Category Archives: Health & Wellbeing

Monday Mind Workout’ answers for Monday 19th October 2020

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Good morning,
Below are the answers for this week’s Monday Mind Workout which was themed around Leeds, how did you do?
1.When did Tetley’s Brewery close? d) 2011
2. What is the name of the airport in Leeds?
b) Leeds Bradford International Airport
3. During the American War of Independence (1775-1783), textile orders to the colony slumped dramatically. What did people from Hunslet, Armley and Holbeck burn in 1777 in protest?
c) an effigy of George Washington
4. Where is Leeds located? b) West Yorkshire
5. Sir John Barran (1821-1905), former mayor of the city and the man responsible for ‘buying’ Roundhay Park had what profession when he moved from London to Leeds in 1842? a) tailor
6. Leeds City Varieties is where BBC filmed the popular TV show the Good Old Days. True
7. West Yorkshire Playhouse owes its name to a £4m grant from West Yorkshire County Council, having previously been the Leeds Playhouse. It was eventually opened in 1990 but who laid the foundation stone in 1989?
b) Dame Judi Dench
8. How many days does the Leeds Carnival Last? c) 3
9. How tall is Broadcasting Place? d) 70m
10. What are the colours of the traditional rose and ball badge for Leeds United? b) blue, white and gold
11. What was the population of Leeds in the year 1700?
c) 6,000
12. The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds Dock was opened in 1996. Roughly how many objects does it hold in its collection? c) 75,000
13. According to a report in The Civil History of Leeds… and the Manufacturing District of Leeds, published in 1834 and a corroborating report in the Leeds Mercury in 1879, what did Birstall man John Jackson, 71, bring back from Glastonbury in 1755?
c) a cutting from the famous Glastonbury Thorn
14. Hippos once roamed our streets? True – hippos once walked the same streets we do now and we have the proof. In 1984, during the construction of the Armley Gyratory, the bones of an ancient hippo believed to date back around 130,000 years were discovered. It’s one of the city’s most important historical discoveries and you can see the remains at Leeds City Museum today.
15. What is another name for a Loiner? c) Leodiensian
16. We gave the world Cluedo? True
17. The Queens Hotel in City Square opened in 1937 to replace the original building, which was built when? a) 1863
18.What caused Riots in Leeds in 1865? b) Beef dripping theft
19. The world’s first steam locomotive was made in Leeds.
True
20. Where can the UK last gas lit cinema be found?a) Hyde Park Picture House – The Hyde Park Picture House is one of a kind. The local landmark opened in 1914, just before the outbreak of World War One, and it’s still a must-visit to this day. It’s the last surviving gas-lit cinema in the UK, but that’s not the only original feature you’ll find here – from the external ticket booth to the barrel-vaulted ceilings and ornate balconies, this is a truly unique place to watch the latest blockbusters.

‘Monday Mind Workout’ Monday 19th October 2020

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Good morning,
This week’s Monday Mind Workout is themed around Leeds, best of luck.
1.When did Tetley’s Brewery close?
a) 2008 b) 2009 c) 2010 d) 2011
2. What is the name of the airport in Leeds?
a) Leeds Airport b) Leeds Bradford International Airport c) Leeds Yorkshire Airport
3. During the American War of Independence (1775-1783), textile orders to the colony slumped dramatically. What did people from Hunslet, Armley and Holbeck burn in 1777 in protest?
a) Leeds Moot Hall, Briggate b) a pile of US flags c) an effigy of George Washington d) a witch
4. Where is Leeds located?
a) East Yorkshire b) West Yorkshire c) North Yorkshire d) South Yorkshire
5. Sir John Barran (1821-1905), former mayor of the city and the man responsible for ‘buying’ Roundhay Park had what profession when he moved from London to Leeds in 1842?
a) tailor b) tram driver c) gardener d) solicitor
6. Leeds City Varieties is where BBC filmed the popular TV show the Good Old Days
True or False
7. West Yorkshire Playhouse owes its name to a £4m grant from West Yorkshire County Council, having previously been the Leeds Playhouse. It was eventually opened in 1990 but who laid the foundation stone in 1989?
a) Helen Mirren b) Dame Judi Dench c) Patrick Stewart d) Diana Rigg
8. How many days does the Leeds Carnival Last?
a) 5 b) 2 c) 3 d) 7
9. How tall is Broadcasting Place?
a) 100m b) 90m c) 80m d) 70m
10. What are the colours of the traditional rose and ball badge for Leeds United?
a) blue and white or b) blue, white and gold
11. What was the population of Leeds in the year 1700?
a) 150,000 b) 10,000 c) 6,000 d) 2,500
12. The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds Dock was opened in 1996. Roughly how many objects does it hold in its collection?
a) 1 million b) 500,000 c) 75,000 d) 10,000
13. According to a report in The Civil History of Leeds… and the Manufacturing District of Leeds, published in 1834 and a corroborating report in the Leeds Mercury in 1879, what did Birstall man John Jackson, 71, bring back from Glastonbury in 1755?
a) stones from Glastonbury Abbey b) textbooks belonging to Dr Joseph Priestley c) a cutting from the famous Glastonbury Thorn d) a cache of gold coins
14. Hippos once roamed our streets?
True or False
15. What is another name for a Loiner?
a) Lionite b) Leodisian c) Leodiensian
16. We gave the world Cluedo?
True or False
17. The Queens Hotel in City Square opened in 1937 to replace the original building, which was built when?
a) 1863 b) 1864 c) 1865 d) 1866
18.What caused Riots in Leeds in 1865?
a) Breweries running out of ale b) Beef dripping theft c) Rats found in a butcher shop d) Dismissal of apprentices for being three minutes late
19. The world’s first steam locomotive was made in Leeds.
True or False
20. Where can the UK last gas lit cinema be found?
a) Hyde Park Picture House b) Cottage Road c) Vue Cinema

People of Leeds encouraged to collect tree seeds that will form future woodlands across the city.

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Dear all,

Leeds City Council is encouraging people within their household groups or support bubbles to collect tree seeds in their local parks and green spaces to help support the growing of future woodlands across Leeds.

Running until November, residents can collect acorns, beech nuts, chestnuts and conkers, and leave them in seed collection boxes across the city for use as part of the council’s Woodland Creation initiative.

https://news.leeds.gov.uk/news/people-of-leeds-encouraged-to-collect-tree-seeds-that-will-form-future-woodlands-across-the-city?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

People of Leeds encouraged to collect tree seeds that will form future woodlands across the city: Seed Collection Launch - Arium Greenhouse

Shared Moments: ‘Zooming with Oliver’ written by Oliver Cross

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The Corona-19 virus is an ill wind that blows nobody any good, unless you happen to be the very same Eric Yuan who introduced the Zoom corporation to the public in 2013, without realising that soon afterwards the public would find uses for Zoom that probably hadn’t occurred to Eric Yuan.

He must have thought there would be a host of business and educational uses for Zoom, which allows up to nine people at a time  to appear on one screen in a conversation from their own homes.

True they’ve been shrunk to matchbox-size and have a tendency to freeze mid-frame, as if they were having an extreme cardio-vascular event, but it’s not wholly unlike being in a roomful of people trying to carry on as if nothing too much had happened,

For example, a group of regulars at the Chemic Tavern in Woodhouse, Leeds – including me – meet twice a week on Zoom to try and recreate the aimless chat we used to enjoy before the big lockdown and now continue because, although it’s nothing like being in a pub, it’s something like being in the human race.

The problem is that we don’t have much to tell each other because there’s very little news that’s not virus-relayed and we don’t get out much. Often we end up showing each other what we’re making for tea or trying to remember all the good stuff we’ve seen on telly, which doesn’t take long.

The community group Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London, which offers activities and advice for the over-55s and which Lynne and I belong to, has thought of a more imaginative use of Zoom.

Last week it attempted to recreate the full cinematic experience without big screens, screaming music or precariously-employed staff. There was, however, a Zoom showing of the 2017 musical The Greatest Showman, a bag of popcorn, nuts and  pleasantly unhealthy sweets, and, to represent the bit where the audience shuffles around looking first for their seats and then for the exit, a short Zoom discussion before and after the show.

It all made for something that felt like an Occasion because watching a film at home isn’t an Occasion and talking on Zoom isn’t an Occasion but combining the two, so that there is some sense of communal activity, is at the very least an Event, similar, in quality, if not in size, to a big sports final or a premier at the Odeon, Leicester Square.

Incidentally, The Greatest Showman, based on the life of the circus entrepreneur PT Barnum but not to be confused with the 1986 musical Barnum, was… well, not exactly Oklahoma or Carousel but still welcome enough in troubled and very rainy times.

Thank you for sharing Oliver, until next time….

p.s. And a big thank you to Ann for sharing your film with us 🙂

Online ‘Scams and Frauds Awareness Session’ video from Monday 12th October 2020

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Dear all,
The video was from Monday’s ‘Scams and Fraud Awareness session’. If you do have anything to share and pass on, or even report then please do get in touch with us, on our mobile’s or by calling the office and leaving us a message, we will get back to you: 0113 243 0298 – or contact the police on 999 if a bogus caller or rogue trader is at your door, or afterwards on 101, or for scams they can be reported to Action Fraud on: 0300 123 2040. We do have leaflets we can send to you with useful information and contact numbers.
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I do have one additional note from someone who wished to share:
 
“It arrived via e Mail, It was from the home office,official looking logo, pointing out I had crossed into a paying zone whilst driving my car, £23,24 due now with links to pay and of course the threat of £80+ if i delay by more than 7 days and court action etc, quite a decent attempt ,I’ve seen a few this was the best , thought you should be aware”
 
Note: The Home Office will not send you an email for crossing a paying zone, you will usually get a letter in the post – if you are unsure call us or the council on the number you source, not the one from the email itself.
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Click on this link: bit.ly/2Fos3b8 and press play, and if there is no sound you may have to click on the volume button too -it is Catherine, Community Project Officer of the Safer Project part of West Yorkshire Trading Standards
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Note: It is on our facebook page, you don’t need a facebook account to view the video. If a box does appear asking yout to sign in, just click on not now and it will go and it will allow you to continue.  You don’t need to sign in either.
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Thank you Catherine, it was a pleasure to see you again and we look forward to seeing you again soon, warm wishes Lisa Argyle, Caring Together
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World Mental Health Day 2020

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Today is World Mental Health Day and the theme for 2020 is Mental Health for All

World Mental Health Day | Mental Health Foundation

One in four people experience a mental health problem every year, and this year in particular has demonstrated the importance of looking after our own mental health.  The Covid-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on the wellbeing of people across the city, with Healthwatch Leeds finding that nearly half the people they spoke to felt lockdown had affected their mental health.

There are a number of places where you can get help and support if you need it. Or advice and information on things you can do to help yourself

Mind have launched their ‘Do One Thing’ campaign. “Whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new skill or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else; take the opportunity to do one thing this World Mental Health Day”  Lots of useful information on the website mind/get involved/world mental health day  and a calendar you can download with suggestions for each day mind – Do One Thing Calendar

Touchstone have produced a series of videos called ‘Coronavirus, Mental Health and Me’ where people share their personal experiences of mental health issues and coping during the COVID-19 crisis. You Tube – Touchstone

Mindwell have self help resources and links to local services and support https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/myself

One to one advice from mental health professionals in a safe space at Leeds Civic Hall is available every Friday – 12.30pm – 2.30pm, Room 5.   There is no need to book, just turn up. It takes place every Friday in room 5.  If you want more information you can call 0113 855 0600.

You can also call a 24hour helpline from NHS in Leeds.  Confidential support, advice, information and guidance for anyone concerned about their mental health. Trained telephone advisors will provide support for people in distress who need someone to talk to, and also refer people to services for further help. Carers, or those concerned about a loved one or friend, can also telephone for advice. Call 0800 183 0558.

And finally, at Caring Together, we are not mental health specialists but we are here if you want to chat call the office on 0113 2430298 or staff mobiles are:

Lisa 07436530073
Valerie 07483333115
John 07458303015

 

“Shared Moments: Trains & Boats & Planes” written by Maureen Kershaw

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Dear all,

“Trains & Boats & Planes” so goes the song by Dionne Warwick.  I can’t say there’s much to report on Planes as commercial aviation’s never been to my liking despite being interviewed for a job at BOAC in the late 60s. Before you think it involved globe-trotting and wings on a navy uniform, it was a clerical job in the Leeds office on The Headrow. I’d never flown by the time of the interview so that probably didn’t bode well when I told them I preferred travelling by sea.

Shortly afterwards though, a couple of friends offered to take my friend Jill and I for an hour’s flight from Doncaster Aero Club. A ‘Cessna 172’ was parked up on the grass, from where we took off and landed! We circled around South and East Yorkshire and to say it was exhilarating looking down the cooling towers of Drax Power Station at low level was an understatement and I was happy in photographing my new adventure. My Mum was terrified at the thought of what I was to do that day and I was lectured many times but being 21 and pretty fearless I dismissed, as one did, but felt guilty each flight I took thereafter.

Sunny weather was no longer a priority, just clear skies and light clouds.  The best flight was in a 8-seater ‘Cessna’ though from Leeds Bradford Airport. David was co-pilot this time with his Tutor, Mike Woodley in the ‘driving’ (?) seat. Some time ago I ‘Googled’ Mike to see whether there was any mention and was impressed to read his Film aviation services were responsible for breathtaking aerial stunts in the ‘Bond’ films and many others. That day the plan was to fly to Blackpool but due to low cloud we did a few ground controlled approaches (GCA’s as known in the trade) to assist David with his flying of a larger aircraft, which I enjoyed and felt quite blase about the whole thing. Fortunately in those days pilot Mike wasn’t into aerial stunts.

Four years later in 1972 I went to Majorca, flying at midnight from Manchester. Commercial aircraft at last, with ‘Britannia Airways’, but this time far from blase – I was terrified! Shaking uncontrollably from taking my seat to landing at Palma. I hated every minute. I spent the entire four days dreading the return, not helped by disliking the food. Being early February the weather was much better than in Leeds and surprisingly I actually enjoyed the return flight. As fellow passengers took deep breaths in readiness for the landing, I had no fear; I was excited as I knew I was nearly home. My ordeal was over and I never flew again.

Thank you Maureen, until next time….

West Yorkshire Trading Standards Scams and Fraud Online Workshop’ Monday 12th October 2020 @11am

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Keep yourself up to date and safe with the latest from West Yorkshire Trading Standards. This session is open to everyone, members, neighbours, partners, friends, and volunteers. It will be an informative discussion about the latest scams and frauds with space for you to share your own experiences if you wish and to ask questions too. If you don’t have the technology yet would like to chat further about this subject then please call. If you would like to join us then email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk or call 07436 530073and I can send you an invite nearer the time.

Beware of Covid-19 Scams | KNH

 

Changes to bus services from 4th October 2020

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Changes to bus services from 4th October 2020 

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First and Arriva are changing bus services in Leeds from Sunday 4th October due to the reopening of The Headrow in the city centre. Specific changes that will affect Leeds 16 are that the number 1 bus will terminate at Lawnswood and a new service the number 8 will service Lawnswood to Holt Park.

 

For full details of changes https://www.firstgroup.com/leeds/news-and-service-updates/planned-changes/sunday-4th-october-service-updates

 

‘Pre lockdown2 story’ written by Oliver Cross

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Dear all

Last week, thinking it time to return to action, we took a ground-breaking trip to the Humber estuary. Almost immediately, the Prime Minister told us that the policy on breaking ground had been revised and we had better get back behind the barricades, or at least the facemasks.

We had been on a guided tour of Spurn Head, a narrow spit of land extending about three-and-a-half miles on the northern side of the Humber estuary. Both my partner Lynne and I share the belief that, as members of an island nation, we need regular trips to the seaside, where, as a bonus, fish and chips always taste better. It’s our heritage.

Not that Spurn Head has a chip shop. It has a cafe and visitor centre run by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, a disused Victorian lighthouse, a working lifeboat station and lots of curious ruins from the First World War, when big gun emplacements, barracks and searchlights were installed to protect the vital Humber shipping lanes and then left to rot. What’s protecting Humber shipping now, I don’t know.

The ruins are now covered in low-growing scrub, the sandy land not being stable or fertile enough to support decent-sized trees. It’s an edgy, changeable place, suspended between the estuary and the North Sea and in 2013, when a tidal surge tore a huge gap in the spit, its southern tip became an island overnight, only accessible to walkers or specialist vehicles at low tide.

In our case, the specialist vehicle was a former Dutch army truck seating, according to current rules, nine on what the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust called a safari, although the largest wild beast we were likely to see was a rabbit.

Even when we climbed the many, many steps to the top of the Spurn Point lighthouse, where we might have seen many seabirds and marine creatures, the chief sight of interest turned out to be Grimsby.

And much as we admire the sea, we were in danger of overdosing on it. Estuary on one side, open sea on the other and both ready to engulf us during high tides. The flatlands of East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire don’t rise much above the sea level and the broad horizons and unconfined sea breezes all around us felt nothing at all like being locked down in Leeds, which, in retrospect, was the point of the outing.

Incidentally, among our safari group was an energetic boy, aged three or four, who charged around with great aplomb, occasionally barging into other people, as children must.

His mother, in apology, said that her boy had actually won a school merit award for his social-distancing abilities. This is how things have changed so suddenly and utterly; six months ago social distancing was an unfamiliar phrase to most grown-ups, now it’s an essential skill for children who have yet to master shoelace-tying.

Thank you Oliver, until next time…