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Issue 69 | December 2020
Covering Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Riverside & Stourton
BUY LOCAL TO HELP OUT
In this issue:
Hannah’s helping at White Rose
page 5
Shamim: a young Asian achiever page 6
Support independent businesses this Christmas by Ed Carlisle
P
eople across Leeds are being urged to help save the local economy by a new citizen-led campaign called #BuyLeeds – encouraging us all to do our Christmas shopping with locally-owned shops, businesses, creators, and producers. Whilst big business and chain stores dominate the headlines, it is local independent businesses who are more vulnerable in the face of economic downturns. The high street is struggling, but independent stores even more so, who (even at the best of times) make up an estimated 90% of total shop closures nationally. The hospitality industry has been hit even harder by Covid19, with scores of local cafes, pubs and restaurants fearing for their futures. And the overall economic climate – in which many people are ‘tightening their belts’ – seems to be negatively impacting a broader swathe of small businesses (such as individual makers and creators, often working from home) and community organisations. Meanwhile, according to research bodies like the New
Economics Foundation, locallyowned businesses play a disproportionately positive role in their communities – which the big chains can’t match. Typically, they invest far more locally – employing local people, buying from local and not paying profit to distant shareholders. They also generate more and better-quality jobs (whereas every supermarket on average causes 270+ job losses); they pay more tax; they generally have a smaller environmental impact; and they contribute to a vibrant and more democratic community (instead of having too much power held by a small number of organisations). The #BuyLeeds website supportyourlocalindie.co.uk features scores of locallyowned businesses, including: cafes and restaurants; activity and leisure providers; pubs and brewers; bakers, butchers, and caterers; record stores, artists and craftspeople, bookshops, and many more. The campaign is especially focused on businesses providing Christmas fare, such as gifts and vouchers, food and drink, and other seasonal items. But they recognise the importance of the wider range
of local retailers, such as neighbourhood convenience stores, and plan to sustain the campaign year-round. Jack Simpson runs Eiger Studios near Hunslet Moor, and is one of the campaign coordinators. He commented: “It’s obviously been a very difficult year for many. But the way we all spend our money can make such a difference to local businesses, and to our communities and city – please #BuyLeeds this Christmas, and beyond. “This is a moment for the city to unite, to support its own. All Leeds, Aren’t We?’ Zoe lives in Beeston, and runs her own jewellery business Urban Magpie as a second income. She told us: “I'm fortunate I don't rely on this for a living – because for so many local creatives and indie retailers, 2020 has been incredibly tough. “I’ve been working with citycentre retailer Our Handmade Collective to launch a fantastic new online shop, but am really keen to support other south Leeds makers, and shops and venues. “I really hope everyone gets behind the #BuyLeeds campaign!" For full #BuyLeeds
information and news, visit supportyourlocalindie.co.uk, or find them on social media; businesses are welcome to sign up anytime. To buy the wares of local craftspeople, check out: ourhandmade collective.co.uk, shop.fabrication.co.uk, or www.etsy.com /uk/shop/greatyorkshireshop. Or just drop into your local independent shops, leisure or hospitality venues, and see what they have. Many are offering gift vouchers – or just make your own IOU for loved ones this Christmas, for a trip out to a local venue in the New Year. And could we all buy our Christmas roasts from a local butcher this year? Buy advance tickets for courses or sessions at local leisure and activity venues, in rock climbing, biking, and more? Make purchases from local charities or groups selling crafts, gifts, calendars, and other items? Let’s really make Christmas count this year. Let’s put our money where our mouth is, spread the word, and see how local independent shopping – now, or at any time – will reap a harvest in our city and communities. It’s up to us.
Linda’s hedgehog hospital
page 18
Harley wins Leeds United award page 24
NEWS TEN YEARS
2-11 11-12
SCHOOL LIFE 14-15 COMMENT
16-17
LIVES
18-19
WHAT’S ON
20-23
SPORTING LIFE 24
Get the latest news at www.southleedslife.com - new stories posted daily
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South Leeds Life | December 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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Council calls for urgent action to address the Cladding Scandal by Cllr Paul Wray
A
t a meeting the full Council on 11 November, Leeds City Council approved a motion we have been calling for as local Councillors – a motion to demand the Government protects residents in Hunslet and Riverside Ward and across Leeds who have been impacted by the scandal of faulty cladding and other fire safety defects in many of our city centre apartment buildings. By using legal loop holes, many developers used fire safety contactors who cut corners to save money. This means untold numbers of residents now live in unsafe buildings. To add insult to injury, leaseholds who bought their homes in good faith and knew nothing of these issues until the urgent fire safety reviews following the Grenfell disaster – are now being pushed to the point of bankruptcy to cover the cost of interim safety measures and building repairs. The Government has offered nowhere near what is needed to cover the costs of supporting the victims of this scandal. This means many buildings won’t be fixed for years to come.
Unsafe apartments at Leeds Dock via Google Streetview Unlike a faulty car or cooker which can be recalled and can be replaced – people’s homes can’t simply be demolished and rebuilt. To make matters worse, until the buildings are repaired, many are classed as worthless, meaning residents can’t even sell them if they wanted too. The Government must step in to provide the millions of pounds needed in Leeds to make these building safe and to protect the innocent owners from bankruptcy and the untold mental harm and distress caused by it – they have a moral duty to act.
Working with partners, as local Councillors, we will help make sure they don’t forget it. I seconded and spoke in support of the motion. You can view the debate at bit.ly/LCCFullCouncil 11Nov starting at 4hr 9min in. Commenting on the vote, Leeds Cladding Scandal (LCS) said: “The government’s current response to this crisis is completely inadequate, which will leave many living in unsafe homes, trapped or financially ruined through no fault of their own. In order to fix this crisis, the government must take an active
New Beeston housing to be managed by Home Group W
ork is set to get underway on a new development that will deliver much needed affordable housing in Beeston. The homes, off Old Lane, will have a mixture of one, two and three bedrooms and are being created to answer local demand for this type of housing. Developed by Home Group, one of the UK’s largest housing associations, the 49 new homes will all be available for social and affordable rent and are being built on the site of the former Moorhouse’s jam factory.
In the strawberry season the women of Beeston were employed in large numbers doing the sorting, etc of the strawberries. The ladies were all regular seasonal workers and they became known as The Strawberry Club, when boiling took place you could smell the wonderful aroma all over the district. So one of the new streets, which will be accessed off Moorehouse Avenue, will be called Strawberry Drive. The other new road, Gawthorpe Avenue, will be named after Mary Gawthorpe a prominent suffergette who lived in Beeston. She taught at
49 new homes for rent will be built on the derelict site
St Luke’s Schoo and later became a national organiser for the Women’s Social and Political Union. The Moorhouse’s factory was employing 590 people when it closed in 1972, the factory building burned down in 1976. The site has been derelict / empty since a Wickes DIY store on the site closed in the late 1980s. The site was bought by Tesco, but they failed to get planning permission for a store in 2013. Plans for housing on the site first emerged in January 2017, although planning permission was approved, the developer didn’t build the scheme. A new proposal for private rented homes came forward in May 2019. Councillors on the Plans Panel objected that there were not enough affordable homes or green space included. The developers then brought the scheme back as 100% affordable rented, which was approved in June this year. Will Gardner, Director of Development at Home Group said: “One of our drivers is to ensure we build the right homes in the right places and that’s exactly what this new housing development
role in ensuring buildings are made safe and must increase the Building Safety Fund to cover interim measures and remediation on all buildings. We recognise that this burden shouldn’t fall solely on the taxpayer and the government should seek to recover funds from those responsible or via a levy on development.” Hilary Benn MP who has been supporting LCS added: “More than three years after the Grenfell Tower disaster, hundreds of people in Leeds are still living in unsafe flats that are now worthless. They are having to pay for increased insurance bills and waking watches while worrying all the time that a letter will arrive asking them for huge sums – which they don’t have – to fix the unsafe cladding on their building. “This is causing enormous strain and anxiety for leaseholders who, having bought the home of their dreams, are now instead living in a nightmare for which they are not in any way responsible. “Their homes must now be made safe and the only way this can be sorted out is by the Government. Ministers need to get on with it because the current situation is totally unacceptable.” represents. “On liaising with the local council, they identified a real need for one, two and three bed housing in the area and, as an organisation, we want to support communities and help them grow. “We are delighted to be working with all our partners to deliver the project and are looking forward to seeing people living in the finished homes.” Cllr Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Communities, said: “I am pleased to welcome this scheme of affordable housing in this community as we know good quality affordable homes are in much demand.” The scheme is being supported by Homes England with Engie developing the site on behalf of Home Group. Nathan Brough, Regional Director for ENGIE’s Places and Communities division, said: “We’re delighted to begin work on transforming this derelict land into a development of new affordable homes of which local people can be proud. With local authority waiting lists continuing to grow in the area, creating high quality affordable housing stock has never been more important for our partners, and we’re proud to be able to support them in this ambition.” The homes are expected to be delivered by 2022.
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News 3
Leeds United kick off a month of volunteering at Holbeck Together H
olbeck Together was thrilled to welcome Leeds United’s Chief Executive, Angus Kinnear, and Director of Football, Victor Orta to Holbeck recently. Angus and Victor were on hand in the community to help kick off a month of Leeds United and Leeds United Foundation staff volunteering their time to support the people of Holbeck during the winter months. The month of volunteering will see Leeds United staff supporting a range of charities across the city, ensuring they are playing their part in helping those most vulnerable through
December 2020 | South Leeds Life
what will be a difficult period of time, especially due to the impacts of Covid-19. Leeds United employees will be supporting Holbeck Together with: • Holbeck Together’s weekly walking group; • Telephone befriending service, where a staff member from Leeds United will be a friendly voice on the other end of the phone, to make sure Holbeck Together’s clients have someone to chat to if they’re feeling isolated or lonely; • Crisis relief, delivering hot meals and winter packs of flasks, hot water bottles, face masks, sanitiser, gloves, hats
and hand-made crotchet blankets; • Packing and delivering Christmas goodies for Holbeck Together’s winter hamper project. Both Angus and Victor are encouraging members of staff to follow their lead and sign-up to lend a hand in the run-up to Christmas. The club’s CEO signed up to support the weekly walking group and after being paired up with Holbeck Together client and avid Leeds United fan Kevin Bradley, invited him to do their walk around Elland Road. Kevin, said: “I really enjoyed meeting Angus; It was a
Elissa Newman (CEO, Holbeck Together), Angus Kinnear (CEO, Leeds United), Kevin Bradley and Claire Holmes (Holbeck Together)
pleasure. It was like a dream come true. I didn't think I'd see that, not in my lifetime, in all the years I have supported them. “Angus is a lovely down to earth man. I can't thank Holbeck Together enough.” Victor then spent the morning doing telephone befriending calls, chatting to older residents who are shielding and may feel isolated, getting to know them and generally brightening their day. Elissa Newman, Chief Officer of Holbeck Together, said: “It was great that Angus invited Kevin to kick off the month of volunteering with Holbeck Together at Elland Road. “It brings to life how such a simple action such as walking and talking can encourage people to step outside, get some fresh air and chat through anything on their mind. “It was so heartening to see Victor and Angus leading from the front and encouraging their staff to support the Holbeck community – we can’t thank them enough for their support and dedication. “It makes such a huge difference – and gives the people of Holbeck a great morale boost - when the leading organisations in our city look outwards towards the community during challenging times and help spread some much-needed seasonal cheer. It’s a true representation of Holbeck pulling together.” To find out more about how Holbeck Together’s community support programme, please visit: www.holbecktogether.org /our-services/communities If you are interested in joining the Leeds United staff in lending a hand and being part of the community response over the festive period, then please contact Matthew on (0113) 245 5553.
Coronavirus The Government has placed Leeds under Tier 3 restrictions, this is what it means: •
you should not mix with other households indoors; outdoors you can meet with a group of six people but only in public spaces, such as parks; • all hospitality should be closed with the exception of takeaway, drive through or delivery options; accommodation should be closed other than exceptions (such as for business travel); • all retail and personal care (such as hairdressers) can open, as can gyms and leisure centres (although exercise classes can’t take place); • the advice is still to work at home if you can; • places of worship are open but attendees cannot interact with anyone outside of their household/support bubble; maximum 15 guests for weddings (no receptions) and 30 for funerals; • indoor entertainment venues will remain closed; outdoor events should not take place (other than drive in events); and • advice is against travel out of the Tier 3 area other than where necessary for work or education or another exception. •
A full list of Tier 3 restrictions can be found here www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tierswhat-you-need-to-know#very-high-alert As before, some exemptions apply and can be found here www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tierswhat-you-need-to-know#exemptions
Cuts and sell offs as Council’s budget crisis bites A
report presented to Leeds City Council’s Executive Boardon 18 November set out more savings proposals for the financial year 2021/22 in an attempt to address the significant impact of coronavirus and ongoing reductions in funding. It detailed the actions underway and proposed to address the financial gap for 2021/22 which is currently estimated at £118.8m. Of this figure £59.7m is due to pressures identified prior to the impact of coronavirus with the balance of £59.1m resulting from the ongoing financial impact of COVID-19. The report comes on top of savings proposals put forward in September and October.
The Council is in the process of rationalising its property estate and the proposals include the sale of the Park Lees development site on St Anthony’s Road in Beeston. Park Lees was the site of a care home, but has lain fallow since it was demolished some years ago. Plans are also being made to close up to half the city’s bowling greens, potentially including those at Acre Close, Middleton, Cranmore Recreation Ground, Middleton Park, Cross Flatts Park and Holbeck Moor. An online consultation runs until Monday 14 December 2020 at surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/ V1AW2A/. A further £17.6m of potential
savings were presented for consideration with an anticipated reduction in the workforce of 199 full time posts. Commenting on the latest proposals, the leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake has again called for more financial support to be provided by government to meet the increased budgetary challenges faced by the council due to coronavirus. Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “The impact of coronavirus combined with national reductions to local government budgets over the last decade has been of a scale nobody could have predicted. There is no doubt that without further
national funding there is a regarding this issue and we are funding then the financial gap major risk to the services and pressing the case on behalf of in next year’s budget will facilities the council offers to the people of Leeds. If the become smaller and the impact the people of Leeds. government listens and on council services will “We will make every effort to supports the council with more reduce.” protect frontline services and we will do everything possible to not make compulsory redundancies. However, some incredibly tough decisions now need to be taken because of the impact of the pandemic following a decade of austerity. “We continue to engage and speak with government Under threat: one of the bowling greens in Cross Flatts Park
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South Leeds Life | December 2020
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
4 News
On the beat
by Insp Lucy Leadbeater
2
020 has been a very different year for us all and not one that any of us could have imagined. The challenges for people both personally and professionally have been unprecedented and for policing it has been a very challenging year for us. Sadly, Christmas will look a lot different for all of us. Whilst legislation has been changed to allow small number of family and friends to get together please ensure that you are complying with regulations and if you are unsure please check the latest guidance which can be found at www.gov.uk. Despite the challenges and increased demand that we are facing the South Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) are continuing to work hard to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour and the issues that matter to you most. This month has been no exception and we have had a strong focus on tackling the illegal supply of drugs and the anti-social behaviour that is associated with this. Over the past four weeks the team has executed a number of drugs warrants in Beeston, Holbeck, Middleton, Hunslet and Belle Isle. As a result of these warrants a significant amount of Class A and Class B drugs have been recovered and arrests made. The Middleton and Belle Isle area has seen an increase in anti-social behaviour (ASB), particularly with young people involved. We have received
Executing another drugs warrant
many reports of young people throwing stones and other objects causing damage to houses, buses and vehicles. This is completely unacceptable and we are working hard in partnership to tackle this. We have managed to secure a specialist team of ASB officers who have been seconded into the area to help us solve this problem. They are currently obtaining all the evidence and are working with partners including the Leeds City Council ASB team, Leedswatch CCTV, schools, the Youth Justice Service and others to try and reduce these issues, which I know are a great concern to residents in these areas. This behaviour will not be tolerated and I would encourage anyone with any information about who is engaging in this to contact our NPT.
Councillors pay tribute to the Fire Service’s response to Covid-19 B
Watching your speed on 31 October we received reports of number bikes and quads in South Leeds. We were able to utilise local officers as well as those from specialist teams and 8 quads and bikes were seized and 7 people arrested. The investigation is on-going. Throughout November we continued to seize a large number of bikes which have now taken off the streets. As stated it has been a very busy month for us but we feel
eeston and Holbeck Councillors, Gohar Almass, Andrew Scopes and Angela Gabriel, have thanked the Fire Service for the “vital lifeline” they have provided in responding to the challenges of the pandemic. Cllr Gohar Almass, Chair of the Community Safety Committee at the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority, has highlighted a number of different activities not usually carried out by the Fire Service and their valued contribution. These include: providing food and medical supplies to those in need; being trained to drive ambulances or set up temporary mortuaries; delivering personal protective equipment to care homes; providing falls assistance to the ambulance service; and the delivery of school meals. He advised that the Fire
Service continues to be adaptable to provide support where necessary; alongside responding to their usual duties. Cllr Almass said: “Since March, Firefighters have not only been performing their regular roles but have gone above and beyond to support our residents. They
have been a vital lifeline to communities across Leeds and West Yorkshire, under very difficult circumstances. “My colleagues, Councillors Andrew Scopes and Angela Gabriel, and I would personally like to express our gratitude to all the emergency services and key workers for keeping our neighbourhoods safe”.
Local testing for Covid-19 in Beeston Hill
Seized: Quads and off road bikes Whilst covering Middleton one of my team were lucky enough to have a little present put on their car by a kind young boy and his mum. He wanted to show his appreciate to the work that the officers do on a daily basis and I know the officers were very grateful so thank you! This month has included Road Safety week. As part of this week we have conducted a number of speed checks across South Leeds, whilst I am pleased to report that the vast majority that were checked were complying with the speed limit, the relevant action was taken against those that were not. Tackling the illegal and antisocial use of vehicles continues to be one of our priorities and
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S
very fortunate to be able to continue to work in the community to make it safer and feel safer. I want to finish by wishing everyone a peaceful Christmas period, please stay safe and look after your friends, family and your community.
Thank you
ince 13 November a local mobile Covid-19 testing unit has been set up at the Rowland Road Working Men’s Club, Rowland Road on Beeston Hill. The local Councillors recognised how important it was to have a testing site in the community for those residents who would otherwise struggle to reach other sites. Working with our partners to locate a site, Rowland Road Working Men’s Club was identified. Thanks to their generosity, a mobile testing unit is placed at the club two days a weekmaking it easier for local residents to get a test. To date 1,145 tests have been carried out at the site. It is important anyone who has symptoms get a free NHS test to check • You have a high temperature • You have a new, continuous cough • You have lost your sense of smell or taste or it’s changed You can also get a test for someone you live with if they have symptoms. If you have coronavirus symptoms, you should get
tested. All testing sites operate on an appointment only basis – please do not attend without an appointment. Appointments can be booked via the NHS online booking system or by calling 119. When booking, you will be shown a list of the nearest places to go for your test. It is important to be tested no more than five days from when your symptoms started. Those being tested are asked to wash their hands before leaving home, wear a face covering on their journey to and from the centre and to not stop anywhere on the way. Anyone testing positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace to help them track their contacts. This will help people to identify who they may have
been in close contact with, protecting others from further transmission. Close contacts of those testing positive will also hear from NHS Test and Trace, asking them to stay at home for 14 days to prevent them from unknowingly spreading the virus. They will be advised to also book a test if they develop symptoms. However, they should not book a test if they don’t have symptoms. Cllr Mohammed Iqbal commented: “This virus has caused terrible suffering for many in Hunslet and Riverside Ward. Far too many have suffered losing loved ones. It is therefore reassuring to hear how many are taking these vital tests locally and playing their part to stop the spread of the virus”
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December 2020 | South Leeds Life
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News 5
Paralympian Hannah Cockroft Keep calm and appointed Accessibility carry on Ambassador at White Rose gardening
Hannah Cockcroft MBE is a regular visitor to White Rose Shopping Centre
W
hite Rose Shopping Centre announced T34 Paralympic wheelchair racer Hannah Cockroft MBE as its Accessibility Ambassador to coincide with this year’s Purple Tuesday on 3 November. Holding five Paralympic gold medals, as well as multiple world records and world championship titles, Hannah is a Halifax native who regularly shops at White Rose. As Accessibility Ambassador she’ll be working alongside the team at the Shopping Centre to discuss, brainstorm and plan ways in which the centre can improve their accessibility even further.
Hannah said: “I am delighted to be working with White Rose as their Accessibility Ambassador. “I love coming to the Shopping Centre as it’s a total breeze to get around, and you can tell that they care about the accessibility needs of their shoppers. “I can’t wait to start working with the team and come with ideas to improve accessibility even further, so that every customer visiting White Rose has an enjoyable experience.” Nearly one in five people in the UK have a disability or impairment, and there are very real (and perceived) barriers
that make it harder to find work, spend money in store or online, and enjoy a drink or a meal out. Committed to making sure that all visitors feel welcome and have the best experience possible, White Rose has implemented the following measures all year round: • Free hidden disability lanyards to signify that additional help may be required by the wearer. Anyone with a ‘hidden disability’ is invited to wear the lanyards, which can be picked up free of charge during White Rose’s drop in session or from Customer Services • Autism guides to White Rose • Changing Places facility fitted with specialist equipment such as a hoist and changing bench and provides enough space for up to 2 carers to assist the person with disability • Quiet room facility • A free shopmobility service providing visitors with free hire of an electric scooter, powered wheelchair or manual wheelchair • Disabled parking bays in
every car park • Quiet hours every Tuesday morning from 10am until midday • Sensory toys for those needing some time out Steven Foster, Centre Director said: “We are committed to making sure that all visitors to White Rose are able to have a positive and enjoyable experience. We are constantly working to ensure that shopping at White Rose is an inclusive experience for all and hope that our measures will raise awareness of the challenges that disabled customers can face when out shopping.” With non-essential retail reopening on 2 December, White Rose has introduced a number of safety measures to reassure shoppers including hand sanitiser points throughout the centre, a one way system to ensure social distancing can be maintained, floor stickers and signs to remind guests to keep the required distance apart and a queuing system for entry to the centre. To find out more about the accessibility services that White Rose currently provides, please visit the following link: white-rose.co.uk/accessmobility
Linda Stanley & Cllr Angela Gabriel (Beeston In Bloom) with Ken Burton (Beeston Local History Society)
by Linda Stanley
T
here hasn’t been a lot to shout about this year, but trying to make the best of what’s happened, we thought we’d share with you some of Beeston In Bloom’s latest projects. First, the new sign in Beeston Cemetery. Through our work maintaining the Miners’ Memorial in Beeston Cemetery, it became clear that residents – old and new – were unaware of the importance of coal mining in our past. So, with
Using our funds and money raised from plant sales we think this has made a cheerful addition to our area in the park. The bench depicts flowers, butterflies and bees and faces the Watsonia Pavilion. Lastly there’s the recently planted Tommy Wass troughs. When the council nursery closed down earlier this year we were unable to provide hanging baskets and barrier troughs in summer. So, we were determined to make sure that there was some welcome colour as winter approaches.
Gee Gee Cars acquired by Amber L
eeds’ largest taxi and private hire vehicle operator, Amber Cars, has acquired Gee Gee Cars, based in Beeston, to further boost its offering across West Yorkshire. The acquisition of Gee Gee Cars will see Amber Cars operate an additional 50 licensed vehicles in South Leeds, as well as boosting
bookings by 5,000 a week. Operating under the existing and well-known Amber Cars brand, residents and businesses in the area will benefit from increased capacity and the latest technology to provide an even better service. Chris Neary, Amber Cars Regional Director, said: “We are delighted to be
Abdul Waheed, former owner of Gee Gee Cars with Chris Neary, Regional Director at Amber Cars. Photo: Anthony Devlin
welcoming Gee Gee Cars to the Amber Cars stable. Not only will the residents of Leeds and the surrounding areas benefit from increased capacity and efficiencies, but Gee Gee Cars passengers will now be able to experience Amber Cars marketleading technology and service standards. This includes a winning combination of our booking app, advanced digital infrastructure, and professional driver-partners.” The Amber Cars booking app, available for both Android and Apple devices, enables passengers to book a journey in just three taps. Alternatively, if passengers prefer, they can still make a booking by using the existing telephone numbers for Gee Gee Cars. The option of paying by either cash or card is available on all bookings. Amber Cars, part of the Veezu Group, was also one of
the first transport companies to introduce additional Covidsafety measures this year to make journeys as safe as possible for both passengers and driver-partners. The measures, designed to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, include specialist cleaning regimes and trialling in-vehicle protective screens. Also, since July this year more than 180,000 face coverings have been made available to driverpartners, free of charge, for their own use while driving. The deal to acquire Gee Gee Cars, located in Beeston, follows on from the acquisition of Premier Cars, based in Moortown, earlier this year. The Amber Cars’ acquisition strategy enhances its position as the biggest taxi and private hire operator in Leeds, with more than 1,250 driver-partner across West Yorkshire.
Volunteers installed the new bench in Cross Flatts Park funding from a grant from Leeds Parks Fund, we commissioned a new information board. An artist used an old map and material provided by Beeston History Society and once lockdown was eased in July the sign was ordered. We recently finished off the project by surrounding the sign with a gravel border, with the help of volunteers from the Mosaic Church. Secondly, we’ve installed a new bench in Cross Flatts Park.
We’ve planted bulbs and bedding plants in the troughs that are now displayed at the Tommy Wass junction. We intend to keep calm and carry on gardening in the park every Wednesday, 10-12, as long as the weather allows. We are in the open, enjoying the fresh air and have ample space to maintain social distancing. Like everyone else we hope for a better, brighter year in 2021 when we have more new projects to come.
Troughs bring colour to the Tommy Wass junction
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South Leeds Life | December 2020
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
6 News NEWS IN BRIEF Radar Healthcare backs Foodbank Radar Healthcare, an award-winning digital health firm based in Leeds, has chosen Leeds South and East Foodbank as its Charity of the Year. Radar’s partnership will help to maintain the continuity of the Foodbank services throughout the lockdown, so that those isolating or experiencing a reduced income due to unemployment or furlough don’t go hungry.
Drugs seized thanks to community intelligence A woman was arrested in Holbeck on 8 November and Class A drugs seized after a tip off from local residents. Officers from the Leeds South Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act in the early hours of the morning. The team gained access to the house with the help of a ‘big red key’ battering ram. You can pass information to the Police by ringing 101, or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/ 101livechat. Alternatively you can give information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Coms firm CDS moves into refurbished Holbeck office Strategic communications agency CDS has signed a 10-year lease on a 11,000 sq. ft property at Canal Wharf, Holbeck – designed to support ambitious growth plans, attract talent, and reflect its world-leading digital and print capabilities. The three-storey waterfront property has undergone an £750,000 transformation in a bid to provide an adaptable environment for the growing organisation – which counts the likes of Yorkshire Water, National Policing and Social Work England among its client roster.
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Northern Monk donates Shamim 10,000 cans of beer to recognised frontline staff at awards On Sunday 22 November In May, Northern Monk Northern Monk, the Holbeck- employees climbed the ascent based brewery, gave away 5,000 and descent of Mount Everest via cans of their flagship beer, Faith, their staircases, whilst in to NHS employees, frontline care lockdown, to raise money for their workers and educators across For The North Foundation grant the UK. scheme that gives £5,000 grants As a thank you for continuing to to community and environmental care for, and teach, the country causes in the North. Between during this difficult time, 5,000 May and June, Northern Monk cans of Faith were listed free of donated £10,000 to three charge on Northern Monk’s brilliant Yorkshire-based projects online shop, encouraging people through the For The North to ‘Keep The Faith’. Foundation – Rooted For Girls, This is the second time that the BME Hub and The Racial Northern Monk has completed a 5,000 can donation – the brewery did the same thing back in March, and wanted to repeat the process for the people keeping our communities safe, and informed, during this second national lockdown. The complimentary beer was available in packs of 4X330ml cans via Northern Monk’s online shop (www.northernmonkshop .com), and all cans were claimed. There was no proof Keep the faith required to claim the cans, Justice Network. Northern Monk put their faith in In July, Northern Monk the community to join them in released LDS AS ONE, a beer giving a gift to front line workers, designed to support the and to help the brewery notify the hospitality industry in Leeds relevant people about the free during lockdown. All stock was cans, rather than claiming the supplied to venues for free, so beer for themselves. they could keep all proceeds, or This is one of several charitable gift the cans to their employees. initiatives, related to the impact In August, Northern Monk of the pandemic, that Northern received 1021 job applications Monk has done since March. for a packaging position, which Aside from donating 10,000 free highlighted the recent jobs crisis cans of Faith to front line workers, in Leeds. Led by Northern Monk’s Northern Monk has also HR Manager, the brewery worked undertaken the following: with 50 ‘applicants’, free of
charge, through an in-house employment scheme that was created as a result of receiving such a high volume of applications. The scheme worked with 50 currently unemployed individuals, and helped each of the 50 people by assisting with their CV, and conducting a 30 minute practise Zoom interview with them – giving the applicants vital advice at a time when unemployment surged due to Covid-19. Northern Monk’s aim is to support the community in the North as much as they can, during an incredibly difficult time for all. By running the free Faith initiative once again, they are hoping to shed a little light in the difficult days that the people on the front line are facing. Speaking about the initiative, Founder of Northern Monk, Russell Bisset, says: “In the midst of the second national lockdown, and in the run up to the festive period, there’s never been a more important time for us to show our support for the incredible work that NHS staff, front line care workers, teachers, lecturers, support workers and more, are doing during this time. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we gave more money to charity than we made as a business – and we don’t intend to stop giving yet. Thank you to everybody that helped us keep the Faith and get the beer into the hands of the right people this weekend.”
Shamim Miah
by Kushmina Begum
O
n Wednesday 11 November the first ever Yorkshire Asian Young Achievers Awards ceremony was held online due to the pandemic. Shamim Miah, 23, born and bred in Beeston and a former member of the UK Youth Parliament was shortlisted in the “achievement in not for profit sector”. Although he did not win and was the first runner up, Shamim was recognised for his community work in Beeston and South Leeds. He has helped create a local youth club to raise aspirations and confidence amongst teenagers in the LS11 area, is the youngest ever community governor at Cockburn School and was acknowledged for being a friend, confidant and positive role model to teenage males when they need it the most. On Friday Shamim went to pick up the runners up award in person (see picture) and proudly commented: “This nomination is great recognition for all the hardwork young people in Leeds are doing not just me. I believe that I am the product of my community I was brought up in so I look forward to giving back more and representing them in the future.” Shamim hopes to continue his political, educational and social support in Beeston and beyond, so watch out for his next big project with young people in South Leeds!
Census 2021 will provide a snapshot of modern society H
The census will be run online
ouseholds across South Leeds will soon be asked to take part in Census 2021. The census is a once-in-adecade survey that gives us the most accurate estimate of all the people and households in England and Wales. It has been carried out every decade since 1801, with the exception of 1941. It will be the first run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete
the questionnaire on their computers, phones or tablets. “A successful census will ensure everyone from local government to charities can put services and funding in the places where they are most needed,” Iain Bell, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics, said. “This could mean things like doctors’ surgeries, schools and new transport routes. That’s why it is so
important everyone takes part and we have made it easier for people to do so online on any device, with help and paper questionnaires for those that need them.” Census day will be on 21 March 2021, but households across the country will receive letters with online codes allowing them to take part from early March. The census will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education,
household size and ethnicity. And, for the first time, there will be a question asking people whether they have served in the armed forces, as well as voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity. Results will be available within 12 months, although personal records will be locked away for 100 years, kept safe for future generations. For more information, visit census.gov.uk For offers of support, please contact the Census Engagement Manager for South Leeds, Scott Anthony Martin, at scott.martin64 @field.census.gov.uk
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December 2020 | South Leeds Life
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News 7
New threat to The Drysalters T
Planter replanted Ed Carlisle of the local Green Party, with Morrisons community champion Debbie and community gardener Cathy, cleared out and replanted the very overgrown and prominent raised bed by the Hunslet post office on Church Street this month. To join them for similar projects around the Hunslet area, get in touch with them on Facebook, or via South Leeds Life.
Warmer homes for Middleton residents L
eeds City Council has secured £2.9 million of funding to provide targeted energy efficiency improvements such as cavity wall insulation, air source heat pumps, and external wall insulation in areas with high levels of fuel poverty and inefficient homes. The work, which is funded by a Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy grant, will save 385 private and council-owned households an average of £366 on their fuel bills every year and cut the city’s annual carbon footprint by 518 tonnes once complete. The targeted works will be available to low-income households with a low energy rating and will take place on the Bodmin estate in Middleton as well as areas of Swarcliffe, Seacroft, and the Weston
estate in Otley and will be undertaken according to Covid safety guidelines. In Leeds, more than 34,000 households are classed as living in fuel poverty which means that a household has above average fuel bills and paying these bills would result in pushing them below the poverty line. Eligible residents will be contacted directly by Leeds City Council and their contractor, Better Homes Yorkshire. Further information on the scheme can be found on the Better Homes Yorkshire webpage. Separately to the council scheme, homeowners in Leeds are also being encouraged to check their eligibility for discounted energy efficiency measures as part of the government’s ‘Green Homes
Middleton’s Bodmin estate. Photo: Google Streetview
Grant’ scheme. As part of the national scheme, most homeowners and residential landlords can apply for vouchers covering two-thirds of the cost of eligible measures (up to £5,000) that make buildings more sustainable and cheaper to heat. Some benefit recipients can apply for vouchers that would cover 100% of the costs (up to £10,000). However, residents who apply for the government’s scheme will not also be eligible to apply for the Leeds City Council scheme. Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, said: “It’s fantastic that Leeds has secured new funding to help hundreds of residents experiencing fuel poverty to save money by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. “While the council’s scheme will be ringfenced to help those who need it most, I’d strongly encourage all residents to check their eligibility for the national voucher scheme. “These improvements will make it more affordable for people to keep warm in their homes.” Councillor Lisa Mulherin,
Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development, said: “I welcome this new funding that will help the council accelerate our existing work to improve the energy efficiency of housing in Leeds and reduce our impact on the environment. “Around a quarter of the city’s carbon footprint comes from the energy used to heat homes, partly because too many residents live in properties that do not effectively retain heat and are forced to pay too much to stay warm. “The Green Homes Grant is a great opportunity for residents. Given that it is a limited-time national offer and likely to be extremely popular, I would encourage every Leeds homeowner to check their eligibility as soon as possible so that they don’t miss out.” Steve Batty, Head of Sustainability for Better Homes Yorkshire, said: “Better Homes Yorkshire was created to help residents across the region pay less for energy and live in warmer, healthier homes. Over the last five years, we’ve worked in partnership with Leeds City Council to improve the energy efficiency of over 3,000 local households. “This new scheme is a great opportunity for people in the area to not only save energy but also live in a warmer home at a reduced cost to them, so I’d urge anyone who is eligible to take advantage of the offer.”
he Drysalters pub on the ring road is once again under threat as the developers whose planning application was refused in September have submitted a new application. Once again the wish to demolish the pub and build a drive through coffee shop. The pub is a valued local facility serving the community of Cottingley Hall estate; mourners attending Cottingley Crematorium and both home and away supporters attending matches at Elland Road. A campaign group set up to oppose the previous planning application, Save The Salters, has over 2,000 members on its Facebook Group. Local Councillor Andrew Scopes (Beeston & Holbeck) has already objected to this second application as follows: “This application has already been considered and rejected with over 100 comments from residents. I find this reapplication inconsiderate of local people who have taken their time to register their objections and demonstrates a lack of local understanding. The main objection was, and still is, the value this premise brings to the community. “Some of the reasons I object are: • Concern 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) • Concern as to the loss of the Public House as an important and valued meeting place for families attending / visiting the Crematorium • Concern as to loss of the Public House as a valued community leisure asset for LUFC and football fans, Leeds based and indeed nationwide • Concern from local residents as to encouragement of further increased destination traffic on Ring Road, in case 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) • Already abundance of Coffee outlets within a mile radius. • 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 LUFC promotion.” The planning application, ref: 20/07519/FU, can be viewed on the Council’s website. Comments, objecting to or supporting the application can be made until Thursday 24 December 2020.
The Drysalters could be demolished
Keep up to date with planning issues in LS10 and LS11 We publish a weekly list of all new planning applications online at:
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South Leeds Life | December 2020
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8 News
Street light improvements
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Prizes and new places for Hunslet Riverside W
W
ork is due to start shortly in Beeston which will see some street lights in the area upgraded to LED lights. This is part of a four-year citywide project which will see the conversion of just under 86,000 lights as the City moves closer to its commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Local Councillors have welcomed the work which, when completed, will reduce the city’s street lighting energy consumption by around 62% and produce carbon savings of approximately 7,050 tonnes per year. Phase one of the programme should take around three weeks and will include lights on main traffic routes as well a smaller number of older and
less energy efficient lights on residential streets. Councillor Andrew Scopes, (Beeston and Holbeck) said: “After Leeds declared a Climate Emergency in March 2019 we have seen various projects aimed at pushing us closer to our carbon neutral target and I am delighted that this next phase of street light improvements has reached Beeston and Holbeck. “I know that there will be some disruption as the work takes place and I would like to ask local residents for their patience and understanding. “Reducing our carbon footprint is key to our climate ambitions and it is incredibly important that green and environmental issues remain on the political agenda.”
New litter bins for Hunslet C
ouncillors in Hunslet & Riverside ward have funded 22 additional litter bins for sites in Hunslet and on Beeston Hill. Cllr Paul Wray commented: “As local Councillors, we
know reducing litter is an important issue for residents. It is therefore important we support residents to do the right thing by providing litter bins where they are needed. “We are therefore happy to confirm the next round of new litter bins for Hunslet and
Riverside Ward have been placed across parts of the community in the last month – adding twenty two more litter bins to the significant investment made in news bins over the last two years.We know litter bins reduce nearby litter significantly. This frees up the time of street cleaning staff to litter pick other areas of the ward, cut back more overgrown vegetation, remove more fly tipping, and more. “We are committed to providing even more bins across the ward soon, with the current wish list of locations already prepared. But your feedback matters. If there are litter hotspots in your area of the ward let us know. We will have them cleaned up and if needed, we will add them to the list for new litter bin locations.”
ork is underway by leading sustainable developer Citu to create a future-ready new workspace that will be the first net zero carbon commercial building in Leeds. The Place has been designed to be a healthier, more positive environment for businesses looking for a post-pandemic solution to working life. Located on Leeds’ South Bank in Hunslet at the Climate Innovation District, The Place has been accredited Net Zero Carbon as assessed by the UK Green Building Council's Zero Carbon Framework, making it the first net zero carbon workplace in Leeds; a huge moment for both Citu and the city as it transitions towards becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030. The Place is the first commercial building in the Climate Innovation District which was named ‘Best Sustainable Development in the UK’ at the 2019 Sunday Times British Homes Awards, and the first address on a new street in Leeds – Central Place. Designed to give people the best possible work environment, The Place will be ready to move into in early 2021 and Citu are looking for likeminded businesses that value the planet and their people to move there alongside them. Chris Thompson, Citu managing director comments: “What we’re increasingly aware of is how incredibly
Artist’s impression of town houses and offices on Central Place in the Climate Innovation District of Hunslet important it is for businesses to offer their staff healthy, positive workplaces where people want to be. Working from home has benefits for some but we still want to come together, to collaborate with our colleagues and to enjoy being at work, rather than simply performing tasks from our screens. "Many typical offices are just not appealing and, at worst, feel unhealthy with false ceilings, air-conditioned, energy-sapping rooms. Inspiring, flexible workplaces are key to attracting and retaining talent, and this is exactly what we aim to achieve with The Place.” A dedicated roof terrace houses a tennis court, yoga spaces and ample space for space for events, relaxation, exercise and socialising. The interior spaces have
been designed with a natural, clean aesthetic to encourage safe interaction and collaboration. The air is filtered with warmed fresh air creating a comfortable, positive environment. The windows are floor-to-ceiling triple glazing that floods the building with natural daylight but helps control the temperature, so occupants are comfortable year-round. High speed 10gb fibre internet will deliver the highest category of internet speeds in the city, helping address the growing needs of businesses to connect with remote and homeworkers. The desire to be close to nature as a source of wellbeing has been a major feature of lockdown for many people, including those who have worked from home. Workers at
The Place will benefit from beautifully landscaped public realm and acres of outdoor space which is being developed and links to the River Aire and the new Aire Park which will be under construction in early 2021. The new footbridge built by Citu won an award at the recent British Construction Industry Awards. The bridge, which opened last October, received the National Infrastructure Commission’s Design Award. It was judged against four key principles: climate, people, place and value. The bridge links Phases One and Two of the Climate Innovation District either side of the River Aire. When completed, the District will feature more than 800 low carbon Citu Homes .
Spick and span cemetery Sunday 29 November was a joyous occasion - a fabulous community project arranged by Kaylee Asquith, within the Covid guidelines and social distancing rules, to do a communtiy clean up of our Hunslet Cemetery. 59 bags of compostable waste and 7 bags of general waste were collected.
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News 9
GoodGym Leeds join Hunslet TARA to plant 2,000 bulbs by Cllr Paul Wray
I
t was great to join local residents from Hunslet Tenants & Residents Association and volunteers from the GoodGym Leeds to help plant some 2,000 blubs of a variety of species. The bulbs, part of 6,000+ available, were planted in the large green space in the middle of the Hunslet estate off Church Street and Midland Road. Further planting has been postponed until the end of the national lockdown. These bulbs, once they flower, will add a splash of colour to the area in the Spring and Summer going forward. They will also help improve the biodiversity of the area by providing local pollinating insects with an additional food source. This will help support the local recovery of these vital insects. For all these reasons, Councillors Mohammed Iqbal, Elizabeth Nash and I were happy to approve the funding for this project via the Leeds City Council Inner South Community Committee.
Volunteers planting bulbs in Hunslet Stewart Walton, Chair of Hunslet TARA said: “Hunslet Tenants and Residents Association thrives on making our community a better place and when the Councillors brought up the idea of the bulbs- we said yes. My personal thanks to GoodGym Leeds for helping plant these seasonal flower bulbs – you have been a great help” Gemma Bridge from GoodGym Leeds said:
“GoodGym are a group of runners and walkers that combine keeping active with helping our community. We have a strong group in Leeds and we are always keen to get active and help out whenever we can. The GoodGym Leeds team enjoyed planting bulbs in Hunslet, despite the rain, and are looking forward to finishing off the Community Mission when the lockdown is lifted!” Not only will these bulbs
improve the visual look of this area for years to come when they flower – they will provide an additional source of food for pollinating insects. Supporting their recovery is vital for the environment and will have a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of local people as they see more wildlife begin to slowly return as a result. This is a priority for the Council and us local Councillors.
Give back this Christmas with White Rose’s ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ T
his Christmas, White Rose Shopping Centre is encouraging shoppers to give back with the return of its ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’. Provided in the format of a downloadable calendar, the
December 2020 | South Leeds Life
charity initiative makes suggestions on items to pick up and donate to Leeds South & East Foodbank over the festive period. For each day leading up to Christmas, shoppers are
encouraged to pick up one of 24 food and special items for families living in poverty in Leeds. Items include essentials such as tinned potatoes, tinned vegetables, shampoo and rice as well as things to spread a little Christmas cheer such as selection boxes and chocolates. Steven Foster, General Manager of White Rose Shopping Centre comments: “This year has been incredibly challenging for many people, meaning a number of families in the local area will need help this Christmas. The work that the Leeds South & East Foodbank is incredible, and we’d like to show our support by encouraging shoppers to download our Reverse Advent Calendar and donate to help give back to the local community.” Nathanya Laurent, Development Manager at Leeds South & East Foodbank: “Last December, with help from the community, Leeds South & East Foodbank fed nearly 1,500 people. However
due to the challenges that many individuals and families are facing this year we expect this figure to rise significantly. Any donations that people are able to contribute are greatly appreciated to help us support people living in poverty in Leeds over the Christmas period.” White Rose Shopping Centre’s ‘Reverse Advent Calendar’ can be downloaded at white-rose.co.uk/give-backyour-community-christmas. Shoppers will be able to drop food into Leeds South & East Foodbank at the donation station next by White Rose’s customer service centre near New Look, between 1-24 December. White Rose has introduced a number of safety measures to reassure shoppers including hand sanitiser points throughout the centre, a one way system to ensure social distancing can be maintained, floor stickers and signs to remind guests to keep the required distance apart and a queuing system for entry to the centre.
Beeston’s man Bushtucker trial B
eeston resident Callum Thomas is set to do a live Bushtucker trial on 10 December based on the ITV programme I’m A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! The challenge is for Callum to get donations of food for local struggling family’s in Beeston this Christmas. The challenge will consist of eating insects and other things that no person would want to eat. The idea to do this started when Callum’s friend Darren suggested a bushtucker trial which Callum said he wasn’t going to back out of. Having seen people doing it on TikTok Callum said: “I am doing this with the help of Darren and hopefully to try take pressure off struggling people this Christmas. “I have to prepare for the worst because Darren will not make it easy for me knowing him, and he will want real
karma for the times I’ve pranked him.” Anyone who wishes to donate food items we thank you kindly. Anyone who wishes to donate please contact Callum Thomas on 07742 499630 or email callumthomasls11 @gmail.com. Updates will come when we have an accurate time, but due to the watershed it will be after 9pm.
Callum Thomas
The St Cross toy appeal
Wrapping presents at St Cross Church in Middleton
by Kushmina Begum
S
t Cross Church in Acre Road, Middleton is making an appeal to the public for help in putting a much needed smile on the faces of children in Middleton this Christmas. They have launched their annual Christmas toy appeal and have so far collected over 100 toys and their GoFundMe page has raised over £580 with a generous donation of £500 from Phil Davison Scaffolding. The church has made a pledge to help at least 25 families minimum this season and has sought help from the local school and housing officer in identifying the most vulnerable children and families due to redundancy from the Covid 19 pandemic.
Sarah Markillie from the voluntary team commented: “In a difficult year where children have lost their freedom of movement, not seen grandparents and family and friends for months, watched their parents struggle to pay for food after losing their work, to have Santa put a smile on their faces will be truly magical.” The toy appeal is specifically making a request for boys toys and gifts aged 8+, board games and role play toys. Can you help put a smile and peace on a person’s face this festive season? If so, donation can be dropped off at the church (please wear face covering) or you can donate online on the GoFundMe page at: gf.me/u/y35233
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South Leeds Life | December 2020
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10 News
Club’s defibrillator comes to the aid of local business
by Cllr Paul Wray
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ew defibrillators have been installed at a number of public venues across Hunslet and Beeston Hill – with more to follow. As Councillors, Cllr Nash, Cllr Iqbal and I funded these with the hope they would never be needed. However, on a recent visit to The Hunslet Club, one of the venues who kindly agreed to host one of these lifesaving machines, CEO Dennis Robbins informed me theirs had already been used for a real life emergency! A nearby business had found their onsite defibrillator battery had gone flat, just as they needed it. Looking online, they saw The Hunslet Club had one
and rushed to use it, taking it away to be used to help save a person’s life. Dennis Robbins, the club’s chief executive, said: “We were happy to part of this amazing scheme funded by our Ward Councillors, we didn’t expect the machine to be used so quickly, but we are proud that the defibrillator was at our site and helped another organisation and person in need” Sometimes as Councillors, we purchase things hoping they will never be needed – as an insurance policy for the community – our local defibrillators project was one of those. It is humbling to know they have already made a difference in a lifesaving situation.
Work starts on next phase of Hunslet Mill conversion D
eveloper JM Construction (Leeds) Ltd has started work on the next phase of its £50M Victoria Riverside residential development in Hunslet. The latest stage of construction will create 95 apartments over two mills, comprising both new build (mill e) and the sympathetic conversion of part of the former grade II and grade II* listed Hunslet and Victoria flax spinning mills (mill f). Work on this phase is expected to be completed in November 2021. In total the full scheme will extend to 356 units across seven individual mills offering a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, including spectacular roof top penthouses. The phased delivery plan is scheduled for completion in 2023. Interest in the scheme which forms part of the wider regeneration of the Hunslet Riverside area has been exceptional with JM Construction recently reporting that all 160 apartments in the four completed mills have been sold. John Mulleady, Managing Director of JM Construction, said: “Sales to date have been exceptional and we look forward to bringing mills e and
The mill buildings have yielded historic aretfacts f to market. “We are privileged to have the opportunity to breathe new life into the site and refurbish the derelict mill buildings which were on the brink of demolition. They form part of the rich history of the city when it was once a world leader in textile manufacturing and through our sympathetic conversion will be enjoyed by future generations.” During the works a page from the Yorkshire Evening News (which merged with the Yorkshire Evening Post in 1963) dated Tuesday 28
Give safe gifts this Christmas P
arents and guardians are being asked to ‘Give Safe Gifts’ by setting the security settings on smart phones, laptops or games consoles before giving them to children for Christmas. The Leeds Safeguarding Children Partnership, West Yorkshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are launching
their ‘Give Safe Gifts’ campaign on Black Friday (27 November 2020) which is the start of Christmas shopping for many people. Smart phones, games consoles and laptops will be top of the wish list for many children and young people. While these can be a great way of keeping in touch with friends and family, it is also possible for
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strangers who could be pretending to be someone else, to communicate with children via these devices. The campaign asks parents and family members to consider activating privacy settings before wrapping the gifts and therefore making sure children are protected when online. Jasvinder Sanghera CBE, LSCP Independent Chair said:
“Christmas is an exciting time for children and parents may be considering buying toys and devices aimed at children and young people that connect to the internet. “We want children to enjoy all the benefits the internet brings and this is an opportunity to minimise risks to children and young people. The LSCP Safe Gifts Campaign is aimed at
January 1919, and a bowler hat have been uncovered at a former mill site in South Leeds. Workmen discovered the rare artefacts at the disused Hunslet and Victoria flax spinning mills on Atkinson Street in Hunslet. John Mulleady commented: “It is incredible to think the newspaper has survived for over 100 years and the bowler hat is likely to go back just as far and would have been worn by a senior manager, if not the owner of the mill. “The buildings are awash
with other links to the mills’ glory days including original coat hooks.” The grade II and grade II* listed mills were constructed in 1842 under the guidance of renowned engineer William Fairbairn. At their peak they would have employed 1,500 female workers. They have stood empty since the 1970s and were earmarked for demolition before John Mulleady stepped in with an ambitious plan to convert the mills into distinctive and characterful homes.
parents and carers and provides you with a wealth of information and advice to help them make their gifts as safe as possible.” Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) said: “It’s often said that prevention is better than the cure and this couldn’t be more true with regards to setting appropriate privacy settings on various devices. “Whilst the police and partner agencies have a crucial
role to play, we all have a responsibility to protect young people and keep the festive period what it is meant to be, one of the best times of the year. So I am joining this campaign to urge everyone to ‘Give Safe Gifts’, making sure everyone fully understands the devices they buy, and to use the appropriate security settings more so than ever. For online safety tips for safeguarding children see the LSCP website: www.leedsscp .org.uk/onlinesafety
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News 11
Harrison Spinks announces ‘seismic’ Carbon Neutrality commitment H
arrison Spinks has made a seismic pledge to become fully net carbon zero by the end of 2021, offsetting its entire carbon footprint, as the manufacturing company announces the launch of a new function, Harrison Spinks Renewables. The fifth-generation bed and mattress manufacturer, which employs over 500 people at its Beeston headquarters, recently appointed commercial director and board member Ruairi Giles as head of sustainability across the business. Its first annual sustainability report will launch in January 2021 and will detail various initiatives including the launch of Harrison Spinks Renewables - a major solar and wind power generation venture, and the replacement of its fleet where possible and practical with electric vehicles, which will support the company in meeting its goal. The ambitious announcement comes just weeks after Harrison Spinks revealed the opening of a dedicated recycling plant in the first half of next year, which would see it offer its own mattress recycling for free at a time when over 100,000 mattresses a week are burned or end up in landfill in the UK. Simon Spinks, Chairman at Harrison Spinks, commented:
The Beeston-based bed maker employs over 500 people “Our industry needs to raise the bar to help tackle the enormous climate crisis we’re facing and we’re laying down our future plans as well as launching an entirely new function, Harrison Spinks Renewables. “We’re already leading the way and have set a number of industry firsts – growing our own hemp as a sustainable mattress filling, being recognised with two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, the development of our Cortec™ glue-free spring system, our pledge to go glue, foam and FRchemical treatment free, and the in-house weaving of our own FR-chemical free natural and sustainable GRS fibre ticks. But we need to do more
and take a bolder approach to reach net carbon zero. “The launch of Harrison Spinks Renewables is seismic and shows the extent of our commitment to reach net zero carbon, not in future decades, but next year. “Initially we’ll work with interim partners to enable us to meet our carbon neutrality target by the end of 2021 but the medium-term goal is akin to many of our other innovations – we’ll invest and put plans in place to entirely offset our carbon footprint through our own initiatives and key to this will be our solar and wind power venture.” Harrison Spinks is working with its suppliers to understand their carbon footprint and establish a comprehensive set
Asda Middleton collects gifts for care homes by Rachel Cunningham
T
his year at Asda Middleton we are doing things a little differently. We usually have a toy collection but have decided to collect gifts for our local care homes. Many of the residents haven’t seen family members for months and some don’t have any family around to visit at all. What better way to cheer them up than ensuring they all have Christmas presents to wake up to on Christmas Day morning. Please place any gifts into the trolley near the checkouts. We also have a postbox in
December 2020 | South Leeds Life
store for children to collect a card, decorate and post back into the postbox. We then will deliver them to the care homes. The post box is located near the exit. The care homes we are collecting for are Victoria House, Nesfield Lodge and Middleton Park Lodge. We will add more homes depending on the amount of donations we receive. Please note all gifts and cards will be isolated for 72 hours before being gifted to ensure Covid safety. We also have our usual food bank trolley in store for Leeds South & East Foodbank they
are always in need especially at this time of year. Covid has pushed many families into requiring to use food banks, but nobody should go hungry especially at Christmas. Feel free to pick up a free booklet from our sustainability welcome hub with recyclable Christmas craft ideas inside.
of standards. The bed manufacturer is also focusing on mindful product design, and ensuring all products are manufactured with recycling at end of life in mind. The launch of the sustainability report comes at the end of a successful year for the company. It started 2020 with a Carbon Neutral+ accreditation and by announcing that all products would be glue, FR-chemical treatment and foam-free by the end of the year. It has since launched its new Cortec™ Quad technology, a variation of its Cortec™ glue-free spring system, which can be rolled meaning that more mattresses can be loaded onto its trucks at any one time, reducing the bedmaker’s transport footprint.
First trees planted on Hunslet Road scheme T
o mark National Tree Week, Leeds City Council’s Connecting Leeds team have planted the first trees along their A61(South) scheme. The tree planting forms part of a wider project set to improve the corridor by introducing the provision of new bus lanes, a range of bus priority measures, 3.5km of junction improvements and new dedicated walking and cycling routes. Once complete in June 2021, people who use the corridor will benefit from a less congested, safer route, faster journey times, improved bus waiting facilities and more greenery. By the end of the scheme there will be a net gain of over 60 trees along the route, including cherry, silver birch, oak and carpinus.
response to the Climate Emergency. Leeds City Council's executive member for climate change, transport and sustainable development, Councillor Lisa Mulherin, said: “This scheme will provide major benefits for residents living and working in the inner south of our city. Not only will people be able to enjoy a greener and more attractive journey but the new walking and cycling routes will make the option of leaving cars at home and choosing to travel by foot or bike more attractive. “The bus priority measures and junction improvements will significantly ease congestion, making public transport journeys faster and buses more reliable.” Councillor Mohammed
Cllrs Rafique and Wray help with tree planting on Pepper Road Further works along the corridor include: • A dedicated bus lane from the Thwaite Gate area both into and out of the city centre. • Provision of a fully segregated cycle track from the Thwaite Gate area both into and out of the city centre. • Major junction improvement at the Thwaite Gate/Wakefield Road/Pontefract Lane junction, to improve junction capacity. • Improvements to all junctions along the Low Road and Hunslet Road route. • Junction widening to enable the provision of the bus and cycle lanes in both directions. Across the wider Connecting Leeds programme, there will be a net gain of over 12,000 trees planted by spring 2022. These make a contribution to the council’s ambition to double the city’s tree canopy cover in
Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for the environment and active lifestyles, said: “We are absolutely committed to bringing more greenery and woodland to our city and suburban areas and the trees which are being planted this week along this route play just a small part in that initiative. “Working with local Councillors Mohammed Iqbal, Elizabeth Nash and Paul Wray, we have worked really hard to ensure that for every one tree lost, there will be a further three semi-mature trees planted in its place. “These trees not only work to reduce carbon and create cleaner air but they also have major holistic benefits. Improvements to people’s mental health and space for nature to nest are just a few of those.”
www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | December 2020
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
12 Ten Years of South Leeds Life
South Leeds Life: the first ten years
by Jeremy Morton
S
outh Leeds Life started life after local journalist John Baron held a blogging workshop at Hillside in November 2010. There were about 8 or 10 of us around the table from a range of local community groups. At the end of the session we agreed to pool our forces on one blog rather than plough our lone furrows, hoping to build a bigger audience that way. Some readers may be wondering what ‘blogging’ is. The word comes from web-log a sort of online diary. It was quite a big thing back then and genuinely opened up the opportunity to publish your writing to the wider world via the internet. Two weeks after the workshop we reconvened with IT expert Dave Florence to create our blog. We through a few names around before settling on South Leeds Life. We looked at a few community news blogs from around the country and chose a free design on the Wordpress platform.
“This is South Leeds calling” We posted our first article, or blog post, on 30 November 2010, it was headlined “This is South Leeds Calling.” It’s still there on our website, as are all the articles we’ve published, click on Archives at the bottom of the page. We set out the aims for South Leeds Life to: •inform people in South Leeds about events and issues •provide a platform for discussion of local issues •Tell the rest of the world how great South Leeds is! We’ve refined them a little since then, but it’s not a bad summary of what we’ve tried to do over the last ten years. Our readership grew very slowly to start with, but we got a boost when the Olympic Torch was carried through South Leeds in 2012. We had volunteers at half a dozen points along the route feeding in photos and crowd reactions.
One group out that morning was the campaign to save South Leeds Sports Centre. Their campaign, which achieved a partial reopening before a final closure and demolition, was one of a number of long running stories that South Leeds Life has covered over the last decade. Others include: The controversial planning battle for Aspiring Communities to build a Muslim-led community centre in Beeston The ongoing success of Cross Flatts and Middleton Woods parkruns The redevelopment of the South Bank area of Holbeck and Hunslet and plans for the HS2 route and station And of course the Council’s Managed Approach to street sex work in Holbeck. Along the way we have covered hundreds of community events big and small, highlighted fundraising campaigns and community champions. Early on we had a sister print publication – a quarterly magazine produced by Health For All that we shared content with and then in 2014 we went into ourselves. Our first newspaper, in June that year was a bit of a test run. It was just 12 pages, but we packed in a range of issues that we are still covering today: foodbanks, volunteering, new schools and shopping locally. We launched a monthly paper six years ago in December 2014. To be honest we did it on a bit of a financial wing and a prayer. We had been given a grant (from the EU) to help us start and we eked it out by not paying the Editor. We pulled in a few adverts, but we only ever had enough money in the bank to produce the next one or two editions. Some months the Editor got paid, some months I didn’t. Eventually we went to you, our readers, and explained the situation. We were taken aback by the response. We hadn’t realised quite how much you valued the newspaper and wanted to see it continue. We launched a sponsorship scheme for local organisations on the back of The Hunslet Club’s very generous offer to become our first Platinum sponsor. We also launched a subscription scheme for individual readers. It is this local support that has enabled us to keep in print – so thank you to everyone who has contributed. Publishing news is a responsibility we have always taken seriously, if get it wrong you can easily end up in the courts. Up to this point we had operated as a fairly informal group, but on 10 February 2016 we were
incorporated as South Leeds Life CIC (Community Interest Company) – a not-for-profit social enterprise and a proper legal entity. We also joined the Independent Community News Network when it was set up by Cardiff University’s Centre For Community Journalism in 2018. The Network links over 100 similar news outlets across the UK, lobbies government on our behalf and provides access to legal advice. Then last year we joined the press regulator Impress, which gives you, our readers, an independent body to appeal to if you think we’ve got things wrong.
“We hadn’t realised quite how much you valued the newspaper” There’s a journalistic tradition of running April Fools stories that goes back to the The Guardian’s mythical island of San Seriffe and Panorama’s spaghetti trees. We like to think we’ve added a little to that tradition and brought a smile to a few faces. We’ve told you about swapping the LS10 and LS11 postcodes; the Millshaw separatists; and introducing a ten-term school year. I’ll let you into a secret, I keep a list of names to use in these articles. When I come across a word or phrase that could be turned into a name I jot it down. I was listening to the radio when I came up with Dick Tate who appeared this year as an officious local government officer. Watch out for eco-warrior Hazel Catkins who I spotted as I was walking the dog one day. And then there was 2020. When the first lockdown started in March we weren’t sure if there would be any news to print, but the world didn’t stop and we kept going day by day, month by month. We’ve carried public health information, reported on the volunteers keeping families fed, and given you ideas to keep active a busy. We had to adapt our distribution as schools, doctors’ surgeries and community centres closed to the public. We linked up with the hubs distributing food parcels who kindly added a copy of the paper to those parcels. We made sure every care home and sheltered housing complex got a supply and we are grateful to Middleton Asda for letting us put one of our paper bins in their store. These ten years have been quite a ride, brought to you by a host of volunteers. Here’s to another ten years of South Leeds Life.
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December 2020 | South Leeds Life
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Website: www.southleedslife.com
Ten Years of South Leeds Life 13
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Our Annual Report for 2019-20 D
id you know that South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise? South Leeds Life CIC (Community Interest Company) is registered with Companies House, company number 9998695, and files an annual report and full accounts each year. They are not the most rivetting read, so we thought we would produce this summary with the key facts, and a few more details about who is reading our news, how they are they reading it and
what they most popular stories are. The financial report covers the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. As you can see our income comes from grants, advertising, sponsorship and readers’ subscriptions. It is important to us that we keep a balanced approach so that we do not become dependant on any one source or organisation. We are very grateful to the Councillors on the Inner South Community Committee who
awarded us a grant during 20192020. You will see that our whole operation comes in at under £20,000 a year, which we think is pretty good. We manage this by not have any offices or equipment - all contributors work on their own computers in their own homes, including the Editor. We’ve brought the other statistics a bit more up to date, they cover 1 January - 30 November 2020. We hope you find them interesting and informative.
Top ten articles Here are the most popular articles read online during 2020 so far. The figures are the number of Page Views for each article (source: Google Analytics). Our readers often tell us that they want to see good news stories, but the figures don’t lie - bad news sells papers. Perhaps it’s just as well we provide a free news service. 1 Services cancelled but worship continues amid Covid (21/03/20) 2 Police appeal over sexual assaults in Hunslet (24/06/19) 3 Body recovered from River Aire at Stourton (13/07/20) 4 Police appeal following Belle Isle stabbing (20/01/20) 5 Snakes in Middleton Park? (13/04/20) 6 Gambian village chief takes up his post from Leeds (22/07/20) 7 New Middleton club could have its licence revoked (31/07/20) 8 Middleton man faces sexual offence charges (01/01/20) 9 Man arrested for attempted serious sexual assault in Middleton (17/02/20) 10 Helicopter assists search for possibly armed man in Beeston (20/04/20)
10,117 9,128 8,474 6,658 6,518 6,031 5,961 5,836 5,710 5,304
The year in numbers Newspapers distributed per month Newspaper pick up points (pre-Covid) Online page views per month Referrals to website from Facebook Page Likes on Facebook Followers on Twitter People who wrote artricles for us
5,000 200 50,375 57.4% 4,747 5,503 142
Money matters 1 April 2019 - 31 March 2020 Income Grants Sponsors & Subscibers Advertising Total
£ 3,466 £ 10,212 £ 5,860 £19,538
Expenditure Printing Editorial fees Other Total
£ 6,980.80 £ 8,907.70 £ 1,416.09 £17,304.59
Board members Our volunteer Board members oversee the running of the company, the newspaper and website. The current membership is: Kushmina Begum Ed Carlisle Bruce Davies (Secretary)
Wayne Dixon Patricia Jackson Linda Meikle
Christine Robinson (Chair) Rocio Torres (Treasurer) Lauran Warren
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South Leeds Life | December 2020
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
14 School Life
Westwood’s St Mary’s Primary is ‘Virtually’ perfect wellbeing S walk in t Mary’s CoE Primary Academy, in the heart of Hunslet, is launching a new virtual tour for parents and carers of children who would like to join the school in September 2021. The tour introduces everyone to life at St Mary’s, showcasing lots of exciting activities and the varied and extensive outside space. The tour is a new venture for the school, which has just
joined the highly successful Collaborative Learning Trust group of schools, increasing its focus on high standards and academic excellence, whilst also embracing the Christian values of respect, forgiveness, trust, kindness, thankfulness and friendship. “Our new virtual tour, which is available on our website, is a fantastic opportunity for parents and carers to really get to know us.
A relaxing space under the umbrella roof
W
elcome to Westwood Primary School’s brand new wellbeing walk in! With emotional wellbeing and support being more important than ever, we wanted to provide our children with a safe and secure space in which they are able to focus on their own emotional wellbeing. The space created has a roof of rainbow umbrellas – something which the children love, and is filled with a relaxing water feature and is also home to our resident school guinea pigs (Marshmallow and Fluff). Our pupils had a huge part to play in creating this fantastic
space. They helped create artwork on the walls by working with a local artist, Mike Grainger, adding their handprints to the wonderful designs. The guinea pigs are loved by all the children and offer great therapeutic support to the children. The space allows any child in the school an area to talk to staff, to relax and reflect and to complete activities in a calm and nurturing environment. Both staff and pupils feel this is an invaluable space which will help us to continue raising the profile of mental health in our school and society.
Take a virtual tour of St Mary’s CoE Primary Academy in Hunslet
“They have the chance to look round the school and see all the opportunities which children have at St Mary’s – from purpose built classrooms to our large playgrounds and grassed areas which the children use for play and PE. “They can also really understand the caring atmosphere which we create for the children, so that they can learn in a safe and happy environment. We really would
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife urge parents to have look before making the important decision of where to send their child for their primary school education.” said Headteacher Mark Ford. The tour will be available at www.stmarysprimary-hunslet .co.uk. Personal tours of the school are also available, by ringing (0113) 271 7204 or by emailing headteacher @hunsletstmarys.co.uk. Collaborative Learning Trust schools place children at the very centre of everything that they do. As the name suggests, CLT schools work together to share knowledge, skills and expertise in order to secure the highest quality. Janet Sheriff, CEO of the Collaborative Learning Trust and Headteacher at Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley comments: “Across the Trust there are shared values and a shared approach to education. Our vision is for students to leave Collaborative Learning Trust schools having enjoyed their education and developed into lifelong independent learners with the creativity, adaptability, resilience and leadership skills to contribute to, and succeed in, our 21st century society. “We are delighted to be working partnership with St Mary’s to develop this lovely school, which has been at the heart of its Community for many years.”
Looking after Marshmallow and Fluff
Cockburn Remembered Students and staff across Cockburn School and Cockburn John Charles Academy showed their respect on Remembrance Day. Everyone stood and observed a two-minute silence at 11am on Armistice Day before The Last Post was played across the speaker systems. At Cockburn School, wreaths were laid at the school’s war memorial by student cadets, Executive Headteacher, Head of School, and the Head Girl and Head Boy.
Website: www.southleedslife.com
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Class Dynamix feature at lights switch-on
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tars of stage, sport and screen, including Class Dynamix from Windmill Primary School in Belle Isle, will join residents from all across Leeds for the city’s first ever virtual Christmas lights switch-on on Wednesday 2 December. Britain’s Got Talent semifinalists Class Dynamix, who were recently commissioned by Child Friendly Leeds, Shine and Crisp Thinking to write a new song appropriately named Light Up For Leeds, will premiere a new and exclusive video of the track featuring children from their gold-
partnership school, Windmill Primary who came together within their school bubbles to record a special one-off performance. Danny Gough, creator and
songwriter for Class Dynamix said: “Light up for Leeds is a song with a message that is really needed right now. It’s a song of hope that seeks to empower the people of Leeds to rise up with resilience and create the life they want. We are so grateful for the opportunity to showcase this song and these fantastic kids for this event” The Leeds Lights Virtual Switch-on event will be free to watch on the Millennium Square YouTube channel and Facebook page on Wednesday 2 December 2020 from 6:30pm.
New Bewerley appeal S
taff at New Bewerley Community School in Beeston have set themselves the task of ensuring every child in school, all 420, gets a Christmas present this year. Learning Mentor Jemma Seavers told South Leeds Life: “I am hoping to ensure that every child at school will receive at least one gift this Christmas. Many of our children are living in poverty and some are extremely vulnerable and in need of our
help. “Unfortunately, many of the children we have in school do not wake up to presents on Christmas Day and this is something we want to change, especially after such a difficult year.” The school is reaching out to businesses and the wider community asking for any donations such as selection boxes, children’s toiletries, stocking fillers, activity packs and stationery, clothing, and
any other items appropriate for 4-11-year olds. “Any help that you would be able to offer for this cause would be greatly appreciated, and it would make the children very happy on Christmas morning” said Jemma. Donations can be left at the school on Bismarck Drive, or cor collected from the local area. Contact Jemma by emailing j.seavers@newbewerley.org.uk or calling (0113) 887 8718.
Councillors support ‘Wellbeing In Wellies’ school trips C
ouncillors on the Inner South Community Committee have provided funding to Skelton Grange Environment Centre in Stourton to help reduce the cost of school trips to the nature centre. Under the slogan ‘Wellbeing In Wellies’ the centre is offering teachers and pupils a happy and healthy day of learning at a Pay As You Feel rate. The funding covers trips made before Easter 2021 and the centre provides a wide range of tailored activities including: Wild Literacy: Bear Hunt; The Gruffalo (Foundation Stage) Wild History: The Great Fire of London; Victorian Christmas (Key Stage 1) Wild History: Stone Age (Key
Stage 2) Wild in the Woods Survival Adventure (Key Stages 1 & 2) A spokesperson for Skelton Grange commented: “After the difficulties of lockdown there has never been a better time to get children outside to explore, resocialise and learn in a safe
outdoor environment. We have worked hard to make sure that your visit to Skelton Grange will be Covid-secure while still giving your class a fantastic time.” For more information contact the centre: skelton@tcv.org.uk – (0113) 243 0815.
www.southleedslife.com
South Leeds Life | December 2020
Twitter: @SouthLeedsLife
16 Comment
In our view Tenth anniversary When a group of us started this publication, at first online and then in print, none of us imagined that we would still be here ten years later. We felt a need to spread the news in our community that the mainstream media wasn’t able to do any more. We haven’t really created anything new, we’ve just remembered what used to make newspapers worth reading. We’ve done that because we are here on the ground in South Leeds every day. We are proud of the good feedback we get and the financial support we receive from ordinary individuals in our neighbourhoods - it tells us that we are doing something useful. And as long as it remains useful we will continue to publish South Leeds Life.
Stay safe this Christmas As has been said several times in this newspaper, 2020 is going to be a very different Christmas. The busy social round of Christmas parties is cancelled. Family gatherings will have to be thought about carefully so as avoid putting more vulnerable members at risk. The vaccine is on its way and perhaps having a lower key Christmas wouldn’t do us any harm. Many in our community wouldn’t be able to afford the festivities this year - so perhaps if you can afford it, put the price of a round into one of the collections we’ve highlighted to help those in need. Whatever you do this Christmas we hope you will enjoy yourselves and most importantly, stay safe.
Merry Christmas!
Your letters and comments New council housing The redevelopment of Throstle recreation ground, or as I prefer to call it the desecration of the last green space and two football pitches in Middleton! When Judith Blake was asked how many houses they planned on building she replied a few. I hardly call 176 a few, would you? Covid is being used as an excuse for rushing it on, ie no public meetings. Their idea of a consultation is to send letters and a question and answer form out to some local residents. It’s hardly democratic. I want to know what Joe over the road thinks and Bob’s thoughts two streets away! It should be put on hold until after Covid so that everyone can have their say and get answers from the Councillors who live nowhere near this development. You can always get in touch via email assuming you have email - my mother doesn’t and the elderly couple next door to me don’t nor have they recieved a letter. I wouldnt call it a letter it’s more informing us what is going to happen, ie unsustainable urban sprawl like it or not. The council have sold off land in the area like the site of the former home at the top of the golf course on the Bodmins and what I would call a village type green on Acre Road to housing associations. Why couldn’t they use that themselves and redevelope the Throstle Road recreation site into what it says it is - a recreation site? Theres absolutely nothing down this side of Middleton for kids. The council claim they will be leaving so much space for recreation so if it’s a nice day during the summer holidays and everyone in the 176 houses and all the locals decide to go to the redeveloped area will we have to form an orderly queue? The council ‘letter’ also claims that the development is not anticipated to cause any major traffic issues! Get real, have they seen the volume of traffic on Middleton Park Avenue and Thorpe Lane on a normal rush hour NOT during a pandemic! According to a local Councillor’s tweet in August, everyone should have access and benefit from green space and how she enjoyed watching the amount of people using Middleton Park whilst looking out of her window when working from home.
Throstle Rec in Middleton. Photo: Google Streetview Lucky her, she has that on her doorstep. I bet there’s no obese kids where she lives because of the access to Miggy Park and its facilities. Unfotunately a lot of people are of the ‘there’s nothing we can do’ mindset or stops gypsies going on - the reason the gypsies were on this year is because the council "forgot" to renew a 5 year banning order on the site, very convenient. There might be a housing shortage but why is it happening now and not 40 years ago when they pulled the houses down on there and rehoused the residents. Build your houses but spread them across the city instead of cramming everything and everyone in South Leeds. I hear Otley and Yeadon are very nice, lots of green space and parks and a depleting population. Maybe they’d benefit from unsustainable urban sprawl or would they be like the residents of Horsforth (an area where councillors live not so far from) up in arms about the possibility of housing on the site of the old college. If you are going to talk left, make sure you live left! H
Save The Drysalters
Not another coffee shop! The Drysalters is a good venue for the community. It’s been there for years. Too many places have closed: The Harvester, The White Bear. The Woodman went for developers to create yet another coffee shop and petrol station. Beeston & Holbeck ward Keep the Drysalters open! Diane Jones Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring Road, Cottingley and Holbeck. The three councillors are: Keep The Dry Salters as it is. It’s Gohar Almass 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk a tiny walk from Cottingley for Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk mourners who have travelled afar Andrew Scopes 07860 400 645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk to catch up with family and friends they wouldn’t see for a while. No getting lost as it’s opposite the Hunslet & Riverside ward Crematorium. We have enough Includes the city centre, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are: coffee shops and do not need Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk another. Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk Susan Brearley
Your Leeds City Councillors
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
The pub serves more use to the community than a coffee shop would. I hope the planners at the council see the pub’s worth and reject the application. P Corbett
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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: @charlie29122012 We would like to say a huge thank you to all the staff and @Beaverbrooks #whiterose #Leeds for presenting us with a ÂŁ800 cheque this will help us continue providing help and support to bereaved parents and families.
The Drysalters is a valuable local asset. We do not need another coffee shop, especially a drive in. Beeston Ring Road is already a very busy dual carriageway, we do not want more accidents and more pollution. Michael Storey The pub is the heart of a community and the Drysalters is no exception. It is a valuable resource for residents and visitors to the area who come for football matches, and for the sadder reason of saying their final farewell to friends and family at the Crematorium. This pub is located in a working class area where there is no other venue for the community to meet up. A drive through coffee shop will not benefit the community or local businesses as it would be patronised by passing trade. Additionally, it is on a busy road is likely to add to the traffic jams that regularly occur on this road. J Thackray
@SheafStreet It’s getting festive up in here! Here’s something to warm your cockles, mulled wine now available for takeaway đ&#x;?ˇđ&#x;ĽĄ đ&#x;?Š All the autumnal flavours in here with orange and cinnamon, grab one on your stroll by or make a detour via our takeaway hatch!
Bowling greens How sad that some of the bowling greens may be closing. They provide a great chance for people to meet up and take part in competitions now and then. These greens have been there for years. What will be done with the ones that shut ? Will they just be left to rot? Jan
Thank you Thanks so much for what you do. Having lived in other places where the local paper made the News of the World look like top class investigative journalism, I know that the positive and honest way you write your paper makes a huge difference to the atmosphere of the area and how people view where they live. Catherine and Dave
Join the debate Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW. Letters may be edited for publication.
@Clean_Leeds #Thanks to Cheryl & the team for clearing out these Bin Yards in Recreation View #Holbeck #LS11 These are here for all to use so please don't just #Dump your #rubbish #respect your #community #yourwasteyourresponsibility
@LeedsCC_CEAQ đ&#x;’ť Do you have a spare or unused laptop you no longer need? @DawYorks collects laptops from businesses and individuals who no longer need them to donate to young people across Leeds who are unable to access technology at home.
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Comment 17
MP’s notebook by Hilary Benn MP
A
s a hard and difficult year draws to a close, we are all desperately hoping that 2021 will be different. Well, that hope appears to have been answered. Three new ‘stars’ have appeared in the dark winter sky in the form of coronavirus vaccines. It is extraordinary that they have been developed so quickly and we all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the scientists and the volunteers who took part in thousands of trials. At the time of writing, we are still awaiting the go-ahead from the regulators, but assuming it happens, a lot of work in the city is already underway to prepare for a mass vaccination programme.
December 2020 | South Leeds Life
It seems that the vaccine will be offered first to people who live in care homes and care home staff, those aged 80 and over and health and social care workers. Sadly, there are antivaccination conspiracy theories. One popular one is that governments want to use the vaccine to inject us with microchips! It’s nonsense of course, but many of us remember the worry that was created by the suggestion that the MMR vaccine caused autism. The study was eventually discredited and the doctor responsible struck off, but the damage had been done. Vaccinations have saved millions of lives since Edward Jenner developed the first
successful vaccine in 1796 when he inoculated a 13 year old boy and demonstrated immunity to smallpox. In the last 30 years enormous strides have been made in eliminating polio through vaccination programmes. There are now just three countries left where it still exists. Nevertheless, some people may have concerns or questions and it is really important that as much information as possible is made available so that people can weigh up the facts and seek the advice of their GP. Vaccination against coronavirus will not be compulsory – and nor should it be - but the more of us who have it the better the chance that we will defeat the virus. So,
I for one will be queuing with my sleeve rolled up when they eventually get around to people of my age. With Christmas rapidly approaching, the relaxation in the rules for 5 days over the festive season will be welcomed by families who haven't been able to see loved ones for far too long. But at the same time, as the ‘nation’s GP’ Professor Chris Whitty said recently, we all have a responsibility to safeguard the health of others and in particular of elderly relatives. Right now discussions are going on within families about how to do this. Many will seize the opportunity to get together, but others may decide that the much-loved Christmas meal with all the generations will have to wait until next year, while for now they will go for a walk in the park or eat mince pies outside where the risk of infection is lower.
Hilary Benn is our Member of Parliament. He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Middleton, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Burmantofts, Richmond Hill and Osmondthorpe. Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; Tel: 0113 244 1097
Hilary Benn MP Anyway, however you and those you love choose to celebrate this special time, I would like to wish you all the best for the year ahead. And to those of you who have lost loved ones, whether to coronavirus or some other cause, we are thinking of you especially. I am also sure that you will wish to join me in thanking all of those people who this year have done so much for so long in such difficult circumstances to support us whether by just going to work,
delivering food parcels, collecting the bins, driving the buses, cleaning the streets, teaching a class of 7 year olds, caring for very sick patients in the LGI and Jimmy's, or playing a part in inventing one of the vaccines that we will come to know well next year. All of this has been a triumph of compassion and of the human spirit. It represents the best of us. And it is exactly these qualities that fill me with hope that next year will indeed be better. Best wishes, Hilary Benn.
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South Leeds Life | December 2020
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18 South Leeds Lives
A good night’s sleep by Shannon Humphrey
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f you’ve had more than your fair share of sleepless nights this year, you’re not alone. The first lockdown increased the number of Britons suffering from sleep deprivation, from one in six, to one in four of us having less than the required amount of hours needed for restful, restorative sleep which is essential for good mental health and wellbeing. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with an unidentifiable sleep condition. I found it difficult to concentrate at work, my memory was impaired, I’d forget things and I often felt tearful or irritable because I was so tired and frustrated. I attended a sleep clinic where I was attached to lots of wires and machinery to monitor my brain patterns as I slept, or not. The specialists soon realised there was a problem with my deep sleep cycle, the one that we need to make us feel refreshed in the morning. They didn’t know what was causing the issue and I didn’t have any bright ideas either, apart from the lack of sleep I was happy. I’ve since seen a psychologist, a therapist and attended sleep classes to establish what the issue is or at the very least, how to find a way for me to sleep better, if not longer.
the global pandemic has a lot to answer for when it comes to hours spent staring at the ceiling in the twilight hours. While sleep requirements vary slightly from person to person, most healthy adults need seven to nine hours of sleep per night to function at their best. Children and teens need eight to ten hours, and people over 65 need about six hours sleep per night. The average sleep/wake cycle is five stages of sleep, with stages 1-2 as light sleep, 3-4 as deep sleep, and the fifth stage as REM (rapid eye movement) sleep where we process our thoughts and dream. If you aren’t sleeping well and like me, you’re starting to feel frustrated by your lack of ZZZ’s here are a few simple tips for you to try; 1. Clean bedding. Dead skin cells, sweat, and saliva soon build up creating a breeding ground for germs. Fresh bedding is more hygienic, relaxing, and restful 2. Try opening a window just a little bit to let the air circulate. Scientists believe that sleeping in a cool room can improve your sleep quality and even help combat Insomnia episodes 3. Have a regular sleep routine. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Your body will become accustomed to the routine and will ease into a steady rhythm of when you
Photo: Shutterstock It would be fair to say that because of my weird relationship with sleep which later turned out to be something called Idopathic hyperinsomnia, I know a lot about the importance of good sleep habits and the detrimental effect that poor sleep has on all areas of our lives, relationships, work, family life, friendships, hobbies and overall mental wellbeing. There are lots of reasons that people don’t sleep, stress, anxiety, overthinking, health concerns, money worries and medical issues to name but a few. The current uncertainty of
should be falling asleep when you should be ready to wake up. Your body will become so used to this, that you probably won’t need an alarm clock to get you out of bed 4. Don’t go to bed on an argument or disagreement. Try and resolve any tensions or issues that you might be having. Going to bed feeling unsettled will likely lead to overthinking, worry and anxiety, preventing you from a peaceful night's rest. 5. If you drink caffeinated drinks, tea, coffee, soda, or energy drinks, try to switch to the decaffeinated versions
after lunch. That will allow the stimulus of caffeine to leave your system before you go to bed 6. If you are light sensitive it’s worth investing in a good quality blind or blackout curtains, failing that try an eye mask to block out any unwelcome light. Ear plugs are also handy if you are a light sleeper and easily disturbed by background noises. 7. Alcohol might have the desired effect in making you fall asleep more quickly, but it can soon wake you up to go to the loo several times in the night because it's a diuretic. It also disturbs your sleep cycles, so you could wake up feeling like you haven’t slept well at all 8. Reduce screen time at least an hour before bed. Mobile phones, computers and TVs emit a blue light. And it’s that exposure to bluish light during the two hours before bed that can keep us from getting a good night's rest, the brain mistakes the blue light for daylight and thinks it’s not time to sleep, making it harder for us to switch off and rest. The same applies for scrolling through the phone in the middle of the night. If you can, use a traditional alarm clock and leave your phone more than arm’s length away from the bed, so you aren’t tempted to check social media, texts, and emails 9. Physical exercise is essential to good mental health, wellbeing and sleep. Do something daily to get your heartrate pumping, there are loads of free online exercise classes to try or look for local community classes to keep you motivated 10. Mindfulness and meditation are excellent ways to relax before bedlots of free apps online – yes, I know I said don’t go on your phone before bed, but this is an exception. Reading or audiobooks are also good ways to relax and unwind your mind before sleep Sleep is a necessity not a luxury, so if you are struggling with your sleep routines seek advice from your GP or visit the NHS website for more ideas and suggestions to get you back on track. Shannon Humphrey is a First Aid for Mental Health Instructor and wellbeing advocate. For details of her courses see www.pathwaysforpositivity .com or call 07470 887783
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Linda’s Hedgehog Hospital by Claire Carter
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or almost three decades Linda Cunningham has been rescuing and caring for injured and sick hedgehogs. Born and bred in Beeston, Linda, who lives on the Southleigh Estate has grown the hospital considerably over the years. Her first rescue, 27 years ago was a 2 day old white-spine, from there her passion led to the building of her hedgehog hospital. Despite very little knowledge or experience, Linda was determined to help these animals and became more aware of the massive need that has increased since she first started. Linda singlehandedly feeds, treats, administers medication, takes samples and cleans for up to 12 hedgehogs at any one time and caring for these animals has become a full time job. Due to Linda not driving she is hugely thankful to her husband, Andy, who picks up those sick and injured. In order to deepen her knowledge and understanding of the changing medication needed to treat the hedgehogs, Linda has completed two training courses, which have been invaluable and hugely beneficial. Having the experience she has, Linda knows how best to treat these animals and always put them first, feeding by hand rather than injecting fluids, obviously a longer process, but far less invasive. I could hear her heart for these hedgehogs as she spoke about them. She has always had a love for animals, her Dad would often find hedgehogs and bring them into the family home to care for. Like her passion, Linda's home has become devoted to these animals, an increase in cages in her garden but also dedicating her spare room to those too poorly to stay outdoors. Numbers of hedgehogs being found and needing treatment have heightened: strimmer accidents and dog attacks becoming more common. Linda speaks of how hedgehogs are “voiceless animals” so we are often unaware of the pain they are suffering. As you can imagine the cost of treatment, medication and equipment along with the time needed to care for these animals has increased as
Weighing in at the Hedgehog Hospital Linda’s hospital has grown. animals are Linda's life and it Heated mats are a lifesaver, hasn't been easy making the juveniles often don’t have decision to step back for a enough fat to survive outside, while. Especially at this time of especially those born around year when the need is greater. September. Again Linda is Linda is still available to give thankful to local vets that have advice and signpost those in waived consultation fees at need, she has a number of times. The council also agreed connections throughout Leeds not to strim grass at certain with other rescues and carers. times close to Linda’s home in She spoke about how order that the hedgehogs had a supportive the online fighting chance when she was community are and how they releasing them. Sadly Linda help each other out as much as can no longer do this due to the possible. Linda’s Hedgehog building work currently taking Hospital Facebook Page was place nearby. Thankfully she set up almost a year ago, does have help from a family in helping inform our community Farnley that has a dedicated of her work whilst raising space to release hedgehogs awareness. There has been a into. huge increase in care needed Due to a diagnosis of lung and many rescues in our city disease, Linda's poor health are struggling and often has forced her to take a break working at or over capacity. from the hospital, but speaking If you would like to help by to her last week she is already raising awareness, fundraising making plans to reopen in the or volunteering, contact Linda Spring and taking in those she via Facebook, search for cannot find a place for. Linda’s Hedgehog Day to day activities have Hospital.There is a definite & become a struggle, but she is desperate need for the work hoping a well deserved rest will Linda does to continue. So if refresh and restore her for the you're able to dedicate some New Year. Linda gave up work 6 time, finances or equipment it years ago which increased her would be really appreciated. capacity for the hospital but this also reduced its finances. The couple repaired motorbikes in order to finance the building of a new hedgehog shed, but this took most of 2018 to fund. Simply, these Hedgehogs need careful handling
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South Leeds Lives 19
Harold Tinsdale a Beeston character by Ken Burton
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arold was born in 1899 and lived at 58 Bewerley Street (off Hunslet Hall Road) with his parents and three sisters. His father worked at a Foundry on Dewsbury Road and then at Hathorn Davey also on Dewsbury Road. He firstly attended Bewerley Street Infants School in Hunslet Hall Road (now the Social Services office) before moving to the school in Bewerley Street when aged 7 years. When he was aged 11 he got a job delivering groceries after school, and every night he worked from 4:30 until 8pm. He had a pair of wheels for delivering, going as far as Tunbridge Road behind the Infirmary. One day he had a large earthenware bread bowl among the goods but he lost his grip on the wheels and the bowl fell off and broke. The owner of the shop said it would come out of his wages, but his mother stopped him working there. He left school when aged 13 going to work at Manning Wardle's Boyne Engine Works in Jack Lane, his pay was 4s 6d (22½p) a week and from this he was given 3d (1p) pocket money. His working day started at 6am with no paid Bank Holidays or Holidays. After the First World War he was unemployed for a time before working for a milkman at just over £2 per week. He collected 17 gallon milk churns from the milk train everyday. These were emptied into smaller ones, and milk when delivered to the houses, would be ladelled out in gill and pint measures into the housewives
bowls and jugs. In all the time he delivered the morning milk to the doorstep he was never known to miss; even when ill he managed to drive his little van so that his wife could do the legwork. Unfortunately, he was forced to leave the milk round when his employer wanted the job for his son. His next job was at the Post Office as a ‘Temporary’, this meant that he could be ‘knocked up’ if any of the regular postmen didn't turn up for work. It also meant that he had to work all over Leeds including Harehills and Woodhouse. He started work at 5am sorting out his first round, then delivering it. When this round was done he then had to sort out the dinnertime and teatime deliveries. If he was quick he was able to get an hour or two at home during the day between deliveries. He remembered an old, retired post office worker who would stand at a post-box in Tempest Road, where the last collection was 9pm, with his watch in his hand. When Harold arrived to empty the box he would say, "You're two minutes early. It shouldn't be emptied until 9 o'clock." Harold would answer, "By the time I get this lot out I'll be two minutes late." When Harold was working at the Hunslet Sorting Office one of his deliveries was to the Yorkshire Copper Works, an hour’s walk each way. At one time he delivered to Armley Jail, here he had to wait for the door being opened, then step inside and sign-in, hand over the mail, then sign-out and leave. When he said it was a right waste of time he was told, "If you step
A
s a teenager I often visited Temple Newsam House with Mum and Dad or with a friend from school. Once they had on display a framed road map from the early eighteenth century, I think. It was the packhorse route from York to Manchester. The way was presented in sections, horizontally, one on
top of the next and very easy to follow. I looked in amazement. It went up Beeston Hill and on to Millshaw and then Churwell Hill. In the eighteenth century there were the turnpike roads which involved the payment of a toll. Apparently, they were slow in creating Elland Road and Dewsbury Road, and so Beeston Hill gained temporary turnpike status.
Meet South Leeds’s newest crime writer by Jeremy Morton
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Harold Tinsdale’s final delivery through the doorway you signin." When working from the Holbeck Sorting Office he delivered to Wood's Farm opposite St. Anthony's Church. He then went along Old Lane, which at this time was a dirt road, there were no houses except for two whitewashed ones in a field near to where Moorhouse's Jam Factory was later built. He then went on to Tommy Wass (which was an ice cream parlour) then nothing until he got to the water tower at Middleton where he went to deliver to Miss Maude, he would have to walk all that way to deliver a couple of letters. On his return journey he walked back through Middleton Woods until he came to a tree marked with the letters HK (Holbeck Sorting Office Code),
Beeston Hill has more history than you might think by Eric Smith
December 2020 | South Leeds Life
And then, from the early nineteenth century, there’s that very nice painting by JMW Turner of Leeds seen from Beeston Hill. Sometime in the latter part of the nineteenth century Beeston Hill needed to be improved, partly due to a sudden severe gradient. Maybe they already had “tramway” in mind. Apparently, the villas on the left had their gardens reduced,
here he turned right towards the main road where he caught the tram back to the Office. One day a "Temp" was sent on this delivery and they had to send out search parties when he didn't return, he had missed the sign and the turning. Harold bought a Jowett car for £25 and one day giving Father O'Connell a lift from Millshaw, Father O'Connell said the car would not get over the bridge. "But it did," said Harold proudly. "It was a grand little car." Harold was over ninety when he died, but when he was taken out for a walk by his family it was like a royal procession. He once said he never got as far as the Park because everyone was stopping him to talk. He was certainly one of the characters of Beeston.
ocal man, Ray Tough, has published his first book. No Body No Crime is a fictionalised account of a true crime. Ray is a man of many parts. Having worked at Cockburn school as a teaching assistant he is now a governor there as well as at Broomfield SILC. He also lectures on cruise ships. It’s from both of these activities that the book was born. He was inspired to start writing some years ago when working with Year 7 students on the First World War poets. He encouraged them to write their own war poems having had a go himself saying “If I can do it, you can do it.” He was “blown away” by the work the students came up with. Ray has always been interested in historical crimes and that’s what he lectures about on board ship. The case of John George Haigh, better known as The Acid Bath Killer was always his most popular lecture. He was encouraged to write it up as a book, but wasn’t keen. “It’s been done to death if you’ll pardon the expression. There are several books already out there, some of which are quite inaccurate” he said. “In the end I decided to write a fictionalised account of the case. I changed the names and locations, but kept the main facts of the murders, it’s still set in the 1940s. I know Leeds much better than I know London, so I moved the action here, with events taking place on Black Bull Street in Hunslet
hence the steps to their front I’ve been in that house in the doors. The unusually narrow past. Mr & Mrs Tallant lived footpath on that side of the hill there with one of their three has something to do with shoe shops in the former cellar. creating the necessary width. The end of Lodge Lane (with its funny slope) was changed to improve a certain gradient and make the curve less sharp. Thus the last villa (now the African Supermarket) lost all its garden and the front door (now on the first floor) had to be converted into a window. Photo: Google Streetview
amongst other locations.” Ray insists every day’s a school day and says the feedback from audiences has been an enormously helpful part of the process. On one occasion it led him to the library of a Cambridge college where he was able to read Haigh’s letters to his parents from the condemned cell. “It’s taken me three years to write the book, but it is enormously satisfying to see it out there being read and enjoyed.” The book is ‘self-published’ but Ray freely admits he got help along the way. His wife helped, discussing the book on their regular walks in Middleton Woods. He also got professional help to copy-edit, format and design the cover.
Will there be a follow up? “There wasn’t going to be, but now there will be. It will be a crime novel, not at all related to this case and purely fictional. I’ve learned such a lot writing No Body, No Crime that I’m keen to have another go.” You can buy No Body No Crime by Ray Tough on Amazon. Next to that building are red brick ones which postdate the roadworks, as does Hillside Buildings.
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South Leeds Life | December 2020
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20 What’s On
A blue Christmas? by Rev Lindsey Pearson
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'll have a blue Christmas without you, sang Elvis Presley in 1957. 63 years later and Christmas will be ‘blue’ for many people. We’ll be missing people who would usually be with us at the special time of the year. Some of you will have lost people you love during this past year – at St Mary’s, Beeston, we are mourning members of our church and others in the community. 2020 has not left any of us untouched. It’s going to be a ‘blue Christmas’. And at this time of year there would usually be lots of gatherings of families and friends – and we’re very limited in what we can do this year. It’s especially hard for people who live by themselves, or a long way from their families. In church we’d be looking forward to people singing carols and pretending to be sheep and stars and angels. And celebrating Midnight Mass as Christmas Eve becomes Christmas Day. None of that is possible this year, although we do have a few things planned – see our Facebook page: Beeston Parish Centre, or our noticeboard. Sadly we can’t make everything right but at St
Mary’s we’d like to offer a special way for you to mark the loss, and to say a prayer if you want to. In the week before Christmas we’re inviting people to come into church to light a candle for someone who won’t be with them this year. We hope the peaceful atmosphere of St Mary’s will bring you some peace and comfort. So if you would like to light a candle for someone who won’t be with you – or for yourself – come to St Mary’s Church, Beeston from Sunday 20 December: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday 1:30-3pm Monday and Wednesday 10:30am-12noon. You are welcome whether you are a regular church goer or you’ve never set foot inside a church before; whether you consider yourself to be a person of (any) faith or not. Come in (wearing a face mask please) and someone will help you to light a candle. Here at St Mary’s we’re going to be telling the Christmas story in the windows of our homes, and building a stable outside church. We can’t sing carols together but we can listen to them – and on our Facebook page there will be videos and live services.
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Lantern Festival will lighten the streets O
ver the last 7 years, the Cross Flatts Lantern Festival has become a fixture in the community’s Christmas celebrations. Each year the park has been lit up with hundreds of lanterns and thousands of fairy lights on a cold December evening; stable animals have delighted children and adults alike; school choirs have sung; the story of Christmas has been told and up to 500 hundred people have huddled together to join the Salvation Army Band leading carols. Christmas 2020 is going to be very different for all of us with difficult decisions to be made about how to negotiate and follow the guidelines and restrictions over the Christmas period. The idea of gathering hundreds of people into one place to sing carols seems like a distant memory of a world long ago. And so, if we can’t all come together for the Lantern Festival, to sing and to celebrate, then quite simply the Lantern Festival will have to come to us – to our streets and to our homes. On Saturday 12 December a socially-distanced Salvation Army band will be on the top deck of an open top bus and will be travelling the streets of Beeston playing carols for us as we stand on our doorstep and in front yards and gardens. Starting at 4pm, the bus will weave its way slowly through the streets of Cross Flatts, meander around Beeston Hill and Hunslet Moor before completing its journey in the streets of Holbeck. One of the organisers of the Festival, Mark Hodgkinson, commented: “The Lantern Festival has lit up Christmas for many people in our community over the last few years. At a time filled with so much sadness and darkness, we want to bring some light into the darkness, to fill our streets and homes with music and to carry the hope and joy of Christmas around
the community.” Along with the Salvation Army Band, the bus will also be carrying the final image of a community art project. Over the last few weeks, the organisers of the event have asked people from across the community to contribute an image which represents in some way ‘hope’ for them. All the images will be combined into a large collage image, similar to that pictured, and everyone who has
contributed will be given a poster copy of the print (see social media pages below for more details and to make last minute contributions). A printed banner of the image will also be displayed on the side of the bus. The whole event will also be streamed online, offering the opportunity to get involved and to follow the bus’s journey through the community - to let people know when it’s near so that they can come out and
wave and maybe even sing along as it comes past their home. There’ll be gifts to give away along the way, sweet treats for those who join in, a few short stops to retell the Christmas story and a few other little surprises. For up-to-date information about the event and to find out how to get involved, follow the event on social media. Search for Beeston Lantern Festival on Facebook or Instagram.
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December 2020 | South Leeds Life
What’s On 21
Slung Low move into the car park S
lung Low are making use of the car park at The Holbeck club in order to make sure Christmas isn’t cancelled in Holbeck. Their traditional Christmas Fayre will go ahead on Saturday 5 December at The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn as planned. This year’s event will take place in the car park to ensure it is Covid-compliant, but will feature the usual mix of craft stalls, ideal for those last minute Christmas presents; a brass band; plus mulled wine and a hog roast (or vegan alternative) at pay-as-you-feel prices. The event runs from 124pm. Slung Low’s Artistic Director Alan Lane commented: “The Government has very kindly agreed that the second lockdown will end just in time for our tenth Christmas Fayre on Saturday 5 December. Come along, have fun and stay safe!” Unfortunately, two indoor family shows planned for December have had to be cancelled because of the Tier 3
restrictions, but a final round everyone’s favourite Holbeckbased interactive gameshow: “You Can Bet It’s Christmas” will go ahead on Wednesday 23 December. Once again it will be staged in the car park and you can watch it on Facebook or YouTube in the comfort of your own home from 6pm. Or you can be part of the show, Alan explained: “This is a Leeds People’s Theatre Production so we need to cast the crowd for this live broadcast. And we want you! “You sign up for a slot at slunglow.org just like you would if you were booking a ticket to see the show. “Then we’ll email you instructions nearer the time about what you should wear (warm, waterproof clothing, possibly even a special costume) and send you some responses we might want you to practise for the show e.g. I say ‘Merry’, you say ‘Christmas’. “You won’t be asked to do anything that you’re not comfortable with.”
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South Leeds Life | December 2020
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22 What’s On
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Zoom disco will celebrate Day of Disabled People B
eeston-based Purple Patch Arts are hosting a Zoom disco on Thursday 3 December from 7pm until 8.30pm, in celebration of this year’s International Day of Disabled People. The evening will be filled with feelgood music with fancy dress, disco lights and glitter all encouraged! In a time of social isolation, Purple Patch Arts’ Zoom discos give participants the opportunity to connect and have a joyful evening dancing together. Purple Patch Arts work with people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, and the disco is open to anybody who identifies as disabled with family and friends all welcome too. Purple Patch Arts have hosted several Zoom discos since Covid-19 restrictions have been in place and are hoping this will be their biggest yet!
To further mark the International Day of Disabled People, Purple Patch Arts have released a video for disco participants to learn a dance to Kool & The Gang’s ‘Celebration’. The dance routine is led by Tricia Arthur-Stubbs, one of Purple Patch Arts’ Programme Artists, who teaches fun disco-style moves and has a surprise in store with her costume change! The video also features some Purple Patch Arts participants who have been accessing the organisation’s creative education opportunities over Zoom since March. Purple Patch Arts would love for this Zoom disco to be their biggest yet – anybody who would like to join in for an evening of ‘Celebration’ should get in touch with the Team Purple at info@ purplepatcharts.org, or
call 07725 041801. There is also a Facebook event with all of the information about the disco, which can be found here: fb.me/e/d7ghkmTEG Purple Patch Arts’ ‘Celebration’ video for the International Day of Disabled People can be seen here: vimeo.com/480248058 on their social media, and on Forum Central’s YouTube channel – please follow Purple Patch Arts on Facebook, @PurplePatchArts on Twitter and @PurplePatchArts on Instagram for more updates!
Christmas Express to visit Middleton and Beeston
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Changing your furniture? Donate it to support people with Learning Disabilities
decorated vehicle will be sprinkling some Christmas magic as it visits streets in Beeston, Middleton and Rothwell in December and in the process raising valuable funds for local older people’s charities. The idea was the brainchild of Helen Windross who works at Sense of Occasion on Old Lane in Beeston. They teamed up with LHA Car & Commercial of Rothwell. A fundraising page has been set up on crowdfunder.co.uk which it its initial target of £1,000 in 24 hours and promptly raised the target to £10,000.
0113 270 4005 South Leeds AlternativeTrading Enterprises Ltd Registed Company no 6394383 | Registered Charity 1149293
Donations of pre-packaged sweets, chocolates and selection boxes for distribution can be dropped off either at Sense of Occasion Old Lane, Beeston, or LHA Car and Commercial, Pelican Works,
Rothwell. You can expect some magic from the Christmas Express from 4:30pm onwards on Tuesday 15 December in Beeston and Wednesday 16 December in Middleton.
Kaye’s team up with St Luke’s for virtual memorial service L
Call us to arrange a free pickup
The funds will be split equally between MHA South Leeds (formerly the South Leeds Live At Home Scheme), MHA Rothwell and Middleton Elderly Aid. All three groups have struggled to raise funds this year despite their work being more important than ever. Gifts will be delivered to houses that are lit up for Christmas. The route is not being advertised to avoid crowds gathering and households are asked to remain in their gardens if the truck comes up their street to ensure the day stays Covid safe.
ocal funeral directors, W Kaye & Son, who have branches in Beeston and Middleton, are hosting a Virtual Memorial Service for families and friends to remember their loved ones, The Virtual Service will be held on Sunday 13 December at 2pm. With support from St Luke’s Church and key local ministers they are hosting this Memorial Service for all the bereaved families who they have served this past year. Families can be part of our service by logging on to the St Luke’s Facebook page: fb.com/stlukeschurchholbeck Funeral Manager, Peter Young, said: “We have been
overwhelmed by the strength and understanding of the families for whom we have arranged funerals for this year and we hope that this Virtual Memorial Service will bring them some comfort at this time.” An important part of the service will be an Act of Remembrance when we will light a candle to signify all the families we have helped and cared for in the last 12 months. “Our caring staff will be available 24 hours a day over the Christmas and New Year period to look after local families who require our services,” said Peter.
St Luke’s Church
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South Leeds Life | December 2020
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24 Sporting Life
‘Dedicated’ Harley wins Leeds United award
Harley with his family and teachers at Elland Road in February. Photo courtesy of Leeds United Foundation
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ight-year-old Harley McDonald, who attends Beeston Primary School, has been honoured with an award by the Leeds United Foundation. This week marks the special 10-year anniversary of the Premier League Charitable Fund and to help celebrate the momentous occasion the Leeds United Foundation have worked to identify committed individuals that have stood out over the last decade. The Leeds United Foundation
have been working with eightyear-old Harley since September 2019, as part of the Premier League Primary Stars programme. Harley was born with a condition called tibial hemimelia, meaning he was born without a tibia in his right leg and unfortunately, he had to have the bottom part of his right leg removed. The dedication Harley has shown since working with coaches as part of the PLPS programme has been
incredible. His physical difficulties resulted in Harley lacking in confidence and suffering from low self-esteem amongst his peers. When the PLPS team started delivery at Beeston Primary, Harley was not engaging in PE lessons and was reluctant to take part. However, over the last year his motivation levels have increased massively, and he has become an example to others. Harley clearly embraces the Premier League values of
Get Extreme at LS-TEN this Christmas I
s your child expecting a brand-new Skateboard, Scooter or BMX this Christmas?
LS-TEN Skatepark in Hunslet will be delivering Get Active Extreme Camps on the 21, 22 and 23 December, giving young
people in Leeds the opportunity to work on their Skateboard, Scooter and BMX skills. Perfect for those eagerly
inspiring those around you, showing others that no matter his struggles he is still able to be active and engaged in learning and developing his skills. The Leeds United Foundation chose two winners from the Premier League Primary Stars programme and two for the Premier League Kicks programme. Other winners were Gillian Austerfield, Headteacher at Asquith Primary School; Andy Topp, Site Manager at Meadowfield Primary School; and Brooklyn Nixon, youngster at Saxton Gardens sessions. The Premier League Charitable Fund (PLCF), which was established in 2010, helps to distribute funding provided by the Premier League to professional football club community organisations across England and Wales, supporting them in their delivery of local outreach initiatives. As part of the celebratory activity for its anniversary, winners have been chosen from each Premier League club for a number of the delivered initiatives, including a leading facilitator and a star participant, as a way of clubs being able to recognise those that have really helped to make an impact and a difference through the programmes over the last 10 years. awaiting a new set of wheels on Christmas Day! Attendees can expect wheeled sports coaching, quizzes, arts and crafts and prize giveaways throughout the day, all with the help of LSTEN’s accredited and qualified coaches. Wheeled sports enthusiasts can make new friends, build their confidence and pick up a few new tricks along the way, all in a safe and positive environment. Updated Covid procedures are in place ensuring everyone stays safe, and numbers are limited to ensure social distancing guidelines can be adhered to. Camps run from 9:30am – 4:30pm, for ages 6 to 15. Open to beginners and those looking to improve their skills and confidence! Head over to www.ls-ten.org or email denhamhill@ls-ten.org for more details and to book your place.
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Beeston’s rising football star
15 year old Darryl Ombang
by Kushmina Begum
F
ollowing news last month that Darryl Ombang had been called up to the England Under 16s squad we caught up with him to find out more about this star of the future. Currently in Year 11 at the Ruth Gorse Academy, he has a scholarship with Bradford City Football Club. Q: How did you get into football in the first place? A: My Dad used to take me to Holbeck Moor from when I was 4 years old. We used to have a kick around with his friends and then when I was six years old my Dad took me to the Hunslet Club. Q: How did you get scouted? A: My Dad sent me to trials from the end of Year 7 so I was 12. I was spotted at a trial at Bradford City Football Club and was sent to one of their development camps. Q: How many days a week do you train? A: It’s seven days a week with the Bradford City Academy. Q: who are your footballing heroes? A: Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney because growing up I used to be a striker! Q: How was the England training camp last month? A: It was a good experience playing in the A team with talented players. I felt like I fitted in and everyone was the same age so we all got along well. Q: Which club would you like to play for ? A: Manchester City or Chelsea. Q: Who do you support?
A: Manchester City. I don’t get grief for not supporting Leeds because my friends support different clubs so a few of us are Man City fans, some are Chelsea fans and others are Liverpool fans. Q: What 3 top tips would you give to youngsters in Beeston about following their dreams? A: Be confident in your abilities; believe in yourself; and take a risk or you will never know what you can really achieve. Q: What are your future ambitions? A: Hopefully to become a professional footballer, get my first contract at 17 and be called for my country in the next few years. Q: Who are your role models? A: Mum and Dad who have made so many sacrifices taking me to games all over the country. Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes, two younger brothers and a little sister. Both of my brothers play football and my sister is really involved in sports too. If they keep working hard and keep absorbing advice from me and our parents then they could all become professional sports players. Q: Do you have a second career choice? A: No. I really want to be a professional footballer but if I had to choose a second career it would probably be in property development. Thanks for the interview Darryl. We will be eagerly watching your progress the next few years.