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Issue 66 | September 2020
Covering Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Riverside & Stourton
RISING DEMAND AT FOODBANK
In this issue:
Council causing planter problems
page 3
Shopkeeper hero thwarts thief page 4
Referrals up 45% as recession kicks in by Abbie Randall
F
ood insecurity is something that could impact any of us at any stage of our lives. Not knowing how we will put food on the table or feed our children can be a scary prospect but thankfully there are services who can help. Nathanya from the Leeds South and East Foodbank reports that demand for assistance is up 45% in comparison from figures last year. This is due to a wide range of factors but the foodbank is now seeing an influx of people. Some individuals and families were able to just about survive pre-covid, but now face the end of the government’s furlough scheme. Many on furlough had already taken a 20% pay cut and now people are facing redundancy. Too often this has pushed people over the edge, into a situation where they are unable to put food on the table. Supermarkets have reduced many discounts and special offers making food unaffordable for some,
Here to help: Jason White, Warehouse Manager although the cost of food itself has not gone up. As children have been out of school for much longer than anyone anticipated, families who were depending on free school meals have been left trying to make already tight budgets stretch further and many have needed assistance from the foodbank just to feed
If you or someone you know requires a food parcel, please contact the Citizens Advice Bureau who are referring clients on behalf of the Foodbank. Their number is 0808 208 2138 and they are open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.
their children. The pressure is especially present now with children requiring new school uniform for the new school year. The foodbank has been putting in place provisions for another increase in referrals and want to be prepared and mindful that this may happen. This is primarily due to the
recession in the economy coupled with associated job losses. They hope that their forecast is wrong and there isn’t such a large influx of referrals but they are keen to be ready especially considering Covid brought with it such an upturn and increase in referrals in such a short space of time. The Foodbank has also seen changes in the way people donate and the amount they donate, but are keen to highlight the continuing generosity shown by individuals and companies. The foodbank has a healthy supply of food for those who need it, but the stock they have on the shelves are is than last year. Being unable to do their usual collections and drives, Leeds South and East have had to find creative ways of collecting donations but have also seen a great deal of generosity. Local supermarkets have done drives to collect food, changing the way they advertise and collect the items to meet with government regulations. Local people have also been
finding creative ways to donate food items. One football team had a bring a tin event each time a player came to practice. More recently residents in Churwell New Village had a drive to collect food items in bulk from the community. This was done over a period of a couple of weeks with individuals donating what they could, before it was all kindly driven over to the foodbank’s warehouse. Leeds South and East Foodbank provide much more than physical food and offer a holistic service to clients. They are able to signpost people to services which can assist them in practical ways and help lift them into a position where they can become self sufficient and not rely on foodbank assistance. This provision has been difficult in the wake of Covid with many services closing their doors. Now these services are slowly reopening this provision is resuming and accessible for all clients who are referred to them. Continued on page 2
If you can afford to, please donate funds or food to Leeds South & East Foodbank. Donate by BACS now: Account Number 20325833; Sort Code 60-83-01 For other methods go to leedssouthandeast.foodbank.org.uk Donate food at supermarkets or 7 Lenton Drive, Parkside Industrial Estate, LS11 5JW
Middleton Railway back on track page 19
Hunslet Nelson frustrated page 24
NEWS
2-10
TRANSPORT
11-14
COMMENT
16-17
HISTORICAL
18-19
LIVES
20-21
WHAT’S ON
22
SPORTING
23-24
Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily
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South Leeds Life | September 2020
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
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.
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South Leeds regeneration projects supported by Covid cash L
eeds City Council has secured more than £18m from the government’s Getting Building Fund to deliver three regeneration projects that will boost economic growth and recovery from the Covid19 pandemic, help to tackle climate change, and improve residents’ wellbeing. The council will receive a total of £18.604 million from the fund, as part of a successful £52.6 million bid made to government by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, on behalf of the region and its five local authorities. The fund will support two projects in South Leeds: work on the new City Park in Hunslet and a further tranche of property improvements in Holbeck. £8.6 million will go to transforming road space in the South Bank area of Hunslet and Holbeck into new green space and improved public realm as part of one of Europe’s largest regeneration programmes. The work will involve transforming road space at Meadow Lane and Crown Point Road into green space for pedestrians and active travel. This includes the closure of two payand-display car parks and conversion of 50,000 sq ft of highway land. It will enable attractive and safe bus, pedestrian and cycling connections through South Bank to an improved public space around the Corn Exchange and form part of the new City Park – the largest new city centre green space in the UK, which will be delivered by Vastint and the Council at the former Tetley Brewery site. Vastint’s detailed plans for the
Artist’s impression of the new footbridge linking the City Park in Hunslet to Sovereign Square in the city centre main body of the park are to be discussed by Councillors on the City Plans Panel on Thursday 3 September. The funding will help to enable the majority of the park to be complete ahead of the Leeds 2023 international cultural festival. The funding will also support installation of a new River Aire footbridge from Sovereign Square linking the park to Leeds Station. The changes will improve access to the city centre for residents in surrounding neighbourhoods, visitors to Leeds as well as the 10,000 students who learn in South Bank’s school and colleges each day. Along with reduced carbon emissions and creation of peoplefriendly spaces, the project will also
Rising demand at Foodbank Continued from page 1 Covid has also forced changes on the foodbank itself, but they now operate a delivery system which minimises the contact between the volunteers and clients and there are sensible, robust systems in place to protect the
A food collection drive at Asda
volunteers as they process donations and package the food parcels. They have a central warehouse where the food parcels are prepared in a safe way and from here, they dispatch them via volunteers and deliver to individuals and families who are
help accelerate new development, with as many as 1,400 homes and 5,000 new jobs expected to follow through related schemes, playing a key role in the city’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. In Holbeck £2.604 million will be used to improve older terraced homes through measures such as new roofing, doors and windows, along with external wall insulation, which will improve the energy efficiency of properties, and help to reduce residents’ fuel bills. A previous phase of this work led to 153 houses in the Recreations area benefitting from the improvements, and the new funding is expected to enable a further 100 homes reach the same standards. The funding will also support ongoing partnership work in the
experiencing food crisis. Nathanya explained that usually they have around 120 active volunteers on the books to help package and distribute food parcels but this has dropped substantially to 25-30 active regular helpers due to shielding or volunteers isolating. She is however hopeful that as shielding ends and volunteers become able to help, they will see an increase in volunteers returning and helping out. Nathanya was keen to point out that the Foodbank has worked hard to keep their volunteers in the loop and as well as ensuring their physical wellbeing is met, they are also regularly informed of what the foodbank is doing to try and break isolation some may have faced otherwise. They have a regular newsletter for the volunteers which helps
area to support people to access jobs, educational opportunities, healthcare and financial assistance by directly engaging with residents throughout the project’s lifespan. The funds will also support the expansion of Temple Green Park & Ride in East Leeds. Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding as it will allow us to press ahead with three shovel-ready schemes in Leeds. These are all projects that will help reduce our city’s carbon impact and help the economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic. “Securing this funding shows how quickly the council and the city can respond when the right financial support becomes available.”
to keep them informed and keep spirits high There are many ways you can help the Leeds South and East Foodbank. The best way is either donating funds or food. If you would like more information on either of these options or even advice on how to safely collect or organise a food drive visit their website at leedssouthandeast .foodbank.org.uk where you can also find details of their Crowdfunder appeal. You can contact the Foodbank directly via email: info@ leedssouthandeast .foodbank.org.uk or you can call, (0113) 345 0850. If you or someone you know requires a food parcel, please contact the Citizens Advice Bureau who are referring clients on behalf of the Foodbank. Their number is 0808 208 2138 and they are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
URGENTLY NEEDED: Coffee Long Life Milk Dilute/Long life Juice Tinned Fish Tinned Meat Biscuits Tinned rice pudding Tinned Potatoes
PLENTY IN STOCK: Pasta Rice Beans Soup
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September 2020 | South Leeds Life
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News 3
Local business cries foul over planter battle by Ed Carlisle
A
small south Leeds company are crying foul over a long-running dispute with Leeds City Council, saying they feel ‘bullied’, and arguing that the Council are misusing legislation to protect their own financial interests. Instaplanta – based in Hunslet Moor, and co-run by local resident Malcolm Simpson – install and maintain wooden planters with floral displays along major roads and streets; these generate income by carrying advertising boards for local businesses. They insist that they are supporting the local economy, and brightening communities – and that they also work with local charities and community initiatives like the ‘In Bloom’ groups. They have 200 planters around West Yorkshire, but only 20 in Leeds – because, ever since starting out in 2015, they have struggled to get permission from Leeds City Council for their planters. Their applications have repeatedly been turned down, for a variety of reasons – but Instaplanta insist that the Council’s underlying reason is to protect their own roadside advertising income (worth £200,000 per year). Legally, the Highways Act 1980 (section 115E) stipulates that local authorities such as Leeds City Council ‘may grant permission’ to others to install objects like planters on certain areas of the carriageway – especially footways (including pavements, and other spaces). This is known as a ‘discretionary power’, with further government legislation obliging councils to demonstrate a ‘reasonable’ approach in the way they exercise that power. But Highways officers have offered
a range of reasons for blocking Instaplanta’s applications. For example, they have argued that key sections of pedestrian islands and central reservations are part of the ‘highway’ (and therefore couldn’t accommodate installations); however, their own documents (such as community consultation maps) and street furniture (such as guardrails, and bobbly tactile paving) suggest they are in fact ‘footways’ (and therefore appropriate for installations). They have also expressed fears about the increased risk of car crashes – but Instaplanta point out that this could apply to any piece of ‘street furniture’, and that other bodies like Otley and Horsforth Town Councils have been granted permission for very similar installations without any Malcolm Simpson of Instaplanta with one of the planters that has been installed on Dewsbury Road such concerns raised. The Council did offer Instaplanta a Officer for Parks and Countryside) installations, or the sites chosen to tailored contract. However – with wrote to councillors: “I appreciate the minimise the impact on the (Council’s stipulations including one that the (Instaplanta) scheme is attractive roadside) advertising income”. In Council’s Parks and Countryside team because communities get free floral response, Mark Turnbull (Head of could reject anything within 500m of displays... However, we are concerned Legal Services) warns that “the any current or planned installations of that if Instaplanta start to seek (Council) was sued a few years ago for theirs – Instaplanta rejected it as a sponsorship of planters around Leeds, misfeasance in public office, and had “joke, hugely restrictive – just window they will be competing in the same to pay out quite a lot, where there was market as ourselves and thus make it evidence that we had exercised dressing”. Now though, a number of Freedom less likely that we will successfully gain certain highways powers for the of Information and Subject Access the maximum amount of sponsorship purpose of protecting our own income, requests have brought to light a possible for our (roadside) floral rather than for ‘highways’ purposes”. A key 2017 report from the number of emails between Council features.” In another email, Martin Dean (Area Competition Markets Authority – officers and councillors – that seem to confirm Instaplanta’s concerns that Leader, South East Leeds) says: “The created to ensure that local legislation is being misused to limit issue we want to explore further is any government bodies do not operate in right which we have to control or an anti-competitive manner – their operations as a competitor. In one email, Sean Flesher (Chief restrict the quantity of Instaplanta suggests the Council are on shaky
ground. It warns that: “issues can arise if public ownership gives a trading company an unfair advantage over other competitors”; that “where it is a direct provider, a local authority needs to be aware of the risks of crowding out private sector activity”; and that councils are “likely to be subject to the same competition law as private sector competitors”. Malcolm Simpson, Business Development Director at Instaplanta, commented: “I devoted 25 years of my life to working for the Council, and I’m truly disappointed as I believe that senior Council officers have for the last 5 years misused highway law to thwart my business, and maintain their own dominant market position. In doing so, I also believe that they’ve intentionally misled myself, councillors, and the local MP. All we’re asking for is a level playing field and to be treated fairly, but that’s been denied us, and instead we feel bullied.” A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: "This matter has been thoroughly investigated through stage 1 and stage 2 of our complaints process which found no fault. If the complainant was dissatisfied with our response they were entitled to refer the matter to the Ombudsman for investigation. They chose not to do that. We are satisfied that the council has acted in accordance with all relevant policies and legislation in considering in this matter.”
New Middleton Club could have its licence revoked by Jeremy Morton
T
he New Middleton Club on Thorpe Street risks having its premises licence revoked when the Council’s Licensing Sub committee meets to review the club’s licence. A meeting of the Sub committee on 10 August was adjourned for technical reasons and has been rescheduled for Wednesday 7 October. The club, which is located on a residential street and is surrounded by housing, has been the scene of numerous incidents including, violence, criminal damage, noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour and after hours drinking over the last three years. West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council have held several meetings with the licensee Julie Jackson, to help her improve the management
of the club and meet the terms of her licence. Unfortunately she appears to have failed to take the actions requested. The club is now involved in a criminal investigation after Police raided the building on 26 March 2020 and seized numerous items. Members of the committee will receive more details of this investigation, but these are not included in the public papers. In her submission to the committee, Sarah Blenkhorn, the Licensing Officer for West Yorkshire Police states: “Those who are in charge (of the club) are irresponsible and incompetent. They display no respect for their licence, neighbours or the authorities as they have continued to breach their licence over a number of years and have been involved in incidents that can be deemed as reckless and potentially hazardous.
The New Middleton Club on Thorpe Street is surrounded by residential houses. Photo: Google Streetview They are not in control and are incapable of running the premises to a satisfactory level despite all the input, assistance and guidance from the authorities over a number of years.” Papers presented to the Licensing sub committee catalogue a host of incidents
including: • A large group of youths fighting with chairs following a boxing match • The use of industrial grade fireworks which resulted in numerous noise complaints, from as far away as Morley • A 21 year old man being stabbed outside the club
• A car rammed the doors of the club. CCTV of the incident could not be downloaded and staff were “not forthcoming for information” • Incidents reported of children being unaccompanied and in potential danger or causing a nuisance to nearby
residents whilst parents/carers are drinking at the premises. The club has also received fixed penalty fines for accumulated rubbish in its car park including sofas, fridges and car parts. The fines have not been paid and the Council is considering prosecuting in the courts.
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South Leeds Life | September 2020
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
4 News
On the beat
by Insp Lucy Leadbeater
I
t has been a very busy month again for my team policing South Leeds, there has been a lot of problem-solving taking place as well as responding to calls for service, pro-active operations, engaging with members of the public and participating in early intervention work and engagement with young people at the small number of youth summer groups that have been running. With summer holidays coming to an end, a lot of people will be returning back to school and back to the workplace. It is important however, to recognise that there are still a number of restrictions in relation to Covid19 and to ensure that we are keeping people safe it is imperative that we all adhere to these restrictions. In particular, the restrictions in relation to organising or participation in gatherings. The Government have this month given police extra powers to prevent and reduce such events and there are significant fines that can be issued should these occur.
provisions and summer camps taking place across South Leeds. Last week I was lucky enough to attend an event that was being held with at the Beeston Broncos. A number of local partners assisted in providing this four week summer provision and I attended on the last day to speak to some of the young people who attended, they had clearly had an excellent time. Engagement opportunities such as these are an essential aspect of policing and partnership working. This month I was made aware of a letter that a local young person from the Middleton area had written to her MP, highlighting her concerns with off road bikes in the Middleton area, especially around Middleton Park. This was an excellent letter and the young author was clearly passionate about her area and making a positive difference. Two of our off-road bike team visited and spoke to her about her concerns and the work that we are doing to try and resolve the issue. I often write about the proactive work that we do to tackle issues and this month we have continued with this approach. You may have seen officers visible with the speed gun in locations around Middleton, as well as Beeston and Holbeck. This month officers acted upon information that was provided by the community and seized a stolen quad bike from Middleton. We work very closely in partnership with Safer Leeds to keep people safe across South
Talking with young people at Beeston Broncos We will continue to engage, explain, encourage and as a last resort enforce. It is essential that we all play our role in preventing transmission of the virus and adhere to regulations, especially as we move towards the colder months. As a result of Covid-19, there have sadly been far fewer youth
Leeds. A lot of the work that we do with Safer Leeds involves the Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Safer Leeds security patrols and also Leedswatch (CCTV). We will work together when premises are identified in relation to ASB or where there are concerns regarding vulnerable residents. This month we have worked
together and secured a number of Closure Orders on premises. This is an excellent power that we have to prevent further offences and safeguard vulnerable people. In relation to CCTV, there is now an extensive network of cameras in the Holbeck area. These are used proactively with operators at Leedswatch monitoring and liaising with
If you don’t already have a degree you can apply to the three year apprenticeship programme. This will involve a mixture of classroom based learning and ‘on the job’ training at the Carr Gate Police Learning and Development Centre in Wakefield and at Leeds Trinity University in Horsforth, Leeds. However, the majority of the course will be in
Have-a-go heroics from 69 year old Beeston shopkeeper by Ed Carlisle
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Seized: another quad bike off the streets police officers to be able to deploy them effectively and efficiently. In the early hours on 26 August, Leedswatch operators noticed three males acting suspiciously near to Domestic Street. There had recently been a robbery offence nearby and Leedswatch were able to direct resources and all three suspects were arrested for robbery offences and our investigations are ongoing. This was excellent work which resulted in three excellent arrests. A question that I often get asked is in relation to joining West Yorkshire Police. At the moment I am pleased to confirm that we are currently recruiting police officers and there are a number of opportunities available to join us and make a difference. There are now two entry routes to become a Police Officer with WYP, depending on whether or not you have a degree. The Police Constable Graduate Scheme is for people who already have an Honours degree in a non-policing subject. The two year programme will be a mixture of classroom and workplace learning at Wakefield, Leeds and in operational police roles at districts. This programme leads to a post-graduate diploma in policing. The starting salary will be £24,176, rising to a minimum of £26,371 after completing the programme
an operational police district in West Yorkshire, where you will put your newly acquired knowledge into practice alongside experienced police officers. The programme leads to a BA Honours degree in professional policing practice, allowing you to ‘earn while you learn’. The starting salary will be £20,879, increasing to a minimum of £26,371 on the completion of your training after three years. To become a police officer in West Yorkshire via either entry route you must: • Be 18 years of age at the point of submitting your application. • Pass a fitness, medical, drug and eyesight test, as well as our vetting procedures. • Meet our residency criteria. • Produce satisfactory references as to character. In addition, to apply for the non-degree holder route you must have a level 3 qualification e.g. two A Levels or a BTEC, or equivalent. If you don’t have a Level 3 qualification, service as a Special Constable or a PCSO or in a policing role that has prepared you for the role of a police officer can also be considered. For further information or to express your interest please visit our website at: www.westyorkshire.police.uk or email: recruitment @westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
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n elderly shopkeeper in Beeston Hill is being hailed as a hero, after successfully thwarting an attempted robbery, and even detaining the culprit for arrest. Raja Ejaz Hussain, 69, coruns Raja Brothers on Lodge Lane in Beeston – and was working alone in the store on the evening of Thursday 27 August. An individual posing as a customer reached across and grabbed cash from the till, then attempted to flee. But Mr Raja sprung into action, raced around the counter to grab him, then restrained him for several minutes until others came to help. The incident was captured on the shop’s CCTV. No one was injured during the event, although it is alleged that the perpetrator had a large knife that he did not use. West Yorkshire Police attended after 10 minutes, and arrested one male in connection with the incident; he has now been bailed pending further investigation. Mr Hussain told South Leeds
Mr Raja EJaz Hussain
Life: “I didn’t want to fight, and in fact – once I’d caught him – he was begging me to let him go. But if I had let him go, he might have gone and done the same or worse to someone else. I didn’t think about it, but I had to take action.” Cllr Gohar Almass, Chair of West Yorksire Fire & Rescue Authority’s Community Safety Committee, commented: “Ejaz is an active community elder and local businessman, and I and many others commend his bravery and courage. Thanks also to West Yorkshire Police for reaching the crime scene in time, arresting the suspect, and reassuring members of the community who felt deeply concerned and fearful after this incident. “Average crime figures in our city and area have gone down the past six months or so, but we still need to remain vigilant.” Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting crime reference 13200432187.
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News 5
Save the Salters
Generations join for fundraising walkathon I
The Drysalters pub could be replaced with a drive though coffee shop
T
he Drysalters pub in Beeston could become a Costa drive-through coffee shop if planning permission is granted, but residents have set up a campaign to try and stop the development. The pub has been a feature of the area for decades and is popular with both Leeds United and away fans on match days. It also hosts many formal and informal wakes as it sits across the Ring Road from Cottingley Crematorium as well as being a live music venue. In their planning statement, the developers state that the pub’s owners have been unable to revive the business or sell the property as a goingconcern and have sold the site for redevelopment. The Save The Salters Facebook group has attracted over two thousand members since it was set up last month. The planning application has attracted over 100 letters objecting to the plans. Common themes in the
September 2020 | South Leeds Life
objections are the loss of a community amenity especially to Cottingley Hall estate which lost its only pub some years ago. Objectors have also cite the drive through Starbucks less than a mile away on the site of the Woodman pub and the three Costa branches in the White Rose Shopping Centre. Another issue is additional pollution from cars idling on the premises. You can find the full planning application on the Council’s website, comments close on Wednesday 2 September. Cllr Gohar Almass said: “Many residents from our ward and some from other parts of the city wrote to me and my colleagues regarding the demolition of the Drysalters pub and an application to build a cafe, almost all of whom objected to the plan. “After careful consideration and following a meeting with planning officers I remain concerned as to the loss of the Public House as:
• a valued community leisure asset for Cottingley Hall, Beeston and Churwell residents (food, drink, live music, parties etc) • an important and valued meeting place for families attending / visiting the Crematorium • a valued community leisure asset for football fans “Residents are also concerned about further increased destination traffic on the Ring Road if a drive through was built, which many residents say already gives them a very poor environment (air quality, noise, their own ability to travel efficiently) and there is already an abundance of coffee outlets within a mile radius. “I am not convinced that the new proposed Drive thru might bring any additional local employment opportunities as the pub already employs staff, in fact the pub has a potential to become busier after Leeds United’s promotion.”
nspired by Yorkshire-born, Captain Sir Tom Moore, an Intergenerational Walkathon took place on 12 August on Holbeck Moor to raise money for non-for-profit organisation, Holbeck Together. The Leeds United Foundation has joined forces with the National Citizen Service to give teenagers (aged 15-17) the chance to develop life skills and learning. The two-week scheme includes a number of selfdevelopment activities, community engagement planning and a chance to raise money for a chosen charity. Leeds United Foundation has selected Holbeck Together as one of its charities of choice. Twelve teenagers teamed up with six older members of the community from Holbeck Together to take part in a 500steps each Walkathon along Holbeck Moor. During the challenge, the clients were interviewed by the teenagers to understand how they have coped with life in Lockdown and what challenges they have faced and overcome – this is part of the community engagement segment of the scheme to encourage the young and old to share life experiences. The Walkathon adhered to strict social distancing guidelines set out by the Government to ensure the health and safety of all those taking part in the challenge. Speaking on behalf of the
Invitation to the dance Staff at the South Leeds Live At Home Scheme put on their dancing shoes on 4 August for a six hour fundraising Dance-a-thon. They were raising valuable funds to continue supporting older people in Beeston, Cottingley and Hunslet. The team tackled a range of styles including line dancing, ballroom, fun fit, disco, bhangra! The event was livestreamed on Facebook
Holbeck Together, Elissa Newman, Chief Officer said: “Community connectivity is at the heart of everything we do, so to see young people getting involved with us in this way is fantastic. Our older clients are always up for a challenge and having been
youngsters to get hands on experience at this stage in their life is a great opportunity and we hope they enjoyed the experience as much as we did.” The teenagers involved in the National Citizen Service scheme have already taken part in a number of fundraising
Striding out together, inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore unable to interact face-to-face for such a long period of time we know they had a great time with the teenagers. “Supporting local communities is incredibly important, so for the
activities outside Elland Road, including 500 seconds of planking, 500 seconds of dancing and 500 seconds of passing a ball to raise money for Holbeck Together and the Recovery Hub in South Leeds.
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South Leeds Life | September 2020
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6 News NEWS IN BRIEF Topping out early at The Ironworks A topping out ceremony has been held on site at The Ironworks in Holbeck to celebrate achieving a key milestone. Senior representatives from Esh Construction, Howard Civil Engineering, and Igloo were on site to witness the pour of the final reinforced concrete slab on level six of the apartment block, completing the reinforced concrete framework. The Ironworks is a striking new sustainable development of 68 energy efficient homes delivered by Esh’s commercial build division on behalf of PfP igloo.
New MD at Spinks Beeston-based Spinks, the components division of 180-year-old family bedmaker Harrison Spinks, has promoted Commercial Director Darren Marcangelo to Managing Director with a place on the company’s main board. Spinks is a world leader in steel spring manufacturing, producing some of the smallest springs, using the finest wire on the fastest pocket spring machines. Their innovative products ensure they maintain their position as the world leaders in sustainable comfort technology.
Returning to work at SLATE by Matthew
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LATE, the furniture recycling social enterprise, is special because of its amazing volunteer team. Matthew, who has learning disabilites, is a really valued member of the SLATE team, working hard as a volunteer to look after customers and colleagues alike. This is his article: When we went into lockdown in March my life really changed. I had to stop doing lots of the things I enjoy most – going to watch Leeds United, visiting the gym, eating out, spending time with family and going to work at SLATE. Things are slowly going back to normal – Leeds United are Champions and this month I can return to work. I’ve really missed seeing my friends and working there but I wanted to see how things have changed so that I will be prepared. I went to the shop in Hunslet and interviewed Dave to see what is different. The first thing I saw was the
sign on the door saying that you couldn’t go in without a mask. I’ve been wearing my Leeds United mask when I go shopping and always take it with me when I go out so I had it with me. Just inside the door there is a table with hand sanitiser. It is really important that we all wash our hands and sanitise them. There are clear arrows on the floor so that everyone knows which way to go and it will stop people bumping into each other. Dave explained some of the other things that he has done to make sure all of the team and customers are safe. Staff wear visors. They are a bit more comfortable then wearing masks all day and you can see people’s faces clearly. They are cleaned regularly. You have to wear them properly though – not like a baseball cap! Customers are reminded to wear a mask if they come in without one but Dave said that so far, everyone has been really good about it. The shop used to be open
from 9am-5pm but now it’s open to customers from 10am-4pm. This is so that in the first hour and last hour new things can be brought in and the shop can be cleaned. We can also make sure that everything is priced up before the customers come in. Furniture won’t be moved around when customers are in the shop. I had a look around the shop and could see that there is more room to move about without people getting too close to each other. Customers have to come in at the front of the shop and go out at the back. There will be a smaller team working in the shop each day so that there aren’t too many people. Only one person at a time can go in the kitchen. There were signs up to remind us of some things we need to do if we are in there. We can’t make fresh food so I will be taking a sandwich with me. Dave made it very clear that keeping everyone safe is the most important thing and now I can’t wait to get back to work. Matthew outside SLATE’s furniture shop on Low Road in Hunslet
Do you have a recipe (and a story) to add to Mrs Beeston’s cookbook? by Lucy Potter
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Continued sales success for Hunslet Mill apartments The second phase of apartments at a £50M residential scheme in Hunslet has sold out. Developer JM Construction (Leeds) Ltd said the sale of the 74 one and two bedroom apartments means all 160 units in the first two phases at Victoria Riverside are now sold, with work currently underway on phase three. The overall scheme will extend to approximately 350 units with completion scheduled for 2023.
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o you have a recipe with a story which you’d like to share? Mrs Beeston’s Cookbook is looking for your recipes to be included in a unique cookbook sharing and reflecting the rich and diverse cuisines of South Leeds. Food is a universal language which brings people together. Food starts conversations, and it helps share ideas. It’s not only tasty, but it’s also a way of understanding someone’s story and culture. Following the launch of the cookbook at Beeston Library last year May, it has been cooking up some delicious homemade dishes with a personal touch; giving a voice and a story behind each creation. Naglaa’s explains how the Egyptian ‘Mahshi’ (stuffed vine leaves) is a celebratory dish, and Vivien’s ‘Tripe and Onion Stew’ tells the childhood memories it conjures up. The retail course at St Luke’s CARES charity also saw participants bringing in a wide selection of mouth-watering savoury and sweet treats to enjoy one lunchtime. Whilst people waited out the pasta shortage in lockdown, Ewan shared on Facebook how to make gnocchi out of potatoes with his son. The picture of the food pictured here is Amena offering the
Bangladeshi banquet of mixed veg (Shobji Bhaji), and a special occasion dish of sweet and sour aubergine (Tokebgum). And it did taste as good as it looks! The cookbook takes its name from ‘Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management’ which was published in 1861, which contains hundreds of useful recipes. As such it has been a staple of many kitchens ever since. The cookbook has recently seen a lot of interest, and the next stage is to gather the unique recipes of our community into an actual book. So, do you have a special dish which has been handed down to you? Or maybe you have created something quick and healthy that you just have to share? Please email your recipe and the story behind it to: mrsbeestonscookbook@gmail.com or look us up on Facebook or Twitter @MrsBeestons
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September 2020 | South Leeds Life
News 7
Hunslet residents thanked for 'incredible' generosity by NHS by Imran Marashli
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esidents of a Hunslet street that raised hundreds of pounds for the NHS by playing weekly quizzes and bingo during lockdown have been thanked for their generosity. Parnaby Avenue residents had raised £410 by July 5 and used the funds to donate money and presents to Leeds General Infirmary’s neonatal unit and Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. Representatives from both organisations have expressed their gratitude to residents,
who donated £100 both to the neonatal unit and the hospice in July. A cradle, musical cot mobile and a blanket were also donated to the LGI's neonatal unit. Sharon Link, Head of Community Fundraising at Leeds Cares, the charity that supports Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said in a letter: “Please accept my most sincere thanks for your incredibly kind donation of £100 raised by your street. “Our work always centres on improving health and wellbeing
Games organiser Susan Powell
for patients, families and staff, but we simply couldn’t continue to make a difference without the generosity of people like you.” Ms Link added that the donations will be used “where they will have the greatest impact”. The Leeds Centre for Newborn Care provides specialist treatment to over 1,700 babies each year, with some needing intensive care or surgery. Donations have previously been used to refurbish units and fund equipment. Becky Hollingworth, Community Fundraising Officer at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, wrote in a card: “We are so grateful for your kindness in these challenging times. “With the help of kind people like you, we can continue to support the NHS and provide expert end-of-life care to people living and dying from a terminal illness. Many thanks from all at Wheatfields.”
Everybody needs good neighbours A team from Abu Huraira Mosque in Beeston has taken it upon themselves to clean the area around the adjacent Holy Spirit Church on Tempest Road. The church has been made ‘redundant’ and the Church of England are in the process of selling the building. Noor Zaman, who organised the clean up, commented: “As it says in both the Bible and the Quran: neighbours should look after one another.”
Brewing up solidarity H
olbeck brewer Northern Monk has released a beer in support of hospitality venues across Leeds city centre. 17 venues across the city have been given free cans to sell to support a sector badly hit by Covid-19. LDS AS ONE, a 6% double dry hopped IPA, is available from participating venues or from the Northern Monk Refectory on Marshall Street in Holbeck. Founder Russell Bisset, said: “Community is at the heart of what we do.”
Community treecycling in action by Ed Carlisle
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esidents in LS10 worked together to solve a longstanding neighbourhood problem this month - and even turn it into something positive. Storms last year blew down a tree on the Telfords in Hunslet -
but the Council's over-stretched forestry team were unable to respond to local requests to clear it away. It therefore became an eyesore - and a danger and a nuisance, with local kids climbing all over it and frequently hurting themselves.
Leon’s son poses with his Dad’s chainsaw, he was NOT allowed to use it
Up stepped local resident Leon Gough, who - with a chainsaw, and ample help from his sons and other neighbours - chopped the tree up into small pieces. Following an appeal on social media for people to come take it, the wood has now pretty much all gone. The icing on the cake was another local - Gary Mason from Belle Isle - turning one of the chunks of wood into a goblet (pictured). Gary had taken up wood-turning as a
Gary’s goblet
new hobby during lockdown, and seized this opportunity to experiment with creating bigger items; he's stashed a load of other pieces for further projects. Leon commented: "The tree's been a bit of a nightmare for the neighbourhood this last year, and people weren't happy. So in the end, we decided to do something about it ourselves and it didn't take long, it's sorted now, and it was a really nice bonus about the guy making the wooden cup."
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South Leeds Life | September 2020
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8 School Life
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Returning to school when your child has Special Educational Needs by Deborah Davies
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lockdown has caused. The organisation Contact concluded from a survey of 4,000 parents of disabled children that as many as 76% of families had all support withdrawn and up to 70% of parents eligible for a school place did not take them, due to concerns regarding their children’s health or lack of correct provision.
t is not unusual for both parents and children to feel a degree of anxiety at the beginning of the academic year; however September 2020 brings a unique experience for all those who return to school and education. It will be a challenging time ahead for teachers and schools who have been tasked with using a £650 million premium, spread across primary and secondary schools during 2020/2021 to help children ‘catch up’ for time away from formal education. Whilst for many this return is As amusing as Covid much anticipated, understandably some parents and children will be homeschooling strife has been more ill at ease than others. The portrayed, it is apparent that apprehensions of parents of returning may bring about many children with SEN (Special more worries than just how to keep Educational Needs) are at this children safe from the virus. It is difficult to visualise how SEN time, especially understandable. During the beginning of children, in particular, will be lockdown those children awarded eased into return and how their with Education, Health and Care needs will be met. Whilst certain (EHC) plans were among children educational settings will attract who could attend school, however, more funding per pupil and the these were not guaranteed places but based on risk assessments carried out by Local Authority and Schools. To obtain a school place children’s needs would need to be met as ‘safely or more safely … in the educational environment” (than at home). With schools running on skeleton staff, many children were deemed safer at home and therefore required to stay there. Of course many children with SEN and those who receive support within school but do not have an EHC plan were expected to stay at Returning to school Photo: Shutterstock home. The difficulties parents have government statement on funding faced in motivating children to addresses the needs of more willingly take part in disadvantaged pupils, it seems homeschooling have been well- inevitable that schools will be documented in the shape of challenged with providing robust internet memes and funny tutoring to those who need it the anecdotes on platforms such as most. Whilst the evidence for Twitter and TikTok. Perhaps some effective tutoring is good, of the parents of SEN children addressing the individual needs of have been leading the vanguard SEN children within the classroom on the 3pm wine swilling memes. is essential and takes a dynamic Those parents of children with mindset rather than mere funding. It is important to remember that complex needs have had a particular and uniquely difficult schools have an obligation to clear information time and one made especially provide poignant by the inevitable isolation regarding the support your child that withdrawal of services during with SEN will receive. On returning
to an educational setting it is pertinent to provide parents with the information the government has provided surrounding SEN. The definition of SEN encompasses children who ‘have learning difficulties or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children and young people of the same age.’ Many children progress differently but the falling short of educational ‘landmarks’ or perhaps excessive emotional difficulties surrounding attending school may be an indication of needing further support and it is always prudent for parents to communicate worries regarding progress with their child’s school. Teachers should provide Quality First Teaching, which relies on teaching children at their level of knowledge, rather than age expectations; all communication should be clear, with repetition, brevity and vocabulary should be explicitly taught if needs be. Some
76% of families had all support withdrawn during lockdown
children will need techniques for difficulties such as concentration and a class teacher should be able to ask for techniques from the schools’ SENco (Special Educational Needs co-ordinator) when needed. Teachers are required to have high expectations of all children and robust assessment methods to indicate progress. If despite best efforts of both child and teacher there continues to be concerns in areas such as communication, cognition, social, emotional and mental health and sensory and/or physical needs then a ‘graduated
approach’ should be put in place. This requires assessment, planning, carrying out and reviewing of support and interventions, the key factor is that this becomes documentation and in communication with parents. Indeed, young people aged 16-25 are expected to play a key part in designing any support or interventions. It is a requirement that educational settings do their very best to support SEN. Children whose needs cannot be met by a graduated response can apply for more detailed support in the form of an Educational Health Care plan. Teachers, SENcos or outside agencies may advise the need to apply for an EHC, which will be assessed by the Local Authority. Educational Health Care plans are, once in place, a legal documentation and Educational settings are obliged to carry out the care and health recommendations stated. There are two sections of an EHC plan, F includes educational support and G includes health support ultimately Local Authority is charged with safeguarding that plans are adhered to. In government guides, parents are encouraged to seek advice if they have disagreements, each Local Authority will have a process in order to do this. Organisations such as Leeds SENDIASS can provide impartial advice. The principles behind providing care and support for our SEN children is that it is an expectation. Good practice from schools, teachers, SENcos and Local Authority are essential and not optional. Clear communication between practitioners and parents can provide the corner stone of a relationship which build a child or young person’s future, indeed according to Special educational needs and disabilites a guide for parents: ‘All children have the right to an education that enables them to make progress so they can … become confident individuals and live fulfilling lives’. The following is an article written from a parent’s point of view, outlining their particular experience of negotiating care and support for their autistic child in the school system:
by Christine Smart
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hen the news breaks that a quarter of English Councils are discriminating against autistic children and the reaction from parents is simply “yes we know” you must understand the impact of that simple response. Three little words highlight years of arguing with providers, years of trying to get services to understand needs, waiting lists that are years long, children without an education that is suitable and some with large education gaps. Parents with SEN children, I can claim with a certain degree of confidence, are the most ignored and more so if our children have developmental issues. Is this true of every provider? No, but percentage wise I will bet a limb. Sounds bold and dramatic right? Typing this out I it deleted several times, but I’m going to leave it and I have the reason to back it up. In my own family’s lived experience this is true, and it is true for many other families too. The last three years of primary school were nothing short of traumatic for my child. She had all the legal documents, was fully funded, and we had a good relationship with school. Yes, it can be tiresome to constantly be reminded of how to get the best from her, but progress was being made. Then an academy took over. Staffing issues were cited as a reason for her not having her legally funded with a documented Education Health Care 1to-1 Plan; their staffing issues were so extreme that they removed my child from her class and put her in one two years below. She would come home and cry, asking where her friends went, and, as we had not been informed or consulted about the change of class, we had no idea that this was causing her so much distress; only by accident did I find this out.
She would come home and cry, asking where her friends went This went on in her last year and despite me telling them, she began to regress, loosing speech as well as being constantly distressed when she came home. After pointing out again that she should have 1-to-1 we were told about the issues around staffing. She had crashed so badly her high school provision called us saying she may have to move school as they were not sure they could teach her. Being the child that she is, she adapted and remains in a school environment and is now progressing again. Did we complain about the issues this was causing? Yes. Did we get a response? No, we did not. I’ve had people say (with neurotypical children) that you can’t expect schools that are not specifically for disabled children to cater for everything she needs!!! Consider that when we looked for school places, even those with specialist provisions, the class numbers ranged from 9 – 15, which absolutely does not match the rates of diagnosis. Children wind up in mainstream education and this is how our children have access to occupational therapies, speech therapies, psychologists staying in the school system is important. Even though Leeds City Council were not directly cited, and interestingly the 41 council names were not revealed and have some unexplainable luxury of not being exposed, the leader Cllr Judith Blake had commented on the article – continued on page 9
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Continued from page 8 “Councils are under huge strain as a result of the rising demand for support – seeing an increase of 10% in education health care plans in the last 12 months alone” BBC News 04/08/2020 This statement is absolutely true, but what it does not include is a promise to make sure these children receive the education they deserve. It also does not acknowledge that Education Health Care Plans are regularly broken and that things should be done to ensure these children are provided for as it is their legal responsibility. The plans were introduced as a home and school package as it was recognised children needed to be educated based on a full picture not just school hours. The intent was wonderful but the delivery was lacking. I quote Leeds’ very own Child Friendly Promise “Child Friendly Leeds aims to make Letter a better place for everyone growing up and particularly to address the issues and challenges that can prevent young people realising their potential” You’ll find many a parent think, this isn’t including my child. Assessments are to be done for children, by law, to deliver social care support that they and their families would need such as respite care and clubs. The unnamed councils were found to have blocked assessments and only allowed them if the child had an additional disability, challenging behaviour or an
official diagnosis of autism (note: a diagnosis currently can take 18 months plus). When you look at those stipulations that leave many children without services, and we know too well that if children don’t have access to basic needs they are more likely to have mental health issues, suffer bullying and come out with a poor education. We know this and must apply it to children with all abilities because leaving one out is discriminatory.
We cannot keep putting up with excuses We cannot keep putting up with excuses from educators that don’t fulfil potential and we cannot keep accepting that we may be blocked from services designed to progress social interactions or improve family situations. These children may require different ways of learning but to not assess and even start a chance of a positive childhood that can then produce productive happy adults, these children are being set up in a way that they may not be able to not access or maintain employment and/or need lifelong help from mental health services. Yes, they cost more in their younger years but investing at the time when they are growing and more open to learning could save in the future as being autistic does not mean that this can’t happen.
September 2020 | South Leeds Life
School Life 9
The Results Day Rollercoaster by Alannah Marsden
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e all knew that Results Day this year would be completely different to previous years. After all, we were collecting results for exams that we didn’t even get to sit thanks to coronavirus. For the first year ever, we had no control over how well we did. The unpredictable nature of the situation mixed with the government changing their decision on how grades would be calculated just days before the results were released, it truly was a rollercoaster of emotions. Here’s how I found the experience. In the weeks leading up to results day I felt surprisingly calm. Of course, there were rumours here and there about how the grades would be calculated which were unnerving at times. But like all the other year eleven students, I knew that our teachers knew us well, and would ensure our results were as accurate as possible.
Results Day was actually something I was really looking forward to. That is, until A-Level Results Day. Reading story after story of students not getting the grades they deserved and worked for, and losing out on university places because of this was an awful experience. I felt so bad for these students, and so angry that this had happened. Of course, I also began to feel extremely worried that the same would happen on GCSE Results Day. The thought of my peers and other year eleven students around the country feeling disappointed with their results and even losing out on college course places was horrible. Shortly after information began circulating around social media, saying that GCSE grades would be given using the same algorithm which had caused so many A-Level students to be disappointed and upset with their results. ‘It was the most nervous and worried I’ve ever felt’ said
Summer, one of my peers. That certainly summed up my feelings too. The relief felt by a whole generation of students was unimaginable when the government announced their ‘UTurn’. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I felt so much more confident and optimistic about Results Day. It was evidently the right decision to make. When Results Day finally came, It was good news for Alannah on Results Day after a whirlwind to remember. I was really happy week, the media was filled with with my results, as were so many more positive stories, many other students in the much different to the stories same position as me. It was the seen on A-Level Results Day best feeling ever knowing the just a week before. Although I results weren’t dictated by an was extremely disappointed algorithm; they were dictated that I couldn’t go into school for by us, and all the hard work my results and got them via we’ve done throughout our high email instead, it was still a day school journey.
Vote for Leeds Children’s Mayor C
hildren and young people in the city are being encouraged to cast their vote in the election to decide the next Leeds Children’s Mayor. The programme is now in its eighteenth year and Leeds was one of the first cities in the UK to elect a young mayor. It is a unique opportunity for the city’s youngsters to learn about democracy and voting whilst encouraging them to be more community-minded by considering the kind of things that would make improvements in their schools and local areas. In May, primary schools across the city were asked to submit candidates from Year 5. Despite the complications surrounding coronavirus, the Leeds Children’s Mayor Team received 49 entries. Children were asked to write a short manifesto detailing what they would do as Children’s Mayor to make Leeds an even more child friendly city for other children and young people. From the entries, a shortlist of 12 finalists was decided upon by a judging panel which included local members of youth parliament and youth councillors as well as the current Leeds Children’s Mayor, Wania Ahmed. Children and young people (aged 18 or under) are now being encouraged to visit bit.ly/VoteLCM to cast their votes. The newly elected Children’s Mayor is set to be
announced by the Lord Mayor of Leeds at a civic reception event on Wednesday 21 October 2020. Voting closes at 12pm on Friday 16 October. Amongst the finalists is Olivia Williams from Sharp Lane Primary School in Middleton. Olivia’s manifesto idea is to create Christmas Toy banks (see box). The other finalists for this year are: • Agatha Brundle, Bardsey Primary School • Samuel Hill, Carr Manor Community School • Sophie Sutton, Churwell Primary School • Joshua Smith, Cookridge Holy Trinity C of E Primary School • Grace Langdale, Great Preston C of E Primary School • Honor Priestley, Holy Name Catholic Voluntary Academy • Laila Gibson, Ireland Wood Primary School • Rosie Metchkarova-Taylor, Little London Community Primary School • Sophie Powley, Meanwood C of E Primary School • Isla-Rae Norval, St Chad’s Primary School • Lexie Dickinson, Whinmoor St Paul’s Primary School The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor said: “I’m overwhelmed and thrilled by the number of
children and schools who have once again taken part in this fantastic programme. They are an inspiration, not only to their peers and other children, but to me, and to anyone working to help make Leeds the best city to live in. The quality of the manifestos this year is exceptional and I am looking forward to the finals night in October to find out who will be our next Children’s Mayor – and best of luck to all our finalists” Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for children and families, said: “One of our greatest ambitions is to make Leeds a
more child friendly city and helping our children and young people to become active citizens with a real voice and influence is a key part of this. This year the manifestos are written on a wide range of issues including autism awareness, road safety, community cohesion and dental hygiene. The children’s mayor project shines a light on how kind, thoughtful and community minded children in the city are and I can’t wait to meet the winner”. To follow the progress of the Children’s Mayor on Twitter, please see @LSChildrenMayor
Olivia Williams’ manifesto: “If I was Children’s Mayor of Leeds….I would like more toy banks to be created so children can get a Christmas present. This would be for families who use a food banks and don’t have much money to buy toys at Christmas time for their children. This will help families who are struggling. The age range would be from birth to 16 years old. To help do this you could volunteer to collect the toys, help wrap presents and distribute toys. You could also do sponsored events such as sponsored walk, swim or run to raise money to buy toys for a toy bank. Schools could write to local businesses and sports teams to see if they could help in anyway. The coronavirus has affected everyone some people have lost their jobs or can’t work this could have an impact at Christmas time. I think a toy bank would really help people. “If we did this it would put a smile on a child’s face by getting a present they might not have got. It would benefit families and children who are struggling. People can help by having a trolley at local schools, supermarkets and churches to collect donated toys.”
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South Leeds Life | September 2020
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10 News
Nazarene charity shop
Hunslet residents act on river flytipping by Ed Carlisle
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he charity shop run by The Church of the Nazarene was one of the first to reopen as lockdown resitrictions eased and continues to provide its services. Located next to Beeston Library, round the corner from the Co-op, the shop is staffed entirely by volunteers. Funds raised by the shop go to help a foodbank run by the church on Hunslet Hall Road, as well as a nominated charity. This year they are supporting Zarach (zarach.org) who deliver beds and basics to children in poverty in Leeds. The shop also supports a couple of community groups run by the church - a youth group and a craft cafe (currently closed but hoping to reopen in September). People can get involved by coming to the shop and volunteering, or as countless people do donate their goods or even cash. The charity shop provides learning opportunities in a retail environment and we welcome those wanting to learn the ropes. Just call in for an application form. Rev David Montgomery from the church said: “Over the years the shop has provided low cost quality clothing and items to the people of Beeston as well as providing a training environment to our volunteers. The surplus sums are invested in charitable purposes, which is a great bonus!”
This issue of South Leeds Life was paid for by a grant from the Inner South Community Committee We are very grateful for their support
Funded by your councillors of the Inner South Community Committee: Beeston & Holbeck Middleton Park Hunslet & Riverside
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Flytipped rubbish in the River Aiure at Hunslet
esidents of the H2010 neighbourhood on the Hunslet riverfront this month sprung into action to tackle a major flytipping incident in the River Aire. They and other locals were disgusted to spot dozens of bin liners (they have counted at least 50) full of waste floating in the river from the Friday 21 August onwards; the Royal Armouries at Leeds Dock have confirmed that they have CCTV footage showing a team of people dumping the bags out of a van into the river, very early that Friday morning. Locals managed to drag out a small number of bags near the bank - and also contacted the Canal and River Trust (CRT) for help. They attended, but were unable to get a boat, so could do little more themselves
- and other river users including boat owners have so far declined to help. At the time of going to press, most of the refuse remains in the river. Matt Cornish, a spokeperson for CRT, told us: "Flytipping is a callous and criminal act, and we always try to respond to it as quickly as possible. But this is hugely expensive work (last year costing us over £1 million, money that should have been spent on improving the waterways for all); and - as a charity - we have limited resources. In this instance, we did not have a boat available, and heavy rain subsequently washed much of the rubbish downstream. However, we appreciate any help we get from local people, and rely heavily on volunteers: get in touch to get involved." Residents were not impressed. One - Sandra
Ingemansen - commented: "It's so sad that people would pollute the river like this! I also can't believe CRT is still assessing whether this flytipping incident is a crime or not, and that they don't have a boat! A week later, there are so many bags drifting around the entire area and free-floating rubbish from bags that have split open is continuing to float downstream; it's completely infuriating." Residents are currently appealing for help amongst local boat owners and river users (like canoeists) to help tackle the immediate mess and are meeting with CRT and other partners in the coming weeks. They are also considering a fundraising campaign for CRT to buy a boat for local use. For more info on CRT, go to: canalrivertrust.org.uk
Airport expansion protesters cycle to Middleton to highlight noise threat O
n Saturday 29 August, the same day that Tour de France riders set off from Nice, cyclists from the Group for Action on Leeds Bradford Airport (GALBA) which is opposed to the airport’s expansion plans, set off from Millennium Square in Leeds. They cycled a route that matches the outline of the ‘noise map’ in Leeds Bradford Airport’s expansion application. Their aim was to highlight just how many more parts of West Yorkshire would be affected by increased noise if the airport is allowed to expand. The ‘noise map’ shows the West Yorkshire communities that would suffer more aircraft noise – from Wakefield in the south up to Ilkley and beyond in the north, and over to Bingley and Bradford in the west. A swathe of Leeds neighbouhoods under the flightpath would also experience more noise, including Belle Isle, Middleton, Rothwell, Robin Hood, Armley, Bramley, Richmond Hill, Little London, the city centre, as well as Hyde Park, Headingley, Otley and areas close to
Riders are met by GALBA supporters at Middleton Park lake
the airport. Chair of GALBA, Chris Foren said: “We’re not going as far as the Tour de France riders! But we are alerting people to what Leeds Bradford Airport expansion would mean. LBA wants to extend daytime flying hours Map showing the noise impact of extra flights
to start at 6am and finish at 11.30pm, to impose no limit on the number of noisy flights permitted between 6am and 11.30pm, to allow planes to land up to 1am if they are behind schedule and to remove the limit on the total number of flights per night. “LBA’s proposed night time ‘quota system’ would allow the equivalent of 20 flights by Airbus 320s between 11.30pm and 6am every night in the 6 months of summer. LBA’s own planning application says that 123,000 more people would be exposed to increased night-time noise.” “Of course, LBA’s plans also would
mean doubling the airport’s greenhouse gas emissions in the middle of the climate emergency. If expansion is allowed, from 2030 the airport would pump out more greenhouse gas emissions than allowed in the carbon budget for the whole of the rest of Leeds. We all share the same climate so we all need to protect it – for the sake of everyone’s future.” The cyclists set off from Millennium Square in the morning and stopped for breaks, including Middleton Park in south Leeds. They were greeted by fellow airport campaigners with a banner showing their opposition to LBA expansion.
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September 2020 | South Leeds Life
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Transport 11
Focus on active travel One consequence of the the Covid-19 pandemic has been a renewed focus on active travel - walking and cycling. The lockdown in March and April saw a massive drop in traffic, an improvement
in air quality and the enjoyment of birdsong. With daily exercise one of the few permisssable reason to get out of the house, many people took the opportu-
nity to walk or cycle. Leeds City Council already had a commitment to extend its network of cycle routes and had plans in place for some of these. Now the government
has released funding to speed up these projects, so that as we return to our workplaces we have a real choice to avoid public transport or a return to the car. This will help to contain the
virus in the short term and lead to healthier lifestyles in the long term. Over these four pages we have details of a number of projects that have started or are about to start.
Free one to one cycle to work training F
ree socially distant one-to-one adult cycle training from the front door is being made available to help people living and working in West Yorkshire to cycle to work or college. The cycle training scheme is being delivered as part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme, which is aimed at enabling more people to travel by bike and on foot, in partnership with local authorities. From journey planning to cycling in traffic, and tackling busy junctions and roundabouts, the one-to-one sessions are aimed at giving people the skills and confidence to travel by bike regularly to a destination, such as a workplace. Each session will be led by a qualified cycling instructor on a route chosen by the participant.
Practical help to get more of us cycling to work Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said:
“Two thirds of journeys in our region are less than five miles, which takes about 30-minutes by bike.
Work starts on Elland Road cycle lane W
ork has started on a new 3km segregated cycle lane, which will provide a further boost for West Yorkshire’s growing network. The construction of a new cycle lane on Elland Road, Leeds is part of a £6.9m package of new infrastructure delivered through the Combined Authority’s CityConnect programme, which is aimed at enabling more people to travel by bike or on foot, in partnership with Leeds City Council. The scheme – alongside other work to help people move around the region safely - has been brought forward as part of the emergency response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The new segregated cycle route will run from Elland Road Park and Ride to the city centre. Work is due to start later this year on a scheme to extend the existing segregated cycle route on Dewsbury Road with a 1.5km section of new route between Garnet Road and Beeston Ring Road. Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport
Committee, said: “Enabling increasing numbers of us to travel by bike and on foot is more important than ever, not only as we look to address the health, transport and economic challenges created by COVID19, but also in helping us achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038. “These important schemes will provide communities in Beeston, Holbeck and Hunslet with high-quality cycling and walking routes and the Dewsbury Road scheme will provide an important missing link in the existing network to create a continuous 4.4km segregated route for south Leeds. “From connecting people across our region, to reducing air pollution and congestion, and combatting physical inactivity and obesity, we know getting more people cycling and walking has a vital role to play in making West Yorkshire a great place to live and work.” Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable
Development, said: “During these difficult times, we’re working hard to make walking and cycling more attractive and natural everyday choices for exercising and commuting. “We’re delighted we are bringing the construction phase of these schemes forward for new segregated cycle routes south of the city connecting Beeston, Holbeck, Hunslet and the city centre. Every new piece of segregated cycleway in Leeds gets us nearer to the 500 miles of cycle network we are aiming to deliver across the city. “In this Covid-19 recovery phase, Leeds is creating many more new routes which offer improved safety for people who walk and cycle, offering convenience and championing health and wellbeing for our residents. Alongside improved segregated cycleways the scheme will improve the environment for pedestrians. This work funded through CityConnect will improve environmental sustainability, better air quality and reduce pollution of all types in and around Leeds.
“To date, more than 1,860 people have benefitted from the Combined Authority’s free adult cycle training scheme, with nearly 60% of attendees cycling more often as a result. “Enabling increasing numbers of us to travel by bike and on foot is more important than ever, not only as we look to address the health, transport and economic challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also in helping us achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.” The sessions are available to anyone aged 16 plus who lives in West Yorkshire. Participants must have access to a roadworthy bike and be confident cycling on traffic-free routes and, ideally, quiet residential streets. The West Yorkshire Combined
“We look forward to seeing the schemes completed later this year.” These projects have received £6.5m from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP), delivered in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Growth Deal – a £1billion package of Government investment to accelerate growth and create jobs across Leeds City Region. This work will build on CityConnect’s Leeds Bradford Cycle Superhighway, which opened in 2016, as well as the additional 4km of segregated routes that opened last summer connecting the
Authority is working in partnership with local authorities to deliver a package of emergency measures, including trial cycling and walking infrastructure, to help people move around the region safely in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This work includes both short and longer-term proposals, which are being submitted to Government to access £12.5 million funding for West Yorkshire through the Emergency Active Travel Fund. An online map has also been created for residents to highlight areas where improvements are needed to help more people travel by bike or on foot. Find out more information about the free adult cycle training and book a session at cyclecityconnect.co.uk /get-cycling/cyle-training.
eastern and western sections of the cycle superhighway with the city centre. It also plays a significant part of Leeds City Council Connecting Leeds “Cycling Starts Here” ambition to create 500 miles of safer cycling routes across the city. A public consultation on these schemes, including dropin events at community venues, was held last summer. The West Yorkshire Combined Authority is working in partnership with local authorities to deliver a package of emergency measures, including trial cycling and walking infrastructure, to help people move around the region
Segregated cycle lanes give more people confidence to use their bike
safely in response to the Covid19 pandemic. This work includes both short and longer-term proposals, which have been submitted to Government to access £12.5 million funding for West Yorkshire through the Emergency Active Travel Fund. An online map has also been created for residents to highlight areas where improvements are needed to help more people travel by bike or on foot. From route information to support for businesses, you can find out how CityConnect can help you cycle and walk more at www.cyclecityconnect .co.uk.
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South Leeds Life | September 2020
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12 Active Travel
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Learn maintenance skills with Big Bike Fix Free adu T training in South he south Leeds 'Big Bike Fix' project continues apace, with the team now having fixed up and redistributed over 75 bikes, and helped dozens of others fix up their own bikes. This month has also seen their first bike maintenance sessions, for people to learn how to fix up and look after bikes for themselves. The two hour classes have enabled small groups of participants to learn skills including tackling punctures, installing and refurbing brakes, general upkeep, and more. Those sessions are set to continue throughout September and into October, as will the bike servicing and donation scheme. Further donations of unwanted bikes are welcome at any time, as are volunteers willing to help fix up the bikes - but the coordinators are keen to stress that there is a considerable waiting list for the renovated bikes. Coordinator Ed Carlisle commented: "This project started very small: people decluttering
Passing on skills at a Big Bike Fix maintenance training session
during lockdown, and wanting to pass on unwanted bikes. But it's amazing to see how it's grown: there is such a hunger to get into cycling, to learn the skills around that, and also just to be part of a positive community thing. Many thanks to all those helping to make it happen, please bear with us if you're waiting for a bike, and let's all of us together make cycling a major part of our lives and our communities". The project is based at an outdoor workshop in Beeston Hill, but the skills learning sessions are due to take place across LS10 and LS11; Covid-compliant practices are in place for all sessions. For further info, look for 'The Big Bike Fix South Leeds' on Facebook, or call Ed on 07738 921277. The coordinators wish to thank all the volunteers and donors, and also Leeds City Council, City Connect (part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority), and the Big Bike Revival (part of Cycling UK) for their support.
Road improvements planned for Dewsbury Road corridor R
esidents are being consulted on proposed changes to Dewsbury Road which would see an outbound bus lane between Garnet Road and the Tommy Wass as well as a cycle route between Tommy Wass and the White Rose Shopping Centre. The plans are part of joint scheme between Leeds and Kirklees Councils to upgrade the route between Mirfield, Dewsbury and Leeds. The £12 million scheme includes new cycle tracks, new pedestrian crossings and footway improvements, bus lanes and bus super-stops (upgraded bus stops), junction upgrades, and other highway space adjustments. Section F of the project covers White Rose to Dewsbury Road. Plans include a new cycle route running from the White Rose roundabout, up Dewsbury Road to the Tommy Wass junction with Old Lane and the Ring Road. One way cycle paths, on each side of the road, would utilise existing footpath and verge areas. The cycle path will be 2.2m wide whilst maintaining footpaths for pedestrians. The cycle route would link to the planned two way cycle path on Dewsbury Road creating a safe route from the city centre to the White Rose Shopping Centre and White Rose Office Park. Some crossings will be moved and upgraded and it appears from the plans that a refuge will
be removed, allowing a longer queue of right turning traffic heading to Middleton from the White Rose. An outbound bus lane is also proposed starting after the Garnet Road junction. This would use the inside lane, restricting other traffic to one lane. The bus lane would end before the Allenby Road junction on the approach to the Tommy Wass junction.
infrastructure, as well as improving public transport links. “Encouraging increasing numbers of us to consider travelling by bike and on foot is more important than ever, not only as we look to address the health, transport and economic challenges created by the Covid19 pandemic, but also in helping us achieve our aim of becoming a net zero carbon economy by 2038.”
Cllr Kim Groves, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Committee, said: “Our Transforming Cities Fund will be building on the significant investment we’ve already made with a new programme of transformational infrastructure, helping to create a step change in travel across our region and dramatically improve access to cycling, walking and public transport.
“From connecting people across our region, to reducing air pollution and congestion, and combatting physical inactivity and obesity, we know increasing the numbers of people choosing to travel by bike or on foot has a vital role to play in making West Yorkshire a great place to live and work.” These initial plans can be viewed at www.yourvoice. westyorks-ca.gov.uk/M2D2L. The plans are open for comments until Friday 25 September. Following consultation, the list of design options will be reviewed and shortlisted and work on the final scheme could start in early 2022.
Learning to ride
W
ould you like to cycle more, but aren’t confident to ride on the road? Or perhaps you’ve never learned to ride a bike would like to now? Help is at hand with free weekly sessions running at John Charles Centre for Sport and in Cross Flatts Park. In the two hour session you can learn to ride a bike from scratch. You can improve your bike handling skills so you can ride with family and friends with confidence. The sessions are led by friendly, experienced instructors who will help you get ready for that first commute to work or college. On road and off road training is available, tailored to suit your individual needs. Sessions take place at John
Riding on West Yorkshire’s cycle network Beyond the White Rose it is proposed the widen and upgrade the footpath up to the M62 for both pedestrians and cyclists (section E). Cllr Denise Jeffery, Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Investment Committee and Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “These important schemes will provide vital missing links in cycling and walking
Kelly riding along the Cycle Super Hig
September 2020 | South Leeds Life
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ult cycle sessions Leeds
Plans for Cross Flatts Active Travel area revealed by Jeremy Morton
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Charles Centre for Sport, Middleton Grove LS11 5DJ on Tuesdays at 3-5pm and 5-7pm; and in Cross Flatts Park, Beeston on Fridays at 3-5pm and 5-7pm. You will learn in a small group and can borrow bikes and helmets. As part of the Covidsecure set up you must book your session in advance. You can book by clicking here. Kelly and Alex recently took part in sessions and commented: “I am far more confident and have already felt ready to go out by myself.” “I loved it. I can now ride a bike. Thanks Chris.” For more information contact Chris by email at: info@becycling.co.uk or by mobile 07960 734965.
hway
Active Travel 13
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lans to block through routes for cars in the Cross Flatts area of Beeston have been revealed in a letter to residents and on a council website. As we reported last month, planters will be used to block off rat runs with the aim of keeping traffic on the main roads. The area covered comprises the streets between Beeston Road, Dewsbury Road, Old Lane and Cross Flatts Park, plus the Allenbys. The area will effictively be cut into five neighbourhoods as far as car traffic are concerned, each with access to one major road only. The aims of the Active Travel Neighbourhood in Beeston are to: • Create safer, quieter residential streets, using planters and changes to signing. • Remove the ‘through’ traffic to prevent vehicles from outside the area using the residential area as a short cut and to maintain as much residential parking as possible. • Make it safer for children to play out • Make it safer and more pleasant to walk or cycle to local cafes, shops and parks. • Allow safer connections for local residents to the new cycle infrastructure that is due to be installed. Through routes including Cross Flatts Grove; Cross Flatts Avenue-Dalton Avenue-Woodlea Place; Theodore Street -Oakhurst Avenue and Barkly Road will be blocked, as will six junctions along Beeston Road (see map). The closures will remain in place for at least six months to allow for evaluation of benefits and problems. At the end of 18
months the closures could be made permanent if the scheme is a success. Reaction the scheme has been mixed with many residents criticising the lack of consultation. The funding for the scheme comes as part of the Emergency Active Travel Fund (EATF) as part of the work to combat the Covid19 pandemic. This funding has been made available to local authorities to deliver changes to their road network and enable everyday safe walking and cycling. Central Government is clear that there is a need for local authorities to reallocate road space to walking and cycling and implement changes swiftly. In order to satisfy the requirements, all schemes within the first tranche of this programme, including Active Travel Neighbourhoods, need to have started on site within four weeks of receiving the grant funding, and must be completed on site within eight weeks of the start date. This timeline has made it difficult for the Council to fully engage with residents and make changes to the scheme before the installation. However, as this is a live trial, we have been informed that residents and businesses can make comments and suggestions at any time as well as object to the scheme. Similar schemes are also being rolled out in the Chapeltown and Hyde Park areas of the city. We understand that plans for a scheme Holbeck have been dropped. We asked two residents who live on affected streets for their views on the scheme (below) and you can see more comments on our Letters page.
I’m in favour, writes Charlie Nicholls:
I’m against, writes Linda Meikle:
As a South Leeds resident living in the Cross Flatts area for seven years I fully support the traffic control plans about to be put in place, which through reducing traffic flow around my home will help provide a safer cleaner environment for my children as they grow up. On a daily basis cars, taxis, delivery vans and other commercial vehicles use the streets around the Cross Flatts area as a convenient short cut to access Dewsbury Road and beyond. Cars often are driving at speed, without care, presenting real dangers for children as they walk to school, go to visit friends or take a trip to the local park. Anyone that walks or cycles with children daily through these streets will know how perilous this can be and how much attention is needed to make a simple short journey a safe one. Volumes of traffic are already high throughout South Leeds and as this will cut the amount of traffic moving through the area, air quality and the living environment around our homes will be improved. Many homes here are back to back properties, lacking safe spaces for children to play, so these plans will help provide this safer space for children and families to meet their friends. This in turn will make our community a much more desirable place to live for prospective residents considering to move here. A clear good thing for all current residents and the community as a whole.
I will be one of the people only able to use Dewsbury Road to get in or out of the area. Without my car I would be housebound and these restrictions will cost me at least double in fuel costs. Dewsbury Road is a nightmare to get across to turn right and if everybody from this area is having to do this it will be a recipe for disaster. To turn right at Tommy Wass Junction is a pain at the best of times. If I went Tempest Road way the traffic there is backed up nearly half way down the road sometimes so again causing more congestion. The traffic count and air quality of the area is going to get worse because of all the circular routes people are having to take. The passing trade for the few local shops we have left will also suffer. How will emergency vehicles get through? For a fire engine to get from Dewsbury Road to the top part of the Grove it will have to go in a large circle either via Old Lane or Tempest Road. How will police be able to follow criminals or attend incidents promptly? How will ambulances manage when minutes cost lives? Have air quality samples and a traffic count been done before this starts and can we be assured it will be carried out at intervals during the trial? Apart from all this I also object to the fact that yet again the council have decided that they know better than the people they are supposed to be representing with a plan obviously made up by people who don't know the area.
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14 Active Travel
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Two more School Streets for South Leeds T
wo more South Leeds primary schools have been included in the second phase of the School Streets programme, restricting traffic on designated roads around the start and end of the school day.
Hugh Gaitskell in Beeston and Middleton St Mary’s are amongst eight schools in phase two and will join Ingram Road, Lane End and Clapgate primary schools which we reported on in June. Roads around the schools
will be closed to traffic at set times, typically up to one hour, in the morning and the afternoon. Exemptions will be made for residents who require access and for people attending school with medical needs.
Parents and carers bringing their children to school by car, 13% at Hugh Gaitskell and 14.7% at Middleton St Mary’s, typically attempt to park as close to the school gates as possible causing congestion, compromising the safety of pedestrians and reducing air quality, especially from idling engines. It is hoped the measures will encourage more families to walk, cycle or scoot to school. The restrictions will be applied to St Anthony’s Drive in Beeston; and Moor Flatts Road and Moor Flatts Avenue in Middleton. Commenting on the plans, Cllr Gohar Almass (Beeston and
Holbeck) said: “My Ward colleagues Cllr Gabriel , Cllr Scopes and I am delighted that Hugh Gaitskell Primary School has now been included in the School Streets scheme which is designed to make getting to school safer and greener. “I’m confident the parents and teachers in particular and residents in general will also welcome this positive scheme now including our area.” Works have also been carried out to the junction of St Anthony’s Drive and Old Lane, it is hoped they will make crossing near St Anthony’s Primary school easier and increase confidence in both
parents and children as they travel to and from school. Speaking about the work Cllr Andrew Scopes, said: “As we are all being encouraged to spend less time in our cars and families in particular are being urged to consider walking to and from school it is important that we ensure that the walk to school is as safe as it can be. “Road safety and awareness is a really important skill to have and my colleagues and I are happy to support anything that promotes that. “We would like to thank the residents of St Anthony’s Drive for their patience while these works were carried out.”
South Leeds Transport Listening event St Anthony’s Drive in Beeston will become a School Street
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eeds Citizens members are hosting a listening event to listen to your stories and experiences on the issue of transport, getting around South Leeds and getting to the city centre. Because of the pandemic, the meet will be held online using Zoom. This event will take the form of small group conversations (using breakout rooms) where you can talk about your stories and experiences of transport (whether that be walking, cycling, buses or driving) – and your ideas for changes that need to be made. Your experiences and ideas will provide the foundation for negotiations with those who hold power on this issue in the city.
There will also be an opportunity to hear more about who Leeds Citizens are as an alliance and how your organisation/group can get involved in this and other campaigns. Leeds Citizens is an alliance of civil society organisations (community groups, churches, mosques, trade unions etc) working together for the common good of the city. In January we reported on their Southbank for South Leeds campaign, to ensure the the Southbank regeneration has a tangible, positive impact across South Leeds communities. Last month we reported on their vigil at Sunnyview House care home in Beeston as part of their campaign to raise
Campaigning for the No 1 bus route last year
wage rates for care workers. Members have been dealing with the challenges of Covid19 and the Lockdown, but are now organising for change on this issue – with the big focuses being transport and jobs. This event is being held as part of this campaign. Please let Leeds Citizens know if you are coming as this helps in organising the event. For registration details, search for Leeds Citizens on Facebook and look at the Events section. You will then be sent a Zoom link and instructions for the meeting. You can follow Leeds Citizens on Facebook and Twitter @LeedsCitizens or go to their website at: www.citizensuk.org/leeds
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16 Comment
In our view They Shall Not Starve Unfortunately it’s not a new story and it’s not very ‘sexy’, but there is little more important in life than having enough to eat. The Covid-19 pandemic has shone a light on the inequalities in our society and made them worse. The end of the furlough scheme is expected to lead to more unemployment and, as the benefits system is inadequate, more people needing help from Foodbanks. No one must go hungry - that’s why we’ve repeatedly published details of how to get help if you need it. But that help only exists because of donations. So if you can afford it, please, please donate now to keep food on your neighbour’s table.
Clear communications An Active Travel zone is set to take shape in the Cross Flatts area of Beeston this month. Opinion is divided on whether closing roads is a good idea and whether it will work. But everyone agrees that there has been next to no consultation about the final scheme. The reason is buried away in a dull sounding officer’s repoort on the Council website: the government’s funding timescale doesn’t allow for it. So why didn’t the Council tell residents this? Instead, any number of conspiracy theories have sprung up fuelling those opposed to the scheme. Leeds City Council - please treat us as adults, we can handle the truth.
Save The Salters We are on the verge of losing yet another pub, The Drysalters. It’s the only pub within walking distance of the Cottingley Hall estate, it’s valued by mourners attending the crematorium and by football fans. No one locally says they want another coffee shop and yet this is business model that works, when a pub doesn’t. Could the community take it over and use it as more than a pub?
Your letters and comments Cross Flatts Active Travel If it slows down all the ‘speedsters’ who totally refuse to slow down and adhere to the speed signs, then it has to be a good idea. People WILL complain about the plans, but then, didn’t they complain about the ASDA and petrol station on Old Lane. Wouldn’t be without them now! John Kevin Adamson Emergency vehicles need to be able to move around Beeston without planters been in the way. There will be more air pollution caused by traffic jams on the roads that we are able to use. If you need to visit an elderly relative and it’s an emergency it will be frustrating if you have to drive a long way round to get to them. Diane Jones The only ones NOT complaining are those who don’t work or drive! It’s bad enough getting around without closing roads! We motorists pay enough in various taxes then pay more through fuel. Arshad Qayyum I haven’t received any letters or notifications. I have no problem with walking, but my husband is disabled and blocking access on our street will keep him from using the car to get out. There needs to be an actual consultation with people who live on these streets. Lori Graham-Dixon About time. There is no reason any of these streets need to be through routes. Closing them will make the whole area better for local residents and the rat runners will have to find a new route. Dave This scheme now puts 15 minutes onto my 2 minute journey from the Allenbys to see relatives in Cross Flatts Street. Anyone who has travelled along Old Lane and Dewsbury Road during peak times would realise this. And before you say walk, those of us with arthritis cannot walk. I am also really concerned that there has been no consultation. Put up speed cameras. Don’t penalise the majority for the few inconsiderate speeders. Steve Thompson
A similar scheme in Croydon. Photo: Meristem Design The stated aims of this scheme are laudible and I'm sure that everyone would or certainly should support them. The main problem that I can see is that the Council and the Combined Authority appear to be about to implement this without at first consulting with the residents who will be most affected, or giving any explanation of how the traffic engineers who have developed the plans envisage that it will work in practice, assuming that it is going to be up and running by the end of September 2020? Phil Goodfield Old Lane can’t cope with traffic now. How will it work with extra traffic plus extra traffic on Dewsbury Road? Dawn Linley As an essential worker whose work entails some unavoidable car use, I try whenever possible to cycle. I recognise that this scheme will be harder to drive around the area, but that is the point. It’s a small sacrifice to make for overall improved safety and quality of life. S Talbot
Cycle training How great these cycling training sessions are offered! With more cycle lanes about Leeds for cyclists to use it’s really helpful for them to get some type of training. Many years ago people could take a cycling proficiency test but not sure if this is required nowadays. Jan
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
Gypsies and Travellers Definitely needs to be some additional provision of proper stopping sites created by the Council – ones where sanitation is available and skips and bins for waste, which can then be disposed of and taken away properly. The few ‘official’ places provided locally are small and full: so some new spaces would be welcome and lift this pressure on everyone. Sam Are any of these travellers ever prosecuted because I’m pretty sure if I broke barriers into council owned land and left a load of rubbish (fly tipping) and generally caused a right nuisance of myself then I’d be in court faster than you could say “one rule for them and another for the rest.� Moving them on every two minutes is
clearly not working so find some suitable land where this kind of thing is less intrusive and enforce its use and give the rest of us some peace. Ian
Breastfeeding mums Can you please explain why the group of breastfeeding mums were harassed in Middleton Park last month when they sat under the bandstand to shelter from the rain? The group got together to support and help each other during the pandemic. Someone called the Parks people from Leeds City Council and they asked the ladies if they had permission to be there. When do women need permission to breastfeed their babies? Maybe these job worth’s need to concentrate on anti-social behaviour and leave people alone who aren’t hurting anyone. Very sad. Louise Turnbull
Have-a-go hero Well done. One of the best Grandfathers of our community. Always taking part in local events. A credit to the area. Linda I hope the culprit gets what he deserves. Well done Ejaz. Vivienne Bate I used to visit this shop when I lived in the area. He’s a lovely man who has had the shop for years. I’m so glad he’s OK. Lynne
Thank You I really want to underline how grateful I am for your giving me the chance to write for South Leeds Life. It’s been fun, interesting and very instructive. I’ve learnt so much and writing for the paper has probably confirmed my pre-existing intention of working in journalism. But finding and telling stories about LS10 and LS11 is different because I’ve really enjoyed meeting people from all parts of our community and seeing the good that goes on but which is too rarely reported in the wider media. I may have time to send some final articles, although they may just be more cricket match reports. Imran Marashli Imran is taking up a full time jounalism course in London. We are very grateful to him for his reports over the last 18 months. If you would like to become a community reporter please email us at: info@southleedslife.com
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Top Tweets Keep up to date, up to the minute, by following South Leeds Life’s Twitter feed: @SouthLeedsLife. Twitter is the 140 character ‘micro blogging’ site. It’s free and you can sign up at twitter.com. It’s a great place to find the very latest news. Here are some of our favourite recent tweets: @HolbeckTogether Our #Holbeck families are fast becoming #Masterchefs. Alongside their breakfast & lunch pack yesterday they received ingredients to make a creamy chicken & mushroom pasta & garlic bread...& check out these amazing results from last night's tea! #HealthyHolidaysLeeds
@TheTechLadder1 We are happy đ&#x;˜Š to donate â?¤ this TV đ&#x;“ş to a refugee so her son can watch đ&#x;“ş children programs during this pandemic đ&#x;™?đ&#x;™? @finallylou Thanks for connecting me with my lovely pen pal @YourSpaceLeeds We are about 4 letters in and it has been a wonderful chance to make a new friend with someone I might have never met. We send each other small things. Bookmarks, paper clipping, drawings, it’s been such a tonic â?¤ @leeds_wood LWR team, Slung Low and Holbeck WMC team and Participants and volunteers all hard at work in our livestreamed woodworking course
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Comment 17
MP’s notebook by Hilary Benn MP
T
he independent review into the managed area in Holbeck recently published its report. It’s worth reading, although I found parts of it rather frustrating. In particular, I was genuinely puzzled as to why there was such an apparently low response rate to the questionnaire that the independent review circulated to local residents. I originally proposed the review in part so that everyone who had very strong views on the issue could make them heard. Why didn’t this happen? On the wider issue, I am only too aware that aspects of the scheme don’t work and that the changes in its management
September 2020 | South Leeds Life
we have seen so far owe a great deal to the community’s efforts, but no-one has answered the question as to what we think would happen if the managed approach was abolished. The report describes the different ways of trying to deal with on-street sex work that have been tried in the past, including using powers of arrest, but they didn’t really work either. Hence the problem. It’s now up to the Council and the Police to decide how they are going to respond to the report’s recommendations, but I would like to see much more effort put into preventing men from coming into the managed area as well as more support to help the women to leave this way of life, which in truth is no
life at all. We are all watching the changes in Covid infection rates in Leeds and across West Yorkshire, although overall the UK has not yet seen the kind of significant increase in cases we are witnessing in France and Spain, for example. There is, however, no room for complacency. I would like to thank all the staff at the LGI and Jimmy’s, local GPs surgeries and the public health team who do lots of work, including contact tracing, for everything they have done over the past few months. It has been a sterling effort by all involved. This month marks the return to school with much debate about safety and masks. I think that if staff or pupils want
to wear face coverings then they should be free to do so provided if doesn’t interfere with being able to to their job. The same should apply to people going back to work in offices. Talking of schools, my heart goes out to all those students who contacted me in a state of panic and despair after their Alevel grades were reduced by the infamous algorithm. It was crystal clear after what had happened in Scotland that there was going to be a major problem in England. I don’t understand why it took ministers so long to realise this and eventually make the only sensible decision - namely to allow students to use their predicted grades if they were better than those awarded by the computer. Lots of people have fallen behind with the rent because of coronavirus. The ban on evictions was recently extended
Hilary Benn MP
by a further month after a big campaign, but with unemployment set to rise further we simply cannot have people being put out on the streets through no fault of their own. The eviction ban needs to be extended Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament. He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers further. We already Hunslet, Middleton, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Hyde have a housing crisis in Park, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Burmantofts, Richmond Hill and Osmondthorpe. Leeds and I see it in the rising number of people Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com who come to seek my help either because Constituency office: Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097 where they are living at
the moment isn’t suitable, or they are overcrowded or they can’t afford the rent or they are homeless. Finally, I’m very fond of the colour green, but the shade chosen by the Highways Agency for the new sound barrier down Parnaby Road is an eyesore. It’s far too bright and dominates the eye whereas a different shade of green would have done the business much better. Come on Highways Agency, get your paint brushes out!
Time for re-think on Gypsies and Travellers? by Wayne Dixon
D
o we need a re-think about how we strike a balance between Gypsies and Travellers living their traditional lifestyle, without the settled communities (the vast majority of us) having to cope with illegal campsites? Gypsies and Travellers have pursued their non-settled way of life in this country for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years. While it may often seem out of place in our modern society it is undoubtedly a very traditional way of life. But the friction between settled and itinerant isn’t a new issue. In 1530 the passing of the Egyptians Act aimed at ridding the country of all Egyptians or Gypsies, by banning immigration and ‘voluntarily’ requiring Gypsies to leave the country within sixteen days. The punishment for those who did not conform was the confiscation of their goods and property and the threat of imprisonment and deportation. This law was further amended in 1554 when the carrot and very big stick approach was taken. If Gypsies abandoned their ‘naughty, idle and ungodly life and company’ and adopted a sedentary way of life with a settled occupation, they would not be punished. But the punishment for failing to settle down was extended to include execution for those not complying. Many Gypsies were executed by the state up right up until the 1660s and although the state executions stopped
in the latter half of the seventeenth century the punitive and restrictive laws continued. It seems that Gypsies were tolerated when they were useful as farm labour, entertainers or blacksmiths, and were made to move on once they’d outlived that use. Gypsies survived thus on the margins of society until the outbreak of World War II. The outbreak of war and subsequent conscription, meant that Gypsies became a useful source of labour for the war effort. The darker side of those war years is that along with Jewish people, gay people, trade unionists and disabled people, Gypsies were targetted victims of the Nazi regime. I have a keen interest in this issue due to my own families Romany gypsy roots. My Nana was brought up in a Romany Community in a horse pulled Caravan and despite what people may think about Gypsies - many of my own morals have been from her influence, including treating others how you want to be treated, respect for your elders and basic good manners. Many used to buy land and pitch on their own land years ago but they still faced persecution when pitching, as land got more expensive that option became less viable. It’s unfortunate that the bad in the community are always remembered over the good, which leads to many Gypsies and Travellers deciding to settle down in houses and moving away from the traditional ways of their families. I have often wondered about how
this way of life can exist in modern day Britain. The more I think about it, the more I think I might have an answer. If a serious commitment were to be set in law, drawing up new legislation for ALL local councils to offer short term stop off sites in various locations within their jurisdiction and that these sites may consist of parking for cars and caravans, a place for waste disposal and cleaning facilities, this could offer a solid way forward. This of course will lead to many other questions and here are a few I think might come up. Who will pay for it? For me this is
simple - each council would have a permit that can be bought online (very few don’t have a smartphone these days). The price of the permits should cover the costs related to the sites – not make a profit. Where would the sites be? This of course would be a tough call, but it must be done in consultation with local residents and with the gypsy and traveller communities also. The consultation process should have an emphasis on bringing the communities together. It’s important that everyone’s voice is heard to make it work.
Won’t Gypsies and Travellers just pitch elsewhere to avoid paying? I suspect the good in the community will be more than happy to pay their way, but rightly so - some won’t care. To combat this I feel that New Legislation would be needed to make Trespass a criminal offence, but only once these sites are in place. I am sure that this idea is probably too simple and there is much more to do on it, but it has to be a basis to work around surely? There must be an answer that allows everyone to live their lives in cohesion. What do you think?
Gypsies and Travellers recently camped on Cross Flatts Park, they were moved on by Police and Council officers within 48 hours
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18 Historical Life
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Tracing the Great Northern Railway Part two: Beeston Junction To Hunslet East
Beeston Junction with houses on Dewsbury Road and the Cardinal estate in the background
by Ken Burton
I
n 1893 a number of engineering firms in Hunslet obtained an Act of Incorporation for the Hunslet Railway Company whose aim was to establish local facilities for handling goods because of the poor service being offered by the Great Northern Railway at Wellington Street some two miles away. The Great Northern, however, were quick to see advantages in this scheme and a year later had taken the Company over. Beeston Junction already existed at this time on the Batley-Tingley-Leeds Central Station line to Wellington Street via Beeston Station (see my previous article in August 2020). This new line from Beeston Junction was to be another Great Northern Railway (GNR) Goods Only line, passengers were never carried
and the line opened on 2 January 1899. Plans for this new line were prepared by WB Myers-Beswick a regular servant of the Great Northern, and the work was contracted out to JT Firbank of London. Much of the track was laid on embankments, materials for which was brought from eight pit heaps, some as far away as three miles. For the first half mile from Beeston Junction the line ran roughly parallel to Dewsbury Road then passing under a bridge on what became Ring Road Beeston Park (see photo) before running between the site of the Southleigh and Allenby estates. Where the Allenby state is located it was originally scheduled for the building of a marshalling yard for Beeston Park Pit. On closure this first section became a landfill site to fill the
track bed. After roughly one mile it crossed over Parkside where it was bridged over the Middleton Railway and later the Middleton Tramway to Parkside Junction. At Parkside there was a footbridge over the line, these were known locally as the Cuckoo Steps. From here the line was bridged over Belle Isle
Road, roughly where the M621 road bridge is now before passing between the Bramley Engineering Company Limited and Clayton's in Pepper Road. This was also the site of Cuckoo Steps, these steps were used by employees of John Waddington as a short cut to their place of work, it was also bridged across the Midland main line at Stourton where it also crossed over the A61 Wakefield Road at where the remains of a bridge abutment almost opposite The Queen's Hotel (now closed) it then crossed the A639 Pontefract Road. From here it headed to cross the Aire & Calder Navigation at Thwaite Gate. After crossing the Navigation and River it swung back towards Leeds and South Accommodation Road where there was a large Goods Yard, Hunslet East, this was shared with the North Eastern Railway who brought coal trains from the Waterloo Pit at Temple Newsam. Apart from the large amount of embankment work and bridges along the way the principle engineering feat along this line was the six-span bridge over the Navigation and the adjacent River Aire. There was a proposal to widen and deepen at this point to allow
The six span bridge crossing the river and navigation at Stourton
with the Darlington's Cleveland Bridge & Engineering Company appointed as subcontractors. Three Ring Road Beeston Park, near the Tommy Wass men were killed tall-masted ships to pass to the and two others injured during Port of Leeds (sounds familiar) the assembly process. so a swing bridge was needed The ship canal never came to over the Navigation. fruition and the swing bridge The resulting structure for was never used. The bridges crossing this obstacle was vast; over the River and Navigation a clear span of 170 feet across were dismantled by Ogden the waterway and 275 feet Demolition in 1977 leaving only between abutments. Two main the ashlar column for the swing girders 41 feet apart extended span, the northern abutment for 295 feet with a depth of 30 and the mid-river pier. feet, while the steelwork The line closed in two stages weighed in at 1,250 tons. the first to go was from Hunslet The ashlar column (still to be East to Parkside Junction which seen) was 45 feet in diameter closed on 3 January 1966, but while the foundations for the the section Beeston Junction to piers were sunk to a depth of Middleton Colliery Parkside 35 feet. Work got underway on Junction Exchange Sidings was this structure in January 1897 retained until 3 July 1967.
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Historical Life 19
Middleton Park centenary T
September 2020 | South Leeds Life
his summer marks the 100th anniversary of Middleton Park. Celebrations had to be put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but John Newbould from the Friends of Middleton Park has uncovered press cuttings from 1920. In 1920 the land came into the
ownership of Wade's Charity. They then leased it to the then Leeds Corporation for 999 years at a peppercorn rent on £1 per year, the land to be used as a public park and open space for the people of the city. The official handing over took place on Friday 23 July 1920 with
Councillors travelling from Leeds Town Hall to the park for a tour followed by luncheon. The park was then opened to the public and there were brass band performances on the Friday and Saturday by RAMC Comrades Military Band. Writing in the Yorkshire Weekly Post
Mr Leslie Owen, the Parks chairman presenting Mr Peake with a souvenir of the occasion. From left: Mr Owen, Mr CF Tetley, Mr Copson Peake, the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, Mrs Owen and Mr JC Atkinson
on 31 July 1920, Edmund Bogg welcomed the ‘New Park For South Leeds’ in rather flowery language: “It was, indeed, a happy thought which came to the trustees of Thomas Wade's charity to purchase the beautiful domain of Middleton, which rises to such a commanding elevation south of Hunslet, Holbeck and Beeston, with its embosoming fromlage [sic] and emerald meads; and make a present of it (on a 999 years' lease) to the city for yet another public park.” This extract from the Leeds Mercury of July 1920 ‘Gift of a New Park For Leeds’ describes a growing city with new council housing, with the south of the city dominated by heavy industry: “When the scheme was first projected the Middleton township was not then within the city, but it was evident that the decision to save the estate came not a moment too soon. By general consent an extension of the city boundary to include the district was carried out last year , and the urgency of this step was recognised as the greater when it was resolved that Middleton - toward the southern of the new park - should be the site of one the great housing schemes of the municipality. “Already the northern end of the
park has assumed a severely industrial aspect. Coal mines elbow the patch of greenery to left and to right, and one reaches the lodge at the entrance through an avenue of pit head gear, railway waggons, volcano slopes of smoking tip from the furnaces of ironworks and brickworks, and amid an atmosphere of black smoke, grey smoke, yellow smoke and snowy steam, each cloud with its special significance to the industrial eye. “To the tired town-dweller the instant contrast on passing the gates and entering the sweet seclusion of the woodland is the more delicious for such an approach.” “The two arms of the woodland enclose a space of grassland much more level in character and extending to 110 acres. This will be available for recreation purposes. Much of it is on a pleasant slope to the west, but it should not be very difficult to find room here for excellent cricket and football grounds, tennis courts, and the like. They will be presently much more easily accessible than now, for a tramway is to be carried through the district to the new garden village of Middleton.” You can read the full articles online at fomp.co.uk/history/jnmidpark
Sunday services resume at Middleton Railway by Imran Marashli
S
ervices at the Middleton Railway resumed for the first time since New Year’s Day on Sunday 2 August as the heritage railway celebrates its Diamond Jubilee. The first service, a threecoach train powered by a Slough Estates No.3 engine, left Moor Road station at 11am following a ceremonial opening by Cllr Kim Groves.
It’s a popular attraction not just locally but also nationally,” said Ms Groves, chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee and councillor for Middleton Park ward. “It’s great to see all the social distance measures in place and families adhering to them. If everyone keeps to their word on behaving then we’ll be absolutely fine. “It [Middleton Railway] is run
timetable and conditions amid the coronavirus pandemic, and will run an hourly service on Sundays. Those booking online will be prioritised, although people turning up on the day will be admitted if space permits. The railway is facing a period of uncertainty as several volunteers have had to shield during lockdown. An additional coach has been added to the Sunday service to facilitate
Cllr Kim Groves waves off the first train as services resume The train sported a special commemorative sign on its front to mark the Middleton Railway’s 60th anniversary. “It’s a real honour. We would have had a special celebration this year that’s been delayed.
by volunteers and is part of our history, so I’m so pleased to see it starting again today after such a difficult period for the community.” The railway is resuming services under a changed
social distancing. However, a member of staff said that the resumption of more services is possible if there is enough passenger demand. As previously reported, the
Middleton Railway marked its 60th anniversary using dieseland steam-powered engines in a private event in June. However, Middleton Railway has since announced that they would not be running Santa Trains this year. In a statement they said: “It is with a heavy heart that the Middleton Railway has decided we cannot operate “Santa” trains in 2020. The Railway has investigated a number of ideas to try and operate our highly successful “Santa” trains, but current social distancing rules, coupled with the possibility of lastminute lockdown by government make the event extremely difficult to put together. “In addition to the practicalities involved, the railway is conscious that we have developed a great experience over the years, which has proved very popular. We feel that it would be wrong to present a “lesser experience” than normal, which could disappoint our child visitors and this has also been a factor in our decision to cancel.” MRT Chairman, Charles Milner, added: “The Railway has very reluctantly come to the decisions not to run Santa Specials in 2020; we believe that in the current circumstances we cannot give the children who come to see Santa on our railway the fun
experience they deserve and expect of us. We are also unable to provide their parents the relaxed and happy atmosphere that we have tried to achieve over the years. We all look forward to seeing Santa on our Railway in 2021”. Apparently, the Railway
received the following message from Santa himself: “I am sorry I cannot come to Middleton Railway this year, but I am looking forward to visiting once again in 2021. Don’t worry about Christmas – I can still visit everyone’s houses as usual!”
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20 South Leeds Lives
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Breastfeeding mums get together in the park by Suzanne Tobin
P
andemics don’t stop babies being born and more than ever more mothers are choosing to breastfeed because of the protection against infections that it offers. But what happens when you need support? We know 8/10 mothers stop breastfeeding before they wanted to and Bosom Buddies are here to help you meet your own breastfeeding goals. Following the closure of community centres, in line with government Covid-19 guidance, the Coordinators, Suzanne and Cath from Health for All, set up an immediate alternative to breastfeeding groups. The Middleton peer support group is one of the most well attended groups in the city, with people travelling from far and wide to access it. With Leeds Bosom Buddies in 12 groups all across Leeds we knew we had to act fast to help families. Every Wednesday you can get support by joining our Citywide
Zoom 10:30am-12pm, where it’s as much about seeing a friendly face and social support as the breastfeeding support. One mum said: “Having never had chance to see other mums or family in person since my son was born, it’s been really reassuring to chat to you all on Zoom, get advice and a better sense of whether certain breastfeeding challenges are normal – it seems they mostly are! The positive of lockdown is it’s helped us have time to bond with our new baby and to have space to get breastfeeding established.” Teresa Newsome, Middleton group peer supporter says: “I’m so pleased that we peer supporters can at least offer a weekly support group, so we can find out if last night was better for a particular mum, or if baby latched from the other side today or even if she managed to get her tea hot! “Knowing we can’t just say ‘See you at the group’, and giving mums that cuppa and a hug that we all knows cures
everything in that moment is heart wrenching. I’m so looking forward to regaining our group, and our community that grows within it. “We will try to learn more ways of supporting our mums ready for the groups return, with a big emphasis on supporting mums with their mental health. We’re all aware of the massive impact that Covid-19 has been having on each other, especially the mums with their brand new babies. I’ll personally continue to be in awe of Cath and Suzanne and proud as punch of my fellow Bosom Buddy peer supporters. Roll on group life!” You can also get support from Leeds Bosom Buddies support group on Facebook, now boasting over 350 members. Support can also be arranged via telephone, email, private message and Zoom. Between them, Cath and Suzanne have also volunteered for La leche League for over 40 years, an amazing achievement! For World Breastfeeding
Boobies In The Park took place in Middleton Park Awareness Week, the theme this year was ’Breastfeeding For A Healthier Planet’. We ran an incredible five ‘Boobies In The Park’ meets around Leeds, an idea from one of our Middleton peer supporters, Abby Carden, who knew it would be just what families needed to reduce isolation and find some local friends. Abby said: “It was an amazing success and feel it was very much needed, the mums loved getting out with their babies and being around like minded
We can all help suicide prevention by Shannon Humphrey
W
orryingly, most people are touched by suicide at some point in their lives. A family member, partner, spouse, colleague or passing acquaintance. Most of us know someone who has been desperate enough to end their suffering by taking their own life. What drives one person (worldwide) every 40 seconds to take their own life may never be fully understood. Suicide is a sensitive issue with lots of complex and personal reasons. For every completed suicide 25 more people will attempt to kill themselves. Experts predict that the Covid-19 pandemic has
escalated a mental health crisis which could last for years and increase suicide rates. The measures we have been taking to control the virus – isolation, shutdowns, business and school closures, restricted access to family and friends, furloughs, job losses or high pressure work environments have created a toxic mixture of anxiety, loneliness, grief anger and overwhelming uncertainty about the future, causing more people to make life ending decisions. Maybe you’ve noticed a family member, friend, or colleague who just doesn’t seem themselves lately? It might be something they said or did, or just a feeling that something isn’t quite right with
them. They could be struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. To reduce the rate of suicides it’s important to break the stigma of talking about mental health, being aware of suicide indicators, the signs that something is wrong and having conversations that might seem difficult at first. Choose a place and time when you can speak privately without interruption. Try not to look shocked or interrupt them when they are speaking, remain calm and nonjudgemental. You don’t have to know all the answers or solve their trauma, a listening ear can be enough to let someone know you care. If you have time, prepare yourself with the phone number of a local mental health support service in case it is required for ongoing assistance. People who are thinking of ending their lives often don’t want to feel like a burden so they will probably say they are OK even if they aren’t. They might even try to laugh it off. Don’t be fobbed off. If you are concerned enough to ask about their mental health, the chances are that your gut
instinct is right. Ask again. Be direct. Ask if they are having suicidal thoughts. Asking someone who isn’t suicidal if they are, isn’t going to make them do it. Let them know that what they tell you is in confidence unless they are a vulnerable adult or child, or if they admit to an imminent suicide plan, then you must call 999. And if they really are fine? That’s great. At least they know that you care, and they can confide in you if they need to. Better to ask and be wrong than not ask and be right, you could save a life. The government advice for the pandemic is to Stay Alert, it could just as easily be the banner for suicide prevention. We all need to Stay AlertCheck in with family members and friends, yes, even the loud, funny one who seems to be the life and soul of every party. Be honest about our own mental health and don’t be afraid to seek help if it’s needed. The Samaritans 116 123 World Suicide Prevention Day is 10 September 2020 Shannon is a Mental Health First Aid Instructor with www. pathwaysforpositivity.com
women. They really benefited from the support of the peer supporters.” With around 125 families supported by the events, they have been an incredible success. On 4 August in Middleton Park the rain did not stop play. With our carefully planned, risk assessed, Covid secure plan, Leeds Bosom Buddies peer support volunteers and coordinators Cath & Suzanne from Health for All, donned our t-shirts and headed off to meet the local mums and babies. “So happy our event coincides with World Breastfeeding Week! For women to be able to come together and nourish their babies with other mums in their local environment, just depicts what this year’s theme is all about. “Women can walk to their local space, and gain well deserved and often critical support and a much needed sense of solidarity amongst like minded people all in a safe environment. The Healthier Planet fits perfectly with our breast milk – it’s natural and renewable, non packaged liquid gold itself!” said Teresa Newsome Middleton peer supporter. Katie Greenwood, who has been a Middleton peer supporter for 8 years, and recently had a new baby told us: “It was nice to simply feel like the mother of a baby for a couple of hours instead of feeling like a home schooler, lockdown survivor and working from home mum. I felt the isolation I had felt for so many months melted away and I finally felt like we were in this together again. My baby saw other real
life babies for the first time since March and was absolutely mesmerised.” Local mums tell us what it meant to them: Becki and Teddy “We attended Middleton Boobies in the park and it was a lovely way to meet new mums after four months in lockdown and only seeing limited people. It felt like a little bit of normality had returned. The group was a safe place to socialise and feed our babies outdoors and socially distanced. Thank you Bosom Buddies, I only wish it could be a weekly thing! “ Nicole & Olivia “I attended with my little girl and it was fab! The first mum and baby class we have managed to go to and everyone was so welcoming and friendly. As a mum scared of breast feeding in public I felt so at ease and Leeds Bosom Buddies have given me the confidence to do it everywhere now! Can’t wait for the next one.” Sally & Olivia “I attended the Middleton ‘Boobies In The Park’ meet with my 9 week old and it was a great experience! Having given birth to Olivia during lockdown, it was lovely for to me to meet other mums and for Olivia to meet other babies. The meeting was socially distanced so there was no need to worry on that front and I got some great advice.” For more information please contact me at: suzanne.tobin @healthforall.org.uk
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South Leeds Lives 21
Belle Isle A Life Well Lived volunteer retires Mrs Dorothy Hopper 1926-2020 after 20 years by Peter Sutton
H
aving joined Belle Isle North EMB (Estate Management Board) in the late 90s, Ian Liptrot helped to bring about significant changes to the way housing services were managed across Belle Isle. This led to the creation of Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation in 2004, known locally as BITMO. After 20 years of championing local housing services, Ian will officially retire as a Board Member at BITMO later this month at BITMO’s Annual General Meeting. Ian’s wife Paula, who was also well known for her community volunteering work, sadly passed away at the end of 2019. Ian has decided that the time is right to retire and step down from his role on BITMO’s Management Board. “Myself and Paula always enjoyed being a part of BITMO; attending the monthly meetings, AGMs (Annual General Meetings) and community events, like the Belle Isle Gala” he said. “We met some great friends, had a lot of laughs, but everything we did at BITMO was to help bring the people of Belle Isle together and make it a great place to live. “Board Members have such an important role at BITMO; having a say on local investments, proposals, and services for the community. I am proud to have a TMO in Belle Isle, and I’m proud of the
work it carries out.” BITMO manages nearly 2000 properties on behalf of Leeds City Council, and is the only Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) in Leeds. Like all TMOs, BITMO is run by a tenant-led Management Board. The Management Board consists of up to 12 Tenant Board Members - these are people who rent their homes from BITMO, 4 Independent Board Members - homeowners, or people with a connection to Belle Isle, and 2 of Councillors for the area. Ian added: “Over the years, by being involved and volunteering with BITMO, I’ve seen how much of a community Belle Isle has become. I would encourage anyone who wants to make a difference to where they live to get involved in any way they can.” For more information about becoming a Board Member at BITMO, please contact Karen Hoole at Belle Isle TMO on (0113) 378 2182, or email bitmo.enquiries@belleisletmo .co.uk. You must be over 18 years old and rent your home from Belle Isle TMO in order to become a Tenant Board Member at BITMO. As a Tenant Board Member you could make a real difference to your neighbourhood. At the time of publishing, Belle Isle TMO was looking at ways to hold their AGM safely, which is scheduled to take place at the end of September.
Proud to have a TMO in Belle Isle: Ian Liptrot
by Sue Galloway
I
n Dorothy Hopper there was much more than met the eye. Many she once knew in Belle Isle have long gone, but there is no doubt that they, and others within the community were touched by this inspirational, strong woman who served to promote the wellbeing of the residents of Belle Isle. Having nursed her husband for three years, his death in 1983 left a huge void in Dorothy's life. She joined Belle Isle's St John and St Barnabas church and got involved in the various activities there, always on hand to be chief cook and bottle washer at the events and services. She took pleasure from flower arranging, having the self-taught skill of knowing how to display flowers beautifully, and she was trusted completely to do this for various formal occasions. She would spend hours preparing lessons for Sunday school class. Whether ten children or one child attended, it was important to Dorothy that they learned something of the Gospels. She went on to be churchwarden with responsibilities including the safety and upkeep of the building. Everything she did there she did with remarkable passion and dedication. Equally, Dorothy could be found patiently sat with the children of Windmill Primary School that needed extra time to develop their reading skills. After all these years she had many of the progress sheets of these children kept in a little folder. She had written such lovely and positive comments about each child, as they worked through their difficulties of reading. Her positivity was Dorothy's gift to all those that she came alongside. Joining the Belle Isle Voluntary Befriending Scheme, she visited those that were isolated, housebound, lonely, or bereaved and gave them what they most needed; time and space to express their feelings. In the 1990s there was a 'buzz' in Belle Isle in regards to various much needed and exciting projects that could, primarily due to European funding, be set up in the area. Dorothy jumped at the chance go with a group of volunteers to Brussels to see how social housing worked there and what could be learned from them
Dorothy Hopper receives flowers from Cllr Judith Blake on standing down as a trustee of Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid last year that might be utilised within housing projects in Belle Isle. She was involved in the then new '59' Centre for the Elderly and at the official opening of the Winrose Project that was designed to support vulnerable young people that needed housing etc. She played a practical part in making this a reality. She was part of the team for Belle Isle Elderly Winter Aid, known now as Belle Isle Senior Action, later joining its Board of Trustees. She found it a little amusing to be appointed secretary for the Belle Isle Estate Management Board, as she’d had no secretarial training, but she still rose to the challenge. An original member of the working party that set up the Family Centre in the undercroft of St John and St Barnabas Church, Dorothy maintained her commitment to the smooth running of the centre in many ways. Her dedication knew no bounds, and she attended classes at Northern College to learn about voluntary work processes, so that she could use some of her developing skills in a practical and meaningful way in her community. In 1999 a personal invitation to the Lord Mayor of Leeds’ banquet made her smile, as she thought what her mother would have made of that happening to a South Leeds working class girl. She was very pleased to receive the invite though. As a self-effacing person,
Dorothy blushed a little in 2000 when elected to receive the local Women of the Year Award. Presented by former councillor Geoff Driver's wife Ros she was given a engraved glass rose bowl, that forever sat pride of place in her lounge. Last year, aged 92, Dorothy decided to resign from the Board of Trustees. She would have known in her heart that giving that up would be the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle in her long years of community service. Councillor Judith Blake and the team came to her home to present her with flowers and a card in appreciation of her dedication to voluntary work.
Whether attending an important meeting, pushing people around in wheelchairs so they could access holiday activities, or sorting out bags of old cans for charity funding Dorothy was always a team player. As a mother, she always made time to listen to the family’s needs and wanted to know all their news, and what they had been doing. She had a positive attitude to life that was apparent to all those around her. A remarkable woman indeed, but you might detect a little bias here - that's because Dorothy was my lovely mother and friend. RIP mum.
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22 What’s On IN BRIEF Free gardening course Local unemployed people in South Leeds who live with learning difficulties are invited to take up the offer of a free place on a gardening and allotment course to support their efforts to find employment or training. The sessions will start on Monday 7 September on Mondays and Tuesdays at Lady Pit Lane – off Linden Avenue – in Beeston for residents who live in Beeston, Holbeck, Hunslet and Middleton. To find and more or to reserve a place, contact Lou on 07730 765551 or email your name and phone no to louise.ross@groundwork.org.uk
Panto cancelled St Andrew’s Pantomime Group has announced that their popular pantomime will not be taking place this Winter. Simon Forster, Group Chairman said: “It is with very heavy hearts that the committee of St Andrew’s Pantomime Group has had to take the decision to cancel our 2020/21 panto, which would have been Mother Goose, due to Covid-19. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of our members and audiences during the current pandemic and ongoing restrictions on indoor shows means that rehearsals, set-building and performing/attending productions is not viable at this time. Our current plan is to perform the show in the 2021/22 season.”
No happy ending this year
Hunslet Club reopens The Hunslet Club will be open for their evening activity program from Monday 7 September. The timetable has been amended which may see a reduction in some sessions, this is to ensure the highest level of safety for staff and members. However they are still offering over 60 sessions per week, ranging from our Tots sessions from 18 months old to our adult sessions. As the club is now in its 80th year they are offering a reduced price to members, with most sessions now only £1. Check out the new timetable at www.hunsletclub.org.uk.
Kindness Festival Kinder Leeds are running a week of online events as they stage their Kindness Festival from Sunday 6 - Saturday 12 September. Each day has a theme including looking after yourself, relationships, business, spaces, communities and planet. You can find the full programme at kinderleeds.org
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College, choir and performances at The Holbeck with Slung Low by Sally Proctor
W
e had some wonderful feedback following our recent term of the Cultural Community College and are just finalising plans for the Autumn term so keep your eyes peeled for our college programme which will be being delivered in Holbeck soon. We’re excited to announce that these courses are not only available online but in real-life too: at The Holbeck and in the new classroom in the Slung Low Wood. You can also find out about our courses and all other events coming up by signing up to our mailing list via our website www.slunglow.org Our Holbeck choir is returning online on Tuesday 15 September 78:30pm so if you’d like to Learn new songs, meet new people and sing from the comfort of your sofa then you should definitely join! The brilliant Tessa Smith will lead us
through some beautifully composed songs via Zoom over two six-week terms. Everyone is welcome, no singing experience needed. Email sally@slunglow.org if you’d like to join. We are excited to announce some brilliant performances coming up very soon. Due to popular demand we're bringing back our Lockdown gameshow YOU CAN BET WE’RE SOCIALLY DISTANCED! for one last 2020 outing. To celebrate our new permanent outdoor auditorium at The Holbeck, everyone’s favourite gameshow* will be live for all the family. There will be special guests, including 'Slung Low's House Band'. Saturday 5 September 7:30pm. GOOD BLOOD Earlier that day, LS11's very own Keira Martin, in collaboration with Sioda Adams, brings us 'Good Blood': a look at the relationship of two sisters through dance, live music, song and storytelling. Saturday 5 September 2pm.
Inspired silliness: You Can Bet returns to The Holbeck PROVOKED TO MADNESS BY THE BRUTALITY OF WEALTH Gobscure comes to The Holbeck with this playfully political piece of theatre. This visual performance is about asking questions, regaining our voices and the importance of remembering. Sunday 27 September 5pm These events are Pay What You Decide and you can book via our website. We’re making sure that
everyone’s safe here at The Holbeck so do come and join us for a drink on Sundays - we’re open from 11:30am–4:30pm and 7:3011pm. The snooker room is also open so if you’d like to book a slot then give us a call on (0113) 226 0808 or email us on theholbeck@slunglow.org Finally if you’d like to pitch in with our food parcel deliveries in anyway, we particularly need drivers, then do get in touch.
Raising Aspirations in South Leeds H
ealth for All (HFA) has been busy engaging South Leeds residents in activities designed to help them move closer to the job market. The Raising Aspirations project is funded by CLLD, Community Led Local Development, part of the European Social Investment Fund. Priorities for the project are families and people with disabilities who often face major barriers to getting a job. Raising Aspirations was launched at the HFA AGM in early March, just before the lockdown was announced by the Government to reduce the spread of Covid19. HFA had to close its centres so delivery of the project moved online. Prior to lockdown, the staff team organised three drop-in sessions in the area to promote the project and engage people’s interest. Events took place at Middleton Family Centre, Beeston Village Community Centre and St Mary’s Parochial Hall, with a warm welcome and refreshments provided. Family Activity workers entertained the children to enable parents to relax and talk freely about the help they wanted. Partner Leeds City College, were also in attendance,
providing information about further education opportunities. Raising Aspirations Coordinator Danielle Newton said: “Making that first step can be daunting, but we are getting amazing feedback from local residents in South Leeds. Our approach of providing one to one support and online training courses seems to be what many people need. “Despite the lockdown, over 70 families have signed up so far and been allocated a key worker. The events gave us lots of useful insight into why people find it hard to access education or employment. “People have told us of barriers such as lack of childcare, lack of basic skills in Maths, English and ESOL. Some simply lack the confidence needed to apply for jobs or courses and need that friendly helping hand.” Recent weeks have seen the Raising Aspirations staff deliver four virtual courses including Confidence Building and Breaking the Barriers, ESOL & Functional skills, Photography and IT skills and How to set up your own business. More than 20 parents enjoyed the
courses, joining online. For those without the necessary access to IT, HFA staff made sure they had access to loaned computers from the Council’s Access to IT scheme. Feedback from parents showed immense enjoyment and an increase in confidence. One parent, Marufa, said: “I really look forward to the Confidence Building course every week on Zoom – I even get dressed up for it! I’ve been able to say to the children that I am also learning so they have to do
their homework too. I’ve learned so much that I’m putting into practice, even asking for help with the kids. It was made so easy for me being referred to the course. I’d recommend it to any other parent. Thanks so much Raising Aspirations”. HFA staff also responded speedily to requests and referrals for emergency food parcels during lockdown, delivering more than 25 parcels each week from Middleton Family Centre, along with Family Activity Packs to keep the children entertained. There are plans for more
courses and with the HFA centres gradually and safely reopening, access to one to one support will start again. Parents with young children will get help looking after their children from the trained Family Activity workers. Courses starting in early September include Confidence Building, Overcoming Barriers and Emotional Wellbeing. For more information on courses, one to one support and activities, contact Raising Aspirations Co-ordinator Danielle Newton on 07487 664352.
Steph, Sharon, Danielle and Claire from the Raising Aspirations team (taken before to lockdown)
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September 2020 | South Leeds Life
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Sporting Life 23
How Pingpong4u adjusted New gym at Middleton as to the Covid-19 world by Peter Thompson
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n Mid March lots of our face to face work (mainly with older, isolated and disabled people from South Leeds) came to a very abrupt end, when Covid-19 arrived. At first, we felt very uncertain about what to do and afraid … for everyone. Then we thought about how we could take the game to people - since we couldn’t be physically with them. So we set about making small bags of good quality equipment (Pingpong4u Starter bags) and applied for grants to make it possible for us to distribute to families in need. The idea soon took off thanks to generous grants from Sport England, Leeds Community Foundation, Leeds City Council, JUMP Bradford and then a large order from Street Games (North East). In total we have distributed over 600 Starter bags since Mid-March. Some of these packs have been distributed to groups and organisations in South Leeds including Holbeck Together, Kidz Klub, ReEstablish, Hamara and Leeds CC Housing tenants. But, it didn’t feel enough to just assume people would know how to get the best out of the bags, so … •We added a laminated card showing photos of how to set up 6 of our special Adapted Ping Pong Activities games. •Made videos of how to play the games, how to make them easier/ how to make them harder. •Created a closed Facebook group for families with packs from Beeston Hill and Holbeck to be able to chat, share fun ideas and post pictures/videos
With a starter bag you can play table tennis in the kitchen using the equipment! (If you have received a pack feel free to find us on Facebook Holbeck and Beeston Hill PingPong4U). Then we really pushed the boat out. We really wanted to give people a fun experience and to forget about being in Lockdown. So we set up virtual Zoom training sessions for local group coordinators and community leaders so they could see how to play a wide variety of games and then lead their own community virtual table tennis sessions. We held regular sessions (3 times a week) for young adults
Ellen and Claire at Holbeck Together prepare to distribute starter packs
with learning difficulties – these were a real challenge, but immensely enjoyable and hugely rewarding. We also asked the top England players and coaches if they wouldn’t mind making a short video challenge that we could then upload each Monday on Twitter (@PINGPONGFORU) and on our brand new YouTube Ping Pong 4U. Lo and behold the videos came pouring in (and they still are doing). Probably the highlight to date was the Zoom session where Jack Hunter-Spivey (British Paralympic Table Tennis player) asked to join us! He was absolutely wonderful with our young adults with Learning Difficulties. Jack was amazing with the students who really appreciated him taking time out to be with them. It feels amazing to think that we have now got young families playing with our Pingpong4u starter bags on the 9th floor of blocks of flats, in peoples living rooms and in local parks. One mother gave us this feedback: “Honestly it's been really great for the kids. We've even been doing some of the activities suggested in the pack. The kids have been
enjoying the pack very much, we all have. “My kids have been throwing a ball into a cup. And we've even used some old boxes. Cut holes inside for balls to be thrown into. And one box inside to out. “But mainly enjoying ping pong. Both in the house and outside. At the kids request! “Thank you so very much for the pack, it's been a godsend honestly. My boys have special needs and usually don't take to things like this. They can find themselves getting frustrated before they start. They love this pack, we all do.” More recently we have started to develop face to face sessions for the Healthy Holiday children at Holbeck Together. Super fun sessions where children can learn new skills and interact together, whilst adhering to social distancing guidelines! So there we have it, from “What do we do now?” back in mid March to reaching out to a whole new group of people who have never even picked up a bat before and who are REALLY loving their new sport. What next? Well we are looking forward to working and developing a new programme for schools in September that will allow many more new children and families to experience the great game! We will keep applying for more grants to be able to buy the equipment to make up more activity bags. And we need to keep getting the word out there telling everyone what is on offer. We are also very keen to develop new community clubs in South Leeds where we can link our families to go and develop their skills further. By linking together our work with families, schools and establishing new community clubs we truly believe that the great sport of table tennis will grow stronger and stronger. Currently in the South there are tables at Holbeck Together, Hamara and St George’s Centre. It would be great if we could increase the usage of these as well as hopefully find funding for more tables across the area. If you want to hear more about where/ when you can play near where you live, feel free to contact : peter@pingpong4u.co.uk or karen.peck@leeds.gov.uk or james.beaston@leeds.gov.uk
Active Leeds reopens
The new Gym at Middleton Leisure Centre
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fter months of hard work and planning ensuring our buildings can open safely for customers and staff, Active Leeds are delighted to announce that John Charles Centre for Sport, Morley and Rothwell Leisure Centres are back open for gym, swim and group exercise sessions. We also have a brand new gym which opened at Middleton Leisure Centre on 29 August. We are working hard to open the remaining facilities as quickly as possible, and will be providing regular updates on progress via the Active Leeds app. Working closely with colleagues in the council as well as governing bodies, we are ensuring our facilities are as safe as possible with social distancing and extra cleaning and sanitisation measures. Things may look a little different to how they did prior to lockdown, but we are delighted to be able to reopen our doors and start providing our customers with a safe space to keep active again. It has been fantastic to see so many of you back using our leisure centres, and enjoying being back part of the Active Leeds family. Here are some comments from people who have ‘Made the Comeback’ with Active Leeds: “Just wanted to say how great the family swim session was at Morley this evening. Very well organised, slick operation, and I felt super safe! Well done to you all, we will definitely be coming back soon” Joanne, Morley LC. “I just wanted to say a massive thank you and a well done to Active Leeds. Had my first Zumba class tonight after months away! Couldn’t have
felt safer. Staff helpful. Place spotless.” Sarah, Holt Park Active. If you would like to make your comeback with Active Leeds you have a few options. If you are an existing member you can choose to reinstate your membership, or any new joiners can now take out a membership online, for £16.95 for the first three months. Or, you can decide to pay as you play at the cost of £3 per session. Currently all sessions will have to be pre-booked in advance via the Active Leeds app or website. You can take out a membership today on our website. Our brand new gym at Middleton is situated just off the Middleton ring Road, and includes the latest interactive Technogym gym equipment, with the latest technology to keep track of your workouts and progress. Come and experience this stunning, open and friendly space for yourself, it’s the perfect environment to start or get back in to getting active. We also have a dedicated free weights area, we offer free body composition analysis and personal fitness programmes to our members. Whether you are new to the gym or experienced, you will receive all the support you need. If you would like to come have a look at our new gym please register your details at www.leedsmakesthe comeback.co.uk and a member of our team will be in touch as soon as they can. Our Middleton only gym membership is available from £16.95 a month. Thank you for your patience during our gradual reopening, we can’t wait to see some new faces using our facilities.
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South Leeds Life | September 2020
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
24 Sporting Life
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Disruption dogs Nelly’s season by Imran Marashli
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f one word sums up Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club’s season so far, it is disruption. That is hardly surprising considering that the coronavirus pandemic has upended sporting calendars at all levels. However, Nelly have had more than their fair share of extra challenges to deal with since action began in July. First came the sudden suspension of their opening home game after an East Ardsley player tested positive for coronavirus at the eleventh hour. Continuity in team selection has been impossible, with opening bowler and toporder batsman Patrick Hinchliffe sustaining a seasonending injury, while the batting order has been chopped and changed to accommodate absentees. And in this most
unpredictable of summers, an all too familiar disruption – the weather – has frustrated fans and players alike as rain forced games against Spen Victoria and Oulton to be abandoned. With no promotion or relegation at stake this year in the Bradford Cricket League’s reorganised league competition, Hunslet Nelson have blooded younger players as more squad members gained experience. Wins have been hard to come by, although that matters much less in a season like no other. However, the Gipsy Lane club’s batting – an area identified for improvement by stand-in captain Andy McIntosh – has failed to fire. In five completed league games, Nelly failed to bat out their allotted overs on three occasions, slumping to 97 all out against league leaders Sandal and 112 all out at
Bowling Old Lane. Only once have they passed the 150-run mark, and the vast majority of bonus points have been earned thanks to the bowlers. The club’s return to the Arthur Thornton Ground against Hopton Mills – their sole victory so far – has been the clear highlight of the season as they scored 202 runs before skittling the visitors for 124. Debutant Jamal Khojani stood out that day, flaying Hopton’s Jamal Khojani in action for Hunslet Nelson against Hopton Mills. Photo: Paul Butterfield This month, Hunslet Nelson Mirfield side on 12 September. bowlers around the ground to team. Captain Will Stiff marked his will travel to East Ardsley But whether they manage to pick up 44 runs and seven boundaries. Also picking up return to the team in style aiming to avenge a 29-run end the season on a high note wickets with his off-spin, against East Ardsley, hitting 59 defeat before meeting the or not may ultimately be a moot Khojani has been a real find runs off just 57 balls and mighty Sandal for a third time point in a year where cricket overshadowed by and was promoted to No.5 after claiming four wickets, but his this season. They can also was making his debut at No.8, a heroics were in vain as the record a double over Hopton something far bigger than Mills when they visit the sport. testament to his impact on the visitors ran out winners.
Outdoor skatepark takes shape at LS-TEN by Tosh Wilson
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ver the past couple of months we have been working with the skateboarders of Leeds who have been volunteering their time here at LS-TEN to create their own DIY concrete skatepark. We have been helped by Leeds City Council Inner South Community Committee and also energy drink Red-bull and clothing brand Vans on making the outdoor skatepark possible. Over the years the skateboarders have built a number of DIY skateparks in abandoned areas such as old car parks, however this land has always belonged to someone and so as soon as the park get built (using their own time and money) it simply gets destroyed by the land owners. We have seen this happen time and time again and it got to a point where we figured it was time to help out. We have a huge back yard at the skatepark doing absolutely nothing and so we suggested that the skateboarders simply use our unused backyard to build their own DIY skatepark. What would be great about this, is that nobody would be able to knock it down. Amazingly they were all keen for this. Progress was slow to start with but over the past couple of months, the build has really started to take shape. By the end of September this DIY section will be open for all users of LS-TEN to skate and ride and everyone is excited about it.
Volunteers work on the concrete skatepark at LS-TEN in Hunslet