Low film to premiere online T
Health and fitness window display
I
t was the weekly wartime showcase that put centuries of Leeds history in the frame. Now Leeds City Museum is giving local residents the chance to put their own curatorial talents to the test and create a city-wide network of wonderful windows inspired by the museum’s remarkable collection. With council-run museums and galleries currently closed as part of efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus, the new Museum Window project will see the museum team select and highlight a different object from their huge array of exhibits every week. Residents will then be invited to create their own display at home on the same theme, using anything from family heirlooms, ornaments or items they have made while self-isolating before placing them in a window and sharing their efforts online using #MuseumWindow. The idea was sparked by a project which first began in 1933, when Leeds City Museum hosted its own weekly window display. At that time the museum was located on Park Row and every week, an object was chosen to be displayed in one of the building’s windows facing the street. An accompanying story about the objects on show was also featured in the Yorkshire Evening Post. The project continued until the 1950s, even though the museum’s main building was destroyed by an air raid in 1941. Displays already created include
An Alan Bennett window display
one themed around Yorkshire playwright Alan Bennett and another looking at local sports clubs and activities. Leeds Museums and Galleries’ project curator Catherine Robins, said: “The original Museum Window project was born from the idea that people from all walks of life could engage with the collection by doing something simple as walking past a window. “While our sites are closed, we’re still really keen to connect with visitors so we thought we’d bring this idea back for the first time in more than 60 years and help people with a shared love of history connect with each other in a different way. “We’d love to see people across Leeds creating their own Museum Window for themselves and others to enjoy while they also help Leeds City Museum collect some new stories during this extraordinary chapter in our local history.” To help those creating their own window display, the museums team have put together a guide including tips for how to display objects safely, share your story online and how to make your own object labels like those visitors would find in a museum. To find out more about how you can create your own Museum Window, visit: museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/ featured/make-your-own-museumwindow
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he award-winning Holbeck-based theatre company Slung Low are delighted to announce that on Friday 1 May they will be streaming online for free the premiere of their new short film The Good Book. The Good Book will be the first production for the newly formed Leeds People’s Theatre and is produced by Slung Low with the support of Leeds 2023. Set in a future Leeds, The Good Book, tells the story of a society that is divided between loyalists of the powerful Queen Bear and radical followers of Galahad. Avalon is a young woman
desperate not to take sides, but as civil war begins, she must undertake a dangerous mission to rescue a precious relic from destruction. The short film features a cast of invited actors including Bradford actress Riana Duce, Angus Imrie, Katie Eldred, along with – as South Leeds Life reported at the time – over 100 members of the local Leeds community. Filming took place in late January at Slung Low’s base, The Holbeck club and at Holbeck Cemetery, Leeds Central Library and Leeds Town Hall.
Directed by Sheffield film maker Brett Chapman, The Good Book continues James Phillips’ future dystopia, which began in The White Whale at Leeds Dock in 2013, continued in 2014 with Camelot, a Slung Low and Sheffield Theatres’ outdoor co-production and was last seen as a centre piece of Hull, UK City of Culture 2017’s performance programme and on the BBC with the epic Flood. Leeds People’s Theatre has been created by Slung Low and will be a dedicated division for large-scale professional arts projects with communities in Leeds
at the heart of them. This involves the community participating in and with professional artists and creative teams, offering an opportunity to learn, gain more experience or simply be part of a community. The Good Book will be the first of several projects that Slung Low are currently planning for Leeds People’s Theatre. The Good Book, which is supported by Leeds City Council, Leeds 2023, Arts Council and Leeds People’s Theatre will be available to stream online for free from 12pm on Friday 1 May at www.slunglow.org/TGB
The community cast enacted a riot scene on the steps of Leeds Town Hall
“I’d never been in a riot” I
by Sue Talbot
’ve never been in a riot, I’ve never been in a fight” sang the 70s Leeds punk band The Mekons. Nor had I until I was part of the community cast in a film by James Philips, produced and directed by Holbeck’s very own theatre company, Slung Low. I left school before Drama was on the curriculum, but I’ve always had a hankering to be on the stage so, when Slung Low’s Community College put on a short course of Performance
Skills, I was right in there. Then it turned out that, following a short film created with professional actors and community performers for Hull’s year as City of Culture, they planned to make a sequel in Leeds. The Good Book imagines a dystopian future as fundamentalist “Galahadis” challenge supporters of “Bear”, the revolutionary leader in the Hull film, but ends on a note of hope. People from all different backgrounds, both local and from further afield (including some Hull community
performers) came together in rehearsal and filming to make The Good Book. We reheased over two weekends and filmed over two more weekends. We sang, learnt stage fighting, waved flares, chanted and – the highlight - we “rioted” in February in the cold and rain outside the Town Hall. It was great! In the process we became Leeds People’s Theatre. We learnt new skills, made new friends, and saw how much work goes on behind the scenes in making even a short film.
Now I understand how film budgets get to be so big. Even the shortest scene requires many ‘takes’ and a hotde of technical support in the form of lighting, sound, camera operators, technicians and other support staff. Not to mention the producer, director, costume and set designers and makers. And they all need to be fed! After this experience, I’ll certainly be watching out for more Leeds People’s Theatre productions once the lockdown is over, and I can’t wait to join in again.
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May 2020 | South Leeds Life
Cultural Life 21
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Coronavirus brings new audiences for South Leeds podcaster G
by Helen Robinson
overnment guidance for people to stay at home during the Coronavirus outbreak has brought some surprising positives for one South Leeds podcaster. The Light on Leeds podcast, which celebrates its one-year anniversary this month, has seen audience numbers soar. “Downloads for the podcast have doubled since the lockdown began”, reports Beestonbased founder and producer Hazel Millichamp, who runs the podcast in her spare time. Having lived in Leeds for 16 years, Hazel was inspired to create the podcast by people she’d met here. “I love Leeds, and I wanted to share the stories of the people who make things happen here.
participated in a creative writing course at the Community Cultural College run by Holbeck-based theatre company, Slung Low. I loved how they were developing the community hub there and I wanted more people to know about it, so I invited artistic director Alan Lane to be the first Light on Leeds guest. “I chose Alan because Slung Low epitomises what the podcast is about - all of the amazing things happening in the city and the fantastic people making them happen.” Since that first podcast went out in May last year, Hazel has interviewed guests for 31 “pre-Coronavirus” episodes. Guests have included sports people, social activists, singers, artists, playwrights, a twice BAFTA winner, fiddler player, podcast hosts, actors, photographers and people
involved with mental health initiatives and charities. Every episode also features a track from a Leeds-based band. Hazel is keen to reflect the whole of Leeds geographically, showcasing a diverse range of topics and voices. “My son, for example, is a huge sports fan. So that led to me interviewing Leeds Rhinos and Women’s Super League rugby star, Danika Priim.” Previous podcast interviewees have also included Geraldine Mongomerie and Fe from Leeds Arts, Wellbeing and Health network; award nominated mental health activist and founder of Keep Real, Kimberley Robinson; and founding chair and curator of BasementArtsProject, Bruce Davies. The Coronavirus lockdown has brought many challenges, not least logistically.
“I used to invite guests to my house and record the podcast there. I took advice from local musician Emelia Quinn, who suggested using the Cleanfeed system to record interviews remotely. The audio files are then downloaded and sent to John Boocock, who edits them for me. “Our lives have completely changed since lockdown began, and I was struck by the resilience of people who have quickly adapted,” Hazel explains. She began producing ‘The Corona Bloody Virus Extraordinary Episodes’ to record the community’s response to the virus. “I’m now Podcaster Hazel Millichamp covering the great things who is now delivering food to families people are doing to get across the city as part of a Leeds through the current Community Healthcare Trust initiative, situation, how and artist Yusef Arjo (@artbyarjo on Coronavirus is affecting Instagram) who has switched from them personally, plus craft markets to online auctions to sell helpful advice and his work. Listen to the Light on Leeds podcast resources that are being created, for example www.lightonleeds.com or if you know of someone who would make a great around mental health. For example guest, or a band has a track they’d like Moortown deli owner Iris included, please email me at Silverman (AKA Ira B) hazelmillichamp@gmail.com.
Art gallery with a difference opens in LS11 T
he award-winning theatre “Itcompany all started in South Slung Low Leeds,” have Hazel “I with had opened a explains. new art gallery a difference. Based in Holbeck, the company has opened the LS11 Art Gallery which features the best paintings, drawings and photographs created and chosen by the people of Holbeck and Beeston. However instead of displaying on gallery walls the images will be displayed on lamp posts around the two areas for all to see. The company have asked people to email from the two areas their image to the Holbeck theatre company and they will arrange to come round and take a photo of it that will then be printed onto special plastic board. The images will then be put on display on lamp posts around the Holbeck and Beeston areas. Alan Lane, Artistic Director of Slung Low said: “Our instinct at Slung Low is always to be useful and kind. For the last few weeks that has primarily been about delivering food bank parcels and helping people get their prescriptions. “We know that a hungry soul will find it hard to be creative, to find joy so the first part of our response has to be making sure that people have their basic material needs met: and we will continue that work until this is all over. “But as theatre makers we also understand the importance of storytelling and that there are different ways to be useful. “LS11 Art Gallery is us telling
Missing Oddsocks? Watch them on YouTube T
Artworks are being displayed on lampposts around Holbeck and Beeston the story that this area - like all parts of this nation - is full of creativity, that in every house are people who are brilliant, creative and capable of profound beauty. We need to make sure we keep telling that story in these challenging times. “We’ve opened an art gallery on the lamp posts of LS11 and the people who live here are making what we exhibit. Let’s cheer ourselves up a bit!” Founded in 2000 Slung Low is an award-winning theatre company specialising in making epic productions in non-theatre spaces, often with large community performance companies at their heart. The company recently relocated to The Holbeck, the oldest
working men’s club in Britain. They run the bar as a traditional members’ bar and the rest of the building as an open development space for artists and a place where Slung Low invite other companies to present their work that otherwise might not get to be seen in Leeds. All work presented at The Holbeck is Pay What You Decide. In Autumn 2018 Slung Low launched a Cultural Community College based in Holbeck; a place where adults come to learn new cultural skills – from stargazing to South Indian cooking, from carpentry to singing in a choir – and all workshops, supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, are provided on a Pay What You
Decide basis. The company are now volunteer guardians of the city ward of Beeston & Holbeck taking referrals from Leeds City Council Covid-19 helpline (0113) 378 1877. With the help of the staff of other arts organisations in Leeds including Opera North they are delivering food and medicine to the vulnerable, elderly and those in isolation. If you live in Holbeck or Beeston and want your drawing or painting or photograph to be a part of this then you can; take a picture of it and send it to Slung Low by email at theholbeck@slunglow.org or texting on 07704 582137 and they will arrange to come round and take a copy of it for you.
he annual performance of Shakespeare by Oddsocks Theatre in Middleton Park is one of the highlights of the South Leeds Summer. Sadly, like many events this year, their production of The Comedy Of Errors has had to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus restrictions. It’s not only our loss, the summer tour provides the main income for Oddsocks. One way we can help them keep afloat
so that they can return next year is to watch a past performance on YouTube and make a financial donation. Oddsocks are uploading a new video to their YouTube channel each week at: youtube.com/c/Oddsocks Comms The videos are free to watch, but if you can afford to please consider making a donation via their website at: www.oddsocks.co.uk
Much Ado About Nothing, Oddsocks style, now on YouTube
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
22 South Leeds Lives
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How I stopped filling my black bin F
Snakes in Middleton Park?
Facebook went a bit crackers on 12 April after Michelle Deacon Robertshaw posted a photo of a large snake wrapped around a tree in Middleton Woods with the message: “Took a walk in woods. Didn’t expect to see this đ&#x;˜ â€? Over 1,500 people commented on the status, but few scrolled down to see Michelle’s follow up comment: â›”THE SNAKE WAS WITH ITS OWNER I ASKED IF I COULD TAKE A PICâ›” So that’s all good then. Don’t have nightmares.
by Mark Day
rom a young age, I have had a keen interest in animals and the environment, because of this I have always tried to do things which could reduce my carbon footprint. I had solar panels installed years ago, and have reduced the amount of meat I consume by not cooking it at home. In recent years I have tried to further reduce my environmental impact. One way I am doing this is by reducing the amount of waste I produce. I now produce virtually zero ‘general’ (black bin) waste that is incinerated at Cross Green. I have achieved this in a variety of ways; primarily I am reusing/repurposing as much as possible. I recycle all I can using the council's kerbside collection (green bin) and recycle other items, such as glass, crisp packets, and cat food pouches, through various collection schemes throughout the city. My food waste is either fed to
my chickens or composted in my back garden. After utilizing all of these methods I still found myself having more waste which could not be recycled. To achieve even greater reduction I started making ecobricks! An ecobrick is essentially a plastic bottle filled with unrecyclable plastic. You take the plastic, cut it up, and pack it into a bottle to produce a “brick� that can be used in projects to build things. While it can be a lot of effort to compress the plastic to a high enough density, making ecobricks has prevented me from sending this plastic to to be burnt while highlighting the amount of unrecyclable plastic I consume. In turn this has led me to question the packaging of the products I buy, picking those with no, or less, packaging. I now buy loose fruit and veg where I can, taking my own reusable bags to put them in and try and choose product options with recyclable
Ecobricks packaging. By implementing all these methods I now very rarely have any waste to dispose of in the black bin. I completely acknowledge I am in no way perfect at this, I understand that if I eat out I can’t control the waste produced, and there are instances where I just can’t figure out how to dispose of something without putting it in
the black bin. I try to balance up enjoying my life and reducing my impact on the environment, taking each step as a learning opportunity to try and improve going forward. If anyone has questions about ecobricks, composting, recycling, or generally how to reduce waste, feel free to get in touch via South Leeds Life.
Licensing Act 2003 Notice is hereby given that Chilled Events Ltd., have made an application under section 17 of part 3 of the Licensing Act 2003 for the grant of a premises licence for the premises known as: The Lockup Leeds, Unit 5, Leathley House, Butterley Street, Leeds, LS10 1AW I intend to conduct the following licensable activities on or from the premises: Sale of alcohol, Recorded music Sunday to Wednesday 11:00 - 00:00 Thursday to Saturday 11:00 - 03:00 Live Music Monday to Sunday 11:00 - 00:00 Subject to the following terms: CCTV, Challenge 21, incident register, litter clearance Responsible authorities or any other person may make written representations to Leeds City Council about this application until 25 May 2020 which should be sent to Entertainment Licensing, Leeds City Council, Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR For full details and to view a copy of the application please contact Entertainment Licensing on 0113 378 5029 or email entertainment.licensing@leeds.gov.uk It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application and the maximum fine for which a person is liable on conviction for this offence is an unlimited fine
Archaeology in the garden
OK it’s not a pre-historic find, but reader Debra Lunn found this model whilst digging in her garden. The inscription says: ‘Plan of Park Works building commenced 1902.’ Debra wonders if it might be the Copperworks at Stourton - if you any ideas please contact us.
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South Leeds Life | May 2020
24 Sporting Life
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Corinthians crowned champions in shortened season
final, but with no one able to qualify for the competition next season they are hoping this will be carried forward. We hope to be open as soon as we can and get ready for next season. We wish everybody well and hope they are staying safe. Imran Marashli adds:
The RFU calculated the final positions based on “a best playing record formula”. The method left Leeds Corinthians top of the Yorkshire Three table with a rating of 101.40, just above Baildon, who are also promoted with a score of 100.68. Third-placed Knottingley just
missed out on promotion with a final score of 100.10. Club President Andrew Cassar paid tribute to “the players, coaching staff, sponsors and supporters without whom we would not have been successful” and the committee in a Facebook post following the news.
South Leeds’ only rugby union club had six remaining league fixtures in the ninth tier of English rugby. They end with a record of 16 wins, four defeats and 78 points from their 20 games. They scored a league-best 652 points – 100 more than the second-best attack, Baildon – and conceded 348 points. The club was on course to better its points tally from last year, when it finished with 88 points from 26 games. It is the club’s first Yorkshire Three title since the 1999/2000 season and represents a huge success for Peter Seabourne in his first year as coach after he was appointed in June 2019. “It’s not the way we wanted the season to end, we were given no chance by people who thought they knew better. Well done to all concerned,” Seabourne tweeted. Leeds Corinthians and Baildon replace Barnsley and West Park Leeds, the two teams relegated from Yorkshire Two, in the eighth tier.
Hunslet RLFC can ride the coronavirus storm as squad rallies to the cause
acceptance and Thornton, who has been at the helm at the South Leeds Stadium since 2018, said: “It’s very pleasing. One of the factors behind me signing – and retaining – players was character, and that’s certainly been very evident in the lads’ collective attitude. “That positive approach is one of the reasons for us currently being top of the table and will hopefully put us in a strong position to secure promotion as and when the 2020 campaign resumes.” He continued: “We’re obviously unable to train as a
group at the moment but I’ve no reason to doubt that all the players are putting the required work in, albeit in the relative comfort of their own homes. “They’re all keen to get back into action and I know that they are very aware of the work being done by their board on the club’s – and their – behalf. I’ve been very impressed by the pro-active approach to the impact of the coronavirus crisis by our directors, with no avenue unexplored as Hunslet seek solutions to the many challenges that face all professional sports clubs. “These are difficult times but
in all the circumstances I really do feel that we are in a strong position. We have a very professional board, made up of volunteers, that brings many complementary skills and talents to the table, and we have extremely committed players of real quality. Our backroom staff, including my assistant coaches Gary Barnett and Mark Cass, also have a great deal to offer and, of course, our supporters are as enthusiastic and vociferous as any in the competition. “All we need now is for the coronavirus crisis to pass, and to get back into action!”
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by Andrew Cassar
ike all other sports teams Middleton-based Leeds Corinthians RUFC have had their season cut short by the COVID-19 virus and eagerly awaited an announcement from the RFU on how their season would end. Corinthians had been pace setters in Yorkshire Division 3 all season and had been at the top of the league at the termination, closely followed by arch rivals Knottingley, and Baildon who were finishing the season strongly and had defeated Corinthians in their last league game. Towards the end of the week the RFU announced that they would award points to all clubs based on their season’s previous results. Then on Friday evening (3 April) came the news that the RFU had completed their calculations and awarded the title and promotion to Corinthians. This was a fair outcome as they had consistently been the best
H
unslet RLFC’s Chairman Kenny Sykes has issued an open message to the club’s loyal and enthusiastic fans in which he revealed that measures put in place during the winter should stand the BetFred League 1 leaders in good stead in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Sykes said: “You don’t need me to tell you that the coronavirus pandemic has had a massive impact on all walks of life, including on Rugby League. “Just a note to say, though, how delighted the board is by the wonderful commitment of the players to the cause. Each and every one of them has agreed to accept furlough payments until such time as fixtures resume, which hopefully will be sooner rather than later as head coach Gary Thornton and his squad target promotion from Betfred League 1. “The board has, after several
Corinthians players celebrate one of their many wins this season. team in the division and a deserved reward for coach Peter Seabourne, the players and the backroom staff. Corinthians now have to wait for the decision on the outcome of the National Junior Vase competition. Corinthians had won themselves a place in the semi
discussions in which all options and potential consequences have been debated in detail, put plans in place which should ensure that Hunslet RLFC survives the crisis. Indeed it’s no secret that, partly because of the issues we faced and addressed during the close season – and, crucially, with the huge backing of supporters, who backed our membership drive so impressively – we are in a better position than most professional sports clubs to ride the storm. “Temporary measures have had to be put in place to help us do that, one of which is that, as announced recently on our website, the lottery has been suspended. “In addition, like any business, we have to be realistic and it’s quite possible that there will be a loss of future revenues which will leave us with no option other than to ‘cut our cloth’
Photo: Andrew Cassar
accordingly. “However, just as we (with supporters at the forefront) got the club onto a stable financial footing during the winter, we can deal with – and resolve – any potential issues in advance. “Supporters can help Hunslet achieve that in several ways, including encouraging new members, coming forward with, or seeking out, sponsorship opportunities and, of course, getting down to matches with friends and families when we are back playing.” Head coach Gary Thornton emailed his squad in early April setting out the situation faced by the Betfred League 1 leaders and suggested that players accept furlough terms in line with existing contracts, with other payments based on win bonuses so far this season being shared equally. All contracted players responded quickly with their
Stronger together: Hunslet players led by captain Duane Straugheir
Photo: Steve Gaunt Touchlinepics.com