Monthly Archives: June 2021

Rainbow Junktion

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Collected our last food parcels for some of our members from Rainbow Junktion today.
Thank you for helping us to support these people over these last months 🙂
Rainbow Junktion will be closed to the public now until 26th July when they will be open as a sit in cafe and a once a week food share.
There is still support around access to food and other issues available and some of this is shown in the flyer pictured.

Leeds Waterfront Festival 26th – 27th June (and further dates over Summer)

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Canal & River Trust is delighted to announce that Leeds Waterfront Festival (LWF) is back!

The largest waterway festival in the north will be bigger than ever with a summer-long celebration that will showcase the city’s waterfront and South Bank area. Events and activities for all ages to enjoy are organised by waterways and wellbeing charity Canal & River Trust, Leeds City Council, Leeds Dock, The Tetley, Citu, The Royal Armouries Brewery Wharf and Granary Wharf.

The launch weekend takes place Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June, with a packed programme of events at Granary Wharf, Brewery Wharf and Leeds Dock. This weekend is part of the wider Leeds Waterfront Festival, with a programme of events happening throughout the summer.

Four young people in life jackets, smiling on canoes

At Granary Wharf, Canal & River Trust are hosting free, drop-in activities 10am-4pm.  Sign up to activities from 10am on the day, arrive early to avoid disappointment!

• Free canoeing taster sessions for all ages and abilities – beginners welcome.

• Arts and crafts sessions for little ones, expressive art for teens and henna art for all ages, thanks to local charity Hamara.

• Families can travel through time with open-air theatre company Rusticus and experience an interactive theatrical journey along the waterfront discovering what makes the canal so special.

Find out more about Leeds Waterfront Festival here.

Shared Moments: Catching a clip from “A Show Of Hands” written by Maureen Kershaw

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Catching a clip from “A Show Of Hands” on Radio 4 Extra took me back to the days when I had lovely hands with long slender fingers – almost worthy of being a model for hand cream or nail polish adverts. As a child Mum would tell me I had ‘a pianist’s hands’ and she being an accomplished player herself, probably knew. Having lessons from early childhood in the 1920s, she was forever in demand at school – St Michael’s in Headingley, now the Parish Centre. Mum would often play for morning Assembly but then would come the call “Dorothy can you play for singing (or dancing class)?”. Goodness knows what happened to the school pianist as Mum always put down her lack of learning to having been called upon to play.  The boy sitting next to her in class often complained to the teacher how Dorothy was cheating by copying his work. That boy was Alan Pedley who in 1975-76, became the Lord Mayor of Leeds.

Mum came from a talented musical family, her brothers playing violin, saxophone and banjo and on the keyboard side, her uncle was an extremely gifted pianist and accompanist who sadly passed away at the age of 31. The family tree reveals many church organists and organ builders living around Woodhouse and Hyde Park, so all must have had those wonderful hands. We had a piano in the front room of my childhood home, a wedding present to Mum & Dad in 1937 and I remember well its beautiful Burr Walnut casing. Mum would play at any family gathering, but at other times when the front room was out of use and the coal fire unlit, she would put on her coat and headscarf against the chill and play some of her favourite melodies, in particular ‘Vilia’ from ‘The Merry Widow’ or – in the style of Charlie Kunz – “Tea For Two” and “Walking My Baby Back Home”.

Any attempts to teach myself to play failed miserably so I was not to continue the tradition sadly, something I have since regretted. When moving house in 1970, Mum’s beloved piano was sold – for £3! It included the piano stool too, full of sheet music. Oh how I would have loved to have been able to look through those gems now. My late brother in law was a brilliant pianist, excelling in jazz and classical was a Lecturer on the first Jazz & Light Music Course in 1967 at Leeds Music Centre, now the City of Leeds College of Music. His sons and mine all are musicians, guitar, bass and percussion. Me? After years of choral and show work I can ‘follow’ sheet music but still cannot sight read. I used to love knitting, mainly baby clothes and simple crochet but advancing osteo-arthritis put a stop to that. As was mentioned in the radio clip, although I needed no reminder, advancing years can bring along crooked fingers and nobbly knuckles. Mine are no exception and coincidentally my Sister had the same misshapen hands, as did our Mum. All hail Arthritis! Child-proof tops are impossible to open without the assistance of a special gadget, necklaces which pop over the head are preferable and as for securing earrings, the ‘backs’ almost always end up on the floor. Can I have a ‘show of hands’ from anyone else sharing this plight? I certainly don’t show MY hands more than is necessary and the only keyboard keys ‘played’ being on my laptop.

A creative challenge for National Writing Day

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Annual celebration of creative writing on 23 June, 2021.
Your voice is powerful. Use it on National Writing Day and beyond.

 

#FILLTHEBOX CREATIVE WRITING CHALLENGE

After more than a year of separation, this National Writing Day is all about connection. On 23 June, as we move towards the reopening of the country, join First Story and connect through creative writing.

This National Writing Day we’re challenging writers to #FilltheBox with a piece of creative writing – a poem, a letter, a story – using the theme of connection. Whether it’s in 280 Twitter characters or on a post-it sized piece of paper, there’s a space to write for everyone. An average post-it note is around three inches tall and wide. If you’re drawing your own box, try imagining the length of three bottle caps!

More details here https://firststory.org.uk/writeday/  with tips on how to get started and details of how to share your piece if you wish to.  Or, of course, you could write it just for yourself

‘Digital Animation’

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We had a bit of fun yesterday with some digital animation.  Click on the first image to see the sketches come to life.

 

Important Covid-19 information for our area – from the local councillors

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We are seeing a sharp rise in cases of Covid-19 in Leeds, particularly in the 18-24 age group in this area. We are also seeing a rise in the level of infection rates in those aged over 60 across Leeds.
Because rates are significantly high in this area, we are asking everyone to get a PCR test, whether you have symptoms or not. Covid symptoms include a high temperature, continuous cough, or loss or change in taste or smell. A PCR test is a very accurate test that will identify if people have Covid-19 and help to stop the spread, particularly in people who don’t have symptoms.
For this area PCR tests are available without an appointment at the following sites:
• Cinder Moor, Woodhouse Lane, Woodhouse, Leeds, LS6 2UZ 22-29th June 9-5pm
• Gryphon Sports Centre, University of Leeds, Woodsley Rd, Leeds LS2 9LZ, between 8am-8pm, 7 days a week
• Mandela Community Centre, Chapeltown Road, Chapeltown LS7 3HY, between 8am-8pm, 7 days a week
You must go to one of the above testing sites or book a PCR home test kit immediately at nhs.uk/coronavirus or www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
Do not leave home until you get your test results, except to post a test kit or for a PCR test appointment.
If you test positive on a PCR test, you, and everyone you live with, must self-isolate immediately. Your self-isolation period includes the day your symptoms started and the next 10 full days. Anyone you live with will also need to self-isolate at the same time.
You must also continue to keep doing regular twice-weekly Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) to help stop the spread of the virus. Testing, whether you have symptoms or not, is critical to helping to contain the virus and prevent it from spreading to others. Preventing spread also helps reduce the risk of new variants developing.
Anyone who gets Covid-19 can become seriously ill or have long-term effects (known as long Covid). The risk of serious illness can affect people of all ages.
💉 Booking your vaccine 💉
The Covid-19 vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and others.
If you are aged 18 or over, you can now get your vaccine. Book via the National Booking System https://www.nhs.uk/…/coro…/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.
It is important that if you are over 50, have a long-term condition or have a suppressed immune system you also get vaccinated and always ensure you get your second vaccine. This will give you the maximum level of protection.
Some things to remember:
• If you can’t make your appointment, or you miss your appointment, you can always rebook
• If you haven’t booked yet, it’s never too late
• To prevent queues, please come at your allotted time
You will still be at some risk of spreading the virus, even if you have had your vaccine.
It is important to remember the basic infection prevention measures – hands, face, space, let fresh air indoors regularly and get tested, whether you have symptoms or not.
Socialising outdoors reduces the risk of spread. When socialising indoors, remember no more than 6 people or two households can mix inside.
Help and support while you are isolating
If you have been asked to self-isolate by the NHS Test and Trace service, you may be entitled to a support payment of £500. See https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/self-isolation-support for more information. If you cannot afford to pay for essentials such as food, gas and electric, call the Leeds City Council Welfare Support Team on 0113 376 0330.
If you are over 50 and need some additional support, your local Neighbourhood Network may be able to help. Contact them on:
OWLS – Hyde Park and Headingley – 0113 369 7077
Caring Together – Woodhouse and Little London – 0113 243 0298
About the Covid-19 vaccines
Research has shown the vaccines:
• significantly reduce your risk of getting seriously ill or dying from Covid-19
• reduce your risk of getting symptoms of Covid-19
• will help reduce your risk of catching and spreading Covid-19
The first dose should give you some protection from 3 or 4 weeks after you’ve had it, but it is really important you get your second dose as you need 2 doses for stronger and longer-lasting protection.
Working with the NHS and other partners, Leeds City Council is doing everything we can to keep Covid-19 rates low across the city and prevent and respond to any outbreaks and rising rates.
It’s thanks to all our efforts that we’ve come this far as a city, with over 500,000 people vaccinated, and that we are now able to enjoy the current relaxation in restrictions under the government’s Covid-19 roadmap. Let’s all of us keep going and doing our bit for a bit longer to beat this virus; protect others and ourselves and enjoy summer safely.

People in Leeds can also continue playing their part in keeping virus figures down by following the guidance in each individual setting and remembering:

  • Contact outdoors is much safer as it this reduces the risk of breathing in infected particles and disperses the virus more easily.
  • Continue to wear face coverings when required and maintain social distancing whenever you’re out.
  • Get a test and isolate if needed from the community testing sites around the city. Find out where to get a test at: https://www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-where-to-go-for-testing/
  • Wash your hands regularly.
  • Get a vaccine when called and continue to follow the rules even if you’ve had the vaccine.
  • People aged 50 and over or who have a long term condition or suppressed immune system get vaccinated and ensure you get their second jab so they have the maximum level of protection.
  • If you are over 18, you can now get your vaccine. Book via the National Booking System https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination/ or by calling 119.

For full details of current COVID-19 restrictions can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#may-whats-changed

More information on how and where to get test in Leeds can be found at: https://www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-where-to-go-for-testing/

For the latest on Leeds City Council services, please visit: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus/our-services

Little changing today as coronavirus roadmap paused

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The delay of 4 weeks before the final stage of lockdown easing means of the exisiting restrictions on social contact will not be removed today and will stay in place until 19th July (subject to review)

There will be a few exceptions and the rules will change for:

  • weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and wedding receptions or civil partnership celebrations
  • commemorative events following a death such as a wake, stone setting or ash scattering
  • large events pilots
  • care home visits
  • domestic residential visits for children

There will be no new restrictions put in place today and so all the re-opening measures that have happened so far will remain.

Full details on rules from today are here:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do#how-the-rules-changed-on-21-june

 

Coronavirus update from Leeds City Council

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Coronavirus – Support for people & communities – June 18, 2021

Dear resident,

 

We hope you’re safe and keeping well.

 

This week we have an update for you following the government’s announcement on Monday, about infection rates in the city, getting vaccinated and what you can do to help stop the spread.

An update on infection rates in Leeds

The latest Leeds infection rates have increased to 161.3 per 100,000, an 80% increase in the last 7 days. The Yorkshire and Humber average is 83.6 per 100,000 and the England average is now 77.5 per 100,000. Positivity rate has increased to 5.8% in Leeds. The over 60s rate has increased to 17.4 per 100,000.  Hospitalisations and deaths in Leeds remain quite low, the main increases in new cases are in the 18-24 population.

The case rate rise is driven by the Delta variant (originating in India), with this being about 60% more transmissible, combined with the easing of restrictions.

It’s even more important now for everyone to remember that some people are still vulnerable, so we all need to play our part to prevent the spread of coronavirus, by joining the millions of people across the UK who have safely received their COVID-19 vaccination when you are invited.

Keep doing the basics of washing hands, wearing a mask and keeping your distance. Get tested regularly and isolate when needed. Check your neighbours are ok and let’s keep working #TogetherLeeds

Enhanced testing for parts of Leeds to tackle rise in COVID-19 cases

Some parts of Leeds experiencing a very sharp rise in cases of COVID-19, so residents will be offered an enhanced programme of community testing next week to help Leeds stay safe over the summer.

From Tuesday [June 22] residents in the Hyde Park and Headingley and Little London and Woodhouse areas who are not experiencing symptoms will be encouraged to get a free PCR test at one of three pop-up testing centres located at Cinder Moor on Woodhouse Lane, the Gryphon Centre at The University of Leeds and the Mandela Community Centre on Chapeltown Road.

Government announcement

Government announced on Monday (14 June), that Step 4 of the roadmap in England (originally planned for 21 June) will be paused for 4 weeks to 19 July, though the data will be reviewed after 2 weeks.

Some restrictions will still change from 21 June, including:

  • The number of guests at weddings and wakes will no longer be limited to 30 as long as venues can adhere to social distancing.
  • A limited series of pilot events will take place to produce additional evidence on reopening events safely. Attendees will need to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test.
  • All care home residents will be able to nominate an essential care giver for any care need that cannot be easily met by care home staff and receive visits from them, including during isolation.
  • Care home residents will no longer have to isolate for 14 days after returning from visits outside or when coming in from the community. Exceptions will include high-risk trips such as overnight hospital stays.
  • Out-of-school settings can organise domestic residential visits for children in ‘bubbles’ of up to 30 children.

For further information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

Keep testing

To ensure we continue moving in the right direction and reduce the risk of COVID-19 everyone is urged to get tested. Testing remains an important part of the overall strategy to get our lives back to normal.

You can book a test here  or ring 119 (for people with Covid symptoms). Lateral flow testing for everyone- more info here. For further information on testing sites in Leeds including walk up sites can be found on the Leeds CCG website here.

Vaccine update

If you’re aged 18 or over, you can now book your Covid-19 vaccination. The first dose should give you good protection from three to four weeks after you’ve had it. You need two doses for stronger and longer lasting protection.

You may be able to book your COVID-19 vaccination appointments online now at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ or you can ring 119.

From Monday over 40s will be texted asking them to rebook their second dose. Everyone will be able to book second doses at 8 weeks rather than 12.

Join the millions already vaccinated. Vaccination is the most important thing you can do to protect you and your community against serious illness.