The Green SceneIssue 41 The newsletter of the Seacroft Green Residents Association Spring 2018

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

1 ELOR: Gala or NO Gala - that is the question!

2 Letters and Emails: STOP PRESS - JUST IN:

3 Committee: Thankyou: Tesco bid: Sgt John Pearson:

4 Men’s Shed: Z is for…: WY Police overhaul:

Newsletter 1

ELOR Road plan moves forward

Following the article (ELOR Progress Report) in the last issue of The Green Scene - we can further report that plans for one of the biggest infrastructure schemes in Leeds have now taken another step forward, after LCC signed off the cost of appointing contractors for phases one and two of the East Leeds Orbital Route.

Leeds City Council has approved plans to spend £14m to kick-start work on the ELOR after four years in the planning.

The 7.5km dual carriageway will run from Redhall to Manston Lane, to support the development of the East Leeds Extension - which includes the major expansion of around 5,000 new homes, as well as retail, leisure and office development at Thorpe Park.

The Council will now award the contract for phase one and two which involves making improvements to the existing A6120 junction of the outer ring road in preparation for the ELOR, and the design development of the ELOR itself.

The whole ELOR scheme has a total estimated cost of £126.95m - to be split between £82.95m from West Yorkshire Combined Authority and £43.68m borrowing by Leeds City Council.

Gala or no Gala?That is the question!

The Seacroft Summer Gala was ‘revived’ in 2007 and then expanded in 2009 to include ‘Sing on the Green’. In 2011, mainly due to bad weather issues, Seacroft Christmas Gala was introduced using the current format of staging the gala across several venues. The galas have been going strong ever since!

But now we really need more help if we are to continue.

Members of the Gala Committee met on 21st February for the AGM and to decide the future of Seacroft Gala. Over several years, numbers on the committee have dwindled to leave just a dedicated few and in spite of trying hard to recruit new members, no new volunteers have come forward.

In addition our longest-serving member Diane Marsden has stepped down after an ‘eventful’ 10 years, having been a member of the gala committee from the very beginning. Diane’s unstinting commitment to the gala’s success has been much appreciated.

Unfortunately, without more help and support with the planning, organisation and running of the gala, the few remaining committee members are now faced with a real dilemma - Gala or no Gala!

Everyone agrees it will be such a shame if this much-anticipated community event has to fold after so long. But what is the answer?

The current committee members have agreed a provisional date for this year’s galas and will try one more time to recruit the necessary ‘person-power’ before making a final decision in March.

If YOU can help in any way, please get in touch by contacting: Joanne at LS14 Trust on 0113 318 0522

or by email at joanne@ls14trust.org

5 Quiz: What a load of rubbish!

6 Surgeries: Suddenly Senior: Chapel FM Awards:

7 Quiz answers: On yer bike: Waste disposal charges:

8 Chapel FM - what’s coming up: Dementia Café:

Leeds Repair Café: Ever wondered why?

Newsletter 2

Newsletter 3

Dear EditorIn the last issue of the newsletter you asked for our views regarding the closure of Killingbeck police station - well here’s mine!

No matter what the Leeds District Commander says, I think that neighbourhood policing is long term ‘dead and buried’! Just when was the last time anyone saw a neighbourhood police officer or PCSO ‘walking the beat’ in Seacroft?

Its ok saying officers need to be “locally based” but relocating them all in the new fire station, with shared accommodation, just goes to show how few officers there are now.

Local’s no good if there isn’t enough officers to do the job in the first place! People want to see their police officers or PCSOs, they want them to be accessible - and not just for half an hour on a Monday morning at the Community Hub!

So in my view, if as the Crime Commissioner says: “The public wants to see front line policing in their area…” then that’s where they should be - on the front line - and to do that we need a lot more of them!

Mr Charles Burton-James - Seacroft

Dear EditorPlease may I say how short-sighted I think it is to close Killingbeck police station. Surely it was built for the purpose of keeping the police local - isn’t that what neighbourhood policing really means?

Having a huge fortress like building on the other side of the city at Elland Road does not help instil local confidence in the force as it clearly removes a lot of our local ‘bobbies’. Just leaving a small number of officers in the fire station to ‘cover’ isn’t really ‘neighbourhood policing’ is it?

I always thought that using ‘local intelligence’ was a great way for the police to collect information about local issues, but that’s ‘out the window’ these days. But things usually go full circle and one day, when the building’s been sold off and pulled down, someone will decide the best way to tackle local crime is to have more local officers and a local police station!

Janice Smith - Seacroft

See page 4 for information re the overhaul of local policing.

Dear EditorI was wondering if the committee had, or anybody else has noticed, the amount of dealing taking place, very openly on the green. I have reported this on at least 3 occasions to the police. Even submitted video evidence and car reg. numbers but nothing seems to be happening and I see this many times a day!

People wait in cars and another car pulls up at the side and they deal through the window and drive off. A number of times they block the road and will not move until the deal is done and if you pap the horn to get them to move you get abuse.

I was wondering if the committee could use their influence with the police to see if anything can be done as I have tried to no avail.

I am a staunch supporter of the residents committee and very happy with the work you carry out and because we are proud of where we live, I don’t want to see this sort of blatant law breaking spoil a beautiful area.

Name and address supplied.

Our response: The committee is very aware of this growing problem and we raised the issue with police officers who attended our last committee meeting. A copy of the above letter, plus other ‘intelligence’ was also passed to the officers.

The visiting PC outlined for us the issues linked to police procedures and any action they can take and we did receive some assurances that more would be done - including more regular and visible patrols and the possibility of plain clothes observations. It was emphasised however, that we all need to keep reporting any observations as the more reports the police receive, the more priority the area is given. 

Therefore we urge all residents to report any dealing they witness by either phoning the 101 number or you can do this online via the WY Police website. You can also visit the Police Contact Point at the Community Hub on a Monday between 10.00am and 10.30am or discuss the issue with your local Ward Councillors. See page 6. for full details of local surgeries.

STOP PRESS - JUST IN The Police announce they will be reinstating the PACT (Police and Community Together) meetings, which is great news! This is another opportunity to talk to a police officer face to face and in confidence.

The first PACT meeting will be held on Wednesday 4th April 2018 - 5.30pm to 6.30pm in the downstairs boardroom at the Seacroft Community Hub at Deacon House, Seacroft.

Letters and emails

Newsletter 4

SEACROFT GREEN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Who’s who on the committee?

Lily Woods Chair 26 The GreenVacant Vice ChairRev. Dominic Mughal Treasurer St James Church Diane Marsden Secretary 49 The GreenKeith Nichols 69 The GreenJanet Cordwell 1053 York RoadMick Firth 5 CourtenaysRoger Berry 51 The GreenSean Hennigan 87 The GreenJohn Wheatley 34 Hansby PlaceLewis Pratt 24 The GreenThelma Sierwald 28 The Green

If you wish to contact the committee you can either ring the Chair on: 0795 1785 845

or alternatively contact the secretary by email at: marsden858@btinternet.com

You can find out more about us at:www.seacroftgreen.org.uk

It’s hard to believe that Christmas has been and gone already and we are now a couple of months into 2018.

We know many of you enjoyed the new coloured lights that we managed to get for the community Christmas tree and we wish to thank Cllr. Catherine Dobson for supporting us with a £100 MICE grant. (Members Improvements in the Community and the Environment)

We would also like to add our thanks to the person or persons unknown who decorated the Christmas tree - not only once, but twice! It was so disappointing that after such a good-will gesture the decorations were ‘taken’ from the tree or simply removed and destroyed. So much for community spirit!

These are some of the comments we received:

“How pretty is the Christmas tree this year? The new coloured lights look stunning.”

“Many thanks to all concerned for organising the big Christmas tree as usual. The coloured lights look very affective and much better than the plain ones.”

“What a shame some people feel they have a right to just take the decorations off the Christmas tree for themselves! So sad for whoever put them on there in the first place.”

Sgt John PearsonYou may recall an article written by Cllr. Catherine Dobson that was featured in The Green Scene some time ago (Issue 31 - 2015) about Sgt John Pearson. Born in Seacroft, John Pearson was the FIRST man to win a Victoria Cross and he had a fascinating life. Therefore, it’s great news that Cllr. Dobson has secured funding to erect a permanent memorial to this brave man.

We hope to bring you more details in the next issue.

Thankyou – Thankyou – ThankyouThe Gala Committee wishes to acknowledge the following organisations for their ongoing support and kind contributions towards the Christmas Gala 2017.

Donations toward community Christmas tree: Seacroft Grange Care Village Seacroft Green Residents Association

Sponsorship of small Christmas trees: Chapel FM Leeds14 Trust Space2 Seacroft Green Residents Association

Christmas Gala mince pies: Samantha from Tesco Stacey from Aldi

Without this generous support, last year’s Gala would not have been the success it was.

We counted on you!We are delighted that our Gala grant application to the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, which was chosen for community voting in stores during November and December last year, came an impressive second!

This means that thanks to all the folk who used their ‘little blue counters’ to vote for us - we have won a very welcome £2,000 towards the 2018 Gala.

Let us hope the galas will continue otherwise this money will have to be returned! See page 1 for more information.

Provisional gala dates for 2018Summer Gala, Saturday 7th July 12.00 - 4.00pm

Christmas Gala, Saturday 8th December 2.30pm - 4.30pm.

Newsletter 5

Z is for… Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Leeds - which opened in Burley on July 18th 1840

The opening of the gardens which cost 6d a visit, sparked controversy because they opened on a Sunday!

Traditionalists at the time argued that Sunday should be respected as a day of rest and that the gardens should have remained closed. However, the editor of the radical Leeds Times, Dr Samuel Smiles, took the opposing view that Sunday was an ideal time for the ‘working classes’ to visit them, there being little other opportunity during the week.

This then was part of a wider discussion about civil and religious liberty which was being had at the time. Eventually a compromise was agreed and the gardens opened from 4pm to sunset on Sundays!

The gardens, designed by Edward Davies, were full of exotic plants and flowers and included two ponds and a fountain. The animals on show included a bear, an eagle, a racoon and several monkeys. Hot air balloon rides were even held here!

Unfortunately, the ‘zoo’ and the gardens were short-lived and in December 1848, having not attracted the numbers needed, were forced to close. By 1890, the land had been sold off for development, with expensive mansions built on the site.

However, you can to this day still see the bear pit, which is the only remaining part of the zoo and is situated on Cardigan Road in Leeds.

WY Police Force to undergo overhaul of local policing

An overhaul of neighbourhood policing across West Yorkshire is set to take place this spring.

A report prepared for the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel details the essential role of our neighbourhood policing teams (NPTs) as the county’s force aims to shore up what is considered to be the ‘bedrock’ of its work.

The report said: “Maintaining effective neighbourhood policing under the current structures has become increasingly difficult, due to increased demand for service as well as budget reductions, resulting in neighbourhood PCs and PCSOs being routinely used to assist with call demand. (i.e. manning the 999 and 101 call centre). This not only lessons viability within communities but also has a knock on effect of limiting time for engagement, problem solving, prevention and early intervention.”

Under the new model, 120 extra neighbourhood posts will be created across the force and a minimum of three teams will be formed in each NPT area to ensure early and late shift cover is available in communities daily.

In the Leeds district there will be six larger neighbourhood policing areas instead of the current 11 which are smaller. These will be North West NPT; West NPT; South NPT; East NPT; North East NPT and City NPT.

Each will consist of an inspector overseeing a minimum of three sergeant-led teams of PCs, PCSOs and Special Constables and volunteers. The report states that this should allow frontline officers to focus on their work in communities.

(Wakefield will have three areas, with six in Bradford, four in Kirklees and two in Calderdale).

However, it also notes that potential risks include a reduction in call handling performance in some areas, staff resistance to change, the effect of change on morale and the impact on other force programmes for change.

Expanding neighbourhood teams could also leave separate patrol teams with too many student officers, the report said. But it also sets out the measures which will be taken to mitigate any potential risks.

The proposed date for implementation of the new model is March 26th 2018.

Men’s Shed ---- Mayfield farm Are you a man with time on your hands? Do you have a practical hobby or interest but no

space to pursue it? Would you like to come and join us at Men’s

Shed?

Men’s Shed at Mayfield Farm is affiliated to Men’s Shed UK. If you would like further information on the days and times the Men’s Shed is available – please contact Keith on 07421307619.

Newsletter 6

Quarterly QuizMovie Numbers

The following movies all have numbers in their titles. Can you fill in the blanks?

1. The Magnificent _____ (1960)

2. The _____ Steps (1935 and 1959)

3. _____ Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

4. The _____ Year Old Virgin (2005)

5. Zero Dark _____ (2012)

6. _____ First Dates (2004)

7. _____ Hour Party People (2002)

8. Gone in _____ Seconds (2000)

9. The Taking of Pelham _____ (2009)

10. _____ Angry Men (1957)

11. _____ Days Later (2002)

12. _____ Men and a Baby (1987)

13. _____ A Space Odyssey (1968)

14. _____ to _____ (1980)

15. The _____ Year Itch (1955)

16. _____ Jump Street (2012)

17. _____ Days of Summer (2009)

18. _____ Things I Hate About You (1999)

19. District _____ (1999)

20. _____ Hours (2010)

Some are easier than others. If you can’t get them all, then check out the answers on page 7.

Limericks make us laugh!

A dog from North Seacroft called PatchSat down on a tree stump to scratch;But he found that a flea,Was not one, but threeAnd the first of a very large batch!

What a load of rubbish!Ever wondered - what actually happens to the household rubbish you leave out in your black bin or bag every other week?

Well let me tell you!Once collected by the bin men, all ‘black bin’ waste is taken to the Leeds Recycling and Energy Recovery Facility (RERF) in the Cross Green area of Leeds on Newmarket Approach, LS9 0RJ.

The RERF is in part, a giant incinerator and has been in use since 2015 when all black bin waste was redirected there - saving Leeds City Council millions of pounds a year in land-fill tax. The RERF is run on behalf of LCC by the company VEOLIA and it is here that the waste is processed.

Once all the waste enters the building it is put through several different processes to obtain as much recyclable material as it can. Any useful waste paper; metals and plastics are removed via a variety of drums, magnets and laser blowers - which can detect the different types of plastic, paper etc. These recyclable materials are bailed up or pulped before being sent to other companies and are then used in making items such as cardboard bed pans for hospitals or plastic laminates. Nothing that can be saved is wasted!

The remaining waste is then shredded and dumped in a huge collecting bay where the ‘giant claw’ lifts it before dropping it load by load, into the incinerator. Fascinating to watch!

The incinerator burns 24/7 at an extremely high temperature to kill off any bacteria and reduce the waste to re-usable ash. The powerful incinerator creates heat and steam which is used to drive turbines that generate enough electricity to service 22,000 homes. This power is then fed in to the national grid.

All the ash created by the burning is stored outside in a huge ‘Telly Tubby’ style hanger and this then goes off to make hard-core and aggregates for breeze blocks and road building. So everything from your black bin waste is used!

The whole process is quite complex but extremely interesting and the above is really only a summary. But you can always go and visit the RERF yourself and take the free guided tour.

You can visit as a group or book on to a tour by contacting RERF on: 0203 567 8430 or emailing

at: leeds.enquiries@veolia.co.ukThe web page is: www.veolia.com.uk/leeds

Newsletter 7

Ward CouncillorsLocal Surgeries

Cllr. Graham Hyde Labourgraham.hyde@leeds.gov.uk

Cllr. Brian Selby Labourbrian.selby@leeds.gov.uk

Kentmere Community Centre, Kentmere Avenue, Seacroft LS14 1BW.2nd and 4th Tuesday 7.00pm to 8.00pmCouncillors - in rotation.

Seacroft Community Hub, Deacon HouseEvery Saturday 11.00am to 12.00 noonCouncillors - in rotation.

Denis Healey Centre, Foundry Mill Street, Seacroft LS14 6RDEvery Wednesday 7.00pm to 8.00pmCouncillor Hyde only.

Cross Gates Library, Farm Road, LS15 7LB2nd and 4th Thursday 6.00pm to 6.45pmCouncillors - in rotation.

Cllr. Catherine Dobson Independentcatherine.dobson@leeds.gov.uk Seacroft Community Hub, Deacon House

Every Friday 1.00pm to 2.00pm

Cross Gates Library, Farm Road, LS15 7LB2nd and 4th Saturdays 11.00am to 12.00 noon

Suddenly SeniorIt happens to us all!

A couple in their late 60s are getting ready for bed. The wife is undressing in front of the full-length mirror and taking a long hard look, she says to her husband

“You know when I look into the mirror I see my face has wrinkles galore, my boobs have gone south, my bingo wings are big enough to take off with and my bum is starting to look like an old saddle.”

She adds - “Please darling, tell me just one positive thing about my body so I can feel good about myself.”

Her husband looks critically at her for some time and says in soft and thoughtful voice -

“Well dear there is one thing that’s in good nick - there is absolutely nothing wrong with your eyesight!”

Chapel FMAwards all round…We are really proud to be able to tell you that Chapel FM attended the 5th Child Friendly Leeds Awards recently and were judged to be the best in the city for ‘Inspiring Creativity through Arts and Culture’ and we were only too happy to accept the award!

This recognition comes hot on the heels of our selection as one of only ten ‘Arts Awards Good Practice Centres’ in the country and we recently received another batch of certificates from Trinity College London to award to another 34 young people, their Bronze Arts Award qualifications.

Of course all this doesn’t stop us from being happy to see anyone who comes to Chapel FM, whatever their age! We always have something going on to suit everyone and you can see all the details on our brand new shiny Chapel FM Website which has all the information you could ever want as well as being the perfect way to listen to any of our East Leeds FM community radio programmes. The new website makes it easier to listen on your mobile phone or tablet too.

OPEN DAY at Chapel FMSaturday 24th March 2018

2.00pm to 5.00pm

Our open day is coming soon and we invite you to pop down between 2.00pm and 5.00pm to find out more about what exactly goes on in Chapel FM.

On the day you will be able to: Get involved with various creative workshops. Find out about our training opportunities for

young people and adults - in music, singing, broadcasting, theatre, journalism, creative writing and more.

Talk to staff about volunteering and find out more - from our tech crew to front of house volunteers or our allotment and cooking groups.

See what’s on in the coming months and you can experience a gig in the beautiful radio theatre as part of the Youth Music - Give a Gig.

Spread the word - bring family and friends!

Rebekah says: “Chapel FM - it’s the place to try new things.”

For more information you can contact Fuzzy Jones our Centre Manager on 0113 2255 944 or email us at info@chapelfm.co.uk

For more about what’s coming up please go to page 8.

Newsletter 8

Quarterly Quiz – answersMovie Numbers

1. Seven2. 393. Four4. 405. Thirty6. 507. 248. Sixty9. 1 2 310. 1211. 2812. Three13. 200114. Nine to Five15. Seven16. 2117. 50018. 1019. 920. 127

INTRODUCINGWaste Disposal Charges

Due to financial pressures, Leeds City Council is no longer able to cover the full cost of disposal of certain types of waste that is not considered to be ‘regular’ household waste - this includes building materials such as general rubble, hard-core, soil, ceramics, plasterboard and tyres.

As from February 2018 charges will now apply at all Leeds Household Waste Recycling sites for the disposal of the following:

Rubble / hard-core / soil including: Slates and roof tiles Sand, gravel, pebbles, stones Soil and clay Cement, mortar, rendering Concrete Tarmac Breeze blocks, bricks Paving slabs

Plasterboard / gypsum related products: Plasterboard sheets Ceiling roses Bags of plaster Coving

Ceramics: Sanitary ware - toilet, cistern, shower tray, sink Belfast-style sink Ceramic wall/floor tiles Earthenware drains, sewer pipes

Tyres: A maximum of four tyres can be taken per visit

at a charge of £1.50 each.

Charges will vary depending on the item or number of items and will cost anything from £2.60 for a single item to £28.00 for up to six x 25 litre bags or the equivalent.

To dispose of any of the above you will need to see a member of the site staff before unloading so they can assess the quantity and confirm the cost.

Payments can be made using debit or credit cards but cash and cheques will not be accepted. All charges MUST be paid in full prior to disposal of the waste. In addition, you will need to clearly display your Leeds Resident Permit in order to access the waste site.

If you haven’t got a permit, you can apply for one at:www.leeds.gov.uk/recyclingsitepermits

21 500 Three

How well did you do?

Did you get them all?

Well done, if you got them all without

cheating!

If you have a similar fun quiz, why not send

it to us and we will share it with all our

readers.

Sixty 9 Seven

ON YER BIKE!

Following several complaints from local residents regarding motorbikes being ridden in an antisocial and potentially dangerous manner along the footpath linking York Road, Church Close and the Hansby’s - and after consulting with residents and conducting a site visit with officers - it was agreed that the best solution would be to install a staggered metal barrier at this location.

I am pleased to say I have recently secured funding for this and the order for the work to be carried out has been submitted. The work should be carried out in the near future.

Councillor Catherine Dobson

See page 6.for details of Ward Councillor’s surgeries.

A couple had been courting for nearly 20 years. As they sat together on a park bench, she plucked up the courage and asked “Isn’t it time we got married?” He looked at her thoughtfully and replied - “Aye lass, but who’d ‘ave us?”

Newsletter 9

Newsletter 10

Chapel FMHere’s what’s coming up….

MARCH 2nd BLIND DEAD McJONES presents: A night of

blues and much more. Headlined by the Birds and Beasts.

9th SISTERHOOD: Four fantastic singer-songwriters from Leeds who love to perform and collaborate.

10th PUTTING THE BAND BACK TOGETHER: Part riotous gig. Part tender storytelling by Unfolding Theatre.

15th - 18th WRITING ON AIR: Chapel FM’s very own broadcast literature festival with the theme of Borderland.

23rd SHARKEY III: Chris will be presenting new work created with the Chapel FM Jazz Collective.

24th OPEN DAY - see page 6 for more details. 30th OPEN MIC NIGHT

APRIL 7th THE ORCHID & THE WASP: A special trip to

the Sage in Gateshead for the premiere of Sharkey’s new work.

13th CHAPEL FM JAZZ COLLECTIVE presents: Our resident band hosts an evening of live performances from a range of artists.

20th THE DAMNED UNITED: West Yorkshire Playhouse & Red Ladder theatre-company, bring to life the beauty and brutality of football - the working man’s ballet!

27th OPEN MIC NIGHT 29th MORE THAN A MOUTHFUL: at 2pm. The

Commoner’s Choir return to Chapel FM - this time with a chef and songs on the theme of food!

Ever wondered why….?

Ever wondered why, when writing, capital letters are known as ‘upper case’ letters, whilst all others are known as ‘lower case’?

Well - the terminology relates to the process of printing in the days long before computers were invented. In ‘bye gone’ days all printing was done on old fashioned ‘printing press’ machines.

A person known as the ‘type-setter’ had to first arrange, by hand all the information that was to be printed. This was done by setting out metal letters in wooden blocks - letter by letter and row by row!

To make it easier for the type-setter, all the capital letters were stored close to hand in the ‘upper case’ and all the rest below, in the ‘lower case’.

The blocks would then be arranged in the appropriate order so that the whole page could be inked over and then ‘pressed’ - hence the phrase ‘going to press’.

So now you know!

LEEDS REPAIR CAFÉTuesday 13th March - 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Leeds repair Café has been running in the city for two years. It is part of an international movement which began in Amsterdam in 2009 - and we are bringing it to Seacroft!

The rationale is that it’s much better to repair than throw away - it’s good to learn new skills and it’s good to save money!

Cllr. Catherine Dobson has arranged for a guest Repair Café in Seacroft and it will be held at St. James Church on 13th March - so if you have any items for repair please come along AND if you are good at ‘fixing things’ and could spare a little of your time to help, you will be very welcome. Or just pop along to see what it’s all about and join us for a cup of tea!

Cllr. Dobson says: “I am really grateful to Rev. Dominic Mughal and all at the church for supporting this community event.”

Dementia Café@ Seacroft Grange Care Village

Do you have or are you supporting someone with dementia? Did you know that there’s local support available in the form of our “Hug in a Mug” dementia café at the Bistro inside Seacroft Grange Care Village?

Come along and join us in a friendly atmosphere where you will be guaranteed a warm welcome. You can do activities if you want or just enjoy a cuppa and a chat. Simply ask for Iria or Angie at reception.  

The dementia café is open once a month on the following dates: 27th Mar: 24th Apr: 29th May: 26th June: from 2.00pm - 4.00pm and costs £2 per person. There will be chatting, smiles and laughter - so come on down.

Please note: Our friendly Bistro is open every day to residents and non-residents from 9.00am until 3.30pm serving fresh coffees, teas sandwiches and cakes.