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Issue 17 | 1 April 2016
What’s happening in Beeston, Belle Isle, Cottingley, Holbeck, Hunslet, Middleton & Stourton
Leeds schools set for
Metric ‘mayhem’? EXCLUSIVE
South Leeds to be guinea pig for ten term year Leeds schools are possibly set for a major upheaval in the coming 2-3 years, with news that the Council's Children's Services department are – in conjunction with several of the local academy trusts – looking seriously at introducing a new 'metric' term system. The impact will be especially felt in south Leeds, where they are looking to pilot the scheme from as early as 2018, before rolling it out city-wide. Details are as yet unclear but, with a leaked memo from a member of the Children's Services executive board going to a handful of media outlets in the city this week, information is starting to emerge. South Leeds Life discloses here what is known so far, and what it could mean for our schools, our communities, and our city. The metric term system sees the school year broken down from the current threeterm system, to ten terms per
year. Each term is just four weeks long, followed by a one week break - except for August and Christmas, which each have a fortnight. It has becoming increasingly common in mainland European countries including Denmark, Montenegro, and several of the German federal states in the past 5 years – and is also being considered by several UK local authorities including Southampton and Wandsworth in London. But it seems none of them are as far advanced towards adopting the system as Leeds. At the March meeting of the Curriculum Review and Advice Panel – made up of representatives from Children's Services and all the major local academy trusts – it was formally agreed to move the city's schools towards the metric system. Although a timetable was not agreed at the meeting, it is understood that the majority favoured a pilot to start as early as
September 2018, with the scheme then being rolled out across the city in 2019 or 2020. Of particular note to south Leeds readers, the leaked memo names the south Leeds schools cluster as earmarked as the guinea-pig to trial out the programme from 2018. In a statement to South Leeds Life for Leeds City Council, Josh Widdew – lead officer for Learning Innovation and Educational Services commented: “We've undertaken a full 380 degree review of the term structure, looked at the evidence from places like Denmark, and are convinced that this is the way ahead. We all know how much pupils suffer and slip back in terms of attainment during the long summer holidays in particular – so here is a bold, effective, and also very tidy solution. We appreciate this will come as a shock to many parents and schools, but take very seriously the fact that Leeds is a ChildFriendly City, so the needs of the children must come first. So let's embrace this as a city, pioneer it ahead of anywhere else in the UK, and reap the benefits.” In a further twist, the memo suggests that several of the
local academy trusts are behind the original proposal, and have been quietly lobbying for it for at least 2-3 years.The trusts represented at the meeting all declined to comment themselves, but we did receive the following statement from Hugh MusbyKidden of Mabey-Knott consultants, on their behalf: “The relationship between academies and local authorities has not always been easy, but our members in Leeds are delighted to be working with the City Council there on this exciting new scheme. It will generate some challenges, but we have to look to the longterm – and if necessary, make tough decisions that will lead to huge impact further down
In this issue:
Thefts threaten In Bloom group
page 3
Cottingley’s new orchard
page 5
the line. Let's not forget: our children are the future. Also, it saves money.” With news of the proposal only just beginning to filter down to parents groups, schools, trade unions, and community groups, many people are responding with a mix of anger and disbelief. Poppy Cockburn, chair of the Leeds branch of the Working Teachers Federation and Cottingley resident, told us: “If it's true, it's ridiculous, and it won't work. Holidays will become a minefield, teachers will flock out of the city ...”
School Life - a roundup
page 6-7
Story continues: page 2 What we think: page 8
Parkour comes to Beeston
page 12
NEWS
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The South Leeds Academy would be affected by the plans
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South Leeds Life | April 2016
2 News
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South Leeds Life is written by and for local people. People who live and work in the LS10 and LS11 areas of South Leeds. The blog and newspaper are produced by South Leeds Life CIC, a social enterprise registered with Companies House. Our aims are: 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 started as a blog in November 2010 and still posts news every day at: www.southleedslife.com
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Senior Citizens celebrate in style by Ed Carlisle 150 local residents packed into the grand Banqueting Suite at the Civic Hall this week, for the annual Inner South Leeds Older People’s gathering. The event opened with an address from Cllr Patrick Davey, who pointed out that there are 11,000 older people in Inner South Leeds, and stressed that communities need to recognise the contributions and achievements of this agegroup as much as care for them. This was followed by popular taster workshops in dance, aerobics, and more; music with a local Chinese choir, and up-
and-coming pianist Jacob Savage; a rigorous general knowledge quiz (see sample questions below); and lots of opportunities to chat! One of those attending, Mojuda Khatun, commented: “It’s just good to get together, do something positive like the dancing, and have a chit-chat. I’ve been quite isolated since my husband passed away, but the Kushy Nanas (meaning Happy Grandma’s) group has been great, and also events like this. Being at home alone can drive you bonkers.” Another attendee, Wendy Carey, added: “There are some good things happened locally, but organisations do need to talk and coordinate
Metric ‘mayhem’
activities more: too many Community Committee things clash in a given – for more info on them, week, then there are or to stay in touch, visit other days when their Facebook page, nothing’s happening. It’d contact the Communities be great to change that.” Team at the Dewsbury Over lunch, people Road One Stop Centre sunk their teeth into a on (0113) 395 1581, or Yorkshire-themed quiz – contact your local featuring the following councillors. questions… Which Yorkshire city is the oldest in the UK, with a charter dating back to 886; what cheese do they famously make in the Young at heart. Photo: Carl Hincliffe village of Hawes; and in which Yorkshire church is Robin Hood thought to be buried? (Answers below.) The event was hosted by the Inner South
Quiz answers: Ripon is the oldest UK city; they make Wensleydale cheese in Hawes; and Robin Hood is thought to be buried in near Priory Kirkless Brighouse.
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Continued from page 1 “... and schools will be forced to shut up shop. It'll be mayhem. We need to find out more, urgently – then mount a serious challenge to this bureaucratic meddling.” And Justina Flapp, a parent at Hunslet Primary School, commented: “We've been so mucked about by Children's Services recently, with them messing up term dates last year and so on; then we hear all schools are to become academies; now this madness. And just because it works in Europe, that doesn’t mean it’ll work here.” At the time of going to press, it seems that a coalition is forming to challenge the move – featuring unlikely bed-fellows including the Socialist Workers Party, UKIP, the NUT, and Save the Children. What do you think? Find out more or join the debate at southleedslife.com or on social media. Now turn to page 8 to find out What We Think
Consultation over new Holbeck Urban Village planning guidelines
A six week public consultation has begun on new planning guidance for Holbeck Urban Village, one of Leeds’ most historic and exciting regeneration areas. The ‘Urban Village’ is the area around Water Lane and Marshall Street that includes some of the most important buildings from the start of the Industrial Revolution in Britain. Matthew Murray’s Round Foundry, John Marshall’s Temple Mills as well as Tower Works and others. People are being urged to have their say on the draft Holbeck Urban Village Supplementary Planning Document which aims to continue the transformation of Holbeck Urban Village into a great place to live and work. The new SPD document will reflect important changes to national and local planning policy and current market conditions. If adopted, it will provide crucial information and guidance for planning officials when considering future development proposals for the area. Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning, said: “Holbeck Urban Village is a key part of the whole redevelopment of
the Leeds South Bank, one of the biggest and most exciting development opportunities in Europe. “Our vision for the Village is to create a vibrant, mixed-use development area, while also protecting its unique historic character. “We want people to have their say on how this unique area develops and ensure its further regeneration and revitalisation.” The new HUV Supplementary Planning Document will replace the previous HUV Revised Planning Framework which was agreed in 2006. The draft SPD extends the previous boundary for the area to include sites south of Sweet Street. These sites are important because of their closeness to Temple Works and their role in connecting Leeds City Centre and the urban village to Holbeck and Beeston. The new Supplementary Planning Document will also expand on relevant policies within the wider Leeds SPD and inform all development proposals for the area. Once adopted, by law, any decision on an application for development in the area will need to consider the SPD. People can view the full draft Holbeck Urban Village
Holbeck panorama. Photo: Tom Joy
Supplementary Planning Document at www.leeds.gov.uk/HUVSPD. Public viewings of the SPD are available at the following locations: - Development Enquiry Centre, City Development, Leonardo Building, 2 Rossington Street, Leeds, LS2 8HD - Round Foundry Media Centre, Foundry Street, Leeds LS11 5QP - Leeds Central Library, Municipal Buildings, Calverley Street, Leeds, LS1 3AB - Dewsbury Road One Stop Centre, Leeds, LS11 6PF - St Matthews Community
Centre, Holbeck, LS11 9NR Community information sessions will take place at the Round Foundry Media Centre on the following dates: - Monday 4 April, 12-4pm - Thursday 21 April, 9am-1pm
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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News 3
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Plant thefts are putting In Bloom’s future in doubt by Ken Ingram £1,000 worth of plants have been stolen from planters in Belle Isle in the last few weeks. Chris Holmes, Chair of Belle Isle & Middleton In Bloom, said: “Plants have been stolen from four planters (two of which are Instaplanta’s) at a cost of around £100. These were planted by volunteers and local school children all to benefit the community and local area. “So this person/these people have not just stolen from the In Bloom group but the whole community. “The group cannot afford to keep replacing stolen plants as
we have already lost about £800 from Instaplanta.They are a great local company that we use who do sponsored planters, with some of the revenue coming to our group. “This help is lost because Highways won’t allow them to place more Planters. Our Councillors are not willing to help. So the way things are going I do not think we will see the year out unless something is done. “I would especially like to thank Instaplanta for their partnership and the gifts they have donated to Windmill Primary School and BITMO raffles. They really do work hard and have the community spirit. “The theft of the flowers has
Before: Chris Holmes helps Windmill pupils plant the tub
Aftermath: the empty tub. Photos: Ken Ingram
been reported to the Police. If anybody does know about it or has an idea who stole them please ring 101 and quote reference number 13160126389.” It had started so much better. On Wednesday 16 March four children and school teacher Mrs Perigo from Windmill Primary School and volunteers from Belle Isle & Middleton in Bloom, Chris Holmes, myself, Lynne Spirrett and another new volunteer. We all planted some spring flowers in containers (mainly Primroses) on Belle Isle Parade and in the East Granges. It was a cold day, but everyone got well wrapped up. It looked lovely with all the beautiful colours. I liked the
Primroses the best.After about 2 hours we made our way home. As Treasurer of Belle Isle & Middleton In Bloom I know we have limited funds in the Bank and relied on a volunteer paying for half of the £103.00 it cost us to buy plants for this recent planting. Also I have spent £24.00 of my own money this morning to go and buy some more plants, which I have now planted to replace the ones stolen. As a pensioner I can’t afford to pay out of my own pocket again. This has got to stop. As Chris Holmes says, unless we can get funding, In-Bloom will most likely finish by the end of this year.
the latest newsletter for details. HEA have also started regular Theatre Trips. The outing to see ‘Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’ at The Grand was a sell out and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. A trip to see ‘Kes’ at the West Yorkshire
Playhouse has also been booked. The show is on Thursday 2 June, if you would like to go please reserve you place by Thursday 19 May. Call 0113 245 5553 to receive the latest copy of the HEA Newsletter for details of the latest activities outings and much more.
Cinema and theatre trips with HEA HEA (formerly Holbeck Elderly Aid) has introduced a regular cinema outing to the Showcase De Lux Cinema in Birstall. Members view new releases in the most comfortable of surroundings, enjoying the leather reclining chairs whilst enjoying films such as ‘Dad’s
April 2016 | South Leeds Life
Army’, ‘The Danish Girl’ and the academy award winning ‘Spotlight’. Members have given such positive comments and feedback that this is definitely an outing that is here to stay. Another three trips to the Cinema are arranged for this quarter’s activities – check out
Police release Holbeck phoneline
Police have released a dedicated telephone number for residents to report breaches of the Managed Approach to sex work in Holbeck. The number is: 07534 309568. The phone line was promised at a public meeting held at St Matthew’s Community Centre on 27 February, but has been delayed. The dedicated phone line has been introduced in recognition that it is diificult to get through quickly on the general 101 number. Residents are urged to use it to report incidents of soliciting or kerb crawling in residential areas, or in the industrial area during working hours. A spokesperson for Safer Leeds said: “We apologise for the delay in providing
this number.This has been due to technical difficulties and ensuring that we have the right process in place for dealing with these queries.
Report soliciting and kerb crawling 7am - midnight on
07534 309568 “The phoneline will operate from 7am to midnight seven days a week. Local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who are familiar with the area will deal with these queries taking the appropriate action. Over recent weeks we
have seen an increase in enforcement action taken to reinforce the rules for the managed approach and it is hoped that this direct link to local officers will enable us to build on that work. “Please ensure that your call only relates to street sex work (soliciting and kerb crawling) in residential areas, all other calls should be directed to the 101 service or 999 in an emergency situation.” If you would like to report an environmental concern please either telephone Leeds City Council’s contact centre on (0113) 222 4406; or email: SSEAction@leeds.gov.uk please mark the subject ‘managed approach urgent referral’.
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South Leeds Life | April 2016
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News Prince’s Trust Team tackle Beeston garden in brief by Linda Stanley
HCRA’s welcome
The ever-active Hunslet Carr Residents Association have a busy week ahead, with a major fundraising event on Sunday 3 April at the Parnaby Tavern from 4pm. Then the grand opening of their acclaimed ‘Welcome to Hunslet Carr’ sign on Thursday 7 April at 6pm at the Bay Horse.
Longer hours at recycling centre From Monday 28 March 2016 the city’s eight recycling centres, including Holmewell Road in Middleton, will stay open from 8am to 6pm. All sites are open seven days a week so residents can re-use and recycle a wide variety of items. To find out what can be recycled, residents can use the council’s handy new ‘what goes where’ interactive tool. www.whatgoeswhere.org.uk
Police seize cannabis with public’s help
The Prince’s Trust Team Programme is a 12 week personal development programme, offering work experience, qualifications, practical skills, community projects and a residential week. The Team members undertake their community project on weeks 5 and 6 of the programme and this helps them to prepare for their work placements on weeks 7
Linda with the Team outside Holy Spirit
and 8. The Beeston Prince’s Trust Team is the second team that has run at Beeston Campus, Leeds City College. The team agreed to work at
Holy Spirit Church on Tempest Road as part of the Love Beeston / Clean Beeston campaign.The project included preparing a flyer about the
for the garden. To their credit they had to cope with dreadful weather conditions that hampered progress, but after 8 days the difference was amazing. Local residents showed their appreciation by giving the team equipment to make the job easier and a barber even treated them to fish and chips. Holy Spirit will be the focus of the entry in the RHS Yorkshire in Bloom ‘It’s your neighborhood’ project in July this year. So a big thank you to the team for their hard work.
Cornelius learns healthy cookery at Jamie’s Ministry of Food
Beeston resident Cornelius O’Leary is encouraging local residents to take up healthy cooking to reduce their risk of developing serious long term health conditions. Cornelius is supporting the NHS drive to get people to think about their eating and cooking habits. One of the ways to do this is by signing up to an eight week cooking course at Jamie’s Ministry of Food, Leeds based in the city’s Kirkgate Market. Cornelius, 67, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in 2014 after living
on takeaways and readymade meals. He was encouraged by his GP to attend Jamie’s Ministry of Food in Leeds, as this would help him to cook healthy meals and have a controlled diet. Cornelius O’Leary said: “After taking advice from my GP I signed up to the eight week course at Jamie’s Ministry of Food at Leeds Kirkgate Market in August 2015. “The course helped me improve my cooking skills and prepare healthy meals. It’s also helped me control my diabetes and my weight, as I’m no longer having food that’s high in sugar, salt and
fat. “I’ve also completed a follow up course which had advanced recipes and techniques compared to the eight week course. The classes have really helped my culinary confidence, and the great thing is that you get to do all this in a fun environment without any pressure.” Simon Chappelow, Food Projects Coordinator at Jamie’s Ministry of Food Leeds, said: “At the Ministry of Food Leeds we want you to develop confidence in your cooking. We teach you a full range of cooking skills to
help you prepare quick, healthy meals as well as learning how to shop on a budget.You’ll gain knowledge about nutrition, food hygiene and healthier cooking techniques, and enjoy yourself at the same time! “Whether you’re a beginner or just want to improve your skills in cooking, you can come along to a taster session to see what we do at Jamie’s Ministry of Food.” For further information about Jamie’s Ministry of Food Leeds, visit www.jamieoliver.com/jami es-ministry-of-food/leeds or call (0113) 242 5685.
Cornelius O’Leary (right) learns to chop onions for a healthy risotto
Rock on with Sky Fallers Virgin volunteers
dig new allotment
Sky Fallers live on stage
Community intelligence has led to drugs raids in Middleton and Beeston. A cannabis ‘farm’ was uncovered on Middleton Park Mount on Sunday 13 March. This followed a seizure of cannabis in the Cross Flatts area of Beeston two days earlier. Police appealed for residents to continue to report such information as the accumulation of good intelligence is essential to allow them to take action.
importance of recycling and disposing of litter that will be sent to residents in the Harlechs and Bromptons, removing litter and painting the railings around the church, building raised beds and planting fruit trees in the garden. The team raised funds for the project by doing a bag pack at Asda and carried out events within the college including running a tombola, a tuck shop and nail painting. Fundraising money was used to buy equipment, plants and compost
Sky Fallers are a band with a difference. Playing rock, pop, folk and blues, the South Leeds band includes four adults with learning disabilities. The band was formed in November 2014 and performs public engagements regularly. The core band is a six piece ensemble with four learning disabled adults and two staff members from Aspire Community Benefit Society who act as musical facilitators and coordinators. Sky Fallers use full PA amplification for their line up
of two lead singers, electric guitars, bass, drum kit, keyboards, flute, trumpet and clarinet.Their set includes well known songs from the Fifties right through to contemporary hits and some original material. Sky Fallers also offer participative music workshops with drum circles, singalongs and song requests. Sky Fallers members work as music animateurs giving participants chance to have a band accompanied experience at a high level. Interested individuals can be invited to join Sky Fallers at
planned rehearsal ‘open hour’ slots where they will work material up to performance standard. This includes players and singers. Those individuals can then join Sky Fallers on stage for guest spots at future Sky Fallers concerts. Sky Fallers core band membership is a possibility for especially talented Learning Disabled individuals who demonstrate the necessary skills and commitment required to complement the level that the core band is working at. Contact (0113) 378 1919.
Last month, volunteers from Virgin Media got stuck in with the local community and helped to dig a new allotment at Broomfield South SILC (Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre), the all-age school for special needs pupils in south Leeds. A 20-strong volunteer team were joined by school children from the neighbouring Clapgate and Windmill Primary Schools to help sow seeds for vegetables for the new
polytunnel greenhouse. Pupils from all three schools will help to cultivate the allotment over the coming weeks and months, with a view to growing and providing the vegetables for the school canteens. The local school project is part Virgin Media’s commitment to become a long-term partner for the area, by connecting with the Middleton and Belle Isle communities, including local schools and organisations.
Volunteers from Virgin Media on site
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News 5
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Closing streets is child’s play by Lucy Potter Alice Ferguson and her neighbour came up with the idea of an after-school road closure to allow their children to play out freely on their own street. That was back in 2009 in Bristol. Since then the process has been rolled out in streets in different cities across the county. The Street Play project at Play England encourages communities to organise their own temporary street closure. The residents can still use their cars and are safely escorted to and from their spaces outside their home by volunteer stewards. I went along to Leeds Play Network in Hunslet recently to a workshop on how to organise your own on street play session. Leeds Play Streets is keen for more residents to get involved and can help with filling out forms and providing a ‘street play pack’ with high visibility bibs, a whistle and lots of other useful bits. Residents do have got to organise the street closures
themselves and the more work that goes in at the start helps makes the playing out successful. There are four steps to follow; 1. Talk to your neighbours. Before you submit any forms you must have the majority of your street involved, or informed.
4. Play out! On the day there will need to be at least two people at the end of the street with the road closures sign. We discussed why less children ‘play out’ than adults did years ago. Maybe it’s got a lot to do with moral panics, that parents are reluctant to let their children
inside and less exploring outside. Street play sessions have raised more awareness of traffic among the children. Playing out is an important part of a child’s life. 71% of adults used to play out compared with 21% with children today. If we don’t encourage our children to play
Children playing safely in the street. Photo: Helen Forman
2. Complete the application form.This part sounds a bit daunting with lots of bureaucratic forms, yet this can also be supported by Play Streets. 3. Organisation – Organise your street play and let people know when this is going to be.
April 2016 | South Leeds Life
walk home from school or play out, for fear of traffic and the ‘stranger danger’ element. Although we all agreed that the fear over enjoyment element is blown out of proportion, it was probably just the same in 70’s and 80’s, but the fact that we know more about stories from the media keeps our children ‘safely’
out now they will never know what it means. It’s up us, those of who remember, to keep it alive and act now to help create safe environments for children in their own street to play out. For more information contact: Leeds Play Network on (0113) 201 6790 (Wed-Fri); or visit the playingout.net website.
Cottingley’s 1 2⁄ mile orchard
With 1,200 residents on the Cottingley Hall estate, a small orchard wasn’t an option as far Cottingley in Bloom volunteers were concerned; Planting the first tree “The orchard is a they set their sights on something far more wonderful vehicle through ambitious – a half mile which to integrate the diverse communities that avenue of fruit trees. So on Monday 29 live here. “Having something February 60 residents, volunteers from local physical to do which businesses: Costa, unites everyone behind a McDonalds and Mears; common cause is less and the Parks and intimidating than turning Countryside Service up at a coffee morning. came together and with Gardening is a great the trees, training and leveller because everyone support provided by gets dirt beneath their Helping Britain Blossom, finger nails and they’re in planted the first 50 trees the outdoors joining in a of their proposed and healthy past-time as well.” As well as apple trees possibly record breaking 100 tree community the orchard includes plum, pear, mulberry, olive, orchard. Neil Whiting of walnut, sweet chestnut Cottingley in Bloom said: and almond trees.
South Leeds Life | April 2016
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6 School Life
News in brief Aldi’s Salvation Army donation
Aldi’s new Beeston store has donated a range of products to the Salvation Army, based on Hunslet Hall Road. Aldi donated a range of products including tinned food items to help for the group to use in their weekly activities with the community, including coffee morning and lunch clubs. The Salvation Army centres offers a hot three course lunch every Monday to Thursday at 12:30pm for just £3.30.
Free dog micro-chipping Since 1 April it is a legal requirement for owners to have their dogs microchipped. BITMOs GATE centre in Belle Isle has teamed up with the Dogs Trust to offer FREE microchipping at a session on Tuesday 19 April between 11am and 3pm.
CASA creates 300 jobs boost
A pioneering Beeston-based social enterprise is to create more than 300 jobs, after becoming a leading care provider across Leeds. CASA Leeds has become one of four prime providers working in partnership with Leeds City Council, to provide a range of social care services. And the major contract win means the organisation will now be looking for new employees to fill a whole host of roles.Full details at: www.casaltd.com/workingfor-casa/vacancies
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Brighter Academy celebrates World Book Day in style Greener
The South Leeds Academy celebrated a Roald Dahl themed World Book Day in style onThursday 3 March. Staff dressed up as their favourite Roald Dahl character and During first break, there was a competition for pupils to ‘guess the staff character’. During second break, a ‘fashion show’ was held in the library compered by a Minpin (aka Mr Williams) at which a group of students had been awarded a ‘golden ticket’ issued by our very own Willy Wonka (aka Miss
Tabassam) to attend the exciting show. Throughout the day, classes read from a special short story written by pupils Victoria Pyszczuk, Charlotte Nutter, Khaleeqa Bostan, Riswana Shaheen and Courtney McConville. ‘Ms Easton’s Wonderous Adventure’ was set in the Acdemy and featured various members of staff. At break and dinner time, an audiobook recording of Fantastic Mr Fox was played over the tannoy system.
The celebrations continued into the evening when there was a very successful Year 7 parents evening. A ‘kiddies’ corner was incorporated where younger brother and sisters were read to by Bruce Bogtrotter from Matilda (aka Mr Peel) and did some colouring. The day reinforced the importance of books and reading and backed up the work the Academy does every day around literacy, whilst having some fun.
Staff dress as characters from Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
Committed to caring for community opportunities
advice on how to progress in their career choices. Martin Dean, Area Leader for I am Fahmida, a year 7 the South East of LCC said: “We student at The South Leeds want to find ways to directly hear Academy, and on Wednesday 9 the voices of young people, in March 2016 I attended Leeds particular we want to find out City Council’s Inner South what young people in South Leeds Community Committee which want to do as a career when they are older.” took place at our academy. Councillor Kim Groves of Lots of people gathered at our academy to take a look around the Middleton Park ward echoed this various business stalls and speak message: “One of the things that is with the staff on each stall about important to me is that young the careers at their business. people have the very best Students also had the opportunity opportunities.” It was clear that Leeds City to take part in various workshops to give their opinion about career Council and the local businesses opportunities in our area, and get present cared about young people’s future in our area and lots of hard work goes on to support young people. Jessica from Path Yorkshire spoke of the work they do, “We support people into a brighter future Young people’s workshop at South Leeds Academy through
by Fahmida Begum
vocational and professional training workshops, coaching and mentoring and have done this for three decades now”. Many businesses, organisations and local councillors have come together to try and help young people think about their future, and I think the event went really well and students gathered valuable information about their futures and potential careers. I would like to thank Leeds City Council for hosting their event at our academy, and helping the young people from our area.
Future
Young people in South Leeds step up to create a brighter, greener future. Environmental charity Groundwork will be inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders across Leeds funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Our Bright Future aims to tackle three big challenges facing society today – a lack of social cohesion, a lack of opportunities for young people and vulnerability to climate change. The project will give young people the skills and knowledge to improve their local environments – from reducing pollution to minimising food waste. In doing so, young people will develop the confidence and resilience to become environmental leaders and influence decisions at local and national levels. This young, ambitious and capable movement is ensuring this generation’s voice is heard in the
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discipline, which was helped by their smart new kit! We are incredibly proud of our mini-tennis team.” On another note, the netball team came first at the netball tournament at The South Leeds academy on Thursday 24 March, having won all of their matches. Coming home with yet another trophy!
Miss Bell with Ingram Road Primary’s victorious tennis team
current debates around environmental improvements and a resource-efficient economy. Groundwork is working with schools in Leeds, including The South Leeds Academy. In the first year the charity will work with 50 young people who will develop plans for how they want to transform a local area. The young people will then work with volunteers and Groundwork staff to put the plans into place. Through the project the young people will develop team working and project management skills. They will learn about how to develop community green spaces so that they benefit people in the local area and the environment. Paula Hinsley from Groundwork said: “We know from 30 years experience the impact that comes from giving young people a voice and recognising that the youth of today are the decision makers of tomorrow. We look forward to supporting them to shape their local communities for the better.”
Baton Rouge skydive for funds Leeds Baton Rouge Majorettes Troupe are actively fundraising to ensure their members can take part in upcoming competitions. At the beginning of June one of their supporters, Amy Wright, is undertaking a sponsored 15,000 foot skydive. The group reuse old costumes but will still need 45 new costumes, poms and venue hire and are aiming to raise £2,300. “It’s a problem of success,” explains Lauren Wilson. “We have grown over the last year, we currently have 42 young people attending training. But that means we have to raise more money so they can go to competitions.” So far they have raised £700 themselves, but they desperately
School Life 7
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Ingram Road’s tennis triumph Three south primary schools played in the shield final at The South Leeds Academy on 16 March. Ingram Road took home the shield. The team included mix of year 3, 4 and 5 children. Miss Bell, Year 3/4 teacher and PE coordinater, said: “The children were an absolute credit to our school. They showed a lot of dedication and
April 2016 | South Leeds Life
need donations as the competition season starts next month. As well as individual donations they are keen to talk to any local businesses that would like to sponsor the group. Baton Rouge run five teams for children aged 3 upwards. The Novice, Dinky,Tiny, Junior and Senior Teams who all train for Dance Twirl and Pom routines twice a week at Cockburn School in Beeston. Four of the group’s older dancers have become co-trainers in the last 12 months. These girls now volunteer their time helping train Novice, Dinky and Tiny Teams. To sponsor Amy Wright’s skydive please go to crowdfunding. justgiving.com/amy-wright or contact leedsbatonrouge@ googlemail.com.
Mother Tongue Day at Hugh Gaitskell by Jeremy Morton Like many schools in South Leeds, pupils at Hugh Gaitskell in Beeston speak many different languages as well as English. Friday 4 March 2016 was declared Mother Tongue day as the school set aside a day to celebrate the linguistic diversity of the school community. As well as hearing other languages, the children dressed up in traditional costume from their family’s country. I called in on one class who were teaching each other how to say “Hello, my name is …” in Chinese, Polish and Romanian. I then met a group of children from across the school who told me about what they had been doing. “We painted flags of different countries this morning” explained Samuel, whose family came to Leeds from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola. As well as English, Samuel speaks French and the African language Lingala. “People stood up and then we drew the flag of the country their family came from” he said. In assembly they heard the story of a child who moved to a different country and had difficulty learning the new language. Filip says he often speaks to his friends in Polish at break time, but speaks English too. Samuel says it’s
important to keep speaking ‘home’ languages. “It’s important to stay in touch with your family and especially those that have passed away.” Karolina Gieleta who teaches one of the Year 1 classes is originally from Poland. She explained to me that children who speak another language as
well as English achieve very well in school. “It has been a very good day’” she continued. “We want to encourage children to learn more languages. We want them to feel proud that they can speak more than one language and not feel ashamed that they are not from England.”
Children from Hugh Gaitskell Primary School undertook an environmental audit of their routes to school on Thursday 3 March. A group of Year 5 and 6 pupils were joined by Councillors Angela Gabriel and Adam Ogilvie together with a Police Community Support Officer and Harriet Pickering from the organisation
Living Streets. Living Streets is a national charity that promotes walking. Hugh Gaitskell are participating in one of their projects: Walk Once a Week, encouraging school children to walk to school at least once a week.With one in five vehicles on the road at that time doing the school run, this could cut traffic congestion as well
as increasing health in our children. The group identified the following problems: - the narrow pedestrian pathway into the school, - the lack of “school” warning signs in the local area, and - the difficulty of crossing over at the mini-roundabout junction of Beeston Road/Old Lane/Town Street. Harriet explained: “Community Street Audits are a way to evaluate the quality of streets and spaces from the viewpoint of the people who use them, rather than those who manage them. “Living Streets involve small groups of local residents – in this case school children – plus traders, councillors and officers to assess a route on foot, following which a detailed report is produced with recommendations.” The report will go to the school, Leeds City Council as well as the ward Councillors and will hopefully lead to safety improvements.
News in brief Donna ‘Braves a Shave’
Care assistant Donna Smith from Copper Hill Care Home in Hunslet has raised over £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by having her long hair shaved off. Donna believes her decision to shave her hair off is a fitting tribute to her late father and everyone facing chemo or radiotherapy.
Artist’s impression of the Tower Works development Image: Forbes Massey
Making the streets safer for the walk to school
Pupils from Hugh Gaitskill examine Beeston Road
Fancy a walk on hot coals?
White Rose Shopping Centre is staging a spectacular fiery fundraising event for Mencap on Sunday 10 April. A sponsored Firewalk will be held outside the main entrance adjacent to Next between 4.30 and 7pm. Firewalkers will help raise money for the Mencap Employ Me initiative, which gives young people with learning disabilities training and support to enable them to find paid employment. Full details at: www.whiterose.co.uk/firewalk
Hawks host pensioner party
Despite the defeat to Keighley Cougars, 55 pensioners still enjoyed their day at the rugby on Good Friday and are already looking forward to their next visit. Hunslet Hawks worked in partnership with the Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust to give the old folk an Easter treat which included a meal and the best view in the house from the Grandstand Suite.
South Leeds Life | April 2016
www.southleedslife.com
6 School Life
News in brief Aldi’s Salvation Army donation
Aldi’s new Beeston store has donated a range of products to the Salvation Army, based on Hunslet Hall Road. Aldi donated a range of products including tinned food items to help for the group to use in their weekly activities with the community, including coffee morning and lunch clubs. The Salvation Army centres offers a hot three course lunch every Monday to Thursday at 12:30pm for just £3.30.
Free dog micro-chipping Since 1 April it is a legal requirement for owners to have their dogs microchipped. BITMOs GATE centre in Belle Isle has teamed up with the Dogs Trust to offer FREE microchipping at a session on Tuesday 19 April between 11am and 3pm.
CASA creates 300 jobs boost
A pioneering Beeston-based social enterprise is to create more than 300 jobs, after becoming a leading care provider across Leeds. CASA Leeds has become one of four prime providers working in partnership with Leeds City Council, to provide a range of social care services. And the major contract win means the organisation will now be looking for new employees to fill a whole host of roles.Full details at: www.casaltd.com/workingfor-casa/vacancies
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Brighter Academy celebrates World Book Day in style Greener
The South Leeds Academy celebrated a Roald Dahl themed World Book Day in style onThursday 3 March. Staff dressed up as their favourite Roald Dahl character and During first break, there was a competition for pupils to ‘guess the staff character’. During second break, a ‘fashion show’ was held in the library compered by a Minpin (aka Mr Williams) at which a group of students had been awarded a ‘golden ticket’ issued by our very own Willy Wonka (aka Miss
Tabassam) to attend the exciting show. Throughout the day, classes read from a special short story written by pupils Victoria Pyszczuk, Charlotte Nutter, Khaleeqa Bostan, Riswana Shaheen and Courtney McConville. ‘Ms Easton’s Wonderous Adventure’ was set in the Acdemy and featured various members of staff. At break and dinner time, an audiobook recording of Fantastic Mr Fox was played over the tannoy system.
The celebrations continued into the evening when there was a very successful Year 7 parents evening. A ‘kiddies’ corner was incorporated where younger brother and sisters were read to by Bruce Bogtrotter from Matilda (aka Mr Peel) and did some colouring. The day reinforced the importance of books and reading and backed up the work the Academy does every day around literacy, whilst having some fun.
Staff dress as characters from Charlie & The Chocolate Factory
Committed to caring for community opportunities
advice on how to progress in their career choices. Martin Dean, Area Leader for I am Fahmida, a year 7 the South East of LCC said: “We student at The South Leeds want to find ways to directly hear Academy, and on Wednesday 9 the voices of young people, in March 2016 I attended Leeds particular we want to find out City Council’s Inner South what young people in South Leeds Community Committee which want to do as a career when they are older.” took place at our academy. Councillor Kim Groves of Lots of people gathered at our academy to take a look around the Middleton Park ward echoed this various business stalls and speak message: “One of the things that is with the staff on each stall about important to me is that young the careers at their business. people have the very best Students also had the opportunity opportunities.” It was clear that Leeds City to take part in various workshops to give their opinion about career Council and the local businesses opportunities in our area, and get present cared about young people’s future in our area and lots of hard work goes on to support young people. Jessica from Path Yorkshire spoke of the work they do, “We support people into a brighter future Young people’s workshop at South Leeds Academy through
by Fahmida Begum
vocational and professional training workshops, coaching and mentoring and have done this for three decades now”. Many businesses, organisations and local councillors have come together to try and help young people think about their future, and I think the event went really well and students gathered valuable information about their futures and potential careers. I would like to thank Leeds City Council for hosting their event at our academy, and helping the young people from our area.
Future
Young people in South Leeds step up to create a brighter, greener future. Environmental charity Groundwork will be inspiring the next generation of environmental leaders across Leeds funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Our Bright Future aims to tackle three big challenges facing society today – a lack of social cohesion, a lack of opportunities for young people and vulnerability to climate change. The project will give young people the skills and knowledge to improve their local environments – from reducing pollution to minimising food waste. In doing so, young people will develop the confidence and resilience to become environmental leaders and influence decisions at local and national levels. This young, ambitious and capable movement is ensuring this generation’s voice is heard in the
Website: www.southleedslife.com
discipline, which was helped by their smart new kit! We are incredibly proud of our mini-tennis team.” On another note, the netball team came first at the netball tournament at The South Leeds academy on Thursday 24 March, having won all of their matches. Coming home with yet another trophy!
Miss Bell with Ingram Road Primary’s victorious tennis team
current debates around environmental improvements and a resource-efficient economy. Groundwork is working with schools in Leeds, including The South Leeds Academy. In the first year the charity will work with 50 young people who will develop plans for how they want to transform a local area. The young people will then work with volunteers and Groundwork staff to put the plans into place. Through the project the young people will develop team working and project management skills. They will learn about how to develop community green spaces so that they benefit people in the local area and the environment. Paula Hinsley from Groundwork said: “We know from 30 years experience the impact that comes from giving young people a voice and recognising that the youth of today are the decision makers of tomorrow. We look forward to supporting them to shape their local communities for the better.”
Baton Rouge skydive for funds Leeds Baton Rouge Majorettes Troupe are actively fundraising to ensure their members can take part in upcoming competitions. At the beginning of June one of their supporters, Amy Wright, is undertaking a sponsored 15,000 foot skydive. The group reuse old costumes but will still need 45 new costumes, poms and venue hire and are aiming to raise £2,300. “It’s a problem of success,” explains Lauren Wilson. “We have grown over the last year, we currently have 42 young people attending training. But that means we have to raise more money so they can go to competitions.” So far they have raised £700 themselves, but they desperately
School Life 7
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Ingram Road’s tennis triumph Three south primary schools played in the shield final at The South Leeds Academy on 16 March. Ingram Road took home the shield. The team included mix of year 3, 4 and 5 children. Miss Bell, Year 3/4 teacher and PE coordinater, said: “The children were an absolute credit to our school. They showed a lot of dedication and
April 2016 | South Leeds Life
need donations as the competition season starts next month. As well as individual donations they are keen to talk to any local businesses that would like to sponsor the group. Baton Rouge run five teams for children aged 3 upwards. The Novice, Dinky,Tiny, Junior and Senior Teams who all train for Dance Twirl and Pom routines twice a week at Cockburn School in Beeston. Four of the group’s older dancers have become co-trainers in the last 12 months. These girls now volunteer their time helping train Novice, Dinky and Tiny Teams. To sponsor Amy Wright’s skydive please go to crowdfunding. justgiving.com/amy-wright or contact leedsbatonrouge@ googlemail.com.
Mother Tongue Day at Hugh Gaitskell by Jeremy Morton Like many schools in South Leeds, pupils at Hugh Gaitskell in Beeston speak many different languages as well as English. Friday 4 March 2016 was declared Mother Tongue day as the school set aside a day to celebrate the linguistic diversity of the school community. As well as hearing other languages, the children dressed up in traditional costume from their family’s country. I called in on one class who were teaching each other how to say “Hello, my name is …” in Chinese, Polish and Romanian. I then met a group of children from across the school who told me about what they had been doing. “We painted flags of different countries this morning” explained Samuel, whose family came to Leeds from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola. As well as English, Samuel speaks French and the African language Lingala. “People stood up and then we drew the flag of the country their family came from” he said. In assembly they heard the story of a child who moved to a different country and had difficulty learning the new language. Filip says he often speaks to his friends in Polish at break time, but speaks English too. Samuel says it’s
important to keep speaking ‘home’ languages. “It’s important to stay in touch with your family and especially those that have passed away.” Karolina Gieleta who teaches one of the Year 1 classes is originally from Poland. She explained to me that children who speak another language as
well as English achieve very well in school. “It has been a very good day’” she continued. “We want to encourage children to learn more languages. We want them to feel proud that they can speak more than one language and not feel ashamed that they are not from England.”
Children from Hugh Gaitskell Primary School undertook an environmental audit of their routes to school on Thursday 3 March. A group of Year 5 and 6 pupils were joined by Councillors Angela Gabriel and Adam Ogilvie together with a Police Community Support Officer and Harriet Pickering from the organisation
Living Streets. Living Streets is a national charity that promotes walking. Hugh Gaitskell are participating in one of their projects: Walk Once a Week, encouraging school children to walk to school at least once a week.With one in five vehicles on the road at that time doing the school run, this could cut traffic congestion as well
as increasing health in our children. The group identified the following problems: - the narrow pedestrian pathway into the school, - the lack of “school” warning signs in the local area, and - the difficulty of crossing over at the mini-roundabout junction of Beeston Road/Old Lane/Town Street. Harriet explained: “Community Street Audits are a way to evaluate the quality of streets and spaces from the viewpoint of the people who use them, rather than those who manage them. “Living Streets involve small groups of local residents – in this case school children – plus traders, councillors and officers to assess a route on foot, following which a detailed report is produced with recommendations.” The report will go to the school, Leeds City Council as well as the ward Councillors and will hopefully lead to safety improvements.
News in brief Donna ‘Braves a Shave’
Care assistant Donna Smith from Copper Hill Care Home in Hunslet has raised over £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by having her long hair shaved off. Donna believes her decision to shave her hair off is a fitting tribute to her late father and everyone facing chemo or radiotherapy.
Artist’s impression of the Tower Works development Image: Forbes Massey
Making the streets safer for the walk to school
Pupils from Hugh Gaitskill examine Beeston Road
Fancy a walk on hot coals?
White Rose Shopping Centre is staging a spectacular fiery fundraising event for Mencap on Sunday 10 April. A sponsored Firewalk will be held outside the main entrance adjacent to Next between 4.30 and 7pm. Firewalkers will help raise money for the Mencap Employ Me initiative, which gives young people with learning disabilities training and support to enable them to find paid employment. Full details at: www.whiterose.co.uk/firewalk
Hawks host pensioner party
Despite the defeat to Keighley Cougars, 55 pensioners still enjoyed their day at the rugby on Good Friday and are already looking forward to their next visit. Hunslet Hawks worked in partnership with the Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust to give the old folk an Easter treat which included a meal and the best view in the house from the Grandstand Suite.
South Leeds Life | April 2016
www.southleedslife.com
8 Opinion
In our view
#MetricMayhem Please check the date
This edition of South Leeds Life was published on 1 April. We hope you enjoyed our spoof front page report about changes to school terms. As far as we know Leeds has no such plans. There is a long tradition of news media coming up with April Fools Day stories from Panorama’s spagetti harvest to the YEP’s Park and Zorb scheme. We feel it’s important to keep that going.
Plant thefts
Whether they’ve been planted by the council or by voluntary In Bloom groups, the flowers are there for the whole community to enjoy. When selfish people steal them for their own garden they are depriving the rest of us and they are demoralising the volunteers who give their time selflessly. Shame on them!
Citizen responsibilities
Holbeck residents quite rightly complained that there wasn’t any point in reporting breaches in the Managed Approach to sex work because you couldn’t get through on the 101 number. The Police have responded with a direct ‘hotline’. It’s now time for residents to hold to their end of the bargain and report any incidents of soliciting or kerb crawling in residential areas. Let’s make this work.
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Your letters and comments
Top Tweets
A Beeston Murder
The article about the above in your February edition written by Ken Burton has just been brought to my attention and gives me the opportunity to provide you with further information. The witness in the case who stated that he had shaved off Blewitt's moustache was in fact my grandfather, James Frederick Boshell, (1871 to 1921) who had a barbers shop at 59 Town Street, Beeston. Obviously he was unaware at the time that he had a murderer as a customer. The shop stood in a terrace of propeties which included the Punch Bowl Hotel and when I was a child living in Beeston, 1932 onwards, it had by that time become a pharmacy run by a Mr Mulley. . Frank Boshell
Beeston Aldi
I’m just wondering who is responsible for the landscaping that surrounds new Aldi and Jack Fultons store by Tunstall Road? The landscaping is ruined by litter louts throwing their rubbish onto it at the back of Jack Fultons facing Tunstall Road. It must be a real headache for who ever has to remove this large amount of litter that is there it ruins the whole of this new site - it’s a disgrace! Janet
Walking to school
It is good news that this kind of street safety has finally happened (p7). As a parent of a child in year 5 who attends Beeston Primary, I am keen for my daughter to walk up to school so she can learn some independence and responsibility on her lead up to starting
James Boshell at his barber’s shop at 59 Beeston Road c1909
high school. However, the traffic and roads on the route from Old Lane where we live are fraught with dangerous levels of traffic and inadequate safe crossing places. I used to go to Hugh Gaitskell when it was a middle school and walked up to school everyday. I want my child to be able to learn this important life skill, I refuse to wrap her up in cotton wool most of the time but the school journey around all the Beeston primary schools needs to be looked at closely by safety and traffic officials in the council. Lynette Ibbetson
EU!Referendum
Following Hilary Benn MP’s article last month, we’ve published another three articles , both for and against, on our website. Here some extracts from the articles and comments:
Your Councillors and MP Beeston & Holbeck ward
Includes Beeston from Cross Flatts Park up to the Co-op, Cottingley, old Holbeck. The three councillors are:
David Congreve 0113 247 4578 david.congreve@leeds.gov.uk Angela Gabriel 07946 632 468 angela.gabriel@leeds.gov.uk Adam Ogilvie 07969 680 024 adam.ogilvie@leeds.gov.uk
City & Hunslet ward Includes the city centre, Holbeck Urban Village, Beeston Hill and Hunslet. The three councillors are:
Patrick Davey 0113 261 0465 patrick.davey@leeds.gov.uk Mohammed Iqbal 0113 294 1049 mohammed.iqbal@leeds.gov.uk Elizabeth Nash 0113 275 8594 elizabeth.nash@leeds.gov.uk
Middleton Park ward Includes Belle Isle and Middleton. The three councillors are:
Judith Blake Kim Groves Paul Truswell
0113 395 1735 judith.blake@leeds.gov.uk 07891 741 832 kim.groves@leeds.gov.uk 0113 247 4472 paul.truswell@leeds.gov.uk
Leeds Central MP – Rt Hon Hilary Benn Hilary Benn is our MP. He represents the Leeds Central constituency which covers Hunslet, Belle Isle, Beeston, Holbeck, Cottingley in south Leeds as well as the city centre, Woodhouse, Little London, Lincoln Green, Richmond Hill, Osmondthorpe, Halton Moor and New Wortley. Contact: hilary.benn.mp@parliament.uk, www.hilarybennmp.com Constituency office: Suite 7, Unity Business Centre, 26 Roundhay Road, Leeds LS7 1AB; phone: 0113 244 1097
Personally, membership of the EU has given me opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have had. Open borders and immigration seem to be the key issues for many people. Due to open migration I have been able to work with some really good people from EU countries. However… the people I work with aren’t the people you will find being drunk and intimidating in the park, or urinating against your garden wall. Rich Bell Hilary Benn failed to mention that outside of the EU, Britain could be a competitive, deregulated, offshore haven and of course, a democracy again, free from Brussels’ dictatorship! Mark Graydon The EU is not fit for purpose. While it may have helped ensure peace in Europe, it is now sewing the seeds of disharmony.Witness the protests in Greece against the austerity imposed on them
by, in their eyes, the hegemony of Germany. The rise of extremist parties across the continent as the EU shows itself incapable of and/or unwilling to deal with the pressing issues of our time. Carl Thomas Membership of the EU comes at a substantial cost, in the region of £55m per day, in gross terms.We receive around half of this money back, in the form of ‘funding’, however strict conditions are attached to how it is spent, often not in the best interests of the UK as a whole. How can we sustain, morally or economically, a situation where not just the United Kingdom but all EU member states, are making difficult spending cuts at home, and every penny we save is being sent straight to Brussels? I think it would be great for South Leeds Life to host a debate on the referendum, with inners, outers, giving their case, with Q&A from the audience. Luke Senior Watch this space Luke, we’re trying to organise just such a meeting.
Community Clean Up
Wait a minute: surely this is what residents of LS11 pay their council tax for? It is not the responsibility of residents to give up their spare time to clean the streets. John Evans It is absolutely not the responsibility of the residents to give up their time to be involved – but maybe that’s part of the point. Maybe this is about a group of people who want to give up their spare time to make the community around us a better, cleaner place to be. No-one’s forcing or coercing anyone to be there – it’s a choice to offer the gift of time. Mark Join the debate. Comment online; by email: info@southleedslife.com; or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW. Letters may be edited for publication.
Keep up to date, up to the minute, by following South Leeds Life’s Twitter feed: @SouthLeedsLife. Twitter is the 140 character ‘micro blogging’ site. It’s free and you can sign up at twitter.com. It’s a great place to find the very latest news. Here are some of our favourite recent tweets: @LeedsInspired SUNSHINE ! It's time to rummage under the stairs for the frisby (it's behind the sledge, next to the kite) and head to @LeedsParks. @GazEvans03 On our way home, I think as a Hunslet fan you get used to accepting s***! Gutted, but love my club & the lads! @HelenLcc Day 76 St Marys #hunslet gets the #1pieceofrubbish treatment today. Join me folks! @CanopyHousing Full circle : Canopy in new offices... The first building we ever renovated 20 years ago! @CottingleyPA Aspen class had a fantastic day at @UniversityLeeds! #FestivalOfScience
@IngramRoad Miss Robert's group are @SlungLow to see 'Emergency Story Penguin'. We are sure they will have an amazing time! @mickmodern Pie & chips before the @HunsletHawksRL game with @CB_FT bringing together community owned rugby with older people @Gatsbyspants We are so lucky in #Beeston, a little walk to the park and we find an Easter Egg hunt & loads of fun things going on @WYP_RPU Vehicle seized in Holbeck for no insurance. Driver reported to Court
@Clean_Leeds Building work began on the #Holbeck bin yard project this week #CleanLeeds
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April 2016 | South Leeds Life
Senior Citizens 9
Email: info@southleedslife.com
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: My Life in South Leeds a dementia friendly hit by Dave Abbott
by Ken Ingram The coach arrived to pick me and various members of the Memory Cafés in the South Leeds Area, including the Parnaby Tavern, home to the Parnaby Pals Memory Café and the Cop Shop Memory Café in Beeston. We were met at the Playhouse by Nicky Taylor (of the playhouse) and Maggie Graham, just early enough for those wanting to have a coffee or a quick snack.
Everyone seemed to know somebody and there was a buzz of excitement as people said hello and caught up with each other. The show itself was a Dementia Friendly version of the musical, which meant we had extra ushers seeing everyone to their seats and helping people to various parts of the playhouse, such as the coffee shop and toilets. They kept the lights on low when the show started, so that people could see where they were and get up if needed.
Ken Ingram with Amy Griffiths (Truly Scrumptious)
Lots of people got there earlier for a Playhouse Singing Session which was a chance for people to sing along to familiar songs such as Truly Scrumptious, Me Ol’ Bamboo and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The theatre was filling up and we were eventually joined by an audience of approximately 500 Dementia Friendly people plus around 50 very excited school children. It was all very relaxed as we waited for the show to start.
The show was enjoyed by all; it had a bit of a pantomime feel with everyone booing the evil Child Catcher.There were two child actors who I thought stole the show, particularly in the first half where they were in nearly every scene. The songs and singers were excellent and it was nice to see a live band providing the music and occasional sound effects. Nicky said that they toned down the lively ‘Old Bamboo’ dance, some flashing lights and
loud bangs when the car backfired, because some people with dementia find really loud noises and flashing lights disturbing. After the show many of the actors and actresses came into the audience to have a chat and see how we enjoyed the show. Lots of people stayed for a chat and complementary coffee afterwards. Of course like me, Peter Smith wanted a close look at the car, Chitty, to see how it worked. Maggie Graham said: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was the third Dementia Friendly production by West Yorkshire Playhouse and a runaway success judging by the cheers and applause from the near capacity audience at the recent performance. “I was lucky enough to see the show with Ken Ingram, who is a member of the Dementia Friendly Leeds steering group. Ken joined Dementia Friendly Rothwell several years ago when he was diagnosed with the early stages of dementia, since when he has become an active local campaigner for the citywide campaign too. “He has kindly written this article about the show.” For more information about dementia friendly performances at West Yorkshire Playhouse or creative work with people living with dementia, please contact Nicky Taylor on (0113) 213 7296 or email nicky.taylor@wyp.org.uk.
Hang out with the ‘Recycled Teenagers’ at Hamara Centre
If you’re over 55 and looking for activities to join in why not give the Hamara Centre’s ‘Recycled Teenagers’ group a go? The conversation is aided by tea, coffee and fruity snacks and the morning’s newspapers. The group really gets people connected and talking. You can have a chat about the daily news, raise any health related matters with the group facilitator or just have a general natter. After the group there is a free instructor-led gentle exercise session in the Hamara gym. The group also organise trips out. They recently visited the Eden Camp museum and
Recycled Teenagers natter over the papers
have trips planned this year to Esholt, Shipley Glen and the City Varieties theatre. Last month they celebrated St Patrick’s day with a movie and an Irish stew lunch at Hamara. The group meets at the
Hamara Healthy Living Centre on Tempest Road in Beeston every Tuesday morning from 10am-12pm. For further information please call Hamara on (0113) 277 3330 or email admin@hamara.co.uk
I have lived in South Leeds all my life. Starting in the Parkwoods and more recently in the Beeston Hill area. I joined the five week retail training course at St Luke’s CARES charity shop in September last year. I was already familiar with St Luke’s Church on Malvern Road. During the 1980’s I met many new friends there and I was part of a team of people from the church that brought gospel concerts to the area. ‘Christian Promotions’ became well known for their promotion of major artists at that time. Our concerts became very popular and were always well received. . The church was the best place for our Gospel gigs! We did though on a couple of occasions need bigger venues, Garth Hewitt on a national tour appeared at St Georges Crypt, and Helen Shapiro (Walkin’ back to Happiness) filled the Town hall!
The retail course has revived my other interests in local history, and everyday life. I am especially interested in photographic history and clues in old photos for stories from the past. I was keen to learn more about the warehouse St Luke’s currently uses for its furniture show-room. Did you know that it used to be a cinema? It was called the Pavilion Cinema and the name
Dave Abbott
continued when the building became a Sure Start centre in 2001. If anyone has any pictures of the cinema in its day I would be interested to see them. Throughout my adult life I have had connections with many local community organisations, and have always
enjoyed meeting people. In the early 1980’s I worked at the Mariners day centre as a care assistant, supporting people with physical and sensory disabilities. I also organised entertainment, booking in sport and radio personalities. We used music and the way that it helps evoke memories. With my experience at Mariners I started a music group on a voluntary basis for local people who used the Potterdale day care centre. It received a lot of interest with the community and was therapeutic for some of the people who used the centre. I began to realise how important music is to people, from fond memories, to uplifting spirits. Sadly the Potterdale like the Mariners has now closed due to local council budget cuts. However, I am proud of what was achieved at the centre and feel sure that the people that attended the music group will remember the importance of its value to good emotional health and wellbeing!
South Leeds Life | April 2016
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10 What’s On
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What’s On
Your guide to events and activities across South Leeds in April Every Monday Swimming 9:45am Holbeck Elderly Aid Happy Chinese Families Group 9:30am-12pm Beeston Village Community Centre General fitness for the over 55's 11:30am-12:30pm St Andrews Community Centre, Beeston. Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Men’s games group 1-3pm Belle Isle WMC Walk and Talk 1:30-2:30pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Keep Fit 4:15-5pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Beginners Phoenix Bar, John Charles Centre St Matthew’s Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Zumba 7pm Middleton Parochial Hall Every Tuesday Keep Fit 9:30am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall community room General fitness over 55's 10-11am St Anthony's church hall, Beeston Singing Group 10:30-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Knit & Natter
10:30am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Chair based mobility session 11.30am-1pm Cottingley Community Centre Lunch Club 12:15-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Family Cafe 3:30-5:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Skate Light 6-8pm Middleton Community Centre South Leeds Lakers running group 7pm from Beeston Co-op Every Wednesday Chair mobility 10-10:45am Trinity Network, Belle Isle Over 55's Nesfield church hall Breaklfast Club & Foodbank 10am-12pm Hunslet Methodist Church, Telford Terrace, Balm Rd Computer Club 10am-12pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Balm Walk Shopping Trip 10am-1pm Holbeck Elderly Aid, Balm Walk CAP Job Club 10am-12pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Community Craft Cafe 10am-12pm Church of the Nazarene, Hunslet Hall Road Walk and Talk 12-1pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle
For up to date event information make sure you go online to
www.southleedslife.com and check the What’s On Calendar
Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Line Dancing 1:45pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Knit and Crochet Group 3-5pm Costa Coffee, Crown Point Retail Park Aerobics and Dance 3:30-4:30pm Cottingley Primary Academy General fitness (suitable for beginners) 6:15-7:15pm Belle Isle Family Centre Cottingley Youth Club 6:30-8:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Zumba 6:30pm Middleton Parochial Hall, Town Street Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 7.15pm Improvers Phoenix Bar, John Charles Centre Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm St John & St Barnabus Church Hall, Belle Isle Every Thursday Heart Cafe 10-11:30am St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Middleton Park Estate Volunteers 10am-3pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm Brew Coffee Shop, Beeston Road Chair based mobility group and games group 11:15am-12:30pm Beeston Village Community Ctr Lunch Club 12:30pm Salvation Army, Hunslet Hall Road, Beeston Line Dancing 1pm Trinity Network, Nesfield Road, Belle Isle Digital Photography Club 1-3pm Tenants Hall, Acre Close, Middleton Craft Group 1:30-3:30pm Cleveleys Court, Holbeck Mashed up fitness session aerobic dance 1:45-2:45pm Beeston Village Community Centre Women only running with South Leeds Sisters 5.45pm Intermediates Phoenix Bar, John Charles Centre General fitness (suitable for beginners) 6-7pm Beeston Parish Centre Indoor Bowls 7-10pm The Holbeck (WMC), Jenkinson Lawn Youth Drop In 7-9pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Clubbercise 7:30-8:30pm Cottingley Community Centre Zumba 7:15pm Middleton Parochial
Hall Every Friday Tea & Toast 8:30-9:30am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Charity Shop, Tea & Toast 9am-12pm Beeston Hill United Free Church, Malvern Road South Leeds Life News Cafe 10am-12pm BITMOs GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Under 5s Storytime 10-11am Dewsbury Road Library Ladies Singing Group 10:30am-12:30pm Tenant Hall, Acre Close, Middleton In Harmony Community Choir 12:15-1pm Windmill Primary School, Belle Isle Fish & Chip Lunch Club 12:30-1:30pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Krok Po Kroku (Polish Group) 12:30-2:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Games Afternoon 1:30-3pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Holbeck Skate Park 5-6:30pm Holbeck Moor Friday Night Project 6-9pm Middleton Leisure Centre Every Saturday Breakfast Club 8:30-11am Vale Circles Centre, Tunstall Road, Beeston Cross Flatts Parkrun 9am Run or walk 5km Watson Pavilion, Cross Flatt Pk Police Contact Point 9:30-11:30am St George’s Centre, Middleton Zumba 10am Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Every Sunday Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Boxercise 4:15-5pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Clubbercise 5-5:45pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Saturday 2 April Spring Fair 10am-12pm St Andrew’s Church, Old Lane, Beeston Sunday 3 April HCRA Fundraing Event 4-11pm Parnaby Tavern, Middleton Road, Hunslet Monday 4 April HUV Planning Consultation 12-4pm Round Foundry Media Centre, Foundry St, Holbeck Tuesday 5 April Mostly Men 10am-12pm Northcotes
Community Centre White Rose Residents Assoc 6pm Two Willows Children’s Centre, Cardinal Square, Beeston Friends of Stank Hall Barn 7:30pm The Broadway pub, Dewsbury Road Wednesday 6 April Middleton Railway 11am-4:30pm, Moor Road, Hunslet Hunslet Memories 12-2pm Garden Gate pub, Whitfield Place, Hunslet Hunslet Tenants & Residents 6:30-8pm Church of the Nazarene, Grove Road Thursday 7 April Hunslet Carr sign unveiling 6pm Bay Horse Garden, Balm Road Hunslet Carr Residents Ass 6:30pm Woodhouse Hill Community Centre, Woodhouse Hill Avenue Beeston Community Forum 7:30pm Beeston Village Community Centre Friday 8 April MADE (work in progress) 7-9pm, Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Saturday 9 April Indoor Car Boot Sale 9:30am-12pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Sunday 10 April Sunday Lunch 1-3pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck 15 Minutes Live (Slung Low) 2-4:30pm The Holbeck, Jenkinson Lawn, Holbeck Tuesday 12 April Easter Fun Day 1-3pm Belle Isle Family Centre, Belle Isle Road Beeston Local History Soc 8pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Saturday 16 April Ramblers Group 9am meet at St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Beeston Leeds Young Archaeologists
Club 10am-12pm Middleton Park Visitor Centre Garden Build Day 11am-4pm Stank Hall Barn, off Dewsbury Road Monday 18 April St Luke’s Tenants & Residents 6pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Road, Beeston Tuesday 19 April Free dog microchipping 11am-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Holbeck Gala committee 7:15pm Ingram Gardens Community Centre Thursday 21 April HUV Planning Consultation 9am-1pm Round Foundry Media Centre, Holbeck Comics Club! 3:15-4:45pm Dewsbury Road Library Saturday 23 April Holbeck Feast Cafe 9-11am Ingram Gardens Community Centre, Holbeck Community Clean Up 10am-1pm St Matthew’s Community Centre, Holbeck Queen & St George Brunch 12-3pm Beeston Parish Centre, Town Street Sunday 24 April BITMO Lunch Club 1-3pm BITMO’s GATE, Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle Maltings Lunch Club 1-3pm Maltings Court, Maltings Road, Beeston The Best of Be Festival 5-6pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Community Meal 5-6:30pm Watsonian Pavilion, Cross Flatts Park Tuesday 26 April The Preston Bill 7-8pm Slung Low Theatre, 67-71 Bath Road, Holbeck Saturday 30 April Charity Football Tournament 8am-8pm Cardinal Square, Beeston
Publicise your event with South Leeds Life Send full details of your event to: info@southleedslife.com or post to: 224 Cross Flatts Grove, Leeds, LS11 7BW
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Website: www.southleedslife.com
April 2016 | South Leeds Life
Arts & Culture 11
Email: info@southleedslife.com
A summer of fun by Alan Shaw
The Friends of Middleton Park run activities every Sunday afternoon from 1 May through to the end of September. We are really excited about our programme of activities this year. We hope that we have managed to achieve a blend of activities and events to ensure that at least some will be of interest to everyone! We have some old favourites back, including at the start of our programme with our Bluebell Walks, and the end with a performance by the Friendly Band. We also have some new events like our special Children's Magic and Mayhem day. Of our larger events, we are again putting on (with the help of Northern Kite Group) a colourful Kite Festival, our Show is back again as big as ever, as is Oddsocks, who are bringing along a steampunk version of Macbeth that sounds crazy! We hope to see you all at our events this year. Remember they are free to all. Anyone willing to help us put events on should contact us through our website www.fomp.co.uk, or Facebook page.
Oddsocks Theatre perform in 2013
Middleton Park highlights 1 & 2 May: Bluebell Walks 21 & 22 May: Kite Festival 5 June: Children’s Magic & Mayhem 12 June: English Civil War 26 June: Air Show 5 July: Macbeth (Oddsocks) 17 July: Rock & Folk Festival 21 August: Dog Show 11 September: Middleton Park Show Find details of all these events at: www.southleedslife.com/events
It’s full steam ahead at Middleton Railway
Middleton Railway started its 2016 operations with three days of trains over the Easter weekend and a chance to see moon dust. The opening weekend at the world’s oldest working railway was just the first in a series of special events for 2016. Through April and May the railway will be linking with Friends of Middleton Park to offer Mining Tales and Trails and the popular Bluebell Walks through the woods above the top station. June will see the return of the model railway exhibition on 18 and 19th. A Steam Punk fair will be held on the first weekend of July followed by a Victorian Gala weekend on 16 and 17 July. There will be more events in the autumn and the season will close with the ever popular Santa Specials. The regular train service runs every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4:30pm. Saturday trains are usually pulled by diesel engines, whilst Sunday services are usually steam. Full details of regular services and special events can be found at: www.middletonrailway.org.uk
Normal Timetable:
Moor Road depart
11:00 11:40 12:20 13:00 14:00 14:40 15:20 16:00
Park Halt
11:08 11:48 12:28 13:08 14:08 14:48 15:28 16:08
Park Halt depart
11:15 11:55 12:35 13:15 14:15 14:55 15:35 16:15
Moor Road
11:25 12:05 12:45 13:25 14:25 15:05 15:45 16:25
Fares:
Adult
Child
Family
Return £5.00
£2.50
£13.00
Single
£1.50
-
£2.50
- Admission to the Engine House is free. - Child tickets apply to children aged between 3 and 15 years inclusive: children aged 2 years or under may travel free, and so may pets. - Family tickets apply to one or two adults, and up to three children.
Photo: Andrew Gill
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South Leeds Life | April 2016
12 Sport
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Hawks lacking consistency South Leeds Golf by Jeremy Morton
March saw the Hunslet Hawks win through to the fifth round of the Challenge Cup, but lose their first three matches in League 1. Hunslet had reason to feel confident as the season proper started. They had produced some good performances in pre-season and had dismantled Barrow in the cup putting 46 points on the board. However the trip over the Pennines to Spotland to face Rochdale Hornets didn’t end well. After a scrappy first half, Hunslet took a 10-14 advantage in at half time. But it was Rochdale who dominated the second half, scoring three tries. Richie Barnett scored his second try of the match for the Hawks, but they were unable to make any further inroads and lost 28-18. A visit to Cumbria on 14 March saw a re-match with Barrow Raiders. This time
Barrow took their revenge for the cup loss. Barrow scored 28 unanswered points in the first half. In form Barnett scored Hunslet’s only try of the match just after half time, but Barrow
replied immediately. Hunslet’s defence held out for a further twenty minutes before Barrow’s last score just before the hooter. The match ended
40-6 in Barrow’s favour. Doncaster visited the South Leeds Stadium on Friday 18 March for a Challenge Cup clash. Hunslet took an early lead and were 10-0 up when
advantage count as Richie Barnett ran in four tries. Hunslet won the match 48-6. The Hawks have drawn Salford Red Devils from the Super League in the fifth round of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup. The match will be played at South Leeds Stadium on Sunday 18 April. It was back to the Kingstone Press League 1 and a visit by the Keighley Cougars on Good Friday (25 March). Hunslet let Keighley go out to a 24 point lead before they clawed their way back into the game, but they left the fightback too late. Ayden Faal scored the first of three Photo: Phoenix Photography Hunslet tries on 58 minutes. He was Doncaster’s Pickets-O’Donnell followed by Matt Carbutt and was sent off after 30 minutes Jack Lee, but it was too little for stamping in the tackle. too late and Keighley held on Hunslet made sure they for a 16-24 win. made their extra man
Level Up Academy brings Parkour to Beeston
Saturday 26 March saw the grand opening of the Level Up Academy in new premises in Beeston. If you’ve heard of Parkour, or Freerunning, you probably associate it with young people jumping from building to building, taking risks and not worrying about trespass or damage. Level Up are keen to stress that the sport has grown up, is much more responsible and is now taught by qualified instructors. The name Parkour comes from the French, parcours du combatant, which translates as obstacle course. “The aim is to get from A to B in the most efficient way” explains Jim Key “Over, under, round and through. We use obstacles such as walls, vaults and bars to mimic the outside world. “Parkour is a movement discipline, using your body to overcome obstacles. It’s about learning what your body is capable of and achieving your potential.” Jim has been practicing Parkour for 12 years and teaching for 7 years. Together with Martin Wan, he set up Level Up Academy as a social enterprise. They secured the
You will find full match reports from all Hawks matches on: www.southleedslife.com
Club is open to the public With the new season starting, South Leeds Golf Club has a clear message: we’re still here and we’re open for members and nonmembers alike. The closure of Middleton Park Golf Course has caused confusion for some people, but there were always two golf courses. South Leeds straddles the Ring Road and has its club house at the end of Gipsy Lane, beyond Cockburn School. Nick is the golf pro, offering coaching for novices and experienced golfers alike. He explains: “The great advantage of being a member is that you can pop in whenever you’ve an hour free, on a summer evening maybe, and play a few holes. You also get a good discount in the bar and the cafe. “But everyone’s welcome to turn up and pay for a round.” Asked why people should take up golf Nick replies: “It’s great exercise - a four mile
walk, plus carrying your clubs and swinging your club to hit a ball. Plus there’s the social side.” Debbie and Tanya have just taken over the cafe. It’s now open Tuesday to Sunday 7am5pm offering teas, snacks and hot meals. “We are keen for this to become a vibrant social space that the whole community uses. “The club are keen to see as many people as possible using the cafe and the function room. We are planning tea dances for the older residents, but we want to get the kids in to. “Our first event is an Elvis tribute night on Saturday 7 May. At £10 a ticket you can’t go wrong!” The cafe certainly makes a welcome stopping off point if you are walking up to Middleton Park from Beeston. It is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city and perfect setting for family celebrations.
We are looking for sports writers. We offer access to matches and training if needed. Email: info@southleedslife.com for more information. South Leeds Golf Club: a tranquil oasis
This Girl Can at the Awards by Amanda Binns
8-16 year olds practice getting over the vault
lease on an industrial unit on the Parkside estate near to the John Charles Centre For Sport earlier this year. They have been transforming it thanks to grants from The Big Lottery and the Inner South Community Committee, plus a loan from the Key Fund. A partnership with Leeds College of Building has seen joinery students gaining valuable experience whilst helping Level Up to build blocks and obstacles. As well as Parkour, Level Up want their space to be used by other sports that struggle to find space in school halls and
sports centre. They have the largest sprung floor in Yorkshire which is already used by White Rose Cheerleaders to practice their gymnastic routines. As well as Parkour and Cheerleading, visitors on Saturday tried their hand at Calisthenics, Kickboxing and Aerial Skills. Level Up Academy is located at Unit 4 Lockwood Court, Beeston, LS11 5TY For more information go to: www.golevelup.co.uk; ‘Go Level Up UK’ on Facebook; or email: hello@golevelup.co.uk.
The Leeds Sports Awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of local sportsmen and women. I was lucky enough to be there as a guest of the “Leeds Girls Can” campaign. The proceedings began with a welcoming speech and the starters were served, quickly followed by the main course. Then the awards began with the young achievers. I was aware that I would be on stage to answer questions about how the Leeds Girls Can campaign had influenced me and the time came all too soon. I was the most scared I had ever been in my life and when the introductions were made I tried to hide my nerves, we walked onto the stage to the tune of “This Girl is on
Fire”. Gill from Leeds Girls Can made a speech about the campaign and introduced me and Tira as examples of the success of the campaign. The adverts that the campaign used showed “normal” women doing a variety of sports, it also encourages women to embrace their differences and to be less self-conscious. When she asked me about how I felt about the adverts I replied that it had shown me that you didn’t have to be tall and skinny to be a runner, the audience loved that. I then went on to say that from nothing, I was now running 3-4 times a week and also racing. I managed to include the 12 races in 12 months that I have embarked on to raise money for Leeds Children’s Hospital. I was very relieved when it was over and
the lovely bouquet that we were presented with was very well received. Following our slot, the seniors received their awards, followed by dessert (the best bit).Amongst the winners were Leeds Corinthians stalwart Dave Blong and two South Leeds-based clubs. Leeds City Athletic Club and City of Leeds Swimming Club Charles Centre for Sport.
Amanda on stage