The Green SceneIssue 44 The newsletter of the Seacroft Green Residents Association Winter 2018

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E 1 Christmas Gala: Can’t see the wood for the trees!

2 Can’t see the wood … continued: Chapel FM:

3 Committee: Community Christmas tree: PACT mtg:

4 Quiz: Cross Gates: Carol Service: Creative Cultures:

5 Vishing, Smishing and Phishing: Spice it up for Xmas:

6 Seacroft Scroll: Skelton Grange: Community matters:

7 Students clean up: Food Bank: Guide: Saturday Café:

8 Answers: Wellbeing Champions: Books for Christmas:

Newsletter 1

SEACROFT CHRISTMAS GALA Saturday 8th December 2018

2.30pm to 4.30pmSeacroft Christmas Gala will once again be held across four venues - St James Church; Seacroft Village Hall; Seacroft Methodist Hall and Chapel FM.

The festivities start at 2.30pm in St James Church with Christmas Carols - so come and join in the singing, along with our fabulous community brass band.

Santa will be in residence in the church grotto and the Parish Café will be selling light refreshments and scrummy cakes.

The Village Hall and Methodist Hall will have Christmas craft stalls and Tombola’s - and the kids can have their faces painted in Chapel FM, where there will be free mulled wine, mince pies and hot chocolate for the children.

The above are just some of the activities available.

As is now a well-established local tradition, Chapel FM will also launch their annual 24 hour Musicathon at 3.00pm - thus bringing us performances and music all through the night until 3.00pm on the Sunday.

Find out more on page 2.Can’t see the wood for the trees? Continued from page 1

Can’t see the wood for the trees?

Early in October some activity took place on the land adjacent to the Recovery Hub - known locally as ‘the hill’. We were informed that ‘soil sampling’ was being carried out on behalf of Leeds City Council.

Since then, there have been many rumours circulating that the land is to be cleared of trees and used as an additional plot for future house building, alongside the re-development of Seacroft Crescent.

Although only rumours, several residents did voice their concerns to the association and so we took the matter up with our local ward councillors and LCC.

In our correspondence we asked for some formal clarification about the future use of the land and written assurances that the trees will remain - and that this small pocket of land would not be developed.

We are pleased to report that we have received a response from LCC addressing all the points we raised, these being:

The trees are a useful barrier to local residents re noise/activity on Brooklands Avenue.

The integrity of the village green and surrounding green spaces needs to be protected.

The probability that any development would lead to the removal of the bollards offering through access to/from Brooklands Avenue.

The possibility that any development would have direct access on to the road leading to the Recovery Hub and therefore The Green.

The area has several semi-mature trees and acts as a small wild-life habitat.

The information that follows on page 2 is quoted directly from the lengthy feedback we received from Leeds City Council.

Seasons Greetings to all our readers

Newsletter 2

Newsletter 3

“We are currently in the process of doing site surveys and investigations on a number of sites including Seacroft Crescent and the surveys look at things like existing trees and amenity space plus environmental and ecological factors.”

“The site/land at Seacroft Crescent is one of a number of sites around the city that are being considered for potential new council housing. The land is allocated for potential housing in the Council’s Site Allocations Plan. The SAP was consulted on in the summer and no objections were received as part of that process.”

“Colleagues from Highways have visited the site - and they have confirmed there is no intention of altering or removing the bollards at the Brooklands Avenue and Bailey’s Lane junction.”

“In terms of potential access routes into this site (Seacroft Crescent) Highways have considered this and the most appropriate access route for any potential new homes would be via Brooklands Avenue. The Council appreciates that the Recovery Hub benefits from a level of privacy in its current configuration and we would expect any potential development of land to seek to retain this. Based on our initial surveys we would not envisage any type of access, vehicular or pedestrian, between the Hub and the site in question.”

“The sloped land facing the village green that is

populated by trees is outside of the site that is being considered for housing.”

“The area comprises semi-mature and mature trees and hedge planting. It is well managed, has good amenity value and appears to have a good life span for the future. Any proposals to develop the site would be expected to retain / protect and enhance this area.”

All things taken into consideration, this is a great result! Whilst LCC are planning to re-develop the land on Seacroft Crescent, there are no plans to bring that re-development down towards the village green. Therefore, we hope that any circulating rumours are now well and truly quashed!

We would like to thank Councillor David Jenkins and Wendy Myers - LCC Project Manager (Council Housing Growth) for their prompt attention to our correspondence.

If anyone would like a copy of the full feedback, please get in touch with the secretary. All committee contact details can be found on page 3.

December 2018 Sat. Sun. 8th / 9th The Chapel Musicathon:

24 hours of music - all live, all local, nonstop! Come and get involved in the 9th year of the Musicathon mayhem from 3.00pm on Saturday to 3.00pm on Sunday.

Friday 14th KATHRYN STURMAN and friends:A night of classical music for Christmas - with Carols included.

Friday 28th Festive OPEN MIKE NIGHT: Your last chance this year…all welcome!

January - July 2019Our popular Next Generation Broadcasting and Music courses will be starting in January. Book yourself a place now.

All courses cost just £30 (subsidies are available for students from the Leeds East and Bishop Young Academies)

For more information or to book a place on any of the courses, contact the Centre on 0113 2255944 or fill in a booking form on the Chapel FM website.

Welcomes…Tony Macaluso has been appointed as Co-Director at Chapel FM and he will be working ‘in tandem’ with Adrian Sinclair.

Tony came to Leeds with his family this summer - all the way from Chicago in the US. Half a year ago he was directing a radio network that creates arts programmes for stations around the world and guiding a large oral history archive project.

Now - having started on the 1st November, Tony is soaking up the history and culture of East Leeds, learning about Chapel FM (and even drinking Yorkshire tea we are told!) whilst talking to staff, volunteers and participants etc. about the visions for the future.

SGRA also welcomes Tony to the community that is Seacroft and wish him every success in his new position. Perhaps a guide book on the Yorkshire dialect may come in useful? We think he’s going to need it!

To find out more, check out the Chapel FM website at: www.chapelfm.co.uk

Newsletter 4

SEACROFT GREEN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Who’s who on the committee?

Lily Woods Chair 26 The GreenMick Firth Vice Chair 5 CourtenaysRev. Dominic Mughal Treasurer St James Church Diane Marsden Secretary 49 The GreenJanet Cordwell 1053 York Road Sean Hennigan 87 The GreenKelly Murtagh 7. The GreenKeith Nichols 69 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

Resignation:John Wheatley - one of our longest-serving members, has now stepped down from the residents’ association committee.

John has been a loyal member of our committee since its inception over 11 years ago and we would like to express our thanks and appreciation to him.

John’s support and commitment to ‘the cause’ has been unstinting over the years and we are so very grateful for all the hard work he has put in on our behalf - especially to the litter picking. It’s fair to say that in the past, without John and his trusty litter tongs and white bags, the village green would have looked a much untidier place!

All of us on the committee send our very best wishes to John on his ‘retirement’ and hope he will take this opportunity to ‘put his feet up’ a bit more.

Committee:Unfortunately, John’s resignation leaves us with yet another vacancy on the committee, bringing the number of places now available to five.

The residents’ association committee is made up of local residents who want to support their community. If YOU are interested in joining us, we would love to have you. For more information on what being a member entails, you can contact either the Chair or the Secretary using the contact details above.

Community Christmas Tree

This year the Community Christmas Tree is costing a whopping £1,000 plus! This is a lot of money we know, but the tree has become a central part of the Christmas Gala where everyone gathers together at the end of the event to sing Carols and to pass on our seasonal best wishes to friends and neighbours.

The tree also serves as a real community symbol and focal point at this time of year which helps to remind us all that we are part of a community - and one we should be very proud of.

Of course, trying to find this amount of money on an annual basis is not an easy task and as this task now falls to the Gala Committee, we are hoping that local people and/or community groups and organisations will support them with donations towards the cost of the community tree.

So far, pledged donations have been received from:

Seacroft Grange Care Village Enterprise Car Hire Seacroft Green Residents Association Local Ward Councillors - MICE Grant

A huge vote of thanks goes to all the above for their generous contribution and ongoing support.

If YOU would like to contribute - you can either, write a cheque, made payable to Seacroft Gala and send it to - Seacroft Gala c/o LS14 Trust, 45-47 Ramshead Hill, LS14 1BT - and/or put cash in an envelope, add your name and seal it, then pass it on to any member of the residents association committee and we will

The next PACT meeting will be:Wednesday 5th December 2018

5.30pm @ The Community Hub, Deacon House

This is your chance to meet face to face with our local neighbourhood policing officers and/or PCSOs to discuss any concerns regarding ant-social behaviour and/or crime in the area.

To report any criminal behaviour - contact the police on the 101 number - or do this online.

To report anything in total confidence you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Newsletter 5

Your Quarterly Quiz for ChristmasSLIVER and GOLD

Here’s a clue! All the answers to these quiz questions have links to silver and gold! Some are easy, some not quite so. If you get stuck, you can check out the answers on page 8.

1. Which film company produced the classic musicals ‘Singing in the Rain’ and ‘The Wizard of Oz’?

2. In which film did Pierce Brosnan make his debut as James Bond?

3. Which BBC newsreader and ‘Strictly’ contestant was born in Chigwell, Essex on 4th August 1970?

4. To which long-running American sit-com was ‘Thank You for being a Friend’ the theme tune?

5. Which American actress was born Caryn Elaine Johnson on 13th November 1955?

6. Which racing circuit hosted the British Grand Prix for the first time in 1948?

7. Which synth duo recorded these hit albums ‘Supernature’ - ‘Sevenths Tree’ - ‘Tales of Us’?

8. Who is the famous American mother of actress Kate Hudson?

9. Ewan McGregor starred alongside Christian Bale in which 1998 film set in the world of 1970s glam rock?

10. What is the gorilla-inspired nickname of darts champion Tony O’Shae?

11. In which Australian state is there a city called Gold Coast?

12. Musician Damon Albarn, artist Damien Hirst and fashion designer Mary Quant all spent time at which London educational institution?

13. Which American actress/comedian provided the voice of Vanellope von Schweetz in the 2012 animated movie ‘Wreck-it Ralph’?

14. Norrin Radd is the alter ego of which comic book super hero?

15. Daniel Craig starred alongside Nicole Kidman in which 2007 fantasy adventure film?

16. In which American state is the Golden Gate Bridge situated?

Send us your ideas for a similar quiz to share with others.

Cross GatesArndale Centre Development

The Arndale Centre in Cross Gates has for some time, been the subject of rumours that it is to close. We are pleased to report that it has now been confirmed that the Centre will remain open and is to be re-developed.

Councillor Peter Gruen (Ward member for Cross Gates & Whinmoor) said: “The announcement that the owners of the Cross Gates Arndale Centre are going to invest heavily to enhance the ‘shopping experience’ of customers is very welcome. It is very timely because for some time rumours have spread around the area about its future and this significant financial and business commitment should now put paid to such unhelpful doubts.”

Community Christmas Carol Service

St James Church, The Green, SeacroftSunday 16th December

@ 6.00pm – all welcome

CREATIVE CULTURESCelebrating cultures and language through

creativity.

Leeds Playhouse has run lots of creative and social projects with older adults over many years. We are launching a brand new project, funded by ‘Time to Shine’, in three different community hubs: Touchstone Support Centre, Harehills Seacroft Grange Care Village Bistro, Seacroft Leeds Playhouse, Leeds City Centre

We are inviting older adults to join us and meet other people in a series of creative activities.

Do you like listening to or making music?Have you always wanted to try writing poetry?Would you like to meet new people and have a

chat over a cup of tea?

Whether you have experience or not, you will be really welcome. Come along and see what you think. We would especially like to encourage older adults who speak English as an additional language, or who have more than one cultural experience, not just British.

If you would like to get involved or to know more, please contact: Maggie De Ruyck on 0113 213 7296 or at maggie.deruyck@leedsplayhouse.org.uk

Newsletter 6

Vishing, Smishing and Phishing Phone scams:Fraud over the phone - or ‘vishing’, as it’s called - is when a fraudster calls claiming to be from your bank or another trusted organisation - often under the pretence there has been fraud on your account. It can be all too easy for them to convince you since they can fake the telephone numbers on the screen and do research to find your basic bank and personal details! Remember though, a genuine bank will NEVER ask for your personal financial details, PIN number or password over the phone.

Text message scams:A text might not always be from who you think it is and ‘smishing’ is when fraudsters pretend a message is from your bank. Again they will probably say your account has been subject to fraud and ask you to deal with it by calling a number they provide or visiting a fake website to update your personal details. DON’T do it! Any data you enter will be used by the fraudsters to access your account.

Online fraud:Online fraud covers everything from online shopping to online banking, so take the time to prevent it by installing security software and updates most banks and browsers offer. These can help to protect you whether the fraudster is trying to dupe you with fake pop-ups in your online banking window, sending you ‘scam alert’ messages that hide malware, or faking retailer websites to make you input your financial details.

Email scams:Fraudsters also try ‘phishing’ by contacting you by email, usually saying you need to verify or update some details to re-activate an account. Always be suspicious of unsolicited emails that are supposedly from your bank or other trusted organisations because the logo and address can easily be faked. NEVER automatically click on any links they contain or open an attachment sent by someone you don’t know and always delete any suspicious emails immediately to avoid downloading a virus.

If you become a victim:If you think there has been fraud on your card or bank account, or if you suspect someone has attempted to compromise your financial details, report it to your bank immediately.

To report fraud you can contact Action Fraud online at: www.actionfraud.police.ukor by telephone on: 0300 123 2040

Stay safe from ‘vishing’, ‘smishing’ and ‘phishing’!

Spice it up for Christmas

Nutritionist Rob Hudson tells us that - spices are more than just a tasty addition to our festive cooking - by adding any of these five spices you will help to provide health benefits too!

Cinnamon: This well known spice is thought to help lower blood sugar levels by interfering with certain digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates in the digestive tract. Studies also show that it may have beneficial effects on blood markers in those with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon is also loaded with polyphenols, which act as antioxidants in the body, protecting it from oxidative damage. It also acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory which is useful as chronic inflammation can contribute to long-term disease and damage body tissues.

Cloves:Clove oil has traditionally been used to help numb the pain of toothache but cloves also contain antioxidant compounds, which can stop or delay damage to cells, which in turn can ward off signs of ageing. In addition, cloves are thought to contain antimicrobial properties that may stop the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria.

Star Anise:Star anise is an excellent source of iron and great for supporting the production of healthy red blood cells - a key nutrient for women going through the menopause. Research has shown Star Anise is useful for its antibacterial properties, in particular its capacity to help with infections of the stomach. It has also been traditionally used to help with conditions such as sore throats and coughs.

Nutmeg:Traditionally used to promote good digestion as well as treating diarrhoea, nutmeg is also thought to have antibacterial properties. Some traditional remedies use this spice to support good oral health. It is a good source of magnesium, helping to support bone health and the conversion of food into energy.

Ginger:Ginger is renowned for its role in easing nausea - such as morning sickness in pregnant women and it may also be useful for women who suffer severe menstrual pain. Ginger is also thought to speed up the emptying of the stomach helping people with chronic indigestion.

We do not advocate replacing prescribed medicines with any of the above. Always consult your doctor if in doubt.

Newsletter 7

The Seacroft ScrollThe Seacroft Scroll is a collection of stories and reflections from local residents who have worked together over the course of a year to delve into the area’s heritage and history.

The scroll has been developed by artists from the 365LeedsStories project in response to a request from Simon Hilton, head-teacher at Beechwood Primary School. It has been produced in partnership with children and staff from Beechwood and Seacroft Grange primary schools and librarians from Leeds Library and Information Services.

To view the scroll, go to: www.365leedsstories.org

We are advised that 500 copies of the scroll will be free to give away and some will be available at the Christmas Gala on 8th December 2019. Editor.

Community Matters YorkshireWe are a voluntary organisation set up in 2010 to support local communities, individuals and organisations across Yorkshire and Humber by providing training, learning, advice and information.

Community Matters (Yorkshire) offers a number of support services to organisations wishing to apply for external funding.

Working with local communities:CM(Y) offers a range of direct services working with communities. Some of our past projects have included specialist family learning, a recent financial literacy project with primary school children in East Leeds as well as a number of creative projects for both children and families.

To find out more you can visit us at:www.community –matters.org.uk

Or alternatively contact us on: Telephone 0113 450 4866

Volunteer at Skelton GrangeEnvironment Centre

Do you want to make a difference for wildlife, or get some fresh air and exercise, or learn new skills while meeting others and having fun? If the answer is YES there are loads of ways to get involved.

We offer highly valued environmental education and conservation volunteer officer traineeships, with lots of work experience and training to share your skills and maybe get you ‘kick started’ in a new career.

We can organise company volunteering days for your company and work colleagues to build team skills and contribute to your local community.

We have regular volunteering days on Mondays and Fridays for individuals to join in and help out. Our Green Gym sessions have a health focus with gentle outdoor activity, followed by a simple lunch, whilst Green Team is a longer session with a range of conservation tasks. These events are free, and all over 18s are welcome.

Green Gym - every Monday 10.45am - 2.30pmGreen Team - every Friday 9,30am - 3.30pm

You don’t need experience - just enthusiasm! Check out our website for event details, what you need to bring and how to find us.

www.tcv.org.uk/skeltongrange

Ever wondered how …..?Have you ever wondered how Briggate in Leeds got its name? Well let us tell you.

Medieval Leeds was originally divided by the River Aire. With mills and river traffic booming, a wool cloth market operated at what we now know as Leeds Bridge. The area around The Calls became a kind of port for loading and off-loading goods.

In the 17th century, as Leeds became the heart of the West Riding wool trade a medieval bridge was built across the River Aire. The river crossing led directly to an area based around 13th century building plots which were situated on either side of a wide road. This road was originally called Bridge Gate - Gate being an old Norse word for street and which over many years evolved into Briggate. So now you know!

Some additional information:Leeds Bridge was rebuilt in 1870/73 by W.H. Barlow to a design by T. Dyne Steel and the iron was cast by John Butler of Stanningley. The balustrade features rings and flowers and the side has the Corporation of Leeds coat of arms depicting crowned owls and a fleece. This historic river crossing is now grade II listed.

If you have an interesting fact that we could use as part of our Ever wondered…? Series - then do send it in. Ed.

Newsletter 8

Students help clean upBack in October, Alex Davison aged 16 and a former student of Leeds East Academy, won high praise after a bus driver posted his picture on Facebook.

Alex spent more than an hour clearing up broken glass after vandals smashed three bus shelters near his home on South Parkway. Alex said he was concerned that children might be hurt with all the glass around.

Following this, a few days later a group of students from the school took part in a clean-up event in conjunction with LCC at the parade of shops on South Parkway, known locally as ‘Black’s Shops’.

The young people at the Academy had been ‘shocked’ at just how much litter had accumulated and eight students turned up at the shops with their litter pickers, gloves, bags and a power washer, to clean up the area.

A student spokesperson said: “After Alex had cleaned up the glass other students commented on how much litter there was locally and how the area was beginning to look neglected. We were then encouraged to do something about it and we came up with the plan of a clean-up day”

The students wore special Community Transformation hoodies as they worked to clean up their community.

Members of the public were very impressed with the students’ efforts and one passer-by at the time said:“It is so nice to see the young people doing something so positive - they are a credit to their families and their school.”

Leeds East Principle Sarah Carrie said: “The passion the students have for making a difference is infectious. It is wonderful to see them demonstrating such exceptional leadership skills which benefit others.”

Thanks, to the YEP for printing such a great ‘good news’ story which we thought was well worth another telling. Editor.

Second Saturday CaféSecond Saturday of each month at The Barn,

Mayfield Farm, 69 The Green, Seacroft.

This year we have collected over £320 in donations for local good causes and the charities or organisations to have benefitted are listed as follows:

British Legion Poppy Appeal Cross Gates Night Shelter Swan Song - Ben Buddy Slack Mind Leeds Deaf and Blind Institute Yorkshire Cancer Research Heart Research Guide / Assistance Dogs Association

We would like to thank everyone who has attended and supported the Café throughout the year and for their very generous donations to these good causes.

IN THE BARNwhich was held in October - raised £145 for the Guide Dogs / Assistance Dogs Association - thanks to everyone who contributed their ‘art’ and to all the generous folk who put in their bids.

“Thank you to everyone who supported Art in the Barn to help raise funds for the Guide Dogs. Each Guide Dog now costs £5,000 to buy/train and the £145 will go towards our current total. Your generosity is much appreciated.” Margaret Marshall.

(Margaret and her sister are keen knitters and they sell hand-knitted items to raise money for the Guide Dogs. They will be having a stall at the Christmas Gala so do seek them out and make a purchase, knowing the money will go to this brilliant cause.)

Seacroft Food BankDonations are wanted to help support the local food bank which operates from St Richard’s Church Hall, Kentmere Avenue, every Tuesday.

A Food Bank collection stall will be operating at the Christmas Gala on the 8th December from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and all donations will be gratefully received. If you do choose to donate, please ensure that any donations are not past their ‘use by’ date.

Thank you.

A quick guide to services in Seacroft This new booklet lists agencies and organisations in Seacroft which provide services across the area.

It includes useful contacts - information about support services and learning opportunities - all together in one handy booklet. Pick up yours now!

Available free from the Community Hub, Deacon House, Seacroft.

Newsletter 9

Newsletter 10

SILVER and GOLD Quarterly Quiz for Christmas answers.

1. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer2. Golden Eye3. Kate Silverton 4. The Golden Girls5. Whoopi Goldberg6. Silverstone7. Goldfrapp8. Goldie Hawn9. Velvet Goldmine10. Silverback11. Queensland12. Goldsmiths College13. Sarah Silverman14. Silver Surfer15. The Golden Compass16. California

If you enjoyed tackling our quiz and have a similar one you would like to share, please send it in and we will print it in the next issue. Editor.

BOOKS for Christmas

Yorkshire Folk Tales for Children

Stuck for something to help fill up that Christmas stocking? Well here’s an idea for those of you who have children or grand-children who enjoy reading and/or listening to stories.

The History Press have recently released a new book entitled Yorkshire Folk Tales for Children which is written by renowned story-teller Carmel Price.

Yorkshire has a rich heritage of fantastical folk stories, traditional tales and words of wisdom, handed down through the generations. Long-forgotten characters come back to life and old tales are retold with a sense of fun in this new book. A whole new generation will be enchanted by the stories set in the stunning Yorkshire landscape and bursting with many local characters.

Where can you walk on the ’dragon’s backbone’? Why did giants Wade and Bell lay down roads in

the North York Moors? Is it safe to offer a gift to a small-toothed dog?

The answers to these and other questions can be fully explored in this beautifully illustrated book which is aimed at children aged between 7 and 11.

(Carmel Price is a professional storyteller who has lived in Yorkshire for 29 years. She delivers creative activities at every opportunity and has run over 60 storytelling projects. Carmel runs school workshops for museums in Sheffield and at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield)

For the grown-ups out there - how about:

Becoming

By Michelle Obama - former First Lady of the US.

In her memoir, Michelle Obama chronicles her life, from her upbringing on the South Side of Chicago to her time as an executive, juggling the demands of motherhood and work - and then her years living at the White House. A powerful advocate for women and girls in the US and beyond, she has stood by her husband through his presidency and has emerged as one of the most compelling women of our times.

Both books are available from Waterstones book shop, Amazon or other on line suppliers.

Silver

Wellbeing Champions ProgramFree accredited wellbeing course

Would you like to:

Develop new skills and build self-confidence? Meet new people and share tips for improving

health? Develop mentoring and support skills?

Wellbeing Champions are local volunteers who are trained to support community members take ‘small steps’ to health. Once trained you could run workshops or start up activities such as gardening, cooking or writing groups.

Content includes: Interpersonal skills - communication skills, body

language and listening skills, techniques for coping with stress.

Health development - barriers to health, health inequalities, boundaries and role of a health champion.

Group development skills - motivating and involving people, group development and behaviours, dealing with group tensions.

If you are interested and would like more information please contact Adele at:

adel-cooper@community-matters.org.ukOr telephone 0113 450 4866

The course is designed to be friendly and informal and no experience of health delivery is required.