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Issue 76 | July 2021
Covering Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton, Riverside & Stourton
MANAGED APPROACH TO END Council change tack on street sex work in Holbeck by Jeremy Morton
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he Managed Approach to street sex work in Holbeck is set to change as the Council and Safer Leeds change their strategy. The toleration of soliciting at set times and in the so-called Managed Zone, which has not operated since March 2020 due to the pandemic, will not be reintroduced when social distancing rules are relaxed. However, existing support measures will remain in place including: • Dedicated policing team and reporting phone number • Dedicated cleansing service • Social and health support for sex workers Safer Leeds is also looking to implement a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Holbeck to address anti-social behaviour, such as on street drinking, associated with the sex work problem. A PSPO would make it easier for Police to address these issues by giving them extra powers to intervene. The moves are being made because there are significantly fewer women involved in on street sex work in the area now than there were when the Managed Approach was introduced in 2014. Asked if that reduction was not just a result of the
pandemic, Paul Money from Safer Leeds said: “The reduction in the women that we’ve seen has been a sustained reduction since 2017. We have to acknowledge that the pandemic and the lockdown restrictions have had an impact. There is a risk that we could see an increase (when restrictions are lifted) but our intelligence is not telling us that that will be a significant increase.” On the issue of trafficked women he said that a lot of work had been carried out, some visible in Holbeck, but much behind the scenes. “Whilst we have historically had issues of trafficked women working in the area, at this moment in time there isn’t intelligence to support that assertion.” Chief Superintendent Damien Miller, the Leeds District Commander commented: “The message to men is that they are not welcome within Holbeck if they are there for the purposes of kerb crawling.” Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council’s executive member with responsibility for Safer Leeds, reiterated that the Council’s objectives had not changed: • To reduce the problems caused by street prostitution to residents, and businesses which currently suffer from
In this issue:
Cladding fire near miss in Holbeck
page 6
Totem Pole for Middleton Park
page 7
DAZL win Queen’s Award
page 9
Cockburn launch bear into space
page 11
Soliciting will no longer be tolerated such nuisance. • To better engage with street sex workers to improve their safety and health, with a view to enabling them to exit this way of life. • To reduce the prevalence of street-based sex working.
“The message to men is that they are not welcome within Holbeck if they are there for the purposes of kerb crawling.” In a statement, Cllr Coupar said: “Having assessed our
strategic and operational plan and taken into account intelligence and data, listened to feedback from our partners and taken into account recommendations from the Independent Review and Listening Well reports, we feel that we are now in a position to implement further changes to our approach to tackling onstreet sex work in Holbeck. This reflects the current picture of on-street sex work in the area and will help ensure that we can continue to sustain the improvements that have been made whilst also remaining flexible to circumstances if or when they change. “Included as part of the strategic and operational alterations is the decision to not reinstate the operating
hours and rules that were in place through the now withdrawn Managed Approach concept before the introduction of restrictions to tackle coronavirus in March 2020. This reflects the lower number of sex workers that are now regularly operating in the area compared to previous years and also the reduced impact from on-street sex work on residents and the local community from what we have seen previously. “This will be supported by an operational plan to prevent the sale or purchase of sex. All tools will be used as appropriate to tackle specifically those individuals coming into the area seeking to pay for sex.” Continued on page 5
United star visits Beeston Juniors
page 24
NEWS
2-9
SCHOOL LIFE
11
DEFIBRILLATORS 12-13 COMMENT
14-16
LIVES WHAT’S ON
17-19
20-22
SPORTING LIFE 23-24
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South Leeds Life | July 2021
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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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Senior Councillors approve missing link cycle routes in South Leeds B
uilding on the transport conversation in previous years and the extensive work completed in the city centre over the past 12 months, senior councillors in Leeds have approved additional work to improve cycling links in and around the city centre. At the council’s Executive Board on Wednesday 23 June, councillors will consider a report progressing further plans to transform cycling in the city centre. The report presents plans to approve £7.06 million of new cycling routes across Leeds, as part of Leeds city council’s plans aimed to encourage more people to travel by bike, in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, through the Leeds City Region Transforming Cities Fund. The plans will add 7kms of high quality, modern cycle facilities to the Leeds city centre cycle network across five separate schemes. Together, they will increase the length of continuous cycling infrastructure by linking up and filling in gaps to the existing and planned cycle network, and extend and complement the recent projects delivered by CityConnect and the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme. The aim is to improve the connectivity to the city centre and access of the city-wide cycle network. These schemes will also improve cycle access to Leeds railway station, enabling people to extend their trips by train across West Yorkshire and shorter trips within Leeds. Plus they will help encourage more trips to be made within the city centre. A previous consultation earlier this year found the majority of users considered at least part of the cycling experience in the locations currently need to be improved. The majority of respondents agreed the proposals would improve cycling around the city centre. Following the consultation an additional sixth ‘linking’ scheme to connect existing cycling infrastructure on Dewsbury Road has been added, with the scope of the funding to complete by spring 2023. 1) Holbeck Gateway A route to link Holbeck into the western part of the city centre at Whitehall Road. This project adds to existing work on the corridor. It provides access to and from Holbeck and forms a network with the recently delivered CityConnect 2 and CityConnect 3 projects in the city centre and in south Leeds. 2) Western Gateway Tying together a number of existing routes, this scheme leads into the West Street gyratory to enable easy and safe access from one side to the other. This includes CityConnect 1 from west Leeds,
The cycle routes will form a coherent network CityConnect 2 on Wellington Street and the A65 Quality Bus Corridor which includes cycle provision. 3) Eastern Gateway This project complements the existing work delivered on St Peter’s Street from the CityConnect 2 project and the Regent Street project, and links to the current works on Vicar Lane and beyond. It will allow an east-west route to be fully delivered in the northern part of the city centre. 4) Crown Point Bridge The Crown Point Bridge scheme will provide a safe segregated route across the river, serving the south eastern part of the city centre. 5) Southern Gateway This scheme will create a major route into and out of the city centre from the south, linking a number of existing routes to and from Leeds rail station and City Square. 6) Dewsbury Road Connector The project links the existing cycle infrastructure on Dewsbury Road into the Southern Gateway to Hunslet Road and Crown Point Bridge Street. Once completed, the section delivers the missing part of the network in the southern part of the city centre and complements the current CityConnect 3 project to deliver a safe segregated route into the city centre from Beeston and Holbeck areas. The next phase of planning involves Leeds city council consulting directly with local residents and businesses to make new active travel measures work for all users, with construction to start over the summer. Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “I’m pleased to see these new schemes coming forward. We have an ambition to help encourage sustainable active travel here in
Leeds and these new schemes continue our work to build a safe and coherent cycling and walking network across the city. “It’s always important to remember that as well as being a primary way to get about, cycling and walking can play a part in bigger journeys. That’s why I’m pleased to see these schemes improving cycle access to Leeds railway station, enabling people to extend their trips by train across West Yorkshire and beyond. “The proposals contribute to the Leeds target of reducing carbon emissions by 2030 by improving facilities for cycling close to the city centre, facilitating linkages to even further develop the cycle network, and to encourage these transport choices as an alternative to car journeys. “I’m keen to see every new piece of segregated cycleway in Leeds, as each part moves us nearer to the 500 miles of cycle network we want to see across the city. We want to make Leeds the number one cycling city in the North of England. The only thing holding that ambition back is proper funding and I would like to see more opportunities like this new to deliver our vision.”
Consultation is set to start on Active Travel Neighbourhoods in Beeston and Middleton
It is estimated the programme will improve journeys by bus, rail, bike and on foot for up to 1.5 million people, take up to 12 million car trips per year off our roads and reduce CO2 emissions from car travel by up to 15,000 tonnes by 2036. Separately the Council is also set to undertake consultation on further schemes, funded through the Government’s Active Travel Fund. These will include Active Travel Neighbourhoods (ATNs), where through routes are blocked to vehicles in order to promote safe walking and cycling and stop ‘rat running.’ An revised version of the Cross Flatts ATN in Beeston will go out to consultation shortly and residents will be consulted on the boundaries of an ATN in Middleton. Further cycling routes include Balm Road in Hunslet, Sweet Street in Holbeck and Elland Road, taking the existing route across the Ring Road. Finally, existing School Streets will be reviewed with a view to making them permanent. School Streets currently operate at Clapgate, Hugh Gaitskell, Ingram Road, Lane End and Middleton St Mary’s Primary Schools.
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July 2021 | South Leeds Life
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News 3
Community football Birthday honour for facilities to be moved Covid response to Matthew Murray site C A
new community sports hub originally earmarked for a site next to Leeds United’s Elland Road stadium is is be relocated to the former home of Matthew Murray High School in Holbeck, following a decision by senior councillors of the council’s executive board at their meeting on 23 June. The change in location of the ‘Parklife’ initiative from Fullerton Park to the old Matthew Murray school site reflects ongoing discussions between Leeds United and Leeds City Council after the club earlier in the year expressed a desire to potentially increase the capacity of Elland Road in the future. Following an assessment, which included consultation with local stakeholders, the council believes that the old Matthew Murray High School site would provide the best place in which the facilities originally outlined for Fullerton Park as part of the Parklife scheme could be delivered and enhanced, whilst also offering the operational requirements that are needed for an initiative of this scale. Facilities outlined as part of Parklife would now include; four 3G artificial grass pitches; community café; changing rooms; a gym and a NHS facility which will include a GP surgery, treatment rooms and pharmacy. The project which is
expected to be completed in 2023, will also play a key role in meeting the council’s ambition to provide high quality sports and community facilities in the south Leeds area. The Football Foundation, which is the main funder of the Parklife programme on four sites in the city and NHS partners have given their full support to the proposed change in location as have local stakeholders, who believe it will better suit the needs of the local community of south Leeds. Leeds United have also expressed their backing for the new proposed site of Parklife. The club has also agreed to cover the required design development and site investigation fees and costs that will be needed to help facilitate any potential move. A plan put forward for a new Leeds United training ground on the Matthew Murray site will now not progress at the club’s request. The council continues to be committed to engaging with the club regarding any options they may consider for a new training ground in the near future. The council has also agreed to work in partnership with Leeds United Football Club on a revised masterplan for the Elland Road Stadium and Fullerton Park area with view that further draft proposals are brought back to the Executive Board before a public
consultation at a later date. Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “The fantastic return of Leeds United to the Premier League has proved to be a great boost to not just fans, but also the city as a whole. We remain committed to working with the club constructively in terms of any ambitions they might have in terms of increasing the capacity of Elland Road in the future, which is why following discussions, we agreed to look at what options could be available to move the proposed Parklife project from Fullerton Park to another location. “The Parklife community sporting hub remains a key part of our aim to ensure that a range of top class facilities are available in south Leeds, and we were committed to ensure that as part of any assessment work in terms of finding a new location for the project, that no facilities would be lost to those proposed for Fullerton Park. I am pleased to say that this is the case, and we are confident that the Matthew Murray site will be an ideal location for Parklife, a view which is shared by local stakeholders, the Football Foundation, Leeds United and our partners at the NHS. “Local people can be assured that any plans will be subject to a full public consultation process.”
ongratulations to Rachael Loftus who has been awarded an MBE for services to the Shielding Programme in Leeds in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Rachael, who was brought up in Beeston, is the Head of Regional Health Partnerships, working to improve health and care across the West Yorkshire area. She has played a pivotal role throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, leading the partnership response to shielding the most vulnerable in the first wave, supporting thousands of residents and enabling the system to work to get food, medicine and emotional support. Through her outstanding work to set up the Shielding Programme in Leeds, covering 54,000 residents, she pulled together partners across NHS, community and local government and ensured food, medicine and emotional support was provided to these people. The systems she designed were adopted regionally and influenced the national agenda too, and her work with DHSC, Cabinet Office and MHCLG has been commended by all concerned. Earlier in her career Rachael worked on community programmes for many years, both in the Leeds Irish
included walking dogs, posting letters, calling people up for a chat, arranging a window visit or talking people through how to do a video call or reset their internet. “Slung Low, Involve, Hamara and other South Leeds organisations were just brilliant to work with – because they understood just how difficult it was to get an accurate picture of who needed what in those early days of the shielding programme – and they were just brilliantly kind and proactive about what they could do to help.”
MP visits railway by Ian Smith
M
CGI showing the pavilion designed for the Elland Road site
Rachael Loftus MBE community and supporting vulnerable groups such as gypsies and travellers and refugees and asylum seekers. Speaking to South Leeds Life, Rachael said: “The practical support provided by the hubs such as delivering food was an essential part of the support offered to clinically extremely vulnerable people. “But from the off – in Leeds we wanted to work with people to find out what they needed from us and what they had to offer – and that turned out to be a whole set of things which
iddleton Railway President Hilary Benn MP visited the railway’s Moor Road headquarters on 2 June during a Half Term Operating Day. He spoke with many of the railway’s working volunteers and was particularly interested in the railway’s Young Volunteers Group, supervised by member John Linkins, a teacher by profession. The Young Volunteers are a vital part of the railway’s future plans – new members are needed to replace those current members who are not getting any younger – and Hilary was most impressed with the youngsters he spoke to during his visit. Trainee Guard Alex Smith said: “I am very happy to be at the railway and hope to be a qualified guard soon. It’s all part of my journey and ambitions!”
Railway Chairman Charles completed and the floor is fully Milner and Vice President Ian open. Smith showed Hilary around Chairman Charles Milner the site and showed him the said: newly constructed Mezzanine “We were delighted to host Floor, part of our expansion Hilary and show him the many plans. things our hard working The upstairs part of the members have achieved railways Moor Road despite all the problems thrown headquarters is having a major up by covid and we look refurbishment, to include forward to welcoming him replacing equipment and again soon.” carpets in the current Conference Room and the construction and fitting out of the new mezzanine floor, which has been led by Civil Engineer Mark Calvert. Whilst the mezzanine is not yet finished due to the effects of Covid on both staff and suppliers, Hilary was amazed at the view of the Display Hall and has said he wants to come and visit once all the displays have been Alex Smith with Hilary Benn MP
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South Leeds Life | July 2021
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4 News
On the beat
New Hunslet WEEE recycling point H
unslet and Riverside Ward Councillors have welcomed the deployment of a new Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Bank in the Hunslet Community Hub and Library carpark in Hunslet. On 2 June 2021 the new WEEE bank, which will allow the recycling off small electric items (toasters, kettles etc), was installed alongside the two exiting Glass Banks in the car park.
by Insp Lucy Leadbeater
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ver the past couple of weeks it has finally felt like summer has arrived. The warmer weather has been lovely for us all to get outside and to ensure everyone keeps safe West Yorkshire Police have launched our Enjoy Summer Safely campaign. This campaign will raise awareness of crimes such as domestic abuse, drinking driving, one punch manslaughter, and sexual assaults which can increase at this time of year. Our message is to enjoy your night but Stay Safe. You can do this by following the below advice: 1 Never leave your drink unattended – even soft drinks can get ‘spiked’ 2 Look after yourself and your friends
3 Avoid putting yourself in situations you might regret 4 Always pre-book your taxi and make sure you get in the right one 5 Stay with your friends and never walk home alone 6 Too much alcohol can make you and others aggressive so be aware of the amount that you are drinking. If you get drunk you are more likely to do things you wouldn’t normally do. As we continue to tackle the issues previously written about in relation to off road bikes, this month (13 June) our Off Road Bike Team have undertaken an
operation alongside the Neighbourhood Policing Team in South Leeds. Six off road bikes were deployed and had a very successful day of action. During the day they: • Seized 4 vehicles (3 bikes and 1 quad) • Dealt with 8 people for a range of driving offences • Gave out two Section 59 warnings for anti-social driving. We will continue to tackle this problem which we know is an issue for the residents of South Leeds and wider into the city and this continues to be a priority for us.
Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said: “We know there is a demand for more recycling of specialist smaller electrical items which cannot be donated. We have asked for a WEEE in Hunslet ever since the previous bank was removed from the Penny Hill Centre carpark at the request of the centres managers. Therefore, we are really happy one will now be reinstalled in Hunslet a again.” Cllr Iqbal added Cllr Paul Wray, Cllr Elizabeth Nash and
he were lobbying for more WEEE’s to be installed across the ward as they became available to help improve recycling rates. They also stressed the good practice of residents donating unwanted working items (big or small) before looking to dispose of them. You can find more information about ways to do this at www.leeds.gov.uk/ residents/bins-andrecycling/get-rid-of-unwanted -items
Recycle electrical items at Hunslet Community Hub car park
Councillors promise action on blocked gullies and drains H
The off road team dealing with problems in Middleton Park
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unslet and Riverside Ward Councillors have promised to address the significant number of blocked gullies and drains across the Hunslet and Beeston Hill areas of the ward – in particular in the back streets and on the inner housing estates. Following the restarting of Councillor Areas Walks after the easing of pandemic restrictions, Cllr Elizabeth Nash, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal and Cllr Paul Wray have said they have seen an alarming number of gullies and drains blocked. Cllr Elizabeth Nash said: “We know gully and drain cleaning work had been set back significantly by the pandemic due to staff shielding, but the number of gullies and drains in need of cleaning is alarming. We have reported a significant number on the back streets on Beeston Hill and in the inner Leeds Housing estates in Hunslet already. Highways Leeds have promised to clear these within 28 days and in the case of the Hunslet estates visited so far –
they will employ a specialist between our other duties. This contactor as the normal will give Highways Leeds time cleaning wagons cannot access to do the work they have the smaller inner streets.” promised before we have an in Councillors are urging depth visit again. If they haven’t residents to report blocked cleared them – we will be drains as and when they see chased them up!” them as the main gullies and You can report a blocked drains are only proactively gully or drain and many other inspected by Highways Leeds general repair issues on the yearly and gullies and drains in Leeds City Council website at back streets less often. If these services.leeds.gov.uk or if are not cleared they added, it you’re unsure of what option to can lead to localised flooding use – contact your local during heavy rain. It also means Councillor for help. loose soil and silt isn’t washed away – making the perfect spots for weeds to grow. Cllr Elizabeth Nash vowed Councillors would get on top the backlog as they continued their area walks across the ward, “Now we are out and about again properly – these walks will cover the ward every eight weeks or so in- A blocked drain in Beeston Hill
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News 5
Reaction to the end of the Managed Approach F
ollowing the announcement that Leeds City Council and Safer Leeds plan to end the Managed Approach to street sex work in Holbeck, people have been reacting to the news. In a statement Hilary Benn MP said: “I welcome the news that the current Managed Approach will formally come to an end. “It’s a decision that draws on the views of local residents and on the Independent Review, and it recognises that the scheme has not operated in its previous form since the start of the pandemic. “The aim has always been to reduce the impact of sex work on local residents. So scrapping the permitted hours and defined area, cracking down on soliciting by men and making use of public space protection orders reflects what many have been calling for and will be widely supported. It’s also good to see that the dedicated police support, the use of CCTV, the cleansing arrangements and help for women to exit on-street sex work will be kept in place. “As everyone knows there has never been a simple solution to this problem, but this announcement represents a step forward.” Save Our Eyes and Voice Of Holbeck have also issued a joint statement welcoming the move, saying: “We are delighted to hear that LCC have decided to formally end the managed zone for prostitution and take up some of the recommendations made by the local community.”
Women exiting sex work Leeds City Council has published the following anonymised case studies showing how agencies working together as part of the Managed approach - West Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council, Safer Leeds, Basis Yorkshire and The Joanna Project - have supported women to leave sex work. Case Study 1 B had a history of prolific on-street sex working for some years which increased up to 2020. Her behaviour escalated to the point of the partnership exploring an antisocial behaviour injunction due to a high level of very challenging behaviour. The Managed Approach policing team colleagues continued their support and engagement through the Managed Approach partnership and via the sex worker liaison police officer. B finally engaged with Basis and Forward Leeds and was supported in a number of ways including through their outreach work. She is now accessing intensive support through the Housing First programme and continues to make very good progress. In addition to not engaging in sex work, she is also being supported by Forward Leeds with her addiction issues. B also has regular family contact now in place which is assisting in terms of her wider support and coping mechanisms.
Protesters from Save Our Eyes on Holbeck Moor in 2018 They also point to men travelling from across the country to buy sex and call for the message that men are not welcome to kerb crawl Holbeck to be spread nationally. You can read the full statement at: saveoureyes.co .uk/leeds-managed-approachcloses. But Basis Yorkshire, one of the charities that works with sex workers were disappoited with the decision: “As an organisation Basis remains firmly of the view that the Managed Approach including the Managed Area remains the best way of providing as much safety as possible to sex workers who work on street. For this reason, we are very disappointed with the Councils’ decision to step away from what has been a
Managed Approach set to end Continued from page 1 Cllr Debra Coupar continued: “Providing meaningful support to the local community remains a key priority for us in terms of our on-going approach to tackling sex work in the area. I’d like to reassure residents that these changes will not result in any loss of bespoke services we have introduced. Also not changing is the package of critical and meaningful assistance and access to vital services we will be providing on a daily basis to sex workers, which has achieved some positive results. We remain committed to taking any steps that are necessary to
July 2021 | South Leeds Life
tackle sex work wherever it may be in Leeds. Many of the lessons and strategic plans and strategies we put in place through the Managed Approach have provided us with a much needed base in which to move forward with confidence. “Many aspects developed through the Managed Approach will be incorporated as part of our city-wide strategy moving forward.” The plans were approved by LCC’s Executive Board and now go to the Safer Leeds Board this month. If approved they will be implemented as soon as practicably possible.
pioneering and compassionate approach to on street sex work up to this point.” Your can read their full statement at: basisyorkshire .org.uk/news/statement-basisyorkshire-re-managed-approac h-june-2021. In the debate at the LCC Executive Board, Conservative leader Cllr Andrew Carter said: “There is no wonder that things have, in inverted commas – improved – this is an admission that the whole experiment failed and we should have come to this conclusion some considerable time ago.” Cllr Steward Golten for the Liberal Democrats commented: “I feel very uncomfortable, when the managed zone was used politically as a campaigning tool,” he said. “I think the council, in its innovative approach to tackling
South Leeds Life has covered the Managed Approach since 2016
prostitution was brave and forward looking – it tried something, and the Lib Dems were behind that experiment. “It is with regret that as that experiment progressed, we realised that the commitment to investment in the management needed to make it work was not there, from whichever part of the partnership we are talking about. “It is the vulnerability of the people involved that merited the attempt at a managed approach. I am not going to congratulate campaigners against the zone for a ‘victory’ – I accept it with regret. I want to see something concrete to see what is being taken forward.”
Case Study 2 C started sex working in 2019 whilst in the early stages of pregnancy. She was quickly engaged by various partners in the Managed Approach including police, Basis and Joanna Project. Her relationship with statutory partners prior to this period was not a positive one but through the approach adopted she was supported by Basis and Forward Leeds who provided assistance with a range of complex needs. This included support to address healthrelated needs as well as other needs relating to lifestyle, including financial support. C gave birth and continued to sex work and use Class A drugs. With continued engagement and support C is no longer sex working, is engaging well with support from Forward Leeds in relation to her drugs programme and has moved out of the area with supervised access to her children. Case Study 3 F had a number of complex needs including drug addiction, poor mental health and ongoing sex work with high risk behaviours. F had been provided with temporary accommodation but was struggling to maintain the accommodation offer because of various factors, including drug use. A meeting was held with the partnership agencies to discuss F’s needs and how they could work together to support her to achieve her goals. F expressed that she would like to go to detox rehabilitation so a referral was made and she successfully gained a place. However, part way through F exited the programme unplanned and returned to Leeds. Agencies quickly linked in with one another to understand why F had left the programme and worked together to support her to access it once again. F is now back in the detox unit, is doing well and is not engaged in sex work. Case Study 4 D had previously been a prolific on-street sex worker who had been subject to enforcement action for a number of months due to her chaotic and problematic behaviour which put herself at risk and caused anti-social behaviour related issues within the local community. She subsequently built up stronger relationships with partners through the intensive work and support she was in receipt of, and overtime she began to engage well with Joanna Project, particularly through the pandemic period of 2020. The links with Joanna Project helped D to forge a better relationship with Forward Leeds in relation to her addiction issues. D has now successfully completed a programme that has seen her become completely free from drugs and she has not sex worked since the summer of 2020.
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6 News NEWS IN BRIEF Colas expands with move to Elland Road The northern regional office of Colas Ltd, the infrastructure company, has relocated to larger premises at Landmark Court, Elland Road, Beeston. As part of its commitment to reducing its impact on the environment, Colas has installed electric vehicle charging points as they are providing these at all of their offices across the UK to support their expanding electric vehicle fleet.
Harrison Spinks donates beds to Crypt Beeston-based manufacturer, Harrison Spinks, has donated over 30 beds to Don Robin’s House, a new development currently being built in Leeds by a local homelessness charity. The pioneering new development in New Wortley, delivered by local charity St George’s Crypt will support some of the city’s most vulnerable people.
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Parliamentary Holbeck cladding flat fire constituencies A set to change by Ed Carlisle
T
he Boundary Commission for England (BCE) has published its initial proposals for new constituency boundaries. The public are now able to view and provide feedback on the proposed constituencies as part of an eight-week consultation process. Under the proposals the Beeston & Holbeck and Hunslet & Riverside council wards would remain within the Leeds Central parliamentary constituency, currently held by Hilary Benn (Labour). However, Middleton Park ward which includes Belle Isle and Middleton, would move to a renamed ‘Morley’ constituency. The Morley consituency would stretch from Drighlington to Lofthouse and would include Morley, East and West Ardsley as well as Belle Isle and Middleton. One of the reasons for the change is the growth of people living in the city centre and riverside areas. The current constituency of Morley & Outwood is held by Andrea Jenkyns (Conservative). Members of the public are encouraged to visit www.bcereviews.org.uk to view maps showing the proposed new boundaries and provide feedback before the consultation closes on 2 August 2021. People can comment on anything from where the proposed new
boundary lines are to the names of the constituencies. There will be a further two rounds of consultation in 2022. Following the conclusion of all three consultation periods, the Commission will look at all the evidence received and form its final recommendations. Tim Bowden, Secretary to the Boundary Commission for England, said: “These proposals mark the first time people get to see what the new map of Parliamentary constituencies might look like. But they are just the Commission’s initial thoughts. Help us draw the line to make the number of electors in each Parliamentary constituency more equal. Each constituency we recommend is required by law to contain between 69,724 and 77,062 electors, meaning there will be significant change to current boundaries. “We want to hear the views of the public to ensure that we get the new boundaries for Parliamentary constituencies right. “We consider all feedback received during the consultation process, and it is your local knowledge that helps us to shape constituencies that best reflect your local area. It is easy to get involved – view our proposals and have your say on our online consultation portal – www.bcereviews.org.uk.”
riverside flat block by Leeds railway station suffered a dramatic exterior fire Tuesday 8 June, raising concerns once again about dangerous cladding and related building defects. West Yorkshire Fire Service were on this occasion able to contain the fire, and all residents escaped safely. The block – called Blue, at Granary Wharf – is one of dozens locally affected by the Cladding Scandal. Following the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy, it came to light that thousands of flat blocks UKwide had been built with dangerously flammable external cladding, and other building defects such as the absence of adequate ‘fire breaks’. As we have previously reported, a lengthy legal and political battle has ensued, regarding responsibility; and as it stands, the regular leaseholders are in most cases being forced to pay crippling bills, both for interim modifications, and for the longterm rebuilding work. This month’s fire started on an eighth storey balcony, and spread into the flat – but residents from the flat in question, and from about 60 other flats, evacuated the building safely. The Fire Service were able to tackle the fire both inside and outside the building, and ensured that it did not spread. Most residents were able to return to their homes immediately after the fire. In a statement, the Fire
Fire rages on the balconey at Blue. Service noted that the Blue building features some noncompliant cladding, but that this didn’t feature in the fire. They also commented that procedures and modifications (including an early-warning fire alarm system) have been put in place in the light of the cladding crisis – and these played a part in enabling a fast evacuation and response. Rachael, a local resident, and cladding victim and campaigner, commented: “Blue is one of the many buildings that’s been found to be missing the fire breaks behind the cladding: a really core element to safe design. This means that there’s only a very short window to get fires like this under control, without
them spreading between floors behind the cladding. “Thankfully the Fire Service were able to respond quickly enough this time – but it is a deeply worrying situation for people living in high rise buildings with these defects.” Hilary Benn MP added on social media: “This reminds us all of the danger that leaseholders in blocks with unsafe cladding and missing firebreaks live with every single day.” For more information, see the Leeds Cladding Scandal campaign fb.com/leeds claddingscandal. Campaigners are inviting all those caught up in these, and all concerned supporters, to join a protest in central London on 15 July.
Brain Tumour charity fun day Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity ambassadors Ellie Sayers and Lucinda Thompson are encouraging families to join them at the charity’s family fun day, GardenFest, on Saturday 10 July at Leeds Corinthians RUFC in Middleton. The charity will be asking for a small donation on entry to join in with the games, activities, inflatables, stalls, food and drink on offer.
Delivering a message to Amazon Campaigners unfurled a large banner at the Amazon HLS3 site on Middleton Grove in Beeston on 4 June to call on Amazon to sign up to a declaration which would guarantee workers the freedom to talk with and form a union without fear. Amazon reported that its first-quarter profit more than tripled to $8.1bn (£5.8bn) from a year ago, fuelled by the growth of online shopping. Against a backdrop of reports about poor working conditions and anti-union tactics, Amazon workers have been essential during the Covid crisis. Unite has launched a confidential whistle-blowing hotline: 08000 14 14 61 or visiting actiononamazon.org/hotline.
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News 7
Council approves consultation on plan for golf course land by Becky Townesend
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ouncillors on the Executive Board have approved a report from the Director of Communities, Housing and Environment to create a new parkland at the site of the former South Leeds Golf Club, off the Ring Road next to Middleton Park. The 48 hectares of parkland is set to incorporate a 4.5 hectare memorial woodland that will be dedicated to the memory of those who have died of Covid-19, which at time of writing stands at 1,728 people in Leeds and 130,057 in England. The memorial woodland will be created in partnership with the Leeds Hospital Charity with the charity meeting the cost of the creation and development of the memorial woodland. As well as the chance to remember those who have died the woodland will also be a place to reflect upon and appreciate the contribution of front line and key workers during the pandemic. Alongside the memorial
The plans also include the creation of a new parking area near the memorial wood (subject to planning permission) and security measures to the site boundary to protect the parkland from flytipping and illegal occupation. As previously reported the Council also plan to transfer 3 hectares of the site to Cockburn School to accommodate a new sports pitch. The council hope that in expanding the Green Flag award winning Middleton Park there will be wider benefits for people in Leeds. Councillor Salma Arif for Labour introduced the proposal during the Executive Board recognising that: “Everyone has had a difficult eighteen months and it is important that we have a fitting memorial in recognition of friends and family that we have lost during the pandemic and also to appreciate the efforts of front line and key workers who continue to do us proud. “This new 48-hectare park and memorial woodland … (will
spread throughout the city.” Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group Councillor Stewart Golton, whilst confirming he was voting in favour, raised concerns that: “The council…is committing a very substantial amount of money to what is effectively a tree planting scheme at a place in the city which already has really top-quality parkland and this would be added to it…and the amount of land which is being associated with the memorial woodland is one sixth from my estimation…of the golf course itself”. Regarding the memorial he raised his concern that: “It’s presupposing what the people of Leeds would like to see as their Covid memorial in this city and I would like to think that we would have a far wider engagement of the general population in Leeds to understand what they think might be an appropriate place of commemoration of people who have died and I would suggest that it probably would be somewhere a little bit more central… (and) so I would like to
Totem Pole records park features Alan Shaw, Chair of Friends of Middleton Park writes: “Over the last few weekends Shane Green has been grafting at carving a totem pole of fabulous Park features on a tree stump near the Visitor Centre. It's now complete and we think it's fabulous. The totem has been supported by the French of Middleton Park who have crowd funded donations from the community in support. So essentially, it's owned by the community. There's still time to donate if you are interested. Please go to the page on GoFundMe - www.gofundme.com/f/woodcarving-a-significant-tree
L-R: Lord Mayor of Leeds Cllr Asghar Khan; Giles Fretwell, Events and Community Manager at Leeds Hospitals Charity; Cllr Salma Arif, Executive Member for Public Health and Active Lifestyles; Esther Wakeman, Chief Executive Leeds Hospitals Charity; Cllr James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council woodland is it planned that the £700k development will include a range of new habitats and features including a wetland, wildflower meadow, new paths, picnic areas, as well as educational and volunteering opportunities. The 9,000 trees that are expected to be planted will support the council’s pledge to plant 5.8 million trees over the next 25 years to contribute to the combating of the climate emergency.
enhance) Middleton Park as a destination for both those paying their respects and to visitors in the area … and a greener space for residents to enjoy which obviously has mental and physical health benefits.” During the discussion on the proposals, Leader of the Opposition Conservative Councillor Andrew Carter welcomed the proposal and expressed “the hope that we’ll see these sort of initiatives
think that this isn’t just the council’s proposal for Covid memorial initiatives and that actually we will see something far more substantial in further papers.” In response Councillor Arif commented that: “The local public and the wider public will very much be consulted in how this goes forward”. The timetable agreed at the Executive Board on 23 June 2021 aims to have a
consultation completed by July 2021 with the opening of the Memorial Wood taking place in February 2022 and as part of the proposals Esther Wakeman, Chief Executive at Leeds Hospitals Charity has said: “We expect an official launch in early autumn when we will be able to let people know how they can give in memory”. The Friends of Middleton Park have attended a virtual meeting about the proposal and the Chair of Trustees Alan Shaw has told South Leeds Life that they “are very supportive” of the plans and “will be following closely” as the plans are “shared wider within the local community”. South Leeds residents can sign up for email updates from the Leeds Hospitals Charity at: www.leedshospitalscharity.org. uk/woodland. Leeds Hospitals Charity is the chosen charity for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Appeal.
Former golf course area is shown in red with proposed Covid-19 memorial woodland in blue
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8 News
Full Fibre has arrived in South Leeds – here’s how and why to get it Sponsored Content
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ick of unreliable broadband? You’re not alone. Indeed, a recent YouGov survey found that a third of UK adults are experiencing worse internet performance than they did pre-lockdown – with 70% of those users struggling with simple activities such as browsing and online shopping. The good news is that work is already well underway in Leeds to bring full fibre services within reach of nearly every home and business locally. Since 2016, we’ve invested £120m to lay a new network that uses the best available technology – full fibre – to give nearly every home and business the digital foundation they need to thrive today, tomorrow and in decades to come. Already, thousands of Leeds residents are able to benefit, with full fibre broadband services now live and available across Holbeck, Beeston,
Hunslet, Morley, Middleton, Belle Isle, and Armley through a range of broadband providers; with works also underway in the West and North of the city. To find out if you can connect, register your interest at cityfibre.com/south-leeds. Why is full fibre different to what I’ve got already? The difference between full fibre and ‘regular’ fibre is stark, and even if you think you have ‘fibre broadband’ today, the chances are there’s copper in there somewhere holding you back (top tip - if your router connects to a normal telephone socket, then that’s what you’ve got). With full fibre enabled services, when you ask for a gigabit connection, you get a gigabit connection. Here’s what you can expect: • Increased efficiency: significantly faster speeds for upload and download, with providers offering gigabit speeds (1,000Mbps). This
Get Together in Middleton by Anne Mansfield
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n the spirit of the late Batley and Spen MP Jo Cox’s legacy, people from across the country come together each year to meet one another and celebrate that “we have more in common than that which divides us.” This year celebrations kicked off in June, and folks all over found ways to safely celebrate despite the ongoing pandemic. Your Space brought the celebrations to Middleton with an afternoon full of fun on Sunday 14 June in partnership with the folks at Manorfield Hall. Locals were treated to free food, games, crafts, and music. They also enjoyed the fantastic debut dance performance from the DAZL community dance group.
Opportunities to get together with our neighbours have been few and far between in the last 18 months, so people were quick to comment how refreshing it was to be able to gather. Arlie, a Community Wellbeing Development Worker at Your Space said: “I want to thank everyone who came along, our volunteer Erica, Emma and all of the volunteers at Manorfield Hall, Denise Sadler for her crating table, and Chrisie, Ian and the DAZL dancers for help making the event a success.” Are you interested in finding ways to get out more, meet new people or try out a new or longforgotten hobby? Contact Your Space on (0113) 426 1141 or email yourspace@touchstone support.org.uk to find out about opportunities in your area.
The Great Get Together event at Manorfield Hall
means you can access what you want in the blink of an eye - waiting for files to download or videos to finish buffering will be a thing of the past. • No more competing priorities: near limitless
bandwidth means everyone in your house can work, study, stream or game online simultaneously without a challenge. • Connectivity you can depend on: The clever design of
our networks means that if there’s a break in one connection, it can instantly be rerouted via another. We’re also constantly monitoring our networks, so problems are often detected and fixed before
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife you even notice! • Futureproofed for growing demand ¬- once the fibre is in the ground, it’s there for good and maintenance work is drastically reduced. We plan twice, build once and build right. So, can I buy this new broadband from you? CityFibre’s job is not to be the star of the show but to quickly get everything set up for the main event and make sure it all runs smoothly. Our networks are open access, which lets you choose from a growing list of national and local internet service providers (ISPs). Whenever we complete a section of network, ISPs ‘light it up’ with some of the fastest and best value broadband packages available (high speed needn’t mean high cost). Sounds great, when can I get it? Works are well underway across South Leeds with more new addresses are going live day by day as our work to extend the network continues through the city. You can find out when you can connect by registering your interest at cityfibre.com/southleeds.
Ed’s amongst Leeds Cycling Campaign award winners L
eeds Cycling Campaign has revealed its muchanticipated cycling awards for 2021 and South Leeds Life contributor and board member Ed Carlisle is amongst the winners. The awards highlight and celebrate actions that are making a significant contribution to promoting cycling in Leeds. They help to foster an environment in which more people will be encouraged to take up cycling and highlight the great work of the Leeds Cycling campaign. Ed won the Outstanding Grass Roots Campaigner award. The award recognises the unstinting work by Ed in promoting active travel initiatives across South Leeds over many years. These include cycle repair with the Big Bike Fix, and clean air/ car-free streets initiatives. Winners in other categories included the Active Travel Neighbourhood trials across the city; Leeds City Council’s support for staff wishing to cycle to work; and Mike Babbitt of Sustrans for his work on upgrading the Aire and Calder Navigation path between Leeds City Centre and Woodlesford
Ed Carlisle (right) distributing free bikes as part of the Big Bike Fix which has become massively popular during lock-down. The Bikes College CIC won the Best Cycling Promotion award. They are a small, selfsufficient, independent social enterprise based in Holbeck refurbishing bikes otherwise destined for landfill. At the other end of the scale The Duke of Devonshire won the Rotten Tomato Award for claiming tax exemptions in
return for allowing public access to his Bolton Abbey estate while banning cyclists from most of his 30,000 acre estate. The area is very popular with cyclists from Leeds and surrounding areas. Peregrine Andrew Morny Cavendish, the 12th Duke of Devonshire has an estimated fortune of £880 million. Martin Stanley, Acting Chair of Leeds Cycling Campaign
said: “We are delighted with the response to our first ever annual Leeds Cycling awards. While much still needs to be done to make cycling the natural choice for getting around the city, the award winners demonstrate just what great work is going on to make this an achievable goal and highlight where action is still required”.
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News 9
DAZL receives Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
Holbeck church to help jobless get work-ready A
DAZL defeated lockdown by brining dance to the streets with Garden Groovers
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iddleton-based DAZL (Dance Action Zone Leeds) and their group of volunteers based across the city have been honoured with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. DAZL is a dance and health organisation and charity supported by Leeds Public Health to improve the physical and mental health of the most deprived communities of Leeds. This year they celebrate 21 years of supporting the communities of Leeds through dance as a creative pathway. Throughout the pandemic the
DAZL Volunteers delivered dance sessions across the city, food parcels and vital support to communities. DAZL is one of 241 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. The number of nominations remains high year on year, showing that the voluntary sector is thriving and full of innovative ideas to make life better for those around them. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
Recipients are announced each year on 2 June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Representatives of DAZL will receive the award crystal and certificate from Ed Anderson, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire later this summer. Furthermore two volunteers from DAZL will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2022, along with other recipients of this year’s Award. Melissa Peacock, a DAZL Volunteer, says: “It is fabulous that DAZL have been awarded the Queens Volunteer Award. As a volunteer I get to see the inclusivity of all of the work they do. No one is
left out, all of society is included. Get involved and be part of the DAZL family. To give a small amount of my time each week has been returned to me tenfold in many ways. Skills I have learnt, support I have received and most importantly the joy of seeing the DAZL family grow” Ian Rodley DAZL Director says: “This is truly an honour and comes at a time where giving back to the community is more important than ever. I am so thankful and humbled by this award and so happy that our volunteers have been recognised for everything they do for DAZL and the communities we serve.”
church is set to run free job clubs to help people in the Beeston and Holbeck area of South Leeds get back into work ahead of Covid-19 restrictions easing. Members of St Luke’s Church in Holbeck want to help equip their local community to find employment in tough economic times so have undergone specialised training from UK charity Christians Against Poverty. Now they are offering free weekly workshops to boost the job-hunting process for unemployed people by equipping them with the tools, skills and confidence to find work this summer. Job Club Manager, Greg Mann, who will be leading the workshops, said: “With more people facing unemployment because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is a real need for a personal service which provides practical and emotional support for them to find work again. CAP Job Clubs are designed to do just that.” St Luke’s Church is one of
more than 100 churches of different Christian traditions across the UK who will be running a CAP Job Club, as they work together to positively impact the communities around them. CAP Job Club is a weekly course that combines one-toone consultations, group support and practical sessions that cover topics such as identifying strengths, CV writing and interview techniques. The service is open to everyone regardless of faith. Greg added: “We hope that we can help people to gain the confidence and skills they need to find employment, particularly for those who may have been out of work for a long period of time.” The club will run weekly starting from Monday 5 July 2021 at 11am in the church on Malvern Road, Leeds LS11 8PD. To find out more about CAP Job Clubs or to book your place visit capjobclubs.org to book a place telephone 0800 328 0006.
The Best Fish & Chip Shop in South Leeds On Fryday 4 June, National Fish & Chips Day, we held a readers poll to find out which is the best plaice to get your favourite take away in South Leeds. Congratulations to KP’s Fish Bar on North Lingwell Road in Middleton and honourable mentions for runners up Nichols Fish & Chips on Dewsbury Road and Park Fisheries on Beeston Road. Staff at KP’s Fish Bar in Middleton celebrate winning L-R: Abbie, Ella, Laura, KP, Bridget and Carly
The Job Club will run at St Luke’s church
Vikki’s journey A
fter volunteering with the organisation for many years, Holbeck Together is thrilled that Nikki, a local mum of three, is joining the staff team as a Community Engagement Worker. Nikki initially began helping driver Roy on the minibus, and has gone on to support with the Healthy Holidays project, coming up with great ideas and linking the organisation in with local families. Whilst volunteering with Holbeck Together, she managed to juggle her roles as a busy mum as well as a part-time job at a local school. Volunteering has helped
Nikki to build her confidence and Holbeck Together is keen to support her to further her education and develop the skills she has learned. Holbeck Together is supporting Nikki to take on an apprenticeship in Adult Care Level 2 at Leeds City College, as well the role of Community Engagement Worker at the organisation.
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10 News
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New memory garden at Beeston Community Centre A
memory garden is being created at the front of Beeston Village Community Centre for people to commemorate, celebrate and remember anyone they’ve lost. The garden will give people the opportunity to remember somebody special and plant a rose, a herb, a shrub, or a flower, in their memory. A
‘Memory Book’ will also be held at the centre giving local people the opportunity to write down memories of their loved ones, if they wish. The Memory Garden project is open to anybody, creating a vital area of beautiful green and floral space in Beeston, and giving local people the opportunity to connect with one
another. Anybody is welcome. The project is a partnership with Beeston in Bloom and is part of Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Connecting Communities’ project. For more details on how to join in, visit the Beeston Community Centre facebook page or email sarah.bradleyadam@healthforall.org.uk
Linda Stanley of Beeston in Bloom and Angelika Hipsz, People Partnerships Coordinator at Health For All
Health For All marks 30 years
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ver seventy people came together on zoom to take part in Health for All’s AGM celebrating its thirtieth year. Representatives from thirty two member groups joined Baroness Judith Blake and Hilary Benn MP, local councillors, funders and Health for All trustees and staff to hear how the charity had adapted its services during the Covid 19 pandemic. Member groups included those supporting families, disabled people, tenants, dads, isolated Chinese, Hindu and Sikh elders, Bangladeshi community, kinship carers, women and men, care leavers, local history, walking, healthy activity, choirs. Chair of Trustees, Dr Raj Menon, highlighted the continuing needs faced by the local people Health for All helps, the poverty, rising unemployment, deprivation. Dr Raj spoke passionately about ‘Levelling Up’ and the need to address the deep inequalities in our local communities, urging those with power to do more. Drawing on his own experience as a GP in Hunslet, he said: “When I have to refer my patients to food banks because they cannot feed their children, or signpost them to the Salvation Army for Christmas Dinner or ask HFA to bring them food parcels, that’s not
Levelling Up.” Chief Executive Pat McGeever presented the charity’s Annual Review in the form of a short film giving a whistlestop tour of other new projects providing access to Food Pantries and IT in HFA local centres and hubs, supporting Chinese, Bangladeshi, eastern European young people towards employment, connecting and supporting care experienced young people, providing food parcels for families with young children and BME elders, contract tracing, redressing Health Inequalities by supporting families with life enhancing and work opportunities. Pat announced the charity’s successful retention of Leeds Breastfeeding Peer Support service, a partnership with Womens Health Matters. Other business included presentation and adoption of the charity’s accounts, appointment of auditor and election of eleven trustees bringing rich, diverse experience and skills to the charity’s governance. Dr Raj thanked staff, volunteers, partners, including special thanks to the charity’s funders for recognising and supporting this crucial work. Finally a new, colourful, accessible HFA website was launched, available to view at www.healthforall.org.uk
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School Life 11
June was a busy month at Cockburn School
truly proud to have worked with Cockburn School in this vital work and look forward to further collaboration.” Dean Johnstone, founder and CEO of Minds Ahead said: “This award shines a light on the excellent work schools are doing to promote mental health for their community of children and adults. It is thrilling and humbling to learn about Cockburn School and the many other schools engaged in the quality award process. I’d like to offer my congratulations on this deserved recognition.”
A very busy June at Cockburn School also saw:
Bear in Space! A company called 'Sent Into Space' came into school to run a unique project with a group of 30 Year 9 students. They looked at the science of launching an item into space using a giant weather balloon. Cockburn sent their intrepid astronaut George Cockburn (named after the original founder of Cockburn School). The bear was made by the school’s talented art staff and featured Cockburn uniform and school logos. Due to the need for correct weather conditions, the company could not let the school know the exact date of the launch until a few days before it took place. Students were selected for consistently demonstrate excellent attitudes towards scientific curiosity. Still to come - an edited video of George leaving the school grounds and ascending all the way into space. They will hopefully get him back as well.
Virtual Dance Competition Congratulations to Cockburn School’s Year 9 Dance students for coming second place at the Northern Schools Dance Competition with their piece: ‘Women Empowered’. This year’s competition was online with schools sending in videos of their dance pieces. The students involved watched as all of the entries were broadcast on a big screen. There was some stiff competition from the other nine
schools in our category, so it is a fantastic achievement!
Race for Life As a part of National Sports Week, all Cockburn School students were asked to complete the 5k Race for Life in their PE lessons. 'Together Again' is an incentive from Race for life encouraging everyone to run together. On completion of the race all students received a Race for Life medal. There was the option for students to make a voluntary contribution of £1 on the day. All students had the option to collect a back sign which they attached to their shirts as they ran in memory of a loved one or with a particular message on their minds.
outstanding mental health and wellbeing provision. Nationally, more than 1000 schools have signed up to take part in the mental health award. Cockburn School provides a wide range of activities to boost the wellbeing of students and staff. The Care, Support and Guidance team is particularly focused on ensuring individual students’ needs are met, including regular consultation with students to find out what they need and why. The Staff Wellbeing Group has provided a huge range of support to staff, especially during the pandemic.
• Year 10 Music students had a live online link up to the Wimbo of Africa Children's Choir in Uganda. The children of Uganda shared their aspirations and performed a series of songs and dances. • Two Year 10 students were invited to have a paid membership of The Leeds Subscription Library. One of the oldest private subscription libraries in the country, founded in 1768. They had a guided tour, including some very early books, one published in 1494! • Cockburn School said goodbye to Year 11 with the ‘Cockburn El Classico’ Year 11 football match, leaver’s photos and a Year 11 Leavers Assembly where prizes were awarded for a number of categories to celebrate the success of an exceptional
Thumbs up for Burley Banksy Pupils and staff at Ingram Road Primary School in Holbeck were delighted to see that Burley Banksy Andy McVeigh had decorated the telecoms box outside. On Twitter the school said: “Our own special work of art right outside school - We love it !”
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Living History Year 9 History students attended a World War 1 Medicine workshop held by Frontline Living History. They were able to learn about the evacuation and treatment of soldiers. Students had the opportunity to speak to these experts in the field as well as observe artefacts from the time period. They were able to examine artefacts and even have a go at being stretcher bearers!
School Mental Health Silver Award Cockburn School has achieved the School Mental Health Award which is delivered by the Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools. They were awarded a Silver standard for its
Changing your furniture? Donate it to support people with Learning Disabilities Head of School, Rob Dixon, said: “I am extremely proud of all of the work that is done in school to support our students and staff and we will continue to place great emphasis on mental health and well-being of all stakeholders in the school and our community.” Professor Damien Page, Dean of Leeds Beckett’s Carnegie School of Education, said: “Achieving this award is not just recognition of a wholeschool approach to mental health, it’s a recognition of the school’s commitment to improving the life chances of children and engaging with the wider community including staff and parents/carers. We’re
group of young people. Year 11 student, Daniel Morton, was awarded the Kyle Asquith Award in recognition of his resilience and charity work. • David Roberts, Chair of Nationwide Building Society and Vice Chair of NHS England spoke with Year 10 students about his personal journey to success and the changing world of work. He shared inspirational insights and the Year 10 students asked some fantastic questions. • Huge flags from all of the competing countries in the Euro 21 tournament were hung across the school Atrium dining space.
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12 Defibrillators in South Leeds
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Where to find a defibrillator and how to use it T
he sight of Christian Eriksen collapsing during the European football tournament brought home to many the fact that anyone can suffer a cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest means that your heart has stopped beating. It has stopped pumping blood around your body and delivering oxygen to your muscles and your brain. You are dying. Helping someone in cardiac arrest, whilst you wait for the ambulance to arrive, can save their life (see below). Over the last two years more than twenty community public access defibrillators have been installed across South Leeds by Leeds City Council. Eight were
funded from a citywide public health programme, with the remainder paid for by the Inner South Community Committee. On top of these community public access defibrillators, other organisations, businesses and sports clubs, have their own defibrillators. Cross Flatts parkrun had invested in one, but it wasn’t publicly available 24/7 until Councillors stepped in to fund a secure external cabinet at the Watsonian Pavilion in the park. Councillor Angela Gabriel (Chair of the Inner South Community Committee) said: “Publically accessible defibrillators really can mean the difference between life and death and so I am very
Cllr Angela Gabriel with the Cross Flatts Park defibrillator
pleased that anyone who is unfortunate enough to need one in Cross Flatts Park will now be able to be given the assistance they need.” Mark Hodgkinson (Cross Flatts parkrun Event Director) said: “Cross Flatts parkrun and Junior parkrun are delighted that our event defibrillator is being made available for use outside of our event times. We hope that the defibrillator will never need to be used but very pleased that, if a defibrillator is needed by someone in Cross Flatts Park, one is now accessible.” As we reported last December, the defibrillator at The Hunslet Club has already been used to save a life when it was borrowed by a local business. Club CEO Dennis Robbins commented: “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.” Using a Public Access Defibrillator is very straightforward, they have audio instructions and will not let you cause harm to the patient. To access the defibrillator call 999 and they will tell you the access code to unlock the cabinet.
Saving someone’s life Q&A What is a defibrillator? A defibrillator is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart of someone who is in cardiac arrest. This high energy shock is called defibrillation, and it's an essential part in trying to save the life of someone who’s in cardiac arrest. A defibrillator may also be referred to as a defib, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or a PAD (Public Access Defibrillator).
How do I know if someone is in cardiac arrest?
3 Ask someone to bring a defibrillator if there’s one nearby (if no one is available to get one, listen to the emergency operator for further instructions) 4 Turn on the defibrillator and follow its instructions
How do I get the defibrillator from the cabinet? Ring 999, the operator will give you the code to the cabinet and stay on the line to help you use it.
Someone having a cardiac arrest will either not be breathing or they won’t be breathing normally. They also won’t be conscious. Check for a response – gently shake the person’s shoulders and ask loudly 'are you alright?'
Can I harm someone with a shock who doesn’t need it?
What should I do if someone has a cardiac arrest?
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is administering manual chest compressions to pump blood around the body. Look out for local training sessions.
Cardiac arrests can happen to anyone, at any time. The following steps give someone the best chance of survival. If you come across someone in cardiac arrest: 1 Call 999 2 Start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
No. The machine will only give a shock once it has checked the heart needs one.
What is CPR?
Find out more at from the British Heart Foundation at www.bhf.org.uk
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July 2021 | South Leeds Life
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Defibrillators in South Leeds 13
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Locations of public defibrillators across LS10 and LS11 1. Holbeck Together 99 Domestic Street, Holbeck, LS11 9NS 2. Church of the Nazarene 2 Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston, LS11 6TT 3. The Hunslet Club Hillage Road, Hunslet, LS10 1BP 4. h2010 apartments Cable Place, Hunslet, LS10 1GB
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5. Church of the Nazarene Lupton Street, Hunslet, LS10 2QR
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6. Woodhouse Hill Community Centre Woodhouse Hill Road, Hunslet Carr, LS10 2EF
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7. Greedy Monkeys Cafe 3 Belle Isle Parade, LS10 3AH
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8. Belle Isle Working Men’s Club Belle Isle Road, LS10 3PE
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9. St George’s Centre St George’s Road, Middleton, LS10 4TQ 10. St Cross Church Middleton Park Avenue, LS10 4HT
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11. Sainsbury’s Local 7 Middleton Park Avenue, LS10 4HP 12. Hunslet Nelson Cricket Club Gipsy Lane, Beeston, LS11 5TT 13. Cottingley Community Centre 115 Cottingley Approach, LS11 0HJ 14. St Andrew’s Methodist Church 10 Cardinal Road, Beeston, LS11 8AL
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15. Beeston Library Town Street, Beeston, LS11 8PN 16. Watsonian Pavilion Cross Flatts Park, Beeston, LS11 7NA 11
17. Hamara Healthy Living Centre Tempest Road, Beeston, LS11 6RD
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18. KMWA Community Centre Hardy Street, Beeston, LS11 6BJ
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19. Rowland Road Working Men’s Club Rowland Road, Beeston, LS11 6ED 20. Guru Nanak Gudwara (Sikh Temple) 78 Lady Pit Lane, Beeston, LS11 6DP 21. Al Medina Mosque / Bangladeshi Centre Rawson Terrace, Beeston, LS11 5JN 22. Leeds City College Joseph Priestley Centre Burton Avenue, Beeston, LS11 5ER Open Street Map via Creative Commons
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14 Comment
In our view End of the Managed Approach Campaigners who fought to bring an end to the Managed Approach in Holbeck are celebrating, but they need to remember that street sex work in the area didn’t start with the adoption of the Approach and hasn’t ended since it has been suspended. Safer Leeds were rightly criticised for introducing it without the required level of resources and have been playing catch up ever since. They have not been helped by some of our friends in the media who have used sensationalist headlines to sell papers and inadvertently encouraged men to travel from across the country and fuel the trade. We are pleased to see that resources will remain in place to support the community.
Honours for public service The Queen has dished out honours to two very worthy recipients in South Leeds in the last month. Both Rachael Loftus and DAZL exemplify public service. Rachael for her work over many years both in the voluntary and statutory sector helping disadvantaged groups; and DAZL who bring art and exercise through dance to young people who might not otherwise get the opportunity to express themselves. Even if you’re not in favour of the current honours system, it’s the only one we’ve got so let’s celebrate.
Saving Lives We have given over the middle pages this month to make sure you know where you can find a defibrillator if you are in the unhappy situation of needing to use one. They can be a real life saver and are very easy to use - you don’t need any training and you can’t harm the patient with one. Equally important is knowing how to administer CPR, so watch out for training courses, go along and learn a life saving skill.
South Leeds
Laughs What’s the difference between a poorly dressed man on a tricycle and a welldressed man on a bicycle? Attire. If you've got a great joke you want to share (max 200 words), email it to us at info@southleedslife.com by the 15th of each month, with your name and address, and the best one each month will win a £5 prize.
Your letters and comments Active Travel Neighbourhoods Its very concerning how Leeds Council will sell out the city out of boredom or for their own experiments, on the off chance one might actually work. It’s incredibly selfish, aimed to please a vision that kids can play safe in the streets in sunshine and rainbows. The cars are not the problem on these streets, start cleaning them up rather than trying to create more problems. The most this will impact are the residents, all delivery drivers, taxis, and then all the lost drivers we will have trying to navigate through the mess! We live in a time where using cars and deliveries are a major part of life. Just accept this rather than change it, they can’t all ride bikes, no one even uses the new cycle lanes. All this will do is cause unnecessary travel and clog Beeston Road, Old Lane and Dewsbury Road. Save yourselves some embarrassment and listen to the people. Tom I think it’s a case of they are spitting their dummy out because they had to put it on hold last time. This is stupid to even think about till Dewsbury Road is finished and a true study of air quality and traffic count done on surrounding roads. How can anybody know if something works if they don’t have figures from before to measure against the “trial.” Plus the statements in the last survey were so untrue like saying visitors to the area used the Grove as a cut through? They admitted at the meeting they had not done a study and were presuming. You tell me what sat nav would tell a driver to go through a 20mph zone? Once Dewsbury Road is done no Elland Road fans will cut through because it will be gridlocked. If this survey is as biased as the last one in the hope that people will be that disgusted they will give up then there will be a backlash. Jan I am very concerned about our street being blocked off. My husband is disabled and we must use a car to get out and about. The Cross Flatts plan will make this difficult for us. Lori Graham-Dixon I walk everywhere, my kids walk to school through the Cross Flatts area and if this goes even part way to stopping the imbeciles who drive high-powered German hatchbacks at 40 in a 20 zone then I’m all in! A Payne You don’t need to cycle and walk everywhere but if lots of people cycled and walked somewhere it would be of benefit to their health and the planet ... so it’s a win win in my book! Phil Goodfield As has said before by many resident that live on the streets: the planter idea is not wanted. It would cause not only problems for people like myself who lives local getting my kids to two different schools on time, but also a inconvenience for the residents. On the other hand the safer school scheme has really made a huge difference and should be kept. Amanda Davis
The Active Travel Neighbourhood in Hyde Park
Cycle lanes Leeds City Council are totally crazy with this cycle route madness. The routes are hardly ever used by cyclists. It’s costing rate payers millions for no benefit to Leeds residents. They should be ashamed of their incompetence and stupidity. And I say that as a Labour party member of many years. Gordon The new cycle lane on Elland Road is a death trap. Cars do not stop when they come and go to McDonalds or as they are coming out of the streets. LCC have been told about this and have so far chosen not to act on the information given, it won’t be long before someone is seriously injured or even killed on the route. Paul McDermott These are the usual anti bike responses. For the bike lanes to be sucessful a network has to be created. Our cycle investment has been so poor for many years this is about catching up. We cannot continue to pollute our air with the internal combustion engine. Martin Dean
Covid Memorial Wood I think this is great. I have on a few occasions walked through West Wood? The woods to the south of the golf course so now we will have woodland and park from the edge of White Rose up to Hunslet. It’s great to see Middleton Park getting bigger and maybe one day it can sit on a par (golf pun not intended) with Roundhay Park in the North. It’s also good to see a memorial as well as a place to thank and remember the contribution of those on the front line. This should help build a great asset for the communities which surround Middleton Park. Andrew McLoughlin
End of Managed Approach At last , but I don’t buy the it’s a decision based on the views of local residents as local residents have been ignored up until (allegedly) now. However, just as this announcement has been made numerous building projects have started in and around the managed zone, some residential, some offices. Money talks. Hopefully this will mean I can walk home from town on a sunny afternoon without
been asked “do you want business love” as happened twice last week even though the managed joke was not officially open. But whatever reasons for closing it down at least it’s happened, much to delight of the majority of Holbeck residents. Perhaps now is the time for all these MPs, Councillors, and street workers charities to come together and find a nationwide solution instead of trying it out in Holbeck. Henry
Matthew Murray school site Yet again massive proposals are being made without any consultation or reference to the local community. Holbeck Neighbourhood Plan has now been in place for a couple of years recognised nationaly but seemingly ignored by LCC. We have tried to engage with LUFC previously, one would have thought that some gesture of recognition to the local community could have been made. Ingram Road school were to have been involved in the previous plans with imporovements to their school field, what is to happen to those promises now? Big announcements in the press are all well and good but prior information to parties closely affected could have been made. The new proposal looks good and is potentialy going to benefit the local communities more effectively based on the old Matthew Murray site. Dennis Kitchen
Elland Road vinegar factory I wonder if any of your readers would have a photo of the building? I’ve looked before on Leodis and searched the internet but the only image of the brewery is this and one other sketch. Similarly the huge and imposing Holbeck Workhouse which for years loomed just up Elland Road opposite the Moor has very few photos online. One just assumes that such significant buildings would have been well documented. Blue
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Comment 15
MP’s notebook by Hilary Benn MP
T
he recent fire at the Blue residential block by Granary Wharf was a chilling reminder of the risk of fire in high rise buildings. This block has some cladding problems, although it seems they were not involved in the fire. Thankfully the West Yorkshire Fire Service arrived extremely quickly, put it out and everyone was evacuated safely. As part of the campaign to get the Government to protect leaseholders from having to bear costs they are not responsible for, the National Cladding Campaign recently asked people to take photographs of themselves holding placards with the amounts of money that they fear they will be asked to pay. The sums are eye-watering and completely unaffordable, and we will be carrying on with
July 2021 | South Leeds Life
our campaign for a fair outcome. I've written before on the subject of on-street sex work in Holbeck and what should be done about it. Several years ago, the council and the police set up the managed approach with the aim of trying to reduce the impact on residential areas, and it's had a bit of a chequered history since then. A while ago, I proposed to the Council that it ought to carry out an independent review so that everyone could have their say. Recently, after considering the results of that review and the views expressed by local people, councillors and myself, Leeds City Council has decided that the existing managed approach will come to an end. I welcome this decision. The scheme has, in effect, been in suspension since the start of the Covid pandemic, and
scrapping the permitted hours and defined area, cracking down on soliciting by men and making use of public space protection orders reflects what many in the community have been calling for and will be widely supported. It’s also good to see that the dedicated police support, the use of CCTV, the cleansing arrangements and help for women to exit on-street sex work will be kept in place. In all the discussions I've had with many people about this, everyone acknowledges that there has never been a simple solution to this problem, and we will have to see how the new approach works out. However, this announcement represents a step forward. I had the great pleasure of joining the Health for All AGM recently. I say joining because it was done over Zoom, but that didn't take away from having
the chance to celebrate the wonderful work that this community-led organisation does in South Leeds. During the pandemic, it kept in contact with people in different ways, providing food parcels, welfare telephone calls and advice, information and support. This year, Health for All celebrates its 30th anniversary and I want to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful Pat McGeever, her staff team and all the volunteers for everything they do on behalf of our community. And finally, to the delights of Middleton Park. A few weeks ago, my wife and I spent a Saturday afternoon there in the late spring sunshine. The park is one of the jewels in the crown of Leeds, but I suspect there are many people living in the city who have never visited it. When they do come, as I hope they will, they will find that it’s enormous, has grassland and majestic ancient woodland, a café and visitors’ centre, a bandstand, a lake and so much history. Middleton was
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 mentioned in the Domesday book, and at the northern end of park is an earthwork – said to date from 1204 - marking the boundary between Middleton and Beeston following a bitter dispute between William de Grammary and Adam de Beeston. And, of course, there are reminders and remnants of centuries of coal mining. This history has been detailed in an excellent book entitled Coal Mining in Middleton Park: An
Archaeological Investigation by the Middleton Park Community Archaeological Project which has added greatly to our understanding of this important part of the park’s industrial past. The Friends of Middleton Park do a wonderful job in looking after this unique place and if you want to find out more about their activities, then do visit their Facebook page which is full of useful information and fascinating history.
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16 Comment
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Councillors’ briefing B
eeston & Holbeck Ward Update: Community engagement and supporting local business has continued to be the theme for Councillors representing the Beeston, Cottingley and Holbeck. We know that there has been some frustration with encampments set up by those in the traveling community on public land, in terms of location and the waste left, so Cllr Almass has organised live Q&As with the Leeds City Council team to answer questions. Cllr Almass also organised a live Q&A with a local civil enforcement officer and PCSO. If you missed either and have any questions, please get in touch with us as your elected local representatives. The way the Council, police and other partners tackle onstreet prostitution has changed. The ‘managed zone’ which was introduced in 2014 in a bid to move on-street prostitution out of the residential areas has been closed since March 2020 (due to the Covid pandemic). We have listened to residents who objected to the zone and looked at the data and have
decided NOT to reintroduce the zone as lockdown easies. It is important to note that this will not mean that on-street prostitution will automatically disappear and therefore the additional support for women to exit prostitution (housing, drug rehab etc), additional policing and addition cleansing will remain in place. And, finally we are delighted to see the new Beeston Womblers group (a local group of litter pickers) – please join their Facebook Group! unslet & Riverside Ward Update: This month we’ve continued the first Councillor Area Walks since the pandemic. These have found hundreds of issues, with a significant category being uncleaned highways drains. Highways Leeds have risen to the challenge and around fifty of the worst have now been cleared – with a large number due soon. This will reduce the risk of localised flooding in a number of areas and help keep streets cleaning. Last month we also: • Launched two new litter picking groups to cover Beeston Hill fb.com/groups/ BeestonHillWombles and
Hunslet Carr fb.com/groups/ HunsletCarrWombles. • Supported Hunslet Tenants and Residents Association prepare for a community action day on Friday 2 July at 12pm. • Commissioned proposals to redevelop a number of Council owned planters across the ward to increase local biodiversity. • Proposed sites for new
use – contact us. If we don’t know, we can’t help. iddleton Park Ward Update: We’re delighted that full planning approval has now been granted for one of the first major Council Housing developments in 30 years, to be built on the Throstle Recreation Ground. The 174 new homes will include 60 extra care units for older
M
H
A busy Beeston Wombler on Middleton Grove
Members of Hunslet Tenants & Residents Association mature and sapling tree planting this year. • Gave approval on Dewsbury Road for a new pram shelter at the hub, new landscaping to the grassed area opposite Premier and commissioned Leeds Street Gallery to paint ten communication boxes to celebrate the local area – subject to local consultation on the designs. And much more. Sadly the need to push back step four of the road map has delayed the rest of our Councillors Advice Drop-ins and planned multiagency action days on Beeston Hill – but these are now being planned in to restart in July. Please remember you can report a large number of issues (potholes, fly tipping etc.) at services.leeds.gov.uk or if you’re unsure of what option to
people. We will be working with the contractor, Wates, as they
New Council housing in Middleton will include extra care flats are required to provide wider social benefits like apprenticeships and environmental benefits for our area. Many residents have contacted us about green space and the environment. There area a number of consultations due to start and we are looking forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas and then working with residents, schools and partners on expanding and enhancing our green spaces around Belle Isle and Middleton, like the former South Leeds Golf Course (soon to be part of Middleton Park), the Westwoods, Throstles, Thorpes, New Forest Village, Stourton Grange, Cranmores, Parnabys, Old Run Road, West Granges,
Middleton Broom, Orions and Brooms. In addition to the above, 4,444 trees for Middleton Broom and possibly more for Sissons Wood to contribute to climate change challenges. We are currently working with Public Health who are carrying out a joint needs assessment in Belle Isle and Middleton which will be presented at our Neighbourhood Improvement Board so we can plan how we work with health partners and third sector organisations to provide services that meet the needs of our community. Covid 19 has highlighted the huge health inequalities and we will press government on crucial services like mental health, it is fundamental that funding is devolved to local government.
Your Leeds City Councillors Beeston & Holbeck ward Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park to the Ring Road, Cottingley and Holbeck. The three councillors are:
Gohar Almass 07445 878 333 gohar.almass@leeds.gov.uk Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Andrew Scopes 07860 400 645 andrew.scopes@leeds.gov.uk
Hunslet & Riverside ward Includes parts of the city centre and riverside, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:
Mohammed Iqbal 0113 226 8796 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk Paul Wray 07528 512 649 paul.wray@leeds.gov.uk
Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are: Sharon Burke Kim Groves Paul Truswell
0113 378 8814 sharon.burke@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 378 8811 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk
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South Leeds Lives 17
The start of Leeds Theatre Hunslet’s Theatre In The Lane by Ken Burton
L
eeds, prior to 1771 relied on travelling companies of players who were most likely on their way from York and Wakefield, both of which from a dramatic point of view were much more important than Leeds. Companies of strolling players would visit the town and perform their plays in the yards of inns such as the Talbot and the Rose & Crown in Briggate. To accommodate these players the Rose & Crown (Queens Arcade now stands here) provided a concert room where plays as well as songs were performed. The concert
play there was ‘musical entertainment'. We know very little about the above Concert Hall, but what is certain that in 1771 Tate Wilkinson came along and opened a Theatre in Hunslet Lane, and this was the real beginning of the history of the theatre in Leeds. Tate Wilkinson was born in Wandsworth, London on 27 October 1739, the son of Rev Dr John W Wilkinson and Grace Wilkinson (nee Tate). His father was a clergyman at Chapel Royal at the Savoy in London and he was educated at Harrow. In 1757, when Tate was 17, his father was convicted of
The Theatre In The Lane room was supposed to be for musical entertainment only; a licence was required to perform plays for profit. However, the publican got round this by only charging the audience for their seats for the music; the plays were free. These visits were not popular with the church. Early newspaper reports mention "The Company of Comedians from York". The earliest known performance of a play in Leeds was reported in the Leeds Mercury on 4 November 1729, this was ‘The Beggar’s Wedding’, given by Mr Herbert’s Company of Comedians this was probably based on ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ which was popular at that time. In 1757, there was a performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III. A new Concert Hall was opened on 17 December 1767, this was located near to the junction of Vicar Lane and Kirkgate, but the exact location of the building is not certain. On the opening night there was a concert of music, this was followed by a play which was presented free, thus indicating that the Hall did not have a dramatic licence, and after the
conducting irregular marriages and he was sentenced to be transported to America (in fact he died before he left England), leaving his 17 year old son to fend for himself. Tate Wilkinson had first visited Covent Garden when he was about eight years old, and from then on was involved with the theatre and theatre people. Although he was not a great actor, he was a very good mimic and impersonator, and after his father’s death it was natural that he should follow a career on the stage. He was trained with Garrick and Foote and worked in Dublin and London, until in 1765 he went to work at the Theatre Royal in York where Joseph Baker was the Manager. Wilkinson became jointManager with Baker, and was very successful, adding theatres in other northern towns to the York Circuit. When Baker died in 1770 Wilkinson became sole manager of the York Circuit. The opening of the theatre in Leeds was not an isolated event; it was an important development in the growth of Tate Wilkinson’s theatre circuit in Yorkshire’s West and East
Ridings. In 1768 Tate Wilkinson married Jane Doughty, the daughter of a York draper, and they had three children. He died on 25 August 1803 aged 63 after suffering a seizure when he was on the stage at the Theatre in Leeds. He is buried at All Saints Church in York. His wife Jane died on 19 December 1836 aged 80. Wilkinson was also responsible for setting in motion the careers of two of the most prominent actresses of the day Mrs Jordan (Dora Bland) and Mrs Siddons (Sarah Siddons) but these are other stories. Tate Wilkinson’s venture in Leeds was a private one, he is quoted as saying: “As to Patrons I had none”. This is in contrast with what happened in a few of the more important towns. Some years previously a number of prominent Bristol citizens, largely from the merchant classes, had subscribed nearly £5,000 to build a splendid theatre. A little later forty citizens in Manchester subscribed £2,000 towards a more humble building. He invested his own money in building the Theatre in Hunslet Lane, and under his patronage it was a great success. As he grew older Wilkinson became known for his eccentricity and his brusque manner, although those who really knew him praised his kindliness. In his old age he wrote his memoirs, ‘The Wandering Patentee’, the history of the theatre in Yorkshire became an invaluable record of the theatre in the 18th century.
Situated in Hunslet Lane on the left-hand side walking from Leeds Bridge just past Waterloo Street and before the north side of Salem Chapel (although this was not built until 1784, nor was there Hunslet Road) the Theatre was a plain brick building with external dimensions of 40 feet by 85 to 88 feet, these being worked out from the 1850 Ordnance Survey Map. Inside the auditorium and the stage were of equal size, divided by the Proscenium Arch with the stage overlapping several feet into the auditorium. There was one circle of boxes, a gallery over the entrance vestibule, and a pit. In spite of its small size it could hold around 600 people, although judging by comments made by Mrs Jordan the facilities for the players were somewhat inadequate. The Theatre opened on 24 May 1771 and the first play performed was "A Word to the Wise" by Hugh Kelly; most of the plays performed were comedies or comic opera, usually with two items each night with interludes of singing and dancing. Unlike London where the theatres closed for the summer allowing famous actors and actresses to perform with provincial companies, theatres in Leeds only opened in the summer period May to the end of July and during the companies’ stay in Leeds they would perform three sometimes four nights in the week. Doors opened at six o'clock for a performance beginning about seven and ending around eleven o'clock.
The Theatre Royal which burned down in 1875 Prices of admission were: Boxes, 3 shilling (15p); Pit, 2 shilling (10p); Gallery, 1 shilling (5p), for half price people were let in for the third act of the play, a practice disliked because it allowed the rational part of the audience to be disturbed by an influx of inebriated young men, girls of the town, and other disorderly people. On the death of Tate Wilkinson his son, John Wilkinson, took over management of the theatre. He was followed by a succession of managers and in 1848 it is thought the name was changed to the Theatre Royal but, it went through a difficult time during the first half of the 19th century when the popularity of the theatres declined. In 1863 the theatre was bought by the actor John Coleman who wanted to establish a New Northern Theatre Circuit with plays being performed by Coleman's own Company as well as by touring companies, the new railways making it easier for these to travel round (Hunslet Midland Terminus being just down the road; now Crown Point Retail park). Coleman was successful, but in 1864 he faced competition when John Hobson built the
Amphitheatre in Lands Lane. Coleman responded by refurbishing the interior of the old Theatre, it was decorated, the seats were cushioned, and new scenery installed and in February 1865 the Theatre staged the premier of "Its Never Too Late To Mend!” this was a great success, becoming a great Victorian melodrama. The Theatre continued to be a success bur Coleman wanted to build a new theatre nearer the Town centre, he bought land in Park Square but he failed to get sufficient financial support for the project. Instead Coleman demolished the old Theatre in the Lane and built a new one thought to have seating capacity of 2,560 and named "The New Theatre Royal and Opera House" which opened in 1867. It was open every evening and the plays were mostly put on by touring companies, such as the Haymarket Company in 1868 and there was also Pantomime at Christmas. Unfortunately, this Theatre did not last very long because on the night of the 28th May 1875 it was completely destroyed by fire, Coleman could not afford to rebuild it and so after just over 100 years Theatre in Hunslet Lane came to a sad end.
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18 South Leeds Lives
A litter pandemic by Cllr Elizabeth Nash
I
am sure that most residents are disgusted and saddened at the tremendous increase in the amount of litter lining our streets, parks and open green spaces. Fortunately, the Hunslet & Riverside councillors ordered over 60 new litter-bins before the Covid pandemic struck and many of them have been installed which has made some difference. But much of this litter is thrown from cars as is evidenced by the amount of litter on the embankment of the M621 and which is the responsibility of the Government`s agency Highways England to collect. It is clear to me that there are some people who will not alter their behaviour unless it hits their pockets. If there were a refundable deposit on bottles and cans then I estimate that over three quarters of litter would not be there. When the 15p charge was levied for supermarket plastic bags, it cut down 85 per cent of them being collected for landfill or the incinerator or, indeed, discarded as litter. In Germany shops must give a refund of 25 cents (equivalent of nearly 25 pence) for both glass and plastic bottles and cans and I have seen that inside German supermarkets there are special bottle and can banks which automatically refund either cash or a voucher for returned empties. When my husband was a
young lad, he and his pals used to attend Yorkshire County Cricket matches which, in those days, were crowded and also the Test Matches. He and his pals used to collect discarded bottles and even used to ask spectators, “Can we have your bottle please Mister?” Sometimes, they were refused but more often than not were given a bottle so that they could claim the deposit at the Headingley Ground’s bar. This saved the spectator from either discarding it or queuing up to claim the deposit or carting it home. After the match, the lads were paid a small amount by the cushion hire firm to collect the cushions which were hired to spectators. There was no deposit on the cushions so most were left on the seats. Near to the Ground on St Michael’s Lane was a bakery. The lads used to call and ask, “Have you any stale buns Mister?” The retort was, “We never have stale buns!” but they were usually each given a fresh one to eat. Although sometimes the response was, “You have already been here you little beggars. Get off home!” Looking back those young lads were doing a very good job recycling glass bottles and were attempting to recycle potential waste food albeit into their tummies. Deposits on drinks containers allowed them to have a great deal of fun and saved Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds City Council a great deal of money in litter collection.
What is Covid Anxiety? by Shannon Humphrey
W
hen the easing of Covid19 restrictions began in May, friends could finally arrange to meet up again, as socialising inside restaurants and bars returned. Sports fans eager to attend large events got the green light, and long-awaited hugs were blissfully exchanged. Much of the nation breathed a collective sigh of relief. The end, thankfully in sight, it felt to many that they were on the road to recovery, and life could return to normal. However, having lived through almost a year and a half of the pandemic and three lockdowns, the uncertainty around what really happens next, has left an indelible mark on the mental health and wellbeing of many. A new report warns of Covid Anxiety Syndrome, fear of public places, crowds, hygiene habits of others and a continual worry about the health and safety of loved ones because of the pandemic. A study undertaken in March and April this year showed that 46% of adults feared using public transport because of the pandemic, while 35% regularly checked family members for Covid-19 symptoms. And, even if the pandemic ceased to exist tomorrow, many people still fear that it will happen again or a worse, more deadly variant will hit. The lockdowns meant living and working in the safety of our bubbles. Mixing and socialising with people online or at a
distance, so the idea of being able to meet people in the flesh may seem daunting. So, what do you do, if friends and family want you to join them at social gatherings and just the thought of attending an event outside of your bubble or comfort zone triggers anxious feelings? Here are some suggestions for managing anxious thoughts and feelings around Covid-19 Anxiety and reengaging into society at your own pace 1 Restrict the amount of information you acquire about the pandemic. Try to only use trusted, consistent news sources. Avoid reading, talking, watching anything about the pandemic before you go to bed, especially if it makes you feel worried or anxious. 2 Remember that you are only responsible for you, and your actions. Maintain your levels of personal hygiene, sanitising, face masks where applicable. Trying to control how other people behave will raise your anxiety levels. 3 Be honest about how you
feel, if you don’t feel comfortable going out in crowds that are outside of your safe bubble, say so. You might be surprised how many other people feel the same as you. 4 Try reintegrating into your social circles in smaller numbers, meet just one or two other friends or family members outside of your bubble at a time, you might find that you feel comfortable gradually adding more people to the group. 5 Before you hug anyone, ask them if they are ‘accepting hugs’ not everyone feels comfortable with hugs at the best of times! If in doubt offer an elbow bump, or a nice big smile. And if you aren’t ready to accept a hug, handshake or cuddle, it’s really OK to say so. 6 Meet friends in open spaces, arrange picnics or walks if the weather permits, that way you can meet up with friends without being enclosed. 7 Continue to speak to friends, family members and workmates regularly on the phone or online, keep levels of
Adaptations aren’t just for pandemics by Christine Smart
D
isability Awareness has had a surge due to the pandemic and feeling that disabled people got an exceptionally rough ride while simultaneously watching their able counterparts enjoy adaptations. Offices became unsafe environments for everybody, so working from home became the norm. Many companies supplied staff with the tech to make that possible. We, in the most part have had to fight for such adaptations and in some cases they have not been granted. Excuses such as “costs too much”, “ the same productivity can’t be achieved” or the good
old “we can no longer accommodate you” echoes in many disabled working age people’s ears while seeing every excuse be repeatedly disproven. As a woman who has had a disability for the best part of 17 years, Covid very much reminded me that I am at risk and my health is fragile. After years of being denied work, being told “don’t bother getting a job YOU don’t have to” and finally finding a job that capitalised on my abilities, now having to consider my health first was harder than I appreciated at the time. Shielding meant that I couldn’t even check the building once a week, which even such a small thing made
me feel useless. The fight between being submissive to my diseases while also wanting to have responsibility, the feelings from 17 years ago
Working from home on a Zoom call
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife communication active, so you still feel a part of what is going on in the world around you even it you’re not there physically. You will find it harder to meet up with people if you have cut yourself off from them completely. 8 If you are worried about shopping or visiting public places, try to pick non-peak times to visit - that way you’ll have less people to mingle with. 9 Have an honest conversation with yourself, is the pandemic really the reason you are avoiding certain people or places? Is there another reason why you don’t want to go and do things - maybe your friendships or your tastes in what you used to do prepandemic have shifted over the past 18 months and you no longer want to do the things you used to? 10 If you are struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, seek advice from your GP. 11 If you find yourself in a situation where you feel anxious, focus on your breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply into your stomach, hold for a count of 4 and exhale to a slow count of 4. When your breath is nice and steady, that sends a signal to your brain that you are safe. This will automatically reduce your feelings of anxiety and worry. The vaccinations are rolling out, the world is reawakening and you are invited to be a part of it, when you’re ready. Shannon Humphrey is a First Aid for Mental Health Instructor and EFT Practitioner. For more information about her work visit: www. pathwaysforpositivity.com came flooding back, spilling out in tears, flare ups and shutdowns. My “Can’t do” list suddenly started to grow. News and Social Media and Government announcements repeatedly told me if I caught this disease I would die. The stress of that on myself and my family left this paranoid, never can relax, stressed feeling for months. Continued on Page 19
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July 2021 | South Leeds Life
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South Leeds Lives 19
Organising Play Streets brought Dave Murrell my neighbours together 1950-2021
by Catherine Peacock
O
ur street in Beeston Hill has become a place of play and fun by turning it into an occasional Play Street. How often is it possible for a bunch of children to safely roll down the middle of their own street in a cardboard fridge box donated by a neighbour for them to use? Meanwhile neighbours both with and without children stand around watching and smiling and chatting. Play streets happen when the council gives permission for temporary road closures for a couple of hours to allow the space to be reclaimed by those who live there. When we moved to our street four years ago there was a group of children who played out together, a bit older than mine and although the street is not extremely busy, there are enough taxis zooming down to make me think twice about letting my children join in. We live in a street of Victorian terraces and few houses have gardens so play options are Continued from Page 18 Then when I caught Covid after being careful and staying in for months I had to video chat the kids who were at their father’s so they knew I was alive. If anyone ran a book on me surviving, people would have lost money. The irony of all ironies was that my uncontrolled disease meant my immune system was on 200% and saved me. Where I am usually tech shy, I became grateful for it. Being able to reprise my role as
limited. I can’t remember where I first heard about play streets but the idea of children’s play taking priority on the street rather than ratrunning cars or football parking seemed brilliant. I called on all my neighbours to see what they thought of the idea (most of whom I hadn’t met before) and everyone was really positive. I applied to the council and we closed our street for play about once a month during summer 2019. It was mostly simple stuff – chalks on the road, football, a big skipping rope. Later in the summer we had a street barbecue and at Christmas time we had a party with fire pits and mulled wine. My neighbour Vanessa says: “I think play street is a wonderful idea and experience. I live on a busy road, and don’t feel comfortable to normally
allow my younger children to play out on the street. The play street scheme is a big hit on our street, everyone grabs a bin [used to block the road], and creates a safe space for all. “It’s lovely to see, adults and kids alike, socialising and playing in our space. Sometimes we do food, sometimes ice pops, it can be as easy as you want. My children definitely benefit from it, it’s good for us all to be friends.” When we were stuck at home for Covid, many people began to get to know their neighbours, but it felt like we were ahead of the game. Because of the Play Streets we already knew each other, had a WhatsApp group and so on. People look out for each other and the street. When there is fly tipping or other problems, people are able to share information
together to try to solve problems. After an enforced break last year we are hoping we will be doing Play Streets again very soon this summer. We are fortunate in Leeds that the council are really positive about play streets and make it pretty easy to set one up, if the street is deemed suitable. This summer they are particularly promoting it and as someone who has organised play streets in my own street I have been asked to be a part of a group helping others in our area (Beeston Hill and Holbeck) to set up play streets too. If you are interested in learning more and getting some support in getting something going on your street, please email me catherinee peacock@gmail.com or search for ‘Play Streets’ on the council website: www.leeds.gov.uk
Dave Murrell
by Ed Carlisle
W
Car free and carefree on a Play Street manager through a screen rescued my self-worth and revitalised those brain cells worn down by American Reality TV. Through technology I could make sure people got what they needed: food, advice, an ear to bend and as alien as it felt to do this through the screen it became valuable and as productive as face to face. We all crave being able to, I guess, smell other people. That is literally the only difference between screen and real life,
every other sensory need is fulfilled, unless you’re a person who hugs. What I and many others hope, is that although we are already seeing accessibility being removed in some spaces, we remember the value of working how we have through the pandemic. That disabled people can be productive in a variety of ways. Please don’t make us beg and fight for adaptations to keep us safe or working at 100%, you have had a small taste of being
put in a restrictive position and on mass repeatedly complain on how much you didn’t like it. To be truly inclusive, we must acknowledge that Disability and Abilities exist together, one is not superior to the other. We can’t just leave the Disability at home for 6 hours a day. Options can exist, have existed and have proven to work well. The rate of unemployment for disabled people is twice as high as for able people as of May 2021.
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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e are sad to report that Dave Murrell, 70, of Beeston, passed away at Wheatfields Hospice on Wednesday 16 June, after a year-long battle with cancer. Dave was born in Hull on 22 September 1950, but moved to Leeds with his family as a child, and spent the rest of his life here – mainly in south Leeds – except for a short spell back in Hull in the 1970s. He attended Brudenell Secondary Modern in Hyde Park, before embarking on a long working career. Dave often described himself as a jack of all trades, and his jobs included milk rounds, bricklaying, cleaning, retail, roofing, labouring, cleaning, and manufacturing. Dave was above all else a hard-worker, happiest when he had his sleeves rolled up and on with a job. He would only break off for important matters like throwing some fast-talking banter at others who weren’t (as he saw it) pulling their weight! He had his hobbies: gardening, angling, swimming, word searches, and films (he had an epic collection of vintage videos). But Dave clearly didn’t fancy twiddling his thumbs in retirement - so over the past 6 years threw himself into community volunteering around Beeston, with famed enthusiasm. Some of the projects and organisations he got involved in were: Beeston Festival, Beeston in Bloom, the
Leeds2Iraq charity appeals, the Green Party, Leeds Den Building Festival, a hanging basket project with Groundwork and others, and St Luke’s Cares. He also litterpicked, helped others with their allotments, took it upon himself to tidy up and watch over the local binyards against flytippers, and was an active neighbour who often went out on a limb to help others. Lucy Potter from St Luke’s Cares recalls: “Dave was always so eager to help out, such a hard worker with bucketloads of strength, and very no-nonsense. He helped us tidy up a big raised bed, full of nettles and thorns but never wore gloves, just saying ‘Nah, I don’t need them!’ And when we were tree planting in Holbeck, he’d cleared the ground and planted three trees before we’d even dug our first hole! “He also had an eye for a bargain, and was drawn to delicate ornaments in our shop, holding them so carefully in his big hands. And he loved putting smiles on people’s faces; he was a lovely friendly man, kind with a cheeky smile, who always had time to talk to you and shoot the breeze.” Dave is remembered by several former partners and children, many of them local. Due to Covid restrictions, his funeral is delayed – but it is expected later in July, and it is hoped he will be laid to rest with his mother in Hunslet Cemetery. Friends and family are also planning to plant a tree for him.
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South Leeds Life | July 2021
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20 News
What’s On
Facebook: facebook.com/southleedslife
Full details of every event including map and contact details are available at www.southleedslife.com/events
Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in July All events listed here have been planned around current Covid-19 restrictions and booking is often required, please contact the organisers to make sure the events are going ahead as the situation changes Please check that regular events are not affected by school holidays, 28 July - 6 September Full contact details can be found in our online What’s On guide at www.southleedslife.com/events
Every Monday ESOL class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Dinner Jackets (baked potato) 12-1pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Baking Together 1:30-2:30pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre over Zoom Book: 07305 167629 Dance On 2-3pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Book: 0113 272 1050 Single Parent Family Gardening Group 3:30-4:30pm Dewsbury Road Community Hub Women’s Cycling & Social Group 5-6:45pm Book: 07435 914350 Peaceful Space 6-7pm St Mary’s Church, town street, Beeston. Book: 07961 016052 revlcp@btinternet.com Be Creative 7-8:30pm over Zoom. Book: fb.com/YourSpaceLeeds Introduction to meditation 7-8pm Jamyang Buddhist Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck Kickboxing 7-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street
Every Tuesday ESOL class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Computer class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Holbeck Together shopping trip 9:30am-12:30pm Book: 0113 245 5553 Hunslet TARA Litterpicking 10am meet Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Zumba / Pilates 11am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing ESOL class 12:30-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Walking Groups 1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Book: 0113 272 1050 Line Dancing 1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Book: 0113 272 1050 The Support Hub
1:30-3pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Book: 07305 167629 Yoga 2-3pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Outdoor Yoga 6pm Top of Cross Flatts Park Book: 07576 113269 Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 6:30-8:30pm Holbeck Community Centre, Old Elland Road. Book: richard.foye@leedsunited.com Discovering Buddhism 6:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/buddhism Yoga 7-8pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Book: 07305 167629
Every Wednesday Slimming World Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street. Book: 07841 488658 Gardening Group Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Book: 0113 272 1050 ESOL class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Beeston In Bloom Gardening Group 10am-12pm Millennium Garden, Cross Flatts Park Dance 11am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Hunslet TARA Estate Walkabout 11am meet Best One shop, Rocheford Walk Community Cafe 12-2pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre, Belle Isle Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Peer Support Group 1-2:30pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Skate Mates 3:30-5pm LS-TEN, Kitson Road Book: ls-ten.org/skatemates Tai Chi 4-5pm Cranmore & Raylands Community Centre Book: 07305 167629 Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 5-7pm South Leeds Youth Hub, Belle Isle. Book: richard.foye@leedsunited.com Yoga 5-6pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 Inclusive adult football training 6:30pm Holbeck Moor Dru Yoga 7-8:15pm Jamyang Buddhist
Centre, Ingram Road, Holbeck
Every Saturday
Every Thursday
DAZL Tinys (Age 3-5) DAZL Xplode (Age 6-9; 10+) DAZL HQ, Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road. Book: fb.com/danceactionzoneleeds South Leeds Music Centre 9am-1pm Cockburn School, Gipsy Lane, Beeston Park Roll rollerskating 10am-12pm Sports Courts, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Book: ls-ten.org Outdoor Yoga 10:30am Top of Cross Flatts Park Book: 07576 113269 Women’s Walking Group 11am-12:30pm Book: 07435 914350
Slimming World Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street. Book: 07841 488658 Computer class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Holbeck Together shopping trip 9:30am-12:30pm Book: 0113 245 5553 Holbeck Community Shop 10am-2pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Book: 0113 245 5553 Inclusive dance 11am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Be Friends Group 1-2:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Walking Groups 1:30-3:30pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Book: 0113 272 1050 Camera Club 1:30-3pm over Zoom. Book: 07754 391490 Elevate Women’s Wellbeing Group 4-5:30pm over Zoom. Book: fb.com/YourSpaceLeeds Zumba / Pilates 6-7pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston via Zoom Book: 0113 270 4600 South Leeds Lakers Juniors (Athletics) 6-7pm Cockburn School Book: fb.com/juniorlakersleeds Grow Our Own (family-friendly gardening group) 6-7pm The Holbeck club, Jenkinson Lawn Yoga 7-8:30pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street. Book: 07512 393228
Every Friday ESOL class 9:30am-12pm Asha Neighbourhood Project, Beeston Book: 0113 270 4600 Holbeck Together coffee morning 10am-12pm St Matthew’s Community Centre Holbeck Together Dance On 10-11am Holbeck Moor Hunslet TARA Gardening 10am meet Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Lunchtime meditation 12:30-1pm Over Zoom. Book: jamyangleeds.co.uk/wellbeing Chair-based Exercise (outdoor) 1:45-2:45pm Middleton Elderly Aid Social Centre, Acre Road. Book: 0113 272 1050 Free Football sessions (8-18 yrs) 4-5:30pm Holbeck Moor. Book: richard.foye@leedsunited.com
Every Sunday Junior parkrun (4-10 yrs) 9am Top of Cross Flatts Park Knitting Group 10am-12pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Dynamo Cricket (8-11 yrs) 10-11:30am Cross Flatts Park Middleton Railway 10:30am3:30pm Moor Road, Hunslet Grow Your Own gardening Group 2:30-4pm Holbeck Book: fb.com/YourSpaceLeeds Toning & Stretching with Julie 6:30-7:30pm DAZL HQ, Middleton Community Centre, Acre Road. Book: 07783 786776 Thursday 1 July Community Support Group 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Friday 2 July Hunslet Estate Action Day 12pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road, Hunslet Saturday 3 July Holbeck & Beeston Cemetery Volunteers 10am-1pm Meet centre of Holbeck Cemetery, Beeston Road Free Shop 10am-12pm Watsonia Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park, Beeston Encounters Festival: Calling Tree 10-11:30am & 2-3:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Holbeck Gala 12-4pm; 6:30-8:30pm Holbeck Moor Sunday 4 July Encounters Festival: Calling Tree 10-11:30am & 2-3:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Men’s Corner 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Monday 5 July Beeston Hill Residents Meeting 6:30pm via Zoom bit.ly/BeestonHillJuly5 Tuesday 6 July Grandparents Social Circle 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF
Wednesday 7 July Inner South Community Committee 2-3:30pm St Matthews Community Centre, Holbeck Book: communitycommittee funding@leeds.gov.uk Hunslet Green & Whitfields Residents Meeting 6:30pm via Zoom bit.ly/HunsletGreenJuly7 Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm over Zoom Book: fb.com/HunsletTARA Miscarriage Support Group 7-8:30pm Charlies-Angel-Centre, 6B Ashbrooke Park, LS11 5SF Saturday 10 July 15 Minutes Live 2-5pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Sunday 11 June Improplay Dance 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Hunslet RLFC v North Wales Crusaders 3-5pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove. Book: hunslet.mysportstickets .co.uk/events/home Tuesday 13 July Live Well Together 1:30-3:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Saturday 17 July The Rascally Diner 2-3pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org
Sunday 18 July Mining and Early Steam Power Walk around Middleton Park 2-5pm Meet: Middleton Park Visitor Centre Tuesday 20 July Leeds Dock Residents Meeting 6:30pm via Zoom bit.ly/LeedsDockJuly20 Thursday 22 July Live Well Together 1:30-3:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Saturday 24 July Cross Flatts parkrun 9am Top of Cross Flatts Park Middleton Woods parkrun 9am Leeds Urban Bike Park Hunslet Club Summer Gala 12-4pm Hillidge Road A Lizard’s Tale 8-10pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn Book: slunglow.org Sunday 25 June Phoenix Brass Band 2-4pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Hunslet RLFC v Keighley Cougars 3-5pm South Leeds Stadium, Middleton Grove. Book: hunslet.mysportstickets .co.uk/events/home Wednesday 28 July Hunslet Cemetery Volunteers 10am-1pm Meet by the chapel Middleton Road, Hunslet Saturday 31 July Craft & Homemade Food Market 9:30am-12:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park
Publicise your event with South Leeds Life’s FREE listings Call/text: 07894 583966 Email: info@southleedslife.com Post: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW Deadline for August issue: Friday 23 July
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What’s On 21
Holbeck Gala is back by Kate Singleton
T
he Holbeck Gala committee are delighted to confirm that this year’s Holbeck Gala will still be going ahead. The committee have spent a lot of time planning for different scenarios based on when certain Covid restrictions may be lifted and are glad to announce that the gala is still able to go ahead as planned on Saturday 3 July 2021, 12-4pm on Holbeck Moor. We’ve got lots of exciting activities planned for the day from a climbing wall, donkey rides, fairground, football, stalls, magicians, live music,
Holbeck Gala 2019 food, beer tent and kids entertainment! It’s set to be a brilliant day! In addition to the normal day time event there is also going to
Fibromyalgia Social Group F
ibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain and extreme tiredness. Symptoms include increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, memory and mental processing issues also known as “Fibro Fog” headaches and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. There is no cure, but treatments may make it easier to live with. Pain is an extremely difficult state to manage and it can have a detrimental effect on Mental Health. A high percentage of people living with a chronic condition also experience depression. One resident from Cottingley, Christine Pearson has created a safe space for people to speak with other Fibromyalgia sufferers. Christine was diagnosed with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia and is in her early 30s. One misconception is these types of conditions only affect older people a stigma that means younger people experience less understanding. Christine experienced an exchange with a fellow shopper when they saw use a disabled parking space. “I was told I didn’t look sick and shouldn’t be taking from those who do need it” an occurrence that happens to more people than you’d think. “My experience highlighted the need to have support from others that understand, not
July 2021 | South Leeds Life
only with the same conditions but who have had the same experiences” she said. Hidden disability is a term that means you cannot tell someone has health issues by looking and they may not yet use an aid. What you don’t see is the pain and effort everything takes, by the time an aid is required the body will have taken years of an illness already. “The group gives you a chance to speak about things we have problems with, without being judged” As well as helping others the group has helped Christine herself. “It’s helped me a lot, I have something to look forward to get out of the house and make new friends.” Christine was inspired to make her own support /social group as there weren’t any groups and having the condition herself she knows the benefit of having a space to talk about her condition freely. “Our doctors give us more and more meds, but not the talking support we sometimes need and that’s what this group is all about.” Christine also runs a Facebook page which meant people still had an outlet through the lockdowns. Search for ‘Fibro Coffee Group’ Christine hosts at Morrisons Café in Morely and they meet every Friday at 10am.
be an ‘Evening of Holbeck Gala’ at 6:30-8:30pm on the moor with a live 60’s covers band, beer tent and fair ground rides after a break from 4-6:30pm to
pack down the main gala event. In order to adhere to Covid guidance and regulations there will be a few small changes; the whole event will be fenced off with numbers being monitoring to ensure we don’t go over capacity, all food and drinks must be consumed sat at tables provided and the beer tent will be running a table service. In certain areas of the gala masks may be required and there will be hand sanitising stations around the site and track and trace details to be given on entrance or QR code scanned. As a committee we can’t wait to welcome people back to Holbeck Gala and we’re sure it’s going to be a fantastic day for the community of Holbeck!
Be Curious with Leeds University
IN BRIEF Community Hubs and Libraries reopen Leeds City Council’s Community Hubs and Libraries at Dewsbury Road, Hunslet and St George’s Centre in Middleton are now open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday 10am1pm. Beeston Library will reopen as a Community Hub on Monday 5 July. The building has been improved to create a vibrant space with better access. Customers will be able to make an enquiry to the council, browse the library and use one of the public computers. Dewsbury Road Community Hub currently has a stock of balance bikes which can be loaned free to local primary schools.Bike Friendly Schools are also able to offer some free training or help for staff to support their pupils. Contact: Wes Moran on 07891 278066.
Hunslet TARA Action Day Hunslet Tenants and Residents Association are asking for helpers for their next big action day on Friday 2 July at 12pm. Working with volunteers and Leeds City Council, they aim to give their estate a deep clean and tidy up. Stewart Walton, Hunslet TARA Chair said “We’ve worked really hard over the last few months on tidying up the estate and our weekly litter picks have made a big difference. My hope is this deep clean will allow us to do much more in one big go. This will make so it is easier to keep on top of litter and other issues with our weekly volunteer activity as each week we’ll be starting from a better place.” A number of council services are being lined up to help on the day, including Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team and the Gully Cleaning Team (subject to availably). Volunteers will be asked to help with tasks such as litter picking, weeding and pathways soil encroachment removal. Leeds City Council will be helping provide equipment on the day. Meet at 12pm at the Church of the Nazarene on Grove Road.
Inner South Community Committee
B
e Curious is Leeds University’s annual research open event, which aims to showcase how research here at Leeds is making a world of difference to people’s lives. Launching on Monday 5 July, this year’s Be Curious promises to be an online extravaganza! Join us across the 10-day festival as we ‘go live’ with a jam-packed programme of family events and activities that you can join in with from home. We’re also introducing a brand-new series of Be Curious LATES: exclusive events for grown-ups to get to grips with everything from the worldleading to the wondrous research that goes on inside a university. So, get ready to find out, explore, investigate and join us for Be Curious 2021! All events are free to attend. Check out our programmes for full details of our events and how to register at: bit.ly/BeCurious2021 This year, Be Curious will spotlight the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and showcase how research at Leeds is
“making a world of difference”. The SDGs make up a global framework to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. We’ve grouped them into four themes: 1. Caring for health 2. Enabling sustainable lives 3. Inspired innovation and discovery 4. Supporting society You’ll spot these themes throughout the Be Curious live programme and in the amazing 2-minute wow-demonstrations, experiments, demos, and explainer videos that our contributors have created, just for you. You can read more about the SDGs and just some of the ways we're making an impact on our Sustainability website. Family events include a day at the Space Shed with space scientists, oceanographers, earthquake experts, Antarctic explorers, and all-round climate champions for a fun-filled day of activities; make your own stethoscope and listen to your heart; help plan a sustainable city with My Future Leeds; and why we use inherited or adopted ‘family words’.
The Inner South Community Committee will meet in person on Wednesday 7 July at 2pm at St Matthew’s Community Centre in Holbeck. The Committee is made up of the nine Councillors for our three wards: Beeston & Holbeck, Hunslet & Riverside and Middleton Park. The meeting starts with an Open Forum, this is an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions or raise issues directly with their Councillors. There will be limited capacity for members of the public, if you wish to attend or raise an issue in the Open Forum please email communitycommitteefunding@leeds.gov.uk by Friday 2 July.
Free Shop A last of a series of Free Shops will pop up at the Watsonian Pavilion in Cross Flatts Park on Saturday 3 July, 10am-12pm. Residents can pick up free second hand items left behind by students leaving Leeds after their studies. The ‘Big Clear Out’ (formerly ‘Leave Leeds Tidy’) is an annual project to gather up as many unwanted household goods as possible from students leaving the city, and divert it into free shops around the city – where people can come grab free stuff for their homes. The scheme has been running for over 12 years, and nearly 200 tons of goods have been diverted from landfill and given a new lease of life.
Hunslet Club Gala The Hunslet Club will be holding its Summer Gala on Saturday 24 July from 12pm. There will be activities for younger children such as bouncy castles and fair ground games, as well as rides and competitions for older children and young adults. For everyone else, there is a promise of great food, performances and shows from local musicians and entertainers. The event is free and everyone is welcome.
Illuminate Dance Illuminate Dance is a new group offering a variety of different classes with different ages and abilities, from age 2 all the way up to a parents class. Groups such as Tinies ages 2-4, Minis ages 5-8, Youth ages 9-11, Seniors ages 12+ and Parents starting from the age of 18+. The styles on offer are pom, hip hop, contemporary in which we also offer pom technique classes and a tricks class to really gain the advanced skills of the dancers. For more info contact Abbigail on 07903 680112 or find Illuminate Dance Company on Facebook.
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South Leeds Life | July 2021
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22 What’s On
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'Leeds Goes Purple' in the fight against litter A
community-led campaign which is taking positive action to tackle the scourge of littering in Leeds is aiming to turn Leeds into a sea of purple on Saturday 3 July. This follows the success of the Litter Free Leeds movement, which working closely in partnership with Leeds City Council, has seen volunteers, businesses and organisations join forces to remove tonnes of rubbish and waste from communities across the city. The movement
has grown hugely over the last 12 months as individuals and groups have taken to litter picking on their walks in lockdown, using unique and distinctive purple bags supplied and collected by the council. So far in 2021 it’s calculated that over 60 tonnes of litter has been collected by the 3000+ strong army of volunteers. In response to the superb momentum which has been gathered through the campaign, Litter Free Leeds is now organising a ‘Leeds Goes
Goods Vehicle Operator’s Licence Jolanta Bajoruniene trading as Truck Drivers Group Limited of 2 Freshfield Gardens, Bradford, BD15 7PN is applying for a licence to use Br1dge Estates Ltd, Queen Street, Stourton, Leeds, LS10 1SB as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle and 1 trailer. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.
Purple’ day on Saturday 3 July to mark and help celebrate the contributions being made across the city and to spread the news to anyone who wants to join in and do their bit in and around their local communities. All are leading by example in showing what local communities can achieve when everyone works together. The aim is to change the behaviour of the small minority who litter, by being good role models and leading by example. Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council's executive member for environment and housing, said: “Working with the support of the council, literally thousands of people have been deep cleaning their neighbourhoods and green spaces as they go about their daily walks or undertake socially distanced exercise. I am incredibly grateful for all these efforts and the work of Sandra and the network of group organisers and bag holders involved in Litter Free Leeds activities across the city. "To commemorate the first ‘Leeds Goes Purple’ day we asked Litter Free Leeds what
they would like from us to help them and so have purchased several hundred litter grabbers, adult and child sizes for them to loan out to volunteers. Our cleaner neighbourhood teams are working hard to keep up with the hundreds of purple bags being filled each week and left by litter bins for collection and I would like to thank those staff too.” Sandra McLean, Litter Free Leeds, said: “Litter Free Leeds was born from a meeting of like-minded volunteers back in 2017. A social media account and then a website was set up and gradually built up the movement as we shared photos and stories of our litter picking adventures and achievements. “However, the pandemic has been the catalyst for an extraordinary rise in volunteers wanting to know how they can get the purple bags and safely litter pick on their socially distanced walks and daily exercise. “We went from having 500 members on our Facebook page to over 3000 in the space of less than a year. Our
Volunteers are filling purple bags across the city members share their stories and photos, and it has become a supportive community of Leeds people all wanting to do their bit where they live and help make Leeds the beautiful city it is. Many have found it a huge help during lockdown in dealing with feelings of isolation and mental health issues. "This first Leeds Goes Purple day is a way to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary efforts of so many across the City and to spread the word to anyone new wanting to join in.
Ultimately of course we don’t want to have any litter to pick! We hope that Litter Free Leeds can play a big part in changing the behaviour of those who litter so that it becomes the social norm for everyone to dispose of their waste and litter responsibly. Every bag counts so please join us on our big day.” To find out more about the Litter Free Leeds movement and to get involved, search for their social media pages or visit their website at www.litterfreeleeds.co.uk.
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Sporting Life 23
Howzat! Free cricket for kids in Beeston by Mahbub Nazir
G
ood Deeds are pleased to announce England Cricket Board’s (ECB) Dynamo Cricket for boys and girls aged 8 to 11 years is running in Cross Flatts
Park, Beeston every Sunday 10-11:30am. There is no cost and children will receive free ECB kit too. All we request is that you bring your child to every session. There will be 15 sessions in
total. Dynamos Cricket provides boys and girls from 8-11 years old with 6+ sessions of nonstop fun. Each week there will be a focus on a different cricket skill to build their confidence
Boys and girls improving their cricket skills in Cross Flatts Park
Hunslet get back on track Continued from page 24 Hunslet had lost Dom Brambani to injury in the first half and now had a new pairing of Jy-mel Coleman and David Gibbons at half back, and it was a superb combination that sent the ball out to Tommy Ashton who flicked a neat pass to Alex Brown for the winger’s second of the day. 22-10 after 45 minutes. Following another Rochdale try, a penalty from Coleman created an 8 point cushion and a deserved late try from Tom Ashton sealed the victory. Final score: Hunslet 36-22 Rochdale Hornets. The following Saturday saw a trip to North London and the Skolars’ artificial pitch. The match started with another injury to full back Jimmy
July 2021 | South Leeds Life
Watson, who had only returned from a knee injury the week before. Catching the kick off, he turned and collapsed with a ruptured achilles tendon. London were first onto the scoresheet, but Hunslet hit back quickly and a five minute blitz saw two tries from Tommy Ashton in quick succession, followed by Dave Gibbons’ first try and set the tone for the rest of the game. The Parksiders ran in twelve tries altogether with Vila Halafihi scoring a hattrick; Tommy Ashton, Dave Gibbons Jnr, Sion Jones all bagging a brace; and Alex Brown, Matty Chrimes and Alex Rowe scoring one a piece. Final score: 10-62. Doncaster proved a tougher opponent at home on 20 June. The Parksiders had the best of
the first half, more or less camped in Doncaster’s final quarter for a good half hour, but too often handling errors let the visitors off and teams went in scoreless at half time. Doncaster scored first, but this seemed to spark the home side and especially on-loan half back David Gibbons. Gibbons took on the Dons line after Duane Straugheir had breached their defence, great handling sent Matt Chrimes over with a spectacular dive in the right corner. Gibbons conversion hit the upright, a miss Hunslet would rue later. Too often though the Parksiders go to sleep defensively and on 60 minutes Doncaster’s half-back Johnson made a break and sent Aaron York over for a try, 4-12 and work to do for Hunslet. Hunslet are at their best though when forwards Alex
Matty Chrimes scores acrobatically in the corner against Doncaster. Photo: Ray Barber
and ability, before they take part in a 60-ball countdown cricket match. Dynamos Cricket will help grow your child’s love of the game, and will give them the opportunity to socialise and make friends in a safe environment. It’s easy as 1, 2, 3. All you need do is: 1 Register your child to the 15-week programme (link below) and to claim their free personalised kit 2 Turn up every Sunday ready to start promptly at 10am 3 Have lots of fun! For further details contact 07833 995518 / admin @gooddeeds.org.uk, or speak to one of the volunteer leaders on the day. Jas Dhariwal-Holmes adds: Dewsbury Road Community Hub will be hosting an All Stars Cricket Programme for children aged 5-8. The free sessions will run Tuesdays and Thursdays, 13pm throughout August. For more information contact ProjectDevelopmentTeam@ leeds.gov.uk Rowe and Zach Braham are on the field, they are a real handful for any defence, but it was lively new signing Mikey Wood (from Newcastle) who registered next for Hunslet, after a neat ball from Conroy sent him over by the posts. 10-12 Hunslet now smelt blood and on 73 minutes scored the try of the game as a rampaging Duane Straugheir broke through three or four tackles to feed the supporting Gibbons who sped under the posts to the delight of the home faithful. 16-12. Things went from bad to worse for Doncaster when Ross Peltier was sin-binned for a late tackle and Gibbons stretched Hunslet’s lead to 6 points 1812, but with seconds to play the Referee handed the ball to Doncaster for a Hunslet infringement and Matthew Beherrell danced his way through the Hunslet defenceto earn the visitors a point. June finished with a long trip to Llanelli to face the winless West Wales Raiders. Five tries in the first half including two for captain Duane Straugheir gave Hunslet a 0-26 advantage at the break. The Raiders managed two tries in the second half, but Jordan Andrade and Lewis Young matched them and Hunslet came away with a 12-38 win. Hunslet now have 9 points from 8 games and sit fifth in the BetFred League 1 table. They travel to Coventry next week before returning to South Leeds Stadium to face North Wales Crusaders on 11 July and then Keighley Cougars on 25 July.
Get your skates on! Continued from page 24 All you need to do is download the Love Exploring app for FREE at loveexploring.co.uk. Love Exploring is a new app that’s coming to Leeds for the first time this summer, offering a great new way for families to explore their local parks and beyond. Dinosaur Safaris are planned in six locations including Cross Flatts Park, from mid-July onwards…. Watch
Rollerskaters in Cross Flatts Park
out for more Dino information coming soon… We have a Community Chest Pot fund (up to £300) to support community good ideas, which will support others in their community to move more in some way. If you have a good idea, then get in touch karen.peck@leeds .gov.uk / 07891 274130 and follow us on Facebook @GSLHolbeck&BeestonHill and on Twitter @GetLeeds
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South Leeds Life | July 2021
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24 Sporting Life
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Hunslet get back on track Get your
skates on!
by Karen Peck
G
Alex Brown scores for Hunslet against Rochdale Hornets. Photo: Paul Butterfield
by Ian Pickles
A
fter a poor start to the season, Hunslet RLFC were unbeaten in June with three wins and a draw. Coach Gary Thornton had
been concerned about his squad’s fitness. Whilst that’s no longer an issue, he is still firefighting with injuries. However some astute signings have paid dividends, especially the return of Zach Braham to
strengthen the forwards. Hunslet entertained Rochdale Hornets at South Leeds Stadium on Sunday 6 June. The Parksiders registered their first points in over 130 minutes of rugby when Alex
Brown scored on 9 minutes. Tries from Alex Rowe and Joe McClean followed but Hunslet allowed two scores from the Hornets so only led 18-10 at the break. Continued on Page 23
United star shows support for Beeston Juniors’ renovation
Patrick Bamford inspiring the next generation at Beeston Juniors FC
P
atrick Bamford spent time at Beeston Juniors Football Club on 2 June during the off season to show his support for a renovation project between Leeds United and the club’s official sleeve sponsor JD Sports.
Leading fashion sports retailer JD have spearheaded the project to completely renovate and refurbish the local football club that lies close to Elland Road on Cardinal Square, completing huge improvements for the club
and its players moving forward. To help show his support for the work that has been done whilst also making his own contributions, the Leeds United striker spent time having a tour of the facilities, meeting staff and volunteers and hosting an exclusive shooting masterclass with 25 young children aged from five to 16 that play for Beeston Juniors. During his time on site, the 27-year-old was also able to help with some of the final refurbishments, learning more about the project and the work that has been done to completely transform the building. All of the work that has been completed was done with the help of Gray and Sons with support from volunteers through the Leeds United Foundation and the local community. The renovations and refurbishments that have taken place, include new flooring, ceiling, doors, a refitted kitchen, upgraded changing room facilities, a new lick of paint, new furniture and
electrical goods for the clubhouse along with external work such as guttering and design work. Also showing their support for the project were youngsters from the Foundation’s NCS programme, as part of their Action Day project they teamed up with Burley Banksy to design and paint colourful artwork outside the building to compliment all of the hard work being done inside. During the activity that took place earlier this week, JD also provided prizes and merchandise for the families in attendance, with Bamford taking the time to hand out awards, have photographs with youngsters and sign autographs. The Leeds United Foundation work closely with Beeston Junior Football Club and will continue to show their support to the club and its players, working with coaches and young players and hosting football sessions and holiday camps at the newly revamped facilities.
et Set Leeds Local is a Leeds City Council Active Leeds project with partners, funded by Sport England, listening and building on community ideas for collectively supporting more ways for the local residents of Beeston Hill and Holbeck to move more. We like to have our ear to the ground to hear your ideas, and work with others in the community to bring them to life, through connecting, funding, and training opportunities. One seed of an idea came from a resident back in April, after reading these articles, who connected with us after her daughters had thought it would be great to have some rollerskating sessions in the local area. They found a great space at Cross Flatts Park, we linked with Be Good Skates who are passionate about getting new people on rollerskates, chatted with LS-TEN and got support from Leeds Girls Can ambassador Susan who had also applied for our Community Chest Pot for some rollerskates. Together we developed the new Park Roll sessions, which take place every Saturday 10am at Cross Flatts Park (if the weather isn’t too bad). Free for anyone to come along to (bookings preffered currently due to Covid). Utilising some extra Get Set Leeds Local
funding (and thanks also to support from Streetgames), we will have free skates and pads which can be borrowed. Join Leeds Saturday Park Roll on Facebook for latest updates. Over the summer we’re looking forward to coming together with local groups in Holbeck to make it possible for two summer events on Holbeck Moor to take place (pop 31 July in your diary), showcasing lots of good stuff going on locally, along with an event in Cross Flatts Park around all things cycling in August. If you’d like to be involved in some way at any of the events then just get in touch. Following the success of the World Triathlon Series, Get Set Leeds Local are working with British Triathlon to launch Tri for Healthy Minds. A city wide Open Access session (for those with mild to moderate mental health challenges), which will take place weekly at Cross Flatts Park. The first 8 week element will be cycle sessions to meet likeminded people, while learning new skills and improving your mental health and wellbeing in the beautiful Cross Flatts Park. Weekly sessions will begin end of July. Contact karen.peck@leeds.gov .uk for further information. Have you ever been on a Dinosaur Safari? Explore Leeds as you’ve never seen it before, on an Augmented Reality Dinosaur adventure. Use your mobile phone to look out for friendly dinos roaming Cross Flatts Park over the summer holidays, and across other parks all over Leeds (not to mention stomping through the city waterfront area), and have your picture taken with them! Continued on page 23
Rollerskating in Cross Flatts Park every Saturday morning